41. Arrangements for the Marriage

Drishtadyuman narrated to his fathe,r the scenes he witnessed when he followed Draupadi and the “Brahmin” who won her hand in the Swayamvara. 

He confirmed to the king that it was indeed Arjuna who was disguised as the Brahmin that shot the target in the Swayamvara and became qualified to win the hands of the princess.

Drupada was elated on hearing this. However, he sent his priest to confirm that the five Brahmins were the Pandavas.

The priest went to the Pandavas and told them, “King Drupada had been a good friend of Pandu. He had all along cherished the idea of bestowing his daughter Draupadi upon Pandu as his daughter in law. He wants to ascertain the particulars of your family.”

Yudhishtira asked Bhima to wash the feet of the priest saying that being Drupada’s priest, he deserved great respect.  Accordingly, Bhima washed the priest’s feet. The priest was pleased.

Yudhishtira told the priest “Drupada, the king of Panchala gave away his daughter through a contest as per the practice of his order. This hero won the princess by winning the contest. Therefore, he has nothing new to say about his tribe, race or family. All the queries have been answered by this young man’s feat of shooting the target. The desire King Drupada had cherished all along for the princess will be accomplished.”

Even as Yudhishtira was saying this, a messenger from King Drupada came to that place and announced, “King Drupada has arranged for a good feast for the bridegroom’s party. Please come after finishing your rites. Draupadi’s marriage will take place there. Chariots adorned with golden lotuses which are suitable for kings have been arranged to take you to the king’s palace.”

The Pandavas then sent away the priest and departed to the palace. While Kunti and Draupada ascended one chariot, the five Pandavas ascended another.

Briefed by the priest of the conversation he had with Yudhishtira, King Drupada, with a view to ascertaining the order to which the heroes belonged, kept a large number of articles required by each of the four orders for their wedding. He also kept fruits, garlands, carpets, seeds, agricultural implements, beautiful chariots and horses, bows, arrows and other missiles of high quality and value, darts, rockets, battle-axes and other weapons, beds, clothes and several other articles.

After the Pandavas arrived at the palace, Kunti, along with Draupadi retired to the inner apartments of the palace. The ladies present there worshipped Kunti with joy.

The Pandavas, each having the gait of a lion, wearing deer skins as his upper garment, with eyes resembling those of bulls, with broad shoulders and long arms looking like snakes were looking joyous and cheerful. The king’s son, ministers, friends and servants were also happy.

After the guests were seated on highly comfortable seats, the male and female servants brought them excellent food and drinks on gold and silver plates.

After ingesting the excellent food served, the Pandavas began to look at the articles displayed. Ignoring all other articles, they focused on the weapons.

Watching this, Drupada, his son, ministers and others felt reassured that the heroes were of royal blood and felt relieved and happy.