Draupadi's Swayamvara

As Krishna prepared to go to the swayamvara of Drupada’s daughter, Balarama spoke to him with a doubt in his mind.

"Krishna, as you go to the swayamvara of Drupada’s daughter, a doubt has come to my mind about this."

"Please command me, elder brother. I may be able to clear your doubt."

"Do you wish to marry Draupadi? If not, then why are you going to the swayamvara?"

"Maharaja Drupada has invited us. You know that, do you not?"

"Of course I know. But by that invitation one may take part in the swayamvara, or one may simply enjoy watching that wonderful assembly. I have heard that all the kings of Aryavarta will be there. But, but will you sit there only as a watcher, Krishna?"

Krishna smiled gently.

"What greater joy is there than being a watcher, elder brother? I have no special role in this assembly. I am bound to Panchali in a subtle way, so the question of taking part in the swayamvara does not arise. Besides, this swayamvara is really only a trick."

Balarama looked at him in surprise.

"King Drupada knows very well who will be the husband of Panchali? Do you not understand clearly? Whoever passes the test set in the swayamvara, Panchali will place the wedding garland on his neck. You make everything mysterious, Krishna. Did you not just say that this swayamvara is only a trick? Has King Drupada already chosen the groom beforehand? Then why is he making a show by inviting so many kings and emperors from many lands?"

"Oh, oh, elder brother, when did I say that? I mean that Maharaja Drupada has arranged a very hard test in the swayamvara. To pass that test, one needs a special skill. I think perhaps only one person has it."

"Who has it?"

"Come, elder brother, let us see with our own eyes. We are only watchers."

"Very well, come, Krishna."

He was right. Maharaja Drupada was waiting for a man who was wise, strong, and firm in aim for the marriage of his daughter. So in the swayamvara assembly he arranged a very hard test for winning Draupadi. He had made a huge bow that could not be strung easily. In the middle, high in the air, he set up a machine and placed the target above it. Drupada declared that the man who could string that bow, shoot through the machine, and strike the target with his arrow, would win Draupadi.

Drupada was fully certain that no one except Arjuna could do this. Drupada had known Arjuna’s bravery before. His daughter Draupadi was full of divine qualities, and only Arjuna was a true match for those divine qualities. So Drupada arranged a test suited for Arjuna alone. Its hidden meaning, yes, I, Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, can understand. Drupada did not believe that the five Pandavas had died in the fire of the lac house at Varanavata.

I have already said that the land of Panchala had been divided into two parts. Northern Panchala was under the control of Dronacharya and Ashwatthama. King Drupada ruled Southern Panchala. Kings and Brahmins from all over Aryavarta were now coming to Southern Panchala. Drupada had decorated it in a wonderful way. Thousands of musicians, singers, and dancers had come to Panchala. Drupada himself kept a close eye on everything so that there would be no fault in welcoming the guests.

Without anyone noticing, the five Pandavas arrived in Panchala with Mother Kunti.

Yudhishthira said, "Brother Bhima, we do not need to enter the busy part of the city. There we may meet someone who knows us from before. For now, look for some quiet place at the edge of the city. We must remain hidden for the present. Such is the order of Maharshi Vyasa."

Bhima answered, "Your words are above my head, elder brother. I have found such a house. It is the house of a potter. That potter lives at the very edge of Panchala city. We can stay there as guests of his family. As in Ekachakra city, we shall live by begging. People will think we are Brahmin beggars."

Kunti was pleased.

"This is a very good plan, child Yudhishthira. Let us go to that potter at once. Come."

"As you command, Mother."

"Brother Bhima, lead the way for us."

At the far end of Panchala city, the disguised five Pandavas came to the potter’s house. Seeing the noble faces of Mother Kunti and the five brothers, the potter felt respect for them. He warmly welcomed them as guests. Just as they had done in Ekachakra city, they arranged to fill their stomachs by begging. In this way a few days passed.

Then the blessed time of the swayamvara arrived. For the swayamvara, Maharaja Drupada had built a huge and wonderful hall in the middle of the city. Separate seats were kept there for famous kings, respected Brahmins, and other honored persons. Besides that, on tree branches nearby, on the roofs of tall buildings, on the tops of towers, and in many places around the hall, the people of Panchala city had gathered. All were eager to see that great and rare swayamvara assembly.

