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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12333 ***
+
+The Mahabharata of
+
+Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+BOOK 3
+
+VANA PARVA
+
+Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text
+
+by
+
+Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+[1883-1896]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MAHABHARATA
+
+
+VANA PARVA
+
+PART 2
+
+
+SECTION CXLV (continued from previous eBook)
+
+And the ruddy geese, and the gallinules and the ducks and
+the _karandavas_ and the _plavas_ and the parrots and the male _kokilas_
+and the herons in confusion flew in all directions, while some proud
+elephants urged by their mates, as also some lions and elephants in
+rage, flew at Bhimasena. And as they were distracted at heart through
+fear, these fierce animals discharging urine and dung, set up loud yells
+with gapping mouths. Thereupon the illustrious and graceful son of the
+wind-god, the mighty Pandava, depending upon the strength of his arms,
+began to slay one elephant with another elephant and one lion with
+another lion while he despatched the others with slaps. And on being
+struck by Bhima the lions and the tigers and the leopards, in fright
+gave loud cries and discharged urine and dung. And after having
+destroyed these the handsome son of Pandu, possessed of mighty strength,
+entered into the forest, making all sides resound with his shouts. And
+then the long-armed one saw on the slopes of the Gandhamadana a
+beautiful plantain tree spreading over many a _yojana_. And like unto a
+mad lion, that one of great strength proceeded amain towards that tree
+breaking down various plants. And that foremost of strong
+persons--Bhima--uprooting innumerable plaintain trunks equal in height
+to many palm-trees (placed one above another), cast them on all sides
+with force. And that highly powerful one, haughty like a male lion, sent
+up shouts. And then he encountered countless beasts of gigantic size,
+and stags, and monkeys, and lions, and buffaloes, and aquatic animals.
+And what with the cries of these, and what with the shouts of Bhima,
+even the beasts and birds that were at distant parts of the wood, became
+all frightened. And hearing those cries of beasts and birds, myriads of
+aquatic fowls suddenly rose up on wetted wings. And seeing these fowls
+of water, that bull among the Bharatas proceeded in that direction; and
+saw a vast and romantic lake. And that fathomless lake was, as it were,
+being fanned by the golden plantain trees on the coast, shaken by the
+soft breezes. And immediately descending into the lake abounding in
+lilies and lotuses, he began to sport lustily like unto a mighty
+maddened elephant. Having thus sported there for a long while, he of
+immeasurable effulgence ascended, in order to penetrate with speed into
+that forest filled with trees. Then the Pandava winded with all his
+might his loud-blowing shell. And striking his arms with his hands, the
+mighty Bhima made all the points of heaven resound. And filled with the
+sounds of the shell, and with the shouts of Bhimasena, and also with the
+reports produced by the striking of his arms, the caves of the mountain
+seemed as if they were roaring. And hearing those loud arm-strokes, like
+unto the crashing of thunder, the lions that were slumbering in the
+caves, uttered mighty howls. And being terrified by the yelling of the
+lions, the elephants, O Bharata, sent forth tremendous roars, which
+filled the mountain. And hearing those sounds emitted, and knowing also
+Bhimasena to be his brother, the ape Hanuman, the chief of monkeys, with
+the view of doing good to Bhima, obstructed the path leading to heaven.
+And thinking that he (Bhima) should not pass that way, (Hanuman) lay
+across the narrow path, beautified by plantain trees, obstructing it for
+the sake of the safety of Bhima. With the object that Bhima might not
+come by curse or defeat, by entering into the plantain wood, the ape
+Hanuman of huge body lay down amidst the plantain trees, being overcome
+with drowsiness. And he began to yawn, lashing his long tail, raised
+like unto the pole consecrated to Indra, and sounding like thunder. And
+on all sides round, the mountains by the mouths of caves emitted those
+sounds in echo, like a cow lowing. And as it was being shaken by the
+reports produced by the lashing of the tail, the mountain with its
+summits tottering, began to crumble all around. And overcoming that
+roaring of mad elephants, the sounds of his tail spread over the varied
+slopes of the mountain.
+
+"On those sounds being heard the down of Bhima's body stood on end; and
+he began to range that plantain wood, in search of those sounds. And
+that one of mighty arms saw the monkey-chief in the plantain wood, on an
+elevated rocky base. And he was hard to be looked at even as the
+lightning-flash; and of coppery hue like that of the lightning-flash;
+and endued with the voice of the lightning-flash; and quick moving as
+the lightning-flash; and having his short flesh neck supported on his
+shoulders; and with his waist slender in consequence of the fullness of
+his shoulders. And his tail covered with long hair, and a little bent at
+the end, was raised like unto a banner. And (Bhima) saw Hanuman's head
+furnished with small lips, and coppery face and tongue, and red ears,
+and brisk eyes, and bare white incisors sharpened at the edge. And his
+head was like unto the shining moon; adorned with white teeth within the
+mouth; and with mane scattered over, resembling a heap of _asoka_
+flowers. And amidst the golden plantain trees, that one of exceeding
+effulgence was lying like unto a blazing fire, with his radiant body.
+And that slayer of foes was casting glances with his eyes reddened with
+intoxication. And the intelligent Bhima saw that mighty chief of
+monkeys, of huge body, lying like unto the Himalaya, obstructing the
+path of heaven. And seeing him alone in that mighty forest, the
+undaunted athletic Bhima, of long arms, approached him with rapid
+strides, and uttered a loud shout like unto the thunder. And at that
+shout of Bhima, beasts and birds became all alarmed. The powerful
+Hanuman, however, opening his eyes partially looked at him (Bhima) with
+disregard, with eyes reddened with intoxication. And then smilingly
+addressing him, Hanuman said the following words, 'Ill as I am, I was
+sleeping sweetly. Why hast thou awakened me? Thou shouldst show kindness
+to all creatures, as thou hast reason. Belonging to the animal species,
+we are ignorant of virtue. But being endued with reason, men show
+kindness towards creatures. Why do then reasonable persons like thee
+commit themselves to acts contaminating alike body, speech, and heart,
+and destructive of virtue? Thou knowest not what virtue is, neither hast
+thou taken council of the wise. And therefore it is that from ignorance,
+and childishness thou destroyest the lower animals. Say, who art thou,
+and what for hast thou come to the forest devoid of humanity and human
+beings? And, O foremost of men, tell thou also, whither thou wilt go
+to-day. Further it is impossible to proceed. Yonder hills are
+inaccessible. O hero, save the passage obtained by the practice of
+asceticism, there is no passage to that place. This is the path of the
+celestials; it is ever impassable by mortals. Out of kindness, O hero,
+do I dissuade thee. Do thou hearken unto my words. Thou canst not
+proceed further from this place. Therefore, O lord, do thou desist. O
+chief of men, to-day in every way thou art welcome to this place. If thou
+think it proper to accept my words, do thou then, O best of men, rest
+here, partaking of fruits and roots, sweet as ambrosia, and do not have
+thyself destroyed for naught.'"
+
+
+SECTION CXLVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O represser of foes, hearing these words of the
+intelligent monkey-chief, the heroic Bhima answered, 'Who art thou? And
+why also hast thou assumed the shape of a monkey? It is a Kshatriya--one
+of a race next to the Brahmanas--that asketh thee. And he belongeth to
+the Kuru race and the lunar stock, and was borne by Kunti in her womb,
+and is one of the sons of Pandu, and is the off spring of the windgod,
+and is known by the name of Bhimasena.' Hearing these words of the Kuru
+hero, Hanuman smiled, and that son of the wind-god (Hanuman) spake unto
+that offspring of the windgod (Bhimasena), saying, 'I am a monkey, I
+will not allow thee the passage thou desirest. Better desist and go
+back. Do thou not meet with destruction.' At this Bhimasena replied,
+'Destruction at anything else do I not ask thee about, O monkey. Do thou
+give me passage. Arise! Do not come by grief at my hands.' Hanuman said,
+'I have no strength to rise; I am suffering from illness. If go thou
+must, do thou go by overleaping me.' Bhima said, 'The Supreme Soul void
+of the properties pervadeth a body all over. Him knowable alone by
+knowledge, I cannot disregard. And therefore, will I not overleap thee.
+If I had not known Him from Whom become manifest all creatures, I would
+have leapt over thee and also the mountain, even as Hanuman had bounded
+over the ocean.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'Who is that Hanuman, who had
+bounded over the ocean? I ask thee, O best of men. Relate if thou
+canst.' Bhima replied, 'He is even my brother, excellent with every
+perfection, and endued with intelligence and strength both of mind and
+body. And he is the illustrious chief of monkeys, renowned in the
+Ramayana. And for Rama's queen, that king of the monkeys even with one
+leap crossed the ocean extending over a hundred _yojanas_. That mighty
+one is my brother. I am equal unto him in energy, strength and prowess
+and also in fight. And able am I to punish thee. So arise. Either give
+me passage or witness my prowess to-day. If thou do not listen to my
+bidding, I shall send thee to the abode of Yama.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued. "Then knowing him (Bhima) to be intoxicated with
+strength, and proud of the might of his arms, Hanuman, slighting him at
+heart, said the following words, 'Relent thou, O sinless one. In
+consequence of age, I have no strength to get up. From pity for me, do
+thou go, moving aside my tail.' Being thus addressed by Hanuman, Bhima
+proud of the strength of his arms, took him for one wanting in energy
+and prowess, and thought within himself, 'Taking fast hold of the tail,
+will I send this monkey destitute of energy and prowess, to the region
+of Yama.' Thereat, with a smile he slightingly took hold of the tail
+with his left hand; but could not move that tail of the mighty monkey.
+Then with both arms he pulled it, resembling the pole reared in honour
+of Indra. Still the mighty Bhima could not raise the tail with both his
+arms. And his eye-brows were contracted up, and his eyes rolled, and his
+face was contracted into wrinkles and his body was covered with sweat;
+and yet he could not raise it. And when after having striven, the
+illustrious Bhima failed in raising the tail, he approached the side of
+the monkey, and stood with a bashful countenance. And bowing down,
+Kunti's son, with joined hands, spake these words, 'Relent thou, O
+foremost of monkeys; and forgive me for my harsh words. Art thou a
+Siddha, or a god, or a Gandharva, or a Guhyaka? I ask thee out of
+curiosity. Tell me who thou art that hast assumed the shape of monkey,
+if it be not a secret, O long-armed one, and if I can well hear it. I
+ask thee as a disciple, and I, O sinless one, seek thy refuge.'
+Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O represser of foes, even to the extent of thy
+curiosity to know me, shall I relate all at length. Listen, O son of
+Pandu! O lotus-eyed one, I was begotten by the windgod that life of the
+world--upon the wife of Kesari. I am a monkey, by name Hanuman. All the
+mighty monkey-kings, and monkey-chiefs used to wait upon that son of the
+sun, Sugriva, and that son of Sakra, Vali. And, O represser of foes, a
+friendship subsisted between me and Sugriva, even as between the wind
+and fire. And for some cause, Sugriva, driven out by his brother, for a
+long time dwelt with me at the Hri-syamukh. And it came to pass that the
+mighty son of Dasaratha the heroic Rama, who is Vishnu's self in the
+shape of a human being, took his birth in this world. And in company
+with his queen and brother, taking his bow, that foremost of bowmen with
+the view of compassing his father's welfare, began to reside in the
+Dandaka forest. And from Janasthana, that mighty Rakshasa monarch, the
+wicked Ravana, carried away his (Rama's) queen by stratagem and force,
+deceiving, O sinless one, that foremost of men, through the agency of a
+Rakshasa, Maricha, who assumed the form of a deer marked with gem-like
+and golden spots.'"
+
+
+SECTION CXLVII
+
+"Hanuman said, 'And after his wife was carried away, that descendant of
+Raghu, while searching with his brother for his queen, met, on the
+summit of that mountain, with Sugriva, chief of the monkeys. Then a
+friendship was contracted between him and the high-souled Raghava. And
+the latter, having slain Vali installed Sugriva in the kingdom. And
+having obtained the kingdom, Sugriva sent forth monkeys by hundreds and
+by thousands in search of Sita. And, O best of men, I too with
+innumerable monkeys set out towards the south in quest of Sita, O
+mighty-armed one. Then a mighty vulture Sampati by name, communicated
+the tidings that Sita was in the abode of Ravana. Thereupon with the
+object of securing success unto Rama, I all of a sudden bounded over the
+main, extending for a hundred _yojanas_. And, O chief of the Bharatas,
+having by my own prowess crossed the ocean, that abode of sharks and
+crocodiles, I saw in Ravana's residence, the daughter of king Janaka,
+Sita, like unto the daughter of a celestial. And having interviewed that
+lady, Vaidehi, Rama's beloved, and burnt the whole of Lanka with its
+towers and ramparts and gates, and proclaimed my name there, I returned.
+Hearing everything from me the lotus-eyed Rama at once ascertained his
+course of action, and having for the passage of his army constructed a
+bridge across the deep, crossed it followed by myriads of monkeys. Then
+by prowess Rama slew those Rakshasas in battle, and also Ravana, the
+oppressor of the worlds together with his Rakshasa followers. And having
+slain the king of the Rakshasas, with his brother, and sons and kindred,
+he installed in the kingdom in Lanka the Rakshasa chief, Vibhishana,
+pious, and reverent, and kind to devoted dependants. Then Rama recovered
+his wife even like the lost Vaidic revelation. Then Raghu's son, Rama,
+with his devoted wife, returned to his own city, Ayodhya, inaccessible
+to enemies; and that lord of men began to dwell there. Then that
+foremost of kings, Rama was established in the kingdom. Thereafter, I
+asked a boon of the lotus-eyed Rama, saying, "O slayer of foes, Rama,
+may I live as long as the history of thy deeds remaineth extant on
+earth!" Thereupon he said, "So be it." O represser of foes, O Bhima,
+through the grace of Sita also, here all excellent objects of
+entertainment are supplied to me, whoever abide at this place. Rama
+reigned for the thousand and ten hundred years. Then he ascended to his
+own abode. Ever since, here Apsaras and Gandharvas delight me, singing
+for aye the deeds of that hero, O sinless one. O son of the Kurus, this
+path is impassable to mortals. For this, O Bharata, as also with the
+view that none might defeat or curse thee, have I obstructed thy passage
+to this path trod by the immortals. This is one of the paths to heaven,
+for the celestials; mortals cannot pass this way. But the lake in search
+of which thou hast come, lieth even in that direction.'"
+
+
+SECTION CXLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the powerful Bhimasena of
+mighty arms, affectionately, and with a cheerful heart, bowed unto his
+brother, Hanuman, the monkey-chief, and said in mild words, 'None is
+more fortunate than I am; now have I seen my elder brother. It is a
+great favour shown unto me; and I have been well pleased with thee. Now
+I wish that thou mayst fulfil this desire of mine. I desire to behold, O
+hero, that incomparable form of thine, which thou at that time hadst
+had, in bounding over the main, that abode of sharks and crocodiles.
+Thereby I shall be satisfied, and also believe in thy words.' Thus
+addressed, that mighty monkey said with a smile, 'That form of mine
+neither thou, not any one else can behold. At that age, the state of
+things was different, and doth not exist at present. In the Krita age,
+the state of things was one; and in the Treta, another; and in the
+Dwapara, still another. Diminution is going on this age; and I have not
+that form now. The ground, rivers, plants, and rocks, and _siddhas_,
+gods, and celestial sages conform to Time, in harmony with the state of
+things in the different yugas. Therefore, do not desire to see my former
+shape, O perpetuator of the Kuru race. I am conforming to the tendency
+of the age. Verily, Time is irresistible.' Bhimasena said, 'Tell me of
+the duration of the different yugas, and of the different manners and
+customs and of virtue, pleasure and profit, and of acts, and energy, and
+of life and death in the different yugas.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O
+child, that yuga is called Krita when the one eternal religion was
+extant. And in that best of yugas, every one had religious perfection,
+and, therefore, there was no need of religious acts. And then virtue
+knew no deterioration; nor did people decrease. It is for this that this
+age is called Krita (perfect). But in time the yuga had come to be
+considered as an inferior one. And, O child, in the Krita age, there
+were neither gods, nor demons, nor Gandharvas, nor Yakshas, nor
+Rakshasas, nor Nagas. And there was no buying and selling. And the Sama,
+the Rich, and the Yajus did not exist. And there was no manual labour.
+And then the necessaries of life were obtained only by being thought of.
+And the only merit was in renouncing the world. And during that yuga,
+there was neither disease, nor decay of the senses. And there was
+neither malice, nor pride, nor hypocrisy, nor discord, nor ill-will, nor
+cunning, nor fear, nor misery, nor envy, nor covetousness. And for this,
+that prime refuge of Yogis, even the Supreme Brahma, was attainable to
+all. And Narayana wearing a white hue was the soul of all creatures. And
+in the Krita Yuga, the distinctive characteristics of Brahmanas,
+Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras were natural and these ever stuck to
+their respective duties. And then Brahma was the sole refuge, and their
+manners and customs were naturally adapted to the attainment of Brahma
+and the objects of their knowledge was the sole Brahma, and all their
+acts also had reference to Brahma. In this way all the orders attained
+merit. And one uniform Soul was the object of their meditation; and
+there was only one _mantra_ (the _Om_), and there was one ordinance. And
+although of different characteristics, all of them followed a single
+Veda; and they had one religion. And according to the divisions of time,
+they led the four modes of life, without aiming at any object, and so
+they attained emancipation. The religion consisting in the
+identification of self with Brahma indicates the Krita Yuga. And in the
+Krita Yuga, the virtue of the four orders is throughout entire in
+four-fold measure. Such is the Krita Yuga devoid of the three qualities.
+Do thou also hear from me of the character of the Treta Yuga. In this
+age, sacrifices are introduced, and virtue decreaseth by a quarter. And
+Narayana (who is the Soul of all creatures) assumeth a red colour. And
+men practise truth, and devote themselves to religion and religious
+rites. And thence sacrifices and various religious observances come into
+existence. And in the Treta Yuga people begin to devise means for the
+attainment of an object; and they attain it through acts and gifts. And
+they never deviate from virtue. And they are devoted to asceticism and
+to the bestowal of gifts. And the four orders adhere to their respective
+duties; and perform rites. Such are the men of the Treta Yuga. In the
+Dwapara Yuga, religion decreaseth by one half. And Narayana weareth a
+yellow hue. And the Veda becometh divided into four parts. And then some
+men retain (the knowledge of) the four Vedas, and some of three Vedas,
+and some of one Veda, while others do not know even the Richs. And on
+the Shastras becoming thus divided, acts become multiplied. And largely
+influenced by passion, people engage in asceticism and gifts. And from
+their incapacity to study the entire Veda, it becomes divided into
+several parts. And in consequence of intellect having decreased, few are
+established in truth. And when people fall off from truth, they become
+subject to various diseases; and then lust, and natural calamities
+ensue. And afflicted with these, people betake themselves to penances.
+And some celebrate sacrifices, desiring to enjoy the good things of
+life, or attain heaven. On the coming of the Dwapara Yuga, men become
+degenerate, in consequence of impiety. O son of Kunti, in the Kali Yuga
+a quarter only of virtue abideth. And in the beginning of this iron age,
+Narayana weareth a black hue. And the Vedas and the institutes, and
+virtue, and sacrifices, and religious observances, fall into disuse. And
+(then) reign _iti_[1], and disease, and lassitude, and anger and other
+deformities, and natural calamities, and anguish, and fear of scarcity.
+And as the yugas wane, virtue dwindles. And as virtue dwindles away,
+creatures degenerate. And as creatures degenerate, their natures undergo
+deterioration. And the religious acts performed at the waning of the
+yugas, produce contrary effects. And even those that live for several
+yugas, conform to these changes. O represser of foes, as regards thy
+curiosity to know me, I say this,--Why should a wise person be eager to
+know a superfluous matter? (Thus), O long-armed one, have I narrated in
+full what thou hadst asked me regarding the characteristics of the
+different yugas. Good happen to thee! Do thou return.'"
+
+    [1] It means these six things, unfavourable to crops--excessive
+    rain, drought, rats, locusts, birds, and a neighbouring hostile
+    king.
+
+
+SECTION CXLIX
+
+"Bhimasena said, 'Without beholding thy former shape, I will never go
+away. If I have found favour with thee, do thou then show me thine own
+shape.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Being thus addressed by Bhima, the monkey with
+a smile showed him that form of his in which he had bounded over the
+main. And wishing to gratify his brother, Hanuman assumed a gigantic
+body which (both) in length and breadth increased exceedingly. And that
+monkey of immeasurable effulgence stood there, covering the plantain
+grove furnished with trees, and elevating himself to the height reached
+by the Vindhya. And the monkey, having attained his lofty and gigantic
+body like unto a mountain, furnished with coppery eyes, and sharp teeth,
+and a face marked by frown, lay covering all sides and lashing his long
+tail. And that son of the Kurus, Bhima, beholding that gigantic form of
+his brother, wondered, and the hairs of his body repeatedly stood on
+end. And beholding him like unto the sun in splendour, and unto a golden
+mountain, and also unto the blazing firmament, Bhima closed his eyes.
+Thereupon Hanuman addressed Bhima with a smile, saying, 'O sinless one,
+thou art capable of beholding my size up to this extent. I can, however,
+go on swelling my size as long as I wish. And, O Bhima, amidst foes, my
+size increaseth exceedingly by its own energy.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Witnessing that dreadful and wonderful body of
+Hanuman, like unto the Vindhya mountain, the son of the wind-god became
+bewildered. Then with his down standing erect, the noble-minded Bhima,
+joining his hands, replied unto Hanuman saying (there), 'O lord, by me
+have been beheld the vast dimensions of thy body. Do thou (now), O
+highly powerful one, decrease thyself by thy own power. Surely I cannot
+look at thee, like unto the sun risen, and of immeasurable (power), and
+irrepressible, and resembling the mountain Mainaka. O hero, to-day this
+wonder of my heart is very great, that thou remaining by his side, Rama
+should have encountered Ravana personally. Depending on the strength of
+thy arms, thou wert capable of instantly destroying Lanka, with its
+warriors, and horses, elephants and chariots. Surely, O son of the
+wind-god, there is nothing that is incapable of being achieved by thee;
+and in fight, Ravana together with his followers was no match for thee
+single-handed.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Bhima, Hanuman, the chief of
+monkeys, answered in affectionate words uttered in solemn accents. 'O
+mighty-armed one, O Bharata, it is even as thou sayest. O Bhimasena,
+that worst of Rakshasas was no match for me. But if I had slain
+Ravana--that thorn of the worlds--the glory of Raghu's son would have
+been obscured;--and for this it is that I left him alone. By slaying
+that lord of the Rakshasas together with his followers, and bringing
+back Sita unto his own city, that hero hath established his fame among
+men. Now, O highly wise one, being intent on the welfare of thy
+brothers, and protected by the wind-god, do thou go along a fortunate
+and auspicious way. O foremost of the Kurus, this way will lead thee to
+the Saugandhika wood. (Proceeding in this direction), thou wilt behold
+the gardens of Kuvera, guarded by Yakshas and Rakshasas. Do thou not
+pluck the flowers (there) personally by thy own force; for the gods
+deserve regard specially from mortals. O best of the Bharata race, the
+gods confer their favour (upon men), (being propitiated) by offerings,
+and _homas_, and reverential salutations, and recitation of _mantras_,
+and veneration, O Bharata. Do thou not, therefore, act with rashness, O
+child; and do thou not deviate from the duties of thy order. Sticking to
+the duties of thy order, do thou understand and follow the highest
+morality. Without knowing duties and serving the old, even persons like
+unto Vrihaspati cannot understand profit and religion. One should
+ascertain with discrimination those cases in which vice goeth under the
+name of virtue, and virtue goeth under the name of vice,--(cases) in
+which people destitute of intelligence become perplexed. From religious
+observances proceedeth merit; and in merit are established the Vedas;
+and from the Vedas sacrifices come into existence; and by sacrifices are
+established the gods. The gods are maintained by the (celebration of)
+sacrifices prescribed by the Vedas and the religious ordinances; while
+men maintain themselves by (following) the ordinances of Vrihaspati and
+Usanas and also by these avocations, by which the world is
+maintained,--serving for wages, (receiving) taxes, merchandise,
+agriculture and tending kine and sheep. The world subsisteth by
+profession. The (study of the) three Vedas and agriculture and trade and
+government constitutes, it is ordained by the wise, the professions of
+the twice born ones; and each order maintaineth itself by following the
+profession prescribed for it. And when these callings are properly
+pursued, the world is maintained with ease. If, however, people do not
+righteously lead their lives, the world becometh lawless, in consequence
+of the want of Vedic merit and government. And if people do not resort
+to (their) prescribed vocations, they perish, but by regularly following
+the three professions, they bring about religion. The religion of the
+Brahmanas consisteth in the knowledge of the soul and the hue of that
+order alone is universally the same. The celebration of sacrifices, and
+study and bestowal of gifts are well-known to be the three duties common
+(to all these orders). Officiating at sacrifices, teaching and the
+acceptance of gifts are the duties of a Brahmana. To rule (the subjects)
+is the duty of the Kshatriya; and to tend (cattle), that of the Vaisya,
+while to serve the twice-born orders is said to be the duty of the
+Sudra. The Sudras cannot beg alms, or perform _homas_, or observe vows;
+and they must dwell in the habitation of their masters. Thy vocation, O
+son of Kunti, is that of the Kshatriya, which is to protect (the
+subjects). Do thou carry out thy own duties, in an humble spirit,
+restraining thy senses. That king alone can govern, who taketh counsel
+of experienced men, and is helped by honest, intelligent and learned
+ministers; but a king who is addicted to vices, meeteth with defeat.
+Then only is the order of the world secured, when the king duly
+punisheth and conferreth favours. Therefore, it is necessary to ascertain
+through spies the nature of the hostile country, its fortified places
+and the allied force of the enemy and their prosperity and decay and the
+way in which they retain the adhesion of the powers they have drawn to
+their side. Spies are among the important auxiliaries of the king; and
+tact, diplomacy, prowess, chastisement, favour and cleverness lead to
+success. And success is to be attained through these, either in
+separation, or combined--namely, conciliation, gift, sowing dissensions,
+chastisement, and sight. And, O chief of the Bharatas, polity hath for
+its root diplomacy; and diplomacy also is the main qualification of
+spies. And polity, if well judged conferreth success. Therefore, in
+matters of polity the counsels of Brahmanas should be resorted to. And
+in secret affairs, these should not be consulted,--namely, a woman, a
+sot, a boy, a covetous person, a mean-minded individual, and he that
+betrayeth signs of insanity. Wise men only should be consulted, and
+affairs are to be despatched through officers that are able. And polity
+must be executed through persons that are friendly; but dunces should in
+all affairs be excluded. In matters religious, pious men; and in matters
+of gain, wise men; and in guarding families, eunuchs; and in all crooked
+affairs, crooked men, must be employed. And the propriety or impropriety
+of the resolution of the enemy, as also their strength or weakness, must
+be ascertained through one's own as well as hostile spies. Favour should
+be shown to honest persons that have prudently sought protection; but
+lawless and disobedient individuals should be punished. And when the
+king justly punisheth and showeth favour, the dignity of the law is well
+maintained. O son of Pritha, thus have I expounded, unto thee the hard
+duties of kings difficult to comprehend. Do thou with equanimity
+observe these as prescribed for thy order. The Brahmanas attain heaven
+through merit, mortification of the senses, and sacrifice. The Vaisyas
+attain excellent state through gifts, hospitality, and religious acts.
+The Kshatriyas attain the celestial regions by protecting and chastising
+the subjects, uninfluenced by lust, malice, avarice and anger. If kings
+justly punish (their subjects), they go to the place whither repair
+meritorious persons.'"
+
+
+SECTION CL
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then contracting that huge body of his, which he had
+assumed at will, the monkey with his arms again embraced Bhimasena. And
+O Bharata, on Bhima being embraced by his brother, his fatigue went off,
+and all (the powers of body) as also his strength were restored. And
+having gained great accession of strength, he thought that there was
+none equal to him in physical power. And with tears in his eyes, the
+monkey from affection again addressed Bhima in choked utterance, saying,
+'O hero, repair to thy own abode. May I be incidentally remembered by
+thee in thy talk! O best of Kurus, do not tell any one that I abide
+here. O thou of great strength, the most excellent of the wives of the
+gods and Gandharvas resort to this place, and the time of their arrival
+is nigh. My eyes have been blessed (by seeing thee). And, O Bhima,
+having felt a human being by coming in contact with thee, I have been
+put in mind of that son of Raghu, who was Vishnu himself under the name
+of Rama, and who delighted the heart of the world; and who was as the
+sun in regard to the lotus face of Sita, and also to that
+darkness--Ravana. Therefore, O heroic son of Kunti, let not thy meeting
+with me be fruitless. Do thou with fraternal feeling ask of me a boon, O
+Bharata. If this be thy wish, that going to Varanavata, I may destroy
+the insignificant sons of Dhritarashtra--even this will I immediately
+do. Or if this be thy wish that, that city may be ground by me with
+rocks, or that I may bind Duryodhana and bring him before thee, even
+this will I do to-day, O thou of mighty strength.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of that high-souled one,
+Bhimasena with a cheerful heart answered Hanuman, saying, 'O foremost of
+monkeys, I take all this as already performed by thee. Good happen to
+thee. O mighty-armed one! I ask of thee this,--be thou well pleased with
+me. O powerful one, on thy having become our protector, the Pandavas
+have found help. Even by thy prowess shall we conquer all foes.' Thus
+addressed, Hanuman said unto Bhimasena, 'From fraternal feeling and
+affection, I will do good unto thee, by diving into the army of thy foes
+copiously furnished with arrows and javelins. And, O highly powerful
+one, O hero, when thou shall give leonine roars, then shall I with my
+own, add force to shouts. Remaining on the flagstaff of Arjuna's car
+will I emit fierce shouts that will damp the energy of thy foes. Thereby
+ye will slay them easily.' Having said this unto Pandu's son, and also
+pointed him out the way. Hanuman vanished at that spot."
+
+
+SECTION CLI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of monkeys had gone away, Bhima,
+the best of strong men, began to range the huge Gandhamadana along that
+path. And he went on, thinking of Hanuman's body and splendour
+unrivalled on earth, and also of the greatness and dignity of
+Dasaratha's son. And proceeding in search of the place filled with
+lotuses of that kind, Bhima beheld romantic woods, and groves, and
+rivers, and lakes graced with trees bearing blossoms, and flowery
+woodlands variegated with various flowers. And, O Bharata, he beheld
+herds of mad elephants besmeared with mud, resembling masses of pouring
+clouds. And that graceful one went on with speed, beholding by the
+wayside woods wherein there stood with their mates deer of quick
+glances, holding the grass in their mouths. And fearless from prowess,
+Bhimasena, as if invited by the breeze-shaken trees of the forest ever
+fragrant with flowers, bearing delicate coppery twigs, plunged into the
+mountainous regions inhabited by buffaloes, bears and leopards. And on
+the way, he passed by lotus-lakes haunted by maddened black-bees, having
+romantic descents and woods, and on account of the presence of
+lotus-buds, appearing as if they had joined their hands (before Bhima).
+And having for his provisions on the journey the words of Draupadi,
+Bhima went on with speed, his mind and sight fixed on the blooming
+slopes of the mountain. And when the sun passed the meridian, he saw in
+the forest scattered over with deer, a mighty river filled with fresh
+golden lotuses. And being crowded with swans and Karandavas, and graced
+with Chakravakas, the river looked like a garland of fresh lotuses put
+on by the mountain. And in that river that one of great strength found
+the extensive assemblage of Saugandhika lotuses, effulgent as the rising
+sun, and delightful to behold. And beholding it, Pandu's son thought
+within himself that his object had been gained, and also mentally
+presented himself before his beloved worn out by exile."
+
+
+SECTION CLII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having reached that spot, Bhimasena saw in the
+vicinity of the Kailasa cliff, that beautiful lotus lake surrounded by
+lovely woods, and guarded by the Rakshasas. And it sprang from the
+cascades contiguous to the abode of Kuvera. And it was beautiful to
+behold, and was furnished with a wide-spreading shade and abounded in
+various trees and creepers and was covered with green lilies. And this
+unearthly lake was filled with golden lotuses, and swarmed with diverse
+species of birds. And its banks were beautiful and devoid of mud. And
+situated on the rocky elevation this expanse of excellent water was
+exceedingly fair. And it was the wonder of the world and healthful and
+of romantic sight. In that lake the son of Kunti saw, the water of
+ambrosial taste and cool and light and clear and fresh; and the Pandava
+drank of it profusely. And that unearthly receptacle of waters was
+covered with celestial Saugandhika lotuses, and was also spread over
+with beautiful variegated golden lotuses of excellent fragrance having
+graceful stalks of _lapis lazulis_. And swayed by swans and Karandavas,
+these lotuses were scattering fresh farina. And this lake was the
+sporting region of the high-souled Kuvera, the king of the Yakshas. And
+it was held in high regard by the Gandharvas, the Apsaras and the
+celestials. And it was frequented by the celestial sages and the Yakshas
+and the Kimpurushas and the Rakshasas and the Kinnaras; and it was
+well-protected by Kuvera. And as soon as he beheld that river and that
+unearthly lake, Kunti's son, Bhimasena of mighty strength became
+exceedingly delighted. And agreeably to the mandate of their king,
+hundreds and thousands of Rakshasas, named Krodhavasas, were guarding
+that lake, wearing uniforms and armed with various weapons. And as that
+repressor of foes, Kunti's son, the heroic Bhima of dreadful prowess,
+clad in deer-skins and wearing golden armlets and equipped with weapons
+and girding his sword on, was fearlessly proceeding, with the view of
+gathering the lotus, those (Rakshasas) saw him and immediately began to
+address each other, shouting forth, 'It behoveth you to enquire for the
+errand on which this foremost of men, clad in deer skins, and equipped
+with arms, hath come.' Then they all approached the effulgent Vrikodara
+of mighty arms and asked, 'Who art thou? Thou shouldst answer our
+questions. We see thee in the guise of an ascetic and yet armed with
+weapons. O thou of mighty intelligence, do thou unfold unto us the
+object with which thou hast come (hither).'"
+
+
+SECTION CLIII
+
+"Bhima said, 'I am the son of Pandu, and next by birth to Yudhishthira
+the just, and my name is Bhimasena. O Rakshasas, I have come with my
+brothers to the jujube named Visala. At that place, Panchali saw an
+excellent Saugandhika lotus, which, of a certainty, was carried thither
+by the wind from this region. She wisheth to have those flowers in
+abundance. Know ye, ye Rakshasas, that I am engaged in fulfilling the
+desire of my wedded wife of faultless features, and have come hither to
+procure the flowers.' Thereat the Rakshasas said, 'O foremost of men,
+this spot is dear unto Kuvera, and it is his sporting region. Men
+subject to death cannot sport here. O Vrikodara, the celestial sages,
+and the gods taking the permission of the chief of the Yakshas, drink of
+this lake, and sport herein. And, O Pandava, the Gandharvas and the
+Apsaras also divert themselves in this lake. That wicked person who,
+disregarding the lord of treasures, unlawfully attempteth to sport here,
+without doubt, meeteth with destruction. Disregarding him, thou seekest
+to take away the lotuses from this place by main force. Why then dost
+thou say that thou art the brother of Yudhishthira the just? First,
+taking the permission of the lord of Yakshas, do thou drink of this lake
+and take away the flowers. If thou dost not do this, thou shall not be
+able even to glance at a single lotus.' Bhimasena said, 'Ye Rakshasas, I
+do not see the lord of wealth here. And even if I did see that mighty
+king, I would not beseech him: Kshatriyas never beseech (any body). This
+is the eternal morality; and I by no means wish to forsake the Kshatriya
+morality. And, further this lotus-lake hath sprung from the cascades of
+the mountain; it hath not been excavated in the mansion of Kuvera.
+Therefore it belongeth equally to all creatures with Vaisravana. In
+regard to a thing of such a nature, who goeth to beseech another?'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having said this unto the Rakshasas, the
+mighty-armed and exceedingly unforbearing Bhimasena of great strength
+plunged into the lotus-lake. Thereat that powerful one was forbidden by
+the Rakshasas, saying, 'Do not do this;' and they from all sides began
+to abuse him in anger. But slighting these Rakshasas, that mighty one of
+dreadful prowess plunged (farther and farther). Now they all prepared
+for opposing him. And with eyes rolling, they upraised their arms, and
+rushed in wrath at Bhimasena, exclaiming, 'Seize him! Bind him! Hew him!
+We shall cook Bhimasena, and eat him up!' Thereupon that one of great
+force, taking his ponderous and mighty mace inlaid with golden plates,
+like unto the mace of Yama himself, turned towards those, and then said,
+'Stay!' At this, they darted at him with vehemence, brandishing lances,
+and axes, and other weapons. And wishing to destroy Bhima, the dreadful
+and fierce Krodhavasas surrounded Bhima on all sides. But that one,
+being endued with strength, had been begotten by Vayu in the womb of
+Kunti; and he was heroic and energetic, and the slayer of foes, and ever
+devoted to virtue and truth, and incapable of being vanquished by
+enemies through prowess. Accordingly this high-souled Bhima defeating
+all the manoeuvres of the foes, and breaking their arms, killed on the
+banks of the lake more than a hundred, commencing with the foremost. And
+then witnessing his prowess and strength, and the force of his skill,
+and also the might of his arms, and unable to bear (the onset), those
+prime heroes all of a sudden fled on all sides in bands.
+
+"Beaten and pierced by Bhimasena, those Krodhavasas quitted the field of
+battle, and in confusion quickly fled towards the Kailasa cliff,
+supporting themselves in the sky. Having thus by the exercise of his
+prowess defeated those hosts, even as Sakra had defeated the armies of
+Daityas and Danavas, he (Bhima), now that he had conquered the enemy,
+plunged into the lake and began to gather the lotuses, with the object
+of gaining his purpose. And as he drank of the waters, like unto nectar,
+his energy and strength were again fully restored; and he fell to
+plucking and gathering Saugandhika lotuses of excellent fragrance. On
+the other hand, the Krodhavasas, being driven by the might of Bhima and
+exceedingly terrified, presented themselves before the lord of wealth,
+and gave an exact account of Bhima's prowess and strength in fight.
+Hearing their words, the god (Kuvera) smiled and then said, 'Let Bhima
+take for Krishna as many lotuses as he likes. This is already known to
+me.' Thereupon taking the permission of the lord of wealth, those
+(Rakshasas) renouncing anger, went to that foremost of the Kurus, and in
+that lotus-lake beheld Bhima alone, disporting in delight."
+
+
+SECTION CLIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then, O best of the Bharatas, Bhima began to collect
+those rare unearthly, variegated and fresh flowers in abundance.
+
+"And it came to pass that a high and violent wind, piercing to the
+touch, and blowing about gravels, arose, portending battle. And
+frightful meteors began to shoot, with thundering sounds. And being
+enveloped by darkness, the sun became pale, his rays being obscured. And
+on Bhima displaying his prowess, dreadful sounds of explosion rang
+through the sky. And the earth began to tremble, and dust fell in
+showers. And the points of the heavens became reddened. And beasts and
+birds began to cry in shrill tones. And every thing became enveloped in
+darkness; and nothing could be distinguished. And other evil omens
+besides these appeared there. Witnessing these strange phenomena,
+Dharma's son Yudhishthira, the foremost of speakers, said, 'Who is it
+that will overcome us? Ye Pandavas who take delight in battle, good
+betide you! Do ye equip yourselves. From what I see, I infer that the
+time for the display of our prowess hath drawn nigh.' Having said this,
+the king looked around. Then not finding Bhima, that represser of foes,
+Dharma's son, Yudhishthira, enquired of Krishna and the twins standing
+near regarding his brother, Bhima, the doer of dreadful deeds in battle,
+saying, 'O Panchali, is Bhima intent upon performing some great feat, or
+hath that one delighting in daring deeds already achieved some brave
+deed? Portending some great danger, these omens have appeared all
+around, indicating a fearful battle.' When Yudhishthira said this, his
+beloved queen, the high-minded Krishna of sweet smiles, answered him, in
+order to remove his anxiety. 'O king, that Saugandhika lotus which
+to-day had been brought by the wind, I had out of love duly shown unto
+Bhimasena; and I had also said unto that hero, If thou canst find many
+of this species, procuring even all of them, do thou return speedily,--O
+Pandava, that mighty armed one, with the view of gratifying my desire,
+may have gone towards the north-east to bring them.' Having heard these
+words of hers, the king said unto the twins, 'Let us together follow the
+path taken by Vrikodara. Let the Rakshasas carry those Brahmanas that
+are fatigued and weak. O Ghatotkacha, O thou like unto a celestial, do
+thou carry Krishna. I am convinced and it is plain that Bhima hath dived
+into the forest; for it is long since he hath gone, and in speed he
+resembleth the wind, and in clearing over the ground, he is swift like
+unto Vinata's son, and he will ever leap into the sky, and alight at his
+will. O Rakshasas, we shall follow him through your prowess. He will not
+at first do any wrong to the Siddhas versed in the Vedas.' O best of the
+Bharatas, saying, 'So be it,' Hidimva's son and the other Rakshasas who
+knew the quarter where the lotus lake of Kuvera was situated, started
+cheerfully with Lomasa, bearing the Pandavas, and many of the Brahmanas.
+Having shortly reached that spot, they saw that romantic lake covered
+with Saugandhika and other lotuses and surrounded by beautiful woods.
+And on its shores they beheld the high-souled and vehement Bhima, as
+also the slaughtered Yakshas of large eyes, with their bodies, eyes,
+arms and thighs smashed, and their heads crushed. And on seeing the
+high-souled Bhima, standing on the shore of that lake in an angry mood,
+and with steadfast eyes, and biting his lip, and stationed on the shore
+of the lake with his mace upraised by his two hands, like unto Yama with
+his mace in his hand at the time of the universal dissolution,
+Yudhishthira the just, embraced him again and again, and said in sweet
+words, 'O Kaunteya, what hast thou done? Good betide thee! If thou
+wishest to do good unto me, thou shouldst never again commit such a rash
+act, nor offend the gods.' Having thus instructed the son of Kunti, and
+taken the flowers those god-like ones began to sport in that very lake.
+At this instant, the huge-bodied warders of the gardens, equipped with
+rocks for weapons, presented themselves at the spot. And seeing
+Yudhishthira the just and the great sage Lomasa and Nakula and Sahadeva
+and also the other foremost of Brahmanas, they all bowed themselves down
+in humility. And being pacified by Yudhishthira the just, the Rakshasas
+became satisfied. And with the knowledge of Kuvera, those foremost of
+Kurus for a short time dwelt pleasantly at that spot on the slopes of
+the Gandhamadana, expecting Arjuna."
+
+
+SECTION CLV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Once upon a time Yudhishthira, while living at that
+place, addressed Krishna, his brother, and the Brahmanas, saying, 'By us
+have been attentively seen one after another sacred and auspicious
+_tirthas_, and woods, delightful to beheld, which had ere this been
+visited by the celestials and the high-souled sages, and which had been
+worshipped by the Brahmanas. And in various sacred asylums we have
+performed ablutions with Brahmanas, and have heard from them the lives
+and acts of many sages, and also of many royal sages of yore, and other
+pleasant stories. And with flowers and water have the gods been
+worshipped by us. And with offerings of fruits and roots as available at
+each place we have gratified the _pitris_. And with the high-souled ones
+have we performed ablutions in all sacred and beautiful mountains and
+lakes, and also in the highly sacred ocean. And with the Brahmanas we
+have bathed in the Ila, and in the Saraswati, and in the Sindhu, and in
+the Yamuna, and in the Narmada, and in various other romantic _tirthas_.
+And having passed the source of the Ganga, we have seen many a lovely
+hill and the Himalaya mountains, inhabited by various species of birds,
+and also the jujube named Visala, where there is the hermitage of Nara
+and Narayana. And (finally) we have beheld this unearthly lake, held in
+veneration by the Siddhas, the gods and the sages. In fact, O foremost
+of Brahmanas, we have one by one carefully seen all celebrated and
+sacred spots in company with the high-souled Lomasa. Now, O Bhima, how
+shall we repair to the sacred abode of Vaisravana, inhabited by the
+Siddhas? Do thou think of the means of entering (the same).'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When that king had said this, an aerial voice spake,
+saying. 'Thou will not be able to go to that inaccessible spot. By this
+very way, do thou repair from this region of Kuvera to the place whence
+thou hadst come even to the hermitage of Nara and Narayana, known by the
+name of Vadari. Thence, O Kaunteya, thou wilt repair to the hermitage of
+Vrishaparva, abounding in flowers and fruit, and inhabited by the
+Siddhas and the Charanas. Having passed that, O Partha, thou wilt
+proceed to the hermitage of Arshtishena, and from thence thou wilt behold
+the abode of Kuvera.' Just at that moment the breeze became fresh, and
+gladsome and cool and redolent of unearthly fragrance; and it showered
+blossoms, And on hearing the celestial voice from the sky, they all were
+amazed,--more specially those earthly _rishis_ and the Brahmanas. On
+hearing this mighty marvel, the Brahmana Dhaumya, said, 'This should not
+be gainsaid. O Bharata, let this be so.' Thereupon, king Yudhishthira
+obeyed him. And having returned to the hermitage of Nara and Narayana,
+he began to dwell pleasantly, surrounded by Bhimasena and his other
+brothers, Panchali, and the Brahmanas."
+
+
+SECTION CLVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dwelling with the Brahmanas in that best
+of mountains, in expectation of Arjuna's return, when the Pandavas had
+grown confident and when all those Rakshasas together with Bhima's son
+had departed, one day while Bhimasena was away, a Rakshasa all of a
+sudden carried off Yudhishthira the just and the twins and Krishna. That
+Rakshasa (in the guise of a Brahmana) had constantly remained in the
+company of the Pandavas, alleging that he was a high-class Brahmana,
+skilled in counsel, and versed in all the _Sastras_. His object was to
+possess himself of the bows, the quivers and the other material
+implements belonging to the Pandavas; and he had been watching for an
+opportunity of ravishing Draupadi. And that wicked and sinful one was
+named Jatasura. And, O king of kings, Pandu's son (Yudhishthira) had
+been supporting him, but knew not that wretch like unto a fire covered
+with ashes.
+
+"And once on a day while that represser of foes, Bhimasena, was out
+hunting, he (the Rakshasa), seeing Ghatotkacha and his followers scatter
+in different directions and seeing those vow-observing great _rishis_,
+of ascetic wealth, viz., Lomasa and the rest, away for bathing and
+collecting flowers, assumed a different form, gigantic and monstrous and
+frightful; and having secured all the arms (of the Pandavas) as also
+Draupadi, that wicked one fled away taking the three Pandavas. Thereupon
+that son of Pandu, Sahadeva, extricated himself with exertion, and by
+force snatched the sword named Kausika from the grasp of the enemy and
+began to call Bhimasena, taking the direction in which that mighty one
+had gone. And on being carried off Yudhishthira the just, addressed him
+(that Rakshasa), saying, 'O stupid one, thy merit decreaseth (even by
+this act of thine). Dost thou not pay heed unto the established order of
+nature? Whether belonging to the human race, or to the lower orders, all
+pay regard to virtue,--more specially the Rakshasas. In the first
+instance, they knew virtue better than others. Having considered all
+these, thou ought to adhere to virtue. O Rakshasa, the gods, the
+_pitris_, the Siddhas, the _rishis_, the Gandharvas, the brutes and even
+the worms and ants depend for their lives on men; and thou too liveth
+through that agency. If prosperity attendeth the human race, thy race
+also prospereth; and if calamities befall the former, even the
+celestials suffer grief. Being gratified by offerings, do the gods
+thrive. O Rakshasa, we are the guardians, governors and preceptors of
+kingdoms. If kingdoms become unprotected, whence can proceed prosperity
+and happiness? Unless there be offence, a Rakshasa should not violate a
+king. O man-eating one, we have committed no wrong, ever so little.
+Living on _vighasa_, we serve the gods and others to the best of our
+power. And we are ever intent upon bowing down to our superiors and
+Brahmanas. A friend, and one confiding, and he whose food hath been
+partaken of, and he that hath afforded shelter, should never be injured.
+Thou hast lived in our place happily, being duly honoured. And, O
+evil-minded one, having partaken of our food, how canst thou carry us
+off? And as thy acts are so improper and as thou hast grown in age
+without deriving any benefit and as thy propensities are evil, so thou
+deservest to die for nothing, and for nothing wilt thou die to-day. And
+if thou beest really evil-disposed and devoid of all virtue, do thou
+render us back our weapons and ravish Draupadi after fight. But if
+through stupidity thou must do this deed, then in the world thou wilt
+only reap demerit and infamy. O Rakshasa, by doing violence to this
+female of the human race, thou hast drunk poison, after having shaken
+the vessel.' Thereupon, Yudhishthira made himself ponderous to the
+Rakshasa. And being oppressed with the weight, he could not proceed
+rapidly as before. Then addressing Draupadi, Nakula and Sahadeva,
+Yudhishthira said, 'Do ye not entertain any fear of this wretched
+Rakshasa, I have checked his speed. The mighty-armed son of the Wind-god
+may not be far away; and on Bhima coming up at the next moment, the
+Rakshasa will not live.' O king, staring at the Rakshasa bereft of
+sense, Sahadeva addressed Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, saying, 'What
+can be more meritorious for a Kshatriya than to fall in fight, or defeat
+a foe? O repressor of foes, we will fight and either this one will slay
+us, or we shall slay him, O mighty-armed one. Verily this is the place
+and time, O king. And, O thou of unfailing prowess, the time hath come
+for the display of our Kshatriya virtue. It behoveth us to attain heaven
+either by gaining victory or being slain. If the sun sets to-day, the
+Rakshasa living yet, O Bharata, I will not any more say that I am a
+Kshatriya. Ho! Ho! Rakshasa, say! I am Pandu's son, Sahadeva. Either,
+after having killed me, carry off this lady, or being slain, lie
+senseless here.'
+
+"Madri's son, Sahadeva, was speaking thus, when Bhimasena made his
+appearance, with a mace in his hand, like unto Vasava himself wielding
+the thunder-bolt. And here he saw his two brothers and the noble-minded
+Draupadi (on the shoulders of the demon), and Sahadeva on the ground
+rebuking the Rakshasa and also that stupid Rakshasa himself deprived of
+sense by Fate, going round in different directions through bewilderment
+caused by Destiny. And finding his brothers and Draupadi being carried
+off, Bhima of mighty strength was fired with wrath, and addressed the
+Rakshasa, saying, 'I had ere this found thee out for a wicked wight from
+thy scrutiny of our weapons; but as I had no apprehension of thee, so I
+had not slain thee at that time. Thou wert in the disguise of a
+Brahmana--nor didst thou say anything harsh unto us. And thou didst take
+delight in pleasing us. And thou also didst not do us wrong. And,
+furthermore, thou wert our guest. How could I, therefore, slay thee, who
+wert thus innocent of offence, and who wert in the disguise of a
+Brahmana? He that knowing such a one to be even a Rakshasa, slayeth him,
+goes to hell. Further, thou canst not be killed before the time cometh.
+Surely to-day thou hast reached the fullness of thy time in as much as
+thy mind hath been thus turned by the wonder-performing Fate towards
+carrying off Krishna. By committing thyself to this deed, thou hast
+swallowed up the hook fastened to the line of Fate. So like unto a fish
+in water, whose mouth hath been hooked, how canst thou live to-day? Thou
+shall not have to go whither thou intendest to, or whither thou hadst
+already gone mentally; but thou shall go whither have repaired Vaka and
+Hidimva.'
+
+"Thus addressed by Bhima, the Rakshasa in alarm put them down; and being
+forced by Fate, approached for fight. And with his lips trembling in
+anger he spake unto Bhima, saying, 'Wretch! I have not been bewildered;
+I had been delaying for thee. Today will I offer oblations of thy blood
+to those Rakshasas who, I had heard, have been slain by thee in fight.'
+Thus addressed, Bhima, as if bursting with wrath, like unto Yama himself
+at the time of the universal dissolution, rushed towards the Rakshasa,
+licking the corners of his mouth and staring at him as he struck his own
+arms with the hands. And seeing Bhima waiting in expectation of fight,
+the Rakshasa also darted towards him in anger, like unto Vali towards
+the wielder of the thunderbolt, repeatedly gaping and licking the
+corners of his mouth. And when a dreadful wrestling ensued between those
+two, both the sons of Madri, waxing exceeding wroth rushed forward; but
+Kunti's son, Vrikodara, forbade them with a smile and said, 'Witness ye!
+I am more than a match for this Rakshasa. By my own self and by my
+brothers, and by my merit, and by my good deeds, and by my sacrifices,
+do I swear that I shall slay this Rakshasa.' And after this was said,
+those two heroes, the Rakshasa and Vrikodara challenging each other,
+caught each other by the arms. And they not forgiving each other, then
+there ensued a conflict between the infuriated Bhima and the Rakshasa,
+like unto that between a god and a demon. And repeatedly uprooting
+trees, those two of mighty strength struck each other, shouting and
+roaring like two masses of clouds. And those foremost of athletes, each
+wishing to kill the other, and rushing at the other with vehemence,
+broke down many a gigantic tree by their thighs. Thus that encounter
+with trees, destructive of plants, went on like unto that between the
+two brothers Vali and Sugriva--desirous of the possession of a single
+woman. Brandishing trees for a moment, they struck each other with them,
+shouting incessantly. And when all the trees of the spot had been pulled
+down and crushed into fibres by them endeavouring to kill each other,
+then, O Bharata, those two of mighty strength, taking up rocks, began to
+fight for a while, like unto a mountain and a mighty mass of clouds. And
+not suffering each other, they fell to striking each other with hard and
+large crags, resembling vehement thunder-bolts. Then from strength
+defying each other, they again darted at each other, and grasping each
+other by their arms, began to wrestle like unto two elephants. And next
+they dealt each other fierce blows. And then those two mighty ones began
+to make chattering sounds by gnashing their teeth. And at length, having
+clenched his fist like a five-headed snake, Bhima with force dealt a
+blow on the neck of the Rakshasa. And when struck by that fist of Bhima,
+the Rakshasa became faint, Bhimasena stood, catching hold of that
+exhausted one. And then the god-like mighty-armed Bhima lifted him with
+his two arms, and dashing him with force on the ground, the son of Pandu
+smashed all his limbs. And striking him with his elbow, he severed from
+his body the head with bitten lips and rolling eyes, like unto a fruit
+from its stem. And Jatasura's head being severed by Bhimasena's might,
+he fell besmeared with gore, and having bitten lips. Having slain
+Jatasura, Bhima presented himself before Yudhishthira, and the foremost
+Brahmanas began to eulogise him (Bhima) even as the Marutas (eulogise)
+Vasava."
+
+
+SECTION CLVII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "On that Rakshasa having been slain, that lord,
+the royal son of Kunti, returned to the hermitage of Narayana and began
+to dwell there. And once on a time, remembering his brother Jaya
+(Arjuna), Yudhishthira summoned all his brothers, together with Draupadi
+and said these words, 'We have passed these four years peacefully
+ranging the woods. It hath been appointed by Vibhatsu that about the
+fifth year he will come to that monarch of mountains, the excellent
+cliff Sweta, ever graced with festivities held by blooming plants and
+maddened Kokilas and black bees, and peacocks, and chatakas and
+inhabited by tigers, and boars and buffaloes, and gavayas, and deer, and
+ferocious beasts; and sacred; and lovely with blown lotuses of a hundred
+and a thousand petals, and blooming lilies and blue lilies and
+frequented by the celestials and the Asuras. And we also, eagerly
+anxious of meeting him on his arrival have made up our minds to repair
+thither. Partha of unrivalled prowess hath appointed with me, saying, "I
+shall remain abroad for five years, with the object of learning military
+science." In the place like unto the region of the gods, shall we behold
+the wielder of Gandiva arrive after having obtained the weapons.' Having
+said this, the Pandava summoned the Brahmanas, and the sons of Pritha
+having gone round the ascetics of rigid austerities and thereby pleased
+them, informed them of the matter mentioned above. Thereupon the
+Brahmanas gave their assent, saying, 'This shall be attended by
+prosperity and welfare. O foremost of the Bharatas, these troubles shall
+result in happiness. O pious one, gaining the earth by the Kshatriya
+virtue, thou shall govern it.' Then in obedience to these words of the
+ascetics, that represser of foes, Yudhishthira, set out with his
+brothers and those Brahmanas, followed by the Rakshasa and protected by
+Lomasa. And that one of mighty energy, and of staunch vows, with his
+brothers, at places went on foot and at others were carried by the
+Rakshasas. Then king Yudhishthira, apprehending many troubles, proceeded
+towards the north abounding in lions and tigers and elephants. And
+beholding on the way the mountain Mainaka and the base of the
+Gandhamadana and that rocky mass Sweta and many a crystal rivulet higher
+and higher up the mountain, he reached on the seventeenth day the sacred
+slopes of the Himalayas. And, O king, not far from the Gandhamadana,
+Pandu's son beheld on the sacred slopes of the Himavan covered with
+various trees and creepers the holy hermitage of Vrishaparva surrounded
+by blossoming trees growing near the cascades. And when those repressers
+of foes, the sons of Pandu, had recovered from fatigue, they went to the
+royal sage, the pious Vrishaparva and greeted him. And that royal sage
+received with affection those foremost of Bharatas, even as his own
+sons. And those repressers of foes passed there seven nights, duly
+regarded. And when the eighth day came, taking the permission of that
+sage celebrated over the worlds, they prepared to start on their
+journey. And having one by one introduced unto Vrishapava those
+Brahmanas, who, duly honoured, remained in his charge as friends; and
+having also entrusted the highsouled Vrishaparva with their remaining
+robes, the sons of Pandu, O king, left in the hermitage of Vrishaparva
+their sacrificial vessels together with their ornaments and jewels. And
+wise and pious and versed in every duty and having a knowledge of the
+past as well as the future, that one gave instructions unto those best
+of the Bharatas, as unto his own sons. Then taking his permission those
+high-souled ones set out towards the north. And as they set out the
+magnanimous Vrishaparva followed them to a certain distance. Then having
+entrusted the Pandavas unto the care of the Brahmanas and instructed and
+blessed them and given directions concerning their course, Vrishaparva
+of mighty energy retraced his steps.
+
+"Then Kunti's son, Yudhishthira of unfailing prowess, together with his
+brothers, began to proceed on foot along the mountain path, inhabited by
+various kinds of beasts. And having dwelt at the mountain slopes,
+densely overgrown with trees, Pandu's son on the fourth day reached the
+Sweta mountain, like unto a mighty mass of clouds, abounding in streams
+and consisting of a mass of gold and gems. And taking the way directed
+by Vrishaparva, they reached one by one the intended places, beholding
+various mountains. And over and over they passed with ease many
+inaccessible rocks and exceedingly impassable caves of the mountain. And
+Dhaumya and Krishna and the Parthas and the mighty sage Lomasa went on
+in a body and none grew tired. And those highly fortunate ones arrived
+at the sacred and mighty mountain resounding with the cries of birds and
+beasts and covered with various trees and creepers and inhabited by
+monkeys, and romantic and furnished with many lotus-lakes and having
+marshes and extensive forests. And then with their down standing erect,
+they saw the mountain Gandhamadana, the abode of Kimpurushas, frequented
+by Siddhas and Charanas and ranged by Vidyadharis and Kinnaris and
+inhabited by herds of elephants and thronged with lions and tigers and
+resounding with the roars of Sarabhas and attended by various beasts.
+And the war-like sons of Pandu gradually entered into the forest of the
+Gandhamadana, like unto the Nandana gardens, delightful to the mind and
+heart and worthy of being inhabited and having beautiful groves. And as
+those heroes entered with Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas, they
+heard notes uttered by the mouths of birds, exceedingly sweet and
+graceful to the ear and causing delight and dulcet and broken by reason
+of excess of animal spirits. And they saw various trees bending under
+the weight of fruits in all seasons, and ever bright with flowers--such
+as mangoes and hog-plums and bhavyas and pomegranates, citrons and jacks
+and lakuchas and plantains and aquatic reeds and parvatas and champakas
+and lovely kadamvas and vilwas, wood-apples and rose-apples and kasmaris
+and jujubes and figs and glomerous figs and banians and aswatthas and
+khirikas and bhall atakas and amalkas and bibhitakas and ingudas and
+karamardas and tindukas of large fruits--these and many others on the
+slopes of the Gandhamadana, clustered with sweet and nectarine fruits.
+And besides these, they beheld champakas and asokas and ketakas and
+vakulas and punnagas and saptaparnas and karnikaras, and patals, and
+beautiful kutajas and mandaras, and lotuses, and parijatas, and
+kovidaras and devadarus, and salas, and palmyra palms, and tamalas, and
+pippalas, and salmalis and kinsukas, and singsapas, and saralas and
+these were inhabited by Chakoras, and wood-peckers and chatakas, and
+various other birds, singing in sweet tones pleasing to the ear. And
+they saw lakes beautiful on all sides with aquatic birds, and covered
+all around with kumudas, and pundarikas, and kokanadas, and utpalas, and
+kalharas, and kamalas and thronged on all sides with drakes and ruddy
+geese, and ospreys, and gulls and karandavas, and plavas, and swans, and
+cranes, and shags, and other aquatic birds. And those foremost of men
+saw those lotus-lakes beautified with assemblages of lotuses, and
+ringing with the sweet hum of bees, glad, and drowsy on account of
+having drunk the intoxicating honey of lotuses, and reddened with the
+farina falling from the lotus cups. And in the groves they beheld with
+their hens peacocks maddened with desire caused by the notes of
+cloud-trumpets; and those woods-loving glad peacocks drowsy with desire,
+were dancing, spreading in dalliance their gorgeous tails, and were
+crying in melodious notes. And some of the peacocks were sporting with
+their mates on kutaja trees covered with creepers. And some sat on the
+boughs of the kutajas, spreading their gorgeous tails, and looking like
+crowns worn by the trees. And in the glades they beheld the graceful
+sindhuvaras like unto the darts of Cupid. And on the summits of the
+mountain, they saw blooming karnikaras bearing blossoms of a golden hue,
+appearing like ear-rings of excellent make. And in the forest they saw
+blossoming kuruvakas, like unto the shafts of Cupid, which smiteth one
+with desire and maketh him uneasy. And they saw tilakas appearing like
+unto beauty-spots painted on the forehead of the forest. And they saw
+mango trees graced with blossoms hummed over by black bees, and serving
+the purpose of Cupid's shafts. And on the slopes of the mountain there
+were diverse blossoming trees, looking lovely, some bearing flowers of a
+golden hue, and some, of the hue of the forest-conflagration, and some,
+red and some sable, and some green like unto lapises. And besides these,
+there were ranges of salas and tamalas and patalas and vakula trees,
+like unto garlands put on by the summits of the mountain. Thus gradually
+beholding on the slopes of the mountain many lakes, looking transparent
+like crystal, and having swans of white plumage and resounding with
+cries of cranes, and filled with lotuses and lilies, and furnished with
+waters of delicious feel; and also beholding fragrant flowers, and
+luscious fruits, and romantic lakes, and captivating trees, the Pandavas
+penetrated into the forest with eyes expanded with wonder. And (as they
+proceeded) they were fanned by the breeze of balmy feel, and perfumed by
+kamalas and utpalas and kalharas and pundarikas. Then Yudhishthira
+pleasantly spake unto Bhima saying, 'Ah! O Bhima, beautiful is this
+forest of the Gandhamadana. In this romantic forest there are various
+heavenly blossoming wild trees and creepers, bedecked with foliage and
+fruit, nor are there any trees that do not flower. On these slopes of
+the Gandhamadana, all the trees are of sleek foliage and fruit. And
+behold how these lotus-lakes with fullblown lotuses, and ringing with
+the hum of black bees, are being agitated by elephants with their mates.
+Behold another lotus-lake girt with lines of lotuses, like unto a second
+Sree in an embodied form wearing garlands. And in this excellent forest
+there are beautiful ranges of woods, rich with the aroma of various
+blossoms, and hummed over by the black bees. And, O Bhima, behold on all
+sides the excellent sporting ground of the celestials. By coming here,
+we have attained extra-human state, and been blessed. O Partha, on these
+slopes of the Gandhamadana, yon beautiful blossoming trees, being
+embraced by creepers with blossoms at their tops, look lovely. And, O
+Bhima, hark unto the notes of the peacocks crying with their hens on the
+mountain slopes. And birds such as chakoras, and satapatras, and
+maddened kokilas, and parrots, are alighting on these excellent
+flowering trees. And sitting on the twigs, myriads of jivajivakas of
+scarlet, yellow and red hues, are looking at one another. And the cranes
+are seen near the spots covered with green and reddish grass, and also
+by the side of the cascades. And those birds, bhringarajas, and
+upachakras, and herons are pouring forth their notes charming to all
+creatures. And, lo! with their mates, these elephants furnished with
+four tusks, and white as lotuses, are agitating that large lake of the
+hue of lapises. And from many cascades, torrents high as several palmyra
+palms (placed one upon another) are rushing down from the cliffs. And
+many argent minerals splendid, and of the effulgence of the sun, and
+like unto autumnal clouds, are beautifying this mighty mountain. And in
+some places there are minerals of the hue of the collyrium, and in some
+those like unto gold, in some, yellow orpiment and in some, vermilion,
+and in some, caves of red arsenic like unto the evening clouds and in
+some, red chalk of the hue of the rabbit, and in some, minerals like
+unto white and sable clouds; and in some, those effulgent as the rising
+sun, these minerals of great lustre beautify the mountain. O Partha, as
+was said by Vrishaparva, the Gandharvas and the Kimpurushas, in company
+with their loves, are visible on the summits of the mountain. And, O
+Bhima, there are heard various songs of appropriate measures, and also
+Vedic hymns, charming to all creatures. Do thou behold the sacred and
+graceful celestial river Mahaganga, with swans, resorted to by sages and
+Kinnaras. And, O represser of foes, see this mountain having minerals,
+rivulets, and beautiful woods and beasts, and snakes of diverse shapes
+and a hundred heads and Kinnaras, Gandharvas and Apsaras.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having attained excellent state, those valiant and
+warlike repressers of foes with Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas
+were exceedingly delighted at heart, and they were not satiated by
+beholding that monarch of mountains. Thereafter they saw the hermitage
+of the royal sage Arshtishena, furnished with flowers and trees bearing
+fruits. Then they went to Arshtishena versed in all duties of rigid
+austerities, skeleton-like, and having muscles bare."
+
+
+SECTION CLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having approached that one, whose sins had been
+consumed by asceticism, Yudhishthira announced his name, and gladly
+greeted him, bending his head. And then Krishna, and Bhima, and the
+devout twins, having bowed down their heads unto the royal sage, stood
+(there) surrounding him. And that priest of the Pandavas, the virtuous
+Dhaumya, also duly approached that vow-observing sage. And by his
+prophetic eye that virtuous Muni had already known (the identity of)
+those foremost of the Kurus, the sons of Pandu. And he said unto them.
+'Be ye seated.' And that one of rigid austerities, after having duly
+received that chief of the Kurus, when the latter with his brothers had
+seated himself enquired after his welfare saying, 'Dost thou not turn
+thy inclination upon untruth? And art thou intent upon virtue? And, O
+Partha, hath not thy attention to thy father and thy mother diminished?
+Are all thy superiors, and the aged, and those versed in the Vedas,
+honoured by thee? And O Pritha's son, dost thou not turn thy inclination
+unto sinful acts? And dost thou, O best of the Kurus, properly know how
+to perform meritorious acts, and to eschew wicked deeds? Dost thou not
+exalt thyself? And are pious men gratified, being honoured by thee? And
+even dwelling in the woods, dost thou follow virtue alone? And, O
+Partha, doth not Dhaumya grieve at thy conduct? Dost thou follow the
+customs of thy ancestors, by charity, and religious observances, and
+asceticism, and purity, and candour, and forgiveness? And dost thou go
+along the way taken by the royal sages? On the birth of a son in their
+(respective) lines, the _Pitris_ in their regions, both laugh and
+grieve, thinking--Will the sinful acts of this son of ours harm us, or
+will meritorious deeds conduce to our welfare? He conquereth both the
+worlds that payeth homage unto his father, and mother, and preceptor,
+and Agni, and fifthly, the soul.' Yudhishthira said, 'O worshipful one,
+those duties have been mentioned by thee as excellent. To the best of my
+power I duly and properly discharge them.'
+
+"Arshtishena said, 'During the Parvas sages subsisting on air and water
+come unto this best of the mountains ranging through the air. And on the
+summits of the mountain are seen amorous Kimpurushas with their
+paramours, mutually attached unto each other; as also, O Partha, many
+Gandharvas and Apsaras clad in white silk vestments; and lovely-looking
+Vidyadharas, wearing garlands; and mighty Nagas, and Suparnas, and
+Uragas, and others. And on the summits of the mountain are heard, during
+the Parvas, sounds of kettle-drums, and tabors, shells and mridangas. O
+foremost of the Bharatas, even by staying here, ye shall hear those
+sounds; do ye by no means feel inclined to repair thither. Further, O
+best of the Bharata race, it is impossible, to proceed beyond this. That
+place is the sporting-region of the celestials. There is no access
+thither for mortals. O Bharata, at this place all creatures bear
+ill-will to, and the Rakshasas chastise, that man who committeth
+aggression, be it ever so little. Beyond the summit of this Kailasa
+cliff, is seen the path of the celestial sages. If any one through
+impudence goeth beyond this, the Rakshasas slay him with iron darts and
+other weapons. There, O child, during the Parvas, he that goeth about on
+the shoulders of men, even Vaisravana is seen in pomp and grandeur
+surrounded by the Apsaras. And when that lord of all the Rakshasas is
+seated on the summit, all creatures behold him like unto the sun arisen.
+O best of Bharatas, that summit is the sporting-garden of the
+celestials, and the Danavas, and the Siddhas, and Vaisravana. And during
+the Parvas, as Tumburu entertaineth the Lord of treasures, the sweet
+notes of his song are heard all over the Gandhamadana. O child, O
+Yudhishthira, here during the Parvas, all creatures see and hear marvels
+like this. O Pandavas, till ye meet with Arjuna, do ye stay here,
+partaking of luscious fruits, and the food of the Munis. O child as thou
+hast come hither, do thou not betray any impertinence. And, O child,
+after living here at thy will and diverting thyself as thou listest,
+thou wilt at length rule the earth, having conquered it by the force of
+thy arms.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLIX
+
+Janamejaya said, "How long did my great grandsires, the highsouled sons
+of Pandu of matchless prowess, dwell in the Gandhamadana mountain? And
+what did those exceedingly powerful ones, gifted with manliness, do? And
+what was the food of those high-souled ones, when those heroes of the
+worlds dwelt (there)? O excellent one, do thou relate all about this. Do
+thou describe the prowess of Bhimasena, and what that mighty-armed one
+did in the mountain Himalayan. Surely, O best of Brahmanas, he did not
+fight again with the Yakshas. And did they meet with Vaisravana? Surely,
+as Arshtishena said, the lord of wealth cometh thither. All this, O thou
+of ascetic wealth, I desire to hear in detail. Surely, I have not yet
+been fully satisfied by hearing about their acts."
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having heard from that one of incomparable
+energy, (Arshtishena), that advice conducive to their welfare, those
+foremost of the Bharatas, began to behave always accordingly. Those best
+of men, the Pandavas, dwelt upon the Himavan, partaking of the food
+eaten by the Munis, and luscious fruit, and the flesh of deer killed
+with unpoisoned shafts and various kinds of pure honey. Living thus,
+they passed the fifth year, hearing various stories told by Lomasa. O
+lord, saying, 'I shall be present when occasion ariseth,' Ghatotkacha,
+together with all the Rakshasas, had ere this already gone away. Those
+magnanimous ones passed many months in the hermitage of Arshtishena,
+witnessing many marvels. And as the Pandavas were sporting there
+pleasantly, there came to see them some complacent vow-observing Munis
+and Charanas of high fortune, and pure souls. And those foremost of the
+Bharata race conversed with them on earthly topics. And it came to pass
+that when several days has passed, Suparna all of a sudden carried off
+an exceedingly powerful and mighty Naga, living in the large lake. And
+thereupon that mighty mountain began to tremble, and the gigantic trees,
+break. And all the creatures and the Pandavas witnessed the wonder. Then
+from the brow of that excellent mountain, the wind brought before the
+Pandavas various fragrant and fair blossoms. And the Pandavas, and the
+illustrious Krishna, together with their friends, saw those unearthly
+blossoms of five hues. And as the mighty-armed Bhimasena was seated at
+ease upon the mountain, Krishna addressed him, saying, 'O best of the
+Bharata race, in the presence of all the creatures, these flowers of
+five hues, carried by the force of the wind raised by Suparna, are
+falling in amain on the river Aswaratha. In Khandava thy high-souled
+brother, firm in promise, had baffled Gandharvas and Nagas and Vasava
+himself, and slain fierce Rakshasas, and also obtained the bow Gandiva.
+Thou also art of exceeding prowess and the might of thy arms is great,
+and irrepressible, and unbearable like unto the might of Sakra. O
+Bhimasena, terrified with the force of thy arms, let all the Rakshasas
+betake themselves to the ten cardinal points, leaving the mountain. Then
+will thy friends be freed from fear and affliction, and behold the
+auspicious summit of this excellent mountain furnished with variegated
+flowers. O Bhima, I have for long cherished this thought in my
+mind,--that protected by the might of thy arms, I shall see that
+summit.'
+
+"Thereupon, like a high-mettled bull that hath been struck, Bhimasena,
+considering himself as censured by Draupadi, could not bear (that). And
+that Pandava of the gait of a lion or a bull, and graceful, and
+generous, and having the splendour of gold, and intelligent, and strong,
+and proud, and sensitive, and heroic, and having red eyes, and broad
+shoulders, and gifted with the strength of mad elephants, and having
+leonine teeth and a broad neck, and tall like a young sala tree, and
+highsouled, and graceful in every limb, and of neck having the whorls of
+a shell and mighty-armed, took up his bow plaited at the back with gold,
+and also his sword. And haughty like unto a lion, and resembling a
+maddened elephant, that strong one rushed towards that cliff, free from
+fear or affliction. And all the creatures saw him equipped with bows and
+arrows, approaching like a lion or a maddened elephant. And free from
+fear or affliction, the Pandava taking his mace, proceeded to that
+monarch of mountains causing the delight of Draupadi. And neither
+exhaustion, nor fatigue, nor lassitude, nor the malice (of others),
+affected that son of Pritha and the Wind-god. And having arrived at a
+rugged path affording passage to one individual only, that one of great
+strength ascended that terrible summit high as several palmyra palms
+(placed one upon another). And having ascended that summit, and thereby
+gladdened Kinnaras, and great Nagas, and Munis, and Gandharvas, and
+Rakshasas, that foremost of the Bharata line, gifted with exceeding
+strength described the abode of Vaisravana, adorned with golden crystal
+palaces surrounded on all sides by golden walls having the splendour of
+all gems, furnished with gardens all around, higher than a mountain
+peak, beautiful with ramparts and towers, and adorned with door-ways and
+gates and rows of pennons. And the abode was graced with dallying
+damsels dancing around, and also with pennons waved by the breeze. And
+with bent arms, supporting himself on the end of his bow, he stood
+beholding with eagerness the city of the lord of treasures. And
+gladdening all creatures, there was blowing a breeze, carrying all
+perfumes, and of a balmy feel. And there were various beautiful and
+wonderful trees of diverse hues resounding with diverse dulcet notes.
+And at that place the foremost of the Bharatas surveyed the palace of
+the Lord of the Rakshasas scattered with heaps of gems, and adorned with
+variegated garlands. And renouncing all care of life the mighty-armed
+Bhimasena stood motionless like a rock, with his mace and sword and bow
+in his hands. Then he blew his shell making the down of his adversaries
+stand erect; and twanging his bow-string, and striking his arms with the
+hands he unnerved all the creatures. Thereat with their hairs standing
+erect, the Yakshas and Rakshasas began to rush towards the Pandavas, in
+the direction of those sounds. And taken by the arms of the Yakshas and
+Rakshasas the flamed maces and clubs and swords and spears and javelins
+and axes, and when, O Bharata, the fight ensued between the Rakshasas
+and Bhima, the latter by arrows cut off the darts, javelins and axes of
+those possessing great powers of illusion, and he of exceeding strength
+with arrows pierced the bodies of the roaring Rakshasas, both of those
+that were in the sky, and of those that remained on the earth. And Bhima
+of exceeding strength was deluged with the mighty sanguine rain sprung
+from the bodies of the Rakshasas with maces and clubs in their hands and
+flowing on all sides from their persons. And the bodies and hands of the
+Yakshas and Rakshasas were seen to be struck off by the weapon
+discharged by the might of Bhima's arms. And then all the creatures saw
+the graceful Pandava densely surrounded by the Rakshasas, like unto the
+Sun enveloped by clouds. And even as the Sun surrounds everything with
+his rays, that mighty-armed and strong one of unfailing prowess, covered
+all with arrows destroying foes. And although menacing and uttering
+yells, the Rakshasas did not see Bhima embarrassed. Thereupon, with
+their bodies mangled, the Yakshas afflicted by fear of Bhimasena began to
+utter frightful sounds of distress, throwing their mighty weapons. And
+terrified at the wielder of a strong bow, they fled towards the southern
+quarter, forsaking their maces and spears and swords and clubs and axes.
+And then there stood, holding in his hands darts and maces, the
+broad-chested and mighty-armed friend of Vaisravana, the Rakshasa named
+Maniman. And that one of great strength began to display his mastery and
+manliness. And seeing them forsake the fight, he addressed them with a
+smile, 'Going to Vaisravana's abode, how will ye say unto that lord of
+wealth, that numbers have been defeated by a single mortal in battle?'
+Having said this unto them that Rakshasa, taking in his hands clubs and
+javelins and maces, set out and rushed towards the Pandava. And he
+rushed in amain like a maddened elephant. Bhimasena pierced his sides
+with three choice arrows. And the mighty Maniman, on his part, in wrath
+taking and flourishing a tremendous mace hurled it at Bhimasena.
+Thereupon Bhimasena beset with innumerable shafts sharpened on stones,
+hurled that mighty mace in the sky, dreadful, and like unto the
+lightning flash. But on reaching the mace those shafts were baffled; and
+although discharged with force by that adept at hurling the mace, still
+they could not stay its career. Then the mighty Bhima of dreadful
+prowess, baffled his (the Rakshasa's) discharge by resorting to his
+skill in mace-fighting. In the meanwhile, the intelligent Rakshasa had
+discharged a terrible iron club, furnished with a golden shaft. And that
+club, belching forth flames and emitting tremendous roars, all of a
+sudden pierced Bhima's right arm and then fell to the ground. On being
+severely wounded by that club, that bowman, Kunti's son, of immeasurable
+prowess, with eyes rolling in ire, took up his mace. And having taken
+that iron mace, inlaid with golden plates, which caused the fear of foes
+and brought on their defeat, he darted it with speed towards the mighty
+Maniman, menacing (him) and uttering shouts. Then Maniman on his part,
+taking his huge and blazing dart, with great force discharged it at
+Bhima, uttering loud shouts. Thereat breaking the dart with the end of
+his mace, that mighty-armed one skilled in mace-fighting, speedily
+rushed to slay him, as Garuda (rushed) to slay a serpent. Then all of a
+sudden, advancing ahead in the field, that mighty-armed one sprang into
+the sky and brandishing his mace hurled it with shouts. And like unto
+the thunder-bolt hurled by Indra, that mace like a pest, with the speed
+of the wind destroyed the Rakshasa and then fell to the ground. Then all
+the creatures saw that Rakshasa of terrible strength slaughtered by
+Bhima, even like a bull slain by a lion. And the surviving Rakshasas
+seeing him slain on the ground went towards the east, uttering frightful
+sounds of distress."
+
+
+SECTION CLX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing various sounds resounding in the caves of
+the mountain and not seeing Bhimasena, Kunti's son, Ajatasatru and the
+twin sons of Madri and Dhaumya and Krishna and all the Brahmanas and the
+friends (of the Pandavas), were filled with anxiety. Thereupon,
+entrusting Draupadi to the charge of Arshtishena and equipped in their
+arms, those valiant and mighty charioteers together began to ascend the
+summit of the mountain. And having reached the summit, as those
+repressors of foes and mighty bowmen and powerful charioteers they were
+looking about, saw Bhima and those huge Rakshasas of mighty strength and
+courage weltering in a state of unconsciousness having been struck down
+by Bhima. And holding his mace and sword and bow, that mighty-armed one
+looked like Maghavan, after he had slain the Danava hosts. Then on
+seeing their brother, the Pandavas, who had attained excellent state,
+embraced him and sat down there. And with those mighty bowmen, that
+summit looked grand like heaven graced by those foremost of celestials,
+the highly fortunate Lokapalas. And seeing the abode of Kuvera and the
+Rakshasas, lying slain on the ground, the king addressed his brother who
+was seated, saying, 'Either it be through rashness, or through
+ignorance, thou hast, O Bhima, committed a sinful act. O hero, as thou
+art leading the life of an anchorite, this slaughter without cause is
+unlike thee. Acts, it is asserted by those versed in duties, as are
+calculated to displease a monarch, ought not to be committed. But thou
+hast, O Bhimasena, committed a deed which will offend even the gods. He
+that disregarding profit and duty, turneth his thoughts to sin must, O
+Partha, reap the fruit of his sinful actions. However, if thou seekest
+my good, never again commit such a deed.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to his brother, Vrikodara the
+virtuous, the highly energetic and firm-minded son of Kunti,
+Yudhishthira versed in the particulars of (the science of) profit,
+ceased, and began to reflect on that matter.
+
+"On the other hand, the Rakshasas that had survived those slain by Bhima
+fled in a body towards the abode of Kuvera. And they of exceeding
+fleetness having speedily reached Vaisravana's abode, began to utter
+loud cries of distress, being afflicted with the fear of Bhima. And, O
+king bereft of their weapons and exhausted and with their mail besmeared
+with gore and with dishevelled hair they spake unto Kuvera, saying. 'O
+lord, all thy foremost Rakshasas fighting with maces and clubs and
+swords and lances and barbed darts, have been slain. O lord of
+treasures, a mortal, trespassing into the mountain, hath, singlehanded,
+slaughtered all thy Krodhavasa Rakshasas assembled together. And, O lord
+of wealth, there lie the foremost of the Yakshas and Rakshasas senseless
+and dead, having been struck down; and we have been let off through his
+favour. And thy friend, Maniman also hath been slain. All this hath been
+done by a mortal. Do thou what is proper, after this.' Having heard
+this, that lord of all the Yaksha hosts waxing wroth, with eyes reddened
+in anger, exclaimed, 'What!' And hearing of Bhima's second (act of)
+aggression, that lord of treasures, the king of the Yakshas, was filled
+with wrath, and said, 'Yoke' (the horses). Thereat unto a car of the hue
+of dark clouds, and high as a mountain summit, they yoked steeds having
+golden garments. And on being yoked unto the car, those excellent horses
+of his, graced with every noble quality and furnished with the ten
+auspicious curls of hair and having energy and strength, and adorned
+with various gems and looking splendid, as if desirous of speeding like
+the wind, began to neigh at each other the neighing emitted at (the hour
+of) victory. And that divine and effulgent king of the Yakshas set out,
+being eulogised by the celestials and Gandharvas. And a thousand
+foremost Yakshas of reddened eyes and golden lustre and having huge
+bodies, and gifted with great strength, equipped with weapons and
+girding on their swords, followed that high-souled lord of treasures.
+And coursing through the firmament they (the steeds) arrived at the
+Gandhamadana, as if drawing forward the sky with their fleetness. And
+with their down standing erect, the Pandavas saw that large assemblage
+of horses maintained by the lord of wealth and also the highsouled and
+graceful Kuvera himself surrounded by the Yaksha hosts. And seeing those
+mighty charioteers the son of Pandu, possessed of great strength,
+equipped with bows and swords, Kuvera also was delighted; and he was
+pleased at heart, keeping in view the task of the celestials. And like
+unto birds, they, (the Yakshas) gifted with extreme celerity, alighted
+on the summit of the mountain and stood before them (the Pandavas), with
+the lord of treasures at their head. Then, O Bharata, seeing him pleased
+with the Pandavas, the Yakshas and the Gandharvas stood there, free from
+agitation. Then thinking themselves as having transgressed, those
+high-souled and mighty charioteers, the Pandavas, having bowed down unto
+that lord, the giver of wealth stood surrounding the lord of treasures
+with joined hands. And the lord of treasures sat on that excellent seat,
+the elegant Pushpaka, constructed by Viswakarma, painted with diverse
+colours. And thousands of Yakshas and Rakshasas, some having huge frames
+and some ears resembling pegs, and hundreds of Gandharvas and hosts of
+Apsaras sat in the presence of that one seated, even as the celestials
+sit surrounding him of a hundred sacrifices and wearing a beautiful
+golden garland on his head and holding in his hands his noose and sword
+and bow, Bhima stood, gazing at the lord of wealth. And Bhimasena did
+not feel depressed either on having been wounded by the Rakshasas, or
+even in that plight seeing Kuvera arrive.
+
+"And that one going about on the shoulders of men, on seeing Bhima stand
+desirous of fighting with sharpened shafts, said unto Dharma's son, 'O
+Partha, all the creatures know thee as engaged in their good. Do thou,
+therefore, with thy brothers fearlessly dwell on this summit of the
+mountain. And, O Pandava, be thou not angry with Bhima. These Yakshas
+and Rakshasas had already been slain by Destiny: thy brother hath been
+the instrument merely. And it is not necessary to feel shame for the act
+of impudence that hath been committed. This destruction of the Rakshasas
+had been foreseen by the gods. I entertain no anger towards Bhimasena.
+Rather, O foremost of the Bharata race, I am pleased with him;
+nay,--even before coming here, I had been gratified with this deed of
+Bhima.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having spoken thus unto the king, (Kuvera) said unto
+Bhimasena, 'O child, O best of the Kurus, I do not mind this, O Bhima,
+as in order to please Krishna, thou hast, disregarding the gods and me
+also, committed this rash act, namely, the destruction of the Yakshas
+and the Rakshasas, depending on the strength of thy arms, I am
+well-pleased with thee. O Vrikodara, to-day I have been freed from a
+terrible curse. For some offence, that great Rishi, Agastya, had cursed
+me in anger. Thou hast delivered me by this act (of thine). O Pandu's
+son, my disgrace had ere this been fated. No offence, therefore, in any
+way, attaches unto thee, O Pandava.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O divine one, why wast thou cursed by the
+high-souled Agastya? O god, I am curious to hear about the occasion of
+that imprecation. I wonder that at that very moment, thou together with
+thy forces and attendants wast not consumed by the ire of that
+intelligent one.'
+
+"Thereupon the lord of treasures said, 'At Kusasthali, O king, once
+there was held a conclave of the gods. And surrounded by grimvisaged
+Yakshas, numbering three hundred maha-padmas, carrying various weapons,
+I was going to that place. And on the way, I saw that foremost of sages,
+Agastya, engaged in the practice of severe austerities on the bank of
+the Yamuna, abounding in various birds and graced with blossoming trees.
+And, O king, immediately on seeing that mass of energy, flaming and
+brilliant as fire, seated with upraised arms, facing the sun, my friend,
+the graceful lord of the Rakshasas, Maniman, from stupidity,
+foolishness, hauteur and ignorance discharged his excrement on the crown
+of that Maharshi. Thereupon, as if burning all the cardinal points by
+his wrath, he said unto me, "Since, O lord of treasures, in thy very
+presence, disregarding me, this thy friend hath thus affronted me, he,
+together with thy forces, shall meet with destruction at the hands of a
+mortal. And, O wicked-minded one, thou also, being distressed on account
+of thy fallen soldiers, shalt be freed from thy sin, on beholding that
+mortal. But if they follow thy behests, their (the soldier's) powerful
+sons shall not incur by this dreadful curse." This curse I received
+formerly from that foremost of Rishis. Now, O mighty king, have I been
+delivered by thy brother Bhima.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXI
+
+"The lord of treasures said, 'O Yudhishthira, patience, ability,
+(appropriate) time and place and prowess--these five lead to success in
+human affairs. O Bharata, in the Krita Yuga, men were patient and able
+in their respective occupations and they knew how to display prowess.
+And, O foremost of the Kshatriyas, a Kshatriya that is endued with
+patience and understandeth the propriety regarding place and time and is
+versed in all mortal regulations, can alone govern the world for a long
+time,--nay, in all transactions. He that behaveth thus, acquireth, O
+hero, fame in this world and excellent state in the next. And by having
+displayed his prowess at the proper place and time, Sakra with the
+Vasus hath obtained the dominion of heaven. He that from anger cannot
+see his fall and he that being naturally wicked and evilminded followeth
+evil and he that knoweth not the propriety relative to acts, meet with
+destruction both in this world and the next. The exertions of that
+stupid person become fruitless, who is not conversant with the
+expediency regarding time and acts, and he meeteth with destruction both
+in this world and the next. And the object of that wicked and deceitful
+persons is vicious, who, aiming at mastery of every kind, committeth
+some rash act. O best of men, Bhimasena is fearless, and ignorant of
+duties, and haughty, and of the sense of a child, and unforbearing. Do
+thou, therefore, check him. Repairing again to the hermitage of the
+pious sage Arshtishena, do thou reside there during the dark fortnight,
+without fear or anxiety. O lord of men, deputed by me, all the
+Gandharvas residing at Alaka, as also those dwelling in this mountain,
+will, O mighty-armed one, protect thee, and these best of the Brahmanas.
+And, O king, O chief among virtuous men, knowing that Vrikodara hath
+come hither out of rashness, do thou check him. Henceforth, O monarch,
+beings living in the forest will meet you, wait upon you and always
+protect you all. And, ye foremost of men, my servants will always
+procure for you various meats and drinks of delicious flavour. And, O
+son, Yudhishthira, even as by reason of your being the progeny of
+spiritual intercourse, Jishnu is entitled to the protection of Mahendra,
+and Vrikodara, of the Wind-god, and thou, of Dharma, and the twins
+possessed of strength, of the Aswins,--so ye all are entitled to my
+protection. That one next by birth to Bhimasena, Phalguna, versed in the
+science of profit and all mortal regulations, is well in heaven. And, O
+child, those perfections that are recognised in the world as leading to
+heaven, are established in Dhananjaya even from his very birth. And
+self-restraint, and charity, and strength, and intelligence, and
+modesty, and fortitude, and excellent energy--even all these are
+established in that majestic one of magnificent soul. And, O Pandava,
+Jishnu never committed any shameful act through poverty of spirit. And
+in the world, none ever say that Partha hath uttered an untruth. And, O
+Bharata, honoured by the gods, _pitris_, and the Gandharvas, that
+enhancer of the glory of the Kurus is learning the science of weapons in
+Sakra's abode. And, O Partha, in heaven he that with justice had brought
+under his subjection all the rulers of the earth, even that exceedingly
+powerful and highly energetic monarch, the grandsire of thy father,
+Santanu himself, is well-pleased with the behaviour of that wielder of
+the Gandiva--the foremost of his race. And, O king, abiding in Indra's
+regions, he who on the banks of the Yamuna had worshipped the gods, the
+_pitris_, and the Brahmanas, by celebrating seven grand horse
+sacrifices, that great grandsire of thine, the emperor Santanu of severe
+austerities, who hath attained heaven, hath enquired of thy welfare.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of the dispenser of wealth,
+the Pandavas were well-pleased with them. Then lowering his club and
+mace and sword and bow, that foremost of the Bharatas bowed down unto
+_Kuvera_. And that giver of protection, the lord of treasures, seeing
+him prostrate, said, 'Be thou the destroyer of the pride of foes, and
+the enhancer of the delight of friends. And ye oppressors of enemies, do
+ye live in our romantic region. The _Yakshas_ will not cross your
+desires. Gudakesa, after having acquired mastery over weapons, will come
+back soon. Bidden adieu by Maghavat himself, Dhananjaya will join you.'
+
+"Having thus instructed Yudhishthira of excellent deeds, the lord of the
+_Guhyakas_, vanished from that best of mountains. And thousands upon
+thousands of _Yakshas_, and _Rakshasas_ followed him in vehicles spread
+over with checkered cushions, and decorated with various jewels. And as
+the horses proceeded towards the abode of Kuvera, a noise arose as of
+birds flying in the air. And the chargers of the lord of treasures
+speedily coursed through the sky as if drawing forward the firmament,
+and devouring the air.
+
+"Then at the command of the lord of wealth, the dead bodies of the
+_Rakshasas_ were removed from the summit of the mountain. As the
+intelligent Agastya had fixed this period as the limit of (the duration
+of) his curse, so being slain in conflict, the _Rakshasas_ were freed
+from the imprecation. And being honoured by the _Rakshasas_, the
+Pandavas for several nights dwelt pleasantly in those habitations."
+
+
+SECTION CLXII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O represser of foes, at sunrise, having
+finished his daily devotions, _Dhaumya_ came unto the Pandavas, with
+_Arshtishena_. And having bowed down unto the feet of Arshtishena and
+Dhaumya, they with joined hands paid homage unto all the Brahmanas. Then
+Dhaumya taking Yudhishthira's right hand, said these words, looking at
+the east, 'O mighty monarch, this king of mountains, Mandara lieth vast,
+covering the earth up to the ocean. O Pandava, Indra and Vaisravana
+preside over this point graced with woods and forests and mountains.
+And, O child, the intelligent sages versed in every duty, say, that this
+(region) is the abode of Indra and king Vaisravana. And the twice-born
+ones, and the sages versed in the duties, and the _Sidhas_, and the
+_Sadhyas_, and the celestials pay their adorations unto the Sun as he
+riseth from this point. And that lord of all living beings, king _Yama_,
+conversant with duty, presideth over yonder southern region whither come
+the spirits of the departed. And this is _Sanyamana_, the abode of the
+lord of departed spirits, sacred, and wonderful to behold, and crowned
+with prime prosperity. And the intelligent ones call that monarch of
+mountains (by the name of) Asta. Having, O king, arrived at this, the
+Sun ever abideth by the truth. And king _Varuna_ protects all creatures,
+abiding in this king of mountains, and also in the vast deep. And, O
+highly fortunate one, there illumining the northern regions, lieth the
+puissant Mahameru, auspicious and the refuge of those knowing _Brahma_,
+where is the court of _Brahma_, and remaining where that soul of all
+creatures, _Prajapati_, hath created all that is mobile and immobile.
+And the _Mahameru_ is the auspicious and healthy abode even of the seven
+mind-born sons of _Brahma_, of whom _Daksha_ was the seventh. And, O
+child, here it is that the seven celestial _rishis_ with Vasishtha at
+their head rise and set. Behold that excellent and bright summit of the
+Meru, where sitteth the great sire (_Brahma_) with the celestials happy
+in self-knowledge. And next to the abode of _Brahma_ is visible the
+region of him who is said to be the really primal Cause or the origin of
+all creatures, even that prime lord, god Narayana, having neither
+beginning nor end. And, O king, that auspicious place composed of all
+energies even the celestials, cannot behold. And the region of the
+high-souled _Vishnu_, by its native splendour, exceeding in effulgence
+the sun or fire, cannot be beheld by the gods, or the Danavas. And the
+region of Narayana lieth resplendent to the east of the _Meru_, where, O
+child, that lord of all creatures, the self-create primal Cause of the
+universe, having manifested all beings, looketh splendid of his
+excellent grace. O child, not to speak of the _Maharshis_-even
+_Brahmarshis_ have no access to that place. And, O best of the Kurus, it
+is the _Yatis_ only who have access to it. And, O Pandu's son, (at that
+place) luminaries cannot shine by him; there that lord of inconceivable
+soul alone shineth transcendental. There by reverence, and severe
+austerities, Yatis inspired by virtue of pious practices, attain
+Narayana Hari. And, O Bharata, repairing thither, and attaining that
+universal Soul--the self-create and eternal God of gods, high-souled
+ones, of _Yoga_ success, and free from ignorance and pride have not to
+return to this world. O highly fortunate Yudhishthira, this region is
+without beginning, or deterioration, or end for it is the very essence
+of that God. And, O son of the Kurus, the Sun and the Moon every day go
+round this Meru, coursing in an opposite direction. And, O sinless one,
+O mighty monarch, the other luminaries also go round this king of
+mountains in the self-same way. Thus the worshipful Sun who dispelleth
+darkness, goeth round this (mountain) obscuring other luminaries. Then
+having set, and passed the evening, that Maker of day, the Sun, taketh a
+northerly course. Then again nearing the _Meru_, the divine Sun (ever)
+intent on the good of all beings, again courseth, facing the east. And
+in this way, the divine Moon also together with the stars goeth round
+this mountain, dividing the month unto several sections, by his arrival
+at the Parvas. Having thus unerringly coursed round the mighty _Meru_,
+and, nourished all creatures, the Moon again repaireth unto the
+_Mandar_. In the same way, that destroyer of darkness--the divine
+Sun--also moveth on this unobstructed path, animating the universe.
+When, desirous of causing dew, he repaireth to the south, then there
+ensueth winter to all creatures. Then the Sun, turning back from the
+south, by his rays draweth up the energy from all creatures both mobile
+and immobile. Thereupon, men become subject to perspiration, fatigue,
+drowsiness and lassitude; and living beings always feel disposed to
+slumber. Thence, returning through unknown regions, that divine
+effulgent one causeth shower, and thereby reviveth beings. And having,
+by the comfort caused by the shower, wind, and warmth, cherished the
+mobile and the immobile, the powerful Sun resumeth his former course. O
+Partha, ranging thus, the Sun unerringly turneth on the wheel of Time,
+influencing created things. His course is unceasing; he never resteth, O
+Pandava. Withdrawing the energy of all beings, he again rendereth it
+back. O Bharata, dividing time into day and night, and Kala, and
+Kashiba, that lord, the Sun, dealeth life and motion to all created
+things.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in that best of mountains those
+high-souled ones observing excellent vows, felt themselves attracted (to
+that place), and diverted themselves, eager to behold Arjuna. And
+multitudes of _Gandharvas_ and _Maharshis_ gladly visited those
+energetic ones, possessing prowess, of chaste desires and being the
+foremost of those endued with truth and fortitude. And having arrived at
+that excellent mountain furnished with trees bearing blossoms, those
+mighty charioteers were exceedingly delighted, even as the _Marutas_, on
+arriving at the celestial regions. And experiencing great exhilaration,
+they lived (there), seeing the slopes and summits of that mighty
+mountain, filled with flowers, and resonant with the cries of peacocks
+and cranes. And on that beautiful mountain they beheld lakes filled with
+lotuses, and having their shores covered with trees, and frequented by
+darkness, and _karandavas_ and swans. And the flourishing
+sporting-regions, graceful on account of the various flowers, and
+abounding in gems, was capable of captivating that king, the dispenser
+of wealth (_Kuvera_). And always ranging (there), those foremost of
+ascetics (the Pandavas) were incapable of conceiving (the significance
+of) that Summit, furnished with mighty trees, and masses of
+wide-spreading clouds. And, O great hero, owing to its native splendour,
+and also on account of the brilliance of the annual plants, there was no
+difference there between night and day. And staying in the mountain,
+remaining in which the Sun of unrivalled energy cherisheth the mobile
+and immobile things, those heroes and foremost of men beheld the rising
+and the setting of the Sun. And having seen the rising and the setting
+points of the Sun and the rising and the setting mountain, and all the
+cardinal points, as well as the intervening spaces ever blazing with the
+rays of the Dispeller of darkness, those heroes, in expectation of the
+arrival of that mighty charioteer firm in truth, became engaged in
+reciting the _Vedas_, practising the daily rituals, chiefly discharging
+the religious duties, exercising sacred vows, and abiding by the truth.
+And saying, 'Let us even here experience delight by joining without
+delay Arjuna accomplished in arms,' those highly blessed Parthas became
+engaged in the practice of _Yoga_. And beholding romantic woods on that
+mountain, as they always thought of _Kiriti_, every day and night
+appeared unto them even as a year. From that very moment joy had taken
+leave of them when, with Dhaumya's permission, the high-souled _Jishnu_,
+matting his hair, departed (for the woods). So, how could they, absorbed
+in his contemplation, experience happiness there? They had become
+overwhelmed with grief ever since the moment when at the command of his
+brother, Yudhishthira, _Jishnu_ of the tread of a mad elephant had
+departed from the _Kamyaka_ forest. O Bharata, in this way, on that
+mountain those descendants of Bharata passed a month with difficulty,
+thinking of him of the white steeds, who had gone to _Vasava's_ abode
+for learning arms. And Arjuna, having dwelt for five years in the abode
+of him of a thousand eyes, and having from that lord of celestials
+obtained all the celestial weapons,--such as those of _Agni_, of
+_Varuna_, of _Soma_, of _Vayu_, of _Vishnu_, of _Indra_, of _Pasupati_,
+of _Brahma_, of _Parameshthi_, of _Prajapati_, of _Yama_, of _Dhata_, of
+_Savita_, of _Tvashta_, and of _Vaisravana_; and having bowed down to
+and gone round him of a hundred sacrifices, and taken his (Indra's)
+permission, cheerfully came to the Gandhamadana."
+
+
+SECTION CLXIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "And it came to pass that one day as those
+mighty charioteers were thinking of Arjuna, seeing Mahendra's car, yoked
+with horses of the effulgence of lightning, arrive all on a sudden, they
+were delighted. And driven by Matali, that blazing car, suddenly
+illuminating the sky, looked like smokeless flaming tongues of fire, or
+a mighty meteor embosomed in clouds. And seated in that car appeared
+_Kiriti_ wearing garlands and new-made ornaments. Then Dhananjaya
+possessing the prowess of the wielder of the thunder-bolt, alighted on
+that mountain, blazing in beauty. And that intelligent one decked in a
+diadem and garlands, having alighted on the mountain, first bowed down
+at the feet of _Dhaumya_, and then at those of _Ajatasatru_. And he also
+paid homage unto Vrikodara's feet; and the twins also bowed down unto
+him. Then going to Krishna, and having cheered her, he stood before his
+(elder) brother in humble guise. And on meeting with that matchless one,
+they were exceedingly delighted. And he also meeting with them rejoiced
+exceedingly, and began to eulogise the king. And seeing before them that
+car driving in which the slayer of Namuchi had annihilated seven
+phalanxes of _Diti's_ offspring, the magnanimous Parthas went round it.
+And being highly pleased, they offered excellent worship unto Matali, as
+unto the lord of the celestials himself. And then the son of the Kuru
+king duly enquired of him after the health of all the gods. And Matali
+also greeted them. And having instructed the Parthas even as a father
+doth his sons, he ascended that incomparable car, and returned to the
+lord of the celestials.
+
+"And when Matali had gone away, that foremost of the royal race, Sakra's
+son, the high-souled destroyer of all foes made over unto his love, the
+mother of _Sutasoma_, beautiful precious gems and ornaments having the
+splendour of the sun, which had been presented to him by Sakra. Then,
+sitting in the midst of those foremost of the Kurus, and those best of
+the _Brahmanas_, effulgent like unto fire or the sun, he began to relate
+all as it had happened, saying, 'In this way, I have learnt weapons from
+_Sakra_, _Vayu_, and the manifest _Siva_; and all the celestials with
+Indra also have been pleased with me, on account of my good behaviour,
+and concentration.'
+
+"After having briefly narrated unto them his sojourn in heaven, _Kiriti_
+of spotless deeds agreeably slept that night with the two sons of
+Madri."
+
+
+SECTION CLXV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then when the night had been spent, Dhananjaya,
+together with his brothers, paid homage unto Yudhishthira the just. And,
+O Bharata, at this moment, proceeding from the celestials there arose
+mighty and tremendous sounds of a musical instrument, and the rattling
+of car-wheels, and the tolling of bells. And there at all the beasts and
+beasts of prey and birds emitted separate cries. And from all sides in
+cars resplendent as the sun, hosts of _Gandharvas_ and _Apsaras_ began
+to follow that represser of foes, the lord of the celestials. And
+ascending a car yoked with steeds, decorated with burnished gold, and
+roaring like clouds, that king of the celestials, _Purandara_ blazing in
+beauty came unto the Parthas. And having arrived (at that place), he of
+a thousand eyes descended from his car. And as soon as Yudhishthira the
+just saw that high-souled one, he together with his brothers, approached
+that graceful king of the immortals. And in accordance with the
+ordinance that generous one duly worshipped him of immeasurable soul, in
+consequence with his dignity. And then Dhananjaya possessed of prowess,
+having bowed down unto _Purandara_, stood before the lord of the
+celestials in humble guise, like unto a servant. And seeing the sinless
+Dhananjaya having ascetic merit, bearing clotted hair, stand in humility
+before the lord of celestials, Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, of great
+energy, smelt (the crown) of his head. And beholding _Phalguna_ (in that
+attitude), he was exceedingly glad; and by worshipping the king of the
+celestials, he experienced the highest bliss. Then unto that
+strongminded monarch, swimming in felicity, the intelligent lord of the
+celestials, Purandara, spake, saying, 'Thou shalt rule the earth, O
+Pandava. Blessed be thou! Do thou, O Kunti's son, again repair unto
+Kamyaka.'
+
+"That learned man who for a year leading the _Brahmacharya_ mode of
+life, subduing his senses and observing vows, peruseth with rapt
+attention this meeting of _Sakra_ with the Pandavas, liveth a hundred
+years free from disturbances, and enjoying happiness."
+
+
+SECTION CLXVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When _Sakra_ had gone to his proper place,
+_Vibhatsu_ together with his brothers and Krishna, paid homage unto the
+son of Dharma. Then smelling the crown of the head of that Pandava, who
+was thus paying homage, (Yudhishthira) in accents faltering on account
+of joy, addressed Arjuna, saying, 'O Arjuna, how didst thou pass this
+period in heaven? And how has thou obtained the weapons, and how also
+hast thou gratified the lord of the celestials? And, O Pandava, has thou
+adequately secured the weapons? Have the lord of the celestials and
+_Rudra_ gladly granted thee the weapons? And how hast thou beheld the
+divine _Sakra_, and the wielder of _Pinaka_? And how has thou obtained
+the weapons? And in what manner didst thou worship (them)? And what
+service hadst thou done unto that repressor of foes, the worshipful one
+of a hundred sacrifices, that he said unto thee, "By thee have I been
+gratified?" All this, O highly effulgent one, I wish to hear in detail.
+And, O sinless one, the manner in which thou didst please Mahadeva and
+the king of the celestials and, O repressor of foes, the service thou
+hadst done to the wielder of the thunder-bolt,--do thou, O Dhananjaya,
+relate all this in detail.'
+
+"Arjuna said, 'O mighty monarch, listen how I duly beheld him of a
+hundred sacrifice and the divine _Sankara_ also. O grinder of foes, O
+king, having acquired that science which thou hadst directed me (to
+learn), I at thy command went to the forest, for practising penances.
+From _Kamyaka_ repairing to the _Bhrigutunga_, I spent there one night,
+being engaged in austerities. And it came to pass that on the next I saw
+a certain _Brahmana_. And he asked me, saying, "O son of Kunti, whither
+wilt thou go?" Thereupon, O descendant of the Kurus, I truly related
+unto him everything. And, O best of kings, having heard the true
+account, the _Brahmana_ became well-pleased with me, and, O king,
+praised me. Then the _Brahmana_, pleased with me, said, "O Bharata, be
+thou engaged in austerities. By performing penances, thou wilt in a
+short time behold the lord of the celestials." And according to his
+advice I ascended the _Himavan_, and, O mighty king, began to practise
+penances, (the first) month subsisting on fruit and roots. I spent the
+second month, subsisting on water. And, O Pandava, in the third month I
+totally abstained from food. And in the fourth month I remained with
+upraised arms. And a wonder it is that I did not lose any strength. And
+it came to pass that when the first day of the fifth month had been
+spent, there appeared before me a being wearing the form of a boar,
+turning up the earth with his mouth, stamping the ground with his feet,
+rubbing the earth with his breast, and momentarily going about in a
+frightful manner. And him followed a great being in the guise of a
+hunter furnished with the bow, arrows, and the sword, and surrounded by
+females. Thereupon, taking my bow and the two inexhaustible quivers, I
+pierced with shafts that terrible and frightful creature. And
+simultaneously (with me) that hunter also drawing a strong bow, more
+severely struck at (the animal), as if shaking my mind. And, O king, he
+also said unto me, "Why hast thou, transgressing the rules of hunting,
+hit the animal first hit at by me? With these sharpened shafts will I
+destroy thy pride. Stay!" Then that mighty-bodied one holding the bow
+rushed at me. And with volleys of mighty shafts, he covered me entirely,
+even as a cloud covereth a mountain with showers. Then, on my part, I
+covered him with a mighty discharge of arrows. Thereupon, with steady
+arrows having their points aflame, and inspired with _mantras_, I
+pierced him even as (Indra) riveth a mountain with a thunderbolt. Then
+his person began to be multiplied a hundredfold and a thousandfold. At
+this, I pierced all his bodies with shafts. Then again all those forms
+became one, O Bharata. Thereat I struck at it. Next, he now assumed a
+small body with a huge head, and now a huge body with a small head. And,
+O king, he then assumed his former person and approached me for fight.
+And, O foremost of the Bharata race, when in the encounter I failed to
+overwhelm him with arrows, I fixed the mighty weapon of the Wind-god.
+But I failed to discharge it at him, and this was a wonder. And when
+that weapon thus failed of effect, I was struck with amazement. However,
+O king, exerting myself more vigorously, I again covered that being with
+a mighty multitude of shafts. Then taking _Sthuna-karna_, and _Varuna_
+and _Salava_, and _Asmavarsha_ weapons, I assailed him, profusely
+showering shafts. But, O king, he instantly swallowed up even all these
+weapons of mine. And when all those (weapons) had been swallowed up, I
+discharged the weapon presided over by Brahma. And when the blazing
+arrows issuing from that weapon were heaped upon him all around, and
+being thus heaped over by that mighty weapon discharged by me, he
+increased (in bulk). Then all the world became oppressed with the energy
+begotten of the weapon hurled by me, and the firmament and all the
+points of the sky became illumined. But that one of mighty energy
+instantly baffled even that weapon. And, O monarch, when that weapon
+presided over by _Brahma_ had been baffled I was possessed with terrible
+fear. Thereupon immediately holding even my bow and the two
+inexhaustible quivers, I shot at that being, but he swallowed up all
+those weapons. And when all the weapons had been baffled and swallowed
+up, there ensued a wrestling between him and myself. And we encountered
+each other first with blows and then with slaps. But incapable of
+overcoming that being, I fell down stupefied on the ground. Thereupon, O
+mighty king, with a laugh, that wonderful being at my sight vanished at
+that spot together with the women. Having accomplished this, O
+illustrious monarch, that divine one assumed another and unearthly form
+(clad in) wonderful raiment. And renouncing the form of a hunter, that
+divine lord of the gods, resumed his own unearthly appearance and that
+mighty god stood (there). Then appeared before me with _Uma_ that
+manifest divine one, having the bull for his mark, wielding the
+_Pinaka_, bearing serpents and capable of assuming many forms. And, O
+repressor of foes, advancing towards me, standing even then in the field
+ready for conflict, that wielder of the trident addressed me saying, "I
+am well-pleased with thee." Then that divine one held up my bows and the
+couple of quivers furnished with inexhaustible shafts and returned them
+unto me saying, "Do thou ask some boon, O Kunti's son. I am well-pleased
+with thee. Tell me, what I shall do for thee. And, O hero, express the
+desire that dwelleth in thy heart. I will grant it. Except immortality
+alone, tell me as to the desire that is in thy heart." Thereat with my
+mind intent on the acquisition of arms, I only bowed down unto Siva and
+said, "O divine one, if thou beest favourably disposed towards me, then
+I wish to have this boon,--I wish to learn all the weapons that are with
+thy god-head." Then the god _Tryamvaka_ said unto me, "I will give. O
+Pandava, my own weapon _Raudra_ shall attend upon thee." Thereupon
+_Mahadeva_, well-pleased, granted to me the mighty weapon, _Pasupata_.
+And, having granted that eternal weapon, he also said unto me, "This
+must never be hurled at mortals. If discharged at any person of small
+energy, it would consume the universe. Shouldst thou (at any time) be
+hard pressed, thou mayst discharge it. And when all thy weapons have
+been completely baffled, thou mayst hurl it." Then when he having the
+bull for his mark, had been thus gratified, there stood manifest by my
+side that celestial weapon, of resistless force capable of baffling all
+weapons and destructive of foes and the hewer of hostile forces and
+unrivalled and difficult to be borne even by the celestials, the demons
+and the _Rakshasas_. Then at the command of that god, I sat me down
+there. And in my very sight the god vanished from the spot.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXVII
+
+"Arjuna said, 'O Bharata, by the grace of that god of gods the Supreme
+Soul, _Tryamvaka_, I passed the night at that place. And having passed
+the night, when I had finished the morning rituals, I saw that foremost
+of the _Brahmanas_ whom I had seen before. And unto him I told all as it
+had happened, O Bharata, namely, that I had met the divine _Mahadeva_.
+Thereupon, O king of kings, well-pleased, he said unto me, "Since thou
+hast beheld the great god, incapable of being beheld by any one else,
+soon wilt thou mix with _Vaivaswata_ and the other _Lokapalas_ and the
+lord of the celestials; and Indra too will grant thee weapons." O king,
+having said this unto me and having embraced me again and again, that
+_Brahmana_ resembling the Sun, went away whither he listed. And, O
+slayer of foes, it came to pass that on the evening of that day
+refreshing the whole world, there began to blow a pure breeze. And in my
+vicinity on the base of the _Himalaya_ mountain fresh, fragrant and fair
+flowers began to bloom. And on all sides there were heard charming
+symphony and captivating hymns relating to Indra. And before the lord of
+the celestial hosts of _Apsaras_ and _Gandharvas_ chanted various songs.
+And ascending celestial cars, there approached the _Marutas_ and the
+followers of _Mahendra_ and the dwellers of heaven. And afterwards,
+Marutvan together with _Sachi_ and all the celestials appeared on the
+scene in cars yoked with horses elegantly adorned. And at this very
+moment, O king, he that goeth about on the shoulders of men manifested
+himself unto me in excellent grace. And I saw _Yama_ seated on the south
+and _Varuna_ and the lord of the celestials at their respective regions.
+And, O foremost of men, O mighty monarch, they after having cheered me
+said, "O Savyasachin, behold us--the Lokapalas--seated. For the
+performance of the task of the gods thou hast obtained the sight of
+_Sankara_. Do thou now receive weapons from us seated around."
+Thereupon, O lord, having bowed down unto those foremost of the
+celestials with regard, I duly accepted those mighty weapons. And then
+they recognised me as one of their own. Afterwards the gods repaired to
+the quarter from whence they had come. And that lord of the celestials,
+the divine Maghavan too having ascended his glorious chariot, said, "O
+_Phalguna_, thou shalt have to repair unto the celestial region. O
+Dhananjaya, even before this thy arrival I knew that thou wouldst come
+hither. Then I have, O best of the Bharatas, manifested myself unto
+thee. As formerly thou hadst performed thy ablution in the various
+_tirthas_ and now hast performed severe austerities, so thou wilt be
+able to repair unto the celestial regions, O Pandava. Thou wilt,
+however, again have to practise extreme penance, for thou shouldst at
+any rate journey to heaven. And at my command, Matali shall take thee to
+the celestial regions. Thou hast already been recognised by the
+celestials and the celestial sages of high soul." Thereupon I said unto
+Sakra, "O divine one, be thou favourable unto me. With the view of
+learning arms do I beseech thee that thou mayst be my preceptor." At
+this Indra said, "O child, having learnt weapons thou wouldst perform
+terrible deeds and with this object thou desirest to obtain the weapons.
+However, obtain thou the arms, as thou desirest." Then I said, "O slayer
+of foes, I never would discharge these celestial weapons at mortals
+except when all my other arms should have been baffled. Do thou, O lord
+of the celestials, grant me the celestial weapons (so that) I may
+hereafter obtain the regions attainable by warriors." Indra said, "O
+Dhananjaya it is to try thee that I have said such words unto thee.
+Having been begotten of me this speech of thine well becometh thee. Do
+thou, O Bharata, repairing unto my abode learn all the weapons of
+_Vayu_, of _Agni_, of the _Vasus_, of _Varuna_, of the _Marutas_, of the
+_Siddhas_, of Brahma, of the Gandharvas, of the Uragas, of the
+Rakshasas, of Vishnu and of the _Nairitas_; and also all the weapons
+that are with me, O perpetuator of the Kuru race." Having said this unto
+me _Sakra_ vanished at the very spot. Then, O king, I saw the wonderful
+and sacred celestial car yoked with steeds arrive conducted by Matali.
+And when the Lokapalas went away Matali said unto me, "O thou of mighty
+splendour, the lord of the celestials is desirous of seeing thee. And O
+mighty-armed one, do thou acquire competence and then perform thy task.
+Come and behold the regions, attainable by merit and come unto heaven
+even in this frame. O Bharata, the thousand-eyed lord of the celestials
+wisheth to see thee." Thus addressed by Matali, I, taking leave of the
+mountain Himalaya and having gone round it ascended that excellent car.
+And then the exceedingly generous Matali, versed in equine lore, drove
+the steeds, gifted with the speed of thought or the wind. And when the
+chariot began to move that charioteer looking at my face as I was seated
+steadily, wondered and said these words, "Today this appeareth unto me
+strange and unprecedented that being seated in this celestial car, thou
+hast not been jerked ever so little. O foremost of Bharata race, I have
+ever remarked that at the first pull by the steeds even the lord of the
+celestials himself getteth jerked. But all the while that the car had
+moved, thou hast been sitting unshaken. This appeareth unto me as
+transcending even the power of _Sakra_."
+
+"'Having said this, O Bharata, Matali soared in the sky and showed me
+the abodes of the celestials and their palaces. Then the chariot yoked
+with steeds coursed upwards. And the celestials and the sages began to
+worship (that car), O prince of men. And I saw the regions, moving
+anywhere at will, and the splendour also of the highly energetic
+_Gandharvas, Apsaras_, and the celestial sages. And _Sakra's_
+charioteer, Matali, at once showed me _Nandana_ and other gardens and
+groves belonging to the celestials. Next I beheld Indra's abode,
+_Amaravati_, adorned with jewels and trees yielding any sort of fruit
+that is desired. There the Sun doth not shed heat; nor doth heat or cold
+or fatigue there affect (one), O king. And, O great monarch, the
+celestials feel neither sorrow nor poverty of spirit, nor weakness, nor
+lassitude, O grinder of foes. And, O ruler of men, the celestials and
+the others have neither anger nor covetousness. And, O king, in the
+abodes of the celestials, the beings are ever contented. And there the
+trees ever bear verdant foliage, and fruits, and flowers; and the
+various lakes are embalmed with the fragrance of lotuses. And there the
+breeze is cool, and delicious, and fragrant, and pure, and inspiring.
+And the ground is variegated with all kinds of gems, and adorned with
+blossoms. And there were seen innumerable beautiful beasts and in the
+air innumerable rangers of the sky. Then I saw the _Vasus_, and the
+_Rudras_, and the _Sadhyas_ with the _Marutas_, and the _Adityas_, and
+the two _Aswins_ and worshipped them. And they conferred their benison
+on me, granting me strength and prowess, and energy, and celebrity, and
+(skill in) arms, and victory in battle. Then, entering that romantic
+city adored by the _Gandharvas_ and the celestials, with joined hands, I
+stood before the thousand-eyed lord of the celestials. Thereupon, that
+best of bestowers gladly offered unto me half of his seat; and _Vasava_
+also with regard touched my person. And, O Bharata, with the view of
+acquiring arms and learning weapons, I began to dwell in heaven,
+together with the gods and the _Gandharvas_ of generous souls. And
+_Viswavana's_ son, _Chitrasena_ became my friend. And he, O king,
+imparted unto me the entire _Gandharva_ (science). And, O monarch, I
+happily lived in _Sakra's_ abode, well cared for having all my desires
+gratified, learning weapons, listening to the notes of songs, and the
+clear sounds of musical instruments, and beholding the foremost of
+_Apsaras_ dance. And without neglecting to study the arts, which I
+learnt properly, my attention was specially fixed on the acquisition of
+arms. And that lord of a thousand eyes was pleased with that purpose of
+mine. Living thus in heaven, O king, I passed this period.
+
+"'And when I had acquired proficiency in weapons, and gained his
+confidence that one having for his vehicle the horse (_Uchchaisrava_),
+(Indra), patting me on the head with his hand, said these words, "Now
+even the celestials themselves cannot conquer thee,--what shall I say of
+imperfect mortals residing on earth? Thou hast become invulnerable in
+strength, irrepressible, and incomparable in fight." Then with the hair
+of his body standing on end, he again accosted me saying, "O hero, in
+fighting with weapons none is equal unto thee. And, O perpetuator of the
+Kuru race, thou art even watchful, and dexterous, and truthful, and of
+subdued senses, and the protector of the _Brahmanas_ and adept in
+weapons, and warlike. And, O Partha, together with (a knowledge of) the
+five modes, using (them), thou hast obtained five and ten weapons and,
+therefore, there existeth none, who is thy peer. And thou hast perfectly
+learnt the discharge (of those weapons) and (their) withdrawal, and
+(their) re-discharge and re-withdrawal, and the _Prayaschitta_ connected
+(with them), and also their revival, in case of their being baffled.
+Now, O represser of foes, the time hath arrived for thy paying the
+preceptor's fee. Do thou promise to pay the fee; then I shall unfold
+unto thee what thou wilt have to perform." Thereat, O king, I said unto
+the ruler of the celestials, "If it be in my power to do the work, do
+thou consider it as already accomplished by me." O king, when I had said
+these words, Indra with a smile said unto me "Nothing is there in the
+three worlds that is not in thy power (to achieve). My enemies, those
+_Danavas_, named _Nivata-Kavachas_, dwell in the womb of the ocean. And
+they number thirty million and are notorious, and all of equal forms and
+strength and splendour. Do thou slay them there, O Kunti's son; and that
+will be thy preceptor's fee."
+
+"'Saying this he gave unto me the highly resplendent celestial car,
+conducted by Matali, furnished with hair resembling the down of
+peacocks. And on my head he set this excellent diadem. And he gave me
+ornaments for my body, like unto his own. And he granted unto me the
+impenetrable mail--the best of its kind, and easy to the touch; and
+fastened unto the _Gandiva_ this durable string. Then I set out,
+ascending that splendid chariot riding on which in days of yore, the
+lord of the celestials and vanquished _Vali_--that son of _Virochana_.
+And, O ruler of men, startled by the rattling of the car, all the
+celestials, approached (there), taking me to be the king of the
+celestials. And seeing me, they asked, "O Phalguna, what art thou going
+to do?" And I told them as it had fallen out,--and said, "I shall even
+do this in battle. Ye that are highly fortunate, know that I have set
+out desirous of slaying the _Nivata-Kavachas_. O sinless ones, do ye
+bless me." Thereupon, they began to eulogise me even as they (eulogise)
+the god, _Purandara_. And they said, "Riding on this car, _Maghavan_
+conquered in battle _Samvara_, and _Namuchi_, and _Vala_, and _Vritra_,
+and _Prahrada_, and _Naraka_. And mounted on this car also Maghavan, had
+conquered in battle many thousands and millions and hundreds of millions
+of _Daityas_. And, O _Kaunteya_, thou also, riding on this car, by thy
+prowess shalt conquer the _Nivata-Kavachas_ in conflict, even as did the
+self-possessed Maghavan in days of yore. And here is the best of shells;
+by this also thou shalt defeat the _Danavas_. And by this it is that the
+high souled _Sakra_ conquered the words." Saying this, the gods offered
+(unto me) this shell, _Devadatta_, sprung in the deep; and I accepted it
+for the sake of victory. And at this moment, the gods fell extolling me.
+And in order to be engaged in action, I proceeded to the dreadful abode
+of the _Danavas_, furnished with the shell, the mail, and arrows, and
+taking my bow.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXVIII
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then at places eulogised by the _Maharshis_, I
+(proceeded, and at length) beheld the ocean--that inexhaustible lord of
+waters. And like unto flowing cliffs were seen on it heaving billows,
+now meeting together and now rolling away. And there (were seen) all
+around barks by thousands filled with gems. And there were seen
+_timingilas_ and tortoises and _makaras_ like unto rock submerged in
+water. And on all sides round thousands of shells sunk in water appeared
+like stars in the night covered by light clouds. And thousands upon
+thousands of gems were floating in heaps and a violent wind was blowing
+about in whirls--and this was wonderful to behold. And having beheld
+that excellent lord of all waters with powerful tides, I saw at a short
+distance the city of the demons filled with the _Danavas_. And even
+there, entering underneath the earth, Matali skilled in guiding the car,
+sitting fast on the chariot drove it with force; and he dashed on,
+frightening that city with the rattling of his chariot. And hearing that
+rattling of the chariot like unto the rumbling of the clouds in the sky,
+the _Danavas_, thinking me to be the lord of the celestials, became
+agitated. And thereupon they all, frightened at heart, stood holding in
+their hands bows and arrows and swords and javelins and axes and maces
+and clubs. Then having made arrangements for the defence of the city,
+the _Danavas_, with minds alarmed, shut the gates, so that nothing could
+be discovered. Thereupon taking my shell, _Devadatta_, of tremendous
+roars, I again and again winded it with exceeding cheerfulness. And
+filling all the firmament, those sounds produced echoes. Thereat mighty
+beings were terrified and they hid (themselves). And then, O Bharata,
+all of them adorned with ornaments, those offsprings of _Diti_--the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_--made their appearance by thousands, donning diverse
+mail and taking in their hands various weapons and equipped with mighty
+iron javelins and maces and clubs and hatchets and sabres and discs and
+_sataghnis_ and _bhusundis_ and variegated and ornamented swords. Then,
+after deliberating much as to the course of the car, Matali began to
+guide the steeds on a (piece of) level ground, O foremost of the
+Bharatas. And owing to the swiftness of those fleet coursers conducted
+by him, I could see nothing--and this was strange. Then the _Danavas_
+there began to sound thousands of musical instruments, dissonant and of
+odd shapes. And at those sounds, fishes by hundreds and by thousands,
+like unto hills, having their senses bewildered by that noise, fled
+suddenly. And mighty force flew at me, the demons discharging sharpened
+shafts by hundreds and by thousands. And then, O Bharata, there ensued a
+dreadful conflict between me and the demons, calculated to extinguish
+the _Nivata Kavachas_. And there came to the mighty battle the
+_Devarshis_ and the _Danavarshis_ and the _Brahmarshis_ and the
+_Siddhas_. And desirous of victory, the _Munis eulogised_ me with the
+same sweet-speeches that (they had eulogised) Indra with, at the war,
+(which took place) for the sake of _Tara_.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXIX
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then, O Bharata, vehemently rushed at me in battle
+in a body the _Nivata-Kavachas_, equipped with arms. And obstructing the
+course of the car, and shouting loudly, those mighty charioteers,
+hemming me in on all sides, covered me with showers of shafts. Then
+other demons of mighty prowess, with darts and hatchets in their hands,
+began to throw at me spears and axes. And that mighty discharge of
+darts, with numerous maces and clubs incessantly hurled fell upon my
+car. And other dreadful and grim-visaged smiters among the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_, furnished with bows and sharpened weapons, ran at me
+in fight. And in the conflict, shooting from the _Gandiva_ sundry swift
+arrows coursing straight, I pierced each of them with ten. And they were
+driven back by those stone-whetted shafts of mine. Then on my steeds
+being swiftly driven by Matali, they began to display various movements
+with the speed of the wind. And being skilfully guided by Matali, they
+began to trample upon the sons of _Diti_. And although the steeds yoked
+unto that mighty chariot numbered hundreds upon hundreds, yet being
+deftly conducted by Matali, they began to move, as if they were only a
+few. And by their tread, and by the rattling of the chariot wheels and
+by the volleys of my shafts, the _Danavas_ began to fall by hundreds.
+And others accoutred in bows, being deprived of life, and having their
+charioteers slain, were carried about by the horses. Then, covering all
+sides and directions, all (the _Danavas_) skilled in striking entered
+into the contest with various weapons, and thereat my mind became
+afflicted. And I witnessed (this instance of) the marvellous prowess of
+Matali, viz., that he guided those fiery steeds with ease. Then, O king,
+in the conflict, with diverse fleet weapons I pierced by hundreds and by
+thousands (demons) bearing arms. And, O slayer of foes, seeing me thus
+range the field putting forth every exertion, the heroic charioteer of
+_Sakra_ was well-pleased. And oppressed by those steeds and that car,
+some (of them) met with annihilation; and others desisted from fight;
+while (other) _Nivata-Kavachas_, challenged by us in battle and being
+harassed with shafts offered opposition unto me, by (discharging) mighty
+showers of arrows. Thereupon, with hundreds and thousands of sundry
+fleet weapons inspired with the _mantras_ relating to _Brahma's_
+weapons, I swiftly began to burn them. And being sore pressed by me,
+those mighty _asuras_ waxing wroth afflicted me together, by pouring
+torrents of clubs and darts and swords. Then, O Bharata, I took up that
+favourite weapon of the lord of the celestials, Maghavan by name, prime
+and of fiery energy and by the energy of that weapon I cut into a
+thousand pieces the _Tomaras_, together with the swords and the tridents
+hurled by them. And having cut off their arms I in ire pierced them each
+with ten shafts. And in the field arrows were shot from the _Gandiva_
+like unto rows of black-bees; and this Matali admired. And their shafts
+also showered upon me; but those powerful (arrows) I cut off with my
+shafts. Then on being struck the _Nivata-Kavachas_ again covered me on
+all sides with a mighty shower of arrows. And having neutralised the
+force of the arrows by excellent swift and flaming weapons capable of
+baffling arms, I pierced them by thousands. And blood began to flow from
+their torn frames, even as in the rainy season waters run down from the
+summits of mountains. And on being wounded by my fleet and
+straight-coursing shafts of the touch of Indra's thunder-bolt, they
+became greatly agitated. And their bodies were pierced at hundreds of
+places; and the force of their arms diminished. Then the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_ fought me by (the help of) illusion.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXX
+
+"Arjuna said, 'Then with rocks of the proportions of trees, there
+commenced a mighty shower of crags; and this exercised me exceedingly.
+And in that high encounter, I crushed (those crags) by swift-speeding
+showers of arrows, issuing from Mahendra's weapon, like unto the
+thunder-bolt itself. And when the rocks had been reduced to powder,
+there was generated fire; and the rocky dust fell like unto masses of
+flames. And when the showers of crags had been repelled, there happened
+near me a mightier shower of water, having currents of the proportions
+of an axle. And falling from the welkin, those thousands of powerful
+torrents covered the entire firmament and the directions and the
+cardinal points. And on account of the pouring of the shower, and of the
+blowing of the wind, and of roaring of the _Daityas_, nothing could be
+perceived. And touching heaven and the entire earth, and incessantly
+falling on the ground, the showers bewildered me. Thereupon, I
+discharged that celestial weapon which I had learnt from Indra--even the
+dreadful and flaming _Visoshana_: and by that the water was dried up.
+And, O Bharata, when the rocky shower had been destroyed, and the watery
+shower had been dried up, the _Danavas_ began to spread illusions of
+fire and wind. Then by aqueous appliances I extinguished the flames; and
+by a mighty rock-issuing arm, resisted the fury of the winds. And when
+these had been repelled, the _Danavas_, irrepressible in battle, O
+Bharata, simultaneously created various illusions. And there happened a
+tremendous horrifying shower of rocks and dreadful weapons of fire and
+wind. And that illusory downpour afflicted me in fight. And then on all
+sides there appeared a dense and thick darkness. And when the world had
+been enveloped in deep and dense darkness, the steeds turned away,
+Matali fell off, and from his hand the golden lash fell to the earth.
+And, O foremost of the Bharatas, being frightened, he again and again
+cried, "Where art thou?" And when he had been stupefied, a terrible fear
+possessed me. And then in a hurry, he spake unto me, saying, "O Partha,
+for the sake of nectar, there had taken place a mighty conflict between
+the gods and the demons. I had seen that (encounter), O sinless one. And
+on the occasion of the destruction of Samvara, there had occurred a
+dreadful and mighty contest. Nevertheless I had acted as charioteer to
+the lord of the celestials. In the same way, on the occasion of the
+slaying of _Vritra_, the steeds had been conducted by me. And I had also
+beheld the high and terrific encounter with _Virochana's_ son, and, O
+Pandava, with _Vala_, and with _Prahrada_ and with others also. In these
+exceedingly dreadful battles, I was present; but, O Pandu's son, never
+(before) had I lost my senses. Surely the Greatfather hath ordained the
+destruction of all creatures; for this battle cannot be for any other
+purpose than destruction of the universe." Having heard these words of
+his, "pacifying my perturbation by my own effort, I will destroy the
+mighty energy of the illusion spread by the _Danavas_" quoth I unto the
+terrified Matali. "Behold the might of my arms, and the power of my
+weapons and of the bow, _Gandiva_. To-day even by (the help of)
+illusion-creating arms, will I dispel this deep gloom and also this
+horrible illusion of theirs. Do not fear, O charioteer. Pacify thyself."
+Having said this, O lord of men, I created for the good of the
+celestials, an illusion of arms capable of bewildering all beings. And
+when (their) illusion had been dispelled, some of the foremost amongst
+the _Asuras_, of unrivalled prowess, again spread diverse kinds of
+illusion. Thereupon, now (the world) displayed itself, and now it was
+devoured by darkness; and now the world disappeared from view and now it
+was submerged under water. And when it had brightened up, Matali,
+sitting in front of the car, with the wellconducted steeds, began to
+range that hair-erecting field. Then the fierce _Nivata-Kavachas_
+assailed me. And finding my opportunity, I began to send them to the
+mansion of Yama. Thereupon, in that conflict then raging, calculated to
+annihilate the _Nivata-Kavachas_ on a sudden, I could not see the
+_Danavas_ concealed by illusion.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXI
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Remaining invisible the _Daityas_ began to fight
+with the help of illusion. And I too fought with them, resorting to the
+energy of visible weapons. And the shafts duly discharged from the
+_Gandiva_, began to sever their heads at those different places where
+they were respectively stationed. And thus assailed by me in the
+conflict, the _Nivata-Kavachas_, all on a sudden withdrawing the
+illusion, entered into their own city. And when the _Daityas_ had fled,
+and when all had become visible, I there discovered hundreds and
+thousands of the slain. And there I saw by hundreds their shivered
+weapons, ornaments, limbs, and mail. And the horses could not find room
+for moving from one place to another; and on a sudden with a bound, they
+fell to coursing in the sky. Then remaining invisible, the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_ covered the entire welkin with masses of crags. And, O
+Bharata, other dreadful _Danavas_, entering into the entrails of the
+earth, took up horses' legs and chariot-wheels. And as I was fighting,
+they, hard besetting my horses with rocks, attacked me together with
+(my) car. And with the crags that had fallen and with others that were
+falling, the place where I was, seemed to be a mountain cavern. And on
+myself being covered with crags and on the horses being hard pressed, I
+became sore distressed and this was marked by Matali. And on seeing me
+afraid, he said unto me, "O Arjuna, Arjuna! be thou not afraid; send
+that weapon, the thunder-bolt, O lord of men." Hearing those words of
+his, I then discharged the favourite weapon of the king of the
+celestials--the dreadful thunderbolt. And inspiring the Gandiva with
+_mantras_, I, aiming at the locality of the crags, shot sharpened iron
+shafts of the touch of the thunder-bolt. And sent by the thunder, those
+adamantine arrows entered into all those illusions and into the midst of
+those _Nivata-Kavachas_. And slaughtered by the vehemence of the
+thunder, those _Danavas_ resembling cliffs, fell to the earth together
+in masses. And entering amongst those _Danavas_ that had carried away
+the steeds of the car into the interior of the earth, the shafts sent
+them into the mansion of _Yama_. And that quarter was completely covered
+with the _Nivata-Kavachas_ that had been killed or baffled, comparable
+unto cliffs and lying scattered like crags. And then no injury appeared
+to have been sustained either by the horses, or by the car, or by
+Matali, or by me, and this seemed strange. Then, O king, Matali
+addressed me smiling, "Not in the celestials themselves, O Arjuna, is
+seen the prowess that is seen in thee." And when the _Danava_ hosts had
+been destroyed, all their females began to bewail in that city, like
+unto cranes in autumn. Then with Matali I entered that city, terrifying
+with the rattling of my car the wives of the _Nivata-Kavachas_.
+Thereupon, seeing those ten thousand horses like unto peacocks (in hue),
+and also that chariot resembling the sun, the women fled in swarms. And
+like unto (the sounds of) rocks falling on a mountain, sounds arose of
+the (falling) ornaments of the terrified dames. (At length), the
+panic-stricken wives of the _Daityas_ entered into their respective
+golden places variegated with innumerable jewels. Beholding that
+excellent city, superior to the city of the celestials themselves, I
+asked Matali, saying, "Why do not the celestials reside in such (a
+place)? Surely, this appeareth superior to the city of Purandara."
+Thereat, Matali said, "In days of yore, O Partha, even this was the city
+of our lord of the celestials. Afterwards the celestials were driven
+from hence by the _Nivata-Kavachas_. Having performed the most rigid
+austerities, they had gratified the Grand-father and had asked (and
+obtained) the boons--namely, that they might reside here, and that they
+might be free from danger in wars with the gods." Then _Sakra_ addressed
+the self-create lord saying, "Do thou, O lord, desirous of our own
+welfare do what is proper." Thereupon, O Bharata, in this matter the
+Lord commanded (Indra), saying, "O slayer of foes, in another body, even
+thou shalt be (the destroyer of the _Danavas_)." Then, in order to
+slaughter them, _Sakra_ rendered unto thee those weapons. The gods had
+been unable to slay these, who have been slain by thee. O Bharata, in
+the fullness of time, hadst thou come hither, in order to destroy them
+and thou hast done so. O foremost of men, with the object that the
+demons might be killed, Mahendra had conferred on thee the excellent
+prime energy of these weapons.'
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'After having destroyed the _Danavas_, and also
+subdued that city, with Matali I again went to that abode of the
+celestials.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXII
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then while returning, I happened to descry a mighty
+unearthly city, moving at will, and having the effulgence of fire or the
+sun. And that city contained various trees composed of gems, and
+sweet-voiced feathered ones. And furnished with four gates, and
+gate-ways, and towers, that impregnable (city) was inhabited by the
+_Paulamas_ and _Kalakanjas_. And it was made of all sorts of jewels and
+was unearthly, and of wonderful appearance. And it was covered with
+trees of all kinds of gems, bearing fruits and flowers. And it contained
+exceedingly beautiful unearthly birds. And it always swarmed throughout
+with cheerful _Asuras_, wearing garlands, and bearing in their hands
+darts, two edged swords, maces, bows, and clubs. And, O king, on seeing
+this wonderful city of the Daityas, I asked Matali saying, "What is this
+that looketh so wonderful?" Thereat, Matali replied, "Once on a time a
+_Daitya's_ daughter, named _Pulama_ and a mighty female of the _Asura_
+order, _Kalaka_ by name, practised severe austerities for a thousand
+celestial years. And at the end of their austerities, the self-create
+conferred on them boons. And, O king of kings, they received these
+boons,--that their offspring might never suffer misfortune; that they
+might be incapable of being destroyed even by the gods, the _Rakshasas_
+and the _Pannagas_; and that they might obtain a highly effulgent and
+surpassingly fair aerial city, furnished with all manner of gems and
+invincible even by the celestials, the _Maharshis_, the _Yakshas_, the
+_Gandharvas_, the _Pannagas_, the _Asuras_ and the _Rakshasas_. O best
+of the Bharatas, this is that unearthly aerial city devoid of the
+celestials, which is moving about, having been created for the
+_Kalakeyas_, by _Brahma_ himself. And this city is furnished with all
+desirable objects, and is unknown of grief or disease. And, O hero,
+celebrated under the name of _Hiranyapura_, this mighty city is
+inhabited by the _Paulamas_ and the _Kalakanjas_; and it is also guarded
+by those mighty _Asuras_. And, O king, unslayed by any of the gods,
+there they dwell cheerfully, free from anxiety and having all their
+desires gratified, O foremost of kings. Formerly, _Brahma_ had destined
+destruction at the hands of mortals. Do thou, O Partha, in fight,
+compass with that weapon--the thunder-bolt--the destruction of the
+mighty and irrepressible _Kalakanjas_."'
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'O lord of men, learning that they were incapable of
+being destroyed by the celestials and the _Asuras_, I cheerfully said
+unto Matali, "Do thou speedily repair into yonder city. With weapons
+will I compass the annihilation of the haters of the lord of the
+celestials. Surely, there exist no wicked haters of the gods who ought
+not to be slain by me." Thereupon Matali took me to the vicinity of
+_Hiranyapura_ on the celestial chariot yoked with steeds. And seeing me,
+those sons of Diti, wearing various kinds of attire and ornament and
+accoutred in mail, flew at me with a mighty rush. And those foremost of
+the _Danavas_, of exceeding prowess, in wrath attacked me with arrows
+and _bhallas_ and clubs and two-edged swords, and _tomaras_. Thereat, O
+king, resorting to my strength of lore, I resisted that great volley of
+weapons by a mighty shower of shafts; and also confounded them in
+conflict by ranging around in my car. And being bewildered, the
+_Danavas_ began to push each other down. And having been confounded,
+they rushed at one another. And with flaming arrows, I severed their
+heads by hundreds. And hard pressed by me, the offspring of Diti, taking
+shelter within (their) city, soared with it to the firmament, resorting
+to the illusion proper to the _Danavas_. Thereupon, O son of the Kurus,
+covering the way of the _Daityas_, with a mighty discharge of shafts I
+obstructed their course. Then by virtue of the bestowal of the boon, the
+_Daityas_ supported themselves easily on that sky-ranging unearthly
+aerial city, going anywhere at will and like unto the sun. And now (the
+city) entered unto the earth and now it rose upwards; and at one time it
+went in a crooked way and at another time it submerged into water. At
+this, O represser of foes, I assailed that mighty city, going anywhere
+at will, and resembling _Amaravati_. And, O best of the Bharatas, I
+attacked the city containing those sons of Diti, with multitudes of
+shafts, displaying celestial weapons. And battered and broken by the
+straight-coursing iron shafts, shot by me, the city of the _Asuras_, O
+king, fell to the earth. And they also, wounded by my iron arrows having
+the speed of the thunder, began, O monarch, to go about, being urged by
+destiny. Then ascending to the sky, Matali, as if falling in front,
+swiftly descended to the earth, on that chariot of solar resplendence.
+Then, O Bharata, environed me sixty thousand cars belonging to those
+wrathful ones eager to battle with me. And with sharpened shafts graced
+with feathers of the vulture, I destroyed those (cars). At this,
+thinking, "These our hosts are incapable of being vanquished by
+mortals," they became engaged in the conflict, like unto the surges of
+the sea. Thereupon I gradually began to fix (on the string) unearthly
+weapons. At this, thousands of weapons (shot) by those wonderfully
+warring charioteers, by degrees opposed my unearthly arms and in the
+field I saw hundreds and thousands of mighty (demons) ranging on their
+cars, in various manoeuvres. And being furnished with variegated mail
+and standards and diverse ornaments, they delighted my mind. And in the
+conflict I could not afflict them by showers of shafts, but they did not
+afflict me. And being afflicted by those innumerable ones, equipped in
+weapons and skilled in fight, I was pained in that mighty encounter and
+a terrible fear seized me. Thereupon collecting (my energies) in fight,
+I (bowed down) unto that god of gods, _Raudra_, and saying, "May welfare
+attend on all beings!" I fixed that mighty weapon which, celebrated
+under the name of _Raudra_, is the destroyer of all foes. Then I beheld
+a male person having three heads, nine eyes, three faces, and six arms.
+And his hair was flaming like fire or the sun. And, O slayer of foes,
+for his dress, he had mighty serpents, putting out their tongues. And
+saying, O best of the Bharatas, the dreadful and eternal _Raudra_, I
+being free from fear, set it on the _Gandiva_; and, bowing unto the
+three-eyed _Sarva_ of immeasurable energy, let go (the weapon), with the
+object of vanquishing those foremost of the _Danavas_, O Bharata. And, O
+lord of men, as soon as it had been hurled, there appeared on the scene
+by thousands, forms of deer, and of lions, and of tigers, and of bears
+and of buffaloes, and of serpents, and of kine, and of sarabhas, and of
+elephants, and of apes in multitudes, and of bulls, and of boars, and of
+cats, and of dogs, and of spectres, and of all the _Bhurundas_, and of
+vultures, and of Garudas, of _chumaras_, and of all the leopards, and of
+mountains, and of seas, and of celestials, and of sages, and of all the
+_Gandharvas_, and of ghosts with the _Yakshas_, and of the haters of the
+gods, (_Asuras_), and of the _Guhyakas_ in the field, and of the
+_Nairitas_ and of elephant-mouthed sharks, and of owls, and of beings
+having the forms of fishes and horses, and of beings bearing swords and
+various other weapons, and of _Rakshasas_ wielding maces and clubs. And
+on that weapon being hurled all the universe became filled with these as
+well as many others wearing various shapes. And again and again wounded
+by beings of various sights with (pieces of) flesh, fat, bones, and
+marrow on their persons,--some having three heads, and some four tusks,
+and some four mouths, and some four arms,--the _Danavas_ met with
+destruction. And, then, O Bharata, in a moment I slew all those
+_Danavas_, with other swarms of arrows composed of the quintessence of
+stone, flaming like fire or the sun, and possessed of the force of the
+thunder-bolt. And, seeing them hewn by the _Gandiva_, and deprived of
+life, and thrown from the sky, I again bowed unto that god--the
+Destroyer of _Tripura_. And, seeing those adorned with unearthly
+ornaments, crushed by the weapon, the _Raudra_, the charioteer of the
+celestials, experienced the greatest delight. And having witnessed the
+accomplishment of that unbearable feat incapable of being achieved even
+by the celestials themselves, Matali, the charioteer of Sakra, paid
+homage unto me; and well-pleased, with joint hands said these words.
+"The feat that hath been achieved by thee, is incapable of being borne
+even by the gods, nay,--in battle, the lord of the celestials himself
+cannot perform this deed. The sky-coursing mighty city incapable of
+being destroyed by the gods and the Asuras hast thou, O hero, crushed by
+thy own prowess and by the energy of asceticism." And when that aerial
+city had been destroyed, and when the _Danavas_ also had been slain,
+their wives, uttering cries of distress, like unto Kurari birds, with
+hair dishevelled came out of the city. And bewailing for their sons and
+brothers and fathers, they fell on the ground and cried with distressful
+accents. And on being deprived for their lords, they beat their breasts,
+their garlands and ornaments fallen off. And that city of _Danavas_, in
+appearance like unto the city of the _Gandharvas_ filled with
+lamentations and stricken with dole and distress, and bereft of grace
+even like unto a lake deprived of (its) elephants, or like unto a forest
+deprived of trees and (deprived of its) masters, looked no longer
+beautiful--but it vanished, like a cloud-constructed city. And when I
+had accomplished the task, from the field Matali took me of delighted
+spirits, unto the abode of the lord of the celestials. And having slain
+those mighty Asuras, and destroyed _Hiranyapura_, and having also killed
+the _Nivata-Kavachas_, I came unto Indra. And, O exceedingly resplendent
+one, as it had fallen out, Matali related in detail unto Devendra that
+entire achievement of mine. And with the Marutas, hearing of the
+destruction of _Hiranyapura_, of the neutralisation of the illusion, and
+of the slaughter of the highly powerful Nivatakavachas in fight, the
+prosperous thousand-eyed divine _Purandara_ was well pleased, and
+exclaimed, "Well done; Well done!" And the king of the celestials
+together with the celestials, cheering me again and again, said these
+sweet words, "By thee hath been achieved a feat incapable of being
+achieved by the gods and the Asuras. And, O Partha, by slaying my mighty
+enemies, thou hast paid the preceptor's fee. And, O Dhananjaya, thus in
+battle shalt thou always remain calm, and discharge the weapons
+unerringly, and there shall not stand thee in fight celestials, and
+_Danavas_, and _Rakshasas_, and _Yakshas_, and _Asuras_, and
+_Gandharvas_ and birds and serpents. And, O Kaunteya, by conquering it
+even by the might of thy arms, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, will rule the
+earth."'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIII
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then firmly confident, the sovereign of the
+celestials considering as his own, pertinently said these words unto me
+wounded by cleaving shafts, "All the celestial weapons, O Bharata, are
+with thee, so no man on earth will by any means be able to over-power
+thee. And, O son, when thou art in the field, Bhishma and Drona and
+Kripa and Karna and Sakuni together with other Kshatriyas shall not
+amount unto one-sixteenth part of thee." And the lord Maghavan granted
+me this golden garland and this shell, Devadatta, of mighty roars, and
+also his celestial mail impenetrable and capable of protecting the body.
+And Indra himself set on my (head) this diadem. And _Sakra_ presented me
+with these unearthly apparels and unearthly ornaments, elegant and rare.
+In this manner, O king, (duly) honoured, I delightfully dwelt in Indra's
+sacred abode with the children of the _Gandharvas_. Then, well-pleased,
+_Sakra_, together with the celestials, addressed me, saying, "O Arjuna,
+the time hath come for thy departure; thy brothers have thought of
+thee." Thus, O Bharata, remembering the dissensions arising from that
+gambling, did I, O king, pass those five years in the abode of Indra.
+Then have I come and seen thee surrounded by our brothers on the summit
+of this lower range of the _Gandhamadana_.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O Dhananjaya, by fortune it is that the weapons
+have been obtained by thee; by fortune it is that the master of the
+immortals hath been adored by thee. O repressor of foes, by fortune it
+is that the divine _Sthanu_ together with the goddess had become
+manifest unto thee and been gratified by thee in battle, O sinless one;
+by fortune it is that thou hadst met with the Lokapalas, O best of the
+Bharatas. O Partha, by fortune it is that we have prospered; and by
+fortune it is that thou hast come back. To-day I consider as if the
+entire earth engarlanded with cities hath already been conquered, and as
+if the sons of Dhritarashtra have already been subdued. Now, O Bharata,
+I am curious to behold those celestial weapons wherewith thou hadst
+slain the powerful _Nivata-Kavachas_.'
+
+"Thereat Arjuna said, 'Tomorrow in the morning thou wilt see all the
+celestial weapons with which I slew the fierce _Nivata-Kavachas_.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Thus having related (the facts touching) the
+arrival, Dhananjaya passed that night there, together with all his
+brothers."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "And when the night had passed, Yudhishthira the
+just, arose and together with his brothers, performed the necessary
+duties. He then spake unto Arjuna, that delight of his mother, saying,
+'O Kaunteya, do thou show (me) those weapons with which thou vanquished
+the _Danavas_.' Thereat, O king, the exceedingly powerful Dhananjaya,
+the son of Pandu, duly practising extreme purity, showed those weapons,
+O Bharata, which had been given unto him by the celestials. Dhananjaya
+seated on the earth, as his chariot, which had the mountain for its
+pole, the base of the axle and the cluster of beautiful-looking bamboo
+trees for its socket-pole, looked resplendent with that celestial armour
+of great lustre, took his bow _Gandiva_ and the conch-shell given to him
+by the gods, commenced to exhibit those celestial weapons in order. And
+as those celestial weapons had been set, the Earth being oppressed with
+the feet (of Arjuna), began to tremble with (its) trees; and the rivers
+and the mighty main became vexed; and the rocks were riven; and the air
+was hushed. And the sun did not shine; and fire did not flame; and by no
+means did the Vedas of the twice-born once shine. And, O Janamejaya, the
+creatures peopling the interior of the earth, on being afflicted, rose
+and surrounded the Pandava, trembling with joined hands and contorted
+countenances. And being burnt by those weapons, they besought Dhananjaya
+(for their lives). Then the _Brahmarshis_, and the _Siddhas_, and the
+_Maharshis_ and the mobile beings--all these appeared (on the scene).
+And the foremost _Devarshis_, and the celestials and the _Yakshas_ and
+the _Rakshasas_ and the _Gandharvas_ and the feathered tribes and the
+(other) sky-ranging beings--all these appeared (on the scene). And the
+Great-sire and all the Lokapalas and the divine Mahadeva, came thither,
+together with their followers. Then, O great king, bearing unearthly
+variegated blossoms _Vayu_ (the Wind-god) fell to strewing them around
+the Pandava. And sent by the celestials, the _Gandharvas_ chanted
+various ballads; and, O monarch, hosts of the _Apsaras_ danced (there).
+At such a moment, O king, sent by the celestials, Narada arrived (there)
+and addressed Partha in these sweet words, 'O Arjuna, Arjuna, do thou
+not discharge the celestial weapons. These should never be discharged
+when there is no object (fit). And when there is an object (present),
+they should also by no means be hurled, unless one is sore pressed; for,
+O son of the Kurus, to discharge the weapons (without occasion), is
+fraught with great evil. And, O Dhananjaya, being duly kept as thou hast
+been instructed to these powerful weapons will doubtless conduce to thy
+strength and happiness. But if they are not properly kept, they, O
+Pandava, will become the instrument for the destruction of the three
+worlds. So thou shouldst not act in this way again. O Ajatasatru, thou
+too wilt behold even these weapons, when Partha will use them for
+grinding (thy) enemies in battle.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having prevented Partha the immortals with
+others that had come there, went to each his place, O foremost of men.
+And, O Kaurava, after they had all gone, the Pandavas began to dwell
+pleasantly in the same forest, together with Krishna."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXV
+
+Janamejaya said, "When that prince among heroes, having been accomplished
+in arms, had returned from the abode of the slayer of Vritra, what did
+Pritha's sons do in company with the warlike Dhananjaya?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "In company with that hero equal unto Indra,
+Arjuna--that foremost of men, sported in the pleasure-gardens of the
+lord of treasures (situated) in those woods on that romantic and
+excellent mountain. And surveying those peerless and various
+pleasure-grounds filled with diverse trees, that chief of men, _Kiriti_,
+ever intent upon arms, ranged at large, bow in hand. And having through
+the grace of king Vaisravana obtained a residence, those sons of a
+sovereign cared not for the prosperity of men. And, O king, that period
+of their (lives) passed peacefully. And having Partha in their company,
+they spent four years there even like a single night. And as the
+Pandavas lived in the wood, (these four years) and the former six,
+numbering ten, passed smoothly with them.
+
+"Then having seated themselves before the king, the vehement son of the
+Wind-god, with _Jishnu_ and the heroic twins, like unto the lord of the
+celestials, earnestly addressed the king in these beneficial and
+pleasant words. 'It is only to render thy promise effectual and to
+advance thy interests, that, O king of the Kurus, forsaking the forest,
+we do not go to slay Suyodhana together with all his followers. Although
+deserving of happiness, yet have we been deprived of happiness. And this
+is the eleventh year that (in this state) we have been living (in the
+forest). And hereafter, deluding that one of evil mind and character,
+shall we easily live out the period of non-discovery. And at thy
+mandate, O monarch, free from apprehension, we have been ranging the
+woods, having relinquished our honour. Having been tempted by our
+residence in the vicinity, they (our enemies) will not believe that we
+have removed to a distant realm. And after having lived there
+undiscovered for a year, and having wreaked our revenge on that wicked
+wight, Suyodhana, with his followers, we shall easily root out that
+meanest of men, slaying him and regaining our kingdom. Therefore, O
+Dharmaraja, do thou descend unto the earth. For, O king, if we dwell in
+this region like unto heaven itself, we shall forget our sorrows. In
+that case, O Bharata, thy fame like unto a fragrant flower shall vanish
+from the mobile and the immobile worlds. By gaining that kingdom of the
+Kuru chiefs, thou wilt be able to attain (great glory), and to perform
+various sacrifices. This that thou art receiving from _Kuvera_, thou
+wilt, O foremost of men, be able to attain any time. Now, O Bharata,
+turn thy mind towards the punishment and destruction of foes that
+committed wrongs. O king, the wielder of the thunderbolt himself is
+incapable of standing thy prowess. And intent upon thy welfare, he,
+having _Suparna_ for his mark (Krishna), and also the grandson of Sini
+(Satyaki) never experience pain, even when engaged in encounter with the
+gods, O Dharmaraja. And Arjuna is peerless in strength, and so am I too,
+O best of kings. And as Krishna together with the Yadavas is intent upon
+thy welfare, so am I also, O foremost of monarchs, and the heroic twins
+accomplished in war. And encountering the enemy, we, having for our main
+object the attainment by thee of wealth and prosperity, will destroy
+them.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then having learnt that intention of theirs,
+the magnanimous and excellent son of Dharma, versed in religion and
+profit, and of immeasurable prowess, went round Vaisravana's abode. And
+Yudhishthira the just, after bidding adieu unto the palaces, the rivers,
+the lakes, and all the _Rakshasas_, looked towards the way by which (he)
+had come (there). And then looking at the mountain also, the high-souled
+and pure-minded one besought that best of mountains, saying, 'O foremost
+of mountains, may I together with my friends, after having finished my
+task, and slain my foes, and regained my kingdom, see thee again,
+carrying on austerities with subdued soul.' And this also he determined
+on. And in company with his younger brothers and the _Brahmanas_, the
+lord of the Kurus proceeded even along that very road. And Ghatotkacha
+with his followers began to carry them over the mountain cascades. And
+as they started, the great sage _Lomasa_, advising them even as a father
+doth his son, with a cheerful heart, went unto the sacred abode of the
+dwellers of heaven. Then advised also by Arshtishena, those first of
+men, the Parthas, went alone beholding romantic _tirthas_ and
+hermitages, and other mighty lakes."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When they had left their happy home in the beautiful
+mountain abounding in cascades, and having birds, and the elephants of
+the eight quarters, and the supernatural attendants of _Kuvera_ (as
+dwellers thereof), all happiness forsook those foremost of men of
+Bharata's race. But afterwards on beholding _Kuvera's_ favourite
+mountain, _Kailasa_, appearing like clouds, the delight of those
+pre-eminent heroes of the race of Bharata, became very great. And those
+foremost of heroic men, equipped with scimitars and bows, proceeded
+contentedly, beholding elevations and defiles, and dens of lions and
+craggy causeways and innumerable water-falls and lowlands, in different
+places, as also other great forests inhabited by countless deer and
+birds and elephants. And they came upon beautiful woodlands and rivers
+and lakes and caves and mountain caverns; and these frequently by day
+and night became the dwelling place of those great men. And having dwelt
+in all sorts of inaccessible places and crossing _Kailasa_ of
+inconceivable grandeur, they reached the excellent and surpassingly
+beautiful hermitage of _Vrishaparba_. And meeting king Vrishaparba and
+received by him, they became free from depression and then they
+accurately narrated in detail to Vrishaparba the story of their sojourn
+in the mountains. And having pleasantly passed one night in his sacred
+abode frequented by gods and _Maharshis_, those great warriors proceeded
+smoothly towards the jujube tree called Visala and took up their
+quarters there. Then all those magnanimous men having reached the place
+of Narayana, continued to live there, bereft of all sorrow, at beholding
+_Kuvera's_ favourite lake, frequented by gods and _Siddhas_. And viewing
+that lake, those foremost of men, the sons of Pandu traversed that
+place, renouncing all grief even as immaculate _Brahmana rishis_ (do) on
+attaining a habitation in the _Nandana_ gardens. Then all those warriors
+having in due course happily lived at Badari for one month, proceeded
+towards the realm of Suvahu, king of the _Kiratas_, by following the
+same track by which they had come. And crossing the difficult Himalayan
+regions, and the countries of China, Tukhara, Darada and all the climes
+of Kulinda, rich in heaps of jewels, those warlike men reached the
+capital of Suvahu. And hearing that those sons and grandsons of kings
+had all reached his kingdom, Suvahu, elated with joy, advanced (to meet
+them). Then the best of the Kurus welcomed him also. And meeting king
+Suvahu, and being joined by all their charioteers with Visoka at their
+head and by their attendants, Indrasena and others, and also by the
+superintendents and servants of the kitchen, they stayed there
+comfortably for one night. Then taking all the chariots and chariot-men
+and dismissing Ghatotkacha together with his followers, they next
+repaired to the monarch of mountains in the vicinity of the _Yamuna_. In
+the midst of the mountain abounding in waterfalls and having grey and
+orange-coloured slopes and summits covered with a sheet of snow, those
+warlike men having then found the great forest of Visakhayupa like unto
+the forest of Chitraratha and inhabited by wild boars and various kinds
+of deer and birds, made it their home. Addicted to hunting as their
+chief occupation, the sons of Pritha peacefully dwelt in that forest for
+one year. There in a cavern of the mountain, Vrikodara, with a heart
+afflicted with distraction and grief, came across a snake of huge
+strength distressed with hunger and looking fierce like death itself. At
+this crisis Yudhishthira, the best of pious men, became the protector of
+Vrikodara and he, of infinite puissance, extricated Bhima whose whole
+body had been fast gripped by the snake with its folds. And the twelfth
+year of their sojourn in forests having arrived, those scions of the
+race of Kuru, blazing in effulgence, and engaged in asceticism, always
+devoted principally to the practice of archery, repaired cheerfully from
+that Chitraratha-like forest to the borders of the desert, and desirous
+of dwelling by the _Saraswati_ they went there, and from the banks of
+that river they reached the lake of _Dwaitabana_. Then seeing them enter
+_Dwaitabana_, the dwellers of that place engaged in asceticism,
+religious ordinances, and self-restraining exercises and in deep and
+devout meditation and subsisting on things ground with stone (for want
+of teeth) having procured grass-mats and water-vessels, advanced to meet
+them. The holy fig, the rudaraksha, the rohitaka, the cane and the
+jujube, the catechu, the sirisha, the bel and the inguda and the karira
+and pilu and sami trees grew on the banks of the _Saraswati_. Wandering
+about with contentment in (the vicinity of) the _Saraswati_ which was,
+as it were, the home of the celestials, and the favourite (resort) of
+_Yakshas_ and _Gandharvas_ and _Maharshis_, those sons of kings lived
+there in happiness."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVII
+
+Janamejaya said, "How was it, O sage! that Bhima, of mighty prowess and
+possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants, was stricken with
+panic at (the sight of) that snake? Thou hast described him, that slayer
+of his enemies, as dismayed and appalled with fear, even him, who by
+fighting at the lotus lake (of Kuvera) became the destroyer of _Yakshas_
+and _Rakshasas_ and who, in proud defiance, invited to a single combat,
+Pulastya's son, the dispenser of all riches. I desire to hear this (from
+you); great indeed is my curiosity."
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "O king, having reached king Vrishaparva's
+hermitage, while those fearful warriors were living in various wonderful
+woods, Vrikodara roaming at pleasure, with bow in hand and armed with a
+scimitar, found that beautiful forest, frequented by gods and
+_Gandharvas_. And then he beheld (some) lovely spots in the Himalayan
+mountains, frequented by _Devarshis_ and _Siddhas_ and inhabited by
+hosts of _Apsaras_, resounded here and there with (the warbling of)
+birds--the _chakora_, the _chakrabaka_, the _jibajibaka_ and the cuckoo
+and the _Bhringaraja_, and abounding with shady trees, soft with the
+touch of snow and pleasing to the eye and mind, and bearing perennial
+fruits and flowers. And he beheld mountain streams with waters
+glistening like the _lapis lazuli_ and with ten thousand snow-white
+ducks and swans and with forests of _deodar_ trees forming (as it were)
+a trap for the clouds; and with _tugna_ and _kalikaya_ forests,
+interspersed with yellow sandal trees. And he of mighty strength, in the
+pursuit of the chase, roamed in the level and desert tracts of the
+mountain, piercing his game with unpoisoned arrows. In that forest the
+famous and mighty Bhimasena, possessing the strength of a hundred
+elephants, killed (many) large wild boars, with the force (of his arms).
+And endowed with terrible prowess and mighty strength, and powerful as
+the lion or the tiger, and capable of resisting a hundred men, and
+having long arms, and possessing the strength of a hundred elephants, he
+killed many antelopes and wild boars and buffaloes. And here and there,
+in that forest he pulled out trees by the roots, with great violence and
+broke them too, causing the earth and the woods and the (surrounding)
+places to resound. And then shouting and trampling on the tops of
+mountains, and causing the earth to resound with his roars, and striking
+his arms, and uttering his war-cry, and slapping and clapping his hands,
+Bhimasena, exempt from decay, and ever-proud and without fear, again and
+again leaped about in those woods. And on hearing the shouts of
+Bhimasena, powerful lions and elephants of huge strength, left their
+lairs in fright. And in that same forest, he fearlessly strolled about
+in search of game; and like the denizens of the woods, that most valiant
+of men, the mighty Bhimasena, wandered on foot in that forest. And he
+penetrated the vast forest, shouting strange whoops, and terrifying all
+creatures, endowed with strength and prowess. And then being terrified,
+the snakes hid (themselves) in caves, but he, overtaking them with
+promptitude, pursued them slowly. Then the mighty Bhimasena, like unto
+the Lord of the Celestials, saw a serpent of colossal proportions,
+living in one of the mountain fastnesses and covering the (entire) cave
+with its body and causing one's hair to stand on end (from fright). It
+had its huge body stretched like a hillock, and it possessed gigantic
+strength, and its body was speckled with spots and it had a
+turmeric-like (yellow) colour and a deep copper-coloured mouth of the
+form of a cave supplied with four teeth; and with glaring eyes, it was
+constantly licking the corners of its mouth. And it was the terror of
+all animated beings and it looked like the very image of the Destroyer
+Yama; and with the hissing noise of its breath it lay as if rebuking (an
+in-comer). And seeing Bhima draw so near to him, the serpent, all on a
+sudden, became greatly enraged, and that goat-devouring snake violently
+seized Bhimasena in his grip. Then by virtue of the boon that had been
+received by the serpent, Bhimasena with his body in the serpent's grip,
+instantly lost all consciousness. Unrivalled by that of others, the
+might of Bhimasena's arms equaled the might of ten thousand elephants
+combined. But Bhima, of great prowess, being thus vanquished by the
+snake, trembled slowly, and was unable to exert himself. And that one of
+mighty arms and of leonine shoulders, though possessed of strength of ten
+thousand elephants, yet seized by the snake, and overpowered by virtue
+of the boon, lost all strength. He struggled furiously to extricate
+himself, but did not succeed in any wise baffling this (snake)."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "And the powerful Bhimasena, having thus come
+under the power of the snake, thought of its mighty and wonderful
+prowess; and said unto it, 'Be thou pleased to tell me, O snake, who
+thou art. And, O foremost of reptiles, what wilt thou do with me? I am
+Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, and next by birth to Yudhishthira the just.
+And endued as I am with the strength of ten thousand elephants, how hast
+thou been able to overpower me? In fight have been encountered and slain
+by me innumerable lions, and tigers, and buffaloes, and elephants. And,
+O best of serpents, mighty _Rakshasas_ and _Pisachas_, and _Nagas_, are
+unable to stand the force of my arms. Art thou possessed of any magic,
+or hast thou received any boon, that although exerting myself, I have
+been overcome by thee? Now I have been convinced that the strength of
+men is false, for, O serpent, by thee hath such mighty strength of men
+been baffled.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When the heroic Bhima of noble deed had said
+this, the snake caught him, and coiled him all round with his body,
+having thus subdued that mighty-armed one, and freed his plump arms
+alone, the serpent spake these words, 'By good fortune it is that,
+myself being hungry, after long time the gods have to-day destined thee
+for my food; for life is dear unto every embodied being, I should relate
+unto thee the way in which I have come by this snake form. Hear, O best
+of the pious, I have fallen into this plight on account of the wrath of
+the _Maharshis_. Now desirous of getting rid of the curse, I will
+narrate unto thee all about it. Thou hast, no doubt, heard of the royal
+sage, _Nahusha_. He was the son of Ayu, and the perpetuator of the line
+of thy ancestors. Even I am that one. For having affronted the
+_Brahmanas_ I, by (virtue of) Agastya's malediction, have come by this
+condition. Thou art my agnate, and lovely to behold.--so thou shouldst
+not be slain by me,--yet I shall to-day devour thee! Do thou behold the
+dispensation of Destiny! And be it a buffalo, or an elephant, none
+coming within my reach at the sixth division of the day, can, O best of
+men, escape. And, O best of the Kurus, thou hast not been taken by an
+animal of the lower order, having strength alone,--but this (hath been
+so) by reason only of the boon I have received. As I was falling rapidly
+from Sakra's throne placed on the front of his palace, I spake unto that
+worshipful sage (Agastya), "Do thou free me from this curse." Thereat
+filled with compassion, that energetic one said unto me, "O king, thou
+shall be freed after the lapse of some time." Then I fell to the earth
+(as a snake); but my recollection (of former life) did not renounce me.
+And although it be so ancient, I still recollect all that was said. And
+the sage said unto me, "That person who conversant with the relation
+subsisting between the soul and the Supreme Being, shall be able to
+answer the questions put by thee, shall deliver thee. And, O king, taken
+by thee, strong beings superior to thee, shall immediately lose their
+strength." I heard these words of those compassionate ones, who felt
+attached unto me. And then the Brahmanas vanished. Thus, O highly
+effulgent one, having become a serpent, I, doing exceedingly sinful
+acts, live in unclean hell, in expectation of the (appointed) time.' The
+mighty-armed Bhimasena addressed the serpent, saying, 'I am not angry, O
+mighty snake,--nor do I blame myself. Since in regard to happiness and
+misery, men sometimes possess the power of bringing and dismissing them,
+and sometimes do not. Therefore one should not fret one's mind. Who can
+baffle destiny by self-exertion? I deem destiny to be supreme, and
+self-exertion to be of no avail. Smitten with the stroke of destiny, the
+prowess of my arms lost, behold me to-day fallen unto this condition
+without palpable cause. But to-day I do not so much grieve for my own
+self being slain, as I do for my brothers deprived of their kingdom, and
+exiled into the forest. This Himalaya is inaccessible, and abounds with
+_Yakshas_ and the _Rakshasas_. And searching about for me, they will be
+distracted. And hearing that I have been killed, (my brothers) will
+forego all exertion, for, firm in promise, they have hitherto been
+controlled by my harsh speech, I being desirous of gaining the kingdom.
+Or the intelligent Arjuna (alone), being versed in every lore, and
+incapable of being overcome by gods and _Rakshasas_ and _Gandharvas_,
+will not be afflicted with grief. That mighty-armed and exceedingly
+powerful one is able single-handed to speedily pull down from his place
+even the celestials. What shall I say of the deceitfully gambling son of
+Dhritarashtra, detested of all men, and filled with haughtiness and
+ignorance! And I also grieve for my poor mother, affectionate to her
+sons, who is ever solicitous for our greatness in a large measure than
+is attained by our enemies. O serpent, the desire that forlorn one had
+in me will all be fruitless in consequence of my destruction. And gifted
+with manliness, the twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, following their elder
+brother (me), and always protected by the strength of my arms, will,
+owing to my destruction, be depressed and deprived of their prowess, and
+stricken with grief. This is what I think.' In this way Vrikodara
+lamented profusely. And being bound by the body of the snake, he could
+not exert himself.
+
+"On the other hand, Kunti's son, Yudhishthira, (seeing) and reflecting
+on dreadful ill omens, became alarmed. Terrified by the blaze of the
+points of the horizon, jackals stationing themselves on the right of
+that hermitage, set up frightful and inauspicious yells. And ugly
+_Vartikas_ as of dreadful sight, having one wing, one eye, and one leg,
+were seen to vomit blood, facing the sun. And the wind began to blow
+dryly, and violently, attracting grits. And to the right all the beasts
+and birds began to cry. And in the rear the black crows cried, 'Go!'
+'Go!' And momentarily his (Yudhishthira's) right arm began to twitch,
+and his chest and left leg shook (of themselves). And indicating evil
+his left eye contracted spasmodically. Thereupon, O Bharata, the
+intelligent Yudhishthira the just, inferring some great calamity (to be
+imminent), asked Draupadi, saying, 'Where is Bhima?' Thereat Panchali
+said that Vrikodara had long gone out. Hearing this, that mighty-armed
+king set out with Dhaumya, after having said unto Dhananjaya, 'Thou
+shouldst protect Draupadi.' And he also directed Nakula and Sahadeva to
+protect the _Brahmanas_. And issuing from the hermitage that lord,
+Kunti's son, following the footprints of Bhimasena, began to search for
+him in that mighty forest. And on coming to the east, he found mighty
+leaders of elephant-herds (slain) and saw the earth marked with Bhima's
+(foot-prints). Then seeing thousands of deer and hundreds of lions lying
+in the forest, the king ascertained his course. And on the way were
+scattered trees pulled down by the wind caused by the thighs of that
+hero endued with the speed of the wind as he rushed after the deer. And
+proceeding, guided by those marks, to a spot filled with dry winds and
+abounding in leafless vegetables, brackish and devoid of water, covered
+with thorny plants and scattered over with gravel, stumps and shrubs and
+difficult of access and uneven and dangerous, he saw in a mountain
+cavern his younger brother motionless, caught in the folds of that
+foremost of snakes."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Yudhishthira, finding his beloved brother
+coiled by the body of the serpent, said these words: 'O son of Kunti,
+how hast thou come by this misfortune! And who is this best of serpents
+having a body like unto a mountain mass?' Bhimasena said, 'O worshipful
+one, this mighty being hath caught me for food. He is the royal sage
+Nahusha living in the form of a serpent.' Yudhishthira said, 'O
+longlived one, do thou free my brother of immeasurable prowess; we will
+give thee some other food which will appease thy hunger.' The serpent
+said, 'I have got for diet even this son of a king, come to my mouth of
+himself. Do thou go away. Thou shouldst not stay here. (If thou
+remainest here) thou too shall be my fare to-morrow. O mighty-armed one,
+this is ordained in respect of me, that he that cometh unto my place,
+becometh my food and thou too art in my quarter. After a long time have
+I got thy younger brother as my food; I will not let him off; neither do
+I like to have any other food.' Thereat Yudhishthira said, 'O serpent,
+whether thou art a god, or a demon, or an _Uraga_, do thou tell me
+truly, it is Yudhishthira that asketh thee, wherefore, O snake, hast
+thou taken Bhimasena? By obtaining which, or by knowing what wilt thou
+receive satisfaction, O snake, and what food shall I give thee? And how
+mayst thou free him.' The serpent said, 'O sinless one, I was thy
+ancestor, the son of Ayu and fifth in descent from the Moon. And I was a
+king celebrated under the name of Nahusha. And by sacrifices and
+asceticism and study of the Vedas and self-restraint and prowess I had
+acquired a permanent dominion over the three worlds. And when I had
+obtained such dominion, haughtiness possessed me. And thousands of
+_Brahmanas_ were engaged in carrying my chair. And intoxicated by
+supremacy, I insulted those _Brahmanas_. And, O lord of the earth, by
+Agastya have I been reduced to this pass! Yet, O Pandava, to this day
+the memory (of my former birth) hath not forsaken me! And, O king, even
+by the favour of that high-souled Agastya, during the sixth division of
+the day have I got for meal thy younger brother. Neither will I set him
+free, nor do I wish for any other food. But if to-day thou answerest the
+questions put by me, then, I shall deliver Vrikodara!' At this
+Yudhishthira said, 'O serpent, ask whatever thou listest! I shall, if I
+can, answer thy questions with the view of gratifying thee, O snake!
+Thou knowest fully what should be known by _Brahmanas_. Therefore, O
+king of snakes, hearing (thee) I shall answer thy queries!'
+
+"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, say--Who is a _Brahmana_ and what
+should be known? By thy speech I infer thee to be highly intelligent.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O foremost of serpents, he, it is asserted by the
+wise, in whom are seen truth, charity, forgiveness, good conduct,
+benevolence, observance of the rites of his order and mercy is a
+_Brahmana_. And, O serpent, that which should be known is even the
+supreme _Brahma_, in which is neither happiness nor misery--and
+attaining which beings are not affected with misery; what is thy
+opinion?'
+
+"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, truth, charity, forgiveness,
+benevolence, benignity, kindness and the _Veda_[2] which worketh the
+benefit of the four orders, which is the authority in matters of
+religion and which is true, are seen even in the _Sudra_. As regards the
+object to be known and which thou allegest is without both happiness and
+misery, I do not see any such that is devoid of these.'
+
+    [2] In as much as the rites performed by the Sudras have their
+    origin in the Vedas.
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Those characteristics that are present in a
+_Sudra_, do not exist in a _Brahmana_; nor do those that are in a
+_Brahmana_ exist in a _Sudra_. And a _Sudra_ is not a _Sudra_ by birth
+alone--nor a _Brahmana_ is _Brahmana_ by birth alone. He, it is said by
+the wise, in whom are seen those virtues is a _Brahmana_. And people
+term him a Sudra in whom those qualities do not exist, even though he be
+a _Brahmana_ by birth. And again, as for thy assertion that the object
+to be known (as asserted by me) doth not exist, because nothing exists
+that is devoid of both (happiness and misery), such indeed is the
+opinion, O serpent, that nothing exists that is without (them) both. But
+as in cold, heat doth not exist, nor in heat, cold, so there cannot
+exist an object in which both (happiness and misery) cannot exist?'
+
+"The serpent said, 'O king, if thou recognise him as a Brahmana by
+characteristics, then, O long-lived one, the distinction of caste
+becometh futile as long as conduct doth not come into play.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'In human society, O mighty and highly intelligent
+serpent, it is difficult to ascertain one's caste, because of
+promiscuous intercourse among the four orders. This is my opinion. Men
+belonging to all orders (promiscuously) beget offspring upon women of
+all the orders. And of men, speech, sexual intercourse, birth and death
+are common. And to this the Rishis have borne testimony by using as the
+beginning of a sacrifice such expressions as--_of what caste so ever we
+may be, we celebrate the sacrifice_. Therefore, those that are wise have
+asserted that character is the chief essential requisite. The natal
+ceremony of a person is performed before division of the umbilical cord.
+His mother then acts as its _Savitri_ and his father officiates as
+priest. He is considered as a _Sudra_ as long as he is not initiated in
+the _Vedas_. Doubts having arisen on this point, O prince of serpents,
+Swayambhuba Manu has declared, that the mixed castes are to be regarded
+as better than the (other) classes, if having gone through the
+ceremonies of purification, the latter do not conform to the rules of
+good conduct, O excellent snake! Whosoever now conforms to the rules of
+pure and virtuous conduct, him have I, ere now, designated as a
+_Brahmana_.' The serpent replied, 'O Yudhishthira, thou art acquainted
+with all that is fit to be known and having listened to thy words, how
+can I (now) eat up thy brother Vrikodara!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXX
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'In this world, you are so learned in the _Vedas_
+and _Vedangas_; tell me (then), what one should do to attain salvation?'
+
+"The serpent replied, 'O scion of the Bharata's race, my belief is that
+the man who bestows alms on proper objects, speaks kind words and tells
+the truth and abstains from doing injury to any creature goes to
+heaven.'
+
+"Yudhishthira enquired, 'Which, O snake, is the higher of the two, truth
+or alms-giving? Tell me also the greater or less importance of kind
+behaviour and of doing injury to no creature.'
+
+"The snake replied, 'The relative merits of these virtues, truth and
+alms-giving, kind speech and abstention from injury to any creature, are
+known (measured) by their objective gravity (utility). Truth is
+(sometimes) more praiseworthy than some acts of charity; some of the
+latter again are more commendable than true speech. Similarly, O mighty
+king, and lord of the earth, abstention from doing injury to any
+creature is seen to be important than good speech and vice-versa. Even
+so it is, O king, depending on effects. And now, if thou hast anything
+else to ask, say it all, I shall enlighten thee!' Yudhishthira said,
+'Tell me, O snake, how the incorporal being's translation to heaven, its
+perception by the senses and its enjoyment of the immutable fruits of
+its actions (here below), can be comprehended.' The snake replied, 'By
+his own acts, man is seen to attain to one of the three conditions of
+human existence, of heavenly life, or of birth in the lower animal
+kingdom. Among these, the man who is not slothful, who injures no one
+and who is endowed with charity and other virtues, goes to heaven, after
+leaving this world of men. By doing the very contrary, O king, people
+are again born as men or as lower animals. O my son, it is particularly
+said in this connection, that the man who is swayed by anger and lust
+and who is given to avarice and malice falls away from his human state
+and is born again as a lower animal, and the lower animals too are
+ordained to be transformed into the human state; and the cow, the horse
+and other animals are observed to attain to even the divine state.[3] O
+my son, the sentient being, reaping the fruits of his actions, thus
+transmigrates through these conditions; but the regenerate and wise man
+reposes his soul in the everlasting Supreme Spirit. The embodied spirit,
+enchained by destiny and reaping the fruits of its own actions, thus
+undergoes birth after birth but he that has lost touch of his actions,
+is conscious of the immutable destiny of all born beings.[4]'
+
+    [3] More literally, the state of the gods. It may appropriately
+    be remarked here that the ordinary Hindu gods, of the post-Vedic
+    period, like the gods of Ancient Greece and Italy, were simply a
+    class of superhuman beings, distinctly contra-distinguished from
+    the Supreme Spirit, the _Paramatman_ or _Parabrahma_. After
+    death, a virtuous man was supposed to be transformed into one of
+    these so-called gods.
+
+    [4] This is the well-known and popular doctrine of
+    transmigration of souls.
+
+"Yudhishthira asked, 'O snake, tell me truly and without confusion how
+that dissociated spirit becomes cognisant of sound, touch, form,
+flavour, and taste. O great-minded one, dost thou not perceive them,
+simultaneously by the senses? Do thou, O best of snakes, answer all
+these queries!' The snake replied, 'O long-lived one, the thing called
+_Atman_ (spirit), betaking itself to corporeal tenement and manifesting
+itself through the organs of sense, becomes duly cognisant of
+perceptible objects. O prince of Bharata's race, know that the senses,
+the mind, and the intellect, assisting the soul in its perception of
+objects, are called _Karanas_. O my son, the eternal spirit, going out
+of its sphere, and aided by the mind, acting through the senses, the
+receptacles of all perceptions, successively perceives these things
+(sound, form, flavour, &c). O most valiant of men, the mind of living
+creatures is the cause of all perception, and, therefore, it cannot be
+cognisant of more than one thing at a time. That spirit, O foremost of
+men, betaking itself to the space between the eyebrows, sends the high
+and low intellect to different objects. What the _Yogins_ perceive after
+the action of the intelligent principle by that is manifested the action
+of the soul.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Tell me the distinguishing characteristics of the
+mind and the intellect. The knowledge of it is ordained as the chief
+duty of persons meditating on the Supreme Spirit.'
+
+"The snake replied, 'Through illusion, the soul becomes subservient to
+the intellect. The intellect, though known to be subservient to the
+soul, becomes (then) the director of the latter. The intellect is
+brought into play by acts of perception; the mind is self-existent. The
+Intellect does not cause the sensation (as of pain, pleasure, &c), but
+the mind does. This, my son, is the difference between the mind and the
+intellect. You too are learned in this matter, what is your opinion?'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O most intelligent one, you have fine intelligence
+and you know all that is fit to be known. Why do you ask me that
+question? You knew all and you performed such wonderful deeds and you
+lived in heaven. How could then illusion overpower you? Great is my
+doubt on this point.' The snake replied, 'Prosperity intoxicates even
+the wise and valiant men. Those who live in luxury, (soon) lose their
+reason. So, I too, O Yudhishthira, overpowered by the infatuation of
+prosperity, have fallen from my high state and having recovered my
+self-consciousness, am enlightening thee thus! O victorious king, thou
+hast done me a good turn. By conversing with thy pious self, my painful
+curse has been expiated. In days of yore, while I used to sojourn in
+heaven in a celestial chariot, reveling in my pride, I did not think of
+anything else, I used to exact tribute from _Brahmarshis, Devas,
+Yakshas, Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Pannagas_ and all other dwellers of the
+three worlds. O lord of earth, such was the spell of my eyes, that on
+whatever creature, I fixed them, I instantly destroyed his power.
+Thousands of _Brahmarshis_ used to draw my chariot. The delinquency, O
+king, was the cause of my fall from my high prosperity. Among them,
+Agastya was one day drawing my conveyance, and my feet came in contact
+with his body; Agastya then pronounced (this curse) on me, in anger,
+"Ruin seize thee, do thou become a snake." So, losing my glory, I fell
+down from that excellent car and while falling, I beheld myself turned
+into a snake, with head downwards. I thus implored that Brahmana, "May
+this curse be extinguished, O adorable one! You ought to forgive one who
+has been so foolish from infatuation." Then he kindly told me this, as I
+was being hurled down (from heaven), "The virtuous king Yudhishthira
+will save thee from this curse, and when, O king, horrible sin of pride
+will be extinguished in thee, thou shalt attain salvation." And I was
+struck with wonder on seeing (this) power of his austere virtues; and
+therefore, have I questioned thee about the attributes of the Supreme
+Spirit and of _Brahmanas_. Truth, charity, self-restraint, penance,
+abstention from doing injury to any creature, and constancy in virtue,
+these, O king, and not his race or family connections, are the means, by
+which a man must always secure salvation. May this brother of thine, the
+mighty Bhimasena, meet with good luck and may happiness abide with thee!
+I must go to Heaven again.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "So saying, that king, Nahusha, quitted his
+serpentine form, and assuming his celestial shape he went back to
+Heaven. The glorious and pious Yudhishthira, too, returned to his
+hermitage with Dhaumya and his brother Bhima. Then the virtuous
+Yudhishthira narrated all that, in detail, to the _Brahmanas_ who had
+assembled (there). On hearing that, his three brothers and all the
+_Brahmanas_ and the renowned Draupadi too were covered with shame. And
+all those excellent _Brahmanas_ desiring the welfare of the Pandavas,
+admonished Bhima for his foolhardiness, telling him not to attempt such
+things again, and the Pandavas too were greatly pleased at seeing the
+mighty Bhima out of danger, and continued to live there pleasantly."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXI
+
+(_Markandeya-Samasya Parva_)
+
+Vaisampayana said, "While they were dwelling at that place, there set in
+the season of the rains, the season that puts an end to the hot weather
+and is delightful to all animated beings. Then the black clouds,
+rumbling loudly, and covering the heavens and the cardinal points,
+ceaselessly rained during day and night. These clouds, counted by
+hundreds and by thousands, looked like domes in the rainy season. From
+the earth disappeared the effulgence of the sun; its place was taken by
+the stainless lustre of the lightning; the earth became delightful to
+all, being overgrown with grass, with gnats and reptiles in their joy;
+it was bathed with rain and possessed with calm. When the waters had
+covered all, it could not be known whether the ground was at all even or
+uneven;--whether there were rivers or trees or hills. At the end of the
+hot season, the rivers added beauty to the woods being themselves full
+of agitated waters, flowing with great force and resembling serpents in
+the hissing sound they made. The boars, the stags and the birds, while
+the rain was falling upon them began to utter sounds of various kinds
+which could be heard within the forest tracts. The _chatakas_, the
+peacocks and the host of male _Kohilas_ and the excited frogs, all ran
+about in joy. Thus while the Pandavas were roaming about in the deserts
+and sandy tracts, the happy season of rain, so various in aspect and
+resounding with clouds passed away. Then set in the season of autumn,
+thronged with ganders and cranes and full of joy; then the forest tracts
+were overrun with grass; the river turned limpid; the firmament and
+stars shone brightly., And the autumn, thronged with beasts and birds,
+was joyous and pleasant for the magnanimous sons of Pandu. Then were
+seen nights, that were free from dust and cool with clouds and
+beautified by myriads of planets and stars and the moon. And they beheld
+rivers and ponds, adorned with lilies and white lotuses, full of cool
+and pleasant water. And while roving by the river _Saraswati_ whose
+banks resembled the firmament itself and were overgrown with canes, and
+as such abounded in sacred baths, their joy was great. And those heroes
+who wielded powerful bows, were specially glad to see the pleasant river
+_Saraswati_, with its limpid waters full to the brim. And, O Janamejaya,
+the holiest night, that of the full moon in the month of _Kartika_ in
+the season of autumn, was spent by them while dwelling there! And the
+sons of Pandu, the best of the descendants of Bharata, spent that
+auspicious juncture with righteous and magnanimous saints devoted to
+penance. And as soon as the dark fortnight set in immediately after, the
+sons of Pandu entered the forest named the Kamyaka, accompanied by
+Dhananjaya and their charioteers and cooks."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O son of Kuru, they, Yudhishthira and others, having
+reached the forest of _Kamyaka_, were hospitably received by hosts of
+saints and they lived together with Krishna. And while the sons of Pandu
+were dwelling in security in that place, many _Brahmanas_ came to wait
+upon them. And a certain _Brahmana_ said, 'He the beloved friend of
+Arjuna, of powerful arms and possessed of self control, descendant of
+_Sura_, of a lofty intellect, will come, for, O ye foremost of the
+descendants of Kuru, Hari knows that ye have arrived here. For, Hari has
+always a longing for your sight and always seeks your welfare. And
+Markandeya, who lived very many years devoted to great austerities,
+given to study and penance, will erelong come and meet you.' And the
+very moment that he was uttering these words, there was beheld Krishna,
+coming thitherward upon a car unto which were yoked the horses Saivya
+and Sugriva,--he the best of those that ride on cars, accompanied by
+Satyabhama, is like Indra by Sachi, the daughter of Pulaman. And the son
+of Devaki came, desirous to see those most righteous of the descendants
+of Kuru. And the sagacious Krishna, having alighted from the car,
+prostrated himself, with pleasure in his heart, before the virtuous
+king, in the prescribed way, and also before Bhima, that foremost of
+powerful men. And he paid his respects to Dhaumya, while the twin
+brothers prostrated themselves to him. And he embraced Arjuna of the
+curly hair; and spoke words of solace to the daughter of Drupada. And
+the descendant of the chief of the Dasaraha tribe, that chastiser of
+foes, when he saw the beloved Arjuna come near him, having seen him
+after a length of time, clasped him again and again. And so too
+Satyabhama also, the beloved consort of Krishna, embraced the daughter
+of Drupada, the beloved wife of the sons of Pandu. Then these sons of
+Pandu, accompanied by their wife and priests, paid their respects to
+Krishna, whose eyes resembled the white lotus and surrounded him on all
+sides. And Krishna, when united with Arjuna, the son of Pritha, the
+winner of riches and the terror of the demons assumed a beauty
+comparable to that of _Siva_, the magnanimous lord of all created
+beings, when he, the mighty lord, is united with Kartikeya (his son).
+And Arjuna, who bore a circlet of crowns on his head, gave an account of
+what had happened to him in the forest to Krishna, the elder brother of
+Gada. And Arjuna asked, saying, 'How is Subhadra, and her son
+Abhimanyu?' And Krishna, the slayer of Madhu, having paid his respects
+in the prescribed form to the son of Pritha, and to the priest, and
+seating himself with them there, spoke to king Yudhishthira, in words of
+praise. And he said, 'O king, Virtue is preferable to the winning of
+kingdoms; it is, in fact, practice of austerities! By you who have
+obeyed with truth and candour what your duty prescribed, have been won
+both this world and that to come! First you have studied, while
+performing religious duties; having acquired in a suitable way the whole
+science of arms, having won wealth by pursuing the methods prescribed
+for the military caste, you have celebrated all the time-honoured
+sacrificial rites. You take no delight in sensual pleasures; you do not
+act, O lord of men, from motives of enjoyment, nor do you swerve from
+virtue from greed of riches; it is for this, you have been named the
+Virtuous King, O son of Pritha! Having won kingdoms and riches and means
+of enjoyment, your best delight has been charity and truth and practice
+of austerities, O King, and faith and meditation and forbearance and
+patience! When the population of Kuru-jangala beheld Krishna outraged in
+the assembly hall, who but yourself could brook that conduct, O Pandu's
+son, which was so repugnant both to virtue and usage? No doubt, you
+will, before long, rule over men in a praiseworthy way, all your desires
+being fulfilled. Here are we prepared to chastise the Kurus, as soon as
+the stipulation made by you is fully performed!' And Krishna, the
+foremost of the _Dasarha_ tribe, then said to Dhaumya and Bhima and
+Yudhishthira, and the twins and Krishna, 'How fortunate that by your
+blessing Arjuna the bearer of the coronet, has arrived after having
+acquired the science of arms!' And Krishna, the leader of the _Dasarha_
+tribe, accompanied by friends, likewise spoke to Krishna, the daughter
+of Yajnasena, saying, 'How fortunate that you are united, safe and
+secure, with Arjuna, the winner of riches!' And Krishna also said, 'O
+Krishna, O daughter of Yajnasena, those sons of yours, are devoted to
+the study of the science of arms, are well-behaved and conduct
+themselves on the pattern, O Krishna, of their righteous friends. Your
+father and your uterine brothers proffer them a kingdom and territories;
+but the boys find no joy in the house of Drupada, or in that of their
+maternal uncles. Safely proceeding to the land of the Anartas, they take
+the greatest delight in the study of the science of arms. Your sons
+enter the town of the _Vrishnis_ and take an immediate liking to the
+people there. And as you would direct them to conduct themselves, or as
+the respected Kunti would do, so does Subhadra direct them in a watchful
+way. Perhaps, she is still more careful of them. And, O Krishna, as
+Rukmini's son is the preceptor of Aniruddha, of Abhimanyu, of Sunitha,
+and of Bhanu; so he is the preceptor and the refuge of your sons also!
+And a good preceptor, would unceasingly give them lessons in the
+wielding of maces and swords and bucklers, in missiles and in the arts
+of driving cars and of riding horses, being valiant. And he, the son of
+Rukmini, having bestowed a very good training upon them, and having
+taught them the art of using various weapons in a proper way, takes
+satisfaction at the valorous deeds of your sons, and of Abhimanyu, O
+daughter of Drupada! And when your son goes out, in pursuit of
+(out-door) sports, each one of them is followed thither by cars and
+horses and vehicles and elephants.' And Krishna said to the virtuous
+king, Yudhishthira, 'The fighting men of the _Dasarha_ tribe, and the
+_Kukuras_, and the _Andhakas_--let these, O king, place themselves at
+thy command--let them perform what thou desirest them. O lord of men,
+let the army of the tribe of Madhus, (resistless) like the wind, with
+their bows and led by Balarama whose weapon is the plough--let that
+army, equipped (for war), consisting of horsemen and foot soldiers and
+horses and cars and elephants, prepare to do your bidding. O son of
+Pandu! Drive Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, the vilest of sinful
+men, together with his followers and his hosts of friends to the path
+betaken by the lord of Saubha, the son of the Earth! You, O ruler of
+men, are welcome to stick to that stipulation which was made in the
+assembly-hall--but let the city of Hastina be made ready for you, when
+the hostile force has been slain by the soldiers of the _Dasarha_ tribe!
+Having roamed at your pleasure in all those places where you may desire
+to go, having got rid of your grief and freed from all your sins--you
+will reach the city of Hastina--the well-known city situated in the
+midst of a fine territory!'--Then the magnanimous king having been
+acquainted with the view, thus clearly set forth by Krishna that best of
+men, and, having applauded the same, and having deliberated, thus spoke
+with joined palms unto Kesava, 'O Kesava, no doubt, thou art the refuge
+of the sons of Pandu; for the sons of Pandu have their protector in
+thee! When the time will come, there is no doubt that thou wilt do all
+the work just mentioned by thee; and even more than the same! As
+promised by us, we have spent all the twelve years in lonely forests. O
+Kesava, having in the prescribed way completed the period for living
+unrecognised, the sons of Pandu will take refuge in thee. This should be
+the intention of those that associate with thee, O Krishna! The sons of
+Pandu swerve not from the path of truth, for the sons of Pritha with
+their charity and their piety with their people and their wives and with
+their relations have their protector in thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O descendant of Bharata, while Krishna, the
+descendant of the _Vrishnis_ and the virtuous king, were thus talking,
+there appeared then the saint Markandeya, grown grey in the practise of
+penances. And he had seen many thousand years of life, was of a pious
+soul, and devoted to great austerities. Signs of old age he had none;
+and deathless he was, and endued with beauty and generous and many good
+qualities. And he looked like one only twenty-five years old. And when
+the aged saint, who had seen many thousand years of life, came, all the
+_Brahmanas_ paid their respects to him and so did Krishna together with
+Pandu's son. And when that wisest saint, thus honoured, took his seat in
+a friendly way, Krishna addressed him, in accordance with the views of
+the _Brahmanas_ and of Pandu's sons, thus,--
+
+"'The sons of Pandu, and the _Brahmanas_ assembled here, and the
+daughter of Drupada, and Satyabhama, likewise myself, are all anxious to
+hear your most excellent words, O Markandeya! Propound to us the holy
+stories of events of bygone times, and the eternal rules of righteous
+conduct by which are guided kings and women and saints!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When they had all taken their seats, Narada
+also, the divine saint, of purified soul, came on a visit to Pandu's
+sons. Him also, then, of great soul, all those foremost men of superior
+intellect, honoured in the prescribed form, by offering water to wash
+his feet, and the well-known oblation called the _Arghya_. Then the
+godlike saint, Narada, learning that they were about to hear the speech
+of Markandeya, expressed his assent to the arrangement. And he, the
+deathless, knowing what would be opportune, said smilingly, 'O saint of
+the _Brahmana_ caste, speak what you were about to say unto the sons of
+Pandu!' Thus addressed, Markandeya, devoted to great austerities,
+replied, 'Wait a moment. A great deal will be narrated.' Thus addressed,
+the sons of Pandu, together with those twice-born ones, waited a moment,
+looking at that great saint, (bright) as the mid-day sun."
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Pandu's son, the king of the Kuru tribe, having
+observed that the great saint was willing to speak, questioned him with a
+view to suggesting topics to speak upon, saying, 'You who are ancient
+(in years), know the deeds of gods and demons, and illustrious saints,
+and of all the royal ones. We consider you as worthy of being worshipped
+and honoured; and we have long yearned after your company. And here is
+this son of Devaki, Krishna, who has come to us on a visit. Verily, when
+I look at myself, fallen away from happiness, and when I contemplate the
+sons of Dhritarashtra, of evil life, flourishing in every way, the idea
+arises in me that it is _man_ who does all acts, good or bad, and that
+it is _he_ that enjoys the fruit the acts bring forth. How then is god
+the agent? And, O best of those that are proficient in the knowledge of
+God, how is it that men's actions follow them? Is it in this world? Or
+is it in some subsequent existence? And, O best of righteous men among
+the twice-born, in what way is an embodied animated being joined by his
+good and evil deeds that seek him out? Is it after death? Or is it in
+this world? And, O descendant of Bhrigu, is what we experience in this
+world the result of the acts of this very life? Or will the acts of this
+life bear fruit in the world to come? And where do the actions of an
+animated being who is dead find their resting place?'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O best of those that can speak, this question befits
+thee, and is just what it should be. Thou knowest all that there is to
+know. But thou art asking this question, simply for the sake of form.
+Here I shall answer thee: listen to me with an attentive mind, as to how
+in this world and in that to come, a man experienceth happiness and
+misery. The lord of born beings, himself sprung first of all, created,
+for all embodied beings, bodies which were stainless, pure, and obedient
+to virtuous impulses, O wisest of the descendants of Kuru! The ancient
+men had all their desires fulfilled, were given to praiseworthy courses
+of life, were speakers of truth, godly and pure. All were equal to the
+gods, could ascend to the sky at their pleasure, and could come back
+again; and all went about at their pleasure. And they had their death
+and their life also under their own control; and they had few
+sufferings; had no fear; and had their wishes fulfilled; and they were
+free from trouble; could visit the gods and the magnanimous saints; knew
+by heart all righteous rules; were self-controlled and free from envy.
+And they lived many thousand years; and had many thousand sons. Then in
+course of time they came to be restricted to walking solely on the
+surface of the earth, overpowered by lust and wrath, dependent for
+subsistence upon falsehood and trick, overwhelmed by greed and
+senselessness. Then those wicked men, when disembodied, on account of
+their unrighteous and unblessed deeds, went to hell in a crooked way.
+Again and again, they were grilled, and, again and again they began to
+drag their miserable existence in this wonderful world. And their
+desires were unfulfilled, the objects unaccomplished, and their
+knowledge became unavailing. And their senses were paralysed and they
+became apprehensive of everything and the cause of other people's
+sufferings. And they were generally marked by wicked deeds, and born in
+low families; they became wicked and afflicted with diseases, and the
+terror of others. And they became short-lived and sinful and they reaped
+the fruit of their terrible deeds. And coveting everything, they became
+godless and indifferent in mind, O son of Kunti! The destiny of every
+creature after death is determined by his acts in this world. Thou hast
+asked me where this treasure of acts of the sage and the ignorant
+remain, and where they enjoy the fruit of their good and evil deeds! Do
+thou listen to the regulations on this subject! Man with his subtle
+original body created by God lays up a great store of virtue and vice.
+After death he quits his frail (outer) body and is immediately born
+again in another order of beings. He never remains non-existent for a
+single moment. In his new life his actions follow him invariably as
+shadow and, fructifying, makes his destiny happy or miserable. The wise
+man, by his spiritual insight, knows all creatures to be bound to an
+immutable destiny by the destroyer and incapable of resisting the
+fruition of his actions in good or evil fortune. This, O Yudhishthira,
+is the doom of all creatures steeped in spiritual ignorance. Do thou now
+hear of the perfect way attained by men of high spiritual perception!
+Such men are of high ascetic virtue and are versed in all profane and
+holy writ, diligent in performing their religious obligations and
+devoted to truth. And they pay due homage to their preceptors and
+superiors and practise Yoga, are forgiving, continent and energetic and
+pious and are generally endowed with every virtue. By the conquest of
+the passions, they are subdued in mind; by practising _yoga_ they become
+free from disease, fear and sorrow; they are not troubled (in mind). In
+course of birth, mature or immature, or while ensconced in the womb, in
+every condition, they with spiritual eyes recognize the relation of
+their soul to the supreme Spirit. Those great-minded _Rishis_ of
+positive and intuitive knowledge passing through this arena of actions,
+return again to the abode of the celestials. Men, O king, attain what
+they have in consequence of the grace of the gods of Destiny or of their
+own actions. Do thou not think otherwise. O Yudhishthira, I regard that
+as the highest good which is regarded so in this world. Some attain
+happiness in this world, but not in the next; others do so in the next,
+but not in this. Some, again, attain happiness in this as well as in the
+next world; and others neither here nor in the next world. Those that
+have immense wealth, shine every day with well-decorated persons. O
+slayer of mighty foes, being addicted to carnal pleasures, they enjoy
+happiness only in this world, but not in the next. But those who are
+engaged in spiritual meditations and the study of the Vedas, who are
+diligent in asceticism, and who impair the vigour of their bodies by
+performing their duties, who have subdued their passions, and who
+refrain from killing any animated being, those men, O slayer of thy
+enemies, attain happiness in the next world, but not in this! Those who
+first live a pious life, and virtuously acquire wealth in due time and
+then marry and perform sacrifices, attain bliss both in this and the
+next world. Those foolish men again who do not acquire knowledge, nor
+are engaged in asceticism or charity or increasing their species, or in
+encompassing the pleasures and enjoyments of this world, attain bliss
+neither in this nor in the next world. But all of you are proficient in
+knowledge and possessed of great power and strength and celestial
+vigour. For the extermination (of the wicked) and for serving the
+purposes of the gods, ye have come from the other world and have taken
+your birth in this! Ye, who are so valiant, and engaged in asceticism,
+self-restraining exercises, and religious ordinances, and fond of
+exertion, after having performed great deeds and gratified the gods and
+_Rishis_ and the _Pitris_, ye will at last in due course attain by your
+own acts the supreme region--the abode of all virtuous men! O ornament
+of Kuru's race, may no doubts cross thy mind on account of these thy
+sufferings, for this affliction is for thy good!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The sons of Pandu said to the high-souled
+Markandeya, 'We long to hear of the greatness of the _Brahmanas_. Do
+thou tell us of it!' Thus asked, the revered Markandeya, of austere
+virtue and high spiritual energy, and proficient in all departments of
+knowledge, replied, 'A strong-limbed, handsome young prince of the race
+of the Haihayas, a conqueror of hostile cities, (once) went out hunting.
+And (while) roaming in the wilderness of big trees and thickets of
+grass, he saw, at no great distance from him, a _Muni_ with the skin of
+a black antelope for his upper garment, and killed him for a deer.
+Pained at what he had done, and his senses paralysed with grief, he
+repaired to the presence of the more distinguished of the _Haihaya_
+chiefs. The lotus-eyed prince related to them the particulars. On
+hearing the account, O my son, and beholding the body of the _Muni_ who
+had subsisted on fruits and roots, they were sorely afflicted in mind.
+And they all set out enquiring here and there as they proceeded, as to
+whose son the _Muni_ might be. And they soon after reached the hermitage
+of Arishtanemi, son of Kasyapa. And saluting that great _Muni_, so
+constant in austerity, they all remained standing, while the _Muni_, on
+his part, busied himself about their reception. And they said unto the
+illustrious _Muni_, "By a freak of destiny, we have ceased to merit thy
+welcome: indeed, we have killed a Brahmana!" And the regenerate _Rishi_
+said to them, "How hath a Brahmana come to be killed by you, and say
+where may be he? Do ye all witness the power of my ascetic practices!"
+And they, having related everything to him as it had happened went back,
+but found not the body of the dead _Rishi_ on the spot (where they had
+left it). And having searched for him, they returned, ashamed and bereft
+of all perception, as in a dream. And then, O thou conqueror of hostile
+cities, the _Muni_ Tarkshya, addressed them, saying, "Ye princes, can
+this be the Brahmana of your killing? This Brahmana, endowed with occult
+gifts from spiritual exercises, is, indeed, my son!" Seeing that
+_Rishi_, O lord of the earth, they were struck with bewilderment. And
+they said, "What a marvel! How hath the dead come to life again? Is it
+the power of his austere virtue by which he hath revived again? We long
+to hear this, O Brahmana, if, indeed, it can be divulged?" To them, he
+replied, "Death, O lords of men, hath no power over us! I shall tell ye
+the reason briefly and intelligibly. We perform our own sacred duties;
+therefore, have we no fear of death; we speak well of _Brahmanas_ but
+never think any ill of them; therefore hath death no terror for us.
+Entertaining our guests with food and drink, and our dependants with
+plenty of food, we ourselves (then) partake of what is left; therefore
+we are not afraid of death. We are peaceful and austere and charitable
+and forbearing and fond of visiting sacred shrines, and we live in
+sacred places; therefore we have no fear of death. And we live in places
+inhabited by men who have great spiritual power; therefore hath death no
+terror for us. I have briefly told ye all! Return ye now all together,
+cured of all worldly vanity. Ye have no fear of sin!" Saying _amen_, O
+foremost scion of Bharata's race, and saluting the great _Muni_, all
+those princes joyously returned to their country.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Do ye again hear from me the glory of the
+_Brahmanas_! It is said that a royal sage of the name of _Vainya_ was
+once engaged in performing the horse-sacrifice and that Atri desired to
+go to him for alms. But Atri subsequently gave up his desire of wealth,
+from religious scruples. After much thought he, of great power, became
+desirous of living in the woods, and, calling his wife and sons
+together, addressed them thus, "Let us attain the highly tranquil and
+complete fruition of our desires. May it, therefore, be agreeable to you
+to repair quickly to the forest for a life of great merit." His wife,
+arguing from motives of virtue also then said to him, "Hie thee to the
+illustrious prince Vainya, and beg of him vast riches! Asked by thee,
+that royal sage, engaged in sacrifice will give thee wealth. Having gone
+there, O regenerate _Rishi_, and received from him vast wealth, thou
+canst distribute it among thy sons and servants and then thou canst go
+whithersoever thou pleasest. This, indeed, is the higher virtue as
+instanced by men conversant with religion." Atri replied, "I am
+informed, O virtuous one, by the high-souled Gautama, that Vainya is a
+pious prince, devoted to the cause of truth; but there are _Brahmanas_
+(about his persons) who are jealous of me; and as Gautama hath told me
+this, I do not venture to go there, for (while) there, if I were to
+advise what is good and calculated to secure piety and the fulfilment of
+one's desires, they would contradict me with words unproductive of any
+good. But I approve of any counsel and will go there; Vainya will give
+me kine and hoards of riches."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'So saying, he, of great ascetic merit, hastened
+to Vainya's sacrifice and reaching the sacrificial altar and making his
+obeisance to the king and praising him with well-meaning speeches, he
+spoke these words, "Blessed art thou, O king! Ruling over the earth,
+thou art the foremost of sovereigns! The _Munis_ praise thee, and
+besides thee there is none so versed in religious lore!" To him the
+_Rishi_ Gautama, of great ascetic merit, then indignantly replied
+saying, "Atri, do not repeat this nonsense. (It seems) thou art not in
+thy proper senses. In this world of ours, Mahendra the lord of all
+created beings (alone) is the foremost of all sovereigns!" Then, O,
+great prince, Atri said to Gautama, "As Indra, the lord of all
+creatures, ruleth over our destinies, so doth this king! Thou art
+mistaken. It is thou who hast lost thine senses from want of spiritual
+perception!" Gautama replied, "I know I am not mistaken; it is thou who
+art labouring under a misconception in this matter. To secure the king's
+countenance, thou art flattering him in (this) assembly of the people.
+Thou dost not know what the highest virtue, nor dost thou feel the need
+for it. Thou art like a child steeped in ignorance, for what then hast
+thou become (so) old in years?"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'While those two men were thus disputing in the
+presence of the _Munis_, who were engaged in Vainya's sacrifice the
+latter enquired, "What is the matter with them, that maketh them talk so
+vociferously?" Then the very pious Kasyapa learned in all religious
+lore, approaching the disputants asked them what was the matter. And
+then Gautama, addressing that assembly of great _Munis_ said, "Listen, O
+great _Brahmanas_, to the point in dispute between us. Atri hath said
+that Vainya is the ruler of our destinies; great is our doubt on this
+point."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing this, the great-mind _Munis_ went
+instantly to Sanatkumara who was well versed in religion to clear their
+doubt. And then he of great ascetic merit, having heard the particulars
+from them addressed them these words full of religious meaning. And
+Sanatkumara said, "As fire assisted by the wind burneth down forests, so
+a Brahmana's energy in union with a Kshatriya's or a Kshatriya's joined
+with a Brahmana's destroyeth all enemies. The sovereign is the
+distinguished giver of laws and the protector of his subjects. He is (a
+protector of created beings) like Indra, (a propounder of morals) like
+Sukra, (a counsellor) like Vrihaspati and (hence he is also called) the
+ruler of men's destinies. Who does not think it proper to worship the
+individual of whom such terms as 'preserver of created beings,' 'royal,'
+'emperor,' 'Kshatriya' (or saviour of the earth), 'lord of earth,'
+'ruler of men,' are applied in praise? The king is (also) styled the
+prime cause (of social order, as being the promulgator of laws), 'the
+virtuous in wars,' (and therefore, preserver after peace), 'the
+watchman,' 'the contented,' 'the lord,' 'the guide to salvation,' 'the
+easily victorious,' 'the Vishnu like,' 'of effective wrath,' 'the winner
+of battles' and 'the cherisher of the true religion.' The _Rishis_,
+fearful of sin, entrusted (the temporal) power to the Kshatriyas. As
+among the gods in heaven the Sun dispelleth darkness by his effulgence,
+so doth the king completely root out sin from this earth. Therefore is
+the king's greatness deduced from the evidences of the sacred books, and
+we are bound to pronounce for that side which hath spoken in favour of
+the king."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then that illustrious prince, highly pleased
+with the victorious party, joyfully said to Atri, who had praised him
+erewhile, "O regenerate _Rishi_, thou hast made and styled me the
+greatest and most excellent of men here, and compared me to the gods;
+therefore, shall I give thee vast and various sorts of wealth. My
+impression is that thou art omniscient. I give thee, O well-dressed and
+well-adorned one, a hundred millions of gold coins and also ten _bharas_
+of gold." Then Atri, of high austere virtues and great spiritual powers,
+thus welcomed (by the king), accepted all the gifts without any breach
+of propriety, and returned home. And then giving his wealth to his sons
+and subduing his self, he cheerfully repaired to the forest with the
+object of performing penances.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O thou conqueror of hostile cities, in this
+connection Saraswati too, when interrogated by that intelligent _Muni_
+Tarkshya, had said (this). Do thou listen to her words! Tarkshya had
+asked, saying, "Excellent lady, what is the best thing for a man to do
+here below, and how must he act so that he may not deviate from (the
+path of) virtue. Tell me all this, O beautiful lady, so that instructed
+by thee, I may not fall away from the path of virtue! When and how must
+one offer oblations to the (sacred) fire and when must he worship so
+that virtue may not be compromised? Tell me all this, O excellent lady,
+so that I may live without any passions, craving, or desire, in this
+world."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus questioned by that cheerful _Muni_ and
+seeing him eager to learn and endued with high intelligence, Saraswati
+addressed these pious and beneficial words to the Brahmana, Tarkshya.'
+
+"'Saraswati said, "He who is engaged in the study of the _Vedas_, and
+with sanctity and equanimity perceives the supreme Godhead in his proper
+sphere, ascends the celestial regions and attains supreme beatitude with
+the Immortals. Many large, beautiful, pellucid and sacred lakes are
+there, abounding with fish, flowers, and golden lilies. They are like
+shrines and their very sight is calculated to assuage grief. Pious men,
+distinctively worshipped by virtuous well-adorned golden-complexioned
+_Apsaras_, dwell in contentment on the shores of those lakes. He who
+giveth cows (to Brahmanas) attaineth the highest regions; by giving
+bullocks he reacheth the solar regions, by giving clothes he getteth to
+the lunar world, and by giving gold he attaineth to the state of the
+Immortals. He who giveth a beautiful cow with a fine calf, and which is
+easily milked and which doth not run away, is (destined) to live for as
+many years in the celestial regions as there are hairs on the body of
+that animal. He who giveth a fine, strong, powerful, young bullock,
+capable of drawing the plough and bearing burdens, reacheth the regions
+attained by men who give ten cows. When a man bestoweth a
+well-caparisoned _kapila_ cow with a brazen milk-pail and with money
+given afterwards, that cow becoming, by its own distinguished qualities,
+a giver of everything reacheth the side of the man who gave her away. He
+who giveth away cows, reapeth innumerable fruits of his action, measured
+by the hairs on the body of that animal. He also saveth (from perdition)
+in the next world his sons and grandsons and ancestors to the seventh
+generation. He who presenteth to a Brahmana, sesamum made up in the form
+of a cow, having horns made of gold, with money besides, and a brazen
+milk-pail, subsequently attaineth easily to the regions of the _Vasus_.
+By his own acts man descends into the darksome lower regions, infested
+by evil spirits (of his own passions) like a ship tossed by the storm in
+the high seas; but the gift of kine to Brahmanas saves him in the next
+world. He who giveth his daughter in marriage, in the _Brahma_ form, who
+bestoweth gifts of land on Brahmanas and who duly maketh other presents,
+attaineth to the regions of Purandara. O Tarkshya, the virtuous man who
+is constant in presenting oblations to the sacred fire for seven years,
+sanctifieth by his own action seven generations up and down."
+
+"'Tarkshya said, "O beautiful lady, explain to me who ask thee, the
+rules for the maintenance of the sacred fire as inculcated in the
+_Vedas_. I shall now learn from thee the time-honoured rules for
+perpetually keeping up the sacred fire."'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVI
+
+"Then Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, said to the Brahmana, Markandeya,
+'Do thou now narrate the history of Vaivaswata Manu.'
+
+"Markandeya replied, 'O king, O foremost of men, there was a powerful
+and great _Rishi_ of the name of Manu. He was the son of Vivaswan and
+was equal unto _Brahma_ in glory. And he far excelled his father and
+grandfather in strength, in power, in fortune, as also in religious
+austerities. And standing on one leg and with uplifted hand, that lord
+of men did severe penance in the jujube forest called Visala. And there
+with head downwards and with steadfast eyes he practised the rigid and
+severe penance for ten thousand years. And one day, whilst he was
+practising austerities there with wet clothes on and matted hair on
+head, a fish approaching the banks of the Chirini, addressed him thus,
+"Worshipful sir, I am a helpless little fish, I am afraid of the large
+ones; therefore, do thou, O great devotee, think it worth thy while to
+protect me from them; especially as this fixed custom is well
+established amongst us that the strong fish always preys upon the weak
+ones. Therefore do thou think it fit to save me from being drowned in
+this sea of terrors! I shall requite thee for thy good offices." On
+hearing these words from the fish, Vaivaswata Manu was overpowered with
+pity and he took out the fish from the water with his own hands. And the
+fish which had a body glistening like the rays of the moon when taken
+out of the water was put back in an earthen water-vessel. And thus
+reared that fish O king, grew up in size and Manu tended it carefully
+like a child. And after a long while, it became so large in size, that
+there was no room for it in that vessel. And then seeing Manu (one day),
+it again addressed these words to him, "Worshipful sir, do thou appoint
+some better habitation for me." And then the adorable Manu, the
+conqueror of hostile cities, took it out of that vessel and carried it
+to a large tank and placed it there. And there again the fish grew for
+many a long year. And although the tank was two _yojanas_ in length and
+one _yojana_ in width, even there, O lotus-eyed son of Kunti and ruler
+of men, was no room for the fish to play about! And beholding Manu it
+said again, "O pious and adorable father, take me to the Ganga, the
+favourite spouse of the Ocean so that I may live there; or do as thou
+listest. O sinless one, as I have grown to this great bulk by thy favour
+I shall do thy bidding cheerfully." Thus asked the upright and continent
+and worshipful Manu took the fish to the river Ganga and he put it into
+the river with his own hands. And there, O conqueror of thy enemies, the
+fish again grew for some little time and then beholding Manu, it said
+again, "O lord, I am unable to move about in the Ganga on account of my
+great body; therefore, worshipful sir, do thou please take me quickly to
+the sea!" O son of Pritha, Manu then taking it out of the Ganga, carried
+it to the sea and consigned it there. And despite its great bulk, Manu
+transported it easily and its touch and smell were also pleasant to him.
+And when it was thrown into the sea by Manu, it said these words to him
+with a smile, "O adorable being, thou hast protected me with special
+care; do thou now listen to me as to what thou shouldst do in the
+fulness of time! O fortunate and worshipful sir, the dissolution of all
+this mobile and immobile world is nigh at hand. The time for the purging
+of this world is now ripe. Therefore do I now explain what is good for
+thee! The mobile and immobile divisions of the creation, those that have
+the power of locomotion, and those that have it not, of all these the
+terrible doom hath now approached. Thou shall build a strong massive ark
+and have it furnished with a long rope. On that must thou ascend, O
+great _Muni_, with the seven _Rishis_ and take with thee all the
+different seeds which were enumerated by regenerate Brahmanas in days of
+yore, and separately and carefully must thou preserve them therein. And
+whilst there, O beloved of the _Munis_, thou shall wait for me, and I
+shall appear to thee like a horned animal, and thus, O ascetic, shall
+thou recognise me! And I shall now depart, and thou shall act according
+to my instructions, for, without my assistance, thou canst not save
+thyself from that fearful flood." Then Manu said unto the fish, "I do
+not doubt all that thou hast said, O great one! Even so shall I act!"
+And giving instructions to each other, they both went away. And Manu
+then, O great and powerful king and conqueror of thy enemies, procured
+all the different seeds as directed by the fish, and set sail in an
+excellent vessel on the surging sea. And then, O lord of the earth, he
+bethought himself of that fish. And the fish too, O conqueror of thy
+enemies and foremost scion of Bharata's race, knowing his mind, appeared
+there with horns on his head. And then, O tiger among men, beholding in
+the ocean that horned fish emerging like a rock in the form of which he
+had been before appraised, he lowered the ropy noose on its head. And
+fastened by the noose, the fish, O king and conqueror of hostile cities,
+towed the ark with great force through the salt waters. And it conveyed
+them in that vessel on the roaring and billow beaten sea. And, O
+conqueror of thy enemies and hostile cities, tossed by the tempest on
+the great ocean, the vessel reeled about like a drunken harlot. And
+neither land nor the four cardinal points of the compass, could be
+distinguished. And there was water every where and the waters covered
+the heaven and the firmament also. And, O bull of Bharata's race, when
+the world was thus flooded, none but Manu, the seven _Rishis_ and the
+fish could be seen. And, O king, the fish diligently dragged the boat
+through the flood for many a long year and then, O descendant of Kuru
+and ornament of Bharata's race, it towed the vessel towards the highest
+peak of the Himavat. And, O Bharata, the fish then told those on the
+vessel to tie it to the peak of the Himavat. And hearing the words of
+the fish they immediately tied the boat on that peak of the mountain
+and, O son of Kunti and ornament of Bharata's race, know that that high
+peak of the Himavat is still called by the name of _Naubandhana_ (the
+harbour). Then the fish addressing the associated _Rishis_ told them
+these words, "I am Brahma, the Lord of all creatures; there is none
+greater than myself. Assuming the shape of a fish, I have saved you from
+this cataclysm. Manu will create (again) all beings--gods, _Asuras_ and
+men, all those divisions of creation which have the power of locomotion
+and which have it not. By practicing severe austerities he will acquire
+this power, and with my blessing, illusion will have no power over him."
+
+"'So saying the fish vanished instantly. And Vaivaswata Manu himself
+became desirous of creating the world. In this work of creation illusion
+overtook him and he, therefore, practised great asceticism. And endowed
+with ascetic merit, Manu, O ornament of Bharata's race, again set about
+his work of creating all beings in proper and exact order. This story
+which I have narrated to thee and the hearing of which destroyeth all
+sin, is celebrated as the Legend of the Fish. And the man who listeneth
+every day to this primeval history of Manu, attaineth happiness and all
+other objects of desire and goeth to heaven.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVII
+
+"Then the virtuous king Yudhishthira in all humility again enquired of
+the illustrious Markandeya, saying, 'O great _Muni_, thou hast seen many
+thousands of ages pass away. In this world there is none so longlived as
+thou! O best of those that have attained the knowledge of Supreme
+Spirit, there is none equal to thee in years except the great-minded
+_Brahma_ living in the most exalted place. Thou, O Brahmana, worshippest
+_Brahma_ at the time of the great dissolution of the universe, when this
+world is without sky and without the gods and _Danavas_. And when that
+cataclysm ceaseth and the Grandsire awaketh, thou alone, O regenerate
+_Rishi_, beholdest _Brahma_ duly re-create the four orders of beings
+after having filled the cardinal points with air and consigned the
+waters to their proper place. Thou, O great Brahmana, hast worshipped in
+his presence the great Lord and Grandsire of all creatures with soul
+rapt in meditation and entirely swallowed up in Him! And, O Brahmana,
+thou hast many a time witnessed with thy eyes, the primeval acts of
+creation, and, plunged in severe ascetic austerities, thou hast also
+surpassed the _Prajapatis_ themselves! Thou art esteemed as one who is
+nearest to Narayana, in the next world. Many a time in days of yore hast
+thou beheld the Supreme Creator of the universe with eyes of spiritual
+abstraction and renunciation, having first opened thy pure and
+lotus-like heart--the only place where the multiform Vishnu of universal
+knowledge may be seen! It is for this, O learned _Rishi_, by the grace
+of God neither all-destroying Death, nor dotage that causeth the decay
+of the body, hath any power over thee! When neither the sun, nor the
+moon, nor fire, nor earth, nor air, nor sky remains, when all the world
+being destroyed looketh like one vast ocean, when the _Gods_ and
+_Asuras_ and the great _Uragas_ are annihilated, and when the
+great-minded _Brahma_, the Lord of all creatures, taking his seat on a
+lotus flower, sleepeth there, then thou alone remainest to worship him!
+And, O best of Brahman as thou hast seen all this that occurred before,
+with thy own eyes. And thou alone hast witnessed many things by the
+senses, and never in all the worlds hath there been any thing unknown to
+thee! Therefore do I long to hear any discourse explaining the causes of
+things!'
+
+"Markandeya replied, 'Indeed, I shall explain all, after having bowed
+down to that Self-existent, Primordial Being, who is eternal and
+undeteriorating and inconceivable, and who is at once vested with and
+divested of attributes. O tiger among men, this Janardana attired in
+yellow robes is the grand Mover and Creator of all, the Soul and Framer
+of all things, and the lord of all! He is also called the Great, the
+Incomprehensible, the Wonderful and the Immaculate. He is without
+beginning and without end, pervades all the world, is Unchangeable and
+Undeteriorating. He is the Creator of all, but is himself uncreate and
+is the Cause of all power. His knowledge is greater than that of all the
+gods together. O best of kings and pre-eminent of men, after the
+dissolution of the universe, all this wonderful creation again comes
+into life. Four thousand years have been said to constitute the _Krita
+Yuga_. Its dawn also, as well as its eve, hath been said to comprise
+four hundred years. The _Treta-Yuga_ is said to comprise three thousand
+years, and its dawn, as well as its eve, is said to comprise three
+hundred years. The _Yuga_ that comes next is called _Dwapara_, and it
+hath been computed to consist of two thousand years. Its dawn, as well
+as its eve, is said to comprise two hundred years. The next _Yuga_,
+called _Kali_, is said to comprise one thousand years and its dawn, as
+well as eve, is said to comprise one hundred years. Know, O king, that
+the duration of the dawn is the same as that of the eve of a _Yuga_. And
+after the _Kali Yuga_ is over, the _Krita Yuga_ comes again. A cycle of
+the _Yugas_ thus comprised a period of twelve thousand years. A full
+thousand of such cycles would constitute a _day of Brahma_. O tiger
+among men, when all this universe is withdrawn and ensconced within its
+home--the Creator himself--that disappearance of all things is called by
+the learned to be Universal Destruction. O bull of the Bharata race,
+towards the end of the last mentioned period of one thousand years,
+i.e., when the period wanted to complete a cycle is short, men generally
+become addicted to falsehood in speech. O son of Pritha, then sacrifices
+and gifts and vows, instead of being performed by principals are
+suffered to be performed by representatives! Brahmanas then perform acts
+that are reserved for the _Sudras_, and the _Sudras_ betake themselves
+to the acquisition of wealth. Then Kshatriyas also betake themselves to
+the practice of religious acts. In the _Kali_ age, the Brahmanas also
+abstain from sacrifices and the study of the Vedas, are divested of
+their staff and deer-skin, and in respect of food become omnivorous.
+And, O son, the Brahmanas in that age also abstain from prayers and
+meditation while the Sudras betake themselves to these! The course of
+the world looketh contrary, and indeed, these are the signs that
+foreshadow the Universal Destruction. And, O lord of men, numerous
+_Mleccha_ kings then rule over the earth! And those sinful monarchs,
+addicted to false speech, govern their subjects on principles that are
+false. The _Andhhas_, the _Sakas_, the _Pulindas_, the _Yavanas_, the
+_Kamvojas_, the _Valhikas_ and the _Abhiras_, then become, O best of
+men, possessed of bravery and the sovereignty of the earth. This, O
+tiger among men, becometh the state of the world during the eve, O
+Bharata, of the _Kali_ age! Not a single Brahmana then adhereth to the
+duties of his order. And the Kshatriyas and the Vaisyas also, O monarch,
+follow practices contrary to those that are proper for their own orders.
+And men become short-lived, weak in strength, energy, and prowess; and
+endued with small might and diminutive bodies, they become scarcely
+truthful in speech. And the human population dwindles away over large
+tracts of country, and the regions of the earth, North and South, and
+East and West, become crowded with animals and beasts of prey. And
+during this period, they also that utter _Brahma_, do so in vain. The
+_Sudras_ address _Brahmanas_, saying, _Bho_, while the Brahmanas address
+Sudras, saying _Respected Sir_. And, O tiger among men, at the end of
+the _Yuga_, animals increase enormously. And, O king, odours and
+perfumes do not then become so agreeable to our sense of scent, and, O
+tiger among men, the very tastes of things do not then so well accord
+with our organs of taste as at other periods! And, O king, women then
+become mothers of numerous progeny, endued with low statures, and
+destitute of good behaviour and good manners. And they also make their
+very mouths serve the purposes of the organ of procreation. And famine
+ravages the habitations of men, and the highways are infested by women
+of ill fame, while females in general, O king, become at such periods
+hostile to their lords and destitute of modesty! And, O king, the very
+kine at such periods yield little milk, while the trees, sat over with
+swarms of crows, do not produce many flowers and fruits. And, O lord of
+the earth, regenerate classes, tainted with the sin of slaying
+Brahmanas, accept gifts from monarchs that are addicted to falsehood in
+speech. And filled with covetousness and ignorance, and bearing on their
+persons the outward symbols of religion, they set out on eleemosynary
+rounds, afflicting the people of the Earth. And people leading domestic
+lives, afraid of the burden of taxes, become deceivers, while Brahmanas,
+falsely assuming the garb of ascetics, earn wealth by trade, with nails
+and hair unpared and uncut. And, O tiger among men, many of the
+twice-born classes become, from avarice of wealth, religious mendicants
+of the _Brahmacharin_ order. And, O monarch, men at such periods behave
+contrary to the _modes_ of life to which they betake themselves, and
+addicted to intoxicating drinks and capable of violating the beds of
+their preceptors, their desires are all of this world, pursuing matters
+ministering to the flesh and the blood. And O tiger among men, at such
+period the asylums of ascetics become full of sinful and audacious
+wretches ever applauding lives of dependence. And the illustrious
+chastiser of Paka never showers rain according to the seasons and the
+seeds also that are scattered on earth, do not, O Bharata, all sprout
+forth. And men, unholy in deed and thought, take pleasure in envy and
+malice. And, O sinless one, the earth then becometh full of sin and
+immorality. And, O lord of the earth, he that becometh virtuous at such
+periods doth not live long. Indeed, the earth becometh reft of virtue in
+every shape. And, O tiger among men, the merchants and traders then full
+of guile, sell large quantities of articles with false weights and
+measures. And they that are virtuous do not prosper; while they that are
+sinful proper exceedingly. And virtue loseth her strength while sin
+becometh all powerful. And men that are devoted to virtue become poor
+and short-lived; while they that are sinful become long-lived and win
+prosperity. And in such times, people behave sinfully even in places of
+public amusements in cities and towns. And men always seek the
+accomplishment of their ends by means that are sinful. And having earned
+fortunes that are really small they become intoxicated with the pride of
+wealth. And O monarch, many men at such periods strive to rob the wealth
+that hath from trust been deposited with them in secrecy. And wedded to
+sinful practices, they shamelessly declare--_there is nothing in
+deposit_. And beasts of prey and other animals and fowl may be seen to
+lie down in places of public amusement in cities and towns, as well as
+in sacred edifices. And, O king girls of seven or eight years of age do
+then conceive, while boys of ten or twelve years beget offspring. And in
+their sixteenth year, men are overtaken with decrepitude and decay and
+the period of life itself is soon outrun. And O king, when men become so
+short-lived, more youths act like the aged; while all that is observable
+in youth may be noticed in the old. And women given to impropriety of
+conduct and marked by evil manners, deceive even the best of husbands
+and forget themselves with menials and slaves and even with animals. And
+O king, even women that are wives of heroes seek the companionship of
+other men and forget themselves with these during the life-time of their
+husbands.
+
+"'O king, towards the end of those thousands of years constituting the
+four _Yugas_ and when the lives of men become so short, a drought occurs
+extending for many years. And then, O lord of the earth, men and
+creatures endued with small strength and vitality, becoming hungry die
+by thousands. And then, O lord of men, seven blazing Suns, appearing in
+the firmament, drink up all the waters of the Earth that are in rivers
+or seas. And, O bull of the Bharata race, then also everything of the
+nature of wood and grass that is wet to dry, is consumed and reduced to
+ashes. And then, O Bharata, the fire called _Samvartaka_ impelled by the
+winds appeareth on the earth that hath already been dried to cinders by
+the seven Suns. And then that fire, penetrating through the Earth and
+making its appearance, in the nether regions also, begetteth great
+terror in the hearts of the _gods_, the _Danavas_ and the _Yakshas_.
+And, O lord of the earth, consuming the nether regions as also
+everything upon this Earth that fire destroyeth all things in a moment.
+And that fire called _Samvartaka_ aided by that inauspicious wind,
+consumeth this world extending for hundreds and thousands of _yojanas_.
+And that lord of all things, that fire, blazing forth in effulgence
+consumeth this universe with gods and _Asuras_ and _Gandharvas_ and
+_Yakshas_ and _Snakes_ and _Rakshasas_. And there rise in the sky deep
+masses of clouds, looking like herds of elephants and decked with
+wreaths of lightning that are wonderful to behold. And some of those
+clouds are of the hue of the blue lotus; and some are of the hue of the
+water-lily; and some resemble in tint the filaments of the lotus and
+some are purple and some are yellow as turmeric and some of the hue of
+the crows' egg. And some are bright as the petals of the lotus and some
+red as vermillion. And some resemble palatial cities in shape and some
+herds of elephants. And some are of the form of lizards and some of
+crocodiles and sharks. And, O king, the clouds that gather in the sky on
+the occasion are terrible to behold and wreathed with lightnings, roar
+frightfully. And those vapoury masses, charged with rain, soon cover the
+entire welkin. And, O king, those masses of vapour then flood with water
+the whole earth with her mountains and forests and mines. And, O bull
+among men, urged by the Supreme Lord those clouds roaring frightfully,
+soon flood over the entire surface of the earth. And pouring in a great
+quantity of water and filling the whole earth, they quench that terrible
+inauspicious fire (of which I have already spoken to thee). And urged by
+the illustrious Lord those clouds filling the earth with their downpour
+shower incessantly for twelve years. And then, O Bharata, the Ocean
+oversteps his continents, the mountains sunder in fragments, and the
+Earth sinks under the increasing flood. And then moved on a sudden by
+the impetus of the wind, those clouds wander along the entire expanse of
+the firmament and disappear from the view. And then, O ruler of men, the
+Self-create Lord--the first Cause of everything--having his abode in the
+lotus, drinketh those terrible winds and goeth to sleep, O Bharata!
+
+"'And then when the universe become one dead expanse of water, when all
+mobile and immobile creatures have been destroyed, when the _gods_ and
+the _Asuras_ cease to be, when the _Yakshas_ and the _Rakshasas_ are no
+more, when man is not, when trees and beasts of prey have disappeared,
+when the firmament itself has ceased to exist, I alone, O lord of the
+earth, wander in affliction. And, O best of kings, wandering over that
+dreadful expanse of water, my heart becometh afflicted in consequence of
+my not beholding any creature! And, O king, wandering without cessation,
+through that flood, I become fatigued, but I obtain no resting place!
+And some time after I behold in that expanse of accumulated waters a
+vast and wide-extending banian tree, O lord of earth! And I then behold,
+O Bharata, seated on a conch, O king, overlaid with a celestial bed and
+attached to a far-extended bough of that banian, a boy, O great king, of
+face fair as the lotus or the moon, and of eyes, O ruler of men, large
+as petals of a full blown lotus! And at this sight, O lord of earth,
+wonder filled my heart. And I asked myself, "How doth this boy alone sit
+here when the world itself hath been destroyed?" And, O king, although I
+have full knowledge of the Past, the Present, and the Future, still I
+failed to learn anything of this by means of even ascetic meditation.
+Endued with the lustre of the _Atasi_ flower, and decked with the mark
+of _Sreevatsa_, he seemed to me to be like the abode of _Lakshmi_,
+herself. And that boy, of eyes like the petals of the lotus, having the
+mark of _Sreevatsa_, and possessed of blazing effulgence, then addressed
+me in words highly pleasant to the ear, saying, "O sire, I know thee to
+be fatigued and desirous of rest. O Markandeya of Bhrigu's race, rest
+thou here as long as thou wishest. O best of _Munis_, entering within my
+body, rest thou there. That hath been the abode assigned to thee by me.
+I have been pleased with thee." Thus addressed by that boy, a sense of
+total disregard possessed me in respect both of my long life and state
+of manhood. Then that boy suddenly opened his mouth, and as fate would
+have it, I entered his mouth deprived of the power of motion. But O
+king, having suddenly entered into the stomach of that boy, I behold
+there the whole earth teeming with cities and kingdoms. And, O best of
+men, while wandering through the stomach of that illustrious one, I
+behold the Ganga, the Satudru, the Sita, the Yamuna, and the Kausiki;
+the Charmanwati, the Vetravati; the Chandrabhaga, the Saraswati, the
+Sindhu, the Vipasa, and the Godavari; the Vaswokasara, the Nalini and
+the Narmada; the Tamra, and the Venna also of delightful current and
+sacred waters; the Suvenna, the Krishna-venna, the Irama, and the
+Mahanadi; the Vitasti, O great king, and that large river, the Cavery;
+the one also, O tiger among men, the Visalya, and the Kimpuna also. I
+beheld all these and many other rivers that are on the earth! And, O
+slayer of foes, I also beheld there the ocean inhabited by alligators
+and sharks, that mine of gems, that excellent abode of waters. And I
+beheld there the firmament also, decked with the Sun and the Moon,
+blazing with effulgence, and possessed of lustre of fire of the Sun. And
+I beheld there, O king, the earth also, graced with woods and forests.
+And, O monarch, I beheld there many Brahmanas also, engaged in various
+sacrifices; and the Kshatriyas engaged in doing good to all the orders;
+and the Vaisyas employed in pursuits in agriculture; and the Sudras
+devoted to the service of the regenerate classes. And, O king, while
+wandering through the stomach of that high-souled one, I also beheld the
+Himavat and the mountains of Hemakuta. And I also saw Nishada, and the
+mountains of Sweta abounding in silver. And, O king, I saw there the
+mountain Gandhamadana, and, O tiger among men, also Mandara and the huge
+mountains of Nila. And, O great king, I saw there the golden mountains
+of Meru and also Mahendra and those excellent mountains called the
+Vindhyas. And I beheld there the mountains of Malaya and of Paripatra
+also. These and many other mountains that are on earth were all seen by
+me in his stomach. And all these were decked with jewels and gems. And,
+O monarch, while wandering through his stomach, I also beheld lions and
+tigers and boars and, indeed, all other animals that are on earth, O
+great king! O tiger among men, having entered his stomach, as I wandered
+around, I also beheld the whole tribe of the _gods_ with their chief
+Sakra, the _Sadhyas_, the _Rudras_, the _Adityas_, the _Guhyakas_, the
+_Pitris_, the _Snakes_ and the _Nagas_, the feathery tribes, the
+_Vasus_, the _Aswins_, the _Gandharvas_, the _Apsaras_, the _Yakshas_,
+the _Rishis_, the hordes of the _Daityas_ and the _Danavas_, and the
+_Nagas_ also, O king, and the sons of _Singhika_ and all the other
+enemies of the gods; indeed what else of mobile and immobile creatures
+may be seen on earth, were all seen by me, O monarch, within the stomach
+of that high-souled one. And, O lord, living upon fruits I dwelt within
+his body for many centuries wandering over the entire universe that is
+there. Never did I yet, O king, behold the limits of his body. And when,
+O lord of earth, I failed to measure the limits of that high-souled
+one's body, even though I wandered within him continuously in great
+anxiety of mind, I then, in thought and deed sought the protection of
+that boon-giving and pre-eminent Deity, duly acknowledging his
+superiority. And when I had done this, O king, I was suddenly projected
+(from within his body) through that high-souled one's open mouth by
+means, O chief of men, of a gust of wind. And, O king, I then beheld
+seated on the branch of that very banian that same Being of immeasurable
+energy, in the form of a boy with the mark of _Sreevatsa_ (on his
+breast) having, O tiger among men, swallowed up the whole universe. And
+that boy of blazing effulgence and bearing the mark of _Sreevatsa_ and
+attired in yellow robes, gratified with me, smilingly addressed me,
+saying, "O Markandeya, O best of _Munis_, having dwelt for some time
+within my body, thou hast been fatigued! I shall however speak unto
+thee." And as he said this to me, at that very moment I acquired a new
+sight, so to speak, in consequence of which I beheld myself to be
+possessed of true knowledge and emancipated from the illusions of the
+world. And, O child, having witnessed the inexhaustible power of that
+Being of immeasurable energy, I then worshipped his revered and
+well-shaped feet with soles bright as burnished copper and well-decked
+with toes of mild red hue, having placed them carefully on my head and
+joining my palms in humility and approaching him with reverence. I
+beheld that Divine Being who is the soul of all things and whose eyes
+are like the petals of the lotus. And having bowed unto him with joined
+hands I addressed him saying, "I wish to know thee, O Divine Being, as
+also this high and wonderful illusion of thine! O illustrious one,
+having entered into thy body through thy mouth, I have beheld the entire
+universe in thy stomach! O Divine Being, the gods, the _Danavas_ and the
+_Rakshasas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Gandharvas_, and the _Nagas_, indeed,
+the whole universe mobile and immobile, are all within thy body! And
+though I have ceaselessly wandered through thy body at a quick pace,
+through thy grace, O God, my memory faileth me not. And, O great lord, I
+have come out of thy body at thy desire but not of mine! O thou of eyes
+like lotus leaves, I desire to know thee who art free from all faults!
+Why dost thou stay here in the form of a boy having swallowed up the
+entire universe? It behoveth thee to explain all this to me. Why, O
+sinless one, is the entire universe within thy body? How long also, O
+chastiser of foes, wilt thou stay here? Urged by a curiosity that is not
+improper for Brahmanas, I desire, O Lord of all the gods, to hear all
+this from thee, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, with every detail and
+exactly as it all happens, for all I have seen, O Lord, is wonderful and
+inconceivable!" And thus addressed by me, that deity of deities, of
+blazing effulgence and great beauty, that foremost of all speakers
+consoling me properly, spoke unto me these words.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The Deity then said, "O Brahmana, the gods even
+do not know me truly! As however, I have been gratified with thee, I
+will tell thee how I created the universe! O regenerate _Rishi_, thou
+art devoted to thy ancestors and hast also sought my protection! Thou
+hast also beheld me with thy eyes, and thy ascetic merit also is great!
+In ancient times I called the waters by the name of _Nara_; and because
+the waters have ever been my _ayana_ or home, therefore have I been
+called _Narayana_ (the _water-homed_). O best of regenerate ones, I am
+_Narayana_, the Source of all things, the Eternal, the Unchangeable. I
+am the Creator of all things, and the Destroyer also of all. I am
+Vishnu, I am Brahma and I am Sakra, the chief of the gods. I am king
+Vaisravana, and I am Yama, the lord of the deceased spirits. I am Siva,
+I am Soma, and I am Kasyapa the lord of the created things. And, O best
+of regenerate ones, I am he called _Dhatri_, and he also that is called
+_Vidhatri_, and I am Sacrifice embodied. Fire is my mouth, the earth my
+feet, and the Sun and the Moon are my eyes; the Heaven is the crown of
+my head, the firmament and the cardinal points are my ears; the waters
+are born of my sweat. Space with the cardinal points are my body, and
+the Air is my mind. I have performed many hundreds of sacrifices with
+gifts in profusion. I am always present in the sacrifices of the gods;
+and they that are cognisant of the _Vedas_ and officiate therein, make
+their offerings to me. On earth the Kshatriya chiefs that rule over men,
+in performing their sacrifices from desire of obtaining heaven, and the
+Vaisyas also in performing theirs from desire of winning those happy
+regions, all worship me at such times and by those ceremonials. It is I
+who, assuming the form of Sesha support (on my head) this earth bounded
+by the four seas and decked by Meru and Mandara. And O regenerate one,
+it is I who, assuming the form of a boar, had raised in days of yore
+this earth sunk in water. And, O best of Brahmanas, it is I who,
+becoming the fire that issues out of the _Equine mouth_, drink up the
+waters (of the ocean) and create them again. In consequence of my energy
+from my mouth, my arms, my thighs, and my feet gradually sprang
+Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras. It is from me that the
+_Rik_, the _Sama_, the _Yajus_, and the _Atharvan_ Vedas spring, and it
+is in me that they all enter when the time cometh. Brahmanas devoted to
+asceticism, they that value Peace as the highest attribute, they that
+have their souls under complete control, they that are desirous of
+knowledge, they that are freed from lust and wrath and envy, they that
+are unwedded to things of the earth, they that have their sins
+completely washed away, they that are possessed of gentleness and
+virtue, and are divested of pride, they that have a full knowledge of
+the Soul, all worship me with profound meditation. I am the flame known
+as _Samvartaka_, I am the Wind called by that name, I am the Sun wearing
+that appellation, and I am the fire that hath that designation. And, O
+best of Brahmanas, those things that are seen in the firmament as stars,
+know them to be the pores of my skin. The ocean--those mines of gems and
+the four cardinal points, know, O Brahmana, are my robes, my bed, and my
+home. By me have they been distributed for serving the purposes of the
+gods. And, O best of men, know also that lust, wrath, joy, fear, and the
+over-clouding of the intellect, are all different forms of myself. And,
+O Brahmana, whatever is obtained by men by the practice of truth,
+charity, ascetic austerities, and peace and harmlessness towards all
+creatures, and such other handsome deeds, is obtained because of my
+arrangements. Governed by my ordinance, men wander within my body, their
+senses overwhelmed by me. They move not according to their will but as
+they are moved by me. Regenerate Brahmanas that have thoroughly studied
+the _Vedas_, that have tranquillity in their souls, they that have
+subdued their wrath, obtain a high reward by means of their numerous
+sacrifices. That reward, however, is unattainable by men that are wicked
+in their deeds, overwhelmed by covetousness, mean and disreputable with
+souls unblessed and impure. Therefore, must thou know, O Brahmana that
+this reward which is obtained by persons having their souls under
+control and which is unobtainable by the ignorant and the foolish,--this
+which is attainable by asceticism alone,--is productive of high merit.
+And, O best of men, at those times when virtue and morality decrease and
+sin and immorality increase, I create myself in new forms. And, O
+_Muni_, when fierce and malicious _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_ that are
+incapable of being slain by even the foremost of the gods, are born on
+earth, I then take my birth in the families of virtuous men, and
+assuming human body restore tranquillity by exterminating all evils.
+Moved by my own _maya_, I create gods and men, and _Gandharvas_ and
+_Rakshasas_, and all immobile things and then destroy them all myself
+(when the time cometh). For the preservation of rectitude and morality I
+assume a human form, and when the season for action cometh, I again
+assume forms that are inconceivable. In the _Krita_ age I become white,
+in the _Treta_ age I become yellow, in the _Dwapara_ I have become red
+and in the _Kali_ age I become dark in hue. In the _Kali_ age, the
+proportion of immorality becometh three-fourths, (a fourth only being
+that of morality). And when the end of the _Yuga_ cometh, assuming the
+fierce form of Death, alone I destroy all the three worlds with their
+mobile and immobile existences. With three steps, I cover the whole
+Universe; I am the Soul of the universe; I am the source of all
+happiness; I am the humbler of all pride; I am omnipresent; I am
+infinite; I am the Lord of the senses; and my prowess is great. O
+Brahmana, alone do I set a-going the wheel of Time; I am formless; I am
+the Destroyer of all creatures; and I am the cause of all efforts of all
+my creatures. O best of _Munis_, my soul completely pervadeth all my
+creatures, but, O foremost of all regenerate ones, no one knoweth me. It
+is me that the pious and the devoted worship in all the worlds. O
+regenerate one, whatever of pain thou hast felt within my stomach, know,
+O sinless one, that all that is for thy happiness and good fortune. And
+whatever of mobile and immobile objects thou hast seen in the world,
+everything hath been ordained by my Soul which is the Spring of all
+existence. The grandsire of all creatures is half my body; I am called
+Narayana, and I am bearer of the conch-shell, the discus and the mace. O
+regenerate _Rishi_, for a period measured by a thousand times the length
+of the _Yugas_, I who am the Universal Soul sleep overwhelming all
+creatures in insensibility. And, O best of regenerate _Rishis_, I stay
+here thus for all time, in the form of a boy though I am old, until
+Brahma waketh up. O foremost of Brahmanas, gratified with thee, I who am
+_Brahma_ have repeatedly granted thee boons, O thou who art worshipped
+by regenerate _Rishis_! Beholding one vast expanse of water and seeing
+that all mobile and immobile creatures have been destroyed, thou wert
+afflicted with melancholy. I know this, and it is for this that I showed
+thee the universe (within my stomach). And while thou wert within my
+body, beholding the entire universe, thou wert filled with wonder and
+deprived of thy senses. O regenerate _Rishi_, it is for this that thou
+wert speedily brought out by me through my mouth. I have (now) told thee
+of that Soul which is incapable of being comprehended by the gods and
+the _Asuras_. And as long as that great ascetic, the holy Brahma, doth
+not awake, thou, O regenerate _Rishi_, canst happily and trustfully
+dwell here. And when that Grandsire of all creatures awaketh up, I will
+then, O best of Brahmanas, alone create all creatures endued with
+bodies, the firmament, the earth, light, the atmosphere, water, and
+indeed all else of mobile and immobile creatures (that thou mayst have
+seen) on the earth!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having said so unto me that wonderful Deity
+vanished, O son, from my sight! I then beheld this varied and wondrous
+creation start into life. O king, O thou foremost of the Bharata race, I
+witnessed all this, so wonderful, O thou foremost of all virtuous men,
+at the end of the _Yuga_! And the Deity, of eyes large as lotus leaves,
+seen by me, in days of yore is this tiger among men, this Janardana who
+hath become thy relative! It is in consequence of the boon granted to me
+by this one that memory doth not fail me, that the period of my life, O
+son of Kunti, is so long and death itself is under my control. This is
+that ancient and supreme Lord Hari of inconceivable soul who hath taken
+his birth as Krishna of the Vrishni race, and who endued with mighty
+arms, seemeth to sport in this world! This one is _Dhatri_ and
+_Vidhatri_, the Destroyer of all the Eternal, the bearer of the
+_Sreevatsa_ mark on his breast, the Lord of the lord of all creatures,
+the highest of the high, called also Govinda! Beholding this foremost of
+all gods, this ever-victorious Being, attired in yellow robes, this
+chief of the Vrishni race, my recollection cometh back to me! This
+Madhava is the father and mother of all creatures! Ye bulls of the Kuru
+race, seek ye the refuge of this Protector!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the sons of Pritha and those
+bulls among men--the twins, along with Draupadi, all bowed down unto
+Janardana. And that tiger among men deserving of every respect thus
+revered by the sons of Pandu, then consoled them all with words of great
+sweetness."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said "Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, once more asked the
+great _Muni_ Markandeya about the future course of the government of the
+Earth.
+
+"And Yudhishthira said, 'O thou foremost of all speakers, O _Muni_ of
+Bhrigu's race, that which we have heard from thee about the destruction
+and re-birth of all things at the end of the _Yuga_, is, indeed, full of
+wonder! I am filled with curiosity, however, in respect of what may
+happen in the _Kali_ age. When morality and virtue will be at an end,
+what will remain there! What will be the prowess of men in that age,
+what their food, and what their amusements? What will be the period of
+life at the end of the _Yuga_? What also is the limit, having attained
+which the _Krita_ age will begin anew? Tell me all in detail, O _Muni_,
+for all that thou narratest is varied and delightful.'
+
+"Thus addressed, that foremost of _Munis_ began his discourse again,
+delighting that tiger of the Vrishni race and the sons of Pandu as well.
+And Markandeya said, 'Listen, O monarch, to all that hath been seen and
+heard by me, and to all, O king of kings, that hath been known to me by
+intuition from the grace of the God of gods! O bull of the Bharata race,
+listen to me as I narrate the future history of the world during the
+sinful age. O bull of the Bharata race, in the _Krita_ age, everything
+was free from deceit and guile and avarice and covetousness; and
+morality like a bull was among men, with all the four legs complete. In
+the _Treta_ age sin took away one of these legs and morality had three
+legs. In the _Dwapara_, sin and morality are mixed half and half; and
+accordingly morality is said to have two legs only. In the dark age (_of
+Kali_), O thou best of the Bharata race, morality mixed with three parts
+of sin liveth by the side of men. Accordingly morality then is said to
+wait on men, with only a fourth part of itself remaining. Know, O
+Yudhishthira, that the period of life, the energy, intellect and the
+physical strength of men decrease in every _Yuga_! O Pandava, the
+Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras, (in the _Kali_ age)
+will practise morality and virtue deceitfully and men in general will
+deceive their fellows by spreading the net of virtue. And men with false
+reputation of learning will, by their acts, cause Truth to be contracted
+and concealed. And in consequence of the shortness of their lives they
+will not be able to acquire much knowledge. And in consequence of the
+littleness of their knowledge, they will have no wisdom. And for this,
+covetousness and avarice will overwhelm them all. And wedded to avarice
+and wrath and ignorance and lust men will entertain animosities towards
+one another, desiring to take one another's lives. And Brahmanas and
+Kshatriyas and Vaisyas with their virtue contracted and divested of
+asceticism and truth will all be reduced to an equality with the Sudras.
+And the lowest orders of men will rise to the position of the
+intermediate ones, and those in intermediate stations will, without
+doubt, descend to the level of the lowest ones. Even such, O
+Yudhishthira, will become the state of the world at the end of the
+_Yuga_. Of robes those will be regarded the best that are made of flax,
+and of grain the _Paspalum frumentacea_[5] will be regarded the best.
+Towards this period men will regard their wives as their (only) friends.
+And men will live on fish and milk, goats and sheep, for cows will be
+extinct. And towards that period, even they that are always observant of
+vows, will become covetous. And opposed to one another, men will, at
+such a time, seek one another's lives; and divested of _Yuga_, people
+will become atheists and thieves. And they will even dig the banks of
+streams with their spades and sow grains thereon. And even those places
+will prove barren for them at such a time. And those men who are devoted
+to ceremonial rites in honour of the deceased and of the gods, will be
+avaricious and will also appropriate and enjoy what belongs to others.
+The father will enjoy what belongs to the son; and the son, what belongs
+to the father. And those things will also be enjoyed by men in such
+times, the enjoyment of which hath been forbidden in the scriptures. And
+the Brahmanas, speaking disrespectfully of the Vedas, will not practise
+vows, and their understanding clouded by the science of disputation,
+they will no longer perform sacrifices and the _Homa_. And deceived by
+the false science of reasons, they will direct their hearts towards
+everything mean and low. And men will till low lands for cultivation and
+employ cows and calves that are one year old, in drawing the plough and
+carrying burthens. And sons having slain their sires, and sires having
+slain their sons will incur no opprobrium. And they will frequently save
+themselves from anxiety by such deeds, and even glory in them. And the
+whole world will be filled with _mleccha_ behaviour and notions and
+ceremonies, and sacrifices will cease and joy will be nowhere and
+general rejoicing will disappear. And men will rob the possession of
+helpless persons, of those that are friendless and of wisdoms also. And,
+possessed of small energy and strength, without knowledge and given to
+avarice and folly and sinful practices men will accept with joy the
+gifts made by wicked people with words of contempt. And, O son of Kunti,
+the kings of the earth, with hearts wedded to sin without knowledge and
+always boastful of their wisdom, will challenge one another from desire
+of taking one another's life. And the Kshatriyas also towards the end of
+such a period will become the thorns of the earth. And filled with
+avarice and swelling with pride and vanity and, unable and unwilling to
+protect (their subjects), they will take pleasure in inflicting
+punishments only. And attacking and repeating their attacks upon the
+good and the honest, and feeling no pity for the latter, even when they
+will cry in grief, the Kshatriyas will, O Bharata, rob these of their
+wives and wealth. And no one will ask for a girl (for purposes of
+marriage) and no one will give away a girl (for such purposes), but the
+girls will themselves choose their lords, when the end of the _Yuga_
+comes. And the kings of the earth with souls steeped in ignorance, and
+discontented with what they have, will at such a time, rob their
+subjects by every means in their power. And without doubt the whole
+world will be _mlecchified_.[6] And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes,
+the right hand will deceive the left; and the left, the right. And men
+with false reputation of learning will contract Truth and the old will
+betray the senselessness of the young, and the young will betray the
+dotage of the old. And cowards will have the reputation of bravery and
+the brave will be cheerless like cowards. And towards the end of the
+_Yuga_ men will cease to trust one another. And full of avarice and
+folly the whole world will have but one kind of food. And sin will
+increase and prosper, while virtue will fade and cease to flourish. And
+Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas will disappear, leaving, O king, no
+remnants of their orders. And all men towards the end of the Yuga will
+become members of one common order, without distinction of any kind. And
+sires will not forgive sons, and sons will not forgive sires. And when
+the end approaches, wives will not wait upon and serve their husbands.
+And at such a time men will seek those countries where wheat and barley
+form the staple food. And, O monarch, both men and women will become
+perfectly free in their behaviour and will not tolerate one another's
+acts. And, O Yudhishthira, the whole world will be _mlecchified_. And
+men will cease to gratify the gods by offerings of _Sraddhas_. And no
+one will listen to the words of others and no one will be regarded as a
+preceptor by another. And, O ruler of men, intellectual darkness will
+envelop the whole earth, and the life of man will then be measured by
+sixteen years, on attaining to which age death will ensue. And girls of
+five or six years of age will bring forth children and boys of seven or
+eight years of age will become fathers. And, O tiger among kings, when
+the end of the _Yuga_ will come, the wife will never be content with her
+husband, nor the husband with his wife. And the possessions of men will
+never be much, and people will falsely bear the marks of religion, and
+jealousy and malice will fill the world. And no one will, at that time,
+be a giver (of wealth or anything else) in respect to any one else. And
+the inhabited regions of the earth will be afflicted with dearth and
+famine, and the highways will be filled with lustful men and women of
+evil repute. And, at such a time, the women will also entertain an
+aversion towards their husbands. And without doubt all men will adopt
+the behaviour of the _mlecchas_, become omnivorous without distinction,
+and cruel in all their acts, when the end of the _Yuga_ will come. And,
+O thou foremost of the Bharatas, urged by avarice, men will, at that
+time, deceive one another when they sell and purchase. And without a
+knowledge of the ordinance, men will perform ceremonies and rites, and,
+indeed, behave as listeth them, when the end of the _Yuga_ comes. And
+when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, urged by their very dispositions, men
+will act cruelly, and speak ill of one another. And people will, without
+compunction, destroy trees and gardens. And men will be filled with
+anxiety as regards the means of living. And, O king, overwhelmed with
+covetousness, men will kill Brahmanas and appropriate and enjoy the
+possessions of their victims. And the regenerate ones, oppressed by
+Sudras, and afflicted with fear, and crying _Oh_ and _Alas_, will wander
+over the earth without anybody to protect them. And when men will begin
+to slay one another, and become wicked and fierce and without any
+respect for animal life, then will the _Yuga_ come to an end. And, O
+king, even the foremost of the regenerate ones, afflicted by robbers,
+will, like crows, fly in terror and with speed, and seek refuge, O
+perpetuator of the Kuru race, in rivers and mountains and inaccessible
+regions. And always oppressed by bad rulers with burthens of taxes, the
+foremost of the regenerate classes, O lord of the earth, will, in those
+terrible times, take leave of all patience and do improper acts by
+becoming even the servants of the Sudras. And Sudras will expound the
+scriptures, and Brahmanas will wait upon and listen to them, and settle
+their course of duty accepting such interpretations as their guides. And
+the low will become the high, and the course of things will look
+contrary. And renouncing the gods, men will worship bones and other
+relics deposited within walls. And, at the end of the _Yuga_, the Sudras
+will cease to wait upon and serve the Brahmanas. And in the asylums of
+great _Rishis_, and the teaching institutions of Brahmanas, and in
+places sacred to the gods and sacrificial compounds, and in sacred
+tanks, the earth will be disfigured with tombs and pillars containing
+bony relics and not graced with temples dedicated to the gods. All this
+will take place at the end of the _Yuga_, and know that these are the
+signs of the end of the _Yuga_. And when men become fierce and destitute
+of virtue and carnivorous and addicted to intoxicating drinks, then doth
+the _Yuga_ come to an end. And, O monarch, when flowers will be begot
+within flowers, and fruits within fruits, then will the _Yuga_ come to
+an end. And the clouds will pour rain unseasonably when the end of the
+_Yuga_ approaches. And, at that time, ceremonial rites of men will not
+follow one another in due order, and the Sudras will quarrel with the
+Brahmanas. And the earth will soon be full of _mlecchas_, and the
+Brahmanas will fly in all directions for fear of the burthen of taxes.
+And all distinctions between men will cease as regards conduct and
+behaviour, and afflicted with honorary tasks and offices, people will
+fly to woody retreats, subsisting on fruits and roots. And the world
+will be so afflicted, that rectitude of conduct will cease to be
+exhibited anywhere. And disciples will set at naught the instructions of
+preceptors, and seek even to injure them. And preceptors impoverished
+will be disregarded by men. And friends and relatives and kinsmen will
+perform friendly offices for the sake of the wealth only that is
+possessed by a person. And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, everybody
+will be in want. And all the points of the horizon will be ablaze, and
+the stars and stellar groups will be destitute of brilliancy, and the
+planets and planetary conjunctions will be inauspicious. And the course
+of the winds will be confused and agitated, and innumerable meteors will
+flash through the sky, foreboding evil. And the Sun will appear with six
+others of the same kind. And all around there will be din and uproar,
+and everywhere there will be conflagrations. And the Sun, from the hour
+of his rising to that of setting, will be enveloped by Rahu. And the
+deity of a thousand eyes will shower rain unseasonably. And when the end
+of the _Yuga_ comes, crops will not grow in abundance. And the women
+will always be sharp in speech and pitiless and fond of weeping. And
+they will never abide by the commands of their husbands. And when the
+end of the _Yuga_ comes, sons will slay fathers and mothers. And women,
+living uncontrolled, will slay their husbands and sons. And, O king,
+when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, _Rahu_ will swallow the Sun
+unseasonably. And fires will blaze up on all sides. And travellers
+unable to obtain food and drink and shelter even when they ask for
+these, will lie down on the wayside refraining from urging their
+solicitations. And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, crows and snakes
+and vultures and kites and other animals and birds will utter frightful
+and dissonant cries. And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, men will cast
+away and neglect their friends and relatives and attendants. And, O
+monarch, when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, men abandoning the countries
+and directions and towns and cities of their occupation, will seek for
+new ones, one after another. And people will wander over the earth,
+uttering, "_O father, O son_", and such other frightful and rending
+cries.
+
+    [5] The word in the text is _Kora-dushakas_, supposed by Wilson
+    to be the _Paspalum frumentacea_ (_vide_ Dict.).
+
+    [6] The word in the text is _mlecchibhutam_. The Sanskrit
+    grammar affords a great facility for the formation of verbs from
+    substantives. _Mlecchify_ may be hybrid, but it correctly and
+    shortly signifies the Sanskrit word.
+
+"'And when those terrible times will be over, the creation will begin
+anew. And men will again be created and distributed into the four orders
+beginning with Brahmanas. And about that time, in order that men may
+increase, Providence, according to its pleasure, will once more become
+propitious. And then when the Sun, the Moon, and Vrihaspati will, with
+the constellation _Pushya_[7], enter the same sign, the _Krita_ age will
+begin again. And the clouds will commence to shower seasonably, and the
+stars and stellar conjunctions will become auspicious. And the planets,
+duly revolving in their orbits, will become exceedingly propitious. And
+all around, there will be prosperity and abundance and health and peace.
+And commissioned by Time, a Brahmana of the name of _Kalki_ will take
+his birth. And he will glorify Vishnu and possess great energy, great
+intelligence, and great prowess. And he will take his birth in a town of
+the name of _Sambhala_ in an auspicious Brahmana family. And vehicles
+and weapons, and warriors and arms, and coats of mail will be at his
+disposal as soon as he will think of them. And he will be the king of
+kings, and ever victorious with the strength of virtue. And he will
+restore order and peace in this world crowded with creatures and
+contradictory in its course. And that blazing Brahmana of mighty
+intellect, having appeared, will destroy all things. And he will be the
+Destroyer of all, and will inaugurate a new _Yuga_. And surrounded by
+the Brahmanas, that Brahmana will exterminate all the _mlecchas_
+wherever those low and despicable persons may take refuge.'"
+
+    [7] _Pushya_ is the eighth lunar asterism consisting of three
+    stars, of which one is, the Cancer. (Vide Wilson's Diet.).
+
+
+SECTION CLXL
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having exterminated the thieves and robbers,
+_Kalki_ will, at a great Horse-sacrifice, duly give away this earth to
+the Brahmanas, and having established anew the blessed rectitude
+ordained by the Self-create, _Kalki_, of sacred deeds and illustrious
+reputation, will enter a delightful forest, and the people of this earth
+will imitate his conduct, and when the Brahmanas will have exterminated
+the thieves and robbers, there will be prosperity everywhere (on earth).
+And as the countries of the earth will one after another be subjugated,
+that tiger among Brahmanas, _Kalki_, having placed deer skins and lances
+and tridents there, will roam over the earth, adored by foremost
+Brahmanas and showing his regard for them and engaged all the while in
+slaughtering thieves and robbers. And he will exterminate the thieves
+and robbers amid heart-rending cries of "_Oh, father--Oh, mother!--O
+son!_" and the like, and O Bharata, when sin will thus have been rooted
+out and virtue will flourish on arrival of the _Krita_ age, men will
+once more betake themselves to the practice of religious rites. And in
+the age that will set in, viz., the _Krita_, well-planted gardens and
+sacrificial compounds and large tanks and educational centres for the
+cultivation of Brahmanic lore and ponds and temples will re-appear
+everywhere. And the ceremonies and rites of sacrifices will also begin
+to be performed. And the Brahmanas will become good and honest, and the
+regenerate ones, devoted to ascetic austerities, will become _Munis_ and
+the asylums of ascetics, which had before been filled with wretches will
+once more be homes of men devoted to truth, and men in general will
+begin to honour and practise truth. And all seeds, sown on earth, will
+grow, and, O monarch, every kind of crop will grow in every season. And
+men will devotedly practise charity and vows and observances, and the
+Brahmanas devoted to meditation and sacrifices will be of virtuous soul
+and always cheerful, and the rulers of the earth will govern their
+kingdoms virtuously, and in the _Krita_ age, the Vaisyas will be devoted
+to the practices of their order. And the Brahmanas will be devoted to
+their six-fold duties (of study, teaching, performance of sacrifices on
+their own account, officiating at sacrifices performed by others,
+charity and acceptance of gifts), and the Kshatriyas will be devoted to
+feats of prowess. And Sudras will be devoted to service of the three
+(high) orders.
+
+"'These, O Yudhishthira, are the courses of the _Krita_, the _Treta_,
+the _Dwapara_ and the succeeding age. I have now narrated to thee
+everything. I have also told thee, O son of Pandu, the periods embraced
+by the several _Yugas_ as generally known. I have now told thee
+everything appertaining to both the past and the future as narrated by
+_Vayu_ in the _Parana_ (which goes by his name and) which is adored by
+the _Rishis_. Being immortal I have many a time beheld and otherwise
+ascertained the courses of the world. Indeed, all I have seen and felt I
+have now told thee. And, O thou of unfading glory, listen now with thy
+brothers to something else I will presently tell thee for clearing thy
+doubts about religion! O thou foremost of virtuous men, thou shouldst
+always fix thy soul on virtue, for, O monarch, a person of virtuous soul
+obtaineth bliss both here and hereafter. And, O sinless one, listen to
+the auspicious words that I will now speak to thee. _Never do thou
+humiliate a Brahmana, for a Brahmana, if angry, may by his vow destroy
+the three worlds._'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Markandeya, the royal
+head of the Kurus, endued with intelligence and possessed of great
+lustre, spoke these words of great wisdom, 'O _muni_, if I am to protect
+my subjects, to what course of conduct should I adhere? And how should I
+behave so that I may not fall away from the duties of my order?'
+
+"Markandeya, hearing this, answered, 'Be merciful to all creatures, and
+devoted to their good. Love all creatures, scorning none. Be truthful in
+speech, humble, with passions under complete control, and always devoted
+to the protection of thy people. Practise virtue and renounce sin, and
+worship thou the manes and the god and whatever thou mayst have done
+from ignorance or carelessness, wash them off and expiate them by
+charity. Renouncing pride and vanity, be thou possessed to humility and
+good behaviour. And subjugating the whole earth, rejoice thou and let
+happiness be thine. This is the course of conduct that accords with
+virtue. I have recited to thee all that was and all that will be
+regarded as virtuous. There is nothing appertaining to the past or the
+future that is unknown to thee. Therefore, O son, take not to heart this
+present calamity of thine. They that are wise are never overwhelmed when
+they are persecuted by _Time_. O thou of mighty arms, the very dwellers
+of heaven cannot rise superior to Time. Time afflicts all creatures. O
+sinless one, let not doubt cross thy mind regarding the truth of what I
+have told thee, for, if thou sufferest doubt to enter thy heart, thy
+virtue will suffer diminution! O bull of the Bharata race, thou art born
+in the celebrated family of the Kurus. Thou shouldst practise that which
+I have told thee, in thought, word and deed.'
+
+"Yudhishthira answered, 'O thou foremost of the regenerate ones, at thy
+command I will certainly act according to all the instructions thou hast
+given me, and which, O lord, are all so sweet to the ear. O foremost of
+Brahmanas, avarice and lust I have none, and neither fear nor pride nor
+vanity. I shall, therefore, O lord, follow all that thou hast told me.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having listened to the words of the intelligent
+Markandeya, the sons of Pandu, O king, along with the wielder of the bow
+called _Saranga_, and all those bulls among Brahmanas, and all others
+that were there, became filled with joy. And having heard those blessed
+words appertaining to olden time, from Markandeya gifted with wisdom,
+their hearts were filled with wonder."
+
+
+SECTION CLXLI
+
+Janamejaya said, "It behoveth thee to narrate to me in full the
+greatness of the Brahmanas even as the mighty ascetic Markandeya had
+expounded it to the sons of Pandu."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The eldest son of Pandu had asked Markandeya saying,
+'It behoveth thee to expound to me the greatness of Brahmanas.'
+Markandeya answered him saying, 'Hear, O king, about the behaviour of
+Brahmanas in days of old.'
+
+"And Markandeya continued, 'There was a king, by name Parikshit in
+Ayodhya and belonging to the race of Ikshvaku. And once upon a time
+Parikshit went a-hunting. And as he was riding alone on a horse chasing
+deer, the animal led him to a great distance (from the habitations of
+men). And fatigued by the distance he had ridden and afflicted with
+hunger and thirst he beheld in that part of the country whither he had
+been led, a dark and dense forest, and the king, beholding that forest,
+entered it and seeing a delightful tank within the forest, both the
+rider and the horse bathed in it, and refreshed by the bath and placing
+before his horse some stalks and fibres of the lotus, the king sat by
+the side of the tank. And while he was lying by the side of the tank, he
+heard certain sweet strains of music, and hearing those strains, he
+reflected, "I do not see here the foot-prints of men. Whose and whence
+then these strains?" And the king soon beheld a maiden of great beauty
+gathering flowers singing all the while, and the maiden soon came before
+the king, and the king thereupon asked her, "Blessed one, who art thou
+and whose?" And she replied, "I am a maiden." And the king said, "I ask
+thee to be mine." And the maiden answered, "Give me a pledge, for then
+only I can be thine, else not." And the king then asked about the pledge
+and the girl answered, "Thou wilt never make me cast my eyes on water",
+and the king saying, "So be it," married her, and king Parikshit having
+married her sported (with her) in great joy, and sat with her in
+silence, and while the king was staying there, his troops reached the
+spot, and those troops beholding the monarch stood surrounding him, and
+cheered by the presence of troops, the king entered a handsome vehicle
+accompanied by his (newly) wedded wife. And having arrived at his
+capital he began to live with her in privacy. And persons that were even
+near enough to the king could not obtain any interview with him and the
+minister-in-chief enquired of those females that waited upon the king,
+asking, "What do ye do here?" And those women replied, "We behold here a
+female of unrivalled beauty. And the king sporteth with her, having
+married her with a pledge that he would never show her water." And
+hearing those words, the minister-in-chief caused an artificial forest
+to be created, consisting of many trees with abundant flowers and
+fruits, and he caused to be excavated within that forest and towards one
+of its sides a large tank, placed in a secluded spot and full of water
+that was sweet as _Amrita_. The tank was well covered with a net of
+pearls. Approaching the king one day in private, he addressed the king
+saying, "This is a fine forest without water. Sport thou here joyfully!"
+And the king at those words of his minister entered that forest with
+that adorable wife of his, and the king sported with her in that
+delightful forest, and afflicted with hunger and thirst and fatigued and
+spent, the king beheld a bower of Madhavi creepers[8] and entering that
+bower with his dear one, the king beheld a tank full of water that was
+transparent and bright as nectar, and beholding that tank, the king sat
+on its bank with her and the king told his adorable wife, "Cheerfully do
+thou plunge into this water!" And she, hearing those words plunged into
+the tank. But having plunged into the water she appeared not above the
+surface, and as the king searched, he failed to discover any trace of
+her. And the king ordered the waters of the tank to be baled out, and
+thereupon he beheld a frog sitting at the mouth of a hole, and the king
+was enraged at this and promulgated an order saying, "Let frogs be
+slaughtered everywhere in my dominions! Whoever wishes to have an
+interview with me must come before me with a tribute of dead frogs." And
+accordingly when frogs began to be terribly slaughtered, the affrighted
+frogs represented all that had happened unto their king, and the king of
+the frogs assuming the garb of an ascetic came before the king
+Parikshit, and having approached the monarch, he said, "O king, give not
+thyself up to wrath! Be inclined to grace. It behoveth thee not to slay
+the innocent frogs." Here occurs a couple of _Slokas_. (They are
+these):--"O thou of unfading glory, slay not the frogs! Pacify thy
+wrath! The prosperity and ascetic merits of those that have their souls
+steeped in ignorance suffer diminution! Pledge thyself not to be angry
+with the frogs! What need hast thou to commit such sin! What purpose
+will be served by slaying the frogs!" Then king Parikshit whose soul was
+filled with woe on account of the death of her that was dear to him,
+answered the chief of the frogs who had spoken to him thus, "I will not
+forgive the frogs. On the other hand, I will slay them. By these wicked
+wretches hath my dear one been swallowed up. The frogs, therefore,
+always deserve to be killed by me. It behoveth thee not, O learned one,
+to intercede on their behalf." And hearing these words of Parikshit, the
+king of the frogs with his senses and mind much pained said, "Be
+inclined to grace, O king! I am the king of the frogs by name Ayu. She
+who was thy wife is my daughter of the name of Susobhana. This, indeed,
+is an instance of her bad conduct. Before this, many kings were deceived
+by her." The king thereupon said to him, "I desire to have her. Let her
+be granted to me by thee!" The king of the frogs thereupon bestowed his
+daughter upon Parikshit, and addressing her said, "Wait upon and serve
+the king." And having spoken these words to his daughter, he also
+addressed her in wrath saying, "Since thou hast deceived many Kings for
+this untruthful behaviour of thine, thy offspring will prove
+disrespectful to Brahmanas!" But having obtained her, the king became
+deeply enamoured of her in consequence of her companionable virtues, and
+feeling that he had, as it were, obtained the sovereignty of the three
+worlds, he bowed down to the king of the frogs and reverenced him in due
+form and then with utterance choked in joy and tears said, "I have been
+favoured indeed!" And the king of the frogs obtaining the leave of his
+daughter, returned to the place from which he had come and some time
+after the king begot three sons upon her and those sons were named Sala
+and Dala and Vala, and some time after, their father, installing the
+eldest of them of all on the throne and setting his heart on asceticism,
+retired into the forest. One day Sala while out a-hunting, beheld a deer
+and pursued it, on his car, and the prince said to his charioteer,
+"Drive thou fast." And the charioteer, thus addressed, replied unto the
+king, saying, "Do not entertain such a purpose. This deer is incapable
+of being caught by thee. If indeed _Vami_ horses had been yoked to thy
+car, then couldst thou have taken it." Thereupon the king addressed his
+charioteer, saying, "Tell me all about _Vami_ horses, otherwise I will
+slay thee." Thus addressed the charioteer became dreadfully alarmed and
+he was afraid of the king and also of Vamadeva's curse and told not the
+king anything and the king then lifting up his scimitar said to him,
+"Tell me soon, else I will slay thee." At last afraid of the king, the
+charioteer said, "The _Vami_ horses are those belonging to Vamadeva;
+they are fleet as the mind." And unto his charioteer who had said so,
+the king said, "Repair thou to the asylum of Vamadeva." And reaching the
+asylum of Vamadeva the king said unto that _Rishi_, "O holy one, a deer
+struck by me is flying away. It behoveth thee to make it capable of
+being seized by me by granting me thy pair of _Vami_ horses." The
+_Rishi_ then answered him saying, "I give thee my pair of _Vami_ horses.
+But after accomplishing thy object, my _Vami_ pair you should soon
+return." The king then taking those steeds and obtaining the leave of
+the _Rishi_ pursued the deer, having yoked the _Vami_ pair unto his car,
+and after he had left the asylum he spoke unto his charioteer saying,
+"These jewels of steeds the Brahmanas do not deserve to possess. These
+should not be returned to Vamadeva." Having said this and seized the
+deer he returned to his capital and placed those steeds within the inner
+apartments of the palace.
+
+    [8] An Indian creeper of the order of _Goertnera racemosa_. It
+    bears large white flowers of much fragrance.
+
+"'Meanwhile the _Rishi_ reflected, "The prince is young. Having obtained
+an excellent pair of animals, he is sporting with it in joy without
+returning it to me. Alas, what a pity it is!" And reflecting in this
+strain, the _Rishi_ said unto a disciple of his, after the expiration of
+a month, "Go, O Atreya, and say to the king that if he has done with the
+_Vami_ steeds, he should return them unto thy preceptor." And the
+disciple Atreya, thereupon, repairing to the king, spoke unto him as
+instructed, and the king replied saying, "This pair of steeds deserves
+to be owned by kings. The Brahmanas do not deserve to possess jewels of
+such value. What business have Brahmanas with horses? Return thou
+contentedly!" And Atreya, thus addressed by the king, returned and told
+his preceptor all that had happened, and hearing this sad intelligence,
+Vamadeva's heart was filled with wrath, and repairing in person to the
+king he asked him for his steeds, and the king refused to give the
+_Rishi_ what the latter asked, and Vamadeva said, "O lord of earth, give
+me thou my _Vami_ horses. By them hast thou accomplished a task which
+was almost incapable of being accomplished by thee. By transgressing the
+practices of Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, subject not thyself, O king, to
+death by means of the terrible noose of Varuna." And hearing this, the
+king answered, "O Vamadeva, this couple of excellent well-trained, and
+docile bulls are fit animals for Brahmanas. O great _Rishi_, (take them
+and) go with them wherever thou likest. Indeed, the very _Vedas_ carry
+persons like thee." Then Vamadeva said, "O king, the _Vedas_ do, indeed,
+carry persons like us. But that is in the world hereafter. In this
+world, however, O king, animals like these carry me and persons like me
+as also all others." At this the king answered, "Let four asses carry
+thee, or four mules of the best kind, or even four steeds endued with
+the speed of the wind. Go thou with these. This pair of _Vami_ horses,
+however, deserves to be owned by Kshatriyas. Know thou, therefore, that
+these are not thine." At this, Vamadeva said, "O king, terrible vows
+have been ordained for the Brahmanas. If I have lived in their
+observance, let four fierce and mighty Rakshasas of terrible mien and
+iron bodies, commanded by me, pursue thee with desire of slaying, and
+carry thee on their sharp lances, having cut up thy body into four
+parts." Hearing this, the king said, "Let those, O Vamadeva, that know
+thee as a Brahmana that in thought, word, and deed, is desirous of
+taking life, at my command, armed with bright lances and swords
+prostrate thee with thy disciples before me." Then Vamadeva answered, "O
+king, having obtained these my _Vami_ steeds, thou hadst said, '_I will
+return them_.' Therefore, give me back my _Vami_ steeds, so thou mayst
+be able to protect thy life." Hearing this, the king said, "Pursuit of
+deer hath not been ordained for the Brahmanas. I do punish thee,
+however, for thy untruthfulness. From this day, too, obeying all thy
+commands I will, O Brahmana, attain to regions of bliss." Vamadeva then
+said, "A Brahmana cannot be punished in thought, word or deed. That
+learned person who by ascetic austerities succeedeth in knowing a
+Brahmana to be so, faileth not to attain to prominence in this world."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'After Vamadeva had said this, there arose, O
+king, (four) _Rakshasas_ of terrible mien, and as they, with lances in
+their hands, approached the king for slaying him, the latter cried
+aloud, saying, "If, O Brahmana, all the descendants of Ikshvaku's race,
+if (my brother) Dala, if all these Vaisyas acknowledge my sway, then I
+will not yield up the _Vami_ steeds to Vamadeva, for these men can never
+be virtuous." And while he was uttering those words, those _Rakshasas_
+slew him, and the lord of earth was soon prostrated on the ground. And
+the Ikshvakus, learning that their king had been slain, installed Dala
+on the throne, and the Brahmana Vamadeva thereupon going to the kingdom
+(of the Ikshvakus), addressed the new monarch, saying, "O king, it hath
+been declared in all the sacred books that persons should give away unto
+Brahmanas. If thou fearest sin, O king, give me now the _Vami_ steeds
+without delay." And hearing these words of Vamadeva, the king in anger
+spoke unto his charioteer, saying, "Bring me an arrow from those I have
+kept, which is handsome to behold and tempered with poison, so that
+pierced by it Vamadeva may lie prostrate in pain, torn by the dogs."
+Hearing this, Vamadeva answered, "I know, O king, that thou hast a son
+of ten years of age, called Senajita, begotten upon thy queen. Urged by
+my word, slay thou that dear boy of thine without delay by means of thy
+frightful arrows!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'At these words of Vamadeva, O king, that arrow
+of fierce energy, shot by the monarch, slew the prince in the inner
+apartments, and hearing this, Dala said there and then, "Ye people of
+Ikshvaku's race, I will do ye good. I shall slay this Brahmana today,
+grinding him with force. Bring me another arrow of fierce energy. Ye
+lords of earth, behold my prowess now." And at these words of Dala,
+Vamadeva said, "This arrow of terrible mien and tempered with poison,
+that thou aimest at me, thou shall not, O ruler of men, be able to aim
+nor even to shoot." And thereupon the king said, "Ye men of Ikshvaku's
+race, behold me incapable of shooting the arrow that hath been taken up
+by me. I fail to compass the death of this Brahmana. Let Vamadeva who is
+blessed with a long life live." Then Vamadeva said, "Touching thy queen
+with this arrow, thou mayst purge thyself of the sin (of attempting to
+take the life of a Brahmana)." And king Dala did as he was directed and
+the queen then addressed the _Muni_, and said, "O Vamadeva, let me be
+able to duly instruct this wretched husband of mine from day to day,
+imparting unto him words of happy import; and let me always wait upon
+and serve the Brahmanas, and by this acquire, O Brahmana, the sacred
+regions hereafter." And hearing these words of the queen, Vamadeva said,
+"O thou of beautiful eyes, thou hast saved this royal race. Beg thou an
+incomparable boon. I will grant thee whatever thou mayst ask. And, O
+thou faultless one, rule thou, O princess, these thy kinsmen and this
+great kingdom of the Ikshvakus!" And hearing these words of Vamadeva the
+princess said, "This, O holy one, is the boon I seek, viz., that my
+husband may now be freed from his sin, and that thou mayst be employed
+in thinking of the weal of his son and kinsmen. This is the boon that I
+ask, O thou foremost of Brahmanas!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing these words of the queen, that _Muni_, O
+thou foremost of the Kuru race, said, "So be it." And thereupon king
+Dala became highly glad and gave unto the _Muni_ his _Vami_ steeds,
+having bowed down unto him with reverence!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The _Rishis_, the Brahmanas, and Yudhishthira then
+asked Markandeya, saying, 'How did the _Rishi_ Vaka become so long
+lived?'
+
+"Thus asked by them, Markandeya answered, 'The royal sage Vaka is a
+great ascetic and endowed with long life. Ye need not enquire into the
+reason of this.'
+
+"Hearing this, O Bharata, the son of Kunti, king Yudhishthira the just,
+along with his brothers, then asked Markandeya saying, 'It hath been
+heard by us that both Vaka and Daivya are of great souls and endowed
+with immortality and that those _Rishis_, held in universal reverence,
+are the friends of the chief of the gods. O Holy One, I desire to listen
+to the (history of the) meeting of Vaka and Indra that is full of both
+joy and woe. Narrate thou that history unto us succinctly.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'When that horrible conflict between the gods and the
+_Asuras_ was over, Indra became the ruler of the three worlds. The
+clouds showered rain copiously. And the dwellers of the world had
+abundance of harvests, and were excellent in disposition. And devoted to
+virtue, they always practised morality and enjoyed peace. And all
+persons, devoted to the duties of their respective orders, were
+perfectly happy and cheerful, and the slayer of Vala, beholding all the
+creatures of the world happy and cheerful, became himself filled with
+joy. And he of a hundred sacrifices, the chief of the _gods_ seated on
+the back of his elephant Airavata, surveyed his happy subjects, and he
+cast his eyes on delightful asylums of _Rishis_, on various auspicious
+rivers, towns full of prosperity, and villages and rural regions in the
+enjoyment of plenty. And he also cast his eyes upon kings devoted to the
+practice of virtue and well-skilled in ruling their subjects. And he
+also looked upon tanks and reservoirs and wells and lakes and smaller
+lakes all full of water and adored by best of Brahmanas in the
+observance, besides, of various excellent vows, and then descending on
+the delightful earth, O king, the god of a hundred sacrifices, proceeded
+towards a blessed asylum teeming with animals and birds, situated by the
+side of the sea, in the delightful and auspicious regions of the East on
+a spot overgrown with abundance of vegetation. And the chief of the gods
+beheld Vaka in that asylum, and Vaka also, beholding the ruler of the
+Immortals, became highly glad, and he worshipped Indra by presenting him
+with water to wash his feet, a carpet to sit upon, the usual offering of
+the _Arghya_, and fruit and roots. And the boon-giving slayer of Vala,
+the divine ruler of those that know not old age, being seated at his
+ease, asked Vaka the following question, "O sinless _Muni_, thou hast
+lived for a hundred years! Tell me, O Brahmana, what the sorrows are of
+those that are immortal!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing this, Vaka answered, saying, "Life with
+persons that are disagreeable, separation from those that are agreeable
+and beloved, companionship with the wicked, these are the evils which
+they that are immortal have to bear. The death of sons and wives, of
+kinsmen and friends, and the pain of dependence on others, are some of
+the greatest of evils. (These may all be noticed in a deathless life).
+There is no more pitiable sight in the world, as I conceive, than that
+of men destitute of wealth being insulted by others. The acquisition of
+family dignity by those that have it not, the loss of family dignity by
+those that have it, unions and disunions,--these all are noticeable by
+those that lead deathless lives. How they that have no family dignity
+but have prosperity, win what they have not--all this, O god of a
+hundred sacrifices, is before thy very eyes! What can be more pitiable
+than the calamities and reverses sustained by the gods, the _Asuras_,
+the _Gandharvas_, men, the snakes, and the _Rakshasas_! They that have
+been of good families suffer afflictions in consequence of their
+subjection to persons that are ill-born and the poor are insulted by the
+rich. What can be more pitiable than these? Innumerable examples of such
+contradictory dispensations are seen in the world. The foolish and the
+ignorant are cheerful and happy while the learned and the wise suffer
+misery! Plentiful instances of misery and woe are seen among men in this
+world! (They that lead deathless lives are destined to behold all these
+and suffer on that account.)"
+
+"'Indra then said, "O thou of great good fortune, tell me again, what
+the joys are of those persons that lead deathless lives,--joys that are
+adored by gods and _Rishis_!"
+
+"'Vaka answered, "If without having to associate with a wicked friend, a
+man cooks scanty vegetables in his own house at the eight or the twelfth
+part of the day, there can be nothing happier than that.[9] He in whose
+case the day is not counted is not called voracious. And, O Maghavan,
+happiness is even his own whose scanty vegetables are cooked. Earned by
+his own efforts, without having to depend upon any one, he that eateth
+even fruits and vegetables in his own house is entitled to respect. He
+that eateth in another's house the food given to him in contempt, even
+if that food be rich and sweet, doth what is despicable. This,
+therefore, is the opinion of the wise that fie on the food of that mean
+wretch who like a dog or a _Rakshasa_ eateth at another's house. If
+after treating guests and servants and offering food to the manes a good
+Brahmana eateth what remains, there can be nothing happier than that.
+There is nothing sweeter or more sacred, O thou of a hundred sacrifices,
+than that food which such a person takes after serving the guest with
+the first portion thereof. Each mouthful (of rice) that the Brahmana
+eats after having served the guest, produces merit equal to what
+attaches to the gift of a thousand kine. And whatever sins such a one
+may have committed in his youth are all washed away of a certainty. The
+water in the hands of the Brahmana that hath been fed and honoured with
+a pecuniary gift (after the feeding is over) when touched with water
+(sprinkled by him that feeds), instantly purges off all the sins of the
+latter!"
+
+    [9] They, therefore, that lead deathless lives can enjoy this
+    bliss from day to day for ever.
+
+"'Speaking of these and various other things with Vaka, the chief of the
+gods went away to heaven.'"[10]
+
+    [10] It is difficult to understand how all that Vaka says can be
+    an answer to Indra's question. The chief of the gods enquires:
+    What are the joys of those that lead deathless lives? Vaka
+    breaks away unto a confused rigmarole about the merits of
+    independence and the religious merit of entertaining guests and
+    servants. All the printed editions have the passage as rendered
+    here.
+
+
+SECTION CLXLIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then the sons of Pandu again addressed Markandeya
+saying, 'Thou hast told us of greatness of Brahmanas. We desire now to
+hear of the greatness of the royal Kshatriyas!" Thus addressed by them,
+the great _Rishi_ Markandeya spoke, 'Listen now to the greatness of the
+royal Kshatriyas. A certain king of the name of Suhotra belonging to the
+Kuru race went on a visit to the great _Rishis_. And as he was returning
+from that visit, he beheld king Sivi the son of Usinara, seated on his
+car, and as each came before the other, each saluted the other as best
+befitted his age and each regarding himself as the equal of the other in
+respect of qualities, refused to give the way to the other. And at this
+juncture Narada appeared there, and beholding what had happened, the
+celestial _Rishi_ asked, "Why is it that ye both stand here blocking
+each other's way?" And thus questioned both of them spoke to Narada
+saying, "O holy one, do not speak so. The sages of old have declared
+that the way should be given to one who is superior or to him that is
+abler. We, however, that stand blocking each other's way are equal to
+each other in every respect. Judged properly there is no superiority
+amongst us." Thus addressed by them, Narada recited three _slokas_.
+(They are these), "O thou of the Kuru race, he that is wicked behaveth
+wickedly even unto him that is humble; he also that is humble behaveth
+with humility and honestly unto him that is wicked! He that is honest
+behaveth honestly even towards the dishonest. Why should he not behave
+honestly towards him that is honest? He that is honest regardeth the
+service that is done to him, as if it were a hundred times greater than
+it is. Is this not current amongst the gods themselves? Certainly it is
+the royal son of Usinara who is possessed of goodness that is greater
+than thine. One should conquer the mean by charity; the untruthful by
+truth, the man of wicked deeds by forgiveness; and the dishonest by
+honesty. Both of you are large-hearted. Let one amongst you stand aside,
+according to the indication of the above _slokas_." And having said so
+Narada became silent, and hearing what Narada had said the king of the
+Kuru race walking round _Sivi_, and praising his numerous achievements,
+gave him the way and went on in his course. It was even thus that Narada
+had described the high blessedness of the royal Kshatriyas.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Listen now to another story. One day as king
+Yayati, the son of Nahusha, was sitting on his throne, surrounded by the
+citizens, there came unto him a Brahmana desirous of soliciting wealth
+for his preceptor, and approaching the king, the Brahmana said, "O king,
+I beg of thee wealth for my preceptor according to my covenant." And the
+king said, "O Holy One, tell me what thy covenant is." And thereupon the
+Brahmana said, "O king, in this world when men are asked for alms, they
+entertain contempt for him that asketh it. I therefore, ask thee, O
+king, with what feelings thou wilt give me what I ask and upon which I
+have set my heart." And the king replied saying, "Having given away a
+thing, I never boast of it. I never also listen to solicitations for
+things that cannot be given. I listen, however, to prayers for things
+that can be given and giving them away I always become happy. I will
+give thee a thousand kine. The Brahmana that asks me for a gift is
+always dear to me. I am never angry with the person that begs of me and
+I am never sorry for having given away a thing!" And the Brahmana then
+obtained from the king a thousand kine and went away.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The son of Pandu again addressed the _Rishi_ and
+said, 'Speak thou unto us of the high fortune of royal Kshatriyas!' And
+Markandeya said, 'There were two kings of the name of Vrishadarbha and
+Seduka and both of them were conversant with morals and with weapons of
+attack and defence. And Seduka knew that Vrishadarbha had from his
+boyhood an unuttered vow that he would give no other metal unto
+Brahmanas save gold and silver. And once on a time a Brahmana having
+completed his study of the _Vedas_ came unto Seduka and uttering a
+benediction upon him begged of him wealth for his preceptor, saying,
+"Give me a thousand steeds." And thus addressed, Seduka said unto him,
+"It is not possible for me to give thee this for thy preceptor.
+Therefore, go thou unto king Vrishadarbha, for, O Brahmana, he is a
+highly virtuous king. Go and beg of him. He will grant thy request. Even
+this is his unuttered vow." Hearing these words that Brahmana went to
+Vrishadarbha and begged of him a thousand steeds, and the king thus
+solicited, struck the Brahmana with a whip and thereupon the Brahmana
+said, "Innocent as I am, why dost thou attack me thus?" And the Brahmana
+was on the point of cursing the king, when the latter said, "O Brahmana,
+dost thou curse him that doth not give thee what thou askest? Or, is
+this behaviour proper for a Brahmana?" And the Brahmana said, "O king of
+kings, sent unto thee by Seduka, I come before thee for this." The king
+said, "I will give thee now whatever tribute may come to me before the
+morning expire. How indeed, can I send away the man empty-handed who
+hath been whipped by me." And having said this the king gave unto that
+Brahmana the entire proceeds of that day and that was more than the
+value of a thousand horses.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'One day it was resolved by the gods that they should
+descend on the earth and try the goodness and virtue of king Sivi, the
+son of Usinara. And addressing each other,--"_Well_"--Agni and Indra
+came to the earth. And Agni took the form of a pigeon flying away from
+Indra who pursued him in the form of a hawk, and that pigeon fell upon
+the lap of king Sivi who was seated on an excellent seat. And the priest
+thereupon addressing the king said, "Afraid of the hawk and desirous of
+saving its life, this pigeon hath come to thee for safety. The learned
+have said that the falling of a pigeon upon one's body forebodeth a
+great danger. Let the king that understands omens give away wealth for
+saving himself from the danger indicated." And the pigeon also addressed
+the king and said, "Afraid of the hawk and desirous of saving my life I
+have come to thee for protection. I am a _Muni_. Having assumed the form
+of a pigeon, I come to thee as a seeker of thy protection. Indeed, I
+seek thee as my life. Know me as one possessed of Vedic lore, as one
+leading the _Brahmacharya_ mode of life, as one possessed also of
+self-control and ascetic virtues. And know me further as one that has
+never spoken disagreeably unto his preceptor, as one possessed of every
+virtue indeed, as one that is sinless. I repeat the Vedas, I know their
+prosody; indeed, I have studied all the Vedas letter by letter. I am not
+a pigeon. Oh, do not yield me up to the hawk. The giving up of a learned
+and pure Brahmana can never be a good gift." And after the pigeon said
+so, the hawk addressed the king, and said, "Creatures do not come into
+the world in the same particular order. In the order of creation, thou
+mayst, in a former birth, have been begotten by this pigeon. It is not
+proper for thee, O king, to interfere with my food by protecting this
+pigeon (even though he might have been thy father)." And thus addressed,
+the king said, "Hath any one, before this, seen birds thus speak the
+pure speech of man? Knowing what this pigeon sayeth, and this hawk also,
+how can we act to-day according to virtue? He that giveth up an
+affrighted creature seeking protection, unto its foe, doth not obtain
+protection when he is in need of it himself. Indeed, the very clouds do
+not shower rain seasonably for him, and the seeds though scattered do
+not grow for him. He that giveth up an afflicted creature seeking
+protection unto its foe, hath to see his offspring die in childhood. The
+ancestor of such a person can never dwell in heaven; indeed, the very
+gods decline to accept the libations of clarified butter poured by him
+into the fire. He that giveth up an affrighted creature seeking
+protection, unto its foe, is struck with the thunder-bolt by the gods
+with Indra at their head. The food that he eateth is unsanctified, and
+he, of a narrow soul, falleth from heaven very soon. O hawk, let the
+people of the Sivi tribe place before thee a bull cooked with rice
+instead of this pigeon. And let them also carry to the place where thou
+livest in joy, meat in abundance." And hearing this, the hawk said, "O
+king, I do not ask for a bull, nor, indeed, any other meat, nor meat
+more in quantity than that of this pigeon. It hath been given to me by
+the gods. The creature, therefore, is my food today in consequence of
+its death that hath been ordained. Therefore, O monarch, give it up to
+me." Thus addressed by the hawk, the king said, "Let my men see and
+carefully carry the bull to thee with every limb entire. Let that bull
+be the ransom of this creature afflicted with fright and let it be
+carried to thee before my eyes. Oh, slay not this pigeon! I will yield
+up my very life, yet I would not give up this pigeon. Dost thou not
+know, O hawk, that this creature looketh like a sacrifice with the
+_Soma_ juice? O blessed one, cease to take so much trouble for it. I
+cannot, by any means, yield up the pigeon to thee. Or, O hawk, if it
+pleases thee, command me to do some such thing which I may do for thee,
+which may be agreeable to thee, and upon doing which the men of the Sivi
+tribe may yet in joy bless me in terms of applause. I promise thee that
+I will do what thou mayst did me do." And at this appeal of the king,
+the hawk said, "O king, if thou givest me as much flesh as would be
+equal to the weight of the pigeon, cutting it off thy right thigh; then
+can the pigeon be properly saved by thee; then wouldst thou do what
+would be agreeable to me and what the men of the Sivi tribe would speak
+of in terms of praise." And the king agreed to this and he cut off a
+piece of flesh from his right thigh and weighed it against the pigeon.
+But the pigeon weighed heavier. And thereupon the king cut off another
+piece of his flesh, but the pigeon still weighed heavier, and then the
+king cut off pieces of flesh from all parts of his body and placed them
+on the scale. But the pigeon still weighed heavier, and then the king
+himself ascended the scale and he felt no grief at this and beholding
+this, the hawk disappeared there saying--(The pigeon hath been)
+_Saved_,--And the king asked the pigeon saying, "O pigeon, let the Sivis
+know who the hawk is. None but the lord of the universe could do as he
+did. O Holy One, answer thou this question of mine!" And the pigeon then
+said, "I am the smoke-bannered Agni called also Vaiswanara. The hawk is
+none other than Sachi's lord armed with the thunder-bolt. O son of
+Suratha, thou art a bull among men. We came to try thee. These pieces of
+flesh, O king, that thou hast cut off with thy sword from thy body for
+saving me have caused gashes in thy body. I will make these marks
+auspicious and handsome and they will be of the colour of gold and emit
+a sweet perfume, and earning great fame and respected by the gods and
+the _Rishis_ thou shall long rule these subjects of thine, and a son
+will spring from thy flank who shall be called _Kapataroman_. O king,
+thou shalt obtain this son of the name of _Kapataroman_ from out of thy
+own body and thou wilt behold him become the foremost of the
+_Saurathas_, blazing with renown, possessed of bravery and great
+personal beauty!"'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And the son of Pandu once more addressed Markandeya,
+saying, 'Tell us again of the great good fortune of kings.' And
+Markandeya said, 'There came unto the horse-sacrifice of king Ashtaka of
+Viswamitra's race, many kings. And there came unto that sacrifice the
+three brothers also of that king, viz., Pratardana, Vasumanas, and Sivi,
+the son of Usinara. And after the sacrifice was completed, Ashtaka was
+proceeding on his car along with his brothers when they all beheld
+Narada coming that way and they saluted the celestial _Rishi_ and said
+unto him, "Ride thou on this car with us." And Narada, saying, _So be
+it_, mounted on the car, and one among those kings having gratified the
+holy and celestial _Rishi_ Narada, said, "O Holy One, I desire, to ask
+thee something." And the _Rishi_ said, "Ask." And the person, thus
+permitted, said, "All four of us are blessed with long lives and have
+indeed every virtue. We shall, therefore, be permitted to go to a
+certain heaven and dwell there for a long period. Who amongst us,
+however, O king, shall fall down first?" Thus questioned the _Rishi_
+said, "This Ashtaka shall first come down." And thereupon the enquirer
+asked, "For what cause?" And the _Rishi_ answered, "I lived for a few
+days in the abode of Ashtaka. He carried me (one day) on his car out of
+the town and there I beheld thousands of kine distinguished from one
+another by difference of hue. And beholding those kine I asked Ashtaka
+whose they were and Ashtaka answered me, saying, '_I have given away
+these kine.' By this answer_ he gave expression to his own praise. It is
+for this answer of his that Ashtaka shall have to come down." And after
+Narada had said so, one of them again enquired, saying, "Three of us
+then will stay in heaven. Amongst us three, who shall fall down first?"
+And the _Rishi_ answered, "Pratardana." And the enquirer asked, "For
+what cause?" And the _Rishi_ answered, "I lived for some days in the
+abode of Pratardana also. And he carried me on his car one day. And
+while doing so, a Brahmana asked him saying, '_Give me a horse_!' And
+Pratardana replied, '_After returning, I will give thee one_!' And
+thereupon the Brahmana said, '_Let it be given to me soon_.' And as the
+Brahmana spoke those words, the king gave unto him the steed that had
+been yoked on the right-hand wheel of the car. And there came unto him
+another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a steed. And the king having
+spoken to him in the same way, gave him the steed that had been yoked on
+the left wheel of his car. And having given away the horse unto him, the
+king proceeded on his journey. And then there came unto the king another
+Brahmana desirous of obtaining a horse. And the king soon gave him the
+horse on the left front of his car, unyoking the animal. And having done
+so, the king proceeded on his journey. And then there came unto the king
+another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a horse. And the king said unto
+him, '_Returning, I will give thee a horse_.' But the Brahmana said,
+'_Let the steed be given to me soon_.' And the king gave him the only
+horse he had. And seizing the yoke of the car himself, the king began to
+draw it. And as he did so, he said, '_There is now nothing for the
+Brahmanas_.' The king had given away, it is true, but he had done so
+with detraction. And for that speech of his, he shall have to fall down
+from heaven." And after the _Rishi_ had said so, of the two that
+remained, one asked, "Who amongst us two shall fall down?" And the
+_Rishi_ answered, "Vasumanas." And the enquirer asked, "For what
+reason?" And Narada said, "In course of my wanderings I arrived at the
+abode of Vasumanas. And at that time the Brahmanas were performing the
+ceremony of _Swastivachana_ for the sake of a flowery car.[11] And I
+approached the king's presence. And after the Brahmanas had completed
+the ceremony, the flowery car became visible to them. And I praised that
+car, and thereupon the king told me, '_Holy one, by thee hath this car
+been praised. Let this car, therefore, be thine_.' And after this I went
+to Vasumanas another time when I was in need of a (flowery) car. And I
+admired the car, and the king said, '_It is thine_.' And I went to the
+king a third time and admired the car again. And even then the king
+exhibiting the flowery car to the Brahmanas, cast his eyes on me, and
+said, '_O holy one, thou hast praised the flowery car sufficiently_."
+And the king only said these words, without making me a gift of that
+car. And for this he will fall down from heaven."
+
+    [11] The ceremony of _Swastivachana_ is described to be "a
+    religious rite, preparatory to any important observance, in
+    which the Brahmanas strew boiled rice on the ground, and invoke
+    the blessings of the gods on the ceremony about to commence"
+    (_Vide_ Wilson's Diet).
+
+    A flowery car was, probably, one of celestial make that the
+    kings procured from heaven by performing costly rites and
+    ceremonies. These were sometimes exhibited to the people, and
+    prior to these exhibitions, the ceremony of _Swastivachana_ was
+    performed.
+
+"'And one among them said, "Of the one who is to go with thee, who will
+go and who will fall down?" And Narada answered, saying, "Sivi will go,
+but I will fall down." "For what reason?" asked the enquirer. And Narada
+said, "I am not the equal of Sivi. For one day a Brahmana came unto Sivi
+and addressing him, said, 'O Sivi, I came to thee for food.' And Sivi
+replied unto him, saying. 'What shall I do? Let me have thy orders.' And
+the Brahmana answered, 'This thy son known by the name of Vrihadgarbha
+should be killed. And, O king, cook him for my food.' And hearing this,
+I waited to see what would follow. And Sivi then killed his son and
+cooking him duly and placing that food in a vessel and taking it upon
+his head, he went out in search of the Brahmana and while Sivi was thus
+seeking, for the Brahmana, some one told him, 'The Brahmana thou
+seekest, having entered thy city, is setting fire to thy abode and he is
+also setting fire, in wrath, to thy treasury, thy arsenal, the
+apartments of the females and thy stables for horses and elephants.' And
+Sivi heard all this, without change of colour, and entering his city
+spoke unto the Brahmana, 'O holy one, the food has been cooked.' And the
+Brahmana hearing this spoke not a word and from surprise he stood with
+downcast looks. And Sivi with a view to gratifying the Brahmana said, 'O
+holy one, eat thou this.' And the Brahmana looking at Sivi for a moment
+said, 'Eat it thyself.' And thereupon Sivi said, 'Let it be so.' And
+Sivi cheerfully taking the vessel from his head desired to eat it and
+thereupon the Brahmana caught hold of Sivi's hand and addressing him
+said, 'Thou hast conquered wrath. There is nothing that thou canst not
+give unto the Brahmanas.' And saying this, that Brahmana adored Sivi,
+and then as Sivi cast his eyes before him, he beheld his son standing
+like a child of the _gods_, decked in ornaments and yielding a fragrance
+from his body and the Brahmana, having accomplished all this, made
+himself visible and it was _Vidhatri_ himself who had thus come in that
+guise to try that royal sage, and after _Vidhatri_ had disappeared, the
+counsellors addressed the king, saying, 'Thou knowest everything. For
+what didst thou do all this?' And Sivi answered, 'It was not for fame,
+nor for wealth, nor from desire of acquiring objects of enjoyment that I
+did all this. This course is not sinful. It is for this that I do all
+this. The path which is trodden by the virtuous is laudable. My heart
+always inclineth towards such a course. This high instance of Sivi's
+blessedness I know, and I have, therefore, narrated it duly!'"'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The sons of Pandu and those _Rishis_ then asked
+Markandeya, 'Is there anybody that is blessed with longer life than
+thou?' And Markandeya answered them, saying, 'There is without doubt, a
+royal sage of the name of Indradyumna and his virtue having diminished,
+he fell from heaven, crying, "My achievements are lost!" And he came
+unto me and asked, "Dost thou know me?" And I answered him, saying,
+"From our anxiety to acquire religious merit we do not confine ourselves
+to any home. We live but for a night in the same village or town. A
+person like us, therefore, cannot possibly know thy pursuits. The fasts
+and vows we observe render us weak in body and unable to follow any
+worldly pursuits on our own behalf. Hence, one like us cannot possibly
+know thee." He then asked me, "Is there any one who is longer lived than
+thou?" I answered him, saying, "There liveth on the Himavat an owl of
+the name of Pravarakarna. He is older than I. He may know thee. The part
+of the Himavat where he dwelleth is far off from here." And at this
+Indradyumna became a horse and carried me to where that owl lived and
+the king asked the owl, saying, "Dost thou know me?" And the owl seemed
+to reflect for a moment and then said unto the king, "I do not know
+thee." And the royal sage Indradyumna thereupon asked the owl, "Is there
+any one who is older than thou?" And thus asked the owl answered,
+saying, "There is a lake of the name of Indradyumna. In that lake
+dwelleth a crane of the name of Nadijangha. He is older than we. Ask
+thou him." And at this king Indradyumna taking both myself and the owl
+went to that lake where the crane Nadijangha dwelt. And that crane was
+asked by us, "Dost thou know the king Indradyumna?" And the crane
+thereupon seemed to reflect a little and then said, "I do not know king
+Indradyumna." And the crane was asked by us, "Is there any one who is
+older than thou?" And he answered us, saying, "There dwelleth in this
+very lake a tortoise of the name of Akupara. He is older than I. He may
+know something of this king. Therefore, enquire ye of Akupara." And then
+that crane gave information to the tortoise, saying, "It is intended by
+us to ask thee something. Please come to us." And hearing this the
+tortoise came out of the lake to that part of the bank where we all were
+and as he came there we asked him, saying, "Dost thou know this king
+Indradyumna?" And the tortoise reflected for a moment. And his eyes were
+filled with tears and his heart was much moved and he trembled all over
+and was nearly deprived of his senses. And he said with joined hands,
+"Alas, do I not know this one? He had planted the sacrificial stake a
+thousand times at the time of kindling the sacrificial fire. This lake
+was excavated by the feet of the cows given away by this king unto the
+Brahmanas on the completion of the sacrifice. I have lived here ever
+since." And after the tortoise had said all this, there came from the
+celestial regions a car. And an aerial voice was heard which said,
+addressing Indradyumna, "Come thou and obtain the place thou deservest
+in heaven! Thy achievements are great! Come thou cheerfully to thy
+place! Here also are certain _slokas_: The report of virtuous deeds
+spreadeth over the earth and ascendeth to heaven. As long as that report
+lasts, so long is the doer said to be in heaven. The man whose evil
+deeds are bruited about, is said to fall down and live, as long as that
+evil report lasts in the lower regions. Therefore should man be virtuous
+in his acts if he is to gain Heaven. And he should seek refuge in
+virtue, abandoning a sinful heart."
+
+"'And hearing these words, the king said, "Let the car stay here as
+long as I do not take these old persons to the places whence I brought
+them.' And having brought me and the owl Pravarakarna to our respective
+places, he went away, riding on that car, to the place that was fit for
+him. Being longlived, I witness all this."'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that Markandeya narrated all this
+unto the son of Pandu. And after Markandeya finished, the sons of Pandu
+said, 'Blessed be thou! Thou hadst acted properly in causing king
+Indradyumna who had fallen from Heaven to regain his sphere!' And
+Markandeya answered them, saying, 'Devaki's son, Krishna, also had thus
+raised the royal sage Nriga who had sunk in hell and caused him to
+regain Heaven!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "King Yudhishthira, hearing from the illustrious
+Markandeya the story of the royal sage Indradyumna's regaining of
+Heaven, again asked the _Muni_, saying, 'O great _Muni_, tell me in what
+condition should a man practise charity in order to gain admission into
+the regions of Indra? Is it by practising charity while leading a
+domestic mode of life, or in boyhood, or in youth, or in old age? O,
+tell me about the respective merits reaped from the practice of charity
+in these different stages of life.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Life that is futile is of four kinds. Charity also
+that is futile is of sixteen kinds. His life is vain who hath no son;
+and his also who is out of pale of virtue: and his too who liveth on the
+food of other; and, lastly, his who cooketh for himself without giving
+therefrom unto the _Pitris_, the gods, and the guests, and who eateth of
+it before these all. The gift to one that has fallen away from the
+practice of virtuous vows, as also the gift of wealth that has been
+earned wrongly, are both in vain. The gift to a fallen Brahmana, that to
+a thief, that also to a preceptor that is false, is in vain. The gift to
+an untruthful man, to a person that is sinful, to one that is
+ungrateful, to one that officiates at sacrifices performed by all
+classes of people residing in a village, to one that sells the
+_Vedas_,[12] to a Brahmana that cooks for Sudra, to one that too by
+birth is a Brahmana but who is destitute of the occupations of his
+order, is in vain. The gift to one that has married a girl after the
+accession of puberty, to females, to one that sports with snakes, and to
+one that is employed in menial offices, is also in vain. These sixteen
+kinds of gifts are productive of no merits. That man who with mind
+clouded with darkness giveth away from fear or anger, enjoyeth the merit
+of such gift while he is in the womb of his mother. The man who (under
+other circumstances) maketh gifts unto the Brahmanas, enjoyeth the fruit
+thereof while he is in old age. Therefore, O king, the man who wishes to
+win the way of heaven, should under all conditions, make gifts unto
+Brahmanas of everything that he wishes to give away.'
+
+    [12] A man is said to sell the Vedas who lectures on the Vedas
+    taking fees from the hearers.
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'By what means do Brahmanas, who accept gifts from
+all the four orders, save others as well as themselves?"
+
+"Markandeya said, 'By _Japa_,[13] and _Mantras_,[14] and _Homa_[15] and
+the study of the _Vedas_, the Brahmanas construct a _Vedic_ boat[16]
+wherewith they save both others and themselves. The gods themselves are
+pleased with that man who gratifieth the Brahmanas. Indeed, a man may
+attain heaven at the command of a Brahmana. Thou wilt, O king, without
+doubt ascend to regions of everlasting bliss, in consequence of thy
+worship of the _Pitris_ and the gods, and thy reverence for the
+Brahmanas, even though thy body is filled with phlegmatic humours and
+withal so dull and inert! He that desires virtue and heaven should adore
+the Brahmanas. One should feed Brahmanas with care on occasions of
+_Sraddhas_, although those among them that are cursed or fallen should
+be excluded. They also should be carefully excluded that are either
+excessively fair or excessively black, that have diseased nails, that
+are lepers, that are deceitful, that are born in bastardy of widows or
+of women having husbands alive; and they also that support themselves by
+the profession of arms. That _Sraddha_ which is censurable, consumeth
+the performer thereof like fire consuming fuel. If they that are to be
+employed in _Sraddhas_ happen to be dumb, blind, or deaf, care should be
+taken to employ them along with Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas. O
+Yudhishthira, listen now unto whom thou shouldst give. He that knoweth
+all the _Vedas_ should give only to that able Brahmana who is competent
+to rescue both the giver and himself, for he, indeed, is to be regarded
+as able who can rescue both the giver and himself. O son of Pritha, the
+sacred fires do not receive such gratification from libations of
+clarified butter, from offerings of flowers and sandal and other
+perfumed pastes as from the entertainment of guests. Therefore, do thou
+strive to entertain guests, O son of Pandu! O king, they that give unto
+guests water to wash their feet, butter to rub over their (tired) legs,
+light during the hours of darkness, food, and shelter, have not to go
+before Yama. The removal (after worship) of the flowery offerings unto
+the gods, the removal of the remnants of a Brahmana's feast, waiting
+(upon a Brahmana) with perfumed pastes, and the massaging of a
+Brahmana's limbs, are, each of them, O foremost of kings, productive of
+greater merit than the gift of kine. A person, without doubt, rescueth
+himself by the gift of a _Kapila_ cow. Therefore, should one give away a
+_Kapila_ cow decked with ornaments unto Brahmanas. O thou of the Bharata
+race, one should give unto a person of good lineage and conversant with
+the Vedas; unto a person that is poor; unto one leading a domestic mode
+of life but burdened with wife and children; unto one that daily adoreth
+the sacred fire; and unto one that hath done thee no service. Thou
+shouldst always give unto such persons but not to them that are in
+affluence. What merit is there, O thou foremost of the Bharata race, by
+giving unto one that is affluent? One cow must be given unto one
+Brahmana. A single cow must not be given unto many. For if the cow so
+given away (unto many) be sold, the giver's family is lost for three
+generations. Such a gift would not assuredly rescue the giver nor the
+Brahmana that takes it. He who giveth eighty _Ratis_ of pure gold,
+earneth the merit of giving away a hundred pieces of gold for ever. He
+that giveth away a strong bull capable also of drawing the plough, is
+certainly rescued from all difficulties and finally goeth to heaven. He
+that giveth away land unto a learned Brahmana, hath all his desires
+fulfilled. The tired traveller, with weakened limbs and feet besmeared
+with dust, asks for the name of him that may give him food. There are
+men who answer him by telling him the name. That wise man who informs
+these toil-worn ones of the name of the person who may give them food,
+is, without doubt, regarded as equal in merit unto the giver himself of
+food. Therefore, abstaining from other kinds of gift, give thou food.
+There is no merit (arising out of gifts) that is so great as that of
+giving food. The man that according to the measure of his might gives
+well-cooked and pure food unto the Brahmanas, acquires, by that act of
+his, the companionship of Prajapati (_Brahma_). There is nothing
+superior to food. Therefore, food is regarded as the first and foremost
+of all things (to be given away). It hath been said that food itself is
+_Prajapati_. And _Prajapati_ is regarded as the Year. And the Year is
+sacrifice. And everything is established in sacrifice, for it is from
+sacrifice that all creatures, mobile and immobile, take their origin.
+For this reason, it hath been heard by us, food is the foremost of all
+things. They that give away lakes and large pieces of water, and tanks
+and wells, and shelter and food and they that have sweet words for all,
+have not to hear the admonitions of Yama. With him who gives rice, and
+wealth earned by his labour, unto Brahmana of good behaviour, the earth
+is satisfied. And she poureth upon him showers of wealth. The giver of
+food walketh first, after him the speaker of truth and he that giveth
+unto persons that do not solicit. But the three go to the same place.'"
+
+    [13] _Japa_ is the silent recitation of particular _Mantras_.
+
+    [14] _Mantras_ are particular formulae of worship. They are for
+    the most part rhythmic compositions, believed to be of great
+    efficacy.
+
+    [15] The _Homa_ is that sacrificial rite which consists of
+    pouring libations of clarified butter into fire.
+
+    [16] _Vedamayi nou_. Lit, a boat made of the Vedas.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing all this, Yudhishthira, along with his
+younger brothers, impelled by curiosity, again addressed the high-souled
+Markandeya, saying, 'O great _Muni_, what is the distance of Yama's
+region from that of men? What is its measurement? How also do men pass
+it over? And by what means? O, tell me all this!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O king, O them foremost of virtuous men, this
+question of thine appertains to a great mystery. It is sacred and much
+applauded by the _Rishis_. Appertaining as it also does to virtue, I
+will speak of it to thee. The distance of Yama's region from the abode
+of men is, O king, eighty-six thousand _Yojanas_! The way is over space,
+without water, and very terrible to behold. Nowhere on that road is the
+shade of a tree, nowhere any water, and nowhere any resting place in
+which the traveller, when fatigued, may rest for some moments. And men
+and women and all on earth that have life, are forcibly led along this
+way by the messengers of Yama. Those creatures that obey the mandates of
+the grim king, and they, O king, that have given horses and other good
+conveyances unto Brahmanas, proceed along this way on those animals and
+vehicles. And they that have given umbrellas proceed along this way with
+umbrellas warding off the sun's rays. And they that have given food,
+proceed without hunger, while they that have not given food proceed
+afflicted with hunger. And they that have given robes, proceed along
+this way attired in robes while they that have given none, proceed
+naked. And they that have given gold, proceed in happiness, themselves
+decked in ornaments. And they that have given land, proceed with every
+desire completely gratified. And they that have given grain, proceed
+without being afflicted with any want. And they that have given houses,
+proceed happily on cars. And those men that have given something to
+drink, proceed with cheerful hearts unafflicted with thirst. And they
+that have given lights, proceed happily lighting the way before them.
+And they that have given kine, proceed along the way happily, freed from
+all their sins. And they that have fasted for a month, proceed on cars
+drawn by swans. And they who have fasted for six nights, proceed on cars
+drawn by peacocks. And, O son of Pandu, he that fasteth three nights
+upon only one meal without a second during this period goeth into a
+region free from disease and anxiety. And water hath this excellent
+property that it produceth happiness in the region of Yama. And they
+that give water find for themselves a river there of the name of
+Pushpodaka. And the givers of water on the earth drink cool and
+ambrosial draughts from that stream. And they that are of evil deeds
+have pus ordained for them. Thus, O great king, that river serveth all
+purposes. Therefore, O king, adore thou duly these Brahmanas (that are
+with thee). Weak in limbs owing to the way he has walked, and besmeared
+with the dust of the high-road, the traveller enquireth for the name of
+him who giveth food, and cometh in hope to his house. Adore thou him
+with reverent attention, for he indeed is a guest, and he is a Brahmana.
+The gods with Indra at their head follow him as he proceedeth. And if he
+is adored, the gods with Indra become gratified, and if he is not
+adored, the celestials with their chief become cheerless. Therefore, O
+thou foremost of kings, worship thou these Brahmanas duly. I have thus
+spoken to thee upon a hundred subjects. What dost thou desire to hear
+from me again?'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O master, conversant thou art with virtue and
+morality, and so I desire to repeatedly listen to thee as thou speakest
+on sacred subjects appertaining to virtue and morals.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O king, I will now speak on another sacred subject
+appertaining to eternal interests and capable of washing off all sins.
