Kshatriyas from all over Bharatavarsha had arrived in Kampilya. They came from kingdoms far and near to try their luck with the bow and the spinning fish.
At Draupadi's Swayamvar, Even before the Pandavas, the Kauravas had come to Kampilya, with Duryodhana and Karna. The Yadavas—the Bhojas, Vrishnis and Andhakas—had arrived in the city, heroic kshatriyas all.
Five kshatriyas (Pandavas) disguised as brahmanas, their faces covered by heavy beards and masked with ashes, their hair matted in jata, also found their way into the arena. They mingled with the other brahmanas and were careful not to enter or sit together
Now, from the massive entrance to the Palace, Draupadi, with her brother, Dhrishtadyumna, walked slowly to the dais, head slightly bowed.
Draupadi was dressed in scarlet silk; her ornaments were of the finest jewel-encrusted gold. Her beauty made those who had never seen her gasp—her skin with the sheen of a black pearl, her lovely face, lustrous wavy hair, her perfect body, fragrant as blue lotus; while in her eyes, in her calm expression, there was something that engendered awe.
Drupada welcomed everyone "It's an honour to have all the great kings and princes at the swayamvara of my daughter, who is a gift of the Lord of Fire. My son Drishtidyumna will now explain the challenge before the suitors,"
Drishtidyumna then formally announced the challenge "A Warrior who could string Shiva's bow and with it shoot through a small hole in a rotating disc a model of a fish revolving high on the ceiling, by viewing its image in a vessel filled with oil and placed on the floor, could contend for the hand of the Princess Draupadi"
Many archers from around Bharata-varsha came and tried their luck. Some could not even string the great bow. Others fell into the vat of oil while trying to see the reflection of the fish. The rest shot arrows everywhere except at the eye of the fish.
As Draupadi looked around at the gathering of suitors, she was captivated by Karna who sat beside Duryodhana and would involuntarily turn her gaze repeatedly back to him, though she was not really conscious of the fact that she felt drawn towards him.
Duryodhana did not participate because he was already married to Bhanumati, princess of Kalinga, and he had promised her that he would never marry another. So in his place, he sent his friend, Karna.
Karna, who was tipped to be one of the successful suitors, got up and walked to the target. As the assembly held their breath, he brought his palms together and offered his salutations to Lord Shiva (whose bow he was to string). Then it appeared as if without any effort he lifted the bow and strung it – all in one smooth motion.
Draupadi was all eyes and her heart missed a beat as he proceeded to take aim. Krishna knowing the draupadi is excited over Karna "You are making a mistake again. He is the charioteer's son. You can't act selfishly, People will talk ill about you and your father..."
But at the very moment when he took aim to shoot the mark, Draupadi called out his name "Anga Raj Karna.."
Karna was glad to hear the beautiful voice from Draupadi. He lifts his head to look at her. She continued "I shall not accept a Suta-putra (son of a Shudra) for a husband, a king though he may have been crowned" At this, Karna got disappointed with her words and dropped the bow and returned to his seat with a wry smile.
Duryodhana frowned and said in a whisper, "She had no right to talk. If you string the bow and hit the mark. she must accept you. That is the condition. Otherwise, you may seize her and fly off. Go back and take the bow. We will support you."
"No," said Karna, "I don't want her."