Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v1.c5.244

v1.c5.244

Pāṇḍu’s sons, who with their mother have escaped from the burning of the house of resin, and have to wander about the world unknown, go disguised as Brahmans, to witness Draupadī making her choice of a husband. On the way they meet with a great band of Brahmans, and are cheerfully hailed by them : “ Come at once with us into the land of the Pañcālas, to Drupada’s palace ; a great Svayaṃvara with vast pomp is going to be held there. We set out as one united band of travellers, and are going thither. For it will be a wondrous splendid, and very great festival there. The daughter of Yajñasena, of the great-souled Drupada, is she who came forth from the midst of the sacrificial altar, she with the lotus-leaf eyes, worthy to be seen, with faultless limbs, very gentle and understanding, the sister of Dhṛiṣṭadyumna, the foe of the Droṇas, and shining with power, who was born from the brightly glowing fire, armoured, sword-girt, with bow and arrow, long-armed, like unto fire. His sister is she, the slender, faultlessly-limbed Draupadī, from whom is wafted a kroça away a scent like that of the blue lotus. We go to behold Yajñasena’s daughter, awaiting with longing the Svayaṃvara, and to see this divine high festival. There will come thither kings and kings’ sons, rich in sacrifices, bestowing many gifts, zealous in the holy study, pure and noble-hearted and pious, young and handsome, journeying from various places, and great chariot-fighters and princes skilled in