Filled with deep affection for her sons, Kunti often pondered their fate and well-being. One day, as darkness gathered and clouds thickened overhead, most people lay asleep, oblivious to the world. In the late afternoon, when the sun’s rays were hidden behind the heavy clouds, Arjuna entered the house of the Bhargava, accompanied by Brahmins. Arriving at the workshop of the Bhargava, the two mighty sons of Pritha—Arjuna and Bhima—greeted their mother Kunti. With full confidence in Yajnaseni, Draupadi, they announced, “We have come for alms.” Inside the hut, Draupadi did not see her brothers, and so, when all had assembled, she said, “Eat together.” But when Kunti saw Krishna (Draupadi), she lamented, “Alas, what harsh words I have spoken.” Fearing unrighteousness and reflecting deeply, Kunti took Yajnaseni’s hand—who was fully assured—and approached Yudhishthira. She spoke to him, “This maiden, the daughter of King Drupada, has been entrusted to me by your two younger brothers. As is proper, I too said, ‘Eat together,’ O prince, but it was out of inadvertence. How can it be that I have spoken a falsehood today? Tell me, bull among the Kurus. Let there be no unrighteousness or confusion regarding the daughter of the king of the Panchalas.” Thus addressed, Yudhishthira, wise and heroic, pondered for a moment. He comforted Kunti and spoke to Dhananjaya (Arjuna), “You have won Yajnaseni, Phalguna, and she will shine with you, O prince. Let the fire be kindled, O conqueror of foes, and take her hand according to the rite. O king, do not make me one who acts unrighteously; this is not the way of righteousness, nor is it approved by the wise. You should be established first, then Bhima of mighty deeds. After him, I, then Nakula next to me, and after him, Sahadeva the swift; O king, Bhima, I, and the twins—this maiden should be assigned to all of us. Now that things have come to this, consider what should be done here that is righteous and brings honor; and whatever is for the good of the king of the Panchalas—decide, for we are all under your authority.” Hearing Arjuna’s words, full of devotion and affection, the sons of Pandu fixed their gaze upon Panchali. Draupadi, illustrious among women, looked at them all, and they glanced at one another, holding her in their hearts as they sat together. Seeing Draupadi, radiant among them, desire stirred in the hearts of these men of immeasurable energy, agitating their senses. For the Creator himself had fashioned Panchali’s beauty to be desirable, surpassing all others and enchanting every living being. Yudhishthira, son of Kunti, understood the feelings and thoughts of his brothers and remembered the words of Dvaipayana. Fearing discord, the king spoke to his brothers, “Draupadi, the auspicious one, shall be the wife of us all.” He then wondered aloud, “Even though Keśava is capable, he did not string the bow—why was this? And though the target was struck, for what reason was it not claimed? Tell me this, O best among men.” It was explained that Keśava, though able, did not string the bow, wishing to learn about the Pārthas; from widespread rumor, he was certain they were alive. Observing the other kings, who failed at the svayaṃvara with the excellent bow, Keśava saw that Dhanañjaya alone would string it. Thus, Vāsudeva himself, reflecting and wishing to ascertain the Pārthas by various means, did not attempt to string the bow, for the Pārthas were dearest to him. Having considered their eldest brother’s words, all the sons of Pandu, with minds fixed on that purpose, stood firm and undepressed in spirit. The foremost among the Vṛṣṇis, Krishna, together with the son of Rohiṇī (Baladeva), anticipating the Kuru heroes, went to the workshop of Bhārgava, where those distinguished men were gathered. There, Krishna and Baladeva saw Ajātaśatru (Yudhishthira), broad and long-armed, seated among his brothers, who shone like fire. Vāsudeva approached Yudhishthira, the foremost upholder of dharma, pressed his feet, and said, “I am Krishna.” Likewise, the son of Rohiṇī did the same. The delighted Kurus welcomed them, and the chief among the Yadus, their cousins, embraced the feet of the foremost Bhārata. Ajātaśatru, the foremost among the Kurus, seeing Krishna in good health, asked, “How is it, Vāsudeva, that we, living here in concealment, have been recognized by all?” Vāsudeva replied with a smile, “Even when hidden, O king, fire is always known. Who else among men could accomplish such a feat, surpassing the Pāṇḍavas? By fortune, you have all escaped the terrible fire. By fortune, the wicked son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, along with his ministers, did not achieve his desire. May good fortune be yours; hidden in the cave, grow strong like fire fed with fuel. Let not any kings know of you; for now, let us go to the camp.” Thus permitted by the Pāṇḍava of unfading glory, Krishna departed swiftly with Baladeva. Meanwhile, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, son of the Pāñcāla king, followed the two sons of Kuru as they went to Bhārgava’s residence. Recognizing them and observing the men all around, he concealed himself in Bhārgava’s residence, waiting for the right moment. As evening descended, Bhīma, the crusher of foes, and the mighty twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, after seeking alms, reported to Yudhiṣṭhira, their spirits undiminished. Then Kunti, at the proper time, spoke kindly to Draupadi, the daughter of Drupada: “Take the first portion, dear, and offer it to the Brahmin; give alms to him. Give food to those who desire it, to all the people gathered around. Then, quickly divide the remainder, half for the four of us and half for myself. Give half to Bhima, dear one, who is like a bull among men; fair, youthful, and well-built—this hero is always of great appetite.” The princess, delighted and without suspicion, did exactly as she was told, and all of them ate the food. Sahadeva, son of Madri and devoted to austerity, made a bed of kusa grass on the ground. All the heroes spread their own deer skins and slept upon the earth. With their heads toward the direction beloved of Agastya, the best of the Kurus lay down; Kunti was in front of them, and Krishna (Draupadi) was at their feet.