Death of Draupadi

The Pandavas on their journey northwards, saw a wonderful Shiva Linga on a mountain. They prayed there and went on. They came to a mountain called Bhadrakali. They climbed up and saw the Sun God riding on his chariot with seven horses, along with the planets. On the peak they saw Bhadrakali. She was dark and had a garland of human heads on her neck. She was decked in garlands of hibiscus flowers. Skinny, she was holding a sword in hand and her tongue was out of her mouth.

Yudhistira bowed down to her. He said - Mother please bless me. Be here always for all. Be awake. If you see anyone deviating from their path, teach them a lesson with your sword.

Pandavas stayed there for a while, roaming around the place. It was a beautiful place, with lovely trees and flowers. There were many beautiful women there. Off them, the most beautiful one was called Lilavati. She ruled a kingdom of women and hated men. When she saw the Pandavas she thought they had come to take over her kingdom. They caught Yudhistira. Yudhistira said - Do not worry. We have not come to take anyone's kingdom. The era of Kali is about to start. We are trying to get to heaven before that.
Hearing this, Lilavati was pleased. She asked Yudhistira to accept her. Yudhistira refused.

Going forward, the Pandavas saw the Shiva Linga called Bhadreshwar. They worshiped Shiva and then went forward.

Crossing this, they came to a mountain called Hari. It was a wonderful place, full of rich natural resources. The place was very cold. There was ice everywhere. Suffering from the cold, Draupadi was left behind. Not able to walk any further, Draupadi fainted. Knowing that her death was near, she took the name of Krishna and breathed her last breath.

All rushed towards her. Yudhistira took the lifeless body of Draupadi in his hands and started crying. The Pandavas grieved thinking of the days they had spent with her, from the time she was won by Arjuna and asked to marry the five brothers.

Finally, the Pandavas decided to leave the body of Draupadi and proceed further.

Bhima asked Yudhistira - What was the sin of Draupadi? Why did she not get to heaven?

Yudhistira said While Draupadi was married to us, she had special affection for Arjuna. That is the reason why she perished.

Pandavas on the mount Meghnad

Janmajeya said - Please tell me where my forefathers went. Which mountains did they cross? How did they reach the heaven? How did Yudhistira step into the heaven in his human form?
Vaishampayana said -
Having taken leave of Dhaumya, the Pandavas concentrated on the name of Krishna. They had a bath in the waters of Ganga rubbed their bodies with the mud from the river bed. They changed into fresh clothes and offered their prayers to the Sun God.
They crossed many mountains and forests and continued on their path, walking day and night. They met many sages on the way. They then reached the mountain called Meghnad. It was a wonderful sight. They saw many sages performing austere penances on the mountain.
On the mountain were rakshasas. They saw the Pandavas and went to their king. They said five men and one woman was coming their way. The woman was fit for the king.
The king came ready for battle.
The Pandavas suddenly found their path blocked by the rakshasas.
The rakshasa asked the Pandavas who they were.
Yudhistira said We are from the Lunar Dynasty, sons of Pandu. We have left our kingdom and going towards heaven. Allow us to go.
The rakshasa said Fight me first and then go. I have heard that Bhima and Arjuna are skilled in killing rakshasas. Let me see that skill. Once we have fought, I will let you go in peace.
The rakshasas, seeing their chance, forcibly dragged Draupadi away.
Yudhistira kept quiet.
Bhima said to Yudhistira - The rakshasas are dragging away Draupadi. Why are you quiet?
Yudhistira looked at the scared Draupadi.
Bhima was angry. With his mace not there, Bhima lifted a tree and began fighting with that. He asked the rakshasas to release Draupadi. With that he began swinging the tree, killing many rakshasas with that.
Seeing this, rakshasa king begged for forgiveness. He released Draupadi.
Yudhistira hugged Bhima and the Pandavas resumed their journey. 

Draupadi given the gem

The Pandavas along with Krishna, Vyasa and Narada returned back to the camp. All realized that Bhima was alive because of Krishna.
Bhima gave the gem to Draupadi. She said I feel better. I want to say something. Please give the gem to Yudhistira. Let it shine on his crown.
Yudhistira accepted. He then asked Krishna How did Ashwatthama manage to enter our camp and kill the Pandavas in the night? Who blessed him?
Krishna said Shiva had protected the Pandavas for the eighteen days of the war. Ahswatthama came when Shiva was about to leave. he pleased Shiva and managed to do this. Shiva is innocent. As Rudra he destroyed the sacrifice of Daksha and then again as Vyomkesh, he blessed Daksha. All Gods have done what they could by worshiping Shiva.
Krishna said Leave all grief aside. Get ready to take over the kingdom. Rule well.

