47. Pandavas Establish Indraprastha

Vidura left for Panchala, carrying with him numerous jewels and various other kinds of presents for Draupadi, the Pandavas and King Drupada.

After arriving at Drupada’s palace, Vidura, well versed in all rules of morality, paid obeisance to the king. Drupada received Vidura warmly and enthusiastically. Both exchanged pleasantries.

Presently, Vidura met the Pandavas residing in the place. Vidura embraced the Pandavas and enquired them about their well being. The Pandavas and Draupadi paid their respects to Vidura.

Vidura, on behalf of King Dhritarashtra, presented the gifts to Drupada, the Pandavas and Draupadi, conveying to them the warm feelings of Dhritarashtra towards them.

Vidura then told Drupada, “Oh, king, King Dhritarashtra, along with his sons, his ministers and councilors enquired after your welfare. He considers your alliance a great blessing. Bhishma and Drona also feel the same way. Gaining this alliance has made them happier than acquiring a new kingdom would have. The Kurus are very eager to see the Pandavas. So, please permit the Pandavas to return to  their ancestral kingdom.

“The Pandavas have been absent from their city for a long time. They should also be eager to visit their city. Along with the Kurus, the ladies and the citizens are also eager to see Kunti, the Pandavas and Draupadi, the Panchala princess. 

"It is my opinion that you should permit them to visit Hastinapura. As soon as you give your permission, I will convey the information to Dhritarashtra through messengers so that he could arrange for an appropriate reception. Then I will leave taking Kunti, the Pandavas and Dtaupadi with me.”

Hearing Vidura’s words, Drupada said, "I am also extremely happy about my alliance with the Kurus. It is only proper for these princes to return to their kingdom, but it is not for me to decide what they should do. If these men of valor desire to return to their kingdom and if Balarama and Krishna, who are well versed in all rules of morality, also feel the same way, the Pandavas may do so. Balarama and Krishna will always do what is right and what is beneficial to the Pandavas.”

Yudhishtira said, “Oh, king, I and my brothers depend on you. We will gladly do whatever you command us to do.’

Krishna said, “I think that the Pandavas should accept the invitation from Dhritarashtra and return to their kingdom, but we should abide by the decision of Drupada, who is conversant with all rules of morality.”

Drupada said, “I agree with what Krishna says. No one is more interested in the welfare of the Pandavas than Krishna is.”

As commanded by Drupada, the Pandavas, along with Kunti and Draupadi, left for Hastinapura, the city named after the elephant. They halted at several places en route for relaxation and enjoyment.

On receiving information about the Pandava’s departure from Panchala, Dhritarshtra sent his son Vikarna, Karna’s son Chitrasena, Drona and Kripa to receive the Pandavas.

The Pandavas entered Hastinapura, surrounded by these men. The whole city became radiant with the happiness of the citizens on seeing the Pandavas.

The people raised slogans hailing the Pandavas. Some people said, “It is as if King Pandu himself is returning to the capital from the forest.” Some said, “If we have done anything good by way of performing rites or indulged in acts of charity, let the Pandavas stay in our city for a hundred years.”

After arriving at the palace, the Pandavas touched the feet of Dhritarshtra and Bhishma. They also paid obeisance to other elders and respectable people and enquired of the welfare of the citizens. They then retired to the chambers allotted to them by Dhritarshtra.

After the Pandavas had rested for some time, they were summoned by Dhritarsshtra.

Dhritarashtra asked them to go to Kandavaprastha and rule half of the kingdom from there. Accepting the offer of Dhritarshtra, the Pandavas left Hastinapura for Kandavaprastha, which was a desert. The Pandavas beautified the place and made it a second heaven.

Seeking the guidance of Vyasa, the Pandavas carved out a region as the capital city for their new kingdom. After performing propitiatory rites, they constructed a palace, complete with a moat and high raised walls. It looked like Bhogvati, the capital of the Nagaloka (the Netherlands) inhabited by the snakes.