King Drupada of Panchala welcomed all the guests properly. In that beautiful and sweet-smelling hall, dancing, singing, and other celebrations began. Then the five Pandavas came and sat in the seats fixed for the Brahmins. This swayamvara was not a one-day festival. The celebrations of the swayamvara assembly continued for sixteen days. Draupadi, however, did not appear during that festival.

Krishna and Balarama also came to the swayamvara assembly after seeing the beauty of Panchala city, and on that very day the festival ended. The Brahmin priests had finished the sacred rites. Orders had also been given for the musicians to stop playing. Now the whole hall was filled with excitement. Mighty kings from many lands were present. Krishna and Balarama too sat in the royal seats that day. On the other side, among the Brahmins, sat the disguised five Pandavas. Leaving Mother Kunti at home, they had come wandering into this swayamvara assembly while going out to beg. Today was the real day of the swayamvara. Today Panchali would place the wedding garland on the neck of the greatest hero of Aryavarta.

No one had yet seen Panchali. The whole assembly had become restless as they waited for her arrival. The kings looked at one another, exchanged respect, but in their minds they were trying to judge the strength and wisdom of the others. Krishna was watching the swayamvara assembly very carefully. Balarama sat just beside him.

"Coming to this swayamvara assembly seems to have made you very happy, Krishna. Is there any special reason for it?"

"Are you not happy, elder brother? Your dear disciple Duryodhana has come. Karna, Shakuni, all of them are here with him. Are you not pleased to see the heroes of the Kuru line?"

"I am looking at all the heroes. But, but I think you are watching someone in particular. Whom are you looking at so closely, Kanai? Will you not tell me?"

Krishna quietly pointed.

"Do you see those five young men sitting among the Brahmins, elder brother? There, look there, bright like fire, well-built, high-nosed, long-armed, sitting still like unmoving mountains. I am watching those five."

Balarama looked carefully.

"You are right, Kanai. Such looks are not usually seen among Brahmins. All five seem made from the same mould. And, and they are quite young too. Perhaps they have come from some other land?"

"They belong to Hastinapura. Though of course they have not come from there now."

"Do you know them?"

"Yes, and you know them too. Look a little more carefully."

"No, I do not know any of them. I have never seen them before."

"You know them as well as I do, elder brother. They are the five Pandavas. They are in disguise now. The young man in the third seat, who waits eagerly for Panchali’s arrival, that is Arjuna."

Balarama was startled.

"What are you saying, Krishna? The five Pandavas? They, they are alive?"

"Slowly, brother, slowly. It will be trouble if anyone hears. Do you not see that they are in disguise? Yes, I am certain, they are the five Pandavas. Such bodies can never belong to Brahmins. These are the bodies of Kshatriyas, and with such calmness and patience too, that can belong only to the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira. If you look closely now, you too will understand. You have recognized the eldest Pandava, have you not, elder brother?"

Balarama’s face brightened.

"It seems you are truly right, Krishna. They are indeed the five Pandavas. In spite of the curse of the lac house, these five princes are still alive today. You cannot imagine how happy this makes me, Kanai."

Krishna then said, "Look there, Dhrishtadyumna is coming. Panchali must surely be behind him."

The music, dance, and song all stopped, and the hall became silent. Bringing Draupadi with him, the prince of Drupada now came and stood in the assembly. Draupadi wore wonderful ornaments set with pearls, and in her hand shone a fine garland of parijata flowers. Casting one loving glance at his sister, Prince Dhrishtadyumna properly greeted the kings present. Then in a deep, cloud-like voice, sweet in tone, he began to speak,

"To the kings and princes gathered in this swayamvara assembly, I say this: you must succeed in the test of hitting the target. Here is the bow and arrows, and above, behind that machine, is the true target. Through the hole in that machine, the target must be struck with five arrows. The prince whose arrow makes that object fall to the ground, my sister Krishnaa will choose that noble man as her husband. Come, Krishnaa, let me introduce you to the royal guests present in the assembly.

