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The Story of KarNa and his forbidden love affair
Understanding Draupadi The "Draped" and KarNa
All his life, KarNa was ridiculed, shamed, and humiliated. Every time he tried to do something good, he was put down- and not just by other people. Some say that KarNa was shamed by fate itself. Despite all these obstacles, KarNa is someone who never stopped learning, he never stopped fighting., and never refused to stand up for what he believed in. Despite all those chivalrous qualities, what stands out the most about KarNa as a human being is that he never stopped giving. KarNa is known as the one who weathers the storm and lives his life in humility, generosity and dignity regardless. And KarNa never stopped being a loyal friend Draupadi the Draped.
Although Draupadi (otherwise known as “The Draped”) is known throughout history for her 5 husbands, the 5 Princes of Pandavas, there was a sixth love of Draupadi’s life-Karna-who she loved just as much if not more than the 5 princes. These 5 brothers also had other wives, and Draupadi was a common wife to all of them in addition. Draupadi had wanted to only mary Arjuna, but due to family politics she was forced by Kunti to mary all 5 of her sons.
In the Mahabarata, it is written that later in life Draupadi was in exile from the palace and lost all of her royal attributes. During this time, she endured rape and abuse. It was then that Karna, who was not of noble blood, found his way into Draupadi’s heart when the Princes of Pandava all left Draupadi for other pursuits and to spend time with their other wives.
KarNa and Draupadi
Some would say that the epic works Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliette and Patrick Swazi’s Dirty Dancing were inspired by the story of Draupadi and KarNa. The love of KarNa and Draupadi was forbidden love. As the stories go, if Draupadi dressed up, it was for KarNa and no one else, not even her other 5 husbands. It is written in the major Puranas that Draupadi and Karna were both cursed by time and it was not only Draupadi that got a miserable life, but Karna as well.
Draupadi and KarNa both have unpleasant life experiences each reincarnation, but some would say that KarNa had it worse.KarNa was abandoned by his own mother. While still unmarried, KarNa’s mother, Princess Kunti, had a ‘bastard’ son with a man steeped in ego and didn’t know how to explain the birth, so she tried to relinquish responsibility for caring for her son and even tried to renounce ownership of her son. KarNa ended up being raised by a charioteer in a class much lower than the one into which he was born.
Who is KarNa?
As the story goes: KarNa, who is essentially an embodiment of KARMA, always reincarnates along with Draupadi to serve as her teacher of what is right and what is wrong. Karna is the teacher of spiritual truths. In Hindi, ‘kar na’ translates to ‘do not do’.
KarNa is a warrior at heart and his favorite phrase is that, "I'm not afraid of anything". Before Karna selflessly gave up his golden armor, he truly had nothing to fear as his golden armor shielded him from all sickness and injury. Since losing his armor, Karna has unfortunately been cursed to experience difficulties with his health and sickness in later reincarnations.
getting to know karna
KarNa is humiliated at a gala by the Pandavas
Draupadi Denies KarNa Her Hand in Marriage Due to Caste
Draupadi Denies KarNa Her Hand in Marriage Due to Caste
In the Mahabarata, it is written that after the Pandavas and Kauravas finish their training, a grand gala was organized where they showed off their awesome skills, like in the movie Hunger Games.
KarNa made his way to this gala, and performed feats that left all the Pandavas and Kauravas embarrassed and speechless. KarNa outshone each of them.