The palace had a magnificent look, with the compound walls raised high like the Mandara mountain. The palace was stacked with numerous weapons of all kinds required to fight the enemies and protect the kingdom, in times of need.

The streets were well laid out with good roads and other facilities. With huge mansions adorning the streets, the city resembled Amaravati, the capital of the Devas. It was appropriately named Indraprastha (Indra’s city).

After the city was built, a large number of Brahmins, well versed in the Vedas and many merchants from various places came to live there. People skilled in various arts also came there to take up residence in the new city. The city also had a large number of pious people.

The city had many gardens adorned with various kinds of trees. Various animals and birds came to the place because of the natural habitat created by the planting of trees.

The city also had many pleasure houses, artificial hillocks, lakes and other water bodies.

The joy of Pandavas increased day by day after they took up residence at the city built by them. 

After helping the Pandavas settle down at Indraprastha, Krishna and Balarama returned to Dwaraka.

When Janamejaya asked Vaisambayana to narrate in detail what the Pandavas did after they were given possession of Kandavaprastha, Vaisambayana explained the events in more detail.

The Pandavas ruled the kingdom by observing the principles of morality.

One day, the cdelestial sage Narada visited their kigdom. He was appropriately received. The Pandavas and Draupadi paid obeisance to him. Narada showered many benedictions on all of them. He then asked Draupadi to leave. He then told the Pandavas, “Draupadi is wedded to all of you. You should establish a rule among yourselves that there should be no disunion among you.”

He told them the story of two brothers Sunda and Upasunda who could not be slain by anybody unless each slew the other. They ruled the same kingdom, lived in the same house, slept on the same bed, sat on the same seat, and ate from the same plate. But they killed each other for the sake of Tilottama.

Narada told this story to stress the importance of not giving room for any disunion among the Pandavas, on account of Draupadi.

Yudhishtira requested Narada tonarrate the story of Sunda and Upasunda in more detail.

46. Dhritarashtra's Decision

After Bhishma, it was Drona’s turn to speak. He said, “Oh, King Dhritarashtra, we have been taught that when consulted by our friends, we should always speak what is right, true, and conductive to fame. My views are the same as those of Bhishma.  

"Let the Pandavas be given a part of the kingdom. Please send a messenger to Drupada immediately. Let him carry a lot of valuable presents for the bridegrooms and the bride. Let him convey to Drupada that you feel that your power and dignity have been enhanced by this alliance of the Kurus with Drupada. 

"Let him speak highly of the Pandavas. Let him also convey to the king that both yourself and Duryodhana are happy about the marriage. Let the messenger also carry a lot of presents to Drupada and his sons.

“When the Pandavas return to Hastinapura after getting the permission of Drupada, let Duschasana and Vikarna go out and receive them. When the Pandavas arrive at Hastinapura, you should receive them  with warmth and affection.The Pandavas should be installed in their paternal throne.This is how you should treat the Pandavas, who are like your own sons.”

After Drona had spoken, Karna said, “Oh, king! Both Bhishma and Drona have been pampered by you through your showering your wealth on them and through your conferring many favors on them.While you have always considered them as your trusted friends, it is strange that they give you advice that is not for your good!

“How can a wise person accept an advice given by people out of wicked intentions, after concealing their wickedness? During the time of distress, friends can do us neither good nor harm. Our happiness or sorrow is decided by destiny. The wise and the foolish, the young and the old, those who have allies and those who don’t have allies are all sometimes happy and sometimes unhappy.

“There was a king by name Amvuvicha, ruling from his capital Rajagriha. He was the king of all the Magadha chiefs. He never attended to his affairs, leaving everything to his ministers. For him, even breathing was an exertion! Eventually, his minister Mahakarni, became the supreme authority in the state. He gradually appropriated everything belonging to the king including his treasures, his queens and his sovereignty.

“But the possession of all these, instead of satisfying his avarice, only made him aspire for more and more things. He wanted to possess the throne. But in spite of all his efforts, he couldn’t appropriate the throne. What else can we conclude from this except that the king’s sovereignty was dependent on destiny?

