Draupadi's Swayamvaram Contest Announced : Episode 56 (30-Mar-14)

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(Continued from the previous episode)Explaining the animosity with the Kuru dynasty, Drupada tells Draupadi how Bhishma had attacked and defeated Panchala and rescued Vichitraveerya. Drupada has reckoned that Hastinapur has several warriors like Kripa, Bhishma and Drona. To defeat Hastinapur, he would have to get Arjuna on his side. With Arjuna as an ally, he believes he can settle old scores.

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Bhishma feels upset that he had to light a 'deepam'in front of (in memory of) Pandavas' portraits while they were alive, an act that goes against the scriptures. He tells Vidura how he felt tempted to hit Shakuni whenever he references Pandavas as having burned at Varanavata and wonders what pleasure he derived from speaking thus. Vidura says Shakuni wanted to verify if indeed Pandavas are alive, but allays Bhishma's apprehensions saying the truth had to come out one day.

Vidura also says that while Bhishma was lighting the lamp, he thought of Lord Subramania, Shiva's son. Hence the lights were lit for the Lord, and not for the Pandavas. Bhishma doesn't understand. Vidura clarifies that this was the method Krishna himself used while performing the final rites for the Pandavas. Bhishma feels relieved.

At the potter's house, Pandavas take leave of their mother saying they would go to Panchala.

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At Panchala, Draupadi prays to God to bring Arjuna for the contest. She tells her companion to look for Arjuna, and she returns back to tell her she couldn't find him.

Drupada and his brother Satyajit are watching their guests arrive one by one. Jarasandha and Shishupala arrive first. As each of the invitees arrive, they discuss the possibility of their winning the swayamwara contest. Others who arrive include Shalya, Pundraka Vasudeva, Duryodhana and Dushshasana, Shakuni, Karna, and Krishna and Balarama.

Dristadyumna calls Draupadi to the Swayamvara Mantapa, where all the kings and princes are seated. With a crestfallen face, Drishtadyumna tells Draupadi that he has scoured through the entire mantapa, but cannot find Arjuna. Draupadi vows that if she cannot marry Arjuna, she would enter the very fire she came from.

Drupada is somewhat relieved after seeing Krishna. He has been rattled at seeing Karna who he knows to be good archer. Krishna enquires with a smile what worries him. But Krishna confuses Drupada even further with his innocently witty replies.

After Drupada takes his seat, Pandavas arrive along with other common people and sit on the ground. From where he is seated on the ground, Arjuna folds his hands and seeks Krishna's blessings.

When all the kings took their seats, Draupadi entered the hall. All eyes were on her as Draupadi passed through the assembly to occupy the central seat in the podium where Drupada and his wife were seated. Draupadi looks at each of the kings. Drishtadyumna comes forward and speaks thus, "There is a severe test that's awaiting all of the kings. The bow that has been kept here is called 'simbura'. It requires tremendous physical and mental power to even lift the bow. The person who will complete the task successfully shall marry my sister. That's my promise!"