• Draupadi is one of the lead female protagonists of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
• Also, known by the name, Krishnaa, Panchali, and Yajnaseni she married all 5 Pandavas but there’s an interesting story behind it.
• In Mahabharata, the Pandavas lost Draupadi in the game of Chaupar that’s when she was assaulted by the Kauravas.
• So many different angles of Mahabharata from the aspects of Draupadi are yet to reveal.

Who is Draupadi?

Draupadi the queen consort of Hastinapur was married to five Pandava brothers. Meanwhile, it all said it is the Leela of Lord Shiva. Let’s know the story of Panchali who happened to have polyandrous marriage in Dwapara Yuga.

The beautiful courageous devotee of Shiva Draupadi was the main reason why all the Mahabharata war happened in Hastinapur. Draupadi is the main reason why the war of Kurukshetra began as she was abused after losing her in the Chaupar game.

The tricky Chaupar game of Mama Shakuni defeated Pandavas by deceiving them through magic dice and complete manipulation as Kauravas always wanted.

So, here we learn different perspectives of how Draupadi married 5 brothers

The version of Kunti of Draupadi marrying 5 Pandavas

Mata Kunti was guiding her son to maintain a powerful alliance amongst the brothers, his three sons, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and Maitri’s 2 sons, Nakula, and Sahadeva.

According to this version, Mata Kunti herself visited Draupadi so that her father Drupada becomes their protector. By marrying one of the sons, she wanted to maintain the deteriorated relationship with Pandu’s old friend.

But things turn out Vyas hinted to her that Panchali was destined to marry five Pandavas due to Shiva’s boon. During the Swayambar, Yudhishthira who participated with his brothers allowed the Mahabharata epic’s lady, Panchali to be married to all.

Yudsithira’s perspective of why Draupadi became why of 5 Pandavas

Arjuna was the one who won Draupadi in Swayambar through his skill in archery. Arjuna was hesitating to marry the lady first, so, he insisted that the big brothers should get married earlier.

Meanwhile, Yudhisthira who was impressed by the beauty of Draupadi took a beneficial decision for the brothers. As he also liked the aura of Draupadi agreed to marry her and also allowed make her a common wife.

Some argue he was seeking union and Panchali was the common tie to all 5 Pandavas. In fact, Yudhishthira feared disunion with his powerful brothers.

But was Yudhisthira himself lusted on Draupadi or not remained a topic to ponder. Isn’t it?

In his defense, Vaishmpayana revealed he was not that interested in making Draupadi his wife just for the sake of love or lust. Here’s everything about Draupadi in Mahabharata.

Also, Read The Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi! A new beginning

Draupadi’s perspective of why she had 5 husbands

Draupadi as a result of her prayers and Tapasya to Lord Shiva was granted a big wish. As per the wish, she demanded 14 different qualities in her husband, which were rarely possible to be found in a single person. But surprisingly, it fit the Pandavas as a whole.

Despite the fact that Draupadi was not asked for her consent to the idea of marrying 5 brothers, she felt confident about the marriage. Also, she never raised her eyebrows regarding the elderly decision to let her marry five brothers, Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakul, and Sahadeva.

Draupadi facts: She had happily done Swayambar with Arjuna for his archery skills but she had no issues with marrying other brothers too.

Was it holy to marry Brother’s wife?

The logic behind this is explained by Vyas Rishi. According to him, Draupadi had incredible power to turn into a virgin after her each marriage. Some say once she took a bath she was pure again, Manusmriti as called in Sanskrit.

It’s extremely genuine to marry a brother’s wife as a virgin wife can marry a husband’s younger brother. It was also said Panchali would regain her virginity after she walk through the fire.

No feuds occur between Pandavas for sharing a common wife, but why?– The reason is that they were inspired by Krishna’s story of Tilotamma, who destroyed two Asura brothers, Sunda, and Upasana. The Pandavas learned the lessons and managed to share the wife Draupadi, though jealousy and possessiveness hit them over time.

Also, Read 5 Amazing facts about the Pre-Aryan symbol Swastika!

Frequently Asked Questions on Draupadi

1. What is the story behind the birth of Draupadi?

Draupadi and her brother, Dhrishtadyumna, were born from a yajna (fire sacrifice) in Dhopeshwar Nath Mandir in Bareilly as per Mahabharata. It was organized by King Drupada of Panchala and conceived with the blessings of Lord Shiva Himself.

Panchali/ Draupad Putri Draupadi is believed to be born in Ashlesha Nakshatra. The Nalayani character in a sub-narrative in the Mahabharata (Adi Parva Chapter 195 – 196) is reincarnated in the form of Draupadi to fulfill her karmas as the wife of Panch Pandavas.

Also, Read about birth controversies of Panchali

2. What is the birth age of Draupadi and her brother Dhrishtadamyun?

Mysteriously, Draupadi and her brother Dhrishtadamyun were already grown up when they arrive from a fire to their father Panchal Naresh Draupadi.

Draupadi and Dhrishtadamyun were born in a Yagna some 30 years after Yudhishthira was born. As the mystical holy text suggests, They could be 8 years old or 18 years old at birth.

3. How many kids does Draupadi give birth to?

Draupadi has the number 5 significantly becoming her life path number. She not only married 5 husbands but also becomes a mother of five sons.

Panchali has one son each from the Pandava brothers commonly known as Upapandavas. The 5 brave sons were named Prativindhya (from Yudhishthira), Sutasoma (from Bheema), Shrutakarma (from Arjuna), Satanika (from Nakula), and Shrutasena (from Sahadeva).

4. Who loved Draupadi more among the 5 Pandavas?

Bheema. Of all her Pandavas husbands was the one who truly cares for her need and request. Thus, he is the one who loves her the most as he also fulfilled her wish to kill Dushshasan and bring his blood to her.

5. Why did Draupadi curse the dog?

Draupadi who was having an intimate moment with her husband Yuddhisthir was brought to a moment of shame after the dog took his shoes.

As per the brother’s pact to spend time with his wife Draupadi, shoes were to be kept in front of the door. Thus, Panchali cursed the dogs for having sex in public.

6. What happened when Arjuna entered Draupadi’s room?

Arjuna who was planning to enter Draupadi’s room for bed pleasure found out that brother Yuddhisthira was already in the room. All three of them were ashamed as the dog had carried away the shoes.