King Kalmashapada, once overcome by cruelty, committed a grave act against a brahmin woman. Filled with wrath and sorrow, she cursed him, saying, “Because you, O wicked and cruel king, have left me unfulfilled, and before my eyes my beloved and illustrious husband was devoured today, you too shall suffer the consequences of my curse, O evil-minded one. Upon the death of your wife, you will immediately lose your own life. Thus, even though I pleaded, you showed no mercy, and you destroyed the sons of the sage Vasishtha. Yet with him, your wife shall unite and bear a son, and that son, O lowest of kings, will continue your lineage.” Having pronounced this terrible curse, the noble woman of the Angirasa line entered the blazing fire before the king’s very eyes. The illustrious sage Vasishtha, by his great knowledge and ascetic power, witnessed all that had transpired. After much time had passed, King Kalmashapada was finally freed from the curse. When he approached his queen, Madayanti, at the proper season, she restrained him. The king, overcome by desire, had forgotten the curse, but upon hearing his queen’s words, he became deeply agitated. Recalling the terrible curse, he was tormented with grief and remorse. Afflicted by the curse’s consequences, the king entrusted his wives to the care of Vasishtha. In another time, a question arose among the Pandavas as to who would be suitable as their priest—one who knew the Gandharva Veda. They sought guidance, knowing that wisdom was needed for their journey. It was suggested that the younger brother of Devala, who was practicing austerities in the forest at the Utkocaka ford, would be a worthy choice, should they wish it. Meanwhile, Arjuna, having received the Agneya weapon, returned it to the Gandharva, who was pleased and said, “I have excellent horses with me, friend, and I shall surely give them to you. A friend repays a friend’s help with a favor in return. Take also this Akshushi knowledge, O best of the Bharatas.” Arjuna, pleased, replied, “Let the horses remain with you for now, O best of Gandharvas; we will take them when the need arises. May you fare well.” Thus, having honored each other, the Gandharva and the Pandavas parted ways along the beautiful banks of the Bhagirathi. The Pandavas then went to the Utkocaka ford and reached the hermitage of Dhaumya. There, they chose Dhaumya to perform priestly duties for them. Dhaumya, best among those who know all the Vedas, accepted them, providing wild fruits and roots and performing the necessary rites. With Dhaumya at their head, the Pandavas hoped to regain their prosperity and kingdom, and to win Panchali at her self-choice ceremony. With their priest and teacher united with them, the Pandavas felt as though they had found a true protector. Dhaumya was wise and noble-minded, learned in the Vedas, eloquent, and a distinguished Brahmin. In brilliance, intellect, appearance, fame, prosperity, and mastery of mantras, he was the equal of Brihaspati. Recognizing the Pandavas as surpassing others by nature, Dhaumya accepted them as worthy disciples. The heroic Pandavas, united and endowed with intelligence, strength, vigor, and enthusiasm, believed that the kingdom was as good as attained, feeling themselves like the gods. Blessed by Dhaumya, they prepared themselves to attend Panchali’s self-choice ceremony. Thus, the five Pandava brothers, tigers among men, set out with Dhaumya at their head for Panchali’s svayamvara, to behold Draupadi and the great festival. Along the way, they encountered the great-souled, pure-hearted, and sinless Vyasa. They honored him, and he, in turn, honored them. With his permission at the end of their conversation, the Pandavas continued on to the abode of Drupada. As they traveled, they marveled at the beautiful forests and lakes, moving slowly and halting here and there to take in the sights. At last, the sons of Pandu, learned in the scriptures, pure, and gentle in speech, arrived among the Panchalas. Upon seeing the city and the encampment, they took up residence in a potter’s house. There, adopting the livelihood of brahmins, they gathered alms, and none recognized these heroic men who had arrived in their midst. Meanwhile, Yajnasena, king of the Panchalas, aware that he was threatened by Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa, undertook measures for his own protection. Having obtained Dhrishtadyumna, he no longer feared Drona, but because of enmity, he still feared Bhishma. The king considered giving his daughter as a means of safety, desiring to give her to Arjuna, the son of Pandu. He resolved to give his daughter away, but did not openly declare it, believing that an alliance with a powerful son-in-law would be his strongest safeguard. Seeking the sons of Kunti, King Yajnasena had a mighty, unbreakable bow made. The king of the Srinjayas brought forth that fierce bow, called Kindhura, belonging to Vaiyaghrapadya and given by the gods. Its iron bowstring was firmly fastened and of great strength, yet no one else could string that excellent, mighty bow. This bow, given as a boon by the gracious and great-souled Shiva, must not be rendered fruitless—so the king was convinced, setting the stage for the great event to come.