MAHABARATA
EPISODE 16'S. I WANDERED OVER DRUPADI

WHEN Dewi Kunti and the Pandavas lived undercover in Ekacakra, they heard the news of a contest for Drupadi, the crown princess of the Kingdom of Panchala. The Ekacakra brahmins planned to go to Panchala with hope

get abundant alms and watch the feast and procession of the great wedding. The maternal instinct of Dewi Kunti can tell that her children want to go to Panchala to follow the contest. So that they are not ashamed to say

their intention, he subtly said to Yudhishthira: "We have lived in this land for a long time. It's time, we go and look around the other country. I'm tired of seeing mountains, valleys, rivers, and nature around here. The amount we get is also getting less. We better leave this place. Let us go to the Kingdom of Panchala which is said to be fertile and prosperous. The wise and intelligent Dewi Kunti can read the minds of her children and can make her children need not be ashamed to express their wishes.

So the brahmins went to Panchala and the Pandavas came with them disguised as brahmins.

After a long journey, they finally arrived at the beautiful royal city. Pandavas hitchhiking at home

the pitcher remains disguised as a brahmin to avoid attention. Although from the outside Drupada and Durna seem not hostile, Drupada still cannot forget or forgive the humiliation committed by Durna. One of Drupada's prayers was to marry his daughter to Arjuna. Durna loved his student so much that he was small

it's likely that Durna will see his in-laws as enemies. Thanks to Arjuna, in the event of war, Drupada's side will be

much more powerful. At first Drupada was very sad when he heard the news of the fire at the castle Waranawata, but then, he was a little relieved when he heard the news that the Pandavas could escape.

The wedding stage has been beautifully decorated and surrounded by resting buildings to accommodate guests and participants of the competition. Various entertainment and festive parties have been prepared to enliven the wedding of Drupadi. The wedding will be held for four years

twelve days.

In the middle of the arena was placed a gigantic and heavy iron bow. The one who wants to edit the King's daughter

Drupada must be able to lift the bow and aim at the designated target with an arrow. The target was hung behind a wheel of chakras that continued to spin nonstop. Thus, it takes an ability that exceeds the ability

ordinary people to win this competition. Drupada says that anyone who wants to edit their child

must be able to lift the bow and hit a predetermined target.

Many valiant princes from various kingdoms followed the contest. The sons of Destarata were also present, thus

also with Karna, Krishna, Sisupala, Jarasanda, and Salya. Alongside the contestants, there were many spectators and guests

I want to see that big party. Their cheers were like the roar of the ocean waves. Hundreds of gamelan tools were hammered.

From the direction of the palace, came a magnificent procession. At the front, Dristadyumna riding an elephant and then followed by Drupadi who sat on a throne on the elephant's back. With a fresh face after taking a shower of flowers and wearing silk clothes fluttering in the wind, entered the arena of the competition.

Her perfect presence and beauty lit up the atmosphere. With a blush and wreath in hand, Drupadi looked at the mighty princes. They can only be silent because they are amazed by the beauty of Drupadi. After that, he came down from the elephant's back. The brahmins began to recite the mantra and burn the offerings that had been provided. When the sacred canticles are chanted, the gamelan tetabuhan stops. The atmosphere became calm. Then, Dristadyumna led Drupadi's hand into the middle of the arena. Then he said loud and clear:

"Please pay attention to Your Majesty. Here is placed the bow There the target, and this is the arrow to be used. He who can release five arrows in sequence through the wheel hole of the chakra and hit the target, wins

this sayembara. If he comes from a good family, he can invite my sister, Drupadi" and then he reads his name

and the history of contestants for his sister.

Many famous princes tried their luck. One by one, we went to the arena. But the bow was too heavy, though,

same with his arrows. Shamefully and regretfully, they returned to their seats. Sisupala, Jarasanda, Strapon,

Salya, and Duryudana also failed to anchor the bow.

When Karna advanced into the middle of the arena, the spectators had already thought he was the one who would win the competition. But, his arrow missed a single hair. In addition, once the arrow is released, the bow is slammed loose from the handle. The spectators were screaming. Some called out that this competition was too heavy. No one can win it.