“Therefore, this kingdom conferred on you by destiny will continue to be with you, even if the whole world were to become your enemy! But if the destiny were to ordain differently, the kingdom won’t remain with you! Oh king, considering all these, judge the honesty of your advisers. Decide who among them spoke with wickedness and who spoke wisely and well.”

Hearing Karna’s words, Drona said, “It is evident that your words are a result of your wicked intentions. Since you want to harm the Pandavas, you find fault with us. Whatever I said is for the good of the Kuru race. If you think what I said was out of evil intentions, then tell us what is good for us. If the good advice given by me is not followed, I think that the Kurus will be exterminated soon.

After this, Vidura said, “Oh, king, your friends are only saying what is good for you. But since you are not willing to listen to what they say, their words do not penetrate your ears. What Bhishma, the foremost of the Kuru race, said is excellent  and it is for your good. But you don’t listen to his advice. 

"What the preceptor Drona said is also for your good. But what Karna said can’t be regarded to be so. I don’t find anyone who is a better friend of you or of men of better wisdom  than Bhishma or Drona.

“These two, who are senior in years and in wisdom, always look at you and the sons of Pandu the same way. These two men are not inferior to Rama, the son of Dasaratha in virtue or truthfulness. Never have they given you evil advice. Never have you caused them any injury either. So why should these tigers, who have always been truthful, give you wicked advice? 

"Endowed with wisdom, they will never give you any evil advice. It is my firm conviction that these two, well versed in rules of morality, will never give any advice that will be partisan. I consider their advice to be highly beneficial to you.

“Oh, king! The Pandavas are your sons as much as Duryodhana and his brothers are. Those who give advice that will bring evil are those who don’t look into your interests. If there is any partiality in your heart for your own children, those who try to bring it out definitely are not doing you any good.

“These illustrious men of great splendor have not said anything that will lead to evil. But you do not understand this. What they said about the invincibility of the Pandavas is perfectly true. 

"Can Arjuna, who can use both his hands equally well, be defeated even by Indra? Can Bhima, who has the strength of a thousand elephants, be vanquished even by the immortals? Will anyone, who wants to live, confront the twins Nakula and Sahadeva, who are like the sons of Yama? 

"How can anyone vanquish Yudhishtira, en embodiment of patience, compassion, forgiveness and truth. Those, who have Balarama as their ally. Krishna as their advisor and Satyagi as their supporter have already defeated everybody in war.

“Those, who have Drupada as their father-in-law, and Drupada's sons – Drishtadhyumnan and others – as his brothers in law are invincible, indeed. Bear this in mind and the fact that their claim for the throne is prior to even yours and act with fairness. You have a stigma attached to you because of Purochana’s sinful act. You can relieve yourself of this, by acting kindly  towards the Pandavas. This will also protect all of us of the Kuru race.

“We have had a war with Drupada earlier. If we can make him our ally, it will strengthen us. Who, unless cursed by God, will seek to achieve through war what can be achieved through conciliation? Hearing that the Pandavas are alive, the people have become very happy and they are eager to see them. 

"Oh king, act in a way that will be acceptable to the people. Duryodhana, Karna and Sakuni, are young and foolish. Don’t listen to them. I told you a long time back that for the fault of Duryodhana, the people of this country should not be destroyed."

After listening to everyone, Dhritarashtra said, “The learned Bhishma, the illustrious Drona, and you said what is true and also what is most beneficial to me. The heroic sons of Pandu are my sons too and as my sons, they are entitled to this kingdom. 

"Therefore, quickly bring the Pandavas here, along with their mother and Draupadi. It is out of  sheer good fortune that the Pandavas are alive that the Pandavas have obtained the daughter of Drupada, that we have become stronger, that  Purochana has perished and that my grief has been killed.”

Vidura departed to Panchala to bring the Pandavas to Hastinapura, as per the command of Dhritarashtra.

