Mahabharata Stories: How Draupadi Unleashed Her Fury When Arjuna Brought Subhadra Home

Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 15:09 IST

Draupadi felt betrayed when Arjuna married Subhadra as it broke her sole-wife condition. Over time, she forgave them, forming close bonds and retaining her position as chief queen

In the vast tapestry of the Mahabharata, few relationships are as complex and emotionally charged as the one between Draupadi and Arjuna. Draupadi, married to all five Pandava brothers by a twist of fate and duty, had laid down one clear boundary: no other woman was to share the household she called home.

While the Pandavas eventually took other wives, they respected Draupadi’s condition by housing them separately. Among her five husbands, she especially trusted Arjuna to honour this promise. But that trust was shattered when Arjuna, with Krishna’s support, married Subhadra, Krishna’s sister, and brought her home, leaving Draupadi stunned, hurt, and betrayed.

When Arjuna Married Subhadra…

Arjuna’s union with Subhadra, though encouraged by Krishna, enraged Draupadi. Despite Krishna regarding Draupadi as a sister, the situation was emotionally fraught. Draupadi had initially chosen Arjuna during her swayamvar, yet due to a declaration by Kunti, the Pandavas’ mother, she was compelled to wed all five brothers.

While Draupadi eventually came to terms with her unique marriage, she had hoped to remain Arjuna’s sole queen. His subsequent marriages shattered that expectation.

Arjuna’s Other Marriages During Exile

During his period of exile, Arjuna married three women. He first wed Ulupi, a Naga princess who fell in love with him. Later, he married Chitrangada, daughter of King Chitravahana, and stayed with her for three years. His final marriage was to Subhadra, orchestrated with Krishna’s guidance. Draupadi, unaware at the time, felt immense hurt upon learning of these unions, particularly Subhadra’s, as Arjuna intended to bring her home.

When Arjuna returned with Subhadra, Draupadi’s grief and fury were profound. She had made her stipulations clear of having no other wife to share her household. Arjuna’s decision to flout this pained her deeply, especially as she had believed their bond was unique. The breach left her feeling vulnerable and threatened within the family, and she initially refused to even see Arjuna.

Resolution And Acceptance

Both Arjuna and Subhadra pleaded with Draupadi to forgive them. Subhadra displayed humility, referring to herself as Draupadi’s maid. This act of deference helped soothe Draupadi’s wounded pride. Over time, she accepted Subhadra into the household, and a genuine bond eventually formed between them. Draupadi later treated Subhadra’s son, Abhimanyu, as her own.

Draupadi’s Role As Chief Queen

Draupadi retained her position as the principal queen and remained respected by all the Pandava wives. She built cordial relations with Ulupi and Chitrangada as well.

Following the great war of Mahabharata, Draupadi took on responsibilities alongside the other royal women, including caring for the blind King Dhritarashtra and Queen Gandhari. In her final years, she journeyed with the Pandavas towards their spiritual departure, while Subhadra stayed behind, assuming the role of Rajmata.

First Published: