Draupadi was the daughter of Drupada, the king of Panchala. The king arranged a swayamvar for Draupadi in the court of Panchala. A pole was erected in the court over which a wooden fish was fixed on a revolving wheel. A pan of water was kept at the bottom of the pole. Anyone who could shoot an arrow at the eye of the revolving fish while looking at its reflection in the water, would be married to Draupadi. The princes from all over the world assembled for the swayamvar. The Pandavas, Duryodhana, Karna and Krishna were also present. Many brave princes tried but failed to perform the difficult task. Suddenly, Arjuna rose and easily shot at the fish’s eye. Draupadi was happy and put the wedding garland around Arjuna’s neck. On reaching home, Arjuna called out to Kunti and told that he had brought something. Kunti from inside the house asked him to share it among the five brothers, thinking that he had brought something. As a custom, the Pandavas had to obey every word of Kunti. Draupadi had to become the wife of all five brothers. The wedding between the Pandavas and Draupadi was performed with great splendour.
DRAUPADI’S SWAYAMVAR
