Birth of Yajnaseni

After the death of Bakasura, peace returned to the city of Ekachakra once again. Guests began to come and go freely. Holy men could walk about and beg without fear. Little by little, Ekachakra regained the old rhythm of life.

At that time, one day, another Brahmin guest came to the house where the Pandavas were staying. The master of the house welcomed him with respect and proper offerings. Kunti and the Pandavas also served that Brahmin with care.

This Brahmin was no ordinary guest. He was a wandering traveler who roamed from place to place. He knew many secret things about kings, ascetics, yakshas, and rakshasas. Yudhishthira was very pleased to meet such a man. Secretly he said to his brothers, "This Brahmin is like a blessing from God to us. From him we can learn the news of all the kingdoms and cities of the present time. We will know what is happening where, what each king is thinking, and what kind of nature and character each person has. Then we can decide our next step. If he is pleased with our service, this Brahmin may show us the direction we need. So while serving him, do not forget to ask him questions politely."

His brothers replied, "As you command, elder brother, we will obey your order."

Keeping Yudhishthira's advice in mind, the Pandavas served and honored that Brahmin with great care. The Brahmin became very pleased. Then he began to speak to them about Panchala.

From his mouth the Pandavas heard that the swayamvara of the Panchala princess, the wondrously born Draupadi, would soon be held. Not only Kshatriyas, but Brahmins from all over Aryavarta, and even ascetics, were eager to go to the kingdom of Panchala to see that great assembly.

The king of Panchala was King Drupada. The other half of Panchala was under Ashwatthama and Guru Drona. Arjuna and his brothers understood that the Brahmin was surely speaking of that same King Drupada. But the Pandavas did not know that such a wonderful event had taken place in Drupada's kingdom. It had been a long time since Bhima and Arjuna had captured King Drupada and brought him bound before Dronacharya as guru dakshina. Yet they had never heard that in the palace of the king of Panchala there was such a wondrous daughter, one not born in the usual way.

Arjuna asked in surprise, "Most revered Brahmin, what amazing thing have you told us? The daughter of the king of Panchala was born in a wondrous way, not through father and mother? I am very eager to know the secret of this girl's birth. Is she some goddess or apsara, or of some heavenly kind? Who is she?"

The Brahmin said, "This girl is called Panchali because she is the princess of Panchala. Because she is the daughter of King Drupada, she is also famous as Draupadi. Because her skin is dark like a rain cloud, she has another name, Krishnaa. She was born from fire. This girl is full of great splendor. There is no other girl like her in the whole world."

Arjuna said, "Please tell us, revered Brahmin, how King Drupada's daughter was born from fire."

The Brahmin nodded. "It is a story of revenge. You are young in age, and besides, you are begging Brahmins, so perhaps you do not know much about Kshatriya wars. But wandering through the land is my passion, and I know almost everything about kings and kingdoms. Listen, young man. Once King Drupada was captured by the mighty princes of Hastinapura, Bhima and Arjuna. They brought him bound before their guru Drona as guru dakshina. Drupada could not keep his promise. He had failed to keep the word he had given to Drona, and so Drona was greatly displeased with him. Then Drona took away half of his kingdom from the captive Drupada. Defeated Drupada could do nothing. But this insult from Drona pierced his heart like an arrow. Drupada had no son. To punish Dronacharya, to kill him, he needed a fierce and powerful son. For that wish, King Drupada began to go from one Brahmin's door to another like a madman."

Arjuna asked, "Why was he going to the doors of Brahmins?"

The Brahmin replied, "Drupada went to the Brahmins with the hope that by the power of austerity a son might be created."

Arjuna said, "Forgive me, revered Brahmin, but why was spiritual power needed to create a son?"

The Brahmin smiled slightly. "It seems you are still quite a child. Do you think killing Dronacharya is a task for just anyone? No ordinary warrior could ever kill Dronacharya. That is why a specially powerful son was needed. No one except a Brahmin who performs sacrifice had the power to give such a son. So King Drupada visited the hermitages of all the sages along the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna, searching for such an extraordinary Brahmin, one rich in spiritual power."