This competition was only meant to humiliate the princes.

Suddenly the commotion stopped. Among them appeared a young brahmin. He calmly stepped towards the place where the bow was placed.

The young Brahmin was Arjuna in disguise. As he stood up, the spectators started to noisily return. Brahmins

itself split into two. They're arguing. Some say that it is really good that some represent groups

such magic as Karna and Salya failed, let alone a brahmin.

From among the hustle and bustle, there was a loud voice:" Wait and see the shape of the body and the look of the young brahmin's face, I am sure he will win this competition. He seemed so sure and clear that he knew what to do. Perhaps, physically a brahmin is weak, but it is only physical strength. What about the power of focusing the mind? Why don't we give him a chance?" And the audience cheated him, a sign of support.

Arjuna approached where the bow was placed and asked Dristadyumna: "May a brahmin try this bow?" Dristadyumna replied: "Young Brahmin, my sister will marry whoever manages to lift this bow and hit the target. What has been said will not be taken away."

Then the young brahmin was silent for a moment, silent for a moment. he begged Narayana's blessing, Hyang Widhi. la lift the bow easily. he put the five arrows on the bowstring and looked around with a smile. The spectators were silent. They waited with hearts pounding. Then, without pause or doubt he released the five arrows in order to slide into the wheel chakra that continues to spin and hit the target. The target fell to the ground! The spectators cheered and gamelan was immediately pummeled.

The brahmins sitting around the arena cheered with excitement. They wave skin shawls at them. It was as if they had won the race. Drupadi's face exuded a refreshing beauty. Wajahaya shone happily, With a look of joy, he looked at the young man who won the competition

those. He stepped forward near Arjuna and placed a wreath around his neck. With glee, Yadhistira, Nakula,

and Sadewa ran back to the pitcher's house. They wanted to immediately report this happy news to their mother. Bima remains

stay there just in case a prince harms his sister for not being satisfied.

As Bima had expected, the princes started to get angry. They shouted: "What kind of competition is this? How can a brahmin be allowed to follow the contest? If Drupadi did not want to be found by the king's son, he would have to remain a virgin until he burned himself. How can a brahmin marry a king's daughter. We are against this marriage. We demand that the competition be canceled in order to maintain proper rule." It seems that commotion is inevitable again. Bima immediately uprooted a tree and stripped its leaves. He stood beside Arjuna guarding all possibilities. Drupadi said nothing.

he only held Arjuna's robe made of valiant leather.

Krishna, Balarama, and the other princes tried to calm the king's angry sons and make a fuss. Sneakily

Arjuna resigns from the arena, accompanied by Drupadi. He went back to the jugboy's house.

Unbeknownst to them, Dristadyumna tailed them. He watches carefully. After knowing who the fifth is

brahmin, Dristadyumna was relieved and delighted. He immediately told his father. He said: "Ayahanda, Ananda is sure,

the Brahmins who won this competition were the Pandavas. Drupadi was with them, holding tightly to the cloak of leather

the young brahmin did not seem at all awkward. Ananda saw with his own eyes the five of them and a dignified woman. Ananda sure that woman must be the Goddess

Kunti."

At Drupada's invitation, Dewi Kunti and the Pandavas went to the palace. In the presence of the king, they confessed that they were

the Pandavas. He also conveyed their decision that the five of them would marry Drupadi. Knowing that they

the Pandavas made Drupada's heart soar. This means quelling all the anxieties associated with the affair with Durna. But when I heard that

the five of them were about to marry Drupadi, he was very shocked and disappointed.

Drupada opposed the decision. He said: "It is inappropriate!" How can an immoral decision that goes against this tradition come to mind?"

Yudhishthira replied: "Daulat, my lord the King, forgive us. When life is miserable and long, we swear

share fair everything we have. We cannot break that oath. This is our mother's advice."

In the end, Drupada was able to accept the decision and a great marriage was carried out.

SERIATE.....