A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.522.1

c5.522.1

DRAUPADĪ. Daughter of Drupada, king of Panchāla, and wife of the five Pāndu princes. Draupadī was a damsel of dark complexion but of great beauty, “as radiant and graceful as if she had descended from the city of the gods.” Her hand was sought by many princes, and so her father determined to hold a swayam-vara and allow her to exercise her own choice in the selection of a husband. The swayam-vara was proclaimed, and princes assembled from all parts to contend in the lists for the hand of the princess; for although in such contests the lady was entitled to exercise her swayam-vara or own choice, it generally followed that the champion of the arena became her husband. Most astonishing feats of arms were performed, but Arjuna outshone all by his marvellous use of the bow, and he became the selected bridegroom. When the five brothers returned to the house where their mother, Kuntī, was staying, they told her that they had made a great acquisition, and she told them to share it among them. These words raised a great difficulty, for if they could not be adroitly evaded they must be obeyed. The sage Vyāsa settled the matter by saying, “The destiny of Draupadī has already been declared by the gods; let her become the wife of all the brethren.” So she became their common wife, and it was arranged that she should stay successively two days in the house of each, and that no one of them but the master of the house should enter it while she was there.