Drupada, the King of Panchala, wanting a worthy match for his daughter Draupadi, also known as Panchali (the princess of Panchala), organized a grand Swayamvara in Kampilya, the capital city of Panchala. To win Draupadi’s hand, the suitor had to first string the mighty Kindhura bow, a divine weapon gifted to Drupada by the gods, and then shoot an arrow through the eye of a moving fish, while looking only at its reflection below. The Pandavas, disguised as Brahmanas and following the advice of Vyasa, set out for Kampilya to attend Draupadi’s Swayamvara.
After days of quiet travel, they arrived at the magnificent city, where the streets bustled with kings, princes, warriors, elephants, chariots, dancers, and grand decorations prepared for the occasion.
Kings and princes from across Aryavarta (ancient Bharat) had gathered for this auspicious event — including Karna, King of Anga; Shalya, King of Madra; Jarasandha, King of Magadha; Duryodhana, Prince of Hastinapura — and even the celestials watched Draupadi’s Swayamvara in disguise. Soon, the Swayamvara began.