"Look there, Duryodhana, Durbishaha, Durmukha, Vivingsati, Virochana, and many other mighty princes of Dhritarashtra’s line have come to win you in this swayamvara assembly. With them are great men like Angaraja Karna, Shakuni king of Gandhara, and Ashwatthama. And here, look, are the seats of famous kings such as Virata, Susharma, Senavindu, Suketu, and Anshuman. And there, at that end, are Paundraka Vasudeva, the king of Madra, Somadatta, Kritavarma, Jayadratha lord of Sindhu, Brihadratha, Shishupala, Jarasandha, and other mighty warrior kings. And there are Yadava heroes such as Jhilli, Pindaraka, and Shramika. And look there, Krishnaa, look there, seated beside them are Sankarshana Balarama and Vasudeva Krishna."

Draupadi bowed and said, "My greetings, Haladhari, my greetings, Keshava."

Krishna blessed her kindly. "Accept the respect of Drupada’s daughter. Be always happy, blessed one."

Dhrishtadyumna then declared, "Now let the test of hitting the target begin. I request the princes present in the swayamvara assembly to show their bravery."

At once pride and excitement burst out among the kings.

"I can hit the target in a moment. Krishnaa will be mine."

"Impossible. There is no one stronger than I in this assembly. Krishnaa will be mine."

"Surely you have forgotten that Jayadratha still lives. As long as Jayadratha is here, this most beautiful maiden cannot belong to anyone else."

"Only I, yes yes yes, only I have the right to enjoy all the beauty in the world. I will marry this girl."

Leaving aside their rivalry among themselves, the kings now prepared to test their strength. One by one the mighty kings of Aryavarta went toward that bow. But far from stringing it, all who had gone before it with loud pride came back defeated. No one could move that bow even a little. Crushed in spirit, they returned to their seats with lowered heads. Some, burning with shame, even left the assembly.

Many of Dhritarashtra’s sons, like Duryodhana, fell down from the blow of that bow. Even mighty kings like Jarasandha, Jayadratha, and Shishupala could not string it. They too fell there.

Seeing this sad state of all the heroes of Aryavarta, Karna now stood up. With proud steps he went toward the bow. By his own strength he easily lifted it and strung it. Sitting among the Brahmins, the disguised Pandavas felt that now perhaps the king of Anga would hit the target and win Draupadi. They waited in great anxiety.

Do you think I, Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, do not know that each of the five Pandavas, even Dharmaputra Yudhishthira, had in his heart become enchanted by Drupada’s daughter? But my words cannot be false. Krishna knows, and I know, on whose neck Draupadi will place the wedding garland. So when Karna fixed the string on that huge bow, the swayamvara assembly fell completely silent. All waited eagerly.

Suddenly, breaking that silence, Draupadi’s firm voice was heard.

"I will not choose any suta’s son. I am not for a suta’s son..."

Looking once toward the Sun god and smiling with scorn, Karna returned to his seat and sat there burning with deep insult. The other princes in the assembly no longer dared to go near that bow.

Then Arjuna stood up from among the Brahmins. Taking Yudhishthira’s permission, he walked toward the bow with long steps. Seeing Arjuna, dressed as a Brahmin, move toward the place of the test, the Kshatriya kings sat stunned.

The Brahmins cried out loudly.

"Oh, oh, what are you doing? O Brahmin youth, come back, come back."

Some began many kinds of discussion among themselves. A great disturbance arose in the hall.

"It seems he will ruin the honor of our Brahmin race."

"True. He is very bold. Great warrior princes, the king of Chedi, the king of Madra, all the kings of Sindhu country could not do this, and this Brahmin youth will do it? When he fails in the test of strength, Brahmins will become objects of laughter. Shame, shame, shame, shame, what shame, what shame, what shame."

But others said, "You all be quiet. This Brahmin youth is not like us. Do you not see that his bearing is like Indra himself? Can you not judge his strength from his long arms, broad chest, and proud walk? Even after so many mighty princes have failed, this Brahmin youth has stood up. Surely he has full faith in his own ability. Such a bright young man cannot make a foolish choice. Let us see what happens in the end. If a Brahmin youth can strike the target after defeating the princes, then we should feel proud."

Before moving toward the test place, he stood silent for a few moments. He heard all the noise in the assembly. Then with calm steps he went toward the bow. Seeing the divine beauty of Arjuna in disguise, Dhrishtadyumna looked at him in silent wonder.