Yudhistira took the blessings of Krishna and said he would follow his advice. 

Yudhistira's and Draupadi's grief

Janmajeya asked - What happened when the Pandavas realized what had happened?
The sage said -
The charioteer of Dhristadyumna had managed to escape somehow. With the sun rising, he decided to inform the Pandavas about this.
He found Yudhistira and said The army of the Pandavas has been killed in the night. Dhristadyumna, the sons of Draupadi and many brave warriors have been killed by Ashwatthama who entered our camp in the middle of the night. All were sleeping and never realized what struck them. All are dead except me. I somehow was left for dead. Having managed to escape, I have come here to inform you.

Yudhistira was angry. He said - What Gods assisted him? How did he manage to do this? The brave warriors would have been sleeping tired from battle and they were killed thus. The sons of Draupadi were jewels of our eyes and they were mercilessly killed.

He then sat down on the ground and said - What I wanted and what have I finally got? All is lost. I was happy with the sages in the forest. I have not recovered from the shock of losing Abhimanyu and I am hearing this now.

Draupadi fainted when she heard this. Shrieking loudly, she started crying out for her sons and her brothers. She said I have been through hardships all my life. When Arjuna won me, I lived in the forests and worked like a maid. And what do I get in return? I was insulted in front of all and my clothes were snatched off me. I was insulted by Kichaka and was saved by Bhima. 

Kichaka's brothers killed

Draupadi went to the court and announced the death of Kichaka. People rushed and saw the dead body of Kichaka lying in the dance hall. He had been beaten to death and his body was barely recognizable. The king was angry that the commander of his army was dead. He ordered Sairadhri to be tied and burnt. She started crying out to Jay, Vijay, Jayanta, Jayantasena, Jayadwal (names that had give to the Pandavas) to come to her rescue. Kichaka's brothers were trying to drag her, when Bhima heard her cried. Changing his dress quickly he jumped to the spot.
The brothers of Kichaka seeing this tried to run, but Bhima caught them. It was night time when Bhima killed them all, and no one saw this happening. Draupadi was told to go back to her room.

In the morning, the news reached the king that the gandharva who had killed Kichaka had killed his brothers also, who were trying to kill the maid.

The king went to the queen and said troubles were arising because of the maid. The queen calling Draupadi asked her to leave.

Draupadi said I want your permission to stay here for thirteen more days. On the fourteenth day, I will be gone.

The Queen agreed to that.

Kichaka and Draupadi

Janmajeya asked the sage - What did the Pandavas do after this?
The sage said - Eleven months and the Pandavas were successful in concealing themselves.
One day, the lieutenant of the army of Virata, Kichaka, saw Draupadi. He approached her and said he wanted to have her at any cost.
Draupadi said I am a maid of the queen and for your own welfare, I am warning you to stay away from me. I have gandharvas as my husband and you will meet your end at their hands, if you chase me.

Hurt, Kichaka, who was also the brother of the Queen, went to his sister. He asked her to get the maid for him. The Queen tried to reason with her brother and asked him to leave the maid alone.

Kichaka said he was not afraid of gandharvas and would get the maid at any cost. The Queen said she would think of a way.

When Kichaka left, the queen called Draupadi. She said - I am very thirsty. I have left my drink in thr house of my brother. Please fetch that for me.

It was, as if a thunderbolt had struck Draupadi. She said - You promised me that you will keep in your house and not let me go anywhere. Why do you go back on your word now. There are other maids. Please ask them to fetch the drink for you.

The Queen said - A maid should not command thus. You will go where I tell you to go. Please take the pitcher and go fast.

Whispering a silent prayer, Draupadi left. Kichaka saw her approaching and came out. Draupadi said She did not have time and had come to fetch the drink for the queen.

Kichaka tried to catch her and Draupadi ran from there. If she went to the queen, she may not get help. Thinking thus, Draupadi ran towards the court of the king.

In the court, Kichaka pushed Draupadi. Draupadi fell on the ground. The pitcher broke. Bhima, in the court saw this and stood there, helpless.

To the king, Draupadi said I am being hurt for no fault of mine.