+Listen thou with rapt attention. O thou foremost of the Bharatas, the
+merit equal to that of giving away a _Kapila_ cow in (the _tirtha_
+called) _Jyeshtha-Pushkara_ arises from washing the feet of Brahmanas.
+As long as the earth remains wet with water which a Brahmana hath
+touched with his feet, so long do _Pitris_ drink water of cups made of
+lotus-leaves. If the guest is welcomed (with enquiries about his
+welfare), the deities of fire become glad; and if he is offered a seat,
+it is the god of a hundred sacrifices, who is gratified. If his feet are
+washed, it is the _Pitris_ who are delighted; and if he is fed it is
+_Prajapati_ that is pleased. One should with collected soul, give a cow
+when (during her throes) the feet and head of her calf are visible,
+before her delivery is complete. A cow with her calf in the air in
+course of falling from the uterus to the earth, is to be regarded as
+equal to the earth herself. He, therefore, that giveth away such a cow,
+reapeth the merit of giving away the earth. And he that giveth away such
+a cow, is adored in heaven for as many thousands of _Yugas_ as there are
+bristles on the bodies of the animal and her young one together. And, O
+Bharata, he that having accepted a thing in gift giveth it away
+immediately unto a person that is virtuous and honest, reapeth very
+great merit. Without doubt, he reapeth the fruit of giving away the
+whole earth to her utmost limits and with her oceans and seas and caves,
+her mountains and forests and woods. That Brahmana who eateth in silence
+from a plate, keeping his hands between his knees, succeedeth in
+rescuing others. And those Brahmanas that abstain from drink and who are
+never spoken of by others as having any faults and who daily read the
+_Samhitas_, are capable of rescuing others. Libations of butter and
+edible offerings should all be presented to a Brahmana who is learned in
+the _Vedas_. And as libations of clarified butter poured into fire never
+go in vain, so gift to virtuous Brahmanas learned in the _Vedas_ can
+never go in vain. The Brahmanas have anger for their weapon; they never
+fight with arms of iron and steel. Indeed the Brahmanas slay with anger
+like Indra slaying the Asuras with his thunder-bolt. Thus prelection
+appertaining to virtue and morality is now over. Hearing this, the
+_Munis_ of the forest of _Naimisha_ were filled with delight. And those
+ascetics were also freed from grief and anger by listening to it. And
+they were also purged of all their sins in consequence of this. And, O
+king, those human beings that listen to it become freed from the
+obligation of rebirth.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O thou of great wisdom, what purification is there
+by which a Brahmana may always keep himself pure? I desire to hear of it
+from thee, O thou foremost of all virtuous men!'
+
+"Markandeya answered, 'There are three kinds of purity, viz., purity in
+speech, purity in deed, and purity achieved by use of water. He that has
+recourse to these three different kinds of purity, attains, without
+doubt, to heaven. That Brahmana who adoreth the goddess _Sandhya_ in the
+morning and the evening, and who recites meditatively the sacred goddess
+_Gayairi_ who is the mother of the _Vedas_, sanctified by the latter, is
+freed from all his sins. Even if he accepts in gift the entire earth
+with her oceans, he doth not, on that account, suffer the least
+unhappiness. And those heavenly bodies in the sky including the sun that
+may be inauspicious and hostile towards him soon become auspicious and
+favourable towards him in consequence of these acts of his, while those
+stars that are auspicious and favourable become more auspicious and more
+favourable in consequence of such conduct of his. And terrible Rakshasas
+subsisting on animal food, of gigantic and fierce mien, all become
+unable to prevail over a Brahmana who practiseth these purifications.
+The Brahmanas are even like blazing fires. They incur no fault in
+consequence of teaching, of officiating at sacrifices, and of accepting
+gifts from others. Whether the Brahmana be cognisant of the _Vedas_ or
+ignorant of them, whether they be pure or impure, they should never be
+insulted, for Brahmanas are like fires. As the fire that blazeth up in
+the place set apart for the cremation of the dead is never regarded
+impure on that account, so the Brahmana, be he learned or ignorant, is
+always pure. He is great and a very god! Cities that are adorned with
+walls and gates and palaces one after another, lose their beauty if they
+are bereft of Brahmanas. That, indeed, O king, is a city where Brahmanas
+accomplished in the _Vedas_, duly observing the duties of their order
+and possessed of learning and ascetic merit, reside. O son of Pritha,
+that spot, be it a wood or pasture land, where learned Brahmanas reside,
+hath been called a city. And that place, O king, becometh a _tirtha_
+also. By approaching a king that offereth protection, as also a Brahmana
+possessed of ascetic merit, and by offering worship unto both, a man may
+purge off his sins immediately. The learned have said that ablutions in
+the sacred _tirthas_, recitation of the names of holy ones, and converse
+with the good and virtuous, are all acts worthy of applause. They that
+are virtuous and honest always regard themselves as sanctified by the
+holy companionship of persons like themselves and by the water of pure
+and sacred converse. The carrying of three staffs, the vow of silence,
+matted hair on head, the shaving of the crown, covering one's person
+with barks and deerskins, the practice of vows, ablutions, the worship
+of fire, abode in the woods, emaciating the body, all these are useless
+if the heart be not pure. The indulgence of the six senses is easy, if
+purity be not sought in the object of enjoyment. Abstinence, however,
+which of itself is difficult, is scarcely easy without purity of the
+objects of enjoyment. O king of kings, among the six senses, the mind
+alone that is easily moved is the most dangerous! Those high-souled
+persons that do not commit sins in word, deed, heart and soul, are said
+to undergo ascetic austerities, and not they that suffer their bodies to
+be wasted by fasts and penances. He that hath no feeling of kindness for
+relatives cannot be free from sin even if his body be pure. That
+hard-heartedness of his is the enemy of his asceticism. Asceticism,
+again, is not mere abstinence from the pleasures of the world. He that
+is always pure and decked with virtue, he that practises kindness all
+his life, is a _Muni_ even though he may lead a domestic life. Such a
+man is purged of all his sins. Fasts and other penances cannot destroy
+sins, however much they may weaken and dry up the body that is made of
+flesh and blood. The man whose heart is without holiness, suffers
+torture only by undergoing penances in ignorance of their meaning. He is
+never freed from sins of such acts. The fire he worshippeth doth not
+consume his sins. It is in consequence of holiness and virtue alone that
+men attain to regions of blessedness, and fasts and vows become
+efficacious. Subsistence on fruits and roots, the vow of silence, living
+upon air, the shaving of the crown, abandonment of a fixed home, the
+wearing of matted locks on the head, lying under the canopy of heaven,
+daily fasts, the worship of fire, immersion in water, and lying on the
+bare ground,--these alone cannot produce such a result. They only that
+are possessed of holiness succeed, by knowledge and deeds, to conquer
+disease, decrepitude and death, and acquire a high status. As seeds that
+have been scorched by fire do not sprout forth, so the pains that have
+been burnt by knowledge cannot effect the soul. This inert body that is
+only like a block of wood when destitute of souls, is, without doubt,
+short lived like froth in the ocean. He that obtaineth a view of his
+soul, the soul that resideth in every body, by help of one or half of a
+rhythmic line (of the _Vedas_), hath no more need for anything. Some
+obtaining a knowledge of identity with the Supreme Soul from but two
+letters (of the _Vedas_) and some from hundreds and thousands of
+rhythmic lines, acquire salvation, for the knowledge of one's identity
+with the Supreme Soul is the sure indication of salvation. The men of
+old, distinguished for their knowledge, have said, neither this world
+nor that hereafter nor bliss can be his who is disturbed by doubts. And
+belief of one's identity with the Supreme Soul is the indication of
+salvation. He that knoweth the true meaning of the Vedas, understandeth
+their true use. Such a man is affrighted at the Vedic ritual like a man
+at sight of a forest conflagration. Giving up dry disputation, have
+recourse to _Sruti_ and _Smriti_, and seek thou, with the aid of thy
+reason, the knowledge of the Undecaying One that is without a second.
+One's search (after this knowledge) becometh futile from defect of
+means. Therefore, should one carefully strive to obtain that knowledge
+by aid of the _Vedas_. The _Vedas_ are the Supreme Soul; they are His
+body; they are the Truth. The soul that is bounded by the animal
+organism is incompetent to know Him in whom all the _Vedas_ merge. That
+Supreme Soul, however, is capable of being known by the pure intellect.
+The existence of the _gods_ as stated in the _Vedas_, the efficacy of
+acts, and the capacity for action of being furnished with bodies, are
+noticeable in every _Yuga_. Independence of these and annihilation are
+to be sought from purity of the senses. Therefore, the suspension of the
+function of the senses is the true fasting. One may attain to heaven by
+asceticism, one may obtain objects of enjoyment by the practice of
+charity and may have his sins purged off by ablutions in _tirthas_. But
+complete emancipation cannot be had except by knowledge.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, O great king, by the _Rishi_,
+Yudhishthira of great fame then said, 'O holy one, I desire to listen to
+the rules about that charity which is meritorious.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O great king, O Yudhishthira, the rules about charity
+which thou wishest to hear from me are always highly regarded by me.
+Listen now to the mysteries of charity as expounded in the _sruti_ and
+the _smritis_! A man that performs a _sraddha_ in the conjunction called
+_Gajacchaya_ at a place that is fanned by the leaves of the _Aswattha_
+tree enjoys the fruits thereof, O Yudhishthira, for a hundred thousand
+_kalpas_. O king, he that foundeth a _dharmasala_ and established there
+a person to look after all comers, is crowned with the merits of all the
+sacrifices. He that giveth away a horse at a _tirtha_ where the current
+of the river runneth in a direction opposite to its general course,
+reapeth merit that is inexhaustible. The guest that comes to one's house
+for food is none other than Indra himself. If he is entertained with
+food, Indra himself conferreth on the best merit that is inexhaustible.
+As men cross seas by vessels, so are the givers mentioned above are
+saved from all their sins. So what is given unto Brahmanas produceth,
+like gift of curds, inexhaustible merits. A gift on particular lunations
+produceth merit that is twice as much as a gift on other days. That in a
+particular season produceth merit ten times greater that in other
+seasons. That in a particular year produceth merit a hundred times
+greater than in other years. And lastly, a gift on the last day of the
+last month of the year produceth merit that is inexhaustible. A gift
+also that is made while the Sun is on the solstitial points, one again
+that is made on the last day of the Sun's path through Libra, Aries,
+Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces, a gift again during eclipses of the Moon and
+the Sun, produce merit that is inexhaustible. The learned have also said
+that gifts made during the seasons produce merit that is ten times,
+those made during the change of seasons, a hundred times--and those made
+during the days when _Rahu_ is visible, a thousand times--greater than
+what is produced by gifts at other time; while a gift made on the last
+day of the Sun's course through Libra and Aries produces merit that
+knows no diminution. O king, no one can enjoy landed possessions unless
+he giveth away land, and no one can go on cars and vehicles unless he
+giveth away these. Indeed a person on rebirth obtaineth the fruition of
+whatever objects he hath in view at the time of making a gift to a
+Brahmana. Gold hath sprung from Fire; the Earth from Vishnu; and the
+cows from the Sun. He, therefore, that giveth away gold, land, and kine
+attaineth all the regions of Agni, Vishnu, and the Sun. There is nothing
+so eternal as a gift. Where, therefore, in the three worlds is anything
+that is more auspicious? It is for this, O king, that they who have
+great intelligence say that there is nothing higher and greater in the
+three worlds than gift!'"
+
+
+SECTION CC
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having, O great king, heard from the illustrious
+Markandeya the history of the attainment of heaven by the royal sage
+Indradyumna, Yudhishthira, that bull of the Bharata race, once more
+asked that sinless _Muni_ endued with great ascetic merit and long life,
+saying, 'Thou knowest, O virtuous one, the entire host of the gods, the
+_Danavas_, and the _Rakshasas_. Thou art acquainted also with various
+royal genealogies and many eternal lines of _Rishis_! O best of
+Brahmanas, there is nothing in this world that thou dost not know! Thou
+knowest also, O _Muni_, many delightful stories about _men, Snakes_ and
+_Rakshasas_; about gods, _Gandharvas_, and _Yakshas_, and about
+_Kinnaras_ and _Apsaras_! I desire now to hear from thee, O best of
+Brahmanas, as to why Kuvalaswa--that unvanquished king of Ikshavaku's
+race changed his name, assuming another, viz., _Dhundhumara_. O thou
+best of Bhrigu's line, I desire to know in detail why the name of
+Kuvalaswa of great intelligence underwent such a change!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, the great
+_Muni_ Markandeya, O Bharata, then began the history of Dhundhumara!"
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O royal Yudhishthira, listen to me, I will tell thee
+all! The story of Dhundhumara is a moral one. Listen to it then! Listen
+now, O king, to the story of how the royal Kuvalaswa of Ikshvaku's race
+came to be known as Dhundhumara. O son, O Bharata, there was a
+celebrated _Rishi_ of the name of Utanka and, O thou of the Kuru race,
+Utanka had his hermitage in a delightful wilderness. And, O great king,
+the _Rishi_ Utanka underwent ascetic austerities of the severest kind
+and the lord Utanka underwent those penances for numberless years with
+the object of obtaining the favours of Vishnu, and gratified with his
+penances that illustrious Lord presented himself before Utanka. And
+beholding the Deity, the _Rishi_ in all humility began to gratify him
+with many hymns, and Utanka said, "O thou of great effulgence all
+creatures with the gods, _Asuras_ and human beings, all things that are
+mobile or immobile, even _Brahma_ himself, the Vedas, and all things
+that are capable of being known, have, O lord, been created by thee! The
+firmament is thy head, O god, and the sun and the moon are thy eyes!
+And, O Unfading One, the winds are thy breath and fire thy energy! The
+directions of the horizon constitute thy arms and the great ocean thy
+stomach! And, O god, the hills and mountains constitute thy thigh and
+the sky thy hips, O slayer of Madhu! The earth constitutes thy feet, and
+the plants the bristles on thy body. And, O lord, Indra and Soma and
+Agni and Varuna, indeed all the gods, the _Asuras_ and the great Snakes
+all wait upon thee with humility, adoring thee with various hymns! O
+Lord of the Universe, created things are pervaded by thee. The great
+_Rishis_ of high energy and ever plunged in ascetic meditation, always
+adore thee. When thou art gratified, the universe is in peace. And when
+thou art angry, terror pervadeth every soul. Thou art, O Lord, the great
+dispeller of all terrors and thou art the One Supreme Male Being! Thou
+art the cause of happiness of both gods and human beings! And, O Lord,
+by three steps of thine thou didst cover the three worlds! And it was by
+thee that the _Asuras_ in the height of their power were destroyed! It
+is owing to thy prowess, O God, that the celestials obtained peace and
+happiness and, O thou of great effulgence, it was thy anger that
+destroyed hundred great _Daitya_ chiefs. Thou art the Creator and
+destroyer of all creatures in the world. It is by adoring thee that the
+gods have obtained happiness." It was thus, O Yudhishthira, that the
+high-souled Utanka praised the Lord of the senses. And Vishnu,
+therefore, said unto Utanka, "I am gratified with thee. Ask thou the
+boon that thou desirest." And Utanka said, "This indeed hath been a
+great boon to me, in that I have been able to behold Hari, that eternal
+Being, that divine Creator, that Lord of the universe!" Thus addressed
+Vishnu said, "I am gratified with this absence of all desires on thy
+part and with thy devotion, O thou best of men! But, O Brahmanas, O
+regenerate one, thou shouldst of a certainty accept some boon from me!"
+Thus requested by Hari to accept a boon Utanka then, O thou best of
+Bharatas, with joined hands begged a boon saying, "O illustrious one, O
+thou of eyes like lotus leaves, if thou hast been gratified with me,
+then let my heart always rest on virtue, truth, and self-content. And, O
+Lord, let my heart always turn to thee in devotion." And hearing these
+words of Utanka, the holy one said, "O regenerate one, all this shall
+happen to thee through my grace. And there will also appear in thee a
+_yoga_ power endued with which thou shalt achieve a great thing for the
+dwellers of Heaven, as also for the triple world. Even now a great
+_Asura_ of the name of Dhundhu is undergoing ascetic penances of fierce
+austerity with the object of destroying the triple world. Hear now as to
+who will slay that _Asura_. O son, there will appear a king of
+invincible energy and great prowess and he will be born in the race of
+Ikshvaku and will be known by the name of Vrihadaswa who will have a son
+of the name of Kuvalaswa endued with great holiness and self-control and
+celebrity. And that best of kings will be furnished with _yoga_ power
+springing from me and urged and commended by thee, O regenerate _Rishi_,
+that king will be the slayer of the Asura Dhundhu." And having said
+these words unto that Brahmana, Vishnu disappeared there and then.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O king, after the death of Ikshvaku, a highly
+virtuous king of the name of _Sasada_, ascending the throne of Ayodhya
+ruled this earth. And from _Sasada_ was descended Kakutstha of great
+energy. And Kakutstha had a son of name Anenas. And Anenas had a son
+named Prithu and Prithu had a son named Viswagaswa and from Viswagaswa
+sprang Adri and from Adri sprang Yuvanaswa and from Yuvanaswa sprang
+Sravastha and it was by this Sravastha that the city called _Sravasthi_
+was built and from Sravastha was descended Vrihadaswa and from
+Vrihadaswa sprang Kuvalaswa and Kuvalaswa had twentyone thousand sons
+and all these sons were fierce and powerful and skilled in learning. And
+Kuvalaswa excelled his father in every quality. And when the time came,
+his father Vrihadaswa installed him--the brave and highly virtuous
+Kuvalaswa--on the throne. And having thus made over the royal dignity to
+his son, that slayer of foes--king Vrihadaswa of great intelligence--
+retired into the woods for asceticism.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O king, when the royal sage Vrihadaswa was about
+to retire into the woods, that best of Brahmanas, Utanka heard of it.
+And Utanka who was possessed of great energy and immeasurable soul,
+approached that foremost of all wielders of weapons and best of men. And
+approaching him, the _Rishis_ began to persuade him to give up
+asceticism. And Utanka said, "O king, to protect (the people) is thy
+duty. It behoveth thee to do that duty of thine. Let us be free from all
+anxiety through thy grace. Possessed as thou art of a great soul,
+protected by thee, the earth will be freed from all dangers. Therefore,
+it behoveth thee, not to retire into the woods. Great merit attaches to
+the act of protecting people in this world. Such merit can never be
+acquired in the woods. Let not thy heart, therefore, turn to this
+course. The merit, great king, that was acquired in days of old by great
+royal sages by protecting their subjects was so great that nothing equal
+to it could be seen. The king should always protect his subjects. It
+behoveth thee, therefore, to protect thy people. O lord of the earth, I
+cannot (at present) perform my ascetic devotions peacefully. Close to my
+asylum there is a sea of sands known by the name of _Ujjalaka._ And it
+occupies a level country and is without any water. And it extends many
+_yojanas_ in length and breadth and in that desert dwells a chief of the
+_Danavas_ called Dhundhu by name. And Dhundhu is the son of Madhu and
+Kaitabha, and is fierce and terrible and possessed of great prowess. And
+endued with immeasurable energy, that _Danava_, O king, dwelleth under
+the ground, and, O king, it behoveth thee to retire into the woods,
+having first slain that _Asura_. That _Asura_ is now lying still in the
+observance of an ascetic penance of great austerity and, O king, the
+object he hath in view is sovereignty over the celestials as also of the
+three worlds. And, O king, having obtained a boon from the Grandsire of
+all creatures, that _Asura_ hath become incapable of being slain by the
+gods and _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_ and _Gandharvas_. Slay though him, O
+king, and blessed be thou and let not thy heart turn to any other
+course. By slaying him thou wilt without doubt, achieve a great thing
+and thou wilt also obtain eternal and undying fame. And O king, when at
+the end of every year that wicked _Asura_ lying covered with sands,
+wakes up and begins to breathe, then the whole earth with her mountains,
+forests and woods begins to tremble. And his breath raiseth up clouds of
+sands, and shroudeth the very sun, and for seven days continually the
+earth tremble all over, and sparks and flames of fire mixed with smoke
+spread far around and for all this, O king, I cannot rest in peace in my
+asylum. Slay thou him, O king, for the good of the world. Indeed, when
+that _Asura_ is slain the triple world will be in peace and happiness.
+That thou art competent, O king, to slay that _Asura_, I fully believe.
+Thy energy will be enhanced by Vishnu with the addition of his own. In
+days of old, O king, Vishnu gave this boon that the king who should slay
+this fierce and great _Asura_ would be pervaded by the invincible energy
+of Vishnu himself. Bearing that invincible _Vaishnava_ energy in
+thyself, slay thou, O great king, that _Daitya_ of fierce prowess.
+Possessed as Dhundhu is of mighty energy, no one, O king, that is endued
+with small energy himself will be capable of consuming him, even if he
+were to strive for a hundred years."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed by Utanka, that unvanquished royal
+sage, with joined hands, O thou foremost of the Kuru race, replied unto
+Utanka, saying, "This visit of thine, O Brahmana, will not be in vain.
+This my son, O holy one, known by the name of Kuvalaswa is endued with
+steadiness and activity. In prowess also he is unequaled on earth.
+Without doubt he will accomplish all this that is agreeable to thee,
+aided by all his brave sons endued with arms like unto iron maces. Give
+me leave to retire, O Brahmana, for I have now given up my weapons."
+Thus addressed by the king, that _Muni_ of immeasurable energy replied
+unto him, saying, "So be it." And the royal sage Vrihadaswa then, having
+commended his son to obey the behest of the high-souled Utanka saying,
+"Let it be done by thee," himself retired into an excellent forest.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O holy one, O thou possessed of the wealth of
+asceticism, who was this _Daitya_ of great energy? Whose son and whose
+grandson was he? I desire to know all this; O thou possessed of the
+wealth of asceticism I never heard of this mighty _Daitya_ before. I
+desire to know all this truly, O holy one, and with all particulars in
+detail, O thou of great wisdom and ascetic wealth!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O monarch, know everything as it happened, O ruler of
+men, as I narrate the particulars truly, O thou of great wisdom! When
+the world became one broad expanse of water and creatures mobile and
+immobile were destroyed, when, O bull of the Bharata race, the entire
+creation came to its end, He who is the Source and Creator of the
+Universe, viz., the Eternal and unfading Vishnu, He who is called by
+_Munis_ crowned with ascetic success as the Supreme Lord of the
+Universe, that Being of great holiness, then lay in _Yoga_ sleep on the
+wide hood of the Snake Sesha of immeasurable energy, and the Creator of
+the Universe, that highly-blessed and holy Hari, knowing no
+deterioration, lay on the hood of that Snake encircling the whole Earth
+and as the Deity lay asleep on that bed, a lotus, endued with great
+beauty and effulgence equal unto that of the Sun, sprang from his navel.
+And from that lotus possessed of effulgence like unto the Sun's, sprang
+the Grandsire _Brahma_, that lord of the worlds who is the four _Vedas_,
+who hath four forms and four faces, who is invincible in consequence of
+his own energy and who is endued with mighty strength and great prowess
+and as the Lord Hari of wondrous frame, possessed of great lustre and
+decked with a crown and the _Kaustubha_ gem and attired in purple silk,
+lay stretched for many a _yojana_ on that excellent bed furnished by the
+hood of the snake itself extending far and wide, blazing, O king, in his
+beauty and the lustre of his own body like a thousand Suns concentrated
+in one mass. He was beheld some time after by two _Danavas_ of great
+prowess named Madhu and Kaitabha and beholding Hari (in that posture)
+and the Grandsire with eyes like lotus-leaves seated on that lotus, both
+Madhu and Kaitabha wandered much and they began to terrify and alarm
+Brahma of immeasurable prowess, and the illustrious Brahma alarmed by
+their continued exertions trembled on his seat, and at his trembling the
+stalk of the lotus on which he was seated began to tremble and when the
+lotus-stalk trembled, Kesava awoke. And awakened from his slumber,
+Govinda beheld those _Danavas_ of mighty energy, and beholding them the
+Deity said unto them, "Welcome, ye mighty ones! I am gratified with you!
+Therefore, I will grant you excellent boons!" And thereupon both those
+proud and mighty _Danavas_, O king, laughingly replied unto Hrishikesa,
+saying, "Ask boons of us, O Divine one! O thou that art the Supreme
+Deity, we are disposed to grant thee a boon. Indeed, we will grant thee
+a boon! Therefore, ask thou of us anything that cometh to thy mind."
+Thus addressed by them the holy one spoke, "Ye brave ones, I will accept
+a boon from you. There is a boon that I desire. Both of you are
+possessed of mighty energy. There is no male person like unto any of
+you. O ye of unbaffled prowess, submit ye to be slain by me. Even that
+is what I desire to accomplish for the good of the world." Hearing these
+words of the Deity, both Madhu and Kaitabha said, "We have never before
+spoken an untruth; no, not even in jest; what shall we say of other
+occasions! O thou foremost of male Beings, know that we have ever been
+firm in truth and morality. In strength, in forms, in beauty, in virtue,
+in asceticism, in charity, in behaviour, in goodness, in self control,
+there is no one equal unto either of us. A great danger, O Kesava, hath
+approached us. Accomplish thou, therefore, what thou hast said. No one
+can prevail over Time. But, O Lord, there is one thing that we desire to
+be done by thee. O thou best and foremost of all Deities, thou must slay
+us at a spot that is absolutely uncovered. And, O thou of excellent
+eyes, we also desire to become thy sons. This is the boon that we
+desire, know then, O chief of the gods! Let not that, O Deity, be false
+which thou hadst at first promised to us." The Holy One then replied
+unto them saying, "Yes, I will do as ye desire. Everything will be as ye
+wish!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then Govinda began to reflect but uncovered
+space found he none and when he could not discover any spot that was
+uncovered on earth or in the sky, that foremost Deity then beheld his
+thighs to be absolutely uncovered. And there, O king, the illustrious
+Deity cut off the heads of Madhu and Kaitabha with his keenedged
+discus!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The illustrious Dhundhu, O king, was the son of Madhu
+and Kaitabha, and possessed of great energy and prowess, he underwent
+ascetic penances of great austerity and he stood erect on one leg and
+reduced his body to a mass of only veins and arteries, and Brahma,
+gratified with him, gave him a boon. And the boon he had asked of the
+lord Prajapati was in these words, "Let no one among the gods, the
+_Danavas_, the _Rakshas_, the Snakes, the _Gandharvas_ and the
+_Rakshasas_ be capable of slaying me. Even this is the boon that I ask
+of thee." And the Grandsire replied unto him saying, "Let it be as thou
+wishest. Go thy way." And thus addressed by the Grandsire, the _Danava_
+placed the feet of the Deity on his head and having thus touched with
+reverence the Deity's feet he went away and possessed of mighty energy
+and prowess. Dhundhu, having obtained the boon hastily approached Vishnu
+remembering the death of his father at the hands of that Deity, and the
+wrathful Dhundhu having vanquished the gods with the _Gandharvas_ began
+to distress all the celestials with Vishnu at their head. And at last O
+bull of the Bharata race, that wicked souled _Asura_ arriving at a sea
+of sands known by the name of Ujjalaka, began to distress to the utmost
+of his might the asylum of Utanka. And endued with fierce energy,
+Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha, lay in his subterranean cave
+underneath the sands in the observance of fierce ascetic and severe
+austerities with the object of destroying the triple world, and while
+the _Asura_ lay breathing near the asylum of Utanka that _Rishi_
+possessed of the splendour of fire, king Kualaswa with his troops,
+accompanied by the Brahmana Utanka, as also by all his sons set out for
+that region, O bull of the Bharata race! And after that grinder of foes,
+the royal Kuvalaswa, had set out, accompanied by his twenty-one thousand
+sons all of whom were exceedingly powerful, the illustrious Lord Vishnu
+filled him with his own energy at the command of Utanka and impelled by
+the desire of benefiting the triple world and while that invincible hero
+was proceeding on his way a loud voice was heard in the sky repeating
+the words, "This fortunate and unslayable one will become the destroyer
+of Dhundhu to-day." And the gods began to shower upon him celestial
+flowers. And the celestial kettle drums began to sound their music
+although none played upon them. And during the march of that wise one,
+cool breezes began to blow and the chief of the celestials poured gentle
+showers wetting the dust on the roads and, O Yudhishthira, the cars of
+the celestials could be seen high over the spot where the mighty _Asura_
+Dhundhu was. The gods and _Gandharvas_ and great _Rishis_ urged by
+curiosity, came there to behold the encounter between Dhundhu and
+Kuvalaswa and, O thou of the Kuru race, filled by Narayana with his own
+energy, king Kuvalaswa, aided by his sons, soon surrounded that sea of
+sands and the king ordered that wilderness to be excavated and after the
+king's sons had excavated that sea of sands for seven days, they could
+see the mighty _Asura_ Dhundhu. And, O bull of the Bharata race, the
+huge body of that _Asura_ lay within those sands, effulgent in its own
+energy like the Sun himself. And Dhundhu, O king, was lying covering the
+western region of the desert and surrounded on all sides by the sons of
+Kuvalaswa, the _Danava_ was assaulted with sharp-pointed shafts and
+maces and heavy and short clubs and axes and clubs, with iron spikes and
+darts and bright and keen-edged swords, and thus assaulted, the mighty
+_Danava_ rose from his recumbent posture in wrath. And enraged, the
+_Asura_ began to swallow those various weapons that were hurled at him
+and he vomited from his mouth fiery flames like unto those of the fire
+called _Samvarta_ that appeareth at the end of the _Yuga_ and by those
+flames of his, the _Asura_ consumed all the sons of the king and, O
+tiger among men, like the Lord Kapila of old consuming the sons of king
+Sagara, the infuriated _Asura_ overwhelming the triple world with the
+flames vomited from his mouth, achieved that wonderful feat in a moment.
+And, O thou best of the Bharatas, when all those sons of king Kuvalaswa
+were consumed by the fire emitted by the _Asura_ in wrath, the monarch,
+possessed as he was of mighty energy, then approached the _Danava_ who,
+like unto a second Kumbhakarna of mighty energy, had come to the
+encounter after waking from his slumbers. From the body of the king, O
+monarch, then began to flow a mighty and copious stream of water and
+that stream soon extinguished, O king, the fiery flames emitted by the
+_Asura_. And, O great king, the royal Kuvalaswa, filled with _Yoga_
+force, having extinguished those flames by the water that issued from
+his body, consumed that _Daitya_ of wicked prowess with the celebrated
+weapon called _Brahma_ for relieving the triple world of its fears, and
+the royal sage Kuvalaswa, having consumed that great _Asura_, that foe
+of the celestials and slayer of all enemies, by means of that weapon
+became like unto a second chief of the triple world and the high-souled
+king Kuvalaswa having slain the _Asura_ Dhundhu, became from that
+time known by the name of _Dhundhumara_ and from that time he came to be
+regarded as invincible in battle, and the gods and the great _Rishis_
+who had come to witness that encounter were so far gratified with him
+that they addressed him saying, "Ask thou a boon of us!" And thus
+solicited by the gods, the king bowed to them and filled with joy, the
+king said unto them, with joined hands these words, "Let me be always
+able to give wealth unto superior Brahmanas! Let me be invincible as
+regards all foes! Let there be friendship between myself and Vishnu! Let
+me have no ill-feeling towards any creature! Let my heart always turn to
+virtue! And let me (finally) dwell in heaven for ever!" And the gods and
+the _Rishis_ and Utanka, hearing this were exceedingly gratified and all
+of them said, "Let it be as thou wishest!" And, O king, having also
+blessed him with many other speeches, the gods and the great _Rishis_
+then went away to their respective abodes. And, O Yudhishthira, after
+the slaughter of all his sons, king Kuvalaswa had still three sons left,
+and, O thou of the Bharata race, they were called _Dridaswa_ and
+_Kapilaswa_ and _Chandraswa_. It is from them, O king, that the
+illustrious line of kings belonging to Ikshvaku's race, all possessed of
+immeasurable prowess, hath sprung.
+
+"'It was thus, O best of king, that that great _Daitya_ of the name
+Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha was slain by Kuvalaswa and it was
+for this also that king came to be called by the name of _Dhundhumara_.
+And indeed, the name he assumed was no empty one but was literally true.
+
+"'I have now told thee all that thou hadst asked me, viz., all about
+that person in consequence of whose act the story of Dhundhu's death
+hath become famous. He that listeneth to this holy history connected
+with the glory of Vishnu, becometh virtuous and obtaineth children. By
+listening to this story on particular lunations, one becometh blessed
+with long life and great good fortune. And freed from every anxiety one
+ceaseth to have any fear of diseases.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O thou foremost of the Bharata race, king
+Yudhishthira then asked the illustrious Markandeya a difficult question
+about morality, saying, 'I desire to hear, O holy one, about the high
+and excellent virtue of women. I desire to hear from thee, O Brahmana,
+discourse about the subtle truths of morality. O regenerate _Rishi_, O
+best of men, the Sun, the Moon, the Wind, the Earth, the Fire, the
+father, the mother, the preceptor--these and other objects ordained by
+the gods, appear to us as Deities embodied! All these that are reverend
+ones are worthy of our best regard. So also is the woman who adoreth one
+lord. The worship that chaste wives offer unto their husbands appeareth
+to me to be fraught with great difficulty. O adorable one, it behoveth
+thee to discourse to us of the high and excellent virtue of chaste
+wives--of wives who restraining all their senses and keeping their
+hearts under complete control regard their husbands as veritable gods. O
+holy and adorable one, all this appears to me to be exceedingly
+difficult of accomplishment. O regenerate one, the worship that sons
+offer to their mothers and fathers and that wives offer to their
+husbands, both seem to me to be highly difficult. I do not behold
+anything that is more difficult than the severe virtue of chaste women.
+O Brahmana, the duties that women of good behaviour discharge with care
+and the conduct that is pursued by good sons towards their fathers and
+mothers appear to me to be most difficult of performance. Those women
+that are each devoted to but one lord, they that always speak the truth,
+they that undergo a period of gestation for full ten months--there is
+nothing, O Brahmana, that is more difficult than that is done by these.
+O worshipful one, women bring forth their offspring with great hazard to
+themselves and great pain and rear their children, O bull among
+Brahmanas, with great affection! Those persons also who being always
+engaged in acts of cruelty and thereby incurring general hatred, succeed
+yet in doing their duties accomplish what, in my opinion, is exceedingly
+difficult. O regenerate one, tell me the truths of the duties of the
+Kshatriya order. It is difficult, O twice-born one, for those
+high-souled ones to acquire virtue who by the duties of their order are
+obliged to do what is cruel. O holy one, thou art capable of answering
+all questions; I desire to hear thee discourse on all this. O thou
+foremost of Bhrigu's race, I desire to listen to all this, waiting
+respectfully on thee, O thou of excellent vows!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O thou foremost of the Bharata race, I will discourse
+to thee on all this truly, however difficult of answer thy question may
+be. Listen to me, therefore, as I speak unto thee. Some regard the
+mother as superior and some the father. The mother, however, that
+bringeth forth and reareth up offspring what is more difficult. Fathers
+also, by ascetic penances, by worship of the gods, by adorations addressed
+to them, by bearing cold and heat, by incantations and other means desire
+to have children. And having by these painful expedients obtained
+children that are so difficult of acquisition, they then, O hero, are
+always anxious about the future of their sons and, O Bharata, both the
+father and the mother desire to see in their sons fame and achievements
+and prosperity and offspring and virtue. That son is virtuous who
+realises these hopes of his parents. And, O great king, that son with
+whom the father and the mother are gratified, achieveth eternal fame and
+eternal virtue both here and thereafter. As regards women again, neither
+sacrifice nor _sraddhas_, nor fasts are of any efficacy. By serving
+their husbands only they can win heaven. O king, O Yudhishthira,
+remembering this alone, listen thou with attention to the duties of
+chaste women.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'There was, O Bharata, a virtuous ascetic of the name
+of Kausika and endued with wealth of asceticism and devoted to the study
+of the _Vedas_, he was a very superior Brahmana and that best of
+Brahmanas studied all the _Vedas_ with the _Angas_ and the _Upanishadas_
+and one day he was reciting the _Vedas_ at the foot of a tree and at
+that time there sat on the top of that tree a female crane and that
+she-crane happened at that time to befoul the Brahmana's body and
+beholding that crane the Brahmana became very angry and thought of doing
+her an injury and as the Brahmana cast his angry glances upon the crane
+and thought also of doing her an injury, she fell down on the ground and
+beholding the crane thus fallen from the tree and insensible in death,
+the Brahmana was much moved by pity and the regenerate one began to
+lament for the dead crane saying, "Alas, I have done a bad deed, urged
+by anger and malice!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having repeated these words many times, that
+learned Brahmana entered a village for procuring alms. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, in course of his eleemosynary round among the houses
+of persons of good lineage, the Brahmana entered one such house that he
+knew from before. And as he entered the house, he said, "_Give_." And he
+was answered by a female with the word, "_Stay_." And while the
+housewife was engaged, O king, in cleaning the vessel from which alms
+are given, her husband, O thou best of the Bharatas, suddenly entered
+the house, very much afflicted with hunger. The chaste housewife beheld
+her husband and disregarding the Brahmana, gave her lord water to wash
+his feet and face and also a seat and after that the black-eyed lady,
+placing before her lord savoury food and drink, humbly stood beside him
+desirous of attending to all his wants. And, O Yudhishthira, that
+obedient wife used every day to eat the orts of her husband's plate and,
+always conducting herself in obedience to the wishes of the lord, that
+lady ever regarded her husband, and all her heart's affections inclined
+towards her lord. Of various and holy behaviour and skilful in all
+domestic duties and attentive to all her relatives, she always did what
+was agreeable and beneficial to her husband and she also, with rapt
+senses attended to the worship of the gods and the wants of guests and
+servants and her mother-in-law and father-in-law.
+
+"'And while the lady of handsome eyes was still engaged in waiting upon
+her lord, she beheld that Brahmana waiting for alms and beholding him,
+she remembered that she had asked him to wait. And remembering all this,
+she felt abashed. And then that chaste woman possessed of great fame,
+took something for alms and went out, O thou foremost of the Bharatas,
+for giving it unto that Brahmana. And when she came before him, the
+Brahmana said, "O best of women, O blessed one, I am surprised at thy
+conduct! Having requested me to wait saying, '_Stay_' thou didst not
+dismiss me!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, beholding that Brahmana filled
+with wrath and blazing with his energy, that chaste woman began to
+conciliate him and said, "O learned one, it behoveth thee to forgive me.
+My husband is my supreme god. He came hungry and tired and was being
+served and waited upon by me." Hearing this, the Brahmana said, "With
+thee Brahmanas are not worthy of superior regard. Exaltest thou thy
+husband above them? Leading a domestic life, dost thou disregard
+Brahmanas? Indra himself boweth down unto them, what shall I say of men
+on earth. Proud woman, dost thou not know it, hast thou never heard it,
+that the Brahmanas are like fire and may consume the entire earth?" At
+these words of that Brahmana the woman answered, "I am no she-crane, O
+regenerate _Rishi_! O thou that art endued with the wealth of
+asceticism, cast off this anger of thine. Engaged as thou are, what
+canst thou do to me with these angry glances of thine? I do not
+disregard Brahmanas. Endued with great energy of soul, they are like
+unto the gods themselves. But, O sinless one, this fault of mine it
+behoveth thee to forgive. I know the energy and high dignity of
+Brahmanas that are possessed of wisdom. The waters of the ocean have
+been made brackish and undrinkable by the wrath of the Brahmanas. I know
+also the energy of _Munis_ of souls under complete control and endued
+with blazing ascetic merit. The fire of their wrath to this day hath not
+been extinguished in the forest of Dandaka. It was for his having
+disregarded the Brahmanas that the great _Asura_--the wicked and
+evil-minded Vatapi was digested when he came in contact with Agastya. It
+hath been heard by us that the powers and merits of high-souled
+Brahmanas are great. But, O Brahmana, as regenerate ones of high souls
+are great in wrath, so are they equally great in forgiveness. Therefore,
+O sinless one, it behoveth thee to forgive me in the matter of this my
+offence. O Brahmana, my heart inclineth to that merit which springeth
+from the service of my husband, for I regard my husband as the highest
+among all the gods. O best of Brahmanas, I practise that virtue which
+consists in serving my husband whom I regard as the highest Deity.
+Behold, O regenerate one, the merit that attaches to the service of
+one's husband! I know that thou hast burnt a she-crane with thy wrath!
+But, O best of regenerate ones, the anger that a person cherishes is the
+greatest of foes which that person hath. The gods know him for a
+Brahmana who hath cast off anger and passion. The gods know him for a
+Brahmana who always speaketh the truth here, who always gratifieth his
+preceptor, and who, though injured himself, never returneth the injury.
+The gods know him for a Brahmana who hath his senses under control, who
+is virtuous and pure and devoted to the study of the Vedas, and who hath
+mastery over anger and lust. The gods know him for a Brahmana who,
+cognisant of morals and endued with mental energy, is catholic in
+religion and looketh upon all equal unto himself. The gods know him for
+a Brahmana who studieth himself and teacheth others, who performeth
+sacrifices himself and officiateth at the sacrifices of others, and who
+giveth away to the best of his means. The gods know that bull among the
+regenerate ones for a Brahmana who, endued with liberality of soul,
+practiseth the _Brahmacharya_ vow and is devoted to study,--in fact who
+is vigilantly devoted to the study of the _Vedas_. Whatever conduceth to
+the happiness of the Brahmanas is always recited before these. Ever
+taking pleasure in truth, the hearts of such men never find joy in
+untruth. O thou best of regenerate ones, it hath been said that the
+study of the Vedas, tranquillity of soul, simplicity of behaviour, and
+repression of the senses, constitute the eternal duties of the Brahmana.
+Those cognisant with virtue and morals have said that truth and honesty
+are the highest virtue. Virtue that is eternal is difficult of being
+understood. But whatever it is, it is based on _truth_. The ancients
+have declared that virtue dependeth on _sruti_. But, O foremost of
+regenerate ones, virtue as exposed in _sruti_ appears to be of various
+kinds. It is, therefore, too subtle of comprehension. Thou, O holy one,
+art cognisant of virtue, pure, and devoted to the study of the _Vedas_.
+I think, however, O holy one, that thou dost not know what virtue in
+reality is. Repairing to the city of Mithila, enquire thou of a virtuous
+fowler there, if indeed, O regenerate one, thou art not really
+acquainted with what constitutes the highest virtue. There liveth in
+Mithila a fowler who is truthful and devoted to the service of his
+parents and who hath senses under complete control. Even he will
+discourse to thee on virtue. Blessed be thou, O best of regenerate ones,
+if thou likest, repair thither. O faultless one, it behoveth thee to
+forgive me, if what I have said be unpalatable, for they that are
+desirous of acquiring virtue are incapable of injuring women!"
+
+"'At these words of the chaste woman, the Brahmana replied, saying, "I
+am gratified with thee. Blessed be thou; my anger hath subsided, O
+beautiful one! The reproofs uttered by thee will be of the highest
+advantage to me. Blessed be thou, I shall now go and accomplish what is
+so conducive, O handsome one, to my benefit!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Dismissed by her, Kausika, that best of
+regenerate ones, left her house, and, reproaching himself, returned to
+his own abode.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Continually reflecting upon that wonderful discourse
+of the woman, Kausika began to reproach himself and looked very much
+like a guilty person and meditating on the subtle ways of morality and
+virtue, he said to himself, "I should accept with reverence what the
+lady hath said and should, therefore, repair to Mithila. Without doubt
+there dwelleth in that city a fowler of soul under complete control and
+fully acquainted with the mysteries of virtue and morality. This very
+day will I repair unto that one endued with wealth of asceticism for
+enquiring of him about virtue." His faith in her was assured by her
+knowledge of the death of the she-crane and the excellent words of
+virtuous import she had uttered. Kausika thus reflecting with reverence
+upon all she had said, set out for Mithila, filled with curiosity. And
+he traversed many forests and villages and towns and at last reached
+Mithila that was ruled over by Janaka and he beheld the city to be
+adorned with the flags of various creeds. And he beheld that beautiful
+town to be resounding with the noise of sacrifices and festivities and
+furnished with splendid gateways. It abounded with palatial residences
+and protected by walls on all sides; it had many splendid buildings to
+boast of. And that delightful town was also filled with innumerable
+cars. And its streets and roads were many and well-laid and many of them
+were lined with shops. And it was full of horses and cars and elephants
+and warriors. And the citizens were all in health and joy and they were
+always engaged in festivities. And having entered that city, that
+Brahmana beheld there many other things. And there the Brahmana enquired
+about the virtuous fowler and was answered by some twice-born persons.
+And repairing to the place indicated by those regenerate ones, the
+Brahmana beheld the fowler seated in a butcher's yard and the ascetic
+fowler was then selling venison and buffalo meat and in consequence of
+the large concourse of buyers gathered round that fowler, Kausika stood
+at a distance. But the fowler, apprehending that the Brahmana had come
+to him, suddenly rose from his seat and went to that secluded spot where
+the Brahmana was staying and having approached him there, the fowler
+said, "I salute thee, O holy one! Welcome art thou, O thou best of
+Brahmanas! I am the fowler. Blessed be thou! Command me as to what I may
+do for thee. The word that the chaste woman said unto thee, viz.,
+_Repair thou to Mithila_, are known to me. I also know for what purpose
+thou hast come hither." Hearing these words of the fowler that Brahmana
+was filled with surprise. And he began to reflect inwardly, saying,
+"This indeed, is the second marvel that I see!" The fowler then said
+unto the Brahmana, saying, "Thou art now standing in place that is
+scarcely proper for thee, O sinless one. If it pleasest thee, let us go
+to my abode, O holy one!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, '"_So be it_," said the Brahmana unto him,
+gladly. And thereupon, the fowler proceeded towards his home with the
+Brahmana walking before him. And entering his abode that looked
+delightful, the fowler reverenced his guest by offering him a seat. And
+he also gave him water to wash his feet and face. And accepting these,
+that best of Brahmanas sat at his ease. And he then addressed the
+fowler, saying, "It seems to me that this profession doth not befit
+thee. O fowler, I deeply regret that thou shouldst follow such a cruel
+trade." At these words of the Brahmana the fowler said, "This profession
+is that of my family, myself having inherited it from my sires and
+grandsires. O regenerate one, grieve not for me owing to my adhering to
+the duties that belong to me by birth. Discharging the duties ordained
+for me beforehand by the Creator, I carefully serve my superiors and the
+old. O thou best of Brahmanas! I always speak the truth, never envy
+others; and give to the best of my power. I live upon what remaineth
+after serving the gods, guests, and those that depend on me. I never
+speak ill of anything, small or great. O thou best of Brahmanas, the
+actions of a former life always follow the doer. In this world there are
+three principal professions, viz., agriculture, rearing of cattle, and
+trade. As regards the other world, the three _Vedas_, knowledge, and the
+science of morals are efficacious. Service (of the other three orders)
+hath been ordained to be the duty of the Sudra. Agriculture hath been
+ordained for the Vaisyas, and fighting for the Kshatriyas, while the
+practice of the _Brahmacharya_ vow, asceticism, recitation of _mantras_,
+and truthfulness have been ordained for the Brahmanas. Over subjects
+adhering to their proper duties, the king should rule virtuously; while
+he should set those thereto that have fallen away from the duties of
+their order. Kings should ever be feared, because they are the lords of
+their subjects. They restrain those subjects of theirs that fall away
+from their duties as they restrain the motions of the deer by means of
+their shafts. O regenerate _Rishi_, there existeth not in the kingdom of
+Janaka a single subject that followeth not the duties of his birth. O
+thou best of the Brahmanas, all the four orders here rigidly adhere to
+their respective duties. King Janaka punisheth him that is wicked, even
+if he be his own son; but never doth he inflict pain on him that is
+virtuous. With good and able spies employed under him, he looketh upon
+all with impartial eyes. Prosperity, and kingdom, and capacity to
+punish, belong, O thou best of Brahmanas, to the Kshatriyas. Kings
+desire high prosperity through practice of the duties that belong to
+them. The king is the protector of all the four orders. As regards
+myself, O Brahmana, I always sell pork and buffalo meat without slaying
+those animals myself. I sell meat of animals, O regenerate _Rishi_, that
+have been slain by others. I never eat meat myself; never go to my wife
+except in her season; I always fast during the day, and eat, O
+regenerate one, in the night. Even though the behaviour of his order is
+bad, a person may yet be himself of good behaviour. So also a person may
+become virtuous, although he may be slayer of animals by profession. It
+is in consequence of the sinful acts of kings that virtue decreaseth
+greatly, and sin beginneth to prosper. And when all this taketh place
+the subjects of the kingdom begin to decay. And it is then, O Brahmana,
+that ill-looking monsters, and dwarfs, and hunch-backed and large-headed
+wights, and men that are blind or deaf or those that have paralysed eyes
+or are destitute of the power of procreation, begin to take their birth.
+It is from the sinfulness of kings that their subjects suffer numerous
+mischiefs. But this our king Janaka casteth his eyes upon all his
+subjects virtuously, and he is always kind unto them who, on their part,
+ever adhere to their respective duties. Regarding myself, I always with
+good deeds please those that speak well, as also those that speak ill of
+me. Those kings that live in the observance of their own proper duties,
+who are always engaged in the practice of acts that are good and honest,
+who are of souls under complete control and who are endued with
+readiness and alacrity, may not depend upon anything else for supporting
+their power. Gift of food to the best of one's power, endurance of heat
+and cold, firmness in virtue, and a regard and tenderness for all
+creatures,--these attributes can never find place in a person, without
+an innate desire being present in him of separating himself from the
+world. One should avoid falsehood in speech, and should do good without
+solicitation. One should never cast off virtue from lust, from wrath, or
+from malice. One should never joy immoderately at a good turn or grieve
+immoderately at a bad one. One should never feel depressed when
+overtaken by poverty, nor when so overtaken abandon the path of virtue.
+If at any time one doth what is wrong, he should never do its like
+again. One should always urge his soul to the doing of that which he
+regardeth as beneficial. One should never return wrong for wrong, but
+should act honestly by those that have wronged him. That wretched man
+who desireth to do what is sinful, slayeth himself. By doing what is
+sinful, one only imitates them that are wicked and sinful. Disbelieving
+in virtue they that mock the good and the pure saying, '_There is no
+virtue_' undoubtedly meet with destruction. A sinful man swelleth up
+like a leather bag puffed up with wind. The thoughts of these wretches
+filled with pride and folly are feeble and unprofitable. It is the
+heart, the inner soul, that discovereth the fool like the sun that
+discovereth forms during the day. The food cannot always shine in the
+world by means of self-praise. The learned man, however, even if he be
+destitute of beauty, displayeth his lustre by refraining from speaking
+ill of others and well of himself. No example, however, can be met with,
+in this world, of a person shining brilliantly on account of attributes
+to be found in him in their reputed measure. If one repenteth of a wrong
+done by him, that repentance washeth off his sin. The resolution of
+never doing it again saveth him from future sin, even as, O thou best of
+Brahmanas, he may save himself from sin by any of those expiations
+obtained in the scriptures. Even this, O regenerate one, is the _sruti_
+that may be seen in respect of virtue. He that having before been
+virtuous, committeth a sin, or committeth it unknowingly may destroy
+that sin. For virtue, O Brahmana, driveth off the sin that men commit
+from ignorance. A man, after having committed a sin, should cease to
+regard himself any longer as a man. No man can conceal his sins. The
+gods behold what one does, also the Being that is within every one. He
+that with piety and without detraction hideth the faults of the honest
+and the wise like holes in his own attire, surely seeketh his salvation.
+If a man seeketh redemption after having committed a sin, without doubt
+he is purged of all his sins and looketh pure and resplendent like the
+moon emerged from the clouds. A man that seeketh redemption is washed of
+all his sins, even as the sun, upon rising, dispelleth all darkness. O
+best of Brahmanas, it is temptation that constitutes the basis of sin.
+Men that are ignorant commit sin, yielding to temptation alone. Sinful
+men generally cover themselves with a virtuous exterior, like wells
+whose mouths are covered by long grass. Outwardly they seem to possess
+self-control and holiness and indulge in preaching virtuous texts which,
+in their mouth are of little meaning. Indeed, everything may be noticed
+in them except conduct that is truly virtuous!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'At these words, O best of men, of the fowler,
+that Brahmana endued with great wisdom, then asked the fowler, saying,
+"How shall I know what is virtuous conduct? Blessed be thou, I desire to
+hear this, O thou foremost of virtuous men, from thee. Therefore, O thou
+of exalted soul, tell me all about it truly." Hearing these words, the
+fowler replied, saying, "O best of Brahmanas, Sacrifices, Gift,
+Asceticism, the Vedas, and Truth--these five holy things are ever
+present in conduct that is called virtuous. Having subjugated lust and
+wrath, pride, avarice, and crookedness, they that take pleasure in
+virtue because it is virtue, are regarded as really virtuous and worthy
+of the approbation of persons that are virtuous. These persons who are
+devoted to sacrifices, and study of the Vedas have no independent
+behaviour. They follow only the practices of the honest and the good.
+This indeed, is the second attribute of the virtuous. Waiting upon
+superiors, Truth, Freedom from anger, and Gift, these four, O Brahmana,
+are inseparably connected with behaviour that is virtuous. For the
+reputation that a person acquires by setting his heart on virtuous
+behaviour and adhering to it rigidly is incapable of acquisition except
+by practising the four virtues named above. The essence of the _Vedas_
+is Truth: the essence of Truth is self-control, and the essence of
+self-control is abstention from the pleasures of the world. These all
+are to be noticed in behaviour that is virtuous. They that follow those
+deluded fools that mock the forms of faith prevailing among men, are
+dragged into destruction for walking in such a sinful path. They,
+however, that are virtuous and engaged in the observance of vows, who
+are devoted to the _srutis_ and the virtue of abstention from the
+pleasure of the world, they in fact who tread in virtue's path and
+follow the true religion, they that are obedient to the mandates of
+their preceptors, and who reflect upon the sense of the scriptures with
+patience and carefulness,--it is these that are said to be possessed of
+behaviour that is virtuous; it is these, O Brahmana, that are said to
+properly guide their higher intelligence. Forsaking those that are
+atheists, those that transgress virtue's limits, those that are of
+wicked souls, those that live in sinfulness, betake thyself to knowledge
+reverencing those that are virtuous. Lust and temptation are even like
+sharks in the river of life; the waters are the five senses. Do thou
+cross over to the other side of this river in the boat of patience and
+resignation, avoiding the shoals of corporeal existence (repeated births
+in this world). The supreme virtue consisting in the exercise of the
+intelligent principle and abstraction, when gradually super-added to
+virtuous conduct, becomes beautiful like dye on white fabrics.
+Truthfulness and abstention from doing injury to any one, are virtues
+highly beneficial to all creatures. Of these, that latter is a cardinal
+virtue, and is based on truth. Our mental faculties have their proper
+play when their foundation is laid in truth, and in the exercise of
+virtue truth is of the highest value. Purity of conduct is the
+characteristic of all good men. Those that are distinguished for holy
+living are good and virtuous. All creatures follow the principles of
+conduct which are innate in their nature. The sinful being who has no
+control over self acquires lust, anger and other vices. It is the
+immemorial rule that virtuous actions are those that are founded on
+justice, and it is also ordained by holy men that all iniquitous conduct
+is sin. Those who are not swayed by anger, pride, haughtiness and envy,
+and those who are quiet and straight-forward, are men of virtuous
+conduct. Those who are diligent in performing the rites enjoined in the
+three _Vedas_, who are wise, and of pure and virtuous conduct, who
+exercise self-restraint and are full of attention to their superior, are
+men of virtuous conduct. The actions and conduct of such men of great
+power, are very difficult of attainment. They are sanctified by the
+purification of their own actions, and consequently sin in them dies out
+of itself. This virtue of good conduct is wonderful, ancient, immutable
+and eternal; and wise men observing this virtue with holiness, attain to
+heaven. These men who believe in the existence of the Deity, who are
+free from false pride, and versed in holy writ, and who respect
+regenerate (twice-born) men, go to heaven. Among holy men, virtue is
+differentiated in three ways--that great virtue which is inculcated in
+the _Vedas_, the other which is inculcated in the _dharmashastras_ (the
+minor scriptures), and virtuous conduct. And virtuous conduct is
+indicated by acquisition of knowledge, pilgrimage to sacred places,
+truthfulness, forbearance, purity and straight-forwardness. Virtuous men
+are always kind to all creatures, and well-disposed towards regenerate
+men. They abstain from doing injury to any creature, and are never rude
+in speech. Those good men who know well the consequences of the fruition
+of their good and evil deeds, are commended by virtuous men. Those who
+are just and good-natured, and endowed with virtue, who wish well of all
+creatures, who are steadfast in the path of virtue, and have conquered
+heaven, who are charitable, unselfish and of unblemished character, who
+succour the afflicted, and are learned and respected by all, who
+practise austerities, and are kind to all creatures, are commended as
+such by the virtuous. Those who are charitably disposed attain
+prosperity in this world, as also the regions of bliss (hereafter). The
+virtuous man when solicited for assistance by good men bestow alms on
+them by straining to the utmost, even to the deprivation of the comforts
+of his wife and servants. Good men having an eye to their own welfare,
+as also virtue and the ways of the world, act in this way and thereby
+grow in virtue through endless ages. Good persons possessing the virtues
+of truthfulness, abstention from doing injury to any one, rectitude,
+abstention from evil towards any one, want of haughtiness, modesty,
+resignation, self-restraint, absence of passion, wisdom, patience, and
+kindness towards all creatures, and freedom from malice and lust, are
+the witnesses of the world. These three are said to constitute the
+perfect way of the virtuous, viz., a man must not do wrong to any body,
+he must bestow alms, and must always be truthful. Those high-souled good
+men of virtuous conduct, and settled convictions, who are kind to all
+and are full of compassion, depart with contentment from this world to
+the perfect way of virtue. Freedom from malice, forbearance, peace of
+mind, contentment, pleasant speech, renunciation of desire and anger,
+virtuous conduct and actions regulated according to the ordinances of
+holy writ, constitute the perfect way of the virtuous. And those who are
+constant in virtue follow these rules of virtuous conduct, and having
+reached the pinnacle of knowledge, and discriminating between the
+various phases of human conduct, which are either very virtuous or the
+reverse, they escape from the great danger. Thus, O great Brahmana,
+having introduced the subject of virtuous conduct, have I described to
+thee all this, according to my own knowledge and to what I have heard on
+the subject."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The pious fowler, O Yudhishthira, then said to
+that Brahmana, "Undoubtedly my deeds are very cruel, but, O Brahmana,
+Destiny is all-powerful and it is difficult to evade the consequence of
+our past actions. And this is the _karmic evil_ arising out of sin
+committed in a former life. But, O Brahmana, I am always assiduous in
+eradicating the evil. The Deity takes away life, the executioner acts
+only as a secondary agent. And we, O good Brahmana, are only such agents
+in regard to our _karma_. Those animals that are slain by me and whose
+meat I sell, also acquire _karma_, because (with their meat), gods and
+guests and servants are regaled with dainty food and the _manes_ are
+propitiated. It is said authoritatively that herbs and vegetables, deer,
+birds and wild animals constitute the food of all creatures. And, O
+Brahmana, king Sivi, the son of Usinara, of great forbearance attained
+to heaven, which is hard to reach, giving away his own flesh. And in
+days of yore, O Brahmana, two thousand animals used to be killed every
+day in the kitchen of king Rantideva; and in the same manner two
+thousand cows were killed every day; and, O best of regenerate beings,
+king Rantideva acquired unrivalled reputation by distributing food with
+meat every day. For the performance of the fourmonthly rites animals
+ought to be sacrificed daily. 'The sacred fire is fond of animal food,'
+this saying has come down to us. And at sacrifices animals are
+invariably killed by regenerate Brahmanas, and these animals being
+purged of sin, by incantation of hymns, go to heaven. If, O Brahmana,
+the sacred fire had not been so fond of animal food in ancient times, it
+could never have become the food of any one. And in this matter of
+animal food, this rule has been laid down by _Munis_:--Whoever partakes
+of animal food after having first offered it duly and respectfully to
+the gods and the _manes_, is not polluted by the act. And such a man is
+not at all considered to have partaken of animal food, even, as a
+Brahmacharin having intercoursed with his wife during the menstrual
+period, is nevertheless considered to be a good Brahmana. After
+consideration of the propriety and impropriety of the matter, this rule
+has been laid down. King Saudasa, O Brahmana, when under a curse, often
+used to prey upon men; what is thy opinion of this matter? And, O good
+Brahmana, knowing this to be the consequence of my own actions, I obtain
+my livelihood from this profession. The forsaking of one's own
+occupation is considered, O Brahmana, to be a sin, and the act of
+sticking to one's own profession is without doubt a meritorious act. The
+_Karma_ of a former existence never forsakes any creature. And in
+determining the various consequences of one's _Karma_, this rule was not
+lost sight of by the Creator. A person having his being under the
+influence of evil _Karma_, must always consider how he can atone for his
+_Karma_, and extricate himself from an evil doom, and the evil _Karma_
+may be expiated in various ways. Accordingly, O good Brahmana, I am
+charitable, truthful, assiduous in attending on my superior, full of
+respect towards regenerate Brahmanas, devoted to and free from pride and
+(idle) excessive talk. Agriculture is considered to be a praiseworthy
+occupation, but it is well-known that even there, great harm is done to
+animal life; and in the operation of digging the earth with the plough,
+numberless creatures lurking in the ground as also various other forms
+of animal life are destroyed. Dost thou not think so? O good Brahmana,
+_Vrihi_ and other seeds of rice are all living organisms. What is thy
+opinion on this matter? Men, O Brahmana, hunt wild animals and kill them
+and partake of their meat; they also cut up trees and herbs; but, O
+Brahmana, there are numberless living organisms in trees, in fruits, as
+also in water; dost thou not think so? This whole creation, O Brahmana,
+is full of animal life, sustaining itself with food derived from living
+organisms. Dost thou not mark that fish preys upon fish, and that
+various species of animals prey upon other species, and there are
+species the members of which prey upon each other? Men, O Brahmana,
+while walking about hither and thither, kill numberless creatures
+lurking in the ground by trampling on them, and even men of wisdom and
+enlightenment destroy animal life in various ways, even while sleeping
+or reposing themselves. What hast thou to say to this?--The earth and
+the air all swarm with living organisms, which are unconsciously
+destroyed by men from mere ignorance. Is not this so? The commandment
+that people should not do harm to any creature, was ordained of old by
+men, who were ignorant of the true facts of the case. For, O Brahmana,
+there is not a man on the face of this earth, who is free from the sin
+of doing injury to creatures. After full consideration, the conclusion
+is irresistible that there is not a single man who is free from the sin
+of doing injury to animal life. Even the sage, O good Brahmana, whose
+vow is to do harm to no creature, doth inflict injury to animal life.
+Only, on account of greater needfulness, the harm is less. Men of noble
+birth and great qualities perpetrate wicked acts in defiance of all, of
+which they are not at all ashamed. Good men acting in an exemplary way
+are not commended by other good men; nor are bad men acting in a
+contrary way praised by their wicked compeers; and friends are not
+agreeable to friends, albeit endowed with high qualities; and foolish
+pedantic men cry down the virtues of their preceptors. This reversal of
+the natural order of things, O good Brahmana, is seen everywhere in this
+world. What is thy opinion as to the virtuousness or otherwise of this
+state of things? There is much that can be said of the goodness or
+badness of our actions. But whoever is addicted to his own proper
+occupation surely acquires great reputation."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O Yudhishthira, the virtuous fowler, eminent in
+pity, then skilfully addressed himself again to that foremost of
+Brahmanas, saying, "It is the dictum of the aged that the ways of
+righteousness are subtle, diverse and infinite. When life is at stake
+and in the matter of marriage, it is proper to tell an untruth. Untruth
+sometimes leads to the triumph of truth, and the latter dwindles into
+untruth. Whichever conduces most to the good of all creatures is
+considered to be truth. Virtue is thus perverted; mark thou its subtle
+ways. O best of virtuous men, man's actions are either good or bad, and
+he undoubtedly reaps their fruits. The ignorant man having attained to
+an abject state, grossly abuses the gods, not knowing that it is the
+consequence of his own evil _karma_. The foolish, the designing and the
+fickle, O good Brahmana, always attain the very reverse of happiness or
+misery. Neither learning nor good morals, nor personal exertion can save
+them. And if the fruits of our exertion were not dependent on anything
+else, people would attain the object of their desire, by simply striving
+to attain it. It is seen that able, intelligent and diligent persons are
+baffled in their efforts, and do not attain the fruits of their actions.
+On the other hand, persons who are always active in injuring others and
+in practising deception on the world, lead a happy life. There are some
+who attain prosperity without any exertion. And there are others, who
+with the utmost exertion, are unable to achieve their dues. Miserly
+persons with the object of having sons born to them worship the gods,
+and practise severe austerities, and those sons having remained in the
+womb for ten months at length turn out to be very infamous issue of
+their race; and others begotten under the same auspices, decently pass
+their lives in luxury with heaps of riches and grain accumulated by
+their ancestors. The diseases from which men suffer, are undoubtedly the
+result of their own _karma_. They then behave like small deer at the
+hands of hunters, and they are racked with mental troubles. And, O
+Brahmana, as hunters intercept the flight of their game, the progress of
+those diseases is checked by able and skilful physicians with their
+collections of drugs. And, thou best of the cherishers of religion, thou
+hast observed that those who have it in their power to enjoy (the good
+things of this earth), are prevented from doing so from the fact of
+their suffering from chronic bowel-complaints, and that many others that
+are strong and powerful, suffer from misery, and are enabled with great
+difficulty to obtain a livelihood; and that every man is thus helpless,
+overcome by misery and illusion, and again and again tossed and
+overpowered by the powerful current of his own actions (_karma_). If
+there were absolute freedom of action, no creature would die, none would
+be subject to decay, or await his evil doom, and everybody would attain
+the object of his desire. All persons desire to out distance their
+neighbours (in the race of life), and they strive to do so to the utmost
+of their power; but the result turns out otherwise. Many are the persons
+born under the influence of the same star and the same auspices of good
+luck; but a great diversity is observable in the maturity of their
+actions. No person, O good Brahmana, can be the dispenser of his own
+lot. The actions done in a previous existence are seen to fructify in
+our present life. It is the immemorial tradition that the soul is
+eternal and everlasting, but the corporeal frame of all creatures is
+subject to destruction here (below). When therefore life is
+extinguished, the body only is destroyed, but the spirit, wedded to its
+actions, travels elsewhere."
+
+"'The Brahmana replied, "O best of those versed in the doctrine of
+_karma_, and in the delivery of discourses, I long to know accurately
+how the soul becomes eternal." The fowler replied, "The spirit dies not,
+there being simply a change of tenement. They are mistaken, who
+foolishly say that all creatures die. The soul betakes itself to another
+frame, and its change of habitation is called its death. In the world of
+men, no man reaps the consequences of another man's _karma_. Whatever
+one does, he is sure to reap the consequences thereof; for the
+consequences of the _karma_ that is once done, can never be obviated.
+The virtuous become endowed with great virtues, and sinful men become
+the perpetrators of wicked deeds. Men's actions follow them; and
+influenced by these, they are born again." The Brahmana enquired, "Why
+does the spirit take its birth, and why does its nativity become sinful
+or virtuous, and how, O good man, does it come to belong to a sinful or
+virtuous race?" The fowler replied, "This mystery seems to belong to the
+subject of procreation, but I shall briefly describe to you, O good
+Brahmana, how the spirit is born again with its accumulated load of
+_karma_, the righteous in a virtuous, and the wicked in a sinful
+nativity. By the performance of virtuous actions it attains to the state
+of the gods, and by a combination of good and evil, it acquires the
+human state; by indulgence in sensuality and similar demoralising
+practices it is born in the lower species of animals, and by sinful
+acts, it goes to the infernal regions. Afflicted with the miseries of
+birth and dotage, man is fated to rot here below from the evil
+consequences of his own actions. Passing through thousands of births as
+also the infernal regions, our spirits wander about, secured by the
+fetters of their own _karma_. Animate beings become miserable in the
+next world on account of these actions done by themselves and from the
+reaction of those miseries, they assume lower births and then they
+accumulate a new series of actions, and they consequently suffer misery
+over again, like sickly men partaking of unwholesome food; and although
+they are thus afflicted, they consider themselves to be happy and at
+ease and consequently their fetters are not loosened and new _karma_
+arises; and suffering from diverse miseries they turn about in this
+world like a wheel. If casting off their fetters they purify themselves
+by their actions and practise austerities and religious meditations,
+then, O best of Brahmanas, they attain the Elysian regions by these
+numerous acts and by casting off their fetters and by the purification
+of _karma_, men attain those blissful regions where misery is unknown to
+those who go there. The sinful man who is addicted to vices, never comes
+to the end of his course of iniquities. Therefore must we strive to do
+what is virtuous and forbear from doing what is unrighteous. Whoever
+with a heart full of gratefulness and free from malice strives to do
+what is good, attains wealth, virtue, happiness and heaven (hereafter).
+Those who are purified of sins, wise, forbearing, constant in
+righteousness, and self-restrained enjoy continuous felicity in this as
+well as in the next world. Man must follow the standard of virtue of the
+good and in his acts imitate the example of the righteous. There are
+virtuous men, versed in holy writ and learned in all departments of
+knowledge. Man's proper duty consists in following his own proper
+avocation, and this being the case these latter do not become confused
+and mixed up. The wise man delights in virtue and lives by
+righteousness. And, O good Brahmana, such a man with the wealth of
+righteousness which he hereby acquires, waters the root of the plant in
+which he finds most virtue. The virtuous man acts thus and his mind is
+calmed. He is pleased with his friends in this world and he also attains
+happiness hereafter. Virtuous people, O good man, acquire dominion over
+all and the pleasure of beauty, flavour, sound and touch according to
+their desire. These are known to be the rewards of virtue. But the man
+of enlightened vision, O great Brahmana, is not satisfied with reaping
+the fruits of righteousness. Not content with that, he with the light of
+spiritual wisdom that is in him, becomes indifferent to pain and
+pleasure and the vice of the world influenceth him not. Of his own free
+will he becometh indifferent to worldly pursuits but he forsaketh not
+virtue. Observing that everything worldly is evanescent, he trieth to
+renounce everything and counting on more chance he deviseth means for
+the attainment of salvation. Thus doth he renounce the pursuits of the
+world, shunneth the ways of sin, becometh virtuous and at last attaineth
+salvation. Spiritual wisdom is the prime requisite of men for salvation,
+resignation and forbearance are its roots. By this means he attaineth
+all the objects of this desire. But subduing the senses and by means of
+truthfulness and forbearance, he attaineth, O good Brahmana, the supreme
+asylum of _Brahma_." The Brahmana again enquired, "O thou most eminent
+in virtue and constant in the performance of the religious obligations,
+you talk of senses; what are they; how may they be subdued; and what is
+the good of subduing them; and how doth a creature reap the fruits
+thereof? O pious man, I beg to acquaint myself with the truth of this
+matter."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCIX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Hear, O king Yudhishthira what the virtuous
+fowler, thus interrogated by that Brahmana, said to him in reply. The
+fowler said, "Men's minds are at first bent on the acquisition of
+knowledge. That acquired, O good Brahmana, they indulge in their
+passions and desires, and for that end, they labour and set about tasks
+of great magnitude and indulge in much-desired pleasures of beauty,
+flavour, &c. Then follows fondness, then envy, then avarice and then
+extinction of all spiritual light. And when men are thus influenced by
+avarice, and overcome by envy and fondness, their intellect ceases to be
+guided by righteousness and they practise the very mockery of virtue.
+Practising virtue with hypocrisy, they are content to acquire wealth by
+dishonourable means with the wealth thus acquired the intelligent
+principle in them becomes enamoured of those evil ways, and they are
+filled with a desire to commit sins. And when, O good Brahmana, their
+friends and men of wisdom remonstrate with them, they are ready with
+specious answers, which are neither sound nor convincing. From their
+being addicted to evil ways, they are guilty of a threefold sin. They
+commit sin in thought, in word, as also in action. They being addicted
+to wicked ways, all their good qualities die out, and these men of
+wicked deeds cultivate the friendship of men of similar character, and
+consequently they suffer misery in this world as well as in the next.
+The sinful man is of this nature, and now hear of the man of virtue. He
+discerns these evils by means of his spiritual insight, and is able to
+discriminate between happiness and misery, and is full of respectful
+attention to men of virtue, and from practising virtues, his mind
+becomes inclined to righteousness." The Brahmana replied, "Thou hast
+given a true exposition of religion which none else is able to expound.
+Thy spiritual power is great, and thou dost appear to me to be like a
+great _Rishi_." The fowler replied, "The great Brahmanas are worshipped
+with the same honours as our ancestors and they are always propitiated
+with offerings of food before others. Wise men in this world do what is
+pleasing to them, with all their heart. And I shall, O good Brahmana,
+describe to thee what is pleasing to them, after having bowed down to
+Brahmanas as a class. Do thou learn from me the Brahmanic philosophy.
+This whole universe unconquerable everywhere and abounding in great
+elements, is Brahma, and there is nothing higher than this. The earth,
+air, water, fire and sky are the great elements. And form, odour, sound,
+touch and taste are their characteristic properties. These latter too
+have their properties which are also correlated to each other. And of
+the three qualities, which are gradually characterised by each, in order
+of priority is consciousness which is called the mind. The seventh is
+intelligence and after that comes egoism; and then the five senses, then
+the soul, then the moral qualities called _sattwa, rajas_ and _tamas_.
+These seventeen are said to be the unknown or incomprehensible
+qualities. I have described all this to thee, what else dost thou wish
+to know?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the Brahmana, thus interrogated by
+the virtuous fowler, resumed again this discourse so pleasing to the
+mind. The Brahmana said, "O best of the cherishers of religion, it is
+said that there are five great elements; do thou describe to me in full
+the properties of any one of the five." The fowler replied, "The earth,
+water, fire, air and sky all have properties interlapping each other. I
+shall describe them to thee. The earth, O Brahmana, has five qualities,
+water four, fire three and the air and sky together three also. Sound,
+touch, form, odour and taste--these five qualities belong to earth, and
+sound, touch, form and taste, O austere Brahmana, have been described to
+thee as the properties of water, and sound, touch and form are the three
+properties of fire and air has two properties sound and touch, and sound
+is the property of sky. And, O Brahmana, these fifteen properties
+inherent in five elements, exist in all substances of which this
+universe is composed. And they are not opposed to one another; they
+exist, O Brahmana, in proper combination. When this whole universe is
+thrown into a state of confusion, then every corporeal being in the
+fulness of time, assumes another _corpus_. It arises and perishes in due
+order. And there are present the five elementary substances of which all
+the mobile and immobile world is composed. Whatever is perceptible by
+the senses, is called _vyakta_ (knowable or comprehensible) and whatever
+is beyond the reach of the senses and can only be perceived by guesses,
+is known to be _avyakta_ (not _vyakta_). When a person engages in the
+discipline of self-examination, after having subdued the senses which
+have of their own proper objective play in the external conditions of
+sound, form, &c, then he beholds his own spirit pervading the universe,
+and the universe reflected in itself. He who is wedded to his previous
+_karma_, although skilled in the highest spiritual wisdom, is cognisant
+only of his soul's objective existence, but the person whose soul is
+never affected by the objective conditions around, is never subject to
+ills, owing to its absorption in the elementary spirit of Brahma. When a
+person has overcome the domination of illusion, his manly virtues
+consisting of the essence of spiritual wisdom, turn to the spiritual
+enlightenment which illumines the intelligence of sentient beings. Such
+a person is styled by the omnipotent, intelligent Spirit as one who is
+without beginning and without end, self-existent, immutable, incorporeal
+and incomparable. This, O Brahmana, that thou hast enquired of me is
+only the result of self discipline. And this self-discipline can only be
+acquired by subduing the senses. It cannot be otherwise, heaven and hell
+are both dependent on our senses. When subdued, they lead to heaven;
+when indulged in, they lead to perdition. This subjugation of the senses
+is the highest means of attaining spiritual light. Our senses are at the
+(cause) root of our spiritual advancement as also at the root of our
+spiritual degradation. By indulging in them, a person undoubtedly
+contracts vices, and by subduing these, he attains salvation. The
+self-restrained person who acquires mastery over the six senses inherent
+in our nature, is never tainted with sin, and consequently evil has no
+power over him. Man's corporeal self has been compared to a chariot, his
+soul to a charioteer and his senses to horses. A dexterous man drives
+about without confusion, like a quiet charioteer with well-broken
+horses. That man is an excellent driver who knows how to patiently wield
+the reins of those wild horses,--the six senses inherent in our nature.
+When our senses become ungovernable like horses on the high road, we
+must patiently rein them in; for with patience, we are sure to get the
+better of them. When a man's mind is overpowered by any one of these
+senses running wild, he loses his reason, and becomes like a ship tossed
+by storms upon the high ocean. Men are deceived by illusion in hoping to
+reap the fruits of those six things, whose effects are studied by
+persons of spiritual insight, who thereby reap the fruits of their clear
+perception."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXI
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the fowler having expounded these
+abstruse points, the Brahmana with great attention again enquired of him
+about these subtle topics. The Brahmana said, "Do thou truly describe to
+me, who now duly ask thee, the respective virtues of the qualities of
+_sattwa, rajas_, and _tamas_." The fowler replied, "Very well, I shall
+tell thee what thou hast asked. I shall describe separately their
+respective virtues, do thou listen. Of them _tamas_ is characterised by
+illusion (spiritual), _rajas_ incites (men to action), _sattwa_ is of
+great grandeur, and on that account, it is said to be the greatest of
+them. He who is greatly under the influence of spiritual ignorance, who
+is foolish, senseless and given to dreaming, who is idle, unenergetic
+and swayed by anger and haughtiness, is said to be under the influence
+of _tamas_. And, O Brahmana _rishi_, that excellent man who is agreeable
+in speech, thoughtful, free from envy, industrious in action from an
+eager desire to reap its fruits, and of warm temperament, is said to be
+under the influence of _rajas_. And he who is resolute, patient, not
+subject to anger, free from malice, and is not skilful in action from
+want of a selfish desire to reap its fruits, wise and forbearing, is
+said to be under the influence of _sattwa_. When a man endowed with the
+_sattwa_ quality, is influenced by worldliness, he suffers misery; but
+he hates worldliness, when he realises its full significance. And then a
+feeling of indifference to worldly affairs begins to influence him. And
+then his pride decreases, and uprightness becomes more prominent, and
+his conflicting moral sentiments are reconciled. And then self-restraint
+in any matter becomes unnecessary. A man, O Brahmana, may be born in the
+Sudra caste, but if he is possessed of good qualities, he may attain the
+state of _Vaisya_ and similarly that of a _Kshatriya_, and if he is
+steadfast in rectitude, he may even become a Brahmana. I have described
+to thee these virtues, what else dost thou wish to learn?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXII
+
+"'The Brahmana enquired, "How is it that fire (vital force) in
+combination with the earthly element (matter), becomes the corporeal
+tenement (of living creatures), and how doth the vital air (the breath
+of life) according to the nature of its seat (the muscles and nerves)
+excite to action (the corporeal frame)?"' Markandeya said, 'This
+question, O Yudhishthira, having been put to the Brahmana by the fowler,
+the latter, in reply, said to that high-minded Brahmana. (The fowler
+said):--"The vital spirit manifesting itself in the seat of
+consciousness, causes the action of the corporeal frame. And the soul
+being present in both of them acts (through them). The past, the present
+and the future are inseparably associated with the soul. And it is the
+highest of a creature's possessions; it is of the essence of the Supreme
+Spirit and we adore it. It is the animating principle of all creatures,
+and it is the eternal _pumsha_ (spirit). It is great and it is the
+intelligence and the _ego_, and it is the subjective seat of the various
+properties of elements. Thus while seated here (in a corporeal frame) it
+is sustained in all its relations external or internal (to matter or
+mind) by the subtle ethereal air called _prana_, and thereafter, each
+creature goes its own way by the action of another subtle air called
+_Samana_. And this latter transforming itself into _Apana_ air, and
+supported by the head of the stomach carries the refuse matter of the
+body, urine &c, to the kidneys and intestines. That same air is present
+in the three elements of effort, exertion and power, and in that
+condition it is called _Udana_ air by persons learned in physical
+science, and when manifesting itself by its presence at all the
+junctional points of the human system, it is known by the name _Vyana_.
+And the internal heat is diffused over all the tissues of our system,
+and supported by these kinds of air, it transforms our food and the
+tissues and the humours of our system. And by the coalition of _Prana_
+and other airs, a reaction (combination) ensues, and the heat generated
+thereby is known as the internal heat of the human system which causes
+the digestion of our food. The _Prana_ and the _Apana_ air are
+interposed within the _Samana_ and the _Udana_ air. And the heat
+generated by their coalition causes the growth of the body (consisting
+of the seven substances, bones, muscles, &c). And that portion of its
+seat extending to as far as the rectum is called _Apana_; and from that
+arteries arise in the five airs _Prana_, &c. The _Prana_ air, acted on
+by the heat strikes against the extremity of the _Apana_ region and then
+recoiling, it reacts on the heat. Above the navel is the region of
+undigested food and below it the region of digestion. And the _Prana_
+and all other airs of the system are seated in the navel. The arteries
+issuing from the heart run upwards and downwards, as also in oblique
+directions; they carry the best essence of our food, and are acted upon
+by the ten _Prana_ airs. This is the way by which patient _Yogins_ who
+have overcome all difficulties, and who view things with an impartial
+and equal eye, with their souls seated in the brain, find the Supreme
+Spirit, the _Prana_ and the _Apana_ airs are thus present in the body of
+all creatures. Know that the spirit is embodied in corporeal disguise,
+in the eleven allotropous conditions (of the animal system), and that
+though eternal, its normal state is apparently modified by its
+accompaniments,--even like the fire purified in its pan,--eternal, yet
+with its course altered by its surroundings; and that the divine thing
+which is kindred with the body is related to the latter in the same way
+as a drop of water to the sleek surface of a lotus-leaf on which it
+rolls. Know that _sattwa, rajas_ and _tamas_, are the attributes of all
+life and that life is the attribute of spirit, and that the latter again
+is an attribute of the Supreme Spirit. Inert, insensible matter is the
+seat of the living principle, which is active in itself and induces
+activity in others. That thing by which the seven worlds are incited to
+action is called the most high by men of high spiritual insight. Thus in
+all these elements, the eternal spirit does not show itself, but is
+perceived by the learned in spiritual science by reason of their high
+and keen perception. A pure-minded person, by purification of his heart,
+is able to destroy the good and evil effect of his actions and attains
+eternal beatitude by the enlightenment of his inward spirit. That state
+of peace and purification of heart is likened to the state of a person
+who in a cheerful state of mind sleeps soundly, or the brilliance of a
+lamp trimmed by a skillful hand. Such a pure-minded person living on
+spare diet perceives the Supreme Spirit reflected in his own, and by
+practising concentration of mind in the evening and small hours of the
+night, he beholds the Supreme Spirit which has no attributes, in the
+light of his heart, shining like a dazzling lamp, and thus he attains
+salvation. Avarice and anger must be subdued by all means, for this act
+constitutes the most sacred virtue that people can practise and is
+considered to be the means by which men can cross over to the other side
+of this sea of affliction and trouble. A man must preserve his
+righteousness from being overcome by the evil consequences of anger, his
+virtues from the effects of pride, his learning from the effects of
+vanity, and his own spirit from illusion. Leniency is the best of
+virtues, and forbearance is the best of powers, the knowledge of our
+spiritual nature is the best of all knowledge, and truthfulness is the
+best of all religious obligations. The telling of truth is good, and the
+knowledge of truth may also be good, but what conduces to the greatest
+good of all creatures, is known as the highest truth. He whose actions
+are performed not with the object of securing any reward or blessing,
+who has sacrificed all to the requirements of his renunciation, is a
+real _Sannyasin_ and is really wise. And as communion with Brahma cannot
+be taught to us, even by our spiritual preceptor,--he only giving us a
+clue to the mystery--renunciation of the material world is called
+_Yoga_. We must not do harm to any creature and must live in terms of
+amity with all, and in this our present existence, we must not avenge
+ourselves on any creature. Self-abnegation, peace of mind, renunciation
+of hope, and equanimity,--these are the ways by which spiritual
+enlightenment can always be secured; and the knowledge of self (one's
+own spiritual nature) is the best of all knowledge. In this world as
+well as hereafter, renouncing all worldly desires and assuming a stoic
+indifference, wherein all suffering is at rest, people should fulfil
+their religious duties with the aid of their intelligence. The _muni_
+who desires to obtain _moksha_ (salvation), which is very difficult to
+attain, must be constant in austerities, forbearing, self-restrained,
+and must give up that longing fondness which binds him to the things of
+this earth. They call these the attributes of the Supreme Spirit. The
+_gunas_ (qualities or attributes) that we are conscious of, reduce
+themselves to _agunas_ (non-gunas) in Him; He is not bound by anything,
+and is perceptible only by the expansion and development of our
+spiritual vision; as soon as the illusion of ignorance is dispelled,
+this supreme unalloyed beatitude is attained. By foregoing the objects
+of both pleasure and pain and by renouncing the feelings which bind him
+to the things of this earth, a man may attain Brahma (Supreme Spirit or
+salvation). O good Brahmana, I have now briefly explained to thee all
+this, as I have heard. What else dost thou wish to know?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'When, O Yudhishthira, all this mystery of salvation
+was explained to that Brahmana, he was highly pleased and he said
+addressing the fowler, "All this that thou hast explained, is rational,
+and it seems to me that there is nothing in connection with the
+mysteries of religion which thou dost not know." The fowler replied, "O
+good and great Brahmana, thou shalt perceive with thine own eyes, all
+the virtue that I lay claim to, and by reason of which I have attained
+this blissful state. Rise, worshipful sir, and quickly enter this inner
+apartment. O virtuous man, it is proper that thou shouldst see my father
+and my mother."' Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed the Brahmana went
+in, and beheld a fine beautiful mansion. It was a magnificent house
+divided in four suites of rooms, admired by gods and looking like one of
+their palaces; it was also furnished with seats and beds, and redolent
+of excellent perfumes. His revered parents clad in white robes, having
+finished their meals, were seated at ease. The fowler, beholding them,
+prostrated himself before them with his head at their feet. His aged
+parents then addressed him thus, "Rise, O man of piety, rise, may
+righteousness shield thee; we are much pleased with thee for thy piety;
+mayst thou be blessed with a long life, and with knowledge, high
+intelligence, and fulfilment of thy desires. Thou art a good and dutiful
+son, for, we are constantly and reasonably looked after by thee, and
+even amongst the celestials thou hast not another divinity to worship.
+By constantly subduing thyself, thou hast become endowed with the
+self-restraining power of Brahmanas and all thy grandsires and ancestors
+are constantly pleased with thee for thy self-restraining virtues and
+for thy piety towards us. In thought, word or deed thy attention to us
+never flags, and it seems that at present thou hast no other thought in
+thy mind (save as to how to please us). As Rama, the son of Jamadagni,
+laboured to please his aged parents, so hast thou, O Son, done to please
+us, and even more." Then the fowler introduced the Brahmana to his
+parents and they received him with the usual salutation of welcome, and
+the Brahmana accepting their welcome, enquired if they, with their
+children and servants, were all right at home, and if they were always
+enjoying good health at that time (of life). The aged couple replied,
+"At home, O Brahmana, we are all right, with all our servants. Hast
+thou, adorable sir, reached this place without any difficulty?"'
+Markandeya continued, 'The Brahmana replied, "Yes, I have." Then the
+fowler addressing himself to the Brahmana said to him, "These my
+parents, worshipful sir, are the idols that I worship; whatever is due
+to the gods, I do unto them. As the thirty-three gods with Indra at
+their head are worshipped by men, so are these aged parents of mine
+worshipped by me. As Brahmanas exert themselves for the purpose of
+procuring offering for their gods, so do I act with diligence for these
+two (idols of mine). These my father and mother, O Brahmana, are my
+supreme gods, and I seek to please them always with offering of flowers,
+fruits and gems. To me they are like the three sacred fires mentioned by
+the learned; and, O Brahmana, they seem to me to be as good as
+sacrifices or the four _Vedas_. My five life-giving airs, my wife and
+children and friends are all for them (dedicated to their service). And
+with my wife and children I always attend on them. O good Brahmana, with
+my own hands I assist them in bathing and also wash their feet and give
+them food and I say to them only what is agreeable, leaving out what is
+unpleasant. I consider it to be my highest duty to do what is agreeable
+to them even though it be not strictly justifiable. And, O Brahmana, I
+am always diligent in attending on them. The two parents, the sacred
+fire, the soul and the spiritual preceptor, these five, O good Brahmana,
+are worthy of the highest reverence from a person who seeks prosperity.
+By serving them properly, one acquires the merit of perpetually keeping
+up the sacred fire. And it is the eternal and invariable duty of all
+householders."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The virtuous fowler, having introduced his
+(both) parents to that Brahmana as his highest _gurus_, again spoke to
+him as follows, "Mark thou the power of this virtue of mine, by which my
+inner spiritual vision is extended. For this, thou wast told by that
+self-restrained, truthful lady, devoted to her husband, 'Hie thee to
+Mithila; for there lives a fowler who will explain to thee, the
+mysteries of religion.'" The Brahmana said, "O pious man, so constant in
+fulfilling thy religious obligations, bethinking myself of what that
+truthful good-natured lady so true to her husband, hath said, I am
+convinced that thou art really endowed with every high quality." The
+fowler replied, "I have no doubt, my lord, that what that lady, so
+faithful to her husband, said to thee about me, was said with full
+knowledge of the facts. I have, O Brahmana, explained to thee all this
+as a matter of favour. And now, good sir, listen to me. I shall explain
+what is good for thee. O good Brahmana, of irreproachable character,
+thou hast wronged thy father and thy mother, for thou hast left home
+without their permission, for the purpose of learning the _Vedas_. Thou
+hast not acted properly in this matter, for thy ascetic and aged parents
+have become entirely blind from grief at thy loss. Do thou return home
+to console them. May this virtue never forsake thee. Thou art
+high-minded, of ascetic merit, and always devoted to thy religion but
+all these have become useless to thee. Do thou without delay return to
+console thy parents. Do have some regard for my words and not act
+otherwise; I tell thee what is good for thee, O Brahmana _Rishi_. Do
+thou return home this very day." The Brahmana replied, "This that thou
+hast said, is undoubtedly true; mayst thou, O pious man, attain
+prosperity; I am much pleased with thee." The fowler said, "O Brahmana,
+as thou practisest with assiduousness those divine, ancient, and eternal
+virtues which are so difficult of attainment even by pure-minded
+persons, thou appearest (to me) like a divine being. Return to the side
+of thy father and mother and be quick and diligent in honouring thy
+parents; for, I do not know if there is any virtue higher than this."
+The Brahmana replied, "By a piece of singular good luck have I arrived
+here, and by a piece of similar good luck have I thus been associated
+with thee. It is very difficult to find out, in our midst, a person who
+can so well expound the mysteries of religion; there is scarcely one man
+among thousands, who is well versed in the science of religion. I am
+very glad, O great man, to have secured thy friendship; mayst thou be
+prosperous. I was on the point of falling into hell, but was extricated
+by thee. It was destined to be so, for thou didst (unexpectedly) come in
+my way. And, O great man, as the fallen King Yayati was saved by his
+virtuous grandsons (daughter's sons), so have I know been saved by thee.
+According to thy advice, I shall honour my father and my mother; for a
+man with an impure heart can never expound the mysteries of sin and
+righteousness. As it is very difficult for a person born in the Sudra
+class to learn the mysteries of the eternal religion, I do not consider
+thee to be a Sudra. There must surely be some mystery in connection with
+this matter. Thou must have attained the Sudra's estate by reason of the
+fruition of thine own past _karma_. O magnanimous man, I long to know
+the truth about this matter. Do thou tell it to me with attention and
+according to thy own inclination."
+
+"'The fowler replied, "O good Brahmana, Brahmanas are worthy of all
+respect from me. Listen, O sinless one, to this story of a previous
+existence of mine. O son of an excellent Brahmana, I was formerly a
+Brahmana, well-read in the _Vedas_, and an accomplished student of the
+_Vedangas_. Through my own fault I have been degraded to my present
+state. A certain king, accomplished in the science of _dhanurveda_
+(science of archery), was my friend; and from his companionship, O
+Brahmana, I, too became skilled in archery; and one day the king, in
+company with his ministers and followed by his best warriors, went out
+on a hunting expedition. He killed a large number of deer near a
+hermitage. I, too, O good Brahmana, discharged a terrible arrow. And a
+_rishi_ was wounded by that arrow with its head bent out. He fell down
+upon the ground, and screaming loudly said, 'I have harmed no one, what
+sinful man has done this?' And, my lord, taking him for a deer, I went
+up to him and found that he was pierced through the body by my arrow. On
+account of my wicked deed I was sorely grieved (in mind). And then I
+said to that _rishi_ of severe ascetic merit, who was loudly crying,
+lying upon the ground, 'I have done this unwittingly, O _rishi_.' And
+also this I said to the _muni_: 'Do thou think it proper to pardon all
+this transgression.' But, O Brahmana, the _rishi_, lashing himself into
+a fury, said to me, 'Thou shalt be born as a cruel fowler in the Sudra
+class.'"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXV
+
+"'The fowler continued, "Thus cursed by that _rishi_, I sought to
+propitiate him with these words: 'Pardon me, O _muni_, I have done this
+wicked deed unwittingly. It behooves thee to pardon all that. Do thou,
+worshipful sir, soothe yourself.' The _rishi_ replied, 'The curse that I
+have pronounced can never be falsified, this is certain. But from
+kindness towards thee, I shall do thee a favour. Though born in the
+Sudra class thou shalt remain a pious man and thou shalt undoubtedly
+honour thy parents; and by honouring them thou shalt attain great
+spiritual perfection; thou shalt also remember the events of thy past
+life and shalt go to heaven; and on the expiation of this curse, thou
+shalt again become a Brahmana.' O best of men, thus, of old was I cursed
+by that _rishi_ of severe power, and thus was he propitiated by me.
+Then, O good Brahmana, I extricated the arrow from his body, and took
+him into the hermitage, but he was not deprived of his life (recovered).
+O good Brahmana, I have thus described to thee what happened to me of
+old, and also how I can go to heaven hereafter." The Brahmana said, "O
+thou of great intelligence, all men are thus subject to happiness or
+misery, thou shouldst not therefore grieve for that. In obedience to the
+customs of thy (present) race, thou hast pursued these wicked ways, but
+thou art always devoted to virtue and versed in the ways and mysteries
+of the world. And, O learned man, these being the duties of thy
+profession, the stain of evil _karma_ will not attach to thee. And after
+dwelling here for some little time, thou shalt again become a Brahmana;
+and even now, I consider thee to be a Brahmana, there is no doubt about
+this. For the Brahmana who is vain and haughty, who is addicted to vices
+and wedded to evil and degrading practices, is like a Sudra. On the
+other hand, I consider a Sudra who is always adorned with these
+virtues,--righteousness, self-restraint, and truthfulness,--as a
+Brahmana. A man becomes a Brahmana by his character; by his own evil
+_karma_ a man attains an evil and terrible doom. O good man, I believe
+that sin in thee has now died out. Thou must not grieve for this, for
+men, like thee who art so virtuous and learned in the ways and mysteries
+of the world, can have no cause for grief."
+
+"'The fowler replied, "The bodily afflictions should be cured with
+medicines, and the mental ones with spiritual wisdom. This is the power
+of knowledge. Knowing this, the wise should not behave like boys. Men of
+low intelligence are overpowered with grief at the occurrence of
+something which is not agreeable to them, or non-occurrence of something
+which is good or much desired. Indeed, all creatures are subject to this
+characteristic (of grief or happiness). It is not merely a single
+creature or class that is subject to misery. Cognisant of this evil,
+people quickly mend their ways, and if they perceive it at the very
+outset they succeed in curing it altogether. Whoever grieves for it,
+only makes himself uneasy. Those wise men whose knowledge has made them
+happy and contented, and who are indifferent to happiness and misery
+alike, are really happy. The wise are always contented and the foolish
+always discontented. There is no end to discontentment, and contentment
+is the highest happiness. People who have reached the perfect way, do
+not grieve, they are always conscious of the final destiny of all
+creatures. One must not give way to discontent[17] for it is like a
+virulent poison. It kills persons of undeveloped intelligence, just as a
+child is killed by an enraged snake. That man has no manliness whose
+energies have left him and who is overpowered with perplexity when an
+occasion for the exercise of vigour presents itself. Our actions are
+surely followed by their consequences. Whoever merely gives himself up
+to passive indifference (to worldly affairs) accomplishes no good.
+Instead of murmuring one must try to find out the way by which he can
+secure exemption from (spiritual) misery; and the means of salvation
+found, he must then free himself from sensuality. The man who has
+attained a high state of spiritual knowledge is always conscious of the
+great deficiency (instability) of all matter. Such a person keeping in
+view the final doom (of all), never grieves. I too, O learned man, do
+not grieve; I stay here (in this life) biding my time. For this reason,
+O best of men, I am not perplexed (with doubts)". The Brahmana said,
+"Thou art wise and high in spiritual knowledge and vast is thy
+intelligence. Thou who art versed in holy writ, art content with thy
+spiritual wisdom. I have no cause to find fault with thee. Adieu, O best
+of pious men, mayst thou be prosperous, and may righteousness shield
+thee, and mayst thou be assiduous in the practice of virtue."'
+
+    [17] _Vishada_ is the original. It means discontent, but here it
+    means more a mixture of discontent, perplexity and confusion
+    than mere discontent.
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The fowler said to him, "Be it so." And the good
+Brahmana walked round him[18] and then departed. And the Brahmana
+returning home was duly assiduous in his attention to his old parents. I
+have thus, O pious Yudhishthira, narrated in detail to thee this history
+full of moral instruction, which thou, my good son, didst ask me to
+recite,--the virtue of women's devotion to their husbands and that of
+filial piety.' Yudhishthira replied, 'O most pious Brahmana and best of
+_munis_, thou hast related to me this good and wonderful moral story;
+and listening to thee, O learned man, my time has glided away like a
+moment; but, O adorable sir, I am not as yet satiated with hearing this
+moral[19] discourse.'"
+
+    [18] A form of Hindu etiquette at parting.
+
+    [19] It is so very difficult to translate the word
+    _Karma_,--religion and morals were invariably associated with
+    each other in ancient Hindu mind.
+
+
+SECTION CCXVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "The virtuous king Yudhishthira, having listened
+to this excellent religious discourse, again addressed himself to the
+_rishi_ Markandeya saying, 'Why did the fire-god hide himself in water
+in olden times, and why is it that Angiras of great splendour
+officiating as fire-god, used to convey[20] oblations during his
+dissolution. There is but one fire, but according to the nature of its
+action, it is seen to divide itself into many. O worshipful sir, I long
+to be enlightened on all these points,--How the Kumara[21] was born, how
+he came to be known as the son of Agni (the fire-god) and how he was
+begotten by Rudra or Ganga and Krittika. O noble scion of Bhrigu's race,
+I desire to learn all this accurately as it happened. O great _muni_, I
+am thrilled with great curiosity.' Markandeya replied, 'In this
+connection this old story is cited by the learned, as to how the carrier
+of oblations (the fire-god) in a fit of rage, sought the waters of the
+sea in order to perform a penance, and how the adorable Angiras
+transforming himself into the fire-god,[22] destroyed darkness and
+distressed the world with his scorching rays. In olden times, O
+long-armed hero, the great Angiras performed a wonderful penance in his
+hermitage; he even excelled the fire-god, the carrier of oblations, in
+splendour and in that state he illumined the whole universe. At that
+time the fire-god was also performing a penance and was greatly
+distressed by his (Angirasa's) effulgence. He was greatly depressed, but
+did not know what to do. Then that adorable god thought within himself,
+"Brahma has created another fire-god for this universe. As I have been
+practising austerities, my services as the presiding deity of fire have
+been dispensed with;" and then he considered how he could re-establish
+himself as the _god_ of fire. He beheld the great _muni_ giving heat to
+the whole universe like fire, and approached him slowly with fear. But
+Angiras said to him, "Do thou quickly re-establish yourself as the fire
+animating the universe, thou art well-known in the three stable worlds
+and thou wast first created by Brahma to dispel darkness. Do thou, O
+destroyer of darkness, quickly occupy thine own proper place." Agni
+replied, "My reputation has been injured now in this world. And thou art
+become the fire-god, and people will know thee, and not me, as fire. I
+have relinquished my god-hood of fire, do thou become the primeval fire
+and I shall officiate as the second or Prajapatyaka fire." Angiras
+replied, "Do thou become the fire-god and the destroyer of darkness and
+do thou attend to thy sacred duty of clearing people's way to heaven,
+and do thou, O lord, make me speedily thy first child."' Markandeya
+continued, 'Hearing these words of Angiras, the fire-god did as desired,
+and, O king, Angiras had a son named Vrihaspati. Knowing him to be the
+first son of Angiras by Agni, the gods, O Bharata, came and enquired
+about the mystery. And thus asked by the gods he then enlightened them,
+and the gods then accepted the explanation of Angiras. In this
+connection, I shall describe to thee religious sorts of fire of great
+effulgence which are here variously known in the Brahmanas[23] by their
+respective uses.'"
+
+    [20] Agni or fire was supposed to convey the oblations offered
+    by men to the gods.
+
+    [21] _Kumara_ means a boy, hence a prince. Here Kartika the
+    war-god is meant.
+
+    [22] By carrying their oblations to the gods.
+
+    [23] Portions of the Vedas.
+
+
+SECTION CCXVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O ornament of Kuru's race, he (Angiras) who was
+the third son of Brahma had a wife of the name of Subha. Do thou hear of
+the children he had by her. His son Vrihaspati, O king, was very famous,
+large-hearted and of great bodily vigour. His genius and learning were
+profound, and he had a great reputation as a counsellor. Bhanumati was
+his first-born daughter. She was the most beautiful of all his children.
+Angiras's second daughter was called Raga.[24] She was so named because
+she was the object of all creature's love. Siniwali was the third
+daughter of Angiras. Her body was of such slender make that she was
+visible at one time and invisible at another; and for this reason she
+was likened to _Rudra's_ daughter. Archismati was his fourth daughter,
+she was so named from her great refulgence. And his fifth daughter was
+called _Havishmati_, so named from her accepting _havis_ or oblations.
+The sixth daughter of Angiras was called Mahismati the pious. O
+keen-witted being, the seventh daughter of Angiras is known by the name
+of Mahamati, who is always present at sacrifices of great splendour, and
+that worshipful daughter of Angiras, whom they call unrivalled and
+without portion, and about whom people utter the words _kuhu kuhu_
+(wonder), is known by the name of Kuhu.'"
+
+    [24] _Raga_ means love.
+
+
+SECTION CCXVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Vrihaspati had a wife (called Tara) belonging to
+the lunar world. By her, he had six sons partaking of the energy of
+fire, and one daughter. The fire in whose honour oblations of clarified
+butter are offered at the Paurnamasya and other sacrifices, was a son of
+Vrihaspati called Sanju; he was of great ascetic merit. At the
+_Chaturmasya_ (four-monthly) and _Aswamedha_ (horse) sacrifices, animals
+are offered first in his honour, and this powerful fire is indicated by
+numerous flames. Sanju's wife was called Satya, she was of matchless
+beauty and she sprang from Dharma (righteousness) for the sake of truth.
+The blazing fire was his son, and he had three daughters of great
+religious merit. The fire which is honoured with the first oblations at
+sacrifices is his first son called Bharadwaja. The second son of Sanju
+is called Bharata in whose honour oblations of clarified butter are
+offered with the sacrificial ladle (called Sruk) at all the full moon
+(_Paurnamasaya_) sacrifices. Beside these three sons of whom Bharata is
+the senior, he had a son named Bharata and a daughter called Bharati.
+The Bharata fire is the son of _Prajapati_ Bharata _Agni_ (fire). And, O
+ornament of Bharata's race, because he is greatly honoured, he is also
+called the great. Vira is Bharadwaja's wife; she gave birth to Vira. It
+is said by the Brahmanas that he is worshipped like _Soma_ (with the
+same hymns) with offerings of clarified butter. He is joined with Soma
+in the secondary oblation of clarified butter and is also called
+Rathaprabhu, Rathadhwana and Kumbhareta. He begot a son named Siddhi by
+his wife Sarayu, and enveloped the sun with his splendour and from being
+the presiding genius of the fire sacrifice he is ever mentioned in the
+hymns in praise of fire. And the fire _Nischyavana_ praises the earth
+only; he never suffers in reputation, splendour and prosperity. The
+sinless fire Satya blazing with pure flame is his son. He is free from
+all taint and is not defiled by sin, and is the regulator of time. That
+fire has another name Nishkriti, because he accomplished the _Nishkriti_
+(relief) of all blatant creatures here. When properly worshipped he
+vouchsafes good fortune. His son is called Swana, who is the generator
+of all diseases; he inflicts severe sufferings on people for which they
+cry aloud, and moves in the intelligence of the whole universe. And the
+other fire (Vrihaspati's third son) is called Viswajit by men of
+spiritual wisdom. The fire, which is known as the internal heat by which
+the food of all creatures is digested, is the fourth son of Vrihaspati
+known through all the worlds, O Bharata, by the name of Viswabhuk. He is
+self-restrained, of great religious merit, and is a _Brahmacharin_ and
+he is worshipped by Brahmanas at the Paka-sacrifices. The sacred river
+Gomati was his wife and by her all religious-minded men perform their
+rites. And that terrible water-drinking sea fire called Vadava is the
+fifth son of Vrihaspati. This Brahmic fire has a tendency to move
+upwards and hence it is called _Urdhvabhag_, and is seated in the vital
+air called _Prana_. The sixth son is called the great Swishtakrit; for
+by him oblations became _swishta_ (_su_, excellently, and _ishta_,
+offered) and the _udagdhara_ oblation is always made in his honour. And
+when all creatures are claimed, the fire called Manyauti becomes filled
+with fury. This inexorably terrible and highly irascible fire is the
+daughter of Vrihaspati, and is known as _Swaha_ and is present in all
+matter. (By the respective influence of the three qualities of _sattwa,
+rajas_ and _tamas_, Swaha had three sons). By reason of the first she
+had a son who was equaled by none in heaven in personal beauty, and
+from this fact he was surnamed by the gods as the _Kama_-fire.[25] (By
+reason of the second) she had a son called the _Amogha_ or invincible
+fire, the destroyer of his enemies in battle. Assured of success he
+curbs his anger and is armed with a bow and seated on a chariot and
+adorned with wreaths of flowers. (From the action of the third quality)
+she had a son, the great _Uktha_ (the means of salvation) praised by
+(akin to) three Ukthas.[26] He is the originator of the great word[27]
+and is therefore known as the Samaswasa or the means of rest
+(salvation).'"
+
+    [25] Kama is the name of the god of love, Indian Cupid.
+
+    [26] The body, the exciting Cause of our actions is an _uktha_,
+    the soul of the vivifier of the body is the second _uktha_, and
+    the Supreme Spirit, the inciter of the soul is the third.
+
+    [27] The word of God.
+
+
+SECTION CCXIX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'He (_Uktha_) performed a severe penance lasting
+for many years, with the view of having a pious son equal unto _Brahma_
+in reputation. And when the invocation was made with the _vyahriti_
+hymns and with the aid of the five sacred fires, _Kasyapa, Vasistha,
+Prana_, the son of _Prana, Chyavana_, the son of _Angiras_, and
+_Suvarchaka_--there arose a very bright energy (force) full of the
+animating (creative) principle, and of five different colours. Its head
+was of the colour of the blazing fire, its arms were bright like the sun
+and its skin and eyes were golden-coloured and its feet, O Bharata, were
+black. Its five colours were given to it by those five men by reason of
+their great penance. This celestial being is therefore described as
+appertaining to five men, and he is the progenitor of five tribes. After
+having performed a penance for ten thousand years, that being of great
+ascetic merit produced the terrible fire appertaining to the _Pitris_
+(manes) in order to begin the work of creation, and from his head and
+mouth respectively he created Vrihat and Rathantara (day and night) who
+quickly steal away (life, &c.). He also created Siva from his navel,
+Indra from his might and wind and fire from his soul, and from his two
+arms sprang the hymns _Udatta_ and _Anudatta_. He also produced the
+mind, and the five senses, and other creatures. Having created these, he
+produced the five sons of the _Pitris_. Of these _Pranidhi_ was the son
+of _Vrihadratha_. Vrihadratha was the son of Kasyapa. Bhanu was the
+godson of Chyavana, Saurabha, the son of Suvarchaka, and Anudatta, the
+son of Prana. These twenty-five beings are reputed (to have been created
+by him). Tapa also created fifteen other gods who obstruct
+sacrifices[28]. They are Subhima, Bhima, Atibhima, Bhimavala, Avala,
+Sumitra, Mitravana, Mitasina, Mitravardhana and Mitradharaman,[29] and
+Surapravira, Vira, Suveka, Suravarchas and Surahantri. These gods are
+divided into three classes of five each. Located here in this world,
+they destroy the sacrifices of the gods in heaven; they frustrate their
+objects and spoil their oblations of clarified butter. They do this only
+to spite the sacred fires carrying oblations to the gods. If the
+officiating priests are careful, they place the oblations in their
+honour outside of the sacrificial altar. To that particular place where
+the sacred fire may be placed, they cannot go. They carry the oblation
+of their votaries by means of wings. When appeased by hymns, they do not
+frustrate the sacrificial rites. Vrihaduktha, another son of Tapa,
+belongs to the Earth. He is worshipped here in this world by pious men
+performing _Agnihotra_ sacrifices. Of the son of Tapa who is known as
+Rathantara, it is said by officiating priests that the sacrificial
+oblation offered in his honour is offered to Mitravinda. The celebrated
+Tapa was thus very happy with his sons.'"
+
+    [28] In Hindu Mythology there are no gods who destroy
+    sacrifices. It is only the Asuras who do so. The Burdwan
+    translator renders this passage,--"fifteen other gods belonging
+    to western nations or _Asuras_." It is noticeable that the
+    beings that were denounced as _Asuras_ by the Hindus were
+    worshipped as Gods (_Asuras_) by the followers of Zarathustra.
+
+    [29] In connection with the names of these Mitra-gods, it is to
+    be remembered that Mitra was the name of the principal god of
+    the ancient Persians.
+
+
+SECTION CCXX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The fire called Bharata was bound by severe
+rules of asceticism. Pushtimati is another name of his fire; for when he
+is satisfied he vouchsafes _pushti_ (development) to all creatures, and
+for this reason he is called _Bharata_ (or the Cherisher). And that
+other fire, by name Siva, is devoted to the worship of Sakti (the forces
+of the presiding deity of the forces of Nature), and because he always
+relieves the sufferings of all creatures afflicted with misery, he is
+called Siva (the giver of good). And on the acquisition of great ascetic
+wealth by _Tapa_, an intelligent son named Puranda was born to inherit
+the same. Another son named Ushma was also born. This fire is observed
+in the vapour of all matter. A third son Manu was born. He officiated as
+Prajapati. The Brahmanas who are learned in the Vedas, then speak of the
+exploits of the fire Sambhu. And after that the bright Avasathya fire of
+great refulgence is spoken of by the Brahmanas. Tapa thus created the
+five Urjaskara fires, all bright as gold. These all share the _Soma_
+drink in sacrifices. The great sun-god when fatigued (after his day's
+labours) is known as the Prasanta fire. He created the terrible _Asuras_
+and various other creatures of the earth. Angiras, too created the
+_Prajapati_ Bhanu, the son of Tapa. He is also called Vrihadbhanu (the
+great Bhanu) by Brahmanas learned in the _Vedas_. Bhanu married Supraja,
+and Brihadbhanu the daughter of Surya (the sun-god). They gave birth to
+six sons; do thou hear of their progeny. The fire who gives strength to
+the weak is called Valada (or the giver of strength). He is the first
+son of Bhanu, and that other fire who looks terrible when all the
+elements are in a tranquil state is called the Manjuman fire; he is the
+second son of Bhanu. And the fire in whose honour oblations of clarified
+butter are enjoined to be made here at the _Darsa_ and _Paurnamasya_
+sacrifices and who is known as Vishnu in this world, is (the third son
+of Bhanu) called Angiras, or Dhritiman. And the fire to whom with Indra,
+the _Agrayana_ oblation is enjoined to be made is called the Agrayana
+fire. He is the (fourth) son of Bhanu. The fifth son of Bhanu is Agraha
+who is the source of the oblations which are daily made for the
+performance of the _Chaturmasya_ (four-monthly) rites. And Stuva is the
+sixth son of Bhanu. Nisa was the name of another wife of that Manu who
+is known by the name of Bhanu. She gave birth to one daughter, the two
+Agnishtomas, and also five other fire-gods. The resplendent fire-god who
+is honoured with the first oblations in company with the presiding deity
+of the clouds is called Vaiswanara. And that other fire who is called
+the lord of all the worlds is Viswapati, the second son of Manu. And the
+daughter of Manu is called Swistakrit, because by oblations unto her one
+acquires great merit. Though she was the daughter of Hiranyakasipu, she
+yet became his wife for her evil deeds. She is, however, one of the
+Prajapatis. And that other fire which has its seats in the vital airs of
+all creatures and animates their bodies, is called Sannihita. It is the
+cause of our perceptions of sound and form. That divine spirit whose
+course is marked with black and white stains, who is the supporter of
+fire, and who, though free from sin, is the accomplisher of desired
+_karma_, whom the wise regard as a great _Rishi_, is the fire Kapila,
+the propounder of the _Yoga_ system called Sankhya. The fire through
+whom the elementary spirits always receive the offerings called _Agra_
+made by other creatures at the performance of all the peculiar rites in
+this world is called Agrani. And these other bright fires famous in the
+world, were created for the rectification of the _Agnihotra_ rites when
+marred by any defects. If the fires interlap each other by the action of
+the wind, then the rectification must be made with the _Ashtakapala_
+rites in honour of the fire Suchi. And if the southern fire comes in
+contact with the two other fires, then rectification must be made by the
+performance of the _Ashtakapala_ rites in honour of the fire Viti. If
+the fires in their place called Nivesa come in contact with the fire
+called Devagni, then the _Ashtakapala_ rites must be performed in honour
+of the fire Suchi for rectification. And if the perpetual fire is
+touched by a woman in her monthly course, then for rectification the
+_Ashtakapala_ rites must be performed in honour of the fire called
+Dasyuman. If at the time of the performance of this _Agnihotra_ rites
+the death of any creature is spoken of, or if animals die, then
+rectification must be made with the performance of the _Ashtakapala_
+rites in honour of the Suraman fire. The Brahmana, who while suffering
+from a disease is unable to offer oblations to the sacred fire for three
+nights, must make amends for the same by performing the _Ashtakapala_
+rites in honour of the northern fire. He who has performed the _Darsa_
+and the _Paurnamasya_ rites must make the rectification with the
+performance of the _Ashtakapala_ rites in honour of the Patikrit fire.
+If the fire of a lying-in room comes in contact with the perpetual
+sacred fire, then rectification must be made with the performance of
+_Ashtakapala_ rites in honour of the Agniman fire.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXI
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Mudita, the favourite wife of the fire Swaha,
+used to live in water. And Swaha who was the regent of the earth and sky
+begot in that wife of his a highly sacred fire called Advanta. There is
+a tradition amongst learned Brahmanas that this fire is the ruler and
+inner soul of all creatures. He is worshipful, resplendent and the lord
+of all the great _Bhutas_ here. And that fire, under the name of
+Grihapati, is ever worshipped at all sacrifices and conveys all the
+oblations that are made in this world. That great son of Swaha--the
+great Adbhuta fire is the soul of the waters and the prince and regent
+of the sky and the lord of everything great. His (son), the Bharata
+fire, consumes the dead bodies of all creatures. His first Kratu is
+known as Niyata at the performance of the _Agnishtoma_ sacrifice. That
+powerful prime fire (_Swaha_) is always missed by the gods, because when
+he sees Niyata approaching him he hides himself in the sea from fear of
+contamination. Searching for him in every direction, the gods could not
+(once) find him out and on beholding Atharvan the fire said to him, "O
+valiant being, do thou carry the oblations for the gods! I am disabled
+from want of strength. Attaining the state of the red-eyed fire, do thou
+condescend to do me this favour!" Having thus advised Atharvan, the fire
+went away to some other place. But his place of concealment was divulged
+by the finny tribe. Upon them the fire pronounced this curse in anger,
+"You shall be the food of all creatures in various ways." And then that
+carrier of oblations spoke unto _Atharvan_ (as before). Though entreated
+by the gods, he did not agree to continue carrying their oblations. He
+then became insensible and instantly gave up the ghost. And leaving his
+material body, he entered into the bowels of the earth. Coming into
+contact with the earth, he created the different metals. Force and scent
+arose from his pus; the _Deodar_ pine from his bones; glass from his
+phlegm; the _Marakata_ jewel from his bile; and the black iron from his
+liver. And all the world has been embellished with these three
+substances (wood, stone and iron). The clouds were made from his nails,
+and corals from his veins. And, O king, various other metals were
+produced from his body. Thus leaving his material body, he remained
+absorbed in (spiritual) meditation. He was roused by the penance of
+Bhrigu and Angiras. The powerful fire thus gratified with penance,
+blazed forth intensely. But on beholding the _Rishi_ (Atharvan), he
+again sought his watery refuge. At this extinction of the fire, the
+whole world was frightened, and sought the protection of Atharvan, and
+the gods and others began to worship him. Atharvan rummaged the whole
+sea in the presence of all those beings eager with expectation, and
+finding out the fire, himself began the work of creation. Thus in olden
+times the fire was destroyed and called back to life by the adorable
+Atharvan. But now he invariably carries the oblations of all creatures.
+Living in the sea and travelling about various countries, he produced
+the various fires mentioned in the _Vedas_.
+
+"'The river Indus, the five rivers (of the Punjab), the Sone, the
+Devika, the Saraswati, the Ganga, the Satakumbha, the Sarayu, the
+Gandaki, the Charmanwati, the Mahi, the Medha, the Medhatithi, the three
+rivers Tamravati, the Vetravati, and the Kausiki; the Tamasa, the
+Narmada, the Godavari, the Vena, the Upavena, the Bhima, the Vadawa, the
+Bharati, the Suprayoga, the Kaveri, the Murmura, the Tungavenna, the
+Krishnavenna and the Kapila, these rivers, O Bharata, are said to be the
+mothers of the fires! The fire called Adbhuta had a wife of the name
+of Priya, and Vibhu was the eldest of his sons by her. There are as many
+different kinds of _Soma sacrifices_ as the number of fires mentioned
+before. All this race of fires, first-born of the spirit of Brahma,
+sprang also from the race of Atri. Atri in his own mind conceived these
+sons, desirous of extending the creation. By this act, the fires came
+out of his own Brahmic frame. I have thus narrated to thee the history
+of the origin of these fires. They are great, resplendent, and
+unrivalled in power, and they are the destroyers of darkness. Know that
+the powers of those fires are the same as those of the Adbhuta fire as
+related in the Vedas. For all these fires are one and same. This
+adorable being, the first born fire, must be considered as one. For like
+the _Jyotishtoma_ sacrifice he came out of Angiras body in various
+forms. I have thus described to thee the history of the great race of
+Agni (fires) who when duly worshipped with the various hymns, carry the
+oblations of all creatures to the gods.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O sinless scion of Kuru's race, I have described
+to thee the various branches of the race of Agni. Listen now to the
+story of the birth of the intelligent Kartikeya. I shall tell thee of
+that wonderful and famous and highly energetic son of the Adbhuta fire
+begotten of the wives of the _Brahmarshis_. In ancient times the _gods_
+and _Asuras_ were very active in destroying one another. And the
+terrible _Asuras_ always succeeded in defeating the gods. And Purandara
+(Indra) beholding the great slaughter of his armies by them and anxious
+to find out a leader for the celestial host, thought within himself, "I
+must find out a mighty person who observing the ranks of the celestial
+army shattered by the _Danavas_ will be able to reorganize it with
+vigour." He then repaired to the Manasa mountains and was there deeply
+absorbed in thought of nature, when he heard the heart-rending cries of
+a woman to the effect, "May some one come quick and rescue me, and
+either indicate a husband for me, or be my husband himself." Purandara
+said to her, "Do not be afraid, lady!" And having said these words, he
+saw Kesin (an _Asura_) adorned with a crown and mace in hand standing
+even like a hill of metals at a distance and holding that lady by the
+hand. Vasava addressed then that _Asura_ saying, "Why art thou bent on
+behaving insolently to this lady? Know that I am the god who wields the
+thunderbolt. Refrain thou from doing any violence to this lady." To him
+Kesin replied, "Do thou, O Sakra, leave her alone. I desire to possess
+her. Thinkest thou, O slayer of Paka, that thou shalt be able to return
+home with thy life?" With these words Kesin hurled his mace for slaying
+Indra. Vasava cut it up in its course with his thunderbolt. Then Kesin,
+furious with rage, hurled a huge mass of rock at him. Beholding that, he
+of a hundred sacrifices rent it asunder with his thunderbolt, and it
+fell down upon the ground. And Kesin himself was wounded by that falling
+mass of rock. Thus sorely afflicted, he fled leaving the lady behind.
+And when the _Asura_ was gone, Indra said to that lady, "Who and whose
+wife art thou, O lady with a beautiful face, and what has brought thee
+here?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXIII
+
+"'The lady replied, "I am a daughter of Prajapati (the lord of all
+creatures, Brahma) and my name is Devasena. My sister Daityasena has ere
+this been ravished by Kesin. We two sisters with our maids habitually
+used to come to these Manasa mountains for pleasures with the permission
+of Prajapati. And the great _Asura_ Kesin used daily to pay his court to
+us. Daityasena, O conqueror of Paka, listened to him, but I did not.
+Daityasena was, therefore, taken away by him, but, O illustrious one,
+thou hast rescued me with thy might. And now, O lord of the celestials,
+I desire that thou shouldst select an invincible husband for me." To
+this Indra replied, "Thou art a cousin of mine, thy mother being a
+sister of my mother Dakshayani, and now I desire to hear thee relate
+thine own prowess." The lady replied, "O hero with long arms, I am
+_Avala_[30] (weak) but my husband must be powerful. And by the potency
+of my father's boon, he will be respected by _gods_ and _Asuras_ alike."
+Indra said, "O blameless creature, I wish to hear from thee, what sort
+of power thou wishest thy husband to possess." The lady replied, "That
+manly and famous and powerful being devoted to Brahma, who is able to
+conquer all the celestials, _Asuras, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Uragas,
+Rakshasas_, and the evil-minded _Daityas_ and to subdue all the worlds
+with thee, shall be my husband."'
+
+    [30] _Avala_ is a common name of women. It means one who has no
+    vala or strength or power. The word is also used as an
+    adjective.
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing her speech, Indra was grieved and
+deeply thought within himself, "There is no husband for this lady,
+answering to her own description." And that god adorned with sun-like
+effulgence, then perceived the Sun rising on the Udaya hill,[31] and the
+great Soma (Moon) gliding into the Sun. It being the time of the new
+Moon, he of a hundred sacrifices, at the _Raudra_[32] moment, observed
+the gods and _Asuras_ fighting on the Sunrise hill. And he saw that the
+morning twilight was tinged with red clouds. And he also saw that the
+abode of Varuna had become blood-red. And he also observed Agni
+conveying oblations offered with various hymns by Bhrigu, Angiras, and
+others and entering the disc of the Sun. And he further saw the twenty
+four _Parvas_ adorning the Sun, and the terrible Soma also present in
+the Sun under such surroundings. And observing this union of the Sun and
+the Moon and that fearful conjunction of theirs, Sakra thought within
+himself, "This terrific conjunction of the Sun and the Moon forebodeth a
+fearful battle on the morrow. And the river Sindhu (Indus) too is
+flowing with a current of fresh blood and the jackals with fiery laces
+are crying to the Sun. This great conjunction is fearful and full of
+energy. This union of the Moon (Soma) with the Sun and Agni is very
+wonderful. And if Soma giveth birth to a son now, that son may become
+the husband of this lady. And Agni also hath similar surroundings now,
+and he too is a god. If the two begetteth a son, that son may become the
+husband of this lady." With these thoughts that illustrious celestial
+repaired to the regions of Brahma, taking Devasena[33] with him. And
+saluting the Grandsire he said unto him, "Do thou fix a renowned warrior
+as husband of this lady." Brahma replied, "O slayer of _Asuras_, it
+shall be as thou hast intended. The issue of that union will be mighty
+and powerful accordingly. That powerful being will be the husband of
+this lady and the joint leader of thy forces with thee." Thus addressed,
+the lord of the celestials and the lady bowed unto him and then repaired
+to the place where those great Brahmanas, the powerful celestial
+_Rishis_, Vasistha and others, lived. And with Indra at their head, the
+other gods also, desirous of drinking the Soma beverage, repaired to the
+sacrifices of those _Rishis_ to receive their respective shares of the
+offerings. Having duly performed the ceremonies with the bright blazing
+fire, those great-minded persons offered oblations to the celestials.
+And the _Adbhuta_ fire, that carrier of oblations, was invited with
+_mantras_. And coming out of the solar disc, that lordly fire duly
+repaired thither, restraining speech. And, O chief of Bharata's race,
+that fire entering the sacrificial fire that had been ignited and into
+which various offerings were made by the _Rishis_ with recitations of
+hymns, took them with him and made them over to the dwellers of heaven.
+And while returning from that place, he observed the wives of those
+high-souled _Rishis_ sleeping at their ease on their beds. And those
+ladies had a complexion beautiful like that of an altar of gold,
+spotless like moon-beams, resembling fiery flames and looking like
+blazing stars. And seeing those wives of the illustrious Brahmanas with
+eager eyes, his mind became agitated and he was smitten with their
+charms. Restraining his heart he considered it improper for him to be
+thus agitated. And he said unto himself, "The wives of these great
+Brahmanas are chaste and faithful and beyond the reach of other people's
+desires. I am filled with desire to possess them. I cannot lawfully cast
+my eyes upon them, nor ever touch them when they are not filled with
+desire. I shall, therefore, gratify myself daily with only looking at
+them by becoming their _Garhapatya_ (house-hold) fire."'
+
+    [31] According to the Hindus, the sun rises from and sets behind
+    two hills respectively. He rises from the _Udaya_ or Sun-rise
+    hill and sets behind the _Asta_ or sun-set hill.
+
+    [32] _Raudra_--belonging to Rudra, the god of fury, violence,
+    war, &c.
+
+    [33] _Devasena_ literally means the celestial army. This fable
+    seems to be an allegorical representation of the attempts made
+    by Indra to procure a leader for the celestial host.
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The _Adbhuta_ fire, thus transforming himself
+into a house-hold one, was highly gratified with seeing those
+gold-complexioned ladies and touching them with his flames. And
+influenced by their charms he dwelt there for a long time, giving them
+his heart and filled with an intense love for them. And baffled in all
+his efforts to win the hearts of those Brahmana ladies, and his own
+heart tortured by love, he repaired to a forest with the certain object
+of destroying himself. A little while before, Swaha, the daughter of
+Daksha, had bestowed her love on him. The excellent lady had been
+endeavouring for a long time to detect his weak moments; but that
+blameless lady did not succeed in finding out any weakness in the calm
+and collected fire-god. But now that the god had betaken himself to a
+forest, actually tortured by the pangs of love, she thought, "As I too
+am distressed with love, I shall assume the guise of the wives of the
+seven _Rishis_, and in that disguise I shall seek the fire-god so
+smitten with their charms. This done, he will be gratified and my desire
+too will be satisfied."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, the beautiful Siva endowed with
+great virtues and an unspotted character was the wife of Angiras (one of
+the seven _Rishis_). That excellent lady (Swaha) at first assuming the
+disguise of Siva, sought the presence of Agni unto whom she said, "O
+Agni, I am tortured with love for thee. Do thou think it fit to woo me.
+And if thou dost not accede to my request, know that I shall commit
+self-destruction. I am Siva the wife of Angiras. I have come here
+according to the advice of the wives of the other _Rishis_, who have
+sent me here after due deliberation."
+
+"'Agni replied, "How didst thou know that I was tortured with love and
+how could the others, the beloved wives of the seven _Rishis_, of whom
+thou hast spoken, know this?"
+
+"'Swaha replied, "Thou art always a favourite with us, but we are afraid
+of thee. Now having read thy mind by well-known signs, they have sent to
+thy presence. I have come here to gratify my desire. Be thou quick, O
+Agni, to encompass the object of thy desire, my sisters-in-law are
+awaiting me. I must return soon."
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then Agni, filled with great joy and delight,
+married Swaha in the guise of Siva, and that lady joyfully cohabiting
+with him, held the _semen virile_ in her hands. And then she thought
+within herself that those who would observe her in that disguise in the
+forest, would cast an unmerited slur upon the conduct of those Brahmana
+ladies in connection with Agni. Therefore, to prevent this, she should
+assume the disguise of a bird, and in that state she should more easily
+get out of the forest.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then assuming the disguise of a winged creature,
+she went out of the forest and reached the White Mountain begirt with
+clumps of heath and other plants and trees, and guarded by strange
+seven-headed serpents with poison in their very looks, and abounding
+with _Rakshasas_, male and female _Pisachas_, terrible spirits, and
+various kinds of birds and animals. That excellent lady quickly
+ascending a peak of those mountains, threw that _semen_ into a golden
+lake. And then assuming successively the forms of the wives of the
+high-souled seven _Rishis_, she continued to dally with Agni. But on
+account of the great ascetic merit of Arundhati and her devotion to her
+husband (Vasishtha), she was unable to assume her form. And, O chief of
+Kuru's race, the lady Swaha on the first lunar day threw six times into
+that lake the _semen_ of Agni. And thrown there, it produced a male
+child endowed with great power. And from the fact of its being regarded
+by the _Rishis_ as _cast off_, the child born therefrom came to be
+called by the name of _Skanda_. And the child had six faces, twelve
+ears, as many eyes, hands, and feet, one neck, and one stomach. And it
+first assumed a form on the second lunar day, and it grew to the size of
+a little child on the third. And the limbs of Guha were developed on the
+fourth day. And being surrounded by masses of red clouds flashing forth
+lightning, it shone like the Sun rising in the midst of a mass of red
+clouds. And seizing the terrific and immense bow which was used by the
+destroyer of the _Asura_ Tripura for the destruction of the enemies of
+the gods, that mighty being uttered such a terrible roar that the three
+worlds with their mobile and immobile divisions became struck with awe.
+And hearing that sound which seemed like the rumbling of a mass of big
+clouds, the great _Nagas, Chitra_ and _Airavata_, were shaken with fear.
+And seeing them unsteady that lad shining with sun-like refulgence held
+them with both his hands. And with a dart in (another) hand, and with a
+stout, red-crested, big cock fast secured in another, that long-armed
+son of Agni began to sport about making a terrible noise. And holding an
+excellent conch-shell with two of his hands, that mighty being began to
+blow it to the great terror of even the most powerful creatures. And
+striking the air with two of his hands, and playing about on the
+hill-top, the mighty Mahasena of unrivalled prowess, looked as if he
+were on the point of devouring the three worlds, and shone like the
+bright Sun-god at the moment of his ascension in the heavens. And that
+being of wonderful prowess and matchless strength, seated on the top of
+that hill, looked on with his numerous faces directed towards the
+different cardinal points, and observing various things, he repeated his
+loud roars. And on hearing those roars various creatures were prostrate
+with fear. And frightened and troubled in mind they sought protection.
+And all those persons of various orders who then sought the protection
+of that god are known as his powerful Brahmana followers. And rising
+from his seat, that mighty god allayed the fears of all those people,
+and then drawing his bow, he discharged his arrows in the direction of
+the White Mountain. And with those arrows the hill Krauncha, the son of
+Himavat, was rent asunder. And that is the reason why swans and vultures
+now migrate to the Sumeru mountains. The Krauncha hill, sorely wounded,
+fell down uttering fearful groans. And seeing him fallen, the other
+hills too began to scream. And that mighty being of unrivalled prowess,
+hearing the groans of the afflicted, was not at all moved, but himself
+uplifting his mace, yelled forth his war-whoop. And that high-souled
+being then hurled his mace of great lustre and quickly rent in twain one
+of the peaks of the White Mountain. And the White Mountain being thus
+pierced by him was greatly afraid of him and dissociating himself from
+the earth fled with the other mountains. And the earth was greatly
+afflicted and bereft of her ornaments on all sides. And in this
+distress, she went over to _Skanda_ and once more shone with all her
+might. And the mountains too bowed down to _Skanda_ and came back and
+stuck into the earth. And all creatures then celebrated the worship of
+_Skanda_ on the fifth day of the lunar month.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When that powerful, high-souled, and mighty
+being was born, various kinds of fearful phenomena occurred. And the
+nature of males and females, of heat and cold, and of such other pairs
+of contraries, was reversed. And the planets, the cardinal points and
+the firmaments became radiant with light and the earth began to rumble
+very much. And the _Rishis_ even, seeking the welfare of the world,
+while they observed all these terrific prodigies on all sides, began
+with anxious hearts to restore tranquillity in the universe. And those
+who used to live in that Chitraratha forest said, "This very miserable
+condition of ours hath been brought about by Agni cohabiting with the
+six wives of the seven _Rishis_." Others again who had seen the goddess
+assume the disguise of a bird said, "This evil hath been brought about
+by a bird." No one ever imagined that Swaha was the authoress of that
+mischief. But having heard that the (new born) male child was hers, she
+went to Skanda and gradually revealed to him the fact that she was his
+mother. And those seven _Rishis_, when they heard that a son of great
+power had been born (to them), divorced their six wives with the
+exception of the adorable Arundhati, because all the dwellers of that
+forest protested that those six persons had been instrumental in
+bringing forth the child. Swaha too, O king, said again and again to the
+seven _Rishis_, saying, "Ye ascetics, this child is mine, your wives are
+not his mother."
+
+"'The great _Muni_ Viswamitra had, after the conclusion of the
+sacrifices of the seven _Rishis_, followed unseen the god of fire, while
+the latter was tortured with lust. He, therefore, knew everything as it
+happened and he was the first to seek the protection of Mahasena. And he
+offered divine prayers to Mahasena and all the thirteen auspicious rites
+appertaining to childhood, such as the natal and other ceremonies, were
+all performed by the great _Muni_ in respect of that child. And for the
+good of the world he promulgated the virtues of the six-faced Skanda,
+and performed ceremonies in honour of the cock, the goddess _Sakti_, and
+the first followers of Skanda. And for this reason he became a great
+favourite of the celestial youth. That great _Muni_ then informed the
+seven _Rishis_ of the transformations of Swaha and told them that their
+wives were perfectly innocent. But though thus informed the seven
+_Rishis_ abandoned their spouses unconditionally.'"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The celestials having heard of the prowess of
+Skanda, all said to Vasava, "O Sakra, do thou kill Skanda without delay
+for his prowess is unbearable. And if thou dost not exterminate him, he
+will conquer the three worlds with ourselves, and overpowering thee,
+will himself become the mighty lord of the celestials." Perplexed in
+mind, Sakra replied unto them, "This child is endowed with great
+prowess. He can himself destroy the Creator of the Universe, in battle
+putting forth his might. I venture not, therefore, to do away with him."
+To this the gods replied, "Thou hast no manliness in thee, in that thou
+talkest in this manner. Let the great Mothers of the Universe repair
+to-day to Skanda. They can master at will any degree of energy. Let them
+kill this child." "It shall be so."--the mothers replied. And then they
+went away. But on beholding that he was possessed of great might, they
+became dispirited, and considering that he was invincible, they sought
+his protection and said unto him, "Do thou, O mighty being, become our
+(adopted) son. We are full of affection for thee and desirous of giving
+thee suck. Lo, the milk oozes from our breasts!" On hearing these words,
+the mighty Mahasena became desirous of sucking their breasts and he
+received them with due respect and acceded to their request. And that
+mightiest of mighty creatures then beheld his father Agni come towards
+him. And that god, who is the doer of all that is good, was duly
+honoured by his son, and in company with the Mothers, he stayed there by
+the side of Mahasena to tend him. And that lady amongst the Mothers who
+was born of Anger[34] with a spike in hand kept watch over Skanda even
+like a mother guarding her own offspring, and that irascible
+red-coloured daughter of the Sea, who lived herself on blood, hugged
+Mahasena in her breast and nursed him like a mother. And Agni
+transforming himself into a trader with a goat's mouth and followed by
+numerous children began to gratify that child of his with toys in that
+mountain abode of his.'"
+
+    [34] Anger personified is a deity.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXVI
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The planets with their satellites, the _Rishis_
+and the Mothers, Agni and numerous other blazing courtiers and many
+other dwellers of heaven of terrible mien, waited on Mahasena along with
+the Mothers. And the illustrious sovereign of the gods, desirous of
+victory but believing success to be doubtful mounted his elephant
+Airavata and attended by the other gods advanced towards Skanda. That
+mighty being followed by all the celestials was armed with his
+thunderbolt. And with the object of slaying Mahasena, he marched with
+terrible celestial army of great splendour, sounding their shrill
+war-cry and furnished with various sorts of standards, with warriors
+encased in various armour and armed with numerous bows and riding on
+various animals. When Mahasena beheld the gloriously decked Sakra,
+attired in his best clothes, advancing with the determination of slaying
+him, he (too on his part) advanced to meet that chief of the celestials.
+O Partha, the mighty Vasava, the lord of the celestials, then uttered a
+loud shout, to encourage his warriors and marching rapidly with the view
+of killing Agni's son and praised by Tridasas[35] and great _Rishis_, he
+at length reached the abode of Kartikeya. And then he shouted out with
+other gods; and Guha too in response to this, uttered a fearful war-cry
+resembling the roaring of the sea. On hearing that noise, the celestial
+army behaved like an agitated sea, and was stunned and fixed to the
+spot. And that son of _Pavaka_ (the Fire-god) beholding the gods come
+near to him with the object of killing him, was filled with wrath, and
+gave out rising flame of fire from within his mouth. And these flames
+destroyed the celestial forces struggling on the ground. Their heads,
+their bodies, their arms and riding animals were all burnt in that
+conflagration and they appeared all on a sudden like stars displaced
+from their proper spheres. Thus afflicted, the god renounced all
+allegiance to the thunder-bolt, and sought the protection of Pavaka's
+son; and thus peace was again secured. When he was thus forsaken by the
+gods, Sakra hurled his thunder-bolt at Skanda. It pierced him on the
+right side; and, O great king, it passed through the body of that
+high-souled being. And from being struck with the thunder-bolt, there
+arose from Skanda's body another being--a youth with a club in hand, and
+adorned with a celestial amulet. And because he was born on account of
+the piercing of the thunder-bolt, he was named Visakha. And Indra, when
+he beheld that another person looking like the fierce destroying
+Fire-god had come into being was frightened out of his wits and besought
+the protection of Skanda, with the palms of his hands joined together
+(as a mark of respect). And that excellent being Skanda, bade him
+renounce all fear, with his arm. The gods were then transported with
+joy, and their hands too struck up.'"
+
+    [35] Another name of gods, so named from their having only three
+    stages of life--viz., infancy, childhood, and youth--and being
+    exempt from the fourth--old age.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Now hear of those terrible and curious-looking
+followers of Skanda. A number of male children came into being when
+Skanda was struck with the thunder-bolt,--those terrific creatures that
+steal (spirit away) little children, whether born, or in the womb and a
+number of female children too of great strength were born to him. Those
+children adopted Visakha as their father. That adorable and dexterous
+Bhadrasakha, having a face like that of a goat was at the time (of the
+battle) surrounded by all his sons and daughters whom he guarded
+carefully in the presence of the great mothers. And for this reason the
+inhabitants of this earth call Skanda the father of _Kumaras_ (little
+children). Those persons who desire to have sons born to them, worship
+in their places the powerful _Rudra_ in the form of the Fire-god, and
+_Uma_ in the form of _Swaha_. And by that means they are blessed with
+sons. The daughters begotten by the Fire-god, _Tapa_, went over to
+Skanda, who said to them, "What can I do for you?" Those girls replied,
+"Do us this favour; by thy blessing, may we become the good and
+respected mothers of all the world!" He replied, "Be it so." And that
+liberal-minded being repeated again and again, "Ye shall be divided into
+Siva and Asiva."[36] And the mothers then departed, having first
+established Skanda's sonship, Kaki, Halima, Malini, Vrinhila, Arya,
+Palala and Vaimitra, these were the seven mothers of Sisu. They had a
+powerful, red-eyed, terrific, and very turbulent son named Sisu born by
+the blessing of Skanda. He was reputed as the eighth hero, born of the
+mothers of Skanda. But he is also known as the ninth, when that being
+with the face of a goat, is included. Know that the sixth face of Skanda
+was like that of a goat. That face, O king, is situated in the middle of
+the six, and is regarded constantly by the mother. That head by which
+Bhadrasakha created the divine energy, is reputed to be the best of all
+his heads. O ruler of men, these virtuous wonderful events happened on
+the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month, and on the sixth, a
+very fierce and terrific battle was fought at that place."
+
+    [36] i.e., good and evil spirits.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Skanda was adorned with a golden amulet and
+wreath, and wore a crest and a crown of gold; his eyes were
+golden-coloured, and he had a set of sharp teeth; he was dressed in a
+red garment and looked very handsome; he had a comely appearance, and
+was endowed with all good characteristics and was the favourite of the
+three worlds. He granted boons (to people who sought them) and was
+brave, youthful, and adorned with bright ear-rings. Whilst he was
+reposing himself, the goddess of fortune, looking like a lotus and
+assuming a personal embodiment, rendered her allegiance to him. When he
+became thus possessed of good fortune, that famous and delicate-looking
+creature appeared to all like the moon at its full. And high-minded
+Brahmanas worshipped that mighty being, and the _Maharshis_ (great
+_rishis_) then said as follows to Skanda, "O thou born of the golden
+egg, mayst thou be prosperous and mayst thou become an instrument of
+good to the universe! O best of the gods, although thou wast born only
+six nights (days) ago, the whole world has owned allegiance to thee
+(within this short time), and thou hast also allayed their fears.
+Therefore do thou become the Indra (lord) of the three worlds and remove
+their cause of apprehension." Skanda replied, "You gentlemen of great
+ascetic wealth (tell me) what Indra does with all three worlds and how
+that sovereign of the celestials protects the hosts of gods
+unremittingly." The _Rishis_ replied, "Indra is the giver of strength,
+power, children and happiness to all creatures and when propitiated,
+that Lord of the celestials bestows on all the objects of their desire.
+He destroys the wicked and fulfils the desires of the righteous; and
+that Destroyer of Vala assigns to all creatures their various duties. He
+officiates for the sun and the moon in places where there is no sun or
+moon; he even when occasion requires it, acts for (serves the purposes
+of) fire, air, earth, and water. These are the duties of Indra; his
+capacities are immense. Thou too art mighty; therefore great hero, do
+thou become our Indra."
+
+"'Sakra said, "O mighty being, do thou make us happy, by becoming our
+lord. Excellent being, thou art worthy of the honour; therefore shall we
+anoint thee this very day."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Do thou continue to rule the three worlds with
+self-possession, and with thy heart bent on conquest. I shall remain thy
+humble servant. I covet not thy sovereignty."
+
+"'Sakra replied, "Thy prowess is unrivalled, O hero, do thou therefore
+vanquish the enemies of the gods. People have been struck with wonder at
+thy prowess. More specially as I have been bereft of my prowess, and
+defeated by thee, now if I were to act as Indra, I should not command
+the respect of all creatures, and they would be busy in bringing about
+dissensions between us; and then, my lord, they would become the
+partisans of one or other of us. And when they formed themselves into
+two distinct factions, war as before would be the result of that
+defection. And in that war, thou wouldst undoubtedly defeat me without
+difficulty and thyself become the lord of all worlds."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Thou, O Sakra, art my sovereign, as also of the three
+worlds; mayst thou be prosperous! Tell me if I can obey any commands of
+thine."
+
+"'Indra replied, "At thy bidding, O powerful being, I shall continue to
+act as Indra. And if thou hast said this deliberately and in earnest,
+then hear me how thou canst gratify thy desire of serving me. Do thou, O
+mighty being, take the leadership of the celestial forces accordingly."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Do thou anoint me as leader, for the destruction of
+the Danavas, for the good of the celestials, and for the well-being of
+cows and Brahmanas."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus anointed by Indra and all other gods, and
+honoured by the _Maharshis_, he looked grand at the moment. The golden
+umbrella[37] held (over his head) looked like a halo of blazing fire.
+That famous god, the Conqueror of Tripura, himself fastened the
+celestial wreath of gold, of Viswakarma's manufacture, round his neck.
+And, O great man and conqueror of thine enemies, that worshipful god
+with the emblem of the bull, had gone there previously with Parvati. He
+honoured him with a joyous heart. The Fire-god is called Rudra by
+Brahmanas, and from this fact Skanda is called the son of Rudra. The
+White Mountain was formed from discharges of Rudra's _semen virile_ and
+the sensual indulgences of the Fire-god with the Krittikas took place on
+that same White Mountain. And as Rudra was seen by all the dwellers of
+heaven to heap honours on the excellent Guha (Skanda), he was for that
+reason reputed as the son of Rudra. This child had his being by the
+action of Rudra entering into the constitution of the Fire-god, and for
+this reason, Skanda came to be known as the son of Rudra. And, O
+Bharata, as Rudra, the Fire-god, Swaha, and the six wives (of the seven
+Rishis) were instrumental to the birth of the great god Skanda, he was
+for that reason reputed as the son of Rudra.'
+
+    [37] One of the ensigns of royalty in Hindustan.
+
+"'That son of Fire-god was clad in a pair of clean red cloths, and thus
+he looked grand and resplendent like the Sun peeping forth from behind a
+mass of red clouds. And the red cock given to him by the Fire-god,
+formed his ensign; and when perched on the top of his chariot, it looked
+like the image of the all-destroying fire. And the presiding deity of
+the power which conduces to the victory of the god, and which is the
+director of the exertions of all creatures, and constitutes their glory,
+prop and refuge, advanced before him. And a mysterious charm entered
+into his constitution, the charm which manifests its powers on the
+battlefield. Beauty, strength, piety, power, might, truthfulness,
+rectitude, devotion to Brahmanas, freedom from illusion or perplexity,
+protection of followers, destruction of foes, and care of all
+creatures,--these, O lord of men, are the inborn virtues of Skanda. Thus
+anointed by all the gods, he looked pleased and complacent; and dressed
+in his best style, he looked beautiful like the moon at its full. The
+much-esteemed incantation of _Vedic_ hymns, the music of the celestial
+band, and the songs of gods and _Gandharvas_ then rang on all sides. And
+surrounded by all the well-dressed _Apsaras_, and many other gay and
+happy-looking _Pisachas_ and hosts of gods, that anointed (by gods) son
+of Pavaka disported himself in all his grandeur. To the dwellers of
+heaven, the anointed Mahasena appeared like the Sun rising after
+extinction of darkness. And then the celestial forces looking upon him
+as their leader, surrounded him on all sides in thousands. That adorable
+being followed by all creatures then assumed their commands, and praised
+and honoured by them, he encouraged them in return.
+
+"'The Performer of a thousand sacrifices then thought of Devasena, whom
+he has rescued before. And considering that this being (Skanda) was
+undoubtedly destined to be the husband of this lady by Brahma himself,
+he had her brought there, dressed her with the best apparel. And the
+vanquisher of Vala then said to Skanda, "O foremost of gods, this lady
+was, even before thy birth, destined to be thy bride by that
+Self-existent Being.[38] Therefore do thou duly accept her lotus-like
+beautiful right hand with invocation of the (marital) hymns." Thus told,
+he duly married her. And Vrihaspati learned in hymns performed the
+necessary prayers and oblations. She who is called Shashthi, Lakshmi,
+Asa, Sukhaprada, Sinivali, Kuhu, Saivritti, and Aparajita, is known
+among men as Devasena, the wife of Skanda. When Skanda became united to
+Devasena in indissoluble bonds of matrimony, then the gods of prosperity
+in her own personal embodiment began to serve him with diligence. As
+Skanda attained celebrity on the fifth lunar day, that day is called
+_Sripanchami_ (or the auspicious fifth day) and as he attained his
+object on the sixth, that lunar day is considered to be of great
+moment.'"
+
+    [38] Brahma.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXIX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Those six ladies, the wives of the seven
+_Rishis_ when they learned that good fortune had smiled on Mahasena and
+that he had been made leader of the celestial forces,[39] repaired to
+his camp. Those virtuous ladies of high religious merit had been
+disowned by the _Rishis_. They lost no time in visiting that leader of
+the celestial forces and then addressed him thus, "We, O son, have been
+cast out by our god-like husbands, without any cause. Some people spread
+the rumour that we gave birth to thee. Believing in the truth of this
+story, they became greatly indignant, and banished us from our sacred
+places. It behooves thee now to save us from this infamy. We desire to
+adopt thee as our son, so that, O mighty being, eternal bliss may be
+secured to us by that favour. Do thou thus repay the obligation thou
+owest to us."
+
+    [39] Devasenapati is the original. It may mean either the _pati_
+    (leader) of the _sena_ (forces) of _devas_ or the _pati_
+    (husband) of Devasena.
+
+"'Skanda replied, "O ladies of faultless character, do you accordingly
+become my mothers. I am your son and ye shall attain all the objects of
+your desire."
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then Sakra having expressed a wish to say
+something to Skanda, the latter enquired, "What is it?" Being told by
+Skanda to speak it out, Vasava said, "The lady Abhijit, the younger
+sister of Rohini, being jealous of her seniority, has repaired to the
+woods to perform austerities. And I am at a loss to find out a
+substitute for the fallen star. May good luck attend on thee, do thou
+consult with _Brahma_ (for the purpose of filling up the room) of this
+great asterism." Dhanishtha and other asterisms were created by
+_Brahma_, and Rohini used to serve the purpose of one such; and
+consequently their number was full. And in accordance with Sakra's
+advice, Krittika was assigned a place in the heavens, and that star
+presided over by _Agni_ shines as if with seven heads. Vinata also said
+to Skanda, "Thou art as a son to me, and entitled to offer me the
+funeral cakes (at my funeral obsequies). I desire, my son, to live with
+thee always."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Be it so, all honour to thee! Do thou guide me with a
+mother's affection, and honoured by thy daughter-in-law, thou shalt
+always live with me."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then the great mothers spoke as follows to
+Skanda, "We have been described by the learned as the mothers of all
+creatures. But we desire to be thy mothers, do thou honour us."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Ye are all as mothers to me, and I am your son. Tell
+me what I can do to please you."
+
+"'The mothers replied, "The ladies (Brahmi, Maheswari, &c.) were
+appointed as mothers of the world in bygone ages. We desire, O great
+god, that they be dispossessed of that dignity, and ourselves installed
+in their place, and that we, instead of them, be worshipped by the
+world. Do thou now restore to us those of our progeny, of whom we have
+been deprived, by them on thy account."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Ye shall not recover those that have been once given
+away, but I can give you other offspring if ye like."
+
+"'The mothers replied, "We desire that living with thee and assuming
+different shapes we be able to eat up the progeny of those mothers and
+their guardians. Do thou grant us this favour."
+
+"'Skanda said, "I can grant you progeny, but this topic on which ye have
+just now dilated is a very painful one. May ye be prosperous! All honour
+to you, ladies, do ye vouchsafe to them your protecting care."
+
+"'The mothers replied, "We shall protect them, O Skanda, as thou
+desirest. Mayst thou be prosperous! But, O mighty being, we desire to
+live with thee always."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "So long as children of the human kind do not attain
+the youthful state in the sixteenth year of their age, ye shall afflict
+them with your various forms, and I too shall confer on you a fierce
+inexhaustible spirit. And with that ye shall live happily, worshipped by
+all."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'And then a fiery powerful being came out of the
+body of Skanda for the purpose of devouring the progeny of mortal
+beings. He fell down upon the ground, senseless and hungry. And bidden
+by Skanda, that genius of evil assumed a terrific form. Skandapasmara is
+the name by which it is known among good Brahmanas. Vinata is called the
+terrific Sakuni _graha_ (spirit of evil). She who is known as _Putana
+Rakshasi_ by the learned is the _graha_ called Putana; that fierce and
+terrible looking _Rakshasa_ of a hideous appearance is also called the
+_pisacha_, Sita Putana. That fierce-looking spirit is the cause of
+abortion in women. Aditi is also known by the name of Revati; her evil
+spirit is called Raivata, and that terrible _graha_ also afflicts
+children. Diti, the mother of the Daityas (_Asuras_), is also called
+Muhkamandika, and that terrible creature is very fond of the flesh of
+little children. Those male and female children, O Kaurava, who are said
+to have been begotten by Skanda, are spirit of evil and they destroy the
+foetus in the womb. They (the _Kumaras_) are known as the husbands of
+those very ladies, and children are seized unawares by these cruel
+spirits. And, O king, _Surabhi_ who is called the mother of bovine kind
+by the wise is best ridden by the evil spirit Sakuni, who in company
+with her, devours children on this earth. And Sarama, the mother of
+dogs, also habitually kills human beings while still in the womb. She
+who is the mother of all trees has her abode in a _karanja_ tree. She
+grants boons and has a placid countenance and is always favourably
+disposed towards all creatures. Those persons who desire to have
+children, bow down to her, who is seated in a _karanja_ tree. These
+eighteen evil spirits fond of meat and wine, and others of the same
+kind, invariably take up their abode in the lying-in-room for ten days.
+Kadru introduces herself in a subtle form into the body of a pregnant
+woman and there she causes the destruction of the foetus, and the mother
+is made to give birth to a _Naga_ (serpent). And that mother of the
+Gandharvas takes away the foetus, and for this reason, conception in
+woman turns out to be abortive. The mother of the _Apsaras_ removes the
+foetus from the womb, and for this reason such conceptions are said to
+be stationary by the learned. The daughter of the Divinity of the Red
+Sea is said to have nursed Skanda,--she is worshipped under the name of
+Lohitayani on Kadamva trees. Arya acts the same part among female
+beings, as Rudra does among male ones. She is the mother of all children
+and is distinctly worshipped for their welfare. These that I have
+described are the evil spirits presiding over the destinies of young
+children, and until children attain their sixteenth year, these spirits
+exercise their influence for evil, and after that, for good. The whole
+body of male and female spirits that I have now described are always
+denominated by men as the spirits of Skanda. They are propitiated with
+burnt offerings, ablutions, unguents, sacrifices and other offerings,
+and particularly by the worship of Skanda. And, O king, when they are
+honoured and worshipped with due reverence, they bestow on men whatever
+is good for them, as also valour and long life. And now having bowed
+down to Maheswara, I shall describe the nature of those spirits who
+influence the destinies of men after they have attained their sixteenth
+year.
+
+"'The man who beholds gods while sleeping, or in a wakeful state soon
+turns mad, and the spirit under whose influence these hallucinations
+take place is called the celestial spirit. When a person beholds his
+dead ancestors while he is seated at ease, or lying in his bed, he soon
+loses his reason, and the spirit which causes this illusion of sensible
+perception, is called the ancestral spirit. The man who shows disrespect
+to the _Siddhas_ and who is cursed by them in return, soon runs mad and
+the evil influence by which this is brought about, is called the
+_Siddha_ spirit. And the spirit by whose influence a man smells sweet
+odour, and becomes cognisant of various tastes (when there are no
+odoriferous or tasteful substances about him) and soon becomes
+tormented, is called the _Rakshasa_ spirit. And the spirit by whose
+action celestial musicians (_Gandharvas_) blend their existence into the
+constitution of a human being, and make him run mad in no time, is
+called the _Gandharva_ spirit. And that evil spirit by whose influence
+men are always tormented by _Pisachas_, is called the _Pisacha_ spirit.
+When the spirit of _Yakshas_ enters into the system of a human being by
+some accident, he loses his reason immediately, and such a spirit is
+called the _Yaksha_ spirit. The man who loses his reason on account of
+his mind being demoralised with vices, runs mad in no time, and his
+illness must be remedied according to methods prescribed in the
+_Sastras_. Men also run mad from perplexity, from fear, as also on
+beholding hideous sights. The remedy lies in quieting their minds. There
+are three classes of spirits, some are frolicsome, some are gluttonous,
+and some sensual. Until men attain the age of three score and ten, these
+evil influences continue to torment them, and then fever becomes the
+only evil spirit that afflicts sentient beings. These evil spirits
+always avoid those who have subdued their senses, who are
+self-restrained, of cleanly habits, god-fearing and free from laziness
+and contamination. I have thus described to thee, O king, the evil
+spirits that mould the destinies of men. Thou who art devoted to
+Maheswara art never troubled by them.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When Skanda had bestowed these powers, Swaha
+appeared to him and said, "Thou art my natural son,--I desire that thou
+shalt grant exquisite happiness to me."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "What sort of happiness dost thou wish to enjoy?"
+
+"'Swaha replied, "O mighty being, I am the favourite daughter of Daksha,
+by name Swaha; and from my youthful days I have been in love with
+Hutasana (the Fire-god); but that god, my son, does not understand my
+feelings. I desire to live for ever with him (as his wife)."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "From this day, lady, all the oblations that men of
+virtuous character, who swerve not from the path of virtue, will offer
+to their gods or ancestors with incantation of purifying hymns by
+Brahmanas, shall always be offered (through Agni) coupled with the name
+of Swaha, and thus, excellent lady, wilt thou always live associated
+with Agni, the god of fire."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed and honoured by Skanda, Swaha was
+greatly pleased; and associated with her husband Pavaka (the Fire-god),
+she honoured him in return.
+
+"'Then _Brahma_, the lord of all creatures, said to Mahasena, "Do thou
+go and visit thy father Mahadeva, the conqueror of Tripura. Rudra
+coalescing with Agni (the Fire-god) and Uma with Swaha have combined to
+make thee invincible for the well-being of all creatures. And the semen
+of the high-souled Rudra cast into the reproductive organ of Uma was
+thrown back upon this hill, and hence the twin Mujika and Minjika came
+into being. A portion of it fell into the Blood Sea, another portion,
+into the rays of the sun, another upon the earth and thus was it
+distributed in five portions. Learned men ought to remember that these
+thy various and fierce-looking followers living on the flesh of animals
+were produced from the _semen_." "Be it so," so saying, the high-souled
+Mahasena with fatherly love, honoured his father Maheswara.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Men who are desirous of acquiring wealth, should
+worship those five classes of spirits with the sun flower, and for
+alleviation of diseases also worship must be rendered to them. The twin
+Mujika and Minjika begotten by Rudra must always be respected by persons
+desiring the welfare of little children; and persons who desire to have
+children born to them must always worship those female spirits who live
+on human flesh and are produced in trees. Thus all _Pisachas_ are said
+to be divided into innumerable classes. And now, O king, listen to the
+origin of the bells and standards of Skanda. Airavata (Indra's elephant)
+is known to have had two bells of the name of Vaijayanti, and the
+keen-witted Sakra had them brought to him, and personally gave them to
+Guha. Visakha took one of those bells and Skanda the other. The
+standards of both Kartikeya and Visakha were of a red colour. That
+mighty god Mahasena was pleased with the toys that had been given to him
+by the gods. Surrounded by hosts of gods and _Pisachas_ and seated on
+the Golden Mountain, he looked splendid in all the grandeur of
+prosperity. And that mountain covered with fine forests, also looked
+grand in his companionship, just as the Mandara hill abounding with
+excellent caves shines with the rays of the sun. The White Mountain was
+adorned with whole tracts of wood-land covered with blossoming Santanaka
+flowers and with forests of Karavira, Parijata, Jaba and Asoke
+trees,--as also with wild tracts overgrown with Kadamva trees; and it
+abounded with herds of celestial deer and flocks of celestial birds. And
+the rumbling of clouds serving the purpose of musical instruments
+sounded like the murmur of an agitated sea, and celestial Gandharvas and
+Apsaras began to dance. And there arose a great sound of joy from the
+merriment of all creatures. Thus the whole world with Indra himself
+seemed to have been transferred to the White Mountain. And all the
+people began to observe Skanda with satisfaction in their looks, and
+they did not at all feel tired of doing so.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When that adorable son of the Fire-god was
+anointed as leader of the celestial army, that grand and happy lord,
+Hara (Mahadeva) riding with Parvati in a chariot shining with sunlike
+refulgence repaired to a place called Bhadravata. His excellent chariot
+was drawn by a thousand lions and managed by _Kala_. They passed through
+blank space, and seemed as if they were about to devour the sky; and
+striking terror into the heart of all creatures in the mobile divisions
+of the worlds, those maned beasts flitted through the air, uttering
+fearful growls. And that lord of all animals (Mahadeva) seated in that
+chariot with Uma, looked like the sun with flames of lightning
+illuminating masses of clouds begirt with Indra's bow (rainbow). He was
+preceded by that adorable Lord of riches riding on the backs of human
+beings with his attendant Guhyakas riding in his beautiful car Pushpaka.
+And Sakra too riding on his elephant Airavata and accompanied by other
+gods brought up the rear of Mahadeva, the granter of boons, marching in
+this way at the head of the celestial army. And the great _Yaksha
+Amogha_ with his attendants--the _Jambhaka Yakshas_ and other
+_Rakshasas_ decorated with garlands of flowers--obtained a place in the
+right wing of his army; and many gods of wonderful fighting powers in
+company with the _Vasus_ and the _Rudras_, also marched with the right
+division of his army. And the terrible-looking Yama too in company with
+Death marched with him (followed by hundreds of terrible diseases); and
+behind him was carried the terrible, sharp-pointed, well-decorated
+trident of Siva, called Vijaya. And Varuna, the adorable lord of waters
+with his terrible _Pasa_,[40] and surrounded by numerous aquatic
+animals, marched slowly with the trident. And the trident Vijaya was
+followed by the _Pattisa_[41] of Rudra guarded by maces, balls, clubs
+and other excellent weapons. And the _Pattisa_, O king, was followed by
+the bright umbrella of Rudra and the Kamandalu served by the
+_Maharshis_; and on it progressed in the company of Bhrigu, Angiras and
+others. And behind all these rode Rudra in his white chariot,
+re-assuring the gods with the exhibition of his powers. And rivers and
+lakes and seas, _Apsaras, Rishis_, Celestials, _Gandharvas_ and
+serpents, stars, planets, and the children of gods, as also many women,
+followed him in his train. These handsome-looking ladies proceeded
+scattering flowers all around; and the clouds marched, having made their
+obeisance to that god (Mahadeva) armed with the _Pinaka_ bow. And some
+of them held a white umbrella over his head, and Agni (the Fire god) and
+Vayu (the god of winds) busied themselves with two hairy fans (emblems
+of royalty). And, O king, he was followed by the glorious Indra
+accompanied by the _Rajarshis_, and singing the praise of that god with
+the emblem of the bull. And Gauri, Vidya, Gandhari, Kesini, and the lady
+called Mitra in company with Savitri, all proceeded in the train of
+Parvati, as also all the Vidyas (presiding deities of all branches of
+knowledge) that were created by the learned. The _Rakshasa_ spirit who
+delivers to different battalions the commands which are implicitly
+obeyed by Indra and other gods, advanced in front of the army as
+standard-bearer. And that foremost of _Rakshasas_, by name Pingala, the
+friend of Rudra, who is always busy in places where corpses are burnt,
+and who is agreeable to all people, marched with them merrily, at one
+time going ahead of the army, and falling behind again at another, his
+movements being uncertain. Virtuous actions are the offerings with which
+the god Rudra is worshipped by mortals. He who is also called Siva, the
+omnipotent god, armed with the Pinaka bow, is Maheswara. He is
+worshipped in various forms.
+
+    [40] A kind of missile.
+
+    [41] Another kind of weapon.
+
+"'The son of Krittika, the leader of the celestial army, respectful to
+Brahmanas, surrounded by the celestial forces, also followed that lord
+of the gods. And then Mahadeva said these weighty words to Mahasena, "Do
+thou carefully command the seventh army corps of the celestial forces."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Very well, my lord! I shall command the seventh army
+corps. Now tell me quickly if there is anything else to be done."
+
+"'Rudra said, "Thou shall always find me in the field of action. By
+looking up to me and by devotion to me shalt thou attain great
+welfare."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'With these words Maheswara received him in his
+embrace, and then dismissed him. And, O great king, after the dismissal
+of Skanda, prodigies of various kinds occurred to disturb the equanimity
+of the gods.
+
+"'The firmament with the stars was in a blaze, and the whole universe in
+a state of utter confusion. The earth quaked and gave forth a rumbling
+sound, and darkness overspread the whole world. Then observing this
+terrible catastrophy, Sankara with the estimable Uma, and the
+celestials with the great _Maharshis_, were much exercised in mind. And
+when they had fallen into this state of confusion, there appeared before
+them a fierce and mighty host armed with various weapons, and looking
+like a mass of clouds and rocks. Those terrible and countless beings,
+speaking different languages directed their movements towards the point
+where Sankara and the celestials stood. They hurled into the ranks of
+the celestial army flights of arrows in all directions, masses of rock,
+maces, _sataghnis, prasas_ and _parighas_. The celestial army was thrown
+into a state of confusion by a shower of these terrible weapons and
+their ranks were seen to waver. The _Danavas_ made a great havoc by
+cutting up their soldiers, horses, elephants, chariots and arms. And the
+celestial troops then seemed as if they were about to turn their backs
+upon the enemy. And numbers of them fell, slain by the _Asuras_, like
+large trees in a forest burnt in a conflagration. Those dwellers of
+heaven fell with their heads separated from their bodies, and having
+none to lead them in that fearful battle, they were slaughtered by the
+enemy. And then the god Purandara (Indra), the slayer of Vala, observing
+that they were unsteady and hard-pressed by the _Asuras_, tried to rally
+them with this speech, "Do not be afraid, ye heroes, may success attend
+your efforts! Do ye all take up your arms, and resolve upon manly
+conduct, and ye will meet with no more misfortune, and defeat those
+wicked and terrible-looking _Danavas_. May ye be successful! Do ye fall
+upon the _Danavas_ with me."
+
+"'The dwellers of heaven were re-assured on hearing this speech from
+Sakra; and under his leadership, they again rushed against the
+_Danavas_. And then the thirty-three crores of gods and all the powerful
+_Marutas_ and the _Sadhyas_ with the _Vasus_ returned to the charge. And
+the arrows which they angrily discharged against the enemy drew a large
+quantity of blood from the bodies of the _Daityas_ and of their horses
+and elephants. And those sharp arrows passing through their bodies fell
+upon the ground, looking like so many snakes falling from the sides of a
+hill. And, O king, the _Daityas_ pierced by those arrows fell fast on
+all sides, looking like so many detached masses of clouds. Then the
+_Danava_ host, struck with panic at that charge of the celestials on the
+field of battle, wavered at that shower of various weapons. Then all the
+gods loudly gave vent to their joy, with arms ready to strike; and the
+celestial bands too struck up various airs. Thus took place that
+encounter, so fearful to both sides: for all the battle-field was
+covered with blood and strewn with the bodies of both gods and _Asuras_.
+But the gods were soon worsted all on a sudden, and the terrible
+_Danavas_ again made a great havoc of the celestial army. Then the
+_Asuras_ drums struck up and their shrill bugles were sounded; and the
+_Danava_ chiefs yelled their terrific war-cry.
+
+"'Then a powerful _Danava_, taking a huge mass of rock in his hands,
+came out of that terrible _Daitya_ army. He looked like the sun peering
+forth from against a mass of dark clouds. And, O king, the celestials,
+beholding that he was about to hurl that mass of rock at them, fled in
+confusion. But they were pursued by Mahisha, who hurled that hillock at
+them. And, O lord of the world, by the falling of that mass of rock, ten
+thousand warriors of the celestial army were crushed to the ground and
+breathed their last. And this act of Mahisha struck terror into the
+hearts of the gods, and with his attendant _Danavas_ he fell upon them
+like a lion attacking a herd of deer. And when Indra and the other
+celestials observed that Mahisha was advancing to the charge, they fled,
+leaving behind their arms and colours. And Mahisha was greatly enraged
+at this, and he quickly advanced towards the chariot of Rudra; and
+reaching near, he seized its pole with his hands. And when Mahisha in a
+fit of rage had thus seized the chariot of Rudra, all the Earth began to
+groan and the great _Rishis_ lost their senses. And _Daityas_ of huge
+proportions, looking like dark clouds, were boisterous with joy,
+thinking that victory was assured to them. And although that adorable
+god (Rudra) was in that plight, yet he did not think it worth while to
+kill Mahisha in battle; he remembered that Skanda would deal the
+deathblow to that evil-minded _Asura_. And the fiery Mahisha,
+contemplating with satisfaction the prize (the chariot of Rudra) which
+he had secured, sounded his war-cry, to the great alarm of the gods and
+the joy of the _Daityas_. And when the gods were in that fearful
+predicament, the mighty Mahasena, burning with anger, and looking grand
+like the Sun advanced to their rescue. And that lordly being was clad in
+blazing red and decked with a wreath of red flowers. And cased in armour
+of gold he rode in a gold-coloured chariot bright as the Sun and drawn
+by chestnut horses. And at his sight the army of the daityas was
+suddenly dispirited on the field of battle. And, O great king, the
+mighty Mahasena discharged a bright _Sakti_ for the destruction of
+Mahisha. That missile cut off the head of Mahisha, and he fell upon the
+ground and died. And his head massive as a hillock, falling on the
+ground, barred the entrance to the country of the Northern Kurus,
+extending in length for sixteen _Yojanas_ though at present the people
+of that country pass easily by that gate.
+
+"'It was observed both by the gods and the _Danavas_ that Skanda hurled
+his _sakti_ again and again on the field of battle, and that it returned
+to his hands, after killing thousands of the enemy's forces. And the
+terrible _Danavas_ fell in large numbers by the arrows of the wise
+Mahasena. And then a panic seized them, and the followers of Skanda
+began to slay and eat them up by thousands and drink their blood. And
+they joyously exterminated the _Danavas_ in no time, just as the sun
+destroys darkness, or as fire destroys a forest, or as the winds drive
+away the clouds. And in this manner the famous Skanda defeated all his
+enemies. And the gods came to congratulate him, and he, in turn, paid
+his respects to Maheswara. And that son of Krittika looked grand like
+the sun in all the glory of his effulgence. And when the enemy was
+completely defeated by Skanda and when Maheswara left the battle-field,
+Purandara embraced Mahasena and said to him, "This Mahisha, who was made
+invincible by the favour of Brahma hath been killed by thee. O best of
+warriors, the gods were like grass to him. O strong-limbed hero, thou
+hast removed a thorn of the celestials. Thou hast killed in battle
+hundreds of Danavas equal in valour to Mahisha who were all hostile to
+us, and who used to harass us before. And thy followers too have
+devoured them by hundreds. Thou art, O mighty being, invincible in
+battle like Uma's lord; and this victory shall be celebrated as thy
+first achievement, and thy fame shall be undying in the three worlds.
+And, O strong-armed god, all the gods will yield their allegiance to
+thee." Having spoken thus to Mahasena, the husband of Sachi left the
+place accompanied by the gods and with the permission of the adorable
+three-eyed god (Siva). And Rudra returned to Bhadravata, and the
+celestials too returned to their respective abodes. And Rudra spoke,
+addressing the gods, "Ye must render allegiance to Skanda just as ye do
+unto me." And that son of the Fire-god, having killed the Danavas hath
+conquered the three worlds, in one day, and he hath been worshipped by
+the great _Rishis_. The Brahmana who with due attention readeth this
+story of the birth of Skanda, attaineth to great prosperity in this
+world and the companionship of Skanda hereafter.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O good and adorable Brahmana, I wish to know the
+different names of that high-souled being, by which he is celebrated
+throughout the three worlds.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by the Pandava in that assembly
+of _Rishis_, the worshipful Markandeya of high ascetic merit replied,
+'Agneya (Son of Agni), Skanda (Cast-off), Diptakirti (Of blazing fame),
+Anamaya (Always hale), Mayuraketu (Peacock-bannered), Dharmatman (The
+virtuous-souled), Bhutesa (The lord of all creatures), Mahishardana (The
+slayer of Mahisha), Kamajit (The subjugator of desires), Kamada (The
+fulfiller of desires), Kanta (The handsome), Satyavak (The truthful in
+speech), Bhuvaneswara (The lord of the universe), Sisu (The child),
+Sighra (The quick), Suchi (The pure), Chanda (The fiery), Diptavarna
+(The bright-complexioned), Subhanana (Of beautiful face), Amogha
+(Incapable of being baffled), Anagha (The sinless), Rudra (The
+terrible), Priya (The favourite), Chandranana (Of face like the moon),
+Dipta-sasti (The wielder of the blazing lance), Prasantatman (Of
+tranquil soul), Bhadrakrit (The doer of good), Kutamahana (The chamber
+of even the wicked), Shashthipriya (True favourite of Shashthi), Pavitra
+(The holy), Matrivatsala (The reverencer of his mother), Kanya-bhartri
+(The protector of virgins), Vibhakta (Diffused over the universe),
+Swaheya (The son of Swaha), Revatisuta (The child of Revati), Prabhu
+(The Lord), Neta (The leader), Visakha (Reared up by Visakha), Naigameya
+(Sprang from the Veda), Suduschara (Difficult of propitiation), Suvrata
+(Of excellent vows), Lalita (The beautiful), Valakridanaka-priya (Fond
+of toys), Khacharin (The ranger of skies), Brahmacharin (The chaste),
+Sura (The brave), Saravanodbhava (Born in a forest of heath), Viswamitra
+priya (The favourite of Viswamitra), Devasena-priya (The lover of
+Devasena), Vasudeva-priya (The beloved of Vasudeva), and Priya-krit (The
+doer of agreeable things)--these are the divine names of Kartikeya.
+Whoever repeateth them, undoubtedly secureth fame, wealth, and
+salvation.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O valiant scion of Kuru's race, I shall now with
+due devotion pray to that unrivalled, mighty, six-faced, and valiant
+Guha who is worshipped by gods and _Rishis_, enumerating his other
+titles of distinction: do thou listen to them: Thou art devoted to
+_Brahma_, begotten of Brahma, and versed in the mysteries of _Brahma_.
+Thou art called _Brahmasaya_, and thou art the foremost of those who are
+possessed of _Brahma_. Thou art fond of _Brahma_, thou art austere like
+the Brahmanas and art versed in the great mystery of _Brahma_ and the
+leader of the Brahmanas. Thou art _Swaha_, thou art _Swadha_, and thou
+art the holiest of the holy, and art invoked in hymns and celebrated as
+the six-flamed fire. Thou art the year, thou art the six seasons, thou
+art the months, the (lunar) half months, the (solar) declinations, and
+the cardinal points of space. Thou art lotus-eyed. Thou art possessed of
+a lily-like face. Thou hast a thousand faces and a thousand arms. Thou
+art the ruler of the universe, thou art the great Oblation, and thou art
+the animating spirit of all the gods and the _Asuras_. Thou art the
+great leader of armies. Thou art _Prachanda_ (furious), thou art the
+Lord, and thou art the great master and the conqueror of thine enemies.
+Thou art _Sahasrabhu_ (multiform), _Sahasratusti_ (a thousand times
+content), _Sahasrabhuk_ (devourer of everything), and _Sahasrapad_ (of a
+thousand legs), and thou art the earth itself. Thou art possessed of
+infinite forms and thousand heads and great strength. According to thine
+own inclinations thou hast appeared as the son of Ganga, Swaha, Mahi, or
+Krittika. O six-faced god, thou dost play with the cock and assume
+different forms according to thy will. Thou art Daksha, Soma, the
+Maruta, Dharma, Vayu, the prince of mountains, and Indra, for all time.
+Thou art mighty, the most eternal of all eternal things, and the lord of
+all lords. Thou art the progenitor of Truth, the destroyer of Diti's
+progeny (_Asuras_), and the great conqueror of the enemies of the
+celestials. Thou art the personation of virtue and being thyself vast
+and minute, thou art acquainted with the highest and lowest points of
+virtuous acts, and the mysteries of _Brahma_. O foremost of all gods and
+high-souled lord of the Universe, this whole creation is over-spread
+with thy energy! I have thus prayed to thee according to the best of my
+power. I salute thee who art possessed of twelve eyes and many hands.
+Thy remaining attributes transcend my powers of comprehension!'
+
+"'The Brahmana who with due attention readeth this story of the birth of
+Skanda, or relateth it unto Brahmanas, or hears it narrated by
+regenerate men, attaineth to wealth, long life, fame, children, as also
+victory, prosperity and contentment, and the companionship of Skanda.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXI
+
+(_Draupadi-Satyabhama Samvada_)
+
+Vaisampayana said, "After those Brahmanas and the illustrious sons of
+Pandu had taken their seats, Draupadi and Satyabhama entered the
+hermitage. And with hearts full of joy the two ladies laughed merrily
+and seated themselves at their ease. And, O king, those ladies, who
+always spake sweetly to each other, having met after a long time, began
+to talk upon various delightful topics arising out of the stories of the
+Kurus and the Yadus. And the slender-waisted Satyabhama, the favourite
+wife of Krishna and the daughter of Satrajit, then asked Draupadi in
+private, saying, 'By what behaviour is it, O daughter of Drupada, that
+thou art able to rule the sons of Pandu--those heroes endued with
+strength and beauty and like unto the _Lokapalas_ themselves? Beautiful
+lady, how is it that they are so obedient to thee and are never angry
+with thee? Without doubt the sons of Pandu, O thou of lovely features,
+are ever submissive to thee and watchful to do thy bidding! Tell me, O
+lady, the reason of this. Is it practice of vows, or asceticism, or
+incantation or drug at the time of the bath (in season) or the efficacy
+of science, or the influence of youthful appearance, or the recitation
+of particular formulae, or _Homa_, or collyrium and other medicaments?
+Tell me now, O princess of Panchala, of that blessed and auspicious
+thing by which, O Krishna, Krishna may ever be obedient to me.'
+
+"When the celebrated Satyabhama, having said this, ceased, the chaste
+and blessed daughter of Drupada answered her, saying, 'Thou askedest me,
+O Satyabhama, of the practices of women that are wicked. How can I
+answer thee, O lady, about the cause that is pursued by wicked females?
+It doth not become thee, lady, to pursue the questions, or doubt me,
+after this, for thou art endued with intelligence and art the favourite
+wife of Krishna. When the husband learns that his wife is addicted to
+incantations and drugs, from that hour he beginneth to dread her like a
+serpent ensconced in his sleeping chamber. And can a man that is
+troubled with fear have peace, and how can one that hath no peace have
+happiness? A husband can never be made obedient by his wife's
+incantations. We hear of painful diseases being transmitted by enemies.
+Indeed, they that desire to slay others, send poison in the shape of
+customary gifts, so that the man that taketh the powders so sent, by
+tongue or skin, is, without doubt, speedily deprived of life. Women have
+sometimes caused dropsy and leprosy, decrepitude and impotence and
+idiocy and blindness and deafness in men. These wicked women, ever
+treading in the path of sin, do sometimes (by these means) injure their
+husbands. But the wife should never do the least injury to her lord.
+Hear now, O illustrious lady, of the behaviour I adopt towards the
+high-souled sons of Pandu. Keeping aside vanity, and controlling desire
+and wrath, I always serve with devotion the sons of Pandu with their
+wives. Restraining jealousy, with deep devotion of heart, without a
+sense of degradation at the services I perform, I wait upon my husbands.
+Ever fearing to utter what is evil or false, or to look or sit or walk
+with impropriety, or cast glances indicative of the feelings of the
+heart, do I serve the sons of Pritha--those mighty warriors blazing like
+the sun or fire, and handsome as the moon, those endued with fierce
+energy and prowess, and capable of slaying their foes by a glance of the
+eye. Celestial, or man, or Gandharva, young or decked with ornaments,
+wealthy or comely of person, none else my heart liketh. I never bathe or
+eat or sleep till he that is my husband hath bathed or eaten or
+slept,--till, in fact, our attendants have bathed, eaten, or slept.
+Whether returning from the field, the forest, or the town, hastily
+rising up I always salute my husband with water and a seat. I always
+keep the house and all household articles and the food that is to be
+taken well-ordered and clean. Carefully do I keep the rice, and serve
+the food at the proper time. I never indulge in angry and fretful
+speech, and never imitate women that are wicked. Keeping idleness at
+distance I always do what is agreeable. I never laugh except at a jest,
+and never stay for any length of time at the house-gate. I never stay
+long in places for answering calls of nature, nor in pleasure-gardens
+attached to the house. I always refrain from laughing loudly and
+indulging in high passion, and from everything that may give offence.
+Indeed, O Satyabhama, I always am engaged in waiting upon my lords. A
+separation from my lords is never agreeable to me. When my husband
+leaveth home for the sake of any relative, then renouncing flowers and
+fragrant paste of every kind, I begin to undergo penances. Whatever my
+husband drinketh not, whatever my husband eateth not, whatever my
+husband enjoyeth not, I ever renounce. O beautiful lady, decked in
+ornaments and ever controlled by the instruction imparted to me, I
+always devotedly seek the good of my lord. Those duties that my
+mother-in-law had told me of in respect of relatives, as also the duties
+of alms-giving, of offering worship to the gods, of oblations to the
+diseased, of boiling food in pots on auspicious days for offer to
+ancestors and guests of reverence and service to those that deserve our
+regards, and all else that is known to me, I always discharge day and
+night, without idleness of any kind. Having with my whole heart recourse
+to humility and approved rules I serve my meek and truthful lords ever
+observant of virtue, regarding them as poisonous snakes capable of being
+excited at a trifle. I think that to be eternal virtue for women which
+is based upon a regard for the husband. The husband is the wife's god,
+and he is her refuge. Indeed, there is no other refuge for her. How can,
+then, the wife do the least injury to her lord? I never, in sleeping or
+eating or adorning any person, act against the wishes of my lord, and
+always guided by my husbands, I never speak ill of my mother-in-law. O
+blessed lady, my husbands have become obedient to me in consequence of
+my diligence, my alacrity, and the humility with which I serve
+superiors. Personally do I wait every day with food and drink and
+clothes upon the revered and truthful Kunti--that mother of heroes.
+Never do I show any preference for myself over her in matters of food
+and attire, and never do I reprove in words that princess equal unto the
+Earth herself in forgiveness. Formerly, eight thousand Brahmanas were
+daily fed in the palace of Yudhishthira from off plates of gold. And
+eighty thousand Brahmanas also of the _Snataka_ sect leading domestic
+lives were entertained by Yudhishthira with thirty serving-maids
+assigned to each. Besides these, ten thousand _yatis_ with the vital
+seed drawn up, had their pure food carried unto them in plates of gold.
+All these Brahmanas that were the utterers of the _Veda_, I used to
+worship duly with food, drink, and raiment taken from stores only after
+a portion thereof had been dedicated to the Viswadeva.[42] The
+illustrious son of Kunti had a hundred thousand well-dressed
+serving-maids with bracelets on arms and golden ornaments on necks, and
+decked with costly garlands and wreaths and gold in profusion, and
+sprinkled with sandal paste. And adorned with jewels and gold they were
+all skilled in singing and dancing. O lady, I knew the names and
+features of all those girls, as also what they are and what they were,
+and what they did not. Kunti's son of great intelligence had also a
+hundred thousand maid-servants who daily used to feed guests, with
+plates of gold in their hands. And while Yudhishthira lived in
+Indraprastha a hundred thousand horses and a hundred thousand elephants
+used to follow in his train. These were the possessions of Yudhishthira
+while he ruled the earth. It was I however, O lady, who regulated their
+number and framed the rules to be observed in respect of them; and it
+was I who had to listen to all complaints about them. Indeed, I knew
+everything about what the maid-servants of the palace and other classes
+of attendants, even the cow-herds and the shepherds of the royal
+establishment, did or did not. O blessed and illustrious lady, it was I
+alone amongst the Pandavas who knew the income and expenditure of the
+king and what their whole wealth was. And those bulls among the
+Bharatas, throwing upon me the burden of looking after all those that
+were to be fed by them, would, O thou of handsome face, pay their court
+to me. And this load, so heavy and incapable of being borne by persons
+of evil heart, I used to bear day and night, sacrificing my ease, and
+all the while affectionately devoted to them. And while my husbands were
+engaged in the pursuit of virtue, I only supervised their treasury
+inexhaustible like the ever-filled receptacle of Varuna. Day and night
+bearing hunger and thirst, I used to serve the Kuru princes, so that my
+nights and days were equal to me. I used to wake up first and go to bed
+last. This, O Satyabhama, hath ever been my charm for making my husbands
+obedient to me! This great art hath ever been known to me for making my
+husbands obedient to me. Never have I practised the charms of wicked
+women, nor do I ever wish to practise them.'"
+
+    [42] The word in the text is "Agrahara," which, as Nilakantha
+    explains, means here, "That which is first taken from a heap
+    after the dedication of a portion to the Viswadevas." What
+    Draupadi means to say is, that she always took care to feed
+    those Brahmanas with food "first" taken from the stores,
+    without, in fact, having taken anything there from the use of
+    anybody else.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing those words of virtuous import uttered
+by Krishna, Satyabhama, having first reverenced the virtuous princess of
+Panchala, answered saying, 'O princess of Panchala, I have been guilty,
+O daughter of Yajnasena, forgive me! Among friends, conversations in
+jest arise naturally, and without premeditation.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXII
+
+"Draupadi said, 'I shall now indicate to thee, for attracting the heart
+of thy husbands a way that is free from deceit. By adopting it duly,
+dear friend, thou will be able to draw away thy lord from other females.
+In all the worlds, including that of the celestials, there is no god
+equal, O Satyabhama, unto the husband. When he is gratified with thee,
+thou mayst have (from thy husband) every object of desire; when he is
+angry, all these may be lost. It is from her husband that the wife
+obtaineth offspring and various articles of enjoyment. It is from thy
+husband that thou mayst have handsome beds and seats, and robes and
+garlands, and perfumes, and great fame and heaven itself hereafter. One
+cannot obtain happiness here by means that are easy. Indeed, the woman
+that is chaste, obtains weal with woe. Always adore Krishna, therefore,
+with friendship and love physical sufferings. And do thou also act in a
+way, by offering handsome seats and excellent garlands and various
+perfumes and prompt service, that he may be devoted to thee, thinking,
+"_I am truly loved by her!_" Hearing the voice of thy lord at the gate,
+rise thou up from thy seat and stay in readiness within the room. And as
+soon as thou seest him enter thy chamber, worship him by promptly
+offering him a seat and water to wash his feet. And even when he
+commands a maidservant to do anything, get thou up and do it thyself.
+Let Krishna understand this temper of thy mind and know that thou
+adorest him with all thy heart. And, O Satyabhama, whatever thy lord
+speaketh before thee, do not blab of it even if it may not deserve
+concealment,--for if any of thy co-wives were to speak of it unto
+Vasudeva, he might be irritated with thee. Feed thou by every means in
+thy power those that are dear and devoted to thy lord and always seek
+his good. Thou shouldst, however, always keep thyself aloof from those
+that are hostile to and against thy lord and seek to do him injury, as
+also from those that are addicted to deceit. Foregoing all excitement
+and carelessness in the presence of men, conceal thy inclinations by
+observing silence, and thou shouldst not stay or converse in private
+even with thy sons, Pradyumna and Samva. Thou shouldst form attachments
+with only such females as are high-born and sinless and devoted to their
+lords, and thou shouldst always shun women that are wrathful, addicted
+to drinks, gluttonous, thievish, wicked and fickle. Behaviour such as
+this is reputable and productive of prosperity; and while it is capable
+of neutralising hostility, it also leadeth to heaven. Therefore, worship
+thou thy husband, decking thyself in costly garlands and ornaments and
+smearing thyself with unguents and excellent perfumes.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then Kesava, the slayer of Madhu, also called
+Janardana, having conversed on various agreeable themes with the
+illustrious sons of Pandu and with those Brahmanas that were headed by
+Markandeya and having bid them farewell, mounted his car and called for
+Satyabhama. And Satyabhama then, having embraced the daughter of
+Drupada, addressed her in these cordial words expressive of her feelings
+towards her: 'O Krishna, let there be no anxiety, no grief, for thee!
+Thou hast no cause to pass thy nights in sleeplessness, for thou wilt
+surely obtain back the earth subjugated by thy husbands, who are all
+equal unto the gods. O thou of black eyes, women endued with such
+disposition and possessed of such auspicious marks, can never suffer
+misfortune long. It hath been heard by me that thou shall, with thy
+husbands, certainly enjoy this earth peacefully and freed from all
+thorns! And, O daughter of Drupada, thou shalt certainly behold the
+earth ruled by Yudhishthira after the sons of Dhritarashtra have been
+slain and the deeds of their hostility avenged! Thou wilt soon behold
+those wives of the Kurus, who, deprived of sense by pride, laughed at
+thee while on thy way to exile, themselves reduced to a state of
+helplessness and despair! Know them all, O Krishna, that did thee any
+injury while thou wert afflicted, to have already gone to the abode of
+Yama. Thy brave sons, Prativindhya by Yudhishthira and Sutasoma by
+Bhima, and Srutakarman by Arjuna, and Satanika by Nakula, and Srutasena
+begot by Sahadeva, are well and have become skilled in weapons. Like
+Abhimanyu they are all staying at Dwaravati, delighted with the place.
+And Subhadra also, cheerfully and with her whole soul, looketh after
+them like thee, and like thee joyeth in them and deriveth much happiness
+from them. Indeed, she grieveth in their griefs and joyeth in their
+joys. And the mother of Pradyumna also loveth them with her whole soul.
+And Kesava with his sons Bhanu and others watcheth over them with
+especial affection. And my mother-in-law is ever attentive in feeding
+and clothing them. And the Andhakas and Vrishnis, including Rama and
+others, regard them with affection. And, O beautiful lady, their
+affection for thy sons is equal unto what they feel for Pradyumna.'
+
+"Having said these agreeable and truthful and cordial words, Satyabhama
+desired to go to Vasudeva's car. And the wife of Krishna then walked
+round the queen of the Pandavas. And having done so the beautiful
+Satyabhama mounted the car of Krishna. And the chief of the Yadavas,
+comforting Draupadi with a smile and causing the Pandavas to return, set
+out for his own city, with swift horses (yoked unto his car)."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXIV
+
+(_Ghosha-yatra Parva_)
+
+Janamejaya said, "While those foremost of men--the sons of Pritha--were
+passing their days in the forest exposed to the inclemencies of the
+winter, the summer, the wind and the sun, what did they do, O Brahmana,
+after they had reached the lake and woods going by the name of Dwaita?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "After the sons of Pandu had arrived at that lake,
+they chose a residence that was removed from the habitations of men. And
+they began to roam through delightful woods and ever charming mountains
+and picturesque river-valleys. And after they had taken up their
+residence there, many venerable ascetics endued with Vedic lore often
+came to see them. And those foremost of men always received those
+_Veda_-knowing _Rishis_ with great respect. And one day there came unto
+the Kaurava princes a certain Brahmana who was well known on earth for
+his powers of speech. And having conversed with the Pandavas for a
+while, he went away as pleased him to the court of the royal son of
+Vichitravirya. Received with respect by that chief of the Kurus, the old
+king, the Brahmana took his seat; and asked by the monarch he began to
+talk of the sons of Dharma, Pavana, Indra and of the twins, all of whom
+having fallen into severe misery, had become emaciated and reduced owing
+to exposure to wind and sun. And that Brahmana also talked of Krishna
+who was overwhelmed with suffering and who then had become perfectly
+helpless, although she had heroes for her lords. And hearing the words
+of that Brahmana, the royal son of Vichitravirya became afflicted with
+grief, at the thought of those princes of royal lineage then swimming in
+a river of sorrow. His inmost soul afflicted with sorrow and trembling
+all over with sighs, he quieted himself with a great effort, remembering
+that everything had arisen from his own fault. And the monarch said,
+'Alas, how is it that Yudhishthira who is the eldest of my sons, who is
+truthful and pious and virtuous in his behaviour, who hath not a foe,
+who had formerly slept on beds made of soft _Ranku_ skins, sleepeth now
+on the bare ground! Alas, wakened formerly by _Sutas_ and _Magadhas_ and
+other singers with his praises, melodiously recited every morning, that
+prince of the Kuru race, equal unto Indra himself, is now waked from the
+bare ground towards the small hours of the night by a multitude of
+birds! How doth Vrikodara, reduced by exposure to wind and sun and
+filled with wrath, sleep, in the presence of the princess of Panchala,
+on the bare ground, unfit as he is to suffer such lot! Perhaps also, the
+intelligent Arjuna, who is incapable of bearing pain, and who, though
+obedient to the will of Yudhishthira, yet feeleth himself to be pierced
+over all by the remembrance of his wrongs, sleepeth not in the night!
+Beholding the twins and Krishna and Yudhishthira and Bhima plunged in
+misery, Arjuna without doubt, sigheth like a serpent of fierce energy
+and sleepeth not from wrath in the night! The twins also, who are even
+like a couple of blessed celestials in heaven sunk in woe though
+deserving of bliss, without doubt pass their nights in restless
+wakefulness restrained (from avenging their wrongs) by virtue and truth!
+The mighty son of the Wind-god, who is equal to the Wind-god himself in
+strength, without doubt, sigheth and restraineth his wrath, being tied
+through his elder brother in the bonds of truth! Superior in battle to
+all warriors, he now lieth quiet on the ground, restrained by virtue and
+truth, and burning to slay my children, he bideth his time. The cruel
+words that Dussasana spoke after Yudhishthira had been deceitfully
+defeated at dice, have sunk deep into Vrikodara's heart, and are
+consuming him, like a burning bundle of straw consuming a fagot of dry
+wood! The son of Dharma never acteth sinfully; Dhananjaya also always
+obeyeth him; but Bhima's wrath, in consequence of a life of exile, is
+increasing like a conflagration assisted by the wind! That hero, burning
+with rage such as that, squeezeth his hands and breatheth hot and fierce
+sighs, as if consuming therewith my sons and grandsons! The wielder of
+the _Gandiva_ and Vrikodara, when angry, are like Yama and Kala
+themselves; scattering their shafts, which are like unto thunder-bolts,
+they exterminate in battle the ranks of the enemy. Alas Duryodhana, and
+Sakuni, and the _Suta's_ son, and Dussasana also of wicked soul, in
+robbing the Pandavas of their kingdom by means of dice, seem to behold
+the honey alone without marking the terrible ruin. A man having acted
+rightly or wrongly, expecteth the fruit of those acts. The fruit,
+however, confounding him, paralyses him fully. How can man, thereof,
+have salvation? If the soil is properly tilled, and the seed sown
+therein, and if the god (of rain) showereth in season, still the crop
+may not grow. This is what we often hear. Indeed, how could this saying
+be true unless, as I think, it be that everything here is dependent on
+Destiny? The gambler Sakuni hath behaved deceitfully towards the son of
+Pandu, who ever acteth honestly. From affection for my wicked sons I
+also have acted similarly. Alas, it is owing to this that the hour of
+destruction hath come for the Kurus! Oh, perhaps, what is inevitable
+must happen! The wind, impelled or not, will move. The woman that
+conceives will bring forth. Darkness will be dispelled at dawn, and day
+disappear at evening! Whatever may be earned by us or others, whether
+people spend it or not, when the time cometh, those possessions of ours
+do bring on misery. Why then do people become so anxious about earning
+wealth? If, indeed, what is acquired is the result of fate, then should
+it be protected so that it may not be divided, nor lost little by
+little, nor permitted to flow out at once, for if unprotected, it may
+break into a hundred fragments. But whatever the character of our
+possessions, our acts in the world are never lost. Behold what the
+energy of Arjuna is, who went into the abode of Indra from the woods!
+Having mastered the four kinds of celestial weapons he hath come back
+into this world! What man is there who, having gone to heaven in his
+human form, wisheth to come back? This would never have been but because
+he seeth innumerable Kurus to be at the point of death, afflicted by
+Time! The bowman is Arjuna, capable of wielding the bow with his left
+hand as well! The bow he wieldeth is the _Gandiva_ of fierce impetus. He
+hath, besides, those celestial weapons of his! Who is there that would
+bear the energy of these three!'
+
+"Hearing these words of the monarch, the son of Suvala, going unto
+Duryodhana, who was then sitting with Karna, told them everything in
+private. And Duryodhana, though possessed of little sense, was filled
+with grief at what he heard."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of Dhritarashtra, Sakuni, when
+the opportunity presented itself, aided by Karna, spoke unto Duryodhana
+these words, 'Having exiled the heroic Pandavas by thy own prowess, O
+Bharata, rule thou this earth without a rival like the slayer of Samvara
+ruling the heaven! O monarch, the kings of the east, the south, the
+west, and the north, have all been made tributary to thee! O lord of
+earth, that blazing Prosperity which had before paid her court to the
+sons of Pandu, hath now been acquired by thee along with thy brothers!
+That blazing Prosperity, O king, which we not many days ago saw with
+heavy hearts in Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, is today seen by us to be
+owned by thee, she having, O mighty-armed monarch, been snatched by thee
+from the royal Yudhishthira by force of intellect alone. O slayer of
+hostile heroes, all the kings of the earth now living in subjection to
+thee, await thy commands, as they did before under Yudhishthira,
+awaiting his. O monarch, the goddess Earth with her boundless extent
+with girth of seas, with her mountains and forests, and towns and cities
+and mines, and decked with woodlands and hills is now thine! Adored by
+the Brahmanas and worshipped by the kings, thou blazest forth, O king,
+in consequence of thy prowess, like the Sun among the gods in heaven!
+Surrounded by the Kurus, O king, like Yama by the Rudra, or Vasava by
+the Maruts, thou shinest, O monarch, like the Moon among the stars! Let
+us, therefore, O king, go and look at the sons of Pandu--them who are
+now divested of prosperity, them who never obeyed commands, them who
+never owed subjection! It hath been heard by us, O monarch, that the
+Pandavas are now living on the banks of the lake called _Dwaitavana_,
+with a multitude of Brahmanas, having the wilderness for their home. Go
+thither, O king, in all thy prosperity, scorching the son of Pandu with
+a sight of thy glory, like the Sun scorching everything with his hot
+rays! Thyself a sovereign and they divested of sovereignty, thyself in
+prosperity and they divested of it, thyself possessing affluence and
+they in poverty, behold now, O king, the sons of Pandu. Let the sons of
+Pandu behold thee like Yayati, the son of Nahusha, accompanied by a
+large train of followers and enjoying bliss that is great. O king, that
+blazing Prosperity which is seen by both one's friends and foes, is
+regarded as well-bestowed! What happiness can be more complete than that
+which he enjoyeth who while himself in prosperity, looketh upon his foes
+in adversity, like a person on the hill top looking down upon another
+crawling on the earth? O tiger among kings, the happiness that one
+derives from beholding his foes in grief, is greater than what one may
+derive from the acquisition of offering or wealth or kingdom! What
+happiness will not be his who, himself in affluence, will cast his eyes
+on Dhananjaya attired in barks and deer-skins? Let thy wife dressed in
+costly robes look at the woeful Krishna clad in barks and deer-skins,
+and enhance the latter's grief! Let the daughter of Drupada reproach
+herself and her life, divested as she is of wealth, for the sorrow that
+she will feel upon beholding thy wife decked in ornaments will be far
+greater than what she had felt in the midst of the assembly (when
+Dussasana had dragged her there)!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having thus spoken unto the king, Karna and
+Sakuni both remained silent, O Janamejaya, after their discourse was
+over."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of Karna, king Duryodhana
+became highly pleased. Soon after, however, the prince became melancholy
+and addressing the speaker said, 'What thou tellest me, O Karna, is
+always before my mind. I shall not, however, obtain permission to repair
+to the place where the Pandavas are residing. King Dhritarashtra is
+always grieving for those heroes. Indeed, the king regarded the sons of
+Pandu to have become more powerful than before in consequence of their
+ascetic austerities. Or, if the king understands our motives, he will
+never, having regard to the future, grant us permission, for, O thou of
+great effulgence, we can have no other business in the woods of
+_Dwaitavana_ than the destruction of the Pandavas in exile! Thou knowest
+the words that Kshatri spoke to me, to thyself, and to the son of
+Suvala, at the time of the match at dice! Reflecting upon all those
+words as also upon all those lamentations (that he and others indulged
+in), I cannot make up my mind as to whether I should or should not go! I
+shall certainly be highly pleased if I cast my eyes on Bhima and
+Phalguna passing their days in pain with Krishna in the woods. The joy
+that I may feel in obtaining the sovereignty of the entire earth is
+nothing to that which will be mine upon beholding the sons of Pandu
+attired in barks of trees and deer-skins. What joy can be greater, O
+Karna, that will be mine upon beholding the daughter of Drupada dressed
+in red rags in the woods? If king Yudhishthira and Bhima, the sons of
+Pandu, behold me graced with great affluence, then only shall I have
+attained the great end of my life! I do not, however, see the means by
+which I may repair to those woods, by which, in fact, I may obtain the
+king's permission to go thither! Contrive thou, therefore, some skilful
+plan, with Suvala's son and Dussasana, by which we may go to those
+woods! I also, making up my mind today as to whether I should go or not,
+approach the presence of the king tomorrow. And when I shall be sitting
+with Bhishma--that best of the Kurus--thou wilt, with Sakuni propose the
+pretext which thou mayst have contrived. Hearing then the words of
+Bhishma and of the king on the subject of our journey, I will settle
+everything beseeching our grandfather.'
+
+"Saying 'So be it,' they then all went away to their respective
+quarters. And as soon as the night had passed away, Karna came to the
+king. And coming to him, Karna smilingly spoke unto Duryodhana, saying,
+'A plan hath been contrived by me. Listen to it, O lord of men! Our
+herds are now waiting in the woods of _Dwaitavana_ in expectation of
+thee! Without doubt, we may all go there under the pretext of
+supervising our cattle stations, for, O monarch, it is proper that kings
+should frequently repair to their cattle stations. If this be the motive
+put forth, thy father, O prince, will certainly grant thee permission!'
+And while Duryodhana and Karna were thus conversing laughingly, Sakuni
+addressed them and said, 'This plan, free from difficulties, was what I
+also saw for going thither! The king will certainly grant us permission,
+or even send us thither of his own accord. Our herds are now all waiting
+in the woods of _Dwaitavana_ expecting thee. Without doubt, we may all
+go there under the pretext of supervising our cattle stations!'
+
+"They then all three laughed together, and gave their hands unto one
+another. And having arrived at that conclusion, they went to see the
+chief of Kurus."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "They then all saw king Dhritarashtra, O Janamejaya,
+and having seen him, enquired after his welfare, and were, in return,
+asked about their welfare. Then a cow-herd named Samanga, who had been
+instructed beforehand by them, approaching the king, spoke unto him of
+the cattle. Then the son of Radha and Sakuni, O king, addressing
+Dhritarashtra, that foremost of monarchs, said, 'O Kaurava, our
+cattle-stations are now in a delightful place. The time for their tale
+as also for marking the calves hath come. And, O monarch, this also is
+an excellent season for thy son to go ahunting! It behoveth thee,
+therefore, to grant permission to Duryodhana to go thither.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra replied, 'The chase of the deer, as also the examination
+of cattle is very proper, O child! I think, indeed, that the herdsmen
+are not to be trusted. But we have heard that those tigers among men,
+the Pandavas, are now staying in the vicinity of those cattle stations.
+I think, therefore, ye should not go thither yourselves! Defeated by
+deceitful means they are now living in the deep forest in great
+suffering. O Radheya, they are mighty warriors and naturally able, they
+are now devoted to ascetic austerities. King Yudhishthira will not
+suffer his wrath to be awakened, but Bhimasena is naturally passionate.
+The daughter of Yajnasena is energy's self. Full of pride and folly, ye
+are certain to give offence. Endued with ascetic merit she will
+certainly consume you, or perhaps, those heroes, armed with swords and
+weapons! Nor, if from force of numbers, ye seek to injure them in any
+respect, that will be a highly improper act, although, as I think, ye
+will never be able to succeed. The mighty-armed Dhananjaya hath returned
+thence to the forest. While unaccomplished in arms, Vivatsu had
+subjugated the whole earth before. A mighty warrior as he is and
+accomplished in arms now, will he not be able to slay you all? Or, if in
+obedience to my words, ye behave carefully having repaired thither, ye
+will not be able to live happily there in consequence of the anxiety ye
+will feel owing to a state of continued trustlessness. Or, some soldier
+of yours may do some injury to Yudhishthira, and that unpremeditated act
+will be ascribed to your fault. Therefore, let some faithful men proceed
+there for the work of tale. I do not think it is proper for thee,
+Bharata, to go thither thyself.'
+
+"Sakuni said, 'The eldest of the sons of Pandu is cognisant of morality.
+He pledged in the midst of the assembly, O Bharata, that he would live
+for twelve years in the forest. The other sons of Pandu are all virtuous
+and obedient to Yudhishthira. And Yudhishthira himself, the son of
+Kunti, will never be angry with us. Indeed, we desire very much to go on
+a hunting expedition, and will avail of that opportunity for supervising
+the tale of our cattle. We have no mind to see the sons of Pandu. We
+will not go to that spot where the Pandavas have taken up their
+residence, and consequently no exhibition of misconduct can possibly
+arise on our part.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Sakuni, that lord of men,
+Dhritarashtra, granted permission, but not very willingly, to Duryodhana
+and his counsellors to go to the place. And permitted by the monarch the
+Bharata prince born of Gandhari started, accompanied by Karna and
+surrounded by a large host. And he was also accompanied by Dussasana and
+Suvala's son of great intelligence and by many other brothers of his and
+by ladies in thousands. And as the mighty-armed prince started for
+beholding the lake that was known by the name of _Dwaitavana_, the
+citizens (of Hastina), also accompanied by their wives began to follow
+him to that forest. Eight thousand cars, thirty thousand elephants, nine
+thousand horses, and many thousands of foot-soldiers, and shops and
+pavilions and traders, bards and men trained in the chase by hundreds
+and thousands followed the prince. And as the king started, followed by
+this large concourse of people, the uproar that was caused there
+resembled, O king, the deep tumult of the ranging winds in the rainy
+season. And reaching the lake _Dwaitavana_ with all his followers and
+vehicles, king Duryodhana took up his quarters at the distance of four
+miles from it."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "King Duryodhana then moving from forest to forest,
+at last approached the cattle-stations, and encamped his troops. And his
+attendants, selecting a well-known and delightful spot that abounded in
+water and trees and that possessed every convenience constructed an
+abode for him. And near enough to the royal residence they also erected
+separate abodes for Karna and Sakuni and the brothers of the king. And
+the king beheld his cattle by hundreds and thousands and examining their
+limbs and marks supervised their tale. And he caused the calves to be
+marked and took note of those that required to be tamed. And he also
+counted those kine whose calves had not yet been weaned. And completing
+the task of tale by marking and counting every calf that was three years
+old, the Kuru prince, surrounded by the cowherds, began to sport and
+wander cheerfully. And the citizens also and the soldiers by thousands
+began to sport, as best pleased them, in those woods, like the
+celestials. And the herdsmen, well skilled in singing and dancing and
+instrumental music, and virgins decked in ornaments, began to minister
+to the pleasures of Dhritarashtra's son. And the king surrounded by the
+ladies of the royal household began cheerfully to distribute wealth and
+food and drinks of various kinds amongst those that sought to please
+him, according to their desires.
+
+"And the king, attended by all his followers, began also to slay hyenas
+and buffaloes and deer and gayals and bears and boars all around. And
+the king, piercing by his shafts those animals by thousands in deep
+forest, caused the deer to be caught in the more delightful parts of the
+woods. Drinking milk and enjoying, O Bharata, various other delicious
+articles and beholding, as he proceeded, many delightful forests and
+woods swarming with bees inebriate with floral honey and resounding with
+the notes of the peacock, the king at last reached the sacred lake of
+_Dwaitavana_. And the spot which the king reached swarmed with bees
+inebriate with floral honey, and echoed with the mellifluous notes of
+the blue-throated jay and was shaded by _Saptacchadas_ and _punnagas_
+and _Vakulas_. And the king graced with high prosperity proceeded
+thither like the thunder-wielding chief of the celestials himself. And,
+O thou best of the Kuru race, King Yudhishthira the just, endued with
+high intelligence, was then, O monarch, residing in the vicinity of that
+lake at will and celebrating with his wedded wife, the daughter of
+Drupada, the diurnal sacrifice called _Rajarshi_, according to the
+ordinance sanctioned for the celestials and persons living in the
+wilderness. And, O monarch, having reached that spot, Duryodhana
+commanded his men by thousands, saying, 'Let pleasure-houses be
+constructed soon.' Thus commanded, those doers of the king's behests
+replying to the Kuru chief with the words, 'So be it,' went towards the
+banks of the lake for constructing pleasure-houses. And as the picked
+soldiers of Dhritarashtra's son, having reached the region of the lake,
+were about to enter the gates of the wood, a number of _Gandharvas_
+appeared and forbade them to enter. For, O monarch, the king of the
+_Gandharvas_ accompanied by his followers, had come thither beforehand,
+from the abode of _Kuvera_. And the king of the _Gandharvas_ had also
+been accompanied by the several tribes of _Apsaras_, as also by the sons
+of the celestials. And intent upon sport, he had come to that place for
+merriment, and occupying it, had closed it against all comers. And the
+attendants of the (Kuru) king, finding the lake closed by the king of
+the _Gandharvas_, went back, O monarch, to where the royal Duryodhana
+was. And Duryodhana having heard these words, despatched a number of his
+warriors difficult of being subjugated in battle, commanding them to
+drive away the _Gandharvas_. And those warriors who formed the vanguard
+of the Kuru army, hearing these words of the king, went back to the lake
+of _Dwaitavana_ and addressing the _Gandharvas_, said, 'The mighty king
+Duryodhana--the son of Dhritarashtra--is coming, hither for sport. Stand
+ye aside, therefore!' Thus addressed by them, O king, the _Gandharvas_
+laughed and replied unto those men in these harsh words: 'Your wicked
+king Duryodhana must be destitute of sense. How else could he have thus
+commanded us that are dwellers of heaven, as if indeed, we were his
+servants? Without forethought, ye also are doubtless on the point of
+death; for senseless idiots as ye are, ye have dared to bring us his
+message! Return ye soon to where that king of the Kurus is, or else go
+this very day to the abode of Yama.' Thus addressed by the _Gandharvas_,
+the advanced guard of the king's army ran back to the place where the
+royal son of Dhritarashtra was."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Those soldiers then, O king, all went back to
+Duryodhana and repeated to him every word that the _Gandharvas_ had
+said. And, O Bharata, finding that his soldiers had been opposed by the
+_Gandharvas_, Dhritarashtra's son, endued with energy, was filled with
+rage. And the king addressed his soldiers, saying, 'Punish these
+wretches who desire to oppose my will, even if they have come hither to
+sport, accompanied by all the celestials with him of a hundred
+sacrifices.' And hearing these words of Duryodhana, the sons and
+officers of Dhritarashtra all endued with great strength, as also
+warriors by thousands, began to arm themselves for battle. And filling
+the ten sides with loud leonine roars and rushing at those _Gandharvas_
+that had been guarding the gates, they entered the forest. And as the
+Kuru soldiers entered the forest, other _Gandharvas_ came up and forbade
+them to advance. And though gently forbidden by the _Gandharvas_ to
+advance, the Kuru soldiers, without regarding them in the least, began
+to enter that mighty forest. And when those rangers of the sky found
+that the warriors of Dhritarashtra along with their king could not be
+stopped by words they all went to their king Chitrasena and represented
+everything unto him. And when Chitrasena, the king of the Gandharvas,
+came to know all this he became filled with rage, alluding to the Kuru,
+and commanded his followers saying, 'Punish these wretches of wicked
+behaviour.' And, O Bharata, when the _Gandharvas_ were so commanded by
+Chitrasena, they rushed weapons in hand, towards the Dhritarashtra
+ranks. And beholding the _Gandharvas_ impetuously rushing towards them
+with upraised weapons, the Kuru warriors precipitously fled in all
+directions at the very sight of Duryodhana. And beholding the Kuru
+soldiers all flying from the field with their backs to the foe, the
+heroic Radheya alone fled not. And seeing the mighty host of the
+Gandharvas rushing towards him, Radheya checked them by a perfect shower
+of arrows. And the _Suta's_ son, owing to his extreme lightness of hand,
+struck hundreds of _Gandharvas_ with _Kshurapras_ and arrows and
+_Bhallas_ and various weapons made of bones and steel. And that mighty
+warrior, causing the heads of numerous _Gandharvas_ to roll down within
+a short time, made the ranks of Chitrasena to yell in anguish. And
+although they were slaughtered in great numbers by Karna endued with
+great intelligence, yet the _Gandharvas_ returned to the charge by
+hundreds and thousands. And in consequence of the swarms of Chitrasena's
+warriors rushing impetuously to the field the earth itself became soon
+covered by the _Gandharva_ host. Then king Duryodhana, and Sakuni, the
+son of Suvala, and Dussasana, and Vikarna, and other sons of
+Dhritarashtra, seated on cars the clatter of whose wheels resembled the
+roars of Garuda, returned to the charge, following the lead of Karna,
+and began to slaughter that host. And desirous of supporting Karna,
+these princes invested the Gandharva army, with a large number of cars
+and a strong body of horses. Then the whole of the _Gandharva_ host
+began to fight with the Kauravas. And the encounter that took place
+between the contending hosts was fierce in the extreme and might make
+one's hair stand on end. The _Gandharvas_, at last, afflicted with the
+shafts of the Kuru army, seemed to be exhausted. And the Kauravas
+beholding the _Gandharvas_ so afflicted sent up a loud sound.
+
+"And seeing the _Gandharva_ host yielding to fear, the angry Chitrasena
+sprang from his seat, resolved to exterminate the Kuru army. And
+conversant with various modes of warfare, he waged on the fight, aided
+by his weapons of illusion. And the Kaurava warriors were then all
+deprived of their senses by the illusion of Chitrasena. And then, O
+Bharata, it seemed that every warrior of the Kuru army was fallen upon
+and surrounded by ten _Gandharvas_. And attacked with great vigour, the
+Kuru host was greatly afflicted and struck with panic. O king, all of
+them that liked to live, fled from the field. But while the entire
+Dhritarashtra host broke and fled, Karna, that offspring of the Sun,
+stood there, O king, immovable as a hill. Indeed, Duryodhana and Karna
+and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, all fought with the _Gandharvas_,
+although every one of them was much wounded and mangled in the
+encounter. All the _Gandharvas_ then, desirous of slaying Karna, rushed
+together by hundreds and thousands towards Karna. And those mighty
+warriors, desirous of slaying the _Suta's_ son, surrounded him on all
+sides, with swords and battle-axes and spears. And some cut down the
+yoke of his car, and some his flagstaff, and some the shaft of his car,
+and some his horses, and some his charioteer. And some cut down his
+umbrella and some the wooden fender round his car and some the joints of
+his car. It was thus that many thousands of Gandharvas, together
+attacking his car, broke it into minute fragments. And while his car was
+thus attacked, Karna leaped therefrom with sword and shield in hand, and
+mounting on Vikarna's car, urged the steeds for saving himself."
+
+
+SECTION CCXL
+
+Vaisampayana said, "After that great warrior Karna had been routed by
+the _Gandharvas_, the whole of the Kuru army, O monarch, fled from the
+field in the very sight of Dhritarashtra's son. And beholding all his
+troops flying from the field of battle with their back to the foe, king
+Duryodhana refused to fly. Seeing the mighty host of the _Gandharvas_
+rushing towards him, that represser of foes poured down upon them a
+thick shower of arrows. The _Gandharvas_, however, without regarding
+that arrowy shower, and desirous also of slaying him, surrounded that
+car of his. And by means of their arrows, they cut off into fragments
+the yoke, the shaft, the fenders, the flagstaff, the three-fold bamboo
+poles, and the principal turret of his car. And they also slew his
+charioteer and horses, hacking them to pieces. And when Duryodhana,
+deprived of his car, fell on the ground, the strong-armed Chitrasena
+rushed towards him and seized him in such a way that it seemed his life
+itself was taken. And after the Kuru king had been seized, the
+_Gandharvas_, surrounding Dussasana, who was seated on his car, also
+took him prisoner. And some _Gandharvas_ seized Vivinsati and
+Chitrasena, and some Vinda and Anuvinda, while others seized all the
+ladies of royal household. And the warriors of Duryodhana, who were
+routed by the _Gandharvas_, joining those who had fled first, approached
+the Pandavas (who were living in the vicinity). And after Duryodhana had
+been made captive, the vehicles, the shops, the pavilions, the
+carriages, and the draught animals, all were made over to the Pandavas
+for protection. And those soldiers said, 'The mighty-armed son of
+Dhritarashtra, possessed of great strength and handsome mien, is being
+taken away captive by the _Gandharvas_! Ye sons of Pritha, follow them!
+Dussasana, Durvishasa, Durmukha, and Durjaya, are all being led away as
+captives in chains by the Gandharvas, as also all the ladies of the
+royal household!'
+
+"Crying thus, the followers of Duryodhana, afflicted with grief and
+melancholy, approached Yudhishthira, desirous of effecting the release
+of the king. Bhima then answered those old attendants of Duryodhana,
+who, afflicted with grief and melancholy, were thus soliciting (the aid
+of Yudhishthira), saying, 'What we should have done with great efforts,
+arraying ourselves in line of battle, supported by horses and elephants
+hath, indeed, been done by the _Gandharvas_! They that come hither for
+other purposes, have been overtaken by consequences they had not
+foreseen! Indeed, this is the result of the evil counsels of a king who
+is fond of deceitful play! It hath been heard by us that the foe of a
+person who is powerless, is overthrown by others. The Gandharvas have,
+in an extraordinary way illustrated before our eyes the truth of this
+saying! It seems that there is still fortunately some person in the
+world who is desirous of doing us good who hath, indeed, taken upon his
+own shoulders our pleasant load, although we are sitting idly! The
+wretch had come hither to cast his eyes on us,--himself in prosperity
+while ourselves are sunk in adversity and emaciated by ascetic
+austerities and are exposed to wind, cold and heat. They that imitate
+the behaviour of that sinful and wretched Kaurava, are now beholding his
+disgrace! He that had instructed Duryodhana to do this, had certainly
+acted sinfully. That the sons of Kunti are not wicked and sinful, I tell
+it before you all!'
+
+"And while Bhima, the son of Kunti, was speaking thus in a voice of
+sarcasm, king Yudhishthira told him, 'This is not time for cruel
+words!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXLI
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O child, why dost thou use language such as this,
+towards the frightened Kurus, who are now in adversity and who have come
+to us, solicitous of protection! O Vrikodara, disunions and disputes do
+take place amongst those that are connected in blood. Hostilities such
+as these do go on. But the honour of the family is never suffered to be
+interfered with. If any stranger seeketh to insult the honour of a
+family, they that are good never tolerate such insult coming from the
+stranger. The wicked-souled king of the Gandharvas knoweth that we are
+living here from some time. Yet disregarding us, he hath done this deed
+which is so disagreeable to us! O exalted one, from this forcible
+seizure of Duryodhana and from this insult to the ladies of our house by
+a stranger, our family honour is being destroyed. Therefore, ye tigers
+among men, arise and arm yourselves without delay for rescuing those
+that have sought our protection and for guarding the honour of our
+family. Ye tigers among men, let Arjuna and the twins and thyself also
+that art brave and unvanquished, liberate Duryodhana, who is even now
+being taken away a captive! Ye foremost of warriors, these blazing cars,
+furnished with golden flagstaffs and every kind of weapons belonging to
+Dhritarashtra's sons, are ready here. With Indrasena and other
+charioteers skilled in arms, for guiding them, ride ye on these
+everfurnished cars of deep rattle! And riding on these, exert ye with
+activity for fighting with the Gandharvas to liberate Duryodhana. Even
+an ordinary Kshatriya (amongst those that are here), would to the
+height of his power, protect one that hath come hither for refuge! What
+then, O Vrikodara, shall I say of thee! Entreated for assistance in such
+words as "_O hasten to my aid_!" Who is there (amongst those standing
+around me) that is high-souled enough to assist even his foe, beholding
+him seeking shelter with joined hands? The bestowal of a boon,
+sovereignty, and the birth of a son are sources of great joy. But, ye
+sons of Pandu, the liberation of a foe from distress is equal to all the
+three put together! What can be a source of greater joy to you than that
+Duryodhana sunk in distress seeketh his very life as depending on the
+might of your arms? O Vrikodara, if the vow in which I am engaged had
+been over, there is little doubt that I would myself have run to his
+aid. Strive thou by all means, O Bharata, to liberate Duryodhana by the
+arts of conciliation. If, however, the king of the Gandharvas cannot be
+managed by the arts of conciliation, then must thou try to rescue
+Suyodhana by lightly skirmishing with the foe. But if the chief of the
+Gandharvas do not let the Kurus off even then, they must be rescued by
+crushing the foe by all means. O Vrikodara, this is all I can tell thee
+now, for my vow hath been begun and is not ended yet!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Ajatasatru, Dhananjaya
+pledged himself, from respect for these commands of his superior, to
+liberate the Kauravas. And Arjuna said, 'If the Gandharvas do not set
+the Dhartarashtras free peacefully, the Earth shall this day drink the
+blood of the king of the Gandharvas!' And hearing that pledge of the
+truth-speaking Arjuna, the Kauravas then, O king, regained (the lost)
+tenor of their minds."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing the words of Yudhishthira, those bulls among
+men, headed by Bhimasena, rose up with faces beaming in joy. And those
+mighty warriors, O Bharata, then began to case themselves in
+impenetrable mail that were besides variegated with pure gold, and armed
+themselves with celestial weapons of various kinds. And the Pandavas
+thus cased in mail, and mounted on those chariots furnished with
+flagstaffs and armed with bows and arrows, looked like blazing fires.
+And those tigers among warriors, riding upon those well furnished cars
+drawn by fleet horses, proceeded to that spot without losing a moment.
+And beholding those mighty warriors--the sons of Pandu--thus proceeding
+together (for the liberation of Duryodhana), the Kuru army sent forth a
+loud shout. And soon did those rangers of the sky flushed with victory,
+and those impetuous warriors, the sons of Pandu, fearlessly encounter
+each other in that forest. The Gandharvas were flushed with success, and
+beholding the four brave sons of Pandu coming to battle seated on their
+cars, they all turned back towards the advancing combatants. And, the
+dwellers of the Gandhamadana, beholding the Pandavas looking like
+blazing guardians of the world provoked to ire, stood arrayed in order
+of battle. And, O Bharata, in accordance with words of king Yudhishthira
+of great wisdom, the encounter that took place was a skirmish. But when
+Arjuna--that persecutor of foes--saw that the foolish soldiers of the
+king of Gandharvas could not be made to understand what was good for
+them by means of a light skirmish, he addressed those invincible rangers
+of the skies in a conciliatory tone and said, 'Leave ye my brother king
+Suyodhana.' Thus addressed by the illustrious son of Pandu, the
+Gandharvas, laughing aloud, replied unto him saying, 'O child, there is
+but one in the world whose behests we obey and living under whose rule
+we pass our days in happiness: O Bharata, we always act as that one only
+person commandeth us! Besides that celestial chief there is none that
+can command us!' Thus addressed by the Gandharvas, Dhananjaya, the son
+of Kunti, replied unto them, saying, 'This contact with other people's
+wives and this hostile encounter with human beings are acts that are
+both censurable in the king of the Gandharvas and not proper for him.
+Therefore, leave ye these sons of Dhritarashtra all endued with mighty
+energy. And liberate ye also these ladies, at the command of king
+Yudhishthira the just. If, ye Gandharvas, ye do not set the sons of
+Dhritarashtra free peacefully, I shall certainly rescue Suyodhana (and
+his party) by exerting my prowess.' And speaking unto them thus,
+Pritha's son, Dhananjaya, capable of wielding the bow with his left hand
+also, then rained a shower of sharp pointed sky-ranging shafts upon
+those rangers of the firmament. Thus attacked, the mighty Gandharvas
+then encountered the sons of Pandu with a shower of arrows equally
+thick, and the Pandavas also replied by attacking those dwellers of
+heaven. And the battle then, O Bharata, that ranged between the active
+and agile Gandharvas and the impetuous son of Pandu was fierce in the
+extreme."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then those Gandharvas decked in golden garlands and
+accomplished in celestial weapons, showing their blazing shafts,
+encountered the Pandavas from every side. And as the sons of Pandu were
+only four in number and the Gandharvas counted by thousands, the battle
+that ensued appeared to be extraordinary. And as the cars of Karna and
+Duryodhana had formerly been broken into a hundred fragments by the
+Gandharvas, so were the cars of the four heroes attempted to be broken.
+But those tigers among men began to encounter with their showers of
+arrows thousands upon thousands of Gandharvas rushing towards them.
+Those rangers of skies endued with great energy, thus checked on all
+sides by that arrowy down-pour, succeeded not in even coming near to the
+sons of Pandu. Then Arjuna whose ire had been provoked, aiming at the
+angry Gandharvas, prepared to hurl against them his celestial weapons.
+And in that encounter, the mighty Arjuna, by means of his _Agneya_
+weapon, sent ten hundreds of thousands of Gandharvas to the abode of
+Yama. And that mighty bowman, Bhima, also, that foremost of all warriors
+in battle, slew, by means of his sharp arrows, Gandharvas by hundreds.
+And the mighty sons of Madri also, battling with vigour, encountered
+hundreds of Gandharvas, O king, and slaughtered them all. And as
+Gandharvas were being thus slaughtered by the mighty warriors with their
+celestial weapons, they rose up to the skies, taking with them the sons
+of Dhritarashtra. But Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, beholding them rise
+up to the skies, surrounded them on every side by a wide net of arrows.
+And confined within that arrowy net like birds within a cage, they
+showered in wrath upon Arjuna maces and darts and broad-swords. But
+Arjuna who was conversant with the most efficacious weapons, soon
+checked that shower of maces and darts and broad-swords, and in return
+began to mangle the limbs of the Gandharvas with his crescent-shaped
+arrows. And heads and legs and arms began to drop down from above
+resembling a shower of stones. And at that sight, the foe was struck
+with panic. And as the Gandharvas were being slaughtered by the
+illustrious son of Pandu, they began to shower from the skies a heavy
+downpour of shafts upon Arjuna, who was on the surface of the earth. But
+that chastiser of foes, Arjuna, endued with mighty energy checked that
+shower of arrows by means of his own weapons and began, in return, to
+wound them. Then Arjuna of the Kuru race shot his well-known weapons
+called _Sthunakarna, Indrajala, Saura, Agneya_ and _Saumya_. And the
+Gandharvas consumed by the fiery weapons of Kunti's son, began to suffer
+heavily, like the sons of Diti, while being scorched by Sakra's
+thunder-bolt. And when they attacked Arjuna from above, they were
+checked by his net of arrows. And while they attacked him from all sides
+on the surface of the earth, they were checked by his crescent-shaped
+arrows. And beholding the Gandharvas put in fear by Kunti's son,
+Chitrasena rushed, O Bharata, at Dhananjaya, armed with a mace. And as
+the king of the Gandharvas was rushing at Arjuna from above with that
+mace in hand, the latter cut with his arrows that mace wholly made of
+iron into seven pieces. And beholding that mace of his cut into many
+pieces by Arjuna of great activity, with his arrows, Chitrasena, by
+means of his science, concealed himself from the view of the Pandava and
+began to fight with him. The heroic Arjuna, however, by means of his own
+celestial weapons checked all the celestial weapons that were aimed at
+him by the Gandharvas. And when the chief of the Gandharvas saw that he
+was checked by the illustrious Arjuna with those weapons of his he
+entirely disappeared from sight by help of his powers of illusion. And
+Arjuna, observing that the chief of the Gandharvas was striking at him
+concealed from sight, attacked his assailant with celestial weapon
+inspired with proper _Mantras_. And the multiform Dhananjaya filled with
+wrath, prevented the disappearance of his foe by means of his weapon
+known by the name of _Sabda-veda_. And assailed with those weapons by
+the illustrious Arjuna, his dear friend, the king of the Gandharvas,
+showed himself unto him. And Chitrasena said, 'Behold in me thy friend
+battling with thee!' And beholding his friend Chitrasena exhausted in
+the battle, that bull among the sons of Pandu withdrew the weapons he
+had shot. And the other sons of Pandu beholding Arjuna withdraw his
+weapons, checked their flying steeds and the impetus of their weapons
+and withdrew their bows. And Chitrasena and Bhima and Arjuna and the
+twins enquiring about one another's welfare, sat awhile on their
+respective cars."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then that mighty bowman of blazing splendour,
+Arjuna, smilingly said unto Chitrasena in the midst of the Gandharva
+host, 'What purpose dost thou serve, O hero, in punishing the Kauravas?
+O, why also hath Suyodhana with his wives been thus punished?'
+
+"Chitrasena replied, 'O Dhananjaya, without stirring from my own abode I
+became acquainted with the purpose of the wicked Duryodhana and the
+wretched Karna in coming hither. The purpose was even this,--knowing
+that ye are exiles in the forest and suffering great afflictions as if
+ye had none to take care of you, himself in prosperity, this wretch
+entertained the desire of beholding you plunged in adversity and
+misfortune. They came hither for mocking you and the illustrious
+daughter of Drupada. The lord of the celestials also, having ascertained
+this purpose of theirs, told me, "Go thou and bring Duryodhana hither in
+chains along with his counsellors. Dhananjaya also with his brother
+should always be protected by thee in battle, for he is thy dear friend
+and disciple." At these words of the lord of the celestials I came
+hither speedily. This wicked prince hath also been put in chains. I will
+now proceed to the region of the celestials, whither I will lead this
+wicked wight at the command of the slayer of Paka!'
+
+"Arjuna answered, saying, 'O Chitrasena, if thou wishest to do what is
+agreeable to me, set Suyodhana free, at the command of king Yudhishthira
+the just, for he is our brother!'
+
+"Chitrasena said, 'This sinful wretch is always full of vanity. He
+deserveth not to be set free. O Dhananjaya, he hath deceived and wronged
+both king Yudhishthira the just and Krishna. Yudhishthira the son of
+Kunti as yet knoweth not the purpose on which the wretch came hither.
+Let the king, therefore, do what he desires after knowing everything!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "After this, all of them went to king
+Yudhishthira the just. And going unto the king, they represented unto
+him everything about Duryodhana's conduct. And Ajatasatru, hearing
+everything that the Gandharvas had said, liberated all the Kauravas and
+applauded the Gandharvas. And the king said, 'Fortunate it is for us
+that though gifted with great strength, ye did not yet slay the wicked
+son of Dhritarashtra along with all counsellors and relatives. This, O
+sir, hath been an act of great kindness done to me by the Gandharvas.
+The honour also of my family is saved by liberating this wicked wight. I
+am glad at seeing you all. Command me what I am to do for you. And
+having obtained all you wish, return ye soon whence ye came!'
+
+"Thus addressed by the intelligent son of Pandu, the Gandharvas became
+well-pleased and went away with the Apsaras. And the lord of the
+celestials then, coming to that spot, revived those Gandharvas that had
+been slain in the encounter with the Kurus, by sprinkling the celestial
+_Amrita_ over them. And the Pandavas also, having liberated their
+relatives along with the ladies of the royal household, and having
+achieved that difficult feat (the defeat of the Gandharvas host) became
+well-pleased. And those illustrious and mighty warriors worshipped by
+the Kurus along with their sons and wives, blazed forth in splendour
+like flaming fires in the sacrificial compound. And Yudhishthira then
+addressing the liberated Duryodhana in the midst of his brothers, from
+affection, told him these words: 'O child, never again do such a rash
+act. O Bharata, a rash wight never cometh by happiness. O son of the
+Kuru race, pleased be thou with all thy brothers. Go back to thy capital
+as pleaseth thee, without yielding thyself to despondency or
+cheerlessness!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dismissed by the son of Pandu, king
+Duryodhana then saluted king Yudhishthira the just and overwhelmed with
+shame, and his heart rent in twain, mechanically set out for his
+capital, like one destitute of life. And after the Kaurava prince had
+departed, the brave Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, along with his
+brothers, was worshipped by the Brahmanas, and surrounded by those
+Brahmanas endued with the wealth of asceticism, like Sakra himself by
+the celestials, he began to pass his days happily in the woods of
+Dwaita."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLV
+
+Janamejaya said, "After his defeat and capture by the foe and his
+subsequent liberation by the illustrious sons of Pandu by force of arms,
+it seemeth to me that the entry into Hastinapura of the proud, wicked,
+boastful, vicious, insolent, and wretched Duryodhana, engaged in
+insulting the sons of Pandu and bragging of his own superiority, must
+have been exceedingly difficult. Describe to me in detail, O
+Vaisampayana, the entry into the capital, of that prince overwhelmed
+with shame and unmanned by grief!"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Dismissed by the king Yudhishthira the just,
+Dhritarashtra's son Suyodhana, bending his head down in shame and
+afflicted with grief and melancholy, set out slowly. And the king,
+accompanied by his four kinds of forces, proceeded towards his city, his
+heart rent in grief and filled with thoughts of his defeat along the way
+in a region that abounded in grass and water. The king encamped on a
+delightful piece of ground as pleased him best, with his elephants and
+cars and cavalry and infantry stationed all around. And as the king
+Duryodhana was seated on an elevated bedstead endued with the effulgence
+of fire, himself looking like the moon under an eclipse, towards the
+small hours of the morning Karna, approaching him, said, 'Fortunate it
+is, O son of Gandhari, that thou art alive! Fortunate it is, that we
+have once more met! By good luck it is that thou hast vanquished the
+Gandharvas capable of assuming any form at will. And, O son of the Kuru
+race, it is by good luck alone, that I am enabled to see thy
+brothers--mighty warriors all--come off victorious from that encounter,
+having subjugated their foes! As regards myself, assailed by all the
+Gandharvas, I fled before thy eyes, unable to rally our flying host.
+Assailed by the foe with all his might, my body mangled with their
+arrows, I sought safety in flight. This however, O Bharata, seemed to me
+to be a great marvel that I behold you all come safe and sound in body,
+with your wives, troops, and vehicles, out of that super-human
+encounter. O Bharata, there is another man in this world who can achieve
+what thou, O king, hast achieved in battle to-day with thy brothers.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king Duryodhana
+replied unto the ruler of the Angas in a voice choked with tears."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLVI
+
+"Duryodhana said, 'O Radheya, thou knowest not what hath happened.
+Therefore, I do not resent thy words. Thou thinkest the hostile
+Gandharvas to have been vanquished by me with my own energy. O thou of
+mighty arms, my brothers, indeed had for a long time, aided by me fought
+with the Gandharvas. The slaughtered, indeed, on both sides were great.
+But when those brave Gandharvas, resorting to their many powers of
+illusion, ascended the skies and began to fight with us thence, our
+encounter with them ceased to be an equal one. Defeat then was ours and
+even captivity. And afflicted with sorrow, we along with our attendants
+and counsellors and children and wives and troops and vehicles were
+being taken by them through the skies. It was then that some soldiers of
+ours and some brave officers repaired in grief unto the sons of
+Pandu--those heroes that never refuse succour to those that ask for it.
+And having gone to them they said, "Here is king Duryodhana, the son of
+Dhritarashtra, who with his younger brothers and friends and wives is
+being led away a captive by the Gandharvas along the sky. Blest be ye.
+Liberate the king along with the women of the royal household! Suffer no
+insult to be offered unto all the ladies of the Kuru race." And when
+they had spoken thus, the eldest of Pandu's sons, who is endued with a
+virtuous soul then conciliated his brothers and commanded them to
+liberate us. Then those bulls among men, the Pandavas, overtaking the
+Gandharvas, solicited our release in soft words, although fully able to
+effect it by force of arms. And when the Gandharvas, addressed in such
+conciliatory words, refused to set us at liberty, then Arjuna and Bhima
+and the twins endued with mighty energy, shot showers of arrows at the
+Gandharvas. Then the Gandharvas, abandoning the fight, fled through the
+sky, dragging our melancholy selves after them, filled with joy. Then we
+beheld a network of arrows spread all around by Dhananjaya, who was also
+shooting celestial weapons upon the foe. And seeing the points of the
+horizon covered by Arjuna with a thick network of sharp arrows, his
+friend, the chief of the Gandharvas, showed himself. And Chitrasena and
+Arjuna, embracing each other, enquired after each other's welfare. And
+the other sons of Pandu also embraced the chief of the Gandharvas and
+were embraced by him. And enquiries of courtesy passed between them
+also. And the brave Gandharvas then abandoning their weapons and mail
+mingled in a friendly spirit with the Pandavas. And Chitrasena and
+Dhananjaya worshipped each other with regard.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXLVII
+
+"Duryodhana said, 'That slayer of hostile heroes, Arjuna, then
+approaching Chitrasena, smilingly addressed him in these manly words: "O
+hero, O foremost of the Gandharvas, it behoveth thee to set my brothers
+at liberty. They are incapable of being insulted as long as the sons of
+Pandu are alive." Thus addressed by the illustrious son of Pandu, the
+chief of the Gandharvas, O Karna, disclosed unto the Pandavas the object
+we had in view in proceeding to that place, viz., that we came there for
+casting our eyes on the sons of Pandu with their wife, all plunged in
+misery. And while the Gandharva was disclosing those counsels of ours,
+overwhelmed with shame I desired the earth to yield me a crevice, so
+that I might disappear there and then. The Gandharvas then, accompanied
+by the Pandavas, went to Yudhishthira, and, disclosing unto him also
+counsels, made us over, bound as we were, to him. Alas, what greater
+sorrow could be mine than that I should thus be offered as a tribute
+unto Yudhishthira, in the very sight of the women of our household,
+myself in chains and plunged in misery, and under the absolute control
+of my enemies. Alas, they, who have ever been persecuted by me, they
+unto whom I have ever been a foe released me from captivity, and wretch
+that I am, I am indebted to them for my life. If, O hero, I had met with
+my death in that great battle, that would have been far better than that
+I should have obtained my life in this way. If I had been slain by the
+Gandharvas, my fame would have spread over the whole earth, and I should
+have obtained auspicious regions of eternal bliss in the heaven of
+Indra. Listen to me therefore, ye bulls among men, as to what I intend
+to do now. I will stay here forgoing all food, while ye all return home.
+Let all my brothers also go to Hastinapura. Let all our friends,
+including Karna, and all our relatives headed by Dussasana, return now
+to the capital. Insulted by the foe, I myself will not repair thither. I
+who had before wrested from the foe his respect, I who had always
+enhanced the respect of my friends, have now become a source of sorrow
+unto friends and of joy unto enemies. What shall I now say unto the
+king, going to the city named after the elephant? What will Bhishma and
+Drona, Kripa, and Drona's son, Vidura and Sanjaya, Vahuka and Somadatta
+and other revered seniors,--what will the principal men of the other
+orders and men of independent professions, say to me and what shall I
+say unto them in reply? Having hitherto stayed over the heads of my
+enemies, having hitherto trod upon their breasts, I have fallen away
+from my position. How shall I ever speak with them? Insolent men having
+obtained prosperity and knowledge and affluence, are seldom blest for
+any length of time like myself puffed up with vanity. Alas, led by folly
+I have done a highly improper and wicked act, for which, fool that I am,
+I have fallen into such distress. Therefore, will I perish by starving,
+life having become insupportable to me. Relieved from distress by the
+foe, what man of spirit is there who can drag on his existence? Proud as
+I am, shorn of manliness, the foe hath laughed at me, for the Pandavas
+possessed of prowess have looked at me plunged in misery!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "While giving way to such reflections Duryodhana
+spoke unto Dussasana thus: 'O Dussasana, listen to these words of mine,
+O thou of the Bharata race! Accepting this installation that I offer
+thee, be thou king in my place. Rule thou the wide earth protected by
+Karna and Suvala's sons. Like Indra himself looking after the Maruts,
+cherish thou thy brothers in such a way that they may all confide in
+thee. Let thy friends and relatives depend on thee like the gods
+depending on him of a hundred sacrifices. Always shouldst thou bestow
+pensions on Brahmanas, without idleness, and be thou ever the refuge of
+thy friends and relatives. Like Vishnu looking after the celestials,
+thou shouldst always look after all consanguineous relatives. Thou
+shouldst also ever cherish thy superiors. Go, rule thou the earth
+gladdening thy friends and reproving thy foes.' And clasping his neck,
+Duryodhana said, 'Go!' Hearing these words of his, Dussasana in perfect
+cheerlessness and overwhelmed with great sorrow, his voice choked in
+tears, said, with joined hands and bending his head unto his eldest
+brother, 'Relent!' And saying this he fell down on earth with heavy
+heart. And afflicted with grief that tiger among men, shedding his tears
+on the feet of his brother again said, 'This will never be! The earth
+may split, the vault of heaven may break in pieces, the sun may cast off
+his splendour, the moon may abandon his coolness, the wind may forsake
+its speed, the Himavat may be moved from its site, the waters of the
+ocean may dry up, and fire may abandon its heat, yet I, O king, may
+never rule the earth without thee.' And Dussasana repeatedly said,
+'Relent, O king! Thou alone shall be king in our race for a hundred
+years.' And having spoken thus unto the king, Dussasana began to weep
+melodiously catching, O Bharata, the feet of his eldest brother
+deserving of worship from him.
+
+"And beholding Dussasana and Duryodhana thus weeping, Karna in great
+grief approached them both and said, 'Ye Kuru princes, why do you thus
+yield to sorrow like ordinary men, from senselessness? Mere weeping can
+never ease a sorrowing man's grief. When weeping can never remove one's
+griefs, what do you gain by thus giving way to sorrow? Summon patience
+to your aid to not gladden the foe by such conduct. O king, the Pandavas
+only did their duty in liberating thee. They that reside in the
+dominions of the king, should always do what is agreeable to the king.
+Protected by thee, the Pandavas are residing happily in thy dominion. It
+behoveth thee not to indulge in such sorrow like an ordinary person.
+Behold, thy uterine brothers are all sad and cheerless at seeing thee
+resolved to put an end to thy life by forgoing food. Blest be thou! Rise
+up and come to thy city and console these thy uterine brothers.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXLVIII
+
+"Karna continued, 'O king, this conduct of thine to-day appeareth to be
+childish. O hero, O slayer of foes, what is to be wondered at in this
+that the Pandavas liberated thee when thou wert vanquished by the foe? O
+son of the Kuru race, those that reside in the territories of the king,
+especially those (amongst them) that lead the profession of arms, should
+always do what is agreeable to the king whether they happen to be known
+to their monarch or unknown to him. It happened often that foremost men
+who crush the ranks of the hostile host, are vanquished by them, and are
+rescued by their own troops. They that leading the profession of arms,
+reside in the king's realm should always combine and exert themselves to
+the best of their power, for the king. If, therefore, O king, the
+Pandavas, who live in the territories, have liberated thee, what is
+there to be regretted at in this? That the Pandavas, O best of kings,
+did not follow thee when thou didst march forth to battle at the head of
+thy troops, has been an improper act on their part. They had before this
+come under thy power, becoming thy slaves. They are, therefore, bound to
+aid thee now, being endued with courage and might and incapable of
+turning away from the field of battle. Thou art enjoying all the rich
+possessions of the Pandavas. Behold them yet alive, O king! They have
+not resolved to die, forgoing all food. Blest be thou! Rise up, O king!
+It behoveth thee not to indulge in great sorrow long. O king, it is the
+certain duty of those that reside in the king's realm to do what is
+agreeable to the king. Where should the regret be in all this? If thou,
+O king, dost not act according to my words I shall stay here employed in
+reverentially serving thy feet. O bull among men, I do not desire to
+live deprived of thy company. O king, if thou resolvest to slay thyself
+by forgoing food, thou wilt simply be an object of laughter with other
+kings.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king Duryodhana,
+firmly resolved to leave the world, desired not to rise from where he
+sat."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Beholding king Duryodhana, incapable of putting up
+with an insult, seated with the resolution of giving up life by forgoing
+food, Sakuni, the son of Suvala, said these words to comfort him. Sakuni
+said, 'O son of the Kuru race, you have just heard what Karna hath said.
+His words are, indeed fraught with wisdom. Why wouldst thou abandoning
+from foolishness the high prosperity that I won for thee, cast off thy
+life today, O king, yielding to silliness? It seemeth to me to-day that
+thou hast never waited upon the old. He that cannot control sudden
+accession of joy or grief, is lost even though he may have obtained
+prosperity, like an unburnt earthen vessel in water. That king who is
+entirely destitute of courage, who hath no spark of manliness, who is
+the slave of procrastination, who always acts with indiscretion, who is
+addicted to sensual pleasures, is seldom respected by his subjects.
+Benefited as thou has been, whence is this unreasonable grief of thine?
+Do not undo this graceful act done by the sons of Pritha, by indulging
+in such grief. When thou shouldst joy and reward the Pandavas, thou art
+grieving, O king? Indeed, this behaviour of thine is inconsistent. Be
+cheerful, do not cast away thy life; but remember with a pleased heart
+the good they have done thee. Give back unto the sons of Pritha their
+kingdom, and win thou both virtue and renown by such conduct. By acting
+in this way, thou mayst be grateful. Establish brotherly relations with
+the Pandavas by being friends, and give them their paternal kingdom, for
+then thou wilt be happy!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Sakuni, and seeing the
+brave Dussasana lying prostrate before him unmanned by fraternal love,
+the king raised Dussasana and, clasping him in his well round arms,
+smelt his head from affection. And hearing these words of Karna and
+Sauvala, king Duryodhana lost heart more than ever, and he was
+overwhelmed with shame and utter despair overtook his soul. And hearing
+all that his friends said, he answered with sorrow, 'I have nothing more
+to do with virtue, wealth, friendship, affluence, sovereignty, and
+enjoyments. Do not obstruct my purpose, but leave me all of you. I am
+firmly resolved to cast away my life by forgoing food. Return to the
+city, and treat my superiors there respectfully.'
+
+"Thus addressed by him, they replied unto that royal grinder of foes,
+saying, 'O monarch, the course that is thine, is also ours, O Bharata.
+How can we enter the city without thee?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Though addressed in all manner of ways by his
+friends and counsellors and brothers and relatives, the king wavered not
+from his purpose. And the son of Dhritarashtra in accordance with his
+purpose spread _Kusa_ grass on the earth, and purifying himself by
+touching water, sat down upon that spot. And clad in rags and _Kusa_
+grass he set himself to observe the highest vow. And stopping all
+speech, that tiger among kings, moved by the desire of going to heaven,
+began to pray and worship internally suspending all external
+intercourse.
+
+"Meanwhile the fierce _Daityas_ and the _Danavas_ who had been defeated
+of old by the celestials and had been dwelling in the nether regions
+having ascertained Duryodhana's purpose and knowing that if the king
+died their party would be weakened, commenced a sacrifice with fire for
+summoning Duryodhana to their presence. And _mantra_ knowing persons
+then commenced with the help of formulae declared by Brihaspati and
+Usanas, those rites that are indicated in the _Atharva Veda_ and the
+_Upanishads_ and which are capable of being achieved by _mantras_ and
+prayers. And Brahmins of rigid vows, well-versed in the _Vedas_ and the
+branches, began, with rapt soul, to pour libations of clarified butter
+and milk into the fire, uttering _mantras_. And after those rites were
+ended, a strange goddess, O king, with mouth wide open, arose (from the
+sacrificial fire), saying, 'What am I to do?' And the Daityas with
+well-pleased hearts, commanded her, saying, 'Bring thou hither the royal
+son of Dhritarashtra, who is even now observing the vow of starvation
+for getting rid of his life.' Thus commanded, she went away saying, 'So
+be it.' And she went in the twinkling of an eye to that spot where
+Suyodhana was. And taking up the king back to the nether regions, and
+having brought him thus in a moment, she apprised the _Danavas_ of it.
+And the _Danavas_ beholding the king brought into their midst in the
+night, united together, and all of them with well-pleased hearts and
+eyes expanded in delight addressed these flattering words to
+Duryodhana."
+
+
+SECTION CCL
+
+"The Danavas said, 'O Suyodhana, O great king! O perpetuator of the race
+of Bharata, thou art ever surrounded by heroes and illustrious men. Why
+hast thou, then, undertaken to do such a rash act as the vow of
+starvation? The suicide ever sinketh into hell and becometh the subject
+of calumnious speech. Nor do intelligent persons like thee ever set
+their hands to acts that are sinful and opposed to their best interests
+and striking at the very root of their purposes. Restrain this resolve
+of thine, therefore, O king, which is destructive of morality, profit,
+and happiness, of fame, prowess, and energy, and which enhanceth the joy
+of foes. O exalted king, know the truth, the celestial origin of thy
+soul, and the maker of thy body, and then summon thou patience to thy
+aid. In days of old, O king, we have obtained thee, by ascetic
+austerities from Maheswara. The upper part of thy body is wholly made of
+an assemblage of _Vajras_, and is, therefore, invulnerable to weapons of
+every description, O sinless one. The lower part of thy body, capable of
+captivating the female heart by its comeliness was made of flowers by
+the goddess herself--the wife of Mahadeva. Thy body is thus, O best of
+kings, the creation of Maheswara himself and his goddess. Therefore, O
+tiger among kings, thou art of celestial origin, not human. Other brave
+Kshatriyas of mighty energy headed by Bhagadatta, and all acquainted
+with celestial weapons, will slay thy foes. Therefore, let this grief of
+thine cease. Thou hast no cause for fear. For aiding thee, many heroic
+_Danavas_ have been born on the earth. Other Asuras will also possess
+Bhishma and Drona and Karna and others. Possessed by those Asuras, these
+heroes will cast away their kindness and fight with thy foes. Indeed,
+when the _Danavas_ will enter their heart and possess them completely,
+flinging all affections to a distance, becoming hard-hearted, these
+warriors will strike every body opposed to them in battle without
+sparing sons, brothers, fathers, friends, disciples, relatives, even
+children and old men. Blinded by ignorance and wrath, and impelled by
+that destiny which hath been ordained by the Creator, these tigers among
+men, with hearts steeped in sin, will, O thou foremost of the Kurus,
+depopulate the earth by hurling and shooting all kinds of weapons, with
+great manliness and strength and always addressing one another
+boastfully with words such as these, "_Thou shall not escape from me
+today with life_." And these illustrious sons of Pandu also, five in
+number, will fight with these. And, endued with mighty strength and
+favoured by Fate, they will compass the destruction of these. And, O
+king, many _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_ also that have been born in the
+Kshatriya order, will fight with great prowess in the battle with thy
+foes, using maces and clubs and lances and various weapons of a superior
+kind. And, O hero, with respect to the fear that is in thy heart rising
+from Arjuna, we have already settled the means for slaying Arjuna. The
+soul of the slain Naraka hath assumed the form of Karna. Recollecting
+his former hostility he will encounter both Kesava and Arjuna. And that
+mighty warrior and foremost of smiters, proud of his prowess will
+vanquish Arjuna in battle as also all thy enemies. The wielder of the
+thunder-bolt, knowing all this, and desirous of saving Arjuna, will in
+disguise take away from Karna his ear-rings and coat of mail. We also
+have for that reason appointed hundreds upon hundreds and thousands upon
+thousands of _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_, viz., those that are known by
+the name of _Samsaptakas_.[43] These celebrated warriors will slay the
+heroic Arjuna. Therefore, grieve not, O king. Thou wilt rule the whole
+earth, O monarch, without a rival. Do not yield to despondency. Conduct
+such as this does not suit thee. O thou of the Kuru race, if thou diest,
+our party becometh weak. Go thou, O hero, and let not thy mind be
+directed to any other course of action. Thou art ever our refuge as,
+indeed, the Pandavas are the refuge of the gods.'"
+
+    [43] Lit, Soldiers that have sworn to conquer or die. A full
+    Akshauhini of these soldiers was owned by Krishna, who gave them
+    to Duryodhana to fight for him. The story of Krishna's offering
+    to Duryodhana the choice between these soldiers on the one side,
+    and himself sworn not to fight but only to aid with his counsels
+    on the other, is given in full in the Udyoga Parva. Duryodhana,
+    from folly, accepted the former, who were all slain by Arjuna.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having addressed him thus, those _Daityas_
+embraced that elephant among kings, and those bulls among the _Danavas_
+cheered that irrepressible one like a son. And, O Bharata, pacifying his
+mind by soft speech, they permitted him to depart, saying, 'Go and
+attain victory!' And when they had given leave to the mighty-armed one,
+that very goddess carried him back to the spot where he had sat down,
+intent upon putting an end to his life. And having set that hero down
+and paid him homage, the goddess vanished, taking the king's permission.
+O Bharata, when she had gone, king Duryodhana considered all (that had
+happened) as a dream. He then thought within himself, 'I shall defeat
+the Pandavas in battle.' And Suyodhana thought that Karna and the
+Samsaptaka army were both able (to destroy) and intent upon destroying
+that slayer of foes, Partha. Thus, O bull of the Bharata race, the hope
+was strengthened of the wicked minded son of Dhritarashtra, of
+conquering the Pandavas. And Karna also, his soul and faculties
+possessed by the inmost soul of Naraka, had at that time cruelly
+determined to slay Arjuna. And those heroes--the Samsaptakas
+also--having their sense possessed by the _Rakshasas_, and influenced by
+the qualities of emotion and darkness, were desirous of slaying
+Phalguna. And, O king, others with Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa at their
+head, having their faculties influenced by the Danavas, were not so
+affectionate towards the sons of Pandu as they had been. But king
+Suyodhana did not tell any one of this.
+
+"When the night passed away, Karna, that offspring of the Sun, with
+joined hands, smilingly addressed these wise words to king Duryodhana,
+'No dead man conquereth his foes: it is when he is alive that he can see
+his good. Where is the good of the dead person; and, O Kauravya, where
+is his victory? Therefore, this is no time for grief, or fear or death.'
+And having, with his arms embraced that mighty-armed one, he further
+said, 'Rise up, O king! Why dost thou lie down? Why dost thou grieve, O
+slayer of foes? Having afflicted thy enemies by thy prowess, why dost
+thou wish for death? Or (perhaps) fear hath possessed thee at the sight
+of Arjuna's prowess. I truly promise unto thee that I will slay Arjuna
+in battle. O lord of men, I swear by my weapon that when the three and
+ten years shall have passed away, I will bring the sons of Pritha under
+thy subjection.' Thus addressed by Karna, and remembering the words of
+the _Daityas_ and supplications made by them (his brothers), Suyodhana
+rose up. And having heard those words of the _Daityas_ that tiger among
+men, with a firm resolve in his heart arrayed his army, abounding in
+horses and elephants and cars and infantry. And, O monarch, immensely
+swarming with white umbrellas, and pennons, and white _Chamaras_, and
+cars, and elephants, and foot-soldiers, that mighty army, as it moved
+like the waters of the Ganga, looked graceful like the firmament, at a
+season when the clouds have dispersed and the signs of autumn have been
+but partially developed. And, O foremost of kings, eulogised like a
+monarch by the best of the Brahmanas blessing with victory, that lord of
+men Suyodhana, Dhritarashtra's son, receiving honours paid with
+innumerable joined palms, and flaming in exceeding splendour, went in
+the front, accompanied by Karna, and that gambler, the son of Suvala.
+And all his brothers with Dussasana at their head, and Bhurisrava, and
+Somadatta, and the mighty king Vahlika, followed that lion among kings
+on his way, with cars of various forms, and horses, and the best of
+elephants. And, O prince among monarchs, in a short time, those
+perpetuators of the Kuru race entered their own city."
+
+
+SECTION CCLI
+
+Janamejaya said, "When the high-souled sons of Pritha were living in the
+forest, what did those foremost of men and mighty archers--the sons of
+Dhritarashtra--do? And what did the offspring of the Sun, Karna, and the
+mighty Sakuni, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa do? It behoveth thee to
+relate this unto me."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When, O mighty king, in this manner the Pandavas had
+gone, leaving Suyodhana, and when, having been liberated by Pandu's
+sons, he had come to Hastinapura, Bhishma said these words to the son of
+Dhritarashtra, 'O child, I had told thee before, when thou wert intent
+upon going to the hermitage that thy journey did not please me. But thou
+didst do so. And as a consequence, O hero, wert thou forcibly taken
+captive by the enemy, and wert delivered by the Pandavas versed in
+morality. Yet art thou not ashamed. Even in the presence of thee, O son
+of Gandhari, together with thy army, did the Suta's son, struck with
+panic, fly from the battle of the Gandharvas, O king. And, O foremost of
+kings, O son of the monarch! while thou with thy army wert crying
+distressfully, thou didst witness the prowess of the high-souled
+Pandavas, and also, O mighty-armed one, of the wicked son of the Suta,
+Karna. O best of kings, whether in the science of arms, or heroism, or
+morality, Karna, O thou devoted to virtue, is not a fourth part of the
+Pandavas. Therefore, for the welfare of this race, the conclusion of
+peace is, I think, desirable with the high-souled Pandavas.'
+
+"Having been thus addressed by Bhishma, Dhritarashtra's son the king,
+laughed a good deal, and then suddenly sailed out with the son of
+Suvala. Thereupon, knowing that he was gone, those mighty bowmen with
+Karna, and Dussasana at their head, followed the highly powerful son of
+Dhritarashtra. And seeing them gone, Bhishma, the grandfather of the
+Kurus, hung down his head from shame, and then, O king, went to his own
+quarters. And, O mighty monarch, when Bhishma had left, that lord of
+men, Dhritarashtra's son came there again, and began to consult with his
+counsellors, 'What is it that is good for me? What remaineth to be done?
+And how we can most effectively bring about the good we shall discuss
+to-day.' Karna said, 'O Kuru's son, Duryodhana, do thou lay to heart the
+words that I say. Bhishma always blameth us, and praiseth the Pandavas.
+And from the ill-will he beareth towards thee, he hateth me also. And, O
+lord of men, in thy presence he ever crieth me down. I shall never, O
+Bharata, bear these words that Bhishma had said in thy presence in
+relation to this matter, extolling the Pandavas, and censuring thee, O
+represser of foes! Do thou, O king, enjoin on me, together with
+servants, forces, and cars. I shall, O monarch, conquer the earth
+furnished with mountains and woods and forests. The earth had been
+conquered by the four powerful Pandavas. I shall, without doubt, conquer
+it for thee single-handed. Let that wretch of the Kuru race, the
+exceedingly wicked-minded Bhishma, see it,--he who vilifies those that
+do not deserve censure, and praises those that should not be praised.
+Let him this day witness my might, and blame himself. Do thou, O king,
+command me. Victory shall surely be thine. By my weapon, O monarch, I
+swear this before thee.'
+
+"O king, O bull of the Bharata race, hearing those words of Karna, that
+lord of men, experiencing the highest delight, spoke unto Karna, saying,
+'I am blessed. I have been favoured by thee,--since thou, endued with
+great strength, art ever intent on my welfare. My life hath borne fruit,
+to-day. As thou, O hero, intendest to subdue all our enemies, repair
+thou. May good betide thee! Do thou command me (what I am to do).' O
+subduer of foes, having been thus addressed by Dhritarashtra's
+intelligent son, Karna ordered all the necessaries for the excursion.
+And on an auspicious lunar day, at an auspicious moment, and under the
+influence of a star presided over by an auspicious deity, that mighty
+bowman, having been honoured by twice-born ones, and been bathed with
+auspicious and holy substances and also worshipped by speech set out,
+filling with the rattle of his car the three worlds, with their mobile
+and immobile objects."
+
+
+SECTION CCLII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O bull among the Bharatas, that mighty
+bowman, Karna, surrounded by a large army, besieged the beautiful city
+of Drupada. And he, after a hard conflict, brought the hero under
+subjection, and, O best of monarchs, made Drupada contribute silver and
+gold and gems, and also pay tribute. And, O foremost of kings, having
+subdued him, (Karna) brought under subjection those princes that were
+under him (Drupada) and made them pay tribute. Then going to the north,
+he subdued the sovereigns (of that quarter) and having effected the
+defeat of Bhagadatta, Radha's son ascended that mighty mountain Himavat,
+all along fighting his foes. And ranging all sides, he conquered and
+brought under subjection all the kings inhabiting the Himavat, and made
+them pay dues. Then descending from the mountain and rushing to the
+east, he reduced the Angas, and the Bangas, and the Kalingas, and the
+Mandikas, and the Magadhas, the Karkakhandas; and also included with
+them the Avasiras, Yodhyas, and the Ahikshatras. Having (thus) conquered
+the eastern quarter Karna then presented himself before Batsa-bhumi. And
+having taken Batsa-bhumi, he reduced Kevali, and Mrittikavati, and
+Mohana and Patrana, and Tripura, and Kosala,--and compelled all these to
+pay tribute. Then going to the south, Karna vanquished the mighty
+charioteers (of that quarter) and in Dakshinatya, the Suta's son entered
+into conflict with Rukmi. After having fought dreadfully, Rukmi spake to
+the Suta's son saying, 'O foremost of monarchs, I have been pleased with
+thy might and prowess. I shall not do thee wrong: I have only fulfilled
+the vow of a Kshatriya. Gladly will I give thee as many gold coins as
+thou desirest.' Having met with Rukmi, Karna repaired to Pandya and the
+mountain, Sri. And by fighting, he made Karala, king Nila, Venudari's
+son, and other best of kings living in the southern direction pay
+tribute. Then going to Sisupala's son, the son of the Suta defeated him
+and that highly powerful one also brought under his sway all the
+neighbouring rulers. And, O bull of the Bharata race, having subjugated
+the Avantis and concluded peace with them, and having met with the
+Vrishnis, he conquered the west. And, having come to the quarter of
+Varuna, he made all the Yavana and Varvara kings pay tribute. And,
+having conquered the entire earth--east, west, north and south--that
+hero without any aid brought under subjection all the nations of the
+Mlechchhas, the mountaineers, the Bhadras, the Rohitakas, the Agneyas
+and the Malavas. And, having conquered the mighty charioteers, headed by
+the Nagnajitas, the Suta's son brought the _Sasakas_ and the _Yavanas_
+under his sway. Having thus conquered and brought under his subjection
+the world, the mighty charioteer and tiger among men came (back) to
+Hastinapura. That lord of men, Dhritarashtra's son, accompanied by his
+father and brothers and friends, came to that mighty bowman, who had
+arrived, and duly paid homage unto Karna crowned with martial merit. And
+the king proclaimed his feats, saying, 'What I have not received from
+either Bhishma, or Drona, or Kripa, or Vahlika, I have received from
+thee. May good betide thee! What need of speaking at length! Hear my
+words, O Karna! In thee, O chief of men, I have my refuge. O
+mighty-armed one, O tiger among men, without doubt all the Pandavas and
+the other kings crowned with prosperity, come not to a sixteenth part of
+thee. Do thou, O mighty bowman, O Karna, see Dhritarashtra, and the
+illustrious Gandhari, as the bearer of the thunderbolt did Aditi.'
+
+"Then, O king, there arose in the city of Hastinapura a clamour, and
+sounds of _Oh!_ and _Alas!_ and, O lord of men, some of the kings
+praised him (Karna), while others censured him, while others, again,
+remained silent. Having thus, O foremost of monarchs, in a short time
+conquered this earth furnished with mountains and forests and skies, and
+with oceans, and fields, and filled with high and low tracts, and
+cities, and replete also with islands, O lord of earth, and brought the
+monarchs under subjection,--and having gained imperishable wealth, the
+Suta's son appeared before the king. Then, O represser of foes, entering
+into the interior of the palace that hero saw Dhritarashtra with
+Gandhari, O tiger among men, that one conversant with morality took hold
+of his feet even like a son. And Dhritarashtra embraced him
+affectionately, and then dismissed him. Ever since that time, O monarch,
+O Bharata, king Duryodhana and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, thought that
+Pritha's sons had already been defeated in battle by Karna."
+
+
+SECTION CCLIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "O king, O lord of men, that slayer of hostile
+heroes, the Suta's son, said these words to Duryodhana, 'O Kaurava
+Duryodhana, do thou lay unto thy heart the words that I shall tell thee;
+and, O represser of foes, after having heard my words, it behoveth thee
+to act accordingly every way. Now, O best of monarchs, O hero, hath the
+earth been rid of foes. Do thou rule her even like the mighty-minded
+Sakra himself, having his foes destroyed.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having been thus addressed by Karna, the king
+again spake unto him, saying, 'O bull among men, nothing whatever is
+unattainable to him who hath thee for refuge, and to whom thou art
+attached and on whose welfare thou art entirely intent. Now, I have a
+purpose, which do thou truly listen to. Having beheld that foremost of
+sacrifices, the mighty _Rajasuya_, performed by the Pandavas, a desire
+hath sprung up in me (to celebrate the same). Do thou, O Suta's son,
+fulfil this desire of mine.' Thus addressed, Karna spake thus unto the
+king, 'Now that all the rulers of the earth have been brought under thy
+subjection, do thou summon the principal Brahmanas, and, O best of
+Kurus, duly procure the articles required for the sacrifice. And, O
+represser of foes, let Ritwijas as prescribed, and versed in the Vedas,
+celebrate thy rites according to the ordinance, O king. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, let thy great sacrifice also, abounding in meats and
+drinks, and grand with parts, commence.'
+
+"O king, having been thus addressed by Karna, Dhritarashtra's son
+summoned the priest, and spake unto him these words, 'Do thou duly and
+in proper order celebrate for me that best of sacrifices, the _Rajasuya_
+furnished with excellent _Dakshinas_.' Thus accosted, that best of
+Brahmanas spake unto the king, saying, 'O foremost of the Kauravas,
+while Yudhishthira is living, that best of sacrifices cannot be
+performed in thy family, O Prince of kings! Further, O monarch, thy
+father Dhritarashtra, endued with long life, liveth. For this reason
+also, O best of kings, this sacrifice cannot be undertaken by thee.
+There is, O lord, another great sacrifice, resembling the Rajasuya. Do
+thou, O foremost of kings, celebrate that sacrifice. Listen to these
+words of mine. All these rulers of the earth, who have, O king, become
+tributary to thee, will pay thee tribute in gold, both pure and impure.
+Of that gold, do thou, O best of monarchs, now make the (sacrificial)
+plough, and do thou, O Bharata, plough the sacrificial compound with it.
+At that spot, let there commence, O foremost of kings, with due rites,
+and without any disturbance the sacrifice, sanctified with _mantras_
+abounding in edibles. The name of that sacrifice worthy of virtuous
+persons, is Vaishnava. No person save the ancient Vishnu hath performed
+it before. This mighty sacrifice vies with that best of sacrifices--the
+_Rajasuya_ itself. And, further, it liketh us--and it is also for thy
+welfare (to celebrate it). And, moreover, it is capable of being
+celebrated without any disturbance. (By undertaking this), thy desire
+will be fufilled.'
+
+"Having been thus addressed by those Brahmanas, Dhritarashtra's son, the
+king, spake these words to Karna, his brothers and the son of Suvala,
+'Beyond doubt, the words of the Brahmanas are entirely liked by me. If
+they are relished by you also, express it without delay.' Thus appealed,
+they all said unto the king, 'So be it.' Then the king one by one
+appointed persons to their respective tasks; and desired all the
+artisans to construct the (sacrificial) plough. And, O best of kings,
+all that had been commanded to be done, was gradually executed."
+
+
+SECTION CCLIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then all the artisans, the principal
+counsellors, and the highly wise Vidura said unto Dhritarashtra's son,
+'All the preparations for the excellent sacrifice have been made, O
+king; and the time also hath come, O Bharata. And the exceedingly
+precious golden plough hath been constructed.' Hearing this, O monarch,
+that best of kings, Dhritarashtra's son commanded that prince among
+sacrifices to be commenced. Then commenced that sacrifice sanctified by
+_mantras_, and abounding in edibles, and the son of Gandhari was duly
+initiated according to the ordinance. And Dhritarashtra, and the
+illustrious Vidura, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and
+the celebrated Gandhari experienced great delight. And, O foremost of
+kings, Duryodhana despatched swift messengers to invite the princes and
+the Brahmanas. And mounting fleet vehicles they went to the (respective)
+directions assigned to them. Then to a certain messenger on the point of
+setting out, Dussasana said, 'Go thou speedily to the woods of _Dwaita_;
+and in that forest duly invite the Brahmanas and those wicked persons,
+the Pandavas.' Thereupon, he repaired thither, and bowing down to all
+the Pandavas, said, 'Having acquired immense wealth by his native
+prowess, that best of kings and foremost of Kurus, Duryodhana, O
+monarch, is celebrating a sacrifice. Thither are going from various
+directions the kings and the Brahmanas. O king, I have been sent by the
+high-souled Kaurava. That king and lord of men, Dhritarashtra's son,
+invites you. It behoveth you, therefore, to witness the delightful
+sacrifice of that monarch.'
+
+"Hearing these words of the messenger, that tiger among kings, the royal
+Yudhishthira, said, 'By good luck it is that that enhancer of the glory
+of his ancestors, king Suyodhana is celebrating this best of sacrifices.
+We should certainly repair thither; but we cannot do now; for till (the
+completion of) the thirteenth year, we shall have to observe our vow.'
+Hearing this speech of Yudhishthira the just, Bhima said these words,
+'Then will king Yudhishthira the just go thither, when he will cast him
+(Duryodhana) into the fire kindled by weapons. Do thou say unto
+Suyodhana. "_When after the expiration of the thirteenth year, that lord
+of men, the Pandava, will, in the sacrifice of battle, pour upon the
+Dhritarashtras, the clarified butter of his ire, then will I come!_"' But
+the other Pandavas, O king, did not say anything unpleasant. The
+messenger (on his return) related unto Dhritarashtra's son all as it had
+fallen out. Then there came to the city of Dhritarashtra many foremost
+of men, lords of various countries, and highly virtuous Brahmanas. And
+duly received in order according to the ordinance, those lords of men
+experienced great delight and were all well-pleased. And that foremost
+among monarchs--Dhritarashtra--surrounded by all the Kauravas,
+experienced the height of joy, and spake unto Vidura, saying, 'Do thou,
+O Kshatta, speedily so act that all persons in the sacrificial compound
+may be served with food, be refreshed and satisfied.' Thereupon, O
+represser of foes, assenting to that order, the learned Vidura versed in
+morality, cheerfully entertained all the orders in proper measure with
+meat and beverages to eat and drink, and fragrant garland and various
+kinds of attire. And having constructed pavilions (for their
+accommodation), that hero and foremost of kings, duly entertained the
+princes and the Brahmanas by thousands, and also bestowing upon them
+wealth of various kinds, bade them farewell. And having dismissed all
+the kings, he entered Hastinapura, surrounded by his brothers, and in
+company with Karna and Suvala's son."
+
+
+SECTION CCLV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "While, O great king, Duryodhana was entering (the
+city), the panegyrists eulogized the prince of unfailing prowess. And
+others also eulogized that mighty bowman and foremost of kings. And
+sprinkling over him fried paddy and sandal paste the citizens said, 'By
+good luck it is, O king, that thy sacrifice hath been completed without
+obstruction.' And some, more reckless of speech, that were present
+there, said unto that lord of the earth, 'Surely this thy sacrifice
+cannot be compared with Yudhishthira's: nor doth this come up to a
+sixteenth part of that (sacrifice).' Thus spake unto that king some that
+were reckless of consequences. His friends, however, said, 'This
+sacrifice of thine hath surpassed all others. Yayati and Nahusha, and
+Mandhata and Bharata, having been sanctified by celebrating such a
+sacrifice, have all gone to heaven.' Hearing such agreeable words from
+his friends, that monarch, O bull of the Bharata's race, well-pleased,
+entered the city and finally his own abode. Then, O king, worshipping
+the feet of his father and mother and of others headed by Bhishma, Drona
+and Kripa, and of the wise Vidura, and worshipped in turn by his younger
+brothers, that delighter of brothers sat down upon an excellent seat,
+surrounded by the latter. And the Suta's son, rising up, said, 'By good
+luck it is, O foremost of the Bharata race, that this mighty sacrifice
+of thine hath been brought to a close. When, however, the sons of Pritha
+shall have been slain in battle and thou wilt have completed the
+_Rajasuya_ sacrifice, once again, O lord of men, shall I honour thee
+thus.' Then that mighty king, the illustrious son of Dhritarashtra,
+replied unto him, 'Truly hath this been spoken by thee. When, O foremost
+of men, the wicked-minded Pandavas have been slain, and when also the
+grand _Rajasuya_ hath been celebrated by me, then thou shalt again, O
+hero, honour me thus.' And having said this, O Bharata, the Kaurava
+embraced Karna, and began, O mighty king, to think of the _Rajasuya_,
+that foremost of sacrifices. And that best of kings also addressed the
+Kurus around him, saying, 'When shall I, ye Kauravas, having slain all
+the Pandavas, celebrate that costly and foremost of sacrifices, the
+_Rajasuya_.' Then spake Karna unto him, saying, 'Hear me, O elephant
+among kings! So long as I do not slay Arjuna, I shall not allow any one
+to wash my feet, nor shall I taste meat. And I shall observe the _Asura_
+vow[44] and whoever may solicit me (for any thing), I never shall say,
+"_I have it not_."' When Karna had thus vowed to slay Phalguna in
+battle, those mighty charioteers and bowmen, the sons of Dhritarashtra,
+sent up a loud cheer; and Dhritarashtra's sons thought that the Pandavas
+had already been conquered. Then that chief of kings, the graceful
+Duryodhana, leaving those bulls among men, entered his apartment, like
+the lord Kuvera entering the garden of Chitraratha. And all those mighty
+bowmen also, O Bharata, went to their respective quarters.
+
+    [44] The vow of the Asuras was (according to the Burdwan
+    Pundits) never to drink wine. It is more rational to suppose
+    that Karna swears to give up the refined manners and practices
+    of the Arvas and adopt those of the Asuras till the consummation
+    of the cherished desire.
+
+"Meanwhile those mighty bowmen, the Pandavas, excited by the words the
+messenger had spoken, became anxious, and they did not (from that time)
+experience the least happiness. Intelligence, further, O foremost of
+kings, had been brought by spies regarding the vow of the Suta's son to
+slay Vijaya. Hearing this, O lord of men, Dharma's son became
+exceedingly anxious. And considering Karna of the impenetrable mail to
+be of wonderful prowess, and remembering all their woes, he knew no
+peace. And that high-souled one filled with anxiety, made up his mind to
+abandon the woods about _Dwaitavana_ abounding with ferocious animals.
+
+"Meanwhile the royal son of Dhritarashtra began to rule the earth, along
+with his heroic brothers as also with Bhishma and Drona and Kripa. And
+with the assistance of the Suta's son crowned with martial glory,
+Duryodhana remained ever intent on the welfare of the rulers of the
+earth, and he worshipped the foremost of Brahmanas by celebrating
+sacrifices with profuse gifts. And that hero and subduer of foes, O
+king, was engaged in doing good to his brothers, concluding for certain
+in his mind that giving and enjoying are the only use of riches."
+
+
+SECTION CCLVI
+
+Janamejaya said, "After having delivered Duryodhana, what did the mighty
+sons of Pandu do in that forest? It behoveth thee to tell me this."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Once on a time, as Yudhishthira lay down at night in
+the _Dwaita_ woods, some deer, with accents choked in tears, presented
+themselves before him in his dreams. To them standing with joined hands,
+their bodies trembling all over that foremost of monarchs said, 'Tell me
+what ye wish to say. Who are ye? And what do ye desire?' Thus accosted
+by Kunti's son--the illustrious Pandava, those deer, the remnant of
+those that had been slaughtered, replied unto him, saying, 'We are, O
+Bharata, those deer that are still alive after them that had been
+slaughtered. We shall be exterminated totally. Therefore, do thou change
+thy residence. O mighty king, all thy brothers are heroes, conversant
+with weapons; they have thinned the ranks of the rangers of the forest.
+We few--the remnants,--O mighty-minded one, remain like seed. By thy
+favour, O king of kings, let us increase.' Seeing these deer, which
+remained like seed after the rest had been destroyed trembling and
+afflicted with fear, Yudhishthira the just was greatly affected with
+grief. And the king, intent on the welfare of all creatures, said unto
+them, 'So be it. I shall act as ye have said.' Awaking after such a
+vision, that excellent king, moved by pity towards the deer, thus spake
+unto his brothers assembled there, 'Those deer that are alive after them
+that have been slaughtered, accosted me at night, after I had awakened,
+saying, "_We remain like the cues of our lines. Blest be thou! Do thou
+have compassion on us_." And they have spoken truly. We ought to feel
+pity for the dwellers of the forest. We have been feeding on them for a
+year together and eight months. Let us, therefore, again (repair) to the
+romantic Kamyakas, that best of forests abounding in wild animals,
+situated at the head of the desert, near lake Trinavindu. And there let
+us pleasantly pass the rest of our time.' Then, O king, the Pandavas
+versed in morality, swiftly departed (thence), accompanied by the
+Brahmanas and all those that lived with them, and followed by Indrasena
+and other retainers. And proceeding along the roads walked (by
+travellers), furnished with excellent corn and clear water, they at
+length beheld the sacred asylum of Kamyaka endued with ascetic merit.
+And as pious men enter the celestial regions, those foremost of the
+Bharata race, the Kauravas, surrounded by those bulls among Brahmanas
+entered that forest."
+
+
+SECTION CCLVII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in the woods, O bull of the Bharata
+race, the high-souled Pandavas spent one and ten years in a miserable
+plight. And although deserving of happiness, those foremost of men,
+brooding over their circumstances, passed their days miserably, living
+on fruits and roots. And that royal sage, the mighty-armed Yudhishthira,
+reflecting that the extremity of misery that had befallen his brothers,
+was owing to his own fault, and remembering those sufferings that had
+arisen from his act of gambling, could not sleep peacefully. And he felt
+as if his heart had been pierced with a lance. And remembering the harsh
+words of the Suta's son, the Pandava, repressing the venom of his wrath,
+passed his time in humble guise, sighing heavily. And Arjuna and both
+the twins and the illustrious Draupadi, and the mighty Bhima--he that
+was strongest of all men--experienced the most poignant pain in casting
+their eyes on Yudhishthira. And thinking that a short time only remained
+(of their exile), those bulls among men, influenced by rage and hope and
+by resorting to various exertions and endeavours, made their bodies
+assume almost different shapes.
+
+"After a little while, that mighty ascetic, Vyasa, the son of Satyavati,
+came there to see the Pandavas. And seeing him approach, Kunti's son,
+Yudhishthira, stepped forward, and duly received that high-souled one.
+And having gratified Vyasa by bowing down unto him, Pandu's son of
+subdued senses, after the _Rishi_ had been seated, sat down before him,
+desirous of listening to him. And beholding his grandsons lean and
+living in the forest on the produce of the wilderness, that mighty sage,
+moved by compassion, said these words, in accents choked in tears, 'O
+mighty-armed Yudhishthira, O thou best of virtuous persons, those men
+that do not perform ascetic austerities never attain great happiness in
+this world. People experience happiness and misery by turns; for surely,
+O bull among men, no man ever enjoyeth unbroken happiness. A wise man
+endued with high wisdom, knowing that life hath its ups and downs, is
+neither filled with joy nor with grief. When happiness cometh, one
+should enjoy it; when misery cometh, one should bear it, as a sower of
+crops must bide his season. Nothing is superior to asceticism: by
+asceticism one acquireth mighty fruit. Do thou know, O Bharata, that
+there is nothing that asceticism cannot achieve. Truth, sincerity,
+freedom from anger, justice, self-control, restraint of the faculties,
+immunity from malice, guilelessness, sanctity, and mortification of the
+senses, these, O mighty monarch, purify a person of meritorious acts.
+Foolish persons addicted to vice and bestial ways, attain to brutish
+births in after life and never enjoy happiness. The fruit of acts done
+in this world is reaped in the next. Therefore should one restrain his
+body by asceticism and the observance of vows. And, O king, free from
+guile and with a cheerful spirit, one should, according to his power,
+bestow gifts, after going down to the recipient and paying him homage. A
+truth-telling person attaineth a life devoid of trouble. A person void
+of anger attaineth sincerity, and one free from malice acquireth supreme
+contentment. A person who hath subdued his senses and his inner
+faculties, never knoweth tribulation; nor is a person of subdued senses
+affected by sorrow at the height of other's prosperity. A man who giveth
+everyone his due, and the bestower of boons, attain happiness, and come
+by every object of enjoyment; while a man free from envy reapeth perfect
+ease. He that honoureth those to whom honour is due, attaineth birth in
+an illustrious line; and he that hath subdued his senses, never cometh
+by misfortune. A man whose mind followeth good, after having paid his
+debt to nature, is on this account, born again endued with a righteous
+mind.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O eminently virtuous one, O mighty sage, of the
+bestowal of gifts and the observance of asceticism, which is of greater
+efficacy in the next world, and which, harder of practice?'
+
+"Vyasa said, 'There is nothing, O child, in this world harder to
+practise than charity. Men greatly thirst after wealth, and wealth also
+is gotten with difficulty. Nay, renouncing even dear life itself, heroic
+men, O magnanimous one, enter into the depths of the sea and the forest
+for the sake of wealth. For wealth, some betake themselves to
+agriculture and the tending of kine, and some enter into servitude.
+Therefore, it is extremely difficult to part with wealth that is
+obtained with such trouble. Since nothing is harder to practise than
+charity, therefore, in my opinion, even the bestowal of boons is
+superior to everything. Specially is this to be borne in mind that
+well-earned gains should, in proper time and place, be given away to
+pious men. But the bestowal of ill-gotten gains can never rescue the
+giver from the evil of rebirth. It hath been declared, O Yudhishthira,
+that by bestowing, in a pure spirit, even a slight gift in due time and
+to a fit recipient, a man attaineth inexhaustible fruit in the next
+world. In this connection is instanced the old story regarding the fruit
+obtained by _Mudgala_, for having given away only a _drona_[45] of
+corn.'"
+
+    [45] A very small measure.
+
+
+SECTION CCLVIII
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Why did that high-souled one give away a drona of
+corn? And, O eminently pious one, to whom and in what prescribed way did
+he give it? Do thou tell me this. Surely, I consider the life of that
+virtuous person as having borne fruit with whose practices the possessor
+himself of the six attributes, witnessing everything, was well pleased.'
+
+"Vyasa said, 'There lived, O king, in Kurukshetra a virtuous man (sage),
+Mudgala by name. And he was truthful, and free from malice, and of
+subdued senses. And he used to lead the _Sila_ and _Unchha_ modes of
+life.[46] And although living like a pigeon, yet that one of mighty
+austerities entertained his guests, celebrated the sacrifice called
+_Istikrita_, and performed other rites. And that sage together with his
+son and wife, ate for a fortnight, and during the other fortnight led
+the life of a pigeon, collecting a _drona_ of corn. And celebrating the
+_Darsa_ and _Paurnamasya_ sacrifices, that one devoid of guile, used to
+pass his days by taking the food that remained after the deities and the
+guests had eaten. And on auspicious lunar days, that lord of the three
+worlds, Indra himself, accompanied by the celestials used, O mighty
+monarch, to partake of the food offered at his sacrifice. And that one,
+having adopted the life of a _Muni_, with a cheerful heart entertained
+his guests also with food on such days. And as that high-souled one
+distributed his food with alacrity, the remainder of the _drona_ of corn
+increased as soon as a guest appeared. And by virtue of the pure spirit
+in which the sage gave away, that food of his increased so much that
+hundreds upon hundreds of learned Brahmanas were fed with it.
+
+    [46] Picking up for support (1) ears of corn and (2) individual
+    grains, left on the field by husbandmen after they have gathered
+    and carried away the sheaves, are called the Sila and the Unchha
+    modes of life.
+
+"'And, O king, it came to pass that having heard of the virtuous Mudgala
+observant of vows, the _Muni_ Durvasa, having space alone for his
+covering,[47] his accoutrements worn like that of maniac, and his head
+bare of hair, came there, uttering, O Pandava various insulting words.
+And having arrived there that best of _Munis_ said unto the Brahmana,
+"Know thou, O foremost of Brahmanas, that I have come hither seeking for
+food." Thereupon Mudgala said unto the sage, "Thou art welcome!" And
+then offering to that maniac of an ascetic affected by hunger, water to
+wash his feet and mouth, that one observant of the vow of feeding
+guests, respectfully placed before him excellent fare. Affected by
+hunger, the frantic _Rishi_ completely exhausted the food that had been
+offered unto him. Thereupon, Mudgala furnished him again with food. Then
+having eaten up all that food, he besmeared his body with the unclean
+orts and went away as he had come. In this manner, during the next
+season, he came again and ate up all the food supplied by that wise one
+leading the _Unchha_ mode of life. Thereupon, without partaking any food
+himself, the sage Mudgala again became engaged in collecting corn,
+following the _Unchha_ mode. Hunger could not disturb his equanimity.
+Nor could anger, nor guile, nor a sense of degradation, nor agitation,
+enter into the heart of that best of Brahmanas leading the _Unchha_ mode
+of life along with his son and his wife. In this way, Durvasa having
+made up his mind, during successive seasons presented himself for six
+several times before that best of sages living according to the _Unchha_
+mode; yet that _Muni_ could not perceive any agitation in Mudgala's
+heart; and he found the pure heart of the pure-souled ascetic always
+pure. Thereupon, well-pleased, the sage addressed Mudgala, saying,
+"There is not another guileless and charitable being like thee on earth.
+The pangs of hunger drive away to a distance the sense of righteousness
+and deprive people of all patience. The tongue, loving delicacies,
+attracteth men towards them. Life is sustained by food. The mind,
+moreover, is fickle, and it is hard to keep it in subjection. The
+concentration of the mind and of the senses surely constitutes ascetic
+austerities. It must be hard to renounce in a pure spirit a thing earned
+by pains. Yet, O pious one, all this hath been duly achieved by thee. In
+thy company we feel obliged and gratified. Self-restraint, fortitude,
+justice, control of the senses and of faculties, mercy, and virtue, all
+these are established in thee. Thou hast by thy deeds conquered the
+different worlds and have thereby obtained admission into paths of
+beautitude. Ah! even the dwellers of heaven are proclaiming thy mighty
+deeds of charity. O thou observant of vows, thou shalt go to heaven even
+in thine own body."
+
+    [47] Naked.
+
+"'Whilst the _Muni_ Durvasa was speaking thus, a celestial messenger
+appeared before Mudgala, upon a car yoked with swans and cranes, hung
+with a neat work of bells, scented with divine fragrance, painted
+picturesquely, and possessed of the power of going everywhere at will.
+And he addressed the Brahmana sage, saying, "O sage, do thou ascend into
+this chariot earned by thy acts. Thou hast attained the fruit of thy
+asceticism!"
+
+"'As the messenger of the gods was speaking thus, the sage told him, "O
+divine messenger, I desire that thou mayst describe unto me the
+attributes of those that reside there. What are their austerities, and
+what their purposes? And, O messenger of the gods, what constitutes
+happiness in heaven, and what are the disadvantages thereof? It is
+declared by virtuous men of good lineage that friendship with pious
+people is contracted by only walking with them seven paces. O lord, in
+the name of that friendship I ask thee, do thou without hesitation tell
+me the truth, and that which is good for me now. Having heard thee, I
+shall, according to thy words, ascertain the course I ought to
+follow."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLIX
+
+"'The messenger of the gods said, "O great sage, thou art of simple
+understanding; since, having secured that celestial bliss which bringeth
+great honour, thou art still deliberating like an unwise person. O
+_Muni_, that region which is known as heaven, existeth there above us.
+Those regions tower high, and are furnished with excellent paths, and
+are, O sage, always ranged by celestial cars. Atheists, and untruthful
+persons, those that have not practised ascetic austerities and those
+that have not performed great sacrifices, cannot repair thither. Only
+men of virtuous souls, and those of subdued spirits, and those that have
+their faculties in subjection, and those that have controlled their
+senses, and those that are free from malice, and persons intent on the
+practice of charity, and heroes, and men bearing marks of battle, after
+having, with subdued senses and faculties, performed the most
+meritorious rites, attain those regions, O Brahmana, capable of being
+obtained only by virtuous acts, and inhabited by pious men. There, O
+Mudgala, are established separately myriads of beautiful, shining, and
+resplendent worlds bestowing every object of desire, owned by those
+celestial beings, the gods, the _Sadhyas_, and the _Vaiswas_, the great
+sages, _Yamas_, and the _Dharmas_, and the _Gandharvas_ and the
+_Apsaras_. And there is that monarch of mountains the golden Meru
+extending over a space of thirty-three thousand _Yojanas_. And there, O
+Mudgala, are the sacred gardens of the celestials, with Nandana at their
+head, where sport the persons of meritorious acts. And neither hunger,
+nor thirst, nor lassitude, nor fear, nor anything that is disgusting or
+inauspicious is there. And all the odours of that place are delightful,
+and all the breezes delicious to the touch. And all the sounds there are
+captivating, O sage, to the ear and the heart. And neither grief, nor
+decrepitude, nor labour, nor repentance also is there. That world, O
+_Muni_, obtained as the fruit of one's own acts, is of this nature.
+Persons repair thither by virtue of their meritorious deeds. And the
+persons of those that dwell there look resplendent, and this, O Mudgala,
+solely by virtue of their own acts, and not owing to the merits of
+father or mothers. And there is neither sweat, nor stench, nor urine
+there. And there, O _Muni_, dust doth not soils one's garments. And
+their excellent garlands, redolent of divine fragrance, never fade. And,
+O Brahmana, they yoke such cars as this (that I have brought). And, O
+mighty sage, devoid of envy and grief and fatigue and ignorance and
+malice, men who have attained heaven, dwell in those regions happily.
+And, O bull among _Munis_, higher and higher over such regions there are
+others endued with higher celestial virtues. Of these, the beautiful and
+resplendent regions of Brahma are the foremost. Thither, O Brahmana,
+repair _Rishis_ that have been sanctified by meritorious acts. And there
+dwell certain beings named _Ribhus_. They are the gods of the gods
+themselves. Their regions are supremely blessed, and are adored even by
+the deities. These shine by their own light, and bestow every object of
+desire. They suffer no pangs that women might cause, do not possess
+worldly wealth, and are free from guile. The _Ribhus_ do not subsist on
+oblations, nor yet on ambrosia. And they are endued with such celestial
+forms that they cannot be perceived by the senses. And these eternal
+gods of the celestials do not desire happiness for happiness' sake, nor
+do they change at the revolution of a _Kalpa_. Where, indeed, is their
+decrepitude or dissolution? For them there is neither ecstasy, nor joy,
+nor happiness. They have neither happiness nor misery. Wherefore should
+they have anger or aversion then, O _Muni_? O Mudgala, their supreme
+state is coveted even by the gods. And that crowning emancipation, hard
+to attain, can never be acquired by people subject to desire. The number
+of those deities is thirty-three. To their regions repair wise men,
+after having observed excellent vows, or bestowed gifts according to the
+ordinance. Thou also hast easily acquired that success by thy charities.
+Do thou, by effulgence displayed by virtue of thy ascetic austerities,
+enjoy that condition obtained by thy meritorious acts. Such, O Brahmana,
+is the bliss of heaven containing various worlds.
+
+"'"Thus have I described unto thee the blessing of the celestial
+regions. Do thou now hear from me some of the disadvantages thereof.
+That in the celestial regions a person, while reaping the fruit of the
+acts he hath already performed, cannot be engaged in any others, and
+that he must enjoy the consequences of the former until they are
+completely exhausted, and, further, that he is subject to fall after he
+hath entirely exhausted his merit, form, in my opinion, the
+disadvantages of heaven. The fall of a person whose mind hath been
+steeped in happiness, must, O Mudgala, be pronounced as a fault. And the
+discontent and regret that must follow one's stay at an inferior seat
+after one hath enjoyed more auspicious and brighter regions, must be
+hard to bear. And the consciousness of those about to fall is stupefied,
+and also agitated by emotions. And as the garlands of those about to
+fall fade away, fear invadeth their hearts. These mighty drawbacks, O
+Mudgala, extend even to the regions of Brahma. In the celestial regions,
+the virtues of men who have performed righteous acts, are countless.
+And, O _Muni_, this is another of the attributes of the fallen that, by
+reason of their merits, they take birth among men. And then they attain
+to high fortune and happiness. If one, however, cannot acquire knowledge
+here, one cometh by an inferior birth. The fruits of acts done in this
+world are reaped in the next. This world, O Brahmana, hath been declared
+to be one of acts; the others, as one of fruit. Thus have I, O Mudgala,
+asked by thee, described all unto thee. Now, O pious one, with thy
+favour, we shall easily set out with speed."'
+
+"Vyasa continued, 'Having heard this speech, Mudgala began to reflect in
+his mind. And having deliberated well, that best of _Munis_ spake thus
+unto the celestial messenger, "O messenger of the gods, I bow unto thee.
+Do thou, O sire, depart in peace. I have nothing to do with either
+happiness, or heaven having such prominent defects. Persons who enjoy
+heaven suffer, after all, huge misery and extreme regret in this world.
+Therefore, I do not desire heaven. I shall seek for that unfailing
+region repairing whither people have not to lament, or to be pained, or
+agitated. Thou hast described unto me these great defects belonging to
+the celestial regions. Do thou now describe unto me a region free from
+faults." Thereupon the celestial messenger said, "Above the abode of
+_Brahma_, there is the supreme seat of Vishnu, pure, and eternal, and
+luminous known by the name of _Para Brahma_. Thither, O Brahmana, cannot
+repair persons who are attached to the objects of the senses: nor can
+those subject to arrogance, covetousness, ignorance, anger, and envy, go
+to that place. It is only those that are free from affection, and those
+free from pride, and those free from conflicting emotions, and those
+that have restrained their senses, and those given to contemplation and
+_Yoga_, that can repair thither." Having heard these words, the _Muni_
+bade farewell to the celestial messenger, and that virtuous one leading
+the _Unchha_ mode of life, assumed perfect contentment. And then praise
+and dispraise became equal unto him; and a brickbat, stone, and gold
+assumed the same aspect in his eyes. And availing himself of the means
+of attaining _Brahma_, he became always engaged in meditation. And
+having obtained power by means of knowledge, and acquired excellent
+understanding, he attained that supreme state of emancipation which is
+regarded as Eternal. Therefore, thou also, O Kunti's son, ought not to
+grieve. Deprived thou hast truly been of a flourishing kingdom, but thou
+wilt regain it by thy ascetic austerities. Misery after happiness, and
+happiness after misery, revolve by turns round a man even like the point
+of a wheel's circumference round the axle. After the thirteenth year
+hath passed away, thou wilt, O thou of immeasurable might, get back the
+kingdom possessed before thee by thy father and grand-father. Therefore,
+let the fever of thy heart depart!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to Pandu's son, the worshipful
+Vyasa went back to his hermitage for the purpose of performing
+austerities."
+
+
+SECTION CCLX
+
+Janamejaya said, "While the high-souled Pandavas were living in those
+woods, delighted with the pleasant conversation they held with the
+_Munis_, and engaged in distributing the food they obtained from the
+sun, with various kinds of venison to Brahmanas and others that came to
+them for edibles till the hour of Krishna's meal, how, O great _Muni_,
+did Duryodhana and the other wicked and sinful sons of Dhritarashtra,
+guided by the counsels of Dussasana, Karna and Sakuni, deal with them? I
+ask thee this. Do thou, worshipful Sir, enlighten me."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When, O great king, Duryodhana heard that the
+Pandavas were living as happily in the woods as in a city, he longed,
+with the artful Karna, Dussasana and others, to do them harm. And while
+those evil-minded persons were employed in concerting various wicked
+designs, the virtuous and celebrated ascetic Durvasa, following the bent
+of his own will, arrived at the city of the Kurus with ten thousand
+disciples. And seeing the irascible ascetic arrived, Duryodhana and his
+brothers welcomed him with great humility, self-abasement and
+gentleness. And himself attending on the _Rishi_ as a menial, the prince
+gave him a right worshipful reception. And the illustrious _Muni_ stayed
+there for a few days, while king Duryodhana, watchful of his
+imprecations, attended on him diligently by day and night. And sometimes
+the _Muni_ would say, 'I am hungry, O king, give me some food quickly.'
+And sometimes he would go out for a bath and, returning at a late hour,
+would say, 'I shall not eat anything today as I have no appetite,' and
+so saying would disappear from his sight. And sometimes, coming all on a
+sudden, he would say, 'Feed us quickly.' And at other times, bent on
+some mischief, he would awake at midnight and having caused his meals to
+be prepared as before, would carp at them and not partake of them at
+all. And trying the prince in this way for a while, when the _Muni_
+found that the king Duryodhana was neither angered, nor annoyed, he
+became graciously inclined towards him. And then, O Bharata, the
+intractable Durvasa said unto him, 'I have power to grant thee boons.
+Thou mayst ask of me whatever lies nearest to thy heart. May good
+fortune be thine. Pleased as I am with thee, thou mayst obtain from me
+anything that is not opposed to religion and morals.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of the great ascetic,
+Suyodhana felt himself to be inspired with new life. Indeed, it had been
+agreed upon between himself and Karna and Dussasana as to what the boon
+should be that he would ask of the _Muni_ if the latter were pleased
+with his reception. And the evil-minded king, bethinking himself of what
+had previously been decided, joyfully solicited the following favour,
+saying, 'The great king Yudhishthira is the eldest and the best of our
+race. That pious man is now living in the forest with his brothers. Do
+thou, therefore, once become the guest of that illustrious one even as,
+O Brahmana, thou hast with thy disciples been mine for some time. If
+thou art minded to do me a favour, do thou go unto him at a time when
+that delicate and excellent lady, the celebrated princess of Panchala,
+after having regaled with food the Brahmanas, her husbands and herself,
+may lie down to rest.' The _Rishi_ replied, 'Even so shall I act for thy
+satisfaction.' And having said this to Suyodhana, that great Brahmana,
+Durvasa, went away in the very same state in which he had come. And
+Suyodhana regarded himself to have attained all the objects of his
+desire. And holding Karna by the hand he expressed great satisfaction.
+And Karna, too, joyfully addressed the king in the company of his
+brothers, saying, 'By a piece of singular good luck, thou hast fared
+well and attained the objects of thy desire. And by good luck it is that
+thy enemies have been immersed in a sea of dangers that is difficult to
+cross. The sons of Pandu are now exposed to the fire of Durvasa's wrath.
+Through their own fault they have fallen into an abyss of darkness.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "O king, expressing their satisfaction in this
+strain, Duryodhana and others, bent on evil machinations, returned
+merrily to their respective homes."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXI
+
+(_Draupadi-harana Parva_)
+
+Vaisampayana said, "One day, having previously ascertained that the
+Pandavas were all seated at their ease and that Krishna was reposing
+herself after her meal, the sage Durvasa, surrounded by ten thousand
+disciples repaired to that forest. The illustrious and upright king
+Yudhishthira, seeing that guest arrived, advanced with his brothers to
+receive him. And joining the palms of his hands and pointing to a proper
+and excellent seat, he accorded the _Rishis_ a fit and respectful
+welcome. And the king said unto him, 'Return quick, O adorable sir,
+after performing thy diurnal ablutions and observances.' And that
+sinless _Muni_, not knowing how the king would be able to provide a
+feast for him and his disciples, proceeded with the latter to perform
+his ablutions. And that host of the _Muni_, of subdued passions, went
+into the stream for performing their ablutions. Meanwhile, O king, the
+excellent princess Draupadi, devoted to her husbands, was in great
+anxiety about the food (to be provided for the _Munis_). And when after
+much anxious thought she came to the conclusion that means there were
+none for providing a feast, she inwardly prayed to Krishna, the slayer
+of Kansa. And the princess said, 'Krishna, O Krishna, of mighty arms, O
+son of Devaki, whose power is inexhaustible, O Vasudeva, O lord of the
+Universe, who dispellest the difficulties of those that bow down to
+thee, thou art the soul, the creator and the destroyer of the Universe.
+Thou, O lord, art inexhaustible and the saviour of the afflicted. Thou
+art the preserver of the Universe and of all created beings. Thou art
+the highest of the high, and the spring of the mental perceptions
+_Akuli_ and _Chiti_![48] O Supreme and Infinite Being, O giver of all
+good, be thou the refuge of the helpless. O Primordial Being, incapable
+of being conceived by the soul or the mental faculties or otherwise,
+thou art the ruler of all and the lord of Brahma. I seek thy protection.
+O god, thou art ever kindly disposed towards those that take refuge in
+thee. Do thou cherish me with thy kindness. O thou with a complexion
+dark as the leaves of the blue lotus, and with eyes red as the corolla
+of the lily, and attired in yellow robes with, besides, the bright
+_Kaustubha_ gem in thy bosom, thou art the beginning and the end of
+creation, and the great refuge of all. Thou art the supreme light and
+essence of the Universe! Thy face is directed towards every point. They
+call thee Supreme Gem and the depository of all treasures. Under thy
+protections, O lord of the gods, all evils lose their terror. As thou
+didst protect me before from Dussasana, do thou extricate me now from
+this difficulty.'"
+
+    [48] Both these words are of doubtful meaning. It seems they are
+    employed in the Vedas to denote the faculties of knowledge and
+    the moral sense respectively.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "The great and sovereign God, and Lord of the
+earth, of mysterious movements, the lord Kesava who is ever kind to the
+dependents, thus adored by Krishna, and perceiving her difficulty,
+instantly repaired to that place leaving the bed of Rukmini who was
+sleeping by his side. Beholding Vasudeva, Draupadi bowed down to him in
+great joy and informed him of the arrival of the _Munis_ and every other
+thing. And having heard everything Krishna said unto her, 'I am very
+much afflicted with hunger, do thou give me some food without delay, and
+then thou mayst go about thy work.' At these words of Kesava, Krishna
+became confused, and replied unto him, saying, 'The sun-given vessel
+remains full till I finish my meal. But as I have already taken my meal
+today, there is no food in it now.' Then that lotus-eyed and adorable
+being said unto Krishna, 'This is no time for jest, O Krishna.--I am
+much distressed with hunger, go thou quickly to fetch the vessel and
+show it to me.' When Kesava, that ornament of the Yadu's race, had the
+vessel brought unto him,--with such persistence, he looked into it and
+saw a particle of rice and vegetable sticking at its rim. And swallowing
+it he said unto her, 'May it please the god Hari, the soul of the
+Universe, and may that god who partaketh at sacrifices, be satiated with
+this.' Then the long-armed Krishna, that soother of miseries, said unto
+Bhimasena, 'Do thou speedily invite the _Munis_ to dinner.' Then, O good
+king, the celebrated Bhimasena quickly went to invite all those _Munis_,
+Durvasa and others, who had gone to the nearest stream of transparent
+and cool water to perform their ablutions. Meanwhile, these ascetics,
+having plunged into the river, were rubbing their bodies and observing
+that they all felt their stomachs to be full. And coming out of the
+stream, they began to stare at one another. And turning towards Durvasa,
+all those ascetics observed, 'Having bade the king make our meals ready,
+we have come hither for a bath. But how, O regenerate _Rishi_, can we
+eat anything now, for our stomachs seem to be full to the throat. The
+repast hath been uselessly prepared for us. What is the best thing to be
+done now?' Durvasa replied, 'By spoiling the repast, we have done a
+great wrong to that royal sage, king Yudhishthira. Would not the
+Pandavas destroy us by looking down upon us with angry eyes? I know the
+royal sage Yudhishthira to be possessed of great ascetic power. Ye
+Brahmanas, I am afraid of men that are devoted to Hari. The high-souled
+Pandavas are all religious men, learned, war-like, diligent in ascetic
+austerities and religious observances, devoted to Vasudeva, and always
+observant of rules of good conduct. If provoked, they can consume us
+with their wrath as fire doth a bale of cotton. Therefore, ye disciples,
+do ye all run away quickly without seeing them (again)!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "All those Brahmanas, thus advised by their
+ascetic preceptor, became greatly afraid of the Pandavas and fled away
+in all directions. Then Bhimasena not beholding those excellent _Munis_
+in the celestial river, made a search after them here and there at all
+the landing places. And learning from the ascetics of those places that
+they had run away, he came back and informed Yudhishthira of what had
+happened. Then all the Pandavas of subdued senses, expecting them to
+come, remained awaiting their arrival for some time. And Yudhishthira
+said, 'Coming dead of night the _Rishis_ will deceive us. Oh how, can we
+escape from this difficulty created by the fates?' Seeing them absorbed
+in such reflections and breathing long deep sighs at frequent intervals,
+the illustrious Krishna suddenly appeared to them and addressed them
+these words: 'Knowing, ye sons of Pritha, your danger from that wrathful
+_Rishi_, I was implored by Draupadi to come, and (therefore) have I come
+here speedily. But now ye have not the least fear from the _Rishi_
+Durvasa. Afraid of your ascetic powers, he hath made himself scarce ere
+this. Virtuous men never suffer. I now ask your permission to let me
+return home. May you always be prosperous!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing Kesava's words, the sons of Pritha,
+with Draupadi, became easy in mind. And cured of their fever (of
+anxiety), they said unto him, 'As persons drowning in the wide ocean
+safely reach the shore by means of a boat, so have we, by thy aid, O
+lord Govinda, escaped from this inextricable difficulty. Do thou now
+depart in peace, and may prosperity be thine.' Thus dismissed, he
+repaired to his capital and the Pandavas too, O blessed lord, wandering
+from forest to forest passed their days merrily with Draupadi. Thus, O
+king, have I related to thee the story which thou askedest me to repeat.
+And it was thus that the machinations of the wicked sons of
+Dhritarashtra about the Pandavas in the forest, were frustrated."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "These great warriors of the race of Bharata
+sojourned like immortals in the great forest of Kamyaka, employed in
+hunting and pleased with the sight of numerous wild tracts of country
+and wide reaches of woodland, gorgeous with flowers blossoming in
+season. And the sons of Pandu, each like unto Indra and the terror of
+his enemies, dwelt there for some time. And one day those valiant men,
+the conquerors of their foes, went about in all directions in search of
+game for feeding the Brahmanas in their company, leaving Draupadi alone
+at the hermitage, with the permission of the great ascetic Trinavindu,
+resplendent with ascetic grandeur, and of their spiritual guide Dhaumya.
+Meanwhile, the famous king of Sindhu, the son of Vriddhakshatra was,
+with a view to matrimony, proceeding to the kingdom of Salwa, dressed in
+his best royal apparel and accompanied by numerous princes. And the
+prince halted in the woods of Kamyaka. And in that secluded place, he
+found the beautiful Draupadi, the beloved and celebrated wife of the
+Pandavas, standing at the threshold of the hermitage. And she looked
+grand in the superb beauty of her form, and seemed to shed a lustre on
+the woodland around, like lightning illuminating masses of dark clouds.
+And they who saw her asked themselves, 'Is this an Apsara, or a daughter
+of the gods, or a celestial phantom?' And with this thought, their hands
+also joined together, they stood gazing on the perfect and faultless
+beauty of her form. And Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, and the son of
+Vriddhakshatra, struck with amazement at the sight of that lady of
+faultless beauty, was seized with an evil intention. And inflamed with
+desire, he said to the prince named Kotika, 'Whose is this lady of
+faultless form? Is she of the human kind? I have no need to marry if I
+can secure this exquisitely beautiful creature. Taking her with me, I
+shall go back to my abode, Oh sir, and enquire who she is and whence she
+has come and why also that delicate being hath come into this forest
+beset with thorns. Will this ornament of womankind, this slender-waisted
+lady of so much beauty, endued with handsome teeth and large eyes,
+accept me as her lord? I shall certainly regard myself successful, if I
+obtain the hand of this excellent lady. Go, Kotika, and enquire who her
+husband may be.' Thus asked, Kotika, wearing a kundala, jumped out of
+his chariot and came near her, as a jackal approacheth a tigress, and
+spake unto her these words."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXIII
+
+"Kotika said, 'Excellent lady, who art thou that standest alone, leaning
+on a branch of the _Kadamva_ tree at this hermitage and looking grand
+like a flame of fire blazing at night time, and fanned by the wind?
+Exquisitely beautiful as thou art, how is it that thou feelest not any
+fear in these forests? Methinks thou art a goddess, or a _Yakshi_, or a
+_Danavi_, or an excellent _Apsara_, or the wife of a _Daitya_, or a
+daughter of the _Naga_ king, or a _Rakshasi_ or the wife of Varuna, or
+of Yama, or of Soma, or of Kuvera, who, having assumed a human form,
+wanderest in these forests. Or, hast thou come from the mansions of
+Dhatri, or of Vidhatri, or of Savitri, or of Vibhu, or of Sakra? Thou
+dost not ask us who we are, nor do we know who protects thee here!
+Respectfully do we ask thee, good lady, who is thy powerful father, and,
+O, do tell us truly the names of thy husband, thy relatives, and thy
+race, and tell us also what thou dost here. As for us, I am king
+Suratha's son whom people know by the name of Kotika, and that man with
+eyes large as the petals of the lotus, sitting on a chariot of gold,
+like the sacrificial fire on the altar, is the warrior known by the name
+of Kshemankara, king of Trigarta. And behind him is the famous son of
+the king of Pulinda, who is even now gazing on thee. Armed with a mighty
+bow and endued with large eyes, and decorated with floral wreaths, he
+always liveth on the breasts of mountains. The dark and handsome young
+man, the scourge of his enemies, standing at the edge of that tank, is
+the son of Suvala of the race of Ikshwaku. And if, O excellent lady,
+thou hast ever heard the name of Jayadratha, the king of Sauviras, even
+he is there at the head of six thousand chariots, with horses and
+elephants and infantry, and followed by twelve Sauvira princes as his
+standard-bearers, named Angaraka, Kunjara, Guptaka, Satrunjaya,
+Srinjaya, Suprabiddha, Prabhankara, Bhramara, Ravi, Sura, Pratapa and
+Kuhana, all mounted on chariots drawn by chestnut horses and every one
+of them looking like the fire on the sacrificial altar. The brothers
+also of the king, viz., the powerful Valahaka, Anika, Vidarana and
+others, are among his followers. These strong-limbed and noble youths
+are the flowers of the Sauvira chivalry. The king is journeying in the
+company of these his friends, like Indra surrounded by the Maruts. O
+fine-haired lady, do tell us that are unacquainted (with these matters),
+whose wife and whose daughter thou art.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "The princess Draupadi, thus questioned by that
+ornament of Sivi's race, moved her eyes gently, and letting go her hold
+of the Kadamva branch and arranging her silken apparel she said, 'I am
+aware, O prince, that it is not proper for a person like me to address
+you thus, but as there is not another man or woman here to speak with
+thee and as I am alone here just now, let me, therefore, speak. Know,
+worthy sir, that being alone in this forest here, I should not speak
+unto thee, remembering the usages of my sex. I have learned, O Saivya,
+that thou art Suratha's son, whom people know by the name of Kotika.
+Therefore, on my part, I shall now tell thee of my relations and
+renowned race. I am the daughter of king Drupada, and people know me by
+the name of Krishna, and I have accepted as my husbands, five persons of
+whom you may have heard while they were living at Khandavaprastha. Those
+noble persons, viz., Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the two sons
+of Madri, leaving me here and having assigned unto themselves the four
+points of the horizon, have gone out on a hunting excursion. The king
+hath gone to the east, Bhimasena towards the south, Arjuna to the west,
+and the twin brothers towards the north! Therefore, do ye now alight and
+dismiss your carriages so that ye may depart after receiving a due
+welcome from them. The high-souled son of Dharma is fond of guests and
+will surely be delighted to see you!' Having addressed Saivya's son in
+this way, the daughter of Drupada, with face beautiful as the moon,
+remembering well her husband's character for hospitality, entered her
+spacious cottage."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O Bharata, Kotikakhya related to those princes who
+had been waiting, all that had passed between him and Krishna. And
+hearing Kotikakhya's words, Jayadratha said to that scion of the race of
+Sivi, 'Having listened only to her speech, my heart has been lovingly
+inclined towards that ornament of womankind. Why therefore, hast thou
+returned (thus unsuccessful)? I tell thee truly, O thou of mighty arms,
+that having once seen this lady, other women now seem to me like so many
+monkeys. I having looked at her, she has captivated my heart. Do tell
+me, O Saivya, if that excellent lady is of the human kind.' Kotika
+replied, 'This lady is the famous princess Krishna, the daughter of
+Drupada, and the celebrated wife of the five sons of Pandu. She is the
+much esteemed and beloved and chaste wife of the sons of Pritha. Taking
+her with thee, do thou proceed towards Sauvira!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the evil-minded Jayadratha, the
+king of Sindhu, Sauvira and other countries, said, 'I must see
+Draupadi.' And with six other men he entered that solitary hermitage,
+like a wolf entering the den of a lion. And he said unto Krishna, 'Hail
+to thee, excellent lady! Are thy husbands well and those, besides, whose
+prosperity thou always wishest.' Draupadi replied, 'Kunti's son king
+Yudhishthira of the race of Kuru, his brothers, myself, and all those of
+whom thou hast enquired of, are well. Is everything right with thy
+kingdom, thy government, exchequer, and thy army? Art thou, as sole
+ruler, governing with justice the rich countries of Saivya, Sivi, Sindhu
+and others that thou hast brought under thy sway? Do thou, O prince,
+accept this water for washing thy feet. Do thou also take this seat. I
+offer thee fifty animals for thy train's breakfast. Besides these,
+Yudhishthira himself, the son of Kunti, will give thee porcine deer and
+_Nanku_ deer, and does, and antelopes, and _Sarabhas_, and rabbits, and
+_Ruru_ deer, and bears, and _Samvara_ deer and gayals and many other
+animals, besides wild boars and buffaloes and other animals of the
+quadruped tribe.' Hearing this Jayadratha replied, saying, 'All is well
+with me. By offering to provide our breakfast, thou hast in a manner
+actually done it. Come now and ride my chariot and be completely happy.
+For it becomes not thee to have any regard for the miserable sons of
+Pritha who are living in the woods, whose energies have been paralysed,
+whose kingdom hath been snatched and whose fortunes are at the lowest
+ebb. A woman of sense like thee doth not attach herself to a husband
+that is poor. She should follow her lord when he is in prosperity but
+abandon him when in adversity. The sons of Pandu have for ever fallen
+away from their high state, and have lost their kingdom for all time to
+come. Thou hast no need, therefore, to partake of their misery from any
+regard for them. Therefore, O thou of beautiful hips, forsaking the sons
+of Pandu, be happy by becoming my wife, and share thou with me the
+kingdoms of Sindhu and Sauvira.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these frightful words of the king of
+Sindhu, Krishna retired from that place, her face furrowed into a frown
+owing to the contraction of her eye-brows. But disregarding his words
+from supreme contempt, the slender-waisted Krishna reproving said unto
+the king of Sindhu, 'Speak not thus again! Art thou not ashamed? Be on
+thy guard!' And that lady of irreproachable character anxiously
+expecting the return of her husband, began, with long speeches, to
+beguile him completely."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The daughter of Drupada, though naturally handsome,
+was suffused with crimson arising from a fit of anger. And with eyes
+inflamed and eye-brows bent in wrath, she reproved the ruler of the
+Suviras, saying, 'Art thou not ashamed, O fool, to use such insulting
+words in respect of those celebrated and terrible warriors, each like
+unto Indra himself, and who are all devoted to their duties and who
+never waver in fight with even hosts of _Yakshas_ and _Rakshasas_? O
+Sauvira, good men never speak ill of learned persons devoted to
+austerities and endued with learning, no matter whether they live in the
+wilderness or in houses. It is only wretches that are mean as thou who
+do so. Methinks there is none in this assemblage of Kshatriya, who is
+capable of holding thee by the hand to save thee from falling into the
+pit thou openest under thy feet. In hoping to vanquish king Yudhishthira
+the just, thou really hopest to separate, stick in hand, from a herd
+roaming in Himalayan valleys, its leader, huge as a mountain peak and
+with the temporal juice trickling down its rent temples. Out of childish
+folly thou art kicking up into wakefulness the powerful lion lying
+asleep, in order to pluck the hair from off his face! Thou shalt,
+however, have to run away when thou seest Bhimasena in wrath! Thy
+courting a combat with the furious Jishnu may be likened to thy kicking
+up a mighty, terrible, full-grown and furious lion asleep in a mountain
+cave. The encounter thou speakest of with those two excellent
+youths--the younger Pandavas--is like unto the act of a fool that
+wantonly trampleth on the tails of two venomous black cobras with
+bifurcated tongues. The bamboo, the reed, and the plantain bear fruit
+only to perish and not to grow in size any further. Like also the crab
+that conceiveth for her own destruction, thou wilt lay hands upon me who
+am protected by these mighty heroes!'
+
+"Jayadratha replied, 'I know all this, O Krishna, and I am well aware of
+the prowess of those princes. But thou canst not frighten us now with
+these threats. We, too, O Krishna, belong by birth to the seventeen high
+clans, and are endowed with the six royal qualities.[49] We, therefore,
+look down upon the Pandavas as inferior men! Therefore, do thou, O
+daughter of Drupada, ride this elephant or this chariot quickly, for
+thou canst not baffle us with thy words alone; or, speaking less
+boastfully, seek thou the mercy of the king of the Sauviras!'
+
+    [49] The six acts of a king are peace, war, marching, halting,
+    sowing dissention, and seeking protection.
+
+"Draupadi replied, 'Though I am so powerful, why doth the king of
+Sauvira yet consider me so powerless. Well-known as I am, I cannot, from
+fear of violence, demean myself before that prince. Even Indra himself
+cannot abduct her for whose protection Krishna and Arjuna would together
+follow, riding in the same chariot. What shall I say, therefore, of a
+weak human being. When Kiriti, that slayer of foes, riding on his car,
+will, on my account, enter thy ranks, striking terror into every heart,
+he will consume everything around like fire consuming a stack of dry
+grass in summer. The warring princes of the Andhaka and the Vrishni
+races, with Janardana at their head, and the mighty bowmen of the
+Kaikeya tribe, will all follow in my wake with great ardour. The
+terrible arrows of Dhananjaya, shot from the string of the _Gandiva_ and
+propelled by his arms fly with great force through the air, roaring like
+the very clouds. And when thou wilt behold Arjuna shooting from the
+_Gandiva_ a thick mass of mighty arrows like unto a flight of locusts,
+then wilt thou repent of thine own folly! Bethink thyself of what thou
+wilt feel when that warrior armed with the _Gandiva_, blowing his
+conch-shell and with gloves reverberating with the strokes of his
+bowstring will again and again pierce thy breast with his shafts. And
+when Bhima will advance towards thee, mace in hand and the two sons of
+Madri range in all directions, vomiting forth the venom of their wrath,
+thou wilt then experience pangs of keen regret that will last for ever.
+As I have never been false to my worthy lords even in thought, so by
+that merit shall I now have the pleasure of beholding thee vanquished
+and dragged by the sons of Pritha. Thou canst not, cruel as thou art,
+frighten me by seizing me with violence, for as soon as those Kuru
+warriors will espy me they will bring me back to the woods of Kamyaka.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then that lady of large eyes, beholding them
+ready to lay violent hands on her, rebuked them and said, 'Defile me not
+by your touch!' And in a great alarm she then called upon her spiritual
+adviser, Dhaumya. Jayadratha, however, seized her by her upper garment,
+but she pushed him with great vigour. And pushed by the lady, that
+sinful wretch fell upon the ground like a tree severed from its roots.
