Treasury of Jain Tales

SR No.: 006762
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 1994
Total Pages: 468
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

Page 142

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Draupadi walked ahead in the midst of all the eligible kings and princes till she approached the five Pandavas. She quickly put the garland on the Pandavas as if she was impelled by her former nidana, a choice that was pre-determined. She boldly announced: "I have chosen these five Pandavas as my husbands." Vasudeva Krisna was quick enough to express appreciation of the choice and compliment her. Every one started leaving the svayamvara pandal.
Prince Dhrstadyumna, her brother escorted the five Pandavas and his sister to the palace. King Drupada asked the five brothers to take their seats with Draupadi amongst them. He ordered the servants of the palace to give them a ceremonial bath with water brought in white and yellow pitchers. Then the bride and the bridegrooms offered oblations into the fire as the marriage ritual was being performed. The king gave enormous wedding gifts to his daughter which included huge quantities of gold and silver, female servants, garments, perfumes, sweets, drinks, etc.
King Pandu also sent out invitations to Vasudeva Krsna and thousands of other kings and princes to Hastinapura as part of the wedding ceremony. He also ordered his servants to construct five magnificent looking palaces for the five brothers and the suitable number of Guest Houses for Vasudeva Krsna and other princes visiting the royal court.
When every one was in Hastinapura, king Pandu asked his five sons and their bride Draupadi to take their seats for the ceremonial bath with water brought in white and yellow pitchers. They also performed the necessary auspicious rites and bowed to Vasudeva Krsna and other kings to whom king Pandu offered flowers and garments.
The Pandava princes enjoyed the best of pleasures in the company of Draupadi and spent many days in royal luxury. Once as the entire family had collected together, the famous Nārada visited them. He was a very pleasing man, equally modest by disposition but sinful and wicked at heart. He enjoyed playing mischief and involving people in quarrels. He was a master of many magical arts by which he could descend down in to the underworld, and fly up to heaven. He could make a man immobile in his seat,