Yudhistira said to the king that Kichaka needed to be punished. To Draupadi, Bhima said quietly I will kill Kichaka. Tell him to come to the dance hall in the dawn and ask him to meet you.

Draupadi dried her tears and went away.

Draupadi went to Kichaka. Kichaka said What did the King do? No one can save you from me.

Draupadi said I am fearing my husbands. Do one thing. At the break of dawn, meet in the dance hall.

Kichaka was happy. He went and decked himself and waited for dawn.

Draupadi went and told Bhima. Bhima went to the dance hall and waited there.

When Kichaka entered, the room was dark. Thinking Bhima to be Draupadi, he grabbed him.
Bhima started hitting Kichaka. Kichaka was no match. Bhima easily conquered him and then killed him.

He told Draupadi the task was done. He quietly went to the kitchen, had a bath and lay down to sleep.

Draupadi enters

The Pandavas were there in the court and no knew they were there. Soon Draupadi came there. Wearing worn clothes and with a dusty face and hair, she went to the Queen. She was asked who she was. She said - My name is Sairandhri. I used to be a maid of Draupadi.
Seeing her beauty, the Queen appointed her. She said Seeing your beauty, there will be people who will be eyeing you. I will not be able to protect you then.
Draupadi said I have five gandharvas as my husband. Forget touching me, if anyone even loos at me with sinful eyes, my husbands will kill that person. I have one request. Please do not ask me to eat leftover food or touch someone's feet.
The queen said You be my personal maid and stay with me.

In the court, the king of Matsya, Virata, learned the skill of the game of dice from Yudhistira. In the kitchen, everyone praised the cooking skills of Bhima. The king had Arjuna tested and convinced that this was an eunuch (because of Urvashi's curse) praised the music and dance skills. The horses loved Nakula and became quiet when he approached. The cows also loved Sahadeva.

Draupadi goes in search

Seeing his brothers not returning, Yudhistora asked Draupadi to go in search of the brothers, taking the name of Krishna.
She too met the same fate as the others. 

The Mango Fruit

The next day, when the Pandavas work up, Draupadi thought of what the sage had said. She was proud of the fact that the sage had called her a pious woman.
Krishna, knowing this, decided it was time to teach her a lesson.
Draupadi happened to see a mango tree and from that tree was dangling a fruit. It was not the season for mangoes, Seeing the fruit, Draupadi asked Arjuna to get that for her.
Arjuna, using his arrow, got the fruit for her.
At that moment, Krishna happened to come there. He said to Arjuna it was not proper to have plucked this untimely fruit and misfortune would follow.
Yudhistira came there and wanted to know what should do they with the fruit, and what could they do to avoid the misfortune.
Krishna said there was a sage called Sandipan who was known as great sage among sages, It was because of the power of his meditation that the tree was bearing a fruit, everyday. The fruit ripened in the evening and when the sage came home, he had that fruit.
Now that Arjuna has given the fruit to Draupadi, when the sage comes and does not find the fruit, he would curse all and burn you down.I do not see any way out.
Yudhistira said Krishna, You alone can find a way out. You are a well wisher of the Pandavas and can help us out.
Krishna said if the fruit went back to the tree and ripened, the misfortune would be averted.
Yudhistira wanted to know how to proceed.
Krishna said Every Pandava and Draupadi had to say loudly what they were thinking. If all said the truth, the fruit would go back.
They all agreed.
Yudhistira said He was thinking always that when he got back his kingdom, he would serve his people and feed the brahmanas. As soon as he said this, the fruit went up in the air some distance and stopped.
Bhima said he was always thinking of ways to kill the Kauravas and Dushshasana in particular. He also said he wanted to break the things of Duryodhana.
When he said this, the mango went some distance.
Arjuna said he was thinking of how to kill Karna. The mango went some more distance.
Nakula said he was thinking of ways to serve the king and the kingdom when Yudhistira was got back his throne.
Sahadeva said he was thinking of ways to serve the king and make him happy.
When the twins said this, the mango went very close to the tree.
Draupadi then said She was thinking of how Arjuna and Bhima would kill the Kauravas.
As soon as Draupadi said this, the mango started falling down.

Yudhistira said Why did this happen.
Krishna said Draupadi did not say the truth.
The Pandavas asked Krishna to do something.
Krishna said If Draupadi told the truth the fruit would go back to the tree.

