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छोडो मेहँदी खडक संभालो
खुद ही अपना चीर बचा लो
द्यूत बिछाये बैठे शकुनि,
मस्तक सब बिक जायेंगे
सुनो द्रोपदी शस्त्र उठालो, अब गोविंद ना आयेंगे|
कब तक आस लगाओगी तुम,
बिक़े हुए अखबारों से,
कैसी रक्षा मांग रही हो
दुशासन दरबारों से|
स्वयं जो लज्जा हीन पड़े हैं
वे क्या लाज बचायेंगे
सुनो द्रोपदी शस्त्र उठालो अब गोविंद ना आयंगे|
कल तक केवल अँधा राजा,
अब गूंगा बहरा भी है
होठ सी दिए हैं जनता के,
कानों पर पहरा भी है|
तुम ही कहो ये अश्रु तुम्हारे,
किसको क्या समझायेंगे?
सुनो द्रोपदी शस्त्र उठालो, अब गोविंद ना आयंगे|
-पुष्यमित्र उपाध्याय
This sensational poem often gives a thousand chills. Such an empowering poem is seldom discovered by our youth due to the colonial spirits looming over their heads, but once they do, it mesmerizes one completely.
"Suno Draupadi shastra utha lo" is a Hindi phrase that translates to "Listen, Draupadi, wield your weapon." This phrase is associated with the character Draupadi from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. Draupadi is known for her strength and courage, and this phrase is often used to invoke her spirit and call upon her to take action or stand up against injustice.
In the Mahabharata, Draupadi is the wife of the five Pandava brothers and plays a significant role in the story. She is a symbol of strength, resilience, and determination. The phrase "Suno Draupadi shastra utha lo" is often used metaphorically to encourage someone to rise up and fight for their rights or defend themselves against any form of oppression or wrongdoing.
In it, Pushyamitra Upadhyaya says,
"Leave the henna, hold your sword firmly,
Save your own honor.
Shakuni sits, spreading his deceitful game,
All heads will be put up for sale.
Listen, Draupadi, raise your weapon, for Govinda won't come now.
How long will you rely on false hopes,
From the corrupt newspapers?
What kind of protection are you seeking,
From the court of Dushasana?
Those who themselves lack shame,
How will they save your honor?
Listen, Draupadi, raise your weapon, for Govinda won't come now.
Until yesterday, only the blind king (Dhritarashtra) ruled,
Now even the deaf are in power.
The people have given their voice,
But they have fallen on deaf ears.
Who will understand your tears,
And whom will they explain to?
Listen, Draupadi, raise your weapon, for Govinda won't come now.
These lines emphasize the importance of self-reliance and action. Draupadi is urged to let go of external dependencies and take control of her own destiny. The reference to leaving the henna symbolizes moving away from traditional feminine adornments and embracing a more assertive and active role.
The mention of Shakuni, who is known for his manipulative and deceptive tactics in the Mahabharata, signifies the presence of deceit and injustice. The line suggests that if Draupadi waits for divine intervention or relies on those who lack integrity and shame, her honor will be compromised.
The subsequent lines highlight the need for individuals to raise their voices and actively participate in bringing about change. They criticize the authorities who remain indifferent to the concerns of the people. The reference to the blind king and the deaf in power reflects the disconnect between the ruling class and the voice of the common people.
The poem concludes by reminding Draupadi that she must take matters into her own hands and defend her honor, as divine intervention or external assistance may not be forthcoming. The call to raise her weapon signifies her empowerment and readiness to fight for justice. The absence of Govinda, another name for Lord Krishna, indicates that relying solely on divine intervention is not an option in this context.
Personal Analysis
The moment I read this poem, it brought about a sense of oneself and the empowerment of being a woman. It is a beautiful thing, to be a woman and that’s what this poem resonates with. Of Course, it even resonates with everything that is wrong with the world but at the same time, it creates an announcement to not only the Pandav Queen but also to every woman who finds herself in a similar situation.
Indeed, only reading this poem is not enough. One needs to pour it down and gulp it in completely.
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Written by - Anushka Dabhade
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