Vikarna's Argument and Karna's Refutation

Bhima could no longer contain his anger. He said to Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, "Not even the best gamblers stake their own wives. Draupadi is forced to endure this humiliation and abuse because she has the misfortune of being our wife. I will break the hands that roll the dice."

But Arjuna stopped Bhima. "Now is not the time for anger, brother. Please control yourself and be calm."

Vikarna was a Kaurava who bore no ill will towards the Pandavas. "Let Draupadi's question be answered," he said, addressing the elders. "Yudhishthira had already lost himself, so he had no right to stake Draupadi. Moreover, Yudhishthira does not have exclusive rights over Draupadi; all five Pandavas have equal rights over her. Under these circumstances, the claim that Draupadi has been won is both improper and unlawful."

Vikarna thus presented his argument, but everyone remained silent.

Then Karna refuted Vikarna's argument by saying that Draupadi had already broken all the laws and traditions by marrying five men, so there was no need to treat her with respect. He then ordered Dushasana, "Strip the Pandavas and Draupadi of their royal garments and jewellery."

The Pandavas quietly removed the royal garments they were wearing. Dushasana caught hold of Draupadi's sari pallu (the loose end of a sari, usually draped over the shoulder) and started pulling it.

Draupadi cried out in desperation, "O Krishna, where are you? Please save me! Can't you see my humiliation?"