SECTION CLXXXVI
(Swayamvara Parva)
"Vaisampayana said, 'Then those tigers among
men--those brothers--the five Pandavas, set out for Panchala to behold that
country and Draupadi and the festivities (in view of her marriage). And those
tigers among men--those oppressors of all enemies--in going along with their
mother, saw on the way numerous Brahmanas proceeding together. And those
Brahmanas who were all Brahmacharis beholding the Pandavas, O king, asked them,
'Where are ye going to? Whence also are ye come?' And Yudhishthira replied unto
them, saying, 'Ye bulls among Brahmanas, know ye that we are uterine brothers
proceeding together with our mother. We are coming even from Ekachakra.' The
Brahmanas then said, 'Go ye this very day to the abode of Drupada in the
country of the Panchalas. A great Swayamvara takes place there, on which a
large sum of money will be spent. We also are proceeding thither. Let us all go
together. Extraordinary festivities will take place (in Drupada's abode). The
illustrious Yajnasena, otherwise called Drupada, had a daughter risen from the
centre of the sacrificial altar. Of eyes like lotus-petals and of faultless
features endued with youth and intelligence, she is extremely beautiful. And
the slender-waisted Draupadi of every feature perfectly faultless, and whose
body emitteth a fragrance like unto that of the blue lotus for two full miles
around, is the sister of the strong-armed Dhrishtadyumna gifted with great
prowess--the (would-be) slayer of Drona--who was born with natural mail and
sword and bow and arrows from the blazing fire, himself like unto the second
Fire. And that daughter of Yajnasena will select a husband from among the
invited princes. And we are repairing thither to behold her and the festivities
on the occasion, like unto the festivities of heaven. And to that Swayamvara
will come from various lands kings and princes who are performers of sacrifices
in which the presents to the Brahmanas are large: who are devoted to study, are
holy, illustrious, and of rigid vows; who are young and handsome; and who are
mighty car-warriors and accomplished in arms. Desirous of winning (the hand of)
the maiden those monarchs will all give away much wealth and kine and food and
other articles of enjoyment. And taking all they will give away and witnessing
the Swayamvara, and enjoying the festivities, we shall go wheresoever we like.
And there will also come unto that Swayamvara, from various countries, actors,
and bards singing the panegyrics of kings, and dancers, and reciters of
Puranas, and heralds, and powerful athletes. And beholding all these sights and
taking what will be given away to illustrious ones, ye will return with us. Ye
are all handsome and like unto the celestials! Beholding you, Krishna may, by
chance, choose some one amongst you superior to the rest. This thy brother of
mighty arms and handsome and endued with beauty also, engaged in (athletic)
encounters, may, by chance, earn great wealth.'
"On hearing these words of the Brahmanas,
Yudhishthira replied, 'Ye Brahmanas, we will all go with you to witness that
maiden's Swayamvara--that excellent jubilee.'"
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