Yudhisthira gambled Draupadi in the epic Mahabharata due to a combination of dharma （duty）, obsession with the game of dice, and political manipulation by his cousins, the Kauravas.
As the eldest Pandava, Yudhisthira felt obligated to accept the challenge from Duryodhana, seeing it as a matter of kshatriya （warrior） honor. His fatal flaw was an addiction to gambling, which clouded his judgment.
The primary reason was Shakuni\“s cunning plot. Duryodhana, envious of the Pandavas\“ wealth, conspired with his uncle Shakuni to win their kingdom through a rigged dice game. Yudhisthira, bound by his word, lost his wealth, his brothers, himself, and finally, Draupadi.
This act was not just a personal failure but a pivotal moment that led to the great Kurukshetra war, highlighting the devastating consequences of addiction and treachery. |
