After revealing their true identities, the sons of Pandu retrieved their weapons from the sacred samee tree, performed the prescribed rites, and journeyed to Upaplavya in the Matsya kingdom. Though chosen at first as a place for brief residence, the city was destined to shine as a center of counsel, alliance, and resolve. There, plans for the coming war would be shaped, and the marriage of Abhimanyu would be celebrated. In time, Upaplavya would stand as the heart of strategy and the standard of righteous warfare. The people of Virata’s realm, along with nobles of high rank, approached the Pandavas bearing valuable gifts in abundance.
Soon, Sri Krishna arrived, accompanied by Balarama, Satyaki, and others, bringing with him Subhadra and Abhimanyu. Indrasena and the trusted charioteers of the Pandavas rode ahead, while behind them followed Kritavarma, Pradyumna, Samba, Yuyudhana, Rukmi, and Akrura in splendid chariots. Other warriors came mounted on horses, elephants, and royal cars. Thus Upaplavya shone with a splendor surpassing even the capital of Matsya. The Pandavas entered with royal dignity and offered fitting honors to every guest. Balarama and his companions were received in full ceremonial state for the first time. They were advised to send Subhadra and Abhimanyu to Panchali, and in return they bestowed finely crafted garments and ornaments upon the brothers and Draupadi. Sri Krishna added many gifts besides—chariots, elephants, horses, and weapons—so that the Pandavas dwelt there in contentment.
King Drupada arrived with his sons and was honored as befitted his rank. He presented horses, elephants, chariots, weapons, and a wealth of gems and ornaments. The king of Kashi, Saibhya, also came and received due respect. Kinsmen and allies from many kingdoms gathered for Abhimanyu’s wedding, each household striving in gracious rivalry to display glory and generosity. The guests were lodged according to their rank and dignity.
King Virata proclaimed the marriage of Princess Uttara with Abhimanyu, and the city was magnificently adorned. Lotus garlands and sheaves of grain were displayed; betel-nut and plantain trees lined the streets. The pathways were sprinkled with water mixed with vermilion and saffron, and the floors were decorated with intricate camphor designs. Festive ornaments were set everywhere, brightened further by the joyful faces of the townspeople. Virata and Queen Sudeshna personally attended to the guests, clad in splendid garments, rare jewels, and fragrant unguents, surrounded by scholars and relatives.
Ruby lamps were lit, gem-studded pillars polished, and soft curtains gracefully hung. Garlands of fresh pearls and shining coral were strung across halls, and mango leaves were fixed above every doorway in keeping with sacred tradition. Skilled maidens were entrusted with adorning Uttara in bridal splendor, ensuring that every custom was faithfully observed.
When the appointed hour approached, the Brahmins summoned the Pandavas. They arrived adorned with jewels, while Abhimanyu rode upon a royal elephant in a grand procession of elephants, horses, and chariots carrying gems, fine garments, and offerings. Sri Krishna walked bearing the sacred articles for the ceremony. Vedic chants rose amid the sounds of music, conches, bells, and gentle drums as they reached the palace. There King Virata welcomed them with reverence and affection, and elders and noble women bestowed their blessings.
At the auspicious moment determined by the astrologers, with Dharmaraja, Arjuna, and Krishna standing near the veil, celestial music seemed to resound as the curtain was drawn aside. The bride and groom beheld one another and exchanged the courtesies prescribed by ancient custom. Abhimanyu’s gaze rested upon Uttara’s bowed head as she first looked toward his feet and then slowly raised her eyes to his face. Their tender glances were observed with delight by the smiling elders. Turmeric rice was poured upon their heads in blessing. They appeared like a coral tree entwined with a wish-fulfilling creeper—radiant and graceful. As they joined hands to complete the chief rite, they shone with mingled bashfulness, eagerness, reverence, and affection.
Thus, King Virata and the assembled elders solemnized the marriage of Uttara and Abhimanyu. Thereafter, the first divine offerings of gems, ornaments, silks, camphor, perfumes, and betel were presented to Sri Krishna, then to the Pandavas, Draupadi, Subhadra, and the gathered citizens. The couple and their guests were honored with song, dance, and joyous festivities. The Pandavas used the occasion to gather their kinsmen and allied kings, strengthening bonds of unity and purpose.
All these events were narrated by Vaishampayana, the disciple of Vyasa, to King Janamejaya. When the king eagerly inquired what followed, he was reminded that a noble marriage often opens the gates to greater events, through which the course of kingdoms is turned in the unfolding of the ancient age.
