Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1713

c8.1713

Many noted princes rose one after another and tried in vain to string the bow. It was too heavy and stiff for them. Then Arjuna rose and meditating on Nārāyaṇa, the Supreme God, strung the bow with ease and hit at the target. Pāñcālī then put the garland on Arjuna's neck and accepting him as her husband sent with him and stayed that night at the house of the potter. Drupada that night went to the house of the potter to make enquiries about his daughter and son-in-law. His joy knew no bounds when he knew that his son-in-law was none other than the celebrated Arjuna. The Pāṇḍavas then took Pāñcālī to their home in Ekacakrā and as soon as Kuntīdevī heard the footsteps of her sons outside she said from inside asking them to share that day's alms among themselves little knowing that it was a bride that had been brought by them. Thus Pāñcālī became the common consort of the five Pāṇḍavas. Then the marriage of Pāñcālī was ceremoniously conducted after inviting friends and relatives. The Pāṇḍavas then built a new palace at Indraprastha and lived there. (Chapters 190 to 220, Ādi Parva).