Patna: The second day of the Jagannath Katha at ISKCON Patna was filled with emotion and devotion, as Shri Radhavallabh Prabhu Ji from ISKCON Vrindavan narrated a powerful episode from the Mahabharata. The story focused on the tragic killing of Draupadi’s five sons by Ashwatthama after the war had ended. All five sons were innocent children, and their death brought great sorrow to Draupadi.
According to the Katha, Arjuna caught Ashwatthama and brought him tied up before Draupadi. But instead of seeking revenge, Draupadi showed unexpected compassion. Even though she was grieving the loss of her children, she asked for Ashwatthama to be freed because he was the son of their respected teacher, Dronacharya. Her words, “Mucyatam mucyatam mucyatamesha”, reflected her deep understanding of forgiveness.
However, Ashwatthama later attacked again by releasing a powerful weapon aimed at Uttara’s unborn child. Uttara ran to Lord Krishna and begged him to save her baby. Krishna protected the child, Parikshit, in the womb, making it one of the most divine and miraculous moments in the epic. Devotees were reminded that in times of trouble, one should turn to God for help, just like Draupadi and Uttara did.
The Katha also spoke about Kunti, who believed that Krishna always appeared during times of suffering. She even prayed for more difficulties so she could always be close to him. The event is taking place daily from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Vedic Sanskriti Centre of ISKCON Patna and will continue until 26 June, offering stories, teachings, and bhajans that touch the hearts of all who attend.
