Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 10 Chapter 83:20-32

Book 10: Eighty-three (Latter Half)

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 10: Chapter 83: Verses 20-32


Hearing of this, kings versed in the secrets of archery, and the use of all other arms comes alongwith their teachers, in their thousands from all sides to the capital of my father. All were honoured by my father with due regard to their prowess and age. With their heart set on (winning) me, they took up the bow and arrow kept in that assembly and attempted, (turn by turn,) to hit the mark. Some of them lifted the bow but finding themselves unable to string it left it where it was. Others succeeded in drawing the string as far as the other end of the bow, but (unable to fasten it to that end) fell down struck by it. Greatest warriors like Jarasandha, Sisupala, the king of Ambastha, Bhima, Duryodhana and Karna succeeded in stringing the bow, but could not locate the fish. Seeing the reflection of the fish in the water, Arjuna was able to locate it, discharged the arrow aiming at it with great care, but failed to hit it, the arrow only touching the fish. (0 queen !) the pride of the proudest of princes having thus been crushed, most of the kings returned to their seats (giving up all hopes of winning me). It was then that the almighty Lord took up the bow, strung it sportfully, joined the arrow to it, and looking but once at the reflection of the fish pierced it by His shaft and brought it down to the ground.
The sun was at the meridian at that time. (0 good Draupadi !) shouts of victory were raised all over the earth while celestial drums began to sound in the heavens and gods transported with joy showered flowers. (0 queen !) I entered the arena at that moment, with the anklets at my feet sweetly jingling. I wore round my loins a new piece of finest silk and had wrapped myself with another. With flowers adorning my braid and bashful smiles on my lips, I carried in my hands a brilliant necklace of jewels wrought in gold. Thick tresses of hair overhung my face and brilliant ear-rings added lustre to my cheeks. Lifting up my face I glanced at the kings on all sides with enlivening smiles and sidelong looks and with a heart over-flowing with love gently placed the necklace round the neck of my Lord. The moment 1 placed the necklace round His neck, clay tomtoms, tabors, conchs, drums and kettledrums were sounded; male and female dancers began to dance, and songsters began to sing (in various tunes). Draupadi ! when I thus chose my beloved Lord as my life's partner, the other love-torn monarchs grew (extremely) jealous and were very much upset at their discomfiture. In the meanwhile my Lord, possessed of four arms, (at once) placed me on His chariot drawn by four excellent horses and, lifting up His bow and putting on His armour stood prepared for battle.

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