Draupadi kept quiet. Seeing this the Pandavas started loosing their temper, fearing that they would be loosing their lived because of Draupadi.

Draupadi slowly said - When her swayamvar was happening, she had, at one time, wanted to get married to Karna along with the Pandavas. Then she would have had six husbands instead of five.

The moment she said this, the fruit went up and stuck to the tree, as if it had never been plucked.

Yudhistira was quiet.
Bhima said The ladies are happy to serve and be with one husband, and here you want more than five. If this is your character, how could a sage call you a pious person. In the court, you spoke of justice and purity, and is this what was really in your mind?

Krishna then said, It is not proper to say such things to Draupadi. I know what is going on in the minds of people. This is not the right time to talk about this. When Yudhistira is the king, I will then tell you the reason behind this. All I will say now is, Do not doubt the character of Draupadi. She has not committed any sin. The mango fruit was here to break the pride of Draupadi.

The Pandavas decided to leave when Krishna said it would be improper to come to the hut of sage and leave without visiting. It would be just, to wait for the sage to come back. The Pandavas decided to wait.

The sage came was very pleased to see Krishna there with the Pandavas. He served them fruits and praised Krishna.

Staying the night there, they all left. The Pandavas and Draupadi went back to their hut and Krishna left for Dwaraka.

Jayadhrata kidnaps Draupadi

Listen Janmajeya what happened next.
Jayadhrata hid in the forest. In the morning, Bhima and Arjuna went for a hunt. Soon Yudhitira and the sons of Madri went for a bath. Draupadi was alone in the ashrama. She was preparing food. Jayadhrata saw his opportunity. He parked his chariot in the entrance of the hut and got down.
Seeing a relative coming, Draupadi came out. As no one else was home, Draupadi gave Jayadhrata a seat. She asked if all was well and how others were doing?
Jayadhrata asked I see you alone here. Where have the others gone? I had come to see Yudhistira but I do not see him.
Draupadi said Nakula, Sahadeva and Yudhistira with the brahmans had gone for a bath. Bhima and Arjuna had gone hunting and would be back soon.

Hearing this Jayadhrata decided to act fast. He caught Draupadi and dragged herr onto his chariot, He then started driving his chariot as fast as possible.

Draupadi started shouting saying by touching her, he had brought about his end. Seeing no other respite, she started shouting out to Krishna for help.

In the meanwhile Yudhistira returned back with the sons of Madri. They were surprised to see the hut empty. In a distance they heard the cries of Draupadi. They picked up their weapons and ran towards the direction of the sound.

Jayadhrata increased his speed. As destiny would have it, he came face to face with Arjuna and Bhima who were returning back. The brothers having heard the cries of Draupadi had also run towards the direction of the sound.

Arjuna then thought of a chariot, and one appeared there. Arjuna and Bhima climbing on, started chasing Jayadhrata. Seeing the distance between the chariots narrowing, Bhima jumped off the chariot and caught Jayadhrata by his hair.

Draupadi kicked Jayadhrata three times of his face. Bhima then began slapping him. He then began dragging Jayadhrata's face on the ground, till it was bloody. Jayadhrata fainted. Yudhistira then arrived there and asked Bhima to leave Jayadhrata.

When Jayadhrata came to his sense, Yudhistira asked him why he had come there to perform this evil deed. When he was quiet, Yudhistira asked him to go and tell the ones who had sent him, to show what had happened.

Along with Draupadi, the Pandavas then went back to their ashrama. 

Yudhistira Draupadi talk

The Pandavas spent days in the Daitya forest living on fruits and wearing clothes made of bark.
One day Draupadi approached Yudhistira and said - Duryodhana sent you to the forest for no fault of yours. There were days when you did not get sleep on the gem studded cots and today you are sleeping on the bare ground. One whose body was anointed with musk and sandal is now covered with dust. Once having dressed in the best of clothes and surrounded by kings, you now have to dress like ascetics. Your brothers also suffer.
I am pained to see Bhima who bears the strength to handle the entire Kuru forces alone, being subjected to the forest life.
Arjuna who can defeat Gods in battle, I see him sitting lifeless. The handsome sons of Madri also sit around sad and unhappy.
Are you not pained to see the grief of all?
There was a time when the great Prahlada spoke to his grandson Bali. He told his grandson, it is good to forgive people, but do not always forgive. If your property is taking away by force, you need to fight back and not forgive.Forgiving once is fine, but not always. If a person faults once, forgive but punish when the second offence is committed.
Duryodhana has committed many offences against you. Do not think of forgiving him.