45. Karna and Bhishma speak their minds

Hearing Duryodhana’s words, Karna said, “Duryodhana, I don’t think that any of your methods will succeed. Earlier, you have tried such methods and failed. The Pandavas were young and inexperienced at that time. Now they have been hardened by age and experience. 

"You failed in your efforts to kill them when they were living near you. They are now living at a distance. I think they can’t be hurt by any of the means suggested by you.  

"Fate seems to be on their side. They are desirous of regaining their kingdom. They can’t be disunited by any of the methods suggested by you. Nor can Draupadi be alienated from them. She chose the Pandavas as her husbands when they were in adversity. Will she leave them now, when they are in prosperity? Drupada is honest and virtuous, He is not greedy. Even if we offer him our entire kingdom, he won’t abandon the Pandavas.

“Bharata acquired the whole earth through his prowess alone. Indra  gained the three worlds by prowess alone. Prowess is always hailed by the Kshatriyas. So, without losing time, let us fight Drupada using the power of our army and crush him. We can then bring the Pandavas here as prisoners. I don’t see any other means by which we may accomplish our end.”

Hearing the words of Karna, Dhritarashtra applauded him and said, “Oh, son of Suta, you are gifted with both wisdom and valor. So, your words favoring the use of prowess suit you well. However, you two take the counsel of Bhishma, Drona and Vidura and adopt a course that will benefit us.”

Dhiritarashtra then summoned his ministers and took their counsel.

Asked by Dhritarashtra to give his opinion, Bhishma said, "O, Dhritarashtra, I can never support a quarrel with the Pandavas. You are to me as Pandu was to me. In the same way, the sons of Pandu are as dear to me as your sons are. I should protect them as much as I should protect your sons. So, I suggest that you enter into a treaty with the Pandavas, by giving them half of the kingdom.

“Duryodhana, just as you consider this kingdom as your paternal property, the Pandavas also look upon it as their paternal possession. If you think that you have lawfully come into possession of the kingdom, the Pandavas lawfully came into possession of the kingdom, even before you did. So, give  them half of the kingdom. It will be beneficial to all. If you act otherwise, evil will befall all of us. You will be covered with dishonor. 

"Duryodhana, strive to maintain your good name. A good name is the source of one's strength. It is said that one whose reputation is gone, lives in vain. A person lives only as long as his good name lasts and dies when he loses his good name. 

"Follow the practice that is worthy of the Kuru race. We are fortunate that the Pandavas and Kunti have not perished. We are fortunate that the wretch Purochana had perished without accomplishing his goal.

"From the time I heard of Kunti’s death, I was not able to meet any living creature. The world, on hearing of the death of Kunti and the Pandavas, did not regard Purochana as much guilty as it regarded you. Therefore, Pandava’s escape from the fire will do away with your evil reputation. 

"The Pandavas are virtuous.Their rightful share in the kingdom is being wrongfully denied to them. If you want to act rightly, if you want to do what is agreeable to me, give half the kingdom to the Pandavas.”

Previous: Duryodhana's ideas to weaken the Pandavas

44. Duryodhana's ideas to weaken the Pandavas

The news that Draupadi was united in marriage with the sons of Pandu was carried to all the kings who attended the Swayamvara of Draupadi  

It was also conveyed to them that the hero who bent the bow and shot the mark to win the hands of Draupadi was Arjuna and that the person who dashed Salya, the king of Madra, to the ground and terrified others by uprooting a tree was Bhima. 

Since the kings had learnt earlier that the Pandavas, along with her mother Kunti, were burnt to death in the fire that engulfed the house of lac, they considered Pandavas to be of men who had come back from the region of the dead. Having come to know of the cruel scheme contrived by Purochana, they said, “Shame on Bhishma, shame on Dhritarashtra and shame on the Kuru race!”

