DRAUPADI'S SWAYAMVARA

As Bhima and Arjuna were taking Draupadi to their temporary abode, Dhrishtadyumna followed them at a distance, and, unseen by them, closely observed everything that took place there. He was amazed and delighted at what he saw, and returning, he secretly told King Drupada: "Father, I think they are the Pandavas.

Draupadi accompanied them, holding to the skirts of the deer-skin of that youth and she was not at all abashed. I also followed and I saw all five and a venerable and august lady who, I have no doubt, is Kunti herself."

Invited by Drupada Kunti and thePandavas went to the palace. Dharmaputra confided to the king that they were the Pandavas; he also informed him of their decision tomarry Draupadi in common.

Drupada rejoiced at knowing that they were the Pandavas, which set at rest all anxiety regarding the enmity of Drona, but was surprised and disgusted when he heard that they would jointly marry Draupadi.

Drupada opposed this and said "How unrighteous' How did this idea get into your head, this immoral idea that goes against thetraditional usage?"

Yudhishthira answered: "O king, kindly excuse us. In a time of great peril we vowed that we would share all things in common and we cannot break that pledge. Our mother has commanded us so."Finally Drupada yielded and the marriage was celebrated.

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