The Brahmin continued, "While wandering in this way, Drupada came to the hermitage of a celibate sage on the bank of the Ganga. He was amazed at that hermitage. Everyone there had completed their learning, crossed the stage of student life, and gained success in their vows. As he looked carefully at the vow-keeping men of that ashram, Drupada saw two accomplished sages named Yaja and Upayaja. They were brothers. Seeing them, Drupada's joy increased a hundred times."

In his heart Drupada thought, Now at last my wish will be fulfilled. In these calm and deep sages, the power of austerity shines brightly. I have seen so many hermitages and so many sages, but I have never seen anyone like them. They alone can fulfill my desire. I will go and bow at the feet of these two sages and tell them the wish in my heart. I will first approach the younger one. Surely he will have greater bodily strength.

So Drupada went and said, "Salutations, great sage. Please allow King Drupada of Panchala to become your servant, lord. I wish to serve you."

Drupada served Upayaja and pleased him. Then he told the sage his true wish. But the great sage Upayaja did not agree to Drupada's words at all. Still Drupada remained firm. With service and humility he spent another whole year.

At last, one day, the great sage Upayaja said to him, "King, you are hoping from me in vain. Your purpose cannot be fulfilled by me. But I can show you one way. My elder brother Yaja does not care for pure and impure things. He even picks up fruits fallen on the ground and eats them. When he stayed in his teacher's house, I saw him eat the leftovers of others. I have no desire for wealth or honor, but I think my elder brother has some attraction to riches. He can perform the sacrifice for your son. Go now and seek the help of the great sage Yaja."

At the words of Upayaja, King Drupada immediately went to Yaja. He prayed for a putreshti sacrifice to gain a son who would kill Dronacharya. He also promised to give him countless cows. Yaja agreed to Drupada's request. But for this sacrifice he appointed his younger brother Upayaja as his assistant. Unable to refuse his elder brother's command, Upayaja came to the sacrificial ground, though unwilling.

Meanwhile, as the sages had instructed, Drupada gathered all the materials for the sacrifice. At the proper time, that sacrifice for a son began.

The sacred chants rose around the fire.

"Omring Kling dehime tanayam, Om Shring Hring Kling jagatpate dehime tanayam. Great King, call your queen. Now children will appear from the sacrificial place."

Drupada called out, "Great Queen, come quickly to the sacrificial ground."

The queen answered, "Forgive me, revered sage, I have not yet washed my face, nor have I bathed. In this impure state I cannot come to the sacrificial ground. Kindly wait until I have bathed."

But Yaja said, "I am offering oblations into the sacrificial fire. Together with my brother Upayaja I am chanting the mantras. From this fire a son and a daughter will appear right now. Whether you come or not, the sacred moment will not wait for you, Great Queen. Om Shring Kling Gling jagatpati dehi me tanayam, Om Shring Hring Kling Gleng jagatpati dehime tanaya."

Then from the sacrificial fire arose a young man, wearing a royal crown and bearing sword and bow.

Yaja declared, "This young man who has arisen from the sacrificial fire, wearing a royal crown and bearing sword and bow, is your son, great king. This prince will kill Dronacharya and remove the king's sorrow. His name is Dhrishtadyumna."

The prince bowed and said, "Salutations, father. Salutations, revered sages."

They blessed him, saying, "May you live long."

Again the chants rose.

"Om Shring Hring Kling Gleng jagatpati dehime, Om Shring Hring Kling Gleng jagatpa dehime."

Then from the fire appeared a dark and beautiful radiant young woman, with curling hair broad like the great ocean and lotus-petal eyes.

