"What did Draupadi's five husbands signify?"

Sri Sathya Sai - The Master Story Teller

August 30, 1991

Today Bhagavan had called the music group inside the interview room. Swami told them what is really expected of His students. He said:

Swami : Why do boys indulge in too much talk?  I want only good behaviour, good manners and good discipline. Too much of talk is bad. Why do you want to discuss what ‘x’ said and what ‘y’ said etc.? Who is a Pativrata?

Students : Swami, she who has only one husband.

Swami : No, Draupadi had five husbands. These five actually signify the five senses under control. Shabda, Sparsha, Rupa, Rasa and Gandha (sound, touch, sight, taste and smell). Bhima embodied Shabda, Sparsha by Sahadeva, Rupa by Nakula. Draupadi obeyed their commands implicitly without a trace of hesitation. 

A Pativrata has the following qualities: 

1. Obeying the husbands command without hesitation. 

2. Ever ready to serve the husband. 

3. Always satisfied with what the husband gives. If he gives Rs. 500 she must not ask for Rs. 1000.

When Yudhishtira told Draupadi that she must prepare food for Durvasa and his followers, she obeyed without a murmur without questioning him and merely uttered “Krishna”. This satisfied Durvasa and his group. One should be like that. Everything must be offered to God. He will take over the complete responsibility, like it is said, “Aham Vaishvanaro Bhutvah” (I am the digestive fire within man).

I speak so much to you. The boys must at least do their duty sincerely and follow what I say. Swami is giving them so much love. See the hospital building. For one section the entire room is being transported here. It will have oxygen chambers, blood transfer and everything costing crores of rupees. The whole room is coming here by plane. The transport by flight alone costs crores. But the management at Indian Airlines decided to get it here for Swami free of cost. Swami sent our organisation members like Justice Bhagawati, Sri Palkhiwala, and others to thank them and express our gratitude. But the Airlines people told them that they should thank us for giving them a chance to serve Swami. They are all devotes as well.

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (1991-2000)