Arjuna now stood before that huge bow. He bowed to Mahadeva, the giver of boons. In his heart he remembered Madhava. Then he easily lifted the bow, strung it, and took five arrows in hand. After that, fixing his mind and eyes upon the target, he shot one by one through the hole and struck the target with five arrows. The target then fell to the ground.

At this wonderful act of Arjuna, a loud uproar rose in the hall. Flowers rained from heaven upon Arjuna’s head. The Brahmins lifted their upper cloths and greeted Arjuna, who sat among them dressed as a Brahmin. The kings kept their heads lowered, and great cries of victory filled the hall. At the same time the instruments began to play, and seeing that immensely powerful Brahmin youth, King Drupada became very happy and said to Panchali,

"Daughter, this handsome and mighty Brahmin youth has fulfilled the condition of the swayamvara and is your husband. Choose him gladly."

Draupadi bowed her head and said, "Your command is above my head, Father."

Looking at calm and steady Arjuna, Draupadi felt her heart overflow with emotion, love, and sweetness, and she placed the great garland in Partha’s neck. The Brahmins in the hall then cried out in joy. Maharaja Drupada and Prince Dhrishtadyumna were very happy, and two more well-wishers of Krishnaa were also full of joy. They were Krishna and Balarama.

After Arjuna hit the target and Draupadi garlanded him, Yudhishthira left the hall with Nakula and Sahadeva and started back toward their lodging. Bhima stayed there alone to protect Arjuna. Taking leave of Drupada and leading the new bride Krishnaa, Arjuna now prepared to leave the hall.

But by then the princes present at the swayamvara had come back to their senses from their shock. They blocked Arjuna’s way and began to shout. Instead of the Brahmin youth Arjuna, they declared war against King Drupada himself.

"So we were invited here only to be insulted in this way. No Brahmin has the right to take part in a swayamvara meant for kings. Why was this Brahmin youth allowed to touch the bow?"

"That is true. Listen, Maharaja Drupada, we will not bear this insult to the Kshatriyas. Draupadi must choose some prince from among us as her husband. If not, then after throwing Draupadi into the fire and sending you and Dhrishtadyumna to the world of death, we shall leave this place."

"Princes, do not wait any longer. Come, attack together. It would be against dharma to strike a Brahmin youth, but King Drupada should surely be punished."

Seeing the united royal power coming to attack him, King Drupada of Panchala became afraid. He was not ready for battle at all. In fear for his life, King Drupada then sought shelter with the Brahmins. Seeing the king’s distress, the disguised Arjuna came forward to protect him. Taking up his bow, he stood firm. Bhima too uprooted a huge tree and came to stand beside Arjuna, still and terrible like death itself.

The other Brahmins said to these two disguised Pandavas, "Do not fear, Brahmin, we are all with you."

"There is no need for that now, great ones. Please step a little aside. The two of us will give the right answer to this pride."

"How will you answer us, Brahmin? Look, I am giving you the proper answer. Come then, stand before my strength."

"Why are you fighting with this mere Brahmin? Come, our main enemy is this King Drupada. Let us finish him first."

"Beware. If you wish to go near King Drupada, you must first defeat me."

"Why are you running away like a coward, Duryodhana?"

"You call the great hero of the gurukul, Duryodhana, a coward? You are very bold, Brahmin. Good. After defeating you, I will kill Drupada."

Balarama turned to Krishna. "Will you not help Arjuna, Krishna?"

Krishna answered calmly, "Did you see the frightened face of Panchala? Be at ease, elder brother. There is no need of my help. There stands Bhima, like death itself. As long as he is there, no one can harm Arjuna. Besides, you yourself know well the strength of Partha."

Balarama nodded. "Brother Krishna is right."

A fierce battle began between Karna and Arjuna. Arjuna began to cut down every arrow of Karna. Before Karna could even set an arrow on his bow, that arrow fell to the ground in a moment before Arjuna’s swift speed. At last, by the strike of Arjuna’s arrow, Karna’s bow was cut apart. Filled with wonder and confusion, Karna then said,

"O Brahmin, who are you? What is your true identity? Are you the very spirit of archery, or are you Rama the great archer himself? Or are you some form of Vishnu? None can stand before me except Indra, king of the gods, and the third Pandava Arjuna. No one else is fit to fight me. Then how are you fighting with such great power? Being a Brahmin, where did you learn such amazing skill in archery?"

