ABSTRACT
At the bidding of the Pandavas’ mother, Arjuna shares this marriage with his brothers. Their cousin Krishna brings precious gifts to their wedding, then stays with them as their friend and companion. They return to Hasthinapura for some years of prosperity in a divided kingdom, during which time the eldest brother, Dharmaraja, loses all his worldly wealth in a game of dice with Duryodhana. His final pledge is his wife, Draupadi, who is pawned away and sent to the Kauravas’ court, Dhucchasana forcibly dragging her there by the hair. Duryodhana orders him to disrobe her in front of the Pandavas and, in a concealed sexual invitation, asks her to sit on his thigh. Draupadi clasps her hands above her head and prays to Lord Krishna to help her. Recognising Draupadi’s moment of ultimate surrender, Krishna magically makes her sari
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into exile in the forest for twelve years. At the end of this period, they spend one year disguised as servants of King Virata in Matsya. The Kauravas come and steal the King’s cattle and Draupadi suggests sending Arjuna (disguised as the eunuch Brihannala) as the prince’s charioteer to take revenge; he wins back the cattle.
