Mb055. King Jayaratha Abducts Draupadi Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

MAHABHARATA

In the Kamyaka forest, for a hunt,
One day, the Pandavas went.
Draupadi at home along stayed,
With Dhaumya, her guard.

When Draupadi stood at the gate near,
King Saindhava Jayadratha saw her.
Attracted by her charm, he sent for her,
But she refused to go over there.

"Oh lady, you're fit to be my queen? "
With me you can sit and reign.
How you happen to be here,
Alone in this forest with no fear? "

For his queries, Draupadi replied,
"I'm Panchali, one happily married.
I've five children to take care,
So, to woo with me, it isn't fair."

"In one way, you're my brother,
Since Dhritarashtra's daughter
You've married. Why you're after
A housewife like your sister? "

He lost his patience,
Carried her by force,
Kept her in his chariot,
And gave it a quick start.

Dhaumya behind it chased.
Like a mad man he raced.
Pandavas returned by then.
Behind him they also ran.

Finally Saindhava was caught.
As a prisoner he was brought.
To kill him everyone suggested,
But this idea Yudhishthira rejected.

"He's our sister's husband,
She'll be a widow at the end,
So, I'm not for killing him, "
Said Yudhishthira to them.

His head was shaved then,
Out he was quietly driven.
When he begged his pardon,
There, in front of everyone.

On Pandvas to reap vengeance
He did a severe penance.
Lord Siva appeared one day,
To defeat them, he did pray.

"Arjuna none can conquer.
But the rest you'll conquer,
On a single occasion,
In the battlefield action."

So saying Siva disappeared.
On his face a smile appeared.
Sage Markandeya consoled them,
To remain peaceful and calm.