In the midst of the Pandavas' twelve-year exile in the wilderness, Draupadi chanced upon the exquisite Saugandhika flowers, sparking a captivating story from the pages of the Mahabharata. Amidst Arjuna's absence for penance to procure celestial weapons, the remaining Pandavas, accompanied by Draupadi and Sage Lomasha, embarked on a pilgrimage, eventually reaching the hermitage of Nara and Narayana.
Welcomed with reverence by the hermitage dwellers, the
Pandavas lingered in anticipation of Arjuna's return. One day, while strolling
through the forest with Bhima, Draupadi's gaze fell upon a captivating bloom,
igniting her desire for more. Entranced, she urged Bheema to gather these
blooms for a gift to Yudhishthira. Promptly, Bheema ventured forth armed with
bow, arrows, and mace into the Gandhamadana forest.
As Bheema traversed the forest's splendor, his imposing
presence instilled fear in its denizens, yet his path was obstructed by a
seemingly inconspicuous monkey. Frustrated, Bheema attempted to move the
monkey's tail, only to realize it was Hanuman, who revealed his identity and
blessed Bheema with renewed vigor. Guided by Hanuman, Bheema proceeded to the
Saugandhika Forest, where he encountered a lake adorned with the coveted
flowers.
Amidst gathering the blooms, Bheema was confronted by
rakshasas guarding the garden, leading to a clash. Despite resistance, Kubera,
upon learning of the conflict, surprisingly permitted Bheema to take the
flowers. Returning triumphant, Bheema presented the celestial blossoms to
Draupadi, filling her heart with joy. Thus, the saga of Bheema and the
Saugandhika flowers unfolded, enriched with valor, brotherhood, and divine
intervention.