Draupadi II - Swayamwara

Shalva, Shishupal, Satyaki and others came to the floor but were unable to even shift the bow. Then Jarasandh got up to try. Though he was aged, his body was strong and erect and his demeanour was that of a man not to be trifled with. Draupadi did not want to marry a man old enough to be her father. She got up and with folded hands bowed slightly but perceptibly as if asking for an elder's blessings. Jarasandh himself wanted a way out. He did not want to risk failure on a public occasion. He raised his hand and blessed Draupadi and left the hall. Next was the turn of Duryodhana, the heir to the throne of Hastinapur. He had on an earlier occasion been defeated by Drupad and was thirsting for revenge. He was also bewitched by Draupadi's beauty and charm and wanted her as his wife. However, he was unable to move the bow. It was now evident that the bow could be lifted by a person noble in thought and deed and Duryodhana did not fit the bill. But his friend Karna did. Karna was not born of royal blood but had been gifted the kingdom of Anga by Duryodhana in exchange for eternal friendship. "If I cannot wed Draupadi, then you must", Duryodhana told Karna as he passed him on the way back.

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