Arjuna replied, "I am neither Rama nor Vishnu. I am only a simple Brahmin youth. I learned the science of weapons with devotion from my teacher. You are seeing the fruit of that training, Karna."

Karna bowed to that greatness and said, "Then you are the living power of Brahma. Before that brightness, Kshatriya strength can never stand. I accept you as the victor, O Brahmin youth."

Unable to stand in battle against Arjuna in disguise, Karna withdrew of his own will. The other warriors too could not stand before Arjuna’s strength.

On the other side, soldiers rushed at Bhima like maddened elephants. A terrible wrestling fight began. Across the hall only roars and the sounds of blows could be heard. Hearing this fearful battle-noise, many kings became afraid and fled the assembly.

Bhima, with his mountain-like body, a huge tree in his hand like a mace, and a terrible battle cry on his lips, looked like Yama himself. On one side was Bhima, like death at the end of time, and on the other was the terribly swift Arjuna. Before these two battle-mad youths dressed as Brahmins, Duryodhana and Dushasana somehow escaped with their lives.

When Bhima lifted Shalya over his head, whirled him around, and threw him to the ground, the other kings in the hall put away their weapons. Lying on the ground, Shalya feared for his life. But no, Bhima did not kill him. Seeing this greatness of Bhima, the princes in the hall stood around those two Brahmin youths and praised them.

"Who are these Brahmin youths? Are they truly Brahmins, or is this only their disguise? No one except Parashurama, Dronacharya, and Arjuna can fight Karna."

Balarama said, "Why speak only of Karna, Haladhari Balarama? Other than Bhima and Duryodhana, who else could bring the mighty king Shalya to such a state?"

Then Krishna spoke with wisdom and calm.

"You have spoken truly. One should not fight these Brahmin youths without knowing their true identity. Only if they willingly wish to test arms may weapons be raised against them, not before that. Honored kings, what need is there now for battle? This Brahmin youth has won Draupadi by the path of dharma. Accept that and return to your kingdoms with cheerful hearts. That will be best for all."

The kings agreed.

"Yes, yes, Vasudeva Krishna has spoken rightly. Come, come, we should go back. Come. There is no wrong in this marriage. And besides, if Brahmins do something, they should be forgiven. Come, come, come, let us go back. Come."

The kings returned to their own lands. The Brahmins also left with cries of victory. The people of the city went toward their homes talking about this wonderful event.

The roads of Panchala city were crowded then. Along those roads Arjuna and Bhima walked very carefully with Draupadi, keeping themselves as much in shadow as possible. Princess Panchali had no practice in walking such a long distance on foot. But in her deep love for Arjuna, a man like Indra, Panchali overcame all her pain. With a happy heart, Drupada’s daughter now followed Arjuna.

Meanwhile, King Drupada himself was greatly surprised by this unexpected event. As soon as Draupadi left with her husband, he called Dhrishtadyumna.

"You called me, Maharaja? Please command me."

"Son Dhrishtadyumna, surely you understand that I am deeply astonished by what happened in today’s swayamvara assembly. For a Brahmin, nothing is impossible, yet can any celibate student easily become so strong? Other than Parashurama, Dronacharya, and Kripacharya, I have never heard of such a mighty Brahmin before."

"Yes, Father, I, I myself am astonished. The bow was made for Arjuna. I too cannot imagine a Brahmin who could so easily string that bow and hit the target."

"Yes, did you notice, the appearance of these two youths was not like that of Brahmins either."

"Then, then, are you thinking something else, Father?"

"Time will tell whether my thought is right or wrong. For now I wish to give you a duty, son."

"Command me, Father."

"I need to know exactly where my Krishnaa has gone, who her husband is, and where they are staying. I do not want any servant to do this. I want you yourself to bring me this news and make me happy."

"As you command, Father. I am going at once."

"Go very carefully, son. Stay hidden and learn everything about them. But remember, no one must see you."

Obeying Drupada’s command, Dhrishtadyumna followed Draupadi. The road was not short, so he could easily see Krishnaa walking between the two strong-armed men. Keeping himself hidden, he followed his sister’s path.