Instead of being recognized for his skill and discipline and ability, KarNa is shooed away from the gala for not being of Warrior Caste because he is being raised by a Charioteer. KarNa was even caused of STEALING this knowledge because as a charioteer’s son he was not entitled to knowing such things.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Draupadi Denies KarNa Her Hand in Marriage Due to Caste
Draupadi Denies KarNa Her Hand in Marriage Due to Caste
Draupadi Denies KarNa Her Hand in Marriage Due to Caste
KarNa won Draupadi’s hand in marriage even before Arjuna by hitting the fish’s eye with an arrow, but again was rejected. At Draupadi’s Swayamwar (men completing various tasks to outshine another to win the “Draped” as a wife), KarNa shoots the fish before Arjuna. However, he is publicly humiliated by Draupadi as she rejects him outright and proclaims in front of the whole crowd that she would never marry a Suta (someone of a low caste/social station). KarNa accepted this and walked away.KarNa was cursed by a priest for accidentally killing a cow while practicing archery. He helped a small child and was cursed by Mother Earth due to his very bad luck at the time. Mother Earth cursed KarNa that when he would be at his most vulnerable, his mother would abandon him.
KarNa's Golden Armor
Draupadi Denies KarNa Her Hand in Marriage Due to Caste
KarNa Denied Access to Proper Education Due to Caste
KarNa was born with an impenetrable golden armor-a gift from his father-Surya the Sun God. Indra, Arjuna’s father, knew hat this armor would prevent Karna’s death, and so went in disguise to ask for the armor. This golden armor is not just any armor that one puts on like clothes. This special armor is attached to KarNa just as another part of his body. KarNa was so kind and selfless that he gave his enchanted armor to a disguised Indra, even when he knew it was a dirty trick. KarNa is so full of love and compassion that he ripped out the armor and gave it away as we would rip out a chunk of flesh from our body.
KarNa Denied Access to Proper Education Due to Caste
Kunti Meets with KarNa to Request Him Not to Fight to Save the Lives of His Enemies
KarNa Denied Access to Proper Education Due to Caste
Because of his assumed station in life, KarNa was refused the privilege of a proper education which at the time was warfare. Undaunted with a thirst for learning, he disguised himself in the clothes of another such that he could gain access to a place where he could lean and acquire knowledge. Such was his determination. Instead of being appreciated for his efforts, KarNa was cursed by his adoptive family for being a warrior at heart when he was being raised as JUST a charioteer. Such is human nature.
Karna Disrespected during Kurushetra War by Bishma
Kunti Meets with KarNa to Request Him Not to Fight to Save the Lives of His Enemies
Kunti Meets with KarNa to Request Him Not to Fight to Save the Lives of His Enemies
During the great Kurushetra War described in the Mahabaratha, KarNa was not allowed to fight even though he was a very skilled warrior and had been nominated as commander-in-chief by others. He was not allowed to fight because of his social station in life. Even though he was of Warrior Caste by birth, he was raised as a Charioteer’s son. So KarNa was humiliated once again.
Kunti Meets with KarNa to Request Him Not to Fight to Save the Lives of His Enemies
Kunti Meets with KarNa to Request Him Not to Fight to Save the Lives of His Enemies
Kunti Meets with KarNa to Request Him Not to Fight to Save the Lives of His Enemies
Kunti, KarNa’s birth mother, pleaded with KarNa whom she considered her bastard son to not kill her publicly acclaimed sons the Princes of Pandava in the Great War should he fight, even if it meant sacrificing his own life.
Such is the vastness in disparity in human character as governed by free will and choice that has existed since the beginning of time.
KarNa Shows Grace to Arjuna in Battle and Arjuna Does Not Return the Favor
KarNa Shows Grace to Arjuna in Battle and Arjuna Does Not Return the Favor
KarNa Shows Grace to Arjuna in Battle and Arjuna Does Not Return the Favor
After Bishma the leader of the Kauravas was killed in battle and they had no choice but to allow KarNa to fight. During the famous duel between KarNa and Arjuna, Draupadi’s favorite Pandava Husband, Arjuna’s chariot wheel became stuck in the mud while fighting. KarNa being the gentleman that he is, stopped fighting because KarNa felt that IT WAS NOT A FAIR FIGHT. Krishna and Arjuna pulled the chariot wheel free and only then did the fighting resume. Then KarNa’s chariot wheel became stuck in the mud. Instead of showing KarNa the same respect, Arjuna killed KarNa when he was at his most vulnerable.
