The people of Ekachakrapura had heard that Draupadi’s swayamvara was being held by King Drupada in Panchala. Many Brahmanas were going there, so Kunti and the Pandavas also, in their disguise, reached Panchala and stayed with a potter. In a beautifully decorated marriage hall, a huge bow was kept. The suitors had to string it and shoot an arrow through a hole in a revolving target above. Whoever was successful, would win Drupada’s daughter. There were princes from many kingdoms, including the Kauravas, Karna, Shishupala, Jarasandha and many others. Dhrishtadyumna escorted his sister, Draupadi, and announced the rules of the swayamvara. The contestants had to look into the pool of oil and shoot the eye of the fish. Many princes tried, but most were unable to even string the bow. Then Arjuna rose and, with Dhrishtadyumna’s permission, he strung the bow easily and shot five arrows one after another at the target. Draupadi garlanded the successful suitor.
Draupadi’s Swayamvara
