16- Draupadi Swayamvara!

  (Adi Parva- Vyasa Mahabharata.)

King Janamejaya asked, ‘O noble Rishi! What did the best of men, the Pandavas do after killing Bakasura?’

Vaishampayana said, ‘O king! The Pandavas rested in that Brahaman’s house for a few more days practicing study of the Vedas. One day a visitor (Brahmana) came to live there. After he settled down in that house, all the five Pandavas and Kunti hade a conversation with that guest Brahmana. Being asked by the Pandavas, he narrated his wonderful experiences of various places and also some extraordinary incidents like how Dhristadyumna, Shikhandi and Draupadi were born without a woman's womb.

The visitor Brahmana narrated the whole story of Guru Dronacharya, King Drupada( king of Panchala) and the cause of their enmity. He also described how Drona became the preceptor of royal princes of Hastinapur and why Guru Dronacharya’s mind was not free for a moment from the humiliation he got from King Drupada. Thus, Guru Drona had only one aim: how to take revenge upon the Panchala king! While teaching the royal princes Kauravas and Pandavas, he made them promise to give Guru Dakshina whenever he asked for it. And they agreed!

While teaching the royal princes in Hastinapur, Guru Drona could sense the power of Arjun from the very beginning. Thus, after their Shiksha (learning) was over, Guru asked them to pay their Guru Dakshina! He asked his disciples (both the  princes of Kauravas and Pandavas) to bring King Drupada to him alive- as a captive. Arjun was the only one who could accomplish the task easily! But, without giving any physical injury, Guru Dronacharya took half of the kingdom of Drupada and gave back the other half to him. At that time Drupada wishing his well being said, ‘O high-souled Brahmana! Be blessed! Let our friendship be continued forever as you wish!’ 

This was climax for both the king Drupada and Guru Dronacharya! Wow! The personification of pretence (of friendship in words) was at the height of climax!!! Drupada felt so much humiliated that he had taken a vow to kill Guru Dronacharya! 

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Time passed————————

His (Drupada) mind was plunged in the thought of vengeance! He desired for a divine powered son who could slay the invincible Brahmin- Dronacharya! At last, King Drupada was blessed with two extraordinary children- Dhristadyumna (born with natural armour of weapon) and Krishnaa (Draupadi) from Yajna Kunda (sacrificial altar)! There was no equal in beauty with Krishnaa. But when she was born, an invisible voice said, ‘This incomparable dark complexion beauty will be the cause of destruction of Kshatriyas! And she will be a cause of fear to the Kurus!’

Having heard of all the story of Drona, Dhristadyumna and Draupadi, the five Pandavas’s minds filled with anxiety. Seeing their unsettled mind, Kunti advised them saying, ‘O heroic descendants of Kuru! We have already settled down in this Brahman’s house for a long time. It is not easy to get alms sufficiently in one place. Therefore, let us move to Panchala where alms are abundantly available.’

Then, saluting the Brahmana, five Pandavas with their mother Kunti set off on their journey to that beautiful city Panchal! When they were living in disguise in that Brahmana’s house in Ekachakra, once the great ascetic Vyasa Dev visited them. Having a blissful discourse with them, Vyasa Dev narrated the story of the   previous life of Yajnaseni (Draupadi) and revealed the secret of Draupadi’s marriage to all of them! The great Rishi blessed them and went away whence he came! 

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After the departure of Vyasa Dev, the Pandavas with mother Kunti proceeded to the Panchala kingdom! As nightfall approached, Arjun headed first with a torch in hand guiding the the rest of his brothers and mother Kunti. After crossing a long distance, when they reached the sacred river Ganges, it was the sporting time of Gandharva king Chitraratha! Being disturbed by the presence of Pandavas, Chitraratha became furious. Throwing harsh words at each other, Chitraratha had a fight with Arjun and eventually defeated by him. Realising their (Pandavas) noble characters and celestial powers, Gandharva king tied the knot of friendship. They had a friendly conversation for a long time. Then, Chitraratha imparted the power of illusion of the Gandharvas to Arjun, and Arjun in return gave his fire-weapon to him. Thereafter, the Gandharva king and the Pandavas saluting each other departed to their own destination. But before his departure, Chitraratha advised Pandavas to have a priest for getting his benediction and proper guidance for their future benefit! And, the Pandavas happily agreed!   

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With the guidance and advice of Chitraratha, the Pandavas appointed Dhoumya as their Kula Purohita.( family priest). The high-souled Dhoumya was well versed with Vedas and happily accepted the offer of those tigers among men-the five Pandavas!

While the virtuous Pandavas with their mother and priest were moving towards Panchal, they saw many Brahmanas going together. Beholding the natural strength and beauty of those brothers, the Brahmanas began discussing with them about whence they come and where wishing to go! Knowing the intention of five brothers, the Brahmanas asked them to join their group. They also mentioned about the great festivities going to be held on King Drupada’s abode. The Swayamvara of their extraordinarily beautiful daughter- Jajnaseni’s (whose body emits the fragrance like a blue lotus and who was born from the sacrificial altar!)

