145.1 On the way to Panchala
The five Pandavas, set out for Panchala to behold that country and Draupadi and the festivities in view of her marriage. And they in going along with their mother, saw on the way numerous Brahmanas proceeding together. And those Brahmanas who were all Brahmacharis beholding the Pandavas, asked them, 'Where are you going to? From where are you coming?'
Yudhishthira replied unto them, saying, "know that we are uterine brothers proceeding together with our mother. We are coming from Ekachakra." The Brahmanas then said, " Go this very day to the abode of Drupada in the country of the Panchalas. A great Swayamvara takes place there, on which a large sum of money will be spent. We also are proceeding there. Let us all go together. Extraordinary festivities will take place in Drupada's abode. The illustrious Yajnasena, otherwise called Drupada, had a daughter risen from the centre of the sacrificial altar. Of eyes like lotus-petals and of faultless features endowed with youth and intelligence, she is extremely beautiful. And the slender-waisted Draupadi of every feature perfectly faultless, and whose body emits a fragrance like that of the blue lotus for two full miles around, is the sister of the strong-armed Dhrishtadyumna gifted with great prowess--the would-be slayer of Drona--who was born with natural armour and sword and bow and arrows from the blazing fire, himself like unto the second Fire. And that daughter of Yajnasena will select a husband from among the invited princes. And we are going there to behold her and the festivities on the occasion.And to that Swayamvara will come from various lands kings and princes who are performers of sacrifices in which the presents to the Brahmanas are large: who are devoted to study, are holy, illustrious, and of rigid vows; who are young and handsome; and who are mighty car-warriors and accomplished in arms. Desirous of winning the hand of the maiden those monarchs will all give away much wealth and cows and food and other articles of enjoyment. And taking all they will give away and witnessing the Swayamvara, and enjoying the festivities, we shall go wherever we like. And there will also come to that Swayamvara, from various countries, actors, and bards singing the panegyrics of kings, and dancers, and reciters of Puranas, and heralds, and powerful athletes. And beholding all these sights and taking what will be given away to illustrious ones, you will return with us. You are all handsome and like the celestials! Beholding you, Krishna may, by chance, choose some one amongst you superior to the rest. This your brother of mighty arms and handsome and endowed with beauty also, engaged in athletic encounters, may, by chance, earn great wealth.On hearing these words of the Brahmanas, Yudhishthira replied, 'Ye Brahmanas, we will all go with you to witness that maiden's Swayamvara--that excellent jubilee.'"
Thus addressed by the Brahmanas, the Pandavas proceeded towards the country of the southern Panchalas ruled over by the king Drupada. And on their way those heroes beheld the illustrious Dwaipayana. . And duly saluting the Rishi and saluted by him, after their conversation was over, commanded by him they proceeded to Drupada's abode. They proceeded by slow stages staying for some time within those beautiful woods and by fine lakes that they beheld along their way. Devoted to study, pure in their practices, amiable, and sweet-speeched, the Pandavas at last entered the country of the Panchalas. Beholding the capital, as also the fort, they took up their quarters in the house of a potter, Adopting the Brahmanical profession, they began to lead a life dependant on charity. No men recognised those heroes during their stay in Drupada's capital.
Yudhishthira replied unto them, saying, "know that we are uterine brothers proceeding together with our mother. We are coming from Ekachakra." The Brahmanas then said, " Go this very day to the abode of Drupada in the country of the Panchalas. A great Swayamvara takes place there, on which a large sum of money will be spent. We also are proceeding there. Let us all go together. Extraordinary festivities will take place in Drupada's abode. The illustrious Yajnasena, otherwise called Drupada, had a daughter risen from the centre of the sacrificial altar. Of eyes like lotus-petals and of faultless features endowed with youth and intelligence, she is extremely beautiful. And the slender-waisted Draupadi of every feature perfectly faultless, and whose body emits a fragrance like that of the blue lotus for two full miles around, is the sister of the strong-armed Dhrishtadyumna gifted with great prowess--the would-be slayer of Drona--who was born with natural armour and sword and bow and arrows from the blazing fire, himself like unto the second Fire. And that daughter of Yajnasena will select a husband from among the invited princes. And we are going there to behold her and the festivities on the occasion.And to that Swayamvara will come from various lands kings and princes who are performers of sacrifices in which the presents to the Brahmanas are large: who are devoted to study, are holy, illustrious, and of rigid vows; who are young and handsome; and who are mighty car-warriors and accomplished in arms. Desirous of winning the hand of the maiden those monarchs will all give away much wealth and cows and food and other articles of enjoyment. And taking all they will give away and witnessing the Swayamvara, and enjoying the festivities, we shall go wherever we like. And there will also come to that Swayamvara, from various countries, actors, and bards singing the panegyrics of kings, and dancers, and reciters of Puranas, and heralds, and powerful athletes. And beholding all these sights and taking what will be given away to illustrious ones, you will return with us. You are all handsome and like the celestials! Beholding you, Krishna may, by chance, choose some one amongst you superior to the rest. This your brother of mighty arms and handsome and endowed with beauty also, engaged in athletic encounters, may, by chance, earn great wealth.On hearing these words of the Brahmanas, Yudhishthira replied, 'Ye Brahmanas, we will all go with you to witness that maiden's Swayamvara--that excellent jubilee.'"
Thus addressed by the Brahmanas, the Pandavas proceeded towards the country of the southern Panchalas ruled over by the king Drupada. And on their way those heroes beheld the illustrious Dwaipayana. . And duly saluting the Rishi and saluted by him, after their conversation was over, commanded by him they proceeded to Drupada's abode. They proceeded by slow stages staying for some time within those beautiful woods and by fine lakes that they beheld along their way. Devoted to study, pure in their practices, amiable, and sweet-speeched, the Pandavas at last entered the country of the Panchalas. Beholding the capital, as also the fort, they took up their quarters in the house of a potter, Adopting the Brahmanical profession, they began to lead a life dependant on charity. No men recognised those heroes during their stay in Drupada's capital.