+Seized, however, once more by him with great violence, she began to pant
+for breath. And dragged by the wretch, Krishna at last ascended his
+chariot having worshipped Dhaumya's feet. And Dhaumya then addressed
+Jayadratha and said, 'Do thou, O Jayadratha, observe the ancient custom
+of the Kshatriyas. Thou canst not carry her off without having
+vanquished those great warriors. Without doubt, thou shalt reap the
+painful fruits of this thy despicable act, when thou encounterest the
+heroic sons of Pandu with Yudhishthira the just at their head!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words Dhaumya, entering into
+the midst of Jayadratha's infantry, began to follow that renowned
+princess who was thus being carried away by the ravisher."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile those foremost of bowmen on the face of
+the earth, having wandered separately and ranged in all directions, and
+having slain plenty of deer and buffaloes, at length met together. And
+observing that great forest, which was crowded with hosts of deer and
+wild beasts, resounding with the shrill cries of birds, and hearing the
+shrieks and yells of the denizens of the wilderness, Yudhishthira said
+unto his brothers, 'These birds and wild beasts, flying towards that
+direction which is illuminated by the sun, are uttering dissonant cries
+and displaying an intense excitement. All this only shows that this
+mighty forest hath been invaded by hostile intruders. Without a moment's
+delay let us give up the chase. We have no more need of game. My heart
+aches and seems to burn! The soul in my body, over-powering the
+intellect, seems ready to fly out. As a lake rid by Garuda of the mighty
+snake that dwells in it, as a pot drained of its contents by thirsty
+men, as a kingdom reft of king and prosperity, even so doth the forest
+of Kamyaka seem to me.' Thus addressed, those heroic warriors drove
+towards their abode, on great cars of handsome make and drawn by steeds
+of the _Saindharva_ breed exceedingly fleet and possessed of the speed
+of the hurricane. And on their way back, they beheld a jackal yelling
+hideously on the wayside towards their left. And king Yudhishthira,
+regarding it attentively, said unto Bhima and Dhananjaya, 'This jackal
+that belongs to a very inferior species of animals, speaking to our
+left, speaketh a language which plainly indicates that the sinful Kurus,
+disregarding us, have commenced to oppress us by resorting to violence.'
+After the sons of Pandu had given up the chase and said these words,
+they entered the grove which contained their hermitage. And there they
+found their beloved one's maid, the girl Dhatreyika, sobbing and
+weeping. And Indrasena then quickly alighting from the chariot and
+advancing with hasty steps towards her, questioned her, O king, in great
+distress of mind, saying, 'What makes thee weep thus, lying on the
+ground, and why is thy face so woe-begone and colourless? I hope no
+cruel wretches have done any harm to the princess Draupadi possessed of
+incomparable beauty and large eyes and who is the second self of every
+one of those bulls of the Kuru race? So anxious hath been Dharma's son
+that if the princess hath entered the bowels of the earth or hath soared
+to heaven or dived into the bottom of the ocean, he and his brothers
+will go thither in pursuit of her. Who could that fool be that would
+carry away that priceless jewel belonging to the mighty and
+ever-victorious sons of Pandu, those grinders of foes, and which is dear
+unto them as their own lives? I don't know who the person could be that
+would think of carrying away that princess who hath such powerful
+protectors and who is even like a walking embodiment of the hearts of
+the sons of Pandu? Piercing whose breasts will terrible shafts stick to
+the ground to-day? Do not weep for her, O timid girl, for know thou that
+Krishna will come back this very day, and the sons of Pritha, having
+slain their foes, will again be united with Yagnaseni!' Thus addressed
+by him, Dhatreyika, wiping her beautiful face, replied unto Indrasena
+the charioteer, saying, 'Disregarding the five Indra-like sons of Pandu,
+Jayadratha hath carried away Krishna by force. The track pursued by him
+hath not yet disappeared, for the broken branches of trees have not yet
+faded. Therefore, turn your cars and follow her quickly, for the
+princess cannot have gone far by this time! Ye warriors possessed of the
+prowess of Indra, putting on your costly bows of handsome make, and
+taking up your costly bows and quivers, speed ye in pursuit of her, lest
+overpowered by threats or violence and losing her sense and the colour
+of her cheeks, she yields herself up to an undeserving wight, even as
+one poureth forth, from the sacrificial ladle, the sanctified oblation
+on a heap of ashes. O, see that the clarified butter is not poured into
+an unigniting fire of paddy chaff; that a garland of flowers is not
+thrown away in a cemetery. O, take care that the _Soma_ juice of a
+sacrifice is not licked up by a dog through the carelessness of the
+officiating priests! O, let not the lily be rudely torn by a jackal
+roaming for its prey in the impenetrable forest. O, let no inferior
+wight touch with his lips the bright and beautiful face of your wife,
+fair as the beams of the moon and adorned with the finest nose and the
+handsomest eyes, like a dog licking clarified butter kept in the
+sacrificial pot! Do ye speed in this track and let not time steal a
+march on you.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Retire, good woman, and control thy tongue. Speak
+not this way before us. Kings or princes, whoever are infatuated with
+the possession of power, are sure to come to grief!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "With these words, they departed, following the
+track pointed out to them, and frequently breathing deep sighs like the
+hissing of snakes, and twanging the strings of their large bows. And
+then they observed a cloud of dust raised by the hoofs of the steeds
+belonging to Jayadratha's army. And they also saw Dhaumya in the midst
+of the ravisher's infantry, exhorting Bhima to quicken his steps. Then
+those princes (the sons of Pandu) with hearts undepressed, bade him be
+of good cheer and said unto him, 'Do thou return cheerfully!'--And then
+they rushed towards that host with great fury, like hawks swooping down
+on their prey. And possessed of the prowess of Indra, they had been
+filled with fury at the insult offered to Draupadi. But at sight of
+Jayadratha and of their beloved wife seated on his car, their fury knew
+no bounds. And those mighty bowmen, Bhima and Dhananjaya and the twin
+brothers and the king, called out Jayadratha to stop, upon which the
+enemy was so bewildered as to lose their knowledge of directions."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The hostile Kshatriyas, incensed at sight of
+Bhimasena and Arjuna, sent up a loud shout in the forest. And the wicked
+king Jayadratha, when he saw the standards of those bulls of the Kuru
+race, lost his heart, and addressing the resplendent Yagnaseni seated on
+his car, said, 'Those five great warriors, O Krishna, that are coming,
+are I believe, thy husbands. As thou knowest the sons of Pandu well, do
+thou, O lady of beautiful tresses, describe them one by one to us,
+pointing out which of them rideth which car!' Thus addressed, Draupadi
+replied, 'Having done this violent deed calculated to shorten thy life,
+what will it avail thee now, O fool, to know the names of those great
+warriors, for, now that my heroic husbands are come, not one of ye will
+be left alive in battle. However as thou art on the point of death and
+hast asked me, I will tell thee everything, this being consistent with
+the ordinance. Beholding king Yudhishthira the just with his younger
+brothers, I have not the slightest anxiety or fear from thee! That
+warrior at the top of whose flagstaff two handsome and sonorous tabours
+called _Nanda_ and _Upananda_ are constantly played upon,--he, O Sauvira
+chief, hath a correct knowledge of the morality of his own acts. Men
+that have attained success always walk in his train. With a complexion
+like that of pure gold, possessed of a prominent nose and large eyes,
+and endued with a slender make, that husband of mine is known among
+people by the name of Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma and the foremost
+of the Kuru race. That virtuous prince of men granteth life to even a
+foe that yields. Therefore, O fool, throwing down thy arms and joining
+thy hands, run to him for thy good, to seek his protection. And that
+other man whom thou seest with long arms and tall as the full-grown
+_Sala_ tree, seated on his chariot, biting his lips, and contracting his
+forehead so as to bring the two eye-brows together, is he,--my husband
+Vrikodara! Steeds of the noblest breed, plump and strong, well-trained
+and endued with great might, draw the cars of that warrior! His
+achievements are superhuman. He is known, therefore, by the name of
+_Bhima_ on earth. They that offend him are never suffered to live. He
+never forgetteth a foe. On some pretext or other he wrecketh his
+vengeance. Nor is he pacified even after he has wrecked a signal
+vengeance. And there, that foremost of bowmen, endued with intelligence
+and renown, with senses under complete control and reverence for the
+old--that brother and disciple of Yudhishthira--is my husband
+Dhananjaya! Virtue he never forsaketh, from lust or fear or anger! Nor
+doth he ever commit a deed that is cruel. Endued with the energy of fire
+and capable of withstanding every foe, that grinder of enemies is the
+son of Kunti. And that other youth, versed in every question of morality
+and profit, who ever dispelleth the fears of the affrighted, who is
+endued with high wisdom, who is considered as the handsomest person in
+the whole world and who is protected by all the sons of Pandu, being
+regarded by them as dearer to them than their own lives for his
+unflinching devotion to them, is my husband Nakula possessed of great
+prowess. Endued with high wisdom and having Sahadeva for his second,
+possessed of exceeding lightness of hand, he fighteth with the sword,
+making dexterous passes therewith. Thou, foolish man, shall witness
+today his performances on the field of battle, like unto those of Indra
+amid the ranks of Daityas! And that hero skilled in weapons and
+possessed of intelligence and wisdom, and intent on doing what is
+agreeable to the son of Dharma, that favourite and youngest born of the
+Pandavas, is my husband Sahadeva! Heroic, intelligent, wise and ever
+wrathful there is not another man equal unto him in intelligence or in
+eloquence amid assemblies of the wise. Dearer to Kunti than her own
+soul, he is always mindful of the duties of Kshatriyas, and would much
+sooner rush into fire or sacrifice his own life than say anything that
+is opposed to religion and morals. When the sons of Pandu will have
+killed thy warriors in battle, then wilt thou behold thy army in the
+miserable plight of a ship on the sea wrecked with its freight of jewels
+on the back of a whale. Thus have I described unto thee the prowess of
+the sons of Pandu, disregarding whom in thy foolishness, thou hast acted
+so. If thou escapest unscathed from them, then, indeed thou wilt have
+obtained a new lease of life.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then those five sons of Pritha, each like unto
+Indra, filled with wrath, leaving the panic-stricken infantry alone who
+were imploring them for mercy, rushed furiously upon the charioteers,
+attacking them on all sides and darkening the very air with the thick
+shower of arrows they shot."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile, the king of Sindhu was giving orders to
+those princes, saying, 'Halt, strike, march, quick,' and like. And on
+seeing Bhima, Arjuna and the twin brothers with Yudhishthira, the
+soldiers sent up a loud shout on the field of battle. And the warriors
+of the Sivi, Sauvira and Sindhu tribes, at the sight of those powerful
+heroes looking like fierce tigers, lost heart. And Bhimasena, armed with
+a mace entirely of Saikya iron and embossed with gold, rushed towards
+the Saindhava monarch doomed to death. But Kotikakhya, speedily
+surrounding Vrikodara with an array of mighty charioteers, interposed
+between and separated the combatants. And Bhima, though assailed with
+numberless spears and clubs and iron arrows hurled at him by the strong
+arms of hostile heroes, did not waver for one moment. On the other hand,
+he killed, with his mace, an elephant with its driver and fourteen
+foot-soldiers fighting in the front of Jayadratha's car. And Arjuna
+also, desirous of capturing the Sauvira king, slew five hundred brave
+mountaineers fighting in the van of the Sindhu army. And in that
+encounter, the king himself slew in the twinkling of an eye, a hundred
+of the best warriors of the Sauviras. And Nakula too, sword in hand,
+jumping out of his chariot, scattered in a moment, like a tiller sowing
+seeds, the heads of the combatants fighting in the rear. And Sahadeva
+from his chariot began to fell with his iron shafts, many warriors
+fighting on elephants, like birds dropped from the boughs of a tree.
+Then the king of Trigartas, bow in hand descending from his great
+chariot, killed the four steeds of the king with his mace. But Kunti's
+son, king Yudhishthira the just, seeing the foe approach so near, and
+fighting on foot, pierced his breast with a crescent-shaped arrow. And
+that hero, thus wounded in the breast began to vomit blood, and fell
+down upon the ground besides Pritha's son, like an uprooted tree. And
+king Yudhishthira the just, whose steeds had been slain taking this
+opportunity, descended with Indrasena from his chariot and mounted that
+of Sahadeva. And the two warriors, Kshemankara and Mahamuksha, singling
+out Nakula, began to pour on him from both sides a perfect shower of
+keen-edged arrows. The son of Madri, however, succeeded in slaying, with
+a couple of long shafts, both those warriors who had been pouring on him
+an arrowy shower--like clouds in the rainy season. Suratha, the king of
+Trigartas, well-versed in elephant-charges, approaching the front of
+Nakula's chariot, caused it to be dragged by the elephant he rode. But
+Nakula, little daunted at this, leaped out of his chariot, and securing
+a point of vantage, stood shield and sword in hand, immovable as a hill.
+Thereupon Suratha, wishing to slay Nakula at once, urged towards him his
+huge and infuriate elephant with trunk upraised. But when the beast came
+near, Nakula with his sword severed from his head both trunk and tusks.
+And that mail-clad elephant, uttering a frightful roar, fell headlong
+upon the ground, crushing its riders by the fall. And having achieved
+this daring feat, the heroic son of Madri, getting up on Bhimasena's
+car, obtained a little rest. And Bhima too, seeing prince Kotikakhya
+rush to the encounter, cut off the head of his charioteer with a
+horse-shoe arrow. That prince did not even perceive that his driver was
+killed by his strong-armed adversary, and his horses, no longer
+restrained by a driver, ran about on the battle-field in all directions.
+And seeing that prince without a driver turn his back, that foremost of
+smiters, Bhima the son of Pandu, went up to him and slew him with a
+bearded dart. And Dhananjaya also cut off with his sharp crescent-shaped
+arrows, the heads, as well as the bows of all the twelve Sauvira heroes.
+And the great warrior killed in battle, with the arrow, the leaders of
+the Ikshwakus and the hosts of Sivis and Trigartas and Saindhavas. And a
+great many elephants with their colours, and chariots with standards,
+were seen to fall by the hand of Arjuna. And heads without trunks, and
+trunks without heads, lay covering the entire field of battle. And dogs,
+and herons and ravens, and crows, and falcons, and jackals, and
+vultures, feasted on the flesh and blood of warriors slain on that
+field. And when Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, saw that his warriors
+were slain, he became terrified and anxious to run away leaving Krishna
+behind. And in that general confusion, the wretch, setting down Draupadi
+there, fled for his life, pursuing the same forest path by which he had
+come. And king Yudhishthira the just, seeing Draupadi with Dhaumya
+walking before, caused her to be taken up on a chariot by the heroic
+Sahadeva, the son of Madri. And when Jayadratha had fled away Bhima
+began to mow down with his iron-arrows such of his followers as were
+running away striking each trooper down after naming him. But Arjuna
+perceiving that Jayadratha had run away exhorted his brother to refrain
+from slaughtering the remnant of the Saindhava host. And Arjuna said, 'I
+do not find on the field of battle Jayadratha through whose fault alone
+we have experienced this bitter misfortune! Seek him out first and may
+success crown thy effort! What is the good of thy slaughtering these
+troopers? Why art thou bent upon this unprofitable business?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Bhimasena, thus exhorted by Arjuna of great
+wisdom, turning to Yudhishthira, replied, saying, 'As a great many of
+the enemy's warriors have been slain and as they are flying in all
+directions, do thou, O king, now return home, taking with thee Draupadi
+and the twin brothers and high-souled Dhaumya, and console the princess
+after getting back to our asylum! That foolish king of Sindhu I shall
+not let alone as long as he lives, even if he find a shelter in the
+infernal regions or is backed by Indra himself!' And Yudhishthira
+replied, saying, 'O thou of mighty arms remembering (our sister) Dussala
+and the celebrated Gandhari, thou shouldst not slay the king of Sindhu
+even though he is so wicked!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words, Draupadi was greatly
+excited. And that highly intelligent lady in her excitement said to her
+two husbands, Bhima and Arjuna with indignation mixed with modesty, 'If
+you care to do what is agreeable to me, you must slay that mean and
+despicable wretch, that sinful, foolish, infamous and contemptible chief
+of the Saindhava clan! That foe who forcibly carries away a wife, and he
+that wrests a kingdom, should never be forgiven on the battle-field,
+even though he should supplicate for mercy!' Thus admonished, those two
+valiant warriors went in search of the Saindhava chief. And the king
+taking Krishna with him returned home, accompanied by his spiritual
+adviser. And on entering the hermitage, he found it was laid over with
+seats for the ascetics and crowded with their disciples and graced with
+the presence of Markandeya and other Brahmanas. And while those
+Brahmanas were gravely bewailing the lot of Draupadi, Yudhishthira
+endued with great wisdom joined their company, with his brothers. And
+beholding the king thus come back after having defeated the Saindhava
+and the Sauvira host and recovered Draupadi, they were all elated with
+joy! And the king took his seat in their midst. And the excellent
+princess Krishna entered the hermitage with the two brothers.
+
+"Meanwhile Bhima and Arjuna, learning the enemy was full two miles ahead
+of them urged their horses to greater speed in pursuit of him. And the
+mighty Arjuna performed a wonderful deed, killing the horse of
+Jayadratha although they were full two miles ahead of them. Armed with
+celestial weapons undaunted by difficulties he achieved this difficult
+feat with arrows inspired with _Mantras_. And then the two warriors,
+Bhima and Arjuna, rushed towards the terrified king of Sindhu whose
+horses had been slain and who was alone and perplexed in mind. And the
+latter was greatly grieved on seeing his steeds slain. And beholding
+Dhananjaya do such a daring deed, and intent on running away, he
+followed the same forest track by which he had come. And Phalguna,
+seeing the Saindhava chief so active in his fright, overtook him and
+addressed him saying, 'Possessed of so little manliness, how couldst
+thou dare to take away a lady by force? Turn round, O prince; it is not
+meet that thou shouldst run away! How canst thou act so, leaving thy
+followers in the midst of thy foes?' Although addressed by the sons of
+Pritha thus, the monarch of Sindhu did not even once turn round. And
+then bidding him to what he chose the mighty Bhima overtook him in an
+instant, but the kind Arjuna entreated him not to kill that wretch."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Jayadratha flying for his life upon beholding those
+two brothers with upraised arms, was sorely grieved and bolted off with
+speed and coolness. But the mighty and indignant Bhimasena, descending
+from his chariot, ran after him thus fleeing, and seized him by the hair
+of his head. And holding him high up in the air, Bhima thrust him on the
+ground with violence. And seizing the prince by the head, he knocked him
+about. And when the wretch recovered consciousness, he groaned aloud and
+wanted to get up on his legs. But that hero endued with mighty arms
+kicked him on the head. And Bhima pressed him on the breast with his
+knees as well as with his fists. And the prince thus belaboured, soon
+became insensible. Then Phalguna dissuaded the wrathful Bhimasena from
+inflicting further chastisement on the prince, by reminding him of what
+Yudhishthira had said regarding (their sister) Dussala. But Bhima
+replied, saying, 'This sinful wretch hath done a cruel injury to
+Krishna, who never can bear such treatment. He, therefore, deserveth to
+die at my hands! But what can I do? The king is always overflowing with
+mercy, and thou, too, art constantly putting obstacles in my way from a
+childish sense of virtue!' Having said these words, Vrikodara, with his
+crescent-shaped arrow, shaved the hair of the prince's head, heaving
+five tufts in as many places. Jayadratha uttered not a word at this.
+Then Vrikodara, addressing the foe said, 'If thou wishest to live,
+listen to me. O fool! I shall tell thee the means to attain that wish!
+In public assemblies and in open courts thou must say,--I am the slave
+of the Pandavas.--on this condition alone, I will pardon thee thy life!
+This is the customary rule of conquest on the field of battle.' Thus
+addressed and treated, king Jayadratha said to the mighty and fierce
+warrior who always looked awful, 'Be it so!' And he was trembling and
+senseless and begrimed with dust. Then Arjuna and Vrikodara, securing
+him with chains, thrust him into a chariot. And Bhima, himself mounting
+that chariot, and accompanied by Arjuna, drove towards the hermitage.
+And approaching Yudhishthira seated there, he placed Jayadratha in that
+condition before the king. And the king, smiling, told him to set the
+Sindhu prince at liberty. Then Bhima said unto the king, 'Do thou tell
+Draupadi that this wretch hath become the slave of the Pandavas.' Then
+his eldest brother said unto him affectionately, 'If thou hast any
+regard for us, do thou set this wretch at liberty!' And Draupadi too,
+reading the king's mind, said, 'Let him off! He hath become a slave of
+the king's and thou, too, hast disfigured him by leaving five tufts of
+hair on his head.' Then that crest-fallen prince, having obtained his
+liberty, approached king Yudhishthira and bowed down unto him. And
+seeing those _Munis_ there, he saluted them also. Then the kind-hearted
+king Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, beholding Jayadratha in that
+condition, almost supported by Arjuna, said unto him, 'Thou art a free
+man now; I emancipate thee! Now go away and be careful not to do such
+thing again; shame to thee! Thou hadst intended to take away a lady by
+violence, even though thou art so mean and powerless! What other wretch
+save thee would think of acting thus?' Then that foremost king of
+Bharata's race eyed with pity that perpetrator of wicked deeds, and
+believing that he had lost his senses, said, 'Mayst thy heart grow in
+virtue! Never set thy heart again on immoral deeds! Thou mayst depart in
+peace now with thy charioteers, cavalry and infantry.' Thus addressed by
+Yudhishthira, the prince, O Bharata, was overpowered with shame, and
+bending down his head, he silently and sorrowfully wended his way to the
+place where the Ganga debouches on the plains. And imploring the
+protection of the god of three eyes, the consort of Uma, he did severe
+penance at that place. And the three-eyed god, pleased with his
+austerities deigned to accept his offerings in person. And he also
+granted him a boon! Do thou listen, O monarch, how the prince received
+that boon! Jayadratha, addressing that god, asked the boon, 'May I be
+able to defeat in battle all the five sons of Pandu on their chariots!'
+The god, however, told him 'This cannot be.' And Maheswara said, 'None
+can slay or conquer them in battle. Save Arjuna, however, thou shall be
+able to only check them (once) on the field of battle! The heroic
+Arjuna, with mighty arms, is the god incarnate styled _Nara_. He
+practised austerities of old in the Vadari forest. The God _Narayana_ is
+his friend. Therefore, he is unconquerable of the very gods. I myself
+have given him the celestial weapon called _Pasupata_. From the regents
+also of all the ten cardinal points, he has acquired the thunder-bolt
+and other mighty weapons. And the great god Vishnu who is the Infinite
+Spirit, the Lord Preceptor of all the gods, is the Supreme Being without
+attributes, and the Soul of the Universe, and existeth pervading the
+whole creation. At the termination of a cycle of ages, assuming the
+shape of the all-consuming fire, he consumed the whole Universe with
+mountains and seas and islands and hills and woods and forests. And
+after the destruction of the _Naga_ world also in the subterranean
+regions in the same way, vast masses of many-coloured and loud-pealing
+clouds, with streaks of lightning, spreading along the entire welkin,
+had appeared on high. Then pouring down water in torrents thick as axles
+of cars, and filling the space everywhere, these extinguishing that
+all-consuming fire! When at the close of four thousand _Yugas_ the Earth
+thus became flooded with water, like one vast sea, and all mobile
+creatures were hushed in death, and the sun and the moon and the winds
+were all destroyed, and the Universe was devoid of planets and stars,
+the Supreme Being called Narayana, unknowable by the senses, adorned
+with a thousand heads and as many eyes and legs, became desirous of
+rest. And the serpent Sesha, looking terrible with his thousand hoods,
+and shining with the splendour of ten thousand suns, and white as the
+_Kunda_ flower or the moon or a string of pearls, or the white lotus, or
+milk, or the fibres of a lotus stalk, served for his conch. And that
+adorable and omnipotent God thus slept on the bosom of the deep,
+enveloping all space with nocturnal gloom. And when his creative faculty
+was excited, he awoke and found the Universe denuded of everything. In
+this connection, the following _sloka_ is recited respecting the meaning
+of _Narayana_. "Water was created by (the _Rishi_) _Nara_, and it formed
+his corpus; therefore do we hear it styled as _Nara_. And because it
+formed his _Ayana_ (resting-place) therefore is he known as _Narayana_."
+As soon as that everlasting Being was engaged in meditation for the
+re-creation of the Universe, a lotus flower instantaneously came into
+existence from his navel, and the four-faced _Brahma_ came out of that
+navel-lotus. And then the Grandsire of all creatures, seating himself on
+that flower and finding that the whole Universe was a blank, created in
+his own likeness, and from his will, the (nine) great _Rishis, Marichi_
+and others. And these in their turn observing the same thing, completed
+the creation, by creating _Yakshas, Rakshas, Pisachas_, reptiles, men,
+and all mobile and immobile creatures. The Supreme Spirit hath three
+conditions. In the form of Brahma, he is the Creator, and in the form of
+Vishnu he is the Preserver, and in his form as Rudra, he is the
+Destroyer of the Universe! O king of Sindhu, hast thou not heard of the
+wonderful achievements of Vishnu, described to thee by the _Munis_ and
+the Brahmanas learned in the _Vedas_? When the world was thus reduced to
+one vast sea of water, with only the heavens above, the Lord, like a
+fire-fly at night-time during the rainy season, moved about hither and
+thither in search of stable ground, with the view of rehabilitating his
+creation, and became desirous of raising the Earth submerged in water.
+_What shape shall I take to rescue the Earth from this flood!_--So
+thinking and contemplating with divine insight, he bethought himself of
+the shape of a wild boar fond of sporting in water. And assuming the
+shape of a sacrificial boar shining with effulgence and instinct with
+the _Vedas_ and ten _Yojanas_ in length, with pointed tusks and a
+complexion like dark clouds, and with a body huge as a mountain, and
+roaring like a conglomeration of clouds, the Lord plunged into the
+waters, and lifted up the Earth with one of his tusks, and replaced it
+in its proper sphere. At another time, the mighty Lord, assuming a
+wonderful form with a body half lion, half man, and squeezing his hands,
+repaired to the court of the ruler of the _Daityas_. That progenitor of
+the _Daityas_, the son of _Diti_, who was the enemy of the (gods),
+beholding the Lord's peculiar form, burst out into passion and his eyes
+became inflamed with rage. And Hiranya-Kasipu, the war-like son of Diti
+and the enemy of the gods, adorned with garlands and looking like a mass
+of dark clouds, taking up his trident in hand and roaring like the
+clouds, rushed on that being half lion, half man. Then that powerful
+king of wild beasts, half man, half lion, taking a leap in the air,
+instantly rent the _Daitya_ in twain by means of his sharp claws. And
+the adorable lotus-eyed Lord of great effulgence, having thus slain the
+_Daitya_ king for the well-being of all creatures, again took his birth
+in the womb of _Aditi_ as son of Kasyapa. And at the expiration of a
+thousand years she was delivered of that superhuman conception. And then
+was born that Being, of the hue of rain-charged clouds with bright eyes
+and of dwarfish stature. He had the ascetic's staff and water-pot in
+hand, and was marked with the emblem of a curl of hair on the breast.
+And that adorable Being wore matted locks and the sacrificial thread,
+and he was stout and handsome and resplendent with lustre. And that
+Being, arriving at the sacrificial enclosure of Vali, king of the
+_Danavas_, entered the sacrificial assembly with the aid of Vrihaspati.
+And beholding that dwarf-bodied Being, Vali was well-pleased and said
+unto him, "I am glad to see thee, O Brahmana! Say what is it that thou
+wantest from me!" Thus addressed by Vali, the dwarf-god replied with a
+smile, saying, "So be it! Do thou, lord of the _Danavas_, give me three
+paces of ground!" And Vali contented to give what that Brahmana of
+infinite power had asked. And while measuring with his paces the space
+he sought, Hari assumed a wonderful and extraordinary form. And with
+only three paces he instantly covered this illimitable world. And then
+that everlasting God, Vishnu, gave it away unto Indra. This history
+which has just been related to thee, is celebrated as the "_Incarnation
+of the Dwarf_." And from him, all the gods had their being, and after
+him the world is said to be _Vaishnava_, or pervaded by Vishnu. And for
+the destruction of the wicked and the preservation of religion, even He
+hath taken his birth among men in the race of the Yadus. And the
+adorable Vishnu is styled Krishna. These, O king of Sindhu, are the
+achievements of the Lord whom all the worlds worship and whom the
+learned describe as without beginning and without end, unborn and
+Divine! They call Him, the unconquerable Krishna with conchshell, discus
+and mace, and adorned with the emblem of a curl of hair, Divine, clad in
+silken robes of yellow hue, and the best of those versed in the art of
+war. Arjuna is protected by Krishna the possessor of these attributes.
+That glorious and lotus-eyed Being of infinite power, that slayer of
+hostile heroes, riding in the same chariot with Pritha's son, protecteth
+him! He is, therefore, invincible; the very gods cannot resist his
+power, still less can one with human attributes vanquish the son of
+Pritha in battle! Therefore, O king, thou must let him alone! Thou
+shalt, however, be able to vanquish for a single day only, the rest of
+Yudhishthira's forces along with thine enemies--the four sons of
+Pandu!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words unto that prince, the
+adorable Hara of three eyes, the destroyer of all sins, the consort of
+Uma, and lord of wild beasts, the destroyer of (Daksha's) sacrifice, the
+slayer of Tripura and He that had plucked out the eyes of Bhaga,
+surrounded by his dwarfish and hunch-backed and terrible followers
+having frightful eyes and ears and uplifted arms, vanished, O tiger
+among kings, from that place with his consort Uma! And the wicked
+Jayadratha also returned home, and the sons of Pandu continued to dwell
+in the forest of Kamyaka."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXI
+
+Janamejaya said, "What did those tigers among men, the Pandavas, do,
+after they had suffered such misery in consequence of the ravishment of
+Draupadi?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated Jayadratha and rescued Krishna, the
+virtuous king Yudhishthira took his seat by the side of that best of
+_Munis_. And among those foremost of ascetics who were expressing their
+grief upon hearing Draupadi's misfortune, Yudhishthira, the son of
+Pandu, addressed Markandeya, saying, 'O adorable Sire, amongst the gods
+and the ascetics, thou art known to have the fullest knowledge of both
+the past as well as the future. A doubt existeth in my mind, which I
+would ask thee to solve! This lady is the daughter of Drupada; she hath
+issued from the sacrificial altar and hath not been begotten of the
+flesh; and she is highly blessed and is also the daughter-in-law of the
+illustrious Pandu. I incline to think that Time, and human Destiny that
+dependeth on our acts, and the Inevitable, are irresistible in respect
+of creatures. (If it were not so), how could such a misfortune afflict
+this wife of ours so faithful and virtuous, like a false accusation of
+theft against an honest man? The daughter of Drupada hath never
+committed any sinful act, nor hath she done anything that is not
+commendable: on the contrary, she hath assiduously practised the highest
+virtues towards Brahmanas. And yet the foolish king Jayadratha had
+carried her away by force. In consequence of this act of violence on
+her, that sinful wretch hath his hair shaved off his head and sustained
+also, with all his allies, defeat in battle. It is true we have rescued
+her after slaughtering the troops of Sindhu. But the disgrace of this
+ravishment of our wife during our hours of carelessness, hath stained
+us, to be sure. This life in the wilderness is full of miseries. We
+subsist by chase; and though dwelling in the woods, we are obliged to
+slay the denizens thereof that live with us! This exile also that we
+suffer is due to the act of deceitful kinsmen! Is there any one who is
+more unfortunate than I am? Hath thou ever seen or heard of such a one
+before?'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O bull of the Bharata race, even Rama suffered
+unparalleled misery, for the evil-minded Ravana, king of the Rakshasas,
+having recourse to deceit and overpowering the vulture Jatayu, forcibly
+carried away his wife Sita from his asylum in the woods. Indeed, Rama,
+with the help of Sugriva, brought her back, constructing a bridge across
+the sea, and consuming Lanka with his keen-edged arrows.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'In what race was Rama born and what was the measure
+of his might and prowess? Whose son also was Ravana and for what was it
+that he had any misunderstanding with Rama? It behoveth thee, O
+illustrious one, to tell me all this in detail; for I long to hear the
+story of Rama of great achievements!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O prince of Bharata's race, to this old
+history exactly as it happened! I will tell thee all about the distress
+suffered by Rama together with his wife. There was a great king named
+Aja sprung from the race of Ikshwaku. He had a son named Dasaratha who
+was devoted to the study of the Vedas and was ever pure. And Dasaratha
+had four sons conversant with morality and profit known by the names,
+respectively, of Rama, Lakshmana, Satrughna, and the mighty Bharata. And
+Rama had for his mother Kausalya, and Bharata had for his mother
+Kaikeyi, while those scourges of their enemies Lakshmana and Satrughna
+were the sons of Sumitra. And Janaka was the king of Videha, and Sita
+was his daughter. And Tashtri himself created her, desiring to make her
+the beloved wife of Rama. I have now told thee the history of both
+Rama's and Sita's birth. And now, O king, I will relate unto thee the
+birth of Ravana. That Lord of all creatures and the Creator of the
+Universe viz., the Self-create Prajapati himself--that god possessed of
+great ascetic merit--is the grandfather of Ravana. And Pulastya hath a
+mighty son called Vaisravana begotten of a cow. But his son, leaving his
+father, went to his grandfather. And, O king, angered at this, his
+father then created a second self of himself. And with half of his own
+self that regenerate one became born of Visrava for wrecking a vengeance
+on Vaisravana. But the Grandsire, pleased with Vaisravana, gave him
+immortality, and sovereignty of all the wealth of the Universe, the
+guardianship of one of the cardinal points, the friendship of Isana, and
+a son named Nalakuvera. And he also gave him for his capital Lanka,
+which was guarded by hosts of Rakshasas, and also a chariot called
+Pushpaka capable of going everywhere according to the will of the rider.
+And the kingship of the Yakshas and the sovereignty over sovereigns were
+also his.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The Muni named Visrava, who was begotten of half the
+soul of Pulastya, in a fit of passion, began to look upon Vaisravana
+with great anger. But, O monarch, Kuvera, the king of the Rakshasas,
+knowing that his father was angry with him, always sought to please him.
+And, O best of Bharata's race, that king of kings living in Lanka, and
+borne upon the shoulders of men, sent three Rakshasa women to wait upon
+his father. Their names, O king, were Pushpotkata, Raka and Malini. And
+they were skilled in singing and dancing and were always assiduous in
+their attentions on that high-souled Rishi. And those slender-waisted
+ladies vied with one another, O king, in gratifying the Rishi. And that
+high-souled and adorable being was pleased with them and granted them
+boons. And to every one of them he gave princely sons according to their
+desire. Two sons--those foremost of Rakshasas named Kumvakarna and the
+Ten-headed Ravana,--both unequaled on earth in prowess, were born to
+Pushpotkata. And Malini had a son named Vibhishana, and Raka had twin
+children named Khara and Surpanakha. And Vibhishana surpassed them all
+in beauty. And that excellent person was very pious and assiduously
+performed all religious rites. But that foremost of Rakshasas, with ten
+heads, was the eldest to them all. And he was religious, and energetic
+and possessed of great strength and prowess. And the Rakshasa Kumvakarna
+was the most powerful in battle, for he was fierce and terrible and a
+thorough master of the arts of illusion. And Khara was proficient in
+archery, and hostile to the Brahmanas, subsisting as he did on flesh.
+And the fierce Surpanakha was constant source of trouble to the
+ascetics. And the warriors, learned in the Vedas and diligent in
+ceremonial rites, all lived with their father in the Gandhamadana. And
+there they beheld Vaisravana seated with their father, possessed of
+riches and borne on the shoulders of men. And seized with jealousy, they
+resolved upon performing penances. And with ascetic penances of the most
+severe kind, they gratified Brahma. And the Ten-headed Ravana,
+supporting life by means of air alone and surrounded by the five sacred
+fires and absorbed in meditation, remained standing on one leg for a
+thousand years. And Kumvakarna with head downwards, and with restricted
+diet, was constant in austerities. And the wise and magnanimous
+Vibhishana, observing fasts and subsisting only on dry leaves and
+engaged in meditation, practised severe austerities for a long period.
+And Khara and Surpanakha, with cheerful hearts, protected and attended
+on them while they were performing those austerities. And at the close
+of a thousand years, the invincible Ten-headed One, cutting off his own
+heads, offered them as offering to the sacred fire. And at this act of
+his, the Lord of the Universe was pleased with him. And then Brahma,
+personally appearing to them, bade them desist from those austerities
+and promised to grant boons unto every one of them. And the adorable
+Brahma said, "I am pleased with you, my sons! Cease now from these
+austerities and ask boons of me! Whatever your desires may be, they,
+with the single exception of that of immortality, will be fulfilled! As
+thou hast offered thy heads to the fire from great ambition, they will
+again adorn thy body as before, according to thy desire. And thy body
+will not be disfigured and thou shall be able to assume any form
+according to thy desire and become the conqueror of thy foes in battle.
+There is no doubt of this!" thereupon Ravana said, "May I never
+experience defeat at the hands of Gandharvas, Celestials, Kinnaras,
+Asuras, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Serpents and all other creatures!" Brahma
+said, "From those that hast named, thou shalt never have cause of fear;
+except from men (thou shalt have no occasion for fear). Good betide
+thee! So hath it been ordained by me!"'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed, the Ten-headed (Ravana) was highly
+gratified, for on account of his perverted understanding, the man-eating
+one slighted human beings. Then the great Grandsire addressed
+Kumbhakarna as before. His reason being clouded by darkness, he asked
+for long-lasting sleep. Saying, "It shall be so!" Brahma then addressed
+Vibhishana, "O my son, I am much pleased with thee! Ask any boon thou
+pleasest!" Thereupon, Vibhishana replied, "Even in great danger, may I
+never swerve from the path of righteousness, and though ignorant, may I,
+O adorable Sire, be illumined with the light of divine knowledge!" And
+Brahma replied, "O scourge of thy enemies, as thy soul inclines not to
+unrighteousness although born in the _Rakshasa race_, I grant thee
+immortality!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having obtained this boon, the Ten-headed
+Rakshasa defeated Kuvera in battle and obtained from him the sovereignty
+of Lanka. That adorable Being, leaving Lanka and followed by Gandharvas,
+Yakshas, Rakshas, and Kinnaras, went to live on mount Gandhamadana. And
+Ravana forcibly took from him the celestial chariot _Pushpaka_. And upon
+this Vaisravana cursed him, saying, "This chariot shall never carry
+thee; it shall bear him who will slay thee in battle! And as thou hast
+insulted me, thy elder brother, thou shalt soon die!"
+
+"'The pious Vibhishana, O King, treading in the path followed by the
+virtuous and possessed of great glory, followed Kuvera. That adorable
+Lord of wealth, highly pleased with his younger brothers, invested him
+with the command of the Yaksha and Raksha hosts. On the other hand, the
+powerful and man-eating _Rakshasas_ and _Pisachas_, having assembled
+together, invested the Ten-headed Ravana with their sovereignty. And
+Ravana, capable of assuming any form at will and terrible in prowess,
+and capable also of passing through the air, attacked the gods and the
+_Daityas_ and wrested from them all their valuable possessions. And as
+he had terrified all creatures, he was called _Ravana_. And Ravana,
+capable of mustering any measure of might inspired the very gods with
+terror.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXIV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Then the _Brahmarshis_, the _Siddhas_ and the
+_Devarshis_, with _Havyavaha_ as their spokesman, sought the protection
+of Brahma. And Agni said, "That powerful son of Visrava, the Ten-headed
+cannot be slain on account of thy boon! Endued with great might he
+oppresseth in every possible way the creatures of the earth. Protect us,
+therefore, O adorable one! There is none else save thee to protect us!"
+
+"'Brahma said, "O Agni, he cannot be conquered in battle by either the
+gods or the _Asuras_! I have already ordained that which is needful for
+that purpose. Indeed his death is near! Urged by me, the four-headed God
+hath already been incarnate for that object. Even Vishnu, that foremost
+of smiters will achieve that object!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then the Grandsire also asked Sakra, in their
+presence, "Be thou, with all the celestials, born on earth! And beget ye
+on monkeys and bears, heroic sons possessed of great strength and
+capable of assuming any form at will as allies of Vishnu!" And at this,
+the gods, the _Gandharvas_ and the _Danavas_ quickly assembled to take
+counsel as to how they should be born on earth according to their
+respective parts. And in their presence the boon-giving god commanded a
+_Gandharvi_, by name Dundubhi saying, "Go there for accomplishing this
+object!" And Dundubhi hearing these words of the Grandsire was born in
+the world of men as the hunchbacked _Manthara_. And all the principal
+celestials, with Sakra and others begot offspring upon the wives of the
+foremost of monkeys and bears. And those sons equaled their sires in
+strength and fame. And they were capable of splitting mountain peaks and
+their weapons were stones and trees of the _Sala_ and the _Tala_
+species. And their bodies were hard as adamant, and they were possessed
+of very great strength. And they were all skilled in war and capable of
+mustering any measure of energy at will. And they were equal to a
+thousand elephants in might, and they resembled the wind in speed. And
+some of them lived wherever they liked, while others lived in forests.
+And the adorable Creator of the Universe, having ordained all this,
+instructed _Manthara_ as to what she would have to do. And Manthara
+quick as thought, understood all his words, and went hither and thither
+ever engaged in fomenting quarrels.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXV
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O adorable one, thou hast described to me in detail
+the history of the birth of Rama and others. I wish to learn the cause
+of their exile. Do thou, O Brahmana, relate why the sons of
+Dasaratha--the brothers Rama and Lakshmana--went to the forest with
+famous princess of Mithila.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The pious king Dasaratha, ever mindful of the old and
+assiduous in religious ceremonies, was greatly pleased when these sons
+were born. And his sons gradually grew up in might and they became
+conversant with the Vedas together with all their mysteries, and with
+the science of arms. And when after having gone through the Brahmacharya
+vows the princes were married, king Dasaratha became happy and highly
+pleased. And the intelligent Rama, the eldest of them all, became the
+favourite of his father, and greatly pleased the people with his
+charming ways. And then, O Bharata, the wise king, considering himself
+old in years took counsel with his virtuous ministers and spiritual
+adviser for installing Rama as regent of the kingdom. And all those
+great ministers were agreed that it was time to do so. And, O scion of
+Kuru's race, king Dasaratha was greatly pleased to behold his son,--that
+enhancer of Kausalya's delight--possessed of eyes that were red, and
+arms that were sinewy. And his steps were like those of a wild elephant.
+And he had long arms and high shoulders and black and curly hair. And he
+was valiant, and glowing with splendour, and not inferior to Indra
+himself in battle. And he was well-versed in holy writ and was equal to
+Vrihaspati in wisdom. An object of love with all the people, he was
+skilled in every science. And with senses under complete control, his
+very enemies were pleased to behold him. And he was terror of the wicked
+and the protector of the virtuous. And possessed of intelligence and
+incapable of being baffled, he was victorious over all and never
+vanquished by any. And, O descendant of Kurus, beholding his son--that
+enhancer of Kausalya's joy--king Dasaratha became highly pleased. And
+reflecting on Rama's virtues, the powerful and mighty king cheerfully
+addressed the family priest, saying, "Blessed be thou, O Brahmana! This
+night of the Pushya constellation will bring in a very auspicious
+conjunction. Let, therefore, materials be collected and let Rama also be
+invited. This Pushya constellation will last till tomorrow. And Rama,
+therefore, should be invested by me and my ministers as prince-regent of
+all my subjects!"
+
+"'Meanwhile Manthara (the maid of Kaikeyi), hearing these words of the
+king, went to her mistress, and spoke unto her as was suited to the
+occasion. And she said, "Thy great ill-luck, O Kaikeyi, hath this day
+been proclaimed by the king! O unlucky one, mayst thou be bitten by a
+fierce and enraged snake of virulent poison! Kausalya, indeed, is
+fortunate, as it is her son that is going to be installed on the throne.
+Where, indeed, is thy prosperity, when thy son obtaineth not the
+kingdom?"
+
+"'Hearing these words of her maid, the slender-waisted and beautiful
+Kaikeyi put on all her ornaments, and sought her husband in a secluded
+place. And with a joyous heart, and smiling pleasantly, she addressed
+these words to him with all the blandishments of love, "O king, thou art
+always true to thy promises. Thou didst promise before to grant me an
+object of my desire. Do thou fulfil that promise now and save thyself
+from the sin of unredeemed pledge!" The king replied, saying, "I will
+grant thee a boon. Ask thou whatever thou wishest! What man undeserving
+of death shall be slain today and who that deserves death is to be set
+at liberty? Upon whom shall I bestow wealth to-day, or whose wealth
+shall be confiscated? Whatever wealth there is in this world, save what
+belongeth to Brahmanas, is mine! I am the king of kings in this world,
+and the protector of all the four classes! Tell me quickly, O blessed
+lady, what that object is upon which thou hast set thy heart!" Hearing
+these words of the king, and tying him fast to his pledge, and conscious
+also of her power over him, she addressed him in these words, "I desire
+that Bharata be the recipient of that investiture which thou hast
+designed for Rama, and let Rama go into exile living in the forest of
+Dandaka for fourteen years as an ascetic with matted locks on head and
+robed in rags and deer-skins!" Hearing these disagreeable words of cruel
+import, the king, O chief of the Bharata race, was sorely afflicted and
+became utterly speechless! But the mighty and virtuous Rama, learning
+that his father had been thus solicited, went into the forest so that
+the king's truth might remain inviolate. And, blessed be thou, he was
+followed by the auspicious Lakshmana--that foremost of bowmen and his
+wife Sita, the princess of Videha and daughter of Janaka. And after Rama
+had gone into the forest, king Dasaratha took leave of his body,
+agreeably to the eternal law of time. And knowing that Rama not near and
+that the king was dead, queen Kaikeyi, causing Bharata to be brought
+before her, addressed him in these words, "Dasaratha hath gone to heaven
+and both Rama and Lakshmana are in the forest! Take thou this kingdom
+which is so extensive and whose peace there is no rival to disturb."
+Thereupon the virtuous Bharata replied unto her saying, "Thou hast done
+a wicked deed, having slain thy husband and exterminated this family
+from lust of wealth alone! Heaping infamy on my head, O accursed woman
+of our race, thou hast, O mother, attained this, thy object!" And having
+said these words, the prince wept aloud. And having proved his innocence
+before all the subjects of that realm he set out in the wake of Rama,
+desiring to bring him back. And placing Kausalya and Sumitra and Kaikeyi
+in the vehicles at the van of his train, he proceeded with a heavy
+heart, in company with Satrughna. And he was accompanied by Vasishtha
+and Vamadeva, and other Brahmanas by thousands and by the people of the
+cities and the provinces, desiring to bring back Rama. And he saw Rama
+with Lakshmana, living on the mountains of Chitrakuta with bow in hand
+and decked with the ornaments of ascetics. Bharata, however, was
+dismissed by Rama, who was determined to act according to the words of
+his father. And returning, Bharata ruled at Nandigrama, keeping before
+him, his brother's wooden sandals. And Rama fearing a repetition of
+intrusion by the people of Ayodhya, entered into the great forest
+towards the asylum of Sarabhanga. And having paid his respects to
+Sarabhanga, he entered the forest of Dandaka and took up his abode on
+the banks of beautiful river Godavari. And while living there, Rama was
+inveigled into hostilities with Khara, then dwelling in Janasthana, on
+account of Surpanakha. And for the protection of the ascetics the
+virtuous scion of Raghu's race slew fourteen thousand Rakshasas on
+earth, and having slain those mighty Rakshasas, Khara and Dushana, the
+wise descendant of Raghu once more made that sacred forest free from
+danger.
+
+"'And after these Rakshasas had been slain, Surpanakha with mutilated
+nose and lips, repaired to Lanka--the abode of her brother (Ravana). And
+when that Rakshasa woman, senseless with grief and with dry blood-stains
+on her face, appeared before Ravana, she fell down at his feet. And
+beholding her so horribly mutilated, Ravana became senseless with wrath
+and grinding his teeth sprung up from his seat. And dismissing his
+ministers, he enquired of her in private, saying, "Blessed sister, who
+hath made thee so, forgetting and disregarding me? Who is he that having
+got a sharp-pointed spear hath rubbed his body with it? Who is he that
+sleepeth in happiness and security, after placing a fire close to his
+head? Who is he that hath trodden upon a revengeful snake of virulent
+poison? Who indeed, is that person who standeth with his hand thrust
+into the mouth of the maned lion!" Then flames of wrath burst forth from
+his body, like those that are emitted at night from the hollows of a
+tree on fire. His sister then related unto him the prowess of Rama and
+the defeat of the Rakshasas with Khara and Dushana at their head.
+Informed of the slaughter of his relatives, Ravana, impelled by Fate,
+remembered Maricha for slaying Rama. And resolving upon the course he
+was to follow and having made arrangements for the government of his
+capital, he consoled his sister, and set out on an aerial voyage. And
+crossing the Trikuta and the Kala mountains, he beheld the vast
+receptacle of deep waters--the abode of the Makaras. Then crossing the
+Ocean, the Ten headed Ravana reached Gokarna--the favourite resort of
+the illustrious god armed with the trident. And there Ravana met with
+his old friend Maricha who, from fear of Rama himself, had adopted an
+ascetic mode of life.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Beholding Ravana come, Maricha received him with a
+respectful welcome, and offered him fruits and roots. And after Ravana
+had taken his seat, and rested himself a while, Maricha skilled in
+speech, sat beside Ravana and addressed him who was himself as eloquent
+in speech, saying, "Thy complexion hath assumed an unnatural hue; is it
+all right with thy kingdom, O king of the Rakshasas? What hath brought
+thee here? Do thy subjects continue to pay thee the same allegiance that
+they used to pay thee before? What business hath brought thee here? Know
+that it is already fulfilled, even if it be very difficult of
+fulfilment!" Ravana, whose heart was agitated with wrath and humiliation
+informed him briefly of the acts of Rama and the measures that were to
+be taken. And on hearing his story, Maricha briefly replied to him,
+saying, "Thou must not provoke Rama, for I know his strength! Is there a
+person who is capable of withstanding the impetus of his arrows? That
+great man hath been the cause of my assuming my present ascetic life.
+What evil-minded creature hath put thee up to this course calculated to
+bring ruin and destruction on thee?" To this Ravana indignantly replied,
+reproaching him thus, "If thou dost not obey my orders, thou shall
+surely die at my hands." Maricha then thought within himself, "When
+death is inevitable, I shall do his biddings; for it is better to die at
+the hands of one that is superior." Then he replied to the lord of the
+Rakshasas saying, "I shall surely render thee whatever help I can!" Then
+the Ten-headed Ravana said unto him, "Go and tempt Sita, assuming the
+shape of a deer with golden horns and a golden skin! When Sita will
+observe thee thus, she will surely send away Rama to hunt thee. And then
+Sita will surely come within my power, and I shall forcibly carry her
+away. And then that wicked Rama will surely die of grief at the loss of
+his wife. Do thou help me in this way!"
+
+"'Thus addressed, Maricha performed his obsequies (in anticipation) and
+with a sorrowful heart, followed Ravana who was in advance of him. And
+having reached the hermitage of Rama of difficult achievements, they
+both did as arranged beforehand. And Ravana appeared in the guise of an
+ascetic with head shaven, and adorned with a _Kamandala_, and a treble
+staff. And Maricha appeared in the shape of a deer. And Maricha appeared
+before the princess of Videha in that guise. And impelled by Fate, she
+sent away Rama after that deer. And Rama, with the object of pleasing
+her, quickly took up his bow, and leaving Lakshmana behind to protect
+her, went in pursuit of that deer. And armed with his bow and quiver and
+scimitar, and his fingers encased in gloves of _Guana_ skin, Rama went
+in pursuit of that deer, after the manner of Rudra following the stellar
+deer[50] in days of yore. And that Rakshasa enticed away Rama to a great
+distance by appearing before him at one time and disappearing from his
+view at another. And when Rama at last knew who and what that deer was,
+viz., that he was a _Rakshasa_, that illustrious descendant of Raghu's
+race took out an infallible arrow and slew that Rakshasa, in the
+disguise of a deer. And struck with Rama's arrow, the Rakshasa,
+imitating Rama's voice, cried out in great distress, calling upon Sita
+and Lakshmana. And when the princess of Videha heard that cry of
+distress, she urged Lakshmana to run towards the quarter from whence the
+cry came. Then Lakshmana said to her, "Timid lady, thou hast no cause of
+fear! Who is so powerful as to be able to smite Rama? O thou of sweet
+smiles, in a moment thou wilt behold thy husband Rama!" Thus addressed,
+the chaste Sita, from that timidity which is natural to women, became
+suspicious of even the pure Lakshmana, and began to weep aloud. And that
+chaste lady, devoted to her husband, harshly reproved Lakshmana, saying,
+"The object which thou, O fool, cherishest in thy heart, shall never be
+fulfilled! I would rather kill myself with a weapon or throw myself from
+the top of a hill or enter into a blazing fire than live with a sorry
+wretch like thee, forsaking my husband Rama, like a tigress under the
+protection of a jackal!"
+
+    [50] Tard-mrigam. Formerly Prajapati, assuming the Form of a
+    deer, followed his daughter from lust, and Rudra, armed with a
+    trident, pursued Prajapati and struck off his head. That
+    deer-head of Prajapati severed from the trunk, became the star,
+    or rather constellation, called Mrigasiras.
+
+"'When the good natured Lakshmana, who was very fond of his brother,
+heard these words, he shut his ears (with his hands) and set out on the
+track that Rama had taken. And Lakshmana set out without casting a
+single glance on that lady with lips soft and red like the _Bimba_
+fruit. Meanwhile, the Rakshasa Ravana, wearing a genteel guise though
+wicked at heart, and like unto fire enveloped in a heap of ashes, showed
+himself there. And he appeared there in the disguise of a hermit, for
+forcibly carrying away that lady of blameless character. The virtuous
+daughter of Janaka, seeing him come, welcomed him with fruits and root
+and a seat. Disregarding these and assuming his own proper shape, that
+bull among Rakshasas began to re-assure the princess of Videha in these
+words, "I am, O Sita, the king of the Rakshasas, known by the name of
+Ravana! My delightful city, known by the name of Lanka is on the other
+side of the great ocean! There among beautiful women, thou wilt shine
+with me! O lady of beautiful lips, forsaking the ascetic Rama do thou
+become my wife!" Janaka's daughter of beautiful lips, hearing these and
+other words in the same strain, shut her ears and replied unto him,
+saying, "Do not say so! The vault of heaven with all its stars may fall
+down, the Earth itself may be broken into fragments, fire itself may
+change its nature by becoming cool, yet I cannot forsake the descendant
+of Raghu! How can a she-elephant, who hath lived with the mighty leader
+of a herd with rent temples forsake him and live with a hog? Having once
+tasted the sweet wine prepared from honey or flowers, how can a woman, I
+fancy, relish the wretched arrak from rice?" Having uttered those words,
+she entered the cottage, her lips trembling in wrath and her arms moving
+to and fro in emotion. Ravana, however, followed her thither and
+intercepted her further progress. And rudely scolded by the Rakshasa,
+she swooned away. But Ravana seized her by the hair of her head, and
+rose up into the air. Then a huge vulture of the name of Jatayu living
+on a mountain peak, beheld that helpless lady thus weeping and calling
+upon Rama in great distress while being carried away by Ravana.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXVII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'That heroic king of the vultures, Jatayu, having
+Sampati for his uterine brother and Arjuna himself for his father, was a
+friend of Dasaratha. And beholding his daughter-in-law Sita on the lap
+of Ravana, that ranger of the skies rushed in wrath against the king of
+the Rakshasas. And the vulture addressed Ravana, saying, "Leave the
+princess of Mithila, leave her I say! How canst thou, O Rakshasa, ravish
+her when I am alive? If thou dost not release my daughter-in-law, thou
+shalt not escape from me with life!" And having said these words Jatayu
+began to tear the king of the Rakshasas with his talons. And he mangled
+him in a hundred different parts of his body by striking him with his
+wings and beaks. And blood began to flow as copiously from Ravana's body
+as water from a mountain spring. And attacked thus by that vulture
+desirous of Rama's good, Ravana, taking up a sword, cut off the two
+wings of that bird. And having slain that king of the vultures, huge as
+a mountain-peak shooting forth above the clouds, the Rakshasa rose high
+in the air with Sita on his lap. And the princess of Videha, wherever
+she saw an asylum of ascetics, a lake, a river, or a tank, threw down an
+ornament of hers. And beholding on the top of a mountain five foremost
+of monkeys, that intelligent lady threw down amongst them a broad piece
+of her costly attire. And that beautiful and yellow piece of cloth fell,
+fluttering through the air, amongst those five foremost of monkeys like
+lightning from the clouds. And that Rakshasa soon passed a great way
+through the firmament like a bird through the air. And soon the Rakshasa
+beheld his delightful and charming city of many gates, surrounded on all
+sides by high walls and built by Viswakrit himself. And the king of the
+Rakshasa then entered his own city known by the name of Lanka,
+accompanied by Sita.
+
+"'And while Sita was being carried away, the intelligent Rama, having
+slain the great deer, retraced his steps and saw his brother Lakshmana
+(on the way). And beholding his brother, Rama reproved him, saying, "How
+couldst thou come hither, leaving the princess of Videha in a forest
+that is haunted by the Rakshasa?" And reflecting on his own enticement
+to a great distance by that Rakshasa in the guise of a deer and on the
+arrival of his brother (leaving Sita alone in the asylum), Rama was
+filled with agony. And quickly advancing towards Lakshmana while
+reproving him still, Rama asked him, "O Lakshmana, is the princess of
+Videha still alive? I fear she is no more!" Then Lakshmana told him
+everything about what Sita had said, especially that unbecoming language
+of hers subsequently. With a burning heart Rama then ran towards the
+asylum. And on the way he beheld a vulture huge as a mountain, lying in
+agonies of death. And suspecting him to be a Rakshasa, the descendant of
+the Kakutstha race, along with Lakshmana rushed towards him, drawing
+with great force his bow to a circle. The mighty vulture, however,
+addressing them both, said, "Blessed be ye, I am the king of the
+vultures, and friend of Dasaratha!" Hearing these words of his, both
+Rama and his brother put aside their excellent bow and said, "Who is
+this one that speaketh the name of our father in these woods?" And then
+they saw that creature to be a bird destitute of two wings, and that
+bird then told them of his own overthrow at the hands of Ravana for the
+sake of Sita. Then Rama enquired of the vulture as to the way Ravana had
+taken. The vulture answered him by a nod of his head and then breathed
+his last. And having understood from the sign the vulture had made that
+Ravana had gone towards the south, Rama reverencing his father's friend,
+caused his funeral obsequies to be duly performed. Then those chastisers
+of foes, Rama and Lakshmana, filled with grief at the abduction of the
+princess of Videha, took a southern path through the Dandaka woods
+beholding along their way many uninhabited asylums of ascetics,
+scattered over with seats of Kusa grass and umbrellas of leaves and
+broken water-pots, and abounding with hundreds of jackals. And in that
+great forest, Rama along with Sumatra's son beheld many herds of deer
+running in all directions. And they heard a loud uproar of various
+creatures like what is heard during a fast spreading forest
+conflagration. And soon they beheld a headless Rakshasa of terrible
+mien. And that Rakshasa was dark as the clouds and huge as a mountain,
+with shoulders broad as those of a Sola tree, and with arms that were
+gigantic. And he had a pair of large eyes on his breast, and the opening
+of his mouth was placed on his capacious belly. And that Rakshasa seized
+Lakshmana by the hand, without any difficulty. And seized by the
+Rakshasa the son of Sumitra, O Bharata, became utterly confounded and
+helpless. And casting his glances on Rama, that headless Rakshasa began
+to draw Lakshmana towards that part of his body where his mouth was. And
+Lakshmana in grief addressed Rama, saying, "Behold my plight! The loss
+of thy kingdom, and then the death of our father, and then the abduction
+of Sita, and finally this disaster that hath overwhelmed me! Alas, I
+shall not behold thee return with the princess of Videha to Kosala and
+seated on thy ancestral throne as the ruler of the entire Earth! They
+only that are fortunate will behold thy face, like unto the moon emerged
+from the clouds, after thy coronation bath in water sanctified with Kusa
+grass and fried paddy and black peas!" And the intelligent Lakshmana
+uttered those and other lamentations in the same strain. The illustrious
+descendant, however, of Kakutstha's race undaunted amid danger, replied
+unto Lakshmana, saying, "Do not, O tiger among men, give way to grief!
+What is this thing when I am here? Cut thou off his right arm and I
+shall cut off his left." And while Rama was still speaking so, the left
+arm of the monster was severed by him, cut off with a sharp scimitar, as
+if indeed, that arm were a stalk of the _Tila corn_. The mighty son of
+Sumitra then beholding his brother standing before him struck off with
+his sword the right arm also of that Rakshasa. And Lakshmana also began
+to repeatedly strike the Rakshasa under the ribs, and then that huge
+headless monster fell upon the ground and expired quickly. And then
+there came out from the Rakshasa's body a person of celestial make. And
+he showed himself to the brothers, staying for a moment in the skies,
+like the Sun in his effulgence in the firmament. And Rama skilled in
+speech, asked him, saying, "Who art thou? Answer _me_ who enquire of
+thee? Whence could such a thing happen? All this seems to me to be
+exceedingly wonderful!" Thus addressed by Rama, that being replied unto
+him, saying, "I am, O prince, a Gandharva of the name of Viswavasu! It
+was through the curse of a Brahmana that I had to assume the form and
+nature of a Rakshasa. As to thyself, O Rama, Sita hath been carried away
+with violence by king Ravana who dwelleth in Lanka. Repair thou unto
+Sugriva who will give thee his friendship. There, near enough to the
+peak of _Rishyamuka_ is the lake known by the name of _Pampa_ of sacred
+water and cranes. There dwelleth, with four of his counsellors, Sugriva,
+the brother of the monkey-king Vali decked with a garland of gold.
+Repairing unto him, inform of thy cause of sorrow. In plight very much
+like thy own, he will render thee assistance. This is all that we can
+say. Thou wilt, without doubt, see the daughter of Janaka! Without doubt
+Ravana and others are known to the king of the monkeys!" Having said
+these words, that celestial being of great effulgence made himself
+invisible, and those heroes, both Rama and Lakshmana, wondered much.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Afflicted with grief at the abduction of Sita, Rama
+had not to go much further before he came upon _Pampa_--that lake which
+abounded with lotuses of various kinds. And fanned by the cool,
+delicious and fragrant breezes in those woods, Rama suddenly remembered
+his dear spouse. And, O mighty monarch, thinking of that dear wife of
+his, and afflicted at the thought of his separation from her, Rama gave
+way to lamentations. The son of Sumitra then addressed him saying, "O
+thou that givest proper respect to those that deserve it, despondency
+such as this should not be suffered to approach thee, like illness that
+can never touch an old man leading a regular life! Thou hast obtained
+information of Ravana and of the princess of Videha! Liberate her now
+with exertion and intelligence! Let us now approach Sugriva, that
+foremost of monkeys, who is even now on the mountain top! Console
+thyself, when I, thy disciple and slave and ally, am near!" And
+addressed by Lakshmana in these and other words of the same import, Rama
+regained his own nature and attended to the business before him. And
+bathing in the waters of _Pampa_ and offering oblations therewith unto
+their ancestors, both those heroic brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, set out
+(for _Rishyamuka_). And arriving at _Rishyamuka_ which abounded with
+fruits and roots and trees, those heroes beheld five monkeys on the top
+of the mountain-peak. And seeing them approach, Sugriva sent his
+counsellor the intelligent Hanuman, huge as the Himavat-mountains, to
+receive them. And the brothers, having first exchanged words with
+Hanuman, approached Sugriva. And then, O king, Rama made friends with
+Sugriva. And when Rama informed Sugriva of the object he had in view,
+Sugriva showed him the piece of cloth that Sita had dropped among the
+monkeys, while being carried away by Ravana. And having obtained from
+him those credentials, Rama himself installed Sugriva--that foremost of
+monkeys--in sovereignty of all the monkeys of Earth. And Rama also
+pledged himself to slay Vali in battle. And having come to that
+understanding and placing the fullest confidence in each other, they all
+repaired to _Kiskindhya_, desirous of battle (with Vali). And arriving
+at _Kiskindhya_, Sugriva sent forth a loud roar deep as that of a
+cataract. Unable to bear that challenge, Vali was for coming out (but
+his wife) Tara stood in way, saying, "Himself endued with great
+strength, the way in which Sugriva is roaring, showeth, I ween, that he
+hath found assistance! It behoveth thee not, therefore, to go out!" Thus
+addressed by her, that king of the monkeys, the eloquent Vali, decked in
+a golden garland replied unto Tara of face beautiful as the moon,
+saying, "Thou understandest the voice of every creature. Tell me after
+reflection whose help it is that this brother in name only of mine hath
+obtained!" Thus addressed by him Tara endued with wisdom and possessed
+of the effulgence of the moon, answered her lord after a moment's
+reflection, saying, "Listen, O monarch of the monkeys! That foremost of
+bowmen, endued with great might, Rama the son of Dasaratha, whose spouse
+hath been ravished, hath made an alliance offensive and defensive with
+Sugriva! And his brother the intelligent Lakshmana also of mighty arms,
+the unvanquished son of Sumitra, standeth beside him for the success of
+Sugriva's object. And Mainda and Dwivida, and Hanuman the son of
+_Pavana_, and Jamvuman, the king of the bears, are beside Sugriva as his
+counsellors. All these illustrious ones are endued with great strength
+and intelligence. And these all, depending upon the might and energy of
+Rama, are prepared for thy destruction!" Hearing these words of hers
+that were for his benefit, the king of the monkeys disregarded them
+altogether. And filled with jealousy, he also suspected her to have set
+her heart on Sugriva! And addressing Tara in harsh words, he went out of
+his cave and coming before Sugriva who was staying by the side of the
+mountains of Malyavat, he spoke unto him thus, "Frequently vanquished
+before by me, fond as thou art of life, thou art allowed by me to escape
+with life owing to thy relationship with me! What hath made thee wish
+for death so soon?" Thus addressed by Vali, Sugriva, that slayer of
+foes, as if addressing Rama himself for informing him of what had
+happened, replied unto his brother in these words of grave import, "O
+king, robbed by thee of my wife and my kingdom also, what need have I of
+life? Know that it is for this that I have come!" Then addressing each
+other in these and other words of the same import, Vali and Sugriva
+rushed to the encounter, fighting with _Sala_ and _Tala_ trees and
+stones. And they struck each other down on the earth. And leaping high
+into the air, they struck each other with their fists. And mangled by
+each other's nail and teeth, both of them were covered with blood. And
+the two heroes shone on that account like a pair of blossoming
+_Kinshukas_. And as they fought with each other, no difference (in
+aspect) could be observed so as to distinguish them. Then Hanuman placed
+on Sugriva's neck a garland of flowers. And that hero thereupon shone
+with that garland on his neck, like the beautiful and huge peak of
+_Malya_ with its cloudy belt. And Rama, recognising Sugriva by that
+sign, then drew his foremost of huge bows, aiming at Vali as his mark.
+And the twang of Rama's bow resembled the roar of an engine. And Vali,
+pierced in the heart by that arrow, trembled in fear. And Vali, his
+heart having been pierced through, began to vomit forth blood. And he
+then beheld standing before him Rama with Sumatra's son by his side. And
+reproving that descendant of Kakutstha's race, Vali fell down on the
+ground and became senseless. And Tara then beheld that lord of hers
+possessed of the effulgence of the Moon, lying prostrate on the bare
+earth. And after Vali had been thus slain, Sugriva regained possession
+of Kishkindhya, and along with it, of the widowed Tara also of face
+beautiful as the moon. And the intelligent Rama also dwelt on the
+beautiful breast of the Malyavat hill for four months, duly worshipped
+by Sugriva all the while.
+
+"'Meanwhile Ravana excited by lust, having reached his city of Lanka,
+placed Sita in an abode, resembling _Nandana_ itself, within a forest of
+_Asokas_, that looked like an asylum of ascetics. And the large-eyed
+Sita passed her days there in distress, living on fruits and roots,
+practising ascetic austerities with fasts, attired in ascetic garb, and
+waning thin day by day, thinking of her absent lord. And the king of the
+_Rakshasas_ appointed many _Rakshasa_ women armed with bearded darts and
+swords and lances and battle-axes and maces and flaming brands, for
+guarding her. And some of these had two eyes, and some three, and some
+had eyes on their foreheads. And some had long tongues and some had
+none. And some had three breasts and some had only one leg. And some had
+three matted braids on their heads, and some had only one eye. And
+these, and others of blazing eyes and hair stiff as the camel's, stood
+beside Sita surrounding her day and night most watchfully. And those
+_Pisacha_ women of frightful voice and terrible aspect always addressed
+that large-eyed lady in the harshest tones. And they said, "Let us eat
+her up, let us mangle her, let us tear her into pieces, her, that is,
+that dwelleth here disregarding our lord!" And filled with grief at the
+separation from her lord, Sita drew a deep sigh and answered those
+_Rakshasa_ women, saying, "Reverend ladies, eat me up without delay! I
+have no desire to live without that husband of mine, of eyes like
+lotus-leaves and locks wavy, and blue in hue! Truly I will, without food
+and without the least love of life, emaciate my limbs, like a she-snake
+(hybernating) within a _Tala_ tree. Know this for certain that I will
+never seek the protection of any other person than the descendant of
+Raghu. And knowing this, do what ye think fit!" And hearing these words
+of hers, those _Rakshasas_ with dissonant voice went to the king of the
+_Rakshasas_, for representing unto him all she had said. And when those
+_Rakshasas_ had gone away, one of their number known by the name of
+_Trijata_, who was virtuous and agreeable in speech, began to console
+the princess of Videha. And she said, "Listen, O Sita! I will tell thee
+something! O friend, believe in what I say! O thou of fair hips, cast
+off thy fears, and listen to what I say. There is an intelligent and old
+chief of the _Rakshasas_ known by the name of Avindhya. He always
+seeketh Rama's good and hath told me these words for thy sake!
+'Reassuring and cheering her, tell Sita in my name, saying: "Thy husband
+the mighty Rama is well and is waited upon by Lakshmana. And the blessed
+descendant of Raghu hath already made friends with Sugriva, the king of
+the monkeys, and is ready to act for thee!"' And, O timid lady,
+entertain thou no fear on account of Ravana, who is censured by the
+whole world, for, O daughter, thou art safe from him on account of
+Nalakuvera's curse. Indeed, this wretch had been cursed before for his
+having violated his daughter-in-law, Rambha. This lustful wretch is not
+able to violate any woman by force. Thy husband will soon come,
+protected by Sugriva and with the intelligent son of Sumitra in his
+train, and will soon take thee away hence! O lady, I have had a most
+terrible dream of evil omen, indicating the destruction of this
+wicked-minded wretch of Pulastya's race! This night wanderer of mean
+deeds is, indeed, most wicked and cruel. He inspireth terror in all by
+the defects of his nature and the wickedness of his conduct. And
+deprived of his senses by Fate, he challengeth the very gods. In my
+vision I have seen every indication of his downfall. I have seen the
+Ten-headed, with his crown shaven and body besmeared with oil, sunk in
+mire, and the next moment dancing on a chariot drawn by mules. I have
+seen Kumbhakarna and others, perfectly naked and with crowns shaven,
+decked with red wreaths and unguents, and running towards the southern
+direction. Vibhishana alone, with umbrella over his head, and graced
+with a turban, and with body decked with white wreaths and unguents, I
+beheld ascending the summit of the White hill. And I saw four of his
+counsellors also, decked with white wreaths and unguents, ascending the
+summit of that hill along with him. All this bodeth that these alone
+will be saved from the impending terror. The whole earth with its oceans
+and seas will be enveloped with Rama's arrows. O lady, thy husband will
+fill the whole earth with his fame. I also saw Lakshmana, consuming all
+directions (with his arrows) and ascending on a heap of bones and
+drinking thereon honey and rice boiled in milk. And thou, O lady, hast
+been beheld by me running towards a northernly direction, weeping and
+covered with blood and protected by a tiger! And, O princess of Videha,
+soon wilt thou find happiness, being united, O Sita, with thy lord, that
+descendant of Raghu accompanied by his brother!' Hearing these words of
+_Trijata_, that girl with eyes like those of a young gazelle, once more
+began to entertain hopes of a union with her lord. And when at last
+those fierce and cruel _Pisacha_ guards came back, they saw her sitting
+with _Trijata_ as before.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXIX
+
+"Markandeya said, 'And while the chaste Sita was dwelling there
+afflicted with melancholy and grief on account of her lord, attired in
+mean garb, with but a single jewel (on the marital thread on her wrist),
+and incessantly weeping, seated on a stone, and waited upon by
+_Rakshasa_ women, Ravana, afflicted by the shafts of the god of desire,
+came to her and approached her presence. And inflamed by desire, that
+conqueror in battle of the gods, the _Danavas_, the _Gandharvas_, the
+_Yakshas_, and the _Kimpurushas_, attired in celestial robes and
+possessing handsome features, decked with jewelled earrings and wearing
+a beautiful garland and crown, entered the _Asoka_ woods, like an
+embodiment of the vernal season. And dressed with care, Ravana looked
+like the _Kalpa_ tree in Indra's garden. But though adorned with every
+embellishment, that inspired her only with awe, like a beautified banian
+in the midst of a cemetery. And that night wanderer, having approached
+the presence of that slender-waisted lady, looked like the planet Saturn
+in the presence of _Rohini_. And smitten with the shafts of the god of
+the flowery emblem he accosted that fair-hipped lady then affrighted
+like a helpless doe, and told her these words, "Thou hast, O Sita, shown
+thy regard for thy lord too much! O thou of delicate limbs, be merciful
+unto me. Let thy person be embellished now (by these maids in waiting).
+O excellent lady, accept me as thy lord! And, O thou of the most
+beautiful complexion, attired in costly robes and ornaments, take thou
+the first place among all the women of my household. Many are the
+daughters of the celestials and also the _Gandharvas_ that I possess! I
+am lord also of many _Danava_ and _Daitya_ ladies! One hundred and forty
+millions of _Pisachas_, twice as many man-eating Rakshasa of terrible
+deed, and thrice as many Yaksha do my bidding! Some of these are under
+the sway of my brother who is the lord of all treasures. In my drinking
+hall, O excellent lady of beautiful thighs, Gandharvas and Apsaras wait
+on me as they do on my brother! I am, again, the son of that regenerate
+_Rishi_ Visravas himself of high ascetic merit. I am renowned, again, as
+the fifth Regent of the Universe! And, O beautiful lady, of food and
+edibles and drinks of the very best kind, I have as much as the Lord
+himself of the celestials! Let all thy troubles consequent on a life in
+the woods cease! O thou of fair hips, be my Queen, as Mandodari
+herself!" Thus addressed by him, the beautiful princess of Videha,
+turning away and regarding him as something less than a straw, replied
+unto that wanderer of the night. And at that time the princess of
+Videha, that girl of beautiful hips, had her deep and compact bosom
+copiously drenched by her inauspicious tears shed ceaselessly. And she
+who regarded her husband as her god, answered that mean wretch, saying,
+"By sheer ill-luck it is, O king of the Rakshasas, that I am obliged to
+hear such words of grievous import spoken by thee! Blessed be thou, O
+Rakshasa fond of sensual pleasures, let thy heart be withdrawn from me!
+I am the wife of another, ever devoted to my husband, and, therefore,
+incapable of being possessed by thee! A helpless human being that I am,
+I cannot be a fit wife for thee! What joy can be thine by using violence
+towards an unwilling woman? Thy father is a wise Brahmana, born of
+Brahma and equal unto that Lord himself of the creation! Why dost thou
+not, therefore, thyself being equal to a Regent of the Universe, observe
+virtue? Disgracing thy brother, that king of the Yakshas, that adorable
+one who is the friend of Maheswara himself, that lord of treasures, how
+is it that thou feelest no shame?" Having said these words, Sita began
+to weep, her bosom shivering in agitation, and covering her neck and
+face with her garments. And the long and well-knit braid, black and
+glossy, falling from the head of the weeping lady, looked like a black
+snake. And hearing these cruel words uttered by Sita, the foolish
+Ravana, although thus rejected, addressed Sita once more, saying, "O
+lady, let the god having the _Makara_ for his emblem burn me sorely. I
+will, however, on no account, O thou of sweet smiles and beautiful hips,
+approach thee, as thou art unwilling! What can I do to thee that still
+feelest a regard for Rama who is only a human being and, therefore, our
+food?" Having said those words unto that lady of faultless features, the
+king of the _Rakshasa_ made himself invisible then and there and went
+away to the place he liked. And Sita, surrounded by those _Rakshasa_
+women, and treated with tenderness by _Trijata_, continued to dwell
+there in grief.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXX
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the illustrious descendant of Raghu, along
+with his brother, hospitably treated by Sugriva, continued to dwell on
+the breast of the _Malyavat_ hill, beholding every day the clear blue
+sky. And one night, while gazing from the mountain-top on the bright
+moon in the cloudless sky surrounded by planets and stars and stellar
+bodies, that slayer of foes was suddenly awakened (to a remembrance of
+Sita) by the cold breezes fragrant with the perfumes of the lily, lotus
+and other flowers of the same species. And virtuous Rama, dejected in
+spirits at the thought of Sita's captivity in the abode of the Rakshasa,
+addressed the heroic Lakshmana in the morning saying, "Go, Lakshmana and
+seek in Kishkindhya that ungrateful king of the monkeys, who understands
+well his own interest and is even now indulging in dissipations, that
+foolish wretch of his race whom I have installed on a throne and to whom
+all apes and monkeys and bears owe allegiance, that fellow for whose
+sake, O mighty-armed perpetuator of Raghu's race, Vali was slain by me
+with thy help in the wood of Kishkindhya! I regard that worst of monkeys
+on earth to be highly ungrateful, for, O Lakshmana, that wretch hath now
+forgotten me who am sunk in such distress! I think he is unwilling to
+fulfil his pledge, disregarding, from dullness of understanding, one who
+hath done him such services! If thou findest him luke-warm and rolling
+in sensual joys, thou must then send him, by the path Vali hath been
+made to follow, to the common goal of all creatures! If, on the other
+hand, thou seest that foremost of monkeys delight in our cause, then, O
+descendant of Kakutstha, shouldst thou bring him hither with thee! Be
+quick, and delay not!" Thus addressed by his brother, Lakshmana ever
+attentive to the behests and welfare of his superiors, set out taking
+with him his handsome bow with string and arrows. And reaching the gates
+of Kishkindhya he entered the city unchallenged. And knowing him to be
+angry, the monkey-king advanced to receive him. And with his wife,
+Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, with a humble heart, joyfully received
+him with due honours. And the dauntless son of Sumitra then told him
+what Rama had said. And having heard everything in detail, O mighty
+monarch, Sugriva, the king of the monkeys with his wife and servants,
+joined his hands, and cheerfully said unto Lakshmana, that elephant
+among men, these words: "I am, O Lakshmana, neither wicked, nor
+ungrateful, nor destitute of virtue! Hear what efforts I have made for
+finding out Sita's place of captivity! I have despatched diligent
+monkeys in all directions. All of them have stipulated to return within
+a month. They will, O hero, search the whole earth with her forests and
+hills and seas, her villages and towns and cities and mines. Only five
+nights are wanting to complete that month, and then thou wilt, with
+Rama, hear tidings of great joy!"
+
+"'Thus addressed by that intelligent king of the monkeys, the
+high-souled Lakshmana became appeased, and he in his turn worshipped
+Sugriva. And accompanied by Sugriva, he returned to Rama on the breast
+of the Malyavat hill. And approaching him, Lakshmana informed him of the
+beginning already made in respect of his undertaking. And soon thousands
+of monkey-chiefs began to return, after having carefully searched the
+three quarters of the earth, viz., the North, the East and the West. But
+they that had gone towards the South did not make their appearance. And
+they that came back represented to Rama, saying that although they had
+searched the whole earth with her belt of seas, yet they could not find
+either the princess of Videha or Ravana. But that descendant of
+Kakutstha's race, afflicted at heart, managed to live yet, resting his
+hopes (of hearing Sita's tidings) on the great monkeys that had gone
+towards the South.
+
+"'After the lapse of two months, several monkeys seeking with haste the
+presence of Sugriva, addressed him, saying, "O king, that foremost of
+monkeys, the son of _Pavana_, as also Angada, the son of Vali, and the
+other great monkeys whom thou hadst despatched to search the southern
+region, have come back and are pillaging that great and excellent
+orchard called _Madhuvana_, which was always guarded by Vali and which
+hath been well-guarded by thee also after him!" Hearing of this act of
+liberty on their part, Sugriva inferred the success of their mission,
+for it is only servants that have been crowned with success that can act
+in this way. And that intelligent and foremost of monkeys communicated
+his suspicions to Rama. And Rama also, from this, guessed that the
+princess of Mithila had been seen. Then Hanuman and the other monkeys,
+having refreshed themselves thus, came towards their king, who was then
+staying with Rama and Lakshmana. And, O Bharata, observing the gait of
+Hanuman and the colour of his face, Rama was confirmed in the belief
+that Hanuman had really seen Sita. Then those successful monkeys with
+Hanuman at their head, duly bowed unto Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva.
+And Rama then taking up his bow and quiver, addressed those monkeys,
+saying, "Have you been successful? Will ye impart life unto me? Will ye
+once more enable me to reign in Ayodhya after having slain my enemy in
+battle and rescued the daughter of Janaka? With the princess of Videha
+unrescued, and the foe unslain in battle, I dare not live, robbed of
+wife and honour!" Thus addressed by Rama, the son of _Pavana_, replied
+unto him, saying, "I bring thee good news, O Rama; for Janaka's daughter
+hath been seen by me. Having searched the southern region with all its
+hills, forests, and mines for some time, we became very weary. At length
+we beheld a great cavern. And having beheld it, we entered that cavern
+which extended over many _Yojanas_. It was dark and deep and overgrown
+with trees and infested by worms. And having gone a great way through
+it, we came upon sun-shine and beheld a beautiful palace. It was, O
+Raghava, the abode of the _Daitya Maya_. And there we beheld a female
+ascetic named _Prabhavati_ engaged in ascetic austerities. And she gave
+us food and drink of various kinds. And having refreshed ourselves
+therewith and regained our strength, we proceeded along the way shown by
+her. At last we came out of the cavern and beheld the brimy sea, and on
+its shores, the _Sahya_, the _Malaya_ and the great _Dardura_ mountains.
+And ascending the mountains of _Malaya_, we beheld before us the vast
+ocean.[51] And beholding it we felt sorely grieved in mind. And dejected
+in spirits and afflicted with pain and famishing with hunger, we
+despaired of returning with our lives. Casting our eyes on the great
+ocean extending over many hundreds of _Yojanas_ and abounding in whales
+and alligators and other aquatic animals, we became anxious and filled
+with grief. We then sat together, resolved to die there of starvation.
+And in course of conversation we happened to talk of the vulture
+_Jatayu_. Just then we saw a bird huge as a mountain, of frightful form,
+and inspiring terror into every heart, like a second son of Vinata.[52]
+And coming upon us unawares for devouring us, he said, 'Who are ye that
+are speaking thus of my brother _Jatayu_? I am his elder brother, by
+name _Sampati_, and am the king of birds. Once upon a time, we two, with
+the desire of outstripping each other, flew towards the sun. My wings
+got burnt, but those of _Jatayu_ were not. That was the last time I saw
+my beloved brother _Jatayu_, the king of vultures! My wings burnt, I
+fell down upon the top of this great mountain where I still am!' When he
+finished speaking, we informed him of the death of his brother in a few
+words and also of this calamity that hath befallen thee! And, O king,
+the powerful Sampati hearing this unpleasant news from us, was greatly
+afflicted and again enquired of us, saying, 'Who is this Rama and why
+was Sita carried off and how was Jatayu slain? Ye foremost of monkeys I
+wish to hear everything in detail!' We then informed him of everything
+about this calamity of thine and of the reason also of our vow of
+starvation. That king of birds then urged us (to give up our vow) by
+these words of his: 'Ravana is, indeed, known to me. Lanka is his
+capital. I beheld it on the other side of the sea in a valley of the
+_Trikuta_ hills! Sita must be there. I have little doubt of this!'
+Hearing these words of his, we rose up quickly and began, O chastiser of
+foes, to take counsel of one another for crossing the ocean! And when
+none dared to cross it, I, having recourse to my father, crossed the
+great ocean which is a hundred _Yojanas_ in width. And having slain the
+_Rakshasis_ on the waters, I saw the chaste Sita within Ravana's harem,
+observing ascetic austerities, eager to behold her lord, with matted
+locks on head, and body besmeared with filth, and lean, and melancholy
+and helpless. Recognising her as Sita by those unusual signs, and
+approaching that worshipful lady while alone, I said, 'I am, O Sita, an
+emissary of Rama and monkey begotten by _Pavana_![53] Desirous of having
+a sight of thee, hither have I come travelling through the skies!
+Protected by Sugriva, that monarch of all the monkeys, the royal
+brothers Rama and Lakshmana are in peace! And Rama, O lady, with
+Sumitra's son, hath enquired of thy welfare! And Sugriva also, on
+account of his friendship (with Rama and Lakshmana) enquireth of thy
+welfare. Followed by all the monkeys, thy husband will soon be here.
+Confide in me, O adorable lady, I am a monkey and not a _Rakshasa_!'
+Thus addressed by me, Sita seemed to meditate for a moment and then
+replied to me, saying, 'From the words of _Avindhya_ I know that thou
+art Hanuman! O mighty-armed one, Avindhya is an old and respected
+_Rakshasa_! He told me that Sugriva is surrounded by counsellors like
+thee. Thou mayst depart now!' And with these words she gave me this
+jewel as a credential. And, indeed, it was by means of this jewel that
+the faultless Sita had been able to support her existence. And the
+daughter of Janaka further told me as a token from her, that by thee, O
+tiger among men, a blade of grass (inspired with _Mantras_ and thus
+converted into a fatal weapon) had once been shot at a crow while ye
+were on the breast of the mighty hill known by the name of _Chitrakuta_!
+And this she said as evidence of my having met her and hers being really
+the princess of Videha. I then caused myself to be seized by Ravana's
+soldiers, and then set fire to the city of Lanka!"'"
+
+    [51] Abode of Varuna in the original.
+
+    [52] Garuda.
+
+    [53] Pavana, the God of the wind.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'It was on the breast of that very hill where Rama was
+seated with those foremost of monkeys that great monkey chiefs at the
+command of Sugriva, began to flock together. The father-in-law of Vali,
+the illustrious Sushena, accompanied by a thousand crores of active
+apes, came to Rama. And those two foremost of monkeys endued with mighty
+energy, viz., Gaya and Gavakshya, each accompanied by a hundred crores
+of monkeys, showed themselves there. And, O king, Gavakshya also of
+terrible mien and endued with a bovine tail, showed himself there,
+having collected sixty thousand crores of monkeys. And the renowned
+Gandhamadana, dwelling on the mountains of the same name, collected a
+hundred thousand crores of monkeys. And the intelligent and mighty
+monkey known by the name of Panasa mustered together fifty-two crores of
+monkeys.[54] And that foremost and illustrious of monkeys named
+Dadhimukha of mighty energy mustered a large army of monkeys possessed
+of terrible prowess. And Jamvuvan showed himself there with a hundred
+thousand crores of black bears of terrible deeds and faces having the
+_Tilaka_ mark.[55] And these and many other chiefs of monkey-chiefs,
+countless in number, O king, came there for aiding Rama's cause. And
+endued with bodies huge as mountain-peaks and roaring like lions, loud
+was the uproar that was heard there made by those monkeys running
+restlessly from place to place. And some of them looked like
+mountain-peaks, and some looked like buffaloes. And some were of the hue
+of autumnal clouds and the faces of some were red as vermillion. And
+some rose high, and some fell down, and some cut capers, and some
+scattered the dust, as they mustered together from various directions.
+And that monkey army, vast as the sea at full tide, encamped there at
+Sugriva's bidding. And after those foremost of monkeys had mustered from
+every direction, the illustrious descendant of Raghu, with Sugriva by
+his side, set out in an auspicious moment of a very fair day under a
+lucky constellation, accompanied by that host arrayed in order of
+battle, as if for the purpose of destroying all the worlds. And Hanuman,
+the son of the Wind-god, was in the van of that host, while the rear was
+protected by the fearless son of Sumitra. And surrounded by the
+monkey-chiefs, those princes of Raghu's house with fingers cased in
+_guana_ skin, shone, as they went, like the Sun and the Moon in the
+midst of the planets. And that monkey host armed with stones and _Sola_
+and _Tola_ trees, looked very much like a far-extending field of corn
+under the morning sun. And that mighty army, protected by Nala and Nila
+and Angada and Kratha and Mainda and Dwivida, marched forth for
+achieving the purpose of Raghava. And encamping successively, without
+interruption of any kind, on wide and healthy tracts and valleys
+abounding with fruits and roots and water and honey and meat, the monkey
+host at last reached the shores of the brimy sea. And like unto a second
+ocean, that mighty army with its countless colours, having reached the
+shores of sea, took up its abode there. Then the illustrious son of
+Dasaratha, addressing Sugriva amongst all those foremost monkeys, spoke
+unto him these words that were suited to the occasion, "This army is
+large. The ocean also is difficult to cross. What contrivance,
+therefore, commends itself to thee for crossing the ocean?" At these
+words, many vain-glorious monkeys answered, "We are fully able to cross
+the sea." This answer, however, was not of much use, as all could not
+avail of that means. Some of the monkeys proposed to cross the sea in
+boats, and some in rafts of various kinds. Rama, however, conciliating
+them all, said, "This cannot be. The sea here is a full hundred
+_Yojanas_ in width. All the monkeys, ye heroes, will not be able to
+cross it. This proposal, therefore, that ye have made, is not consonant
+to reason. Besides we have not the number of boats necessary for
+carrying all our troops. How, again, can one like us raise such
+obstacles in the way of the merchants? Our army is very large. The foe
+wilt make a great havoc if a hole is detected. Therefore, to cross the
+sea in boats and rafts doth not recommend itself to me. I will, however,
+pray to the Ocean for the necessary means. Foregoing food, I will lie
+down on the shore. He will certainly show himself to me. If, however, he
+doth not show himself, I will chastise him then by means of my great
+weapons that are more blazing than fire itself and are incapable of
+being baffled!" Having said these words, both Rama and Lakshmana touched
+water[56] and duly laid themselves down on a bed of _kusa_ grass on the
+seashore. The divine and illustrious Ocean then, that lord of male and
+female rivers, surrounded by aquatic animals, appeared unto Rama in a
+vision. And addressing Rama in sweet accents, the genius of the Ocean,
+surrounded by countless mines of gems, said, "O son of Kausalya, tell me
+what aid, O bull among men, I am to render thee! I also have sprung from
+the race of Ikshwaku and am, therefore, a relative of thine!" Rama
+replied unto him, saying, "O lord of rivers, male and female, I desire
+thee to grant me a way for my troops, passing along which I may slay the
+Ten-headed (Ravana), that wretch of Pulastya's race! If thou dost not
+grant the way I beg of thee, I will then dry thee up by means of my
+celestial arrows inspired with _mantras_!" And hearing these words of
+Rama, the genius of Varuna's abode, joining his hands, answered in great
+affliction, "I do not desire to put any obstacle in thy way. I am no foe
+of thine! Listen, O Rama, to these words, and having listened, do what
+is proper! If, at thy command, I get a way for the passage of thy army,
+others then, from strength of their bows, will command me to do the
+same! In thy army there is a monkey of the name of Nala, who is a
+skilful mechanic. And endued with great strength, Nala is the son of
+_Tashtri_, the divine artificer of the Universe. And whether it is wood,
+or grass or stone, that he will throw into my waters, I will support the
+same on my surface, and thus wilt thou have a bridge (over which to
+pass)!" And having said these words, the genius of the Ocean
+disappeared. And Rama awaking, called Nala unto him and said, "Build
+thou a bridge over the sea! Thou alone, I am sure, art able to do it!"
+And it was by this means that the descendant of Kakutstha's race caused
+a bridge to be built that was ten _Yojanas_ in width and a hundred
+_Yojanas_ in length. And to this day that bridge is celebrated over all
+the world by the name of _Nala's bridge_. And having completed that
+bridge, Nala, of body huge as a hill, came away at the command of Rama.
+
+    [54] There is a difference of reading here. Some texts read
+    fifty seven.
+
+    [55] A difference of reading is observable here.
+
+    [56] As a purificatory ceremony, called the Achamana. To this
+    day, no Hindu can perform any ceremony without going through the
+    Achamana in the first instance.
+
+"'And while Rama was on this side of the ocean, the virtuous Vibhishana,
+the brother of the king of the Rakshasas accompanied by four of his
+counsellors, came unto Rama. And the high-souled Rama received him with
+due welcome. Sugriva, however, feared, thinking he might be a spy. The
+son of Raghu, meanwhile perfectly satisfied (with Vibhishana) in
+consequence of the sincerity of his exertions and the many indications
+of his good conduct, worshipped him with respect. And he also installed
+Vibhishana in the sovereignty of all the Rakshasas and made him his own
+junior counsellor, and a friend of Lakshmana's. And it was under
+Vibhishana's guidance, O king, that Rama with all his troops crossed the
+great ocean by means of that bridge in course of a month. And having
+crossed the ocean and arrived at Lanka, Rama caused its extensive and
+numerous gardens to be devastated by his monkeys. And while Rama's
+troops were there, two of Ravana's counsellors and officers, named Suka
+and Sarana, who had come as spies, having assumed the shape of monkeys,
+were seized by Vibhishana. And when those wanderers of the night assumed
+their real Rakshasa forms, Rama showed them his troop and dismissed them
+quietly. And having quartered his troops in those woods that skirted the
+city, Rama then sent the monkey Angada with great wisdom as his envoy to
+Ravana.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having quartered his army in those groves abounding
+with food and water and with fruits and roots, the descendant of
+Kakutstha began to watch over them with care. Ravana, on the other hand,
+planted in his city many appliances constructed according to the rules
+of military science. And his city, naturally impregnable on account of
+its strong ramparts and gate-ways, had seven trenches, that were deep
+and full of water to the brim and that abounded with fishes and sharks
+and alligators, made more impregnable still by means of pointed stakes
+of _Khadira_ wood. And the ramparts, heaped with stones, were made
+impregnable by means of catapults. And the warriors (who guarded the
+walls) were armed with earthen pots filled with venomous snakes, and
+with resinous powders of many kinds. And they were also armed with
+clubs, and fire-brands and arrows and lances and swords and battle-axes.
+And they had also _Sataghnis_[57] and stout maces steeped in wax.[58]
+And at all the gates of the city were planted movable and immovable
+encampments manned by large numbers of infantry supported by countless
+elephants and horses. And Angada, having reached one of the gates of the
+city, was made known to the Rakshasas. And he entered the town without
+suspicion or fear. And surrounded by countless Rakshasas, that hero in
+his beauty looked like the Sun himself in the midst of masses of clouds.
+And having approached the hero of Pulastya's race in the midst of his
+counsellors, the eloquent Angada saluted the king and began to deliver
+Rama's message in these words, "That descendant of Raghu, O king, who
+ruleth at Kosala and whose renown hath spread over the whole world,
+sayeth unto thee these words suited to the occasion. Accept thou that
+message and act according to it! Provinces and towns, in consequence of
+their connection with sinful kings incapable of controlling their souls,
+are themselves polluted and destroyed. By the violent abduction of Sita,
+thou alone hast injured me! Thou, however, wilt become the cause of
+death to many unoffending persons. Possessed of power and filled with
+pride, thou hast, before this, slain many _Rishis_ living in the woods,
+and insulted the very gods. Thou hast slain also many great kings and
+many weeping women. For those transgressions of thine, retribution is
+about to overtake thee! I will slay thee with thy counsellors. Fight and
+show thy courage![59] O wanderer of the night, behold the power of my
+bow, although I am but a man! Release Sita, the daughter of Janaka! If
+thou dost not release her, I shall make the Earth divested of all
+Rakshasas with my keen-edged arrows!" Hearing these defiant words of the
+enemy, king Ravana bore them ill, becoming senseless with wrath. And
+thereupon four Rakshasas skilled in reading every sign of their master,
+seized Angada like four hawks seizing a tiger. With those Rakshasas,
+however, holding him fast by his limbs, Angada leaped upwards and
+alighted on the palace terrace. And as he leaped up with a great force,
+those wanderers of the night fell down the earth, and bruised by the
+violence of the fall, had their ribs broken. And from the golden terrace
+on which he had alighted, he took a downward leap. And overleaping the
+walls of Lanka, he alighted to where his comrades were. And approaching
+the presence of the lord of Kosala and informing him of everything, the
+monkey Angada endued with great energy retired to refresh himself,
+dismissed with due respect by Rama.
+
+    [57] Lit. an engine killing a hundred. Perhaps, some kind of
+    rude cannon.
+
+    [58] Perhaps, brands or torches steeped in wax, intended to be
+    thrown in a burning state, amongst the foe. Readers of Indian
+    history know how Lord Lake was repulsed from Bharatpore by means
+    of huge bales of cotton, steeped in oil, rolled from the
+    ramparts of that town, in a burning state, towards the advancing
+    English.
+
+    [59] Lit. be a Purusha (male)! Manhood would not be appropriate
+    in connection with a Rakshasa.
+
+"'The descendant of Raghu then caused the ramparts of Lanka to be broken
+down by a united attack of all those monkeys endued with the speed of
+the wind. Then Lakshmana, with Vibhishana and the king of the bears
+marching in the van, blew up the southern gate of the city that was
+almost impregnable. Rama then attacked Lanka with a hundred thousand
+crores of monkeys, all possessed of great skill in battle, and endued
+with reddish complexions like those of young camels. And those crores of
+greyish bears with long arms, and legs and huge paws, and generally
+supporting themselves on their broad haunches, were also urged on to
+support the attack. And in consequence of those monkeys leaping up and
+leaping down and leaping in transverse directions, the Sun himself, his
+bright disc completely shaded, became invisible for the dust they
+raised. And the citizens of Lanka beheld the wall of their town assume
+all over a tawny hue, covered by monkeys of complexions yellow as the
+ears of paddy, and grey as _Shirisha_ flowers, and red as the rising
+Sun, and white as flax or hemp. And the Rakshasas, O king, with their
+wives and elders, were struck with wonders at that sight. And the monkey
+warriors began to pull down pillars made of precious stones and the
+terraces and tops of palatial mansions. And breaking into fragments the
+propellers of catapults and other engines, they began to cast them about
+in all directions. And taking up the _Sataghnis_ along with the discs,
+the clubs, and stones, they threw them down into the city with great
+force and loud noise. And attacked thus by the monkeys, those Rakshasas
+that had been placed on the walls to guard them, fled precipitately by
+hundreds and thousands.
+
+"'Then hundreds of thousands of Rakshasas, of terrible mien, and capable
+of assuming any form at will, came out at the command of the king. And
+pouring a perfect shower of arrows and driving the denizens of the
+forest, those warriors, displaying great prowess, adorned the ramparts.
+And soon those wanderers of the night, looking like masses of flesh, and
+of terrible mien, forced the monkeys to leave the walls. And mangled by
+the enemies' lances, numerous monkey-chiefs fell down from the ramparts,
+and crushed by the falling columns and gate-ways, numerous Rakshasas
+also fell down to rise no more. And the monkeys and the brave Rakshasas
+that commenced to eat up the foe, struggled, seizing one another by the
+hair, and mangling and tearing one another with their nails and teeth.
+And the monkeys and the Rakshasas roared and yelled frightfully, and
+while many of both parties were slain and fell down to rise no more,
+neither side gave up the contest. And Rama continued all the while to
+shower a thick downpour of arrows like the very clouds. And the arrows
+he shot, enveloping Lanka, killed large numbers of Rakshasas. And the
+son of Sumitra, too, that mighty bowman incapable of being fatigued in
+battle, naming particular Rakshasas stationed on the ramparts, slew them
+with his clothyard shafts. And then the monkey host, having achieved
+success was withdrawn at the command of Rama, after it had thus pulled
+down the fortifications of Lanka and made all objects within the city
+capable of being aimed at by the besieging force.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'And while those troops (thus withdrawn) were reposing
+themselves in their quarters, many little Rakshasas and _Pisachas_
+owning Ravana as their leader, penetrated amongst them. And among these
+were _Parvana, Patana, Jambha, Khara, Krodha-vasa, Hari, Praruja, Aruja_
+and _Praghasa_, and others. And as these wicked ones were penetrating
+(the monkey host) in their invisible forms, Vibhishana, who had the
+knowledge thereof, broke the spell of their invisibility. And once seen,
+O king, by the powerful and long-leaping monkeys, they were all slain
+and prostrated on the earth, deprived of life. And unable to endure
+this, Ravana marched out at the head of his troops. And surrounded by
+his terrible army of Rakshasas and _Pisachas_, Ravana who was conversant
+with the rules of warfare like a second _Usanas_ invested the monkey
+host, having disposed his troops in that array which is named after
+_Usanas_ himself. And beholding Ravana advancing with his army disposed
+in that array, Rama, following the mode recommended by Vrihaspati,
+disposed his troops in counter array for opposing that wanderer of the
+night. And coming up quickly, Ravana began to fight with Rama. And
+Lakshmana singled out Indrajit, and Sugriva singled out Virupakshya, and
+Nikharvata fought with Tara, and Nala with Tunda, and Patusa with
+Panasa. And each warrior, advancing up to him whom he regarded as his
+match, began to fight with him on that field of battle, relying on the
+strength of his own arms, and that encounter, so frightful to timid
+persons, soon became terrible and fierce like that between the gods and
+the _Asuras_ in the days of old. And Ravana covered Rama with a shower
+of darts and lances and swords, and Rama also afflicted Ravana with his
+whetted arrows of iron furnished with the sharpest points, and in the
+same way Lakshmana smote the contending Indrajit with arrows capable of
+penetrating into the most vital parts and Indrajit also smote Sumitra's
+son with an arrowy shower. And Vibhishana showered upon Prahasta and
+Prahasta showered upon Vibhishana, without any regard for each other a
+thick downpour of winged arrows furnished with the sharpest points. And
+thus between those mighty warriors there came about an encounter of
+celestial weapons of great force, at which the three worlds with their
+mobile and immobile creatures were sorely distressed.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXIV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Then Prahasta, suddenly advancing up to Vibhishana
+and uttering a loud yell, struck him with his mace. But though struck
+with that mace of terrible force, the mighty-armed Vibhishana of great
+wisdom, without wavering in the least, stood still as the mountains of
+Himavat. Then Vibhishana, taking up a huge and mighty javelin furnished
+with a hundred bells, inspired it with _mantras_ and hurled it at the
+head of his adversary. And by the impetuosity of that weapon rushing
+with the force of the thunderbolt, Prahasta's head was severed off, and
+he thereupon looked like a mighty tree broken by the wind. And beholding
+that wanderer of the night, Prahasta, thus slain in battle, Dhumraksha
+rushed with great impetuosity against the monkey-host. And beholding the
+soldiers of Dhumraksha, looking like the clouds and endued with terrible
+mien, advancing up towards them, the monkey-chief suddenly broke and
+fled. And seeing those foremost of monkeys suddenly give way, that tiger
+among monkeys, Hanuman, the son of Pavana, began to advance. And
+beholding the son of Pavana staying still on the field of battle, the
+retreating monkeys, O king, one and all quickly rallied. Then mighty and
+great and fearful was the uproar that arose there in consequence of the
+warriors of Rama and Ravana rushing against each other. And in that
+battle which raged terribly the field soon became miry with blood. And
+Dhumraksha afflicted the monkey-host with volleys of winged shafts. Then
+that vanquisher of foes, Hanuman, the son of Pavana, quickly seized that
+advancing leader of the Rakshasa. And the encounter that took place
+between that monkey and the Rakshasa hero, each desirous of defeating
+the other, was fierce and terrible, like that of Indra and Prahlada (in
+days of yore). And the Rakshasa struck the monkey with his maces and
+spiked clubs while the monkey struck the Rakshasa with trunks of trees
+unshorn of their branches. Then Hanuman, the son of Pavana, slew in
+great wrath that Rakshasa along with his charioteer and horses and broke
+his chariot also into pieces. And beholding Dhumraksha, that foremost of
+Rakshasa, thus slain, the monkeys, abandoning all fear, rushed against
+the Rakshasa army with great valour. And slaughtered in large numbers by
+the victorious and powerful monkeys, the Rakshasas became dispirited and
+fled in fear to Lanka. And the surviving wreck of the Rakshasa army,
+having reached the city, informed king Ravana of everything that had
+happened. And hearing from them that Prahasta and that mighty archer
+Dhumraksha, had both, with their armies, been slain by the powerful
+monkeys, Ravana drew a deep sigh and springing up from his excellent
+seat, said,--the time is come for Kumbhakarna to act.--And having said
+this, he awoke, by means of various loud-sounding instruments, his
+brother Kumbhakarna from his deep and prolonged slumbers. And having
+awaked him with great efforts, the Rakshasa king, still afflicted with
+anxiety, addressed the mighty Kumbhakarna and said unto him when seated
+at his ease on his bed, having perfectly recovered consciousness and
+self-possession, these words, "Thou, indeed, art happy, O Kumbhakarna,
+that canst enjoy profound and undisturbed repose, unconscious of the
+terrible calamity that hath overtaken us! Rama with his monkey host hath
+crossed the Ocean by a bridge and disregarding us all is waging a
+terrible war (against us). I have stealthily brought away his wife Sita,
+the daughter of Janaka, and it is to recover her that he hath come
+hither, after having made a bridge over the great Ocean. Our great
+kinsmen also, Prahasta and others, have already been slain by him. And,
+O scourge of thy enemies, there is not another person, save thee, that
+can slay Rama! Therefore, O warrior, putting on thy armour, do thou set
+out this day for the purpose of vanquishing Rama and his followers! The
+two younger brothers of Dushana, viz., Vajravega and Promathin, will
+join thee with their forces!" And having said this unto the mighty
+Kumbhakarna, the Rakshasa king gave instructions to Vajravega and
+Promathin as to what they should do. And accepting his advice, those two
+warlike brothers of Dushana quickly marched out of the city, preceded by
+Kumbhakarna.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Then Kumbhakarna set out from the city, accompanied
+by his followers. And soon he beheld the victorious monkey troops
+encamped before him. And passing them by with the object of seeking out
+Rama, he beheld the son of Sumitra standing at his post, bow in hand.
+Then the monkey warriors, speedily advancing towards him, surrounded him
+on all sides. And then they commenced to strike him with numberless
+large trees. And many amongst them fearlessly began to tear his body
+with their nails. And those monkeys began to fight with him in various
+ways approved by the laws of warfare. And they soon overwhelmed that
+chief of the Rakshasas with a shower of terrible weapons of various
+kinds. And attacked by them thus, Kumbhakarna only laughed at them and
+began to eat them up. And he devoured those foremost of monkeys known by
+the name of Chala, and Chandachala, and Vajravahu. And beholding that
+fearful act of the _Rakshasa_, other monkeys were frightened and set
+forth a loud wail of fear. And hearing the screams of those
+monkey-leaders, Sugriva boldly advanced towards Kumbhakarna. And that
+high-souled king of the monkeys swiftly approaching the _Rakshasa_,
+violently struck him on the head with the trunk of a _Sala_ tree. And
+though the high-souled Sugriva always prompt in action broke that _Sala_
+tree on the head of Kumbhakarna, he failed to make any impression on
+that _Rakshasa_. And then, as if roused from his torpor by that blow,
+Kumbhakarna stretching forth his arms seized Sugriva by main force. And
+beholding Sugriva dragged away by the _Rakshasa_, the heroic son of
+Sumitra, that delighter of his friends, rushed towards Kumbhakarna. And
+that slayer of hostile heroes, Lakshmana, advancing towards Kumbhakarna,
+discharged at him an impetuous and mighty arrow furnished with golden
+wings. And that arrow, cutting through his coat of mail and penetrating
+into his body, passed through it outright and struck into the earth,
+stained with the _Rakshasa's_ blood. Kumbhakarna then, having his breast
+thus bored through, released the king of monkeys. And taking up a huge
+mass of stone as his weapon, the mighty warrior Kumbhakarna then rushed
+towards the son of Sumitra, aiming it at him. And as the _Rakshasa_
+rushed towards him, Lakshmana cut off his upraised arms by means of a
+couple of keen-edged shafts furnished with heads resembling razors. But
+as soon as the two arms of the Rakshasa were thus cut off, double that
+number of arms soon appeared on his person. Sumitra's son, however,
+displaying his skill in weapons, soon by means of similar arrows cut off
+those arms also, each of which had seized a mass of stone. At this, that
+_Rakshasa_ assumed a form enormously huge and furnished with numerous
+heads and legs and arms. Then the son of Sumitra rived, with a _Brahma_
+weapon, that warrior looking like an assemblage of hill. And rent by
+means of that celestial weapon, that _Rakshasa_ fell on the field of
+battle like a huge tree with spreading branches suddenly consumed by
+heaven's thunderbolt. And beholding Kumbhakarna endued with great
+activity and resembling the _Asura_ Vritra himself, deprived of life and
+prostrated on the field of battle, the _Rakshasa_ warriors fled in fear.
+And beholding the _Rakshasa_ warriors running away from the field of
+battle, the younger brother of Dushana, rallying them, rushed in great
+wrath upon the son of Sumitra. Sumitra's son, however, with a loud roar,
+received with his winged shafts both those wrathful warriors, Vajravega
+and Promathin, rushing towards him. The battle then, O son of Pritha,
+that took place between those two younger brothers of Dushana on the one
+hand and the intelligent Lakshmana on the other, was exceedingly furious
+and made the bristles of the spectators stand on end. And Lakshmana
+overwhelmed the two _Rakshasas_ with a perfect shower of arrows. And
+those two _Rakshasa_ heroes, on the other hand, both of them excited
+with fury, covered Lakshmana with an arrowy hail. And that terrible
+encounter between Vajravega and Promathin and the mighty-armed Lakshmana
+lasted for a short while. And Hanuman, the son of Pavana, taking up a
+mountain peak, rushed towards one of the brothers, and with that weapon
+took the life of the Rakshasa Vajravega. And that mighty monkey, Nala,
+also, with a large mass of rock, crushed Promathin, that other younger
+brother of Dushana. The deadly struggle, however, between the soldiers
+of Rama and Ravana, rushing against one another, instead of coming to an
+end even after this, raged on as before. And hundreds of _Rakshasas_
+were slain by the denizens of the forest, while many of the latter were
+slain by the former. The loss, however, in killed, of the _Rakshasas_
+was far greater than that of the monkeys.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Learning that Kumbhakarna had with his followers,
+fallen in battle as also that great warrior Prahasta, and Dhumraksha too
+of mighty energy, Ravana then addressed his heroic son Indrajit saying,
+"O slayer of foes, slay thou in battle Rama and Sugriva and Lakshmana.
+My good son, it was by thee that this blazing fame of mine had been
+acquired by vanquishing in battle that wielder of the thunderbolt, the
+thousand-eyed Lord of Sachi! Having the power of appearing and vanishing
+at thy will, slay thou, O smiter of foes, my enemies by means, O thou
+foremost of all wielders of weapons, of thy celestial arrows received as
+boons (from the gods)! Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva are incapable of
+enduring the bare touch of thy weapons. What shall I say, therefore, of
+their followers? That cessation of hostilities which could not be
+brought about by either Prahasta or Kumbhakarna in battle, be it thine,
+O mighty-armed one, to bring about! Slaying my enemies with all their
+army by means of thy keen-edged shafts, enhance my joy to-day, O son, as
+thou didst once before by vanquishing Vasava!" Thus addressed by him,
+Indrajit said--So be it,--and encased in mail he quickly ascended his
+chariot, and proceeded, O king, towards the field of battle. And then
+that bull amongst _Rakshasas_ loudly announcing his own name, challenged
+Lakshmana endued with auspicious marks, to a single combat. And
+Lakshmana, thus challenged, rushed towards that _Rakshasa_, with his bow
+and arrows, and striking terror into his adversary's heart by means of
+the flapping of his bow-string on the leathern case of his left hand.
+And the encounter that took place between those warriors that defied
+each other's prowess and each of whom was desirous of vanquishing the
+other, and both of whom were conversant with celestial weapons, was
+terrible in the extreme. But when the son of Ravana found that he could
+not by his arrows gain any advantage over his adversary, that foremost
+of mighty warriors mustered all his energy. And Indrajit then began to
+hurl at Lakshmana with great force numberless javelins. The son of
+Sumitra, however, cut them into fragments by means of his own keen-edged
+arrows. And those javelins, thus cut into pieces by the keen-edged
+arrows of Lakshmana, dropped down upon the ground. Then the handsome
+Angada, the son of Vali, taking up a large tree, rushed impetuously at
+Indrajit and struck him with it on the head. Undaunted at this, Indrajit
+of mighty energy sought to smite Angada with a lance. Just at that
+juncture, however, Lakshmana cut into pieces the lance taken up by
+Ravana's son. The son of Ravana then took up a mace and struck on the
+left flank that foremost of monkeys, the heroic Angada who was then
+staying close beside him. Angada, the powerful son of Vali, little
+recking that stroke, hurled at Indrajit a mighty Sala stem. And hurled
+in wrath by Angada for the destruction of Indrajit, that tree, O son of
+Pritha, destroyed Indrajit's chariot along with his horses and
+charioteer. And thereupon jumping from his horseless and driverless car,
+the son of Ravana disappeared from sight, O king, by aid of his powers
+of illusion. And beholding that _Rakshasa_, abundantly endued with
+powers of illusion, disappear so suddenly, Rama proceeded towards that
+spot and began to protect his troops with care. Indrajit, however, with
+arrows, obtained as boons from the gods, began to pierce both Rama and
+mighty Lakshmana in every part of their bodies. Then the heroic Rama and
+Lakshmana both continued to contend with their arrows against Ravana's
+son who had made himself invisible by his powers of illusion. But
+Indrajit continued to shower in wrath all over those lions among men his
+keen-edged shafts by hundreds and thousands. And seeking that invisible
+warrior who was ceaselessly showering his arrows, the monkeys penetrated
+into every part of the firmament, armed with huge masses of stone. Them
+as well as the two brothers, however, the invisible _Rakshasa_ began to
+afflict with his shafts. Indeed, the son of Ravana, concealing himself
+by his powers of illusion, furiously attacked the monkey host. And the
+heroic brothers Rama and Lakshmana, pierced all over with arrows,
+dropped down on the ground like the Sun and the Moon fallen down from
+the firmament.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXVII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Beholding both the brothers Rama and Lakshmana
+prostrate on the ground, the son of Ravana tied them in a net-work of
+those arrows of his which he had obtained as boons. And tied by Indrajit
+on the field of battle by means of that arrowy net, those heroic tigers
+among men resembled a couple of hawks immured in a cage. And beholding
+those heroes prostrate on the ground pierced with hundreds of arrows,
+Sugriva with all the monkeys stood surrounding them on all sides. And
+the king of the monkeys stood there, accompanied by Sushena and Mainda
+and Dwivida, and Kumuda and Angada and Hanuman and Nila and Tara and
+Nala. And Vibhishana, having achieved success in another part of the
+field, soon arrived at that spot, and roused those heroes from
+insensibility, awakening them by means of the weapon called
+_Prajna_.[60] Then Sugriva soon extracted the arrows from their bodies.
+And by means of that most efficacious medicine called the _Visalya_,[61]
+applied with celestial _mantras_, those human heroes regained their
+consciousness. And the arrow having been extracted from their bodies,
+those mighty warriors in a moment rose from their recumbent posture,
+their pains and fatigue thoroughly alleviated. And beholding Rama the
+descendant of Ikshwaku's race, quite at his ease, Vibhishana, O son of
+Pritha, joining his hands, told him these words, "O chastiser of foes,
+at the command of the king of the Guhyakas, a Guhyaka hath come from the
+White mountains, bringing with him his water![62] O great king, this
+water is a present to thee from Kuvera, so that all creatures that are
+invisible may, O chastiser of foes, become visible to thee! This water
+laved over the eyes will make every invisible creature visible to thee,
+as also to any other person to whom thou mayst give it!"--Saying--_So be
+it_,--Rama took that sacred water, and sanctified his own eyes
+therewith. And the high-minded Lakshmana also did the same. And Sugriva
+and Jambuvan, and Hanuman and Angada, and Mainda and Dwivida, and Nila
+and many other foremost of the monkeys, laved their eyes with that
+water. And thereupon it exactly happened as Vibhishana had said, for, O
+Yudhishthira, soon did the eyes of all these became capable of beholding
+things that could not be seen by the unassisted eye!
+
+    [60] This weapon could restore an insensible warrior to
+    consciousness, as the Sam-mohana weapon could deprive one of
+    consciousness.
+
+    [61] Visalya a medicinal plant of great efficacy in healing cuts
+    and wounds. It is still cultivated in several parts of Bengal. A
+    medical friend of the writer tested the efficacy of the plant
+    known by that name and found it to be much superior to either
+    gallic acid or tannic acid in stopping blood.
+
+    [62] The Guhyakas occupy, in Hindu mythology, a position next
+    only to that of the gods, and superior to that of the Gandharvas
+    who are the celestial choristers. The White mountain is another
+    name of Kailasa, the peak where Siva hath his abode.
+
+"'Meanwhile, Indrajit, after the success he had won, went to his father.
+And having informed him of the feats he had achieved, he speedily
+returned to the field of battle and placed himself at the van of his
+army. The son of Sumitra then, under Vibhishana's guidance, rushed
+towards that wrathful son of Ravana coming back, from desire of battle,
+to lead the attack. And Lakshmana, excited to fury and receiving a hint
+from Vibhishana, and desiring to slay Indrajit who had not completed his
+daily sacrifice, smote with his arrows that warrior burning to achieve
+success. And desirous of vanquishing each other, the encounter that took
+place between them was exceedingly wonderful like that (in days of yore)
+between the Lord of celestials and Prahrada. And Indrajit pierced the
+son of Sumitra with arrows penetrating into his very vitals. And the son
+of Sumitra also pierced Ravana's son with arrows of fiery energy. And
+pierced with Lakshmana's arrows, the son of Ravana became senseless with
+wrath. And he shot at Lakshmana eight shafts fierce as venomous snakes.
+Listen now, O Yudhishthira, as I tell thee how the heroic son of Sumitra
+then took his adversary's life by means of three winged arrows possessed
+of the energy and effulgence of fire! With one of these, he severed from
+Indrajit's body that arm of his enemy which had grasped the bow. With
+the second he caused that other arm which had held the arrows, to drop
+down on the ground. With the third that was bright and possessed of the
+keenest edge, he cut off his head decked with a beautiful nose and
+bright with earrings. And shorn of arms and head, the trunk became
+fearful to behold. And having slain the foe thus, that foremost of
+mighty men then slew with his arrows the charioteer of his adversary.
+And the horses then dragged away the empty chariot into the city. And
+Ravana then beheld that car without his son on it. And hearing that his
+son had been slain, Ravana suffered his heart to be overpowered with
+grief. And under the influence of extreme grief and affliction, the king
+of the Rakshasas suddenly cherished the desire of killing the princess
+of Mithila. And seizing a sword, the wicked Rakshasa hastily ran towards
+that lady staying within the _Asoka_ wood longing to behold her lord.
+Then Avindhya beholding that sinful purpose of the wicked wretch,
+appeased his fury. Listen, O Yudhishthira, to the reasons urged by
+Avindhya! That wise Rakshasa said, "Placed as thou art on the blazing
+throne of an empire, it behoveth thee not to slay a woman! Besides, this
+woman is already slain, considering that she is a captive in thy power!
+I think, she would not be slain if only her body were destroyed. Slay
+thou her husband! He being slain, she will be slain too! Indeed, not
+even he of an hundred sacrifices (Indra) is thy equal in prowess! The
+gods with Indra at their head, had repeatedly been affrighted by thee in
+battle!" With these and many other words of the same import, Avindhya
+succeeded in appeasing Ravana. And the latter did, indeed, listen to his
+counsellor's speech. And that wanderer of the night, then, resolved to
+give battle himself, sheathed his sword, and issued orders for preparing
+his chariot.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The Ten-necked (Ravana), excited to fury at the death
+of his beloved son, ascended his car decked with gold and gems. And
+surrounded by terrible _Rakshasas_ with various kinds of weapons in
+their hands, Ravana rushed towards Rama, fighting with numerous
+monkey-chiefs. And beholding him rushing in wrath towards the monkey
+army, Mainda and Nila and Nala and Angada, and Hanuman and Jambuvan,
+surrounded him with all their troops. And those foremost of monkeys and
+bears began to exterminate with trunks of trees, the soldiers of the
+Ten-necked (Ravana), in his very sight. And beholding the enemy
+slaughtering his troops, the _Rakshasa_ king, Ravana, possessed of great
+powers of illusion, began to put them forth. And forth from his body
+began to spring hundreds and thousands of _Rakshasas_ armed with arrows
+and lances and double-edged swords in hand. Rama, however, with a
+celestial weapon slew all those _Rakshasas_. The king of the _Rakshasas_
+then once more put forth his prowess of illusion. The Ten-faced,
+producing from his body numerous warriors resembling, O Bharata, both
+Rama and Lakshmana, rushed towards the two brothers. And then those
+_Rakshasas_, hostile to Rama and Lakshmana and armed with bows and
+arrows, rushed towards Rama, and beholding that power of illusion put
+forth by the king of _Rakshasas_, that descendant of Ikshwaku's race,
+the son of Sumitra, addressed Rama in these heroic words, "Slay those
+_Rakshasas_, those wretches with forms like thy own!" And Rama,
+thereupon slew those and other _Rakshasas_ of forms resembling his own.
+And that time Matali, the charioteer of Indra, approached Rama on the
+field of battle, with a car effulgent as the Sun and unto which were
+yoked horses of a tawny hue. And Matali said, "O son of Kakutstha's
+race, this excellent and victorious car, unto which have been yoked this
+pair of tawny horses, belongs to the Lord of celestials! It is on this
+excellent car, O tiger among men, that Indra hath slain in battle
+hundreds of _Daityas_ and _Danavas_! Therefore, O tiger among men, do
+thou, riding on the car driven by me, quickly slay Ravana in battle! Do
+not delay in achieving this!" Thus addressed by him, the descendant of
+Raghu's race, however, doubted the truthful words of Matali, thinking
+this is another illusion produced by the _Rakshasas_--Vibhishana then
+addressed him saying, "This, O tiger among men, is no illusion of the
+wicked Ravana! Ascend thou this chariot quickly, for this, O thou of
+great effulgence, belongeth to Indra!" The descendant of Kakutstha then
+cheerfully said unto Vibhishana, "So be it", and riding on that car,
+rushed wrathfully upon Ravana. And when Ravana, too, rushed against his
+antagonist, a loud wail of woe was set up by the creatures of the Earth,
+while the celestials in heaven sent forth a leonine roar accompanied by
+beating of large drums. The encounter then that took place between the
+Ten-necked _Rakshasa_ and that prince of Raghu's race, was fierce in the
+extreme. Indeed, that combat between them hath no parallel elsewhere.
+And the _Rakshasa_ hurled at Rama a terrible javelin looking like
+Indra's thunderbolt and resembling a Brahmana's curse on the point of
+utterance.[63] Rama, however, quickly cut into fragments that javelin by
+means of his sharp arrows. And beholding that most difficult feat,
+Ravana was struck with fear. But soon his wrath was excited and the
+Ten-necked hero began to shower on Rama whetted arrows by thousands and
+tens of thousands and countless weapons of various kinds, such as
+rockets and javelins and maces and battle-axes and darts of various
+kinds and Shataghnis and _whetted shafts_. And beholding that terrible
+form of illusion displayed by the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_, the monkeys
+fled in fear in all directions. Then the descendant of Kakutstha, taking
+out of his quiver an excellent arrow furnished with handsome wings and
+golden feathers and a bright and beautiful head, fixed it on the bow
+with _Brahmasira_ mantra. And beholding that excellent arrow transformed
+by Rama, with proper _mantras_ into a Brahma weapon, the celestials and
+the Gandharvas with Indra at their head, began to rejoice. And the gods
+and the _Danavas_ and the _Kinnaras_ were led by the display of that
+_Brahma_ weapon to regard the life of their Rakshasa foe almost closed.
+Then Rama shot that terrible weapon of unrivalled energy, destined to
+compass Ravana's death, and resembling the curse of a Brahmana on the
+point of utterance. And as soon, O Bharata, as that arrow was shot by
+Rama from his bow drawn to a circle, the _Rakshasa_ king with his
+chariot and charioteer and horses blazed up, surrounded on all sides by
+a terrific fire. And beholding Ravana slain by Rama of famous
+achievements, the celestials, with the _Gandharvas_ and the _Charanas_,
+rejoiced exceedingly. And deprived of universal dominion by the energy
+of the Brahma weapon, the five elements forsook the illustrious Ravana,
+and were consumed by the _Brahma_ weapon, the physical ingredients of
+Ravana's body. His flesh and blood were all reduced to nothingness,--so
+that the ashes even could not be seen.'"
+
+    [63] According to both Vyasa and Valmiki, there is nothing so
+    fierce as a Brahmana's curse. The very thunderbolt of Indra is
+    weak compared to a Brahmana's curse. The reason is obvious. The
+    thunder smites the individual at whom it may be aimed. The curse
+    of Brahmana smites the whole race, whole generation, whole
+    country.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXIX
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having slain Ravana, that wretched king of the
+_Rakshasas_ and foe of the celestials, Rama with his friends and
+Sumitra's son rejoiced exceedingly. And after the Ten-necked
+(_Rakshasa_) hath been slain, the celestials with the _Rishis_ at their
+head, worshipped Rama of mighty arms, blessing and uttering the word
+_Jaya_ repeatedly. And all the celestials and the _Gandharvas_ and the
+denizens of the celestial regions gratified Rama of eyes like lotus
+leaves, with hymns and flowery showers. And having duly worshipped Rama,
+they all went away to those regions whence they had come. And, O thou of
+unfading glory, the firmament at that time looked as if a great festival
+was being celebrated.
+
+"'And having slain the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_, the lord Rama of worldwide
+fame, that conqueror of hostile cities, bestowed Lanka on Vibhishana.
+Then that old and wise counsellor (of Ravana) known by the name of
+Avindhya, with Sita walking before him but behind Vibhishana who was at
+the front, came out of the city. And with great humility Avindhya said
+unto the illustrious descendant of Kakutstha, "O illustrious one, accept
+thou this goddess, Janaka's daughter of excellent conduct!" Hearing
+these words, the descendant of Ikshwaku's race alighted from his
+excellent chariot and beheld Sita bathed in tears. And beholding that
+beautiful lady seated within her vehicle, afflicted with grief,
+besmeared with filth, with matted locks on head, and attired in dirty
+robes, Rama, afraid of the loss of his honour, said unto her, "Daughter
+of Videha, go withersover thou likest! Thou art now free! What should
+have been done by me, hath been done! O blessed lady, owning me for thy
+husband, it is not meet that thou shouldst grow old in the abode of the
+_Rakshasa_! It is for this I have slain that wanderer of the night! But
+how can one like us, acquainted with every truth of morality, embrace
+even for a moment a woman that had fallen into other's hands? O princess
+of Mithila whether thou art chaste or unchaste, I dare not enjoy thee,
+now that thou art like sacrificial butter lapped by a dog!" Hearing
+these cruel words, that adorable girl suddenly fell down in great
+affliction of heart, like a plantain tree severed from its roots. And
+the colour that was suffusing her face in consequence of the joy she had
+felt, quickly disappeared, like watery particles on a mirror blown
+thereon by the breath of the mouth. And hearing these words of Rama, all
+the monkeys also with Lakshmana became still as dead. Then the divine
+and pure-souled Brahma of four faces, that Creator of the Universe
+himself sprung from a lotus, showed himself on his car to Raghu's son.
+And Sakra and Agni and Vayu, and Yama and Varuna and the illustrious
+Lord of the _Yakshas_, and the holy _Rishis_, and king Dasaratha also in
+a celestial and effulgent form and on car drawn by swans, showed
+themselves. And then the firmament crowded with celestials and
+_Gandharvas_ became as beautiful as the autumnal welkin spangled with
+stars. And rising up from the ground, the blessed and famous princess of
+Videha, in the midst of those present spoke unto Rama of wide chest,
+these words, "O prince, I impute no fault to thee, for thou art well
+acquainted with the behaviour that one should adopt towards both men and
+women. But hear thou these words of mine! The ever-moving Air is always
+present within every creature. If I have sinned, let him forsake my
+vital forces! If I have sinned, Oh, then let Fire, and Water, and Space,
+and Earth, like Air (whom I have already invoked), also forsake my vital
+forces! And as, O hero, I have never, even in my dreams, cherished the
+image of any other person, so be thou my lord as appointed by the gods."
+After Sita had spoken, a sacred voice, resounding through the whole of
+that region, was heard in the skies, gladdening the hearts of the
+high-souled monkeys. And the Wind-god was heard to say, "O son of Raghu,
+what Sita hath said is true! I am the god of Wind. The princess of
+Mithila is sinless! Therefore, O king, be united with thy wife!" And the
+god of Fire said, "O son of Raghu, I dwell within the bodies of all
+creatures! O descendant of Kakutstha, the princess of Mithila is not
+guilty of even the minutest fault!" And Varuna then said, "O son of
+Raghu, the humours in every creature's body derive their existence from
+me! I tell thee, let the princess of Mithila be accepted by thee!" And
+Brahma himself then said, "O descendant of Kakutstha, O son, in thee
+that art honest and pure and conversant with the duties of royal sages,
+this conduct is not strange. Listen, however, to these words of mine!
+Thou hast, O hero, slain this enemy of the gods, the _Gandharvas_, the
+_Nagas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Danavas_, and the great _Rishis_! It was
+through my grace that he had hitherto been unslayable of all creatures.
+And indeed, it was for some reason that I had tolerated him for some
+time! The wretch, however, abducted Sita for his own destruction. And as
+regards Sita, I protected her through Nalakuvera's curse. For that
+person had cursed Ravana of old, saying, that if he ever approached an
+unwilling woman, his head should certainly be split into a hundred
+fragments. Let no suspicion, therefore, be thine! O thou of great glory,
+accept thy wife! Thou hast indeed, achieved a mighty feat for the
+benefit of the gods, O thou that art of divine effulgence!" And last of
+all Dasaratha said, "I have been gratified with thee, O child! Blessed
+be thou, I am thy father Dasaratha! I command thee to take back thy
+wife, and rule thy kingdom, O thou foremost of men!" Rama then replied,
+"If thou art my father, I salute thee with reverence, O king of kings! I
+shall indeed, return, at thy command, to the delightful city of
+Ayodhya!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed, his father, O bull of the
+Bharata race, gladly answered Rama, the corners of whose eyes were of a
+reddish hue, saying, "Return to Ayodhya and rule thou that kingdom! O
+thou of great glory, thy fourteen years (of exile) have been completed."
+Thus addressed by Dasaratha, Rama bowed to the gods, and saluted by his
+friends he was united with his wife, like the Lord of the celestials
+with the daughter of Puloman. And that chastiser of foes then gave a
+boon to Avindhya. And he also bestowed both riches and honours on the
+_Rakshasa_ woman named _Trijata_. And when Brahma with all the
+celestials having Indra at their head, said unto Rama, "O thou that
+ownest Kausalya for thy mother, what boons after thy heart shall we
+grant thee?" Rama, thereupon, prayed them to grant him firm adherence to
+virtues and invincibility in respect of all foes. And he also asked for
+the restoration to life of all those monkeys that had been slain by the
+_Rakshasas_, and after Brahma had said--So be it, those monkeys, O king,
+restored to life, rose up from the field of battle, and Sita too, of
+great good fortune, granted unto Hanuman a boon, saying, "Let thy life,
+O son, last as long as (the fame of) Rama's achievements! And, O Hanuman
+of yellow eyes, let celestial viands and drinks be ever available to
+thee through my grace!"'
+
+"'Then the celestials with Indra at their head all disappeared in the
+very sight of those warriors of spotless achievements. And beholding
+Rama united with the daughter of Janaka, the charioteer of Sakra, highly
+pleased, addressed him in the midst of friends, and said these words, "O
+thou of prowess that can never be baffled thou hast dispelled the sorrow
+of the celestials, the _Gandharvas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Asuras_, the
+_Nagas_, and human beings! As long, therefore, as the Earth will hold
+together, so long will all creatures with the celestials, the _Asuras_,
+the _Gandharvas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Rakshasas_, and the _Pannagas_,
+speak of thee." And having said these words unto Rama, Matali worshipped
+that son of Raghu, and having obtained the leave of that foremost of
+wielders of weapons, he went away, on that same chariot of solar
+effulgence. And Rama also, with Sumatra's son and Vibhishana, and
+accompanied by all the monkeys with Sugriva at their head, placing Sita
+in the van and having made arrangements for the protection of Lanka,
+recrossed the ocean by the same bridge. And he rode on that beautiful
+and sky-ranging chariot called the _Pushpaka_ that was capable of going
+everywhere at the will of the rider. And that subduer of passions was
+surrounded by his principal counsellors in order of precedence. And
+arriving at that part of the sea-shore where he had formerly laid
+himself down, the virtuous king, with all the monkeys, pitched his
+temporary abode. And the son of Raghu then, bringing the monkeys before
+him in due time, worshipped them all, and gratifying them with presents
+of jewels and gems, dismissed them one after another. And after all the
+monkey-chiefs, and the apes with bovine tails, and the bears, had gone
+away, Rama re-entered Kishkindhya with Sugriva. And accompanied by both
+Vibhishana and Sugriva, Rama re-entered Kishkindhya riding on the
+_Pushpaka_ car and showing the princess of Videha the woods along the
+way. And having arrived at Kishkindhya, Rama, that foremost of all
+smiters, installed the successful Angada as prince-regent of the
+kingdom. And accompanied by the same friends as also by Sumitra's son,
+Rama proceeded towards his city along the same path by which he had
+come. And having reached the city of Ayodhya, the king despatched
+Hanuman thence as envoy to Bharata. And Hanuman, having ascertained
+Bharata's intentions from external indications, gave him the good news
+(of Rama's arrival). And after the son of Pavana had come back, Rama
+entered _Nandigrama_. And having entered that town, Rama beheld Bharata
+besmeared with filth and attired in rags and seated with his elder
+brother's sandals placed before him. And being united, O bull of Bharata
+race, with both Bharata and Shatrughna, the mighty son of Raghu, along
+with Sumitra's son, began to rejoice exceedingly. And Bharata and
+Shatrughna also, united with their eldest brother, and beholding Sita,
+both derived great pleasure. And Bharata then, after having worshipped
+his returned brother, made over to him with great pleasure, the kingdom
+that had been in his hands as a sacred trust. And Vasishtha and Vamadeva
+then together installed that hero in the sovereignty (of Ayodhya) at the
+eighth Muhurta[64] of the day under the asterism called _Sravana_. And
+after his installation was over, Rama gave leave to well-pleased Sugriva
+the king of the monkeys, along with all his followers, as also to
+rejoicing Vibhishana of Pulastya's race, to return to their respective
+abodes. And having worshipped them with various articles of enjoyment,
+and done everything that was suitable to the occasion, Rama dismissed
+those friends of his with a sorrowful heart. And the son of Raghu then,
+having worshiped that _Pushpaka_ chariot, joyfully gave it back unto
+Vaisravana. And then assisted by the celestial _Rishi_ (Vasishtha), Rama
+performed on the banks of the _Gomati_ ten horse-sacrifices without
+obstruction of any kind and with treble presents unto Brahmanas.'"
+
+    [64] Abhijit is lit. the eighth muhurta of the day, a muhurta
+    being equal to an hour of 48 minutes, i.e. the thirtieth part of
+    a whole day and night. The Vaishnava asterism is as explained by
+    Nilakantha, the Sravava.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXL
+
+"Markandeya said, 'It was thus, O mighty-armed one, that Rama of
+immeasurable energy had suffered of old such excessive calamity in
+consequence of his exile in the woods! O tiger among men, do not grieve,
+for, O chastiser of foes, thou art _Kshatriya_! Thou too treadest in the
+path in which strength of arms is to be put forth,--the path that
+leadeth to tangible rewards. Thou hast not even a particle of sin. Even
+the celestials with Indra at their head, and the _Asuras_ have to tread
+in the path that is trod by thee! It was after such afflictions that the
+wielder of the thunderbolt, aided by the _Maruts_, slew _Vritra_, and
+the invincible _Namuchi_ and the Rakshasi of long tongue! He that hath
+assistance, always secureth the accomplishment of all his purposes! What
+is that which cannot be vanquished in battle by him that hath Dhananjaya
+for his brother? This Bhima, also, of terrible prowess, is the foremost
+of mighty persons. The heroic and youthful sons of Madravati again are
+mighty bowmen. With allies such as these, why dost thou despair, O
+chastiser of foes? These are capable of vanquishing the army of the
+wielder himself of the thunderbolt with the _Maruts_ in the midst.
+Having these mighty bowmen of celestial forms for thy allies, thou, O
+bull of Bharata race, art sure to conquer in battle all thy foes!
+Behold, this Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, forcibly abducted by the
+wicked-minded Saindhava from pride of strength and energy, hath been
+brought back by these mighty warriors after achieving terrible feats!
+Behold, king Jayadratha was vanquished and lay powerless before thee!
+The princess of Videha was rescued with almost no allies by Rama after
+the slaughter in battle of the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_ of terrible
+prowess! Indeed, the allies of Rama (in that contest) were monkeys and
+black-faced bears, creatures that were not even human! Think of all
+this, O king, in thy mind! Therefore, O foremost of Kurus, grieve not
+for all (that hath occurred), O bull of the Bharata race! Illustrious
+persons like thee never indulge in sorrow, O smiter of foes!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that the king was comforted by
+Markandeya. And then that high-souled one, casting off his sorrows, once
+more spoke unto Markandeya."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLI
+
+(_Pativrata-mahatmya Parva_)
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O mighty sage, I do not so much grieve for myself
+or these my brothers or the loss of my kingdom as I do for this daughter
+of Drupada. When we were afflicted at the game of the dice by those
+wicked-souled ones, it was Krishna that delivered us. And she was
+forcibly carried off from the forest by Jayadratha. Hast thou even seen
+or heard of any chaste and exalted lady that resembleth this daughter of
+Drupada?'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O king, how the exalted merit of chaste
+ladies, O Yudhishthira, was completely obtained by a princess named
+Savitri. There was a king among the Madras, who was virtuous and highly
+pious. And he always ministered unto the Brahmanas, and was high-souled
+and firm in promise. And he was of subdued senses and given to
+sacrifices. And he was the foremost of givers, and was able, and beloved
+by both the citizens and the rural population. And the name of that lord
+of Earth was Aswapati. And he was intent on the welfare of all beings.
+And that forgiving (monarch) of truthful speech and subdued senses was
+without issue. And when he got old, he was stricken with grief at this.
+And with the object of raising offspring, he observed rigid vows and
+began to live upon frugal fare, having recourse to the Brahmacharya mode
+of life, and restraining his senses. And that best of kings, (daily)
+offering ten thousand oblations to the fire, recited Mantras in honour
+of _Savitri_[65] and ate temperately at the sixth hour. And he passed
+eighteen years, practising such vows. Then when the eighteen years were
+full, _Savitri_ was pleased (with him). And O king, issuing with great
+delight, in embodied form, from the _Agnihotra_ fire, the goddess showed
+herself to that king. And intent on conferring boons, she spoke these
+words unto the monarch, "I have been gratified, O king, with thy
+_Brahmacharya_ practices, thy purity and self-restraint and observance
+of vows, and all thy endeavours and veneration! Do thou, O mighty king,
+O Aswapati, ask for the boon that thou desirest! Thou ought, however, by
+no means show any disregard for virtue." Thereat Aswapati said, "It is
+with the desire of attaining virtue that I have been engaged in this
+task. O goddess, may many sons be born unto me worthy of my race! If
+thou art pleased with me, O goddess, I ask for this boon. The twice-born
+ones have assured me that great merit lieth in having offspring!"
+_Savitri_ replied, "O king, having already learnt this thy intention, I
+had spoken unto that lord, the Grandsire, about thy sons. Through the
+favour granted by the Self-create, there shall speedily be born unto
+thee on earth a daughter of great energy. It behoveth thee not to make
+any reply. Well-pleased, I tell thee this at the command of the
+Grandsire."'
+
+    [65] Also called Gayatri, the wife of Brahma.
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having accepted _Savitri's_ words and saying, "_So be
+it!_" the king again gratified her and said, "May this happen soon!" On
+_Savitri_ vanishing away, the monarch entered his own city. And that
+hero began to live in his kingdom, ruling his subjects righteously. And
+when some time had elapsed, that king, observant of vows, begat
+offspring on his eldest queen engaged in the practice of virtue. And
+then, O bull of the Bharata race, the embryo in the womb of the princess
+of Malava increased like the lord of stars in the heavens during the
+lighted fortnight. And when the time came, she brought forth a daughter
+furnished with lotus-like eyes. And that best of monarchs, joyfully
+performed the usual ceremonies on her behalf. And as she had been
+bestowed with delight by the goddess _Savitri_ by virtue of the
+oblations offered in honour of that goddess, both her father, and the
+Brahmanas named her _Savitri_. And the king's daughter grew like unto
+_Sree_ herself in an embodied form. And in due time, that damsel
+attained her puberty. And beholding that graceful maiden of slender
+waist and ample hips, and resembling a golden image, people thought, "We
+have received a goddess." And overpowered by her energy, none could wed
+that girl of eyes like lotus-leaves, and possessed of a burning
+splendour.
+
+"'And it came to pass that once on the occasion of a _parva_, having
+fasted and bathed her head, she presented herself before the (family)
+deity and caused the Brahmanas to offer oblations with due rites to the
+sacrificial fire. And taking the flowers that had been offered to the
+god, that lady, beautiful as _Sree_ herself, went to her high-souled
+sire. And having reverenced the feet of her father and offering him the
+flowers she had brought, that maiden of exceeding grace, with joined
+hands, stood at the side of the king. And seeing his own daughter
+resembling a celestial damsel arrived at puberty, and unsought by
+people, the king became sad. And the king said, "Daughter, the time for
+bestowing thee is come! Yet none asketh thee. Do thou (therefore)
+thyself seek for a husband equal to thee in qualities! That person who
+may be desired by thee should be notified to me. Do thou choose for thy
+husband as thou listest. I shall bestow thee with deliberation. Do thou,
+O auspicious one, listen to me as I tell thee the words which I heard
+recited by the twice-born ones. The father that doth not bestow his
+daughter cometh by disgrace. And the husband that knoweth not his wife
+in her season meeteth with disgrace. And the son that doth not protect
+his mother when her husband is dead, also suffereth disgrace. Hearing
+these words of mine, do thou engage thyself in search of a husband. Do
+thou act in such a way that we may not be censured by the gods!"'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having said these words to his daughter and his old
+counsellors, he instructed the attendants to follow her, saying,--_Go!_
+Thereat, bashfully bowing down unto her father's feet, the meek maid
+went out without hesitation, in compliance with the words of her sire.
+And ascending a golden car, she went to the delightful asylum of the
+royal sages, accompanied by her father's aged counsellors. There, O son,
+worshipping the feet of the aged ones, she gradually began to roam over
+all the woods. Thus the king's daughter distributing wealth in all
+sacred regions, ranged the various places belonging to the foremost of
+the twice-born ones.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'On one occasion, O Bharata, when that king, the
+lord of the Madras, was seated with Narada in the midst of his court,
+engaged in conversation, Savitri, accompanied by the king's counsellors,
+came to her father's abode after having visited various sacred regions
+and asylums. And beholding her father seated with Narada, she worshipped
+the feet of both by bending down her head. And Narada then said,
+"Whither had this thy daughter gone? And, O king, whence also doth she
+come? Why also dost thou not bestow her on a husband, now that she hath
+arrived at the age of puberty?" Aswapati answered, saying, "Surely it
+was on this very business that she had been sent, and she returneth now
+(from her search). Do thou, O celestial sage, listen, even from her as
+to the husband she hath chosen herself!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then the blessed maid, commanded by her father
+with the words,--_Relate everything in detail_,--regarded those words of
+her sire as if they were those of a god, and spoke unto him thus, "There
+was, amongst the Salwas, a virtuous Kshatriya king known by the name of
+Dyumatsena. And it came to pass that in course of time he became blind.
+And that blind king possessed of wisdom had an only son. And it so
+happened that an old enemy dwelling in the vicinity, taking advantage of
+the king's mishap, deprived him of his kingdom. And thereupon the
+monarch, accompanied by his wife bearing a child on her breast, went
+into the woods. And having retired into the forests, he adopted great
+vows and began to practise ascetic austerities. And his son, born in the
+city, began to grow in the hermitage. That youth, fit to be my husband,
+I have accepted in my heart for my lord!" At these words of hers, Narada
+said, "Alas, O king, Savitri hath committed a great wrong, since, not
+knowing, she hath accepted for her lord this Satyavan of excellent
+qualities! His father speaketh the truth and his mother also is truthful
+in her speech. And it is for this that the Brahmanas have named the son
+_Satyavan_. In his childhood he took great delight in horses, and used
+to make horses of clay. And he used also to draw pictures of horses. And
+for this that youth is sometimes called by the name of _Chitraswa_." The
+king then asked, "And is prince Satyavan, who is devoted to his father,
+endued with energy and intelligence and forgiveness and courage?" Narada
+replied, saying, "In energy Satyavan is like unto the sun, and in wisdom
+like unto Vrihaspati! And he is brave like unto the lord of the
+celestials and forgiving like unto the Earth herself!" Aswapati then
+said, "And is the prince Satyavan liberal in gifts and devoted to the
+Brahmanas? Is he handsome and magnanimous and lovely to behold?" Narada
+said, "In bestowal of gifts according to his power, the mighty son of
+Dyumatsena is like unto Sankriti's son Rantideva. In truthfulness of
+speech and devotion unto Brahmanas, he is like Sivi, the son of Usinara.
+And he is magnanimous like Yayati, and beautiful like the Moon. And in
+beauty of person he is like either of the twin Aswins. And with senses
+under control, he is meek, and brave, and truthful! And with passion in
+subjection he is devoted to his friends, and free from malice and modest
+and patient. Indeed, briefly speaking, they that are possessed of great
+ascetic merit and are of exalted character say that he is always correct
+in his conduct and that honour is firmly seated on his brow." Hearing
+this, Aswapati said, "O reverend sage, thou tellest me that he is
+possessed of every virtue! Do thou now tell me his defects if, indeed,
+he hath any!" Narada then said, "He hath one only defect that hath
+overwhelmed all his virtues. That defect is incapable of being conquered
+by even the greatest efforts. He hath only one defect, and no other.
+Within a year from this day, Satyavan, endued with a short life will
+cast off his body!" Hearing these words of the sage, the king said,
+"Come, O Savitri, go thou and choose another for thy lord, O beautiful
+damsel! That one great defect (in this youth) existeth, covering all his
+merits. The illustrious Narada honoured by even the gods, sayeth, that
+Satyavan will have to cast off his body within a year, his days being
+numbered!" At these words of her father, Savitri said, "The death can
+fall but once; a daughter can be given away but once; and once only can a
+person say, _I give away_! These three things can take place only once.
+Indeed, with a life short or long, possessed of virtues or bereft of
+them, I have, for once, selected my husband. Twice I shall not select.
+Having first settled a thing mentally, it is expressed in words, and
+then it is carried out into practice. Of this my mind is an example!"
+Narada then said, "O best of men, the heart of thy daughter Savitri
+wavereth not! It is not possible by any means to make her swerve from
+this path of virtue! In no other person are those virtues that dwell in
+Satyavan. The bestowal of thy daughter, therefore, is approved by me!"
+The king said, "What thou hast said, O illustrious one, should never be
+disobeyed, for thy words are true! And I shall act as thou hast said,
+since thou art my preceptor!" Narada said, "May the bestowal of thy
+daughter Savitri be attended with peace! I shall now depart. Blessed be
+all of ye!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, Narada rose up into the sky
+and went to heaven. On the other hand, the king began to make
+preparations for his daughter's wedding!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having pondered over these words (of Narada) about
+his daughter's marriage, the king began to make arrangements about the
+nuptials. And summoning all the old Brahmanas, and _Ritwijas_ together
+with the priests, he set out with his daughter on an auspicious day. And
+arriving at the asylum of Dyumatsena in the sacred forest, the king
+approached the royal sage on foot, accompanied by the twice-born ones.
+And there he beheld the blind monarch of great wisdom seated on a
+cushion of _Kusa_ grass spread under _Sala_ tree. And after duly
+reverencing the royal sage, the king in an humble speech introduced
+himself. Thereupon, offering him the _Arghya_, a seat, and a cow, the
+monarch asked his royal guest,--_Wherefore is this visit?_--Thus
+addressed the king disclosed everything about his intentions and purpose
+with reference to Satyavan. And Aswapati said, "O royal sage, this
+beautiful girl is my daughter named Savitri. O thou versed in morality,
+do thou, agreeably to the customs of our order, take her from me as thy
+daughter-in-law!" Hearing these words, Dyumatsena said, "Deprived of
+kingdom, and taking up our abode in the woods, we are engaged in the
+practice of virtue as ascetics with regulated lives. Unworthy of a
+forest life, how will thy daughter, living in the sylvan asylum, bear
+this hardship?" Aswapati said, "When my daughter knoweth, as well as
+myself, that happiness and misery come and go (without either being
+stationary), such words as these are not fit to be used towards one like
+me! O king, I have come hither, having made up my mind! I have bowed to
+thee from friendship; it behoveth thee not, therefore, to destroy my
+hope! It behoveth thee not, also, to disregard me who, moved by love,
+have come to thee! Thou art my equal and fit for an alliance with me, as
+indeed, I am thy equal and fit for alliance with thee! Do thou,
+therefore, accept my daughter for thy daughter-in-law and the wife of
+the good Satyavan!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Formerly I had
+desired an alliance with thee. But I hesitated, being subsequently
+deprived of my kingdom. Let this wish, therefore, that I had formerly
+entertained, be accomplished this very day. Thou art, indeed, a welcome
+guest to me!"
+
+"'Then summoning all the twice-born ones residing in the hermitages of
+that forest, the two kings caused the union to take place with due
+rites. And having bestowed his daughter with suitable robes and
+ornaments, Aswapati went back to his abode in great joy. And Satyavan,
+having obtained a wife possessed of every accomplishment, became highly
+glad, while she also rejoiced exceedingly upon having gained the husband
+after her own heart. And when her father had departed, she put off all
+her ornaments, and clad herself in barks and cloths dyed in red. And by
+her services and virtues, her tenderness and self-denial, and by her
+agreeable offices unto all, she pleased everybody. And she gratified her
+mother-in-law by attending to her person and by covering her with robes
+and ornaments. And she gratified her father-in-law by worshipping him as
+a god and controlling her speech. And she pleased her husband by her
+honeyed speeches, her skill in every kind of work, the evenness of her
+temper, and by the indications of her love in private. And thus, O
+Bharata, living in the asylum of those pious dwellers of the forest,
+they continued for some time to practise ascetic austerities. But the
+words spoken by Narada were present night and day in the mind of the
+sorrowful Savitri.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLIV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'At length, O king, after a long time had passed away,
+the hour that had been appointed for the death of Satyavan arrived. And
+as the words that had been spoken by Narada were ever present in the
+mind of Savitri, she had counted the days as they passed. And having
+ascertained that her husband would die on the fourth day following, the
+damsel fasted day and night, observing the _Triratra_ vow. And hearing
+of her vow, the king became exceedingly sorrowful and rising up soothed
+Savitri and said these words, "This vow that thou hast begun to observe,
+O daughter of a king, is exceedingly hard; for it is extremely difficult
+to fast for three nights together!" And hearing these words, Savitri
+said, "Thou needst not be sorry, O father! This vow I shall be able to
+observe! I have for certain undertaken this task with perseverance; and
+perseverance is the cause of the successful observance of vows." And
+having listened to her, Dyumatsena said, "I can by no means say unto
+thee, _Do thou break thy vow_. One like me should, on the contrary,
+say,--_Do thou complete thy vow!_" And having said this to her, the
+high-minded Dyumatsena stopped. And Savitri continuing to fast began to
+look (lean) like a wooden doll. And, O bull of the Bharata race,
+thinking that her husband would die on the morrow, the woe-stricken
+Savitri, observing a fast, spent that night in extreme anguish. And when
+the Sun had risen about a couple of hand Savitri thinking within
+herself--_To-day is that day_, finished her morning rites, and offered
+oblations to the flaming fire. And bowing down unto the aged Brahmanas,
+and her father-in-law, and mother-in-law, she stood before them with
+joined hands, concentrating her senses. And for the welfare of Savitri,
+all the ascetics dwelling in that hermitage, uttered the auspicious
+benediction that she should never suffer widowhood. And Savitri immersed
+in contemplation accepted those words of the ascetics, mentally
+saying,--_So be it!_--And the king's daughter, reflecting on those words
+of Narada, remained, expecting the hour and the moment.
+
+"'Then, O best of the Bharatas, well-pleased, her father-in-law and
+mother-in-law said these words unto the princess seated in a corner,
+"Thou hast completed the vow as prescribed. The time for thy meal hath
+now arrived; therefore, do thou what is proper!" Thereat Savitri said,
+"Now that I have completed the purposed vow, I will eat when the Sun
+goes down. Even this is my heart's resolve and this my vow!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'And when Savitri had spoken thus about her meal,
+Satyavan, taking his axe upon his shoulders, set out for the woods. And
+at this, Savitri said unto her husband, "It behoveth thee not to go
+alone! I will accompany thee. I cannot bear to be separated from thee!"
+Hearing these words of hers, Satyavan said, "Thou hast never before
+repaired to the forest. And, O lady, the forest-paths are hard to pass!
+Besides thou hast been reduced by fast on account of thy vow. How
+wouldst thou, therefore, be able to walk on foot?" Thus addressed,
+Savitri said, "I do not feel langour because of the fast, nor do I feel
+exhaustion. And I have made up my mind to go. It behoveth thee not,
+therefore, to prevent me!" At this, Satyavan said, "If thou desirest to
+go, I will gratify that desire of thine. Do thou, however, take the
+permission of my parents, so that I may be guilty of no fault!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her lord, Savitri of high vows
+saluted her father-in-law and mother-in-law and addressed them, saying,
+"This my husband goeth to the forest for procuring fruits. Permitted by
+my revered lady-mother and father-in-law, I will accompany him. For
+to-day I cannot bear to be separated from him. Thy son goeth out for the
+sake of the sacrificial fire and for his reverend superiors. He ought
+not, therefore, to be dissuaded. Indeed, he could be dissuaded if he
+went into the forest on any other errand. Do ye not prevent me! I will
+go into the forest with him. It is a little less than a year that I have
+not gone out of the asylum. Indeed, I am extremely desirous of beholding
+the blossoming woods!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Since
+Savitri hath been bestowed by her father as my daughter-in-law, I do not
+remember that she hath ever spoken any words couching a request. Let my
+daughter-in-law, therefore, have her will in this matter. Do thou,
+however, O daughter, act in such a way that Satyavan's work may not be
+neglected!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having received the permission of both, the
+illustrious Savitri, departed with her lord, in seeming smiles although
+her heart was racked with grief. And that lady of large eyes went on,
+beholding picturesque and delightful woods inhabited by swarms of
+peacocks. And Satyavan sweetly said unto Savitri, "Behold these rivers
+of sacred currents and these excellent trees decked with flowers!" But
+the faultless Savitri continued to watch her lord in all his moods, and
+recollecting the words of the celestial sage, she considered her husband
+as already dead. And with heart cleft in twain, that damsel, replying to
+her lord, softly followed him expecting that hour.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The powerful Satyavan then, accompanied by his wife,
+plucked fruits and filled his wallet with them. And he then began to
+fell branches of trees. And as he was hewing them, he began to perspire.
+And in consequence of that exercise his head began to ache. And
+afflicted with toil, he approached his beloved wife, and addressed her,
+saying, "O Savitri, owing to this hard exercise my head acheth, and all
+my limbs and my heart also are afflicted sorely! O thou of restrained
+speech, I think myself unwell, I feel as if my head is being pierced
+with numerous darts. Therefore, O auspicious lady, I wish to sleep, for
+I have not the power to stand." Hearing these words, Savitri quickly
+advancing, approached her husband, and sat down upon the ground, placing
+his head upon her lap. And that helpless lady, thinking of Narada's
+words, began to calculate the (appointed) division of the day, the hour,
+and the moment. The next moment she saw a person clad in red attire with
+his head decked with a diadem. And his body was of large proportions and
+effulgent as the Sun. And he was of a darkish hue, had red eyes, carried
+a noose in his hand, and was dreadful to behold. And he was standing
+beside Satyavan and was steadfastly gazing at him. And seeing him,
+Savitri gently placed her husband's head on the ground, and rising
+suddenly, with a trembling heart, spake these words in distressful
+accents, "Seeing this thy superhuman form, I take thee to be a deity. If
+thou will tell me, O chief of the gods, who thou art and what also thou
+intendst to do!" Thereat, Yama replied, "O Savitri, thou art ever
+devoted to thy husband, and thou art also endued with ascetic merit. It
+is for this reason that I hold converse with thee. Do thou, O auspicious
+one, know me for Yama. This thy lord Satyavan, the son of a king, hath
+his days run out. I shall, therefore, take him away binding him in this
+noose. Know this to be my errand!" At these words Savitri said, "I had
+heard that thy emissaries come to take away mortals, O worshipful one!
+Why then, O lord, hast thou come in person?"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her, the illustrious lord of
+_Pitris_, with a view to oblige her, began to unfold to her truly all
+about his intentions. And Yama said, "This prince is endued with virtues
+and beauty of person, and is a sea of accomplishments. He deserveth not
+to be borne away by my emissaries. Therefore is it that I have come
+personally." Saying this, Yama by main force pulled out of the body of
+Satyavan, a person of the measure of the thumb, bound in noose and
+completely under subjection. And when Satyavan's life had thus been
+taken out, the body, deprived of breath, and shorn of lustre, and
+destitute of motion, became unsightly to behold. And binding Satyavan's
+vital essence, Yama proceeded in a southerly direction. Thereupon, with
+heart overwhelmed in grief, the exalted Savitri, ever devoted to her
+lord and crowned with success in respect of her vows, began to follow
+Yama. And at this, Yama said, "Desist, O Savitri! Go back, and perform
+the funeral obsequies of thy lord! Thou art freed from all thy
+obligations to thy lord. Thou hast come as far as it is possible to
+come." Savitri replied, "Whither my husband is being carried, or whither
+he goeth of his own accord, I will follow him thither. This is the
+eternal custom. By virtue of my asceticism, of my regard for my
+superiors, of my affection for my lord, of my observance of vows, as
+well as of thy favour, my course is unimpeded. It hath been declared by
+wise men endued with true knowledge that by walking only seven paces
+with another, one contracteth a friendship with one's companion. Keeping
+that friendship (which I have contracted with thee) in view, I shall
+speak to thee something. Do thou listen to it. They that have not their
+souls under control, acquire not merit by leading the four successive
+modes of life, viz.,--celibacy with study, domesticity, retirement into
+the woods, and renunciation of the world. That which is called religious
+merit is said to consist of true knowledge. The wise, therefore, have
+declared religious merit to be the foremost of all things and not the
+passage through the four successive modes. By practising the duties of
+even one of these four modes agreeable to the directions of the wise, we
+have attained to true merit, and, therefore, we do not desire the second
+or the third mode, viz., celibacy with study or renunciation. It is for
+this again that the wise have declared religious merit to be the
+foremost of all things!" Hearing these words of hers, Yama said, "Do
+thou desist! I have been pleased with these words of thine couched in
+proper letters and accents, and based on reason. Do thou ask for a boon!
+Except the life of thy husband, O thou of faultless features, I will
+bestow on thee any boon that thou mayst solicit!" Hearing these words,
+Savitri said, "Deprived of his kingdom and bereft also of sight, my
+father-in-law leadeth a life of retirement in our sylvan asylum. Let
+that king through thy favour attain his eye-sight, and become strong
+like either fire or the Sun!" Yama said, "O thou of faultless features,
+I grant thee this boon! It will even be as thou hast said! It seems that
+thou art fatigued with thy journey. Do thou desist, therefore, and
+return! Suffer not thyself to be weary any longer!" Savitri said, "What
+weariness can I feel in the presence of my husband? The lot that is my
+husband's is certainly mine also. Whither thou carriest my husband,
+thither will I also repair! O chief of the celestials, do thou again
+listen to me! Even a single interview with the pious is highly
+desirable; friendship with them is still more so. And intercourse with
+the virtuous can never be fruitless. Therefore, one should live in the
+company of the righteous!" Yama said, "These words that thou hast
+spoken, so fraught with useful instruction, delight the heart and
+enhance the wisdom of even the learned. Therefore, O lady, solicit thou
+a second boon, except the life of Satyavan!" Savitri said, "Sometime
+before, my wise and intelligent father-in-law was deprived of his
+kingdom. May that monarch regain his kingdom. And may that superior of
+mine never renounce his duties! Even this is the second boon that I
+solicit!" Then Yama said,--"The king shall soon regain his kingdom. Nor
+shall he ever fall off from his duties. Thus, O daughter of a king have
+I fulfilled thy desire. Do thou now desist! Return! Do not take any
+future trouble!" Savitri said, "Thou hast restrained all creatures by
+thy decrees, and it is by thy decrees that thou takest them away, not
+according to thy will. Therefore it is, O god, O divine one, that people
+call thee _Yama_! Do thou listen to the words that I say! The eternal
+duty of the good towards all creatures is never to injure them in
+thought, word, and deed, but to bear them love and give them their due.
+As regards this world, everything here is like this (husband of mine).
+Men are destitute of both devotion and skill. The good, however, show
+mercy to even their foes when these seek their protection." Yama said,
+"As water to the thirsty soul, so are these words uttered by thee to me!
+Therefore, do thou, O fair lady, if thou will, once again ask for any
+boon except Satyavana's life!" At these words Savitri replied, "That
+lord of earth, my father, is without sons. That he may have a hundred
+sons begotten of his loins, so that his line may be perpetuated, is the
+third boon I would ask of thee!" Yama said, "Thy sire, O auspicious
+lady, shall obtain a hundred illustrious sons, who will perpetuate and
+increase their father's race! Now, O daughter of a king, thou hast
+obtained thy wish. Do thou desist! Thou hast come far enough." Savitri
+said, "Staying by the side of my husband, I am not conscious of the
+length of the way I have walked. Indeed, my mind rusheth to yet a longer
+way off. Do thou again, as thou goest on, listen to the words that I
+will presently utter! Thou art the powerful son of Vivaswat. It is for
+this that thou art called _Vatvaswata_ by the wise. And, O lord, since
+thou dealest out equal law unto all created things, thou hast been
+designated the _lord of justice_! One reposeth not, even in one's own
+self, the confidence that one doth in the righteous. Therefore, every
+one wisheth particularly for intimacy with the righteous. It is goodness
+of heart alone that inspireth the confidence of all creatures. And it is
+for this that people rely particularly on the righteous." And hearing
+these words, Yama said, "The words that thou utterest, O fair lady, I
+have not heard from any one save thee; I am highly pleased with this
+speech of thine. Except the life of Satyavan, solicit thou, therefore, a
+fourth boon, and then go thy way!" Savitri then said, "Both of me and
+Satyavan's loins, begotten by both of us, let there be a century of sons
+possessed of strength and prowess and capable of perpetuating our race!
+Even this is the fourth boon that I would beg of thee!" Hearing these
+words of hers, Yama replied, "Thou shalt, O lady, obtain a century of
+sons, possessed of strength and prowess, and causing thee great delight.
+O daughter of a king, let no more weariness be thine! Do thou desist!
+Thou hast already come too far!" Thus addressed, Savitri said, "They
+that are righteous always practise eternal morality! And the communion
+of the pious with the pious is never fruitless! Nor is there any danger
+to the pious from those that are pious. And verily it is the righteous
+who by their truth make the Sun move in the heaven. And it is the
+righteous that support the earth by their austerities! And, O king, it
+is the righteous upon whom both the past and the future depend!
+Therefore, they that are righteous, are never cheerless in the company
+of the righteous. Knowing this to be the eternal practice of the good
+and righteous, they that are righteous continue to do good to others
+without expecting any benefit in return. A good office is never thrown
+away on the good and virtuous. Neither interest nor dignity suffereth
+any injury by such an act. And since such conduct ever adheres to the
+righteous, the righteous often become the protectors of all." Hearing
+these words of hers, Yama replied, "The more thou utterest such speeches
+that are pregnant with great import, full of honeyed phrases, instinct
+with morality, and agreeable to mind, the more is the respect that I
+feel for thee! O thou that art so devoted to thy lord, ask for some
+incomparable boon!" Thus addressed, Savitri said, "O bestower of
+honours, the boon thou hast already given me is incapable of
+accomplishment without union with my husband. Therefore, among other
+boons, I ask for this, may this Satyavan be restored to life! Deprived
+of my husband, I am as one dead! Without my husband, I do not wish for
+happiness. Without my husband, I do not wish for heaven itself. Without
+my husband, I do not wish for prosperity. Without my husband, I cannot
+make up my mind to live! Thou thyself hast bestowed on me the boon,
+namely, of a century of sons; yet thou takest away my husband! I ask for
+this boon, 'May Satyavan be restored to life,' for by that thy words
+will be made true."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thereupon saying,--_So be it_,--Vivaswat's son,
+Yama, the dispenser of justice, untied his noose, and with cheerful
+heart said these words to Savitri, "Thus, O auspicious and chaste lady,
+is thy husband freed by me! Thou wilt be able to take him back free from
+disease. And he will attain to success! And along with thee, he will
+attain a life of four hundred years. And celebrating sacrifices with due
+rites, he will achieve great fame in this world. And upon thee Satyavan
+will also beget a century of sons. And these Kshatriyas with their sons
+and grandsons will all be kings, and will always be famous in connection
+with thy name. And thy father also will beget a hundred sons on thy
+mother Malavi. And under the name of the _Malavas_, thy Kshatriya
+brothers, resembling the celestials, will be widely known along with
+their sons and daughters!" And having bestowed these boons on Savitri
+and having thus made her desist, Yama departed for his abode. Savitri,
+after Yama had gone away, went back to the spot where her husband's
+ash-coloured corpse lay, and seeing her lord on the ground, she
+approached him, and taking hold of him, she placed his head on her lap
+and herself sat down on the ground. Then Satyavan regained his
+consciousness, and affectionately eyeing Savitri again and again, like
+one come home after a sojourn in a strange land, he addressed her thus,
+"Alas, I have slept long! Wherefore didst thou not awake me? And where
+is that same sable person that was dragging me away?" At these words of
+his, Savitri said, "Thou hast, O bull among men, slept long on my lap!
+That restrainer of creatures, the worshipful Yama, had gone away. Thou
+art refreshed, O blessed one, and sleep hath forsaken thee, O son of a
+king! If thou art able, rise thou up! Behold, the night is deep!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having regained consciousness, Satyavan rose up
+like one who had enjoyed a sweet sleep, and seeing every side covered
+with woods, said, "O girl of slender waist, I came with thee for
+procuring fruits. Then while I was cutting wood I felt a pain in my
+head. And on account of that intense pain about my head I was unable to
+stand for any length of time, and, therefore, I lay on thy lap and
+slept. All this, O auspicious lady, I remember. Then, as thou didst
+embrace me, sleep stole away my senses. I then saw that it was dark all
+around. In the midst of it I saw a person of exceeding effulgence. If
+thou knowest everything, do thou then, O girl of slender waist, tell me
+whether what I saw was only a dream or a reality!" Thereupon, Savitri
+addressed him, saying, "The night deepens. I shall, O prince, relate
+everything unto thee on the morrow. Arise, arise, may good betide thee!
+And, O thou of excellent vows, come and behold thy parents! The sun hath
+set a long while ago and the night deepens. Those rangers of the night,
+having frightful voices, are walking about in glee. And sounds are
+heard, proceeding from the denizens of the forest treading through the
+woods. These terrible shrieks of jackals that are issuing from the south
+and the east make my heart tremble (in fear)!" Satyavan then said,
+"Covered with deep darkness, the wilderness hath worn a dreadful aspect.
+Thou wilt, therefore, not be able to discern the tract, and consequently
+wilt not be able to go!" Then Savitri replied, "In consequence of a
+conflagration having taken place in the forest today a withered tree
+standeth aflame, and the flames being stirred by the wind are discerned
+now and then. I shall fetch some fire and light these faggots around. Do
+thou dispel all anxiety. I will do all (this) if thou darest not go, for
+I find thee unwell. Nor wilt thou be able to discover the way through
+this forest enveloped in darkness. Tomorrow when the woods become
+visible, we will go hence, if thou please! If, O sinless one, it is thy
+wish, we shall pass this night even here!" At these words of hers,
+Satyavan replied, "The pain in my head is off; and I feel well in my
+limbs. With thy favour I wish to behold my father and mother. Never
+before did I return to the hermitage after the proper time had passed
+away. Even before it is twilight my mother confineth me within the
+asylum. Even when I come out during the day, my parents become anxious
+on my account, and my father searcheth for me, together with all the
+inhabitants of the sylvan asylums. Before this, moved by deep grief, my
+father and mother had rebuked me many times and often, saying,--_Thou
+comest having tarried long_! I am thinking of the pass they have today
+come to on my account, for, surely, great grief will be theirs when they
+miss me. One night before this, the old couple, who love me dearly, wept
+from deep sorrow and said into me, 'Deprived of thee, O son, we cannot
+live for even a moment. As long as thou livest, so long, surely, we also
+will live. Thou art the crutch of these blind ones; on thee doth
+perpetuity of our race depend. On thee also depend our funeral cake, our
+fame and our descendants!' My mother is old, and my father also is so. I
+am surely their crutch. If they see me not in the night, what, oh, will
+be their plight! I hate that slumber of mine for the sake of which my
+unoffending mother and my father have both been in trouble, and I myself
+also, am placed in such rending distress! Without my father and mother,
+I cannot bear to live. It is certain that by this time my blind father,
+his mind disconsolate with grief, is asking everyone of the inhabitants
+of the hermitage about me! I do not, O fair girl, grieve so much for
+myself as I do for my sire, and for my weak mother ever obedient to her
+lord! Surely, they will be afflicted with extreme anguish on account of
+me. I hold my life so long as they live. And I know that they should be
+maintained by me and that I should do only what is agreeable to them!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, that virtuous youth who loved
+and revered his parents, afflicted with grief held up his arms and began
+to lament in accents of woe. And seeing her lord overwhelmed with sorrow
+the virtuous Savitri wiped away the tears from his eyes and said, "If I
+have observed austerities, and have given away in charity, and have
+performed sacrifice, may this night be for the good of my father-in-law,
+mother-in-law and husband! I do not remember having told a single
+falsehood, even in jest. Let my father-in-law and mother-in-law hold
+their lives by virtue of the truth!" Satyavan said, "I long for the
+sight of my father and mother! Therefore, O Savitri, proceed without
+delay. O beautiful damsel, I swear by my own self that if I find any
+evil to have befallen my father and mother, I will not live. If thou
+hast any regard for virtue, if thou wishest me to live, if it is thy
+duty to do what is agreeable to me, proceed thou to the hermitage!" The
+beautiful Savitri then rose and tying up her hair, raised her husband in
+her arms. And Satyavan having risen, rubbed his limbs with his hands.
+And as he surveyed all around, his eyes fell upon his wallet. Then
+Savitri said unto him, "Tomorrow thou mayst gather fruits. And I shall
+carry thy axe for thy ease." Then hanging up the wallet upon the bough
+of a tree, and taking up the axe, she re-approached her husband. And
+that lady of beautiful thighs, placing her husband's left arm upon her
+left shoulder, and embracing him with her right arms, proceeded with
+elephantic gait. Then Satyavan said, "O timid one, by virtue of habit,
+the (forest) paths are known to me. And further, by the light of the
+moon between the trees, I can see them. We have now reached the same
+path that we took in the morning for gathering fruits. Do thou, O
+auspicious one, proceed by the way that we had come: thou needst not any
+longer feel dubious about our path. Near that tract overgrown with
+_Palasa_ tree, the way diverges into two. Do thou proceed along the path
+that lies to the north of it. I am now well and have got back my
+strength. I long to see my father and mother!" Saying this Satyavan
+hastily proceeded towards the hermitage.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the mighty Dyumatsena, having regained his
+sight, could see everything. And when his vision grew clear he saw
+everything around him. And, O bull of the Bharata race, proceeding with
+his wife Saivya to all the (neighbouring) asylums in search of his son,
+he became extremely distressed on his account. And that night the old
+couple went about searching in asylums, and rivers, and woods, and
+floods. And whenever they heard any sound, they stood rising their
+heads, anxiously thinking that their son was coming, and said, "O yonder
+cometh Satyavan with Savitri!" And they rushed hither and thither like
+maniacs, their feet torn, cracked, wounded, and bleeding, pierced with
+thorns and _Kusa_ blades. Then all the Brahmanas dwelling in that
+hermitage came unto them, and surrounding them on all sides, comforted
+them, and brought them back to their own asylum. And there Dyumatsena
+with his wife surrounded by aged ascetics, was entertained with stories
+of monarchs of former times. And although that old couple desirous of
+seeing their son, was comforted, yet recollecting the youthful days of
+their son, they became exceedingly sorry. And afflicted with grief, they
+began to lament in piteous accents, saying, "Alas, O son, alas, O chaste
+daughter-in-law, where are you?" Then a truthful Brahmana of the name of
+Suvarchas spake unto them, saying, "Considering the austerities,
+self-restraint, and behaviour of his wife Savitri, there can be no doubt
+that Satyavan liveth!" And Gautama said, "I have studied all the _Vedas_
+with their branches, and I have acquired great ascetic merit. And I have
+led a celibate existence, practising also the _Brahmacharya_ mode of
+life. I have gratified Agni and my superiors. With rapt soul I have also
+observed all the vows: and I have according to the ordinance, frequently
+lived upon air alone. By virtue of this ascetic merit, I am cognisant of
+all the doings of others. Therefore, do thou take it for certain that
+Satyavan liveth." Thereupon his disciple said, "The words that have
+fallen from the lips of my preceptor can never be false. Therefore,
+Satyavan surely liveth." And the _Rishi_ said, "Considering the
+auspicious marks that his wife Savitri beareth and all of which indicate
+immunity from widowhood, there can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth!"
+And Varadwaja said, "Having regard to the ascetic merit, self-restraint,
+and conduct of his wife Savitri, there can be no doubt that Satyavan
+liveth." And Dalbhya said, "Since thou hast regained thy sight, and
+since Savitri hath gone away after completion of the vow, without taking
+any food, there can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Apastamba
+said, "From the manner in which the voices of birds and wild animals are
+being heard through the stillness of the atmosphere on all sides, and
+from the fact also of thy having regained the use of thy eyes,
+indicating thy usefulness for earthly purposes once more, there can be
+no doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Dhaumya said, "As thy son is graced
+with every virtue, and as he is the beloved of all, and as he is
+possessed of marks betokening a long life, there can be no doubt that
+Satyavan liveth."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus cheered by those ascetics of truthful
+speech, Dyumatsena pondering over those points, attained a little ease.
+A little while after, Savitri with her husband Satyavan reached the
+hermitage during the night and entered it with a glad heart. The
+Brahmanas then said, "Beholding this meeting with thy son, and thy
+restoration to eye-sight, we all wish thee well, O lord of earth. Thy
+meeting with thy son, the sight of thy daughter-in-law, and thy
+restoration to sight--constitute a threefold prosperity which thou hast
+gained. What we all have said must come to pass: there can be no doubt
+of this. Henceforth thou shalt rapidly grow in prosperity." Then, O
+Pritha's son, the twice-born ones lighted a fire and sat themselves down
+before king Dyumatsena. And Saivya, and Satyavan, and Savitri who stood
+apart, their hearts free from grief, sat down with the permission of
+them all. Then, O Partha, seated with the monarch those dwellers of the
+woods, actuated by curiosity, asked the king's son, saying, "Why didst
+thou not, O illustrious one, come back earlier with thy wife? Why hast
+thou come so late in the night? What obstacle prevented thee! We do not
+know, O son of a king, why thou hast caused such alarm to us, and to thy
+father and mother. It behoveth thee to tell us all about this."
+Thereupon, Satyavan said, "With the permission of my father, I went to
+the woods with Savitri. There, as I was hewing wood in the forest, I
+felt a pain in my head. And in consequence of the pain, I fell into a
+deep sleep.--This is all that I remember. I had never slept so long
+before I have come so late at night, in order that ye might not grieve
+(on my account). There is no other reason for this." Gautama then said,
+"Thou knowest not then the cause of thy father's sudden restoration to
+sight. It, therefore, behoveth Savitri to relate it. I wish to hear it
+(from thee), for surely thou art conversant with the mysteries of good
+and evil. And, O Savitri, I know thee to be like the goddess _Savitri_
+herself in splendour. Thou must know the cause of this. Therefore, do
+thou relate it truly! If it should not be kept a secret, do thou unfold
+it unto us!" At these words of Gautama Savitri said, "It is as ye
+surmise. Your desire shall surely not be unfulfilled. I have no secret
+to keep. Listen to the truth then! The high-souled Narada had predicted
+the death of my husband. To-day was the appointed time. I could not,
+therefore, bear to be separated from my husband's company. And after he
+had fallen asleep, Yama, accompanied by his messengers, presented
+himself before him, and tying him, began to take him away towards the
+region inhabited by the _Pitris_. Thereupon I began to praise that
+august god, with truthful words. And he granted me five boons, of which
+do ye hear from me! For my father-in-law I have obtained these two
+boons, viz., his restoration to sight as also to his kingdom. My father
+also hath obtained a hundred sons. And I myself have obtained a hundred
+sons. And my husband Satyavan hath obtained a life of four hundred
+years. It was for the sake of my husband's life that I had observed that
+vow. Thus have I narrated unto you in detail the cause by which this
+mighty misfortune of mine was afterwards turned into happiness." The
+_Rishis_ said, "O chaste lady of excellent disposition, observant of
+vows and endued with virtue, and sprung from an illustrious line, by
+thee hath the race of this foremost of kings, which was overwhelmed with
+calamities, and was sinking in an ocean of darkness, been rescued."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then having applauded and reverenced that best
+of women, those _Rishis_ there assembled bade farewell to that foremost
+of kings as well as to his son. And having saluted them thus, they
+speedily went, in peace with cheerful hearts, to their respective
+abodes.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When the night had passed away, and the solar
+orb had risen, those ascetics, having performed their morning rites,
+assembled together. And although those mighty sages again and again
+spake unto Dyumatsena of the high fortune of Savitri, yet they were
+never satisfied. And it so happened, O king, that there came to that
+hermitage a large body of people from Salwa. And they brought tidings of
+the enemy of Dyumatsena having been slain by his own minister. And they
+related unto him all that had happened, viz., how having heard that the
+usurper had been slain with all his friends and allies by his minister,
+his troops had all fled, and how all the subjects had become unanimous
+(on behalf of their legitimate king), saying, "Whether possessed of
+sight or not, even he shall be our king!" And they said, "We have been
+sent to thee in consequence of that resolve. This car of thine, and this
+army also consisting of four kinds of forces, have arrived for thee!
+Good betide thee, O King! Do thou come! Thou hast been proclaimed in the
+city. Do thou for ever occupy the station belonging to thy father and
+grand-father!" And beholding the king possessed of sight and
+able-bodied, they bowed down their heads, their eyes expanded with
+wonder. Then having worshipped those old and Brahmanas dwelling in the
+hermitage and honoured by them in return, the king set out for his city.
+And surrounded by the soldiers, Saivya also accompanied by Savitri, went
+in a vehicle furnished with shining sheets and borne on the shoulders of
+men. Then the priests with joyful hearts installed Dyumatsena on the
+throne with his high-souled son as prince-regent. And after the lapse of
+a long time, Savitri gave birth to a century of sons, all warlike and
+unretreating from battle, and enhancing the fame of Salwa's race. And
+she also had a century of highly powerful uterine brothers born unto
+Aswapati, the lord of the Madras, by Malavi. Thus, O son of Pritha, did
+Savitri raise from pitiable plight to high fortune, herself, and her
+father and mother, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, as also the race
+of her husband. And like that gentle lady Savitri, the auspicious
+daughter of Drupada, endued with excellent character, will rescue you
+all.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Thus exhorted by that high-souled sage, the son of
+Pandu, O king, with his mind free from anxiety, continued to live in the
+forest of Kamyaka. The man that listeneth with reverence to the
+excellent story of Savitri, attaineth to happiness, and success in
+everything, and never meeteth with misery!"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLVIII
+
+Janamejaya said,--"What, O Brahmana, was that great fear entertained by
+Yudhishthira in respect of Karna, for which Lomasa had conveyed to the
+son of Pandu a message of deep import from Indra in these words, _That
+intense fear of thine which thou dost never express to any one, I will
+remove after Dhananjaya goeth from hence?_ And, O best of ascetics, why
+was it that the virtuous Yudhishthira never expressed it to any one?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "As thou askest me, O tiger among kings, I will
+relate that history unto thee! Do thou listen to my words, O best of the
+Bharatas! After twelve years (of their exile) had passed away and the
+thirteenth year had set in, Sakra, ever friendly to the sons of Pandu,
+resolved to beg of Karna (his ear-rings). And, O mighty monarch,
+ascertaining this intention of the great chief of the celestials about
+(Karna's) ear-rings, Surya, having effulgence for his wealth, went unto
+Karna. And, O foremost of kings, while that hero devoted to the
+Brahmanas and truthful in speech was lying down at night at his ease on
+a rich bed overlaid with a costly sheet, the effulgent deity, filled
+with kindness and affection for his son, showed himself, O Bharata, unto
+him in his dreams. And assuming from ascetic power the form of a
+handsome Brahmana versed in the _Vedas_, Surya sweetly said unto Karna
+these words for his benefit, 'O son, do thou O Karna, listen to these
+words of mine, O thou foremost of truthful persons! O mighty-armed one,
+I tell thee to-day from affection, what is for thy great good! With the
+object, O Karna, of obtaining thy ear-rings, Sakra, moved by the desire
+of benefiting the sons of Pandu, will come unto thee, disguised as a
+Brahmana! He, as well as all the world, knoweth thy character, viz.,
+that when solicited by pious people, thou givest away but never takest
+in gift! Thou, O son, givest unto Brahmanas wealth or any other thing
+that is asked of thee and never refusest anything to anybody. Knowing
+thee to be such, the subduer himself of Paka will come to beg of thee
+thy ear-rings and coat of mail. When he beggeth the ear-rings of thee,
+it behoveth thee not to give them away, but to gratify him with sweet
+speeches to the best of thy power. Even this, is for thy supreme good!
+While asking thee for the ear-rings, thou shalt, with various reasons,
+repeatedly refuse Purandara who is desirous of obtaining them, offering
+him, instead, various other kinds of wealth, such as gems and women and
+kine, and citing various precedents. If thou, O Karna, givest away thy
+beautiful ear-rings born with thee, thy life being shortened, thou wilt
+meet with death! Arrayed in thy mail and ear-rings, thou wilt, O
+bestower of honours, be incapable of being slain by foes in battle! Do
+thou lay to heart these words of mine! Both these jewelled ornaments
+have sprung from _Amrita_. Therefore, they should be preserved by thee,
+if thy life is at all dear to thee.'
+
+"Hearing these words, Karna said, 'Who art thou that tellest me so,
+showing me such kindness? If it pleaseth thee, tell me, O illustrious
+one, who thou art in the guise of a Brahmana!'--The Brahmana thereupon
+said, 'O son, I am he of a thousand rays! Out of affection, I point out
+to thee the path! Act thou according to my words, as it is for thy great
+good to do so!' Karna replied, 'Surely, this itself is highly fortunate
+for me that the god himself of splendour addresses me today, seeking my
+welfare. Listen, however, to these words of mine! May it please thee, O
+bestower of boons, it is only from affection that I tell thee this! If I
+am dear to thee, I should not be dissuaded from the observance of my
+vow! O thou that are possessed of the wealth of effulgence, the whole
+world knoweth this to be my vow that, of a verity, I am prepared to give
+away life itself unto superior Brahmanas! If, O best of all rangers of
+the sky, Sakra cometh to me, disguised as a Brahmana, to beg for the
+benefit of the sons of Pandu, I will, O chief of the celestials, give
+him the ear-rings and the excellent mail, so that my fame which hath
+spread over the three worlds may not suffer any diminution! For persons
+like us, it is not fit to save life by a blame-worthy act. On the
+contrary, it is even proper for us to meet death with the approbation of
+the world and under circumstances bringing fame. Therefore, will I
+bestow upon Indra the ear-rings with my coat of mail! If the slayer
+himself of Vala and Vritra cometh to ask for the ear-rings for the
+benefit of the sons of Pandu, that will conduce to my fame, leading at
+the same time to _his_ infamy! O thou possessed of splendour, I wish for
+fame in this world, even if it is to be purchased with life itself, for
+they that have fame enjoy the celestial regions, while they that are
+destitute of it are lost. Fame keepeth people alive in this world even
+like a mother, while infamy killeth men even though they may move about
+with bodies undestroyed. O lord of the worlds, O thou possessed of the
+wealth of effulgence, that fame is the life of men is evidenced by an
+ancient _sloka_ sung by the Creator himself,--_In the next world it is
+fame that is the chief support of a person, while in this world pure
+fame lengthens life_. Therefore, by giving away my ear-rings and mail
+with both of which I was born I will win eternal fame! And by duly
+giving away the same to Brahmanas according to the ordinance, by
+offering up my body (as a gift to the gods) in the sacrifice of war, by
+achieving feats difficult of performance, and by conquering my foes in
+fight, I will acquire nothing but renown. And by dispelling on the field
+of battle the fears of the affrighted that may beg for their lives, and
+relieving old men and boys and Brahmanas from terror and anxiety, I will
+win excellent fame and the highest heaven. My fame is to be protected
+with the sacrifice of even my life. Even this, know thou, is my vow! By
+giving away such a valuable gift to Maghavan disguised as a Brahmana, I
+will, O god, acquire in this world the most exalted state.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLIX
+
+"Surya said, 'Never do, O Karna, anything that is harmful to thy self
+and thy friends; thy sons, thy wives, thy father, and thy mother; O thou
+best of those that bear life, people desire renown (in this world) and
+lasting fame in heaven, without wishing to sacrifice their bodies. But
+as thou desirest undying fame at the expense of thy life, she will,
+without doubt, snatch away thy life! O bull among men, in this world,
+the father, the mother, the son, and other relatives are of use only to
+him that is alive. O tiger among men, as regard kings, it is only when
+they are alive that prowess can be of any use to them. Do thou
+understand this? O thou of exceeding splendour, fame is for the good of
+these only that are alive! Of what use is fame to the dead whose bodies
+have been reduced to ashes? One that is dead cannot enjoy renown. It is
+only when one is alive that one can enjoy it. The fame of one that is
+dead is like a garland of flowers around the neck of a corpse. As thou
+reverest me, I tell thee this for thy benefit, because thou art a
+worshipper of mine! They that worship me are always protected by me.
+That also is another reason for my addressing thee thus! Thinking again,
+O mighty-armed one, that _this one revereth me with great reverence_, I
+have been inspired with love for thee! Do thou, therefore, act according
+to my words! There is, besides some profound mystery in all this,
+ordained by fate. It is for this, that I tell thee so. Do thou act
+without mistrust of any kind! O bull among men, it is not fit for thee
+to know this which is a secret to the very gods. Therefore, I do not
+reveal that secret unto thee. Thou wilt, however, understand it in time.
+I repeat what I have already said. Do thou, O Radha's son, lay my words
+to heart! When the wielder of the thunder-bolt asketh thee for them, do
+thou never give him thy ear-rings! O thou of exceeding splendour, with
+thy handsome ear-rings, thou lookest beautiful, even like the Moon
+himself in the clear firmament, between the _Visakha_ constellation!
+Dost thou know that fame availeth only the person that is living.
+Therefore, when the lord of the celestials will ask the ear-rings, thou
+shouldst, O son, refuse him! Repeating again and again answers fraught
+with various reasons, thou wilt, O sinless one, be able to remove the
+eagerness of the lord of the celestial for the possession of the
+ear-rings. Do thou, O Karna, alter Purandara's purpose by urging answers
+fraught with reason and grave import and adorned with sweetness and
+suavity. Thou dost always, O tiger among men, challenge him that can
+draw the bow with his left hand, and heroic Arjuna also will surely
+encounter thee in fight. But when furnished with thy ear-rings, Arjuna
+will never be able to vanquish thee in fight even if Indra himself comes
+to his assistance. Therefore, O Karna, if thou wishest to vanquish
+Arjuna in battle, these handsome ear-rings of thine should never be
+parted with to Sakra.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCC
+
+"Karna said, 'As thou, O lord of splendour, knowest me for thy
+worshipper, so also thou knowest that there is nothing which I cannot
+give away in charity, O thou of fiery rays! Neither my wives, nor my
+sons, nor my own self, nor my friends, are so dear to me as thou, on
+account of the veneration I feel for thee, O lord of splendour! Thou
+knowest, O maker of light, that high-souled persons bear a loving regard
+for their dear worshippers. _Karna revereth me and is dear to me. He
+knoweth no other deity in heaven_,--thinking this thou hast, O lord,
+said unto me what is for my benefit. Yet, O thou of bright rays, again
+do I beseech thee with bended head, again do I place myself in thy
+hands. I will repeat the answer I have already given. It behoveth thee
+to forgive me! Death itself is not fraught with such terrors for me as
+untruth! As regards especially the Brahmanas, again, I do not hesitate
+to yield up my life even for them! And, O divine one, respecting what
+thou hast said unto me of Phalguna, the son of Pandu, let thy grief born
+of thy anxiety of heart, O lord of splendour, be dispelled touching him
+and myself; for I shall surely conquer Arjuna in battle! Thou knowest, O
+deity, that I have great strength of weapons obtained from Jamadagnya
+and the high-souled Drona. Permit me now, O foremost of celestials, to
+observe my vow, so that unto him of the thunderbolt coming to beg of me,
+I may give away even my life!'
+
+"Surya said, 'If O son, thou givest away thy ear-rings to the wielder of
+the thunder-bolt, O thou of mighty strength, thou shouldst also, for the
+purpose of securing victory, speak unto him, saying,--_O thou of a
+hundred sacrifices, I shall give thee ear-rings under a
+condition_.--Furnished with the ear-rings, thou art certainly incapable
+of being slain by any being. Therefore, it is, O son, that desirous of
+beholding thee slain in battle by Arjuna, the destroyer of the Danavas
+desireth to deprive thee of thy ear-rings. Repeatedly adoring with
+truthful words that lord of the celestials, viz., Purandara armed with
+weapons incapable of being frustrated, do thou also beseech him, saying,
+"Give me an infallible dart capable of slaying all foes, and I will, O
+thousand-eyed deity, give the ear-rings with the excellent coat of
+mail!" On this condition shouldst thou give the ear-rings unto Sakra.
+With that dart, O Karna, thou wilt slay foes in battle: for, O
+mighty-armed one, that dart of the chief of the celestials doth not
+return to the hand that hurleth it, without slaying enemies by hundreds
+and by thousands!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this, the thousand-rayed deity
+suddenly vanished away. The next day, after having told his prayers,
+Karna related his dream unto the Sun. And Vrisha related unto him the
+vision he had seen, and all that had passed between them in the night.
+Thereupon, having heard everything, that enemy of Swarbhanu, that lord,
+the resplendent and divine Surya, said unto him with a smile, 'It is
+even so!' Then Radha's son, that slayer of hostile heroes, knowing all
+about the matter, and desirous of obtaining the dart, remained in
+expectation of Vasava."
+
+
+SECTION CCCI
+
+Janamejaya said, "What was that secret which was not revealed to Karna
+by the deity of warm rays? Of what kind also were those ear-rings and of
+what sort was that coat of mail? Whence, too, was that mail and those
+ear-rings? All this, O best of men. I wish to hear! O thou possessed of
+the wealth of asceticism, do tell me all this!"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "I will, O monarch, tell thee that secret which was
+not revealed by the deity possessed of the wealth of effulgence. I will
+also describe unto thee those ear-rings and that coat of mail. Once on a
+time, O king, there appeared before Kuntibhoja a Brahmana of fierce
+energy and tall stature, bearing a beard and matted locks, and carrying
+a staff in his hand. And, he was agreeable to the eye and of faultless
+limbs, and seemed to blaze forth in splendour. And he was possessed of a
+yellow-blue complexion like that of honey. And his speech was
+mellifluous, and he was adorned with ascetic merit and a knowledge of
+the _Vedas_. And that person of great ascetic merit, addressing king
+Kuntibhoja, said, 'O thou that are free from pride, I wish to live as a
+guest in thy house feeding on the food obtained as alms from thee!
+Neither thy followers, nor thou thyself, shall ever act in such a way as
+to produce my displeasure! If, O sinless one, it liketh thee, I would
+then live in thy house thus! I shall leave thy abode when I wish, and
+come back when I please. And, O king, no one shall offend me in respect
+of my food or bed.'--Then Kuntibhoja spake unto him these words
+cheerfully, 'Be it so, and more.' And he again said unto him, 'O thou of
+great wisdom, I have an illustrious daughter named Pritha. And she
+beareth an excellent character, is observant of vow, chaste, and of
+subdued senses. And she shall attend on thee and minister unto thee with
+reverence. And thou wilt be pleased with her disposition!' And having
+said this to that Brahmana and duly paid him homage, the king went to
+his daughter Pritha of large eyes, and spake thus unto her, 'O child,
+this eminently pious Brahmana is desirous of dwelling in my house! I
+have accepted his proposal, saying,--_So be it_, relying, O child, on
+thy aptitude and skill in ministering unto Brahmanas. It, therefore,
+behoveth thee to act in such a manner that my words may not be untrue.
+Do thou give him with alacrity whatever this reverend Brahmana possessed
+of ascetic merit and engaged in the study of the Vedas, may want. Let
+everything that this Brahmana asketh for be given to him cheerfully. A
+Brahmana is the embodiment of pre-eminent energy: he is also the
+embodiment of the highest ascetic merit. It is in consequence of the
+virtuous practices of Brahmanas that the sun shineth in the heavens. It
+was for their disregard of Brahmanas that were deserving of honour that
+the mighty _Asura_ Vatapi, as also Talajangha, was destroyed by the
+curse of the Brahmanas. For the present, O child, it is a highly
+virtuous one of that order that is entrusted to thy keep. Thou shouldst
+always tend this Brahmana with concentrated mind. O daughter, I know
+that, from childhood upwards, thou hast ever been attentive to
+Brahmanas, and superiors, and relatives, and servants, and friends, to
+thy mothers and myself. I know thou bearest thyself well, bestowing
+proper regard upon everyone. And, O thou of faultless limbs, in the city
+of the interior of my palace, on account of thy gentle behaviour, there
+is not one, even among the servants, that is dissatisfied with thee. I
+have, therefore, thought thee fit to wait upon all Brahmanas of wrathful
+temper. Thou art, O Pritha, a girl and has been adopted as my daughter.
+Thou art born in the race of the Vrishnis, and art the favourite
+daughter of Sura. Thou wert, O girl, given to me gladly by thy father
+himself. The sister of Vasudeva by birth, thou art (by adoption) the
+foremost of my children. Having promised me in these words,--_I will
+give my first born_,--thy father gladly gave thee to me while thou wert
+yet in thy infancy. It is for this reason that thou art my daughter.
+Born in such a race and reared in such a race, thou hast come from one
+happy state to another like a lotus transferred from one lake to
+another. O auspicious girl, women, specially they that are of mean
+extraction, although they may with difficulty be kept under restraint,
+become in consequence of their unripe age, generally deformed in
+character. But thou, O Pritha, art born in a royal race, and thy beauty
+also is extraordinary. And then, O girl, thou art endued with every
+accomplishment. Do thou, therefore, O damsel, renouncing pride and
+haughtiness and a sense of self-importance, wait upon and worship the
+boon-giving Brahmana, and thereby attain, O Pritha, to an auspicious
+state! By acting thus, O auspicious and sinless girl, thou wilt surely
+attain to auspiciousness! But if on the contrary, thou stirrest up the
+anger of this best of the twice-born ones, my entire race will be
+consumed by him!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCII
+
+"Kunti said, 'According to thy promise, I will, O king, with
+concentrated mind, serve that Brahmana. O foremost of kings, I do not
+say this falsely. It is my nature to worship Brahmanas. And, as in the
+present case, my doing so would be agreeable to thee, even this would be
+highly conducive to my welfare. Whether that worshipful one cometh in
+the evening, or in morning, or at night or even at midnight, he will
+have no reason to be angry with me! O foremost of kings, to do good by
+serving the twice-born ones, observing all thy commands, is what I
+consider to be highly profitable to me, O best of men! Do thou,
+therefore, O foremost of monarchs rely on me! That best of Brahmanas,
+while residing in thy house, shall never have cause for dissatisfaction,
+I tell thee truly. I shall, O king, be always attentive to that which is
+agreeable to this Brahmana, and what is fraught also with good to thee.
+O sinless one! I know full well that Brahmanas that are eminently
+virtuous, when propitiated bestow salvation, and when displeased, are
+capable of bringing about destruction upon the offender. Therefore, I
+shall please this foremost of Brahmanas. Thou wilt not, O monarch, come
+to any grief from that best of regenerate persons, owing to any act of
+mine. In consequence of the transgressions of monarchs, Brahmanas, O
+foremost of kings, became the cause of evil to them, as Chyavana had
+become, in consequence of the act of Sukanya. I will, therefore, O king,
+with great regularity, wait upon that best of Brahmanas according to thy
+instructions in that respect!' And when she had thus spoken at length,
+the king embraced and cheered her, and instructed her in detail as to
+what should be done by her. And the king said, 'Thou shall, O gentle
+maid, act even thus, without fear, for my good as also thy own, and for
+the good of thy race also, O thou of faultless limbs!' And having said
+this the illustrious Kuntibhoja, who was devoted to the Brahmanas, made
+over the girl Pritha to that Brahmana, saying, 'This my daughter, O
+Brahmana, is of tender age and brought up in luxury. If, therefore, she
+transgresses at any time, do thou not take that to heart! Illustrious
+Brahmanas are never angry with old men, children, and ascetics, even if
+these transgress frequently. In respect of even a great wrong
+forgiveness is due from the regenerate. The worship, therefore, O best
+of Brahmanas, that is offered to the best of one's power and exertion,
+should be acceptable!' Hearing these words of the monarch, the Brahmana
+said, 'So be it!' Thereupon, the king became highly pleased and assigned
+unto him apartments that were white as swans or the beams of the moon.
+And in the room intended for the sacrificial fire, the king placed a
+brilliant seat especially constructed for him. And the food and other
+things that were offered unto the Brahmana were of the same excellent
+kind. And casting aside idleness and all sense of self-importance, the
+princess addressed herself with right good will to wait upon the
+Brahmana. And the chaste Kunti, endued with purity of conduct, went
+thither for serving the Brahmana. And duly waiting upon that Brahmana as
+if he were a very god, she gratified him highly."
+
+
+SECTION CCCIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And that maiden of rigid vows, O mighty monarch, by
+serving with a pure heart, that Brahmana of rigid vows, succeeded in
+gratifying him. And, O foremost of kings, saying, 'I will come back in
+the morning,' that best of Brahmanas sometimes came in the evening or in
+night. Him, however, the maiden worshipped at all hours with sumptuous
+food and drink and bed. And as day after day passed away, her attentions
+to him, in respect of food and seat and bed, increased instead of
+undergoing any diminution. And, O king, even when the Brahmana reproved
+her, finding fault with any of her arrangements, or addressed her in
+harsh words, Pritha did not do anything that was disagreeable to him.
+And on many occasions the Brahmana came back after the appointed hour
+had long passed away. And on many occasions (such as the depth of night)
+when food was hard to procure, he said, 'Give me food!' But on all those
+occasions saying, 'All is ready,'--Pritha held before him the fare. And
+even like a disciple, daughter, or a sister, that blameless gem of a
+girl with a devoted heart, O king, gratified that foremost of Brahmanas.
+And that best of Brahmanas became well-pleased with her conduct and
+ministrations. And he received those attentions of hers, valuing them
+rightly. And, O Bharata, her father asked her every morning and evening
+saying, 'O daughter, is the Brahmana satisfied with thy ministrations?'
+And that illustrious maiden used to reply, 'Exceedingly well!' And
+thereupon, the high-souled Kuntibhoja experienced the greatest delight.
+And when after a full year that best of ascetics was unable to find any
+fault whatever in Pritha, who was engaged in ministering unto him,
+well-pleased he said unto her, 'O gentle maid, I have been well-pleased
+with thy attentions, O beautiful girl! Do thou, O blessed girl, ask even
+for such boons as are difficult of being obtained by men in this world,
+and obtaining which, thou mayst surpass in fame all the women in this
+world.' At these words of his, Kunti said, 'Everything hath already been
+done in my behalf since thou, O chief of those that are versed in the
+_Vedas_, and my father also, have been pleased with me! As regards the
+boons, I consider them as already obtained by me, O Brahmana!' The
+Brahmana thereupon said, 'If, O gentle maid, thou dost not, O thou of
+sweet smiles, wish to obtain boons from me, do thou then take this
+_mantra_ from me for invoking the celestials! Any one amongst the
+celestials whom thou mayst invoke by uttering this _mantra_, will appear
+before thee and be under thy power. Willing or not, by virtue of this
+_mantra_, that deity in gentle guise, and assuming the obedient attitude
+of slave, will become subject to thy power!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, that faultless maiden could
+not, O king, from fear of a curse, refuse for the second time compliance
+with the wishes of that best of the twice-born ones. Then, O king, that
+Brahmana imparted unto that girl of faultless limbs those _mantras_
+which are recited in the beginning of the _Atharvan Veda_. And, O king,
+having imparted unto her those _mantras_, he said unto Kuntibhoja. 'I
+have, O monarch, dwelt happily in thy house, always worshipped with due
+regard and gratified by thy daughter. I shall now depart.' And saying
+this, he vanished there and then. And beholding that Brahmana vanish
+there and then, the king was struck with amazement. And the monarch then
+treated his daughter Pritha with proper regard."
+
+
+SECTION CCCIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of Brahmanas had gone away on
+some other errand, the maiden began to ponder over the virtue of those
+_mantras_. And she said to herself, 'Of what nature are those _mantras_
+that have been bestowed on me by that high-souled one? I shall without
+delay test their power.' And as she was thinking in this way, she
+suddenly perceived indications of the approach of her season. And her
+season having arrived, while she was yet unmarried, she blushed in
+shame. And it came to pass that as she was seated in her chamber on a
+rich bed, she beheld the solar orb rising in the east. And both the mind
+and the eyes of that maiden of excellent waist became rivetted fast upon
+the solar orb. And she gazed and gazed on that orb without being
+satiated with the beauty of the morning Sun. And she suddenly became
+gifted with celestial sight. And then she beheld that god of divine form
+accoutred in mail and adorned with ear-rings. And at sight of the god, O
+lord of men, she became curious as to the (potency of the) _mantras_.
+And thereupon that maiden resolved to invoke him. And having recourse to
+_Pranayama_, she invoked the Maker of day. And thus invoked by her, O
+king, the Maker of day speedily presented himself. And he was of a
+yellowish hue like honey, and was possessed of mighty arms, and his neck
+was marked with lines like those of a conchshell. And furnished with
+armlets, and decked with a diadem, he came smiling, and illumining all
+the directions. And it was by _Yoga_ power that he divided himself in
+twain, one of which continued to give heat, and the other appeared
+before Kunti. And he addressed Kunti in words that were exceedingly
+sweet, saying, 'O gentle maiden, over-powered by the _mantras_, I come
+hither obedient to thee. Subject as I am to thy power, what shall I do,
+O queen? Tell me, for I shall do whatever thou mayst command.' Hearing
+these words of the deity, Kunti said, 'O worshipful one, go thou back to
+the place thou hast come from! I invoked thee from curiosity alone.
+Pardon me, O worshipful one!' Surya then said, 'O damsel of slender
+waist, I will, even as thou hast said, return to the place I have come
+from! Having called a celestial, it is not, however, proper to send him
+away in vain. Thy intention, O blessed one, it is to have from Surya a
+son furnished with a coat of mail and ear-rings, and who in point of
+prowess would be beyond compare in this world! Do thou, therefore, O
+damsel of elephantine gait, surrender thy person to me! Thou shall then
+have, O lady, a son after thy wish! O gentle girl, O thou of sweet
+smiles, I will go back after having known thee! If thou do not gratify
+me to-day by obeying my word, I shall in anger curse thee, thy father
+and that Brahmana also. For thy fault, I will surely consume them all,
+and I shall inflict condign punishment on that foolish father of thine
+that knoweth not this transgression of thine and on that Brahmana who
+hath bestowed the _mantras_ on thee without knowing thy disposition and
+character! Yonder are all the celestials in heaven, with Purandara at
+their head, who are looking at me with derisive smiles at my being
+deceived by thee, O lady! Look at those celestials, for thou art now
+possessed of celestial sight! Before this I have endued thee with
+celestial vision, in consequence of which thou couldst see me!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon the princess beheld the celestials
+standing in the firmament, each in his proper sphere, even as she saw
+before her that highly resplendent deity furnished with rays, viz.,
+Surya himself. And beholding them all, the girl became frightened and
+her face was suffused with blushes of shame. And then she addressed
+Surya, saying, 'O lord of rays, go thou back to thy own region. On
+account of my maidenhood, this outrage of thine is fraught with woe to
+me! It is only one's father, mother, and other superiors, that are
+capable of giving away their daughter's body. Virtue I shall never
+sacrifice, seeing that in this world the keeping of their persons
+inviolate is deemed as the highest duty of Women, and is held in high
+regard! O thou possessed of wealth of splendour, it is only to test the
+power of my _mantras_ that I have, from mere childishness, summoned
+thee. Considering that this hath been done by a girl of tender years, it
+behoveth thee, O lord, to forgive her!' Then Surya said, 'It is because
+I consider thee a girl that, O Kunti, I am speaking to thee so mildly.
+To one that is not so I would not concede this. Do thou, O Kunti,
+surrender thyself! Thou shalt surely attain happiness thereby. Since, O
+timid maiden, thou hast invoked me with _mantras_, it is not proper for
+me to go away without any purpose being attained, for, if I do so I
+shall then, O thou of faultless limbs, be the object of laughter in the
+world, and, O beauteous damsel, a bye-word with all the celestials. Do
+thou, therefore, yield to me! By that thou shalt obtain a son even like
+myself, and thou shalt also be much praised in all the world.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Although that noble girl addressed him in various
+sweet words, yet she was unable to dissuade that deity of a thousand
+rays. And when she failed to dissuade the dispeller of darkness, at last
+from fear of a curse, she reflected, O king, for a long time!--'How may
+my innocent father, and that Brahmana also, escape the angry Surya's
+curse for my sake? Although energy and asceticism are capable of
+destroying sins, yet even honest persons, if they be of unripe age,
+should not foolishly court them. By foolishly acting in that way I have
+today been placed in a frightful situation. Indeed, I have been placed
+entirely within the grasp of this deity. Ye how can I do what is sinful
+by taking it on myself to surrender my person to him?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "afflicted with fear of a curse, and thinking
+much within herself, an utter stupefaction of the senses came upon her.
+And she was so confounded that she could not settle what to do. Afraid,
+on the one hand, O king, of the reproach of friends if she obeyed the
+deity, and, on the other, of his curse if she disobeyed him, the damsel
+at last, O foremost of kings, said these words unto that god, in accents
+tremulous with bashfulness, 'O god, as my father and mother and friends
+are still living, this violation of duty on my part should not take
+place. If, O god, I commit this unlawful act with thee, the reputation
+of this race shall be sacrificed in this world on my account. If thou,
+however, O thou foremost of those that impart heat, deem this to be a
+meritorious act, I shall then fulfil thy desire even though my relatives
+may not have bestowed me on thee! May I remain chaste after having
+surrendered my person to thee! Surely, the virtue, the reputation, the
+fame, and the life of every creature are established in thee!' Hearing
+these words of hers, Surya replied, 'O thou of sweet smiles, neither thy
+father, nor thy mother, nor any other superior of thine, is competent to
+give thee away! May good betide thee, O beauteous damsel! Do thou listen
+to my words! It is because a virgin desireth the company of every one,
+that she hath received the appellation of _Kanya_, from the root _kama_
+meaning to desire. Therefore, O thou of excellent hips and the fairest
+complexion, a virgin is, by nature, free in this world. Thou shalt not,
+O lady, by any means, be guilty of any sin by complying with my request.
+And how can I, who am desirous of the welfare of all creatures, commit
+an unrighteous act? That all men and women should be bound by no
+restraints, is the law of nature. The opposite condition is the
+perversion of the natural state. Thou shalt remain a virgin after having
+gratified me. And thy son shall also be mighty-armed and illustrious.'
+Thereupon Kunti said, 'If, O dispeller of darkness, I obtain a son from
+thee, may he be furnished with a coat of mail and ear-rings, and may he
+be mighty-armed and endued with great strength!' Hearing these words of
+hers, Surya answered, 'O gentle maiden, thy son shall be mighty-armed
+and decked with ear-rings and a celestial coat of mail. And both his
+ear-rings and coat of mail will be made of _Amrita_, and his coat will
+also be invulnerable.' Kunti then said, 'If the excellent mail and
+ear-rings of the son thou wilt beget on me, be, indeed, made of
+_Amrita_, then, O god, O worshipful deity, let thy purpose be fulfilled!
+May he be powerful, strong, energetic, and handsome, even like thee, and
+may he also be endued with virtue!' Surya then said, 'O princess, O
+excellent damsel, these ear-rings had been given to me by Aditi. O timid
+lady, I will bestow them, as also this excellent mail, on thy son!'
+Kunti then said, 'Very well, O worshipful one! If my son, O lord of
+light, become so, I will, as thou sayest, gratify thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of hers Surya said, 'So be
+it!' And that ranger of the skies, that enemy of Swarbhanu, with soul
+absorbed in _Yoga_, entered into Kunti, and touched her on the navel. At
+this, that damsel, on account of Surya's energy, became stupefied. And
+that reverend lady then fell down on her bed, deprived of her senses.
+Surya then addressed her, saying, 'I will now depart, O thou of graceful
+hips! Thou shalt bring forth a son who will become the foremost of all
+wielders of weapons. At the same time thou shalt remain a virgin.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O foremost of kings, as the highly
+effulgent Surya was about to depart, that girl bashfully said unto him,
+'So be it!' And it was thus that the daughter of king Kuntibhoja,
+importuned by Surya, had after soliciting a son from him, fallen down
+stupefied on that excellent bed, like a broken creeper. And it was thus
+that deity of fierce rays, stupefying her, entered into her by virtue of
+_Yoga_ power, and placed his own self within her womb. The deity,
+however, did not sully her by deflowering her in the flesh. And after
+Surya had gone away, that girl regained her consciousness."
+
+
+SECTION CCCVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "It was, O lord of earth, on the first day of the
+lighted fortnight during the tenth month of the year that Pritha
+conceived a son like the lord himself of the stars in the firmament. And
+that damsel of excellent hips from fear of her friends, concealed her
+conception, so that no one knew her condition. And as the damsel lived
+entirely in the apartments assigned to the maidens and carefully
+concealed her condition, no one except her nurse knew the truth. And in
+due time that beauteous maiden, by the grace of deity, brought forth a
+son resembling a very god. And even like his father, the child was
+equipped in a coat of mail, and decked with brilliant ear-rings. And he
+was possessed of leonine eyes and shoulders like those of a bull. And no
+sooner was the beauteous girl delivered of a child, then she consulted
+with her nurse and placed the infant in a commodious and smooth box made
+of wicker work and spread over with soft sheets and furnished with a
+costly pillow. And its surface was laid over with wax, and it was
+encased in a rich cover. And with tears in her eyes, she carried the
+infant to the river Aswa, and consigned the basket to its waters. And
+although she knew it to be improper for an unmarried girl to bear
+offspring, yet from parental affection, O foremost of kings, she wept
+piteously. Do thou listen to the words Kunti weepingly uttered, while
+consigning the box to the waters of the river Aswa, 'O child, may good
+betide thee at the hands of all that inhabit the land, the water, the
+sky, and the celestial regions. May all thy paths be auspicious! May no
+one obstruct thy way! And, O son, may all that come across thee have
+their hearts divested of hostility towards thee: And may that lord of
+waters, Varuna, protect thee in water! And may the deity that rangeth
+the skies completely protect thee in the sky. And may, O son, that best
+of those that impart heat, viz., Surya, thy father, and from whom I have
+obtained thee as ordained by Destiny, protect thee everywhere! And may
+the _Adityas_ and the _Vasus_, the _Rudras_ and the _Sadhyas_, the
+_Viswadevas_ and the _Maruts_, and the cardinal points with the great
+Indra and the regents presiding over them, and, indeed, all the
+celestials, protect thee in every place! Even in foreign lands I shall
+be able to recognise thee by this mail of thine! Surely, thy sire, O
+son, the divine Surya possessed of the wealth of splendour, is blessed,
+for he will with his celestial sight behold thee going down the current!
+Blessed also is that lady who will, O thou that are begotten by a god,
+take thee for her son, and who will give thee suck when thou art
+thirsty! And what a lucky dream hath been dreamt by her that will adopt
+thee for her son, thee that is endued with solar splendour, and
+furnished with celestial mail, and adorned with celestial ear-rings,
+thee that hast expansive eyes resembling lotuses, a complexion bright as
+burnished copper or lotus leaves, a fair forehead, and hair ending in
+beautiful curls! O son, she that will behold thee crawl on the ground,
+begrimed with dust, and sweetly uttering inarticulate words, is surely
+blessed! And she also, O son, that will behold thee arrive at thy
+youthful prime like maned lion born in Himalayan forests, is surely
+blessed!'"
+
+"O king, having thus bewailed long and piteously, Pritha laid the basket
+on the waters of the river Aswa. And the lotus-eyed damsel, afflicted
+with grief on account of her son and weeping bitterly, with her nurse
+cast the basket at dead of night, and though desirous of beholding her
+son often and again, returned, O monarch, to the palace, fearing lest
+her father should come to know of what had happened. Meanwhile, the
+basket floated from the river Aswa to the river Charmanwati, and from
+the Charmanwati it passed to the Yamuna, and so on to the Ganga. And
+carried by the waves of the Ganga, the child contained in the basket
+came to the city of Champa ruled by a person of the _Suta_ tribe.
+Indeed, the excellent coat of mail and those ear-rings made of _Amrita_
+that were born with his body, as also the ordinance of Destiny, kept the
+child alive."
+
+
+SECTION CCCVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And it came to pass that at this time a _Suta_ named
+Adhiratha, who was a friend of Dhritarashtra, came to the river Ganga,
+accompanied by his wife. And, O king, his wife named Radha was
+unparalleled on earth for beauty. And although that highly blessed dame
+had made great endeavours to obtain a son, yet she had failed, O
+represser of foes, to obtain one. And on coming to the river Ganga, she
+beheld a box drifting along the current. And containing articles capable
+of protecting from dangers and decked with unguents, that box was
+brought before her by the waves of the Janhavi. And attracted by
+curiosity, the lady caused it to be seized. And she then related all
+unto Adhiratha of the charioteer caste. And hearing this Adhiratha took
+away the box from the water-side, and opened it by means of instruments.
+And then he beheld a boy resembling the morning Sun. And the infant was
+furnished with golden mail, and looked exceedingly beautiful with a face
+decked in ear-rings. And thereupon the charioteer, together with his
+wife, was struck with such astonishment that their eyes expanded in
+wonder. And taking the infant on his lap, Adhiratha said unto his wife,
+'Ever since I was born, O timid lady, I had never seen such a wonder.
+This child that hath come to us must be of celestial birth. Surely,
+sonless as I am, it is the gods that have sent him unto me!' Saying
+this, O lord of earth, he gave the infant to Radha. And thereat, Radha
+adopted, according to the ordinance, that child of celestial form and
+divine origin, and possessed of the splendour of the filaments of the
+lotus and furnished with excellent grace. And duly reared by her, that
+child endued with great prowess began to grow up. And after Karna's
+adoption, Adhiratha had other sons begotten by himself. And seeing the
+child furnished with bright mail and golden ear-rings, the twice-born
+ones named him Vasusena. And thus did that child endued with great
+splendour and immeasurable prowess became the son of the charioteer, and
+came to be known as Vasusena and Vrisha. And Pritha learnt through spies
+that her own son clad in celestial mail was growing up amongst the Angas
+as the eldest son of a charioteer (Adhiratha). And seeing that in
+process of time his son had grown up, Adhiratha sent him to the city
+named after the elephant. And there Karna put up with Drona, for the
+purpose of learning arms. And that powerful youth contracted a
+friendship with Duryodhana. And having acquired all the four kinds of
+weapons from Drona, Kripa, and Rama, he became famous in the world as a
+mighty bowman. And after having contracted a friendship with
+Dhritarashtra's son, he became intent on injuring the sons of Pritha.
+And he was always desirous of fighting with the high-souled Phalguna.
+And, O king, ever since they first saw each other, Karna always used to
+challenge Arjuna, and Arjuna, on his part, used to challenge him. This,
+O foremost of kings, was without doubt, the secret known to the Sun,
+viz., begot by himself on Kunti, Karna was being reared in the race of
+the _Sutas_. And beholding him decked with his ear-rings and mail,
+Yudhishthira thought him to be unslayable in fight, and was exceedingly
+pained at it. And when, O foremost of monarchs, Karna after rising from
+the water, used at mid-day to worship the effulgent Surya with joined
+hands, the Brahmanas used to solicit him for wealth. And at that time
+there was nothing that he would not give away to the twice-born ones.
+And Indra, assuming the guise of a Brahmana, appeared before him (at
+such a time) and said, 'Give me!' And thereupon Radha's son replied unto
+him, 'Thou art welcome!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And when the king of the celestials presented
+himself in the guise of a Brahmana, beholding him, Karna said,
+'Welcome!' And not knowing his intention, Adhiratha's son addressed the
+Brahmana, saying, 'Of a necklace of gold, and beauteous damsels, and
+villages with plenty of kine, which shall I give thee?' Thereupon the
+Brahmana replied, 'I ask thee not to give me either a necklace of gold,
+or fair damsels, or any other agreeable object. To those do thou give
+them that ask for them. If, O sinless one, thou art sincere in thy vow,
+then wilt thou, cutting off (from thy person) this coat of mail born
+with thy body, and these ear-rings also, bestow them on me! I desire, O
+chastiser of foes, that thou mayst speedily give me these; for, this one
+gain of mine will be considered as superior to every other gain!'
+Hearing these words, Karna said, 'O Brahmana, I will give thee homestead
+land, and fair damsels, and kine, and fields; but my mail and ear-rings
+I am unable to give thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Although thus urged with various words by
+Karna, still, O chief of the Bharata race, that Brahmana did not ask for
+any other boon. And although Karna sought to pacify him to the best of
+his power, and worshipped him duly, yet that best of Brahmanas did not
+ask for any other boon. And when that foremost of Brahmanas did not ask
+for any other boon, Radha's son again spake unto him with a smile, 'My
+mail, O regenerate one, hath been born with my body, and this pair of
+ear-rings hath arisen from _Amrita_. It is for these that I am
+unslayable in the worlds. Therefore, I cannot part with them. Do thou, O
+bull among Brahmanas, accept from me the entire kingdom of the earth,
+rid of enemies and full of prosperity! O foremost of regenerate ones, if
+I am deprived of my ear-rings, and the mail born with my body, I shall
+be liable to be vanquished by the foes!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When the illustrious slayer of Paka refused to
+ask for any other boon, Karna with a smile again addressed him, saying,
+'O god of gods, even before this, I had recognised thee, O Lord! O
+Sakra, it is not proper for me to confer on thee any unprofitable boon,
+for thou art the very lord of the celestials! On the contrary, being as
+thou art the Creator and lord of all beings, it is thou that shouldst
+confer boons on me! If, O god, I give thee this coat of mail and
+ear-rings, then I am sure to meet with destruction, and thou shalt also
+undergo ridicule! Therefore, O Sakra, take my earrings and excellent
+mail in exchange for something conferred by thee on me! Otherwise, I
+will not bestow them on thee!' Thereupon Sakra replied, 'Even before I
+had come to thee, Surya had known of my purpose and without doubt, it is
+he that hath unfolded everything unto thee! O Karna, be it as thou
+wishest! O son, except the thunder-bolt alone, tell me what it is that
+thou desirest to have!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Indra, Karna was filled
+with delight and seeing that his purpose was about to be accomplished he
+approached Vasava, and intent upon obtaining a dart incapable of being
+baffled, he addressed Indra, saying, 'Do thou, O Vasava, in exchange for
+my coat of mail and ear-rings, give me a dart incapable of being
+baffled, and competent to destroy hosts of enemies when arrayed in order
+of battle!' Thereupon, O ruler of earth, fixing his mind for a moment on
+the dart (for bringing it there), Vasava thus spake unto Karna, 'Do thou
+give me thy ear-rings, and the coat of mail born with thy body, and in
+return take this dart on these terms! When I encounter the _Daitya_ in
+battle, this dart that is incapable of being baffled, hurled by my hand,
+destroyeth enemies by hundreds, and cometh back to my hand after
+achieving its purpose. In thy hand, however, this dart, O son of _Suta_,
+will slay only one powerful enemy of thine. And having achieved that
+feat, it will, roaring and blazing, return to me!' Thereat Karna said,
+'I desire to slay in fierce fight even one enemy of mine, who roareth
+fiercely and is hot as fire, and of whom I am in fear!' At this, Indra
+said, 'Thou shall slay such a roaring and powerful foe in battle. But
+that one whom thou seekest to slay, is protected by an illustrious
+personage. Even He whom persons versed in the Vedas call '_the
+invincible Boar_,' and '_the incomprehensible Narayana_,' even that
+Krishna himself, is protecting him!' Thereupon Karna replied, 'Even if
+this be so, do thou, O illustrious one give me the weapon that will
+destroy only one powerful foe! I shall, on my part, bestow on thee my
+mail and ear-rings, cutting them off my person. Do thou, however, grant
+that my body, thus wounded, may not be unsightly!' Hearing this, Indra
+said, 'As thou, O Karna, art bent upon observing the truth, thy person
+shall not be unsightly, or shall any scar remain on it. And, O thou best
+of those that are graced with speech, O Karna, thou shall be possessed
+of complexion and energy of thy father himself. And if, maddened by
+wrath, thou hurlest this dart, while there are still other weapons with
+thee, and when thy life also is not in imminent peril, it will fall even
+on thyself.' Karna answered, 'As thou directest me, O Sakra, I shall
+hurl this _Vasavi_ dart only when I am in imminent peril! Truly I tell
+thee this!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon, O king, taking the blazing dart,
+Karna began to peel off his natural mail. And beholding Karna cutting
+his own body, the entire host of celestials and men and _Danavas_ set up
+a leonine roar. And Karna betrayed no contortions of face while peeling
+his mail. And beholding that hero among men thus cutting his body with
+an weapon, smiling ever and anon, celestial kettle-drums began to be
+played upon and celestial flowers began to be showered on him. And Karna
+cutting off the excellent mail from his person, gave it to Vasava, still
+dripping. And cutting off his ear-rings also from off his ears, he made
+them over to Indra. And it is for this fact that he came to be called
+Karna. And Sakra, having thus beguiled Karna that made him famous in the
+world, thought with a smile that the business of the sons of Pandu had
+already been completed. And having done all this, he ascended to heaven.
+And hearing that Karna had been beguiled, all the sons of Dhritarashtra
+became distressed and shorn of pride. And the sons of Pritha, on the
+other hand, learning that such plight had befallen the son of the
+charioteer, were filled with joy."
+
+Janamejaya said, "Where were those heroes, the sons of Pandu, at that
+time? And from whom did they hear this welcome news? And what also did
+they do, when the twelfth year of their exile passed away? Do thou, O
+illustrious one, tell me all this!"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated the chief of the Saindhavas, and
+rescued Krishna, and having outlived the entire term of their painful
+exile in the woods, and having listened to the ancient stories about
+gods and _Rishis_ recited by Markandeya, those heroes among men returned
+from their asylum in Kamyaka to the sacred Dwaitavana, with all their
+cars, and followers, and accompanied by their charioteers, their kine,
+and the citizens who had followed them."
+
+
+SECTION CCCIX
+
+(_Aranya Parva_)
+
+Janamejaya said, "Having felt great affliction on account of the
+abduction of their wife and having rescued Krishna thereafter, what did
+the Pandavas next do?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having felt great affliction on account of the
+abduction of Krishna, king Yudhishthira of unfading glory, with his
+brothers, left the woods of Kamyaka and returned to the delightful and
+picturesque Dwaitavana abounding in trees and containing delicious
+fruits and roots. And the sons of Pandu with their wife Krishna began to
+reside there, living frugally on fruits and practising rigid vows. And
+while those repressers of foes, the virtuous king Yudhishthira, the son
+of Kunti, and Bhimasena, and Arjuna, and those other sons of Pandu born
+of Madri, were dwelling in Dwaitavana, practising rigid vows, they
+underwent, for the sake of a Brahmana, great trouble, which, however,
+was destined to bring about their future happiness. I will tell thee all
+about the trouble which those foremost of Kurus underwent while living
+in those woods, and which in the end brought about their happiness. Do
+thou listen to it! Once on a time, as a deer was butting about, it
+chanced that the two sticks for making fire and a churning staff
+belonging to a Brahmana devoted to ascetic austerities, struck fast into
+its antlers. And, thereupon, O king, that powerful deer of exceeding
+fleetness with long bounds, speedily went out of the hermitage, taking
+those articles away. And, O foremost of Kurus, seeing those articles of
+his thus carried away, the Brahmana, anxious on account of his
+_Agnihotra_, quickly came before the Pandavas. And approaching without
+loss of time Ajatasatru seated in that forest with his brothers, the
+Brahmana, in great distress, spake these words, 'As a deer was butting
+about, it happened, O king, that my fire-sticks and churning staff which
+had been placed against a large tree stuck fast to its antlers. O king,
+that powerful deer of exceeding fleetness hath speedily gone out of the
+hermitage with long bounds, taking those articles away. Tracking that
+powerful deer, O king, by its foot-prints, do ye, ye sons of Pandu,
+bring back those articles of mine, so that my _Agnihotra_ may not be
+stopped!' Hearing these words of the Brahmana, Yudhishthira became
+exceedingly concerned. And the son of Kunti taking up his bow sallied
+out with his brothers. And putting on their corselets and equipped with
+their bows, those bulls among men, intent upon serving the Brahmana,
+swiftly sallied out in the wake of the deer. And descrying the deer at
+no great distance, those mighty warriors discharged at it barbed arrows
+and javelins and darts, but the sons of Pandu could not pierce it by any
+means. And as they struggled to pursue and slay it, that powerful deer
+became suddenly invisible. And losing sight of the deer, the
+noble-minded sons of Pandu, fatigued and disappointed and afflicted with
+hunger and thirst, approached a banian tree in that deep forest, and sat
+down in its cool shade. And when they had sat down, Nakula stricken with
+sorrow and urged by impatience, addressed his eldest brother of the Kuru
+race, saying, 'In our race, O king, virtue hath never been sacrificed,
+nor hath there been loss of wealth from insolence. And being asked, we
+have never said to any creature, Nay! Why then in the present case have
+we met with this disaster?'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCX
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'There is no limit to calamities. Nor is it possible
+to ascertain either their final or efficient cause. It is the Lord of
+justice alone who distributeth the fruits of both virtue and vice.'
+Thereupon Bhima said, 'Surely, this calamity hath befallen us, because I
+did not slay the _Pratikamin_ on the very spot, when he dragged Krishna
+as a slave into the assembly.' And Arjuna said, 'Surely, this calamity
+hath befallen us because I resented not those biting words piercing the
+very bones, uttered by the _Suta's_ son!' And Sahadeva said, 'Surely, O
+Bharata, this calamity hath befallen us because I did not slay Sakuni
+when he defeated thee at dice!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then king Yudhishthira addressed Nakula saying,
+'Do thou, O son of Madri, climb this tree and look around the ten points
+of the horizon. Do thou see whether there is water near us or such trees
+as grow on watery grounds! O child, these thy brothers are all fatigued
+and thirsty.' Thereupon saying, 'So be it,' Nakula speedily climbed up a
+tree, and having looked around, said unto his eldest brother, 'O king, I
+see many a tree that groweth by the water-side, and I hear also the
+cries of cranes. Therefore, without doubt, water must be somewhere
+here.' Hearing these words, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, firm in truth,
+said, 'O amiable one, go thou and fetch water in these quivers!' Saying,
+'So be it,' at the command of his eldest brother Nakula quickly
+proceeded towards the place where there was water and soon came upon it.
+And beholding a crystal lake inhabited by cranes he desired to drink of
+it, when he heard these words from the sky, 'O child, do not commit this
+rash act! This lake hath already been in my possession. Do thou, O son
+of Madri, first answer my questions and then drink of this water and
+take away (as much as thou requirest).' Nakula, however, who was
+exceedingly thirsty, disregarding these words, drank of the cool water,
+and having drunk of it, dropped down dead. And, O represser of foes,
+seeing Nakula's delay, Yudhishthira the son of Kunti said unto Sahadeva,
+the heroic brother of Nakula, 'O Sahadeva, it is long since our brother,
+he who was born immediately before thee, hath gone from hence! Do thou,
+therefore, go and bring back thy uterine brother, together with water.'
+At this, Sahadeva, saying, 'So be it,' set out in that direction; and
+coming to the spot, beheld his brother lying dead on the ground. And
+afflicted at the death of his brother, and suffering severely from
+thirst, he advanced towards the water, when these words were heard by
+him, 'O child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been
+in my possession. First answer my question, and then drink of the water
+and take away as much as thou mayst require.' Sahadeva, however, who was
+extremely thirsty, disregarding these words, drank of the water, and
+having drunk of it, dropped down dead. Then Yudhishthira, the son of
+Kunti, said unto Vijaya, 'It is long since, O Vibhatsu, that thy two
+brothers have gone, O represser of foes! Blessed be thou! Do thou bring
+them back, together with water. Thou art, O child, the refuge of us all
+when plunged in distress!' Thus addressed, the intelligent Gudakesa,
+taking his bow and arrows and also his naked sword, set out for that
+lake of waters. And reaching that spot, he whose car was drawn by white
+steeds beheld those tigers among men, his two younger brothers who had
+come to fetch water, lying dead there. And seeing them as if asleep,
+that lion among men, exceedingly aggrieved, raised his bow and began to
+look around that wood. But he found none in that mighty forest. And,
+being fatigued, he who was capable of drawing the bow by his left hand
+as well, rushed in the direction of the water. And as he was rushing
+(towards the water), he heard these words from the sky, 'Why dost thou
+approach this water? Thou shalt not be able to drink of it by force. If
+thou, O Kaunteya, can answer the question I will put to thee, then only
+shalt thou drink of the water and take away as much as thou requirest, O
+Bharata!' Thus forbidden, the son of Pritha said, 'Do thou forbid me by
+appearing before me! And when thou shalt be sorely pierced with my
+arrows, thou wilt not then again speak in this way!' Having said this,
+Partha covered all sides with arrows inspired by _mantras_. And he also
+displayed his skill in shooting at an invisible mark by sound alone.
+And, O bull of the Bharata race, sorely afflicted with thirst, he
+discharged barbed darts and javelins and iron arrows, and showered on
+the sky innumerable shafts incapable of being baffled. Thereupon, the
+invisible Yaksha said, 'What need of all this trouble, O son of Pritha?
+Do thou drink only after answering my questions! If thou drink, however,
+without answering my questions, thou shalt die immediately after.' Thus
+addressed, Pritha's son Dhananjaya capable of drawing the bow with his
+left hand as well, disregarding those words, drank of the water, and
+immediately after dropped down dead. And (seeing Dhananjaya's delay)
+Kunti's son Yudhishthira addressed Bhimasena, saying, 'O represser of
+foes, it is a long while that Nakula and Sahadeva and Vibhatsu have gone
+to fetch water, and they have not come yet, O Bharata! Good betide thee!
+Do thou bring them back, together with water!' Thereupon saying, 'So be
+it,' Bhimasena set out for that place where those tigers among men, his
+brothers, lay dead. And beholding them, Bhima afflicted though he was
+with thirst, was exceedingly distressed. And that mighty armed hero
+thought all that to have been the act of some Yaksha or Rakshasa. And
+Pritha's son Vrikodara thought, 'I shall surely have to fight today. Let
+me, therefore, first appease my thirst.' Then that bull of the Bharata
+race rushed forward with the intention of drinking. Thereupon the Yaksha
+said, 'O child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been
+in my possession. Do thou first answer my questions, and then drink and
+take away as much water as thou requirest!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by that Yaksha of immeasurable
+energy, Bhima, without answering his questions, drank of the water. And
+as soon as he drank, he fell down dead on the spot. Then thinking that
+his brothers had left him long since, Yudhishthira waited for some time.
+And the king said unto himself again and again, 'Why is it that the two
+sons of Madri are delaying? And why doth the wielder also of the
+_Gandiva_ delay? And why doth Bhima too, endued with great strength,
+delay? I shall go to search for them!' And resolved to do this, the
+mighty-armed Yudhishthira then rose up, his heart burning in grief. And
+that bull among men, the royal son of Kunti thought within himself. 'Is
+this forest under some malign influence? Or, is it infested by some
+wicked beasts? Or, have they all fallen, in consequence of having
+disregarded some mighty being? Or, not finding water in the spot whither
+those heroes had first repaired, they have spent all this time in search
+through the forest? What is that reason for which those bulls among men
+do not come back?' And speaking in this strain, that foremost of
+monarchs, the illustrious Yudhishthira, entered into that mighty forest
+where no human sound was heard and which was inhabited by deer and bears
+and birds, and which was adorned with trees that were bright and green,
+and which echoed with the hum of the black-bee and the notes of winged
+warblers. As he was proceeding along, he beheld that beautiful lake
+which looked as if it had been made by the celestial artificer himself.
+And it was adorned with flowers of a golden hue and with lotuses and
+_Sindhuvars_. And it abounded with canes and _Ketakas_ and _Karaviras_
+and _Pippalas_, and fatigued with toil, Yudhishthira saw that tank and
+was struck with wonder."
+
+
+SECTION CCCXI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Yudhishthira saw his brothers, each possessed of the
+glory of Indra himself, lying dead like the Regents of the world dropped
+from their spheres at the end of the _Yuga_. And beholding Arjuna lying
+dead, with his bow and arrows dropped on the ground, and also Bhimasena
+and the twins motionless and deprived of life, the king breathed a hot
+and long sigh, and was bathed in tears of grief. And beholding his
+brothers lying dead, the mighty armed son of Dharma with heart racked in
+anxiety, began to lament profusely, saying, 'Thou hadst, O mighty-armed
+Vrikodara, vowed, saying,--_I shall with mace smash the thighs of
+Duryodhana in battle!_ O enhancer of the glory of the Kurus, in thy
+death, O mighty-armed and high-souled one, all that hath become
+fruitless now! The promises of men may be ineffectual; but why have the
+words of the gods uttered in respect of thee been thus fruitless? O
+Dhananjaya, while thou wert in thy mother's lying-in-room, the gods had
+said,--_O Kunti, this thy son shall not be inferior to him of a thousand
+eyes!_ And in the northern Paripatra mountains, all beings had sung,
+saying,--_The prosperity (of this race), robbed by foes will be
+recovered by this one without delay. No one will be able to vanquish him
+in battle, while there will be none whom he will not be able to
+vanquish._ Why then hath that Jishnu endued with great strength been
+subject to death? Oh, why doth that Dhananjaya, relying on whom we had
+hitherto endured all this misery, lie on the ground blighting[66] all my
+hopes! Why have those heroes, those mighty sons of Kunti, Bhimasena and
+Dhananjaya, came under the power of the enemy,--those who themselves
+always slew their foes, and whom no weapons could resist! Surely, this
+vile heart of mine must be made of adamant, since, beholding these twins
+lying today on the ground it doth not split! Ye bulls among men, versed
+in holy writ and acquainted with the properties of time and place, and
+endued with ascetic merit, ye who duly performed all sacred rites, why
+lie ye down, without performing acts deserving of you? Alas, why lie ye
+insensible on the earth, with your bodies unwounded, ye unvanquished
+ones, and with your vows untouched?' And beholding his brothers sweetly
+sleeping there as (they usually did) on mountain slopes, the high souled
+king, overwhelmed with grief and bathed in sweat, came to a distressful
+condition. And saying,--It is even so--that virtuous lord of men,
+immersed in an ocean of grief anxiously proceeded to ascertain the cause
+(of that catastrophe). And that mighty-armed and high-souled one,
+acquainted with the divisions of time and place, could not settle his
+course of action. Having thus bewailed much in this strain, the virtuous
+Yudhishthira, the son of _Dharma_ or _Tapu_, restrained his soul and
+began to reflect in his mind as to who had slain those heroes. 'There
+are no strokes of weapons upon these, nor is any one's foot-print here.
+The being must be mighty I ween, by whom my brothers have been slain.
+Earnestly shall I ponder over this, or, let me first drink of the water,
+and then know all. It may be that the habitually crooked-minded
+Duryodhana hath caused this water to be secretly placed here by the king
+of the _Gandharvas_. What man of sense can trust wicked wight of evil
+passions with whom good and evil are alike? Or, perhaps, this may be an
+act of that wicked-souled one through secret messengers of his.' And it
+was thus that that highly intelligent one gave way to diverse
+reflections. He did not believe that water to have been tainted with
+poison, for though dead no corpse-like pallor was on them. 'The colour
+on the faces of these my brothers hath not faded!' And it was thus that
+Yudhishthira thought. And the king continued, 'Each of these foremost of
+men was like unto a mighty cataract. Who, therefore, save Yama himself
+who in due time bringeth about the end of all things, could have baffled
+them thus.' And having concluded this for certain, he began to perform
+his ablutions in that lake. And while he descended into it, he heard
+these words from the sky, uttered by the Yaksha,--'I am a crane, living
+on tiny fish. It is by me that thy younger brothers have been brought
+under the sway of the lord of departed spirits. If thou, O prince,
+answer not the questions put by me, even thou shalt number the fifth
+corpse. Do not, O child, act rashly! This lake hath already been in my
+possession. Having answered my questions first, do thou, O Kunti's son,
+drink and carry away (as much as thou requirest)!' Hearing these words,
+Yudhishthira said, 'Art thou the foremost of the Rudras, or of the
+Vasus, or of the Marutas? I ask, what god art thou? This could not have
+been done by a bird! Who is it that hath overthrown the four mighty
+mountains, viz., the Himavat, the Paripatra, the Vindhya, and the
+Malaya? Great is the feat done by thee, thou foremost of strong persons!
+Those whom neither gods, nor _Gandharvas_ nor _Asuras_, nor _Rakshasas_
+could endure in mighty conflict, have been slain by thee! Therefore,
+exceedingly wonderful is the deed done by thee! I do not know what thy
+business may be, nor do I know thy purpose. Therefore, great is the
+curiosity and fear also that have taken possession of me. My mind is
+greatly agitated, and as my head also is aching, I ask thee, therefore,
+O worshipful one, who art thou that stayest here?' Hearing these words
+the Yaksha said, 'I am, good betide thee, a Yaksha, and not an
+amphibious bird. It is by me that all these brothers of thine, endued
+with mighty prowess, have been slain!'"
+
+    [66] Samhritya--killing.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these accursed words couched in harsh
+syllabus,[67] Yudhishthira, O king, approaching the Yaksha who had
+spoken then, stood there. And that bull among the Bharatas then beheld
+that Yaksha of unusual eyes and huge body tall like a palmyra-palm and
+looking like fire or the Sun, and irresistible and gigantic like a
+mountain, staying on a tree, and uttering a loud roar deep as that of
+the clouds. And the Yaksha said, 'These thy brothers, O king, repeatedly
+forbidden by me, would forcibly take away water. It is for this that
+they have been slain by me! He that wisheth to live, should not, O king,
+drink this water! O son of Pritha, act not rashly! This lake hath
+already been in my possession. Do thou, O son of Kunti, first answer my
+questions, and then take away as much as thou likest!' Yudhishthira
+said, 'I do not, O Yaksha, covet, what is already in thy possession! O
+bull among male beings, virtuous persons never approve that one should
+applaud his own self (without boasting, I shall, therefore, answer thy
+questions, according to my intelligence). Do thou ask me!' The Yaksha
+then said, 'What is it that maketh the Sun rise? Who keeps him company?
+Who causeth him to set? And in whom is he established?' Yudhishthira
+answered, '_Brahma_ maketh the Sun rise; the gods keep him company;
+_Dharma_ causeth him to set; and he is established in truth.'[68] The
+Yaksha asked, 'By what doth one become learned? By what doth he attain
+what is very great? How can one have a second? And, O king, how can one
+acquire intelligence?' Yudhishthira answered, 'It is by the (study of
+the) _Srutis_ that a person becometh learned; it is by ascetic
+austerities that one acquireth what is very great; it is by intelligence
+that a person acquireth a second and it is by serving the old that one
+becometh wise.'[69] The Yaksha asked, 'What constituteth the divinity of
+the Brahmanas? What even is their practice that is like that of the
+pious? What also is the human attribute of the Brahmanas? And what
+practice of theirs is like that of the impious?' Yudhishthira answered,
+'The study of the _Vedas_ constitutes their divinity; their asceticism
+constitutes behaviour that is like that of the pious; their liability to
+death is their human attribute and slander is their impiety.' The Yaksha
+asked, 'What institutes the divinity of the Kshatriyas? What even is
+their practice that is like that of the pious? What is their human
+attribute? And what practice of theirs is like that of the impious?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'Arrows and weapons are their divinity;
+celebration of sacrifices is that act which is like that of the pious;
+liability to fear is their human attribute; and refusal of protection is
+that act of theirs which is like that of the impious.' The Yaksha asked,
+'What is that which constitutes the _Sama_ of the sacrifice? What the
+_Yajus_ of the sacrifice? What is that which is the refuge of a
+sacrifice? And what is that which sacrifice cannot do without?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'Life is the _Sama_ of the sacrifice; the mind is
+the _Yajus_ of the sacrifice; the _Rik_ is that which is the refuge of
+the sacrifice; and it is _Rik_ alone which sacrifice cannot do
+without.'[70] The Yaksha asked, 'What is of the foremost value to those
+that cultivate? What is of the foremost value to those that sow? What is
+of the foremost value to those that wish for prosperity in this world?
+And what is of the foremost value to those that bring forth?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'That which is of the foremost value to those
+that cultivate is rain; that of the foremost value to those that sow is
+seed; that of the foremost value to those that bring forth is
+offspring.'[71] The Yaksha asked, 'What person, enjoying all the objects
+of the senses, endued with intelligence, regarded by the world and liked
+by all beings, though breathing, doth not offer anything to these five,
+viz., gods, guests, servants, _Pitris_, and himself, though endued with
+breath, is not yet alive.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is weightier than the
+earth itself? What is higher than the heavens? What is fleeter than the
+wind? And what is more numerous than grass?' Yudhishthira answered, 'The
+mother is weightier than the earth; the father is higher than the
+heaven; the mind is fleeter than the wind; and our thoughts are more
+numerous than grass.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is that which doth not
+close its eyes while asleep? What is that which doth not move after
+birth? What is that which is without heart? And what is that which
+swells with its own impetus?' Yudhishthira answered, 'A fish doth not
+close its eyes while asleep; an egg doth not move after birth; a stone
+is without heart; and a river swelleth with its own impetus.' The Yaksha
+asked, 'Who is the friend of the exile? Who is the friend of the
+householder? Who is the friend of him that ails? And who is the friend
+of one about to die?' Yudhishthira answered, 'The friend of the exile in
+a distant land is his companion; the friend of the householder is the
+wife; the friend of him that ails is the physician; and the friend of
+him about to die is charity.' The Yaksha asked,--'Who is the guest of
+all creatures? What is the eternal duty? What, O foremost of kings, is
+_Amrita_? And what is this entire Universe?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'_Agni_ is the guest of all creatures; the milk of kine is
+_amrita; Homa_ (therewith) is the eternal duty; and this Universe
+consists of air alone.'[72] The Yaksha asked,--'What is that which
+sojourneth alone? What is that which is re-born after its birth? What is
+the remedy against cold? And what is the largest field?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'The sun sojourneth alone; the moon takes birth anew; fire is
+the remedy against cold; and the Earth is the largest field.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What is the highest refuge of virtue? What of fame? What of
+heaven? And what, of happiness?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Liberality is
+the highest refuge of virtue; gift, of fame; truth, of heaven; and good
+behaviour, of happiness.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is the soul of man?
+Who is that friend bestowed on man by the gods? What is man's chief
+support? And what also is his chief refuge?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'The son is a man's soul; the wife is the friend bestowed on
+man by the gods; the clouds are his chief support; and gift is his chief
+refuge.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is the best of all laudable things?
+What is the most valuable of all his possessions? What is the best of
+all gains? And what is the best of all kinds of happiness?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--"The best of all laudable things is skill; the best of all
+possessions is knowledge; the best of all gains is health; and
+contentment is the best of all kinds of happiness.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What is the highest duty in the world? What is that virtue
+which always beareth fruit? What is that which if controlled, leadeth
+not to regret? And who are they with whom an alliance cannot break?'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'The highest of duties is to refrain from
+injury; the rites ordained in the _Three (Vedas)_ always bear fruit; the
+mind, if controlled, leadeth to no regret; and an alliance with the good
+never breaketh.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is that which, if renounced,
+maketh one agreeable? What is that which, if renounced, leadeth to no
+regret? What is that which, if renounced, maketh one wealthy? And what
+is that which if renounced, maketh one happy?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'Pride, if renounced, maketh one agreeable; wrath, if
+renounced leadeth to no regret; desire, if renounced, maketh one
+wealthy; and avarice, if renounced, maketh one happy.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'For what doth one give away to Brahmanas? For what to mimes and
+dancers? For what to servants? And for what to the king?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'It is for religious merit that one giveth away to Brahmanas;
+it is for fame that one giveth away to mimes and dancers; it is for
+supporting them that one giveth away to servants; and it is for
+obtaining relief from fear that one giveth to kings.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'With what is the world enveloped? What is that owing to which a
+thing cannot discover itself? For what are friends forsaken? And for
+what doth one fail to go to heaven?' Yudhishthira answered,--'The world
+is enveloped with darkness. Darkness doth not permit a thing to show
+itself. It is from avarice that friends are forsaken. And it is
+connection with the world for which one faileth to go to heaven.' The
+Yaksha asked,--'For what may one be considered as dead? For what may a
+kingdom be considered as dead? For what may a _Sraddha_ be considered as
+dead? And for what, a sacrifice?' Yudhishthira answered,--'For want of
+wealth may a man be regarded as dead. A kingdom for want of a king may
+be regarded as dead. A _Sraddha_ that is performed with the aid of a
+priest that hath no learning may be regarded as dead. And a sacrifice in
+which there are no gifts to Brahmanas is dead.' The Yaksha asked,--'What
+constitutes the way? What hath been spoken of as water? What, as food?
+And what, as poison? Tell us also what is the proper time of a
+_Sraddha_, and then drink and take away as much as thou likest!'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'They that are good constitute the way.[73]
+Space hath been spoken of as water.[74] The cow is food.[75] A request
+is poison. And a Brahmana is regarded as the proper time of a
+_Sraddha_.[76] I do not know what thou mayst think of all this, O
+Yaksha?' The Yaksha asked,--'What hath been said to be the sign of
+asceticism? And what is true restraint? What constitutes forgiveness.
+And what is shame?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Staying in one's own
+religion is asceticism; the restraint of the mind is of all restraints
+the true one; forgiveness consists in enduring enmity; and shame, in
+withdrawing from all unworthy acts.' The Yaksha asked,--'What, O king is
+said to be knowledge? What, tranquillity? What constitutes mercy? And
+what hath been called simplicity?' Yudhishthira answered,--'True
+knowledge is that of Divinity. True tranquillity is that of the heart.
+Mercy consists in wishing happiness to all. And simplicity is equanimity
+of heart.' The Yaksha asked,--'What enemy is invincible? What
+constitutes an incurable disease for man? What sort of a man is called
+honest and what dishonest?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Anger is an
+invincible enemy. Covetousness constitutes an incurable disease. He is
+honest that desires the weal of all creatures, and he is dishonest who
+is unmerciful.' The Yaksha asked,--'What, O king, is ignorance? And what
+is pride? What also is to be understood by idleness? And what hath been
+spoken of as grief?' Yudhishthira answered,--'True ignorance consists in
+not knowing one's duties. Pride is a consciousness of one's being
+himself an actor or sufferer in life. Idleness consists in not
+discharging one's duties, and ignorance in grief.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What hath steadiness been said by the _Rishis_ to be? And what,
+patience? What also is a real ablution? And what is charity?'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'Steadiness consists in one's staying in one's
+own religion, and true patience consists in the subjugation of the
+senses. A true bath consists in washing the mind clean of all
+impurities, and charity consists in protecting all creatures.' The
+Yaksha asked,--'What man should be regarded as learned, and who should
+be called an atheist? Who also is to be called ignorant? What is called
+desire and what are the sources of desire? And what is envy?'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'He is to be called learned who knoweth his
+duties. An atheist is he who is ignorant and so also he is ignorant who
+is an atheist. Desire is due to objects of possession, and envy is
+nothing else than grief of heart.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is pride,
+and what is hypocrisy? What is the grace of the gods, and what is
+wickedness?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Stolid ignorance is pride. The
+setting up of a religious standard is hypocrisy. The grace of the gods
+is the fruit of our gifts, and wickedness consists in speaking ill of
+others.' The Yaksha asked,--'Virtue, profit, and desire are opposed to
+one another. How could things thus antagonistic to one another exist
+together?' Yudhishthira answered,--'When a wife and virtue agree with
+each other, then all the three thou hast mentioned may exist together.'
+The Yaksha asked,--'O bull of the Bharata race, who is he that is
+condemned to everlasting hell? It behoveth thee to soon answer the
+question that I ask!' Yudhishthira answered,--'He that summoneth a poor
+Brahmana promising to make him a gift and then tells him that he hath
+nothing to give, goeth to everlasting hell. He also must go to
+everlasting hell, who imputes falsehood to the _Vedas_, the scriptures,
+the Brahmanas, the gods, and the ceremonies in honour of the _Pitris_.
+He also goeth to everlasting hell who though in possession of wealth,
+never giveth away nor enjoyeth himself from avarice, saying, he hath
+none.' The Yaksha asked,--'By what, O king, birth, behaviour, study, or
+learning doth a person become a Brahmana? Tell us with certitude!'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'Listen, O Yaksha! It is neither birth, nor
+study, nor learning, that is the cause of _Brahmanahood_, without doubt,
+it is behaviour that constitutes it. One's behaviour should always be
+well-guarded, especially by a Brahmana. He who maintaineth his conduct
+unimpaired, is never impaired himself. Professors and pupils, in fact,
+all who study the scriptures, if addicted to wicked habits, are to be
+regarded as illiterate wretches. He only is learned who performeth his
+religious duties. He even that hath studied the four Vedas is to be
+regarded as a wicked wretch scarcely distinguishable from a Sudra (if
+his conduct be not correct). He only who performeth the _Agnihotra_ and
+hath his senses under control, is called a Brahmana!' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What doth one gain that speaketh agreeable words? What doth he
+gain that always acteth with judgment? What doth he gain that hath many
+friends? And what he, that is devoted to virtue?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'He that speaketh agreeable words becometh agreeable to all.
+He that acteth with judgment obtaineth whatever he seeketh. He that hath
+many friends liveth happily. And he that is devoted to virtue obtaineth
+a happy state (in the next world).' The Yaksha asked,--'Who is truly
+happy? What is most wonderful? What is _the_ path? And what is _the_
+news? Answer these four questions of mine and let thy dead brothers
+revive.' Yudhishthira answered,--'O amphibious creature, a man who
+cooketh in his own house, on the fifth or the sixth part of the day,
+with scanty vegetables, but who is not in debt and who stirreth not from
+home, is truly happy. Day after day countless creatures are going to the
+abode of Yama, yet those that remain behind believe themselves to be
+immortal. What can be more wonderful than this? Argument leads to no
+certain conclusion, the _Srutis_ are different from one another; there
+is not even one _Rishi_ whose opinion can be accepted by all; the truth
+about religion and duty is hid in caves: therefore, that alone is the
+path along which the great have trod. This world full of ignorance is
+like a pan. The sun is fire, the days and nights are fuel. The months
+and the seasons constitute the wooden ladle. Time is the cook that is
+cooking all creatures in that pan (with such aids); this is _the news_.'
+The Yaksha asked,--'Thou hast, O represser of foes, truly answered all
+my questions! Tell us now who is truly a man, and what man truly
+possesseth every kind of wealth.' Yudhishthira answered,--'The report of
+one's good action reacheth heaven and spreadeth over the earth. As long
+as that report lasteth, so long is a person to whom the agreeable and
+the disagreeable, weal and woe, the past and the future, are the same,
+is said to possess every kind of wealth.' The Yaksha said,--'Thou hast,
+O king truly answered who is a man, and what man possesseth every kind
+of wealth. Therefore, let one only amongst thy brothers, whom thou mayst
+wish, get up with life!' Yudhishthira answered,--'Let this one that is
+of darkish hue, whose eyes are red, who is tall like a large _Sala_
+tree, whose chest is broad and arms long, let this Nakula, O Yaksha, get
+up with life!' The Yaksha rejoined,--'This Bhimasena is dear unto thee,
+and this Arjuna also is one upon whom all of you depend! Why, then, O
+king, dost thou wish a step-brother to get up with his life! How canst
+thou, forsaking Bhima whose strength is equal to that of ten thousand
+elephants, wish Nakula to live? People said that this Bhima was dear to
+thee. From what motive then dost thou wish a step-brother to revive?
+Forsaking Arjuna the might of whose arm is worshipped by all the sons of
+Pandu, why dost thou wish Nakula to revive?' Yudhishthira said,--'If
+virtue is sacrificed, he that sacrificeth it, is himself lost. So virtue
+also cherisheth the cherisher. Therefore taking care that virtue by
+being sacrificed may not sacrifice us, I never forsake virtue.
+Abstention from injury is the highest virtue, and is, I ween, even
+higher than the highest object of attainment. I endeavour to practise
+that virtue. Therefore, let Nakula, O Yaksha, revive! Let men know that
+the king is always virtuous! I will never depart from my duty. Let
+Nakula, therefore, revive! My father had two wives, Kunti and Madri. Let
+both of them have children. This is what I wish. As Kunti is to me, so
+also is Madri. There is no difference between them in my eye. I desire
+to act equally towards my mothers. Therefore, let Nakula live.' The
+Yaksha said,--'Since abstention from injury is regarded by thee as
+higher than both profit and pleasure, therefore, let all thy brothers
+live, O bull of Bharata race!'"
+
+    [67] Lit. Letters.
+
+    [68] Behind the plain and obvious meanings of the words employed
+    both in the question and the answer, there is a deeper
+    signification of a spiritual kind. I think Nilakantha has
+    rightly understood the passage. By Aditya, which of course
+    commonly means the Sun, is indicated the unpurified soul (from
+    adatte sabdadin indriadivis &c.). The first question then,
+    becomes, 'Who is it that exalteth the unpurified soul?' The act
+    of exaltation implies a raising of the soul from its earthly
+    connections. The answer to this is, 'Brahma, i.e., Veda or
+    self-knowledge.' The second question--'What are those that keep
+    company with the soul during its progress of purification?' The
+    answer is, 'Self-restraint and other qualities, which are all of
+    a god-like or divine nature.' The third question is.--Who lead
+    the soul to its place (state) of rest? The answer is, 'Dharma,
+    _i.e._, rectitude, morality, and religious observances.' It is
+    often asserted that one must pass through the observances
+    (Karma) before attaining to a state of Rest or Truth or Pure
+    Knowledge. The last question is,--'On what is the soul
+    established!' The answer, according to all that has been
+    previously said, is 'Truth or Pure Knowledge.' For the soul that
+    is emancipated from and raised above all carnal connections, is
+    no longer in need of observances and acts (Karma) but stays
+    unmoved in True Knowledge (Janana).
+
+    [69] Nilakantha explains both Dhriti and Dwitiya in a spiritual
+    sense. There is no need, however, of a spiritual explanation
+    here. By Dhriti is meant steadiness of intelligence; by Dwitiya
+    lit, a second. What Yudhishthira says is that a steady
+    intelligence serves the purposes of a helpful companion.
+
+    [70] Nilakantha explains this correctly, as I imagine, by
+    supposing that by 'sacrifice' is meant the spiritual sacrifice
+    for the acquisition of pure knowledge. In the objective
+    sacrifice which one celebrates, the Sama, the Yajus, and the Rik
+    mantras are all necessary. In the subjective sacrifice the
+    acquisition of true knowledge, life and mind are as necessary as
+    the mantras from the Sama and the Yajur Vedas in an objective
+    one. And as no objective sacrifice can do without the Riks,
+    being principally dependent on them, so the subjective
+    sacrifices for acquiring true knowledge can never do without
+    prayerfulness, which, I imagine, is represented as the Riks. To
+    understand this passage thoroughly would require an intimate
+    acquaintance with the ritual of a sacrifice like the Agnishtoma
+    or any other of that kind.
+
+    [71] Some texts read apatatam for uvapatam. If the former be the
+    correct reading, the meaning would be--'What is the best of
+    things that fall?' Nilakantha explains both avapatam nivapatam
+    in a spiritual sense. By the first he understands--'They that
+    offer oblation to the gods,' and by the second, 'They that offer
+    oblations to the Pitris.' The necessity of a spiritual
+    interpretation, however, is not very apparent.
+
+    [72] Yudhishthira has the authority of the Srutis for saying
+    that the one pervading element of the universe is air.
+
+    [73] The word used in the question is _dik_, literally,
+    direction. Obviously, of course, it means in this connection
+    way. Yudhishthira answers that the way which one is to tread
+    along is that of the good.
+
+    [74] The _Srutis_ actually speak of space as water. These are
+    questions to test Yudhishthira's knowledge of the Vedic
+    cosmogony.
+
+    [75] The _Srutis_ speak of the cow as the only food, in the
+    following sense. The cow gives milk. The milk gives butter. The
+    butter is used in Homa. The Homa is the cause of the clouds. The
+    clouds give rain. The rain makes the seed to sprout forth and
+    produce food. Nilakantha endeavours to explain this in a
+    spiritual sense. There is however, no need of such explanation
+    here.
+
+    [76] What Yudhishthira means to say is that there is no special
+    time for a Sraddha. It is to be performed whenever a good and
+    able priest may be secured.
+
+
+SECTION CCCXII
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Then agreeable to the words of the Yaksha the
+Pandavas rose up; and in a moment their hunger and thirst left them.
+Thereupon Yudhishthira said, 'I ask thee that art incapable of being
+vanquished and that standest on one leg in the tank, what god art thou,
+for I cannot take thee for a Yaksha! Art thou the foremost of the Vasus,
+or of the Rudras, or of the chief of the Maruts? Or art thou the lord
+himself of the celestials, wielder of the thunder-bolt! Each of these my
+brothers is capable of fighting as hundred thousand warriors, and I see
+not the warrior that can slay them all! I see also that their senses
+have refreshed, as if they have sweetly awaked from slumber. Art thou a
+friend of ours, or even our father himself?' At this the Yaksha
+replied,--'O child, I am even thy father, the Lord of justice, possessed
+of great prowess! Know, bull of the Bharata race, that I came hither
+desirous of beholding thee! Fame, truth, self-restraint, purity,
+candour, modesty, steadiness, charity, austerities and _Brahmacharya_,
+these are my body! And abstention from injury, impartiality, peace,
+penances, sanctity, and freedom from malice are the doors (through which
+I am accessible). Thou art always dear to me! By good luck thou art
+devoted to the five;[77] and by good luck also thou hast conquered the
+six.[78] Of the six, two appear in the first part of life; two in the
+middle part thereof; and the remaining two at the end, in order to make
+men repair to the next world. I am, good betide thee, the lord of
+justice! I came hither to test thy merit. I am well-pleased to witness
+thy harmlessness; and, O sinless one, I will confer boons on thee. Do
+thou, O foremost of kings, ask of me boons. I shall surely confer them,
+O sinless one! Those that revere me, never come by distress!'
+Yudhishthira said,--'A deer was carrying away the Brahmana's
+fire-sticks. Therefore, the first boon that I shall ask, is, may that
+Brahmana's adorations to _Agni_ be not interrupted!' The Yaksha
+said,--'O Kunti's son endued with splendour, it was I who for examining
+thee, was carrying away, in the guise of a deer, that Brahmana's
+fire-sticks!'"
+
+    [77] That is, tranquillity of mind, self-restraint, abstention
+    from sensual pleasures, resignation, and Yoga meditation.
+
+    [78] That is, hunger, thirst, sorrow, bluntness of mortal
+    feeling, decrepitude, and death.
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thereupon that worshipful one said,--'I give
+thee this boon! Good betide thee! O thou that are like unto an immortal,
+ask thou a fresh boon!' Yudhishthira said,--'We have spent these twelve
+years in the forest; and the thirteenth year is come. May no one
+recognise us, as we spend this year somewhere.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thereat that worshipful one replied,--'I give
+this boon unto thee!' And then reassuring Kunti's son having truth for
+prowess, he also said, 'Even if, O Bharata, ye range this (entire) earth
+in your proper forms none in the three worlds shall recognise you. Ye
+perpetuators of the Kuru race, through my grace, ye will spend this
+thirteenth year, secretly and unrecognised, in Virata's kingdom! And
+every one of you will be able at will to assume any form he likes! Do ye
+now present the Brahmana with his fire-sticks. It was only to test you
+that I carried them away in the form of a deer! O amiable Yudhishthira,
+do thou ask for another boon that thou mayst like! I will confer it on
+thee. O foremost of men, I have not yet been satisfied by granting boons
+to thee! Do thou my son, accept a third boon that is great and
+incomparable! Thou, O king, art born of me, and Vidura of portion or
+mine!' Thereat Yudhishthira said,--'It is enough that I have beheld thee
+with my senses, eternal God of gods as thou art! O father, whatever boon
+thou wilt confer on me I shall surely accept gladly! May I, O lord,
+always conquer covetousness and folly and anger, and may my mind be ever
+devoted to charity, truth, and ascetic austerities!' The Lord of justice
+said,--'Even by nature, O Pandava, hast thou been endued with these
+qualities, for thou art the Lord of justice himself! Do thou again
+attain what thou asked for!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Having said these words, the worshipful Lord
+of justice, who is the object of contemplation of all the worlds,
+vanished therefrom; and the high-souled Pandavas after they had slept
+sweetly were united with one another. And their fatigue dispelled, those
+heroes returned to the hermitage, and gave back that Brahmana his
+firesticks. That man who pursueth this illustrious and fame-enhancing
+story of the revival (of the Pandavas) and the meeting of father and son
+(Dharma and Yudhishthira), obtaineth perfect tranquillity of mind, and
+sons and grandsons, and also a life extending over a hundred years! And
+the mind of that man that layeth this story to heart, never delighteth
+in unrighteousness, or in disunion among friends, or misappropriation of
+other person's property, or staining other people's wives, or in foul
+thoughts!"
+
+
+SECTION CCCXIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Commanded by the Lord of justice to thus spend
+in disguise the thirteenth year of non-discovery, the high-souled
+Pandavas, observant of vows and having truth for prowess, sat before
+those learned and vow-observing ascetics that from regard were dwelling
+with them in their exile in the forest. And with joined hands they said
+these words, with the intention of obtaining permission to spend the
+thirteenth year in the manner indicated. And they said, 'Ye know well
+that the sons of Dhritarashtra have by deceit deprived us of our
+kingdom, and have also done us many other wrongs! We have passed twelve
+years in the forest in great affliction. The thirteenth year only, which
+we are to spend unrecognised, yet remaineth. It behoveth you to permit
+us now to spend this year in concealment! Those rancorous enemies of
+ours, Suyodhana, the wicked-minded Karna, and Suvala's son should they
+discover us, would do mighty wrong to the citizens and our friends!
+Shall we all with the Brahmanas, be again established in our own
+kingdom?' Having said this, that pure-spirited son of Dharma king
+Yudhishthira, overwhelmed with grief and with accents choked in tears,
+swooned away. Thereupon the Brahmanas, together with his brothers began
+to cheer him up. Then Dhaumya spake unto the king these words fraught
+with mighty meaning,--'O king, thou art learned and capable of bearing
+privations, art firm in promise, and of subdued sense! Men of such stamp
+are not overwhelmed by any calamity whatever. Even the high-souled gods
+themselves have wandered over various places in disguise, for the
+purpose of overcoming foes. Indra for the purpose of overcoming his
+foes, dwelt in disguise in the asylum of Giriprastha, in Nishadha and
+thus attained his end. Before taking his birth in the womb of Aditi,
+Vishnu for the purpose of destroying the _Daityas_ passed a long time
+unrecognised, assuming the form of the _Haya-griba_ (Horse-necked). Then
+how disguising himself in the form of a dwarf, he by his prowess
+deprived Vali of his kingdom, hath been heard by thee! And thou hast
+also heard how Hutasana entering into water and remaining in
+concealment, achieved the purpose of the gods. And O thou versed in
+duty, thou hast heard how Hari with the view of overcoming his foes,
+entered into Sakra's thunder-bolt, and lay concealed there. And, O
+sinless one, thou hast heard of the office the regenerate _Rishi_ Aurva
+at one time performed for the gods, remaining concealed in his mother's
+womb. And O child, living in concealment in every part of the earth,
+Vivaswat, endued with excellent energy, at last entirely burnt up all
+his foes. And living disguised in the abode of Dasaratha, Vishnu of
+dreadful deeds slew the Ten-necked one in battle. Thus remaining in
+disguise in various places, high-souled persons have before this
+conquered their enemies in battle.' Thus cheered by these words of
+Dhaumya, the virtuous Yudhishthira, relying on his own wisdom and also
+that acquired from the scriptures regained his composure. Then that
+foremost of strong persons, the mighty-armed Bhimasena endued with great
+strength encouraging the king greatly, spake these words, 'Looking up to
+thy face (for permission), the wielder of the _Gandiva_, acting
+according to his sense of duty hath not yet, O king, shown any rashness!
+And although fully able to destroy the foe, Nakula and Sahadeva of
+dreadful prowess have been ever prevented by me! Never shall we swerve
+from that in which thou wilt engage us! Do thou tell us what is to be
+done! We shall speedily conquer our enemies!' When Bhimasena had said
+this, the Brahmanas uttered benedictions on the Bharatas, and then
+obtaining their permission, went to their respective quarters. And all
+those foremost of _Yatis_ and _Munis_ versed in the Vedas, exceedingly
+desirous of again beholding the Pandavas, went back to their homes. And
+accompanied by Dhaumya, these heroes, the five learned Pandavas equipped
+in vows set out with Krishna. And each versed in a separate science, and
+all proficient in _mantras_ and cognisant of when peace was to be
+concluded and when war was to be waged those tigers among men, about to
+enter upon a life of non-recognition, the next day proceeded for a Krose
+and then sat themselves down with the view of taking counsel of each
+other."
+
+_The End of Vana Parva_
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12333 ***
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+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Part II</title>
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12333 ***</div>
+
+<h1>THE MAHABHARATA<br />
+VANA PARVA, PART II</h1>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 300]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLV (continued from previous eBook)</h2>
+<p>And the ruddy geese, and the gallinules and the ducks and the
+<i>karandavas</i> and the <i>plavas</i> and the parrots and the
+male <i>kokilas</i> and the herons in confusion flew in all
+directions, while some proud elephants urged by their mates, as
+also some lions and elephants in rage, flew at Bhimasena. And as
+they were distracted at heart through fear, these fierce animals
+discharging urine and dung, set up loud yells with gapping mouths.
+Thereupon the illustrious and graceful son of the wind-god, the
+mighty Pandava, depending upon the strength of his arms, began to
+slay one elephant with another elephant and one lion with another
+lion while he despatched the others with slaps. And on being struck
+by Bhima the lions and the tigers and the leopards, in fright gave
+loud cries and discharged urine and dung. And after having
+destroyed these the handsome son of Pandu, possessed of mighty
+strength, entered into the forest, making all sides resound with
+his shouts. And then the long-armed one saw on the slopes of the
+Gandhamadana a beautiful plantain tree spreading over many a
+<i>yojana</i>. And like unto a mad lion, that one of great strength
+proceeded amain towards that tree breaking down various plants. And
+that foremost of strong persons&mdash;Bhima&mdash;uprooting
+innumerable plaintain trunks equal in height to many palm-trees
+(placed one above another), cast them on all sides with force. And
+that highly powerful one, haughty like a male lion, sent up shouts.
+And then he encountered countless beasts of gigantic size, and
+stags, and monkeys, and lions, and buffaloes, and aquatic animals.
+And what with the cries of these, and what with the shouts of
+Bhima, even the beasts and birds that were at distant parts of the
+wood, became all frightened. And hearing those cries of beasts and
+birds, myriads of aquatic fowls suddenly rose up on wetted wings.
+And seeing these fowls of water, that bull among the Bharatas
+proceeded in that direction; and saw a vast and romantic lake. And
+that fathomless lake was, as it were, being fanned by the golden
+plantain trees on the coast, shaken by the soft breezes. And
+immediately descending into the lake abounding in lilies and
+lotuses, he began to sport lustily like unto a mighty maddened
+elephant. Having thus sported there for a long while, he of
+immeasurable effulgence ascended, in order to penetrate with speed
+into that forest filled with trees. Then the Pandava winded with
+all his might his loud-blowing shell. And striking his arms with
+his hands, the mighty Bhima made all the points of heaven resound.
+And filled with the sounds of the shell, and with the shouts of
+Bhimasena, and also with the reports produced by the striking of
+his arms, the caves of the mountain seemed as if they were roaring.
+And hearing those loud arm-strokes, like unto the crashing of
+thunder, the lions that were slumbering in the caves, uttered
+mighty howls. And being terrified by the yelling of the lions, the
+elephants, O Bharata, sent forth tremendous roars, which filled the
+mountain. And hearing those sounds emitted, and knowing also
+Bhimasena to be his brother, the ape Hanuman, the chief of monkeys,
+with the view of doing good to Bhima, obstructed the path leading
+to heaven. And thinking that he (Bhima) should not pass that way,
+(Hanuman) lay across the narrow path, beautified by plantain trees,
+obstructing it for the sake of the safety of Bhima. With the object
+that Bhima <span class="pagenum">[Pg 301]</span> might not come by
+curse or defeat, by entering into the plantain wood, the ape
+Hanuman of huge body lay down amidst the plantain trees, being
+overcome with drowsiness. And he began to yawn, lashing his long
+tail, raised like unto the pole consecrated to Indra, and sounding
+like thunder. And on all sides round, the mountains by the mouths
+of caves emitted those sounds in echo, like a cow lowing. And as it
+was being shaken by the reports produced by the lashing of the
+tail, the mountain with its summits tottering, began to crumble all
+around. And overcoming that roaring of mad elephants, the sounds of
+his tail spread over the varied slopes of the mountain.</p>
+<p>"On those sounds being heard the down of Bhima's body stood on
+end; and he began to range that plantain wood, in search of those
+sounds. And that one of mighty arms saw the monkey-chief in the
+plantain wood, on an elevated rocky base. And he was hard to be
+looked at even as the lightning-flash; and of coppery hue like that
+of the lightning-flash; and endued with the voice of the
+lightning-flash; and quick moving as the lightning-flash; and
+having his short flesh neck supported on his shoulders; and with
+his waist slender in consequence of the fullness of his shoulders.
+And his tail covered with long hair, and a little bent at the end,
+was raised like unto a banner. And (Bhima) saw Hanuman's head
+furnished with small lips, and coppery face and tongue, and red
+ears, and brisk eyes, and bare white incisors sharpened at the
+edge. And his head was like unto the shining moon; adorned with
+white teeth within the mouth; and with mane scattered over,
+resembling a heap of <i>asoka</i> flowers. And amidst the golden
+plantain trees, that one of exceeding effulgence was lying like
+unto a blazing fire, with his radiant body. And that slayer of foes
+was casting glances with his eyes reddened with intoxication. And
+the intelligent Bhima saw that mighty chief of monkeys, of huge
+body, lying like unto the Himalaya, obstructing the path of heaven.
+And seeing him alone in that mighty forest, the undaunted athletic
+Bhima, of long arms, approached him with rapid strides, and uttered
+a loud shout like unto the thunder. And at that shout of Bhima,
+beasts and birds became all alarmed. The powerful Hanuman, however,
+opening his eyes partially looked at him (Bhima) with disregard,
+with eyes reddened with intoxication. And then smilingly addressing
+him, Hanuman said the following words, 'Ill as I am, I was sleeping
+sweetly. Why hast thou awakened me? Thou shouldst show kindness to
+all creatures, as thou hast reason. Belonging to the animal
+species, we are ignorant of virtue. But being endued with reason,
+men show kindness towards creatures. Why do then reasonable persons
+like thee commit themselves to acts contaminating alike body,
+speech, and heart, and destructive of virtue? Thou knowest not what
+virtue is, neither hast thou taken council of the wise. And
+therefore it is that from ignorance, and childishness thou
+destroyest the lower animals. Say, who art thou, and what for hast
+thou come to the forest devoid of humanity and human beings? And, O
+foremost of men, tell thou also, whither thou wilt go to-day.
+Further it is impossible to proceed. Yonder hills are inaccessible.
+O hero, save the passage obtained by the practice of asceticism,
+there is no passage to that place. This is the path of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 302]</span> the celestials; it is ever impassable by
+mortals. Out of kindness, O hero, do I dissuade thee. Do thou
+hearken unto my words. Thou canst not proceed further from this
+place. Therefore, O lord, do thou desist. O chief of men, to-day in
+every way thou art welcome to this place. If thou think it proper to
+accept my words, do thou then, O best of men, rest here, partaking
+of fruits and roots, sweet as ambrosia, and do not have thyself
+destroyed for naught.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O represser of foes, hearing these words of
+the intelligent monkey-chief, the heroic Bhima answered, 'Who art
+thou? And why also hast thou assumed the shape of a monkey? It is a
+Kshatriya&mdash;one of a race next to the Brahmanas&mdash;that
+asketh thee. And he belongeth to the Kuru race and the lunar stock,
+and was borne by Kunti in her womb, and is one of the sons of
+Pandu, and is the off spring of the windgod, and is known by the
+name of Bhimasena.' Hearing these words of the Kuru hero, Hanuman
+smiled, and that son of the wind-god (Hanuman) spake unto that
+offspring of the windgod (Bhimasena), saying, 'I am a monkey, I
+will not allow thee the passage thou desirest. Better desist and go
+back. Do thou not meet with destruction.' At this Bhimasena
+replied, 'Destruction at anything else do I not ask thee about, O
+monkey. Do thou give me passage. Arise! Do not come by grief at my
+hands.' Hanuman said, 'I have no strength to rise; I am suffering
+from illness. If go thou must, do thou go by overleaping me.' Bhima
+said, 'The Supreme Soul void of the properties pervadeth a body all
+over. Him knowable alone by knowledge, I cannot disregard. And
+therefore, will I not overleap thee. If I had not known Him from
+Whom become manifest all creatures, I would have leapt over thee
+and also the mountain, even as Hanuman had bounded over the ocean.'
+Thereupon Hanuman said, 'Who is that Hanuman, who had bounded over
+the ocean? I ask thee, O best of men. Relate if thou canst.' Bhima
+replied, 'He is even my brother, excellent with every perfection,
+and endued with intelligence and strength both of mind and body.
+And he is the illustrious chief of monkeys, renowned in the
+Ramayana. And for Rama's queen, that king of the monkeys even with
+one leap crossed the ocean extending over a hundred <i>yojanas</i>.
+That mighty one is my brother. I am equal unto him in energy,
+strength and prowess and also in fight. And able am I to punish
+thee. So arise. Either give me passage or witness my prowess
+to-day. If thou do not listen to my bidding, I shall send thee to
+the abode of Yama.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued. "Then knowing him (Bhima) to be
+intoxicated with strength, and proud of the might of his arms,
+Hanuman, slighting him at heart, said the following words, 'Relent
+thou, O sinless one. In consequence of age, I have no strength to
+get up. From pity for me, do thou go, moving aside my tail.' Being
+thus addressed by Hanuman, Bhima proud of the strength of his arms,
+took him for one wanting in energy and <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+303]</span> prowess, and thought within himself, 'Taking fast hold
+of the tail, will I send this monkey destitute of energy and
+prowess, to the region of Yama.' Thereat, with a smile he
+slightingly took hold of the tail with his left hand; but could not
+move that tail of the mighty monkey. Then with both arms he pulled
+it, resembling the pole reared in honour of Indra. Still the mighty
+Bhima could not raise the tail with both his arms. And his
+eye-brows were contracted up, and his eyes rolled, and his face was
+contracted into wrinkles and his body was covered with sweat; and
+yet he could not raise it. And when after having striven, the
+illustrious Bhima failed in raising the tail, he approached the
+side of the monkey, and stood with a bashful countenance. And
+bowing down, Kunti's son, with joined hands, spake these words,
+'Relent thou, O foremost of monkeys; and forgive me for my harsh
+words. Art thou a Siddha, or a god, or a Gandharva, or a Guhyaka? I
+ask thee out of curiosity. Tell me who thou art that hast assumed
+the shape of monkey, if it be not a secret, O long-armed one, and
+if I can well hear it. I ask thee as a disciple, and I, O sinless
+one, seek thy refuge.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O represser of
+foes, even to the extent of thy curiosity to know me, shall I
+relate all at length. Listen, O son of Pandu! O lotus-eyed one, I
+was begotten by the windgod that life of the world&mdash;upon the
+wife of Kesari. I am a monkey, by name Hanuman. All the mighty
+monkey-kings, and monkey-chiefs used to wait upon that son of the
+sun, Sugriva, and that son of Sakra, Vali. And, O represser of
+foes, a friendship subsisted between me and Sugriva, even as
+between the wind and fire. And for some cause, Sugriva, driven out
+by his brother, for a long time dwelt with me at the Hri-syamukh.
+And it came to pass that the mighty son of Dasaratha the heroic
+Rama, who is Vishnu's self in the shape of a human being, took his
+birth in this world. And in company with his queen and brother,
+taking his bow, that foremost of bowmen with the view of compassing
+his father's welfare, began to reside in the Dandaka forest. And
+from Janasthana, that mighty Rakshasa monarch, the wicked Ravana,
+carried away his (Rama's) queen by stratagem and force, deceiving,
+O sinless one, that foremost of men, through the agency of a
+Rakshasa, Maricha, who assumed the form of a deer marked with
+gem-like and golden spots.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLVII</h2>
+<p>"Hanuman said, 'And after his wife was carried away, that
+descendant of Raghu, while searching with his brother for his
+queen, met, on the summit of that mountain, with Sugriva, chief of
+the monkeys. Then a friendship was contracted between him and the
+high-souled Raghava. And the latter, having slain Vali installed
+Sugriva in the kingdom. And having obtained the kingdom, Sugriva
+sent forth monkeys by hundreds and by thousands in search of Sita.
+And, O best of men, I too with innumerable monkeys set out towards
+the south in quest of Sita, O mighty-armed one. Then a mighty
+vulture Sampati by name, communicated the tidings that Sita was
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 304]</span> in the abode of Ravana.
+Thereupon with the object of securing success unto Rama, I all of a
+sudden bounded over the main, extending for a hundred
+<i>yojanas</i>. And, O chief of the Bharatas, having by my own
+prowess crossed the ocean, that abode of sharks and crocodiles, I
+saw in Ravana's residence, the daughter of king Janaka, Sita, like
+unto the daughter of a celestial. And having interviewed that lady,
+Vaidehi, Rama's beloved, and burnt the whole of Lanka with its
+towers and ramparts and gates, and proclaimed my name there, I
+returned. Hearing everything from me the lotus-eyed Rama at once
+ascertained his course of action, and having for the passage of his
+army constructed a bridge across the deep, crossed it followed by
+myriads of monkeys. Then by prowess Rama slew those Rakshasas in
+battle, and also Ravana, the oppressor of the worlds together with
+his Rakshasa followers. And having slain the king of the Rakshasas,
+with his brother, and sons and kindred, he installed in the kingdom
+in Lanka the Rakshasa chief, Vibhishana, pious, and reverent, and
+kind to devoted dependants. Then Rama recovered his wife even like
+the lost Vaidic revelation. Then Raghu's son, Rama, with his
+devoted wife, returned to his own city, Ayodhya, inaccessible to
+enemies; and that lord of men began to dwell there. Then that
+foremost of kings, Rama was established in the kingdom. Thereafter,
+I asked a boon of the lotus-eyed Rama, saying, "O slayer of foes,
+Rama, may I live as long as the history of thy deeds remaineth
+extant on earth!" Thereupon he said, "So be it." O represser of
+foes, O Bhima, through the grace of Sita also, here all excellent
+objects of entertainment are supplied to me, whoever abide at this
+place. Rama reigned for the thousand and ten hundred years. Then he
+ascended to his own abode. Ever since, here Apsaras and Gandharvas
+delight me, singing for aye the deeds of that hero, O sinless one.
+O son of the Kurus, this path is impassable to mortals. For this, O
+Bharata, as also with the view that none might defeat or curse
+thee, have I obstructed thy passage to this path trod by the
+immortals. This is one of the paths to heaven, for the celestials;
+mortals cannot pass this way. But the lake in search of which thou
+hast come, lieth even in that direction.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the powerful Bhimasena
+of mighty arms, affectionately, and with a cheerful heart, bowed
+unto his brother, Hanuman, the monkey-chief, and said in mild
+words, 'None is more fortunate than I am; now have I seen my elder
+brother. It is a great favour shown unto me; and I have been well
+pleased with thee. Now I wish that thou mayst fulfil this desire of
+mine. I desire to behold, O hero, that incomparable form of thine,
+which thou at that time hadst had, in bounding over the main, that
+abode of sharks and crocodiles. Thereby I shall be satisfied, and
+also believe in thy words.' Thus addressed, that mighty monkey said
+with a smile, 'That form of mine neither thou, not any one else can
+behold. At that age, the state of things was different, and doth
+not exist at present. In the Krita <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+305]</span> age, the state of things was one; and in the Treta,
+another; and in the Dwapara, still another. Diminution is going on
+this age; and I have not that form now. The ground, rivers, plants,
+and rocks, and <i>siddhas</i>, gods, and celestial sages conform to
+Time, in harmony with the state of things in the different yugas.
+Therefore, do not desire to see my former shape, O perpetuator of
+the Kuru race. I am conforming to the tendency of the age. Verily,
+Time is irresistible.' Bhimasena said, 'Tell me of the duration of
+the different yugas, and of the different manners and customs and
+of virtue, pleasure and profit, and of acts, and energy, and of
+life and death in the different yugas.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O
+child, that yuga is called Krita when the one eternal religion was
+extant. And in that best of yugas, every one had religious
+perfection, and, therefore, there was no need of religious acts.
+And then virtue knew no deterioration; nor did people decrease. It
+is for this that this age is called Krita (perfect). But in time
+the yuga had come to be considered as an inferior one. And, O
+child, in the Krita age, there were neither gods, nor demons, nor
+Gandharvas, nor Yakshas, nor Rakshasas, nor Nagas. And there was no
+buying and selling. And the Sama, the Rich, and the Yajus did not
+exist. And there was no manual labour. And then the necessaries of
+life were obtained only by being thought of. And the only merit was
+in renouncing the world. And during that yuga, there was neither
+disease, nor decay of the senses. And there was neither malice, nor
+pride, nor hypocrisy, nor discord, nor ill-will, nor cunning, nor
+fear, nor misery, nor envy, nor covetousness. And for this, that
+prime refuge of Yogis, even the Supreme Brahma, was attainable to
+all. And Narayana wearing a white hue was the soul of all
+creatures. And in the Krita Yuga, the distinctive characteristics
+of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras were natural and
+these ever stuck to their respective duties. And then Brahma was
+the sole refuge, and their manners and customs were naturally
+adapted to the attainment of Brahma and the objects of their
+knowledge was the sole Brahma, and all their acts also had
+reference to Brahma. In this way all the orders attained merit. And
+one uniform Soul was the object of their meditation; and there was
+only one <i>mantra</i> (the <i>Om</i>), and there was one
+ordinance. And although of different characteristics, all of them
+followed a single Veda; and they had one religion. And according to
+the divisions of time, they led the four modes of life, without
+aiming at any object, and so they attained emancipation. The
+religion consisting in the identification of self with Brahma
+indicates the Krita Yuga. And in the Krita Yuga, the virtue of the
+four orders is throughout entire in four-fold measure. Such is the
+Krita Yuga devoid of the three qualities. Do thou also hear from me
+of the character of the Treta Yuga. In this age, sacrifices are
+introduced, and virtue decreaseth by a quarter. And Narayana (who
+is the Soul of all creatures) assumeth a red colour. And men
+practise truth, and devote themselves to religion and religious
+rites. And thence sacrifices and various religious observances come
+into existence. And in the Treta Yuga people begin to devise means
+for the attainment of an object; and they attain it through acts
+and gifts. And they never deviate from virtue. And they are devoted
+to asceticism and to the bestowal of gifts. <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 306]</span> And the four orders adhere to their
+respective duties; and perform rites. Such are the men of the Treta
+Yuga. In the Dwapara Yuga, religion decreaseth by one half. And
+Narayana weareth a yellow hue. And the Veda becometh divided into
+four parts. And then some men retain (the knowledge of) the four
+Vedas, and some of three Vedas, and some of one Veda, while others
+do not know even the Richs. And on the Shastras becoming thus
+divided, acts become multiplied. And largely influenced by passion,
+people engage in asceticism and gifts. And from their incapacity to
+study the entire Veda, it becomes divided into several parts. And
+in consequence of intellect having decreased, few are established
+in truth. And when people fall off from truth, they become subject
+to various diseases; and then lust, and natural calamities ensue.
+And afflicted with these, people betake themselves to penances. And
+some celebrate sacrifices, desiring to enjoy the good things of
+life, or attain heaven. On the coming of the Dwapara Yuga, men
+become degenerate, in consequence of impiety. O son of Kunti, in
+the Kali Yuga a quarter only of virtue abideth. And in the
+beginning of this iron age, Narayana weareth a black hue. And the
+Vedas and the institutes, and virtue, and sacrifices, and religious
+observances, fall into disuse. And (then) reign <i>iti</i><a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a>, and disease, and lassitude, and
+anger and other deformities, and natural calamities, and anguish,
+and fear of scarcity. And as the yugas wane, virtue dwindles. And
+as virtue dwindles away, creatures degenerate. And as creatures
+degenerate, their natures undergo deterioration. And the religious
+acts performed at the waning of the yugas, produce contrary
+effects. And even those that live for several yugas, conform to
+these changes. O represser of foes, as regards thy curiosity to
+know me, I say this,&mdash;Why should a wise person be eager to
+know a superfluous matter? (Thus), O long-armed one, have I
+narrated in full what thou hadst asked me regarding the
+characteristics of the different yugas. Good happen to thee! Do
+thou return.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLIX</h2>
+<p>"Bhimasena said, 'Without beholding thy former shape, I will
+never go away. If I have found favour with thee, do thou then show
+me thine own shape.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Being thus addressed by Bhima, the
+monkey with a smile showed him that form of his in which he had
+bounded over the main. And wishing to gratify his brother, Hanuman
+assumed a gigantic body which (both) in length and breadth
+increased exceedingly. And that monkey of immeasurable effulgence
+stood there, covering the plantain grove furnished with trees, and
+elevating himself to the height reached by the Vindhya. And the
+monkey, having attained his lofty and gigantic body like
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 307]</span> unto a mountain, furnished
+with coppery eyes, and sharp teeth, and a face marked by frown, lay
+covering all sides and lashing his long tail. And that son of the
+Kurus, Bhima, beholding that gigantic form of his brother,
+wondered, and the hairs of his body repeatedly stood on end. And
+beholding him like unto the sun in splendour, and unto a golden
+mountain, and also unto the blazing firmament, Bhima closed his
+eyes. Thereupon Hanuman addressed Bhima with a smile, saying, 'O
+sinless one, thou art capable of beholding my size up to this
+extent. I can, however, go on swelling my size as long as I wish.
+And, O Bhima, amidst foes, my size increaseth exceedingly by its
+own energy.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Witnessing that dreadful and wonderful body
+of Hanuman, like unto the Vindhya mountain, the son of the wind-god
+became bewildered. Then with his down standing erect, the
+noble-minded Bhima, joining his hands, replied unto Hanuman saying
+(there), 'O lord, by me have been beheld the vast dimensions of thy
+body. Do thou (now), O highly powerful one, decrease thyself by thy
+own power. Surely I cannot look at thee, like unto the sun risen,
+and of immeasurable (power), and irrepressible, and resembling the
+mountain Mainaka. O hero, to-day this wonder of my heart is very
+great, that thou remaining by his side, Rama should have
+encountered Ravana personally. Depending on the strength of thy
+arms, thou wert capable of instantly destroying Lanka, with its
+warriors, and horses, elephants and chariots. Surely, O son of the
+wind-god, there is nothing that is incapable of being achieved by
+thee; and in fight, Ravana together with his followers was no match
+for thee single-handed.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Bhima, Hanuman, the
+chief of monkeys, answered in affectionate words uttered in solemn
+accents. 'O mighty-armed one, O Bharata, it is even as thou sayest.
+O Bhimasena, that worst of Rakshasas was no match for me. But if I
+had slain Ravana&mdash;that thorn of the worlds&mdash;the glory of
+Raghu's son would have been obscured;&mdash;and for this it is that
+I left him alone. By slaying that lord of the Rakshasas together
+with his followers, and bringing back Sita unto his own city, that
+hero hath established his fame among men. Now, O highly wise one,
+being intent on the welfare of thy brothers, and protected by the
+wind-god, do thou go along a fortunate and auspicious way. O
+foremost of the Kurus, this way will lead thee to the Saugandhika
+wood. (Proceeding in this direction), thou wilt behold the gardens
+of Kuvera, guarded by Yakshas and Rakshasas. Do thou not pluck the
+flowers (there) personally by thy own force; for the gods deserve
+regard specially from mortals. O best of the Bharata race, the gods
+confer their favour (upon men), (being propitiated) by offerings,
+and <i>homas</i>, and reverential salutations, and recitation of
+<i>mantras</i>, and veneration, O Bharata. Do thou not, therefore,
+act with rashness, O child; and do thou not deviate from the duties
+of thy order. Sticking to the duties of thy order, do thou
+understand and follow the highest morality. Without knowing duties
+and serving the old, even persons like unto Vrihaspati cannot
+understand profit and religion. One should ascertain with
+discrimination those cases in which vice goeth under the name of
+virtue, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 308]</span> and virtue goeth
+under the name of vice,&mdash;(cases) in which people destitute of
+intelligence become perplexed. From religious observances
+proceedeth merit; and in merit are established the Vedas; and from
+the Vedas sacrifices come into existence; and by sacrifices are
+established the gods. The gods are maintained by the (celebration
+of) sacrifices prescribed by the Vedas and the religious
+ordinances; while men maintain themselves by (following) the
+ordinances of Vrihaspati and Usanas and also by these avocations,
+by which the world is maintained,&mdash;serving for wages,
+(receiving) taxes, merchandise, agriculture and tending kine and
+sheep. The world subsisteth by profession. The (study of the) three
+Vedas and agriculture and trade and government constitutes, it is
+ordained by the wise, the professions of the twice born ones; and
+each order maintaineth itself by following the profession
+prescribed for it. And when these callings are properly pursued,
+the world is maintained with ease. If, however, people do not
+righteously lead their lives, the world becometh lawless, in
+consequence of the want of Vedic merit and government. And if
+people do not resort to (their) prescribed vocations, they perish,
+but by regularly following the three professions, they bring about
+religion. The religion of the Brahmanas consisteth in the knowledge
+of the soul and the hue of that order alone is universally the
+same. The celebration of sacrifices, and study and bestowal of
+gifts are well-known to be the three duties common (to all these
+orders). Officiating at sacrifices, teaching and the acceptance of
+gifts are the duties of a Brahmana. To rule (the subjects) is the
+duty of the Kshatriya; and to tend (cattle), that of the Vaisya,
+while to serve the twice-born orders is said to be the duty of the
+Sudra. The Sudras cannot beg alms, or perform <i>homas</i>, or
+observe vows; and they must dwell in the habitation of their
+masters. Thy vocation, O son of Kunti, is that of the Kshatriya,
+which is to protect (the subjects). Do thou carry out thy own
+duties, in an humble spirit, restraining thy senses. That king
+alone can govern, who taketh counsel of experienced men, and is
+helped by honest, intelligent and learned ministers; but a king who
+is addicted to vices, meeteth with defeat. Then only is the order
+of the world secured, when the king duly punisheth and conferreth
+favours. Therefore, it is necessary to ascertain through spies the
+nature of the hostile country, its fortified places and the allied
+force of the enemy and their prosperity and decay and the way in
+which they retain the adhesion of the powers they have drawn to
+their side. Spies are among the important auxiliaries of the king;
+and tact, diplomacy, prowess, chastisement, favour and cleverness
+lead to success. And success is to be attained through these,
+either in separation, or combined&mdash;namely, conciliation, gift,
+sowing dissensions, chastisement, and sight. And, O chief of the
+Bharatas, polity hath for its root diplomacy; and diplomacy also is
+the main qualification of spies. And polity, if well judged
+conferreth success. Therefore, in matters of polity the counsels of
+Brahmanas should be resorted to. And in secret affairs, these
+should not be consulted,&mdash;namely, a woman, a sot, a boy, a
+covetous person, a mean-minded individual, and he that betrayeth
+signs of insanity. Wise men only should be consulted, and affairs
+are to be despatched through officers that are able. <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 309]</span> And polity must be executed through
+persons that are friendly; but dunces should in all affairs be
+excluded. In matters religious, pious men; and in matters of gain,
+wise men; and in guarding families, eunuchs; and in all crooked
+affairs, crooked men, must be employed. And the propriety or
+impropriety of the resolution of the enemy, as also their strength
+or weakness, must be ascertained through one's own as well as
+hostile spies. Favour should be shown to honest persons that have
+prudently sought protection; but lawless and disobedient
+individuals should be punished. And when the king justly punisheth
+and showeth favour, the dignity of the law is well maintained. O
+son of Pritha, thus have I expounded, unto thee the hard duties of
+kings difficult to comprehend. Do thou with equanimity observe
+these as prescribed for thy order. The Brahmanas attain heaven
+through merit, mortification of the senses, and sacrifice. The
+Vaisyas attain excellent state through gifts, hospitality, and
+religious acts. The Kshatriyas attain the celestial regions by
+protecting and chastising the subjects, uninfluenced by lust,
+malice, avarice and anger. If kings justly punish (their subjects),
+they go to the place whither repair meritorious persons.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CL</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then contracting that huge body of his,
+which he had assumed at will, the monkey with his arms again
+embraced Bhimasena. And O Bharata, on Bhima being embraced by his
+brother, his fatigue went off, and all (the powers of body) as also
+his strength were restored. And having gained great accession of
+strength, he thought that there was none equal to him in physical
+power. And with tears in his eyes, the monkey from affection again
+addressed Bhima in choked utterance, saying, 'O hero, repair to thy
+own abode. May I be incidentally remembered by thee in thy talk! O
+best of Kurus, do not tell any one that I abide here. O thou of
+great strength, the most excellent of the wives of the gods and
+Gandharvas resort to this place, and the time of their arrival is
+nigh. My eyes have been blessed (by seeing thee). And, O Bhima,
+having felt a human being by coming in contact with thee, I have
+been put in mind of that son of Raghu, who was Vishnu himself under
+the name of Rama, and who delighted the heart of the world; and who
+was as the sun in regard to the lotus face of Sita, and also to
+that darkness&mdash;Ravana. Therefore, O heroic son of Kunti, let
+not thy meeting with me be fruitless. Do thou with fraternal
+feeling ask of me a boon, O Bharata. If this be thy wish, that
+going to Varanavata, I may destroy the insignificant sons of
+Dhritarashtra&mdash;even this will I immediately do. Or if this be
+thy wish that, that city may be ground by me with rocks, or that I
+may bind Duryodhana and bring him before thee, even this will I do
+to-day, O thou of mighty strength.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of that high-souled one,
+Bhimasena with a cheerful heart answered Hanuman, saying, 'O
+foremost of monkeys, I take all this as already performed by thee.
+Good happen <span class="pagenum">[Pg 310]</span> to thee. O
+mighty-armed one! I ask of thee this,&mdash;be thou well pleased
+with me. O powerful one, on thy having become our protector, the
+Pandavas have found help. Even by thy prowess shall we conquer all
+foes.' Thus addressed, Hanuman said unto Bhimasena, 'From fraternal
+feeling and affection, I will do good unto thee, by diving into the
+army of thy foes copiously furnished with arrows and javelins. And,
+O highly powerful one, O hero, when thou shall give leonine roars,
+then shall I with my own, add force to shouts. Remaining on the
+flagstaff of Arjuna's car will I emit fierce shouts that will damp
+the energy of thy foes. Thereby ye will slay them easily.' Having
+said this unto Pandu's son, and also pointed him out the way.
+Hanuman vanished at that spot."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of monkeys had gone away,
+Bhima, the best of strong men, began to range the huge Gandhamadana
+along that path. And he went on, thinking of Hanuman's body and
+splendour unrivalled on earth, and also of the greatness and
+dignity of Dasaratha's son. And proceeding in search of the place
+filled with lotuses of that kind, Bhima beheld romantic woods, and
+groves, and rivers, and lakes graced with trees bearing blossoms,
+and flowery woodlands variegated with various flowers. And, O
+Bharata, he beheld herds of mad elephants besmeared with mud,
+resembling masses of pouring clouds. And that graceful one went on
+with speed, beholding by the wayside woods wherein there stood with
+their mates deer of quick glances, holding the grass in their
+mouths. And fearless from prowess, Bhimasena, as if invited by the
+breeze-shaken trees of the forest ever fragrant with flowers,
+bearing delicate coppery twigs, plunged into the mountainous
+regions inhabited by buffaloes, bears and leopards. And on the way,
+he passed by lotus-lakes haunted by maddened black-bees, having
+romantic descents and woods, and on account of the presence of
+lotus-buds, appearing as if they had joined their hands (before
+Bhima). And having for his provisions on the journey the words of
+Draupadi, Bhima went on with speed, his mind and sight fixed on the
+blooming slopes of the mountain. And when the sun passed the
+meridian, he saw in the forest scattered over with deer, a mighty
+river filled with fresh golden lotuses. And being crowded with
+swans and Karandavas, and graced with Chakravakas, the river looked
+like a garland of fresh lotuses put on by the mountain. And in that
+river that one of great strength found the extensive assemblage of
+Saugandhika lotuses, effulgent as the rising sun, and delightful to
+behold. And beholding it, Pandu's son thought within himself that
+his object had been gained, and also mentally presented himself
+before his beloved worn out by exile."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 311]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having reached that spot, Bhimasena saw in
+the vicinity of the Kailasa cliff, that beautiful lotus lake
+surrounded by lovely woods, and guarded by the Rakshasas. And it
+sprang from the cascades contiguous to the abode of Kuvera. And it
+was beautiful to behold, and was furnished with a wide-spreading
+shade and abounded in various trees and creepers and was covered
+with green lilies. And this unearthly lake was filled with golden
+lotuses, and swarmed with diverse species of birds. And its banks
+were beautiful and devoid of mud. And situated on the rocky
+elevation this expanse of excellent water was exceedingly fair. And
+it was the wonder of the world and healthful and of romantic sight.
+In that lake the son of Kunti saw, the water of ambrosial taste and
+cool and light and clear and fresh; and the Pandava drank of it
+profusely. And that unearthly receptacle of waters was covered with
+celestial Saugandhika lotuses, and was also spread over with
+beautiful variegated golden lotuses of excellent fragrance having
+graceful stalks of <i>lapis lazulis</i>. And swayed by swans and
+Karandavas, these lotuses were scattering fresh farina. And this
+lake was the sporting region of the high-souled Kuvera, the king of
+the Yakshas. And it was held in high regard by the Gandharvas, the
+Apsaras and the celestials. And it was frequented by the celestial
+sages and the Yakshas and the Kimpurushas and the Rakshasas and the
+Kinnaras; and it was well-protected by Kuvera. And as soon as he
+beheld that river and that unearthly lake, Kunti's son, Bhimasena
+of mighty strength became exceedingly delighted. And agreeably to
+the mandate of their king, hundreds and thousands of Rakshasas,
+named Krodhavasas, were guarding that lake, wearing uniforms and
+armed with various weapons. And as that repressor of foes, Kunti's
+son, the heroic Bhima of dreadful prowess, clad in deer-skins and
+wearing golden armlets and equipped with weapons and girding his
+sword on, was fearlessly proceeding, with the view of gathering the
+lotus, those (Rakshasas) saw him and immediately began to address
+each other, shouting forth, 'It behoveth you to enquire for the
+errand on which this foremost of men, clad in deer skins, and
+equipped with arms, hath come.' Then they all approached the
+effulgent Vrikodara of mighty arms and asked, 'Who art thou? Thou
+shouldst answer our questions. We see thee in the guise of an
+ascetic and yet armed with weapons. O thou of mighty intelligence,
+do thou unfold unto us the object with which thou hast come
+(hither).'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLIII</h2>
+<p>"Bhima said, 'I am the son of Pandu, and next by birth to
+Yudhishthira the just, and my name is Bhimasena. O Rakshasas, I
+have come with my brothers to the jujube named Visala. At that
+place, Panchali saw an excellent Saugandhika lotus, which, of a
+certainty, was carried thither by the wind <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 312]</span> from this region. She wisheth to have
+those flowers in abundance. Know ye, ye Rakshasas, that I am
+engaged in fulfilling the desire of my wedded wife of faultless
+features, and have come hither to procure the flowers.' Thereat the
+Rakshasas said, 'O foremost of men, this spot is dear unto Kuvera,
+and it is his sporting region. Men subject to death cannot sport
+here. O Vrikodara, the celestial sages, and the gods taking the
+permission of the chief of the Yakshas, drink of this lake, and
+sport herein. And, O Pandava, the Gandharvas and the Apsaras also
+divert themselves in this lake. That wicked person who,
+disregarding the lord of treasures, unlawfully attempteth to sport
+here, without doubt, meeteth with destruction. Disregarding him,
+thou seekest to take away the lotuses from this place by main
+force. Why then dost thou say that thou art the brother of
+Yudhishthira the just? First, taking the permission of the lord of
+Yakshas, do thou drink of this lake and take away the flowers. If
+thou dost not do this, thou shall not be able even to glance at a
+single lotus.' Bhimasena said, 'Ye Rakshasas, I do not see the lord
+of wealth here. And even if I did see that mighty king, I would not
+beseech him: Kshatriyas never beseech (any body). This is the
+eternal morality; and I by no means wish to forsake the Kshatriya
+morality. And, further this lotus-lake hath sprung from the
+cascades of the mountain; it hath not been excavated in the mansion
+of Kuvera. Therefore it belongeth equally to all creatures with
+Vaisravana. In regard to a thing of such a nature, who goeth to
+beseech another?'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having said this unto the Rakshasas, the
+mighty-armed and exceedingly unforbearing Bhimasena of great
+strength plunged into the lotus-lake. Thereat that powerful one was
+forbidden by the Rakshasas, saying, 'Do not do this;' and they from
+all sides began to abuse him in anger. But slighting these
+Rakshasas, that mighty one of dreadful prowess plunged (farther and
+farther). Now they all prepared for opposing him. And with eyes
+rolling, they upraised their arms, and rushed in wrath at
+Bhimasena, exclaiming, 'Seize him! Bind him! Hew him! We shall cook
+Bhimasena, and eat him up!' Thereupon that one of great force,
+taking his ponderous and mighty mace inlaid with golden plates,
+like unto the mace of Yama himself, turned towards those, and then
+said, 'Stay!' At this, they darted at him with vehemence,
+brandishing lances, and axes, and other weapons. And wishing to
+destroy Bhima, the dreadful and fierce Krodhavasas surrounded Bhima
+on all sides. But that one, being endued with strength, had been
+begotten by Vayu in the womb of Kunti; and he was heroic and
+energetic, and the slayer of foes, and ever devoted to virtue and
+truth, and incapable of being vanquished by enemies through
+prowess. Accordingly this high-souled Bhima defeating all the
+manoeuvres of the foes, and breaking their arms, killed on the
+banks of the lake more than a hundred, commencing with the
+foremost. And then witnessing his prowess and strength, and the
+force of his skill, and also the might of his arms, and unable to
+bear (the onset), those prime heroes all of a sudden fled on all
+sides in bands.</p>
+<p>"Beaten and pierced by Bhimasena, those Krodhavasas quitted the
+field of battle, and in confusion quickly fled towards the Kailasa
+cliff, supporting <span class="pagenum">[Pg 313]</span> themselves
+in the sky. Having thus by the exercise of his prowess defeated
+those hosts, even as Sakra had defeated the armies of Daityas and
+Danavas, he (Bhima), now that he had conquered the enemy, plunged
+into the lake and began to gather the lotuses, with the object of
+gaining his purpose. And as he drank of the waters, like unto
+nectar, his energy and strength were again fully restored; and he
+fell to plucking and gathering Saugandhika lotuses of excellent
+fragrance. On the other hand, the Krodhavasas, being driven by the
+might of Bhima and exceedingly terrified, presented themselves
+before the lord of wealth, and gave an exact account of Bhima's
+prowess and strength in fight. Hearing their words, the god
+(Kuvera) smiled and then said, 'Let Bhima take for Krishna as many
+lotuses as he likes. This is already known to me.' Thereupon taking
+the permission of the lord of wealth, those (Rakshasas) renouncing
+anger, went to that foremost of the Kurus, and in that lotus-lake
+beheld Bhima alone, disporting in delight."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then, O best of the Bharatas, Bhima began to
+collect those rare unearthly, variegated and fresh flowers in
+abundance.</p>
+<p>"And it came to pass that a high and violent wind, piercing to
+the touch, and blowing about gravels, arose, portending battle. And
+frightful meteors began to shoot, with thundering sounds. And being
+enveloped by darkness, the sun became pale, his rays being
+obscured. And on Bhima displaying his prowess, dreadful sounds of
+explosion rang through the sky. And the earth began to tremble, and
+dust fell in showers. And the points of the heavens became
+reddened. And beasts and birds began to cry in shrill tones. And
+every thing became enveloped in darkness; and nothing could be
+distinguished. And other evil omens besides these appeared there.
+Witnessing these strange phenomena, Dharma's son Yudhishthira, the
+foremost of speakers, said, 'Who is it that will overcome us? Ye
+Pandavas who take delight in battle, good betide you! Do ye equip
+yourselves. From what I see, I infer that the time for the display
+of our prowess hath drawn nigh.' Having said this, the king looked
+around. Then not finding Bhima, that represser of foes, Dharma's
+son, Yudhishthira, enquired of Krishna and the twins standing near
+regarding his brother, Bhima, the doer of dreadful deeds in battle,
+saying, 'O Panchali, is Bhima intent upon performing some great
+feat, or hath that one delighting in daring deeds already achieved
+some brave deed? Portending some great danger, these omens have
+appeared all around, indicating a fearful battle.' When
+Yudhishthira said this, his beloved queen, the high-minded Krishna
+of sweet smiles, answered him, in order to remove his anxiety. 'O
+king, that Saugandhika lotus which to-day had been brought by the
+wind, I had out of love duly shown unto Bhimasena; and I had also
+said unto that hero, If thou canst find many of this species,
+procuring even all of them, do thou return speedily,&mdash;O
+Pandava, that mighty armed one, with the view of gratifying my
+desire, may have gone towards <span class="pagenum">[Pg 314]</span>
+the north-east to bring them.' Having heard these words of hers,
+the king said unto the twins, 'Let us together follow the path
+taken by Vrikodara. Let the Rakshasas carry those Brahmanas that
+are fatigued and weak. O Ghatotkacha, O thou like unto a celestial,
+do thou carry Krishna. I am convinced and it is plain that Bhima
+hath dived into the forest; for it is long since he hath gone, and
+in speed he resembleth the wind, and in clearing over the ground,
+he is swift like unto Vinata's son, and he will ever leap into the
+sky, and alight at his will. O Rakshasas, we shall follow him
+through your prowess. He will not at first do any wrong to the
+Siddhas versed in the Vedas.' O best of the Bharatas, saying, 'So
+be it,' Hidimva's son and the other Rakshasas who knew the quarter
+where the lotus lake of Kuvera was situated, started cheerfully
+with Lomasa, bearing the Pandavas, and many of the Brahmanas.
+Having shortly reached that spot, they saw that romantic lake
+covered with Saugandhika and other lotuses and surrounded by
+beautiful woods. And on its shores they beheld the high-souled and
+vehement Bhima, as also the slaughtered Yakshas of large eyes, with
+their bodies, eyes, arms and thighs smashed, and their heads
+crushed. And on seeing the high-souled Bhima, standing on the shore
+of that lake in an angry mood, and with steadfast eyes, and biting
+his lip, and stationed on the shore of the lake with his mace
+upraised by his two hands, like unto Yama with his mace in his hand
+at the time of the universal dissolution, Yudhishthira the just,
+embraced him again and again, and said in sweet words, 'O Kaunteya,
+what hast thou done? Good betide thee! If thou wishest to do good
+unto me, thou shouldst never again commit such a rash act, nor
+offend the gods.' Having thus instructed the son of Kunti, and
+taken the flowers those god-like ones began to sport in that very
+lake. At this instant, the huge-bodied warders of the gardens,
+equipped with rocks for weapons, presented themselves at the spot.
+And seeing Yudhishthira the just and the great sage Lomasa and
+Nakula and Sahadeva and also the other foremost of Brahmanas, they
+all bowed themselves down in humility. And being pacified by
+Yudhishthira the just, the Rakshasas became satisfied. And with the
+knowledge of Kuvera, those foremost of Kurus for a short time dwelt
+pleasantly at that spot on the slopes of the Gandhamadana,
+expecting Arjuna."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Once upon a time Yudhishthira, while living
+at that place, addressed Krishna, his brother, and the Brahmanas,
+saying, 'By us have been attentively seen one after another sacred
+and auspicious <i>tirthas</i>, and woods, delightful to beheld,
+which had ere this been visited by the celestials and the
+high-souled sages, and which had been worshipped by the Brahmanas.
+And in various sacred asylums we have performed ablutions with
+Brahmanas, and have heard from them the lives and acts of many
+sages, and also of many royal sages of yore, and other pleasant
+stories. And with flowers and water have the gods been worshipped
+by us. And with offerings <span class="pagenum">[Pg 315]</span> of
+fruits and roots as available at each place we have gratified the
+<i>pitris</i>. And with the high-souled ones have we performed
+ablutions in all sacred and beautiful mountains and lakes, and also
+in the highly sacred ocean. And with the Brahmanas we have bathed
+in the Ila, and in the Saraswati, and in the Sindhu, and in the
+Yamuna, and in the Narmada, and in various other romantic
+<i>tirthas</i>. And having passed the source of the Ganga, we have
+seen many a lovely hill and the Himalaya mountains, inhabited by
+various species of birds, and also the jujube named Visala, where
+there is the hermitage of Nara and Narayana. And (finally) we have
+beheld this unearthly lake, held in veneration by the Siddhas, the
+gods and the sages. In fact, O foremost of Brahmanas, we have one
+by one carefully seen all celebrated and sacred spots in company
+with the high-souled Lomasa. Now, O Bhima, how shall we repair to
+the sacred abode of Vaisravana, inhabited by the Siddhas? Do thou
+think of the means of entering (the same).'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When that king had said this, an aerial
+voice spake, saying. 'Thou will not be able to go to that
+inaccessible spot. By this very way, do thou repair from this
+region of Kuvera to the place whence thou hadst come even to the
+hermitage of Nara and Narayana, known by the name of Vadari.
+Thence, O Kaunteya, thou wilt repair to the hermitage of
+Vrishaparva, abounding in flowers and fruit, and inhabited by the
+Siddhas and the Charanas. Having passed that, O Partha, thou wilt
+proceed to the hermitage of Arshtishena, and from thence thou wilt
+behold the abode of Kuvera.' Just at that moment the breeze became
+fresh, and gladsome and cool and redolent of unearthly fragrance;
+and it showered blossoms, And on hearing the celestial voice from
+the sky, they all were amazed,&mdash;more specially those earthly
+<i>rishis</i> and the Brahmanas. On hearing this mighty marvel, the
+Brahmana Dhaumya, said, 'This should not be gainsaid. O Bharata,
+let this be so.' Thereupon, king Yudhishthira obeyed him. And
+having returned to the hermitage of Nara and Narayana, he began to
+dwell pleasantly, surrounded by Bhimasena and his other brothers,
+Panchali, and the Brahmanas."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dwelling with the Brahmanas in
+that best of mountains, in expectation of Arjuna's return, when the
+Pandavas had grown confident and when all those Rakshasas together
+with Bhima's son had departed, one day while Bhimasena was away, a
+Rakshasa all of a sudden carried off Yudhishthira the just and the
+twins and Krishna. That Rakshasa (in the guise of a Brahmana) had
+constantly remained in the company of the Pandavas, alleging that
+he was a high-class Brahmana, skilled in counsel, and versed in all
+the <i>Sastras</i>. His object was to possess himself of the bows,
+the quivers and the other material implements belonging to the
+Pandavas; and he had been watching for an opportunity of ravishing
+Draupadi. And that wicked and sinful one was named Jatasura. And,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 316]</span> O king of kings, Pandu's son
+(Yudhishthira) had been supporting him, but knew not that wretch
+like unto a fire covered with ashes.</p>
+<p>"And once on a day while that represser of foes, Bhimasena, was
+out hunting, he (the Rakshasa), seeing Ghatotkacha and his
+followers scatter in different directions and seeing those
+vow-observing great <i>rishis</i>, of ascetic wealth, viz., Lomasa
+and the rest, away for bathing and collecting flowers, assumed a
+different form, gigantic and monstrous and frightful; and having
+secured all the arms (of the Pandavas) as also Draupadi, that
+wicked one fled away taking the three Pandavas. Thereupon that son
+of Pandu, Sahadeva, extricated himself with exertion, and by force
+snatched the sword named Kausika from the grasp of the enemy and
+began to call Bhimasena, taking the direction in which that mighty
+one had gone. And on being carried off Yudhishthira the just,
+addressed him (that Rakshasa), saying, 'O stupid one, thy merit
+decreaseth (even by this act of thine). Dost thou not pay heed unto
+the established order of nature? Whether belonging to the human
+race, or to the lower orders, all pay regard to virtue,&mdash;more
+specially the Rakshasas. In the first instance, they knew virtue
+better than others. Having considered all these, thou ought to
+adhere to virtue. O Rakshasa, the gods, the <i>pitris</i>, the
+Siddhas, the <i>rishis</i>, the Gandharvas, the brutes and even the
+worms and ants depend for their lives on men; and thou too liveth
+through that agency. If prosperity attendeth the human race, thy
+race also prospereth; and if calamities befall the former, even the
+celestials suffer grief. Being gratified by offerings, do the gods
+thrive. O Rakshasa, we are the guardians, governors and preceptors
+of kingdoms. If kingdoms become unprotected, whence can proceed
+prosperity and happiness? Unless there be offence, a Rakshasa
+should not violate a king. O man-eating one, we have committed no
+wrong, ever so little. Living on <i>vighasa</i>, we serve the gods
+and others to the best of our power. And we are ever intent upon
+bowing down to our superiors and Brahmanas. A friend, and one
+confiding, and he whose food hath been partaken of, and he that
+hath afforded shelter, should never be injured. Thou hast lived in
+our place happily, being duly honoured. And, O evil-minded one,
+having partaken of our food, how canst thou carry us off? And as
+thy acts are so improper and as thou hast grown in age without
+deriving any benefit and as thy propensities are evil, so thou
+deservest to die for nothing, and for nothing wilt thou die to-day.
+And if thou beest really evil-disposed and devoid of all virtue, do
+thou render us back our weapons and ravish Draupadi after fight.
+But if through stupidity thou must do this deed, then in the world
+thou wilt only reap demerit and infamy. O Rakshasa, by doing
+violence to this female of the human race, thou hast drunk poison,
+after having shaken the vessel.' Thereupon, Yudhishthira made
+himself ponderous to the Rakshasa. And being oppressed with the
+weight, he could not proceed rapidly as before. Then addressing
+Draupadi, Nakula and Sahadeva, Yudhishthira said, 'Do ye not
+entertain any fear of this wretched Rakshasa, I have checked his
+speed. The mighty-armed <span class="pagenum">[Pg 317]</span> son
+of the Wind-god may not be far away; and on Bhima coming up at the
+next moment, the Rakshasa will not live.' O king, staring at the
+Rakshasa bereft of sense, Sahadeva addressed Yudhishthira, the son
+of Kunti, saying, 'What can be more meritorious for a Kshatriya
+than to fall in fight, or defeat a foe? O repressor of foes, we
+will fight and either this one will slay us, or we shall slay him,
+O mighty-armed one. Verily this is the place and time, O king. And,
+O thou of unfailing prowess, the time hath come for the display of
+our Kshatriya virtue. It behoveth us to attain heaven either by
+gaining victory or being slain. If the sun sets to-day, the
+Rakshasa living yet, O Bharata, I will not any more say that I am a
+Kshatriya. Ho! Ho! Rakshasa, say! I am Pandu's son, Sahadeva.
+Either, after having killed me, carry off this lady, or being
+slain, lie senseless here.'</p>
+<p>"Madri's son, Sahadeva, was speaking thus, when Bhimasena made
+his appearance, with a mace in his hand, like unto Vasava himself
+wielding the thunder-bolt. And here he saw his two brothers and the
+noble-minded Draupadi (on the shoulders of the demon), and Sahadeva
+on the ground rebuking the Rakshasa and also that stupid Rakshasa
+himself deprived of sense by Fate, going round in different
+directions through bewilderment caused by Destiny. And finding his
+brothers and Draupadi being carried off, Bhima of mighty strength
+was fired with wrath, and addressed the Rakshasa, saying, 'I had
+ere this found thee out for a wicked wight from thy scrutiny of our
+weapons; but as I had no apprehension of thee, so I had not slain
+thee at that time. Thou wert in the disguise of a
+Brahmana&mdash;nor didst thou say anything harsh unto us. And thou
+didst take delight in pleasing us. And thou also didst not do us
+wrong. And, furthermore, thou wert our guest. How could I,
+therefore, slay thee, who wert thus innocent of offence, and who
+wert in the disguise of a Brahmana? He that knowing such a one to
+be even a Rakshasa, slayeth him, goes to hell. Further, thou canst
+not be killed before the time cometh. Surely to-day thou hast
+reached the fullness of thy time in as much as thy mind hath been
+thus turned by the wonder-performing Fate towards carrying off
+Krishna. By committing thyself to this deed, thou hast swallowed up
+the hook fastened to the line of Fate. So like unto a fish in
+water, whose mouth hath been hooked, how canst thou live to-day?
