Meanwhile, Drupada was burning with anger at the humiliation he suffered at Drona’s hands. He wandered to many places, looking for a teacher who would teach him how he could have a son who would avenge his humiliation by defeating Drona some day. Finally when he received this knowledge, he returned to Panchala. He performed a great sacrifice with prayers and ceremony to have the son he desired. His sacrifice was a great success. Out of the sacrificial fire emerged two glowing beings. One was his son, Dhrishtadyumna, who appeared out of the fire complete with armour and bearing weapons. There was no doubt that a great warrior was born. He was followed by the dusky and beautiful Draupadi. As she was the daughter of the King of Panchala, she was also called Panchali. Because she emerged from the yajna fire, she was called Yajnaseni too.
Drupada’s Prayer
