Mahabharata
Introduction
The Noble Prince
Amba
The Birth of Karna
The Pandava Princes
The Great Archer
The Charioteer's Son
The Shellac Palace
The Slaying of Bakasura
Draupadi's Swayamvara
The Rajasuya Sacrifice
The Game of Dice
In Exile
The Year in Hiding
The Defence of Matsya
The Exile Ends
Envoys and Missions
Karna
Preparing for the War
Kurukshetra and After
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Draupadi's Swayamvara

All through the days of their absence, the Pandavas kept in touch with Hastinapura. That was how, soon after the slaying of Bakasura, news reached them that king Drupada of Panchala-whom Arjuna had once captured in battle was inviting the princes of the land to the Swayamvara of his daughter.

When the Pandavas heard the news they knew that the time had come to reveal themselves. They decided to go to Kampilya, Drupada's capital and take part in the contest. So they said goodbye to the potter and his family and set out on their journey as poor brahmins.

On the day of the Swayamvara the Pandava brothers went to the beautiful hall where the contest was to be held, and sat down with the brahmins.

At the auspicious hour, Draupadi's twin brother, Dhrishta-dyumna, led in the royal elephant carrying the princess. Those assembled were struck by her beauty. The contestants had to shoot an arrow at a fish revolving above a bowl of oil, without looking up at it.

Dhrishtadyumna led the elephant round the enclosure where the royal guests sat and called out each man's name, the name of his family, his clan and the kingdom over which he ruled.

Many noted princes tried to string the bow but failed. When Karna, the king of Anga walked up and took the bow, five humble brahmins held their breath and looked at each other with anxious eyes. Karna drew the mighty bow; but as his arrow was about to fly, the voice of Princess Draupadi rang out.

"Wait!" she commanded sharply. "I will not wed a charioteer's son. I am a royal princess." Karna flinched and put the bow down. The arrow slipped from his fingers. He retired to his seat, humiliated. Once again Karna felt cheated out of his chance. Now a Brahmin youth stepped into the arena.

He called himself a Brahmin but in his humble attire he held himself as proud as any kshatriya and walked like a prince. He came forward, seeking permission to enter the contest, and Drupada after a moment's hesitation, assented.

Many kshatriya princes squirmed in their seats for they did not like to be challenged by a Brahmin. Some grew sullen but Arjuna noticed nothing. He drew the string of the great bow and looking into the bowl of oil, took careful aim. The arrow flew like lightning and struck the fish in the centre of the eye.

By now, loud angry voices filled the air. The princes rose in anger saying, "Drupada, you have played foul! We have been humiliated!" They rushed towards Arjuna, but Bhima uprooted one of the pillars and swinging it, he put them all to flight.

At the end of the festivities, Arjuna and Bhima left the assembly quietly with princess Draupadi, declining the escort that Drupada offered them. But Drupada was anxious to know about the family his daughter had married into. So he asked his son to follow them secretly.

When they reached home they called from outside, "Mother, see what alms we have got today!" From inside the house, Kunti called back, "My sons, share whatever you have equally among the five of you."

At this, they gasped, "Oh Mother, what have you asked us to do?

Kunti came out and on seeing Druapadi, was shocked at what she had said. Just then sage Vyasa appeared before them and said, "In her last birth Druapadi had prayed to Lord Shiva and asked five times for a good husband. He granted her a boon that in her next life. She would have five good husbands. So there is no sin in Draupadi.

When Drupada came to know that they were none other than the Pandavas, he was overjoyed and welcomed them all to the palace. The Pandavas found themselves surrounded by powerful and wise allies. The news of their marriage soon reached Hastinapura. Duryodhana was livid with rage when he heard it.