+Thou shall not have to go whither thou intendest to, or whither
+thou hadst already gone mentally; but thou shall go whither have
+repaired Vaka and Hidimva.'</p>
+<p>"Thus addressed by Bhima, the Rakshasa in alarm put them down;
+and being forced by Fate, approached for fight. And with his lips
+trembling in anger he spake unto Bhima, saying, 'Wretch! I have not
+been bewildered; I had been delaying for thee. Today will I offer
+oblations of thy blood to those Rakshasas who, I had heard, have
+been slain by thee in fight.' Thus addressed, Bhima, as if bursting
+with wrath, like unto Yama himself at the time of the universal
+dissolution, rushed towards the Rakshasa, licking the corners of
+his mouth and staring at him as he struck his own arms with the
+hands. And seeing Bhima waiting in <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+318]</span> expectation of fight, the Rakshasa also darted towards
+him in anger, like unto Vali towards the wielder of the
+thunderbolt, repeatedly gaping and licking the corners of his
+mouth. And when a dreadful wrestling ensued between those two, both
+the sons of Madri, waxing exceeding wroth rushed forward; but
+Kunti's son, Vrikodara, forbade them with a smile and said,
+'Witness ye! I am more than a match for this Rakshasa. By my own
+self and by my brothers, and by my merit, and by my good deeds, and
+by my sacrifices, do I swear that I shall slay this Rakshasa.' And
+after this was said, those two heroes, the Rakshasa and Vrikodara
+challenging each other, caught each other by the arms. And they not
+forgiving each other, then there ensued a conflict between the
+infuriated Bhima and the Rakshasa, like unto that between a god and
+a demon. And repeatedly uprooting trees, those two of mighty
+strength struck each other, shouting and roaring like two masses of
+clouds. And those foremost of athletes, each wishing to kill the
+other, and rushing at the other with vehemence, broke down many a
+gigantic tree by their thighs. Thus that encounter with trees,
+destructive of plants, went on like unto that between the two
+brothers Vali and Sugriva&mdash;desirous of the possession of a
+single woman. Brandishing trees for a moment, they struck each
+other with them, shouting incessantly. And when all the trees of
+the spot had been pulled down and crushed into fibres by them
+endeavouring to kill each other, then, O Bharata, those two of
+mighty strength, taking up rocks, began to fight for a while, like
+unto a mountain and a mighty mass of clouds. And not suffering each
+other, they fell to striking each other with hard and large crags,
+resembling vehement thunder-bolts. Then from strength defying each
+other, they again darted at each other, and grasping each other by
+their arms, began to wrestle like unto two elephants. And next they
+dealt each other fierce blows. And then those two mighty ones began
+to make chattering sounds by gnashing their teeth. And at length,
+having clenched his fist like a five-headed snake, Bhima with force
+dealt a blow on the neck of the Rakshasa. And when struck by that
+fist of Bhima, the Rakshasa became faint, Bhimasena stood, catching
+hold of that exhausted one. And then the god-like mighty-armed
+Bhima lifted him with his two arms, and dashing him with force on
+the ground, the son of Pandu smashed all his limbs. And striking
+him with his elbow, he severed from his body the head with bitten
+lips and rolling eyes, like unto a fruit from its stem. And
+Jatasura's head being severed by Bhimasena's might, he fell
+besmeared with gore, and having bitten lips. Having slain Jatasura,
+Bhima presented himself before Yudhishthira, and the foremost
+Brahmanas began to eulogise him (Bhima) even as the Marutas
+(eulogise) Vasava."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "On that Rakshasa having been slain,
+that lord, the royal son of Kunti, returned to the hermitage of
+Narayana and began to dwell there. And once on a time, remembering
+his brother <span class="pagenum">[Pg 319]</span> Jaya (Arjuna),
+Yudhishthira summoned all his brothers, together with Draupadi and
+said these words, 'We have passed these four years peacefully
+ranging the woods. It hath been appointed by Vibhatsu that about
+the fifth year he will come to that monarch of mountains, the
+excellent cliff Sweta, ever graced with festivities held by
+blooming plants and maddened Kokilas and black bees, and peacocks,
+and chatakas and inhabited by tigers, and boars and buffaloes, and
+gavayas, and deer, and ferocious beasts; and sacred; and lovely
+with blown lotuses of a hundred and a thousand petals, and blooming
+lilies and blue lilies and frequented by the celestials and the
+Asuras. And we also, eagerly anxious of meeting him on his arrival
+have made up our minds to repair thither. Partha of unrivalled
+prowess hath appointed with me, saying, "I shall remain abroad for
+five years, with the object of learning military science." In the
+place like unto the region of the gods, shall we behold the wielder
+of Gandiva arrive after having obtained the weapons.' Having said
+this, the Pandava summoned the Brahmanas, and the sons of Pritha
+having gone round the ascetics of rigid austerities and thereby
+pleased them, informed them of the matter mentioned above.
+Thereupon the Brahmanas gave their assent, saying, 'This shall be
+attended by prosperity and welfare. O foremost of the Bharatas,
+these troubles shall result in happiness. O pious one, gaining the
+earth by the Kshatriya virtue, thou shall govern it.' Then in
+obedience to these words of the ascetics, that represser of foes,
+Yudhishthira, set out with his brothers and those Brahmanas,
+followed by the Rakshasa and protected by Lomasa. And that one of
+mighty energy, and of staunch vows, with his brothers, at places
+went on foot and at others were carried by the Rakshasas. Then king
+Yudhishthira, apprehending many troubles, proceeded towards the
+north abounding in lions and tigers and elephants. And beholding on
+the way the mountain Mainaka and the base of the Gandhamadana and
+that rocky mass Sweta and many a crystal rivulet higher and higher
+up the mountain, he reached on the seventeenth day the sacred
+slopes of the Himalayas. And, O king, not far from the
+Gandhamadana, Pandu's son beheld on the sacred slopes of the
+Himavan covered with various trees and creepers the holy hermitage
+of Vrishaparva surrounded by blossoming trees growing near the
+cascades. And when those repressers of foes, the sons of Pandu, had
+recovered from fatigue, they went to the royal sage, the pious
+Vrishaparva and greeted him. And that royal sage received with
+affection those foremost of Bharatas, even as his own sons. And
+those repressers of foes passed there seven nights, duly regarded.
+And when the eighth day came, taking the permission of that sage
+celebrated over the worlds, they prepared to start on their
+journey. And having one by one introduced unto Vrishapava those
+Brahmanas, who, duly honoured, remained in his charge as friends;
+and having also entrusted the highsouled Vrishaparva with their
+remaining robes, the sons of Pandu, O king, left in the hermitage
+of Vrishaparva their sacrificial vessels together with their
+ornaments and jewels. And wise and pious and versed in every duty
+and having a knowledge of the past as well as the future, that one
+gave instructions unto those best of the Bharatas, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 320]</span> as unto his own sons. Then taking his
+permission those high-souled ones set out towards the north. And as
+they set out the magnanimous Vrishaparva followed them to a certain
+distance. Then having entrusted the Pandavas unto the care of the
+Brahmanas and instructed and blessed them and given directions
+concerning their course, Vrishaparva of mighty energy retraced his
+steps.</p>
+<p>"Then Kunti's son, Yudhishthira of unfailing prowess, together
+with his brothers, began to proceed on foot along the mountain
+path, inhabited by various kinds of beasts. And having dwelt at the
+mountain slopes, densely overgrown with trees, Pandu's son on the
+fourth day reached the Sweta mountain, like unto a mighty mass of
+clouds, abounding in streams and consisting of a mass of gold and
+gems. And taking the way directed by Vrishaparva, they reached one
+by one the intended places, beholding various mountains. And over
+and over they passed with ease many inaccessible rocks and
+exceedingly impassable caves of the mountain. And Dhaumya and
+Krishna and the Parthas and the mighty sage Lomasa went on in a
+body and none grew tired. And those highly fortunate ones arrived
+at the sacred and mighty mountain resounding with the cries of
+birds and beasts and covered with various trees and creepers and
+inhabited by monkeys, and romantic and furnished with many
+lotus-lakes and having marshes and extensive forests. And then with
+their down standing erect, they saw the mountain Gandhamadana, the
+abode of Kimpurushas, frequented by Siddhas and Charanas and ranged
+by Vidyadharis and Kinnaris and inhabited by herds of elephants and
+thronged with lions and tigers and resounding with the roars of
+Sarabhas and attended by various beasts. And the war-like sons of
+Pandu gradually entered into the forest of the Gandhamadana, like
+unto the Nandana gardens, delightful to the mind and heart and
+worthy of being inhabited and having beautiful groves. And as those
+heroes entered with Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas, they
+heard notes uttered by the mouths of birds, exceedingly sweet and
+graceful to the ear and causing delight and dulcet and broken by
+reason of excess of animal spirits. And they saw various trees
+bending under the weight of fruits in all seasons, and ever bright
+with flowers&mdash;such as mangoes and hog-plums and bhavyas and
+pomegranates, citrons and jacks and lakuchas and plantains and
+aquatic reeds and parvatas and champakas and lovely kadamvas and
+vilwas, wood-apples and rose-apples and kasmaris and jujubes and
+figs and glomerous figs and banians and aswatthas and khirikas and
+bhall atakas and amalkas and bibhitakas and ingudas and karamardas
+and tindukas of large fruits&mdash;these and many others on the
+slopes of the Gandhamadana, clustered with sweet and nectarine
+fruits. And besides these, they beheld champakas and asokas and
+ketakas and vakulas and punnagas and saptaparnas and karnikaras,
+and patals, and beautiful kutajas and mandaras, and lotuses, and
+parijatas, and kovidaras and devadarus, and salas, and palmyra
+palms, and tamalas, and pippalas, and salmalis and kinsukas, and
+singsapas, and saralas and these were inhabited by Chakoras, and
+wood-peckers and chatakas, and various other birds, singing in
+sweet tones pleasing to the ear. And they saw lakes <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 321]</span> beautiful on all sides with aquatic
+birds, and covered all around with kumudas, and pundarikas, and
+kokanadas, and utpalas, and kalharas, and kamalas and thronged on
+all sides with drakes and ruddy geese, and ospreys, and gulls and
+karandavas, and plavas, and swans, and cranes, and shags, and other
+aquatic birds. And those foremost of men saw those lotus-lakes
+beautified with assemblages of lotuses, and ringing with the sweet
+hum of bees, glad, and drowsy on account of having drunk the
+intoxicating honey of lotuses, and reddened with the farina falling
+from the lotus cups. And in the groves they beheld with their hens
+peacocks maddened with desire caused by the notes of
+cloud-trumpets; and those woods-loving glad peacocks drowsy with
+desire, were dancing, spreading in dalliance their gorgeous tails,
+and were crying in melodious notes. And some of the peacocks were
+sporting with their mates on kutaja trees covered with creepers.
+And some sat on the boughs of the kutajas, spreading their gorgeous
+tails, and looking like crowns worn by the trees. And in the glades
+they beheld the graceful sindhuvaras like unto the darts of Cupid.
+And on the summits of the mountain, they saw blooming karnikaras
+bearing blossoms of a golden hue, appearing like ear-rings of
+excellent make. And in the forest they saw blossoming kuruvakas,
+like unto the shafts of Cupid, which smiteth one with desire and
+maketh him uneasy. And they saw tilakas appearing like unto
+beauty-spots painted on the forehead of the forest. And they saw
+mango trees graced with blossoms hummed over by black bees, and
+serving the purpose of Cupid's shafts. And on the slopes of the
+mountain there were diverse blossoming trees, looking lovely, some
+bearing flowers of a golden hue, and some, of the hue of the
+forest-conflagration, and some, red and some sable, and some green
+like unto lapises. And besides these, there were ranges of salas
+and tamalas and patalas and vakula trees, like unto garlands put on
+by the summits of the mountain. Thus gradually beholding on the
+slopes of the mountain many lakes, looking transparent like
+crystal, and having swans of white plumage and resounding with
+cries of cranes, and filled with lotuses and lilies, and furnished
+with waters of delicious feel; and also beholding fragrant flowers,
+and luscious fruits, and romantic lakes, and captivating trees, the
+Pandavas penetrated into the forest with eyes expanded with wonder.
+And (as they proceeded) they were fanned by the breeze of balmy
+feel, and perfumed by kamalas and utpalas and kalharas and
+pundarikas. Then Yudhishthira pleasantly spake unto Bhima saying,
+'Ah! O Bhima, beautiful is this forest of the Gandhamadana. In this
+romantic forest there are various heavenly blossoming wild trees
+and creepers, bedecked with foliage and fruit, nor are there any
+trees that do not flower. On these slopes of the Gandhamadana, all
+the trees are of sleek foliage and fruit. And behold how these
+lotus-lakes with fullblown lotuses, and ringing with the hum of
+black bees, are being agitated by elephants with their mates.
+Behold another lotus-lake girt with lines of lotuses, like unto a
+second Sree in an embodied form wearing garlands. And in this
+excellent forest there are beautiful ranges of woods, rich with the
+aroma of various blossoms, and hummed over by the black bees. And,
+O Bhima, behold on all sides the excellent sporting <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 322]</span> ground of the celestials. By coming here,
+we have attained extra-human state, and been blessed. O Partha, on
+these slopes of the Gandhamadana, yon beautiful blossoming trees,
+being embraced by creepers with blossoms at their tops, look
+lovely. And, O Bhima, hark unto the notes of the peacocks crying
+with their hens on the mountain slopes. And birds such as chakoras,
+and satapatras, and maddened kokilas, and parrots, are alighting on
+these excellent flowering trees. And sitting on the twigs, myriads
+of jivajivakas of scarlet, yellow and red hues, are looking at one
+another. And the cranes are seen near the spots covered with green
+and reddish grass, and also by the side of the cascades. And those
+birds, bhringarajas, and upachakras, and herons are pouring forth
+their notes charming to all creatures. And, lo! with their mates,
+these elephants furnished with four tusks, and white as lotuses,
+are agitating that large lake of the hue of lapises. And from many
+cascades, torrents high as several palmyra palms (placed one upon
+another) are rushing down from the cliffs. And many argent minerals
+splendid, and of the effulgence of the sun, and like unto autumnal
+clouds, are beautifying this mighty mountain. And in some places
+there are minerals of the hue of the collyrium, and in some those
+like unto gold, in some, yellow orpiment and in some, vermilion,
+and in some, caves of red arsenic like unto the evening clouds and
+in some, red chalk of the hue of the rabbit, and in some, minerals
+like unto white and sable clouds; and in some, those effulgent as
+the rising sun, these minerals of great lustre beautify the
+mountain. O Partha, as was said by Vrishaparva, the Gandharvas and
+the Kimpurushas, in company with their loves, are visible on the
+summits of the mountain. And, O Bhima, there are heard various
+songs of appropriate measures, and also Vedic hymns, charming to
+all creatures. Do thou behold the sacred and graceful celestial
+river Mahaganga, with swans, resorted to by sages and Kinnaras.
+And, O represser of foes, see this mountain having minerals,
+rivulets, and beautiful woods and beasts, and snakes of diverse
+shapes and a hundred heads and Kinnaras, Gandharvas and
+Apsaras.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having attained excellent state, those
+valiant and warlike repressers of foes with Draupadi and the
+high-souled Brahmanas were exceedingly delighted at heart, and they
+were not satiated by beholding that monarch of mountains.
+Thereafter they saw the hermitage of the royal sage Arshtishena,
+furnished with flowers and trees bearing fruits. Then they went to
+Arshtishena versed in all duties of rigid austerities,
+skeleton-like, and having muscles bare."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having approached that one, whose sins
+had been consumed by asceticism, Yudhishthira announced his name,
+and gladly greeted him, bending his head. And then Krishna, and
+Bhima, and the devout twins, having bowed down their heads unto the
+royal sage, stood <span class="pagenum">[Pg 323]</span> (there)
+surrounding him. And that priest of the Pandavas, the virtuous
+Dhaumya, also duly approached that vow-observing sage. And by his
+prophetic eye that virtuous Muni had already known (the identity
+of) those foremost of the Kurus, the sons of Pandu. And he said
+unto them. 'Be ye seated.' And that one of rigid austerities, after
+having duly received that chief of the Kurus, when the latter with
+his brothers had seated himself enquired after his welfare saying,
+'Dost thou not turn thy inclination upon untruth? And art thou
+intent upon virtue? And, O Partha, hath not thy attention to thy
+father and thy mother diminished? Are all thy superiors, and the
+aged, and those versed in the Vedas, honoured by thee? And O
+Pritha's son, dost thou not turn thy inclination unto sinful acts?
+And dost thou, O best of the Kurus, properly know how to perform
+meritorious acts, and to eschew wicked deeds? Dost thou not exalt
+thyself? And are pious men gratified, being honoured by thee? And
+even dwelling in the woods, dost thou follow virtue alone? And, O
+Partha, doth not Dhaumya grieve at thy conduct? Dost thou follow
+the customs of thy ancestors, by charity, and religious
+observances, and asceticism, and purity, and candour, and
+forgiveness? And dost thou go along the way taken by the royal
+sages? On the birth of a son in their (respective) lines, the
+<i>Pitris</i> in their regions, both laugh and grieve,
+thinking&mdash;Will the sinful acts of this son of ours harm us, or
+will meritorious deeds conduce to our welfare? He conquereth both
+the worlds that payeth homage unto his father, and mother, and
+preceptor, and Agni, and fifthly, the soul.' Yudhishthira said, 'O
+worshipful one, those duties have been mentioned by thee as
+excellent. To the best of my power I duly and properly discharge
+them.'</p>
+<p>"Arshtishena said, 'During the Parvas sages subsisting on air
+and water come unto this best of the mountains ranging through the
+air. And on the summits of the mountain are seen amorous
+Kimpurushas with their paramours, mutually attached unto each
+other; as also, O Partha, many Gandharvas and Apsaras clad in white
+silk vestments; and lovely-looking Vidyadharas, wearing garlands;
+and mighty Nagas, and Suparnas, and Uragas, and others. And on the
+summits of the mountain are heard, during the Parvas, sounds of
+kettle-drums, and tabors, shells and mridangas. O foremost of the
+Bharatas, even by staying here, ye shall hear those sounds; do ye
+by no means feel inclined to repair thither. Further, O best of the
+Bharata race, it is impossible, to proceed beyond this. That place
+is the sporting-region of the celestials. There is no access
+thither for mortals. O Bharata, at this place all creatures bear
+ill-will to, and the Rakshasas chastise, that man who committeth
+aggression, be it ever so little. Beyond the summit of this Kailasa
+cliff, is seen the path of the celestial sages. If any one through
+impudence goeth beyond this, the Rakshasas slay him with iron darts
+and other weapons. There, O child, during the Parvas, he that goeth
+about on the shoulders of men, even Vaisravana is seen in pomp and
+grandeur surrounded by the Apsaras. And when that lord of all the
+Rakshasas is seated on the summit, all creatures behold him like
+unto the sun arisen. O best of Bharatas, that summit is the
+sporting-garden of the celestials, and the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 324]</span> Danavas, and the Siddhas, and Vaisravana.
+And during the Parvas, as Tumburu entertaineth the Lord of
+treasures, the sweet notes of his song are heard all over the
+Gandhamadana. O child, O Yudhishthira, here during the Parvas, all
+creatures see and hear marvels like this. O Pandavas, till ye meet
+with Arjuna, do ye stay here, partaking of luscious fruits, and the
+food of the Munis. O child as thou hast come hither, do thou not
+betray any impertinence. And, O child, after living here at thy
+will and diverting thyself as thou listest, thou wilt at length
+rule the earth, having conquered it by the force of thy arms.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLIX</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "How long did my great grandsires, the
+highsouled sons of Pandu of matchless prowess, dwell in the
+Gandhamadana mountain? And what did those exceedingly powerful
+ones, gifted with manliness, do? And what was the food of those
+high-souled ones, when those heroes of the worlds dwelt (there)? O
+excellent one, do thou relate all about this. Do thou describe the
+prowess of Bhimasena, and what that mighty-armed one did in the
+mountain Himalayan. Surely, O best of Brahmanas, he did not fight
+again with the Yakshas. And did they meet with Vaisravana? Surely,
+as Arshtishena said, the lord of wealth cometh thither. All this, O
+thou of ascetic wealth, I desire to hear in detail. Surely, I have
+not yet been fully satisfied by hearing about their acts."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having heard from that one of
+incomparable energy, (Arshtishena), that advice conducive to their
+welfare, those foremost of the Bharatas, began to behave always
+accordingly. Those best of men, the Pandavas, dwelt upon the
+Himavan, partaking of the food eaten by the Munis, and luscious
+fruit, and the flesh of deer killed with unpoisoned shafts and
+various kinds of pure honey. Living thus, they passed the fifth
+year, hearing various stories told by Lomasa. O lord, saying, 'I
+shall be present when occasion ariseth,' Ghatotkacha, together with
+all the Rakshasas, had ere this already gone away. Those
+magnanimous ones passed many months in the hermitage of
+Arshtishena, witnessing many marvels. And as the Pandavas were
+sporting there pleasantly, there came to see them some complacent
+vow-observing Munis and Charanas of high fortune, and pure souls.
+And those foremost of the Bharata race conversed with them on
+earthly topics. And it came to pass that when several days has
+passed, Suparna all of a sudden carried off an exceedingly powerful
+and mighty Naga, living in the large lake. And thereupon that
+mighty mountain began to tremble, and the gigantic trees, break.
+And all the creatures and the Pandavas witnessed the wonder. Then
+from the brow of that excellent mountain, the wind brought before
+the Pandavas various fragrant and fair blossoms. And the Pandavas,
+and the illustrious Krishna, together with their friends, saw those
+unearthly blossoms of five hues. And as the mighty-armed Bhimasena
+was seated at ease upon the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 325]</span>
+mountain, Krishna addressed him, saying, 'O best of the Bharata
+race, in the presence of all the creatures, these flowers of five
+hues, carried by the force of the wind raised by Suparna, are
+falling in amain on the river Aswaratha. In Khandava thy
+high-souled brother, firm in promise, had baffled Gandharvas and
+Nagas and Vasava himself, and slain fierce Rakshasas, and also
+obtained the bow Gandiva. Thou also art of exceeding prowess and
+the might of thy arms is great, and irrepressible, and unbearable
+like unto the might of Sakra. O Bhimasena, terrified with the force
+of thy arms, let all the Rakshasas betake themselves to the ten
+cardinal points, leaving the mountain. Then will thy friends be
+freed from fear and affliction, and behold the auspicious summit of
+this excellent mountain furnished with variegated flowers. O Bhima,
+I have for long cherished this thought in my mind,&mdash;that
+protected by the might of thy arms, I shall see that summit.'</p>
+<p>"Thereupon, like a high-mettled bull that hath been struck,
+Bhimasena, considering himself as censured by Draupadi, could not
+bear (that). And that Pandava of the gait of a lion or a bull, and
+graceful, and generous, and having the splendour of gold, and
+intelligent, and strong, and proud, and sensitive, and heroic, and
+having red eyes, and broad shoulders, and gifted with the strength
+of mad elephants, and having leonine teeth and a broad neck, and
+tall like a young sala tree, and highsouled, and graceful in every
+limb, and of neck having the whorls of a shell and mighty-armed,
+took up his bow plaited at the back with gold, and also his sword.
+And haughty like unto a lion, and resembling a maddened elephant,
+that strong one rushed towards that cliff, free from fear or
+affliction. And all the creatures saw him equipped with bows and
+arrows, approaching like a lion or a maddened elephant. And free
+from fear or affliction, the Pandava taking his mace, proceeded to
+that monarch of mountains causing the delight of Draupadi. And
+neither exhaustion, nor fatigue, nor lassitude, nor the malice (of
+others), affected that son of Pritha and the Wind-god. And having
+arrived at a rugged path affording passage to one individual only,
+that one of great strength ascended that terrible summit high as
+several palmyra palms (placed one upon another). And having
+ascended that summit, and thereby gladdened Kinnaras, and great
+Nagas, and Munis, and Gandharvas, and Rakshasas, that foremost of
+the Bharata line, gifted with exceeding strength described the
+abode of Vaisravana, adorned with golden crystal palaces surrounded
+on all sides by golden walls having the splendour of all gems,
+furnished with gardens all around, higher than a mountain peak,
+beautiful with ramparts and towers, and adorned with door-ways and
+gates and rows of pennons. And the abode was graced with dallying
+damsels dancing around, and also with pennons waved by the breeze.
+And with bent arms, supporting himself on the end of his bow, he
+stood beholding with eagerness the city of the lord of treasures.
+And gladdening all creatures, there was blowing a breeze, carrying
+all perfumes, and of a balmy feel. And there were various beautiful
+and wonderful trees of diverse hues resounding with diverse dulcet
+notes. And at that place the foremost of the Bharatas surveyed the
+palace of the Lord of the Rakshasas scattered with heaps of
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 326]</span> gems, and adorned with
+variegated garlands. And renouncing all care of life the
+mighty-armed Bhimasena stood motionless like a rock, with his mace
+and sword and bow in his hands. Then he blew his shell making the
+down of his adversaries stand erect; and twanging his bow-string,
+and striking his arms with the hands he unnerved all the creatures.
+Thereat with their hairs standing erect, the Yakshas and Rakshasas
+began to rush towards the Pandavas, in the direction of those
+sounds. And taken by the arms of the Yakshas and Rakshasas the
+flamed maces and clubs and swords and spears and javelins and axes,
+and when, O Bharata, the fight ensued between the Rakshasas and
+Bhima, the latter by arrows cut off the darts, javelins and axes of
+those possessing great powers of illusion, and he of exceeding
+strength with arrows pierced the bodies of the roaring Rakshasas,
+both of those that were in the sky, and of those that remained on
+the earth. And Bhima of exceeding strength was deluged with the
+mighty sanguine rain sprung from the bodies of the Rakshasas with
+maces and clubs in their hands and flowing on all sides from their
+persons. And the bodies and hands of the Yakshas and Rakshasas were
+seen to be struck off by the weapon discharged by the might of
+Bhima's arms. And then all the creatures saw the graceful Pandava
+densely surrounded by the Rakshasas, like unto the Sun enveloped by
+clouds. And even as the Sun surrounds everything with his rays,
+that mighty-armed and strong one of unfailing prowess, covered all
+with arrows destroying foes. And although menacing and uttering
+yells, the Rakshasas did not see Bhima embarrassed. Thereupon, with
+their bodies mangled, the Yakshas afflicted by fear of Bhimasena
+began to utter frightful sounds of distress, throwing their mighty
+weapons. And terrified at the wielder of a strong bow, they fled
+towards the southern quarter, forsaking their maces and spears and
+swords and clubs and axes. And then there stood, holding in his
+hands darts and maces, the broad-chested and mighty-armed friend of
+Vaisravana, the Rakshasa named Maniman. And that one of great
+strength began to display his mastery and manliness. And seeing
+them forsake the fight, he addressed them with a smile, 'Going to
+Vaisravana's abode, how will ye say unto that lord of wealth, that
+numbers have been defeated by a single mortal in battle?' Having
+said this unto them that Rakshasa, taking in his hands clubs and
+javelins and maces, set out and rushed towards the Pandava. And he
+rushed in amain like a maddened elephant. Bhimasena pierced his
+sides with three choice arrows. And the mighty Maniman, on his
+part, in wrath taking and flourishing a tremendous mace hurled it
+at Bhimasena. Thereupon Bhimasena beset with innumerable shafts
+sharpened on stones, hurled that mighty mace in the sky, dreadful,
+and like unto the lightning flash. But on reaching the mace those
+shafts were baffled; and although discharged with force by that
+adept at hurling the mace, still they could not stay its career.
+Then the mighty Bhima of dreadful prowess, baffled his (the
+Rakshasa's) discharge by resorting to his skill in mace-fighting.
+In the meanwhile, the intelligent Rakshasa had discharged a
+terrible iron club, furnished with a golden shaft. And that club,
+belching forth flames and emitting tremendous roars, all of a
+sudden pierced <span class="pagenum">[Pg 327]</span> Bhima's right
+arm and then fell to the ground. On being severely wounded by that
+club, that bowman, Kunti's son, of immeasurable prowess, with eyes
+rolling in ire, took up his mace. And having taken that iron mace,
+inlaid with golden plates, which caused the fear of foes and
+brought on their defeat, he darted it with speed towards the mighty
+Maniman, menacing (him) and uttering shouts. Then Maniman on his
+part, taking his huge and blazing dart, with great force discharged
+it at Bhima, uttering loud shouts. Thereat breaking the dart with
+the end of his mace, that mighty-armed one skilled in
+mace-fighting, speedily rushed to slay him, as Garuda (rushed) to
+slay a serpent. Then all of a sudden, advancing ahead in the field,
+that mighty-armed one sprang into the sky and brandishing his mace
+hurled it with shouts. And like unto the thunder-bolt hurled by
+Indra, that mace like a pest, with the speed of the wind destroyed
+the Rakshasa and then fell to the ground. Then all the creatures
+saw that Rakshasa of terrible strength slaughtered by Bhima, even
+like a bull slain by a lion. And the surviving Rakshasas seeing him
+slain on the ground went towards the east, uttering frightful
+sounds of distress."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Hearing various sounds resounding in the
+caves of the mountain and not seeing Bhimasena, Kunti's son,
+Ajatasatru and the twin sons of Madri and Dhaumya and Krishna and
+all the Brahmanas and the friends (of the Pandavas), were filled
+with anxiety. Thereupon, entrusting Draupadi to the charge of
+Arshtishena and equipped in their arms, those valiant and mighty
+charioteers together began to ascend the summit of the mountain.
+And having reached the summit, as those repressors of foes and
+mighty bowmen and powerful charioteers they were looking about, saw
+Bhima and those huge Rakshasas of mighty strength and courage
+weltering in a state of unconsciousness having been struck down by
+Bhima. And holding his mace and sword and bow, that mighty-armed
+one looked like Maghavan, after he had slain the Danava hosts. Then
+on seeing their brother, the Pandavas, who had attained excellent
+state, embraced him and sat down there. And with those mighty
+bowmen, that summit looked grand like heaven graced by those
+foremost of celestials, the highly fortunate Lokapalas. And seeing
+the abode of Kuvera and the Rakshasas, lying slain on the ground,
+the king addressed his brother who was seated, saying, 'Either it
+be through rashness, or through ignorance, thou hast, O Bhima,
+committed a sinful act. O hero, as thou art leading the life of an
+anchorite, this slaughter without cause is unlike thee. Acts, it is
+asserted by those versed in duties, as are calculated to displease
+a monarch, ought not to be committed. But thou hast, O Bhimasena,
+committed a deed which will offend even the gods. He that
+disregarding profit and duty, turneth his thoughts to sin must, O
+Partha, reap the fruit of his sinful actions. However, if thou
+seekest my good, never again commit such a deed.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 328]</span></p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to his brother,
+Vrikodara the virtuous, the highly energetic and firm-minded son of
+Kunti, Yudhishthira versed in the particulars of (the science of)
+profit, ceased, and began to reflect on that matter.</p>
+<p>"On the other hand, the Rakshasas that had survived those slain
+by Bhima fled in a body towards the abode of Kuvera. And they of
+exceeding fleetness having speedily reached Vaisravana's abode,
+began to utter loud cries of distress, being afflicted with the
+fear of Bhima. And, O king bereft of their weapons and exhausted
+and with their mail besmeared with gore and with dishevelled hair
+they spake unto Kuvera, saying. 'O lord, all thy foremost Rakshasas
+fighting with maces and clubs and swords and lances and barbed
+darts, have been slain. O lord of treasures, a mortal, trespassing
+into the mountain, hath, singlehanded, slaughtered all thy
+Krodhavasa Rakshasas assembled together. And, O lord of wealth,
+there lie the foremost of the Yakshas and Rakshasas senseless and
+dead, having been struck down; and we have been let off through his
+favour. And thy friend, Maniman also hath been slain. All this hath
+been done by a mortal. Do thou what is proper, after this.' Having
+heard this, that lord of all the Yaksha hosts waxing wroth, with
+eyes reddened in anger, exclaimed, 'What!' And hearing of Bhima's
+second (act of) aggression, that lord of treasures, the king of the
+Yakshas, was filled with wrath, and said, 'Yoke' (the horses).
+Thereat unto a car of the hue of dark clouds, and high as a
+mountain summit, they yoked steeds having golden garments. And on
+being yoked unto the car, those excellent horses of his, graced
+with every noble quality and furnished with the ten auspicious
+curls of hair and having energy and strength, and adorned with
+various gems and looking splendid, as if desirous of speeding like
+the wind, began to neigh at each other the neighing emitted at (the
+hour of) victory. And that divine and effulgent king of the Yakshas
+set out, being eulogised by the celestials and Gandharvas. And a
+thousand foremost Yakshas of reddened eyes and golden lustre and
+having huge bodies, and gifted with great strength, equipped with
+weapons and girding on their swords, followed that high-souled lord
+of treasures. And coursing through the firmament they (the steeds)
+arrived at the Gandhamadana, as if drawing forward the sky with
+their fleetness. And with their down standing erect, the Pandavas
+saw that large assemblage of horses maintained by the lord of
+wealth and also the highsouled and graceful Kuvera himself
+surrounded by the Yaksha hosts. And seeing those mighty charioteers
+the son of Pandu, possessed of great strength, equipped with bows
+and swords, Kuvera also was delighted; and he was pleased at heart,
+keeping in view the task of the celestials. And like unto birds,
+they, (the Yakshas) gifted with extreme celerity, alighted on the
+summit of the mountain and stood before them (the Pandavas), with
+the lord of treasures at their head. Then, O Bharata, seeing him
+pleased with the Pandavas, the Yakshas and the Gandharvas stood
+there, free from agitation. Then thinking themselves as having
+transgressed, those high-souled and mighty charioteers, the
+Pandavas, having bowed down unto that lord, the giver of wealth
+stood surrounding the lord <span class="pagenum">[Pg 329]</span> of
+treasures with joined hands. And the lord of treasures sat on that
+excellent seat, the elegant Pushpaka, constructed by Viswakarma,
+painted with diverse colours. And thousands of Yakshas and
+Rakshasas, some having huge frames and some ears resembling pegs,
+and hundreds of Gandharvas and hosts of Apsaras sat in the presence
+of that one seated, even as the celestials sit surrounding him of a
+hundred sacrifices and wearing a beautiful golden garland on his
+head and holding in his hands his noose and sword and bow, Bhima
+stood, gazing at the lord of wealth. And Bhimasena did not feel
+depressed either on having been wounded by the Rakshasas, or even
+in that plight seeing Kuvera arrive.</p>
+<p>"And that one going about on the shoulders of men, on seeing
+Bhima stand desirous of fighting with sharpened shafts, said unto
+Dharma's son, 'O Partha, all the creatures know thee as engaged in
+their good. Do thou, therefore, with thy brothers fearlessly dwell
+on this summit of the mountain. And, O Pandava, be thou not angry
+with Bhima. These Yakshas and Rakshasas had already been slain by
+Destiny: thy brother hath been the instrument merely. And it is not
+necessary to feel shame for the act of impudence that hath been
+committed. This destruction of the Rakshasas had been foreseen by
+the gods. I entertain no anger towards Bhimasena. Rather, O
+foremost of the Bharata race, I am pleased with him;
+nay,&mdash;even before coming here, I had been gratified with this
+deed of Bhima.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having spoken thus unto the king, (Kuvera)
+said unto Bhimasena, 'O child, O best of the Kurus, I do not mind
+this, O Bhima, as in order to please Krishna, thou hast,
+disregarding the gods and me also, committed this rash act, namely,
+the destruction of the Yakshas and the Rakshasas, depending on the
+strength of thy arms, I am well-pleased with thee. O Vrikodara,
+to-day I have been freed from a terrible curse. For some offence,
+that great Rishi, Agastya, had cursed me in anger. Thou hast
+delivered me by this act (of thine). O Pandu's son, my disgrace had
+ere this been fated. No offence, therefore, in any way, attaches
+unto thee, O Pandava.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O divine one, why wast thou cursed by the
+high-souled Agastya? O god, I am curious to hear about the occasion
+of that imprecation. I wonder that at that very moment, thou
+together with thy forces and attendants wast not consumed by the
+ire of that intelligent one.'</p>
+<p>"Thereupon the lord of treasures said, 'At Kusasthali, O king,
+once there was held a conclave of the gods. And surrounded by
+grimvisaged Yakshas, numbering three hundred maha-padmas, carrying
+various weapons, I was going to that place. And on the way, I saw
+that foremost of sages, Agastya, engaged in the practice of severe
+austerities on the bank of the Yamuna, abounding in various birds
+and graced with blossoming trees. And, O king, immediately on
+seeing that mass of energy, flaming and brilliant as fire, seated
+with upraised arms, facing the sun, my friend, the graceful lord of
+the Rakshasas, Maniman, from stupidity, foolishness, hauteur and
+ignorance discharged his excrement on the crown of that Maharshi.
+Thereupon, as if burning all the cardinal points by his wrath, he
+said unto me, "Since, O lord <span class="pagenum">[Pg 330]</span>
+of treasures, in thy very presence, disregarding me, this thy
+friend hath thus affronted me, he, together with thy forces, shall
+meet with destruction at the hands of a mortal. And, O
+wicked-minded one, thou also, being distressed on account of thy
+fallen soldiers, shalt be freed from thy sin, on beholding that
+mortal. But if they follow thy behests, their (the soldier's)
+powerful sons shall not incur by this dreadful curse." This curse I
+received formerly from that foremost of Rishis. Now, O mighty king,
+have I been delivered by thy brother Bhima.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXI</h2>
+<p>"The lord of treasures said, 'O Yudhishthira, patience, ability,
+(appropriate) time and place and prowess&mdash;these five lead to
+success in human affairs. O Bharata, in the Krita Yuga, men were
+patient and able in their respective occupations and they knew how
+to display prowess. And, O foremost of the Kshatriyas, a Kshatriya
+that is endued with patience and understandeth the propriety
+regarding place and time and is versed in all mortal regulations,
+can alone govern the world for a long time,&mdash;nay, in all
+transactions. He that behaveth thus, acquireth, O hero, fame in
+this world and excellent state in the next. And by having displayed
+his prowess at the proper place and time, Sakra with the Vasus hath
+obtained the dominion of heaven. He that from anger cannot see his
+fall and he that being naturally wicked and evilminded followeth
+evil and he that knoweth not the propriety relative to acts, meet
+with destruction both in this world and the next. The exertions of
+that stupid person become fruitless, who is not conversant with the
+expediency regarding time and acts, and he meeteth with destruction
+both in this world and the next. And the object of that wicked and
+deceitful persons is vicious, who, aiming at mastery of every kind,
+committeth some rash act. O best of men, Bhimasena is fearless, and
+ignorant of duties, and haughty, and of the sense of a child, and
+unforbearing. Do thou, therefore, check him. Repairing again to the
+hermitage of the pious sage Arshtishena, do thou reside there
+during the dark fortnight, without fear or anxiety. O lord of men,
+deputed by me, all the Gandharvas residing at Alaka, as also those
+dwelling in this mountain, will, O mighty-armed one, protect thee,
+and these best of the Brahmanas. And, O king, O chief among
+virtuous men, knowing that Vrikodara hath come hither out of
+rashness, do thou check him. Henceforth, O monarch, beings living
+in the forest will meet you, wait upon you and always protect you
+all. And, ye foremost of men, my servants will always procure for
+you various meats and drinks of delicious flavour. And, O son,
+Yudhishthira, even as by reason of your being the progeny of
+spiritual intercourse, Jishnu is entitled to the protection of
+Mahendra, and Vrikodara, of the Wind-god, and thou, of Dharma, and
+the twins possessed of strength, of the Aswins,&mdash;so ye all are
+entitled to my protection. That one next by birth to Bhimasena,
+Phalguna, versed in the science of profit and all mortal
+regulations, is well in heaven. And, O child, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 331]</span> those perfections that are recognised in
+the world as leading to heaven, are established in Dhananjaya even
+from his very birth. And self-restraint, and charity, and strength,
+and intelligence, and modesty, and fortitude, and excellent
+energy&mdash;even all these are established in that majestic one of
+magnificent soul. And, O Pandava, Jishnu never committed any
+shameful act through poverty of spirit. And in the world, none ever
+say that Partha hath uttered an untruth. And, O Bharata, honoured
+by the gods, <i>pitris</i>, and the Gandharvas, that enhancer of
+the glory of the Kurus is learning the science of weapons in
+Sakra's abode. And, O Partha, in heaven he that with justice had
+brought under his subjection all the rulers of the earth, even that
+exceedingly powerful and highly energetic monarch, the grandsire of
+thy father, Santanu himself, is well-pleased with the behaviour of
+that wielder of the Gandiva&mdash;the foremost of his race. And, O
+king, abiding in Indra's regions, he who on the banks of the Yamuna
+had worshipped the gods, the <i>pitris</i>, and the Brahmanas, by
+celebrating seven grand horse sacrifices, that great grandsire of
+thine, the emperor Santanu of severe austerities, who hath attained
+heaven, hath enquired of thy welfare.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of the dispenser of
+wealth, the Pandavas were well-pleased with them. Then lowering his
+club and mace and sword and bow, that foremost of the Bharatas
+bowed down unto <i>Kuvera</i>. And that giver of protection, the
+lord of treasures, seeing him prostrate, said, 'Be thou the
+destroyer of the pride of foes, and the enhancer of the delight of
+friends. And ye oppressors of enemies, do ye live in our romantic
+region. The <i>Yakshas</i> will not cross your desires. Gudakesa,
+after having acquired mastery over weapons, will come back soon.
+Bidden adieu by Maghavat himself, Dhananjaya will join you.'</p>
+<p>"Having thus instructed Yudhishthira of excellent deeds, the
+lord of the <i>Guhyakas</i>, vanished from that best of mountains.
+And thousands upon thousands of <i>Yakshas</i>, and
+<i>Rakshasas</i> followed him in vehicles spread over with
+checkered cushions, and decorated with various jewels. And as the
+horses proceeded towards the abode of Kuvera, a noise arose as of
+birds flying in the air. And the chargers of the lord of treasures
+speedily coursed through the sky as if drawing forward the
+firmament, and devouring the air.</p>
+<p>"Then at the command of the lord of wealth, the dead bodies of
+the <i>Rakshasas</i> were removed from the summit of the mountain.
+As the intelligent Agastya had fixed this period as the limit of
+(the duration of) his curse, so being slain in conflict, the
+<i>Rakshasas</i> were freed from the imprecation. And being
+honoured by the <i>Rakshasas</i>, the Pandavas for several nights
+dwelt pleasantly in those habitations."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O represser of foes, at sunrise,
+having finished his daily devotions, <i>Dhaumya</i> came unto the
+Pandavas, with <span class="pagenum">[Pg 332]</span>
+<i>Arshtishena</i>. And having bowed down unto the feet of
+Arshtishena and Dhaumya, they with joined hands paid homage unto
+all the Brahmanas. Then Dhaumya taking Yudhishthira's right hand,
+said these words, looking at the east, 'O mighty monarch, this king
+of mountains, Mandara lieth vast, covering the earth up to the
+ocean. O Pandava, Indra and Vaisravana preside over this point
+graced with woods and forests and mountains. And, O child, the
+intelligent sages versed in every duty, say, that this (region) is
+the abode of Indra and king Vaisravana. And the twice-born ones,
+and the sages versed in the duties, and the <i>Sidhas</i>, and the
+<i>Sadhyas</i>, and the celestials pay their adorations unto the
+Sun as he riseth from this point. And that lord of all living
+beings, king <i>Yama</i>, conversant with duty, presideth over
+yonder southern region whither come the spirits of the departed.
+And this is <i>Sanyamana</i>, the abode of the lord of departed
+spirits, sacred, and wonderful to behold, and crowned with prime
+prosperity. And the intelligent ones call that monarch of mountains
+(by the name of) Asta. Having, O king, arrived at this, the Sun
+ever abideth by the truth. And king <i>Varuna</i> protects all
+creatures, abiding in this king of mountains, and also in the vast
+deep. And, O highly fortunate one, there illumining the northern
+regions, lieth the puissant Mahameru, auspicious and the refuge of
+those knowing <i>Brahma</i>, where is the court of <i>Brahma</i>,
+and remaining where that soul of all creatures, <i>Prajapati</i>,
+hath created all that is mobile and immobile. And the
+<i>Mahameru</i> is the auspicious and healthy abode even of the
+seven mind-born sons of <i>Brahma</i>, of whom <i>Daksha</i> was
+the seventh. And, O child, here it is that the seven celestial
+<i>rishis</i> with Vasishtha at their head rise and set. Behold
+that excellent and bright summit of the Meru, where sitteth the
+great sire (<i>Brahma</i>) with the celestials happy in
+self-knowledge. And next to the abode of <i>Brahma</i> is visible
+the region of him who is said to be the really primal Cause or the
+origin of all creatures, even that prime lord, god Narayana, having
+neither beginning nor end. And, O king, that auspicious place
+composed of all energies even the celestials, cannot behold. And
+the region of the high-souled <i>Vishnu</i>, by its native
+splendour, exceeding in effulgence the sun or fire, cannot be
+beheld by the gods, or the Danavas. And the region of Narayana
+lieth resplendent to the east of the <i>Meru</i>, where, O child,
+that lord of all creatures, the self-create primal Cause of the
+universe, having manifested all beings, looketh splendid of his
+excellent grace. O child, not to speak of the <i>Maharshis</i>-even
+<i>Brahmarshis</i> have no access to that place. And, O best of the
+Kurus, it is the <i>Yatis</i> only who have access to it. And, O
+Pandu's son, (at that place) luminaries cannot shine by him; there
+that lord of inconceivable soul alone shineth transcendental. There
+by reverence, and severe austerities, Yatis inspired by virtue of
+pious practices, attain Narayana Hari. And, O Bharata, repairing
+thither, and attaining that universal Soul&mdash;the self-create
+and eternal God of gods, high-souled ones, of <i>Yoga</i> success,
+and free from ignorance and pride have not to return to this world.
+O highly fortunate Yudhishthira, this region is without beginning,
+or deterioration, or end for it is the very essence of that God.
+And, O son of the Kurus, the Sun and the Moon every day go round
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 333]</span> this Meru, coursing in an
+opposite direction. And, O sinless one, O mighty monarch, the other
+luminaries also go round this king of mountains in the self-same
+way. Thus the worshipful Sun who dispelleth darkness, goeth round
+this (mountain) obscuring other luminaries. Then having set, and
+passed the evening, that Maker of day, the Sun, taketh a northerly
+course. Then again nearing the <i>Meru</i>, the divine Sun (ever)
+intent on the good of all beings, again courseth, facing the east.
+And in this way, the divine Moon also together with the stars goeth
+round this mountain, dividing the month unto several sections, by
+his arrival at the Parvas. Having thus unerringly coursed round the
+mighty <i>Meru</i>, and, nourished all creatures, the Moon again
+repaireth unto the <i>Mandar</i>. In the same way, that destroyer
+of darkness&mdash;the divine Sun&mdash;also moveth on this
+unobstructed path, animating the universe. When, desirous of
+causing dew, he repaireth to the south, then there ensueth winter
+to all creatures. Then the Sun, turning back from the south, by his
+rays draweth up the energy from all creatures both mobile and
+immobile. Thereupon, men become subject to perspiration, fatigue,
+drowsiness and lassitude; and living beings always feel disposed to
+slumber. Thence, returning through unknown regions, that divine
+effulgent one causeth shower, and thereby reviveth beings. And
+having, by the comfort caused by the shower, wind, and warmth,
+cherished the mobile and the immobile, the powerful Sun resumeth
+his former course. O Partha, ranging thus, the Sun unerringly
+turneth on the wheel of Time, influencing created things. His
+course is unceasing; he never resteth, O Pandava. Withdrawing the
+energy of all beings, he again rendereth it back. O Bharata,
+dividing time into day and night, and Kala, and Kashiba, that lord,
+the Sun, dealeth life and motion to all created things.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in that best of mountains
+those high-souled ones observing excellent vows, felt themselves
+attracted (to that place), and diverted themselves, eager to behold
+Arjuna. And multitudes of <i>Gandharvas</i> and <i>Maharshis</i>
+gladly visited those energetic ones, possessing prowess, of chaste
+desires and being the foremost of those endued with truth and
+fortitude. And having arrived at that excellent mountain furnished
+with trees bearing blossoms, those mighty charioteers were
+exceedingly delighted, even as the <i>Marutas</i>, on arriving at
+the celestial regions. And experiencing great exhilaration, they
+lived (there), seeing the slopes and summits of that mighty
+mountain, filled with flowers, and resonant with the cries of
+peacocks and cranes. And on that beautiful mountain they beheld
+lakes filled with lotuses, and having their shores covered with
+trees, and frequented by darkness, and <i>karandavas</i> and swans.
+And the flourishing sporting-regions, graceful on account of the
+various flowers, and abounding in gems, was capable of captivating
+that king, the dispenser of wealth (<i>Kuvera</i>). And always
+ranging (there), those foremost of ascetics (the Pandavas)
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 334]</span> were incapable of conceiving
+(the significance of) that Summit, furnished with mighty trees, and
+masses of wide-spreading clouds. And, O great hero, owing to its
+native splendour, and also on account of the brilliance of the
+annual plants, there was no difference there between night and day.
+And staying in the mountain, remaining in which the Sun of
+unrivalled energy cherisheth the mobile and immobile things, those
+heroes and foremost of men beheld the rising and the setting of the
+Sun. And having seen the rising and the setting points of the Sun
+and the rising and the setting mountain, and all the cardinal
+points, as well as the intervening spaces ever blazing with the
+rays of the Dispeller of darkness, those heroes, in expectation of
+the arrival of that mighty charioteer firm in truth, became engaged
+in reciting the <i>Vedas</i>, practising the daily rituals, chiefly
+discharging the religious duties, exercising sacred vows, and
+abiding by the truth. And saying, 'Let us even here experience
+delight by joining without delay Arjuna accomplished in arms,'
+those highly blessed Parthas became engaged in the practice of
+<i>Yoga</i>. And beholding romantic woods on that mountain, as they
+always thought of <i>Kiriti</i>, every day and night appeared unto
+them even as a year. From that very moment joy had taken leave of
+them when, with Dhaumya's permission, the high-souled
+<i>Jishnu</i>, matting his hair, departed (for the woods). So, how
+could they, absorbed in his contemplation, experience happiness
+there? They had become overwhelmed with grief ever since the moment
+when at the command of his brother, Yudhishthira, <i>Jishnu</i> of
+the tread of a mad elephant had departed from the <i>Kamyaka</i>
+forest. O Bharata, in this way, on that mountain those descendants
+of Bharata passed a month with difficulty, thinking of him of the
+white steeds, who had gone to <i>Vasava's</i> abode for learning
+arms. And Arjuna, having dwelt for five years in the abode of him
+of a thousand eyes, and having from that lord of celestials
+obtained all the celestial weapons,&mdash;such as those of
+<i>Agni</i>, of <i>Varuna</i>, of <i>Soma</i>, of <i>Vayu</i>, of
+<i>Vishnu</i>, of <i>Indra</i>, of <i>Pasupati</i>, of
+<i>Brahma</i>, of <i>Parameshthi</i>, of <i>Prajapati</i>, of
+<i>Yama</i>, of <i>Dhata</i>, of <i>Savita</i>, of <i>Tvashta</i>,
+and of <i>Vaisravana</i>; and having bowed down to and gone round
+him of a hundred sacrifices, and taken his (Indra's) permission,
+cheerfully came to the Gandhamadana."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "And it came to pass that one day as
+those mighty charioteers were thinking of Arjuna, seeing Mahendra's
+car, yoked with horses of the effulgence of lightning, arrive all
+on a sudden, they were delighted. And driven by Matali, that
+blazing car, suddenly illuminating the sky, looked like smokeless
+flaming tongues of fire, or a mighty meteor embosomed in clouds.
+And seated in that car appeared <i>Kiriti</i> wearing garlands and
+new-made ornaments. Then Dhananjaya possessing the prowess of the
+wielder of the thunder-bolt, alighted on that mountain, blazing in
+beauty. And that intelligent one decked in a diadem <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 335]</span> and garlands, having alighted on the
+mountain, first bowed down at the feet of <i>Dhaumya</i>, and then
+at those of <i>Ajatasatru</i>. And he also paid homage unto
+Vrikodara's feet; and the twins also bowed down unto him. Then
+going to Krishna, and having cheered her, he stood before his
+(elder) brother in humble guise. And on meeting with that matchless
+one, they were exceedingly delighted. And he also meeting with them
+rejoiced exceedingly, and began to eulogise the king. And seeing
+before them that car driving in which the slayer of Namuchi had
+annihilated seven phalanxes of <i>Diti's</i> offspring, the
+magnanimous Parthas went round it. And being highly pleased, they
+offered excellent worship unto Matali, as unto the lord of the
+celestials himself. And then the son of the Kuru king duly enquired
+of him after the health of all the gods. And Matali also greeted
+them. And having instructed the Parthas even as a father doth his
+sons, he ascended that incomparable car, and returned to the lord
+of the celestials.</p>
+<p>"And when Matali had gone away, that foremost of the royal race,
+Sakra's son, the high-souled destroyer of all foes made over unto
+his love, the mother of <i>Sutasoma</i>, beautiful precious gems
+and ornaments having the splendour of the sun, which had been
+presented to him by Sakra. Then, sitting in the midst of those
+foremost of the Kurus, and those best of the <i>Brahmanas</i>,
+effulgent like unto fire or the sun, he began to relate all as it
+had happened, saying, 'In this way, I have learnt weapons from
+<i>Sakra</i>, <i>Vayu</i>, and the manifest <i>Siva</i>; and all
+the celestials with Indra also have been pleased with me, on
+account of my good behaviour, and concentration.'</p>
+<p>"After having briefly narrated unto them his sojourn in heaven,
+<i>Kiriti</i> of spotless deeds agreeably slept that night with the
+two sons of Madri."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then when the night had been spent,
+Dhananjaya, together with his brothers, paid homage unto
+Yudhishthira the just. And, O Bharata, at this moment, proceeding
+from the celestials there arose mighty and tremendous sounds of a
+musical instrument, and the rattling of car-wheels, and the tolling
+of bells. And there at all the beasts and beasts of prey and birds
+emitted separate cries. And from all sides in cars resplendent as
+the sun, hosts of <i>Gandharvas</i> and <i>Apsaras</i> began to
+follow that represser of foes, the lord of the celestials. And
+ascending a car yoked with steeds, decorated with burnished gold,
+and roaring like clouds, that king of the celestials,
+<i>Purandara</i> blazing in beauty came unto the Parthas. And
+having arrived (at that place), he of a thousand eyes descended
+from his car. And as soon as Yudhishthira the just saw that
+high-souled one, he together with his brothers, approached that
+graceful king of the immortals. And in accordance with the
+ordinance that generous one duly worshipped him of immeasurable
+soul, in consequence with his dignity. And then Dhananjaya
+possessed of prowess, having bowed down unto <i>Purandara</i>,
+stood before the lord of the celestials in humble guise, like
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 336]</span> unto a servant. And seeing
+the sinless Dhananjaya having ascetic merit, bearing clotted hair,
+stand in humility before the lord of celestials, Yudhishthira, the
+son of Kunti, of great energy, smelt (the crown) of his head. And
+beholding <i>Phalguna</i> (in that attitude), he was exceedingly
+glad; and by worshipping the king of the celestials, he experienced
+the highest bliss. Then unto that strongminded monarch, swimming in
+felicity, the intelligent lord of the celestials, Purandara, spake,
+saying, 'Thou shalt rule the earth, O Pandava. Blessed be thou! Do
+thou, O Kunti's son, again repair unto Kamyaka.'</p>
+<p>"That learned man who for a year leading the <i>Brahmacharya</i>
+mode of life, subduing his senses and observing vows, peruseth with
+rapt attention this meeting of <i>Sakra</i> with the Pandavas,
+liveth a hundred years free from disturbances, and enjoying
+happiness."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "When <i>Sakra</i> had gone to his
+proper place, <i>Vibhatsu</i> together with his brothers and
+Krishna, paid homage unto the son of Dharma. Then smelling the
+crown of the head of that Pandava, who was thus paying homage,
+(Yudhishthira) in accents faltering on account of joy, addressed
+Arjuna, saying, 'O Arjuna, how didst thou pass this period in
+heaven? And how has thou obtained the weapons, and how also hast
+thou gratified the lord of the celestials? And, O Pandava, has thou
+adequately secured the weapons? Have the lord of the celestials and
+<i>Rudra</i> gladly granted thee the weapons? And how hast thou
+beheld the divine <i>Sakra</i>, and the wielder of <i>Pinaka</i>?
+And how has thou obtained the weapons? And in what manner didst
+thou worship (them)? And what service hadst thou done unto that
+repressor of foes, the worshipful one of a hundred sacrifices, that
+he said unto thee, "By thee have I been gratified?" All this, O
+highly effulgent one, I wish to hear in detail. And, O sinless one,
+the manner in which thou didst please Mahadeva and the king of the
+celestials and, O repressor of foes, the service thou hadst done to
+the wielder of the thunder-bolt,&mdash;do thou, O Dhananjaya,
+relate all this in detail.'</p>
+<p>"Arjuna said, 'O mighty monarch, listen how I duly beheld him of
+a hundred sacrifice and the divine <i>Sankara</i> also. O grinder
+of foes, O king, having acquired that science which thou hadst
+directed me (to learn), I at thy command went to the forest, for
+practising penances. From <i>Kamyaka</i> repairing to the
+<i>Bhrigutunga</i>, I spent there one night, being engaged in
+austerities. And it came to pass that on the next I saw a certain
+<i>Brahmana</i>. And he asked me, saying, "O son of Kunti, whither
+wilt thou go?" Thereupon, O descendant of the Kurus, I truly
+related unto him everything. And, O best of kings, having heard the
+true account, the <i>Brahmana</i> became well-pleased with me, and,
+O king, praised me. Then the <i>Brahmana</i>, pleased with me,
+said, "O Bharata, be thou engaged in austerities. By performing
+penances, thou wilt in a short time behold the lord of the
+celestials." <span class="pagenum">[Pg 337]</span> And according to
+his advice I ascended the <i>Himavan</i>, and, O mighty king, began
+to practise penances, (the first) month subsisting on fruit and
+roots. I spent the second month, subsisting on water. And, O
+Pandava, in the third month I totally abstained from food. And in
+the fourth month I remained with upraised arms. And a wonder it is
+that I did not lose any strength. And it came to pass that when the
+first day of the fifth month had been spent, there appeared before
+me a being wearing the form of a boar, turning up the earth with
+his mouth, stamping the ground with his feet, rubbing the earth
+with his breast, and momentarily going about in a frightful manner.
+And him followed a great being in the guise of a hunter furnished
+with the bow, arrows, and the sword, and surrounded by females.
+Thereupon, taking my bow and the two inexhaustible quivers, I
+pierced with shafts that terrible and frightful creature. And
+simultaneously (with me) that hunter also drawing a strong bow,
+more severely struck at (the animal), as if shaking my mind. And, O
+king, he also said unto me, "Why hast thou, transgressing the rules
+of hunting, hit the animal first hit at by me? With these sharpened
+shafts will I destroy thy pride. Stay!" Then that mighty-bodied one
+holding the bow rushed at me. And with volleys of mighty shafts, he
+covered me entirely, even as a cloud covereth a mountain with
+showers. Then, on my part, I covered him with a mighty discharge of
+arrows. Thereupon, with steady arrows having their points aflame,
+and inspired with <i>mantras</i>, I pierced him even as (Indra)
+riveth a mountain with a thunderbolt. Then his person began to be
+multiplied a hundredfold and a thousandfold. At this, I pierced all
+his bodies with shafts. Then again all those forms became one, O
+Bharata. Thereat I struck at it. Next, he now assumed a small body
+with a huge head, and now a huge body with a small head. And, O
+king, he then assumed his former person and approached me for
+fight. And, O foremost of the Bharata race, when in the encounter I
+failed to overwhelm him with arrows, I fixed the mighty weapon of
+the Wind-god. But I failed to discharge it at him, and this was a
+wonder. And when that weapon thus failed of effect, I was struck
+with amazement. However, O king, exerting myself more vigorously, I
+again covered that being with a mighty multitude of shafts. Then
+taking <i>Sthuna-karna</i>, and <i>Varuna</i> and <i>Salava</i>,
+and <i>Asmavarsha</i> weapons, I assailed him, profusely showering
+shafts. But, O king, he instantly swallowed up even all these
+weapons of mine. And when all those (weapons) had been swallowed
+up, I discharged the weapon presided over by Brahma. And when the
+blazing arrows issuing from that weapon were heaped upon him all
+around, and being thus heaped over by that mighty weapon discharged
+by me, he increased (in bulk). Then all the world became oppressed
+with the energy begotten of the weapon hurled by me, and the
+firmament and all the points of the sky became illumined. But that
+one of mighty energy instantly baffled even that weapon. And, O
+monarch, when that weapon presided over by <i>Brahma</i> had been
+baffled I was possessed with terrible fear. Thereupon immediately
+holding even my bow and the two inexhaustible quivers, I shot at
+that being, but he swallowed up all those weapons. And when all the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 338]</span> weapons had been baffled and
+swallowed up, there ensued a wrestling between him and myself. And
+we encountered each other first with blows and then with slaps. But
+incapable of overcoming that being, I fell down stupefied on the
+ground. Thereupon, O mighty king, with a laugh, that wonderful
+being at my sight vanished at that spot together with the women.
+Having accomplished this, O illustrious monarch, that divine one
+assumed another and unearthly form (clad in) wonderful raiment. And
+renouncing the form of a hunter, that divine lord of the gods,
+resumed his own unearthly appearance and that mighty god stood
+(there). Then appeared before me with <i>Uma</i> that manifest
+divine one, having the bull for his mark, wielding the
+<i>Pinaka</i>, bearing serpents and capable of assuming many forms.
+And, O repressor of foes, advancing towards me, standing even then
+in the field ready for conflict, that wielder of the trident
+addressed me saying, "I am well-pleased with thee." Then that
+divine one held up my bows and the couple of quivers furnished with
+inexhaustible shafts and returned them unto me saying, "Do thou ask
+some boon, O Kunti's son. I am well-pleased with thee. Tell me,
+what I shall do for thee. And, O hero, express the desire that
+dwelleth in thy heart. I will grant it. Except immortality alone,
+tell me as to the desire that is in thy heart." Thereat with my
+mind intent on the acquisition of arms, I only bowed down unto Siva
+and said, "O divine one, if thou beest favourably disposed towards
+me, then I wish to have this boon,&mdash;I wish to learn all the
+weapons that are with thy god-head." Then the god <i>Tryamvaka</i>
+said unto me, "I will give. O Pandava, my own weapon <i>Raudra</i>
+shall attend upon thee." Thereupon <i>Mahadeva</i>, well-pleased,
+granted to me the mighty weapon, <i>Pasupata</i>. And, having
+granted that eternal weapon, he also said unto me, "This must never
+be hurled at mortals. If discharged at any person of small energy,
+it would consume the universe. Shouldst thou (at any time) be hard
+pressed, thou mayst discharge it. And when all thy weapons have
+been completely baffled, thou mayst hurl it." Then when he having
+the bull for his mark, had been thus gratified, there stood
+manifest by my side that celestial weapon, of resistless force
+capable of baffling all weapons and destructive of foes and the
+hewer of hostile forces and unrivalled and difficult to be borne
+even by the celestials, the demons and the <i>Rakshasas</i>. Then
+at the command of that god, I sat me down there. And in my very
+sight the god vanished from the spot.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXVII</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna said, 'O Bharata, by the grace of that god of gods the
+Supreme Soul, <i>Tryamvaka</i>, I passed the night at that place.
+And having passed the night, when I had finished the morning
+rituals, I saw that foremost of the <i>Brahmanas</i> whom I had
+seen before. And unto him I told all as it had happened, O Bharata,
+namely, that I had met the divine <i>Mahadeva</i>. Thereupon, O
+king of kings, well-pleased, he said unto me, "Since thou hast
+beheld the great god, incapable of being beheld by any one else,
+soon wilt thou <span class="pagenum">[Pg 339]</span> mix with
+<i>Vaivaswata</i> and the other <i>Lokapalas</i> and the lord of
+the celestials; and Indra too will grant thee weapons." O king,
+having said this unto me and having embraced me again and again,
+that <i>Brahmana</i> resembling the Sun, went away whither he
+listed. And, O slayer of foes, it came to pass that on the evening
+of that day refreshing the whole world, there began to blow a pure
+breeze. And in my vicinity on the base of the <i>Himalaya</i>
+mountain fresh, fragrant and fair flowers began to bloom. And on
+all sides there were heard charming symphony and captivating hymns
+relating to Indra. And before the lord of the celestial hosts of
+<i>Apsaras</i> and <i>Gandharvas</i> chanted various songs. And
+ascending celestial cars, there approached the <i>Marutas</i> and
+the followers of <i>Mahendra</i> and the dwellers of heaven. And
+afterwards, Marutvan together with <i>Sachi</i> and all the
+celestials appeared on the scene in cars yoked with horses
+elegantly adorned. And at this very moment, O king, he that goeth
+about on the shoulders of men manifested himself unto me in
+excellent grace. And I saw <i>Yama</i> seated on the south and
+<i>Varuna</i> and the lord of the celestials at their respective
+regions. And, O foremost of men, O mighty monarch, they after
+having cheered me said, "O Savyasachin, behold us&mdash;the
+Lokapalas&mdash;seated. For the performance of the task of the gods
+thou hast obtained the sight of <i>Sankara</i>. Do thou now receive
+weapons from us seated around." Thereupon, O lord, having bowed
+down unto those foremost of the celestials with regard, I duly
+accepted those mighty weapons. And then they recognised me as one
+of their own. Afterwards the gods repaired to the quarter from
+whence they had come. And that lord of the celestials, the divine
+Maghavan too having ascended his glorious chariot, said, "O
+<i>Phalguna</i>, thou shalt have to repair unto the celestial
+region. O Dhananjaya, even before this thy arrival I knew that thou
+wouldst come hither. Then I have, O best of the Bharatas,
+manifested myself unto thee. As formerly thou hadst performed thy
+ablution in the various <i>tirthas</i> and now hast performed
+severe austerities, so thou wilt be able to repair unto the
+celestial regions, O Pandava. Thou wilt, however, again have to
+practise extreme penance, for thou shouldst at any rate journey to
+heaven. And at my command, Matali shall take thee to the celestial
+regions. Thou hast already been recognised by the celestials and
+the celestial sages of high soul." Thereupon I said unto Sakra, "O
+divine one, be thou favourable unto me. With the view of learning
+arms do I beseech thee that thou mayst be my preceptor." At this
+Indra said, "O child, having learnt weapons thou wouldst perform
+terrible deeds and with this object thou desirest to obtain the
+weapons. However, obtain thou the arms, as thou desirest." Then I
+said, "O slayer of foes, I never would discharge these celestial
+weapons at mortals except when all my other arms should have been
+baffled. Do thou, O lord of the celestials, grant me the celestial
+weapons (so that) I may hereafter obtain the regions attainable by
+warriors." Indra said, "O Dhananjaya it is to try thee that I have
+said such words unto thee. Having been begotten of me this speech
+of thine well becometh thee. Do thou, O Bharata, repairing unto my
+abode learn all the weapons of <i>Vayu</i>, of <i>Agni</i>, of the
+<i>Vasus</i>, of <i>Varuna</i>, of the <i>Marutas</i>, of the
+<i>Siddhas</i>, of Brahma, of the Gandharvas, of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 340]</span> the Uragas, of the Rakshasas, of Vishnu
+and of the <i>Nairitas</i>; and also all the weapons that are with
+me, O perpetuator of the Kuru race." Having said this unto me
+<i>Sakra</i> vanished at the very spot. Then, O king, I saw the
+wonderful and sacred celestial car yoked with steeds arrive
+conducted by Matali. And when the Lokapalas went away Matali said
+unto me, "O thou of mighty splendour, the lord of the celestials is
+desirous of seeing thee. And O mighty-armed one, do thou acquire
+competence and then perform thy task. Come and behold the regions,
+attainable by merit and come unto heaven even in this frame. O
+Bharata, the thousand-eyed lord of the celestials wisheth to see
+thee." Thus addressed by Matali, I, taking leave of the mountain
+Himalaya and having gone round it ascended that excellent car. And
+then the exceedingly generous Matali, versed in equine lore, drove
+the steeds, gifted with the speed of thought or the wind. And when
+the chariot began to move that charioteer looking at my face as I
+was seated steadily, wondered and said these words, "Today this
+appeareth unto me strange and unprecedented that being seated in
+this celestial car, thou hast not been jerked ever so little. O
+foremost of Bharata race, I have ever remarked that at the first
+pull by the steeds even the lord of the celestials himself getteth
+jerked. But all the while that the car had moved, thou hast been
+sitting unshaken. This appeareth unto me as transcending even the
+power of <i>Sakra</i>."</p>
+<p>"'Having said this, O Bharata, Matali soared in the sky and
+showed me the abodes of the celestials and their palaces. Then the
+chariot yoked with steeds coursed upwards. And the celestials and
+the sages began to worship (that car), O prince of men. And I saw
+the regions, moving anywhere at will, and the splendour also of the
+highly energetic <i>Gandharvas, Apsaras</i>, and the celestial
+sages. And <i>Sakra's</i> charioteer, Matali, at once showed me
+<i>Nandana</i> and other gardens and groves belonging to the
+celestials. Next I beheld Indra's abode, <i>Amaravati</i>, adorned
+with jewels and trees yielding any sort of fruit that is desired.
+There the Sun doth not shed heat; nor doth heat or cold or fatigue
+there affect (one), O king. And, O great monarch, the celestials
+feel neither sorrow nor poverty of spirit, nor weakness, nor
+lassitude, O grinder of foes. And, O ruler of men, the celestials
+and the others have neither anger nor covetousness. And, O king, in
+the abodes of the celestials, the beings are ever contented. And
+there the trees ever bear verdant foliage, and fruits, and flowers;
+and the various lakes are embalmed with the fragrance of lotuses.
+And there the breeze is cool, and delicious, and fragrant, and
+pure, and inspiring. And the ground is variegated with all kinds of
+gems, and adorned with blossoms. And there were seen innumerable
+beautiful beasts and in the air innumerable rangers of the sky.
+Then I saw the <i>Vasus</i>, and the <i>Rudras</i>, and the
+<i>Sadhyas</i> with the <i>Marutas</i>, and the <i>Adityas</i>, and
+the two <i>Aswins</i> and worshipped them. And they conferred their
+benison on me, granting me strength and prowess, and energy, and
+celebrity, and (skill in) arms, and victory in battle. Then,
+entering that romantic city adored by the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the
+celestials, with joined hands, I stood before the thousand-eyed
+lord of the celestials. Thereupon, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+341]</span> that best of bestowers gladly offered unto me half of
+his seat; and <i>Vasava</i> also with regard touched my person.
+And, O Bharata, with the view of acquiring arms and learning
+weapons, I began to dwell in heaven, together with the gods and the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> of generous souls. And <i>Viswavana's</i> son,
+<i>Chitrasena</i> became my friend. And he, O king, imparted unto
+me the entire <i>Gandharva</i> (science). And, O monarch, I happily
+lived in <i>Sakra's</i> abode, well cared for having all my desires
+gratified, learning weapons, listening to the notes of songs, and
+the clear sounds of musical instruments, and beholding the foremost
+of <i>Apsaras</i> dance. And without neglecting to study the arts,
+which I learnt properly, my attention was specially fixed on the
+acquisition of arms. And that lord of a thousand eyes was pleased
+with that purpose of mine. Living thus in heaven, O king, I passed
+this period.</p>
+<p>"'And when I had acquired proficiency in weapons, and gained his
+confidence that one having for his vehicle the horse
+(<i>Uchchaisrava</i>), (Indra), patting me on the head with his
+hand, said these words, "Now even the celestials themselves cannot
+conquer thee,&mdash;what shall I say of imperfect mortals residing
+on earth? Thou hast become invulnerable in strength, irrepressible,
+and incomparable in fight." Then with the hair of his body standing
+on end, he again accosted me saying, "O hero, in fighting with
+weapons none is equal unto thee. And, O perpetuator of the Kuru
+race, thou art even watchful, and dexterous, and truthful, and of
+subdued senses, and the protector of the <i>Brahmanas</i> and adept
+in weapons, and warlike. And, O Partha, together with (a knowledge
+of) the five modes, using (them), thou hast obtained five and ten
+weapons and, therefore, there existeth none, who is thy peer. And
+thou hast perfectly learnt the discharge (of those weapons) and
+(their) withdrawal, and (their) re-discharge and re-withdrawal, and
+the <i>Prayaschitta</i> connected (with them), and also their
+revival, in case of their being baffled. Now, O represser of foes,
+the time hath arrived for thy paying the preceptor's fee. Do thou
+promise to pay the fee; then I shall unfold unto thee what thou
+wilt have to perform." Thereat, O king, I said unto the ruler of
+the celestials, "If it be in my power to do the work, do thou
+consider it as already accomplished by me." O king, when I had said
+these words, Indra with a smile said unto me "Nothing is there in
+the three worlds that is not in thy power (to achieve). My enemies,
+those <i>Danavas</i>, named <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, dwell in the
+womb of the ocean. And they number thirty million and are
+notorious, and all of equal forms and strength and splendour. Do
+thou slay them there, O Kunti's son; and that will be thy
+preceptor's fee."</p>
+<p>"'Saying this he gave unto me the highly resplendent celestial
+car, conducted by Matali, furnished with hair resembling the down
+of peacocks. And on my head he set this excellent diadem. And he
+gave me ornaments for my body, like unto his own. And he granted
+unto me the impenetrable mail&mdash;the best of its kind, and easy
+to the touch; and fastened unto the <i>Gandiva</i> this durable
+string. Then I set out, ascending that splendid chariot riding on
+which in days of yore, the lord of the celestials and vanquished
+<i>Vali</i>&mdash;that son of <i>Virochana</i>. And, O ruler of
+men, startled by the rattling <span class="pagenum">[Pg 342]</span>
+of the car, all the celestials, approached (there), taking me to be
+the king of the celestials. And seeing me, they asked, "O Phalguna,
+what art thou going to do?" And I told them as it had fallen
+out,&mdash;and said, "I shall even do this in battle. Ye that are
+highly fortunate, know that I have set out desirous of slaying the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>. O sinless ones, do ye bless me." Thereupon,
+they began to eulogise me even as they (eulogise) the god,
+<i>Purandara</i>. And they said, "Riding on this car,
+<i>Maghavan</i> conquered in battle <i>Samvara</i>, and
+<i>Namuchi</i>, and <i>Vala</i>, and <i>Vritra</i>, and
+<i>Prahrada</i>, and <i>Naraka</i>. And mounted on this car also
+Maghavan, had conquered in battle many thousands and millions and
+hundreds of millions of <i>Daityas</i>. And, O <i>Kaunteya</i>,
+thou also, riding on this car, by thy prowess shalt conquer the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> in conflict, even as did the self-possessed
+Maghavan in days of yore. And here is the best of shells; by this
+also thou shalt defeat the <i>Danavas</i>. And by this it is that
+the high souled <i>Sakra</i> conquered the words." Saying this, the
+gods offered (unto me) this shell, <i>Devadatta</i>, sprung in the
+deep; and I accepted it for the sake of victory. And at this
+moment, the gods fell extolling me. And in order to be engaged in
+action, I proceeded to the dreadful abode of the <i>Danavas</i>,
+furnished with the shell, the mail, and arrows, and taking my
+bow.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Then at places eulogised by the
+<i>Maharshis</i>, I (proceeded, and at length) beheld the
+ocean&mdash;that inexhaustible lord of waters. And like unto
+flowing cliffs were seen on it heaving billows, now meeting
+together and now rolling away. And there (were seen) all around
+barks by thousands filled with gems. And there were seen
+<i>timingilas</i> and tortoises and <i>makaras</i> like unto rock
+submerged in water. And on all sides round thousands of shells sunk
+in water appeared like stars in the night covered by light clouds.
+And thousands upon thousands of gems were floating in heaps and a
+violent wind was blowing about in whirls&mdash;and this was
+wonderful to behold. And having beheld that excellent lord of all
+waters with powerful tides, I saw at a short distance the city of
+the demons filled with the <i>Danavas</i>. And even there, entering
+underneath the earth, Matali skilled in guiding the car, sitting
+fast on the chariot drove it with force; and he dashed on,
+frightening that city with the rattling of his chariot. And hearing
+that rattling of the chariot like unto the rumbling of the clouds
+in the sky, the <i>Danavas</i>, thinking me to be the lord of the
+celestials, became agitated. And thereupon they all, frightened at
+heart, stood holding in their hands bows and arrows and swords and
+javelins and axes and maces and clubs. Then having made
+arrangements for the defence of the city, the <i>Danavas</i>, with
+minds alarmed, shut the gates, so that nothing could be discovered.
+Thereupon taking my shell, <i>Devadatta</i>, of tremendous roars, I
+again and again winded it with exceeding cheerfulness. And filling
+all the firmament, those sounds produced echoes. Thereat mighty
+beings <span class="pagenum">[Pg 343]</span> were terrified and
+they hid (themselves). And then, O Bharata, all of them adorned
+with ornaments, those offsprings of <i>Diti</i>&mdash;the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>&mdash;made their appearance by thousands,
+donning diverse mail and taking in their hands various weapons and
+equipped with mighty iron javelins and maces and clubs and hatchets
+and sabres and discs and <i>sataghnis</i> and <i>bhusundis</i> and
+variegated and ornamented swords. Then, after deliberating much as
+to the course of the car, Matali began to guide the steeds on a
+(piece of) level ground, O foremost of the Bharatas. And owing to
+the swiftness of those fleet coursers conducted by him, I could see
+nothing&mdash;and this was strange. Then the <i>Danavas</i> there
+began to sound thousands of musical instruments, dissonant and of
+odd shapes. And at those sounds, fishes by hundreds and by
+thousands, like unto hills, having their senses bewildered by that
+noise, fled suddenly. And mighty force flew at me, the demons
+discharging sharpened shafts by hundreds and by thousands. And
+then, O Bharata, there ensued a dreadful conflict between me and
+the demons, calculated to extinguish the <i>Nivata Kavachas</i>.
+And there came to the mighty battle the <i>Devarshis</i> and the
+<i>Danavarshis</i> and the <i>Brahmarshis</i> and the
+<i>Siddhas</i>. And desirous of victory, the <i>Munis eulogised</i>
+me with the same sweet-speeches that (they had eulogised) Indra
+with, at the war, (which took place) for the sake of
+<i>Tara</i>.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXIX</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Then, O Bharata, vehemently rushed at me in
+battle in a body the <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, equipped with arms.
+And obstructing the course of the car, and shouting loudly, those
+mighty charioteers, hemming me in on all sides, covered me with
+showers of shafts. Then other demons of mighty prowess, with darts
+and hatchets in their hands, began to throw at me spears and axes.
+And that mighty discharge of darts, with numerous maces and clubs
+incessantly hurled fell upon my car. And other dreadful and
+grim-visaged smiters among the <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, furnished
+with bows and sharpened weapons, ran at me in fight. And in the
+conflict, shooting from the <i>Gandiva</i> sundry swift arrows
+coursing straight, I pierced each of them with ten. And they were
+driven back by those stone-whetted shafts of mine. Then on my
+steeds being swiftly driven by Matali, they began to display
+various movements with the speed of the wind. And being skilfully
+guided by Matali, they began to trample upon the sons of
+<i>Diti</i>. And although the steeds yoked unto that mighty chariot
+numbered hundreds upon hundreds, yet being deftly conducted by
+Matali, they began to move, as if they were only a few. And by
+their tread, and by the rattling of the chariot wheels and by the
+volleys of my shafts, the <i>Danavas</i> began to fall by hundreds.
+And others accoutred in bows, being deprived of life, and having
+their charioteers slain, were carried about by the horses. Then,
+covering all sides and directions, all (the <i>Danavas</i>) skilled
+in striking entered into the contest with various weapons, and
+thereat my mind became afflicted. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+344]</span> And I witnessed (this instance of) the marvellous
+prowess of Matali, viz., that he guided those fiery steeds with
+ease. Then, O king, in the conflict, with diverse fleet weapons I
+pierced by hundreds and by thousands (demons) bearing arms. And, O
+slayer of foes, seeing me thus range the field putting forth every
+exertion, the heroic charioteer of <i>Sakra</i> was well-pleased.
+And oppressed by those steeds and that car, some (of them) met with
+annihilation; and others desisted from fight; while (other)
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, challenged by us in battle and being
+harassed with shafts offered opposition unto me, by (discharging)
+mighty showers of arrows. Thereupon, with hundreds and thousands of
+sundry fleet weapons inspired with the <i>mantras</i> relating to
+<i>Brahma's</i> weapons, I swiftly began to burn them. And being
+sore pressed by me, those mighty <i>asuras</i> waxing wroth
+afflicted me together, by pouring torrents of clubs and darts and
+swords. Then, O Bharata, I took up that favourite weapon of the
+lord of the celestials, Maghavan by name, prime and of fiery energy
+and by the energy of that weapon I cut into a thousand pieces the
+<i>Tomaras</i>, together with the swords and the tridents hurled by
+them. And having cut off their arms I in ire pierced them each with
+ten shafts. And in the field arrows were shot from the
+<i>Gandiva</i> like unto rows of black-bees; and this Matali
+admired. And their shafts also showered upon me; but those powerful
+(arrows) I cut off with my shafts. Then on being struck the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> again covered me on all sides with a mighty
+shower of arrows. And having neutralised the force of the arrows by
+excellent swift and flaming weapons capable of baffling arms, I
+pierced them by thousands. And blood began to flow from their torn
+frames, even as in the rainy season waters run down from the
+summits of mountains. And on being wounded by my fleet and
+straight-coursing shafts of the touch of Indra's thunder-bolt, they
+became greatly agitated. And their bodies were pierced at hundreds
+of places; and the force of their arms diminished. Then the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> fought me by (the help of) illusion.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXX</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna said, 'Then with rocks of the proportions of trees,
+there commenced a mighty shower of crags; and this exercised me
+exceedingly. And in that high encounter, I crushed (those crags) by
+swift-speeding showers of arrows, issuing from Mahendra's weapon,
+like unto the thunder-bolt itself. And when the rocks had been
+reduced to powder, there was generated fire; and the rocky dust
+fell like unto masses of flames. And when the showers of crags had
+been repelled, there happened near me a mightier shower of water,
+having currents of the proportions of an axle. And falling from the
+welkin, those thousands of powerful torrents covered the entire
+firmament and the directions and the cardinal points. And on
+account of the pouring of the shower, and of the blowing of the
+wind, and of roaring of the <i>Daityas</i>, nothing could be
+perceived. And touching heaven and the entire earth, and
+incessantly falling on the ground, the showers bewildered
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 345]</span> me. Thereupon, I discharged
+that celestial weapon which I had learnt from Indra&mdash;even the
+dreadful and flaming <i>Visoshana</i>: and by that the water was
+dried up. And, O Bharata, when the rocky shower had been destroyed,
+and the watery shower had been dried up, the <i>Danavas</i> began
+to spread illusions of fire and wind. Then by aqueous appliances I
+extinguished the flames; and by a mighty rock-issuing arm, resisted
+the fury of the winds. And when these had been repelled, the
+<i>Danavas</i>, irrepressible in battle, O Bharata, simultaneously
+created various illusions. And there happened a tremendous
+horrifying shower of rocks and dreadful weapons of fire and wind.
+And that illusory downpour afflicted me in fight. And then on all
+sides there appeared a dense and thick darkness. And when the world
+had been enveloped in deep and dense darkness, the steeds turned
+away, Matali fell off, and from his hand the golden lash fell to
+the earth. And, O foremost of the Bharatas, being frightened, he
+again and again cried, "Where art thou?" And when he had been
+stupefied, a terrible fear possessed me. And then in a hurry, he
+spake unto me, saying, "O Partha, for the sake of nectar, there had
+taken place a mighty conflict between the gods and the demons. I
+had seen that (encounter), O sinless one. And on the occasion of
+the destruction of Samvara, there had occurred a dreadful and
+mighty contest. Nevertheless I had acted as charioteer to the lord
+of the celestials. In the same way, on the occasion of the slaying
+of <i>Vritra</i>, the steeds had been conducted by me. And I had
+also beheld the high and terrific encounter with <i>Virochana's</i>
+son, and, O Pandava, with <i>Vala</i>, and with <i>Prahrada</i> and
+with others also. In these exceedingly dreadful battles, I was
+present; but, O Pandu's son, never (before) had I lost my senses.
+Surely the Greatfather hath ordained the destruction of all
+creatures; for this battle cannot be for any other purpose than
+destruction of the universe." Having heard these words of his,
+"pacifying my perturbation by my own effort, I will destroy the
+mighty energy of the illusion spread by the <i>Danavas</i>" quoth I
+unto the terrified Matali. "Behold the might of my arms, and the
+power of my weapons and of the bow, <i>Gandiva</i>. To-day even by
+(the help of) illusion-creating arms, will I dispel this deep gloom
+and also this horrible illusion of theirs. Do not fear, O
+charioteer. Pacify thyself." Having said this, O lord of men, I
+created for the good of the celestials, an illusion of arms capable
+of bewildering all beings. And when (their) illusion had been
+dispelled, some of the foremost amongst the <i>Asuras</i>, of
+unrivalled prowess, again spread diverse kinds of illusion.
+Thereupon, now (the world) displayed itself, and now it was
+devoured by darkness; and now the world disappeared from view and
+now it was submerged under water. And when it had brightened up,
+Matali, sitting in front of the car, with the wellconducted steeds,
+began to range that hair-erecting field. Then the fierce
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> assailed me. And finding my opportunity, I
+began to send them to the mansion of Yama. Thereupon, in that
+conflict then raging, calculated to annihilate the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> on a sudden, I could not see the
+<i>Danavas</i> concealed by illusion.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 346]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXI</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Remaining invisible the <i>Daityas</i> began
+to fight with the help of illusion. And I too fought with them,
+resorting to the energy of visible weapons. And the shafts duly
+discharged from the <i>Gandiva</i>, began to sever their heads at
+those different places where they were respectively stationed. And
+thus assailed by me in the conflict, the <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>,
+all on a sudden withdrawing the illusion, entered into their own
+city. And when the <i>Daityas</i> had fled, and when all had become
+visible, I there discovered hundreds and thousands of the slain.
+And there I saw by hundreds their shivered weapons, ornaments,
+limbs, and mail. And the horses could not find room for moving from
+one place to another; and on a sudden with a bound, they fell to
+coursing in the sky. Then remaining invisible, the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> covered the entire welkin with masses of
+crags. And, O Bharata, other dreadful <i>Danavas</i>, entering into
+the entrails of the earth, took up horses' legs and chariot-wheels.
+And as I was fighting, they, hard besetting my horses with rocks,
+attacked me together with (my) car. And with the crags that had
+fallen and with others that were falling, the place where I was,
+seemed to be a mountain cavern. And on myself being covered with
+crags and on the horses being hard pressed, I became sore
+distressed and this was marked by Matali. And on seeing me afraid,
+he said unto me, "O Arjuna, Arjuna! be thou not afraid; send that
+weapon, the thunder-bolt, O lord of men." Hearing those words of
+his, I then discharged the favourite weapon of the king of the
+celestials&mdash;the dreadful thunderbolt. And inspiring the
+Gandiva with <i>mantras</i>, I, aiming at the locality of the
+crags, shot sharpened iron shafts of the touch of the thunder-bolt.
+And sent by the thunder, those adamantine arrows entered into all
+those illusions and into the midst of those <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>.
+And slaughtered by the vehemence of the thunder, those
+<i>Danavas</i> resembling cliffs, fell to the earth together in
+masses. And entering amongst those <i>Danavas</i> that had carried
+away the steeds of the car into the interior of the earth, the
+shafts sent them into the mansion of <i>Yama</i>. And that quarter
+was completely covered with the <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> that had
+been killed or baffled, comparable unto cliffs and lying scattered
+like crags. And then no injury appeared to have been sustained
+either by the horses, or by the car, or by Matali, or by me, and
+this seemed strange. Then, O king, Matali addressed me smiling,
+"Not in the celestials themselves, O Arjuna, is seen the prowess
+that is seen in thee." And when the <i>Danava</i> hosts had been
+destroyed, all their females began to bewail in that city, like
+unto cranes in autumn. Then with Matali I entered that city,
+terrifying with the rattling of my car the wives of the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>. Thereupon, seeing those ten thousand horses
+like unto peacocks (in hue), and also that chariot resembling the
+sun, the women fled in swarms. And like unto (the sounds of) rocks
+falling on a mountain, sounds arose of the (falling) ornaments of
+the terrified dames. (At length), the panic-stricken wives of the
+<i>Daityas</i> entered into their respective golden places
+variegated with innumerable jewels. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+347]</span> Beholding that excellent city, superior to the city of
+the celestials themselves, I asked Matali, saying, "Why do not the
+celestials reside in such (a place)? Surely, this appeareth
+superior to the city of Purandara." Thereat, Matali said, "In days
+of yore, O Partha, even this was the city of our lord of the
+celestials. Afterwards the celestials were driven from hence by the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>. Having performed the most rigid
+austerities, they had gratified the Grand-father and had asked (and
+obtained) the boons&mdash;namely, that they might reside here, and
+that they might be free from danger in wars with the gods." Then
+<i>Sakra</i> addressed the self-create lord saying, "Do thou, O
+lord, desirous of our own welfare do what is proper." Thereupon, O
+Bharata, in this matter the Lord commanded (Indra), saying, "O
+slayer of foes, in another body, even thou shalt be (the destroyer
+of the <i>Danavas</i>)." Then, in order to slaughter them,
+<i>Sakra</i> rendered unto thee those weapons. The gods had been
+unable to slay these, who have been slain by thee. O Bharata, in
+the fullness of time, hadst thou come hither, in order to destroy
+them and thou hast done so. O foremost of men, with the object that
+the demons might be killed, Mahendra had conferred on thee the
+excellent prime energy of these weapons.'</p>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'After having destroyed the <i>Danavas</i>,
+and also subdued that city, with Matali I again went to that abode
+of the celestials.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXII</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Then while returning, I happened to descry a
+mighty unearthly city, moving at will, and having the effulgence of
+fire or the sun. And that city contained various trees composed of
+gems, and sweet-voiced feathered ones. And furnished with four
+gates, and gate-ways, and towers, that impregnable (city) was
+inhabited by the <i>Paulamas</i> and <i>Kalakanjas</i>. And it was
+made of all sorts of jewels and was unearthly, and of wonderful
+appearance. And it was covered with trees of all kinds of gems,
+bearing fruits and flowers. And it contained exceedingly beautiful
+unearthly birds. And it always swarmed throughout with cheerful
+<i>Asuras</i>, wearing garlands, and bearing in their hands darts,
+two edged swords, maces, bows, and clubs. And, O king, on seeing
+this wonderful city of the Daityas, I asked Matali saying, "What is
+this that looketh so wonderful?" Thereat, Matali replied, "Once on
+a time a <i>Daitya's</i> daughter, named <i>Pulama</i> and a mighty
+female of the <i>Asura</i> order, <i>Kalaka</i> by name, practised
+severe austerities for a thousand celestial years. And at the end
+of their austerities, the self-create conferred on them boons. And,
+O king of kings, they received these boons,&mdash;that their
+offspring might never suffer misfortune; that they might be
+incapable of being destroyed even by the gods, the <i>Rakshasas</i>
+and the <i>Pannagas</i>; and that they might obtain a highly
+effulgent and surpassingly fair aerial city, furnished with all
+manner of gems and invincible even by the celestials, the
+<i>Maharshis</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the
+<i>Pannagas</i>, the <i>Asuras</i> <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+348]</span> and the <i>Rakshasas</i>. O best of the Bharatas, this
+is that unearthly aerial city devoid of the celestials, which is
+moving about, having been created for the <i>Kalakeyas</i>, by
+<i>Brahma</i> himself. And this city is furnished with all
+desirable objects, and is unknown of grief or disease. And, O hero,
+celebrated under the name of <i>Hiranyapura</i>, this mighty city
+is inhabited by the <i>Paulamas</i> and the <i>Kalakanjas</i>; and
+it is also guarded by those mighty <i>Asuras</i>. And, O king,
+unslayed by any of the gods, there they dwell cheerfully, free from
+anxiety and having all their desires gratified, O foremost of
+kings. Formerly, <i>Brahma</i> had destined destruction at the
+hands of mortals. Do thou, O Partha, in fight, compass with that
+weapon&mdash;the thunder-bolt&mdash;the destruction of the mighty
+and irrepressible <i>Kalakanjas</i>."'</p>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'O lord of men, learning that they were
+incapable of being destroyed by the celestials and the
+<i>Asuras</i>, I cheerfully said unto Matali, "Do thou speedily
+repair into yonder city. With weapons will I compass the
+annihilation of the haters of the lord of the celestials. Surely,
+there exist no wicked haters of the gods who ought not to be slain
+by me." Thereupon Matali took me to the vicinity of
+<i>Hiranyapura</i> on the celestial chariot yoked with steeds. And
+seeing me, those sons of Diti, wearing various kinds of attire and
+ornament and accoutred in mail, flew at me with a mighty rush. And
+those foremost of the <i>Danavas</i>, of exceeding prowess, in
+wrath attacked me with arrows and <i>bhallas</i> and clubs and
+two-edged swords, and <i>tomaras</i>. Thereat, O king, resorting to
+my strength of lore, I resisted that great volley of weapons by a
+mighty shower of shafts; and also confounded them in conflict by
+ranging around in my car. And being bewildered, the <i>Danavas</i>
+began to push each other down. And having been confounded, they
+rushed at one another. And with flaming arrows, I severed their
+heads by hundreds. And hard pressed by me, the offspring of Diti,
+taking shelter within (their) city, soared with it to the
+firmament, resorting to the illusion proper to the <i>Danavas</i>.
+Thereupon, O son of the Kurus, covering the way of the
+<i>Daityas</i>, with a mighty discharge of shafts I obstructed
+their course. Then by virtue of the bestowal of the boon, the
+<i>Daityas</i> supported themselves easily on that sky-ranging
+unearthly aerial city, going anywhere at will and like unto the
+sun. And now (the city) entered unto the earth and now it rose
+upwards; and at one time it went in a crooked way and at another
+time it submerged into water. At this, O represser of foes, I
+assailed that mighty city, going anywhere at will, and resembling
+<i>Amaravati</i>. And, O best of the Bharatas, I attacked the city
+containing those sons of Diti, with multitudes of shafts,
+displaying celestial weapons. And battered and broken by the
+straight-coursing iron shafts, shot by me, the city of the
+<i>Asuras</i>, O king, fell to the earth. And they also, wounded by
+my iron arrows having the speed of the thunder, began, O monarch,
+to go about, being urged by destiny. Then ascending to the sky,
+Matali, as if falling in front, swiftly descended to the earth, on
+that chariot of solar resplendence. Then, O Bharata, environed me
+sixty thousand cars belonging to those wrathful ones eager to
+battle with me. And with sharpened shafts graced with feathers of
+the vulture, I destroyed those (cars). At this, thinking, "These
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 349]</span> our hosts are incapable of
+being vanquished by mortals," they became engaged in the conflict,
+like unto the surges of the sea. Thereupon I gradually began to fix
+(on the string) unearthly weapons. At this, thousands of weapons
+(shot) by those wonderfully warring charioteers, by degrees opposed
+my unearthly arms and in the field I saw hundreds and thousands of
+mighty (demons) ranging on their cars, in various manoeuvres. And
+being furnished with variegated mail and standards and diverse
+ornaments, they delighted my mind. And in the conflict I could not
+afflict them by showers of shafts, but they did not afflict me. And
+being afflicted by those innumerable ones, equipped in weapons and
+skilled in fight, I was pained in that mighty encounter and a
+terrible fear seized me. Thereupon collecting (my energies) in
+fight, I (bowed down) unto that god of gods, <i>Raudra</i>, and
+saying, "May welfare attend on all beings!" I fixed that mighty
+weapon which, celebrated under the name of <i>Raudra</i>, is the
+destroyer of all foes. Then I beheld a male person having three
+heads, nine eyes, three faces, and six arms. And his hair was
+flaming like fire or the sun. And, O slayer of foes, for his dress,
+he had mighty serpents, putting out their tongues. And saying, O
+best of the Bharatas, the dreadful and eternal <i>Raudra</i>, I
+being free from fear, set it on the <i>Gandiva</i>; and, bowing
+unto the three-eyed <i>Sarva</i> of immeasurable energy, let go
+(the weapon), with the object of vanquishing those foremost of the
+<i>Danavas</i>, O Bharata. And, O lord of men, as soon as it had
+been hurled, there appeared on the scene by thousands, forms of
+deer, and of lions, and of tigers, and of bears and of buffaloes,
+and of serpents, and of kine, and of sarabhas, and of elephants,
+and of apes in multitudes, and of bulls, and of boars, and of cats,
+and of dogs, and of spectres, and of all the <i>Bhurundas</i>, and
+of vultures, and of Garudas, of <i>chumaras</i>, and of all the
+leopards, and of mountains, and of seas, and of celestials, and of
+sages, and of all the <i>Gandharvas</i>, and of ghosts with the
+<i>Yakshas</i>, and of the haters of the gods, (<i>Asuras</i>), and
+of the <i>Guhyakas</i> in the field, and of the <i>Nairitas</i> and
+of elephant-mouthed sharks, and of owls, and of beings having the
+forms of fishes and horses, and of beings bearing swords and
+various other weapons, and of <i>Rakshasas</i> wielding maces and
+clubs. And on that weapon being hurled all the universe became
+filled with these as well as many others wearing various shapes.
+And again and again wounded by beings of various sights with
+(pieces of) flesh, fat, bones, and marrow on their
+persons,&mdash;some having three heads, and some four tusks, and
+some four mouths, and some four arms,&mdash;the <i>Danavas</i> met
+with destruction. And, then, O Bharata, in a moment I slew all
+those <i>Danavas</i>, with other swarms of arrows composed of the
+quintessence of stone, flaming like fire or the sun, and possessed
+of the force of the thunder-bolt. And, seeing them hewn by the
+<i>Gandiva</i>, and deprived of life, and thrown from the sky, I
+again bowed unto that god&mdash;the Destroyer of <i>Tripura</i>.
+And, seeing those adorned with unearthly ornaments, crushed by the
+weapon, the <i>Raudra</i>, the charioteer of the celestials,
+experienced the greatest delight. And having witnessed the
+accomplishment of that unbearable feat incapable of being achieved
+even by the celestials themselves, Matali, the charioteer of Sakra,
+paid <span class="pagenum">[Pg 350]</span> homage unto me; and
+well-pleased, with joint hands said these words. "The feat that
+hath been achieved by thee, is incapable of being borne even by the
+gods, nay,&mdash;in battle, the lord of the celestials himself
+cannot perform this deed. The sky-coursing mighty city incapable of
+being destroyed by the gods and the Asuras hast thou, O hero,
+crushed by thy own prowess and by the energy of asceticism." And
+when that aerial city had been destroyed, and when the
+<i>Danavas</i> also had been slain, their wives, uttering cries of
+distress, like unto Kurari birds, with hair dishevelled came out of
+the city. And bewailing for their sons and brothers and fathers,
+they fell on the ground and cried with distressful accents. And on
+being deprived for their lords, they beat their breasts, their
+garlands and ornaments fallen off. And that city of <i>Danavas</i>,
+in appearance like unto the city of the <i>Gandharvas</i> filled
+with lamentations and stricken with dole and distress, and bereft
+of grace even like unto a lake deprived of (its) elephants, or like
+unto a forest deprived of trees and (deprived of its) masters,
+looked no longer beautiful&mdash;but it vanished, like a
+cloud-constructed city. And when I had accomplished the task, from
+the field Matali took me of delighted spirits, unto the abode of
+the lord of the celestials. And having slain those mighty Asuras,
+and destroyed <i>Hiranyapura</i>, and having also killed the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, I came unto Indra. And, O exceedingly
+resplendent one, as it had fallen out, Matali related in detail
+unto Devendra that entire achievement of mine. And with the
+Marutas, hearing of the destruction of <i>Hiranyapura</i>, of the
+neutralisation of the illusion, and of the slaughter of the highly
+powerful Nivatakavachas in fight, the prosperous thousand-eyed
+divine <i>Purandara</i> was well pleased, and exclaimed, "Well
+done; Well done!" And the king of the celestials together with the
+celestials, cheering me again and again, said these sweet words,
+"By thee hath been achieved a feat incapable of being achieved by
+the gods and the Asuras. And, O Partha, by slaying my mighty
+enemies, thou hast paid the preceptor's fee. And, O Dhananjaya,
+thus in battle shalt thou always remain calm, and discharge the
+weapons unerringly, and there shall not stand thee in fight
+celestials, and <i>Danavas</i>, and <i>Rakshasas</i>, and
+<i>Yakshas</i>, and <i>Asuras</i>, and <i>Gandharvas</i> and birds
+and serpents. And, O Kaunteya, by conquering it even by the might
+of thy arms, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, will rule the earth."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXIII</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Then firmly confident, the sovereign of the
+celestials considering as his own, pertinently said these words
+unto me wounded by cleaving shafts, "All the celestial weapons, O
+Bharata, are with thee, so no man on earth will by any means be
+able to over-power thee. And, O son, when thou art in the field,
+Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and Karna and Sakuni together with
+other Kshatriyas shall not amount unto one-sixteenth part of thee."
+And the lord Maghavan granted me this golden garland and this
+shell, Devadatta, of mighty roars, and also his celestial mail
+impenetrable <span class="pagenum">[Pg 351]</span> and capable of
+protecting the body. And Indra himself set on my (head) this
+diadem. And <i>Sakra</i> presented me with these unearthly apparels
+and unearthly ornaments, elegant and rare. In this manner, O king,
+(duly) honoured, I delightfully dwelt in Indra's sacred abode with
+the children of the <i>Gandharvas</i>. Then, well-pleased,
+<i>Sakra</i>, together with the celestials, addressed me, saying,
+"O Arjuna, the time hath come for thy departure; thy brothers have
+thought of thee." Thus, O Bharata, remembering the dissensions
+arising from that gambling, did I, O king, pass those five years in
+the abode of Indra. Then have I come and seen thee surrounded by
+our brothers on the summit of this lower range of the
+<i>Gandhamadana</i>.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O Dhananjaya, by fortune it is that the
+weapons have been obtained by thee; by fortune it is that the
+master of the immortals hath been adored by thee. O repressor of
+foes, by fortune it is that the divine <i>Sthanu</i> together with
+the goddess had become manifest unto thee and been gratified by
+thee in battle, O sinless one; by fortune it is that thou hadst met
+with the Lokapalas, O best of the Bharatas. O Partha, by fortune it
+is that we have prospered; and by fortune it is that thou hast come
+back. To-day I consider as if the entire earth engarlanded with
+cities hath already been conquered, and as if the sons of
+Dhritarashtra have already been subdued. Now, O Bharata, I am
+curious to behold those celestial weapons wherewith thou hadst
+slain the powerful <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>.'</p>
+<p>"Thereat Arjuna said, 'Tomorrow in the morning thou wilt see all
+the celestial weapons with which I slew the fierce
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Thus having related (the facts touching) the
+arrival, Dhananjaya passed that night there, together with all his
+brothers."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "And when the night had passed,
+Yudhishthira the just, arose and together with his brothers,
+performed the necessary duties. He then spake unto Arjuna, that
+delight of his mother, saying, 'O Kaunteya, do thou show (me) those
+weapons with which thou vanquished the <i>Danavas</i>.' Thereat, O
+king, the exceedingly powerful Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, duly
+practising extreme purity, showed those weapons, O Bharata, which
+had been given unto him by the celestials. Dhananjaya seated on the
+earth, as his chariot, which had the mountain for its pole, the
+base of the axle and the cluster of beautiful-looking bamboo trees
+for its socket-pole, looked resplendent with that celestial armour
+of great lustre, took his bow <i>Gandiva</i> and the conch-shell
+given to him by the gods, commenced to exhibit those celestial
+weapons in order. And as those celestial weapons had been set, the
+Earth being oppressed with the feet (of Arjuna), began to tremble
+with (its) trees; and the rivers and the mighty main became vexed;
+and the rocks were riven; and the air was hushed. And the sun did
+not shine; and fire did not flame; and by no means did the Vedas of
+the twice-born once shine. And, O Janamejaya, the creatures
+peopling the interior of the earth, on being <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 352]</span> afflicted, rose and surrounded the
+Pandava, trembling with joined hands and contorted countenances.
+And being burnt by those weapons, they besought Dhananjaya (for
+their lives). Then the <i>Brahmarshis</i>, and the <i>Siddhas</i>,
+and the <i>Maharshis</i> and the mobile beings&mdash;all these
+appeared (on the scene). And the foremost <i>Devarshis</i>, and the
+celestials and the <i>Yakshas</i> and the <i>Rakshasas</i> and the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> and the feathered tribes and the (other)
+sky-ranging beings&mdash;all these appeared (on the scene). And the
+Great-sire and all the Lokapalas and the divine Mahadeva, came
+thither, together with their followers. Then, O great king, bearing
+unearthly variegated blossoms <i>Vayu</i> (the Wind-god) fell to
+strewing them around the Pandava. And sent by the celestials, the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> chanted various ballads; and, O monarch, hosts of
+the <i>Apsaras</i> danced (there). At such a moment, O king, sent
+by the celestials, Narada arrived (there) and addressed Partha in
+these sweet words, 'O Arjuna, Arjuna, do thou not discharge the
+celestial weapons. These should never be discharged when there is
+no object (fit). And when there is an object (present), they should
+also by no means be hurled, unless one is sore pressed; for, O son
+of the Kurus, to discharge the weapons (without occasion), is
+fraught with great evil. And, O Dhananjaya, being duly kept as thou
+hast been instructed to these powerful weapons will doubtless
+conduce to thy strength and happiness. But if they are not properly
+kept, they, O Pandava, will become the instrument for the
+destruction of the three worlds. So thou shouldst not act in this
+way again. O Ajatasatru, thou too wilt behold even these weapons,
+when Partha will use them for grinding (thy) enemies in
+battle.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having prevented Partha the immortals
+with others that had come there, went to each his place, O foremost
+of men. And, O Kaurava, after they had all gone, the Pandavas began
+to dwell pleasantly in the same forest, together with Krishna."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXV</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "When that prince among heroes, having been
+accomplished in arms, had returned from the abode of the slayer of
+Vritra, what did Pritha's sons do in company with the warlike
+Dhananjaya?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "In company with that hero equal unto Indra,
+Arjuna&mdash;that foremost of men, sported in the pleasure-gardens
+of the lord of treasures (situated) in those woods on that romantic
+and excellent mountain. And surveying those peerless and various
+pleasure-grounds filled with diverse trees, that chief of men,
+<i>Kiriti</i>, ever intent upon arms, ranged at large, bow in hand.
+And having through the grace of king Vaisravana obtained a
+residence, those sons of a sovereign cared not for the prosperity
+of men. And, O king, that period of their (lives) passed
+peacefully. And having Partha in their company, they spent four
+years there even like a single night. And as the Pandavas lived in
+the wood, (these four years) and the former six, numbering ten,
+passed smoothly with them.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 353]</span></p>
+<p>"Then having seated themselves before the king, the vehement son
+of the Wind-god, with <i>Jishnu</i> and the heroic twins, like unto
+the lord of the celestials, earnestly addressed the king in these
+beneficial and pleasant words. 'It is only to render thy promise
+effectual and to advance thy interests, that, O king of the Kurus,
+forsaking the forest, we do not go to slay Suyodhana together with
+all his followers. Although deserving of happiness, yet have we
+been deprived of happiness. And this is the eleventh year that (in
+this state) we have been living (in the forest). And hereafter,
+deluding that one of evil mind and character, shall we easily live
+out the period of non-discovery. And at thy mandate, O monarch,
+free from apprehension, we have been ranging the woods, having
+relinquished our honour. Having been tempted by our residence in
+the vicinity, they (our enemies) will not believe that we have
+removed to a distant realm. And after having lived there
+undiscovered for a year, and having wreaked our revenge on that
+wicked wight, Suyodhana, with his followers, we shall easily root
+out that meanest of men, slaying him and regaining our kingdom.
+Therefore, O Dharmaraja, do thou descend unto the earth. For, O
+king, if we dwell in this region like unto heaven itself, we shall
+forget our sorrows. In that case, O Bharata, thy fame like unto a
+fragrant flower shall vanish from the mobile and the immobile
+worlds. By gaining that kingdom of the Kuru chiefs, thou wilt be
+able to attain (great glory), and to perform various sacrifices.
+This that thou art receiving from <i>Kuvera</i>, thou wilt, O
+foremost of men, be able to attain any time. Now, O Bharata, turn
+thy mind towards the punishment and destruction of foes that
+committed wrongs. O king, the wielder of the thunderbolt himself is
+incapable of standing thy prowess. And intent upon thy welfare, he,
+having <i>Suparna</i> for his mark (Krishna), and also the grandson
+of Sini (Satyaki) never experience pain, even when engaged in
+encounter with the gods, O Dharmaraja. And Arjuna is peerless in
+strength, and so am I too, O best of kings. And as Krishna together
+with the Yadavas is intent upon thy welfare, so am I also, O
+foremost of monarchs, and the heroic twins accomplished in war. And
+encountering the enemy, we, having for our main object the
+attainment by thee of wealth and prosperity, will destroy
+them.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then having learnt that intention of
+theirs, the magnanimous and excellent son of Dharma, versed in
+religion and profit, and of immeasurable prowess, went round
+Vaisravana's abode. And Yudhishthira the just, after bidding adieu
+unto the palaces, the rivers, the lakes, and all the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, looked towards the way by which (he) had come
+(there). And then looking at the mountain also, the high-souled and
+pure-minded one besought that best of mountains, saying, 'O
+foremost of mountains, may I together with my friends, after having
+finished my task, and slain my foes, and regained my kingdom, see
+thee again, carrying on austerities with subdued soul.' And this
+also he determined on. And in company with his younger brothers and
+the <i>Brahmanas</i>, the lord of the Kurus proceeded even along
+that very road. And Ghatotkacha with his followers began to carry
+them over the mountain cascades. And as they started, the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 354]</span> great sage <i>Lomasa</i>,
+advising them even as a father doth his son, with a cheerful heart,
+went unto the sacred abode of the dwellers of heaven. Then advised
+also by Arshtishena, those first of men, the Parthas, went alone
+beholding romantic <i>tirthas</i> and hermitages, and other mighty
+lakes."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When they had left their happy home in the
+beautiful mountain abounding in cascades, and having birds, and the
+elephants of the eight quarters, and the supernatural attendants of
+<i>Kuvera</i> (as dwellers thereof), all happiness forsook those
+foremost of men of Bharata's race. But afterwards on beholding
+<i>Kuvera's</i> favourite mountain, <i>Kailasa</i>, appearing like
+clouds, the delight of those pre-eminent heroes of the race of
+Bharata, became very great. And those foremost of heroic men,
+equipped with scimitars and bows, proceeded contentedly, beholding
+elevations and defiles, and dens of lions and craggy causeways and
+innumerable water-falls and lowlands, in different places, as also
+other great forests inhabited by countless deer and birds and
+elephants. And they came upon beautiful woodlands and rivers and
+lakes and caves and mountain caverns; and these frequently by day
+and night became the dwelling place of those great men. And having
+dwelt in all sorts of inaccessible places and crossing
+<i>Kailasa</i> of inconceivable grandeur, they reached the
+excellent and surpassingly beautiful hermitage of
+<i>Vrishaparba</i>. And meeting king Vrishaparba and received by
+him, they became free from depression and then they accurately
+narrated in detail to Vrishaparba the story of their sojourn in the
+mountains. And having pleasantly passed one night in his sacred
+abode frequented by gods and <i>Maharshis</i>, those great warriors
+proceeded smoothly towards the jujube tree called Visala and took
+up their quarters there. Then all those magnanimous men having
+reached the place of Narayana, continued to live there, bereft of
+all sorrow, at beholding <i>Kuvera's</i> favourite lake, frequented
+by gods and <i>Siddhas</i>. And viewing that lake, those foremost
+of men, the sons of Pandu traversed that place, renouncing all
+grief even as immaculate <i>Brahmana rishis</i> (do) on attaining a
+habitation in the <i>Nandana</i> gardens. Then all those warriors
+having in due course happily lived at Badari for one month,
+proceeded towards the realm of Suvahu, king of the <i>Kiratas</i>,
+by following the same track by which they had come. And crossing
+the difficult Himalayan regions, and the countries of China,
+Tukhara, Darada and all the climes of Kulinda, rich in heaps of
+jewels, those warlike men reached the capital of Suvahu. And
+hearing that those sons and grandsons of kings had all reached his
+kingdom, Suvahu, elated with joy, advanced (to meet them). Then the
+best of the Kurus welcomed him also. And meeting king Suvahu, and
+being joined by all their charioteers with Visoka at their head and
+by their attendants, Indrasena and others, and also by the
+superintendents and servants of the kitchen, they stayed there
+comfortably for one night. Then taking all the chariots and
+chariot-men and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 355]</span> dismissing
+Ghatotkacha together with his followers, they next repaired to the
+monarch of mountains in the vicinity of the <i>Yamuna</i>. In the
+midst of the mountain abounding in waterfalls and having grey and
+orange-coloured slopes and summits covered with a sheet of snow,
+those warlike men having then found the great forest of Visakhayupa
+like unto the forest of Chitraratha and inhabited by wild boars and
+various kinds of deer and birds, made it their home. Addicted to
+hunting as their chief occupation, the sons of Pritha peacefully
+dwelt in that forest for one year. There in a cavern of the
+mountain, Vrikodara, with a heart afflicted with distraction and
+grief, came across a snake of huge strength distressed with hunger
+and looking fierce like death itself. At this crisis Yudhishthira,
+the best of pious men, became the protector of Vrikodara and he, of
+infinite puissance, extricated Bhima whose whole body had been fast
+gripped by the snake with its folds. And the twelfth year of their
+sojourn in forests having arrived, those scions of the race of
+Kuru, blazing in effulgence, and engaged in asceticism, always
+devoted principally to the practice of archery, repaired cheerfully
+from that Chitraratha-like forest to the borders of the desert, and
+desirous of dwelling by the <i>Saraswati</i> they went there, and
+from the banks of that river they reached the lake of
+<i>Dwaitabana</i>. Then seeing them enter <i>Dwaitabana</i>, the
+dwellers of that place engaged in asceticism, religious ordinances,
+and self-restraining exercises and in deep and devout meditation
+and subsisting on things ground with stone (for want of teeth)
+having procured grass-mats and water-vessels, advanced to meet
+them. The holy fig, the rudaraksha, the rohitaka, the cane and the
+jujube, the catechu, the sirisha, the bel and the inguda and the
+karira and pilu and sami trees grew on the banks of the
+<i>Saraswati</i>. Wandering about with contentment in (the vicinity
+of) the <i>Saraswati</i> which was, as it were, the home of the
+celestials, and the favourite (resort) of <i>Yakshas</i> and
+<i>Gandharvas</i> and <i>Maharshis</i>, those sons of kings lived
+there in happiness."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXVII</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "How was it, O sage! that Bhima, of mighty
+prowess and possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants, was
+stricken with panic at (the sight of) that snake? Thou hast
+described him, that slayer of his enemies, as dismayed and appalled
+with fear, even him, who by fighting at the lotus lake (of Kuvera)
+became the destroyer of <i>Yakshas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i> and
+who, in proud defiance, invited to a single combat, Pulastya's son,
+the dispenser of all riches. I desire to hear this (from you);
+great indeed is my curiosity."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "O king, having reached king
+Vrishaparva's hermitage, while those fearful warriors were living
+in various wonderful woods, Vrikodara roaming at pleasure, with bow
+in hand and armed with a scimitar, found that beautiful forest,
+frequented by gods and <i>Gandharvas</i>. And then he beheld (some)
+lovely spots in the Himalayan <span class="pagenum">[Pg 356]</span>
+mountains, frequented by <i>Devarshis</i> and <i>Siddhas</i> and
+inhabited by hosts of <i>Apsaras</i>, resounded here and there with
+(the warbling of) birds&mdash;the <i>chakora</i>, the
+<i>chakrabaka</i>, the <i>jibajibaka</i> and the cuckoo and the
+<i>Bhringaraja</i>, and abounding with shady trees, soft with the
+touch of snow and pleasing to the eye and mind, and bearing
+perennial fruits and flowers. And he beheld mountain streams with
+waters glistening like the <i>lapis lazuli</i> and with ten
+thousand snow-white ducks and swans and with forests of
+<i>deodar</i> trees forming (as it were) a trap for the clouds; and
+with <i>tugna</i> and <i>kalikaya</i> forests, interspersed with
+yellow sandal trees. And he of mighty strength, in the pursuit of
+the chase, roamed in the level and desert tracts of the mountain,
+piercing his game with unpoisoned arrows. In that forest the famous
+and mighty Bhimasena, possessing the strength of a hundred
+elephants, killed (many) large wild boars, with the force (of his
+arms). And endowed with terrible prowess and mighty strength, and
+powerful as the lion or the tiger, and capable of resisting a
+hundred men, and having long arms, and possessing the strength of a
+hundred elephants, he killed many antelopes and wild boars and
+buffaloes. And here and there, in that forest he pulled out trees
+by the roots, with great violence and broke them too, causing the
+earth and the woods and the (surrounding) places to resound. And
+then shouting and trampling on the tops of mountains, and causing
+the earth to resound with his roars, and striking his arms, and
+uttering his war-cry, and slapping and clapping his hands,
+Bhimasena, exempt from decay, and ever-proud and without fear,
+again and again leaped about in those woods. And on hearing the
+shouts of Bhimasena, powerful lions and elephants of huge strength,
+left their lairs in fright. And in that same forest, he fearlessly
+strolled about in search of game; and like the denizens of the
+woods, that most valiant of men, the mighty Bhimasena, wandered on
+foot in that forest. And he penetrated the vast forest, shouting
+strange whoops, and terrifying all creatures, endowed with strength
+and prowess. And then being terrified, the snakes hid (themselves)
+in caves, but he, overtaking them with promptitude, pursued them
+slowly. Then the mighty Bhimasena, like unto the Lord of the
+Celestials, saw a serpent of colossal proportions, living in one of
+the mountain fastnesses and covering the (entire) cave with its
+body and causing one's hair to stand on end (from fright). It had
+its huge body stretched like a hillock, and it possessed gigantic
+strength, and its body was speckled with spots and it had a
+turmeric-like (yellow) colour and a deep copper-coloured mouth of
+the form of a cave supplied with four teeth; and with glaring eyes,
+it was constantly licking the corners of its mouth. And it was the
+terror of all animated beings and it looked like the very image of
+the Destroyer Yama; and with the hissing noise of its breath it lay
+as if rebuking (an in-comer). And seeing Bhima draw so near to him,
+the serpent, all on a sudden, became greatly enraged, and that
+goat-devouring snake violently seized Bhimasena in his grip. Then
+by virtue of the boon that had been received by the serpent,
+Bhimasena with his body in the serpent's grip, instantly lost all
+consciousness. Unrivalled by that of others, the might of
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 357]</span> Bhimasena's arms equaled the
+might of ten thousand elephants combined. But Bhima, of great
+prowess, being thus vanquished by the snake, trembled slowly, and
+was unable to exert himself. And that one of mighty arms and of
+leonine shoulders, though possessed of strength of ten thousand
+elephants, yet seized by the snake, and overpowered by virtue of
+the boon, lost all strength. He struggled furiously to extricate
+himself, but did not succeed in any wise baffling this
+(snake)."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "And the powerful Bhimasena, having thus
+come under the power of the snake, thought of its mighty and
+wonderful prowess; and said unto it, 'Be thou pleased to tell me, O
+snake, who thou art. And, O foremost of reptiles, what wilt thou do
+with me? I am Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, and next by birth to
+Yudhishthira the just. And endued as I am with the strength of ten
+thousand elephants, how hast thou been able to overpower me? In
+fight have been encountered and slain by me innumerable lions, and
+tigers, and buffaloes, and elephants. And, O best of serpents,
+mighty <i>Rakshasas</i> and <i>Pisachas</i>, and <i>Nagas</i>, are
+unable to stand the force of my arms. Art thou possessed of any
+magic, or hast thou received any boon, that although exerting
+myself, I have been overcome by thee? Now I have been convinced
+that the strength of men is false, for, O serpent, by thee hath
+such mighty strength of men been baffled.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "When the heroic Bhima of noble deed had
+said this, the snake caught him, and coiled him all round with his
+body, having thus subdued that mighty-armed one, and freed his
+plump arms alone, the serpent spake these words, 'By good fortune
+it is that, myself being hungry, after long time the gods have
+to-day destined thee for my food; for life is dear unto every
+embodied being, I should relate unto thee the way in which I have
+come by this snake form. Hear, O best of the pious, I have fallen
+into this plight on account of the wrath of the <i>Maharshis</i>.
+Now desirous of getting rid of the curse, I will narrate unto thee
+all about it. Thou hast, no doubt, heard of the royal sage,
+<i>Nahusha</i>. He was the son of Ayu, and the perpetuator of the
+line of thy ancestors. Even I am that one. For having affronted the
+<i>Brahmanas</i> I, by (virtue of) Agastya's malediction, have come
+by this condition. Thou art my agnate, and lovely to
+behold.&mdash;so thou shouldst not be slain by me,&mdash;yet I
+shall to-day devour thee! Do thou behold the dispensation of
+Destiny! And be it a buffalo, or an elephant, none coming within my
+reach at the sixth division of the day, can, O best of men, escape.
+And, O best of the Kurus, thou hast not been taken by an animal of
+the lower order, having strength alone,&mdash;but this (hath been
+so) by reason only of the boon I have received. As I was falling
+rapidly from Sakra's throne placed on the front of his palace, I
+spake unto that worshipful sage (Agastya), "Do thou free me from
+this curse." Thereat filled with compassion, that energetic one
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 358]</span> said unto me, "O king, thou
+shall be freed after the lapse of some time." Then I fell to the
+earth (as a snake); but my recollection (of former life) did not
+renounce me. And although it be so ancient, I still recollect all
+that was said. And the sage said unto me, "That person who
+conversant with the relation subsisting between the soul and the
+Supreme Being, shall be able to answer the questions put by thee,
+shall deliver thee. And, O king, taken by thee, strong beings
+superior to thee, shall immediately lose their strength." I heard
+these words of those compassionate ones, who felt attached unto me.
+And then the Brahmanas vanished. Thus, O highly effulgent one,
+having become a serpent, I, doing exceedingly sinful acts, live in
+unclean hell, in expectation of the (appointed) time.' The
+mighty-armed Bhimasena addressed the serpent, saying, 'I am not
+angry, O mighty snake,&mdash;nor do I blame myself. Since in regard
+to happiness and misery, men sometimes possess the power of
+bringing and dismissing them, and sometimes do not. Therefore one
+should not fret one's mind. Who can baffle destiny by
+self-exertion? I deem destiny to be supreme, and self-exertion to
+be of no avail. Smitten with the stroke of destiny, the prowess of
+my arms lost, behold me to-day fallen unto this condition without
+palpable cause. But to-day I do not so much grieve for my own self
+being slain, as I do for my brothers deprived of their kingdom, and
+exiled into the forest. This Himalaya is inaccessible, and abounds
+with <i>Yakshas</i> and the <i>Rakshasas</i>. And searching about
+for me, they will be distracted. And hearing that I have been
+killed, (my brothers) will forego all exertion, for, firm in
+promise, they have hitherto been controlled by my harsh speech, I
+being desirous of gaining the kingdom. Or the intelligent Arjuna
+(alone), being versed in every lore, and incapable of being
+overcome by gods and <i>Rakshasas</i> and <i>Gandharvas</i>, will
+not be afflicted with grief. That mighty-armed and exceedingly
+powerful one is able single-handed to speedily pull down from his
+place even the celestials. What shall I say of the deceitfully
+gambling son of Dhritarashtra, detested of all men, and filled with
+haughtiness and ignorance! And I also grieve for my poor mother,
+affectionate to her sons, who is ever solicitous for our greatness
+in a large measure than is attained by our enemies. O serpent, the
+desire that forlorn one had in me will all be fruitless in
+consequence of my destruction. And gifted with manliness, the
+twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, following their elder brother (me), and
+always protected by the strength of my arms, will, owing to my
+destruction, be depressed and deprived of their prowess, and
+stricken with grief. This is what I think.' In this way Vrikodara
+lamented profusely. And being bound by the body of the snake, he
+could not exert himself.</p>
+<p>"On the other hand, Kunti's son, Yudhishthira, (seeing) and
+reflecting on dreadful ill omens, became alarmed. Terrified by the
+blaze of the points of the horizon, jackals stationing themselves
+on the right of that hermitage, set up frightful and inauspicious
+yells. And ugly <i>Vartikas</i> as of dreadful sight, having one
+wing, one eye, and one leg, were seen to vomit blood, facing the
+sun. And the wind began to blow dryly, and violently, attracting
+grits. And to the right all the beasts and birds began to cry. And
+in the rear the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 359]</span> black crows
+cried, 'Go!' 'Go!' And momentarily his (Yudhishthira's) right arm
+began to twitch, and his chest and left leg shook (of themselves).
+And indicating evil his left eye contracted spasmodically.
+Thereupon, O Bharata, the intelligent Yudhishthira the just,
+inferring some great calamity (to be imminent), asked Draupadi,
+saying, 'Where is Bhima?' Thereat Panchali said that Vrikodara had
+long gone out. Hearing this, that mighty-armed king set out with
+Dhaumya, after having said unto Dhananjaya, 'Thou shouldst protect
+Draupadi.' And he also directed Nakula and Sahadeva to protect the
+<i>Brahmanas</i>. And issuing from the hermitage that lord, Kunti's
+son, following the footprints of Bhimasena, began to search for him
+in that mighty forest. And on coming to the east, he found mighty
+leaders of elephant-herds (slain) and saw the earth marked with
+Bhima's (foot-prints). Then seeing thousands of deer and hundreds
+of lions lying in the forest, the king ascertained his course. And
+on the way were scattered trees pulled down by the wind caused by
+the thighs of that hero endued with the speed of the wind as he
+rushed after the deer. And proceeding, guided by those marks, to a
+spot filled with dry winds and abounding in leafless vegetables,
+brackish and devoid of water, covered with thorny plants and
+scattered over with gravel, stumps and shrubs and difficult of
+access and uneven and dangerous, he saw in a mountain cavern his
+younger brother motionless, caught in the folds of that foremost of
+snakes."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Yudhishthira, finding his beloved
+brother coiled by the body of the serpent, said these words: 'O son
+of Kunti, how hast thou come by this misfortune! And who is this
+best of serpents having a body like unto a mountain mass?'
+Bhimasena said, 'O worshipful one, this mighty being hath caught me
+for food. He is the royal sage Nahusha living in the form of a
+serpent.' Yudhishthira said, 'O longlived one, do thou free my
+brother of immeasurable prowess; we will give thee some other food
+which will appease thy hunger.' The serpent said, 'I have got for
+diet even this son of a king, come to my mouth of himself. Do thou
+go away. Thou shouldst not stay here. (If thou remainest here) thou
+too shall be my fare to-morrow. O mighty-armed one, this is
+ordained in respect of me, that he that cometh unto my place,
+becometh my food and thou too art in my quarter. After a long time
+have I got thy younger brother as my food; I will not let him off;
+neither do I like to have any other food.' Thereat Yudhishthira
+said, 'O serpent, whether thou art a god, or a demon, or an
+<i>Uraga</i>, do thou tell me truly, it is Yudhishthira that asketh
+thee, wherefore, O snake, hast thou taken Bhimasena? By obtaining
+which, or by knowing what wilt thou receive satisfaction, O snake,
+and what food shall I give thee? And how mayst thou free him.' The
+serpent said, 'O sinless one, I was thy ancestor, the son of Ayu
+and fifth in descent from the Moon. And I was a king celebrated
+under the name of Nahusha. And by sacrifices and <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 360]</span> asceticism and study of the Vedas and
+self-restraint and prowess I had acquired a permanent dominion over
+the three worlds. And when I had obtained such dominion,
+haughtiness possessed me. And thousands of <i>Brahmanas</i> were
+engaged in carrying my chair. And intoxicated by supremacy, I
+insulted those <i>Brahmanas</i>. And, O lord of the earth, by
+Agastya have I been reduced to this pass! Yet, O Pandava, to this
+day the memory (of my former birth) hath not forsaken me! And, O
+king, even by the favour of that high-souled Agastya, during the
+sixth division of the day have I got for meal thy younger brother.
+Neither will I set him free, nor do I wish for any other food. But
+if to-day thou answerest the questions put by me, then, I shall
+deliver Vrikodara!' At this Yudhishthira said, 'O serpent, ask
+whatever thou listest! I shall, if I can, answer thy questions with
+the view of gratifying thee, O snake! Thou knowest fully what
+should be known by <i>Brahmanas</i>. Therefore, O king of snakes,
+hearing (thee) I shall answer thy queries!'</p>
+<p>"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, say&mdash;Who is a
+<i>Brahmana</i> and what should be known? By thy speech I infer
+thee to be highly intelligent.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O foremost of serpents, he, it is asserted
+by the wise, in whom are seen truth, charity, forgiveness, good
+conduct, benevolence, observance of the rites of his order and
+mercy is a <i>Brahmana</i>. And, O serpent, that which should be
+known is even the supreme <i>Brahma</i>, in which is neither
+happiness nor misery&mdash;and attaining which beings are not
+affected with misery; what is thy opinion?'</p>
+<p>"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, truth, charity, forgiveness,
+benevolence, benignity, kindness and the <i>Veda</i><a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> which worketh the benefit of the four
+orders, which is the authority in matters of religion and which is
+true, are seen even in the <i>Sudra</i>. As regards the object to
+be known and which thou allegest is without both happiness and
+misery, I do not see any such that is devoid of these.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'Those characteristics that are present in a
+<i>Sudra</i>, do not exist in a <i>Brahmana</i>; nor do those that
+are in a <i>Brahmana</i> exist in a <i>Sudra</i>. And a
+<i>Sudra</i> is not a <i>Sudra</i> by birth alone&mdash;nor a
+<i>Brahmana</i> is <i>Brahmana</i> by birth alone. He, it is said
+by the wise, in whom are seen those virtues is a <i>Brahmana</i>.
+And people term him a Sudra in whom those qualities do not exist,
+even though he be a <i>Brahmana</i> by birth. And again, as for thy
+assertion that the object to be known (as asserted by me) doth not
+exist, because nothing exists that is devoid of both (happiness and
+misery), such indeed is the opinion, O serpent, that nothing exists
+that is without (them) both. But as in cold, heat doth not exist,
+nor in heat, cold, so there cannot exist an object in which both
+(happiness and misery) cannot exist?'</p>
+<p>"The serpent said, 'O king, if thou recognise him as a Brahmana
+by characteristics, then, O long-lived one, the distinction of
+caste becometh futile as long as conduct doth not come into
+play.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'In human society, O mighty and highly
+intelligent <span class="pagenum">[Pg 361]</span> serpent, it is
+difficult to ascertain one's caste, because of promiscuous
+intercourse among the four orders. This is my opinion. Men
+belonging to all orders (promiscuously) beget offspring upon women
+of all the orders. And of men, speech, sexual intercourse, birth
+and death are common. And to this the Rishis have borne testimony
+by using as the beginning of a sacrifice such expressions
+as&mdash;<i>of what caste so ever we may be, we celebrate the
+sacrifice</i>. Therefore, those that are wise have asserted that
+character is the chief essential requisite. The natal ceremony of a
+person is performed before division of the umbilical cord. His
+mother then acts as its <i>Savitri</i> and his father officiates as
+priest. He is considered as a <i>Sudra</i> as long as he is not
+initiated in the <i>Vedas</i>. Doubts having arisen on this point,
+O prince of serpents, Swayambhuba Manu has declared, that the
+mixed castes are to be regarded as better than the (other) classes,
+if having gone through the ceremonies of purification, the latter
+do not conform to the rules of good conduct, O excellent snake!
+Whosoever now conforms to the rules of pure and virtuous conduct,
+him have I, ere now, designated as a <i>Brahmana</i>.' The serpent
+replied, 'O Yudhishthira, thou art acquainted with all that is fit
+to be known and having listened to thy words, how can I (now) eat
+up thy brother Vrikodara!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXX</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'In this world, you are so learned in the
+<i>Vedas</i> and <i>Vedangas</i>; tell me (then), what one should
+do to attain salvation?'</p>
+<p>"The serpent replied, 'O scion of the Bharata's race, my belief
+is that the man who bestows alms on proper objects, speaks kind
+words and tells the truth and abstains from doing injury to any
+creature goes to heaven.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira enquired, 'Which, O snake, is the higher of the
+two, truth or alms-giving? Tell me also the greater or less
+importance of kind behaviour and of doing injury to no
+creature.'</p>
+<p>"The snake replied, 'The relative merits of these virtues, truth
+and alms-giving, kind speech and abstention from injury to any
+creature, are known (measured) by their objective gravity
+(utility). Truth is (sometimes) more praiseworthy than some acts of
+charity; some of the latter again are more commendable than true
+speech. Similarly, O mighty king, and lord of the earth, abstention
+from doing injury to any creature is seen to be important than good
+speech and vice-versa. Even so it is, O king, depending on effects.
+And now, if thou hast anything else to ask, say it all, I shall
+enlighten thee!' Yudhishthira said, 'Tell me, O snake, how the
+incorporal being's translation to heaven, its perception by the
+senses and its enjoyment of the immutable fruits of its actions
+(here below), can be comprehended.' The snake replied, 'By his own
+acts, man is seen to attain to one of the three conditions of human
+existence, of heavenly life, or of birth in the lower animal
+kingdom. Among these, the man who is not slothful, who injures no
+one and who is endowed with charity and other virtues, goes to
+heaven, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 362]</span> after leaving this
+world of men. By doing the very contrary, O king, people are again
+born as men or as lower animals. O my son, it is particularly said
+in this connection, that the man who is swayed by anger and lust
+and who is given to avarice and malice falls away from his human
+state and is born again as a lower animal, and the lower animals
+too are ordained to be transformed into the human state; and the
+cow, the horse and other animals are observed to attain to even the
+divine state.<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> O my son, the sentient being, reaping
+the fruits of his actions, thus transmigrates through these
+conditions; but the regenerate and wise man reposes his soul in the
+everlasting Supreme Spirit. The embodied spirit, enchained by
+destiny and reaping the fruits of its own actions, thus undergoes
+birth after birth but he that has lost touch of his actions, is
+conscious of the immutable destiny of all born beings.<a id="footnotetag4" name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a>'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira asked, 'O snake, tell me truly and without
+confusion how that dissociated spirit becomes cognisant of sound,
+touch, form, flavour, and taste. O great-minded one, dost thou not
+perceive them, simultaneously by the senses? Do thou, O best of
+snakes, answer all these queries!' The snake replied, 'O long-lived
+one, the thing called <i>Atman</i> (spirit), betaking itself to
+corporeal tenement and manifesting itself through the organs of
+sense, becomes duly cognisant of perceptible objects. O prince of
+Bharata's race, know that the senses, the mind, and the intellect,
+assisting the soul in its perception of objects, are called
+<i>Karanas</i>. O my son, the eternal spirit, going out of its
+sphere, and aided by the mind, acting through the senses, the
+receptacles of all perceptions, successively perceives these things
+(sound, form, flavour, &amp;c). O most valiant of men, the mind of
+living creatures is the cause of all perception, and, therefore, it
+cannot be cognisant of more than one thing at a time. That spirit,
+O foremost of men, betaking itself to the space between the
+eyebrows, sends the high and low intellect to different objects.
+What the <i>Yogins</i> perceive after the action of the intelligent
+principle by that is manifested the action of the soul.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'Tell me the distinguishing characteristics
+of the mind and the intellect. The knowledge of it is ordained as
+the chief duty of persons meditating on the Supreme Spirit.'</p>
+<p>"The snake replied, 'Through illusion, the soul becomes
+subservient to the intellect. The intellect, though known to be
+subservient to the soul, becomes (then) the director of the latter.
+The intellect is brought into play by acts of perception; the mind
+is self-existent. The Intellect does not cause the sensation (as of
+pain, pleasure, &amp;c), but the mind does. This, my son, is the
+difference between the mind and the intellect. You too are learned
+in this matter, what is your opinion?'</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 363]</span></p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O most intelligent one, you have fine
+intelligence and you know all that is fit to be known. Why do you
+ask me that question? You knew all and you performed such wonderful
+deeds and you lived in heaven. How could then illusion overpower
+you? Great is my doubt on this point.' The snake replied,
+'Prosperity intoxicates even the wise and valiant men. Those who
+live in luxury, (soon) lose their reason. So, I too, O
+Yudhishthira, overpowered by the infatuation of prosperity, have
+fallen from my high state and having recovered my
+self-consciousness, am enlightening thee thus! O victorious king,
+thou hast done me a good turn. By conversing with thy pious self,
+my painful curse has been expiated. In days of yore, while I used
+to sojourn in heaven in a celestial chariot, reveling in my pride,
+I did not think of anything else, I used to exact tribute from
+<i>Brahmarshis, Devas, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Pannagas</i>
+and all other dwellers of the three worlds. O lord of earth, such
+was the spell of my eyes, that on whatever creature, I fixed them,
+I instantly destroyed his power. Thousands of <i>Brahmarshis</i>
+used to draw my chariot. The delinquency, O king, was the cause of
+my fall from my high prosperity. Among them, Agastya was one day
+drawing my conveyance, and my feet came in contact with his body;
+Agastya then pronounced (this curse) on me, in anger, "Ruin seize
+thee, do thou become a snake." So, losing my glory, I fell down
+from that excellent car and while falling, I beheld myself turned
+into a snake, with head downwards. I thus implored that Brahmana,
+"May this curse be extinguished, O adorable one! You ought to
+forgive one who has been so foolish from infatuation." Then he
+kindly told me this, as I was being hurled down (from heaven), "The
+virtuous king Yudhishthira will save thee from this curse, and
+when, O king, horrible sin of pride will be extinguished in thee,
+thou shalt attain salvation." And I was struck with wonder on
+seeing (this) power of his austere virtues; and therefore, have I
+questioned thee about the attributes of the Supreme Spirit and of
+<i>Brahmanas</i>. Truth, charity, self-restraint, penance,
+abstention from doing injury to any creature, and constancy in
+virtue, these, O king, and not his race or family connections, are
+the means, by which a man must always secure salvation. May this
+brother of thine, the mighty Bhimasena, meet with good luck and may
+happiness abide with thee! I must go to Heaven again.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "So saying, that king, Nahusha, quitted
+his serpentine form, and assuming his celestial shape he went back
+to Heaven. The glorious and pious Yudhishthira, too, returned to
+his hermitage with Dhaumya and his brother Bhima. Then the virtuous
+Yudhishthira narrated all that, in detail, to the <i>Brahmanas</i>
+who had assembled (there). On hearing that, his three brothers and
+all the <i>Brahmanas</i> and the renowned Draupadi too were covered
+with shame. And all those excellent <i>Brahmanas</i> desiring the
+welfare of the Pandavas, admonished Bhima for his foolhardiness,
+telling him not to attempt such things again, and the Pandavas too
+were greatly pleased at seeing the mighty Bhima out of danger, and
+continued to live there pleasantly."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 364]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXI</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Markandeya-Samasya Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "While they were dwelling at that place,
+there set in the season of the rains, the season that puts an end
+to the hot weather and is delightful to all animated beings. Then
+the black clouds, rumbling loudly, and covering the heavens and the
+cardinal points, ceaselessly rained during day and night. These
+clouds, counted by hundreds and by thousands, looked like domes in
+the rainy season. From the earth disappeared the effulgence of the
+sun; its place was taken by the stainless lustre of the lightning;
+the earth became delightful to all, being overgrown with grass,
+with gnats and reptiles in their joy; it was bathed with rain and
+possessed with calm. When the waters had covered all, it could not
+be known whether the ground was at all even or
+uneven;&mdash;whether there were rivers or trees or hills. At the
+end of the hot season, the rivers added beauty to the woods being
+themselves full of agitated waters, flowing with great force and
+resembling serpents in the hissing sound they made. The boars, the
+stags and the birds, while the rain was falling upon them began to
+utter sounds of various kinds which could be heard within the
+forest tracts. The <i>chatakas</i>, the peacocks and the host of
+male <i>Kohilas</i> and the excited frogs, all ran about in joy.
+Thus while the Pandavas were roaming about in the deserts and sandy
+tracts, the happy season of rain, so various in aspect and
+resounding with clouds passed away. Then set in the season of
+autumn, thronged with ganders and cranes and full of joy; then the
+forest tracts were overrun with grass; the river turned limpid; the
+firmament and stars shone brightly., And the autumn, thronged with
+beasts and birds, was joyous and pleasant for the magnanimous sons
+of Pandu. Then were seen nights, that were free from dust and cool
+with clouds and beautified by myriads of planets and stars and the
+moon. And they beheld rivers and ponds, adorned with lilies and
+white lotuses, full of cool and pleasant water. And while roving by
+the river <i>Saraswati</i> whose banks resembled the firmament
+itself and were overgrown with canes, and as such abounded in
+sacred baths, their joy was great. And those heroes who wielded
+powerful bows, were specially glad to see the pleasant river
+<i>Saraswati</i>, with its limpid waters full to the brim. And, O
+Janamejaya, the holiest night, that of the full moon in the month
+of <i>Kartika</i> in the season of autumn, was spent by them while
+dwelling there! And the sons of Pandu, the best of the descendants
+of Bharata, spent that auspicious juncture with righteous and
+magnanimous saints devoted to penance. And as soon as the dark
+fortnight set in immediately after, the sons of Pandu entered the
+forest named the Kamyaka, accompanied by Dhananjaya and their
+charioteers and cooks."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O son of Kuru, they, Yudhishthira and
+others, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 365]</span> having reached the
+forest of <i>Kamyaka</i>, were hospitably received by hosts of
+saints and they lived together with Krishna. And while the sons of
+Pandu were dwelling in security in that place, many
+<i>Brahmanas</i> came to wait upon them. And a certain
+<i>Brahmana</i> said, 'He the beloved friend of Arjuna, of powerful
+arms and possessed of self control, descendant of <i>Sura</i>, of a
+lofty intellect, will come, for, O ye foremost of the descendants
+of Kuru, Hari knows that ye have arrived here. For, Hari has always
+a longing for your sight and always seeks your welfare. And
+Markandeya, who lived very many years devoted to great austerities,
+given to study and penance, will erelong come and meet you.' And
+the very moment that he was uttering these words, there was beheld
+Krishna, coming thitherward upon a car unto which were yoked the
+horses Saivya and Sugriva,&mdash;he the best of those that ride on
+cars, accompanied by Satyabhama, is like Indra by Sachi, the
+daughter of Pulaman. And the son of Devaki came, desirous to see
+those most righteous of the descendants of Kuru. And the sagacious
+Krishna, having alighted from the car, prostrated himself, with
+pleasure in his heart, before the virtuous king, in the prescribed
+way, and also before Bhima, that foremost of powerful men. And he
+paid his respects to Dhaumya, while the twin brothers prostrated
+themselves to him. And he embraced Arjuna of the curly hair; and
+spoke words of solace to the daughter of Drupada. And the
+descendant of the chief of the Dasaraha tribe, that chastiser of
+foes, when he saw the beloved Arjuna come near him, having seen him
+after a length of time, clasped him again and again. And so too
+Satyabhama also, the beloved consort of Krishna, embraced the
+daughter of Drupada, the beloved wife of the sons of Pandu. Then
+these sons of Pandu, accompanied by their wife and priests, paid
+their respects to Krishna, whose eyes resembled the white lotus and
+surrounded him on all sides. And Krishna, when united with Arjuna,
+the son of Pritha, the winner of riches and the terror of the
+demons assumed a beauty comparable to that of <i>Siva</i>, the
+magnanimous lord of all created beings, when he, the mighty lord,
+is united with Kartikeya (his son). And Arjuna, who bore a circlet
+of crowns on his head, gave an account of what had happened to him
+in the forest to Krishna, the elder brother of Gada. And Arjuna
+asked, saying, 'How is Subhadra, and her son Abhimanyu?' And
+Krishna, the slayer of Madhu, having paid his respects in the
+prescribed form to the son of Pritha, and to the priest, and
+seating himself with them there, spoke to king Yudhishthira, in
+words of praise. And he said, 'O king, Virtue is preferable to the
+winning of kingdoms; it is, in fact, practice of austerities! By
+you who have obeyed with truth and candour what your duty
+prescribed, have been won both this world and that to come! First
+you have studied, while performing religious duties; having
+acquired in a suitable way the whole science of arms, having won
+wealth by pursuing the methods prescribed for the military caste,
+you have celebrated all the time-honoured sacrificial rites. You
+take no delight in sensual pleasures; you do not act, O lord of
+men, from motives of enjoyment, nor do you swerve from virtue from
+greed of riches; it is for this, you have been named the Virtuous
+King, O son of Pritha! Having won <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+366]</span> kingdoms and riches and means of enjoyment, your best
+delight has been charity and truth and practice of austerities, O
+King, and faith and meditation and forbearance and patience! When
+the population of Kuru-jangala beheld Krishna outraged in the
+assembly hall, who but yourself could brook that conduct, O Pandu's
+son, which was so repugnant both to virtue and usage? No doubt, you
+will, before long, rule over men in a praiseworthy way, all your
+desires being fulfilled. Here are we prepared to chastise the
+Kurus, as soon as the stipulation made by you is fully performed!'
+And Krishna, the foremost of the <i>Dasarha</i> tribe, then said to
+Dhaumya and Bhima and Yudhishthira, and the twins and Krishna, 'How
+fortunate that by your blessing Arjuna the bearer of the coronet,
+has arrived after having acquired the science of arms!' And
+Krishna, the leader of the <i>Dasarha</i> tribe, accompanied by
+friends, likewise spoke to Krishna, the daughter of Yajnasena,
+saying, 'How fortunate that you are united, safe and secure, with
+Arjuna, the winner of riches!' And Krishna also said, 'O Krishna, O
+daughter of Yajnasena, those sons of yours, are devoted to the
+study of the science of arms, are well-behaved and conduct
+themselves on the pattern, O Krishna, of their righteous friends.
+Your father and your uterine brothers proffer them a kingdom and
+territories; but the boys find no joy in the house of Drupada, or
+in that of their maternal uncles. Safely proceeding to the land of
+the Anartas, they take the greatest delight in the study of the
+science of arms. Your sons enter the town of the <i>Vrishnis</i>
+and take an immediate liking to the people there. And as you would
+direct them to conduct themselves, or as the respected Kunti would
+do, so does Subhadra direct them in a watchful way. Perhaps, she is
+still more careful of them. And, O Krishna, as Rukmini's son is the
+preceptor of Aniruddha, of Abhimanyu, of Sunitha, and of Bhanu; so
+he is the preceptor and the refuge of your sons also! And a good
+preceptor, would unceasingly give them lessons in the wielding of
+maces and swords and bucklers, in missiles and in the arts of
+driving cars and of riding horses, being valiant. And he, the son
+of Rukmini, having bestowed a very good training upon them, and
+having taught them the art of using various weapons in a proper
+way, takes satisfaction at the valorous deeds of your sons, and of
+Abhimanyu, O daughter of Drupada! And when your son goes out, in
+pursuit of (out-door) sports, each one of them is followed thither
+by cars and horses and vehicles and elephants.' And Krishna said to
+the virtuous king, Yudhishthira, 'The fighting men of the
+<i>Dasarha</i> tribe, and the <i>Kukuras</i>, and the
+<i>Andhakas</i>&mdash;let these, O king, place themselves at thy
+command&mdash;let them perform what thou desirest them. O lord of
+men, let the army of the tribe of Madhus, (resistless) like the
+wind, with their bows and led by Balarama whose weapon is the
+plough&mdash;let that army, equipped (for war), consisting of
+horsemen and foot soldiers and horses and cars and elephants,
+prepare to do your bidding. O son of Pandu! Drive Duryodhana, the
+son of Dhritarashtra, the vilest of sinful men, together with his
+followers and his hosts of friends to the path betaken by the lord
+of Saubha, the son of the Earth! You, O ruler of men, are welcome
+to stick to that stipulation which was made in the
+assembly-hall&mdash;but <span class="pagenum">[Pg 367]</span> let
+the city of Hastina be made ready for you, when the hostile force
+has been slain by the soldiers of the <i>Dasarha</i> tribe! Having
+roamed at your pleasure in all those places where you may desire to
+go, having got rid of your grief and freed from all your
+sins&mdash;you will reach the city of Hastina&mdash;the well-known
+city situated in the midst of a fine territory!'&mdash;Then the
+magnanimous king having been acquainted with the view, thus clearly
+set forth by Krishna that best of men, and, having applauded the
+same, and having deliberated, thus spoke with joined palms unto
+Kesava, 'O Kesava, no doubt, thou art the refuge of the sons of
+Pandu; for the sons of Pandu have their protector in thee! When the
+time will come, there is no doubt that thou wilt do all the work
+just mentioned by thee; and even more than the same! As promised by
+us, we have spent all the twelve years in lonely forests. O Kesava,
+having in the prescribed way completed the period for living
+unrecognised, the sons of Pandu will take refuge in thee. This
+should be the intention of those that associate with thee, O
+Krishna! The sons of Pandu swerve not from the path of truth, for
+the sons of Pritha with their charity and their piety with their
+people and their wives and with their relations have their
+protector in thee!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O descendant of Bharata, while Krishna, the
+descendant of the <i>Vrishnis</i> and the virtuous king, were thus
+talking, there appeared then the saint Markandeya, grown grey in
+the practise of penances. And he had seen many thousand years of
+life, was of a pious soul, and devoted to great austerities. Signs
+of old age he had none; and deathless he was, and endued with
+beauty and generous and many good qualities. And he looked like one
+only twenty-five years old. And when the aged saint, who had seen
+many thousand years of life, came, all the <i>Brahmanas</i> paid
+their respects to him and so did Krishna together with Pandu's son.
+And when that wisest saint, thus honoured, took his seat in a
+friendly way, Krishna addressed him, in accordance with the views
+of the <i>Brahmanas</i> and of Pandu's sons, thus,&mdash;</p>
+<p>"'The sons of Pandu, and the <i>Brahmanas</i> assembled here,
+and the daughter of Drupada, and Satyabhama, likewise myself, are
+all anxious to hear your most excellent words, O Markandeya!
+Propound to us the holy stories of events of bygone times, and the
+eternal rules of righteous conduct by which are guided kings and
+women and saints!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "When they had all taken their seats,
+Narada also, the divine saint, of purified soul, came on a visit to
+Pandu's sons. Him also, then, of great soul, all those foremost men
+of superior intellect, honoured in the prescribed form, by offering
+water to wash his feet, and the well-known oblation called the
+<i>Arghya</i>. Then the godlike saint, Narada, learning that they
+were about to hear the speech of Markandeya, expressed his assent
+to the arrangement. And he, the deathless, knowing what would be
+opportune, said smilingly, 'O saint of the <i>Brahmana</i> caste,
+speak what you were about to say unto the sons of Pandu!' Thus
+addressed, Markandeya, devoted to great austerities, replied, 'Wait
+a moment. A great deal will be narrated.' Thus addressed, the sons
+of Pandu, together with those twice-born <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+368]</span> ones, waited a moment, looking at that great saint,
+(bright) as the mid-day sun."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Pandu's son, the king of the Kuru
+tribe, having observed that the great saint was willing to speak,
+questioned him with a view to suggesting topics to speak upon,
+saying, 'You who are ancient (in years), know the deeds of gods and
+demons, and illustrious saints, and of all the royal ones. We
+consider you as worthy of being worshipped and honoured; and we
+have long yearned after your company. And here is this son of
+Devaki, Krishna, who has come to us on a visit. Verily, when I look
+at myself, fallen away from happiness, and when I contemplate the
+sons of Dhritarashtra, of evil life, flourishing in every way, the
+idea arises in me that it is <i>man</i> who does all acts, good or
+bad, and that it is <i>he</i> that enjoys the fruit the acts bring
+forth. How then is god the agent? And, O best of those that are
+proficient in the knowledge of God, how is it that men's actions
+follow them? Is it in this world? Or is it in some subsequent
+existence? And, O best of righteous men among the twice-born, in
+what way is an embodied animated being joined by his good and evil
+deeds that seek him out? Is it after death? Or is it in this world?
+And, O descendant of Bhrigu, is what we experience in this world
+the result of the acts of this very life? Or will the acts of this
+life bear fruit in the world to come? And where do the actions of
+an animated being who is dead find their resting place?'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O best of those that can speak, this question
+befits thee, and is just what it should be. Thou knowest all that
+there is to know. But thou art asking this question, simply for the
+sake of form. Here I shall answer thee: listen to me with an
+attentive mind, as to how in this world and in that to come, a man
+experienceth happiness and misery. The lord of born beings, himself
+sprung first of all, created, for all embodied beings, bodies which
+were stainless, pure, and obedient to virtuous impulses, O wisest
+of the descendants of Kuru! The ancient men had all their desires
+fulfilled, were given to praiseworthy courses of life, were
+speakers of truth, godly and pure. All were equal to the gods,
+could ascend to the sky at their pleasure, and could come back
+again; and all went about at their pleasure. And they had their
+death and their life also under their own control; and they had few
+sufferings; had no fear; and had their wishes fulfilled; and they
+were free from trouble; could visit the gods and the magnanimous
+saints; knew by heart all righteous rules; were self-controlled and
+free from envy. And they lived many thousand years; and had many
+thousand sons. Then in course of time they came to be restricted to
+walking solely on the surface of the earth, overpowered by lust and
+wrath, dependent for subsistence upon falsehood and trick,
+overwhelmed by greed and senselessness. Then those wicked men, when
+disembodied, on account of their unrighteous and unblessed deeds,
+went to hell in a crooked way. Again and again, they were grilled,
+and, again and again they began to drag their miserable existence
+in this wonderful world. And their desires were unfulfilled, the
+objects unaccomplished, and their knowledge became unavailing. And
+their senses were paralysed and they became apprehensive of
+everything and the cause <span class="pagenum">[Pg 369]</span> of
+other people's sufferings. And they were generally marked by wicked
+deeds, and born in low families; they became wicked and afflicted
+with diseases, and the terror of others. And they became
+short-lived and sinful and they reaped the fruit of their terrible
+deeds. And coveting everything, they became godless and indifferent
+in mind, O son of Kunti! The destiny of every creature after death
+is determined by his acts in this world. Thou hast asked me where
+this treasure of acts of the sage and the ignorant remain, and
+where they enjoy the fruit of their good and evil deeds! Do thou
+listen to the regulations on this subject! Man with his subtle
+original body created by God lays up a great store of virtue and
+vice. After death he quits his frail (outer) body and is
+immediately born again in another order of beings. He never remains
+non-existent for a single moment. In his new life his actions
+follow him invariably as shadow and, fructifying, makes his destiny
+happy or miserable. The wise man, by his spiritual insight, knows
+all creatures to be bound to an immutable destiny by the destroyer
+and incapable of resisting the fruition of his actions in good or
+evil fortune. This, O Yudhishthira, is the doom of all creatures
+steeped in spiritual ignorance. Do thou now hear of the perfect way
+attained by men of high spiritual perception! Such men are of high
+ascetic virtue and are versed in all profane and holy writ,
+diligent in performing their religious obligations and devoted to
+truth. And they pay due homage to their preceptors and superiors
+and practise Yoga, are forgiving, continent and energetic and pious
+and are generally endowed with every virtue. By the conquest of the
+passions, they are subdued in mind; by practising <i>yoga</i> they
+become free from disease, fear and sorrow; they are not troubled
+(in mind). In course of birth, mature or immature, or while
+ensconced in the womb, in every condition, they with spiritual eyes
+recognize the relation of their soul to the supreme Spirit. Those
+great-minded <i>Rishis</i> of positive and intuitive knowledge
+passing through this arena of actions, return again to the abode of
+the celestials. Men, O king, attain what they have in consequence
+of the grace of the gods of Destiny or of their own actions. Do
+thou not think otherwise. O Yudhishthira, I regard that as the
+highest good which is regarded so in this world. Some attain
+happiness in this world, but not in the next; others do so in the
+next, but not in this. Some, again, attain happiness in this as
+well as in the next world; and others neither here nor in the next
+world. Those that have immense wealth, shine every day with
+well-decorated persons. O slayer of mighty foes, being addicted to
+carnal pleasures, they enjoy happiness only in this world, but not
+in the next. But those who are engaged in spiritual meditations and
+the study of the Vedas, who are diligent in asceticism, and who
+impair the vigour of their bodies by performing their duties, who
+have subdued their passions, and who refrain from killing any
+animated being, those men, O slayer of thy enemies, attain
+happiness in the next world, but not in this! Those who first live
+a pious life, and virtuously acquire wealth in due time and then
+marry and perform sacrifices, attain bliss both in this and the
+next world. Those foolish men again who do not acquire knowledge,
+nor are engaged in asceticism or charity or increasing their
+species, or in encompassing the pleasures and <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 370]</span> enjoyments of this world, attain bliss
+neither in this nor in the next world. But all of you are
+proficient in knowledge and possessed of great power and strength
+and celestial vigour. For the extermination (of the wicked) and for
+serving the purposes of the gods, ye have come from the other world
+and have taken your birth in this! Ye, who are so valiant, and
+engaged in asceticism, self-restraining exercises, and religious
+ordinances, and fond of exertion, after having performed great
+deeds and gratified the gods and <i>Rishis</i> and the
+<i>Pitris</i>, ye will at last in due course attain by your own
+acts the supreme region&mdash;the abode of all virtuous men! O
+ornament of Kuru's race, may no doubts cross thy mind on account of
+these thy sufferings, for this affliction is for thy good!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"The sons of Pandu said to the
+high-souled Markandeya, 'We long to hear of the greatness of the
+<i>Brahmanas</i>. Do thou tell us of it!' Thus asked, the revered
+Markandeya, of austere virtue and high spiritual energy, and
+proficient in all departments of knowledge, replied, 'A
+strong-limbed, handsome young prince of the race of the Haihayas, a
+conqueror of hostile cities, (once) went out hunting. And (while)
+roaming in the wilderness of big trees and thickets of grass, he
+saw, at no great distance from him, a <i>Muni</i> with the skin of
+a black antelope for his upper garment, and killed him for a deer.
+Pained at what he had done, and his senses paralysed with grief, he
+repaired to the presence of the more distinguished of the
+<i>Haihaya</i> chiefs. The lotus-eyed prince related to them the
+particulars. On hearing the account, O my son, and beholding the
+body of the <i>Muni</i> who had subsisted on fruits and roots, they
+were sorely afflicted in mind. And they all set out enquiring here
+and there as they proceeded, as to whose son the <i>Muni</i> might
+be. And they soon after reached the hermitage of Arishtanemi, son
+of Kasyapa. And saluting that great <i>Muni</i>, so constant in
+austerity, they all remained standing, while the <i>Muni</i>, on
+his part, busied himself about their reception. And they said unto
+the illustrious <i>Muni</i>, "By a freak of destiny, we have ceased
+to merit thy welcome: indeed, we have killed a Brahmana!" And the
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i> said to them, "How hath a Brahmana come to
+be killed by you, and say where may be he? Do ye all witness the
+power of my ascetic practices!" And they, having related everything
+to him as it had happened went back, but found not the body of the
+dead <i>Rishi</i> on the spot (where they had left it). And having
+searched for him, they returned, ashamed and bereft of all
+perception, as in a dream. And then, O thou conqueror of hostile
+cities, the <i>Muni</i> Tarkshya, addressed them, saying, "Ye
+princes, can this be the Brahmana of your killing? This Brahmana,
+endowed with occult gifts from spiritual exercises, is, indeed, my
+son!" Seeing that <i>Rishi</i>, O lord of the earth, they were
+struck with bewilderment. And they said, "What a marvel! How hath
+the dead come to life again? Is it the power of his austere virtue
+by which he hath revived again? <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+371]</span> We long to hear this, O Brahmana, if, indeed, it can be
+divulged?" To them, he replied, "Death, O lords of men, hath no
+power over us! I shall tell ye the reason briefly and intelligibly.
+We perform our own sacred duties; therefore, have we no fear of
+death; we speak well of <i>Brahmanas</i> but never think any ill of
+them; therefore hath death no terror for us. Entertaining our
+guests with food and drink, and our dependants with plenty of food,
+we ourselves (then) partake of what is left; therefore we are not
+afraid of death. We are peaceful and austere and charitable and
+forbearing and fond of visiting sacred shrines, and we live in
+sacred places; therefore we have no fear of death. And we live in
+places inhabited by men who have great spiritual power; therefore
+hath death no terror for us. I have briefly told ye all! Return ye
+now all together, cured of all worldly vanity. Ye have no fear of
+sin!" Saying <i>amen</i>, O foremost scion of Bharata's race, and
+saluting the great <i>Muni</i>, all those princes joyously returned
+to their country.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Do ye again hear from me the glory of
+the <i>Brahmanas</i>! It is said that a royal sage of the name of
+<i>Vainya</i> was once engaged in performing the horse-sacrifice
+and that Atri desired to go to him for alms. But Atri subsequently
+gave up his desire of wealth, from religious scruples. After much
+thought he, of great power, became desirous of living in the woods,
+and, calling his wife and sons together, addressed them thus, "Let
+us attain the highly tranquil and complete fruition of our desires.
+May it, therefore, be agreeable to you to repair quickly to the
+forest for a life of great merit." His wife, arguing from motives
+of virtue also then said to him, "Hie thee to the illustrious
+prince Vainya, and beg of him vast riches! Asked by thee, that
+royal sage, engaged in sacrifice will give thee wealth. Having gone
+there, O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, and received from him vast
+wealth, thou canst distribute it among thy sons and servants and
+then thou canst go whithersoever thou pleasest. This, indeed, is
+the higher virtue as instanced by men conversant with religion."
+Atri replied, "I am informed, O virtuous one, by the high-souled
+Gautama, that Vainya is a pious prince, devoted to the cause of
+truth; but there are <i>Brahmanas</i> (about his persons) who are
+jealous of me; and as Gautama hath told me this, I do not venture
+to go there, for (while) there, if I were to advise what is good
+and calculated to secure piety and the fulfilment of one's desires,
+they would contradict me with words unproductive of any good. But I
+approve of any counsel and will go there; Vainya will give me kine
+and hoards of riches."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'So saying, he, of great ascetic merit,
+hastened to Vainya's sacrifice and reaching the sacrificial altar
+and making his obeisance to the king and praising him with
+well-meaning speeches, he spoke these words, "Blessed art thou, O
+king! Ruling over the earth, thou art the foremost of sovereigns!
+The <i>Munis</i> praise thee, and besides thee there is none so
+versed in religious lore!" To him the <i>Rishi</i> Gautama, of
+great ascetic <span class="pagenum">[Pg 372]</span> merit, then
+indignantly replied saying, "Atri, do not repeat this nonsense. (It
+seems) thou art not in thy proper senses. In this world of ours,
+Mahendra the lord of all created beings (alone) is the foremost of
+all sovereigns!" Then, O, great prince, Atri said to Gautama, "As
+Indra, the lord of all creatures, ruleth over our destinies, so
+doth this king! Thou art mistaken. It is thou who hast lost thine
+senses from want of spiritual perception!" Gautama replied, "I know
+I am not mistaken; it is thou who art labouring under a
+misconception in this matter. To secure the king's countenance,
+thou art flattering him in (this) assembly of the people. Thou dost
+not know what the highest virtue, nor dost thou feel the need for
+it. Thou art like a child steeped in ignorance, for what then hast
+thou become (so) old in years?"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'While those two men were thus disputing
+in the presence of the <i>Munis</i>, who were engaged in Vainya's
+sacrifice the latter enquired, "What is the matter with them, that
+maketh them talk so vociferously?" Then the very pious Kasyapa
+learned in all religious lore, approaching the disputants asked
+them what was the matter. And then Gautama, addressing that
+assembly of great <i>Munis</i> said, "Listen, O great
+<i>Brahmanas</i>, to the point in dispute between us. Atri hath
+said that Vainya is the ruler of our destinies; great is our doubt
+on this point."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing this, the great-mind
+<i>Munis</i> went instantly to Sanatkumara who was well versed in
+religion to clear their doubt. And then he of great ascetic merit,
+having heard the particulars from them addressed them these words
+full of religious meaning. And Sanatkumara said, "As fire assisted
+by the wind burneth down forests, so a Brahmana's energy in union
+with a Kshatriya's or a Kshatriya's joined with a Brahmana's
+destroyeth all enemies. The sovereign is the distinguished giver of
+laws and the protector of his subjects. He is (a protector of
+created beings) like Indra, (a propounder of morals) like Sukra, (a
+counsellor) like Vrihaspati and (hence he is also called) the ruler
+of men's destinies. Who does not think it proper to worship the
+individual of whom such terms as 'preserver of created beings,'
+'royal,' 'emperor,' 'Kshatriya' (or saviour of the earth), 'lord of
+earth,' 'ruler of men,' are applied in praise? The king is (also)
+styled the prime cause (of social order, as being the promulgator
+of laws), 'the virtuous in wars,' (and therefore, preserver after
+peace), 'the watchman,' 'the contented,' 'the lord,' 'the guide to
+salvation,' 'the easily victorious,' 'the Vishnu like,' 'of
+effective wrath,' 'the winner of battles' and 'the cherisher of the
+true religion.' The <i>Rishis</i>, fearful of sin, entrusted (the
+temporal) power to the Kshatriyas. As among the gods in heaven the
+Sun dispelleth darkness by his effulgence, so doth the king
+completely root out sin from this earth. Therefore is the king's
+greatness deduced from the evidences of the sacred books, and we
+are bound to pronounce for that side which hath spoken in favour of
+the king."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then that illustrious prince, highly
+pleased with the victorious party, joyfully said to Atri, who had
+praised him erewhile, "O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, thou hast made
+and styled me the greatest and most excellent of men here, and
+compared me to the gods; therefore, shall I give <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 373]</span> thee vast and various sorts of wealth. My
+impression is that thou art omniscient. I give thee, O well-dressed
+and well-adorned one, a hundred millions of gold coins and also ten
+<i>bharas</i> of gold." Then Atri, of high austere virtues and
+great spiritual powers, thus welcomed (by the king), accepted all
+the gifts without any breach of propriety, and returned home. And
+then giving his wealth to his sons and subduing his self, he
+cheerfully repaired to the forest with the object of performing
+penances.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O thou conqueror of hostile cities, in
+this connection Saraswati too, when interrogated by that
+intelligent <i>Muni</i> Tarkshya, had said (this). Do thou listen
+to her words! Tarkshya had asked, saying, "Excellent lady, what is
+the best thing for a man to do here below, and how must he act so
+that he may not deviate from (the path of) virtue. Tell me all
+this, O beautiful lady, so that instructed by thee, I may not fall
+away from the path of virtue! When and how must one offer oblations
+to the (sacred) fire and when must he worship so that virtue may
+not be compromised? Tell me all this, O excellent lady, so that I
+may live without any passions, craving, or desire, in this
+world."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus questioned by that cheerful
+<i>Muni</i> and seeing him eager to learn and endued with high
+intelligence, Saraswati addressed these pious and beneficial words
+to the Brahmana, Tarkshya.'</p>
+<p>"'Saraswati said, "He who is engaged in the study of the
+<i>Vedas</i>, and with sanctity and equanimity perceives the
+supreme Godhead in his proper sphere, ascends the celestial regions
+and attains supreme beatitude with the Immortals. Many large,
+beautiful, pellucid and sacred lakes are there, abounding with
+fish, flowers, and golden lilies. They are like shrines and their
+very sight is calculated to assuage grief. Pious men, distinctively
+worshipped by virtuous well-adorned golden-complexioned
+<i>Apsaras</i>, dwell in contentment on the shores of those lakes.
+He who giveth cows (to Brahmanas) attaineth the highest regions; by
+giving bullocks he reacheth the solar regions, by giving clothes he
+getteth to the lunar world, and by giving gold he attaineth to the
+state of the Immortals. He who giveth a beautiful cow with a fine
+calf, and which is easily milked and which doth not run away, is
+(destined) to live for as many years in the celestial regions as
+there are hairs on the body of that animal. He who giveth a fine,
+strong, powerful, young bullock, capable of drawing the plough and
+bearing burdens, reacheth the regions attained by men who give ten
+cows. When a man bestoweth a well-caparisoned <i>kapila</i> cow
+with a brazen milk-pail and with money given afterwards, that cow
+becoming, by its own distinguished qualities, a giver of everything
+reacheth the side of the man who gave her away. He who giveth away
+cows, reapeth innumerable fruits of his action, measured by the
+hairs on the body of that animal. He also saveth (from perdition)
+in the next world his sons and grandsons and ancestors to the
+seventh generation. He who presenteth to <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+374]</span> a Brahmana, sesamum made up in the form of a cow,
+having horns made of gold, with money besides, and a brazen
+milk-pail, subsequently attaineth easily to the regions of the
+<i>Vasus</i>. By his own acts man descends into the darksome lower
+regions, infested by evil spirits (of his own passions) like a ship
+tossed by the storm in the high seas; but the gift of kine to
+Brahmanas saves him in the next world. He who giveth his daughter
+in marriage, in the <i>Brahma</i> form, who bestoweth gifts of land
+on Brahmanas and who duly maketh other presents, attaineth to the
+regions of Purandara. O Tarkshya, the virtuous man who is constant
+in presenting oblations to the sacred fire for seven years,
+sanctifieth by his own action seven generations up and down."</p>
+<p>"'Tarkshya said, "O beautiful lady, explain to me who ask thee,
+the rules for the maintenance of the sacred fire as inculcated in
+the <i>Vedas</i>. I shall now learn from thee the time-honoured
+rules for perpetually keeping up the sacred fire."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXVI</h2>
+<p>"Then Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, said to the Brahmana,
+Markandeya, 'Do thou now narrate the history of Vaivaswata
+Manu.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya replied, 'O king, O foremost of men, there was a
+powerful and great <i>Rishi</i> of the name of Manu. He was the son
+of Vivaswan and was equal unto <i>Brahma</i> in glory. And he far
+excelled his father and grandfather in strength, in power, in
+fortune, as also in religious austerities. And standing on one leg
+and with uplifted hand, that lord of men did severe penance in the
+jujube forest called Visala. And there with head downwards and with
+steadfast eyes he practised the rigid and severe penance for ten
+thousand years. And one day, whilst he was practising austerities
+there with wet clothes on and matted hair on head, a fish
+approaching the banks of the Chirini, addressed him thus,
+"Worshipful sir, I am a helpless little fish, I am afraid of the
+large ones; therefore, do thou, O great devotee, think it worth thy
+while to protect me from them; especially as this fixed custom is
+well established amongst us that the strong fish always preys upon
+the weak ones. Therefore do thou think it fit to save me from being
+drowned in this sea of terrors! I shall requite thee for thy good
+offices." On hearing these words from the fish, Vaivaswata Manu was
+overpowered with pity and he took out the fish from the water with
+his own hands. And the fish which had a body glistening like the
+rays of the moon when taken out of the water was put back in an
+earthen water-vessel. And thus reared that fish O king, grew up in
+size and Manu tended it carefully like a child. And after a long
+while, it became so large in size, that there was no room for it in
+that vessel. And then seeing Manu (one day), it again addressed
+these words to him, "Worshipful sir, do thou appoint some better
+habitation for me." And then the adorable Manu, the conqueror of
+hostile cities, took it out of that vessel and carried it to a
+large tank and placed it there. And there again the fish grew for
+many a long year. And although the tank was two <i>yojanas</i>
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 375]</span> in length and one
+<i>yojana</i> in width, even there, O lotus-eyed son of Kunti and
+ruler of men, was no room for the fish to play about! And beholding
+Manu it said again, "O pious and adorable father, take me to the
+Ganga, the favourite spouse of the Ocean so that I may live there;
+or do as thou listest. O sinless one, as I have grown to this great
+bulk by thy favour I shall do thy bidding cheerfully." Thus asked
+the upright and continent and worshipful Manu took the fish to the
+river Ganga and he put it into the river with his own hands. And
+there, O conqueror of thy enemies, the fish again grew for some
+little time and then beholding Manu, it said again, "O lord, I am
+unable to move about in the Ganga on account of my great body;
+therefore, worshipful sir, do thou please take me quickly to the
+sea!" O son of Pritha, Manu then taking it out of the Ganga,
+carried it to the sea and consigned it there. And despite its great
+bulk, Manu transported it easily and its touch and smell were also
+pleasant to him. And when it was thrown into the sea by Manu, it
+said these words to him with a smile, "O adorable being, thou hast
+protected me with special care; do thou now listen to me as to what
+thou shouldst do in the fulness of time! O fortunate and worshipful
+sir, the dissolution of all this mobile and immobile world is nigh
+at hand. The time for the purging of this world is now ripe.
+Therefore do I now explain what is good for thee! The mobile and
+immobile divisions of the creation, those that have the power of
+locomotion, and those that have it not, of all these the terrible
+doom hath now approached. Thou shall build a strong massive ark and
+have it furnished with a long rope. On that must thou ascend, O
+great <i>Muni</i>, with the seven <i>Rishis</i> and take with thee
+all the different seeds which were enumerated by regenerate
+Brahmanas in days of yore, and separately and carefully must thou
+preserve them therein. And whilst there, O beloved of the
+<i>Munis</i>, thou shall wait for me, and I shall appear to thee
+like a horned animal, and thus, O ascetic, shall thou recognise me!
+And I shall now depart, and thou shall act according to my
+instructions, for, without my assistance, thou canst not save
+thyself from that fearful flood." Then Manu said unto the fish, "I
+do not doubt all that thou hast said, O great one! Even so shall I
+act!" And giving instructions to each other, they both went away.
+And Manu then, O great and powerful king and conqueror of thy
+enemies, procured all the different seeds as directed by the fish,
+and set sail in an excellent vessel on the surging sea. And then, O
+lord of the earth, he bethought himself of that fish. And the fish
+too, O conqueror of thy enemies and foremost scion of Bharata's
+race, knowing his mind, appeared there with horns on his head. And
+then, O tiger among men, beholding in the ocean that horned fish
+emerging like a rock in the form of which he had been before
+appraised, he lowered the ropy noose on its head. And fastened by
+the noose, the fish, O king and conqueror of hostile cities, towed
+the ark with great force through the salt waters. And it conveyed
+them in that vessel on the roaring and billow beaten sea. And, O
+conqueror of thy enemies and hostile cities, tossed by the tempest
+on the great ocean, the vessel reeled about like a drunken harlot.
+And neither land nor the four cardinal points of the compass, could
+be distinguished. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 376]</span> And there
+was water every where and the waters covered the heaven and the
+firmament also. And, O bull of Bharata's race, when the world was
+thus flooded, none but Manu, the seven <i>Rishis</i> and the fish
+could be seen. And, O king, the fish diligently dragged the boat
+through the flood for many a long year and then, O descendant of
+Kuru and ornament of Bharata's race, it towed the vessel towards
+the highest peak of the Himavat. And, O Bharata, the fish then told
+those on the vessel to tie it to the peak of the Himavat. And
+hearing the words of the fish they immediately tied the boat on
+that peak of the mountain and, O son of Kunti and ornament of
+Bharata's race, know that that high peak of the Himavat is still
+called by the name of <i>Naubandhana</i> (the harbour). Then the
+fish addressing the associated <i>Rishis</i> told them these words,
+"I am Brahma, the Lord of all creatures; there is none greater than
+myself. Assuming the shape of a fish, I have saved you from this
+cataclysm. Manu will create (again) all beings&mdash;gods,
+<i>Asuras</i> and men, all those divisions of creation which have
+the power of locomotion and which have it not. By practicing severe
+austerities he will acquire this power, and with my blessing,
+illusion will have no power over him."</p>
+<p>"'So saying the fish vanished instantly. And Vaivaswata Manu
+himself became desirous of creating the world. In this work of
+creation illusion overtook him and he, therefore, practised great
+asceticism. And endowed with ascetic merit, Manu, O ornament of
+Bharata's race, again set about his work of creating all beings in
+proper and exact order. This story which I have narrated to thee
+and the hearing of which destroyeth all sin, is celebrated as the
+Legend of the Fish. And the man who listeneth every day to this
+primeval history of Manu, attaineth happiness and all other objects
+of desire and goeth to heaven.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXVII</h2>
+<p>"Then the virtuous king Yudhishthira in all humility again
+enquired of the illustrious Markandeya, saying, 'O great
+<i>Muni</i>, thou hast seen many thousands of ages pass away. In
+this world there is none so longlived as thou! O best of those that
+have attained the knowledge of Supreme Spirit, there is none equal
+to thee in years except the great-minded <i>Brahma</i> living in
+the most exalted place. Thou, O Brahmana, worshippest <i>Brahma</i>
+at the time of the great dissolution of the universe, when this
+world is without sky and without the gods and <i>Danavas</i>. And
+when that cataclysm ceaseth and the Grandsire awaketh, thou alone,
+O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, beholdest <i>Brahma</i> duly re-create
+the four orders of beings after having filled the cardinal points
+with air and consigned the waters to their proper place. Thou, O
+great Brahmana, hast worshipped in his presence the great Lord and
+Grandsire of all creatures with soul rapt in meditation and
+entirely swallowed up in Him! And, O Brahmana, thou hast many a
+time witnessed with thy eyes, the primeval acts of creation, and,
+plunged in severe ascetic austerities, thou hast also surpassed the
+<i>Prajapatis</i> themselves! Thou art esteemed as one <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 377]</span> who is nearest to Narayana, in the next
+world. Many a time in days of yore hast thou beheld the Supreme
+Creator of the universe with eyes of spiritual abstraction and
+renunciation, having first opened thy pure and lotus-like
+heart&mdash;the only place where the multiform Vishnu of universal
+knowledge may be seen! It is for this, O learned <i>Rishi</i>, by
+the grace of God neither all-destroying Death, nor dotage that
+causeth the decay of the body, hath any power over thee! When
+neither the sun, nor the moon, nor fire, nor earth, nor air, nor
+sky remains, when all the world being destroyed looketh like one
+vast ocean, when the <i>Gods</i> and <i>Asuras</i> and the great
+<i>Uragas</i> are annihilated, and when the great-minded
+<i>Brahma</i>, the Lord of all creatures, taking his seat on a
+lotus flower, sleepeth there, then thou alone remainest to worship
+him! And, O best of Brahman as thou hast seen all this that
+occurred before, with thy own eyes. And thou alone hast witnessed
+many things by the senses, and never in all the worlds hath there
+been any thing unknown to thee! Therefore do I long to hear any
+discourse explaining the causes of things!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya replied, 'Indeed, I shall explain all, after having
+bowed down to that Self-existent, Primordial Being, who is eternal
+and undeteriorating and inconceivable, and who is at once vested
+with and divested of attributes. O tiger among men, this Janardana
+attired in yellow robes is the grand Mover and Creator of all, the
+Soul and Framer of all things, and the lord of all! He is also
+called the Great, the Incomprehensible, the Wonderful and the
+Immaculate. He is without beginning and without end, pervades all
+the world, is Unchangeable and Undeteriorating. He is the Creator
+of all, but is himself uncreate and is the Cause of all power. His
+knowledge is greater than that of all the gods together. O best of
+kings and pre-eminent of men, after the dissolution of the
+universe, all this wonderful creation again comes into life. Four
+thousand years have been said to constitute the <i>Krita Yuga</i>.
+Its dawn also, as well as its eve, hath been said to comprise four
+hundred years. The <i>Treta-Yuga</i> is said to comprise three
+thousand years, and its dawn, as well as its eve, is said to
+comprise three hundred years. The <i>Yuga</i> that comes next is
+called <i>Dwapara</i>, and it hath been computed to consist of two
+thousand years. Its dawn, as well as its eve, is said to comprise
+two hundred years. The next <i>Yuga</i>, called <i>Kali</i>, is
+said to comprise one thousand years and its dawn, as well as eve,
+is said to comprise one hundred years. Know, O king, that the
+duration of the dawn is the same as that of the eve of a
+<i>Yuga</i>. And after the <i>Kali Yuga</i> is over, the <i>Krita
+Yuga</i> comes again. A cycle of the <i>Yugas</i> thus comprised a
+period of twelve thousand years. A full thousand of such cycles
+would constitute a <i>day of Brahma</i>. O tiger among men, when
+all this universe is withdrawn and ensconced within its
+home&mdash;the Creator himself&mdash;that disappearance of all
+things is called by the learned to be Universal Destruction. O bull
+of the Bharata race, towards the end of the last mentioned period
+of one thousand years, <i>i.e.</i>, when the period wanted to
+complete a cycle is short, men generally become addicted to
+falsehood in speech. O son of Pritha, then sacrifices and gifts and
+vows, instead of being performed by principals are suffered to be
+performed by <span class="pagenum">[Pg 378]</span> representatives!
+Brahmanas then perform acts that are reserved for the
+<i>Sudras</i>, and the <i>Sudras</i> betake themselves to the
+acquisition of wealth. Then Kshatriyas also betake themselves to
+the practice of religious acts. In the <i>Kali</i> age, the
+Brahmanas also abstain from sacrifices and the study of the Vedas,
+are divested of their staff and deer-skin, and in respect of food
+become omnivorous. And, O son, the Brahmanas in that age also
+abstain from prayers and meditation while the Sudras betake
+themselves to these! The course of the world looketh contrary, and
+indeed, these are the signs that foreshadow the Universal
+Destruction. And, O lord of men, numerous <i>Mleccha</i> kings then
+rule over the earth! And those sinful monarchs, addicted to false
+speech, govern their subjects on principles that are false. The
+<i>Andhhas</i>, the <i>Sakas</i>, the <i>Pulindas</i>, the
+<i>Yavanas</i>, the <i>Kamvojas</i>, the <i>Valhikas</i> and the
+<i>Abhiras</i>, then become, O best of men, possessed of bravery
+and the sovereignty of the earth. This, O tiger among men, becometh
+the state of the world during the eve, O Bharata, of the
+<i>Kali</i> age! Not a single Brahmana then adhereth to the duties
+of his order. And the Kshatriyas and the Vaisyas also, O monarch,
+follow practices contrary to those that are proper for their own
+orders. And men become short-lived, weak in strength, energy, and
+prowess; and endued with small might and diminutive bodies, they
+become scarcely truthful in speech. And the human population
+dwindles away over large tracts of country, and the regions of the
+earth, North and South, and East and West, become crowded with
+animals and beasts of prey. And during this period, they also that
+utter <i>Brahma</i>, do so in vain. The <i>Sudras</i> address
+<i>Brahmanas</i>, saying, <i>Bho</i>, while the Brahmanas address
+Sudras, saying <i>Respected Sir</i>. And, O tiger among men, at the
+end of the <i>Yuga</i>, animals increase enormously. And, O king,
+odours and perfumes do not then become so agreeable to our sense of
+scent, and, O tiger among men, the very tastes of things do not
+then so well accord with our organs of taste as at other periods!
+And, O king, women then become mothers of numerous progeny, endued
+with low statures, and destitute of good behaviour and good
+manners. And they also make their very mouths serve the purposes of
+the organ of procreation. And famine ravages the habitations of
+men, and the highways are infested by women of ill fame, while
+females in general, O king, become at such periods hostile to their
+lords and destitute of modesty! And, O king, the very kine at such
+periods yield little milk, while the trees, sat over with swarms of
+crows, do not produce many flowers and fruits. And, O lord of the
+earth, regenerate classes, tainted with the sin of slaying
+Brahmanas, accept gifts from monarchs that are addicted to
+falsehood in speech. And filled with covetousness and ignorance,
+and bearing on their persons the outward symbols of religion, they
+set out on eleemosynary rounds, afflicting the people of the Earth.
+And people leading domestic lives, afraid of the burden of taxes,
+become deceivers, while Brahmanas, falsely assuming the garb of
+ascetics, earn wealth by trade, with nails and hair unpared and
+uncut. And, O tiger among men, many of the twice-born classes
+become, from avarice of wealth, religious mendicants of the
+<i>Brahmacharin</i> order. And, O monarch, men at such periods
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 379]</span> behave contrary to the
+<i>modes</i> of life to which they betake themselves, and addicted
+to intoxicating drinks and capable of violating the beds of their
+preceptors, their desires are all of this world, pursuing matters
+ministering to the flesh and the blood. And O tiger among men, at
+such period the asylums of ascetics become full of sinful and
+audacious wretches ever applauding lives of dependence. And the
+illustrious chastiser of Paka never showers rain according to the
+seasons and the seeds also that are scattered on earth, do not, O
+Bharata, all sprout forth. And men, unholy in deed and thought,
+take pleasure in envy and malice. And, O sinless one, the earth
+then becometh full of sin and immorality. And, O lord of the earth,
+he that becometh virtuous at such periods doth not live long.
+Indeed, the earth becometh reft of virtue in every shape. And, O
+tiger among men, the merchants and traders then full of guile, sell
+large quantities of articles with false weights and measures. And
+they that are virtuous do not prosper; while they that are sinful
+proper exceedingly. And virtue loseth her strength while sin
+becometh all powerful. And men that are devoted to virtue become
+poor and short-lived; while they that are sinful become long-lived
+and win prosperity. And in such times, people behave sinfully even
+in places of public amusements in cities and towns. And men always
+seek the accomplishment of their ends by means that are sinful. And
+having earned fortunes that are really small they become
+intoxicated with the pride of wealth. And O monarch, many men at
+such periods strive to rob the wealth that hath from trust been
+deposited with them in secrecy. And wedded to sinful practices,
+they shamelessly declare&mdash;<i>there is nothing in deposit</i>.
+And beasts of prey and other animals and fowl may be seen to lie
+down in places of public amusement in cities and towns, as well as
+in sacred edifices. And, O king girls of seven or eight years of
+age do then conceive, while boys of ten or twelve years beget
+offspring. And in their sixteenth year, men are overtaken with
+decrepitude and decay and the period of life itself is soon outrun.
+And O king, when men become so short-lived, more youths act like
+the aged; while all that is observable in youth may be noticed in
+the old. And women given to impropriety of conduct and marked by
+evil manners, deceive even the best of husbands and forget
+themselves with menials and slaves and even with animals. And O
+king, even women that are wives of heroes seek the companionship of
+other men and forget themselves with these during the life-time of
+their husbands.</p>
+<p>"'O king, towards the end of those thousands of years
+constituting the four <i>Yugas</i> and when the lives of men become
+so short, a drought occurs extending for many years. And then, O
+lord of the earth, men and creatures endued with small strength and
+vitality, becoming hungry die by thousands. And then, O lord of
+men, seven blazing Suns, appearing in the firmament, drink up all
+the waters of the Earth that are in rivers or seas. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, then also everything of the nature of wood and
+grass that is wet to dry, is consumed and reduced to ashes. And
+then, O Bharata, the fire called <i>Samvartaka</i> impelled by the
+winds appeareth on the earth that hath already been dried to
+cinders by the seven Suns. And then that fire, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 380]</span> penetrating through the Earth and making
+its appearance, in the nether regions also, begetteth great terror
+in the hearts of the <i>gods</i>, the <i>Danavas</i> and the
+<i>Yakshas</i>. And, O lord of the earth, consuming the nether
+regions as also everything upon this Earth that fire destroyeth all
+things in a moment. And that fire called <i>Samvartaka</i> aided by
+that inauspicious wind, consumeth this world extending for hundreds
+and thousands of <i>yojanas</i>. And that lord of all things, that
+fire, blazing forth in effulgence consumeth this universe with gods
+and <i>Asuras</i> and <i>Gandharvas</i> and <i>Yakshas</i> and
+<i>Snakes</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i>. And there rise in the sky deep
+masses of clouds, looking like herds of elephants and decked with
+wreaths of lightning that are wonderful to behold. And some of
+those clouds are of the hue of the blue lotus; and some are of the
+hue of the water-lily; and some resemble in tint the filaments of
+the lotus and some are purple and some are yellow as turmeric and
+some of the hue of the crows' egg. And some are bright as the
+petals of the lotus and some red as vermillion. And some resemble
+palatial cities in shape and some herds of elephants. And some are
+of the form of lizards and some of crocodiles and sharks. And, O
+king, the clouds that gather in the sky on the occasion are
+terrible to behold and wreathed with lightnings, roar frightfully.
+And those vapoury masses, charged with rain, soon cover the entire
+welkin. And, O king, those masses of vapour then flood with water
+the whole earth with her mountains and forests and mines. And, O
+bull among men, urged by the Supreme Lord those clouds roaring
+frightfully, soon flood over the entire surface of the earth. And
+pouring in a great quantity of water and filling the whole earth,
+they quench that terrible inauspicious fire (of which I have
+already spoken to thee). And urged by the illustrious Lord those
+clouds filling the earth with their downpour shower incessantly for
+twelve years. And then, O Bharata, the Ocean oversteps his
+continents, the mountains sunder in fragments, and the Earth sinks
+under the increasing flood. And then moved on a sudden by the
+impetus of the wind, those clouds wander along the entire expanse
+of the firmament and disappear from the view. And then, O ruler of
+men, the Self-create Lord&mdash;the first Cause of
+everything&mdash;having his abode in the lotus, drinketh those
+terrible winds and goeth to sleep, O Bharata!</p>
+<p>"'And then when the universe become one dead expanse of water,
+when all mobile and immobile creatures have been destroyed, when
+the <i>gods</i> and the <i>Asuras</i> cease to be, when the
+<i>Yakshas</i> and the <i>Rakshasas</i> are no more, when man is
+not, when trees and beasts of prey have disappeared, when the
+firmament itself has ceased to exist, I alone, O lord of the earth,
+wander in affliction. And, O best of kings, wandering over that
+dreadful expanse of water, my heart becometh afflicted in
+consequence of my not beholding any creature! And, O king,
+wandering without cessation, through that flood, I become fatigued,
+but I obtain no resting place! And some time after I behold in that
+expanse of accumulated waters a vast and wide-extending banian
+tree, O lord of earth! And I then behold, O Bharata, seated on a
+conch, O king, overlaid with a celestial bed and attached to a
+far-extended bough of that banian, a boy, O great king, of face
+fair as the lotus or the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 381]</span>
+moon, and of eyes, O ruler of men, large as petals of a full blown
+lotus! And at this sight, O lord of earth, wonder filled my heart.
+And I asked myself, "How doth this boy alone sit here when the
+world itself hath been destroyed?" And, O king, although I have
+full knowledge of the Past, the Present, and the Future, still I
+failed to learn anything of this by means of even ascetic
+meditation. Endued with the lustre of the <i>Atasi</i> flower, and
+decked with the mark of <i>Sreevatsa</i>, he seemed to me to be
+like the abode of <i>Lakshmi</i>, herself. And that boy, of eyes
+like the petals of the lotus, having the mark of <i>Sreevatsa</i>,
+and possessed of blazing effulgence, then addressed me in words
+highly pleasant to the ear, saying, "O sire, I know thee to be
+fatigued and desirous of rest. O Markandeya of Bhrigu's race, rest
+thou here as long as thou wishest. O best of <i>Munis</i>, entering
+within my body, rest thou there. That hath been the abode assigned
+to thee by me. I have been pleased with thee." Thus addressed by
+that boy, a sense of total disregard possessed me in respect both
+of my long life and state of manhood. Then that boy suddenly opened
+his mouth, and as fate would have it, I entered his mouth deprived
+of the power of motion. But O king, having suddenly entered into
+the stomach of that boy, I behold there the whole earth teeming
+with cities and kingdoms. And, O best of men, while wandering
+through the stomach of that illustrious one, I behold the Ganga,
+the Satudru, the Sita, the Yamuna, and the Kausiki; the
+Charmanwati, the Vetravati; the Chandrabhaga, the Saraswati, the
+Sindhu, the Vipasa, and the Godavari; the Vaswokasara, the Nalini
+and the Narmada; the Tamra, and the Venna also of delightful
+current and sacred waters; the Suvenna, the Krishna-venna, the
+Irama, and the Mahanadi; the Vitasti, O great king, and that large
+river, the Cavery; the one also, O tiger among men, the Visalya,
+and the Kimpuna also. I beheld all these and many other rivers that
+are on the earth! And, O slayer of foes, I also beheld there the
+ocean inhabited by alligators and sharks, that mine of gems, that
+excellent abode of waters. And I beheld there the firmament also,
+decked with the Sun and the Moon, blazing with effulgence, and
+possessed of lustre of fire of the Sun. And I beheld there, O king,
+the earth also, graced with woods and forests. And, O monarch, I
+beheld there many Brahmanas also, engaged in various sacrifices;
+and the Kshatriyas engaged in doing good to all the orders; and the
+Vaisyas employed in pursuits in agriculture; and the Sudras devoted
+to the service of the regenerate classes. And, O king, while
+wandering through the stomach of that high-souled one, I also
+beheld the Himavat and the mountains of Hemakuta. And I also saw
+Nishada, and the mountains of Sweta abounding in silver. And, O
+king, I saw there the mountain Gandhamadana, and, O tiger among
+men, also Mandara and the huge mountains of Nila. And, O great
+king, I saw there the golden mountains of Meru and also Mahendra
+and those excellent mountains called the Vindhyas. And I beheld
+there the mountains of Malaya and of Paripatra also. These and many
+other mountains that are on earth were all seen by me in his
+stomach. And all these were decked with jewels and gems. And, O
+monarch, while wandering through his stomach, I also beheld lions
+and tigers and boars and, indeed, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+382]</span> all other animals that are on earth, O great king! O
+tiger among men, having entered his stomach, as I wandered around,
+I also beheld the whole tribe of the <i>gods</i> with their chief
+Sakra, the <i>Sadhyas</i>, the <i>Rudras</i>, the <i>Adityas</i>,
+the <i>Guhyakas</i>, the <i>Pitris</i>, the <i>Snakes</i> and the
+<i>Nagas</i>, the feathery tribes, the <i>Vasus</i>, the
+<i>Aswins</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Apsaras</i>, the
+<i>Yakshas</i>, the <i>Rishis</i>, the hordes of the <i>Daityas</i>
+and the <i>Danavas</i>, and the <i>Nagas</i> also, O king, and the
+sons of <i>Singhika</i> and all the other enemies of the gods;
+indeed what else of mobile and immobile creatures may be seen on
+earth, were all seen by me, O monarch, within the stomach of that
+high-souled one. And, O lord, living upon fruits I dwelt within his
+body for many centuries wandering over the entire universe that is
+there. Never did I yet, O king, behold the limits of his body. And
+when, O lord of earth, I failed to measure the limits of that
+high-souled one's body, even though I wandered within him
+continuously in great anxiety of mind, I then, in thought and deed
+sought the protection of that boon-giving and pre-eminent Deity,
+duly acknowledging his superiority. And when I had done this, O
+king, I was suddenly projected (from within his body) through that
+high-souled one's open mouth by means, O chief of men, of a gust of
+wind. And, O king, I then beheld seated on the branch of that very
+banian that same Being of immeasurable energy, in the form of a boy
+with the mark of <i>Sreevatsa</i> (on his breast) having, O tiger
+among men, swallowed up the whole universe. And that boy of blazing
+effulgence and bearing the mark of <i>Sreevatsa</i> and attired in
+yellow robes, gratified with me, smilingly addressed me, saying, "O
+Markandeya, O best of <i>Munis</i>, having dwelt for some time
+within my body, thou hast been fatigued! I shall however speak unto
+thee." And as he said this to me, at that very moment I acquired a
+new sight, so to speak, in consequence of which I beheld myself to
+be possessed of true knowledge and emancipated from the illusions
+of the world. And, O child, having witnessed the inexhaustible
+power of that Being of immeasurable energy, I then worshipped his
+revered and well-shaped feet with soles bright as burnished copper
+and well-decked with toes of mild red hue, having placed them
+carefully on my head and joining my palms in humility and
+approaching him with reverence. I beheld that Divine Being who is
+the soul of all things and whose eyes are like the petals of the
+lotus. And having bowed unto him with joined hands I addressed him
+saying, "I wish to know thee, O Divine Being, as also this high and
+wonderful illusion of thine! O illustrious one, having entered into
+thy body through thy mouth, I have beheld the entire universe in
+thy stomach! O Divine Being, the gods, the <i>Danavas</i> and the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, and
+the <i>Nagas</i>, indeed, the whole universe mobile and immobile,
+are all within thy body! And though I have ceaselessly wandered
+through thy body at a quick pace, through thy grace, O God, my
+memory faileth me not. And, O great lord, I have come out of thy
+body at thy desire but not of mine! O thou of eyes like lotus
+leaves, I desire to know thee who art free from all faults! Why
+dost thou stay here in the form of a boy having swallowed up the
+entire universe? It behoveth thee to explain all this to me. Why, O
+sinless one, is the entire universe within thy body? How
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 383]</span> long also, O chastiser of
+foes, wilt thou stay here? Urged by a curiosity that is not
+improper for Brahmanas, I desire, O Lord of all the gods, to hear
+all this from thee, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, with every
+detail and exactly as it all happens, for all I have seen, O Lord,
+is wonderful and inconceivable!" And thus addressed by me, that
+deity of deities, of blazing effulgence and great beauty, that
+foremost of all speakers consoling me properly, spoke unto me these
+words.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The Deity then said, "O Brahmana, the
+gods even do not know me truly! As however, I have been gratified
+with thee, I will tell thee how I created the universe! O
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, thou art devoted to thy ancestors and hast
+also sought my protection! Thou hast also beheld me with thy eyes,
+and thy ascetic merit also is great! In ancient times I called the
+waters by the name of <i>Nara</i>; and because the waters have ever
+been my <i>ayana</i> or home, therefore have I been called
+<i>Narayana</i> (the <i>water-homed</i>). O best of regenerate
+ones, I am <i>Narayana</i>, the Source of all things, the Eternal,
+the Unchangeable. I am the Creator of all things, and the Destroyer
+also of all. I am Vishnu, I am Brahma and I am Sakra, the chief of
+the gods. I am king Vaisravana, and I am Yama, the lord of the
+deceased spirits. I am Siva, I am Soma, and I am Kasyapa the lord
+of the created things. And, O best of regenerate ones, I am he
+called <i>Dhatri</i>, and he also that is called <i>Vidhatri</i>,
+and I am Sacrifice embodied. Fire is my mouth, the earth my feet,
+and the Sun and the Moon are my eyes; the Heaven is the crown of my
+head, the firmament and the cardinal points are my ears; the waters
+are born of my sweat. Space with the cardinal points are my body,
+and the Air is my mind. I have performed many hundreds of
+sacrifices with gifts in profusion. I am always present in the
+sacrifices of the gods; and they that are cognisant of the
+<i>Vedas</i> and officiate therein, make their offerings to me. On
+earth the Kshatriya chiefs that rule over men, in performing their
+sacrifices from desire of obtaining heaven, and the Vaisyas also in
+performing theirs from desire of winning those happy regions, all
+worship me at such times and by those ceremonials. It is I who,
+assuming the form of Sesha support (on my head) this earth bounded
+by the four seas and decked by Meru and Mandara. And O regenerate
+one, it is I who, assuming the form of a boar, had raised in days
+of yore this earth sunk in water. And, O best of Brahmanas, it is I
+who, becoming the fire that issues out of the <i>Equine mouth</i>,
+drink up the waters (of the ocean) and create them again. In
+consequence of my energy from my mouth, my arms, my thighs, and my
+feet gradually sprang Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and
+Sudras. It is from me that the <i>Rik</i>, the <i>Sama</i>, the
+<i>Yajus</i>, and the <i>Atharvan</i> Vedas spring, and it is in me
+that they all enter when the time cometh. Brahmanas devoted to
+asceticism, they that value Peace as the highest attribute, they
+that have their souls under complete control, they that are
+desirous of knowledge, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 384]</span> they
+that are freed from lust and wrath and envy, they that are unwedded
+to things of the earth, they that have their sins completely washed
+away, they that are possessed of gentleness and virtue, and are
+divested of pride, they that have a full knowledge of the Soul, all
+worship me with profound meditation. I am the flame known as
+<i>Samvartaka</i>, I am the Wind called by that name, I am the Sun
+wearing that appellation, and I am the fire that hath that
+designation. And, O best of Brahmanas, those things that are seen
+in the firmament as stars, know them to be the pores of my skin.
+The ocean&mdash;those mines of gems and the four cardinal points,
+know, O Brahmana, are my robes, my bed, and my home. By me have
+they been distributed for serving the purposes of the gods. And, O
+best of men, know also that lust, wrath, joy, fear, and the
+over-clouding of the intellect, are all different forms of myself.
+And, O Brahmana, whatever is obtained by men by the practice of
+truth, charity, ascetic austerities, and peace and harmlessness
+towards all creatures, and such other handsome deeds, is obtained
+because of my arrangements. Governed by my ordinance, men wander
+within my body, their senses overwhelmed by me. They move not
+according to their will but as they are moved by me. Regenerate
+Brahmanas that have thoroughly studied the <i>Vedas</i>, that have
+tranquillity in their souls, they that have subdued their wrath,
+obtain a high reward by means of their numerous sacrifices. That
+reward, however, is unattainable by men that are wicked in their
+deeds, overwhelmed by covetousness, mean and disreputable with
+souls unblessed and impure. Therefore, must thou know, O Brahmana
+that this reward which is obtained by persons having their souls
+under control and which is unobtainable by the ignorant and the
+foolish,&mdash;this which is attainable by asceticism
+alone,&mdash;is productive of high merit. And, O best of men, at
+those times when virtue and morality decrease and sin and
+immorality increase, I create myself in new forms. And, O
+<i>Muni</i>, when fierce and malicious <i>Daityas</i> and
+<i>Rakshasas</i> that are incapable of being slain by even the
+foremost of the gods, are born on earth, I then take my birth in
+the families of virtuous men, and assuming human body restore
+tranquillity by exterminating all evils. Moved by my own
+<i>maya</i>, I create gods and men, and <i>Gandharvas</i> and
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, and all immobile things and then destroy them all
+myself (when the time cometh). For the preservation of rectitude
+and morality I assume a human form, and when the season for action
+cometh, I again assume forms that are inconceivable. In the
+<i>Krita</i> age I become white, in the <i>Treta</i> age I become
+yellow, in the <i>Dwapara</i> I have become red and in the
+<i>Kali</i> age I become dark in hue. In the <i>Kali</i> age, the
+proportion of immorality becometh three-fourths, (a fourth only
+being that of morality). And when the end of the <i>Yuga</i>
+cometh, assuming the fierce form of Death, alone I destroy all the
+three worlds with their mobile and immobile existences. With three
+steps, I cover the whole Universe; I am the Soul of the universe; I
+am the source of all happiness; I am the humbler of all pride; I am
+omnipresent; I am infinite; I am the Lord of the senses; and my
+prowess is great. O Brahmana, alone do I set a-going the wheel of
+Time; I am formless; I am the Destroyer of all creatures; and I am
+the cause of all efforts of all my <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+385]</span> creatures. O best of <i>Munis</i>, my soul completely
+pervadeth all my creatures, but, O foremost of all regenerate ones,
+no one knoweth me. It is me that the pious and the devoted worship
+in all the worlds. O regenerate one, whatever of pain thou hast
+felt within my stomach, know, O sinless one, that all that is for
+thy happiness and good fortune. And whatever of mobile and immobile
+objects thou hast seen in the world, everything hath been ordained
+by my Soul which is the Spring of all existence. The grandsire of
+all creatures is half my body; I am called Narayana, and I am
+bearer of the conch-shell, the discus and the mace. O regenerate
+<i>Rishi</i>, for a period measured by a thousand times the length
+of the <i>Yugas</i>, I who am the Universal Soul sleep overwhelming
+all creatures in insensibility. And, O best of regenerate
+<i>Rishis</i>, I stay here thus for all time, in the form of a boy
+though I am old, until Brahma waketh up. O foremost of Brahmanas,
+gratified with thee, I who am <i>Brahma</i> have repeatedly granted
+thee boons, O thou who art worshipped by regenerate <i>Rishis</i>!
+Beholding one vast expanse of water and seeing that all mobile and
+immobile creatures have been destroyed, thou wert afflicted with
+melancholy. I know this, and it is for this that I showed thee the
+universe (within my stomach). And while thou wert within my body,
+beholding the entire universe, thou wert filled with wonder and
+deprived of thy senses. O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, it is for this
+that thou wert speedily brought out by me through my mouth. I have
+(now) told thee of that Soul which is incapable of being
+comprehended by the gods and the <i>Asuras</i>. And as long as that
+great ascetic, the holy Brahma, doth not awake, thou, O regenerate
+<i>Rishi</i>, canst happily and trustfully dwell here. And when
+that Grandsire of all creatures awaketh up, I will then, O best of
+Brahmanas, alone create all creatures endued with bodies, the
+firmament, the earth, light, the atmosphere, water, and indeed all
+else of mobile and immobile creatures (that thou mayst have seen)
+on the earth!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having said so unto me that wonderful
+Deity vanished, O son, from my sight! I then beheld this varied and
+wondrous creation start into life. O king, O thou foremost of the
+Bharata race, I witnessed all this, so wonderful, O thou foremost
+of all virtuous men, at the end of the <i>Yuga</i>! And the Deity,
+of eyes large as lotus leaves, seen by me, in days of yore is this
+tiger among men, this Janardana who hath become thy relative! It is
+in consequence of the boon granted to me by this one that memory
+doth not fail me, that the period of my life, O son of Kunti, is so
+long and death itself is under my control. This is that ancient and
+supreme Lord Hari of inconceivable soul who hath taken his birth as
+Krishna of the Vrishni race, and who endued with mighty arms,
+seemeth to sport in this world! This one is <i>Dhatri</i> and
+<i>Vidhatri</i>, the Destroyer of all the Eternal, the bearer of
+the <i>Sreevatsa</i> mark on his breast, the Lord of the lord of
+all creatures, the highest of the high, called also Govinda!
+Beholding this foremost of all gods, this ever-victorious Being,
+attired in yellow robes, this chief of the Vrishni race, my
+recollection cometh back to me! This Madhava is the father and
+mother of all creatures! Ye bulls of the Kuru race, seek ye the
+refuge of this Protector!'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 386]</span></p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the sons of Pritha and
+those bulls among men&mdash;the twins, along with Draupadi, all
+bowed down unto Janardana. And that tiger among men deserving of
+every respect thus revered by the sons of Pandu, then consoled them
+all with words of great sweetness."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said "Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, once more
+asked the great <i>Muni</i> Markandeya about the future course of
+the government of the Earth.</p>
+<p>"And Yudhishthira said, 'O thou foremost of all speakers, O
+<i>Muni</i> of Bhrigu's race, that which we have heard from thee
+about the destruction and re-birth of all things at the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i>, is, indeed, full of wonder! I am filled with
+curiosity, however, in respect of what may happen in the
+<i>Kali</i> age. When morality and virtue will be at an end, what
+will remain there! What will be the prowess of men in that age,
+what their food, and what their amusements? What will be the period
+of life at the end of the <i>Yuga</i>? What also is the limit,
+having attained which the <i>Krita</i> age will begin anew? Tell me
+all in detail, O <i>Muni</i>, for all that thou narratest is varied
+and delightful.'</p>
+<p>"Thus addressed, that foremost of <i>Munis</i> began his
+discourse again, delighting that tiger of the Vrishni race and the
+sons of Pandu as well. And Markandeya said, 'Listen, O monarch, to
+all that hath been seen and heard by me, and to all, O king of
+kings, that hath been known to me by intuition from the grace of
+the God of gods! O bull of the Bharata race, listen to me as I
+narrate the future history of the world during the sinful age. O
+bull of the Bharata race, in the <i>Krita</i> age, everything was
+free from deceit and guile and avarice and covetousness; and
+morality like a bull was among men, with all the four legs
+complete. In the <i>Treta</i> age sin took away one of these legs
+and morality had three legs. In the <i>Dwapara</i>, sin and
+morality are mixed half and half; and accordingly morality is said
+to have two legs only. In the dark age (<i>of Kali</i>), O thou
+best of the Bharata race, morality mixed with three parts of sin
+liveth by the side of men. Accordingly morality then is said to
+wait on men, with only a fourth part of itself remaining. Know, O
+Yudhishthira, that the period of life, the energy, intellect and
+the physical strength of men decrease in every <i>Yuga</i>! O
+Pandava, the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras, (in
+the <i>Kali</i> age) will practise morality and virtue deceitfully
+and men in general will deceive their fellows by spreading the net
+of virtue. And men with false reputation of learning will, by their
+acts, cause Truth to be contracted and concealed. And in
+consequence of the shortness of their lives they will not be able
+to acquire much knowledge. And in consequence of the littleness of
+their knowledge, they will have no wisdom. And for this,
+covetousness and avarice will overwhelm them all. And wedded to
+avarice and wrath and ignorance and lust men will entertain
+animosities towards one another, desiring to take one another's
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 387]</span> lives. And Brahmanas and
+Kshatriyas and Vaisyas with their virtue contracted and divested of
+asceticism and truth will all be reduced to an equality with the
+Sudras. And the lowest orders of men will rise to the position of
+the intermediate ones, and those in intermediate stations will,
+without doubt, descend to the level of the lowest ones. Even such,
+O Yudhishthira, will become the state of the world at the end of
+the <i>Yuga</i>. Of robes those will be regarded the best that are
+made of flax, and of grain the <i>Paspalum frumentacea</i><a id="footnotetag5" name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5"><sup>5</sup></a> will be regarded the best. Towards
+this period men will regard their wives as their (only) friends.
+And men will live on fish and milk, goats and sheep, for cows will
+be extinct. And towards that period, even they that are always
+observant of vows, will become covetous. And opposed to one
+another, men will, at such a time, seek one another's lives; and
+divested of <i>Yuga</i>, people will become atheists and thieves.
+And they will even dig the banks of streams with their spades and
+sow grains thereon. And even those places will prove barren for
+them at such a time. And those men who are devoted to ceremonial
+rites in honour of the deceased and of the gods, will be avaricious
+and will also appropriate and enjoy what belongs to others. The
+father will enjoy what belongs to the son; and the son, what
+belongs to the father. And those things will also be enjoyed by men
+in such times, the enjoyment of which hath been forbidden in the
+scriptures. And the Brahmanas, speaking disrespectfully of the
+Vedas, will not practise vows, and their understanding clouded by
+the science of disputation, they will no longer perform sacrifices
+and the <i>Homa</i>. And deceived by the false science of reasons,
+they will direct their hearts towards everything mean and low. And
+men will till low lands for cultivation and employ cows and calves
+that are one year old, in drawing the plough and carrying burthens.
+And sons having slain their sires, and sires having slain their
+sons will incur no opprobrium. And they will frequently save
+themselves from anxiety by such deeds, and even glory in them. And
+the whole world will be filled with <i>mleccha</i> behaviour and
+notions and ceremonies, and sacrifices will cease and joy will be
+nowhere and general rejoicing will disappear. And men will rob the
+possession of helpless persons, of those that are friendless and of
+wisdoms also. And, possessed of small energy and strength, without
+knowledge and given to avarice and folly and sinful practices men
+will accept with joy the gifts made by wicked people with words of
+contempt. And, O son of Kunti, the kings of the earth, with hearts
+wedded to sin without knowledge and always boastful of their
+wisdom, will challenge one another from desire of taking one
+another's life. And the Kshatriyas also towards the end of such a
+period will become the thorns of the earth. And filled with avarice
+and swelling with pride and vanity and, unable and unwilling to
+protect (their subjects), they will take pleasure in inflicting
+punishments only. And attacking and repeating their attacks upon
+the good and the honest, and feeling no pity for the latter, even
+when they will cry in grief, the Kshatriyas will, O Bharata, rob
+these of their <span class="pagenum">[Pg 388]</span> wives and
+wealth. And no one will ask for a girl (for purposes of marriage)
+and no one will give away a girl (for such purposes), but the girls
+will themselves choose their lords, when the end of the <i>Yuga</i>
+comes. And the kings of the earth with souls steeped in ignorance,
+and discontented with what they have, will at such a time, rob
+their subjects by every means in their power. And without doubt the
+whole world will be <i>mlecchified</i>.<a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href="#footnote6"><sup>6</sup></a> And when
+the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, the right hand will deceive the
+left; and the left, the right. And men with false reputation of
+learning will contract Truth and the old will betray the
+senselessness of the young, and the young will betray the dotage of
+the old. And cowards will have the reputation of bravery and the
+brave will be cheerless like cowards. And towards the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i> men will cease to trust one another. And full of
+avarice and folly the whole world will have but one kind of food.
+And sin will increase and prosper, while virtue will fade and cease
+to flourish. And Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas will
+disappear, leaving, O king, no remnants of their orders. And all
+men towards the end of the Yuga will become members of one common
+order, without distinction of any kind. And sires will not forgive
+sons, and sons will not forgive sires. And when the end approaches,
+wives will not wait upon and serve their husbands. And at such a
+time men will seek those countries where wheat and barley form the
+staple food. And, O monarch, both men and women will become
+perfectly free in their behaviour and will not tolerate one
+another's acts. And, O Yudhishthira, the whole world will be
+<i>mlecchified</i>. And men will cease to gratify the gods by
+offerings of <i>Sraddhas</i>. And no one will listen to the words
+of others and no one will be regarded as a preceptor by another.
+And, O ruler of men, intellectual darkness will envelop the whole
+earth, and the life of man will then be measured by sixteen years,
+on attaining to which age death will ensue. And girls of five or
+six years of age will bring forth children and boys of seven or
+eight years of age will become fathers. And, O tiger among kings,
+when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> will come, the wife will never be
+content with her husband, nor the husband with his wife. And the
+possessions of men will never be much, and people will falsely bear
+the marks of religion, and jealousy and malice will fill the world.
+And no one will, at that time, be a giver (of wealth or anything
+else) in respect to any one else. And the inhabited regions of the
+earth will be afflicted with dearth and famine, and the highways
+will be filled with lustful men and women of evil repute. And, at
+such a time, the women will also entertain an aversion towards
+their husbands. And without doubt all men will adopt the behaviour
+of the <i>mlecchas</i>, become omnivorous without distinction, and
+cruel in all their acts, when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> will come.
+And, O thou foremost of the Bharatas, urged by avarice, men will,
+at that time, deceive one another when they sell and purchase. And
+without a knowledge of the ordinance, men will perform ceremonies
+and rites, and, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 389]</span> indeed,
+behave as listeth them, when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes. And
+when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, urged by their very
+dispositions, men will act cruelly, and speak ill of one another.
+And people will, without compunction, destroy trees and gardens.
+And men will be filled with anxiety as regards the means of living.
+And, O king, overwhelmed with covetousness, men will kill Brahmanas
+and appropriate and enjoy the possessions of their victims. And the
+regenerate ones, oppressed by Sudras, and afflicted with fear, and
+crying <i>Oh</i> and <i>Alas</i>, will wander over the earth
+without anybody to protect them. And when men will begin to slay
+one another, and become wicked and fierce and without any respect
+for animal life, then will the <i>Yuga</i> come to an end. And, O
+king, even the foremost of the regenerate ones, afflicted by
+robbers, will, like crows, fly in terror and with speed, and seek
+refuge, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, in rivers and mountains and
+inaccessible regions. And always oppressed by bad rulers with
+burthens of taxes, the foremost of the regenerate classes, O lord
+of the earth, will, in those terrible times, take leave of all
+patience and do improper acts by becoming even the servants of the
+Sudras. And Sudras will expound the scriptures, and Brahmanas will
+wait upon and listen to them, and settle their course of duty
+accepting such interpretations as their guides. And the low will
+become the high, and the course of things will look contrary. And
+renouncing the gods, men will worship bones and other relics
+deposited within walls. And, at the end of the <i>Yuga</i>, the
+Sudras will cease to wait upon and serve the Brahmanas. And in the
+asylums of great <i>Rishis</i>, and the teaching institutions of
+Brahmanas, and in places sacred to the gods and sacrificial
+compounds, and in sacred tanks, the earth will be disfigured with
+tombs and pillars containing bony relics and not graced with
+temples dedicated to the gods. All this will take place at the end
+of the <i>Yuga</i>, and know that these are the signs of the end of
+the <i>Yuga</i>. And when men become fierce and destitute of virtue
+and carnivorous and addicted to intoxicating drinks, then doth the
+<i>Yuga</i> come to an end. And, O monarch, when flowers will be
+begot within flowers, and fruits within fruits, then will the
+<i>Yuga</i> come to an end. And the clouds will pour rain
+unseasonably when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> approaches. And, at
+that time, ceremonial rites of men will not follow one another in
+due order, and the Sudras will quarrel with the Brahmanas. And the
+earth will soon be full of <i>mlecchas</i>, and the Brahmanas will
+fly in all directions for fear of the burthen of taxes. And all
+distinctions between men will cease as regards conduct and
+behaviour, and afflicted with honorary tasks and offices, people
+will fly to woody retreats, subsisting on fruits and roots. And the
+world will be so afflicted, that rectitude of conduct will cease to
+be exhibited anywhere. And disciples will set at naught the
+instructions of preceptors, and seek even to injure them. And
+preceptors impoverished will be disregarded by men. And friends and
+relatives and kinsmen will perform friendly offices for the sake of
+the wealth only that is possessed by a person. And when the end of
+the <i>Yuga</i> comes, everybody will be in want. And all the
+points of the horizon will be ablaze, and the stars and stellar
+groups will be destitute of brilliancy, and the planets and
+planetary conjunctions <span class="pagenum">[Pg 390]</span> will
+be inauspicious. And the course of the winds will be confused and
+agitated, and innumerable meteors will flash through the sky,
+foreboding evil. And the Sun will appear with six others of the
+same kind. And all around there will be din and uproar, and
+everywhere there will be conflagrations. And the Sun, from the hour
+of his rising to that of setting, will be enveloped by Rahu. And
+the deity of a thousand eyes will shower rain unseasonably. And
+when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, crops will not grow in
+abundance. And the women will always be sharp in speech and
+pitiless and fond of weeping. And they will never abide by the
+commands of their husbands. And when the end of the <i>Yuga</i>
+comes, sons will slay fathers and mothers. And women, living
+uncontrolled, will slay their husbands and sons. And, O king, when
+the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, <i>Rahu</i> will swallow the Sun
+unseasonably. And fires will blaze up on all sides. And travellers
+unable to obtain food and drink and shelter even when they ask for
+these, will lie down on the wayside refraining from urging their
+solicitations. And when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, crows and
+snakes and vultures and kites and other animals and birds will
+utter frightful and dissonant cries. And when the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i> comes, men will cast away and neglect their friends and
+relatives and attendants. And, O monarch, when the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i> comes, men abandoning the countries and directions and
+towns and cities of their occupation, will seek for new ones, one
+after another. And people will wander over the earth, uttering,
+"<i>O father, O son</i>", and such other frightful and rending
+cries.</p>
+<p>"'And when those terrible times will be over, the creation will
+begin anew. And men will again be created and distributed into the
+four orders beginning with Brahmanas. And about that time, in order
+that men may increase, Providence, according to its pleasure, will
+once more become propitious. And then when the Sun, the Moon, and
+Vrihaspati will, with the constellation <i>Pushya</i><a id="footnotetag7" name="footnotetag7"></a><a href="#footnote7"><sup>7</sup></a>, enter the same sign, the
+<i>Krita</i> age will begin again. And the clouds will commence to
+shower seasonably, and the stars and stellar conjunctions will
+become auspicious. And the planets, duly revolving in their orbits,
+will become exceedingly propitious. And all around, there will be
+prosperity and abundance and health and peace. And commissioned by
+Time, a Brahmana of the name of <i>Kalki</i> will take his birth.
+And he will glorify Vishnu and possess great energy, great
+intelligence, and great prowess. And he will take his birth in a
+town of the name of <i>Sambhala</i> in an auspicious Brahmana
+family. And vehicles and weapons, and warriors and arms, and coats
+of mail will be at his disposal as soon as he will think of them.
+And he will be the king of kings, and ever victorious with the
+strength of virtue. And he will restore order and peace in this
+world crowded with creatures and contradictory in its course. And
+that blazing Brahmana of mighty intellect, having appeared, will
+destroy all things. And he will be the Destroyer of all, and will
+inaugurate a new <i>Yuga</i>. And surrounded by the Brahmanas, that
+Brahmana will exterminate all the <i>mlecchas</i> wherever those
+low and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 391]</span> despicable persons
+may take refuge.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXL</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having exterminated the thieves and
+robbers, <i>Kalki</i> will, at a great Horse-sacrifice, duly give
+away this earth to the Brahmanas, and having established anew the
+blessed rectitude ordained by the Self-create, <i>Kalki</i>, of
+sacred deeds and illustrious reputation, will enter a delightful
+forest, and the people of this earth will imitate his conduct, and
+when the Brahmanas will have exterminated the thieves and robbers,
+there will be prosperity everywhere (on earth). And as the
+countries of the earth will one after another be subjugated, that
+tiger among Brahmanas, <i>Kalki</i>, having placed deer skins and
+lances and tridents there, will roam over the earth, adored by
+foremost Brahmanas and showing his regard for them and engaged all
+the while in slaughtering thieves and robbers. And he will
+exterminate the thieves and robbers amid heart-rending cries of
+"<i>Oh, father&mdash;Oh, mother!&mdash;O son!</i>" and the like,
+and O Bharata, when sin will thus have been rooted out and virtue
+will flourish on arrival of the <i>Krita</i> age, men will once
+more betake themselves to the practice of religious rites. And in
+the age that will set in, viz., the <i>Krita</i>, well-planted
+gardens and sacrificial compounds and large tanks and educational
+centres for the cultivation of Brahmanic lore and ponds and temples
+will re-appear everywhere. And the ceremonies and rites of
+sacrifices will also begin to be performed. And the Brahmanas will
+become good and honest, and the regenerate ones, devoted to ascetic
+austerities, will become <i>Munis</i> and the asylums of ascetics,
+which had before been filled with wretches will once more be homes
+of men devoted to truth, and men in general will begin to honour
+and practise truth. And all seeds, sown on earth, will grow, and, O
+monarch, every kind of crop will grow in every season. And men will
+devotedly practise charity and vows and observances, and the
+Brahmanas devoted to meditation and sacrifices will be of virtuous
+soul and always cheerful, and the rulers of the earth will govern
+their kingdoms virtuously, and in the <i>Krita</i> age, the Vaisyas
+will be devoted to the practices of their order. And the Brahmanas
+will be devoted to their six-fold duties (of study, teaching,
+performance of sacrifices on their own account, officiating at
+sacrifices performed by others, charity and acceptance of gifts),
+and the Kshatriyas will be devoted to feats of prowess. And Sudras
+will be devoted to service of the three (high) orders.</p>
+<p>"'These, O Yudhishthira, are the courses of the <i>Krita</i>,
+the <i>Treta</i>, the <i>Dwapara</i> and the succeeding age. I have
+now narrated to thee everything. I have also told thee, O son of
+Pandu, the periods embraced by the several <i>Yugas</i> as
+generally known. I have now told thee everything appertaining to
+both the past and the future as narrated by <i>Vayu</i> in the
+<i>Parana</i> (which goes by his name and) which is adored by the
+<i>Rishis</i>. Being immortal I have many a time beheld and
+otherwise ascertained the courses of the world. Indeed, all I have
+seen and felt I have now told thee. And, O thou of unfading
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 392]</span> glory, listen now with thy
+brothers to something else I will presently tell thee for clearing
+thy doubts about religion! O thou foremost of virtuous men, thou
+shouldst always fix thy soul on virtue, for, O monarch, a person of
+virtuous soul obtaineth bliss both here and hereafter. And, O
+sinless one, listen to the auspicious words that I will now speak
+to thee. <i>Never do thou humiliate a Brahmana, for a Brahmana, if
+angry, may by his vow destroy the three worlds.</i>'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Markandeya, the
+royal head of the Kurus, endued with intelligence and possessed of
+great lustre, spoke these words of great wisdom, 'O <i>muni</i>, if
+I am to protect my subjects, to what course of conduct should I
+adhere? And how should I behave so that I may not fall away from
+the duties of my order?'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya, hearing this, answered, 'Be merciful to all
+creatures, and devoted to their good. Love all creatures, scorning
+none. Be truthful in speech, humble, with passions under complete
+control, and always devoted to the protection of thy people.
+Practise virtue and renounce sin, and worship thou the manes and
+the god and whatever thou mayst have done from ignorance or
+carelessness, wash them off and expiate them by charity. Renouncing
+pride and vanity, be thou possessed to humility and good behaviour.
+And subjugating the whole earth, rejoice thou and let happiness be
+thine. This is the course of conduct that accords with virtue. I
+have recited to thee all that was and all that will be regarded as
+virtuous. There is nothing appertaining to the past or the future
+that is unknown to thee. Therefore, O son, take not to heart this
+present calamity of thine. They that are wise are never overwhelmed
+when they are persecuted by <i>Time</i>. O thou of mighty arms, the
+very dwellers of heaven cannot rise superior to Time. Time afflicts
+all creatures. O sinless one, let not doubt cross thy mind
+regarding the truth of what I have told thee, for, if thou
+sufferest doubt to enter thy heart, thy virtue will suffer
+diminution! O bull of the Bharata race, thou art born in the
+celebrated family of the Kurus. Thou shouldst practise that which I
+have told thee, in thought, word and deed.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira answered, 'O thou foremost of the regenerate ones,
+at thy command I will certainly act according to all the
+instructions thou hast given me, and which, O lord, are all so
+sweet to the ear. O foremost of Brahmanas, avarice and lust I have
+none, and neither fear nor pride nor vanity. I shall, therefore, O
+lord, follow all that thou hast told me.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having listened to the words of the
+intelligent Markandeya, the sons of Pandu, O king, along with the
+wielder of the bow called <i>Saranga</i>, and all those bulls among
+Brahmanas, and all others that were there, became filled with joy.
+And having heard those blessed words appertaining to olden time,
+from Markandeya gifted with wisdom, their hearts were filled with
+wonder."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "It behoveth thee to narrate to me in full the
+greatness <span class="pagenum">[Pg 393]</span> of the Brahmanas
+even as the mighty ascetic Markandeya had expounded it to the sons
+of Pandu."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The eldest son of Pandu had asked Markandeya
+saying, 'It behoveth thee to expound to me the greatness of
+Brahmanas.' Markandeya answered him saying, 'Hear, O king, about
+the behaviour of Brahmanas in days of old.'</p>
+<p>"And Markandeya continued, 'There was a king, by name Parikshit
+in Ayodhya and belonging to the race of Ikshvaku. And once upon a
+time Parikshit went a-hunting. And as he was riding alone on a
+horse chasing deer, the animal led him to a great distance (from
+the habitations of men). And fatigued by the distance he had ridden
+and afflicted with hunger and thirst he beheld in that part of the
+country whither he had been led, a dark and dense forest, and the
+king, beholding that forest, entered it and seeing a delightful
+tank within the forest, both the rider and the horse bathed in it,
+and refreshed by the bath and placing before his horse some stalks
+and fibres of the lotus, the king sat by the side of the tank. And
+while he was lying by the side of the tank, he heard certain sweet
+strains of music, and hearing those strains, he reflected, "I do
+not see here the foot-prints of men. Whose and whence then these
+strains?" And the king soon beheld a maiden of great beauty
+gathering flowers singing all the while, and the maiden soon came
+before the king, and the king thereupon asked her, "Blessed one,
+who art thou and whose?" And she replied, "I am a maiden." And the
+king said, "I ask thee to be mine." And the maiden answered, "Give
+me a pledge, for then only I can be thine, else not." And the king
+then asked about the pledge and the girl answered, "Thou wilt never
+make me cast my eyes on water", and the king saying, "So be it,"
+married her, and king Parikshit having married her sported (with
+her) in great joy, and sat with her in silence, and while the king
+was staying there, his troops reached the spot, and those troops
+beholding the monarch stood surrounding him, and cheered by the
+presence of troops, the king entered a handsome vehicle accompanied
+by his (newly) wedded wife. And having arrived at his capital he
+began to live with her in privacy. And persons that were even near
+enough to the king could not obtain any interview with him and the
+minister-in-chief enquired of those females that waited upon the
+king, asking, "What do ye do here?" And those women replied, "We
+behold here a female of unrivalled beauty. And the king sporteth
+with her, having married her with a pledge that he would never show
+her water." And hearing those words, the minister-in-chief caused
+an artificial forest to be created, consisting of many trees with
+abundant flowers and fruits, and he caused to be excavated within
+that forest and towards one of its sides a large tank, placed in a
+secluded spot and full of water that was sweet as <i>Amrita</i>.
+The tank was well covered with a net of pearls. Approaching the
+king one day in private, he addressed the king saying, "This is a
+fine forest without water. Sport thou here joyfully!" And the king
+at those words of his minister entered that forest with that
+adorable wife of his, and the king sported with her in that
+delightful forest, and afflicted with hunger and thirst and
+fatigued and spent, the king beheld a <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+394]</span> bower of Madhavi creepers<a id="footnotetag8" name="footnotetag8"></a><a href="#footnote8"><sup>8</sup></a> and
+entering that bower with his dear one, the king beheld a tank full
+of water that was transparent and bright as nectar, and beholding
+that tank, the king sat on its bank with her and the king told his
+adorable wife, "Cheerfully do thou plunge into this water!" And
+she, hearing those words plunged into the tank. But having plunged
+into the water she appeared not above the surface, and as the king
+searched, he failed to discover any trace of her. And the king
+ordered the waters of the tank to be baled out, and thereupon he
+beheld a frog sitting at the mouth of a hole, and the king was
+enraged at this and promulgated an order saying, "Let frogs be
+slaughtered everywhere in my dominions! Whoever wishes to have an
+interview with me must come before me with a tribute of dead
+frogs." And accordingly when frogs began to be terribly
+slaughtered, the affrighted frogs represented all that had happened
+unto their king, and the king of the frogs assuming the garb of an
+ascetic came before the king Parikshit, and having approached the
+monarch, he said, "O king, give not thyself up to wrath! Be
+inclined to grace. It behoveth thee not to slay the innocent
+frogs." Here occurs a couple of <i>Slokas</i>. (They are
+these):&mdash;"O thou of unfading glory, slay not the frogs! Pacify
+thy wrath! The prosperity and ascetic merits of those that have
+their souls steeped in ignorance suffer diminution! Pledge thyself
+not to be angry with the frogs! What need hast thou to commit such
+sin! What purpose will be served by slaying the frogs!" Then king
+Parikshit whose soul was filled with woe on account of the death of
+her that was dear to him, answered the chief of the frogs who had
+spoken to him thus, "I will not forgive the frogs. On the other
+hand, I will slay them. By these wicked wretches hath my dear one
+been swallowed up. The frogs, therefore, always deserve to be
+killed by me. It behoveth thee not, O learned one, to intercede on
+their behalf." And hearing these words of Parikshit, the king of
+the frogs with his senses and mind much pained said, "Be inclined
+to grace, O king! I am the king of the frogs by name Ayu. She who
+was thy wife is my daughter of the name of Susobhana. This, indeed,
+is an instance of her bad conduct. Before this, many kings were
+deceived by her." The king thereupon said to him, "I desire to have
+her. Let her be granted to me by thee!" The king of the frogs
+thereupon bestowed his daughter upon Parikshit, and addressing her
+said, "Wait upon and serve the king." And having spoken these words
+to his daughter, he also addressed her in wrath saying, "Since thou
+hast deceived many Kings for this untruthful behaviour of thine,
+thy offspring will prove disrespectful to Brahmanas!" But having
+obtained her, the king became deeply enamoured of her in
+consequence of her companionable virtues, and feeling that he had,
+as it were, obtained the sovereignty of the three worlds, he bowed
+down to the king of the frogs and reverenced him in due form and
+then with utterance choked in joy and tears said, "I have been
+favoured indeed!" And the king of the frogs obtaining the leave of
+his daughter, returned to the place from which he had <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 395]</span> come and some time after the king begot
+three sons upon her and those sons were named Sala and Dala and
+Vala, and some time after, their father, installing the eldest of
+them of all on the throne and setting his heart on asceticism,
+retired into the forest. One day Sala while out a-hunting, beheld a
+deer and pursued it, on his car, and the prince said to his
+charioteer, "Drive thou fast." And the charioteer, thus addressed,
+replied unto the king, saying, "Do not entertain such a purpose.
+This deer is incapable of being caught by thee. If indeed
+<i>Vami</i> horses had been yoked to thy car, then couldst thou
+have taken it." Thereupon the king addressed his charioteer,
+saying, "Tell me all about <i>Vami</i> horses, otherwise I will
+slay thee." Thus addressed the charioteer became dreadfully alarmed
+and he was afraid of the king and also of Vamadeva's curse and told
+not the king anything and the king then lifting up his scimitar
+said to him, "Tell me soon, else I will slay thee." At last afraid
+of the king, the charioteer said, "The <i>Vami</i> horses are those
+belonging to Vamadeva; they are fleet as the mind." And unto his
+charioteer who had said so, the king said, "Repair thou to the
+asylum of Vamadeva." And reaching the asylum of Vamadeva the king
+said unto that <i>Rishi</i>, "O holy one, a deer struck by me is
+flying away. It behoveth thee to make it capable of being seized by
+me by granting me thy pair of <i>Vami</i> horses." The <i>Rishi</i>
+then answered him saying, "I give thee my pair of <i>Vami</i>
+horses. But after accomplishing thy object, my <i>Vami</i> pair you
+should soon return." The king then taking those steeds and
+obtaining the leave of the <i>Rishi</i> pursued the deer, having
+yoked the <i>Vami</i> pair unto his car, and after he had left the
+asylum he spoke unto his charioteer saying, "These jewels of steeds
+the Brahmanas do not deserve to possess. These should not be
+returned to Vamadeva." Having said this and seized the deer he
+returned to his capital and placed those steeds within the inner
+apartments of the palace.</p>
+<p>"'Meanwhile the <i>Rishi</i> reflected, "The prince is young.
+Having obtained an excellent pair of animals, he is sporting with
+it in joy without returning it to me. Alas, what a pity it is!" And
+reflecting in this strain, the <i>Rishi</i> said unto a disciple of
+his, after the expiration of a month, "Go, O Atreya, and say to the
+king that if he has done with the <i>Vami</i> steeds, he should
+return them unto thy preceptor." And the disciple Atreya,
+thereupon, repairing to the king, spoke unto him as instructed, and
+the king replied saying, "This pair of steeds deserves to be owned
+by kings. The Brahmanas do not deserve to possess jewels of such
+value. What business have Brahmanas with horses? Return thou
+contentedly!" And Atreya, thus addressed by the king, returned and
+told his preceptor all that had happened, and hearing this sad
+intelligence, Vamadeva's heart was filled with wrath, and repairing
+in person to the king he asked him for his steeds, and the king
+refused to give the <i>Rishi</i> what the latter asked, and
+Vamadeva said, "O lord of earth, give me thou my <i>Vami</i>
+horses. By them hast thou accomplished a task which was almost
+incapable of being accomplished by thee. By transgressing the
+practices of Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, subject not thyself, O king,
+to death by means of the terrible noose of Varuna." And hearing
+this, the king answered, "O Vamadeva, this couple of excellent
+well-trained, and docile bulls are fit animals for Brahmanas.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 396]</span> O great <i>Rishi</i>, (take
+them and) go with them wherever thou likest. Indeed, the very
+<i>Vedas</i> carry persons like thee." Then Vamadeva said, "O king,
+the <i>Vedas</i> do, indeed, carry persons like us. But that is in
+the world hereafter. In this world, however, O king, animals like
+these carry me and persons like me as also all others." At this the
+king answered, "Let four asses carry thee, or four mules of the
+best kind, or even four steeds endued with the speed of the wind.
+Go thou with these. This pair of <i>Vami</i> horses, however,
+deserves to be owned by Kshatriyas. Know thou, therefore, that
+these are not thine." At this, Vamadeva said, "O king, terrible
+vows have been ordained for the Brahmanas. If I have lived in their
+observance, let four fierce and mighty Rakshasas of terrible mien
+and iron bodies, commanded by me, pursue thee with desire of
+slaying, and carry thee on their sharp lances, having cut up thy
+body into four parts." Hearing this, the king said, "Let those, O
+Vamadeva, that know thee as a Brahmana that in thought, word, and
+deed, is desirous of taking life, at my command, armed with bright
+lances and swords prostrate thee with thy disciples before me."
+Then Vamadeva answered, "O king, having obtained these my
+<i>Vami</i> steeds, thou hadst said, '<i>I will return them</i>.'
+Therefore, give me back my <i>Vami</i> steeds, so thou mayst be
+able to protect thy life." Hearing this, the king said, "Pursuit of
+deer hath not been ordained for the Brahmanas. I do punish thee,
+however, for thy untruthfulness. From this day, too, obeying all
+thy commands I will, O Brahmana, attain to regions of bliss."
+Vamadeva then said, "A Brahmana cannot be punished in thought, word
+or deed. That learned person who by ascetic austerities succeedeth
+in knowing a Brahmana to be so, faileth not to attain to prominence
+in this world."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'After Vamadeva had said this, there
+arose, O king, (four) <i>Rakshasas</i> of terrible mien, and as
+they, with lances in their hands, approached the king for slaying
+him, the latter cried aloud, saying, "If, O Brahmana, all the
+descendants of Ikshvaku's race, if (my brother) Dala, if all these
+Vaisyas acknowledge my sway, then I will not yield up the
+<i>Vami</i> steeds to Vamadeva, for these men can never be
+virtuous." And while he was uttering those words, those
+<i>Rakshasas</i> slew him, and the lord of earth was soon
+prostrated on the ground. And the Ikshvakus, learning that their
+king had been slain, installed Dala on the throne, and the Brahmana
+Vamadeva thereupon going to the kingdom (of the Ikshvakus),
+addressed the new monarch, saying, "O king, it hath been declared
+in all the sacred books that persons should give away unto
+Brahmanas. If thou fearest sin, O king, give me now the <i>Vami</i>
+steeds without delay." And hearing these words of Vamadeva, the
+king in anger spoke unto his charioteer, saying, "Bring me an arrow
+from those I have kept, which is handsome to behold and tempered
+with poison, so that pierced by it Vamadeva may lie prostrate in
+pain, torn by the dogs." Hearing this, Vamadeva answered, "I know,
+O king, that thou hast a son of ten years of age, called Senajita,
+begotten upon thy queen. Urged by my word, slay thou that dear boy
+of thine without delay by means of thy frightful arrows!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'At these words of Vamadeva, O king, that
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 397]</span> arrow of fierce energy, shot
+by the monarch, slew the prince in the inner apartments, and
+hearing this, Dala said there and then, "Ye people of Ikshvaku's
+race, I will do ye good. I shall slay this Brahmana today, grinding
+him with force. Bring me another arrow of fierce energy. Ye lords
+of earth, behold my prowess now." And at these words of Dala,
+Vamadeva said, "This arrow of terrible mien and tempered with
+poison, that thou aimest at me, thou shall not, O ruler of men, be
+able to aim nor even to shoot." And thereupon the king said, "Ye
+men of Ikshvaku's race, behold me incapable of shooting the arrow
+that hath been taken up by me. I fail to compass the death of this
+Brahmana. Let Vamadeva who is blessed with a long life live." Then
+Vamadeva said, "Touching thy queen with this arrow, thou mayst
+purge thyself of the sin (of attempting to take the life of a
+Brahmana)." And king Dala did as he was directed and the queen then
+addressed the <i>Muni</i>, and said, "O Vamadeva, let me be able to
+duly instruct this wretched husband of mine from day to day,
+imparting unto him words of happy import; and let me always wait
+upon and serve the Brahmanas, and by this acquire, O Brahmana, the
+sacred regions hereafter." And hearing these words of the queen,
+Vamadeva said, "O thou of beautiful eyes, thou hast saved this
+royal race. Beg thou an incomparable boon. I will grant thee
+whatever thou mayst ask. And, O thou faultless one, rule thou, O
+princess, these thy kinsmen and this great kingdom of the
+Ikshvakus!" And hearing these words of Vamadeva the princess said,
+"This, O holy one, is the boon I seek, viz., that my husband may
+now be freed from his sin, and that thou mayst be employed in
+thinking of the weal of his son and kinsmen. This is the boon that
+I ask, O thou foremost of Brahmanas!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing these words of the queen, that
+<i>Muni</i>, O thou foremost of the Kuru race, said, "So be it."
+And thereupon king Dala became highly glad and gave unto the
+<i>Muni</i> his <i>Vami</i> steeds, having bowed down unto him with
+reverence!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The <i>Rishis</i>, the Brahmanas, and
+Yudhishthira then asked Markandeya, saying, 'How did the
+<i>Rishi</i> Vaka become so long lived?'</p>
+<p>"Thus asked by them, Markandeya answered, 'The royal sage Vaka
+is a great ascetic and endowed with long life. Ye need not enquire
+into the reason of this.'</p>
+<p>"Hearing this, O Bharata, the son of Kunti, king Yudhishthira
+the just, along with his brothers, then asked Markandeya saying,
+'It hath been heard by us that both Vaka and Daivya are of great
+souls and endowed with immortality and that those <i>Rishis</i>,
+held in universal reverence, are the friends of the chief of the
+gods. O Holy One, I desire to listen to the (history of the)
+meeting of Vaka and Indra that is full of both joy and woe. Narrate
+thou that history unto us succinctly.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'When that horrible conflict between the gods
+and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 398]</span> the <i>Asuras</i> was
+over, Indra became the ruler of the three worlds. The clouds
+showered rain copiously. And the dwellers of the world had
+abundance of harvests, and were excellent in disposition. And
+devoted to virtue, they always practised morality and enjoyed
+peace. And all persons, devoted to the duties of their respective
+orders, were perfectly happy and cheerful, and the slayer of Vala,
+beholding all the creatures of the world happy and cheerful, became
+himself filled with joy. And he of a hundred sacrifices, the chief
+of the <i>gods</i> seated on the back of his elephant Airavata,
+surveyed his happy subjects, and he cast his eyes on delightful
+asylums of <i>Rishis</i>, on various auspicious rivers, towns full
+of prosperity, and villages and rural regions in the enjoyment of
+plenty. And he also cast his eyes upon kings devoted to the
+practice of virtue and well-skilled in ruling their subjects. And
+he also looked upon tanks and reservoirs and wells and lakes and
+smaller lakes all full of water and adored by best of Brahmanas in
+the observance, besides, of various excellent vows, and then
+descending on the delightful earth, O king, the god of a hundred
+sacrifices, proceeded towards a blessed asylum teeming with animals
+and birds, situated by the side of the sea, in the delightful and
+auspicious regions of the East on a spot overgrown with abundance
+of vegetation. And the chief of the gods beheld Vaka in that
+asylum, and Vaka also, beholding the ruler of the Immortals, became
+highly glad, and he worshipped Indra by presenting him with water
+to wash his feet, a carpet to sit upon, the usual offering of the
+<i>Arghya</i>, and fruit and roots. And the boon-giving slayer of
+Vala, the divine ruler of those that know not old age, being seated
+at his ease, asked Vaka the following question, "O sinless
+<i>Muni</i>, thou hast lived for a hundred years! Tell me, O
+Brahmana, what the sorrows are of those that are immortal!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing this, Vaka answered, saying,
+"Life with persons that are disagreeable, separation from those
+that are agreeable and beloved, companionship with the wicked,
+these are the evils which they that are immortal have to bear. The
+death of sons and wives, of kinsmen and friends, and the pain of
+dependence on others, are some of the greatest of evils. (These may
+all be noticed in a deathless life). There is no more pitiable
+sight in the world, as I conceive, than that of men destitute of
+wealth being insulted by others. The acquisition of family dignity
+by those that have it not, the loss of family dignity by those that
+have it, unions and disunions,&mdash;these all are noticeable by
+those that lead deathless lives. How they that have no family
+dignity but have prosperity, win what they have not&mdash;all this,
+O god of a hundred sacrifices, is before thy very eyes! What can be
+more pitiable than the calamities and reverses sustained by the
+gods, the <i>Asuras</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, men, the snakes,
+and the <i>Rakshasas</i>! They that have been of good families
+suffer afflictions in consequence of their subjection to persons
+that are ill-born and the poor are insulted by the rich. What can
+be more pitiable than these? Innumerable examples of such
+contradictory dispensations are seen in the world. The foolish and
+the ignorant are cheerful and happy while the learned and the wise
+suffer misery! Plentiful instances of misery and woe are seen among
+men in this world! (They that lead deathless lives are destined
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 399]</span> to behold all these and
+suffer on that account.)"</p>
+<p>"'Indra then said, "O thou of great good fortune, tell me again,
+what the joys are of those persons that lead deathless
+lives,&mdash;joys that are adored by gods and <i>Rishis</i>!"</p>
+<p>"'Vaka answered, "If without having to associate with a wicked
+friend, a man cooks scanty vegetables in his own house at the eight
+or the twelfth part of the day, there can be nothing happier than
+that.<a id="footnotetag9" name="footnotetag9"></a><a href="#footnote9"><sup>9</sup></a> He in whose case the day is not
+counted is not called voracious. And, O Maghavan, happiness is even
+his own whose scanty vegetables are cooked. Earned by his own
+efforts, without having to depend upon any one, he that eateth even
+fruits and vegetables in his own house is entitled to respect. He
+that eateth in another's house the food given to him in contempt,
+even if that food be rich and sweet, doth what is despicable. This,
+therefore, is the opinion of the wise that fie on the food of that
+mean wretch who like a dog or a <i>Rakshasa</i> eateth at another's
+house. If after treating guests and servants and offering food to
+the manes a good Brahmana eateth what remains, there can be nothing
+happier than that. There is nothing sweeter or more sacred, O thou
+of a hundred sacrifices, than that food which such a person takes
+after serving the guest with the first portion thereof. Each
+mouthful (of rice) that the Brahmana eats after having served the
+guest, produces merit equal to what attaches to the gift of a
+thousand kine. And whatever sins such a one may have committed in
+his youth are all washed away of a certainty. The water in the
+hands of the Brahmana that hath been fed and honoured with a
+pecuniary gift (after the feeding is over) when touched with water
+(sprinkled by him that feeds), instantly purges off all the sins of
+the latter!"</p>
+<p>"'Speaking of these and various other things with Vaka, the
+chief of the gods went away to heaven.'"<a id="footnotetag10" name="footnotetag10"></a><a href="#footnote10"><sup>10</sup></a></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then the sons of Pandu again addressed
+Markandeya saying, 'Thou hast told us of greatness of Brahmanas. We
+desire now to hear of the greatness of the royal Kshatriyas!" Thus
+addressed by them, the great <i>Rishi</i> Markandeya spoke, 'Listen
+now to the greatness of the royal Kshatriyas. A certain king of the
+name of Suhotra belonging to the Kuru race went on a visit to the
+great <i>Rishis</i>. And as he was returning from that visit, he
+beheld king Sivi the son of Usinara, seated on his car, and as each
+came before the other, each saluted the other as best befitted his
+age and each <span class="pagenum">[Pg 400]</span> regarding
+himself as the equal of the other in respect of qualities, refused
+to give the way to the other. And at this juncture Narada appeared
+there, and beholding what had happened, the celestial <i>Rishi</i>
+asked, "Why is it that ye both stand here blocking each other's
+way?" And thus questioned both of them spoke to Narada saying, "O
+holy one, do not speak so. The sages of old have declared that the
+way should be given to one who is superior or to him that is abler.
+We, however, that stand blocking each other's way are equal to each
+other in every respect. Judged properly there is no superiority
+amongst us." Thus addressed by them, Narada recited three
+<i>slokas</i>. (They are these), "O thou of the Kuru race, he that
+is wicked behaveth wickedly even unto him that is humble; he also
+that is humble behaveth with humility and honestly unto him that is
+wicked! He that is honest behaveth honestly even towards the
+dishonest. Why should he not behave honestly towards him that is
+honest? He that is honest regardeth the service that is done to
+him, as if it were a hundred times greater than it is. Is this not
+current amongst the gods themselves? Certainly it is the royal son
+of Usinara who is possessed of goodness that is greater than thine.
+One should conquer the mean by charity; the untruthful by truth,
+the man of wicked deeds by forgiveness; and the dishonest by
+honesty. Both of you are large-hearted. Let one amongst you stand
+aside, according to the indication of the above <i>slokas</i>." And
+having said so Narada became silent, and hearing what Narada had
+said the king of the Kuru race walking round <i>Sivi</i>, and
+praising his numerous achievements, gave him the way and went on in
+his course. It was even thus that Narada had described the high
+blessedness of the royal Kshatriyas.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Listen now to another story. One day as
+king Yayati, the son of Nahusha, was sitting on his throne,
+surrounded by the citizens, there came unto him a Brahmana desirous
+of soliciting wealth for his preceptor, and approaching the king,
+the Brahmana said, "O king, I beg of thee wealth for my preceptor
+according to my covenant." And the king said, "O Holy One, tell me
+what thy covenant is." And thereupon the Brahmana said, "O king, in
+this world when men are asked for alms, they entertain contempt for
+him that asketh it. I therefore, ask thee, O king, with what
+feelings thou wilt give me what I ask and upon which I have set my
+heart." And the king replied saying, "Having given away a thing, I
+never boast of it. I never also listen to solicitations for things
+that cannot be given. I listen, however, to prayers for things that
+can be given and giving them away I always become happy. I will
+give thee a thousand kine. The Brahmana that asks me for a gift is
+always dear to me. I am never angry with the person that begs of me
+and I am never sorry for having given away a thing!" And the
+Brahmana then obtained from the king a thousand kine and went
+away.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 401]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The son of Pandu again addressed the
+<i>Rishi</i> and said, 'Speak thou unto us of the high fortune of
+royal Kshatriyas!' And Markandeya said, 'There were two kings of
+the name of Vrishadarbha and Seduka and both of them were
+conversant with morals and with weapons of attack and defence. And
+Seduka knew that Vrishadarbha had from his boyhood an unuttered vow
+that he would give no other metal unto Brahmanas save gold and
+silver. And once on a time a Brahmana having completed his study of
+the <i>Vedas</i> came unto Seduka and uttering a benediction upon
+him begged of him wealth for his preceptor, saying, "Give me a
+thousand steeds." And thus addressed, Seduka said unto him, "It is
+not possible for me to give thee this for thy preceptor. Therefore,
+go thou unto king Vrishadarbha, for, O Brahmana, he is a highly
+virtuous king. Go and beg of him. He will grant thy request. Even
+this is his unuttered vow." Hearing these words that Brahmana went
+to Vrishadarbha and begged of him a thousand steeds, and the king
+thus solicited, struck the Brahmana with a whip and thereupon the
+Brahmana said, "Innocent as I am, why dost thou attack me thus?"
+And the Brahmana was on the point of cursing the king, when the
+latter said, "O Brahmana, dost thou curse him that doth not give
+thee what thou askest? Or, is this behaviour proper for a
+Brahmana?" And the Brahmana said, "O king of kings, sent unto thee
+by Seduka, I come before thee for this." The king said, "I will
+give thee now whatever tribute may come to me before the morning
+expire. How indeed, can I send away the man empty-handed who hath
+been whipped by me." And having said this the king gave unto that
+Brahmana the entire proceeds of that day and that was more than the
+value of a thousand horses.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'One day it was resolved by the gods that they
+should descend on the earth and try the goodness and virtue of king
+Sivi, the son of Usinara. And addressing each
+other,&mdash;"<i>Well</i>"&mdash;Agni and Indra came to the earth.
+And Agni took the form of a pigeon flying away from Indra who
+pursued him in the form of a hawk, and that pigeon fell upon the
+lap of king Sivi who was seated on an excellent seat. And the
+priest thereupon addressing the king said, "Afraid of the hawk and
+desirous of saving its life, this pigeon hath come to thee for
+safety. The learned have said that the falling of a pigeon upon
+one's body forebodeth a great danger. Let the king that understands
+omens give away wealth for saving himself from the danger
+indicated." And the pigeon also addressed the king and said,
+"Afraid of the hawk and desirous of saving my life I have come to
+thee for protection. I am a <i>Muni</i>. Having assumed the form of
+a pigeon, I come to thee as a seeker of thy protection. Indeed, I
+seek thee as my life. Know me as one possessed of Vedic lore, as
+one leading the <i>Brahmacharya</i> mode of life, as one possessed
+also of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 402]</span> self-control and
+ascetic virtues. And know me further as one that has never spoken
+disagreeably unto his preceptor, as one possessed of every virtue
+indeed, as one that is sinless. I repeat the Vedas, I know their
+prosody; indeed, I have studied all the Vedas letter by letter. I
+am not a pigeon. Oh, do not yield me up to the hawk. The giving up
+of a learned and pure Brahmana can never be a good gift." And after
+the pigeon said so, the hawk addressed the king, and said,
+"Creatures do not come into the world in the same particular order.
+In the order of creation, thou mayst, in a former birth, have been
+begotten by this pigeon. It is not proper for thee, O king, to
+interfere with my food by protecting this pigeon (even though he
+might have been thy father)." And thus addressed, the king said,
+"Hath any one, before this, seen birds thus speak the pure speech
+of man? Knowing what this pigeon sayeth, and this hawk also, how
+can we act to-day according to virtue? He that giveth up an
+affrighted creature seeking protection, unto its foe, doth not
+obtain protection when he is in need of it himself. Indeed, the
+very clouds do not shower rain seasonably for him, and the seeds
+though scattered do not grow for him. He that giveth up an
+afflicted creature seeking protection unto its foe, hath to see his
+offspring die in childhood. The ancestor of such a person can never
+dwell in heaven; indeed, the very gods decline to accept the
+libations of clarified butter poured by him into the fire. He that
+giveth up an affrighted creature seeking protection, unto its foe,
+is struck with the thunder-bolt by the gods with Indra at their
+head. The food that he eateth is unsanctified, and he, of a narrow
+soul, falleth from heaven very soon. O hawk, let the people of the
+Sivi tribe place before thee a bull cooked with rice instead of
+this pigeon. And let them also carry to the place where thou livest
+in joy, meat in abundance." And hearing this, the hawk said, "O
+king, I do not ask for a bull, nor, indeed, any other meat, nor
+meat more in quantity than that of this pigeon. It hath been given
+to me by the gods. The creature, therefore, is my food today in
+consequence of its death that hath been ordained. Therefore, O
+monarch, give it up to me." Thus addressed by the hawk, the king
+said, "Let my men see and carefully carry the bull to thee with
+every limb entire. Let that bull be the ransom of this creature
+afflicted with fright and let it be carried to thee before my eyes.
+Oh, slay not this pigeon! I will yield up my very life, yet I would
+not give up this pigeon. Dost thou not know, O hawk, that this
+creature looketh like a sacrifice with the <i>Soma</i> juice? O
+blessed one, cease to take so much trouble for it. I cannot, by any
+means, yield up the pigeon to thee. Or, O hawk, if it pleases thee,
+command me to do some such thing which I may do for thee, which may
+be agreeable to thee, and upon doing which the men of the Sivi
+tribe may yet in joy bless me in terms of applause. I promise thee
+that I will do what thou mayst did me do." And at this appeal of
+the king, the hawk said, "O king, if thou givest me as much flesh
+as would be equal to the weight of the pigeon, cutting it off thy
+right thigh; then can the pigeon be properly saved by thee; then
+wouldst thou do what would be agreeable to me and what the men of
+the Sivi tribe would speak of in terms of praise." And the king
+agreed to this and he cut off a piece of flesh from his right thigh
+and weighed it against the pigeon. But the pigeon <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 403]</span> weighed heavier. And thereupon the king
+cut off another piece of his flesh, but the pigeon still weighed
+heavier, and then the king cut off pieces of flesh from all parts
+of his body and placed them on the scale. But the pigeon still
+weighed heavier, and then the king himself ascended the scale and
+he felt no grief at this and beholding this, the hawk disappeared
+there saying&mdash;(The pigeon hath been) <i>Saved</i>,&mdash;And
+the king asked the pigeon saying, "O pigeon, let the Sivis know who
+the hawk is. None but the lord of the universe could do as he did.
+O Holy One, answer thou this question of mine!" And the pigeon then
+said, "I am the smoke-bannered Agni called also Vaiswanara. The
+hawk is none other than Sachi's lord armed with the thunder-bolt. O
+son of Suratha, thou art a bull among men. We came to try thee.
+These pieces of flesh, O king, that thou hast cut off with thy
+sword from thy body for saving me have caused gashes in thy body. I
+will make these marks auspicious and handsome and they will be of
+the colour of gold and emit a sweet perfume, and earning great fame
+and respected by the gods and the <i>Rishis</i> thou shall long
+rule these subjects of thine, and a son will spring from thy flank
+who shall be called <i>Kapataroman</i>. O king, thou shalt obtain
+this son of the name of <i>Kapataroman</i> from out of thy own body
+and thou wilt behold him become the foremost of the
+<i>Saurathas</i>, blazing with renown, possessed of bravery and
+great personal beauty!"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "And the son of Pandu once more addressed
+Markandeya, saying, 'Tell us again of the great good fortune of
+kings.' And Markandeya said, 'There came unto the horse-sacrifice
+of king Ashtaka of Viswamitra's race, many kings. And there came
+unto that sacrifice the three brothers also of that king, viz.,
+Pratardana, Vasumanas, and Sivi, the son of Usinara. And after the
+sacrifice was completed, Ashtaka was proceeding on his car along
+with his brothers when they all beheld Narada coming that way and
+they saluted the celestial <i>Rishi</i> and said unto him, "Ride
+thou on this car with us." And Narada, saying, <i>So be it</i>,
+mounted on the car, and one among those kings having gratified the
+holy and celestial <i>Rishi</i> Narada, said, "O Holy One, I
+desire, to ask thee something." And the <i>Rishi</i> said, "Ask."
+And the person, thus permitted, said, "All four of us are blessed
+with long lives and have indeed every virtue. We shall, therefore,
+be permitted to go to a certain heaven and dwell there for a long
+period. Who amongst us, however, O king, shall fall down first?"
+Thus questioned the <i>Rishi</i> said, "This Ashtaka shall first
+come down." And thereupon the enquirer asked, "For what cause?" And
+the <i>Rishi</i> answered, "I lived for a few days in the abode of
+Ashtaka. He carried me (one day) on his car out of the town and
+there I beheld thousands of kine distinguished from one another by
+difference of hue. And beholding those kine I asked Ashtaka whose
+they were and Ashtaka answered me, saying, '<i>I have given away
+these kine.' By this answer</i> he gave expression to his own
+praise. It is for this answer of his that Ashtaka shall have
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 404]</span> to come down." And after
+Narada had said so, one of them again enquired, saying, "Three of
+us then will stay in heaven. Amongst us three, who shall fall down
+first?" And the <i>Rishi</i> answered, "Pratardana." And the
+enquirer asked, "For what cause?" And the <i>Rishi</i> answered, "I
+lived for some days in the abode of Pratardana also. And he carried
+me on his car one day. And while doing so, a Brahmana asked him
+saying, '<i>Give me a horse</i>!' And Pratardana replied, '<i>After
+returning, I will give thee one</i>!' And thereupon the Brahmana
+said, '<i>Let it be given to me soon</i>.' And as the Brahmana
+spoke those words, the king gave unto him the steed that had been
+yoked on the right-hand wheel of the car. And there came unto him
+another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a steed. And the king having
+spoken to him in the same way, gave him the steed that had been
+yoked on the left wheel of his car. And having given away the horse
+unto him, the king proceeded on his journey. And then there came
+unto the king another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a horse. And
+the king soon gave him the horse on the left front of his car,
+unyoking the animal. And having done so, the king proceeded on his
+journey. And then there came unto the king another Brahmana
+desirous of obtaining a horse. And the king said unto him,
+'<i>Returning, I will give thee a horse</i>.' But the Brahmana
+said, '<i>Let the steed be given to me soon</i>.' And the king gave
+him the only horse he had. And seizing the yoke of the car himself,
+the king began to draw it. And as he did so, he said, '<i>There is
+now nothing for the Brahmanas</i>.' The king had given away, it is
+true, but he had done so with detraction. And for that speech of
+his, he shall have to fall down from heaven." And after the
+<i>Rishi</i> had said so, of the two that remained, one asked, "Who
+amongst us two shall fall down?" And the <i>Rishi</i> answered,
+"Vasumanas." And the enquirer asked, "For what reason?" And Narada
+said, "In course of my wanderings I arrived at the abode of
+Vasumanas. And at that time the Brahmanas were performing the
+ceremony of <i>Swastivachana</i> for the sake of a flowery
+car.<a id="footnotetag11" name="footnotetag11"></a><a href="#footnote11"><sup>11</sup></a> And I approached the king's
+presence. And after the Brahmanas had completed the ceremony, the
+flowery car became visible to them. And I praised that car, and
+thereupon the king told me, '<i>Holy one, by thee hath this car
+been praised. Let this car, therefore, be thine</i>.' And after
+this I went to Vasumanas another time when I was in need of a
+(flowery) car. And I admired the car, and the king said, '<i>It is
+thine</i>.' And I went to the king a third time and admired the car
+again. And even then the king exhibiting the flowery car to the
+Brahmanas, cast his eyes on me, and said, '<i>O holy one, thou hast
+praised the flowery car sufficiently</i>." And the king only said
+these words, without making me a gift of that car. And for this he
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 405]</span> will fall down from
+heaven."</p>
+<p>"'And one among them said, "Of the one who is to go with thee,
+who will go and who will fall down?" And Narada answered, saying,
+"Sivi will go, but I will fall down." "For what reason?" asked the
+enquirer. And Narada said, "I am not the equal of Sivi. For one day
+a Brahmana came unto Sivi and addressing him, said, 'O Sivi, I came
+to thee for food.' And Sivi replied unto him, saying. 'What shall I
+do? Let me have thy orders.' And the Brahmana answered, 'This thy
+son known by the name of Vrihadgarbha should be killed. And, O
+king, cook him for my food.' And hearing this, I waited to see what
+would follow. And Sivi then killed his son and cooking him duly and
+placing that food in a vessel and taking it upon his head, he went
+out in search of the Brahmana and while Sivi was thus seeking, for
+the Brahmana, some one told him, 'The Brahmana thou seekest, having
+entered thy city, is setting fire to thy abode and he is also
+setting fire, in wrath, to thy treasury, thy arsenal, the
+apartments of the females and thy stables for horses and
+elephants.' And Sivi heard all this, without change of colour, and
+entering his city spoke unto the Brahmana, 'O holy one, the food
+has been cooked.' And the Brahmana hearing this spoke not a word
+and from surprise he stood with downcast looks. And Sivi with a
+view to gratifying the Brahmana said, 'O holy one, eat thou this.'
+And the Brahmana looking at Sivi for a moment said, 'Eat it
+thyself.' And thereupon Sivi said, 'Let it be so.' And Sivi
+cheerfully taking the vessel from his head desired to eat it and
+thereupon the Brahmana caught hold of Sivi's hand and addressing
+him said, 'Thou hast conquered wrath. There is nothing that thou
+canst not give unto the Brahmanas.' And saying this, that Brahmana
+adored Sivi, and then as Sivi cast his eyes before him, he beheld
+his son standing like a child of the <i>gods</i>, decked in
+ornaments and yielding a fragrance from his body and the Brahmana,
+having accomplished all this, made himself visible and it was
+<i>Vidhatri</i> himself who had thus come in that guise to try that
+royal sage, and after <i>Vidhatri</i> had disappeared, the
+counsellors addressed the king, saying, 'Thou knowest everything.
+For what didst thou do all this?' And Sivi answered, 'It was not
+for fame, nor for wealth, nor from desire of acquiring objects of
+enjoyment that I did all this. This course is not sinful. It is for
+this that I do all this. The path which is trodden by the virtuous
+is laudable. My heart always inclineth towards such a course. This
+high instance of Sivi's blessedness I know, and I have, therefore,
+narrated it duly!'"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The sons of Pandu and those <i>Rishis</i>
+then asked Markandeya, 'Is there anybody that is blessed with
+longer life than thou?' And Markandeya answered them, saying,
+'There is without doubt, a royal sage of the name of Indradyumna
+and his virtue having diminished, he fell from heaven, crying, "My
+achievements are lost!" And he came unto me and asked, "Dost thou
+know me?" And I answered him, saying, "From our anxiety
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 406]</span> to acquire religious merit we
+do not confine ourselves to any home. We live but for a night in
+the same village or town. A person like us, therefore, cannot
+possibly know thy pursuits. The fasts and vows we observe render us
+weak in body and unable to follow any worldly pursuits on our own
+behalf. Hence, one like us cannot possibly know thee." He then
+asked me, "Is there any one who is longer lived than thou?" I
+answered him, saying, "There liveth on the Himavat an owl of the
+name of Pravarakarna. He is older than I. He may know thee. The
+part of the Himavat where he dwelleth is far off from here." And at
+this Indradyumna became a horse and carried me to where that owl
+lived and the king asked the owl, saying, "Dost thou know me?" And
+the owl seemed to reflect for a moment and then said unto the king,
+"I do not know thee." And the royal sage Indradyumna thereupon
+asked the owl, "Is there any one who is older than thou?" And thus
+asked the owl answered, saying, "There is a lake of the name of
+Indradyumna. In that lake dwelleth a crane of the name of
+Nadijangha. He is older than we. Ask thou him." And at this king
+Indradyumna taking both myself and the owl went to that lake where
+the crane Nadijangha dwelt. And that crane was asked by us, "Dost
+thou know the king Indradyumna?" And the crane thereupon seemed to
+reflect a little and then said, "I do not know king Indradyumna."
+And the crane was asked by us, "Is there any one who is older than
+thou?" And he answered us, saying, "There dwelleth in this very
+lake a tortoise of the name of Akupara. He is older than I. He may
+know something of this king. Therefore, enquire ye of Akupara." And
+then that crane gave information to the tortoise, saying, "It is
+intended by us to ask thee something. Please come to us." And
+hearing this the tortoise came out of the lake to that part of the
+bank where we all were and as he came there we asked him, saying,
+"Dost thou know this king Indradyumna?" And the tortoise reflected
+for a moment. And his eyes were filled with tears and his heart was
+much moved and he trembled all over and was nearly deprived of his
+senses. And he said with joined hands, "Alas, do I not know this
+one? He had planted the sacrificial stake a thousand times at the
+time of kindling the sacrificial fire. This lake was excavated by
+the feet of the cows given away by this king unto the Brahmanas on
+the completion of the sacrifice. I have lived here ever since." And
+after the tortoise had said all this, there came from the celestial
+regions a car. And an aerial voice was heard which said, addressing
+Indradyumna, "Come thou and obtain the place thou deservest in
+heaven! Thy achievements are great! Come thou cheerfully to thy
+place! Here also are certain <i>slokas</i>: The report of virtuous
+deeds spreadeth over the earth and ascendeth to heaven. As long as
+that report lasts, so long is the doer said to be in heaven. The
+man whose evil deeds are bruited about, is said to fall down and
+live, as long as that evil report lasts in the lower regions.
+Therefore should man be virtuous in his acts if he is to gain
+Heaven. And he should seek refuge in virtue, abandoning a sinful
+heart."</p>
+<p>"'And hearing these words, the king said, "Let the car stay
+here as long as I do not take these old persons to the places
+whence I brought them.' And having brought me and the owl
+Pravarakarna to our respective places, he <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+407]</span> went away, riding on that car, to the place that was
+fit for him. Being longlived, I witness all this."'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that Markandeya narrated
+all this unto the son of Pandu. And after Markandeya finished, the
+sons of Pandu said, 'Blessed be thou! Thou hadst acted properly in
+causing king Indradyumna who had fallen from Heaven to regain his
+sphere!' And Markandeya answered them, saying, 'Devaki's son,
+Krishna, also had thus raised the royal sage Nriga who had sunk in
+hell and caused him to regain Heaven!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "King Yudhishthira, hearing from the
+illustrious Markandeya the story of the royal sage Indradyumna's
+regaining of Heaven, again asked the <i>Muni</i>, saying, 'O great
+<i>Muni</i>, tell me in what condition should a man practise
+charity in order to gain admission into the regions of Indra? Is it
+by practising charity while leading a domestic mode of life, or in
+boyhood, or in youth, or in old age? O, tell me about the
+respective merits reaped from the practice of charity in these
+different stages of life.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Life that is futile is of four kinds. Charity
+also that is futile is of sixteen kinds. His life is vain who hath
+no son; and his also who is out of pale of virtue: and his too who
+liveth on the food of other; and, lastly, his who cooketh for
+himself without giving therefrom unto the <i>Pitris</i>, the gods,
+and the guests, and who eateth of it before these all. The gift to
+one that has fallen away from the practice of virtuous vows, as
+also the gift of wealth that has been earned wrongly, are both in
+vain. The gift to a fallen Brahmana, that to a thief, that also to
+a preceptor that is false, is in vain. The gift to an untruthful
+man, to a person that is sinful, to one that is ungrateful, to one
+that officiates at sacrifices performed by all classes of people
+residing in a village, to one that sells the <i>Vedas</i>,<a id="footnotetag12" name="footnotetag12"></a><a href="#footnote12"><sup>12</sup></a> to a Brahmana that cooks for Sudra,
+to one that too by birth is a Brahmana but who is destitute of the
+occupations of his order, is in vain. The gift to one that has
+married a girl after the accession of puberty, to females, to one
+that sports with snakes, and to one that is employed in menial
+offices, is also in vain. These sixteen kinds of gifts are
+productive of no merits. That man who with mind clouded with
+darkness giveth away from fear or anger, enjoyeth the merit of such
+gift while he is in the womb of his mother. The man who (under
+other circumstances) maketh gifts unto the Brahmanas, enjoyeth the
+fruit thereof while he is in old age. Therefore, O king, the man
+who wishes to win the way of heaven, should under all conditions,
+make gifts unto Brahmanas of everything that he wishes to give
+away.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'By what means do Brahmanas, who accept
+gifts from all the four orders, save others as well as
+themselves?"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 408]</span></p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'By <i>Japa</i>,<a id="footnotetag13" name="footnotetag13"></a><a href="#footnote13"><sup>13</sup></a> and
+<i>Mantras</i>,<a id="footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href="#footnote14"><sup>14</sup></a> and
+<i>Homa</i><a id="footnotetag15" name="footnotetag15"></a><a href="#footnote15"><sup>15</sup></a> and the study of the <i>Vedas</i>,
+the Brahmanas construct a <i>Vedic</i> boat<a id="footnotetag16" name="footnotetag16"></a><a href="#footnote16"><sup>16</sup></a>
+wherewith they save both others and themselves. The gods themselves
+are pleased with that man who gratifieth the Brahmanas. Indeed, a
+man may attain heaven at the command of a Brahmana. Thou wilt, O
+king, without doubt ascend to regions of everlasting bliss, in
+consequence of thy worship of the <i>Pitris</i> and the gods, and
+thy reverence for the Brahmanas, even though thy body is filled
+with phlegmatic humours and withal so dull and inert! He that
+desires virtue and heaven should adore the Brahmanas. One should
+feed Brahmanas with care on occasions of <i>Sraddhas</i>, although
+those among them that are cursed or fallen should be excluded. They
+also should be carefully excluded that are either excessively fair
+or excessively black, that have diseased nails, that are lepers,
+that are deceitful, that are born in bastardy of widows or of women
+having husbands alive; and they also that support themselves by the
+profession of arms. That <i>Sraddha</i> which is censurable,
+consumeth the performer thereof like fire consuming fuel. If they
+that are to be employed in <i>Sraddhas</i> happen to be dumb,
+blind, or deaf, care should be taken to employ them along with
+Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas. O Yudhishthira, listen now
+unto whom thou shouldst give. He that knoweth all the <i>Vedas</i>
+should give only to that able Brahmana who is competent to rescue
+both the giver and himself, for he, indeed, is to be regarded as
+able who can rescue both the giver and himself. O son of Pritha,
+the sacred fires do not receive such gratification from libations
+of clarified butter, from offerings of flowers and sandal and other
+perfumed pastes as from the entertainment of guests. Therefore, do
+thou strive to entertain guests, O son of Pandu! O king, they that
+give unto guests water to wash their feet, butter to rub over their
+(tired) legs, light during the hours of darkness, food, and
+shelter, have not to go before Yama. The removal (after worship) of
+the flowery offerings unto the gods, the removal of the remnants of
+a Brahmana's feast, waiting (upon a Brahmana) with perfumed pastes,
+and the massaging of a Brahmana's limbs, are, each of them, O
+foremost of kings, productive of greater merit than the gift of
+kine. A person, without doubt, rescueth himself by the gift of a
+<i>Kapila</i> cow. Therefore, should one give away a <i>Kapila</i>
+cow decked with ornaments unto Brahmanas. O thou of the Bharata
+race, one should give unto a person of good lineage and conversant
+with the Vedas; unto a person that is poor; unto one leading a
+domestic mode of life but burdened with wife and children; unto one
+that daily adoreth the sacred fire; and unto one that hath done
+thee no service. Thou shouldst always give unto such persons but
+not to them that are in affluence. What merit is there, O thou
+foremost of the Bharata race, by giving unto one that is affluent?
+One cow must be given unto one Brahmana. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+409]</span> A single cow must not be given unto many. For if the
+cow so given away (unto many) be sold, the giver's family is lost
+for three generations. Such a gift would not assuredly rescue the
+giver nor the Brahmana that takes it. He who giveth eighty
+<i>Ratis</i> of pure gold, earneth the merit of giving away a
+hundred pieces of gold for ever. He that giveth away a strong bull
+capable also of drawing the plough, is certainly rescued from all
+difficulties and finally goeth to heaven. He that giveth away land
+unto a learned Brahmana, hath all his desires fulfilled. The tired
+traveller, with weakened limbs and feet besmeared with dust, asks
+for the name of him that may give him food. There are men who
+answer him by telling him the name. That wise man who informs these
+toil-worn ones of the name of the person who may give them food,
+is, without doubt, regarded as equal in merit unto the giver
+himself of food. Therefore, abstaining from other kinds of gift,
+give thou food. There is no merit (arising out of gifts) that is so
+great as that of giving food. The man that according to the measure
+of his might gives well-cooked and pure food unto the Brahmanas,
+acquires, by that act of his, the companionship of Prajapati
+(<i>Brahma</i>). There is nothing superior to food. Therefore, food
+is regarded as the first and foremost of all things (to be given
+away). It hath been said that food itself is <i>Prajapati</i>. And
+<i>Prajapati</i> is regarded as the Year. And the Year is
+sacrifice. And everything is established in sacrifice, for it is
+from sacrifice that all creatures, mobile and immobile, take their
+origin. For this reason, it hath been heard by us, food is the
+foremost of all things. They that give away lakes and large pieces
+of water, and tanks and wells, and shelter and food and they that
+have sweet words for all, have not to hear the admonitions of Yama.
+With him who gives rice, and wealth earned by his labour, unto
+Brahmana of good behaviour, the earth is satisfied. And she poureth
+upon him showers of wealth. The giver of food walketh first, after
+him the speaker of truth and he that giveth unto persons that do
+not solicit. But the three go to the same place.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing all this, Yudhishthira, along
+with his younger brothers, impelled by curiosity, again addressed
+the high-souled Markandeya, saying, 'O great <i>Muni</i>, what is
+the distance of Yama's region from that of men? What is its
+measurement? How also do men pass it over? And by what means? O,
+tell me all this!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O king, O them foremost of virtuous men, this
+question of thine appertains to a great mystery. It is sacred and
+much applauded by the <i>Rishis</i>. Appertaining as it also does
+to virtue, I will speak of it to thee. The distance of Yama's
+region from the abode of men is, O king, eighty-six thousand
+<i>Yojanas</i>! The way is over space, without water, and very
+terrible to behold. Nowhere on that road is the shade of a tree,
+nowhere any water, and nowhere any resting place in which the
+traveller, when fatigued, may rest for some moments. And men and
+women and all on earth that have life, are forcibly led along this
+way by the messengers of Yama. Those creatures that obey the
+mandates of the grim king, and they, O king, that have given horses
+and other good conveyances unto Brahmanas, proceed along this way
+on those animals and vehicles. And they that have given umbrellas
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 410]</span> proceed along this way with
+umbrellas warding off the sun's rays. And they that have given
+food, proceed without hunger, while they that have not given food
+proceed afflicted with hunger. And they that have given robes,
+proceed along this way attired in robes while they that have given
+none, proceed naked. And they that have given gold, proceed in
+happiness, themselves decked in ornaments. And they that have given
+land, proceed with every desire completely gratified. And they that
+have given grain, proceed without being afflicted with any want.
+And they that have given houses, proceed happily on cars. And those
+men that have given something to drink, proceed with cheerful
+hearts unafflicted with thirst. And they that have given lights,
+proceed happily lighting the way before them. And they that have
+given kine, proceed along the way happily, freed from all their
+sins. And they that have fasted for a month, proceed on cars drawn
+by swans. And they who have fasted for six nights, proceed on cars
+drawn by peacocks. And, O son of Pandu, he that fasteth three
+nights upon only one meal without a second during this period goeth
+into a region free from disease and anxiety. And water hath this
+excellent property that it produceth happiness in the region of
+Yama. And they that give water find for themselves a river there of
+the name of Pushpodaka. And the givers of water on the earth drink
+cool and ambrosial draughts from that stream. And they that are of
+evil deeds have pus ordained for them. Thus, O great king, that
+river serveth all purposes. Therefore, O king, adore thou duly
+these Brahmanas (that are with thee). Weak in limbs owing to the
+way he has walked, and besmeared with the dust of the high-road,
+the traveller enquireth for the name of him who giveth food, and
+cometh in hope to his house. Adore thou him with reverent
+attention, for he indeed is a guest, and he is a Brahmana. The gods
+with Indra at their head follow him as he proceedeth. And if he is
+adored, the gods with Indra become gratified, and if he is not
+adored, the celestials with their chief become cheerless.
+Therefore, O thou foremost of kings, worship thou these Brahmanas
+duly. I have thus spoken to thee upon a hundred subjects. What dost
+thou desire to hear from me again?'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O master, conversant thou art with virtue
+and morality, and so I desire to repeatedly listen to thee as thou
+speakest on sacred subjects appertaining to virtue and morals.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O king, I will now speak on another sacred
+subject appertaining to eternal interests and capable of washing
+off all sins. Listen thou with rapt attention. O thou foremost of
+the Bharatas, the merit equal to that of giving away a
+<i>Kapila</i> cow in (the <i>tirtha</i> called)
+<i>Jyeshtha-Pushkara</i> arises from washing the feet of Brahmanas.
+As long as the earth remains wet with water which a Brahmana hath
+touched with his feet, so long do <i>Pitris</i> drink water of cups
+made of lotus-leaves. If the guest is welcomed (with enquiries
+about his welfare), the deities of fire become glad; and if he is
+offered a seat, it is the god of a hundred sacrifices, who is
+gratified. If his feet are washed, it is the <i>Pitris</i> who are
+delighted; and if he is fed it is <i>Prajapati</i> that is pleased.
+One should with collected soul, give a cow when (during her throes)
+the feet and head of her calf are visible, before her delivery is
+complete. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 411]</span> A cow with her calf
+in the air in course of falling from the uterus to the earth, is to
+be regarded as equal to the earth herself. He, therefore, that
+giveth away such a cow, reapeth the merit of giving away the earth.
+And he that giveth away such a cow, is adored in heaven for as many
+thousands of <i>Yugas</i> as there are bristles on the bodies of
+the animal and her young one together. And, O Bharata, he that
+having accepted a thing in gift giveth it away immediately unto a
+person that is virtuous and honest, reapeth very great merit.
+Without doubt, he reapeth the fruit of giving away the whole earth
+to her utmost limits and with her oceans and seas and caves, her
+mountains and forests and woods. That Brahmana who eateth in
+silence from a plate, keeping his hands between his knees,
+succeedeth in rescuing others. And those Brahmanas that abstain
+from drink and who are never spoken of by others as having any
+faults and who daily read the <i>Samhitas</i>, are capable of
+rescuing others. Libations of butter and edible offerings should
+all be presented to a Brahmana who is learned in the <i>Vedas</i>.
+And as libations of clarified butter poured into fire never go in
+vain, so gift to virtuous Brahmanas learned in the <i>Vedas</i> can
+never go in vain. The Brahmanas have anger for their weapon; they
+never fight with arms of iron and steel. Indeed the Brahmanas slay
+with anger like Indra slaying the Asuras with his thunder-bolt.
+Thus prelection appertaining to virtue and morality is now over.
+Hearing this, the <i>Munis</i> of the forest of <i>Naimisha</i>
+were filled with delight. And those ascetics were also freed from
+grief and anger by listening to it. And they were also purged of
+all their sins in consequence of this. And, O king, those human
+beings that listen to it become freed from the obligation of
+rebirth.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O thou of great wisdom, what purification
+is there by which a Brahmana may always keep himself pure? I desire
+to hear of it from thee, O thou foremost of all virtuous men!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya answered, 'There are three kinds of purity, viz.,
+purity in speech, purity in deed, and purity achieved by use of
+water. He that has recourse to these three different kinds of
+purity, attains, without doubt, to heaven. That Brahmana who
+adoreth the goddess <i>Sandhya</i> in the morning and the evening,
+and who recites meditatively the sacred goddess <i>Gayairi</i> who
+is the mother of the <i>Vedas</i>, sanctified by the latter, is
+freed from all his sins. Even if he accepts in gift the entire
+earth with her oceans, he doth not, on that account, suffer the
+least unhappiness. And those heavenly bodies in the sky including
+the sun that may be inauspicious and hostile towards him soon
+become auspicious and favourable towards him in consequence of
+these acts of his, while those stars that are auspicious and
+favourable become more auspicious and more favourable in
+consequence of such conduct of his. And terrible Rakshasas
+subsisting on animal food, of gigantic and fierce mien, all become
+unable to prevail over a Brahmana who practiseth these
+purifications. The Brahmanas are even like blazing fires. They
+incur no fault in consequence of teaching, of officiating at
+sacrifices, and of accepting gifts from others. Whether the
+Brahmana be cognisant of the <i>Vedas</i> or ignorant of them,
+whether they be pure or impure, they should never be insulted,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 412]</span> for Brahmanas are like fires.
+As the fire that blazeth up in the place set apart for the
+cremation of the dead is never regarded impure on that account, so
+the Brahmana, be he learned or ignorant, is always pure. He is
+great and a very god! Cities that are adorned with walls and gates
+and palaces one after another, lose their beauty if they are bereft
+of Brahmanas. That, indeed, O king, is a city where Brahmanas
+accomplished in the <i>Vedas</i>, duly observing the duties of
+their order and possessed of learning and ascetic merit, reside. O
+son of Pritha, that spot, be it a wood or pasture land, where
+learned Brahmanas reside, hath been called a city. And that place,
+O king, becometh a <i>tirtha</i> also. By approaching a king that
+offereth protection, as also a Brahmana possessed of ascetic merit,
+and by offering worship unto both, a man may purge off his sins
+immediately. The learned have said that ablutions in the sacred
+<i>tirthas</i>, recitation of the names of holy ones, and converse
+with the good and virtuous, are all acts worthy of applause. They
+that are virtuous and honest always regard themselves as sanctified
+by the holy companionship of persons like themselves and by the
+water of pure and sacred converse. The carrying of three staffs,
+the vow of silence, matted hair on head, the shaving of the crown,
+covering one's person with barks and deerskins, the practice of
+vows, ablutions, the worship of fire, abode in the woods,
+emaciating the body, all these are useless if the heart be not
+pure. The indulgence of the six senses is easy, if purity be not
+sought in the object of enjoyment. Abstinence, however, which of
+itself is difficult, is scarcely easy without purity of the objects
+of enjoyment. O king of kings, among the six senses, the mind alone
+that is easily moved is the most dangerous! Those high-souled
+persons that do not commit sins in word, deed, heart and soul, are
+said to undergo ascetic austerities, and not they that suffer their
+bodies to be wasted by fasts and penances. He that hath no feeling
+of kindness for relatives cannot be free from sin even if his body
+be pure. That hard-heartedness of his is the enemy of his
+asceticism. Asceticism, again, is not mere abstinence from the
+pleasures of the world. He that is always pure and decked with
+virtue, he that practises kindness all his life, is a <i>Muni</i>
+even though he may lead a domestic life. Such a man is purged of
+all his sins. Fasts and other penances cannot destroy sins, however
+much they may weaken and dry up the body that is made of flesh and
+blood. The man whose heart is without holiness, suffers torture
+only by undergoing penances in ignorance of their meaning. He is
+never freed from sins of such acts. The fire he worshippeth doth
+not consume his sins. It is in consequence of holiness and virtue
+alone that men attain to regions of blessedness, and fasts and vows
+become efficacious. Subsistence on fruits and roots, the vow of
+silence, living upon air, the shaving of the crown, abandonment of
+a fixed home, the wearing of matted locks on the head, lying under
+the canopy of heaven, daily fasts, the worship of fire, immersion
+in water, and lying on the bare ground,&mdash;these alone cannot
+produce such a result. They only that are possessed of holiness
+succeed, by knowledge and deeds, to conquer disease, decrepitude
+and death, and acquire a high status. As seeds that have been
+scorched by fire do not sprout forth, so the pains that have been
+burnt by knowledge cannot <span class="pagenum">[Pg 413]</span>
+effect the soul. This inert body that is only like a block of wood
+when destitute of souls, is, without doubt, short lived like froth
+in the ocean. He that obtaineth a view of his soul, the soul that
+resideth in every body, by help of one or half of a rhythmic line
+(of the <i>Vedas</i>), hath no more need for anything. Some
+obtaining a knowledge of identity with the Supreme Soul from but
+two letters (of the <i>Vedas</i>) and some from hundreds and
+thousands of rhythmic lines, acquire salvation, for the knowledge
+of one's identity with the Supreme Soul is the sure indication of
+salvation. The men of old, distinguished for their knowledge, have
+said, neither this world nor that hereafter nor bliss can be his
+who is disturbed by doubts. And belief of one's identity with the
+Supreme Soul is the indication of salvation. He that knoweth the
+true meaning of the Vedas, understandeth their true use. Such a man
+is affrighted at the Vedic ritual like a man at sight of a forest
+conflagration. Giving up dry disputation, have recourse to
+<i>Sruti</i> and <i>Smriti</i>, and seek thou, with the aid of thy
+reason, the knowledge of the Undecaying One that is without a
+second. One's search (after this knowledge) becometh futile from
+defect of means. Therefore, should one carefully strive to obtain
+that knowledge by aid of the <i>Vedas</i>. The <i>Vedas</i> are the
+Supreme Soul; they are His body; they are the Truth. The soul that
+is bounded by the animal organism is incompetent to know Him in
+whom all the <i>Vedas</i> merge. That Supreme Soul, however, is
+capable of being known by the pure intellect. The existence of the
+<i>gods</i> as stated in the <i>Vedas</i>, the efficacy of acts,
+and the capacity for action of being furnished with bodies, are
+noticeable in every <i>Yuga</i>. Independence of these and
+annihilation are to be sought from purity of the senses. Therefore,
+the suspension of the function of the senses is the true fasting.
+One may attain to heaven by asceticism, one may obtain objects of
+enjoyment by the practice of charity and may have his sins purged
+off by ablutions in <i>tirthas</i>. But complete emancipation
+cannot be had except by knowledge.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, O great king, by the
+<i>Rishi</i>, Yudhishthira of great fame then said, 'O holy one, I
+desire to listen to the rules about that charity which is
+meritorious.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O great king, O Yudhishthira, the rules about
+charity which thou wishest to hear from me are always highly
+regarded by me. Listen now to the mysteries of charity as expounded
+in the <i>sruti</i> and the <i>smritis</i>! A man that performs a
+<i>sraddha</i> in the conjunction called <i>Gajacchaya</i> at a
+place that is fanned by the leaves of the <i>Aswattha</i> tree
+enjoys the fruits thereof, O Yudhishthira, for a hundred thousand
+<i>kalpas</i>. O king, he that foundeth a <i>dharmasala</i> and
+established there a person to look after all comers, is crowned
+with the merits of all the sacrifices. He that giveth away a horse
+at a <i>tirtha</i> where the current of the river runneth in a
+direction opposite to its general course, reapeth merit that is
+inexhaustible. The guest that comes to one's house for food is none
+other than Indra himself. If he is entertained with food, Indra
+himself conferreth on the best merit that is inexhaustible. As men
+cross seas by vessels, so are the givers mentioned above are saved
+from all their sins. So what is given unto Brahmanas produceth,
+like gift of curds, inexhaustible merits. A gift on particular
+lunations produceth merit that <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+414]</span> is twice as much as a gift on other days. That in a
+particular season produceth merit ten times greater that in other
+seasons. That in a particular year produceth merit a hundred times
+greater than in other years. And lastly, a gift on the last day of
+the last month of the year produceth merit that is inexhaustible. A
+gift also that is made while the Sun is on the solstitial points,
+one again that is made on the last day of the Sun's path through
+Libra, Aries, Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces, a gift again during
+eclipses of the Moon and the Sun, produce merit that is
+inexhaustible. The learned have also said that gifts made during
+the seasons produce merit that is ten times, those made during the
+change of seasons, a hundred times&mdash;and those made during the
+days when <i>Rahu</i> is visible, a thousand times&mdash;greater
+than what is produced by gifts at other time; while a gift made on
+the last day of the Sun's course through Libra and Aries produces
+merit that knows no diminution. O king, no one can enjoy landed
+possessions unless he giveth away land, and no one can go on cars
+and vehicles unless he giveth away these. Indeed a person on
+rebirth obtaineth the fruition of whatever objects he hath in view
+at the time of making a gift to a Brahmana. Gold hath sprung from
+Fire; the Earth from Vishnu; and the cows from the Sun. He,
+therefore, that giveth away gold, land, and kine attaineth all the
+regions of Agni, Vishnu, and the Sun. There is nothing so eternal
+as a gift. Where, therefore, in the three worlds is anything that
+is more auspicious? It is for this, O king, that they who have
+great intelligence say that there is nothing higher and greater in
+the three worlds than gift!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CC</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having, O great king, heard from the
+illustrious Markandeya the history of the attainment of heaven by
+the royal sage Indradyumna, Yudhishthira, that bull of the Bharata
+race, once more asked that sinless <i>Muni</i> endued with great
+ascetic merit and long life, saying, 'Thou knowest, O virtuous one,
+the entire host of the gods, the <i>Danavas</i>, and the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>. Thou art acquainted also with various royal
+genealogies and many eternal lines of <i>Rishis</i>! O best of
+Brahmanas, there is nothing in this world that thou dost not know!
+Thou knowest also, O <i>Muni</i>, many delightful stories about
+<i>men, Snakes</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i>; about gods,
+<i>Gandharvas</i>, and <i>Yakshas</i>, and about <i>Kinnaras</i>
+and <i>Apsaras</i>! I desire now to hear from thee, O best of
+Brahmanas, as to why Kuvalaswa&mdash;that unvanquished king of
+Ikshavaku's race changed his name, assuming another, viz.,
+<i>Dhundhumara</i>. O thou best of Bhrigu's line, I desire to know
+in detail why the name of Kuvalaswa of great intelligence underwent
+such a change!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, the
+great <i>Muni</i> Markandeya, O Bharata, then began the history of
+Dhundhumara!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O royal Yudhishthira, listen to me, I will
+tell thee all! The story of Dhundhumara is a moral one. Listen to
+it then! Listen <span class="pagenum">[Pg 415]</span> now, O king,
+to the story of how the royal Kuvalaswa of Ikshvaku's race came to
+be known as Dhundhumara. O son, O Bharata, there was a celebrated
+<i>Rishi</i> of the name of Utanka and, O thou of the Kuru race,
+Utanka had his hermitage in a delightful wilderness. And, O great
+king, the <i>Rishi</i> Utanka underwent ascetic austerities of the
+severest kind and the lord Utanka underwent those penances for
+numberless years with the object of obtaining the favours of
+Vishnu, and gratified with his penances that illustrious Lord
+presented himself before Utanka. And beholding the Deity, the
+<i>Rishi</i> in all humility began to gratify him with many hymns,
+and Utanka said, "O thou of great effulgence all creatures with the
+gods, <i>Asuras</i> and human beings, all things that are mobile or
+immobile, even <i>Brahma</i> himself, the Vedas, and all things
+that are capable of being known, have, O lord, been created by
+thee! The firmament is thy head, O god, and the sun and the moon
+are thy eyes! And, O Unfading One, the winds are thy breath and
+fire thy energy! The directions of the horizon constitute thy arms
+and the great ocean thy stomach! And, O god, the hills and
+mountains constitute thy thigh and the sky thy hips, O slayer of
+Madhu! The earth constitutes thy feet, and the plants the bristles
+on thy body. And, O lord, Indra and Soma and Agni and Varuna,
+indeed all the gods, the <i>Asuras</i> and the great Snakes all
+wait upon thee with humility, adoring thee with various hymns! O
+Lord of the Universe, created things are pervaded by thee. The
+great <i>Rishis</i> of high energy and ever plunged in ascetic
+meditation, always adore thee. When thou art gratified, the
+universe is in peace. And when thou art angry, terror pervadeth
+every soul. Thou art, O Lord, the great dispeller of all terrors
+and thou art the One Supreme Male Being! Thou art the cause of
+happiness of both gods and human beings! And, O Lord, by three
+steps of thine thou didst cover the three worlds! And it was by
+thee that the <i>Asuras</i> in the height of their power were
+destroyed! It is owing to thy prowess, O God, that the celestials
+obtained peace and happiness and, O thou of great effulgence, it
+was thy anger that destroyed hundred great <i>Daitya</i> chiefs.
+Thou art the Creator and destroyer of all creatures in the world.
+It is by adoring thee that the gods have obtained happiness." It
+was thus, O Yudhishthira, that the high-souled Utanka praised the
+Lord of the senses. And Vishnu, therefore, said unto Utanka, "I am
+gratified with thee. Ask thou the boon that thou desirest." And
+Utanka said, "This indeed hath been a great boon to me, in that I
+have been able to behold Hari, that eternal Being, that divine
+Creator, that Lord of the universe!" Thus addressed Vishnu said, "I
+am gratified with this absence of all desires on thy part and with
+thy devotion, O thou best of men! But, O Brahmanas, O regenerate
+one, thou shouldst of a certainty accept some boon from me!" Thus
+requested by Hari to accept a boon Utanka then, O thou best of
+Bharatas, with joined hands begged a boon saying, "O illustrious
+one, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, if thou hast been gratified
+with me, then let my heart always rest on virtue, truth, and
+self-content. And, O Lord, let my heart always turn to thee in
+devotion." And hearing these words of Utanka, the holy one said, "O
+regenerate one, all this shall happen to thee through my grace. And
+there will also appear in thee a <i>yoga</i> power endued with
+which <span class="pagenum">[Pg 416]</span> thou shalt achieve a
+great thing for the dwellers of Heaven, as also for the triple
+world. Even now a great <i>Asura</i> of the name of Dhundhu is
+undergoing ascetic penances of fierce austerity with the object of
+destroying the triple world. Hear now as to who will slay that
+<i>Asura</i>. O son, there will appear a king of invincible energy
+and great prowess and he will be born in the race of Ikshvaku and
+will be known by the name of Vrihadaswa who will have a son of the
+name of Kuvalaswa endued with great holiness and self-control and
+celebrity. And that best of kings will be furnished with
+<i>yoga</i> power springing from me and urged and commended by
+thee, O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, that king will be the slayer of
+the Asura Dhundhu." And having said these words unto that Brahmana,
+Vishnu disappeared there and then.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O king, after the death of Ikshvaku, a highly
+virtuous king of the name of <i>Sasada</i>, ascending the throne of
+Ayodhya ruled this earth. And from <i>Sasada</i> was descended
+Kakutstha of great energy. And Kakutstha had a son of name Anenas.
+And Anenas had a son named Prithu and Prithu had a son named
+Viswagaswa and from Viswagaswa sprang Adri and from Adri sprang
+Yuvanaswa and from Yuvanaswa sprang Sravastha and it was by this
+Sravastha that the city called <i>Sravasthi</i> was built and from
+Sravastha was descended Vrihadaswa and from Vrihadaswa sprang
+Kuvalaswa and Kuvalaswa had twentyone thousand sons and all these
+sons were fierce and powerful and skilled in learning. And
+Kuvalaswa excelled his father in every quality. And when the time
+came, his father Vrihadaswa installed him&mdash;the brave and
+highly virtuous Kuvalaswa&mdash;on the throne. And having thus made
+over the royal dignity to his son, that slayer of foes&mdash;king
+Vrihadaswa of great intelligence&mdash;retired into the woods for
+asceticism.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O king, when the royal sage Vrihadaswa
+was about to retire into the woods, that best of Brahmanas, Utanka
+heard of it. And Utanka who was possessed of great energy and
+immeasurable soul, approached that foremost of all wielders of
+weapons and best of men. And approaching him, the <i>Rishis</i>
+began to persuade him to give up asceticism. And Utanka said, "O
+king, to protect (the people) is thy duty. It behoveth thee to do
+that duty of thine. Let us be free from all anxiety through thy
+grace. Possessed as thou art of a great soul, protected by thee,
+the earth will be freed from all dangers. Therefore, it behoveth
+thee, not to retire into the woods. Great merit attaches to the act
+of protecting people in this world. Such merit can never be
+acquired in the woods. Let not thy heart, therefore, turn to this
+course. The merit, great king, that was acquired in days of old by
+great royal sages by protecting their subjects was so great that
+nothing equal to it could be seen. The king should always protect
+his subjects. It behoveth thee, therefore, to protect thy people. O
+lord of the earth, I cannot (at present) perform my ascetic
+devotions peacefully. Close to my asylum there is a sea of sands
+known by the name of <i>Ujjalaka.</i> And it <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 417]</span> occupies a level country and is without
+any water. And it extends many <i>yojanas</i> in length and breadth
+and in that desert dwells a chief of the <i>Danavas</i> called
+Dhundhu by name. And Dhundhu is the son of Madhu and Kaitabha, and
+is fierce and terrible and possessed of great prowess. And endued
+with immeasurable energy, that <i>Danava</i>, O king, dwelleth
+under the ground, and, O king, it behoveth thee to retire into the
+woods, having first slain that <i>Asura</i>. That <i>Asura</i> is
+now lying still in the observance of an ascetic penance of great
+austerity and, O king, the object he hath in view is sovereignty
+over the celestials as also of the three worlds. And, O king,
+having obtained a boon from the Grandsire of all creatures, that
+<i>Asura</i> hath become incapable of being slain by the gods and
+<i>Daityas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i> and <i>Gandharvas</i>. Slay
+though him, O king, and blessed be thou and let not thy heart turn
+to any other course. By slaying him thou wilt without doubt,
+achieve a great thing and thou wilt also obtain eternal and undying
+fame. And O king, when at the end of every year that wicked
+<i>Asura</i> lying covered with sands, wakes up and begins to
+breathe, then the whole earth with her mountains, forests and woods
+begins to tremble. And his breath raiseth up clouds of sands, and
+shroudeth the very sun, and for seven days continually the earth
+tremble all over, and sparks and flames of fire mixed with smoke
+spread far around and for all this, O king, I cannot rest in peace
+in my asylum. Slay thou him, O king, for the good of the world.
+Indeed, when that <i>Asura</i> is slain the triple world will be in
+peace and happiness. That thou art competent, O king, to slay that
+<i>Asura</i>, I fully believe. Thy energy will be enhanced by
+Vishnu with the addition of his own. In days of old, O king, Vishnu
+gave this boon that the king who should slay this fierce and great
+<i>Asura</i> would be pervaded by the invincible energy of Vishnu
+himself. Bearing that invincible <i>Vaishnava</i> energy in
+thyself, slay thou, O great king, that <i>Daitya</i> of fierce
+prowess. Possessed as Dhundhu is of mighty energy, no one, O king,
+that is endued with small energy himself will be capable of
+consuming him, even if he were to strive for a hundred
+years."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed by Utanka, that unvanquished
+royal sage, with joined hands, O thou foremost of the Kuru race,
+replied unto Utanka, saying, "This visit of thine, O Brahmana, will
+not be in vain. This my son, O holy one, known by the name of
+Kuvalaswa is endued with steadiness and activity. In prowess also
+he is unequaled on earth. Without doubt he will accomplish all this
+that is agreeable to thee, aided by all his brave sons endued with
+arms like unto iron maces. Give me leave to retire, O Brahmana, for
+I have now given up my weapons." Thus addressed by the king, that
+<i>Muni</i> of immeasurable energy replied unto him, saying, "So be
+it." And the royal sage Vrihadaswa then, having commended his son
+to obey the behest of the high-souled Utanka saying, "Let it be
+done by <span class="pagenum">[Pg 418]</span> thee," himself
+retired into an excellent forest.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O holy one, O thou possessed of the wealth
+of asceticism, who was this <i>Daitya</i> of great energy? Whose
+son and whose grandson was he? I desire to know all this; O thou
+possessed of the wealth of asceticism I never heard of this mighty
+<i>Daitya</i> before. I desire to know all this truly, O holy one,
+and with all particulars in detail, O thou of great wisdom and
+ascetic wealth!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O monarch, know everything as it happened, O
+ruler of men, as I narrate the particulars truly, O thou of great
+wisdom! When the world became one broad expanse of water and
+creatures mobile and immobile were destroyed, when, O bull of the
+Bharata race, the entire creation came to its end, He who is the
+Source and Creator of the Universe, viz., the Eternal and unfading
+Vishnu, He who is called by <i>Munis</i> crowned with ascetic
+success as the Supreme Lord of the Universe, that Being of great
+holiness, then lay in <i>Yoga</i> sleep on the wide hood of the
+Snake Sesha of immeasurable energy, and the Creator of the
+Universe, that highly-blessed and holy Hari, knowing no
+deterioration, lay on the hood of that Snake encircling the whole
+Earth and as the Deity lay asleep on that bed, a lotus, endued with
+great beauty and effulgence equal unto that of the Sun, sprang from
+his navel. And from that lotus possessed of effulgence like unto
+the Sun's, sprang the Grandsire <i>Brahma</i>, that lord of the
+worlds who is the four <i>Vedas</i>, who hath four forms and four
+faces, who is invincible in consequence of his own energy and who
+is endued with mighty strength and great prowess and as the Lord
+Hari of wondrous frame, possessed of great lustre and decked with a
+crown and the <i>Kaustubha</i> gem and attired in purple silk, lay
+stretched for many a <i>yojana</i> on that excellent bed furnished
+by the hood of the snake itself extending far and wide, blazing, O
+king, in his beauty and the lustre of his own body like a thousand
+Suns concentrated in one mass. He was beheld some time after by two
+<i>Danavas</i> of great prowess named Madhu and Kaitabha and
+beholding Hari (in that posture) and the Grandsire with eyes like
+lotus-leaves seated on that lotus, both Madhu and Kaitabha wandered
+much and they began to terrify and alarm Brahma of immeasurable
+prowess, and the illustrious Brahma alarmed by their continued
+exertions trembled on his seat, and at his trembling the stalk of
+the lotus on which he was seated began to tremble and when the
+lotus-stalk trembled, Kesava awoke. And awakened from his slumber,
+Govinda beheld those <i>Danavas</i> of mighty energy, and beholding
+them the Deity said unto them, "Welcome, ye mighty ones! I am
+gratified with you! Therefore, I will grant you excellent boons!"
+And thereupon both those proud and mighty <i>Danavas</i>, O king,
+laughingly replied unto Hrishikesa, saying, "Ask boons of us, O
+Divine one! O thou that art the Supreme Deity, we are disposed to
+grant thee a boon. Indeed, we will grant thee a boon! Therefore,
+ask thou of us anything that cometh to thy mind." Thus addressed by
+them the holy one spoke, "Ye brave ones, I will accept a boon from
+you. There is a boon that I desire. Both of you are possessed of
+mighty energy. There is no male person like unto any of you. O ye
+of unbaffled prowess, submit ye to be slain by me. Even that is
+what I desire to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 419]</span> accomplish
+for the good of the world." Hearing these words of the Deity, both
+Madhu and Kaitabha said, "We have never before spoken an untruth;
+no, not even in jest; what shall we say of other occasions! O thou
+foremost of male Beings, know that we have ever been firm in truth
+and morality. In strength, in forms, in beauty, in virtue, in
+asceticism, in charity, in behaviour, in goodness, in self control,
+there is no one equal unto either of us. A great danger, O Kesava,
+hath approached us. Accomplish thou, therefore, what thou hast
+said. No one can prevail over Time. But, O Lord, there is one thing
+that we desire to be done by thee. O thou best and foremost of all
+Deities, thou must slay us at a spot that is absolutely uncovered.
+And, O thou of excellent eyes, we also desire to become thy sons.
+This is the boon that we desire, know then, O chief of the gods!
+Let not that, O Deity, be false which thou hadst at first promised
+to us." The Holy One then replied unto them saying, "Yes, I will do
+as ye desire. Everything will be as ye wish!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then Govinda began to reflect but
+uncovered space found he none and when he could not discover any
+spot that was uncovered on earth or in the sky, that foremost Deity
+then beheld his thighs to be absolutely uncovered. And there, O
+king, the illustrious Deity cut off the heads of Madhu and Kaitabha
+with his keenedged discus!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The illustrious Dhundhu, O king, was the son
+of Madhu and Kaitabha, and possessed of great energy and prowess,
+he underwent ascetic penances of great austerity and he stood erect
+on one leg and reduced his body to a mass of only veins and
+arteries, and Brahma, gratified with him, gave him a boon. And the
+boon he had asked of the lord Prajapati was in these words, "Let no
+one among the gods, the <i>Danavas</i>, the <i>Rakshas</i>, the
+Snakes, the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the <i>Rakshasas</i> be capable
+of slaying me. Even this is the boon that I ask of thee." And the
+Grandsire replied unto him saying, "Let it be as thou wishest. Go
+thy way." And thus addressed by the Grandsire, the <i>Danava</i>
+placed the feet of the Deity on his head and having thus touched
+with reverence the Deity's feet he went away and possessed of
+mighty energy and prowess. Dhundhu, having obtained the boon
+hastily approached Vishnu remembering the death of his father at
+the hands of that Deity, and the wrathful Dhundhu having vanquished
+the gods with the <i>Gandharvas</i> began to distress all the
+celestials with Vishnu at their head. And at last O bull of the
+Bharata race, that wicked souled <i>Asura</i> arriving at a sea of
+sands known by the name of Ujjalaka, began to distress to the
+utmost of his might the asylum of Utanka. And endued with fierce
+energy, Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha, lay in his
+subterranean cave underneath the sands in the observance of fierce
+ascetic and severe austerities with the object of destroying the
+triple world, and while the <i>Asura</i> lay breathing near the
+asylum of Utanka that <i>Rishi</i> possessed of the splendour of
+fire, king Kualaswa with his troops, accompanied by the Brahmana
+Utanka, as also <span class="pagenum">[Pg 420]</span> by all his
+sons set out for that region, O bull of the Bharata race! And after
+that grinder of foes, the royal Kuvalaswa, had set out, accompanied
+by his twenty-one thousand sons all of whom were exceedingly
+powerful, the illustrious Lord Vishnu filled him with his own
+energy at the command of Utanka and impelled by the desire of
+benefiting the triple world and while that invincible hero was
+proceeding on his way a loud voice was heard in the sky repeating
+the words, "This fortunate and unslayable one will become the
+destroyer of Dhundhu to-day." And the gods began to shower upon him
+celestial flowers. And the celestial kettle drums began to sound
+their music although none played upon them. And during the march of
+that wise one, cool breezes began to blow and the chief of the
+celestials poured gentle showers wetting the dust on the roads and,
+O Yudhishthira, the cars of the celestials could be seen high over
+the spot where the mighty <i>Asura</i> Dhundhu was. The gods and
+<i>Gandharvas</i> and great <i>Rishis</i> urged by curiosity, came
+there to behold the encounter between Dhundhu and Kuvalaswa and, O
+thou of the Kuru race, filled by Narayana with his own energy, king
+Kuvalaswa, aided by his sons, soon surrounded that sea of sands and
+the king ordered that wilderness to be excavated and after the
+king's sons had excavated that sea of sands for seven days, they
+could see the mighty <i>Asura</i> Dhundhu. And, O bull of the
+Bharata race, the huge body of that <i>Asura</i> lay within those
+sands, effulgent in its own energy like the Sun himself. And
+Dhundhu, O king, was lying covering the western region of the
+desert and surrounded on all sides by the sons of Kuvalaswa, the
+<i>Danava</i> was assaulted with sharp-pointed shafts and maces and
+heavy and short clubs and axes and clubs, with iron spikes and
+darts and bright and keen-edged swords, and thus assaulted, the
+mighty <i>Danava</i> rose from his recumbent posture in wrath. And
+enraged, the <i>Asura</i> began to swallow those various weapons
+that were hurled at him and he vomited from his mouth fiery flames
+like unto those of the fire called <i>Samvarta</i> that appeareth
+at the end of the <i>Yuga</i> and by those flames of his, the
+<i>Asura</i> consumed all the sons of the king and, O tiger among
+men, like the Lord Kapila of old consuming the sons of king Sagara,
+the infuriated <i>Asura</i> overwhelming the triple world with the
+flames vomited from his mouth, achieved that wonderful feat in a
+moment. And, O thou best of the Bharatas, when all those sons of
+king Kuvalaswa were consumed by the fire emitted by the
+<i>Asura</i> in wrath, the monarch, possessed as he was of mighty
+energy, then approached the <i>Danava</i> who, like unto a second
+Kumbhakarna of mighty energy, had come to the encounter after
+waking from his slumbers. From the body of the king, O monarch,
+then began to flow a mighty and copious stream of water and that
+stream soon extinguished, O king, the fiery flames emitted by the
+<i>Asura</i>. And, O great king, the royal Kuvalaswa, filled with
+<i>Yoga</i> force, having extinguished those flames by the water
+that issued from his body, consumed that <i>Daitya</i> of wicked
+prowess with the celebrated weapon called <i>Brahma</i> for
+relieving the triple world of its fears, and the royal sage
+Kuvalaswa, having consumed that great <i>Asura</i>, that foe of the
+celestials and slayer of all enemies, by means of that weapon
+became like unto a second chief of the triple world and the
+high-souled king Kuvalaswa having slain <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+421]</span> the <i>Asura</i> Dhundhu, became from that time known
+by the name of <i>Dhundhumara</i> and from that time he came to be
+regarded as invincible in battle, and the gods and the great
+<i>Rishis</i> who had come to witness that encounter were so far
+gratified with him that they addressed him saying, "Ask thou a boon
+of us!" And thus solicited by the gods, the king bowed to them and
+filled with joy, the king said unto them, with joined hands these
+words, "Let me be always able to give wealth unto superior
+Brahmanas! Let me be invincible as regards all foes! Let there be
+friendship between myself and Vishnu! Let me have no ill-feeling
+towards any creature! Let my heart always turn to virtue! And let
+me (finally) dwell in heaven for ever!" And the gods and the
+<i>Rishis</i> and Utanka, hearing this were exceedingly gratified
+and all of them said, "Let it be as thou wishest!" And, O king,
+having also blessed him with many other speeches, the gods and the
+great <i>Rishis</i> then went away to their respective abodes. And,
+O Yudhishthira, after the slaughter of all his sons, king Kuvalaswa
+had still three sons left, and, O thou of the Bharata race, they
+were called <i>Dridaswa</i> and <i>Kapilaswa</i> and
+<i>Chandraswa</i>. It is from them, O king, that the illustrious
+line of kings belonging to Ikshvaku's race, all possessed of
+immeasurable prowess, hath sprung.</p>
+<p>"'It was thus, O best of king, that that great <i>Daitya</i> of
+the name Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha was slain by
+Kuvalaswa and it was for this also that king came to be called by
+the name of <i>Dhundhumara</i>. And indeed, the name he assumed was
+no empty one but was literally true.</p>
+<p>"'I have now told thee all that thou hadst asked me, viz., all
+about that person in consequence of whose act the story of
+Dhundhu's death hath become famous. He that listeneth to this holy
+history connected with the glory of Vishnu, becometh virtuous and
+obtaineth children. By listening to this story on particular
+lunations, one becometh blessed with long life and great good
+fortune. And freed from every anxiety one ceaseth to have any fear
+of diseases.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O thou foremost of the Bharata race, king
+Yudhishthira then asked the illustrious Markandeya a difficult
+question about morality, saying, 'I desire to hear, O holy one,
+about the high and excellent virtue of women. I desire to hear from
+thee, O Brahmana, discourse about the subtle truths of morality. O
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, O best of men, the Sun, the Moon, the
+Wind, the Earth, the Fire, the father, the mother, the
+preceptor&mdash;these and other objects ordained by the gods,
+appear to us as Deities embodied! All these that are reverend ones
+are worthy of our best regard. So also is the woman who adoreth one
+lord. The worship that chaste wives offer unto their husbands
+appeareth to me to be fraught with great difficulty. O adorable
+one, it behoveth thee to discourse to us of the high and excellent
+virtue of chaste wives&mdash;of wives who restraining all their
+senses and keeping their hearts under complete control regard their
+husbands as veritable gods. O holy and adorable one, all this
+appears to me to be exceedingly difficult <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+422]</span> of accomplishment. O regenerate one, the worship that
+sons offer to their mothers and fathers and that wives offer to
+their husbands, both seem to me to be highly difficult. I do not
+behold anything that is more difficult than the severe virtue of
+chaste women. O Brahmana, the duties that women of good behaviour
+discharge with care and the conduct that is pursued by good sons
+towards their fathers and mothers appear to me to be most difficult
+of performance. Those women that are each devoted to but one lord,
+they that always speak the truth, they that undergo a period of
+gestation for full ten months&mdash;there is nothing, O Brahmana,
+that is more difficult than that is done by these. O worshipful
+one, women bring forth their offspring with great hazard to
+themselves and great pain and rear their children, O bull among
+Brahmanas, with great affection! Those persons also who being
+always engaged in acts of cruelty and thereby incurring general
+hatred, succeed yet in doing their duties accomplish what, in my
+opinion, is exceedingly difficult. O regenerate one, tell me the
+truths of the duties of the Kshatriya order. It is difficult, O
+twice-born one, for those high-souled ones to acquire virtue who by
+the duties of their order are obliged to do what is cruel. O holy
+one, thou art capable of answering all questions; I desire to hear
+thee discourse on all this. O thou foremost of Bhrigu's race, I
+desire to listen to all this, waiting respectfully on thee, O thou
+of excellent vows!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O thou foremost of the Bharata race, I will
+discourse to thee on all this truly, however difficult of answer
+thy question may be. Listen to me, therefore, as I speak unto thee.
+Some regard the mother as superior and some the father. The mother,
+however, that bringeth forth and reareth up offspring what is more
+difficult. Fathers also, by ascetic penances, by worship of the
+gods, by adorations addressed to them, by bearing cold and heat, by
+incantations and other means desire to have children. And having by
+these painful expedients obtained children that are so difficult of
+acquisition, they then, O hero, are always anxious about the future
+of their sons and, O Bharata, both the father and the mother desire
+to see in their sons fame and achievements and prosperity and
+offspring and virtue. That son is virtuous who realises these hopes
+of his parents. And, O great king, that son with whom the father
+and the mother are gratified, achieveth eternal fame and eternal
+virtue both here and thereafter. As regards women again, neither
+sacrifice nor <i>sraddhas</i>, nor fasts are of any efficacy. By
+serving their husbands only they can win heaven. O king, O
+Yudhishthira, remembering this alone, listen thou with attention to
+the duties of chaste women.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'There was, O Bharata, a virtuous ascetic of
+the name of Kausika and endued with wealth of asceticism and
+devoted to the study of the <i>Vedas</i>, he was a very superior
+Brahmana and that best of Brahmanas studied all the <i>Vedas</i>
+with the <i>Angas</i> and the <i>Upanishadas</i> and one day he was
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 423]</span> reciting the <i>Vedas</i> at
+the foot of a tree and at that time there sat on the top of that
+tree a female crane and that she-crane happened at that time to
+befoul the Brahmana's body and beholding that crane the Brahmana
+became very angry and thought of doing her an injury and as the
+Brahmana cast his angry glances upon the crane and thought also of
+doing her an injury, she fell down on the ground and beholding the
+crane thus fallen from the tree and insensible in death, the
+Brahmana was much moved by pity and the regenerate one began to
+lament for the dead crane saying, "Alas, I have done a bad deed,
+urged by anger and malice!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having repeated these words many times,
+that learned Brahmana entered a village for procuring alms. And, O
+bull of the Bharata race, in course of his eleemosynary round among
+the houses of persons of good lineage, the Brahmana entered one
+such house that he knew from before. And as he entered the house,
+he said, "<i>Give</i>." And he was answered by a female with the
+word, "<i>Stay</i>." And while the housewife was engaged, O king,
+in cleaning the vessel from which alms are given, her husband, O
+thou best of the Bharatas, suddenly entered the house, very much
+afflicted with hunger. The chaste housewife beheld her husband and
+disregarding the Brahmana, gave her lord water to wash his feet and
+face and also a seat and after that the black-eyed lady, placing
+before her lord savoury food and drink, humbly stood beside him
+desirous of attending to all his wants. And, O Yudhishthira, that
+obedient wife used every day to eat the orts of her husband's plate
+and, always conducting herself in obedience to the wishes of the
+lord, that lady ever regarded her husband, and all her heart's
+affections inclined towards her lord. Of various and holy behaviour
+and skilful in all domestic duties and attentive to all her
+relatives, she always did what was agreeable and beneficial to her
+husband and she also, with rapt senses attended to the worship of
+the gods and the wants of guests and servants and her mother-in-law
+and father-in-law.</p>
+<p>"'And while the lady of handsome eyes was still engaged in
+waiting upon her lord, she beheld that Brahmana waiting for alms
+and beholding him, she remembered that she had asked him to wait.
+And remembering all this, she felt abashed. And then that chaste
+woman possessed of great fame, took something for alms and went
+out, O thou foremost of the Bharatas, for giving it unto that
+Brahmana. And when she came before him, the Brahmana said, "O best
+of women, O blessed one, I am surprised at thy conduct! Having
+requested me to wait saying, '<i>Stay</i>' thou didst not dismiss
+me!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, beholding that Brahmana
+filled with wrath and blazing with his energy, that chaste woman
+began to conciliate him and said, "O learned one, it behoveth thee
+to forgive me. My husband is my supreme god. He came hungry and
+tired and was being served and waited upon by me." Hearing this,
+the Brahmana said, "With thee Brahmanas are not worthy of superior
+regard. Exaltest thou thy husband above them? Leading a domestic
+life, dost thou disregard Brahmanas? Indra himself boweth down unto
+them, what shall I say of men on earth. Proud woman, dost thou not
+know it, hast thou never heard it, that the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 424]</span> Brahmanas are like fire and may consume
+the entire earth?" At these words of that Brahmana the woman
+answered, "I am no she-crane, O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>! O thou
+that art endued with the wealth of asceticism, cast off this anger
+of thine. Engaged as thou are, what canst thou do to me with these
+angry glances of thine? I do not disregard Brahmanas. Endued with
+great energy of soul, they are like unto the gods themselves. But,
+O sinless one, this fault of mine it behoveth thee to forgive. I
+know the energy and high dignity of Brahmanas that are possessed of
+wisdom. The waters of the ocean have been made brackish and
+undrinkable by the wrath of the Brahmanas. I know also the energy
+of <i>Munis</i> of souls under complete control and endued with
+blazing ascetic merit. The fire of their wrath to this day hath not
+been extinguished in the forest of Dandaka. It was for his having
+disregarded the Brahmanas that the great <i>Asura</i>&mdash;the
+wicked and evil-minded Vatapi was digested when he came in contact
+with Agastya. It hath been heard by us that the powers and merits
+of high-souled Brahmanas are great. But, O Brahmana, as regenerate
+ones of high souls are great in wrath, so are they equally great in
+forgiveness. Therefore, O sinless one, it behoveth thee to forgive
+me in the matter of this my offence. O Brahmana, my heart inclineth
+to that merit which springeth from the service of my husband, for I
+regard my husband as the highest among all the gods. O best of
+Brahmanas, I practise that virtue which consists in serving my
+husband whom I regard as the highest Deity. Behold, O regenerate
+one, the merit that attaches to the service of one's husband! I
+know that thou hast burnt a she-crane with thy wrath! But, O best
+of regenerate ones, the anger that a person cherishes is the
+greatest of foes which that person hath. The gods know him for a
+Brahmana who hath cast off anger and passion. The gods know him for
+a Brahmana who always speaketh the truth here, who always
+gratifieth his preceptor, and who, though injured himself, never
+returneth the injury. The gods know him for a Brahmana who hath his
+senses under control, who is virtuous and pure and devoted to the
+study of the Vedas, and who hath mastery over anger and lust. The
+gods know him for a Brahmana who, cognisant of morals and endued
+with mental energy, is catholic in religion and looketh upon all
+equal unto himself. The gods know him for a Brahmana who studieth
+himself and teacheth others, who performeth sacrifices himself and
+officiateth at the sacrifices of others, and who giveth away to the
+best of his means. The gods know that bull among the regenerate
+ones for a Brahmana who, endued with liberality of soul, practiseth
+the <i>Brahmacharya</i> vow and is devoted to study,&mdash;in fact
+who is vigilantly devoted to the study of the <i>Vedas</i>.
+Whatever conduceth to the happiness of the Brahmanas is always
+recited before these. Ever taking pleasure in truth, the hearts of
+such men never find joy in untruth. O thou best of regenerate ones,
+it hath been said that the study of the Vedas, tranquillity of
+soul, simplicity of behaviour, and repression of the senses,
+constitute the eternal duties of the Brahmana. Those cognisant with
+virtue and morals have said that truth and honesty are the highest
+virtue. Virtue that is eternal is difficult of being understood.
+But whatever it is, it is based on <i>truth</i>. The ancients have
+declared that virtue <span class="pagenum">[Pg 425]</span>
+dependeth on <i>sruti</i>. But, O foremost of regenerate ones,
+virtue as exposed in <i>sruti</i> appears to be of various kinds.
