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The pratikamin went quickly to the ladies’ chambers. Standing before Draupadī, he said in a trembling voice, “O Queen, mad- …

Draupadī stood up swiftly and dismissed the maid who had been tending her hair. Surprised, she said, “O pratikamin, how …

“When he had already lost all his wealth, including his brothers and even himself, he staked you, O blessed princess.”

Draupadī became angry. “Go back to the hall, pratikamin, and ask that gambler who has lost even himself if he …

The servant assented to Draupadī’s request and returned to the hall. Seeing him return alone, Duryodhana yelled, “Where now is …

“She has sent me back with a question, O King,” the pratikamin replied. “Draupadī has asked whose lord Yudhiṣṭhira was …

Yudhiṣṭhira said nothing. He shook his head from side to side, seeming as if demented or deprived of his reason.

Duryodhana smiled slightly. “Let Draupadī come here and ask her question directly to Yudhiṣṭhira. We shall all hear his reply.”

The pratikamin again left the hall. Tears fell from his eyes as he approached Draupadī’s room for the second time. …

Draupadī looked with compassion upon the distressed servant. “He who is the great ordainer of the world has ordained this …

The servant folded his palms and bowed his head. He turned and left the queen’s chamber and went again to …

The Pāṇḍavas looked up at the Kuru elders who, even after hearing Yudhiṣṭhira’s words, all remained silent. The brothers could …

Duryodhana laughed, enjoying every moment of his victory. He again addressed the pratikamin. “Go, O suta, and fetch the princess. …

The servant looked perplexed. He was always obedient to Duryodhana but he feared Draupadī’s anger. He spoke hesitantly, “What shall …

Duryodhana snorted angrily. He turned to Dushashana. “O brother, this foolish servant is afraid of Bhīma. Go and bring Draupadī …

Dushashana immediately rose and went straight to Draupadī like a dog entering a lion’s den. He said, “Come, O princess, …

Draupadī stood up, weeping loudly. She covered her pale face with her hands and ran toward Gāndhārī’s chambers. Dushashana roared …

Dushashana laughed. “It does not matter, O Pāñcālī, whether you are attired in one cloth or naked. We have won …

The Kaurava then dragged the wailing Draupadī into the assembly hall. She prayed piteously to Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna. Dushashana threw …

Then Draupadī rose up like a flame and addressed the assembly in an angry voice. “All the persons in this …