There is no doubt that the
character of Duryodhan in Mahabharat was the main antagonist just like that of
Ravan in Ramayan. But Duryodhan was not entirely without positives. In fact, he
had many. It may be expected that with his image as the villain and the power
he wielded, he would be a lustful philanderer. But surprisingly, it was just
the opposite. Duryodhana was a monogamous person and nothing is there in
Mahabharat to prove that he had any more wives or female alliance. Of course,
he was vengeful with Draupadi with a touch of lust but it was more of
disrespect rather than desire.
Bhanumati the wife of
Duryodhan was the princess of Kaliinga . She was raised by her father
Chitrangad to grow up into a beautiful woman adept in warfare. When the time to
give her off in marriage came, her father arranged for a Swayamvar (groom
selection function) for her inviting all kings of the land. When the news
reached Hastinapur Duryodhan, still unmarried was asked by his father to attend
the meet.
Duryodhan reached the venue
of Swayamvar with his dear friend Karna, whom he had already made the king of
Anga province. There were many powerful kings who had come to win the hands of
the beautiful Bhanumati. They included Kings Jarasandh of Magadh, Shishupal of
Chedi, Nil of Mahishmati, Rukmi of Vidarbha and many more. But once Duryodhan
saw Bhanumati , he was smitten by her beauty. Being a vain person, he was sure
of winning the contest and took it for granted that he would be the groom
selected by her.
Bhanumati with a garland in
her hand passed each king seated in slow steps. As was the protocolof
Swayamvar, the one she decided to choose as her groom would be indicated by
placing the garland on the neck. As everyone waited with bated breath, she
passed Duryodhan too without stopping. He could not believe it. Standing up, he
asked her to stop. As the surprised princess stopped, Duryodhan held her hand
and literally kidnapped her from the court to his chariot. He was going to
marry Bhanumati , by hook or by crook.
The entire force of Kalinga
and the other kings were aghast at this deed of Duryodhan. They pursued him and
attacked him furiously. But with Duryodhan was his friend Karna, the Maharathi.
Singlehandedly he thwarted all the pursuants and due to his bravery Duryodhan
reached Hastinapur with Bhanumati. He knew very well that nobody would dare to
attack his kingdom as long as Drona and Bhishma were present.
For Bhanumati and the other
elders in the family it was now a matter of fait accompli. They had to give in
and Duryodhan married Bhanumati. They had twins. The son was named Lakhsman,
who was killed in the Mahabharat war at the hands of Abhimanyu, son of Arjun.
The daughter was named Lakhsmana who was abducted by and married to Samba, son
of Shri Krishna. Duryodhan was a good husband. Bhanumati was also very friendly
with Karna (Here it may be mentioned that in some versions of Mahabharat it is
Karna who wins the test in the Swayamvar and seeks the hand of Bhanumati for
his friend and promises a bond of friendship with her).
There is a small anecdotal
story which brings out a very positive facet in the character of Duryodhan. It
is said that once Karna and Bhanumati were playing dice in her chamber in the
absence of Duryodhan. As Karna was having his back towards the door, he did not
notice Duryodhan entering the room. But Bhanumati noticed Duryodhan and stood
up to greet him . As she rose, Karna involuntarily grabbed her hand asking why
she was standing up . this made a garland of pearls that she was wearing got broken
and fell on the floor. As Karna turned to notice Duryodhan, he was aware about
the serious nature of his lapse and awaited retribution. But Duryodhan walked
in and simply asked his wife whether he should only pick the pearls or string
them in a garland. Such was his trust, both on his wife and friend.
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