Confusion about the Marriage

The Pandavas left the marriage assembly after Arjuna won the test. No one, except Krishna and Balarama, recognized them. Karna did not hesitate to congratulate Arjuna in disguise for his winning the test and defeating him in the fight that ensued.

The five Pandavas, then, went to tell the news to Kunti. They had Draupadi with them to present before their mother.

While entering the potter’s house the Pandavas told Kunti in a light vein that they brought her whatever they got that day by way of alms. Kunti, without understanding the joke told them that they should share their booty among themselves as usual. It was then that she was told about their achievement of the day. Kunti was greatly troubled thinking about the words she spoke just then and of their true implication .

Yudhishthira , then, asked Arjuna that he should marry Draupadi as he was the one who won her. But, Arjuna would not think of that before his elder brothers got married. Kunti then explained what troubled her mind. She had, unwittingly, asked them to share Draupadi among them ! Being a woman of truth, she was afraid that her words would come true. It was only then that all realized the gravity of the situation.

Krishna Visits the Pandavas

Krishna and Balarama found out where the Pandavas stayed and soon paid them a visit there. It was like a family re-union and all cherished fond memories of their childhood. However, none raised the present confusion with Krishna and the two visitors left them after bidding farewell.
Dhrishtadyumna soon tracked the Pandavas to the potter’s house in secret. His intention was to find out the real identity of the Brahmin who won the test and of his associates. He thought it unlikely that they were true Brahmins as their disguise showed. He overheard their conversation for a while and his suspicion grew even further. He reported the matter to his father.
(With this, the Chapter on Betrothal or “Swayamvara Parva” ends)

The truth comes out

Drupada wanted to get the whole truth out before conducting the marriage ceremony. He sent his royal priest on such a mission to the place of their stay. The priest, after introducing himself, asked Yudhishthira several questions to establish their true identity. The Pandava only gave vague replies to all. But, the priest was sure that they were not Brahmins. He left them after extending an invitation to them on behalf of the king for a grand feast at the palace.

Drupada had made elaborate arrangements for excellent food. Kunti and the Pandavas enjoyed his hospitality and the good meal. They were then taken around several galleries in which the king had arranged implements of various trades. What attracted the Pandavas most was the gallery of weapons and war trophies. That left no doubt in the mind of the king that his visitors were truly princes. Drupada then directly asked Yudhishthira who they truly were. The Pandavas could not keep their secret any more and told Drupasda the whole story starting with their escape from the house of wax. The king of Panchala was ecstatic and told Yudhisthira that it was his desire right from the beginning to marry his daughter to Arjuna.

A difficult decision

It was then that Yudhishthira briefed Drupada about the conversation they all had with Kunti. Their decision was to obey their mother and for all five to marry the princess.
Drupada was shocked. Such a proposal was unheard of. How could the Pandavas, respected for their steadfast adherence to righteousness (Dharma), even think of such an act ? The king and his son were totally opposed to the idea, as it was against what the scriptures prescribed.
Yudhishthira then told the king that it was not easy to be sure what was Dharma and what was not. ( Refer to www.kunjunny.blogspot.com for his quotes)

Vedavyasa arrives on the scene

Right then they saw Vedavyasa arriving. All turned to the sage for help. Vyasa told the king the story of sage Maudgalya and his devoted wife, Nalayani. The Maharshi had prophesied that his wife would be reborn as Draupadi and would be wedded to five princes. He also told the story of the five Indras who took birth later as the five Pandavas. His contention was that the five Pandavas were essentially one person, though appearing as separate. The king, finally, agreed to the wise counsel of the sage.

The Marriage

A grand ceremony was held in which the five Pandavas held the hand of Draupadi (Panigrahanam) amid chanting of Mantras. The usual festivities followed the marriage.
Krishna sent valuable gifts to the newly married Pandavas and their beloved wife.

(Thus ends the chapter of marriage or “Vaivahika Parvam”)