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Draupadi Laughs When Duryodhana Slips Into a Pond in The Mayan's Sabha at Indraprastha : Episode 80

Shishupala continues to rail abuses at Krishna who listens to it calmly. He asks other kings to walk out in protest, but no one follows him. Duryodhana wants to join, but Shakuni dissuades him and tells him to watch the enfolding drama.

When Shishupala utters his 101st condemnation, Krishna closes his eyes and his Sudarshana Chakra appears on his finger. Shishupala runs hither and thither, but the Chakra severs his head and returns to Krishna.

Yudhishtra wants to know if killing of Shishupala vitiated the ritual cleanliness of the Yagna. Krishna assures him that Shishupala was his 'dwarapalaka', and it was his wish to oppose Krishna and die at his hands three times. He had previously taken birth as Hiranyakashipu and as Ravana, and in the present birth as Shishupala. He has now taken refuge in Krishna as his dwarpalaka, and all sins pertaining to this would touch only Krishna, and Yudhishtra could contine with the ceremonies.

Kunti is sleeping in her chamber after the completion of Rajausuya Yagna. The apparition of Pandu appears before her and expresses gratitude to Kunti for fulfilling his dream. He blesses Kunti and all the Pandavas.

Gandhari and Dritarashtra are chatting with Duryodhana, Dushasana and Shakuni. Duryodhana is angry over the 'unjust' death of Shishupala, but his parents explain that Shishupala has brought in himself by insulting Krishna. Shakuni feels that Shishupala's death carries an indirect warning that anybody who opposes Yudhishtra would be dealt severely by Krishna. At this time, Arjuna and Sahadeva come there to invite them to Mayan's sabha. This palace was built by the demon architect Maya at the request of Krishna when Maya's life was spared during the destruction of Khandava forest. This palace surpassed the grandeur of Indra's palace, and the Pandavas want Dritarashtra and others to see it. Dritarashtra and Gandhari decline the invitation, citing their blind condition, and ask Duryodhana, Dushasana and Shakuni to go there instead.

The three marvel at the architectural wonders of the palace. Musical instruments play by themselves, and doors open automatically as they approach. Shakuni tries to hold a pillar, but it disappears, making him totter and fall. Seeing the many illusory things, Shakuni leaves and so does Dushasana. Duryodhana proceeds further. Walls give way into gardens, and floors glitter like pools of water. Duryodhana sees a shining surface, but thinking it to be hard, he slips into a pool of water. Draupadi, who is watching him along with her maids, laughs aloud. Duryodhana is abashed by this and feels humiliated. He rushes out into the chamber where Dritarashtra and Gandhari are enquiring Shakuni about what they saw at the Mayan's sabha. Duryodhana angrily narrates what happened at the Mayan's palace and how Draupadi had laughed haughtily at his embarrassment of falling into a pool. He demands that all of them should leave the palalce at once in protest. Dritarashtra tries to calm him saying Draupadi would ask his forgiveness, but Duryodhana is least interested in her apology. For him, the only apt retribution would be to humiliate Draupadi, and Dushasana promises he would do that one day.

Dritarashtra and others leave the palace in a huff. Yudhishtra, Kunti, Arjuna and others come running behind, imploring them to stay back. Yudhishtra apologizes for Draupadi's behavior, but Duryodhana refuses to accept it. Shakuni accuses them of deliberately planning to humiliate them and all of them leave in a huff. Kunti chides Draupadi for stoking the fire of enmity that was only smoldering till then. Draupadi offers to apologize, but Yudhishtra feels it is better to let lie the matter, as Draupadi's apologies may only worsen the situation.

Sahadeva refers to astrology and tells them the event had occurred at a very inauspicious time and does not portend well for the future. He also says he saw many bad omens. He warns that they should henceforth be cautious.

Shakuni is brooding seriously. When Duryodhana asks him for the reason, he chides him for worrying about inconsequential things as Draupadi's scornful laughter. What should instead worry them is the incomparable opulence they saw at Indraprastha and the command and authority that Yudhishtra wields. These have to be checked. And he needs time to think over the strategies to combat these.

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