A Story of Dvapar Yuga in Prose (Part-24-D)
By Lokanath Mishra
The Divine Destiny of King Drupada and the Birth of Draupadi
King Drupada of Panchala was blessed beyond measure when he obtained the divine vision of Lord Bholanath, Mahadeva himself. Overwhelmed with devotion, Drupada prostrated at the feet of the great Lord, offering heartfelt praise and reverent supplication. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shankara said with compassion,
“Ask for whatever boon your heart desires.”
Drupada replied, “Grant me such power that I may defeat Drona, Arjuna, and the Kauravas who have humiliated me.”
Mahadeva, smiling gently, answered, “My child, you shall have the strength to defeat Drona and the Kauravas. But Bhishma is blessed with the power to choose the time of his death, and Ashwatthama is immortal. If you fight Drona, Arjuna will surely stand in his defense. I cannot grant a boon to defeat Arjuna, for in heaven, earth, and the netherworlds, Savyasachi is the unrivaled archer. Ask for another boon.”
Drupada, his heart burning with memories of insult, said,
“The arrogant Kaurava brothers have caused me unbearable physical and mental suffering. My sole aim is to see them punished. If I have taken refuge in You, will my purpose remain unfulfilled?”
Lord Kailasapati replied,
“Return to your kingdom, O King, and perform a great yajna. From that sacred fire shall be born children who will fulfill your vow of vengeance.”
Granting him further blessings, Lord Shiva bestowed upon Drupada the mighty bow Pinaka and other infallible celestial weapons.
Restoration of the Kingdom of Panchala
During Drupada’s absence, Kirateshwar had usurped the throne of Panchala. Queen Padmavati took refuge in her parental home. Empowered by divine grace and ascetic strength, Drupada returned, defeated Kirateshwar, and reclaimed his kingdom. He brought Queen Padmavati back with honor and reestablished royal order.
Drupada then strengthened his army, conquered neighboring realms, and transformed Panchala into a prosperous and formidable kingdom renowned for its discipline, wealth, and justice.
The First Yajna and the Birth of Shikhandi
One auspicious day, great sages—Vyasa, Durvasa, Markandeya, Jaimini, and others—arrived at Drupada’s court. Rising from his throne, the king humbly worshipped them and conveyed Lord Shiva’s command to perform a yajna.
A grand sacrifice was conducted. At its conclusion, the sacred charu was given to Queen Padmavati. Though the offering had cooled by the time she consumed it, she conceived. In due course, a child was born. However, the child was neither fully male nor female.
Overcome with despair, Drupada drew his sword, unwilling to accept such a fate. At that moment, Sage Vyasa appeared and restrained him, saying:
“O King, do not commit this grave sin. This child is none other than Princess Amba reborn, destined to exact vengeance upon Bhishma. Raise the child with care. His name shall be Shikhandi, and his name shall one day be recorded among the great heroes of history.”
The Second Yajna and the Birth of Dhrishtadyumna
Still unsatisfied, Drupada requested another yajna, declaring his wish for a daughter whom he could give in marriage to Arjuna.
The second sacrifice resulted in the birth of a mighty son, named Dhrishtadyumna by Sage Vyasa—a warrior destined to slay Drona. Yet Drupada’s heart yearned still for a daughter.
The Third Yajna and the Divine Birth of Draupadi
Moved by Drupada’s unwavering resolve, Vyasa initiated a third yajna with the assembled sages. The sacrificial ground echoed with solemn Vedic chants, and oblations were poured continuously into the blazing fire. Yet the flames rose only clockwise—an omen that a daughter would not be born.
To alter destiny itself, Sage Vyasa sacrificed a lock of his matted hair into the fire. When this failed, he offered a piece of his own flesh. At once, the flames turned counterclockwise, roaring skyward in divine brilliance.
From the blazing fire emerged a radiant maiden—dark-complexioned, lotus-eyed, and adorned with celestial beauty. The heavens resounded with divine music, flowers showered from the sky, and the earth trembled in awe.
A heavenly voice proclaimed:
“This maiden shall be the cause of the destruction of the Kauravas.”
Celebration of Draupadi’s Birth
The entire kingdom of Panchala erupted in celebration. Conches were blown, drums thundered, and joyous cries filled the air. The streets were adorned with flowers and banners. The poor were fed, prisoners were released, and generous gifts were distributed to Brahmins, sages, and citizens alike.
King Drupada embraced Queen Padmavati with tears of joy. The royal court shimmered with lamps, incense, and festive music. Never before had Panchala witnessed such jubilation.
The sages named the divine maiden:
• Krishna, for her radiant dark beauty
• Draupadi, as the daughter of Drupada
• Yajnaseni, as she was born of the sacred fire
• Panchali, beloved princess of Panchala
Thus was born Draupadi—destined to become the queen of heroes, the wife of the Pandavas, and a central force in the unfolding of the Mahabharata. Her birth marked not merely the fulfillment of a king’s vow, but the turning of fate itself.
( to be continued)