This blogpost describes the beauty and courage of one of the most important and powerful female characters of the Hindu culture, Draupadi.
Draupadi, not happy to carry beverages to Keechaka’s court; Image Source: Raja Ravi Varma
EARLY LIFE
The Yajnaseni
Draupadi, the central female character of the epic of Mahabharat plays a pivotal role in events that lead to the most discussed war of our Hindu Culture. She was the daughter of the King Drupad and was hence, called Draupadi which means daughter of Drupad.
However, it is important to note that she was born by a fire ritual or Yajna. She was hence, known as Yajnaseni, the one who was born out of Yajna. This unique form of birth was not just a mere ordinary event with no relevance to the epic. The way she was born out of Yajna or sacred fire led to her being born with the powerful attributes of fire. She became known for her courage in the face of adversity in the epic of Mahabharat and her nature leads her to face severe attacks by enemies with extraordinary courage.
Draupadi being born out of a Yajna played an important role in the epic and gave shape to her extraordinary contribution to the story of Mahabharat.
LIFE EVENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY
Incarnation of Many Goddesses
Draupadi is known not only as an important character in the war but also, as a form of several goddesses of the Hindu culture. According to different texts, Draupadi was known to have been incarnation of different goddesses. As per the Garud Purana, Draupadi was a reincarnated form of Goddess Bharati. She was also known as the reincarnation of Goddess Kali and Goddess Parvati.
According to several texts and stories about the Hindu culture, Draupadi is known to have been reincarnated for different purposes like the Maya Sita to take down Ravan. Every form of reincarnation is associated with a special attribute and plays an important role in the story to teach us the concept of philosophy of the Hindu culture.
LIFE AFTER MAJOR EVENTS
Life after Mahabharat
Draupadi ruled as the empress of the kingdom for the next thirty-six years. She, along the Pandavas move to the path of retirement and complete renunciation as the duties as the empress were over.
LIFE LESSONS
A Symbol of Power and Devotion
One of the most horrifying events that occurred as per the text of Mahabharat was the Vastraharan. The Kauravas attempt disrobing Draupadi to humiliate the Pandavas but remain unsuccessful by the grace of Lord Krishna. Draupadi was always honestly devoted to Krishna and was acknowledged by Krishna as a friend when she tore of a piece of fabric from her sari to stop the bleeding of Krishna’s finger in the past. This incident won Draupadi, Krishna’s protection during the horrifying incident of Vastraharan and the Kauravas could not succeed in executing their evil intentions.
This incident played a crucial role in describing the role of honest devotion in the Hindu culture.
BOOKS/ LITERATURE PUBLISHED
The Central Female Character of the Mahabharata
According to Mahabharat, the character of Draupadi is beautifully described with extraordinary features and exceptional beauty. She was also described to have the attributes of Agni or Fire and the described as a character born to play an important role in the downfall of the Kauravas.
This was proven true as the story of Mahabharat unfolded.
The Modern-Age Symbol of Feminism
Draupadi, in our contemporary world is known as the new age role model of women power and feminism. She is known to be honest and courageous throughout the epic of Mahabharat. She has become an epitome of patience, courage, independence and devotion in the culture of Hinduism and modern literature.
To understand the beauty of such great souls and characters in the texts of the Hindu culture, keep reading our blogposts on Sameedh.