Listening to Draupadi, Yudhistira said - Anger is the biggest sin on this earth. When angry, one does not see who is in front. People who have controlled anger are always respected and worshiped. Forgiveness is a big virtue that one should have. If I start thinking of revenge the Kuru dynasty will be destroyed. All Kuru elders tried talking to Duryodhana but he did not listen.

Draupadi said What kind of a creator do we have, who does not intervene when injustice is performed? You led a pious life and did all that were supposed to do and more, yet this is how you suffer. You believe in truth and justice and for that, you even forsook your four brothers and wife.
We stay in a forest where even robbers do not dare come. What life are we leading? Why should this earth suffer because of Duryodhana?

Yudhistira said - You are talking of faults and not talking off the good things. Whatever I do, I do it without thinking of the consequences. I am not a businessman that I will think what I will gain. That is why what the sages say, comes in true, as they have no ill will or anger, in their hearts.

Pandavas freed

Dhritarashtra was disturbed., He was seeing ill omens. He was hearing the screaming of vultures and owls. He was seeing broken chariots and dead elephants. Temples were falling down.

He came out of the stupor. He heard Bhishma and Drona telling him to act as his time was going by. Duryodhana had performed many misdeeds. Draupadi, who was virtuous, had been dragged into the assembly hall in front of all.

Dritarashtra decided to act. He said to Draupadi - You the eldest and the best among my daughters in law. Look at me, I have to suffer my son's behavior. Please forgive my sons looking at me. Ask for something, that will be granted to you. Please cast away your anger.

Draupadi then said If you want me to ask fro something, then let Yudhistira be free. Let him be a slave no more.

Dhritarashtra agreed to that. He then asked her to ask for something else.

Draupadi said Let the other four brothers be free with their wealth.


Dhritarashtra agreed to that. He then asked her to ask for something else.

Draupadi said she had asked for two things and she would not ask for the third thing and let greed develop in her.

Dhritarashtra said it was find if she asked for something else for the last time.

Draupadi then said all that had been lost in the game, be restored.

All wishes granted, the Pandavas were freed.

Karna laughed and said He was seeing for the first time, a wife coming and freeing her husbands. All wealth was being restored to the Pandavas because of their wife.

Arjuna then said , there was no point in talking to people like this who would always find an excuse to say something wrong. Bhima said he would put an end to the Kauravas but he was stopped by Yudhistira.

Yudhistira then went to Dhritarashtra and asked what he was to do now. The king, ashamed of the events that had occurred, asked Yudhistira to forgive Duryodhana. Go to your land and rule there in peace.

Hearing this, the Pandavas left for Hastinapura.

Krishna helps Draupadi

Draupadi the started calling out to Krishna. She said 'Help me O Kind One. Today, in this assembly hall, Draupadi can look to you only for help. You are the one who controls this world. Help your Draupadi. You are the one who helped Prahlada, help me now. With your chakra you helped bring justice to many. '

Krishna heard the pleas of Draupadi. From the skies, garments of many colors started falling. The more Dushasana pulled at Draupadi's garments, the more kept appearing.

Dushasana gave up.

People in the assembly hall started praising Draupadi. Bhima then got up. He said I promise I will tear open Dushasana's chest and drink his blood.

The sages present in the assembly hall started cursing Dhritarashtra. They said You were born blind and your sons are also blind.

Vidura then said There are many kings and noble people in this hall. Why do they not say anything? 

Draupadi brought to the assembly hall

Duryodhana said to Vidura - Yudhistira has lost Draupadi in the game. Go to Indraprastha. Give her the news. Tell her to come here.
Vidura said - Be careful of the words you use. Do not say just what you feel like. Also, what right did Yudhistira have to play Draupadi, when he had lost himself already. Ask the elders prsent here. See what they say. Ask your father, whose greed seems to show in his face. You act like the bamboo plant which flowers before it is about to die. The gourd will always float on water when it is ripe and a stone will always sink. That is their nature. The Pandavas are quiet because it is in their nature. I had advised many times, to stop the game but it was never listened to.

Duryodhana then called a servant and said Do not fear the Pandavas and Vidura. Go and fetch Draupadi.

