Drupadi by Pratibha Ray

 

Hello!

I’m here again with a book review this time from my favourite genre: mythology. And it’s about one of my most favourite characters from the Mahabharata Draupadi.

I have already read Draupadi by Kajal Oza Vaidya, The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, and Krushnayan by Kajal Oza Vaidya. These books had a deep impact on my imagination and consciousness. So naturally, when I picked up Yajnaseni The Story of Draupadi by Pratibha Ray, translated from Odia by Varsha Pathak, I wondered: What new could this book offer me? After all, I already knew the story.

But as Aristotle said, it’s not the story that makes a work great, but how it is structured and that’s exactly what works here. At first, I found the initial 80 pages quite similar to the other books I’ve read. I almost thought of putting it aside. But then came the twist.

Unlike the others, Yajnaseni goes deeper into Draupadi’s (Krushna) inner world especially her psychological and emotional sides. Her bodily desires, her unconscious longings, her love, attraction, anger, guilt, and strength everything is boldly explored. This Draupadi is not just a queen or wife but a thinking, feeling woman.

She openly says she loved Arjuna the most, still felt attracted to Karna, and had a platonic, spiritual bond with Krishna. Apart from these three, she was also a wife to the other four Pandavas but the emotional connection was very different with each.

The book also breaks the glorified image of Yudhishthir, the so-called Dharma Raja. Krishna openly criticizes him for being cold, indifferent, and passive. He never cared for Draupadi’s pain or emotions. On the other hand, Bhima is shown as hungry for food, power, and love but always present when Draupadi needed him. Arjuna, whom she loved deeply, is portrayed as distant and punishing, often ignoring her feelings. Nakul comes across as self-centred, and Sahadeva is the silent observer, speaking only when necessary.

Despite their flaws, Draupadi still manages to hold all five together, carrying the burden of their decisions and mistakes.

Another important point this book highlights is how male desires are considered above female desires. The men make decisions for themselves, often ignoring the impact those choices have on Draupadi. Yet she remains resilient and graceful.

Even though much of the book follows traditional storytelling, the bold inner voice of Draupadi brings a fresh, modern dimension. Her self-awareness, her emotional honesty, and her ability to question everything even the gods make this version memorable.

I loved the book and am still thinking about it. If you love mythology and especially stories that give voice to female characters, Yajnaseni is a must-read.

Thank you for staying with me till the end.

See you in my next review.

Till then, bye!