After some time had passed since Bheema’s defeat of Bakasura, a traveler arrived at the house where the Pandavas were staying in Ekachakrapura. He shared news from the Panchala Kingdom, praising the unparalleled beauty of Draupadi, the daughter of King Drupada. He informed them that Drupada was preparing for Draupadi’s Swayamvara, a grand self-choice ceremony where suitors would compete for her hand. Kunti noticed that her sons, intrigued by the description of Draupadi, were eager to attend the event. She suggested they all journey to Panchala to witness the Swayamvara, possibly with the hope that one of them could win Draupadi’s hand in marriage.
The Pandavas, still disguised as Brahmanas, made their way to Panchala. Along the journey, they encountered a Gandharva named Angaraparana, who was angered by their intrusion into what he considered his domain by the river Ganga. Gandharvas, celestial musicians and warriors, claimed dominion over nature during nighttime, and Angaraparana challenged the Pandavas, threatening them. However, Arjuna—confident in his prowess and divine weapons—faced him, using a celestial weapon learned from his guru Drona. Arjuna defeated the Gandharva, destroying his chariot with a fiery missile.
Upon his defeat, Angaraparana, humbled, sought friendship with Arjuna and offered him gifts: the power of creating battle illusions and a thousand divine horses. In return, Arjuna gave the Gandharva his weapon as a gesture of goodwill. The Gandharva also advised the Pandavas to seek a spiritual guide and suggested the Brahmana Dhaumya, who later became their priest and guide.
The Pandavas continued to Panchala and reached the site of Draupadi’s Swayamvara. The venue was grand, filled with the most powerful kings and warriors from across the land, including Duryodhana, Karna, and the Kuru princes. Krishna and Balarama were also present, with Krishna subtly acknowledging the Pandavas, who were seated in the section reserved for Brahmanas.
Dhrishtadyumna, Draupadi’s brother, explained the challenge: the suitors had to string a heavy bow and shoot an arrow to pierce the eye of a moving target, using only its reflection in the water below. Many powerful warriors, including Karna and Duryodhana, attempted the feat but failed. Draupadi, disapproving of Karna due to his perceived lower caste as a charioteer’s son, rejected him, causing him to withdraw without even attempting the task.
Arjuna, still disguised as a Brahmana, rose and asked if Brahmanas could participate in the contest. Upon receiving approval, he effortlessly completed the challenge, much to the astonishment of the crowd. Draupadi garlanded Arjuna, signaling her acceptance of him as her husband.
This event, however, sparked outrage among the assembled kings, who felt humiliated and attacked Drupada for staging what they believed to be a farce. A battle broke out between the Pandavas and the other kings. Bheema and Arjuna defended themselves with great skill, and eventually, with Krishna’s intervention, peace was restored.
Arjuna and Bheema took Draupadi back to their home, where they presented her to their mother, Kunti. Unaware of what they had brought, Kunti instructed them to “share it equally,” a statement that led to the decision that Draupadi would become the wife of all five Pandavas. This unusual arrangement, while initially questioned by Drupada, was sanctioned by the sage Vyasa, who revealed that Draupadi had been destined for this union due to a boon she had received in a past life from Lord Shiva.
The Pandavas’ marriage to Draupadi strengthened their position significantly, as they gained the powerful alliance of King Drupada and his vast army. The secrecy surrounding their survival and their growing power was now known to their rivals, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Pandavas’ lives.