Jayadratha propositions Draupadi
Draupadi Harana Chapter 267
Introduction
The chapters of Draupadi Harana parva can be accessed by tag https://crackpot.substack.com/t/jayadratha
As It Rhymes
1.
Vaishampayana said,
Kotik narrated his encounter with Krishnaa to the entourage of besotted kings.
2.
Jayadratha exclaimed, ‘Be still my heart! Fetch my rings!’
Shaibya’s belly laugh let out a fart.
3.
Jayadratha said,
‘Her face launched my head into outer space.
I am curious, who is this woman who hides in branches to keep her distance?
4.
My friend, she is divine forsooth.
If we have time, we should seek her truth.’
5.
Kotik said to Jayadratha,
‘That woman living in that dump is the famous Krishnaa Draupadi of Panchala.
Wife to Pandu’s five demon sons known as Pandavas.
6.
What a shame.Â
What a waste.Â
What a pity.
With haste, let’s get back to our city.’Â
7.
Vaishampayana said,
The men clamored.
The men murmured and whispered.
Jaydratha’s mind grew wicked.
‘I wish to see Draupadi just the same though she may be taken.’
8.
Jayadratha and seven other men entered the humble tumble down Ashram.
Jayadratha was like a wolf entering the lion’s den.
9.
Jayadratha said to Draupadi,
‘Hi. How are you? How have you been?
How are your men?’
10-11.
Draupadi said,
‘They are well.
I heard you control Shibi, Sauvira and Sindhu.
Yudhishthira will return soon with the rest.Â
This is where we dwell.
You may wash your feet in the well.Â
They’ve gone hunting and will be packing meat.
Please stay for dinner as our guest - we will have plenty to eat.’
12.
Jayadratha said,
‘Yes what you heard about me is true.
I have conquered many lands.
I have vanquished every enemy with these hands.
Come ride chariots with us as friends.
You don’t have to trip with those who slip and lose their grip.
 13.
Living in the jungle suits the Parthas.
You don’t have to live in their calamity.
14.
With all due respect, Pandu’s sons put you in distress.
You don’t have to live in their spoiled mess!
15.
You are better than this, Draupadi.
Come away with me.
No chain binds you to this awful place.
Join me in Sindhu as my queen.
We’ll enjoy every accommodation.
You’ll be back in decent civilization.’
16.
The King of Sindhu’s proposition shook Krishnaa’s heart.
Krishnaa’s brow arched and her face turned down to stare at dirt.
17.
Draupadi said,Â
‘Let me stop you right there.
Saindhava, you must be drunk or mad.
Have you no shame or don’t you care?’
18.
Draupadi hoped the Pandavas would return soon to bounce the goon.
Draupadi’s mind burned and turned as she stewed.
Insults formed and flowed with a hiss.
Flecks of froth and spit flicked from Draupadi’s mouth as her tongue clicked with Jayadratha’s diss.
Notes
[1] Vaishampayana ibid.
[5] Pandu's five sons are Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva.
[8] An Ashram hermitage.
[14] Pandu's sons. ibid.
[16] The King of Sindhu is Jayadratha
Krishnaa is Draupadi
[17] Saindhava is Jayadratha
Translation Notes
