Arjuna Wins Draupadi's Hand

Arjuna proceeded to the bow and easily strung it. King Drupada, Dhrishtadyumna, and Draupadi watched with anticipation, hoping this Brahmin would prevent the swayamvara from being a failure. Arjuna nocked an arrow, looked into the pan of oil, and took aim. He released the arrow, and it instantly hit the eye of the fish.

The Brahmins loudly applauded Arjuna's amazing feat. Draupadi was delighted. But the young Brahmin's archery skills raised suspicion among the Kshatriya princes. Arjuna then shot another arrow, which also hit the fish's eye. The princes present stared at him open-mouthed. 

Draupadi's heart leapt with joy. She looked toward Arjuna and their eyes met. King Drupada took a close look at the young Brahmin, and a ray of hope dawned within him. Perhaps his family priest was right about the Pandavas still being alive. Draupadi bashfully approached Arjuna, put a garland around his neck, and thus chose him as her husband.

The Kshatriya princes were disappointed and angry. One of them rose and accused King Drupada of being unfair to them. "This swayamvara was meant only for Kshatriyas. A Brahmin cannot compete. Draupadi must choose one of us," he insisted stubbornly.

The princes got up, removed their swords from their sheaths, and moved forward to attack King Drupada, Dhrishtadyumna, and Draupadi. They charged at Arjuna as well, but Bhima got up and roared. He ripped a pillar out and hit the princes with it. When Shalya tried to oppose him, Bhima picked him up and flung him onto the ground. Bhima and Arjuna tackled the aggressors, who were forced to flee for their lives. 

Krishna quietly watched the scene unfold. He then turned to Balarama. "That Brahmin who tore down the pillar is undoubtedly Bhima. Only he possesses such great strength. And the one who won the contest must be Arjuna. No other archer can aim with such accuracy. It is a matter of great joy that Aunt Kunti and her sons escaped the fire at Varanavata."