Sabha Parva (The Book of the Assembly Hall)

Summary

The Sabha Parva is the second book of the Mahabharata. It depicts the height of the Pandavas' power and their subsequent fall. It begins with the construction of the magnificent Maya Sabha (Assembly Hall) by Maya Danava for the Pandavas at Indraprastha. Yudhishthira performs the Rajasuya Yagna to establish himself as the emperor, which incites the jealousy of his cousin Duryodhana.

Duryodhana, aided by his uncle Shakuni, invites Yudhishthira to a game of dice (Dyuta). Bound by the code of honor, Yudhishthira accepts. In the rigged game, he loses his kingdom, his brothers, himself, and finally his wife, Draupadi. The parva describes the horrific humiliation of Draupadi in the open court, where she is dragged by her hair and an attempt is made to disrobe her, foiled only by divine intervention. The book concludes with a second game of dice, resulting in the Pandavas' exile for thirteen years.

Key Events

• Construction of the Maya Sabha in Indraprastha.
• The Rajasuya Yagna and the slaying of Shishupala by Krishna.
• Duryodhana's jealousy and the conspiracy with Shakuni.
• The game of dice (Dyuta) and Yudhishthira's losses.
• Dushasana dragging Draupadi into the assembly hall.
• The Vastraharan (disrobing) attempt and Krishna's miracle.
• Draupadi's questioning of the elders regarding Dharma.
• Dhritarashtra returning the kingdom, followed by the second game.
• The Pandavas and Draupadi leaving for exile.