The Brahmanas continued, saying, ‘The illustrious princes, kings from various countries will all be present there and being desirous of obtaining Draupadi, they will give away more than enough wealth, food and other entertainment articles. After enjoying fully the grand feats and obtaining wealth, we will go back whence we come. Excitedly the Brahmanas explained everything like how the various kings and princes will be there but that divine maiden would chose her husband among them as she wished.’ 

Looking at Pandavas, they said, ‘All of you are handsome and look like celestials! Who knows? Draupadi ( Janjyaseni) may be seeing you, by chance, choose some one amongst you superior to the rest of the princes! Join with us to witness the grand festivities and obtain a great wealth as Dakshina! Let us enjoy the various entertainments that the noble king has arranged!’

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While the Pandavas proceeded towards the southern Panchala, they met high-souled Rishi Vyasa Dev again. Commanded by him, the sons of Pandu reached in the city of King Drupada. There they took their shelter in a potter’s house. In the guise of Brahmins, they begged alms and lived their life. No one could recognise who they were!

King Drupada determined to bestow his daughter to Kiriti (other name for Arjun) but never spoke to anyone. Reflecting his own wish, he kept a very difficult condition on his daughter's marriage which no one but Arjun could accomplish! He arranged a stiff (steel) bow of that strength which no one could bend to string it, except Arjun! Reflecting his hidden desire, he proclaimed, ‘He who will string this bow and shoot the ornamented five arrows to the mark, set above the machinery, shall be the husband of my daughter!’

The news spread like wild-fire! Hearing the news, thousands of princes and kings from various places came to the capital of Panchal. A great festivity in Panchala kingdom was going to be held! Many illustrious Rishis, Gandharvas, Kinners, Apsaras with flowers in hand, and the bards, all those who were desirous of beholding the Swayamvara, landed there. The learned Brahmanas came to witness the celestial marriage of Jajnaseni- the divine maiden! 

The Rishis, the Brahmanas, the kings, noble, revered persons were all well received (duly worshipped) by illustrious Drupada.

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All the citizens of Panchala were highly excited to see the wonderful feat and to enjoy the marriage ceremony of their incomparable beautiful princess- Draupadi! What a Swayamvara! 

The auspicious ground on the north-east of the city was chosen for building a magnificent amphitheatre. It was a, massive levelled amphitheatre erected on a beautiful plain. The entire ground was securely enclosed by a perimeter wall and filled with massive, multi-story skyscraper mansions built all around the arena for the visiting kings. The royal sports stadium designed to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators safely and comfortably. The grand stadium had hundred massive gates decorated with all the the precious gems, like gold, emerald, diamond and many more.

Arrangements were already classified like the kings and princes did not just sit in standard stands, they occupied the most luxurious complexes surrounding the field. The mansions were so high that it seemed as if the top of the peaks of mountain- Kailash! And also heavily scented with black aloe wood and sandalwood paste! The window, floor, stairs of viewing galleries every single interior was decorated with costly gems! That proved the ultimate luxurious life of the high society!

Rishi Vyasa Dev have well depicted the status difference of life styles of the people at that era!Even the mansions had their own wide flights of stairs, so that kings could easily descend to the central ground

The centre of the vast arena was the place where the archery context would take place. The ground was covered by beautiful multi-coloured canopies to protect the audience from the sun. 

In the centre stood the structural setup featuring the heavy steel bow and the elevated, spinning mechanical yantra (machine) holding the target. The target was positioned directly above the spinning machine. This machine was a constantly rotating wheel with a hole in it. The target was completely obscured except a very few moments, the opening(the hole or orifice)of the revolving wheel aligned perfectly with the target- the golden object. It acted as a shutter obstacle spinning between the archer and the final target!

The actors, the dancers, and the bards displayed their performances everyday with best of their ability. Day by day, the assembly increased in bulk! Thus, the grand festivity continued for fifteen days! 

On the sixteenth Day—————————————

The whole arena was fully crowded! All the best of the kings, princes adorned with the sweet smell of Aguru paste took their respective seats. Every single person was dreaming to have Krishnaa as their Queen!The people of the city as well as across the city who came to see the beautiful princess of Kampilya had already taken their excellent seats on the platforms. The Pandavas chose their place near the Brahmanas enjoying the affluence of the king Drupada! The arena was completely filled with the sound of trumpets, and other musical instruments with noise from every corner of the arena!

Suddenly, the noisy sound became standstill! As if the heart-throb of thousands stopped for a moment! All eyes were fixed on one direction. The black beauty with elegant steps entered the assembly hall! Having bathed, Draupadi, attired with most beautiful robes and adorned with most valuable ornaments from toe to bottom entered into the arena. She was holding a golden dish where a beautiful garland of flowers and Arghya for offerings were kept. The moment she stepped in, the holy Brahmanas (priests of lunar race) began reciting the mantras in high pitch, with uttering the words of benediction. Agni Dev was gratified with the libation of ghee by them.