KarNa's Death At Arjuna's Hands in Battle
KarNa Shows Grace to Arjuna in Battle and Arjuna Does Not Return the Favor
KarNa Shows Grace to Arjuna in Battle and Arjuna Does Not Return the Favor
And even when KarNa was laying on the ground knocking on death’s door, still he chose to give. When KarNa was dying in the mud, Krishna came forth in the disguise of a priest and asked for some alms from KarNa. KarNa took a stone from the ground and broke one of his gold teeth and gave it to the brahmin. Instead of thanking KarNa for his sacrifice, the brahmin/priest cursed KarNa for giving him teeth with saliva on it. KarNa, almost dead, took a bow and arrow and punctured earth so that there was a spring of water to wash the teeth clean. He offered the clean gold teeth to Krishna.
KarNa eventually became a King!
According to Wikipedia:
Karna meets Duryodhana for the first time in Hastinapura during archery lessons from Drona, an event described in section 3.293 of the Mahabharata. They become close friends not long after, when Karna and Arjuna are at a weapons trial competition.
Duryodhana sees in Karna a man who is an equal of Arjuna in martial abilities, and someone to befriend to balance out Arjuna and thereby "diminish the Pandavas".
Before the competition starts, the contestants must announce their lineage so that men of equal ranks are placed together. After Arjuna announces his royal lineage, it is time for Karna to present his lineage.
If Karna were to announce his charioteer lineage, it would disqualify him from competing against Arjuna. Duryodhana steps in and says Karna is an Arajna (a non-king, but also a word play on Arjuna) but announces that he is offering to anoint Karna as the king of Angas (Bengal).
Once Karna is a king, states Duryodhana, Arjuna would not have the excuse to avoid Karna and not compete with the able warrior. Karna accepts the anointment, becomes a king that day. It also transforms him into a loyal friend to Duryodhana, with an eagerness to reciprocate the favor. Karna asks Duryodhana what he would want in return for the kingdom he just gave out of his empire, Duryodhana replies, "I want your endless friendship Karna". Image courtesy of Wikipedia
love is honest
Draupadi had nicknames with each of her husbands. Yajnesi was her name with KarNa.
Yajnesi,
A letter that I will never send to you. But would love to believe that you know about it, nevertheless.That day when a social networking site asked me to choose my ‘relationship status’, it took me aback. Which relationship is that one that defines me, that spells out my identity, my self? Is it that wife, who is dutiful enough to play a wife and sensitive enough to not demand a husband of me, or that mother who loves me so or the one who leaves me so, or you? Really, is it you who defines me most? I’m afraid it’s you. And I swear, ‘it’s complicated!’
We have some uncanny similarities, don’t we?For one, our families are the same. The Pandavas. And neither of us ever belonged, in a real sense. But again, how different we are in that. I’ve always yearned to live a life there, where my heart always belonged since the day I knew of it, with the worthiest of the brothers that a man can ever have. How much you had to give up, in your heart and your soul, to live there, to kill your sensibilities, to play wife to five brothers, to surrender and to not say a word.
They call me a true Kshatriya. Just because I bore the pain of an insect drilling into me, and didn’t move. They don’t know what a true Kshatriya means. They don’t know what courage it takes to not tell your father that you aren’t a trophy to be won in an archery contest. To not tell a mother-in-law that you’re no property to be distributed to avoid sibling rivalry. That to get you is not to own you. That you cannot be given away, only your company can be earned. So you oblige. So you cook, and dress up and entertain. And so you mate. With whoever they ask you to mate with. To not tell them you don’t care enough to disobey. To not tell them that they are wrong, and to not tell them that you gave up fury for forgiveness.
