Untitled page

Dressed like poor Brahmins, the Pandavas finally reached Panchala, where they stayed at a potter's house. On the occasion of Draupadi's swayamvara, the city was bustling with activity, and there were decorations everywhere.

But in the palace, King Drupada bore a pensive expression. In his heart, he wanted his daughter to marry Arjuna because he believed only Arjuna would be able to help him kill Dronacharya. He also felt Drona would hesitate to hurt his dear student Arjuna's father-in-law. So, he decided that his Draupadi's swayamvara would consist of a task only a supreme archer could perform. 

The hall was packed with suitors as well as spectators. Duryodhana, Dushasana, Karna, and Shakuni, as well as Krishna and his elder brother, Balarama—the Pandavas' maternal cousins—and Jarasandha, the king of Magadha, were among those assembled. The Pandavas, still in disguise, were also present, but Krishna and Balarama recognized them.

On the ceiling, in the middle of the hall, was a rotating ring with a fish attached. On the ground, directly beneath it, was a large pan containing boiling oil. The rules of the swayamvara were announced: the participant archers would have to aim an arrow at the fish's eye, looking only at its reflection in the pan of oil. Whoever's arrow hit its mark would win Draupadi's hand.

The princess' arrival was announced by the sounds of trumpets and drums.