The news reached Duryodhana when he was on the way to Hastinapura along with his brothers, his uncle Sakuni, Aswathama. Kripa and Karna. Duhsasana told his brother Duryodhana, "If Arjuna had not disguised himself as a Brahmin, he could not have succeeded in winning the hand of Draupadi. Whatever we do, it is the fate that decides the outcome. Oh, the Pandavas are still alive!”

Duryodhana and his brothers blamed Purochana for his carelessness in allowing the Pandavas to escape from the house of lac. They were also worried that the Pandavas had gained the support of Drupada, Drishtadyumna, Sikhandi and the other sons of Drupada. They returned to Hastinapura in a mood of despair.

Vidura  was elated by the news that the hand of Draupadi was won by the Pandavas. He also saw Duryodhana and his brothers entering the palace in a crestfallen state. 

Vidura went to Dhritarashtra and told him, “The Kurus are prospering by good luck!" 

While Vidura referred to the Pandavas as the Kurus, Dhritarashtra understood this as a reference to his own sons and assumed that Draupadi was won over by Duryodhana. He ordered a grand reception for Duryodhana and Draupadi. Vidura then clarified that it was the Pandavas who had won the hand of Draupadi.

Dhritarashtra said that the Pandavas were as dear to him as they were to Pandu. He also expressed his happiness over obtaining Drupada and his relatives as an ally.

Vidura said, “O king, let your understanding remain unchanged for a hundred years!'

Duryodhana, Karna and others entered Dhritarshtra's chamber just at that time.

After Vidura had left, Duryodhana told Dhritarashtra, “We didn’t want to express our feelings in the presence of Vidura. But your applauding the Pandavas amounts to your considering the property of your enemies as your own. This is not right. From now onwards, your actions should aim at weakening the Pandavas. The time has come for all of us to think and act together so that we, our children, our relatives and friends are not swallowed by the Pandavas."

'Dhritarashtra replied, “I will do what you want me to do. But I don’t want to give any indication of my thinking to Vidura. Now tell me what you have in your mind" 

Duryodhana said. “Using the services of some trusted and skilful Brahmins, we can bring about some dissension between the sons of Kunti and the sons of Madri. Or, by presenting a lot of wealth to Drupada and his sons, and all his ministers, we can make them abandon the cause of Yudhishthira. 

"Or, we can ask our spies to induce the Pandavas to settle in Drupada's country, by convincing them of the inconvenience of residing in Hastinapura. Or, we can create jealousy among the Pandavas on account of Draupadi. Or we can make Draupadi turn against her husbands, by inducing suspicions in her mind about her husbands.. 

"Since Bhima is the strongest of the brothers, we can plot to kill Bhima and thereby weaken the Pandavas. Without Bhima, Arjuna won’t be equal to even one fourth of Karna.

“Without Bhima, they won’t venture to recover their kingdom from us. If they become docile and obedient to us, we would repress them, following the dictates of political science, enunciated by Kanika.

“Or, we may tempt the Pandavas through some beautiful girls and alienate Draupadi from them. Or, we can send messengers to bring them here and when thy come here, we may get them killed. We should use one of these methods, which appeals to you as the most appropriate. We should act before their trust with Drupada is established. These are my ideas. What do you say, Karna?”

Next: Karna and Bhishma Speak their minds

Previous: Draupadi's Marriage

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

42. Drupada's Predicament

Drupada then asked Yudhishtira, addressing him as he would a Brahmin, “Are we to take you as Kshatriyas, Brahmins or Devas  roaming the earth disguised as Brahmins?”

Yudhishtira replied, “Be happy that your desire has been fulfilled. We are Kshatriyas. We are the sons of Pandu. I am Yudhishtira. The one who won your daughter is Arjuna. This is Bhima. The twins are Nakula and Sahadeva. Our mother Kunti is in the inner apartments with Draupadi. Your daughter, like a lotus, has just  been transferred from one lake to another."

Hearing these words, Drupada became so joyous that he became choked with emotion and couldn’t speak for a while.

He then asked Yudhishtira how the Pandavas escaped from the fire that took place in their abode at Varanavata.

Yudhishtira narrated their experience.