They say God could not be everywhere and so He made mothers. Is that why He got Radha for me and saved me from the wrath of Kunti? If only that woman knew that the biggest mistake she ever made wasn’t giving birth to me, but choosing to come to me to make a deal, then send you. She told me she can get you to belong to me, that I can lay claim to you, being the eldest of her sons.She’ll never know how I have always belonged to you, all my life. And that you never really belonged to any of her sons in the way she presumed.
I want you to know this. I love you. For being yourself. For forgiving them, for they don’t know what they have done to you. For letting the world chant hymns in praise of the stalwarts of Hastinapur, as you’d never tell them they’re actually not worth a dime. For loving Arjuna, the worthiest enemy I could ever have. And so I love you all the more.
But I hate you too, Yajnaseni. For all the same reasons. For wasting your life. For compromising. For giving up so easily. For giving your virginity, first, to the cowardliest of the lot. For dedicating all your youth and your beauty to the grime of the Indraprastha kitchen. For not giving a damn in being used. For not caring to seek what you were worthy of. And finally, for sacrificing your sons to the unworthiest of the causes, and without a sigh.
How could you be so indifferent, Yajnaseni? How could you not feel a thing?And I pity you. For a life like yours so ill-spent.While it’s your grace that you forgave, it’s a disgrace that you didn’t find your equal. You married five but didn’t find one husband you could belong to, who you could both trust and love. I pity you that you could never stop loving Arjuna. Knowing well that neither did he love you back, nor did he deserve your love.
And I pity you that you could never get yourself to love Bhima, the only brother I stand proud of, till today. It’s a shame that there was not one single man who stood up and killed Duhshashan for touching you, or the unpardonable Yudhisthira, even before that. I pity you that you couldn’t, at that point, throw everything aside and come to me. Alone and fearless. Because you’ve known me deep inside. Known that you could come to me. Anytime.
You got everything that I could also have had. And what I can never have. And at this moment of confession, let me also tell you how I always envied you. Because you lived your life where I could not. Because you could touch Bhishma’s feet and seek his blessings, whenever you needed to. Because you always had a shoulder to weep on, that most dependable friend, Krishna.
It’s funny that we saw each other just twice in our lives. Once when you humiliated me at the Swayamvar, enough for me to wish to die. And once when I gave that right back to you. Not moving an inch but watching you being disrobed. Watching you look at me for help. That glance that only I understood. I’m glad you didn’t consider me to marry. I couldn’t bear living a life with you, to discover the reflection of each and every one of my vices and virtues in another body, another soul.
“You are more myself than I am!” Because I don’t love myself, let me love you. And let the distance be. Stay away, my goddess.
I can never be, yours, truly!
Karna
Excerpt taken from Palace of Illusions written by Dr. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
the rape and abuse of draupadi
According to several sources, Draupadi was abused by Dhusasana.
Around 3000 BC at Hastinapura, there was a great gambling match that took place in which the eldest Pandava Prince, Yudhisthira, played against his cousins, the Kauravas. He lost in epic proprotions.
Yudhishthira lost his kingdom, his brothers, himself, and their wife Draupadi. He had become so consumed by greed and avarice that he gambled away Draupadi and she became a slave to Duryodhana.
Being a slave, there is a story written about a day when Duryodhana called her to come and sweep the room. Draupadi refused. Then one of Duryodhana's associates Duhsasana dragged her by the hair into the pavilion before all the chieftains, and tauntingly told her that she was a slave girl, and had no right to complain of being touched by men. He also abused her and tore off her veil and dress, while Duryodhana invited her to sit on his thigh.
Krishna took compassion upon her, and restored her garments as fast as they were torn. She called vehemently upon her husbands to save her, but they were he was prevented from action; but he vowed in loud words that he would drink the blood of Duhsasana and smash the thigh of Duryodhana in retaliation of these outrages, which vows he eventually fulfilled. Draupadi vowed that her hair should remain dishevelled until Bhima should tie it up with hands dripping with the blood of Duhsasana.
