When the maiden was addressed by the boon-giving god, she humbly replied, “O lord, by your grace, I wish for only one husband.” But the god, smiling gently, spoke again: “You have asked for a husband five times; therefore, I say again—” And so, by the will of the divine, that maiden of celestial beauty was born into the noble lineage of Drupada. This maiden was Krishna, the flawless daughter of Prishata, destined to become the wife of the mighty ones. “Therefore,” the god declared, “dwell in the city of Panchala; having obtained her, you will surely find happiness.” Having spoken thus, the blessed grandsire—he whose austerities were renowned—took leave of the Pandavas and Kunti, and departed. After the venerable Vyasa had gone, the Pandavas—those tigers among men, scorcher of foes—set out with their mother, their hearts gladdened. As they traveled the road, maintaining their vows of celibacy, they encountered groups of Brahmanas and Panchalas. The Brahmanas, seeing these travelers, inquired, “Where are you all going, and from where have you come?” The Pandavas replied, “Know us as celibates, journeying together to the city of Drupada among the Panchalas.” The Brahmanas, filled with curiosity, pressed further, “We wish to know more, for we are greatly curious.” Then, sharing in the excitement, the Brahmanas said, “We too are traveling there, for a wondrous and great festival is about to take place.” They explained that at the great self-choice ceremony, the daughter of the illustrious Drupada—son of Yajnasena—would stand, she who was born from the sacrificial fire. “She is beautiful, flawless in form, delicate, and renowned—the sister of Dhrishtadyumna, the mighty foe of Drona. Dhrishtadyumna, born from the fire, armed with bow and arrows, resplendent and a mighty chariot-warrior of the Somakas—at his birth, a bodiless voice proclaimed, ‘This one will be the death and disciple of Bharadvaja’s son.’ His sister, dark-eyed and radiant as a blue lotus, a jewel among women, was also born at that great sacrifice.” “We go there to see Draupadi, the supreme woman, daughter of Yajnasena, and her self-choice ceremony. Kings and princes, performers of sacrifices, generous givers, learned in the Vedas, pure, great-souled, and steadfast in their vows—young, handsome, strong, formidable, mighty chariot-warriors, skilled in arms—all these rulers of men will assemble there. They will give many gifts for victory—wealth, cows, all kinds of food and delicacies. We shall witness everything at Krishna’s self-choice ceremony, and see which Kshatriya the maiden will choose in the arena.” “Bards, dancers, charioteers, and Magadhas, as well as heralds from many lands, mighty in strength, will gather there. Having witnessed this marvel, you too, great souls, should remain with us, together with your mother. When Krishna observes all of you, handsome and of various forms, standing together, she will choose one among you as her husband. Here is your brother, handsome and mighty-armed; when he competes, he will surely win, and together you will gain great wealth. So let us go and witness the svayamvara—the festival of Draupadi, daughter of Yajnasena.” Thus inspired, the Pandavas, placing their mother at the forefront, set out, proceeding northward along the prescribed paths. Within a day and night, they approached the city of the Panchalas, arriving at the sacred river Ganga, the Bhagirathi. At the hour of moonset, in the deep of night, they entered the holy waters, seeking the sacred place of Soma’s refuge. The sons of Pandu, fierce as tigers, reached the Ganga. Dhananjaya, ever vigilant, raised a torch and went before them, providing light and protection. In those beautiful, secluded waters, women were playing, and as the Pandavas approached, Arjuna heard their voices. Disturbed by the sounds, the powerful Arjuna became greatly angry. Seeing the Pandavas there with their mother, he drew his terrible bow and spoke, his words ringing out: “The fierce twilight arises at the beginning of the night; that moment, lacking eighty lavas, is called a muhūrta. It is allotted for the free movement of yakshas, gandharvas, and rakshasas; the rest is remembered as belonging to humans for their activities. Out of greed, those men who wander during these times are seized and restrained by rakshasas along with the foolish. Therefore, those who obtain water at night, even if learned in the Vedas, are condemned by all men, even by powerful kings. Remain far from us; do not approach closely. Why do you not recognize me, who has come to the Bhagirathi’s water? Know me as Angaraparna the Gandharva, relying on my own strength; I am proud, jealous, and a dear friend of Kubera. I am known as Angaraparna, and this forest is mine; wandering along the Ganga as I please, I delight here in many ways.” Thus, the Pandavas’ journey to the city of Panchala brought them not only close to the great festival and the destiny awaiting them, but also into the presence of the mysterious and powerful beings who guarded the sacred river at night.