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Mahābhārata The History of the Great India
<< 83 The Pandavas In the Palace >>
 |  | Taking hold of the saintly Draupadi, Kunti entered the inner sanctum of the palace [reserved for the women]. There all the ladies sincerely and generously honored the wife of the Kaurava king Pandu. Meanwhile, King Drupada along with his sons and ministers, the close friends of the family, and all the royal attendants got their first opportunity to see the Pandavas at close quarters. Observing their lionlike gait, their large eyes like those of a mighty bull, their massive shoulders draped in deerskin, and their long arms, bulging like ruling serpents, the king and his associates were filled with great joy.
| | | The courageous brothers then took their seats in the finest chairs with exquisite foot-rests. They accepted such royal opulence without hesitation, for the grand riches spread before them did not surprise or affect them, and those noblest of men calmly sat according to age.
| | | The male and female attendants and cooks, all in spotless uniforms, brought out all sorts of simple and elaborate foods fit for kings and served in bowls and dishes of silver and gold. Then those heroes of men ate to their full satisfaction. With full trust in King Drupada, they relaxed in a most cheerful mood. Passing over all of the ornate and opulent gifts, they made straight for the collections of military articles, for they had come to earth to be warriors.
| | | Drupada, his son, and all the important ministers marked their behavior. Approaching the sons of Kunti, who were sons and grandsons of monarchs, they joyfully accorded them the highest honors.
| | | Drupada, the brilliant king of Pancala, then called for Yudhisthira, the son of a king, and formally welcomed him with the welcome offered to brahmanas.
| | | With a generous, open mind, Drupada asked Kunti's shining son, "How can we know whether you are warriors, brahmanas, qualified merchants, or the sons of working-class mothers? Or are you perfected mystics who wander in all directions displaying your magical powers, having descended now from heaven to meet my daughter Krsna [Draupadi]? Sir, tell us the truth of this matter, for we are burdened by a heavy doubt. When our doubts are dispelled and we know you, satisfaction will dwell in our minds. Does a good and noble lot await us, O fiery champion? Kindly speak the truth, for the truth when spoken shines beautifully among kings, more so than sacrifice or gifts, whereas falsehood clearly has no such appeal among noble men. I see that you are a true warrior, for you shine like the gods, and upon hearing your words I shall certainly arrange a proper wedding."
| | | Yudhisthira Maharaja said: "My dear king of Pancala, do not despair. Rather, you should be pleased, for your cherished desire has certainly been fulfilled. We are royalty, O king, the sons of the great soul Pandu. Know me to be the eldest son of Kunti, and those two are Bhima and Arjuna. It is they who won your daughter, O king, in the meeting of monarchs. Over there are the twin sons of Madri, where Krsna is standing. Let the sorrow in your heart be dispelled, O best of kings, for we are ksatriyas and your daughter is like a lotus plant that has gone from one clear lake to another. I am now telling you everything as it is, Maharaja, for you, sir, are our guru and our greatest shelter."
| | | King Drupada was so deeply moved with joy that he could not even see what was in front of him. Although he wanted to respond properly to Yudhisthira, he was unable to speak. With much effort, however, the fiery old warrior restrained his jubilation, and with the manners of a noble king he replied in a befitting way. The righteous ruler then inquired as to how the Pandavas had fled from those who had tried to murder them. Yudhisthira, the eldest Pandava, explained everything in the order that it had happened.
| | | Hearing the statements of Kunti's son, King Drupada condemned the leadership of Dhrtarastra and consoled and encouraged Yudhisthira. The eloquent Drupada then promised that he would strive to help the Pandavas regain their rightful kingdom. Then at the king's behest, Kunti, Draupadi, Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the twins, along with Yudhisthira, moved into the royal palace and began to live there, O king, well attended and honored by Drupada.
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