Brahmarishi Dhaumya
Other names: Ayodaumya; Ayodhaumya; Ayoda-Dhaumya. A revered preceptor connected with the Pandavas, serving as their priest and spiritual guide. In the Mahabharata he is also the guru of Aruni, Upamanyu, and Veda, whose trials are classic examples of guru-bhakti and discipline.
“The high-souled Dhaumya, acquainted with the true meaning of the Vedas and every rule of morality, becoming the spiritual preceptor of the virtuous Pandavas, made them his Yajamanas (spiritual disciples)… Then those kings of men, having had benedictions uttered upon them by that Brahmana, resolved to go, accompanied by him, to the Swayamvara of the Princess of Panchala.’” – The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Chaitraratha Parva: Section CLXXXV
“Then Dhaumya, well-conversant with the Vedas, igniting the sacred fire, poured with due mantras libations of clarified butter into that blazing element. And calling Yudhishthira there, Dhaumya, acquainted with mantras, united him with Krishna (Draupadi). Walking round the fire the bridegroom and the bride took each other’s hand. After their union was complete, the priest Dhaumya, taking leave of Yudhishthira, that ornament of battles, went out of the palace. Then those mighty car-warriors,–those perpetuators of the Kuru line,–those princes attired in gorgeous dresses, took the hand of that best of women, day by day in succession, aided by that priest.” – The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Vaivahika Parva: Section CC
