Justice in the Hands of Torture - Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

question of dharma and propriety. I shall obey the verdict whichthey, the knowers of justice and righteousness, pronounce in thismatter".Pratikami went back to the assembly and spoke out the words ofPanchali to the hearing of all the elders. Hearing them, the eldersdid not speak anything in reply, aware of the obstinacy and wickeddesigns of Duryodhana.However, Yudhishthira saw in his own mind the intention ofDuryodhana and so he called a trusted messenger of his and senthim to Draupadi with these words:"Lowering your apparel below the navel, wearing but one piece ofcloth having your periods as you are, come, O! Draupadi, to theassembly and stand before your brother-in-law. Seeing you thusentering the presence of elders and kings, O! Princess, the entireassembly will at heart rebuke and curse the son of Dhritarashtra.”Duryodhana, who was bent upon taking revenge on Draupadipuffed up with the idea that she was now clearly a property oftheirs. Finding Pratikami unwilling and resistant to execute his order,he sent Duhshasana, his younger brother, to fetch the daughterof Drupada.Duhshasana, gloating and reveling over the occasion, ran to theapartment of Draupadi. Calling her with the words ‘’Come, Draupadi,come, you have been won by us in dice. Shedding all yourshame and pride, come to the assembly. Go and serve your newmaster Duryodhana. We have rightly won you and you are nowour slave. Go and serve Duryodhana. Eke your livelihood workingas his dasi (servant.) You are now ours. So walk along with me to7