Draupadi is one of the most significant characters in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. She is the daughter of King Drupada and the wife of the five Pandava brothers – Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. Here are some reasons why Draupadi is important in Mahabharata:
- Symbol of Women Empowerment: Draupadi is seen as a symbol of women empowerment in Indian mythology. She was a strong-willed woman who refused to be a passive victim in a patriarchal society. She stood up for herself and demanded justice when she was wronged, which made her an inspiration for generations of women.
- Her Swayamvara: Draupadi’s swayamvara was one of the most significant events in the Mahabharata. In the swayamvara, she chose Arjuna as her husband, which led to the five Pandavas becoming her husbands, as per Kunti’s instructions. This unusual marriage arrangement is an essential part of the Mahabharata story and led to many of the epic’s key events.
- Cause of the War: Draupadi was disrobed in public by the Kauravas, which led to the Pandavas swearing revenge and ultimately resulted in the great war of Kurukshetra. The incident is seen as a symbol of the Kauravas’ moral decay and the Pandavas’ sense of justice and righteousness.
- Krishna’s Role: Draupadi’s relationship with Krishna is also significant. Krishna rescued Draupadi when she was being disrobed in public and became her protector throughout the Mahabharata. Krishna’s intervention in Draupadi’s life is seen as an example of divine intervention in human affairs.
Overall, Draupadi’s character is significant because she is an example of a strong, independent woman who played a pivotal role in shaping the events of the Mahabharata.