Vastra Harana & Akshya Vasana.
Sri Krishna is a Prankster playing Drama in Vastra Harana (Robbing Clothes) and in Akshya Vasana (Providing Clothes) He is a Protector upholding Dharma. In both the occasions He chooses the Sari as the common “props.”
The Gopikas had placed their saris on a stone slab and entered River Yamuna to take bath. Krishna who was then a boy of around 10 years picked the saris and sat on the Kadamba Tree playing His flute. The diffident dames begged Him to return their saris. He insisted they come out and take them. How would they come out of the water they had nothing to cover their nakedness? The pleading and beseeching went in vain as the naughty boy would not yield.
Gopikas finally unwillingly stepped out of the river with their hands covering their nudity. “Why did you take our clothing?” asked one of them gathering courage. The lad replied, “By entering the river without any cloth you have offended Yamunadevi (River) and Varunadeva (God of Rain). As a part of atonement you have to ask forgiveness by raising both your hands and joining the palms above your heads. Only then you get back your saris.” Gopikas do so and get back their saris.
Yudhishtira who had staked Draupadi in the Game of Dice lost her. Duryodhana instructed his brother Dushasana to bring Draupadi to the sabha (court) and disrobe her. Draupadi was dragged to the court and Dushasana began disrobing her. She looked at her five husbands who hung their heads as they were in no position to help her. Realising that Sri Krishna was her only saviour she called out “Oh! Dwaraka Nivasi (Dweller of Dwaraka).” She held the sari tightly in her hands. The time was ticking out; Dushasana was applying more force to pull her sari. Draupadi was in a worst situation finally she cried out “Mama! Hrudaya Nivasi (Dweller of my Heart).” She lifted both her hands up and joining the palms above her head. An inexhaustible yarn of sari flowed down and covered the body of Draupadi.
In both the occasions Sri Krishna has a subtle message for us. Of course we would never be able to get it unless we understand these two instances from the spirit of Bhakti (Devotion). These incidences are symbolic expression of what is demanded of a devotee in order to attain the highest rung of Bhakti. It is here a devotee loses his identity in the intoxicated devotion towards Him.
By taking away the saris of Gopikas and making them stand naked, he slashed the artificial sheath which was binding them to Samsara (Mundane existence). Freed of these, the Jeevatma (Individual Consciousness) is liberated from all bonds arising out of ego, desires and emotions. Rising of both the hands above their heads Gopikas let the body consciousness go; this is the supreme act of surrender without which Bhakti is incomplete. If the Jeevatma (Individual Consciousness) can align with Paramatma (Absolute Consciousness) without worrying much about “what others would think” then it is the culmination of Bhakti.
Coming to the ordeal of Draupadi, initially she struggled to fight for her modesty all by herself. She could realise the saying “In a crunch situation, all are alone.” She tried to hold on to her sari which was pulled by Dushasana. Such situations make us feel that “we” need to do something failing to comprehend that the “Dhi Shakti” is us is ignited by Him. As long as we wrestle and struggle, He will just stand aside. If we observe only when Draupadi raised her both hands in the final act of surrender, He intervened.
To the one who takes refuge in Him, to the one who truly surrenders and dares to stand naked, there is redemption and salvation....... What say???
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