+It is, therefore, too subtle of comprehension. Thou, O holy one,
+art cognisant of virtue, pure, and devoted to the study of the
+<i>Vedas</i>. I think, however, O holy one, that thou dost not know
+what virtue in reality is. Repairing to the city of Mithila,
+enquire thou of a virtuous fowler there, if indeed, O regenerate
+one, thou art not really acquainted with what constitutes the
+highest virtue. There liveth in Mithila a fowler who is truthful
+and devoted to the service of his parents and who hath senses under
+complete control. Even he will discourse to thee on virtue. Blessed
+be thou, O best of regenerate ones, if thou likest, repair thither.
+O faultless one, it behoveth thee to forgive me, if what I have
+said be unpalatable, for they that are desirous of acquiring virtue
+are incapable of injuring women!"</p>
+<p>"'At these words of the chaste woman, the Brahmana replied,
+saying, "I am gratified with thee. Blessed be thou; my anger hath
+subsided, O beautiful one! The reproofs uttered by thee will be of
+the highest advantage to me. Blessed be thou, I shall now go and
+accomplish what is so conducive, O handsome one, to my
+benefit!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Dismissed by her, Kausika, that best of
+regenerate ones, left her house, and, reproaching himself, returned
+to his own abode.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Continually reflecting upon that wonderful
+discourse of the woman, Kausika began to reproach himself and
+looked very much like a guilty person and meditating on the subtle
+ways of morality and virtue, he said to himself, "I should accept
+with reverence what the lady hath said and should, therefore,
+repair to Mithila. Without doubt there dwelleth in that city a
+fowler of soul under complete control and fully acquainted with the
+mysteries of virtue and morality. This very day will I repair unto
+that one endued with wealth of asceticism for enquiring of him
+about virtue." His faith in her was assured by her knowledge of the
+death of the she-crane and the excellent words of virtuous import
+she had uttered. Kausika thus reflecting with reverence upon all
+she had said, set out for Mithila, filled with curiosity. And he
+traversed many forests and villages and towns and at last reached
+Mithila that was ruled over by Janaka and he beheld the city to be
+adorned with the flags of various creeds. And he beheld that
+beautiful town to be resounding with the noise of sacrifices and
+festivities and furnished with splendid gateways. It abounded with
+palatial residences and protected by walls on all sides; it had
+many splendid buildings to boast of. And that delightful town was
+also filled with innumerable cars. And its streets and roads were
+many and well-laid and many of them were lined with shops. And it
+was full of horses and cars and elephants and warriors. And the
+citizens were all in health and joy and they were always engaged in
+festivities. And having entered that city, that Brahmana beheld
+there many other things. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 426]</span> And
+there the Brahmana enquired about the virtuous fowler and was
+answered by some twice-born persons. And repairing to the place
+indicated by those regenerate ones, the Brahmana beheld the fowler
+seated in a butcher's yard and the ascetic fowler was then selling
+venison and buffalo meat and in consequence of the large concourse
+of buyers gathered round that fowler, Kausika stood at a distance.
+But the fowler, apprehending that the Brahmana had come to him,
+suddenly rose from his seat and went to that secluded spot where
+the Brahmana was staying and having approached him there, the
+fowler said, "I salute thee, O holy one! Welcome art thou, O thou
+best of Brahmanas! I am the fowler. Blessed be thou! Command me as
+to what I may do for thee. The word that the chaste woman said unto
+thee, viz., <i>Repair thou to Mithila</i>, are known to me. I also
+know for what purpose thou hast come hither." Hearing these words
+of the fowler that Brahmana was filled with surprise. And he began
+to reflect inwardly, saying, "This indeed, is the second marvel
+that I see!" The fowler then said unto the Brahmana, saying, "Thou
+art now standing in place that is scarcely proper for thee, O
+sinless one. If it pleasest thee, let us go to my abode, O holy
+one!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, '"<i>So be it</i>," said the Brahmana
+unto him, gladly. And thereupon, the fowler proceeded towards his
+home with the Brahmana walking before him. And entering his abode
+that looked delightful, the fowler reverenced his guest by offering
+him a seat. And he also gave him water to wash his feet and face.
+And accepting these, that best of Brahmanas sat at his ease. And he
+then addressed the fowler, saying, "It seems to me that this
+profession doth not befit thee. O fowler, I deeply regret that thou
+shouldst follow such a cruel trade." At these words of the Brahmana
+the fowler said, "This profession is that of my family, myself
+having inherited it from my sires and grandsires. O regenerate one,
+grieve not for me owing to my adhering to the duties that belong to
+me by birth. Discharging the duties ordained for me beforehand by
+the Creator, I carefully serve my superiors and the old. O thou
+best of Brahmanas! I always speak the truth, never envy others; and
+give to the best of my power. I live upon what remaineth after
+serving the gods, guests, and those that depend on me. I never
+speak ill of anything, small or great. O thou best of Brahmanas,
+the actions of a former life always follow the doer. In this world
+there are three principal professions, viz., agriculture, rearing
+of cattle, and trade. As regards the other world, the three
+<i>Vedas</i>, knowledge, and the science of morals are efficacious.
+Service (of the other three orders) hath been ordained to be the
+duty of the Sudra. Agriculture hath been ordained for the Vaisyas,
+and fighting for the Kshatriyas, while the practice of the
+<i>Brahmacharya</i> vow, asceticism, recitation of <i>mantras</i>,
+and truthfulness have been ordained for the Brahmanas. Over
+subjects adhering to their proper duties, the king should rule
+virtuously; while he should set those thereto that have fallen away
+from the duties of their order. Kings should ever be feared,
+because they are the lords of their subjects. They restrain those
+subjects of theirs that fall away from their duties as they
+restrain the motions of the deer by means of their shafts. O
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, there existeth not in the kingdom
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 427]</span> of Janaka a single subject
+that followeth not the duties of his birth. O thou best of the
+Brahmanas, all the four orders here rigidly adhere to their
+respective duties. King Janaka punisheth him that is wicked, even
+if he be his own son; but never doth he inflict pain on him that is
+virtuous. With good and able spies employed under him, he looketh
+upon all with impartial eyes. Prosperity, and kingdom, and capacity
+to punish, belong, O thou best of Brahmanas, to the Kshatriyas.
+Kings desire high prosperity through practice of the duties that
+belong to them. The king is the protector of all the four orders.
+As regards myself, O Brahmana, I always sell pork and buffalo meat
+without slaying those animals myself. I sell meat of animals, O
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, that have been slain by others. I never
+eat meat myself; never go to my wife except in her season; I always
+fast during the day, and eat, O regenerate one, in the night. Even
+though the behaviour of his order is bad, a person may yet be
+himself of good behaviour. So also a person may become virtuous,
+although he may be slayer of animals by profession. It is in
+consequence of the sinful acts of kings that virtue decreaseth
+greatly, and sin beginneth to prosper. And when all this taketh
+place the subjects of the kingdom begin to decay. And it is then, O
+Brahmana, that ill-looking monsters, and dwarfs, and hunch-backed
+and large-headed wights, and men that are blind or deaf or those
+that have paralysed eyes or are destitute of the power of
+procreation, begin to take their birth. It is from the sinfulness
+of kings that their subjects suffer numerous mischiefs. But this
+our king Janaka casteth his eyes upon all his subjects virtuously,
+and he is always kind unto them who, on their part, ever adhere to
+their respective duties. Regarding myself, I always with good deeds
+please those that speak well, as also those that speak ill of me.
+Those kings that live in the observance of their own proper duties,
+who are always engaged in the practice of acts that are good and
+honest, who are of souls under complete control and who are endued
+with readiness and alacrity, may not depend upon anything else for
+supporting their power. Gift of food to the best of one's power,
+endurance of heat and cold, firmness in virtue, and a regard and
+tenderness for all creatures,&mdash;these attributes can never find
+place in a person, without an innate desire being present in him of
+separating himself from the world. One should avoid falsehood in
+speech, and should do good without solicitation. One should never
+cast off virtue from lust, from wrath, or from malice. One should
+never joy immoderately at a good turn or grieve immoderately at a
+bad one. One should never feel depressed when overtaken by poverty,
+nor when so overtaken abandon the path of virtue. If at any time
+one doth what is wrong, he should never do its like again. One
+should always urge his soul to the doing of that which he regardeth
+as beneficial. One should never return wrong for wrong, but should
+act honestly by those that have wronged him. That wretched man who
+desireth to do what is sinful, slayeth himself. By doing what is
+sinful, one only imitates them that are wicked and sinful.
+Disbelieving in virtue they that mock the good and the pure saying,
+'<i>There is no virtue</i>' undoubtedly meet with destruction. A
+sinful man swelleth up like a leather bag puffed up with wind. The
+thoughts of these wretches filled <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+428]</span> with pride and folly are feeble and unprofitable. It is
+the heart, the inner soul, that discovereth the fool like the sun
+that discovereth forms during the day. The food cannot always shine
+in the world by means of self-praise. The learned man, however,
+even if he be destitute of beauty, displayeth his lustre by
+refraining from speaking ill of others and well of himself. No
+example, however, can be met with, in this world, of a person
+shining brilliantly on account of attributes to be found in him in
+their reputed measure. If one repenteth of a wrong done by him,
+that repentance washeth off his sin. The resolution of never doing
+it again saveth him from future sin, even as, O thou best of
+Brahmanas, he may save himself from sin by any of those expiations
+obtained in the scriptures. Even this, O regenerate one, is the
+<i>sruti</i> that may be seen in respect of virtue. He that having
+before been virtuous, committeth a sin, or committeth it
+unknowingly may destroy that sin. For virtue, O Brahmana, driveth
+off the sin that men commit from ignorance. A man, after having
+committed a sin, should cease to regard himself any longer as a
+man. No man can conceal his sins. The gods behold what one does,
+also the Being that is within every one. He that with piety and
+without detraction hideth the faults of the honest and the wise
+like holes in his own attire, surely seeketh his salvation. If a
+man seeketh redemption after having committed a sin, without doubt
+he is purged of all his sins and looketh pure and resplendent like
+the moon emerged from the clouds. A man that seeketh redemption is
+washed of all his sins, even as the sun, upon rising, dispelleth
+all darkness. O best of Brahmanas, it is temptation that
+constitutes the basis of sin. Men that are ignorant commit sin,
+yielding to temptation alone. Sinful men generally cover themselves
+with a virtuous exterior, like wells whose mouths are covered by
+long grass. Outwardly they seem to possess self-control and
+holiness and indulge in preaching virtuous texts which, in their
+mouth are of little meaning. Indeed, everything may be noticed in
+them except conduct that is truly virtuous!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'At these words, O best of men, of the
+fowler, that Brahmana endued with great wisdom, then asked the
+fowler, saying, "How shall I know what is virtuous conduct? Blessed
+be thou, I desire to hear this, O thou foremost of virtuous men,
+from thee. Therefore, O thou of exalted soul, tell me all about it
+truly." Hearing these words, the fowler replied, saying, "O best of
+Brahmanas, Sacrifices, Gift, Asceticism, the Vedas, and
+Truth&mdash;these five holy things are ever present in conduct that
+is called virtuous. Having subjugated lust and wrath, pride,
+avarice, and crookedness, they that take pleasure in virtue because
+it is virtue, are regarded as really virtuous and worthy of the
+approbation of persons that are virtuous. These persons who are
+devoted to sacrifices, and study of the Vedas have no independent
+behaviour. They follow only the practices of the honest and the
+good. This indeed, is the second attribute of the virtuous. Waiting
+upon superiors, Truth, Freedom from anger, and Gift, these four, O
+Brahmana, are inseparably connected with behaviour that is
+virtuous. For the reputation that a person acquires by setting his
+heart on virtuous behaviour and adhering to it rigidly is incapable
+of acquisition except by <span class="pagenum">[Pg 429]</span>
+practising the four virtues named above. The essence of the
+<i>Vedas</i> is Truth: the essence of Truth is self-control, and
+the essence of self-control is abstention from the pleasures of the
+world. These all are to be noticed in behaviour that is virtuous.
+They that follow those deluded fools that mock the forms of faith
+prevailing among men, are dragged into destruction for walking in
+such a sinful path. They, however, that are virtuous and engaged in
+the observance of vows, who are devoted to the <i>srutis</i> and
+the virtue of abstention from the pleasure of the world, they in
+fact who tread in virtue's path and follow the true religion, they
+that are obedient to the mandates of their preceptors, and who
+reflect upon the sense of the scriptures with patience and
+carefulness,&mdash;it is these that are said to be possessed of
+behaviour that is virtuous; it is these, O Brahmana, that are said
+to properly guide their higher intelligence. Forsaking those that
+are atheists, those that transgress virtue's limits, those that are
+of wicked souls, those that live in sinfulness, betake thyself to
+knowledge reverencing those that are virtuous. Lust and temptation
+are even like sharks in the river of life; the waters are the five
+senses. Do thou cross over to the other side of this river in the
+boat of patience and resignation, avoiding the shoals of corporeal
+existence (repeated births in this world). The supreme virtue
+consisting in the exercise of the intelligent principle and
+abstraction, when gradually super-added to virtuous conduct,
+becomes beautiful like dye on white fabrics. Truthfulness and
+abstention from doing injury to any one, are virtues highly
+beneficial to all creatures. Of these, that latter is a cardinal
+virtue, and is based on truth. Our mental faculties have their
+proper play when their foundation is laid in truth, and in the
+exercise of virtue truth is of the highest value. Purity of conduct
+is the characteristic of all good men. Those that are distinguished
+for holy living are good and virtuous. All creatures follow the
+principles of conduct which are innate in their nature. The sinful
+being who has no control over self acquires lust, anger and other
+vices. It is the immemorial rule that virtuous actions are those
+that are founded on justice, and it is also ordained by holy men
+that all iniquitous conduct is sin. Those who are not swayed by
+anger, pride, haughtiness and envy, and those who are quiet and
+straight-forward, are men of virtuous conduct. Those who are
+diligent in performing the rites enjoined in the three
+<i>Vedas</i>, who are wise, and of pure and virtuous conduct, who
+exercise self-restraint and are full of attention to their
+superior, are men of virtuous conduct. The actions and conduct of
+such men of great power, are very difficult of attainment. They are
+sanctified by the purification of their own actions, and
+consequently sin in them dies out of itself. This virtue of good
+conduct is wonderful, ancient, immutable and eternal; and wise men
+observing this virtue with holiness, attain to heaven. These men
+who believe in the existence of the Deity, who are free from false
+pride, and versed in holy writ, and who respect regenerate
+(twice-born) men, go to heaven. Among holy men, virtue is
+differentiated in three ways&mdash;that great virtue which is
+inculcated in the <i>Vedas</i>, the other which is inculcated in
+the <i>dharmashastras</i> (the minor scriptures), and virtuous
+conduct. And virtuous conduct is indicated by acquisition of
+knowledge, pilgrimage to sacred places, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+430]</span> truthfulness, forbearance, purity and
+straight-forwardness. Virtuous men are always kind to all
+creatures, and well-disposed towards regenerate men. They abstain
+from doing injury to any creature, and are never rude in speech.
+Those good men who know well the consequences of the fruition of
+their good and evil deeds, are commended by virtuous men. Those who
+are just and good-natured, and endowed with virtue, who wish well
+of all creatures, who are steadfast in the path of virtue, and have
+conquered heaven, who are charitable, unselfish and of unblemished
+character, who succour the afflicted, and are learned and respected
+by all, who practise austerities, and are kind to all creatures,
+are commended as such by the virtuous. Those who are charitably
+disposed attain prosperity in this world, as also the regions of
+bliss (hereafter). The virtuous man when solicited for assistance
+by good men bestow alms on them by straining to the utmost, even to
+the deprivation of the comforts of his wife and servants. Good men
+having an eye to their own welfare, as also virtue and the ways of
+the world, act in this way and thereby grow in virtue through
+endless ages. Good persons possessing the virtues of truthfulness,
+abstention from doing injury to any one, rectitude, abstention from
+evil towards any one, want of haughtiness, modesty, resignation,
+self-restraint, absence of passion, wisdom, patience, and kindness
+towards all creatures, and freedom from malice and lust, are the
+witnesses of the world. These three are said to constitute the
+perfect way of the virtuous, viz., a man must not do wrong to any
+body, he must bestow alms, and must always be truthful. Those
+high-souled good men of virtuous conduct, and settled convictions,
+who are kind to all and are full of compassion, depart with
+contentment from this world to the perfect way of virtue. Freedom
+from malice, forbearance, peace of mind, contentment, pleasant
+speech, renunciation of desire and anger, virtuous conduct and
+actions regulated according to the ordinances of holy writ,
+constitute the perfect way of the virtuous. And those who are
+constant in virtue follow these rules of virtuous conduct, and
+having reached the pinnacle of knowledge, and discriminating
+between the various phases of human conduct, which are either very
+virtuous or the reverse, they escape from the great danger. Thus, O
+great Brahmana, having introduced the subject of virtuous conduct,
+have I described to thee all this, according to my own knowledge
+and to what I have heard on the subject."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The pious fowler, O Yudhishthira, then
+said to that Brahmana, "Undoubtedly my deeds are very cruel, but, O
+Brahmana, Destiny is all-powerful and it is difficult to evade the
+consequence of our past actions. And this is the <i>karmic evil</i>
+arising out of sin committed in a former life. But, O Brahmana, I
+am always assiduous in eradicating the evil. The Deity takes away
+life, the executioner acts only as a secondary agent. And we, O
+good Brahmana, are only such agents in regard to our <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 431]</span> <i>karma</i>. Those animals that are
+slain by me and whose meat I sell, also acquire <i>karma</i>,
+because (with their meat), gods and guests and servants are regaled
+with dainty food and the <i>manes</i> are propitiated. It is said
+authoritatively that herbs and vegetables, deer, birds and wild
+animals constitute the food of all creatures. And, O Brahmana, king
+Sivi, the son of Usinara, of great forbearance attained to heaven,
+which is hard to reach, giving away his own flesh. And in days of
+yore, O Brahmana, two thousand animals used to be killed every day
+in the kitchen of king Rantideva; and in the same manner two
+thousand cows were killed every day; and, O best of regenerate
+beings, king Rantideva acquired unrivalled reputation by
+distributing food with meat every day. For the performance of the
+fourmonthly rites animals ought to be sacrificed daily. 'The sacred
+fire is fond of animal food,' this saying has come down to us. And
+at sacrifices animals are invariably killed by regenerate
+Brahmanas, and these animals being purged of sin, by incantation of
+hymns, go to heaven. If, O Brahmana, the sacred fire had not been
+so fond of animal food in ancient times, it could never have become
+the food of any one. And in this matter of animal food, this rule
+has been laid down by <i>Munis</i>:&mdash;Whoever partakes of
+animal food after having first offered it duly and respectfully to
+the gods and the <i>manes</i>, is not polluted by the act. And such
+a man is not at all considered to have partaken of animal food,
+even, as a Brahmacharin having intercoursed with his wife during
+the menstrual period, is nevertheless considered to be a good
+Brahmana. After consideration of the propriety and impropriety of
+the matter, this rule has been laid down. King Saudasa, O Brahmana,
+when under a curse, often used to prey upon men; what is thy
+opinion of this matter? And, O good Brahmana, knowing this to be
+the consequence of my own actions, I obtain my livelihood from this
+profession. The forsaking of one's own occupation is considered, O
+Brahmana, to be a sin, and the act of sticking to one's own
+profession is without doubt a meritorious act. The <i>Karma</i> of
+a former existence never forsakes any creature. And in determining
+the various consequences of one's <i>Karma</i>, this rule was not
+lost sight of by the Creator. A person having his being under the
+influence of evil <i>Karma</i>, must always consider how he can
+atone for his <i>Karma</i>, and extricate himself from an evil
+doom, and the evil <i>Karma</i> may be expiated in various ways.
+Accordingly, O good Brahmana, I am charitable, truthful, assiduous
+in attending on my superior, full of respect towards regenerate
+Brahmanas, devoted to and free from pride and (idle) excessive
+talk. Agriculture is considered to be a praiseworthy occupation,
+but it is well-known that even there, great harm is done to animal
+life; and in the operation of digging the earth with the plough,
+numberless creatures lurking in the ground as also various other
+forms of animal life are destroyed. Dost thou not think so? O good
+Brahmana, <i>Vrihi</i> and other seeds of rice are all living
+organisms. What is thy opinion on this matter? Men, O Brahmana,
+hunt wild animals and kill them and partake of their meat; they
+also cut up trees and herbs; but, O Brahmana, there are numberless
+living organisms in trees, in fruits, as also in water; dost thou
+not think so? This whole creation, O Brahmana, is full of animal
+life, sustaining itself <span class="pagenum">[Pg 432]</span> with
+food derived from living organisms. Dost thou not mark that fish
+preys upon fish, and that various species of animals prey upon
+other species, and there are species the members of which prey upon
+each other? Men, O Brahmana, while walking about hither and
+thither, kill numberless creatures lurking in the ground by
+trampling on them, and even men of wisdom and enlightenment destroy
+animal life in various ways, even while sleeping or reposing
+themselves. What hast thou to say to this?&mdash;The earth and the
+air all swarm with living organisms, which are unconsciously
+destroyed by men from mere ignorance. Is not this so? The
+commandment that people should not do harm to any creature, was
+ordained of old by men, who were ignorant of the true facts of the
+case. For, O Brahmana, there is not a man on the face of this
+earth, who is free from the sin of doing injury to creatures. After
+full consideration, the conclusion is irresistible that there is
+not a single man who is free from the sin of doing injury to animal
+life. Even the sage, O good Brahmana, whose vow is to do harm to no
+creature, doth inflict injury to animal life. Only, on account of
+greater needfulness, the harm is less. Men of noble birth and great
+qualities perpetrate wicked acts in defiance of all, of which they
+are not at all ashamed. Good men acting in an exemplary way are not
+commended by other good men; nor are bad men acting in a contrary
+way praised by their wicked compeers; and friends are not agreeable
+to friends, albeit endowed with high qualities; and foolish
+pedantic men cry down the virtues of their preceptors. This
+reversal of the natural order of things, O good Brahmana, is seen
+everywhere in this world. What is thy opinion as to the
+virtuousness or otherwise of this state of things? There is much
+that can be said of the goodness or badness of our actions. But
+whoever is addicted to his own proper occupation surely acquires
+great reputation."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O Yudhishthira, the virtuous fowler,
+eminent in pity, then skilfully addressed himself again to that
+foremost of Brahmanas, saying, "It is the dictum of the aged that
+the ways of righteousness are subtle, diverse and infinite. When
+life is at stake and in the matter of marriage, it is proper to
+tell an untruth. Untruth sometimes leads to the triumph of truth,
+and the latter dwindles into untruth. Whichever conduces most to
+the good of all creatures is considered to be truth. Virtue is thus
+perverted; mark thou its subtle ways. O best of virtuous men, man's
+actions are either good or bad, and he undoubtedly reaps their
+fruits. The ignorant man having attained to an abject state,
+grossly abuses the gods, not knowing that it is the consequence of
+his own evil <i>karma</i>. The foolish, the designing and the
+fickle, O good Brahmana, always attain the very reverse of
+happiness or misery. Neither learning nor good morals, nor personal
+exertion can save them. And if the fruits of our exertion were not
+dependent on anything else, people would attain the object of their
+desire, by simply striving to attain it. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+433]</span> It is seen that able, intelligent and diligent persons
+are baffled in their efforts, and do not attain the fruits of their
+actions. On the other hand, persons who are always active in
+injuring others and in practising deception on the world, lead a
+happy life. There are some who attain prosperity without any
+exertion. And there are others, who with the utmost exertion, are
+unable to achieve their dues. Miserly persons with the object of
+having sons born to them worship the gods, and practise severe
+austerities, and those sons having remained in the womb for ten
+months at length turn out to be very infamous issue of their race;
+and others begotten under the same auspices, decently pass their
+lives in luxury with heaps of riches and grain accumulated by their
+ancestors. The diseases from which men suffer, are undoubtedly the
+result of their own <i>karma</i>. They then behave like small deer
+at the hands of hunters, and they are racked with mental troubles.
+And, O Brahmana, as hunters intercept the flight of their game, the
+progress of those diseases is checked by able and skilful
+physicians with their collections of drugs. And, thou best of the
+cherishers of religion, thou hast observed that those who have it
+in their power to enjoy (the good things of this earth), are
+prevented from doing so from the fact of their suffering from
+chronic bowel-complaints, and that many others that are strong and
+powerful, suffer from misery, and are enabled with great difficulty
+to obtain a livelihood; and that every man is thus helpless,
+overcome by misery and illusion, and again and again tossed and
+overpowered by the powerful current of his own actions
+(<i>karma</i>). If there were absolute freedom of action, no
+creature would die, none would be subject to decay, or await his
+evil doom, and everybody would attain the object of his desire. All
+persons desire to out distance their neighbours (in the race of
+life), and they strive to do so to the utmost of their power; but
+the result turns out otherwise. Many are the persons born under the
+influence of the same star and the same auspices of good luck; but
+a great diversity is observable in the maturity of their actions.
+No person, O good Brahmana, can be the dispenser of his own lot.
+The actions done in a previous existence are seen to fructify in
+our present life. It is the immemorial tradition that the soul is
+eternal and everlasting, but the corporeal frame of all creatures
+is subject to destruction here (below). When therefore life is
+extinguished, the body only is destroyed, but the spirit, wedded to
+its actions, travels elsewhere."</p>
+<p>"'The Brahmana replied, "O best of those versed in the doctrine
+of <i>karma</i>, and in the delivery of discourses, I long to know
+accurately how the soul becomes eternal." The fowler replied, "The
+spirit dies not, there being simply a change of tenement. They are
+mistaken, who foolishly say that all creatures die. The soul
+betakes itself to another frame, and its change of habitation is
+called its death. In the world of men, no man reaps the
+consequences of another man's <i>karma</i>. Whatever one does, he
+is sure to reap the consequences thereof; for the consequences of
+the <i>karma</i> that is once done, can never be obviated. The
+virtuous become endowed with great virtues, and sinful men become
+the perpetrators of wicked deeds. Men's actions follow them; and
+influenced by these, they are born again." The Brahmana enquired,
+"Why does the spirit take its birth, and why does its nativity
+become sinful or virtuous, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 434]</span>
+and how, O good man, does it come to belong to a sinful or virtuous
+race?" The fowler replied, "This mystery seems to belong to the
+subject of procreation, but I shall briefly describe to you, O good
+Brahmana, how the spirit is born again with its accumulated load of
+<i>karma</i>, the righteous in a virtuous, and the wicked in a
+sinful nativity. By the performance of virtuous actions it attains
+to the state of the gods, and by a combination of good and evil, it
+acquires the human state; by indulgence in sensuality and similar
+demoralising practices it is born in the lower species of animals,
+and by sinful acts, it goes to the infernal regions. Afflicted with
+the miseries of birth and dotage, man is fated to rot here below
+from the evil consequences of his own actions. Passing through
+thousands of births as also the infernal regions, our spirits
+wander about, secured by the fetters of their own <i>karma</i>.
+Animate beings become miserable in the next world on account of
+these actions done by themselves and from the reaction of those
+miseries, they assume lower births and then they accumulate a new
+series of actions, and they consequently suffer misery over again,
+like sickly men partaking of unwholesome food; and although they
+are thus afflicted, they consider themselves to be happy and at
+ease and consequently their fetters are not loosened and new
+<i>karma</i> arises; and suffering from diverse miseries they turn
+about in this world like a wheel. If casting off their fetters they
+purify themselves by their actions and practise austerities and
+religious meditations, then, O best of Brahmanas, they attain the
+Elysian regions by these numerous acts and by casting off their
+fetters and by the purification of <i>karma</i>, men attain those
+blissful regions where misery is unknown to those who go there. The
+sinful man who is addicted to vices, never comes to the end of his
+course of iniquities. Therefore must we strive to do what is
+virtuous and forbear from doing what is unrighteous. Whoever with a
+heart full of gratefulness and free from malice strives to do what
+is good, attains wealth, virtue, happiness and heaven (hereafter).
+Those who are purified of sins, wise, forbearing, constant in
+righteousness, and self-restrained enjoy continuous felicity in
+this as well as in the next world. Man must follow the standard of
+virtue of the good and in his acts imitate the example of the
+righteous. There are virtuous men, versed in holy writ and learned
+in all departments of knowledge. Man's proper duty consists in
+following his own proper avocation, and this being the case these
+latter do not become confused and mixed up. The wise man delights
+in virtue and lives by righteousness. And, O good Brahmana, such a
+man with the wealth of righteousness which he hereby acquires,
+waters the root of the plant in which he finds most virtue. The
+virtuous man acts thus and his mind is calmed. He is pleased with
+his friends in this world and he also attains happiness hereafter.
+Virtuous people, O good man, acquire dominion over all and the
+pleasure of beauty, flavour, sound and touch according to their
+desire. These are known to be the rewards of virtue. But the man of
+enlightened vision, O great Brahmana, is not satisfied with reaping
+the fruits of righteousness. Not content with that, he with the
+light of spiritual wisdom that is in him, becomes indifferent to
+pain and pleasure and the vice of the world influenceth him not. Of
+his own free will he becometh <span class="pagenum">[Pg 435]</span>
+indifferent to worldly pursuits but he forsaketh not virtue.
+Observing that everything worldly is evanescent, he trieth to
+renounce everything and counting on more chance he deviseth means
+for the attainment of salvation. Thus doth he renounce the pursuits
+of the world, shunneth the ways of sin, becometh virtuous and at
+last attaineth salvation. Spiritual wisdom is the prime requisite
+of men for salvation, resignation and forbearance are its roots. By
+this means he attaineth all the objects of this desire. But
+subduing the senses and by means of truthfulness and forbearance,
+he attaineth, O good Brahmana, the supreme asylum of
+<i>Brahma</i>." The Brahmana again enquired, "O thou most eminent
+in virtue and constant in the performance of the religious
+obligations, you talk of senses; what are they; how may they be
+subdued; and what is the good of subduing them; and how doth a
+creature reap the fruits thereof? O pious man, I beg to acquaint
+myself with the truth of this matter."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Hear, O king Yudhishthira what the
+virtuous fowler, thus interrogated by that Brahmana, said to him in
+reply. The fowler said, "Men's minds are at first bent on the
+acquisition of knowledge. That acquired, O good Brahmana, they
+indulge in their passions and desires, and for that end, they
+labour and set about tasks of great magnitude and indulge in
+much-desired pleasures of beauty, flavour, &amp;c. Then follows
+fondness, then envy, then avarice and then extinction of all
+spiritual light. And when men are thus influenced by avarice, and
+overcome by envy and fondness, their intellect ceases to be guided
+by righteousness and they practise the very mockery of virtue.
+Practising virtue with hypocrisy, they are content to acquire
+wealth by dishonourable means with the wealth thus acquired the
+intelligent principle in them becomes enamoured of those evil ways,
+and they are filled with a desire to commit sins. And when, O good
+Brahmana, their friends and men of wisdom remonstrate with them,
+they are ready with specious answers, which are neither sound nor
+convincing. From their being addicted to evil ways, they are guilty
+of a threefold sin. They commit sin in thought, in word, as also in
+action. They being addicted to wicked ways, all their good
+qualities die out, and these men of wicked deeds cultivate the
+friendship of men of similar character, and consequently they
+suffer misery in this world as well as in the next. The sinful man
+is of this nature, and now hear of the man of virtue. He discerns
+these evils by means of his spiritual insight, and is able to
+discriminate between happiness and misery, and is full of
+respectful attention to men of virtue, and from practising virtues,
+his mind becomes inclined to righteousness." The Brahmana replied,
+"Thou hast given a true exposition of religion which none else is
+able to expound. Thy spiritual power is great, and thou dost appear
+to me to be like a great <i>Rishi</i>." The fowler replied, "The
+great Brahmanas are worshipped with the same honours as our
+ancestors and they are always propitiated with offerings of food
+before others. Wise men in this world do what is pleasing
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 436]</span> to them, with all their
+heart. And I shall, O good Brahmana, describe to thee what is
+pleasing to them, after having bowed down to Brahmanas as a class.
+Do thou learn from me the Brahmanic philosophy. This whole universe
+unconquerable everywhere and abounding in great elements, is
+Brahma, and there is nothing higher than this. The earth, air,
+water, fire and sky are the great elements. And form, odour, sound,
+touch and taste are their characteristic properties. These latter
+too have their properties which are also correlated to each other.
+And of the three qualities, which are gradually characterised by
+each, in order of priority is consciousness which is called the
+mind. The seventh is intelligence and after that comes egoism; and
+then the five senses, then the soul, then the moral qualities
+called <i>sattwa, rajas</i> and <i>tamas</i>. These seventeen are
+said to be the unknown or incomprehensible qualities. I have
+described all this to thee, what else dost thou wish to
+know?"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the Brahmana, thus
+interrogated by the virtuous fowler, resumed again this discourse
+so pleasing to the mind. The Brahmana said, "O best of the
+cherishers of religion, it is said that there are five great
+elements; do thou describe to me in full the properties of any one
+of the five." The fowler replied, "The earth, water, fire, air and
+sky all have properties interlapping each other. I shall describe
+them to thee. The earth, O Brahmana, has five qualities, water
+four, fire three and the air and sky together three also. Sound,
+touch, form, odour and taste&mdash;these five qualities belong to
+earth, and sound, touch, form and taste, O austere Brahmana, have
+been described to thee as the properties of water, and sound, touch
+and form are the three properties of fire and air has two
+properties sound and touch, and sound is the property of sky. And,
+O Brahmana, these fifteen properties inherent in five elements,
+exist in all substances of which this universe is composed. And
+they are not opposed to one another; they exist, O Brahmana, in
+proper combination. When this whole universe is thrown into a state
+of confusion, then every corporeal being in the fulness of time,
+assumes another <i>corpus</i>. It arises and perishes in due order.
+And there are present the five elementary substances of which all
+the mobile and immobile world is composed. Whatever is perceptible
+by the senses, is called <i>vyakta</i> (knowable or comprehensible)
+and whatever is beyond the reach of the senses and can only be
+perceived by guesses, is known to be <i>avyakta</i> (not
+<i>vyakta</i>). When a person engages in the discipline of
+self-examination, after having subdued the senses which have of
+their own proper objective play in the external conditions of
+sound, form, &amp;c, then he beholds his own spirit pervading the
+universe, and the universe reflected in itself. He who is wedded to
+his previous <i>karma</i>, although skilled in the highest
+spiritual wisdom, is cognisant only of his soul's objective
+existence, but the person whose soul is never affected by the
+objective conditions around, is never subject to ills, owing to its
+absorption in the elementary spirit of Brahma. When a person
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 437]</span> has overcome the domination
+of illusion, his manly virtues consisting of the essence of
+spiritual wisdom, turn to the spiritual enlightenment which
+illumines the intelligence of sentient beings. Such a person is
+styled by the omnipotent, intelligent Spirit as one who is without
+beginning and without end, self-existent, immutable, incorporeal
+and incomparable. This, O Brahmana, that thou hast enquired of me
+is only the result of self discipline. And this self-discipline can
+only be acquired by subduing the senses. It cannot be otherwise,
+heaven and hell are both dependent on our senses. When subdued,
+they lead to heaven; when indulged in, they lead to perdition. This
+subjugation of the senses is the highest means of attaining
+spiritual light. Our senses are at the (cause) root of our
+spiritual advancement as also at the root of our spiritual
+degradation. By indulging in them, a person undoubtedly contracts
+vices, and by subduing these, he attains salvation. The
+self-restrained person who acquires mastery over the six senses
+inherent in our nature, is never tainted with sin, and consequently
+evil has no power over him. Man's corporeal self has been compared
+to a chariot, his soul to a charioteer and his senses to horses. A
+dexterous man drives about without confusion, like a quiet
+charioteer with well-broken horses. That man is an excellent driver
+who knows how to patiently wield the reins of those wild
+horses,&mdash;the six senses inherent in our nature. When our
+senses become ungovernable like horses on the high road, we must
+patiently rein them in; for with patience, we are sure to get the
+better of them. When a man's mind is overpowered by any one of
+these senses running wild, he loses his reason, and becomes like a
+ship tossed by storms upon the high ocean. Men are deceived by
+illusion in hoping to reap the fruits of those six things, whose
+effects are studied by persons of spiritual insight, who thereby
+reap the fruits of their clear perception."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the fowler having expounded
+these abstruse points, the Brahmana with great attention again
+enquired of him about these subtle topics. The Brahmana said, "Do
+thou truly describe to me, who now duly ask thee, the respective
+virtues of the qualities of <i>sattwa, rajas</i>, and
+<i>tamas</i>." The fowler replied, "Very well, I shall tell thee
+what thou hast asked. I shall describe separately their respective
+virtues, do thou listen. Of them <i>tamas</i> is characterised by
+illusion (spiritual), <i>rajas</i> incites (men to action),
+<i>sattwa</i> is of great grandeur, and on that account, it is said
+to be the greatest of them. He who is greatly under the influence
+of spiritual ignorance, who is foolish, senseless and given to
+dreaming, who is idle, unenergetic and swayed by anger and
+haughtiness, is said to be under the influence of <i>tamas</i>.
+And, O Brahmana <i>rishi</i>, that excellent man who is agreeable
+in speech, thoughtful, free from envy, industrious in action from
+an eager desire to reap its fruits, and of warm temperament, is
+said to be under the influence of <i>rajas</i>. And he who is
+resolute, patient, not subject to <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+438]</span> anger, free from malice, and is not skilful in action
+from want of a selfish desire to reap its fruits, wise and
+forbearing, is said to be under the influence of <i>sattwa</i>.
+When a man endowed with the <i>sattwa</i> quality, is influenced by
+worldliness, he suffers misery; but he hates worldliness, when he
+realises its full significance. And then a feeling of indifference
+to worldly affairs begins to influence him. And then his pride
+decreases, and uprightness becomes more prominent, and his
+conflicting moral sentiments are reconciled. And then
+self-restraint in any matter becomes unnecessary. A man, O
+Brahmana, may be born in the Sudra caste, but if he is possessed of
+good qualities, he may attain the state of <i>Vaisya</i> and
+similarly that of a <i>Kshatriya</i>, and if he is steadfast in
+rectitude, he may even become a Brahmana. I have described to thee
+these virtues, what else dost thou wish to learn?"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXII</h2>
+<p>"'The Brahmana enquired, "How is it that fire (vital force) in
+combination with the earthly element (matter), becomes the
+corporeal tenement (of living creatures), and how doth the vital
+air (the breath of life) according to the nature of its seat (the
+muscles and nerves) excite to action (the corporeal frame)?"'
+Markandeya said, 'This question, O Yudhishthira, having been put to
+the Brahmana by the fowler, the latter, in reply, said to that
+high-minded Brahmana. (The fowler said):&mdash;"The vital spirit
+manifesting itself in the seat of consciousness, causes the action
+of the corporeal frame. And the soul being present in both of them
+acts (through them). The past, the present and the future are
+inseparably associated with the soul. And it is the highest of a
+creature's possessions; it is of the essence of the Supreme Spirit
+and we adore it. It is the animating principle of all creatures,
+and it is the eternal <i>pumsha</i> (spirit). It is great and it is
+the intelligence and the <i>ego</i>, and it is the subjective seat
+of the various properties of elements. Thus while seated here (in a
+corporeal frame) it is sustained in all its relations external or
+internal (to matter or mind) by the subtle ethereal air called
+<i>prana</i>, and thereafter, each creature goes its own way by the
+action of another subtle air called <i>Samana</i>. And this latter
+transforming itself into <i>Apana</i> air, and supported by the
+head of the stomach carries the refuse matter of the body, urine
+&amp;c, to the kidneys and intestines. That same air is present in
+the three elements of effort, exertion and power, and in that
+condition it is called <i>Udana</i> air by persons learned in
+physical science, and when manifesting itself by its presence at
+all the junctional points of the human system, it is known by the
+name <i>Vyana</i>. And the internal heat is diffused over all the
+tissues of our system, and supported by these kinds of air, it
+transforms our food and the tissues and the humours of our system.
+And by the coalition of <i>Prana</i> and other airs, a reaction
+(combination) ensues, and the heat generated thereby is known as
+the internal heat of the human system which causes the digestion of
+our food. The <i>Prana</i> and the <i>Apana</i> air are interposed
+within the <i>Samana</i> and the <i>Udana</i> air. And the heat
+generated by their coalition causes the growth of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 439]</span> the body (consisting of the seven
+substances, bones, muscles, &amp;c). And that portion of its seat
+extending to as far as the rectum is called <i>Apana</i>; and from
+that arteries arise in the five airs <i>Prana</i>, &amp;c. The
+<i>Prana</i> air, acted on by the heat strikes against the
+extremity of the <i>Apana</i> region and then recoiling, it reacts
+on the heat. Above the navel is the region of undigested food and
+below it the region of digestion. And the <i>Prana</i> and all
+other airs of the system are seated in the navel. The arteries
+issuing from the heart run upwards and downwards, as also in
+oblique directions; they carry the best essence of our food, and
+are acted upon by the ten <i>Prana</i> airs. This is the way by
+which patient <i>Yogins</i> who have overcome all difficulties, and
+who view things with an impartial and equal eye, with their souls
+seated in the brain, find the Supreme Spirit, the <i>Prana</i> and
+the <i>Apana</i> airs are thus present in the body of all
+creatures. Know that the spirit is embodied in corporeal disguise,
+in the eleven allotropous conditions (of the animal system), and
+that though eternal, its normal state is apparently modified by its
+accompaniments,&mdash;even like the fire purified in its
+pan,&mdash;eternal, yet with its course altered by its
+surroundings; and that the divine thing which is kindred with the
+body is related to the latter in the same way as a drop of water to
+the sleek surface of a lotus-leaf on which it rolls. Know that
+<i>sattwa, rajas</i> and <i>tamas</i>, are the attributes of all
+life and that life is the attribute of spirit, and that the latter
+again is an attribute of the Supreme Spirit. Inert, insensible
+matter is the seat of the living principle, which is active in
+itself and induces activity in others. That thing by which the
+seven worlds are incited to action is called the most high by men
+of high spiritual insight. Thus in all these elements, the eternal
+spirit does not show itself, but is perceived by the learned in
+spiritual science by reason of their high and keen perception. A
+pure-minded person, by purification of his heart, is able to
+destroy the good and evil effect of his actions and attains eternal
+beatitude by the enlightenment of his inward spirit. That state of
+peace and purification of heart is likened to the state of a person
+who in a cheerful state of mind sleeps soundly, or the brilliance
+of a lamp trimmed by a skillful hand. Such a pure-minded person
+living on spare diet perceives the Supreme Spirit reflected in his
+own, and by practising concentration of mind in the evening and
+small hours of the night, he beholds the Supreme Spirit which has
+no attributes, in the light of his heart, shining like a dazzling
+lamp, and thus he attains salvation. Avarice and anger must be
+subdued by all means, for this act constitutes the most sacred
+virtue that people can practise and is considered to be the means
+by which men can cross over to the other side of this sea of
+affliction and trouble. A man must preserve his righteousness from
+being overcome by the evil consequences of anger, his virtues from
+the effects of pride, his learning from the effects of vanity, and
+his own spirit from illusion. Leniency is the best of virtues, and
+forbearance is the best of powers, the knowledge of our spiritual
+nature is the best of all knowledge, and truthfulness is the best
+of all religious obligations. The telling of truth is good, and the
+knowledge of truth may also be good, but what conduces to the
+greatest good of all creatures, is known as the highest truth. He
+whose actions are <span class="pagenum">[Pg 440]</span> performed
+not with the object of securing any reward or blessing, who has
+sacrificed all to the requirements of his renunciation, is a real
+<i>Sannyasin</i> and is really wise. And as communion with Brahma
+cannot be taught to us, even by our spiritual preceptor,&mdash;he
+only giving us a clue to the mystery&mdash;renunciation of the
+material world is called <i>Yoga</i>. We must not do harm to any
+creature and must live in terms of amity with all, and in this our
+present existence, we must not avenge ourselves on any creature.
+Self-abnegation, peace of mind, renunciation of hope, and
+equanimity,&mdash;these are the ways by which spiritual
+enlightenment can always be secured; and the knowledge of self
+(one's own spiritual nature) is the best of all knowledge. In this
+world as well as hereafter, renouncing all worldly desires and
+assuming a stoic indifference, wherein all suffering is at rest,
+people should fulfil their religious duties with the aid of their
+intelligence. The <i>muni</i> who desires to obtain <i>moksha</i>
+(salvation), which is very difficult to attain, must be constant in
+austerities, forbearing, self-restrained, and must give up that
+longing fondness which binds him to the things of this earth. They
+call these the attributes of the Supreme Spirit. The <i>gunas</i>
+(qualities or attributes) that we are conscious of, reduce
+themselves to <i>agunas</i> (non-gunas) in Him; He is not bound by
+anything, and is perceptible only by the expansion and development
+of our spiritual vision; as soon as the illusion of ignorance is
+dispelled, this supreme unalloyed beatitude is attained. By
+foregoing the objects of both pleasure and pain and by renouncing
+the feelings which bind him to the things of this earth, a man may
+attain Brahma (Supreme Spirit or salvation). O good Brahmana, I
+have now briefly explained to thee all this, as I have heard. What
+else dost thou wish to know?"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'When, O Yudhishthira, all this mystery of
+salvation was explained to that Brahmana, he was highly pleased and
+he said addressing the fowler, "All this that thou hast explained,
+is rational, and it seems to me that there is nothing in connection
+with the mysteries of religion which thou dost not know." The
+fowler replied, "O good and great Brahmana, thou shalt perceive
+with thine own eyes, all the virtue that I lay claim to, and by
+reason of which I have attained this blissful state. Rise,
+worshipful sir, and quickly enter this inner apartment. O virtuous
+man, it is proper that thou shouldst see my father and my mother."'
+Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed the Brahmana went in, and
+beheld a fine beautiful mansion. It was a magnificent house divided
+in four suites of rooms, admired by gods and looking like one of
+their palaces; it was also furnished with seats and beds, and
+redolent of excellent perfumes. His revered parents clad in white
+robes, having finished their meals, were seated at ease. The
+fowler, beholding them, prostrated himself before them with his
+head at their feet. His aged parents then addressed him thus,
+"Rise, O man of piety, rise, may righteousness shield thee; we are
+much pleased with thee for thy piety; mayst thou <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 441]</span> be blessed with a long life, and with
+knowledge, high intelligence, and fulfilment of thy desires. Thou
+art a good and dutiful son, for, we are constantly and reasonably
+looked after by thee, and even amongst the celestials thou hast not
+another divinity to worship. By constantly subduing thyself, thou
+hast become endowed with the self-restraining power of Brahmanas
+and all thy grandsires and ancestors are constantly pleased with
+thee for thy self-restraining virtues and for thy piety towards us.
+In thought, word or deed thy attention to us never flags, and it
+seems that at present thou hast no other thought in thy mind (save
+as to how to please us). As Rama, the son of Jamadagni, laboured to
+please his aged parents, so hast thou, O Son, done to please us,
+and even more." Then the fowler introduced the Brahmana to his
+parents and they received him with the usual salutation of welcome,
+and the Brahmana accepting their welcome, enquired if they, with
+their children and servants, were all right at home, and if they
+were always enjoying good health at that time (of life). The aged
+couple replied, "At home, O Brahmana, we are all right, with all
+our servants. Hast thou, adorable sir, reached this place without
+any difficulty?"' Markandeya continued, 'The Brahmana replied,
+"Yes, I have." Then the fowler addressing himself to the Brahmana
+said to him, "These my parents, worshipful sir, are the idols that
+I worship; whatever is due to the gods, I do unto them. As the
+thirty-three gods with Indra at their head are worshipped by men,
+so are these aged parents of mine worshipped by me. As Brahmanas
+exert themselves for the purpose of procuring offering for their
+gods, so do I act with diligence for these two (idols of mine).
+These my father and mother, O Brahmana, are my supreme gods, and I
+seek to please them always with offering of flowers, fruits and
+gems. To me they are like the three sacred fires mentioned by the
+learned; and, O Brahmana, they seem to me to be as good as
+sacrifices or the four <i>Vedas</i>. My five life-giving airs, my
+wife and children and friends are all for them (dedicated to their
+service). And with my wife and children I always attend on them. O
+good Brahmana, with my own hands I assist them in bathing and also
+wash their feet and give them food and I say to them only what is
+agreeable, leaving out what is unpleasant. I consider it to be my
+highest duty to do what is agreeable to them even though it be not
+strictly justifiable. And, O Brahmana, I am always diligent in
+attending on them. The two parents, the sacred fire, the soul and
+the spiritual preceptor, these five, O good Brahmana, are worthy of
+the highest reverence from a person who seeks prosperity. By
+serving them properly, one acquires the merit of perpetually
+keeping up the sacred fire. And it is the eternal and invariable
+duty of all householders."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The virtuous fowler, having introduced
+his (both) parents to that Brahmana as his highest <i>gurus</i>,
+again spoke to him as follows, "Mark thou the power of this virtue
+of mine, by which my inner <span class="pagenum">[Pg 442]</span>
+spiritual vision is extended. For this, thou wast told by that
+self-restrained, truthful lady, devoted to her husband, 'Hie thee
+to Mithila; for there lives a fowler who will explain to thee, the
+mysteries of religion.'" The Brahmana said, "O pious man, so
+constant in fulfilling thy religious obligations, bethinking myself
+of what that truthful good-natured lady so true to her husband,
+hath said, I am convinced that thou art really endowed with every
+high quality." The fowler replied, "I have no doubt, my lord, that
+what that lady, so faithful to her husband, said to thee about me,
+was said with full knowledge of the facts. I have, O Brahmana,
+explained to thee all this as a matter of favour. And now, good
+sir, listen to me. I shall explain what is good for thee. O good
+Brahmana, of irreproachable character, thou hast wronged thy father
+and thy mother, for thou hast left home without their permission,
+for the purpose of learning the <i>Vedas</i>. Thou hast not acted
+properly in this matter, for thy ascetic and aged parents have
+become entirely blind from grief at thy loss. Do thou return home
+to console them. May this virtue never forsake thee. Thou art
+high-minded, of ascetic merit, and always devoted to thy religion
+but all these have become useless to thee. Do thou without delay
+return to console thy parents. Do have some regard for my words and
+not act otherwise; I tell thee what is good for thee, O Brahmana
+<i>Rishi</i>. Do thou return home this very day." The Brahmana
+replied, "This that thou hast said, is undoubtedly true; mayst
+thou, O pious man, attain prosperity; I am much pleased with thee."
+The fowler said, "O Brahmana, as thou practisest with assiduousness
+those divine, ancient, and eternal virtues which are so difficult
+of attainment even by pure-minded persons, thou appearest (to me)
+like a divine being. Return to the side of thy father and mother
+and be quick and diligent in honouring thy parents; for, I do not
+know if there is any virtue higher than this." The Brahmana
+replied, "By a piece of singular good luck have I arrived here, and
+by a piece of similar good luck have I thus been associated with
+thee. It is very difficult to find out, in our midst, a person who
+can so well expound the mysteries of religion; there is scarcely
+one man among thousands, who is well versed in the science of
+religion. I am very glad, O great man, to have secured thy
+friendship; mayst thou be prosperous. I was on the point of falling
+into hell, but was extricated by thee. It was destined to be so,
+for thou didst (unexpectedly) come in my way. And, O great man, as
+the fallen King Yayati was saved by his virtuous grandsons
+(daughter's sons), so have I know been saved by thee. According to
+thy advice, I shall honour my father and my mother; for a man with
+an impure heart can never expound the mysteries of sin and
+righteousness. As it is very difficult for a person born in the
+Sudra class to learn the mysteries of the eternal religion, I do
+not consider thee to be a Sudra. There must surely be some mystery
+in connection with this matter. Thou must have attained the Sudra's
+estate by reason of the fruition of thine own past <i>karma</i>. O
+magnanimous man, I long to know the truth about this matter. Do
+thou tell it to me with attention and according to thy own
+inclination."</p>
+<p>"'The fowler replied, "O good Brahmana, Brahmanas are worthy of
+all respect from me. Listen, O sinless one, to this story of a
+previous existence <span class="pagenum">[Pg 443]</span> of mine. O
+son of an excellent Brahmana, I was formerly a Brahmana, well-read
+in the <i>Vedas</i>, and an accomplished student of the
+<i>Vedangas</i>. Through my own fault I have been degraded to my
+present state. A certain king, accomplished in the science of
+<i>dhanurveda</i> (science of archery), was my friend; and from his
+companionship, O Brahmana, I, too became skilled in archery; and
+one day the king, in company with his ministers and followed by his
+best warriors, went out on a hunting expedition. He killed a large
+number of deer near a hermitage. I, too, O good Brahmana,
+discharged a terrible arrow. And a <i>rishi</i> was wounded by that
+arrow with its head bent out. He fell down upon the ground, and
+screaming loudly said, 'I have harmed no one, what sinful man has
+done this?' And, my lord, taking him for a deer, I went up to him
+and found that he was pierced through the body by my arrow. On
+account of my wicked deed I was sorely grieved (in mind). And then
+I said to that <i>rishi</i> of severe ascetic merit, who was loudly
+crying, lying upon the ground, 'I have done this unwittingly, O
+<i>rishi</i>.' And also this I said to the <i>muni</i>: 'Do thou
+think it proper to pardon all this transgression.' But, O Brahmana,
+the <i>rishi</i>, lashing himself into a fury, said to me, 'Thou
+shalt be born as a cruel fowler in the Sudra class.'"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXV</h2>
+<p>"'The fowler continued, "Thus cursed by that <i>rishi</i>, I
+sought to propitiate him with these words: 'Pardon me, O
+<i>muni</i>, I have done this wicked deed unwittingly. It behooves
+thee to pardon all that. Do thou, worshipful sir, soothe yourself.'
+The <i>rishi</i> replied, 'The curse that I have pronounced can
+never be falsified, this is certain. But from kindness towards
+thee, I shall do thee a favour. Though born in the Sudra class thou
+shalt remain a pious man and thou shalt undoubtedly honour thy
+parents; and by honouring them thou shalt attain great spiritual
+perfection; thou shalt also remember the events of thy past life
+and shalt go to heaven; and on the expiation of this curse, thou
+shalt again become a Brahmana.' O best of men, thus, of old was I
+cursed by that <i>rishi</i> of severe power, and thus was he
+propitiated by me. Then, O good Brahmana, I extricated the arrow
+from his body, and took him into the hermitage, but he was not
+deprived of his life (recovered). O good Brahmana, I have thus
+described to thee what happened to me of old, and also how I can go
+to heaven hereafter." The Brahmana said, "O thou of great
+intelligence, all men are thus subject to happiness or misery, thou
+shouldst not therefore grieve for that. In obedience to the customs
+of thy (present) race, thou hast pursued these wicked ways, but
+thou art always devoted to virtue and versed in the ways and
+mysteries of the world. And, O learned man, these being the duties
+of thy profession, the stain of evil <i>karma</i> will not attach
+to thee. And after dwelling here for some little time, thou shalt
+again become a Brahmana; and even now, I consider thee to be a
+Brahmana, there is no doubt about this. For the Brahmana who is
+vain and haughty, who is addicted to vices and wedded to evil and
+degrading practices, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 444]</span> is like
+a Sudra. On the other hand, I consider a Sudra who is always
+adorned with these virtues,&mdash;righteousness, self-restraint,
+and truthfulness,&mdash;as a Brahmana. A man becomes a Brahmana by
+his character; by his own evil <i>karma</i> a man attains an evil
+and terrible doom. O good man, I believe that sin in thee has now
+died out. Thou must not grieve for this, for men, like thee who art
+so virtuous and learned in the ways and mysteries of the world, can
+have no cause for grief."</p>
+<p>"'The fowler replied, "The bodily afflictions should be cured
+with medicines, and the mental ones with spiritual wisdom. This is
+the power of knowledge. Knowing this, the wise should not behave
+like boys. Men of low intelligence are overpowered with grief at
+the occurrence of something which is not agreeable to them, or
+non-occurrence of something which is good or much desired. Indeed,
+all creatures are subject to this characteristic (of grief or
+happiness). It is not merely a single creature or class that is
+subject to misery. Cognisant of this evil, people quickly mend
+their ways, and if they perceive it at the very outset they succeed
+in curing it altogether. Whoever grieves for it, only makes himself
+uneasy. Those wise men whose knowledge has made them happy and
+contented, and who are indifferent to happiness and misery alike,
+are really happy. The wise are always contented and the foolish
+always discontented. There is no end to discontentment, and
+contentment is the highest happiness. People who have reached the
+perfect way, do not grieve, they are always conscious of the final
+destiny of all creatures. One must not give way to discontent<a id="footnotetag17" name="footnotetag17"></a><a href="#footnote17"><sup>17</sup></a> for it is like a virulent poison.
+It kills persons of undeveloped intelligence, just as a child is
+killed by an enraged snake. That man has no manliness whose
+energies have left him and who is overpowered with perplexity when
+an occasion for the exercise of vigour presents itself. Our actions
+are surely followed by their consequences. Whoever merely gives
+himself up to passive indifference (to worldly affairs)
+accomplishes no good. Instead of murmuring one must try to find out
+the way by which he can secure exemption from (spiritual) misery;
+and the means of salvation found, he must then free himself from
+sensuality. The man who has attained a high state of spiritual
+knowledge is always conscious of the great deficiency (instability)
+of all matter. Such a person keeping in view the final doom (of
+all), never grieves. I too, O learned man, do not grieve; I stay
+here (in this life) biding my time. For this reason, O best of men,
+I am not perplexed (with doubts)". The Brahmana said, "Thou art
+wise and high in spiritual knowledge and vast is thy intelligence.
+Thou who art versed in holy writ, art content with thy spiritual
+wisdom. I have no cause to find fault with thee. Adieu, O best of
+pious men, mayst thou be prosperous, and may righteousness shield
+thee, and mayst thou be assiduous in the practice of virtue."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The fowler said to him, "Be it so." And
+the good Brahmana walked round him<a id="footnotetag18" name="footnotetag18"></a><a href="#footnote18"><sup>18</sup></a> and
+then departed. And the Brahmana <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+445]</span> returning home was duly assiduous in his attention to
+his old parents. I have thus, O pious Yudhishthira, narrated in
+detail to thee this history full of moral instruction, which thou,
+my good son, didst ask me to recite,&mdash;the virtue of women's
+devotion to their husbands and that of filial piety.' Yudhishthira
+replied, 'O most pious Brahmana and best of <i>munis</i>, thou hast
+related to me this good and wonderful moral story; and listening to
+thee, O learned man, my time has glided away like a moment; but, O
+adorable sir, I am not as yet satiated with hearing this
+moral<a id="footnotetag19" name="footnotetag19"></a><a href="#footnote19"><sup>19</sup></a> discourse.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "The virtuous king Yudhishthira, having
+listened to this excellent religious discourse, again addressed
+himself to the <i>rishi</i> Markandeya saying, 'Why did the
+fire-god hide himself in water in olden times, and why is it that
+Angiras of great splendour officiating as fire-god, used to
+convey<a id="footnotetag20" name="footnotetag20"></a><a href="#footnote20"><sup>20</sup></a> oblations during his dissolution.
+There is but one fire, but according to the nature of its action,
+it is seen to divide itself into many. O worshipful sir, I long to
+be enlightened on all these points,&mdash;How the Kumara<a id="footnotetag21" name="footnotetag21"></a><a href="#footnote21"><sup>21</sup></a> was born, how he came to be known
+as the son of Agni (the fire-god) and how he was begotten by Rudra
+or Ganga and Krittika. O noble scion of Bhrigu's race, I desire to
+learn all this accurately as it happened. O great <i>muni</i>, I am
+thrilled with great curiosity.' Markandeya replied, 'In this
+connection this old story is cited by the learned, as to how the
+carrier of oblations (the fire-god) in a fit of rage, sought the
+waters of the sea in order to perform a penance, and how the
+adorable Angiras transforming himself into the fire-god,<a id="footnotetag22" name="footnotetag22"></a><a href="#footnote22"><sup>22</sup></a> destroyed darkness and distressed
+the world with his scorching rays. In olden times, O long-armed
+hero, the great Angiras performed a wonderful penance in his
+hermitage; he even excelled the fire-god, the carrier of oblations,
+in splendour and in that state he illumined the whole universe. At
+that time the fire-god was also performing a penance and was
+greatly distressed by his (Angirasa's) effulgence. He was greatly
+depressed, but did not know what to do. Then that adorable god
+thought within himself, "Brahma has created another fire-god for
+this universe. As I have been practising austerities, my services
+as the presiding deity of fire have been dispensed with;" and then
+he considered how he could re-establish himself as the <i>god</i>
+of fire. He beheld the great <i>muni</i> giving heat to the whole
+universe like fire, and approached him slowly with fear. But
+Angiras said to him, "Do thou quickly re-establish yourself as the
+fire animating the universe, thou art well-known in the three
+stable worlds and thou wast first created by Brahma to dispel
+darkness. Do thou, O destroyer of darkness, quickly <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 446]</span> occupy thine own proper place." Agni
+replied, "My reputation has been injured now in this world. And
+thou art become the fire-god, and people will know thee, and not
+me, as fire. I have relinquished my god-hood of fire, do thou
+become the primeval fire and I shall officiate as the second or
+Prajapatyaka fire." Angiras replied, "Do thou become the fire-god
+and the destroyer of darkness and do thou attend to thy sacred duty
+of clearing people's way to heaven, and do thou, O lord, make me
+speedily thy first child."' Markandeya continued, 'Hearing these
+words of Angiras, the fire-god did as desired, and, O king, Angiras
+had a son named Vrihaspati. Knowing him to be the first son of
+Angiras by Agni, the gods, O Bharata, came and enquired about the
+mystery. And thus asked by the gods he then enlightened them, and
+the gods then accepted the explanation of Angiras. In this
+connection, I shall describe to thee religious sorts of fire of
+great effulgence which are here variously known in the
+Brahmanas<a id="footnotetag23" name="footnotetag23"></a><a href="#footnote23"><sup>23</sup></a> by their respective uses.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O ornament of Kuru's race, he (Angiras)
+who was the third son of Brahma had a wife of the name of Subha. Do
+thou hear of the children he had by her. His son Vrihaspati, O
+king, was very famous, large-hearted and of great bodily vigour.
+His genius and learning were profound, and he had a great
+reputation as a counsellor. Bhanumati was his first-born daughter.
+She was the most beautiful of all his children. Angiras's second
+daughter was called Raga.<a id="footnotetag24" name="footnotetag24"></a><a href="#footnote24"><sup>24</sup></a> She was
+so named because she was the object of all creature's love.
+Siniwali was the third daughter of Angiras. Her body was of such
+slender make that she was visible at one time and invisible at
+another; and for this reason she was likened to <i>Rudra's</i>
+daughter. Archismati was his fourth daughter, she was so named from
+her great refulgence. And his fifth daughter was called
+<i>Havishmati</i>, so named from her accepting <i>havis</i> or
+oblations. The sixth daughter of Angiras was called Mahismati the
+pious. O keen-witted being, the seventh daughter of Angiras is
+known by the name of Mahamati, who is always present at sacrifices
+of great splendour, and that worshipful daughter of Angiras, whom
+they call unrivalled and without portion, and about whom people
+utter the words <i>kuhu kuhu</i> (wonder), is known by the name of
+Kuhu.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Vrihaspati had a wife (called Tara)
+belonging to the lunar world. By her, he had six sons partaking of
+the energy of fire, and one daughter. The fire in whose honour
+oblations of clarified butter <span class="pagenum">[Pg 447]</span>
+are offered at the Paurnamasya and other sacrifices, was a son of
+Vrihaspati called Sanju; he was of great ascetic merit. At the
+<i>Chaturmasya</i> (four-monthly) and <i>Aswamedha</i> (horse)
+sacrifices, animals are offered first in his honour, and this
+powerful fire is indicated by numerous flames. Sanju's wife was
+called Satya, she was of matchless beauty and she sprang from
+Dharma (righteousness) for the sake of truth. The blazing fire was
+his son, and he had three daughters of great religious merit. The
+fire which is honoured with the first oblations at sacrifices is
+his first son called Bharadwaja. The second son of Sanju is called
+Bharata in whose honour oblations of clarified butter are offered
+with the sacrificial ladle (called Sruk) at all the full moon
+(<i>Paurnamasaya</i>) sacrifices. Beside these three sons of whom
+Bharata is the senior, he had a son named Bharata and a daughter
+called Bharati. The Bharata fire is the son of <i>Prajapati</i>
+Bharata <i>Agni</i> (fire). And, O ornament of Bharata's race,
+because he is greatly honoured, he is also called the great. Vira
+is Bharadwaja's wife; she gave birth to Vira. It is said by the
+Brahmanas that he is worshipped like <i>Soma</i> (with the same
+hymns) with offerings of clarified butter. He is joined with Soma
+in the secondary oblation of clarified butter and is also called
+Rathaprabhu, Rathadhwana and Kumbhareta. He begot a son named
+Siddhi by his wife Sarayu, and enveloped the sun with his splendour
+and from being the presiding genius of the fire sacrifice he is
+ever mentioned in the hymns in praise of fire. And the fire
+<i>Nischyavana</i> praises the earth only; he never suffers in
+reputation, splendour and prosperity. The sinless fire Satya
+blazing with pure flame is his son. He is free from all taint and
+is not defiled by sin, and is the regulator of time. That fire has
+another name Nishkriti, because he accomplished the
+<i>Nishkriti</i> (relief) of all blatant creatures here. When
+properly worshipped he vouchsafes good fortune. His son is called
+Swana, who is the generator of all diseases; he inflicts severe
+sufferings on people for which they cry aloud, and moves in the
+intelligence of the whole universe. And the other fire
+(Vrihaspati's third son) is called Viswajit by men of spiritual
+wisdom. The fire, which is known as the internal heat by which the
+food of all creatures is digested, is the fourth son of Vrihaspati
+known through all the worlds, O Bharata, by the name of Viswabhuk.
+He is self-restrained, of great religious merit, and is a
+<i>Brahmacharin</i> and he is worshipped by Brahmanas at the
+Paka-sacrifices. The sacred river Gomati was his wife and by her
+all religious-minded men perform their rites. And that terrible
+water-drinking sea fire called Vadava is the fifth son of
+Vrihaspati. This Brahmic fire has a tendency to move upwards and
+hence it is called <i>Urdhvabhag</i>, and is seated in the vital
+air called <i>Prana</i>. The sixth son is called the great
+Swishtakrit; for by him oblations became <i>swishta</i> (<i>su</i>,
+excellently, and <i>ishta</i>, offered) and the <i>udagdhara</i>
+oblation is always made in his honour. And when all creatures are
+claimed, the fire called Manyauti becomes filled with fury. This
+inexorably terrible and highly irascible fire is the daughter of
+Vrihaspati, and is known as <i>Swaha</i> and is present in all
+matter. (By the respective influence of the three qualities of
+<i>sattwa, rajas</i> and <i>tamas</i>, Swaha had three sons). By
+reason of the first she had a son who was equaled by none in heaven
+in personal beauty, and from this fact he <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+448]</span> was surnamed by the gods as the <i>Kama</i>-fire.<a id="footnotetag25" name="footnotetag25"></a><a href="#footnote25"><sup>25</sup></a> (By reason of the second) she had a
+son called the <i>Amogha</i> or invincible fire, the destroyer of
+his enemies in battle. Assured of success he curbs his anger and is
+armed with a bow and seated on a chariot and adorned with wreaths
+of flowers. (From the action of the third quality) she had a son,
+the great <i>Uktha</i> (the means of salvation) praised by (akin
+to) three Ukthas.<a id="footnotetag26" name="footnotetag26"></a><a href="#footnote26"><sup>26</sup></a> He is
+the originator of the great word<a id="footnotetag27" name="footnotetag27"></a><a href="#footnote27"><sup>27</sup></a> and is
+therefore known as the Samaswasa or the means of rest
+(salvation).'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'He (<i>Uktha</i>) performed a severe
+penance lasting for many years, with the view of having a pious son
+equal unto <i>Brahma</i> in reputation. And when the invocation was
+made with the <i>vyahriti</i> hymns and with the aid of the five
+sacred fires, <i>Kasyapa, Vasistha, Prana</i>, the son of <i>Prana,
+Chyavana</i>, the son of <i>Angiras</i>, and
+<i>Suvarchaka</i>&mdash;there arose a very bright energy (force)
+full of the animating (creative) principle, and of five different
+colours. Its head was of the colour of the blazing fire, its arms
+were bright like the sun and its skin and eyes were golden-coloured
+and its feet, O Bharata, were black. Its five colours were given to
+it by those five men by reason of their great penance. This
+celestial being is therefore described as appertaining to five men,
+and he is the progenitor of five tribes. After having performed a
+penance for ten thousand years, that being of great ascetic merit
+produced the terrible fire appertaining to the <i>Pitris</i>
+(manes) in order to begin the work of creation, and from his head
+and mouth respectively he created Vrihat and Rathantara (day and
+night) who quickly steal away (life, &amp;c.). He also created Siva
+from his navel, Indra from his might and wind and fire from his
+soul, and from his two arms sprang the hymns <i>Udatta</i> and
+<i>Anudatta</i>. He also produced the mind, and the five senses,
+and other creatures. Having created these, he produced the five
+sons of the <i>Pitris</i>. Of these <i>Pranidhi</i> was the son of
+<i>Vrihadratha</i>. Vrihadratha was the son of Kasyapa. Bhanu was
+the godson of Chyavana, Saurabha, the son of Suvarchaka, and
+Anudatta, the son of Prana. These twenty-five beings are reputed
+(to have been created by him). Tapa also created fifteen other gods
+who obstruct sacrifices<a id="footnotetag28" name="footnotetag28"></a><a href="#footnote28"><sup>28</sup></a>. They
+are Subhima, Bhima, Atibhima, Bhimavala, Avala, Sumitra, Mitravana,
+Mitasina, Mitravardhana and Mitradharaman,<a id="footnotetag29" name="footnotetag29"></a><a href="#footnote29"><sup>29</sup></a>
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 449]</span> and Surapravira, Vira,
+Suveka, Suravarchas and Surahantri. These gods are divided into
+three classes of five each. Located here in this world, they
+destroy the sacrifices of the gods in heaven; they frustrate their
+objects and spoil their oblations of clarified butter. They do this
+only to spite the sacred fires carrying oblations to the gods. If
+the officiating priests are careful, they place the oblations in
+their honour outside of the sacrificial altar. To that particular
+place where the sacred fire may be placed, they cannot go. They
+carry the oblation of their votaries by means of wings. When
+appeased by hymns, they do not frustrate the sacrificial rites.
+Vrihaduktha, another son of Tapa, belongs to the Earth. He is
+worshipped here in this world by pious men performing
+<i>Agnihotra</i> sacrifices. Of the son of Tapa who is known as
+Rathantara, it is said by officiating priests that the sacrificial
+oblation offered in his honour is offered to Mitravinda. The
+celebrated Tapa was thus very happy with his sons.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The fire called Bharata was bound by
+severe rules of asceticism. Pushtimati is another name of his fire;
+for when he is satisfied he vouchsafes <i>pushti</i> (development)
+to all creatures, and for this reason he is called <i>Bharata</i>
+(or the Cherisher). And that other fire, by name Siva, is devoted
+to the worship of Sakti (the forces of the presiding deity of the
+forces of Nature), and because he always relieves the sufferings of
+all creatures afflicted with misery, he is called Siva (the giver
+of good). And on the acquisition of great ascetic wealth by
+<i>Tapa</i>, an intelligent son named Puranda was born to inherit
+the same. Another son named Ushma was also born. This fire is
+observed in the vapour of all matter. A third son Manu was born. He
+officiated as Prajapati. The Brahmanas who are learned in the
+Vedas, then speak of the exploits of the fire Sambhu. And after
+that the bright Avasathya fire of great refulgence is spoken of by
+the Brahmanas. Tapa thus created the five Urjaskara fires, all
+bright as gold. These all share the <i>Soma</i> drink in
+sacrifices. The great sun-god when fatigued (after his day's
+labours) is known as the Prasanta fire. He created the terrible
+<i>Asuras</i> and various other creatures of the earth. Angiras,
+too created the <i>Prajapati</i> Bhanu, the son of Tapa. He is also
+called Vrihadbhanu (the great Bhanu) by Brahmanas learned in the
+<i>Vedas</i>. Bhanu married Supraja, and Brihadbhanu the daughter
+of Surya (the sun-god). They gave birth to six sons; do thou hear
+of their progeny. The fire who gives strength to the weak is called
+Valada (or the giver of strength). He is the first son of Bhanu,
+and that other fire who looks terrible when all the elements are in
+a tranquil state is called the Manjuman fire; he is the second son
+of Bhanu. And the fire in whose honour oblations of clarified
+butter are enjoined to be made here at the <i>Darsa</i> and
+<i>Paurnamasya</i> sacrifices and who is known as Vishnu in this
+world, is (the third son of Bhanu) called Angiras, or Dhritiman.
+And the fire to whom with Indra, the <i>Agrayana</i> oblation is
+enjoined to be made is called the <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+450]</span> Agrayana fire. He is the (fourth) son of Bhanu. The
+fifth son of Bhanu is Agraha who is the source of the oblations
+which are daily made for the performance of the <i>Chaturmasya</i>
+(four-monthly) rites. And Stuva is the sixth son of Bhanu. Nisa was
+the name of another wife of that Manu who is known by the name of
+Bhanu. She gave birth to one daughter, the two Agnishtomas, and
+also five other fire-gods. The resplendent fire-god who is honoured
+with the first oblations in company with the presiding deity of the
+clouds is called Vaiswanara. And that other fire who is called the
+lord of all the worlds is Viswapati, the second son of Manu. And
+the daughter of Manu is called Swistakrit, because by oblations
+unto her one acquires great merit. Though she was the daughter of
+Hiranyakasipu, she yet became his wife for her evil deeds. She is,
+however, one of the Prajapatis. And that other fire which has its
+seats in the vital airs of all creatures and animates their bodies,
+is called Sannihita. It is the cause of our perceptions of sound
+and form. That divine spirit whose course is marked with black and
+white stains, who is the supporter of fire, and who, though free
+from sin, is the accomplisher of desired <i>karma</i>, whom the
+wise regard as a great <i>Rishi</i>, is the fire Kapila, the
+propounder of the <i>Yoga</i> system called Sankhya. The fire
+through whom the elementary spirits always receive the offerings
+called <i>Agra</i> made by other creatures at the performance of
+all the peculiar rites in this world is called Agrani. And these
+other bright fires famous in the world, were created for the
+rectification of the <i>Agnihotra</i> rites when marred by any
+defects. If the fires interlap each other by the action of the
+wind, then the rectification must be made with the
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the fire Suchi. And if the
+southern fire comes in contact with the two other fires, then
+rectification must be made by the performance of the
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the fire Viti. If the fires
+in their place called Nivesa come in contact with the fire called
+Devagni, then the <i>Ashtakapala</i> rites must be performed in
+honour of the fire Suchi for rectification. And if the perpetual
+fire is touched by a woman in her monthly course, then for
+rectification the <i>Ashtakapala</i> rites must be performed in
+honour of the fire called Dasyuman. If at the time of the
+performance of this <i>Agnihotra</i> rites the death of any
+creature is spoken of, or if animals die, then rectification must
+be made with the performance of the <i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in
+honour of the Suraman fire. The Brahmana, who while suffering from
+a disease is unable to offer oblations to the sacred fire for three
+nights, must make amends for the same by performing the
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the northern fire. He who has
+performed the <i>Darsa</i> and the <i>Paurnamasya</i> rites must
+make the rectification with the performance of the
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the Patikrit fire. If the
+fire of a lying-in room comes in contact with the perpetual sacred
+fire, then rectification must be made with the performance of
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the Agniman fire.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Mudita, the favourite wife of the fire
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 451]</span> Swaha, used to live in water.
+And Swaha who was the regent of the earth and sky begot in that
+wife of his a highly sacred fire called Advanta. There is a
+tradition amongst learned Brahmanas that this fire is the ruler and
+inner soul of all creatures. He is worshipful, resplendent and the
+lord of all the great <i>Bhutas</i> here. And that fire, under the
+name of Grihapati, is ever worshipped at all sacrifices and conveys
+all the oblations that are made in this world. That great son of
+Swaha&mdash;the great Adbhuta fire is the soul of the waters and
+the prince and regent of the sky and the lord of everything great.
+His (son), the Bharata fire, consumes the dead bodies of all
+creatures. His first Kratu is known as Niyata at the performance of
+the <i>Agnishtoma</i> sacrifice. That powerful prime fire
+(<i>Swaha</i>) is always missed by the gods, because when he sees
+Niyata approaching him he hides himself in the sea from fear of
+contamination. Searching for him in every direction, the gods could
+not (once) find him out and on beholding Atharvan the fire said to
+him, "O valiant being, do thou carry the oblations for the gods! I
+am disabled from want of strength. Attaining the state of the
+red-eyed fire, do thou condescend to do me this favour!" Having
+thus advised Atharvan, the fire went away to some other place. But
+his place of concealment was divulged by the finny tribe. Upon them
+the fire pronounced this curse in anger, "You shall be the food of
+all creatures in various ways." And then that carrier of oblations
+spoke unto <i>Atharvan</i> (as before). Though entreated by the
+gods, he did not agree to continue carrying their oblations. He
+then became insensible and instantly gave up the ghost. And leaving
+his material body, he entered into the bowels of the earth. Coming
+into contact with the earth, he created the different metals. Force
+and scent arose from his pus; the <i>Deodar</i> pine from his
+bones; glass from his phlegm; the <i>Marakata</i> jewel from his
+bile; and the black iron from his liver. And all the world has been
+embellished with these three substances (wood, stone and iron). The
+clouds were made from his nails, and corals from his veins. And, O
+king, various other metals were produced from his body. Thus
+leaving his material body, he remained absorbed in (spiritual)
+meditation. He was roused by the penance of Bhrigu and Angiras. The
+powerful fire thus gratified with penance, blazed forth intensely.
+But on beholding the <i>Rishi</i> (Atharvan), he again sought his
+watery refuge. At this extinction of the fire, the whole world was
+frightened, and sought the protection of Atharvan, and the gods and
+others began to worship him. Atharvan rummaged the whole sea in the
+presence of all those beings eager with expectation, and finding
+out the fire, himself began the work of creation. Thus in olden
+times the fire was destroyed and called back to life by the
+adorable Atharvan. But now he invariably carries the oblations of
+all creatures. Living in the sea and travelling about various
+countries, he produced the various fires mentioned in the
+<i>Vedas</i>.</p>
+<p>"'The river Indus, the five rivers (of the Punjab), the Sone,
+the Devika, the Saraswati, the Ganga, the Satakumbha, the Sarayu,
+the Gandaki, the Charmanwati, the Mahi, the Medha, the Medhatithi,
+the three rivers Tamravati, the Vetravati, and the Kausiki; the
+Tamasa, the Narmada, the Godavari, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+452]</span> the Vena, the Upavena, the Bhima, the Vadawa, the
+Bharati, the Suprayoga, the Kaveri, the Murmura, the Tungavenna,
+the Krishnavenna and the Kapila, these rivers, O Bharata, are said
+to be the mothers of the fires! The fire called Adbhuta had a wife
+of the name of Priya, and Vibhu was the eldest of his sons by her.
+There are as many different kinds of <i>Soma sacrifices</i> as the
+number of fires mentioned before. All this race of fires,
+first-born of the spirit of Brahma, sprang also from the race of
+Atri. Atri in his own mind conceived these sons, desirous of
+extending the creation. By this act, the fires came out of his own
+Brahmic frame. I have thus narrated to thee the history of the
+origin of these fires. They are great, resplendent, and unrivalled
+in power, and they are the destroyers of darkness. Know that the
+powers of those fires are the same as those of the Adbhuta fire as
+related in the Vedas. For all these fires are one and same. This
+adorable being, the first born fire, must be considered as one. For
+like the <i>Jyotishtoma</i> sacrifice he came out of Angiras body
+in various forms. I have thus described to thee the history of the
+great race of Agni (fires) who when duly worshipped with the
+various hymns, carry the oblations of all creatures to the
+gods.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O sinless scion of Kuru's race, I have
+described to thee the various branches of the race of Agni. Listen
+now to the story of the birth of the intelligent Kartikeya. I shall
+tell thee of that wonderful and famous and highly energetic son of
+the Adbhuta fire begotten of the wives of the <i>Brahmarshis</i>.
+In ancient times the <i>gods</i> and <i>Asuras</i> were very active
+in destroying one another. And the terrible <i>Asuras</i> always
+succeeded in defeating the gods. And Purandara (Indra) beholding
+the great slaughter of his armies by them and anxious to find out a
+leader for the celestial host, thought within himself, "I must find
+out a mighty person who observing the ranks of the celestial army
+shattered by the <i>Danavas</i> will be able to reorganize it with
+vigour." He then repaired to the Manasa mountains and was there
+deeply absorbed in thought of nature, when he heard the
+heart-rending cries of a woman to the effect, "May some one come
+quick and rescue me, and either indicate a husband for me, or be my
+husband himself." Purandara said to her, "Do not be afraid, lady!"
+And having said these words, he saw Kesin (an <i>Asura</i>) adorned
+with a crown and mace in hand standing even like a hill of metals
+at a distance and holding that lady by the hand. Vasava addressed
+then that <i>Asura</i> saying, "Why art thou bent on behaving
+insolently to this lady? Know that I am the god who wields the
+thunderbolt. Refrain thou from doing any violence to this lady." To
+him Kesin replied, "Do thou, O Sakra, leave her alone. I desire to
+possess her. Thinkest thou, O slayer of Paka, that thou shalt be
+able to return home with thy life?" With these words Kesin hurled
+his mace for slaying Indra. Vasava cut it up in its course with his
+thunderbolt. Then Kesin, furious with rage, hurled a huge mass of
+rock at him. Beholding that, he of a hundred sacrifices rent it
+asunder <span class="pagenum">[Pg 453]</span> with his thunderbolt,
+and it fell down upon the ground. And Kesin himself was wounded by
+that falling mass of rock. Thus sorely afflicted, he fled leaving
+the lady behind. And when the <i>Asura</i> was gone, Indra said to
+that lady, "Who and whose wife art thou, O lady with a beautiful
+face, and what has brought thee here?"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXIII</h2>
+<p>"'The lady replied, "I am a daughter of Prajapati (the lord of
+all creatures, Brahma) and my name is Devasena. My sister
+Daityasena has ere this been ravished by Kesin. We two sisters with
+our maids habitually used to come to these Manasa mountains for
+pleasures with the permission of Prajapati. And the great
+<i>Asura</i> Kesin used daily to pay his court to us. Daityasena, O
+conqueror of Paka, listened to him, but I did not. Daityasena was,
+therefore, taken away by him, but, O illustrious one, thou hast
+rescued me with thy might. And now, O lord of the celestials, I
+desire that thou shouldst select an invincible husband for me." To
+this Indra replied, "Thou art a cousin of mine, thy mother being a
+sister of my mother Dakshayani, and now I desire to hear thee
+relate thine own prowess." The lady replied, "O hero with long
+arms, I am <i>Avala</i><a id="footnotetag30" name="footnotetag30"></a><a href="#footnote30"><sup>30</sup></a> (weak)
+but my husband must be powerful. And by the potency of my father's
+boon, he will be respected by <i>gods</i> and <i>Asuras</i> alike."
+Indra said, "O blameless creature, I wish to hear from thee, what
+sort of power thou wishest thy husband to possess." The lady
+replied, "That manly and famous and powerful being devoted to
+Brahma, who is able to conquer all the celestials, <i>Asuras,
+Yakshas, Kinnaras, Uragas, Rakshasas</i>, and the evil-minded
+<i>Daityas</i> and to subdue all the worlds with thee, shall be my
+husband."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing her speech, Indra was grieved
+and deeply thought within himself, "There is no husband for this
+lady, answering to her own description." And that god adorned with
+sun-like effulgence, then perceived the Sun rising on the Udaya
+hill,<a id="footnotetag31" name="footnotetag31"></a><a href="#footnote31"><sup>31</sup></a> and the great Soma (Moon) gliding
+into the Sun. It being the time of the new Moon, he of a hundred
+sacrifices, at the <i>Raudra</i><a id="footnotetag32" name="footnotetag32"></a><a href="#footnote32"><sup>32</sup></a> moment,
+observed the gods and <i>Asuras</i> fighting on the Sunrise hill.
+And he saw that the morning twilight was tinged with red clouds.
+And he also saw that the abode of Varuna had become blood-red. And
+he also observed Agni conveying oblations offered with various
+hymns by Bhrigu, Angiras, and others and entering the disc of the
+Sun. And he further saw the twenty four <i>Parvas</i> adorning the
+Sun, and the terrible Soma also present in the Sun under such
+surroundings. And observing this union of the Sun and the Moon and
+that fearful conjunction <span class="pagenum">[Pg 454]</span> of
+theirs, Sakra thought within himself, "This terrific conjunction of
+the Sun and the Moon forebodeth a fearful battle on the morrow. And
+the river Sindhu (Indus) too is flowing with a current of fresh
+blood and the jackals with fiery laces are crying to the Sun. This
+great conjunction is fearful and full of energy. This union of the
+Moon (Soma) with the Sun and Agni is very wonderful. And if Soma
+giveth birth to a son now, that son may become the husband of this
+lady. And Agni also hath similar surroundings now, and he too is a
+god. If the two begetteth a son, that son may become the husband of
+this lady." With these thoughts that illustrious celestial repaired
+to the regions of Brahma, taking Devasena<a id="footnotetag33" name="footnotetag33"></a><a href="#footnote33"><sup>33</sup></a>
+with him. And saluting the Grandsire he said unto him, "Do thou fix
+a renowned warrior as husband of this lady." Brahma replied, "O
+slayer of <i>Asuras</i>, it shall be as thou hast intended. The
+issue of that union will be mighty and powerful accordingly. That
+powerful being will be the husband of this lady and the joint
+leader of thy forces with thee." Thus addressed, the lord of the
+celestials and the lady bowed unto him and then repaired to the
+place where those great Brahmanas, the powerful celestial
+<i>Rishis</i>, Vasistha and others, lived. And with Indra at their
+head, the other gods also, desirous of drinking the Soma beverage,
+repaired to the sacrifices of those <i>Rishis</i> to receive their
+respective shares of the offerings. Having duly performed the
+ceremonies with the bright blazing fire, those great-minded persons
+offered oblations to the celestials. And the <i>Adbhuta</i> fire,
+that carrier of oblations, was invited with <i>mantras</i>. And
+coming out of the solar disc, that lordly fire duly repaired
+thither, restraining speech. And, O chief of Bharata's race, that
+fire entering the sacrificial fire that had been ignited and into
+which various offerings were made by the <i>Rishis</i> with
+recitations of hymns, took them with him and made them over to the
+dwellers of heaven. And while returning from that place, he
+observed the wives of those high-souled <i>Rishis</i> sleeping at
+their ease on their beds. And those ladies had a complexion
+beautiful like that of an altar of gold, spotless like moon-beams,
+resembling fiery flames and looking like blazing stars. And seeing
+those wives of the illustrious Brahmanas with eager eyes, his mind
+became agitated and he was smitten with their charms. Restraining
+his heart he considered it improper for him to be thus agitated.
+And he said unto himself, "The wives of these great Brahmanas are
+chaste and faithful and beyond the reach of other people's desires.
+I am filled with desire to possess them. I cannot lawfully cast my
+eyes upon them, nor ever touch them when they are not filled with
+desire. I shall, therefore, gratify myself daily with only looking
+at them by becoming their <i>Garhapatya</i> (house-hold)
+fire."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The <i>Adbhuta</i> fire, thus
+transforming himself into a house-hold one, was highly gratified
+with seeing those gold-complexioned ladies and touching them with
+his flames. And influenced by their charms he dwelt there for a
+long time, giving them his heart and filled with an intense
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 455]</span> love for them. And baffled in
+all his efforts to win the hearts of those Brahmana ladies, and his
+own heart tortured by love, he repaired to a forest with the
+certain object of destroying himself. A little while before, Swaha,
+the daughter of Daksha, had bestowed her love on him. The excellent
+lady had been endeavouring for a long time to detect his weak
+moments; but that blameless lady did not succeed in finding out any
+weakness in the calm and collected fire-god. But now that the god
+had betaken himself to a forest, actually tortured by the pangs of
+love, she thought, "As I too am distressed with love, I shall
+assume the guise of the wives of the seven <i>Rishis</i>, and in
+that disguise I shall seek the fire-god so smitten with their
+charms. This done, he will be gratified and my desire too will be
+satisfied."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, the beautiful Siva
+endowed with great virtues and an unspotted character was the wife
+of Angiras (one of the seven <i>Rishis</i>). That excellent lady
+(Swaha) at first assuming the disguise of Siva, sought the presence
+of Agni unto whom she said, "O Agni, I am tortured with love for
+thee. Do thou think it fit to woo me. And if thou dost not accede
+to my request, know that I shall commit self-destruction. I am Siva
+the wife of Angiras. I have come here according to the advice of
+the wives of the other <i>Rishis</i>, who have sent me here after
+due deliberation."</p>
+<p>"'Agni replied, "How didst thou know that I was tortured with
+love and how could the others, the beloved wives of the seven
+<i>Rishis</i>, of whom thou hast spoken, know this?"</p>
+<p>"'Swaha replied, "Thou art always a favourite with us, but we
+are afraid of thee. Now having read thy mind by well-known signs,
+they have sent to thy presence. I have come here to gratify my
+desire. Be thou quick, O Agni, to encompass the object of thy
+desire, my sisters-in-law are awaiting me. I must return soon."</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then Agni, filled with great joy and
+delight, married Swaha in the guise of Siva, and that lady joyfully
+cohabiting with him, held the <i>semen virile</i> in her hands. And
+then she thought within herself that those who would observe her in
+that disguise in the forest, would cast an unmerited slur upon the
+conduct of those Brahmana ladies in connection with Agni.
+Therefore, to prevent this, she should assume the disguise of a
+bird, and in that state she should more easily get out of the
+forest.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then assuming the disguise of a winged
+creature, she went out of the forest and reached the White Mountain
+begirt with clumps of heath and other plants and trees, and guarded
+by strange seven-headed serpents with poison in their very looks,
+and abounding with <i>Rakshasas</i>, male and female
+<i>Pisachas</i>, terrible spirits, and various kinds of birds and
+animals. That excellent lady quickly ascending a peak of those
+mountains, threw that <i>semen</i> into a golden lake. And then
+assuming successively <span class="pagenum">[Pg 456]</span> the
+forms of the wives of the high-souled seven <i>Rishis</i>, she
+continued to dally with Agni. But on account of the great ascetic
+merit of Arundhati and her devotion to her husband (Vasishtha), she
+was unable to assume her form. And, O chief of Kuru's race, the
+lady Swaha on the first lunar day threw six times into that lake
+the <i>semen</i> of Agni. And thrown there, it produced a male
+child endowed with great power. And from the fact of its being
+regarded by the <i>Rishis</i> as <i>cast off</i>, the child born
+therefrom came to be called by the name of <i>Skanda</i>. And the
+child had six faces, twelve ears, as many eyes, hands, and feet,
+one neck, and one stomach. And it first assumed a form on the
+second lunar day, and it grew to the size of a little child on the
+third. And the limbs of Guha were developed on the fourth day. And
+being surrounded by masses of red clouds flashing forth lightning,
+it shone like the Sun rising in the midst of a mass of red clouds.
+And seizing the terrific and immense bow which was used by the
+destroyer of the <i>Asura</i> Tripura for the destruction of the
+enemies of the gods, that mighty being uttered such a terrible roar
+that the three worlds with their mobile and immobile divisions
+became struck with awe. And hearing that sound which seemed like
+the rumbling of a mass of big clouds, the great <i>Nagas,
+Chitra</i> and <i>Airavata</i>, were shaken with fear. And seeing
+them unsteady that lad shining with sun-like refulgence held them
+with both his hands. And with a dart in (another) hand, and with a
+stout, red-crested, big cock fast secured in another, that
+long-armed son of Agni began to sport about making a terrible
+noise. And holding an excellent conch-shell with two of his hands,
+that mighty being began to blow it to the great terror of even the
+most powerful creatures. And striking the air with two of his
+hands, and playing about on the hill-top, the mighty Mahasena of
+unrivalled prowess, looked as if he were on the point of devouring
+the three worlds, and shone like the bright Sun-god at the moment
+of his ascension in the heavens. And that being of wonderful
+prowess and matchless strength, seated on the top of that hill,
+looked on with his numerous faces directed towards the different
+cardinal points, and observing various things, he repeated his loud
+roars. And on hearing those roars various creatures were prostrate
+with fear. And frightened and troubled in mind they sought
+protection. And all those persons of various orders who then sought
+the protection of that god are known as his powerful Brahmana
+followers. And rising from his seat, that mighty god allayed the
+fears of all those people, and then drawing his bow, he discharged
+his arrows in the direction of the White Mountain. And with those
+arrows the hill Krauncha, the son of Himavat, was rent asunder. And
+that is the reason why swans and vultures now migrate to the Sumeru
+mountains. The Krauncha hill, sorely wounded, fell down uttering
+fearful groans. And seeing him fallen, the other hills too began to
+scream. And that mighty being of unrivalled prowess, hearing the
+groans of the afflicted, was not at all moved, but himself
+uplifting his mace, yelled forth his war-whoop. And that
+high-souled being then hurled his mace of great lustre and quickly
+rent in twain one of the peaks of the White Mountain. And the White
+Mountain being thus pierced by him was greatly afraid of him and
+dissociating himself from the earth fled with <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 457]</span> the other mountains. And the earth was
+greatly afflicted and bereft of her ornaments on all sides. And in
+this distress, she went over to <i>Skanda</i> and once more shone
+with all her might. And the mountains too bowed down to
+<i>Skanda</i> and came back and stuck into the earth. And all
+creatures then celebrated the worship of <i>Skanda</i> on the fifth
+day of the lunar month.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'When that powerful, high-souled, and
+mighty being was born, various kinds of fearful phenomena occurred.
+And the nature of males and females, of heat and cold, and of such
+other pairs of contraries, was reversed. And the planets, the
+cardinal points and the firmaments became radiant with light and
+the earth began to rumble very much. And the <i>Rishis</i> even,
+seeking the welfare of the world, while they observed all these
+terrific prodigies on all sides, began with anxious hearts to
+restore tranquillity in the universe. And those who used to live in
+that Chitraratha forest said, "This very miserable condition of
+ours hath been brought about by Agni cohabiting with the six wives
+of the seven <i>Rishis</i>." Others again who had seen the goddess
+assume the disguise of a bird said, "This evil hath been brought
+about by a bird." No one ever imagined that Swaha was the authoress
+of that mischief. But having heard that the (new born) male child
+was hers, she went to Skanda and gradually revealed to him the fact
+that she was his mother. And those seven <i>Rishis</i>, when they
+heard that a son of great power had been born (to them), divorced
+their six wives with the exception of the adorable Arundhati,
+because all the dwellers of that forest protested that those six
+persons had been instrumental in bringing forth the child. Swaha
+too, O king, said again and again to the seven <i>Rishis</i>,
+saying, "Ye ascetics, this child is mine, your wives are not his
+mother."</p>
+<p>"'The great <i>Muni</i> Viswamitra had, after the conclusion of
+the sacrifices of the seven <i>Rishis</i>, followed unseen the god
+of fire, while the latter was tortured with lust. He, therefore,
+knew everything as it happened and he was the first to seek the
+protection of Mahasena. And he offered divine prayers to Mahasena
+and all the thirteen auspicious rites appertaining to childhood,
+such as the natal and other ceremonies, were all performed by the
+great <i>Muni</i> in respect of that child. And for the good of the
+world he promulgated the virtues of the six-faced Skanda, and
+performed ceremonies in honour of the cock, the goddess
+<i>Sakti</i>, and the first followers of Skanda. And for this
+reason he became a great favourite of the celestial youth. That
+great <i>Muni</i> then informed the seven <i>Rishis</i> of the
+transformations of Swaha and told them that their wives were
+perfectly innocent. But though thus informed the seven
+<i>Rishis</i> abandoned their spouses unconditionally.'"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The celestials having heard of the
+prowess of Skanda, all said to Vasava, "O Sakra, do thou kill
+Skanda without delay for his prowess is unbearable. And if thou
+dost not exterminate him, he will conquer the three worlds with
+ourselves, and overpowering thee, will himself <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 458]</span> become the mighty lord of the
+celestials." Perplexed in mind, Sakra replied unto them, "This
+child is endowed with great prowess. He can himself destroy the
+Creator of the Universe, in battle putting forth his might. I
+venture not, therefore, to do away with him." To this the gods
+replied, "Thou hast no manliness in thee, in that thou talkest in
+this manner. Let the great Mothers of the Universe repair to-day to
+Skanda. They can master at will any degree of energy. Let them kill
+this child." "It shall be so."&mdash;the mothers replied. And then
+they went away. But on beholding that he was possessed of great
+might, they became dispirited, and considering that he was
+invincible, they sought his protection and said unto him, "Do thou,
+O mighty being, become our (adopted) son. We are full of affection
+for thee and desirous of giving thee suck. Lo, the milk oozes from
+our breasts!" On hearing these words, the mighty Mahasena became
+desirous of sucking their breasts and he received them with due
+respect and acceded to their request. And that mightiest of mighty
+creatures then beheld his father Agni come towards him. And that
+god, who is the doer of all that is good, was duly honoured by his
+son, and in company with the Mothers, he stayed there by the side
+of Mahasena to tend him. And that lady amongst the Mothers who was
+born of Anger<a id="footnotetag34" name="footnotetag34"></a><a href="#footnote34"><sup>34</sup></a> with a
+spike in hand kept watch over Skanda even like a mother guarding
+her own offspring, and that irascible red-coloured daughter of the
+Sea, who lived herself on blood, hugged Mahasena in her breast and
+nursed him like a mother. And Agni transforming himself into a
+trader with a goat's mouth and followed by numerous children began
+to gratify that child of his with toys in that mountain abode of
+his.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The planets with their satellites, the
+<i>Rishis</i> and the Mothers, Agni and numerous other blazing
+courtiers and many other dwellers of heaven of terrible mien,
+waited on Mahasena along with the Mothers. And the illustrious
+sovereign of the gods, desirous of victory but believing success to
+be doubtful mounted his elephant Airavata and attended by the other
+gods advanced towards Skanda. That mighty being followed by all the
+celestials was armed with his thunderbolt. And with the object of
+slaying Mahasena, he marched with terrible celestial army of great
+splendour, sounding their shrill war-cry and furnished with various
+sorts of standards, with warriors encased in various armour and
+armed with numerous bows and riding on various animals. When
+Mahasena beheld the gloriously decked Sakra, attired in his best
+clothes, advancing with the determination of slaying him, he (too
+on his part) advanced to meet that chief of the celestials. O
+Partha, the mighty Vasava, the lord of the celestials, then
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 459]</span> uttered a loud shout, to
+encourage his warriors and marching rapidly with the view of
+killing Agni's son and praised by Tridasas<a id="footnotetag35" name="footnotetag35"></a><a href="#footnote35"><sup>35</sup></a>
+and great <i>Rishis</i>, he at length reached the abode of
+Kartikeya. And then he shouted out with other gods; and Guha too in
+response to this, uttered a fearful war-cry resembling the roaring
+of the sea. On hearing that noise, the celestial army behaved like
+an agitated sea, and was stunned and fixed to the spot. And that
+son of <i>Pavaka</i> (the Fire-god) beholding the gods come near to
+him with the object of killing him, was filled with wrath, and gave
+out rising flame of fire from within his mouth. And these flames
+destroyed the celestial forces struggling on the ground. Their
+heads, their bodies, their arms and riding animals were all burnt
+in that conflagration and they appeared all on a sudden like stars
+displaced from their proper spheres. Thus afflicted, the god
+renounced all allegiance to the thunder-bolt, and sought the
+protection of Pavaka's son; and thus peace was again secured. When
+he was thus forsaken by the gods, Sakra hurled his thunder-bolt at
+Skanda. It pierced him on the right side; and, O great king, it
+passed through the body of that high-souled being. And from being
+struck with the thunder-bolt, there arose from Skanda's body
+another being&mdash;a youth with a club in hand, and adorned with a
+celestial amulet. And because he was born on account of the
+piercing of the thunder-bolt, he was named Visakha. And Indra, when
+he beheld that another person looking like the fierce destroying
+Fire-god had come into being was frightened out of his wits and
+besought the protection of Skanda, with the palms of his hands
+joined together (as a mark of respect). And that excellent being
+Skanda, bade him renounce all fear, with his arm. The gods were
+then transported with joy, and their hands too struck up.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Now hear of those terrible and
+curious-looking followers of Skanda. A number of male children came
+into being when Skanda was struck with the
+thunder-bolt,&mdash;those terrific creatures that steal (spirit
+away) little children, whether born, or in the womb and a number of
+female children too of great strength were born to him. Those
+children adopted Visakha as their father. That adorable and
+dexterous Bhadrasakha, having a face like that of a goat was at the
+time (of the battle) surrounded by all his sons and daughters whom
+he guarded carefully in the presence of the great mothers. And for
+this reason the inhabitants of this earth call Skanda the father of
+<i>Kumaras</i> (little children). Those persons who desire to have
+sons born to them, worship in their places the powerful
+<i>Rudra</i> in the form of the Fire-god, and <i>Uma</i> in the
+form of <i>Swaha</i>. And by that <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+460]</span> means they are blessed with sons. The daughters
+begotten by the Fire-god, <i>Tapa</i>, went over to Skanda, who
+said to them, "What can I do for you?" Those girls replied, "Do us
+this favour; by thy blessing, may we become the good and respected
+mothers of all the world!" He replied, "Be it so." And that
+liberal-minded being repeated again and again, "Ye shall be divided
+into Siva and Asiva."<a id="footnotetag36" name="footnotetag36"></a><a href="#footnote36"><sup>36</sup></a> And the
+mothers then departed, having first established Skanda's sonship,
+Kaki, Halima, Malini, Vrinhila, Arya, Palala and Vaimitra, these
+were the seven mothers of Sisu. They had a powerful, red-eyed,
+terrific, and very turbulent son named Sisu born by the blessing of
+Skanda. He was reputed as the eighth hero, born of the mothers of
+Skanda. But he is also known as the ninth, when that being with the
+face of a goat, is included. Know that the sixth face of Skanda was
+like that of a goat. That face, O king, is situated in the middle
+of the six, and is regarded constantly by the mother. That head by
+which Bhadrasakha created the divine energy, is reputed to be the
+best of all his heads. O ruler of men, these virtuous wonderful
+events happened on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar
+month, and on the sixth, a very fierce and terrific battle was
+fought at that place."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Skanda was adorned with a golden amulet
+and wreath, and wore a crest and a crown of gold; his eyes were
+golden-coloured, and he had a set of sharp teeth; he was dressed in
+a red garment and looked very handsome; he had a comely appearance,
+and was endowed with all good characteristics and was the favourite
+of the three worlds. He granted boons (to people who sought them)
+and was brave, youthful, and adorned with bright ear-rings. Whilst
+he was reposing himself, the goddess of fortune, looking like a
+lotus and assuming a personal embodiment, rendered her allegiance
+to him. When he became thus possessed of good fortune, that famous
+and delicate-looking creature appeared to all like the moon at its
+full. And high-minded Brahmanas worshipped that mighty being, and
+the <i>Maharshis</i> (great <i>rishis</i>) then said as follows to
+Skanda, "O thou born of the golden egg, mayst thou be prosperous
+and mayst thou become an instrument of good to the universe! O best
+of the gods, although thou wast born only six nights (days) ago,
+the whole world has owned allegiance to thee (within this short
+time), and thou hast also allayed their fears. Therefore do thou
+become the Indra (lord) of the three worlds and remove their cause
+of apprehension." Skanda replied, "You gentlemen of great ascetic
+wealth (tell me) what Indra does with all three worlds and how that
+sovereign of the celestials protects the hosts of gods
+unremittingly." The <i>Rishis</i> replied, "Indra is the giver of
+strength, power, children and happiness to all creatures and when
+propitiated, that Lord of the celestials bestows on all the objects
+of their desire. He destroys the wicked <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+461]</span> and fulfils the desires of the righteous; and that
+Destroyer of Vala assigns to all creatures their various duties. He
+officiates for the sun and the moon in places where there is no sun
+or moon; he even when occasion requires it, acts for (serves the
+purposes of) fire, air, earth, and water. These are the duties of
+Indra; his capacities are immense. Thou too art mighty; therefore
+great hero, do thou become our Indra."</p>
+<p>"'Sakra said, "O mighty being, do thou make us happy, by
+becoming our lord. Excellent being, thou art worthy of the honour;
+therefore shall we anoint thee this very day."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Do thou continue to rule the three worlds
+with self-possession, and with thy heart bent on conquest. I shall
+remain thy humble servant. I covet not thy sovereignty."</p>
+<p>"'Sakra replied, "Thy prowess is unrivalled, O hero, do thou
+therefore vanquish the enemies of the gods. People have been struck
+with wonder at thy prowess. More specially as I have been bereft of
+my prowess, and defeated by thee, now if I were to act as Indra, I
+should not command the respect of all creatures, and they would be
+busy in bringing about dissensions between us; and then, my lord,
+they would become the partisans of one or other of us. And when
+they formed themselves into two distinct factions, war as before
+would be the result of that defection. And in that war, thou
+wouldst undoubtedly defeat me without difficulty and thyself become
+the lord of all worlds."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Thou, O Sakra, art my sovereign, as also of
+the three worlds; mayst thou be prosperous! Tell me if I can obey
+any commands of thine."</p>
+<p>"'Indra replied, "At thy bidding, O powerful being, I shall
+continue to act as Indra. And if thou hast said this deliberately
+and in earnest, then hear me how thou canst gratify thy desire of
+serving me. Do thou, O mighty being, take the leadership of the
+celestial forces accordingly."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Do thou anoint me as leader, for the
+destruction of the Danavas, for the good of the celestials, and for
+the well-being of cows and Brahmanas."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus anointed by Indra and all other
+gods, and honoured by the <i>Maharshis</i>, he looked grand at the
+moment. The golden umbrella<a id="footnotetag37" name="footnotetag37"></a><a href="#footnote37"><sup>37</sup></a> held
+(over his head) looked like a halo of blazing fire. That famous
+god, the Conqueror of Tripura, himself fastened the celestial
+wreath of gold, of Viswakarma's manufacture, round his neck. And, O
+great man and conqueror of thine enemies, that worshipful god with
+the emblem of the bull, had gone there previously with Parvati. He
+honoured him with a joyous heart. The Fire-god is called Rudra by
+Brahmanas, and from this fact Skanda is called the son of Rudra.
+The White Mountain was formed from discharges of Rudra's <i>semen
+virile</i> and the sensual indulgences of the Fire-god with the
+Krittikas took place on that same White Mountain. And as Rudra was
+seen by all the dwellers of heaven to heap honours on the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 462]</span> excellent Guha (Skanda), he
+was for that reason reputed as the son of Rudra. This child had his
+being by the action of Rudra entering into the constitution of the
+Fire-god, and for this reason, Skanda came to be known as the son
+of Rudra. And, O Bharata, as Rudra, the Fire-god, Swaha, and the
+six wives (of the seven Rishis) were instrumental to the birth of
+the great god Skanda, he was for that reason reputed as the son of
+Rudra.'</p>
+<p>"'That son of Fire-god was clad in a pair of clean red cloths,
+and thus he looked grand and resplendent like the Sun peeping forth
+from behind a mass of red clouds. And the red cock given to him by
+the Fire-god, formed his ensign; and when perched on the top of his
+chariot, it looked like the image of the all-destroying fire. And
+the presiding deity of the power which conduces to the victory of
+the god, and which is the director of the exertions of all
+creatures, and constitutes their glory, prop and refuge, advanced
+before him. And a mysterious charm entered into his constitution,
+the charm which manifests its powers on the battlefield. Beauty,
+strength, piety, power, might, truthfulness, rectitude, devotion to
+Brahmanas, freedom from illusion or perplexity, protection of
+followers, destruction of foes, and care of all
+creatures,&mdash;these, O lord of men, are the inborn virtues of
+Skanda. Thus anointed by all the gods, he looked pleased and
+complacent; and dressed in his best style, he looked beautiful like
+the moon at its full. The much-esteemed incantation of <i>Vedic</i>
+hymns, the music of the celestial band, and the songs of gods and
+<i>Gandharvas</i> then rang on all sides. And surrounded by all the
+well-dressed <i>Apsaras</i>, and many other gay and happy-looking
+<i>Pisachas</i> and hosts of gods, that anointed (by gods) son of
+Pavaka disported himself in all his grandeur. To the dwellers of
+heaven, the anointed Mahasena appeared like the Sun rising after
+extinction of darkness. And then the celestial forces looking upon
+him as their leader, surrounded him on all sides in thousands. That
+adorable being followed by all creatures then assumed their
+commands, and praised and honoured by them, he encouraged them in
+return.</p>
+<p>"'The Performer of a thousand sacrifices then thought of
+Devasena, whom he has rescued before. And considering that this
+being (Skanda) was undoubtedly destined to be the husband of this
+lady by Brahma himself, he had her brought there, dressed her with
+the best apparel. And the vanquisher of Vala then said to Skanda,
+"O foremost of gods, this lady was, even before thy birth, destined
+to be thy bride by that Self-existent Being.<a id="footnotetag38" name="footnotetag38"></a><a href="#footnote38"><sup>38</sup></a>
+Therefore do thou duly accept her lotus-like beautiful right hand
+with invocation of the (marital) hymns." Thus told, he duly married
+her. And Vrihaspati learned in hymns performed the necessary
+prayers and oblations. She who is called Shashthi, Lakshmi, Asa,
+Sukhaprada, Sinivali, Kuhu, Saivritti, and Aparajita, is known
+among men as Devasena, the wife of Skanda. When Skanda became
+united to Devasena in indissoluble bonds of matrimony, then the
+gods of prosperity in her own personal embodiment began to serve
+him with diligence. As Skanda attained celebrity on the fifth lunar
+day, that day is called <i>Sripanchami</i> (or the auspicious fifth
+day) and as he attained his <span class="pagenum">[Pg 463]</span>
+object on the sixth, that lunar day is considered to be of great
+moment.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Those six ladies, the wives of the seven
+<i>Rishis</i> when they learned that good fortune had smiled on
+Mahasena and that he had been made leader of the celestial
+forces,<a id="footnotetag39" name="footnotetag39"></a><a href="#footnote39"><sup>39</sup></a> repaired to his camp. Those
+virtuous ladies of high religious merit had been disowned by the
+<i>Rishis</i>. They lost no time in visiting that leader of the
+celestial forces and then addressed him thus, "We, O son, have been
+cast out by our god-like husbands, without any cause. Some people
+spread the rumour that we gave birth to thee. Believing in the
+truth of this story, they became greatly indignant, and banished us
+from our sacred places. It behooves thee now to save us from this
+infamy. We desire to adopt thee as our son, so that, O mighty
+being, eternal bliss may be secured to us by that favour. Do thou
+thus repay the obligation thou owest to us."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "O ladies of faultless character, do you
+accordingly become my mothers. I am your son and ye shall attain
+all the objects of your desire."</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then Sakra having expressed a wish to
+say something to Skanda, the latter enquired, "What is it?" Being
+told by Skanda to speak it out, Vasava said, "The lady Abhijit, the
+younger sister of Rohini, being jealous of her seniority, has
+repaired to the woods to perform austerities. And I am at a loss to
+find out a substitute for the fallen star. May good luck attend on
+thee, do thou consult with <i>Brahma</i> (for the purpose of
+filling up the room) of this great asterism." Dhanishtha and other
+asterisms were created by <i>Brahma</i>, and Rohini used to serve
+the purpose of one such; and consequently their number was full.
+And in accordance with Sakra's advice, Krittika was assigned a
+place in the heavens, and that star presided over by <i>Agni</i>
+shines as if with seven heads. Vinata also said to Skanda, "Thou
+art as a son to me, and entitled to offer me the funeral cakes (at
+my funeral obsequies). I desire, my son, to live with thee
+always."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Be it so, all honour to thee! Do thou guide
+me with a mother's affection, and honoured by thy daughter-in-law,
+thou shalt always live with me."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then the great mothers spoke as follows
+to Skanda, "We have been described by the learned as the mothers of
+all creatures. But we desire to be thy mothers, do thou honour
+us."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Ye are all as mothers to me, and I am your
+son. Tell me what I can do to please you."</p>
+<p>"'The mothers replied, "The ladies (Brahmi, Maheswari, &amp;c.)
+were appointed as mothers of the world in bygone ages. We desire, O
+great god, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 464]</span> that they be
+dispossessed of that dignity, and ourselves installed in their
+place, and that we, instead of them, be worshipped by the world. Do
+thou now restore to us those of our progeny, of whom we have been
+deprived, by them on thy account."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Ye shall not recover those that have been
+once given away, but I can give you other offspring if ye
+like."</p>
+<p>"'The mothers replied, "We desire that living with thee and
+assuming different shapes we be able to eat up the progeny of those
+mothers and their guardians. Do thou grant us this favour."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda said, "I can grant you progeny, but this topic on which
+ye have just now dilated is a very painful one. May ye be
+prosperous! All honour to you, ladies, do ye vouchsafe to them your
+protecting care."</p>
+<p>"'The mothers replied, "We shall protect them, O Skanda, as thou
+desirest. Mayst thou be prosperous! But, O mighty being, we desire
+to live with thee always."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "So long as children of the human kind do not
+attain the youthful state in the sixteenth year of their age, ye
+shall afflict them with your various forms, and I too shall confer
+on you a fierce inexhaustible spirit. And with that ye shall live
+happily, worshipped by all."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'And then a fiery powerful being came out
+of the body of Skanda for the purpose of devouring the progeny of
+mortal beings. He fell down upon the ground, senseless and hungry.
+And bidden by Skanda, that genius of evil assumed a terrific form.
+Skandapasmara is the name by which it is known among good
+Brahmanas. Vinata is called the terrific Sakuni <i>graha</i>
+(spirit of evil). She who is known as <i>Putana Rakshasi</i> by the
+learned is the <i>graha</i> called Putana; that fierce and terrible
+looking <i>Rakshasa</i> of a hideous appearance is also called the
+<i>pisacha</i>, Sita Putana. That fierce-looking spirit is the
+cause of abortion in women. Aditi is also known by the name of
+Revati; her evil spirit is called Raivata, and that terrible
+<i>graha</i> also afflicts children. Diti, the mother of the
+Daityas (<i>Asuras</i>), is also called Muhkamandika, and that
+terrible creature is very fond of the flesh of little children.
+Those male and female children, O Kaurava, who are said to have
+been begotten by Skanda, are spirit of evil and they destroy the
+foetus in the womb. They (the <i>Kumaras</i>) are known as the
+husbands of those very ladies, and children are seized unawares by
+these cruel spirits. And, O king, <i>Surabhi</i> who is called the
+mother of bovine kind by the wise is best ridden by the evil spirit
+Sakuni, who in company with her, devours children on this earth.
+And Sarama, the mother of dogs, also habitually kills human beings
+while still in the womb. She who is the mother of all trees has her
+abode in a <i>karanja</i> tree. She grants boons and has a placid
+countenance and is always favourably disposed towards all
+creatures. Those persons who desire to have children, bow down to
+her, who is seated in a <i>karanja</i> tree. These eighteen evil
+spirits fond of meat and wine, and others of the same kind,
+invariably take up their abode in the lying-in-room for ten days.
+Kadru introduces herself in a subtle form into the body of a
+pregnant woman and there she causes the destruction of the foetus,
+and the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 465]</span> mother is made to
+give birth to a <i>Naga</i> (serpent). And that mother of the
+Gandharvas takes away the foetus, and for this reason, conception
+in woman turns out to be abortive. The mother of the <i>Apsaras</i>
+removes the foetus from the womb, and for this reason such
+conceptions are said to be stationary by the learned. The daughter
+of the Divinity of the Red Sea is said to have nursed
+Skanda,&mdash;she is worshipped under the name of Lohitayani on
+Kadamva trees. Arya acts the same part among female beings, as
+Rudra does among male ones. She is the mother of all children and
+is distinctly worshipped for their welfare. These that I have
+described are the evil spirits presiding over the destinies of
+young children, and until children attain their sixteenth year,
+these spirits exercise their influence for evil, and after that,
+for good. The whole body of male and female spirits that I have now
+described are always denominated by men as the spirits of Skanda.
+They are propitiated with burnt offerings, ablutions, unguents,
+sacrifices and other offerings, and particularly by the worship of
+Skanda. And, O king, when they are honoured and worshipped with due
+reverence, they bestow on men whatever is good for them, as also
+valour and long life. And now having bowed down to Maheswara, I
+shall describe the nature of those spirits who influence the
+destinies of men after they have attained their sixteenth year.</p>
+<p>"'The man who beholds gods while sleeping, or in a wakeful state
+soon turns mad, and the spirit under whose influence these
+hallucinations take place is called the celestial spirit. When a
+person beholds his dead ancestors while he is seated at ease, or
+lying in his bed, he soon loses his reason, and the spirit which
+causes this illusion of sensible perception, is called the
+ancestral spirit. The man who shows disrespect to the
+<i>Siddhas</i> and who is cursed by them in return, soon runs mad
+and the evil influence by which this is brought about, is called
+the <i>Siddha</i> spirit. And the spirit by whose influence a man
+smells sweet odour, and becomes cognisant of various tastes (when
+there are no odoriferous or tasteful substances about him) and soon
+becomes tormented, is called the <i>Rakshasa</i> spirit. And the
+spirit by whose action celestial musicians (<i>Gandharvas</i>)
+blend their existence into the constitution of a human being, and
+make him run mad in no time, is called the <i>Gandharva</i> spirit.
+And that evil spirit by whose influence men are always tormented by
+<i>Pisachas</i>, is called the <i>Pisacha</i> spirit. When the
+spirit of <i>Yakshas</i> enters into the system of a human being by
+some accident, he loses his reason immediately, and such a spirit
+is called the <i>Yaksha</i> spirit. The man who loses his reason on
+account of his mind being demoralised with vices, runs mad in no
+time, and his illness must be remedied according to methods
+prescribed in the <i>Sastras</i>. Men also run mad from perplexity,
+from fear, as also on beholding hideous sights. The remedy lies in
+quieting their minds. There are three classes of spirits, some are
+frolicsome, some are gluttonous, and some sensual. Until men attain
+the age of three score and ten, these evil influences continue to
+torment them, and then fever becomes the only evil spirit that
+afflicts sentient beings. These evil spirits always avoid those who
+have subdued their senses, who are self-restrained, of cleanly
+habits, god-fearing and free from laziness and contamination. I
+have thus described to thee, O king, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+466]</span> the evil spirits that mould the destinies of men. Thou
+who art devoted to Maheswara art never troubled by them.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'When Skanda had bestowed these powers,
+Swaha appeared to him and said, "Thou art my natural son,&mdash;I
+desire that thou shalt grant exquisite happiness to me."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "What sort of happiness dost thou wish to
+enjoy?"</p>
+<p>"'Swaha replied, "O mighty being, I am the favourite daughter of
+Daksha, by name Swaha; and from my youthful days I have been in
+love with Hutasana (the Fire-god); but that god, my son, does not
+understand my feelings. I desire to live for ever with him (as his
+wife)."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "From this day, lady, all the oblations that
+men of virtuous character, who swerve not from the path of virtue,
+will offer to their gods or ancestors with incantation of purifying
+hymns by Brahmanas, shall always be offered (through Agni) coupled
+with the name of Swaha, and thus, excellent lady, wilt thou always
+live associated with Agni, the god of fire."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed and honoured by Skanda,
+Swaha was greatly pleased; and associated with her husband Pavaka
+(the Fire-god), she honoured him in return.</p>
+<p>"'Then <i>Brahma</i>, the lord of all creatures, said to
+Mahasena, "Do thou go and visit thy father Mahadeva, the conqueror
+of Tripura. Rudra coalescing with Agni (the Fire-god) and Uma with
+Swaha have combined to make thee invincible for the well-being of
+all creatures. And the semen of the high-souled Rudra cast into the
+reproductive organ of Uma was thrown back upon this hill, and hence
+the twin Mujika and Minjika came into being. A portion of it fell
+into the Blood Sea, another portion, into the rays of the sun,
+another upon the earth and thus was it distributed in five
+portions. Learned men ought to remember that these thy various and
+fierce-looking followers living on the flesh of animals were
+produced from the <i>semen</i>." "Be it so," so saying, the
+high-souled Mahasena with fatherly love, honoured his father
+Maheswara.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Men who are desirous of acquiring
+wealth, should worship those five classes of spirits with the sun
+flower, and for alleviation of diseases also worship must be
+rendered to them. The twin Mujika and Minjika begotten by Rudra
+must always be respected by persons desiring the welfare of little
+children; and persons who desire to have children born to them must
+always worship those female spirits who live on human flesh and are
+produced in trees. Thus all <i>Pisachas</i> are said to be divided
+into innumerable classes. And now, O king, listen to the origin of
+the bells and standards of Skanda. Airavata (Indra's elephant) is
+known to have had two bells of the name of Vaijayanti, and the
+keen-witted Sakra had them brought to him, and personally gave them
+to Guha. Visakha took one of those bells and Skanda the other. The
+standards of both Kartikeya and Visakha were <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 467]</span> of a red colour. That mighty god Mahasena
+was pleased with the toys that had been given to him by the gods.
+Surrounded by hosts of gods and <i>Pisachas</i> and seated on the
+Golden Mountain, he looked splendid in all the grandeur of
+prosperity. And that mountain covered with fine forests, also
+looked grand in his companionship, just as the Mandara hill
+abounding with excellent caves shines with the rays of the sun. The
+White Mountain was adorned with whole tracts of wood-land covered
+with blossoming Santanaka flowers and with forests of Karavira,
+Parijata, Jaba and Asoke trees,&mdash;as also with wild tracts
+overgrown with Kadamva trees; and it abounded with herds of
+celestial deer and flocks of celestial birds. And the rumbling of
+clouds serving the purpose of musical instruments sounded like the
+murmur of an agitated sea, and celestial Gandharvas and Apsaras
+began to dance. And there arose a great sound of joy from the
+merriment of all creatures. Thus the whole world with Indra himself
+seemed to have been transferred to the White Mountain. And all the
+people began to observe Skanda with satisfaction in their looks,
+and they did not at all feel tired of doing so.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'When that adorable son of the Fire-god
+was anointed as leader of the celestial army, that grand and happy
+lord, Hara (Mahadeva) riding with Parvati in a chariot shining with
+sunlike refulgence repaired to a place called Bhadravata. His
+excellent chariot was drawn by a thousand lions and managed by
+<i>Kala</i>. They passed through blank space, and seemed as if they
+were about to devour the sky; and striking terror into the heart of
+all creatures in the mobile divisions of the worlds, those maned
+beasts flitted through the air, uttering fearful growls. And that
+lord of all animals (Mahadeva) seated in that chariot with Uma,
+looked like the sun with flames of lightning illuminating masses of
+clouds begirt with Indra's bow (rainbow). He was preceded by that
+adorable Lord of riches riding on the backs of human beings with
+his attendant Guhyakas riding in his beautiful car Pushpaka. And
+Sakra too riding on his elephant Airavata and accompanied by other
+gods brought up the rear of Mahadeva, the granter of boons,
+marching in this way at the head of the celestial army. And the
+great <i>Yaksha Amogha</i> with his attendants&mdash;the
+<i>Jambhaka Yakshas</i> and other <i>Rakshasas</i> decorated with
+garlands of flowers&mdash;obtained a place in the right wing of his
+army; and many gods of wonderful fighting powers in company with
+the <i>Vasus</i> and the <i>Rudras</i>, also marched with the right
+division of his army. And the terrible-looking Yama too in company
+with Death marched with him (followed by hundreds of terrible
+diseases); and behind him was carried the terrible, sharp-pointed,
+well-decorated trident of Siva, called Vijaya. And Varuna, the
+adorable lord of waters with his terrible <i>Pasa</i>,<a id="footnotetag40" name="footnotetag40"></a><a href="#footnote40"><sup>40</sup></a> and surrounded by numerous aquatic
+animals, marched slowly with the trident. And the trident Vijaya
+was followed by the <i>Pattisa</i><a id="footnotetag41" name="footnotetag41"></a><a href="#footnote41"><sup>41</sup></a> of
+Rudra guarded by maces, balls, clubs and other excellent weapons.
+And the <i>Pattisa</i>, O king, was followed by the bright umbrella
+of Rudra and the Kamandalu served by the <i>Maharshis</i>;
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 468]</span> and on it progressed in the
+company of Bhrigu, Angiras and others. And behind all these rode
+Rudra in his white chariot, re-assuring the gods with the
+exhibition of his powers. And rivers and lakes and seas,
+<i>Apsaras, Rishis</i>, Celestials, <i>Gandharvas</i> and serpents,
+stars, planets, and the children of gods, as also many women,
+followed him in his train. These handsome-looking ladies proceeded
+scattering flowers all around; and the clouds marched, having made
+their obeisance to that god (Mahadeva) armed with the <i>Pinaka</i>
+bow. And some of them held a white umbrella over his head, and Agni
+(the Fire god) and Vayu (the god of winds) busied themselves with
+two hairy fans (emblems of royalty). And, O king, he was followed
+by the glorious Indra accompanied by the <i>Rajarshis</i>, and
+singing the praise of that god with the emblem of the bull. And
+Gauri, Vidya, Gandhari, Kesini, and the lady called Mitra in
+company with Savitri, all proceeded in the train of Parvati, as
+also all the Vidyas (presiding deities of all branches of
+knowledge) that were created by the learned. The <i>Rakshasa</i>
+spirit who delivers to different battalions the commands which are
+implicitly obeyed by Indra and other gods, advanced in front of the
+army as standard-bearer. And that foremost of <i>Rakshasas</i>, by
+name Pingala, the friend of Rudra, who is always busy in places
+where corpses are burnt, and who is agreeable to all people,
+marched with them merrily, at one time going ahead of the army, and
+falling behind again at another, his movements being uncertain.
+Virtuous actions are the offerings with which the god Rudra is
+worshipped by mortals. He who is also called Siva, the omnipotent
+god, armed with the Pinaka bow, is Maheswara. He is worshipped in
+various forms.</p>
+<p>"'The son of Krittika, the leader of the celestial army,
+respectful to Brahmanas, surrounded by the celestial forces, also
+followed that lord of the gods. And then Mahadeva said these
+weighty words to Mahasena, "Do thou carefully command the seventh
+army corps of the celestial forces."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Very well, my lord! I shall command the
+seventh army corps. Now tell me quickly if there is anything else
+to be done."</p>
+<p>"'Rudra said, "Thou shall always find me in the field of action.
+By looking up to me and by devotion to me shalt thou attain great
+welfare."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'With these words Maheswara received him
+in his embrace, and then dismissed him. And, O great king, after
+the dismissal of Skanda, prodigies of various kinds occurred to
+disturb the equanimity of the gods.</p>
+<p>"'The firmament with the stars was in a blaze, and the whole
+universe in a state of utter confusion. The earth quaked and gave
+forth a rumbling sound, and darkness overspread the whole world.
+Then observing this terrible catastrophy, Sankara with the
+estimable Uma, and the celestials with the great <i>Maharshis</i>,
+were much exercised in mind. And when they had fallen into this
+state of confusion, there appeared before them a fierce and mighty
+host armed with various weapons, and looking like a mass of clouds
+and rocks. Those terrible and countless beings, speaking different
+languages directed their movements towards the point where Sankara
+and the celestials stood. They hurled into the ranks of the
+celestial army flights <span class="pagenum">[Pg 469]</span> of
+arrows in all directions, masses of rock, maces, <i>sataghnis,
+prasas</i> and <i>parighas</i>. The celestial army was thrown into
+a state of confusion by a shower of these terrible weapons and
+their ranks were seen to waver. The <i>Danavas</i> made a great
+havoc by cutting up their soldiers, horses, elephants, chariots and
+arms. And the celestial troops then seemed as if they were about to
+turn their backs upon the enemy. And numbers of them fell, slain by
+the <i>Asuras</i>, like large trees in a forest burnt in a
+conflagration. Those dwellers of heaven fell with their heads
+separated from their bodies, and having none to lead them in that
+fearful battle, they were slaughtered by the enemy. And then the
+god Purandara (Indra), the slayer of Vala, observing that they were
+unsteady and hard-pressed by the <i>Asuras</i>, tried to rally them
+with this speech, "Do not be afraid, ye heroes, may success attend
+your efforts! Do ye all take up your arms, and resolve upon manly
+conduct, and ye will meet with no more misfortune, and defeat those
+wicked and terrible-looking <i>Danavas</i>. May ye be successful!
+Do ye fall upon the <i>Danavas</i> with me."</p>
+<p>"'The dwellers of heaven were re-assured on hearing this speech
+from Sakra; and under his leadership, they again rushed against the
+<i>Danavas</i>. And then the thirty-three crores of gods and all
+the powerful <i>Marutas</i> and the <i>Sadhyas</i> with the
+<i>Vasus</i> returned to the charge. And the arrows which they
+angrily discharged against the enemy drew a large quantity of blood
+from the bodies of the <i>Daityas</i> and of their horses and
+elephants. And those sharp arrows passing through their bodies fell
+upon the ground, looking like so many snakes falling from the sides
+of a hill. And, O king, the <i>Daityas</i> pierced by those arrows
+fell fast on all sides, looking like so many detached masses of
+clouds. Then the <i>Danava</i> host, struck with panic at that
+charge of the celestials on the field of battle, wavered at that
+shower of various weapons. Then all the gods loudly gave vent to
+their joy, with arms ready to strike; and the celestial bands too
+struck up various airs. Thus took place that encounter, so fearful
+to both sides: for all the battle-field was covered with blood and
+strewn with the bodies of both gods and <i>Asuras</i>. But the gods
+were soon worsted all on a sudden, and the terrible <i>Danavas</i>
+again made a great havoc of the celestial army. Then the
+<i>Asuras</i> drums struck up and their shrill bugles were sounded;
+and the <i>Danava</i> chiefs yelled their terrific war-cry.</p>
+<p>"'Then a powerful <i>Danava</i>, taking a huge mass of rock in
+his hands, came out of that terrible <i>Daitya</i> army. He looked
+like the sun peering forth from against a mass of dark clouds. And,
+O king, the celestials, beholding that he was about to hurl that
+mass of rock at them, fled in confusion. But they were pursued by
+Mahisha, who hurled that hillock at them. And, O lord of the world,
+by the falling of that mass of rock, ten thousand warriors of the
+celestial army were crushed to the ground and breathed their last.
+And this act of Mahisha struck terror into the hearts of the gods,
+and with his attendant <i>Danavas</i> he fell upon them like a lion
+attacking a herd of deer. And when Indra and the other celestials
+observed that Mahisha was advancing to the charge, they fled,
+leaving behind their arms and colours. And Mahisha was greatly
+enraged at this, and he quickly advanced towards the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 470]</span> chariot of Rudra; and reaching near, he
+seized its pole with his hands. And when Mahisha in a fit of rage
+had thus seized the chariot of Rudra, all the Earth began to groan
+and the great <i>Rishis</i> lost their senses. And <i>Daityas</i>
+of huge proportions, looking like dark clouds, were boisterous with
+joy, thinking that victory was assured to them. And although that
+adorable god (Rudra) was in that plight, yet he did not think it
+worth while to kill Mahisha in battle; he remembered that Skanda
+would deal the deathblow to that evil-minded <i>Asura</i>. And the
+fiery Mahisha, contemplating with satisfaction the prize (the
+chariot of Rudra) which he had secured, sounded his war-cry, to the
+great alarm of the gods and the joy of the <i>Daityas</i>. And when
+the gods were in that fearful predicament, the mighty Mahasena,
+burning with anger, and looking grand like the Sun advanced to
+their rescue. And that lordly being was clad in blazing red and
+decked with a wreath of red flowers. And cased in armour of gold he
+rode in a gold-coloured chariot bright as the Sun and drawn by
+chestnut horses. And at his sight the army of the daityas was
+suddenly dispirited on the field of battle. And, O great king, the
+mighty Mahasena discharged a bright <i>Sakti</i> for the
+destruction of Mahisha. That missile cut off the head of Mahisha,
+and he fell upon the ground and died. And his head massive as a
+hillock, falling on the ground, barred the entrance to the country
+of the Northern Kurus, extending in length for sixteen
+<i>Yojanas</i> though at present the people of that country pass
+easily by that gate.</p>
+<p>"'It was observed both by the gods and the <i>Danavas</i> that
+Skanda hurled his <i>sakti</i> again and again on the field of
+battle, and that it returned to his hands, after killing thousands
+of the enemy's forces. And the terrible <i>Danavas</i> fell in
+large numbers by the arrows of the wise Mahasena. And then a panic
+seized them, and the followers of Skanda began to slay and eat them
+up by thousands and drink their blood. And they joyously
+exterminated the <i>Danavas</i> in no time, just as the sun
+destroys darkness, or as fire destroys a forest, or as the winds
+drive away the clouds. And in this manner the famous Skanda
+defeated all his enemies. And the gods came to congratulate him,
+and he, in turn, paid his respects to Maheswara. And that son of
+Krittika looked grand like the sun in all the glory of his
+effulgence. And when the enemy was completely defeated by Skanda
+and when Maheswara left the battle-field, Purandara embraced
+Mahasena and said to him, "This Mahisha, who was made invincible by
+the favour of Brahma hath been killed by thee. O best of warriors,
+the gods were like grass to him. O strong-limbed hero, thou hast
+removed a thorn of the celestials. Thou hast killed in battle
+hundreds of Danavas equal in valour to Mahisha who were all hostile
+to us, and who used to harass us before. And thy followers too have
+devoured them by hundreds. Thou art, O mighty being, invincible in
+battle like Uma's lord; and this victory shall be celebrated as thy
+first achievement, and thy fame shall be undying in the three
+worlds. And, O strong-armed god, all the gods will yield their
+allegiance to thee." Having spoken thus to Mahasena, the husband of
+Sachi left the place accompanied by the gods and with the
+permission of the adorable three-eyed god (Siva). And Rudra
+returned to Bhadravata, and the celestials too returned to their
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 471]</span> respective abodes. And Rudra
+spoke, addressing the gods, "Ye must render allegiance to Skanda
+just as ye do unto me." And that son of the Fire-god, having killed
+the Danavas hath conquered the three worlds, in one day, and he
+hath been worshipped by the great <i>Rishis</i>. The Brahmana who
+with due attention readeth this story of the birth of Skanda,
+attaineth to great prosperity in this world and the companionship
+of Skanda hereafter.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O good and adorable Brahmana, I wish to
+know the different names of that high-souled being, by which he is
+celebrated throughout the three worlds.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by the Pandava in that
+assembly of <i>Rishis</i>, the worshipful Markandeya of high
+ascetic merit replied, 'Agneya (Son of Agni), Skanda (Cast-off),
+Diptakirti (Of blazing fame), Anamaya (Always hale), Mayuraketu
+(Peacock-bannered), Dharmatman (The virtuous-souled), Bhutesa (The
+lord of all creatures), Mahishardana (The slayer of Mahisha),
+Kamajit (The subjugator of desires), Kamada (The fulfiller of
+desires), Kanta (The handsome), Satyavak (The truthful in speech),
+Bhuvaneswara (The lord of the universe), Sisu (The child), Sighra
+(The quick), Suchi (The pure), Chanda (The fiery), Diptavarna (The
+bright-complexioned), Subhanana (Of beautiful face), Amogha
+(Incapable of being baffled), Anagha (The sinless), Rudra (The
+terrible), Priya (The favourite), Chandranana (Of face like the
+moon), Dipta-sasti (The wielder of the blazing lance), Prasantatman
+(Of tranquil soul), Bhadrakrit (The doer of good), Kutamahana (The
+chamber of even the wicked), Shashthipriya (True favourite of
+Shashthi), Pavitra (The holy), Matrivatsala (The reverencer of his
+mother), Kanya-bhartri (The protector of virgins), Vibhakta
+(Diffused over the universe), Swaheya (The son of Swaha),
+Revatisuta (The child of Revati), Prabhu (The Lord), Neta (The
+leader), Visakha (Reared up by Visakha), Naigameya (Sprang from the
+Veda), Suduschara (Difficult of propitiation), Suvrata (Of
+excellent vows), Lalita (The beautiful), Valakridanaka-priya (Fond
+of toys), Khacharin (The ranger of skies), Brahmacharin (The
+chaste), Sura (The brave), Saravanodbhava (Born in a forest of
+heath), Viswamitra priya (The favourite of Viswamitra),
+Devasena-priya (The lover of Devasena), Vasudeva-priya (The beloved
+of Vasudeva), and Priya-krit (The doer of agreeable
+things)&mdash;these are the divine names of Kartikeya. Whoever
+repeateth them, undoubtedly secureth fame, wealth, and
+salvation.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O valiant scion of Kuru's race, I shall
+now with due devotion pray to that unrivalled, mighty, six-faced,
+and valiant Guha who is worshipped by gods and <i>Rishis</i>,
+enumerating his other titles of distinction: do thou listen to
+them: Thou art devoted to <i>Brahma</i>, begotten of Brahma, and
+versed in the mysteries of <i>Brahma</i>. Thou art called
+<i>Brahmasaya</i>, and thou art the foremost of those who are
+possessed of <i>Brahma</i>. Thou art fond of <i>Brahma</i>, thou
+art austere like the Brahmanas and art versed in the great mystery
+of <i>Brahma</i> and the leader of the Brahmanas. Thou art
+<i>Swaha</i>, thou art <i>Swadha</i>, and thou art the holiest of
+the holy, and art invoked in hymns and celebrated as the six-flamed
+fire. Thou art the year, thou art <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+472]</span> the six seasons, thou art the months, the (lunar) half
+months, the (solar) declinations, and the cardinal points of space.
+Thou art lotus-eyed. Thou art possessed of a lily-like face. Thou
+hast a thousand faces and a thousand arms. Thou art the ruler of
+the universe, thou art the great Oblation, and thou art the
+animating spirit of all the gods and the <i>Asuras</i>. Thou art
+the great leader of armies. Thou art <i>Prachanda</i> (furious),
+thou art the Lord, and thou art the great master and the conqueror
+of thine enemies. Thou art <i>Sahasrabhu</i> (multiform),
+<i>Sahasratusti</i> (a thousand times content), <i>Sahasrabhuk</i>
+(devourer of everything), and <i>Sahasrapad</i> (of a thousand
+legs), and thou art the earth itself. Thou art possessed of
+infinite forms and thousand heads and great strength. According to
+thine own inclinations thou hast appeared as the son of Ganga,
+Swaha, Mahi, or Krittika. O six-faced god, thou dost play with the
+cock and assume different forms according to thy will. Thou art
+Daksha, Soma, the Maruta, Dharma, Vayu, the prince of mountains,
+and Indra, for all time. Thou art mighty, the most eternal of all
+eternal things, and the lord of all lords. Thou art the progenitor
+of Truth, the destroyer of Diti's progeny (<i>Asuras</i>), and the
+great conqueror of the enemies of the celestials. Thou art the
+personation of virtue and being thyself vast and minute, thou art
+acquainted with the highest and lowest points of virtuous acts, and
+the mysteries of <i>Brahma</i>. O foremost of all gods and
+high-souled lord of the Universe, this whole creation is
+over-spread with thy energy! I have thus prayed to thee according
+to the best of my power. I salute thee who art possessed of twelve
+eyes and many hands. Thy remaining attributes transcend my powers
+of comprehension!'</p>
+<p>"'The Brahmana who with due attention readeth this story of the
+birth of Skanda, or relateth it unto Brahmanas, or hears it
+narrated by regenerate men, attaineth to wealth, long life, fame,
+children, as also victory, prosperity and contentment, and the
+companionship of Skanda.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXI</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Draupadi-Satyabhama Samvada</i>)</h3>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "After those Brahmanas and the illustrious
+sons of Pandu had taken their seats, Draupadi and Satyabhama
+entered the hermitage. And with hearts full of joy the two ladies
+laughed merrily and seated themselves at their ease. And, O king,
+those ladies, who always spake sweetly to each other, having met
+after a long time, began to talk upon various delightful topics
+arising out of the stories of the Kurus and the Yadus. And the
+slender-waisted Satyabhama, the favourite wife of Krishna and the
+daughter of Satrajit, then asked Draupadi in private, saying, 'By
+what behaviour is it, O daughter of Drupada, that thou art able to
+rule the sons of Pandu&mdash;those heroes endued with strength and
+beauty and like unto the <i>Lokapalas</i> themselves? Beautiful
+lady, how is it that they are so obedient to thee and are never
+angry with thee? Without doubt the sons of Pandu, O thou of lovely
+features, are ever submissive to thee and watchful to do thy
+bidding! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 473]</span> Tell me, O lady, the
+reason of this. Is it practice of vows, or asceticism, or
+incantation or drug at the time of the bath (in season) or the
+efficacy of science, or the influence of youthful appearance, or
+the recitation of particular formulae, or <i>Homa</i>, or collyrium
+and other medicaments? Tell me now, O princess of Panchala, of that
+blessed and auspicious thing by which, O Krishna, Krishna may ever
+be obedient to me.'</p>
+<p>"When the celebrated Satyabhama, having said this, ceased, the
+chaste and blessed daughter of Drupada answered her, saying, 'Thou
+askedest me, O Satyabhama, of the practices of women that are
+wicked. How can I answer thee, O lady, about the cause that is
+pursued by wicked females? It doth not become thee, lady, to pursue
+the questions, or doubt me, after this, for thou art endued with
+intelligence and art the favourite wife of Krishna. When the
+husband learns that his wife is addicted to incantations and drugs,
+from that hour he beginneth to dread her like a serpent ensconced
+in his sleeping chamber. And can a man that is troubled with fear
+have peace, and how can one that hath no peace have happiness? A
+husband can never be made obedient by his wife's incantations. We
+hear of painful diseases being transmitted by enemies. Indeed, they
+that desire to slay others, send poison in the shape of customary
+gifts, so that the man that taketh the powders so sent, by tongue
+or skin, is, without doubt, speedily deprived of life. Women have
+sometimes caused dropsy and leprosy, decrepitude and impotence and
+idiocy and blindness and deafness in men. These wicked women, ever
+treading in the path of sin, do sometimes (by these means) injure
+their husbands. But the wife should never do the least injury to
+her lord. Hear now, O illustrious lady, of the behaviour I adopt
+towards the high-souled sons of Pandu. Keeping aside vanity, and
+controlling desire and wrath, I always serve with devotion the sons
+of Pandu with their wives. Restraining jealousy, with deep devotion
+of heart, without a sense of degradation at the services I perform,
+I wait upon my husbands. Ever fearing to utter what is evil or
+false, or to look or sit or walk with impropriety, or cast glances
+indicative of the feelings of the heart, do I serve the sons of
+Pritha&mdash;those mighty warriors blazing like the sun or fire,
+and handsome as the moon, those endued with fierce energy and
+prowess, and capable of slaying their foes by a glance of the eye.
+Celestial, or man, or Gandharva, young or decked with ornaments,
+wealthy or comely of person, none else my heart liketh. I never
+bathe or eat or sleep till he that is my husband hath bathed or
+eaten or slept,&mdash;till, in fact, our attendants have bathed,
+eaten, or slept. Whether returning from the field, the forest, or
+the town, hastily rising up I always salute my husband with water
+and a seat. I always keep the house and all household articles and
+the food that is to be taken well-ordered and clean. Carefully do I
+keep the rice, and serve the food at the proper time. I never
+indulge in angry and fretful speech, and never imitate women that
+are wicked. Keeping idleness at distance I always do what is
+agreeable. I never laugh except at a jest, and never stay for any
+length of time at the house-gate. I never stay long in places for
+answering calls of nature, nor in pleasure-gardens attached to the
+house. I always refrain from laughing loudly and indulging in high
+passion, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 474]</span> from everything
+that may give offence. Indeed, O Satyabhama, I always am engaged in
+waiting upon my lords. A separation from my lords is never
+agreeable to me. When my husband leaveth home for the sake of any
+relative, then renouncing flowers and fragrant paste of every kind,
+I begin to undergo penances. Whatever my husband drinketh not,
+whatever my husband eateth not, whatever my husband enjoyeth not, I
+ever renounce. O beautiful lady, decked in ornaments and ever
+controlled by the instruction imparted to me, I always devotedly
+seek the good of my lord. Those duties that my mother-in-law had
+told me of in respect of relatives, as also the duties of
+alms-giving, of offering worship to the gods, of oblations to the
+diseased, of boiling food in pots on auspicious days for offer to
+ancestors and guests of reverence and service to those that deserve
+our regards, and all else that is known to me, I always discharge
+day and night, without idleness of any kind. Having with my whole
+heart recourse to humility and approved rules I serve my meek and
+truthful lords ever observant of virtue, regarding them as
+poisonous snakes capable of being excited at a trifle. I think that
+to be eternal virtue for women which is based upon a regard for the
+husband. The husband is the wife's god, and he is her refuge.
+Indeed, there is no other refuge for her. How can, then, the wife
+do the least injury to her lord? I never, in sleeping or eating or
+adorning any person, act against the wishes of my lord, and always
+guided by my husbands, I never speak ill of my mother-in-law. O
+blessed lady, my husbands have become obedient to me in consequence
+of my diligence, my alacrity, and the humility with which I serve
+superiors. Personally do I wait every day with food and drink and
+clothes upon the revered and truthful Kunti&mdash;that mother of
+heroes. Never do I show any preference for myself over her in
+matters of food and attire, and never do I reprove in words that
+princess equal unto the Earth herself in forgiveness. Formerly,
+eight thousand Brahmanas were daily fed in the palace of
+Yudhishthira from off plates of gold. And eighty thousand Brahmanas
+also of the <i>Snataka</i> sect leading domestic lives were
+entertained by Yudhishthira with thirty serving-maids assigned to
+each. Besides these, ten thousand <i>yatis</i> with the vital seed
+drawn up, had their pure food carried unto them in plates of gold.
+All these Brahmanas that were the utterers of the <i>Veda</i>, I
+used to worship duly with food, drink, and raiment taken from
+stores only after a portion thereof had been dedicated to the
+Viswadeva.<a id="footnotetag42" name="footnotetag42"></a><a href="#footnote42"><sup>42</sup></a> The illustrious son of Kunti had a
+hundred thousand well-dressed serving-maids with bracelets on arms
+and golden ornaments on necks, and decked with costly garlands and
+wreaths and gold in profusion, and sprinkled with sandal paste. And
+adorned with jewels and gold they were all skilled in singing and
+dancing. O lady, I knew the names and features of all those girls,
+as also what they are and what they were, and what they did not.
+Kunti's son of great intelligence <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+475]</span> had also a hundred thousand maid-servants who daily
+used to feed guests, with plates of gold in their hands. And while
+Yudhishthira lived in Indraprastha a hundred thousand horses and a
+hundred thousand elephants used to follow in his train. These were
+the possessions of Yudhishthira while he ruled the earth. It was I
+however, O lady, who regulated their number and framed the rules to
+be observed in respect of them; and it was I who had to listen to
+all complaints about them. Indeed, I knew everything about what the
+maid-servants of the palace and other classes of attendants, even
+the cow-herds and the shepherds of the royal establishment, did or
+did not. O blessed and illustrious lady, it was I alone amongst the
+Pandavas who knew the income and expenditure of the king and what
+their whole wealth was. And those bulls among the Bharatas,
+throwing upon me the burden of looking after all those that were to
+be fed by them, would, O thou of handsome face, pay their court to
+me. And this load, so heavy and incapable of being borne by persons
+of evil heart, I used to bear day and night, sacrificing my ease,
+and all the while affectionately devoted to them. And while my
+husbands were engaged in the pursuit of virtue, I only supervised
+their treasury inexhaustible like the ever-filled receptacle of
+Varuna. Day and night bearing hunger and thirst, I used to serve
+the Kuru princes, so that my nights and days were equal to me. I
+used to wake up first and go to bed last. This, O Satyabhama, hath
+ever been my charm for making my husbands obedient to me! This
+great art hath ever been known to me for making my husbands
+obedient to me. Never have I practised the charms of wicked women,
+nor do I ever wish to practise them.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing those words of virtuous import
+uttered by Krishna, Satyabhama, having first reverenced the
+virtuous princess of Panchala, answered saying, 'O princess of
+Panchala, I have been guilty, O daughter of Yajnasena, forgive me!
+Among friends, conversations in jest arise naturally, and without
+premeditation.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXII</h2>
+<p>"Draupadi said, 'I shall now indicate to thee, for attracting
+the heart of thy husbands a way that is free from deceit. By
+adopting it duly, dear friend, thou will be able to draw away thy
+lord from other females. In all the worlds, including that of the
+celestials, there is no god equal, O Satyabhama, unto the husband.
+When he is gratified with thee, thou mayst have (from thy husband)
+every object of desire; when he is angry, all these may be lost. It
+is from her husband that the wife obtaineth offspring and various
+articles of enjoyment. It is from thy husband that thou mayst have
+handsome beds and seats, and robes and garlands, and perfumes, and
+great fame and heaven itself hereafter. One cannot obtain happiness
+here by means that are easy. Indeed, the woman that is chaste,
+obtains weal with woe. Always adore Krishna, therefore, with
+friendship and love physical sufferings. And do thou also act in a
+way, by offering handsome seats and excellent garlands <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 476]</span> and various perfumes and prompt service,
+that he may be devoted to thee, thinking, "<i>I am truly loved by
+her!</i>" Hearing the voice of thy lord at the gate, rise thou up
+from thy seat and stay in readiness within the room. And as soon as
+thou seest him enter thy chamber, worship him by promptly offering
+him a seat and water to wash his feet. And even when he commands a
+maidservant to do anything, get thou up and do it thyself. Let
+Krishna understand this temper of thy mind and know that thou
+adorest him with all thy heart. And, O Satyabhama, whatever thy
+lord speaketh before thee, do not blab of it even if it may not
+deserve concealment,&mdash;for if any of thy co-wives were to speak
+of it unto Vasudeva, he might be irritated with thee. Feed thou by
+every means in thy power those that are dear and devoted to thy
+lord and always seek his good. Thou shouldst, however, always keep
+thyself aloof from those that are hostile to and against thy lord
+and seek to do him injury, as also from those that are addicted to
+deceit. Foregoing all excitement and carelessness in the presence
+of men, conceal thy inclinations by observing silence, and thou
+shouldst not stay or converse in private even with thy sons,
+Pradyumna and Samva. Thou shouldst form attachments with only such
+females as are high-born and sinless and devoted to their lords,
+and thou shouldst always shun women that are wrathful, addicted to
+drinks, gluttonous, thievish, wicked and fickle. Behaviour such as
+this is reputable and productive of prosperity; and while it is
+capable of neutralising hostility, it also leadeth to heaven.
+Therefore, worship thou thy husband, decking thyself in costly
+garlands and ornaments and smearing thyself with unguents and
+excellent perfumes.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then Kesava, the slayer of Madhu, also
+called Janardana, having conversed on various agreeable themes with
+the illustrious sons of Pandu and with those Brahmanas that were
+headed by Markandeya and having bid them farewell, mounted his car
+and called for Satyabhama. And Satyabhama then, having embraced the
+daughter of Drupada, addressed her in these cordial words
+expressive of her feelings towards her: 'O Krishna, let there be no
+anxiety, no grief, for thee! Thou hast no cause to pass thy nights
+in sleeplessness, for thou wilt surely obtain back the earth
+subjugated by thy husbands, who are all equal unto the gods. O thou
+of black eyes, women endued with such disposition and possessed of
+such auspicious marks, can never suffer misfortune long. It hath
+been heard by me that thou shall, with thy husbands, certainly
+enjoy this earth peacefully and freed from all thorns! And, O
+daughter of Drupada, thou shalt certainly behold the earth ruled by
+Yudhishthira after the sons of Dhritarashtra have been slain and
+the deeds of their hostility avenged! Thou wilt soon behold those
+wives of the Kurus, who, deprived of sense by pride, laughed at
+thee while on thy way to exile, themselves reduced to a state of
+helplessness and despair! Know them all, O Krishna, that did thee
+any injury while thou <span class="pagenum">[Pg 477]</span> wert
+afflicted, to have already gone to the abode of Yama. Thy brave
+sons, Prativindhya by Yudhishthira and Sutasoma by Bhima, and
+Srutakarman by Arjuna, and Satanika by Nakula, and Srutasena begot
+by Sahadeva, are well and have become skilled in weapons. Like
+Abhimanyu they are all staying at Dwaravati, delighted with the
+place. And Subhadra also, cheerfully and with her whole soul,
+looketh after them like thee, and like thee joyeth in them and
+deriveth much happiness from them. Indeed, she grieveth in their
+griefs and joyeth in their joys. And the mother of Pradyumna also
+loveth them with her whole soul. And Kesava with his sons Bhanu and
+others watcheth over them with especial affection. And my
+mother-in-law is ever attentive in feeding and clothing them. And
+the Andhakas and Vrishnis, including Rama and others, regard them
+with affection. And, O beautiful lady, their affection for thy sons
+is equal unto what they feel for Pradyumna.'</p>
+<p>"Having said these agreeable and truthful and cordial words,
+Satyabhama desired to go to Vasudeva's car. And the wife of Krishna
+then walked round the queen of the Pandavas. And having done so the
+beautiful Satyabhama mounted the car of Krishna. And the chief of
+the Yadavas, comforting Draupadi with a smile and causing the
+Pandavas to return, set out for his own city, with swift horses
+(yoked unto his car)."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXIV</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Ghosha-yatra Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "While those foremost of men&mdash;the sons of
+Pritha&mdash;were passing their days in the forest exposed to the
+inclemencies of the winter, the summer, the wind and the sun, what
+did they do, O Brahmana, after they had reached the lake and woods
+going by the name of Dwaita?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "After the sons of Pandu had arrived at that
+lake, they chose a residence that was removed from the habitations
+of men. And they began to roam through delightful woods and ever
+charming mountains and picturesque river-valleys. And after they
+had taken up their residence there, many venerable ascetics endued
+with Vedic lore often came to see them. And those foremost of men
+always received those <i>Veda</i>-knowing <i>Rishis</i> with great
+respect. And one day there came unto the Kaurava princes a certain
+Brahmana who was well known on earth for his powers of speech. And
+having conversed with the Pandavas for a while, he went away as
+pleased him to the court of the royal son of Vichitravirya.
+Received with respect by that chief of the Kurus, the old king, the
+Brahmana took his seat; and asked by the monarch he began to talk
+of the sons of Dharma, Pavana, Indra and of the twins, all of whom
+having fallen into severe misery, had become emaciated and reduced
+owing to exposure to wind and sun. And that Brahmana also talked of
+Krishna who was overwhelmed with suffering and who then had become
+perfectly helpless, although she had heroes for her lords. And
+hearing the words of that Brahmana, the royal son of Vichitravirya
+became afflicted with grief, at the thought of those princes of
+royal lineage then <span class="pagenum">[Pg 478]</span> swimming
+in a river of sorrow. His inmost soul afflicted with sorrow and
+trembling all over with sighs, he quieted himself with a great
+effort, remembering that everything had arisen from his own fault.
+And the monarch said, 'Alas, how is it that Yudhishthira who is the
+eldest of my sons, who is truthful and pious and virtuous in his
+behaviour, who hath not a foe, who had formerly slept on beds made
+of soft <i>Ranku</i> skins, sleepeth now on the bare ground! Alas,
+wakened formerly by <i>Sutas</i> and <i>Magadhas</i> and other
+singers with his praises, melodiously recited every morning, that
+prince of the Kuru race, equal unto Indra himself, is now waked
+from the bare ground towards the small hours of the night by a
+multitude of birds! How doth Vrikodara, reduced by exposure to wind
+and sun and filled with wrath, sleep, in the presence of the
+princess of Panchala, on the bare ground, unfit as he is to suffer
+such lot! Perhaps also, the intelligent Arjuna, who is incapable of
+bearing pain, and who, though obedient to the will of Yudhishthira,
+yet feeleth himself to be pierced over all by the remembrance of
+his wrongs, sleepeth not in the night! Beholding the twins and
+Krishna and Yudhishthira and Bhima plunged in misery, Arjuna
+without doubt, sigheth like a serpent of fierce energy and sleepeth
+not from wrath in the night! The twins also, who are even like a
+couple of blessed celestials in heaven sunk in woe though deserving
+of bliss, without doubt pass their nights in restless wakefulness
+restrained (from avenging their wrongs) by virtue and truth! The
+mighty son of the Wind-god, who is equal to the Wind-god himself in
+strength, without doubt, sigheth and restraineth his wrath, being
+tied through his elder brother in the bonds of truth! Superior in
+battle to all warriors, he now lieth quiet on the ground,
+restrained by virtue and truth, and burning to slay my children, he
+bideth his time. The cruel words that Dussasana spoke after
+Yudhishthira had been deceitfully defeated at dice, have sunk deep
+into Vrikodara's heart, and are consuming him, like a burning
+bundle of straw consuming a fagot of dry wood! The son of Dharma
+never acteth sinfully; Dhananjaya also always obeyeth him; but
+Bhima's wrath, in consequence of a life of exile, is increasing
+like a conflagration assisted by the wind! That hero, burning with
+rage such as that, squeezeth his hands and breatheth hot and fierce
+sighs, as if consuming therewith my sons and grandsons! The wielder
+of the <i>Gandiva</i> and Vrikodara, when angry, are like Yama and
+Kala themselves; scattering their shafts, which are like unto
+thunder-bolts, they exterminate in battle the ranks of the enemy.
+Alas Duryodhana, and Sakuni, and the <i>Suta's</i> son, and
+Dussasana also of wicked soul, in robbing the Pandavas of their
+kingdom by means of dice, seem to behold the honey alone without
+marking the terrible ruin. A man having acted rightly or wrongly,
+expecteth the fruit of those acts. The fruit, however, confounding
+him, paralyses him fully. How can man, thereof, have salvation? If
+the soil is properly tilled, and the seed sown therein, and if the
+god (of rain) showereth in season, still the crop may not grow.
+This is what we often hear. Indeed, how could this saying be true
+unless, as I think, it be that everything here is dependent on
+Destiny? The gambler Sakuni hath behaved deceitfully towards the
+son of Pandu, who ever acteth honestly. From affection for my
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 479]</span> wicked sons I also have acted
+similarly. Alas, it is owing to this that the hour of destruction
+hath come for the Kurus! Oh, perhaps, what is inevitable must
+happen! The wind, impelled or not, will move. The woman that
+conceives will bring forth. Darkness will be dispelled at dawn, and
+day disappear at evening! Whatever may be earned by us or others,
+whether people spend it or not, when the time cometh, those
+possessions of ours do bring on misery. Why then do people become
+so anxious about earning wealth? If, indeed, what is acquired is
+the result of fate, then should it be protected so that it may not
+be divided, nor lost little by little, nor permitted to flow out at
+once, for if unprotected, it may break into a hundred fragments.
+But whatever the character of our possessions, our acts in the
+world are never lost. Behold what the energy of Arjuna is, who went
+into the abode of Indra from the woods! Having mastered the four
+kinds of celestial weapons he hath come back into this world! What
+man is there who, having gone to heaven in his human form, wisheth
+to come back? This would never have been but because he seeth
+innumerable Kurus to be at the point of death, afflicted by Time!
+The bowman is Arjuna, capable of wielding the bow with his left
+hand as well! The bow he wieldeth is the <i>Gandiva</i> of fierce
+impetus. He hath, besides, those celestial weapons of his! Who is
+there that would bear the energy of these three!'</p>
+<p>"Hearing these words of the monarch, the son of Suvala, going
+unto Duryodhana, who was then sitting with Karna, told them
+everything in private. And Duryodhana, though possessed of little
+sense, was filled with grief at what he heard."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of Dhritarashtra,
+Sakuni, when the opportunity presented itself, aided by Karna,
+spoke unto Duryodhana these words, 'Having exiled the heroic
+Pandavas by thy own prowess, O Bharata, rule thou this earth
+without a rival like the slayer of Samvara ruling the heaven! O
+monarch, the kings of the east, the south, the west, and the north,
+have all been made tributary to thee! O lord of earth, that blazing
+Prosperity which had before paid her court to the sons of Pandu,
+hath now been acquired by thee along with thy brothers! That
+blazing Prosperity, O king, which we not many days ago saw with
+heavy hearts in Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, is today seen by us
+to be owned by thee, she having, O mighty-armed monarch, been
+snatched by thee from the royal Yudhishthira by force of intellect
+alone. O slayer of hostile heroes, all the kings of the earth now
+living in subjection to thee, await thy commands, as they did
+before under Yudhishthira, awaiting his. O monarch, the goddess
+Earth with her boundless extent with girth of seas, with her
+mountains and forests, and towns and cities and mines, and decked
+with woodlands and hills is now thine! Adored by the Brahmanas and
+worshipped by the kings, thou blazest forth, O king, in consequence
+of thy prowess, like the Sun <span class="pagenum">[Pg 480]</span>
+among the gods in heaven! Surrounded by the Kurus, O king, like
+Yama by the Rudra, or Vasava by the Maruts, thou shinest, O
+monarch, like the Moon among the stars! Let us, therefore, O king,
+go and look at the sons of Pandu&mdash;them who are now divested of
+prosperity, them who never obeyed commands, them who never owed
+subjection! It hath been heard by us, O monarch, that the Pandavas
+are now living on the banks of the lake called <i>Dwaitavana</i>,
+with a multitude of Brahmanas, having the wilderness for their
+home. Go thither, O king, in all thy prosperity, scorching the son
+of Pandu with a sight of thy glory, like the Sun scorching
+everything with his hot rays! Thyself a sovereign and they divested
+of sovereignty, thyself in prosperity and they divested of it,
+thyself possessing affluence and they in poverty, behold now, O
+king, the sons of Pandu. Let the sons of Pandu behold thee like
+Yayati, the son of Nahusha, accompanied by a large train of
+followers and enjoying bliss that is great. O king, that blazing
+Prosperity which is seen by both one's friends and foes, is
+regarded as well-bestowed! What happiness can be more complete than
+that which he enjoyeth who while himself in prosperity, looketh
+upon his foes in adversity, like a person on the hill top looking
+down upon another crawling on the earth? O tiger among kings, the
+happiness that one derives from beholding his foes in grief, is
+greater than what one may derive from the acquisition of offering
+or wealth or kingdom! What happiness will not be his who, himself
+in affluence, will cast his eyes on Dhananjaya attired in barks and
+deer-skins? Let thy wife dressed in costly robes look at the woeful
+Krishna clad in barks and deer-skins, and enhance the latter's
+grief! Let the daughter of Drupada reproach herself and her life,
+divested as she is of wealth, for the sorrow that she will feel
+upon beholding thy wife decked in ornaments will be far greater
+than what she had felt in the midst of the assembly (when Dussasana
+had dragged her there)!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having thus spoken unto the king, Karna
+and Sakuni both remained silent, O Janamejaya, after their
+discourse was over."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of Karna, king
+Duryodhana became highly pleased. Soon after, however, the prince
+became melancholy and addressing the speaker said, 'What thou
+tellest me, O Karna, is always before my mind. I shall not,
+however, obtain permission to repair to the place where the
+Pandavas are residing. King Dhritarashtra is always grieving for
+those heroes. Indeed, the king regarded the sons of Pandu to have
+become more powerful than before in consequence of their ascetic
+austerities. Or, if the king understands our motives, he will
+never, having regard to the future, grant us permission, for, O
+thou of great effulgence, we can have no other business in the
+woods of <i>Dwaitavana</i> than the destruction of the Pandavas in
+exile! Thou knowest the words that Kshatri spoke to me,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 481]</span> to thyself, and to the son of
+Suvala, at the time of the match at dice! Reflecting upon all those
+words as also upon all those lamentations (that he and others
+indulged in), I cannot make up my mind as to whether I should or
+should not go! I shall certainly be highly pleased if I cast my
+eyes on Bhima and Phalguna passing their days in pain with Krishna
+in the woods. The joy that I may feel in obtaining the sovereignty
+of the entire earth is nothing to that which will be mine upon
+beholding the sons of Pandu attired in barks of trees and
+deer-skins. What joy can be greater, O Karna, that will be mine
+upon beholding the daughter of Drupada dressed in red rags in the
+woods? If king Yudhishthira and Bhima, the sons of Pandu, behold me
+graced with great affluence, then only shall I have attained the
+great end of my life! I do not, however, see the means by which I
+may repair to those woods, by which, in fact, I may obtain the
+king's permission to go thither! Contrive thou, therefore, some
+skilful plan, with Suvala's son and Dussasana, by which we may go
+to those woods! I also, making up my mind today as to whether I
+should go or not, approach the presence of the king tomorrow. And
+when I shall be sitting with Bhishma&mdash;that best of the
+Kurus&mdash;thou wilt, with Sakuni propose the pretext which thou
+mayst have contrived. Hearing then the words of Bhishma and of the
+king on the subject of our journey, I will settle everything
+beseeching our grandfather.'</p>
+<p>"Saying 'So be it,' they then all went away to their respective
+quarters. And as soon as the night had passed away, Karna came to
+the king. And coming to him, Karna smilingly spoke unto Duryodhana,
+saying, 'A plan hath been contrived by me. Listen to it, O lord of
+men! Our herds are now waiting in the woods of <i>Dwaitavana</i> in
+expectation of thee! Without doubt, we may all go there under the
+pretext of supervising our cattle stations, for, O monarch, it is
+proper that kings should frequently repair to their cattle
+stations. If this be the motive put forth, thy father, O prince,
+will certainly grant thee permission!' And while Duryodhana and
+Karna were thus conversing laughingly, Sakuni addressed them and
+said, 'This plan, free from difficulties, was what I also saw for
+going thither! The king will certainly grant us permission, or even
+send us thither of his own accord. Our herds are now all waiting in
+the woods of <i>Dwaitavana</i> expecting thee. Without doubt, we
+may all go there under the pretext of supervising our cattle
+stations!'</p>
+<p>"They then all three laughed together, and gave their hands unto
+one another. And having arrived at that conclusion, they went to
+see the chief of Kurus."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "They then all saw king Dhritarashtra, O
+Janamejaya, and having seen him, enquired after his welfare, and
+were, in return, asked about their welfare. Then a cow-herd named
+Samanga, who had been instructed beforehand by them, approaching
+the king, spoke unto him of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 482]</span>
+the cattle. Then the son of Radha and Sakuni, O king, addressing
+Dhritarashtra, that foremost of monarchs, said, 'O Kaurava, our
+cattle-stations are now in a delightful place. The time for their
+tale as also for marking the calves hath come. And, O monarch, this
+also is an excellent season for thy son to go ahunting! It behoveth
+thee, therefore, to grant permission to Duryodhana to go
+thither.'</p>
+<p>"Dhritarashtra replied, 'The chase of the deer, as also the
+examination of cattle is very proper, O child! I think, indeed,
+that the herdsmen are not to be trusted. But we have heard that
+those tigers among men, the Pandavas, are now staying in the
+vicinity of those cattle stations. I think, therefore, ye should
+not go thither yourselves! Defeated by deceitful means they are now
+living in the deep forest in great suffering. O Radheya, they are
+mighty warriors and naturally able, they are now devoted to ascetic
+austerities. King Yudhishthira will not suffer his wrath to be
+awakened, but Bhimasena is naturally passionate. The daughter of
+Yajnasena is energy's self. Full of pride and folly, ye are certain
+to give offence. Endued with ascetic merit she will certainly
+consume you, or perhaps, those heroes, armed with swords and
+weapons! Nor, if from force of numbers, ye seek to injure them in
+any respect, that will be a highly improper act, although, as I
+think, ye will never be able to succeed. The mighty-armed
+Dhananjaya hath returned thence to the forest. While unaccomplished
+in arms, Vivatsu had subjugated the whole earth before. A mighty
+warrior as he is and accomplished in arms now, will he not be able
+to slay you all? Or, if in obedience to my words, ye behave
+carefully having repaired thither, ye will not be able to live
+happily there in consequence of the anxiety ye will feel owing to a
+state of continued trustlessness. Or, some soldier of yours may do
+some injury to Yudhishthira, and that unpremeditated act will be
+ascribed to your fault. Therefore, let some faithful men proceed
+there for the work of tale. I do not think it is proper for thee,
+Bharata, to go thither thyself.'</p>
+<p>"Sakuni said, 'The eldest of the sons of Pandu is cognisant of
+morality. He pledged in the midst of the assembly, O Bharata, that
+he would live for twelve years in the forest. The other sons of
+Pandu are all virtuous and obedient to Yudhishthira. And
+Yudhishthira himself, the son of Kunti, will never be angry with
+us. Indeed, we desire very much to go on a hunting expedition, and
+will avail of that opportunity for supervising the tale of our
+cattle. We have no mind to see the sons of Pandu. We will not go to
+that spot where the Pandavas have taken up their residence, and
+consequently no exhibition of misconduct can possibly arise on our
+part.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Sakuni, that lord of
+men, Dhritarashtra, granted permission, but not very willingly, to
+Duryodhana and his counsellors to go to the place. And permitted by
+the monarch the Bharata prince born of Gandhari started,
+accompanied by Karna and surrounded by a large host. And he was
+also accompanied by Dussasana and Suvala's son of great
+intelligence and by many other brothers of his and by ladies in
+thousands. And as the mighty-armed prince started for beholding the
+lake that was known by the name of <i>Dwaitavana</i>, the citizens
+(of Hastina), <span class="pagenum">[Pg 483]</span> also
+accompanied by their wives began to follow him to that forest.
+Eight thousand cars, thirty thousand elephants, nine thousand
+horses, and many thousands of foot-soldiers, and shops and
+pavilions and traders, bards and men trained in the chase by
+hundreds and thousands followed the prince. And as the king
+started, followed by this large concourse of people, the uproar
+that was caused there resembled, O king, the deep tumult of the
+ranging winds in the rainy season. And reaching the lake
+<i>Dwaitavana</i> with all his followers and vehicles, king
+Duryodhana took up his quarters at the distance of four miles from
+it."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "King Duryodhana then moving from forest to
+forest, at last approached the cattle-stations, and encamped his
+troops. And his attendants, selecting a well-known and delightful
+spot that abounded in water and trees and that possessed every
+convenience constructed an abode for him. And near enough to the
+royal residence they also erected separate abodes for Karna and
+Sakuni and the brothers of the king. And the king beheld his cattle
+by hundreds and thousands and examining their limbs and marks
+supervised their tale. And he caused the calves to be marked and
+took note of those that required to be tamed. And he also counted
+those kine whose calves had not yet been weaned. And completing the
+task of tale by marking and counting every calf that was three
+years old, the Kuru prince, surrounded by the cowherds, began to
+sport and wander cheerfully. And the citizens also and the soldiers
+by thousands began to sport, as best pleased them, in those woods,
+like the celestials. And the herdsmen, well skilled in singing and
+dancing and instrumental music, and virgins decked in ornaments,
+began to minister to the pleasures of Dhritarashtra's son. And the
+king surrounded by the ladies of the royal household began
+cheerfully to distribute wealth and food and drinks of various
+kinds amongst those that sought to please him, according to their
+desires.</p>
+<p>"And the king, attended by all his followers, began also to slay
+hyenas and buffaloes and deer and gayals and bears and boars all
+around. And the king, piercing by his shafts those animals by
+thousands in deep forest, caused the deer to be caught in the more
+delightful parts of the woods. Drinking milk and enjoying, O
+Bharata, various other delicious articles and beholding, as he
+proceeded, many delightful forests and woods swarming with bees
+inebriate with floral honey and resounding with the notes of the
+peacock, the king at last reached the sacred lake of
+<i>Dwaitavana</i>. And the spot which the king reached swarmed with
+bees inebriate with floral honey, and echoed with the mellifluous
+notes of the blue-throated jay and was shaded by
+<i>Saptacchadas</i> and <i>punnagas</i> and <i>Vakulas</i>. And the
+king graced with high prosperity proceeded thither like the
+thunder-wielding chief of the celestials himself. And, O thou best
+of the Kuru race, King Yudhishthira the just, endued with high
+intelligence, was then, O monarch, residing in the vicinity of that
+lake at <span class="pagenum">[Pg 484]</span> will and celebrating
+with his wedded wife, the daughter of Drupada, the diurnal
+sacrifice called <i>Rajarshi</i>, according to the ordinance
+sanctioned for the celestials and persons living in the wilderness.
+And, O monarch, having reached that spot, Duryodhana commanded his
+men by thousands, saying, 'Let pleasure-houses be constructed
+soon.' Thus commanded, those doers of the king's behests replying
+to the Kuru chief with the words, 'So be it,' went towards the
+banks of the lake for constructing pleasure-houses. And as the
+picked soldiers of Dhritarashtra's son, having reached the region
+of the lake, were about to enter the gates of the wood, a number of
+<i>Gandharvas</i> appeared and forbade them to enter. For, O
+monarch, the king of the <i>Gandharvas</i> accompanied by his
+followers, had come thither beforehand, from the abode of
+<i>Kuvera</i>. And the king of the <i>Gandharvas</i> had also been
+accompanied by the several tribes of <i>Apsaras</i>, as also by the
+sons of the celestials. And intent upon sport, he had come to that
+place for merriment, and occupying it, had closed it against all
+comers. And the attendants of the (Kuru) king, finding the lake
+closed by the king of the <i>Gandharvas</i>, went back, O monarch,
+to where the royal Duryodhana was. And Duryodhana having heard
+these words, despatched a number of his warriors difficult of being
+subjugated in battle, commanding them to drive away the
+<i>Gandharvas</i>. And those warriors who formed the vanguard of
+the Kuru army, hearing these words of the king, went back to the
+lake of <i>Dwaitavana</i> and addressing the <i>Gandharvas</i>,
+said, 'The mighty king Duryodhana&mdash;the son of
+Dhritarashtra&mdash;is coming, hither for sport. Stand ye aside,
+therefore!' Thus addressed by them, O king, the <i>Gandharvas</i>
+laughed and replied unto those men in these harsh words: 'Your
+wicked king Duryodhana must be destitute of sense. How else could
+he have thus commanded us that are dwellers of heaven, as if
+indeed, we were his servants? Without forethought, ye also are
+doubtless on the point of death; for senseless idiots as ye are, ye
+have dared to bring us his message! Return ye soon to where that
+king of the Kurus is, or else go this very day to the abode of
+Yama.' Thus addressed by the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the advanced guard
+of the king's army ran back to the place where the royal son of
+Dhritarashtra was."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Those soldiers then, O king, all went back
+to Duryodhana and repeated to him every word that the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> had said. And, O Bharata, finding that his
+soldiers had been opposed by the <i>Gandharvas</i>, Dhritarashtra's
+son, endued with energy, was filled with rage. And the king
+addressed his soldiers, saying, 'Punish these wretches who desire
+to oppose my will, even if they have come hither to sport,
+accompanied by all the celestials with him of a hundred
+sacrifices.' And hearing these words of Duryodhana, the sons and
+officers of Dhritarashtra all endued with great strength, as also
+warriors by thousands, began to arm themselves for battle. And
+filling the ten sides with loud leonine roars and rushing at those
+<i>Gandharvas</i> that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 485]</span> had
+been guarding the gates, they entered the forest. And as the Kuru
+soldiers entered the forest, other <i>Gandharvas</i> came up and
+forbade them to advance. And though gently forbidden by the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> to advance, the Kuru soldiers, without regarding
+them in the least, began to enter that mighty forest. And when
+those rangers of the sky found that the warriors of Dhritarashtra
+along with their king could not be stopped by words they all went
+to their king Chitrasena and represented everything unto him. And
+when Chitrasena, the king of the Gandharvas, came to know all this
+he became filled with rage, alluding to the Kuru, and commanded his
+followers saying, 'Punish these wretches of wicked behaviour.' And,
+O Bharata, when the <i>Gandharvas</i> were so commanded by
+Chitrasena, they rushed weapons in hand, towards the Dhritarashtra
+ranks. And beholding the <i>Gandharvas</i> impetuously rushing
+towards them with upraised weapons, the Kuru warriors precipitously
+fled in all directions at the very sight of Duryodhana. And
+beholding the Kuru soldiers all flying from the field with their
+backs to the foe, the heroic Radheya alone fled not. And seeing the
+mighty host of the Gandharvas rushing towards him, Radheya checked
+them by a perfect shower of arrows. And the <i>Suta's</i> son,
+owing to his extreme lightness of hand, struck hundreds of
+<i>Gandharvas</i> with <i>Kshurapras</i> and arrows and
+<i>Bhallas</i> and various weapons made of bones and steel. And
+that mighty warrior, causing the heads of numerous
+<i>Gandharvas</i> to roll down within a short time, made the ranks
+of Chitrasena to yell in anguish. And although they were
+slaughtered in great numbers by Karna endued with great
+intelligence, yet the <i>Gandharvas</i> returned to the charge by
+hundreds and thousands. And in consequence of the swarms of
+Chitrasena's warriors rushing impetuously to the field the earth
+itself became soon covered by the <i>Gandharva</i> host. Then king
+Duryodhana, and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and Dussasana, and
+Vikarna, and other sons of Dhritarashtra, seated on cars the
+clatter of whose wheels resembled the roars of Garuda, returned to
+the charge, following the lead of Karna, and began to slaughter
+that host. And desirous of supporting Karna, these princes invested
+the Gandharva army, with a large number of cars and a strong body
+of horses. Then the whole of the <i>Gandharva</i> host began to
+fight with the Kauravas. And the encounter that took place between
+the contending hosts was fierce in the extreme and might make one's
+hair stand on end. The <i>Gandharvas</i>, at last, afflicted with
+the shafts of the Kuru army, seemed to be exhausted. And the
+Kauravas beholding the <i>Gandharvas</i> so afflicted sent up a
+loud sound.</p>
+<p>"And seeing the <i>Gandharva</i> host yielding to fear, the
+angry Chitrasena sprang from his seat, resolved to exterminate the
+Kuru army. And conversant with various modes of warfare, he waged
+on the fight, aided by his weapons of illusion. And the Kaurava
+warriors were then all deprived of their senses by the illusion of
+Chitrasena. And then, O Bharata, it seemed that every warrior of
+the Kuru army was fallen upon and surrounded by ten
+<i>Gandharvas</i>. And attacked with great vigour, the Kuru host
+was greatly afflicted and struck with panic. O king, all of them
+that liked to live, fled from the field. But while the entire
+Dhritarashtra host broke and fled, Karna, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+486]</span> that offspring of the Sun, stood there, O king,
+immovable as a hill. Indeed, Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni, the
+son of Suvala, all fought with the <i>Gandharvas</i>, although
+every one of them was much wounded and mangled in the encounter.
+All the <i>Gandharvas</i> then, desirous of slaying Karna, rushed
+together by hundreds and thousands towards Karna. And those mighty
+warriors, desirous of slaying the <i>Suta's</i> son, surrounded him
+on all sides, with swords and battle-axes and spears. And some cut
+down the yoke of his car, and some his flagstaff, and some the
+shaft of his car, and some his horses, and some his charioteer. And
+some cut down his umbrella and some the wooden fender round his car
+and some the joints of his car. It was thus that many thousands of
+Gandharvas, together attacking his car, broke it into minute
+fragments. And while his car was thus attacked, Karna leaped
+therefrom with sword and shield in hand, and mounting on Vikarna's
+car, urged the steeds for saving himself."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXL</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "After that great warrior Karna had been
+routed by the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the whole of the Kuru army, O
+monarch, fled from the field in the very sight of Dhritarashtra's
+son. And beholding all his troops flying from the field of battle
+with their back to the foe, king Duryodhana refused to fly. Seeing
+the mighty host of the <i>Gandharvas</i> rushing towards him, that
+represser of foes poured down upon them a thick shower of arrows.
+The <i>Gandharvas</i>, however, without regarding that arrowy
+shower, and desirous also of slaying him, surrounded that car of
+his. And by means of their arrows, they cut off into fragments the
+yoke, the shaft, the fenders, the flagstaff, the three-fold bamboo
+poles, and the principal turret of his car. And they also slew his
+charioteer and horses, hacking them to pieces. And when Duryodhana,
+deprived of his car, fell on the ground, the strong-armed
+Chitrasena rushed towards him and seized him in such a way that it
+seemed his life itself was taken. And after the Kuru king had been
+seized, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, surrounding Dussasana, who was
+seated on his car, also took him prisoner. And some
+<i>Gandharvas</i> seized Vivinsati and Chitrasena, and some Vinda
+and Anuvinda, while others seized all the ladies of royal
+household. And the warriors of Duryodhana, who were routed by the
+<i>Gandharvas</i>, joining those who had fled first, approached the
+Pandavas (who were living in the vicinity). And after Duryodhana
+had been made captive, the vehicles, the shops, the pavilions, the
+carriages, and the draught animals, all were made over to the
+Pandavas for protection. And those soldiers said, 'The mighty-armed
+son of Dhritarashtra, possessed of great strength and handsome
+mien, is being taken away captive by the <i>Gandharvas</i>! Ye sons
+of Pritha, follow them! Dussasana, Durvishasa, Durmukha, and
+Durjaya, are all being led away as captives in chains by the
+Gandharvas, as also all the ladies of the royal household!'</p>
+<p>"Crying thus, the followers of Duryodhana, afflicted with grief
+and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 487]</span> melancholy, approached
+Yudhishthira, desirous of effecting the release of the king. Bhima
+then answered those old attendants of Duryodhana, who, afflicted
+with grief and melancholy, were thus soliciting (the aid of
+Yudhishthira), saying, 'What we should have done with great
+efforts, arraying ourselves in line of battle, supported by horses
+and elephants hath, indeed, been done by the <i>Gandharvas</i>!
+They that come hither for other purposes, have been overtaken by
+consequences they had not foreseen! Indeed, this is the result of
+the evil counsels of a king who is fond of deceitful play! It hath
+been heard by us that the foe of a person who is powerless, is
+overthrown by others. The Gandharvas have, in an extraordinary way
+illustrated before our eyes the truth of this saying! It seems that
+there is still fortunately some person in the world who is desirous
+of doing us good who hath, indeed, taken upon his own shoulders our
+pleasant load, although we are sitting idly! The wretch had come
+hither to cast his eyes on us,&mdash;himself in prosperity while
+ourselves are sunk in adversity and emaciated by ascetic
+austerities and are exposed to wind, cold and heat. They that
+imitate the behaviour of that sinful and wretched Kaurava, are now
+beholding his disgrace! He that had instructed Duryodhana to do
+this, had certainly acted sinfully. That the sons of Kunti are not
+wicked and sinful, I tell it before you all!'</p>
+<p>"And while Bhima, the son of Kunti, was speaking thus in a voice
+of sarcasm, king Yudhishthira told him, 'This is not time for cruel
+words!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLI</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O child, why dost thou use language such as
+this, towards the frightened Kurus, who are now in adversity and
+who have come to us, solicitous of protection! O Vrikodara,
+disunions and disputes do take place amongst those that are
+connected in blood. Hostilities such as these do go on. But the
+honour of the family is never suffered to be interfered with. If
+any stranger seeketh to insult the honour of a family, they that
+are good never tolerate such insult coming from the stranger. The
+wicked-souled king of the Gandharvas knoweth that we are living
+here from some time. Yet disregarding us, he hath done this deed
+which is so disagreeable to us! O exalted one, from this forcible
+seizure of Duryodhana and from this insult to the ladies of our
+house by a stranger, our family honour is being destroyed.
+Therefore, ye tigers among men, arise and arm yourselves without
+delay for rescuing those that have sought our protection and for
+guarding the honour of our family. Ye tigers among men, let Arjuna
+and the twins and thyself also that art brave and unvanquished,
+liberate Duryodhana, who is even now being taken away a captive! Ye
+foremost of warriors, these blazing cars, furnished with golden
+flagstaffs and every kind of weapons belonging to Dhritarashtra's
+sons, are ready here. With Indrasena and other charioteers skilled
+in arms, for guiding them, ride ye on these everfurnished cars of
+deep rattle! And riding on these, exert ye with activity for
+fighting with the Gandharvas to liberate Duryodhana. Even an
+ordinary Kshatriya <span class="pagenum">[Pg 488]</span> (amongst
+those that are here), would to the height of his power, protect one
+that hath come hither for refuge! What then, O Vrikodara, shall I
+say of thee! Entreated for assistance in such words as "<i>O hasten
+to my aid</i>!" Who is there (amongst those standing around me)
+that is high-souled enough to assist even his foe, beholding him
+seeking shelter with joined hands? The bestowal of a boon,
+sovereignty, and the birth of a son are sources of great joy. But,
+ye sons of Pandu, the liberation of a foe from distress is equal to
+all the three put together! What can be a source of greater joy to
+you than that Duryodhana sunk in distress seeketh his very life as
+depending on the might of your arms? O Vrikodara, if the vow in
+which I am engaged had been over, there is little doubt that I
+would myself have run to his aid. Strive thou by all means, O
+Bharata, to liberate Duryodhana by the arts of conciliation. If,
+however, the king of the Gandharvas cannot be managed by the arts
+of conciliation, then must thou try to rescue Suyodhana by lightly
+skirmishing with the foe. But if the chief of the Gandharvas do not
+let the Kurus off even then, they must be rescued by crushing the
+foe by all means. O Vrikodara, this is all I can tell thee now, for
+my vow hath been begun and is not ended yet!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Ajatasatru,
+Dhananjaya pledged himself, from respect for these commands of his
+superior, to liberate the Kauravas. And Arjuna said, 'If the
+Gandharvas do not set the Dhartarashtras free peacefully, the Earth
+shall this day drink the blood of the king of the Gandharvas!' And
+hearing that pledge of the truth-speaking Arjuna, the Kauravas
+then, O king, regained (the lost) tenor of their minds."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Hearing the words of Yudhishthira, those
+bulls among men, headed by Bhimasena, rose up with faces beaming in
+joy. And those mighty warriors, O Bharata, then began to case
+themselves in impenetrable mail that were besides variegated with
+pure gold, and armed themselves with celestial weapons of various
+kinds. And the Pandavas thus cased in mail, and mounted on those
+chariots furnished with flagstaffs and armed with bows and arrows,
+looked like blazing fires. And those tigers among warriors, riding
+upon those well furnished cars drawn by fleet horses, proceeded to
+that spot without losing a moment. And beholding those mighty
+warriors&mdash;the sons of Pandu&mdash;thus proceeding together
+(for the liberation of Duryodhana), the Kuru army sent forth a loud
+shout. And soon did those rangers of the sky flushed with victory,
+and those impetuous warriors, the sons of Pandu, fearlessly
+encounter each other in that forest. The Gandharvas were flushed
+with success, and beholding the four brave sons of Pandu coming to
+battle seated on their cars, they all turned back towards the
+advancing combatants. And, the dwellers of the Gandhamadana,
+beholding the Pandavas looking like blazing guardians of the world
+provoked to ire, stood arrayed <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+489]</span> in order of battle. And, O Bharata, in accordance with
+words of king Yudhishthira of great wisdom, the encounter that took
+place was a skirmish. But when Arjuna&mdash;that persecutor of
+foes&mdash;saw that the foolish soldiers of the king of Gandharvas
+could not be made to understand what was good for them by means of
+a light skirmish, he addressed those invincible rangers of the
+skies in a conciliatory tone and said, 'Leave ye my brother king
+Suyodhana.' Thus addressed by the illustrious son of Pandu, the
+Gandharvas, laughing aloud, replied unto him saying, 'O child,
+there is but one in the world whose behests we obey and living
+under whose rule we pass our days in happiness: O Bharata, we
+always act as that one only person commandeth us! Besides that
+celestial chief there is none that can command us!' Thus addressed
+by the Gandharvas, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, replied unto them,
+saying, 'This contact with other people's wives and this hostile
+encounter with human beings are acts that are both censurable in
+the king of the Gandharvas and not proper for him. Therefore, leave
+ye these sons of Dhritarashtra all endued with mighty energy. And
+liberate ye also these ladies, at the command of king Yudhishthira
+the just. If, ye Gandharvas, ye do not set the sons of
+Dhritarashtra free peacefully, I shall certainly rescue Suyodhana
+(and his party) by exerting my prowess.' And speaking unto them
+thus, Pritha's son, Dhananjaya, capable of wielding the bow with
+his left hand also, then rained a shower of sharp pointed
+sky-ranging shafts upon those rangers of the firmament. Thus
+attacked, the mighty Gandharvas then encountered the sons of Pandu
+with a shower of arrows equally thick, and the Pandavas also
+replied by attacking those dwellers of heaven. And the battle then,
+O Bharata, that ranged between the active and agile Gandharvas and
+the impetuous son of Pandu was fierce in the extreme."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then those Gandharvas decked in golden
+garlands and accomplished in celestial weapons, showing their
+blazing shafts, encountered the Pandavas from every side. And as
+the sons of Pandu were only four in number and the Gandharvas
+counted by thousands, the battle that ensued appeared to be
+extraordinary. And as the cars of Karna and Duryodhana had formerly
+been broken into a hundred fragments by the Gandharvas, so were the
+cars of the four heroes attempted to be broken. But those tigers
+among men began to encounter with their showers of arrows thousands
+upon thousands of Gandharvas rushing towards them. Those rangers of
+skies endued with great energy, thus checked on all sides by that
+arrowy down-pour, succeeded not in even coming near to the sons of
+Pandu. Then Arjuna whose ire had been provoked, aiming at the angry
+Gandharvas, prepared to hurl against them his celestial weapons.
+And in that encounter, the mighty Arjuna, by means of his
+<i>Agneya</i> weapon, sent ten hundreds of thousands of Gandharvas
+to the abode of Yama. And that mighty bowman, Bhima, also, that
+foremost of all warriors in battle, slew, by means of his
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 490]</span> sharp arrows, Gandharvas by
+hundreds. And the mighty sons of Madri also, battling with vigour,
+encountered hundreds of Gandharvas, O king, and slaughtered them
+all. And as Gandharvas were being thus slaughtered by the mighty
+warriors with their celestial weapons, they rose up to the skies,
+taking with them the sons of Dhritarashtra. But Dhananjaya, the son
+of Kunti, beholding them rise up to the skies, surrounded them on
+every side by a wide net of arrows. And confined within that arrowy
+net like birds within a cage, they showered in wrath upon Arjuna
+maces and darts and broad-swords. But Arjuna who was conversant
+with the most efficacious weapons, soon checked that shower of
+maces and darts and broad-swords, and in return began to mangle the
+limbs of the Gandharvas with his crescent-shaped arrows. And heads
+and legs and arms began to drop down from above resembling a shower
+of stones. And at that sight, the foe was struck with panic. And as
+the Gandharvas were being slaughtered by the illustrious son of
+Pandu, they began to shower from the skies a heavy downpour of
+shafts upon Arjuna, who was on the surface of the earth. But that
+chastiser of foes, Arjuna, endued with mighty energy checked that
+shower of arrows by means of his own weapons and began, in return,
+to wound them. Then Arjuna of the Kuru race shot his well-known
+weapons called <i>Sthunakarna, Indrajala, Saura, Agneya</i> and
+<i>Saumya</i>. And the Gandharvas consumed by the fiery weapons of
+Kunti's son, began to suffer heavily, like the sons of Diti, while
+being scorched by Sakra's thunder-bolt. And when they attacked
+Arjuna from above, they were checked by his net of arrows. And
+while they attacked him from all sides on the surface of the earth,
+they were checked by his crescent-shaped arrows. And beholding the
+Gandharvas put in fear by Kunti's son, Chitrasena rushed, O
+Bharata, at Dhananjaya, armed with a mace. And as the king of the
+Gandharvas was rushing at Arjuna from above with that mace in hand,
+the latter cut with his arrows that mace wholly made of iron into
+seven pieces. And beholding that mace of his cut into many pieces
+by Arjuna of great activity, with his arrows, Chitrasena, by means
+of his science, concealed himself from the view of the Pandava and
+began to fight with him. The heroic Arjuna, however, by means of
+his own celestial weapons checked all the celestial weapons that
+were aimed at him by the Gandharvas. And when the chief of the
+Gandharvas saw that he was checked by the illustrious Arjuna with
+those weapons of his he entirely disappeared from sight by help of
+his powers of illusion. And Arjuna, observing that the chief of the
+Gandharvas was striking at him concealed from sight, attacked his
+assailant with celestial weapon inspired with proper
+<i>Mantras</i>. And the multiform Dhananjaya filled with wrath,
+prevented the disappearance of his foe by means of his weapon known
+by the name of <i>Sabda-veda</i>. And assailed with those weapons
+by the illustrious Arjuna, his dear friend, the king of the
+Gandharvas, showed himself unto him. And Chitrasena said, 'Behold
+in me thy friend battling with thee!' And beholding his friend
+Chitrasena exhausted in the battle, that bull among the sons of
+Pandu withdrew the weapons he had shot. And the other sons of Pandu
+beholding Arjuna withdraw his weapons, checked their flying steeds
+and the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 491]</span> impetus of their
+weapons and withdrew their bows. And Chitrasena and Bhima and
+Arjuna and the twins enquiring about one another's welfare, sat
+awhile on their respective cars."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then that mighty bowman of blazing
+splendour, Arjuna, smilingly said unto Chitrasena in the midst of
+the Gandharva host, 'What purpose dost thou serve, O hero, in
+punishing the Kauravas? O, why also hath Suyodhana with his wives
+been thus punished?'</p>
+<p>"Chitrasena replied, 'O Dhananjaya, without stirring from my own
+abode I became acquainted with the purpose of the wicked Duryodhana
+and the wretched Karna in coming hither. The purpose was even
+this,&mdash;knowing that ye are exiles in the forest and suffering
+great afflictions as if ye had none to take care of you, himself in
+prosperity, this wretch entertained the desire of beholding you
+plunged in adversity and misfortune. They came hither for mocking
+you and the illustrious daughter of Drupada. The lord of the
+celestials also, having ascertained this purpose of theirs, told
+me, "Go thou and bring Duryodhana hither in chains along with his
+counsellors. Dhananjaya also with his brother should always be
+protected by thee in battle, for he is thy dear friend and
+disciple." At these words of the lord of the celestials I came
+hither speedily. This wicked prince hath also been put in chains. I
+will now proceed to the region of the celestials, whither I will
+lead this wicked wight at the command of the slayer of Paka!'</p>
+<p>"Arjuna answered, saying, 'O Chitrasena, if thou wishest to do
+what is agreeable to me, set Suyodhana free, at the command of king
+Yudhishthira the just, for he is our brother!'</p>
+<p>"Chitrasena said, 'This sinful wretch is always full of vanity.
+He deserveth not to be set free. O Dhananjaya, he hath deceived and
+wronged both king Yudhishthira the just and Krishna. Yudhishthira
+the son of Kunti as yet knoweth not the purpose on which the wretch
+came hither. Let the king, therefore, do what he desires after
+knowing everything!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "After this, all of them went to king
+Yudhishthira the just. And going unto the king, they represented
+unto him everything about Duryodhana's conduct. And Ajatasatru,
+hearing everything that the Gandharvas had said, liberated all the
+Kauravas and applauded the Gandharvas. And the king said,
+'Fortunate it is for us that though gifted with great strength, ye
+did not yet slay the wicked son of Dhritarashtra along with all
+counsellors and relatives. This, O sir, hath been an act of great
+kindness done to me by the Gandharvas. The honour also of my family
+is saved by liberating this wicked wight. I am glad at seeing you
+all. Command me what I am to do for you. And having obtained all
+you wish, return ye soon whence ye came!'</p>
+<p>"Thus addressed by the intelligent son of Pandu, the Gandharvas
+became well-pleased and went away with the Apsaras. And the lord of
+the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 492]</span> celestials then, coming
+to that spot, revived those Gandharvas that had been slain in the
+encounter with the Kurus, by sprinkling the celestial <i>Amrita</i>
+over them. And the Pandavas also, having liberated their relatives
+along with the ladies of the royal household, and having achieved
+that difficult feat (the defeat of the Gandharvas host) became
+well-pleased. And those illustrious and mighty warriors worshipped
+by the Kurus along with their sons and wives, blazed forth in
+splendour like flaming fires in the sacrificial compound. And
+Yudhishthira then addressing the liberated Duryodhana in the midst
+of his brothers, from affection, told him these words: 'O child,
+never again do such a rash act. O Bharata, a rash wight never
+cometh by happiness. O son of the Kuru race, pleased be thou with
+all thy brothers. Go back to thy capital as pleaseth thee, without
+yielding thyself to despondency or cheerlessness!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dismissed by the son of Pandu,
+king Duryodhana then saluted king Yudhishthira the just and
+overwhelmed with shame, and his heart rent in twain, mechanically
+set out for his capital, like one destitute of life. And after the
+Kaurava prince had departed, the brave Yudhishthira, the son of
+Kunti, along with his brothers, was worshipped by the Brahmanas,
+and surrounded by those Brahmanas endued with the wealth of
+asceticism, like Sakra himself by the celestials, he began to pass
+his days happily in the woods of Dwaita."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLV</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "After his defeat and capture by the foe and
+his subsequent liberation by the illustrious sons of Pandu by force
+of arms, it seemeth to me that the entry into Hastinapura of the
+proud, wicked, boastful, vicious, insolent, and wretched
+Duryodhana, engaged in insulting the sons of Pandu and bragging of
+his own superiority, must have been exceedingly difficult. Describe
+to me in detail, O Vaisampayana, the entry into the capital, of
+that prince overwhelmed with shame and unmanned by grief!"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Dismissed by the king Yudhishthira the just,
+Dhritarashtra's son Suyodhana, bending his head down in shame and
+afflicted with grief and melancholy, set out slowly. And the king,
+accompanied by his four kinds of forces, proceeded towards his
+city, his heart rent in grief and filled with thoughts of his
+defeat along the way in a region that abounded in grass and water.
+The king encamped on a delightful piece of ground as pleased him
+best, with his elephants and cars and cavalry and infantry
+stationed all around. And as the king Duryodhana was seated on an
+elevated bedstead endued with the effulgence of fire, himself
+looking like the moon under an eclipse, towards the small hours of
+the morning Karna, approaching him, said, 'Fortunate it is, O son
+of Gandhari, that thou art alive! Fortunate it is, that we have
+once more met! By good luck it is that thou hast vanquished the
+Gandharvas capable of assuming any form at will. And, O son of the
+Kuru race, it is by good luck alone, that I am enabled to see thy
+brothers&mdash;mighty <span class="pagenum">[Pg 493]</span>
+warriors all&mdash;come off victorious from that encounter, having
+subjugated their foes! As regards myself, assailed by all the
+Gandharvas, I fled before thy eyes, unable to rally our flying
+host. Assailed by the foe with all his might, my body mangled with
+their arrows, I sought safety in flight. This however, O Bharata,
+seemed to me to be a great marvel that I behold you all come safe
+and sound in body, with your wives, troops, and vehicles, out of
+that super-human encounter. O Bharata, there is another man in this
+world who can achieve what thou, O king, hast achieved in battle
+to-day with thy brothers.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king
+Duryodhana replied unto the ruler of the Angas in a voice choked
+with tears."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLVI</h2>
+<p>"Duryodhana said, 'O Radheya, thou knowest not what hath
+happened. Therefore, I do not resent thy words. Thou thinkest the
+hostile Gandharvas to have been vanquished by me with my own
+energy. O thou of mighty arms, my brothers, indeed had for a long
+time, aided by me fought with the Gandharvas. The slaughtered,
+indeed, on both sides were great. But when those brave Gandharvas,
+resorting to their many powers of illusion, ascended the skies and
+began to fight with us thence, our encounter with them ceased to be
+an equal one. Defeat then was ours and even captivity. And
+afflicted with sorrow, we along with our attendants and counsellors
+and children and wives and troops and vehicles were being taken by
+them through the skies. It was then that some soldiers of ours and
+some brave officers repaired in grief unto the sons of
+Pandu&mdash;those heroes that never refuse succour to those that
+ask for it. And having gone to them they said, "Here is king
+Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, who with his younger brothers
+and friends and wives is being led away a captive by the Gandharvas
+along the sky. Blest be ye. Liberate the king along with the women
+of the royal household! Suffer no insult to be offered unto all the
+ladies of the Kuru race." And when they had spoken thus, the eldest
+of Pandu's sons, who is endued with a virtuous soul then
+conciliated his brothers and commanded them to liberate us. Then
+those bulls among men, the Pandavas, overtaking the Gandharvas,
+solicited our release in soft words, although fully able to effect
+it by force of arms. And when the Gandharvas, addressed in such
+conciliatory words, refused to set us at liberty, then Arjuna and
+Bhima and the twins endued with mighty energy, shot showers of
+arrows at the Gandharvas. Then the Gandharvas, abandoning the
+fight, fled through the sky, dragging our melancholy selves after
+them, filled with joy. Then we beheld a network of arrows spread
+all around by Dhananjaya, who was also shooting celestial weapons
+upon the foe. And seeing the points of the horizon covered by
+Arjuna with a thick network of sharp arrows, his friend, the chief
+of the Gandharvas, showed himself. And Chitrasena and Arjuna,
+embracing each other, enquired after each other's welfare. And the
+other <span class="pagenum">[Pg 494]</span> sons of Pandu also
+embraced the chief of the Gandharvas and were embraced by him. And
+enquiries of courtesy passed between them also. And the brave
+Gandharvas then abandoning their weapons and mail mingled in a
+friendly spirit with the Pandavas. And Chitrasena and Dhananjaya
+worshipped each other with regard.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLVII</h2>
+<p>"Duryodhana said, 'That slayer of hostile heroes, Arjuna, then
+approaching Chitrasena, smilingly addressed him in these manly
+words: "O hero, O foremost of the Gandharvas, it behoveth thee to
+set my brothers at liberty. They are incapable of being insulted as
+long as the sons of Pandu are alive." Thus addressed by the
+illustrious son of Pandu, the chief of the Gandharvas, O Karna,
+disclosed unto the Pandavas the object we had in view in proceeding
+to that place, viz., that we came there for casting our eyes on the
+sons of Pandu with their wife, all plunged in misery. And while the
+Gandharva was disclosing those counsels of ours, overwhelmed with
+shame I desired the earth to yield me a crevice, so that I might
+disappear there and then. The Gandharvas then, accompanied by the
+Pandavas, went to Yudhishthira, and, disclosing unto him also
+counsels, made us over, bound as we were, to him. Alas, what
+greater sorrow could be mine than that I should thus be offered as
+a tribute unto Yudhishthira, in the very sight of the women of our
+household, myself in chains and plunged in misery, and under the
+absolute control of my enemies. Alas, they, who have ever been
+persecuted by me, they unto whom I have ever been a foe released me
+from captivity, and wretch that I am, I am indebted to them for my
+life. If, O hero, I had met with my death in that great battle,
+that would have been far better than that I should have obtained my
+life in this way. If I had been slain by the Gandharvas, my fame
+would have spread over the whole earth, and I should have obtained
+auspicious regions of eternal bliss in the heaven of Indra. Listen
+to me therefore, ye bulls among men, as to what I intend to do now.
+I will stay here forgoing all food, while ye all return home. Let
+all my brothers also go to Hastinapura. Let all our friends,
+including Karna, and all our relatives headed by Dussasana, return
+now to the capital. Insulted by the foe, I myself will not repair
+thither. I who had before wrested from the foe his respect, I who
+had always enhanced the respect of my friends, have now become a
+source of sorrow unto friends and of joy unto enemies. What shall I
+now say unto the king, going to the city named after the elephant?
+What will Bhishma and Drona, Kripa, and Drona's son, Vidura and
+Sanjaya, Vahuka and Somadatta and other revered seniors,&mdash;what
+will the principal men of the other orders and men of independent
+professions, say to me and what shall I say unto them in reply?
+Having hitherto stayed over the heads of my enemies, having
+hitherto trod upon their breasts, I have fallen away from my
+position. How shall I ever speak with them? Insolent men having
+obtained prosperity and knowledge and affluence, are seldom blest
+for any <span class="pagenum">[Pg 495]</span> length of time like
+myself puffed up with vanity. Alas, led by folly I have done a
+highly improper and wicked act, for which, fool that I am, I have
+fallen into such distress. Therefore, will I perish by starving,
+life having become insupportable to me. Relieved from distress by
+the foe, what man of spirit is there who can drag on his existence?
+Proud as I am, shorn of manliness, the foe hath laughed at me, for
+the Pandavas possessed of prowess have looked at me plunged in
+misery!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "While giving way to such reflections
+Duryodhana spoke unto Dussasana thus: 'O Dussasana, listen to these
+words of mine, O thou of the Bharata race! Accepting this
+installation that I offer thee, be thou king in my place. Rule thou
+the wide earth protected by Karna and Suvala's sons. Like Indra
+himself looking after the Maruts, cherish thou thy brothers in such
+a way that they may all confide in thee. Let thy friends and
+relatives depend on thee like the gods depending on him of a
+hundred sacrifices. Always shouldst thou bestow pensions on
+Brahmanas, without idleness, and be thou ever the refuge of thy
+friends and relatives. Like Vishnu looking after the celestials,
+thou shouldst always look after all consanguineous relatives. Thou
+shouldst also ever cherish thy superiors. Go, rule thou the earth
+gladdening thy friends and reproving thy foes.' And clasping his
+neck, Duryodhana said, 'Go!' Hearing these words of his, Dussasana
+in perfect cheerlessness and overwhelmed with great sorrow, his
+voice choked in tears, said, with joined hands and bending his head
+unto his eldest brother, 'Relent!' And saying this he fell down on
+earth with heavy heart. And afflicted with grief that tiger among
+men, shedding his tears on the feet of his brother again said,
+'This will never be! The earth may split, the vault of heaven may
+break in pieces, the sun may cast off his splendour, the moon may
+abandon his coolness, the wind may forsake its speed, the Himavat
+may be moved from its site, the waters of the ocean may dry up, and
+fire may abandon its heat, yet I, O king, may never rule the earth
+without thee.' And Dussasana repeatedly said, 'Relent, O king! Thou
+alone shall be king in our race for a hundred years.' And having
+spoken thus unto the king, Dussasana began to weep melodiously
+catching, O Bharata, the feet of his eldest brother deserving of
+worship from him.</p>
+<p>"And beholding Dussasana and Duryodhana thus weeping, Karna in
+great grief approached them both and said, 'Ye Kuru princes, why do
+you thus yield to sorrow like ordinary men, from senselessness?
+Mere weeping can never ease a sorrowing man's grief. When weeping
+can never remove one's griefs, what do you gain by thus giving way
+to sorrow? Summon patience to your aid to not gladden the foe by
+such conduct. O king, the Pandavas only did their duty in
+liberating thee. They that reside in the dominions of the king,
+should always do what is agreeable to the king. Protected by thee,
+the Pandavas are residing happily in thy dominion. It behoveth thee
+not to indulge in such sorrow like an ordinary person. Behold, thy
+uterine brothers are all sad and cheerless at seeing thee resolved
+to put an end to thy life by forgoing food. Blest be thou! Rise up
+and come to thy city and console these thy uterine brothers.'"
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 496]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLVIII</h2>
+<p>"Karna continued, 'O king, this conduct of thine to-day
+appeareth to be childish. O hero, O slayer of foes, what is to be
+wondered at in this that the Pandavas liberated thee when thou wert
+vanquished by the foe? O son of the Kuru race, those that reside in
+the territories of the king, especially those (amongst them) that
+lead the profession of arms, should always do what is agreeable to
+the king whether they happen to be known to their monarch or
+unknown to him. It happened often that foremost men who crush the
+ranks of the hostile host, are vanquished by them, and are rescued
+by their own troops. They that leading the profession of arms,
+reside in the king's realm should always combine and exert
+themselves to the best of their power, for the king. If, therefore,
+O king, the Pandavas, who live in the territories, have liberated
+thee, what is there to be regretted at in this? That the Pandavas,
+O best of kings, did not follow thee when thou didst march forth to
+battle at the head of thy troops, has been an improper act on their
+part. They had before this come under thy power, becoming thy
+slaves. They are, therefore, bound to aid thee now, being endued
+with courage and might and incapable of turning away from the field
+of battle. Thou art enjoying all the rich possessions of the
+Pandavas. Behold them yet alive, O king! They have not resolved to
+die, forgoing all food. Blest be thou! Rise up, O king! It behoveth
+thee not to indulge in great sorrow long. O king, it is the certain
+duty of those that reside in the king's realm to do what is
+agreeable to the king. Where should the regret be in all this? If
+thou, O king, dost not act according to my words I shall stay here
+employed in reverentially serving thy feet. O bull among men, I do
+not desire to live deprived of thy company. O king, if thou
+resolvest to slay thyself by forgoing food, thou wilt simply be an
+object of laughter with other kings.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king
+Duryodhana, firmly resolved to leave the world, desired not to rise
+from where he sat."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Beholding king Duryodhana, incapable of
+putting up with an insult, seated with the resolution of giving up
+life by forgoing food, Sakuni, the son of Suvala, said these words
+to comfort him. Sakuni said, 'O son of the Kuru race, you have just
+heard what Karna hath said. His words are, indeed fraught with
+wisdom. Why wouldst thou abandoning from foolishness the high
+prosperity that I won for thee, cast off thy life today, O king,
+yielding to silliness? It seemeth to me to-day that thou hast never
+waited upon the old. He that cannot control sudden accession of joy
+or grief, is lost even though he may have obtained prosperity, like
+an unburnt earthen vessel in water. That king who is entirely
+destitute of courage, who hath no spark of manliness, who is the
+slave of procrastination, who <span class="pagenum">[Pg 497]</span>
+always acts with indiscretion, who is addicted to sensual
+pleasures, is seldom respected by his subjects. Benefited as thou
+has been, whence is this unreasonable grief of thine? Do not undo
+this graceful act done by the sons of Pritha, by indulging in such
+grief. When thou shouldst joy and reward the Pandavas, thou art
+grieving, O king? Indeed, this behaviour of thine is inconsistent.
+Be cheerful, do not cast away thy life; but remember with a pleased
+heart the good they have done thee. Give back unto the sons of
+Pritha their kingdom, and win thou both virtue and renown by such
+conduct. By acting in this way, thou mayst be grateful. Establish
+brotherly relations with the Pandavas by being friends, and give
+them their paternal kingdom, for then thou wilt be happy!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Sakuni, and
+seeing the brave Dussasana lying prostrate before him unmanned by
+fraternal love, the king raised Dussasana and, clasping him in his
+well round arms, smelt his head from affection. And hearing these
+words of Karna and Sauvala, king Duryodhana lost heart more than
+ever, and he was overwhelmed with shame and utter despair overtook
+his soul. And hearing all that his friends said, he answered with
+sorrow, 'I have nothing more to do with virtue, wealth, friendship,
+affluence, sovereignty, and enjoyments. Do not obstruct my purpose,
+but leave me all of you. I am firmly resolved to cast away my life
+by forgoing food. Return to the city, and treat my superiors there
+respectfully.'</p>
+<p>"Thus addressed by him, they replied unto that royal grinder of
+foes, saying, 'O monarch, the course that is thine, is also ours, O
+Bharata. How can we enter the city without thee?'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Though addressed in all manner of ways
+by his friends and counsellors and brothers and relatives, the king
+wavered not from his purpose. And the son of Dhritarashtra in
+accordance with his purpose spread <i>Kusa</i> grass on the earth,
+and purifying himself by touching water, sat down upon that spot.
+And clad in rags and <i>Kusa</i> grass he set himself to observe
+the highest vow. And stopping all speech, that tiger among kings,
+moved by the desire of going to heaven, began to pray and worship
+internally suspending all external intercourse.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile the fierce <i>Daityas</i> and the <i>Danavas</i> who
+had been defeated of old by the celestials and had been dwelling in
+the nether regions having ascertained Duryodhana's purpose and
+knowing that if the king died their party would be weakened,
+commenced a sacrifice with fire for summoning Duryodhana to their
+presence. And <i>mantra</i> knowing persons then commenced with the
+help of formulae declared by Brihaspati and Usanas, those rites
+that are indicated in the <i>Atharva Veda</i> and the
+<i>Upanishads</i> and which are capable of being achieved by
+<i>mantras</i> and prayers. And Brahmins of rigid vows, well-versed
+in the <i>Vedas</i> and the branches, began, with rapt soul, to
+pour libations of clarified butter and milk into the fire, uttering
+<i>mantras</i>. And after those rites were ended, a strange
+goddess, O king, with mouth wide open, arose (from the sacrificial
+fire), saying, 'What am I to do?' And the Daityas with well-pleased
+hearts, commanded her, saying, 'Bring thou hither the royal
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 498]</span> son of Dhritarashtra, who is
+even now observing the vow of starvation for getting rid of his
+life.' Thus commanded, she went away saying, 'So be it.' And she
+went in the twinkling of an eye to that spot where Suyodhana was.
+And taking up the king back to the nether regions, and having
+brought him thus in a moment, she apprised the <i>Danavas</i> of
+it. And the <i>Danavas</i> beholding the king brought into their
+midst in the night, united together, and all of them with
+well-pleased hearts and eyes expanded in delight addressed these
+flattering words to Duryodhana."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCL</h2>
+<p>"The Danavas said, 'O Suyodhana, O great king! O perpetuator of
+the race of Bharata, thou art ever surrounded by heroes and
+illustrious men. Why hast thou, then, undertaken to do such a rash
+act as the vow of starvation? The suicide ever sinketh into hell
+and becometh the subject of calumnious speech. Nor do intelligent
+persons like thee ever set their hands to acts that are sinful and
+opposed to their best interests and striking at the very root of
+their purposes. Restrain this resolve of thine, therefore, O king,
+which is destructive of morality, profit, and happiness, of fame,
+prowess, and energy, and which enhanceth the joy of foes. O exalted
+king, know the truth, the celestial origin of thy soul, and the
+maker of thy body, and then summon thou patience to thy aid. In
+days of old, O king, we have obtained thee, by ascetic austerities
+from Maheswara. The upper part of thy body is wholly made of an
+assemblage of <i>Vajras</i>, and is, therefore, invulnerable to
+weapons of every description, O sinless one. The lower part of thy
+body, capable of captivating the female heart by its comeliness was
+made of flowers by the goddess herself&mdash;the wife of Mahadeva.
+Thy body is thus, O best of kings, the creation of Maheswara
+himself and his goddess. Therefore, O tiger among kings, thou art
+of celestial origin, not human. Other brave Kshatriyas of mighty
+energy headed by Bhagadatta, and all acquainted with celestial
+weapons, will slay thy foes. Therefore, let this grief of thine
+cease. Thou hast no cause for fear. For aiding thee, many heroic
+<i>Danavas</i> have been born on the earth. Other Asuras will also
+possess Bhishma and Drona and Karna and others. Possessed by those
+Asuras, these heroes will cast away their kindness and fight with
+thy foes. Indeed, when the <i>Danavas</i> will enter their heart
+and possess them completely, flinging all affections to a distance,
+becoming hard-hearted, these warriors will strike every body
+opposed to them in battle without sparing sons, brothers, fathers,
+friends, disciples, relatives, even children and old men. Blinded
+by ignorance and wrath, and impelled by that destiny which hath
+been ordained by the Creator, these tigers among men, with hearts
+steeped in sin, will, O thou foremost of the Kurus, depopulate the
+earth by hurling and shooting all kinds of weapons, with great
+manliness and strength and always addressing one another boastfully
+with words such as these, "<i>Thou shall not escape from me today
+with life</i>." And these illustrious sons of Pandu also, five in
+number, will fight with these. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+499]</span> And, endued with mighty strength and favoured by Fate,
+they will compass the destruction of these. And, O king, many
+<i>Daityas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i> also that have been born in the
+Kshatriya order, will fight with great prowess in the battle with
+thy foes, using maces and clubs and lances and various weapons of a
+superior kind. And, O hero, with respect to the fear that is in thy
+heart rising from Arjuna, we have already settled the means for
+slaying Arjuna. The soul of the slain Naraka hath assumed the form
+of Karna. Recollecting his former hostility he will encounter both
+Kesava and Arjuna. And that mighty warrior and foremost of smiters,
+proud of his prowess will vanquish Arjuna in battle as also all thy
+enemies. The wielder of the thunder-bolt, knowing all this, and
+desirous of saving Arjuna, will in disguise take away from Karna
+his ear-rings and coat of mail. We also have for that reason
+appointed hundreds upon hundreds and thousands upon thousands of
+<i>Daityas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i>, viz., those that are known by
+the name of <i>Samsaptakas</i>.<a id="footnotetag43" name="footnotetag43"></a><a href="#footnote43"><sup>43</sup></a> These
+celebrated warriors will slay the heroic Arjuna. Therefore, grieve
+not, O king. Thou wilt rule the whole earth, O monarch, without a
+rival. Do not yield to despondency. Conduct such as this does not
+suit thee. O thou of the Kuru race, if thou diest, our party
+becometh weak. Go thou, O hero, and let not thy mind be directed to
+any other course of action. Thou art ever our refuge as, indeed,
+the Pandavas are the refuge of the gods.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having addressed him thus, those
+<i>Daityas</i> embraced that elephant among kings, and those bulls
+among the <i>Danavas</i> cheered that irrepressible one like a son.
+And, O Bharata, pacifying his mind by soft speech, they permitted
+him to depart, saying, 'Go and attain victory!' And when they had
+given leave to the mighty-armed one, that very goddess carried him
+back to the spot where he had sat down, intent upon putting an end
+to his life. And having set that hero down and paid him homage, the
+goddess vanished, taking the king's permission. O Bharata, when she
+had gone, king Duryodhana considered all (that had happened) as a
+dream. He then thought within himself, 'I shall defeat the Pandavas
+in battle.' And Suyodhana thought that Karna and the Samsaptaka
+army were both able (to destroy) and intent upon destroying that
+slayer of foes, Partha. Thus, O bull of the Bharata race, the hope
+was strengthened of the wicked minded son of Dhritarashtra, of
+conquering the Pandavas. And Karna also, his soul and faculties
+possessed by the inmost soul of Naraka, had at that time cruelly
+determined to slay Arjuna. And those heroes&mdash;the Samsaptakas
+also&mdash;having their sense possessed by the <i>Rakshasas</i>,
+and influenced by the qualities of emotion and darkness, were
+desirous of slaying Phalguna. And, O king, others with Bhishma,
+Drona, and Kripa at their head, having their faculties influenced
+by the Danavas, were not so affectionate towards the sons of Pandu
+as they had been. But king Suyodhana did not tell any one of
+this.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 500]</span></p>
+<p>"When the night passed away, Karna, that offspring of the Sun,
+with joined hands, smilingly addressed these wise words to king
+Duryodhana, 'No dead man conquereth his foes: it is when he is
+alive that he can see his good. Where is the good of the dead
+person; and, O Kauravya, where is his victory? Therefore, this is
+no time for grief, or fear or death.' And having, with his arms
+embraced that mighty-armed one, he further said, 'Rise up, O king!
+Why dost thou lie down? Why dost thou grieve, O slayer of foes?
+Having afflicted thy enemies by thy prowess, why dost thou wish for
+death? Or (perhaps) fear hath possessed thee at the sight of
+Arjuna's prowess. I truly promise unto thee that I will slay Arjuna
+in battle. O lord of men, I swear by my weapon that when the three
+and ten years shall have passed away, I will bring the sons of
+Pritha under thy subjection.' Thus addressed by Karna, and
+remembering the words of the <i>Daityas</i> and supplications made
+by them (his brothers), Suyodhana rose up. And having heard those
+words of the <i>Daityas</i> that tiger among men, with a firm
+resolve in his heart arrayed his army, abounding in horses and
+elephants and cars and infantry. And, O monarch, immensely swarming
+with white umbrellas, and pennons, and white <i>Chamaras</i>, and
+cars, and elephants, and foot-soldiers, that mighty army, as it
+moved like the waters of the Ganga, looked graceful like the
+firmament, at a season when the clouds have dispersed and the signs
+of autumn have been but partially developed. And, O foremost of
+kings, eulogised like a monarch by the best of the Brahmanas
+blessing with victory, that lord of men Suyodhana, Dhritarashtra's
+son, receiving honours paid with innumerable joined palms, and
+flaming in exceeding splendour, went in the front, accompanied by
+Karna, and that gambler, the son of Suvala. And all his brothers
+with Dussasana at their head, and Bhurisrava, and Somadatta, and
+the mighty king Vahlika, followed that lion among kings on his way,
+with cars of various forms, and horses, and the best of elephants.
+And, O prince among monarchs, in a short time, those perpetuators of
+the Kuru race entered their own city."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "When the high-souled sons of Pritha were
+living in the forest, what did those foremost of men and mighty
+archers&mdash;the sons of Dhritarashtra&mdash;do? And what did the
+offspring of the Sun, Karna, and the mighty Sakuni, and Bhishma,
+and Drona, and Kripa do? It behoveth thee to relate this unto
+me."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When, O mighty king, in this manner the
+Pandavas had gone, leaving Suyodhana, and when, having been
+liberated by Pandu's sons, he had come to Hastinapura, Bhishma said
+these words to the son of Dhritarashtra, 'O child, I had told thee
+before, when thou wert intent upon going to the hermitage that thy
+journey did not please me. But thou didst do so. And as a
+consequence, O hero, wert thou forcibly taken captive by the enemy,
+and wert delivered by the Pandavas versed in morality. Yet
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 501]</span> art thou not ashamed. Even in
+the presence of thee, O son of Gandhari, together with thy army,
+did the Suta's son, struck with panic, fly from the battle of the
+Gandharvas, O king. And, O foremost of kings, O son of the monarch!
+while thou with thy army wert crying distressfully, thou didst
+witness the prowess of the high-souled Pandavas, and also, O
+mighty-armed one, of the wicked son of the Suta, Karna. O best of
+kings, whether in the science of arms, or heroism, or morality,
+Karna, O thou devoted to virtue, is not a fourth part of the
+Pandavas. Therefore, for the welfare of this race, the conclusion
+of peace is, I think, desirable with the high-souled Pandavas.'</p>
+<p>"Having been thus addressed by Bhishma, Dhritarashtra's son the
+king, laughed a good deal, and then suddenly sailed out with the
+son of Suvala. Thereupon, knowing that he was gone, those mighty
+bowmen with Karna, and Dussasana at their head, followed the highly
+powerful son of Dhritarashtra. And seeing them gone, Bhishma, the
+grandfather of the Kurus, hung down his head from shame, and then,
+O king, went to his own quarters. And, O mighty monarch, when
+Bhishma had left, that lord of men, Dhritarashtra's son came there
+again, and began to consult with his counsellors, 'What is it that
+is good for me? What remaineth to be done? And how we can most
+effectively bring about the good we shall discuss to-day.' Karna
+said, 'O Kuru's son, Duryodhana, do thou lay to heart the words
+that I say. Bhishma always blameth us, and praiseth the Pandavas.
+And from the ill-will he beareth towards thee, he hateth me also.
+And, O lord of men, in thy presence he ever crieth me down. I shall
+never, O Bharata, bear these words that Bhishma had said in thy
+presence in relation to this matter, extolling the Pandavas, and
+censuring thee, O represser of foes! Do thou, O king, enjoin on me,
+together with servants, forces, and cars. I shall, O monarch,
+conquer the earth furnished with mountains and woods and forests.
+The earth had been conquered by the four powerful Pandavas. I
+shall, without doubt, conquer it for thee single-handed. Let that
+wretch of the Kuru race, the exceedingly wicked-minded Bhishma, see
+it,&mdash;he who vilifies those that do not deserve censure, and
+praises those that should not be praised. Let him this day witness
+my might, and blame himself. Do thou, O king, command me. Victory
+shall surely be thine. By my weapon, O monarch, I swear this before
+thee.'</p>
+<p>"O king, O bull of the Bharata race, hearing those words of
+Karna, that lord of men, experiencing the highest delight, spoke
+unto Karna, saying, 'I am blessed. I have been favoured by
+thee,&mdash;since thou, endued with great strength, art ever intent
+on my welfare. My life hath borne fruit, to-day. As thou, O hero,
+intendest to subdue all our enemies, repair thou. May good betide
+thee! Do thou command me (what I am to do).' O subduer of foes,
+having been thus addressed by Dhritarashtra's intelligent son,
+Karna ordered all the necessaries for the excursion. And on an
+auspicious lunar day, at an auspicious moment, and under the
+influence of a star presided over by an auspicious deity, that
+mighty bowman, having been honoured by twice-born ones, and been
+bathed with auspicious and holy substances and also worshipped by
+speech set out, filling with the rattle of his car the three
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 502]</span> worlds, with their mobile and
+immobile objects."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O bull among the Bharatas, that
+mighty bowman, Karna, surrounded by a large army, besieged the
+beautiful city of Drupada. And he, after a hard conflict, brought
+the hero under subjection, and, O best of monarchs, made Drupada
+contribute silver and gold and gems, and also pay tribute. And, O
+foremost of kings, having subdued him, (Karna) brought under
+subjection those princes that were under him (Drupada) and made
+them pay tribute. Then going to the north, he subdued the
+sovereigns (of that quarter) and having effected the defeat of
+Bhagadatta, Radha's son ascended that mighty mountain Himavat, all
+along fighting his foes. And ranging all sides, he conquered and
+brought under subjection all the kings inhabiting the Himavat, and
+made them pay dues. Then descending from the mountain and rushing
+to the east, he reduced the Angas, and the Bangas, and the
+Kalingas, and the Mandikas, and the Magadhas, the Karkakhandas; and
+also included with them the Avasiras, Yodhyas, and the Ahikshatras.
+Having (thus) conquered the eastern quarter Karna then presented
+himself before Batsa-bhumi. And having taken Batsa-bhumi, he
+reduced Kevali, and Mrittikavati, and Mohana and Patrana, and
+Tripura, and Kosala,&mdash;and compelled all these to pay tribute.
+Then going to the south, Karna vanquished the mighty charioteers
+(of that quarter) and in Dakshinatya, the Suta's son entered into
+conflict with Rukmi. After having fought dreadfully, Rukmi spake to
+the Suta's son saying, 'O foremost of monarchs, I have been pleased
+with thy might and prowess. I shall not do thee wrong: I have only
+fulfilled the vow of a Kshatriya. Gladly will I give thee as many
+gold coins as thou desirest.' Having met with Rukmi, Karna repaired
+to Pandya and the mountain, Sri. And by fighting, he made Karala,
+king Nila, Venudari's son, and other best of kings living in the
+southern direction pay tribute. Then going to Sisupala's son, the
+son of the Suta defeated him and that highly powerful one also
+brought under his sway all the neighbouring rulers. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, having subjugated the Avantis and concluded peace
+with them, and having met with the Vrishnis, he conquered the west.
+And, having come to the quarter of Varuna, he made all the Yavana
+and Varvara kings pay tribute. And, having conquered the entire
+earth&mdash;east, west, north and south&mdash;that hero without any
+aid brought under subjection all the nations of the Mlechchhas, the
+mountaineers, the Bhadras, the Rohitakas, the Agneyas and the
+Malavas. And, having conquered the mighty charioteers, headed by
+the Nagnajitas, the Suta's son brought the <i>Sasakas</i> and the
+<i>Yavanas</i> under his sway. Having thus conquered and brought
+under his subjection the world, the mighty charioteer and tiger
+among men came (back) to Hastinapura. That lord of men,
+Dhritarashtra's son, accompanied by his father and brothers and
+friends, came to that mighty bowman, who had arrived, and duly paid
+homage unto Karna crowned with martial <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+503]</span> merit. And the king proclaimed his feats, saying, 'What
+I have not received from either Bhishma, or Drona, or Kripa, or
+Vahlika, I have received from thee. May good betide thee! What need
+of speaking at length! Hear my words, O Karna! In thee, O chief of
+men, I have my refuge. O mighty-armed one, O tiger among men,
+without doubt all the Pandavas and the other kings crowned with
+prosperity, come not to a sixteenth part of thee. Do thou, O mighty
+bowman, O Karna, see Dhritarashtra, and the illustrious Gandhari,
+as the bearer of the thunderbolt did Aditi.'</p>
+<p>"Then, O king, there arose in the city of Hastinapura a clamour,
+and sounds of <i>Oh!</i> and <i>Alas!</i> and, O lord of men, some
+of the kings praised him (Karna), while others censured him, while
+others, again, remained silent. Having thus, O foremost of
+monarchs, in a short time conquered this earth furnished with
+mountains and forests and skies, and with oceans, and fields, and
+filled with high and low tracts, and cities, and replete also with
+islands, O lord of earth, and brought the monarchs under
+subjection,&mdash;and having gained imperishable wealth, the Suta's
+son appeared before the king. Then, O represser of foes, entering
+into the interior of the palace that hero saw Dhritarashtra with
+Gandhari, O tiger among men, that one conversant with morality took
+hold of his feet even like a son. And Dhritarashtra embraced him
+affectionately, and then dismissed him. Ever since that time, O
+monarch, O Bharata, king Duryodhana and Sakuni, the son of Suvala,
+thought that Pritha's sons had already been defeated in battle by
+Karna."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "O king, O lord of men, that slayer of
+hostile heroes, the Suta's son, said these words to Duryodhana, 'O
+Kaurava Duryodhana, do thou lay unto thy heart the words that I
+shall tell thee; and, O represser of foes, after having heard my
+words, it behoveth thee to act accordingly every way. Now, O best
+of monarchs, O hero, hath the earth been rid of foes. Do thou rule
+her even like the mighty-minded Sakra himself, having his foes
+destroyed.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having been thus addressed by Karna,
+the king again spake unto him, saying, 'O bull among men, nothing
+whatever is unattainable to him who hath thee for refuge, and to
+whom thou art attached and on whose welfare thou art entirely
+intent. Now, I have a purpose, which do thou truly listen to.
+Having beheld that foremost of sacrifices, the mighty
+<i>Rajasuya</i>, performed by the Pandavas, a desire hath sprung up
+in me (to celebrate the same). Do thou, O Suta's son, fulfil this
+desire of mine.' Thus addressed, Karna spake thus unto the king,
+'Now that all the rulers of the earth have been brought under thy
+subjection, do thou summon the principal Brahmanas, and, O best of
+Kurus, duly procure the articles required for the sacrifice. And, O
+represser of foes, let Ritwijas as prescribed, and versed in the
+Vedas, celebrate thy rites according to the ordinance, O king. And,
+O bull of the Bharata race, let thy great sacrifice also, abounding
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 504]</span> in meats and drinks, and
+grand with parts, commence.'</p>
+<p>"O king, having been thus addressed by Karna, Dhritarashtra's
+son summoned the priest, and spake unto him these words, 'Do thou
+duly and in proper order celebrate for me that best of sacrifices,
+the <i>Rajasuya</i> furnished with excellent <i>Dakshinas</i>.'
+Thus accosted, that best of Brahmanas spake unto the king, saying,
+'O foremost of the Kauravas, while Yudhishthira is living, that
+best of sacrifices cannot be performed in thy family, O Prince of
+kings! Further, O monarch, thy father Dhritarashtra, endued with
+long life, liveth. For this reason also, O best of kings, this
+sacrifice cannot be undertaken by thee. There is, O lord, another
+great sacrifice, resembling the Rajasuya. Do thou, O foremost of
+kings, celebrate that sacrifice. Listen to these words of mine. All
+these rulers of the earth, who have, O king, become tributary to
+thee, will pay thee tribute in gold, both pure and impure. Of that
+gold, do thou, O best of monarchs, now make the (sacrificial)
+plough, and do thou, O Bharata, plough the sacrificial compound
+with it. At that spot, let there commence, O foremost of kings,
+with due rites, and without any disturbance the sacrifice,
+sanctified with <i>mantras</i> abounding in edibles. The name of
+that sacrifice worthy of virtuous persons, is Vaishnava. No person
+save the ancient Vishnu hath performed it before. This mighty
+sacrifice vies with that best of sacrifices&mdash;the
+<i>Rajasuya</i> itself. And, further, it liketh us&mdash;and it is
+also for thy welfare (to celebrate it). And, moreover, it is
+capable of being celebrated without any disturbance. (By
+undertaking this), thy desire will be fufilled.'</p>
+<p>"Having been thus addressed by those Brahmanas, Dhritarashtra's
+son, the king, spake these words to Karna, his brothers and the son
+of Suvala, 'Beyond doubt, the words of the Brahmanas are entirely
+liked by me. If they are relished by you also, express it without
+delay.' Thus appealed, they all said unto the king, 'So be it.'
+Then the king one by one appointed persons to their respective
+tasks; and desired all the artisans to construct the (sacrificial)
+plough. And, O best of kings, all that had been commanded to be
+done, was gradually executed."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then all the artisans, the principal
+counsellors, and the highly wise Vidura said unto Dhritarashtra's
+son, 'All the preparations for the excellent sacrifice have been
+made, O king; and the time also hath come, O Bharata. And the
+exceedingly precious golden plough hath been constructed.' Hearing
+this, O monarch, that best of kings, Dhritarashtra's son commanded
+that prince among sacrifices to be commenced. Then commenced that
+sacrifice sanctified by <i>mantras</i>, and abounding in edibles,
+and the son of Gandhari was duly initiated according to the
+ordinance. And Dhritarashtra, and the illustrious Vidura, and
+Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and the celebrated
+Gandhari experienced great delight. And, O foremost of kings,
+Duryodhana despatched swift <span class="pagenum">[Pg 505]</span>
+messengers to invite the princes and the Brahmanas. And mounting
+fleet vehicles they went to the (respective) directions assigned to
+them. Then to a certain messenger on the point of setting out,
+Dussasana said, 'Go thou speedily to the woods of <i>Dwaita</i>;
+and in that forest duly invite the Brahmanas and those wicked
+persons, the Pandavas.' Thereupon, he repaired thither, and bowing
+down to all the Pandavas, said, 'Having acquired immense wealth by
+his native prowess, that best of kings and foremost of Kurus,
+Duryodhana, O monarch, is celebrating a sacrifice. Thither are
+going from various directions the kings and the Brahmanas. O king,
+I have been sent by the high-souled Kaurava. That king and lord of
+men, Dhritarashtra's son, invites you. It behoveth you, therefore,
+to witness the delightful sacrifice of that monarch.'</p>
+<p>"Hearing these words of the messenger, that tiger among kings,
+the royal Yudhishthira, said, 'By good luck it is that that
+enhancer of the glory of his ancestors, king Suyodhana is
+celebrating this best of sacrifices. We should certainly repair
+thither; but we cannot do now; for till (the completion of) the
+thirteenth year, we shall have to observe our vow.' Hearing this
+speech of Yudhishthira the just, Bhima said these words, 'Then will
+king Yudhishthira the just go thither, when he will cast him
+(Duryodhana) into the fire kindled by weapons. Do thou say unto
+Suyodhana. "<i>When after the expiration of the thirteenth year,
+that lord of men, the Pandava, will, in the sacrifice of battle,
+pour upon the Dhritarashtras, the clarified butter of his ire, then
+will I come!</i>"' But the other Pandavas, O king, did not say
+anything unpleasant. The messenger (on his return) related unto
+Dhritarashtra's son all as it had fallen out. Then there came to
+the city of Dhritarashtra many foremost of men, lords of various
+countries, and highly virtuous Brahmanas. And duly received in
+order according to the ordinance, those lords of men experienced
+great delight and were all well-pleased. And that foremost among
+monarchs&mdash;Dhritarashtra&mdash;surrounded by all the Kauravas,
+experienced the height of joy, and spake unto Vidura, saying, 'Do
+thou, O Kshatta, speedily so act that all persons in the
+sacrificial compound may be served with food, be refreshed and
+satisfied.' Thereupon, O represser of foes, assenting to that
+order, the learned Vidura versed in morality, cheerfully
+entertained all the orders in proper measure with meat and
+beverages to eat and drink, and fragrant garland and various kinds
+of attire. And having constructed pavilions (for their
+accommodation), that hero and foremost of kings, duly entertained
+the princes and the Brahmanas by thousands, and also bestowing upon
+them wealth of various kinds, bade them farewell. And having
+dismissed all the kings, he entered Hastinapura, surrounded by his
+brothers, and in company with Karna and Suvala's son."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "While, O great king, Duryodhana was entering
+(the city), the panegyrists eulogized the prince of unfailing
+prowess. And <span class="pagenum">[Pg 506]</span> others also
+eulogized that mighty bowman and foremost of kings. And sprinkling
+over him fried paddy and sandal paste the citizens said, 'By good
+luck it is, O king, that thy sacrifice hath been completed without
+obstruction.' And some, more reckless of speech, that were present
+there, said unto that lord of the earth, 'Surely this thy sacrifice
+cannot be compared with Yudhishthira's: nor doth this come up to a
+sixteenth part of that (sacrifice).' Thus spake unto that king some
+that were reckless of consequences. His friends, however, said,
+'This sacrifice of thine hath surpassed all others. Yayati and
+Nahusha, and Mandhata and Bharata, having been sanctified by
+celebrating such a sacrifice, have all gone to heaven.' Hearing
+such agreeable words from his friends, that monarch, O bull of the
+Bharata's race, well-pleased, entered the city and finally his own
+abode. Then, O king, worshipping the feet of his father and mother
+and of others headed by Bhishma, Drona and Kripa, and of the wise
+Vidura, and worshipped in turn by his younger brothers, that
+delighter of brothers sat down upon an excellent seat, surrounded
+by the latter. And the Suta's son, rising up, said, 'By good luck
+it is, O foremost of the Bharata race, that this mighty sacrifice
+of thine hath been brought to a close. When, however, the sons of
+Pritha shall have been slain in battle and thou wilt have completed
+the <i>Rajasuya</i> sacrifice, once again, O lord of men, shall I
+honour thee thus.' Then that mighty king, the illustrious son of
+Dhritarashtra, replied unto him, 'Truly hath this been spoken by
+thee. When, O foremost of men, the wicked-minded Pandavas have been
+slain, and when also the grand <i>Rajasuya</i> hath been celebrated
+by me, then thou shalt again, O hero, honour me thus.' And having
+said this, O Bharata, the Kaurava embraced Karna, and began, O
+mighty king, to think of the <i>Rajasuya</i>, that foremost of
+sacrifices. And that best of kings also addressed the Kurus around
+him, saying, 'When shall I, ye Kauravas, having slain all the
+Pandavas, celebrate that costly and foremost of sacrifices, the
+<i>Rajasuya</i>.' Then spake Karna unto him, saying, 'Hear me, O
+elephant among kings! So long as I do not slay Arjuna, I shall not
+allow any one to wash my feet, nor shall I taste meat. And I shall
+observe the <i>Asura</i> vow<a id="footnotetag44" name="footnotetag44"></a><a href="#footnote44"><sup>44</sup></a> and
+whoever may solicit me (for any thing), I never shall say, "<i>I
+have it not</i>."' When Karna had thus vowed to slay Phalguna in
+battle, those mighty charioteers and bowmen, the sons of
+Dhritarashtra, sent up a loud cheer; and Dhritarashtra's sons
+thought that the Pandavas had already been conquered. Then that
+chief of kings, the graceful Duryodhana, leaving those bulls among
+men, entered his apartment, like the lord Kuvera entering the
+garden of Chitraratha. And all those mighty bowmen also, O Bharata,
+went to their respective quarters.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile those mighty bowmen, the Pandavas, excited by the
+words the messenger had spoken, became anxious, and they did not
+(from that time) <span class="pagenum">[Pg 507]</span> experience
+the least happiness. Intelligence, further, O foremost of kings,
+had been brought by spies regarding the vow of the Suta's son to
+slay Vijaya. Hearing this, O lord of men, Dharma's son became
+exceedingly anxious. And considering Karna of the impenetrable mail
+to be of wonderful prowess, and remembering all their woes, he knew
+no peace. And that high-souled one filled with anxiety, made up his
+mind to abandon the woods about <i>Dwaitavana</i> abounding with
+ferocious animals.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile the royal son of Dhritarashtra began to rule the
+earth, along with his heroic brothers as also with Bhishma and
+Drona and Kripa. And with the assistance of the Suta's son crowned
+with martial glory, Duryodhana remained ever intent on the welfare
+of the rulers of the earth, and he worshipped the foremost of
+Brahmanas by celebrating sacrifices with profuse gifts. And that
+hero and subduer of foes, O king, was engaged in doing good to his
+brothers, concluding for certain in his mind that giving and
+enjoying are the only use of riches."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLVI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "After having delivered Duryodhana, what did
+the mighty sons of Pandu do in that forest? It behoveth thee to
+tell me this."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Once on a time, as Yudhishthira lay down at
+night in the <i>Dwaita</i> woods, some deer, with accents choked in
+tears, presented themselves before him in his dreams. To them
+standing with joined hands, their bodies trembling all over that
+foremost of monarchs said, 'Tell me what ye wish to say. Who are
+ye? And what do ye desire?' Thus accosted by Kunti's son&mdash;the
+illustrious Pandava, those deer, the remnant of those that had been
+slaughtered, replied unto him, saying, 'We are, O Bharata, those
+deer that are still alive after them that had been slaughtered. We
+shall be exterminated totally. Therefore, do thou change thy
+residence. O mighty king, all thy brothers are heroes, conversant
+with weapons; they have thinned the ranks of the rangers of the
+forest. We few&mdash;the remnants,&mdash;O mighty-minded one,
+remain like seed. By thy favour, O king of kings, let us increase.'
+Seeing these deer, which remained like seed after the rest had been
+destroyed trembling and afflicted with fear, Yudhishthira the just
+was greatly affected with grief. And the king, intent on the
+welfare of all creatures, said unto them, 'So be it. I shall act as
+ye have said.' Awaking after such a vision, that excellent king,
+moved by pity towards the deer, thus spake unto his brothers
+assembled there, 'Those deer that are alive after them that have
+been slaughtered, accosted me at night, after I had awakened,
+saying, "<i>We remain like the cues of our lines. Blest be thou! Do
+thou have compassion on us</i>." And they have spoken truly. We
+ought to feel pity for the dwellers of the forest. We have been
+feeding on them for a year together and eight months. Let us,
+therefore, again (repair) to the romantic Kamyakas, that best of
+forests abounding in wild animals, situated at the head of the
+desert, near lake Trinavindu. And there let us pleasantly pass the
+rest of our time.' Then, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 508]</span> O
+king, the Pandavas versed in morality, swiftly departed (thence),
+accompanied by the Brahmanas and all those that lived with them,
+and followed by Indrasena and other retainers. And proceeding along
+the roads walked (by travellers), furnished with excellent corn and
+clear water, they at length beheld the sacred asylum of Kamyaka
+endued with ascetic merit. And as pious men enter the celestial
+regions, those foremost of the Bharata race, the Kauravas,
+surrounded by those bulls among Brahmanas entered that forest."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in the woods, O bull of the
+Bharata race, the high-souled Pandavas spent one and ten years in a
+miserable plight. And although deserving of happiness, those
+foremost of men, brooding over their circumstances, passed their
+days miserably, living on fruits and roots. And that royal sage,
+the mighty-armed Yudhishthira, reflecting that the extremity of
+misery that had befallen his brothers, was owing to his own fault,
+and remembering those sufferings that had arisen from his act of
+gambling, could not sleep peacefully. And he felt as if his heart
+had been pierced with a lance. And remembering the harsh words of
+the Suta's son, the Pandava, repressing the venom of his wrath,
+passed his time in humble guise, sighing heavily. And Arjuna and
+both the twins and the illustrious Draupadi, and the mighty
+Bhima&mdash;he that was strongest of all men&mdash;experienced the
+most poignant pain in casting their eyes on Yudhishthira. And
+thinking that a short time only remained (of their exile), those
+bulls among men, influenced by rage and hope and by resorting to
+various exertions and endeavours, made their bodies assume almost
+different shapes.</p>
+<p>"After a little while, that mighty ascetic, Vyasa, the son of
+Satyavati, came there to see the Pandavas. And seeing him approach,
+Kunti's son, Yudhishthira, stepped forward, and duly received that
+high-souled one. And having gratified Vyasa by bowing down unto
+him, Pandu's son of subdued senses, after the <i>Rishi</i> had been
+seated, sat down before him, desirous of listening to him. And
+beholding his grandsons lean and living in the forest on the
+produce of the wilderness, that mighty sage, moved by compassion,
+said these words, in accents choked in tears, 'O mighty-armed
+Yudhishthira, O thou best of virtuous persons, those men that do
+not perform ascetic austerities never attain great happiness in
+this world. People experience happiness and misery by turns; for
+surely, O bull among men, no man ever enjoyeth unbroken happiness.
+A wise man endued with high wisdom, knowing that life hath its ups
+and downs, is neither filled with joy nor with grief. When
+happiness cometh, one should enjoy it; when misery cometh, one
+should bear it, as a sower of crops must bide his season. Nothing
+is superior to asceticism: by asceticism one acquireth mighty
+fruit. Do thou know, O Bharata, that there is nothing that
+asceticism cannot achieve. Truth, sincerity, freedom from anger,
+justice, self-control, restraint of the faculties, immunity from
+malice, guilelessness, sanctity, and mortification of the senses,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 509]</span> these, O mighty monarch,
+purify a person of meritorious acts. Foolish persons addicted to
+vice and bestial ways, attain to brutish births in after life and
+never enjoy happiness. The fruit of acts done in this world is
+reaped in the next. Therefore should one restrain his body by
+asceticism and the observance of vows. And, O king, free from guile
+and with a cheerful spirit, one should, according to his power,
+bestow gifts, after going down to the recipient and paying him
+homage. A truth-telling person attaineth a life devoid of trouble.
+A person void of anger attaineth sincerity, and one free from
+malice acquireth supreme contentment. A person who hath subdued his
+senses and his inner faculties, never knoweth tribulation; nor is a
+person of subdued senses affected by sorrow at the height of
+other's prosperity. A man who giveth everyone his due, and the
+bestower of boons, attain happiness, and come by every object of
+enjoyment; while a man free from envy reapeth perfect ease. He that
+honoureth those to whom honour is due, attaineth birth in an
+illustrious line; and he that hath subdued his senses, never cometh
+by misfortune. A man whose mind followeth good, after having paid
+his debt to nature, is on this account, born again endued with a
+righteous mind.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O eminently virtuous one, O mighty sage, of
+the bestowal of gifts and the observance of asceticism, which is of
+greater efficacy in the next world, and which, harder of
+practice?'</p>
+<p>"Vyasa said, 'There is nothing, O child, in this world harder to
+practise than charity. Men greatly thirst after wealth, and wealth
+also is gotten with difficulty. Nay, renouncing even dear life
+itself, heroic men, O magnanimous one, enter into the depths of the
+sea and the forest for the sake of wealth. For wealth, some betake
+themselves to agriculture and the tending of kine, and some enter
+into servitude. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to part with
+wealth that is obtained with such trouble. Since nothing is harder
+to practise than charity, therefore, in my opinion, even the
+bestowal of boons is superior to everything. Specially is this to
+be borne in mind that well-earned gains should, in proper time and
+place, be given away to pious men. But the bestowal of ill-gotten
+gains can never rescue the giver from the evil of rebirth. It hath
+been declared, O Yudhishthira, that by bestowing, in a pure spirit,
+even a slight gift in due time and to a fit recipient, a man
+attaineth inexhaustible fruit in the next world. In this connection
+is instanced the old story regarding the fruit obtained by
+<i>Mudgala</i>, for having given away only a <i>drona</i><a id="footnotetag45" name="footnotetag45"></a><a href="#footnote45"><sup>45</sup></a> of corn.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLVIII</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'Why did that high-souled one give away a
+drona of corn? And, O eminently pious one, to whom and in what
+prescribed way did he give it? Do thou tell me this. Surely, I
+consider the life of that virtuous person as having borne fruit
+with whose practices the possessor himself of the six attributes,
+witnessing everything, was well pleased.'</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 510]</span></p>
+<p>"Vyasa said, 'There lived, O king, in Kurukshetra a virtuous man
+(sage), Mudgala by name. And he was truthful, and free from malice,
+and of subdued senses. And he used to lead the <i>Sila</i> and
+<i>Unchha</i> modes of life.<a id="footnotetag46" name="footnotetag46"></a><a href="#footnote46"><sup>46</sup></a> And
+although living like a pigeon, yet that one of mighty austerities
+entertained his guests, celebrated the sacrifice called
+<i>Istikrita</i>, and performed other rites. And that sage together
+with his son and wife, ate for a fortnight, and during the other
+fortnight led the life of a pigeon, collecting a <i>drona</i> of
+corn. And celebrating the <i>Darsa</i> and <i>Paurnamasya</i>
+sacrifices, that one devoid of guile, used to pass his days by
+taking the food that remained after the deities and the guests had
+eaten. And on auspicious lunar days, that lord of the three worlds,
+Indra himself, accompanied by the celestials used, O mighty
+monarch, to partake of the food offered at his sacrifice. And that
+one, having adopted the life of a <i>Muni</i>, with a cheerful
+heart entertained his guests also with food on such days. And as
+that high-souled one distributed his food with alacrity, the
+remainder of the <i>drona</i> of corn increased as soon as a guest
+appeared. And by virtue of the pure spirit in which the sage gave away,
+that food of his increased so much that hundreds upon hundreds
+of learned Brahmanas were fed with it.</p>
+<p>"'And, O king, it came to pass that having heard of the virtuous
+Mudgala observant of vows, the <i>Muni</i> Durvasa, having space
+alone for his covering,<a id="footnotetag47" name="footnotetag47"></a><a href="#footnote47"><sup>47</sup></a> his
+accoutrements worn like that of maniac, and his head bare of hair,
+came there, uttering, O Pandava various insulting words. And having
+arrived there that best of <i>Munis</i> said unto the Brahmana,
+"Know thou, O foremost of Brahmanas, that I have come hither
+seeking for food." Thereupon Mudgala said unto the sage, "Thou art
+welcome!" And then offering to that maniac of an ascetic affected
+by hunger, water to wash his feet and mouth, that one observant of
+the vow of feeding guests, respectfully placed before him excellent
+fare. Affected by hunger, the frantic <i>Rishi</i> completely
+exhausted the food that had been offered unto him. Thereupon,
+Mudgala furnished him again with food. Then having eaten up all
+that food, he besmeared his body with the unclean orts and went
+away as he had come. In this manner, during the next season, he
+came again and ate up all the food supplied by that wise one
+leading the <i>Unchha</i> mode of life. Thereupon, without
+partaking any food himself, the sage Mudgala again became engaged
+in collecting corn, following the <i>Unchha</i> mode. Hunger could
+not disturb his equanimity. Nor could anger, nor guile, nor a sense
+of degradation, nor agitation, enter into the heart of that best of
+Brahmanas leading the <i>Unchha</i> mode of life along with his son
+and his wife. In this way, Durvasa having made up his mind, during
+successive seasons presented himself for six several times before
+that best of sages living according to the <i>Unchha</i> mode; yet
+that <i>Muni</i> could not perceive any agitation in Mudgala's
+heart; and he found the pure heart of the pure-souled ascetic
+always pure. Thereupon, well-pleased, the sage addressed
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 511]</span> Mudgala, saying, "There is
+not another guileless and charitable being like thee on earth. The
+pangs of hunger drive away to a distance the sense of righteousness
+and deprive people of all patience. The tongue, loving delicacies,
+attracteth men towards them. Life is sustained by food. The mind,
+moreover, is fickle, and it is hard to keep it in subjection. The
+concentration of the mind and of the senses surely constitutes
+ascetic austerities. It must be hard to renounce in a pure spirit a
+thing earned by pains. Yet, O pious one, all this hath been duly
+achieved by thee. In thy company we feel obliged and gratified.
+Self-restraint, fortitude, justice, control of the senses and of
+faculties, mercy, and virtue, all these are established in thee.
+Thou hast by thy deeds conquered the different worlds and have
+thereby obtained admission into paths of beautitude. Ah! even the
+dwellers of heaven are proclaiming thy mighty deeds of charity. O
+thou observant of vows, thou shalt go to heaven even in thine own
+body."</p>
+<p>"'Whilst the <i>Muni</i> Durvasa was speaking thus, a celestial
+messenger appeared before Mudgala, upon a car yoked with swans and
+cranes, hung with a neat work of bells, scented with divine
+fragrance, painted picturesquely, and possessed of the power of
+going everywhere at will. And he addressed the Brahmana sage,
+saying, "O sage, do thou ascend into this chariot earned by thy
+acts. Thou hast attained the fruit of thy asceticism!"</p>
+<p>"'As the messenger of the gods was speaking thus, the sage told
+him, "O divine messenger, I desire that thou mayst describe unto me
+the attributes of those that reside there. What are their
+austerities, and what their purposes? And, O messenger of the gods,
+what constitutes happiness in heaven, and what are the
+disadvantages thereof? It is declared by virtuous men of good
+lineage that friendship with pious people is contracted by only
+walking with them seven paces. O lord, in the name of that
+friendship I ask thee, do thou without hesitation tell me the
+truth, and that which is good for me now. Having heard thee, I
+shall, according to thy words, ascertain the course I ought to
+follow."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLIX</h2>
+<p>"'The messenger of the gods said, "O great sage, thou art of
+simple understanding; since, having secured that celestial bliss
+which bringeth great honour, thou art still deliberating like an
+unwise person. O <i>Muni</i>, that region which is known as heaven,
+existeth there above us. Those regions tower high, and are
+furnished with excellent paths, and are, O sage, always ranged by
+celestial cars. Atheists, and untruthful persons, those that have
+not practised ascetic austerities and those that have not performed
+great sacrifices, cannot repair thither. Only men of virtuous
+souls, and those of subdued spirits, and those that have their
+faculties in subjection, and those that have controlled their
+senses, and those that are free from malice, and persons intent on
+the practice of charity, and heroes, and men bearing marks of
+battle, after having, with subdued senses and faculties, performed
+the most meritorious rites, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 512]</span>
+attain those regions, O Brahmana, capable of being obtained only by
+virtuous acts, and inhabited by pious men. There, O Mudgala, are
+established separately myriads of beautiful, shining, and
+resplendent worlds bestowing every object of desire, owned by those
+celestial beings, the gods, the <i>Sadhyas</i>, and the
+<i>Vaiswas</i>, the great sages, <i>Yamas</i>, and the
+<i>Dharmas</i>, and the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the <i>Apsaras</i>.
+And there is that monarch of mountains the golden Meru extending
+over a space of thirty-three thousand <i>Yojanas</i>. And there, O
+Mudgala, are the sacred gardens of the celestials, with Nandana at
+their head, where sport the persons of meritorious acts. And
+neither hunger, nor thirst, nor lassitude, nor fear, nor anything
+that is disgusting or inauspicious is there. And all the odours of
+that place are delightful, and all the breezes delicious to the
+touch. And all the sounds there are captivating, O sage, to the ear
+and the heart. And neither grief, nor decrepitude, nor labour, nor
+repentance also is there. That world, O <i>Muni</i>, obtained as
+the fruit of one's own acts, is of this nature. Persons repair
+thither by virtue of their meritorious deeds. And the persons of
+those that dwell there look resplendent, and this, O Mudgala,
+solely by virtue of their own acts, and not owing to the merits of
+father or mothers. And there is neither sweat, nor stench, nor
+urine there. And there, O <i>Muni</i>, dust doth not soils one's
+garments. And their excellent garlands, redolent of divine
+fragrance, never fade. And, O Brahmana, they yoke such cars as this
+(that I have brought). And, O mighty sage, devoid of envy and grief
+and fatigue and ignorance and malice, men who have attained heaven,
+dwell in those regions happily. And, O bull among <i>Munis</i>,
+higher and higher over such regions there are others endued with
+higher celestial virtues. Of these, the beautiful and resplendent
+regions of Brahma are the foremost. Thither, O Brahmana, repair
+<i>Rishis</i> that have been sanctified by meritorious acts. And
+there dwell certain beings named <i>Ribhus</i>. They are the gods
+of the gods themselves. Their regions are supremely blessed, and
+are adored even by the deities. These shine by their own light, and
+bestow every object of desire. They suffer no pangs that women
+might cause, do not possess worldly wealth, and are free from
+guile. The <i>Ribhus</i> do not subsist on oblations, nor yet on
+ambrosia. And they are endued with such celestial forms that they
+cannot be perceived by the senses. And these eternal gods of the
+celestials do not desire happiness for happiness' sake, nor do they
+change at the revolution of a <i>Kalpa</i>. Where, indeed, is their
+decrepitude or dissolution? For them there is neither ecstasy, nor
+joy, nor happiness. They have neither happiness nor misery.
+Wherefore should they have anger or aversion then, O <i>Muni</i>? O
+Mudgala, their supreme state is coveted even by the gods. And that
+crowning emancipation, hard to attain, can never be acquired by
+people subject to desire. The number of those deities is
+thirty-three. To their regions repair wise men, after having
+observed excellent vows, or bestowed gifts according to the
+ordinance. Thou also hast easily acquired that success by thy
+charities. Do thou, by effulgence displayed by virtue of thy
+ascetic austerities, enjoy that condition obtained by thy
+meritorious acts. Such, O Brahmana, is the bliss of heaven
+containing various worlds.</p>
+<p>"'"Thus have I described unto thee the blessing of the celestial
+regions. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 513]</span> Do thou now hear
+from me some of the disadvantages thereof. That in the celestial
+regions a person, while reaping the fruit of the acts he hath
+already performed, cannot be engaged in any others, and that he
+must enjoy the consequences of the former until they are completely
+exhausted, and, further, that he is subject to fall after he hath
+entirely exhausted his merit, form, in my opinion, the
+disadvantages of heaven. The fall of a person whose mind hath been
+steeped in happiness, must, O Mudgala, be pronounced as a fault.
+And the discontent and regret that must follow one's stay at an
+inferior seat after one hath enjoyed more auspicious and brighter
+regions, must be hard to bear. And the consciousness of those about
+to fall is stupefied, and also agitated by emotions. And as the
+garlands of those about to fall fade away, fear invadeth their
+hearts. These mighty drawbacks, O Mudgala, extend even to the
+regions of Brahma. In the celestial regions, the virtues of men who
+have performed righteous acts, are countless. And, O <i>Muni</i>,
+this is another of the attributes of the fallen that, by reason of
+their merits, they take birth among men. And then they attain to
+high fortune and happiness. If one, however, cannot acquire
+knowledge here, one cometh by an inferior birth. The fruits of acts
+done in this world are reaped in the next. This world, O Brahmana,
+hath been declared to be one of acts; the others, as one of fruit.
+Thus have I, O Mudgala, asked by thee, described all unto thee.
+Now, O pious one, with thy favour, we shall easily set out with
+speed."'</p>
+<p>"Vyasa continued, 'Having heard this speech, Mudgala began to
+reflect in his mind. And having deliberated well, that best of
+<i>Munis</i> spake thus unto the celestial messenger, "O messenger
+of the gods, I bow unto thee. Do thou, O sire, depart in peace. I
+have nothing to do with either happiness, or heaven having such
+prominent defects. Persons who enjoy heaven suffer, after all, huge
+misery and extreme regret in this world. Therefore, I do not desire
+heaven. I shall seek for that unfailing region repairing whither
+people have not to lament, or to be pained, or agitated. Thou hast
+described unto me these great defects belonging to the celestial
+regions. Do thou now describe unto me a region free from faults."
+Thereupon the celestial messenger said, "Above the abode of
+<i>Brahma</i>, there is the supreme seat of Vishnu, pure, and
+eternal, and luminous known by the name of <i>Para Brahma</i>.
+Thither, O Brahmana, cannot repair persons who are attached to the
+objects of the senses: nor can those subject to arrogance,
+covetousness, ignorance, anger, and envy, go to that place. It is
+only those that are free from affection, and those free from pride,
+and those free from conflicting emotions, and those that have
+restrained their senses, and those given to contemplation and
+<i>Yoga</i>, that can repair thither." Having heard these words,
+the <i>Muni</i> bade farewell to the celestial messenger, and that
+virtuous one leading the <i>Unchha</i> mode of life, assumed
+perfect contentment. And then praise and dispraise became equal
+unto him; and a brickbat, stone, and gold assumed the same aspect
+in his eyes. And availing himself of the means of attaining
+<i>Brahma</i>, he became always engaged in meditation. And having
+obtained power by means of knowledge, and acquired excellent
+understanding, he attained that supreme state of emancipation which
+is regarded as Eternal. Therefore, thou also, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 514]</span> O Kunti's son, ought not to grieve.
+Deprived thou hast truly been of a flourishing kingdom, but thou
+wilt regain it by thy ascetic austerities. Misery after happiness,
+and happiness after misery, revolve by turns round a man even like
+the point of a wheel's circumference round the axle. After the
+thirteenth year hath passed away, thou wilt, O thou of immeasurable
+might, get back the kingdom possessed before thee by thy father and
+grand-father. Therefore, let the fever of thy heart depart!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to Pandu's son, the
+worshipful Vyasa went back to his hermitage for the purpose of
+performing austerities."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLX</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "While the high-souled Pandavas were living in
+those woods, delighted with the pleasant conversation they held
+with the <i>Munis</i>, and engaged in distributing the food they
+obtained from the sun, with various kinds of venison to Brahmanas
+and others that came to them for edibles till the hour of Krishna's
+meal, how, O great <i>Muni</i>, did Duryodhana and the other wicked
+and sinful sons of Dhritarashtra, guided by the counsels of
+Dussasana, Karna and Sakuni, deal with them? I ask thee this. Do
+thou, worshipful Sir, enlighten me."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When, O great king, Duryodhana heard that
+the Pandavas were living as happily in the woods as in a city, he
+longed, with the artful Karna, Dussasana and others, to do them
+harm. And while those evil-minded persons were employed in
+concerting various wicked designs, the virtuous and celebrated
+ascetic Durvasa, following the bent of his own will, arrived at the
+city of the Kurus with ten thousand disciples. And seeing the
+irascible ascetic arrived, Duryodhana and his brothers welcomed him
+with great humility, self-abasement and gentleness. And himself
+attending on the <i>Rishi</i> as a menial, the prince gave him a
+right worshipful reception. And the illustrious <i>Muni</i> stayed
+there for a few days, while king Duryodhana, watchful of his
+imprecations, attended on him diligently by day and night. And
+sometimes the <i>Muni</i> would say, 'I am hungry, O king, give me
+some food quickly.' And sometimes he would go out for a bath and,
+returning at a late hour, would say, 'I shall not eat anything
+today as I have no appetite,' and so saying would disappear from
+his sight. And sometimes, coming all on a sudden, he would say,
+'Feed us quickly.' And at other times, bent on some mischief, he
+would awake at midnight and having caused his meals to be prepared
+as before, would carp at them and not partake of them at all. And
+trying the prince in this way for a while, when the <i>Muni</i>
+found that the king Duryodhana was neither angered, nor annoyed, he
+became graciously inclined towards him. And then, O Bharata, the
+intractable Durvasa said unto him, 'I have power to grant thee
+boons. Thou mayst ask of me whatever lies nearest to thy heart. May
+good fortune be thine. Pleased as I am with thee, thou mayst obtain
+from me anything that is not <span class="pagenum">[Pg 515]</span>
+opposed to religion and morals.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of the great
+ascetic, Suyodhana felt himself to be inspired with new life.
+Indeed, it had been agreed upon between himself and Karna and
+Dussasana as to what the boon should be that he would ask of the
+<i>Muni</i> if the latter were pleased with his reception. And the
+evil-minded king, bethinking himself of what had previously been
+decided, joyfully solicited the following favour, saying, 'The
+great king Yudhishthira is the eldest and the best of our race.
+That pious man is now living in the forest with his brothers. Do
+thou, therefore, once become the guest of that illustrious one even
+as, O Brahmana, thou hast with thy disciples been mine for some
+time. If thou art minded to do me a favour, do thou go unto him at
+a time when that delicate and excellent lady, the celebrated
+princess of Panchala, after having regaled with food the Brahmanas,
+her husbands and herself, may lie down to rest.' The <i>Rishi</i>
+replied, 'Even so shall I act for thy satisfaction.' And having
+said this to Suyodhana, that great Brahmana, Durvasa, went away in
+the very same state in which he had come. And Suyodhana regarded
+himself to have attained all the objects of his desire. And holding
+Karna by the hand he expressed great satisfaction. And Karna, too,
+joyfully addressed the king in the company of his brothers, saying,
+'By a piece of singular good luck, thou hast fared well and
+attained the objects of thy desire. And by good luck it is that thy
+enemies have been immersed in a sea of dangers that is difficult to
+cross. The sons of Pandu are now exposed to the fire of Durvasa's
+wrath. Through their own fault they have fallen into an abyss of
+darkness.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "O king, expressing their satisfaction
+in this strain, Duryodhana and others, bent on evil machinations,
+returned merrily to their respective homes."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXI</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Draupadi-harana Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "One day, having previously ascertained that
+the Pandavas were all seated at their ease and that Krishna was
+reposing herself after her meal, the sage Durvasa, surrounded by
+ten thousand disciples repaired to that forest. The illustrious and
+upright king Yudhishthira, seeing that guest arrived, advanced with
+his brothers to receive him. And joining the palms of his hands and
+pointing to a proper and excellent seat, he accorded the
+<i>Rishis</i> a fit and respectful welcome. And the king said unto
+him, 'Return quick, O adorable sir, after performing thy diurnal
+ablutions and observances.' And that sinless <i>Muni</i>, not
+knowing how the king would be able to provide a feast for him and
+his disciples, proceeded with the latter to perform his ablutions.
+And that host of the <i>Muni</i>, of subdued passions, went into
+the stream for performing their ablutions. Meanwhile, O king, the
+excellent princess Draupadi, devoted to her husbands, was in great
+anxiety about the food (to be provided for the <i>Munis</i>). And
+when after <span class="pagenum">[Pg 516]</span> much anxious
+thought she came to the conclusion that means there were none for
+providing a feast, she inwardly prayed to Krishna, the slayer of
+Kansa. And the princess said, 'Krishna, O Krishna, of mighty arms,
+O son of Devaki, whose power is inexhaustible, O Vasudeva, O lord
+of the Universe, who dispellest the difficulties of those that bow
+down to thee, thou art the soul, the creator and the destroyer of
+the Universe. Thou, O lord, art inexhaustible and the saviour of
+the afflicted. Thou art the preserver of the Universe and of all
+created beings. Thou art the highest of the high, and the spring of
+the mental perceptions <i>Akuli</i> and <i>Chiti</i>!<a id="footnotetag48" name="footnotetag48"></a><a href="#footnote48"><sup>48</sup></a> O Supreme and Infinite Being, O
+giver of all good, be thou the refuge of the helpless. O Primordial
+Being, incapable of being conceived by the soul or the mental
+faculties or otherwise, thou art the ruler of all and the lord of
+Brahma. I seek thy protection. O god, thou art ever kindly disposed
+towards those that take refuge in thee. Do thou cherish me with thy
+kindness. O thou with a complexion dark as the leaves of the blue
+lotus, and with eyes red as the corolla of the lily, and attired in
+yellow robes with, besides, the bright <i>Kaustubha</i> gem in thy
+bosom, thou art the beginning and the end of creation, and the
+great refuge of all. Thou art the supreme light and essence of the
+Universe! Thy face is directed towards every point. They call thee
+Supreme Gem and the depository of all treasures. Under thy
+protections, O lord of the gods, all evils lose their terror. As
+thou didst protect me before from Dussasana, do thou extricate me
+now from this difficulty.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "The great and sovereign God, and Lord
+of the earth, of mysterious movements, the lord Kesava who is ever
+kind to the dependents, thus adored by Krishna, and perceiving her
+difficulty, instantly repaired to that place leaving the bed of
+Rukmini who was sleeping by his side. Beholding Vasudeva, Draupadi
+bowed down to him in great joy and informed him of the arrival of
+the <i>Munis</i> and every other thing. And having heard everything
+Krishna said unto her, 'I am very much afflicted with hunger, do
+thou give me some food without delay, and then thou mayst go about
+thy work.' At these words of Kesava, Krishna became confused, and
+replied unto him, saying, 'The sun-given vessel remains full till I
+finish my meal. But as I have already taken my meal today, there is
+no food in it now.' Then that lotus-eyed and adorable being said
+unto Krishna, 'This is no time for jest, O Krishna.&mdash;I am much
+distressed with hunger, go thou quickly to fetch the vessel and
+show it to me.' When Kesava, that ornament of the Yadu's race, had
+the vessel brought unto him,&mdash;with such persistence, he looked
+into it and saw a particle of rice and vegetable sticking at its
+rim. And swallowing it he said unto her, 'May it please the god
+Hari, the soul of the Universe, and may that god who partaketh at
+sacrifices, be satiated with this.' Then the long-armed Krishna,
+that soother of miseries, said unto Bhimasena, 'Do thou speedily
+invite the <i>Munis</i> to dinner.' Then, O good king, the
+celebrated Bhimasena quickly went to invite all those <i>Munis</i>,
+Durvasa <span class="pagenum">[Pg 517]</span> and others, who had
+gone to the nearest stream of transparent and cool water to perform
+their ablutions. Meanwhile, these ascetics, having plunged into the
+river, were rubbing their bodies and observing that they all felt
+their stomachs to be full. And coming out of the stream, they began
+to stare at one another. And turning towards Durvasa, all those
+ascetics observed, 'Having bade the king make our meals ready, we
+have come hither for a bath. But how, O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>,
+can we eat anything now, for our stomachs seem to be full to the
+throat. The repast hath been uselessly prepared for us. What is the
+best thing to be done now?' Durvasa replied, 'By spoiling the
+repast, we have done a great wrong to that royal sage, king
+Yudhishthira. Would not the Pandavas destroy us by looking down
+upon us with angry eyes? I know the royal sage Yudhishthira to be
+possessed of great ascetic power. Ye Brahmanas, I am afraid of men
+that are devoted to Hari. The high-souled Pandavas are all
+religious men, learned, war-like, diligent in ascetic austerities
+and religious observances, devoted to Vasudeva, and always
+observant of rules of good conduct. If provoked, they can consume
+us with their wrath as fire doth a bale of cotton. Therefore, ye
+disciples, do ye all run away quickly without seeing them
+(again)!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "All those Brahmanas, thus advised by
+their ascetic preceptor, became greatly afraid of the Pandavas and
+fled away in all directions. Then Bhimasena not beholding those
+excellent <i>Munis</i> in the celestial river, made a search after
+them here and there at all the landing places. And learning from
+the ascetics of those places that they had run away, he came back
+and informed Yudhishthira of what had happened. Then all the
+Pandavas of subdued senses, expecting them to come, remained
+awaiting their arrival for some time. And Yudhishthira said,
+'Coming dead of night the <i>Rishis</i> will deceive us. Oh how,
+can we escape from this difficulty created by the fates?' Seeing
+them absorbed in such reflections and breathing long deep sighs at
+frequent intervals, the illustrious Krishna suddenly appeared to
+them and addressed them these words: 'Knowing, ye sons of Pritha,
+your danger from that wrathful <i>Rishi</i>, I was implored by
+Draupadi to come, and (therefore) have I come here speedily. But
+now ye have not the least fear from the <i>Rishi</i> Durvasa.
+Afraid of your ascetic powers, he hath made himself scarce ere
+this. Virtuous men never suffer. I now ask your permission to let
+me return home. May you always be prosperous!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing Kesava's words, the sons of
+Pritha, with Draupadi, became easy in mind. And cured of their
+fever (of anxiety), they said unto him, 'As persons drowning in the
+wide ocean safely reach the shore by means of a boat, so have we,
+by thy aid, O lord Govinda, escaped from this inextricable
+difficulty. Do thou now depart in peace, and may prosperity be
+thine.' Thus dismissed, he repaired to his capital and the Pandavas
+too, O blessed lord, wandering from forest to forest passed their
+days merrily with Draupadi. Thus, O king, have I related to thee
+the story which thou askedest me to repeat. And it was thus that
+the machinations of the wicked sons of Dhritarashtra about the
+Pandavas in the forest, were frustrated."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 518]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "These great warriors of the race of Bharata
+sojourned like immortals in the great forest of Kamyaka, employed
+in hunting and pleased with the sight of numerous wild tracts of
+country and wide reaches of woodland, gorgeous with flowers
+blossoming in season. And the sons of Pandu, each like unto Indra
+and the terror of his enemies, dwelt there for some time. And one
+day those valiant men, the conquerors of their foes, went about in
+all directions in search of game for feeding the Brahmanas in their
+company, leaving Draupadi alone at the hermitage, with the
+permission of the great ascetic Trinavindu, resplendent with
+ascetic grandeur, and of their spiritual guide Dhaumya. Meanwhile,
+the famous king of Sindhu, the son of Vriddhakshatra was, with a
+view to matrimony, proceeding to the kingdom of Salwa, dressed in
+his best royal apparel and accompanied by numerous princes. And the
+prince halted in the woods of Kamyaka. And in that secluded place,
+he found the beautiful Draupadi, the beloved and celebrated wife of
+the Pandavas, standing at the threshold of the hermitage. And she
+looked grand in the superb beauty of her form, and seemed to shed a
+lustre on the woodland around, like lightning illuminating masses
+of dark clouds. And they who saw her asked themselves, 'Is this an
+Apsara, or a daughter of the gods, or a celestial phantom?' And
+with this thought, their hands also joined together, they stood
+gazing on the perfect and faultless beauty of her form. And
+Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, and the son of Vriddhakshatra,
+struck with amazement at the sight of that lady of faultless
+beauty, was seized with an evil intention. And inflamed with
+desire, he said to the prince named Kotika, 'Whose is this lady of
+faultless form? Is she of the human kind? I have no need to marry
+if I can secure this exquisitely beautiful creature. Taking her
+with me, I shall go back to my abode, Oh sir, and enquire who she
+is and whence she has come and why also that delicate being hath
+come into this forest beset with thorns. Will this ornament of
+womankind, this slender-waisted lady of so much beauty, endued with
+handsome teeth and large eyes, accept me as her lord? I shall
+certainly regard myself successful, if I obtain the hand of this
+excellent lady. Go, Kotika, and enquire who her husband may be.'
+Thus asked, Kotika, wearing a kundala, jumped out of his chariot
+and came near her, as a jackal approacheth a tigress, and spake
+unto her these words."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXIII</h2>
+<p>"Kotika said, 'Excellent lady, who art thou that standest alone,
+leaning on a branch of the <i>Kadamva</i> tree at this hermitage
+and looking grand like a flame of fire blazing at night time, and
+fanned by the wind? Exquisitely beautiful as thou art, how is it
+that thou feelest not any fear in these forests? Methinks thou art
+a goddess, or a <i>Yakshi</i>, or a <i>Danavi</i>, or an excellent
+<i>Apsara</i>, or the wife of a <i>Daitya</i>, or a daughter of the
+<i>Naga</i> king, or a <i>Rakshasi</i> or the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 519]</span> wife of Varuna, or of Yama, or of Soma,
+or of Kuvera, who, having assumed a human form, wanderest in these
+forests. Or, hast thou come from the mansions of Dhatri, or of
+Vidhatri, or of Savitri, or of Vibhu, or of Sakra? Thou dost not
+ask us who we are, nor do we know who protects thee here!
+Respectfully do we ask thee, good lady, who is thy powerful father,
+and, O, do tell us truly the names of thy husband, thy relatives,
+and thy race, and tell us also what thou dost here. As for us, I am
+king Suratha's son whom people know by the name of Kotika, and that
+man with eyes large as the petals of the lotus, sitting on a
+chariot of gold, like the sacrificial fire on the altar, is the
+warrior known by the name of Kshemankara, king of Trigarta. And
+behind him is the famous son of the king of Pulinda, who is even
+now gazing on thee. Armed with a mighty bow and endued with large
+eyes, and decorated with floral wreaths, he always liveth on the
+breasts of mountains. The dark and handsome young man, the scourge
+of his enemies, standing at the edge of that tank, is the son of
+Suvala of the race of Ikshwaku. And if, O excellent lady, thou hast
+ever heard the name of Jayadratha, the king of Sauviras, even he is
+there at the head of six thousand chariots, with horses and
+elephants and infantry, and followed by twelve Sauvira princes as
+his standard-bearers, named Angaraka, Kunjara, Guptaka, Satrunjaya,
+Srinjaya, Suprabiddha, Prabhankara, Bhramara, Ravi, Sura, Pratapa
+and Kuhana, all mounted on chariots drawn by chestnut horses and
+every one of them looking like the fire on the sacrificial altar.
+The brothers also of the king, viz., the powerful Valahaka, Anika,
+Vidarana and others, are among his followers. These strong-limbed
+and noble youths are the flowers of the Sauvira chivalry. The king
+is journeying in the company of these his friends, like Indra
+surrounded by the Maruts. O fine-haired lady, do tell us that are
+unacquainted (with these matters), whose wife and whose daughter
+thou art.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "The princess Draupadi, thus questioned
+by that ornament of Sivi's race, moved her eyes gently, and letting
+go her hold of the Kadamva branch and arranging her silken apparel
+she said, 'I am aware, O prince, that it is not proper for a person
+like me to address you thus, but as there is not another man or
+woman here to speak with thee and as I am alone here just now, let
+me, therefore, speak. Know, worthy sir, that being alone in this
+forest here, I should not speak unto thee, remembering the usages
+of my sex. I have learned, O Saivya, that thou art Suratha's son,
+whom people know by the name of Kotika. Therefore, on my part, I
+shall now tell thee of my relations and renowned race. I am the
+daughter of king Drupada, and people know me by the name of
+Krishna, and I have accepted as my husbands, five persons of whom
+you may have heard while they were living at Khandavaprastha. Those
+noble persons, viz., Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the two
+sons of Madri, leaving me here and having assigned unto themselves
+the four points of the horizon, have gone out on <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 520]</span> a hunting excursion. The king hath gone
+to the east, Bhimasena towards the south, Arjuna to the west, and
+the twin brothers towards the north! Therefore, do ye now alight
+and dismiss your carriages so that ye may depart after receiving a
+due welcome from them. The high-souled son of Dharma is fond of
+guests and will surely be delighted to see you!' Having addressed
+Saivya's son in this way, the daughter of Drupada, with face
+beautiful as the moon, remembering well her husband's character for
+hospitality, entered her spacious cottage."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O Bharata, Kotikakhya related to those
+princes who had been waiting, all that had passed between him and
+Krishna. And hearing Kotikakhya's words, Jayadratha said to that
+scion of the race of Sivi, 'Having listened only to her speech, my
+heart has been lovingly inclined towards that ornament of
+womankind. Why therefore, hast thou returned (thus unsuccessful)? I
+tell thee truly, O thou of mighty arms, that having once seen this
+lady, other women now seem to me like so many monkeys. I having
+looked at her, she has captivated my heart. Do tell me, O Saivya,
+if that excellent lady is of the human kind.' Kotika replied, 'This
+lady is the famous princess Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, and
+the celebrated wife of the five sons of Pandu. She is the much
+esteemed and beloved and chaste wife of the sons of Pritha. Taking
+her with thee, do thou proceed towards Sauvira!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the evil-minded
+Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, Sauvira and other countries, said,
+'I must see Draupadi.' And with six other men he entered that
+solitary hermitage, like a wolf entering the den of a lion. And he
+said unto Krishna, 'Hail to thee, excellent lady! Are thy husbands
+well and those, besides, whose prosperity thou always wishest.'
+Draupadi replied, 'Kunti's son king Yudhishthira of the race of
+Kuru, his brothers, myself, and all those of whom thou hast
+enquired of, are well. Is everything right with thy kingdom, thy
+government, exchequer, and thy army? Art thou, as sole ruler,
+governing with justice the rich countries of Saivya, Sivi, Sindhu
+and others that thou hast brought under thy sway? Do thou, O
+prince, accept this water for washing thy feet. Do thou also take
+this seat. I offer thee fifty animals for thy train's breakfast.
+Besides these, Yudhishthira himself, the son of Kunti, will give
+thee porcine deer and <i>Nanku</i> deer, and does, and antelopes,
+and <i>Sarabhas</i>, and rabbits, and <i>Ruru</i> deer, and bears,
+and <i>Samvara</i> deer and gayals and many other animals, besides
+wild boars and buffaloes and other animals of the quadruped tribe.'
+Hearing this Jayadratha replied, saying, 'All is well with me. By
+offering to provide our breakfast, thou hast in a manner actually
+done it. Come now and ride my chariot and be completely happy. For
+it becomes not thee to have any regard for the miserable sons of
+Pritha who are living in the woods, whose energies have been
+paralysed, whose kingdom hath been snatched <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 521]</span> and whose fortunes are at the lowest ebb.
+A woman of sense like thee doth not attach herself to a husband
+that is poor. She should follow her lord when he is in prosperity
+but abandon him when in adversity. The sons of Pandu have for ever
+fallen away from their high state, and have lost their kingdom for
+all time to come. Thou hast no need, therefore, to partake of their
+misery from any regard for them. Therefore, O thou of beautiful
+hips, forsaking the sons of Pandu, be happy by becoming my wife,
+and share thou with me the kingdoms of Sindhu and Sauvira.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these frightful words of the
+king of Sindhu, Krishna retired from that place, her face furrowed
+into a frown owing to the contraction of her eye-brows. But
+disregarding his words from supreme contempt, the slender-waisted
+Krishna reproving said unto the king of Sindhu, 'Speak not thus
+again! Art thou not ashamed? Be on thy guard!' And that lady of
+irreproachable character anxiously expecting the return of her
+husband, began, with long speeches, to beguile him completely."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The daughter of Drupada, though naturally
+handsome, was suffused with crimson arising from a fit of anger.
+And with eyes inflamed and eye-brows bent in wrath, she reproved
+the ruler of the Suviras, saying, 'Art thou not ashamed, O fool, to
+use such insulting words in respect of those celebrated and
+terrible warriors, each like unto Indra himself, and who are all
+devoted to their duties and who never waver in fight with even
+hosts of <i>Yakshas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i>? O Sauvira, good men
+never speak ill of learned persons devoted to austerities and
+endued with learning, no matter whether they live in the wilderness
+or in houses. It is only wretches that are mean as thou who do so.
+Methinks there is none in this assemblage of Kshatriya, who is
+capable of holding thee by the hand to save thee from falling into
+the pit thou openest under thy feet. In hoping to vanquish king
+Yudhishthira the just, thou really hopest to separate, stick in
+hand, from a herd roaming in Himalayan valleys, its leader, huge as
+a mountain peak and with the temporal juice trickling down its rent
+temples. Out of childish folly thou art kicking up into wakefulness
+the powerful lion lying asleep, in order to pluck the hair from off
+his face! Thou shalt, however, have to run away when thou seest
+Bhimasena in wrath! Thy courting a combat with the furious Jishnu
+may be likened to thy kicking up a mighty, terrible, full-grown and
+furious lion asleep in a mountain cave. The encounter thou speakest
+of with those two excellent youths&mdash;the younger
+Pandavas&mdash;is like unto the act of a fool that wantonly
+trampleth on the tails of two venomous black cobras with bifurcated
+tongues. The bamboo, the reed, and the plantain bear fruit only to
+perish and not to grow in size any further. Like also the crab that
+conceiveth for her own destruction, thou wilt lay hands upon me who
+am protected by these mighty heroes!'</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 522]</span></p>
+<p>"Jayadratha replied, 'I know all this, O Krishna, and I am well
+aware of the prowess of those princes. But thou canst not frighten
+us now with these threats. We, too, O Krishna, belong by birth to
+the seventeen high clans, and are endowed with the six royal
+qualities.<a id="footnotetag49" name="footnotetag49"></a><a href="#footnote49"><sup>49</sup></a> We, therefore, look down upon the
+Pandavas as inferior men! Therefore, do thou, O daughter of
+Drupada, ride this elephant or this chariot quickly, for thou canst
+not baffle us with thy words alone; or, speaking less boastfully,
+seek thou the mercy of the king of the Sauviras!'</p>
+<p>"Draupadi replied, 'Though I am so powerful, why doth the king
+of Sauvira yet consider me so powerless. Well-known as I am, I
+cannot, from fear of violence, demean myself before that prince.
+Even Indra himself cannot abduct her for whose protection Krishna
+and Arjuna would together follow, riding in the same chariot. What
+shall I say, therefore, of a weak human being. When Kiriti, that
+slayer of foes, riding on his car, will, on my account, enter thy
+ranks, striking terror into every heart, he will consume everything
+around like fire consuming a stack of dry grass in summer. The
+warring princes of the Andhaka and the Vrishni races, with
+Janardana at their head, and the mighty bowmen of the Kaikeya
+tribe, will all follow in my wake with great ardour. The terrible
+arrows of Dhananjaya, shot from the string of the <i>Gandiva</i>
+and propelled by his arms fly with great force through the air,
+roaring like the very clouds. And when thou wilt behold Arjuna
+shooting from the <i>Gandiva</i> a thick mass of mighty arrows like
+unto a flight of locusts, then wilt thou repent of thine own folly!
+Bethink thyself of what thou wilt feel when that warrior armed with
+the <i>Gandiva</i>, blowing his conch-shell and with gloves
+reverberating with the strokes of his bowstring will again and
+again pierce thy breast with his shafts. And when Bhima will
+advance towards thee, mace in hand and the two sons of Madri range
+in all directions, vomiting forth the venom of their wrath, thou
+wilt then experience pangs of keen regret that will last for ever.
+As I have never been false to my worthy lords even in thought, so
+by that merit shall I now have the pleasure of beholding thee
+vanquished and dragged by the sons of Pritha. Thou canst not, cruel
+as thou art, frighten me by seizing me with violence, for as soon
+as those Kuru warriors will espy me they will bring me back to the
+woods of Kamyaka.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then that lady of large eyes, beholding
+them ready to lay violent hands on her, rebuked them and said,
+'Defile me not by your touch!' And in a great alarm she then called
+upon her spiritual adviser, Dhaumya. Jayadratha, however, seized
+her by her upper garment, but she pushed him with great vigour. And
+pushed by the lady, that sinful wretch fell upon the ground like a
+tree severed from its roots. Seized, however, once more by him with
+great violence, she began to pant for breath. And dragged by the
+wretch, Krishna at last ascended his chariot having worshipped
+Dhaumya's feet. And Dhaumya then addressed Jayadratha and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 523]</span> said, 'Do thou, O Jayadratha,
+observe the ancient custom of the Kshatriyas. Thou canst not carry
+her off without having vanquished those great warriors. Without
+doubt, thou shalt reap the painful fruits of this thy despicable
+act, when thou encounterest the heroic sons of Pandu with
+Yudhishthira the just at their head!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words Dhaumya,
+entering into the midst of Jayadratha's infantry, began to follow
+that renowned princess who was thus being carried away by the
+ravisher."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile those foremost of bowmen on the
+face of the earth, having wandered separately and ranged in all
+directions, and having slain plenty of deer and buffaloes, at
+length met together. And observing that great forest, which was
+crowded with hosts of deer and wild beasts, resounding with the
+shrill cries of birds, and hearing the shrieks and yells of the
+denizens of the wilderness, Yudhishthira said unto his brothers,
+'These birds and wild beasts, flying towards that direction which
+is illuminated by the sun, are uttering dissonant cries and
+displaying an intense excitement. All this only shows that this
+mighty forest hath been invaded by hostile intruders. Without a
+moment's delay let us give up the chase. We have no more need of
+game. My heart aches and seems to burn! The soul in my body,
+over-powering the intellect, seems ready to fly out. As a lake rid
+by Garuda of the mighty snake that dwells in it, as a pot drained
+of its contents by thirsty men, as a kingdom reft of king and
+prosperity, even so doth the forest of Kamyaka seem to me.' Thus
+addressed, those heroic warriors drove towards their abode, on
+great cars of handsome make and drawn by steeds of the
+<i>Saindharva</i> breed exceedingly fleet and possessed of the
+speed of the hurricane. And on their way back, they beheld a jackal
+yelling hideously on the wayside towards their left. And king
+Yudhishthira, regarding it attentively, said unto Bhima and
+Dhananjaya, 'This jackal that belongs to a very inferior species of
+animals, speaking to our left, speaketh a language which plainly
+indicates that the sinful Kurus, disregarding us, have commenced to
+oppress us by resorting to violence.' After the sons of Pandu had
+given up the chase and said these words, they entered the grove
+which contained their hermitage. And there they found their beloved
+one's maid, the girl Dhatreyika, sobbing and weeping. And Indrasena
+then quickly alighting from the chariot and advancing with hasty
+steps towards her, questioned her, O king, in great distress of
+mind, saying, 'What makes thee weep thus, lying on the ground, and
+why is thy face so woe-begone and colourless? I hope no cruel
+wretches have done any harm to the princess Draupadi possessed of
+incomparable beauty and large eyes and who is the second self of
+every one of those bulls of the Kuru race? So anxious hath been
+Dharma's son that if the princess hath entered the bowels of the
+earth or hath soared to heaven or dived into the bottom of the
+ocean, he and his brothers will go thither in pursuit of her.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 524]</span> Who could that fool be that
+would carry away that priceless jewel belonging to the mighty and
+ever-victorious sons of Pandu, those grinders of foes, and which is
+dear unto them as their own lives? I don't know who the person
+could be that would think of carrying away that princess who hath
+such powerful protectors and who is even like a walking embodiment
+of the hearts of the sons of Pandu? Piercing whose breasts will
+terrible shafts stick to the ground to-day? Do not weep for her, O
+timid girl, for know thou that Krishna will come back this very
+day, and the sons of Pritha, having slain their foes, will again be
+united with Yagnaseni!' Thus addressed by him, Dhatreyika, wiping
+her beautiful face, replied unto Indrasena the charioteer, saying,
+'Disregarding the five Indra-like sons of Pandu, Jayadratha hath
+carried away Krishna by force. The track pursued by him hath not
+yet disappeared, for the broken branches of trees have not yet
+faded. Therefore, turn your cars and follow her quickly, for the
+princess cannot have gone far by this time! Ye warriors possessed
+of the prowess of Indra, putting on your costly bows of handsome
+make, and taking up your costly bows and quivers, speed ye in
+pursuit of her, lest overpowered by threats or violence and losing
+her sense and the colour of her cheeks, she yields herself up to an
+undeserving wight, even as one poureth forth, from the sacrificial
+ladle, the sanctified oblation on a heap of ashes. O, see that the
+clarified butter is not poured into an unigniting fire of paddy
+chaff; that a garland of flowers is not thrown away in a cemetery.
+O, take care that the <i>Soma</i> juice of a sacrifice is not
+licked up by a dog through the carelessness of the officiating
+priests! O, let not the lily be rudely torn by a jackal roaming for
+its prey in the impenetrable forest. O, let no inferior wight touch
+with his lips the bright and beautiful face of your wife, fair as
+the beams of the moon and adorned with the finest nose and the
+handsomest eyes, like a dog licking clarified butter kept in the
+sacrificial pot! Do ye speed in this track and let not time steal a
+march on you.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'Retire, good woman, and control thy tongue.
+Speak not this way before us. Kings or princes, whoever are
+infatuated with the possession of power, are sure to come to
+grief!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "With these words, they departed,
+following the track pointed out to them, and frequently breathing
+deep sighs like the hissing of snakes, and twanging the strings of
+their large bows. And then they observed a cloud of dust raised by
+the hoofs of the steeds belonging to Jayadratha's army. And they
+also saw Dhaumya in the midst of the ravisher's infantry, exhorting
+Bhima to quicken his steps. Then those princes (the sons of Pandu)
+with hearts undepressed, bade him be of good cheer and said unto
+him, 'Do thou return cheerfully!'&mdash;And then they rushed
+towards that host with great fury, like hawks swooping down on
+their prey. And possessed of the prowess of Indra, they had been
+filled with fury at the insult offered to Draupadi. But at sight of
+Jayadratha and of their beloved wife seated on his car, their fury
+knew no bounds. And those mighty bowmen, Bhima and Dhananjaya and
+the twin brothers and the king, called out Jayadratha to stop, upon
+which the enemy was so bewildered as to lose their knowledge of
+directions."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 525]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The hostile Kshatriyas, incensed at sight of
+Bhimasena and Arjuna, sent up a loud shout in the forest. And the
+wicked king Jayadratha, when he saw the standards of those bulls of
+the Kuru race, lost his heart, and addressing the resplendent
+Yagnaseni seated on his car, said, 'Those five great warriors, O
+Krishna, that are coming, are I believe, thy husbands. As thou
+knowest the sons of Pandu well, do thou, O lady of beautiful
+tresses, describe them one by one to us, pointing out which of them
+rideth which car!' Thus addressed, Draupadi replied, 'Having done
+this violent deed calculated to shorten thy life, what will it
+avail thee now, O fool, to know the names of those great warriors,
+for, now that my heroic husbands are come, not one of ye will be
+left alive in battle. However as thou art on the point of death and
+hast asked me, I will tell thee everything, this being consistent
+with the ordinance. Beholding king Yudhishthira the just with his
+younger brothers, I have not the slightest anxiety or fear from
+thee! That warrior at the top of whose flagstaff two handsome and
+sonorous tabours called <i>Nanda</i> and <i>Upananda</i> are
+constantly played upon,&mdash;he, O Sauvira chief, hath a correct
+knowledge of the morality of his own acts. Men that have attained
+success always walk in his train. With a complexion like that of
+pure gold, possessed of a prominent nose and large eyes, and endued
+with a slender make, that husband of mine is known among people by
+the name of Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma and the foremost of the
+Kuru race. That virtuous prince of men granteth life to even a foe
+that yields. Therefore, O fool, throwing down thy arms and joining
+thy hands, run to him for thy good, to seek his protection. And
+that other man whom thou seest with long arms and tall as the
+full-grown <i>Sala</i> tree, seated on his chariot, biting his
+lips, and contracting his forehead so as to bring the two eye-brows
+together, is he,&mdash;my husband Vrikodara! Steeds of the noblest
+breed, plump and strong, well-trained and endued with great might,
+draw the cars of that warrior! His achievements are superhuman. He
+is known, therefore, by the name of <i>Bhima</i> on earth. They
+that offend him are never suffered to live. He never forgetteth a
+foe. On some pretext or other he wrecketh his vengeance. Nor is he
+pacified even after he has wrecked a signal vengeance. And there,
+that foremost of bowmen, endued with intelligence and renown, with
+senses under complete control and reverence for the old&mdash;that
+brother and disciple of Yudhishthira&mdash;is my husband
+Dhananjaya! Virtue he never forsaketh, from lust or fear or anger!
+Nor doth he ever commit a deed that is cruel. Endued with the
+energy of fire and capable of withstanding every foe, that grinder
+of enemies is the son of Kunti. And that other youth, versed in
+every question of morality and profit, who ever dispelleth the
+fears of the affrighted, who is endued with high wisdom, who is
+considered as the handsomest person in the whole world and who is
+protected by all the sons of Pandu, being regarded by them as
+dearer to them than their own lives for his unflinching devotion to
+them, is my husband Nakula possessed of great prowess. Endued with
+high wisdom and having Sahadeva for his second, possessed of
+exceeding <span class="pagenum">[Pg 526]</span> lightness of hand,
+he fighteth with the sword, making dexterous passes therewith.
+Thou, foolish man, shall witness today his performances on the
+field of battle, like unto those of Indra amid the ranks of
+Daityas! And that hero skilled in weapons and possessed of
+intelligence and wisdom, and intent on doing what is agreeable to
+the son of Dharma, that favourite and youngest born of the
+Pandavas, is my husband Sahadeva! Heroic, intelligent, wise and
+ever wrathful there is not another man equal unto him in
+intelligence or in eloquence amid assemblies of the wise. Dearer to
+Kunti than her own soul, he is always mindful of the duties of
+Kshatriyas, and would much sooner rush into fire or sacrifice his
+own life than say anything that is opposed to religion and morals.
+When the sons of Pandu will have killed thy warriors in battle,
+then wilt thou behold thy army in the miserable plight of a ship on
+the sea wrecked with its freight of jewels on the back of a whale.
+Thus have I described unto thee the prowess of the sons of Pandu,
+disregarding whom in thy foolishness, thou hast acted so. If thou
+escapest unscathed from them, then, indeed thou wilt have obtained
+a new lease of life.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then those five sons of Pritha, each
+like unto Indra, filled with wrath, leaving the panic-stricken
+infantry alone who were imploring them for mercy, rushed furiously
+upon the charioteers, attacking them on all sides and darkening the
+very air with the thick shower of arrows they shot."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile, the king of Sindhu was giving
+orders to those princes, saying, 'Halt, strike, march, quick,' and
+like. And on seeing Bhima, Arjuna and the twin brothers with
+Yudhishthira, the soldiers sent up a loud shout on the field of
+battle. And the warriors of the Sivi, Sauvira and Sindhu tribes, at
+the sight of those powerful heroes looking like fierce tigers, lost
+heart. And Bhimasena, armed with a mace entirely of Saikya iron and
+embossed with gold, rushed towards the Saindhava monarch doomed to
+death. But Kotikakhya, speedily surrounding Vrikodara with an array
+of mighty charioteers, interposed between and separated the
+combatants. And Bhima, though assailed with numberless spears and
+clubs and iron arrows hurled at him by the strong arms of hostile
+heroes, did not waver for one moment. On the other hand, he killed,
+with his mace, an elephant with its driver and fourteen
+foot-soldiers fighting in the front of Jayadratha's car. And Arjuna
+also, desirous of capturing the Sauvira king, slew five hundred
+brave mountaineers fighting in the van of the Sindhu army. And in
+that encounter, the king himself slew in the twinkling of an eye, a
+hundred of the best warriors of the Sauviras. And Nakula too, sword
+in hand, jumping out of his chariot, scattered in a moment, like a
+tiller sowing seeds, the heads of the combatants fighting in the
+rear. And Sahadeva from his chariot began to fell with his iron
+shafts, many warriors fighting on elephants, like birds dropped
+from the boughs of a tree. Then the king of Trigartas, bow in hand
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 527]</span> descending from his great
+chariot, killed the four steeds of the king with his mace. But
+Kunti's son, king Yudhishthira the just, seeing the foe approach so
+near, and fighting on foot, pierced his breast with a
+crescent-shaped arrow. And that hero, thus wounded in the breast
+began to vomit blood, and fell down upon the ground besides
+Pritha's son, like an uprooted tree. And king Yudhishthira the
+just, whose steeds had been slain taking this opportunity,
+descended with Indrasena from his chariot and mounted that of
+Sahadeva. And the two warriors, Kshemankara and Mahamuksha,
+singling out Nakula, began to pour on him from both sides a perfect
+shower of keen-edged arrows. The son of Madri, however, succeeded
+in slaying, with a couple of long shafts, both those warriors who
+had been pouring on him an arrowy shower&mdash;like clouds in the
+rainy season. Suratha, the king of Trigartas, well-versed in
+elephant-charges, approaching the front of Nakula's chariot, caused
+it to be dragged by the elephant he rode. But Nakula, little
+daunted at this, leaped out of his chariot, and securing a point of
+vantage, stood shield and sword in hand, immovable as a hill.
+Thereupon Suratha, wishing to slay Nakula at once, urged towards
+him his huge and infuriate elephant with trunk upraised. But when
+the beast came near, Nakula with his sword severed from his head
+both trunk and tusks. And that mail-clad elephant, uttering a
+frightful roar, fell headlong upon the ground, crushing its riders
+by the fall. And having achieved this daring feat, the heroic son
+of Madri, getting up on Bhimasena's car, obtained a little rest.
+And Bhima too, seeing prince Kotikakhya rush to the encounter, cut
+off the head of his charioteer with a horse-shoe arrow. That prince
+did not even perceive that his driver was killed by his
+strong-armed adversary, and his horses, no longer restrained by a
+driver, ran about on the battle-field in all directions. And seeing
+that prince without a driver turn his back, that foremost of
+smiters, Bhima the son of Pandu, went up to him and slew him with a
+bearded dart. And Dhananjaya also cut off with his sharp
+crescent-shaped arrows, the heads, as well as the bows of all the
+twelve Sauvira heroes. And the great warrior killed in battle, with
+the arrow, the leaders of the Ikshwakus and the hosts of Sivis and
+Trigartas and Saindhavas. And a great many elephants with their
+colours, and chariots with standards, were seen to fall by the hand
+of Arjuna. And heads without trunks, and trunks without heads, lay
+covering the entire field of battle. And dogs, and herons and
+ravens, and crows, and falcons, and jackals, and vultures, feasted
+on the flesh and blood of warriors slain on that field. And when
+Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, saw that his warriors were slain,
+he became terrified and anxious to run away leaving Krishna behind.
+And in that general confusion, the wretch, setting down Draupadi
+there, fled for his life, pursuing the same forest path by which he
+had come. And king Yudhishthira the just, seeing Draupadi with
+Dhaumya walking before, caused her to be taken up on a chariot by
+the heroic Sahadeva, the son of Madri. And when Jayadratha had fled
+away Bhima began to mow down with his iron-arrows such of his
+followers as were running away striking each trooper down after
+naming him. But Arjuna perceiving that Jayadratha had run away
+exhorted his brother to refrain from slaughtering the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 528]</span> remnant of the Saindhava host. And Arjuna
+said, 'I do not find on the field of battle Jayadratha through
+whose fault alone we have experienced this bitter misfortune! Seek
+him out first and may success crown thy effort! What is the good of
+thy slaughtering these troopers? Why art thou bent upon this
+unprofitable business?'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Bhimasena, thus exhorted by Arjuna of
+great wisdom, turning to Yudhishthira, replied, saying, 'As a great
+many of the enemy's warriors have been slain and as they are flying
+in all directions, do thou, O king, now return home, taking with
+thee Draupadi and the twin brothers and high-souled Dhaumya, and
+console the princess after getting back to our asylum! That foolish
+king of Sindhu I shall not let alone as long as he lives, even if
+he find a shelter in the infernal regions or is backed by Indra
+himself!' And Yudhishthira replied, saying, 'O thou of mighty arms
+remembering (our sister) Dussala and the celebrated Gandhari, thou
+shouldst not slay the king of Sindhu even though he is so
+wicked!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words, Draupadi was
+greatly excited. And that highly intelligent lady in her excitement
+said to her two husbands, Bhima and Arjuna with indignation mixed
+with modesty, 'If you care to do what is agreeable to me, you must
+slay that mean and despicable wretch, that sinful, foolish,
+infamous and contemptible chief of the Saindhava clan! That foe who
+forcibly carries away a wife, and he that wrests a kingdom, should
+never be forgiven on the battle-field, even though he should
+supplicate for mercy!' Thus admonished, those two valiant warriors
+went in search of the Saindhava chief. And the king taking Krishna
+with him returned home, accompanied by his spiritual adviser. And
+on entering the hermitage, he found it was laid over with seats for
+the ascetics and crowded with their disciples and graced with the
+presence of Markandeya and other Brahmanas. And while those
+Brahmanas were gravely bewailing the lot of Draupadi, Yudhishthira
+endued with great wisdom joined their company, with his brothers.
+And beholding the king thus come back after having defeated the
+Saindhava and the Sauvira host and recovered Draupadi, they were
+all elated with joy! And the king took his seat in their midst. And
+the excellent princess Krishna entered the hermitage with the two
+brothers.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile Bhima and Arjuna, learning the enemy was full two
+miles ahead of them urged their horses to greater speed in pursuit
+of him. And the mighty Arjuna performed a wonderful deed, killing
+the horse of Jayadratha although they were full two miles ahead of
+them. Armed with celestial weapons undaunted by difficulties he
+achieved this difficult feat with arrows inspired with
+<i>Mantras</i>. And then the two warriors, Bhima and Arjuna, rushed
+towards the terrified king of Sindhu whose horses had been slain
+and who was alone and perplexed in mind. And the latter was greatly
+grieved on seeing his steeds slain. And beholding Dhananjaya do
+such a daring deed, and intent on running away, he followed the
+same forest track by which he had come. And Phalguna, seeing the
+Saindhava chief so active in his fright, overtook him and addressed
+him saying, 'Possessed of so little manliness, how couldst thou
+dare to take away a lady by force? Turn round, O prince;
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 529]</span> it is not meet that thou
+shouldst run away! How canst thou act so, leaving thy followers in
+the midst of thy foes?' Although addressed by the sons of Pritha
+thus, the monarch of Sindhu did not even once turn round. And then
+bidding him to what he chose the mighty Bhima overtook him in an
+instant, but the kind Arjuna entreated him not to kill that
+wretch."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Jayadratha flying for his life upon
+beholding those two brothers with upraised arms, was sorely grieved
+and bolted off with speed and coolness. But the mighty and
+indignant Bhimasena, descending from his chariot, ran after him
+thus fleeing, and seized him by the hair of his head. And holding
+him high up in the air, Bhima thrust him on the ground with
+violence. And seizing the prince by the head, he knocked him about.
+And when the wretch recovered consciousness, he groaned aloud and
+wanted to get up on his legs. But that hero endued with mighty arms
+kicked him on the head. And Bhima pressed him on the breast with
+his knees as well as with his fists. And the prince thus
+belaboured, soon became insensible. Then Phalguna dissuaded the
+wrathful Bhimasena from inflicting further chastisement on the
+prince, by reminding him of what Yudhishthira had said regarding
+(their sister) Dussala. But Bhima replied, saying, 'This sinful
+wretch hath done a cruel injury to Krishna, who never can bear such
+treatment. He, therefore, deserveth to die at my hands! But what
+can I do? The king is always overflowing with mercy, and thou, too,
+art constantly putting obstacles in my way from a childish sense of
+virtue!' Having said these words, Vrikodara, with his
+crescent-shaped arrow, shaved the hair of the prince's head,
+heaving five tufts in as many places. Jayadratha uttered not a word
+at this. Then Vrikodara, addressing the foe said, 'If thou wishest
+to live, listen to me. O fool! I shall tell thee the means to
+attain that wish! In public assemblies and in open courts thou must
+say,&mdash;I am the slave of the Pandavas.&mdash;on this condition
+alone, I will pardon thee thy life! This is the customary rule of
+conquest on the field of battle.' Thus addressed and treated, king
+Jayadratha said to the mighty and fierce warrior who always looked
+awful, 'Be it so!' And he was trembling and senseless and begrimed
+with dust. Then Arjuna and Vrikodara, securing him with chains,
+thrust him into a chariot. And Bhima, himself mounting that
+chariot, and accompanied by Arjuna, drove towards the hermitage.
+And approaching Yudhishthira seated there, he placed Jayadratha in
+that condition before the king. And the king, smiling, told him to
+set the Sindhu prince at liberty. Then Bhima said unto the king,
+'Do thou tell Draupadi that this wretch hath become the slave of
+the Pandavas.' Then his eldest brother said unto him
+affectionately, 'If thou hast any regard for us, do thou set this
+wretch at liberty!' And Draupadi too, reading the king's mind,
+said, 'Let him off! He hath become a slave of the king's and thou,
+too, hast disfigured him by leaving five tufts of hair on his
+head.' Then that crest-fallen prince, having obtained his liberty,
+approached king Yudhishthira <span class="pagenum">[Pg 530]</span>
+and bowed down unto him. And seeing those <i>Munis</i> there, he
+saluted them also. Then the kind-hearted king Yudhishthira, the son
+of Dharma, beholding Jayadratha in that condition, almost supported
+by Arjuna, said unto him, 'Thou art a free man now; I emancipate
+thee! Now go away and be careful not to do such thing again; shame
+to thee! Thou hadst intended to take away a lady by violence, even
+though thou art so mean and powerless! What other wretch save thee
+would think of acting thus?' Then that foremost king of Bharata's
+race eyed with pity that perpetrator of wicked deeds, and believing
+that he had lost his senses, said, 'Mayst thy heart grow in virtue!
+Never set thy heart again on immoral deeds! Thou mayst depart in
+peace now with thy charioteers, cavalry and infantry.' Thus
+addressed by Yudhishthira, the prince, O Bharata, was overpowered
+with shame, and bending down his head, he silently and sorrowfully
+wended his way to the place where the Ganga debouches on the
+plains. And imploring the protection of the god of three eyes, the
+consort of Uma, he did severe penance at that place. And the
+three-eyed god, pleased with his austerities deigned to accept his
+offerings in person. And he also granted him a boon! Do thou
+listen, O monarch, how the prince received that boon! Jayadratha,
+addressing that god, asked the boon, 'May I be able to defeat in
+battle all the five sons of Pandu on their chariots!' The god,
+however, told him 'This cannot be.' And Maheswara said, 'None can
+slay or conquer them in battle. Save Arjuna, however, thou shall be
+able to only check them (once) on the field of battle! The heroic
+Arjuna, with mighty arms, is the god incarnate styled <i>Nara</i>.
+He practised austerities of old in the Vadari forest. The God
+<i>Narayana</i> is his friend. Therefore, he is unconquerable of
+the very gods. I myself have given him the celestial weapon called
+<i>Pasupata</i>. From the regents also of all the ten cardinal
+points, he has acquired the thunder-bolt and other mighty weapons.
+And the great god Vishnu who is the Infinite Spirit, the Lord
+Preceptor of all the gods, is the Supreme Being without attributes,
+and the Soul of the Universe, and existeth pervading the whole
+creation. At the termination of a cycle of ages, assuming the shape
+of the all-consuming fire, he consumed the whole Universe with
+mountains and seas and islands and hills and woods and forests. And
+after the destruction of the <i>Naga</i> world also in the
+subterranean regions in the same way, vast masses of many-coloured
+and loud-pealing clouds, with streaks of lightning, spreading along
+the entire welkin, had appeared on high. Then pouring down water in
+torrents thick as axles of cars, and filling the space everywhere,
+these extinguishing that all-consuming fire! When at the close of
+four thousand <i>Yugas</i> the Earth thus became flooded with
+water, like one vast sea, and all mobile creatures were hushed in
+death, and the sun and the moon and the winds were all destroyed,
+and the Universe was devoid of planets and stars, the Supreme Being
+called Narayana, unknowable by the senses, adorned with a thousand
+heads and as many eyes and legs, became desirous of rest. And the
+serpent Sesha, looking terrible with his thousand hoods, and
+shining with the splendour of ten thousand suns, and white as the
+<i>Kunda</i> flower or the moon or a string of pearls, or the white
+lotus, or milk, or the fibres of a lotus stalk, served <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 531]</span> for his conch. And that adorable and
+omnipotent God thus slept on the bosom of the deep, enveloping all
+space with nocturnal gloom. And when his creative faculty was
+excited, he awoke and found the Universe denuded of everything. In
+this connection, the following <i>sloka</i> is recited respecting
+the meaning of <i>Narayana</i>. "Water was created by (the
+<i>Rishi</i>) <i>Nara</i>, and it formed his corpus; therefore do
+we hear it styled as <i>Nara</i>. And because it formed his
+<i>Ayana</i> (resting-place) therefore is he known as
+<i>Narayana</i>." As soon as that everlasting Being was engaged in
+meditation for the re-creation of the Universe, a lotus flower
+instantaneously came into existence from his navel, and the
+four-faced <i>Brahma</i> came out of that navel-lotus. And then the
+Grandsire of all creatures, seating himself on that flower and
+finding that the whole Universe was a blank, created in his own
+likeness, and from his will, the (nine) great <i>Rishis,
+Marichi</i> and others. And these in their turn observing the same
+thing, completed the creation, by creating <i>Yakshas, Rakshas,
+Pisachas</i>, reptiles, men, and all mobile and immobile creatures.
+The Supreme Spirit hath three conditions. In the form of Brahma, he
+is the Creator, and in the form of Vishnu he is the Preserver, and
+in his form as Rudra, he is the Destroyer of the Universe! O king
+of Sindhu, hast thou not heard of the wonderful achievements of
+Vishnu, described to thee by the <i>Munis</i> and the Brahmanas
+learned in the <i>Vedas</i>? When the world was thus reduced to one
+vast sea of water, with only the heavens above, the Lord, like a
+fire-fly at night-time during the rainy season, moved about hither
+and thither in search of stable ground, with the view of
+rehabilitating his creation, and became desirous of raising the
+Earth submerged in water. <i>What shape shall I take to rescue the
+Earth from this flood!</i>&mdash;So thinking and contemplating with
+divine insight, he bethought himself of the shape of a wild boar
+fond of sporting in water. And assuming the shape of a sacrificial
+boar shining with effulgence and instinct with the <i>Vedas</i> and
+ten <i>Yojanas</i> in length, with pointed tusks and a complexion
+like dark clouds, and with a body huge as a mountain, and roaring
+like a conglomeration of clouds, the Lord plunged into the waters,
+and lifted up the Earth with one of his tusks, and replaced it in
+its proper sphere. At another time, the mighty Lord, assuming a
+wonderful form with a body half lion, half man, and squeezing his
+hands, repaired to the court of the ruler of the <i>Daityas</i>.
+That progenitor of the <i>Daityas</i>, the son of <i>Diti</i>, who
+was the enemy of the (gods), beholding the Lord's peculiar form,
+burst out into passion and his eyes became inflamed with rage. And
+Hiranya-Kasipu, the war-like son of Diti and the enemy of the gods,
+adorned with garlands and looking like a mass of dark clouds,
+taking up his trident in hand and roaring like the clouds, rushed
+on that being half lion, half man. Then that powerful king of wild
+beasts, half man, half lion, taking a leap in the air, instantly
+rent the <i>Daitya</i> in twain by means of his sharp claws. And
+the adorable lotus-eyed Lord of great effulgence, having thus slain
+the <i>Daitya</i> king for the well-being of all creatures, again
+took his birth in the womb of <i>Aditi</i> as son of Kasyapa. And
+at the expiration of a thousand years she was delivered of that
+superhuman conception. And then was born that Being, of the hue of
+rain-charged clouds with bright eyes and of dwarfish stature.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 532]</span> He had the ascetic's staff
+and water-pot in hand, and was marked with the emblem of a curl of
+hair on the breast. And that adorable Being wore matted locks and
+the sacrificial thread, and he was stout and handsome and
+resplendent with lustre. And that Being, arriving at the
+sacrificial enclosure of Vali, king of the <i>Danavas</i>, entered
+the sacrificial assembly with the aid of Vrihaspati. And beholding
+that dwarf-bodied Being, Vali was well-pleased and said unto him,
+"I am glad to see thee, O Brahmana! Say what is it that thou
+wantest from me!" Thus addressed by Vali, the dwarf-god replied
+with a smile, saying, "So be it! Do thou, lord of the
+<i>Danavas</i>, give me three paces of ground!" And Vali contented
+to give what that Brahmana of infinite power had asked. And while
+measuring with his paces the space he sought, Hari assumed a
+wonderful and extraordinary form. And with only three paces he
+instantly covered this illimitable world. And then that everlasting
+God, Vishnu, gave it away unto Indra. This history which has just
+been related to thee, is celebrated as the "<i>Incarnation of the
+Dwarf</i>." And from him, all the gods had their being, and after
+him the world is said to be <i>Vaishnava</i>, or pervaded by
+Vishnu. And for the destruction of the wicked and the preservation
+of religion, even He hath taken his birth among men in the race of
+the Yadus. And the adorable Vishnu is styled Krishna. These, O king
+of Sindhu, are the achievements of the Lord whom all the worlds
+worship and whom the learned describe as without beginning and
+without end, unborn and Divine! They call Him, the unconquerable
+Krishna with conchshell, discus and mace, and adorned with the
+emblem of a curl of hair, Divine, clad in silken robes of yellow
+hue, and the best of those versed in the art of war. Arjuna is
+protected by Krishna the possessor of these attributes. That
+glorious and lotus-eyed Being of infinite power, that slayer of
+hostile heroes, riding in the same chariot with Pritha's son,
+protecteth him! He is, therefore, invincible; the very gods cannot
+resist his power, still less can one with human attributes vanquish
+the son of Pritha in battle! Therefore, O king, thou must let him
+alone! Thou shalt, however, be able to vanquish for a single day
+only, the rest of Yudhishthira's forces along with thine
+enemies&mdash;the four sons of Pandu!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words unto that
+prince, the adorable Hara of three eyes, the destroyer of all sins,
+the consort of Uma, and lord of wild beasts, the destroyer of
+(Daksha's) sacrifice, the slayer of Tripura and He that had plucked
+out the eyes of Bhaga, surrounded by his dwarfish and hunch-backed
+and terrible followers having frightful eyes and ears and uplifted
+arms, vanished, O tiger among kings, from that place with his
+consort Uma! And the wicked Jayadratha also returned home, and the
+sons of Pandu continued to dwell in the forest of Kamyaka."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "What did those tigers among men, the Pandavas,
+do, after they had suffered such misery in consequence of the
+ravishment of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 533]</span> Draupadi?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated Jayadratha and rescued
+Krishna, the virtuous king Yudhishthira took his seat by the side
+of that best of <i>Munis</i>. And among those foremost of ascetics
+who were expressing their grief upon hearing Draupadi's misfortune,
+Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, addressed Markandeya, saying, 'O
+adorable Sire, amongst the gods and the ascetics, thou art known to
+have the fullest knowledge of both the past as well as the future.
+A doubt existeth in my mind, which I would ask thee to solve! This
+lady is the daughter of Drupada; she hath issued from the
+sacrificial altar and hath not been begotten of the flesh; and she
+is highly blessed and is also the daughter-in-law of the
+illustrious Pandu. I incline to think that Time, and human Destiny
+that dependeth on our acts, and the Inevitable, are irresistible in
+respect of creatures. (If it were not so), how could such a
+misfortune afflict this wife of ours so faithful and virtuous, like
+a false accusation of theft against an honest man? The daughter of
+Drupada hath never committed any sinful act, nor hath she done
+anything that is not commendable: on the contrary, she hath
+assiduously practised the highest virtues towards Brahmanas. And
+yet the foolish king Jayadratha had carried her away by force. In
+consequence of this act of violence on her, that sinful wretch hath
+his hair shaved off his head and sustained also, with all his
+allies, defeat in battle. It is true we have rescued her after
+slaughtering the troops of Sindhu. But the disgrace of this
+ravishment of our wife during our hours of carelessness, hath
+stained us, to be sure. This life in the wilderness is full of
+miseries. We subsist by chase; and though dwelling in the woods, we
+are obliged to slay the denizens thereof that live with us! This
+exile also that we suffer is due to the act of deceitful kinsmen!
+Is there any one who is more unfortunate than I am? Hath thou ever
+seen or heard of such a one before?'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O bull of the Bharata race, even Rama
+suffered unparalleled misery, for the evil-minded Ravana, king of
+the Rakshasas, having recourse to deceit and overpowering the
+vulture Jatayu, forcibly carried away his wife Sita from his asylum
+in the woods. Indeed, Rama, with the help of Sugriva, brought her
+back, constructing a bridge across the sea, and consuming Lanka
+with his keen-edged arrows.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'In what race was Rama born and what was the
+measure of his might and prowess? Whose son also was Ravana and for
+what was it that he had any misunderstanding with Rama? It behoveth
+thee, O illustrious one, to tell me all this in detail; for I long
+to hear the story of Rama of great achievements!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O prince of Bharata's race, to this
+old history exactly as it happened! I will tell thee all about the
+distress suffered by Rama together with his wife. There was a great
+king named Aja sprung from the race of Ikshwaku. He had a son named
+Dasaratha who was devoted to the <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+534]</span> study of the Vedas and was ever pure. And Dasaratha had
+four sons conversant with morality and profit known by the names,
+respectively, of Rama, Lakshmana, Satrughna, and the mighty
+Bharata. And Rama had for his mother Kausalya, and Bharata had for
+his mother Kaikeyi, while those scourges of their enemies Lakshmana
+and Satrughna were the sons of Sumitra. And Janaka was the king of
+Videha, and Sita was his daughter. And Tashtri himself created her,
+desiring to make her the beloved wife of Rama. I have now told thee
+the history of both Rama's and Sita's birth. And now, O king, I
+will relate unto thee the birth of Ravana. That Lord of all
+creatures and the Creator of the Universe viz., the Self-create
+Prajapati himself&mdash;that god possessed of great ascetic
+merit&mdash;is the grandfather of Ravana. And Pulastya hath a
+mighty son called Vaisravana begotten of a cow. But his son,
+leaving his father, went to his grandfather. And, O king, angered
+at this, his father then created a second self of himself. And with
+half of his own self that regenerate one became born of Visrava for
+wrecking a vengeance on Vaisravana. But the Grandsire, pleased with
+Vaisravana, gave him immortality, and sovereignty of all the wealth
+of the Universe, the guardianship of one of the cardinal points,
+the friendship of Isana, and a son named Nalakuvera. And he also
+gave him for his capital Lanka, which was guarded by hosts of
+Rakshasas, and also a chariot called Pushpaka capable of going
+everywhere according to the will of the rider. And the kingship of
+the Yakshas and the sovereignty over sovereigns were also
+his.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The Muni named Visrava, who was begotten of
+half the soul of Pulastya, in a fit of passion, began to look upon
+Vaisravana with great anger. But, O monarch, Kuvera, the king of
+the Rakshasas, knowing that his father was angry with him, always
+sought to please him. And, O best of Bharata's race, that king of
+kings living in Lanka, and borne upon the shoulders of men, sent
+three Rakshasa women to wait upon his father. Their names, O king,
+were Pushpotkata, Raka and Malini. And they were skilled in singing
+and dancing and were always assiduous in their attentions on that
+high-souled Rishi. And those slender-waisted ladies vied with one
+another, O king, in gratifying the Rishi. And that high-souled and
+adorable being was pleased with them and granted them boons. And to
+every one of them he gave princely sons according to their desire.
