The Rule Concerning Draupadi

Krishna bade farewell to the Pandavas and returned to Dwarka. The Pandavas began residing in their new capital, and many denizens of Hastinapura decided to move to Indraprastha.

A few days later, Sage Narada came to meet the Pandavas, who welcomed him by washing his feet. The sage told them the purpose of his visit. "I have come to advise you. Draupadi is the wife of all five of you, so you must be cautious. Rules should be established so that each brother's rights are safeguarded; otherwise, you will be destroyed like the demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda. They too were mutually affectionate but had the same wife, Tilottama, over whom they eventually fought to the death."

Narada's words made an impression on the Pandavas, who decided when each brother could spend time with Draupadi. Anyone who violated this rule would be expelled from the country and have to remain celibate for a year.

One day, a troubled Brahmin arrived at the palace. "Thieves have stolen my cows," he said. "A Brahmin's only possessions are his cows. Please find my cows and return them to me."

Arjuna wished to enter the chamber to fetch his weapons, but Yudhishthira and Draupadi were already there. For a moment, he was at a loss. But he had to fulfill his duty, so he entered the room, bowed to his brother, and retrieved his bow and arrows.

He killed the man who had stolen the Brahmin's cows and returned them to the Brahmin. He then went straight to Yudhishthira and informed him of his intention of going into exile, as he had broken the rule concerning Draupadi. But Yudhishthira was generous and forgiving.