The mighty Kumaraswamy, armed with divine strength, struck down the dreadful demon Mahisha and delivered the celestial worlds from terror. Indra, overwhelmed with awe, spoke thus: “O son of the Supreme Lord, this demon, intoxicated by the boon granted by Brahma, defied our authority and tormented sages and celestials alike with his reckless valour. Yet his arrogance has perished in the blaze of your heroic merit. Around a hundred of his fierce followers, equal to him in might, have fallen before your unfaltering arm.
Truly, such a feat defies imagination, achieved only by your chivalry and dauntless courage. O Kumara, ocean of noble virtues, your glory shines through all the three worlds. The celestials stand as your servants—protect us in your boundless kindness.” Then Shiva, in paternal delight, embraced his son, imparting divine power through his sacred touch.
Addressing Indra, he said, “Revere Kumara with the same devotion you bear toward me,” and withdrew to Bhadravata. The gods then departed to their celestial abodes. Thus, the six-faced commander of heaven’s hosts destroyed the proud race of demons, whose arrogance was born of boons, and on the sixth day after his birth, he redeemed the world from tyranny. Sage Markandeya, narrating this to the Pandavas, declared, “Whoever hears or recites this sacred tale with devotion shall be freed from all oppression and obstacles.” The Pandavas, gladdened by this teaching, worshipped the sage.
At that time, Sri Krishna and his consort Satyabhama were listening to the profound narration. Seated nearby were Satyabhama and Draupadi, engaged in gentle talk and laughter. Draupadi, born in humility and grace, contrasted Satyabhama, who glowed with pride and passion. In a moment of frank curiosity, Satyabhama, delving into the mysteries of love and human nature, asked, “O Draupadi, do your five husbands show you equal affection? I have observed them striving to outdo one another in pleasing you, never faltering in their devotion. Their courage and virtue are radiant, akin to the guardians of the universe.
In your presence, they stand with humility and reverence, their every motion touched by tenderness. Tell me, how have you attained this grace? Is it born of penance, beauty, or divine favour? Reveal to me the secret, that I too may draw Krishna’s heart more deeply toward me.” Draupadi, slightly vexed by the frivolous tone, composed herself and replied, “O lotus-eyed queen, your beauty and dominance as Krishna’s beloved are beyond compare, yet such questions do not befit one of noble spirit. Though your form is fair, your words betray ignorance of true greatness.
No husband is won through artifice, ornament, or cunning. Such means poison affection and breed mistrust; they turn a husband’s heart cold, as though he clasped a serpent. A woman who deceives her lord by false charm brings ruin upon herself in this life and beyond. True harmony rests upon understanding—let me tell you how I earned my husbands’ love. I never felt envy at the love they bore other women. I served them humbly, worshipping them in thought, word, and deed.
I sought not to charm them with strange devices but through devotion and duty. To me, all other men, even the gods, are but dust beside them. I bathe them, feed them, and prepare their rest before attending to myself. I never waste grain, water, or wealth; I keep our home pure and fragrant. Guests and kin, I serve with my own hands, neglecting no detail of their comfort. I shun idle gossip, loud laughter, and vanity. When my husbands depart, I wear no adornment, but remain simple and clean, longing for their return. My mother-in-law, the noble Kunti, I revere as a divine being, serving her with obedience and affection. Scholars and elders who visit I honour me personally with humility and care. Kindness and endurance are my ornaments; piety and discipline are my guides.
The sons of Pandu are gentle yet mighty—when angered, their wrath is as the serpent’s hiss. Hence, I serve them with both love and reverence. My lord Yudhishthira dines with eight thousand Brahmins and feeds ten thousand ascetics daily. I personally serve them and oversee every act of charity. I manage the household, the servants, the elephants, the horses, and the treasury, ensuring every task flows in order. My vigilance extends even to the last worker’s wage.
Thus, the Pandavas entrust all domestic burdens to me and go about their duties without concern. O Satyabhama, I sleep little and seldom eat a full meal, yet I am content, for my heart knows no path nobler than serving the righteous Pandavas.” Hearing this, Satyabhama blushed at her own ignorance and said, “Forgive my thoughtless words. I spoke in jest—take them lightly.” Draupadi smiled and answered, “Let it rest as a moment of mirth, O playful one. Yet hear this: sweetness of speech and purity of heart draw a husband’s affection more surely than artifice.
To a wife, there is no god higher than her husband. By his grace, she gains wealth, fame, children, and joy. Prosperity flows only through devotion to him. To earn happiness, labour is needed; to earn merit, toil without deceit. Serve your husband with sincerity, respect, and simplicity, and you shall win his undying love.
When Krishna returns, receive him with warmth; guard his secrets even from co-wives, lest your honour be shadowed by their schemes. Attend personally to his kin with gifts and hospitality. Silence those who speak ill of him. Keep company with women of virtue, not with those of fickle mind or loose tongue. Avoid solitude with any man, however close in kinship. In these ways, a wife preserves both dignity and affection.”
Satyabhama, moved by Draupadi’s wisdom, said, “O noble lady, your words shine with righteousness. Your husbands, radiant as gods, shall surely regain their kingdom. The vile Duryodhana, who wronged you, shall meet the harvest of his deeds, and his queen shall taste the fruit of his folly. Your heart shall soon rejoice, for you are not merely a wife to heroes but a mother to warriors. Your sons, dwelling in Dwaraka, are cherished by Rukmini and Subhadra, who tend them as their own. Be free from care.”
Thereafter, Sri Krishna, having sought leave of Markandeya and the Pandavas, departed with Satyabhama for Dwaraka. Satyabhama embraced Draupadi and took her leave. The sage blessed the Pandavas and returned to his hermitage. Thus, the tale was told by Vaisampayana to Janamejaya amidst the sacred fire of the great serpent sacrifice.