Yaja said, "And this dark and beautiful radiant young woman who has come from the sacrificial fire, with curling hair broad like the great ocean and lotus-petal eyes, she is your daughter, great king. This daughter is Krishnaa. She is the best among all women. Because of her, great fear will come upon the Kuru line."

She bowed and said, "Salutations, father. Salutations, revered sages."

The sages blessed her. "May you live long, may you be fortunate."

The Brahmin storyteller paused and then said, "Dronacharya knows of this Dhrishtadyumna. Dronacharya knows everything. He understood that he had no power to change fate. He could see his own end before his eyes. Yet he was a teacher. Drona left no effort undone in trying to train even his own fate with his teaching. He brought Dhrishtadyumna from Panchala to his own house and taught him weapon-skill with all his heart. Though he held weapons like a Kshatriya, he was still a Brahmin. If you could see the greatness of his heart..."

Arjuna said softly, "Hmm, I see, revered Brahmin, I see. Besides Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi, Drupada had one more child. That was the eldest child. The name was Shikhandi."

The Brahmin said, "King Drupada had received a blessing from Mahadeva that he would have a child who would be both woman and man. Though Shikhandini was born a girl, Drupada raised her like a man. He even married her to the daughter of King Hiranyavarma of Dasharna. But after the marriage, when the truth came out, Hiranyavarma became blind with anger and prepared to attack Drupada's kingdom. Then Shikhandini left that kingdom and went into the forest.

"There, moved by Shikhandini's sorrow, a yaksha named Sthunakarna, an attendant of Kubera, gave his manhood to Shikhandini and took her womanhood himself. Shikhandini's new name became Shikhandi. But Sthunakarna had one condition."

The yaksha had said, "Shikhandini, only after you prove your manhood before Hiranyavarma's daughter must you come back and return my manhood to me."

Shikhandini promised, "My vow will not fail. I will surely return, friend. Wait here for me."

The Brahmin continued, "But before Shikhandini could return, Kubera himself came to that forest. Seeing his attendant, he trembled with anger and ordered, 'Stay as a woman as you are. You will never again become a man, never.' Even though Shikhandini returned to keep the promise, Sthunakarna could not become a man again. Hearing everything from the mouth of the friend, Shikhandini felt sad, yet a smile appeared on the face."

Sthunakarna asked, "What kind of friend are you? You smile at my sorrow?"

Shikhandi answered, "No, friend, I am not smiling at your sorrow. Rather, I am happy because now I can fulfill my vow from a former birth."

The yaksha asked, "I... I do not understand. What vow?"

Shikhandi said, "The vow to kill Bhishma."

"What are you saying?"

"I am speaking the truth. In a former birth I was Amba, daughter of the king of Kashi. King Shalva and I were in love with each other, and we were to marry. But Bhishma ended that bond. From that day I have been searching for a way to kill Bhishma, friend. In a deep forest I performed hard penance to Mahadeva. Pleased by my penance, Mahadeva granted that in my next birth I would become the cause of Bhishma's death. But for that I greatly needed a man's form. See, Sthunakarna, by the turn of fate I am a man today. I am Amba in the form of Shikhandi. In this very life I will fulfill my purpose. That is why I smile, friend. I will go now, return to the kingdom of Panchala, and wait for Bhishma's final day."

Meanwhile, in the city of Ekachakra, after hearing all this from the Brahmin, Arjuna sat alone in silence with a sad heart.

Later, when he returned home after begging, the other four Pandavas were surprised to see him so sorrowful. In answer to Yudhishthira's question, Arjuna told them the whole matter he had heard from the Brahmin.

When they heard about the coming fate of their beloved Dronacharya, the Pandavas became silent and stunned. After some time Yudhishthira said, "Arjuna, do not grieve. No one can change fate. See how destiny has brought us from one place to another. When you were born, your duty, your actions, your whole life path had already been fixed. Every living being in this world moves according to its appointed fate. No matter how powerful one may be, no one can erase the writing of that Supreme Power, brother. This is not new to you. What is important now is to think about our next duty. Besides, if we stay too long in one place, somehow Duryodhana and his men will learn of it. That must not happen in any way."