The servant went to Indraprastha, and went to Draupadi. With folded hands he told her what had happened. She said first go and ask if Yudhistira had lost himself first or had he lost her first. If he had lost himself first, how could he put her at stake. If there was an answer, she would herself come and talk in the assembly hall there.

Duryodhana , thinking the servant had not said anything to her, said Go and bring her here and tell her to ask her questions in front of all.

The servant went back to her and she sent him back saying if she went into the assembly hall , it would bring downfall of the dynasty.

The servant went back to Duryodhana, who told her to not to listen to anything that Draupadi said but to bring her here. The servant said what would he do if Draupadi refused to come.

Duryodhana then called Dushasana and said the servant would not be able to do anything. You go and fetch Draupadi.

Draupadi saw Dushasana coming and she went and hid in the inner quarters of the women. Dushasana tried to enter but was stopped by Kunti who wanted to know why he had come there.

Dushasana pushed Kunti aside and dragged Draupadi by her hair and started pulling her. He pulled the screaming Draupadi on a chariot and brought her swiftly to Hastinapura.

Draupadi said she was having her periods and was in a single garment and it was not proper for her to go to the court like this. Dushasana said he did not care about that.
Draupadi said how would she stand in front of the elders in that way.

Dushasana dragged her by her hair. On the floor, Draupadi wanted to grab onto something on the floor, but was unable to do so. She saw all the Kuru elders there, standing quietly.

Karna and Shakuni said get the maid in, and Dushsana, dragging Draupadi by her hair, brought her in the center of the assembly hall.

Hidimba Draupadi quarrel

Hearing the news of the sacrifice, Drupada along with Dhristadyumna and Shikhandi started for the sacrifice. His daughter would become an empress. He told many gifts along with him. Nakula came and greeted Drupada. The gifts were handed over to Duryodhana who would be handling those. Drupada and kings accompanying him went inside.
Ghatotkacha, son of Hidimba, hearing the news of the sacrifice, Riding on a white elephant along with many rakshasas and carrying many gifts, he started for Indraprastha. Sahadeva told Yudhistira that Ghatotkacha along with his mother had come.
Hidimba went where the other women were while Ghatotkacha went where Yudhistira was sitting.
Hidimba went and greeted Kunti and cleverly avoided Draupadi. This offended Draupadi who said this was in Hidimba's character. This was someone who had married the killer of her brother.
Hidimba was angry. She said - Draupadi, your father was bound and captured by Arjuna and he gave his daughter away to the same Arjuna. My brother was evil and he deserved death. Also, I was married to Bhima long before you came in the life of the Pandavas. Your sons have no identity while my son is well known and has control over the beings of the forest.

Draupadi angry said I curse your son to die in the hand of Karna. Hidimba said You cursed my son for no reason. You will loose all your sons. My son will die in battle but your sons will be murdered.

Kunti seeing things going out of control, went to intervene.

Arjuna returns

Arjuna stayed with Krishna till his twelve years of exile was over. He then returned back to Indraprastha along with Subhadra. He was greeted warmly by all. He took blessings of Yudhistira, Bhima and Kunti and hugged the sons of Madri. He went to Draupadi who refused to talk to him. He asked her what was the matter, and she asked him to go with Subhadra, as he had no need of her anymore. Arjuna said she was his first wed and would always remain special.
This pleased Draupadi and she and Arjuna started talking.

Some days later Krishna and Balarama came to visit the Pandavas. Balarama, having forgotten his anger blessed all. He left and Krishna stayed back for a few days. Soon Subhadra was heavy with child. She gave birth to a son who was heroic and seemed to fear no one. Wonderful in looks, the boy was named Abhimanyu. Draupadi also had five sons from her five husbands.
Prativindhya was born of Yudhistira and Draupadi, Sutasoma was born of Bhima and Draupadi, Shrutakarma was born of Arjuna and Draupadi, Shatanika was born of Nakula and Draupadi and Shrutasena was born of Sahadeva and Draupadi.

Thus ends the Adi Parva of Mahabharata. 

Tilottama

Janmajeya asked -
How did the Pandavas live peacefully with one wife and not have any problems?
The sage -
After the Pandavas had settled in Indraprastha, one day the celestial sage, Narada visited them. Draupadi and the Pandavas welcomed him and worshipped him.
Narada said even though there is unity among the brothers, it is possible that some discord could happen, because of a woman. Let me tell you about two asura brothers who fought because of a woman and died because of that..

