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वैवाहिकपर्वन् (vaivAhikaparvan)

 
Mahabharata
English
[Vaivāhikaparvan^1]
(“the section relating to the marriage of Draupadī with the Pāṇḍavas”, the 13th of the minor parvans of Mhbhr.). (Cf. Vaivāhika.) § 237. Dhṛshṭadyumna related what had happened: (Arjuna had large red eyes, v. 7175, and Kṛshṇā had followed him, catching hold of his deerskin. v. 7177)
from their conversation on military subjects, he concluded that they were the Pāṇḍavas, of whom it had been heard that they had all escaped from the lac-house. Drupada (= Saumaki, v. 7198) sent his purohita to Yudhishṭhira, who said that there was no occasion for Drupada to grieve for his daughter. While Yudhishṭhira was saying this, another messenger from Drupada announced that the feast was ready (I, 193). The Pāṇḍavas, with Kuntī and Kṛshṇā were conveyed to Drupada's palace. Drupada wished to ascertain to which caste they belonged, and had for that purpose made ready a large collection of various articles appertaining to different human occupations
after dinner they began to observe, with interest, the implements of war, wherefore Drupada and his son thought that they were of royal blood (I, 194). Yudhishṭhira told Drupada who they were. Drupada vowed to restore Yudhishṭhira to his kingdom. Yudhishṭhira told him that they would all marry Kṛshṇā, which Drupada considered to be contrary to morality. While they discoursed on this matter Vyāsa arrived (I, 195). Drupada consulted Vyāsa about the wedding of his daughter. Vyāsa desired to hear the opinion of each of them. Drupada regarded the practice of marrying one wife to five men as sinful, and so did Dhṛshṭadyumna. Yudhishṭhira thought it not to be sinful, because his heart, that never inclined to what was sinful, approved of it
“it is recorded in the Purāṇa that Jaṭilā Gautamī had married seven ṛshis, and a muni's daughter, born of a tree (Vārkshī [= Mārishā, BR.], see Hariv., v. 96 foll.) married the ten Pracetases”
moreover, their mother Kuntī had told them to enjoy her all. Kuntī was afraid that she would be guilty of a lie. Vyāsa said that Yudhishṭhira was right, and took Drupada apart (I, 196) and related to him Pañcendropākhyāna (§§ 238--239).--§ 240. Drupada then consented, as it had been ordained by the gods. Vyāsa declared that very day to be auspicious as the moon entered in conjunction with Pushya (Paushyaṃ yogam upaiti). Drupada and his son made preparations for the wedding, and Dhaumya, performing the usual rites, married Kṛshṇā to Yudhishṭhira, and then to his brothers on successive days. Draupadī regained her virginity every day after her previous marriage. Then Drupada gave to them various kinds of excellent wealth (I, 198). Drupada, after his alliance with the Pāṇḍavas, had all his fears dispelled. His ladies worshipped the feet of Kunitī. Kuntī pronounced a blessing upon Kṛshṇā. Kṛshṇa sent them costly presents (I, 199).
[Vaivāhikaparvan^2]
(“the section containing the marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttarā”
the 56th of the minor parvans of Mhbhr.). § 553. On the third day the five Pāṇḍavas, attired in white robes after a bath, etc., entered the palace of Virāṭa and took their seats on the thrones reserved for kings. Virāṭa rebuked Kaṅka (Yudhishṭhira) for this insolence
Arjuna praised Yudhishṭhira, saying that there was none like him, even amongst D., As., men, Rā., G., Y., Ku., or M.-U., and disclosed that he was Yudhishṭhira (b) (IV, 70). Asked by Virāṭa which of them then was Arjuna, etc., Arjuna pointed out Bhīma (), Nakula, and Sahadeva (both beautiful and great warriors), Draupadī, and himself. Uttara spoke of Arjuna's prowess, and described each of them, especially Arjuna (“it was by him that Bhīshma, Droṇa, and Duryodhana were vanquished”). Virāṭa, thinking he had offended Yudhishṭhira, offered to bestow his daughter Uttarā on Arjuna, which was applauded by Uttara, and offered his whole kingdom, etc., to Yudhishṭhira. Arjuna accepted Uttarā as his daughter-in-law, saying that such an alliance between the Matsyas and the Bharatas was desirable (IV, 71). Asked by Virāṭa why he himself did not wish to accept his daughter as wife, Arjuna alleged that she had confided in him as her father, and people might entertain suspicions against her or him
by accepting her for Abhimanyu he attested her purity. Virāṭa approved of it, and Yudhishṭhira gave his assent
the latter sent invitations to Kṛshṇa, etc., and so did Virāṭa. The Pāṇḍavas took up their abode at Upaplavya. Arjuna brought over Abhimanyu and Kṛshṇa, and many Daśārhas from the Ānartta country. The Kāśiking and Śaibya (friendly to Yudhishṭhira) came, each accompanied by an akshauhiṇī of troops
Yajñasena came there with the sons of Draupadī and Śikhaṇḍin, and Dhṛshṭadyumna came with an akshauhiṇī. All the kings that came there were lords of akshauhiṇīs and performers of sacrifices, etc. Then came Kṛshṇa (decked with garlands), Balarāma, etc., with Abhimanyu and his mother. And Indrasena, etc., having lived at Dvārakā for a whole year, came with the chariots of the Pāṇḍavas. In the train of Kṛshṇa came also 10, 000 elephants, 100 thousands of horses, 100 millions of chariots, 100 milliards of foot soldiers, and innumerable Vṛshṇi, Andhaka, and Bhoja warriors. Kṛshṇa gave to each of the Pāṇḍavas numerous female slaves, etc. Then the nuptial festival set in (description). The matrons of the Matsyas were headed by Sudeshṇā
but Kṛshṇā was the foremost in beauty, etc. Virāṭa gave [as dowry]
7, 000 horses and 200 elephants, and much wealth, and offered his kingdom, etc., to the Pāṇḍavas. Yudhishṭhira gave all the wealth that had been brought by Kṛshṇa, etc., to the brahmans (IV, 72).