The Pandavas in Disguise and the Swayamvara of Draupadi
After escaping from the House of Lac, the Pandavas and Kunti were believed to be dead by the people of Hastinapura.
But they were alive.
The five brothers and their mother now had to travel secretly because returning openly to Hastinapura would have been dangerous.
Their journey through the forests would bring them face-to-face with new challenges, powerful enemies and an important kingdom where a great swayamvara was about to take place.
1. The Pandavas Leave the Burning Palace
After escaping through the secret tunnel beneath the House of Lac, the Pandavas and Kunti entered the forest.
They knew that their enemies believed them to be dead.
For their own safety, they decided not to reveal their identities.
The five brothers travelled with their mother and lived like ordinary people.
They dressed simply and often presented themselves as Brahmins.
Although they had lost their royal position for the moment, the Pandavas remained united.
Their strength was their brotherhood.
2. Bhima Protects His Family
During their journey, the Pandavas encountered several dangers.
Bhima’s enormous strength became extremely important.
He protected Kunti and his brothers whenever they faced threats.
The brothers depended on one another, but Bhima was often the one who stood at the front when danger appeared.
Their life in the forest was very different from their earlier life in the palace.
They had no royal comforts.
They had to depend on their skills, courage and unity to survive.
3. The Pandavas Meet Hidimba
During their journey, the Pandavas reached a forest inhabited by a powerful Rakshasa named Hidimba.
Hidimba learned that the Pandavas were nearby.
He wanted to attack them.
But Hidimba’s sister, Hidimbi, saw Bhima and became impressed by his strength and character.
She warned Bhima about the danger.
Hidimba eventually attacked the Pandavas.
Bhima confronted him.
A fierce battle followed between the two powerful warriors.
4. Bhima Defeats Hidimba
The battle between Bhima and Hidimba was intense.
Hidimba was powerful, but Bhima’s strength was greater.
After a fierce struggle, Bhima defeated Hidimba.
The Pandavas were safe once again.
Hidimbi then asked to remain with Bhima.
Kunti and the Pandavas accepted the situation.
Bhima and Hidimbi eventually had a son named Ghatotkacha.
Ghatotkacha would later become a powerful warrior and play an important role in the Kurukshetra war.
5. The Pandavas Continue Their Journey
After leaving the forest, the Pandavas continued travelling in disguise.
They eventually reached a place where they learned about an important event.
The king of Panchala, Drupada, was preparing a grand swayamvara for his daughter Draupadi.
Princes and great warriors from many kingdoms were expected to attend.
The Pandavas decided to travel there disguised as Brahmins.
They did not know that this journey would completely change their lives.
6. Draupadi’s Swayamvara
Draupadi was the daughter of King Drupada.
She was known for her beauty, intelligence and strong personality.
Her swayamvara was organized on a grand scale.
A difficult challenge was prepared for the participating warriors.
A special target was placed above, and the contestant had to demonstrate extraordinary skill with a bow.
Many powerful kings and warriors came to Panchala hoping to win Draupadi’s hand.
The Pandavas entered the gathering in disguise and watched quietly.
7. The Difficult Challenge
The challenge at the swayamvara was extremely difficult.
The contestant had to lift a powerful bow and hit the target using a precise shot.
Several warriors attempted the challenge.
But one after another, they failed.
The great warriors present at the gathering were unable to complete the task.
Then Arjuna, still disguised as a Brahmin, stepped forward.
Everyone was surprised.
Could an unknown Brahmin really accomplish what powerful kings and warriors had failed to do?
8. Arjuna Wins Draupadi
Arjuna lifted the bow.
His concentration was complete.
He focused on the target and released the arrow.
The shot was successful.
The challenge had been completed.
Draupadi chose Arjuna as her husband.
The gathering was filled with excitement and confusion because the mysterious Brahmin had accomplished an impossible task.
The Pandavas then left with Draupadi.
Nobody yet knew the true identity of the five brothers.
9. The Pandavas Return to Kunti
The Pandavas returned to the place where Kunti was staying.
They excitedly told their mother that they had brought something wonderful.
Without seeing what they had brought, Kunti told them to share it equally among themselves.
When she realized that they were speaking about Draupadi, she was surprised.
The situation became complicated.
The Pandavas and Draupadi eventually consulted elders and sages.
According to the traditional Mahabharata account, Draupadi became the wife of all five Pandavas.
This was an extraordinary arrangement and became one of the most distinctive aspects of the epic.
10. The Pandavas Are Discovered
The news of Draupadi’s marriage eventually reached the people of Panchala.
King Drupada wanted to know the true identity of the mysterious Brahmins.
It was eventually revealed that they were not ordinary Brahmins.
They were the Pandavas, who were believed to have died in the House of Lac.
The revelation shocked everyone.
The Pandavas were alive.
Their survival changed the political situation of the entire Kuru dynasty.
11. Hastinapura Learns the Truth
When the news reached Hastinapura, the Kuru family was shocked.
Dhritarashtra learned that the Pandavas were alive.
Bhishma and Vidura were relieved.
But Duryodhana was deeply disturbed.
He had believed that the Pandavas were gone forever.
Now they had returned stronger than before.
They had also gained an important alliance with King Drupada and the kingdom of Panchala.
The political balance within the Kuru family was changing once again.
The Return of the Pandavas
The Pandavas had survived the House of Lac.
They had travelled through the forests.
Bhima had defeated Hidimba.
Arjuna had won Draupadi’s swayamvara.
And now the world knew that the Pandavas were alive.
Their return created a new political reality.
The Kuru family could no longer ignore them.
A decision would soon be made about the future of Hastinapura and the Pandavas.
That decision would lead to the creation of a new city and one of the greatest achievements of the Pandavas.
The story continues in Maha Bharatham Part 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hidimba?
Hidimba was a powerful Rakshasa encountered by the Pandavas during their journey through the forest.
Who was Hidimbi?
Hidimbi was Hidimba’s sister. She became connected with Bhima and was the mother of Ghatotkacha.
Who was Ghatotkacha?
Ghatotkacha was the son of Bhima and Hidimbi. He later became a powerful warrior.
Who was Draupadi?
Draupadi was the daughter of King Drupada of Panchala. She became the wife of the five Pandavas.
How did Arjuna win Draupadi?
Arjuna successfully completed the difficult archery challenge at Draupadi’s swayamvara.
Did the Pandavas remain disguised?
They initially remained disguised after escaping the House of Lac, but their true identity was eventually revealed after the swayamvara



