👑 Part 3: Marriage and Kingdom

🏹 Arjuna Wins Draupadi

While in hiding after escaping the House of Lac, the Pandavas lived disguised as Brahmins. One day, they heard about a grand swayamvara (a ceremony where a princess chooses her husband) being held for Draupadi, the princess of Panchala, daughter of King Drupada.

To win her hand, a challenging task was announced: the suitor had to string a mighty bow and shoot an arrow through the eye of a moving fish, while looking at its reflection in water.

Princes and kings from across the land failed. But Arjuna, still disguised, stepped forward and completed the challenge with ease, winning Draupadi’s hand.

👰 Draupadi Marries the Pandavas

The Pandavas returned home with Draupadi. When they told their mother Kunti that they had brought something precious, she (without seeing) said, “Share it equally, my sons.” Her words, though unintentional, were taken seriously. After much discussion and divine guidance, Draupadi married all five Pandavas, becoming their common wife.

🏙️ The New Kingdom – Indraprastha

Now that the Pandavas were alive and known, there was conflict over the throne. To avoid war, Dhritarashtra gave them a part of the kingdom. The Pandavas turned a barren land into a magnificent city called Indraprastha.

There, they ruled wisely and happily. Yudhishthira performed the Rajasuya Yagna, a grand royal ceremony, and was declared Emperor by many kings.

But this made Duryodhana furious and deeply jealous. He couldn’t accept their rising power and plotted once again to bring them down.

🎲 The Game of Dice

Duryodhana, with the help of his cunning uncle Shakuni, invited Yudhishthira to a game of dice. It was a trap. Shakuni played on Duryodhana's behalf and used loaded dice to win every round.

Blinded by pride and bound by duty, Yudhishthira kept gambling—his kingdom, brothers, himself, and even Draupadi.

In the end, the Pandavas lost everything. Draupadi was dragged into the royal court and humiliated. Duryodhana even insulted her by asking her to sit on his thigh.

⚡ Draupadi’s Vow

Draupadi questioned the court, the elders, and even her husbands. Her fiery words shook everyone. At last, divine intervention saved her honor, and Dhritarashtra, fearing a curse, returned everything to the Pandavas.

But again, blinded by his son’s ambition, he allowed another game. Yudhishthira lost again. This time, the Pandavas were exiled for 13 years — 12 years in the forest and 1 year living in disguise.

🌟 Moral of the Chapter:

Greed and arrogance lead to downfall. Even the wisest can fall when blinded by pride or trapped by fate. But honor, like Draupadi’s, never bows to injustice.

Shall I go ahead with Part 4: The Return and War Preparation next?