Jayadratha Sees Draupadi and Covets Her

Jayadratha, king of Souvira and Sindhu, was travelling through the Kamyaka forest with his companions. Among them was Kotikashya, who had seen Draupadi before and knew who she was. When all the kings were seated, Kotikashya spoke to Jayadratha's companion Shaibya about the woman he had seen — her beauty, her grace, her presence. Jayadratha heard every word. "On hearing her words, my mind is besotted by her," he said. "She is supreme among women. Why have you returned from there? O mighty-armed one! I tell you truthfully. Now that I have seen this lady, all other women seem like monkeys to me. She has stolen my heart, from the moment that I have seen her. O Shaibya! Tell me if that fortunate one is human." Kotikashya answered plainly. "She is the famous princess Draupadi Krishna. She is the revered queen of the five sons of Pandu. That respected one is the beloved of all the Parthas. O Souvira! Now that you have met her, let us happily proceed towards Souvira." It was a clear warning. She was not a woman to be approached. She belonged to five warriors who were living in that very forest. But Jayadratha was evil in his inclinations. He replied, "Let us go and see Draupadi." He entered the empty hermitage — where Draupadi sat alone — like a wolf entering a den of lions.