Ashwatthama senses the heat of vengeance from his childhood. He witnessed King Drupad's insult towards his father and was prepared for retaliation for years. Finally, the time came for Drupad's revenge, as he prepared his children, Dhrishtdyumn and Draupadi, to seek vengeance. Ashwatthama, unaware of Drupad's plans, participated in the contest. At Draupadi's swayamvara, where suitors had to string a difficult bow, Ashwatthama initially seemed disinterested. However, when he approached the bow, instead of attempting to string it, he simply paid respects and left. Dhrishtdyumn, enraged, drew his sword, but Karn's intervention averted a fight. Witnessing Karn's disappointment, Ashwatthama uttered a silent acknowledgment of the truth—he was the only one who could perform such a feat. Drupad's disappointment was palpable as numerous suitors failed to string the bow until a Brahmin youth, with muscular arms and broad chest, gracefully adorned Draupadi with a garland.