The Accidental Polyandrist

Destiny’s games are stranger than most games invented by man and Draupadi’s swayamvara is for sure amongst the strangest tales ever told A truly blazing beauty is she, a princess like no other a rare fiery spirit has she This daughter of Agni The drums announce the happy news today she shall choose from amongst this gathering of kings the one who she shall espouse a prophecy has already foretold that she is to be Arjuna’s bride the swayamvara is but a test to tempt that expert archer out from where he hides every king from every land is here to attempt to win her hand but no sign of the one she wants but the contest has been announced and hence must be begun a test truly fit to try the Gods themselves on the ceiling a revolving platform on the platform a jewel studded fish on the floor a vat of oil lying beside a great bow and shafts the fish is mirrored in the oil the the target lies in the fish’s ruby red eye but a challenge fit for kings cannot be so trouble-free! The eye, itself, must not be looked upon its reflection in the oil is the map to strike not an easy feat to accomplish only the best dare try this for the failures there is ridicule and humiliation for the winner this beautiful handmaiden every eye that sees looks on amazed at her -a rare jewel with some secret fire set ablaze her eyes hot embers her hair wisps of flame Krishnaa-the dark skinned like the fiery coal that is by ashes hid in every heart she rouses an uncontrollable passion stunned, they stand as statues incapable of any action the desire to win her is a great motivator and while all try none seems worthy every king that rises falls unable to bear the weight of the bow let alone string and employ it! then rises Karna truly a great archer surely he will win her says everyone in their mind but before he even touches the bow he is stopped by the beautiful Draupadi he is humiliated *“who is this false king who dares to assume that the high-born Draupadi will condescend to marry a low-born sutaputra?”* silenced and insulted Karna resumes his seat but a desire for retribution is in his mind-a tiny seed the one who rises next is clothed as a Brahmin but his proud gait and muscled arms are that of a Kshatriya respectfully he picks up the bow strings it with love with arms upraised and face turned below he launches the arrow it strikes the eye which falls to the ground the Brahmin has won! he is garlanded by Draupadi their eyes meet in silent acceptance of their magnetic attraction a scorching passion a stunned silence in the hall and then hell breaks loose kings rant and princes protest how can a princess marry a priest they rise together up in arms and are routed by the Brahmin and his brothers with the Brahmins Draupadi goes to their hut-a humble abode with folded hands they stand outside as the eldest calls, “Look mother, see what we’ve got!” a gentle voice replies from within *“whatever be it, share it amongst yourselves, it equally belongs to all of you”* *“Mother, what have you said what a dilemma we are in you-we have never disobeyed and yet to obey would be a sin!”* The mother comes out and is aghast at what she has done her order once given cannot be revoked by convention in the midst of all this turmoil and confusion Krishna arrives with his beatific smile *“Dear aunt, I am your brother’s son your troubled brow betrays some confusion can this child offer you some consolation?”* *“God bless you my child I’ve heard your praise You are wise, so advise how this quandary can be resolved* *with hasty words i have told my sons to share this woman and doomed her to a life of debauchery”* *“Do not worry aunt this isn’t a problem at all this woman in her past life has gained a boon of five husbands* *the boon was given by Mahadeva himself and besides a mother’s order is always supreme* *let all five of your sons wed Draupadi in the karmic logic it isn’t an iniquity* *Dear Draupadi listen these men are none other than the valourous Pandava brothers your hand was won by Arjuna it is your destiny to be the spouse of all of them and do not worry worldly laws are not here applicable”* Hearing this was a stealthy listener- Draupadi’s brother now both overjoyed and dismayed in confusion he approaches his father and apprises him of the matter both father and son are unsure whether to rejoice that the Pandavas are alive or curse their loved one’s predicament plagued by mixed emotions they are restless then Vyaasa comes to their relief the kind sage shares his wisdom that the marriage is inevitable part of the Grand Plan mortal laws must not interfere a woman having more than one man as spouse isn’t always an immorality they may fearlessly proceed and so it is that the marriage was celebrated Draupadi became the accidental polyandrist! -Vijayalakshmi Harish 23.09.2012 Copyright © Vijayalakshmi Harish

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Written by

vijayalakshmi-harish

Indian

For You?

Written by

vijayalakshmi-harish

Indian

Published

Sep 23, 2012

Time

11m

Notes: Swayamvara: literally “self-marriage”. An ancient custom in which princesses chose their husband, usually through some contest.

Agni: The God of fire. Draupadi is said to have been “gifted” to King Drupada by the God of Fire. Drupada had performed a sacrifice to Agni for a son, who would defeat Drona and a daughter, fit to be the wife of Arjuna.

Sutaputra: Son of a Charioteer.

Kshatriyas: Caste of kings and warriors.

Brahmin : The priestly class

Here I must put in a disclaimer saying that I am not a believer in the caste system, and see all people as equal! The insult against Karna is a part of the story, not my invention!

Though the title says “accidental polyandrist”, Draupadi’s polyandry might not have been all that accidental. The legend goes that in her previous birth she had asked Lord Shiva to give her a husband who was kind and an upholder of Dharma, strong, brave and courageous, handsome and intelligent. Lord Shiva said that all these qualities can never be found together in a single man, and hence he would give her five!

This incident from the Mahabharata has been a pet peeve for feminists. The incident has been viewed as reeking of male chauvinism and subjugation of women.

I have always wondered about the silence of Draupadi here. Her character, as I understand her, is that of an assertive woman-one who would not have allowed such a thing to happen to her! In many occasions in the Mahabharata, she speaks without reserve when she sees injustice meted out. Even during her swayamvara, she was quick to chide Karna, who she presumed was unworthy of her. In such a scenario can her silence be construed as acceptance?

Others say of course that her protests were edited out. That she must have spoken against this, but she was silenced.

But why silence her only here? Why not on other occasions where she challenges “masculine” pride and chauvinism?

So many questions..no real answer! Would love if you'll could share your views.

Special thanks to Ammukutty who graciously proof-read this and made some suggestions which were taken with many thanks!

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