Draupadi's Swayamvar

Panchala, was the neighboring kingdom of the mighty Hastinapur Empire, King Dhrupad ruled Panchala. He was one of the greatest warriors of all time. But after being defeated by the Pandavas, he was humiliated by Guru Dronacharya. This humiliation was unbearable for him. He vowed revenge.

Soon King Dhrupad organized a Putrakamesthi Yagyna, where he obtained his mighty warrior son Dhristadyumna from Agnidev. She was born after her sibling. As she emerged from the yagyna kund she was named Yagyaseni, but everyone fondly called her Draupadi or Panchali. when she emerged out of the fire there was a celestial announcement that Draupadi will be the future Empress of Aryavrat and due to her righteousness will be established in Aryavrat.

Draupadi was the most beautiful woman in the whole world. Soon King Dhrupad decided to organize the Swayamvar of Draupadi. She was excited,

"Dad, it is true that I am going to get married."

"Yes my lovely Daughter, You will get married to the best Archer of the whole world."

King Dhrupad always wished to marry Draupadi with Pandava prince Arjuna. So he decided to organize such a contest that Arjuna will be able to win it as well as Draupadi's hand.

Soon the invitations were sent. The Swayamvar was kicked off with great Pomp and Show. Many kings and princes had come to win the Hand of Draupadi. Dhristadyumna took the center stage and announced,

"O great Kings, I Dhristadyumna, the Crown Prince of Panchal, welcome you all to this magnificent Swayamvar of my beloved sister Paanchali. the rules are very simple, those who will be able to string this mighty bow and successfully hit the target i.e. an imaginary fish's eye using its reflection in water will win Draupadi's hand.

The Swayamvar began. Many Princes including Duryodhana, Jarasandh, and Rukmi failed to string the bow. Then came Pandava Prince Arjuna, he lifted the bow with grace and strung the bow. He soon took the aim keenly gazing the reflection. He was about to leave the arrow when Draupadi announced that she will not marry him, as she doesn't like him. Arjuna was shocked,

"O Panchal Kumari, May I know my fault?"

"Pandava Prince Arjuna, I came to know that you are already married to Dwarka Princess Subhadra. I want to be the first wife of any Prince."

"But Draupadi, he his the best archer in the whole world, and I am sure he will take care of you with full dedication"

"I am sorry Father, but according to the traditions of Aryavrat, a woman has all her right to choose her own husband."

"You are absolutely right Panchal Kumari, Thank you for inviting me."

Arjuna retreated, soon Angaraja Karna came to showcase his talent. Draupadi was suddenly attracted to him, she felt a familiar feeling. Suddenly she remembered her dream which she used to see every night as if it was a vision of the future. Karna lifted and strung the bow and soon he aimed at the fish eye.

Whoosh!!! the arrow went straight and hit the Eye of the fish, Karna had won the competition. King Dhrupad was upset, but he was helpless. So Karna and Draupadi's marriage was organized. Draupadi became Angarani. 

Draupadi was welcomed by her mother-in-law Radha in their small home. She was given a lot of care and love, Karna loved her a lot. 

One day Karna was bathing in the ghats of Ganga, when Shri Krishna arrived, Karna saw and greeted him,

"Pranipat, Vasudev Shri Krishna, what brings you here?"

"Angaraja Karna, I have come here to say the greatest truth of your life."

"Vasudev, There is nothing unhidden in life. All my life I have been humiliated and dispensed my hundreds of people. Everyone knows the truth that I am a Suta Putra."

"No, Angaraja Karna you are actually the son of Queen Mother Kunti..."

Shri Krishna then narrated the incident of his birth to him. Suddenly a plate fell, Karna and Shri Krishna looked back, Draupadi was standing there, completely taken aback. 

"Govind, is it true, that my husband is the son of Suryadev and Queen Mother Kunti?"

"Yes it is true Draupadi"

The very next moment Draupadi was taking Karna to the palace, where they saw Kunti.

"Queen Mother Kunti, you are my mother-in-law."

Kunti was shocked, she couldn't believe that her secret was out. She cried her heart out and apologized to Karna. Karna forgave her, and soon there was a lovely family reunion, Karna got to know all the wrong deeds of Duryodhan, and also Draupadi asked him to support Pandavas in the war. 

When duryodhan came to know about this he was furious,

"That cheap Karna. betrayed me"

"Duryodhan!!!! now you will see your doom as I along with Guru Drona are leaving the Camp" Bheesma roared.

Thus due to lack of support Duryodhan accepted his defeat. Soon the throne of Hastinapur went to Karna and thus Draupadi became the EWmpress of the whole Aryavrat making the celestial announcement true.