Meanwhile, as her sons did not return from begging, Kunti had become full of worry, fearing some misfortune had happened to them. Just then, from outside the house, the joyful voices of Bhima and Arjuna were heard,

"Mother, today we have brought excellent alms. Look."

Without seeing what they had brought, Kunti answered from within, "Whatever you have brought, share it among the five of you."

Then Draupadi spoke softly, "Please accept Panchali’s greetings, Mother."

Kunti was shocked.

"Panchali? What? Yes, Mother, today we have received the princess of Panchala as our alms."

Kunti cried out in distress. "What ruin is this! Shame, shame, shame, shame, shame! Not knowing, what have I said? Blessed Panchali, come, come, come with me. Son, son Yudhishthira, I have made a great mistake, son. Thinking this daughter of Drupada to be alms, I told you five brothers to share her among yourselves. My son, my words cannot become false. Yet I do not know any way to keep both my truth and the purity of Drupada’s daughter safe. You tell me, son. In my heart, terrible pain has begun."

Yudhishthira first said, "Partha has won Yajnaseni. Let him marry her with the sacred fire as witness."

But Arjuna bowed and answered, "Please do not ask me to follow adharma, elder brother. You are the eldest, so you should marry first. Then middle brother Bhima, after that me, and after that Nakula and Sahadeva will marry. If it happens otherwise, I will be doing wrong. Elder brother, we are all fully devoted to you. Whatever you command after thinking of every side and of the honor of the king of Panchala, we will accept with bowed heads."

Hearing Arjuna’s words, the other four Pandavas remained silent for a moment. Looking at the beautiful Krishnaa, each of them became enchanted in his heart. Yudhishthira understood everything by seeing the faces of his brothers. I am Vedavyasa; he also remembered the story of Draupadi’s former birth that I had told. At the same time Dharmaputra was thinking of another matter. What if some bitterness or division arose among the brothers because of Draupadi? Thinking over all this in his mind, Yudhishthira gave his decision and said that the five brothers would marry Panchali.

Kunti then took Panchali with her into the inner part of the house.

Just then more guests came and stood at the door of the potter’s house before the five Pandavas.

"May we come in?"

Yudhishthira answered at once, "Certainly, guest is like god. Please come in."

Then Krishna spoke with affection.

"My greetings, Dharmaputra, my greetings, mighty Bhima Sena. I am Vasudeva Krishna. This is my elder brother Haladhari Balarama."

At once joy filled the house.

"Vasudeva, Vasudeva!"

Arjuna bowed and said, "Please accept Arjuna’s bow, Keshava."

Krishna embraced him. "I embrace you, Partha."

Yudhishthira welcomed them warmly. "Come, come, Krishna, come brother Balarama. How fortunate we are that you yourselves have come to us. But how did you know of this house?"

Krishna answered, "Can the sun hide itself, Dharmaputra? Today in the swayamvara assembly Arjuna and middle brother Bhima showed such unforgettable bravery that no one but the Pandavas in this world could do so. O king, seeing with our own eyes that you have survived the plot of the lac house by the force of fate has made us very happy today. The wish of wicked Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana was not fulfilled because of your great merit. Be careful, O king. May your lost honor and kingdom return to you. Victory be yours."

After leaving the hidden Pandavas, Krishna and Balarama returned very carefully to their own camp.

Night now grew deep in Panchala city. After eating their begged food, Sahadeva prepared beds of kusa grass on the ground. Lying on those beds, the five brothers began to talk about weapons, horses, and the enemy side. Mother Kunti lay near their heads, and at the feet of the five brothers lay Drupada’s daughter Panchali. Even lying on that poor bed like one without wealth, her face was bright with joy. There was not even a shadow of shame or insult there. At the feet of the five brothers lay that matchless and radiant princess, born from the fire of sacrifice, in deep peace.

Dhrishtadyumna had never seen his sister Krishnaa in such a state. Hidden in the dark, he looked in wonder through a gap in the window of that house. He must return to the palace at once and tell Maharaja Drupada this astonishing news.

Like an arrow he now sped back toward the royal palace. Who are these five brothers? Then is what he is thinking true? Yes, it must be. Dhrishtadyumna could no longer control his feelings. Cutting through the deep darkness, he raced ahead like a meteor.