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CHAPTER X
THE RECOVERY OF DRAUPADI, THE LIFE OF GAJASUKUMĀLA AND OTHERS
Abduction of Draupadi (1-93)
And now by Kṛṣṇa's favor the Pandavas remained in their city 263 and happily sported with Draupadi in turn. One day Narada went to Draupadi's house in his roaming and was not honored by her who scorned him with the idea, "He is lacking in self-control." Thinking, "How will she suffer in future?" Muni Nārada left her house, angry and hostile. Not seeing any one here who would cause her trouble from fear of Kṛṣṇa, Narada went to Bharata in Dhatakikhanda.
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He went to Padma, lustful, in the city Amarakankā, the servitor of Visnu Kapila ruling Campā. The king arose, conducted him to the harem, showed him his wives, and said to Nārada, Have such women been seen anywhere?" Reflecting, "My purpose will be accomplished through him," Narada said: Why are you pleased by these women, like a frog in a well, king? In the city Hastinapura in Bharata in Jambudvipa there is the chief-queen of the Pāṇḍavas, Draupadi, the abode of beauty. Compared with her, all these are mere slave-girls." With these words, Ṛşi Nārada flew up and went elsewhere.
66
Wishing to have Draupadi, Padmanabha subdued by penance a god, a former friend, living in Pātāla. Padma said to the god, who became visible and asked, "What can I do for you?" "Bring Draupadi here and give her to me." He said: " Draupadi wishes no one except the Pāṇḍavas. But I shall bring her at your insistence."
Then the god gave Draupadi a sleeping-charm, kidnaped her asleep during the night, took her, and gave her to Padma. Draupadi, awakened there and not seeing her own place,
263 1. Hastinapura.
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