Kunti then said, "Yes, my son, I too have thought of that. Many days have passed here. We have seen again and again all that there is to see here. There is nothing new to see now. Besides, alms are no longer easy to get here. It is becoming very hard to live on so little begging. We should leave this place at once. I have heard that the people of Panchala are very hospitable. As long as they live, they honor guests. I have also heard that the city of Panchala is very beautiful. So, son Yudhishthira, if you agree, then let us leave for Panchala at once."

Yudhishthira replied, "Elder mother, should I give my opinion alone in this matter? Mother, if my four brothers also agree, then together we may begin our journey to Panchala city."

The brothers said, "Mother, your wish is our command. Wherever you wish to go, we too will go there."

Yudhishthira said, "Good, then there is no problem. Mother, now if we get the permission of the great sage Vyasa, we shall set out."

At that very moment a voice came, "Yudhishthira."

They turned at once.

"Great sage Vyasa, salutations, great sage," they said. "With great eagerness we were waiting for your arrival, lord."

Vyasa asked, "Your time in Ekachakra is over, children. While living here, did you live according to the scriptures? Did you properly serve the guests and Brahmins present here?"

Yudhishthira answered, "We tried as best we could, great sage. In all this long time, no one has turned against us."

Vyasa said with pleasure, "Good, good, very good indeed. You have passed the test of serving guest Brahmins. Now you have earned the right to hear the story I will tell."

The Pandavas said, "We are blessed, great sage. Please begin your story. We are very eager to hear it."

Vyasa began, "I speak of a long time ago, child. In a forest there lived a very beautiful daughter of a sage. Her virtues and character could never be fully described. But who can resist fate's cruel play? Because of some fault of action, that girl's marriage did not happen. Her life remained greatly empty without family and children. Even her ascetic father could not change her fate through his own spiritual power.

"In sorrow of heart, that girl then began penance herself. She was a devotee of Shiva. Pleased with her hard worship, the great god appeared before her and told her to ask for a boon. Then again and again that girl asked Mahadeva for a husband with every good quality. Each time Mahadeva said yes, and at last he said that in her next birth she would have five virtuous husbands, because five times she had made the same request to Mahadeva.

"That divinely gifted sage's daughter has appeared in this birth in the land of Panchala. She is Draupadi, daughter of King Drupada. That girl will become your wife. Now go to the land of Panchala. By my blessing you will be happy."

The Pandavas bowed and said, "We accept your command with bowed heads, great sage. On an auspicious day, taking Mother Kunti with us, we will soon set out on the road to the city of Panchala."

Taking leave of the Brahmins of Ekachakra, the Pandavas set out with Mother Kunti on the road to Panchala. The distance from Ekachakra to Panchala was great, and the Pandavas walked on foot.

As they traveled, they saw holy places, towns, and small settlements along the way. Walking onward, they reached a holy place on the bank of the Ganga called Somashrayana. By then the sun had set. Darkness had spread all around. The road could not be seen clearly, and the place was unknown to them. Holding a burning piece of wood in his hand and showing the way, Arjuna walked ahead.

He said, "Come carefully, Mother. This path is full of stones. I do not want your feet to be hurt."

Bhima said, "Brother Arjuna, stop for a moment. I will carry Mother on my shoulders. Then she will not suffer. We will carry your weapons, elder brother."

Talking among themselves, they came to the bank of the Ganga.

At that time Gandharva king Angaraparna had come there with his wives to enjoy in the water. The moment he saw the Pandavas on the bank of the Ganga, he became wild with anger.

He shouted, "Stop there. From night until sunrise the bank of the Ganga belongs to yakshas, rakshasas, gandharvas, and demons. Even a very powerful king cannot come near the water at this time. The remaining time of day belongs to humans. Do you not know this?"

