As the last Kshatriya prince failed, the assembly erupted in dismay. "This is impossible!" someone exclaimed. "Only a superhuman can achieve this feat!" another murmured.
Defeat settled over the hall, with each prince shaking his head in despair.
Draupadi's father, Drupada, surveyed the gathering, his eyes searching for a worthy suitor. But finding none, he turned to his daughter.
Draupadi, with a mix of sadness and determination, stepped forward. Scanning the sea of defeated faces, she asked:
"Is there no one among these gathered princes who can win my hand?"
Her voice echoed through the hall, a challenge to the assembled Kshatriyas.
The room fell silent once more, as if holding its breath in anticipation of an answer.
Slowly, a figure emerged from the crowd, separating himself from the group of seven Brahmanas. His majestic stride commanded attention, as if the very aura surrounding him announced his arrival.
His physique radiated power, and his voice resonated like thunder, evoking the grandeur of Indradev, the king of gods.
A well-groomed beard and mustache framed his dignified face, proclaiming his identity as a revered Brahmana.
As he stepped into the arena, the assembly's curiosity piqued. Who was this enigmatic figure, bold enough to enter the competition?
His simple, yet elegant, Brahmanical attire belied an aura of quiet confidence, hinting at hidden strengths.
Draupadi's gaze met his, and for an instant, time stood still. The air vibrated with anticipation.
"Who is this mysterious Brahmana?" the princes whispered among themselves.
Arjuna, still disguised as the Brahmana, declared "I can win this competition."
The assembly erupted in laughter, mocking his claim. "A Brahmana? Winning this competition? Impossible!" someone jeered.
Duryodhan sneered, "How can a mere Brahmana succeed where Kshatriya warriors have failed?"
Some Brahmanas present whispered among themselves, "If he fails, it will bring shame to our community. He should not attempt this."
But another Brahmana countered, "And what if he succeeds? It will bring immense honor and pride to our community!"
The room buzzed with conflicting opinions.
Krishna, observing from afar, smiled knowingly.
Draupadi watched Arjuna, intrigued by his confidence.
Arjuna remained unfazed, his focus on the bow unwavering.
Drishtadyumna announced, "Let the Brahmana attempt. The competition is open to all."
While the crowd debated Arjuna's chances, he calmly walked towards the bow.
Bending down, he whispered a silent prayer to Shri Krishna. "Lord, guide my hands and grant me success."
With reverence, Arjuna grasped the bow. The assembly gasped in shock.
"How can a Brahmana...?" someone started, but words trailed off.
The warriors who had failed stared in awe.
In the blink of an eye, Arjuna lifted the bow with ease, as if it were a feather.
The crowd erupted into stunned silence.
With fluid motion, Arjuna picked up the five arrows.
He drew the bowstring back, focus etched on his face.
YOU ARE READING
Bhism Sangini : Echoes of the Mahabharat
FanfictionA brilliant historian and archaeologist, dismissive of India's rich cultural heritage, rejects the Mahabharata and Ramayana as mere superstition. But fate intervenes, and she finds herself transported to the Dwapar Yuga. In this ancient era, she enc...