+Two sons&mdash;those foremost of Rakshasas named Kumvakarna and the
+Ten-headed Ravana,&mdash;both unequaled on earth in prowess, were
+born to Pushpotkata. And Malini had a son named Vibhishana, and
+Raka had twin children named Khara and Surpanakha. And Vibhishana
+surpassed them all in beauty. And that excellent person was very
+pious and assiduously performed all religious rites. But that
+foremost of Rakshasas, with ten heads, was the eldest to them all.
+And he was religious, and energetic and possessed of great strength
+and prowess. And the Rakshasa Kumvakarna was the most powerful in
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 535]</span> battle, for he was fierce and
+terrible and a thorough master of the arts of illusion. And Khara
+was proficient in archery, and hostile to the Brahmanas, subsisting
+as he did on flesh. And the fierce Surpanakha was constant source
+of trouble to the ascetics. And the warriors, learned in the Vedas
+and diligent in ceremonial rites, all lived with their father in
+the Gandhamadana. And there they beheld Vaisravana seated with
+their father, possessed of riches and borne on the shoulders of
+men. And seized with jealousy, they resolved upon performing
+penances. And with ascetic penances of the most severe kind, they
+gratified Brahma. And the Ten-headed Ravana, supporting life by
+means of air alone and surrounded by the five sacred fires and
+absorbed in meditation, remained standing on one leg for a thousand
+years. And Kumvakarna with head downwards, and with restricted
+diet, was constant in austerities. And the wise and magnanimous
+Vibhishana, observing fasts and subsisting only on dry leaves and
+engaged in meditation, practised severe austerities for a long
+period. And Khara and Surpanakha, with cheerful hearts, protected
+and attended on them while they were performing those austerities.
+And at the close of a thousand years, the invincible Ten-headed
+One, cutting off his own heads, offered them as offering to the
+sacred fire. And at this act of his, the Lord of the Universe was
+pleased with him. And then Brahma, personally appearing to them,
+bade them desist from those austerities and promised to grant boons
+unto every one of them. And the adorable Brahma said, "I am pleased
+with you, my sons! Cease now from these austerities and ask boons
+of me! Whatever your desires may be, they, with the single
+exception of that of immortality, will be fulfilled! As thou hast
+offered thy heads to the fire from great ambition, they will again
+adorn thy body as before, according to thy desire. And thy body
+will not be disfigured and thou shall be able to assume any form
+according to thy desire and become the conqueror of thy foes in
+battle. There is no doubt of this!" thereupon Ravana said, "May I
+never experience defeat at the hands of Gandharvas, Celestials,
+Kinnaras, Asuras, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Serpents and all other
+creatures!" Brahma said, "From those that hast named, thou shalt
+never have cause of fear; except from men (thou shalt have no
+occasion for fear). Good betide thee! So hath it been ordained by
+me!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed, the Ten-headed (Ravana) was
+highly gratified, for on account of his perverted understanding,
+the man-eating one slighted human beings. Then the great Grandsire
+addressed Kumbhakarna as before. His reason being clouded by
+darkness, he asked for long-lasting sleep. Saying, "It shall be
+so!" Brahma then addressed Vibhishana, "O my son, I am much pleased
+with thee! Ask any boon thou pleasest!" Thereupon, Vibhishana
+replied, "Even in great danger, may I never swerve from the path of
+righteousness, and though ignorant, may I, O adorable Sire, be
+illumined with the light of divine knowledge!" And Brahma replied,
+"O scourge of thy enemies, as thy soul inclines not to
+unrighteousness although born in the <i>Rakshasa race</i>, I grant
+thee immortality!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having obtained this boon, the
+Ten-headed Rakshasa defeated Kuvera in battle and obtained from him
+the sovereignty <span class="pagenum">[Pg 536]</span> of Lanka.
+That adorable Being, leaving Lanka and followed by Gandharvas,
+Yakshas, Rakshas, and Kinnaras, went to live on mount Gandhamadana.
+And Ravana forcibly took from him the celestial chariot
+<i>Pushpaka</i>. And upon this Vaisravana cursed him, saying, "This
+chariot shall never carry thee; it shall bear him who will slay
+thee in battle! And as thou hast insulted me, thy elder brother,
+thou shalt soon die!"</p>
+<p>"'The pious Vibhishana, O King, treading in the path followed by
+the virtuous and possessed of great glory, followed Kuvera. That
+adorable Lord of wealth, highly pleased with his younger brothers,
+invested him with the command of the Yaksha and Raksha hosts. On
+the other hand, the powerful and man-eating <i>Rakshasas</i> and
+<i>Pisachas</i>, having assembled together, invested the Ten-headed
+Ravana with their sovereignty. And Ravana, capable of assuming any
+form at will and terrible in prowess, and capable also of passing
+through the air, attacked the gods and the <i>Daityas</i> and
+wrested from them all their valuable possessions. And as he had
+terrified all creatures, he was called <i>Ravana</i>. And Ravana,
+capable of mustering any measure of might inspired the very gods
+with terror.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Then the <i>Brahmarshis</i>, the
+<i>Siddhas</i> and the <i>Devarshis</i>, with <i>Havyavaha</i> as
+their spokesman, sought the protection of Brahma. And Agni said,
+"That powerful son of Visrava, the Ten-headed cannot be slain on
+account of thy boon! Endued with great might he oppresseth in every
+possible way the creatures of the earth. Protect us, therefore, O
+adorable one! There is none else save thee to protect us!"</p>
+<p>"'Brahma said, "O Agni, he cannot be conquered in battle by
+either the gods or the <i>Asuras</i>! I have already ordained that
+which is needful for that purpose. Indeed his death is near! Urged
+by me, the four-headed God hath already been incarnate for that
+object. Even Vishnu, that foremost of smiters will achieve that
+object!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then the Grandsire also asked Sakra, in
+their presence, "Be thou, with all the celestials, born on earth!
+And beget ye on monkeys and bears, heroic sons possessed of great
+strength and capable of assuming any form at will as allies of
+Vishnu!" And at this, the gods, the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the
+<i>Danavas</i> quickly assembled to take counsel as to how they
+should be born on earth according to their respective parts. And in
+their presence the boon-giving god commanded a <i>Gandharvi</i>, by
+name Dundubhi saying, "Go there for accomplishing this object!" And
+Dundubhi hearing these words of the Grandsire was born in the world
+of men as the hunchbacked <i>Manthara</i>. And all the principal
+celestials, with Sakra and others begot offspring upon the wives of
+the foremost of monkeys and bears. And those sons equaled their
+sires in strength and fame. And they were capable of splitting
+mountain peaks and their weapons were stones and trees of the
+<i>Sala</i> and the <i>Tala</i> species. And their bodies were hard
+as adamant, and they <span class="pagenum">[Pg 537]</span> were
+possessed of very great strength. And they were all skilled in war
+and capable of mustering any measure of energy at will. And they
+were equal to a thousand elephants in might, and they resembled the
+wind in speed. And some of them lived wherever they liked, while
+others lived in forests. And the adorable Creator of the Universe,
+having ordained all this, instructed <i>Manthara</i> as to what she
+would have to do. And Manthara quick as thought, understood all his
+words, and went hither and thither ever engaged in fomenting
+quarrels.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXV</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O adorable one, thou hast described to me
+in detail the history of the birth of Rama and others. I wish to
+learn the cause of their exile. Do thou, O Brahmana, relate why the
+sons of Dasaratha&mdash;the brothers Rama and Lakshmana&mdash;went
+to the forest with famous princess of Mithila.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The pious king Dasaratha, ever mindful of the
+old and assiduous in religious ceremonies, was greatly pleased when
+these sons were born. And his sons gradually grew up in might and
+they became conversant with the Vedas together with all their
+mysteries, and with the science of arms. And when after having gone
+through the Brahmacharya vows the princes were married, king
+Dasaratha became happy and highly pleased. And the intelligent
+Rama, the eldest of them all, became the favourite of his father,
+and greatly pleased the people with his charming ways. And then, O
+Bharata, the wise king, considering himself old in years took
+counsel with his virtuous ministers and spiritual adviser for
+installing Rama as regent of the kingdom. And all those great
+ministers were agreed that it was time to do so. And, O scion of
+Kuru's race, king Dasaratha was greatly pleased to behold his
+son,&mdash;that enhancer of Kausalya's delight&mdash;possessed of
+eyes that were red, and arms that were sinewy. And his steps were
+like those of a wild elephant. And he had long arms and high
+shoulders and black and curly hair. And he was valiant, and glowing
+with splendour, and not inferior to Indra himself in battle. And he
+was well-versed in holy writ and was equal to Vrihaspati in wisdom.
+An object of love with all the people, he was skilled in every
+science. And with senses under complete control, his very enemies
+were pleased to behold him. And he was terror of the wicked and the
+protector of the virtuous. And possessed of intelligence and
+incapable of being baffled, he was victorious over all and never
+vanquished by any. And, O descendant of Kurus, beholding his
+son&mdash;that enhancer of Kausalya's joy&mdash;king Dasaratha
+became highly pleased. And reflecting on Rama's virtues, the
+powerful and mighty king cheerfully addressed the family priest,
+saying, "Blessed be thou, O Brahmana! This night of the Pushya
+constellation will bring in a very auspicious conjunction. Let,
+therefore, materials be collected and let Rama also be invited.
+This Pushya constellation will last till tomorrow. And Rama,
+therefore, should be invested by me and my ministers as
+prince-regent <span class="pagenum">[Pg 538]</span> of all my
+subjects!"</p>
+<p>"'Meanwhile Manthara (the maid of Kaikeyi), hearing these words
+of the king, went to her mistress, and spoke unto her as was suited
+to the occasion. And she said, "Thy great ill-luck, O Kaikeyi, hath
+this day been proclaimed by the king! O unlucky one, mayst thou be
+bitten by a fierce and enraged snake of virulent poison! Kausalya,
+indeed, is fortunate, as it is her son that is going to be
+installed on the throne. Where, indeed, is thy prosperity, when thy
+son obtaineth not the kingdom?"</p>
+<p>"'Hearing these words of her maid, the slender-waisted and
+beautiful Kaikeyi put on all her ornaments, and sought her husband
+in a secluded place. And with a joyous heart, and smiling
+pleasantly, she addressed these words to him with all the
+blandishments of love, "O king, thou art always true to thy
+promises. Thou didst promise before to grant me an object of my
+desire. Do thou fulfil that promise now and save thyself from the
+sin of unredeemed pledge!" The king replied, saying, "I will grant
+thee a boon. Ask thou whatever thou wishest! What man undeserving
+of death shall be slain today and who that deserves death is to be
+set at liberty? Upon whom shall I bestow wealth to-day, or whose
+wealth shall be confiscated? Whatever wealth there is in this
+world, save what belongeth to Brahmanas, is mine! I am the king of
+kings in this world, and the protector of all the four classes!
+Tell me quickly, O blessed lady, what that object is upon which
+thou hast set thy heart!" Hearing these words of the king, and
+tying him fast to his pledge, and conscious also of her power over
+him, she addressed him in these words, "I desire that Bharata be
+the recipient of that investiture which thou hast designed for
+Rama, and let Rama go into exile living in the forest of Dandaka
+for fourteen years as an ascetic with matted locks on head and
+robed in rags and deer-skins!" Hearing these disagreeable words of
+cruel import, the king, O chief of the Bharata race, was sorely
+afflicted and became utterly speechless! But the mighty and
+virtuous Rama, learning that his father had been thus solicited,
+went into the forest so that the king's truth might remain
+inviolate. And, blessed be thou, he was followed by the auspicious
+Lakshmana&mdash;that foremost of bowmen and his wife Sita, the
+princess of Videha and daughter of Janaka. And after Rama had gone
+into the forest, king Dasaratha took leave of his body, agreeably
+to the eternal law of time. And knowing that Rama not near and that
+the king was dead, queen Kaikeyi, causing Bharata to be brought
+before her, addressed him in these words, "Dasaratha hath gone to
+heaven and both Rama and Lakshmana are in the forest! Take thou
+this kingdom which is so extensive and whose peace there is no
+rival to disturb." Thereupon the virtuous Bharata replied unto her
+saying, "Thou hast done a wicked deed, having slain thy husband and
+exterminated this family from lust of wealth alone! Heaping infamy
+on my head, O accursed woman of our race, thou hast, O mother,
+attained this, thy object!" And having said these words, the prince
+wept aloud. And having proved his innocence before all the subjects
+of that realm he set out in the wake of Rama, desiring to bring him
+back. And placing Kausalya and Sumitra and Kaikeyi in the vehicles
+at the van of his train, he proceeded with a heavy heart, in
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 539]</span> company with Satrughna. And
+he was accompanied by Vasishtha and Vamadeva, and other Brahmanas
+by thousands and by the people of the cities and the provinces,
+desiring to bring back Rama. And he saw Rama with Lakshmana, living
+on the mountains of Chitrakuta with bow in hand and decked with the
+ornaments of ascetics. Bharata, however, was dismissed by Rama, who
+was determined to act according to the words of his father. And
+returning, Bharata ruled at Nandigrama, keeping before him, his
+brother's wooden sandals. And Rama fearing a repetition of
+intrusion by the people of Ayodhya, entered into the great forest
+towards the asylum of Sarabhanga. And having paid his respects to
+Sarabhanga, he entered the forest of Dandaka and took up his abode
+on the banks of beautiful river Godavari. And while living there,
+Rama was inveigled into hostilities with Khara, then dwelling in
+Janasthana, on account of Surpanakha. And for the protection of the
+ascetics the virtuous scion of Raghu's race slew fourteen thousand
+Rakshasas on earth, and having slain those mighty Rakshasas, Khara
+and Dushana, the wise descendant of Raghu once more made that
+sacred forest free from danger.</p>
+<p>"'And after these Rakshasas had been slain, Surpanakha with
+mutilated nose and lips, repaired to Lanka&mdash;the abode of her
+brother (Ravana). And when that Rakshasa woman, senseless with
+grief and with dry blood-stains on her face, appeared before
+Ravana, she fell down at his feet. And beholding her so horribly
+mutilated, Ravana became senseless with wrath and grinding his
+teeth sprung up from his seat. And dismissing his ministers, he
+enquired of her in private, saying, "Blessed sister, who hath made
+thee so, forgetting and disregarding me? Who is he that having got
+a sharp-pointed spear hath rubbed his body with it? Who is he that
+sleepeth in happiness and security, after placing a fire close to
+his head? Who is he that hath trodden upon a revengeful snake of
+virulent poison? Who indeed, is that person who standeth with his
+hand thrust into the mouth of the maned lion!" Then flames of wrath
+burst forth from his body, like those that are emitted at night
+from the hollows of a tree on fire. His sister then related unto
+him the prowess of Rama and the defeat of the Rakshasas with Khara
+and Dushana at their head. Informed of the slaughter of his
+relatives, Ravana, impelled by Fate, remembered Maricha for slaying
+Rama. And resolving upon the course he was to follow and having
+made arrangements for the government of his capital, he consoled
+his sister, and set out on an aerial voyage. And crossing the
+Trikuta and the Kala mountains, he beheld the vast receptacle of
+deep waters&mdash;the abode of the Makaras. Then crossing the
+Ocean, the Ten headed Ravana reached Gokarna&mdash;the favourite
+resort of the illustrious god armed with the trident. And there
+Ravana met with his old friend Maricha who, from fear of Rama
+himself, had adopted an ascetic mode of life.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Beholding Ravana come, Maricha received him
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 540]</span> with a respectful welcome,
+and offered him fruits and roots. And after Ravana had taken his
+seat, and rested himself a while, Maricha skilled in speech, sat
+beside Ravana and addressed him who was himself as eloquent in
+speech, saying, "Thy complexion hath assumed an unnatural hue; is
+it all right with thy kingdom, O king of the Rakshasas? What hath
+brought thee here? Do thy subjects continue to pay thee the same
+allegiance that they used to pay thee before? What business hath
+brought thee here? Know that it is already fulfilled, even if it be
+very difficult of fulfilment!" Ravana, whose heart was agitated
+with wrath and humiliation informed him briefly of the acts of Rama
+and the measures that were to be taken. And on hearing his story,
+Maricha briefly replied to him, saying, "Thou must not provoke
+Rama, for I know his strength! Is there a person who is capable of
+withstanding the impetus of his arrows? That great man hath been
+the cause of my assuming my present ascetic life. What evil-minded
+creature hath put thee up to this course calculated to bring ruin
+and destruction on thee?" To this Ravana indignantly replied,
+reproaching him thus, "If thou dost not obey my orders, thou shall
+surely die at my hands." Maricha then thought within himself, "When
+death is inevitable, I shall do his biddings; for it is better to
+die at the hands of one that is superior." Then he replied to the
+lord of the Rakshasas saying, "I shall surely render thee whatever
+help I can!" Then the Ten-headed Ravana said unto him, "Go and
+tempt Sita, assuming the shape of a deer with golden horns and a
+golden skin! When Sita will observe thee thus, she will surely send
+away Rama to hunt thee. And then Sita will surely come within my
+power, and I shall forcibly carry her away. And then that wicked
+Rama will surely die of grief at the loss of his wife. Do thou help
+me in this way!"</p>
+<p>"'Thus addressed, Maricha performed his obsequies (in
+anticipation) and with a sorrowful heart, followed Ravana who was
+in advance of him. And having reached the hermitage of Rama of
+difficult achievements, they both did as arranged beforehand. And
+Ravana appeared in the guise of an ascetic with head shaven, and
+adorned with a <i>Kamandala</i>, and a treble staff. And Maricha
+appeared in the shape of a deer. And Maricha appeared before the
+princess of Videha in that guise. And impelled by Fate, she sent
+away Rama after that deer. And Rama, with the object of pleasing
+her, quickly took up his bow, and leaving Lakshmana behind to
+protect her, went in pursuit of that deer. And armed with his bow
+and quiver and scimitar, and his fingers encased in gloves of
+<i>Guana</i> skin, Rama went in pursuit of that deer, after the
+manner of Rudra following the stellar deer<a id="footnotetag50" name="footnotetag50"></a><a href="#footnote50"><sup>50</sup></a> in
+days of yore. And that Rakshasa enticed away Rama to a great
+distance by appearing before him at one time and disappearing from
+his view at another. And when Rama at last knew who and what that
+deer was, viz., that he was a <i>Rakshasa</i>, that illustrious
+descendant of Raghu's race took out an infallible arrow and slew
+that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 541]</span> Rakshasa, in the
+disguise of a deer. And struck with Rama's arrow, the Rakshasa,
+imitating Rama's voice, cried out in great distress, calling upon
+Sita and Lakshmana. And when the princess of Videha heard that cry
+of distress, she urged Lakshmana to run towards the quarter from
+whence the cry came. Then Lakshmana said to her, "Timid lady, thou
+hast no cause of fear! Who is so powerful as to be able to smite
+Rama? O thou of sweet smiles, in a moment thou wilt behold thy
+husband Rama!" Thus addressed, the chaste Sita, from that timidity
+which is natural to women, became suspicious of even the pure
+Lakshmana, and began to weep aloud. And that chaste lady, devoted
+to her husband, harshly reproved Lakshmana, saying, "The object
+which thou, O fool, cherishest in thy heart, shall never be
+fulfilled! I would rather kill myself with a weapon or throw myself
+from the top of a hill or enter into a blazing fire than live with
+a sorry wretch like thee, forsaking my husband Rama, like a tigress
+under the protection of a jackal!"</p>
+<p>"'When the good natured Lakshmana, who was very fond of his
+brother, heard these words, he shut his ears (with his hands) and
+set out on the track that Rama had taken. And Lakshmana set out
+without casting a single glance on that lady with lips soft and red
+like the <i>Bimba</i> fruit. Meanwhile, the Rakshasa Ravana,
+wearing a genteel guise though wicked at heart, and like unto fire
+enveloped in a heap of ashes, showed himself there. And he appeared
+there in the disguise of a hermit, for forcibly carrying away that
+lady of blameless character. The virtuous daughter of Janaka,
+seeing him come, welcomed him with fruits and root and a seat.
+Disregarding these and assuming his own proper shape, that bull
+among Rakshasas began to re-assure the princess of Videha in these
+words, "I am, O Sita, the king of the Rakshasas, known by the name
+of Ravana! My delightful city, known by the name of Lanka is on the
+other side of the great ocean! There among beautiful women, thou
+wilt shine with me! O lady of beautiful lips, forsaking the ascetic
+Rama do thou become my wife!" Janaka's daughter of beautiful lips,
+hearing these and other words in the same strain, shut her ears and
+replied unto him, saying, "Do not say so! The vault of heaven with
+all its stars may fall down, the Earth itself may be broken into
+fragments, fire itself may change its nature by becoming cool, yet
+I cannot forsake the descendant of Raghu! How can a she-elephant,
+who hath lived with the mighty leader of a herd with rent temples
+forsake him and live with a hog? Having once tasted the sweet wine
+prepared from honey or flowers, how can a woman, I fancy, relish
+the wretched arrak from rice?" Having uttered those words, she
+entered the cottage, her lips trembling in wrath and her arms
+moving to and fro in emotion. Ravana, however, followed her thither
+and intercepted her further progress. And rudely scolded by the
+Rakshasa, she swooned away. But Ravana seized her by the hair of
+her head, and rose up into the air. Then a huge vulture of the name
+of Jatayu living on a mountain peak, beheld that helpless lady thus
+weeping and calling upon Rama in great distress while being carried
+away by Ravana.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 542]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'That heroic king of the vultures, Jatayu,
+having Sampati for his uterine brother and Arjuna himself for his
+father, was a friend of Dasaratha. And beholding his
+daughter-in-law Sita on the lap of Ravana, that ranger of the skies
+rushed in wrath against the king of the Rakshasas. And the vulture
+addressed Ravana, saying, "Leave the princess of Mithila, leave her
+I say! How canst thou, O Rakshasa, ravish her when I am alive? If
+thou dost not release my daughter-in-law, thou shalt not escape
+from me with life!" And having said these words Jatayu began to
+tear the king of the Rakshasas with his talons. And he mangled him
+in a hundred different parts of his body by striking him with his
+wings and beaks. And blood began to flow as copiously from Ravana's
+body as water from a mountain spring. And attacked thus by that
+vulture desirous of Rama's good, Ravana, taking up a sword, cut off
+the two wings of that bird. And having slain that king of the
+vultures, huge as a mountain-peak shooting forth above the clouds,
+the Rakshasa rose high in the air with Sita on his lap. And the
+princess of Videha, wherever she saw an asylum of ascetics, a lake,
+a river, or a tank, threw down an ornament of hers. And beholding
+on the top of a mountain five foremost of monkeys, that intelligent
+lady threw down amongst them a broad piece of her costly attire.
+And that beautiful and yellow piece of cloth fell, fluttering
+through the air, amongst those five foremost of monkeys like
+lightning from the clouds. And that Rakshasa soon passed a great
+way through the firmament like a bird through the air. And soon the
+Rakshasa beheld his delightful and charming city of many gates,
+surrounded on all sides by high walls and built by Viswakrit
+himself. And the king of the Rakshasa then entered his own city
+known by the name of Lanka, accompanied by Sita.</p>
+<p>"'And while Sita was being carried away, the intelligent Rama,
+having slain the great deer, retraced his steps and saw his brother
+Lakshmana (on the way). And beholding his brother, Rama reproved
+him, saying, "How couldst thou come hither, leaving the princess of
+Videha in a forest that is haunted by the Rakshasa?" And reflecting
+on his own enticement to a great distance by that Rakshasa in the
+guise of a deer and on the arrival of his brother (leaving Sita
+alone in the asylum), Rama was filled with agony. And quickly
+advancing towards Lakshmana while reproving him still, Rama asked
+him, "O Lakshmana, is the princess of Videha still alive? I fear
+she is no more!" Then Lakshmana told him everything about what Sita
+had said, especially that unbecoming language of hers subsequently.
+With a burning heart Rama then ran towards the asylum. And on the
+way he beheld a vulture huge as a mountain, lying in agonies of
+death. And suspecting him to be a Rakshasa, the descendant of the
+Kakutstha race, along with Lakshmana rushed towards him, drawing
+with great force his bow to a circle. The mighty vulture, however,
+addressing them both, said, "Blessed be ye, I am the king of the
+vultures, and friend of Dasaratha!" Hearing these words of his,
+both Rama and his brother put aside their excellent bow and said,
+"Who is this <span class="pagenum">[Pg 543]</span> one that
+speaketh the name of our father in these woods?" And then they saw
+that creature to be a bird destitute of two wings, and that bird
+then told them of his own overthrow at the hands of Ravana for the
+sake of Sita. Then Rama enquired of the vulture as to the way
+Ravana had taken. The vulture answered him by a nod of his head and
+then breathed his last. And having understood from the sign the
+vulture had made that Ravana had gone towards the south, Rama
+reverencing his father's friend, caused his funeral obsequies to be
+duly performed. Then those chastisers of foes, Rama and Lakshmana,
+filled with grief at the abduction of the princess of Videha, took
+a southern path through the Dandaka woods beholding along their way
+many uninhabited asylums of ascetics, scattered over with seats of
+Kusa grass and umbrellas of leaves and broken water-pots, and
+abounding with hundreds of jackals. And in that great forest, Rama
+along with Sumatra's son beheld many herds of deer running in all
+directions. And they heard a loud uproar of various creatures like
+what is heard during a fast spreading forest conflagration. And
+soon they beheld a headless Rakshasa of terrible mien. And that
+Rakshasa was dark as the clouds and huge as a mountain, with
+shoulders broad as those of a Sola tree, and with arms that were
+gigantic. And he had a pair of large eyes on his breast, and the
+opening of his mouth was placed on his capacious belly. And that
+Rakshasa seized Lakshmana by the hand, without any difficulty. And
+seized by the Rakshasa the son of Sumitra, O Bharata, became
+utterly confounded and helpless. And casting his glances on Rama,
+that headless Rakshasa began to draw Lakshmana towards that part of
+his body where his mouth was. And Lakshmana in grief addressed
+Rama, saying, "Behold my plight! The loss of thy kingdom, and then
+the death of our father, and then the abduction of Sita, and
+finally this disaster that hath overwhelmed me! Alas, I shall not
+behold thee return with the princess of Videha to Kosala and seated
+on thy ancestral throne as the ruler of the entire Earth! They only
+that are fortunate will behold thy face, like unto the moon emerged
+from the clouds, after thy coronation bath in water sanctified with
+Kusa grass and fried paddy and black peas!" And the intelligent
+Lakshmana uttered those and other lamentations in the same strain.
+The illustrious descendant, however, of Kakutstha's race undaunted
+amid danger, replied unto Lakshmana, saying, "Do not, O tiger among
+men, give way to grief! What is this thing when I am here? Cut thou
+off his right arm and I shall cut off his left." And while Rama was
+still speaking so, the left arm of the monster was severed by him,
+cut off with a sharp scimitar, as if indeed, that arm were a stalk
+of the <i>Tila corn</i>. The mighty son of Sumitra then beholding
+his brother standing before him struck off with his sword the right
+arm also of that Rakshasa. And Lakshmana also began to repeatedly
+strike the Rakshasa under the ribs, and then that huge headless
+monster fell upon the ground and expired quickly. And then there
+came out from the Rakshasa's body a person of celestial make. And
+he showed himself to the brothers, staying for a moment in the
+skies, like the Sun in his effulgence in the firmament. And Rama
+skilled in speech, asked him, saying, "Who art thou? Answer
+<i>me</i> who enquire of thee? Whence could such a thing happen?
+All this seems to me to be exceedingly <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+544]</span> wonderful!" Thus addressed by Rama, that being replied
+unto him, saying, "I am, O prince, a Gandharva of the name of
+Viswavasu! It was through the curse of a Brahmana that I had to
+assume the form and nature of a Rakshasa. As to thyself, O Rama,
+Sita hath been carried away with violence by king Ravana who
+dwelleth in Lanka. Repair thou unto Sugriva who will give thee his
+friendship. There, near enough to the peak of <i>Rishyamuka</i> is
+the lake known by the name of <i>Pampa</i> of sacred water and
+cranes. There dwelleth, with four of his counsellors, Sugriva, the
+brother of the monkey-king Vali decked with a garland of gold.
+Repairing unto him, inform of thy cause of sorrow. In plight very
+much like thy own, he will render thee assistance. This is all that
+we can say. Thou wilt, without doubt, see the daughter of Janaka!
+Without doubt Ravana and others are known to the king of the
+monkeys!" Having said these words, that celestial being of great
+effulgence made himself invisible, and those heroes, both Rama and
+Lakshmana, wondered much.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Afflicted with grief at the abduction of
+Sita, Rama had not to go much further before he came upon
+<i>Pampa</i>&mdash;that lake which abounded with lotuses of various
+kinds. And fanned by the cool, delicious and fragrant breezes in
+those woods, Rama suddenly remembered his dear spouse. And, O
+mighty monarch, thinking of that dear wife of his, and afflicted at
+the thought of his separation from her, Rama gave way to
+lamentations. The son of Sumitra then addressed him saying, "O thou
+that givest proper respect to those that deserve it, despondency
+such as this should not be suffered to approach thee, like illness
+that can never touch an old man leading a regular life! Thou hast
+obtained information of Ravana and of the princess of Videha!
+Liberate her now with exertion and intelligence! Let us now
+approach Sugriva, that foremost of monkeys, who is even now on the
+mountain top! Console thyself, when I, thy disciple and slave and
+ally, am near!" And addressed by Lakshmana in these and other words
+of the same import, Rama regained his own nature and attended to
+the business before him. And bathing in the waters of <i>Pampa</i>
+and offering oblations therewith unto their ancestors, both those
+heroic brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, set out (for
+<i>Rishyamuka</i>). And arriving at <i>Rishyamuka</i> which
+abounded with fruits and roots and trees, those heroes beheld five
+monkeys on the top of the mountain-peak. And seeing them approach,
+Sugriva sent his counsellor the intelligent Hanuman, huge as the
+Himavat-mountains, to receive them. And the brothers, having first
+exchanged words with Hanuman, approached Sugriva. And then, O king,
+Rama made friends with Sugriva. And when Rama informed Sugriva of
+the object he had in view, Sugriva showed him the piece of cloth
+that Sita had dropped among the monkeys, while being carried away
+by Ravana. And having obtained from him those credentials, Rama
+himself installed Sugriva&mdash;that foremost of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 545]</span> monkeys&mdash;in sovereignty of all the
+monkeys of Earth. And Rama also pledged himself to slay Vali in
+battle. And having come to that understanding and placing the
+fullest confidence in each other, they all repaired to
+<i>Kiskindhya</i>, desirous of battle (with Vali). And arriving at
+<i>Kiskindhya</i>, Sugriva sent forth a loud roar deep as that of a
+cataract. Unable to bear that challenge, Vali was for coming out
+(but his wife) Tara stood in way, saying, "Himself endued with
+great strength, the way in which Sugriva is roaring, showeth, I
+ween, that he hath found assistance! It behoveth thee not,
+therefore, to go out!" Thus addressed by her, that king of the
+monkeys, the eloquent Vali, decked in a golden garland replied unto
+Tara of face beautiful as the moon, saying, "Thou understandest the
+voice of every creature. Tell me after reflection whose help it is
+that this brother in name only of mine hath obtained!" Thus
+addressed by him Tara endued with wisdom and possessed of the
+effulgence of the moon, answered her lord after a moment's
+reflection, saying, "Listen, O monarch of the monkeys! That
+foremost of bowmen, endued with great might, Rama the son of
+Dasaratha, whose spouse hath been ravished, hath made an alliance
+offensive and defensive with Sugriva! And his brother the
+intelligent Lakshmana also of mighty arms, the unvanquished son of
+Sumitra, standeth beside him for the success of Sugriva's object.
+And Mainda and Dwivida, and Hanuman the son of <i>Pavana</i>, and
+Jamvuman, the king of the bears, are beside Sugriva as his
+counsellors. All these illustrious ones are endued with great
+strength and intelligence. And these all, depending upon the might
+and energy of Rama, are prepared for thy destruction!" Hearing
+these words of hers that were for his benefit, the king of the
+monkeys disregarded them altogether. And filled with jealousy, he
+also suspected her to have set her heart on Sugriva! And addressing
+Tara in harsh words, he went out of his cave and coming before
+Sugriva who was staying by the side of the mountains of Malyavat,
+he spoke unto him thus, "Frequently vanquished before by me, fond
+as thou art of life, thou art allowed by me to escape with life
+owing to thy relationship with me! What hath made thee wish for
+death so soon?" Thus addressed by Vali, Sugriva, that slayer of
+foes, as if addressing Rama himself for informing him of what had
+happened, replied unto his brother in these words of grave import,
+"O king, robbed by thee of my wife and my kingdom also, what need
+have I of life? Know that it is for this that I have come!" Then
+addressing each other in these and other words of the same import,
+Vali and Sugriva rushed to the encounter, fighting with <i>Sala</i>
+and <i>Tala</i> trees and stones. And they struck each other down
+on the earth. And leaping high into the air, they struck each other
+with their fists. And mangled by each other's nail and teeth, both
+of them were covered with blood. And the two heroes shone on that
+account like a pair of blossoming <i>Kinshukas</i>. And as they
+fought with each other, no difference (in aspect) could be observed
+so as to distinguish them. Then Hanuman placed on Sugriva's neck a
+garland of flowers. And that hero thereupon shone with that garland
+on his neck, like the beautiful and huge peak of <i>Malya</i> with
+its cloudy belt. And Rama, recognising Sugriva by that sign, then
+drew his foremost of huge bows, aiming at Vali as his mark. And the
+twang of Rama's bow <span class="pagenum">[Pg 546]</span> resembled
+the roar of an engine. And Vali, pierced in the heart by that
+arrow, trembled in fear. And Vali, his heart having been pierced
+through, began to vomit forth blood. And he then beheld standing
+before him Rama with Sumatra's son by his side. And reproving that
+descendant of Kakutstha's race, Vali fell down on the ground and
+became senseless. And Tara then beheld that lord of hers possessed
+of the effulgence of the Moon, lying prostrate on the bare earth.
+And after Vali had been thus slain, Sugriva regained possession of
+Kishkindhya, and along with it, of the widowed Tara also of face
+beautiful as the moon. And the intelligent Rama also dwelt on the
+beautiful breast of the Malyavat hill for four months, duly
+worshipped by Sugriva all the while.</p>
+<p>"'Meanwhile Ravana excited by lust, having reached his city of
+Lanka, placed Sita in an abode, resembling <i>Nandana</i> itself,
+within a forest of <i>Asokas</i>, that looked like an asylum of
+ascetics. And the large-eyed Sita passed her days there in
+distress, living on fruits and roots, practising ascetic
+austerities with fasts, attired in ascetic garb, and waning thin
+day by day, thinking of her absent lord. And the king of the
+<i>Rakshasas</i> appointed many <i>Rakshasa</i> women armed with
+bearded darts and swords and lances and battle-axes and maces and
+flaming brands, for guarding her. And some of these had two eyes,
+and some three, and some had eyes on their foreheads. And some had
+long tongues and some had none. And some had three breasts and some
+had only one leg. And some had three matted braids on their heads,
+and some had only one eye. And these, and others of blazing eyes
+and hair stiff as the camel's, stood beside Sita surrounding her
+day and night most watchfully. And those <i>Pisacha</i> women of
+frightful voice and terrible aspect always addressed that
+large-eyed lady in the harshest tones. And they said, "Let us eat
+her up, let us mangle her, let us tear her into pieces, her, that
+is, that dwelleth here disregarding our lord!" And filled with
+grief at the separation from her lord, Sita drew a deep sigh and
+answered those <i>Rakshasa</i> women, saying, "Reverend ladies, eat
+me up without delay! I have no desire to live without that husband
+of mine, of eyes like lotus-leaves and locks wavy, and blue in hue!
+Truly I will, without food and without the least love of life,
+emaciate my limbs, like a she-snake (hybernating) within a
+<i>Tala</i> tree. Know this for certain that I will never seek the
+protection of any other person than the descendant of Raghu. And
+knowing this, do what ye think fit!" And hearing these words of
+hers, those <i>Rakshasas</i> with dissonant voice went to the king
+of the <i>Rakshasas</i>, for representing unto him all she had
+said. And when those <i>Rakshasas</i> had gone away, one of their
+number known by the name of <i>Trijata</i>, who was virtuous and
+agreeable in speech, began to console the princess of Videha. And
+she said, "Listen, O Sita! I will tell thee something! O friend,
+believe in what I say! O thou of fair hips, cast off thy fears, and
+listen to what I say. There is an intelligent and old chief of the
+<i>Rakshasas</i> known by the name of Avindhya. He always seeketh
+Rama's good and hath told me these words for thy sake! 'Reassuring
+and cheering her, tell Sita in my name, saying: "Thy husband the
+mighty Rama is well and is waited upon by Lakshmana. And the
+blessed descendant of Raghu hath already made friends with Sugriva,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 547]</span> the king of the monkeys, and
+is ready to act for thee!"' And, O timid lady, entertain thou no
+fear on account of Ravana, who is censured by the whole world, for,
+O daughter, thou art safe from him on account of Nalakuvera's
+curse. Indeed, this wretch had been cursed before for his having
+violated his daughter-in-law, Rambha. This lustful wretch is not
+able to violate any woman by force. Thy husband will soon come,
+protected by Sugriva and with the intelligent son of Sumitra in his
+train, and will soon take thee away hence! O lady, I have had a
+most terrible dream of evil omen, indicating the destruction of
+this wicked-minded wretch of Pulastya's race! This night wanderer
+of mean deeds is, indeed, most wicked and cruel. He inspireth
+terror in all by the defects of his nature and the wickedness of
+his conduct. And deprived of his senses by Fate, he challengeth the
+very gods. In my vision I have seen every indication of his
+downfall. I have seen the Ten-headed, with his crown shaven and
+body besmeared with oil, sunk in mire, and the next moment dancing
+on a chariot drawn by mules. I have seen Kumbhakarna and others,
+perfectly naked and with crowns shaven, decked with red wreaths and
+unguents, and running towards the southern direction. Vibhishana
+alone, with umbrella over his head, and graced with a turban, and
+with body decked with white wreaths and unguents, I beheld
+ascending the summit of the White hill. And I saw four of his
+counsellors also, decked with white wreaths and unguents, ascending
+the summit of that hill along with him. All this bodeth that these
+alone will be saved from the impending terror. The whole earth with
+its oceans and seas will be enveloped with Rama's arrows. O lady,
+thy husband will fill the whole earth with his fame. I also saw
+Lakshmana, consuming all directions (with his arrows) and ascending
+on a heap of bones and drinking thereon honey and rice boiled in
+milk. And thou, O lady, hast been beheld by me running towards a
+northernly direction, weeping and covered with blood and protected
+by a tiger! And, O princess of Videha, soon wilt thou find
+happiness, being united, O Sita, with thy lord, that descendant of
+Raghu accompanied by his brother!' Hearing these words of
+<i>Trijata</i>, that girl with eyes like those of a young gazelle,
+once more began to entertain hopes of a union with her lord. And
+when at last those fierce and cruel <i>Pisacha</i> guards came
+back, they saw her sitting with <i>Trijata</i> as before.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'And while the chaste Sita was dwelling there
+afflicted with melancholy and grief on account of her lord, attired
+in mean garb, with but a single jewel (on the marital thread on her
+wrist), and incessantly weeping, seated on a stone, and waited upon
+by <i>Rakshasa</i> women, Ravana, afflicted by the shafts of the
+god of desire, came to her and approached her presence. And
+inflamed by desire, that conqueror in battle of the gods, the
+<i>Danavas</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, and the
+<i>Kimpurushas</i>, attired in celestial robes and possessing
+handsome features, decked with jewelled earrings and wearing a
+beautiful garland and crown, entered the <i>Asoka</i> woods,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 548]</span> like an embodiment of the
+vernal season. And dressed with care, Ravana looked like the
+<i>Kalpa</i> tree in Indra's garden. But though adorned with every
+embellishment, that inspired her only with awe, like a beautified
+banian in the midst of a cemetery. And that night wanderer, having
+approached the presence of that slender-waisted lady, looked like
+the planet Saturn in the presence of <i>Rohini</i>. And smitten
+with the shafts of the god of the flowery emblem he accosted that
+fair-hipped lady then affrighted like a helpless doe, and told her
+these words, "Thou hast, O Sita, shown thy regard for thy lord too
+much! O thou of delicate limbs, be merciful unto me. Let thy person
+be embellished now (by these maids in waiting). O excellent lady,
+accept me as thy lord! And, O thou of the most beautiful
+complexion, attired in costly robes and ornaments, take thou the
+first place among all the women of my household. Many are the
+daughters of the celestials and also the <i>Gandharvas</i> that I
+possess! I am lord also of many <i>Danava</i> and <i>Daitya</i>
+ladies! One hundred and forty millions of <i>Pisachas</i>, twice as
+many man-eating Rakshasa of terrible deed, and thrice as many
+Yaksha do my bidding! Some of these are under the sway of my
+brother who is the lord of all treasures. In my drinking hall, O
+excellent lady of beautiful thighs, Gandharvas and Apsaras wait on
+me as they do on my brother! I am, again, the son of that
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i> Visravas himself of high ascetic merit. I
+am renowned, again, as the fifth Regent of the Universe! And, O
+beautiful lady, of food and edibles and drinks of the very best
+kind, I have as much as the Lord himself of the celestials! Let all
+thy troubles consequent on a life in the woods cease! O thou of
+fair hips, be my Queen, as Mandodari herself!" Thus addressed by
+him, the beautiful princess of Videha, turning away and regarding
+him as something less than a straw, replied unto that wanderer of
+the night. And at that time the princess of Videha, that girl of
+beautiful hips, had her deep and compact bosom copiously drenched
+by her inauspicious tears shed ceaselessly. And she who regarded
+her husband as her god, answered that mean wretch, saying, "By
+sheer ill-luck it is, O king of the Rakshasas, that I am obliged to
+hear such words of grievous import spoken by thee! Blessed be thou,
+O Rakshasa fond of sensual pleasures, let thy heart be withdrawn
+from me! I am the wife of another, ever devoted to my husband, and,
+therefore, incapable of being possessed by thee! A helpless human
+being that I am, I cannot be a fit wife for thee! What joy can be
+thine by using violence towards an unwilling woman? Thy father is a
+wise Brahmana, born of Brahma and equal unto that Lord himself of
+the creation! Why dost thou not, therefore, thyself being equal to
+a Regent of the Universe, observe virtue? Disgracing thy brother,
+that king of the Yakshas, that adorable one who is the friend of
+Maheswara himself, that lord of treasures, how is it that thou
+feelest no shame?" Having said these words, Sita began to weep, her
+bosom shivering in agitation, and covering her neck and face with
+her garments. And the long and well-knit braid, black and glossy,
+falling from the head of the weeping lady, looked like a black
+snake. And hearing these cruel words uttered by Sita, the foolish
+Ravana, although thus rejected, addressed Sita once more, saying,
+"O lady, let the god having the <i>Makara</i> for his emblem burn
+me sorely. I will, however, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 549]</span>
+on no account, O thou of sweet smiles and beautiful hips, approach
+thee, as thou art unwilling! What can I do to thee that still
+feelest a regard for Rama who is only a human being and, therefore,
+our food?" Having said those words unto that lady of faultless
+features, the king of the <i>Rakshasa</i> made himself invisible
+then and there and went away to the place he liked. And Sita,
+surrounded by those <i>Rakshasa</i> women, and treated with
+tenderness by <i>Trijata</i>, continued to dwell there in
+grief.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the illustrious descendant of
+Raghu, along with his brother, hospitably treated by Sugriva,
+continued to dwell on the breast of the <i>Malyavat</i> hill,
+beholding every day the clear blue sky. And one night, while gazing
+from the mountain-top on the bright moon in the cloudless sky
+surrounded by planets and stars and stellar bodies, that slayer of
+foes was suddenly awakened (to a remembrance of Sita) by the cold
+breezes fragrant with the perfumes of the lily, lotus and other
+flowers of the same species. And virtuous Rama, dejected in spirits
+at the thought of Sita's captivity in the abode of the Rakshasa,
+addressed the heroic Lakshmana in the morning saying, "Go,
+Lakshmana and seek in Kishkindhya that ungrateful king of the
+monkeys, who understands well his own interest and is even now
+indulging in dissipations, that foolish wretch of his race whom I
+have installed on a throne and to whom all apes and monkeys and
+bears owe allegiance, that fellow for whose sake, O mighty-armed
+perpetuator of Raghu's race, Vali was slain by me with thy help in
+the wood of Kishkindhya! I regard that worst of monkeys on earth to
+be highly ungrateful, for, O Lakshmana, that wretch hath now
+forgotten me who am sunk in such distress! I think he is unwilling
+to fulfil his pledge, disregarding, from dullness of understanding,
+one who hath done him such services! If thou findest him luke-warm
+and rolling in sensual joys, thou must then send him, by the path
+Vali hath been made to follow, to the common goal of all creatures!
+If, on the other hand, thou seest that foremost of monkeys delight
+in our cause, then, O descendant of Kakutstha, shouldst thou bring
+him hither with thee! Be quick, and delay not!" Thus addressed by
+his brother, Lakshmana ever attentive to the behests and welfare of
+his superiors, set out taking with him his handsome bow with string
+and arrows. And reaching the gates of Kishkindhya he entered the
+city unchallenged. And knowing him to be angry, the monkey-king
+advanced to receive him. And with his wife, Sugriva, the king of
+the monkeys, with a humble heart, joyfully received him with due
+honours. And the dauntless son of Sumitra then told him what Rama
+had said. And having heard everything in detail, O mighty monarch,
+Sugriva, the king of the monkeys with his wife and servants, joined
+his hands, and cheerfully said unto Lakshmana, that elephant among
+men, these words: "I am, O Lakshmana, neither wicked, nor
+ungrateful, nor destitute of virtue! Hear what efforts I have made
+for finding out Sita's place of captivity! I have <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 550]</span> despatched diligent monkeys in all
+directions. All of them have stipulated to return within a month.
+They will, O hero, search the whole earth with her forests and
+hills and seas, her villages and towns and cities and mines. Only
+five nights are wanting to complete that month, and then thou wilt,
+with Rama, hear tidings of great joy!"</p>
+<p>"'Thus addressed by that intelligent king of the monkeys, the
+high-souled Lakshmana became appeased, and he in his turn
+worshipped Sugriva. And accompanied by Sugriva, he returned to Rama
+on the breast of the Malyavat hill. And approaching him, Lakshmana
+informed him of the beginning already made in respect of his
+undertaking. And soon thousands of monkey-chiefs began to return,
+after having carefully searched the three quarters of the earth,
+viz., the North, the East and the West. But they that had gone
+towards the South did not make their appearance. And they that came
+back represented to Rama, saying that although they had searched
+the whole earth with her belt of seas, yet they could not find
+either the princess of Videha or Ravana. But that descendant of
+Kakutstha's race, afflicted at heart, managed to live yet, resting
+his hopes (of hearing Sita's tidings) on the great monkeys that had
+gone towards the South.</p>
+<p>"'After the lapse of two months, several monkeys seeking with
+haste the presence of Sugriva, addressed him, saying, "O king, that
+foremost of monkeys, the son of <i>Pavana</i>, as also Angada, the
+son of Vali, and the other great monkeys whom thou hadst despatched
+to search the southern region, have come back and are pillaging
+that great and excellent orchard called <i>Madhuvana</i>, which was
+always guarded by Vali and which hath been well-guarded by thee
+also after him!" Hearing of this act of liberty on their part,
+Sugriva inferred the success of their mission, for it is only
+servants that have been crowned with success that can act in this
+way. And that intelligent and foremost of monkeys communicated his
+suspicions to Rama. And Rama also, from this, guessed that the
+princess of Mithila had been seen. Then Hanuman and the other
+monkeys, having refreshed themselves thus, came towards their king,
+who was then staying with Rama and Lakshmana. And, O Bharata,
+observing the gait of Hanuman and the colour of his face, Rama was
+confirmed in the belief that Hanuman had really seen Sita. Then
+those successful monkeys with Hanuman at their head, duly bowed
+unto Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva. And Rama then taking up his
+bow and quiver, addressed those monkeys, saying, "Have you been
+successful? Will ye impart life unto me? Will ye once more enable
+me to reign in Ayodhya after having slain my enemy in battle and
+rescued the daughter of Janaka? With the princess of Videha
+unrescued, and the foe unslain in battle, I dare not live, robbed
+of wife and honour!" Thus addressed by Rama, the son of
+<i>Pavana</i>, replied unto him, saying, "I bring thee good news, O
+Rama; for Janaka's daughter hath been seen by me. Having searched
+the southern region with all its hills, forests, and mines for some
+time, we became very weary. At length we beheld a great cavern. And
+having beheld it, we entered that cavern which extended over many
+<i>Yojanas</i>. It was dark and deep and overgrown with trees and
+infested by worms. And having gone a great way <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 551]</span> through it, we came upon sun-shine and
+beheld a beautiful palace. It was, O Raghava, the abode of the
+<i>Daitya Maya</i>. And there we beheld a female ascetic named
+<i>Prabhavati</i> engaged in ascetic austerities. And she gave us
+food and drink of various kinds. And having refreshed ourselves
+therewith and regained our strength, we proceeded along the way
+shown by her. At last we came out of the cavern and beheld the
+brimy sea, and on its shores, the <i>Sahya</i>, the <i>Malaya</i>
+and the great <i>Dardura</i> mountains. And ascending the mountains
+of <i>Malaya</i>, we beheld before us the vast ocean.<a id="footnotetag51" name="footnotetag51"></a><a href="#footnote51"><sup>51</sup></a> And beholding it we felt sorely
+grieved in mind. And dejected in spirits and afflicted with pain
+and famishing with hunger, we despaired of returning with our
+lives. Casting our eyes on the great ocean extending over many
+hundreds of <i>Yojanas</i> and abounding in whales and alligators
+and other aquatic animals, we became anxious and filled with grief.
+We then sat together, resolved to die there of starvation. And in
+course of conversation we happened to talk of the vulture
+<i>Jatayu</i>. Just then we saw a bird huge as a mountain, of
+frightful form, and inspiring terror into every heart, like a
+second son of Vinata.<a id="footnotetag52" name="footnotetag52"></a><a href="#footnote52"><sup>52</sup></a> And
+coming upon us unawares for devouring us, he said, 'Who are ye that
+are speaking thus of my brother <i>Jatayu</i>? I am his elder
+brother, by name <i>Sampati</i>, and am the king of birds. Once
+upon a time, we two, with the desire of outstripping each other,
+flew towards the sun. My wings got burnt, but those of
+<i>Jatayu</i> were not. That was the last time I saw my beloved
+brother <i>Jatayu</i>, the king of vultures! My wings burnt, I fell
+down upon the top of this great mountain where I still am!' When he
+finished speaking, we informed him of the death of his brother in a
+few words and also of this calamity that hath befallen thee! And, O
+king, the powerful Sampati hearing this unpleasant news from us,
+was greatly afflicted and again enquired of us, saying, 'Who is
+this Rama and why was Sita carried off and how was Jatayu slain? Ye
+foremost of monkeys I wish to hear everything in detail!' We then
+informed him of everything about this calamity of thine and of the
+reason also of our vow of starvation. That king of birds then urged
+us (to give up our vow) by these words of his: 'Ravana is, indeed,
+known to me. Lanka is his capital. I beheld it on the other side of
+the sea in a valley of the <i>Trikuta</i> hills! Sita must be
+there. I have little doubt of this!' Hearing these words of his, we
+rose up quickly and began, O chastiser of foes, to take counsel of
+one another for crossing the ocean! And when none dared to cross
+it, I, having recourse to my father, crossed the great ocean which
+is a hundred <i>Yojanas</i> in width. And having slain the
+<i>Rakshasis</i> on the waters, I saw the chaste Sita within
+Ravana's harem, observing ascetic austerities, eager to behold her
+lord, with matted locks on head, and body besmeared with filth, and
+lean, and melancholy and helpless. Recognising her as Sita by those
+unusual signs, and approaching that worshipful lady while alone, I
+said, 'I am, O Sita, an emissary of Rama and monkey begotten by
+<i>Pavana</i>!<a id="footnotetag53" name="footnotetag53"></a><a href="#footnote53"><sup>53</sup></a>
+Desirous of having a sight of thee, hither have I come <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 552]</span> travelling through the skies! Protected
+by Sugriva, that monarch of all the monkeys, the royal brothers
+Rama and Lakshmana are in peace! And Rama, O lady, with Sumitra's
+son, hath enquired of thy welfare! And Sugriva also, on account of
+his friendship (with Rama and Lakshmana) enquireth of thy welfare.
+Followed by all the monkeys, thy husband will soon be here. Confide
+in me, O adorable lady, I am a monkey and not a <i>Rakshasa</i>!'
+Thus addressed by me, Sita seemed to meditate for a moment and then
+replied to me, saying, 'From the words of <i>Avindhya</i> I know
+that thou art Hanuman! O mighty-armed one, Avindhya is an old and
+respected <i>Rakshasa</i>! He told me that Sugriva is surrounded by
+counsellors like thee. Thou mayst depart now!' And with these words
+she gave me this jewel as a credential. And, indeed, it was by
+means of this jewel that the faultless Sita had been able to
+support her existence. And the daughter of Janaka further told me
+as a token from her, that by thee, O tiger among men, a blade of
+grass (inspired with <i>Mantras</i> and thus converted into a fatal
+weapon) had once been shot at a crow while ye were on the breast of
+the mighty hill known by the name of <i>Chitrakuta</i>! And this
+she said as evidence of my having met her and hers being really the
+princess of Videha. I then caused myself to be seized by Ravana's
+soldiers, and then set fire to the city of Lanka!"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'It was on the breast of that very hill where
+Rama was seated with those foremost of monkeys that great monkey
+chiefs at the command of Sugriva, began to flock together. The
+father-in-law of Vali, the illustrious Sushena, accompanied by a
+thousand crores of active apes, came to Rama. And those two
+foremost of monkeys endued with mighty energy, viz., Gaya and
+Gavakshya, each accompanied by a hundred crores of monkeys, showed
+themselves there. And, O king, Gavakshya also of terrible mien and
+endued with a bovine tail, showed himself there, having collected
+sixty thousand crores of monkeys. And the renowned Gandhamadana,
+dwelling on the mountains of the same name, collected a hundred
+thousand crores of monkeys. And the intelligent and mighty monkey
+known by the name of Panasa mustered together fifty-two crores of
+monkeys.<a id="footnotetag54" name="footnotetag54"></a><a href="#footnote54"><sup>54</sup></a> And that foremost and illustrious
+of monkeys named Dadhimukha of mighty energy mustered a large army
+of monkeys possessed of terrible prowess. And Jamvuvan showed
+himself there with a hundred thousand crores of black bears of
+terrible deeds and faces having the <i>Tilaka</i> mark.<a id="footnotetag55" name="footnotetag55"></a><a href="#footnote55"><sup>55</sup></a> And these and many other chiefs of
+monkey-chiefs, countless in number, O king, came there for aiding
+Rama's cause. And endued with bodies huge as mountain-peaks and
+roaring like lions, loud was the uproar that was heard there made
+by those monkeys running restlessly from place to place. And some
+of them looked like mountain-peaks, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+553]</span> and some looked like buffaloes. And some were of the
+hue of autumnal clouds and the faces of some were red as
+vermillion. And some rose high, and some fell down, and some cut
+capers, and some scattered the dust, as they mustered together from
+various directions. And that monkey army, vast as the sea at full
+tide, encamped there at Sugriva's bidding. And after those foremost
+of monkeys had mustered from every direction, the illustrious
+descendant of Raghu, with Sugriva by his side, set out in an
+auspicious moment of a very fair day under a lucky constellation,
+accompanied by that host arrayed in order of battle, as if for the
+purpose of destroying all the worlds. And Hanuman, the son of the
+Wind-god, was in the van of that host, while the rear was protected
+by the fearless son of Sumitra. And surrounded by the
+monkey-chiefs, those princes of Raghu's house with fingers cased in
+<i>guana</i> skin, shone, as they went, like the Sun and the Moon
+in the midst of the planets. And that monkey host armed with stones
+and <i>Sola</i> and <i>Tola</i> trees, looked very much like a
+far-extending field of corn under the morning sun. And that mighty
+army, protected by Nala and Nila and Angada and Kratha and Mainda
+and Dwivida, marched forth for achieving the purpose of Raghava.
+And encamping successively, without interruption of any kind, on
+wide and healthy tracts and valleys abounding with fruits and roots
+and water and honey and meat, the monkey host at last reached the
+shores of the brimy sea. And like unto a second ocean, that mighty
+army with its countless colours, having reached the shores of sea,
+took up its abode there. Then the illustrious son of Dasaratha,
+addressing Sugriva amongst all those foremost monkeys, spoke unto
+him these words that were suited to the occasion, "This army is
+large. The ocean also is difficult to cross. What contrivance,
+therefore, commends itself to thee for crossing the ocean?" At
+these words, many vain-glorious monkeys answered, "We are fully
+able to cross the sea." This answer, however, was not of much use,
+as all could not avail of that means. Some of the monkeys proposed
+to cross the sea in boats, and some in rafts of various kinds.
+Rama, however, conciliating them all, said, "This cannot be. The
+sea here is a full hundred <i>Yojanas</i> in width. All the
+monkeys, ye heroes, will not be able to cross it. This proposal,
+therefore, that ye have made, is not consonant to reason. Besides
+we have not the number of boats necessary for carrying all our
+troops. How, again, can one like us raise such obstacles in the way
+of the merchants? Our army is very large. The foe wilt make a great
+havoc if a hole is detected. Therefore, to cross the sea in boats
+and rafts doth not recommend itself to me. I will, however, pray to
+the Ocean for the necessary means. Foregoing food, I will lie down
+on the shore. He will certainly show himself to me. If, however, he
+doth not show himself, I will chastise him then by means of my
+great weapons that are more blazing than fire itself and are
+incapable of being baffled!" Having said these words, both Rama and
+Lakshmana touched water<a id="footnotetag56" name="footnotetag56"></a><a href="#footnote56"><sup>56</sup></a> and
+duly laid themselves down on a bed of <i>kusa</i> grass on the
+seashore. The divine and illustrious Ocean then, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 554]</span> that lord of male and female rivers,
+surrounded by aquatic animals, appeared unto Rama in a vision. And
+addressing Rama in sweet accents, the genius of the Ocean,
+surrounded by countless mines of gems, said, "O son of Kausalya,
+tell me what aid, O bull among men, I am to render thee! I also
+have sprung from the race of Ikshwaku and am, therefore, a relative
+of thine!" Rama replied unto him, saying, "O lord of rivers, male
+and female, I desire thee to grant me a way for my troops, passing
+along which I may slay the Ten-headed (Ravana), that wretch of
+Pulastya's race! If thou dost not grant the way I beg of thee, I
+will then dry thee up by means of my celestial arrows inspired with
+<i>mantras</i>!" And hearing these words of Rama, the genius of
+Varuna's abode, joining his hands, answered in great affliction, "I
+do not desire to put any obstacle in thy way. I am no foe of thine!
+Listen, O Rama, to these words, and having listened, do what is
+proper! If, at thy command, I get a way for the passage of thy
+army, others then, from strength of their bows, will command me to
+do the same! In thy army there is a monkey of the name of Nala, who
+is a skilful mechanic. And endued with great strength, Nala is the
+son of <i>Tashtri</i>, the divine artificer of the Universe. And
+whether it is wood, or grass or stone, that he will throw into my
+waters, I will support the same on my surface, and thus wilt thou
+have a bridge (over which to pass)!" And having said these words,
+the genius of the Ocean disappeared. And Rama awaking, called Nala
+unto him and said, "Build thou a bridge over the sea! Thou alone, I
+am sure, art able to do it!" And it was by this means that the
+descendant of Kakutstha's race caused a bridge to be built that was
+ten <i>Yojanas</i> in width and a hundred <i>Yojanas</i> in length.
+And to this day that bridge is celebrated over all the world by the
+name of <i>Nala's bridge</i>. And having completed that bridge,
+Nala, of body huge as a hill, came away at the command of Rama.</p>
+<p>"'And while Rama was on this side of the ocean, the virtuous
+Vibhishana, the brother of the king of the Rakshasas accompanied by
+four of his counsellors, came unto Rama. And the high-souled Rama
+received him with due welcome. Sugriva, however, feared, thinking
+he might be a spy. The son of Raghu, meanwhile perfectly satisfied
+(with Vibhishana) in consequence of the sincerity of his exertions
+and the many indications of his good conduct, worshipped him with
+respect. And he also installed Vibhishana in the sovereignty of all
+the Rakshasas and made him his own junior counsellor, and a friend
+of Lakshmana's. And it was under Vibhishana's guidance, O king,
+that Rama with all his troops crossed the great ocean by means of
+that bridge in course of a month. And having crossed the ocean and
+arrived at Lanka, Rama caused its extensive and numerous gardens to
+be devastated by his monkeys. And while Rama's troops were there,
+two of Ravana's counsellors and officers, named Suka and Sarana,
+who had come as spies, having assumed the shape of monkeys, were
+seized by Vibhishana. And when those wanderers of the night assumed
+their real Rakshasa forms, Rama showed them his <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 555]</span> troop and dismissed them quietly. And
+having quartered his troops in those woods that skirted the city,
+Rama then sent the monkey Angada with great wisdom as his envoy to
+Ravana.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having quartered his army in those groves
+abounding with food and water and with fruits and roots, the
+descendant of Kakutstha began to watch over them with care. Ravana,
+on the other hand, planted in his city many appliances constructed
+according to the rules of military science. And his city, naturally
+impregnable on account of its strong ramparts and gate-ways, had
+seven trenches, that were deep and full of water to the brim and
+that abounded with fishes and sharks and alligators, made more
+impregnable still by means of pointed stakes of <i>Khadira</i>
+wood. And the ramparts, heaped with stones, were made impregnable
+by means of catapults. And the warriors (who guarded the walls)
+were armed with earthen pots filled with venomous snakes, and with
+resinous powders of many kinds. And they were also armed with
+clubs, and fire-brands and arrows and lances and swords and
+battle-axes. And they had also <i>Sataghnis</i><a id="footnotetag57" name="footnotetag57"></a><a href="#footnote57"><sup>57</sup></a> and stout maces steeped in
+wax.<a id="footnotetag58" name="footnotetag58"></a><a href="#footnote58"><sup>58</sup></a> And at all the gates of the city
+were planted movable and immovable encampments manned by large
+numbers of infantry supported by countless elephants and horses.
+And Angada, having reached one of the gates of the city, was made
+known to the Rakshasas. And he entered the town without suspicion
+or fear. And surrounded by countless Rakshasas, that hero in his
+beauty looked like the Sun himself in the midst of masses of
+clouds. And having approached the hero of Pulastya's race in the
+midst of his counsellors, the eloquent Angada saluted the king and
+began to deliver Rama's message in these words, "That descendant of
+Raghu, O king, who ruleth at Kosala and whose renown hath spread
+over the whole world, sayeth unto thee these words suited to the
+occasion. Accept thou that message and act according to it!
+Provinces and towns, in consequence of their connection with sinful
+kings incapable of controlling their souls, are themselves polluted
+and destroyed. By the violent abduction of Sita, thou alone hast
+injured me! Thou, however, wilt become the cause of death to many
+unoffending persons. Possessed of power and filled with pride, thou
+hast, before this, slain many <i>Rishis</i> living in the woods,
+and insulted the very gods. Thou hast slain also many great kings
+and many weeping women. For those transgressions of thine,
+retribution is about to overtake thee! I will slay thee with thy
+counsellors. Fight and show thy courage!<a id="footnotetag59" name="footnotetag59"></a><a href="#footnote59"><sup>59</sup></a> O
+wanderer of the night, behold the power of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 556]</span> my bow, although I am but a man! Release
+Sita, the daughter of Janaka! If thou dost not release her, I shall
+make the Earth divested of all Rakshasas with my keen-edged
+arrows!" Hearing these defiant words of the enemy, king Ravana bore
+them ill, becoming senseless with wrath. And thereupon four
+Rakshasas skilled in reading every sign of their master, seized
+Angada like four hawks seizing a tiger. With those Rakshasas,
+however, holding him fast by his limbs, Angada leaped upwards and
+alighted on the palace terrace. And as he leaped up with a great
+force, those wanderers of the night fell down the earth, and
+bruised by the violence of the fall, had their ribs broken. And
+from the golden terrace on which he had alighted, he took a
+downward leap. And overleaping the walls of Lanka, he alighted to
+where his comrades were. And approaching the presence of the lord
+of Kosala and informing him of everything, the monkey Angada endued
+with great energy retired to refresh himself, dismissed with due
+respect by Rama.</p>
+<p>"'The descendant of Raghu then caused the ramparts of Lanka to
+be broken down by a united attack of all those monkeys endued with
+the speed of the wind. Then Lakshmana, with Vibhishana and the king
+of the bears marching in the van, blew up the southern gate of the
+city that was almost impregnable. Rama then attacked Lanka with a
+hundred thousand crores of monkeys, all possessed of great skill in
+battle, and endued with reddish complexions like those of young
+camels. And those crores of greyish bears with long arms, and legs
+and huge paws, and generally supporting themselves on their broad
+haunches, were also urged on to support the attack. And in
+consequence of those monkeys leaping up and leaping down and
+leaping in transverse directions, the Sun himself, his bright disc
+completely shaded, became invisible for the dust they raised. And
+the citizens of Lanka beheld the wall of their town assume all over
+a tawny hue, covered by monkeys of complexions yellow as the ears
+of paddy, and grey as <i>Shirisha</i> flowers, and red as the
+rising Sun, and white as flax or hemp. And the Rakshasas, O king,
+with their wives and elders, were struck with wonders at that
+sight. And the monkey warriors began to pull down pillars made of
+precious stones and the terraces and tops of palatial mansions. And
+breaking into fragments the propellers of catapults and other
+engines, they began to cast them about in all directions. And
+taking up the <i>Sataghnis</i> along with the discs, the clubs, and
+stones, they threw them down into the city with great force and
+loud noise. And attacked thus by the monkeys, those Rakshasas that
+had been placed on the walls to guard them, fled precipitately by
+hundreds and thousands.</p>
+<p>"'Then hundreds of thousands of Rakshasas, of terrible mien, and
+capable of assuming any form at will, came out at the command of
+the king. And pouring a perfect shower of arrows and driving the
+denizens of the forest, those warriors, displaying great prowess,
+adorned the ramparts. And soon those wanderers of the night,
+looking like masses of flesh, and of terrible mien, forced the
+monkeys to leave the walls. And mangled by the enemies' lances,
+numerous monkey-chiefs fell down from the ramparts, and crushed by
+the falling columns and gate-ways, numerous Rakshasas also fell
+down to rise no more. And the monkeys and the brave Rakshasas that
+commenced to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 557]</span> eat up the foe,
+struggled, seizing one another by the hair, and mangling and
+tearing one another with their nails and teeth. And the monkeys and
+the Rakshasas roared and yelled frightfully, and while many of both
+parties were slain and fell down to rise no more, neither side gave
+up the contest. And Rama continued all the while to shower a thick
+downpour of arrows like the very clouds. And the arrows he shot,
+enveloping Lanka, killed large numbers of Rakshasas. And the son of
+Sumitra, too, that mighty bowman incapable of being fatigued in
+battle, naming particular Rakshasas stationed on the ramparts, slew
+them with his clothyard shafts. And then the monkey host, having
+achieved success was withdrawn at the command of Rama, after it had
+thus pulled down the fortifications of Lanka and made all objects
+within the city capable of being aimed at by the besieging
+force.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'And while those troops (thus withdrawn) were
+reposing themselves in their quarters, many little Rakshasas and
+<i>Pisachas</i> owning Ravana as their leader, penetrated amongst
+them. And among these were <i>Parvana, Patana, Jambha, Khara,
+Krodha-vasa, Hari, Praruja, Aruja</i> and <i>Praghasa</i>, and
+others. And as these wicked ones were penetrating (the monkey host)
+in their invisible forms, Vibhishana, who had the knowledge
+thereof, broke the spell of their invisibility. And once seen, O
+king, by the powerful and long-leaping monkeys, they were all slain
+and prostrated on the earth, deprived of life. And unable to endure
+this, Ravana marched out at the head of his troops. And surrounded
+by his terrible army of Rakshasas and <i>Pisachas</i>, Ravana who
+was conversant with the rules of warfare like a second
+<i>Usanas</i> invested the monkey host, having disposed his troops
+in that array which is named after <i>Usanas</i> himself. And
+beholding Ravana advancing with his army disposed in that array,
+Rama, following the mode recommended by Vrihaspati, disposed his
+troops in counter array for opposing that wanderer of the night.
+And coming up quickly, Ravana began to fight with Rama. And
+Lakshmana singled out Indrajit, and Sugriva singled out
+Virupakshya, and Nikharvata fought with Tara, and Nala with Tunda,
+and Patusa with Panasa. And each warrior, advancing up to him whom
+he regarded as his match, began to fight with him on that field of
+battle, relying on the strength of his own arms, and that
+encounter, so frightful to timid persons, soon became terrible and
+fierce like that between the gods and the <i>Asuras</i> in the days
+of old. And Ravana covered Rama with a shower of darts and lances
+and swords, and Rama also afflicted Ravana with his whetted arrows
+of iron furnished with the sharpest points, and in the same way
+Lakshmana smote the contending Indrajit with arrows capable of
+penetrating into the most vital parts and Indrajit also smote
+Sumitra's son with an arrowy shower. And Vibhishana showered upon
+Prahasta and Prahasta showered upon Vibhishana, without any regard
+for each other a thick downpour of winged arrows furnished with the
+sharpest points. And thus between those mighty warriors
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 558]</span> there came about an encounter
+of celestial weapons of great force, at which the three worlds with
+their mobile and immobile creatures were sorely distressed.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Then Prahasta, suddenly advancing up to
+Vibhishana and uttering a loud yell, struck him with his mace. But
+though struck with that mace of terrible force, the mighty-armed
+Vibhishana of great wisdom, without wavering in the least, stood
+still as the mountains of Himavat. Then Vibhishana, taking up a
+huge and mighty javelin furnished with a hundred bells, inspired it
+with <i>mantras</i> and hurled it at the head of his adversary. And
+by the impetuosity of that weapon rushing with the force of the
+thunderbolt, Prahasta's head was severed off, and he thereupon
+looked like a mighty tree broken by the wind. And beholding that
+wanderer of the night, Prahasta, thus slain in battle, Dhumraksha
+rushed with great impetuosity against the monkey-host. And
+beholding the soldiers of Dhumraksha, looking like the clouds and
+endued with terrible mien, advancing up towards them, the
+monkey-chief suddenly broke and fled. And seeing those foremost of
+monkeys suddenly give way, that tiger among monkeys, Hanuman, the
+son of Pavana, began to advance. And beholding the son of Pavana
+staying still on the field of battle, the retreating monkeys, O
+king, one and all quickly rallied. Then mighty and great and
+fearful was the uproar that arose there in consequence of the
+warriors of Rama and Ravana rushing against each other. And in that
+battle which raged terribly the field soon became miry with blood.
+And Dhumraksha afflicted the monkey-host with volleys of winged
+shafts. Then that vanquisher of foes, Hanuman, the son of Pavana,
+quickly seized that advancing leader of the Rakshasa. And the
+encounter that took place between that monkey and the Rakshasa
+hero, each desirous of defeating the other, was fierce and
+terrible, like that of Indra and Prahlada (in days of yore). And
+the Rakshasa struck the monkey with his maces and spiked clubs
+while the monkey struck the Rakshasa with trunks of trees unshorn
+of their branches. Then Hanuman, the son of Pavana, slew in great
+wrath that Rakshasa along with his charioteer and horses and broke
+his chariot also into pieces. And beholding Dhumraksha, that
+foremost of Rakshasa, thus slain, the monkeys, abandoning all fear,
+rushed against the Rakshasa army with great valour. And slaughtered
+in large numbers by the victorious and powerful monkeys, the
+Rakshasas became dispirited and fled in fear to Lanka. And the
+surviving wreck of the Rakshasa army, having reached the city,
+informed king Ravana of everything that had happened. And hearing
+from them that Prahasta and that mighty archer Dhumraksha, had
+both, with their armies, been slain by the powerful monkeys, Ravana
+drew a deep sigh and springing up from his excellent seat,
+said,&mdash;the time is come for Kumbhakarna to act.&mdash;And
+having said this, he awoke, by means of various loud-sounding
+instruments, his brother Kumbhakarna from his deep and prolonged
+slumbers. And having <span class="pagenum">[Pg 559]</span> awaked
+him with great efforts, the Rakshasa king, still afflicted with
+anxiety, addressed the mighty Kumbhakarna and said unto him when
+seated at his ease on his bed, having perfectly recovered
+consciousness and self-possession, these words, "Thou, indeed, art
+happy, O Kumbhakarna, that canst enjoy profound and undisturbed
+repose, unconscious of the terrible calamity that hath overtaken
+us! Rama with his monkey host hath crossed the Ocean by a bridge
+and disregarding us all is waging a terrible war (against us). I
+have stealthily brought away his wife Sita, the daughter of Janaka,
+and it is to recover her that he hath come hither, after having
+made a bridge over the great Ocean. Our great kinsmen also,
+Prahasta and others, have already been slain by him. And, O scourge
+of thy enemies, there is not another person, save thee, that can
+slay Rama! Therefore, O warrior, putting on thy armour, do thou set
+out this day for the purpose of vanquishing Rama and his followers!
+The two younger brothers of Dushana, viz., Vajravega and Promathin,
+will join thee with their forces!" And having said this unto the
+mighty Kumbhakarna, the Rakshasa king gave instructions to
+Vajravega and Promathin as to what they should do. And accepting
+his advice, those two warlike brothers of Dushana quickly marched
+out of the city, preceded by Kumbhakarna.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Then Kumbhakarna set out from the city,
+accompanied by his followers. And soon he beheld the victorious
+monkey troops encamped before him. And passing them by with the
+object of seeking out Rama, he beheld the son of Sumitra standing
+at his post, bow in hand. Then the monkey warriors, speedily
+advancing towards him, surrounded him on all sides. And then they
+commenced to strike him with numberless large trees. And many
+amongst them fearlessly began to tear his body with their nails.
+And those monkeys began to fight with him in various ways approved
+by the laws of warfare. And they soon overwhelmed that chief of the
+Rakshasas with a shower of terrible weapons of various kinds. And
+attacked by them thus, Kumbhakarna only laughed at them and began
+to eat them up. And he devoured those foremost of monkeys known by
+the name of Chala, and Chandachala, and Vajravahu. And beholding
+that fearful act of the <i>Rakshasa</i>, other monkeys were
+frightened and set forth a loud wail of fear. And hearing the
+screams of those monkey-leaders, Sugriva boldly advanced towards
+Kumbhakarna. And that high-souled king of the monkeys swiftly
+approaching the <i>Rakshasa</i>, violently struck him on the head
+with the trunk of a <i>Sala</i> tree. And though the high-souled
+Sugriva always prompt in action broke that <i>Sala</i> tree on the
+head of Kumbhakarna, he failed to make any impression on that
+<i>Rakshasa</i>. And then, as if roused from his torpor by that
+blow, Kumbhakarna stretching forth his arms seized Sugriva by main
+force. And beholding Sugriva dragged away by the <i>Rakshasa</i>,
+the heroic son of Sumitra, that delighter of his friends, rushed
+towards Kumbhakarna. And that slayer of hostile <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 560]</span> heroes, Lakshmana, advancing towards
+Kumbhakarna, discharged at him an impetuous and mighty arrow
+furnished with golden wings. And that arrow, cutting through his
+coat of mail and penetrating into his body, passed through it
+outright and struck into the earth, stained with the
+<i>Rakshasa's</i> blood. Kumbhakarna then, having his breast thus
+bored through, released the king of monkeys. And taking up a huge
+mass of stone as his weapon, the mighty warrior Kumbhakarna then
+rushed towards the son of Sumitra, aiming it at him. And as the
+<i>Rakshasa</i> rushed towards him, Lakshmana cut off his upraised
+arms by means of a couple of keen-edged shafts furnished with heads
+resembling razors. But as soon as the two arms of the Rakshasa were
+thus cut off, double that number of arms soon appeared on his
+person. Sumitra's son, however, displaying his skill in weapons,
+soon by means of similar arrows cut off those arms also, each of
+which had seized a mass of stone. At this, that <i>Rakshasa</i>
+assumed a form enormously huge and furnished with numerous heads
+and legs and arms. Then the son of Sumitra rived, with a
+<i>Brahma</i> weapon, that warrior looking like an assemblage of
+hill. And rent by means of that celestial weapon, that
+<i>Rakshasa</i> fell on the field of battle like a huge tree with
+spreading branches suddenly consumed by heaven's thunderbolt. And
+beholding Kumbhakarna endued with great activity and resembling the
+<i>Asura</i> Vritra himself, deprived of life and prostrated on the
+field of battle, the <i>Rakshasa</i> warriors fled in fear. And
+beholding the <i>Rakshasa</i> warriors running away from the field
+of battle, the younger brother of Dushana, rallying them, rushed in
+great wrath upon the son of Sumitra. Sumitra's son, however, with a
+loud roar, received with his winged shafts both those wrathful
+warriors, Vajravega and Promathin, rushing towards him. The battle
+then, O son of Pritha, that took place between those two younger
+brothers of Dushana on the one hand and the intelligent Lakshmana
+on the other, was exceedingly furious and made the bristles of the
+spectators stand on end. And Lakshmana overwhelmed the two
+<i>Rakshasas</i> with a perfect shower of arrows. And those two
+<i>Rakshasa</i> heroes, on the other hand, both of them excited
+with fury, covered Lakshmana with an arrowy hail. And that terrible
+encounter between Vajravega and Promathin and the mighty-armed
+Lakshmana lasted for a short while. And Hanuman, the son of Pavana,
+taking up a mountain peak, rushed towards one of the brothers, and
+with that weapon took the life of the Rakshasa Vajravega. And that
+mighty monkey, Nala, also, with a large mass of rock, crushed
+Promathin, that other younger brother of Dushana. The deadly
+struggle, however, between the soldiers of Rama and Ravana, rushing
+against one another, instead of coming to an end even after this,
+raged on as before. And hundreds of <i>Rakshasas</i> were slain by
+the denizens of the forest, while many of the latter were slain by
+the former. The loss, however, in killed, of the <i>Rakshasas</i>
+was far greater than that of the monkeys.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 561]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Learning that Kumbhakarna had with his
+followers, fallen in battle as also that great warrior Prahasta,
+and Dhumraksha too of mighty energy, Ravana then addressed his
+heroic son Indrajit saying, "O slayer of foes, slay thou in battle
+Rama and Sugriva and Lakshmana. My good son, it was by thee that
+this blazing fame of mine had been acquired by vanquishing in
+battle that wielder of the thunderbolt, the thousand-eyed Lord of
+Sachi! Having the power of appearing and vanishing at thy will,
+slay thou, O smiter of foes, my enemies by means, O thou foremost
+of all wielders of weapons, of thy celestial arrows received as
+boons (from the gods)! Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva are incapable
+of enduring the bare touch of thy weapons. What shall I say,
+therefore, of their followers? That cessation of hostilities which
+could not be brought about by either Prahasta or Kumbhakarna in
+battle, be it thine, O mighty-armed one, to bring about! Slaying my
+enemies with all their army by means of thy keen-edged shafts,
+enhance my joy to-day, O son, as thou didst once before by
+vanquishing Vasava!" Thus addressed by him, Indrajit said&mdash;So
+be it,&mdash;and encased in mail he quickly ascended his chariot,
+and proceeded, O king, towards the field of battle. And then that
+bull amongst <i>Rakshasas</i> loudly announcing his own name,
+challenged Lakshmana endued with auspicious marks, to a single
+combat. And Lakshmana, thus challenged, rushed towards that
+<i>Rakshasa</i>, with his bow and arrows, and striking terror into
+his adversary's heart by means of the flapping of his bow-string on
+the leathern case of his left hand. And the encounter that took
+place between those warriors that defied each other's prowess and
+each of whom was desirous of vanquishing the other, and both of
+whom were conversant with celestial weapons, was terrible in the
+extreme. But when the son of Ravana found that he could not by his
+arrows gain any advantage over his adversary, that foremost of
+mighty warriors mustered all his energy. And Indrajit then began to
+hurl at Lakshmana with great force numberless javelins. The son of
+Sumitra, however, cut them into fragments by means of his own
+keen-edged arrows. And those javelins, thus cut into pieces by the
+keen-edged arrows of Lakshmana, dropped down upon the ground. Then
+the handsome Angada, the son of Vali, taking up a large tree,
+rushed impetuously at Indrajit and struck him with it on the head.
+Undaunted at this, Indrajit of mighty energy sought to smite Angada
+with a lance. Just at that juncture, however, Lakshmana cut into
+pieces the lance taken up by Ravana's son. The son of Ravana then
+took up a mace and struck on the left flank that foremost of
+monkeys, the heroic Angada who was then staying close beside him.
+Angada, the powerful son of Vali, little recking that stroke,
+hurled at Indrajit a mighty Sala stem. And hurled in wrath by
+Angada for the destruction of Indrajit, that tree, O son of Pritha,
+destroyed Indrajit's chariot along with his horses and charioteer.
+And thereupon jumping from his horseless and driverless car, the
+son of Ravana disappeared from sight, O king, by aid of his powers
+of illusion. And beholding that <i>Rakshasa</i>, abundantly endued
+with powers of illusion, disappear so suddenly, Rama <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 562]</span> proceeded towards that spot and began to
+protect his troops with care. Indrajit, however, with arrows,
+obtained as boons from the gods, began to pierce both Rama and
+mighty Lakshmana in every part of their bodies. Then the heroic
+Rama and Lakshmana both continued to contend with their arrows
+against Ravana's son who had made himself invisible by his powers
+of illusion. But Indrajit continued to shower in wrath all over
+those lions among men his keen-edged shafts by hundreds and
+thousands. And seeking that invisible warrior who was ceaselessly
+showering his arrows, the monkeys penetrated into every part of the
+firmament, armed with huge masses of stone. Them as well as the two
+brothers, however, the invisible <i>Rakshasa</i> began to afflict
+with his shafts. Indeed, the son of Ravana, concealing himself by
+his powers of illusion, furiously attacked the monkey host. And the
+heroic brothers Rama and Lakshmana, pierced all over with arrows,
+dropped down on the ground like the Sun and the Moon fallen down
+from the firmament.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Beholding both the brothers Rama and
+Lakshmana prostrate on the ground, the son of Ravana tied them in a
+net-work of those arrows of his which he had obtained as boons. And
+tied by Indrajit on the field of battle by means of that arrowy
+net, those heroic tigers among men resembled a couple of hawks
+immured in a cage. And beholding those heroes prostrate on the
+ground pierced with hundreds of arrows, Sugriva with all the
+monkeys stood surrounding them on all sides. And the king of the
+monkeys stood there, accompanied by Sushena and Mainda and Dwivida,
+and Kumuda and Angada and Hanuman and Nila and Tara and Nala. And
+Vibhishana, having achieved success in another part of the field,
+soon arrived at that spot, and roused those heroes from
+insensibility, awakening them by means of the weapon called
+<i>Prajna</i>.<a id="footnotetag60" name="footnotetag60"></a><a href="#footnote60"><sup>60</sup></a> Then
+Sugriva soon extracted the arrows from their bodies. And by means
+of that most efficacious medicine called the <i>Visalya</i>,<a id="footnotetag61" name="footnotetag61"></a><a href="#footnote61"><sup>61</sup></a> applied with celestial
+<i>mantras</i>, those human heroes regained their consciousness.
+And the arrow having been extracted from their bodies, those mighty
+warriors in a moment rose from their recumbent posture, their pains
+and fatigue thoroughly alleviated. And beholding Rama the
+descendant of Ikshwaku's race, quite at his ease, Vibhishana, O son
+of Pritha, joining his hands, told him these words, "O chastiser of
+foes, at the command of the king of the Guhyakas, a Guhyaka hath
+come from the White mountains, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+563]</span> bringing with him his water!<a id="footnotetag62" name="footnotetag62"></a><a href="#footnote62"><sup>62</sup></a> O great
+king, this water is a present to thee from Kuvera, so that all
+creatures that are invisible may, O chastiser of foes, become
+visible to thee! This water laved over the eyes will make every
+invisible creature visible to thee, as also to any other person to
+whom thou mayst give it!"&mdash;Saying&mdash;<i>So be
+it</i>,&mdash;Rama took that sacred water, and sanctified his own
+eyes therewith. And the high-minded Lakshmana also did the same.
+And Sugriva and Jambuvan, and Hanuman and Angada, and Mainda and
+Dwivida, and Nila and many other foremost of the monkeys, laved
+their eyes with that water. And thereupon it exactly happened as
+Vibhishana had said, for, O Yudhishthira, soon did the eyes of all
+these became capable of beholding things that could not be seen by
+the unassisted eye!</p>
+<p>"'Meanwhile, Indrajit, after the success he had won, went to his
+father. And having informed him of the feats he had achieved, he
+speedily returned to the field of battle and placed himself at the
+van of his army. The son of Sumitra then, under Vibhishana's
+guidance, rushed towards that wrathful son of Ravana coming back,
+from desire of battle, to lead the attack. And Lakshmana, excited
+to fury and receiving a hint from Vibhishana, and desiring to slay
+Indrajit who had not completed his daily sacrifice, smote with his
+arrows that warrior burning to achieve success. And desirous of
+vanquishing each other, the encounter that took place between them
+was exceedingly wonderful like that (in days of yore) between the
+Lord of celestials and Prahrada. And Indrajit pierced the son of
+Sumitra with arrows penetrating into his very vitals. And the son
+of Sumitra also pierced Ravana's son with arrows of fiery energy.
+And pierced with Lakshmana's arrows, the son of Ravana became
+senseless with wrath. And he shot at Lakshmana eight shafts fierce
+as venomous snakes. Listen now, O Yudhishthira, as I tell thee how
+the heroic son of Sumitra then took his adversary's life by means
+of three winged arrows possessed of the energy and effulgence of
+fire! With one of these, he severed from Indrajit's body that arm
+of his enemy which had grasped the bow. With the second he caused
+that other arm which had held the arrows, to drop down on the
+ground. With the third that was bright and possessed of the keenest
+edge, he cut off his head decked with a beautiful nose and bright
+with earrings. And shorn of arms and head, the trunk became fearful
+to behold. And having slain the foe thus, that foremost of mighty
+men then slew with his arrows the charioteer of his adversary. And
+the horses then dragged away the empty chariot into the city. And
+Ravana then beheld that car without his son on it. And hearing that
+his son had been slain, Ravana suffered his heart to be overpowered
+with grief. And under the influence of extreme grief and
+affliction, the king of the Rakshasas suddenly cherished the desire
+of killing the princess of Mithila. And seizing a sword, the wicked
+Rakshasa hastily ran towards that lady staying within the
+<i>Asoka</i> wood longing <span class="pagenum">[Pg 564]</span> to
+behold her lord. Then Avindhya beholding that sinful purpose of the
+wicked wretch, appeased his fury. Listen, O Yudhishthira, to the
+reasons urged by Avindhya! That wise Rakshasa said, "Placed as thou
+art on the blazing throne of an empire, it behoveth thee not to
+slay a woman! Besides, this woman is already slain, considering
+that she is a captive in thy power! I think, she would not be slain
+if only her body were destroyed. Slay thou her husband! He being
+slain, she will be slain too! Indeed, not even he of an hundred
+sacrifices (Indra) is thy equal in prowess! The gods with Indra at
+their head, had repeatedly been affrighted by thee in battle!" With
+these and many other words of the same import, Avindhya succeeded
+in appeasing Ravana. And the latter did, indeed, listen to his
+counsellor's speech. And that wanderer of the night, then, resolved
+to give battle himself, sheathed his sword, and issued orders for
+preparing his chariot.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The Ten-necked (Ravana), excited to fury at
+the death of his beloved son, ascended his car decked with gold and
+gems. And surrounded by terrible <i>Rakshasas</i> with various
+kinds of weapons in their hands, Ravana rushed towards Rama,
+fighting with numerous monkey-chiefs. And beholding him rushing in
+wrath towards the monkey army, Mainda and Nila and Nala and Angada,
+and Hanuman and Jambuvan, surrounded him with all their troops. And
+those foremost of monkeys and bears began to exterminate with
+trunks of trees, the soldiers of the Ten-necked (Ravana), in his
+very sight. And beholding the enemy slaughtering his troops, the
+<i>Rakshasa</i> king, Ravana, possessed of great powers of
+illusion, began to put them forth. And forth from his body began to
+spring hundreds and thousands of <i>Rakshasas</i> armed with arrows
+and lances and double-edged swords in hand. Rama, however, with a
+celestial weapon slew all those <i>Rakshasas</i>. The king of the
+<i>Rakshasas</i> then once more put forth his prowess of illusion.
+The Ten-faced, producing from his body numerous warriors
+resembling, O Bharata, both Rama and Lakshmana, rushed towards the
+two brothers. And then those <i>Rakshasas</i>, hostile to Rama and
+Lakshmana and armed with bows and arrows, rushed towards Rama, and
+beholding that power of illusion put forth by the king of
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, that descendant of Ikshwaku's race, the son of
+Sumitra, addressed Rama in these heroic words, "Slay those
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, those wretches with forms like thy own!" And
+Rama, thereupon slew those and other <i>Rakshasas</i> of forms
+resembling his own. And that time Matali, the charioteer of Indra,
+approached Rama on the field of battle, with a car effulgent as the
+Sun and unto which were yoked horses of a tawny hue. And Matali
+said, "O son of Kakutstha's race, this excellent and victorious
+car, unto which have been yoked this pair of tawny horses, belongs
+to the Lord of celestials! It is on this excellent car, O tiger
+among men, that Indra hath slain in battle hundreds of
+<i>Daityas</i> and <i>Danavas</i>! Therefore, O tiger among men, do
+thou, riding on the car driven by me, quickly slay Ravana in
+battle! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 565]</span> Do not delay in
+achieving this!" Thus addressed by him, the descendant of Raghu's
+race, however, doubted the truthful words of Matali, thinking this
+is another illusion produced by the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>&mdash;Vibhishana then addressed him saying, "This,
+O tiger among men, is no illusion of the wicked Ravana! Ascend thou
+this chariot quickly, for this, O thou of great effulgence,
+belongeth to Indra!" The descendant of Kakutstha then cheerfully
+said unto Vibhishana, "So be it", and riding on that car, rushed
+wrathfully upon Ravana. And when Ravana, too, rushed against his
+antagonist, a loud wail of woe was set up by the creatures of the
+Earth, while the celestials in heaven sent forth a leonine roar
+accompanied by beating of large drums. The encounter then that took
+place between the Ten-necked <i>Rakshasa</i> and that prince of
+Raghu's race, was fierce in the extreme. Indeed, that combat
+between them hath no parallel elsewhere. And the <i>Rakshasa</i>
+hurled at Rama a terrible javelin looking like Indra's thunderbolt
+and resembling a Brahmana's curse on the point of utterance.<a id="footnotetag63" name="footnotetag63"></a><a href="#footnote63"><sup>63</sup></a> Rama, however, quickly cut into
+fragments that javelin by means of his sharp arrows. And beholding
+that most difficult feat, Ravana was struck with fear. But soon his
+wrath was excited and the Ten-necked hero began to shower on Rama
+whetted arrows by thousands and tens of thousands and countless
+weapons of various kinds, such as rockets and javelins and maces
+and battle-axes and darts of various kinds and Shataghnis and
+<i>whetted shafts</i>. And beholding that terrible form of illusion
+displayed by the Ten-necked <i>Rakshasa</i>, the monkeys fled in
+fear in all directions. Then the descendant of Kakutstha, taking
+out of his quiver an excellent arrow furnished with handsome wings
+and golden feathers and a bright and beautiful head, fixed it on
+the bow with <i>Brahmasira</i> mantra. And beholding that excellent
+arrow transformed by Rama, with proper <i>mantras</i> into a Brahma
+weapon, the celestials and the Gandharvas with Indra at their head,
+began to rejoice. And the gods and the <i>Danavas</i> and the
+<i>Kinnaras</i> were led by the display of that <i>Brahma</i>
+weapon to regard the life of their Rakshasa foe almost closed. Then
+Rama shot that terrible weapon of unrivalled energy, destined to
+compass Ravana's death, and resembling the curse of a Brahmana on
+the point of utterance. And as soon, O Bharata, as that arrow was
+shot by Rama from his bow drawn to a circle, the <i>Rakshasa</i>
+king with his chariot and charioteer and horses blazed up,
+surrounded on all sides by a terrific fire. And beholding Ravana
+slain by Rama of famous achievements, the celestials, with the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> and the <i>Charanas</i>, rejoiced exceedingly.
+And deprived of universal dominion by the energy of the Brahma
+weapon, the five elements forsook the illustrious Ravana, and were
+consumed by the <i>Brahma</i> weapon, the physical ingredients of
+Ravana's body. His flesh and blood were all reduced to
+nothingness,&mdash;so that the ashes even could not be seen.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 566]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having slain Ravana, that wretched king of
+the <i>Rakshasas</i> and foe of the celestials, Rama with his
+friends and Sumitra's son rejoiced exceedingly. And after the
+Ten-necked (<i>Rakshasa</i>) hath been slain, the celestials with
+the <i>Rishis</i> at their head, worshipped Rama of mighty arms,
+blessing and uttering the word <i>Jaya</i> repeatedly. And all the
+celestials and the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the denizens of the
+celestial regions gratified Rama of eyes like lotus leaves, with
+hymns and flowery showers. And having duly worshipped Rama, they
+all went away to those regions whence they had come. And, O thou of
+unfading glory, the firmament at that time looked as if a great
+festival was being celebrated.</p>
+<p>"'And having slain the Ten-necked <i>Rakshasa</i>, the lord Rama
+of worldwide fame, that conqueror of hostile cities, bestowed Lanka
+on Vibhishana. Then that old and wise counsellor (of Ravana) known
+by the name of Avindhya, with Sita walking before him but behind
+Vibhishana who was at the front, came out of the city. And with
+great humility Avindhya said unto the illustrious descendant of
+Kakutstha, "O illustrious one, accept thou this goddess, Janaka's
+daughter of excellent conduct!" Hearing these words, the descendant
+of Ikshwaku's race alighted from his excellent chariot and beheld
+Sita bathed in tears. And beholding that beautiful lady seated
+within her vehicle, afflicted with grief, besmeared with filth,
+with matted locks on head, and attired in dirty robes, Rama, afraid
+of the loss of his honour, said unto her, "Daughter of Videha, go
+withersover thou likest! Thou art now free! What should have been
+done by me, hath been done! O blessed lady, owning me for thy
+husband, it is not meet that thou shouldst grow old in the abode of
+the <i>Rakshasa</i>! It is for this I have slain that wanderer of
+the night! But how can one like us, acquainted with every truth of
+morality, embrace even for a moment a woman that had fallen into
+other's hands? O princess of Mithila whether thou art chaste or
+unchaste, I dare not enjoy thee, now that thou art like sacrificial
+butter lapped by a dog!" Hearing these cruel words, that adorable
+girl suddenly fell down in great affliction of heart, like a
+plantain tree severed from its roots. And the colour that was
+suffusing her face in consequence of the joy she had felt, quickly
+disappeared, like watery particles on a mirror blown thereon by the
+breath of the mouth. And hearing these words of Rama, all the
+monkeys also with Lakshmana became still as dead. Then the divine
+and pure-souled Brahma of four faces, that Creator of the Universe
+himself sprung from a lotus, showed himself on his car to Raghu's
+son. And Sakra and Agni and Vayu, and Yama and Varuna and the
+illustrious Lord of the <i>Yakshas</i>, and the holy <i>Rishis</i>,
+and king Dasaratha also in a celestial and effulgent form and on
+car drawn by swans, showed themselves. And then the firmament
+crowded with celestials and <i>Gandharvas</i> became as beautiful
+as the autumnal welkin spangled with stars. And rising up from the
+ground, the blessed and famous princess of Videha, in the midst of
+those present spoke unto Rama of wide chest, these words, "O
+prince, I impute no fault to thee, for thou art well acquainted
+with the behaviour that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 567]</span> one
+should adopt towards both men and women. But hear thou these words
+of mine! The ever-moving Air is always present within every
+creature. If I have sinned, let him forsake my vital forces! If I
+have sinned, Oh, then let Fire, and Water, and Space, and Earth,
+like Air (whom I have already invoked), also forsake my vital
+forces! And as, O hero, I have never, even in my dreams, cherished
+the image of any other person, so be thou my lord as appointed by
+the gods." After Sita had spoken, a sacred voice, resounding
+through the whole of that region, was heard in the skies,
+gladdening the hearts of the high-souled monkeys. And the Wind-god
+was heard to say, "O son of Raghu, what Sita hath said is true! I
+am the god of Wind. The princess of Mithila is sinless! Therefore,
+O king, be united with thy wife!" And the god of Fire said, "O son
+of Raghu, I dwell within the bodies of all creatures! O descendant
+of Kakutstha, the princess of Mithila is not guilty of even the
+minutest fault!" And Varuna then said, "O son of Raghu, the humours
+in every creature's body derive their existence from me! I tell
+thee, let the princess of Mithila be accepted by thee!" And Brahma
+himself then said, "O descendant of Kakutstha, O son, in thee that
+art honest and pure and conversant with the duties of royal sages,
+this conduct is not strange. Listen, however, to these words of
+mine! Thou hast, O hero, slain this enemy of the gods, the
+<i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Nagas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the
+<i>Danavas</i>, and the great <i>Rishis</i>! It was through my
+grace that he had hitherto been unslayable of all creatures. And
+indeed, it was for some reason that I had tolerated him for some
+time! The wretch, however, abducted Sita for his own destruction.
+And as regards Sita, I protected her through Nalakuvera's curse.
+For that person had cursed Ravana of old, saying, that if he ever
+approached an unwilling woman, his head should certainly be split
+into a hundred fragments. Let no suspicion, therefore, be thine! O
+thou of great glory, accept thy wife! Thou hast indeed, achieved a
+mighty feat for the benefit of the gods, O thou that art of divine
+effulgence!" And last of all Dasaratha said, "I have been gratified
+with thee, O child! Blessed be thou, I am thy father Dasaratha! I
+command thee to take back thy wife, and rule thy kingdom, O thou
+foremost of men!" Rama then replied, "If thou art my father, I
+salute thee with reverence, O king of kings! I shall indeed,
+return, at thy command, to the delightful city of Ayodhya!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed, his father, O bull of
+the Bharata race, gladly answered Rama, the corners of whose eyes
+were of a reddish hue, saying, "Return to Ayodhya and rule thou
+that kingdom! O thou of great glory, thy fourteen years (of exile)
+have been completed." Thus addressed by Dasaratha, Rama bowed to
+the gods, and saluted by his friends he was united with his wife,
+like the Lord of the celestials with the daughter of Puloman. And
+that chastiser of foes then gave a boon to Avindhya. And he also
+bestowed both riches and honours on the <i>Rakshasa</i> woman named
+<i>Trijata</i>. And when Brahma with all the celestials having
+Indra at their head, said unto Rama, "O thou that ownest Kausalya
+for thy mother, what boons after thy heart shall we grant thee?"
+Rama, thereupon, prayed them to grant him firm adherence to virtues
+and invincibility in respect of all foes. And he <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 568]</span> also asked for the restoration to life of
+all those monkeys that had been slain by the <i>Rakshasas</i>, and
+after Brahma had said&mdash;So be it, those monkeys, O king,
+restored to life, rose up from the field of battle, and Sita too,
+of great good fortune, granted unto Hanuman a boon, saying, "Let
+thy life, O son, last as long as (the fame of) Rama's achievements!
+And, O Hanuman of yellow eyes, let celestial viands and drinks be
+ever available to thee through my grace!"'</p>
+<p>"'Then the celestials with Indra at their head all disappeared
+in the very sight of those warriors of spotless achievements. And
+beholding Rama united with the daughter of Janaka, the charioteer
+of Sakra, highly pleased, addressed him in the midst of friends,
+and said these words, "O thou of prowess that can never be baffled
+thou hast dispelled the sorrow of the celestials, the
+<i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the <i>Asuras</i>, the
+<i>Nagas</i>, and human beings! As long, therefore, as the Earth
+will hold together, so long will all creatures with the celestials,
+the <i>Asuras</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, and the <i>Pannagas</i>, speak of thee." And
+having said these words unto Rama, Matali worshipped that son of
+Raghu, and having obtained the leave of that foremost of wielders
+of weapons, he went away, on that same chariot of solar effulgence.
+And Rama also, with Sumatra's son and Vibhishana, and accompanied
+by all the monkeys with Sugriva at their head, placing Sita in the
+van and having made arrangements for the protection of Lanka,
+recrossed the ocean by the same bridge. And he rode on that
+beautiful and sky-ranging chariot called the <i>Pushpaka</i> that
+was capable of going everywhere at the will of the rider. And that
+subduer of passions was surrounded by his principal counsellors in
+order of precedence. And arriving at that part of the sea-shore
+where he had formerly laid himself down, the virtuous king, with
+all the monkeys, pitched his temporary abode. And the son of Raghu
+then, bringing the monkeys before him in due time, worshipped them
+all, and gratifying them with presents of jewels and gems,
+dismissed them one after another. And after all the monkey-chiefs,
+and the apes with bovine tails, and the bears, had gone away, Rama
+re-entered Kishkindhya with Sugriva. And accompanied by both
+Vibhishana and Sugriva, Rama re-entered Kishkindhya riding on the
+<i>Pushpaka</i> car and showing the princess of Videha the woods
+along the way. And having arrived at Kishkindhya, Rama, that
+foremost of all smiters, installed the successful Angada as
+prince-regent of the kingdom. And accompanied by the same friends
+as also by Sumitra's son, Rama proceeded towards his city along the
+same path by which he had come. And having reached the city of
+Ayodhya, the king despatched Hanuman thence as envoy to Bharata.
+And Hanuman, having ascertained Bharata's intentions from external
+indications, gave him the good news (of Rama's arrival). And after
+the son of Pavana had come back, Rama entered <i>Nandigrama</i>.
+And having entered that town, Rama beheld Bharata besmeared with
+filth and attired in rags and seated with his elder brother's
+sandals placed before him. And being united, O bull of Bharata
+race, with both Bharata and Shatrughna, the mighty son of Raghu,
+along with Sumitra's son, began to rejoice exceedingly. And Bharata
+and Shatrughna also, united with their eldest brother, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 569]</span> and beholding Sita, both derived great
+pleasure. And Bharata then, after having worshipped his returned
+brother, made over to him with great pleasure, the kingdom that had
+been in his hands as a sacred trust. And Vasishtha and Vamadeva
+then together installed that hero in the sovereignty (of Ayodhya)
+at the eighth Muhurta<a id="footnotetag64" name="footnotetag64"></a><a href="#footnote64"><sup>64</sup></a> of the
+day under the asterism called <i>Sravana</i>. And after his
+installation was over, Rama gave leave to well-pleased Sugriva the
+king of the monkeys, along with all his followers, as also to
+rejoicing Vibhishana of Pulastya's race, to return to their
+respective abodes. And having worshipped them with various articles
+of enjoyment, and done everything that was suitable to the
+occasion, Rama dismissed those friends of his with a sorrowful
+heart. And the son of Raghu then, having worshiped that
+<i>Pushpaka</i> chariot, joyfully gave it back unto Vaisravana. And
+then assisted by the celestial <i>Rishi</i> (Vasishtha), Rama
+performed on the banks of the <i>Gomati</i> ten horse-sacrifices
+without obstruction of any kind and with treble presents unto
+Brahmanas.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXL</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'It was thus, O mighty-armed one, that Rama of
+immeasurable energy had suffered of old such excessive calamity in
+consequence of his exile in the woods! O tiger among men, do not
+grieve, for, O chastiser of foes, thou art <i>Kshatriya</i>! Thou
+too treadest in the path in which strength of arms is to be put
+forth,&mdash;the path that leadeth to tangible rewards. Thou hast
+not even a particle of sin. Even the celestials with Indra at their
+head, and the <i>Asuras</i> have to tread in the path that is trod
+by thee! It was after such afflictions that the wielder of the
+thunderbolt, aided by the <i>Maruts</i>, slew <i>Vritra</i>, and
+the invincible <i>Namuchi</i> and the Rakshasi of long tongue! He
+that hath assistance, always secureth the accomplishment of all his
+purposes! What is that which cannot be vanquished in battle by him
+that hath Dhananjaya for his brother? This Bhima, also, of terrible
+prowess, is the foremost of mighty persons. The heroic and youthful
+sons of Madravati again are mighty bowmen. With allies such as
+these, why dost thou despair, O chastiser of foes? These are
+capable of vanquishing the army of the wielder himself of the
+thunderbolt with the <i>Maruts</i> in the midst. Having these
+mighty bowmen of celestial forms for thy allies, thou, O bull of
+Bharata race, art sure to conquer in battle all thy foes! Behold,
+this Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, forcibly abducted by the
+wicked-minded Saindhava from pride of strength and energy, hath
+been brought back by these mighty warriors after achieving terrible
+feats! Behold, king Jayadratha was vanquished and lay powerless
+before thee! The princess of Videha was rescued with almost no
+allies by Rama after the slaughter in battle of the Ten-necked
+<i>Rakshasa</i> of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 570]</span> terrible
+prowess! Indeed, the allies of Rama (in that contest) were monkeys
+and black-faced bears, creatures that were not even human! Think of
+all this, O king, in thy mind! Therefore, O foremost of Kurus,
+grieve not for all (that hath occurred), O bull of the Bharata
+race! Illustrious persons like thee never indulge in sorrow, O
+smiter of foes!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that the king was comforted
+by Markandeya. And then that high-souled one, casting off his
+sorrows, once more spoke unto Markandeya."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLI</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Pativrata-mahatmya Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O mighty sage, I do not so much grieve for
+myself or these my brothers or the loss of my kingdom as I do for
+this daughter of Drupada. When we were afflicted at the game of the
+dice by those wicked-souled ones, it was Krishna that delivered us.
+And she was forcibly carried off from the forest by Jayadratha.
+Hast thou even seen or heard of any chaste and exalted lady that
+resembleth this daughter of Drupada?'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O king, how the exalted merit of
+chaste ladies, O Yudhishthira, was completely obtained by a
+princess named Savitri. There was a king among the Madras, who was
+virtuous and highly pious. And he always ministered unto the
+Brahmanas, and was high-souled and firm in promise. And he was of
+subdued senses and given to sacrifices. And he was the foremost of
+givers, and was able, and beloved by both the citizens and the
+rural population. And the name of that lord of Earth was Aswapati.
+And he was intent on the welfare of all beings. And that forgiving
+(monarch) of truthful speech and subdued senses was without issue.
+And when he got old, he was stricken with grief at this. And with
+the object of raising offspring, he observed rigid vows and began
+to live upon frugal fare, having recourse to the Brahmacharya mode
+of life, and restraining his senses. And that best of kings,
+(daily) offering ten thousand oblations to the fire, recited
+Mantras in honour of <i>Savitri</i><a id="footnotetag65" name="footnotetag65"></a><a href="#footnote65"><sup>65</sup></a> and ate
+temperately at the sixth hour. And he passed eighteen years,
+practising such vows. Then when the eighteen years were full,
+<i>Savitri</i> was pleased (with him). And O king, issuing with
+great delight, in embodied form, from the <i>Agnihotra</i> fire,
+the goddess showed herself to that king. And intent on conferring
+boons, she spoke these words unto the monarch, "I have been
+gratified, O king, with thy <i>Brahmacharya</i> practices, thy
+purity and self-restraint and observance of vows, and all thy
+endeavours and veneration! Do thou, O mighty king, O Aswapati, ask
+for the boon that thou desirest! Thou ought, however, by no means
+show any disregard for virtue." Thereat Aswapati said, "It is with
+the desire of attaining virtue that I have been engaged in this
+task. O goddess, may many sons be born unto me worthy of my race!
+If thou art pleased with me, O goddess, I ask for this <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 571]</span> boon. The twice-born ones have assured me
+that great merit lieth in having offspring!" <i>Savitri</i>
+replied, "O king, having already learnt this thy intention, I had
+spoken unto that lord, the Grandsire, about thy sons. Through the
+favour granted by the Self-create, there shall speedily be born
+unto thee on earth a daughter of great energy. It behoveth thee not
+to make any reply. Well-pleased, I tell thee this at the command of
+the Grandsire."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having accepted <i>Savitri's</i> words and
+saying, "<i>So be it!</i>" the king again gratified her and said,
+"May this happen soon!" On <i>Savitri</i> vanishing away, the
+monarch entered his own city. And that hero began to live in his
+kingdom, ruling his subjects righteously. And when some time had
+elapsed, that king, observant of vows, begat offspring on his
+eldest queen engaged in the practice of virtue. And then, O bull of
+the Bharata race, the embryo in the womb of the princess of Malava
+increased like the lord of stars in the heavens during the lighted
+fortnight. And when the time came, she brought forth a daughter
+furnished with lotus-like eyes. And that best of monarchs, joyfully
+performed the usual ceremonies on her behalf. And as she had been
+bestowed with delight by the goddess <i>Savitri</i> by virtue of
+the oblations offered in honour of that goddess, both her father,
+and the Brahmanas named her <i>Savitri</i>. And the king's daughter
+grew like unto <i>Sree</i> herself in an embodied form. And in due
+time, that damsel attained her puberty. And beholding that graceful
+maiden of slender waist and ample hips, and resembling a golden
+image, people thought, "We have received a goddess." And
+overpowered by her energy, none could wed that girl of eyes like
+lotus-leaves, and possessed of a burning splendour.</p>
+<p>"'And it came to pass that once on the occasion of a
+<i>parva</i>, having fasted and bathed her head, she presented
+herself before the (family) deity and caused the Brahmanas to offer
+oblations with due rites to the sacrificial fire. And taking the
+flowers that had been offered to the god, that lady, beautiful as
+<i>Sree</i> herself, went to her high-souled sire. And having
+reverenced the feet of her father and offering him the flowers she
+had brought, that maiden of exceeding grace, with joined hands,
+stood at the side of the king. And seeing his own daughter
+resembling a celestial damsel arrived at puberty, and unsought by
+people, the king became sad. And the king said, "Daughter, the time
+for bestowing thee is come! Yet none asketh thee. Do thou
+(therefore) thyself seek for a husband equal to thee in qualities!
+That person who may be desired by thee should be notified to me. Do
+thou choose for thy husband as thou listest. I shall bestow thee
+with deliberation. Do thou, O auspicious one, listen to me as I
+tell thee the words which I heard recited by the twice-born ones.
+The father that doth not bestow his daughter cometh by disgrace.
+And the husband that knoweth not his wife in her season meeteth
+with disgrace. And the son that doth not protect his mother when
+her husband is dead, also suffereth disgrace. Hearing these words
+of mine, do thou engage thyself in search of a husband. Do thou act
+in such a way that we may not be censured by the gods!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having said these words to his daughter and
+his old counsellors, he instructed the attendants to follow her,
+saying,&mdash;<i>Go!</i> <span class="pagenum">[Pg 572]</span>
+Thereat, bashfully bowing down unto her father's feet, the meek
+maid went out without hesitation, in compliance with the words of
+her sire. And ascending a golden car, she went to the delightful
+asylum of the royal sages, accompanied by her father's aged
+counsellors. There, O son, worshipping the feet of the aged ones,
+she gradually began to roam over all the woods. Thus the king's
+daughter distributing wealth in all sacred regions, ranged the
+various places belonging to the foremost of the twice-born
+ones.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'On one occasion, O Bharata, when that
+king, the lord of the Madras, was seated with Narada in the midst
+of his court, engaged in conversation, Savitri, accompanied by the
+king's counsellors, came to her father's abode after having visited
+various sacred regions and asylums. And beholding her father seated
+with Narada, she worshipped the feet of both by bending down her
+head. And Narada then said, "Whither had this thy daughter gone?
+And, O king, whence also doth she come? Why also dost thou not
+bestow her on a husband, now that she hath arrived at the age of
+puberty?" Aswapati answered, saying, "Surely it was on this very
+business that she had been sent, and she returneth now (from her
+search). Do thou, O celestial sage, listen, even from her as to the
+husband she hath chosen herself!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then the blessed maid, commanded by her
+father with the words,&mdash;<i>Relate everything in
+detail</i>,&mdash;regarded those words of her sire as if they were
+those of a god, and spoke unto him thus, "There was, amongst the
+Salwas, a virtuous Kshatriya king known by the name of Dyumatsena.
+And it came to pass that in course of time he became blind. And
+that blind king possessed of wisdom had an only son. And it so
+happened that an old enemy dwelling in the vicinity, taking
+advantage of the king's mishap, deprived him of his kingdom. And
+thereupon the monarch, accompanied by his wife bearing a child on
+her breast, went into the woods. And having retired into the
+forests, he adopted great vows and began to practise ascetic
+austerities. And his son, born in the city, began to grow in the
+hermitage. That youth, fit to be my husband, I have accepted in my
+heart for my lord!" At these words of hers, Narada said, "Alas, O
+king, Savitri hath committed a great wrong, since, not knowing, she
+hath accepted for her lord this Satyavan of excellent qualities!
+His father speaketh the truth and his mother also is truthful in
+her speech. And it is for this that the Brahmanas have named the
+son <i>Satyavan</i>. In his childhood he took great delight in
+horses, and used to make horses of clay. And he used also to draw
+pictures of horses. And for this that youth is sometimes called by
+the name of <i>Chitraswa</i>." The king then asked, "And is prince
+Satyavan, who is devoted to his father, endued with energy and
+intelligence and forgiveness and courage?" Narada replied, saying,
+"In energy Satyavan is like unto the sun, and in wisdom like unto
+Vrihaspati! And he is brave like unto the lord of the celestials
+and forgiving <span class="pagenum">[Pg 573]</span> like unto the
+Earth herself!" Aswapati then said, "And is the prince Satyavan
+liberal in gifts and devoted to the Brahmanas? Is he handsome and
+magnanimous and lovely to behold?" Narada said, "In bestowal of
+gifts according to his power, the mighty son of Dyumatsena is like
+unto Sankriti's son Rantideva. In truthfulness of speech and
+devotion unto Brahmanas, he is like Sivi, the son of Usinara. And
+he is magnanimous like Yayati, and beautiful like the Moon. And in
+beauty of person he is like either of the twin Aswins. And with
+senses under control, he is meek, and brave, and truthful! And with
+passion in subjection he is devoted to his friends, and free from
+malice and modest and patient. Indeed, briefly speaking, they that
+are possessed of great ascetic merit and are of exalted character
+say that he is always correct in his conduct and that honour is
+firmly seated on his brow." Hearing this, Aswapati said, "O
+reverend sage, thou tellest me that he is possessed of every
+virtue! Do thou now tell me his defects if, indeed, he hath any!"
+Narada then said, "He hath one only defect that hath overwhelmed
+all his virtues. That defect is incapable of being conquered by
+even the greatest efforts. He hath only one defect, and no other.
+Within a year from this day, Satyavan, endued with a short life
+will cast off his body!" Hearing these words of the sage, the king
+said, "Come, O Savitri, go thou and choose another for thy lord, O
+beautiful damsel! That one great defect (in this youth) existeth,
+covering all his merits. The illustrious Narada honoured by even
+the gods, sayeth, that Satyavan will have to cast off his body
+within a year, his days being numbered!" At these words of her
+father, Savitri said, "The death can fall but once; a daughter can
+be given away but once; and once only can a person say, <i>I give
+away</i>! These three things can take place only once. Indeed, with
+a life short or long, possessed of virtues or bereft of them, I
+have, for once, selected my husband. Twice I shall not select.
+Having first settled a thing mentally, it is expressed in words,
+and then it is carried out into practice. Of this my mind is an
+example!" Narada then said, "O best of men, the heart of thy
+daughter Savitri wavereth not! It is not possible by any means to
+make her swerve from this path of virtue! In no other person are
+those virtues that dwell in Satyavan. The bestowal of thy daughter,
+therefore, is approved by me!" The king said, "What thou hast said,
+O illustrious one, should never be disobeyed, for thy words are
+true! And I shall act as thou hast said, since thou art my
+preceptor!" Narada said, "May the bestowal of thy daughter Savitri
+be attended with peace! I shall now depart. Blessed be all of
+ye!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, Narada rose up into
+the sky and went to heaven. On the other hand, the king began to
+make preparations for his daughter's wedding!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having pondered over these words (of Narada)
+about his daughter's marriage, the king began to make arrangements
+about the nuptials. And summoning all the old Brahmanas, and
+<i>Ritwijas</i> together <span class="pagenum">[Pg 574]</span> with
+the priests, he set out with his daughter on an auspicious day. And
+arriving at the asylum of Dyumatsena in the sacred forest, the king
+approached the royal sage on foot, accompanied by the twice-born
+ones. And there he beheld the blind monarch of great wisdom seated
+on a cushion of <i>Kusa</i> grass spread under <i>Sala</i> tree.
+And after duly reverencing the royal sage, the king in an humble
+speech introduced himself. Thereupon, offering him the
+<i>Arghya</i>, a seat, and a cow, the monarch asked his royal
+guest,&mdash;<i>Wherefore is this visit?</i>&mdash;Thus addressed
+the king disclosed everything about his intentions and purpose with
+reference to Satyavan. And Aswapati said, "O royal sage, this
+beautiful girl is my daughter named Savitri. O thou versed in
+morality, do thou, agreeably to the customs of our order, take her
+from me as thy daughter-in-law!" Hearing these words, Dyumatsena
+said, "Deprived of kingdom, and taking up our abode in the woods,
+we are engaged in the practice of virtue as ascetics with regulated
+lives. Unworthy of a forest life, how will thy daughter, living in
+the sylvan asylum, bear this hardship?" Aswapati said, "When my
+daughter knoweth, as well as myself, that happiness and misery come
+and go (without either being stationary), such words as these are
+not fit to be used towards one like me! O king, I have come hither,
+having made up my mind! I have bowed to thee from friendship; it
+behoveth thee not, therefore, to destroy my hope! It behoveth thee
+not, also, to disregard me who, moved by love, have come to thee!
+Thou art my equal and fit for an alliance with me, as indeed, I am
+thy equal and fit for alliance with thee! Do thou, therefore,
+accept my daughter for thy daughter-in-law and the wife of the good
+Satyavan!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Formerly I had
+desired an alliance with thee. But I hesitated, being subsequently
+deprived of my kingdom. Let this wish, therefore, that I had
+formerly entertained, be accomplished this very day. Thou art,
+indeed, a welcome guest to me!"</p>
+<p>"'Then summoning all the twice-born ones residing in the
+hermitages of that forest, the two kings caused the union to take
+place with due rites. And having bestowed his daughter with
+suitable robes and ornaments, Aswapati went back to his abode in
+great joy. And Satyavan, having obtained a wife possessed of every
+accomplishment, became highly glad, while she also rejoiced
+exceedingly upon having gained the husband after her own heart. And
+when her father had departed, she put off all her ornaments, and
+clad herself in barks and cloths dyed in red. And by her services
+and virtues, her tenderness and self-denial, and by her agreeable
+offices unto all, she pleased everybody. And she gratified her
+mother-in-law by attending to her person and by covering her with
+robes and ornaments. And she gratified her father-in-law by
+worshipping him as a god and controlling her speech. And she
+pleased her husband by her honeyed speeches, her skill in every
+kind of work, the evenness of her temper, and by the indications of
+her love in private. And thus, O Bharata, living in the asylum of
+those pious dwellers of the forest, they continued for some time to
+practise ascetic austerities. But the words spoken by Narada were
+present night and day in the mind of the sorrowful Savitri.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 575]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'At length, O king, after a long time had
+passed away, the hour that had been appointed for the death of
+Satyavan arrived. And as the words that had been spoken by Narada
+were ever present in the mind of Savitri, she had counted the days
+as they passed. And having ascertained that her husband would die
+on the fourth day following, the damsel fasted day and night,
+observing the <i>Triratra</i> vow. And hearing of her vow, the king
+became exceedingly sorrowful and rising up soothed Savitri and said
+these words, "This vow that thou hast begun to observe, O daughter
+of a king, is exceedingly hard; for it is extremely difficult to
+fast for three nights together!" And hearing these words, Savitri
+said, "Thou needst not be sorry, O father! This vow I shall be able
+to observe! I have for certain undertaken this task with
+perseverance; and perseverance is the cause of the successful
+observance of vows." And having listened to her, Dyumatsena said,
+"I can by no means say unto thee, <i>Do thou break thy vow</i>. One
+like me should, on the contrary, say,&mdash;<i>Do thou complete thy
+vow!</i>" And having said this to her, the high-minded Dyumatsena
+stopped. And Savitri continuing to fast began to look (lean) like a
+wooden doll. And, O bull of the Bharata race, thinking that her
+husband would die on the morrow, the woe-stricken Savitri,
+observing a fast, spent that night in extreme anguish. And when the
+Sun had risen about a couple of hand Savitri thinking within
+herself&mdash;<i>To-day is that day</i>, finished her morning
+rites, and offered oblations to the flaming fire. And bowing down
+unto the aged Brahmanas, and her father-in-law, and mother-in-law,
+she stood before them with joined hands, concentrating her senses.
+And for the welfare of Savitri, all the ascetics dwelling in that
+hermitage, uttered the auspicious benediction that she should never
+suffer widowhood. And Savitri immersed in contemplation accepted
+those words of the ascetics, mentally saying,&mdash;<i>So be
+it!</i>&mdash;And the king's daughter, reflecting on those words of
+Narada, remained, expecting the hour and the moment.</p>
+<p>"'Then, O best of the Bharatas, well-pleased, her father-in-law
+and mother-in-law said these words unto the princess seated in a
+corner, "Thou hast completed the vow as prescribed. The time for
+thy meal hath now arrived; therefore, do thou what is proper!"
+Thereat Savitri said, "Now that I have completed the purposed vow,
+I will eat when the Sun goes down. Even this is my heart's resolve
+and this my vow!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'And when Savitri had spoken thus about
+her meal, Satyavan, taking his axe upon his shoulders, set out for
+the woods. And at this, Savitri said unto her husband, "It behoveth
+thee not to go alone! I will accompany thee. I cannot bear to be
+separated from thee!" Hearing these words of hers, Satyavan said,
+"Thou hast never before repaired to the forest. And, O lady, the
+forest-paths are hard to pass! Besides thou hast been reduced by
+fast on account of thy vow. How wouldst thou, therefore, be able to
+walk on foot?" Thus addressed, Savitri said, "I do not feel langour
+because of the fast, nor do I feel exhaustion. And I have made up
+my mind to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 576]</span> go. It behoveth
+thee not, therefore, to prevent me!" At this, Satyavan said, "If
+thou desirest to go, I will gratify that desire of thine. Do thou,
+however, take the permission of my parents, so that I may be guilty
+of no fault!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her lord, Savitri of
+high vows saluted her father-in-law and mother-in-law and addressed
+them, saying, "This my husband goeth to the forest for procuring
+fruits. Permitted by my revered lady-mother and father-in-law, I
+will accompany him. For to-day I cannot bear to be separated from
+him. Thy son goeth out for the sake of the sacrificial fire and for
+his reverend superiors. He ought not, therefore, to be dissuaded.
+Indeed, he could be dissuaded if he went into the forest on any
+other errand. Do ye not prevent me! I will go into the forest with
+him. It is a little less than a year that I have not gone out of
+the asylum. Indeed, I am extremely desirous of beholding the
+blossoming woods!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Since
+Savitri hath been bestowed by her father as my daughter-in-law, I
+do not remember that she hath ever spoken any words couching a
+request. Let my daughter-in-law, therefore, have her will in this
+matter. Do thou, however, O daughter, act in such a way that
+Satyavan's work may not be neglected!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having received the permission of both,
+the illustrious Savitri, departed with her lord, in seeming smiles
+although her heart was racked with grief. And that lady of large
+eyes went on, beholding picturesque and delightful woods inhabited
+by swarms of peacocks. And Satyavan sweetly said unto Savitri,
+"Behold these rivers of sacred currents and these excellent trees
+decked with flowers!" But the faultless Savitri continued to watch
+her lord in all his moods, and recollecting the words of the
+celestial sage, she considered her husband as already dead. And
+with heart cleft in twain, that damsel, replying to her lord,
+softly followed him expecting that hour.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The powerful Satyavan then, accompanied by
+his wife, plucked fruits and filled his wallet with them. And he
+then began to fell branches of trees. And as he was hewing them, he
+began to perspire. And in consequence of that exercise his head
+began to ache. And afflicted with toil, he approached his beloved
+wife, and addressed her, saying, "O Savitri, owing to this hard
+exercise my head acheth, and all my limbs and my heart also are
+afflicted sorely! O thou of restrained speech, I think myself
+unwell, I feel as if my head is being pierced with numerous darts.
+Therefore, O auspicious lady, I wish to sleep, for I have not the
+power to stand." Hearing these words, Savitri quickly advancing,
+approached her husband, and sat down upon the ground, placing his
+head upon her lap. And that helpless lady, thinking of Narada's
+words, began to calculate the (appointed) division of the day, the
+hour, and the moment. The next moment she saw a person clad in red
+attire with his head decked with a diadem. And his body was
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 577]</span> of large proportions and
+effulgent as the Sun. And he was of a darkish hue, had red eyes,
+carried a noose in his hand, and was dreadful to behold. And he was
+standing beside Satyavan and was steadfastly gazing at him. And
+seeing him, Savitri gently placed her husband's head on the ground,
+and rising suddenly, with a trembling heart, spake these words in
+distressful accents, "Seeing this thy superhuman form, I take thee
+to be a deity. If thou will tell me, O chief of the gods, who thou
+art and what also thou intendst to do!" Thereat, Yama replied, "O
+Savitri, thou art ever devoted to thy husband, and thou art also
+endued with ascetic merit. It is for this reason that I hold
+converse with thee. Do thou, O auspicious one, know me for Yama.
+This thy lord Satyavan, the son of a king, hath his days run out. I
+shall, therefore, take him away binding him in this noose. Know
+this to be my errand!" At these words Savitri said, "I had heard
+that thy emissaries come to take away mortals, O worshipful one!
+Why then, O lord, hast thou come in person?"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her, the illustrious
+lord of <i>Pitris</i>, with a view to oblige her, began to unfold
+to her truly all about his intentions. And Yama said, "This prince
+is endued with virtues and beauty of person, and is a sea of
+accomplishments. He deserveth not to be borne away by my
+emissaries. Therefore is it that I have come personally." Saying
+this, Yama by main force pulled out of the body of Satyavan, a
+person of the measure of the thumb, bound in noose and completely
+under subjection. And when Satyavan's life had thus been taken out,
+the body, deprived of breath, and shorn of lustre, and destitute of
+motion, became unsightly to behold. And binding Satyavan's vital
+essence, Yama proceeded in a southerly direction. Thereupon, with
+heart overwhelmed in grief, the exalted Savitri, ever devoted to
+her lord and crowned with success in respect of her vows, began to
+follow Yama. And at this, Yama said, "Desist, O Savitri! Go back,
+and perform the funeral obsequies of thy lord! Thou art freed from
+all thy obligations to thy lord. Thou hast come as far as it is
+possible to come." Savitri replied, "Whither my husband is being
+carried, or whither he goeth of his own accord, I will follow him
+thither. This is the eternal custom. By virtue of my asceticism, of
+my regard for my superiors, of my affection for my lord, of my
+observance of vows, as well as of thy favour, my course is
+unimpeded. It hath been declared by wise men endued with true
+knowledge that by walking only seven paces with another, one
+contracteth a friendship with one's companion. Keeping that
+friendship (which I have contracted with thee) in view, I shall
+speak to thee something. Do thou listen to it. They that have not
+their souls under control, acquire not merit by leading the four
+successive modes of life, viz.,&mdash;celibacy with study,
+domesticity, retirement into the woods, and renunciation of the
+world. That which is called religious merit is said to consist of
+true knowledge. The wise, therefore, have declared religious merit
+to be the foremost of all things and not the passage through the
+four successive modes. By practising the duties of even one of
+these four modes agreeable to the directions of the wise, we have
+attained to true merit, and, therefore, we do not desire the second
+or the third mode, viz., celibacy with study or renunciation. It is
+for this again that the wise have declared religious merit to be
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 578]</span> the foremost of all things!"
+Hearing these words of hers, Yama said, "Do thou desist! I have
+been pleased with these words of thine couched in proper letters
+and accents, and based on reason. Do thou ask for a boon! Except
+the life of thy husband, O thou of faultless features, I will
+bestow on thee any boon that thou mayst solicit!" Hearing these
+words, Savitri said, "Deprived of his kingdom and bereft also of
+sight, my father-in-law leadeth a life of retirement in our sylvan
+asylum. Let that king through thy favour attain his eye-sight, and
+become strong like either fire or the Sun!" Yama said, "O thou of
+faultless features, I grant thee this boon! It will even be as thou
+hast said! It seems that thou art fatigued with thy journey. Do
+thou desist, therefore, and return! Suffer not thyself to be weary
+any longer!" Savitri said, "What weariness can I feel in the
+presence of my husband? The lot that is my husband's is certainly
+mine also. Whither thou carriest my husband, thither will I also
+repair! O chief of the celestials, do thou again listen to me! Even
+a single interview with the pious is highly desirable; friendship
+with them is still more so. And intercourse with the virtuous can
+never be fruitless. Therefore, one should live in the company of
+the righteous!" Yama said, "These words that thou hast spoken, so
+fraught with useful instruction, delight the heart and enhance the
+wisdom of even the learned. Therefore, O lady, solicit thou a
+second boon, except the life of Satyavan!" Savitri said, "Sometime
+before, my wise and intelligent father-in-law was deprived of his
+kingdom. May that monarch regain his kingdom. And may that superior
+of mine never renounce his duties! Even this is the second boon
+that I solicit!" Then Yama said,&mdash;"The king shall soon regain
+his kingdom. Nor shall he ever fall off from his duties. Thus, O
+daughter of a king have I fulfilled thy desire. Do thou now desist!
+Return! Do not take any future trouble!" Savitri said, "Thou hast
+restrained all creatures by thy decrees, and it is by thy decrees
+that thou takest them away, not according to thy will. Therefore it
+is, O god, O divine one, that people call thee <i>Yama</i>! Do thou
+listen to the words that I say! The eternal duty of the good
+towards all creatures is never to injure them in thought, word, and
+deed, but to bear them love and give them their due. As regards
+this world, everything here is like this (husband of mine). Men are
+destitute of both devotion and skill. The good, however, show mercy
+to even their foes when these seek their protection." Yama said,
+"As water to the thirsty soul, so are these words uttered by thee
+to me! Therefore, do thou, O fair lady, if thou will, once again
+ask for any boon except Satyavana's life!" At these words Savitri
+replied, "That lord of earth, my father, is without sons. That he
+may have a hundred sons begotten of his loins, so that his line may
+be perpetuated, is the third boon I would ask of thee!" Yama said,
+"Thy sire, O auspicious lady, shall obtain a hundred illustrious
+sons, who will perpetuate and increase their father's race! Now, O
+daughter of a king, thou hast obtained thy wish. Do thou desist!
+Thou hast come far enough." Savitri said, "Staying by the side of
+my husband, I am not conscious of the length of the way I have
+walked. Indeed, my mind rusheth to yet a longer way off. Do thou
+again, as thou goest on, listen to the words that I will presently
+utter! Thou art the powerful son of Vivaswat. It is for this that
+thou art called <i>Vatvaswata</i> <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+579]</span> by the wise. And, O lord, since thou dealest out equal
+law unto all created things, thou hast been designated the <i>lord
+of justice</i>! One reposeth not, even in one's own self, the
+confidence that one doth in the righteous. Therefore, every one
+wisheth particularly for intimacy with the righteous. It is
+goodness of heart alone that inspireth the confidence of all
+creatures. And it is for this that people rely particularly on the
+righteous." And hearing these words, Yama said, "The words that
+thou utterest, O fair lady, I have not heard from any one save
+thee; I am highly pleased with this speech of thine. Except the
+life of Satyavan, solicit thou, therefore, a fourth boon, and then
+go thy way!" Savitri then said, "Both of me and Satyavan's loins,
+begotten by both of us, let there be a century of sons possessed of
+strength and prowess and capable of perpetuating our race! Even
+this is the fourth boon that I would beg of thee!" Hearing these
+words of hers, Yama replied, "Thou shalt, O lady, obtain a century
+of sons, possessed of strength and prowess, and causing thee great
+delight. O daughter of a king, let no more weariness be thine! Do
+thou desist! Thou hast already come too far!" Thus addressed,
+Savitri said, "They that are righteous always practise eternal
+morality! And the communion of the pious with the pious is never
+fruitless! Nor is there any danger to the pious from those that are
+pious. And verily it is the righteous who by their truth make the
+Sun move in the heaven. And it is the righteous that support the
+earth by their austerities! And, O king, it is the righteous upon
+whom both the past and the future depend! Therefore, they that are
+righteous, are never cheerless in the company of the righteous.
+Knowing this to be the eternal practice of the good and righteous,
+they that are righteous continue to do good to others without
+expecting any benefit in return. A good office is never thrown away
+on the good and virtuous. Neither interest nor dignity suffereth
+any injury by such an act. And since such conduct ever adheres to
+the righteous, the righteous often become the protectors of all."
+Hearing these words of hers, Yama replied, "The more thou utterest
+such speeches that are pregnant with great import, full of honeyed
+phrases, instinct with morality, and agreeable to mind, the more is
+the respect that I feel for thee! O thou that art so devoted to thy
+lord, ask for some incomparable boon!" Thus addressed, Savitri
+said, "O bestower of honours, the boon thou hast already given me
+is incapable of accomplishment without union with my husband.
+Therefore, among other boons, I ask for this, may this Satyavan be
+restored to life! Deprived of my husband, I am as one dead! Without
+my husband, I do not wish for happiness. Without my husband, I do
+not wish for heaven itself. Without my husband, I do not wish for
+prosperity. Without my husband, I cannot make up my mind to live!
+Thou thyself hast bestowed on me the boon, namely, of a century of
+sons; yet thou takest away my husband! I ask for this boon, 'May
+Satyavan be restored to life,' for by that thy words will be made
+true."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thereupon saying,&mdash;<i>So be
+it</i>,&mdash;Vivaswat's son, Yama, the dispenser of justice,
+untied his noose, and with cheerful heart said these words to
+Savitri, "Thus, O auspicious and chaste lady, is thy husband freed
+by me! Thou wilt be able to take him back free from disease. And he
+will attain to success! And along with thee, he will attain a life
+of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 580]</span> four hundred years. And
+celebrating sacrifices with due rites, he will achieve great fame
+in this world. And upon thee Satyavan will also beget a century of
+sons. And these Kshatriyas with their sons and grandsons will all
+be kings, and will always be famous in connection with thy name.
+And thy father also will beget a hundred sons on thy mother Malavi.
+And under the name of the <i>Malavas</i>, thy Kshatriya brothers,
+resembling the celestials, will be widely known along with their
+sons and daughters!" And having bestowed these boons on Savitri and
+having thus made her desist, Yama departed for his abode. Savitri,
+after Yama had gone away, went back to the spot where her husband's
+ash-coloured corpse lay, and seeing her lord on the ground, she
+approached him, and taking hold of him, she placed his head on her
+lap and herself sat down on the ground. Then Satyavan regained his
+consciousness, and affectionately eyeing Savitri again and again,
+like one come home after a sojourn in a strange land, he addressed
+her thus, "Alas, I have slept long! Wherefore didst thou not awake
+me? And where is that same sable person that was dragging me away?"
+At these words of his, Savitri said, "Thou hast, O bull among men,
+slept long on my lap! That restrainer of creatures, the worshipful
+Yama, had gone away. Thou art refreshed, O blessed one, and sleep
+hath forsaken thee, O son of a king! If thou art able, rise thou
+up! Behold, the night is deep!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having regained consciousness, Satyavan
+rose up like one who had enjoyed a sweet sleep, and seeing every
+side covered with woods, said, "O girl of slender waist, I came
+with thee for procuring fruits. Then while I was cutting wood I
+felt a pain in my head. And on account of that intense pain about
+my head I was unable to stand for any length of time, and,
+therefore, I lay on thy lap and slept. All this, O auspicious lady,
+I remember. Then, as thou didst embrace me, sleep stole away my
+senses. I then saw that it was dark all around. In the midst of it
+I saw a person of exceeding effulgence. If thou knowest everything,
+do thou then, O girl of slender waist, tell me whether what I saw
+was only a dream or a reality!" Thereupon, Savitri addressed him,
+saying, "The night deepens. I shall, O prince, relate everything
+unto thee on the morrow. Arise, arise, may good betide thee! And, O
+thou of excellent vows, come and behold thy parents! The sun hath
+set a long while ago and the night deepens. Those rangers of the
+night, having frightful voices, are walking about in glee. And
+sounds are heard, proceeding from the denizens of the forest
+treading through the woods. These terrible shrieks of jackals that
+are issuing from the south and the east make my heart tremble (in
+fear)!" Satyavan then said, "Covered with deep darkness, the
+wilderness hath worn a dreadful aspect. Thou wilt, therefore, not
+be able to discern the tract, and consequently wilt not be able to
+go!" Then Savitri replied, "In consequence of a conflagration
+having taken place in the forest today a withered tree standeth
+aflame, and the flames being stirred by the wind are discerned now
+and then. I shall fetch some fire and light these faggots around.
+Do thou dispel all anxiety. I will do all (this) if thou darest not
+go, for I find thee unwell. Nor wilt thou be able to discover the
+way through this forest enveloped in darkness. Tomorrow when the
+woods become visible, we will go <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+581]</span> hence, if thou please! If, O sinless one, it is thy
+wish, we shall pass this night even here!" At these words of hers,
+Satyavan replied, "The pain in my head is off; and I feel well in
+my limbs. With thy favour I wish to behold my father and mother.
+Never before did I return to the hermitage after the proper time
+had passed away. Even before it is twilight my mother confineth me
+within the asylum. Even when I come out during the day, my parents
+become anxious on my account, and my father searcheth for me,
+together with all the inhabitants of the sylvan asylums. Before
+this, moved by deep grief, my father and mother had rebuked me many
+times and often, saying,&mdash;<i>Thou comest having tarried
+long</i>! I am thinking of the pass they have today come to on my
+account, for, surely, great grief will be theirs when they miss me.
+One night before this, the old couple, who love me dearly, wept
+from deep sorrow and said into me, 'Deprived of thee, O son, we
+cannot live for even a moment. As long as thou livest, so long,
+surely, we also will live. Thou art the crutch of these blind ones;
+on thee doth perpetuity of our race depend. On thee also depend our
+funeral cake, our fame and our descendants!' My mother is old, and
+my father also is so. I am surely their crutch. If they see me not
+in the night, what, oh, will be their plight! I hate that slumber
+of mine for the sake of which my unoffending mother and my father
+have both been in trouble, and I myself also, am placed in such
+rending distress! Without my father and mother, I cannot bear to
+live. It is certain that by this time my blind father, his mind
+disconsolate with grief, is asking everyone of the inhabitants of
+the hermitage about me! I do not, O fair girl, grieve so much for
+myself as I do for my sire, and for my weak mother ever obedient to
+her lord! Surely, they will be afflicted with extreme anguish on
+account of me. I hold my life so long as they live. And I know that
+they should be maintained by me and that I should do only what is
+agreeable to them!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, that virtuous youth
+who loved and revered his parents, afflicted with grief held up his
+arms and began to lament in accents of woe. And seeing her lord
+overwhelmed with sorrow the virtuous Savitri wiped away the tears
+from his eyes and said, "If I have observed austerities, and have
+given away in charity, and have performed sacrifice, may this night
+be for the good of my father-in-law, mother-in-law and husband! I
+do not remember having told a single falsehood, even in jest. Let
+my father-in-law and mother-in-law hold their lives by virtue of
+the truth!" Satyavan said, "I long for the sight of my father and
+mother! Therefore, O Savitri, proceed without delay. O beautiful
+damsel, I swear by my own self that if I find any evil to have
+befallen my father and mother, I will not live. If thou hast any
+regard for virtue, if thou wishest me to live, if it is thy duty to
+do what is agreeable to me, proceed thou to the hermitage!" The
+beautiful Savitri then rose and tying up her hair, raised her
+husband in her arms. And Satyavan having risen, rubbed his limbs
+with his hands. And as he surveyed all around, his eyes fell upon
+his wallet. Then Savitri said unto him, "Tomorrow thou mayst gather
+fruits. And I shall carry thy axe for thy ease." Then hanging up
+the wallet upon the bough of a tree, and taking up the axe, she
+re-approached her husband. And that lady of beautiful thighs,
+placing <span class="pagenum">[Pg 582]</span> her husband's left
+arm upon her left shoulder, and embracing him with her right arms,
+proceeded with elephantic gait. Then Satyavan said, "O timid one,
+by virtue of habit, the (forest) paths are known to me. And
+further, by the light of the moon between the trees, I can see
+them. We have now reached the same path that we took in the morning
+for gathering fruits. Do thou, O auspicious one, proceed by the way
+that we had come: thou needst not any longer feel dubious about our
+path. Near that tract overgrown with <i>Palasa</i> tree, the way
+diverges into two. Do thou proceed along the path that lies to the
+north of it. I am now well and have got back my strength. I long to
+see my father and mother!" Saying this Satyavan hastily proceeded
+towards the hermitage.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the mighty Dyumatsena, having
+regained his sight, could see everything. And when his vision grew
+clear he saw everything around him. And, O bull of the Bharata
+race, proceeding with his wife Saivya to all the (neighbouring)
+asylums in search of his son, he became extremely distressed on his
+account. And that night the old couple went about searching in
+asylums, and rivers, and woods, and floods. And whenever they heard
+any sound, they stood rising their heads, anxiously thinking that
+their son was coming, and said, "O yonder cometh Satyavan with
+Savitri!" And they rushed hither and thither like maniacs, their
+feet torn, cracked, wounded, and bleeding, pierced with thorns and
+<i>Kusa</i> blades. Then all the Brahmanas dwelling in that
+hermitage came unto them, and surrounding them on all sides,
+comforted them, and brought them back to their own asylum. And
+there Dyumatsena with his wife surrounded by aged ascetics, was
+entertained with stories of monarchs of former times. And although
+that old couple desirous of seeing their son, was comforted, yet
+recollecting the youthful days of their son, they became
+exceedingly sorry. And afflicted with grief, they began to lament
+in piteous accents, saying, "Alas, O son, alas, O chaste
+daughter-in-law, where are you?" Then a truthful Brahmana of the
+name of Suvarchas spake unto them, saying, "Considering the
+austerities, self-restraint, and behaviour of his wife Savitri,
+there can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth!" And Gautama said, "I
+have studied all the <i>Vedas</i> with their branches, and I have
+acquired great ascetic merit. And I have led a celibate existence,
+practising also the <i>Brahmacharya</i> mode of life. I have
+gratified Agni and my superiors. With rapt soul I have also
+observed all the vows: and I have according to the ordinance,
+frequently lived upon air alone. By virtue of this ascetic merit, I
+am cognisant of all the doings of others. Therefore, do thou take
+it for certain that Satyavan liveth." Thereupon his disciple said,
+"The words that have fallen from the lips of my preceptor can never
+be false. Therefore, Satyavan surely liveth." And the <i>Rishi</i>
+said, "Considering the auspicious marks that his wife Savitri
+beareth and all of which indicate immunity from widowhood, there
+can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth!" <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+583]</span> And Varadwaja said, "Having regard to the ascetic
+merit, self-restraint, and conduct of his wife Savitri, there can
+be no doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Dalbhya said, "Since thou
+hast regained thy sight, and since Savitri hath gone away after
+completion of the vow, without taking any food, there can be no
+doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Apastamba said, "From the manner
+in which the voices of birds and wild animals are being heard
+through the stillness of the atmosphere on all sides, and from the
+fact also of thy having regained the use of thy eyes, indicating
+thy usefulness for earthly purposes once more, there can be no
+doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Dhaumya said, "As thy son is
+graced with every virtue, and as he is the beloved of all, and as
+he is possessed of marks betokening a long life, there can be no
+doubt that Satyavan liveth."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus cheered by those ascetics of
+truthful speech, Dyumatsena pondering over those points, attained a
+little ease. A little while after, Savitri with her husband
+Satyavan reached the hermitage during the night and entered it with
+a glad heart. The Brahmanas then said, "Beholding this meeting with
+thy son, and thy restoration to eye-sight, we all wish thee well, O
+lord of earth. Thy meeting with thy son, the sight of thy
+daughter-in-law, and thy restoration to sight&mdash;constitute a
+threefold prosperity which thou hast gained. What we all have said
+must come to pass: there can be no doubt of this. Henceforth thou
+shalt rapidly grow in prosperity." Then, O Pritha's son, the
+twice-born ones lighted a fire and sat themselves down before king
+Dyumatsena. And Saivya, and Satyavan, and Savitri who stood apart,
+their hearts free from grief, sat down with the permission of them
+all. Then, O Partha, seated with the monarch those dwellers of the
+woods, actuated by curiosity, asked the king's son, saying, "Why
+didst thou not, O illustrious one, come back earlier with thy wife?
+Why hast thou come so late in the night? What obstacle prevented
+thee! We do not know, O son of a king, why thou hast caused such
+alarm to us, and to thy father and mother. It behoveth thee to tell
+us all about this." Thereupon, Satyavan said, "With the permission
+of my father, I went to the woods with Savitri. There, as I was
+hewing wood in the forest, I felt a pain in my head. And in
+consequence of the pain, I fell into a deep sleep.&mdash;This is
+all that I remember. I had never slept so long before I have come
+so late at night, in order that ye might not grieve (on my
+account). There is no other reason for this." Gautama then said,
+"Thou knowest not then the cause of thy father's sudden restoration
+to sight. It, therefore, behoveth Savitri to relate it. I wish to
+hear it (from thee), for surely thou art conversant with the
+mysteries of good and evil. And, O Savitri, I know thee to be like
+the goddess <i>Savitri</i> herself in splendour. Thou must know the
+cause of this. Therefore, do thou relate it truly! If it should not
+be kept a secret, do thou unfold it unto us!" At these words of
+Gautama Savitri said, "It is as ye surmise. Your desire shall
+surely not be unfulfilled. I have no secret to keep. Listen to the
+truth then! The high-souled Narada had predicted the death of my
+husband. To-day was the appointed time. I could not, therefore,
+bear to be separated from my husband's company. And after he had
+fallen asleep, Yama, accompanied by his messengers, presented
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 584]</span> himself before him, and tying
+him, began to take him away towards the region inhabited by the
+<i>Pitris</i>. Thereupon I began to praise that august god, with
+truthful words. And he granted me five boons, of which do ye hear
+from me! For my father-in-law I have obtained these two boons,
+viz., his restoration to sight as also to his kingdom. My father
+also hath obtained a hundred sons. And I myself have obtained a
+hundred sons. And my husband Satyavan hath obtained a life of four
+hundred years. It was for the sake of my husband's life that I had
+observed that vow. Thus have I narrated unto you in detail the
+cause by which this mighty misfortune of mine was afterwards turned
+into happiness." The <i>Rishis</i> said, "O chaste lady of
+excellent disposition, observant of vows and endued with virtue,
+and sprung from an illustrious line, by thee hath the race of this
+foremost of kings, which was overwhelmed with calamities, and was
+sinking in an ocean of darkness, been rescued."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then having applauded and reverenced
+that best of women, those <i>Rishis</i> there assembled bade
+farewell to that foremost of kings as well as to his son. And
+having saluted them thus, they speedily went, in peace with
+cheerful hearts, to their respective abodes.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'When the night had passed away, and the
+solar orb had risen, those ascetics, having performed their morning
+rites, assembled together. And although those mighty sages again
+and again spake unto Dyumatsena of the high fortune of Savitri, yet
+they were never satisfied. And it so happened, O king, that there
+came to that hermitage a large body of people from Salwa. And they
+brought tidings of the enemy of Dyumatsena having been slain by his
+own minister. And they related unto him all that had happened,
+viz., how having heard that the usurper had been slain with all his
+friends and allies by his minister, his troops had all fled, and
+how all the subjects had become unanimous (on behalf of their
+legitimate king), saying, "Whether possessed of sight or not, even
+he shall be our king!" And they said, "We have been sent to thee in
+consequence of that resolve. This car of thine, and this army also
+consisting of four kinds of forces, have arrived for thee! Good
+betide thee, O King! Do thou come! Thou hast been proclaimed in the
+city. Do thou for ever occupy the station belonging to thy father
+and grand-father!" And beholding the king possessed of sight and
+able-bodied, they bowed down their heads, their eyes expanded with
+wonder. Then having worshipped those old and Brahmanas dwelling in
+the hermitage and honoured by them in return, the king set out for
+his city. And surrounded by the soldiers, Saivya also accompanied
+by Savitri, went in a vehicle furnished with shining sheets and
+borne on the shoulders of men. Then the priests with joyful hearts
+installed Dyumatsena on the throne with his high-souled son as
+prince-regent. And after the lapse of a long time, Savitri gave
+birth to a century of sons, all warlike and unretreating from
+battle, and enhancing the fame of Salwa's race. And she also had a
+century of highly powerful uterine brothers <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 585]</span> born unto Aswapati, the lord of the
+Madras, by Malavi. Thus, O son of Pritha, did Savitri raise from
+pitiable plight to high fortune, herself, and her father and
+mother, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, as also the race of
+her husband. And like that gentle lady Savitri, the auspicious
+daughter of Drupada, endued with excellent character, will rescue
+you all.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Thus exhorted by that high-souled sage, the
+son of Pandu, O king, with his mind free from anxiety, continued to
+live in the forest of Kamyaka. The man that listeneth with
+reverence to the excellent story of Savitri, attaineth to
+happiness, and success in everything, and never meeteth with
+misery!"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLVIII</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said,&mdash;"What, O Brahmana, was that great fear
+entertained by Yudhishthira in respect of Karna, for which Lomasa
+had conveyed to the son of Pandu a message of deep import from
+Indra in these words, <i>That intense fear of thine which thou dost
+never express to any one, I will remove after Dhananjaya goeth from
+hence?</i> And, O best of ascetics, why was it that the virtuous
+Yudhishthira never expressed it to any one?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "As thou askest me, O tiger among kings, I
+will relate that history unto thee! Do thou listen to my words, O
+best of the Bharatas! After twelve years (of their exile) had
+passed away and the thirteenth year had set in, Sakra, ever
+friendly to the sons of Pandu, resolved to beg of Karna (his
+ear-rings). And, O mighty monarch, ascertaining this intention of
+the great chief of the celestials about (Karna's) ear-rings, Surya,
+having effulgence for his wealth, went unto Karna. And, O foremost
+of kings, while that hero devoted to the Brahmanas and truthful in
+speech was lying down at night at his ease on a rich bed overlaid
+with a costly sheet, the effulgent deity, filled with kindness and
+affection for his son, showed himself, O Bharata, unto him in his
+dreams. And assuming from ascetic power the form of a handsome
+Brahmana versed in the <i>Vedas</i>, Surya sweetly said unto Karna
+these words for his benefit, 'O son, do thou O Karna, listen to
+these words of mine, O thou foremost of truthful persons! O
+mighty-armed one, I tell thee to-day from affection, what is for
+thy great good! With the object, O Karna, of obtaining thy
+ear-rings, Sakra, moved by the desire of benefiting the sons of
+Pandu, will come unto thee, disguised as a Brahmana! He, as well as
+all the world, knoweth thy character, viz., that when solicited by
+pious people, thou givest away but never takest in gift! Thou, O
+son, givest unto Brahmanas wealth or any other thing that is asked
+of thee and never refusest anything to anybody. Knowing thee to be
+such, the subduer himself of Paka will come to beg of thee thy
+ear-rings and coat of mail. When he beggeth the ear-rings of thee,
+it behoveth thee not to give them away, but to gratify him with
+sweet speeches to the best of thy power. Even this, is for thy
+supreme good! While asking thee for the ear-rings, thou shalt, with
+various reasons, repeatedly refuse Purandara who is desirous of
+obtaining them, offering him, instead, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+586]</span> various other kinds of wealth, such as gems and women
+and kine, and citing various precedents. If thou, O Karna, givest
+away thy beautiful ear-rings born with thee, thy life being
+shortened, thou wilt meet with death! Arrayed in thy mail and
+ear-rings, thou wilt, O bestower of honours, be incapable of being
+slain by foes in battle! Do thou lay to heart these words of mine!
+Both these jewelled ornaments have sprung from <i>Amrita</i>.
+Therefore, they should be preserved by thee, if thy life is at all
+dear to thee.'</p>
+<p>"Hearing these words, Karna said, 'Who art thou that tellest me
+so, showing me such kindness? If it pleaseth thee, tell me, O
+illustrious one, who thou art in the guise of a
+Brahmana!'&mdash;The Brahmana thereupon said, 'O son, I am he of a
+thousand rays! Out of affection, I point out to thee the path! Act
+thou according to my words, as it is for thy great good to do so!'
+Karna replied, 'Surely, this itself is highly fortunate for me that
+the god himself of splendour addresses me today, seeking my
+welfare. Listen, however, to these words of mine! May it please
+thee, O bestower of boons, it is only from affection that I tell
+thee this! If I am dear to thee, I should not be dissuaded from the
+observance of my vow! O thou that are possessed of the wealth of
+effulgence, the whole world knoweth this to be my vow that, of a
+verity, I am prepared to give away life itself unto superior
+Brahmanas! If, O best of all rangers of the sky, Sakra cometh to
+me, disguised as a Brahmana, to beg for the benefit of the sons of
+Pandu, I will, O chief of the celestials, give him the ear-rings
+and the excellent mail, so that my fame which hath spread over the
+three worlds may not suffer any diminution! For persons like us, it
+is not fit to save life by a blame-worthy act. On the contrary, it
+is even proper for us to meet death with the approbation of the
+world and under circumstances bringing fame. Therefore, will I
+bestow upon Indra the ear-rings with my coat of mail! If the slayer
+himself of Vala and Vritra cometh to ask for the ear-rings for the
+benefit of the sons of Pandu, that will conduce to my fame, leading
+at the same time to <i>his</i> infamy! O thou possessed of
+splendour, I wish for fame in this world, even if it is to be
+purchased with life itself, for they that have fame enjoy the
+celestial regions, while they that are destitute of it are lost.
+Fame keepeth people alive in this world even like a mother, while
+infamy killeth men even though they may move about with bodies
+undestroyed. O lord of the worlds, O thou possessed of the wealth
+of effulgence, that fame is the life of men is evidenced by an
+ancient <i>sloka</i> sung by the Creator himself,&mdash;<i>In the
+next world it is fame that is the chief support of a person, while
+in this world pure fame lengthens life</i>. Therefore, by giving
+away my ear-rings and mail with both of which I was born I will win
+eternal fame! And by duly giving away the same to Brahmanas
+according to the ordinance, by offering up my body (as a gift to
+the gods) in the sacrifice of war, by achieving feats difficult of
+performance, and by conquering my foes in fight, I will acquire
+nothing but renown. And by dispelling on the field of battle the
+fears of the affrighted that may beg for their lives, and relieving
+old men and boys and Brahmanas from terror and anxiety, I will win
+excellent fame and the highest heaven. My fame is to be protected
+with the sacrifice of even my life. Even this, know thou, is my
+vow! By giving away such a valuable gift to Maghavan disguised as a
+Brahmana, I <span class="pagenum">[Pg 587]</span> will, O god,
+acquire in this world the most exalted state.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLIX</h2>
+<p>"Surya said, 'Never do, O Karna, anything that is harmful to thy
+self and thy friends; thy sons, thy wives, thy father, and thy
+mother; O thou best of those that bear life, people desire renown
+(in this world) and lasting fame in heaven, without wishing to
+sacrifice their bodies. But as thou desirest undying fame at the
+expense of thy life, she will, without doubt, snatch away thy life!
+O bull among men, in this world, the father, the mother, the son,
+and other relatives are of use only to him that is alive. O tiger
+among men, as regard kings, it is only when they are alive that
+prowess can be of any use to them. Do thou understand this? O thou
+of exceeding splendour, fame is for the good of these only that are
+alive! Of what use is fame to the dead whose bodies have been
+reduced to ashes? One that is dead cannot enjoy renown. It is only
+when one is alive that one can enjoy it. The fame of one that is
+dead is like a garland of flowers around the neck of a corpse. As
+thou reverest me, I tell thee this for thy benefit, because thou
+art a worshipper of mine! They that worship me are always protected
+by me. That also is another reason for my addressing thee thus!
+Thinking again, O mighty-armed one, that <i>this one revereth me
+with great reverence</i>, I have been inspired with love for thee!
+Do thou, therefore, act according to my words! There is, besides
+some profound mystery in all this, ordained by fate. It is for
+this, that I tell thee so. Do thou act without mistrust of any
+kind! O bull among men, it is not fit for thee to know this which
+is a secret to the very gods. Therefore, I do not reveal that
+secret unto thee. Thou wilt, however, understand it in time. I
+repeat what I have already said. Do thou, O Radha's son, lay my
+words to heart! When the wielder of the thunder-bolt asketh thee
+for them, do thou never give him thy ear-rings! O thou of exceeding
+splendour, with thy handsome ear-rings, thou lookest beautiful,
+even like the Moon himself in the clear firmament, between the
+<i>Visakha</i> constellation! Dost thou know that fame availeth
+only the person that is living. Therefore, when the lord of the
+celestials will ask the ear-rings, thou shouldst, O son, refuse
+him! Repeating again and again answers fraught with various
+reasons, thou wilt, O sinless one, be able to remove the eagerness
+of the lord of the celestial for the possession of the ear-rings.
+Do thou, O Karna, alter Purandara's purpose by urging answers
+fraught with reason and grave import and adorned with sweetness and
+suavity. Thou dost always, O tiger among men, challenge him that
+can draw the bow with his left hand, and heroic Arjuna also will
+surely encounter thee in fight. But when furnished with thy
+ear-rings, Arjuna will never be able to vanquish thee in fight even
+if Indra himself comes to his assistance. Therefore, O Karna, if
+thou wishest to vanquish Arjuna in battle, these handsome ear-rings
+of thine should never be parted with to Sakra.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 588]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCC</h2>
+<p>"Karna said, 'As thou, O lord of splendour, knowest me for thy
+worshipper, so also thou knowest that there is nothing which I
+cannot give away in charity, O thou of fiery rays! Neither my
+wives, nor my sons, nor my own self, nor my friends, are so dear to
+me as thou, on account of the veneration I feel for thee, O lord of
+splendour! Thou knowest, O maker of light, that high-souled persons
+bear a loving regard for their dear worshippers. <i>Karna revereth
+me and is dear to me. He knoweth no other deity in
+heaven</i>,&mdash;thinking this thou hast, O lord, said unto me
+what is for my benefit. Yet, O thou of bright rays, again do I
+beseech thee with bended head, again do I place myself in thy
+hands. I will repeat the answer I have already given. It behoveth
+thee to forgive me! Death itself is not fraught with such terrors
+for me as untruth! As regards especially the Brahmanas, again, I do
+not hesitate to yield up my life even for them! And, O divine one,
+respecting what thou hast said unto me of Phalguna, the son of
+Pandu, let thy grief born of thy anxiety of heart, O lord of
+splendour, be dispelled touching him and myself; for I shall surely
+conquer Arjuna in battle! Thou knowest, O deity, that I have great
+strength of weapons obtained from Jamadagnya and the high-souled
+Drona. Permit me now, O foremost of celestials, to observe my vow,
+so that unto him of the thunderbolt coming to beg of me, I may give
+away even my life!'</p>
+<p>"Surya said, 'If O son, thou givest away thy ear-rings to the
+wielder of the thunder-bolt, O thou of mighty strength, thou
+shouldst also, for the purpose of securing victory, speak unto him,
+saying,&mdash;<i>O thou of a hundred sacrifices, I shall give thee
+ear-rings under a condition</i>.&mdash;Furnished with the
+ear-rings, thou art certainly incapable of being slain by any
+being. Therefore, it is, O son, that desirous of beholding thee
+slain in battle by Arjuna, the destroyer of the Danavas desireth to
+deprive thee of thy ear-rings. Repeatedly adoring with truthful
+words that lord of the celestials, viz., Purandara armed with
+weapons incapable of being frustrated, do thou also beseech him,
+saying, "Give me an infallible dart capable of slaying all foes,
+and I will, O thousand-eyed deity, give the ear-rings with the
+excellent coat of mail!" On this condition shouldst thou give the
+ear-rings unto Sakra. With that dart, O Karna, thou wilt slay foes
+in battle: for, O mighty-armed one, that dart of the chief of the
+celestials doth not return to the hand that hurleth it, without
+slaying enemies by hundreds and by thousands!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this, the thousand-rayed
+deity suddenly vanished away. The next day, after having told his
+prayers, Karna related his dream unto the Sun. And Vrisha related
+unto him the vision he had seen, and all that had passed between
+them in the night. Thereupon, having heard everything, that enemy
+of Swarbhanu, that lord, the resplendent and divine Surya, said
+unto him with a smile, 'It is even so!' Then Radha's son, that
+slayer of hostile heroes, knowing all about the matter, and
+desirous of obtaining the dart, remained in expectation of
+Vasava."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 589]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "What was that secret which was not revealed to
+Karna by the deity of warm rays? Of what kind also were those
+ear-rings and of what sort was that coat of mail? Whence, too, was
+that mail and those ear-rings? All this, O best of men. I wish to
+hear! O thou possessed of the wealth of asceticism, do tell me all
+this!"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "I will, O monarch, tell thee that secret
+which was not revealed by the deity possessed of the wealth of
+effulgence. I will also describe unto thee those ear-rings and that
+coat of mail. Once on a time, O king, there appeared before
+Kuntibhoja a Brahmana of fierce energy and tall stature, bearing a
+beard and matted locks, and carrying a staff in his hand. And, he
+was agreeable to the eye and of faultless limbs, and seemed to
+blaze forth in splendour. And he was possessed of a yellow-blue
+complexion like that of honey. And his speech was mellifluous, and
+he was adorned with ascetic merit and a knowledge of the
+<i>Vedas</i>. And that person of great ascetic merit, addressing
+king Kuntibhoja, said, 'O thou that are free from pride, I wish to
+live as a guest in thy house feeding on the food obtained as alms
+from thee! Neither thy followers, nor thou thyself, shall ever act
+in such a way as to produce my displeasure! If, O sinless one, it
+liketh thee, I would then live in thy house thus! I shall leave thy
+abode when I wish, and come back when I please. And, O king, no one
+shall offend me in respect of my food or bed.'&mdash;Then
+Kuntibhoja spake unto him these words cheerfully, 'Be it so, and
+more.' And he again said unto him, 'O thou of great wisdom, I have
+an illustrious daughter named Pritha. And she beareth an excellent
+character, is observant of vow, chaste, and of subdued senses. And
+she shall attend on thee and minister unto thee with reverence. And
+thou wilt be pleased with her disposition!' And having said this to
+that Brahmana and duly paid him homage, the king went to his
+daughter Pritha of large eyes, and spake thus unto her, 'O child,
+this eminently pious Brahmana is desirous of dwelling in my house!
+I have accepted his proposal, saying,&mdash;<i>So be it</i>,
+relying, O child, on thy aptitude and skill in ministering unto
+Brahmanas. It, therefore, behoveth thee to act in such a manner
+that my words may not be untrue. Do thou give him with alacrity
+whatever this reverend Brahmana possessed of ascetic merit and
+engaged in the study of the Vedas, may want. Let everything that
+this Brahmana asketh for be given to him cheerfully. A Brahmana is
+the embodiment of pre-eminent energy: he is also the embodiment of
+the highest ascetic merit. It is in consequence of the virtuous
+practices of Brahmanas that the sun shineth in the heavens. It was
+for their disregard of Brahmanas that were deserving of honour that
+the mighty <i>Asura</i> Vatapi, as also Talajangha, was destroyed
+by the curse of the Brahmanas. For the present, O child, it is a
+highly virtuous one of that order that is entrusted to thy keep.
+Thou shouldst always tend this Brahmana with concentrated mind. O
+daughter, I know that, from childhood upwards, thou hast ever been
+attentive to Brahmanas, and superiors, and relatives, and servants,
+and friends, to thy mothers and myself. I know thou bearest thyself
+well, bestowing proper regard upon everyone. And, O thou of
+faultless limbs, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 590]</span> in the city
+of the interior of my palace, on account of thy gentle behaviour,
+there is not one, even among the servants, that is dissatisfied
+with thee. I have, therefore, thought thee fit to wait upon all
+Brahmanas of wrathful temper. Thou art, O Pritha, a girl and has
+been adopted as my daughter. Thou art born in the race of the
+Vrishnis, and art the favourite daughter of Sura. Thou wert, O
+girl, given to me gladly by thy father himself. The sister of
+Vasudeva by birth, thou art (by adoption) the foremost of my
+children. Having promised me in these words,&mdash;<i>I will give
+my first born</i>,&mdash;thy father gladly gave thee to me while
+thou wert yet in thy infancy. It is for this reason that thou art
+my daughter. Born in such a race and reared in such a race, thou
+hast come from one happy state to another like a lotus transferred
+from one lake to another. O auspicious girl, women, specially they
+that are of mean extraction, although they may with difficulty be
+kept under restraint, become in consequence of their unripe age,
+generally deformed in character. But thou, O Pritha, art born in a
+royal race, and thy beauty also is extraordinary. And then, O girl,
+thou art endued with every accomplishment. Do thou, therefore, O
+damsel, renouncing pride and haughtiness and a sense of
+self-importance, wait upon and worship the boon-giving Brahmana,
+and thereby attain, O Pritha, to an auspicious state! By acting
+thus, O auspicious and sinless girl, thou wilt surely attain to
+auspiciousness! But if on the contrary, thou stirrest up the anger
+of this best of the twice-born ones, my entire race will be
+consumed by him!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCII</h2>
+<p>"Kunti said, 'According to thy promise, I will, O king, with
+concentrated mind, serve that Brahmana. O foremost of kings, I do
+not say this falsely. It is my nature to worship Brahmanas. And, as
+in the present case, my doing so would be agreeable to thee, even
+this would be highly conducive to my welfare. Whether that
+worshipful one cometh in the evening, or in morning, or at night or
+even at midnight, he will have no reason to be angry with me! O
+foremost of kings, to do good by serving the twice-born ones,
+observing all thy commands, is what I consider to be highly
+profitable to me, O best of men! Do thou, therefore, O foremost of
+monarchs rely on me! That best of Brahmanas, while residing in thy
+house, shall never have cause for dissatisfaction, I tell thee
+truly. I shall, O king, be always attentive to that which is
+agreeable to this Brahmana, and what is fraught also with good to
+thee. O sinless one! I know full well that Brahmanas that are
+eminently virtuous, when propitiated bestow salvation, and when
+displeased, are capable of bringing about destruction upon the
+offender. Therefore, I shall please this foremost of Brahmanas.
+Thou wilt not, O monarch, come to any grief from that best of
+regenerate persons, owing to any act of mine. In consequence of the
+transgressions of monarchs, Brahmanas, O foremost of kings, became
+the cause of evil to them, as Chyavana had become, in consequence
+of the act of Sukanya. I will, therefore, O king, with great
+regularity, wait upon that best of Brahmanas <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 591]</span> according to thy instructions in that
+respect!' And when she had thus spoken at length, the king embraced
+and cheered her, and instructed her in detail as to what should be
+done by her. And the king said, 'Thou shall, O gentle maid, act
+even thus, without fear, for my good as also thy own, and for the
+good of thy race also, O thou of faultless limbs!' And having said
+this the illustrious Kuntibhoja, who was devoted to the Brahmanas,
+made over the girl Pritha to that Brahmana, saying, 'This my
+daughter, O Brahmana, is of tender age and brought up in luxury.
+If, therefore, she transgresses at any time, do thou not take that
+to heart! Illustrious Brahmanas are never angry with old men,
+children, and ascetics, even if these transgress frequently. In
+respect of even a great wrong forgiveness is due from the
+regenerate. The worship, therefore, O best of Brahmanas, that is
+offered to the best of one's power and exertion, should be
+acceptable!' Hearing these words of the monarch, the Brahmana said,
+'So be it!' Thereupon, the king became highly pleased and assigned
+unto him apartments that were white as swans or the beams of the
+moon. And in the room intended for the sacrificial fire, the king
+placed a brilliant seat especially constructed for him. And the
+food and other things that were offered unto the Brahmana were of
+the same excellent kind. And casting aside idleness and all sense
+of self-importance, the princess addressed herself with right good
+will to wait upon the Brahmana. And the chaste Kunti, endued with
+purity of conduct, went thither for serving the Brahmana. And duly
+waiting upon that Brahmana as if he were a very god, she gratified
+him highly."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "And that maiden of rigid vows, O mighty
+monarch, by serving with a pure heart, that Brahmana of rigid vows,
+succeeded in gratifying him. And, O foremost of kings, saying, 'I
+will come back in the morning,' that best of Brahmanas sometimes
+came in the evening or in night. Him, however, the maiden
+worshipped at all hours with sumptuous food and drink and bed. And
+as day after day passed away, her attentions to him, in respect of
+food and seat and bed, increased instead of undergoing any
+diminution. And, O king, even when the Brahmana reproved her,
+finding fault with any of her arrangements, or addressed her in
+harsh words, Pritha did not do anything that was disagreeable to
+him. And on many occasions the Brahmana came back after the
+appointed hour had long passed away. And on many occasions (such as
+the depth of night) when food was hard to procure, he said, 'Give
+me food!' But on all those occasions saying, 'All is
+ready,'&mdash;Pritha held before him the fare. And even like a
+disciple, daughter, or a sister, that blameless gem of a girl with
+a devoted heart, O king, gratified that foremost of Brahmanas. And
+that best of Brahmanas became well-pleased with her conduct and
+ministrations. And he received those attentions of hers, valuing
+them rightly. And, O Bharata, her father asked her every morning
+and evening saying, 'O daughter, is the Brahmana satisfied with thy
+ministrations?' And that illustrious maiden used to reply,
+'Exceedingly well!' And thereupon, the <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+592]</span> high-souled Kuntibhoja experienced the greatest
+delight. And when after a full year that best of ascetics was
+unable to find any fault whatever in Pritha, who was engaged in
+ministering unto him, well-pleased he said unto her, 'O gentle
+maid, I have been well-pleased with thy attentions, O beautiful
+girl! Do thou, O blessed girl, ask even for such boons as are
+difficult of being obtained by men in this world, and obtaining
+which, thou mayst surpass in fame all the women in this world.' At
+these words of his, Kunti said, 'Everything hath already been done
+in my behalf since thou, O chief of those that are versed in the
+<i>Vedas</i>, and my father also, have been pleased with me! As
+regards the boons, I consider them as already obtained by me, O
+Brahmana!' The Brahmana thereupon said, 'If, O gentle maid, thou
+dost not, O thou of sweet smiles, wish to obtain boons from me, do
+thou then take this <i>mantra</i> from me for invoking the
+celestials! Any one amongst the celestials whom thou mayst invoke
+by uttering this <i>mantra</i>, will appear before thee and be
+under thy power. Willing or not, by virtue of this <i>mantra</i>,
+that deity in gentle guise, and assuming the obedient attitude of
+slave, will become subject to thy power!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, that faultless maiden
+could not, O king, from fear of a curse, refuse for the second time
+compliance with the wishes of that best of the twice-born ones.
+Then, O king, that Brahmana imparted unto that girl of faultless
+limbs those <i>mantras</i> which are recited in the beginning of
+the <i>Atharvan Veda</i>. And, O king, having imparted unto her
+those <i>mantras</i>, he said unto Kuntibhoja. 'I have, O monarch,
+dwelt happily in thy house, always worshipped with due regard and
+gratified by thy daughter. I shall now depart.' And saying this, he
+vanished there and then. And beholding that Brahmana vanish there
+and then, the king was struck with amazement. And the monarch then
+treated his daughter Pritha with proper regard."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of Brahmanas had gone
+away on some other errand, the maiden began to ponder over the
+virtue of those <i>mantras</i>. And she said to herself, 'Of what
+nature are those <i>mantras</i> that have been bestowed on me by
+that high-souled one? I shall without delay test their power.' And
+as she was thinking in this way, she suddenly perceived indications
+of the approach of her season. And her season having arrived, while
+she was yet unmarried, she blushed in shame. And it came to pass
+that as she was seated in her chamber on a rich bed, she beheld the
+solar orb rising in the east. And both the mind and the eyes of
+that maiden of excellent waist became rivetted fast upon the solar
+orb. And she gazed and gazed on that orb without being satiated
+with the beauty of the morning Sun. And she suddenly became gifted
+with celestial sight. And then she beheld that god of divine form
+accoutred in mail and adorned with ear-rings. And at sight of the
+god, O lord of men, she became curious as to the (potency of the)
+<i>mantras</i>. And thereupon that maiden resolved to invoke him.
+And having recourse to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 593]</span>
+<i>Pranayama</i>, she invoked the Maker of day. And thus invoked by
+her, O king, the Maker of day speedily presented himself. And he
+was of a yellowish hue like honey, and was possessed of mighty
+arms, and his neck was marked with lines like those of a
+conchshell. And furnished with armlets, and decked with a diadem,
+he came smiling, and illumining all the directions. And it was by
+<i>Yoga</i> power that he divided himself in twain, one of which
+continued to give heat, and the other appeared before Kunti. And he
+addressed Kunti in words that were exceedingly sweet, saying, 'O
+gentle maiden, over-powered by the <i>mantras</i>, I come hither
+obedient to thee. Subject as I am to thy power, what shall I do, O
+queen? Tell me, for I shall do whatever thou mayst command.'
+Hearing these words of the deity, Kunti said, 'O worshipful one, go
+thou back to the place thou hast come from! I invoked thee from
+curiosity alone. Pardon me, O worshipful one!' Surya then said, 'O
+damsel of slender waist, I will, even as thou hast said, return to
+the place I have come from! Having called a celestial, it is not,
+however, proper to send him away in vain. Thy intention, O blessed
+one, it is to have from Surya a son furnished with a coat of mail
+and ear-rings, and who in point of prowess would be beyond compare
+in this world! Do thou, therefore, O damsel of elephantine gait,
+surrender thy person to me! Thou shall then have, O lady, a son
+after thy wish! O gentle girl, O thou of sweet smiles, I will go
+back after having known thee! If thou do not gratify me to-day by
+obeying my word, I shall in anger curse thee, thy father and that
+Brahmana also. For thy fault, I will surely consume them all, and I
+shall inflict condign punishment on that foolish father of thine
+that knoweth not this transgression of thine and on that Brahmana
+who hath bestowed the <i>mantras</i> on thee without knowing thy
+disposition and character! Yonder are all the celestials in heaven,
+with Purandara at their head, who are looking at me with derisive
+smiles at my being deceived by thee, O lady! Look at those
+celestials, for thou art now possessed of celestial sight! Before
+this I have endued thee with celestial vision, in consequence of
+which thou couldst see me!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon the princess beheld the
+celestials standing in the firmament, each in his proper sphere,
+even as she saw before her that highly resplendent deity furnished
+with rays, viz., Surya himself. And beholding them all, the girl
+became frightened and her face was suffused with blushes of shame.
+And then she addressed Surya, saying, 'O lord of rays, go thou back
+to thy own region. On account of my maidenhood, this outrage of
+thine is fraught with woe to me! It is only one's father, mother,
+and other superiors, that are capable of giving away their
+daughter's body. Virtue I shall never sacrifice, seeing that in
+this world the keeping of their persons inviolate is deemed as the
+highest duty of Women, and is held in high regard! O thou possessed
+of wealth of splendour, it is only to test the power of my
+<i>mantras</i> that I have, from mere childishness, summoned thee.
+Considering that this hath been done by a girl of tender years, it
+behoveth thee, O lord, to forgive her!' Then Surya said, 'It is
+because I consider thee a girl that, O Kunti, I am speaking
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 594]</span> to thee so mildly. To one
+that is not so I would not concede this. Do thou, O Kunti,
+surrender thyself! Thou shalt surely attain happiness thereby.
+Since, O timid maiden, thou hast invoked me with <i>mantras</i>, it
+is not proper for me to go away without any purpose being attained,
+for, if I do so I shall then, O thou of faultless limbs, be the
+object of laughter in the world, and, O beauteous damsel, a
+bye-word with all the celestials. Do thou, therefore, yield to me!
+By that thou shalt obtain a son even like myself, and thou shalt
+also be much praised in all the world.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Although that noble girl addressed him in
+various sweet words, yet she was unable to dissuade that deity of a
+thousand rays. And when she failed to dissuade the dispeller of
+darkness, at last from fear of a curse, she reflected, O king, for
+a long time!&mdash;'How may my innocent father, and that Brahmana
+also, escape the angry Surya's curse for my sake? Although energy
+and asceticism are capable of destroying sins, yet even honest
+persons, if they be of unripe age, should not foolishly court them.
+By foolishly acting in that way I have today been placed in a
+frightful situation. Indeed, I have been placed entirely within the
+grasp of this deity. Ye how can I do what is sinful by taking it on
+myself to surrender my person to him?'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "afflicted with fear of a curse, and
+thinking much within herself, an utter stupefaction of the senses
+came upon her. And she was so confounded that she could not settle
+what to do. Afraid, on the one hand, O king, of the reproach of
+friends if she obeyed the deity, and, on the other, of his curse if
+she disobeyed him, the damsel at last, O foremost of kings, said
+these words unto that god, in accents tremulous with bashfulness,
+'O god, as my father and mother and friends are still living, this
+violation of duty on my part should not take place. If, O god, I
+commit this unlawful act with thee, the reputation of this race
+shall be sacrificed in this world on my account. If thou, however,
+O thou foremost of those that impart heat, deem this to be a
+meritorious act, I shall then fulfil thy desire even though my
+relatives may not have bestowed me on thee! May I remain chaste
+after having surrendered my person to thee! Surely, the virtue, the
+reputation, the fame, and the life of every creature are
+established in thee!' Hearing these words of hers, Surya replied,
+'O thou of sweet smiles, neither thy father, nor thy mother, nor
+any other superior of thine, is competent to give thee away! May
+good betide thee, O beauteous damsel! Do thou listen to my words!
+It is because a virgin desireth the company of every one, that she
+hath received the appellation of <i>Kanya</i>, from the root
+<i>kama</i> meaning to desire. Therefore, O thou of excellent hips
+and the fairest complexion, a virgin is, by nature, free in this
+world. Thou shalt not, O lady, by any means, be guilty of any sin
+by complying with my request. And how can I, who am desirous of the
+welfare of all creatures, commit an unrighteous act? That all men
+and women should be bound by no restraints, is the law of nature.
+The opposite condition is the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 595]</span>
+perversion of the natural state. Thou shalt remain a virgin after
+having gratified me. And thy son shall also be mighty-armed and
+illustrious.' Thereupon Kunti said, 'If, O dispeller of darkness, I
+obtain a son from thee, may he be furnished with a coat of mail and
+ear-rings, and may he be mighty-armed and endued with great
+strength!' Hearing these words of hers, Surya answered, 'O gentle
+maiden, thy son shall be mighty-armed and decked with ear-rings and
+a celestial coat of mail. And both his ear-rings and coat of mail
+will be made of <i>Amrita</i>, and his coat will also be
+invulnerable.' Kunti then said, 'If the excellent mail and
+ear-rings of the son thou wilt beget on me, be, indeed, made of
+<i>Amrita</i>, then, O god, O worshipful deity, let thy purpose be
+fulfilled! May he be powerful, strong, energetic, and handsome,
+even like thee, and may he also be endued with virtue!' Surya then
+said, 'O princess, O excellent damsel, these ear-rings had been
+given to me by Aditi. O timid lady, I will bestow them, as also
+this excellent mail, on thy son!' Kunti then said, 'Very well, O
+worshipful one! If my son, O lord of light, become so, I will, as
+thou sayest, gratify thee!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of hers Surya said,
+'So be it!' And that ranger of the skies, that enemy of Swarbhanu,
+with soul absorbed in <i>Yoga</i>, entered into Kunti, and touched
+her on the navel. At this, that damsel, on account of Surya's
+energy, became stupefied. And that reverend lady then fell down on
+her bed, deprived of her senses. Surya then addressed her, saying,
+'I will now depart, O thou of graceful hips! Thou shalt bring forth
+a son who will become the foremost of all wielders of weapons. At
+the same time thou shalt remain a virgin.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O foremost of kings, as the
+highly effulgent Surya was about to depart, that girl bashfully
+said unto him, 'So be it!' And it was thus that the daughter of
+king Kuntibhoja, importuned by Surya, had after soliciting a son
+from him, fallen down stupefied on that excellent bed, like a
+broken creeper. And it was thus that deity of fierce rays,
+stupefying her, entered into her by virtue of <i>Yoga</i> power,
+and placed his own self within her womb. The deity, however, did
+not sully her by deflowering her in the flesh. And after Surya had
+gone away, that girl regained her consciousness."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "It was, O lord of earth, on the first day of
+the lighted fortnight during the tenth month of the year that
+Pritha conceived a son like the lord himself of the stars in the
+firmament. And that damsel of excellent hips from fear of her
+friends, concealed her conception, so that no one knew her
+condition. And as the damsel lived entirely in the apartments
+assigned to the maidens and carefully concealed her condition, no
+one except her nurse knew the truth. And in due time that beauteous
+maiden, by the grace of deity, brought forth a son resembling a
+very god. And even like his father, the child was equipped in a
+coat of mail, and decked with brilliant ear-rings. And he
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 596]</span> was possessed of leonine eyes
+and shoulders like those of a bull. And no sooner was the beauteous
+girl delivered of a child, then she consulted with her nurse and
+placed the infant in a commodious and smooth box made of wicker
+work and spread over with soft sheets and furnished with a costly
+pillow. And its surface was laid over with wax, and it was encased
+in a rich cover. And with tears in her eyes, she carried the infant
+to the river Aswa, and consigned the basket to its waters. And
+although she knew it to be improper for an unmarried girl to bear
+offspring, yet from parental affection, O foremost of kings, she
+wept piteously. Do thou listen to the words Kunti weepingly
+uttered, while consigning the box to the waters of the river Aswa,
+'O child, may good betide thee at the hands of all that inhabit the
+land, the water, the sky, and the celestial regions. May all thy
+paths be auspicious! May no one obstruct thy way! And, O son, may
+all that come across thee have their hearts divested of hostility
+towards thee: And may that lord of waters, Varuna, protect thee in
+water! And may the deity that rangeth the skies completely protect
+thee in the sky. And may, O son, that best of those that impart
+heat, viz., Surya, thy father, and from whom I have obtained thee
+as ordained by Destiny, protect thee everywhere! And may the
+<i>Adityas</i> and the <i>Vasus</i>, the <i>Rudras</i> and the
+<i>Sadhyas</i>, the <i>Viswadevas</i> and the <i>Maruts</i>, and
+the cardinal points with the great Indra and the regents presiding
+over them, and, indeed, all the celestials, protect thee in every
+place! Even in foreign lands I shall be able to recognise thee by
+this mail of thine! Surely, thy sire, O son, the divine Surya
+possessed of the wealth of splendour, is blessed, for he will with
+his celestial sight behold thee going down the current! Blessed
+also is that lady who will, O thou that are begotten by a god, take
+thee for her son, and who will give thee suck when thou art
+thirsty! And what a lucky dream hath been dreamt by her that will
+adopt thee for her son, thee that is endued with solar splendour,
+and furnished with celestial mail, and adorned with celestial
+ear-rings, thee that hast expansive eyes resembling lotuses, a
+complexion bright as burnished copper or lotus leaves, a fair
+forehead, and hair ending in beautiful curls! O son, she that will
+behold thee crawl on the ground, begrimed with dust, and sweetly
+uttering inarticulate words, is surely blessed! And she also, O
+son, that will behold thee arrive at thy youthful prime like maned
+lion born in Himalayan forests, is surely blessed!'"</p>
+<p>"O king, having thus bewailed long and piteously, Pritha laid
+the basket on the waters of the river Aswa. And the lotus-eyed
+damsel, afflicted with grief on account of her son and weeping
+bitterly, with her nurse cast the basket at dead of night, and
+though desirous of beholding her son often and again, returned, O
+monarch, to the palace, fearing lest her father should come to know
+of what had happened. Meanwhile, the basket floated from the river
+Aswa to the river Charmanwati, and from the Charmanwati it passed
+to the Yamuna, and so on to the Ganga. And carried by the waves of
+the Ganga, the child contained in the basket came to the city of
+Champa ruled by a person of the <i>Suta</i> tribe. Indeed, the
+excellent coat of mail and those ear-rings made of <i>Amrita</i>
+that were born with his body, as also the ordinance of Destiny,
+kept the child alive."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 597]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "And it came to pass that at this time a
+<i>Suta</i> named Adhiratha, who was a friend of Dhritarashtra,
+came to the river Ganga, accompanied by his wife. And, O king, his
+wife named Radha was unparalleled on earth for beauty. And although
+that highly blessed dame had made great endeavours to obtain a son,
+yet she had failed, O represser of foes, to obtain one. And on
+coming to the river Ganga, she beheld a box drifting along the
+current. And containing articles capable of protecting from dangers
+and decked with unguents, that box was brought before her by the
+waves of the Janhavi. And attracted by curiosity, the lady caused
+it to be seized. And she then related all unto Adhiratha of the
+charioteer caste. And hearing this Adhiratha took away the box from
+the water-side, and opened it by means of instruments. And then he
+beheld a boy resembling the morning Sun. And the infant was
+furnished with golden mail, and looked exceedingly beautiful with a
+face decked in ear-rings. And thereupon the charioteer, together
+with his wife, was struck with such astonishment that their eyes
+expanded in wonder. And taking the infant on his lap, Adhiratha
+said unto his wife, 'Ever since I was born, O timid lady, I had
+never seen such a wonder. This child that hath come to us must be
+of celestial birth. Surely, sonless as I am, it is the gods that
+have sent him unto me!' Saying this, O lord of earth, he gave the
+infant to Radha. And thereat, Radha adopted, according to the
+ordinance, that child of celestial form and divine origin, and
+possessed of the splendour of the filaments of the lotus and
+furnished with excellent grace. And duly reared by her, that child
+endued with great prowess began to grow up. And after Karna's
+adoption, Adhiratha had other sons begotten by himself. And seeing
+the child furnished with bright mail and golden ear-rings, the
+twice-born ones named him Vasusena. And thus did that child endued
+with great splendour and immeasurable prowess became the son of the
+charioteer, and came to be known as Vasusena and Vrisha. And Pritha
+learnt through spies that her own son clad in celestial mail was
+growing up amongst the Angas as the eldest son of a charioteer
+(Adhiratha). And seeing that in process of time his son had grown
+up, Adhiratha sent him to the city named after the elephant. And
+there Karna put up with Drona, for the purpose of learning arms.
+And that powerful youth contracted a friendship with Duryodhana.
+And having acquired all the four kinds of weapons from Drona,
+Kripa, and Rama, he became famous in the world as a mighty bowman.
+And after having contracted a friendship with Dhritarashtra's son,
+he became intent on injuring the sons of Pritha. And he was always
+desirous of fighting with the high-souled Phalguna. And, O king,
+ever since they first saw each other, Karna always used to
+challenge Arjuna, and Arjuna, on his part, used to challenge him.
+This, O foremost of kings, was without doubt, the secret known to
+the Sun, viz., begot by himself on Kunti, Karna was being reared in
+the race of the <i>Sutas</i>. And beholding him decked with his
+ear-rings and mail, Yudhishthira thought him to be unslayable in
+fight, and was exceedingly pained at it. And when, O foremost of
+monarchs, Karna after rising from the water, used at mid-day to
+worship the effulgent <span class="pagenum">[Pg 598]</span> Surya
+with joined hands, the Brahmanas used to solicit him for wealth.
+And at that time there was nothing that he would not give away to
+the twice-born ones. And Indra, assuming the guise of a Brahmana,
+appeared before him (at such a time) and said, 'Give me!' And
+thereupon Radha's son replied unto him, 'Thou art welcome!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "And when the king of the celestials
+presented himself in the guise of a Brahmana, beholding him, Karna
+said, 'Welcome!' And not knowing his intention, Adhiratha's son
+addressed the Brahmana, saying, 'Of a necklace of gold, and
+beauteous damsels, and villages with plenty of kine, which shall I
+give thee?' Thereupon the Brahmana replied, 'I ask thee not to give
+me either a necklace of gold, or fair damsels, or any other
+agreeable object. To those do thou give them that ask for them. If,
+O sinless one, thou art sincere in thy vow, then wilt thou, cutting
+off (from thy person) this coat of mail born with thy body, and
+these ear-rings also, bestow them on me! I desire, O chastiser of
+foes, that thou mayst speedily give me these; for, this one gain of
+mine will be considered as superior to every other gain!' Hearing
+these words, Karna said, 'O Brahmana, I will give thee homestead
+land, and fair damsels, and kine, and fields; but my mail and
+ear-rings I am unable to give thee!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Although thus urged with various words
+by Karna, still, O chief of the Bharata race, that Brahmana did not
+ask for any other boon. And although Karna sought to pacify him to
+the best of his power, and worshipped him duly, yet that best of
+Brahmanas did not ask for any other boon. And when that foremost of
+Brahmanas did not ask for any other boon, Radha's son again spake
+unto him with a smile, 'My mail, O regenerate one, hath been born
+with my body, and this pair of ear-rings hath arisen from
+<i>Amrita</i>. It is for these that I am unslayable in the worlds.
+Therefore, I cannot part with them. Do thou, O bull among
+Brahmanas, accept from me the entire kingdom of the earth, rid of
+enemies and full of prosperity! O foremost of regenerate ones, if I
+am deprived of my ear-rings, and the mail born with my body, I
+shall be liable to be vanquished by the foes!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "When the illustrious slayer of Paka
+refused to ask for any other boon, Karna with a smile again
+addressed him, saying, 'O god of gods, even before this, I had
+recognised thee, O Lord! O Sakra, it is not proper for me to confer
+on thee any unprofitable boon, for thou art the very lord of the
+celestials! On the contrary, being as thou art the Creator and lord
+of all beings, it is thou that shouldst confer boons on me! If, O
+god, I give thee this coat of mail and ear-rings, then I am sure to
+meet with destruction, and thou shalt also undergo ridicule!
+Therefore, O Sakra, take my earrings and excellent mail in exchange
+for something conferred by thee on me! Otherwise, I will not bestow
+them on thee!' Thereupon Sakra replied, 'Even before I had come to
+thee, Surya had known of my purpose and without doubt, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 599]</span> it is he that hath unfolded everything
+unto thee! O Karna, be it as thou wishest! O son, except the
+thunder-bolt alone, tell me what it is that thou desirest to
+have!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Indra, Karna was
+filled with delight and seeing that his purpose was about to be
+accomplished he approached Vasava, and intent upon obtaining a dart
+incapable of being baffled, he addressed Indra, saying, 'Do thou, O
+Vasava, in exchange for my coat of mail and ear-rings, give me a
+dart incapable of being baffled, and competent to destroy hosts of
+enemies when arrayed in order of battle!' Thereupon, O ruler of
+earth, fixing his mind for a moment on the dart (for bringing it
+there), Vasava thus spake unto Karna, 'Do thou give me thy
+ear-rings, and the coat of mail born with thy body, and in return
+take this dart on these terms! When I encounter the <i>Daitya</i>
+in battle, this dart that is incapable of being baffled, hurled by
+my hand, destroyeth enemies by hundreds, and cometh back to my hand
+after achieving its purpose. In thy hand, however, this dart, O son
+of <i>Suta</i>, will slay only one powerful enemy of thine. And
+having achieved that feat, it will, roaring and blazing, return to
+me!' Thereat Karna said, 'I desire to slay in fierce fight even one
+enemy of mine, who roareth fiercely and is hot as fire, and of whom
+I am in fear!' At this, Indra said, 'Thou shall slay such a roaring
+and powerful foe in battle. But that one whom thou seekest to slay,
+is protected by an illustrious personage. Even He whom persons
+versed in the Vedas call '<i>the invincible Boar</i>,' and '<i>the
+incomprehensible Narayana</i>,' even that Krishna himself, is
+protecting him!' Thereupon Karna replied, 'Even if this be so, do
+thou, O illustrious one give me the weapon that will destroy only
+one powerful foe! I shall, on my part, bestow on thee my mail and
+ear-rings, cutting them off my person. Do thou, however, grant that
+my body, thus wounded, may not be unsightly!' Hearing this, Indra
+said, 'As thou, O Karna, art bent upon observing the truth, thy
+person shall not be unsightly, or shall any scar remain on it. And,
+O thou best of those that are graced with speech, O Karna, thou
+shall be possessed of complexion and energy of thy father himself.
+And if, maddened by wrath, thou hurlest this dart, while there are
+still other weapons with thee, and when thy life also is not in
+imminent peril, it will fall even on thyself.' Karna answered, 'As
+thou directest me, O Sakra, I shall hurl this <i>Vasavi</i> dart
+only when I am in imminent peril! Truly I tell thee this!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon, O king, taking the blazing
+dart, Karna began to peel off his natural mail. And beholding Karna
+cutting his own body, the entire host of celestials and men and
+<i>Danavas</i> set up a leonine roar. And Karna betrayed no
+contortions of face while peeling his mail. And beholding that hero
+among men thus cutting his body with an weapon, smiling ever and
+anon, celestial kettle-drums began to be played upon and celestial
+flowers began to be showered on him. And Karna cutting off the
+excellent mail from his person, gave it to Vasava, still dripping.
+And cutting off his ear-rings also from off his ears, he made them
+over to Indra. And it is for this fact that he came to be called
+Karna. And Sakra, having thus beguiled Karna that made him famous
+in the world, thought with a smile that the business of the sons of
+Pandu had already been completed. And having done all <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 600]</span> this, he ascended to heaven. And hearing
+that Karna had been beguiled, all the sons of Dhritarashtra became
+distressed and shorn of pride. And the sons of Pritha, on the other
+hand, learning that such plight had befallen the son of the
+charioteer, were filled with joy."</p>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "Where were those heroes, the sons of Pandu, at
+that time? And from whom did they hear this welcome news? And what
+also did they do, when the twelfth year of their exile passed away?
+Do thou, O illustrious one, tell me all this!"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated the chief of the Saindhavas,
+and rescued Krishna, and having outlived the entire term of their
+painful exile in the woods, and having listened to the ancient
+stories about gods and <i>Rishis</i> recited by Markandeya, those
+heroes among men returned from their asylum in Kamyaka to the
+sacred Dwaitavana, with all their cars, and followers, and
+accompanied by their charioteers, their kine, and the citizens who
+had followed them."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCIX</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Aranya Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "Having felt great affliction on account of the
+abduction of their wife and having rescued Krishna thereafter, what
+did the Pandavas next do?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having felt great affliction on account of
+the abduction of Krishna, king Yudhishthira of unfading glory, with
+his brothers, left the woods of Kamyaka and returned to the
+delightful and picturesque Dwaitavana abounding in trees and
+containing delicious fruits and roots. And the sons of Pandu with
+their wife Krishna began to reside there, living frugally on fruits
+and practising rigid vows. And while those repressers of foes, the
+virtuous king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, and Bhimasena, and
+Arjuna, and those other sons of Pandu born of Madri, were dwelling
+in Dwaitavana, practising rigid vows, they underwent, for the sake
+of a Brahmana, great trouble, which, however, was destined to bring
+about their future happiness. I will tell thee all about the
+trouble which those foremost of Kurus underwent while living in
+those woods, and which in the end brought about their happiness. Do
+thou listen to it! Once on a time, as a deer was butting about, it
+chanced that the two sticks for making fire and a churning staff
+belonging to a Brahmana devoted to ascetic austerities, struck fast
+into its antlers. And, thereupon, O king, that powerful deer of
+exceeding fleetness with long bounds, speedily went out of the
+hermitage, taking those articles away. And, O foremost of Kurus,
+seeing those articles of his thus carried away, the Brahmana,
+anxious on account of his <i>Agnihotra</i>, quickly came before the
+Pandavas. And approaching without loss of time Ajatasatru seated in
+that forest with his brothers, the Brahmana, in great distress,
+spake these words, 'As a deer was butting about, it happened, O
+king, that my fire-sticks and churning staff which had been placed
+against a large tree stuck fast to its antlers. <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 601]</span> O king, that powerful deer of exceeding
+fleetness hath speedily gone out of the hermitage with long bounds,
+taking those articles away. Tracking that powerful deer, O king, by
+its foot-prints, do ye, ye sons of Pandu, bring back those articles
+of mine, so that my <i>Agnihotra</i> may not be stopped!' Hearing
+these words of the Brahmana, Yudhishthira became exceedingly
+concerned. And the son of Kunti taking up his bow sallied out with
+his brothers. And putting on their corselets and equipped with
+their bows, those bulls among men, intent upon serving the
+Brahmana, swiftly sallied out in the wake of the deer. And
+descrying the deer at no great distance, those mighty warriors
+discharged at it barbed arrows and javelins and darts, but the sons
+of Pandu could not pierce it by any means. And as they struggled to
+pursue and slay it, that powerful deer became suddenly invisible.
+And losing sight of the deer, the noble-minded sons of Pandu,
+fatigued and disappointed and afflicted with hunger and thirst,
+approached a banian tree in that deep forest, and sat down in its
+cool shade. And when they had sat down, Nakula stricken with sorrow
+and urged by impatience, addressed his eldest brother of the Kuru
+race, saying, 'In our race, O king, virtue hath never been
+sacrificed, nor hath there been loss of wealth from insolence. And
+being asked, we have never said to any creature, Nay! Why then in
+the present case have we met with this disaster?'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCX</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'There is no limit to calamities. Nor is it
+possible to ascertain either their final or efficient cause. It is
+the Lord of justice alone who distributeth the fruits of both
+virtue and vice.' Thereupon Bhima said, 'Surely, this calamity hath
+befallen us, because I did not slay the <i>Pratikamin</i> on the
+very spot, when he dragged Krishna as a slave into the assembly.'
+And Arjuna said, 'Surely, this calamity hath befallen us because I
+resented not those biting words piercing the very bones, uttered by
+the <i>Suta's</i> son!' And Sahadeva said, 'Surely, O Bharata, this
+calamity hath befallen us because I did not slay Sakuni when he
+defeated thee at dice!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then king Yudhishthira addressed Nakula
+saying, 'Do thou, O son of Madri, climb this tree and look around
+the ten points of the horizon. Do thou see whether there is water
+near us or such trees as grow on watery grounds! O child, these thy
+brothers are all fatigued and thirsty.' Thereupon saying, 'So be
+it,' Nakula speedily climbed up a tree, and having looked around,
+said unto his eldest brother, 'O king, I see many a tree that
+groweth by the water-side, and I hear also the cries of cranes.
+Therefore, without doubt, water must be somewhere here.' Hearing
+these words, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, firm in truth, said, 'O
+amiable one, go thou and fetch water in these quivers!' Saying, 'So
+be it,' at the command of his eldest brother Nakula quickly
+proceeded towards the place where there was water and soon came
+upon it. And beholding a crystal lake inhabited by cranes he
+desired to drink of it, when he heard these words from the sky, 'O
+child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been in
+my possession. Do thou, O son <span class="pagenum">[Pg 602]</span>
+of Madri, first answer my questions and then drink of this water
+and take away (as much as thou requirest).' Nakula, however, who
+was exceedingly thirsty, disregarding these words, drank of the
+cool water, and having drunk of it, dropped down dead. And, O
+represser of foes, seeing Nakula's delay, Yudhishthira the son of
+Kunti said unto Sahadeva, the heroic brother of Nakula, 'O
+Sahadeva, it is long since our brother, he who was born immediately
+before thee, hath gone from hence! Do thou, therefore, go and bring
+back thy uterine brother, together with water.' At this, Sahadeva,
+saying, 'So be it,' set out in that direction; and coming to the
+spot, beheld his brother lying dead on the ground. And afflicted at
+the death of his brother, and suffering severely from thirst, he
+advanced towards the water, when these words were heard by him, 'O
+child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been in
+my possession. First answer my question, and then drink of the
+water and take away as much as thou mayst require.' Sahadeva,
+however, who was extremely thirsty, disregarding these words, drank
+of the water, and having drunk of it, dropped down dead. Then
+Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, said unto Vijaya, 'It is long
+since, O Vibhatsu, that thy two brothers have gone, O represser of
+foes! Blessed be thou! Do thou bring them back, together with
+water. Thou art, O child, the refuge of us all when plunged in
+distress!' Thus addressed, the intelligent Gudakesa, taking his bow
+and arrows and also his naked sword, set out for that lake of
+waters. And reaching that spot, he whose car was drawn by white
+steeds beheld those tigers among men, his two younger brothers who
+had come to fetch water, lying dead there. And seeing them as if
+asleep, that lion among men, exceedingly aggrieved, raised his bow
+and began to look around that wood. But he found none in that
+mighty forest. And, being fatigued, he who was capable of drawing
+the bow by his left hand as well, rushed in the direction of the
+water. And as he was rushing (towards the water), he heard these
+words from the sky, 'Why dost thou approach this water? Thou shalt
+not be able to drink of it by force. If thou, O Kaunteya, can
+answer the question I will put to thee, then only shalt thou drink
+of the water and take away as much as thou requirest, O Bharata!'
+Thus forbidden, the son of Pritha said, 'Do thou forbid me by
+appearing before me! And when thou shalt be sorely pierced with my
+arrows, thou wilt not then again speak in this way!' Having said
+this, Partha covered all sides with arrows inspired by
+<i>mantras</i>. And he also displayed his skill in shooting at an
+invisible mark by sound alone. And, O bull of the Bharata race,
+sorely afflicted with thirst, he discharged barbed darts and
+javelins and iron arrows, and showered on the sky innumerable
+shafts incapable of being baffled. Thereupon, the invisible Yaksha
+said, 'What need of all this trouble, O son of Pritha? Do thou
+drink only after answering my questions! If thou drink, however,
+without answering my questions, thou shalt die immediately after.'
+Thus addressed, Pritha's son Dhananjaya capable of drawing the bow
+with his left hand as well, disregarding those words, drank of the
+water, and immediately after dropped down dead. And (seeing
+Dhananjaya's delay) Kunti's son Yudhishthira addressed Bhimasena,
+saying, 'O represser of foes, it is a long while that Nakula and
+Sahadeva and Vibhatsu have gone to fetch water, and <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 603]</span> they have not come yet, O Bharata! Good
+betide thee! Do thou bring them back, together with water!'
+Thereupon saying, 'So be it,' Bhimasena set out for that place
+where those tigers among men, his brothers, lay dead. And beholding
+them, Bhima afflicted though he was with thirst, was exceedingly
+distressed. And that mighty armed hero thought all that to have
+been the act of some Yaksha or Rakshasa. And Pritha's son Vrikodara
+thought, 'I shall surely have to fight today. Let me, therefore,
+first appease my thirst.' Then that bull of the Bharata race rushed
+forward with the intention of drinking. Thereupon the Yaksha said,
+'O child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been
+in my possession. Do thou first answer my questions, and then drink
+and take away as much water as thou requirest!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by that Yaksha of
+immeasurable energy, Bhima, without answering his questions, drank
+of the water. And as soon as he drank, he fell down dead on the
+spot. Then thinking that his brothers had left him long since,
+Yudhishthira waited for some time. And the king said unto himself
+again and again, 'Why is it that the two sons of Madri are
+delaying? And why doth the wielder also of the <i>Gandiva</i>
+delay? And why doth Bhima too, endued with great strength, delay? I
+shall go to search for them!' And resolved to do this, the
+mighty-armed Yudhishthira then rose up, his heart burning in grief.
+And that bull among men, the royal son of Kunti thought within
+himself. 'Is this forest under some malign influence? Or, is it
+infested by some wicked beasts? Or, have they all fallen, in
+consequence of having disregarded some mighty being? Or, not
+finding water in the spot whither those heroes had first repaired,
+they have spent all this time in search through the forest? What is
+that reason for which those bulls among men do not come back?' And
+speaking in this strain, that foremost of monarchs, the illustrious
+Yudhishthira, entered into that mighty forest where no human sound
+was heard and which was inhabited by deer and bears and birds, and
+which was adorned with trees that were bright and green, and which
+echoed with the hum of the black-bee and the notes of winged
+warblers. As he was proceeding along, he beheld that beautiful lake
+which looked as if it had been made by the celestial artificer
+himself. And it was adorned with flowers of a golden hue and with
+lotuses and <i>Sindhuvars</i>. And it abounded with canes and
+<i>Ketakas</i> and <i>Karaviras</i> and <i>Pippalas</i>, and
+fatigued with toil, Yudhishthira saw that tank and was struck with
+wonder."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCXI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Yudhishthira saw his brothers, each
+possessed of the glory of Indra himself, lying dead like the
+Regents of the world dropped from their spheres at the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i>. And beholding Arjuna lying dead, with his bow and
+arrows dropped on the ground, and also Bhimasena and the twins
+motionless and deprived of life, the king breathed a hot and long
+sigh, and was bathed in tears of grief. And beholding his brothers
+lying dead, the mighty armed son of Dharma with heart racked in
+anxiety, began to lament <span class="pagenum">[Pg 604]</span>
+profusely, saying, 'Thou hadst, O mighty-armed Vrikodara, vowed,
+saying,&mdash;<i>I shall with mace smash the thighs of Duryodhana
+in battle!</i> O enhancer of the glory of the Kurus, in thy death,
+O mighty-armed and high-souled one, all that hath become fruitless
+now! The promises of men may be ineffectual; but why have the words
+of the gods uttered in respect of thee been thus fruitless? O
+Dhananjaya, while thou wert in thy mother's lying-in-room, the gods
+had said,&mdash;<i>O Kunti, this thy son shall not be inferior to
+him of a thousand eyes!</i> And in the northern Paripatra
+mountains, all beings had sung, saying,&mdash;<i>The prosperity (of
+this race), robbed by foes will be recovered by this one without
+delay. No one will be able to vanquish him in battle, while there
+will be none whom he will not be able to vanquish.</i> Why then
+hath that Jishnu endued with great strength been subject to death?
+Oh, why doth that Dhananjaya, relying on whom we had hitherto
+endured all this misery, lie on the ground blighting<a id="footnotetag66" name="footnotetag66"></a><a href="#footnote66"><sup>66</sup></a> all my hopes! Why have those
+heroes, those mighty sons of Kunti, Bhimasena and Dhananjaya, came
+under the power of the enemy,&mdash;those who themselves always
+slew their foes, and whom no weapons could resist! Surely, this
+vile heart of mine must be made of adamant, since, beholding these
+twins lying today on the ground it doth not split! Ye bulls among
+men, versed in holy writ and acquainted with the properties of time
+and place, and endued with ascetic merit, ye who duly performed all
+sacred rites, why lie ye down, without performing acts deserving of
+you? Alas, why lie ye insensible on the earth, with your bodies
+unwounded, ye unvanquished ones, and with your vows untouched?' And
+beholding his brothers sweetly sleeping there as (they usually did)
+on mountain slopes, the high souled king, overwhelmed with grief
+and bathed in sweat, came to a distressful condition. And
+saying,&mdash;It is even so&mdash;that virtuous lord of men,
+immersed in an ocean of grief anxiously proceeded to ascertain the
+cause (of that catastrophe). And that mighty-armed and high-souled
+one, acquainted with the divisions of time and place, could not
+settle his course of action. Having thus bewailed much in this
+strain, the virtuous Yudhishthira, the son of <i>Dharma</i> or
+<i>Tapu</i>, restrained his soul and began to reflect in his mind
+as to who had slain those heroes. 'There are no strokes of weapons
+upon these, nor is any one's foot-print here. The being must be
+mighty I ween, by whom my brothers have been slain. Earnestly shall
+I ponder over this, or, let me first drink of the water, and then
+know all. It may be that the habitually crooked-minded Duryodhana
+hath caused this water to be secretly placed here by the king of
+the <i>Gandharvas</i>. What man of sense can trust wicked wight of
+evil passions with whom good and evil are alike? Or, perhaps, this
+may be an act of that wicked-souled one through secret messengers
+of his.' And it was thus that that highly intelligent one gave way
+to diverse reflections. He did not believe that water to have been
+tainted with poison, for though dead no corpse-like pallor was on
+them. 'The colour on the faces of these my brothers hath not
+faded!' And it was thus that Yudhishthira thought. And the king
+continued, 'Each of these foremost of men was like unto a mighty
+cataract. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 605]</span> Who, therefore,
+save Yama himself who in due time bringeth about the end of all
+things, could have baffled them thus.' And having concluded this
+for certain, he began to perform his ablutions in that lake. And
+while he descended into it, he heard these words from the sky,
+uttered by the Yaksha,&mdash;'I am a crane, living on tiny fish. It
+is by me that thy younger brothers have been brought under the sway
+of the lord of departed spirits. If thou, O prince, answer not the
+questions put by me, even thou shalt number the fifth corpse. Do
+not, O child, act rashly! This lake hath already been in my
+possession. Having answered my questions first, do thou, O Kunti's
+son, drink and carry away (as much as thou requirest)!' Hearing
+these words, Yudhishthira said, 'Art thou the foremost of the
+Rudras, or of the Vasus, or of the Marutas? I ask, what god art
+thou? This could not have been done by a bird! Who is it that hath
+overthrown the four mighty mountains, viz., the Himavat, the
+Paripatra, the Vindhya, and the Malaya? Great is the feat done by
+thee, thou foremost of strong persons! Those whom neither gods, nor
+<i>Gandharvas</i> nor <i>Asuras</i>, nor <i>Rakshasas</i> could
+endure in mighty conflict, have been slain by thee! Therefore,
+exceedingly wonderful is the deed done by thee! I do not know what
+thy business may be, nor do I know thy purpose. Therefore, great is
+the curiosity and fear also that have taken possession of me. My
+mind is greatly agitated, and as my head also is aching, I ask
+thee, therefore, O worshipful one, who art thou that stayest here?'
+Hearing these words the Yaksha said, 'I am, good betide thee, a
+Yaksha, and not an amphibious bird. It is by me that all these
+brothers of thine, endued with mighty prowess, have been
+slain!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these accursed words couched in
+harsh syllabus,<a id="footnotetag67" name="footnotetag67"></a><a href="#footnote67"><sup>67</sup></a>
+Yudhishthira, O king, approaching the Yaksha who had spoken then,
+stood there. And that bull among the Bharatas then beheld that
+Yaksha of unusual eyes and huge body tall like a palmyra-palm and
+looking like fire or the Sun, and irresistible and gigantic like a
+mountain, staying on a tree, and uttering a loud roar deep as that
+of the clouds. And the Yaksha said, 'These thy brothers, O king,
+repeatedly forbidden by me, would forcibly take away water. It is
+for this that they have been slain by me! He that wisheth to live,
+should not, O king, drink this water! O son of Pritha, act not
+rashly! This lake hath already been in my possession. Do thou, O
+son of Kunti, first answer my questions, and then take away as much
+as thou likest!' Yudhishthira said, 'I do not, O Yaksha, covet,
+what is already in thy possession! O bull among male beings,
+virtuous persons never approve that one should applaud his own self
+(without boasting, I shall, therefore, answer thy questions,
+according to my intelligence). Do thou ask me!' The Yaksha then
+said, 'What is it that maketh the Sun rise? Who keeps him company?
+Who causeth him to set? And in whom is he established?'
+Yudhishthira answered, '<i>Brahma</i> maketh the Sun rise; the gods
+keep him company; <i>Dharma</i> causeth him to set; and he is
+established in truth.'<a id="footnotetag68" name="footnotetag68"></a><a href="#footnote68"><sup>68</sup></a> The
+Yaksha asked, 'By what doth one become learned? By <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 606]</span> what doth he attain what is very great?
+How can one have a second? And, O king, how can one acquire
+intelligence?' Yudhishthira answered, 'It is by the (study of the)
+<i>Srutis</i> that a person becometh learned; it is by ascetic
+austerities that one acquireth what is very great; it is by
+intelligence that a person acquireth a second and it is by serving
+the old that one becometh wise.'<a id="footnotetag69" name="footnotetag69"></a><a href="#footnote69"><sup>69</sup></a> The
+Yaksha asked, 'What constituteth the divinity of the Brahmanas?
+What even is their practice that is like that of the pious? What
+also is the human attribute of the Brahmanas? And what practice of
+theirs is like that of the impious?' Yudhishthira answered, 'The
+study of the <i>Vedas</i> constitutes their divinity; their
+asceticism constitutes behaviour that is like that of the pious;
+their liability to death is their human attribute and slander is
+their impiety.' The Yaksha asked, 'What institutes the divinity of
+the Kshatriyas? What even is their practice that is like that of
+the pious? What is their human attribute? And what practice of
+theirs is like that of the impious?' Yudhishthira answered, 'Arrows
+and weapons are their divinity; celebration of sacrifices is that
+act which is like that of the pious; liability to fear is their
+human attribute; and refusal of protection is that act of theirs
+which is like that of the impious.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is that
+which constitutes the <i>Sama</i> of the sacrifice? What the
+<i>Yajus</i> of the sacrifice? What is that which is the refuge of
+a sacrifice? And what is that which sacrifice cannot do without?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'Life is the <i>Sama</i> of the sacrifice;
+the mind is the <i>Yajus</i> of the sacrifice; the <i>Rik</i> is
+that which is the refuge of the sacrifice; and it is <i>Rik</i>
+alone which sacrifice cannot do without.'<a id="footnotetag70" name="footnotetag70"></a><a href="#footnote70"><sup>70</sup></a>
+The Yaksha asked, 'What <span class="pagenum">[Pg 607]</span> is of
+the foremost value to those that cultivate? What is of the foremost
+value to those that sow? What is of the foremost value to those
+that wish for prosperity in this world? And what is of the foremost
+value to those that bring forth?' Yudhishthira answered, 'That
+which is of the foremost value to those that cultivate is rain;
+that of the foremost value to those that sow is seed; that of the
+foremost value to those that bring forth is offspring.'<a id="footnotetag71" name="footnotetag71"></a><a href="#footnote71"><sup>71</sup></a> The Yaksha asked, 'What person,
+enjoying all the objects of the senses, endued with intelligence,
+regarded by the world and liked by all beings, though breathing,
+doth not offer anything to these five, viz., gods, guests,
+servants, <i>Pitris</i>, and himself, though endued with breath, is
+not yet alive.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is weightier than the earth
+itself? What is higher than the heavens? What is fleeter than the
+wind? And what is more numerous than grass?' Yudhishthira answered,
+'The mother is weightier than the earth; the father is higher than
+the heaven; the mind is fleeter than the wind; and our thoughts are
+more numerous than grass.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is that which
+doth not close its eyes while asleep? What is that which doth not
+move after birth? What is that which is without heart? And what is
+that which swells with its own impetus?' Yudhishthira answered, 'A
+fish doth not close its eyes while asleep; an egg doth not move
+after birth; a stone is without heart; and a river swelleth with
+its own impetus.' The Yaksha asked, 'Who is the friend of the
+exile? Who is the friend of the householder? Who is the friend of
+him that ails? And who is the friend of one about to die?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'The friend of the exile in a distant land
+is his companion; the friend of the householder is the wife; the
+friend of him that ails is the physician; and the friend of him
+about to die is charity.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'Who is the guest
+of all creatures? What is the eternal duty? What, O foremost of
+kings, is <i>Amrita</i>? And what is this entire Universe?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'<i>Agni</i> is the guest of all
+creatures; the milk of kine is <i>amrita; Homa</i> (therewith) is
+the eternal duty; and this Universe consists of air alone.'<a id="footnotetag72" name="footnotetag72"></a><a href="#footnote72"><sup>72</sup></a> The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is
+that which sojourneth alone? What is that which is re-born after
+its birth? What is the remedy against cold? And what is the largest
+field?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'The sun sojourneth alone; the
+moon takes birth anew; fire is the remedy against cold; and the
+Earth is the largest field.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is the
+highest refuge of virtue? What of fame? What of heaven? And what,
+of happiness?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Liberality is the
+highest refuge of virtue; gift, of fame; truth, of heaven; and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 608]</span> good behaviour, of
+happiness.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is the soul of man? Who
+is that friend bestowed on man by the gods? What is man's chief
+support? And what also is his chief refuge?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'The son is a man's soul; the wife is the friend
+bestowed on man by the gods; the clouds are his chief support; and
+gift is his chief refuge.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is the
+best of all laudable things? What is the most valuable of all his
+possessions? What is the best of all gains? And what is the best of
+all kinds of happiness?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;"The best of
+all laudable things is skill; the best of all possessions is
+knowledge; the best of all gains is health; and contentment is the
+best of all kinds of happiness.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is
+the highest duty in the world? What is that virtue which always
+beareth fruit? What is that which if controlled, leadeth not to
+regret? And who are they with whom an alliance cannot break?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'The highest of duties is to refrain
+from injury; the rites ordained in the <i>Three (Vedas)</i> always
+bear fruit; the mind, if controlled, leadeth to no regret; and an
+alliance with the good never breaketh.' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'What is that which, if renounced, maketh one
+agreeable? What is that which, if renounced, leadeth to no regret?
+What is that which, if renounced, maketh one wealthy? And what is
+that which if renounced, maketh one happy?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'Pride, if renounced, maketh one agreeable; wrath,
+if renounced leadeth to no regret; desire, if renounced, maketh one
+wealthy; and avarice, if renounced, maketh one happy.' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'For what doth one give away to Brahmanas? For what to
+mimes and dancers? For what to servants? And for what to the king?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'It is for religious merit that one
+giveth away to Brahmanas; it is for fame that one giveth away to
+mimes and dancers; it is for supporting them that one giveth away
+to servants; and it is for obtaining relief from fear that one
+giveth to kings.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'With what is the world
+enveloped? What is that owing to which a thing cannot discover
+itself? For what are friends forsaken? And for what doth one fail
+to go to heaven?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'The world is
+enveloped with darkness. Darkness doth not permit a thing to show
+itself. It is from avarice that friends are forsaken. And it is
+connection with the world for which one faileth to go to heaven.'
+The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'For what may one be considered as dead?
+For what may a kingdom be considered as dead? For what may a
+<i>Sraddha</i> be considered as dead? And for what, a sacrifice?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'For want of wealth may a man be
+regarded as dead. A kingdom for want of a king may be regarded as
+dead. A <i>Sraddha</i> that is performed with the aid of a priest
+that hath no learning may be regarded as dead. And a sacrifice in
+which there are no gifts to Brahmanas is dead.' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'What constitutes the way? What hath been spoken of as
+water? What, as food? And what, as poison? Tell us also what is the
+proper time of a <i>Sraddha</i>, and then drink and take away as
+much as thou likest!' Yudhishthira <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+609]</span> answered,&mdash;'They that are good constitute the
+way.<a id="footnotetag73" name="footnotetag73"></a><a href="#footnote73"><sup>73</sup></a> Space hath been spoken of as
+water.<a id="footnotetag74" name="footnotetag74"></a><a href="#footnote74"><sup>74</sup></a>
+The cow is food.<a id="footnotetag75" name="footnotetag75"></a><a href="#footnote75"><sup>75</sup></a> A request is poison. And a Brahmana
+is regarded as the proper time of a <i>Sraddha</i>.<a id="footnotetag76" name="footnotetag76"></a><a href="#footnote76"><sup>76</sup></a> I do not know what thou mayst think
+of all this, O Yaksha?' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What hath been
+said to be the sign of asceticism? And what is true restraint? What
+constitutes forgiveness. And what is shame?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'Staying in one's own religion is asceticism; the
+restraint of the mind is of all restraints the true one;
+forgiveness consists in enduring enmity; and shame, in withdrawing
+from all unworthy acts.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What, O king is
+said to be knowledge? What, tranquillity? What constitutes mercy?
+And what hath been called simplicity?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'True knowledge is that of Divinity. True
+tranquillity is that of the heart. Mercy consists in wishing
+happiness to all. And simplicity is equanimity of heart.' The
+Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What enemy is invincible? What constitutes an
+incurable disease for man? What sort of a man is called honest and
+what dishonest?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Anger is an
+invincible enemy. Covetousness constitutes an incurable disease. He
+is honest that desires the weal of all creatures, and he is
+dishonest who is unmerciful.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What, O
+king, is ignorance? And what is pride? What also is to be
+understood by idleness? And what hath been spoken of as grief?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'True ignorance consists in not
+knowing one's duties. Pride is a consciousness of one's being
+himself an actor or sufferer in life. Idleness consists in not
+discharging one's duties, and ignorance in grief.' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'What hath steadiness been said by the <i>Rishis</i>
+to be? And what, patience? What also is a real ablution? And what
+is charity?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Steadiness consists in
+one's staying in one's own religion, and true patience consists in
+the subjugation of the senses. A true bath consists in washing the
+mind clean of all impurities, and charity consists in protecting
+all creatures.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What man should be
+regarded as learned, and who should be called an atheist? Who also
+is to be called ignorant? What is called desire and what are the
+sources of desire? And what is envy?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'He is to be called learned who knoweth his duties.
+An atheist is he who is ignorant and so also he is ignorant who is
+an atheist. Desire is due to objects of possession, and envy is
+nothing else than grief of heart.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is
+pride, and what is <span class="pagenum">[Pg 610]</span> hypocrisy?
+What is the grace of the gods, and what is wickedness?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Stolid ignorance is pride. The
+setting up of a religious standard is hypocrisy. The grace of the
+gods is the fruit of our gifts, and wickedness consists in speaking
+ill of others.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'Virtue, profit, and desire
+are opposed to one another. How could things thus antagonistic to
+one another exist together?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'When a
+wife and virtue agree with each other, then all the three thou hast
+mentioned may exist together.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'O bull of
+the Bharata race, who is he that is condemned to everlasting hell?
+It behoveth thee to soon answer the question that I ask!'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'He that summoneth a poor Brahmana
+promising to make him a gift and then tells him that he hath
+nothing to give, goeth to everlasting hell. He also must go to
+everlasting hell, who imputes falsehood to the <i>Vedas</i>, the
+scriptures, the Brahmanas, the gods, and the ceremonies in honour
+of the <i>Pitris</i>. He also goeth to everlasting hell who though
+in possession of wealth, never giveth away nor enjoyeth himself
+from avarice, saying, he hath none.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'By
+what, O king, birth, behaviour, study, or learning doth a person
+become a Brahmana? Tell us with certitude!' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'Listen, O Yaksha! It is neither birth, nor study,
+nor learning, that is the cause of <i>Brahmanahood</i>, without
+doubt, it is behaviour that constitutes it. One's behaviour should
+always be well-guarded, especially by a Brahmana. He who
+maintaineth his conduct unimpaired, is never impaired himself.
+Professors and pupils, in fact, all who study the scriptures, if
+addicted to wicked habits, are to be regarded as illiterate
+wretches. He only is learned who performeth his religious duties.
+He even that hath studied the four Vedas is to be regarded as a
+wicked wretch scarcely distinguishable from a Sudra (if his conduct
+be not correct). He only who performeth the <i>Agnihotra</i> and
+hath his senses under control, is called a Brahmana!' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'What doth one gain that speaketh agreeable words?
+What doth he gain that always acteth with judgment? What doth he
+gain that hath many friends? And what he, that is devoted to
+virtue?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'He that speaketh agreeable
+words becometh agreeable to all. He that acteth with judgment
+obtaineth whatever he seeketh. He that hath many friends liveth
+happily. And he that is devoted to virtue obtaineth a happy state
+(in the next world).' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'Who is truly happy?
+What is most wonderful? What is <i>the</i> path? And what is
+<i>the</i> news? Answer these four questions of mine and let thy
+dead brothers revive.' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'O amphibious
+creature, a man who cooketh in his own house, on the fifth or the
+sixth part of the day, with scanty vegetables, but who is not in
+debt and who stirreth not from home, is truly happy. Day after day
+countless creatures are going to the abode of Yama, yet those that
+remain behind believe themselves to be immortal. What can be more
+wonderful than this? Argument leads to no certain conclusion, the
+<i>Srutis</i> are different from one another; there is not even one
+<i>Rishi</i> whose opinion can be accepted by all; the truth about
+religion and duty is hid in caves: therefore, that alone is the
+path along which the great have trod. This world full of ignorance
+is like a pan. The sun is fire, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+611]</span> the days and nights are fuel. The months and the
+seasons constitute the wooden ladle. Time is the cook that is
+cooking all creatures in that pan (with such aids); this is <i>the
+news</i>.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'Thou hast, O represser of foes,
+truly answered all my questions! Tell us now who is truly a man,
+and what man truly possesseth every kind of wealth.' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'The report of one's good action reacheth heaven
+and spreadeth over the earth. As long as that report lasteth, so
+long is a person to whom the agreeable and the disagreeable, weal
+and woe, the past and the future, are the same, is said to possess
+every kind of wealth.' The Yaksha said,&mdash;'Thou hast, O king
+truly answered who is a man, and what man possesseth every kind of
+wealth. Therefore, let one only amongst thy brothers, whom thou
+mayst wish, get up with life!' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Let
+this one that is of darkish hue, whose eyes are red, who is tall
+like a large <i>Sala</i> tree, whose chest is broad and arms long,
+let this Nakula, O Yaksha, get up with life!' The Yaksha
+rejoined,&mdash;'This Bhimasena is dear unto thee, and this Arjuna
+also is one upon whom all of you depend! Why, then, O king, dost
+thou wish a step-brother to get up with his life! How canst thou,
+forsaking Bhima whose strength is equal to that of ten thousand
+elephants, wish Nakula to live? People said that this Bhima was
+dear to thee. From what motive then dost thou wish a step-brother
+to revive? Forsaking Arjuna the might of whose arm is worshipped by
+all the sons of Pandu, why dost thou wish Nakula to revive?'
+Yudhishthira said,&mdash;'If virtue is sacrificed, he that
+sacrificeth it, is himself lost. So virtue also cherisheth the
+cherisher. Therefore taking care that virtue by being sacrificed
+may not sacrifice us, I never forsake virtue. Abstention from
+injury is the highest virtue, and is, I ween, even higher than the
+highest object of attainment. I endeavour to practise that virtue.
+Therefore, let Nakula, O Yaksha, revive! Let men know that the king
+is always virtuous! I will never depart from my duty. Let Nakula,
+therefore, revive! My father had two wives, Kunti and Madri. Let
+both of them have children. This is what I wish. As Kunti is to me,
+so also is Madri. There is no difference between them in my eye. I
+desire to act equally towards my mothers. Therefore, let Nakula
+live.' The Yaksha said,&mdash;'Since abstention from injury is
+regarded by thee as higher than both profit and pleasure,
+therefore, let all thy brothers live, O bull of Bharata race!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCXII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Then agreeable to the words of
+the Yaksha the Pandavas rose up; and in a moment their hunger and
+thirst left them. Thereupon Yudhishthira said, 'I ask thee that art
+incapable of being vanquished and that standest on one leg in the
+tank, what god art thou, for I cannot take thee for a Yaksha! Art
+thou the foremost of the Vasus, or of the Rudras, or of the chief
+of the Maruts? Or art thou the lord himself of the celestials,
+wielder of the thunder-bolt! Each of these my brothers is capable
+of fighting as hundred thousand warriors, and I see not the warrior
+that can slay them <span class="pagenum">[Pg 612]</span> all! I see
+also that their senses have refreshed, as if they have sweetly
+awaked from slumber. Art thou a friend of ours, or even our father
+himself?' At this the Yaksha replied,&mdash;'O child, I am even thy
+father, the Lord of justice, possessed of great prowess! Know, bull
+of the Bharata race, that I came hither desirous of beholding thee!
+Fame, truth, self-restraint, purity, candour, modesty, steadiness,
+charity, austerities and <i>Brahmacharya</i>, these are my body!
+And abstention from injury, impartiality, peace, penances,
+sanctity, and freedom from malice are the doors (through which I am
+accessible). Thou art always dear to me! By good luck thou art
+devoted to the five;<a id="footnotetag77" name="footnotetag77"></a><a href="#footnote77"><sup>77</sup></a> and by
+good luck also thou hast conquered the six.<a id="footnotetag78" name="footnotetag78"></a><a href="#footnote78"><sup>78</sup></a> Of
+the six, two appear in the first part of life; two in the middle
+part thereof; and the remaining two at the end, in order to make
+men repair to the next world. I am, good betide thee, the lord of
+justice! I came hither to test thy merit. I am well-pleased to
+witness thy harmlessness; and, O sinless one, I will confer boons
+on thee. Do thou, O foremost of kings, ask of me boons. I shall
+surely confer them, O sinless one! Those that revere me, never come
+by distress!' Yudhishthira said,&mdash;'A deer was carrying away
+the Brahmana's fire-sticks. Therefore, the first boon that I shall
+ask, is, may that Brahmana's adorations to <i>Agni</i> be not
+interrupted!' The Yaksha said,&mdash;'O Kunti's son endued with
+splendour, it was I who for examining thee, was carrying away, in
+the guise of a deer, that Brahmana's fire-sticks!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Thereupon that worshipful one
+said,&mdash;'I give thee this boon! Good betide thee! O thou that
+are like unto an immortal, ask thou a fresh boon!' Yudhishthira
+said,&mdash;'We have spent these twelve years in the forest; and
+the thirteenth year is come. May no one recognise us, as we spend
+this year somewhere.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Thereat that worshipful one
+replied,&mdash;'I give this boon unto thee!' And then reassuring
+Kunti's son having truth for prowess, he also said, 'Even if, O
+Bharata, ye range this (entire) earth in your proper forms none in
+the three worlds shall recognise you. Ye perpetuators of the Kuru
+race, through my grace, ye will spend this thirteenth year,
+secretly and unrecognised, in Virata's kingdom! And every one of
+you will be able at will to assume any form he likes! Do ye now
+present the Brahmana with his fire-sticks. It was only to test you
+that I carried them away in the form of a deer! O amiable
+Yudhishthira, do thou ask for another boon that thou mayst like! I
+will confer it on thee. O foremost of men, I have not yet been
+satisfied by granting boons to thee! Do thou my son, accept a third
+boon that is great and incomparable! Thou, O king, art born of me,
+and Vidura of portion or mine!' Thereat Yudhishthira
+said,&mdash;'It is enough that I have beheld thee with my senses,
+eternal God of gods as thou art! O father, whatever boon thou wilt
+confer on me I shall surely accept gladly! May I, O lord, always
+conquer covetousness and folly and anger, and may my mind be
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 613]</span> ever devoted to charity,
+truth, and ascetic austerities!' The Lord of justice
+said,&mdash;'Even by nature, O Pandava, hast thou been endued with
+these qualities, for thou art the Lord of justice himself! Do thou
+again attain what thou asked for!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Having said these words, the
+worshipful Lord of justice, who is the object of contemplation of
+all the worlds, vanished therefrom; and the high-souled Pandavas
+after they had slept sweetly were united with one another. And
+their fatigue dispelled, those heroes returned to the hermitage,
+and gave back that Brahmana his firesticks. That man who pursueth
+this illustrious and fame-enhancing story of the revival (of the
+Pandavas) and the meeting of father and son (Dharma and
+Yudhishthira), obtaineth perfect tranquillity of mind, and sons and
+grandsons, and also a life extending over a hundred years! And the
+mind of that man that layeth this story to heart, never delighteth
+in unrighteousness, or in disunion among friends, or
+misappropriation of other person's property, or staining other
+people's wives, or in foul thoughts!"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCXIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Commanded by the Lord of justice
+to thus spend in disguise the thirteenth year of non-discovery, the
+high-souled Pandavas, observant of vows and having truth for
+prowess, sat before those learned and vow-observing ascetics that
+from regard were dwelling with them in their exile in the forest.
+And with joined hands they said these words, with the intention of
+obtaining permission to spend the thirteenth year in the manner
+indicated. And they said, 'Ye know well that the sons of
+Dhritarashtra have by deceit deprived us of our kingdom, and have
+also done us many other wrongs! We have passed twelve years in the
+forest in great affliction. The thirteenth year only, which we are
+to spend unrecognised, yet remaineth. It behoveth you to permit us
+now to spend this year in concealment! Those rancorous enemies of
+ours, Suyodhana, the wicked-minded Karna, and Suvala's son should
+they discover us, would do mighty wrong to the citizens and our
+friends! Shall we all with the Brahmanas, be again established in
+our own kingdom?' Having said this, that pure-spirited son of
+Dharma king Yudhishthira, overwhelmed with grief and with accents
+choked in tears, swooned away. Thereupon the Brahmanas, together
+with his brothers began to cheer him up. Then Dhaumya spake unto
+the king these words fraught with mighty meaning,&mdash;'O king,
+thou art learned and capable of bearing privations, art firm in
+promise, and of subdued sense! Men of such stamp are not
+overwhelmed by any calamity whatever. Even the high-souled gods
+themselves have wandered over various places in disguise, for the
+purpose of overcoming foes. Indra for the purpose of overcoming his
+foes, dwelt in disguise in the asylum of Giriprastha, in Nishadha
+and thus attained his end. Before taking his birth in the womb of
+Aditi, Vishnu for the purpose of destroying the <i>Daityas</i>
+passed a long time unrecognised, assuming <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+614]</span> the form of the <i>Haya-griba</i> (Horse-necked). Then
+how disguising himself in the form of a dwarf, he by his prowess
+deprived Vali of his kingdom, hath been heard by thee! And thou
+hast also heard how Hutasana entering into water and remaining in
+concealment, achieved the purpose of the gods. And O thou versed in
+duty, thou hast heard how Hari with the view of overcoming his
+foes, entered into Sakra's thunder-bolt, and lay concealed there.
+And, O sinless one, thou hast heard of the office the regenerate
+<i>Rishi</i> Aurva at one time performed for the gods, remaining
+concealed in his mother's womb. And O child, living in concealment
+in every part of the earth, Vivaswat, endued with excellent energy,
+at last entirely burnt up all his foes. And living disguised in the
+abode of Dasaratha, Vishnu of dreadful deeds slew the Ten-necked
+one in battle. Thus remaining in disguise in various places,
+high-souled persons have before this conquered their enemies in
+battle.' Thus cheered by these words of Dhaumya, the virtuous
+Yudhishthira, relying on his own wisdom and also that acquired from
+the scriptures regained his composure. Then that foremost of strong
+persons, the mighty-armed Bhimasena endued with great strength
+encouraging the king greatly, spake these words, 'Looking up to thy
+face (for permission), the wielder of the <i>Gandiva</i>, acting
+according to his sense of duty hath not yet, O king, shown any
+rashness! And although fully able to destroy the foe, Nakula and
+Sahadeva of dreadful prowess have been ever prevented by me! Never
+shall we swerve from that in which thou wilt engage us! Do thou
+tell us what is to be done! We shall speedily conquer our enemies!'
+When Bhimasena had said this, the Brahmanas uttered benedictions on
+the Bharatas, and then obtaining their permission, went to their
+respective quarters. And all those foremost of <i>Yatis</i> and
+<i>Munis</i> versed in the Vedas, exceedingly desirous of again
+beholding the Pandavas, went back to their homes. And accompanied
+by Dhaumya, these heroes, the five learned Pandavas equipped in
+vows set out with Krishna. And each versed in a separate science,
+and all proficient in <i>mantras</i> and cognisant of when peace
+was to be concluded and when war was to be waged those tigers among
+men, about to enter upon a life of non-recognition, the next day
+proceeded for a Krose and then sat themselves down with the view of
+taking counsel of each other."</p>
+<p><i>The End of Vana Parva</i></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>:<a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a>
+It means these six things, unfavourable to crops&mdash;excessive rain,
+drought, rats, locusts, birds, and a neighbouring hostile king.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>:<a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a>
+In as much as the rites performed by the Sudras have their
+origin in the Vedas.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>:<a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a>
+More literally, the state of the gods. It may appropriately be
+remarked here that the ordinary Hindu gods, of the post-Vedic
+period, like the gods of Ancient Greece and Italy, were simply a
+class of superhuman beings, distinctly contra-distinguished from
+the Supreme Spirit, the <i>Paramatman</i> or <i>Parabrahma</i>.
+After death, a virtuous man was supposed to be transformed into one
+of these so-called gods.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> <b>Footnote 4</b>:<a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a>
+This is the well-known and popular doctrine of transmigration of
+souls.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote5" name="footnote5"></a> <b>Footnote 5</b>:<a href="#footnotetag5">(return)</a>
+The word in the text is <i>Kora-dushakas</i>, supposed by Wilson
+to be the <i>Paspalum frumentacea</i> (<i>vide</i> Dict.).
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote6" name="footnote6"></a> <b>Footnote 6</b>:<a href="#footnotetag6">(return)</a>
+The word in the text is <i>mlecchibhutam</i>. The Sanskrit
+grammar affords a great facility for the formation of verbs from
+substantives. <i>Mlecchify</i> may be hybrid, but it correctly and
+shortly signifies the Sanskrit word.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote7" name="footnote7"></a> <b>Footnote 7</b>:<a href="#footnotetag7">(return)</a>
+<i>Pushya</i> is the eighth lunar asterism consisting of three
+stars, of which one is, the Cancer. (Vide Wilson's Diet.).
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote8" name="footnote8"></a> <b>Footnote 8</b>:<a href="#footnotetag8">(return)</a>
+An Indian creeper of the order of <i>Goertnera racemosa</i>. It
+bears large white flowers of much fragrance.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote9" name="footnote9"></a> <b>Footnote 9</b>:<a href="#footnotetag9">(return)</a>
+They, therefore, that lead deathless lives can enjoy this bliss
+from day to day for ever.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote10" name="footnote10"></a> <b>Footnote 10</b>:<a href="#footnotetag10">(return)</a>
+It is difficult to understand how all that Vaka says can be an
+answer to Indra's question. The chief of the gods enquires: What
+are the joys of those that lead deathless lives? Vaka breaks away
+unto a confused rigmarole about the merits of independence and the
+religious merit of entertaining guests and servants. All the
+printed editions have the passage as rendered here.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote11" name="footnote11"></a> <b>Footnote 11</b>:<a href="#footnotetag11">(return)</a>
+The ceremony of <i>Swastivachana</i> is described to be "a
+religious rite, preparatory to any important observance, in which
+the Brahmanas strew boiled rice on the ground, and invoke the
+blessings of the gods on the ceremony about to commence"
+(<i>Vide</i> Wilson's Diet).
+A flowery car was, probably, one of celestial make that the
+kings procured from heaven by performing costly rites and
+ceremonies. These were sometimes exhibited to the people, and prior
+to these exhibitions, the ceremony of <i>Swastivachana</i> was
+performed.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote12" name="footnote12"></a> <b>Footnote 12</b>:<a href="#footnotetag12">(return)</a>
+A man is said to sell the Vedas who lectures on the Vedas taking
+fees from the hearers.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote13" name="footnote13"></a> <b>Footnote 13</b>:<a href="#footnotetag13">(return)</a>
+<i>Japa</i> is the silent recitation of particular
+<i>Mantras</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote14" name="footnote14"></a> <b>Footnote 14</b>:<a href="#footnotetag14">(return)</a>
+<i>Mantras</i> are particular formulae of worship. They are for
+the most part rhythmic compositions, believed to be of great
+efficacy.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote15" name="footnote15"></a> <b>Footnote 15</b>:<a href="#footnotetag15">(return)</a>
+The <i>Homa</i> is that sacrificial rite which consists of
+pouring libations of clarified butter into fire.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote16" name="footnote16"></a> <b>Footnote 16</b>:<a href="#footnotetag16">(return)</a>
+<i>Vedamayi nou</i>. Lit, a boat made of the Vedas.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote17" name="footnote17"></a> <b>Footnote 17</b>:<a href="#footnotetag17">(return)</a>
+<i>Vishada</i> is the original. It means discontent, but here it
+means more a mixture of discontent, perplexity and confusion than
+mere discontent.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote18" name="footnote18"></a> <b>Footnote 18</b>:<a href="#footnotetag18">(return)</a>
+A form of Hindu etiquette at parting.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote19" name="footnote19"></a> <b>Footnote 19</b>:<a href="#footnotetag19">(return)</a>
+It is so very difficult to translate the word
+<i>Karma</i>,&mdash;religion and morals were invariably associated
+with each other in ancient Hindu mind.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote20" name="footnote20"></a> <b>Footnote 20</b>:<a href="#footnotetag20">(return)</a>
+Agni or fire was supposed to convey the oblations offered by men
+to the gods.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote21" name="footnote21"></a> <b>Footnote 21</b>:<a href="#footnotetag21">(return)</a>
+<i>Kumara</i> means a boy, hence a prince. Here Kartika the
+war-god is meant.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote22" name="footnote22"></a> <b>Footnote 22</b>:<a href="#footnotetag22">(return)</a>
+By carrying their oblations to the gods.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote23" name="footnote23"></a> <b>Footnote 23</b>:<a href="#footnotetag23">(return)</a>
+Portions of the Vedas.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote24" name="footnote24"></a> <b>Footnote 24</b>:<a href="#footnotetag24">(return)</a>
+<i>Raga</i> means love.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote25" name="footnote25"></a> <b>Footnote 25</b>:<a href="#footnotetag25">(return)</a>
+Kama is the name of the god of love, Indian Cupid.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote26" name="footnote26"></a> <b>Footnote 26</b>:<a href="#footnotetag26">(return)</a>
+The body, the exciting Cause of our actions is an <i>uktha</i>,
+the soul of the vivifier of the body is the second <i>uktha</i>,
+and the Supreme Spirit, the inciter of the soul is the third.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote27" name="footnote27"></a> <b>Footnote 27</b>:<a href="#footnotetag27">(return)</a>
+The word of God.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote28" name="footnote28"></a> <b>Footnote 28</b>:<a href="#footnotetag28">(return)</a>
+In Hindu Mythology there are no gods who destroy sacrifices. It
+is only the Asuras who do so. The Burdwan translator renders this
+passage,&mdash;"fifteen other gods belonging to western nations or
+<i>Asuras</i>." It is noticeable that the beings that were
+denounced as <i>Asuras</i> by the Hindus were worshipped as Gods
+(<i>Asuras</i>) by the followers of Zarathustra.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote29" name="footnote29"></a> <b>Footnote 29</b>:<a href="#footnotetag29">(return)</a>
+In connection with the names of these Mitra-gods, it is to be
+remembered that Mitra was the name of the principal god of the
+ancient Persians.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote30" name="footnote30"></a> <b>Footnote 30</b>:<a href="#footnotetag30">(return)</a>
+<i>Avala</i> is a common name of women. It means one who has no
+vala or strength or power. The word is also used as an
+adjective.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote31" name="footnote31"></a> <b>Footnote 31</b>:<a href="#footnotetag31">(return)</a>
+According to the Hindus, the sun rises from and sets behind two
+hills respectively. He rises from the <i>Udaya</i> or Sun-rise hill
+and sets behind the <i>Asta</i> or sun-set hill.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote32" name="footnote32"></a> <b>Footnote 32</b>:<a href="#footnotetag32">(return)</a>
+<i>Raudra</i>&mdash;belonging to Rudra, the god of fury,
+violence, war, &amp;c.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote33" name="footnote33"></a> <b>Footnote 33</b>:<a href="#footnotetag33">(return)</a>
+<i>Devasena</i> literally means the celestial army. This fable
+seems to be an allegorical representation of the attempts made by
+Indra to procure a leader for the celestial host.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote34" name="footnote34"></a> <b>Footnote 34</b>:<a href="#footnotetag34">(return)</a>
+Anger personified is a deity.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote35" name="footnote35"></a> <b>Footnote 35</b>:<a href="#footnotetag35">(return)</a>
+Another name of gods, so named from their having only three
+stages of life&mdash;viz., infancy, childhood, and youth&mdash;and
+being exempt from the fourth&mdash;old age.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote36" name="footnote36"></a> <b>Footnote 36</b>:<a href="#footnotetag36">(return)</a>
+i.e., good and evil spirits.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote37" name="footnote37"></a> <b>Footnote 37</b>:<a href="#footnotetag37">(return)</a>
+One of the ensigns of royalty in Hindustan.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote38" name="footnote38"></a> <b>Footnote 38</b>:<a href="#footnotetag38">(return)</a>
+Brahma.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote39" name="footnote39"></a> <b>Footnote 39</b>:<a href="#footnotetag39">(return)</a>
+Devasenapati is the original. It may mean either the <i>pati</i>
+(leader) of the <i>sena</i> (forces) of <i>devas</i> or the
+<i>pati</i> (husband) of Devasena.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote40" name="footnote40"></a> <b>Footnote 40</b>:<a href="#footnotetag40">(return)</a>
+A kind of missile.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote41" name="footnote41"></a> <b>Footnote 41</b>:<a href="#footnotetag41">(return)</a>
+Another kind of weapon.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote42" name="footnote42"></a> <b>Footnote 42</b>:<a href="#footnotetag42">(return)</a>
+The word in the text is "Agrahara," which, as Nilakantha
+explains, means here, "That which is first taken from a heap after
+the dedication of a portion to the Viswadevas." What Draupadi means
+to say is, that she always took care to feed those Brahmanas with
+food "first" taken from the stores, without, in fact, having taken
+anything there from the use of anybody else.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote43" name="footnote43"></a> <b>Footnote 43</b>:<a href="#footnotetag43">(return)</a>
+Lit, Soldiers that have sworn to conquer or die. A full
+Akshauhini of these soldiers was owned by Krishna, who gave them to
+Duryodhana to fight for him. The story of Krishna's offering to
+Duryodhana the choice between these soldiers on the one side, and
+himself sworn not to fight but only to aid with his counsels on the
+other, is given in full in the Udyoga Parva. Duryodhana, from
+folly, accepted the former, who were all slain by Arjuna.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote44" name="footnote44"></a> <b>Footnote 44</b>:<a href="#footnotetag44">(return)</a>
+The vow of the Asuras was (according to the Burdwan Pundits)
+never to drink wine. It is more rational to suppose that Karna
+swears to give up the refined manners and practices of the Arvas
+and adopt those of the Asuras till the consummation of the
+cherished desire.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote45" name="footnote45"></a> <b>Footnote 45</b>:<a href="#footnotetag45">(return)</a>
+A very small measure.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote46" name="footnote46"></a> <b>Footnote 46</b>:<a href="#footnotetag46">(return)</a>
+Picking up for support (1) ears of corn and (2) individual
+grains, left on the field by husbandmen after they have gathered
+and carried away the sheaves, are called the Sila and the Unchha
+modes of life.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote47" name="footnote47"></a> <b>Footnote 47</b>:<a href="#footnotetag47">(return)</a>
+Naked.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote48" name="footnote48"></a> <b>Footnote 48</b>:<a href="#footnotetag48">(return)</a>
+Both these words are of doubtful meaning. It seems they are
+employed in the Vedas to denote the faculties of knowledge and the
+moral sense respectively.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote49" name="footnote49"></a> <b>Footnote 49</b>:<a href="#footnotetag49">(return)</a>
+The six acts of a king are peace, war, marching, halting, sowing
+dissention, and seeking protection.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote50" name="footnote50"></a> <b>Footnote 50</b>:<a href="#footnotetag50">(return)</a>
+Tard-mrigam. Formerly Prajapati, assuming the Form of a deer,
+followed his daughter from lust, and Rudra, armed with a trident,
+pursued Prajapati and struck off his head. That deer-head of
+Prajapati severed from the trunk, became the star, or rather
+constellation, called Mrigasiras.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote51" name="footnote51"></a> <b>Footnote 51</b>:<a href="#footnotetag51">(return)</a>
+Abode of Varuna in the original.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote52" name="footnote52"></a> <b>Footnote 52</b>:<a href="#footnotetag52">(return)</a>
+Garuda.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote53" name="footnote53"></a> <b>Footnote 53</b>:<a href="#footnotetag53">(return)</a>
+Pavana, the God of the wind.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote54" name="footnote54"></a> <b>Footnote 54</b>:<a href="#footnotetag54">(return)</a>
+There is a difference of reading here. Some texts read fifty
+seven.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote55" name="footnote55"></a> <b>Footnote 55</b>:<a href="#footnotetag55">(return)</a>
+A difference of reading is observable here.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote56" name="footnote56"></a> <b>Footnote 56</b>:<a href="#footnotetag56">(return)</a>
+As a purificatory ceremony, called the Achamana. To this day, no
+Hindu can perform any ceremony without going through the Achamana
+in the first instance.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote57" name="footnote57"></a> <b>Footnote 57</b>:<a href="#footnotetag57">(return)</a>
+Lit. an engine killing a hundred. Perhaps, some kind of rude
+cannon.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote58" name="footnote58"></a> <b>Footnote 58</b>:<a href="#footnotetag58">(return)</a>
+Perhaps, brands or torches steeped in wax, intended to be thrown
+in a burning state, amongst the foe. Readers of Indian history know
+how Lord Lake was repulsed from Bharatpore by means of huge bales
+of cotton, steeped in oil, rolled from the ramparts of that town,
+in a burning state, towards the advancing English.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote59" name="footnote59"></a> <b>Footnote 59</b>:<a href="#footnotetag59">(return)</a>
+Lit. be a Purusha (male)! Manhood would not be appropriate in
+connection with a Rakshasa.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote60" name="footnote60"></a> <b>Footnote 60</b>:<a href="#footnotetag60">(return)</a>
+This weapon could restore an insensible warrior to
+consciousness, as the Sam-mohana weapon could deprive one of
+consciousness.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote61" name="footnote61"></a> <b>Footnote 61</b>:<a href="#footnotetag61">(return)</a>
+Visalya a medicinal plant of great efficacy in healing cuts and
+wounds. It is still cultivated in several parts of Bengal. A
+medical friend of the writer tested the efficacy of the plant known
+by that name and found it to be much superior to either gallic acid
+or tannic acid in stopping blood.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote62" name="footnote62"></a> <b>Footnote 62</b>:<a href="#footnotetag62">(return)</a>
+The Guhyakas occupy, in Hindu mythology, a position next only to
+that of the gods, and superior to that of the Gandharvas who are
+the celestial choristers. The White mountain is another name of
+Kailasa, the peak where Siva hath his abode.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote63" name="footnote63"></a> <b>Footnote 63</b>:<a href="#footnotetag63">(return)</a>
+According to both Vyasa and Valmiki, there is nothing so fierce
+as a Brahmana's curse. The very thunderbolt of Indra is weak
+compared to a Brahmana's curse. The reason is obvious. The thunder
+smites the individual at whom it may be aimed. The curse of
+Brahmana smites the whole race, whole generation, whole
+country.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote64" name="footnote64"></a> <b>Footnote 64</b>:<a href="#footnotetag64">(return)</a>
+Abhijit is lit. the eighth muhurta of the day, a muhurta being
+equal to an hour of 48 minutes, i.e. the thirtieth part of a whole
+day and night. The Vaishnava asterism is as explained by
+Nilakantha, the Sravava.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote65" name="footnote65"></a> <b>Footnote 65</b>:<a href="#footnotetag65">(return)</a>
+Also called Gayatri, the wife of Brahma.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote66" name="footnote66"></a> <b>Footnote 66</b>:<a href="#footnotetag66">(return)</a>
+Samhritya&mdash;killing.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote67" name="footnote67"></a> <b>Footnote 67</b>:<a href="#footnotetag67">(return)</a>
+Lit. Letters.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote68" name="footnote68"></a> <b>Footnote 68</b>:<a href="#footnotetag68">(return)</a>
+Behind the plain and obvious meanings of the words employed both
+in the question and the answer, there is a deeper signification of
+a spiritual kind. I think Nilakantha has rightly understood the
+passage. By Aditya, which of course commonly means the Sun, is
+indicated the unpurified soul (from adatte sabdadin indriadivis
+&amp;c.). The first question then, becomes, 'Who is it that
+exalteth the unpurified soul?' The act of exaltation implies a
+raising of the soul from its earthly connections. The answer to
+this is, 'Brahma, i.e., Veda or self-knowledge.' The second
+question&mdash;'What are those that keep company with the soul
+during its progress of purification?' The answer is,
+'Self-restraint and other qualities, which are all of a god-like or
+divine nature.' The third question is.&mdash;Who lead the soul to
+its place (state) of rest? The answer is, 'Dharma, <i>i.e.</i>,
+rectitude, morality, and religious observances.' It is often
+asserted that one must pass through the observances (Karma) before
+attaining to a state of Rest or Truth or Pure Knowledge. The last
+question is,&mdash;'On what is the soul established!' The answer,
+according to all that has been previously said, is 'Truth or Pure
+Knowledge.' For the soul that is emancipated from and raised above
+all carnal connections, is no longer in need of observances and
+acts (Karma) but stays unmoved in True Knowledge (Janana).
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote69" name="footnote69"></a> <b>Footnote 69</b>:<a href="#footnotetag69">(return)</a>
+Nilakantha explains both Dhriti and Dwitiya in a spiritual
+sense. There is no need, however, of a spiritual explanation here.
+By Dhriti is meant steadiness of intelligence; by Dwitiya lit, a
+second. What Yudhishthira says is that a steady intelligence serves
+the purposes of a helpful companion.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote70" name="footnote70"></a> <b>Footnote 70</b>:<a href="#footnotetag70">(return)</a>
+Nilakantha explains this correctly, as I imagine, by supposing
+that by 'sacrifice' is meant the spiritual sacrifice for the
+acquisition of pure knowledge. In the objective sacrifice which one
+celebrates, the Sama, the Yajus, and the Rik mantras are all
+necessary. In the subjective sacrifice the acquisition of true
+knowledge, life and mind are as necessary as the mantras from the
+Sama and the Yajur Vedas in an objective one. And as no objective
+sacrifice can do without the Riks, being principally dependent on
+them, so the subjective sacrifices for acquiring true knowledge can
+never do without prayerfulness, which, I imagine, is represented as
+the Riks. To understand this passage thoroughly would require an
+intimate acquaintance with the ritual of a sacrifice like the
+Agnishtoma or any other of that kind.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote71" name="footnote71"></a> <b>Footnote 71</b>:<a href="#footnotetag71">(return)</a>
+Some texts read apatatam for uvapatam. If the former be the
+correct reading, the meaning would be&mdash;'What is the best of
+things that fall?' Nilakantha explains both avapatam nivapatam in a
+spiritual sense. By the first he understands&mdash;'They that offer
+oblation to the gods,' and by the second, 'They that offer
+oblations to the Pitris.' The necessity of a spiritual
+interpretation, however, is not very apparent.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote72" name="footnote72"></a> <b>Footnote 72</b>:<a href="#footnotetag72">(return)</a>
+Yudhishthira has the authority of the Srutis for saying that the
+one pervading element of the universe is air.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote73" name="footnote73"></a> <b>Footnote 73</b>:<a href="#footnotetag73">(return)</a>
+The word used in the question is <i>dik</i>, literally,
+direction. Obviously, of course, it means in this connection way.
+Yudhishthira answers that the way which one is to tread along is
+that of the good.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote74" name="footnote74"></a> <b>Footnote 74</b>:<a href="#footnotetag74">(return)</a>
+The <i>Srutis</i> actually speak of space as water. These are
+questions to test Yudhishthira's knowledge of the Vedic
+cosmogony.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote75" name="footnote75"></a> <b>Footnote 75</b>:<a href="#footnotetag75">(return)</a>
+The <i>Srutis</i> speak of the cow as the only food, in the
+following sense. The cow gives milk. The milk gives butter. The
+butter is used in Homa. The Homa is the cause of the clouds. The
+clouds give rain. The rain makes the seed to sprout forth and
+produce food. Nilakantha endeavours to explain this in a spiritual
+sense. There is however, no need of such explanation here.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote76" name="footnote76"></a> <b>Footnote 76</b>:<a href="#footnotetag76">(return)</a>
+What Yudhishthira means to say is that there is no special time
+for a Sraddha. It is to be performed whenever a good and able
+priest may be secured.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote77" name="footnote77"></a> <b>Footnote 77</b>:<a href="#footnotetag77">(return)</a>
+That is, tranquillity of mind, self-restraint, abstention from
+sensual pleasures, resignation, and Yoga meditation.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote78" name="footnote78"></a> <b>Footnote 78</b>:<a href="#footnotetag78">(return)</a>
+That is, hunger, thirst, sorrow, bluntness of mortal feeling,
+decrepitude, and death.
+</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12333 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #12333 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12333)
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
+will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
+using this eBook.
+
+Title: The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 2
+
+Author: Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+Translator: Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+Release Date: May 13, 2004 [eBook #12333]
+[Most recently updated: March 28, 2021]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+Produced by: John B. Hare, Juliet Sutherland, David King, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAHABHARATA BK. 3 PT. 2 ***
+
+
+
+
+The Mahabharata of
+
+Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+BOOK 3
+
+VANA PARVA
+
+Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text
+
+by
+
+Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+[1883-1896]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MAHABHARATA
+
+
+VANA PARVA
+
+PART 2
+
+
+SECTION CXLV (continued from previous eBook)
+
+And the ruddy geese, and the gallinules and the ducks and
+the _karandavas_ and the _plavas_ and the parrots and the male _kokilas_
+and the herons in confusion flew in all directions, while some proud
+elephants urged by their mates, as also some lions and elephants in
+rage, flew at Bhimasena. And as they were distracted at heart through
+fear, these fierce animals discharging urine and dung, set up loud yells
+with gapping mouths. Thereupon the illustrious and graceful son of the
+wind-god, the mighty Pandava, depending upon the strength of his arms,
+began to slay one elephant with another elephant and one lion with
+another lion while he despatched the others with slaps. And on being
+struck by Bhima the lions and the tigers and the leopards, in fright
+gave loud cries and discharged urine and dung. And after having
+destroyed these the handsome son of Pandu, possessed of mighty strength,
+entered into the forest, making all sides resound with his shouts. And
+then the long-armed one saw on the slopes of the Gandhamadana a
+beautiful plantain tree spreading over many a _yojana_. And like unto a
+mad lion, that one of great strength proceeded amain towards that tree
+breaking down various plants. And that foremost of strong
+persons--Bhima--uprooting innumerable plaintain trunks equal in height
+to many palm-trees (placed one above another), cast them on all sides
+with force. And that highly powerful one, haughty like a male lion, sent
+up shouts. And then he encountered countless beasts of gigantic size,
+and stags, and monkeys, and lions, and buffaloes, and aquatic animals.
+And what with the cries of these, and what with the shouts of Bhima,
+even the beasts and birds that were at distant parts of the wood, became
+all frightened. And hearing those cries of beasts and birds, myriads of
+aquatic fowls suddenly rose up on wetted wings. And seeing these fowls
+of water, that bull among the Bharatas proceeded in that direction; and
+saw a vast and romantic lake. And that fathomless lake was, as it were,
+being fanned by the golden plantain trees on the coast, shaken by the
+soft breezes. And immediately descending into the lake abounding in
+lilies and lotuses, he began to sport lustily like unto a mighty
+maddened elephant. Having thus sported there for a long while, he of
+immeasurable effulgence ascended, in order to penetrate with speed into
+that forest filled with trees. Then the Pandava winded with all his
+might his loud-blowing shell. And striking his arms with his hands, the
+mighty Bhima made all the points of heaven resound. And filled with the
+sounds of the shell, and with the shouts of Bhimasena, and also with the
+reports produced by the striking of his arms, the caves of the mountain
+seemed as if they were roaring. And hearing those loud arm-strokes, like
+unto the crashing of thunder, the lions that were slumbering in the
+caves, uttered mighty howls. And being terrified by the yelling of the
+lions, the elephants, O Bharata, sent forth tremendous roars, which
+filled the mountain. And hearing those sounds emitted, and knowing also
+Bhimasena to be his brother, the ape Hanuman, the chief of monkeys, with
+the view of doing good to Bhima, obstructed the path leading to heaven.
+And thinking that he (Bhima) should not pass that way, (Hanuman) lay
+across the narrow path, beautified by plantain trees, obstructing it for
+the sake of the safety of Bhima. With the object that Bhima might not
+come by curse or defeat, by entering into the plantain wood, the ape
+Hanuman of huge body lay down amidst the plantain trees, being overcome
+with drowsiness. And he began to yawn, lashing his long tail, raised
+like unto the pole consecrated to Indra, and sounding like thunder. And
+on all sides round, the mountains by the mouths of caves emitted those
+sounds in echo, like a cow lowing. And as it was being shaken by the
+reports produced by the lashing of the tail, the mountain with its
+summits tottering, began to crumble all around. And overcoming that
+roaring of mad elephants, the sounds of his tail spread over the varied
+slopes of the mountain.
+
+"On those sounds being heard the down of Bhima's body stood on end; and
+he began to range that plantain wood, in search of those sounds. And
+that one of mighty arms saw the monkey-chief in the plantain wood, on an
+elevated rocky base. And he was hard to be looked at even as the
+lightning-flash; and of coppery hue like that of the lightning-flash;
+and endued with the voice of the lightning-flash; and quick moving as
+the lightning-flash; and having his short flesh neck supported on his
+shoulders; and with his waist slender in consequence of the fullness of
+his shoulders. And his tail covered with long hair, and a little bent at
+the end, was raised like unto a banner. And (Bhima) saw Hanuman's head
+furnished with small lips, and coppery face and tongue, and red ears,
+and brisk eyes, and bare white incisors sharpened at the edge. And his
+head was like unto the shining moon; adorned with white teeth within the
+mouth; and with mane scattered over, resembling a heap of _asoka_
+flowers. And amidst the golden plantain trees, that one of exceeding
+effulgence was lying like unto a blazing fire, with his radiant body.
+And that slayer of foes was casting glances with his eyes reddened with
+intoxication. And the intelligent Bhima saw that mighty chief of
+monkeys, of huge body, lying like unto the Himalaya, obstructing the
+path of heaven. And seeing him alone in that mighty forest, the
+undaunted athletic Bhima, of long arms, approached him with rapid
+strides, and uttered a loud shout like unto the thunder. And at that
+shout of Bhima, beasts and birds became all alarmed. The powerful
+Hanuman, however, opening his eyes partially looked at him (Bhima) with
+disregard, with eyes reddened with intoxication. And then smilingly
+addressing him, Hanuman said the following words, 'Ill as I am, I was
+sleeping sweetly. Why hast thou awakened me? Thou shouldst show kindness
+to all creatures, as thou hast reason. Belonging to the animal species,
+we are ignorant of virtue. But being endued with reason, men show
+kindness towards creatures. Why do then reasonable persons like thee
+commit themselves to acts contaminating alike body, speech, and heart,
+and destructive of virtue? Thou knowest not what virtue is, neither hast
+thou taken council of the wise. And therefore it is that from ignorance,
+and childishness thou destroyest the lower animals. Say, who art thou,
+and what for hast thou come to the forest devoid of humanity and human
+beings? And, O foremost of men, tell thou also, whither thou wilt go
+to-day. Further it is impossible to proceed. Yonder hills are
+inaccessible. O hero, save the passage obtained by the practice of
+asceticism, there is no passage to that place. This is the path of the
+celestials; it is ever impassable by mortals. Out of kindness, O hero,
+do I dissuade thee. Do thou hearken unto my words. Thou canst not
+proceed further from this place. Therefore, O lord, do thou desist. O
+chief of men, to-day in every way thou art welcome to this place. If thou
+think it proper to accept my words, do thou then, O best of men, rest
+here, partaking of fruits and roots, sweet as ambrosia, and do not have
+thyself destroyed for naught.'"
+
+
+SECTION CXLVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O represser of foes, hearing these words of the
+intelligent monkey-chief, the heroic Bhima answered, 'Who art thou? And
+why also hast thou assumed the shape of a monkey? It is a Kshatriya--one
+of a race next to the Brahmanas--that asketh thee. And he belongeth to
+the Kuru race and the lunar stock, and was borne by Kunti in her womb,
+and is one of the sons of Pandu, and is the off spring of the windgod,
+and is known by the name of Bhimasena.' Hearing these words of the Kuru
+hero, Hanuman smiled, and that son of the wind-god (Hanuman) spake unto
+that offspring of the windgod (Bhimasena), saying, 'I am a monkey, I
+will not allow thee the passage thou desirest. Better desist and go
+back. Do thou not meet with destruction.' At this Bhimasena replied,
+'Destruction at anything else do I not ask thee about, O monkey. Do thou
+give me passage. Arise! Do not come by grief at my hands.' Hanuman said,
+'I have no strength to rise; I am suffering from illness. If go thou
+must, do thou go by overleaping me.' Bhima said, 'The Supreme Soul void
+of the properties pervadeth a body all over. Him knowable alone by
+knowledge, I cannot disregard. And therefore, will I not overleap thee.
+If I had not known Him from Whom become manifest all creatures, I would
+have leapt over thee and also the mountain, even as Hanuman had bounded
+over the ocean.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'Who is that Hanuman, who had
+bounded over the ocean? I ask thee, O best of men. Relate if thou
+canst.' Bhima replied, 'He is even my brother, excellent with every
+perfection, and endued with intelligence and strength both of mind and
+body. And he is the illustrious chief of monkeys, renowned in the
+Ramayana. And for Rama's queen, that king of the monkeys even with one
+leap crossed the ocean extending over a hundred _yojanas_. That mighty
+one is my brother. I am equal unto him in energy, strength and prowess
+and also in fight. And able am I to punish thee. So arise. Either give
+me passage or witness my prowess to-day. If thou do not listen to my
+bidding, I shall send thee to the abode of Yama.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued. "Then knowing him (Bhima) to be intoxicated with
+strength, and proud of the might of his arms, Hanuman, slighting him at
+heart, said the following words, 'Relent thou, O sinless one. In
+consequence of age, I have no strength to get up. From pity for me, do
+thou go, moving aside my tail.' Being thus addressed by Hanuman, Bhima
+proud of the strength of his arms, took him for one wanting in energy
+and prowess, and thought within himself, 'Taking fast hold of the tail,
+will I send this monkey destitute of energy and prowess, to the region
+of Yama.' Thereat, with a smile he slightingly took hold of the tail
+with his left hand; but could not move that tail of the mighty monkey.
+Then with both arms he pulled it, resembling the pole reared in honour
+of Indra. Still the mighty Bhima could not raise the tail with both his
+arms. And his eye-brows were contracted up, and his eyes rolled, and his
+face was contracted into wrinkles and his body was covered with sweat;
+and yet he could not raise it. And when after having striven, the
+illustrious Bhima failed in raising the tail, he approached the side of
+the monkey, and stood with a bashful countenance. And bowing down,
+Kunti's son, with joined hands, spake these words, 'Relent thou, O
+foremost of monkeys; and forgive me for my harsh words. Art thou a
+Siddha, or a god, or a Gandharva, or a Guhyaka? I ask thee out of
+curiosity. Tell me who thou art that hast assumed the shape of monkey,
+if it be not a secret, O long-armed one, and if I can well hear it. I
+ask thee as a disciple, and I, O sinless one, seek thy refuge.'
+Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O represser of foes, even to the extent of thy
+curiosity to know me, shall I relate all at length. Listen, O son of
+Pandu! O lotus-eyed one, I was begotten by the windgod that life of the
+world--upon the wife of Kesari. I am a monkey, by name Hanuman. All the
+mighty monkey-kings, and monkey-chiefs used to wait upon that son of the
+sun, Sugriva, and that son of Sakra, Vali. And, O represser of foes, a
+friendship subsisted between me and Sugriva, even as between the wind
+and fire. And for some cause, Sugriva, driven out by his brother, for a
+long time dwelt with me at the Hri-syamukh. And it came to pass that the
+mighty son of Dasaratha the heroic Rama, who is Vishnu's self in the
+shape of a human being, took his birth in this world. And in company
+with his queen and brother, taking his bow, that foremost of bowmen with
+the view of compassing his father's welfare, began to reside in the
+Dandaka forest. And from Janasthana, that mighty Rakshasa monarch, the
+wicked Ravana, carried away his (Rama's) queen by stratagem and force,
+deceiving, O sinless one, that foremost of men, through the agency of a
+Rakshasa, Maricha, who assumed the form of a deer marked with gem-like
+and golden spots.'"
+
+
+SECTION CXLVII
+
+"Hanuman said, 'And after his wife was carried away, that descendant of
+Raghu, while searching with his brother for his queen, met, on the
+summit of that mountain, with Sugriva, chief of the monkeys. Then a
+friendship was contracted between him and the high-souled Raghava. And
+the latter, having slain Vali installed Sugriva in the kingdom. And
+having obtained the kingdom, Sugriva sent forth monkeys by hundreds and
+by thousands in search of Sita. And, O best of men, I too with
+innumerable monkeys set out towards the south in quest of Sita, O
+mighty-armed one. Then a mighty vulture Sampati by name, communicated
+the tidings that Sita was in the abode of Ravana. Thereupon with the
+object of securing success unto Rama, I all of a sudden bounded over the
+main, extending for a hundred _yojanas_. And, O chief of the Bharatas,
+having by my own prowess crossed the ocean, that abode of sharks and
+crocodiles, I saw in Ravana's residence, the daughter of king Janaka,
+Sita, like unto the daughter of a celestial. And having interviewed that
+lady, Vaidehi, Rama's beloved, and burnt the whole of Lanka with its
+towers and ramparts and gates, and proclaimed my name there, I returned.
+Hearing everything from me the lotus-eyed Rama at once ascertained his
+course of action, and having for the passage of his army constructed a
+bridge across the deep, crossed it followed by myriads of monkeys. Then
+by prowess Rama slew those Rakshasas in battle, and also Ravana, the
+oppressor of the worlds together with his Rakshasa followers. And having
+slain the king of the Rakshasas, with his brother, and sons and kindred,
+he installed in the kingdom in Lanka the Rakshasa chief, Vibhishana,
+pious, and reverent, and kind to devoted dependants. Then Rama recovered
+his wife even like the lost Vaidic revelation. Then Raghu's son, Rama,
+with his devoted wife, returned to his own city, Ayodhya, inaccessible
+to enemies; and that lord of men began to dwell there. Then that
+foremost of kings, Rama was established in the kingdom. Thereafter, I
+asked a boon of the lotus-eyed Rama, saying, "O slayer of foes, Rama,
+may I live as long as the history of thy deeds remaineth extant on
+earth!" Thereupon he said, "So be it." O represser of foes, O Bhima,
+through the grace of Sita also, here all excellent objects of
+entertainment are supplied to me, whoever abide at this place. Rama
+reigned for the thousand and ten hundred years. Then he ascended to his
+own abode. Ever since, here Apsaras and Gandharvas delight me, singing
+for aye the deeds of that hero, O sinless one. O son of the Kurus, this
+path is impassable to mortals. For this, O Bharata, as also with the
+view that none might defeat or curse thee, have I obstructed thy passage
+to this path trod by the immortals. This is one of the paths to heaven,
+for the celestials; mortals cannot pass this way. But the lake in search
+of which thou hast come, lieth even in that direction.'"
+
+
+SECTION CXLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the powerful Bhimasena of
+mighty arms, affectionately, and with a cheerful heart, bowed unto his
+brother, Hanuman, the monkey-chief, and said in mild words, 'None is
+more fortunate than I am; now have I seen my elder brother. It is a
+great favour shown unto me; and I have been well pleased with thee. Now
+I wish that thou mayst fulfil this desire of mine. I desire to behold, O
+hero, that incomparable form of thine, which thou at that time hadst
+had, in bounding over the main, that abode of sharks and crocodiles.
+Thereby I shall be satisfied, and also believe in thy words.' Thus
+addressed, that mighty monkey said with a smile, 'That form of mine
+neither thou, not any one else can behold. At that age, the state of
+things was different, and doth not exist at present. In the Krita age,
+the state of things was one; and in the Treta, another; and in the
+Dwapara, still another. Diminution is going on this age; and I have not
+that form now. The ground, rivers, plants, and rocks, and _siddhas_,
+gods, and celestial sages conform to Time, in harmony with the state of
+things in the different yugas. Therefore, do not desire to see my former
+shape, O perpetuator of the Kuru race. I am conforming to the tendency
+of the age. Verily, Time is irresistible.' Bhimasena said, 'Tell me of
+the duration of the different yugas, and of the different manners and
+customs and of virtue, pleasure and profit, and of acts, and energy, and
+of life and death in the different yugas.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O
+child, that yuga is called Krita when the one eternal religion was
+extant. And in that best of yugas, every one had religious perfection,
+and, therefore, there was no need of religious acts. And then virtue
+knew no deterioration; nor did people decrease. It is for this that this
+age is called Krita (perfect). But in time the yuga had come to be
+considered as an inferior one. And, O child, in the Krita age, there
+were neither gods, nor demons, nor Gandharvas, nor Yakshas, nor
+Rakshasas, nor Nagas. And there was no buying and selling. And the Sama,
+the Rich, and the Yajus did not exist. And there was no manual labour.
+And then the necessaries of life were obtained only by being thought of.
+And the only merit was in renouncing the world. And during that yuga,
+there was neither disease, nor decay of the senses. And there was
+neither malice, nor pride, nor hypocrisy, nor discord, nor ill-will, nor
+cunning, nor fear, nor misery, nor envy, nor covetousness. And for this,
+that prime refuge of Yogis, even the Supreme Brahma, was attainable to
+all. And Narayana wearing a white hue was the soul of all creatures. And
+in the Krita Yuga, the distinctive characteristics of Brahmanas,
+Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras were natural and these ever stuck to
+their respective duties. And then Brahma was the sole refuge, and their
+manners and customs were naturally adapted to the attainment of Brahma
+and the objects of their knowledge was the sole Brahma, and all their
+acts also had reference to Brahma. In this way all the orders attained
+merit. And one uniform Soul was the object of their meditation; and
+there was only one _mantra_ (the _Om_), and there was one ordinance. And
+although of different characteristics, all of them followed a single
+Veda; and they had one religion. And according to the divisions of time,
+they led the four modes of life, without aiming at any object, and so
+they attained emancipation. The religion consisting in the
+identification of self with Brahma indicates the Krita Yuga. And in the
+Krita Yuga, the virtue of the four orders is throughout entire in
+four-fold measure. Such is the Krita Yuga devoid of the three qualities.
+Do thou also hear from me of the character of the Treta Yuga. In this
+age, sacrifices are introduced, and virtue decreaseth by a quarter. And
+Narayana (who is the Soul of all creatures) assumeth a red colour. And
+men practise truth, and devote themselves to religion and religious
+rites. And thence sacrifices and various religious observances come into
+existence. And in the Treta Yuga people begin to devise means for the
+attainment of an object; and they attain it through acts and gifts. And
+they never deviate from virtue. And they are devoted to asceticism and
+to the bestowal of gifts. And the four orders adhere to their respective
+duties; and perform rites. Such are the men of the Treta Yuga. In the
+Dwapara Yuga, religion decreaseth by one half. And Narayana weareth a
+yellow hue. And the Veda becometh divided into four parts. And then some
+men retain (the knowledge of) the four Vedas, and some of three Vedas,
+and some of one Veda, while others do not know even the Richs. And on
+the Shastras becoming thus divided, acts become multiplied. And largely
+influenced by passion, people engage in asceticism and gifts. And from
+their incapacity to study the entire Veda, it becomes divided into
+several parts. And in consequence of intellect having decreased, few are
+established in truth. And when people fall off from truth, they become
+subject to various diseases; and then lust, and natural calamities
+ensue. And afflicted with these, people betake themselves to penances.
+And some celebrate sacrifices, desiring to enjoy the good things of
+life, or attain heaven. On the coming of the Dwapara Yuga, men become
+degenerate, in consequence of impiety. O son of Kunti, in the Kali Yuga
+a quarter only of virtue abideth. And in the beginning of this iron age,
+Narayana weareth a black hue. And the Vedas and the institutes, and
+virtue, and sacrifices, and religious observances, fall into disuse. And
+(then) reign _iti_[1], and disease, and lassitude, and anger and other
+deformities, and natural calamities, and anguish, and fear of scarcity.
+And as the yugas wane, virtue dwindles. And as virtue dwindles away,
+creatures degenerate. And as creatures degenerate, their natures undergo
+deterioration. And the religious acts performed at the waning of the
+yugas, produce contrary effects. And even those that live for several
+yugas, conform to these changes. O represser of foes, as regards thy
+curiosity to know me, I say this,--Why should a wise person be eager to
+know a superfluous matter? (Thus), O long-armed one, have I narrated in
+full what thou hadst asked me regarding the characteristics of the
+different yugas. Good happen to thee! Do thou return.'"
+
+    [1] It means these six things, unfavourable to crops--excessive
+    rain, drought, rats, locusts, birds, and a neighbouring hostile
+    king.
+
+
+SECTION CXLIX
+
+"Bhimasena said, 'Without beholding thy former shape, I will never go
+away. If I have found favour with thee, do thou then show me thine own
+shape.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Being thus addressed by Bhima, the monkey with
+a smile showed him that form of his in which he had bounded over the
+main. And wishing to gratify his brother, Hanuman assumed a gigantic
+body which (both) in length and breadth increased exceedingly. And that
+monkey of immeasurable effulgence stood there, covering the plantain
+grove furnished with trees, and elevating himself to the height reached
+by the Vindhya. And the monkey, having attained his lofty and gigantic
+body like unto a mountain, furnished with coppery eyes, and sharp teeth,
+and a face marked by frown, lay covering all sides and lashing his long
+tail. And that son of the Kurus, Bhima, beholding that gigantic form of
+his brother, wondered, and the hairs of his body repeatedly stood on
+end. And beholding him like unto the sun in splendour, and unto a golden
+mountain, and also unto the blazing firmament, Bhima closed his eyes.
+Thereupon Hanuman addressed Bhima with a smile, saying, 'O sinless one,
+thou art capable of beholding my size up to this extent. I can, however,
+go on swelling my size as long as I wish. And, O Bhima, amidst foes, my
+size increaseth exceedingly by its own energy.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Witnessing that dreadful and wonderful body of
+Hanuman, like unto the Vindhya mountain, the son of the wind-god became
+bewildered. Then with his down standing erect, the noble-minded Bhima,
+joining his hands, replied unto Hanuman saying (there), 'O lord, by me
+have been beheld the vast dimensions of thy body. Do thou (now), O
+highly powerful one, decrease thyself by thy own power. Surely I cannot
+look at thee, like unto the sun risen, and of immeasurable (power), and
+irrepressible, and resembling the mountain Mainaka. O hero, to-day this
+wonder of my heart is very great, that thou remaining by his side, Rama
+should have encountered Ravana personally. Depending on the strength of
+thy arms, thou wert capable of instantly destroying Lanka, with its
+warriors, and horses, elephants and chariots. Surely, O son of the
+wind-god, there is nothing that is incapable of being achieved by thee;
+and in fight, Ravana together with his followers was no match for thee
+single-handed.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Bhima, Hanuman, the chief of
+monkeys, answered in affectionate words uttered in solemn accents. 'O
+mighty-armed one, O Bharata, it is even as thou sayest. O Bhimasena,
+that worst of Rakshasas was no match for me. But if I had slain
+Ravana--that thorn of the worlds--the glory of Raghu's son would have
+been obscured;--and for this it is that I left him alone. By slaying
+that lord of the Rakshasas together with his followers, and bringing
+back Sita unto his own city, that hero hath established his fame among
+men. Now, O highly wise one, being intent on the welfare of thy
+brothers, and protected by the wind-god, do thou go along a fortunate
+and auspicious way. O foremost of the Kurus, this way will lead thee to
+the Saugandhika wood. (Proceeding in this direction), thou wilt behold
+the gardens of Kuvera, guarded by Yakshas and Rakshasas. Do thou not
+pluck the flowers (there) personally by thy own force; for the gods
+deserve regard specially from mortals. O best of the Bharata race, the
+gods confer their favour (upon men), (being propitiated) by offerings,
+and _homas_, and reverential salutations, and recitation of _mantras_,
+and veneration, O Bharata. Do thou not, therefore, act with rashness, O
+child; and do thou not deviate from the duties of thy order. Sticking to
+the duties of thy order, do thou understand and follow the highest
+morality. Without knowing duties and serving the old, even persons like
+unto Vrihaspati cannot understand profit and religion. One should
+ascertain with discrimination those cases in which vice goeth under the
+name of virtue, and virtue goeth under the name of vice,--(cases) in
+which people destitute of intelligence become perplexed. From religious
+observances proceedeth merit; and in merit are established the Vedas;
+and from the Vedas sacrifices come into existence; and by sacrifices are
+established the gods. The gods are maintained by the (celebration of)
+sacrifices prescribed by the Vedas and the religious ordinances; while
+men maintain themselves by (following) the ordinances of Vrihaspati and
+Usanas and also by these avocations, by which the world is
+maintained,--serving for wages, (receiving) taxes, merchandise,
+agriculture and tending kine and sheep. The world subsisteth by
+profession. The (study of the) three Vedas and agriculture and trade and
+government constitutes, it is ordained by the wise, the professions of
+the twice born ones; and each order maintaineth itself by following the
+profession prescribed for it. And when these callings are properly
+pursued, the world is maintained with ease. If, however, people do not
+righteously lead their lives, the world becometh lawless, in consequence
+of the want of Vedic merit and government. And if people do not resort
+to (their) prescribed vocations, they perish, but by regularly following
+the three professions, they bring about religion. The religion of the
+Brahmanas consisteth in the knowledge of the soul and the hue of that
+order alone is universally the same. The celebration of sacrifices, and
+study and bestowal of gifts are well-known to be the three duties common
+(to all these orders). Officiating at sacrifices, teaching and the
+acceptance of gifts are the duties of a Brahmana. To rule (the subjects)
+is the duty of the Kshatriya; and to tend (cattle), that of the Vaisya,
+while to serve the twice-born orders is said to be the duty of the
+Sudra. The Sudras cannot beg alms, or perform _homas_, or observe vows;
+and they must dwell in the habitation of their masters. Thy vocation, O
+son of Kunti, is that of the Kshatriya, which is to protect (the
+subjects). Do thou carry out thy own duties, in an humble spirit,
+restraining thy senses. That king alone can govern, who taketh counsel
+of experienced men, and is helped by honest, intelligent and learned
+ministers; but a king who is addicted to vices, meeteth with defeat.
+Then only is the order of the world secured, when the king duly
+punisheth and conferreth favours. Therefore, it is necessary to ascertain
+through spies the nature of the hostile country, its fortified places
+and the allied force of the enemy and their prosperity and decay and the
+way in which they retain the adhesion of the powers they have drawn to
+their side. Spies are among the important auxiliaries of the king; and
+tact, diplomacy, prowess, chastisement, favour and cleverness lead to
+success. And success is to be attained through these, either in
+separation, or combined--namely, conciliation, gift, sowing dissensions,
+chastisement, and sight. And, O chief of the Bharatas, polity hath for
+its root diplomacy; and diplomacy also is the main qualification of
+spies. And polity, if well judged conferreth success. Therefore, in
+matters of polity the counsels of Brahmanas should be resorted to. And
+in secret affairs, these should not be consulted,--namely, a woman, a
+sot, a boy, a covetous person, a mean-minded individual, and he that
+betrayeth signs of insanity. Wise men only should be consulted, and
+affairs are to be despatched through officers that are able. And polity
+must be executed through persons that are friendly; but dunces should in
+all affairs be excluded. In matters religious, pious men; and in matters
+of gain, wise men; and in guarding families, eunuchs; and in all crooked
+affairs, crooked men, must be employed. And the propriety or impropriety
+of the resolution of the enemy, as also their strength or weakness, must
+be ascertained through one's own as well as hostile spies. Favour should
+be shown to honest persons that have prudently sought protection; but
+lawless and disobedient individuals should be punished. And when the
+king justly punisheth and showeth favour, the dignity of the law is well
+maintained. O son of Pritha, thus have I expounded, unto thee the hard
+duties of kings difficult to comprehend. Do thou with equanimity
+observe these as prescribed for thy order. The Brahmanas attain heaven
+through merit, mortification of the senses, and sacrifice. The Vaisyas
+attain excellent state through gifts, hospitality, and religious acts.
+The Kshatriyas attain the celestial regions by protecting and chastising
+the subjects, uninfluenced by lust, malice, avarice and anger. If kings
+justly punish (their subjects), they go to the place whither repair
+meritorious persons.'"
+
+
+SECTION CL
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then contracting that huge body of his, which he had
+assumed at will, the monkey with his arms again embraced Bhimasena. And
+O Bharata, on Bhima being embraced by his brother, his fatigue went off,
+and all (the powers of body) as also his strength were restored. And
+having gained great accession of strength, he thought that there was
+none equal to him in physical power. And with tears in his eyes, the
+monkey from affection again addressed Bhima in choked utterance, saying,
+'O hero, repair to thy own abode. May I be incidentally remembered by
+thee in thy talk! O best of Kurus, do not tell any one that I abide
+here. O thou of great strength, the most excellent of the wives of the
+gods and Gandharvas resort to this place, and the time of their arrival
+is nigh. My eyes have been blessed (by seeing thee). And, O Bhima,
+having felt a human being by coming in contact with thee, I have been
+put in mind of that son of Raghu, who was Vishnu himself under the name
+of Rama, and who delighted the heart of the world; and who was as the
+sun in regard to the lotus face of Sita, and also to that
+darkness--Ravana. Therefore, O heroic son of Kunti, let not thy meeting
+with me be fruitless. Do thou with fraternal feeling ask of me a boon, O
+Bharata. If this be thy wish, that going to Varanavata, I may destroy
+the insignificant sons of Dhritarashtra--even this will I immediately
+do. Or if this be thy wish that, that city may be ground by me with
+rocks, or that I may bind Duryodhana and bring him before thee, even
+this will I do to-day, O thou of mighty strength.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of that high-souled one,
+Bhimasena with a cheerful heart answered Hanuman, saying, 'O foremost of
+monkeys, I take all this as already performed by thee. Good happen to
+thee. O mighty-armed one! I ask of thee this,--be thou well pleased with
+me. O powerful one, on thy having become our protector, the Pandavas
+have found help. Even by thy prowess shall we conquer all foes.' Thus
+addressed, Hanuman said unto Bhimasena, 'From fraternal feeling and
+affection, I will do good unto thee, by diving into the army of thy foes
+copiously furnished with arrows and javelins. And, O highly powerful
+one, O hero, when thou shall give leonine roars, then shall I with my
+own, add force to shouts. Remaining on the flagstaff of Arjuna's car
+will I emit fierce shouts that will damp the energy of thy foes. Thereby
+ye will slay them easily.' Having said this unto Pandu's son, and also
+pointed him out the way. Hanuman vanished at that spot."
+
+
+SECTION CLI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of monkeys had gone away, Bhima,
+the best of strong men, began to range the huge Gandhamadana along that
+path. And he went on, thinking of Hanuman's body and splendour
+unrivalled on earth, and also of the greatness and dignity of
+Dasaratha's son. And proceeding in search of the place filled with
+lotuses of that kind, Bhima beheld romantic woods, and groves, and
+rivers, and lakes graced with trees bearing blossoms, and flowery
+woodlands variegated with various flowers. And, O Bharata, he beheld
+herds of mad elephants besmeared with mud, resembling masses of pouring
+clouds. And that graceful one went on with speed, beholding by the
+wayside woods wherein there stood with their mates deer of quick
+glances, holding the grass in their mouths. And fearless from prowess,
+Bhimasena, as if invited by the breeze-shaken trees of the forest ever
+fragrant with flowers, bearing delicate coppery twigs, plunged into the
+mountainous regions inhabited by buffaloes, bears and leopards. And on
+the way, he passed by lotus-lakes haunted by maddened black-bees, having
+romantic descents and woods, and on account of the presence of
+lotus-buds, appearing as if they had joined their hands (before Bhima).
+And having for his provisions on the journey the words of Draupadi,
+Bhima went on with speed, his mind and sight fixed on the blooming
+slopes of the mountain. And when the sun passed the meridian, he saw in
+the forest scattered over with deer, a mighty river filled with fresh
+golden lotuses. And being crowded with swans and Karandavas, and graced
+with Chakravakas, the river looked like a garland of fresh lotuses put
+on by the mountain. And in that river that one of great strength found
+the extensive assemblage of Saugandhika lotuses, effulgent as the rising
+sun, and delightful to behold. And beholding it, Pandu's son thought
+within himself that his object had been gained, and also mentally
+presented himself before his beloved worn out by exile."
+
+
+SECTION CLII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having reached that spot, Bhimasena saw in the
+vicinity of the Kailasa cliff, that beautiful lotus lake surrounded by
+lovely woods, and guarded by the Rakshasas. And it sprang from the
+cascades contiguous to the abode of Kuvera. And it was beautiful to
+behold, and was furnished with a wide-spreading shade and abounded in
+various trees and creepers and was covered with green lilies. And this
+unearthly lake was filled with golden lotuses, and swarmed with diverse
+species of birds. And its banks were beautiful and devoid of mud. And
+situated on the rocky elevation this expanse of excellent water was
+exceedingly fair. And it was the wonder of the world and healthful and
+of romantic sight. In that lake the son of Kunti saw, the water of
+ambrosial taste and cool and light and clear and fresh; and the Pandava
+drank of it profusely. And that unearthly receptacle of waters was
+covered with celestial Saugandhika lotuses, and was also spread over
+with beautiful variegated golden lotuses of excellent fragrance having
+graceful stalks of _lapis lazulis_. And swayed by swans and Karandavas,
+these lotuses were scattering fresh farina. And this lake was the
+sporting region of the high-souled Kuvera, the king of the Yakshas. And
+it was held in high regard by the Gandharvas, the Apsaras and the
+celestials. And it was frequented by the celestial sages and the Yakshas
+and the Kimpurushas and the Rakshasas and the Kinnaras; and it was
+well-protected by Kuvera. And as soon as he beheld that river and that
+unearthly lake, Kunti's son, Bhimasena of mighty strength became
+exceedingly delighted. And agreeably to the mandate of their king,
+hundreds and thousands of Rakshasas, named Krodhavasas, were guarding
+that lake, wearing uniforms and armed with various weapons. And as that
+repressor of foes, Kunti's son, the heroic Bhima of dreadful prowess,
+clad in deer-skins and wearing golden armlets and equipped with weapons
+and girding his sword on, was fearlessly proceeding, with the view of
+gathering the lotus, those (Rakshasas) saw him and immediately began to
+address each other, shouting forth, 'It behoveth you to enquire for the
+errand on which this foremost of men, clad in deer skins, and equipped
+with arms, hath come.' Then they all approached the effulgent Vrikodara
+of mighty arms and asked, 'Who art thou? Thou shouldst answer our
+questions. We see thee in the guise of an ascetic and yet armed with
+weapons. O thou of mighty intelligence, do thou unfold unto us the
+object with which thou hast come (hither).'"
+
+
+SECTION CLIII
+
+"Bhima said, 'I am the son of Pandu, and next by birth to Yudhishthira
+the just, and my name is Bhimasena. O Rakshasas, I have come with my
+brothers to the jujube named Visala. At that place, Panchali saw an
+excellent Saugandhika lotus, which, of a certainty, was carried thither
+by the wind from this region. She wisheth to have those flowers in
+abundance. Know ye, ye Rakshasas, that I am engaged in fulfilling the
+desire of my wedded wife of faultless features, and have come hither to
+procure the flowers.' Thereat the Rakshasas said, 'O foremost of men,
+this spot is dear unto Kuvera, and it is his sporting region. Men
+subject to death cannot sport here. O Vrikodara, the celestial sages,
+and the gods taking the permission of the chief of the Yakshas, drink of
+this lake, and sport herein. And, O Pandava, the Gandharvas and the
+Apsaras also divert themselves in this lake. That wicked person who,
+disregarding the lord of treasures, unlawfully attempteth to sport here,
+without doubt, meeteth with destruction. Disregarding him, thou seekest
+to take away the lotuses from this place by main force. Why then dost
+thou say that thou art the brother of Yudhishthira the just? First,
+taking the permission of the lord of Yakshas, do thou drink of this lake
+and take away the flowers. If thou dost not do this, thou shall not be
+able even to glance at a single lotus.' Bhimasena said, 'Ye Rakshasas, I
+do not see the lord of wealth here. And even if I did see that mighty
+king, I would not beseech him: Kshatriyas never beseech (any body). This
+is the eternal morality; and I by no means wish to forsake the Kshatriya
+morality. And, further this lotus-lake hath sprung from the cascades of
+the mountain; it hath not been excavated in the mansion of Kuvera.
+Therefore it belongeth equally to all creatures with Vaisravana. In
+regard to a thing of such a nature, who goeth to beseech another?'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having said this unto the Rakshasas, the
+mighty-armed and exceedingly unforbearing Bhimasena of great strength
+plunged into the lotus-lake. Thereat that powerful one was forbidden by
+the Rakshasas, saying, 'Do not do this;' and they from all sides began
+to abuse him in anger. But slighting these Rakshasas, that mighty one of
+dreadful prowess plunged (farther and farther). Now they all prepared
+for opposing him. And with eyes rolling, they upraised their arms, and
+rushed in wrath at Bhimasena, exclaiming, 'Seize him! Bind him! Hew him!
+We shall cook Bhimasena, and eat him up!' Thereupon that one of great
+force, taking his ponderous and mighty mace inlaid with golden plates,
+like unto the mace of Yama himself, turned towards those, and then said,
+'Stay!' At this, they darted at him with vehemence, brandishing lances,
+and axes, and other weapons. And wishing to destroy Bhima, the dreadful
+and fierce Krodhavasas surrounded Bhima on all sides. But that one,
+being endued with strength, had been begotten by Vayu in the womb of
+Kunti; and he was heroic and energetic, and the slayer of foes, and ever
+devoted to virtue and truth, and incapable of being vanquished by
+enemies through prowess. Accordingly this high-souled Bhima defeating
+all the manoeuvres of the foes, and breaking their arms, killed on the
+banks of the lake more than a hundred, commencing with the foremost. And
+then witnessing his prowess and strength, and the force of his skill,
+and also the might of his arms, and unable to bear (the onset), those
+prime heroes all of a sudden fled on all sides in bands.
+
+"Beaten and pierced by Bhimasena, those Krodhavasas quitted the field of
+battle, and in confusion quickly fled towards the Kailasa cliff,
+supporting themselves in the sky. Having thus by the exercise of his
+prowess defeated those hosts, even as Sakra had defeated the armies of
+Daityas and Danavas, he (Bhima), now that he had conquered the enemy,
+plunged into the lake and began to gather the lotuses, with the object
+of gaining his purpose. And as he drank of the waters, like unto nectar,
+his energy and strength were again fully restored; and he fell to
+plucking and gathering Saugandhika lotuses of excellent fragrance. On
+the other hand, the Krodhavasas, being driven by the might of Bhima and
+exceedingly terrified, presented themselves before the lord of wealth,
+and gave an exact account of Bhima's prowess and strength in fight.
+Hearing their words, the god (Kuvera) smiled and then said, 'Let Bhima
+take for Krishna as many lotuses as he likes. This is already known to
+me.' Thereupon taking the permission of the lord of wealth, those
+(Rakshasas) renouncing anger, went to that foremost of the Kurus, and in
+that lotus-lake beheld Bhima alone, disporting in delight."
+
+
+SECTION CLIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then, O best of the Bharatas, Bhima began to collect
+those rare unearthly, variegated and fresh flowers in abundance.
+
+"And it came to pass that a high and violent wind, piercing to the
+touch, and blowing about gravels, arose, portending battle. And
+frightful meteors began to shoot, with thundering sounds. And being
+enveloped by darkness, the sun became pale, his rays being obscured. And
+on Bhima displaying his prowess, dreadful sounds of explosion rang
+through the sky. And the earth began to tremble, and dust fell in
+showers. And the points of the heavens became reddened. And beasts and
+birds began to cry in shrill tones. And every thing became enveloped in
+darkness; and nothing could be distinguished. And other evil omens
+besides these appeared there. Witnessing these strange phenomena,
+Dharma's son Yudhishthira, the foremost of speakers, said, 'Who is it
+that will overcome us? Ye Pandavas who take delight in battle, good
+betide you! Do ye equip yourselves. From what I see, I infer that the
+time for the display of our prowess hath drawn nigh.' Having said this,
+the king looked around. Then not finding Bhima, that represser of foes,
+Dharma's son, Yudhishthira, enquired of Krishna and the twins standing
+near regarding his brother, Bhima, the doer of dreadful deeds in battle,
+saying, 'O Panchali, is Bhima intent upon performing some great feat, or
+hath that one delighting in daring deeds already achieved some brave
+deed? Portending some great danger, these omens have appeared all
+around, indicating a fearful battle.' When Yudhishthira said this, his
+beloved queen, the high-minded Krishna of sweet smiles, answered him, in
+order to remove his anxiety. 'O king, that Saugandhika lotus which
+to-day had been brought by the wind, I had out of love duly shown unto
+Bhimasena; and I had also said unto that hero, If thou canst find many
+of this species, procuring even all of them, do thou return speedily,--O
+Pandava, that mighty armed one, with the view of gratifying my desire,
+may have gone towards the north-east to bring them.' Having heard these
+words of hers, the king said unto the twins, 'Let us together follow the
+path taken by Vrikodara. Let the Rakshasas carry those Brahmanas that
+are fatigued and weak. O Ghatotkacha, O thou like unto a celestial, do
+thou carry Krishna. I am convinced and it is plain that Bhima hath dived
+into the forest; for it is long since he hath gone, and in speed he
+resembleth the wind, and in clearing over the ground, he is swift like
+unto Vinata's son, and he will ever leap into the sky, and alight at his
+will. O Rakshasas, we shall follow him through your prowess. He will not
+at first do any wrong to the Siddhas versed in the Vedas.' O best of the
+Bharatas, saying, 'So be it,' Hidimva's son and the other Rakshasas who
+knew the quarter where the lotus lake of Kuvera was situated, started
+cheerfully with Lomasa, bearing the Pandavas, and many of the Brahmanas.
+Having shortly reached that spot, they saw that romantic lake covered
+with Saugandhika and other lotuses and surrounded by beautiful woods.
+And on its shores they beheld the high-souled and vehement Bhima, as
+also the slaughtered Yakshas of large eyes, with their bodies, eyes,
+arms and thighs smashed, and their heads crushed. And on seeing the
+high-souled Bhima, standing on the shore of that lake in an angry mood,
+and with steadfast eyes, and biting his lip, and stationed on the shore
+of the lake with his mace upraised by his two hands, like unto Yama with
+his mace in his hand at the time of the universal dissolution,
+Yudhishthira the just, embraced him again and again, and said in sweet
+words, 'O Kaunteya, what hast thou done? Good betide thee! If thou
+wishest to do good unto me, thou shouldst never again commit such a rash
+act, nor offend the gods.' Having thus instructed the son of Kunti, and
+taken the flowers those god-like ones began to sport in that very lake.
+At this instant, the huge-bodied warders of the gardens, equipped with
+rocks for weapons, presented themselves at the spot. And seeing
+Yudhishthira the just and the great sage Lomasa and Nakula and Sahadeva
+and also the other foremost of Brahmanas, they all bowed themselves down
+in humility. And being pacified by Yudhishthira the just, the Rakshasas
+became satisfied. And with the knowledge of Kuvera, those foremost of
+Kurus for a short time dwelt pleasantly at that spot on the slopes of
+the Gandhamadana, expecting Arjuna."
+
+
+SECTION CLV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Once upon a time Yudhishthira, while living at that
+place, addressed Krishna, his brother, and the Brahmanas, saying, 'By us
+have been attentively seen one after another sacred and auspicious
+_tirthas_, and woods, delightful to beheld, which had ere this been
+visited by the celestials and the high-souled sages, and which had been
+worshipped by the Brahmanas. And in various sacred asylums we have
+performed ablutions with Brahmanas, and have heard from them the lives
+and acts of many sages, and also of many royal sages of yore, and other
+pleasant stories. And with flowers and water have the gods been
+worshipped by us. And with offerings of fruits and roots as available at
+each place we have gratified the _pitris_. And with the high-souled ones
+have we performed ablutions in all sacred and beautiful mountains and
+lakes, and also in the highly sacred ocean. And with the Brahmanas we
+have bathed in the Ila, and in the Saraswati, and in the Sindhu, and in
+the Yamuna, and in the Narmada, and in various other romantic _tirthas_.
+And having passed the source of the Ganga, we have seen many a lovely
+hill and the Himalaya mountains, inhabited by various species of birds,
+and also the jujube named Visala, where there is the hermitage of Nara
+and Narayana. And (finally) we have beheld this unearthly lake, held in
+veneration by the Siddhas, the gods and the sages. In fact, O foremost
+of Brahmanas, we have one by one carefully seen all celebrated and
+sacred spots in company with the high-souled Lomasa. Now, O Bhima, how
+shall we repair to the sacred abode of Vaisravana, inhabited by the
+Siddhas? Do thou think of the means of entering (the same).'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When that king had said this, an aerial voice spake,
+saying. 'Thou will not be able to go to that inaccessible spot. By this
+very way, do thou repair from this region of Kuvera to the place whence
+thou hadst come even to the hermitage of Nara and Narayana, known by the
+name of Vadari. Thence, O Kaunteya, thou wilt repair to the hermitage of
+Vrishaparva, abounding in flowers and fruit, and inhabited by the
+Siddhas and the Charanas. Having passed that, O Partha, thou wilt
+proceed to the hermitage of Arshtishena, and from thence thou wilt behold
+the abode of Kuvera.' Just at that moment the breeze became fresh, and
+gladsome and cool and redolent of unearthly fragrance; and it showered
+blossoms, And on hearing the celestial voice from the sky, they all were
+amazed,--more specially those earthly _rishis_ and the Brahmanas. On
+hearing this mighty marvel, the Brahmana Dhaumya, said, 'This should not
+be gainsaid. O Bharata, let this be so.' Thereupon, king Yudhishthira
+obeyed him. And having returned to the hermitage of Nara and Narayana,
+he began to dwell pleasantly, surrounded by Bhimasena and his other
+brothers, Panchali, and the Brahmanas."
+
+
+SECTION CLVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dwelling with the Brahmanas in that best
+of mountains, in expectation of Arjuna's return, when the Pandavas had
+grown confident and when all those Rakshasas together with Bhima's son
+had departed, one day while Bhimasena was away, a Rakshasa all of a
+sudden carried off Yudhishthira the just and the twins and Krishna. That
+Rakshasa (in the guise of a Brahmana) had constantly remained in the
+company of the Pandavas, alleging that he was a high-class Brahmana,
+skilled in counsel, and versed in all the _Sastras_. His object was to
+possess himself of the bows, the quivers and the other material
+implements belonging to the Pandavas; and he had been watching for an
+opportunity of ravishing Draupadi. And that wicked and sinful one was
+named Jatasura. And, O king of kings, Pandu's son (Yudhishthira) had
+been supporting him, but knew not that wretch like unto a fire covered
+with ashes.
+
+"And once on a day while that represser of foes, Bhimasena, was out
+hunting, he (the Rakshasa), seeing Ghatotkacha and his followers scatter
+in different directions and seeing those vow-observing great _rishis_,
+of ascetic wealth, viz., Lomasa and the rest, away for bathing and
+collecting flowers, assumed a different form, gigantic and monstrous and
+frightful; and having secured all the arms (of the Pandavas) as also
+Draupadi, that wicked one fled away taking the three Pandavas. Thereupon
+that son of Pandu, Sahadeva, extricated himself with exertion, and by
+force snatched the sword named Kausika from the grasp of the enemy and
+began to call Bhimasena, taking the direction in which that mighty one
+had gone. And on being carried off Yudhishthira the just, addressed him
+(that Rakshasa), saying, 'O stupid one, thy merit decreaseth (even by
+this act of thine). Dost thou not pay heed unto the established order of
+nature? Whether belonging to the human race, or to the lower orders, all
+pay regard to virtue,--more specially the Rakshasas. In the first
+instance, they knew virtue better than others. Having considered all
+these, thou ought to adhere to virtue. O Rakshasa, the gods, the
+_pitris_, the Siddhas, the _rishis_, the Gandharvas, the brutes and even
+the worms and ants depend for their lives on men; and thou too liveth
+through that agency. If prosperity attendeth the human race, thy race
+also prospereth; and if calamities befall the former, even the
+celestials suffer grief. Being gratified by offerings, do the gods
+thrive. O Rakshasa, we are the guardians, governors and preceptors of
+kingdoms. If kingdoms become unprotected, whence can proceed prosperity
+and happiness? Unless there be offence, a Rakshasa should not violate a
+king. O man-eating one, we have committed no wrong, ever so little.
+Living on _vighasa_, we serve the gods and others to the best of our
+power. And we are ever intent upon bowing down to our superiors and
+Brahmanas. A friend, and one confiding, and he whose food hath been
+partaken of, and he that hath afforded shelter, should never be injured.
+Thou hast lived in our place happily, being duly honoured. And, O
+evil-minded one, having partaken of our food, how canst thou carry us
+off? And as thy acts are so improper and as thou hast grown in age
+without deriving any benefit and as thy propensities are evil, so thou
+deservest to die for nothing, and for nothing wilt thou die to-day. And
+if thou beest really evil-disposed and devoid of all virtue, do thou
+render us back our weapons and ravish Draupadi after fight. But if
+through stupidity thou must do this deed, then in the world thou wilt
+only reap demerit and infamy. O Rakshasa, by doing violence to this
+female of the human race, thou hast drunk poison, after having shaken
+the vessel.' Thereupon, Yudhishthira made himself ponderous to the
+Rakshasa. And being oppressed with the weight, he could not proceed
+rapidly as before. Then addressing Draupadi, Nakula and Sahadeva,
+Yudhishthira said, 'Do ye not entertain any fear of this wretched
+Rakshasa, I have checked his speed. The mighty-armed son of the Wind-god
+may not be far away; and on Bhima coming up at the next moment, the
+Rakshasa will not live.' O king, staring at the Rakshasa bereft of
+sense, Sahadeva addressed Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, saying, 'What
+can be more meritorious for a Kshatriya than to fall in fight, or defeat
+a foe? O repressor of foes, we will fight and either this one will slay
+us, or we shall slay him, O mighty-armed one. Verily this is the place
+and time, O king. And, O thou of unfailing prowess, the time hath come
+for the display of our Kshatriya virtue. It behoveth us to attain heaven
+either by gaining victory or being slain. If the sun sets to-day, the
+Rakshasa living yet, O Bharata, I will not any more say that I am a
+Kshatriya. Ho! Ho! Rakshasa, say! I am Pandu's son, Sahadeva. Either,
+after having killed me, carry off this lady, or being slain, lie
+senseless here.'
+
+"Madri's son, Sahadeva, was speaking thus, when Bhimasena made his
+appearance, with a mace in his hand, like unto Vasava himself wielding
+the thunder-bolt. And here he saw his two brothers and the noble-minded
+Draupadi (on the shoulders of the demon), and Sahadeva on the ground
+rebuking the Rakshasa and also that stupid Rakshasa himself deprived of
+sense by Fate, going round in different directions through bewilderment
+caused by Destiny. And finding his brothers and Draupadi being carried
+off, Bhima of mighty strength was fired with wrath, and addressed the
+Rakshasa, saying, 'I had ere this found thee out for a wicked wight from
+thy scrutiny of our weapons; but as I had no apprehension of thee, so I
+had not slain thee at that time. Thou wert in the disguise of a
+Brahmana--nor didst thou say anything harsh unto us. And thou didst take
+delight in pleasing us. And thou also didst not do us wrong. And,
+furthermore, thou wert our guest. How could I, therefore, slay thee, who
+wert thus innocent of offence, and who wert in the disguise of a
+Brahmana? He that knowing such a one to be even a Rakshasa, slayeth him,
+goes to hell. Further, thou canst not be killed before the time cometh.
+Surely to-day thou hast reached the fullness of thy time in as much as
+thy mind hath been thus turned by the wonder-performing Fate towards
+carrying off Krishna. By committing thyself to this deed, thou hast
+swallowed up the hook fastened to the line of Fate. So like unto a fish
+in water, whose mouth hath been hooked, how canst thou live to-day? Thou
+shall not have to go whither thou intendest to, or whither thou hadst
+already gone mentally; but thou shall go whither have repaired Vaka and
+Hidimva.'
+
+"Thus addressed by Bhima, the Rakshasa in alarm put them down; and being
+forced by Fate, approached for fight. And with his lips trembling in
+anger he spake unto Bhima, saying, 'Wretch! I have not been bewildered;
+I had been delaying for thee. Today will I offer oblations of thy blood
+to those Rakshasas who, I had heard, have been slain by thee in fight.'
+Thus addressed, Bhima, as if bursting with wrath, like unto Yama himself
+at the time of the universal dissolution, rushed towards the Rakshasa,
+licking the corners of his mouth and staring at him as he struck his own
+arms with the hands. And seeing Bhima waiting in expectation of fight,
+the Rakshasa also darted towards him in anger, like unto Vali towards
+the wielder of the thunderbolt, repeatedly gaping and licking the
+corners of his mouth. And when a dreadful wrestling ensued between those
+two, both the sons of Madri, waxing exceeding wroth rushed forward; but
+Kunti's son, Vrikodara, forbade them with a smile and said, 'Witness ye!
+I am more than a match for this Rakshasa. By my own self and by my
+brothers, and by my merit, and by my good deeds, and by my sacrifices,
+do I swear that I shall slay this Rakshasa.' And after this was said,
+those two heroes, the Rakshasa and Vrikodara challenging each other,
+caught each other by the arms. And they not forgiving each other, then
+there ensued a conflict between the infuriated Bhima and the Rakshasa,
+like unto that between a god and a demon. And repeatedly uprooting
+trees, those two of mighty strength struck each other, shouting and
+roaring like two masses of clouds. And those foremost of athletes, each
+wishing to kill the other, and rushing at the other with vehemence,
+broke down many a gigantic tree by their thighs. Thus that encounter
+with trees, destructive of plants, went on like unto that between the
+two brothers Vali and Sugriva--desirous of the possession of a single
+woman. Brandishing trees for a moment, they struck each other with them,
+shouting incessantly. And when all the trees of the spot had been pulled
+down and crushed into fibres by them endeavouring to kill each other,
+then, O Bharata, those two of mighty strength, taking up rocks, began to
+fight for a while, like unto a mountain and a mighty mass of clouds. And
+not suffering each other, they fell to striking each other with hard and
+large crags, resembling vehement thunder-bolts. Then from strength
+defying each other, they again darted at each other, and grasping each
+other by their arms, began to wrestle like unto two elephants. And next
+they dealt each other fierce blows. And then those two mighty ones began
+to make chattering sounds by gnashing their teeth. And at length, having
+clenched his fist like a five-headed snake, Bhima with force dealt a
+blow on the neck of the Rakshasa. And when struck by that fist of Bhima,
+the Rakshasa became faint, Bhimasena stood, catching hold of that
+exhausted one. And then the god-like mighty-armed Bhima lifted him with
+his two arms, and dashing him with force on the ground, the son of Pandu
+smashed all his limbs. And striking him with his elbow, he severed from
+his body the head with bitten lips and rolling eyes, like unto a fruit
+from its stem. And Jatasura's head being severed by Bhimasena's might,
+he fell besmeared with gore, and having bitten lips. Having slain
+Jatasura, Bhima presented himself before Yudhishthira, and the foremost
+Brahmanas began to eulogise him (Bhima) even as the Marutas (eulogise)
+Vasava."
+
+
+SECTION CLVII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "On that Rakshasa having been slain, that lord,
+the royal son of Kunti, returned to the hermitage of Narayana and began
+to dwell there. And once on a time, remembering his brother Jaya
+(Arjuna), Yudhishthira summoned all his brothers, together with Draupadi
+and said these words, 'We have passed these four years peacefully
+ranging the woods. It hath been appointed by Vibhatsu that about the
+fifth year he will come to that monarch of mountains, the excellent
+cliff Sweta, ever graced with festivities held by blooming plants and
+maddened Kokilas and black bees, and peacocks, and chatakas and
+inhabited by tigers, and boars and buffaloes, and gavayas, and deer, and
+ferocious beasts; and sacred; and lovely with blown lotuses of a hundred
+and a thousand petals, and blooming lilies and blue lilies and
+frequented by the celestials and the Asuras. And we also, eagerly
+anxious of meeting him on his arrival have made up our minds to repair
+thither. Partha of unrivalled prowess hath appointed with me, saying, "I
+shall remain abroad for five years, with the object of learning military
+science." In the place like unto the region of the gods, shall we behold
+the wielder of Gandiva arrive after having obtained the weapons.' Having
+said this, the Pandava summoned the Brahmanas, and the sons of Pritha
+having gone round the ascetics of rigid austerities and thereby pleased
+them, informed them of the matter mentioned above. Thereupon the
+Brahmanas gave their assent, saying, 'This shall be attended by
+prosperity and welfare. O foremost of the Bharatas, these troubles shall
+result in happiness. O pious one, gaining the earth by the Kshatriya
+virtue, thou shall govern it.' Then in obedience to these words of the
+ascetics, that represser of foes, Yudhishthira, set out with his
+brothers and those Brahmanas, followed by the Rakshasa and protected by
+Lomasa. And that one of mighty energy, and of staunch vows, with his
+brothers, at places went on foot and at others were carried by the
+Rakshasas. Then king Yudhishthira, apprehending many troubles, proceeded
+towards the north abounding in lions and tigers and elephants. And
+beholding on the way the mountain Mainaka and the base of the
+Gandhamadana and that rocky mass Sweta and many a crystal rivulet higher
+and higher up the mountain, he reached on the seventeenth day the sacred
+slopes of the Himalayas. And, O king, not far from the Gandhamadana,
+Pandu's son beheld on the sacred slopes of the Himavan covered with
+various trees and creepers the holy hermitage of Vrishaparva surrounded
+by blossoming trees growing near the cascades. And when those repressers
+of foes, the sons of Pandu, had recovered from fatigue, they went to the
+royal sage, the pious Vrishaparva and greeted him. And that royal sage
+received with affection those foremost of Bharatas, even as his own
+sons. And those repressers of foes passed there seven nights, duly
+regarded. And when the eighth day came, taking the permission of that
+sage celebrated over the worlds, they prepared to start on their
+journey. And having one by one introduced unto Vrishapava those
+Brahmanas, who, duly honoured, remained in his charge as friends; and
+having also entrusted the highsouled Vrishaparva with their remaining
+robes, the sons of Pandu, O king, left in the hermitage of Vrishaparva
+their sacrificial vessels together with their ornaments and jewels. And
+wise and pious and versed in every duty and having a knowledge of the
+past as well as the future, that one gave instructions unto those best
+of the Bharatas, as unto his own sons. Then taking his permission those
+high-souled ones set out towards the north. And as they set out the
+magnanimous Vrishaparva followed them to a certain distance. Then having
+entrusted the Pandavas unto the care of the Brahmanas and instructed and
+blessed them and given directions concerning their course, Vrishaparva
+of mighty energy retraced his steps.
+
+"Then Kunti's son, Yudhishthira of unfailing prowess, together with his
+brothers, began to proceed on foot along the mountain path, inhabited by
+various kinds of beasts. And having dwelt at the mountain slopes,
+densely overgrown with trees, Pandu's son on the fourth day reached the
+Sweta mountain, like unto a mighty mass of clouds, abounding in streams
+and consisting of a mass of gold and gems. And taking the way directed
+by Vrishaparva, they reached one by one the intended places, beholding
+various mountains. And over and over they passed with ease many
+inaccessible rocks and exceedingly impassable caves of the mountain. And
+Dhaumya and Krishna and the Parthas and the mighty sage Lomasa went on
+in a body and none grew tired. And those highly fortunate ones arrived
+at the sacred and mighty mountain resounding with the cries of birds and
+beasts and covered with various trees and creepers and inhabited by
+monkeys, and romantic and furnished with many lotus-lakes and having
+marshes and extensive forests. And then with their down standing erect,
+they saw the mountain Gandhamadana, the abode of Kimpurushas, frequented
+by Siddhas and Charanas and ranged by Vidyadharis and Kinnaris and
+inhabited by herds of elephants and thronged with lions and tigers and
+resounding with the roars of Sarabhas and attended by various beasts.
+And the war-like sons of Pandu gradually entered into the forest of the
+Gandhamadana, like unto the Nandana gardens, delightful to the mind and
+heart and worthy of being inhabited and having beautiful groves. And as
+those heroes entered with Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas, they
+heard notes uttered by the mouths of birds, exceedingly sweet and
+graceful to the ear and causing delight and dulcet and broken by reason
+of excess of animal spirits. And they saw various trees bending under
+the weight of fruits in all seasons, and ever bright with flowers--such
+as mangoes and hog-plums and bhavyas and pomegranates, citrons and jacks
+and lakuchas and plantains and aquatic reeds and parvatas and champakas
+and lovely kadamvas and vilwas, wood-apples and rose-apples and kasmaris
+and jujubes and figs and glomerous figs and banians and aswatthas and
+khirikas and bhall atakas and amalkas and bibhitakas and ingudas and
+karamardas and tindukas of large fruits--these and many others on the
+slopes of the Gandhamadana, clustered with sweet and nectarine fruits.
+And besides these, they beheld champakas and asokas and ketakas and
+vakulas and punnagas and saptaparnas and karnikaras, and patals, and
+beautiful kutajas and mandaras, and lotuses, and parijatas, and
+kovidaras and devadarus, and salas, and palmyra palms, and tamalas, and
+pippalas, and salmalis and kinsukas, and singsapas, and saralas and
+these were inhabited by Chakoras, and wood-peckers and chatakas, and
+various other birds, singing in sweet tones pleasing to the ear. And
+they saw lakes beautiful on all sides with aquatic birds, and covered
+all around with kumudas, and pundarikas, and kokanadas, and utpalas, and
+kalharas, and kamalas and thronged on all sides with drakes and ruddy
+geese, and ospreys, and gulls and karandavas, and plavas, and swans, and
+cranes, and shags, and other aquatic birds. And those foremost of men
+saw those lotus-lakes beautified with assemblages of lotuses, and
+ringing with the sweet hum of bees, glad, and drowsy on account of
+having drunk the intoxicating honey of lotuses, and reddened with the
+farina falling from the lotus cups. And in the groves they beheld with
+their hens peacocks maddened with desire caused by the notes of
+cloud-trumpets; and those woods-loving glad peacocks drowsy with desire,
+were dancing, spreading in dalliance their gorgeous tails, and were
+crying in melodious notes. And some of the peacocks were sporting with
+their mates on kutaja trees covered with creepers. And some sat on the
+boughs of the kutajas, spreading their gorgeous tails, and looking like
+crowns worn by the trees. And in the glades they beheld the graceful
+sindhuvaras like unto the darts of Cupid. And on the summits of the
+mountain, they saw blooming karnikaras bearing blossoms of a golden hue,
+appearing like ear-rings of excellent make. And in the forest they saw
+blossoming kuruvakas, like unto the shafts of Cupid, which smiteth one
+with desire and maketh him uneasy. And they saw tilakas appearing like
+unto beauty-spots painted on the forehead of the forest. And they saw
+mango trees graced with blossoms hummed over by black bees, and serving
+the purpose of Cupid's shafts. And on the slopes of the mountain there
+were diverse blossoming trees, looking lovely, some bearing flowers of a
+golden hue, and some, of the hue of the forest-conflagration, and some,
+red and some sable, and some green like unto lapises. And besides these,
+there were ranges of salas and tamalas and patalas and vakula trees,
+like unto garlands put on by the summits of the mountain. Thus gradually
+beholding on the slopes of the mountain many lakes, looking transparent
+like crystal, and having swans of white plumage and resounding with
+cries of cranes, and filled with lotuses and lilies, and furnished with
+waters of delicious feel; and also beholding fragrant flowers, and
+luscious fruits, and romantic lakes, and captivating trees, the Pandavas
+penetrated into the forest with eyes expanded with wonder. And (as they
+proceeded) they were fanned by the breeze of balmy feel, and perfumed by
+kamalas and utpalas and kalharas and pundarikas. Then Yudhishthira
+pleasantly spake unto Bhima saying, 'Ah! O Bhima, beautiful is this
+forest of the Gandhamadana. In this romantic forest there are various
+heavenly blossoming wild trees and creepers, bedecked with foliage and
+fruit, nor are there any trees that do not flower. On these slopes of
+the Gandhamadana, all the trees are of sleek foliage and fruit. And
+behold how these lotus-lakes with fullblown lotuses, and ringing with
+the hum of black bees, are being agitated by elephants with their mates.