With the gesture of Dhristadyumna- the prince of Panchala, all the musical instruments stopped. Then, in a deep voice, holding the hand of his sister, Dhristadyumna announced—————

‘Hear me, O assembled kings, and princes, here is the bow, these are the ornamented arrows. The golden mark above the moving wheel is the target! The rule what to do is——

The archer had to lift and string the incredibly stiff bow, take exactly five arrows, look straight upward, time the rotation of the wheel, and shoot all five arrows through the hole (orifice) of the moving wheel, to strike the target and bring down the golden object to the ground. 

He who can accomplish this feat, shall obtain my sister- Krishna as his wife! No doubt of it!’

Having announced this, Dhristadyumna began reciting the names, lineage and the great achievements of the assembled kings and princes one by one to his sister. It seemed as if no warriors on this earth were exempted from the list who didn't attend the ceremony to obtain the hand of Draupadi! Each one threw a sharp glance at other feeling proud of their own prowess, prosperity and achievements before going to try the incredibly tough task. 

Besides the contestants, the celestials, the Rudra, the Aditya, the Vasus, the Daityas, the Nagas and many more assembled in the sky to witness the marriage of Yajnaseni! Krishna and Balaram with their Vrishni race were also present there to enjoy the feat! Beholding the Pandavas among the Brahmanas, Krishna became very happy. He whispered to Balaram the incident how Pandavas escaped from the jaws of death (Jatugriha)! Krishna was the only one who could recognise the Pandavas in the Brahmanical guise!

The trial began————————————

The mighty kings of matchless prowess couldn't even string the bow! Ashamed of their failure, the kings returned back to their seats. Their skill, energy, strength were all tossed on the ground. Some of them fell on their knees on the ground and panted for breath! Their ambition for winning the beauty faded like bubbles in the water! 

Looking at the miserable condition of the kings, Karna went to the place where the bow was! He lifted the bow and strung it, and put the arrows on the string. He was about to release the arrows, Draupadi screamed aloud, ‘I shall not marry the son of a Suta.’ Being humiliated by the harsh words of Krishnaa, Karna threw a sharp glance at Surya Deva and threw away the bow which was already strung! Karna’s anguished face expressed his feeling clearly! 

Warriors like Shalya, Damaghosa, Shishupala and many mighty kings fell on their knees on the  ground while trying to lift the bow. The ornaments on their body loosened, flower garlands scattered on the floor. They came back to their seats bending their heads out of shame!

When all the Kshatriyas failed, the foremost of heroes Arjun stood up from the Brahmana group to perform the task! Beholding his courage to face the challenge, there arose a loud uproar in the Brahmana group cheering him with waving their deer skins! Some commented, ‘Out of childishness  why this young Brahmana dared to attempt the impossible task? He will made us all a laughing stock before the society! Why to incur disrespect spoiling our reputation? Stop this boy!’

There a few Brahmanas said, ‘Behold the strength and energy of this young Brahmana! He walks like a lion! His strength appears like that a mad elephant! Never disregard his Brahmanical Brahma energy! It seems, he will bring victory to all of us!’

Without blinking, all the assembled kings, princes, Kshatriyas, and Brahmanas fixed their eyes on the invincible hero- Arjun, who stood near the spot. Arjun silently prayed his elders, then swiftly lifted the bow, put the string on it, and taking the five arrows, shot the target- that golden object! Without any mistake, the arrows passed through the orifice of that rotating wheel and brought down the golden object on the ground!!!

Flowers showered from the sky by the celestials, Apsaras, and Gandharvas! Once again, a loud uproar from thousands of Brahmanas filled the whole arena! Krishna was extremely happy seeing Arjun won the princess- Draupadi as his wife! The musicians played the drums and trumpets, the bards and heralds ofbegan to chant the praise of the hero!

Krishnaa (Draupadi) was overwhelmed with joy and slowly proceeded towards Parth with a white robe and a garlands of flowers! She was won by the foremost of warriors- Arjun, the third Pandava! Draupadi became lawfully the wife of Arjun!

What a Swayamvara! But, what happened then shall be narrated later! The moment Arjun won the challenge, Yudhishthira with the twins left the place for giving the auspicious news to their mother- Kunti!

[Once an illustrious Rishi lived in a jungle. He had an incomparable beautiful daughter! Unfortunately, she couldn't get a worthy husband for herself because of her deeds in her previous birth. So, she worshipped Lord Shiva. With her unwavering devotion and hard penances, Lord Shiva was pleased and appeared before her. Lord Shiva said, ‘O blessed lady! I am pleased with you! Ask me a boon.’

As Lord Mahadeva offered her a boon, out of excitement the lady uttered the same words ‘Give me a husband’,five times! Lord Shiva replied to her saying, ‘O fortunate one! You will get five husbands from Bharata race in your next life!’ 

This is the reason behind Draupadi’s marriage to the five Pandavas.]