Pandavas Meet Brahmanas on the Road to Panchala
Disguised as brahmacharis, the Pandavas and their mother encounter a group of Brahmanas heading to the same destination: the svayamvara of King Drupada's daughter. The Brahmanas, charmed by the brothers' god-like appearance, invite them to join the festivities and suggest that the princess might choose one of them as her husband.
The five Pandava brothers set out with their mother, Kunti, to see the princess Droupadi and the great festival in Panchala. They were traveling in the guise of brahmacharis (celibate students), their true identities hidden beneath simple garments and the dust of the road.
On the way, they met a large party of Brahmanas heading in the same direction. The Brahmanas, curious about the striking family, asked them, “Where are you going? Where have you come from?”
Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, answered with a truth that was also a concealment. “O revered ones who have seen the gods,” he said, paying them respect. “Know that we are brothers who have come from Ekachakra and are travelling with our mother.”
The Brahmanas were pleased. “Then you should now go to the house of Drupada of Panchala,” they said. “A large svayamvara ceremony will be held there, with a lot of riches. We are going there ourselves. Let us go together.”
They began to describe the event, their words painting a picture of splendor and opportunity. A great ceremony with wonderful events was to take place. The center of it all was King Drupada’s daughter, obtained from the middle of a sacrificial altar. “Her eyes are like lotus petals,” they said, “with unblemished features and beauty, youth and intelligence.” They named her: the slender-waisted Droupadi, whose flawless form emitted the fragrance of a blue lotus from a distance of one krosha.
They spoke of her brother, Dhrishtadyumna, who had arisen from the same fire, “as resplendent as the fire, with mighty arms, natural armour, sword and bow and arrows.” He was known as Drona’s enemy. But the immediate attraction was his sister, who would choose a husband at the svayamvara.
“We are going there to see her and witness the divine and great festival,” the Brahmanas explained. They listed who would be there: kings and princes from every region, performers of great sacrifices, devoted students, pure and great-souled men, young, handsome, maharathas (great chariot-warriors), and masters of weapons. These kings, desiring victory and prestige, would give away vast riches—cows, foodgrains, and every object of pleasure.
The invitation was practical and enticing. “Accepting whatever they offer and witnessing the svayamvara and all the festivities, we will then go wherever we wish.” The festival would be a spectacle: actors, bards, dancers, raconteurs, panegyrists, and powerful wrestlers assembled from many countries.
Then the Brahmanas looked more closely at the five brothers and their formidable mother. “O great-souled ones!” they said. “After witnessing those wonderful sights and accepting what is offered, you can also return with us.” Their tone shifted from mere companionship to a spark of possibility. “You are handsome. You look like gods. On seeing you, Krishna may decide that one of you is the best and choose you.”
Their eyes settled on Bhima, the second Pandava, whose powerful build could not be fully disguised. “This brother of yours is handsome of appearance and has powerful arms. He may win those wrestling bouts and obtain great riches.”
The road ahead was no longer just a path away from hiding. It was now an invitation to a festival, a chance for alms, a spectacle of kings—and, perhaps, a moment where a disguised prince might be seen for what he was.