Arjuna replied, "Who are you? And why should we listen just because you forbid it?"

The Gandharva answered, "I am Angaraparna, king of the Gandharvas and friend of Kubera. That forest you see before you belongs to me. Leave this place. Now only we will stay here."

Arjuna said firmly, "No one has sole right over the ocean, the Himalayas, or the Ganga. All learned men of scripture know this. In your pride you have forgotten it. But listen, Gandharva king, I do not fear you. Right before you I will touch this sacred water of the Ganga."

Angaraparna cried out, "Then you, a mere man, have such boldness? Before touching the water, fight with me."

At once Angara began to shoot arrow after arrow at Arjuna. But Arjuna, holding the burning log in one hand and his shield, easily stopped all those arrows. Then he used the fiery weapon named Pradipta, which he had learned from Guru Drona, and burned the Gandharva king's chariot to ashes.

Struck down by the power of that fire, Angaraparna fell unconscious. The Pandavas wished to capture him. But meanwhile Angaraparna's queen, Kumbhinashi, came to Yudhishthira and begged for her husband's life.

Then, by Yudhishthira's order, Arjuna released Angaraparna.

When the Gandharva king regained consciousness and recognized the Pandavas, he accepted defeat and said, "Mighty Arjuna, you have spared my life. In return I too wish to give you something."

Arjuna answered, "I have no desire to take anything that you give not willingly, but out of fear for your life."

Angaraparna said, "No, Arjuna, it is not as you think. I am not afraid for my life. I wish to build friendship with you. Therefore I am giving you the Chakshushi knowledge of the Gandharva world. By this power, whatever you wish to see in the three worlds, you will be able to see at once. Along with that, I give your five brothers one hundred divine horses of the Gandharva world. Their energy is terrible, and their speed is many times greater than any earthly animal or machine. They come the moment their master wishes. But in return I also desire something from you."

Arjuna said, "Very well, tell me what you want, Gandharva king."

Angaraparna replied, "Your fire-weapon and a promise of lifelong friendship. Give me these two."

Arjuna said, "Very well, we accept your divine Chakshushi power. Here, take my fire-weapon. Our enmity ends here. Now we are friends. But one doubt still remains in my mind. You yourself possess the Chakshushi knowledge, so you know that we walk the path of dharma and leave no enemy unfinished. You know our true identity as well. Even then why did you pretend to make enemies with us?"

Angaraparna said, "Arjuna, you are intelligent. You have studied the scriptures and practiced dharma. But you yourselves are not following the true teaching of the scriptures. Dharmaputra Yudhishthira is with you, and yet how are you doing such a great wrong?"

Arjuna asked, "What wrong have we done?"

The Gandharva said, "You are wandering travelers, moving from place to place, but you do not even know the rule of wandering. You walk the road proud of yourselves. It never enters your mind to set out with a Brahmin going before you. Listen, Tapatya, for one's own good one must appoint a priest. Without a priest, you may conquer a kingdom by your own valor, but you will not be able to rule it happily. A Brahmin must always be kept in front."

Arjuna said, "Who is Tapatya? I am Arjuna, son of Kunti. Call me Kaunteya."

Angaraparna replied, "You see, you still do not even properly know your own lineage. You are a bearer of bow and arrows. That can give you strength, but no more than that. Will you not know your own line, your own root? I am telling you of your lineage, listen carefully. Do you know from whose womb King Kuru, in whose line you were born, was born? He was born from the womb of Queen Tapati. Tapati was the daughter of the Sun. She met Samvarana, son of King Riksha. They became deeply drawn to one another, and at the request of Sage Vashishtha, the Sun god gave Tapati in marriage to King Samvarana. You were born in the line of Kuru, the son in Tapati's womb. That is why I addressed you by that name. And there is another bond also between your line and Sage Vashishtha."

Arjuna said, "I have never heard of any bond between us and the great sage Vashishtha."

