01.182
Core-Pancharatra: Confusing Draupadi to alms, Kunti asks Pandavas to share equally.
Vaiśampāyana said.
But after going to Bhārgava's workshop, the two great-souled sons of Pṛthā, having reached their mother and with utmost confidence in Yājñasenī, the foremost of men informed her, saying 'alms'.
She went to the hut and, not noticing her sons, told them all to eat when they had assembled. Afterwards, Kunti, having carefully observed the maiden, said, "I have uttered something difficult."
Indeed, being frightened of co-wifehood and ashamed, Kuntī took the utterly confident Yājñasenī (Draupadī) by the hand, approached Yudhiṣṭhira, and spoke these words.
This maiden, the daughter of King Drupada, was entrusted to me by your two younger brothers. As is proper, son, I too have said: 'Let him, having met her, enjoy her'—thus, by the king's inadvertence.
How could it be that I have not spoken falsehood today? Tell me, O bull of the Kurus. Unrighteousness regarding the daughter of the king of the Pāñcālas should not occur, nor has it ever happened before.
Yudhishthira, the mighty king, after briefly reflecting on you, consoled his mother Kunti and then, as the foremost of the Kurus, spoke these words to Dhananjaya.
O Pāṇḍava, you have won Yājñasenī; the princess will also be pleased by you. Let the fire be kindled and offerings made; accept her hand according to the prescribed rites.
Arjuna said.
O king, do not make me one who acts unrighteously; for this righteousness is not desired by others. You should be established first, then this Bhima, the mighty-armed, of unfathomable deeds.
I, then Nakula immediately after me; the son of Mādrī, Sahadeva, is the youngest; Vṛkodara, I, and the twins, O king, as well as restraint and your daughter, indeed, all of us are present.
Given the situation, do what is righteous and brings glory, after due consideration. Also, tell what would please the king of the Pāñcālas; all are indeed under your command.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having seen Kṛṣṇā, the illustrious one, standing there, all the kings, looking at each other, sat down and kept her in their hearts.
Indeed, when they saw Draupadī, desire arose in all those of immeasurable energy, greatly agitating their senses.
The desirable form of Pāñcālī, indeed ordained by the Creator Himself, became greater than that of others, enchanting to all beings.
Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī, who understood their forms and states, remembered all the words of Vyāsa, O best of men.
The king, fearing discord among the brothers, said to them: "Draupadī will be the wife of all of us, and she is auspicious."
