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Mahābhārata The History of the Great India
<< 69 Draupadi's Arrival >>
 |  | A large and beautiful gathering was present when on the sixteenth day it was time for Draupadi to appear. Her body freshly bathed and adorned with all the finest jewelry, she took in her hands the hero's cup, golden and exquisitely wrought, and descended into the arena. At that moment, the royal priest of the Pancalas, a pure brahmana learned in mantra, spread the sacred grass and fed the fire of sacrifice with oblations of clear butter. All was done precisely by the ancient rule.
| | | Having sated the fire of rite and the holy brahmanas, and having invoked blessings on the assembly, the royal priest then signaled for the musicians to cease. When not a sound could be heard, Dhrstadyumna went to the center of the arena, and in a voice as deep and grave as thunder rumbling in the clouds, he pronounced these graceful and meaningful words:
| | | "May all the kings hear me now! This is the bow, these are the arrows, and there is the target. With only five arrows at your disposal, you must send a shaft through the opening in that mechanical device and strike the target.
| | | "My sister shall today become the wife of the man endowed with noble lineage, beauty, and strength who carries out this most difficult task. I speak the truth."
| | | Having spoken thus to the kings, the son of Drupada then turned to Draupadi and began to recite to her, so that all could hear, the name, lineage, and deeds of each of the assembled monarchs.
| | | [After finishing the list, Dhrstadyumna said,] "These and many other kings from many countries, all celebrated rulers in this world, have come here seeking your hand, fair woman. These mighty men will try to pierce a most difficult target for your sake. Should one of them find the mark, you should then choose him to be your husband."
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