Angaraparna continued, "Sage Vashishtha's son was Shakti. Shakti's son was Parashara. While still in his mother's womb, he had learned the Vedas. And Parashara's son was Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa. You know, Arjuna, what relation Vedavyasa has with the Kuru line."

Arjuna replied, "Yes, I know that, Gandharva king. Since you know everything, then tell us whom we may accept as our priest."

The Gandharva said, "The younger brother of Sage Devala, Dhaumya, is now doing penance at Utkocha tirtha. He is a great knower of the Vedas and a man of deep wisdom. You may accept him as your priest."

Hearing the words of Gandharva king Angaraparna, the Pandavas went to Utkocha tirtha. There they entered the hermitage of Sage Dhaumya, and the five Pandavas, along with Kunti, bowed at the feet of that Veda-knowing Brahmin.

Yudhishthira said, "O revered sage, accept the salutations of Yudhishthira, born in the Kuru line. We wish to live our lives keeping you before us as our priest and under your shadow. Please grant us that fortune, revered sage."

Dhaumya answered, "Dharmaputra Yudhishthira, I am pleased by your humility. From today I accept the priesthood for you."

With Sage Dhaumya as their priest, the Pandavas were filled with hope of winning Draupadi at the swayamvara and gaining a kingdom. Seeing the Pandavas' knowledge of scripture, knowledge of weapons, humility, and truthfulness, Sage Dhaumya also understood that the goddess of fortune would now help them. So with great joy he gave the Pandavas permission to go to the land of Panchala.

From Sage Dhaumya's hermitage at Utkocha tirtha, the Pandavas, dressed as celibate students, again began their journey toward Panchala.

On the way they met several Brahmins. Yudhishthira became curious to know where so many Brahmins were going together in one group. Bowing to the eldest among them, he asked, "Salutations, revered Brahmin, may I know where all of you are going together in such a group?"

The elder Brahmin replied, "We are going to the land of Panchala. There the swayamvara of Princess Draupadi of Panchala will take place. Great King Drupada has arranged a wonderful swayamvara assembly for his daughter. Such an assembly the whole land has never seen. And what shall I say of Drupada's daughter? She is no ordinary human girl. She is a goddess herself. That supremely beautiful girl has the fragrance of lotus in her body. That scent can be felt from a whole krosha away. How many kings, warriors, yakshas, and rakshasas from many lands are eager to see her just once with their own eyes, I cannot even tell you. We too are going to see her. We will not get such a chance again, to see the princess of Panchala with our own eyes. Well then, who are you? From your appearance you seem to be celibate students. But we do not know who you are."

Yudhishthira answered, "This is our mother, and we five brothers have come from the city of Ekachakra. We are now traveling through the land. On the way we will live by begging and by staying as guests in the houses of Brahmins or merchants."

The elder Brahmin said happily, "Wonderful, that is a very good thing. Then all of you come with us to the land of Panchala. See that great swayamvara festival and make your human birth worthwhile. You will see so many heroes from many lands gathered together, and there will be no end to the sight. Besides, I have heard that for his daughter's swayamvara, King Drupada has arranged excellent cows, riches, fine food, seats, clothes, drink, and many other gifts for guest Brahmins. You too will surely get a share of those."

Yudhishthira said, "We do not desire wealth or treasure. We are only wandering travelers."

The Brahmin replied, "Very well, then come at least for the journey with us. And with your divine beauty and godlike appearance, if once the princess's eyes fall upon you, she may choose one from among you as her husband. And if that truly happens, then there will be no end to the pride of us Brahmins."

Yudhishthira said, "As you command. Since you are inviting us, we will go with you to the land of Panchala."

"Good, good, then let us go," said the Brahmin.

So with that group of Brahmins, the Pandavas also went on the road to the city of Panchala, taking Kunti with them.