Yudhistira asked for the story. Narada said :

Sunda and Upsunda were two asura brothers. They were very strong. They had immense faith on each other and were united in thought and deed. They decided to win over the three worlds and began meditating to achieve that goal. They went to the Vindhya mountains and started intense penance. Brahma appeared before them and asked them what they wanted.
They asked to be immortal which Brahma refused. The brothers then said let them die when there was discord among them. Brahma agreed.
The asuras went back home and started on a journey to win over the worlds. The gods started fleeing from the heaven and the two brothers took over the throne of Indra.
The gods went to Brahma and asked him to provide a solution. Brahma sent for Vishwakarma and asked him to create a woman, whose beauty was incomparable. Vishwakarma collected every quality from the universe, that was beautiful, and from that he created an immensely beautiful woman. He took the woman to Brahma. All Gods kept gaping at the beauty of the woman. Brahma said this woman was beautiful in every possible way, and she was named Tilottama.
Tilottama bowed down to Brahma and asked what she was supposed to do. Brahma asked her to go to Sunda and Upasunda and create discord among them.
When Tilottama left, all Gods started looking at her. To see her more, Shiva grew heads to see in all directions. Shiva having four additional heads became known as one as one having five heads.
Tilottama went where the two brothers were. The elder brother held the right hand of Tilottama while the other brother grasped her left hand. Sunda said she is mine, and like a sister-in-law to you. Upasunda said she was his.
They started arguing among themselves. The argument soon turned into a quarrel which turned into a fight. They eventually killed each other.
The Gods then placed Tilottama among the sun rays such that she was not visible to anyone.

Ending his tale Narada said while the Pandavas were united, a woman become the cause of discord. The Pandavas then made a rule. For a year, Draupadi would be with one brother, and none of the other brothers would enter their rooms. If a brother did enter, he would be exiled for twelve years.

Wedding of Draupadi

Invitations went all over for Draupadi's wedding.
The Pandavas were made to sit on five seats. Turmeric was rubbed on their bodies. Water was collected from five pilgrimage spots and the Pandavas were then bathed with that water. They were decked in wonderful clothes.
Draupadi came in, decked in the most wonderful attire and jewels. She sat on a pedestal and was lifted up by four bearers. They took her around the five Pandavas seven times.
Draupadi's five fingers had strings tied, the other end of each string was tied to the wrist of the Pandavas.
Draupadi, whose face had been hidden so far, showed her face gradually to the Pandavas.
Conch shells were blowing and the sounds of ululation filled the atmosphere.
The ceremonies over, the invited guests started leaving.
Krishna and Balarama also left for Dwaraka. On the way, they stopped and met Vidura. Vidura wanted to know how the Pandavas were. Krishna told of the news of the wedding of Pandavas with Draupadi.

Vidura went to Dhritarashtra and told him Draupadi was the daughter-in-law of Hastinapur. Dhritarashtra was very happy and asked Vidura to inform people to welcome Duryodhana and his bride. Vidura then said, it was not his son but the Pandavas who had wed Draupadi.

It was as if Dhritarashtra had been struck with with a spear. He was also glad to know that the Pandavas were alive. He asked Vidura to tell more. Vidura said he had heard from Krishna about Arjuna hitting the target and the wedding of Draupadi with the five brothers.. 

Sages talk about Draupadi's past births

The all knowing sages decided to visit Drupada and attend the wedding of Draupadi with the Pandavas.
The guards at the gate informed Drupada that great sages like Durvasa and Jamini had come with their disciples. Drupada went to welcome them. He welcomed them, gave them seats to sit and then washed their feet. He asked them how come they had graced him with their presence.

They said they had come to tell Drupada that his daughter was destined to marry and have husbands. Dhristadyumna said he had not heard of anything like this before. He had heard of men having five wives, bit not of any woman ever having more than one husband.

Yudhistira said As their mother had said, they would marry agree to the marriage only if Drupada agreed to marry his daughter to all five of them. He said the word of the mother was equal to that of the Vedas.

Kunti hearing the discussion came there. She bowed down to all the sages and wondered what was to be done.

Vyasa, who was also there, said he would tell them why Draupadi was to have five husbands.

In the Treta Yuga, Draupadi was the daughter of a brahman. She was a devotee of Shiva and worshipped him to get a suitable husband. She would pray with great devotion and would ask Shiva to bless her with a great husband. Whenever she asked for a husband, she would say it five times.
Shiva appeared before her and said she would be blessed with five husbands.

