The Swayamvara of Panchal

A year had passed since Duryodhana's grand wedding to Bhanumati, a union that strengthened Hastinapur's alliances and brought joy to its people.

In Anga, Karna had married Vrushali, his childhood companion, who cared for his parents during his arduous training at Mahendragiri Parvat. Her unwavering loyalty and gentle spirit won his heart, their marriage a quiet celebration of love rooted in shared history.

In Magadha, Bahubali's parents, joined by Karna and Duryodhana, pressed him to marry, insisting a king needed a queen to complete his duties. Bahubali, ever devoted to his kingdom's welfare, promised to consider their counsel, though his heart remained fixed on Magadha's transformation.

The royal sabha in Magadha thrived, a testament to Bahubali's vision since he vanquished Jarasandha. Village panchayats and town councils resolved local disputes, ensuring only the most pressing matters reached the king's court.

Karna mirrored this system in Anga, appointing trusted officials and deploying spies to root out corruption. Each day, Bahubali, alongside his confidant Sahadeva and like-minded advisors, pored over reports, determined to keep their realms free of deceit.

Public schools flourished, teaching children of all castes; self-defense classes empowered the people; and lectures by learned saints, though not all accepted the invitation, sparked intellectual growth. "We're reshaping a stagnant society," Bahubali told Sahadeva, his voice steady with resolve. "It's a slow path, but dharma lights the way."

As the sabha neared its close, a soldier interrupted, announcing, "Maharaj, A messenger from Southern Panchal seeks audience."

Bahubali sighed. He knew of Drupad's twins, Agnisut and Agnisuta, now a year old, and the impending swayamvara of Princess Draupadi, a figure woven into Dwaparyug's most controversial tales.

Stories abounded—some claimed Karna competed and was insulted for his caste, others that he merely observed. The truth was muddled by folklore, but Bahubali's interest lay elsewhere: to behold Lord Vishnu's avatar, Krishna. "Let the messenger speak," Bahubali commanded.

The messenger entered, bowing deeply. "Pranipat, Magadha Naresh Bahubali, esteemed sabha members. I bear an invitation from King Drupad for the swayamvara of Panchal Kumari Draupadi, born of fire, whose beauty rivals the heavens and wisdom humbles scholars. An archery contest will determine her husband, for Drupad seeks a peerless archer as his son-in-law."

Bahubali's brow furrowed as the messenger lingered on Draupadi's allure. "Hold," he interjected, his voice firm but measured. "Cease this objectification. A woman is not a trophy to be paraded for alliances. Skip to the purpose—why does Drupad summon us?"

The messenger, flustered, continued, "Maharaj Drupad invites you to Kampilya's swayamvara, where the victor of the archery contest will wed Draupadi, forging a bond with Southern Panchal, a kingdom of great might despite its losses."

The sabha buzzed, advisors urging acceptance. "An alliance with Panchal, our neighbor, would secure Magadha's borders," one said.

Another added, "Drupad's power endures—such a tie strengthens us."

Bahubali hesitated, his distaste for Drupad's ambitions clear, but he relented. "I'll go," he said.

Days later, Bahubali's divine chariot Rashmi, drawn by six white horses, carried him to Kampilya, where he was warmly welcomed by Panchal's guards and escorted to the swayamvara hall, its pillars adorned with gold and jasmine.

His seat, deliberately placed between Karna and Duryodhana, suggested either their famed bond or Drupad's scheming.

Duryodhana greeted him, his smile broad. "Pranipat, Mitra Bahu,"

Bahubali narrows his eyes and asks, "What are you doing here? Does my sister Bhanumathi know of your presence here?"

Duryodhana, flustered, says, "I'm here only as Hastinapur's representative, to witness this spectacle, not to compete. Bhanumati is my heart's sole queen, and no other could sway me."

Karna nodded with a smile. "Pranipat, Mitra."

Ashwatthama, seated nearby as Northern Panchal's king, joined them, chuckling. "Pranipat, Magadh Naresh. I'm here for the show, since I have taken Brahmacharya. Drupad's ambition reeks, but this hall promises drama." The four laughed, their camaraderie a light in the tense air, until a resonant voice broke their chatter.

A figure approached, dark-skinned and radiant, clad in a yellow dhoti and angavastram, a peacock feather crowning his head, his smile disarming yet profound. "Pranipat, Bharata Suyodhana, Yuvraj of Hastinapur," Krishna said, hands folded in greeting.

Duryodhana bowed, his voice warm. "Pranipat, Bharata Krishna, Dwarkadhish. Your presence honors this gathering."

Krishna greeted Ashwatthama and Karna with a nod, then turned to Bahubali, who touched his feet. "Bless me, O Lord, that I may serve Your will and uphold the path You've set for Aryavrat."

Krishna lifted him gently, his voice like a melody. "Rise, Magadha Naresh. Mahadev's blessings already grace you, and your deeds reflect His light. Under your rule, Magadha has transformed into a beacon of change, a society where caste fades and justice rises. I'm deeply impressed by your kingship, Bahubali, and the ripples you've sent across Aryavrat's destiny."

Bahubali bowed, his tone humble yet earnest. "Your praise humbles me, Dwarkadhish, but it's Dwarka's example—Your vision—that sparked this change. I merely strive to restore society to its true dharma, where merit, not birth, defines worth. Karna in Anga and Suyodhana in Hastinapur follow this path, though Suyodhana faces resistance from Hastinapur's elders, bound by tradition. Yet we press on, inspired by Your light."

Duryodhana nodded, his voice resolute. "Indeed, Dwarkadhish. As yuvraj, I've pushed for schools, homes, and fairness for all, but Bhishma and Vidura curb my reforms, citing tradition. When I'm king, Hastinapur will rival Magadha's glory, with every citizen uplifted, as Bahu and Karna have done."

Krishna's smile deepened, his eyes twinkling with cryptic wisdom. "Well spoken, Suyodhana. Your heart seeks dharma, even if the path is fraught. Bahubali, continue your work, for your reforms reshape not just Magadha but the age itself. Stay true to dharma, and know that Vishnu's grace walks with you."

Bahubali, sensing the weight of Krishna's words, nodded deeply. "I'm grateful, Dwarkadhish, for Your guidance and blessing. I'll honor this path, with Mahadev and Your light to guide me. My heart bows to You."

The friends settled, their bond fortified, as the swayamvara loomed, its outcome poised to ripple through Aryavrat's intricate web of fate, with Krishna's enigmatic gaze watching the unfolding drama.