On the way they saw many forests and groves, lovely cities, gardens full of flowers and fruits, and beautiful ponds, lakes, and rivers. Such pleasant sights were dear to Kunti. Looking at them, she said to her sons, "Yudhishthira, resting in such places is as pleasant as resting in a forest hermitage. We have come out to see the land. So there is no need to match the fast pace of the Brahmins' group. Let them go ahead. We will rest a little. The kingdom of Panchala is not very far from here. I hope we can reach there at the proper time."

Bhima said, "As you command, Mother. I understand your wish. We will rest in whichever woodland you like. I will go and bring forest fruits and cool river water. Today we will all eat fruit together."

Kunti said, "That is good, son Bhima. Let us spend this midday in this forest."

Just then a familiar voice was heard. "Eldest child Yudhishthira, are you all well?"

They rose in joy. "What good fortune, great sage Vyasa! You have come to see us, great sage. How blessed we are! Please accept everyone's full salutations, lord."

Vyasa blessed them. "Be happy, children. You are on the road to the kingdom of Panchala, are you not?"

Yudhishthira answered, "Yes, lord. As you instructed, we are going toward the royal court of Drupada."

Vyasa said, "The heroic kinsmen of the Kuru line will also be present there. Be very careful. Your identity must not be revealed in any way. Keep your appearance and limbs covered as much as possible. After a long time, on seeing your famous relatives, do not let anger or sorrow show on your faces. Keep your feelings under control, children. Remember, only the calm man who has mastered his senses gains all happiness in the end."

The Pandavas bowed and said, "As you command, great sage. We will try to follow each of your teachings with body, mind, and speech. Salutations, great sage Vyasa."

Vyasa said, "Be fortunate."

As soon as Vyasa left, Bhima's heart blazed within him.

What did the great sage just say? That evil Duryodhana would come there? Then his dear friend, the charioteer's son Karna, would also be there at the swayamvara. If somehow I get those two in my hands even once, I will cure them forever of their desire to see the swayamvara. They will not escape from the hand of death.

Yudhishthira at once rebuked him. "Shame, Bhima, you are disobeying the great sage! Did you not hear what teaching he gave? Did he not tell us to master our senses?"

Bhima bowed his head and said, "Forgive me, Dharmaputra. You are noble, godlike, truly Dharmaraja himself. You are truthful and master of your senses. But until I teach that evil Duryodhana and that proud charioteer's son Karna a proper lesson, I cannot master my senses. This suffering of Queen Mother Kunti, this state of mighty Arjuna, equal to Indra himself, living like a beggar, and you, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, who should rule the whole earth, are now wandering from road to road. And look at those two soft-faced younger brothers, Nakula and Sahadeva, beautiful as images. My chest bursts when I see such dull clothes on their bodies. I do not know how I can master myself in such a state."

Arjuna then spoke gently to calm him. "What you say is not unknown to me, younger brother. But for any action, the right time is very important. Until that time comes, it cannot be forced. For that one must be patient, Bhima. Our test of patience is not yet over. Great sage Vyasa has just reminded us of that. Besides, if our identity is openly revealed in the Panchala assembly and a conflict with our kinsmen begins there, the swayamvara itself will be ruined. The blame for that loss will also fall on us, middle brother. Surely that is not what we want. Then our purpose will not be fulfilled. So we should follow the path our elder brother is showing. Time itself will speak the final word, middle brother. Now please be calm."

After Bhima was calmed, the five Pandavas continued on toward the city of Panchala with Kunti.

Meanwhile, kings and princes were coming to Panchala in groups to see the swayamvara assembly. All of them wished to marry that divine girl. Each one came dressed as beautifully as he could, for Draupadi was very beautiful.

Among that crowd of richly dressed warriors and great chariot fighters moving toward Panchala, one more chariot was coming, shining like a star. In that chariot rode the most beautiful man in the world. He too was coming to see Draupadi.

But why he was coming, when the taste of marriage was always beside him like a shadow, Krishna and Balarama could not fully understand.

There he comes.