Jayadratha and Kotik spy on Draupadi
Draupadi Harana Chapter 263-4
Introduction
The chapters of Draupadi Harana parva can be accessed https://crackpot.substack.com/t/jayadratha
As It Rhymes
Vaisampayana said,
Wild game roamed the forests of Kayamaka in abundance.
The Padavas harvested them by hundreds.
2.
The Pandavas studied and practiced with weapons between hunts.
At times flower blooms made forest life pleasant.
3.
The Pandavas cleared deer up and down the mountains.
The Pandavas bathed in floral fountains.
4.
The Pandavas hunted enough to keep a brahman legion well fed.
Like tigers the Pandavas tracked deer prints where they led.
5.
One day Draupadi was alone at their hermitage stirring porridge rice.
The Pandavas went hunting and the priests were attending Dhaumyas fire sacrifice.
6.
Jayadratha, king of Sindhu, son of Vardhakshatra, was just then passing
through Kamyaka forest on the way to Shalva’s domain to a political wedding.
7.
Jayadratha’s martial caravan wandered into the hinterland.
Jayadratha was always curious about off-course wilderness.
8.
Then Jayadratha saw Draupadi stand.
Jaydratha’s head drummed like a war band.
9.
Draupadi’s beauty was like a blue forest rain cloud.
Jayadratha dreamed of Draupadi’s fine form in a wedding shroud.
10.
Apsara? Goddess? Hallucination or Divine Trick?
I have never been so insta-love sick.
11.
As Jayadratha, king of Sindhu, stared in wide-eyed wonder at Draupadi’s beautiful limbs his mind turned to wicked intent.
12.
Jayadratha spoke to his flunky Kotik,Â
 ‘I want her. She’s perfect.’
13.
‘Kotik, go ask her name.
Find out what must be done to obtain her flame.Â
14.
Her brows are an artist’s line.
Her neck is like a forest pine.
15.
She must be the finest woman in the world.
Without knowing her name, I worship her foot and limb.
16.
I tell you this woman looks not bad.
Kotika, to tell the truth, I must marry her or go mad.’
17.
Kotik egressed his chariot.
Then with shoulders and spine bent, off Kotik went.
Kotik crept up to Draupadi like a mouse intent to peek at a tigress.
Notes
[1] Vaishampayana, ibid.
Translation Notes
