“Vaishampaayana said, ‘Then those tigers among men -- those brothers --
the five Pandavas, set out for Paanchaala to see that country and Draupadi and
the festivities (in view of her marriage). Those tigers among men -- those oppressors of all enemies -- in going
along with their mother, saw on the way numerous Brahmanas proceeding together.
O king (Janamejaya), those Brahmanas
who were all Brahmacharis seeing the Pandavas asked them, ‘Where are you going
to? Also from what place are you coming?’
“Yudhishthira replied to them, saying, ‘O bulls among Brahmanas, you know
that we are blood brothers proceeding together with our mother. We are coming from
Ekachakra.’
“The Brahmanas then said, ‘You go this very day to the abode of Drupada
in the country of the Paanchaalas. A great Swayamvara takes place there, on
which a large sum of money will be spent. We also are proceeding there. Let us
all go together. Extraordinary festivities will take place (in Drupada’s
abode). The illustrious Yagnasena,
otherwise called Drupada, had a daughter risen from the centre of the Vedi (Sacrificial
altar in English). Of eyes like
lotus-petals and of faultless features endued with youth and intelligence, she
is extremely beautiful. The slender-waisted Draupadi of every feature perfectly
faultless, and whose body emits a fragrance like to that of the blue lotus for one
Krosha (~3.09 kilometers) around, is
the sister of the strong-armed Dhrishtadyumna gifted with great prowess -- the (would-be) slayer of Drona -- who was born with
natural armour, sword, bow and arrows from the blazing fire, himself like to
the second Fire. That daughter of Yagnasena (King Drupada) will select a husband from among the
invited princes. We are travelling there to see her and the festivities on the
occasion, like to the festivities of heaven. To that Swayamvara will come from
various lands kings and princes who are performers of yagnas in which the
presents to the Brahmanas are large: (Those kings) who are devoted to study, are holy, illustrious, and of rigid vows (Vrata
in Sanskrit); who are young and
handsome; and who are mighty chariot-warriors (Mahaa Rathaa in Sanskrit) and accomplished in arms. Desirous of
winning (the hand of) the lady those
monarchs will all give away much wealth, cows, food and other articles of
enjoyment. Taking all they will give away and witnessing the Swayamvara, and
enjoying the festivities, we shall go wherever we like. There will also come to
that Swayamvara, from various countries, actors; poets singing the tributes
praising of kings; dancers; reciters of Puranas; messengers; and powerful
athletes. Looking all these sights and taking what will be given away to
illustrious ones, you will return with us. You are all handsome and like to the
Devas! Looking you, Krishna (meaning Draupadi here) may, by chance, choose some one among you superior to the rest. This your
brother of mighty arms, 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, ‘O
Brahmanas, we will all go with you to witness that lady’s Swayamvara--that
excellent jubilee.’”
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