Dhrishtadyumna Spies on the Pandavas

Lord Krishna and his elder brother, Balarama, weren't the only ones who had followed the Pandavas. Resolved to learn the truth about the men dressed in Brahmin clothing, Dhrishtadyumna quietly slipped into the house and hid in one of the rooms. He watched Kunti serve food to everyone and noticed that she gave Bhima the largest helping. At night, he saw Draupadi lying down near Kunti's feet. He heard the men converse about war, weapons, strategy, and leadership—subjects befitting Kshatriyas. He observed that they didn't talk about the Vedas, Shastras, devotion to God, or penance, which are topics concerning Brahmins.

Dhrishtadyumna was now certain that his sister had been married into a Kshatriya dynasty. He sneaked out of the house before dawn and went straight to his father.

"I hope the young man who won Draupadi at the swayamvara comes from a respected lineage," said King Draupada apprehensively. "I had wanted Arjuna to become my son-in-law, but that wish went unfulfilled."

Dhrishtadyumna smiled and said, "Actually, your wish has been fulfilled, Father. I trailed the Brahmins and saw them enter a potter's house. I spied on them, and what I learned filled me with great satisfaction. Those five Brahmins are, in fact, the Pandavas. They have no characteristics of Brahmins. On the contrary, they are strong, powerful, and possess royal qualities. Instead of discussing the Shastras or Vedas, they talk about weaponry and war strategies. Furthermore, the skills they showcased yesterday were far beyond the reach of any Brahmin."

Dhrishtadyumna continued speaking, full of enthusiasm, as his father listened wide-eyed. He then described the mother of the young men. "I've never seen such a regal woman. Those men are not Brahmins, but the Pandavas, and their mother is Kunti. It appears that they somehow managed to survive the fire at Varanavata."

The news that the Pandavas were still alive greatly pleased Drupada; nevertheless, he wished to confirm it. He summoned his family priest and said, "Go to the potter's house and speak with its residents. Learn everything there is to know about them. Also inform them about my friendship with the late Pandu. Nothing will give me more joy than celebrating my daughter's marriage to Arjuna with pomp and show."