Mahābhārata The History of the Great India

<< 102 Narada's Request >>

When Draupadi had left, Narada spoke to the Pandavas, headed by Yudhisthira, as they sat together in private.

"The glorious princess of Pancala is the lawful wife of all of you, and a rule must be instituted so that there will be no conflict among you. The loving friendship you share with one another must be protected. Yudhisthira, you must act so that there will be no division among you. Now, if you want to please me, arrange things so that you brothers don't fight over Draupadi."

Thus addressed by the great sage Narada, the exalted Pandavas sat down together, O king, and in the presence of Devarsi Narada, of immeasurable might, they reached an agreement as follows: "Whenever one of us is sitting alone with Draupadi, if another of us intrudes upon him the intruder must live for twelve months in the forest and practice celibacy."

The Pandavas were strict followers of the religious path. When they made this agreement, Narada was pleased, and that great sage departed to whatever land he desired.

Having thus established these rules at the urging of Narada, the Pandavas took care in their mutual dealings not to violate their agreement.

Having made this pact, the Pandavas dwelled in their city and by the fiery strength of weapons brought other regional rulers under the control of a central government.

So skillful was Draupadi that she remained submissive to all five Pandavas, lionlike men of unmeasured prowess. The men were completely satisfied with her; and she was completely pleased with her five husbands, just as the sacred river Sarasvati is pleased with the mighty elephants who splash in her waters. The Pandavas were great souls—they lived by the rules of virtue—and thus all the Kurus prospered, for they were now sinless and happy.

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