The Dire Situation
In the epic Mahabharata, there is a powerful story about the attempted disrobing of Draupadi, which stands as a testament to her unwavering devotion and surrender to Lord Krishna during a moment of utter helplessness. The tragic event unfolded when Maharaja Yudhishthira, in a fateful game of dice, lost everything, including his kingdom, his brothers, and even his wife, Draupadi. The wicked Duhshasana then dragged Draupadi into the Kuru assembly with the intent to publicly humiliate her.
Draupadi’s Helplessness
Draupadi was clothed in a single piece of cloth, and her hair was unbound, a symbol of her grief and disgrace. In the assembly, Duhshasana attempted to strip her of her sari—a horrifying act of dishonor for any woman, especially in Vedic culture. Initially, Draupadi tried to protect herself by holding onto her sari, but she was no match for the physically powerful Duhshasana. Desperate, she looked to the elders in the assembly—Drona, Bhishma, and others—for help, but they remained silent, bound by their allegiance to Duryodhana.
Draupadi’s Prayer to Krishna
Realizing that no one in the assembly would come to her aid, Draupadi finally turned to her beloved Lord Krishna. With no other hope, she raised her hands and cried out to Him, chanting His holy names in desperation. Draupadi’s heartfelt prayer is found in the Mahabharata:
Draupadi’s Prayer: “Govinda dvārakāvāsin kṛṣṇa gopī-jana-priya
kauravaiḥ paribhūtāṁ māṁ kiṁ na jānāsi keśava
he nātha he ramānātha vrajanāthārti-nāśana
kairavārṇava-bhagnāṁ mām uddharasva janārdana
kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa mahāyogin viśvātman viśva-bhāvana
prapannāṁ pāhi govinda kuru-madhye ‘vasīdatīm“
(Mahābhārata: Sabhā-parva, 67.82–3)
Translation: “O Govinda! O resident of Dvārakā! O Krishna! O friend of the gopīs! Do You not know I am being humiliated by the Kauravas? O Lord! O Lord of Lakshmī! O Lord of Vraja! O destroyer of affliction! Save me! I am drowning in the ocean of the Kauravas! O Janārdana! O Krishna! O Krishna! O best of yogīs! O soul of the world! O origin of the world! Please protect this surrendered soul, O Govinda! I am sinking in the midst of the Kurus!”
Krishna’s Immediate Response
Hearing Draupadi’s piteous cries, Krishna immediately intervened. He provided her with an endless supply of cloth, rendering Duhshasana’s efforts futile. The more Duhshasana tried to pull off her sari, the more cloth appeared, until he was exhausted and had to give up. Draupadi was thus saved from the greatest dishonor through Krishna’s divine intervention.
Draupadi’s Question and Krishna’s Answer
Later, when Draupadi met Krishna, she asked Him why He didn’t protect her immediately when she first called out for help. Krishna explained, “At first, you relied on your own strength, trying to hold onto your sari. So, I thought, let her strength protect her. Then, you called upon Drona, Bhishma, and other elders. I thought, let them help. But when you called upon Me alone, I immediately came to your aid. That is why I didn’t come to help you immediately.”
Reflections on the Story
This story is a profound lesson for all of us. In life, we will inevitably face difficult situations, much like Draupadi did. It is natural to seek help from our own strength, wealth, or others around us. However, this story teaches us that true and complete protection comes only when we fully surrender to God and call upon His holy name with faith. The scriptures clearly state that one who remembers Krishna or utters His holy name is immediately protected and freed from all sins. A devotee who has wholeheartedly surrendered to Krishna will always have His full protection.
The Importance of Chanting Now
While it is important to call upon Krishna in times of distress, it is equally vital to remember and chant His holy names even in times of peace and prosperity. King Kulasekhara, a great devotee, composed a verse in his Mukundamala Stotra that captures this sentiment:
“kṛṣṇa tvadīya-pada-pańkaja-pañjarāntam
adyaiva me viśatu mānasa-rāja-haḿsaḥ
prāṇa-prayāṇa-samaye kapha-vāta-pittaiḥ
kaṇṭhāvarodhana-vidhau smaraṇaḿ kutas te“
Translation: “O Lord Krishna, at this moment, let the royal swan of my mind enter the tangled stems of the lotus of Your feet. How will it be possible for me to remember You and chant Your holy names at the time of death when my throat will be choked up with mucus, bile, and air?”
Final Thoughts Let us take shelter in the holy name of Krishna now, so that we may always have His protection, even in the most challenging moments of our lives.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Full Surrender to God: Draupadi’s story teaches us the importance of fully surrendering to God in times of distress. Only when she gave up all other hopes and called solely upon Krishna did she receive complete protection.
- Power of the Holy Name: The story emphasizes the incredible power of chanting Krishna’s holy names. It is through the holy name that Draupadi was saved from disgrace, and it is through the holy name that we can receive divine protection in our own lives.
- Trust in Divine Intervention: Draupadi’s experience is a reminder that divine intervention occurs when we place our complete trust in God. It is not our strength or the help of others, but Krishna’s grace that ultimately protects us.
- Importance of Devotional Practice: The story encourages us to regularly chant and remember Krishna’s holy names, not just in times of crisis, but as a daily devotional practice. This will ensure that we remain connected to Him and receive His blessings and protection.
Prayer:
“O Lord Krishna, Govinda, please help us to always remember Your holy names in both good times and bad. May we surrender fully to You, trusting in Your divine protection and grace. Grant us the strength to rely solely on You, knowing that You are always there to protect Your devotees.”
Quote from Shastra:
“sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja
ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucah”
(Bhagavad Gita 18.66)
“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”
This verse highlights the essence of Draupadi’s surrender and Krishna’s assurance of protection to those who fully surrender to Him.
