The Pandavas, steadfast in their devotion to the guidance of their elders and unwavering in their adherence to righteousness, stood under the protection of dharma itself; such ones, it is said, neither perish nor are ever truly defeated. This truth, O king, has been witnessed by me and affirmed by the Brahmanas; I have also heard it echoed in the Vedas. From ancient times, from the teachings of Brihaspati and Paulomi, it has been known: just as the lost moon was discovered within the lotus stalk through the power of upashruti, so too is the truth revealed about the Pandavas. By that same subtle hearing, O great king, I have learned that wherever the Pandavas may be, they yet live—of this there can be no doubt. I have also seen omens that foretell their return here. Listen, O king, to the reason for their coming: a svayamvara has been proclaimed for the marriage of a maiden among the Kshatriyas. Let it be announced throughout the city, O best of kings. No matter where the Pandavas dwell with Pritha—be it far or near, or even in the heavens above—when they hear of this svayamvara, O king, they will surely come; of this, too, there is no doubt. Therefore, do not delay—let the svayamvara be proclaimed at once. Hearing these words from the learned priest, the king of the Panchalas was greatly pleased. He immediately gave orders for the announcement of Draupadi’s self-choice ceremony throughout the city. The date was set: in the auspicious month of Pushya, under the Rohini constellation, on a bright day during the waxing fortnight, seventy-five days hence, the svayamvara would surely take place. The gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas, and ascetic sages—those rich in austerity—all desired to witness this great event and were indeed coming; there could be no doubt. Your sons, O king, are noble and worthy of being seen, and perhaps, by destiny, Panchali herself may choose one of them as her husband. For who among all beings knows the will of the Lord of creatures? Therefore, if it pleases you, O Brahmin, you should go to the svayamvara with your sons. The Panchala kingdom is renowned for its generosity to ascetics, and King Yajnasena is devoted to the Brahmanas and steadfast in truth. The citizens, too, are devoted to Brahmins, who in turn delight in welcoming guests. At all times, they provide whatever is asked, whether as alms or as invitation. I myself will go there with my disciples; let us travel together, if it pleases you, O Brahmin. Having spoken thus, the venerable Brahmin fell silent. Upon hearing these words, all the Pandavas, O descendant of Bharata, felt their hearts pierced by the arrows of love, their thoughts turning irresistibly toward Draupadi. That night, they were restless, as if struck by unseen darts, and their minds knew no peace. Kunti, observing her sons’ longing and their minds fixed upon Draupadi, spoke gently to Yudhishthira, ever truthful as she was. “We have stayed here long in the Brahmin’s house, enjoying the delights of this lovely city and receiving alms, O great-souled one. We have wandered through every pleasant forest and grove here, seeing them again and again. Yet, having seen them so often, they no longer bring us joy as before, nor is it as easy to obtain alms as it once was. “Therefore, if you think it proper, let us go to Panchala, O hero; it will be a new and delightful sight. The Panchalas are said to be generous in alms, and we have heard that King Yajnasena is devoted to the Brahmins. A long stay in one place is not fitting, nor does it please me. So, if you agree, my son, let us go there. “Whatever you deem right is best for us all. As for your younger brothers, I do not know whether they should go or not.” Then Kunti spoke also to Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the twins, and they all agreed, saying, “So be it.” Thus, after taking leave of the Brahmin, Kunti set out with her royal sons toward the splendid city of the great-souled Drupada. While the Pandavas were living in disguise, the sage Vyasa, son of Satyavati, came to visit them. As soon as they saw him arrive, the Pandavas, scorcher of foes, went out to receive him, bowing low and honoring him with joined palms. Vyasa, having permitted them to sit, was welcomed with affection and secrecy. He then addressed them, “Are you living according to dharma and the scriptures, O scorcher of foes? Is your worship of Brahmins and those worthy of honor lacking in any way?” After speaking words full of righteousness and purpose, the venerable sage narrated various stories and then began another tale. “There was once a maiden in a hermitage, daughter of a great sage. She was slender-waisted, beautiful-hipped, lovely-browed, and adorned with every virtue. Yet, by her own actions, she became unfortunate; though beautiful and virtuous, she did not obtain a husband. “Desiring a husband, she undertook severe austerities. Through her intense penance, she sought to please Shankara. The blessed Shankara, pleased with her devotion, appeared before her and said, ‘Choose a boon, auspicious one; I am the grantor of boons.’ “She replied, ‘I desire a husband endowed with all virtues,’ repeating her wish again and again. Then the lord, best among speakers, replied, ‘O blessed one, you shall have five husbands, O Bharatas.