+Behold another lotus-lake girt with lines of lotuses, like unto a second
+Sree in an embodied form wearing garlands. And in this excellent forest
+there are beautiful ranges of woods, rich with the aroma of various
+blossoms, and hummed over by the black bees. And, O Bhima, behold on all
+sides the excellent sporting ground of the celestials. By coming here,
+we have attained extra-human state, and been blessed. O Partha, on these
+slopes of the Gandhamadana, yon beautiful blossoming trees, being
+embraced by creepers with blossoms at their tops, look lovely. And, O
+Bhima, hark unto the notes of the peacocks crying with their hens on the
+mountain slopes. And birds such as chakoras, and satapatras, and
+maddened kokilas, and parrots, are alighting on these excellent
+flowering trees. And sitting on the twigs, myriads of jivajivakas of
+scarlet, yellow and red hues, are looking at one another. And the cranes
+are seen near the spots covered with green and reddish grass, and also
+by the side of the cascades. And those birds, bhringarajas, and
+upachakras, and herons are pouring forth their notes charming to all
+creatures. And, lo! with their mates, these elephants furnished with
+four tusks, and white as lotuses, are agitating that large lake of the
+hue of lapises. And from many cascades, torrents high as several palmyra
+palms (placed one upon another) are rushing down from the cliffs. And
+many argent minerals splendid, and of the effulgence of the sun, and
+like unto autumnal clouds, are beautifying this mighty mountain. And in
+some places there are minerals of the hue of the collyrium, and in some
+those like unto gold, in some, yellow orpiment and in some, vermilion,
+and in some, caves of red arsenic like unto the evening clouds and in
+some, red chalk of the hue of the rabbit, and in some, minerals like
+unto white and sable clouds; and in some, those effulgent as the rising
+sun, these minerals of great lustre beautify the mountain. O Partha, as
+was said by Vrishaparva, the Gandharvas and the Kimpurushas, in company
+with their loves, are visible on the summits of the mountain. And, O
+Bhima, there are heard various songs of appropriate measures, and also
+Vedic hymns, charming to all creatures. Do thou behold the sacred and
+graceful celestial river Mahaganga, with swans, resorted to by sages and
+Kinnaras. And, O represser of foes, see this mountain having minerals,
+rivulets, and beautiful woods and beasts, and snakes of diverse shapes
+and a hundred heads and Kinnaras, Gandharvas and Apsaras.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having attained excellent state, those valiant and
+warlike repressers of foes with Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas
+were exceedingly delighted at heart, and they were not satiated by
+beholding that monarch of mountains. Thereafter they saw the hermitage
+of the royal sage Arshtishena, furnished with flowers and trees bearing
+fruits. Then they went to Arshtishena versed in all duties of rigid
+austerities, skeleton-like, and having muscles bare."
+
+
+SECTION CLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having approached that one, whose sins had been
+consumed by asceticism, Yudhishthira announced his name, and gladly
+greeted him, bending his head. And then Krishna, and Bhima, and the
+devout twins, having bowed down their heads unto the royal sage, stood
+(there) surrounding him. And that priest of the Pandavas, the virtuous
+Dhaumya, also duly approached that vow-observing sage. And by his
+prophetic eye that virtuous Muni had already known (the identity of)
+those foremost of the Kurus, the sons of Pandu. And he said unto them.
+'Be ye seated.' And that one of rigid austerities, after having duly
+received that chief of the Kurus, when the latter with his brothers had
+seated himself enquired after his welfare saying, 'Dost thou not turn
+thy inclination upon untruth? And art thou intent upon virtue? And, O
+Partha, hath not thy attention to thy father and thy mother diminished?
+Are all thy superiors, and the aged, and those versed in the Vedas,
+honoured by thee? And O Pritha's son, dost thou not turn thy inclination
+unto sinful acts? And dost thou, O best of the Kurus, properly know how
+to perform meritorious acts, and to eschew wicked deeds? Dost thou not
+exalt thyself? And are pious men gratified, being honoured by thee? And
+even dwelling in the woods, dost thou follow virtue alone? And, O
+Partha, doth not Dhaumya grieve at thy conduct? Dost thou follow the
+customs of thy ancestors, by charity, and religious observances, and
+asceticism, and purity, and candour, and forgiveness? And dost thou go
+along the way taken by the royal sages? On the birth of a son in their
+(respective) lines, the _Pitris_ in their regions, both laugh and
+grieve, thinking--Will the sinful acts of this son of ours harm us, or
+will meritorious deeds conduce to our welfare? He conquereth both the
+worlds that payeth homage unto his father, and mother, and preceptor,
+and Agni, and fifthly, the soul.' Yudhishthira said, 'O worshipful one,
+those duties have been mentioned by thee as excellent. To the best of my
+power I duly and properly discharge them.'
+
+"Arshtishena said, 'During the Parvas sages subsisting on air and water
+come unto this best of the mountains ranging through the air. And on the
+summits of the mountain are seen amorous Kimpurushas with their
+paramours, mutually attached unto each other; as also, O Partha, many
+Gandharvas and Apsaras clad in white silk vestments; and lovely-looking
+Vidyadharas, wearing garlands; and mighty Nagas, and Suparnas, and
+Uragas, and others. And on the summits of the mountain are heard, during
+the Parvas, sounds of kettle-drums, and tabors, shells and mridangas. O
+foremost of the Bharatas, even by staying here, ye shall hear those
+sounds; do ye by no means feel inclined to repair thither. Further, O
+best of the Bharata race, it is impossible, to proceed beyond this. That
+place is the sporting-region of the celestials. There is no access
+thither for mortals. O Bharata, at this place all creatures bear
+ill-will to, and the Rakshasas chastise, that man who committeth
+aggression, be it ever so little. Beyond the summit of this Kailasa
+cliff, is seen the path of the celestial sages. If any one through
+impudence goeth beyond this, the Rakshasas slay him with iron darts and
+other weapons. There, O child, during the Parvas, he that goeth about on
+the shoulders of men, even Vaisravana is seen in pomp and grandeur
+surrounded by the Apsaras. And when that lord of all the Rakshasas is
+seated on the summit, all creatures behold him like unto the sun arisen.
+O best of Bharatas, that summit is the sporting-garden of the
+celestials, and the Danavas, and the Siddhas, and Vaisravana. And during
+the Parvas, as Tumburu entertaineth the Lord of treasures, the sweet
+notes of his song are heard all over the Gandhamadana. O child, O
+Yudhishthira, here during the Parvas, all creatures see and hear marvels
+like this. O Pandavas, till ye meet with Arjuna, do ye stay here,
+partaking of luscious fruits, and the food of the Munis. O child as thou
+hast come hither, do thou not betray any impertinence. And, O child,
+after living here at thy will and diverting thyself as thou listest,
+thou wilt at length rule the earth, having conquered it by the force of
+thy arms.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLIX
+
+Janamejaya said, "How long did my great grandsires, the highsouled sons
+of Pandu of matchless prowess, dwell in the Gandhamadana mountain? And
+what did those exceedingly powerful ones, gifted with manliness, do? And
+what was the food of those high-souled ones, when those heroes of the
+worlds dwelt (there)? O excellent one, do thou relate all about this. Do
+thou describe the prowess of Bhimasena, and what that mighty-armed one
+did in the mountain Himalayan. Surely, O best of Brahmanas, he did not
+fight again with the Yakshas. And did they meet with Vaisravana? Surely,
+as Arshtishena said, the lord of wealth cometh thither. All this, O thou
+of ascetic wealth, I desire to hear in detail. Surely, I have not yet
+been fully satisfied by hearing about their acts."
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having heard from that one of incomparable
+energy, (Arshtishena), that advice conducive to their welfare, those
+foremost of the Bharatas, began to behave always accordingly. Those best
+of men, the Pandavas, dwelt upon the Himavan, partaking of the food
+eaten by the Munis, and luscious fruit, and the flesh of deer killed
+with unpoisoned shafts and various kinds of pure honey. Living thus,
+they passed the fifth year, hearing various stories told by Lomasa. O
+lord, saying, 'I shall be present when occasion ariseth,' Ghatotkacha,
+together with all the Rakshasas, had ere this already gone away. Those
+magnanimous ones passed many months in the hermitage of Arshtishena,
+witnessing many marvels. And as the Pandavas were sporting there
+pleasantly, there came to see them some complacent vow-observing Munis
+and Charanas of high fortune, and pure souls. And those foremost of the
+Bharata race conversed with them on earthly topics. And it came to pass
+that when several days has passed, Suparna all of a sudden carried off
+an exceedingly powerful and mighty Naga, living in the large lake. And
+thereupon that mighty mountain began to tremble, and the gigantic trees,
+break. And all the creatures and the Pandavas witnessed the wonder. Then
+from the brow of that excellent mountain, the wind brought before the
+Pandavas various fragrant and fair blossoms. And the Pandavas, and the
+illustrious Krishna, together with their friends, saw those unearthly
+blossoms of five hues. And as the mighty-armed Bhimasena was seated at
+ease upon the mountain, Krishna addressed him, saying, 'O best of the
+Bharata race, in the presence of all the creatures, these flowers of
+five hues, carried by the force of the wind raised by Suparna, are
+falling in amain on the river Aswaratha. In Khandava thy high-souled
+brother, firm in promise, had baffled Gandharvas and Nagas and Vasava
+himself, and slain fierce Rakshasas, and also obtained the bow Gandiva.
+Thou also art of exceeding prowess and the might of thy arms is great,
+and irrepressible, and unbearable like unto the might of Sakra. O
+Bhimasena, terrified with the force of thy arms, let all the Rakshasas
+betake themselves to the ten cardinal points, leaving the mountain. Then
+will thy friends be freed from fear and affliction, and behold the
+auspicious summit of this excellent mountain furnished with variegated
+flowers. O Bhima, I have for long cherished this thought in my
+mind,--that protected by the might of thy arms, I shall see that
+summit.'
+
+"Thereupon, like a high-mettled bull that hath been struck, Bhimasena,
+considering himself as censured by Draupadi, could not bear (that). And
+that Pandava of the gait of a lion or a bull, and graceful, and
+generous, and having the splendour of gold, and intelligent, and strong,
+and proud, and sensitive, and heroic, and having red eyes, and broad
+shoulders, and gifted with the strength of mad elephants, and having
+leonine teeth and a broad neck, and tall like a young sala tree, and
+highsouled, and graceful in every limb, and of neck having the whorls of
+a shell and mighty-armed, took up his bow plaited at the back with gold,
+and also his sword. And haughty like unto a lion, and resembling a
+maddened elephant, that strong one rushed towards that cliff, free from
+fear or affliction. And all the creatures saw him equipped with bows and
+arrows, approaching like a lion or a maddened elephant. And free from
+fear or affliction, the Pandava taking his mace, proceeded to that
+monarch of mountains causing the delight of Draupadi. And neither
+exhaustion, nor fatigue, nor lassitude, nor the malice (of others),
+affected that son of Pritha and the Wind-god. And having arrived at a
+rugged path affording passage to one individual only, that one of great
+strength ascended that terrible summit high as several palmyra palms
+(placed one upon another). And having ascended that summit, and thereby
+gladdened Kinnaras, and great Nagas, and Munis, and Gandharvas, and
+Rakshasas, that foremost of the Bharata line, gifted with exceeding
+strength described the abode of Vaisravana, adorned with golden crystal
+palaces surrounded on all sides by golden walls having the splendour of
+all gems, furnished with gardens all around, higher than a mountain
+peak, beautiful with ramparts and towers, and adorned with door-ways and
+gates and rows of pennons. And the abode was graced with dallying
+damsels dancing around, and also with pennons waved by the breeze. And
+with bent arms, supporting himself on the end of his bow, he stood
+beholding with eagerness the city of the lord of treasures. And
+gladdening all creatures, there was blowing a breeze, carrying all
+perfumes, and of a balmy feel. And there were various beautiful and
+wonderful trees of diverse hues resounding with diverse dulcet notes.
+And at that place the foremost of the Bharatas surveyed the palace of
+the Lord of the Rakshasas scattered with heaps of gems, and adorned with
+variegated garlands. And renouncing all care of life the mighty-armed
+Bhimasena stood motionless like a rock, with his mace and sword and bow
+in his hands. Then he blew his shell making the down of his adversaries
+stand erect; and twanging his bow-string, and striking his arms with the
+hands he unnerved all the creatures. Thereat with their hairs standing
+erect, the Yakshas and Rakshasas began to rush towards the Pandavas, in
+the direction of those sounds. And taken by the arms of the Yakshas and
+Rakshasas the flamed maces and clubs and swords and spears and javelins
+and axes, and when, O Bharata, the fight ensued between the Rakshasas
+and Bhima, the latter by arrows cut off the darts, javelins and axes of
+those possessing great powers of illusion, and he of exceeding strength
+with arrows pierced the bodies of the roaring Rakshasas, both of those
+that were in the sky, and of those that remained on the earth. And Bhima
+of exceeding strength was deluged with the mighty sanguine rain sprung
+from the bodies of the Rakshasas with maces and clubs in their hands and
+flowing on all sides from their persons. And the bodies and hands of the
+Yakshas and Rakshasas were seen to be struck off by the weapon
+discharged by the might of Bhima's arms. And then all the creatures saw
+the graceful Pandava densely surrounded by the Rakshasas, like unto the
+Sun enveloped by clouds. And even as the Sun surrounds everything with
+his rays, that mighty-armed and strong one of unfailing prowess, covered
+all with arrows destroying foes. And although menacing and uttering
+yells, the Rakshasas did not see Bhima embarrassed. Thereupon, with
+their bodies mangled, the Yakshas afflicted by fear of Bhimasena began to
+utter frightful sounds of distress, throwing their mighty weapons. And
+terrified at the wielder of a strong bow, they fled towards the southern
+quarter, forsaking their maces and spears and swords and clubs and axes.
+And then there stood, holding in his hands darts and maces, the
+broad-chested and mighty-armed friend of Vaisravana, the Rakshasa named
+Maniman. And that one of great strength began to display his mastery and
+manliness. And seeing them forsake the fight, he addressed them with a
+smile, 'Going to Vaisravana's abode, how will ye say unto that lord of
+wealth, that numbers have been defeated by a single mortal in battle?'
+Having said this unto them that Rakshasa, taking in his hands clubs and
+javelins and maces, set out and rushed towards the Pandava. And he
+rushed in amain like a maddened elephant. Bhimasena pierced his sides
+with three choice arrows. And the mighty Maniman, on his part, in wrath
+taking and flourishing a tremendous mace hurled it at Bhimasena.
+Thereupon Bhimasena beset with innumerable shafts sharpened on stones,
+hurled that mighty mace in the sky, dreadful, and like unto the
+lightning flash. But on reaching the mace those shafts were baffled; and
+although discharged with force by that adept at hurling the mace, still
+they could not stay its career. Then the mighty Bhima of dreadful
+prowess, baffled his (the Rakshasa's) discharge by resorting to his
+skill in mace-fighting. In the meanwhile, the intelligent Rakshasa had
+discharged a terrible iron club, furnished with a golden shaft. And that
+club, belching forth flames and emitting tremendous roars, all of a
+sudden pierced Bhima's right arm and then fell to the ground. On being
+severely wounded by that club, that bowman, Kunti's son, of immeasurable
+prowess, with eyes rolling in ire, took up his mace. And having taken
+that iron mace, inlaid with golden plates, which caused the fear of foes
+and brought on their defeat, he darted it with speed towards the mighty
+Maniman, menacing (him) and uttering shouts. Then Maniman on his part,
+taking his huge and blazing dart, with great force discharged it at
+Bhima, uttering loud shouts. Thereat breaking the dart with the end of
+his mace, that mighty-armed one skilled in mace-fighting, speedily
+rushed to slay him, as Garuda (rushed) to slay a serpent. Then all of a
+sudden, advancing ahead in the field, that mighty-armed one sprang into
+the sky and brandishing his mace hurled it with shouts. And like unto
+the thunder-bolt hurled by Indra, that mace like a pest, with the speed
+of the wind destroyed the Rakshasa and then fell to the ground. Then all
+the creatures saw that Rakshasa of terrible strength slaughtered by
+Bhima, even like a bull slain by a lion. And the surviving Rakshasas
+seeing him slain on the ground went towards the east, uttering frightful
+sounds of distress."
+
+
+SECTION CLX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing various sounds resounding in the caves of
+the mountain and not seeing Bhimasena, Kunti's son, Ajatasatru and the
+twin sons of Madri and Dhaumya and Krishna and all the Brahmanas and the
+friends (of the Pandavas), were filled with anxiety. Thereupon,
+entrusting Draupadi to the charge of Arshtishena and equipped in their
+arms, those valiant and mighty charioteers together began to ascend the
+summit of the mountain. And having reached the summit, as those
+repressors of foes and mighty bowmen and powerful charioteers they were
+looking about, saw Bhima and those huge Rakshasas of mighty strength and
+courage weltering in a state of unconsciousness having been struck down
+by Bhima. And holding his mace and sword and bow, that mighty-armed one
+looked like Maghavan, after he had slain the Danava hosts. Then on
+seeing their brother, the Pandavas, who had attained excellent state,
+embraced him and sat down there. And with those mighty bowmen, that
+summit looked grand like heaven graced by those foremost of celestials,
+the highly fortunate Lokapalas. And seeing the abode of Kuvera and the
+Rakshasas, lying slain on the ground, the king addressed his brother who
+was seated, saying, 'Either it be through rashness, or through
+ignorance, thou hast, O Bhima, committed a sinful act. O hero, as thou
+art leading the life of an anchorite, this slaughter without cause is
+unlike thee. Acts, it is asserted by those versed in duties, as are
+calculated to displease a monarch, ought not to be committed. But thou
+hast, O Bhimasena, committed a deed which will offend even the gods. He
+that disregarding profit and duty, turneth his thoughts to sin must, O
+Partha, reap the fruit of his sinful actions. However, if thou seekest
+my good, never again commit such a deed.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to his brother, Vrikodara the
+virtuous, the highly energetic and firm-minded son of Kunti,
+Yudhishthira versed in the particulars of (the science of) profit,
+ceased, and began to reflect on that matter.
+
+"On the other hand, the Rakshasas that had survived those slain by Bhima
+fled in a body towards the abode of Kuvera. And they of exceeding
+fleetness having speedily reached Vaisravana's abode, began to utter
+loud cries of distress, being afflicted with the fear of Bhima. And, O
+king bereft of their weapons and exhausted and with their mail besmeared
+with gore and with dishevelled hair they spake unto Kuvera, saying. 'O
+lord, all thy foremost Rakshasas fighting with maces and clubs and
+swords and lances and barbed darts, have been slain. O lord of
+treasures, a mortal, trespassing into the mountain, hath, singlehanded,
+slaughtered all thy Krodhavasa Rakshasas assembled together. And, O lord
+of wealth, there lie the foremost of the Yakshas and Rakshasas senseless
+and dead, having been struck down; and we have been let off through his
+favour. And thy friend, Maniman also hath been slain. All this hath been
+done by a mortal. Do thou what is proper, after this.' Having heard
+this, that lord of all the Yaksha hosts waxing wroth, with eyes reddened
+in anger, exclaimed, 'What!' And hearing of Bhima's second (act of)
+aggression, that lord of treasures, the king of the Yakshas, was filled
+with wrath, and said, 'Yoke' (the horses). Thereat unto a car of the hue
+of dark clouds, and high as a mountain summit, they yoked steeds having
+golden garments. And on being yoked unto the car, those excellent horses
+of his, graced with every noble quality and furnished with the ten
+auspicious curls of hair and having energy and strength, and adorned
+with various gems and looking splendid, as if desirous of speeding like
+the wind, began to neigh at each other the neighing emitted at (the hour
+of) victory. And that divine and effulgent king of the Yakshas set out,
+being eulogised by the celestials and Gandharvas. And a thousand
+foremost Yakshas of reddened eyes and golden lustre and having huge
+bodies, and gifted with great strength, equipped with weapons and
+girding on their swords, followed that high-souled lord of treasures.
+And coursing through the firmament they (the steeds) arrived at the
+Gandhamadana, as if drawing forward the sky with their fleetness. And
+with their down standing erect, the Pandavas saw that large assemblage
+of horses maintained by the lord of wealth and also the highsouled and
+graceful Kuvera himself surrounded by the Yaksha hosts. And seeing those
+mighty charioteers the son of Pandu, possessed of great strength,
+equipped with bows and swords, Kuvera also was delighted; and he was
+pleased at heart, keeping in view the task of the celestials. And like
+unto birds, they, (the Yakshas) gifted with extreme celerity, alighted
+on the summit of the mountain and stood before them (the Pandavas), with
+the lord of treasures at their head. Then, O Bharata, seeing him pleased
+with the Pandavas, the Yakshas and the Gandharvas stood there, free from
+agitation. Then thinking themselves as having transgressed, those
+high-souled and mighty charioteers, the Pandavas, having bowed down unto
+that lord, the giver of wealth stood surrounding the lord of treasures
+with joined hands. And the lord of treasures sat on that excellent seat,
+the elegant Pushpaka, constructed by Viswakarma, painted with diverse
+colours. And thousands of Yakshas and Rakshasas, some having huge frames
+and some ears resembling pegs, and hundreds of Gandharvas and hosts of
+Apsaras sat in the presence of that one seated, even as the celestials
+sit surrounding him of a hundred sacrifices and wearing a beautiful
+golden garland on his head and holding in his hands his noose and sword
+and bow, Bhima stood, gazing at the lord of wealth. And Bhimasena did
+not feel depressed either on having been wounded by the Rakshasas, or
+even in that plight seeing Kuvera arrive.
+
+"And that one going about on the shoulders of men, on seeing Bhima stand
+desirous of fighting with sharpened shafts, said unto Dharma's son, 'O
+Partha, all the creatures know thee as engaged in their good. Do thou,
+therefore, with thy brothers fearlessly dwell on this summit of the
+mountain. And, O Pandava, be thou not angry with Bhima. These Yakshas
+and Rakshasas had already been slain by Destiny: thy brother hath been
+the instrument merely. And it is not necessary to feel shame for the act
+of impudence that hath been committed. This destruction of the Rakshasas
+had been foreseen by the gods. I entertain no anger towards Bhimasena.
+Rather, O foremost of the Bharata race, I am pleased with him;
+nay,--even before coming here, I had been gratified with this deed of
+Bhima.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having spoken thus unto the king, (Kuvera) said unto
+Bhimasena, 'O child, O best of the Kurus, I do not mind this, O Bhima,
+as in order to please Krishna, thou hast, disregarding the gods and me
+also, committed this rash act, namely, the destruction of the Yakshas
+and the Rakshasas, depending on the strength of thy arms, I am
+well-pleased with thee. O Vrikodara, to-day I have been freed from a
+terrible curse. For some offence, that great Rishi, Agastya, had cursed
+me in anger. Thou hast delivered me by this act (of thine). O Pandu's
+son, my disgrace had ere this been fated. No offence, therefore, in any
+way, attaches unto thee, O Pandava.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O divine one, why wast thou cursed by the
+high-souled Agastya? O god, I am curious to hear about the occasion of
+that imprecation. I wonder that at that very moment, thou together with
+thy forces and attendants wast not consumed by the ire of that
+intelligent one.'
+
+"Thereupon the lord of treasures said, 'At Kusasthali, O king, once
+there was held a conclave of the gods. And surrounded by grimvisaged
+Yakshas, numbering three hundred maha-padmas, carrying various weapons,
+I was going to that place. And on the way, I saw that foremost of sages,
+Agastya, engaged in the practice of severe austerities on the bank of
+the Yamuna, abounding in various birds and graced with blossoming trees.
+And, O king, immediately on seeing that mass of energy, flaming and
+brilliant as fire, seated with upraised arms, facing the sun, my friend,
+the graceful lord of the Rakshasas, Maniman, from stupidity,
+foolishness, hauteur and ignorance discharged his excrement on the crown
+of that Maharshi. Thereupon, as if burning all the cardinal points by
+his wrath, he said unto me, "Since, O lord of treasures, in thy very
+presence, disregarding me, this thy friend hath thus affronted me, he,
+together with thy forces, shall meet with destruction at the hands of a
+mortal. And, O wicked-minded one, thou also, being distressed on account
+of thy fallen soldiers, shalt be freed from thy sin, on beholding that
+mortal. But if they follow thy behests, their (the soldier's) powerful
+sons shall not incur by this dreadful curse." This curse I received
+formerly from that foremost of Rishis. Now, O mighty king, have I been
+delivered by thy brother Bhima.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXI
+
+"The lord of treasures said, 'O Yudhishthira, patience, ability,
+(appropriate) time and place and prowess--these five lead to success in
+human affairs. O Bharata, in the Krita Yuga, men were patient and able
+in their respective occupations and they knew how to display prowess.
+And, O foremost of the Kshatriyas, a Kshatriya that is endued with
+patience and understandeth the propriety regarding place and time and is
+versed in all mortal regulations, can alone govern the world for a long
+time,--nay, in all transactions. He that behaveth thus, acquireth, O
+hero, fame in this world and excellent state in the next. And by having
+displayed his prowess at the proper place and time, Sakra with the
+Vasus hath obtained the dominion of heaven. He that from anger cannot
+see his fall and he that being naturally wicked and evilminded followeth
+evil and he that knoweth not the propriety relative to acts, meet with
+destruction both in this world and the next. The exertions of that
+stupid person become fruitless, who is not conversant with the
+expediency regarding time and acts, and he meeteth with destruction both
+in this world and the next. And the object of that wicked and deceitful
+persons is vicious, who, aiming at mastery of every kind, committeth
+some rash act. O best of men, Bhimasena is fearless, and ignorant of
+duties, and haughty, and of the sense of a child, and unforbearing. Do
+thou, therefore, check him. Repairing again to the hermitage of the
+pious sage Arshtishena, do thou reside there during the dark fortnight,
+without fear or anxiety. O lord of men, deputed by me, all the
+Gandharvas residing at Alaka, as also those dwelling in this mountain,
+will, O mighty-armed one, protect thee, and these best of the Brahmanas.
+And, O king, O chief among virtuous men, knowing that Vrikodara hath
+come hither out of rashness, do thou check him. Henceforth, O monarch,
+beings living in the forest will meet you, wait upon you and always
+protect you all. And, ye foremost of men, my servants will always
+procure for you various meats and drinks of delicious flavour. And, O
+son, Yudhishthira, even as by reason of your being the progeny of
+spiritual intercourse, Jishnu is entitled to the protection of Mahendra,
+and Vrikodara, of the Wind-god, and thou, of Dharma, and the twins
+possessed of strength, of the Aswins,--so ye all are entitled to my
+protection. That one next by birth to Bhimasena, Phalguna, versed in the
+science of profit and all mortal regulations, is well in heaven. And, O
+child, those perfections that are recognised in the world as leading to
+heaven, are established in Dhananjaya even from his very birth. And
+self-restraint, and charity, and strength, and intelligence, and
+modesty, and fortitude, and excellent energy--even all these are
+established in that majestic one of magnificent soul. And, O Pandava,
+Jishnu never committed any shameful act through poverty of spirit. And
+in the world, none ever say that Partha hath uttered an untruth. And, O
+Bharata, honoured by the gods, _pitris_, and the Gandharvas, that
+enhancer of the glory of the Kurus is learning the science of weapons in
+Sakra's abode. And, O Partha, in heaven he that with justice had brought
+under his subjection all the rulers of the earth, even that exceedingly
+powerful and highly energetic monarch, the grandsire of thy father,
+Santanu himself, is well-pleased with the behaviour of that wielder of
+the Gandiva--the foremost of his race. And, O king, abiding in Indra's
+regions, he who on the banks of the Yamuna had worshipped the gods, the
+_pitris_, and the Brahmanas, by celebrating seven grand horse
+sacrifices, that great grandsire of thine, the emperor Santanu of severe
+austerities, who hath attained heaven, hath enquired of thy welfare.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of the dispenser of wealth,
+the Pandavas were well-pleased with them. Then lowering his club and
+mace and sword and bow, that foremost of the Bharatas bowed down unto
+_Kuvera_. And that giver of protection, the lord of treasures, seeing
+him prostrate, said, 'Be thou the destroyer of the pride of foes, and
+the enhancer of the delight of friends. And ye oppressors of enemies, do
+ye live in our romantic region. The _Yakshas_ will not cross your
+desires. Gudakesa, after having acquired mastery over weapons, will come
+back soon. Bidden adieu by Maghavat himself, Dhananjaya will join you.'
+
+"Having thus instructed Yudhishthira of excellent deeds, the lord of the
+_Guhyakas_, vanished from that best of mountains. And thousands upon
+thousands of _Yakshas_, and _Rakshasas_ followed him in vehicles spread
+over with checkered cushions, and decorated with various jewels. And as
+the horses proceeded towards the abode of Kuvera, a noise arose as of
+birds flying in the air. And the chargers of the lord of treasures
+speedily coursed through the sky as if drawing forward the firmament,
+and devouring the air.
+
+"Then at the command of the lord of wealth, the dead bodies of the
+_Rakshasas_ were removed from the summit of the mountain. As the
+intelligent Agastya had fixed this period as the limit of (the duration
+of) his curse, so being slain in conflict, the _Rakshasas_ were freed
+from the imprecation. And being honoured by the _Rakshasas_, the
+Pandavas for several nights dwelt pleasantly in those habitations."
+
+
+SECTION CLXII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O represser of foes, at sunrise, having
+finished his daily devotions, _Dhaumya_ came unto the Pandavas, with
+_Arshtishena_. And having bowed down unto the feet of Arshtishena and
+Dhaumya, they with joined hands paid homage unto all the Brahmanas. Then
+Dhaumya taking Yudhishthira's right hand, said these words, looking at
+the east, 'O mighty monarch, this king of mountains, Mandara lieth vast,
+covering the earth up to the ocean. O Pandava, Indra and Vaisravana
+preside over this point graced with woods and forests and mountains.
+And, O child, the intelligent sages versed in every duty, say, that this
+(region) is the abode of Indra and king Vaisravana. And the twice-born
+ones, and the sages versed in the duties, and the _Sidhas_, and the
+_Sadhyas_, and the celestials pay their adorations unto the Sun as he
+riseth from this point. And that lord of all living beings, king _Yama_,
+conversant with duty, presideth over yonder southern region whither come
+the spirits of the departed. And this is _Sanyamana_, the abode of the
+lord of departed spirits, sacred, and wonderful to behold, and crowned
+with prime prosperity. And the intelligent ones call that monarch of
+mountains (by the name of) Asta. Having, O king, arrived at this, the
+Sun ever abideth by the truth. And king _Varuna_ protects all creatures,
+abiding in this king of mountains, and also in the vast deep. And, O
+highly fortunate one, there illumining the northern regions, lieth the
+puissant Mahameru, auspicious and the refuge of those knowing _Brahma_,
+where is the court of _Brahma_, and remaining where that soul of all
+creatures, _Prajapati_, hath created all that is mobile and immobile.
+And the _Mahameru_ is the auspicious and healthy abode even of the seven
+mind-born sons of _Brahma_, of whom _Daksha_ was the seventh. And, O
+child, here it is that the seven celestial _rishis_ with Vasishtha at
+their head rise and set. Behold that excellent and bright summit of the
+Meru, where sitteth the great sire (_Brahma_) with the celestials happy
+in self-knowledge. And next to the abode of _Brahma_ is visible the
+region of him who is said to be the really primal Cause or the origin of
+all creatures, even that prime lord, god Narayana, having neither
+beginning nor end. And, O king, that auspicious place composed of all
+energies even the celestials, cannot behold. And the region of the
+high-souled _Vishnu_, by its native splendour, exceeding in effulgence
+the sun or fire, cannot be beheld by the gods, or the Danavas. And the
+region of Narayana lieth resplendent to the east of the _Meru_, where, O
+child, that lord of all creatures, the self-create primal Cause of the
+universe, having manifested all beings, looketh splendid of his
+excellent grace. O child, not to speak of the _Maharshis_-even
+_Brahmarshis_ have no access to that place. And, O best of the Kurus, it
+is the _Yatis_ only who have access to it. And, O Pandu's son, (at that
+place) luminaries cannot shine by him; there that lord of inconceivable
+soul alone shineth transcendental. There by reverence, and severe
+austerities, Yatis inspired by virtue of pious practices, attain
+Narayana Hari. And, O Bharata, repairing thither, and attaining that
+universal Soul--the self-create and eternal God of gods, high-souled
+ones, of _Yoga_ success, and free from ignorance and pride have not to
+return to this world. O highly fortunate Yudhishthira, this region is
+without beginning, or deterioration, or end for it is the very essence
+of that God. And, O son of the Kurus, the Sun and the Moon every day go
+round this Meru, coursing in an opposite direction. And, O sinless one,
+O mighty monarch, the other luminaries also go round this king of
+mountains in the self-same way. Thus the worshipful Sun who dispelleth
+darkness, goeth round this (mountain) obscuring other luminaries. Then
+having set, and passed the evening, that Maker of day, the Sun, taketh a
+northerly course. Then again nearing the _Meru_, the divine Sun (ever)
+intent on the good of all beings, again courseth, facing the east. And
+in this way, the divine Moon also together with the stars goeth round
+this mountain, dividing the month unto several sections, by his arrival
+at the Parvas. Having thus unerringly coursed round the mighty _Meru_,
+and, nourished all creatures, the Moon again repaireth unto the
+_Mandar_. In the same way, that destroyer of darkness--the divine
+Sun--also moveth on this unobstructed path, animating the universe.
+When, desirous of causing dew, he repaireth to the south, then there
+ensueth winter to all creatures. Then the Sun, turning back from the
+south, by his rays draweth up the energy from all creatures both mobile
+and immobile. Thereupon, men become subject to perspiration, fatigue,
+drowsiness and lassitude; and living beings always feel disposed to
+slumber. Thence, returning through unknown regions, that divine
+effulgent one causeth shower, and thereby reviveth beings. And having,
+by the comfort caused by the shower, wind, and warmth, cherished the
+mobile and the immobile, the powerful Sun resumeth his former course. O
+Partha, ranging thus, the Sun unerringly turneth on the wheel of Time,
+influencing created things. His course is unceasing; he never resteth, O
+Pandava. Withdrawing the energy of all beings, he again rendereth it
+back. O Bharata, dividing time into day and night, and Kala, and
+Kashiba, that lord, the Sun, dealeth life and motion to all created
+things.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in that best of mountains those
+high-souled ones observing excellent vows, felt themselves attracted (to
+that place), and diverted themselves, eager to behold Arjuna. And
+multitudes of _Gandharvas_ and _Maharshis_ gladly visited those
+energetic ones, possessing prowess, of chaste desires and being the
+foremost of those endued with truth and fortitude. And having arrived at
+that excellent mountain furnished with trees bearing blossoms, those
+mighty charioteers were exceedingly delighted, even as the _Marutas_, on
+arriving at the celestial regions. And experiencing great exhilaration,
+they lived (there), seeing the slopes and summits of that mighty
+mountain, filled with flowers, and resonant with the cries of peacocks
+and cranes. And on that beautiful mountain they beheld lakes filled with
+lotuses, and having their shores covered with trees, and frequented by
+darkness, and _karandavas_ and swans. And the flourishing
+sporting-regions, graceful on account of the various flowers, and
+abounding in gems, was capable of captivating that king, the dispenser
+of wealth (_Kuvera_). And always ranging (there), those foremost of
+ascetics (the Pandavas) were incapable of conceiving (the significance
+of) that Summit, furnished with mighty trees, and masses of
+wide-spreading clouds. And, O great hero, owing to its native splendour,
+and also on account of the brilliance of the annual plants, there was no
+difference there between night and day. And staying in the mountain,
+remaining in which the Sun of unrivalled energy cherisheth the mobile
+and immobile things, those heroes and foremost of men beheld the rising
+and the setting of the Sun. And having seen the rising and the setting
+points of the Sun and the rising and the setting mountain, and all the
+cardinal points, as well as the intervening spaces ever blazing with the
+rays of the Dispeller of darkness, those heroes, in expectation of the
+arrival of that mighty charioteer firm in truth, became engaged in
+reciting the _Vedas_, practising the daily rituals, chiefly discharging
+the religious duties, exercising sacred vows, and abiding by the truth.
+And saying, 'Let us even here experience delight by joining without
+delay Arjuna accomplished in arms,' those highly blessed Parthas became
+engaged in the practice of _Yoga_. And beholding romantic woods on that
+mountain, as they always thought of _Kiriti_, every day and night
+appeared unto them even as a year. From that very moment joy had taken
+leave of them when, with Dhaumya's permission, the high-souled _Jishnu_,
+matting his hair, departed (for the woods). So, how could they, absorbed
+in his contemplation, experience happiness there? They had become
+overwhelmed with grief ever since the moment when at the command of his
+brother, Yudhishthira, _Jishnu_ of the tread of a mad elephant had
+departed from the _Kamyaka_ forest. O Bharata, in this way, on that
+mountain those descendants of Bharata passed a month with difficulty,
+thinking of him of the white steeds, who had gone to _Vasava's_ abode
+for learning arms. And Arjuna, having dwelt for five years in the abode
+of him of a thousand eyes, and having from that lord of celestials
+obtained all the celestial weapons,--such as those of _Agni_, of
+_Varuna_, of _Soma_, of _Vayu_, of _Vishnu_, of _Indra_, of _Pasupati_,
+of _Brahma_, of _Parameshthi_, of _Prajapati_, of _Yama_, of _Dhata_, of
+_Savita_, of _Tvashta_, and of _Vaisravana_; and having bowed down to
+and gone round him of a hundred sacrifices, and taken his (Indra's)
+permission, cheerfully came to the Gandhamadana."
+
+
+SECTION CLXIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "And it came to pass that one day as those
+mighty charioteers were thinking of Arjuna, seeing Mahendra's car, yoked
+with horses of the effulgence of lightning, arrive all on a sudden, they
+were delighted. And driven by Matali, that blazing car, suddenly
+illuminating the sky, looked like smokeless flaming tongues of fire, or
+a mighty meteor embosomed in clouds. And seated in that car appeared
+_Kiriti_ wearing garlands and new-made ornaments. Then Dhananjaya
+possessing the prowess of the wielder of the thunder-bolt, alighted on
+that mountain, blazing in beauty. And that intelligent one decked in a
+diadem and garlands, having alighted on the mountain, first bowed down
+at the feet of _Dhaumya_, and then at those of _Ajatasatru_. And he also
+paid homage unto Vrikodara's feet; and the twins also bowed down unto
+him. Then going to Krishna, and having cheered her, he stood before his
+(elder) brother in humble guise. And on meeting with that matchless one,
+they were exceedingly delighted. And he also meeting with them rejoiced
+exceedingly, and began to eulogise the king. And seeing before them that
+car driving in which the slayer of Namuchi had annihilated seven
+phalanxes of _Diti's_ offspring, the magnanimous Parthas went round it.
+And being highly pleased, they offered excellent worship unto Matali, as
+unto the lord of the celestials himself. And then the son of the Kuru
+king duly enquired of him after the health of all the gods. And Matali
+also greeted them. And having instructed the Parthas even as a father
+doth his sons, he ascended that incomparable car, and returned to the
+lord of the celestials.
+
+"And when Matali had gone away, that foremost of the royal race, Sakra's
+son, the high-souled destroyer of all foes made over unto his love, the
+mother of _Sutasoma_, beautiful precious gems and ornaments having the
+splendour of the sun, which had been presented to him by Sakra. Then,
+sitting in the midst of those foremost of the Kurus, and those best of
+the _Brahmanas_, effulgent like unto fire or the sun, he began to relate
+all as it had happened, saying, 'In this way, I have learnt weapons from
+_Sakra_, _Vayu_, and the manifest _Siva_; and all the celestials with
+Indra also have been pleased with me, on account of my good behaviour,
+and concentration.'
+
+"After having briefly narrated unto them his sojourn in heaven, _Kiriti_
+of spotless deeds agreeably slept that night with the two sons of
+Madri."
+
+
+SECTION CLXV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then when the night had been spent, Dhananjaya,
+together with his brothers, paid homage unto Yudhishthira the just. And,
+O Bharata, at this moment, proceeding from the celestials there arose
+mighty and tremendous sounds of a musical instrument, and the rattling
+of car-wheels, and the tolling of bells. And there at all the beasts and
+beasts of prey and birds emitted separate cries. And from all sides in
+cars resplendent as the sun, hosts of _Gandharvas_ and _Apsaras_ began
+to follow that represser of foes, the lord of the celestials. And
+ascending a car yoked with steeds, decorated with burnished gold, and
+roaring like clouds, that king of the celestials, _Purandara_ blazing in
+beauty came unto the Parthas. And having arrived (at that place), he of
+a thousand eyes descended from his car. And as soon as Yudhishthira the
+just saw that high-souled one, he together with his brothers, approached
+that graceful king of the immortals. And in accordance with the
+ordinance that generous one duly worshipped him of immeasurable soul, in
+consequence with his dignity. And then Dhananjaya possessed of prowess,
+having bowed down unto _Purandara_, stood before the lord of the
+celestials in humble guise, like unto a servant. And seeing the sinless
+Dhananjaya having ascetic merit, bearing clotted hair, stand in humility
+before the lord of celestials, Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, of great
+energy, smelt (the crown) of his head. And beholding _Phalguna_ (in that
+attitude), he was exceedingly glad; and by worshipping the king of the
+celestials, he experienced the highest bliss. Then unto that
+strongminded monarch, swimming in felicity, the intelligent lord of the
+celestials, Purandara, spake, saying, 'Thou shalt rule the earth, O
+Pandava. Blessed be thou! Do thou, O Kunti's son, again repair unto
+Kamyaka.'
+
+"That learned man who for a year leading the _Brahmacharya_ mode of
+life, subduing his senses and observing vows, peruseth with rapt
+attention this meeting of _Sakra_ with the Pandavas, liveth a hundred
+years free from disturbances, and enjoying happiness."
+
+
+SECTION CLXVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When _Sakra_ had gone to his proper place,
+_Vibhatsu_ together with his brothers and Krishna, paid homage unto the
+son of Dharma. Then smelling the crown of the head of that Pandava, who
+was thus paying homage, (Yudhishthira) in accents faltering on account
+of joy, addressed Arjuna, saying, 'O Arjuna, how didst thou pass this
+period in heaven? And how has thou obtained the weapons, and how also
+hast thou gratified the lord of the celestials? And, O Pandava, has thou
+adequately secured the weapons? Have the lord of the celestials and
+_Rudra_ gladly granted thee the weapons? And how hast thou beheld the
+divine _Sakra_, and the wielder of _Pinaka_? And how has thou obtained
+the weapons? And in what manner didst thou worship (them)? And what
+service hadst thou done unto that repressor of foes, the worshipful one
+of a hundred sacrifices, that he said unto thee, "By thee have I been
+gratified?" All this, O highly effulgent one, I wish to hear in detail.
+And, O sinless one, the manner in which thou didst please Mahadeva and
+the king of the celestials and, O repressor of foes, the service thou
+hadst done to the wielder of the thunder-bolt,--do thou, O Dhananjaya,
+relate all this in detail.'
+
+"Arjuna said, 'O mighty monarch, listen how I duly beheld him of a
+hundred sacrifice and the divine _Sankara_ also. O grinder of foes, O
+king, having acquired that science which thou hadst directed me (to
+learn), I at thy command went to the forest, for practising penances.
+From _Kamyaka_ repairing to the _Bhrigutunga_, I spent there one night,
+being engaged in austerities. And it came to pass that on the next I saw
+a certain _Brahmana_. And he asked me, saying, "O son of Kunti, whither
+wilt thou go?" Thereupon, O descendant of the Kurus, I truly related
+unto him everything. And, O best of kings, having heard the true
+account, the _Brahmana_ became well-pleased with me, and, O king,
+praised me. Then the _Brahmana_, pleased with me, said, "O Bharata, be
+thou engaged in austerities. By performing penances, thou wilt in a
+short time behold the lord of the celestials." And according to his
+advice I ascended the _Himavan_, and, O mighty king, began to practise
+penances, (the first) month subsisting on fruit and roots. I spent the
+second month, subsisting on water. And, O Pandava, in the third month I
+totally abstained from food. And in the fourth month I remained with
+upraised arms. And a wonder it is that I did not lose any strength. And
+it came to pass that when the first day of the fifth month had been
+spent, there appeared before me a being wearing the form of a boar,
+turning up the earth with his mouth, stamping the ground with his feet,
+rubbing the earth with his breast, and momentarily going about in a
+frightful manner. And him followed a great being in the guise of a
+hunter furnished with the bow, arrows, and the sword, and surrounded by
+females. Thereupon, taking my bow and the two inexhaustible quivers, I
+pierced with shafts that terrible and frightful creature. And
+simultaneously (with me) that hunter also drawing a strong bow, more
+severely struck at (the animal), as if shaking my mind. And, O king, he
+also said unto me, "Why hast thou, transgressing the rules of hunting,
+hit the animal first hit at by me? With these sharpened shafts will I
+destroy thy pride. Stay!" Then that mighty-bodied one holding the bow
+rushed at me. And with volleys of mighty shafts, he covered me entirely,
+even as a cloud covereth a mountain with showers. Then, on my part, I
+covered him with a mighty discharge of arrows. Thereupon, with steady
+arrows having their points aflame, and inspired with _mantras_, I
+pierced him even as (Indra) riveth a mountain with a thunderbolt. Then
+his person began to be multiplied a hundredfold and a thousandfold. At
+this, I pierced all his bodies with shafts. Then again all those forms
+became one, O Bharata. Thereat I struck at it. Next, he now assumed a
+small body with a huge head, and now a huge body with a small head. And,
+O king, he then assumed his former person and approached me for fight.
+And, O foremost of the Bharata race, when in the encounter I failed to
+overwhelm him with arrows, I fixed the mighty weapon of the Wind-god.
+But I failed to discharge it at him, and this was a wonder. And when
+that weapon thus failed of effect, I was struck with amazement. However,
+O king, exerting myself more vigorously, I again covered that being with
+a mighty multitude of shafts. Then taking _Sthuna-karna_, and _Varuna_
+and _Salava_, and _Asmavarsha_ weapons, I assailed him, profusely
+showering shafts. But, O king, he instantly swallowed up even all these
+weapons of mine. And when all those (weapons) had been swallowed up, I
+discharged the weapon presided over by Brahma. And when the blazing
+arrows issuing from that weapon were heaped upon him all around, and
+being thus heaped over by that mighty weapon discharged by me, he
+increased (in bulk). Then all the world became oppressed with the energy
+begotten of the weapon hurled by me, and the firmament and all the
+points of the sky became illumined. But that one of mighty energy
+instantly baffled even that weapon. And, O monarch, when that weapon
+presided over by _Brahma_ had been baffled I was possessed with terrible
+fear. Thereupon immediately holding even my bow and the two
+inexhaustible quivers, I shot at that being, but he swallowed up all
+those weapons. And when all the weapons had been baffled and swallowed
+up, there ensued a wrestling between him and myself. And we encountered
+each other first with blows and then with slaps. But incapable of
+overcoming that being, I fell down stupefied on the ground. Thereupon, O
+mighty king, with a laugh, that wonderful being at my sight vanished at
+that spot together with the women. Having accomplished this, O
+illustrious monarch, that divine one assumed another and unearthly form
+(clad in) wonderful raiment. And renouncing the form of a hunter, that
+divine lord of the gods, resumed his own unearthly appearance and that
+mighty god stood (there). Then appeared before me with _Uma_ that
+manifest divine one, having the bull for his mark, wielding the
+_Pinaka_, bearing serpents and capable of assuming many forms. And, O
+repressor of foes, advancing towards me, standing even then in the field
+ready for conflict, that wielder of the trident addressed me saying, "I
+am well-pleased with thee." Then that divine one held up my bows and the
+couple of quivers furnished with inexhaustible shafts and returned them
+unto me saying, "Do thou ask some boon, O Kunti's son. I am well-pleased
+with thee. Tell me, what I shall do for thee. And, O hero, express the
+desire that dwelleth in thy heart. I will grant it. Except immortality
+alone, tell me as to the desire that is in thy heart." Thereat with my
+mind intent on the acquisition of arms, I only bowed down unto Siva and
+said, "O divine one, if thou beest favourably disposed towards me, then
+I wish to have this boon,--I wish to learn all the weapons that are with
+thy god-head." Then the god _Tryamvaka_ said unto me, "I will give. O
+Pandava, my own weapon _Raudra_ shall attend upon thee." Thereupon
+_Mahadeva_, well-pleased, granted to me the mighty weapon, _Pasupata_.
+And, having granted that eternal weapon, he also said unto me, "This
+must never be hurled at mortals. If discharged at any person of small
+energy, it would consume the universe. Shouldst thou (at any time) be
+hard pressed, thou mayst discharge it. And when all thy weapons have
+been completely baffled, thou mayst hurl it." Then when he having the
+bull for his mark, had been thus gratified, there stood manifest by my
+side that celestial weapon, of resistless force capable of baffling all
+weapons and destructive of foes and the hewer of hostile forces and
+unrivalled and difficult to be borne even by the celestials, the demons
+and the _Rakshasas_. Then at the command of that god, I sat me down
+there. And in my very sight the god vanished from the spot.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXVII
+
+"Arjuna said, 'O Bharata, by the grace of that god of gods the Supreme
+Soul, _Tryamvaka_, I passed the night at that place. And having passed
+the night, when I had finished the morning rituals, I saw that foremost
+of the _Brahmanas_ whom I had seen before. And unto him I told all as it
+had happened, O Bharata, namely, that I had met the divine _Mahadeva_.
+Thereupon, O king of kings, well-pleased, he said unto me, "Since thou
+hast beheld the great god, incapable of being beheld by any one else,
+soon wilt thou mix with _Vaivaswata_ and the other _Lokapalas_ and the
+lord of the celestials; and Indra too will grant thee weapons." O king,
+having said this unto me and having embraced me again and again, that
+_Brahmana_ resembling the Sun, went away whither he listed. And, O
+slayer of foes, it came to pass that on the evening of that day
+refreshing the whole world, there began to blow a pure breeze. And in my
+vicinity on the base of the _Himalaya_ mountain fresh, fragrant and fair
+flowers began to bloom. And on all sides there were heard charming
+symphony and captivating hymns relating to Indra. And before the lord of
+the celestial hosts of _Apsaras_ and _Gandharvas_ chanted various songs.
+And ascending celestial cars, there approached the _Marutas_ and the
+followers of _Mahendra_ and the dwellers of heaven. And afterwards,
+Marutvan together with _Sachi_ and all the celestials appeared on the
+scene in cars yoked with horses elegantly adorned. And at this very
+moment, O king, he that goeth about on the shoulders of men manifested
+himself unto me in excellent grace. And I saw _Yama_ seated on the south
+and _Varuna_ and the lord of the celestials at their respective regions.
+And, O foremost of men, O mighty monarch, they after having cheered me
+said, "O Savyasachin, behold us--the Lokapalas--seated. For the
+performance of the task of the gods thou hast obtained the sight of
+_Sankara_. Do thou now receive weapons from us seated around."
+Thereupon, O lord, having bowed down unto those foremost of the
+celestials with regard, I duly accepted those mighty weapons. And then
+they recognised me as one of their own. Afterwards the gods repaired to
+the quarter from whence they had come. And that lord of the celestials,
+the divine Maghavan too having ascended his glorious chariot, said, "O
+_Phalguna_, thou shalt have to repair unto the celestial region. O
+Dhananjaya, even before this thy arrival I knew that thou wouldst come
+hither. Then I have, O best of the Bharatas, manifested myself unto
+thee. As formerly thou hadst performed thy ablution in the various
+_tirthas_ and now hast performed severe austerities, so thou wilt be
+able to repair unto the celestial regions, O Pandava. Thou wilt,
+however, again have to practise extreme penance, for thou shouldst at
+any rate journey to heaven. And at my command, Matali shall take thee to
+the celestial regions. Thou hast already been recognised by the
+celestials and the celestial sages of high soul." Thereupon I said unto
+Sakra, "O divine one, be thou favourable unto me. With the view of
+learning arms do I beseech thee that thou mayst be my preceptor." At
+this Indra said, "O child, having learnt weapons thou wouldst perform
+terrible deeds and with this object thou desirest to obtain the weapons.
+However, obtain thou the arms, as thou desirest." Then I said, "O slayer
+of foes, I never would discharge these celestial weapons at mortals
+except when all my other arms should have been baffled. Do thou, O lord
+of the celestials, grant me the celestial weapons (so that) I may
+hereafter obtain the regions attainable by warriors." Indra said, "O
+Dhananjaya it is to try thee that I have said such words unto thee.
+Having been begotten of me this speech of thine well becometh thee. Do
+thou, O Bharata, repairing unto my abode learn all the weapons of
+_Vayu_, of _Agni_, of the _Vasus_, of _Varuna_, of the _Marutas_, of the
+_Siddhas_, of Brahma, of the Gandharvas, of the Uragas, of the
+Rakshasas, of Vishnu and of the _Nairitas_; and also all the weapons
+that are with me, O perpetuator of the Kuru race." Having said this unto
+me _Sakra_ vanished at the very spot. Then, O king, I saw the wonderful
+and sacred celestial car yoked with steeds arrive conducted by Matali.
+And when the Lokapalas went away Matali said unto me, "O thou of mighty
+splendour, the lord of the celestials is desirous of seeing thee. And O
+mighty-armed one, do thou acquire competence and then perform thy task.
+Come and behold the regions, attainable by merit and come unto heaven
+even in this frame. O Bharata, the thousand-eyed lord of the celestials
+wisheth to see thee." Thus addressed by Matali, I, taking leave of the
+mountain Himalaya and having gone round it ascended that excellent car.
+And then the exceedingly generous Matali, versed in equine lore, drove
+the steeds, gifted with the speed of thought or the wind. And when the
+chariot began to move that charioteer looking at my face as I was seated
+steadily, wondered and said these words, "Today this appeareth unto me
+strange and unprecedented that being seated in this celestial car, thou
+hast not been jerked ever so little. O foremost of Bharata race, I have
+ever remarked that at the first pull by the steeds even the lord of the
+celestials himself getteth jerked. But all the while that the car had
+moved, thou hast been sitting unshaken. This appeareth unto me as
+transcending even the power of _Sakra_."
+
+"'Having said this, O Bharata, Matali soared in the sky and showed me
+the abodes of the celestials and their palaces. Then the chariot yoked
+with steeds coursed upwards. And the celestials and the sages began to
+worship (that car), O prince of men. And I saw the regions, moving
+anywhere at will, and the splendour also of the highly energetic
+_Gandharvas, Apsaras_, and the celestial sages. And _Sakra's_
+charioteer, Matali, at once showed me _Nandana_ and other gardens and
+groves belonging to the celestials. Next I beheld Indra's abode,
+_Amaravati_, adorned with jewels and trees yielding any sort of fruit
+that is desired. There the Sun doth not shed heat; nor doth heat or cold
+or fatigue there affect (one), O king. And, O great monarch, the
+celestials feel neither sorrow nor poverty of spirit, nor weakness, nor
+lassitude, O grinder of foes. And, O ruler of men, the celestials and
+the others have neither anger nor covetousness. And, O king, in the
+abodes of the celestials, the beings are ever contented. And there the
+trees ever bear verdant foliage, and fruits, and flowers; and the
+various lakes are embalmed with the fragrance of lotuses. And there the
+breeze is cool, and delicious, and fragrant, and pure, and inspiring.
+And the ground is variegated with all kinds of gems, and adorned with
+blossoms. And there were seen innumerable beautiful beasts and in the
+air innumerable rangers of the sky. Then I saw the _Vasus_, and the
+_Rudras_, and the _Sadhyas_ with the _Marutas_, and the _Adityas_, and
+the two _Aswins_ and worshipped them. And they conferred their benison
+on me, granting me strength and prowess, and energy, and celebrity, and
+(skill in) arms, and victory in battle. Then, entering that romantic
+city adored by the _Gandharvas_ and the celestials, with joined hands, I
+stood before the thousand-eyed lord of the celestials. Thereupon, that
+best of bestowers gladly offered unto me half of his seat; and _Vasava_
+also with regard touched my person. And, O Bharata, with the view of
+acquiring arms and learning weapons, I began to dwell in heaven,
+together with the gods and the _Gandharvas_ of generous souls. And
+_Viswavana's_ son, _Chitrasena_ became my friend. And he, O king,
+imparted unto me the entire _Gandharva_ (science). And, O monarch, I
+happily lived in _Sakra's_ abode, well cared for having all my desires
+gratified, learning weapons, listening to the notes of songs, and the
+clear sounds of musical instruments, and beholding the foremost of
+_Apsaras_ dance. And without neglecting to study the arts, which I
+learnt properly, my attention was specially fixed on the acquisition of
+arms. And that lord of a thousand eyes was pleased with that purpose of
+mine. Living thus in heaven, O king, I passed this period.
+
+"'And when I had acquired proficiency in weapons, and gained his
+confidence that one having for his vehicle the horse (_Uchchaisrava_),
+(Indra), patting me on the head with his hand, said these words, "Now
+even the celestials themselves cannot conquer thee,--what shall I say of
+imperfect mortals residing on earth? Thou hast become invulnerable in
+strength, irrepressible, and incomparable in fight." Then with the hair
+of his body standing on end, he again accosted me saying, "O hero, in
+fighting with weapons none is equal unto thee. And, O perpetuator of the
+Kuru race, thou art even watchful, and dexterous, and truthful, and of
+subdued senses, and the protector of the _Brahmanas_ and adept in
+weapons, and warlike. And, O Partha, together with (a knowledge of) the
+five modes, using (them), thou hast obtained five and ten weapons and,
+therefore, there existeth none, who is thy peer. And thou hast perfectly
+learnt the discharge (of those weapons) and (their) withdrawal, and
+(their) re-discharge and re-withdrawal, and the _Prayaschitta_ connected
+(with them), and also their revival, in case of their being baffled.
+Now, O represser of foes, the time hath arrived for thy paying the
+preceptor's fee. Do thou promise to pay the fee; then I shall unfold
+unto thee what thou wilt have to perform." Thereat, O king, I said unto
+the ruler of the celestials, "If it be in my power to do the work, do
+thou consider it as already accomplished by me." O king, when I had said
+these words, Indra with a smile said unto me "Nothing is there in the
+three worlds that is not in thy power (to achieve). My enemies, those
+_Danavas_, named _Nivata-Kavachas_, dwell in the womb of the ocean. And
+they number thirty million and are notorious, and all of equal forms and
+strength and splendour. Do thou slay them there, O Kunti's son; and that
+will be thy preceptor's fee."
+
+"'Saying this he gave unto me the highly resplendent celestial car,
+conducted by Matali, furnished with hair resembling the down of
+peacocks. And on my head he set this excellent diadem. And he gave me
+ornaments for my body, like unto his own. And he granted unto me the
+impenetrable mail--the best of its kind, and easy to the touch; and
+fastened unto the _Gandiva_ this durable string. Then I set out,
+ascending that splendid chariot riding on which in days of yore, the
+lord of the celestials and vanquished _Vali_--that son of _Virochana_.
+And, O ruler of men, startled by the rattling of the car, all the
+celestials, approached (there), taking me to be the king of the
+celestials. And seeing me, they asked, "O Phalguna, what art thou going
+to do?" And I told them as it had fallen out,--and said, "I shall even
+do this in battle. Ye that are highly fortunate, know that I have set
+out desirous of slaying the _Nivata-Kavachas_. O sinless ones, do ye
+bless me." Thereupon, they began to eulogise me even as they (eulogise)
+the god, _Purandara_. And they said, "Riding on this car, _Maghavan_
+conquered in battle _Samvara_, and _Namuchi_, and _Vala_, and _Vritra_,
+and _Prahrada_, and _Naraka_. And mounted on this car also Maghavan, had
+conquered in battle many thousands and millions and hundreds of millions
+of _Daityas_. And, O _Kaunteya_, thou also, riding on this car, by thy
+prowess shalt conquer the _Nivata-Kavachas_ in conflict, even as did the
+self-possessed Maghavan in days of yore. And here is the best of shells;
+by this also thou shalt defeat the _Danavas_. And by this it is that the
+high souled _Sakra_ conquered the words." Saying this, the gods offered
+(unto me) this shell, _Devadatta_, sprung in the deep; and I accepted it
+for the sake of victory. And at this moment, the gods fell extolling me.
+And in order to be engaged in action, I proceeded to the dreadful abode
+of the _Danavas_, furnished with the shell, the mail, and arrows, and
+taking my bow.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXVIII
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then at places eulogised by the _Maharshis_, I
+(proceeded, and at length) beheld the ocean--that inexhaustible lord of
+waters. And like unto flowing cliffs were seen on it heaving billows,
+now meeting together and now rolling away. And there (were seen) all
+around barks by thousands filled with gems. And there were seen
+_timingilas_ and tortoises and _makaras_ like unto rock submerged in
+water. And on all sides round thousands of shells sunk in water appeared
+like stars in the night covered by light clouds. And thousands upon
+thousands of gems were floating in heaps and a violent wind was blowing
+about in whirls--and this was wonderful to behold. And having beheld
+that excellent lord of all waters with powerful tides, I saw at a short
+distance the city of the demons filled with the _Danavas_. And even
+there, entering underneath the earth, Matali skilled in guiding the car,
+sitting fast on the chariot drove it with force; and he dashed on,
+frightening that city with the rattling of his chariot. And hearing that
+rattling of the chariot like unto the rumbling of the clouds in the sky,
+the _Danavas_, thinking me to be the lord of the celestials, became
+agitated. And thereupon they all, frightened at heart, stood holding in
+their hands bows and arrows and swords and javelins and axes and maces
+and clubs. Then having made arrangements for the defence of the city,
+the _Danavas_, with minds alarmed, shut the gates, so that nothing could
+be discovered. Thereupon taking my shell, _Devadatta_, of tremendous
+roars, I again and again winded it with exceeding cheerfulness. And
+filling all the firmament, those sounds produced echoes. Thereat mighty
+beings were terrified and they hid (themselves). And then, O Bharata,
+all of them adorned with ornaments, those offsprings of _Diti_--the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_--made their appearance by thousands, donning diverse
+mail and taking in their hands various weapons and equipped with mighty
+iron javelins and maces and clubs and hatchets and sabres and discs and
+_sataghnis_ and _bhusundis_ and variegated and ornamented swords. Then,
+after deliberating much as to the course of the car, Matali began to
+guide the steeds on a (piece of) level ground, O foremost of the
+Bharatas. And owing to the swiftness of those fleet coursers conducted
+by him, I could see nothing--and this was strange. Then the _Danavas_
+there began to sound thousands of musical instruments, dissonant and of
+odd shapes. And at those sounds, fishes by hundreds and by thousands,
+like unto hills, having their senses bewildered by that noise, fled
+suddenly. And mighty force flew at me, the demons discharging sharpened
+shafts by hundreds and by thousands. And then, O Bharata, there ensued a
+dreadful conflict between me and the demons, calculated to extinguish
+the _Nivata Kavachas_. And there came to the mighty battle the
+_Devarshis_ and the _Danavarshis_ and the _Brahmarshis_ and the
+_Siddhas_. And desirous of victory, the _Munis eulogised_ me with the
+same sweet-speeches that (they had eulogised) Indra with, at the war,
+(which took place) for the sake of _Tara_.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXIX
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then, O Bharata, vehemently rushed at me in battle
+in a body the _Nivata-Kavachas_, equipped with arms. And obstructing the
+course of the car, and shouting loudly, those mighty charioteers,
+hemming me in on all sides, covered me with showers of shafts. Then
+other demons of mighty prowess, with darts and hatchets in their hands,
+began to throw at me spears and axes. And that mighty discharge of
+darts, with numerous maces and clubs incessantly hurled fell upon my
+car. And other dreadful and grim-visaged smiters among the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_, furnished with bows and sharpened weapons, ran at me
+in fight. And in the conflict, shooting from the _Gandiva_ sundry swift
+arrows coursing straight, I pierced each of them with ten. And they were
+driven back by those stone-whetted shafts of mine. Then on my steeds
+being swiftly driven by Matali, they began to display various movements
+with the speed of the wind. And being skilfully guided by Matali, they
+began to trample upon the sons of _Diti_. And although the steeds yoked
+unto that mighty chariot numbered hundreds upon hundreds, yet being
+deftly conducted by Matali, they began to move, as if they were only a
+few. And by their tread, and by the rattling of the chariot wheels and
+by the volleys of my shafts, the _Danavas_ began to fall by hundreds.
+And others accoutred in bows, being deprived of life, and having their
+charioteers slain, were carried about by the horses. Then, covering all
+sides and directions, all (the _Danavas_) skilled in striking entered
+into the contest with various weapons, and thereat my mind became
+afflicted. And I witnessed (this instance of) the marvellous prowess of
+Matali, viz., that he guided those fiery steeds with ease. Then, O king,
+in the conflict, with diverse fleet weapons I pierced by hundreds and by
+thousands (demons) bearing arms. And, O slayer of foes, seeing me thus
+range the field putting forth every exertion, the heroic charioteer of
+_Sakra_ was well-pleased. And oppressed by those steeds and that car,
+some (of them) met with annihilation; and others desisted from fight;
+while (other) _Nivata-Kavachas_, challenged by us in battle and being
+harassed with shafts offered opposition unto me, by (discharging) mighty
+showers of arrows. Thereupon, with hundreds and thousands of sundry
+fleet weapons inspired with the _mantras_ relating to _Brahma's_
+weapons, I swiftly began to burn them. And being sore pressed by me,
+those mighty _asuras_ waxing wroth afflicted me together, by pouring
+torrents of clubs and darts and swords. Then, O Bharata, I took up that
+favourite weapon of the lord of the celestials, Maghavan by name, prime
+and of fiery energy and by the energy of that weapon I cut into a
+thousand pieces the _Tomaras_, together with the swords and the tridents
+hurled by them. And having cut off their arms I in ire pierced them each
+with ten shafts. And in the field arrows were shot from the _Gandiva_
+like unto rows of black-bees; and this Matali admired. And their shafts
+also showered upon me; but those powerful (arrows) I cut off with my
+shafts. Then on being struck the _Nivata-Kavachas_ again covered me on
+all sides with a mighty shower of arrows. And having neutralised the
+force of the arrows by excellent swift and flaming weapons capable of
+baffling arms, I pierced them by thousands. And blood began to flow from
+their torn frames, even as in the rainy season waters run down from the
+summits of mountains. And on being wounded by my fleet and
+straight-coursing shafts of the touch of Indra's thunder-bolt, they
+became greatly agitated. And their bodies were pierced at hundreds of
+places; and the force of their arms diminished. Then the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_ fought me by (the help of) illusion.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXX
+
+"Arjuna said, 'Then with rocks of the proportions of trees, there
+commenced a mighty shower of crags; and this exercised me exceedingly.
+And in that high encounter, I crushed (those crags) by swift-speeding
+showers of arrows, issuing from Mahendra's weapon, like unto the
+thunder-bolt itself. And when the rocks had been reduced to powder,
+there was generated fire; and the rocky dust fell like unto masses of
+flames. And when the showers of crags had been repelled, there happened
+near me a mightier shower of water, having currents of the proportions
+of an axle. And falling from the welkin, those thousands of powerful
+torrents covered the entire firmament and the directions and the
+cardinal points. And on account of the pouring of the shower, and of the
+blowing of the wind, and of roaring of the _Daityas_, nothing could be
+perceived. And touching heaven and the entire earth, and incessantly
+falling on the ground, the showers bewildered me. Thereupon, I
+discharged that celestial weapon which I had learnt from Indra--even the
+dreadful and flaming _Visoshana_: and by that the water was dried up.
+And, O Bharata, when the rocky shower had been destroyed, and the watery
+shower had been dried up, the _Danavas_ began to spread illusions of
+fire and wind. Then by aqueous appliances I extinguished the flames; and
+by a mighty rock-issuing arm, resisted the fury of the winds. And when
+these had been repelled, the _Danavas_, irrepressible in battle, O
+Bharata, simultaneously created various illusions. And there happened a
+tremendous horrifying shower of rocks and dreadful weapons of fire and
+wind. And that illusory downpour afflicted me in fight. And then on all
+sides there appeared a dense and thick darkness. And when the world had
+been enveloped in deep and dense darkness, the steeds turned away,
+Matali fell off, and from his hand the golden lash fell to the earth.
+And, O foremost of the Bharatas, being frightened, he again and again
+cried, "Where art thou?" And when he had been stupefied, a terrible fear
+possessed me. And then in a hurry, he spake unto me, saying, "O Partha,
+for the sake of nectar, there had taken place a mighty conflict between
+the gods and the demons. I had seen that (encounter), O sinless one. And
+on the occasion of the destruction of Samvara, there had occurred a
+dreadful and mighty contest. Nevertheless I had acted as charioteer to
+the lord of the celestials. In the same way, on the occasion of the
+slaying of _Vritra_, the steeds had been conducted by me. And I had also
+beheld the high and terrific encounter with _Virochana's_ son, and, O
+Pandava, with _Vala_, and with _Prahrada_ and with others also. In these
+exceedingly dreadful battles, I was present; but, O Pandu's son, never
+(before) had I lost my senses. Surely the Greatfather hath ordained the
+destruction of all creatures; for this battle cannot be for any other
+purpose than destruction of the universe." Having heard these words of
+his, "pacifying my perturbation by my own effort, I will destroy the
+mighty energy of the illusion spread by the _Danavas_" quoth I unto the
+terrified Matali. "Behold the might of my arms, and the power of my
+weapons and of the bow, _Gandiva_. To-day even by (the help of)
+illusion-creating arms, will I dispel this deep gloom and also this
+horrible illusion of theirs. Do not fear, O charioteer. Pacify thyself."
+Having said this, O lord of men, I created for the good of the
+celestials, an illusion of arms capable of bewildering all beings. And
+when (their) illusion had been dispelled, some of the foremost amongst
+the _Asuras_, of unrivalled prowess, again spread diverse kinds of
+illusion. Thereupon, now (the world) displayed itself, and now it was
+devoured by darkness; and now the world disappeared from view and now it
+was submerged under water. And when it had brightened up, Matali,
+sitting in front of the car, with the wellconducted steeds, began to
+range that hair-erecting field. Then the fierce _Nivata-Kavachas_
+assailed me. And finding my opportunity, I began to send them to the
+mansion of Yama. Thereupon, in that conflict then raging, calculated to
+annihilate the _Nivata-Kavachas_ on a sudden, I could not see the
+_Danavas_ concealed by illusion.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXI
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Remaining invisible the _Daityas_ began to fight
+with the help of illusion. And I too fought with them, resorting to the
+energy of visible weapons. And the shafts duly discharged from the
+_Gandiva_, began to sever their heads at those different places where
+they were respectively stationed. And thus assailed by me in the
+conflict, the _Nivata-Kavachas_, all on a sudden withdrawing the
+illusion, entered into their own city. And when the _Daityas_ had fled,
+and when all had become visible, I there discovered hundreds and
+thousands of the slain. And there I saw by hundreds their shivered
+weapons, ornaments, limbs, and mail. And the horses could not find room
+for moving from one place to another; and on a sudden with a bound, they
+fell to coursing in the sky. Then remaining invisible, the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_ covered the entire welkin with masses of crags. And, O
+Bharata, other dreadful _Danavas_, entering into the entrails of the
+earth, took up horses' legs and chariot-wheels. And as I was fighting,
+they, hard besetting my horses with rocks, attacked me together with
+(my) car. And with the crags that had fallen and with others that were
+falling, the place where I was, seemed to be a mountain cavern. And on
+myself being covered with crags and on the horses being hard pressed, I
+became sore distressed and this was marked by Matali. And on seeing me
+afraid, he said unto me, "O Arjuna, Arjuna! be thou not afraid; send
+that weapon, the thunder-bolt, O lord of men." Hearing those words of
+his, I then discharged the favourite weapon of the king of the
+celestials--the dreadful thunderbolt. And inspiring the Gandiva with
+_mantras_, I, aiming at the locality of the crags, shot sharpened iron
+shafts of the touch of the thunder-bolt. And sent by the thunder, those
+adamantine arrows entered into all those illusions and into the midst of
+those _Nivata-Kavachas_. And slaughtered by the vehemence of the
+thunder, those _Danavas_ resembling cliffs, fell to the earth together
+in masses. And entering amongst those _Danavas_ that had carried away
+the steeds of the car into the interior of the earth, the shafts sent
+them into the mansion of _Yama_. And that quarter was completely covered
+with the _Nivata-Kavachas_ that had been killed or baffled, comparable
+unto cliffs and lying scattered like crags. And then no injury appeared
+to have been sustained either by the horses, or by the car, or by
+Matali, or by me, and this seemed strange. Then, O king, Matali
+addressed me smiling, "Not in the celestials themselves, O Arjuna, is
+seen the prowess that is seen in thee." And when the _Danava_ hosts had
+been destroyed, all their females began to bewail in that city, like
+unto cranes in autumn. Then with Matali I entered that city, terrifying
+with the rattling of my car the wives of the _Nivata-Kavachas_.
+Thereupon, seeing those ten thousand horses like unto peacocks (in hue),
+and also that chariot resembling the sun, the women fled in swarms. And
+like unto (the sounds of) rocks falling on a mountain, sounds arose of
+the (falling) ornaments of the terrified dames. (At length), the
+panic-stricken wives of the _Daityas_ entered into their respective
+golden places variegated with innumerable jewels. Beholding that
+excellent city, superior to the city of the celestials themselves, I
+asked Matali, saying, "Why do not the celestials reside in such (a
+place)? Surely, this appeareth superior to the city of Purandara."
+Thereat, Matali said, "In days of yore, O Partha, even this was the city
+of our lord of the celestials. Afterwards the celestials were driven
+from hence by the _Nivata-Kavachas_. Having performed the most rigid
+austerities, they had gratified the Grand-father and had asked (and
+obtained) the boons--namely, that they might reside here, and that they
+might be free from danger in wars with the gods." Then _Sakra_ addressed
+the self-create lord saying, "Do thou, O lord, desirous of our own
+welfare do what is proper." Thereupon, O Bharata, in this matter the
+Lord commanded (Indra), saying, "O slayer of foes, in another body, even
+thou shalt be (the destroyer of the _Danavas_)." Then, in order to
+slaughter them, _Sakra_ rendered unto thee those weapons. The gods had
+been unable to slay these, who have been slain by thee. O Bharata, in
+the fullness of time, hadst thou come hither, in order to destroy them
+and thou hast done so. O foremost of men, with the object that the
+demons might be killed, Mahendra had conferred on thee the excellent
+prime energy of these weapons.'
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'After having destroyed the _Danavas_, and also
+subdued that city, with Matali I again went to that abode of the
+celestials.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXII
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then while returning, I happened to descry a mighty
+unearthly city, moving at will, and having the effulgence of fire or the
+sun. And that city contained various trees composed of gems, and
+sweet-voiced feathered ones. And furnished with four gates, and
+gate-ways, and towers, that impregnable (city) was inhabited by the
+_Paulamas_ and _Kalakanjas_. And it was made of all sorts of jewels and
+was unearthly, and of wonderful appearance. And it was covered with
+trees of all kinds of gems, bearing fruits and flowers. And it contained
+exceedingly beautiful unearthly birds. And it always swarmed throughout
+with cheerful _Asuras_, wearing garlands, and bearing in their hands
+darts, two edged swords, maces, bows, and clubs. And, O king, on seeing
+this wonderful city of the Daityas, I asked Matali saying, "What is this
+that looketh so wonderful?" Thereat, Matali replied, "Once on a time a
+_Daitya's_ daughter, named _Pulama_ and a mighty female of the _Asura_
+order, _Kalaka_ by name, practised severe austerities for a thousand
+celestial years. And at the end of their austerities, the self-create
+conferred on them boons. And, O king of kings, they received these
+boons,--that their offspring might never suffer misfortune; that they
+might be incapable of being destroyed even by the gods, the _Rakshasas_
+and the _Pannagas_; and that they might obtain a highly effulgent and
+surpassingly fair aerial city, furnished with all manner of gems and
+invincible even by the celestials, the _Maharshis_, the _Yakshas_, the
+_Gandharvas_, the _Pannagas_, the _Asuras_ and the _Rakshasas_. O best
+of the Bharatas, this is that unearthly aerial city devoid of the
+celestials, which is moving about, having been created for the
+_Kalakeyas_, by _Brahma_ himself. And this city is furnished with all
+desirable objects, and is unknown of grief or disease. And, O hero,
+celebrated under the name of _Hiranyapura_, this mighty city is
+inhabited by the _Paulamas_ and the _Kalakanjas_; and it is also guarded
+by those mighty _Asuras_. And, O king, unslayed by any of the gods,
+there they dwell cheerfully, free from anxiety and having all their
+desires gratified, O foremost of kings. Formerly, _Brahma_ had destined
+destruction at the hands of mortals. Do thou, O Partha, in fight,
+compass with that weapon--the thunder-bolt--the destruction of the
+mighty and irrepressible _Kalakanjas_."'
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'O lord of men, learning that they were incapable of
+being destroyed by the celestials and the _Asuras_, I cheerfully said
+unto Matali, "Do thou speedily repair into yonder city. With weapons
+will I compass the annihilation of the haters of the lord of the
+celestials. Surely, there exist no wicked haters of the gods who ought
+not to be slain by me." Thereupon Matali took me to the vicinity of
+_Hiranyapura_ on the celestial chariot yoked with steeds. And seeing me,
+those sons of Diti, wearing various kinds of attire and ornament and
+accoutred in mail, flew at me with a mighty rush. And those foremost of
+the _Danavas_, of exceeding prowess, in wrath attacked me with arrows
+and _bhallas_ and clubs and two-edged swords, and _tomaras_. Thereat, O
+king, resorting to my strength of lore, I resisted that great volley of
+weapons by a mighty shower of shafts; and also confounded them in
+conflict by ranging around in my car. And being bewildered, the
+_Danavas_ began to push each other down. And having been confounded,
+they rushed at one another. And with flaming arrows, I severed their
+heads by hundreds. And hard pressed by me, the offspring of Diti, taking
+shelter within (their) city, soared with it to the firmament, resorting
+to the illusion proper to the _Danavas_. Thereupon, O son of the Kurus,
+covering the way of the _Daityas_, with a mighty discharge of shafts I
+obstructed their course. Then by virtue of the bestowal of the boon, the
+_Daityas_ supported themselves easily on that sky-ranging unearthly
+aerial city, going anywhere at will and like unto the sun. And now (the
+city) entered unto the earth and now it rose upwards; and at one time it
+went in a crooked way and at another time it submerged into water. At
+this, O represser of foes, I assailed that mighty city, going anywhere
+at will, and resembling _Amaravati_. And, O best of the Bharatas, I
+attacked the city containing those sons of Diti, with multitudes of
+shafts, displaying celestial weapons. And battered and broken by the
+straight-coursing iron shafts, shot by me, the city of the _Asuras_, O
+king, fell to the earth. And they also, wounded by my iron arrows having
+the speed of the thunder, began, O monarch, to go about, being urged by
+destiny. Then ascending to the sky, Matali, as if falling in front,
+swiftly descended to the earth, on that chariot of solar resplendence.
+Then, O Bharata, environed me sixty thousand cars belonging to those
+wrathful ones eager to battle with me. And with sharpened shafts graced
+with feathers of the vulture, I destroyed those (cars). At this,
+thinking, "These our hosts are incapable of being vanquished by
+mortals," they became engaged in the conflict, like unto the surges of
+the sea. Thereupon I gradually began to fix (on the string) unearthly
+weapons. At this, thousands of weapons (shot) by those wonderfully
+warring charioteers, by degrees opposed my unearthly arms and in the
+field I saw hundreds and thousands of mighty (demons) ranging on their
+cars, in various manoeuvres. And being furnished with variegated mail
+and standards and diverse ornaments, they delighted my mind. And in the
+conflict I could not afflict them by showers of shafts, but they did not
+afflict me. And being afflicted by those innumerable ones, equipped in
+weapons and skilled in fight, I was pained in that mighty encounter and
+a terrible fear seized me. Thereupon collecting (my energies) in fight,
+I (bowed down) unto that god of gods, _Raudra_, and saying, "May welfare
+attend on all beings!" I fixed that mighty weapon which, celebrated
+under the name of _Raudra_, is the destroyer of all foes. Then I beheld
+a male person having three heads, nine eyes, three faces, and six arms.
+And his hair was flaming like fire or the sun. And, O slayer of foes,
+for his dress, he had mighty serpents, putting out their tongues. And
+saying, O best of the Bharatas, the dreadful and eternal _Raudra_, I
+being free from fear, set it on the _Gandiva_; and, bowing unto the
+three-eyed _Sarva_ of immeasurable energy, let go (the weapon), with the
+object of vanquishing those foremost of the _Danavas_, O Bharata. And, O
+lord of men, as soon as it had been hurled, there appeared on the scene
+by thousands, forms of deer, and of lions, and of tigers, and of bears
+and of buffaloes, and of serpents, and of kine, and of sarabhas, and of
+elephants, and of apes in multitudes, and of bulls, and of boars, and of
+cats, and of dogs, and of spectres, and of all the _Bhurundas_, and of
+vultures, and of Garudas, of _chumaras_, and of all the leopards, and of
+mountains, and of seas, and of celestials, and of sages, and of all the
+_Gandharvas_, and of ghosts with the _Yakshas_, and of the haters of the
+gods, (_Asuras_), and of the _Guhyakas_ in the field, and of the
+_Nairitas_ and of elephant-mouthed sharks, and of owls, and of beings
+having the forms of fishes and horses, and of beings bearing swords and
+various other weapons, and of _Rakshasas_ wielding maces and clubs. And
+on that weapon being hurled all the universe became filled with these as
+well as many others wearing various shapes. And again and again wounded
+by beings of various sights with (pieces of) flesh, fat, bones, and
+marrow on their persons,--some having three heads, and some four tusks,
+and some four mouths, and some four arms,--the _Danavas_ met with
+destruction. And, then, O Bharata, in a moment I slew all those
+_Danavas_, with other swarms of arrows composed of the quintessence of
+stone, flaming like fire or the sun, and possessed of the force of the
+thunder-bolt. And, seeing them hewn by the _Gandiva_, and deprived of
+life, and thrown from the sky, I again bowed unto that god--the
+Destroyer of _Tripura_. And, seeing those adorned with unearthly
+ornaments, crushed by the weapon, the _Raudra_, the charioteer of the
+celestials, experienced the greatest delight. And having witnessed the
+accomplishment of that unbearable feat incapable of being achieved even
+by the celestials themselves, Matali, the charioteer of Sakra, paid
+homage unto me; and well-pleased, with joint hands said these words.
+"The feat that hath been achieved by thee, is incapable of being borne
+even by the gods, nay,--in battle, the lord of the celestials himself
+cannot perform this deed. The sky-coursing mighty city incapable of
+being destroyed by the gods and the Asuras hast thou, O hero, crushed by
+thy own prowess and by the energy of asceticism." And when that aerial
+city had been destroyed, and when the _Danavas_ also had been slain,
+their wives, uttering cries of distress, like unto Kurari birds, with
+hair dishevelled came out of the city. And bewailing for their sons and
+brothers and fathers, they fell on the ground and cried with distressful
+accents. And on being deprived for their lords, they beat their breasts,
+their garlands and ornaments fallen off. And that city of _Danavas_, in
+appearance like unto the city of the _Gandharvas_ filled with
+lamentations and stricken with dole and distress, and bereft of grace
+even like unto a lake deprived of (its) elephants, or like unto a forest
+deprived of trees and (deprived of its) masters, looked no longer
+beautiful--but it vanished, like a cloud-constructed city. And when I
+had accomplished the task, from the field Matali took me of delighted
+spirits, unto the abode of the lord of the celestials. And having slain
+those mighty Asuras, and destroyed _Hiranyapura_, and having also killed
+the _Nivata-Kavachas_, I came unto Indra. And, O exceedingly resplendent
+one, as it had fallen out, Matali related in detail unto Devendra that
+entire achievement of mine. And with the Marutas, hearing of the
+destruction of _Hiranyapura_, of the neutralisation of the illusion, and
+of the slaughter of the highly powerful Nivatakavachas in fight, the
+prosperous thousand-eyed divine _Purandara_ was well pleased, and
+exclaimed, "Well done; Well done!" And the king of the celestials
+together with the celestials, cheering me again and again, said these
+sweet words, "By thee hath been achieved a feat incapable of being
+achieved by the gods and the Asuras. And, O Partha, by slaying my mighty
+enemies, thou hast paid the preceptor's fee. And, O Dhananjaya, thus in
+battle shalt thou always remain calm, and discharge the weapons
+unerringly, and there shall not stand thee in fight celestials, and
+_Danavas_, and _Rakshasas_, and _Yakshas_, and _Asuras_, and
+_Gandharvas_ and birds and serpents. And, O Kaunteya, by conquering it
+even by the might of thy arms, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, will rule the
+earth."'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIII
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then firmly confident, the sovereign of the
+celestials considering as his own, pertinently said these words unto me
+wounded by cleaving shafts, "All the celestial weapons, O Bharata, are
+with thee, so no man on earth will by any means be able to over-power
+thee. And, O son, when thou art in the field, Bhishma and Drona and
+Kripa and Karna and Sakuni together with other Kshatriyas shall not
+amount unto one-sixteenth part of thee." And the lord Maghavan granted
+me this golden garland and this shell, Devadatta, of mighty roars, and
+also his celestial mail impenetrable and capable of protecting the body.
+And Indra himself set on my (head) this diadem. And _Sakra_ presented me
+with these unearthly apparels and unearthly ornaments, elegant and rare.
+In this manner, O king, (duly) honoured, I delightfully dwelt in Indra's
+sacred abode with the children of the _Gandharvas_. Then, well-pleased,
+_Sakra_, together with the celestials, addressed me, saying, "O Arjuna,
+the time hath come for thy departure; thy brothers have thought of
+thee." Thus, O Bharata, remembering the dissensions arising from that
+gambling, did I, O king, pass those five years in the abode of Indra.
+Then have I come and seen thee surrounded by our brothers on the summit
+of this lower range of the _Gandhamadana_.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O Dhananjaya, by fortune it is that the weapons
+have been obtained by thee; by fortune it is that the master of the
+immortals hath been adored by thee. O repressor of foes, by fortune it
+is that the divine _Sthanu_ together with the goddess had become
+manifest unto thee and been gratified by thee in battle, O sinless one;
+by fortune it is that thou hadst met with the Lokapalas, O best of the
+Bharatas. O Partha, by fortune it is that we have prospered; and by
+fortune it is that thou hast come back. To-day I consider as if the
+entire earth engarlanded with cities hath already been conquered, and as
+if the sons of Dhritarashtra have already been subdued. Now, O Bharata,
+I am curious to behold those celestial weapons wherewith thou hadst
+slain the powerful _Nivata-Kavachas_.'
+
+"Thereat Arjuna said, 'Tomorrow in the morning thou wilt see all the
+celestial weapons with which I slew the fierce _Nivata-Kavachas_.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Thus having related (the facts touching) the
+arrival, Dhananjaya passed that night there, together with all his
+brothers."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "And when the night had passed, Yudhishthira the
+just, arose and together with his brothers, performed the necessary
+duties. He then spake unto Arjuna, that delight of his mother, saying,
+'O Kaunteya, do thou show (me) those weapons with which thou vanquished
+the _Danavas_.' Thereat, O king, the exceedingly powerful Dhananjaya,
+the son of Pandu, duly practising extreme purity, showed those weapons,
+O Bharata, which had been given unto him by the celestials. Dhananjaya
+seated on the earth, as his chariot, which had the mountain for its
+pole, the base of the axle and the cluster of beautiful-looking bamboo
+trees for its socket-pole, looked resplendent with that celestial armour
+of great lustre, took his bow _Gandiva_ and the conch-shell given to him
+by the gods, commenced to exhibit those celestial weapons in order. And
+as those celestial weapons had been set, the Earth being oppressed with
+the feet (of Arjuna), began to tremble with (its) trees; and the rivers
+and the mighty main became vexed; and the rocks were riven; and the air
+was hushed. And the sun did not shine; and fire did not flame; and by no
+means did the Vedas of the twice-born once shine. And, O Janamejaya, the
+creatures peopling the interior of the earth, on being afflicted, rose
+and surrounded the Pandava, trembling with joined hands and contorted
+countenances. And being burnt by those weapons, they besought Dhananjaya
+(for their lives). Then the _Brahmarshis_, and the _Siddhas_, and the
+_Maharshis_ and the mobile beings--all these appeared (on the scene).
+And the foremost _Devarshis_, and the celestials and the _Yakshas_ and
+the _Rakshasas_ and the _Gandharvas_ and the feathered tribes and the
+(other) sky-ranging beings--all these appeared (on the scene). And the
+Great-sire and all the Lokapalas and the divine Mahadeva, came thither,
+together with their followers. Then, O great king, bearing unearthly
+variegated blossoms _Vayu_ (the Wind-god) fell to strewing them around
+the Pandava. And sent by the celestials, the _Gandharvas_ chanted
+various ballads; and, O monarch, hosts of the _Apsaras_ danced (there).
+At such a moment, O king, sent by the celestials, Narada arrived (there)
+and addressed Partha in these sweet words, 'O Arjuna, Arjuna, do thou
+not discharge the celestial weapons. These should never be discharged
+when there is no object (fit). And when there is an object (present),
+they should also by no means be hurled, unless one is sore pressed; for,
+O son of the Kurus, to discharge the weapons (without occasion), is
+fraught with great evil. And, O Dhananjaya, being duly kept as thou hast
+been instructed to these powerful weapons will doubtless conduce to thy
+strength and happiness. But if they are not properly kept, they, O
+Pandava, will become the instrument for the destruction of the three
+worlds. So thou shouldst not act in this way again. O Ajatasatru, thou
+too wilt behold even these weapons, when Partha will use them for
+grinding (thy) enemies in battle.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having prevented Partha the immortals with
+others that had come there, went to each his place, O foremost of men.
+And, O Kaurava, after they had all gone, the Pandavas began to dwell
+pleasantly in the same forest, together with Krishna."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXV
+
+Janamejaya said, "When that prince among heroes, having been accomplished
+in arms, had returned from the abode of the slayer of Vritra, what did
+Pritha's sons do in company with the warlike Dhananjaya?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "In company with that hero equal unto Indra,
+Arjuna--that foremost of men, sported in the pleasure-gardens of the
+lord of treasures (situated) in those woods on that romantic and
+excellent mountain. And surveying those peerless and various
+pleasure-grounds filled with diverse trees, that chief of men, _Kiriti_,
+ever intent upon arms, ranged at large, bow in hand. And having through
+the grace of king Vaisravana obtained a residence, those sons of a
+sovereign cared not for the prosperity of men. And, O king, that period
+of their (lives) passed peacefully. And having Partha in their company,
+they spent four years there even like a single night. And as the
+Pandavas lived in the wood, (these four years) and the former six,
+numbering ten, passed smoothly with them.
+
+"Then having seated themselves before the king, the vehement son of the
+Wind-god, with _Jishnu_ and the heroic twins, like unto the lord of the
+celestials, earnestly addressed the king in these beneficial and
+pleasant words. 'It is only to render thy promise effectual and to
+advance thy interests, that, O king of the Kurus, forsaking the forest,
+we do not go to slay Suyodhana together with all his followers. Although
+deserving of happiness, yet have we been deprived of happiness. And this
+is the eleventh year that (in this state) we have been living (in the
+forest). And hereafter, deluding that one of evil mind and character,
+shall we easily live out the period of non-discovery. And at thy
+mandate, O monarch, free from apprehension, we have been ranging the
+woods, having relinquished our honour. Having been tempted by our
+residence in the vicinity, they (our enemies) will not believe that we
+have removed to a distant realm. And after having lived there
+undiscovered for a year, and having wreaked our revenge on that wicked
+wight, Suyodhana, with his followers, we shall easily root out that
+meanest of men, slaying him and regaining our kingdom. Therefore, O
+Dharmaraja, do thou descend unto the earth. For, O king, if we dwell in
+this region like unto heaven itself, we shall forget our sorrows. In
+that case, O Bharata, thy fame like unto a fragrant flower shall vanish
+from the mobile and the immobile worlds. By gaining that kingdom of the
+Kuru chiefs, thou wilt be able to attain (great glory), and to perform
+various sacrifices. This that thou art receiving from _Kuvera_, thou
+wilt, O foremost of men, be able to attain any time. Now, O Bharata,
+turn thy mind towards the punishment and destruction of foes that
+committed wrongs. O king, the wielder of the thunderbolt himself is
+incapable of standing thy prowess. And intent upon thy welfare, he,
+having _Suparna_ for his mark (Krishna), and also the grandson of Sini
+(Satyaki) never experience pain, even when engaged in encounter with the
+gods, O Dharmaraja. And Arjuna is peerless in strength, and so am I too,
+O best of kings. And as Krishna together with the Yadavas is intent upon
+thy welfare, so am I also, O foremost of monarchs, and the heroic twins
+accomplished in war. And encountering the enemy, we, having for our main
+object the attainment by thee of wealth and prosperity, will destroy
+them.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then having learnt that intention of theirs,
+the magnanimous and excellent son of Dharma, versed in religion and
+profit, and of immeasurable prowess, went round Vaisravana's abode. And
+Yudhishthira the just, after bidding adieu unto the palaces, the rivers,
+the lakes, and all the _Rakshasas_, looked towards the way by which (he)
+had come (there). And then looking at the mountain also, the high-souled
+and pure-minded one besought that best of mountains, saying, 'O foremost
+of mountains, may I together with my friends, after having finished my
+task, and slain my foes, and regained my kingdom, see thee again,
+carrying on austerities with subdued soul.' And this also he determined
+on. And in company with his younger brothers and the _Brahmanas_, the
+lord of the Kurus proceeded even along that very road. And Ghatotkacha
+with his followers began to carry them over the mountain cascades. And
+as they started, the great sage _Lomasa_, advising them even as a father
+doth his son, with a cheerful heart, went unto the sacred abode of the
+dwellers of heaven. Then advised also by Arshtishena, those first of
+men, the Parthas, went alone beholding romantic _tirthas_ and
+hermitages, and other mighty lakes."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When they had left their happy home in the beautiful
+mountain abounding in cascades, and having birds, and the elephants of
+the eight quarters, and the supernatural attendants of _Kuvera_ (as
+dwellers thereof), all happiness forsook those foremost of men of
+Bharata's race. But afterwards on beholding _Kuvera's_ favourite
+mountain, _Kailasa_, appearing like clouds, the delight of those
+pre-eminent heroes of the race of Bharata, became very great. And those
+foremost of heroic men, equipped with scimitars and bows, proceeded
+contentedly, beholding elevations and defiles, and dens of lions and
+craggy causeways and innumerable water-falls and lowlands, in different
+places, as also other great forests inhabited by countless deer and
+birds and elephants. And they came upon beautiful woodlands and rivers
+and lakes and caves and mountain caverns; and these frequently by day
+and night became the dwelling place of those great men. And having dwelt
+in all sorts of inaccessible places and crossing _Kailasa_ of
+inconceivable grandeur, they reached the excellent and surpassingly
+beautiful hermitage of _Vrishaparba_. And meeting king Vrishaparba and
+received by him, they became free from depression and then they
+accurately narrated in detail to Vrishaparba the story of their sojourn
+in the mountains. And having pleasantly passed one night in his sacred
+abode frequented by gods and _Maharshis_, those great warriors proceeded
+smoothly towards the jujube tree called Visala and took up their
+quarters there. Then all those magnanimous men having reached the place
+of Narayana, continued to live there, bereft of all sorrow, at beholding
+_Kuvera's_ favourite lake, frequented by gods and _Siddhas_. And viewing
+that lake, those foremost of men, the sons of Pandu traversed that
+place, renouncing all grief even as immaculate _Brahmana rishis_ (do) on
+attaining a habitation in the _Nandana_ gardens. Then all those warriors
+having in due course happily lived at Badari for one month, proceeded
+towards the realm of Suvahu, king of the _Kiratas_, by following the
+same track by which they had come. And crossing the difficult Himalayan
+regions, and the countries of China, Tukhara, Darada and all the climes
+of Kulinda, rich in heaps of jewels, those warlike men reached the
+capital of Suvahu. And hearing that those sons and grandsons of kings
+had all reached his kingdom, Suvahu, elated with joy, advanced (to meet
+them). Then the best of the Kurus welcomed him also. And meeting king
+Suvahu, and being joined by all their charioteers with Visoka at their
+head and by their attendants, Indrasena and others, and also by the
+superintendents and servants of the kitchen, they stayed there
+comfortably for one night. Then taking all the chariots and chariot-men
+and dismissing Ghatotkacha together with his followers, they next
+repaired to the monarch of mountains in the vicinity of the _Yamuna_. In
+the midst of the mountain abounding in waterfalls and having grey and
+orange-coloured slopes and summits covered with a sheet of snow, those
+warlike men having then found the great forest of Visakhayupa like unto
+the forest of Chitraratha and inhabited by wild boars and various kinds
+of deer and birds, made it their home. Addicted to hunting as their
+chief occupation, the sons of Pritha peacefully dwelt in that forest for
+one year. There in a cavern of the mountain, Vrikodara, with a heart
+afflicted with distraction and grief, came across a snake of huge
+strength distressed with hunger and looking fierce like death itself. At
+this crisis Yudhishthira, the best of pious men, became the protector of
+Vrikodara and he, of infinite puissance, extricated Bhima whose whole
+body had been fast gripped by the snake with its folds. And the twelfth
+year of their sojourn in forests having arrived, those scions of the
+race of Kuru, blazing in effulgence, and engaged in asceticism, always
+devoted principally to the practice of archery, repaired cheerfully from
+that Chitraratha-like forest to the borders of the desert, and desirous
+of dwelling by the _Saraswati_ they went there, and from the banks of
+that river they reached the lake of _Dwaitabana_. Then seeing them enter
+_Dwaitabana_, the dwellers of that place engaged in asceticism,
+religious ordinances, and self-restraining exercises and in deep and
+devout meditation and subsisting on things ground with stone (for want
+of teeth) having procured grass-mats and water-vessels, advanced to meet
+them. The holy fig, the rudaraksha, the rohitaka, the cane and the
+jujube, the catechu, the sirisha, the bel and the inguda and the karira
+and pilu and sami trees grew on the banks of the _Saraswati_. Wandering
+about with contentment in (the vicinity of) the _Saraswati_ which was,
+as it were, the home of the celestials, and the favourite (resort) of
+_Yakshas_ and _Gandharvas_ and _Maharshis_, those sons of kings lived
+there in happiness."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVII
+
+Janamejaya said, "How was it, O sage! that Bhima, of mighty prowess and
+possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants, was stricken with
+panic at (the sight of) that snake? Thou hast described him, that slayer
+of his enemies, as dismayed and appalled with fear, even him, who by
+fighting at the lotus lake (of Kuvera) became the destroyer of _Yakshas_
+and _Rakshasas_ and who, in proud defiance, invited to a single combat,
+Pulastya's son, the dispenser of all riches. I desire to hear this (from
+you); great indeed is my curiosity."
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "O king, having reached king Vrishaparva's
+hermitage, while those fearful warriors were living in various wonderful
+woods, Vrikodara roaming at pleasure, with bow in hand and armed with a
+scimitar, found that beautiful forest, frequented by gods and
+_Gandharvas_. And then he beheld (some) lovely spots in the Himalayan
+mountains, frequented by _Devarshis_ and _Siddhas_ and inhabited by
+hosts of _Apsaras_, resounded here and there with (the warbling of)
+birds--the _chakora_, the _chakrabaka_, the _jibajibaka_ and the cuckoo
+and the _Bhringaraja_, and abounding with shady trees, soft with the
+touch of snow and pleasing to the eye and mind, and bearing perennial
+fruits and flowers. And he beheld mountain streams with waters
+glistening like the _lapis lazuli_ and with ten thousand snow-white
+ducks and swans and with forests of _deodar_ trees forming (as it were)
+a trap for the clouds; and with _tugna_ and _kalikaya_ forests,
+interspersed with yellow sandal trees. And he of mighty strength, in the
+pursuit of the chase, roamed in the level and desert tracts of the
+mountain, piercing his game with unpoisoned arrows. In that forest the
+famous and mighty Bhimasena, possessing the strength of a hundred
+elephants, killed (many) large wild boars, with the force (of his arms).
+And endowed with terrible prowess and mighty strength, and powerful as
+the lion or the tiger, and capable of resisting a hundred men, and
+having long arms, and possessing the strength of a hundred elephants, he
+killed many antelopes and wild boars and buffaloes. And here and there,
+in that forest he pulled out trees by the roots, with great violence and
+broke them too, causing the earth and the woods and the (surrounding)
+places to resound. And then shouting and trampling on the tops of
+mountains, and causing the earth to resound with his roars, and striking
+his arms, and uttering his war-cry, and slapping and clapping his hands,
+Bhimasena, exempt from decay, and ever-proud and without fear, again and
+again leaped about in those woods. And on hearing the shouts of
+Bhimasena, powerful lions and elephants of huge strength, left their
+lairs in fright. And in that same forest, he fearlessly strolled about
+in search of game; and like the denizens of the woods, that most valiant
+of men, the mighty Bhimasena, wandered on foot in that forest. And he
+penetrated the vast forest, shouting strange whoops, and terrifying all
+creatures, endowed with strength and prowess. And then being terrified,
+the snakes hid (themselves) in caves, but he, overtaking them with
+promptitude, pursued them slowly. Then the mighty Bhimasena, like unto
+the Lord of the Celestials, saw a serpent of colossal proportions,
+living in one of the mountain fastnesses and covering the (entire) cave
+with its body and causing one's hair to stand on end (from fright). It
+had its huge body stretched like a hillock, and it possessed gigantic
+strength, and its body was speckled with spots and it had a
+turmeric-like (yellow) colour and a deep copper-coloured mouth of the
+form of a cave supplied with four teeth; and with glaring eyes, it was
+constantly licking the corners of its mouth. And it was the terror of
+all animated beings and it looked like the very image of the Destroyer
+Yama; and with the hissing noise of its breath it lay as if rebuking (an
+in-comer). And seeing Bhima draw so near to him, the serpent, all on a
+sudden, became greatly enraged, and that goat-devouring snake violently
+seized Bhimasena in his grip. Then by virtue of the boon that had been
+received by the serpent, Bhimasena with his body in the serpent's grip,
+instantly lost all consciousness. Unrivalled by that of others, the
+might of Bhimasena's arms equaled the might of ten thousand elephants
+combined. But Bhima, of great prowess, being thus vanquished by the
+snake, trembled slowly, and was unable to exert himself. And that one of
+mighty arms and of leonine shoulders, though possessed of strength of ten
+thousand elephants, yet seized by the snake, and overpowered by virtue
+of the boon, lost all strength. He struggled furiously to extricate
+himself, but did not succeed in any wise baffling this (snake)."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "And the powerful Bhimasena, having thus come
+under the power of the snake, thought of its mighty and wonderful
+prowess; and said unto it, 'Be thou pleased to tell me, O snake, who
+thou art. And, O foremost of reptiles, what wilt thou do with me? I am
+Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, and next by birth to Yudhishthira the just.
+And endued as I am with the strength of ten thousand elephants, how hast
+thou been able to overpower me? In fight have been encountered and slain
+by me innumerable lions, and tigers, and buffaloes, and elephants. And,
+O best of serpents, mighty _Rakshasas_ and _Pisachas_, and _Nagas_, are
+unable to stand the force of my arms. Art thou possessed of any magic,
+or hast thou received any boon, that although exerting myself, I have
+been overcome by thee? Now I have been convinced that the strength of
+men is false, for, O serpent, by thee hath such mighty strength of men
+been baffled.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When the heroic Bhima of noble deed had said
+this, the snake caught him, and coiled him all round with his body,
+having thus subdued that mighty-armed one, and freed his plump arms
+alone, the serpent spake these words, 'By good fortune it is that,
+myself being hungry, after long time the gods have to-day destined thee
+for my food; for life is dear unto every embodied being, I should relate
+unto thee the way in which I have come by this snake form. Hear, O best
+of the pious, I have fallen into this plight on account of the wrath of
+the _Maharshis_. Now desirous of getting rid of the curse, I will
+narrate unto thee all about it. Thou hast, no doubt, heard of the royal
+sage, _Nahusha_. He was the son of Ayu, and the perpetuator of the line
+of thy ancestors. Even I am that one. For having affronted the
+_Brahmanas_ I, by (virtue of) Agastya's malediction, have come by this
+condition. Thou art my agnate, and lovely to behold.--so thou shouldst
+not be slain by me,--yet I shall to-day devour thee! Do thou behold the
+dispensation of Destiny! And be it a buffalo, or an elephant, none
+coming within my reach at the sixth division of the day, can, O best of
+men, escape. And, O best of the Kurus, thou hast not been taken by an
+animal of the lower order, having strength alone,--but this (hath been
+so) by reason only of the boon I have received. As I was falling rapidly
+from Sakra's throne placed on the front of his palace, I spake unto that
+worshipful sage (Agastya), "Do thou free me from this curse." Thereat
+filled with compassion, that energetic one said unto me, "O king, thou
+shall be freed after the lapse of some time." Then I fell to the earth
+(as a snake); but my recollection (of former life) did not renounce me.
+And although it be so ancient, I still recollect all that was said. And
+the sage said unto me, "That person who conversant with the relation
+subsisting between the soul and the Supreme Being, shall be able to
+answer the questions put by thee, shall deliver thee. And, O king, taken
+by thee, strong beings superior to thee, shall immediately lose their
+strength." I heard these words of those compassionate ones, who felt
+attached unto me. And then the Brahmanas vanished. Thus, O highly
+effulgent one, having become a serpent, I, doing exceedingly sinful
+acts, live in unclean hell, in expectation of the (appointed) time.' The
+mighty-armed Bhimasena addressed the serpent, saying, 'I am not angry, O
+mighty snake,--nor do I blame myself. Since in regard to happiness and
+misery, men sometimes possess the power of bringing and dismissing them,
+and sometimes do not. Therefore one should not fret one's mind. Who can
+baffle destiny by self-exertion? I deem destiny to be supreme, and
+self-exertion to be of no avail. Smitten with the stroke of destiny, the
+prowess of my arms lost, behold me to-day fallen unto this condition
+without palpable cause. But to-day I do not so much grieve for my own
+self being slain, as I do for my brothers deprived of their kingdom, and
+exiled into the forest. This Himalaya is inaccessible, and abounds with
+_Yakshas_ and the _Rakshasas_. And searching about for me, they will be
+distracted. And hearing that I have been killed, (my brothers) will
+forego all exertion, for, firm in promise, they have hitherto been
+controlled by my harsh speech, I being desirous of gaining the kingdom.
+Or the intelligent Arjuna (alone), being versed in every lore, and
+incapable of being overcome by gods and _Rakshasas_ and _Gandharvas_,
+will not be afflicted with grief. That mighty-armed and exceedingly
+powerful one is able single-handed to speedily pull down from his place
+even the celestials. What shall I say of the deceitfully gambling son of
+Dhritarashtra, detested of all men, and filled with haughtiness and
+ignorance! And I also grieve for my poor mother, affectionate to her
+sons, who is ever solicitous for our greatness in a large measure than
+is attained by our enemies. O serpent, the desire that forlorn one had
+in me will all be fruitless in consequence of my destruction. And gifted
+with manliness, the twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, following their elder
+brother (me), and always protected by the strength of my arms, will,
+owing to my destruction, be depressed and deprived of their prowess, and
+stricken with grief. This is what I think.' In this way Vrikodara
+lamented profusely. And being bound by the body of the snake, he could
+not exert himself.
+
+"On the other hand, Kunti's son, Yudhishthira, (seeing) and reflecting
+on dreadful ill omens, became alarmed. Terrified by the blaze of the
+points of the horizon, jackals stationing themselves on the right of
+that hermitage, set up frightful and inauspicious yells. And ugly
+_Vartikas_ as of dreadful sight, having one wing, one eye, and one leg,
+were seen to vomit blood, facing the sun. And the wind began to blow
+dryly, and violently, attracting grits. And to the right all the beasts
+and birds began to cry. And in the rear the black crows cried, 'Go!'
+'Go!' And momentarily his (Yudhishthira's) right arm began to twitch,
+and his chest and left leg shook (of themselves). And indicating evil
+his left eye contracted spasmodically. Thereupon, O Bharata, the
+intelligent Yudhishthira the just, inferring some great calamity (to be
+imminent), asked Draupadi, saying, 'Where is Bhima?' Thereat Panchali
+said that Vrikodara had long gone out. Hearing this, that mighty-armed
+king set out with Dhaumya, after having said unto Dhananjaya, 'Thou
+shouldst protect Draupadi.' And he also directed Nakula and Sahadeva to
+protect the _Brahmanas_. And issuing from the hermitage that lord,
+Kunti's son, following the footprints of Bhimasena, began to search for
+him in that mighty forest. And on coming to the east, he found mighty
+leaders of elephant-herds (slain) and saw the earth marked with Bhima's
+(foot-prints). Then seeing thousands of deer and hundreds of lions lying
+in the forest, the king ascertained his course. And on the way were
+scattered trees pulled down by the wind caused by the thighs of that
+hero endued with the speed of the wind as he rushed after the deer. And
+proceeding, guided by those marks, to a spot filled with dry winds and
+abounding in leafless vegetables, brackish and devoid of water, covered
+with thorny plants and scattered over with gravel, stumps and shrubs and
+difficult of access and uneven and dangerous, he saw in a mountain
+cavern his younger brother motionless, caught in the folds of that
+foremost of snakes."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Yudhishthira, finding his beloved brother
+coiled by the body of the serpent, said these words: 'O son of Kunti,
+how hast thou come by this misfortune! And who is this best of serpents
+having a body like unto a mountain mass?' Bhimasena said, 'O worshipful
+one, this mighty being hath caught me for food. He is the royal sage
+Nahusha living in the form of a serpent.' Yudhishthira said, 'O
+longlived one, do thou free my brother of immeasurable prowess; we will
+give thee some other food which will appease thy hunger.' The serpent
+said, 'I have got for diet even this son of a king, come to my mouth of
+himself. Do thou go away. Thou shouldst not stay here. (If thou
+remainest here) thou too shall be my fare to-morrow. O mighty-armed one,
+this is ordained in respect of me, that he that cometh unto my place,
+becometh my food and thou too art in my quarter. After a long time have
+I got thy younger brother as my food; I will not let him off; neither do
+I like to have any other food.' Thereat Yudhishthira said, 'O serpent,
+whether thou art a god, or a demon, or an _Uraga_, do thou tell me
+truly, it is Yudhishthira that asketh thee, wherefore, O snake, hast
+thou taken Bhimasena? By obtaining which, or by knowing what wilt thou
+receive satisfaction, O snake, and what food shall I give thee? And how
+mayst thou free him.' The serpent said, 'O sinless one, I was thy
+ancestor, the son of Ayu and fifth in descent from the Moon. And I was a
+king celebrated under the name of Nahusha. And by sacrifices and
+asceticism and study of the Vedas and self-restraint and prowess I had
+acquired a permanent dominion over the three worlds. And when I had
+obtained such dominion, haughtiness possessed me. And thousands of
+_Brahmanas_ were engaged in carrying my chair. And intoxicated by
+supremacy, I insulted those _Brahmanas_. And, O lord of the earth, by
+Agastya have I been reduced to this pass! Yet, O Pandava, to this day
+the memory (of my former birth) hath not forsaken me! And, O king, even
+by the favour of that high-souled Agastya, during the sixth division of
+the day have I got for meal thy younger brother. Neither will I set him
+free, nor do I wish for any other food. But if to-day thou answerest the
+questions put by me, then, I shall deliver Vrikodara!' At this
+Yudhishthira said, 'O serpent, ask whatever thou listest! I shall, if I
+can, answer thy questions with the view of gratifying thee, O snake!
+Thou knowest fully what should be known by _Brahmanas_. Therefore, O
+king of snakes, hearing (thee) I shall answer thy queries!'
+
+"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, say--Who is a _Brahmana_ and what
+should be known? By thy speech I infer thee to be highly intelligent.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O foremost of serpents, he, it is asserted by the
+wise, in whom are seen truth, charity, forgiveness, good conduct,
+benevolence, observance of the rites of his order and mercy is a
+_Brahmana_. And, O serpent, that which should be known is even the
+supreme _Brahma_, in which is neither happiness nor misery--and
+attaining which beings are not affected with misery; what is thy
+opinion?'
+
+"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, truth, charity, forgiveness,
+benevolence, benignity, kindness and the _Veda_[2] which worketh the
+benefit of the four orders, which is the authority in matters of
+religion and which is true, are seen even in the _Sudra_. As regards the
+object to be known and which thou allegest is without both happiness and
+misery, I do not see any such that is devoid of these.'
+
+    [2] In as much as the rites performed by the Sudras have their
+    origin in the Vedas.
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Those characteristics that are present in a
+_Sudra_, do not exist in a _Brahmana_; nor do those that are in a
+_Brahmana_ exist in a _Sudra_. And a _Sudra_ is not a _Sudra_ by birth
+alone--nor a _Brahmana_ is _Brahmana_ by birth alone. He, it is said by
+the wise, in whom are seen those virtues is a _Brahmana_. And people
+term him a Sudra in whom those qualities do not exist, even though he be
+a _Brahmana_ by birth. And again, as for thy assertion that the object
+to be known (as asserted by me) doth not exist, because nothing exists
+that is devoid of both (happiness and misery), such indeed is the
+opinion, O serpent, that nothing exists that is without (them) both. But
+as in cold, heat doth not exist, nor in heat, cold, so there cannot
+exist an object in which both (happiness and misery) cannot exist?'
+
+"The serpent said, 'O king, if thou recognise him as a Brahmana by
+characteristics, then, O long-lived one, the distinction of caste
+becometh futile as long as conduct doth not come into play.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'In human society, O mighty and highly intelligent
+serpent, it is difficult to ascertain one's caste, because of
+promiscuous intercourse among the four orders. This is my opinion. Men
+belonging to all orders (promiscuously) beget offspring upon women of
+all the orders. And of men, speech, sexual intercourse, birth and death
+are common. And to this the Rishis have borne testimony by using as the
+beginning of a sacrifice such expressions as--_of what caste so ever we
+may be, we celebrate the sacrifice_. Therefore, those that are wise have
+asserted that character is the chief essential requisite. The natal
+ceremony of a person is performed before division of the umbilical cord.
+His mother then acts as its _Savitri_ and his father officiates as
+priest. He is considered as a _Sudra_ as long as he is not initiated in
+the _Vedas_. Doubts having arisen on this point, O prince of serpents,
+Swayambhuba Manu has declared, that the mixed castes are to be regarded
+as better than the (other) classes, if having gone through the
+ceremonies of purification, the latter do not conform to the rules of
+good conduct, O excellent snake! Whosoever now conforms to the rules of
+pure and virtuous conduct, him have I, ere now, designated as a
+_Brahmana_.' The serpent replied, 'O Yudhishthira, thou art acquainted
+with all that is fit to be known and having listened to thy words, how
+can I (now) eat up thy brother Vrikodara!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXX
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'In this world, you are so learned in the _Vedas_
+and _Vedangas_; tell me (then), what one should do to attain salvation?'
+
+"The serpent replied, 'O scion of the Bharata's race, my belief is that
+the man who bestows alms on proper objects, speaks kind words and tells
+the truth and abstains from doing injury to any creature goes to
+heaven.'
+
+"Yudhishthira enquired, 'Which, O snake, is the higher of the two, truth
+or alms-giving? Tell me also the greater or less importance of kind
+behaviour and of doing injury to no creature.'
+
+"The snake replied, 'The relative merits of these virtues, truth and
+alms-giving, kind speech and abstention from injury to any creature, are
+known (measured) by their objective gravity (utility). Truth is
+(sometimes) more praiseworthy than some acts of charity; some of the
+latter again are more commendable than true speech. Similarly, O mighty
+king, and lord of the earth, abstention from doing injury to any
+creature is seen to be important than good speech and vice-versa. Even
+so it is, O king, depending on effects. And now, if thou hast anything
+else to ask, say it all, I shall enlighten thee!' Yudhishthira said,
+'Tell me, O snake, how the incorporal being's translation to heaven, its
+perception by the senses and its enjoyment of the immutable fruits of
+its actions (here below), can be comprehended.' The snake replied, 'By
+his own acts, man is seen to attain to one of the three conditions of
+human existence, of heavenly life, or of birth in the lower animal
+kingdom. Among these, the man who is not slothful, who injures no one
+and who is endowed with charity and other virtues, goes to heaven, after
+leaving this world of men. By doing the very contrary, O king, people
+are again born as men or as lower animals. O my son, it is particularly
+said in this connection, that the man who is swayed by anger and lust
+and who is given to avarice and malice falls away from his human state
+and is born again as a lower animal, and the lower animals too are
+ordained to be transformed into the human state; and the cow, the horse
+and other animals are observed to attain to even the divine state.[3] O
+my son, the sentient being, reaping the fruits of his actions, thus
+transmigrates through these conditions; but the regenerate and wise man
+reposes his soul in the everlasting Supreme Spirit. The embodied spirit,
+enchained by destiny and reaping the fruits of its own actions, thus
+undergoes birth after birth but he that has lost touch of his actions,
+is conscious of the immutable destiny of all born beings.[4]'
+
+    [3] More literally, the state of the gods. It may appropriately
+    be remarked here that the ordinary Hindu gods, of the post-Vedic
+    period, like the gods of Ancient Greece and Italy, were simply a
+    class of superhuman beings, distinctly contra-distinguished from
+    the Supreme Spirit, the _Paramatman_ or _Parabrahma_. After
+    death, a virtuous man was supposed to be transformed into one of
+    these so-called gods.
+
+    [4] This is the well-known and popular doctrine of
+    transmigration of souls.
+
+"Yudhishthira asked, 'O snake, tell me truly and without confusion how
+that dissociated spirit becomes cognisant of sound, touch, form,
+flavour, and taste. O great-minded one, dost thou not perceive them,
+simultaneously by the senses? Do thou, O best of snakes, answer all
+these queries!' The snake replied, 'O long-lived one, the thing called
+_Atman_ (spirit), betaking itself to corporeal tenement and manifesting
+itself through the organs of sense, becomes duly cognisant of
+perceptible objects. O prince of Bharata's race, know that the senses,
+the mind, and the intellect, assisting the soul in its perception of
+objects, are called _Karanas_. O my son, the eternal spirit, going out
+of its sphere, and aided by the mind, acting through the senses, the
+receptacles of all perceptions, successively perceives these things
+(sound, form, flavour, &c). O most valiant of men, the mind of living
+creatures is the cause of all perception, and, therefore, it cannot be
+cognisant of more than one thing at a time. That spirit, O foremost of
+men, betaking itself to the space between the eyebrows, sends the high
+and low intellect to different objects. What the _Yogins_ perceive after
+the action of the intelligent principle by that is manifested the action
+of the soul.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Tell me the distinguishing characteristics of the
+mind and the intellect. The knowledge of it is ordained as the chief
+duty of persons meditating on the Supreme Spirit.'
+
+"The snake replied, 'Through illusion, the soul becomes subservient to
+the intellect. The intellect, though known to be subservient to the
+soul, becomes (then) the director of the latter. The intellect is
+brought into play by acts of perception; the mind is self-existent. The
+Intellect does not cause the sensation (as of pain, pleasure, &c), but
+the mind does. This, my son, is the difference between the mind and the
+intellect. You too are learned in this matter, what is your opinion?'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O most intelligent one, you have fine intelligence
+and you know all that is fit to be known. Why do you ask me that
+question? You knew all and you performed such wonderful deeds and you
+lived in heaven. How could then illusion overpower you? Great is my
+doubt on this point.' The snake replied, 'Prosperity intoxicates even
+the wise and valiant men. Those who live in luxury, (soon) lose their
+reason. So, I too, O Yudhishthira, overpowered by the infatuation of
+prosperity, have fallen from my high state and having recovered my
+self-consciousness, am enlightening thee thus! O victorious king, thou
+hast done me a good turn. By conversing with thy pious self, my painful
+curse has been expiated. In days of yore, while I used to sojourn in
+heaven in a celestial chariot, reveling in my pride, I did not think of
+anything else, I used to exact tribute from _Brahmarshis, Devas,
+Yakshas, Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Pannagas_ and all other dwellers of the
+three worlds. O lord of earth, such was the spell of my eyes, that on
+whatever creature, I fixed them, I instantly destroyed his power.
+Thousands of _Brahmarshis_ used to draw my chariot. The delinquency, O
+king, was the cause of my fall from my high prosperity. Among them,
+Agastya was one day drawing my conveyance, and my feet came in contact
+with his body; Agastya then pronounced (this curse) on me, in anger,
+"Ruin seize thee, do thou become a snake." So, losing my glory, I fell
+down from that excellent car and while falling, I beheld myself turned
+into a snake, with head downwards. I thus implored that Brahmana, "May
+this curse be extinguished, O adorable one! You ought to forgive one who
+has been so foolish from infatuation." Then he kindly told me this, as I
+was being hurled down (from heaven), "The virtuous king Yudhishthira
+will save thee from this curse, and when, O king, horrible sin of pride
+will be extinguished in thee, thou shalt attain salvation." And I was
+struck with wonder on seeing (this) power of his austere virtues; and
+therefore, have I questioned thee about the attributes of the Supreme
+Spirit and of _Brahmanas_. Truth, charity, self-restraint, penance,
+abstention from doing injury to any creature, and constancy in virtue,
+these, O king, and not his race or family connections, are the means, by
+which a man must always secure salvation. May this brother of thine, the
+mighty Bhimasena, meet with good luck and may happiness abide with thee!
+I must go to Heaven again.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "So saying, that king, Nahusha, quitted his
+serpentine form, and assuming his celestial shape he went back to
+Heaven. The glorious and pious Yudhishthira, too, returned to his
+hermitage with Dhaumya and his brother Bhima. Then the virtuous
+Yudhishthira narrated all that, in detail, to the _Brahmanas_ who had
+assembled (there). On hearing that, his three brothers and all the
+_Brahmanas_ and the renowned Draupadi too were covered with shame. And
+all those excellent _Brahmanas_ desiring the welfare of the Pandavas,
+admonished Bhima for his foolhardiness, telling him not to attempt such
+things again, and the Pandavas too were greatly pleased at seeing the
+mighty Bhima out of danger, and continued to live there pleasantly."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXI
+
+(_Markandeya-Samasya Parva_)
+
+Vaisampayana said, "While they were dwelling at that place, there set in
+the season of the rains, the season that puts an end to the hot weather
+and is delightful to all animated beings. Then the black clouds,
+rumbling loudly, and covering the heavens and the cardinal points,
+ceaselessly rained during day and night. These clouds, counted by
+hundreds and by thousands, looked like domes in the rainy season. From
+the earth disappeared the effulgence of the sun; its place was taken by
+the stainless lustre of the lightning; the earth became delightful to
+all, being overgrown with grass, with gnats and reptiles in their joy;
+it was bathed with rain and possessed with calm. When the waters had
+covered all, it could not be known whether the ground was at all even or
+uneven;--whether there were rivers or trees or hills. At the end of the
+hot season, the rivers added beauty to the woods being themselves full
+of agitated waters, flowing with great force and resembling serpents in
+the hissing sound they made. The boars, the stags and the birds, while
+the rain was falling upon them began to utter sounds of various kinds
+which could be heard within the forest tracts. The _chatakas_, the
+peacocks and the host of male _Kohilas_ and the excited frogs, all ran
+about in joy. Thus while the Pandavas were roaming about in the deserts
+and sandy tracts, the happy season of rain, so various in aspect and
+resounding with clouds passed away. Then set in the season of autumn,
+thronged with ganders and cranes and full of joy; then the forest tracts
+were overrun with grass; the river turned limpid; the firmament and
+stars shone brightly., And the autumn, thronged with beasts and birds,
+was joyous and pleasant for the magnanimous sons of Pandu. Then were
+seen nights, that were free from dust and cool with clouds and
+beautified by myriads of planets and stars and the moon. And they beheld
+rivers and ponds, adorned with lilies and white lotuses, full of cool
+and pleasant water. And while roving by the river _Saraswati_ whose
+banks resembled the firmament itself and were overgrown with canes, and
+as such abounded in sacred baths, their joy was great. And those heroes
+who wielded powerful bows, were specially glad to see the pleasant river
+_Saraswati_, with its limpid waters full to the brim. And, O Janamejaya,
+the holiest night, that of the full moon in the month of _Kartika_ in
+the season of autumn, was spent by them while dwelling there! And the
+sons of Pandu, the best of the descendants of Bharata, spent that
+auspicious juncture with righteous and magnanimous saints devoted to
+penance. And as soon as the dark fortnight set in immediately after, the
+sons of Pandu entered the forest named the Kamyaka, accompanied by
+Dhananjaya and their charioteers and cooks."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O son of Kuru, they, Yudhishthira and others, having
+reached the forest of _Kamyaka_, were hospitably received by hosts of
+saints and they lived together with Krishna. And while the sons of Pandu
+were dwelling in security in that place, many _Brahmanas_ came to wait
+upon them. And a certain _Brahmana_ said, 'He the beloved friend of
+Arjuna, of powerful arms and possessed of self control, descendant of
+_Sura_, of a lofty intellect, will come, for, O ye foremost of the
+descendants of Kuru, Hari knows that ye have arrived here. For, Hari has
+always a longing for your sight and always seeks your welfare. And
+Markandeya, who lived very many years devoted to great austerities,
+given to study and penance, will erelong come and meet you.' And the
+very moment that he was uttering these words, there was beheld Krishna,
+coming thitherward upon a car unto which were yoked the horses Saivya
+and Sugriva,--he the best of those that ride on cars, accompanied by
+Satyabhama, is like Indra by Sachi, the daughter of Pulaman. And the son
+of Devaki came, desirous to see those most righteous of the descendants
+of Kuru. And the sagacious Krishna, having alighted from the car,
+prostrated himself, with pleasure in his heart, before the virtuous
+king, in the prescribed way, and also before Bhima, that foremost of
+powerful men. And he paid his respects to Dhaumya, while the twin
+brothers prostrated themselves to him. And he embraced Arjuna of the
+curly hair; and spoke words of solace to the daughter of Drupada. And
+the descendant of the chief of the Dasaraha tribe, that chastiser of
+foes, when he saw the beloved Arjuna come near him, having seen him
+after a length of time, clasped him again and again. And so too
+Satyabhama also, the beloved consort of Krishna, embraced the daughter
+of Drupada, the beloved wife of the sons of Pandu. Then these sons of
+Pandu, accompanied by their wife and priests, paid their respects to
+Krishna, whose eyes resembled the white lotus and surrounded him on all
+sides. And Krishna, when united with Arjuna, the son of Pritha, the
+winner of riches and the terror of the demons assumed a beauty
+comparable to that of _Siva_, the magnanimous lord of all created
+beings, when he, the mighty lord, is united with Kartikeya (his son).
+And Arjuna, who bore a circlet of crowns on his head, gave an account of
+what had happened to him in the forest to Krishna, the elder brother of
+Gada. And Arjuna asked, saying, 'How is Subhadra, and her son
+Abhimanyu?' And Krishna, the slayer of Madhu, having paid his respects
+in the prescribed form to the son of Pritha, and to the priest, and
+seating himself with them there, spoke to king Yudhishthira, in words of
+praise. And he said, 'O king, Virtue is preferable to the winning of
+kingdoms; it is, in fact, practice of austerities! By you who have
+obeyed with truth and candour what your duty prescribed, have been won
+both this world and that to come! First you have studied, while
+performing religious duties; having acquired in a suitable way the whole
+science of arms, having won wealth by pursuing the methods prescribed
+for the military caste, you have celebrated all the time-honoured
+sacrificial rites. You take no delight in sensual pleasures; you do not
+act, O lord of men, from motives of enjoyment, nor do you swerve from
+virtue from greed of riches; it is for this, you have been named the
+Virtuous King, O son of Pritha! Having won kingdoms and riches and means
+of enjoyment, your best delight has been charity and truth and practice
+of austerities, O King, and faith and meditation and forbearance and
+patience! When the population of Kuru-jangala beheld Krishna outraged in
+the assembly hall, who but yourself could brook that conduct, O Pandu's
+son, which was so repugnant both to virtue and usage? No doubt, you
+will, before long, rule over men in a praiseworthy way, all your desires
+being fulfilled. Here are we prepared to chastise the Kurus, as soon as
+the stipulation made by you is fully performed!' And Krishna, the
+foremost of the _Dasarha_ tribe, then said to Dhaumya and Bhima and
+Yudhishthira, and the twins and Krishna, 'How fortunate that by your
+blessing Arjuna the bearer of the coronet, has arrived after having
+acquired the science of arms!' And Krishna, the leader of the _Dasarha_
+tribe, accompanied by friends, likewise spoke to Krishna, the daughter
+of Yajnasena, saying, 'How fortunate that you are united, safe and
+secure, with Arjuna, the winner of riches!' And Krishna also said, 'O
+Krishna, O daughter of Yajnasena, those sons of yours, are devoted to
+the study of the science of arms, are well-behaved and conduct
+themselves on the pattern, O Krishna, of their righteous friends. Your
+father and your uterine brothers proffer them a kingdom and territories;
+but the boys find no joy in the house of Drupada, or in that of their
+maternal uncles. Safely proceeding to the land of the Anartas, they take
+the greatest delight in the study of the science of arms. Your sons
+enter the town of the _Vrishnis_ and take an immediate liking to the
+people there. And as you would direct them to conduct themselves, or as
+the respected Kunti would do, so does Subhadra direct them in a watchful
+way. Perhaps, she is still more careful of them. And, O Krishna, as
+Rukmini's son is the preceptor of Aniruddha, of Abhimanyu, of Sunitha,
+and of Bhanu; so he is the preceptor and the refuge of your sons also!
+And a good preceptor, would unceasingly give them lessons in the
+wielding of maces and swords and bucklers, in missiles and in the arts
+of driving cars and of riding horses, being valiant. And he, the son of
+Rukmini, having bestowed a very good training upon them, and having
+taught them the art of using various weapons in a proper way, takes
+satisfaction at the valorous deeds of your sons, and of Abhimanyu, O
+daughter of Drupada! And when your son goes out, in pursuit of
+(out-door) sports, each one of them is followed thither by cars and
+horses and vehicles and elephants.' And Krishna said to the virtuous
+king, Yudhishthira, 'The fighting men of the _Dasarha_ tribe, and the
+_Kukuras_, and the _Andhakas_--let these, O king, place themselves at
+thy command--let them perform what thou desirest them. O lord of men,
+let the army of the tribe of Madhus, (resistless) like the wind, with
+their bows and led by Balarama whose weapon is the plough--let that
+army, equipped (for war), consisting of horsemen and foot soldiers and
+horses and cars and elephants, prepare to do your bidding. O son of
+Pandu! Drive Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, the vilest of sinful
+men, together with his followers and his hosts of friends to the path
+betaken by the lord of Saubha, the son of the Earth! You, O ruler of
+men, are welcome to stick to that stipulation which was made in the
+assembly-hall--but let the city of Hastina be made ready for you, when
+the hostile force has been slain by the soldiers of the _Dasarha_ tribe!
+Having roamed at your pleasure in all those places where you may desire
+to go, having got rid of your grief and freed from all your sins--you
+will reach the city of Hastina--the well-known city situated in the
+midst of a fine territory!'--Then the magnanimous king having been
+acquainted with the view, thus clearly set forth by Krishna that best of
+men, and, having applauded the same, and having deliberated, thus spoke
+with joined palms unto Kesava, 'O Kesava, no doubt, thou art the refuge
+of the sons of Pandu; for the sons of Pandu have their protector in
+thee! When the time will come, there is no doubt that thou wilt do all
+the work just mentioned by thee; and even more than the same! As
+promised by us, we have spent all the twelve years in lonely forests. O
+Kesava, having in the prescribed way completed the period for living
+unrecognised, the sons of Pandu will take refuge in thee. This should be
+the intention of those that associate with thee, O Krishna! The sons of
+Pandu swerve not from the path of truth, for the sons of Pritha with
+their charity and their piety with their people and their wives and with
+their relations have their protector in thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O descendant of Bharata, while Krishna, the
+descendant of the _Vrishnis_ and the virtuous king, were thus talking,
+there appeared then the saint Markandeya, grown grey in the practise of
+penances. And he had seen many thousand years of life, was of a pious
+soul, and devoted to great austerities. Signs of old age he had none;
+and deathless he was, and endued with beauty and generous and many good
+qualities. And he looked like one only twenty-five years old. And when
+the aged saint, who had seen many thousand years of life, came, all the
+_Brahmanas_ paid their respects to him and so did Krishna together with
+Pandu's son. And when that wisest saint, thus honoured, took his seat in
+a friendly way, Krishna addressed him, in accordance with the views of
+the _Brahmanas_ and of Pandu's sons, thus,--
+
+"'The sons of Pandu, and the _Brahmanas_ assembled here, and the
+daughter of Drupada, and Satyabhama, likewise myself, are all anxious to
+hear your most excellent words, O Markandeya! Propound to us the holy
+stories of events of bygone times, and the eternal rules of righteous
+conduct by which are guided kings and women and saints!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When they had all taken their seats, Narada
+also, the divine saint, of purified soul, came on a visit to Pandu's
+sons. Him also, then, of great soul, all those foremost men of superior
+intellect, honoured in the prescribed form, by offering water to wash
+his feet, and the well-known oblation called the _Arghya_. Then the
+godlike saint, Narada, learning that they were about to hear the speech
+of Markandeya, expressed his assent to the arrangement. And he, the
+deathless, knowing what would be opportune, said smilingly, 'O saint of
+the _Brahmana_ caste, speak what you were about to say unto the sons of
+Pandu!' Thus addressed, Markandeya, devoted to great austerities,
+replied, 'Wait a moment. A great deal will be narrated.' Thus addressed,
+the sons of Pandu, together with those twice-born ones, waited a moment,
+looking at that great saint, (bright) as the mid-day sun."
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Pandu's son, the king of the Kuru tribe, having
+observed that the great saint was willing to speak, questioned him with a
+view to suggesting topics to speak upon, saying, 'You who are ancient
+(in years), know the deeds of gods and demons, and illustrious saints,
+and of all the royal ones. We consider you as worthy of being worshipped
+and honoured; and we have long yearned after your company. And here is
+this son of Devaki, Krishna, who has come to us on a visit. Verily, when
+I look at myself, fallen away from happiness, and when I contemplate the
+sons of Dhritarashtra, of evil life, flourishing in every way, the idea
+arises in me that it is _man_ who does all acts, good or bad, and that
+it is _he_ that enjoys the fruit the acts bring forth. How then is god
+the agent? And, O best of those that are proficient in the knowledge of
+God, how is it that men's actions follow them? Is it in this world? Or
+is it in some subsequent existence? And, O best of righteous men among
+the twice-born, in what way is an embodied animated being joined by his
+good and evil deeds that seek him out? Is it after death? Or is it in
+this world? And, O descendant of Bhrigu, is what we experience in this
+world the result of the acts of this very life? Or will the acts of this
+life bear fruit in the world to come? And where do the actions of an
+animated being who is dead find their resting place?'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O best of those that can speak, this question befits
+thee, and is just what it should be. Thou knowest all that there is to
+know. But thou art asking this question, simply for the sake of form.
+Here I shall answer thee: listen to me with an attentive mind, as to how
+in this world and in that to come, a man experienceth happiness and
+misery. The lord of born beings, himself sprung first of all, created,
+for all embodied beings, bodies which were stainless, pure, and obedient
+to virtuous impulses, O wisest of the descendants of Kuru! The ancient
+men had all their desires fulfilled, were given to praiseworthy courses
+of life, were speakers of truth, godly and pure. All were equal to the
+gods, could ascend to the sky at their pleasure, and could come back
+again; and all went about at their pleasure. And they had their death
+and their life also under their own control; and they had few
+sufferings; had no fear; and had their wishes fulfilled; and they were
+free from trouble; could visit the gods and the magnanimous saints; knew
+by heart all righteous rules; were self-controlled and free from envy.
+And they lived many thousand years; and had many thousand sons. Then in
+course of time they came to be restricted to walking solely on the
+surface of the earth, overpowered by lust and wrath, dependent for
+subsistence upon falsehood and trick, overwhelmed by greed and
+senselessness. Then those wicked men, when disembodied, on account of
+their unrighteous and unblessed deeds, went to hell in a crooked way.
+Again and again, they were grilled, and, again and again they began to
+drag their miserable existence in this wonderful world. And their
+desires were unfulfilled, the objects unaccomplished, and their
+knowledge became unavailing. And their senses were paralysed and they
+became apprehensive of everything and the cause of other people's
+sufferings. And they were generally marked by wicked deeds, and born in
+low families; they became wicked and afflicted with diseases, and the
+terror of others. And they became short-lived and sinful and they reaped
+the fruit of their terrible deeds. And coveting everything, they became
+godless and indifferent in mind, O son of Kunti! The destiny of every
+creature after death is determined by his acts in this world. Thou hast
+asked me where this treasure of acts of the sage and the ignorant
+remain, and where they enjoy the fruit of their good and evil deeds! Do
+thou listen to the regulations on this subject! Man with his subtle
+original body created by God lays up a great store of virtue and vice.
+After death he quits his frail (outer) body and is immediately born
+again in another order of beings. He never remains non-existent for a
+single moment. In his new life his actions follow him invariably as
+shadow and, fructifying, makes his destiny happy or miserable. The wise
+man, by his spiritual insight, knows all creatures to be bound to an
+immutable destiny by the destroyer and incapable of resisting the
+fruition of his actions in good or evil fortune. This, O Yudhishthira,
+is the doom of all creatures steeped in spiritual ignorance. Do thou now
+hear of the perfect way attained by men of high spiritual perception!
+Such men are of high ascetic virtue and are versed in all profane and
+holy writ, diligent in performing their religious obligations and
+devoted to truth. And they pay due homage to their preceptors and
+superiors and practise Yoga, are forgiving, continent and energetic and
+pious and are generally endowed with every virtue. By the conquest of
+the passions, they are subdued in mind; by practising _yoga_ they become
+free from disease, fear and sorrow; they are not troubled (in mind). In
+course of birth, mature or immature, or while ensconced in the womb, in
+every condition, they with spiritual eyes recognize the relation of
+their soul to the supreme Spirit. Those great-minded _Rishis_ of
+positive and intuitive knowledge passing through this arena of actions,
+return again to the abode of the celestials. Men, O king, attain what
+they have in consequence of the grace of the gods of Destiny or of their
+own actions. Do thou not think otherwise. O Yudhishthira, I regard that
+as the highest good which is regarded so in this world. Some attain
+happiness in this world, but not in the next; others do so in the next,
+but not in this. Some, again, attain happiness in this as well as in the
+next world; and others neither here nor in the next world. Those that
+have immense wealth, shine every day with well-decorated persons. O
+slayer of mighty foes, being addicted to carnal pleasures, they enjoy
+happiness only in this world, but not in the next. But those who are
+engaged in spiritual meditations and the study of the Vedas, who are
+diligent in asceticism, and who impair the vigour of their bodies by
+performing their duties, who have subdued their passions, and who
+refrain from killing any animated being, those men, O slayer of thy
+enemies, attain happiness in the next world, but not in this! Those who
+first live a pious life, and virtuously acquire wealth in due time and
+then marry and perform sacrifices, attain bliss both in this and the
+next world. Those foolish men again who do not acquire knowledge, nor
+are engaged in asceticism or charity or increasing their species, or in
+encompassing the pleasures and enjoyments of this world, attain bliss
+neither in this nor in the next world. But all of you are proficient in
+knowledge and possessed of great power and strength and celestial
+vigour. For the extermination (of the wicked) and for serving the
+purposes of the gods, ye have come from the other world and have taken
+your birth in this! Ye, who are so valiant, and engaged in asceticism,
+self-restraining exercises, and religious ordinances, and fond of
+exertion, after having performed great deeds and gratified the gods and
+_Rishis_ and the _Pitris_, ye will at last in due course attain by your
+own acts the supreme region--the abode of all virtuous men! O ornament
+of Kuru's race, may no doubts cross thy mind on account of these thy
+sufferings, for this affliction is for thy good!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The sons of Pandu said to the high-souled
+Markandeya, 'We long to hear of the greatness of the _Brahmanas_. Do
+thou tell us of it!' Thus asked, the revered Markandeya, of austere
+virtue and high spiritual energy, and proficient in all departments of
+knowledge, replied, 'A strong-limbed, handsome young prince of the race
+of the Haihayas, a conqueror of hostile cities, (once) went out hunting.
+And (while) roaming in the wilderness of big trees and thickets of
+grass, he saw, at no great distance from him, a _Muni_ with the skin of
+a black antelope for his upper garment, and killed him for a deer.
+Pained at what he had done, and his senses paralysed with grief, he
+repaired to the presence of the more distinguished of the _Haihaya_
+chiefs. The lotus-eyed prince related to them the particulars. On
+hearing the account, O my son, and beholding the body of the _Muni_ who
+had subsisted on fruits and roots, they were sorely afflicted in mind.
+And they all set out enquiring here and there as they proceeded, as to
+whose son the _Muni_ might be. And they soon after reached the hermitage
+of Arishtanemi, son of Kasyapa. And saluting that great _Muni_, so
+constant in austerity, they all remained standing, while the _Muni_, on
+his part, busied himself about their reception. And they said unto the
+illustrious _Muni_, "By a freak of destiny, we have ceased to merit thy
+welcome: indeed, we have killed a Brahmana!" And the regenerate _Rishi_
+said to them, "How hath a Brahmana come to be killed by you, and say
+where may be he? Do ye all witness the power of my ascetic practices!"
+And they, having related everything to him as it had happened went back,
+but found not the body of the dead _Rishi_ on the spot (where they had
+left it). And having searched for him, they returned, ashamed and bereft
+of all perception, as in a dream. And then, O thou conqueror of hostile
+cities, the _Muni_ Tarkshya, addressed them, saying, "Ye princes, can
+this be the Brahmana of your killing? This Brahmana, endowed with occult
+gifts from spiritual exercises, is, indeed, my son!" Seeing that
+_Rishi_, O lord of the earth, they were struck with bewilderment. And
+they said, "What a marvel! How hath the dead come to life again? Is it
+the power of his austere virtue by which he hath revived again? We long
+to hear this, O Brahmana, if, indeed, it can be divulged?" To them, he
+replied, "Death, O lords of men, hath no power over us! I shall tell ye
+the reason briefly and intelligibly. We perform our own sacred duties;
+therefore, have we no fear of death; we speak well of _Brahmanas_ but
+never think any ill of them; therefore hath death no terror for us.
+Entertaining our guests with food and drink, and our dependants with
+plenty of food, we ourselves (then) partake of what is left; therefore
+we are not afraid of death. We are peaceful and austere and charitable
+and forbearing and fond of visiting sacred shrines, and we live in
+sacred places; therefore we have no fear of death. And we live in places
+inhabited by men who have great spiritual power; therefore hath death no
+terror for us. I have briefly told ye all! Return ye now all together,
+cured of all worldly vanity. Ye have no fear of sin!" Saying _amen_, O
+foremost scion of Bharata's race, and saluting the great _Muni_, all
+those princes joyously returned to their country.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Do ye again hear from me the glory of the
+_Brahmanas_! It is said that a royal sage of the name of _Vainya_ was
+once engaged in performing the horse-sacrifice and that Atri desired to
+go to him for alms. But Atri subsequently gave up his desire of wealth,
+from religious scruples. After much thought he, of great power, became
+desirous of living in the woods, and, calling his wife and sons
+together, addressed them thus, "Let us attain the highly tranquil and
+complete fruition of our desires. May it, therefore, be agreeable to you
+to repair quickly to the forest for a life of great merit." His wife,
+arguing from motives of virtue also then said to him, "Hie thee to the
+illustrious prince Vainya, and beg of him vast riches! Asked by thee,
+that royal sage, engaged in sacrifice will give thee wealth. Having gone
+there, O regenerate _Rishi_, and received from him vast wealth, thou
+canst distribute it among thy sons and servants and then thou canst go
+whithersoever thou pleasest. This, indeed, is the higher virtue as
+instanced by men conversant with religion." Atri replied, "I am
+informed, O virtuous one, by the high-souled Gautama, that Vainya is a
+pious prince, devoted to the cause of truth; but there are _Brahmanas_
+(about his persons) who are jealous of me; and as Gautama hath told me
+this, I do not venture to go there, for (while) there, if I were to
+advise what is good and calculated to secure piety and the fulfilment of
+one's desires, they would contradict me with words unproductive of any
+good. But I approve of any counsel and will go there; Vainya will give
+me kine and hoards of riches."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'So saying, he, of great ascetic merit, hastened
+to Vainya's sacrifice and reaching the sacrificial altar and making his
+obeisance to the king and praising him with well-meaning speeches, he
+spoke these words, "Blessed art thou, O king! Ruling over the earth,
+thou art the foremost of sovereigns! The _Munis_ praise thee, and
+besides thee there is none so versed in religious lore!" To him the
+_Rishi_ Gautama, of great ascetic merit, then indignantly replied
+saying, "Atri, do not repeat this nonsense. (It seems) thou art not in
+thy proper senses. In this world of ours, Mahendra the lord of all
+created beings (alone) is the foremost of all sovereigns!" Then, O,
+great prince, Atri said to Gautama, "As Indra, the lord of all
+creatures, ruleth over our destinies, so doth this king! Thou art
+mistaken. It is thou who hast lost thine senses from want of spiritual
+perception!" Gautama replied, "I know I am not mistaken; it is thou who
+art labouring under a misconception in this matter. To secure the king's
+countenance, thou art flattering him in (this) assembly of the people.
+Thou dost not know what the highest virtue, nor dost thou feel the need
+for it. Thou art like a child steeped in ignorance, for what then hast
+thou become (so) old in years?"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'While those two men were thus disputing in the
+presence of the _Munis_, who were engaged in Vainya's sacrifice the
+latter enquired, "What is the matter with them, that maketh them talk so
+vociferously?" Then the very pious Kasyapa learned in all religious
+lore, approaching the disputants asked them what was the matter. And
+then Gautama, addressing that assembly of great _Munis_ said, "Listen, O
+great _Brahmanas_, to the point in dispute between us. Atri hath said
+that Vainya is the ruler of our destinies; great is our doubt on this
+point."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing this, the great-mind _Munis_ went
+instantly to Sanatkumara who was well versed in religion to clear their
+doubt. And then he of great ascetic merit, having heard the particulars
+from them addressed them these words full of religious meaning. And
+Sanatkumara said, "As fire assisted by the wind burneth down forests, so
+a Brahmana's energy in union with a Kshatriya's or a Kshatriya's joined
+with a Brahmana's destroyeth all enemies. The sovereign is the
+distinguished giver of laws and the protector of his subjects. He is (a
+protector of created beings) like Indra, (a propounder of morals) like
+Sukra, (a counsellor) like Vrihaspati and (hence he is also called) the
+ruler of men's destinies. Who does not think it proper to worship the
+individual of whom such terms as 'preserver of created beings,' 'royal,'
+'emperor,' 'Kshatriya' (or saviour of the earth), 'lord of earth,'
+'ruler of men,' are applied in praise? The king is (also) styled the
+prime cause (of social order, as being the promulgator of laws), 'the
+virtuous in wars,' (and therefore, preserver after peace), 'the
+watchman,' 'the contented,' 'the lord,' 'the guide to salvation,' 'the
+easily victorious,' 'the Vishnu like,' 'of effective wrath,' 'the winner
+of battles' and 'the cherisher of the true religion.' The _Rishis_,
+fearful of sin, entrusted (the temporal) power to the Kshatriyas. As
+among the gods in heaven the Sun dispelleth darkness by his effulgence,
+so doth the king completely root out sin from this earth. Therefore is
+the king's greatness deduced from the evidences of the sacred books, and
+we are bound to pronounce for that side which hath spoken in favour of
+the king."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then that illustrious prince, highly pleased
+with the victorious party, joyfully said to Atri, who had praised him
+erewhile, "O regenerate _Rishi_, thou hast made and styled me the
+greatest and most excellent of men here, and compared me to the gods;
+therefore, shall I give thee vast and various sorts of wealth. My
+impression is that thou art omniscient. I give thee, O well-dressed and
+well-adorned one, a hundred millions of gold coins and also ten _bharas_
+of gold." Then Atri, of high austere virtues and great spiritual powers,
+thus welcomed (by the king), accepted all the gifts without any breach
+of propriety, and returned home. And then giving his wealth to his sons
+and subduing his self, he cheerfully repaired to the forest with the
+object of performing penances.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O thou conqueror of hostile cities, in this
+connection Saraswati too, when interrogated by that intelligent _Muni_
+Tarkshya, had said (this). Do thou listen to her words! Tarkshya had
+asked, saying, "Excellent lady, what is the best thing for a man to do
+here below, and how must he act so that he may not deviate from (the
+path of) virtue. Tell me all this, O beautiful lady, so that instructed
+by thee, I may not fall away from the path of virtue! When and how must
+one offer oblations to the (sacred) fire and when must he worship so
+that virtue may not be compromised? Tell me all this, O excellent lady,
+so that I may live without any passions, craving, or desire, in this
+world."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus questioned by that cheerful _Muni_ and
+seeing him eager to learn and endued with high intelligence, Saraswati
+addressed these pious and beneficial words to the Brahmana, Tarkshya.'
+
+"'Saraswati said, "He who is engaged in the study of the _Vedas_, and
+with sanctity and equanimity perceives the supreme Godhead in his proper
+sphere, ascends the celestial regions and attains supreme beatitude with
+the Immortals. Many large, beautiful, pellucid and sacred lakes are
+there, abounding with fish, flowers, and golden lilies. They are like
+shrines and their very sight is calculated to assuage grief. Pious men,
+distinctively worshipped by virtuous well-adorned golden-complexioned
+_Apsaras_, dwell in contentment on the shores of those lakes. He who
+giveth cows (to Brahmanas) attaineth the highest regions; by giving
+bullocks he reacheth the solar regions, by giving clothes he getteth to
+the lunar world, and by giving gold he attaineth to the state of the
+Immortals. He who giveth a beautiful cow with a fine calf, and which is
+easily milked and which doth not run away, is (destined) to live for as
+many years in the celestial regions as there are hairs on the body of
+that animal. He who giveth a fine, strong, powerful, young bullock,
+capable of drawing the plough and bearing burdens, reacheth the regions
+attained by men who give ten cows. When a man bestoweth a
+well-caparisoned _kapila_ cow with a brazen milk-pail and with money
+given afterwards, that cow becoming, by its own distinguished qualities,
+a giver of everything reacheth the side of the man who gave her away. He
+who giveth away cows, reapeth innumerable fruits of his action, measured
+by the hairs on the body of that animal. He also saveth (from perdition)
+in the next world his sons and grandsons and ancestors to the seventh
+generation. He who presenteth to a Brahmana, sesamum made up in the form
+of a cow, having horns made of gold, with money besides, and a brazen
+milk-pail, subsequently attaineth easily to the regions of the _Vasus_.
+By his own acts man descends into the darksome lower regions, infested
+by evil spirits (of his own passions) like a ship tossed by the storm in
+the high seas; but the gift of kine to Brahmanas saves him in the next
+world. He who giveth his daughter in marriage, in the _Brahma_ form, who
+bestoweth gifts of land on Brahmanas and who duly maketh other presents,
+attaineth to the regions of Purandara. O Tarkshya, the virtuous man who
+is constant in presenting oblations to the sacred fire for seven years,
+sanctifieth by his own action seven generations up and down."
+
+"'Tarkshya said, "O beautiful lady, explain to me who ask thee, the
+rules for the maintenance of the sacred fire as inculcated in the
+_Vedas_. I shall now learn from thee the time-honoured rules for
+perpetually keeping up the sacred fire."'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVI
+
+"Then Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, said to the Brahmana, Markandeya,
+'Do thou now narrate the history of Vaivaswata Manu.'
+
+"Markandeya replied, 'O king, O foremost of men, there was a powerful
+and great _Rishi_ of the name of Manu. He was the son of Vivaswan and
+was equal unto _Brahma_ in glory. And he far excelled his father and
+grandfather in strength, in power, in fortune, as also in religious
+austerities. And standing on one leg and with uplifted hand, that lord
+of men did severe penance in the jujube forest called Visala. And there
+with head downwards and with steadfast eyes he practised the rigid and
+severe penance for ten thousand years. And one day, whilst he was
+practising austerities there with wet clothes on and matted hair on
+head, a fish approaching the banks of the Chirini, addressed him thus,
+"Worshipful sir, I am a helpless little fish, I am afraid of the large
+ones; therefore, do thou, O great devotee, think it worth thy while to
+protect me from them; especially as this fixed custom is well
+established amongst us that the strong fish always preys upon the weak
+ones. Therefore do thou think it fit to save me from being drowned in
+this sea of terrors! I shall requite thee for thy good offices." On
+hearing these words from the fish, Vaivaswata Manu was overpowered with
+pity and he took out the fish from the water with his own hands. And the
+fish which had a body glistening like the rays of the moon when taken
+out of the water was put back in an earthen water-vessel. And thus
+reared that fish O king, grew up in size and Manu tended it carefully
+like a child. And after a long while, it became so large in size, that
+there was no room for it in that vessel. And then seeing Manu (one day),
+it again addressed these words to him, "Worshipful sir, do thou appoint
+some better habitation for me." And then the adorable Manu, the
+conqueror of hostile cities, took it out of that vessel and carried it
+to a large tank and placed it there. And there again the fish grew for
+many a long year. And although the tank was two _yojanas_ in length and
+one _yojana_ in width, even there, O lotus-eyed son of Kunti and ruler
+of men, was no room for the fish to play about! And beholding Manu it
+said again, "O pious and adorable father, take me to the Ganga, the
+favourite spouse of the Ocean so that I may live there; or do as thou
+listest. O sinless one, as I have grown to this great bulk by thy favour
+I shall do thy bidding cheerfully." Thus asked the upright and continent
+and worshipful Manu took the fish to the river Ganga and he put it into
+the river with his own hands. And there, O conqueror of thy enemies, the
+fish again grew for some little time and then beholding Manu, it said
+again, "O lord, I am unable to move about in the Ganga on account of my
+great body; therefore, worshipful sir, do thou please take me quickly to
+the sea!" O son of Pritha, Manu then taking it out of the Ganga, carried
+it to the sea and consigned it there. And despite its great bulk, Manu
+transported it easily and its touch and smell were also pleasant to him.
+And when it was thrown into the sea by Manu, it said these words to him
+with a smile, "O adorable being, thou hast protected me with special
+care; do thou now listen to me as to what thou shouldst do in the
+fulness of time! O fortunate and worshipful sir, the dissolution of all
+this mobile and immobile world is nigh at hand. The time for the purging
+of this world is now ripe. Therefore do I now explain what is good for
+thee! The mobile and immobile divisions of the creation, those that have
+the power of locomotion, and those that have it not, of all these the
+terrible doom hath now approached. Thou shall build a strong massive ark
+and have it furnished with a long rope. On that must thou ascend, O
+great _Muni_, with the seven _Rishis_ and take with thee all the
+different seeds which were enumerated by regenerate Brahmanas in days of
+yore, and separately and carefully must thou preserve them therein. And
+whilst there, O beloved of the _Munis_, thou shall wait for me, and I
+shall appear to thee like a horned animal, and thus, O ascetic, shall
+thou recognise me! And I shall now depart, and thou shall act according
+to my instructions, for, without my assistance, thou canst not save
+thyself from that fearful flood." Then Manu said unto the fish, "I do
+not doubt all that thou hast said, O great one! Even so shall I act!"
+And giving instructions to each other, they both went away. And Manu
+then, O great and powerful king and conqueror of thy enemies, procured
+all the different seeds as directed by the fish, and set sail in an
+excellent vessel on the surging sea. And then, O lord of the earth, he
+bethought himself of that fish. And the fish too, O conqueror of thy
+enemies and foremost scion of Bharata's race, knowing his mind, appeared
+there with horns on his head. And then, O tiger among men, beholding in
+the ocean that horned fish emerging like a rock in the form of which he
+had been before appraised, he lowered the ropy noose on its head. And
+fastened by the noose, the fish, O king and conqueror of hostile cities,
+towed the ark with great force through the salt waters. And it conveyed
+them in that vessel on the roaring and billow beaten sea. And, O
+conqueror of thy enemies and hostile cities, tossed by the tempest on
+the great ocean, the vessel reeled about like a drunken harlot. And
+neither land nor the four cardinal points of the compass, could be
+distinguished. And there was water every where and the waters covered
+the heaven and the firmament also. And, O bull of Bharata's race, when
+the world was thus flooded, none but Manu, the seven _Rishis_ and the
+fish could be seen. And, O king, the fish diligently dragged the boat
+through the flood for many a long year and then, O descendant of Kuru
+and ornament of Bharata's race, it towed the vessel towards the highest
+peak of the Himavat. And, O Bharata, the fish then told those on the
+vessel to tie it to the peak of the Himavat. And hearing the words of
+the fish they immediately tied the boat on that peak of the mountain
+and, O son of Kunti and ornament of Bharata's race, know that that high
+peak of the Himavat is still called by the name of _Naubandhana_ (the
+harbour). Then the fish addressing the associated _Rishis_ told them
+these words, "I am Brahma, the Lord of all creatures; there is none
+greater than myself. Assuming the shape of a fish, I have saved you from
+this cataclysm. Manu will create (again) all beings--gods, _Asuras_ and
+men, all those divisions of creation which have the power of locomotion
+and which have it not. By practicing severe austerities he will acquire
+this power, and with my blessing, illusion will have no power over him."
+
+"'So saying the fish vanished instantly. And Vaivaswata Manu himself
+became desirous of creating the world. In this work of creation illusion
+overtook him and he, therefore, practised great asceticism. And endowed
+with ascetic merit, Manu, O ornament of Bharata's race, again set about
+his work of creating all beings in proper and exact order. This story
+which I have narrated to thee and the hearing of which destroyeth all
+sin, is celebrated as the Legend of the Fish. And the man who listeneth
+every day to this primeval history of Manu, attaineth happiness and all
+other objects of desire and goeth to heaven.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVII
+
+"Then the virtuous king Yudhishthira in all humility again enquired of
+the illustrious Markandeya, saying, 'O great _Muni_, thou hast seen many
+thousands of ages pass away. In this world there is none so longlived as
+thou! O best of those that have attained the knowledge of Supreme
+Spirit, there is none equal to thee in years except the great-minded
+_Brahma_ living in the most exalted place. Thou, O Brahmana, worshippest
+_Brahma_ at the time of the great dissolution of the universe, when this
+world is without sky and without the gods and _Danavas_. And when that
+cataclysm ceaseth and the Grandsire awaketh, thou alone, O regenerate
+_Rishi_, beholdest _Brahma_ duly re-create the four orders of beings
+after having filled the cardinal points with air and consigned the
+waters to their proper place. Thou, O great Brahmana, hast worshipped in
+his presence the great Lord and Grandsire of all creatures with soul
+rapt in meditation and entirely swallowed up in Him! And, O Brahmana,
+thou hast many a time witnessed with thy eyes, the primeval acts of
+creation, and, plunged in severe ascetic austerities, thou hast also
+surpassed the _Prajapatis_ themselves! Thou art esteemed as one who is
+nearest to Narayana, in the next world. Many a time in days of yore hast
+thou beheld the Supreme Creator of the universe with eyes of spiritual
+abstraction and renunciation, having first opened thy pure and
+lotus-like heart--the only place where the multiform Vishnu of universal
+knowledge may be seen! It is for this, O learned _Rishi_, by the grace
+of God neither all-destroying Death, nor dotage that causeth the decay
+of the body, hath any power over thee! When neither the sun, nor the
+moon, nor fire, nor earth, nor air, nor sky remains, when all the world
+being destroyed looketh like one vast ocean, when the _Gods_ and
+_Asuras_ and the great _Uragas_ are annihilated, and when the
+great-minded _Brahma_, the Lord of all creatures, taking his seat on a
+lotus flower, sleepeth there, then thou alone remainest to worship him!
+And, O best of Brahman as thou hast seen all this that occurred before,
+with thy own eyes. And thou alone hast witnessed many things by the
+senses, and never in all the worlds hath there been any thing unknown to
+thee! Therefore do I long to hear any discourse explaining the causes of
+things!'
+
+"Markandeya replied, 'Indeed, I shall explain all, after having bowed
+down to that Self-existent, Primordial Being, who is eternal and
+undeteriorating and inconceivable, and who is at once vested with and
+divested of attributes. O tiger among men, this Janardana attired in
+yellow robes is the grand Mover and Creator of all, the Soul and Framer
+of all things, and the lord of all! He is also called the Great, the
+Incomprehensible, the Wonderful and the Immaculate. He is without
+beginning and without end, pervades all the world, is Unchangeable and
+Undeteriorating. He is the Creator of all, but is himself uncreate and
+is the Cause of all power. His knowledge is greater than that of all the
+gods together. O best of kings and pre-eminent of men, after the
+dissolution of the universe, all this wonderful creation again comes
+into life. Four thousand years have been said to constitute the _Krita
+Yuga_. Its dawn also, as well as its eve, hath been said to comprise
+four hundred years. The _Treta-Yuga_ is said to comprise three thousand
+years, and its dawn, as well as its eve, is said to comprise three
+hundred years. The _Yuga_ that comes next is called _Dwapara_, and it
+hath been computed to consist of two thousand years. Its dawn, as well
+as its eve, is said to comprise two hundred years. The next _Yuga_,
+called _Kali_, is said to comprise one thousand years and its dawn, as
+well as eve, is said to comprise one hundred years. Know, O king, that
+the duration of the dawn is the same as that of the eve of a _Yuga_. And
+after the _Kali Yuga_ is over, the _Krita Yuga_ comes again. A cycle of
+the _Yugas_ thus comprised a period of twelve thousand years. A full
+thousand of such cycles would constitute a _day of Brahma_. O tiger
+among men, when all this universe is withdrawn and ensconced within its
+home--the Creator himself--that disappearance of all things is called by
+the learned to be Universal Destruction. O bull of the Bharata race,
+towards the end of the last mentioned period of one thousand years,
+i.e., when the period wanted to complete a cycle is short, men generally
+become addicted to falsehood in speech. O son of Pritha, then sacrifices
+and gifts and vows, instead of being performed by principals are
+suffered to be performed by representatives! Brahmanas then perform acts
+that are reserved for the _Sudras_, and the _Sudras_ betake themselves
+to the acquisition of wealth. Then Kshatriyas also betake themselves to
+the practice of religious acts. In the _Kali_ age, the Brahmanas also
+abstain from sacrifices and the study of the Vedas, are divested of
+their staff and deer-skin, and in respect of food become omnivorous.
+And, O son, the Brahmanas in that age also abstain from prayers and
+meditation while the Sudras betake themselves to these! The course of
+the world looketh contrary, and indeed, these are the signs that
+foreshadow the Universal Destruction. And, O lord of men, numerous
+_Mleccha_ kings then rule over the earth! And those sinful monarchs,
+addicted to false speech, govern their subjects on principles that are
+false. The _Andhhas_, the _Sakas_, the _Pulindas_, the _Yavanas_, the
+_Kamvojas_, the _Valhikas_ and the _Abhiras_, then become, O best of
+men, possessed of bravery and the sovereignty of the earth. This, O
+tiger among men, becometh the state of the world during the eve, O
+Bharata, of the _Kali_ age! Not a single Brahmana then adhereth to the
+duties of his order. And the Kshatriyas and the Vaisyas also, O monarch,
+follow practices contrary to those that are proper for their own orders.
+And men become short-lived, weak in strength, energy, and prowess; and
+endued with small might and diminutive bodies, they become scarcely
+truthful in speech. And the human population dwindles away over large
+tracts of country, and the regions of the earth, North and South, and
+East and West, become crowded with animals and beasts of prey. And
+during this period, they also that utter _Brahma_, do so in vain. The
+_Sudras_ address _Brahmanas_, saying, _Bho_, while the Brahmanas address
+Sudras, saying _Respected Sir_. And, O tiger among men, at the end of
+the _Yuga_, animals increase enormously. And, O king, odours and
+perfumes do not then become so agreeable to our sense of scent, and, O
+tiger among men, the very tastes of things do not then so well accord
+with our organs of taste as at other periods! And, O king, women then
+become mothers of numerous progeny, endued with low statures, and
+destitute of good behaviour and good manners. And they also make their
+very mouths serve the purposes of the organ of procreation. And famine
+ravages the habitations of men, and the highways are infested by women
+of ill fame, while females in general, O king, become at such periods
+hostile to their lords and destitute of modesty! And, O king, the very
+kine at such periods yield little milk, while the trees, sat over with
+swarms of crows, do not produce many flowers and fruits. And, O lord of
+the earth, regenerate classes, tainted with the sin of slaying
+Brahmanas, accept gifts from monarchs that are addicted to falsehood in
+speech. And filled with covetousness and ignorance, and bearing on their
+persons the outward symbols of religion, they set out on eleemosynary
+rounds, afflicting the people of the Earth. And people leading domestic
+lives, afraid of the burden of taxes, become deceivers, while Brahmanas,
+falsely assuming the garb of ascetics, earn wealth by trade, with nails
+and hair unpared and uncut. And, O tiger among men, many of the
+twice-born classes become, from avarice of wealth, religious mendicants
+of the _Brahmacharin_ order. And, O monarch, men at such periods behave
+contrary to the _modes_ of life to which they betake themselves, and
+addicted to intoxicating drinks and capable of violating the beds of
+their preceptors, their desires are all of this world, pursuing matters
+ministering to the flesh and the blood. And O tiger among men, at such
+period the asylums of ascetics become full of sinful and audacious
+wretches ever applauding lives of dependence. And the illustrious
+chastiser of Paka never showers rain according to the seasons and the
+seeds also that are scattered on earth, do not, O Bharata, all sprout
+forth. And men, unholy in deed and thought, take pleasure in envy and
+malice. And, O sinless one, the earth then becometh full of sin and
+immorality. And, O lord of the earth, he that becometh virtuous at such
+periods doth not live long. Indeed, the earth becometh reft of virtue in
+every shape. And, O tiger among men, the merchants and traders then full
+of guile, sell large quantities of articles with false weights and
+measures. And they that are virtuous do not prosper; while they that are
+sinful proper exceedingly. And virtue loseth her strength while sin
+becometh all powerful. And men that are devoted to virtue become poor
+and short-lived; while they that are sinful become long-lived and win
+prosperity. And in such times, people behave sinfully even in places of
+public amusements in cities and towns. And men always seek the
+accomplishment of their ends by means that are sinful. And having earned
+fortunes that are really small they become intoxicated with the pride of
+wealth. And O monarch, many men at such periods strive to rob the wealth
+that hath from trust been deposited with them in secrecy. And wedded to
+sinful practices, they shamelessly declare--_there is nothing in
+deposit_. And beasts of prey and other animals and fowl may be seen to
+lie down in places of public amusement in cities and towns, as well as
+in sacred edifices. And, O king girls of seven or eight years of age do
+then conceive, while boys of ten or twelve years beget offspring. And in
+their sixteenth year, men are overtaken with decrepitude and decay and
+the period of life itself is soon outrun. And O king, when men become so
+short-lived, more youths act like the aged; while all that is observable
+in youth may be noticed in the old. And women given to impropriety of
+conduct and marked by evil manners, deceive even the best of husbands
+and forget themselves with menials and slaves and even with animals. And
+O king, even women that are wives of heroes seek the companionship of
+other men and forget themselves with these during the life-time of their
+husbands.
+
+"'O king, towards the end of those thousands of years constituting the
+four _Yugas_ and when the lives of men become so short, a drought occurs
+extending for many years. And then, O lord of the earth, men and
+creatures endued with small strength and vitality, becoming hungry die
+by thousands. And then, O lord of men, seven blazing Suns, appearing in
+the firmament, drink up all the waters of the Earth that are in rivers
+or seas. And, O bull of the Bharata race, then also everything of the
+nature of wood and grass that is wet to dry, is consumed and reduced to
+ashes. And then, O Bharata, the fire called _Samvartaka_ impelled by the
+winds appeareth on the earth that hath already been dried to cinders by
+the seven Suns. And then that fire, penetrating through the Earth and
+making its appearance, in the nether regions also, begetteth great
+terror in the hearts of the _gods_, the _Danavas_ and the _Yakshas_.
+And, O lord of the earth, consuming the nether regions as also
+everything upon this Earth that fire destroyeth all things in a moment.
+And that fire called _Samvartaka_ aided by that inauspicious wind,
+consumeth this world extending for hundreds and thousands of _yojanas_.
+And that lord of all things, that fire, blazing forth in effulgence
+consumeth this universe with gods and _Asuras_ and _Gandharvas_ and
+_Yakshas_ and _Snakes_ and _Rakshasas_. And there rise in the sky deep
+masses of clouds, looking like herds of elephants and decked with
+wreaths of lightning that are wonderful to behold. And some of those
+clouds are of the hue of the blue lotus; and some are of the hue of the
+water-lily; and some resemble in tint the filaments of the lotus and
+some are purple and some are yellow as turmeric and some of the hue of
+the crows' egg. And some are bright as the petals of the lotus and some
+red as vermillion. And some resemble palatial cities in shape and some
+herds of elephants. And some are of the form of lizards and some of
+crocodiles and sharks. And, O king, the clouds that gather in the sky on
+the occasion are terrible to behold and wreathed with lightnings, roar
+frightfully. And those vapoury masses, charged with rain, soon cover the
+entire welkin. And, O king, those masses of vapour then flood with water
+the whole earth with her mountains and forests and mines. And, O bull
+among men, urged by the Supreme Lord those clouds roaring frightfully,
+soon flood over the entire surface of the earth. And pouring in a great
+quantity of water and filling the whole earth, they quench that terrible
+inauspicious fire (of which I have already spoken to thee). And urged by
+the illustrious Lord those clouds filling the earth with their downpour
+shower incessantly for twelve years. And then, O Bharata, the Ocean
+oversteps his continents, the mountains sunder in fragments, and the
+Earth sinks under the increasing flood. And then moved on a sudden by
+the impetus of the wind, those clouds wander along the entire expanse of
+the firmament and disappear from the view. And then, O ruler of men, the
+Self-create Lord--the first Cause of everything--having his abode in the
+lotus, drinketh those terrible winds and goeth to sleep, O Bharata!
+
+"'And then when the universe become one dead expanse of water, when all
+mobile and immobile creatures have been destroyed, when the _gods_ and
+the _Asuras_ cease to be, when the _Yakshas_ and the _Rakshasas_ are no
+more, when man is not, when trees and beasts of prey have disappeared,
+when the firmament itself has ceased to exist, I alone, O lord of the
+earth, wander in affliction. And, O best of kings, wandering over that
+dreadful expanse of water, my heart becometh afflicted in consequence of
+my not beholding any creature! And, O king, wandering without cessation,
+through that flood, I become fatigued, but I obtain no resting place!
+And some time after I behold in that expanse of accumulated waters a
+vast and wide-extending banian tree, O lord of earth! And I then behold,
+O Bharata, seated on a conch, O king, overlaid with a celestial bed and
+attached to a far-extended bough of that banian, a boy, O great king, of
+face fair as the lotus or the moon, and of eyes, O ruler of men, large
+as petals of a full blown lotus! And at this sight, O lord of earth,
+wonder filled my heart. And I asked myself, "How doth this boy alone sit
+here when the world itself hath been destroyed?" And, O king, although I
+have full knowledge of the Past, the Present, and the Future, still I
+failed to learn anything of this by means of even ascetic meditation.
+Endued with the lustre of the _Atasi_ flower, and decked with the mark
+of _Sreevatsa_, he seemed to me to be like the abode of _Lakshmi_,
+herself. And that boy, of eyes like the petals of the lotus, having the
+mark of _Sreevatsa_, and possessed of blazing effulgence, then addressed
+me in words highly pleasant to the ear, saying, "O sire, I know thee to
+be fatigued and desirous of rest. O Markandeya of Bhrigu's race, rest
+thou here as long as thou wishest. O best of _Munis_, entering within my
+body, rest thou there. That hath been the abode assigned to thee by me.
+I have been pleased with thee." Thus addressed by that boy, a sense of
+total disregard possessed me in respect both of my long life and state
+of manhood. Then that boy suddenly opened his mouth, and as fate would
+have it, I entered his mouth deprived of the power of motion. But O
+king, having suddenly entered into the stomach of that boy, I behold
+there the whole earth teeming with cities and kingdoms. And, O best of
+men, while wandering through the stomach of that illustrious one, I
+behold the Ganga, the Satudru, the Sita, the Yamuna, and the Kausiki;
+the Charmanwati, the Vetravati; the Chandrabhaga, the Saraswati, the
+Sindhu, the Vipasa, and the Godavari; the Vaswokasara, the Nalini and
+the Narmada; the Tamra, and the Venna also of delightful current and
+sacred waters; the Suvenna, the Krishna-venna, the Irama, and the
+Mahanadi; the Vitasti, O great king, and that large river, the Cavery;
+the one also, O tiger among men, the Visalya, and the Kimpuna also. I
+beheld all these and many other rivers that are on the earth! And, O
+slayer of foes, I also beheld there the ocean inhabited by alligators
+and sharks, that mine of gems, that excellent abode of waters. And I
+beheld there the firmament also, decked with the Sun and the Moon,
+blazing with effulgence, and possessed of lustre of fire of the Sun. And
+I beheld there, O king, the earth also, graced with woods and forests.
+And, O monarch, I beheld there many Brahmanas also, engaged in various
+sacrifices; and the Kshatriyas engaged in doing good to all the orders;
+and the Vaisyas employed in pursuits in agriculture; and the Sudras
+devoted to the service of the regenerate classes. And, O king, while
+wandering through the stomach of that high-souled one, I also beheld the
+Himavat and the mountains of Hemakuta. And I also saw Nishada, and the
+mountains of Sweta abounding in silver. And, O king, I saw there the
+mountain Gandhamadana, and, O tiger among men, also Mandara and the huge
+mountains of Nila. And, O great king, I saw there the golden mountains
+of Meru and also Mahendra and those excellent mountains called the
+Vindhyas. And I beheld there the mountains of Malaya and of Paripatra
+also. These and many other mountains that are on earth were all seen by
+me in his stomach. And all these were decked with jewels and gems. And,
+O monarch, while wandering through his stomach, I also beheld lions and
+tigers and boars and, indeed, all other animals that are on earth, O
+great king! O tiger among men, having entered his stomach, as I wandered
+around, I also beheld the whole tribe of the _gods_ with their chief
+Sakra, the _Sadhyas_, the _Rudras_, the _Adityas_, the _Guhyakas_, the
+_Pitris_, the _Snakes_ and the _Nagas_, the feathery tribes, the
+_Vasus_, the _Aswins_, the _Gandharvas_, the _Apsaras_, the _Yakshas_,
+the _Rishis_, the hordes of the _Daityas_ and the _Danavas_, and the
+_Nagas_ also, O king, and the sons of _Singhika_ and all the other
+enemies of the gods; indeed what else of mobile and immobile creatures
+may be seen on earth, were all seen by me, O monarch, within the stomach
+of that high-souled one. And, O lord, living upon fruits I dwelt within
+his body for many centuries wandering over the entire universe that is
+there. Never did I yet, O king, behold the limits of his body. And when,
+O lord of earth, I failed to measure the limits of that high-souled
+one's body, even though I wandered within him continuously in great
+anxiety of mind, I then, in thought and deed sought the protection of
+that boon-giving and pre-eminent Deity, duly acknowledging his
+superiority. And when I had done this, O king, I was suddenly projected
+(from within his body) through that high-souled one's open mouth by
+means, O chief of men, of a gust of wind. And, O king, I then beheld
+seated on the branch of that very banian that same Being of immeasurable
+energy, in the form of a boy with the mark of _Sreevatsa_ (on his
+breast) having, O tiger among men, swallowed up the whole universe. And
+that boy of blazing effulgence and bearing the mark of _Sreevatsa_ and
+attired in yellow robes, gratified with me, smilingly addressed me,
+saying, "O Markandeya, O best of _Munis_, having dwelt for some time
+within my body, thou hast been fatigued! I shall however speak unto
+thee." And as he said this to me, at that very moment I acquired a new
+sight, so to speak, in consequence of which I beheld myself to be
+possessed of true knowledge and emancipated from the illusions of the
+world. And, O child, having witnessed the inexhaustible power of that
+Being of immeasurable energy, I then worshipped his revered and
+well-shaped feet with soles bright as burnished copper and well-decked
+with toes of mild red hue, having placed them carefully on my head and
+joining my palms in humility and approaching him with reverence. I
+beheld that Divine Being who is the soul of all things and whose eyes
+are like the petals of the lotus. And having bowed unto him with joined
+hands I addressed him saying, "I wish to know thee, O Divine Being, as
+also this high and wonderful illusion of thine! O illustrious one,
+having entered into thy body through thy mouth, I have beheld the entire
+universe in thy stomach! O Divine Being, the gods, the _Danavas_ and the
+_Rakshasas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Gandharvas_, and the _Nagas_, indeed,
+the whole universe mobile and immobile, are all within thy body! And
+though I have ceaselessly wandered through thy body at a quick pace,
+through thy grace, O God, my memory faileth me not. And, O great lord, I
+have come out of thy body at thy desire but not of mine! O thou of eyes
+like lotus leaves, I desire to know thee who art free from all faults!
+Why dost thou stay here in the form of a boy having swallowed up the
+entire universe? It behoveth thee to explain all this to me. Why, O
+sinless one, is the entire universe within thy body? How long also, O
+chastiser of foes, wilt thou stay here? Urged by a curiosity that is not
+improper for Brahmanas, I desire, O Lord of all the gods, to hear all
+this from thee, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, with every detail and
+exactly as it all happens, for all I have seen, O Lord, is wonderful and
+inconceivable!" And thus addressed by me, that deity of deities, of
+blazing effulgence and great beauty, that foremost of all speakers
+consoling me properly, spoke unto me these words.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The Deity then said, "O Brahmana, the gods even
+do not know me truly! As however, I have been gratified with thee, I
+will tell thee how I created the universe! O regenerate _Rishi_, thou
+art devoted to thy ancestors and hast also sought my protection! Thou
+hast also beheld me with thy eyes, and thy ascetic merit also is great!
+In ancient times I called the waters by the name of _Nara_; and because
+the waters have ever been my _ayana_ or home, therefore have I been
+called _Narayana_ (the _water-homed_). O best of regenerate ones, I am
+_Narayana_, the Source of all things, the Eternal, the Unchangeable. I
+am the Creator of all things, and the Destroyer also of all. I am
+Vishnu, I am Brahma and I am Sakra, the chief of the gods. I am king
+Vaisravana, and I am Yama, the lord of the deceased spirits. I am Siva,
+I am Soma, and I am Kasyapa the lord of the created things. And, O best
+of regenerate ones, I am he called _Dhatri_, and he also that is called
+_Vidhatri_, and I am Sacrifice embodied. Fire is my mouth, the earth my
+feet, and the Sun and the Moon are my eyes; the Heaven is the crown of
+my head, the firmament and the cardinal points are my ears; the waters
+are born of my sweat. Space with the cardinal points are my body, and
+the Air is my mind. I have performed many hundreds of sacrifices with
+gifts in profusion. I am always present in the sacrifices of the gods;
+and they that are cognisant of the _Vedas_ and officiate therein, make
+their offerings to me. On earth the Kshatriya chiefs that rule over men,
+in performing their sacrifices from desire of obtaining heaven, and the
+Vaisyas also in performing theirs from desire of winning those happy
+regions, all worship me at such times and by those ceremonials. It is I
+who, assuming the form of Sesha support (on my head) this earth bounded
+by the four seas and decked by Meru and Mandara. And O regenerate one,
+it is I who, assuming the form of a boar, had raised in days of yore
+this earth sunk in water. And, O best of Brahmanas, it is I who,
+becoming the fire that issues out of the _Equine mouth_, drink up the
+waters (of the ocean) and create them again. In consequence of my energy
+from my mouth, my arms, my thighs, and my feet gradually sprang
+Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras. It is from me that the
+_Rik_, the _Sama_, the _Yajus_, and the _Atharvan_ Vedas spring, and it
+is in me that they all enter when the time cometh. Brahmanas devoted to
+asceticism, they that value Peace as the highest attribute, they that
+have their souls under complete control, they that are desirous of
+knowledge, they that are freed from lust and wrath and envy, they that
+are unwedded to things of the earth, they that have their sins
+completely washed away, they that are possessed of gentleness and
+virtue, and are divested of pride, they that have a full knowledge of
+the Soul, all worship me with profound meditation. I am the flame known
+as _Samvartaka_, I am the Wind called by that name, I am the Sun wearing
+that appellation, and I am the fire that hath that designation. And, O
+best of Brahmanas, those things that are seen in the firmament as stars,
+know them to be the pores of my skin. The ocean--those mines of gems and
+the four cardinal points, know, O Brahmana, are my robes, my bed, and my
+home. By me have they been distributed for serving the purposes of the
+gods. And, O best of men, know also that lust, wrath, joy, fear, and the
+over-clouding of the intellect, are all different forms of myself. And,
+O Brahmana, whatever is obtained by men by the practice of truth,
+charity, ascetic austerities, and peace and harmlessness towards all
+creatures, and such other handsome deeds, is obtained because of my
+arrangements. Governed by my ordinance, men wander within my body, their
+senses overwhelmed by me. They move not according to their will but as
+they are moved by me. Regenerate Brahmanas that have thoroughly studied
+the _Vedas_, that have tranquillity in their souls, they that have
+subdued their wrath, obtain a high reward by means of their numerous
+sacrifices. That reward, however, is unattainable by men that are wicked
+in their deeds, overwhelmed by covetousness, mean and disreputable with
+souls unblessed and impure. Therefore, must thou know, O Brahmana that
+this reward which is obtained by persons having their souls under
+control and which is unobtainable by the ignorant and the foolish,--this
+which is attainable by asceticism alone,--is productive of high merit.
+And, O best of men, at those times when virtue and morality decrease and
+sin and immorality increase, I create myself in new forms. And, O
+_Muni_, when fierce and malicious _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_ that are
+incapable of being slain by even the foremost of the gods, are born on
+earth, I then take my birth in the families of virtuous men, and
+assuming human body restore tranquillity by exterminating all evils.
+Moved by my own _maya_, I create gods and men, and _Gandharvas_ and
+_Rakshasas_, and all immobile things and then destroy them all myself
+(when the time cometh). For the preservation of rectitude and morality I
+assume a human form, and when the season for action cometh, I again
+assume forms that are inconceivable. In the _Krita_ age I become white,
+in the _Treta_ age I become yellow, in the _Dwapara_ I have become red
+and in the _Kali_ age I become dark in hue. In the _Kali_ age, the
+proportion of immorality becometh three-fourths, (a fourth only being
+that of morality). And when the end of the _Yuga_ cometh, assuming the
+fierce form of Death, alone I destroy all the three worlds with their
+mobile and immobile existences. With three steps, I cover the whole
+Universe; I am the Soul of the universe; I am the source of all
+happiness; I am the humbler of all pride; I am omnipresent; I am
+infinite; I am the Lord of the senses; and my prowess is great. O
+Brahmana, alone do I set a-going the wheel of Time; I am formless; I am
+the Destroyer of all creatures; and I am the cause of all efforts of all
+my creatures. O best of _Munis_, my soul completely pervadeth all my
+creatures, but, O foremost of all regenerate ones, no one knoweth me. It
+is me that the pious and the devoted worship in all the worlds. O
+regenerate one, whatever of pain thou hast felt within my stomach, know,
+O sinless one, that all that is for thy happiness and good fortune. And
+whatever of mobile and immobile objects thou hast seen in the world,
+everything hath been ordained by my Soul which is the Spring of all
+existence. The grandsire of all creatures is half my body; I am called
+Narayana, and I am bearer of the conch-shell, the discus and the mace. O
+regenerate _Rishi_, for a period measured by a thousand times the length
+of the _Yugas_, I who am the Universal Soul sleep overwhelming all
+creatures in insensibility. And, O best of regenerate _Rishis_, I stay
+here thus for all time, in the form of a boy though I am old, until
+Brahma waketh up. O foremost of Brahmanas, gratified with thee, I who am
+_Brahma_ have repeatedly granted thee boons, O thou who art worshipped
+by regenerate _Rishis_! Beholding one vast expanse of water and seeing
+that all mobile and immobile creatures have been destroyed, thou wert
+afflicted with melancholy. I know this, and it is for this that I showed
+thee the universe (within my stomach). And while thou wert within my
+body, beholding the entire universe, thou wert filled with wonder and
+deprived of thy senses. O regenerate _Rishi_, it is for this that thou
+wert speedily brought out by me through my mouth. I have (now) told thee
+of that Soul which is incapable of being comprehended by the gods and
+the _Asuras_. And as long as that great ascetic, the holy Brahma, doth
+not awake, thou, O regenerate _Rishi_, canst happily and trustfully
+dwell here. And when that Grandsire of all creatures awaketh up, I will
+then, O best of Brahmanas, alone create all creatures endued with
+bodies, the firmament, the earth, light, the atmosphere, water, and
+indeed all else of mobile and immobile creatures (that thou mayst have
+seen) on the earth!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having said so unto me that wonderful Deity
+vanished, O son, from my sight! I then beheld this varied and wondrous
+creation start into life. O king, O thou foremost of the Bharata race, I
+witnessed all this, so wonderful, O thou foremost of all virtuous men,
+at the end of the _Yuga_! And the Deity, of eyes large as lotus leaves,
+seen by me, in days of yore is this tiger among men, this Janardana who
+hath become thy relative! It is in consequence of the boon granted to me
+by this one that memory doth not fail me, that the period of my life, O
+son of Kunti, is so long and death itself is under my control. This is
+that ancient and supreme Lord Hari of inconceivable soul who hath taken
+his birth as Krishna of the Vrishni race, and who endued with mighty
+arms, seemeth to sport in this world! This one is _Dhatri_ and
+_Vidhatri_, the Destroyer of all the Eternal, the bearer of the
+_Sreevatsa_ mark on his breast, the Lord of the lord of all creatures,
+the highest of the high, called also Govinda! Beholding this foremost of
+all gods, this ever-victorious Being, attired in yellow robes, this
+chief of the Vrishni race, my recollection cometh back to me! This
+Madhava is the father and mother of all creatures! Ye bulls of the Kuru
+race, seek ye the refuge of this Protector!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the sons of Pritha and those
+bulls among men--the twins, along with Draupadi, all bowed down unto
+Janardana. And that tiger among men deserving of every respect thus
+revered by the sons of Pandu, then consoled them all with words of great
+sweetness."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said "Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, once more asked the
+great _Muni_ Markandeya about the future course of the government of the
+Earth.
+
+"And Yudhishthira said, 'O thou foremost of all speakers, O _Muni_ of
+Bhrigu's race, that which we have heard from thee about the destruction
+and re-birth of all things at the end of the _Yuga_, is, indeed, full of
+wonder! I am filled with curiosity, however, in respect of what may
+happen in the _Kali_ age. When morality and virtue will be at an end,
+what will remain there! What will be the prowess of men in that age,
+what their food, and what their amusements? What will be the period of
+life at the end of the _Yuga_? What also is the limit, having attained
+which the _Krita_ age will begin anew? Tell me all in detail, O _Muni_,
+for all that thou narratest is varied and delightful.'
+
+"Thus addressed, that foremost of _Munis_ began his discourse again,
+delighting that tiger of the Vrishni race and the sons of Pandu as well.
+And Markandeya said, 'Listen, O monarch, to all that hath been seen and
+heard by me, and to all, O king of kings, that hath been known to me by
+intuition from the grace of the God of gods! O bull of the Bharata race,
+listen to me as I narrate the future history of the world during the
+sinful age. O bull of the Bharata race, in the _Krita_ age, everything
+was free from deceit and guile and avarice and covetousness; and
+morality like a bull was among men, with all the four legs complete. In
+the _Treta_ age sin took away one of these legs and morality had three
+legs. In the _Dwapara_, sin and morality are mixed half and half; and
+accordingly morality is said to have two legs only. In the dark age (_of
+Kali_), O thou best of the Bharata race, morality mixed with three parts
+of sin liveth by the side of men. Accordingly morality then is said to
+wait on men, with only a fourth part of itself remaining. Know, O
+Yudhishthira, that the period of life, the energy, intellect and the
+physical strength of men decrease in every _Yuga_! O Pandava, the
+Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras, (in the _Kali_ age)
+will practise morality and virtue deceitfully and men in general will
+deceive their fellows by spreading the net of virtue. And men with false
+reputation of learning will, by their acts, cause Truth to be contracted
+and concealed. And in consequence of the shortness of their lives they
+will not be able to acquire much knowledge. And in consequence of the
+littleness of their knowledge, they will have no wisdom. And for this,
+covetousness and avarice will overwhelm them all. And wedded to avarice
+and wrath and ignorance and lust men will entertain animosities towards
+one another, desiring to take one another's lives. And Brahmanas and
+Kshatriyas and Vaisyas with their virtue contracted and divested of
+asceticism and truth will all be reduced to an equality with the Sudras.
+And the lowest orders of men will rise to the position of the
+intermediate ones, and those in intermediate stations will, without
+doubt, descend to the level of the lowest ones. Even such, O
+Yudhishthira, will become the state of the world at the end of the
+_Yuga_. Of robes those will be regarded the best that are made of flax,
+and of grain the _Paspalum frumentacea_[5] will be regarded the best.
+Towards this period men will regard their wives as their (only) friends.
+And men will live on fish and milk, goats and sheep, for cows will be
+extinct. And towards that period, even they that are always observant of
+vows, will become covetous. And opposed to one another, men will, at
+such a time, seek one another's lives; and divested of _Yuga_, people
+will become atheists and thieves. And they will even dig the banks of
+streams with their spades and sow grains thereon. And even those places
+will prove barren for them at such a time. And those men who are devoted
+to ceremonial rites in honour of the deceased and of the gods, will be
+avaricious and will also appropriate and enjoy what belongs to others.
+The father will enjoy what belongs to the son; and the son, what belongs
+to the father. And those things will also be enjoyed by men in such
+times, the enjoyment of which hath been forbidden in the scriptures. And
+the Brahmanas, speaking disrespectfully of the Vedas, will not practise
+vows, and their understanding clouded by the science of disputation,
+they will no longer perform sacrifices and the _Homa_. And deceived by
+the false science of reasons, they will direct their hearts towards
+everything mean and low. And men will till low lands for cultivation and
+employ cows and calves that are one year old, in drawing the plough and
+carrying burthens. And sons having slain their sires, and sires having
+slain their sons will incur no opprobrium. And they will frequently save
+themselves from anxiety by such deeds, and even glory in them. And the
+whole world will be filled with _mleccha_ behaviour and notions and
+ceremonies, and sacrifices will cease and joy will be nowhere and
+general rejoicing will disappear. And men will rob the possession of
+helpless persons, of those that are friendless and of wisdoms also. And,
+possessed of small energy and strength, without knowledge and given to
+avarice and folly and sinful practices men will accept with joy the
+gifts made by wicked people with words of contempt. And, O son of Kunti,
+the kings of the earth, with hearts wedded to sin without knowledge and
+always boastful of their wisdom, will challenge one another from desire
+of taking one another's life. And the Kshatriyas also towards the end of
+such a period will become the thorns of the earth. And filled with
+avarice and swelling with pride and vanity and, unable and unwilling to
+protect (their subjects), they will take pleasure in inflicting
+punishments only. And attacking and repeating their attacks upon the
+good and the honest, and feeling no pity for the latter, even when they
+will cry in grief, the Kshatriyas will, O Bharata, rob these of their
+wives and wealth. And no one will ask for a girl (for purposes of
+marriage) and no one will give away a girl (for such purposes), but the
+girls will themselves choose their lords, when the end of the _Yuga_
+comes. And the kings of the earth with souls steeped in ignorance, and
+discontented with what they have, will at such a time, rob their
+subjects by every means in their power. And without doubt the whole
+world will be _mlecchified_.[6] And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes,
+the right hand will deceive the left; and the left, the right. And men
+with false reputation of learning will contract Truth and the old will
+betray the senselessness of the young, and the young will betray the
+dotage of the old. And cowards will have the reputation of bravery and
+the brave will be cheerless like cowards. And towards the end of the
+_Yuga_ men will cease to trust one another. And full of avarice and
+folly the whole world will have but one kind of food. And sin will
+increase and prosper, while virtue will fade and cease to flourish. And
+Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas will disappear, leaving, O king, no
+remnants of their orders. And all men towards the end of the Yuga will
+become members of one common order, without distinction of any kind. And
+sires will not forgive sons, and sons will not forgive sires. And when
+the end approaches, wives will not wait upon and serve their husbands.
+And at such a time men will seek those countries where wheat and barley
+form the staple food. And, O monarch, both men and women will become
+perfectly free in their behaviour and will not tolerate one another's
+acts. And, O Yudhishthira, the whole world will be _mlecchified_. And
+men will cease to gratify the gods by offerings of _Sraddhas_. And no
+one will listen to the words of others and no one will be regarded as a
+preceptor by another. And, O ruler of men, intellectual darkness will
+envelop the whole earth, and the life of man will then be measured by
+sixteen years, on attaining to which age death will ensue. And girls of
+five or six years of age will bring forth children and boys of seven or
+eight years of age will become fathers. And, O tiger among kings, when
+the end of the _Yuga_ will come, the wife will never be content with her
+husband, nor the husband with his wife. And the possessions of men will
+never be much, and people will falsely bear the marks of religion, and
+jealousy and malice will fill the world. And no one will, at that time,
+be a giver (of wealth or anything else) in respect to any one else. And
+the inhabited regions of the earth will be afflicted with dearth and
+famine, and the highways will be filled with lustful men and women of
+evil repute. And, at such a time, the women will also entertain an
+aversion towards their husbands. And without doubt all men will adopt
+the behaviour of the _mlecchas_, become omnivorous without distinction,
+and cruel in all their acts, when the end of the _Yuga_ will come. And,
+O thou foremost of the Bharatas, urged by avarice, men will, at that
+time, deceive one another when they sell and purchase. And without a
+knowledge of the ordinance, men will perform ceremonies and rites, and,
+indeed, behave as listeth them, when the end of the _Yuga_ comes. And
+when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, urged by their very dispositions, men
+will act cruelly, and speak ill of one another. And people will, without
+compunction, destroy trees and gardens. And men will be filled with
+anxiety as regards the means of living. And, O king, overwhelmed with
+covetousness, men will kill Brahmanas and appropriate and enjoy the
+possessions of their victims. And the regenerate ones, oppressed by
+Sudras, and afflicted with fear, and crying _Oh_ and _Alas_, will wander
+over the earth without anybody to protect them. And when men will begin
+to slay one another, and become wicked and fierce and without any
+respect for animal life, then will the _Yuga_ come to an end. And, O
+king, even the foremost of the regenerate ones, afflicted by robbers,
+will, like crows, fly in terror and with speed, and seek refuge, O
+perpetuator of the Kuru race, in rivers and mountains and inaccessible
+regions. And always oppressed by bad rulers with burthens of taxes, the
+foremost of the regenerate classes, O lord of the earth, will, in those
+terrible times, take leave of all patience and do improper acts by
+becoming even the servants of the Sudras. And Sudras will expound the
+scriptures, and Brahmanas will wait upon and listen to them, and settle
+their course of duty accepting such interpretations as their guides. And
+the low will become the high, and the course of things will look
+contrary. And renouncing the gods, men will worship bones and other
+relics deposited within walls. And, at the end of the _Yuga_, the Sudras
+will cease to wait upon and serve the Brahmanas. And in the asylums of
+great _Rishis_, and the teaching institutions of Brahmanas, and in
+places sacred to the gods and sacrificial compounds, and in sacred
+tanks, the earth will be disfigured with tombs and pillars containing
+bony relics and not graced with temples dedicated to the gods. All this
+will take place at the end of the _Yuga_, and know that these are the
+signs of the end of the _Yuga_. And when men become fierce and destitute
+of virtue and carnivorous and addicted to intoxicating drinks, then doth
+the _Yuga_ come to an end. And, O monarch, when flowers will be begot
+within flowers, and fruits within fruits, then will the _Yuga_ come to
+an end. And the clouds will pour rain unseasonably when the end of the
+_Yuga_ approaches. And, at that time, ceremonial rites of men will not
+follow one another in due order, and the Sudras will quarrel with the
+Brahmanas. And the earth will soon be full of _mlecchas_, and the
+Brahmanas will fly in all directions for fear of the burthen of taxes.
+And all distinctions between men will cease as regards conduct and
+behaviour, and afflicted with honorary tasks and offices, people will
+fly to woody retreats, subsisting on fruits and roots. And the world
+will be so afflicted, that rectitude of conduct will cease to be
+exhibited anywhere. And disciples will set at naught the instructions of
+preceptors, and seek even to injure them. And preceptors impoverished
+will be disregarded by men. And friends and relatives and kinsmen will
+perform friendly offices for the sake of the wealth only that is
+possessed by a person. And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, everybody
+will be in want. And all the points of the horizon will be ablaze, and
+the stars and stellar groups will be destitute of brilliancy, and the
+planets and planetary conjunctions will be inauspicious. And the course
+of the winds will be confused and agitated, and innumerable meteors will
+flash through the sky, foreboding evil. And the Sun will appear with six
+others of the same kind. And all around there will be din and uproar,
+and everywhere there will be conflagrations. And the Sun, from the hour
+of his rising to that of setting, will be enveloped by Rahu. And the
+deity of a thousand eyes will shower rain unseasonably. And when the end
+of the _Yuga_ comes, crops will not grow in abundance. And the women
+will always be sharp in speech and pitiless and fond of weeping. And
+they will never abide by the commands of their husbands. And when the
+end of the _Yuga_ comes, sons will slay fathers and mothers. And women,
+living uncontrolled, will slay their husbands and sons. And, O king,
+when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, _Rahu_ will swallow the Sun
+unseasonably. And fires will blaze up on all sides. And travellers
+unable to obtain food and drink and shelter even when they ask for
+these, will lie down on the wayside refraining from urging their
+solicitations. And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, crows and snakes
+and vultures and kites and other animals and birds will utter frightful
+and dissonant cries. And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, men will cast
+away and neglect their friends and relatives and attendants. And, O
+monarch, when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, men abandoning the countries
+and directions and towns and cities of their occupation, will seek for
+new ones, one after another. And people will wander over the earth,
+uttering, "_O father, O son_", and such other frightful and rending
+cries.
+
+    [5] The word in the text is _Kora-dushakas_, supposed by Wilson
+    to be the _Paspalum frumentacea_ (_vide_ Dict.).
+
+    [6] The word in the text is _mlecchibhutam_. The Sanskrit
+    grammar affords a great facility for the formation of verbs from
+    substantives. _Mlecchify_ may be hybrid, but it correctly and
+    shortly signifies the Sanskrit word.
+
+"'And when those terrible times will be over, the creation will begin
+anew. And men will again be created and distributed into the four orders
+beginning with Brahmanas. And about that time, in order that men may
+increase, Providence, according to its pleasure, will once more become
+propitious. And then when the Sun, the Moon, and Vrihaspati will, with
+the constellation _Pushya_[7], enter the same sign, the _Krita_ age will
+begin again. And the clouds will commence to shower seasonably, and the
+stars and stellar conjunctions will become auspicious. And the planets,
+duly revolving in their orbits, will become exceedingly propitious. And
+all around, there will be prosperity and abundance and health and peace.
+And commissioned by Time, a Brahmana of the name of _Kalki_ will take
+his birth. And he will glorify Vishnu and possess great energy, great
+intelligence, and great prowess. And he will take his birth in a town of
+the name of _Sambhala_ in an auspicious Brahmana family. And vehicles
+and weapons, and warriors and arms, and coats of mail will be at his
+disposal as soon as he will think of them. And he will be the king of
+kings, and ever victorious with the strength of virtue. And he will
+restore order and peace in this world crowded with creatures and
+contradictory in its course. And that blazing Brahmana of mighty
+intellect, having appeared, will destroy all things. And he will be the
+Destroyer of all, and will inaugurate a new _Yuga_. And surrounded by
+the Brahmanas, that Brahmana will exterminate all the _mlecchas_
+wherever those low and despicable persons may take refuge.'"
+
+    [7] _Pushya_ is the eighth lunar asterism consisting of three
+    stars, of which one is, the Cancer. (Vide Wilson's Diet.).
+
+
+SECTION CLXL
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having exterminated the thieves and robbers,
+_Kalki_ will, at a great Horse-sacrifice, duly give away this earth to
+the Brahmanas, and having established anew the blessed rectitude
+ordained by the Self-create, _Kalki_, of sacred deeds and illustrious
+reputation, will enter a delightful forest, and the people of this earth
+will imitate his conduct, and when the Brahmanas will have exterminated
+the thieves and robbers, there will be prosperity everywhere (on earth).
+And as the countries of the earth will one after another be subjugated,
+that tiger among Brahmanas, _Kalki_, having placed deer skins and lances
+and tridents there, will roam over the earth, adored by foremost
+Brahmanas and showing his regard for them and engaged all the while in
+slaughtering thieves and robbers. And he will exterminate the thieves
+and robbers amid heart-rending cries of "_Oh, father--Oh, mother!--O
+son!_" and the like, and O Bharata, when sin will thus have been rooted
+out and virtue will flourish on arrival of the _Krita_ age, men will
+once more betake themselves to the practice of religious rites. And in
+the age that will set in, viz., the _Krita_, well-planted gardens and
+sacrificial compounds and large tanks and educational centres for the
+cultivation of Brahmanic lore and ponds and temples will re-appear
+everywhere. And the ceremonies and rites of sacrifices will also begin
+to be performed. And the Brahmanas will become good and honest, and the
+regenerate ones, devoted to ascetic austerities, will become _Munis_ and
+the asylums of ascetics, which had before been filled with wretches will
+once more be homes of men devoted to truth, and men in general will
+begin to honour and practise truth. And all seeds, sown on earth, will
+grow, and, O monarch, every kind of crop will grow in every season. And
+men will devotedly practise charity and vows and observances, and the
+Brahmanas devoted to meditation and sacrifices will be of virtuous soul
+and always cheerful, and the rulers of the earth will govern their
+kingdoms virtuously, and in the _Krita_ age, the Vaisyas will be devoted
+to the practices of their order. And the Brahmanas will be devoted to
+their six-fold duties (of study, teaching, performance of sacrifices on
+their own account, officiating at sacrifices performed by others,
+charity and acceptance of gifts), and the Kshatriyas will be devoted to
+feats of prowess. And Sudras will be devoted to service of the three
+(high) orders.
+
+"'These, O Yudhishthira, are the courses of the _Krita_, the _Treta_,
+the _Dwapara_ and the succeeding age. I have now narrated to thee
+everything. I have also told thee, O son of Pandu, the periods embraced
+by the several _Yugas_ as generally known. I have now told thee
+everything appertaining to both the past and the future as narrated by
+_Vayu_ in the _Parana_ (which goes by his name and) which is adored by
+the _Rishis_. Being immortal I have many a time beheld and otherwise
+ascertained the courses of the world. Indeed, all I have seen and felt I
+have now told thee. And, O thou of unfading glory, listen now with thy
+brothers to something else I will presently tell thee for clearing thy
+doubts about religion! O thou foremost of virtuous men, thou shouldst
+always fix thy soul on virtue, for, O monarch, a person of virtuous soul
+obtaineth bliss both here and hereafter. And, O sinless one, listen to
+the auspicious words that I will now speak to thee. _Never do thou
+humiliate a Brahmana, for a Brahmana, if angry, may by his vow destroy
+the three worlds._'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Markandeya, the royal
+head of the Kurus, endued with intelligence and possessed of great
+lustre, spoke these words of great wisdom, 'O _muni_, if I am to protect
+my subjects, to what course of conduct should I adhere? And how should I
+behave so that I may not fall away from the duties of my order?'
+
+"Markandeya, hearing this, answered, 'Be merciful to all creatures, and
+devoted to their good. Love all creatures, scorning none. Be truthful in
+speech, humble, with passions under complete control, and always devoted
+to the protection of thy people. Practise virtue and renounce sin, and
+worship thou the manes and the god and whatever thou mayst have done
+from ignorance or carelessness, wash them off and expiate them by
+charity. Renouncing pride and vanity, be thou possessed to humility and
+good behaviour. And subjugating the whole earth, rejoice thou and let
+happiness be thine. This is the course of conduct that accords with
+virtue. I have recited to thee all that was and all that will be
+regarded as virtuous. There is nothing appertaining to the past or the
+future that is unknown to thee. Therefore, O son, take not to heart this
+present calamity of thine. They that are wise are never overwhelmed when
+they are persecuted by _Time_. O thou of mighty arms, the very dwellers
+of heaven cannot rise superior to Time. Time afflicts all creatures. O
+sinless one, let not doubt cross thy mind regarding the truth of what I
+have told thee, for, if thou sufferest doubt to enter thy heart, thy
+virtue will suffer diminution! O bull of the Bharata race, thou art born
+in the celebrated family of the Kurus. Thou shouldst practise that which
+I have told thee, in thought, word and deed.'
+
+"Yudhishthira answered, 'O thou foremost of the regenerate ones, at thy
+command I will certainly act according to all the instructions thou hast
+given me, and which, O lord, are all so sweet to the ear. O foremost of
+Brahmanas, avarice and lust I have none, and neither fear nor pride nor
+vanity. I shall, therefore, O lord, follow all that thou hast told me.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having listened to the words of the intelligent
+Markandeya, the sons of Pandu, O king, along with the wielder of the bow
+called _Saranga_, and all those bulls among Brahmanas, and all others
+that were there, became filled with joy. And having heard those blessed
+words appertaining to olden time, from Markandeya gifted with wisdom,
+their hearts were filled with wonder."
+
+
+SECTION CLXLI
+
+Janamejaya said, "It behoveth thee to narrate to me in full the
+greatness of the Brahmanas even as the mighty ascetic Markandeya had
+expounded it to the sons of Pandu."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The eldest son of Pandu had asked Markandeya saying,
+'It behoveth thee to expound to me the greatness of Brahmanas.'
+Markandeya answered him saying, 'Hear, O king, about the behaviour of
+Brahmanas in days of old.'
+
+"And Markandeya continued, 'There was a king, by name Parikshit in
+Ayodhya and belonging to the race of Ikshvaku. And once upon a time
+Parikshit went a-hunting. And as he was riding alone on a horse chasing
+deer, the animal led him to a great distance (from the habitations of
+men). And fatigued by the distance he had ridden and afflicted with
+hunger and thirst he beheld in that part of the country whither he had
+been led, a dark and dense forest, and the king, beholding that forest,
+entered it and seeing a delightful tank within the forest, both the
+rider and the horse bathed in it, and refreshed by the bath and placing
+before his horse some stalks and fibres of the lotus, the king sat by
+the side of the tank. And while he was lying by the side of the tank, he
+heard certain sweet strains of music, and hearing those strains, he
+reflected, "I do not see here the foot-prints of men. Whose and whence
+then these strains?" And the king soon beheld a maiden of great beauty
+gathering flowers singing all the while, and the maiden soon came before
+the king, and the king thereupon asked her, "Blessed one, who art thou
+and whose?" And she replied, "I am a maiden." And the king said, "I ask
+thee to be mine." And the maiden answered, "Give me a pledge, for then
+only I can be thine, else not." And the king then asked about the pledge
+and the girl answered, "Thou wilt never make me cast my eyes on water",
+and the king saying, "So be it," married her, and king Parikshit having
+married her sported (with her) in great joy, and sat with her in
+silence, and while the king was staying there, his troops reached the
+spot, and those troops beholding the monarch stood surrounding him, and
+cheered by the presence of troops, the king entered a handsome vehicle
+accompanied by his (newly) wedded wife. And having arrived at his
+capital he began to live with her in privacy. And persons that were even
+near enough to the king could not obtain any interview with him and the
+minister-in-chief enquired of those females that waited upon the king,
+asking, "What do ye do here?" And those women replied, "We behold here a
+female of unrivalled beauty. And the king sporteth with her, having
+married her with a pledge that he would never show her water." And
+hearing those words, the minister-in-chief caused an artificial forest
+to be created, consisting of many trees with abundant flowers and
+fruits, and he caused to be excavated within that forest and towards one
+of its sides a large tank, placed in a secluded spot and full of water
+that was sweet as _Amrita_. The tank was well covered with a net of
+pearls. Approaching the king one day in private, he addressed the king
+saying, "This is a fine forest without water. Sport thou here joyfully!"
+And the king at those words of his minister entered that forest with
+that adorable wife of his, and the king sported with her in that
+delightful forest, and afflicted with hunger and thirst and fatigued and
+spent, the king beheld a bower of Madhavi creepers[8] and entering that
+bower with his dear one, the king beheld a tank full of water that was
+transparent and bright as nectar, and beholding that tank, the king sat
+on its bank with her and the king told his adorable wife, "Cheerfully do
+thou plunge into this water!" And she, hearing those words plunged into
+the tank. But having plunged into the water she appeared not above the
+surface, and as the king searched, he failed to discover any trace of
+her. And the king ordered the waters of the tank to be baled out, and
+thereupon he beheld a frog sitting at the mouth of a hole, and the king
+was enraged at this and promulgated an order saying, "Let frogs be
+slaughtered everywhere in my dominions! Whoever wishes to have an
+interview with me must come before me with a tribute of dead frogs." And
+accordingly when frogs began to be terribly slaughtered, the affrighted
+frogs represented all that had happened unto their king, and the king of
+the frogs assuming the garb of an ascetic came before the king
+Parikshit, and having approached the monarch, he said, "O king, give not
+thyself up to wrath! Be inclined to grace. It behoveth thee not to slay
+the innocent frogs." Here occurs a couple of _Slokas_. (They are
+these):--"O thou of unfading glory, slay not the frogs! Pacify thy
+wrath! The prosperity and ascetic merits of those that have their souls
+steeped in ignorance suffer diminution! Pledge thyself not to be angry
+with the frogs! What need hast thou to commit such sin! What purpose
+will be served by slaying the frogs!" Then king Parikshit whose soul was
+filled with woe on account of the death of her that was dear to him,
+answered the chief of the frogs who had spoken to him thus, "I will not
+forgive the frogs. On the other hand, I will slay them. By these wicked
+wretches hath my dear one been swallowed up. The frogs, therefore,
+always deserve to be killed by me. It behoveth thee not, O learned one,
+to intercede on their behalf." And hearing these words of Parikshit, the
+king of the frogs with his senses and mind much pained said, "Be
+inclined to grace, O king! I am the king of the frogs by name Ayu. She
+who was thy wife is my daughter of the name of Susobhana. This, indeed,
+is an instance of her bad conduct. Before this, many kings were deceived
+by her." The king thereupon said to him, "I desire to have her. Let her
+be granted to me by thee!" The king of the frogs thereupon bestowed his
+daughter upon Parikshit, and addressing her said, "Wait upon and serve
+the king." And having spoken these words to his daughter, he also
+addressed her in wrath saying, "Since thou hast deceived many Kings for
+this untruthful behaviour of thine, thy offspring will prove
+disrespectful to Brahmanas!" But having obtained her, the king became
+deeply enamoured of her in consequence of her companionable virtues, and
+feeling that he had, as it were, obtained the sovereignty of the three
+worlds, he bowed down to the king of the frogs and reverenced him in due
+form and then with utterance choked in joy and tears said, "I have been
+favoured indeed!" And the king of the frogs obtaining the leave of his
+daughter, returned to the place from which he had come and some time
+after the king begot three sons upon her and those sons were named Sala
+and Dala and Vala, and some time after, their father, installing the
+eldest of them of all on the throne and setting his heart on asceticism,
+retired into the forest. One day Sala while out a-hunting, beheld a deer
+and pursued it, on his car, and the prince said to his charioteer,
+"Drive thou fast." And the charioteer, thus addressed, replied unto the
+king, saying, "Do not entertain such a purpose. This deer is incapable
+of being caught by thee. If indeed _Vami_ horses had been yoked to thy
+car, then couldst thou have taken it." Thereupon the king addressed his
+charioteer, saying, "Tell me all about _Vami_ horses, otherwise I will
+slay thee." Thus addressed the charioteer became dreadfully alarmed and
+he was afraid of the king and also of Vamadeva's curse and told not the
+king anything and the king then lifting up his scimitar said to him,
+"Tell me soon, else I will slay thee." At last afraid of the king, the
+charioteer said, "The _Vami_ horses are those belonging to Vamadeva;
+they are fleet as the mind." And unto his charioteer who had said so,
+the king said, "Repair thou to the asylum of Vamadeva." And reaching the
+asylum of Vamadeva the king said unto that _Rishi_, "O holy one, a deer
+struck by me is flying away. It behoveth thee to make it capable of
+being seized by me by granting me thy pair of _Vami_ horses." The
+_Rishi_ then answered him saying, "I give thee my pair of _Vami_ horses.
+But after accomplishing thy object, my _Vami_ pair you should soon
+return." The king then taking those steeds and obtaining the leave of
+the _Rishi_ pursued the deer, having yoked the _Vami_ pair unto his car,
+and after he had left the asylum he spoke unto his charioteer saying,
+"These jewels of steeds the Brahmanas do not deserve to possess. These
+should not be returned to Vamadeva." Having said this and seized the
+deer he returned to his capital and placed those steeds within the inner
+apartments of the palace.
+
+    [8] An Indian creeper of the order of _Goertnera racemosa_. It
+    bears large white flowers of much fragrance.
+
+"'Meanwhile the _Rishi_ reflected, "The prince is young. Having obtained
+an excellent pair of animals, he is sporting with it in joy without
+returning it to me. Alas, what a pity it is!" And reflecting in this
+strain, the _Rishi_ said unto a disciple of his, after the expiration of
+a month, "Go, O Atreya, and say to the king that if he has done with the
+_Vami_ steeds, he should return them unto thy preceptor." And the
+disciple Atreya, thereupon, repairing to the king, spoke unto him as
+instructed, and the king replied saying, "This pair of steeds deserves
+to be owned by kings. The Brahmanas do not deserve to possess jewels of
+such value. What business have Brahmanas with horses? Return thou
+contentedly!" And Atreya, thus addressed by the king, returned and told
+his preceptor all that had happened, and hearing this sad intelligence,
+Vamadeva's heart was filled with wrath, and repairing in person to the
+king he asked him for his steeds, and the king refused to give the
+_Rishi_ what the latter asked, and Vamadeva said, "O lord of earth, give
+me thou my _Vami_ horses. By them hast thou accomplished a task which
+was almost incapable of being accomplished by thee. By transgressing the
+practices of Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, subject not thyself, O king, to
+death by means of the terrible noose of Varuna." And hearing this, the
+king answered, "O Vamadeva, this couple of excellent well-trained, and
+docile bulls are fit animals for Brahmanas. O great _Rishi_, (take them
+and) go with them wherever thou likest. Indeed, the very _Vedas_ carry
+persons like thee." Then Vamadeva said, "O king, the _Vedas_ do, indeed,
+carry persons like us. But that is in the world hereafter. In this
+world, however, O king, animals like these carry me and persons like me
+as also all others." At this the king answered, "Let four asses carry
+thee, or four mules of the best kind, or even four steeds endued with
+the speed of the wind. Go thou with these. This pair of _Vami_ horses,
+however, deserves to be owned by Kshatriyas. Know thou, therefore, that
+these are not thine." At this, Vamadeva said, "O king, terrible vows
+have been ordained for the Brahmanas. If I have lived in their
+observance, let four fierce and mighty Rakshasas of terrible mien and
+iron bodies, commanded by me, pursue thee with desire of slaying, and
+carry thee on their sharp lances, having cut up thy body into four
+parts." Hearing this, the king said, "Let those, O Vamadeva, that know
+thee as a Brahmana that in thought, word, and deed, is desirous of
+taking life, at my command, armed with bright lances and swords
+prostrate thee with thy disciples before me." Then Vamadeva answered, "O
+king, having obtained these my _Vami_ steeds, thou hadst said, '_I will
+return them_.' Therefore, give me back my _Vami_ steeds, so thou mayst
+be able to protect thy life." Hearing this, the king said, "Pursuit of
+deer hath not been ordained for the Brahmanas. I do punish thee,
+however, for thy untruthfulness. From this day, too, obeying all thy
+commands I will, O Brahmana, attain to regions of bliss." Vamadeva then
+said, "A Brahmana cannot be punished in thought, word or deed. That
+learned person who by ascetic austerities succeedeth in knowing a
+Brahmana to be so, faileth not to attain to prominence in this world."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'After Vamadeva had said this, there arose, O
+king, (four) _Rakshasas_ of terrible mien, and as they, with lances in
+their hands, approached the king for slaying him, the latter cried
+aloud, saying, "If, O Brahmana, all the descendants of Ikshvaku's race,
+if (my brother) Dala, if all these Vaisyas acknowledge my sway, then I
+will not yield up the _Vami_ steeds to Vamadeva, for these men can never
+be virtuous." And while he was uttering those words, those _Rakshasas_
+slew him, and the lord of earth was soon prostrated on the ground. And
+the Ikshvakus, learning that their king had been slain, installed Dala
+on the throne, and the Brahmana Vamadeva thereupon going to the kingdom
+(of the Ikshvakus), addressed the new monarch, saying, "O king, it hath
+been declared in all the sacred books that persons should give away unto
+Brahmanas. If thou fearest sin, O king, give me now the _Vami_ steeds
+without delay." And hearing these words of Vamadeva, the king in anger
+spoke unto his charioteer, saying, "Bring me an arrow from those I have
+kept, which is handsome to behold and tempered with poison, so that
+pierced by it Vamadeva may lie prostrate in pain, torn by the dogs."
+Hearing this, Vamadeva answered, "I know, O king, that thou hast a son
+of ten years of age, called Senajita, begotten upon thy queen. Urged by
+my word, slay thou that dear boy of thine without delay by means of thy
+frightful arrows!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'At these words of Vamadeva, O king, that arrow
+of fierce energy, shot by the monarch, slew the prince in the inner
+apartments, and hearing this, Dala said there and then, "Ye people of
+Ikshvaku's race, I will do ye good. I shall slay this Brahmana today,
+grinding him with force. Bring me another arrow of fierce energy. Ye
+lords of earth, behold my prowess now." And at these words of Dala,
+Vamadeva said, "This arrow of terrible mien and tempered with poison,
+that thou aimest at me, thou shall not, O ruler of men, be able to aim
+nor even to shoot." And thereupon the king said, "Ye men of Ikshvaku's
+race, behold me incapable of shooting the arrow that hath been taken up
+by me. I fail to compass the death of this Brahmana. Let Vamadeva who is
+blessed with a long life live." Then Vamadeva said, "Touching thy queen
+with this arrow, thou mayst purge thyself of the sin (of attempting to
+take the life of a Brahmana)." And king Dala did as he was directed and
+the queen then addressed the _Muni_, and said, "O Vamadeva, let me be
+able to duly instruct this wretched husband of mine from day to day,
+imparting unto him words of happy import; and let me always wait upon
+and serve the Brahmanas, and by this acquire, O Brahmana, the sacred
+regions hereafter." And hearing these words of the queen, Vamadeva said,
+"O thou of beautiful eyes, thou hast saved this royal race. Beg thou an
+incomparable boon. I will grant thee whatever thou mayst ask. And, O
+thou faultless one, rule thou, O princess, these thy kinsmen and this
+great kingdom of the Ikshvakus!" And hearing these words of Vamadeva the
+princess said, "This, O holy one, is the boon I seek, viz., that my
+husband may now be freed from his sin, and that thou mayst be employed
+in thinking of the weal of his son and kinsmen. This is the boon that I
+ask, O thou foremost of Brahmanas!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing these words of the queen, that _Muni_, O
+thou foremost of the Kuru race, said, "So be it." And thereupon king
+Dala became highly glad and gave unto the _Muni_ his _Vami_ steeds,
+having bowed down unto him with reverence!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The _Rishis_, the Brahmanas, and Yudhishthira then
+asked Markandeya, saying, 'How did the _Rishi_ Vaka become so long
+lived?'
+
+"Thus asked by them, Markandeya answered, 'The royal sage Vaka is a
+great ascetic and endowed with long life. Ye need not enquire into the
+reason of this.'
+
+"Hearing this, O Bharata, the son of Kunti, king Yudhishthira the just,
+along with his brothers, then asked Markandeya saying, 'It hath been
+heard by us that both Vaka and Daivya are of great souls and endowed
+with immortality and that those _Rishis_, held in universal reverence,
+are the friends of the chief of the gods. O Holy One, I desire to listen
+to the (history of the) meeting of Vaka and Indra that is full of both
+joy and woe. Narrate thou that history unto us succinctly.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'When that horrible conflict between the gods and the
+_Asuras_ was over, Indra became the ruler of the three worlds. The
+clouds showered rain copiously. And the dwellers of the world had
+abundance of harvests, and were excellent in disposition. And devoted to
+virtue, they always practised morality and enjoyed peace. And all
+persons, devoted to the duties of their respective orders, were
+perfectly happy and cheerful, and the slayer of Vala, beholding all the
+creatures of the world happy and cheerful, became himself filled with
+joy. And he of a hundred sacrifices, the chief of the _gods_ seated on
+the back of his elephant Airavata, surveyed his happy subjects, and he
+cast his eyes on delightful asylums of _Rishis_, on various auspicious
+rivers, towns full of prosperity, and villages and rural regions in the
+enjoyment of plenty. And he also cast his eyes upon kings devoted to the
+practice of virtue and well-skilled in ruling their subjects. And he
+also looked upon tanks and reservoirs and wells and lakes and smaller
+lakes all full of water and adored by best of Brahmanas in the
+observance, besides, of various excellent vows, and then descending on
+the delightful earth, O king, the god of a hundred sacrifices, proceeded
+towards a blessed asylum teeming with animals and birds, situated by the
+side of the sea, in the delightful and auspicious regions of the East on
+a spot overgrown with abundance of vegetation. And the chief of the gods
+beheld Vaka in that asylum, and Vaka also, beholding the ruler of the
+Immortals, became highly glad, and he worshipped Indra by presenting him
+with water to wash his feet, a carpet to sit upon, the usual offering of
+the _Arghya_, and fruit and roots. And the boon-giving slayer of Vala,
+the divine ruler of those that know not old age, being seated at his
+ease, asked Vaka the following question, "O sinless _Muni_, thou hast
+lived for a hundred years! Tell me, O Brahmana, what the sorrows are of
+those that are immortal!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing this, Vaka answered, saying, "Life with
+persons that are disagreeable, separation from those that are agreeable
+and beloved, companionship with the wicked, these are the evils which
+they that are immortal have to bear. The death of sons and wives, of
+kinsmen and friends, and the pain of dependence on others, are some of
+the greatest of evils. (These may all be noticed in a deathless life).
+There is no more pitiable sight in the world, as I conceive, than that
+of men destitute of wealth being insulted by others. The acquisition of
+family dignity by those that have it not, the loss of family dignity by
+those that have it, unions and disunions,--these all are noticeable by
+those that lead deathless lives. How they that have no family dignity
+but have prosperity, win what they have not--all this, O god of a
+hundred sacrifices, is before thy very eyes! What can be more pitiable
+than the calamities and reverses sustained by the gods, the _Asuras_,
+the _Gandharvas_, men, the snakes, and the _Rakshasas_! They that have
+been of good families suffer afflictions in consequence of their
+subjection to persons that are ill-born and the poor are insulted by the
+rich. What can be more pitiable than these? Innumerable examples of such
+contradictory dispensations are seen in the world. The foolish and the
+ignorant are cheerful and happy while the learned and the wise suffer
+misery! Plentiful instances of misery and woe are seen among men in this
+world! (They that lead deathless lives are destined to behold all these
+and suffer on that account.)"
+
+"'Indra then said, "O thou of great good fortune, tell me again, what
+the joys are of those persons that lead deathless lives,--joys that are
+adored by gods and _Rishis_!"
+
+"'Vaka answered, "If without having to associate with a wicked friend, a
+man cooks scanty vegetables in his own house at the eight or the twelfth
+part of the day, there can be nothing happier than that.[9] He in whose
+case the day is not counted is not called voracious. And, O Maghavan,
+happiness is even his own whose scanty vegetables are cooked. Earned by
+his own efforts, without having to depend upon any one, he that eateth
+even fruits and vegetables in his own house is entitled to respect. He
+that eateth in another's house the food given to him in contempt, even
+if that food be rich and sweet, doth what is despicable. This,
+therefore, is the opinion of the wise that fie on the food of that mean
+wretch who like a dog or a _Rakshasa_ eateth at another's house. If
+after treating guests and servants and offering food to the manes a good
+Brahmana eateth what remains, there can be nothing happier than that.
+There is nothing sweeter or more sacred, O thou of a hundred sacrifices,
+than that food which such a person takes after serving the guest with
+the first portion thereof. Each mouthful (of rice) that the Brahmana
+eats after having served the guest, produces merit equal to what
+attaches to the gift of a thousand kine. And whatever sins such a one
+may have committed in his youth are all washed away of a certainty. The
+water in the hands of the Brahmana that hath been fed and honoured with
+a pecuniary gift (after the feeding is over) when touched with water
+(sprinkled by him that feeds), instantly purges off all the sins of the
+latter!"
+
+    [9] They, therefore, that lead deathless lives can enjoy this
+    bliss from day to day for ever.
+
+"'Speaking of these and various other things with Vaka, the chief of the
+gods went away to heaven.'"[10]
+
+    [10] It is difficult to understand how all that Vaka says can be
+    an answer to Indra's question. The chief of the gods enquires:
+    What are the joys of those that lead deathless lives? Vaka
+    breaks away unto a confused rigmarole about the merits of
+    independence and the religious merit of entertaining guests and
+    servants. All the printed editions have the passage as rendered
+    here.
+
+
+SECTION CLXLIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then the sons of Pandu again addressed Markandeya
+saying, 'Thou hast told us of greatness of Brahmanas. We desire now to
+hear of the greatness of the royal Kshatriyas!" Thus addressed by them,
+the great _Rishi_ Markandeya spoke, 'Listen now to the greatness of the
+royal Kshatriyas. A certain king of the name of Suhotra belonging to the
+Kuru race went on a visit to the great _Rishis_. And as he was returning
+from that visit, he beheld king Sivi the son of Usinara, seated on his
+car, and as each came before the other, each saluted the other as best
+befitted his age and each regarding himself as the equal of the other in
+respect of qualities, refused to give the way to the other. And at this
+juncture Narada appeared there, and beholding what had happened, the
+celestial _Rishi_ asked, "Why is it that ye both stand here blocking
+each other's way?" And thus questioned both of them spoke to Narada
+saying, "O holy one, do not speak so. The sages of old have declared
+that the way should be given to one who is superior or to him that is
+abler. We, however, that stand blocking each other's way are equal to
+each other in every respect. Judged properly there is no superiority
+amongst us." Thus addressed by them, Narada recited three _slokas_.
+(They are these), "O thou of the Kuru race, he that is wicked behaveth
+wickedly even unto him that is humble; he also that is humble behaveth
+with humility and honestly unto him that is wicked! He that is honest
+behaveth honestly even towards the dishonest. Why should he not behave
+honestly towards him that is honest? He that is honest regardeth the
+service that is done to him, as if it were a hundred times greater than
+it is. Is this not current amongst the gods themselves? Certainly it is
+the royal son of Usinara who is possessed of goodness that is greater
+than thine. One should conquer the mean by charity; the untruthful by
+truth, the man of wicked deeds by forgiveness; and the dishonest by
+honesty. Both of you are large-hearted. Let one amongst you stand aside,
+according to the indication of the above _slokas_." And having said so
+Narada became silent, and hearing what Narada had said the king of the
+Kuru race walking round _Sivi_, and praising his numerous achievements,
+gave him the way and went on in his course. It was even thus that Narada
+had described the high blessedness of the royal Kshatriyas.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Listen now to another story. One day as king
+Yayati, the son of Nahusha, was sitting on his throne, surrounded by the
+citizens, there came unto him a Brahmana desirous of soliciting wealth
+for his preceptor, and approaching the king, the Brahmana said, "O king,
+I beg of thee wealth for my preceptor according to my covenant." And the
+king said, "O Holy One, tell me what thy covenant is." And thereupon the
+Brahmana said, "O king, in this world when men are asked for alms, they
+entertain contempt for him that asketh it. I therefore, ask thee, O
+king, with what feelings thou wilt give me what I ask and upon which I
+have set my heart." And the king replied saying, "Having given away a
+thing, I never boast of it. I never also listen to solicitations for
+things that cannot be given. I listen, however, to prayers for things
+that can be given and giving them away I always become happy. I will
+give thee a thousand kine. The Brahmana that asks me for a gift is
+always dear to me. I am never angry with the person that begs of me and
+I am never sorry for having given away a thing!" And the Brahmana then
+obtained from the king a thousand kine and went away.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The son of Pandu again addressed the _Rishi_ and
+said, 'Speak thou unto us of the high fortune of royal Kshatriyas!' And
+Markandeya said, 'There were two kings of the name of Vrishadarbha and
+Seduka and both of them were conversant with morals and with weapons of
+attack and defence. And Seduka knew that Vrishadarbha had from his
+boyhood an unuttered vow that he would give no other metal unto
+Brahmanas save gold and silver. And once on a time a Brahmana having
+completed his study of the _Vedas_ came unto Seduka and uttering a
+benediction upon him begged of him wealth for his preceptor, saying,
+"Give me a thousand steeds." And thus addressed, Seduka said unto him,
+"It is not possible for me to give thee this for thy preceptor.
+Therefore, go thou unto king Vrishadarbha, for, O Brahmana, he is a
+highly virtuous king. Go and beg of him. He will grant thy request. Even
+this is his unuttered vow." Hearing these words that Brahmana went to
+Vrishadarbha and begged of him a thousand steeds, and the king thus
+solicited, struck the Brahmana with a whip and thereupon the Brahmana
+said, "Innocent as I am, why dost thou attack me thus?" And the Brahmana
+was on the point of cursing the king, when the latter said, "O Brahmana,
+dost thou curse him that doth not give thee what thou askest? Or, is
+this behaviour proper for a Brahmana?" And the Brahmana said, "O king of
+kings, sent unto thee by Seduka, I come before thee for this." The king
+said, "I will give thee now whatever tribute may come to me before the
+morning expire. How indeed, can I send away the man empty-handed who
+hath been whipped by me." And having said this the king gave unto that
+Brahmana the entire proceeds of that day and that was more than the
+value of a thousand horses.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'One day it was resolved by the gods that they should
+descend on the earth and try the goodness and virtue of king Sivi, the
+son of Usinara. And addressing each other,--"_Well_"--Agni and Indra
+came to the earth. And Agni took the form of a pigeon flying away from
+Indra who pursued him in the form of a hawk, and that pigeon fell upon
+the lap of king Sivi who was seated on an excellent seat. And the priest
+thereupon addressing the king said, "Afraid of the hawk and desirous of
+saving its life, this pigeon hath come to thee for safety. The learned
+have said that the falling of a pigeon upon one's body forebodeth a
+great danger. Let the king that understands omens give away wealth for
+saving himself from the danger indicated." And the pigeon also addressed
+the king and said, "Afraid of the hawk and desirous of saving my life I
+have come to thee for protection. I am a _Muni_. Having assumed the form
+of a pigeon, I come to thee as a seeker of thy protection. Indeed, I
+seek thee as my life. Know me as one possessed of Vedic lore, as one
+leading the _Brahmacharya_ mode of life, as one possessed also of
+self-control and ascetic virtues. And know me further as one that has
+never spoken disagreeably unto his preceptor, as one possessed of every
+virtue indeed, as one that is sinless. I repeat the Vedas, I know their
+prosody; indeed, I have studied all the Vedas letter by letter. I am not
+a pigeon. Oh, do not yield me up to the hawk. The giving up of a learned
+and pure Brahmana can never be a good gift." And after the pigeon said
+so, the hawk addressed the king, and said, "Creatures do not come into
+the world in the same particular order. In the order of creation, thou
+mayst, in a former birth, have been begotten by this pigeon. It is not
+proper for thee, O king, to interfere with my food by protecting this
+pigeon (even though he might have been thy father)." And thus addressed,
+the king said, "Hath any one, before this, seen birds thus speak the
+pure speech of man? Knowing what this pigeon sayeth, and this hawk also,
+how can we act to-day according to virtue? He that giveth up an
+affrighted creature seeking protection, unto its foe, doth not obtain
+protection when he is in need of it himself. Indeed, the very clouds do
+not shower rain seasonably for him, and the seeds though scattered do
+not grow for him. He that giveth up an afflicted creature seeking
+protection unto its foe, hath to see his offspring die in childhood. The
+ancestor of such a person can never dwell in heaven; indeed, the very
+gods decline to accept the libations of clarified butter poured by him
+into the fire. He that giveth up an affrighted creature seeking
+protection, unto its foe, is struck with the thunder-bolt by the gods
+with Indra at their head. The food that he eateth is unsanctified, and
+he, of a narrow soul, falleth from heaven very soon. O hawk, let the
+people of the Sivi tribe place before thee a bull cooked with rice
+instead of this pigeon. And let them also carry to the place where thou
+livest in joy, meat in abundance." And hearing this, the hawk said, "O
+king, I do not ask for a bull, nor, indeed, any other meat, nor meat
+more in quantity than that of this pigeon. It hath been given to me by
+the gods. The creature, therefore, is my food today in consequence of
+its death that hath been ordained. Therefore, O monarch, give it up to
+me." Thus addressed by the hawk, the king said, "Let my men see and
+carefully carry the bull to thee with every limb entire. Let that bull
+be the ransom of this creature afflicted with fright and let it be
+carried to thee before my eyes. Oh, slay not this pigeon! I will yield
+up my very life, yet I would not give up this pigeon. Dost thou not
+know, O hawk, that this creature looketh like a sacrifice with the
+_Soma_ juice? O blessed one, cease to take so much trouble for it. I
+cannot, by any means, yield up the pigeon to thee. Or, O hawk, if it
+pleases thee, command me to do some such thing which I may do for thee,
+which may be agreeable to thee, and upon doing which the men of the Sivi
+tribe may yet in joy bless me in terms of applause. I promise thee that
+I will do what thou mayst did me do." And at this appeal of the king,
+the hawk said, "O king, if thou givest me as much flesh as would be
+equal to the weight of the pigeon, cutting it off thy right thigh; then
+can the pigeon be properly saved by thee; then wouldst thou do what
+would be agreeable to me and what the men of the Sivi tribe would speak
+of in terms of praise." And the king agreed to this and he cut off a
+piece of flesh from his right thigh and weighed it against the pigeon.
+But the pigeon weighed heavier. And thereupon the king cut off another
+piece of his flesh, but the pigeon still weighed heavier, and then the
+king cut off pieces of flesh from all parts of his body and placed them
+on the scale. But the pigeon still weighed heavier, and then the king
+himself ascended the scale and he felt no grief at this and beholding
+this, the hawk disappeared there saying--(The pigeon hath been)
+_Saved_,--And the king asked the pigeon saying, "O pigeon, let the Sivis
+know who the hawk is. None but the lord of the universe could do as he
+did. O Holy One, answer thou this question of mine!" And the pigeon then
+said, "I am the smoke-bannered Agni called also Vaiswanara. The hawk is
+none other than Sachi's lord armed with the thunder-bolt. O son of
+Suratha, thou art a bull among men. We came to try thee. These pieces of
+flesh, O king, that thou hast cut off with thy sword from thy body for
+saving me have caused gashes in thy body. I will make these marks
+auspicious and handsome and they will be of the colour of gold and emit
+a sweet perfume, and earning great fame and respected by the gods and
+the _Rishis_ thou shall long rule these subjects of thine, and a son
+will spring from thy flank who shall be called _Kapataroman_. O king,
+thou shalt obtain this son of the name of _Kapataroman_ from out of thy
+own body and thou wilt behold him become the foremost of the
+_Saurathas_, blazing with renown, possessed of bravery and great
+personal beauty!"'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And the son of Pandu once more addressed Markandeya,
+saying, 'Tell us again of the great good fortune of kings.' And
+Markandeya said, 'There came unto the horse-sacrifice of king Ashtaka of
+Viswamitra's race, many kings. And there came unto that sacrifice the
+three brothers also of that king, viz., Pratardana, Vasumanas, and Sivi,
+the son of Usinara. And after the sacrifice was completed, Ashtaka was
+proceeding on his car along with his brothers when they all beheld
+Narada coming that way and they saluted the celestial _Rishi_ and said
+unto him, "Ride thou on this car with us." And Narada, saying, _So be
+it_, mounted on the car, and one among those kings having gratified the
+holy and celestial _Rishi_ Narada, said, "O Holy One, I desire, to ask
+thee something." And the _Rishi_ said, "Ask." And the person, thus
+permitted, said, "All four of us are blessed with long lives and have
+indeed every virtue. We shall, therefore, be permitted to go to a
+certain heaven and dwell there for a long period. Who amongst us,
+however, O king, shall fall down first?" Thus questioned the _Rishi_
+said, "This Ashtaka shall first come down." And thereupon the enquirer
+asked, "For what cause?" And the _Rishi_ answered, "I lived for a few
+days in the abode of Ashtaka. He carried me (one day) on his car out of
+the town and there I beheld thousands of kine distinguished from one
+another by difference of hue. And beholding those kine I asked Ashtaka
+whose they were and Ashtaka answered me, saying, '_I have given away
+these kine.' By this answer_ he gave expression to his own praise. It is
+for this answer of his that Ashtaka shall have to come down." And after
+Narada had said so, one of them again enquired, saying, "Three of us
+then will stay in heaven. Amongst us three, who shall fall down first?"
+And the _Rishi_ answered, "Pratardana." And the enquirer asked, "For
+what cause?" And the _Rishi_ answered, "I lived for some days in the
+abode of Pratardana also. And he carried me on his car one day. And
+while doing so, a Brahmana asked him saying, '_Give me a horse_!' And
+Pratardana replied, '_After returning, I will give thee one_!' And
+thereupon the Brahmana said, '_Let it be given to me soon_.' And as the
+Brahmana spoke those words, the king gave unto him the steed that had
+been yoked on the right-hand wheel of the car. And there came unto him
+another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a steed. And the king having
+spoken to him in the same way, gave him the steed that had been yoked on
+the left wheel of his car. And having given away the horse unto him, the
+king proceeded on his journey. And then there came unto the king another
+Brahmana desirous of obtaining a horse. And the king soon gave him the
+horse on the left front of his car, unyoking the animal. And having done
+so, the king proceeded on his journey. And then there came unto the king
+another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a horse. And the king said unto
+him, '_Returning, I will give thee a horse_.' But the Brahmana said,
+'_Let the steed be given to me soon_.' And the king gave him the only
+horse he had. And seizing the yoke of the car himself, the king began to
+draw it. And as he did so, he said, '_There is now nothing for the
+Brahmanas_.' The king had given away, it is true, but he had done so
+with detraction. And for that speech of his, he shall have to fall down
+from heaven." And after the _Rishi_ had said so, of the two that
+remained, one asked, "Who amongst us two shall fall down?" And the
+_Rishi_ answered, "Vasumanas." And the enquirer asked, "For what
+reason?" And Narada said, "In course of my wanderings I arrived at the
+abode of Vasumanas. And at that time the Brahmanas were performing the
+ceremony of _Swastivachana_ for the sake of a flowery car.[11] And I
+approached the king's presence. And after the Brahmanas had completed
+the ceremony, the flowery car became visible to them. And I praised that
+car, and thereupon the king told me, '_Holy one, by thee hath this car
+been praised. Let this car, therefore, be thine_.' And after this I went
+to Vasumanas another time when I was in need of a (flowery) car. And I
+admired the car, and the king said, '_It is thine_.' And I went to the
+king a third time and admired the car again. And even then the king
+exhibiting the flowery car to the Brahmanas, cast his eyes on me, and
+said, '_O holy one, thou hast praised the flowery car sufficiently_."
+And the king only said these words, without making me a gift of that
+car. And for this he will fall down from heaven."
+
+    [11] The ceremony of _Swastivachana_ is described to be "a
+    religious rite, preparatory to any important observance, in
+    which the Brahmanas strew boiled rice on the ground, and invoke
+    the blessings of the gods on the ceremony about to commence"
+    (_Vide_ Wilson's Diet).
+
+    A flowery car was, probably, one of celestial make that the
+    kings procured from heaven by performing costly rites and
+    ceremonies. These were sometimes exhibited to the people, and
+    prior to these exhibitions, the ceremony of _Swastivachana_ was
+    performed.
+
+"'And one among them said, "Of the one who is to go with thee, who will
+go and who will fall down?" And Narada answered, saying, "Sivi will go,
+but I will fall down." "For what reason?" asked the enquirer. And Narada
+said, "I am not the equal of Sivi. For one day a Brahmana came unto Sivi
+and addressing him, said, 'O Sivi, I came to thee for food.' And Sivi
+replied unto him, saying. 'What shall I do? Let me have thy orders.' And
+the Brahmana answered, 'This thy son known by the name of Vrihadgarbha
+should be killed. And, O king, cook him for my food.' And hearing this,
+I waited to see what would follow. And Sivi then killed his son and
+cooking him duly and placing that food in a vessel and taking it upon
+his head, he went out in search of the Brahmana and while Sivi was thus
+seeking, for the Brahmana, some one told him, 'The Brahmana thou
+seekest, having entered thy city, is setting fire to thy abode and he is
+also setting fire, in wrath, to thy treasury, thy arsenal, the
+apartments of the females and thy stables for horses and elephants.' And
+Sivi heard all this, without change of colour, and entering his city
+spoke unto the Brahmana, 'O holy one, the food has been cooked.' And the
+Brahmana hearing this spoke not a word and from surprise he stood with
+downcast looks. And Sivi with a view to gratifying the Brahmana said, 'O
+holy one, eat thou this.' And the Brahmana looking at Sivi for a moment
+said, 'Eat it thyself.' And thereupon Sivi said, 'Let it be so.' And
+Sivi cheerfully taking the vessel from his head desired to eat it and
+thereupon the Brahmana caught hold of Sivi's hand and addressing him
+said, 'Thou hast conquered wrath. There is nothing that thou canst not
+give unto the Brahmanas.' And saying this, that Brahmana adored Sivi,
+and then as Sivi cast his eyes before him, he beheld his son standing
+like a child of the _gods_, decked in ornaments and yielding a fragrance
+from his body and the Brahmana, having accomplished all this, made
+himself visible and it was _Vidhatri_ himself who had thus come in that
+guise to try that royal sage, and after _Vidhatri_ had disappeared, the
+counsellors addressed the king, saying, 'Thou knowest everything. For
+what didst thou do all this?' And Sivi answered, 'It was not for fame,
+nor for wealth, nor from desire of acquiring objects of enjoyment that I
+did all this. This course is not sinful. It is for this that I do all
+this. The path which is trodden by the virtuous is laudable. My heart
+always inclineth towards such a course. This high instance of Sivi's
+blessedness I know, and I have, therefore, narrated it duly!'"'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The sons of Pandu and those _Rishis_ then asked
+Markandeya, 'Is there anybody that is blessed with longer life than
+thou?' And Markandeya answered them, saying, 'There is without doubt, a
+royal sage of the name of Indradyumna and his virtue having diminished,
+he fell from heaven, crying, "My achievements are lost!" And he came
+unto me and asked, "Dost thou know me?" And I answered him, saying,
+"From our anxiety to acquire religious merit we do not confine ourselves
+to any home. We live but for a night in the same village or town. A
+person like us, therefore, cannot possibly know thy pursuits. The fasts
+and vows we observe render us weak in body and unable to follow any
+worldly pursuits on our own behalf. Hence, one like us cannot possibly
+know thee." He then asked me, "Is there any one who is longer lived than
+thou?" I answered him, saying, "There liveth on the Himavat an owl of
+the name of Pravarakarna. He is older than I. He may know thee. The part
+of the Himavat where he dwelleth is far off from here." And at this
+Indradyumna became a horse and carried me to where that owl lived and
+the king asked the owl, saying, "Dost thou know me?" And the owl seemed
+to reflect for a moment and then said unto the king, "I do not know
+thee." And the royal sage Indradyumna thereupon asked the owl, "Is there
+any one who is older than thou?" And thus asked the owl answered,
+saying, "There is a lake of the name of Indradyumna. In that lake
+dwelleth a crane of the name of Nadijangha. He is older than we. Ask
+thou him." And at this king Indradyumna taking both myself and the owl
+went to that lake where the crane Nadijangha dwelt. And that crane was
+asked by us, "Dost thou know the king Indradyumna?" And the crane
+thereupon seemed to reflect a little and then said, "I do not know king
+Indradyumna." And the crane was asked by us, "Is there any one who is
+older than thou?" And he answered us, saying, "There dwelleth in this
+very lake a tortoise of the name of Akupara. He is older than I. He may
+know something of this king. Therefore, enquire ye of Akupara." And then
+that crane gave information to the tortoise, saying, "It is intended by
+us to ask thee something. Please come to us." And hearing this the
+tortoise came out of the lake to that part of the bank where we all were
+and as he came there we asked him, saying, "Dost thou know this king
+Indradyumna?" And the tortoise reflected for a moment. And his eyes were
+filled with tears and his heart was much moved and he trembled all over
+and was nearly deprived of his senses. And he said with joined hands,
+"Alas, do I not know this one? He had planted the sacrificial stake a
+thousand times at the time of kindling the sacrificial fire. This lake
+was excavated by the feet of the cows given away by this king unto the
+Brahmanas on the completion of the sacrifice. I have lived here ever
+since." And after the tortoise had said all this, there came from the
+celestial regions a car. And an aerial voice was heard which said,
+addressing Indradyumna, "Come thou and obtain the place thou deservest
+in heaven! Thy achievements are great! Come thou cheerfully to thy
+place! Here also are certain _slokas_: The report of virtuous deeds
+spreadeth over the earth and ascendeth to heaven. As long as that report
+lasts, so long is the doer said to be in heaven. The man whose evil
+deeds are bruited about, is said to fall down and live, as long as that
+evil report lasts in the lower regions. Therefore should man be virtuous
+in his acts if he is to gain Heaven. And he should seek refuge in
+virtue, abandoning a sinful heart."
+
+"'And hearing these words, the king said, "Let the car stay here as
+long as I do not take these old persons to the places whence I brought
+them.' And having brought me and the owl Pravarakarna to our respective
+places, he went away, riding on that car, to the place that was fit for
+him. Being longlived, I witness all this."'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that Markandeya narrated all this
+unto the son of Pandu. And after Markandeya finished, the sons of Pandu
+said, 'Blessed be thou! Thou hadst acted properly in causing king
+Indradyumna who had fallen from Heaven to regain his sphere!' And
+Markandeya answered them, saying, 'Devaki's son, Krishna, also had thus
+raised the royal sage Nriga who had sunk in hell and caused him to
+regain Heaven!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "King Yudhishthira, hearing from the illustrious
+Markandeya the story of the royal sage Indradyumna's regaining of
+Heaven, again asked the _Muni_, saying, 'O great _Muni_, tell me in what
+condition should a man practise charity in order to gain admission into
+the regions of Indra? Is it by practising charity while leading a
+domestic mode of life, or in boyhood, or in youth, or in old age? O,
+tell me about the respective merits reaped from the practice of charity
+in these different stages of life.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Life that is futile is of four kinds. Charity also
+that is futile is of sixteen kinds. His life is vain who hath no son;
+and his also who is out of pale of virtue: and his too who liveth on the
+food of other; and, lastly, his who cooketh for himself without giving
+therefrom unto the _Pitris_, the gods, and the guests, and who eateth of
+it before these all. The gift to one that has fallen away from the
+practice of virtuous vows, as also the gift of wealth that has been
+earned wrongly, are both in vain. The gift to a fallen Brahmana, that to
+a thief, that also to a preceptor that is false, is in vain. The gift to
+an untruthful man, to a person that is sinful, to one that is
+ungrateful, to one that officiates at sacrifices performed by all
+classes of people residing in a village, to one that sells the
+_Vedas_,[12] to a Brahmana that cooks for Sudra, to one that too by
+birth is a Brahmana but who is destitute of the occupations of his
+order, is in vain. The gift to one that has married a girl after the
+accession of puberty, to females, to one that sports with snakes, and to
+one that is employed in menial offices, is also in vain. These sixteen
+kinds of gifts are productive of no merits. That man who with mind
+clouded with darkness giveth away from fear or anger, enjoyeth the merit
+of such gift while he is in the womb of his mother. The man who (under
+other circumstances) maketh gifts unto the Brahmanas, enjoyeth the fruit
+thereof while he is in old age. Therefore, O king, the man who wishes to
+win the way of heaven, should under all conditions, make gifts unto
+Brahmanas of everything that he wishes to give away.'
+
+    [12] A man is said to sell the Vedas who lectures on the Vedas
+    taking fees from the hearers.
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'By what means do Brahmanas, who accept gifts from
+all the four orders, save others as well as themselves?"
+
+"Markandeya said, 'By _Japa_,[13] and _Mantras_,[14] and _Homa_[15] and
+the study of the _Vedas_, the Brahmanas construct a _Vedic_ boat[16]
+wherewith they save both others and themselves. The gods themselves are
+pleased with that man who gratifieth the Brahmanas. Indeed, a man may
+attain heaven at the command of a Brahmana. Thou wilt, O king, without
+doubt ascend to regions of everlasting bliss, in consequence of thy
+worship of the _Pitris_ and the gods, and thy reverence for the
+Brahmanas, even though thy body is filled with phlegmatic humours and
+withal so dull and inert! He that desires virtue and heaven should adore
+the Brahmanas. One should feed Brahmanas with care on occasions of
+_Sraddhas_, although those among them that are cursed or fallen should
+be excluded. They also should be carefully excluded that are either
+excessively fair or excessively black, that have diseased nails, that
+are lepers, that are deceitful, that are born in bastardy of widows or
+of women having husbands alive; and they also that support themselves by
+the profession of arms. That _Sraddha_ which is censurable, consumeth
+the performer thereof like fire consuming fuel. If they that are to be
+employed in _Sraddhas_ happen to be dumb, blind, or deaf, care should be
+taken to employ them along with Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas. O
+Yudhishthira, listen now unto whom thou shouldst give. He that knoweth
+all the _Vedas_ should give only to that able Brahmana who is competent
+to rescue both the giver and himself, for he, indeed, is to be regarded
+as able who can rescue both the giver and himself. O son of Pritha, the
+sacred fires do not receive such gratification from libations of
+clarified butter, from offerings of flowers and sandal and other
+perfumed pastes as from the entertainment of guests. Therefore, do thou
+strive to entertain guests, O son of Pandu! O king, they that give unto
+guests water to wash their feet, butter to rub over their (tired) legs,
+light during the hours of darkness, food, and shelter, have not to go
+before Yama. The removal (after worship) of the flowery offerings unto
+the gods, the removal of the remnants of a Brahmana's feast, waiting
+(upon a Brahmana) with perfumed pastes, and the massaging of a
+Brahmana's limbs, are, each of them, O foremost of kings, productive of
+greater merit than the gift of kine. A person, without doubt, rescueth
+himself by the gift of a _Kapila_ cow. Therefore, should one give away a
+_Kapila_ cow decked with ornaments unto Brahmanas. O thou of the Bharata
+race, one should give unto a person of good lineage and conversant with
+the Vedas; unto a person that is poor; unto one leading a domestic mode
+of life but burdened with wife and children; unto one that daily adoreth
+the sacred fire; and unto one that hath done thee no service. Thou
+shouldst always give unto such persons but not to them that are in
+affluence. What merit is there, O thou foremost of the Bharata race, by
+giving unto one that is affluent? One cow must be given unto one
+Brahmana. A single cow must not be given unto many. For if the cow so
+given away (unto many) be sold, the giver's family is lost for three
+generations. Such a gift would not assuredly rescue the giver nor the
+Brahmana that takes it. He who giveth eighty _Ratis_ of pure gold,
+earneth the merit of giving away a hundred pieces of gold for ever. He
+that giveth away a strong bull capable also of drawing the plough, is
+certainly rescued from all difficulties and finally goeth to heaven. He
+that giveth away land unto a learned Brahmana, hath all his desires
+fulfilled. The tired traveller, with weakened limbs and feet besmeared
+with dust, asks for the name of him that may give him food. There are
+men who answer him by telling him the name. That wise man who informs
+these toil-worn ones of the name of the person who may give them food,
+is, without doubt, regarded as equal in merit unto the giver himself of
+food. Therefore, abstaining from other kinds of gift, give thou food.
+There is no merit (arising out of gifts) that is so great as that of
+giving food. The man that according to the measure of his might gives
+well-cooked and pure food unto the Brahmanas, acquires, by that act of
+his, the companionship of Prajapati (_Brahma_). There is nothing
+superior to food. Therefore, food is regarded as the first and foremost
+of all things (to be given away). It hath been said that food itself is
+_Prajapati_. And _Prajapati_ is regarded as the Year. And the Year is
+sacrifice. And everything is established in sacrifice, for it is from
+sacrifice that all creatures, mobile and immobile, take their origin.
+For this reason, it hath been heard by us, food is the foremost of all
+things. They that give away lakes and large pieces of water, and tanks
+and wells, and shelter and food and they that have sweet words for all,
+have not to hear the admonitions of Yama. With him who gives rice, and
+wealth earned by his labour, unto Brahmana of good behaviour, the earth
+is satisfied. And she poureth upon him showers of wealth. The giver of
+food walketh first, after him the speaker of truth and he that giveth
+unto persons that do not solicit. But the three go to the same place.'"
+
+    [13] _Japa_ is the silent recitation of particular _Mantras_.
+
+    [14] _Mantras_ are particular formulae of worship. They are for
+    the most part rhythmic compositions, believed to be of great
+    efficacy.
+
+    [15] The _Homa_ is that sacrificial rite which consists of
+    pouring libations of clarified butter into fire.
+
+    [16] _Vedamayi nou_. Lit, a boat made of the Vedas.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing all this, Yudhishthira, along with his
+younger brothers, impelled by curiosity, again addressed the high-souled
+Markandeya, saying, 'O great _Muni_, what is the distance of Yama's
+region from that of men? What is its measurement? How also do men pass
+it over? And by what means? O, tell me all this!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O king, O them foremost of virtuous men, this
+question of thine appertains to a great mystery. It is sacred and much
+applauded by the _Rishis_. Appertaining as it also does to virtue, I
+will speak of it to thee. The distance of Yama's region from the abode
+of men is, O king, eighty-six thousand _Yojanas_! The way is over space,
+without water, and very terrible to behold. Nowhere on that road is the
+shade of a tree, nowhere any water, and nowhere any resting place in
+which the traveller, when fatigued, may rest for some moments. And men
+and women and all on earth that have life, are forcibly led along this
+way by the messengers of Yama. Those creatures that obey the mandates of
+the grim king, and they, O king, that have given horses and other good
+conveyances unto Brahmanas, proceed along this way on those animals and
+vehicles. And they that have given umbrellas proceed along this way with
+umbrellas warding off the sun's rays. And they that have given food,
+proceed without hunger, while they that have not given food proceed
+afflicted with hunger. And they that have given robes, proceed along
+this way attired in robes while they that have given none, proceed
+naked. And they that have given gold, proceed in happiness, themselves
+decked in ornaments. And they that have given land, proceed with every
+desire completely gratified. And they that have given grain, proceed
+without being afflicted with any want. And they that have given houses,
+proceed happily on cars. And those men that have given something to
+drink, proceed with cheerful hearts unafflicted with thirst. And they
+that have given lights, proceed happily lighting the way before them.
+And they that have given kine, proceed along the way happily, freed from
+all their sins. And they that have fasted for a month, proceed on cars
+drawn by swans. And they who have fasted for six nights, proceed on cars
+drawn by peacocks. And, O son of Pandu, he that fasteth three nights
+upon only one meal without a second during this period goeth into a
+region free from disease and anxiety. And water hath this excellent
+property that it produceth happiness in the region of Yama. And they
+that give water find for themselves a river there of the name of
+Pushpodaka. And the givers of water on the earth drink cool and
+ambrosial draughts from that stream. And they that are of evil deeds
+have pus ordained for them. Thus, O great king, that river serveth all
+purposes. Therefore, O king, adore thou duly these Brahmanas (that are
+with thee). Weak in limbs owing to the way he has walked, and besmeared
+with the dust of the high-road, the traveller enquireth for the name of
+him who giveth food, and cometh in hope to his house. Adore thou him
+with reverent attention, for he indeed is a guest, and he is a Brahmana.
+The gods with Indra at their head follow him as he proceedeth. And if he
+is adored, the gods with Indra become gratified, and if he is not
+adored, the celestials with their chief become cheerless. Therefore, O
+thou foremost of kings, worship thou these Brahmanas duly. I have thus
+spoken to thee upon a hundred subjects. What dost thou desire to hear
+from me again?'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O master, conversant thou art with virtue and
+morality, and so I desire to repeatedly listen to thee as thou speakest
+on sacred subjects appertaining to virtue and morals.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O king, I will now speak on another sacred subject
+appertaining to eternal interests and capable of washing off all sins.
+Listen thou with rapt attention. O thou foremost of the Bharatas, the
+merit equal to that of giving away a _Kapila_ cow in (the _tirtha_
+called) _Jyeshtha-Pushkara_ arises from washing the feet of Brahmanas.
+As long as the earth remains wet with water which a Brahmana hath
+touched with his feet, so long do _Pitris_ drink water of cups made of
+lotus-leaves. If the guest is welcomed (with enquiries about his
+welfare), the deities of fire become glad; and if he is offered a seat,
+it is the god of a hundred sacrifices, who is gratified. If his feet are
+washed, it is the _Pitris_ who are delighted; and if he is fed it is
+_Prajapati_ that is pleased. One should with collected soul, give a cow
+when (during her throes) the feet and head of her calf are visible,
+before her delivery is complete. A cow with her calf in the air in
+course of falling from the uterus to the earth, is to be regarded as
+equal to the earth herself. He, therefore, that giveth away such a cow,
+reapeth the merit of giving away the earth. And he that giveth away such
+a cow, is adored in heaven for as many thousands of _Yugas_ as there are
+bristles on the bodies of the animal and her young one together. And, O
+Bharata, he that having accepted a thing in gift giveth it away
+immediately unto a person that is virtuous and honest, reapeth very
+great merit. Without doubt, he reapeth the fruit of giving away the
+whole earth to her utmost limits and with her oceans and seas and caves,
+her mountains and forests and woods. That Brahmana who eateth in silence
+from a plate, keeping his hands between his knees, succeedeth in
+rescuing others. And those Brahmanas that abstain from drink and who are
+never spoken of by others as having any faults and who daily read the
+_Samhitas_, are capable of rescuing others. Libations of butter and
+edible offerings should all be presented to a Brahmana who is learned in
+the _Vedas_. And as libations of clarified butter poured into fire never
+go in vain, so gift to virtuous Brahmanas learned in the _Vedas_ can
+never go in vain. The Brahmanas have anger for their weapon; they never
+fight with arms of iron and steel. Indeed the Brahmanas slay with anger
+like Indra slaying the Asuras with his thunder-bolt. Thus prelection
+appertaining to virtue and morality is now over. Hearing this, the
+_Munis_ of the forest of _Naimisha_ were filled with delight. And those
+ascetics were also freed from grief and anger by listening to it. And
+they were also purged of all their sins in consequence of this. And, O
+king, those human beings that listen to it become freed from the
+obligation of rebirth.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O thou of great wisdom, what purification is there
+by which a Brahmana may always keep himself pure? I desire to hear of it
+from thee, O thou foremost of all virtuous men!'
+
+"Markandeya answered, 'There are three kinds of purity, viz., purity in
+speech, purity in deed, and purity achieved by use of water. He that has
+recourse to these three different kinds of purity, attains, without
+doubt, to heaven. That Brahmana who adoreth the goddess _Sandhya_ in the
+morning and the evening, and who recites meditatively the sacred goddess
+_Gayairi_ who is the mother of the _Vedas_, sanctified by the latter, is
+freed from all his sins. Even if he accepts in gift the entire earth
+with her oceans, he doth not, on that account, suffer the least
+unhappiness. And those heavenly bodies in the sky including the sun that
+may be inauspicious and hostile towards him soon become auspicious and
+favourable towards him in consequence of these acts of his, while those
+stars that are auspicious and favourable become more auspicious and more
+favourable in consequence of such conduct of his. And terrible Rakshasas
+subsisting on animal food, of gigantic and fierce mien, all become
+unable to prevail over a Brahmana who practiseth these purifications.
+The Brahmanas are even like blazing fires. They incur no fault in
+consequence of teaching, of officiating at sacrifices, and of accepting
+gifts from others. Whether the Brahmana be cognisant of the _Vedas_ or
+ignorant of them, whether they be pure or impure, they should never be
+insulted, for Brahmanas are like fires. As the fire that blazeth up in
+the place set apart for the cremation of the dead is never regarded
+impure on that account, so the Brahmana, be he learned or ignorant, is
+always pure. He is great and a very god! Cities that are adorned with
+walls and gates and palaces one after another, lose their beauty if they
+are bereft of Brahmanas. That, indeed, O king, is a city where Brahmanas
+accomplished in the _Vedas_, duly observing the duties of their order
+and possessed of learning and ascetic merit, reside. O son of Pritha,
+that spot, be it a wood or pasture land, where learned Brahmanas reside,
+hath been called a city. And that place, O king, becometh a _tirtha_
+also. By approaching a king that offereth protection, as also a Brahmana
+possessed of ascetic merit, and by offering worship unto both, a man may
+purge off his sins immediately. The learned have said that ablutions in
+the sacred _tirthas_, recitation of the names of holy ones, and converse
+with the good and virtuous, are all acts worthy of applause. They that
+are virtuous and honest always regard themselves as sanctified by the
+holy companionship of persons like themselves and by the water of pure
+and sacred converse. The carrying of three staffs, the vow of silence,
+matted hair on head, the shaving of the crown, covering one's person
+with barks and deerskins, the practice of vows, ablutions, the worship
+of fire, abode in the woods, emaciating the body, all these are useless
+if the heart be not pure. The indulgence of the six senses is easy, if
+purity be not sought in the object of enjoyment. Abstinence, however,
+which of itself is difficult, is scarcely easy without purity of the
+objects of enjoyment. O king of kings, among the six senses, the mind
+alone that is easily moved is the most dangerous! Those high-souled
+persons that do not commit sins in word, deed, heart and soul, are said
+to undergo ascetic austerities, and not they that suffer their bodies to
+be wasted by fasts and penances. He that hath no feeling of kindness for
+relatives cannot be free from sin even if his body be pure. That
+hard-heartedness of his is the enemy of his asceticism. Asceticism,
+again, is not mere abstinence from the pleasures of the world. He that
+is always pure and decked with virtue, he that practises kindness all
+his life, is a _Muni_ even though he may lead a domestic life. Such a
+man is purged of all his sins. Fasts and other penances cannot destroy
+sins, however much they may weaken and dry up the body that is made of
+flesh and blood. The man whose heart is without holiness, suffers
+torture only by undergoing penances in ignorance of their meaning. He is
+never freed from sins of such acts. The fire he worshippeth doth not
+consume his sins. It is in consequence of holiness and virtue alone that
+men attain to regions of blessedness, and fasts and vows become
+efficacious. Subsistence on fruits and roots, the vow of silence, living
+upon air, the shaving of the crown, abandonment of a fixed home, the
+wearing of matted locks on the head, lying under the canopy of heaven,
+daily fasts, the worship of fire, immersion in water, and lying on the
+bare ground,--these alone cannot produce such a result. They only that
+are possessed of holiness succeed, by knowledge and deeds, to conquer
+disease, decrepitude and death, and acquire a high status. As seeds that
+have been scorched by fire do not sprout forth, so the pains that have
+been burnt by knowledge cannot effect the soul. This inert body that is
+only like a block of wood when destitute of souls, is, without doubt,
+short lived like froth in the ocean. He that obtaineth a view of his
+soul, the soul that resideth in every body, by help of one or half of a
+rhythmic line (of the _Vedas_), hath no more need for anything. Some
+obtaining a knowledge of identity with the Supreme Soul from but two
+letters (of the _Vedas_) and some from hundreds and thousands of
+rhythmic lines, acquire salvation, for the knowledge of one's identity
+with the Supreme Soul is the sure indication of salvation. The men of
+old, distinguished for their knowledge, have said, neither this world
+nor that hereafter nor bliss can be his who is disturbed by doubts. And
+belief of one's identity with the Supreme Soul is the indication of
+salvation. He that knoweth the true meaning of the Vedas, understandeth
+their true use. Such a man is affrighted at the Vedic ritual like a man
+at sight of a forest conflagration. Giving up dry disputation, have
+recourse to _Sruti_ and _Smriti_, and seek thou, with the aid of thy
+reason, the knowledge of the Undecaying One that is without a second.
+One's search (after this knowledge) becometh futile from defect of
+means. Therefore, should one carefully strive to obtain that knowledge
+by aid of the _Vedas_. The _Vedas_ are the Supreme Soul; they are His
+body; they are the Truth. The soul that is bounded by the animal
+organism is incompetent to know Him in whom all the _Vedas_ merge. That
+Supreme Soul, however, is capable of being known by the pure intellect.
+The existence of the _gods_ as stated in the _Vedas_, the efficacy of
+acts, and the capacity for action of being furnished with bodies, are
+noticeable in every _Yuga_. Independence of these and annihilation are
+to be sought from purity of the senses. Therefore, the suspension of the
+function of the senses is the true fasting. One may attain to heaven by
+asceticism, one may obtain objects of enjoyment by the practice of
+charity and may have his sins purged off by ablutions in _tirthas_. But
+complete emancipation cannot be had except by knowledge.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, O great king, by the _Rishi_,
+Yudhishthira of great fame then said, 'O holy one, I desire to listen to
+the rules about that charity which is meritorious.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O great king, O Yudhishthira, the rules about charity
+which thou wishest to hear from me are always highly regarded by me.
+Listen now to the mysteries of charity as expounded in the _sruti_ and
+the _smritis_! A man that performs a _sraddha_ in the conjunction called
+_Gajacchaya_ at a place that is fanned by the leaves of the _Aswattha_
+tree enjoys the fruits thereof, O Yudhishthira, for a hundred thousand
+_kalpas_. O king, he that foundeth a _dharmasala_ and established there
+a person to look after all comers, is crowned with the merits of all the
+sacrifices. He that giveth away a horse at a _tirtha_ where the current
+of the river runneth in a direction opposite to its general course,
+reapeth merit that is inexhaustible. The guest that comes to one's house
+for food is none other than Indra himself. If he is entertained with
+food, Indra himself conferreth on the best merit that is inexhaustible.
+As men cross seas by vessels, so are the givers mentioned above are
+saved from all their sins. So what is given unto Brahmanas produceth,
+like gift of curds, inexhaustible merits. A gift on particular lunations
+produceth merit that is twice as much as a gift on other days. That in a
+particular season produceth merit ten times greater that in other
+seasons. That in a particular year produceth merit a hundred times
+greater than in other years. And lastly, a gift on the last day of the
+last month of the year produceth merit that is inexhaustible. A gift
+also that is made while the Sun is on the solstitial points, one again
+that is made on the last day of the Sun's path through Libra, Aries,
+Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces, a gift again during eclipses of the Moon and
+the Sun, produce merit that is inexhaustible. The learned have also said
+that gifts made during the seasons produce merit that is ten times,
+those made during the change of seasons, a hundred times--and those made
+during the days when _Rahu_ is visible, a thousand times--greater than
+what is produced by gifts at other time; while a gift made on the last
+day of the Sun's course through Libra and Aries produces merit that
+knows no diminution. O king, no one can enjoy landed possessions unless
+he giveth away land, and no one can go on cars and vehicles unless he
+giveth away these. Indeed a person on rebirth obtaineth the fruition of
+whatever objects he hath in view at the time of making a gift to a
+Brahmana. Gold hath sprung from Fire; the Earth from Vishnu; and the
+cows from the Sun. He, therefore, that giveth away gold, land, and kine
+attaineth all the regions of Agni, Vishnu, and the Sun. There is nothing
+so eternal as a gift. Where, therefore, in the three worlds is anything
+that is more auspicious? It is for this, O king, that they who have
+great intelligence say that there is nothing higher and greater in the
+three worlds than gift!'"
+
+
+SECTION CC
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having, O great king, heard from the illustrious
+Markandeya the history of the attainment of heaven by the royal sage
+Indradyumna, Yudhishthira, that bull of the Bharata race, once more
+asked that sinless _Muni_ endued with great ascetic merit and long life,
+saying, 'Thou knowest, O virtuous one, the entire host of the gods, the
+_Danavas_, and the _Rakshasas_. Thou art acquainted also with various
+royal genealogies and many eternal lines of _Rishis_! O best of
+Brahmanas, there is nothing in this world that thou dost not know! Thou
+knowest also, O _Muni_, many delightful stories about _men, Snakes_ and
+_Rakshasas_; about gods, _Gandharvas_, and _Yakshas_, and about
+_Kinnaras_ and _Apsaras_! I desire now to hear from thee, O best of
+Brahmanas, as to why Kuvalaswa--that unvanquished king of Ikshavaku's
+race changed his name, assuming another, viz., _Dhundhumara_. O thou
+best of Bhrigu's line, I desire to know in detail why the name of
+Kuvalaswa of great intelligence underwent such a change!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, the great
+_Muni_ Markandeya, O Bharata, then began the history of Dhundhumara!"
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O royal Yudhishthira, listen to me, I will tell thee
+all! The story of Dhundhumara is a moral one. Listen to it then! Listen
+now, O king, to the story of how the royal Kuvalaswa of Ikshvaku's race
+came to be known as Dhundhumara. O son, O Bharata, there was a
+celebrated _Rishi_ of the name of Utanka and, O thou of the Kuru race,
+Utanka had his hermitage in a delightful wilderness. And, O great king,
+the _Rishi_ Utanka underwent ascetic austerities of the severest kind
+and the lord Utanka underwent those penances for numberless years with
+the object of obtaining the favours of Vishnu, and gratified with his
+penances that illustrious Lord presented himself before Utanka. And
+beholding the Deity, the _Rishi_ in all humility began to gratify him
+with many hymns, and Utanka said, "O thou of great effulgence all
+creatures with the gods, _Asuras_ and human beings, all things that are
+mobile or immobile, even _Brahma_ himself, the Vedas, and all things
+that are capable of being known, have, O lord, been created by thee! The
+firmament is thy head, O god, and the sun and the moon are thy eyes!
+And, O Unfading One, the winds are thy breath and fire thy energy! The
+directions of the horizon constitute thy arms and the great ocean thy
+stomach! And, O god, the hills and mountains constitute thy thigh and
+the sky thy hips, O slayer of Madhu! The earth constitutes thy feet, and
+the plants the bristles on thy body. And, O lord, Indra and Soma and
+Agni and Varuna, indeed all the gods, the _Asuras_ and the great Snakes
+all wait upon thee with humility, adoring thee with various hymns! O
+Lord of the Universe, created things are pervaded by thee. The great
+_Rishis_ of high energy and ever plunged in ascetic meditation, always
+adore thee. When thou art gratified, the universe is in peace. And when
+thou art angry, terror pervadeth every soul. Thou art, O Lord, the great
+dispeller of all terrors and thou art the One Supreme Male Being! Thou
+art the cause of happiness of both gods and human beings! And, O Lord,
+by three steps of thine thou didst cover the three worlds! And it was by
+thee that the _Asuras_ in the height of their power were destroyed! It
+is owing to thy prowess, O God, that the celestials obtained peace and
+happiness and, O thou of great effulgence, it was thy anger that
+destroyed hundred great _Daitya_ chiefs. Thou art the Creator and
+destroyer of all creatures in the world. It is by adoring thee that the
+gods have obtained happiness." It was thus, O Yudhishthira, that the
+high-souled Utanka praised the Lord of the senses. And Vishnu,
+therefore, said unto Utanka, "I am gratified with thee. Ask thou the
+boon that thou desirest." And Utanka said, "This indeed hath been a
+great boon to me, in that I have been able to behold Hari, that eternal
+Being, that divine Creator, that Lord of the universe!" Thus addressed
+Vishnu said, "I am gratified with this absence of all desires on thy
+part and with thy devotion, O thou best of men! But, O Brahmanas, O
+regenerate one, thou shouldst of a certainty accept some boon from me!"
+Thus requested by Hari to accept a boon Utanka then, O thou best of
+Bharatas, with joined hands begged a boon saying, "O illustrious one, O
+thou of eyes like lotus leaves, if thou hast been gratified with me,
+then let my heart always rest on virtue, truth, and self-content. And, O
+Lord, let my heart always turn to thee in devotion." And hearing these
+words of Utanka, the holy one said, "O regenerate one, all this shall
+happen to thee through my grace. And there will also appear in thee a
+_yoga_ power endued with which thou shalt achieve a great thing for the
+dwellers of Heaven, as also for the triple world. Even now a great
+_Asura_ of the name of Dhundhu is undergoing ascetic penances of fierce
+austerity with the object of destroying the triple world. Hear now as to
+who will slay that _Asura_. O son, there will appear a king of
+invincible energy and great prowess and he will be born in the race of
+Ikshvaku and will be known by the name of Vrihadaswa who will have a son
+of the name of Kuvalaswa endued with great holiness and self-control and
+celebrity. And that best of kings will be furnished with _yoga_ power
+springing from me and urged and commended by thee, O regenerate _Rishi_,
+that king will be the slayer of the Asura Dhundhu." And having said
+these words unto that Brahmana, Vishnu disappeared there and then.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O king, after the death of Ikshvaku, a highly
+virtuous king of the name of _Sasada_, ascending the throne of Ayodhya
+ruled this earth. And from _Sasada_ was descended Kakutstha of great
+energy. And Kakutstha had a son of name Anenas. And Anenas had a son
+named Prithu and Prithu had a son named Viswagaswa and from Viswagaswa
+sprang Adri and from Adri sprang Yuvanaswa and from Yuvanaswa sprang
+Sravastha and it was by this Sravastha that the city called _Sravasthi_
+was built and from Sravastha was descended Vrihadaswa and from
+Vrihadaswa sprang Kuvalaswa and Kuvalaswa had twentyone thousand sons
+and all these sons were fierce and powerful and skilled in learning. And
+Kuvalaswa excelled his father in every quality. And when the time came,
+his father Vrihadaswa installed him--the brave and highly virtuous
+Kuvalaswa--on the throne. And having thus made over the royal dignity to
+his son, that slayer of foes--king Vrihadaswa of great intelligence--
+retired into the woods for asceticism.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O king, when the royal sage Vrihadaswa was about
+to retire into the woods, that best of Brahmanas, Utanka heard of it.
+And Utanka who was possessed of great energy and immeasurable soul,
+approached that foremost of all wielders of weapons and best of men. And
+approaching him, the _Rishis_ began to persuade him to give up
+asceticism. And Utanka said, "O king, to protect (the people) is thy
+duty. It behoveth thee to do that duty of thine. Let us be free from all
+anxiety through thy grace. Possessed as thou art of a great soul,
+protected by thee, the earth will be freed from all dangers. Therefore,
+it behoveth thee, not to retire into the woods. Great merit attaches to
+the act of protecting people in this world. Such merit can never be
+acquired in the woods. Let not thy heart, therefore, turn to this
+course. The merit, great king, that was acquired in days of old by great
+royal sages by protecting their subjects was so great that nothing equal
+to it could be seen. The king should always protect his subjects. It
+behoveth thee, therefore, to protect thy people. O lord of the earth, I
+cannot (at present) perform my ascetic devotions peacefully. Close to my
+asylum there is a sea of sands known by the name of _Ujjalaka._ And it
+occupies a level country and is without any water. And it extends many
+_yojanas_ in length and breadth and in that desert dwells a chief of the
+_Danavas_ called Dhundhu by name. And Dhundhu is the son of Madhu and
+Kaitabha, and is fierce and terrible and possessed of great prowess. And
+endued with immeasurable energy, that _Danava_, O king, dwelleth under
+the ground, and, O king, it behoveth thee to retire into the woods,
+having first slain that _Asura_. That _Asura_ is now lying still in the
+observance of an ascetic penance of great austerity and, O king, the
+object he hath in view is sovereignty over the celestials as also of the
+three worlds. And, O king, having obtained a boon from the Grandsire of
+all creatures, that _Asura_ hath become incapable of being slain by the
+gods and _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_ and _Gandharvas_. Slay though him, O
+king, and blessed be thou and let not thy heart turn to any other
+course. By slaying him thou wilt without doubt, achieve a great thing
+and thou wilt also obtain eternal and undying fame. And O king, when at
+the end of every year that wicked _Asura_ lying covered with sands,
+wakes up and begins to breathe, then the whole earth with her mountains,
+forests and woods begins to tremble. And his breath raiseth up clouds of
+sands, and shroudeth the very sun, and for seven days continually the
+earth tremble all over, and sparks and flames of fire mixed with smoke
+spread far around and for all this, O king, I cannot rest in peace in my
+asylum. Slay thou him, O king, for the good of the world. Indeed, when
+that _Asura_ is slain the triple world will be in peace and happiness.
+That thou art competent, O king, to slay that _Asura_, I fully believe.
+Thy energy will be enhanced by Vishnu with the addition of his own. In
+days of old, O king, Vishnu gave this boon that the king who should slay
+this fierce and great _Asura_ would be pervaded by the invincible energy
+of Vishnu himself. Bearing that invincible _Vaishnava_ energy in
+thyself, slay thou, O great king, that _Daitya_ of fierce prowess.
+Possessed as Dhundhu is of mighty energy, no one, O king, that is endued
+with small energy himself will be capable of consuming him, even if he
+were to strive for a hundred years."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed by Utanka, that unvanquished royal
+sage, with joined hands, O thou foremost of the Kuru race, replied unto
+Utanka, saying, "This visit of thine, O Brahmana, will not be in vain.
+This my son, O holy one, known by the name of Kuvalaswa is endued with
+steadiness and activity. In prowess also he is unequaled on earth.
+Without doubt he will accomplish all this that is agreeable to thee,
+aided by all his brave sons endued with arms like unto iron maces. Give
+me leave to retire, O Brahmana, for I have now given up my weapons."
+Thus addressed by the king, that _Muni_ of immeasurable energy replied
+unto him, saying, "So be it." And the royal sage Vrihadaswa then, having
+commended his son to obey the behest of the high-souled Utanka saying,
+"Let it be done by thee," himself retired into an excellent forest.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O holy one, O thou possessed of the wealth of
+asceticism, who was this _Daitya_ of great energy? Whose son and whose
+grandson was he? I desire to know all this; O thou possessed of the
+wealth of asceticism I never heard of this mighty _Daitya_ before. I
+desire to know all this truly, O holy one, and with all particulars in
+detail, O thou of great wisdom and ascetic wealth!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O monarch, know everything as it happened, O ruler of
+men, as I narrate the particulars truly, O thou of great wisdom! When
+the world became one broad expanse of water and creatures mobile and
+immobile were destroyed, when, O bull of the Bharata race, the entire
+creation came to its end, He who is the Source and Creator of the
+Universe, viz., the Eternal and unfading Vishnu, He who is called by
+_Munis_ crowned with ascetic success as the Supreme Lord of the
+Universe, that Being of great holiness, then lay in _Yoga_ sleep on the
+wide hood of the Snake Sesha of immeasurable energy, and the Creator of
+the Universe, that highly-blessed and holy Hari, knowing no
+deterioration, lay on the hood of that Snake encircling the whole Earth
+and as the Deity lay asleep on that bed, a lotus, endued with great
+beauty and effulgence equal unto that of the Sun, sprang from his navel.
+And from that lotus possessed of effulgence like unto the Sun's, sprang
+the Grandsire _Brahma_, that lord of the worlds who is the four _Vedas_,
+who hath four forms and four faces, who is invincible in consequence of
+his own energy and who is endued with mighty strength and great prowess
+and as the Lord Hari of wondrous frame, possessed of great lustre and
+decked with a crown and the _Kaustubha_ gem and attired in purple silk,
+lay stretched for many a _yojana_ on that excellent bed furnished by the
+hood of the snake itself extending far and wide, blazing, O king, in his
+beauty and the lustre of his own body like a thousand Suns concentrated
+in one mass. He was beheld some time after by two _Danavas_ of great
+prowess named Madhu and Kaitabha and beholding Hari (in that posture)
+and the Grandsire with eyes like lotus-leaves seated on that lotus, both
+Madhu and Kaitabha wandered much and they began to terrify and alarm
+Brahma of immeasurable prowess, and the illustrious Brahma alarmed by
+their continued exertions trembled on his seat, and at his trembling the
+stalk of the lotus on which he was seated began to tremble and when the
+lotus-stalk trembled, Kesava awoke. And awakened from his slumber,
+Govinda beheld those _Danavas_ of mighty energy, and beholding them the
+Deity said unto them, "Welcome, ye mighty ones! I am gratified with you!
+Therefore, I will grant you excellent boons!" And thereupon both those
+proud and mighty _Danavas_, O king, laughingly replied unto Hrishikesa,
+saying, "Ask boons of us, O Divine one! O thou that art the Supreme
+Deity, we are disposed to grant thee a boon. Indeed, we will grant thee
+a boon! Therefore, ask thou of us anything that cometh to thy mind."
+Thus addressed by them the holy one spoke, "Ye brave ones, I will accept
+a boon from you. There is a boon that I desire. Both of you are
+possessed of mighty energy. There is no male person like unto any of
+you. O ye of unbaffled prowess, submit ye to be slain by me. Even that
+is what I desire to accomplish for the good of the world." Hearing these
+words of the Deity, both Madhu and Kaitabha said, "We have never before
+spoken an untruth; no, not even in jest; what shall we say of other
+occasions! O thou foremost of male Beings, know that we have ever been
+firm in truth and morality. In strength, in forms, in beauty, in virtue,
+in asceticism, in charity, in behaviour, in goodness, in self control,
+there is no one equal unto either of us. A great danger, O Kesava, hath
+approached us. Accomplish thou, therefore, what thou hast said. No one
+can prevail over Time. But, O Lord, there is one thing that we desire to
+be done by thee. O thou best and foremost of all Deities, thou must slay
+us at a spot that is absolutely uncovered. And, O thou of excellent
+eyes, we also desire to become thy sons. This is the boon that we
+desire, know then, O chief of the gods! Let not that, O Deity, be false
+which thou hadst at first promised to us." The Holy One then replied
+unto them saying, "Yes, I will do as ye desire. Everything will be as ye
+wish!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then Govinda began to reflect but uncovered
+space found he none and when he could not discover any spot that was
+uncovered on earth or in the sky, that foremost Deity then beheld his
+thighs to be absolutely uncovered. And there, O king, the illustrious
+Deity cut off the heads of Madhu and Kaitabha with his keenedged
+discus!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The illustrious Dhundhu, O king, was the son of Madhu
+and Kaitabha, and possessed of great energy and prowess, he underwent
+ascetic penances of great austerity and he stood erect on one leg and
+reduced his body to a mass of only veins and arteries, and Brahma,
+gratified with him, gave him a boon. And the boon he had asked of the
+lord Prajapati was in these words, "Let no one among the gods, the
+_Danavas_, the _Rakshas_, the Snakes, the _Gandharvas_ and the
+_Rakshasas_ be capable of slaying me. Even this is the boon that I ask
+of thee." And the Grandsire replied unto him saying, "Let it be as thou
+wishest. Go thy way." And thus addressed by the Grandsire, the _Danava_
+placed the feet of the Deity on his head and having thus touched with
+reverence the Deity's feet he went away and possessed of mighty energy
+and prowess. Dhundhu, having obtained the boon hastily approached Vishnu
+remembering the death of his father at the hands of that Deity, and the
+wrathful Dhundhu having vanquished the gods with the _Gandharvas_ began
+to distress all the celestials with Vishnu at their head. And at last O
+bull of the Bharata race, that wicked souled _Asura_ arriving at a sea
+of sands known by the name of Ujjalaka, began to distress to the utmost
+of his might the asylum of Utanka. And endued with fierce energy,
+Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha, lay in his subterranean cave
+underneath the sands in the observance of fierce ascetic and severe
+austerities with the object of destroying the triple world, and while
+the _Asura_ lay breathing near the asylum of Utanka that _Rishi_
+possessed of the splendour of fire, king Kualaswa with his troops,
+accompanied by the Brahmana Utanka, as also by all his sons set out for
+that region, O bull of the Bharata race! And after that grinder of foes,
+the royal Kuvalaswa, had set out, accompanied by his twenty-one thousand
+sons all of whom were exceedingly powerful, the illustrious Lord Vishnu
+filled him with his own energy at the command of Utanka and impelled by
+the desire of benefiting the triple world and while that invincible hero
+was proceeding on his way a loud voice was heard in the sky repeating
+the words, "This fortunate and unslayable one will become the destroyer
+of Dhundhu to-day." And the gods began to shower upon him celestial
+flowers. And the celestial kettle drums began to sound their music
+although none played upon them. And during the march of that wise one,
+cool breezes began to blow and the chief of the celestials poured gentle
+showers wetting the dust on the roads and, O Yudhishthira, the cars of
+the celestials could be seen high over the spot where the mighty _Asura_
+Dhundhu was. The gods and _Gandharvas_ and great _Rishis_ urged by
+curiosity, came there to behold the encounter between Dhundhu and
+Kuvalaswa and, O thou of the Kuru race, filled by Narayana with his own
+energy, king Kuvalaswa, aided by his sons, soon surrounded that sea of
+sands and the king ordered that wilderness to be excavated and after the
+king's sons had excavated that sea of sands for seven days, they could
+see the mighty _Asura_ Dhundhu. And, O bull of the Bharata race, the
+huge body of that _Asura_ lay within those sands, effulgent in its own
+energy like the Sun himself. And Dhundhu, O king, was lying covering the
+western region of the desert and surrounded on all sides by the sons of
+Kuvalaswa, the _Danava_ was assaulted with sharp-pointed shafts and
+maces and heavy and short clubs and axes and clubs, with iron spikes and
+darts and bright and keen-edged swords, and thus assaulted, the mighty
+_Danava_ rose from his recumbent posture in wrath. And enraged, the
+_Asura_ began to swallow those various weapons that were hurled at him
+and he vomited from his mouth fiery flames like unto those of the fire
+called _Samvarta_ that appeareth at the end of the _Yuga_ and by those
+flames of his, the _Asura_ consumed all the sons of the king and, O
+tiger among men, like the Lord Kapila of old consuming the sons of king
+Sagara, the infuriated _Asura_ overwhelming the triple world with the
+flames vomited from his mouth, achieved that wonderful feat in a moment.
+And, O thou best of the Bharatas, when all those sons of king Kuvalaswa
+were consumed by the fire emitted by the _Asura_ in wrath, the monarch,
+possessed as he was of mighty energy, then approached the _Danava_ who,
+like unto a second Kumbhakarna of mighty energy, had come to the
+encounter after waking from his slumbers. From the body of the king, O
+monarch, then began to flow a mighty and copious stream of water and
+that stream soon extinguished, O king, the fiery flames emitted by the
+_Asura_. And, O great king, the royal Kuvalaswa, filled with _Yoga_
+force, having extinguished those flames by the water that issued from
+his body, consumed that _Daitya_ of wicked prowess with the celebrated
+weapon called _Brahma_ for relieving the triple world of its fears, and
+the royal sage Kuvalaswa, having consumed that great _Asura_, that foe
+of the celestials and slayer of all enemies, by means of that weapon
+became like unto a second chief of the triple world and the high-souled
+king Kuvalaswa having slain the _Asura_ Dhundhu, became from that
+time known by the name of _Dhundhumara_ and from that time he came to be
+regarded as invincible in battle, and the gods and the great _Rishis_
+who had come to witness that encounter were so far gratified with him
+that they addressed him saying, "Ask thou a boon of us!" And thus
+solicited by the gods, the king bowed to them and filled with joy, the
+king said unto them, with joined hands these words, "Let me be always
+able to give wealth unto superior Brahmanas! Let me be invincible as
+regards all foes! Let there be friendship between myself and Vishnu! Let
+me have no ill-feeling towards any creature! Let my heart always turn to
+virtue! And let me (finally) dwell in heaven for ever!" And the gods and
+the _Rishis_ and Utanka, hearing this were exceedingly gratified and all
+of them said, "Let it be as thou wishest!" And, O king, having also
+blessed him with many other speeches, the gods and the great _Rishis_
+then went away to their respective abodes. And, O Yudhishthira, after
+the slaughter of all his sons, king Kuvalaswa had still three sons left,
+and, O thou of the Bharata race, they were called _Dridaswa_ and
+_Kapilaswa_ and _Chandraswa_. It is from them, O king, that the
+illustrious line of kings belonging to Ikshvaku's race, all possessed of
+immeasurable prowess, hath sprung.
+
+"'It was thus, O best of king, that that great _Daitya_ of the name
+Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha was slain by Kuvalaswa and it was
+for this also that king came to be called by the name of _Dhundhumara_.
+And indeed, the name he assumed was no empty one but was literally true.
+
+"'I have now told thee all that thou hadst asked me, viz., all about
+that person in consequence of whose act the story of Dhundhu's death
+hath become famous. He that listeneth to this holy history connected
+with the glory of Vishnu, becometh virtuous and obtaineth children. By
+listening to this story on particular lunations, one becometh blessed
+with long life and great good fortune. And freed from every anxiety one
+ceaseth to have any fear of diseases.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O thou foremost of the Bharata race, king
+Yudhishthira then asked the illustrious Markandeya a difficult question
+about morality, saying, 'I desire to hear, O holy one, about the high
+and excellent virtue of women. I desire to hear from thee, O Brahmana,
+discourse about the subtle truths of morality. O regenerate _Rishi_, O
+best of men, the Sun, the Moon, the Wind, the Earth, the Fire, the
+father, the mother, the preceptor--these and other objects ordained by
+the gods, appear to us as Deities embodied! All these that are reverend
+ones are worthy of our best regard. So also is the woman who adoreth one
+lord. The worship that chaste wives offer unto their husbands appeareth
+to me to be fraught with great difficulty. O adorable one, it behoveth
+thee to discourse to us of the high and excellent virtue of chaste
+wives--of wives who restraining all their senses and keeping their
+hearts under complete control regard their husbands as veritable gods. O
+holy and adorable one, all this appears to me to be exceedingly
+difficult of accomplishment. O regenerate one, the worship that sons
+offer to their mothers and fathers and that wives offer to their
+husbands, both seem to me to be highly difficult. I do not behold
+anything that is more difficult than the severe virtue of chaste women.
+O Brahmana, the duties that women of good behaviour discharge with care
+and the conduct that is pursued by good sons towards their fathers and
+mothers appear to me to be most difficult of performance. Those women
+that are each devoted to but one lord, they that always speak the truth,
+they that undergo a period of gestation for full ten months--there is
+nothing, O Brahmana, that is more difficult than that is done by these.
+O worshipful one, women bring forth their offspring with great hazard to
+themselves and great pain and rear their children, O bull among
+Brahmanas, with great affection! Those persons also who being always
+engaged in acts of cruelty and thereby incurring general hatred, succeed
+yet in doing their duties accomplish what, in my opinion, is exceedingly
+difficult. O regenerate one, tell me the truths of the duties of the
+Kshatriya order. It is difficult, O twice-born one, for those
+high-souled ones to acquire virtue who by the duties of their order are
+obliged to do what is cruel. O holy one, thou art capable of answering
+all questions; I desire to hear thee discourse on all this. O thou
+foremost of Bhrigu's race, I desire to listen to all this, waiting
+respectfully on thee, O thou of excellent vows!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O thou foremost of the Bharata race, I will discourse
+to thee on all this truly, however difficult of answer thy question may
+be. Listen to me, therefore, as I speak unto thee. Some regard the
+mother as superior and some the father. The mother, however, that
+bringeth forth and reareth up offspring what is more difficult. Fathers
+also, by ascetic penances, by worship of the gods, by adorations addressed
+to them, by bearing cold and heat, by incantations and other means desire
+to have children. And having by these painful expedients obtained
+children that are so difficult of acquisition, they then, O hero, are
+always anxious about the future of their sons and, O Bharata, both the
+father and the mother desire to see in their sons fame and achievements
+and prosperity and offspring and virtue. That son is virtuous who
+realises these hopes of his parents. And, O great king, that son with
+whom the father and the mother are gratified, achieveth eternal fame and
+eternal virtue both here and thereafter. As regards women again, neither
+sacrifice nor _sraddhas_, nor fasts are of any efficacy. By serving
+their husbands only they can win heaven. O king, O Yudhishthira,
+remembering this alone, listen thou with attention to the duties of
+chaste women.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'There was, O Bharata, a virtuous ascetic of the name
+of Kausika and endued with wealth of asceticism and devoted to the study
+of the _Vedas_, he was a very superior Brahmana and that best of
+Brahmanas studied all the _Vedas_ with the _Angas_ and the _Upanishadas_
+and one day he was reciting the _Vedas_ at the foot of a tree and at
+that time there sat on the top of that tree a female crane and that
+she-crane happened at that time to befoul the Brahmana's body and
+beholding that crane the Brahmana became very angry and thought of doing
+her an injury and as the Brahmana cast his angry glances upon the crane
+and thought also of doing her an injury, she fell down on the ground and
+beholding the crane thus fallen from the tree and insensible in death,
+the Brahmana was much moved by pity and the regenerate one began to
+lament for the dead crane saying, "Alas, I have done a bad deed, urged
+by anger and malice!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having repeated these words many times, that
+learned Brahmana entered a village for procuring alms. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, in course of his eleemosynary round among the houses
+of persons of good lineage, the Brahmana entered one such house that he
+knew from before. And as he entered the house, he said, "_Give_." And he
+was answered by a female with the word, "_Stay_." And while the
+housewife was engaged, O king, in cleaning the vessel from which alms
+are given, her husband, O thou best of the Bharatas, suddenly entered
+the house, very much afflicted with hunger. The chaste housewife beheld
+her husband and disregarding the Brahmana, gave her lord water to wash
+his feet and face and also a seat and after that the black-eyed lady,
+placing before her lord savoury food and drink, humbly stood beside him
+desirous of attending to all his wants. And, O Yudhishthira, that
+obedient wife used every day to eat the orts of her husband's plate and,
+always conducting herself in obedience to the wishes of the lord, that
+lady ever regarded her husband, and all her heart's affections inclined
+towards her lord. Of various and holy behaviour and skilful in all
+domestic duties and attentive to all her relatives, she always did what
+was agreeable and beneficial to her husband and she also, with rapt
+senses attended to the worship of the gods and the wants of guests and
+servants and her mother-in-law and father-in-law.
+
+"'And while the lady of handsome eyes was still engaged in waiting upon
+her lord, she beheld that Brahmana waiting for alms and beholding him,
+she remembered that she had asked him to wait. And remembering all this,
+she felt abashed. And then that chaste woman possessed of great fame,
+took something for alms and went out, O thou foremost of the Bharatas,
+for giving it unto that Brahmana. And when she came before him, the
+Brahmana said, "O best of women, O blessed one, I am surprised at thy
+conduct! Having requested me to wait saying, '_Stay_' thou didst not
+dismiss me!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, beholding that Brahmana filled
+with wrath and blazing with his energy, that chaste woman began to
+conciliate him and said, "O learned one, it behoveth thee to forgive me.
+My husband is my supreme god. He came hungry and tired and was being
+served and waited upon by me." Hearing this, the Brahmana said, "With
+thee Brahmanas are not worthy of superior regard. Exaltest thou thy
+husband above them? Leading a domestic life, dost thou disregard
+Brahmanas? Indra himself boweth down unto them, what shall I say of men
+on earth. Proud woman, dost thou not know it, hast thou never heard it,
+that the Brahmanas are like fire and may consume the entire earth?" At
+these words of that Brahmana the woman answered, "I am no she-crane, O
+regenerate _Rishi_! O thou that art endued with the wealth of
+asceticism, cast off this anger of thine. Engaged as thou are, what
+canst thou do to me with these angry glances of thine? I do not
+disregard Brahmanas. Endued with great energy of soul, they are like
+unto the gods themselves. But, O sinless one, this fault of mine it
+behoveth thee to forgive. I know the energy and high dignity of
+Brahmanas that are possessed of wisdom. The waters of the ocean have
+been made brackish and undrinkable by the wrath of the Brahmanas. I know
+also the energy of _Munis_ of souls under complete control and endued
+with blazing ascetic merit. The fire of their wrath to this day hath not
+been extinguished in the forest of Dandaka. It was for his having
+disregarded the Brahmanas that the great _Asura_--the wicked and
+evil-minded Vatapi was digested when he came in contact with Agastya. It
+hath been heard by us that the powers and merits of high-souled
+Brahmanas are great. But, O Brahmana, as regenerate ones of high souls
+are great in wrath, so are they equally great in forgiveness. Therefore,
+O sinless one, it behoveth thee to forgive me in the matter of this my
+offence. O Brahmana, my heart inclineth to that merit which springeth
+from the service of my husband, for I regard my husband as the highest
+among all the gods. O best of Brahmanas, I practise that virtue which
+consists in serving my husband whom I regard as the highest Deity.
+Behold, O regenerate one, the merit that attaches to the service of
+one's husband! I know that thou hast burnt a she-crane with thy wrath!
+But, O best of regenerate ones, the anger that a person cherishes is the
+greatest of foes which that person hath. The gods know him for a
+Brahmana who hath cast off anger and passion. The gods know him for a
+Brahmana who always speaketh the truth here, who always gratifieth his
+preceptor, and who, though injured himself, never returneth the injury.
+The gods know him for a Brahmana who hath his senses under control, who
+is virtuous and pure and devoted to the study of the Vedas, and who hath
+mastery over anger and lust. The gods know him for a Brahmana who,
+cognisant of morals and endued with mental energy, is catholic in
+religion and looketh upon all equal unto himself. The gods know him for
+a Brahmana who studieth himself and teacheth others, who performeth
+sacrifices himself and officiateth at the sacrifices of others, and who
+giveth away to the best of his means. The gods know that bull among the
+regenerate ones for a Brahmana who, endued with liberality of soul,
+practiseth the _Brahmacharya_ vow and is devoted to study,--in fact who
+is vigilantly devoted to the study of the _Vedas_. Whatever conduceth to
+the happiness of the Brahmanas is always recited before these. Ever
+taking pleasure in truth, the hearts of such men never find joy in
+untruth. O thou best of regenerate ones, it hath been said that the
+study of the Vedas, tranquillity of soul, simplicity of behaviour, and
+repression of the senses, constitute the eternal duties of the Brahmana.
+Those cognisant with virtue and morals have said that truth and honesty
+are the highest virtue. Virtue that is eternal is difficult of being
+understood. But whatever it is, it is based on _truth_. The ancients
+have declared that virtue dependeth on _sruti_. But, O foremost of
+regenerate ones, virtue as exposed in _sruti_ appears to be of various
+kinds. It is, therefore, too subtle of comprehension. Thou, O holy one,
+art cognisant of virtue, pure, and devoted to the study of the _Vedas_.
+I think, however, O holy one, that thou dost not know what virtue in
+reality is. Repairing to the city of Mithila, enquire thou of a virtuous
+fowler there, if indeed, O regenerate one, thou art not really
+acquainted with what constitutes the highest virtue. There liveth in
+Mithila a fowler who is truthful and devoted to the service of his
+parents and who hath senses under complete control. Even he will
+discourse to thee on virtue. Blessed be thou, O best of regenerate ones,
+if thou likest, repair thither. O faultless one, it behoveth thee to
+forgive me, if what I have said be unpalatable, for they that are
+desirous of acquiring virtue are incapable of injuring women!"
+
+"'At these words of the chaste woman, the Brahmana replied, saying, "I
+am gratified with thee. Blessed be thou; my anger hath subsided, O
+beautiful one! The reproofs uttered by thee will be of the highest
+advantage to me. Blessed be thou, I shall now go and accomplish what is
+so conducive, O handsome one, to my benefit!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Dismissed by her, Kausika, that best of
+regenerate ones, left her house, and, reproaching himself, returned to
+his own abode.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Continually reflecting upon that wonderful discourse
+of the woman, Kausika began to reproach himself and looked very much
+like a guilty person and meditating on the subtle ways of morality and
+virtue, he said to himself, "I should accept with reverence what the
+lady hath said and should, therefore, repair to Mithila. Without doubt
+there dwelleth in that city a fowler of soul under complete control and
+fully acquainted with the mysteries of virtue and morality. This very
+day will I repair unto that one endued with wealth of asceticism for
+enquiring of him about virtue." His faith in her was assured by her
+knowledge of the death of the she-crane and the excellent words of
+virtuous import she had uttered. Kausika thus reflecting with reverence
+upon all she had said, set out for Mithila, filled with curiosity. And
+he traversed many forests and villages and towns and at last reached
+Mithila that was ruled over by Janaka and he beheld the city to be
+adorned with the flags of various creeds. And he beheld that beautiful
+town to be resounding with the noise of sacrifices and festivities and
+furnished with splendid gateways. It abounded with palatial residences
+and protected by walls on all sides; it had many splendid buildings to
+boast of. And that delightful town was also filled with innumerable
+cars. And its streets and roads were many and well-laid and many of them
+were lined with shops. And it was full of horses and cars and elephants
+and warriors. And the citizens were all in health and joy and they were
+always engaged in festivities. And having entered that city, that
+Brahmana beheld there many other things. And there the Brahmana enquired
+about the virtuous fowler and was answered by some twice-born persons.
+And repairing to the place indicated by those regenerate ones, the
+Brahmana beheld the fowler seated in a butcher's yard and the ascetic
+fowler was then selling venison and buffalo meat and in consequence of
+the large concourse of buyers gathered round that fowler, Kausika stood
+at a distance. But the fowler, apprehending that the Brahmana had come
+to him, suddenly rose from his seat and went to that secluded spot where
+the Brahmana was staying and having approached him there, the fowler
+said, "I salute thee, O holy one! Welcome art thou, O thou best of
+Brahmanas! I am the fowler. Blessed be thou! Command me as to what I may
+do for thee. The word that the chaste woman said unto thee, viz.,
+_Repair thou to Mithila_, are known to me. I also know for what purpose
+thou hast come hither." Hearing these words of the fowler that Brahmana
+was filled with surprise. And he began to reflect inwardly, saying,
+"This indeed, is the second marvel that I see!" The fowler then said
+unto the Brahmana, saying, "Thou art now standing in place that is
+scarcely proper for thee, O sinless one. If it pleasest thee, let us go
+to my abode, O holy one!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, '"_So be it_," said the Brahmana unto him,
+gladly. And thereupon, the fowler proceeded towards his home with the
+Brahmana walking before him. And entering his abode that looked
+delightful, the fowler reverenced his guest by offering him a seat. And
+he also gave him water to wash his feet and face. And accepting these,
+that best of Brahmanas sat at his ease. And he then addressed the
+fowler, saying, "It seems to me that this profession doth not befit
+thee. O fowler, I deeply regret that thou shouldst follow such a cruel
+trade." At these words of the Brahmana the fowler said, "This profession
+is that of my family, myself having inherited it from my sires and
+grandsires. O regenerate one, grieve not for me owing to my adhering to
+the duties that belong to me by birth. Discharging the duties ordained
+for me beforehand by the Creator, I carefully serve my superiors and the
+old. O thou best of Brahmanas! I always speak the truth, never envy
+others; and give to the best of my power. I live upon what remaineth
+after serving the gods, guests, and those that depend on me. I never
+speak ill of anything, small or great. O thou best of Brahmanas, the
+actions of a former life always follow the doer. In this world there are
+three principal professions, viz., agriculture, rearing of cattle, and
+trade. As regards the other world, the three _Vedas_, knowledge, and the
+science of morals are efficacious. Service (of the other three orders)
+hath been ordained to be the duty of the Sudra. Agriculture hath been
+ordained for the Vaisyas, and fighting for the Kshatriyas, while the
+practice of the _Brahmacharya_ vow, asceticism, recitation of _mantras_,
+and truthfulness have been ordained for the Brahmanas. Over subjects
+adhering to their proper duties, the king should rule virtuously; while
+he should set those thereto that have fallen away from the duties of
+their order. Kings should ever be feared, because they are the lords of
+their subjects. They restrain those subjects of theirs that fall away
+from their duties as they restrain the motions of the deer by means of
+their shafts. O regenerate _Rishi_, there existeth not in the kingdom of
+Janaka a single subject that followeth not the duties of his birth. O
+thou best of the Brahmanas, all the four orders here rigidly adhere to
+their respective duties. King Janaka punisheth him that is wicked, even
+if he be his own son; but never doth he inflict pain on him that is
+virtuous. With good and able spies employed under him, he looketh upon
+all with impartial eyes. Prosperity, and kingdom, and capacity to
+punish, belong, O thou best of Brahmanas, to the Kshatriyas. Kings
+desire high prosperity through practice of the duties that belong to
+them. The king is the protector of all the four orders. As regards
+myself, O Brahmana, I always sell pork and buffalo meat without slaying
+those animals myself. I sell meat of animals, O regenerate _Rishi_, that
+have been slain by others. I never eat meat myself; never go to my wife
+except in her season; I always fast during the day, and eat, O
+regenerate one, in the night. Even though the behaviour of his order is
+bad, a person may yet be himself of good behaviour. So also a person may
+become virtuous, although he may be slayer of animals by profession. It
+is in consequence of the sinful acts of kings that virtue decreaseth
+greatly, and sin beginneth to prosper. And when all this taketh place
+the subjects of the kingdom begin to decay. And it is then, O Brahmana,
+that ill-looking monsters, and dwarfs, and hunch-backed and large-headed
+wights, and men that are blind or deaf or those that have paralysed eyes
+or are destitute of the power of procreation, begin to take their birth.
+It is from the sinfulness of kings that their subjects suffer numerous
+mischiefs. But this our king Janaka casteth his eyes upon all his
+subjects virtuously, and he is always kind unto them who, on their part,
+ever adhere to their respective duties. Regarding myself, I always with
+good deeds please those that speak well, as also those that speak ill of
+me. Those kings that live in the observance of their own proper duties,
+who are always engaged in the practice of acts that are good and honest,
+who are of souls under complete control and who are endued with
+readiness and alacrity, may not depend upon anything else for supporting
+their power. Gift of food to the best of one's power, endurance of heat
+and cold, firmness in virtue, and a regard and tenderness for all
+creatures,--these attributes can never find place in a person, without
+an innate desire being present in him of separating himself from the
+world. One should avoid falsehood in speech, and should do good without
+solicitation. One should never cast off virtue from lust, from wrath, or
+from malice. One should never joy immoderately at a good turn or grieve
+immoderately at a bad one. One should never feel depressed when
+overtaken by poverty, nor when so overtaken abandon the path of virtue.
+If at any time one doth what is wrong, he should never do its like
+again. One should always urge his soul to the doing of that which he
+regardeth as beneficial. One should never return wrong for wrong, but
+should act honestly by those that have wronged him. That wretched man
+who desireth to do what is sinful, slayeth himself. By doing what is
+sinful, one only imitates them that are wicked and sinful. Disbelieving
+in virtue they that mock the good and the pure saying, '_There is no
+virtue_' undoubtedly meet with destruction. A sinful man swelleth up
+like a leather bag puffed up with wind. The thoughts of these wretches
+filled with pride and folly are feeble and unprofitable. It is the
+heart, the inner soul, that discovereth the fool like the sun that
+discovereth forms during the day. The food cannot always shine in the
+world by means of self-praise. The learned man, however, even if he be
+destitute of beauty, displayeth his lustre by refraining from speaking
+ill of others and well of himself. No example, however, can be met with,
+in this world, of a person shining brilliantly on account of attributes
+to be found in him in their reputed measure. If one repenteth of a wrong
+done by him, that repentance washeth off his sin. The resolution of
+never doing it again saveth him from future sin, even as, O thou best of
+Brahmanas, he may save himself from sin by any of those expiations
+obtained in the scriptures. Even this, O regenerate one, is the _sruti_
+that may be seen in respect of virtue. He that having before been
+virtuous, committeth a sin, or committeth it unknowingly may destroy
+that sin. For virtue, O Brahmana, driveth off the sin that men commit
+from ignorance. A man, after having committed a sin, should cease to
+regard himself any longer as a man. No man can conceal his sins. The
+gods behold what one does, also the Being that is within every one. He
+that with piety and without detraction hideth the faults of the honest
+and the wise like holes in his own attire, surely seeketh his salvation.
+If a man seeketh redemption after having committed a sin, without doubt
+he is purged of all his sins and looketh pure and resplendent like the
+moon emerged from the clouds. A man that seeketh redemption is washed of
+all his sins, even as the sun, upon rising, dispelleth all darkness. O
+best of Brahmanas, it is temptation that constitutes the basis of sin.
+Men that are ignorant commit sin, yielding to temptation alone. Sinful
+men generally cover themselves with a virtuous exterior, like wells
+whose mouths are covered by long grass. Outwardly they seem to possess
+self-control and holiness and indulge in preaching virtuous texts which,
+in their mouth are of little meaning. Indeed, everything may be noticed
+in them except conduct that is truly virtuous!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'At these words, O best of men, of the fowler,
+that Brahmana endued with great wisdom, then asked the fowler, saying,
+"How shall I know what is virtuous conduct? Blessed be thou, I desire to
+hear this, O thou foremost of virtuous men, from thee. Therefore, O thou
+of exalted soul, tell me all about it truly." Hearing these words, the
+fowler replied, saying, "O best of Brahmanas, Sacrifices, Gift,
+Asceticism, the Vedas, and Truth--these five holy things are ever
+present in conduct that is called virtuous. Having subjugated lust and
+wrath, pride, avarice, and crookedness, they that take pleasure in
+virtue because it is virtue, are regarded as really virtuous and worthy
+of the approbation of persons that are virtuous. These persons who are
+devoted to sacrifices, and study of the Vedas have no independent
+behaviour. They follow only the practices of the honest and the good.
+This indeed, is the second attribute of the virtuous. Waiting upon
+superiors, Truth, Freedom from anger, and Gift, these four, O Brahmana,
+are inseparably connected with behaviour that is virtuous. For the
+reputation that a person acquires by setting his heart on virtuous
+behaviour and adhering to it rigidly is incapable of acquisition except
+by practising the four virtues named above. The essence of the _Vedas_
+is Truth: the essence of Truth is self-control, and the essence of
+self-control is abstention from the pleasures of the world. These all
+are to be noticed in behaviour that is virtuous. They that follow those
+deluded fools that mock the forms of faith prevailing among men, are
+dragged into destruction for walking in such a sinful path. They,
+however, that are virtuous and engaged in the observance of vows, who
+are devoted to the _srutis_ and the virtue of abstention from the
+pleasure of the world, they in fact who tread in virtue's path and
+follow the true religion, they that are obedient to the mandates of
+their preceptors, and who reflect upon the sense of the scriptures with
+patience and carefulness,--it is these that are said to be possessed of
+behaviour that is virtuous; it is these, O Brahmana, that are said to
+properly guide their higher intelligence. Forsaking those that are
+atheists, those that transgress virtue's limits, those that are of
+wicked souls, those that live in sinfulness, betake thyself to knowledge
+reverencing those that are virtuous. Lust and temptation are even like
+sharks in the river of life; the waters are the five senses. Do thou
+cross over to the other side of this river in the boat of patience and
+resignation, avoiding the shoals of corporeal existence (repeated births
+in this world). The supreme virtue consisting in the exercise of the
+intelligent principle and abstraction, when gradually super-added to
+virtuous conduct, becomes beautiful like dye on white fabrics.
+Truthfulness and abstention from doing injury to any one, are virtues
+highly beneficial to all creatures. Of these, that latter is a cardinal
+virtue, and is based on truth. Our mental faculties have their proper
+play when their foundation is laid in truth, and in the exercise of
+virtue truth is of the highest value. Purity of conduct is the
+characteristic of all good men. Those that are distinguished for holy
+living are good and virtuous. All creatures follow the principles of
+conduct which are innate in their nature. The sinful being who has no
+control over self acquires lust, anger and other vices. It is the
+immemorial rule that virtuous actions are those that are founded on
+justice, and it is also ordained by holy men that all iniquitous conduct
+is sin. Those who are not swayed by anger, pride, haughtiness and envy,
+and those who are quiet and straight-forward, are men of virtuous
+conduct. Those who are diligent in performing the rites enjoined in the
+three _Vedas_, who are wise, and of pure and virtuous conduct, who
+exercise self-restraint and are full of attention to their superior, are
+men of virtuous conduct. The actions and conduct of such men of great
+power, are very difficult of attainment. They are sanctified by the
+purification of their own actions, and consequently sin in them dies out
+of itself. This virtue of good conduct is wonderful, ancient, immutable
+and eternal; and wise men observing this virtue with holiness, attain to
+heaven. These men who believe in the existence of the Deity, who are
+free from false pride, and versed in holy writ, and who respect
+regenerate (twice-born) men, go to heaven. Among holy men, virtue is
+differentiated in three ways--that great virtue which is inculcated in
+the _Vedas_, the other which is inculcated in the _dharmashastras_ (the
+minor scriptures), and virtuous conduct. And virtuous conduct is
+indicated by acquisition of knowledge, pilgrimage to sacred places,
+truthfulness, forbearance, purity and straight-forwardness. Virtuous men
+are always kind to all creatures, and well-disposed towards regenerate
+men. They abstain from doing injury to any creature, and are never rude
+in speech. Those good men who know well the consequences of the fruition
+of their good and evil deeds, are commended by virtuous men. Those who
+are just and good-natured, and endowed with virtue, who wish well of all
+creatures, who are steadfast in the path of virtue, and have conquered
+heaven, who are charitable, unselfish and of unblemished character, who
+succour the afflicted, and are learned and respected by all, who
+practise austerities, and are kind to all creatures, are commended as
+such by the virtuous. Those who are charitably disposed attain
+prosperity in this world, as also the regions of bliss (hereafter). The
+virtuous man when solicited for assistance by good men bestow alms on
+them by straining to the utmost, even to the deprivation of the comforts
+of his wife and servants. Good men having an eye to their own welfare,
+as also virtue and the ways of the world, act in this way and thereby
+grow in virtue through endless ages. Good persons possessing the virtues
+of truthfulness, abstention from doing injury to any one, rectitude,
+abstention from evil towards any one, want of haughtiness, modesty,
+resignation, self-restraint, absence of passion, wisdom, patience, and
+kindness towards all creatures, and freedom from malice and lust, are
+the witnesses of the world. These three are said to constitute the
+perfect way of the virtuous, viz., a man must not do wrong to any body,
+he must bestow alms, and must always be truthful. Those high-souled good
+men of virtuous conduct, and settled convictions, who are kind to all
+and are full of compassion, depart with contentment from this world to
+the perfect way of virtue. Freedom from malice, forbearance, peace of
+mind, contentment, pleasant speech, renunciation of desire and anger,
+virtuous conduct and actions regulated according to the ordinances of
+holy writ, constitute the perfect way of the virtuous. And those who are
+constant in virtue follow these rules of virtuous conduct, and having
+reached the pinnacle of knowledge, and discriminating between the
+various phases of human conduct, which are either very virtuous or the
+reverse, they escape from the great danger. Thus, O great Brahmana,
+having introduced the subject of virtuous conduct, have I described to
+thee all this, according to my own knowledge and to what I have heard on
+the subject."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The pious fowler, O Yudhishthira, then said to
+that Brahmana, "Undoubtedly my deeds are very cruel, but, O Brahmana,
+Destiny is all-powerful and it is difficult to evade the consequence of
+our past actions. And this is the _karmic evil_ arising out of sin
+committed in a former life. But, O Brahmana, I am always assiduous in
+eradicating the evil. The Deity takes away life, the executioner acts
+only as a secondary agent. And we, O good Brahmana, are only such agents
+in regard to our _karma_. Those animals that are slain by me and whose
+meat I sell, also acquire _karma_, because (with their meat), gods and
+guests and servants are regaled with dainty food and the _manes_ are
+propitiated. It is said authoritatively that herbs and vegetables, deer,
+birds and wild animals constitute the food of all creatures. And, O
+Brahmana, king Sivi, the son of Usinara, of great forbearance attained
+to heaven, which is hard to reach, giving away his own flesh. And in
+days of yore, O Brahmana, two thousand animals used to be killed every
+day in the kitchen of king Rantideva; and in the same manner two
+thousand cows were killed every day; and, O best of regenerate beings,
+king Rantideva acquired unrivalled reputation by distributing food with
+meat every day. For the performance of the fourmonthly rites animals
+ought to be sacrificed daily. 'The sacred fire is fond of animal food,'
+this saying has come down to us. And at sacrifices animals are
+invariably killed by regenerate Brahmanas, and these animals being
+purged of sin, by incantation of hymns, go to heaven. If, O Brahmana,
+the sacred fire had not been so fond of animal food in ancient times, it
+could never have become the food of any one. And in this matter of
+animal food, this rule has been laid down by _Munis_:--Whoever partakes
+of animal food after having first offered it duly and respectfully to
+the gods and the _manes_, is not polluted by the act. And such a man is
+not at all considered to have partaken of animal food, even, as a
+Brahmacharin having intercoursed with his wife during the menstrual
+period, is nevertheless considered to be a good Brahmana. After
+consideration of the propriety and impropriety of the matter, this rule
+has been laid down. King Saudasa, O Brahmana, when under a curse, often
+used to prey upon men; what is thy opinion of this matter? And, O good
+Brahmana, knowing this to be the consequence of my own actions, I obtain
+my livelihood from this profession. The forsaking of one's own
+occupation is considered, O Brahmana, to be a sin, and the act of
+sticking to one's own profession is without doubt a meritorious act. The
+_Karma_ of a former existence never forsakes any creature. And in
+determining the various consequences of one's _Karma_, this rule was not
+lost sight of by the Creator. A person having his being under the
+influence of evil _Karma_, must always consider how he can atone for his
+_Karma_, and extricate himself from an evil doom, and the evil _Karma_
+may be expiated in various ways. Accordingly, O good Brahmana, I am
+charitable, truthful, assiduous in attending on my superior, full of
+respect towards regenerate Brahmanas, devoted to and free from pride and
+(idle) excessive talk. Agriculture is considered to be a praiseworthy
+occupation, but it is well-known that even there, great harm is done to
+animal life; and in the operation of digging the earth with the plough,
+numberless creatures lurking in the ground as also various other forms
+of animal life are destroyed. Dost thou not think so? O good Brahmana,
+_Vrihi_ and other seeds of rice are all living organisms. What is thy
+opinion on this matter? Men, O Brahmana, hunt wild animals and kill them
+and partake of their meat; they also cut up trees and herbs; but, O
+Brahmana, there are numberless living organisms in trees, in fruits, as
+also in water; dost thou not think so? This whole creation, O Brahmana,
+is full of animal life, sustaining itself with food derived from living
+organisms. Dost thou not mark that fish preys upon fish, and that
+various species of animals prey upon other species, and there are
+species the members of which prey upon each other? Men, O Brahmana,
+while walking about hither and thither, kill numberless creatures
+lurking in the ground by trampling on them, and even men of wisdom and
+enlightenment destroy animal life in various ways, even while sleeping
+or reposing themselves. What hast thou to say to this?--The earth and
+the air all swarm with living organisms, which are unconsciously
+destroyed by men from mere ignorance. Is not this so? The commandment
+that people should not do harm to any creature, was ordained of old by
+men, who were ignorant of the true facts of the case. For, O Brahmana,
+there is not a man on the face of this earth, who is free from the sin
+of doing injury to creatures. After full consideration, the conclusion
+is irresistible that there is not a single man who is free from the sin
+of doing injury to animal life. Even the sage, O good Brahmana, whose
+vow is to do harm to no creature, doth inflict injury to animal life.
