Mahabharata Companion

Draupadi's Svayamvara

Part 1 / Chapter 10 / 83 chapters

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Part 1Chapter 10

Draupadi's Svayamvara

The Pandavas arrive in Panchala disguised as Brahmins and attend 's svayamvara. has built the contest around a massive bow and a small fixed target atop a pole, beneath a rotating plate with a narrow opening; one arrow must pass through the moving opening and strike the target. Most kings fail, while strings the bow and narrowly misses; bars before he can attempt the contest. strings the bow and sends one arrow through the opening into the target, winning . When the angry kings attack, engages and throws down , until persuades the assembled kings to accept the outcome and stop fighting.

Krishna Dharma Edition
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This guide follows Krishna Dharma's retelling as the source of truth. This panel notes broad edition-level framing or compression that helps a reader orient themselves.

Krishna Dharma emphasizes disguise and recognition throughout the svayamvara. The kings see only Brahmins, Drupada hopes for Arjuna, Krsna quietly identifies the Pandavas, and Draupadi's public choice brings the hidden heirs back into history.
Key Events
  1. 1

    The Pandavas arrive in Panchala with Dhaumya.

    Still disguised as Brahmins, they join other Brahmins traveling to 's svayamvara.

  2. 2

    reveals the contest for 's hand.

    A massive bow faces a small fixed target atop a pole, beneath a rotating plate with a narrow opening; the winner must send one arrow through the moving opening and strike the target.

  3. 3

    The assembled kings fail or miss.

    and cannot string the bow; strings it and shoots through the moving opening but misses the target by a hair.

  4. 4

    bars from competing.

    Before can touch or attempt the bow, announces that she will not marry a suta's son.

  5. 5

    wins while disguised as a Brahmin.

    He strings the bow and shoots one arrow through the rotating opening into the target, then receives 's garland.

  6. 6

    The angry kings attack, and and hold them back.

    fights until recognizes he cannot gain the upper hand and withdraws, while hurls down but spares him as Madri's brother.

  7. 7

    recognizes the Pandavas and pacifies the kings.

    He identifies the disguised brothers to and later persuades the assembled kings to cease fighting and let go with the victor.