|
Page1
The fate of Kichaka made Draupadi an object of fear to the people of
Virata. "This woman, so beautiful that she captures all hearts, is as dangerous as
she is lovely, for the gandharvas guard her.
She is a great danger to the people of the city and the members of the
royal house hold, for the gandharvas may stop at nothing in their jealous anger. It would
be best to send her out of the city." Reflecting thus, the citizens went to Sudeshna
and prayed to her to expel Draupadi.
Sudeshna told Draupadi: "You are, no doubt, a very virtuous lady,
but kindly leave our city. I have had enough of you."There was only one month more to
complete the stipulated period of living incognito and Draupadi begged earnestly to
bepermitted to stay just another month by when, she said, her gandharva husbands would
have realised their objects and would be ready to take her away with them.
The gandharvas would be very grateful to King Virata and his kingdom.
Whether grateful or not, the gandharvas could be deadly if irritated and Sudeshna was too
afraid of Draupadi to refuse her request.
Author : Shri C. Raja Gopalachari
|
