Wherever the celestial maiden Tilottama moved, faces appeared for all the hosts of gods and great sages, turning to gaze upon her wherever she went. The eyes of these exalted beings fell upon her wondrous form—everyone except the god known as the Grandfather, Brahma himself, who alone did not look. As Tilottama departed from their midst, the assembled gods and supreme sages knew in their hearts that her beauty had accomplished the task for which she had been created. When Tilottama had gone, Brahma, the illustrious creator of the worlds, declared, “The task is done,” and with those words, he dismissed the gods and the gathered sages, sending them back to their abodes. Meanwhile, the two mighty Daityas, Sunda and Upasunda, having conquered the earth, found themselves without rivals and free from distress. They made the three worlds peaceful and untroubled, believing their purpose fulfilled. They seized the jewels of the gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Nagas, kings, and Rakshasas, and in their supreme satisfaction, they reveled in their power. With no one left to restrain them, the two brothers, free of all concerns, enjoyed themselves like the immortals. Surrounded by women, adorned with garlands, perfumes, and abundant delicacies, and delighting in various exquisite drinks, they attained the height of pleasure. Whether in their inner chambers, in gardens, on mountains, or in forests—wherever their hearts desired—they sported as though they were gods themselves. One day, the brothers went for recreation upon a level stone terrace on the Vindhya mountains, amidst blossoming śāla trees. In this divine place, where all pleasures had been gathered together, they sat upon splendid seats, surrounded by women. Their attendants entertained them with music and dance, approaching joyfully with songs of praise. At that moment, Tilottama, draped in a single red garment, was gathering flowers in the forest. As she picked bright karṇikāra blossoms along the riverbanks, she slowly approached the place where Sunda and Upasunda were reveling. The two asuras, their eyes reddened with intoxication from excellent wine, saw her exquisite form and were immediately agitated. Overcome by desire, both brothers rose from their seats and hastened to where Tilottama stood. Sunda seized her right hand, and Upasunda took her by the left. Intoxicated by the boons they had received, by their own strength, by the pride of their wealth and jewels, and by the wine they had drunk, they became maddened with passion and glared at each other. Sunda declared, “She is my wife; she is your elder!” But Upasunda retorted, “She is my wife; she is your sister-in-law!” Anger flared between them as each claimed Tilottama for himself, and all affection and brotherhood vanished, consumed by their desire for her. Driven by rage, the two seized heavy maces. Crying, “I first! I first!” they struck each other, and both fell to the ground, their bodies drenched in blood, like rival lions fallen from the sky. The women and the hosts of demons, trembling with fear, fled in terror and descended to the netherworld. Then Brahma, the Grandfather, arrived there with the gods and great sages. The pure-hearted one worshipped Tilottama, and the blessed Brahma offered her a boon of her choosing. Pleased, he said, “O radiant lady, you shall move among the worlds as the sun does. By your brilliance, no one will be able to look upon you.” Having granted her this boon, Brahma entrusted the three worlds to Indra and returned to his own realm. Thus, Sunda and Upasunda, united in all things, were destroyed by their quarrel over Tilottama. Out of affection and wisdom, the sage Narada recounted this story to the Pandavas, saying, “Let there be no division among you because of Draupadi, just as the Daityas were ruined by their strife. Act accordingly, if you desire my welfare.” Heeding Narada’s counsel, the high-souled Pandavas made an agreement in his presence, each submitting to the other. They decided that Krishna—Draupadi—would dwell for a year in each brother’s house in turn. If any of them, while seated with Draupadi, saw another approaching, he would go to the forest as a celibate for twelve months. Having made this righteous agreement, the sage Narada, pleased, departed to his desired abode. From that time, none of the Pandavas violated their vow, and they rejoiced together in unity. Time passed, and the Pandavas dwelt there, subduing other kings by the power of their arms. Among those five lion-like men of immeasurable energy, Draupadi was obedient to all the sons of Pritha. She, together with her five heroic husbands, was supremely delighted—just as Sarasvati is with the serpents.