A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1020

c5.1020

This public appearance made known the existence of the Pāndavas. Their uncle Dhrita-rāshtra recalled them to his court and divided his kingdom between his own sons and them. His sons received Hastinā-pura, and the chief city given to his nephews was Indra-prastha on the river Yamunā, close to the modern Delhi, where the name still survives. The close proximity of Hastinā-pura and Indra-prastha shows that the territory of Dhrita-rāshtra must have been of very moderate extent. The reign of Yudhi-shthira was a pattern of justice and wisdom. Having conquered many countries, he announced his intention of performing the Rāja-sūya sacrifice, thus setting up a claim to universal dominion, or at least to be a king over kings. This excited still more the hatred and envy of the sons of Dhrita-rāshtra, who induced their father to invite the Pāndavas to Hastinā-pura. The Kauravas had laid their plot, and insidiously prevailed upon Yudhi-shthira to gamble. His opponent was Sakuni, uncle of the Kaurava princes, a great gambler and a cheat. Yudhi-shṭhira lost his all: his wealth, his palace, his kingdom, his brothers, himself, and, last of all, their wife. Draupadī was brought into the assembly as a slave, and when she rushed out she was dragged back again by her hair by Duḥ-sāsana, an insult for which Bhīma vowed to drink his blood. Dur-yodhana also insulted her by seating her upon his thigh, and Bhīma vowed that he would smash that thigh. Both these vows he afterwards performed. Through the interference and commands of Dhrita-rāshṭra the possessions of Yudhi-shṭhira were restored to him. But he was once more tempted to play, upon the condition that if he lost he and his brothers should pass twelve years in the forest, and should remain incognito during the thirteenth year. He was again the loser, and retired with his brothers and wife into exile. In the thirteenth year they entered the service of the king of Virāṭa in disguise—Yudhi-shṭhira as a Brāhman skilful as a gamester; Bhīma as a cook; Arjuna as a eunuch and teacher of music and dancing; Nakula as a horse-trainer; and Saha-deva as a herdsman. Draupadī also took service as attendant and needlewoman of the queen, Su-deshnā. The five princes each assumed two names, one for use among themselves and one for public use. Yudhi-shṭhira was Jaya in private, Kanka in public; Bhīma was Jayanta and Ballava; Arjuna was Vijaya and Brihan-nala; Nakula was Jaya-sena and Granthika; Saha-deva was Jayad-bala and Arishṭa-nemi, a Vaisya. The beauty of Draupadī attracted Kīchaka, brother of the queen, and the chief man in the kingdom. He endeavoured to seduce her, and Bhīma killed him. The relatives of Kīchaka were about to burn Draupadī on his funeral pile, but Bhīma appeared as a wild Gandharva and rescued her. The brothers grew in favour, and rendered great assistance to the king in repelling the attacks of the king of Trigartta and the Kauravas. The time of exile being expired, the princes made themselves known, and Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna, received Uttara, the king’s daughter, in marriage.