Introduction

Subhadra Deity, the sister of Lord Krishna, is often seen as a goddess of supreme power during the Rath Yatra festival. However, her significance extends far beyond the celebrations. While she is only underrated in certain parts of India, her role and existence are much more profound and multifaceted. This article explores Subhadra's true nature, her importance in the Mahabharata, and why she truly deserves more recognition.

Legacies and Myths

It is a common belief that people only know what they are told. Consider a scenario where a Muslim friend is told that Lord Krishna used weapons and killed many demons in the Mahabharata. They would believe it without question. Similarly, on the Rath Yatra, people are often instructed that Subhadra is a goddess, but many are unaware of her true identity and the legends surrounding her.

Foreigners may know the concept of multiple gods and goddesses in Hinduism, but they lack the detailed knowledge about which specific deities performed which tasks. Many Westerners believe that Subhadra was a goddess who killed demons such as the buffalo Minotaur, and this misconception is widespread. This article aims to dispel this myth and reveal the true identity of Subhadra. In essence, she is Devi Mulchandika, an incarnation of a powerful goddess who played a crucial role in the Mahabharata.

On a visit to Puri, one can learn more about the legacies of Devi Subhadra. The assumption that Subhadra is simply a goddess who kills demons is a misconception. In reality, she was an incarnation of Devi Mulchandika, a hyperfine goddess known for her wisdom and strength.

It is a common misconception that people in India are aware of who Subhadra is, but the reality is that only a small fraction of the population is aware of her true identity and legacy. In Puri, people call Subhadra as Yogmaya avtar, but this is not entirely accurate. She is, in fact, Mulchandika Devi.

A friend of mine, Ujjwal Sharma, informed me that people in Russia often believe that Subhadra is a female goddess on the wagon alongside the blue-colored Krishna and the giant human serpent Balaram. This belief stems from the story that they know of, where Krishna is considered the incarnation of Vishnu, and Subhadra is perceived as his sister, Durga Mata. Thus, many Russians mistakenly consider Subhadra as Durga, the Goddess of supremacy. It is only during the Rath Yatra wagon march that Subhadra is highly regarded, but she remains underrated in India.

Subhadra in the Mahabharata

Subhadra is not merely underrated in the legends; she is a pivotal character in the vast epic of the Mahabharata. Vyas clearly states in the Adi Parva that Kunti, the Pandavas, Draupadi, and Subhadra lived happily. Subhadra's role in the epic is not limited to the Rath Yatra; she has a significant presence in several other parts of the story.

Lord Krishna's love for Subhadra is well-documented, and there are numerous instances of their bond. However, Subhadra's significance goes beyond romance and love. She played a vital role in her husband, Arjuna's, life. She lived for 13 years in Dwarka during Arjuna's exile and cared for the Upapandavas and her son, Abhimanyu. At the time of the Kurukshetra war, Subhadra resided at Upaplavya and discharged her duties diligently. She was also a dutiful companion to Draupadi, allowing her to be by her side during difficult times, which indicates a deep bond between them.

Subhadra's legacy does not end with her role in Arjuna's life. After the Kurukshetra war, women like Vallandhara, Karenumati, Vijaya, Chitrangada, and Ulupi maintained peace and harmony in the household. Subhadra also mentored Parikshit and Vajra in her later years, further emphasizing her importance as a strong woman.

Conclusion

While Subhadra may be undervalued by some, her true significance in the Mahabharata and as a deity far surpasses the shallow understanding many have of her. It is high time we recognize and appreciate her true legacy. From her role in the epic to her mentorship and her presence at crucial moments, Subhadra was a multifaceted and formidable character.