43. Draupadi's Marriage

After listening to Vyasa, Drupada said, “O, great Rishi. I cannot overlook what was ordained by the gods. I will go by your advice. Nothing in this world is a result of our own actions. When Draupadi had prayed to God to give her a husband, God, in response to her making the request five times, gave her five husbands. God knows what is right and what is wrong. Since this is God’s wish, no sin will attach to me. Let these five princes take the hand of Draupadi.

Vyasa told Yudhishtira,“Today is an auspicious day. The moon enters the constellation of Pushya. So take the hand of Draupada today before your brothers."

Drupada and his son made elaborate arrangements for the marriage. The king kept ready a large number of articles as gifts.

Draupadai was given a bath, adorned with  many jewels and pearls and brought to the stage. Ministers,  friends and relatives of the king and citizens came in large numbers to witness the marriage. All were seated according to their ranks.

The nicely decorated palace looked like the sky adorned by stars.

The Pandavas, after taking bath, wearing nice costumes and ornaments and after performing their rites, entered the arena along with their priest Dhaumya, who had the splendor of fire.  

Dhaumya, after performing the rites, gave the hand of Draupadi in marriage to Yudhishtira. Each of the other four  brothers were given the hand of Draupadi in marriage on the next four days, one each on every succeeding day. 

Draupadi regained her virginity every day after a previous marriage.

King Drupada presented the Pandavas with valuable gifts. Including hundred chariots, hundred elephants, hundred young maids and huge wealth including costumes, ornaments and gold.

The Pandavas spent time happily in the Panchala kingdom, in the company of their beautiful wife.

King Drupada was relieved of all his misgivings about the marriage and was happy about his daughter marrying the Pandavas.

Kunti  was treated with great respect by the people in Drupada’s palace. When Draupadi paid obeisance to Kunti and sought her blessings, Kunti  wished her happiness and heroic children with long life.

After the Pandavas' marriage with Draupadi, Krishna sent them a large number of gifts including jewels, robes, blankets etc. Yudhishtira accepted these gifts with great with great joy.

After the Pandavas marriage with Draupadi, Krishna sent them a large number of gifts including jewels, robes, blankets etc. Yudhishtira accepted these gifts with great joy.

Previous: Drupada's Predicament

Next: Duryodhana's ideas to weaken the Pandavas