03.248
Section on the abduction of Draupadī
Vaiśampāyana said.
In that forest abounding with deer, the great chariot-warriors, the best of the Bhāratas, enjoyed themselves in Kāmyaka just like the gods. (03-248-1)
She looked about at many kinds of forest regions on every side, and at the rows of forests beautifully blossoming in their proper season. (03-248-2)
The Pandavas, who were fond of hunting, roamed that great forest and, being as powerful as Indra, spent some time there enjoying themselves, those subduers of enemies. (03-248-3)
Then all of them, the tiger-men and destroyers of foes, set out simultaneously in the four directions to hunt for the sake of the brāhmaṇa. (03-248-4)
Draupadī was left in the hermitage with the permission of Tṛṇabindu, the great sage of blazing austerity, and Dhaumya the priest. (03-248-5)
Then, however, the greatly renowned king of the Sindhus, Vārdhakhatri, who desired a marriage, set out for Śālva at that time. (03-248-6)
He, accompanied by a great retinue suitable for a king and surrounded by many kings, came to Kāmyaka as well. (03-248-7)
There he saw Draupadī, the illustrious and beloved wife of the Pāṇḍavas, standing at the entrance of the hermitage in the lonely forest. (03-248-8)
Radiant in form, bearing an excellent appearance, she illuminated the forest region like lightning brightens a dark cloud. (03-248-9)
Considering her as a celestial nymph, a divine maiden, an illusion, or one created by the gods, all with joined palms gazed upon that blameless lady. (03-248-10)
Then Jayadratha, the king of the Sindhus and son of Vṛddhakṣatra, was astonished on seeing her with faultless limbs and became confident. (03-248-11)
Deluded by desire, he said to King Koṭikāśya, “Whose is this woman with faultless limbs, or is she even not human?” (03-248-12)
No one has come to me with marriage in mind after seeing this very beautiful girl. I will take only her and go to my own abode. (03-248-13)
Go, gentle one, find out whose, who she is and from where she may have come. For what purpose has this beautiful-browed lady come to this thorn-filled forest? (3-248-14)
Oh, if only, by chance, this beautiful-hipped, world-renowned beauty with long eyes, lovely teeth, and a slender waist, might choose me today. (03-248-15)
Indeed, having won this excellent woman, I may become one whose desires are fulfilled. Go and find out, Koṭika, who her lord is. (03-248-16)
Then Koṭikāśya, having heard that, Kuṇḍalī leapt down from the chariot and, approaching, questioned the jackal like the tiger's wife. (3-248-17)