The maiden was stunned and said why was the great God playing tricks on her? Shiva said that she had asked for a husband five times, which is why she was getting five husbands. Shiva said you will have five husbands and will also be counted as a pious woman.

The maiden killed herself in the waters of Ganga. She was reborn as the daughter of the king of Kashi. Not having married, her friends used to ridicule her. She went and meditated. Dharma, Vayu, Indra and Ashwini Kumars appeared before her and asked her the reason for her meditation.

She said she wanted a husband. The Gods asked her to choose among them. For the maiden, they all looked the same and she could not decide. She kept quiet. The Gods gave her a boon of having five husbands. They told her to give up her body, saying in the next birth, she would get five husbands.

Vyasa said this was the maiden now born as Draupadi. Of the Gods, who had blessed her, they are all born as the Pandavas. So she is destined to marry the five Pandavas.

Agastya, who was there, said he would tell what he was aware of.

Once, Yama was busy doing a sacrifice. As a result, no human on earth died. The Gods were terrified. They went to Brahma and asked him to do something. Brahma went to the Naimisha forest where Yama was performing the sacrifice. He told Yama that he needs to do justice to people faced on the work they are performing, and not sit and perform sacrifices. Yama said when other Gods performed sacrifices that was fine, but when he performed the same, that was bad. Brahma was wondering what to say when from his body, a being emerged. He had a quill for writing in his right hand and a palm leaf in his left hand. His name was Chitragupta. Brahma handed Chitragupta to Yama saying, his work will be keep track of all the deeds of people on the earth.
Happy Yama went and completed his sacrifice. When Brahma and the other Gods were  returning back, they saw a river with golden lotuses blooming in it. The lotuses were flowing with the current of the water. They wondered where the lotuses had come from, their scent was wonderful. Indra asked to Pawan to find out. Pawan left but did not return for long. Indra then asked Yama to go. He went and he too did not return. He then asked the Ashwini Kumar to go. They went and did not return either. Indra then decided to go himself.

He saw a maiden sitting and crying. Her tears were falling in the water and forming the lotuses. Indra asked her who she was and why she was crying.

She said she was a daughter of Daksha. She told Indra that before him, four other Gods had come to her and wanted to marry her. Indra also expressed his desire to have her.
She took Indra high up in the mountain, where where a handsome man was meditating. This was Shiva. The maiden told Shiva that these Gods wanted to marry her. Shiva asked Indra to lift a mountain. When Indra did that, he saw Pawan, Yama and Ashwini Kumar trapped below the mountain. Shiva said he would take Indra and the other Gods to Vishnu. Vishnu would decide what to do.

Vishnu said the four Gods would be born on the earth. Indra would also be born on earth. The maiden would also be born there and she would have all five of them as her husbands then.

Agastya said, this maiden is none other than Draupadi who is destined to have five husbands.

Listening to all this, Drupada agreed to have his daughter wed the five Pandavas.

Drupada learns who had won Draupadi

Learning the identity of the men, Drupada was excited. He somehow managed to spend the night. The next day he got up early and asked a priest to go to the house of the brahmanas and find out who they really were.
The priest went to the house of the Pandavas. He met Yudhistira who greeted. The priest said he would be asking a few questions and would need the truth as the answer. He said Drupada had given his daughter to them, while he had wanted to give away his daughter to a son of Pandu. With the death of the sons of Pandu, Drupada had been compelled to hold the swayamvara. Vyasa had said that only Arjuna had the skill to shoot the target.
Yudhistira then said there was no need to give their identity. He told the priest to tell the king that only a person of regal bearing had won his daughter.
When the priest said what he had heard, to the king, Dhristadyumna got six chariots ready. He went where the Pandavas were. He asked them to accompany him to the palace. The five brothers climbed on to the five chariots, while Draupadi and Kunti climbed onto the remaining chariot.

The king himself greeted all of them when they arrived. Kunti and Draupadi went into the inner quarters. The king asked the five brothers to accompany him.

The king sat down and asked the brothers to sit. He asked them to disclose their identity.

Yudhistira then told the king who they really were. The king was very glad and hugged the brothers. He then wanted to know what had happened to them since the burning of the house in Varnavrata. Yudhistira told the king everything.

He then told the king that as per his mother's orders, all five brothers would be getting married to Draupadi.

Drupada then said he would discuss with his priests and let the Pandavas know.