Arjuna’s Victory and Duel with Karna at Draupadi’s Swayamvara
The story of Matsya yantra
The Challenge of the Swayamvara
King Drupada had prepared a unique test to select a husband for his daughter. The swayamvara arena had a Matsya Yantra, a rotating mechanical fish suspended high above. The challenge was to strike the eye of the fish, but with a catch: the suitor could only aim using the reflection of the fish in a bowl of water below. This test of skill required not only immense concentration but also exceptional marksmanship, skills known to only a few of the finest warriors.
As the swayamvara began, many suitors came forward to attempt the challenge. Princes and warriors from across the land, including Shishupala, Jarasandha, and the powerful Duryodhana, attempted to string the massive bow, but none could succeed. Their failures filled the arena with murmurs and suspense, as even the greatest warriors struggled with the task.
Karna’s Attempt and Draupadi’s Refusal
Eventually, Karna, the king of Anga, stepped forward. Known for his unmatched archery skills, courage, and determination, Karna was confident that he could complete the challenge. He lifted the massive bow with ease, displaying his strength and skill, and prepared to string it.
However, Draupadi, who had the right to choose her husband according to the swayamvara tradition, intervened before Karna could proceed. “I cannot marry a man of low birth,” she declared, referencing Karna’s origin as the son of a charioteer. Although Karna was, in truth, a Kshatriya by birth (being the eldest son of Kunti and the Sun god, Surya), neither he nor Draupadi knew of his royal lineage at the time.
Hurt and humiliated, Karna cast a cold glance at Draupadi but chose to step back, honoring her choice. He returned to his seat among the Kauravas, his pride wounded, but he concealed his pain behind a stoic expression. His failed attempt left the field open for others, adding to the anticipation in the arena.
Arjuna’s Turn and the Winning Shot
After many warriors had failed, the swayamvara hall fell silent. At that moment, Arjuna, disguised as a Brahmin, stepped forward. Whispers rippled through the crowd, as the sight of a Brahmin attempting the challenge seemed unlikely, even foolish, to the royal audience. Yet, Arjuna’s confidence and composure caught the attention of Draupadi, who was intrigued by the mysterious Brahmin’s calm resolve.
Arjuna approached the bow, lifting it with ease, to the astonishment of the gathered crowd. With fluid precision, he strung the bow, drew an arrow, and took careful aim at the fish’s reflection in the water below. Concentrating deeply, he released the arrow, which soared upward and struck the eye of the fish with flawless accuracy.
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, astonished that a seemingly simple Brahmin had succeeded where renowned warriors had failed. King Drupada, too, was amazed but pleased, as he sensed the extraordinary skill and dignity in the young man who had won his daughter’s hand. Draupadi approached Arjuna with the ceremonial garland, ready to place it around his neck.
Karna’s Challenge and Arjuna’s Duel
Karna, however, felt an intense surge of anger and disbelief at having been denied the opportunity to prove himself, and he was unwilling to let this supposed Brahmin win so easily. He stood up, addressing Arjuna with a challenge. “You may have completed the task, Brahmin, but I question your right to win Draupadi’s hand without first proving yourself as a warrior. If you truly wish to be her husband, face me in a duel and show that you are worthy!”
Arjuna, still in his Brahmin disguise, recognized Karna’s deep pride and anger. Maintaining his composure, he accepted the challenge, knowing that a duel with Karna would not be easy. As the two warriors took their positions, the atmosphere in the arena shifted from celebratory to tense, with both sides prepared for a fierce battle.
The duel began with a display of remarkable skill as the two archers engaged each other, each releasing arrows with astonishing speed and precision. Karna, known for his skill and strength, launched powerful volleys of arrows, attempting to overpower Arjuna. But Arjuna, agile and alert, met each of Karna’s attacks with equal strength, blocking every arrow and countering with his own.
Their duel intensified as they showcased their mastery of archery, each trying to gain the upper hand. Karna’s pride fueled his attacks, but Arjuna’s calm focus allowed him to remain one step ahead. The crowd watched in awe, marveling at the battle between two warriors of unmatched prowess. Neither Karna nor Arjuna showed signs of backing down, and it became clear that they were both evenly matched.
Intervention by the Elders
The duel continued with no clear victor, and the tension in the arena grew. Just as it seemed the fight might escalate further, several elders, including Krishna, Bhishma, and Dronacharya, stepped in to prevent the conflict from turning deadly. Krishna, recognizing the true identities of both Arjuna and Karna, urged them to put aside their weapons.
“Enough!” Krishna called out, raising his hand to signal an end to the fight. “There is no need for this enmity today. The swayamvara is complete, and Draupadi has chosen her husband.” Krishna’s words were firm yet understanding, reminding both warriors of the importance of restraint and the purpose of the swayamvara.
Reluctantly, Karna stepped back, though his resentment toward Arjuna remained, deepened by the humiliation he had endured. He returned to his seat with the Kauravas, silently vowing that he would one day have his revenge against the Pandavas.
Draupadi’s Marriage to Arjuna and the Pandavas’ Departure
With the conflict resolved, Draupadi placed the garland around Arjuna’s neck, accepting him as her husband. The Pandavas, still in their disguises, prepared to leave with Draupadi, intending to reveal their true identities later.
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