Draupadi Garlands Arjuna : Episode 57

Recap of Previous Episode :

Drupada tells Draupadi why he needs Arjuna to settle his old conflict with Hastinapur. In Hastinapur, Vidura eases Bhishma’s worry over lighting a lamp for the Pandavas. The Pandavas then leave for Panchala.

In Panchala, Draupadi hopes for Arjuna’s arrival, but Dhrishtadyumna cannot find him. Kings and princes gather for the swayamvara, including Jarasandha, Shishupala, Karna, Duryodhana, Krishna, and Balarama. The Pandavas quietly take their seats among the brahmins.

Draupadi enters the hall as Dhrishtadyumna announces the challenge of the mighty bow, whose victor will win her hand.

The Contest Begins at Panchala

Drishtadyumna explains the rules of the swayamvara. The sacred bow, Simburam, was once gifted by the Devas to Saranjaya, son of sage Vyagrapadha. It is a weapon ordinary mortals cannot lift—let alone string and shoot with unfaltering focus. The archer must strike a revolving fish placed high above, relying only on its reflection in the water below. A single upward glance is permitted—and nothing more. The challenge demands immense physical strength and unwavering mental stillness.

Many kings step forward, only to return defeated. Paundrika Vasudeva entertains the hall with his boastful claims but cannot move the bow an inch. Shalya attempts next and fails. Jarasandha and Shishupala almost succeed, but noticing Krishna’s quiet, knowing smile, they lose confidence and withdraw. Duryodhana lifts the bow but is distracted by Draupadi’s beauty. Dushasana fares no better.

At last, all eyes turn to Karna. He raises the bow with ease, concentrates, and is moments away from victory — when Draupadi, prompted subtly by Krishna, declares she cannot marry a suta putra. Karna steps back, wounded by pride; Duryodhana explodes in anger, accusing Drupada of insulting the assembled kings.

Arjuna Steps Forward

Krishna asks the gathering whether no true warrior remains. Among the brahmins seated on the floor, Arjuna looks to Yudhishthira, receives his silent consent, and rises. He asks whether a brahmin may participate. Draupadi remembers her dream of garlanding a brahmin. She looks at Krishna — his gentle nod confirms her intuition — and she agrees.

Drishtadyumna invites Arjuna to try.

Arjuna moves with calm assurance. His mind is still; his breath steady. In one fluid motion he strings the bow and releases the arrow. The hall rings with the sound of success.

Draupadi Makes Her Choice

As Arjuna bows before Drupada, Draupadi rises and walks toward him, almost as if guided by destiny. Duryodhana, Dushasana, and Karna stare in utter disbelief. Other kings — Ashwatthama, Jarasandha, Somadatta and Bhurishravas, Shishupala — are stunned by the brahmin’s mastery.

She looks once at Krishna. His eyes shine with quiet approval.

And before the astonished assembly, Draupadi garlands Arjuna.

Pandavas rejoice. Drupada, Prishata, and Drishtadyumna watch in troubled wonder, unsure how a simple brahmin has accomplished what the greatest kings could not.