Drupada  became angry and censored Dritarashtra for his role in the affair. He assured Yudhishtira of his support to the Pandavas, vowing to restore the throne to Yudhishtira.

Drupada then told Yudhishtira, “Let Arjuna perform the rites and take the hand of Draupada today, which is an auspicious day.”

Yudhishtira replied, ”O, king! I also have to marry her.”

Drupada said,”If it pleases you, you may take the hand of my daughter. Or, you ask any of your brothers to marry her.”

Yudhishtira replied, “O, king! Your daughter will be the common wife of all the five of us. It has been so ordained by my mother. Your daughter was won by Arjuna, but we follow a rule of conduct that we enjoy equally whatever is obtained by any of us. We can’t abandon this rule. Draupadi will have to be the wedded wife of all the five of us.”

Drupada said, “O, scion of the Kuru race, the  practice of one man having several wives is prevalent. But one woman marrying many men is something unheard of. You cannot commit a sin prohibited both by practice and by the Vedas.”

Yudhishtira replied, ”O, monarch! Morality is subtle. My heart will never accept something sinful.  My mother commanded us to do this and my heart also accepted it. This is in conformity with virtue. You need not have any misgivings about this.”

Drupada said, “O, son of Kunti. Let this matter be discussed among  your mother Kunti, my son Drishtadyumna and yourself. Let me know of the outcome of your deliberation by tomorrow.”

When the three of them were discussing this issue, Vyasa came to that place in the course of his wanderings.

The great sage was received warmly and everyone paid obeisance to him.

 Drupada asked Vyasa, “O, illustrious sage, please tell me whether one woman can marry five men without committing a sin?”

Vyasa replied, “This is opposed to the practice and to the Vedas. It has become obsolete. However,  before I give my opinion, I would like to know what each of you think about this.”

Drupada who spoke first, said, “Nowhere  have I seen  many men having one wife. I think this is sinful. The wise should never commit a sin. Therefore, I cannot make up my mind to accept this proposal.”

Dhrishtadyumna who spoke next, said, “Oh, great sage, how can the elder brother approach the wife of his younger brother? It is true that morality is subtle and we may not be able to say whether this is in conformity with morality. But I feel we can’t do this with a clear conscience. I cannot say that Draupadi can become the common wife of five brothers.”

It was Yudhishthira who spoke next. He said, “My tongue never utters an untruth, and my heart never inclines towards what is sinful. Therefore, when my heart accepts something, it can’t be sinful. I have heard that it has been mentioned in the puranas that a woman by name Jatila, the foremost of all virtuous women belonging to the race of Gotama, had married seven Rishis.

“In another instance, the daughter of an ascetic married ten brothers, all having the same name Prachetas. It is said that obeying the superiors is ever meritorious. Among all superiors, mother is the foremost. Since our mother commanded us all to enjoy Draupadi as we do anything obtained as alms, I consider this proposal virtuous.”

Finally, Kunti said “As the virtuous Yudhishtira said, this act is virtuous since otherwise my word would become untrue.”

Vyasa said, “Drupada, what Yudhishtira said is in conformity with virtue. This is an eternal virtue. I won’t talk about it in front of all these people, but I will tell you why this practice is acceptable.”

Vyasa then took Drupada aside to tell him how this practice was virtuous. Vyasa told Drupada that the Pandavas were five Indras born into the world due to a curse of Lord Siva and that Draupadi was also a celestial woman. That was why she was born in a sacrificial fire, he said.

Vyasa revealed that it was Lord Siva’s dictum that the celestial woman would be the common wife of the five Indras, when they were born in the world as human beings.

Vyasa also granted a divine vision to Drupada that enabled him to see the Pandavas and Draupadi in their celestial forms.

After seeing the five Pandavas and Draupadi  in their celestial forms, Drupada was convinced about the virtue of Draupadi becoming the common wife of the Pandavas.

Next: Draupadi's Marriage

Previous: Arrangements for the Marriage

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.