The result of the gambling match was that the Pandavas, with Draupadi went into exile for twelve years, and were to dwell quite incognito during another year. The period of thirteen years being successfully completed, they were at liberty to return.
Draupadi was raped
In Devi Bhagavata Puraana, Kichaka, the brother-in-law of King Virata of Matsya Kingdom, rapes her.
some say that Draupadi the draped is wonder woman
Additional Information
According to Indrajit Bandyopadhyay, author of Rape of Draupadi:
Draupadi is a wonder woman in the history of literature. She is undoubtedly the central character in Mahabharata. Other than the Draupadi we find in Vyasa’s Mahabharata – in all Folk Mahabharatas –Draupadi is a powerful woman with powerful sexuality. In the Buddhist Jataka, Draupadi has illicit sexual relation with a hump-backed servant; in some Folk Mahabharata of South India, Draupadi has secret sexual desire for Krishna and Karna; in Bheel Bharata – a Folk Mahabharata of the Bheel (or, Bhil) tribes of Rajasthan – she has sexual relation with Vasuka Naga, a ‘snake’ king and is Vasuki’s willing sexual partner for sometime; and in Devi Bhagavata Puraana, Kichaka, the brother-in-law of King Virata of Matsya Kingdom, rapes her.
The Historical Disrobment of Draupadi in the Courtyard
moral bankruptcy has existed in society since 3000 bc
The wife of five Pandavas faced several attempts of disrobing her after the game of dice, during exile by Jayadarath and by Keechak and during her stay in Matsya Kindom. On all these occasions she was saved by Lord Krishna.
Surviving Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
karna helped draupadi to re-establish trust in others
After Draupadi's rape in 3000 BC, it was KarNa who spent time with her and helped her to recover. KarNa loved Draupadi unconditionally, and Draupadi reciprocated.
Why Does KarNa's path always cross with draupadi?
Spiritual Purpose of KarNa's Entanglement with Draupadi the Draped
KarNa, who is essentially an embodiment of KARMA, always reincarnates along with Draupadi to serve as her teacher of what is right and what is wrong. Karna is the teacher of spiritual truths. In Hindi, ‘kar na’ translates to ‘do not do’. A similarity can be drawn with the modern day name Diego which on a spiritual level means teacher and is derived from Ancient Greek (didakhe = instruction/teaching) and “Saint James” (from Santiago) meaning “may God protect” and “holder of the heel”.While Draupadi loved all 5 husbands for different reasons, they all lacked the patience, understanding, compassion, and unconditional love that she experienced with Karna. After Draupadi’s kidnapping and rape, it was Karna who helped her to recover. While Draupadi also loved Karna unconditionally irregardless of caste, due to sociopolitical reasons dictated by dharma (the purpose of one’s life towards soul ascension), Draupadi was unable to marry Karna. It is also understandable that when their paths crossed again later in life, Karna initially felt resentment towards Draupadi for being cast out of the family. Karna even insulted Draupadi and called her a whore for sleeping with 5 men, causing her pain. Their paths crossed yet again in a different stage of life, after Draupadi was kidnapped and raped. Karna showed her so much care and concern that Draupadi fell in love with Karna despite what many moons ago had seemed a grave injustice. The union of Draupadi and Karna is significant in history in that it was planned by nature itself to help bring about a better future for society. Karna planted the seed many years ago for ending the caste system which is still in place today in India. It is also written that Draupadi’s path will always intertwine with that of Karna when nature starts to play the game of reality. The current era (CE) that we are now is known as the Kali Yuga. In the vedas compiled around 1500 BC, it is written that the reincarnations of Draupadi and Karna would again come together to play a great role in “helping the Lord to establish righteousness” in society during the Kali Yuga.A little known fact about Draupadi is that similar to Princess Persephone, when Draupadi falls in love, she loves so much that without even her knowing, she leaves behind a part of her heart with each of her former lovers which in turn reincarnates into the heart of a child.
draupadi and eve connection: their love for snakes
Bheel Mahabharata
Bheel Mahabharata
Bheel Mahabharata
In India, there is a fundamental belief that God can be anything you put energy into consciously. As such, there are so many different Gods and Goddesses in India that embody a specific subset of the myriad of attributes embodied by the one true source to help tailor God's attention to the problem at hand by the one who is requiring assistance.
