Devala Maharishi's Mention in the Mahabharata: A Profound Conversation

 

Vaishampayana continued, “That illustrious Pandava, who was Krishna’s dearest companion, spoke these words to Krishna. In reply, Janardana (Krishna) addressed Kunti’s son with these words:

"You belong to me, and I belong to you. Everything of mine is yours! He who hates you also hates me. He who allies with you allies with me. Unconquerable one, you are Nara, and I am Narayana, or Hari. Together, we descended into the mortal world as sages Nara and Narayana for a specific divine mission. Partha (Arjuna), I exist for you, and you exist for me! Bull among the Bharata dynasty, no one can comprehend the differences between us!"

When Krishna spoke these words, Arjuna became speechless.

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The Words of Draupadi

Vaishampayana continued, “When Kesava (Krishna) spoke these profound words among the angry and valiant kings, Draupadi, her eyes like lotus petals, surrounded by Drishtadyumna and her valiant brothers, approached Krishna. Overwhelmed by anger and seeking protection, she spoke:

*"You are declared as Prajapati (Lord of all beings), and the creator of all worlds, as stated by sages Asita and Devala. O Krishna, destroyer of Madhu (Madhusudana), you are the sacrifice itself, the performer of sacrifices, and the recipient of sacrificial offerings. Jamadagni’s son (Parashurama) proclaims you as Vishnu. The sages declare you as the embodiment of forgiveness and truth. Sage Kashyapa says you are the very sacrifice born of truth. Narada proclaims you as the Lord of the truthful and the auspicious, the creator, and the leader of all beings.

*O Krishna, just as a child plays with toys, you play with Brahma, Shiva, Indra, and other gods. The heavens are covered by your head, and the earth by your feet. The worlds are your wombs. You are eternal! Sages, purified by their penances, knowledge, and spiritual insight, declare that you are the supreme essence of all existence.

You are the protector of sages who dedicate themselves to dharma, and you are the refuge of all those who achieve excellence without turning their backs on battle. You are the lord of all, pervading everything, and the soul of all beings. The seven worlds, their rulers, constellations, sky, moon, and sun—all are established within you. O Krishna, the laws of living beings, the impermanence of the universe, are all rooted in you. You are the supreme leader of gods, humans, and all living entities. Therefore, Madhusudana, guided by compassion, please bear with me as I unburden my sorrows to you!"

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Draupadi’s Anguish and Appeal

Draupadi continued:

*"How could someone like me—wife to the sons of Kunti, sister to Drishtadyumna, and your friend—be dragged into a court? Alas, during my menstrual period, clothed in a single blood-stained garment, I was dragged, trembling and crying, into the Kuru assembly! The evil sons of Dhritarashtra mocked me in front of those kings.

*Madhusudana, the sons of Pandu, the Panchalas, and the Vrishnis are still alive, yet these wretches dared to claim me as a slave! Even though I am a daughter-in-law to Dhritarashtra and Bhishma by marriage, these men sought to enslave me by force! While I, the wife of those great Pandavas, was treated cruelly, my valiant husbands, who are renowned in battle, remained silent. I grieve for Bhima’s strength and Arjuna’s Gandiva bow. O Janardana, they witnessed my humiliation at the hands of vile men.

*Even the weakest husband would protect his wife. That eternal dharma is followed by all virtuous men. By protecting his wife, a man protects his progeny, and by protecting his progeny, he protects himself. A man is born again in his wife, and that is why a wife is called 'Jaya' (one who grants victory).

A wife, who gives birth to her husband anew, must protect her husband. Yet the Pandavas abandoned me, despite never abandoning anyone seeking their protection! From my five husbands, I bore five mighty sons: Prativindhya from Yudhishthira, Sutasoma from Bhima, Srutakarma from Sahadeva, Satanika from Nakula, and Srutakirti from Arjuna. All of them are unparalleled in strength. Janardana, is it not essential to protect me for their sake? My sons are as great as your son Pradyumna, O Krishna! They are all foremost among archers, invincible in battle. With such strength, why should the sons of Dhritarashtra be tolerated?"

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Draupadi’s Reflections on Past Injustice

*"Madhusudana, we were deceived, dispossessed of our kingdom, and enslaved. During my menstrual period, clothed in a single garment, I was dragged into the court. O Krishna, Gandiva remains unstrung, and I mourn for Bhima and Arjuna.

*O Madhusudana, this same Duryodhana once exiled the Pandavas and their mother along with their helpless sons. He poisoned Bhima with deadly venom, yet Bhima survived. Had he not, Bhima’s days would have ended then.

*This same Duryodhana, with malicious intent, tied Bhima while he slept and pushed him into the Ganges. But Bhima awoke, broke free, and emerged victorious. He survived even the venomous snakes in the river, proving his invincibility.

Krishna, Duryodhana’s sins are endless. He caused the exile of the innocent Pandavas and sought to destroy them through treachery. Yet, even now, he dares to stand before us unpunished. O Janardana, when will justice be served for all these wrongs?"

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Conclusion

This passage highlights the deep bond between Krishna and Arjuna, portraying Krishna as the ultimate savior and guide. Draupadi's anguish and righteous anger reveal her unwavering strength and the depth of injustice she endured. Her appeal to Krishna underscores his divine role as protector and arbiter of justice and emphasizes the human struggle for dharma and truth.