The story of births of Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna from the fire, as a fully grown adults, appear in the Adi Parva.
Drupada lamented, 'I have no offspring who excel in achievements.' In his despair, he would also grumble, 'Curse those children of mine and my relatives!' Consumed by thoughts of avenging himself on Drona, he sighed heavily. Despite his noble status, O Bharata, he couldn't find a way to match Drona's skill and training through his Kshatriya strength.
While wandering along the banks of the Yamuna and Ganga, he stumbled upon a sacred asylum of Brahmanas. In that sanctuary, every Brahmana was a learned Snataka, following strict vows, and all were exceptionally virtuous. There, the king encountered two sage Brahmanas named Yaja and Upayaja, both disciplined and from a distinguished lineage. They were talented in ancient teachings and capable of assisting the king in his quest. The king then devoted himself entirely to seeking the favor of these exceptional sages.
The king privately admired the exceptional skills of the younger of the two and sought the guidance of Upayaja, a strict ascetic, by promising him all kinds of desirable gifts. As Drupada worshipped Upayaja, showering him with sweet words and offerings of all that humans desire, he eventually said, 'O Upayaja, if you can perform the necessary rituals to help me have a son who can defeat Drona, I promise to give you ten thousand cows or anything else you wish. I am ready to give whatever you desire.'
Upayaja responded, 'I cannot perform such rituals.' However, Drupada refused to accept this and continued to serve and honor the Brahmana. After a year, Upayaja spoke gently to Drupada, saying, 'My elder brother Yaja, while wandering through the woods, picked a fruit from a place without caring about its purity. I was there and saw this shameful act. He doesn't care about purity and took that fruit without thinking of the sin it may bring. So, O king, go to him; he will perform spiritual rites for you.' After hearing Upayaja’s words, King Drupada, despite his low opinion of Yaja, decided to visit him.
Paying his respects to Yaja, who deserved honor, Drupada said, “O Yaja, please perform the sacrifice through which I may have an unbeatable son, one who can defeat Drona. I am ready to give you ten thousand cows.' Upon hearing Drupada's plea, Yaja responded, 'So be it.' Yaja then reflected on the various rites needed for this important sacrifice. Understanding the seriousness of the task, he sought help from Upayaja, who wanted nothing in return. Yaja committed to carrying out the sacrifice aimed at defeating Drona. The wise ascetic Upayaja informed King Drupada about all the essentials required for the great fire sacrifice that would bless him with a child. 'O king,' he said, 'a child will be born to you, as you wish, with immense skill, energy, and strength.' The Brahmana continued, 'Driven by the desire for a son who could vanquish Drona, King Drupada began making all the necessary preparations.
Once everything was ready, Yaja poured clarified butter into the sacrificial fire and called to Drupada's queen, 'Come here, O queen, O daughter-in-law of Prishata! A son and a daughter have come for you!' Upon hearing this, the queen replied, 'O Brahmana, my mouth is still full of saffron and other fragrances. I am not yet prepared to accept the sanctified butter that will bring me children. Please wait a moment, O Yaja! Let me prepare for this joyful occasion.'
Yaja replied, 'O lady, whether you come now or wait, the purpose of this sacrifice will still be fulfilled since I have already prepared the offering and Upayaja has blessed it with his chants.'
The Brahmana continued, 'After saying this, Yaja poured the sacred offering into the fire, which then gave rise to a child resembling a divine being, shining like fire and awe-inspiring to all. With a crown on his head, clad in splendid armour, wielding a sword, and bearing a bow and arrows, he often let out fierce roars. Shortly after his birth, he climbed onto a magnificent chariot and rode around for a while. The Panchalas erupted in joyful cheers, 'Excellent, Excellent!'
Following this, from the centre of the sacrificial platform, a girl named Panchali emerged, blessed with great fortune and remarkable beauty. Her eyes, large as lotus petals, were dark; her skin was dusky, and her hair was blue and curly.
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It is definitely surprising to note the births of Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna, from fire.
As the queen of Drupada was unprepared for receiving the sanctified butter or Ghee, Yaja poured that offering into the fire and Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna came out of the fire as a fully grown adults.
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Now, a question may arise as to what would have happened had the queen of Drupada received the sanctified butter or Ghee?
Even then, whether Drupada would have got fully grown up adults as his children, through his wife?
The Mahabharata is silent on this issue.
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One more interesting aspect is that the birth of Sage Vyasa itself is very quick - Sadyojāta.
If Sage Vyasa’s birth as well his growth is very quick, can’t we presume that Draupadi and Dhrishtyadhyumna’s births occurred in similar fashion?
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