An interesting fact has emerged in the 19th century about Draupadi and the devil, aka "the snake god who rules over the netherworld" from a secluded community in India known as the Bheels. The Bheels are part of Hinduism but have their own set of Gods as well. The foremost among them is Visaku, the snake god who rules the Patal or the netherworld.
The snake god is exalted among the Bheels and they have their own version of the Mahabharata known as the Bheel Mahabharata describing in detail the sexual encounter of the snake god with Draupadi.
Bible
Bheel Mahabharata
Bheel Mahabharata
So the Lord God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.
— The Bible Genesis 3:14-15
A variety of ancient Jewish and Christian sacred sources refer to a sexual liaison between Satan and Eve, a union that resulted in the birth of Cain. According to Wkipedia:
"It explains the biblical account of the fall of man by stating that the serpent mated with Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the offspring of their union was Cain. It claims that Eve had relations with Adam a second time, and Abel and his younger brother Seth were the two offspring who were produced by that union. Both of these events resulted in the creation of two races of people, the first event produced the wicked descendants of the Serpent who were destined for damnation, and the second event produced the righteous descendants of Adam who were destined to have eternal life. "
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Bheel mahabarata: sacred connections revealed
Draupadi's encouters with the Snake God remain well preserved in the Bheel Mahabarata
According to Satya Chaitanya:
"As per the Bheel Mahabharata, the Pandavas were away in a conference, sammelan when this episode started. It appears that Visaku was infatuated with the beauty of Draupadi and for long he pined for her. Despite her being married did not deter the snake god, who decided that come what may he would mate with her.
He confided this to his wives and told them that he would return soon. He chose a time when the Pandava's been away in the sammelan and rode his steed furiously to the palace of Draupadi.On seeing him Draupadi asked him why he had come. The snake god replied that he was infatuated with her and come what may; he would have sex with her.
Draupadi admonished the snake god saying that she feared for his life as surely Arjuna would kill him. The snake god, however, enveloped Draupadi in his arms and strongly kissed her.Arjuna the bravest warrior of the Pandava brothers now returned and confronted Visaku. A furious battle enveloped and Arjuna was defeated.
The Bheel Mahabharata mentions that Draupadi acquiesced and allowed Visaku to remove her sari and inner garments. He followed up with celestial sex as he repeatedly mated with Draupadi. He spent the entire night in rare transports of love, sex, and joy. The snake god left in the morning and Draupadi untied Arjuna. From the account in the Bheel Mahabharata, the amorous encounter took place right in front of Arjuna who could not do anything but witness the spectacle."Image Courtesy of Inner Traditions
Visaku tied up Arjuna and hung him in the bedroom. He now accosted Draupadi and after repeatedly kissing she asked her to prepare a sumptuous meal for him. While Visaku reclined on the bed, Draupadi prepared a 32-course meal for the snake god. After the snake god had partaken of the meal he approached Draupadi.
Satya Chaitanya is a direct disciple of Swami Chinmayanandaji and Swami Dayananda Saraswatiji and direct grand-disciple of Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, Prof Satya Chaitanya has been a lifelong student and teacher of the wisdom of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. He has spent several years in the Sandeepany gurukula in Mumbai and in ashrams in other parts of the country including the Himalayas studying timeless Eastern wisdom. Prof. Chaitanya is an educator and corporate trainer with over 30 years of experience and has offered programmes to IAS, IPS, IFS and IRS officers, scientists, corporate executives, businessmen, doctors, and more.