+Only, on account of greater needfulness, the harm is less. Men of noble
+birth and great qualities perpetrate wicked acts in defiance of all, of
+which they are not at all ashamed. Good men acting in an exemplary way
+are not commended by other good men; nor are bad men acting in a
+contrary way praised by their wicked compeers; and friends are not
+agreeable to friends, albeit endowed with high qualities; and foolish
+pedantic men cry down the virtues of their preceptors. This reversal of
+the natural order of things, O good Brahmana, is seen everywhere in this
+world. What is thy opinion as to the virtuousness or otherwise of this
+state of things? There is much that can be said of the goodness or
+badness of our actions. But whoever is addicted to his own proper
+occupation surely acquires great reputation."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O Yudhishthira, the virtuous fowler, eminent in
+pity, then skilfully addressed himself again to that foremost of
+Brahmanas, saying, "It is the dictum of the aged that the ways of
+righteousness are subtle, diverse and infinite. When life is at stake
+and in the matter of marriage, it is proper to tell an untruth. Untruth
+sometimes leads to the triumph of truth, and the latter dwindles into
+untruth. Whichever conduces most to the good of all creatures is
+considered to be truth. Virtue is thus perverted; mark thou its subtle
+ways. O best of virtuous men, man's actions are either good or bad, and
+he undoubtedly reaps their fruits. The ignorant man having attained to
+an abject state, grossly abuses the gods, not knowing that it is the
+consequence of his own evil _karma_. The foolish, the designing and the
+fickle, O good Brahmana, always attain the very reverse of happiness or
+misery. Neither learning nor good morals, nor personal exertion can save
+them. And if the fruits of our exertion were not dependent on anything
+else, people would attain the object of their desire, by simply striving
+to attain it. It is seen that able, intelligent and diligent persons are
+baffled in their efforts, and do not attain the fruits of their actions.
+On the other hand, persons who are always active in injuring others and
+in practising deception on the world, lead a happy life. There are some
+who attain prosperity without any exertion. And there are others, who
+with the utmost exertion, are unable to achieve their dues. Miserly
+persons with the object of having sons born to them worship the gods,
+and practise severe austerities, and those sons having remained in the
+womb for ten months at length turn out to be very infamous issue of
+their race; and others begotten under the same auspices, decently pass
+their lives in luxury with heaps of riches and grain accumulated by
+their ancestors. The diseases from which men suffer, are undoubtedly the
+result of their own _karma_. They then behave like small deer at the
+hands of hunters, and they are racked with mental troubles. And, O
+Brahmana, as hunters intercept the flight of their game, the progress of
+those diseases is checked by able and skilful physicians with their
+collections of drugs. And, thou best of the cherishers of religion, thou
+hast observed that those who have it in their power to enjoy (the good
+things of this earth), are prevented from doing so from the fact of
+their suffering from chronic bowel-complaints, and that many others that
+are strong and powerful, suffer from misery, and are enabled with great
+difficulty to obtain a livelihood; and that every man is thus helpless,
+overcome by misery and illusion, and again and again tossed and
+overpowered by the powerful current of his own actions (_karma_). If
+there were absolute freedom of action, no creature would die, none would
+be subject to decay, or await his evil doom, and everybody would attain
+the object of his desire. All persons desire to out distance their
+neighbours (in the race of life), and they strive to do so to the utmost
+of their power; but the result turns out otherwise. Many are the persons
+born under the influence of the same star and the same auspices of good
+luck; but a great diversity is observable in the maturity of their
+actions. No person, O good Brahmana, can be the dispenser of his own
+lot. The actions done in a previous existence are seen to fructify in
+our present life. It is the immemorial tradition that the soul is
+eternal and everlasting, but the corporeal frame of all creatures is
+subject to destruction here (below). When therefore life is
+extinguished, the body only is destroyed, but the spirit, wedded to its
+actions, travels elsewhere."
+
+"'The Brahmana replied, "O best of those versed in the doctrine of
+_karma_, and in the delivery of discourses, I long to know accurately
+how the soul becomes eternal." The fowler replied, "The spirit dies not,
+there being simply a change of tenement. They are mistaken, who
+foolishly say that all creatures die. The soul betakes itself to another
+frame, and its change of habitation is called its death. In the world of
+men, no man reaps the consequences of another man's _karma_. Whatever
+one does, he is sure to reap the consequences thereof; for the
+consequences of the _karma_ that is once done, can never be obviated.
+The virtuous become endowed with great virtues, and sinful men become
+the perpetrators of wicked deeds. Men's actions follow them; and
+influenced by these, they are born again." The Brahmana enquired, "Why
+does the spirit take its birth, and why does its nativity become sinful
+or virtuous, and how, O good man, does it come to belong to a sinful or
+virtuous race?" The fowler replied, "This mystery seems to belong to the
+subject of procreation, but I shall briefly describe to you, O good
+Brahmana, how the spirit is born again with its accumulated load of
+_karma_, the righteous in a virtuous, and the wicked in a sinful
+nativity. By the performance of virtuous actions it attains to the state
+of the gods, and by a combination of good and evil, it acquires the
+human state; by indulgence in sensuality and similar demoralising
+practices it is born in the lower species of animals, and by sinful
+acts, it goes to the infernal regions. Afflicted with the miseries of
+birth and dotage, man is fated to rot here below from the evil
+consequences of his own actions. Passing through thousands of births as
+also the infernal regions, our spirits wander about, secured by the
+fetters of their own _karma_. Animate beings become miserable in the
+next world on account of these actions done by themselves and from the
+reaction of those miseries, they assume lower births and then they
+accumulate a new series of actions, and they consequently suffer misery
+over again, like sickly men partaking of unwholesome food; and although
+they are thus afflicted, they consider themselves to be happy and at
+ease and consequently their fetters are not loosened and new _karma_
+arises; and suffering from diverse miseries they turn about in this
+world like a wheel. If casting off their fetters they purify themselves
+by their actions and practise austerities and religious meditations,
+then, O best of Brahmanas, they attain the Elysian regions by these
+numerous acts and by casting off their fetters and by the purification
+of _karma_, men attain those blissful regions where misery is unknown to
+those who go there. The sinful man who is addicted to vices, never comes
+to the end of his course of iniquities. Therefore must we strive to do
+what is virtuous and forbear from doing what is unrighteous. Whoever
+with a heart full of gratefulness and free from malice strives to do
+what is good, attains wealth, virtue, happiness and heaven (hereafter).
+Those who are purified of sins, wise, forbearing, constant in
+righteousness, and self-restrained enjoy continuous felicity in this as
+well as in the next world. Man must follow the standard of virtue of the
+good and in his acts imitate the example of the righteous. There are
+virtuous men, versed in holy writ and learned in all departments of
+knowledge. Man's proper duty consists in following his own proper
+avocation, and this being the case these latter do not become confused
+and mixed up. The wise man delights in virtue and lives by
+righteousness. And, O good Brahmana, such a man with the wealth of
+righteousness which he hereby acquires, waters the root of the plant in
+which he finds most virtue. The virtuous man acts thus and his mind is
+calmed. He is pleased with his friends in this world and he also attains
+happiness hereafter. Virtuous people, O good man, acquire dominion over
+all and the pleasure of beauty, flavour, sound and touch according to
+their desire. These are known to be the rewards of virtue. But the man
+of enlightened vision, O great Brahmana, is not satisfied with reaping
+the fruits of righteousness. Not content with that, he with the light of
+spiritual wisdom that is in him, becomes indifferent to pain and
+pleasure and the vice of the world influenceth him not. Of his own free
+will he becometh indifferent to worldly pursuits but he forsaketh not
+virtue. Observing that everything worldly is evanescent, he trieth to
+renounce everything and counting on more chance he deviseth means for
+the attainment of salvation. Thus doth he renounce the pursuits of the
+world, shunneth the ways of sin, becometh virtuous and at last attaineth
+salvation. Spiritual wisdom is the prime requisite of men for salvation,
+resignation and forbearance are its roots. By this means he attaineth
+all the objects of this desire. But subduing the senses and by means of
+truthfulness and forbearance, he attaineth, O good Brahmana, the supreme
+asylum of _Brahma_." The Brahmana again enquired, "O thou most eminent
+in virtue and constant in the performance of the religious obligations,
+you talk of senses; what are they; how may they be subdued; and what is
+the good of subduing them; and how doth a creature reap the fruits
+thereof? O pious man, I beg to acquaint myself with the truth of this
+matter."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCIX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Hear, O king Yudhishthira what the virtuous
+fowler, thus interrogated by that Brahmana, said to him in reply. The
+fowler said, "Men's minds are at first bent on the acquisition of
+knowledge. That acquired, O good Brahmana, they indulge in their
+passions and desires, and for that end, they labour and set about tasks
+of great magnitude and indulge in much-desired pleasures of beauty,
+flavour, &c. Then follows fondness, then envy, then avarice and then
+extinction of all spiritual light. And when men are thus influenced by
+avarice, and overcome by envy and fondness, their intellect ceases to be
+guided by righteousness and they practise the very mockery of virtue.
+Practising virtue with hypocrisy, they are content to acquire wealth by
+dishonourable means with the wealth thus acquired the intelligent
+principle in them becomes enamoured of those evil ways, and they are
+filled with a desire to commit sins. And when, O good Brahmana, their
+friends and men of wisdom remonstrate with them, they are ready with
+specious answers, which are neither sound nor convincing. From their
+being addicted to evil ways, they are guilty of a threefold sin. They
+commit sin in thought, in word, as also in action. They being addicted
+to wicked ways, all their good qualities die out, and these men of
+wicked deeds cultivate the friendship of men of similar character, and
+consequently they suffer misery in this world as well as in the next.
+The sinful man is of this nature, and now hear of the man of virtue. He
+discerns these evils by means of his spiritual insight, and is able to
+discriminate between happiness and misery, and is full of respectful
+attention to men of virtue, and from practising virtues, his mind
+becomes inclined to righteousness." The Brahmana replied, "Thou hast
+given a true exposition of religion which none else is able to expound.
+Thy spiritual power is great, and thou dost appear to me to be like a
+great _Rishi_." The fowler replied, "The great Brahmanas are worshipped
+with the same honours as our ancestors and they are always propitiated
+with offerings of food before others. Wise men in this world do what is
+pleasing to them, with all their heart. And I shall, O good Brahmana,
+describe to thee what is pleasing to them, after having bowed down to
+Brahmanas as a class. Do thou learn from me the Brahmanic philosophy.
+This whole universe unconquerable everywhere and abounding in great
+elements, is Brahma, and there is nothing higher than this. The earth,
+air, water, fire and sky are the great elements. And form, odour, sound,
+touch and taste are their characteristic properties. These latter too
+have their properties which are also correlated to each other. And of
+the three qualities, which are gradually characterised by each, in order
+of priority is consciousness which is called the mind. The seventh is
+intelligence and after that comes egoism; and then the five senses, then
+the soul, then the moral qualities called _sattwa, rajas_ and _tamas_.
+These seventeen are said to be the unknown or incomprehensible
+qualities. I have described all this to thee, what else dost thou wish
+to know?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the Brahmana, thus interrogated by
+the virtuous fowler, resumed again this discourse so pleasing to the
+mind. The Brahmana said, "O best of the cherishers of religion, it is
+said that there are five great elements; do thou describe to me in full
+the properties of any one of the five." The fowler replied, "The earth,
+water, fire, air and sky all have properties interlapping each other. I
+shall describe them to thee. The earth, O Brahmana, has five qualities,
+water four, fire three and the air and sky together three also. Sound,
+touch, form, odour and taste--these five qualities belong to earth, and
+sound, touch, form and taste, O austere Brahmana, have been described to
+thee as the properties of water, and sound, touch and form are the three
+properties of fire and air has two properties sound and touch, and sound
+is the property of sky. And, O Brahmana, these fifteen properties
+inherent in five elements, exist in all substances of which this
+universe is composed. And they are not opposed to one another; they
+exist, O Brahmana, in proper combination. When this whole universe is
+thrown into a state of confusion, then every corporeal being in the
+fulness of time, assumes another _corpus_. It arises and perishes in due
+order. And there are present the five elementary substances of which all
+the mobile and immobile world is composed. Whatever is perceptible by
+the senses, is called _vyakta_ (knowable or comprehensible) and whatever
+is beyond the reach of the senses and can only be perceived by guesses,
+is known to be _avyakta_ (not _vyakta_). When a person engages in the
+discipline of self-examination, after having subdued the senses which
+have of their own proper objective play in the external conditions of
+sound, form, &c, then he beholds his own spirit pervading the universe,
+and the universe reflected in itself. He who is wedded to his previous
+_karma_, although skilled in the highest spiritual wisdom, is cognisant
+only of his soul's objective existence, but the person whose soul is
+never affected by the objective conditions around, is never subject to
+ills, owing to its absorption in the elementary spirit of Brahma. When a
+person has overcome the domination of illusion, his manly virtues
+consisting of the essence of spiritual wisdom, turn to the spiritual
+enlightenment which illumines the intelligence of sentient beings. Such
+a person is styled by the omnipotent, intelligent Spirit as one who is
+without beginning and without end, self-existent, immutable, incorporeal
+and incomparable. This, O Brahmana, that thou hast enquired of me is
+only the result of self discipline. And this self-discipline can only be
+acquired by subduing the senses. It cannot be otherwise, heaven and hell
+are both dependent on our senses. When subdued, they lead to heaven;
+when indulged in, they lead to perdition. This subjugation of the senses
+is the highest means of attaining spiritual light. Our senses are at the
+(cause) root of our spiritual advancement as also at the root of our
+spiritual degradation. By indulging in them, a person undoubtedly
+contracts vices, and by subduing these, he attains salvation. The
+self-restrained person who acquires mastery over the six senses inherent
+in our nature, is never tainted with sin, and consequently evil has no
+power over him. Man's corporeal self has been compared to a chariot, his
+soul to a charioteer and his senses to horses. A dexterous man drives
+about without confusion, like a quiet charioteer with well-broken
+horses. That man is an excellent driver who knows how to patiently wield
+the reins of those wild horses,--the six senses inherent in our nature.
+When our senses become ungovernable like horses on the high road, we
+must patiently rein them in; for with patience, we are sure to get the
+better of them. When a man's mind is overpowered by any one of these
+senses running wild, he loses his reason, and becomes like a ship tossed
+by storms upon the high ocean. Men are deceived by illusion in hoping to
+reap the fruits of those six things, whose effects are studied by
+persons of spiritual insight, who thereby reap the fruits of their clear
+perception."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXI
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the fowler having expounded these
+abstruse points, the Brahmana with great attention again enquired of him
+about these subtle topics. The Brahmana said, "Do thou truly describe to
+me, who now duly ask thee, the respective virtues of the qualities of
+_sattwa, rajas_, and _tamas_." The fowler replied, "Very well, I shall
+tell thee what thou hast asked. I shall describe separately their
+respective virtues, do thou listen. Of them _tamas_ is characterised by
+illusion (spiritual), _rajas_ incites (men to action), _sattwa_ is of
+great grandeur, and on that account, it is said to be the greatest of
+them. He who is greatly under the influence of spiritual ignorance, who
+is foolish, senseless and given to dreaming, who is idle, unenergetic
+and swayed by anger and haughtiness, is said to be under the influence
+of _tamas_. And, O Brahmana _rishi_, that excellent man who is agreeable
+in speech, thoughtful, free from envy, industrious in action from an
+eager desire to reap its fruits, and of warm temperament, is said to be
+under the influence of _rajas_. And he who is resolute, patient, not
+subject to anger, free from malice, and is not skilful in action from
+want of a selfish desire to reap its fruits, wise and forbearing, is
+said to be under the influence of _sattwa_. When a man endowed with the
+_sattwa_ quality, is influenced by worldliness, he suffers misery; but
+he hates worldliness, when he realises its full significance. And then a
+feeling of indifference to worldly affairs begins to influence him. And
+then his pride decreases, and uprightness becomes more prominent, and
+his conflicting moral sentiments are reconciled. And then self-restraint
+in any matter becomes unnecessary. A man, O Brahmana, may be born in the
+Sudra caste, but if he is possessed of good qualities, he may attain the
+state of _Vaisya_ and similarly that of a _Kshatriya_, and if he is
+steadfast in rectitude, he may even become a Brahmana. I have described
+to thee these virtues, what else dost thou wish to learn?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXII
+
+"'The Brahmana enquired, "How is it that fire (vital force) in
+combination with the earthly element (matter), becomes the corporeal
+tenement (of living creatures), and how doth the vital air (the breath
+of life) according to the nature of its seat (the muscles and nerves)
+excite to action (the corporeal frame)?"' Markandeya said, 'This
+question, O Yudhishthira, having been put to the Brahmana by the fowler,
+the latter, in reply, said to that high-minded Brahmana. (The fowler
+said):--"The vital spirit manifesting itself in the seat of
+consciousness, causes the action of the corporeal frame. And the soul
+being present in both of them acts (through them). The past, the present
+and the future are inseparably associated with the soul. And it is the
+highest of a creature's possessions; it is of the essence of the Supreme
+Spirit and we adore it. It is the animating principle of all creatures,
+and it is the eternal _pumsha_ (spirit). It is great and it is the
+intelligence and the _ego_, and it is the subjective seat of the various
+properties of elements. Thus while seated here (in a corporeal frame) it
+is sustained in all its relations external or internal (to matter or
+mind) by the subtle ethereal air called _prana_, and thereafter, each
+creature goes its own way by the action of another subtle air called
+_Samana_. And this latter transforming itself into _Apana_ air, and
+supported by the head of the stomach carries the refuse matter of the
+body, urine &c, to the kidneys and intestines. That same air is present
+in the three elements of effort, exertion and power, and in that
+condition it is called _Udana_ air by persons learned in physical
+science, and when manifesting itself by its presence at all the
+junctional points of the human system, it is known by the name _Vyana_.
+And the internal heat is diffused over all the tissues of our system,
+and supported by these kinds of air, it transforms our food and the
+tissues and the humours of our system. And by the coalition of _Prana_
+and other airs, a reaction (combination) ensues, and the heat generated
+thereby is known as the internal heat of the human system which causes
+the digestion of our food. The _Prana_ and the _Apana_ air are
+interposed within the _Samana_ and the _Udana_ air. And the heat
+generated by their coalition causes the growth of the body (consisting
+of the seven substances, bones, muscles, &c). And that portion of its
+seat extending to as far as the rectum is called _Apana_; and from that
+arteries arise in the five airs _Prana_, &c. The _Prana_ air, acted on
+by the heat strikes against the extremity of the _Apana_ region and then
+recoiling, it reacts on the heat. Above the navel is the region of
+undigested food and below it the region of digestion. And the _Prana_
+and all other airs of the system are seated in the navel. The arteries
+issuing from the heart run upwards and downwards, as also in oblique
+directions; they carry the best essence of our food, and are acted upon
+by the ten _Prana_ airs. This is the way by which patient _Yogins_ who
+have overcome all difficulties, and who view things with an impartial
+and equal eye, with their souls seated in the brain, find the Supreme
+Spirit, the _Prana_ and the _Apana_ airs are thus present in the body of
+all creatures. Know that the spirit is embodied in corporeal disguise,
+in the eleven allotropous conditions (of the animal system), and that
+though eternal, its normal state is apparently modified by its
+accompaniments,--even like the fire purified in its pan,--eternal, yet
+with its course altered by its surroundings; and that the divine thing
+which is kindred with the body is related to the latter in the same way
+as a drop of water to the sleek surface of a lotus-leaf on which it
+rolls. Know that _sattwa, rajas_ and _tamas_, are the attributes of all
+life and that life is the attribute of spirit, and that the latter again
+is an attribute of the Supreme Spirit. Inert, insensible matter is the
+seat of the living principle, which is active in itself and induces
+activity in others. That thing by which the seven worlds are incited to
+action is called the most high by men of high spiritual insight. Thus in
+all these elements, the eternal spirit does not show itself, but is
+perceived by the learned in spiritual science by reason of their high
+and keen perception. A pure-minded person, by purification of his heart,
+is able to destroy the good and evil effect of his actions and attains
+eternal beatitude by the enlightenment of his inward spirit. That state
+of peace and purification of heart is likened to the state of a person
+who in a cheerful state of mind sleeps soundly, or the brilliance of a
+lamp trimmed by a skillful hand. Such a pure-minded person living on
+spare diet perceives the Supreme Spirit reflected in his own, and by
+practising concentration of mind in the evening and small hours of the
+night, he beholds the Supreme Spirit which has no attributes, in the
+light of his heart, shining like a dazzling lamp, and thus he attains
+salvation. Avarice and anger must be subdued by all means, for this act
+constitutes the most sacred virtue that people can practise and is
+considered to be the means by which men can cross over to the other side
+of this sea of affliction and trouble. A man must preserve his
+righteousness from being overcome by the evil consequences of anger, his
+virtues from the effects of pride, his learning from the effects of
+vanity, and his own spirit from illusion. Leniency is the best of
+virtues, and forbearance is the best of powers, the knowledge of our
+spiritual nature is the best of all knowledge, and truthfulness is the
+best of all religious obligations. The telling of truth is good, and the
+knowledge of truth may also be good, but what conduces to the greatest
+good of all creatures, is known as the highest truth. He whose actions
+are performed not with the object of securing any reward or blessing,
+who has sacrificed all to the requirements of his renunciation, is a
+real _Sannyasin_ and is really wise. And as communion with Brahma cannot
+be taught to us, even by our spiritual preceptor,--he only giving us a
+clue to the mystery--renunciation of the material world is called
+_Yoga_. We must not do harm to any creature and must live in terms of
+amity with all, and in this our present existence, we must not avenge
+ourselves on any creature. Self-abnegation, peace of mind, renunciation
+of hope, and equanimity,--these are the ways by which spiritual
+enlightenment can always be secured; and the knowledge of self (one's
+own spiritual nature) is the best of all knowledge. In this world as
+well as hereafter, renouncing all worldly desires and assuming a stoic
+indifference, wherein all suffering is at rest, people should fulfil
+their religious duties with the aid of their intelligence. The _muni_
+who desires to obtain _moksha_ (salvation), which is very difficult to
+attain, must be constant in austerities, forbearing, self-restrained,
+and must give up that longing fondness which binds him to the things of
+this earth. They call these the attributes of the Supreme Spirit. The
+_gunas_ (qualities or attributes) that we are conscious of, reduce
+themselves to _agunas_ (non-gunas) in Him; He is not bound by anything,
+and is perceptible only by the expansion and development of our
+spiritual vision; as soon as the illusion of ignorance is dispelled,
+this supreme unalloyed beatitude is attained. By foregoing the objects
+of both pleasure and pain and by renouncing the feelings which bind him
+to the things of this earth, a man may attain Brahma (Supreme Spirit or
+salvation). O good Brahmana, I have now briefly explained to thee all
+this, as I have heard. What else dost thou wish to know?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'When, O Yudhishthira, all this mystery of salvation
+was explained to that Brahmana, he was highly pleased and he said
+addressing the fowler, "All this that thou hast explained, is rational,
+and it seems to me that there is nothing in connection with the
+mysteries of religion which thou dost not know." The fowler replied, "O
+good and great Brahmana, thou shalt perceive with thine own eyes, all
+the virtue that I lay claim to, and by reason of which I have attained
+this blissful state. Rise, worshipful sir, and quickly enter this inner
+apartment. O virtuous man, it is proper that thou shouldst see my father
+and my mother."' Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed the Brahmana went
+in, and beheld a fine beautiful mansion. It was a magnificent house
+divided in four suites of rooms, admired by gods and looking like one of
+their palaces; it was also furnished with seats and beds, and redolent
+of excellent perfumes. His revered parents clad in white robes, having
+finished their meals, were seated at ease. The fowler, beholding them,
+prostrated himself before them with his head at their feet. His aged
+parents then addressed him thus, "Rise, O man of piety, rise, may
+righteousness shield thee; we are much pleased with thee for thy piety;
+mayst thou be blessed with a long life, and with knowledge, high
+intelligence, and fulfilment of thy desires. Thou art a good and dutiful
+son, for, we are constantly and reasonably looked after by thee, and
+even amongst the celestials thou hast not another divinity to worship.
+By constantly subduing thyself, thou hast become endowed with the
+self-restraining power of Brahmanas and all thy grandsires and ancestors
+are constantly pleased with thee for thy self-restraining virtues and
+for thy piety towards us. In thought, word or deed thy attention to us
+never flags, and it seems that at present thou hast no other thought in
+thy mind (save as to how to please us). As Rama, the son of Jamadagni,
+laboured to please his aged parents, so hast thou, O Son, done to please
+us, and even more." Then the fowler introduced the Brahmana to his
+parents and they received him with the usual salutation of welcome, and
+the Brahmana accepting their welcome, enquired if they, with their
+children and servants, were all right at home, and if they were always
+enjoying good health at that time (of life). The aged couple replied,
+"At home, O Brahmana, we are all right, with all our servants. Hast
+thou, adorable sir, reached this place without any difficulty?"'
+Markandeya continued, 'The Brahmana replied, "Yes, I have." Then the
+fowler addressing himself to the Brahmana said to him, "These my
+parents, worshipful sir, are the idols that I worship; whatever is due
+to the gods, I do unto them. As the thirty-three gods with Indra at
+their head are worshipped by men, so are these aged parents of mine
+worshipped by me. As Brahmanas exert themselves for the purpose of
+procuring offering for their gods, so do I act with diligence for these
+two (idols of mine). These my father and mother, O Brahmana, are my
+supreme gods, and I seek to please them always with offering of flowers,
+fruits and gems. To me they are like the three sacred fires mentioned by
+the learned; and, O Brahmana, they seem to me to be as good as
+sacrifices or the four _Vedas_. My five life-giving airs, my wife and
+children and friends are all for them (dedicated to their service). And
+with my wife and children I always attend on them. O good Brahmana, with
+my own hands I assist them in bathing and also wash their feet and give
+them food and I say to them only what is agreeable, leaving out what is
+unpleasant. I consider it to be my highest duty to do what is agreeable
+to them even though it be not strictly justifiable. And, O Brahmana, I
+am always diligent in attending on them. The two parents, the sacred
+fire, the soul and the spiritual preceptor, these five, O good Brahmana,
+are worthy of the highest reverence from a person who seeks prosperity.
+By serving them properly, one acquires the merit of perpetually keeping
+up the sacred fire. And it is the eternal and invariable duty of all
+householders."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The virtuous fowler, having introduced his
+(both) parents to that Brahmana as his highest _gurus_, again spoke to
+him as follows, "Mark thou the power of this virtue of mine, by which my
+inner spiritual vision is extended. For this, thou wast told by that
+self-restrained, truthful lady, devoted to her husband, 'Hie thee to
+Mithila; for there lives a fowler who will explain to thee, the
+mysteries of religion.'" The Brahmana said, "O pious man, so constant in
+fulfilling thy religious obligations, bethinking myself of what that
+truthful good-natured lady so true to her husband, hath said, I am
+convinced that thou art really endowed with every high quality." The
+fowler replied, "I have no doubt, my lord, that what that lady, so
+faithful to her husband, said to thee about me, was said with full
+knowledge of the facts. I have, O Brahmana, explained to thee all this
+as a matter of favour. And now, good sir, listen to me. I shall explain
+what is good for thee. O good Brahmana, of irreproachable character,
+thou hast wronged thy father and thy mother, for thou hast left home
+without their permission, for the purpose of learning the _Vedas_. Thou
+hast not acted properly in this matter, for thy ascetic and aged parents
+have become entirely blind from grief at thy loss. Do thou return home
+to console them. May this virtue never forsake thee. Thou art
+high-minded, of ascetic merit, and always devoted to thy religion but
+all these have become useless to thee. Do thou without delay return to
+console thy parents. Do have some regard for my words and not act
+otherwise; I tell thee what is good for thee, O Brahmana _Rishi_. Do
+thou return home this very day." The Brahmana replied, "This that thou
+hast said, is undoubtedly true; mayst thou, O pious man, attain
+prosperity; I am much pleased with thee." The fowler said, "O Brahmana,
+as thou practisest with assiduousness those divine, ancient, and eternal
+virtues which are so difficult of attainment even by pure-minded
+persons, thou appearest (to me) like a divine being. Return to the side
+of thy father and mother and be quick and diligent in honouring thy
+parents; for, I do not know if there is any virtue higher than this."
+The Brahmana replied, "By a piece of singular good luck have I arrived
+here, and by a piece of similar good luck have I thus been associated
+with thee. It is very difficult to find out, in our midst, a person who
+can so well expound the mysteries of religion; there is scarcely one man
+among thousands, who is well versed in the science of religion. I am
+very glad, O great man, to have secured thy friendship; mayst thou be
+prosperous. I was on the point of falling into hell, but was extricated
+by thee. It was destined to be so, for thou didst (unexpectedly) come in
+my way. And, O great man, as the fallen King Yayati was saved by his
+virtuous grandsons (daughter's sons), so have I know been saved by thee.
+According to thy advice, I shall honour my father and my mother; for a
+man with an impure heart can never expound the mysteries of sin and
+righteousness. As it is very difficult for a person born in the Sudra
+class to learn the mysteries of the eternal religion, I do not consider
+thee to be a Sudra. There must surely be some mystery in connection with
+this matter. Thou must have attained the Sudra's estate by reason of the
+fruition of thine own past _karma_. O magnanimous man, I long to know
+the truth about this matter. Do thou tell it to me with attention and
+according to thy own inclination."
+
+"'The fowler replied, "O good Brahmana, Brahmanas are worthy of all
+respect from me. Listen, O sinless one, to this story of a previous
+existence of mine. O son of an excellent Brahmana, I was formerly a
+Brahmana, well-read in the _Vedas_, and an accomplished student of the
+_Vedangas_. Through my own fault I have been degraded to my present
+state. A certain king, accomplished in the science of _dhanurveda_
+(science of archery), was my friend; and from his companionship, O
+Brahmana, I, too became skilled in archery; and one day the king, in
+company with his ministers and followed by his best warriors, went out
+on a hunting expedition. He killed a large number of deer near a
+hermitage. I, too, O good Brahmana, discharged a terrible arrow. And a
+_rishi_ was wounded by that arrow with its head bent out. He fell down
+upon the ground, and screaming loudly said, 'I have harmed no one, what
+sinful man has done this?' And, my lord, taking him for a deer, I went
+up to him and found that he was pierced through the body by my arrow. On
+account of my wicked deed I was sorely grieved (in mind). And then I
+said to that _rishi_ of severe ascetic merit, who was loudly crying,
+lying upon the ground, 'I have done this unwittingly, O _rishi_.' And
+also this I said to the _muni_: 'Do thou think it proper to pardon all
+this transgression.' But, O Brahmana, the _rishi_, lashing himself into
+a fury, said to me, 'Thou shalt be born as a cruel fowler in the Sudra
+class.'"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXV
+
+"'The fowler continued, "Thus cursed by that _rishi_, I sought to
+propitiate him with these words: 'Pardon me, O _muni_, I have done this
+wicked deed unwittingly. It behooves thee to pardon all that. Do thou,
+worshipful sir, soothe yourself.' The _rishi_ replied, 'The curse that I
+have pronounced can never be falsified, this is certain. But from
+kindness towards thee, I shall do thee a favour. Though born in the
+Sudra class thou shalt remain a pious man and thou shalt undoubtedly
+honour thy parents; and by honouring them thou shalt attain great
+spiritual perfection; thou shalt also remember the events of thy past
+life and shalt go to heaven; and on the expiation of this curse, thou
+shalt again become a Brahmana.' O best of men, thus, of old was I cursed
+by that _rishi_ of severe power, and thus was he propitiated by me.
+Then, O good Brahmana, I extricated the arrow from his body, and took
+him into the hermitage, but he was not deprived of his life (recovered).
+O good Brahmana, I have thus described to thee what happened to me of
+old, and also how I can go to heaven hereafter." The Brahmana said, "O
+thou of great intelligence, all men are thus subject to happiness or
+misery, thou shouldst not therefore grieve for that. In obedience to the
+customs of thy (present) race, thou hast pursued these wicked ways, but
+thou art always devoted to virtue and versed in the ways and mysteries
+of the world. And, O learned man, these being the duties of thy
+profession, the stain of evil _karma_ will not attach to thee. And after
+dwelling here for some little time, thou shalt again become a Brahmana;
+and even now, I consider thee to be a Brahmana, there is no doubt about
+this. For the Brahmana who is vain and haughty, who is addicted to vices
+and wedded to evil and degrading practices, is like a Sudra. On the
+other hand, I consider a Sudra who is always adorned with these
+virtues,--righteousness, self-restraint, and truthfulness,--as a
+Brahmana. A man becomes a Brahmana by his character; by his own evil
+_karma_ a man attains an evil and terrible doom. O good man, I believe
+that sin in thee has now died out. Thou must not grieve for this, for
+men, like thee who art so virtuous and learned in the ways and mysteries
+of the world, can have no cause for grief."
+
+"'The fowler replied, "The bodily afflictions should be cured with
+medicines, and the mental ones with spiritual wisdom. This is the power
+of knowledge. Knowing this, the wise should not behave like boys. Men of
+low intelligence are overpowered with grief at the occurrence of
+something which is not agreeable to them, or non-occurrence of something
+which is good or much desired. Indeed, all creatures are subject to this
+characteristic (of grief or happiness). It is not merely a single
+creature or class that is subject to misery. Cognisant of this evil,
+people quickly mend their ways, and if they perceive it at the very
+outset they succeed in curing it altogether. Whoever grieves for it,
+only makes himself uneasy. Those wise men whose knowledge has made them
+happy and contented, and who are indifferent to happiness and misery
+alike, are really happy. The wise are always contented and the foolish
+always discontented. There is no end to discontentment, and contentment
+is the highest happiness. People who have reached the perfect way, do
+not grieve, they are always conscious of the final destiny of all
+creatures. One must not give way to discontent[17] for it is like a
+virulent poison. It kills persons of undeveloped intelligence, just as a
+child is killed by an enraged snake. That man has no manliness whose
+energies have left him and who is overpowered with perplexity when an
+occasion for the exercise of vigour presents itself. Our actions are
+surely followed by their consequences. Whoever merely gives himself up
+to passive indifference (to worldly affairs) accomplishes no good.
+Instead of murmuring one must try to find out the way by which he can
+secure exemption from (spiritual) misery; and the means of salvation
+found, he must then free himself from sensuality. The man who has
+attained a high state of spiritual knowledge is always conscious of the
+great deficiency (instability) of all matter. Such a person keeping in
+view the final doom (of all), never grieves. I too, O learned man, do
+not grieve; I stay here (in this life) biding my time. For this reason,
+O best of men, I am not perplexed (with doubts)". The Brahmana said,
+"Thou art wise and high in spiritual knowledge and vast is thy
+intelligence. Thou who art versed in holy writ, art content with thy
+spiritual wisdom. I have no cause to find fault with thee. Adieu, O best
+of pious men, mayst thou be prosperous, and may righteousness shield
+thee, and mayst thou be assiduous in the practice of virtue."'
+
+    [17] _Vishada_ is the original. It means discontent, but here it
+    means more a mixture of discontent, perplexity and confusion
+    than mere discontent.
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The fowler said to him, "Be it so." And the good
+Brahmana walked round him[18] and then departed. And the Brahmana
+returning home was duly assiduous in his attention to his old parents. I
+have thus, O pious Yudhishthira, narrated in detail to thee this history
+full of moral instruction, which thou, my good son, didst ask me to
+recite,--the virtue of women's devotion to their husbands and that of
+filial piety.' Yudhishthira replied, 'O most pious Brahmana and best of
+_munis_, thou hast related to me this good and wonderful moral story;
+and listening to thee, O learned man, my time has glided away like a
+moment; but, O adorable sir, I am not as yet satiated with hearing this
+moral[19] discourse.'"
+
+    [18] A form of Hindu etiquette at parting.
+
+    [19] It is so very difficult to translate the word
+    _Karma_,--religion and morals were invariably associated with
+    each other in ancient Hindu mind.
+
+
+SECTION CCXVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "The virtuous king Yudhishthira, having listened
+to this excellent religious discourse, again addressed himself to the
+_rishi_ Markandeya saying, 'Why did the fire-god hide himself in water
+in olden times, and why is it that Angiras of great splendour
+officiating as fire-god, used to convey[20] oblations during his
+dissolution. There is but one fire, but according to the nature of its
+action, it is seen to divide itself into many. O worshipful sir, I long
+to be enlightened on all these points,--How the Kumara[21] was born, how
+he came to be known as the son of Agni (the fire-god) and how he was
+begotten by Rudra or Ganga and Krittika. O noble scion of Bhrigu's race,
+I desire to learn all this accurately as it happened. O great _muni_, I
+am thrilled with great curiosity.' Markandeya replied, 'In this
+connection this old story is cited by the learned, as to how the carrier
+of oblations (the fire-god) in a fit of rage, sought the waters of the
+sea in order to perform a penance, and how the adorable Angiras
+transforming himself into the fire-god,[22] destroyed darkness and
+distressed the world with his scorching rays. In olden times, O
+long-armed hero, the great Angiras performed a wonderful penance in his
+hermitage; he even excelled the fire-god, the carrier of oblations, in
+splendour and in that state he illumined the whole universe. At that
+time the fire-god was also performing a penance and was greatly
+distressed by his (Angirasa's) effulgence. He was greatly depressed, but
+did not know what to do. Then that adorable god thought within himself,
+"Brahma has created another fire-god for this universe. As I have been
+practising austerities, my services as the presiding deity of fire have
+been dispensed with;" and then he considered how he could re-establish
+himself as the _god_ of fire. He beheld the great _muni_ giving heat to
+the whole universe like fire, and approached him slowly with fear. But
+Angiras said to him, "Do thou quickly re-establish yourself as the fire
+animating the universe, thou art well-known in the three stable worlds
+and thou wast first created by Brahma to dispel darkness. Do thou, O
+destroyer of darkness, quickly occupy thine own proper place." Agni
+replied, "My reputation has been injured now in this world. And thou art
+become the fire-god, and people will know thee, and not me, as fire. I
+have relinquished my god-hood of fire, do thou become the primeval fire
+and I shall officiate as the second or Prajapatyaka fire." Angiras
+replied, "Do thou become the fire-god and the destroyer of darkness and
+do thou attend to thy sacred duty of clearing people's way to heaven,
+and do thou, O lord, make me speedily thy first child."' Markandeya
+continued, 'Hearing these words of Angiras, the fire-god did as desired,
+and, O king, Angiras had a son named Vrihaspati. Knowing him to be the
+first son of Angiras by Agni, the gods, O Bharata, came and enquired
+about the mystery. And thus asked by the gods he then enlightened them,
+and the gods then accepted the explanation of Angiras. In this
+connection, I shall describe to thee religious sorts of fire of great
+effulgence which are here variously known in the Brahmanas[23] by their
+respective uses.'"
+
+    [20] Agni or fire was supposed to convey the oblations offered
+    by men to the gods.
+
+    [21] _Kumara_ means a boy, hence a prince. Here Kartika the
+    war-god is meant.
+
+    [22] By carrying their oblations to the gods.
+
+    [23] Portions of the Vedas.
+
+
+SECTION CCXVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O ornament of Kuru's race, he (Angiras) who was
+the third son of Brahma had a wife of the name of Subha. Do thou hear of
+the children he had by her. His son Vrihaspati, O king, was very famous,
+large-hearted and of great bodily vigour. His genius and learning were
+profound, and he had a great reputation as a counsellor. Bhanumati was
+his first-born daughter. She was the most beautiful of all his children.
+Angiras's second daughter was called Raga.[24] She was so named because
+she was the object of all creature's love. Siniwali was the third
+daughter of Angiras. Her body was of such slender make that she was
+visible at one time and invisible at another; and for this reason she
+was likened to _Rudra's_ daughter. Archismati was his fourth daughter,
+she was so named from her great refulgence. And his fifth daughter was
+called _Havishmati_, so named from her accepting _havis_ or oblations.
+The sixth daughter of Angiras was called Mahismati the pious. O
+keen-witted being, the seventh daughter of Angiras is known by the name
+of Mahamati, who is always present at sacrifices of great splendour, and
+that worshipful daughter of Angiras, whom they call unrivalled and
+without portion, and about whom people utter the words _kuhu kuhu_
+(wonder), is known by the name of Kuhu.'"
+
+    [24] _Raga_ means love.
+
+
+SECTION CCXVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Vrihaspati had a wife (called Tara) belonging to
+the lunar world. By her, he had six sons partaking of the energy of
+fire, and one daughter. The fire in whose honour oblations of clarified
+butter are offered at the Paurnamasya and other sacrifices, was a son of
+Vrihaspati called Sanju; he was of great ascetic merit. At the
+_Chaturmasya_ (four-monthly) and _Aswamedha_ (horse) sacrifices, animals
+are offered first in his honour, and this powerful fire is indicated by
+numerous flames. Sanju's wife was called Satya, she was of matchless
+beauty and she sprang from Dharma (righteousness) for the sake of truth.
+The blazing fire was his son, and he had three daughters of great
+religious merit. The fire which is honoured with the first oblations at
+sacrifices is his first son called Bharadwaja. The second son of Sanju
+is called Bharata in whose honour oblations of clarified butter are
+offered with the sacrificial ladle (called Sruk) at all the full moon
+(_Paurnamasaya_) sacrifices. Beside these three sons of whom Bharata is
+the senior, he had a son named Bharata and a daughter called Bharati.
+The Bharata fire is the son of _Prajapati_ Bharata _Agni_ (fire). And, O
+ornament of Bharata's race, because he is greatly honoured, he is also
+called the great. Vira is Bharadwaja's wife; she gave birth to Vira. It
+is said by the Brahmanas that he is worshipped like _Soma_ (with the
+same hymns) with offerings of clarified butter. He is joined with Soma
+in the secondary oblation of clarified butter and is also called
+Rathaprabhu, Rathadhwana and Kumbhareta. He begot a son named Siddhi by
+his wife Sarayu, and enveloped the sun with his splendour and from being
+the presiding genius of the fire sacrifice he is ever mentioned in the
+hymns in praise of fire. And the fire _Nischyavana_ praises the earth
+only; he never suffers in reputation, splendour and prosperity. The
+sinless fire Satya blazing with pure flame is his son. He is free from
+all taint and is not defiled by sin, and is the regulator of time. That
+fire has another name Nishkriti, because he accomplished the _Nishkriti_
+(relief) of all blatant creatures here. When properly worshipped he
+vouchsafes good fortune. His son is called Swana, who is the generator
+of all diseases; he inflicts severe sufferings on people for which they
+cry aloud, and moves in the intelligence of the whole universe. And the
+other fire (Vrihaspati's third son) is called Viswajit by men of
+spiritual wisdom. The fire, which is known as the internal heat by which
+the food of all creatures is digested, is the fourth son of Vrihaspati
+known through all the worlds, O Bharata, by the name of Viswabhuk. He is
+self-restrained, of great religious merit, and is a _Brahmacharin_ and
+he is worshipped by Brahmanas at the Paka-sacrifices. The sacred river
+Gomati was his wife and by her all religious-minded men perform their
+rites. And that terrible water-drinking sea fire called Vadava is the
+fifth son of Vrihaspati. This Brahmic fire has a tendency to move
+upwards and hence it is called _Urdhvabhag_, and is seated in the vital
+air called _Prana_. The sixth son is called the great Swishtakrit; for
+by him oblations became _swishta_ (_su_, excellently, and _ishta_,
+offered) and the _udagdhara_ oblation is always made in his honour. And
+when all creatures are claimed, the fire called Manyauti becomes filled
+with fury. This inexorably terrible and highly irascible fire is the
+daughter of Vrihaspati, and is known as _Swaha_ and is present in all
+matter. (By the respective influence of the three qualities of _sattwa,
+rajas_ and _tamas_, Swaha had three sons). By reason of the first she
+had a son who was equaled by none in heaven in personal beauty, and
+from this fact he was surnamed by the gods as the _Kama_-fire.[25] (By
+reason of the second) she had a son called the _Amogha_ or invincible
+fire, the destroyer of his enemies in battle. Assured of success he
+curbs his anger and is armed with a bow and seated on a chariot and
+adorned with wreaths of flowers. (From the action of the third quality)
+she had a son, the great _Uktha_ (the means of salvation) praised by
+(akin to) three Ukthas.[26] He is the originator of the great word[27]
+and is therefore known as the Samaswasa or the means of rest
+(salvation).'"
+
+    [25] Kama is the name of the god of love, Indian Cupid.
+
+    [26] The body, the exciting Cause of our actions is an _uktha_,
+    the soul of the vivifier of the body is the second _uktha_, and
+    the Supreme Spirit, the inciter of the soul is the third.
+
+    [27] The word of God.
+
+
+SECTION CCXIX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'He (_Uktha_) performed a severe penance lasting
+for many years, with the view of having a pious son equal unto _Brahma_
+in reputation. And when the invocation was made with the _vyahriti_
+hymns and with the aid of the five sacred fires, _Kasyapa, Vasistha,
+Prana_, the son of _Prana, Chyavana_, the son of _Angiras_, and
+_Suvarchaka_--there arose a very bright energy (force) full of the
+animating (creative) principle, and of five different colours. Its head
+was of the colour of the blazing fire, its arms were bright like the sun
+and its skin and eyes were golden-coloured and its feet, O Bharata, were
+black. Its five colours were given to it by those five men by reason of
+their great penance. This celestial being is therefore described as
+appertaining to five men, and he is the progenitor of five tribes. After
+having performed a penance for ten thousand years, that being of great
+ascetic merit produced the terrible fire appertaining to the _Pitris_
+(manes) in order to begin the work of creation, and from his head and
+mouth respectively he created Vrihat and Rathantara (day and night) who
+quickly steal away (life, &c.). He also created Siva from his navel,
+Indra from his might and wind and fire from his soul, and from his two
+arms sprang the hymns _Udatta_ and _Anudatta_. He also produced the
+mind, and the five senses, and other creatures. Having created these, he
+produced the five sons of the _Pitris_. Of these _Pranidhi_ was the son
+of _Vrihadratha_. Vrihadratha was the son of Kasyapa. Bhanu was the
+godson of Chyavana, Saurabha, the son of Suvarchaka, and Anudatta, the
+son of Prana. These twenty-five beings are reputed (to have been created
+by him). Tapa also created fifteen other gods who obstruct
+sacrifices[28]. They are Subhima, Bhima, Atibhima, Bhimavala, Avala,
+Sumitra, Mitravana, Mitasina, Mitravardhana and Mitradharaman,[29] and
+Surapravira, Vira, Suveka, Suravarchas and Surahantri. These gods are
+divided into three classes of five each. Located here in this world,
+they destroy the sacrifices of the gods in heaven; they frustrate their
+objects and spoil their oblations of clarified butter. They do this only
+to spite the sacred fires carrying oblations to the gods. If the
+officiating priests are careful, they place the oblations in their
+honour outside of the sacrificial altar. To that particular place where
+the sacred fire may be placed, they cannot go. They carry the oblation
+of their votaries by means of wings. When appeased by hymns, they do not
+frustrate the sacrificial rites. Vrihaduktha, another son of Tapa,
+belongs to the Earth. He is worshipped here in this world by pious men
+performing _Agnihotra_ sacrifices. Of the son of Tapa who is known as
+Rathantara, it is said by officiating priests that the sacrificial
+oblation offered in his honour is offered to Mitravinda. The celebrated
+Tapa was thus very happy with his sons.'"
+
+    [28] In Hindu Mythology there are no gods who destroy
+    sacrifices. It is only the Asuras who do so. The Burdwan
+    translator renders this passage,--"fifteen other gods belonging
+    to western nations or _Asuras_." It is noticeable that the
+    beings that were denounced as _Asuras_ by the Hindus were
+    worshipped as Gods (_Asuras_) by the followers of Zarathustra.
+
+    [29] In connection with the names of these Mitra-gods, it is to
+    be remembered that Mitra was the name of the principal god of
+    the ancient Persians.
+
+
+SECTION CCXX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The fire called Bharata was bound by severe
+rules of asceticism. Pushtimati is another name of his fire; for when he
+is satisfied he vouchsafes _pushti_ (development) to all creatures, and
+for this reason he is called _Bharata_ (or the Cherisher). And that
+other fire, by name Siva, is devoted to the worship of Sakti (the forces
+of the presiding deity of the forces of Nature), and because he always
+relieves the sufferings of all creatures afflicted with misery, he is
+called Siva (the giver of good). And on the acquisition of great ascetic
+wealth by _Tapa_, an intelligent son named Puranda was born to inherit
+the same. Another son named Ushma was also born. This fire is observed
+in the vapour of all matter. A third son Manu was born. He officiated as
+Prajapati. The Brahmanas who are learned in the Vedas, then speak of the
+exploits of the fire Sambhu. And after that the bright Avasathya fire of
+great refulgence is spoken of by the Brahmanas. Tapa thus created the
+five Urjaskara fires, all bright as gold. These all share the _Soma_
+drink in sacrifices. The great sun-god when fatigued (after his day's
+labours) is known as the Prasanta fire. He created the terrible _Asuras_
+and various other creatures of the earth. Angiras, too created the
+_Prajapati_ Bhanu, the son of Tapa. He is also called Vrihadbhanu (the
+great Bhanu) by Brahmanas learned in the _Vedas_. Bhanu married Supraja,
+and Brihadbhanu the daughter of Surya (the sun-god). They gave birth to
+six sons; do thou hear of their progeny. The fire who gives strength to
+the weak is called Valada (or the giver of strength). He is the first
+son of Bhanu, and that other fire who looks terrible when all the
+elements are in a tranquil state is called the Manjuman fire; he is the
+second son of Bhanu. And the fire in whose honour oblations of clarified
+butter are enjoined to be made here at the _Darsa_ and _Paurnamasya_
+sacrifices and who is known as Vishnu in this world, is (the third son
+of Bhanu) called Angiras, or Dhritiman. And the fire to whom with Indra,
+the _Agrayana_ oblation is enjoined to be made is called the Agrayana
+fire. He is the (fourth) son of Bhanu. The fifth son of Bhanu is Agraha
+who is the source of the oblations which are daily made for the
+performance of the _Chaturmasya_ (four-monthly) rites. And Stuva is the
+sixth son of Bhanu. Nisa was the name of another wife of that Manu who
+is known by the name of Bhanu. She gave birth to one daughter, the two
+Agnishtomas, and also five other fire-gods. The resplendent fire-god who
+is honoured with the first oblations in company with the presiding deity
+of the clouds is called Vaiswanara. And that other fire who is called
+the lord of all the worlds is Viswapati, the second son of Manu. And the
+daughter of Manu is called Swistakrit, because by oblations unto her one
+acquires great merit. Though she was the daughter of Hiranyakasipu, she
+yet became his wife for her evil deeds. She is, however, one of the
+Prajapatis. And that other fire which has its seats in the vital airs of
+all creatures and animates their bodies, is called Sannihita. It is the
+cause of our perceptions of sound and form. That divine spirit whose
+course is marked with black and white stains, who is the supporter of
+fire, and who, though free from sin, is the accomplisher of desired
+_karma_, whom the wise regard as a great _Rishi_, is the fire Kapila,
+the propounder of the _Yoga_ system called Sankhya. The fire through
+whom the elementary spirits always receive the offerings called _Agra_
+made by other creatures at the performance of all the peculiar rites in
+this world is called Agrani. And these other bright fires famous in the
+world, were created for the rectification of the _Agnihotra_ rites when
+marred by any defects. If the fires interlap each other by the action of
+the wind, then the rectification must be made with the _Ashtakapala_
+rites in honour of the fire Suchi. And if the southern fire comes in
+contact with the two other fires, then rectification must be made by the
+performance of the _Ashtakapala_ rites in honour of the fire Viti. If
+the fires in their place called Nivesa come in contact with the fire
+called Devagni, then the _Ashtakapala_ rites must be performed in honour
+of the fire Suchi for rectification. And if the perpetual fire is
+touched by a woman in her monthly course, then for rectification the
+_Ashtakapala_ rites must be performed in honour of the fire called
+Dasyuman. If at the time of the performance of this _Agnihotra_ rites
+the death of any creature is spoken of, or if animals die, then
+rectification must be made with the performance of the _Ashtakapala_
+rites in honour of the Suraman fire. The Brahmana, who while suffering
+from a disease is unable to offer oblations to the sacred fire for three
+nights, must make amends for the same by performing the _Ashtakapala_
+rites in honour of the northern fire. He who has performed the _Darsa_
+and the _Paurnamasya_ rites must make the rectification with the
+performance of the _Ashtakapala_ rites in honour of the Patikrit fire.
+If the fire of a lying-in room comes in contact with the perpetual
+sacred fire, then rectification must be made with the performance of
+_Ashtakapala_ rites in honour of the Agniman fire.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXI
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Mudita, the favourite wife of the fire Swaha,
+used to live in water. And Swaha who was the regent of the earth and sky
+begot in that wife of his a highly sacred fire called Advanta. There is
+a tradition amongst learned Brahmanas that this fire is the ruler and
+inner soul of all creatures. He is worshipful, resplendent and the lord
+of all the great _Bhutas_ here. And that fire, under the name of
+Grihapati, is ever worshipped at all sacrifices and conveys all the
+oblations that are made in this world. That great son of Swaha--the
+great Adbhuta fire is the soul of the waters and the prince and regent
+of the sky and the lord of everything great. His (son), the Bharata
+fire, consumes the dead bodies of all creatures. His first Kratu is
+known as Niyata at the performance of the _Agnishtoma_ sacrifice. That
+powerful prime fire (_Swaha_) is always missed by the gods, because when
+he sees Niyata approaching him he hides himself in the sea from fear of
+contamination. Searching for him in every direction, the gods could not
+(once) find him out and on beholding Atharvan the fire said to him, "O
+valiant being, do thou carry the oblations for the gods! I am disabled
+from want of strength. Attaining the state of the red-eyed fire, do thou
+condescend to do me this favour!" Having thus advised Atharvan, the fire
+went away to some other place. But his place of concealment was divulged
+by the finny tribe. Upon them the fire pronounced this curse in anger,
+"You shall be the food of all creatures in various ways." And then that
+carrier of oblations spoke unto _Atharvan_ (as before). Though entreated
+by the gods, he did not agree to continue carrying their oblations. He
+then became insensible and instantly gave up the ghost. And leaving his
+material body, he entered into the bowels of the earth. Coming into
+contact with the earth, he created the different metals. Force and scent
+arose from his pus; the _Deodar_ pine from his bones; glass from his
+phlegm; the _Marakata_ jewel from his bile; and the black iron from his
+liver. And all the world has been embellished with these three
+substances (wood, stone and iron). The clouds were made from his nails,
+and corals from his veins. And, O king, various other metals were
+produced from his body. Thus leaving his material body, he remained
+absorbed in (spiritual) meditation. He was roused by the penance of
+Bhrigu and Angiras. The powerful fire thus gratified with penance,
+blazed forth intensely. But on beholding the _Rishi_ (Atharvan), he
+again sought his watery refuge. At this extinction of the fire, the
+whole world was frightened, and sought the protection of Atharvan, and
+the gods and others began to worship him. Atharvan rummaged the whole
+sea in the presence of all those beings eager with expectation, and
+finding out the fire, himself began the work of creation. Thus in olden
+times the fire was destroyed and called back to life by the adorable
+Atharvan. But now he invariably carries the oblations of all creatures.
+Living in the sea and travelling about various countries, he produced
+the various fires mentioned in the _Vedas_.
+
+"'The river Indus, the five rivers (of the Punjab), the Sone, the
+Devika, the Saraswati, the Ganga, the Satakumbha, the Sarayu, the
+Gandaki, the Charmanwati, the Mahi, the Medha, the Medhatithi, the three
+rivers Tamravati, the Vetravati, and the Kausiki; the Tamasa, the
+Narmada, the Godavari, the Vena, the Upavena, the Bhima, the Vadawa, the
+Bharati, the Suprayoga, the Kaveri, the Murmura, the Tungavenna, the
+Krishnavenna and the Kapila, these rivers, O Bharata, are said to be the
+mothers of the fires! The fire called Adbhuta had a wife of the name
+of Priya, and Vibhu was the eldest of his sons by her. There are as many
+different kinds of _Soma sacrifices_ as the number of fires mentioned
+before. All this race of fires, first-born of the spirit of Brahma,
+sprang also from the race of Atri. Atri in his own mind conceived these
+sons, desirous of extending the creation. By this act, the fires came
+out of his own Brahmic frame. I have thus narrated to thee the history
+of the origin of these fires. They are great, resplendent, and
+unrivalled in power, and they are the destroyers of darkness. Know that
+the powers of those fires are the same as those of the Adbhuta fire as
+related in the Vedas. For all these fires are one and same. This
+adorable being, the first born fire, must be considered as one. For like
+the _Jyotishtoma_ sacrifice he came out of Angiras body in various
+forms. I have thus described to thee the history of the great race of
+Agni (fires) who when duly worshipped with the various hymns, carry the
+oblations of all creatures to the gods.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O sinless scion of Kuru's race, I have described
+to thee the various branches of the race of Agni. Listen now to the
+story of the birth of the intelligent Kartikeya. I shall tell thee of
+that wonderful and famous and highly energetic son of the Adbhuta fire
+begotten of the wives of the _Brahmarshis_. In ancient times the _gods_
+and _Asuras_ were very active in destroying one another. And the
+terrible _Asuras_ always succeeded in defeating the gods. And Purandara
+(Indra) beholding the great slaughter of his armies by them and anxious
+to find out a leader for the celestial host, thought within himself, "I
+must find out a mighty person who observing the ranks of the celestial
+army shattered by the _Danavas_ will be able to reorganize it with
+vigour." He then repaired to the Manasa mountains and was there deeply
+absorbed in thought of nature, when he heard the heart-rending cries of
+a woman to the effect, "May some one come quick and rescue me, and
+either indicate a husband for me, or be my husband himself." Purandara
+said to her, "Do not be afraid, lady!" And having said these words, he
+saw Kesin (an _Asura_) adorned with a crown and mace in hand standing
+even like a hill of metals at a distance and holding that lady by the
+hand. Vasava addressed then that _Asura_ saying, "Why art thou bent on
+behaving insolently to this lady? Know that I am the god who wields the
+thunderbolt. Refrain thou from doing any violence to this lady." To him
+Kesin replied, "Do thou, O Sakra, leave her alone. I desire to possess
+her. Thinkest thou, O slayer of Paka, that thou shalt be able to return
+home with thy life?" With these words Kesin hurled his mace for slaying
+Indra. Vasava cut it up in its course with his thunderbolt. Then Kesin,
+furious with rage, hurled a huge mass of rock at him. Beholding that, he
+of a hundred sacrifices rent it asunder with his thunderbolt, and it
+fell down upon the ground. And Kesin himself was wounded by that falling
+mass of rock. Thus sorely afflicted, he fled leaving the lady behind.
+And when the _Asura_ was gone, Indra said to that lady, "Who and whose
+wife art thou, O lady with a beautiful face, and what has brought thee
+here?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXIII
+
+"'The lady replied, "I am a daughter of Prajapati (the lord of all
+creatures, Brahma) and my name is Devasena. My sister Daityasena has ere
+this been ravished by Kesin. We two sisters with our maids habitually
+used to come to these Manasa mountains for pleasures with the permission
+of Prajapati. And the great _Asura_ Kesin used daily to pay his court to
+us. Daityasena, O conqueror of Paka, listened to him, but I did not.
+Daityasena was, therefore, taken away by him, but, O illustrious one,
+thou hast rescued me with thy might. And now, O lord of the celestials,
+I desire that thou shouldst select an invincible husband for me." To
+this Indra replied, "Thou art a cousin of mine, thy mother being a
+sister of my mother Dakshayani, and now I desire to hear thee relate
+thine own prowess." The lady replied, "O hero with long arms, I am
+_Avala_[30] (weak) but my husband must be powerful. And by the potency
+of my father's boon, he will be respected by _gods_ and _Asuras_ alike."
+Indra said, "O blameless creature, I wish to hear from thee, what sort
+of power thou wishest thy husband to possess." The lady replied, "That
+manly and famous and powerful being devoted to Brahma, who is able to
+conquer all the celestials, _Asuras, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Uragas,
+Rakshasas_, and the evil-minded _Daityas_ and to subdue all the worlds
+with thee, shall be my husband."'
+
+    [30] _Avala_ is a common name of women. It means one who has no
+    vala or strength or power. The word is also used as an
+    adjective.
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing her speech, Indra was grieved and
+deeply thought within himself, "There is no husband for this lady,
+answering to her own description." And that god adorned with sun-like
+effulgence, then perceived the Sun rising on the Udaya hill,[31] and the
+great Soma (Moon) gliding into the Sun. It being the time of the new
+Moon, he of a hundred sacrifices, at the _Raudra_[32] moment, observed
+the gods and _Asuras_ fighting on the Sunrise hill. And he saw that the
+morning twilight was tinged with red clouds. And he also saw that the
+abode of Varuna had become blood-red. And he also observed Agni
+conveying oblations offered with various hymns by Bhrigu, Angiras, and
+others and entering the disc of the Sun. And he further saw the twenty
+four _Parvas_ adorning the Sun, and the terrible Soma also present in
+the Sun under such surroundings. And observing this union of the Sun and
+the Moon and that fearful conjunction of theirs, Sakra thought within
+himself, "This terrific conjunction of the Sun and the Moon forebodeth a
+fearful battle on the morrow. And the river Sindhu (Indus) too is
+flowing with a current of fresh blood and the jackals with fiery laces
+are crying to the Sun. This great conjunction is fearful and full of
+energy. This union of the Moon (Soma) with the Sun and Agni is very
+wonderful. And if Soma giveth birth to a son now, that son may become
+the husband of this lady. And Agni also hath similar surroundings now,
+and he too is a god. If the two begetteth a son, that son may become the
+husband of this lady." With these thoughts that illustrious celestial
+repaired to the regions of Brahma, taking Devasena[33] with him. And
+saluting the Grandsire he said unto him, "Do thou fix a renowned warrior
+as husband of this lady." Brahma replied, "O slayer of _Asuras_, it
+shall be as thou hast intended. The issue of that union will be mighty
+and powerful accordingly. That powerful being will be the husband of
+this lady and the joint leader of thy forces with thee." Thus addressed,
+the lord of the celestials and the lady bowed unto him and then repaired
+to the place where those great Brahmanas, the powerful celestial
+_Rishis_, Vasistha and others, lived. And with Indra at their head, the
+other gods also, desirous of drinking the Soma beverage, repaired to the
+sacrifices of those _Rishis_ to receive their respective shares of the
+offerings. Having duly performed the ceremonies with the bright blazing
+fire, those great-minded persons offered oblations to the celestials.
+And the _Adbhuta_ fire, that carrier of oblations, was invited with
+_mantras_. And coming out of the solar disc, that lordly fire duly
+repaired thither, restraining speech. And, O chief of Bharata's race,
+that fire entering the sacrificial fire that had been ignited and into
+which various offerings were made by the _Rishis_ with recitations of
+hymns, took them with him and made them over to the dwellers of heaven.
+And while returning from that place, he observed the wives of those
+high-souled _Rishis_ sleeping at their ease on their beds. And those
+ladies had a complexion beautiful like that of an altar of gold,
+spotless like moon-beams, resembling fiery flames and looking like
+blazing stars. And seeing those wives of the illustrious Brahmanas with
+eager eyes, his mind became agitated and he was smitten with their
+charms. Restraining his heart he considered it improper for him to be
+thus agitated. And he said unto himself, "The wives of these great
+Brahmanas are chaste and faithful and beyond the reach of other people's
+desires. I am filled with desire to possess them. I cannot lawfully cast
+my eyes upon them, nor ever touch them when they are not filled with
+desire. I shall, therefore, gratify myself daily with only looking at
+them by becoming their _Garhapatya_ (house-hold) fire."'
+
+    [31] According to the Hindus, the sun rises from and sets behind
+    two hills respectively. He rises from the _Udaya_ or Sun-rise
+    hill and sets behind the _Asta_ or sun-set hill.
+
+    [32] _Raudra_--belonging to Rudra, the god of fury, violence,
+    war, &c.
+
+    [33] _Devasena_ literally means the celestial army. This fable
+    seems to be an allegorical representation of the attempts made
+    by Indra to procure a leader for the celestial host.
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The _Adbhuta_ fire, thus transforming himself
+into a house-hold one, was highly gratified with seeing those
+gold-complexioned ladies and touching them with his flames. And
+influenced by their charms he dwelt there for a long time, giving them
+his heart and filled with an intense love for them. And baffled in all
+his efforts to win the hearts of those Brahmana ladies, and his own
+heart tortured by love, he repaired to a forest with the certain object
+of destroying himself. A little while before, Swaha, the daughter of
+Daksha, had bestowed her love on him. The excellent lady had been
+endeavouring for a long time to detect his weak moments; but that
+blameless lady did not succeed in finding out any weakness in the calm
+and collected fire-god. But now that the god had betaken himself to a
+forest, actually tortured by the pangs of love, she thought, "As I too
+am distressed with love, I shall assume the guise of the wives of the
+seven _Rishis_, and in that disguise I shall seek the fire-god so
+smitten with their charms. This done, he will be gratified and my desire
+too will be satisfied."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, the beautiful Siva endowed with
+great virtues and an unspotted character was the wife of Angiras (one of
+the seven _Rishis_). That excellent lady (Swaha) at first assuming the
+disguise of Siva, sought the presence of Agni unto whom she said, "O
+Agni, I am tortured with love for thee. Do thou think it fit to woo me.
+And if thou dost not accede to my request, know that I shall commit
+self-destruction. I am Siva the wife of Angiras. I have come here
+according to the advice of the wives of the other _Rishis_, who have
+sent me here after due deliberation."
+
+"'Agni replied, "How didst thou know that I was tortured with love and
+how could the others, the beloved wives of the seven _Rishis_, of whom
+thou hast spoken, know this?"
+
+"'Swaha replied, "Thou art always a favourite with us, but we are afraid
+of thee. Now having read thy mind by well-known signs, they have sent to
+thy presence. I have come here to gratify my desire. Be thou quick, O
+Agni, to encompass the object of thy desire, my sisters-in-law are
+awaiting me. I must return soon."
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then Agni, filled with great joy and delight,
+married Swaha in the guise of Siva, and that lady joyfully cohabiting
+with him, held the _semen virile_ in her hands. And then she thought
+within herself that those who would observe her in that disguise in the
+forest, would cast an unmerited slur upon the conduct of those Brahmana
+ladies in connection with Agni. Therefore, to prevent this, she should
+assume the disguise of a bird, and in that state she should more easily
+get out of the forest.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then assuming the disguise of a winged creature,
+she went out of the forest and reached the White Mountain begirt with
+clumps of heath and other plants and trees, and guarded by strange
+seven-headed serpents with poison in their very looks, and abounding
+with _Rakshasas_, male and female _Pisachas_, terrible spirits, and
+various kinds of birds and animals. That excellent lady quickly
+ascending a peak of those mountains, threw that _semen_ into a golden
+lake. And then assuming successively the forms of the wives of the
+high-souled seven _Rishis_, she continued to dally with Agni. But on
+account of the great ascetic merit of Arundhati and her devotion to her
+husband (Vasishtha), she was unable to assume her form. And, O chief of
+Kuru's race, the lady Swaha on the first lunar day threw six times into
+that lake the _semen_ of Agni. And thrown there, it produced a male
+child endowed with great power. And from the fact of its being regarded
+by the _Rishis_ as _cast off_, the child born therefrom came to be
+called by the name of _Skanda_. And the child had six faces, twelve
+ears, as many eyes, hands, and feet, one neck, and one stomach. And it
+first assumed a form on the second lunar day, and it grew to the size of
+a little child on the third. And the limbs of Guha were developed on the
+fourth day. And being surrounded by masses of red clouds flashing forth
+lightning, it shone like the Sun rising in the midst of a mass of red
+clouds. And seizing the terrific and immense bow which was used by the
+destroyer of the _Asura_ Tripura for the destruction of the enemies of
+the gods, that mighty being uttered such a terrible roar that the three
+worlds with their mobile and immobile divisions became struck with awe.
+And hearing that sound which seemed like the rumbling of a mass of big
+clouds, the great _Nagas, Chitra_ and _Airavata_, were shaken with fear.
+And seeing them unsteady that lad shining with sun-like refulgence held
+them with both his hands. And with a dart in (another) hand, and with a
+stout, red-crested, big cock fast secured in another, that long-armed
+son of Agni began to sport about making a terrible noise. And holding an
+excellent conch-shell with two of his hands, that mighty being began to
+blow it to the great terror of even the most powerful creatures. And
+striking the air with two of his hands, and playing about on the
+hill-top, the mighty Mahasena of unrivalled prowess, looked as if he
+were on the point of devouring the three worlds, and shone like the
+bright Sun-god at the moment of his ascension in the heavens. And that
+being of wonderful prowess and matchless strength, seated on the top of
+that hill, looked on with his numerous faces directed towards the
+different cardinal points, and observing various things, he repeated his
+loud roars. And on hearing those roars various creatures were prostrate
+with fear. And frightened and troubled in mind they sought protection.
+And all those persons of various orders who then sought the protection
+of that god are known as his powerful Brahmana followers. And rising
+from his seat, that mighty god allayed the fears of all those people,
+and then drawing his bow, he discharged his arrows in the direction of
+the White Mountain. And with those arrows the hill Krauncha, the son of
+Himavat, was rent asunder. And that is the reason why swans and vultures
+now migrate to the Sumeru mountains. The Krauncha hill, sorely wounded,
+fell down uttering fearful groans. And seeing him fallen, the other
+hills too began to scream. And that mighty being of unrivalled prowess,
+hearing the groans of the afflicted, was not at all moved, but himself
+uplifting his mace, yelled forth his war-whoop. And that high-souled
+being then hurled his mace of great lustre and quickly rent in twain one
+of the peaks of the White Mountain. And the White Mountain being thus
+pierced by him was greatly afraid of him and dissociating himself from
+the earth fled with the other mountains. And the earth was greatly
+afflicted and bereft of her ornaments on all sides. And in this
+distress, she went over to _Skanda_ and once more shone with all her
+might. And the mountains too bowed down to _Skanda_ and came back and
+stuck into the earth. And all creatures then celebrated the worship of
+_Skanda_ on the fifth day of the lunar month.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When that powerful, high-souled, and mighty
+being was born, various kinds of fearful phenomena occurred. And the
+nature of males and females, of heat and cold, and of such other pairs
+of contraries, was reversed. And the planets, the cardinal points and
+the firmaments became radiant with light and the earth began to rumble
+very much. And the _Rishis_ even, seeking the welfare of the world,
+while they observed all these terrific prodigies on all sides, began
+with anxious hearts to restore tranquillity in the universe. And those
+who used to live in that Chitraratha forest said, "This very miserable
+condition of ours hath been brought about by Agni cohabiting with the
+six wives of the seven _Rishis_." Others again who had seen the goddess
+assume the disguise of a bird said, "This evil hath been brought about
+by a bird." No one ever imagined that Swaha was the authoress of that
+mischief. But having heard that the (new born) male child was hers, she
+went to Skanda and gradually revealed to him the fact that she was his
+mother. And those seven _Rishis_, when they heard that a son of great
+power had been born (to them), divorced their six wives with the
+exception of the adorable Arundhati, because all the dwellers of that
+forest protested that those six persons had been instrumental in
+bringing forth the child. Swaha too, O king, said again and again to the
+seven _Rishis_, saying, "Ye ascetics, this child is mine, your wives are
+not his mother."
+
+"'The great _Muni_ Viswamitra had, after the conclusion of the
+sacrifices of the seven _Rishis_, followed unseen the god of fire, while
+the latter was tortured with lust. He, therefore, knew everything as it
+happened and he was the first to seek the protection of Mahasena. And he
+offered divine prayers to Mahasena and all the thirteen auspicious rites
+appertaining to childhood, such as the natal and other ceremonies, were
+all performed by the great _Muni_ in respect of that child. And for the
+good of the world he promulgated the virtues of the six-faced Skanda,
+and performed ceremonies in honour of the cock, the goddess _Sakti_, and
+the first followers of Skanda. And for this reason he became a great
+favourite of the celestial youth. That great _Muni_ then informed the
+seven _Rishis_ of the transformations of Swaha and told them that their
+wives were perfectly innocent. But though thus informed the seven
+_Rishis_ abandoned their spouses unconditionally.'"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The celestials having heard of the prowess of
+Skanda, all said to Vasava, "O Sakra, do thou kill Skanda without delay
+for his prowess is unbearable. And if thou dost not exterminate him, he
+will conquer the three worlds with ourselves, and overpowering thee,
+will himself become the mighty lord of the celestials." Perplexed in
+mind, Sakra replied unto them, "This child is endowed with great
+prowess. He can himself destroy the Creator of the Universe, in battle
+putting forth his might. I venture not, therefore, to do away with him."
+To this the gods replied, "Thou hast no manliness in thee, in that thou
+talkest in this manner. Let the great Mothers of the Universe repair
+to-day to Skanda. They can master at will any degree of energy. Let them
+kill this child." "It shall be so."--the mothers replied. And then they
+went away. But on beholding that he was possessed of great might, they
+became dispirited, and considering that he was invincible, they sought
+his protection and said unto him, "Do thou, O mighty being, become our
+(adopted) son. We are full of affection for thee and desirous of giving
+thee suck. Lo, the milk oozes from our breasts!" On hearing these words,
+the mighty Mahasena became desirous of sucking their breasts and he
+received them with due respect and acceded to their request. And that
+mightiest of mighty creatures then beheld his father Agni come towards
+him. And that god, who is the doer of all that is good, was duly
+honoured by his son, and in company with the Mothers, he stayed there by
+the side of Mahasena to tend him. And that lady amongst the Mothers who
+was born of Anger[34] with a spike in hand kept watch over Skanda even
+like a mother guarding her own offspring, and that irascible
+red-coloured daughter of the Sea, who lived herself on blood, hugged
+Mahasena in her breast and nursed him like a mother. And Agni
+transforming himself into a trader with a goat's mouth and followed by
+numerous children began to gratify that child of his with toys in that
+mountain abode of his.'"
+
+    [34] Anger personified is a deity.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXVI
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The planets with their satellites, the _Rishis_
+and the Mothers, Agni and numerous other blazing courtiers and many
+other dwellers of heaven of terrible mien, waited on Mahasena along with
+the Mothers. And the illustrious sovereign of the gods, desirous of
+victory but believing success to be doubtful mounted his elephant
+Airavata and attended by the other gods advanced towards Skanda. That
+mighty being followed by all the celestials was armed with his
+thunderbolt. And with the object of slaying Mahasena, he marched with
+terrible celestial army of great splendour, sounding their shrill
+war-cry and furnished with various sorts of standards, with warriors
+encased in various armour and armed with numerous bows and riding on
+various animals. When Mahasena beheld the gloriously decked Sakra,
+attired in his best clothes, advancing with the determination of slaying
+him, he (too on his part) advanced to meet that chief of the celestials.
+O Partha, the mighty Vasava, the lord of the celestials, then uttered a
+loud shout, to encourage his warriors and marching rapidly with the view
+of killing Agni's son and praised by Tridasas[35] and great _Rishis_, he
+at length reached the abode of Kartikeya. And then he shouted out with
+other gods; and Guha too in response to this, uttered a fearful war-cry
+resembling the roaring of the sea. On hearing that noise, the celestial
+army behaved like an agitated sea, and was stunned and fixed to the
+spot. And that son of _Pavaka_ (the Fire-god) beholding the gods come
+near to him with the object of killing him, was filled with wrath, and
+gave out rising flame of fire from within his mouth. And these flames
+destroyed the celestial forces struggling on the ground. Their heads,
+their bodies, their arms and riding animals were all burnt in that
+conflagration and they appeared all on a sudden like stars displaced
+from their proper spheres. Thus afflicted, the god renounced all
+allegiance to the thunder-bolt, and sought the protection of Pavaka's
+son; and thus peace was again secured. When he was thus forsaken by the
+gods, Sakra hurled his thunder-bolt at Skanda. It pierced him on the
+right side; and, O great king, it passed through the body of that
+high-souled being. And from being struck with the thunder-bolt, there
+arose from Skanda's body another being--a youth with a club in hand, and
+adorned with a celestial amulet. And because he was born on account of
+the piercing of the thunder-bolt, he was named Visakha. And Indra, when
+he beheld that another person looking like the fierce destroying
+Fire-god had come into being was frightened out of his wits and besought
+the protection of Skanda, with the palms of his hands joined together
+(as a mark of respect). And that excellent being Skanda, bade him
+renounce all fear, with his arm. The gods were then transported with
+joy, and their hands too struck up.'"
+
+    [35] Another name of gods, so named from their having only three
+    stages of life--viz., infancy, childhood, and youth--and being
+    exempt from the fourth--old age.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Now hear of those terrible and curious-looking
+followers of Skanda. A number of male children came into being when
+Skanda was struck with the thunder-bolt,--those terrific creatures that
+steal (spirit away) little children, whether born, or in the womb and a
+number of female children too of great strength were born to him. Those
+children adopted Visakha as their father. That adorable and dexterous
+Bhadrasakha, having a face like that of a goat was at the time (of the
+battle) surrounded by all his sons and daughters whom he guarded
+carefully in the presence of the great mothers. And for this reason the
+inhabitants of this earth call Skanda the father of _Kumaras_ (little
+children). Those persons who desire to have sons born to them, worship
+in their places the powerful _Rudra_ in the form of the Fire-god, and
+_Uma_ in the form of _Swaha_. And by that means they are blessed with
+sons. The daughters begotten by the Fire-god, _Tapa_, went over to
+Skanda, who said to them, "What can I do for you?" Those girls replied,
+"Do us this favour; by thy blessing, may we become the good and
+respected mothers of all the world!" He replied, "Be it so." And that
+liberal-minded being repeated again and again, "Ye shall be divided into
+Siva and Asiva."[36] And the mothers then departed, having first
+established Skanda's sonship, Kaki, Halima, Malini, Vrinhila, Arya,
+Palala and Vaimitra, these were the seven mothers of Sisu. They had a
+powerful, red-eyed, terrific, and very turbulent son named Sisu born by
+the blessing of Skanda. He was reputed as the eighth hero, born of the
+mothers of Skanda. But he is also known as the ninth, when that being
+with the face of a goat, is included. Know that the sixth face of Skanda
+was like that of a goat. That face, O king, is situated in the middle of
+the six, and is regarded constantly by the mother. That head by which
+Bhadrasakha created the divine energy, is reputed to be the best of all
+his heads. O ruler of men, these virtuous wonderful events happened on
+the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month, and on the sixth, a
+very fierce and terrific battle was fought at that place."
+
+    [36] i.e., good and evil spirits.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Skanda was adorned with a golden amulet and
+wreath, and wore a crest and a crown of gold; his eyes were
+golden-coloured, and he had a set of sharp teeth; he was dressed in a
+red garment and looked very handsome; he had a comely appearance, and
+was endowed with all good characteristics and was the favourite of the
+three worlds. He granted boons (to people who sought them) and was
+brave, youthful, and adorned with bright ear-rings. Whilst he was
+reposing himself, the goddess of fortune, looking like a lotus and
+assuming a personal embodiment, rendered her allegiance to him. When he
+became thus possessed of good fortune, that famous and delicate-looking
+creature appeared to all like the moon at its full. And high-minded
+Brahmanas worshipped that mighty being, and the _Maharshis_ (great
+_rishis_) then said as follows to Skanda, "O thou born of the golden
+egg, mayst thou be prosperous and mayst thou become an instrument of
+good to the universe! O best of the gods, although thou wast born only
+six nights (days) ago, the whole world has owned allegiance to thee
+(within this short time), and thou hast also allayed their fears.
+Therefore do thou become the Indra (lord) of the three worlds and remove
+their cause of apprehension." Skanda replied, "You gentlemen of great
+ascetic wealth (tell me) what Indra does with all three worlds and how
+that sovereign of the celestials protects the hosts of gods
+unremittingly." The _Rishis_ replied, "Indra is the giver of strength,
+power, children and happiness to all creatures and when propitiated,
+that Lord of the celestials bestows on all the objects of their desire.
+He destroys the wicked and fulfils the desires of the righteous; and
+that Destroyer of Vala assigns to all creatures their various duties. He
+officiates for the sun and the moon in places where there is no sun or
+moon; he even when occasion requires it, acts for (serves the purposes
+of) fire, air, earth, and water. These are the duties of Indra; his
+capacities are immense. Thou too art mighty; therefore great hero, do
+thou become our Indra."
+
+"'Sakra said, "O mighty being, do thou make us happy, by becoming our
+lord. Excellent being, thou art worthy of the honour; therefore shall we
+anoint thee this very day."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Do thou continue to rule the three worlds with
+self-possession, and with thy heart bent on conquest. I shall remain thy
+humble servant. I covet not thy sovereignty."
+
+"'Sakra replied, "Thy prowess is unrivalled, O hero, do thou therefore
+vanquish the enemies of the gods. People have been struck with wonder at
+thy prowess. More specially as I have been bereft of my prowess, and
+defeated by thee, now if I were to act as Indra, I should not command
+the respect of all creatures, and they would be busy in bringing about
+dissensions between us; and then, my lord, they would become the
+partisans of one or other of us. And when they formed themselves into
+two distinct factions, war as before would be the result of that
+defection. And in that war, thou wouldst undoubtedly defeat me without
+difficulty and thyself become the lord of all worlds."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Thou, O Sakra, art my sovereign, as also of the three
+worlds; mayst thou be prosperous! Tell me if I can obey any commands of
+thine."
+
+"'Indra replied, "At thy bidding, O powerful being, I shall continue to
+act as Indra. And if thou hast said this deliberately and in earnest,
+then hear me how thou canst gratify thy desire of serving me. Do thou, O
+mighty being, take the leadership of the celestial forces accordingly."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Do thou anoint me as leader, for the destruction of
+the Danavas, for the good of the celestials, and for the well-being of
+cows and Brahmanas."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus anointed by Indra and all other gods, and
+honoured by the _Maharshis_, he looked grand at the moment. The golden
+umbrella[37] held (over his head) looked like a halo of blazing fire.
+That famous god, the Conqueror of Tripura, himself fastened the
+celestial wreath of gold, of Viswakarma's manufacture, round his neck.
+And, O great man and conqueror of thine enemies, that worshipful god
+with the emblem of the bull, had gone there previously with Parvati. He
+honoured him with a joyous heart. The Fire-god is called Rudra by
+Brahmanas, and from this fact Skanda is called the son of Rudra. The
+White Mountain was formed from discharges of Rudra's _semen virile_ and
+the sensual indulgences of the Fire-god with the Krittikas took place on
+that same White Mountain. And as Rudra was seen by all the dwellers of
+heaven to heap honours on the excellent Guha (Skanda), he was for that
+reason reputed as the son of Rudra. This child had his being by the
+action of Rudra entering into the constitution of the Fire-god, and for
+this reason, Skanda came to be known as the son of Rudra. And, O
+Bharata, as Rudra, the Fire-god, Swaha, and the six wives (of the seven
+Rishis) were instrumental to the birth of the great god Skanda, he was
+for that reason reputed as the son of Rudra.'
+
+    [37] One of the ensigns of royalty in Hindustan.
+
+"'That son of Fire-god was clad in a pair of clean red cloths, and thus
+he looked grand and resplendent like the Sun peeping forth from behind a
+mass of red clouds. And the red cock given to him by the Fire-god,
+formed his ensign; and when perched on the top of his chariot, it looked
+like the image of the all-destroying fire. And the presiding deity of
+the power which conduces to the victory of the god, and which is the
+director of the exertions of all creatures, and constitutes their glory,
+prop and refuge, advanced before him. And a mysterious charm entered
+into his constitution, the charm which manifests its powers on the
+battlefield. Beauty, strength, piety, power, might, truthfulness,
+rectitude, devotion to Brahmanas, freedom from illusion or perplexity,
+protection of followers, destruction of foes, and care of all
+creatures,--these, O lord of men, are the inborn virtues of Skanda. Thus
+anointed by all the gods, he looked pleased and complacent; and dressed
+in his best style, he looked beautiful like the moon at its full. The
+much-esteemed incantation of _Vedic_ hymns, the music of the celestial
+band, and the songs of gods and _Gandharvas_ then rang on all sides. And
+surrounded by all the well-dressed _Apsaras_, and many other gay and
+happy-looking _Pisachas_ and hosts of gods, that anointed (by gods) son
+of Pavaka disported himself in all his grandeur. To the dwellers of
+heaven, the anointed Mahasena appeared like the Sun rising after
+extinction of darkness. And then the celestial forces looking upon him
+as their leader, surrounded him on all sides in thousands. That adorable
+being followed by all creatures then assumed their commands, and praised
+and honoured by them, he encouraged them in return.
+
+"'The Performer of a thousand sacrifices then thought of Devasena, whom
+he has rescued before. And considering that this being (Skanda) was
+undoubtedly destined to be the husband of this lady by Brahma himself,
+he had her brought there, dressed her with the best apparel. And the
+vanquisher of Vala then said to Skanda, "O foremost of gods, this lady
+was, even before thy birth, destined to be thy bride by that
+Self-existent Being.[38] Therefore do thou duly accept her lotus-like
+beautiful right hand with invocation of the (marital) hymns." Thus told,
+he duly married her. And Vrihaspati learned in hymns performed the
+necessary prayers and oblations. She who is called Shashthi, Lakshmi,
+Asa, Sukhaprada, Sinivali, Kuhu, Saivritti, and Aparajita, is known
+among men as Devasena, the wife of Skanda. When Skanda became united to
+Devasena in indissoluble bonds of matrimony, then the gods of prosperity
+in her own personal embodiment began to serve him with diligence. As
+Skanda attained celebrity on the fifth lunar day, that day is called
+_Sripanchami_ (or the auspicious fifth day) and as he attained his
+object on the sixth, that lunar day is considered to be of great
+moment.'"
+
+    [38] Brahma.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXIX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Those six ladies, the wives of the seven
+_Rishis_ when they learned that good fortune had smiled on Mahasena and
+that he had been made leader of the celestial forces,[39] repaired to
+his camp. Those virtuous ladies of high religious merit had been
+disowned by the _Rishis_. They lost no time in visiting that leader of
+the celestial forces and then addressed him thus, "We, O son, have been
+cast out by our god-like husbands, without any cause. Some people spread
+the rumour that we gave birth to thee. Believing in the truth of this
+story, they became greatly indignant, and banished us from our sacred
+places. It behooves thee now to save us from this infamy. We desire to
+adopt thee as our son, so that, O mighty being, eternal bliss may be
+secured to us by that favour. Do thou thus repay the obligation thou
+owest to us."
+
+    [39] Devasenapati is the original. It may mean either the _pati_
+    (leader) of the _sena_ (forces) of _devas_ or the _pati_
+    (husband) of Devasena.
+
+"'Skanda replied, "O ladies of faultless character, do you accordingly
+become my mothers. I am your son and ye shall attain all the objects of
+your desire."
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then Sakra having expressed a wish to say
+something to Skanda, the latter enquired, "What is it?" Being told by
+Skanda to speak it out, Vasava said, "The lady Abhijit, the younger
+sister of Rohini, being jealous of her seniority, has repaired to the
+woods to perform austerities. And I am at a loss to find out a
+substitute for the fallen star. May good luck attend on thee, do thou
+consult with _Brahma_ (for the purpose of filling up the room) of this
+great asterism." Dhanishtha and other asterisms were created by
+_Brahma_, and Rohini used to serve the purpose of one such; and
+consequently their number was full. And in accordance with Sakra's
+advice, Krittika was assigned a place in the heavens, and that star
+presided over by _Agni_ shines as if with seven heads. Vinata also said
+to Skanda, "Thou art as a son to me, and entitled to offer me the
+funeral cakes (at my funeral obsequies). I desire, my son, to live with
+thee always."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Be it so, all honour to thee! Do thou guide me with a
+mother's affection, and honoured by thy daughter-in-law, thou shalt
+always live with me."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then the great mothers spoke as follows to
+Skanda, "We have been described by the learned as the mothers of all
+creatures. But we desire to be thy mothers, do thou honour us."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Ye are all as mothers to me, and I am your son. Tell
+me what I can do to please you."
+
+"'The mothers replied, "The ladies (Brahmi, Maheswari, &c.) were
+appointed as mothers of the world in bygone ages. We desire, O great
+god, that they be dispossessed of that dignity, and ourselves installed
+in their place, and that we, instead of them, be worshipped by the
+world. Do thou now restore to us those of our progeny, of whom we have
+been deprived, by them on thy account."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Ye shall not recover those that have been once given
+away, but I can give you other offspring if ye like."
+
+"'The mothers replied, "We desire that living with thee and assuming
+different shapes we be able to eat up the progeny of those mothers and
+their guardians. Do thou grant us this favour."
+
+"'Skanda said, "I can grant you progeny, but this topic on which ye have
+just now dilated is a very painful one. May ye be prosperous! All honour
+to you, ladies, do ye vouchsafe to them your protecting care."
+
+"'The mothers replied, "We shall protect them, O Skanda, as thou
+desirest. Mayst thou be prosperous! But, O mighty being, we desire to
+live with thee always."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "So long as children of the human kind do not attain
+the youthful state in the sixteenth year of their age, ye shall afflict
+them with your various forms, and I too shall confer on you a fierce
+inexhaustible spirit. And with that ye shall live happily, worshipped by
+all."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'And then a fiery powerful being came out of the
+body of Skanda for the purpose of devouring the progeny of mortal
+beings. He fell down upon the ground, senseless and hungry. And bidden
+by Skanda, that genius of evil assumed a terrific form. Skandapasmara is
+the name by which it is known among good Brahmanas. Vinata is called the
+terrific Sakuni _graha_ (spirit of evil). She who is known as _Putana
+Rakshasi_ by the learned is the _graha_ called Putana; that fierce and
+terrible looking _Rakshasa_ of a hideous appearance is also called the
+_pisacha_, Sita Putana. That fierce-looking spirit is the cause of
+abortion in women. Aditi is also known by the name of Revati; her evil
+spirit is called Raivata, and that terrible _graha_ also afflicts
+children. Diti, the mother of the Daityas (_Asuras_), is also called
+Muhkamandika, and that terrible creature is very fond of the flesh of
+little children. Those male and female children, O Kaurava, who are said
+to have been begotten by Skanda, are spirit of evil and they destroy the
+foetus in the womb. They (the _Kumaras_) are known as the husbands of
+those very ladies, and children are seized unawares by these cruel
+spirits. And, O king, _Surabhi_ who is called the mother of bovine kind
+by the wise is best ridden by the evil spirit Sakuni, who in company
+with her, devours children on this earth. And Sarama, the mother of
+dogs, also habitually kills human beings while still in the womb. She
+who is the mother of all trees has her abode in a _karanja_ tree. She
+grants boons and has a placid countenance and is always favourably
+disposed towards all creatures. Those persons who desire to have
+children, bow down to her, who is seated in a _karanja_ tree. These
+eighteen evil spirits fond of meat and wine, and others of the same
+kind, invariably take up their abode in the lying-in-room for ten days.
+Kadru introduces herself in a subtle form into the body of a pregnant
+woman and there she causes the destruction of the foetus, and the mother
+is made to give birth to a _Naga_ (serpent). And that mother of the
+Gandharvas takes away the foetus, and for this reason, conception in
+woman turns out to be abortive. The mother of the _Apsaras_ removes the
+foetus from the womb, and for this reason such conceptions are said to
+be stationary by the learned. The daughter of the Divinity of the Red
+Sea is said to have nursed Skanda,--she is worshipped under the name of
+Lohitayani on Kadamva trees. Arya acts the same part among female
+beings, as Rudra does among male ones. She is the mother of all children
+and is distinctly worshipped for their welfare. These that I have
+described are the evil spirits presiding over the destinies of young
+children, and until children attain their sixteenth year, these spirits
+exercise their influence for evil, and after that, for good. The whole
+body of male and female spirits that I have now described are always
+denominated by men as the spirits of Skanda. They are propitiated with
+burnt offerings, ablutions, unguents, sacrifices and other offerings,
+and particularly by the worship of Skanda. And, O king, when they are
+honoured and worshipped with due reverence, they bestow on men whatever
+is good for them, as also valour and long life. And now having bowed
+down to Maheswara, I shall describe the nature of those spirits who
+influence the destinies of men after they have attained their sixteenth
+year.
+
+"'The man who beholds gods while sleeping, or in a wakeful state soon
+turns mad, and the spirit under whose influence these hallucinations
+take place is called the celestial spirit. When a person beholds his
+dead ancestors while he is seated at ease, or lying in his bed, he soon
+loses his reason, and the spirit which causes this illusion of sensible
+perception, is called the ancestral spirit. The man who shows disrespect
+to the _Siddhas_ and who is cursed by them in return, soon runs mad and
+the evil influence by which this is brought about, is called the
+_Siddha_ spirit. And the spirit by whose influence a man smells sweet
+odour, and becomes cognisant of various tastes (when there are no
+odoriferous or tasteful substances about him) and soon becomes
+tormented, is called the _Rakshasa_ spirit. And the spirit by whose
+action celestial musicians (_Gandharvas_) blend their existence into the
+constitution of a human being, and make him run mad in no time, is
+called the _Gandharva_ spirit. And that evil spirit by whose influence
+men are always tormented by _Pisachas_, is called the _Pisacha_ spirit.
+When the spirit of _Yakshas_ enters into the system of a human being by
+some accident, he loses his reason immediately, and such a spirit is
+called the _Yaksha_ spirit. The man who loses his reason on account of
+his mind being demoralised with vices, runs mad in no time, and his
+illness must be remedied according to methods prescribed in the
+_Sastras_. Men also run mad from perplexity, from fear, as also on
+beholding hideous sights. The remedy lies in quieting their minds. There
+are three classes of spirits, some are frolicsome, some are gluttonous,
+and some sensual. Until men attain the age of three score and ten, these
+evil influences continue to torment them, and then fever becomes the
+only evil spirit that afflicts sentient beings. These evil spirits
+always avoid those who have subdued their senses, who are
+self-restrained, of cleanly habits, god-fearing and free from laziness
+and contamination. I have thus described to thee, O king, the evil
+spirits that mould the destinies of men. Thou who art devoted to
+Maheswara art never troubled by them.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When Skanda had bestowed these powers, Swaha
+appeared to him and said, "Thou art my natural son,--I desire that thou
+shalt grant exquisite happiness to me."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "What sort of happiness dost thou wish to enjoy?"
+
+"'Swaha replied, "O mighty being, I am the favourite daughter of Daksha,
+by name Swaha; and from my youthful days I have been in love with
+Hutasana (the Fire-god); but that god, my son, does not understand my
+feelings. I desire to live for ever with him (as his wife)."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "From this day, lady, all the oblations that men of
+virtuous character, who swerve not from the path of virtue, will offer
+to their gods or ancestors with incantation of purifying hymns by
+Brahmanas, shall always be offered (through Agni) coupled with the name
+of Swaha, and thus, excellent lady, wilt thou always live associated
+with Agni, the god of fire."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed and honoured by Skanda, Swaha was
+greatly pleased; and associated with her husband Pavaka (the Fire-god),
+she honoured him in return.
+
+"'Then _Brahma_, the lord of all creatures, said to Mahasena, "Do thou
+go and visit thy father Mahadeva, the conqueror of Tripura. Rudra
+coalescing with Agni (the Fire-god) and Uma with Swaha have combined to
+make thee invincible for the well-being of all creatures. And the semen
+of the high-souled Rudra cast into the reproductive organ of Uma was
+thrown back upon this hill, and hence the twin Mujika and Minjika came
+into being. A portion of it fell into the Blood Sea, another portion,
+into the rays of the sun, another upon the earth and thus was it
+distributed in five portions. Learned men ought to remember that these
+thy various and fierce-looking followers living on the flesh of animals
+were produced from the _semen_." "Be it so," so saying, the high-souled
+Mahasena with fatherly love, honoured his father Maheswara.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Men who are desirous of acquiring wealth, should
+worship those five classes of spirits with the sun flower, and for
+alleviation of diseases also worship must be rendered to them. The twin
+Mujika and Minjika begotten by Rudra must always be respected by persons
+desiring the welfare of little children; and persons who desire to have
+children born to them must always worship those female spirits who live
+on human flesh and are produced in trees. Thus all _Pisachas_ are said
+to be divided into innumerable classes. And now, O king, listen to the
+origin of the bells and standards of Skanda. Airavata (Indra's elephant)
+is known to have had two bells of the name of Vaijayanti, and the
+keen-witted Sakra had them brought to him, and personally gave them to
+Guha. Visakha took one of those bells and Skanda the other. The
+standards of both Kartikeya and Visakha were of a red colour. That
+mighty god Mahasena was pleased with the toys that had been given to him
+by the gods. Surrounded by hosts of gods and _Pisachas_ and seated on
+the Golden Mountain, he looked splendid in all the grandeur of
+prosperity. And that mountain covered with fine forests, also looked
+grand in his companionship, just as the Mandara hill abounding with
+excellent caves shines with the rays of the sun. The White Mountain was
+adorned with whole tracts of wood-land covered with blossoming Santanaka
+flowers and with forests of Karavira, Parijata, Jaba and Asoke
+trees,--as also with wild tracts overgrown with Kadamva trees; and it
+abounded with herds of celestial deer and flocks of celestial birds. And
+the rumbling of clouds serving the purpose of musical instruments
+sounded like the murmur of an agitated sea, and celestial Gandharvas and
+Apsaras began to dance. And there arose a great sound of joy from the
+merriment of all creatures. Thus the whole world with Indra himself
+seemed to have been transferred to the White Mountain. And all the
+people began to observe Skanda with satisfaction in their looks, and
+they did not at all feel tired of doing so.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When that adorable son of the Fire-god was
+anointed as leader of the celestial army, that grand and happy lord,
+Hara (Mahadeva) riding with Parvati in a chariot shining with sunlike
+refulgence repaired to a place called Bhadravata. His excellent chariot
+was drawn by a thousand lions and managed by _Kala_. They passed through
+blank space, and seemed as if they were about to devour the sky; and
+striking terror into the heart of all creatures in the mobile divisions
+of the worlds, those maned beasts flitted through the air, uttering
+fearful growls. And that lord of all animals (Mahadeva) seated in that
+chariot with Uma, looked like the sun with flames of lightning
+illuminating masses of clouds begirt with Indra's bow (rainbow). He was
+preceded by that adorable Lord of riches riding on the backs of human
+beings with his attendant Guhyakas riding in his beautiful car Pushpaka.
+And Sakra too riding on his elephant Airavata and accompanied by other
+gods brought up the rear of Mahadeva, the granter of boons, marching in
+this way at the head of the celestial army. And the great _Yaksha
+Amogha_ with his attendants--the _Jambhaka Yakshas_ and other
+_Rakshasas_ decorated with garlands of flowers--obtained a place in the
+right wing of his army; and many gods of wonderful fighting powers in
+company with the _Vasus_ and the _Rudras_, also marched with the right
+division of his army. And the terrible-looking Yama too in company with
+Death marched with him (followed by hundreds of terrible diseases); and
+behind him was carried the terrible, sharp-pointed, well-decorated
+trident of Siva, called Vijaya. And Varuna, the adorable lord of waters
+with his terrible _Pasa_,[40] and surrounded by numerous aquatic
+animals, marched slowly with the trident. And the trident Vijaya was
+followed by the _Pattisa_[41] of Rudra guarded by maces, balls, clubs
+and other excellent weapons. And the _Pattisa_, O king, was followed by
+the bright umbrella of Rudra and the Kamandalu served by the
+_Maharshis_; and on it progressed in the company of Bhrigu, Angiras and
+others. And behind all these rode Rudra in his white chariot,
+re-assuring the gods with the exhibition of his powers. And rivers and
+lakes and seas, _Apsaras, Rishis_, Celestials, _Gandharvas_ and
+serpents, stars, planets, and the children of gods, as also many women,
+followed him in his train. These handsome-looking ladies proceeded
+scattering flowers all around; and the clouds marched, having made their
+obeisance to that god (Mahadeva) armed with the _Pinaka_ bow. And some
+of them held a white umbrella over his head, and Agni (the Fire god) and
+Vayu (the god of winds) busied themselves with two hairy fans (emblems
+of royalty). And, O king, he was followed by the glorious Indra
+accompanied by the _Rajarshis_, and singing the praise of that god with
+the emblem of the bull. And Gauri, Vidya, Gandhari, Kesini, and the lady
+called Mitra in company with Savitri, all proceeded in the train of
+Parvati, as also all the Vidyas (presiding deities of all branches of
+knowledge) that were created by the learned. The _Rakshasa_ spirit who
+delivers to different battalions the commands which are implicitly
+obeyed by Indra and other gods, advanced in front of the army as
+standard-bearer. And that foremost of _Rakshasas_, by name Pingala, the
+friend of Rudra, who is always busy in places where corpses are burnt,
+and who is agreeable to all people, marched with them merrily, at one
+time going ahead of the army, and falling behind again at another, his
+movements being uncertain. Virtuous actions are the offerings with which
+the god Rudra is worshipped by mortals. He who is also called Siva, the
+omnipotent god, armed with the Pinaka bow, is Maheswara. He is
+worshipped in various forms.
+
+    [40] A kind of missile.
+
+    [41] Another kind of weapon.
+
+"'The son of Krittika, the leader of the celestial army, respectful to
+Brahmanas, surrounded by the celestial forces, also followed that lord
+of the gods. And then Mahadeva said these weighty words to Mahasena, "Do
+thou carefully command the seventh army corps of the celestial forces."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Very well, my lord! I shall command the seventh army
+corps. Now tell me quickly if there is anything else to be done."
+
+"'Rudra said, "Thou shall always find me in the field of action. By
+looking up to me and by devotion to me shalt thou attain great
+welfare."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'With these words Maheswara received him in his
+embrace, and then dismissed him. And, O great king, after the dismissal
+of Skanda, prodigies of various kinds occurred to disturb the equanimity
+of the gods.
+
+"'The firmament with the stars was in a blaze, and the whole universe in
+a state of utter confusion. The earth quaked and gave forth a rumbling
+sound, and darkness overspread the whole world. Then observing this
+terrible catastrophy, Sankara with the estimable Uma, and the
+celestials with the great _Maharshis_, were much exercised in mind. And
+when they had fallen into this state of confusion, there appeared before
+them a fierce and mighty host armed with various weapons, and looking
+like a mass of clouds and rocks. Those terrible and countless beings,
+speaking different languages directed their movements towards the point
+where Sankara and the celestials stood. They hurled into the ranks of
+the celestial army flights of arrows in all directions, masses of rock,
+maces, _sataghnis, prasas_ and _parighas_. The celestial army was thrown
+into a state of confusion by a shower of these terrible weapons and
+their ranks were seen to waver. The _Danavas_ made a great havoc by
+cutting up their soldiers, horses, elephants, chariots and arms. And the
+celestial troops then seemed as if they were about to turn their backs
+upon the enemy. And numbers of them fell, slain by the _Asuras_, like
+large trees in a forest burnt in a conflagration. Those dwellers of
+heaven fell with their heads separated from their bodies, and having
+none to lead them in that fearful battle, they were slaughtered by the
+enemy. And then the god Purandara (Indra), the slayer of Vala, observing
+that they were unsteady and hard-pressed by the _Asuras_, tried to rally
+them with this speech, "Do not be afraid, ye heroes, may success attend
+your efforts! Do ye all take up your arms, and resolve upon manly
+conduct, and ye will meet with no more misfortune, and defeat those
+wicked and terrible-looking _Danavas_. May ye be successful! Do ye fall
+upon the _Danavas_ with me."
+
+"'The dwellers of heaven were re-assured on hearing this speech from
+Sakra; and under his leadership, they again rushed against the
+_Danavas_. And then the thirty-three crores of gods and all the powerful
+_Marutas_ and the _Sadhyas_ with the _Vasus_ returned to the charge. And
+the arrows which they angrily discharged against the enemy drew a large
+quantity of blood from the bodies of the _Daityas_ and of their horses
+and elephants. And those sharp arrows passing through their bodies fell
+upon the ground, looking like so many snakes falling from the sides of a
+hill. And, O king, the _Daityas_ pierced by those arrows fell fast on
+all sides, looking like so many detached masses of clouds. Then the
+_Danava_ host, struck with panic at that charge of the celestials on the
+field of battle, wavered at that shower of various weapons. Then all the
+gods loudly gave vent to their joy, with arms ready to strike; and the
+celestial bands too struck up various airs. Thus took place that
+encounter, so fearful to both sides: for all the battle-field was
+covered with blood and strewn with the bodies of both gods and _Asuras_.
+But the gods were soon worsted all on a sudden, and the terrible
+_Danavas_ again made a great havoc of the celestial army. Then the
+_Asuras_ drums struck up and their shrill bugles were sounded; and the
+_Danava_ chiefs yelled their terrific war-cry.
+
+"'Then a powerful _Danava_, taking a huge mass of rock in his hands,
+came out of that terrible _Daitya_ army. He looked like the sun peering
+forth from against a mass of dark clouds. And, O king, the celestials,
+beholding that he was about to hurl that mass of rock at them, fled in
+confusion. But they were pursued by Mahisha, who hurled that hillock at
+them. And, O lord of the world, by the falling of that mass of rock, ten
+thousand warriors of the celestial army were crushed to the ground and
+breathed their last. And this act of Mahisha struck terror into the
+hearts of the gods, and with his attendant _Danavas_ he fell upon them
+like a lion attacking a herd of deer. And when Indra and the other
+celestials observed that Mahisha was advancing to the charge, they fled,
+leaving behind their arms and colours. And Mahisha was greatly enraged
+at this, and he quickly advanced towards the chariot of Rudra; and
+reaching near, he seized its pole with his hands. And when Mahisha in a
+fit of rage had thus seized the chariot of Rudra, all the Earth began to
+groan and the great _Rishis_ lost their senses. And _Daityas_ of huge
+proportions, looking like dark clouds, were boisterous with joy,
+thinking that victory was assured to them. And although that adorable
+god (Rudra) was in that plight, yet he did not think it worth while to
+kill Mahisha in battle; he remembered that Skanda would deal the
+deathblow to that evil-minded _Asura_. And the fiery Mahisha,
+contemplating with satisfaction the prize (the chariot of Rudra) which
+he had secured, sounded his war-cry, to the great alarm of the gods and
+the joy of the _Daityas_. And when the gods were in that fearful
+predicament, the mighty Mahasena, burning with anger, and looking grand
+like the Sun advanced to their rescue. And that lordly being was clad in
+blazing red and decked with a wreath of red flowers. And cased in armour
+of gold he rode in a gold-coloured chariot bright as the Sun and drawn
+by chestnut horses. And at his sight the army of the daityas was
+suddenly dispirited on the field of battle. And, O great king, the
+mighty Mahasena discharged a bright _Sakti_ for the destruction of
+Mahisha. That missile cut off the head of Mahisha, and he fell upon the
+ground and died. And his head massive as a hillock, falling on the
+ground, barred the entrance to the country of the Northern Kurus,
+extending in length for sixteen _Yojanas_ though at present the people
+of that country pass easily by that gate.
+
+"'It was observed both by the gods and the _Danavas_ that Skanda hurled
+his _sakti_ again and again on the field of battle, and that it returned
+to his hands, after killing thousands of the enemy's forces. And the
+terrible _Danavas_ fell in large numbers by the arrows of the wise
+Mahasena. And then a panic seized them, and the followers of Skanda
+began to slay and eat them up by thousands and drink their blood. And
+they joyously exterminated the _Danavas_ in no time, just as the sun
+destroys darkness, or as fire destroys a forest, or as the winds drive
+away the clouds. And in this manner the famous Skanda defeated all his
+enemies. And the gods came to congratulate him, and he, in turn, paid
+his respects to Maheswara. And that son of Krittika looked grand like
+the sun in all the glory of his effulgence. And when the enemy was
+completely defeated by Skanda and when Maheswara left the battle-field,
+Purandara embraced Mahasena and said to him, "This Mahisha, who was made
+invincible by the favour of Brahma hath been killed by thee. O best of
+warriors, the gods were like grass to him. O strong-limbed hero, thou
+hast removed a thorn of the celestials. Thou hast killed in battle
+hundreds of Danavas equal in valour to Mahisha who were all hostile to
+us, and who used to harass us before. And thy followers too have
+devoured them by hundreds. Thou art, O mighty being, invincible in
+battle like Uma's lord; and this victory shall be celebrated as thy
+first achievement, and thy fame shall be undying in the three worlds.
+And, O strong-armed god, all the gods will yield their allegiance to
+thee." Having spoken thus to Mahasena, the husband of Sachi left the
+place accompanied by the gods and with the permission of the adorable
+three-eyed god (Siva). And Rudra returned to Bhadravata, and the
+celestials too returned to their respective abodes. And Rudra spoke,
+addressing the gods, "Ye must render allegiance to Skanda just as ye do
+unto me." And that son of the Fire-god, having killed the Danavas hath
+conquered the three worlds, in one day, and he hath been worshipped by
+the great _Rishis_. The Brahmana who with due attention readeth this
+story of the birth of Skanda, attaineth to great prosperity in this
+world and the companionship of Skanda hereafter.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O good and adorable Brahmana, I wish to know the
+different names of that high-souled being, by which he is celebrated
+throughout the three worlds.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by the Pandava in that assembly
+of _Rishis_, the worshipful Markandeya of high ascetic merit replied,
+'Agneya (Son of Agni), Skanda (Cast-off), Diptakirti (Of blazing fame),
+Anamaya (Always hale), Mayuraketu (Peacock-bannered), Dharmatman (The
+virtuous-souled), Bhutesa (The lord of all creatures), Mahishardana (The
+slayer of Mahisha), Kamajit (The subjugator of desires), Kamada (The
+fulfiller of desires), Kanta (The handsome), Satyavak (The truthful in
+speech), Bhuvaneswara (The lord of the universe), Sisu (The child),
+Sighra (The quick), Suchi (The pure), Chanda (The fiery), Diptavarna
+(The bright-complexioned), Subhanana (Of beautiful face), Amogha
+(Incapable of being baffled), Anagha (The sinless), Rudra (The
+terrible), Priya (The favourite), Chandranana (Of face like the moon),
+Dipta-sasti (The wielder of the blazing lance), Prasantatman (Of
+tranquil soul), Bhadrakrit (The doer of good), Kutamahana (The chamber
+of even the wicked), Shashthipriya (True favourite of Shashthi), Pavitra
+(The holy), Matrivatsala (The reverencer of his mother), Kanya-bhartri
+(The protector of virgins), Vibhakta (Diffused over the universe),
+Swaheya (The son of Swaha), Revatisuta (The child of Revati), Prabhu
+(The Lord), Neta (The leader), Visakha (Reared up by Visakha), Naigameya
+(Sprang from the Veda), Suduschara (Difficult of propitiation), Suvrata
+(Of excellent vows), Lalita (The beautiful), Valakridanaka-priya (Fond
+of toys), Khacharin (The ranger of skies), Brahmacharin (The chaste),
+Sura (The brave), Saravanodbhava (Born in a forest of heath), Viswamitra
+priya (The favourite of Viswamitra), Devasena-priya (The lover of
+Devasena), Vasudeva-priya (The beloved of Vasudeva), and Priya-krit (The
+doer of agreeable things)--these are the divine names of Kartikeya.
+Whoever repeateth them, undoubtedly secureth fame, wealth, and
+salvation.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O valiant scion of Kuru's race, I shall now with
+due devotion pray to that unrivalled, mighty, six-faced, and valiant
+Guha who is worshipped by gods and _Rishis_, enumerating his other
+titles of distinction: do thou listen to them: Thou art devoted to
+_Brahma_, begotten of Brahma, and versed in the mysteries of _Brahma_.
+Thou art called _Brahmasaya_, and thou art the foremost of those who are
+possessed of _Brahma_. Thou art fond of _Brahma_, thou art austere like
+the Brahmanas and art versed in the great mystery of _Brahma_ and the
+leader of the Brahmanas. Thou art _Swaha_, thou art _Swadha_, and thou
+art the holiest of the holy, and art invoked in hymns and celebrated as
+the six-flamed fire. Thou art the year, thou art the six seasons, thou
+art the months, the (lunar) half months, the (solar) declinations, and
+the cardinal points of space. Thou art lotus-eyed. Thou art possessed of
+a lily-like face. Thou hast a thousand faces and a thousand arms. Thou
+art the ruler of the universe, thou art the great Oblation, and thou art
+the animating spirit of all the gods and the _Asuras_. Thou art the
+great leader of armies. Thou art _Prachanda_ (furious), thou art the
+Lord, and thou art the great master and the conqueror of thine enemies.
+Thou art _Sahasrabhu_ (multiform), _Sahasratusti_ (a thousand times
+content), _Sahasrabhuk_ (devourer of everything), and _Sahasrapad_ (of a
+thousand legs), and thou art the earth itself. Thou art possessed of
+infinite forms and thousand heads and great strength. According to thine
+own inclinations thou hast appeared as the son of Ganga, Swaha, Mahi, or
+Krittika. O six-faced god, thou dost play with the cock and assume
+different forms according to thy will. Thou art Daksha, Soma, the
+Maruta, Dharma, Vayu, the prince of mountains, and Indra, for all time.
+Thou art mighty, the most eternal of all eternal things, and the lord of
+all lords. Thou art the progenitor of Truth, the destroyer of Diti's
+progeny (_Asuras_), and the great conqueror of the enemies of the
+celestials. Thou art the personation of virtue and being thyself vast
+and minute, thou art acquainted with the highest and lowest points of
+virtuous acts, and the mysteries of _Brahma_. O foremost of all gods and
+high-souled lord of the Universe, this whole creation is over-spread
+with thy energy! I have thus prayed to thee according to the best of my
+power. I salute thee who art possessed of twelve eyes and many hands.
+Thy remaining attributes transcend my powers of comprehension!'
+
+"'The Brahmana who with due attention readeth this story of the birth of
+Skanda, or relateth it unto Brahmanas, or hears it narrated by
+regenerate men, attaineth to wealth, long life, fame, children, as also
+victory, prosperity and contentment, and the companionship of Skanda.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXI
+
+(_Draupadi-Satyabhama Samvada_)
+
+Vaisampayana said, "After those Brahmanas and the illustrious sons of
+Pandu had taken their seats, Draupadi and Satyabhama entered the
+hermitage. And with hearts full of joy the two ladies laughed merrily
+and seated themselves at their ease. And, O king, those ladies, who
+always spake sweetly to each other, having met after a long time, began
+to talk upon various delightful topics arising out of the stories of the
+Kurus and the Yadus. And the slender-waisted Satyabhama, the favourite
+wife of Krishna and the daughter of Satrajit, then asked Draupadi in
+private, saying, 'By what behaviour is it, O daughter of Drupada, that
+thou art able to rule the sons of Pandu--those heroes endued with
+strength and beauty and like unto the _Lokapalas_ themselves? Beautiful
+lady, how is it that they are so obedient to thee and are never angry
+with thee? Without doubt the sons of Pandu, O thou of lovely features,
+are ever submissive to thee and watchful to do thy bidding! Tell me, O
+lady, the reason of this. Is it practice of vows, or asceticism, or
+incantation or drug at the time of the bath (in season) or the efficacy
+of science, or the influence of youthful appearance, or the recitation
+of particular formulae, or _Homa_, or collyrium and other medicaments?
+Tell me now, O princess of Panchala, of that blessed and auspicious
+thing by which, O Krishna, Krishna may ever be obedient to me.'
+
+"When the celebrated Satyabhama, having said this, ceased, the chaste
+and blessed daughter of Drupada answered her, saying, 'Thou askedest me,
+O Satyabhama, of the practices of women that are wicked. How can I
+answer thee, O lady, about the cause that is pursued by wicked females?
+It doth not become thee, lady, to pursue the questions, or doubt me,
+after this, for thou art endued with intelligence and art the favourite
+wife of Krishna. When the husband learns that his wife is addicted to
+incantations and drugs, from that hour he beginneth to dread her like a
+serpent ensconced in his sleeping chamber. And can a man that is
+troubled with fear have peace, and how can one that hath no peace have
+happiness? A husband can never be made obedient by his wife's
+incantations. We hear of painful diseases being transmitted by enemies.
+Indeed, they that desire to slay others, send poison in the shape of
+customary gifts, so that the man that taketh the powders so sent, by
+tongue or skin, is, without doubt, speedily deprived of life. Women have
+sometimes caused dropsy and leprosy, decrepitude and impotence and
+idiocy and blindness and deafness in men. These wicked women, ever
+treading in the path of sin, do sometimes (by these means) injure their
+husbands. But the wife should never do the least injury to her lord.
+Hear now, O illustrious lady, of the behaviour I adopt towards the
+high-souled sons of Pandu. Keeping aside vanity, and controlling desire
+and wrath, I always serve with devotion the sons of Pandu with their
+wives. Restraining jealousy, with deep devotion of heart, without a
+sense of degradation at the services I perform, I wait upon my husbands.
+Ever fearing to utter what is evil or false, or to look or sit or walk
+with impropriety, or cast glances indicative of the feelings of the
+heart, do I serve the sons of Pritha--those mighty warriors blazing like
+the sun or fire, and handsome as the moon, those endued with fierce
+energy and prowess, and capable of slaying their foes by a glance of the
+eye. Celestial, or man, or Gandharva, young or decked with ornaments,
+wealthy or comely of person, none else my heart liketh. I never bathe or
+eat or sleep till he that is my husband hath bathed or eaten or
+slept,--till, in fact, our attendants have bathed, eaten, or slept.
+Whether returning from the field, the forest, or the town, hastily
+rising up I always salute my husband with water and a seat. I always
+keep the house and all household articles and the food that is to be
+taken well-ordered and clean. Carefully do I keep the rice, and serve
+the food at the proper time. I never indulge in angry and fretful
+speech, and never imitate women that are wicked. Keeping idleness at
+distance I always do what is agreeable. I never laugh except at a jest,
+and never stay for any length of time at the house-gate. I never stay
+long in places for answering calls of nature, nor in pleasure-gardens
+attached to the house. I always refrain from laughing loudly and
+indulging in high passion, and from everything that may give offence.
+Indeed, O Satyabhama, I always am engaged in waiting upon my lords. A
+separation from my lords is never agreeable to me. When my husband
+leaveth home for the sake of any relative, then renouncing flowers and
+fragrant paste of every kind, I begin to undergo penances. Whatever my
+husband drinketh not, whatever my husband eateth not, whatever my
+husband enjoyeth not, I ever renounce. O beautiful lady, decked in
+ornaments and ever controlled by the instruction imparted to me, I
+always devotedly seek the good of my lord. Those duties that my
+mother-in-law had told me of in respect of relatives, as also the duties
+of alms-giving, of offering worship to the gods, of oblations to the
+diseased, of boiling food in pots on auspicious days for offer to
+ancestors and guests of reverence and service to those that deserve our
+regards, and all else that is known to me, I always discharge day and
+night, without idleness of any kind. Having with my whole heart recourse
+to humility and approved rules I serve my meek and truthful lords ever
+observant of virtue, regarding them as poisonous snakes capable of being
+excited at a trifle. I think that to be eternal virtue for women which
+is based upon a regard for the husband. The husband is the wife's god,
+and he is her refuge. Indeed, there is no other refuge for her. How can,
+then, the wife do the least injury to her lord? I never, in sleeping or
+eating or adorning any person, act against the wishes of my lord, and
+always guided by my husbands, I never speak ill of my mother-in-law. O
+blessed lady, my husbands have become obedient to me in consequence of
+my diligence, my alacrity, and the humility with which I serve
+superiors. Personally do I wait every day with food and drink and
+clothes upon the revered and truthful Kunti--that mother of heroes.
+Never do I show any preference for myself over her in matters of food
+and attire, and never do I reprove in words that princess equal unto the
+Earth herself in forgiveness. Formerly, eight thousand Brahmanas were
+daily fed in the palace of Yudhishthira from off plates of gold. And
+eighty thousand Brahmanas also of the _Snataka_ sect leading domestic
+lives were entertained by Yudhishthira with thirty serving-maids
+assigned to each. Besides these, ten thousand _yatis_ with the vital
+seed drawn up, had their pure food carried unto them in plates of gold.
+All these Brahmanas that were the utterers of the _Veda_, I used to
+worship duly with food, drink, and raiment taken from stores only after
+a portion thereof had been dedicated to the Viswadeva.[42] The
+illustrious son of Kunti had a hundred thousand well-dressed
+serving-maids with bracelets on arms and golden ornaments on necks, and
+decked with costly garlands and wreaths and gold in profusion, and
+sprinkled with sandal paste. And adorned with jewels and gold they were
+all skilled in singing and dancing. O lady, I knew the names and
+features of all those girls, as also what they are and what they were,
+and what they did not. Kunti's son of great intelligence had also a
+hundred thousand maid-servants who daily used to feed guests, with
+plates of gold in their hands. And while Yudhishthira lived in
+Indraprastha a hundred thousand horses and a hundred thousand elephants
+used to follow in his train. These were the possessions of Yudhishthira
+while he ruled the earth. It was I however, O lady, who regulated their
+number and framed the rules to be observed in respect of them; and it
+was I who had to listen to all complaints about them. Indeed, I knew
+everything about what the maid-servants of the palace and other classes
+of attendants, even the cow-herds and the shepherds of the royal
+establishment, did or did not. O blessed and illustrious lady, it was I
+alone amongst the Pandavas who knew the income and expenditure of the
+king and what their whole wealth was. And those bulls among the
+Bharatas, throwing upon me the burden of looking after all those that
+were to be fed by them, would, O thou of handsome face, pay their court
+to me. And this load, so heavy and incapable of being borne by persons
+of evil heart, I used to bear day and night, sacrificing my ease, and
+all the while affectionately devoted to them. And while my husbands were
+engaged in the pursuit of virtue, I only supervised their treasury
+inexhaustible like the ever-filled receptacle of Varuna. Day and night
+bearing hunger and thirst, I used to serve the Kuru princes, so that my
+nights and days were equal to me. I used to wake up first and go to bed
+last. This, O Satyabhama, hath ever been my charm for making my husbands
+obedient to me! This great art hath ever been known to me for making my
+husbands obedient to me. Never have I practised the charms of wicked
+women, nor do I ever wish to practise them.'"
+
+    [42] The word in the text is "Agrahara," which, as Nilakantha
+    explains, means here, "That which is first taken from a heap
+    after the dedication of a portion to the Viswadevas." What
+    Draupadi means to say is, that she always took care to feed
+    those Brahmanas with food "first" taken from the stores,
+    without, in fact, having taken anything there from the use of
+    anybody else.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing those words of virtuous import uttered
+by Krishna, Satyabhama, having first reverenced the virtuous princess of
+Panchala, answered saying, 'O princess of Panchala, I have been guilty,
+O daughter of Yajnasena, forgive me! Among friends, conversations in
+jest arise naturally, and without premeditation.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXII
+
+"Draupadi said, 'I shall now indicate to thee, for attracting the heart
+of thy husbands a way that is free from deceit. By adopting it duly,
+dear friend, thou will be able to draw away thy lord from other females.
+In all the worlds, including that of the celestials, there is no god
+equal, O Satyabhama, unto the husband. When he is gratified with thee,
+thou mayst have (from thy husband) every object of desire; when he is
+angry, all these may be lost. It is from her husband that the wife
+obtaineth offspring and various articles of enjoyment. It is from thy
+husband that thou mayst have handsome beds and seats, and robes and
+garlands, and perfumes, and great fame and heaven itself hereafter. One
+cannot obtain happiness here by means that are easy. Indeed, the woman
+that is chaste, obtains weal with woe. Always adore Krishna, therefore,
+with friendship and love physical sufferings. And do thou also act in a
+way, by offering handsome seats and excellent garlands and various
+perfumes and prompt service, that he may be devoted to thee, thinking,
+"_I am truly loved by her!_" Hearing the voice of thy lord at the gate,
+rise thou up from thy seat and stay in readiness within the room. And as
+soon as thou seest him enter thy chamber, worship him by promptly
+offering him a seat and water to wash his feet. And even when he
+commands a maidservant to do anything, get thou up and do it thyself.
+Let Krishna understand this temper of thy mind and know that thou
+adorest him with all thy heart. And, O Satyabhama, whatever thy lord
+speaketh before thee, do not blab of it even if it may not deserve
+concealment,--for if any of thy co-wives were to speak of it unto
+Vasudeva, he might be irritated with thee. Feed thou by every means in
+thy power those that are dear and devoted to thy lord and always seek
+his good. Thou shouldst, however, always keep thyself aloof from those
+that are hostile to and against thy lord and seek to do him injury, as
+also from those that are addicted to deceit. Foregoing all excitement
+and carelessness in the presence of men, conceal thy inclinations by
+observing silence, and thou shouldst not stay or converse in private
+even with thy sons, Pradyumna and Samva. Thou shouldst form attachments
+with only such females as are high-born and sinless and devoted to their
+lords, and thou shouldst always shun women that are wrathful, addicted
+to drinks, gluttonous, thievish, wicked and fickle. Behaviour such as
+this is reputable and productive of prosperity; and while it is capable
+of neutralising hostility, it also leadeth to heaven. Therefore, worship
+thou thy husband, decking thyself in costly garlands and ornaments and
+smearing thyself with unguents and excellent perfumes.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then Kesava, the slayer of Madhu, also called
+Janardana, having conversed on various agreeable themes with the
+illustrious sons of Pandu and with those Brahmanas that were headed by
+Markandeya and having bid them farewell, mounted his car and called for
+Satyabhama. And Satyabhama then, having embraced the daughter of
+Drupada, addressed her in these cordial words expressive of her feelings
+towards her: 'O Krishna, let there be no anxiety, no grief, for thee!
+Thou hast no cause to pass thy nights in sleeplessness, for thou wilt
+surely obtain back the earth subjugated by thy husbands, who are all
+equal unto the gods. O thou of black eyes, women endued with such
+disposition and possessed of such auspicious marks, can never suffer
+misfortune long. It hath been heard by me that thou shall, with thy
+husbands, certainly enjoy this earth peacefully and freed from all
+thorns! And, O daughter of Drupada, thou shalt certainly behold the
+earth ruled by Yudhishthira after the sons of Dhritarashtra have been
+slain and the deeds of their hostility avenged! Thou wilt soon behold
+those wives of the Kurus, who, deprived of sense by pride, laughed at
+thee while on thy way to exile, themselves reduced to a state of
+helplessness and despair! Know them all, O Krishna, that did thee any
+injury while thou wert afflicted, to have already gone to the abode of
+Yama. Thy brave sons, Prativindhya by Yudhishthira and Sutasoma by
+Bhima, and Srutakarman by Arjuna, and Satanika by Nakula, and Srutasena
+begot by Sahadeva, are well and have become skilled in weapons. Like
+Abhimanyu they are all staying at Dwaravati, delighted with the place.
+And Subhadra also, cheerfully and with her whole soul, looketh after
+them like thee, and like thee joyeth in them and deriveth much happiness
+from them. Indeed, she grieveth in their griefs and joyeth in their
+joys. And the mother of Pradyumna also loveth them with her whole soul.
+And Kesava with his sons Bhanu and others watcheth over them with
+especial affection. And my mother-in-law is ever attentive in feeding
+and clothing them. And the Andhakas and Vrishnis, including Rama and
+others, regard them with affection. And, O beautiful lady, their
+affection for thy sons is equal unto what they feel for Pradyumna.'
+
+"Having said these agreeable and truthful and cordial words, Satyabhama
+desired to go to Vasudeva's car. And the wife of Krishna then walked
+round the queen of the Pandavas. And having done so the beautiful
+Satyabhama mounted the car of Krishna. And the chief of the Yadavas,
+comforting Draupadi with a smile and causing the Pandavas to return, set
+out for his own city, with swift horses (yoked unto his car)."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXIV
+
+(_Ghosha-yatra Parva_)
+
+Janamejaya said, "While those foremost of men--the sons of Pritha--were
+passing their days in the forest exposed to the inclemencies of the
+winter, the summer, the wind and the sun, what did they do, O Brahmana,
+after they had reached the lake and woods going by the name of Dwaita?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "After the sons of Pandu had arrived at that lake,
+they chose a residence that was removed from the habitations of men. And
+they began to roam through delightful woods and ever charming mountains
+and picturesque river-valleys. And after they had taken up their
+residence there, many venerable ascetics endued with Vedic lore often
+came to see them. And those foremost of men always received those
+_Veda_-knowing _Rishis_ with great respect. And one day there came unto
+the Kaurava princes a certain Brahmana who was well known on earth for
+his powers of speech. And having conversed with the Pandavas for a
+while, he went away as pleased him to the court of the royal son of
+Vichitravirya. Received with respect by that chief of the Kurus, the old
+king, the Brahmana took his seat; and asked by the monarch he began to
+talk of the sons of Dharma, Pavana, Indra and of the twins, all of whom
+having fallen into severe misery, had become emaciated and reduced owing
+to exposure to wind and sun. And that Brahmana also talked of Krishna
+who was overwhelmed with suffering and who then had become perfectly
+helpless, although she had heroes for her lords. And hearing the words
+of that Brahmana, the royal son of Vichitravirya became afflicted with
+grief, at the thought of those princes of royal lineage then swimming in
+a river of sorrow. His inmost soul afflicted with sorrow and trembling
+all over with sighs, he quieted himself with a great effort, remembering
+that everything had arisen from his own fault. And the monarch said,
+'Alas, how is it that Yudhishthira who is the eldest of my sons, who is
+truthful and pious and virtuous in his behaviour, who hath not a foe,
+who had formerly slept on beds made of soft _Ranku_ skins, sleepeth now
+on the bare ground! Alas, wakened formerly by _Sutas_ and _Magadhas_ and
+other singers with his praises, melodiously recited every morning, that
+prince of the Kuru race, equal unto Indra himself, is now waked from the
+bare ground towards the small hours of the night by a multitude of
+birds! How doth Vrikodara, reduced by exposure to wind and sun and
+filled with wrath, sleep, in the presence of the princess of Panchala,
+on the bare ground, unfit as he is to suffer such lot! Perhaps also, the
+intelligent Arjuna, who is incapable of bearing pain, and who, though
+obedient to the will of Yudhishthira, yet feeleth himself to be pierced
+over all by the remembrance of his wrongs, sleepeth not in the night!
+Beholding the twins and Krishna and Yudhishthira and Bhima plunged in
+misery, Arjuna without doubt, sigheth like a serpent of fierce energy
+and sleepeth not from wrath in the night! The twins also, who are even
+like a couple of blessed celestials in heaven sunk in woe though
+deserving of bliss, without doubt pass their nights in restless
+wakefulness restrained (from avenging their wrongs) by virtue and truth!
+The mighty son of the Wind-god, who is equal to the Wind-god himself in
+strength, without doubt, sigheth and restraineth his wrath, being tied
+through his elder brother in the bonds of truth! Superior in battle to
+all warriors, he now lieth quiet on the ground, restrained by virtue and
+truth, and burning to slay my children, he bideth his time. The cruel
+words that Dussasana spoke after Yudhishthira had been deceitfully
+defeated at dice, have sunk deep into Vrikodara's heart, and are
+consuming him, like a burning bundle of straw consuming a fagot of dry
+wood! The son of Dharma never acteth sinfully; Dhananjaya also always
+obeyeth him; but Bhima's wrath, in consequence of a life of exile, is
+increasing like a conflagration assisted by the wind! That hero, burning
+with rage such as that, squeezeth his hands and breatheth hot and fierce
+sighs, as if consuming therewith my sons and grandsons! The wielder of
+the _Gandiva_ and Vrikodara, when angry, are like Yama and Kala
+themselves; scattering their shafts, which are like unto thunder-bolts,
+they exterminate in battle the ranks of the enemy. Alas Duryodhana, and
+Sakuni, and the _Suta's_ son, and Dussasana also of wicked soul, in
+robbing the Pandavas of their kingdom by means of dice, seem to behold
+the honey alone without marking the terrible ruin. A man having acted
+rightly or wrongly, expecteth the fruit of those acts. The fruit,
+however, confounding him, paralyses him fully. How can man, thereof,
+have salvation? If the soil is properly tilled, and the seed sown
+therein, and if the god (of rain) showereth in season, still the crop
+may not grow. This is what we often hear. Indeed, how could this saying
+be true unless, as I think, it be that everything here is dependent on
+Destiny? The gambler Sakuni hath behaved deceitfully towards the son of
+Pandu, who ever acteth honestly. From affection for my wicked sons I
+also have acted similarly. Alas, it is owing to this that the hour of
+destruction hath come for the Kurus! Oh, perhaps, what is inevitable
+must happen! The wind, impelled or not, will move. The woman that
+conceives will bring forth. Darkness will be dispelled at dawn, and day
+disappear at evening! Whatever may be earned by us or others, whether
+people spend it or not, when the time cometh, those possessions of ours
+do bring on misery. Why then do people become so anxious about earning
+wealth? If, indeed, what is acquired is the result of fate, then should
+it be protected so that it may not be divided, nor lost little by
+little, nor permitted to flow out at once, for if unprotected, it may
+break into a hundred fragments. But whatever the character of our
+possessions, our acts in the world are never lost. Behold what the
+energy of Arjuna is, who went into the abode of Indra from the woods!
+Having mastered the four kinds of celestial weapons he hath come back
+into this world! What man is there who, having gone to heaven in his
+human form, wisheth to come back? This would never have been but because
+he seeth innumerable Kurus to be at the point of death, afflicted by
+Time! The bowman is Arjuna, capable of wielding the bow with his left
+hand as well! The bow he wieldeth is the _Gandiva_ of fierce impetus. He
+hath, besides, those celestial weapons of his! Who is there that would
+bear the energy of these three!'
+
+"Hearing these words of the monarch, the son of Suvala, going unto
+Duryodhana, who was then sitting with Karna, told them everything in
+private. And Duryodhana, though possessed of little sense, was filled
+with grief at what he heard."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of Dhritarashtra, Sakuni, when
+the opportunity presented itself, aided by Karna, spoke unto Duryodhana
+these words, 'Having exiled the heroic Pandavas by thy own prowess, O
+Bharata, rule thou this earth without a rival like the slayer of Samvara
+ruling the heaven! O monarch, the kings of the east, the south, the
+west, and the north, have all been made tributary to thee! O lord of
+earth, that blazing Prosperity which had before paid her court to the
+sons of Pandu, hath now been acquired by thee along with thy brothers!
+That blazing Prosperity, O king, which we not many days ago saw with
+heavy hearts in Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, is today seen by us to be
+owned by thee, she having, O mighty-armed monarch, been snatched by thee
+from the royal Yudhishthira by force of intellect alone. O slayer of
+hostile heroes, all the kings of the earth now living in subjection to
+thee, await thy commands, as they did before under Yudhishthira,
+awaiting his. O monarch, the goddess Earth with her boundless extent
+with girth of seas, with her mountains and forests, and towns and cities
+and mines, and decked with woodlands and hills is now thine! Adored by
+the Brahmanas and worshipped by the kings, thou blazest forth, O king,
+in consequence of thy prowess, like the Sun among the gods in heaven!
+Surrounded by the Kurus, O king, like Yama by the Rudra, or Vasava by
+the Maruts, thou shinest, O monarch, like the Moon among the stars! Let
+us, therefore, O king, go and look at the sons of Pandu--them who are
+now divested of prosperity, them who never obeyed commands, them who
+never owed subjection! It hath been heard by us, O monarch, that the
+Pandavas are now living on the banks of the lake called _Dwaitavana_,
+with a multitude of Brahmanas, having the wilderness for their home. Go
+thither, O king, in all thy prosperity, scorching the son of Pandu with
+a sight of thy glory, like the Sun scorching everything with his hot
+rays! Thyself a sovereign and they divested of sovereignty, thyself in
+prosperity and they divested of it, thyself possessing affluence and
+they in poverty, behold now, O king, the sons of Pandu. Let the sons of
+Pandu behold thee like Yayati, the son of Nahusha, accompanied by a
+large train of followers and enjoying bliss that is great. O king, that
+blazing Prosperity which is seen by both one's friends and foes, is
+regarded as well-bestowed! What happiness can be more complete than that
+which he enjoyeth who while himself in prosperity, looketh upon his foes
+in adversity, like a person on the hill top looking down upon another
+crawling on the earth? O tiger among kings, the happiness that one
+derives from beholding his foes in grief, is greater than what one may
+derive from the acquisition of offering or wealth or kingdom! What
+happiness will not be his who, himself in affluence, will cast his eyes
+on Dhananjaya attired in barks and deer-skins? Let thy wife dressed in
+costly robes look at the woeful Krishna clad in barks and deer-skins,
+and enhance the latter's grief! Let the daughter of Drupada reproach
+herself and her life, divested as she is of wealth, for the sorrow that
+she will feel upon beholding thy wife decked in ornaments will be far
+greater than what she had felt in the midst of the assembly (when
+Dussasana had dragged her there)!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having thus spoken unto the king, Karna and
+Sakuni both remained silent, O Janamejaya, after their discourse was
+over."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of Karna, king Duryodhana
+became highly pleased. Soon after, however, the prince became melancholy
+and addressing the speaker said, 'What thou tellest me, O Karna, is
+always before my mind. I shall not, however, obtain permission to repair
+to the place where the Pandavas are residing. King Dhritarashtra is
+always grieving for those heroes. Indeed, the king regarded the sons of
+Pandu to have become more powerful than before in consequence of their
+ascetic austerities. Or, if the king understands our motives, he will
+never, having regard to the future, grant us permission, for, O thou of
+great effulgence, we can have no other business in the woods of
+_Dwaitavana_ than the destruction of the Pandavas in exile! Thou knowest
+the words that Kshatri spoke to me, to thyself, and to the son of
+Suvala, at the time of the match at dice! Reflecting upon all those
+words as also upon all those lamentations (that he and others indulged
+in), I cannot make up my mind as to whether I should or should not go! I
+shall certainly be highly pleased if I cast my eyes on Bhima and
+Phalguna passing their days in pain with Krishna in the woods. The joy
+that I may feel in obtaining the sovereignty of the entire earth is
+nothing to that which will be mine upon beholding the sons of Pandu
+attired in barks of trees and deer-skins. What joy can be greater, O
+Karna, that will be mine upon beholding the daughter of Drupada dressed
+in red rags in the woods? If king Yudhishthira and Bhima, the sons of
+Pandu, behold me graced with great affluence, then only shall I have
+attained the great end of my life! I do not, however, see the means by
+which I may repair to those woods, by which, in fact, I may obtain the
+king's permission to go thither! Contrive thou, therefore, some skilful
+plan, with Suvala's son and Dussasana, by which we may go to those
+woods! I also, making up my mind today as to whether I should go or not,
+approach the presence of the king tomorrow. And when I shall be sitting
+with Bhishma--that best of the Kurus--thou wilt, with Sakuni propose the
+pretext which thou mayst have contrived. Hearing then the words of
+Bhishma and of the king on the subject of our journey, I will settle
+everything beseeching our grandfather.'
+
+"Saying 'So be it,' they then all went away to their respective
+quarters. And as soon as the night had passed away, Karna came to the
+king. And coming to him, Karna smilingly spoke unto Duryodhana, saying,
+'A plan hath been contrived by me. Listen to it, O lord of men! Our
+herds are now waiting in the woods of _Dwaitavana_ in expectation of
+thee! Without doubt, we may all go there under the pretext of
+supervising our cattle stations, for, O monarch, it is proper that kings
+should frequently repair to their cattle stations. If this be the motive
+put forth, thy father, O prince, will certainly grant thee permission!'
+And while Duryodhana and Karna were thus conversing laughingly, Sakuni
+addressed them and said, 'This plan, free from difficulties, was what I
+also saw for going thither! The king will certainly grant us permission,
+or even send us thither of his own accord. Our herds are now all waiting
+in the woods of _Dwaitavana_ expecting thee. Without doubt, we may all
+go there under the pretext of supervising our cattle stations!'
+
+"They then all three laughed together, and gave their hands unto one
+another. And having arrived at that conclusion, they went to see the
+chief of Kurus."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "They then all saw king Dhritarashtra, O Janamejaya,
+and having seen him, enquired after his welfare, and were, in return,
+asked about their welfare. Then a cow-herd named Samanga, who had been
+instructed beforehand by them, approaching the king, spoke unto him of
+the cattle. Then the son of Radha and Sakuni, O king, addressing
+Dhritarashtra, that foremost of monarchs, said, 'O Kaurava, our
+cattle-stations are now in a delightful place. The time for their tale
+as also for marking the calves hath come. And, O monarch, this also is
+an excellent season for thy son to go ahunting! It behoveth thee,
+therefore, to grant permission to Duryodhana to go thither.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra replied, 'The chase of the deer, as also the examination
+of cattle is very proper, O child! I think, indeed, that the herdsmen
+are not to be trusted. But we have heard that those tigers among men,
+the Pandavas, are now staying in the vicinity of those cattle stations.
+I think, therefore, ye should not go thither yourselves! Defeated by
+deceitful means they are now living in the deep forest in great
+suffering. O Radheya, they are mighty warriors and naturally able, they
+are now devoted to ascetic austerities. King Yudhishthira will not
+suffer his wrath to be awakened, but Bhimasena is naturally passionate.
+The daughter of Yajnasena is energy's self. Full of pride and folly, ye
+are certain to give offence. Endued with ascetic merit she will
+certainly consume you, or perhaps, those heroes, armed with swords and
+weapons! Nor, if from force of numbers, ye seek to injure them in any
+respect, that will be a highly improper act, although, as I think, ye
+will never be able to succeed. The mighty-armed Dhananjaya hath returned
+thence to the forest. While unaccomplished in arms, Vivatsu had
+subjugated the whole earth before. A mighty warrior as he is and
+accomplished in arms now, will he not be able to slay you all? Or, if in
+obedience to my words, ye behave carefully having repaired thither, ye
+will not be able to live happily there in consequence of the anxiety ye
+will feel owing to a state of continued trustlessness. Or, some soldier
+of yours may do some injury to Yudhishthira, and that unpremeditated act
+will be ascribed to your fault. Therefore, let some faithful men proceed
+there for the work of tale. I do not think it is proper for thee,
+Bharata, to go thither thyself.'
+
+"Sakuni said, 'The eldest of the sons of Pandu is cognisant of morality.
+He pledged in the midst of the assembly, O Bharata, that he would live
+for twelve years in the forest. The other sons of Pandu are all virtuous
+and obedient to Yudhishthira. And Yudhishthira himself, the son of
+Kunti, will never be angry with us. Indeed, we desire very much to go on
+a hunting expedition, and will avail of that opportunity for supervising
+the tale of our cattle. We have no mind to see the sons of Pandu. We
+will not go to that spot where the Pandavas have taken up their
+residence, and consequently no exhibition of misconduct can possibly
+arise on our part.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Sakuni, that lord of men,
+Dhritarashtra, granted permission, but not very willingly, to Duryodhana
+and his counsellors to go to the place. And permitted by the monarch the
+Bharata prince born of Gandhari started, accompanied by Karna and
+surrounded by a large host. And he was also accompanied by Dussasana and
+Suvala's son of great intelligence and by many other brothers of his and
+by ladies in thousands. And as the mighty-armed prince started for
+beholding the lake that was known by the name of _Dwaitavana_, the
+citizens (of Hastina), also accompanied by their wives began to follow
+him to that forest. Eight thousand cars, thirty thousand elephants, nine
+thousand horses, and many thousands of foot-soldiers, and shops and
+pavilions and traders, bards and men trained in the chase by hundreds
+and thousands followed the prince. And as the king started, followed by
+this large concourse of people, the uproar that was caused there
+resembled, O king, the deep tumult of the ranging winds in the rainy
+season. And reaching the lake _Dwaitavana_ with all his followers and
+vehicles, king Duryodhana took up his quarters at the distance of four
+miles from it."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "King Duryodhana then moving from forest to forest,
+at last approached the cattle-stations, and encamped his troops. And his
+attendants, selecting a well-known and delightful spot that abounded in
+water and trees and that possessed every convenience constructed an
+abode for him. And near enough to the royal residence they also erected
+separate abodes for Karna and Sakuni and the brothers of the king. And
+the king beheld his cattle by hundreds and thousands and examining their
+limbs and marks supervised their tale. And he caused the calves to be
+marked and took note of those that required to be tamed. And he also
+counted those kine whose calves had not yet been weaned. And completing
+the task of tale by marking and counting every calf that was three years
+old, the Kuru prince, surrounded by the cowherds, began to sport and
+wander cheerfully. And the citizens also and the soldiers by thousands
+began to sport, as best pleased them, in those woods, like the
+celestials. And the herdsmen, well skilled in singing and dancing and
+instrumental music, and virgins decked in ornaments, began to minister
+to the pleasures of Dhritarashtra's son. And the king surrounded by the
+ladies of the royal household began cheerfully to distribute wealth and
+food and drinks of various kinds amongst those that sought to please
+him, according to their desires.
+
+"And the king, attended by all his followers, began also to slay hyenas
+and buffaloes and deer and gayals and bears and boars all around. And
+the king, piercing by his shafts those animals by thousands in deep
+forest, caused the deer to be caught in the more delightful parts of the
+woods. Drinking milk and enjoying, O Bharata, various other delicious
+articles and beholding, as he proceeded, many delightful forests and
+woods swarming with bees inebriate with floral honey and resounding with
+the notes of the peacock, the king at last reached the sacred lake of
+_Dwaitavana_. And the spot which the king reached swarmed with bees
+inebriate with floral honey, and echoed with the mellifluous notes of
+the blue-throated jay and was shaded by _Saptacchadas_ and _punnagas_
+and _Vakulas_. And the king graced with high prosperity proceeded
+thither like the thunder-wielding chief of the celestials himself. And,
+O thou best of the Kuru race, King Yudhishthira the just, endued with
+high intelligence, was then, O monarch, residing in the vicinity of that
+lake at will and celebrating with his wedded wife, the daughter of
+Drupada, the diurnal sacrifice called _Rajarshi_, according to the
+ordinance sanctioned for the celestials and persons living in the
+wilderness. And, O monarch, having reached that spot, Duryodhana
+commanded his men by thousands, saying, 'Let pleasure-houses be
+constructed soon.' Thus commanded, those doers of the king's behests
+replying to the Kuru chief with the words, 'So be it,' went towards the
+banks of the lake for constructing pleasure-houses. And as the picked
+soldiers of Dhritarashtra's son, having reached the region of the lake,
+were about to enter the gates of the wood, a number of _Gandharvas_
+appeared and forbade them to enter. For, O monarch, the king of the
+_Gandharvas_ accompanied by his followers, had come thither beforehand,
+from the abode of _Kuvera_. And the king of the _Gandharvas_ had also
+been accompanied by the several tribes of _Apsaras_, as also by the sons
+of the celestials. And intent upon sport, he had come to that place for
+merriment, and occupying it, had closed it against all comers. And the
+attendants of the (Kuru) king, finding the lake closed by the king of
+the _Gandharvas_, went back, O monarch, to where the royal Duryodhana
+was. And Duryodhana having heard these words, despatched a number of his
+warriors difficult of being subjugated in battle, commanding them to
+drive away the _Gandharvas_. And those warriors who formed the vanguard
+of the Kuru army, hearing these words of the king, went back to the lake
+of _Dwaitavana_ and addressing the _Gandharvas_, said, 'The mighty king
+Duryodhana--the son of Dhritarashtra--is coming, hither for sport. Stand
+ye aside, therefore!' Thus addressed by them, O king, the _Gandharvas_
+laughed and replied unto those men in these harsh words: 'Your wicked
+king Duryodhana must be destitute of sense. How else could he have thus
+commanded us that are dwellers of heaven, as if indeed, we were his
+servants? Without forethought, ye also are doubtless on the point of
+death; for senseless idiots as ye are, ye have dared to bring us his
+message! Return ye soon to where that king of the Kurus is, or else go
+this very day to the abode of Yama.' Thus addressed by the _Gandharvas_,
+the advanced guard of the king's army ran back to the place where the
+royal son of Dhritarashtra was."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Those soldiers then, O king, all went back to
+Duryodhana and repeated to him every word that the _Gandharvas_ had
+said. And, O Bharata, finding that his soldiers had been opposed by the
+_Gandharvas_, Dhritarashtra's son, endued with energy, was filled with
+rage. And the king addressed his soldiers, saying, 'Punish these
+wretches who desire to oppose my will, even if they have come hither to
+sport, accompanied by all the celestials with him of a hundred
+sacrifices.' And hearing these words of Duryodhana, the sons and
+officers of Dhritarashtra all endued with great strength, as also
+warriors by thousands, began to arm themselves for battle. And filling
+the ten sides with loud leonine roars and rushing at those _Gandharvas_
+that had been guarding the gates, they entered the forest. And as the
+Kuru soldiers entered the forest, other _Gandharvas_ came up and forbade
+them to advance. And though gently forbidden by the _Gandharvas_ to
+advance, the Kuru soldiers, without regarding them in the least, began
+to enter that mighty forest. And when those rangers of the sky found
+that the warriors of Dhritarashtra along with their king could not be
+stopped by words they all went to their king Chitrasena and represented
+everything unto him. And when Chitrasena, the king of the Gandharvas,
+came to know all this he became filled with rage, alluding to the Kuru,
+and commanded his followers saying, 'Punish these wretches of wicked
+behaviour.' And, O Bharata, when the _Gandharvas_ were so commanded by
+Chitrasena, they rushed weapons in hand, towards the Dhritarashtra
+ranks. And beholding the _Gandharvas_ impetuously rushing towards them
+with upraised weapons, the Kuru warriors precipitously fled in all
+directions at the very sight of Duryodhana. And beholding the Kuru
+soldiers all flying from the field with their backs to the foe, the
+heroic Radheya alone fled not. And seeing the mighty host of the
+Gandharvas rushing towards him, Radheya checked them by a perfect shower
+of arrows. And the _Suta's_ son, owing to his extreme lightness of hand,
+struck hundreds of _Gandharvas_ with _Kshurapras_ and arrows and
+_Bhallas_ and various weapons made of bones and steel. And that mighty
+warrior, causing the heads of numerous _Gandharvas_ to roll down within
+a short time, made the ranks of Chitrasena to yell in anguish. And
+although they were slaughtered in great numbers by Karna endued with
+great intelligence, yet the _Gandharvas_ returned to the charge by
+hundreds and thousands. And in consequence of the swarms of Chitrasena's
+warriors rushing impetuously to the field the earth itself became soon
+covered by the _Gandharva_ host. Then king Duryodhana, and Sakuni, the
+son of Suvala, and Dussasana, and Vikarna, and other sons of
+Dhritarashtra, seated on cars the clatter of whose wheels resembled the
+roars of Garuda, returned to the charge, following the lead of Karna,
+and began to slaughter that host. And desirous of supporting Karna,
+these princes invested the Gandharva army, with a large number of cars
+and a strong body of horses. Then the whole of the _Gandharva_ host
+began to fight with the Kauravas. And the encounter that took place
+between the contending hosts was fierce in the extreme and might make
+one's hair stand on end. The _Gandharvas_, at last, afflicted with the
+shafts of the Kuru army, seemed to be exhausted. And the Kauravas
+beholding the _Gandharvas_ so afflicted sent up a loud sound.
+
+"And seeing the _Gandharva_ host yielding to fear, the angry Chitrasena
+sprang from his seat, resolved to exterminate the Kuru army. And
+conversant with various modes of warfare, he waged on the fight, aided
+by his weapons of illusion. And the Kaurava warriors were then all
+deprived of their senses by the illusion of Chitrasena. And then, O
+Bharata, it seemed that every warrior of the Kuru army was fallen upon
+and surrounded by ten _Gandharvas_. And attacked with great vigour, the
+Kuru host was greatly afflicted and struck with panic. O king, all of
+them that liked to live, fled from the field. But while the entire
+Dhritarashtra host broke and fled, Karna, that offspring of the Sun,
+stood there, O king, immovable as a hill. Indeed, Duryodhana and Karna
+and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, all fought with the _Gandharvas_,
+although every one of them was much wounded and mangled in the
+encounter. All the _Gandharvas_ then, desirous of slaying Karna, rushed
+together by hundreds and thousands towards Karna. And those mighty
+warriors, desirous of slaying the _Suta's_ son, surrounded him on all
+sides, with swords and battle-axes and spears. And some cut down the
+yoke of his car, and some his flagstaff, and some the shaft of his car,
+and some his horses, and some his charioteer. And some cut down his
+umbrella and some the wooden fender round his car and some the joints of
+his car. It was thus that many thousands of Gandharvas, together
+attacking his car, broke it into minute fragments. And while his car was
+thus attacked, Karna leaped therefrom with sword and shield in hand, and
+mounting on Vikarna's car, urged the steeds for saving himself."
+
+
+SECTION CCXL
+
+Vaisampayana said, "After that great warrior Karna had been routed by
+the _Gandharvas_, the whole of the Kuru army, O monarch, fled from the
+field in the very sight of Dhritarashtra's son. And beholding all his
+troops flying from the field of battle with their back to the foe, king
+Duryodhana refused to fly. Seeing the mighty host of the _Gandharvas_
+rushing towards him, that represser of foes poured down upon them a
+thick shower of arrows. The _Gandharvas_, however, without regarding
+that arrowy shower, and desirous also of slaying him, surrounded that
+car of his. And by means of their arrows, they cut off into fragments
+the yoke, the shaft, the fenders, the flagstaff, the three-fold bamboo
+poles, and the principal turret of his car. And they also slew his
+charioteer and horses, hacking them to pieces. And when Duryodhana,
+deprived of his car, fell on the ground, the strong-armed Chitrasena
+rushed towards him and seized him in such a way that it seemed his life
+itself was taken. And after the Kuru king had been seized, the
+_Gandharvas_, surrounding Dussasana, who was seated on his car, also
+took him prisoner. And some _Gandharvas_ seized Vivinsati and
+Chitrasena, and some Vinda and Anuvinda, while others seized all the
+ladies of royal household. And the warriors of Duryodhana, who were
+routed by the _Gandharvas_, joining those who had fled first, approached
+the Pandavas (who were living in the vicinity). And after Duryodhana had
+been made captive, the vehicles, the shops, the pavilions, the
+carriages, and the draught animals, all were made over to the Pandavas
+for protection. And those soldiers said, 'The mighty-armed son of
+Dhritarashtra, possessed of great strength and handsome mien, is being
+taken away captive by the _Gandharvas_! Ye sons of Pritha, follow them!
+Dussasana, Durvishasa, Durmukha, and Durjaya, are all being led away as
+captives in chains by the Gandharvas, as also all the ladies of the
+royal household!'
+
+"Crying thus, the followers of Duryodhana, afflicted with grief and
+melancholy, approached Yudhishthira, desirous of effecting the release
+of the king. Bhima then answered those old attendants of Duryodhana,
+who, afflicted with grief and melancholy, were thus soliciting (the aid
+of Yudhishthira), saying, 'What we should have done with great efforts,
+arraying ourselves in line of battle, supported by horses and elephants
+hath, indeed, been done by the _Gandharvas_! They that come hither for
+other purposes, have been overtaken by consequences they had not
+foreseen! Indeed, this is the result of the evil counsels of a king who
+is fond of deceitful play! It hath been heard by us that the foe of a
+person who is powerless, is overthrown by others. The Gandharvas have,
+in an extraordinary way illustrated before our eyes the truth of this
+saying! It seems that there is still fortunately some person in the
+world who is desirous of doing us good who hath, indeed, taken upon his
+own shoulders our pleasant load, although we are sitting idly! The
+wretch had come hither to cast his eyes on us,--himself in prosperity
+while ourselves are sunk in adversity and emaciated by ascetic
+austerities and are exposed to wind, cold and heat. They that imitate
+the behaviour of that sinful and wretched Kaurava, are now beholding his
+disgrace! He that had instructed Duryodhana to do this, had certainly
+acted sinfully. That the sons of Kunti are not wicked and sinful, I tell
+it before you all!'
+
+"And while Bhima, the son of Kunti, was speaking thus in a voice of
+sarcasm, king Yudhishthira told him, 'This is not time for cruel
+words!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXLI
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O child, why dost thou use language such as this,
+towards the frightened Kurus, who are now in adversity and who have come
+to us, solicitous of protection! O Vrikodara, disunions and disputes do
+take place amongst those that are connected in blood. Hostilities such
+as these do go on. But the honour of the family is never suffered to be
+interfered with. If any stranger seeketh to insult the honour of a
+family, they that are good never tolerate such insult coming from the
+stranger. The wicked-souled king of the Gandharvas knoweth that we are
+living here from some time. Yet disregarding us, he hath done this deed
+which is so disagreeable to us! O exalted one, from this forcible
+seizure of Duryodhana and from this insult to the ladies of our house by
+a stranger, our family honour is being destroyed. Therefore, ye tigers
+among men, arise and arm yourselves without delay for rescuing those
+that have sought our protection and for guarding the honour of our
+family. Ye tigers among men, let Arjuna and the twins and thyself also
+that art brave and unvanquished, liberate Duryodhana, who is even now
+being taken away a captive! Ye foremost of warriors, these blazing cars,
+furnished with golden flagstaffs and every kind of weapons belonging to
+Dhritarashtra's sons, are ready here. With Indrasena and other
+charioteers skilled in arms, for guiding them, ride ye on these
+everfurnished cars of deep rattle! And riding on these, exert ye with
+activity for fighting with the Gandharvas to liberate Duryodhana. Even
+an ordinary Kshatriya (amongst those that are here), would to the
+height of his power, protect one that hath come hither for refuge! What
+then, O Vrikodara, shall I say of thee! Entreated for assistance in such
+words as "_O hasten to my aid_!" Who is there (amongst those standing
+around me) that is high-souled enough to assist even his foe, beholding
+him seeking shelter with joined hands? The bestowal of a boon,
+sovereignty, and the birth of a son are sources of great joy. But, ye
+sons of Pandu, the liberation of a foe from distress is equal to all the
+three put together! What can be a source of greater joy to you than that
+Duryodhana sunk in distress seeketh his very life as depending on the
+might of your arms? O Vrikodara, if the vow in which I am engaged had
+been over, there is little doubt that I would myself have run to his
+aid. Strive thou by all means, O Bharata, to liberate Duryodhana by the
+arts of conciliation. If, however, the king of the Gandharvas cannot be
+managed by the arts of conciliation, then must thou try to rescue
+Suyodhana by lightly skirmishing with the foe. But if the chief of the
+Gandharvas do not let the Kurus off even then, they must be rescued by
+crushing the foe by all means. O Vrikodara, this is all I can tell thee
+now, for my vow hath been begun and is not ended yet!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Ajatasatru, Dhananjaya
+pledged himself, from respect for these commands of his superior, to
+liberate the Kauravas. And Arjuna said, 'If the Gandharvas do not set
+the Dhartarashtras free peacefully, the Earth shall this day drink the
+blood of the king of the Gandharvas!' And hearing that pledge of the
+truth-speaking Arjuna, the Kauravas then, O king, regained (the lost)
+tenor of their minds."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing the words of Yudhishthira, those bulls among
+men, headed by Bhimasena, rose up with faces beaming in joy. And those
+mighty warriors, O Bharata, then began to case themselves in
+impenetrable mail that were besides variegated with pure gold, and armed
+themselves with celestial weapons of various kinds. And the Pandavas
+thus cased in mail, and mounted on those chariots furnished with
+flagstaffs and armed with bows and arrows, looked like blazing fires.
+And those tigers among warriors, riding upon those well furnished cars
+drawn by fleet horses, proceeded to that spot without losing a moment.
+And beholding those mighty warriors--the sons of Pandu--thus proceeding
+together (for the liberation of Duryodhana), the Kuru army sent forth a
+loud shout. And soon did those rangers of the sky flushed with victory,
+and those impetuous warriors, the sons of Pandu, fearlessly encounter
+each other in that forest. The Gandharvas were flushed with success, and
+beholding the four brave sons of Pandu coming to battle seated on their
+cars, they all turned back towards the advancing combatants. And, the
+dwellers of the Gandhamadana, beholding the Pandavas looking like
+blazing guardians of the world provoked to ire, stood arrayed in order
+of battle. And, O Bharata, in accordance with words of king Yudhishthira
+of great wisdom, the encounter that took place was a skirmish. But when
+Arjuna--that persecutor of foes--saw that the foolish soldiers of the
+king of Gandharvas could not be made to understand what was good for
+them by means of a light skirmish, he addressed those invincible rangers
+of the skies in a conciliatory tone and said, 'Leave ye my brother king
+Suyodhana.' Thus addressed by the illustrious son of Pandu, the
+Gandharvas, laughing aloud, replied unto him saying, 'O child, there is
+but one in the world whose behests we obey and living under whose rule
+we pass our days in happiness: O Bharata, we always act as that one only
+person commandeth us! Besides that celestial chief there is none that
+can command us!' Thus addressed by the Gandharvas, Dhananjaya, the son
+of Kunti, replied unto them, saying, 'This contact with other people's
+wives and this hostile encounter with human beings are acts that are
+both censurable in the king of the Gandharvas and not proper for him.
+Therefore, leave ye these sons of Dhritarashtra all endued with mighty
+energy. And liberate ye also these ladies, at the command of king
+Yudhishthira the just. If, ye Gandharvas, ye do not set the sons of
+Dhritarashtra free peacefully, I shall certainly rescue Suyodhana (and
+his party) by exerting my prowess.' And speaking unto them thus,
+Pritha's son, Dhananjaya, capable of wielding the bow with his left hand
+also, then rained a shower of sharp pointed sky-ranging shafts upon
+those rangers of the firmament. Thus attacked, the mighty Gandharvas
+then encountered the sons of Pandu with a shower of arrows equally
+thick, and the Pandavas also replied by attacking those dwellers of
+heaven. And the battle then, O Bharata, that ranged between the active
+and agile Gandharvas and the impetuous son of Pandu was fierce in the
+extreme."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then those Gandharvas decked in golden garlands and
+accomplished in celestial weapons, showing their blazing shafts,
+encountered the Pandavas from every side. And as the sons of Pandu were
+only four in number and the Gandharvas counted by thousands, the battle
+that ensued appeared to be extraordinary. And as the cars of Karna and
+Duryodhana had formerly been broken into a hundred fragments by the
+Gandharvas, so were the cars of the four heroes attempted to be broken.
+But those tigers among men began to encounter with their showers of
+arrows thousands upon thousands of Gandharvas rushing towards them.
+Those rangers of skies endued with great energy, thus checked on all
+sides by that arrowy down-pour, succeeded not in even coming near to the
+sons of Pandu. Then Arjuna whose ire had been provoked, aiming at the
+angry Gandharvas, prepared to hurl against them his celestial weapons.
+And in that encounter, the mighty Arjuna, by means of his _Agneya_
+weapon, sent ten hundreds of thousands of Gandharvas to the abode of
+Yama. And that mighty bowman, Bhima, also, that foremost of all warriors
+in battle, slew, by means of his sharp arrows, Gandharvas by hundreds.
+And the mighty sons of Madri also, battling with vigour, encountered
+hundreds of Gandharvas, O king, and slaughtered them all. And as
+Gandharvas were being thus slaughtered by the mighty warriors with their
+celestial weapons, they rose up to the skies, taking with them the sons
+of Dhritarashtra. But Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, beholding them rise
+up to the skies, surrounded them on every side by a wide net of arrows.
+And confined within that arrowy net like birds within a cage, they
+showered in wrath upon Arjuna maces and darts and broad-swords. But
+Arjuna who was conversant with the most efficacious weapons, soon
+checked that shower of maces and darts and broad-swords, and in return
+began to mangle the limbs of the Gandharvas with his crescent-shaped
+arrows. And heads and legs and arms began to drop down from above
+resembling a shower of stones. And at that sight, the foe was struck
+with panic. And as the Gandharvas were being slaughtered by the
+illustrious son of Pandu, they began to shower from the skies a heavy
+downpour of shafts upon Arjuna, who was on the surface of the earth. But
+that chastiser of foes, Arjuna, endued with mighty energy checked that
+shower of arrows by means of his own weapons and began, in return, to
+wound them. Then Arjuna of the Kuru race shot his well-known weapons
+called _Sthunakarna, Indrajala, Saura, Agneya_ and _Saumya_. And the
+Gandharvas consumed by the fiery weapons of Kunti's son, began to suffer
+heavily, like the sons of Diti, while being scorched by Sakra's
+thunder-bolt. And when they attacked Arjuna from above, they were
+checked by his net of arrows. And while they attacked him from all sides
+on the surface of the earth, they were checked by his crescent-shaped
+arrows. And beholding the Gandharvas put in fear by Kunti's son,
+Chitrasena rushed, O Bharata, at Dhananjaya, armed with a mace. And as
+the king of the Gandharvas was rushing at Arjuna from above with that
+mace in hand, the latter cut with his arrows that mace wholly made of
+iron into seven pieces. And beholding that mace of his cut into many
+pieces by Arjuna of great activity, with his arrows, Chitrasena, by
+means of his science, concealed himself from the view of the Pandava and
+began to fight with him. The heroic Arjuna, however, by means of his own
+celestial weapons checked all the celestial weapons that were aimed at
+him by the Gandharvas. And when the chief of the Gandharvas saw that he
+was checked by the illustrious Arjuna with those weapons of his he
+entirely disappeared from sight by help of his powers of illusion. And
+Arjuna, observing that the chief of the Gandharvas was striking at him
+concealed from sight, attacked his assailant with celestial weapon
+inspired with proper _Mantras_. And the multiform Dhananjaya filled with
+wrath, prevented the disappearance of his foe by means of his weapon
+known by the name of _Sabda-veda_. And assailed with those weapons by
+the illustrious Arjuna, his dear friend, the king of the Gandharvas,
+showed himself unto him. And Chitrasena said, 'Behold in me thy friend
+battling with thee!' And beholding his friend Chitrasena exhausted in
+the battle, that bull among the sons of Pandu withdrew the weapons he
+had shot. And the other sons of Pandu beholding Arjuna withdraw his
+weapons, checked their flying steeds and the impetus of their weapons
+and withdrew their bows. And Chitrasena and Bhima and Arjuna and the
+twins enquiring about one another's welfare, sat awhile on their
+respective cars."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then that mighty bowman of blazing splendour,
+Arjuna, smilingly said unto Chitrasena in the midst of the Gandharva
+host, 'What purpose dost thou serve, O hero, in punishing the Kauravas?
+O, why also hath Suyodhana with his wives been thus punished?'
+
+"Chitrasena replied, 'O Dhananjaya, without stirring from my own abode I
+became acquainted with the purpose of the wicked Duryodhana and the
+wretched Karna in coming hither. The purpose was even this,--knowing
+that ye are exiles in the forest and suffering great afflictions as if
+ye had none to take care of you, himself in prosperity, this wretch
+entertained the desire of beholding you plunged in adversity and
+misfortune. They came hither for mocking you and the illustrious
+daughter of Drupada. The lord of the celestials also, having ascertained
+this purpose of theirs, told me, "Go thou and bring Duryodhana hither in
+chains along with his counsellors. Dhananjaya also with his brother
+should always be protected by thee in battle, for he is thy dear friend
+and disciple." At these words of the lord of the celestials I came
+hither speedily. This wicked prince hath also been put in chains. I will
+now proceed to the region of the celestials, whither I will lead this
+wicked wight at the command of the slayer of Paka!'
+
+"Arjuna answered, saying, 'O Chitrasena, if thou wishest to do what is
+agreeable to me, set Suyodhana free, at the command of king Yudhishthira
+the just, for he is our brother!'
+
+"Chitrasena said, 'This sinful wretch is always full of vanity. He
+deserveth not to be set free. O Dhananjaya, he hath deceived and wronged
+both king Yudhishthira the just and Krishna. Yudhishthira the son of
+Kunti as yet knoweth not the purpose on which the wretch came hither.
+Let the king, therefore, do what he desires after knowing everything!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "After this, all of them went to king
+Yudhishthira the just. And going unto the king, they represented unto
+him everything about Duryodhana's conduct. And Ajatasatru, hearing
+everything that the Gandharvas had said, liberated all the Kauravas and
+applauded the Gandharvas. And the king said, 'Fortunate it is for us
+that though gifted with great strength, ye did not yet slay the wicked
+son of Dhritarashtra along with all counsellors and relatives. This, O
+sir, hath been an act of great kindness done to me by the Gandharvas.
+The honour also of my family is saved by liberating this wicked wight. I
+am glad at seeing you all. Command me what I am to do for you. And
+having obtained all you wish, return ye soon whence ye came!'
+
+"Thus addressed by the intelligent son of Pandu, the Gandharvas became
+well-pleased and went away with the Apsaras. And the lord of the
+celestials then, coming to that spot, revived those Gandharvas that had
+been slain in the encounter with the Kurus, by sprinkling the celestial
+_Amrita_ over them. And the Pandavas also, having liberated their
+relatives along with the ladies of the royal household, and having
+achieved that difficult feat (the defeat of the Gandharvas host) became
+well-pleased. And those illustrious and mighty warriors worshipped by
+the Kurus along with their sons and wives, blazed forth in splendour
+like flaming fires in the sacrificial compound. And Yudhishthira then
+addressing the liberated Duryodhana in the midst of his brothers, from
+affection, told him these words: 'O child, never again do such a rash
+act. O Bharata, a rash wight never cometh by happiness. O son of the
+Kuru race, pleased be thou with all thy brothers. Go back to thy capital
+as pleaseth thee, without yielding thyself to despondency or
+cheerlessness!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dismissed by the son of Pandu, king
+Duryodhana then saluted king Yudhishthira the just and overwhelmed with
+shame, and his heart rent in twain, mechanically set out for his
+capital, like one destitute of life. And after the Kaurava prince had
+departed, the brave Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, along with his
+brothers, was worshipped by the Brahmanas, and surrounded by those
+Brahmanas endued with the wealth of asceticism, like Sakra himself by
+the celestials, he began to pass his days happily in the woods of
+Dwaita."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLV
+
+Janamejaya said, "After his defeat and capture by the foe and his
+subsequent liberation by the illustrious sons of Pandu by force of arms,
+it seemeth to me that the entry into Hastinapura of the proud, wicked,
+boastful, vicious, insolent, and wretched Duryodhana, engaged in
+insulting the sons of Pandu and bragging of his own superiority, must
+have been exceedingly difficult. Describe to me in detail, O
+Vaisampayana, the entry into the capital, of that prince overwhelmed
+with shame and unmanned by grief!"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Dismissed by the king Yudhishthira the just,
+Dhritarashtra's son Suyodhana, bending his head down in shame and
+afflicted with grief and melancholy, set out slowly. And the king,
+accompanied by his four kinds of forces, proceeded towards his city, his
+heart rent in grief and filled with thoughts of his defeat along the way
+in a region that abounded in grass and water. The king encamped on a
+delightful piece of ground as pleased him best, with his elephants and
+cars and cavalry and infantry stationed all around. And as the king
+Duryodhana was seated on an elevated bedstead endued with the effulgence
+of fire, himself looking like the moon under an eclipse, towards the
+small hours of the morning Karna, approaching him, said, 'Fortunate it
+is, O son of Gandhari, that thou art alive! Fortunate it is, that we
+have once more met! By good luck it is that thou hast vanquished the
+Gandharvas capable of assuming any form at will. And, O son of the Kuru
+race, it is by good luck alone, that I am enabled to see thy
+brothers--mighty warriors all--come off victorious from that encounter,
+having subjugated their foes! As regards myself, assailed by all the
+Gandharvas, I fled before thy eyes, unable to rally our flying host.
+Assailed by the foe with all his might, my body mangled with their
+arrows, I sought safety in flight. This however, O Bharata, seemed to me
+to be a great marvel that I behold you all come safe and sound in body,
+with your wives, troops, and vehicles, out of that super-human
+encounter. O Bharata, there is another man in this world who can achieve
+what thou, O king, hast achieved in battle to-day with thy brothers.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king Duryodhana
+replied unto the ruler of the Angas in a voice choked with tears."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLVI
+
+"Duryodhana said, 'O Radheya, thou knowest not what hath happened.
+Therefore, I do not resent thy words. Thou thinkest the hostile
+Gandharvas to have been vanquished by me with my own energy. O thou of
+mighty arms, my brothers, indeed had for a long time, aided by me fought
+with the Gandharvas. The slaughtered, indeed, on both sides were great.
+But when those brave Gandharvas, resorting to their many powers of
+illusion, ascended the skies and began to fight with us thence, our
+encounter with them ceased to be an equal one. Defeat then was ours and
+even captivity. And afflicted with sorrow, we along with our attendants
+and counsellors and children and wives and troops and vehicles were
+being taken by them through the skies. It was then that some soldiers of
+ours and some brave officers repaired in grief unto the sons of
+Pandu--those heroes that never refuse succour to those that ask for it.
+And having gone to them they said, "Here is king Duryodhana, the son of
+Dhritarashtra, who with his younger brothers and friends and wives is
+being led away a captive by the Gandharvas along the sky. Blest be ye.
+Liberate the king along with the women of the royal household! Suffer no
+insult to be offered unto all the ladies of the Kuru race." And when
+they had spoken thus, the eldest of Pandu's sons, who is endued with a
+virtuous soul then conciliated his brothers and commanded them to
+liberate us. Then those bulls among men, the Pandavas, overtaking the
+Gandharvas, solicited our release in soft words, although fully able to
+effect it by force of arms. And when the Gandharvas, addressed in such
+conciliatory words, refused to set us at liberty, then Arjuna and Bhima
+and the twins endued with mighty energy, shot showers of arrows at the
+Gandharvas. Then the Gandharvas, abandoning the fight, fled through the
+sky, dragging our melancholy selves after them, filled with joy. Then we
+beheld a network of arrows spread all around by Dhananjaya, who was also
+shooting celestial weapons upon the foe. And seeing the points of the
+horizon covered by Arjuna with a thick network of sharp arrows, his
+friend, the chief of the Gandharvas, showed himself. And Chitrasena and
+Arjuna, embracing each other, enquired after each other's welfare. And
+the other sons of Pandu also embraced the chief of the Gandharvas and
+were embraced by him. And enquiries of courtesy passed between them
+also. And the brave Gandharvas then abandoning their weapons and mail
+mingled in a friendly spirit with the Pandavas. And Chitrasena and
+Dhananjaya worshipped each other with regard.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXLVII
+
+"Duryodhana said, 'That slayer of hostile heroes, Arjuna, then
+approaching Chitrasena, smilingly addressed him in these manly words: "O
+hero, O foremost of the Gandharvas, it behoveth thee to set my brothers
+at liberty. They are incapable of being insulted as long as the sons of
+Pandu are alive." Thus addressed by the illustrious son of Pandu, the
+chief of the Gandharvas, O Karna, disclosed unto the Pandavas the object
+we had in view in proceeding to that place, viz., that we came there for
+casting our eyes on the sons of Pandu with their wife, all plunged in
+misery. And while the Gandharva was disclosing those counsels of ours,
+overwhelmed with shame I desired the earth to yield me a crevice, so
+that I might disappear there and then. The Gandharvas then, accompanied
+by the Pandavas, went to Yudhishthira, and, disclosing unto him also
+counsels, made us over, bound as we were, to him. Alas, what greater
+sorrow could be mine than that I should thus be offered as a tribute
+unto Yudhishthira, in the very sight of the women of our household,
+myself in chains and plunged in misery, and under the absolute control
+of my enemies. Alas, they, who have ever been persecuted by me, they
+unto whom I have ever been a foe released me from captivity, and wretch
+that I am, I am indebted to them for my life. If, O hero, I had met with
+my death in that great battle, that would have been far better than that
+I should have obtained my life in this way. If I had been slain by the
+Gandharvas, my fame would have spread over the whole earth, and I should
+have obtained auspicious regions of eternal bliss in the heaven of
+Indra. Listen to me therefore, ye bulls among men, as to what I intend
+to do now. I will stay here forgoing all food, while ye all return home.
+Let all my brothers also go to Hastinapura. Let all our friends,
+including Karna, and all our relatives headed by Dussasana, return now
+to the capital. Insulted by the foe, I myself will not repair thither. I
+who had before wrested from the foe his respect, I who had always
+enhanced the respect of my friends, have now become a source of sorrow
+unto friends and of joy unto enemies. What shall I now say unto the
+king, going to the city named after the elephant? What will Bhishma and
+Drona, Kripa, and Drona's son, Vidura and Sanjaya, Vahuka and Somadatta
+and other revered seniors,--what will the principal men of the other
+orders and men of independent professions, say to me and what shall I
+say unto them in reply? Having hitherto stayed over the heads of my
+enemies, having hitherto trod upon their breasts, I have fallen away
+from my position. How shall I ever speak with them? Insolent men having
+obtained prosperity and knowledge and affluence, are seldom blest for
+any length of time like myself puffed up with vanity. Alas, led by folly
+I have done a highly improper and wicked act, for which, fool that I am,
+I have fallen into such distress. Therefore, will I perish by starving,
+life having become insupportable to me. Relieved from distress by the
+foe, what man of spirit is there who can drag on his existence? Proud as
+I am, shorn of manliness, the foe hath laughed at me, for the Pandavas
+possessed of prowess have looked at me plunged in misery!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "While giving way to such reflections Duryodhana
+spoke unto Dussasana thus: 'O Dussasana, listen to these words of mine,
+O thou of the Bharata race! Accepting this installation that I offer
+thee, be thou king in my place. Rule thou the wide earth protected by
+Karna and Suvala's sons. Like Indra himself looking after the Maruts,
+cherish thou thy brothers in such a way that they may all confide in
+thee. Let thy friends and relatives depend on thee like the gods
+depending on him of a hundred sacrifices. Always shouldst thou bestow
+pensions on Brahmanas, without idleness, and be thou ever the refuge of
+thy friends and relatives. Like Vishnu looking after the celestials,
+thou shouldst always look after all consanguineous relatives. Thou
+shouldst also ever cherish thy superiors. Go, rule thou the earth
+gladdening thy friends and reproving thy foes.' And clasping his neck,
+Duryodhana said, 'Go!' Hearing these words of his, Dussasana in perfect
+cheerlessness and overwhelmed with great sorrow, his voice choked in
+tears, said, with joined hands and bending his head unto his eldest
+brother, 'Relent!' And saying this he fell down on earth with heavy
+heart. And afflicted with grief that tiger among men, shedding his tears
+on the feet of his brother again said, 'This will never be! The earth
+may split, the vault of heaven may break in pieces, the sun may cast off
+his splendour, the moon may abandon his coolness, the wind may forsake
+its speed, the Himavat may be moved from its site, the waters of the
+ocean may dry up, and fire may abandon its heat, yet I, O king, may
+never rule the earth without thee.' And Dussasana repeatedly said,
+'Relent, O king! Thou alone shall be king in our race for a hundred
+years.' And having spoken thus unto the king, Dussasana began to weep
+melodiously catching, O Bharata, the feet of his eldest brother
+deserving of worship from him.
+
+"And beholding Dussasana and Duryodhana thus weeping, Karna in great
+grief approached them both and said, 'Ye Kuru princes, why do you thus
+yield to sorrow like ordinary men, from senselessness? Mere weeping can
+never ease a sorrowing man's grief. When weeping can never remove one's
+griefs, what do you gain by thus giving way to sorrow? Summon patience
+to your aid to not gladden the foe by such conduct. O king, the Pandavas
+only did their duty in liberating thee. They that reside in the
+dominions of the king, should always do what is agreeable to the king.
+Protected by thee, the Pandavas are residing happily in thy dominion. It
+behoveth thee not to indulge in such sorrow like an ordinary person.
+Behold, thy uterine brothers are all sad and cheerless at seeing thee
+resolved to put an end to thy life by forgoing food. Blest be thou! Rise
+up and come to thy city and console these thy uterine brothers.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXLVIII
+
+"Karna continued, 'O king, this conduct of thine to-day appeareth to be
+childish. O hero, O slayer of foes, what is to be wondered at in this
+that the Pandavas liberated thee when thou wert vanquished by the foe? O
+son of the Kuru race, those that reside in the territories of the king,
+especially those (amongst them) that lead the profession of arms, should
+always do what is agreeable to the king whether they happen to be known
+to their monarch or unknown to him. It happened often that foremost men
+who crush the ranks of the hostile host, are vanquished by them, and are
+rescued by their own troops. They that leading the profession of arms,
+reside in the king's realm should always combine and exert themselves to
+the best of their power, for the king. If, therefore, O king, the
+Pandavas, who live in the territories, have liberated thee, what is
+there to be regretted at in this? That the Pandavas, O best of kings,
+did not follow thee when thou didst march forth to battle at the head of
+thy troops, has been an improper act on their part. They had before this
+come under thy power, becoming thy slaves. They are, therefore, bound to
+aid thee now, being endued with courage and might and incapable of
+turning away from the field of battle. Thou art enjoying all the rich
+possessions of the Pandavas. Behold them yet alive, O king! They have
+not resolved to die, forgoing all food. Blest be thou! Rise up, O king!
+It behoveth thee not to indulge in great sorrow long. O king, it is the
+certain duty of those that reside in the king's realm to do what is
+agreeable to the king. Where should the regret be in all this? If thou,
+O king, dost not act according to my words I shall stay here employed in
+reverentially serving thy feet. O bull among men, I do not desire to
+live deprived of thy company. O king, if thou resolvest to slay thyself
+by forgoing food, thou wilt simply be an object of laughter with other
+kings.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king Duryodhana,
+firmly resolved to leave the world, desired not to rise from where he
+sat."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Beholding king Duryodhana, incapable of putting up
+with an insult, seated with the resolution of giving up life by forgoing
+food, Sakuni, the son of Suvala, said these words to comfort him. Sakuni
+said, 'O son of the Kuru race, you have just heard what Karna hath said.
+His words are, indeed fraught with wisdom. Why wouldst thou abandoning
+from foolishness the high prosperity that I won for thee, cast off thy
+life today, O king, yielding to silliness? It seemeth to me to-day that
+thou hast never waited upon the old. He that cannot control sudden
+accession of joy or grief, is lost even though he may have obtained
+prosperity, like an unburnt earthen vessel in water. That king who is
+entirely destitute of courage, who hath no spark of manliness, who is
+the slave of procrastination, who always acts with indiscretion, who is
+addicted to sensual pleasures, is seldom respected by his subjects.
+Benefited as thou has been, whence is this unreasonable grief of thine?
+Do not undo this graceful act done by the sons of Pritha, by indulging
+in such grief. When thou shouldst joy and reward the Pandavas, thou art
+grieving, O king? Indeed, this behaviour of thine is inconsistent. Be
+cheerful, do not cast away thy life; but remember with a pleased heart
+the good they have done thee. Give back unto the sons of Pritha their
+kingdom, and win thou both virtue and renown by such conduct. By acting
+in this way, thou mayst be grateful. Establish brotherly relations with
+the Pandavas by being friends, and give them their paternal kingdom, for
+then thou wilt be happy!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Sakuni, and seeing the
+brave Dussasana lying prostrate before him unmanned by fraternal love,
+the king raised Dussasana and, clasping him in his well round arms,
+smelt his head from affection. And hearing these words of Karna and
+Sauvala, king Duryodhana lost heart more than ever, and he was
+overwhelmed with shame and utter despair overtook his soul. And hearing
+all that his friends said, he answered with sorrow, 'I have nothing more
+to do with virtue, wealth, friendship, affluence, sovereignty, and
+enjoyments. Do not obstruct my purpose, but leave me all of you. I am
+firmly resolved to cast away my life by forgoing food. Return to the
+city, and treat my superiors there respectfully.'
+
+"Thus addressed by him, they replied unto that royal grinder of foes,
+saying, 'O monarch, the course that is thine, is also ours, O Bharata.
+How can we enter the city without thee?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Though addressed in all manner of ways by his
+friends and counsellors and brothers and relatives, the king wavered not
+from his purpose. And the son of Dhritarashtra in accordance with his
+purpose spread _Kusa_ grass on the earth, and purifying himself by
+touching water, sat down upon that spot. And clad in rags and _Kusa_
+grass he set himself to observe the highest vow. And stopping all
+speech, that tiger among kings, moved by the desire of going to heaven,
+began to pray and worship internally suspending all external
+intercourse.
+
+"Meanwhile the fierce _Daityas_ and the _Danavas_ who had been defeated
+of old by the celestials and had been dwelling in the nether regions
+having ascertained Duryodhana's purpose and knowing that if the king
+died their party would be weakened, commenced a sacrifice with fire for
+summoning Duryodhana to their presence. And _mantra_ knowing persons
+then commenced with the help of formulae declared by Brihaspati and
+Usanas, those rites that are indicated in the _Atharva Veda_ and the
+_Upanishads_ and which are capable of being achieved by _mantras_ and
+prayers. And Brahmins of rigid vows, well-versed in the _Vedas_ and the
+branches, began, with rapt soul, to pour libations of clarified butter
+and milk into the fire, uttering _mantras_. And after those rites were
+ended, a strange goddess, O king, with mouth wide open, arose (from the
+sacrificial fire), saying, 'What am I to do?' And the Daityas with
+well-pleased hearts, commanded her, saying, 'Bring thou hither the royal
+son of Dhritarashtra, who is even now observing the vow of starvation
+for getting rid of his life.' Thus commanded, she went away saying, 'So
+be it.' And she went in the twinkling of an eye to that spot where
+Suyodhana was. And taking up the king back to the nether regions, and
+having brought him thus in a moment, she apprised the _Danavas_ of it.
+And the _Danavas_ beholding the king brought into their midst in the
+night, united together, and all of them with well-pleased hearts and
+eyes expanded in delight addressed these flattering words to
+Duryodhana."
+
+
+SECTION CCL
+
+"The Danavas said, 'O Suyodhana, O great king! O perpetuator of the race
+of Bharata, thou art ever surrounded by heroes and illustrious men. Why
+hast thou, then, undertaken to do such a rash act as the vow of
+starvation? The suicide ever sinketh into hell and becometh the subject
+of calumnious speech. Nor do intelligent persons like thee ever set
+their hands to acts that are sinful and opposed to their best interests
+and striking at the very root of their purposes. Restrain this resolve
+of thine, therefore, O king, which is destructive of morality, profit,
+and happiness, of fame, prowess, and energy, and which enhanceth the joy
+of foes. O exalted king, know the truth, the celestial origin of thy
+soul, and the maker of thy body, and then summon thou patience to thy
+aid. In days of old, O king, we have obtained thee, by ascetic
+austerities from Maheswara. The upper part of thy body is wholly made of
+an assemblage of _Vajras_, and is, therefore, invulnerable to weapons of
+every description, O sinless one. The lower part of thy body, capable of
+captivating the female heart by its comeliness was made of flowers by
+the goddess herself--the wife of Mahadeva. Thy body is thus, O best of
+kings, the creation of Maheswara himself and his goddess. Therefore, O
+tiger among kings, thou art of celestial origin, not human. Other brave
+Kshatriyas of mighty energy headed by Bhagadatta, and all acquainted
+with celestial weapons, will slay thy foes. Therefore, let this grief of
+thine cease. Thou hast no cause for fear. For aiding thee, many heroic
+_Danavas_ have been born on the earth. Other Asuras will also possess
+Bhishma and Drona and Karna and others. Possessed by those Asuras, these
+heroes will cast away their kindness and fight with thy foes. Indeed,
+when the _Danavas_ will enter their heart and possess them completely,
+flinging all affections to a distance, becoming hard-hearted, these
+warriors will strike every body opposed to them in battle without
+sparing sons, brothers, fathers, friends, disciples, relatives, even
+children and old men. Blinded by ignorance and wrath, and impelled by
+that destiny which hath been ordained by the Creator, these tigers among
+men, with hearts steeped in sin, will, O thou foremost of the Kurus,
+depopulate the earth by hurling and shooting all kinds of weapons, with
+great manliness and strength and always addressing one another
+boastfully with words such as these, "_Thou shall not escape from me
+today with life_." And these illustrious sons of Pandu also, five in
+number, will fight with these. And, endued with mighty strength and
+favoured by Fate, they will compass the destruction of these. And, O
+king, many _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_ also that have been born in the
+Kshatriya order, will fight with great prowess in the battle with thy
+foes, using maces and clubs and lances and various weapons of a superior
+kind. And, O hero, with respect to the fear that is in thy heart rising
+from Arjuna, we have already settled the means for slaying Arjuna. The
+soul of the slain Naraka hath assumed the form of Karna. Recollecting
+his former hostility he will encounter both Kesava and Arjuna. And that
+mighty warrior and foremost of smiters, proud of his prowess will
+vanquish Arjuna in battle as also all thy enemies. The wielder of the
+thunder-bolt, knowing all this, and desirous of saving Arjuna, will in
+disguise take away from Karna his ear-rings and coat of mail. We also
+have for that reason appointed hundreds upon hundreds and thousands upon
+thousands of _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_, viz., those that are known by
+the name of _Samsaptakas_.[43] These celebrated warriors will slay the
+heroic Arjuna. Therefore, grieve not, O king. Thou wilt rule the whole
+earth, O monarch, without a rival. Do not yield to despondency. Conduct
+such as this does not suit thee. O thou of the Kuru race, if thou diest,
+our party becometh weak. Go thou, O hero, and let not thy mind be
+directed to any other course of action. Thou art ever our refuge as,
+indeed, the Pandavas are the refuge of the gods.'"
+
+    [43] Lit, Soldiers that have sworn to conquer or die. A full
+    Akshauhini of these soldiers was owned by Krishna, who gave them
+    to Duryodhana to fight for him. The story of Krishna's offering
+    to Duryodhana the choice between these soldiers on the one side,
+    and himself sworn not to fight but only to aid with his counsels
+    on the other, is given in full in the Udyoga Parva. Duryodhana,
+    from folly, accepted the former, who were all slain by Arjuna.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having addressed him thus, those _Daityas_
+embraced that elephant among kings, and those bulls among the _Danavas_
+cheered that irrepressible one like a son. And, O Bharata, pacifying his
+mind by soft speech, they permitted him to depart, saying, 'Go and
+attain victory!' And when they had given leave to the mighty-armed one,
+that very goddess carried him back to the spot where he had sat down,
+intent upon putting an end to his life. And having set that hero down
+and paid him homage, the goddess vanished, taking the king's permission.
+O Bharata, when she had gone, king Duryodhana considered all (that had
+happened) as a dream. He then thought within himself, 'I shall defeat
+the Pandavas in battle.' And Suyodhana thought that Karna and the
+Samsaptaka army were both able (to destroy) and intent upon destroying
+that slayer of foes, Partha. Thus, O bull of the Bharata race, the hope
+was strengthened of the wicked minded son of Dhritarashtra, of
+conquering the Pandavas. And Karna also, his soul and faculties
+possessed by the inmost soul of Naraka, had at that time cruelly
+determined to slay Arjuna. And those heroes--the Samsaptakas
+also--having their sense possessed by the _Rakshasas_, and influenced by
+the qualities of emotion and darkness, were desirous of slaying
+Phalguna. And, O king, others with Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa at their
+head, having their faculties influenced by the Danavas, were not so
+affectionate towards the sons of Pandu as they had been. But king
+Suyodhana did not tell any one of this.
+
+"When the night passed away, Karna, that offspring of the Sun, with
+joined hands, smilingly addressed these wise words to king Duryodhana,
+'No dead man conquereth his foes: it is when he is alive that he can see
+his good. Where is the good of the dead person; and, O Kauravya, where
+is his victory? Therefore, this is no time for grief, or fear or death.'
+And having, with his arms embraced that mighty-armed one, he further
+said, 'Rise up, O king! Why dost thou lie down? Why dost thou grieve, O
+slayer of foes? Having afflicted thy enemies by thy prowess, why dost
+thou wish for death? Or (perhaps) fear hath possessed thee at the sight
+of Arjuna's prowess. I truly promise unto thee that I will slay Arjuna
+in battle. O lord of men, I swear by my weapon that when the three and
+ten years shall have passed away, I will bring the sons of Pritha under
+thy subjection.' Thus addressed by Karna, and remembering the words of
+the _Daityas_ and supplications made by them (his brothers), Suyodhana
+rose up. And having heard those words of the _Daityas_ that tiger among
+men, with a firm resolve in his heart arrayed his army, abounding in
+horses and elephants and cars and infantry. And, O monarch, immensely
+swarming with white umbrellas, and pennons, and white _Chamaras_, and
+cars, and elephants, and foot-soldiers, that mighty army, as it moved
+like the waters of the Ganga, looked graceful like the firmament, at a
+season when the clouds have dispersed and the signs of autumn have been
+but partially developed. And, O foremost of kings, eulogised like a
+monarch by the best of the Brahmanas blessing with victory, that lord of
+men Suyodhana, Dhritarashtra's son, receiving honours paid with
+innumerable joined palms, and flaming in exceeding splendour, went in
+the front, accompanied by Karna, and that gambler, the son of Suvala.
+And all his brothers with Dussasana at their head, and Bhurisrava, and
+Somadatta, and the mighty king Vahlika, followed that lion among kings
+on his way, with cars of various forms, and horses, and the best of
+elephants. And, O prince among monarchs, in a short time, those
+perpetuators of the Kuru race entered their own city."
+
+
+SECTION CCLI
+
+Janamejaya said, "When the high-souled sons of Pritha were living in the
+forest, what did those foremost of men and mighty archers--the sons of
+Dhritarashtra--do? And what did the offspring of the Sun, Karna, and the
+mighty Sakuni, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa do? It behoveth thee to
+relate this unto me."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When, O mighty king, in this manner the Pandavas had
+gone, leaving Suyodhana, and when, having been liberated by Pandu's
+sons, he had come to Hastinapura, Bhishma said these words to the son of
+Dhritarashtra, 'O child, I had told thee before, when thou wert intent
+upon going to the hermitage that thy journey did not please me. But thou
+didst do so. And as a consequence, O hero, wert thou forcibly taken
+captive by the enemy, and wert delivered by the Pandavas versed in
+morality. Yet art thou not ashamed. Even in the presence of thee, O son
+of Gandhari, together with thy army, did the Suta's son, struck with
+panic, fly from the battle of the Gandharvas, O king. And, O foremost of
+kings, O son of the monarch! while thou with thy army wert crying
+distressfully, thou didst witness the prowess of the high-souled
+Pandavas, and also, O mighty-armed one, of the wicked son of the Suta,
+Karna. O best of kings, whether in the science of arms, or heroism, or
+morality, Karna, O thou devoted to virtue, is not a fourth part of the
+Pandavas. Therefore, for the welfare of this race, the conclusion of
+peace is, I think, desirable with the high-souled Pandavas.'
+
+"Having been thus addressed by Bhishma, Dhritarashtra's son the king,
+laughed a good deal, and then suddenly sailed out with the son of
+Suvala. Thereupon, knowing that he was gone, those mighty bowmen with
+Karna, and Dussasana at their head, followed the highly powerful son of
+Dhritarashtra. And seeing them gone, Bhishma, the grandfather of the
+Kurus, hung down his head from shame, and then, O king, went to his own
+quarters. And, O mighty monarch, when Bhishma had left, that lord of
+men, Dhritarashtra's son came there again, and began to consult with his
+counsellors, 'What is it that is good for me? What remaineth to be done?
+And how we can most effectively bring about the good we shall discuss
+to-day.' Karna said, 'O Kuru's son, Duryodhana, do thou lay to heart the
+words that I say. Bhishma always blameth us, and praiseth the Pandavas.
+And from the ill-will he beareth towards thee, he hateth me also. And, O
+lord of men, in thy presence he ever crieth me down. I shall never, O
+Bharata, bear these words that Bhishma had said in thy presence in
+relation to this matter, extolling the Pandavas, and censuring thee, O
+represser of foes! Do thou, O king, enjoin on me, together with
+servants, forces, and cars. I shall, O monarch, conquer the earth
+furnished with mountains and woods and forests. The earth had been
+conquered by the four powerful Pandavas. I shall, without doubt, conquer
+it for thee single-handed. Let that wretch of the Kuru race, the
+exceedingly wicked-minded Bhishma, see it,--he who vilifies those that
+do not deserve censure, and praises those that should not be praised.
+Let him this day witness my might, and blame himself. Do thou, O king,
+command me. Victory shall surely be thine. By my weapon, O monarch, I
+swear this before thee.'
+
+"O king, O bull of the Bharata race, hearing those words of Karna, that
+lord of men, experiencing the highest delight, spoke unto Karna, saying,
+'I am blessed. I have been favoured by thee,--since thou, endued with
+great strength, art ever intent on my welfare. My life hath borne fruit,
+to-day. As thou, O hero, intendest to subdue all our enemies, repair
+thou. May good betide thee! Do thou command me (what I am to do).' O
+subduer of foes, having been thus addressed by Dhritarashtra's
+intelligent son, Karna ordered all the necessaries for the excursion.
+And on an auspicious lunar day, at an auspicious moment, and under the
+influence of a star presided over by an auspicious deity, that mighty
+bowman, having been honoured by twice-born ones, and been bathed with
+auspicious and holy substances and also worshipped by speech set out,
+filling with the rattle of his car the three worlds, with their mobile
+and immobile objects."
+
+
+SECTION CCLII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O bull among the Bharatas, that mighty
+bowman, Karna, surrounded by a large army, besieged the beautiful city
+of Drupada. And he, after a hard conflict, brought the hero under
+subjection, and, O best of monarchs, made Drupada contribute silver and
+gold and gems, and also pay tribute. And, O foremost of kings, having
+subdued him, (Karna) brought under subjection those princes that were
+under him (Drupada) and made them pay tribute. Then going to the north,
+he subdued the sovereigns (of that quarter) and having effected the
+defeat of Bhagadatta, Radha's son ascended that mighty mountain Himavat,
+all along fighting his foes. And ranging all sides, he conquered and
+brought under subjection all the kings inhabiting the Himavat, and made
+them pay dues. Then descending from the mountain and rushing to the
+east, he reduced the Angas, and the Bangas, and the Kalingas, and the
+Mandikas, and the Magadhas, the Karkakhandas; and also included with
+them the Avasiras, Yodhyas, and the Ahikshatras. Having (thus) conquered
+the eastern quarter Karna then presented himself before Batsa-bhumi. And
+having taken Batsa-bhumi, he reduced Kevali, and Mrittikavati, and
+Mohana and Patrana, and Tripura, and Kosala,--and compelled all these to
+pay tribute. Then going to the south, Karna vanquished the mighty
+charioteers (of that quarter) and in Dakshinatya, the Suta's son entered
+into conflict with Rukmi. After having fought dreadfully, Rukmi spake to
+the Suta's son saying, 'O foremost of monarchs, I have been pleased with
+thy might and prowess. I shall not do thee wrong: I have only fulfilled
+the vow of a Kshatriya. Gladly will I give thee as many gold coins as
+thou desirest.' Having met with Rukmi, Karna repaired to Pandya and the
+mountain, Sri. And by fighting, he made Karala, king Nila, Venudari's
+son, and other best of kings living in the southern direction pay
+tribute. Then going to Sisupala's son, the son of the Suta defeated him
+and that highly powerful one also brought under his sway all the
+neighbouring rulers. And, O bull of the Bharata race, having subjugated
+the Avantis and concluded peace with them, and having met with the
+Vrishnis, he conquered the west. And, having come to the quarter of
+Varuna, he made all the Yavana and Varvara kings pay tribute. And,
+having conquered the entire earth--east, west, north and south--that
+hero without any aid brought under subjection all the nations of the
+Mlechchhas, the mountaineers, the Bhadras, the Rohitakas, the Agneyas
+and the Malavas. And, having conquered the mighty charioteers, headed by
+the Nagnajitas, the Suta's son brought the _Sasakas_ and the _Yavanas_
+under his sway. Having thus conquered and brought under his subjection
+the world, the mighty charioteer and tiger among men came (back) to
+Hastinapura. That lord of men, Dhritarashtra's son, accompanied by his
+father and brothers and friends, came to that mighty bowman, who had
+arrived, and duly paid homage unto Karna crowned with martial merit. And
+the king proclaimed his feats, saying, 'What I have not received from
+either Bhishma, or Drona, or Kripa, or Vahlika, I have received from
+thee. May good betide thee! What need of speaking at length! Hear my
+words, O Karna! In thee, O chief of men, I have my refuge. O
+mighty-armed one, O tiger among men, without doubt all the Pandavas and
+the other kings crowned with prosperity, come not to a sixteenth part of
+thee. Do thou, O mighty bowman, O Karna, see Dhritarashtra, and the
+illustrious Gandhari, as the bearer of the thunderbolt did Aditi.'
+
+"Then, O king, there arose in the city of Hastinapura a clamour, and
+sounds of _Oh!_ and _Alas!_ and, O lord of men, some of the kings
+praised him (Karna), while others censured him, while others, again,
+remained silent. Having thus, O foremost of monarchs, in a short time
+conquered this earth furnished with mountains and forests and skies, and
+with oceans, and fields, and filled with high and low tracts, and
+cities, and replete also with islands, O lord of earth, and brought the
+monarchs under subjection,--and having gained imperishable wealth, the
+Suta's son appeared before the king. Then, O represser of foes, entering
+into the interior of the palace that hero saw Dhritarashtra with
+Gandhari, O tiger among men, that one conversant with morality took hold
+of his feet even like a son. And Dhritarashtra embraced him
+affectionately, and then dismissed him. Ever since that time, O monarch,
+O Bharata, king Duryodhana and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, thought that
+Pritha's sons had already been defeated in battle by Karna."
+
+
+SECTION CCLIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "O king, O lord of men, that slayer of hostile
+heroes, the Suta's son, said these words to Duryodhana, 'O Kaurava
+Duryodhana, do thou lay unto thy heart the words that I shall tell thee;
+and, O represser of foes, after having heard my words, it behoveth thee
+to act accordingly every way. Now, O best of monarchs, O hero, hath the
+earth been rid of foes. Do thou rule her even like the mighty-minded
+Sakra himself, having his foes destroyed.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having been thus addressed by Karna, the king
+again spake unto him, saying, 'O bull among men, nothing whatever is
+unattainable to him who hath thee for refuge, and to whom thou art
+attached and on whose welfare thou art entirely intent. Now, I have a
+purpose, which do thou truly listen to. Having beheld that foremost of
+sacrifices, the mighty _Rajasuya_, performed by the Pandavas, a desire
+hath sprung up in me (to celebrate the same). Do thou, O Suta's son,
+fulfil this desire of mine.' Thus addressed, Karna spake thus unto the
+king, 'Now that all the rulers of the earth have been brought under thy
+subjection, do thou summon the principal Brahmanas, and, O best of
+Kurus, duly procure the articles required for the sacrifice. And, O
+represser of foes, let Ritwijas as prescribed, and versed in the Vedas,
+celebrate thy rites according to the ordinance, O king. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, let thy great sacrifice also, abounding in meats and
+drinks, and grand with parts, commence.'
+
+"O king, having been thus addressed by Karna, Dhritarashtra's son
+summoned the priest, and spake unto him these words, 'Do thou duly and
+in proper order celebrate for me that best of sacrifices, the _Rajasuya_
+furnished with excellent _Dakshinas_.' Thus accosted, that best of
+Brahmanas spake unto the king, saying, 'O foremost of the Kauravas,
+while Yudhishthira is living, that best of sacrifices cannot be
+performed in thy family, O Prince of kings! Further, O monarch, thy
+father Dhritarashtra, endued with long life, liveth. For this reason
+also, O best of kings, this sacrifice cannot be undertaken by thee.
+There is, O lord, another great sacrifice, resembling the Rajasuya. Do
+thou, O foremost of kings, celebrate that sacrifice. Listen to these
+words of mine. All these rulers of the earth, who have, O king, become
+tributary to thee, will pay thee tribute in gold, both pure and impure.
+Of that gold, do thou, O best of monarchs, now make the (sacrificial)
+plough, and do thou, O Bharata, plough the sacrificial compound with it.
+At that spot, let there commence, O foremost of kings, with due rites,
+and without any disturbance the sacrifice, sanctified with _mantras_
+abounding in edibles. The name of that sacrifice worthy of virtuous
+persons, is Vaishnava. No person save the ancient Vishnu hath performed
+it before. This mighty sacrifice vies with that best of sacrifices--the
+_Rajasuya_ itself. And, further, it liketh us--and it is also for thy
+welfare (to celebrate it). And, moreover, it is capable of being
+celebrated without any disturbance. (By undertaking this), thy desire
+will be fufilled.'
+
+"Having been thus addressed by those Brahmanas, Dhritarashtra's son, the
+king, spake these words to Karna, his brothers and the son of Suvala,
+'Beyond doubt, the words of the Brahmanas are entirely liked by me. If
+they are relished by you also, express it without delay.' Thus appealed,
+they all said unto the king, 'So be it.' Then the king one by one
+appointed persons to their respective tasks; and desired all the
+artisans to construct the (sacrificial) plough. And, O best of kings,
+all that had been commanded to be done, was gradually executed."
+
+
+SECTION CCLIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then all the artisans, the principal
+counsellors, and the highly wise Vidura said unto Dhritarashtra's son,
+'All the preparations for the excellent sacrifice have been made, O
+king; and the time also hath come, O Bharata. And the exceedingly
+precious golden plough hath been constructed.' Hearing this, O monarch,
+that best of kings, Dhritarashtra's son commanded that prince among
+sacrifices to be commenced. Then commenced that sacrifice sanctified by
+_mantras_, and abounding in edibles, and the son of Gandhari was duly
+initiated according to the ordinance. And Dhritarashtra, and the
+illustrious Vidura, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and
+the celebrated Gandhari experienced great delight. And, O foremost of
+kings, Duryodhana despatched swift messengers to invite the princes and
+the Brahmanas. And mounting fleet vehicles they went to the (respective)
+directions assigned to them. Then to a certain messenger on the point of
+setting out, Dussasana said, 'Go thou speedily to the woods of _Dwaita_;
+and in that forest duly invite the Brahmanas and those wicked persons,
+the Pandavas.' Thereupon, he repaired thither, and bowing down to all
+the Pandavas, said, 'Having acquired immense wealth by his native
+prowess, that best of kings and foremost of Kurus, Duryodhana, O
+monarch, is celebrating a sacrifice. Thither are going from various
+directions the kings and the Brahmanas. O king, I have been sent by the
+high-souled Kaurava. That king and lord of men, Dhritarashtra's son,
+invites you. It behoveth you, therefore, to witness the delightful
+sacrifice of that monarch.'
+
+"Hearing these words of the messenger, that tiger among kings, the royal
+Yudhishthira, said, 'By good luck it is that that enhancer of the glory
+of his ancestors, king Suyodhana is celebrating this best of sacrifices.
+We should certainly repair thither; but we cannot do now; for till (the
+completion of) the thirteenth year, we shall have to observe our vow.'
+Hearing this speech of Yudhishthira the just, Bhima said these words,
+'Then will king Yudhishthira the just go thither, when he will cast him
+(Duryodhana) into the fire kindled by weapons. Do thou say unto
+Suyodhana. "_When after the expiration of the thirteenth year, that lord
+of men, the Pandava, will, in the sacrifice of battle, pour upon the
+Dhritarashtras, the clarified butter of his ire, then will I come!_"' But
+the other Pandavas, O king, did not say anything unpleasant. The
+messenger (on his return) related unto Dhritarashtra's son all as it had
+fallen out. Then there came to the city of Dhritarashtra many foremost
+of men, lords of various countries, and highly virtuous Brahmanas. And
+duly received in order according to the ordinance, those lords of men
+experienced great delight and were all well-pleased. And that foremost
+among monarchs--Dhritarashtra--surrounded by all the Kauravas,
+experienced the height of joy, and spake unto Vidura, saying, 'Do thou,
+O Kshatta, speedily so act that all persons in the sacrificial compound
+may be served with food, be refreshed and satisfied.' Thereupon, O
+represser of foes, assenting to that order, the learned Vidura versed in
+morality, cheerfully entertained all the orders in proper measure with
+meat and beverages to eat and drink, and fragrant garland and various
+kinds of attire. And having constructed pavilions (for their
+accommodation), that hero and foremost of kings, duly entertained the
+princes and the Brahmanas by thousands, and also bestowing upon them
+wealth of various kinds, bade them farewell. And having dismissed all
+the kings, he entered Hastinapura, surrounded by his brothers, and in
+company with Karna and Suvala's son."
+
+
+SECTION CCLV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "While, O great king, Duryodhana was entering (the
+city), the panegyrists eulogized the prince of unfailing prowess. And
+others also eulogized that mighty bowman and foremost of kings. And
+sprinkling over him fried paddy and sandal paste the citizens said, 'By
+good luck it is, O king, that thy sacrifice hath been completed without
+obstruction.' And some, more reckless of speech, that were present
+there, said unto that lord of the earth, 'Surely this thy sacrifice
+cannot be compared with Yudhishthira's: nor doth this come up to a
+sixteenth part of that (sacrifice).' Thus spake unto that king some that
+were reckless of consequences. His friends, however, said, 'This
+sacrifice of thine hath surpassed all others. Yayati and Nahusha, and
+Mandhata and Bharata, having been sanctified by celebrating such a
+sacrifice, have all gone to heaven.' Hearing such agreeable words from
+his friends, that monarch, O bull of the Bharata's race, well-pleased,
+entered the city and finally his own abode. Then, O king, worshipping
+the feet of his father and mother and of others headed by Bhishma, Drona
+and Kripa, and of the wise Vidura, and worshipped in turn by his younger
+brothers, that delighter of brothers sat down upon an excellent seat,
+surrounded by the latter. And the Suta's son, rising up, said, 'By good
+luck it is, O foremost of the Bharata race, that this mighty sacrifice
+of thine hath been brought to a close. When, however, the sons of Pritha
+shall have been slain in battle and thou wilt have completed the
+_Rajasuya_ sacrifice, once again, O lord of men, shall I honour thee
+thus.' Then that mighty king, the illustrious son of Dhritarashtra,
+replied unto him, 'Truly hath this been spoken by thee. When, O foremost
+of men, the wicked-minded Pandavas have been slain, and when also the
+grand _Rajasuya_ hath been celebrated by me, then thou shalt again, O
+hero, honour me thus.' And having said this, O Bharata, the Kaurava
+embraced Karna, and began, O mighty king, to think of the _Rajasuya_,
+that foremost of sacrifices. And that best of kings also addressed the
+Kurus around him, saying, 'When shall I, ye Kauravas, having slain all
+the Pandavas, celebrate that costly and foremost of sacrifices, the
+_Rajasuya_.' Then spake Karna unto him, saying, 'Hear me, O elephant
+among kings! So long as I do not slay Arjuna, I shall not allow any one
+to wash my feet, nor shall I taste meat. And I shall observe the _Asura_
+vow[44] and whoever may solicit me (for any thing), I never shall say,
+"_I have it not_."' When Karna had thus vowed to slay Phalguna in
+battle, those mighty charioteers and bowmen, the sons of Dhritarashtra,
+sent up a loud cheer; and Dhritarashtra's sons thought that the Pandavas
+had already been conquered. Then that chief of kings, the graceful
+Duryodhana, leaving those bulls among men, entered his apartment, like
+the lord Kuvera entering the garden of Chitraratha. And all those mighty
+bowmen also, O Bharata, went to their respective quarters.
+
+    [44] The vow of the Asuras was (according to the Burdwan
+    Pundits) never to drink wine. It is more rational to suppose
+    that Karna swears to give up the refined manners and practices
+    of the Arvas and adopt those of the Asuras till the consummation
+    of the cherished desire.
+
+"Meanwhile those mighty bowmen, the Pandavas, excited by the words the
+messenger had spoken, became anxious, and they did not (from that time)
+experience the least happiness. Intelligence, further, O foremost of
+kings, had been brought by spies regarding the vow of the Suta's son to
+slay Vijaya. Hearing this, O lord of men, Dharma's son became
+exceedingly anxious. And considering Karna of the impenetrable mail to
+be of wonderful prowess, and remembering all their woes, he knew no
+peace. And that high-souled one filled with anxiety, made up his mind to
+abandon the woods about _Dwaitavana_ abounding with ferocious animals.
+
+"Meanwhile the royal son of Dhritarashtra began to rule the earth, along
+with his heroic brothers as also with Bhishma and Drona and Kripa. And
+with the assistance of the Suta's son crowned with martial glory,
+Duryodhana remained ever intent on the welfare of the rulers of the
+earth, and he worshipped the foremost of Brahmanas by celebrating
+sacrifices with profuse gifts. And that hero and subduer of foes, O
+king, was engaged in doing good to his brothers, concluding for certain
+in his mind that giving and enjoying are the only use of riches."
+
+
+SECTION CCLVI
+
+Janamejaya said, "After having delivered Duryodhana, what did the mighty
+sons of Pandu do in that forest? It behoveth thee to tell me this."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Once on a time, as Yudhishthira lay down at night in
+the _Dwaita_ woods, some deer, with accents choked in tears, presented
+themselves before him in his dreams. To them standing with joined hands,
+their bodies trembling all over that foremost of monarchs said, 'Tell me
+what ye wish to say. Who are ye? And what do ye desire?' Thus accosted
+by Kunti's son--the illustrious Pandava, those deer, the remnant of
+those that had been slaughtered, replied unto him, saying, 'We are, O
+Bharata, those deer that are still alive after them that had been
+slaughtered. We shall be exterminated totally. Therefore, do thou change
+thy residence. O mighty king, all thy brothers are heroes, conversant
+with weapons; they have thinned the ranks of the rangers of the forest.
+We few--the remnants,--O mighty-minded one, remain like seed. By thy
+favour, O king of kings, let us increase.' Seeing these deer, which
+remained like seed after the rest had been destroyed trembling and
+afflicted with fear, Yudhishthira the just was greatly affected with
+grief. And the king, intent on the welfare of all creatures, said unto
+them, 'So be it. I shall act as ye have said.' Awaking after such a
+vision, that excellent king, moved by pity towards the deer, thus spake
+unto his brothers assembled there, 'Those deer that are alive after them
+that have been slaughtered, accosted me at night, after I had awakened,
+saying, "_We remain like the cues of our lines. Blest be thou! Do thou
+have compassion on us_." And they have spoken truly. We ought to feel
+pity for the dwellers of the forest. We have been feeding on them for a
+year together and eight months. Let us, therefore, again (repair) to the
+romantic Kamyakas, that best of forests abounding in wild animals,
+situated at the head of the desert, near lake Trinavindu. And there let
+us pleasantly pass the rest of our time.' Then, O king, the Pandavas
+versed in morality, swiftly departed (thence), accompanied by the
+Brahmanas and all those that lived with them, and followed by Indrasena
+and other retainers. And proceeding along the roads walked (by
+travellers), furnished with excellent corn and clear water, they at
+length beheld the sacred asylum of Kamyaka endued with ascetic merit.
+And as pious men enter the celestial regions, those foremost of the
+Bharata race, the Kauravas, surrounded by those bulls among Brahmanas
+entered that forest."
+
+
+SECTION CCLVII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in the woods, O bull of the Bharata
+race, the high-souled Pandavas spent one and ten years in a miserable
+plight. And although deserving of happiness, those foremost of men,
+brooding over their circumstances, passed their days miserably, living
+on fruits and roots. And that royal sage, the mighty-armed Yudhishthira,
+reflecting that the extremity of misery that had befallen his brothers,
+was owing to his own fault, and remembering those sufferings that had
+arisen from his act of gambling, could not sleep peacefully. And he felt
+as if his heart had been pierced with a lance. And remembering the harsh
+words of the Suta's son, the Pandava, repressing the venom of his wrath,
+passed his time in humble guise, sighing heavily. And Arjuna and both
+the twins and the illustrious Draupadi, and the mighty Bhima--he that
+was strongest of all men--experienced the most poignant pain in casting
+their eyes on Yudhishthira. And thinking that a short time only remained
+(of their exile), those bulls among men, influenced by rage and hope and
+by resorting to various exertions and endeavours, made their bodies
+assume almost different shapes.
+
+"After a little while, that mighty ascetic, Vyasa, the son of Satyavati,
+came there to see the Pandavas. And seeing him approach, Kunti's son,
+Yudhishthira, stepped forward, and duly received that high-souled one.
+And having gratified Vyasa by bowing down unto him, Pandu's son of
+subdued senses, after the _Rishi_ had been seated, sat down before him,
+desirous of listening to him. And beholding his grandsons lean and
+living in the forest on the produce of the wilderness, that mighty sage,
+moved by compassion, said these words, in accents choked in tears, 'O
+mighty-armed Yudhishthira, O thou best of virtuous persons, those men
+that do not perform ascetic austerities never attain great happiness in
+this world. People experience happiness and misery by turns; for surely,
+O bull among men, no man ever enjoyeth unbroken happiness. A wise man
+endued with high wisdom, knowing that life hath its ups and downs, is
+neither filled with joy nor with grief. When happiness cometh, one
+should enjoy it; when misery cometh, one should bear it, as a sower of
+crops must bide his season. Nothing is superior to asceticism: by
+asceticism one acquireth mighty fruit. Do thou know, O Bharata, that
+there is nothing that asceticism cannot achieve. Truth, sincerity,
+freedom from anger, justice, self-control, restraint of the faculties,
+immunity from malice, guilelessness, sanctity, and mortification of the
+senses, these, O mighty monarch, purify a person of meritorious acts.
+Foolish persons addicted to vice and bestial ways, attain to brutish
+births in after life and never enjoy happiness. The fruit of acts done
+in this world is reaped in the next. Therefore should one restrain his
+body by asceticism and the observance of vows. And, O king, free from
+guile and with a cheerful spirit, one should, according to his power,
+bestow gifts, after going down to the recipient and paying him homage. A
+truth-telling person attaineth a life devoid of trouble. A person void
+of anger attaineth sincerity, and one free from malice acquireth supreme
+contentment. A person who hath subdued his senses and his inner
+faculties, never knoweth tribulation; nor is a person of subdued senses
+affected by sorrow at the height of other's prosperity. A man who giveth
+everyone his due, and the bestower of boons, attain happiness, and come
+by every object of enjoyment; while a man free from envy reapeth perfect
+ease. He that honoureth those to whom honour is due, attaineth birth in
+an illustrious line; and he that hath subdued his senses, never cometh
+by misfortune. A man whose mind followeth good, after having paid his
+debt to nature, is on this account, born again endued with a righteous
+mind.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O eminently virtuous one, O mighty sage, of the
+bestowal of gifts and the observance of asceticism, which is of greater
+efficacy in the next world, and which, harder of practice?'
+
+"Vyasa said, 'There is nothing, O child, in this world harder to
+practise than charity. Men greatly thirst after wealth, and wealth also
+is gotten with difficulty. Nay, renouncing even dear life itself, heroic
+men, O magnanimous one, enter into the depths of the sea and the forest
+for the sake of wealth. For wealth, some betake themselves to
+agriculture and the tending of kine, and some enter into servitude.
+Therefore, it is extremely difficult to part with wealth that is
+obtained with such trouble. Since nothing is harder to practise than
+charity, therefore, in my opinion, even the bestowal of boons is
+superior to everything. Specially is this to be borne in mind that
+well-earned gains should, in proper time and place, be given away to
+pious men. But the bestowal of ill-gotten gains can never rescue the
+giver from the evil of rebirth. It hath been declared, O Yudhishthira,
+that by bestowing, in a pure spirit, even a slight gift in due time and
+to a fit recipient, a man attaineth inexhaustible fruit in the next
+world. In this connection is instanced the old story regarding the fruit
+obtained by _Mudgala_, for having given away only a _drona_[45] of
+corn.'"
+
+    [45] A very small measure.
+
+
+SECTION CCLVIII
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Why did that high-souled one give away a drona of
+corn? And, O eminently pious one, to whom and in what prescribed way did
+he give it? Do thou tell me this. Surely, I consider the life of that
+virtuous person as having borne fruit with whose practices the possessor
+himself of the six attributes, witnessing everything, was well pleased.'
+
+"Vyasa said, 'There lived, O king, in Kurukshetra a virtuous man (sage),
+Mudgala by name. And he was truthful, and free from malice, and of
+subdued senses. And he used to lead the _Sila_ and _Unchha_ modes of
+life.[46] And although living like a pigeon, yet that one of mighty
+austerities entertained his guests, celebrated the sacrifice called
+_Istikrita_, and performed other rites. And that sage together with his
+son and wife, ate for a fortnight, and during the other fortnight led
+the life of a pigeon, collecting a _drona_ of corn. And celebrating the
+_Darsa_ and _Paurnamasya_ sacrifices, that one devoid of guile, used to
+pass his days by taking the food that remained after the deities and the
+guests had eaten. And on auspicious lunar days, that lord of the three
+worlds, Indra himself, accompanied by the celestials used, O mighty
+monarch, to partake of the food offered at his sacrifice. And that one,
+having adopted the life of a _Muni_, with a cheerful heart entertained
+his guests also with food on such days. And as that high-souled one
+distributed his food with alacrity, the remainder of the _drona_ of corn
+increased as soon as a guest appeared. And by virtue of the pure spirit
+in which the sage gave away, that food of his increased so much that
+hundreds upon hundreds of learned Brahmanas were fed with it.
+
+    [46] Picking up for support (1) ears of corn and (2) individual
+    grains, left on the field by husbandmen after they have gathered
+    and carried away the sheaves, are called the Sila and the Unchha
+    modes of life.
+
+"'And, O king, it came to pass that having heard of the virtuous Mudgala
+observant of vows, the _Muni_ Durvasa, having space alone for his
+covering,[47] his accoutrements worn like that of maniac, and his head
+bare of hair, came there, uttering, O Pandava various insulting words.
+And having arrived there that best of _Munis_ said unto the Brahmana,
+"Know thou, O foremost of Brahmanas, that I have come hither seeking for
+food." Thereupon Mudgala said unto the sage, "Thou art welcome!" And
+then offering to that maniac of an ascetic affected by hunger, water to
+wash his feet and mouth, that one observant of the vow of feeding
+guests, respectfully placed before him excellent fare. Affected by
+hunger, the frantic _Rishi_ completely exhausted the food that had been
+offered unto him. Thereupon, Mudgala furnished him again with food. Then
+having eaten up all that food, he besmeared his body with the unclean
+orts and went away as he had come. In this manner, during the next
+season, he came again and ate up all the food supplied by that wise one
+leading the _Unchha_ mode of life. Thereupon, without partaking any food
+himself, the sage Mudgala again became engaged in collecting corn,
+following the _Unchha_ mode. Hunger could not disturb his equanimity.
+Nor could anger, nor guile, nor a sense of degradation, nor agitation,
+enter into the heart of that best of Brahmanas leading the _Unchha_ mode
+of life along with his son and his wife. In this way, Durvasa having
+made up his mind, during successive seasons presented himself for six
+several times before that best of sages living according to the _Unchha_
+mode; yet that _Muni_ could not perceive any agitation in Mudgala's
+heart; and he found the pure heart of the pure-souled ascetic always
+pure. Thereupon, well-pleased, the sage addressed Mudgala, saying,
+"There is not another guileless and charitable being like thee on earth.
+The pangs of hunger drive away to a distance the sense of righteousness
+and deprive people of all patience. The tongue, loving delicacies,
+attracteth men towards them. Life is sustained by food. The mind,
+moreover, is fickle, and it is hard to keep it in subjection. The
+concentration of the mind and of the senses surely constitutes ascetic
+austerities. It must be hard to renounce in a pure spirit a thing earned
+by pains. Yet, O pious one, all this hath been duly achieved by thee. In
+thy company we feel obliged and gratified. Self-restraint, fortitude,
+justice, control of the senses and of faculties, mercy, and virtue, all
+these are established in thee. Thou hast by thy deeds conquered the
+different worlds and have thereby obtained admission into paths of
+beautitude. Ah! even the dwellers of heaven are proclaiming thy mighty
+deeds of charity. O thou observant of vows, thou shalt go to heaven even
+in thine own body."
+
+    [47] Naked.
+
+"'Whilst the _Muni_ Durvasa was speaking thus, a celestial messenger
+appeared before Mudgala, upon a car yoked with swans and cranes, hung
+with a neat work of bells, scented with divine fragrance, painted
+picturesquely, and possessed of the power of going everywhere at will.
+And he addressed the Brahmana sage, saying, "O sage, do thou ascend into
+this chariot earned by thy acts. Thou hast attained the fruit of thy
+asceticism!"
+
+"'As the messenger of the gods was speaking thus, the sage told him, "O
+divine messenger, I desire that thou mayst describe unto me the
+attributes of those that reside there. What are their austerities, and
+what their purposes? And, O messenger of the gods, what constitutes
+happiness in heaven, and what are the disadvantages thereof? It is
+declared by virtuous men of good lineage that friendship with pious
+people is contracted by only walking with them seven paces. O lord, in
+the name of that friendship I ask thee, do thou without hesitation tell
+me the truth, and that which is good for me now. Having heard thee, I
+shall, according to thy words, ascertain the course I ought to
+follow."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLIX
+
+"'The messenger of the gods said, "O great sage, thou art of simple
+understanding; since, having secured that celestial bliss which bringeth
+great honour, thou art still deliberating like an unwise person. O
+_Muni_, that region which is known as heaven, existeth there above us.
+Those regions tower high, and are furnished with excellent paths, and
+are, O sage, always ranged by celestial cars. Atheists, and untruthful
+persons, those that have not practised ascetic austerities and those
+that have not performed great sacrifices, cannot repair thither. Only
+men of virtuous souls, and those of subdued spirits, and those that have
+their faculties in subjection, and those that have controlled their
+senses, and those that are free from malice, and persons intent on the
+practice of charity, and heroes, and men bearing marks of battle, after
+having, with subdued senses and faculties, performed the most
+meritorious rites, attain those regions, O Brahmana, capable of being
+obtained only by virtuous acts, and inhabited by pious men. There, O
+Mudgala, are established separately myriads of beautiful, shining, and
+resplendent worlds bestowing every object of desire, owned by those
+celestial beings, the gods, the _Sadhyas_, and the _Vaiswas_, the great
+sages, _Yamas_, and the _Dharmas_, and the _Gandharvas_ and the
+_Apsaras_. And there is that monarch of mountains the golden Meru
+extending over a space of thirty-three thousand _Yojanas_. And there, O
+Mudgala, are the sacred gardens of the celestials, with Nandana at their
+head, where sport the persons of meritorious acts. And neither hunger,
+nor thirst, nor lassitude, nor fear, nor anything that is disgusting or
+inauspicious is there. And all the odours of that place are delightful,
+and all the breezes delicious to the touch. And all the sounds there are
+captivating, O sage, to the ear and the heart. And neither grief, nor
+decrepitude, nor labour, nor repentance also is there. That world, O
+_Muni_, obtained as the fruit of one's own acts, is of this nature.
+Persons repair thither by virtue of their meritorious deeds. And the
+persons of those that dwell there look resplendent, and this, O Mudgala,
+solely by virtue of their own acts, and not owing to the merits of
+father or mothers. And there is neither sweat, nor stench, nor urine
+there. And there, O _Muni_, dust doth not soils one's garments. And
+their excellent garlands, redolent of divine fragrance, never fade. And,
+O Brahmana, they yoke such cars as this (that I have brought). And, O
+mighty sage, devoid of envy and grief and fatigue and ignorance and
+malice, men who have attained heaven, dwell in those regions happily.
+And, O bull among _Munis_, higher and higher over such regions there are
+others endued with higher celestial virtues. Of these, the beautiful and
+resplendent regions of Brahma are the foremost. Thither, O Brahmana,
+repair _Rishis_ that have been sanctified by meritorious acts. And there
+dwell certain beings named _Ribhus_. They are the gods of the gods
+themselves. Their regions are supremely blessed, and are adored even by
+the deities. These shine by their own light, and bestow every object of
+desire. They suffer no pangs that women might cause, do not possess
+worldly wealth, and are free from guile. The _Ribhus_ do not subsist on
+oblations, nor yet on ambrosia. And they are endued with such celestial
+forms that they cannot be perceived by the senses. And these eternal
+gods of the celestials do not desire happiness for happiness' sake, nor
+do they change at the revolution of a _Kalpa_. Where, indeed, is their
+decrepitude or dissolution? For them there is neither ecstasy, nor joy,
+nor happiness. They have neither happiness nor misery. Wherefore should
+they have anger or aversion then, O _Muni_? O Mudgala, their supreme
+state is coveted even by the gods. And that crowning emancipation, hard
+to attain, can never be acquired by people subject to desire. The number
+of those deities is thirty-three. To their regions repair wise men,
+after having observed excellent vows, or bestowed gifts according to the
+ordinance. Thou also hast easily acquired that success by thy charities.
+Do thou, by effulgence displayed by virtue of thy ascetic austerities,
+enjoy that condition obtained by thy meritorious acts. Such, O Brahmana,
+is the bliss of heaven containing various worlds.
+
+"'"Thus have I described unto thee the blessing of the celestial
+regions. Do thou now hear from me some of the disadvantages thereof.
+That in the celestial regions a person, while reaping the fruit of the
+acts he hath already performed, cannot be engaged in any others, and
+that he must enjoy the consequences of the former until they are
+completely exhausted, and, further, that he is subject to fall after he
+hath entirely exhausted his merit, form, in my opinion, the
+disadvantages of heaven. The fall of a person whose mind hath been
+steeped in happiness, must, O Mudgala, be pronounced as a fault. And the
+discontent and regret that must follow one's stay at an inferior seat
+after one hath enjoyed more auspicious and brighter regions, must be
+hard to bear. And the consciousness of those about to fall is stupefied,
+and also agitated by emotions. And as the garlands of those about to
+fall fade away, fear invadeth their hearts. These mighty drawbacks, O
+Mudgala, extend even to the regions of Brahma. In the celestial regions,
+the virtues of men who have performed righteous acts, are countless.
+And, O _Muni_, this is another of the attributes of the fallen that, by
+reason of their merits, they take birth among men. And then they attain
+to high fortune and happiness. If one, however, cannot acquire knowledge
+here, one cometh by an inferior birth. The fruits of acts done in this
+world are reaped in the next. This world, O Brahmana, hath been declared
+to be one of acts; the others, as one of fruit. Thus have I, O Mudgala,
+asked by thee, described all unto thee. Now, O pious one, with thy
+favour, we shall easily set out with speed."'
+
+"Vyasa continued, 'Having heard this speech, Mudgala began to reflect in
+his mind. And having deliberated well, that best of _Munis_ spake thus
+unto the celestial messenger, "O messenger of the gods, I bow unto thee.
+Do thou, O sire, depart in peace. I have nothing to do with either
+happiness, or heaven having such prominent defects. Persons who enjoy
+heaven suffer, after all, huge misery and extreme regret in this world.
+Therefore, I do not desire heaven. I shall seek for that unfailing
+region repairing whither people have not to lament, or to be pained, or
+agitated. Thou hast described unto me these great defects belonging to
+the celestial regions. Do thou now describe unto me a region free from
+faults." Thereupon the celestial messenger said, "Above the abode of
+_Brahma_, there is the supreme seat of Vishnu, pure, and eternal, and
+luminous known by the name of _Para Brahma_. Thither, O Brahmana, cannot
+repair persons who are attached to the objects of the senses: nor can
+those subject to arrogance, covetousness, ignorance, anger, and envy, go
+to that place. It is only those that are free from affection, and those
+free from pride, and those free from conflicting emotions, and those
+that have restrained their senses, and those given to contemplation and
+_Yoga_, that can repair thither." Having heard these words, the _Muni_
+bade farewell to the celestial messenger, and that virtuous one leading
+the _Unchha_ mode of life, assumed perfect contentment. And then praise
+and dispraise became equal unto him; and a brickbat, stone, and gold
+assumed the same aspect in his eyes. And availing himself of the means
+of attaining _Brahma_, he became always engaged in meditation. And
+having obtained power by means of knowledge, and acquired excellent
+understanding, he attained that supreme state of emancipation which is
+regarded as Eternal. Therefore, thou also, O Kunti's son, ought not to
+grieve. Deprived thou hast truly been of a flourishing kingdom, but thou
+wilt regain it by thy ascetic austerities. Misery after happiness, and
+happiness after misery, revolve by turns round a man even like the point
+of a wheel's circumference round the axle. After the thirteenth year
+hath passed away, thou wilt, O thou of immeasurable might, get back the
+kingdom possessed before thee by thy father and grand-father. Therefore,
+let the fever of thy heart depart!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to Pandu's son, the worshipful
+Vyasa went back to his hermitage for the purpose of performing
+austerities."
+
+
+SECTION CCLX
+
+Janamejaya said, "While the high-souled Pandavas were living in those
+woods, delighted with the pleasant conversation they held with the
+_Munis_, and engaged in distributing the food they obtained from the
+sun, with various kinds of venison to Brahmanas and others that came to
+them for edibles till the hour of Krishna's meal, how, O great _Muni_,
+did Duryodhana and the other wicked and sinful sons of Dhritarashtra,
+guided by the counsels of Dussasana, Karna and Sakuni, deal with them? I
+ask thee this. Do thou, worshipful Sir, enlighten me."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When, O great king, Duryodhana heard that the
+Pandavas were living as happily in the woods as in a city, he longed,
+with the artful Karna, Dussasana and others, to do them harm. And while
+those evil-minded persons were employed in concerting various wicked
+designs, the virtuous and celebrated ascetic Durvasa, following the bent
+of his own will, arrived at the city of the Kurus with ten thousand
+disciples. And seeing the irascible ascetic arrived, Duryodhana and his
+brothers welcomed him with great humility, self-abasement and
+gentleness. And himself attending on the _Rishi_ as a menial, the prince
+gave him a right worshipful reception. And the illustrious _Muni_ stayed
+there for a few days, while king Duryodhana, watchful of his
+imprecations, attended on him diligently by day and night. And sometimes
+the _Muni_ would say, 'I am hungry, O king, give me some food quickly.'
+And sometimes he would go out for a bath and, returning at a late hour,
+would say, 'I shall not eat anything today as I have no appetite,' and
+so saying would disappear from his sight. And sometimes, coming all on a
+sudden, he would say, 'Feed us quickly.' And at other times, bent on
+some mischief, he would awake at midnight and having caused his meals to
+be prepared as before, would carp at them and not partake of them at
+all. And trying the prince in this way for a while, when the _Muni_
+found that the king Duryodhana was neither angered, nor annoyed, he
+became graciously inclined towards him. And then, O Bharata, the
+intractable Durvasa said unto him, 'I have power to grant thee boons.
+Thou mayst ask of me whatever lies nearest to thy heart. May good
+fortune be thine. Pleased as I am with thee, thou mayst obtain from me
+anything that is not opposed to religion and morals.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of the great ascetic,
+Suyodhana felt himself to be inspired with new life. Indeed, it had been
+agreed upon between himself and Karna and Dussasana as to what the boon
+should be that he would ask of the _Muni_ if the latter were pleased
+with his reception. And the evil-minded king, bethinking himself of what
+had previously been decided, joyfully solicited the following favour,
+saying, 'The great king Yudhishthira is the eldest and the best of our
+race. That pious man is now living in the forest with his brothers. Do
+thou, therefore, once become the guest of that illustrious one even as,
+O Brahmana, thou hast with thy disciples been mine for some time. If
+thou art minded to do me a favour, do thou go unto him at a time when
+that delicate and excellent lady, the celebrated princess of Panchala,
+after having regaled with food the Brahmanas, her husbands and herself,
+may lie down to rest.' The _Rishi_ replied, 'Even so shall I act for thy
+satisfaction.' And having said this to Suyodhana, that great Brahmana,
+Durvasa, went away in the very same state in which he had come. And
+Suyodhana regarded himself to have attained all the objects of his
+desire. And holding Karna by the hand he expressed great satisfaction.
+And Karna, too, joyfully addressed the king in the company of his
+brothers, saying, 'By a piece of singular good luck, thou hast fared
+well and attained the objects of thy desire. And by good luck it is that
+thy enemies have been immersed in a sea of dangers that is difficult to
+cross. The sons of Pandu are now exposed to the fire of Durvasa's wrath.
+Through their own fault they have fallen into an abyss of darkness.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "O king, expressing their satisfaction in this
+strain, Duryodhana and others, bent on evil machinations, returned
+merrily to their respective homes."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXI
+
+(_Draupadi-harana Parva_)
+
+Vaisampayana said, "One day, having previously ascertained that the
+Pandavas were all seated at their ease and that Krishna was reposing
+herself after her meal, the sage Durvasa, surrounded by ten thousand
+disciples repaired to that forest. The illustrious and upright king
+Yudhishthira, seeing that guest arrived, advanced with his brothers to
+receive him. And joining the palms of his hands and pointing to a proper
+and excellent seat, he accorded the _Rishis_ a fit and respectful
+welcome. And the king said unto him, 'Return quick, O adorable sir,
+after performing thy diurnal ablutions and observances.' And that
+sinless _Muni_, not knowing how the king would be able to provide a
+feast for him and his disciples, proceeded with the latter to perform
+his ablutions. And that host of the _Muni_, of subdued passions, went
+into the stream for performing their ablutions. Meanwhile, O king, the
+excellent princess Draupadi, devoted to her husbands, was in great
+anxiety about the food (to be provided for the _Munis_). And when after
+much anxious thought she came to the conclusion that means there were
+none for providing a feast, she inwardly prayed to Krishna, the slayer
+of Kansa. And the princess said, 'Krishna, O Krishna, of mighty arms, O
+son of Devaki, whose power is inexhaustible, O Vasudeva, O lord of the
+Universe, who dispellest the difficulties of those that bow down to
+thee, thou art the soul, the creator and the destroyer of the Universe.
+Thou, O lord, art inexhaustible and the saviour of the afflicted. Thou
+art the preserver of the Universe and of all created beings. Thou art
+the highest of the high, and the spring of the mental perceptions
+_Akuli_ and _Chiti_![48] O Supreme and Infinite Being, O giver of all
+good, be thou the refuge of the helpless. O Primordial Being, incapable
+of being conceived by the soul or the mental faculties or otherwise,
+thou art the ruler of all and the lord of Brahma. I seek thy protection.
+O god, thou art ever kindly disposed towards those that take refuge in
+thee. Do thou cherish me with thy kindness. O thou with a complexion
+dark as the leaves of the blue lotus, and with eyes red as the corolla
+of the lily, and attired in yellow robes with, besides, the bright
+_Kaustubha_ gem in thy bosom, thou art the beginning and the end of
+creation, and the great refuge of all. Thou art the supreme light and
+essence of the Universe! Thy face is directed towards every point. They
+call thee Supreme Gem and the depository of all treasures. Under thy
+protections, O lord of the gods, all evils lose their terror. As thou
+didst protect me before from Dussasana, do thou extricate me now from
+this difficulty.'"
+
+    [48] Both these words are of doubtful meaning. It seems they are
+    employed in the Vedas to denote the faculties of knowledge and
+    the moral sense respectively.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "The great and sovereign God, and Lord of the
+earth, of mysterious movements, the lord Kesava who is ever kind to the
+dependents, thus adored by Krishna, and perceiving her difficulty,
+instantly repaired to that place leaving the bed of Rukmini who was
+sleeping by his side. Beholding Vasudeva, Draupadi bowed down to him in
+great joy and informed him of the arrival of the _Munis_ and every other
+thing. And having heard everything Krishna said unto her, 'I am very
+much afflicted with hunger, do thou give me some food without delay, and
+then thou mayst go about thy work.' At these words of Kesava, Krishna
+became confused, and replied unto him, saying, 'The sun-given vessel
+remains full till I finish my meal. But as I have already taken my meal
+today, there is no food in it now.' Then that lotus-eyed and adorable
+being said unto Krishna, 'This is no time for jest, O Krishna.--I am
+much distressed with hunger, go thou quickly to fetch the vessel and
+show it to me.' When Kesava, that ornament of the Yadu's race, had the
+vessel brought unto him,--with such persistence, he looked into it and
+saw a particle of rice and vegetable sticking at its rim. And swallowing
+it he said unto her, 'May it please the god Hari, the soul of the
+Universe, and may that god who partaketh at sacrifices, be satiated with
+this.' Then the long-armed Krishna, that soother of miseries, said unto
+Bhimasena, 'Do thou speedily invite the _Munis_ to dinner.' Then, O good
+king, the celebrated Bhimasena quickly went to invite all those _Munis_,
+Durvasa and others, who had gone to the nearest stream of transparent
+and cool water to perform their ablutions. Meanwhile, these ascetics,
+having plunged into the river, were rubbing their bodies and observing
+that they all felt their stomachs to be full. And coming out of the
+stream, they began to stare at one another. And turning towards Durvasa,
+all those ascetics observed, 'Having bade the king make our meals ready,
+we have come hither for a bath. But how, O regenerate _Rishi_, can we
+eat anything now, for our stomachs seem to be full to the throat. The
+repast hath been uselessly prepared for us. What is the best thing to be
+done now?' Durvasa replied, 'By spoiling the repast, we have done a
+great wrong to that royal sage, king Yudhishthira. Would not the
+Pandavas destroy us by looking down upon us with angry eyes? I know the
+royal sage Yudhishthira to be possessed of great ascetic power. Ye
+Brahmanas, I am afraid of men that are devoted to Hari. The high-souled
+Pandavas are all religious men, learned, war-like, diligent in ascetic
+austerities and religious observances, devoted to Vasudeva, and always
+observant of rules of good conduct. If provoked, they can consume us
+with their wrath as fire doth a bale of cotton. Therefore, ye disciples,
+do ye all run away quickly without seeing them (again)!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "All those Brahmanas, thus advised by their
+ascetic preceptor, became greatly afraid of the Pandavas and fled away
+in all directions. Then Bhimasena not beholding those excellent _Munis_
+in the celestial river, made a search after them here and there at all
+the landing places. And learning from the ascetics of those places that
+they had run away, he came back and informed Yudhishthira of what had
+happened. Then all the Pandavas of subdued senses, expecting them to
+come, remained awaiting their arrival for some time. And Yudhishthira
+said, 'Coming dead of night the _Rishis_ will deceive us. Oh how, can we
+escape from this difficulty created by the fates?' Seeing them absorbed
+in such reflections and breathing long deep sighs at frequent intervals,
+the illustrious Krishna suddenly appeared to them and addressed them
+these words: 'Knowing, ye sons of Pritha, your danger from that wrathful
+_Rishi_, I was implored by Draupadi to come, and (therefore) have I come
+here speedily. But now ye have not the least fear from the _Rishi_
+Durvasa. Afraid of your ascetic powers, he hath made himself scarce ere
+this. Virtuous men never suffer. I now ask your permission to let me
+return home. May you always be prosperous!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing Kesava's words, the sons of Pritha,
+with Draupadi, became easy in mind. And cured of their fever (of
+anxiety), they said unto him, 'As persons drowning in the wide ocean
+safely reach the shore by means of a boat, so have we, by thy aid, O
+lord Govinda, escaped from this inextricable difficulty. Do thou now
+depart in peace, and may prosperity be thine.' Thus dismissed, he
+repaired to his capital and the Pandavas too, O blessed lord, wandering
+from forest to forest passed their days merrily with Draupadi. Thus, O
+king, have I related to thee the story which thou askedest me to repeat.
+And it was thus that the machinations of the wicked sons of
+Dhritarashtra about the Pandavas in the forest, were frustrated."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "These great warriors of the race of Bharata
+sojourned like immortals in the great forest of Kamyaka, employed in
+hunting and pleased with the sight of numerous wild tracts of country
+and wide reaches of woodland, gorgeous with flowers blossoming in
+season. And the sons of Pandu, each like unto Indra and the terror of
+his enemies, dwelt there for some time. And one day those valiant men,
+the conquerors of their foes, went about in all directions in search of
+game for feeding the Brahmanas in their company, leaving Draupadi alone
+at the hermitage, with the permission of the great ascetic Trinavindu,
+resplendent with ascetic grandeur, and of their spiritual guide Dhaumya.
+Meanwhile, the famous king of Sindhu, the son of Vriddhakshatra was,
+with a view to matrimony, proceeding to the kingdom of Salwa, dressed in
+his best royal apparel and accompanied by numerous princes. And the
+prince halted in the woods of Kamyaka. And in that secluded place, he
+found the beautiful Draupadi, the beloved and celebrated wife of the
+Pandavas, standing at the threshold of the hermitage. And she looked
+grand in the superb beauty of her form, and seemed to shed a lustre on
+the woodland around, like lightning illuminating masses of dark clouds.
+And they who saw her asked themselves, 'Is this an Apsara, or a daughter
+of the gods, or a celestial phantom?' And with this thought, their hands
+also joined together, they stood gazing on the perfect and faultless
+beauty of her form. And Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, and the son of
+Vriddhakshatra, struck with amazement at the sight of that lady of
+faultless beauty, was seized with an evil intention. And inflamed with
+desire, he said to the prince named Kotika, 'Whose is this lady of
+faultless form? Is she of the human kind? I have no need to marry if I
+can secure this exquisitely beautiful creature. Taking her with me, I
+shall go back to my abode, Oh sir, and enquire who she is and whence she
+has come and why also that delicate being hath come into this forest
+beset with thorns. Will this ornament of womankind, this slender-waisted
+lady of so much beauty, endued with handsome teeth and large eyes,
+accept me as her lord? I shall certainly regard myself successful, if I
+obtain the hand of this excellent lady. Go, Kotika, and enquire who her
+husband may be.' Thus asked, Kotika, wearing a kundala, jumped out of
+his chariot and came near her, as a jackal approacheth a tigress, and
+spake unto her these words."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXIII
+
+"Kotika said, 'Excellent lady, who art thou that standest alone, leaning
+on a branch of the _Kadamva_ tree at this hermitage and looking grand
+like a flame of fire blazing at night time, and fanned by the wind?
+Exquisitely beautiful as thou art, how is it that thou feelest not any
+fear in these forests? Methinks thou art a goddess, or a _Yakshi_, or a
+_Danavi_, or an excellent _Apsara_, or the wife of a _Daitya_, or a
+daughter of the _Naga_ king, or a _Rakshasi_ or the wife of Varuna, or
+of Yama, or of Soma, or of Kuvera, who, having assumed a human form,
+wanderest in these forests. Or, hast thou come from the mansions of
+Dhatri, or of Vidhatri, or of Savitri, or of Vibhu, or of Sakra? Thou
+dost not ask us who we are, nor do we know who protects thee here!
+Respectfully do we ask thee, good lady, who is thy powerful father, and,
+O, do tell us truly the names of thy husband, thy relatives, and thy
+race, and tell us also what thou dost here. As for us, I am king
+Suratha's son whom people know by the name of Kotika, and that man with
+eyes large as the petals of the lotus, sitting on a chariot of gold,
+like the sacrificial fire on the altar, is the warrior known by the name
+of Kshemankara, king of Trigarta. And behind him is the famous son of
+the king of Pulinda, who is even now gazing on thee. Armed with a mighty
+bow and endued with large eyes, and decorated with floral wreaths, he
+always liveth on the breasts of mountains. The dark and handsome young
+man, the scourge of his enemies, standing at the edge of that tank, is
+the son of Suvala of the race of Ikshwaku. And if, O excellent lady,
+thou hast ever heard the name of Jayadratha, the king of Sauviras, even
+he is there at the head of six thousand chariots, with horses and
+elephants and infantry, and followed by twelve Sauvira princes as his
+standard-bearers, named Angaraka, Kunjara, Guptaka, Satrunjaya,
+Srinjaya, Suprabiddha, Prabhankara, Bhramara, Ravi, Sura, Pratapa and
+Kuhana, all mounted on chariots drawn by chestnut horses and every one
+of them looking like the fire on the sacrificial altar. The brothers
+also of the king, viz., the powerful Valahaka, Anika, Vidarana and
+others, are among his followers. These strong-limbed and noble youths
+are the flowers of the Sauvira chivalry. The king is journeying in the
+company of these his friends, like Indra surrounded by the Maruts. O
+fine-haired lady, do tell us that are unacquainted (with these matters),
+whose wife and whose daughter thou art.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "The princess Draupadi, thus questioned by that
+ornament of Sivi's race, moved her eyes gently, and letting go her hold
+of the Kadamva branch and arranging her silken apparel she said, 'I am
+aware, O prince, that it is not proper for a person like me to address
+you thus, but as there is not another man or woman here to speak with
+thee and as I am alone here just now, let me, therefore, speak. Know,
+worthy sir, that being alone in this forest here, I should not speak
+unto thee, remembering the usages of my sex. I have learned, O Saivya,
+that thou art Suratha's son, whom people know by the name of Kotika.
+Therefore, on my part, I shall now tell thee of my relations and
+renowned race. I am the daughter of king Drupada, and people know me by
+the name of Krishna, and I have accepted as my husbands, five persons of
+whom you may have heard while they were living at Khandavaprastha. Those
+noble persons, viz., Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the two sons
+of Madri, leaving me here and having assigned unto themselves the four
+points of the horizon, have gone out on a hunting excursion. The king
+hath gone to the east, Bhimasena towards the south, Arjuna to the west,
+and the twin brothers towards the north! Therefore, do ye now alight and
+dismiss your carriages so that ye may depart after receiving a due
+welcome from them. The high-souled son of Dharma is fond of guests and
+will surely be delighted to see you!' Having addressed Saivya's son in
+this way, the daughter of Drupada, with face beautiful as the moon,
+remembering well her husband's character for hospitality, entered her
+spacious cottage."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O Bharata, Kotikakhya related to those princes who
+had been waiting, all that had passed between him and Krishna. And
+hearing Kotikakhya's words, Jayadratha said to that scion of the race of
+Sivi, 'Having listened only to her speech, my heart has been lovingly
+inclined towards that ornament of womankind. Why therefore, hast thou
+returned (thus unsuccessful)? I tell thee truly, O thou of mighty arms,
+that having once seen this lady, other women now seem to me like so many
+monkeys. I having looked at her, she has captivated my heart. Do tell
+me, O Saivya, if that excellent lady is of the human kind.' Kotika
+replied, 'This lady is the famous princess Krishna, the daughter of
+Drupada, and the celebrated wife of the five sons of Pandu. She is the
+much esteemed and beloved and chaste wife of the sons of Pritha. Taking
+her with thee, do thou proceed towards Sauvira!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the evil-minded Jayadratha, the
+king of Sindhu, Sauvira and other countries, said, 'I must see
+Draupadi.' And with six other men he entered that solitary hermitage,
+like a wolf entering the den of a lion. And he said unto Krishna, 'Hail
+to thee, excellent lady! Are thy husbands well and those, besides, whose
+prosperity thou always wishest.' Draupadi replied, 'Kunti's son king
+Yudhishthira of the race of Kuru, his brothers, myself, and all those of
+whom thou hast enquired of, are well. Is everything right with thy
+kingdom, thy government, exchequer, and thy army? Art thou, as sole
+ruler, governing with justice the rich countries of Saivya, Sivi, Sindhu
+and others that thou hast brought under thy sway? Do thou, O prince,
+accept this water for washing thy feet. Do thou also take this seat. I
+offer thee fifty animals for thy train's breakfast. Besides these,
+Yudhishthira himself, the son of Kunti, will give thee porcine deer and
+_Nanku_ deer, and does, and antelopes, and _Sarabhas_, and rabbits, and
+_Ruru_ deer, and bears, and _Samvara_ deer and gayals and many other
+animals, besides wild boars and buffaloes and other animals of the
+quadruped tribe.' Hearing this Jayadratha replied, saying, 'All is well
+with me. By offering to provide our breakfast, thou hast in a manner
+actually done it. Come now and ride my chariot and be completely happy.
+For it becomes not thee to have any regard for the miserable sons of
+Pritha who are living in the woods, whose energies have been paralysed,
+whose kingdom hath been snatched and whose fortunes are at the lowest
+ebb. A woman of sense like thee doth not attach herself to a husband
+that is poor. She should follow her lord when he is in prosperity but
+abandon him when in adversity. The sons of Pandu have for ever fallen
+away from their high state, and have lost their kingdom for all time to
+come. Thou hast no need, therefore, to partake of their misery from any
+regard for them. Therefore, O thou of beautiful hips, forsaking the sons
+of Pandu, be happy by becoming my wife, and share thou with me the
+kingdoms of Sindhu and Sauvira.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these frightful words of the king of
+Sindhu, Krishna retired from that place, her face furrowed into a frown
+owing to the contraction of her eye-brows. But disregarding his words
+from supreme contempt, the slender-waisted Krishna reproving said unto
+the king of Sindhu, 'Speak not thus again! Art thou not ashamed? Be on
+thy guard!' And that lady of irreproachable character anxiously
+expecting the return of her husband, began, with long speeches, to
+beguile him completely."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The daughter of Drupada, though naturally handsome,
+was suffused with crimson arising from a fit of anger. And with eyes
+inflamed and eye-brows bent in wrath, she reproved the ruler of the
+Suviras, saying, 'Art thou not ashamed, O fool, to use such insulting
+words in respect of those celebrated and terrible warriors, each like
+unto Indra himself, and who are all devoted to their duties and who
+never waver in fight with even hosts of _Yakshas_ and _Rakshasas_? O
+Sauvira, good men never speak ill of learned persons devoted to
+austerities and endued with learning, no matter whether they live in the
+wilderness or in houses. It is only wretches that are mean as thou who
+do so. Methinks there is none in this assemblage of Kshatriya, who is
+capable of holding thee by the hand to save thee from falling into the
+pit thou openest under thy feet. In hoping to vanquish king Yudhishthira
+the just, thou really hopest to separate, stick in hand, from a herd
+roaming in Himalayan valleys, its leader, huge as a mountain peak and
+with the temporal juice trickling down its rent temples. Out of childish
+folly thou art kicking up into wakefulness the powerful lion lying
+asleep, in order to pluck the hair from off his face! Thou shalt,
+however, have to run away when thou seest Bhimasena in wrath! Thy
+courting a combat with the furious Jishnu may be likened to thy kicking
+up a mighty, terrible, full-grown and furious lion asleep in a mountain
+cave. The encounter thou speakest of with those two excellent
+youths--the younger Pandavas--is like unto the act of a fool that
+wantonly trampleth on the tails of two venomous black cobras with
+bifurcated tongues. The bamboo, the reed, and the plantain bear fruit
+only to perish and not to grow in size any further. Like also the crab
+that conceiveth for her own destruction, thou wilt lay hands upon me who
+am protected by these mighty heroes!'
+
+"Jayadratha replied, 'I know all this, O Krishna, and I am well aware of
+the prowess of those princes. But thou canst not frighten us now with
+these threats. We, too, O Krishna, belong by birth to the seventeen high
+clans, and are endowed with the six royal qualities.[49] We, therefore,
+look down upon the Pandavas as inferior men! Therefore, do thou, O
+daughter of Drupada, ride this elephant or this chariot quickly, for
+thou canst not baffle us with thy words alone; or, speaking less
+boastfully, seek thou the mercy of the king of the Sauviras!'
+
+    [49] The six acts of a king are peace, war, marching, halting,
+    sowing dissention, and seeking protection.
+
+"Draupadi replied, 'Though I am so powerful, why doth the king of
+Sauvira yet consider me so powerless. Well-known as I am, I cannot, from
+fear of violence, demean myself before that prince. Even Indra himself
+cannot abduct her for whose protection Krishna and Arjuna would together
+follow, riding in the same chariot. What shall I say, therefore, of a
+weak human being. When Kiriti, that slayer of foes, riding on his car,
+will, on my account, enter thy ranks, striking terror into every heart,
+he will consume everything around like fire consuming a stack of dry
+grass in summer. The warring princes of the Andhaka and the Vrishni
+races, with Janardana at their head, and the mighty bowmen of the
+Kaikeya tribe, will all follow in my wake with great ardour. The
+terrible arrows of Dhananjaya, shot from the string of the _Gandiva_ and
+propelled by his arms fly with great force through the air, roaring like
+the very clouds. And when thou wilt behold Arjuna shooting from the
+_Gandiva_ a thick mass of mighty arrows like unto a flight of locusts,
+then wilt thou repent of thine own folly! Bethink thyself of what thou
+wilt feel when that warrior armed with the _Gandiva_, blowing his
+conch-shell and with gloves reverberating with the strokes of his
+bowstring will again and again pierce thy breast with his shafts. And
+when Bhima will advance towards thee, mace in hand and the two sons of
+Madri range in all directions, vomiting forth the venom of their wrath,
+thou wilt then experience pangs of keen regret that will last for ever.
+As I have never been false to my worthy lords even in thought, so by
+that merit shall I now have the pleasure of beholding thee vanquished
+and dragged by the sons of Pritha. Thou canst not, cruel as thou art,
+frighten me by seizing me with violence, for as soon as those Kuru
+warriors will espy me they will bring me back to the woods of Kamyaka.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then that lady of large eyes, beholding them
+ready to lay violent hands on her, rebuked them and said, 'Defile me not
+by your touch!' And in a great alarm she then called upon her spiritual
+adviser, Dhaumya. Jayadratha, however, seized her by her upper garment,
+but she pushed him with great vigour. And pushed by the lady, that
+sinful wretch fell upon the ground like a tree severed from its roots.
+Seized, however, once more by him with great violence, she began to pant
+for breath. And dragged by the wretch, Krishna at last ascended his
+chariot having worshipped Dhaumya's feet. And Dhaumya then addressed
+Jayadratha and said, 'Do thou, O Jayadratha, observe the ancient custom
+of the Kshatriyas. Thou canst not carry her off without having
+vanquished those great warriors. Without doubt, thou shalt reap the
+painful fruits of this thy despicable act, when thou encounterest the
+heroic sons of Pandu with Yudhishthira the just at their head!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words Dhaumya, entering into
+the midst of Jayadratha's infantry, began to follow that renowned
+princess who was thus being carried away by the ravisher."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile those foremost of bowmen on the face of
+the earth, having wandered separately and ranged in all directions, and
+having slain plenty of deer and buffaloes, at length met together. And
+observing that great forest, which was crowded with hosts of deer and
+wild beasts, resounding with the shrill cries of birds, and hearing the
+shrieks and yells of the denizens of the wilderness, Yudhishthira said
+unto his brothers, 'These birds and wild beasts, flying towards that
+direction which is illuminated by the sun, are uttering dissonant cries
+and displaying an intense excitement. All this only shows that this
+mighty forest hath been invaded by hostile intruders. Without a moment's
+delay let us give up the chase. We have no more need of game. My heart
+aches and seems to burn! The soul in my body, over-powering the
+intellect, seems ready to fly out. As a lake rid by Garuda of the mighty
+snake that dwells in it, as a pot drained of its contents by thirsty
+men, as a kingdom reft of king and prosperity, even so doth the forest
+of Kamyaka seem to me.' Thus addressed, those heroic warriors drove
+towards their abode, on great cars of handsome make and drawn by steeds
+of the _Saindharva_ breed exceedingly fleet and possessed of the speed
+of the hurricane. And on their way back, they beheld a jackal yelling
+hideously on the wayside towards their left. And king Yudhishthira,
+regarding it attentively, said unto Bhima and Dhananjaya, 'This jackal
+that belongs to a very inferior species of animals, speaking to our
+left, speaketh a language which plainly indicates that the sinful Kurus,
+disregarding us, have commenced to oppress us by resorting to violence.'
+After the sons of Pandu had given up the chase and said these words,
+they entered the grove which contained their hermitage. And there they
+found their beloved one's maid, the girl Dhatreyika, sobbing and
+weeping. And Indrasena then quickly alighting from the chariot and
+advancing with hasty steps towards her, questioned her, O king, in great
+distress of mind, saying, 'What makes thee weep thus, lying on the
+ground, and why is thy face so woe-begone and colourless? I hope no
+cruel wretches have done any harm to the princess Draupadi possessed of
+incomparable beauty and large eyes and who is the second self of every
+one of those bulls of the Kuru race? So anxious hath been Dharma's son
+that if the princess hath entered the bowels of the earth or hath soared
+to heaven or dived into the bottom of the ocean, he and his brothers
+will go thither in pursuit of her. Who could that fool be that would
+carry away that priceless jewel belonging to the mighty and
+ever-victorious sons of Pandu, those grinders of foes, and which is dear
+unto them as their own lives? I don't know who the person could be that
+would think of carrying away that princess who hath such powerful
+protectors and who is even like a walking embodiment of the hearts of
+the sons of Pandu? Piercing whose breasts will terrible shafts stick to
+the ground to-day? Do not weep for her, O timid girl, for know thou that
+Krishna will come back this very day, and the sons of Pritha, having
+slain their foes, will again be united with Yagnaseni!' Thus addressed
+by him, Dhatreyika, wiping her beautiful face, replied unto Indrasena
+the charioteer, saying, 'Disregarding the five Indra-like sons of Pandu,
+Jayadratha hath carried away Krishna by force. The track pursued by him
+hath not yet disappeared, for the broken branches of trees have not yet
+faded. Therefore, turn your cars and follow her quickly, for the
+princess cannot have gone far by this time! Ye warriors possessed of the
+prowess of Indra, putting on your costly bows of handsome make, and
+taking up your costly bows and quivers, speed ye in pursuit of her, lest
+overpowered by threats or violence and losing her sense and the colour
+of her cheeks, she yields herself up to an undeserving wight, even as
+one poureth forth, from the sacrificial ladle, the sanctified oblation
+on a heap of ashes. O, see that the clarified butter is not poured into
+an unigniting fire of paddy chaff; that a garland of flowers is not
+thrown away in a cemetery. O, take care that the _Soma_ juice of a
+sacrifice is not licked up by a dog through the carelessness of the
+officiating priests! O, let not the lily be rudely torn by a jackal
+roaming for its prey in the impenetrable forest. O, let no inferior
+wight touch with his lips the bright and beautiful face of your wife,
+fair as the beams of the moon and adorned with the finest nose and the
+handsomest eyes, like a dog licking clarified butter kept in the
+sacrificial pot! Do ye speed in this track and let not time steal a
+march on you.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Retire, good woman, and control thy tongue. Speak
+not this way before us. Kings or princes, whoever are infatuated with
+the possession of power, are sure to come to grief!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "With these words, they departed, following the
+track pointed out to them, and frequently breathing deep sighs like the
+hissing of snakes, and twanging the strings of their large bows. And
+then they observed a cloud of dust raised by the hoofs of the steeds
+belonging to Jayadratha's army. And they also saw Dhaumya in the midst
+of the ravisher's infantry, exhorting Bhima to quicken his steps. Then
+those princes (the sons of Pandu) with hearts undepressed, bade him be
+of good cheer and said unto him, 'Do thou return cheerfully!'--And then
+they rushed towards that host with great fury, like hawks swooping down
+on their prey. And possessed of the prowess of Indra, they had been
+filled with fury at the insult offered to Draupadi. But at sight of
+Jayadratha and of their beloved wife seated on his car, their fury knew
+no bounds. And those mighty bowmen, Bhima and Dhananjaya and the twin
+brothers and the king, called out Jayadratha to stop, upon which the
+enemy was so bewildered as to lose their knowledge of directions."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The hostile Kshatriyas, incensed at sight of
+Bhimasena and Arjuna, sent up a loud shout in the forest. And the wicked
+king Jayadratha, when he saw the standards of those bulls of the Kuru
+race, lost his heart, and addressing the resplendent Yagnaseni seated on
+his car, said, 'Those five great warriors, O Krishna, that are coming,
+are I believe, thy husbands. As thou knowest the sons of Pandu well, do
+thou, O lady of beautiful tresses, describe them one by one to us,
+pointing out which of them rideth which car!' Thus addressed, Draupadi
+replied, 'Having done this violent deed calculated to shorten thy life,
+what will it avail thee now, O fool, to know the names of those great
+warriors, for, now that my heroic husbands are come, not one of ye will
+be left alive in battle. However as thou art on the point of death and
+hast asked me, I will tell thee everything, this being consistent with
+the ordinance. Beholding king Yudhishthira the just with his younger
+brothers, I have not the slightest anxiety or fear from thee! That
+warrior at the top of whose flagstaff two handsome and sonorous tabours
+called _Nanda_ and _Upananda_ are constantly played upon,--he, O Sauvira
+chief, hath a correct knowledge of the morality of his own acts. Men
+that have attained success always walk in his train. With a complexion
+like that of pure gold, possessed of a prominent nose and large eyes,
+and endued with a slender make, that husband of mine is known among
+people by the name of Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma and the foremost
+of the Kuru race. That virtuous prince of men granteth life to even a
+foe that yields. Therefore, O fool, throwing down thy arms and joining
+thy hands, run to him for thy good, to seek his protection. And that
+other man whom thou seest with long arms and tall as the full-grown
+_Sala_ tree, seated on his chariot, biting his lips, and contracting his
+forehead so as to bring the two eye-brows together, is he,--my husband
+Vrikodara! Steeds of the noblest breed, plump and strong, well-trained
+and endued with great might, draw the cars of that warrior! His
+achievements are superhuman. He is known, therefore, by the name of
+_Bhima_ on earth. They that offend him are never suffered to live. He
+never forgetteth a foe. On some pretext or other he wrecketh his
+vengeance. Nor is he pacified even after he has wrecked a signal
+vengeance. And there, that foremost of bowmen, endued with intelligence
+and renown, with senses under complete control and reverence for the
+old--that brother and disciple of Yudhishthira--is my husband
+Dhananjaya! Virtue he never forsaketh, from lust or fear or anger! Nor
+doth he ever commit a deed that is cruel. Endued with the energy of fire
+and capable of withstanding every foe, that grinder of enemies is the
+son of Kunti. And that other youth, versed in every question of morality
+and profit, who ever dispelleth the fears of the affrighted, who is
+endued with high wisdom, who is considered as the handsomest person in
+the whole world and who is protected by all the sons of Pandu, being
+regarded by them as dearer to them than their own lives for his
+unflinching devotion to them, is my husband Nakula possessed of great
+prowess. Endued with high wisdom and having Sahadeva for his second,
+possessed of exceeding lightness of hand, he fighteth with the sword,
+making dexterous passes therewith. Thou, foolish man, shall witness
+today his performances on the field of battle, like unto those of Indra
+amid the ranks of Daityas! And that hero skilled in weapons and
+possessed of intelligence and wisdom, and intent on doing what is
+agreeable to the son of Dharma, that favourite and youngest born of the
+Pandavas, is my husband Sahadeva! Heroic, intelligent, wise and ever
+wrathful there is not another man equal unto him in intelligence or in
+eloquence amid assemblies of the wise. Dearer to Kunti than her own
+soul, he is always mindful of the duties of Kshatriyas, and would much
+sooner rush into fire or sacrifice his own life than say anything that
+is opposed to religion and morals. When the sons of Pandu will have
+killed thy warriors in battle, then wilt thou behold thy army in the
+miserable plight of a ship on the sea wrecked with its freight of jewels
+on the back of a whale. Thus have I described unto thee the prowess of
+the sons of Pandu, disregarding whom in thy foolishness, thou hast acted
+so. If thou escapest unscathed from them, then, indeed thou wilt have
+obtained a new lease of life.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then those five sons of Pritha, each like unto
+Indra, filled with wrath, leaving the panic-stricken infantry alone who
+were imploring them for mercy, rushed furiously upon the charioteers,
+attacking them on all sides and darkening the very air with the thick
+shower of arrows they shot."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile, the king of Sindhu was giving orders to
+those princes, saying, 'Halt, strike, march, quick,' and like. And on
+seeing Bhima, Arjuna and the twin brothers with Yudhishthira, the
+soldiers sent up a loud shout on the field of battle. And the warriors
+of the Sivi, Sauvira and Sindhu tribes, at the sight of those powerful
+heroes looking like fierce tigers, lost heart. And Bhimasena, armed with
+a mace entirely of Saikya iron and embossed with gold, rushed towards
+the Saindhava monarch doomed to death. But Kotikakhya, speedily
+surrounding Vrikodara with an array of mighty charioteers, interposed
+between and separated the combatants. And Bhima, though assailed with
+numberless spears and clubs and iron arrows hurled at him by the strong
+arms of hostile heroes, did not waver for one moment. On the other hand,
+he killed, with his mace, an elephant with its driver and fourteen
+foot-soldiers fighting in the front of Jayadratha's car. And Arjuna
+also, desirous of capturing the Sauvira king, slew five hundred brave
+mountaineers fighting in the van of the Sindhu army. And in that
+encounter, the king himself slew in the twinkling of an eye, a hundred
+of the best warriors of the Sauviras. And Nakula too, sword in hand,
+jumping out of his chariot, scattered in a moment, like a tiller sowing
+seeds, the heads of the combatants fighting in the rear. And Sahadeva
+from his chariot began to fell with his iron shafts, many warriors
+fighting on elephants, like birds dropped from the boughs of a tree.
+Then the king of Trigartas, bow in hand descending from his great
+chariot, killed the four steeds of the king with his mace. But Kunti's
+son, king Yudhishthira the just, seeing the foe approach so near, and
+fighting on foot, pierced his breast with a crescent-shaped arrow. And
+that hero, thus wounded in the breast began to vomit blood, and fell
+down upon the ground besides Pritha's son, like an uprooted tree. And
+king Yudhishthira the just, whose steeds had been slain taking this
+opportunity, descended with Indrasena from his chariot and mounted that
+of Sahadeva. And the two warriors, Kshemankara and Mahamuksha, singling
+out Nakula, began to pour on him from both sides a perfect shower of
+keen-edged arrows. The son of Madri, however, succeeded in slaying, with
+a couple of long shafts, both those warriors who had been pouring on him
+an arrowy shower--like clouds in the rainy season. Suratha, the king of
+Trigartas, well-versed in elephant-charges, approaching the front of
+Nakula's chariot, caused it to be dragged by the elephant he rode. But
+Nakula, little daunted at this, leaped out of his chariot, and securing
+a point of vantage, stood shield and sword in hand, immovable as a hill.
+Thereupon Suratha, wishing to slay Nakula at once, urged towards him his
+huge and infuriate elephant with trunk upraised. But when the beast came
+near, Nakula with his sword severed from his head both trunk and tusks.
+And that mail-clad elephant, uttering a frightful roar, fell headlong
+upon the ground, crushing its riders by the fall. And having achieved
+this daring feat, the heroic son of Madri, getting up on Bhimasena's
+car, obtained a little rest. And Bhima too, seeing prince Kotikakhya
+rush to the encounter, cut off the head of his charioteer with a
+horse-shoe arrow. That prince did not even perceive that his driver was
+killed by his strong-armed adversary, and his horses, no longer
+restrained by a driver, ran about on the battle-field in all directions.
+And seeing that prince without a driver turn his back, that foremost of
+smiters, Bhima the son of Pandu, went up to him and slew him with a
+bearded dart. And Dhananjaya also cut off with his sharp crescent-shaped
+arrows, the heads, as well as the bows of all the twelve Sauvira heroes.
+And the great warrior killed in battle, with the arrow, the leaders of
+the Ikshwakus and the hosts of Sivis and Trigartas and Saindhavas. And a
+great many elephants with their colours, and chariots with standards,
+were seen to fall by the hand of Arjuna. And heads without trunks, and
+trunks without heads, lay covering the entire field of battle. And dogs,
+and herons and ravens, and crows, and falcons, and jackals, and
+vultures, feasted on the flesh and blood of warriors slain on that
+field. And when Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, saw that his warriors
+were slain, he became terrified and anxious to run away leaving Krishna
+behind. And in that general confusion, the wretch, setting down Draupadi
+there, fled for his life, pursuing the same forest path by which he had
+come. And king Yudhishthira the just, seeing Draupadi with Dhaumya
+walking before, caused her to be taken up on a chariot by the heroic
+Sahadeva, the son of Madri. And when Jayadratha had fled away Bhima
+began to mow down with his iron-arrows such of his followers as were
+running away striking each trooper down after naming him. But Arjuna
+perceiving that Jayadratha had run away exhorted his brother to refrain
+from slaughtering the remnant of the Saindhava host. And Arjuna said, 'I
+do not find on the field of battle Jayadratha through whose fault alone
+we have experienced this bitter misfortune! Seek him out first and may
+success crown thy effort! What is the good of thy slaughtering these
+troopers? Why art thou bent upon this unprofitable business?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Bhimasena, thus exhorted by Arjuna of great
+wisdom, turning to Yudhishthira, replied, saying, 'As a great many of
+the enemy's warriors have been slain and as they are flying in all
+directions, do thou, O king, now return home, taking with thee Draupadi
+and the twin brothers and high-souled Dhaumya, and console the princess
+after getting back to our asylum! That foolish king of Sindhu I shall
+not let alone as long as he lives, even if he find a shelter in the
+infernal regions or is backed by Indra himself!' And Yudhishthira
+replied, saying, 'O thou of mighty arms remembering (our sister) Dussala
+and the celebrated Gandhari, thou shouldst not slay the king of Sindhu
+even though he is so wicked!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words, Draupadi was greatly
+excited. And that highly intelligent lady in her excitement said to her
+two husbands, Bhima and Arjuna with indignation mixed with modesty, 'If
+you care to do what is agreeable to me, you must slay that mean and
+despicable wretch, that sinful, foolish, infamous and contemptible chief
+of the Saindhava clan! That foe who forcibly carries away a wife, and he
+that wrests a kingdom, should never be forgiven on the battle-field,
+even though he should supplicate for mercy!' Thus admonished, those two
+valiant warriors went in search of the Saindhava chief. And the king
+taking Krishna with him returned home, accompanied by his spiritual
+adviser. And on entering the hermitage, he found it was laid over with
+seats for the ascetics and crowded with their disciples and graced with
+the presence of Markandeya and other Brahmanas. And while those
+Brahmanas were gravely bewailing the lot of Draupadi, Yudhishthira
+endued with great wisdom joined their company, with his brothers. And
+beholding the king thus come back after having defeated the Saindhava
+and the Sauvira host and recovered Draupadi, they were all elated with
+joy! And the king took his seat in their midst. And the excellent
+princess Krishna entered the hermitage with the two brothers.
+
+"Meanwhile Bhima and Arjuna, learning the enemy was full two miles ahead
+of them urged their horses to greater speed in pursuit of him. And the
+mighty Arjuna performed a wonderful deed, killing the horse of
+Jayadratha although they were full two miles ahead of them. Armed with
+celestial weapons undaunted by difficulties he achieved this difficult
+feat with arrows inspired with _Mantras_. And then the two warriors,
+Bhima and Arjuna, rushed towards the terrified king of Sindhu whose
+horses had been slain and who was alone and perplexed in mind. And the
+latter was greatly grieved on seeing his steeds slain. And beholding
+Dhananjaya do such a daring deed, and intent on running away, he
+followed the same forest track by which he had come. And Phalguna,
+seeing the Saindhava chief so active in his fright, overtook him and
+addressed him saying, 'Possessed of so little manliness, how couldst
+thou dare to take away a lady by force? Turn round, O prince; it is not
+meet that thou shouldst run away! How canst thou act so, leaving thy
+followers in the midst of thy foes?' Although addressed by the sons of
+Pritha thus, the monarch of Sindhu did not even once turn round. And
+then bidding him to what he chose the mighty Bhima overtook him in an
+instant, but the kind Arjuna entreated him not to kill that wretch."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Jayadratha flying for his life upon beholding those
+two brothers with upraised arms, was sorely grieved and bolted off with
+speed and coolness. But the mighty and indignant Bhimasena, descending
+from his chariot, ran after him thus fleeing, and seized him by the hair
+of his head. And holding him high up in the air, Bhima thrust him on the
+ground with violence. And seizing the prince by the head, he knocked him
+about. And when the wretch recovered consciousness, he groaned aloud and
+wanted to get up on his legs. But that hero endued with mighty arms
+kicked him on the head. And Bhima pressed him on the breast with his
+knees as well as with his fists. And the prince thus belaboured, soon
+became insensible. Then Phalguna dissuaded the wrathful Bhimasena from
+inflicting further chastisement on the prince, by reminding him of what
+Yudhishthira had said regarding (their sister) Dussala. But Bhima
+replied, saying, 'This sinful wretch hath done a cruel injury to
+Krishna, who never can bear such treatment. He, therefore, deserveth to
+die at my hands! But what can I do? The king is always overflowing with
+mercy, and thou, too, art constantly putting obstacles in my way from a
+childish sense of virtue!' Having said these words, Vrikodara, with his
+crescent-shaped arrow, shaved the hair of the prince's head, heaving
+five tufts in as many places. Jayadratha uttered not a word at this.
+Then Vrikodara, addressing the foe said, 'If thou wishest to live,
+listen to me. O fool! I shall tell thee the means to attain that wish!
+In public assemblies and in open courts thou must say,--I am the slave
+of the Pandavas.--on this condition alone, I will pardon thee thy life!
+This is the customary rule of conquest on the field of battle.' Thus
+addressed and treated, king Jayadratha said to the mighty and fierce
+warrior who always looked awful, 'Be it so!' And he was trembling and
+senseless and begrimed with dust. Then Arjuna and Vrikodara, securing
+him with chains, thrust him into a chariot. And Bhima, himself mounting
+that chariot, and accompanied by Arjuna, drove towards the hermitage.
+And approaching Yudhishthira seated there, he placed Jayadratha in that
+condition before the king. And the king, smiling, told him to set the
+Sindhu prince at liberty. Then Bhima said unto the king, 'Do thou tell
+Draupadi that this wretch hath become the slave of the Pandavas.' Then
+his eldest brother said unto him affectionately, 'If thou hast any
+regard for us, do thou set this wretch at liberty!' And Draupadi too,
+reading the king's mind, said, 'Let him off! He hath become a slave of
+the king's and thou, too, hast disfigured him by leaving five tufts of
+hair on his head.' Then that crest-fallen prince, having obtained his
+liberty, approached king Yudhishthira and bowed down unto him. And
+seeing those _Munis_ there, he saluted them also. Then the kind-hearted
+king Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, beholding Jayadratha in that
+condition, almost supported by Arjuna, said unto him, 'Thou art a free
+man now; I emancipate thee! Now go away and be careful not to do such
+thing again; shame to thee! Thou hadst intended to take away a lady by
+violence, even though thou art so mean and powerless! What other wretch
+save thee would think of acting thus?' Then that foremost king of
+Bharata's race eyed with pity that perpetrator of wicked deeds, and
+believing that he had lost his senses, said, 'Mayst thy heart grow in
+virtue! Never set thy heart again on immoral deeds! Thou mayst depart in
+peace now with thy charioteers, cavalry and infantry.' Thus addressed by
+Yudhishthira, the prince, O Bharata, was overpowered with shame, and
+bending down his head, he silently and sorrowfully wended his way to the
+place where the Ganga debouches on the plains. And imploring the
+protection of the god of three eyes, the consort of Uma, he did severe
+penance at that place. And the three-eyed god, pleased with his
+austerities deigned to accept his offerings in person. And he also
+granted him a boon! Do thou listen, O monarch, how the prince received
+that boon! Jayadratha, addressing that god, asked the boon, 'May I be
+able to defeat in battle all the five sons of Pandu on their chariots!'
+The god, however, told him 'This cannot be.' And Maheswara said, 'None
+can slay or conquer them in battle. Save Arjuna, however, thou shall be
+able to only check them (once) on the field of battle! The heroic
+Arjuna, with mighty arms, is the god incarnate styled _Nara_. He
+practised austerities of old in the Vadari forest. The God _Narayana_ is
+his friend. Therefore, he is unconquerable of the very gods. I myself
+have given him the celestial weapon called _Pasupata_. From the regents
+also of all the ten cardinal points, he has acquired the thunder-bolt
+and other mighty weapons. And the great god Vishnu who is the Infinite
+Spirit, the Lord Preceptor of all the gods, is the Supreme Being without
+attributes, and the Soul of the Universe, and existeth pervading the
+whole creation. At the termination of a cycle of ages, assuming the
+shape of the all-consuming fire, he consumed the whole Universe with
+mountains and seas and islands and hills and woods and forests. And
+after the destruction of the _Naga_ world also in the subterranean
+regions in the same way, vast masses of many-coloured and loud-pealing
+clouds, with streaks of lightning, spreading along the entire welkin,
+had appeared on high. Then pouring down water in torrents thick as axles
+of cars, and filling the space everywhere, these extinguishing that
+all-consuming fire! When at the close of four thousand _Yugas_ the Earth
+thus became flooded with water, like one vast sea, and all mobile
+creatures were hushed in death, and the sun and the moon and the winds
+were all destroyed, and the Universe was devoid of planets and stars,
+the Supreme Being called Narayana, unknowable by the senses, adorned
+with a thousand heads and as many eyes and legs, became desirous of
+rest. And the serpent Sesha, looking terrible with his thousand hoods,
+and shining with the splendour of ten thousand suns, and white as the
+_Kunda_ flower or the moon or a string of pearls, or the white lotus, or
+milk, or the fibres of a lotus stalk, served for his conch. And that
+adorable and omnipotent God thus slept on the bosom of the deep,
+enveloping all space with nocturnal gloom. And when his creative faculty
+was excited, he awoke and found the Universe denuded of everything. In
+this connection, the following _sloka_ is recited respecting the meaning
+of _Narayana_. "Water was created by (the _Rishi_) _Nara_, and it formed
+his corpus; therefore do we hear it styled as _Nara_. And because it
+formed his _Ayana_ (resting-place) therefore is he known as _Narayana_."
+As soon as that everlasting Being was engaged in meditation for the
+re-creation of the Universe, a lotus flower instantaneously came into
+existence from his navel, and the four-faced _Brahma_ came out of that
+navel-lotus. And then the Grandsire of all creatures, seating himself on
+that flower and finding that the whole Universe was a blank, created in
+his own likeness, and from his will, the (nine) great _Rishis, Marichi_
+and others. And these in their turn observing the same thing, completed
+the creation, by creating _Yakshas, Rakshas, Pisachas_, reptiles, men,
+and all mobile and immobile creatures. The Supreme Spirit hath three
+conditions. In the form of Brahma, he is the Creator, and in the form of
+Vishnu he is the Preserver, and in his form as Rudra, he is the
+Destroyer of the Universe! O king of Sindhu, hast thou not heard of the
+wonderful achievements of Vishnu, described to thee by the _Munis_ and
+the Brahmanas learned in the _Vedas_? When the world was thus reduced to
+one vast sea of water, with only the heavens above, the Lord, like a
+fire-fly at night-time during the rainy season, moved about hither and
+thither in search of stable ground, with the view of rehabilitating his
+creation, and became desirous of raising the Earth submerged in water.
+_What shape shall I take to rescue the Earth from this flood!_--So
+thinking and contemplating with divine insight, he bethought himself of
+the shape of a wild boar fond of sporting in water. And assuming the
+shape of a sacrificial boar shining with effulgence and instinct with
+the _Vedas_ and ten _Yojanas_ in length, with pointed tusks and a
+complexion like dark clouds, and with a body huge as a mountain, and
+roaring like a conglomeration of clouds, the Lord plunged into the
+waters, and lifted up the Earth with one of his tusks, and replaced it
+in its proper sphere. At another time, the mighty Lord, assuming a
+wonderful form with a body half lion, half man, and squeezing his hands,
+repaired to the court of the ruler of the _Daityas_. That progenitor of
+the _Daityas_, the son of _Diti_, who was the enemy of the (gods),
+beholding the Lord's peculiar form, burst out into passion and his eyes
+became inflamed with rage. And Hiranya-Kasipu, the war-like son of Diti
+and the enemy of the gods, adorned with garlands and looking like a mass
+of dark clouds, taking up his trident in hand and roaring like the
+clouds, rushed on that being half lion, half man. Then that powerful
+king of wild beasts, half man, half lion, taking a leap in the air,
+instantly rent the _Daitya_ in twain by means of his sharp claws. And
+the adorable lotus-eyed Lord of great effulgence, having thus slain the
+_Daitya_ king for the well-being of all creatures, again took his birth
+in the womb of _Aditi_ as son of Kasyapa. And at the expiration of a
+thousand years she was delivered of that superhuman conception. And then
+was born that Being, of the hue of rain-charged clouds with bright eyes
+and of dwarfish stature. He had the ascetic's staff and water-pot in
+hand, and was marked with the emblem of a curl of hair on the breast.
+And that adorable Being wore matted locks and the sacrificial thread,
+and he was stout and handsome and resplendent with lustre. And that
+Being, arriving at the sacrificial enclosure of Vali, king of the
+_Danavas_, entered the sacrificial assembly with the aid of Vrihaspati.
+And beholding that dwarf-bodied Being, Vali was well-pleased and said
+unto him, "I am glad to see thee, O Brahmana! Say what is it that thou
+wantest from me!" Thus addressed by Vali, the dwarf-god replied with a
+smile, saying, "So be it! Do thou, lord of the _Danavas_, give me three
+paces of ground!" And Vali contented to give what that Brahmana of
+infinite power had asked. And while measuring with his paces the space
+he sought, Hari assumed a wonderful and extraordinary form. And with
+only three paces he instantly covered this illimitable world. And then
+that everlasting God, Vishnu, gave it away unto Indra. This history
+which has just been related to thee, is celebrated as the "_Incarnation
+of the Dwarf_." And from him, all the gods had their being, and after
+him the world is said to be _Vaishnava_, or pervaded by Vishnu. And for
+the destruction of the wicked and the preservation of religion, even He
+hath taken his birth among men in the race of the Yadus. And the
+adorable Vishnu is styled Krishna. These, O king of Sindhu, are the
+achievements of the Lord whom all the worlds worship and whom the
+learned describe as without beginning and without end, unborn and
+Divine! They call Him, the unconquerable Krishna with conchshell, discus
+and mace, and adorned with the emblem of a curl of hair, Divine, clad in
+silken robes of yellow hue, and the best of those versed in the art of
+war. Arjuna is protected by Krishna the possessor of these attributes.
+That glorious and lotus-eyed Being of infinite power, that slayer of
+hostile heroes, riding in the same chariot with Pritha's son, protecteth
+him! He is, therefore, invincible; the very gods cannot resist his
+power, still less can one with human attributes vanquish the son of
+Pritha in battle! Therefore, O king, thou must let him alone! Thou
+shalt, however, be able to vanquish for a single day only, the rest of
+Yudhishthira's forces along with thine enemies--the four sons of
+Pandu!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words unto that prince, the
+adorable Hara of three eyes, the destroyer of all sins, the consort of
+Uma, and lord of wild beasts, the destroyer of (Daksha's) sacrifice, the
+slayer of Tripura and He that had plucked out the eyes of Bhaga,
+surrounded by his dwarfish and hunch-backed and terrible followers
+having frightful eyes and ears and uplifted arms, vanished, O tiger
+among kings, from that place with his consort Uma! And the wicked
+Jayadratha also returned home, and the sons of Pandu continued to dwell
+in the forest of Kamyaka."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXI
+
+Janamejaya said, "What did those tigers among men, the Pandavas, do,
+after they had suffered such misery in consequence of the ravishment of
+Draupadi?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated Jayadratha and rescued Krishna, the
+virtuous king Yudhishthira took his seat by the side of that best of
+_Munis_. And among those foremost of ascetics who were expressing their
+grief upon hearing Draupadi's misfortune, Yudhishthira, the son of
+Pandu, addressed Markandeya, saying, 'O adorable Sire, amongst the gods
+and the ascetics, thou art known to have the fullest knowledge of both
+the past as well as the future. A doubt existeth in my mind, which I
+would ask thee to solve! This lady is the daughter of Drupada; she hath
+issued from the sacrificial altar and hath not been begotten of the
+flesh; and she is highly blessed and is also the daughter-in-law of the
+illustrious Pandu. I incline to think that Time, and human Destiny that
+dependeth on our acts, and the Inevitable, are irresistible in respect
+of creatures. (If it were not so), how could such a misfortune afflict
+this wife of ours so faithful and virtuous, like a false accusation of
+theft against an honest man? The daughter of Drupada hath never
+committed any sinful act, nor hath she done anything that is not
+commendable: on the contrary, she hath assiduously practised the highest
+virtues towards Brahmanas. And yet the foolish king Jayadratha had
+carried her away by force. In consequence of this act of violence on
+her, that sinful wretch hath his hair shaved off his head and sustained
+also, with all his allies, defeat in battle. It is true we have rescued
+her after slaughtering the troops of Sindhu. But the disgrace of this
+ravishment of our wife during our hours of carelessness, hath stained
+us, to be sure. This life in the wilderness is full of miseries. We
+subsist by chase; and though dwelling in the woods, we are obliged to
+slay the denizens thereof that live with us! This exile also that we
+suffer is due to the act of deceitful kinsmen! Is there any one who is
+more unfortunate than I am? Hath thou ever seen or heard of such a one
+before?'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O bull of the Bharata race, even Rama suffered
+unparalleled misery, for the evil-minded Ravana, king of the Rakshasas,
+having recourse to deceit and overpowering the vulture Jatayu, forcibly
+carried away his wife Sita from his asylum in the woods. Indeed, Rama,
+with the help of Sugriva, brought her back, constructing a bridge across
+the sea, and consuming Lanka with his keen-edged arrows.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'In what race was Rama born and what was the measure
+of his might and prowess? Whose son also was Ravana and for what was it
+that he had any misunderstanding with Rama? It behoveth thee, O
+illustrious one, to tell me all this in detail; for I long to hear the
+story of Rama of great achievements!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O prince of Bharata's race, to this old
+history exactly as it happened! I will tell thee all about the distress
+suffered by Rama together with his wife. There was a great king named
+Aja sprung from the race of Ikshwaku. He had a son named Dasaratha who
+was devoted to the study of the Vedas and was ever pure. And Dasaratha
+had four sons conversant with morality and profit known by the names,
+respectively, of Rama, Lakshmana, Satrughna, and the mighty Bharata. And
+Rama had for his mother Kausalya, and Bharata had for his mother
+Kaikeyi, while those scourges of their enemies Lakshmana and Satrughna
+were the sons of Sumitra. And Janaka was the king of Videha, and Sita
+was his daughter. And Tashtri himself created her, desiring to make her
+the beloved wife of Rama. I have now told thee the history of both
+Rama's and Sita's birth. And now, O king, I will relate unto thee the
+birth of Ravana. That Lord of all creatures and the Creator of the
+Universe viz., the Self-create Prajapati himself--that god possessed of
+great ascetic merit--is the grandfather of Ravana. And Pulastya hath a
+mighty son called Vaisravana begotten of a cow. But his son, leaving his
+father, went to his grandfather. And, O king, angered at this, his
+father then created a second self of himself. And with half of his own
+self that regenerate one became born of Visrava for wrecking a vengeance
+on Vaisravana. But the Grandsire, pleased with Vaisravana, gave him
+immortality, and sovereignty of all the wealth of the Universe, the
+guardianship of one of the cardinal points, the friendship of Isana, and
+a son named Nalakuvera. And he also gave him for his capital Lanka,
+which was guarded by hosts of Rakshasas, and also a chariot called
+Pushpaka capable of going everywhere according to the will of the rider.
+And the kingship of the Yakshas and the sovereignty over sovereigns were
+also his.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The Muni named Visrava, who was begotten of half the
+soul of Pulastya, in a fit of passion, began to look upon Vaisravana
+with great anger. But, O monarch, Kuvera, the king of the Rakshasas,
+knowing that his father was angry with him, always sought to please him.
+And, O best of Bharata's race, that king of kings living in Lanka, and
+borne upon the shoulders of men, sent three Rakshasa women to wait upon
+his father. Their names, O king, were Pushpotkata, Raka and Malini. And
+they were skilled in singing and dancing and were always assiduous in
+their attentions on that high-souled Rishi. And those slender-waisted
+ladies vied with one another, O king, in gratifying the Rishi. And that
+high-souled and adorable being was pleased with them and granted them
+boons. And to every one of them he gave princely sons according to their
+desire. Two sons--those foremost of Rakshasas named Kumvakarna and the
+Ten-headed Ravana,--both unequaled on earth in prowess, were born to
+Pushpotkata. And Malini had a son named Vibhishana, and Raka had twin
+children named Khara and Surpanakha. And Vibhishana surpassed them all
+in beauty. And that excellent person was very pious and assiduously
+performed all religious rites. But that foremost of Rakshasas, with ten
+heads, was the eldest to them all. And he was religious, and energetic
+and possessed of great strength and prowess. And the Rakshasa Kumvakarna
+was the most powerful in battle, for he was fierce and terrible and a
+thorough master of the arts of illusion. And Khara was proficient in
+archery, and hostile to the Brahmanas, subsisting as he did on flesh.
+And the fierce Surpanakha was constant source of trouble to the
+ascetics. And the warriors, learned in the Vedas and diligent in
+ceremonial rites, all lived with their father in the Gandhamadana. And
+there they beheld Vaisravana seated with their father, possessed of
+riches and borne on the shoulders of men. And seized with jealousy, they
+resolved upon performing penances. And with ascetic penances of the most
+severe kind, they gratified Brahma. And the Ten-headed Ravana,
+supporting life by means of air alone and surrounded by the five sacred
+fires and absorbed in meditation, remained standing on one leg for a
+thousand years. And Kumvakarna with head downwards, and with restricted
+diet, was constant in austerities. And the wise and magnanimous
+Vibhishana, observing fasts and subsisting only on dry leaves and
+engaged in meditation, practised severe austerities for a long period.
+And Khara and Surpanakha, with cheerful hearts, protected and attended
+on them while they were performing those austerities. And at the close
+of a thousand years, the invincible Ten-headed One, cutting off his own
+heads, offered them as offering to the sacred fire. And at this act of
+his, the Lord of the Universe was pleased with him. And then Brahma,
+personally appearing to them, bade them desist from those austerities
+and promised to grant boons unto every one of them. And the adorable
+Brahma said, "I am pleased with you, my sons! Cease now from these
+austerities and ask boons of me! Whatever your desires may be, they,
+with the single exception of that of immortality, will be fulfilled! As
+thou hast offered thy heads to the fire from great ambition, they will
+again adorn thy body as before, according to thy desire. And thy body
+will not be disfigured and thou shall be able to assume any form
+according to thy desire and become the conqueror of thy foes in battle.
+There is no doubt of this!" thereupon Ravana said, "May I never
+experience defeat at the hands of Gandharvas, Celestials, Kinnaras,
+Asuras, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Serpents and all other creatures!" Brahma
+said, "From those that hast named, thou shalt never have cause of fear;
+except from men (thou shalt have no occasion for fear). Good betide
+thee! So hath it been ordained by me!"'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed, the Ten-headed (Ravana) was highly
+gratified, for on account of his perverted understanding, the man-eating
+one slighted human beings. Then the great Grandsire addressed
+Kumbhakarna as before. His reason being clouded by darkness, he asked
+for long-lasting sleep. Saying, "It shall be so!" Brahma then addressed
+Vibhishana, "O my son, I am much pleased with thee! Ask any boon thou
+pleasest!" Thereupon, Vibhishana replied, "Even in great danger, may I
+never swerve from the path of righteousness, and though ignorant, may I,
+O adorable Sire, be illumined with the light of divine knowledge!" And
+Brahma replied, "O scourge of thy enemies, as thy soul inclines not to
+unrighteousness although born in the _Rakshasa race_, I grant thee
+immortality!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having obtained this boon, the Ten-headed
+Rakshasa defeated Kuvera in battle and obtained from him the sovereignty
+of Lanka. That adorable Being, leaving Lanka and followed by Gandharvas,
+Yakshas, Rakshas, and Kinnaras, went to live on mount Gandhamadana. And
+Ravana forcibly took from him the celestial chariot _Pushpaka_. And upon
+this Vaisravana cursed him, saying, "This chariot shall never carry
+thee; it shall bear him who will slay thee in battle! And as thou hast
+insulted me, thy elder brother, thou shalt soon die!"
+
+"'The pious Vibhishana, O King, treading in the path followed by the
+virtuous and possessed of great glory, followed Kuvera. That adorable
+Lord of wealth, highly pleased with his younger brothers, invested him
+with the command of the Yaksha and Raksha hosts. On the other hand, the
+powerful and man-eating _Rakshasas_ and _Pisachas_, having assembled
+together, invested the Ten-headed Ravana with their sovereignty. And
+Ravana, capable of assuming any form at will and terrible in prowess,
+and capable also of passing through the air, attacked the gods and the
+_Daityas_ and wrested from them all their valuable possessions. And as
+he had terrified all creatures, he was called _Ravana_. And Ravana,
+capable of mustering any measure of might inspired the very gods with
+terror.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXIV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Then the _Brahmarshis_, the _Siddhas_ and the
+_Devarshis_, with _Havyavaha_ as their spokesman, sought the protection
+of Brahma. And Agni said, "That powerful son of Visrava, the Ten-headed
+cannot be slain on account of thy boon! Endued with great might he
+oppresseth in every possible way the creatures of the earth. Protect us,
+therefore, O adorable one! There is none else save thee to protect us!"
+
+"'Brahma said, "O Agni, he cannot be conquered in battle by either the
+gods or the _Asuras_! I have already ordained that which is needful for
+that purpose. Indeed his death is near! Urged by me, the four-headed God
+hath already been incarnate for that object. Even Vishnu, that foremost
+of smiters will achieve that object!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then the Grandsire also asked Sakra, in their
+presence, "Be thou, with all the celestials, born on earth! And beget ye
+on monkeys and bears, heroic sons possessed of great strength and
+capable of assuming any form at will as allies of Vishnu!" And at this,
+the gods, the _Gandharvas_ and the _Danavas_ quickly assembled to take
+counsel as to how they should be born on earth according to their
+respective parts. And in their presence the boon-giving god commanded a
+_Gandharvi_, by name Dundubhi saying, "Go there for accomplishing this
+object!" And Dundubhi hearing these words of the Grandsire was born in
+the world of men as the hunchbacked _Manthara_. And all the principal
+celestials, with Sakra and others begot offspring upon the wives of the
+foremost of monkeys and bears. And those sons equaled their sires in
+strength and fame. And they were capable of splitting mountain peaks and
+their weapons were stones and trees of the _Sala_ and the _Tala_
+species. And their bodies were hard as adamant, and they were possessed
+of very great strength. And they were all skilled in war and capable of
+mustering any measure of energy at will. And they were equal to a
+thousand elephants in might, and they resembled the wind in speed. And
+some of them lived wherever they liked, while others lived in forests.
+And the adorable Creator of the Universe, having ordained all this,
+instructed _Manthara_ as to what she would have to do. And Manthara
+quick as thought, understood all his words, and went hither and thither
+ever engaged in fomenting quarrels.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXV
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O adorable one, thou hast described to me in detail
+the history of the birth of Rama and others. I wish to learn the cause
+of their exile. Do thou, O Brahmana, relate why the sons of
+Dasaratha--the brothers Rama and Lakshmana--went to the forest with
+famous princess of Mithila.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The pious king Dasaratha, ever mindful of the old and
+assiduous in religious ceremonies, was greatly pleased when these sons
+were born. And his sons gradually grew up in might and they became
+conversant with the Vedas together with all their mysteries, and with
+the science of arms. And when after having gone through the Brahmacharya
+vows the princes were married, king Dasaratha became happy and highly
+pleased. And the intelligent Rama, the eldest of them all, became the
+favourite of his father, and greatly pleased the people with his
+charming ways. And then, O Bharata, the wise king, considering himself
+old in years took counsel with his virtuous ministers and spiritual
+adviser for installing Rama as regent of the kingdom. And all those
+great ministers were agreed that it was time to do so. And, O scion of
+Kuru's race, king Dasaratha was greatly pleased to behold his son,--that
+enhancer of Kausalya's delight--possessed of eyes that were red, and
+arms that were sinewy. And his steps were like those of a wild elephant.
+And he had long arms and high shoulders and black and curly hair. And he
+was valiant, and glowing with splendour, and not inferior to Indra
+himself in battle. And he was well-versed in holy writ and was equal to
+Vrihaspati in wisdom. An object of love with all the people, he was
+skilled in every science. And with senses under complete control, his
+very enemies were pleased to behold him. And he was terror of the wicked
+and the protector of the virtuous. And possessed of intelligence and
+incapable of being baffled, he was victorious over all and never
+vanquished by any. And, O descendant of Kurus, beholding his son--that
+enhancer of Kausalya's joy--king Dasaratha became highly pleased. And
+reflecting on Rama's virtues, the powerful and mighty king cheerfully
+addressed the family priest, saying, "Blessed be thou, O Brahmana! This
+night of the Pushya constellation will bring in a very auspicious
+conjunction. Let, therefore, materials be collected and let Rama also be
+invited. This Pushya constellation will last till tomorrow. And Rama,
+therefore, should be invested by me and my ministers as prince-regent of
+all my subjects!"
+
+"'Meanwhile Manthara (the maid of Kaikeyi), hearing these words of the
+king, went to her mistress, and spoke unto her as was suited to the
+occasion. And she said, "Thy great ill-luck, O Kaikeyi, hath this day
+been proclaimed by the king! O unlucky one, mayst thou be bitten by a
+fierce and enraged snake of virulent poison! Kausalya, indeed, is
+fortunate, as it is her son that is going to be installed on the throne.
+Where, indeed, is thy prosperity, when thy son obtaineth not the
+kingdom?"
+
+"'Hearing these words of her maid, the slender-waisted and beautiful
+Kaikeyi put on all her ornaments, and sought her husband in a secluded
+place. And with a joyous heart, and smiling pleasantly, she addressed
+these words to him with all the blandishments of love, "O king, thou art
+always true to thy promises. Thou didst promise before to grant me an
+object of my desire. Do thou fulfil that promise now and save thyself
+from the sin of unredeemed pledge!" The king replied, saying, "I will
+grant thee a boon. Ask thou whatever thou wishest! What man undeserving
+of death shall be slain today and who that deserves death is to be set
+at liberty? Upon whom shall I bestow wealth to-day, or whose wealth
+shall be confiscated? Whatever wealth there is in this world, save what
+belongeth to Brahmanas, is mine! I am the king of kings in this world,
+and the protector of all the four classes! Tell me quickly, O blessed
+lady, what that object is upon which thou hast set thy heart!" Hearing
+these words of the king, and tying him fast to his pledge, and conscious
+also of her power over him, she addressed him in these words, "I desire
+that Bharata be the recipient of that investiture which thou hast
+designed for Rama, and let Rama go into exile living in the forest of
+Dandaka for fourteen years as an ascetic with matted locks on head and
+robed in rags and deer-skins!" Hearing these disagreeable words of cruel
+import, the king, O chief of the Bharata race, was sorely afflicted and
+became utterly speechless! But the mighty and virtuous Rama, learning
+that his father had been thus solicited, went into the forest so that
+the king's truth might remain inviolate. And, blessed be thou, he was
+followed by the auspicious Lakshmana--that foremost of bowmen and his
+wife Sita, the princess of Videha and daughter of Janaka. And after Rama
+had gone into the forest, king Dasaratha took leave of his body,
+agreeably to the eternal law of time. And knowing that Rama not near and
+that the king was dead, queen Kaikeyi, causing Bharata to be brought
+before her, addressed him in these words, "Dasaratha hath gone to heaven
+and both Rama and Lakshmana are in the forest! Take thou this kingdom
+which is so extensive and whose peace there is no rival to disturb."
+Thereupon the virtuous Bharata replied unto her saying, "Thou hast done
+a wicked deed, having slain thy husband and exterminated this family
+from lust of wealth alone! Heaping infamy on my head, O accursed woman
+of our race, thou hast, O mother, attained this, thy object!" And having
+said these words, the prince wept aloud. And having proved his innocence
+before all the subjects of that realm he set out in the wake of Rama,
+desiring to bring him back. And placing Kausalya and Sumitra and Kaikeyi
+in the vehicles at the van of his train, he proceeded with a heavy
+heart, in company with Satrughna. And he was accompanied by Vasishtha
+and Vamadeva, and other Brahmanas by thousands and by the people of the
+cities and the provinces, desiring to bring back Rama. And he saw Rama
+with Lakshmana, living on the mountains of Chitrakuta with bow in hand
+and decked with the ornaments of ascetics. Bharata, however, was
+dismissed by Rama, who was determined to act according to the words of
+his father. And returning, Bharata ruled at Nandigrama, keeping before
+him, his brother's wooden sandals. And Rama fearing a repetition of
+intrusion by the people of Ayodhya, entered into the great forest
+towards the asylum of Sarabhanga. And having paid his respects to
+Sarabhanga, he entered the forest of Dandaka and took up his abode on
+the banks of beautiful river Godavari. And while living there, Rama was
+inveigled into hostilities with Khara, then dwelling in Janasthana, on
+account of Surpanakha. And for the protection of the ascetics the
+virtuous scion of Raghu's race slew fourteen thousand Rakshasas on
+earth, and having slain those mighty Rakshasas, Khara and Dushana, the
+wise descendant of Raghu once more made that sacred forest free from
+danger.
+
+"'And after these Rakshasas had been slain, Surpanakha with mutilated
+nose and lips, repaired to Lanka--the abode of her brother (Ravana). And
+when that Rakshasa woman, senseless with grief and with dry blood-stains
+on her face, appeared before Ravana, she fell down at his feet. And
+beholding her so horribly mutilated, Ravana became senseless with wrath
+and grinding his teeth sprung up from his seat. And dismissing his
+ministers, he enquired of her in private, saying, "Blessed sister, who
+hath made thee so, forgetting and disregarding me? Who is he that having
+got a sharp-pointed spear hath rubbed his body with it? Who is he that
+sleepeth in happiness and security, after placing a fire close to his
+head? Who is he that hath trodden upon a revengeful snake of virulent
+poison? Who indeed, is that person who standeth with his hand thrust
+into the mouth of the maned lion!" Then flames of wrath burst forth from
+his body, like those that are emitted at night from the hollows of a
+tree on fire. His sister then related unto him the prowess of Rama and
+the defeat of the Rakshasas with Khara and Dushana at their head.
+Informed of the slaughter of his relatives, Ravana, impelled by Fate,
+remembered Maricha for slaying Rama. And resolving upon the course he
+was to follow and having made arrangements for the government of his
+capital, he consoled his sister, and set out on an aerial voyage. And
+crossing the Trikuta and the Kala mountains, he beheld the vast
+receptacle of deep waters--the abode of the Makaras. Then crossing the
+Ocean, the Ten headed Ravana reached Gokarna--the favourite resort of
+the illustrious god armed with the trident. And there Ravana met with
+his old friend Maricha who, from fear of Rama himself, had adopted an
+ascetic mode of life.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Beholding Ravana come, Maricha received him with a
+respectful welcome, and offered him fruits and roots. And after Ravana
+had taken his seat, and rested himself a while, Maricha skilled in
+speech, sat beside Ravana and addressed him who was himself as eloquent
+in speech, saying, "Thy complexion hath assumed an unnatural hue; is it
+all right with thy kingdom, O king of the Rakshasas? What hath brought
+thee here? Do thy subjects continue to pay thee the same allegiance that
+they used to pay thee before? What business hath brought thee here? Know
+that it is already fulfilled, even if it be very difficult of
+fulfilment!" Ravana, whose heart was agitated with wrath and humiliation
+informed him briefly of the acts of Rama and the measures that were to
+be taken. And on hearing his story, Maricha briefly replied to him,
+saying, "Thou must not provoke Rama, for I know his strength! Is there a
+person who is capable of withstanding the impetus of his arrows? That
+great man hath been the cause of my assuming my present ascetic life.
+What evil-minded creature hath put thee up to this course calculated to
+bring ruin and destruction on thee?" To this Ravana indignantly replied,
+reproaching him thus, "If thou dost not obey my orders, thou shall
+surely die at my hands." Maricha then thought within himself, "When
+death is inevitable, I shall do his biddings; for it is better to die at
+the hands of one that is superior." Then he replied to the lord of the
+Rakshasas saying, "I shall surely render thee whatever help I can!" Then
+the Ten-headed Ravana said unto him, "Go and tempt Sita, assuming the
+shape of a deer with golden horns and a golden skin! When Sita will
+observe thee thus, she will surely send away Rama to hunt thee. And then
+Sita will surely come within my power, and I shall forcibly carry her
+away. And then that wicked Rama will surely die of grief at the loss of
+his wife. Do thou help me in this way!"
+
+"'Thus addressed, Maricha performed his obsequies (in anticipation) and
+with a sorrowful heart, followed Ravana who was in advance of him. And
+having reached the hermitage of Rama of difficult achievements, they
+both did as arranged beforehand. And Ravana appeared in the guise of an
+ascetic with head shaven, and adorned with a _Kamandala_, and a treble
+staff. And Maricha appeared in the shape of a deer. And Maricha appeared
+before the princess of Videha in that guise. And impelled by Fate, she
+sent away Rama after that deer. And Rama, with the object of pleasing
+her, quickly took up his bow, and leaving Lakshmana behind to protect
+her, went in pursuit of that deer. And armed with his bow and quiver and
+scimitar, and his fingers encased in gloves of _Guana_ skin, Rama went
+in pursuit of that deer, after the manner of Rudra following the stellar
+deer[50] in days of yore. And that Rakshasa enticed away Rama to a great
+distance by appearing before him at one time and disappearing from his
+view at another. And when Rama at last knew who and what that deer was,
+viz., that he was a _Rakshasa_, that illustrious descendant of Raghu's
+race took out an infallible arrow and slew that Rakshasa, in the
+disguise of a deer. And struck with Rama's arrow, the Rakshasa,
+imitating Rama's voice, cried out in great distress, calling upon Sita
+and Lakshmana. And when the princess of Videha heard that cry of
+distress, she urged Lakshmana to run towards the quarter from whence the
+cry came. Then Lakshmana said to her, "Timid lady, thou hast no cause of
+fear! Who is so powerful as to be able to smite Rama? O thou of sweet
+smiles, in a moment thou wilt behold thy husband Rama!" Thus addressed,
+the chaste Sita, from that timidity which is natural to women, became
+suspicious of even the pure Lakshmana, and began to weep aloud. And that
+chaste lady, devoted to her husband, harshly reproved Lakshmana, saying,
+"The object which thou, O fool, cherishest in thy heart, shall never be
+fulfilled! I would rather kill myself with a weapon or throw myself from
+the top of a hill or enter into a blazing fire than live with a sorry
+wretch like thee, forsaking my husband Rama, like a tigress under the
+protection of a jackal!"
+
+    [50] Tard-mrigam. Formerly Prajapati, assuming the Form of a
+    deer, followed his daughter from lust, and Rudra, armed with a
+    trident, pursued Prajapati and struck off his head. That
+    deer-head of Prajapati severed from the trunk, became the star,
+    or rather constellation, called Mrigasiras.
+
+"'When the good natured Lakshmana, who was very fond of his brother,
+heard these words, he shut his ears (with his hands) and set out on the
+track that Rama had taken. And Lakshmana set out without casting a
+single glance on that lady with lips soft and red like the _Bimba_
+fruit. Meanwhile, the Rakshasa Ravana, wearing a genteel guise though
+wicked at heart, and like unto fire enveloped in a heap of ashes, showed
+himself there. And he appeared there in the disguise of a hermit, for
+forcibly carrying away that lady of blameless character. The virtuous
+daughter of Janaka, seeing him come, welcomed him with fruits and root
+and a seat. Disregarding these and assuming his own proper shape, that
+bull among Rakshasas began to re-assure the princess of Videha in these
+words, "I am, O Sita, the king of the Rakshasas, known by the name of
+Ravana! My delightful city, known by the name of Lanka is on the other
+side of the great ocean! There among beautiful women, thou wilt shine
+with me! O lady of beautiful lips, forsaking the ascetic Rama do thou
+become my wife!" Janaka's daughter of beautiful lips, hearing these and
+other words in the same strain, shut her ears and replied unto him,
+saying, "Do not say so! The vault of heaven with all its stars may fall
+down, the Earth itself may be broken into fragments, fire itself may
+change its nature by becoming cool, yet I cannot forsake the descendant
+of Raghu! How can a she-elephant, who hath lived with the mighty leader
+of a herd with rent temples forsake him and live with a hog? Having once
+tasted the sweet wine prepared from honey or flowers, how can a woman, I
+fancy, relish the wretched arrak from rice?" Having uttered those words,
+she entered the cottage, her lips trembling in wrath and her arms moving
+to and fro in emotion. Ravana, however, followed her thither and
+intercepted her further progress. And rudely scolded by the Rakshasa,
+she swooned away. But Ravana seized her by the hair of her head, and
+rose up into the air. Then a huge vulture of the name of Jatayu living
+on a mountain peak, beheld that helpless lady thus weeping and calling
+upon Rama in great distress while being carried away by Ravana.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXVII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'That heroic king of the vultures, Jatayu, having
+Sampati for his uterine brother and Arjuna himself for his father, was a
+friend of Dasaratha. And beholding his daughter-in-law Sita on the lap
+of Ravana, that ranger of the skies rushed in wrath against the king of
+the Rakshasas. And the vulture addressed Ravana, saying, "Leave the
+princess of Mithila, leave her I say! How canst thou, O Rakshasa, ravish
+her when I am alive? If thou dost not release my daughter-in-law, thou
+shalt not escape from me with life!" And having said these words Jatayu
+began to tear the king of the Rakshasas with his talons. And he mangled
+him in a hundred different parts of his body by striking him with his
+wings and beaks. And blood began to flow as copiously from Ravana's body
+as water from a mountain spring. And attacked thus by that vulture
+desirous of Rama's good, Ravana, taking up a sword, cut off the two
+wings of that bird. And having slain that king of the vultures, huge as
+a mountain-peak shooting forth above the clouds, the Rakshasa rose high
+in the air with Sita on his lap. And the princess of Videha, wherever
+she saw an asylum of ascetics, a lake, a river, or a tank, threw down an
+ornament of hers. And beholding on the top of a mountain five foremost
+of monkeys, that intelligent lady threw down amongst them a broad piece
+of her costly attire. And that beautiful and yellow piece of cloth fell,
+fluttering through the air, amongst those five foremost of monkeys like
+lightning from the clouds. And that Rakshasa soon passed a great way
+through the firmament like a bird through the air. And soon the Rakshasa
+beheld his delightful and charming city of many gates, surrounded on all
+sides by high walls and built by Viswakrit himself. And the king of the
+Rakshasa then entered his own city known by the name of Lanka,
+accompanied by Sita.
+
+"'And while Sita was being carried away, the intelligent Rama, having
+slain the great deer, retraced his steps and saw his brother Lakshmana
+(on the way). And beholding his brother, Rama reproved him, saying, "How
+couldst thou come hither, leaving the princess of Videha in a forest
+that is haunted by the Rakshasa?" And reflecting on his own enticement
+to a great distance by that Rakshasa in the guise of a deer and on the
+arrival of his brother (leaving Sita alone in the asylum), Rama was
+filled with agony. And quickly advancing towards Lakshmana while
+reproving him still, Rama asked him, "O Lakshmana, is the princess of
+Videha still alive? I fear she is no more!" Then Lakshmana told him
+everything about what Sita had said, especially that unbecoming language
+of hers subsequently. With a burning heart Rama then ran towards the
+asylum. And on the way he beheld a vulture huge as a mountain, lying in
+agonies of death. And suspecting him to be a Rakshasa, the descendant of
+the Kakutstha race, along with Lakshmana rushed towards him, drawing
+with great force his bow to a circle. The mighty vulture, however,
+addressing them both, said, "Blessed be ye, I am the king of the
+vultures, and friend of Dasaratha!" Hearing these words of his, both
+Rama and his brother put aside their excellent bow and said, "Who is
+this one that speaketh the name of our father in these woods?" And then
+they saw that creature to be a bird destitute of two wings, and that
+bird then told them of his own overthrow at the hands of Ravana for the
+sake of Sita. Then Rama enquired of the vulture as to the way Ravana had
+taken. The vulture answered him by a nod of his head and then breathed
+his last. And having understood from the sign the vulture had made that
+Ravana had gone towards the south, Rama reverencing his father's friend,
+caused his funeral obsequies to be duly performed. Then those chastisers
+of foes, Rama and Lakshmana, filled with grief at the abduction of the
+princess of Videha, took a southern path through the Dandaka woods
+beholding along their way many uninhabited asylums of ascetics,
+scattered over with seats of Kusa grass and umbrellas of leaves and
+broken water-pots, and abounding with hundreds of jackals. And in that
+great forest, Rama along with Sumatra's son beheld many herds of deer
+running in all directions. And they heard a loud uproar of various
+creatures like what is heard during a fast spreading forest
+conflagration. And soon they beheld a headless Rakshasa of terrible
+mien. And that Rakshasa was dark as the clouds and huge as a mountain,
+with shoulders broad as those of a Sola tree, and with arms that were
+gigantic. And he had a pair of large eyes on his breast, and the opening
+of his mouth was placed on his capacious belly. And that Rakshasa seized
+Lakshmana by the hand, without any difficulty. And seized by the
+Rakshasa the son of Sumitra, O Bharata, became utterly confounded and
+helpless. And casting his glances on Rama, that headless Rakshasa began
+to draw Lakshmana towards that part of his body where his mouth was. And
+Lakshmana in grief addressed Rama, saying, "Behold my plight! The loss
+of thy kingdom, and then the death of our father, and then the abduction
+of Sita, and finally this disaster that hath overwhelmed me! Alas, I
+shall not behold thee return with the princess of Videha to Kosala and
+seated on thy ancestral throne as the ruler of the entire Earth! They
+only that are fortunate will behold thy face, like unto the moon emerged
+from the clouds, after thy coronation bath in water sanctified with Kusa
+grass and fried paddy and black peas!" And the intelligent Lakshmana
+uttered those and other lamentations in the same strain. The illustrious
+descendant, however, of Kakutstha's race undaunted amid danger, replied
+unto Lakshmana, saying, "Do not, O tiger among men, give way to grief!
+What is this thing when I am here? Cut thou off his right arm and I
+shall cut off his left." And while Rama was still speaking so, the left
+arm of the monster was severed by him, cut off with a sharp scimitar, as
+if indeed, that arm were a stalk of the _Tila corn_. The mighty son of
+Sumitra then beholding his brother standing before him struck off with
+his sword the right arm also of that Rakshasa. And Lakshmana also began
+to repeatedly strike the Rakshasa under the ribs, and then that huge
+headless monster fell upon the ground and expired quickly. And then
+there came out from the Rakshasa's body a person of celestial make. And
+he showed himself to the brothers, staying for a moment in the skies,
+like the Sun in his effulgence in the firmament. And Rama skilled in
+speech, asked him, saying, "Who art thou? Answer _me_ who enquire of
+thee? Whence could such a thing happen? All this seems to me to be
+exceedingly wonderful!" Thus addressed by Rama, that being replied unto
+him, saying, "I am, O prince, a Gandharva of the name of Viswavasu! It
+was through the curse of a Brahmana that I had to assume the form and
+nature of a Rakshasa. As to thyself, O Rama, Sita hath been carried away
+with violence by king Ravana who dwelleth in Lanka. Repair thou unto
+Sugriva who will give thee his friendship. There, near enough to the
+peak of _Rishyamuka_ is the lake known by the name of _Pampa_ of sacred
+water and cranes. There dwelleth, with four of his counsellors, Sugriva,
+the brother of the monkey-king Vali decked with a garland of gold.
+Repairing unto him, inform of thy cause of sorrow. In plight very much
+like thy own, he will render thee assistance. This is all that we can
+say. Thou wilt, without doubt, see the daughter of Janaka! Without doubt
+Ravana and others are known to the king of the monkeys!" Having said
+these words, that celestial being of great effulgence made himself
+invisible, and those heroes, both Rama and Lakshmana, wondered much.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Afflicted with grief at the abduction of Sita, Rama
+had not to go much further before he came upon _Pampa_--that lake which
+abounded with lotuses of various kinds. And fanned by the cool,
+delicious and fragrant breezes in those woods, Rama suddenly remembered
+his dear spouse. And, O mighty monarch, thinking of that dear wife of
+his, and afflicted at the thought of his separation from her, Rama gave
+way to lamentations. The son of Sumitra then addressed him saying, "O
+thou that givest proper respect to those that deserve it, despondency
+such as this should not be suffered to approach thee, like illness that
+can never touch an old man leading a regular life! Thou hast obtained
+information of Ravana and of the princess of Videha! Liberate her now
+with exertion and intelligence! Let us now approach Sugriva, that
+foremost of monkeys, who is even now on the mountain top! Console
+thyself, when I, thy disciple and slave and ally, am near!" And
+addressed by Lakshmana in these and other words of the same import, Rama
+regained his own nature and attended to the business before him. And
+bathing in the waters of _Pampa_ and offering oblations therewith unto
+their ancestors, both those heroic brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, set out
+(for _Rishyamuka_). And arriving at _Rishyamuka_ which abounded with
+fruits and roots and trees, those heroes beheld five monkeys on the top
+of the mountain-peak. And seeing them approach, Sugriva sent his
+counsellor the intelligent Hanuman, huge as the Himavat-mountains, to
+receive them. And the brothers, having first exchanged words with
+Hanuman, approached Sugriva. And then, O king, Rama made friends with
+Sugriva. And when Rama informed Sugriva of the object he had in view,
+Sugriva showed him the piece of cloth that Sita had dropped among the
+monkeys, while being carried away by Ravana. And having obtained from
+him those credentials, Rama himself installed Sugriva--that foremost of
+monkeys--in sovereignty of all the monkeys of Earth. And Rama also
+pledged himself to slay Vali in battle. And having come to that
+understanding and placing the fullest confidence in each other, they all
+repaired to _Kiskindhya_, desirous of battle (with Vali). And arriving
+at _Kiskindhya_, Sugriva sent forth a loud roar deep as that of a
+cataract. Unable to bear that challenge, Vali was for coming out (but
+his wife) Tara stood in way, saying, "Himself endued with great
+strength, the way in which Sugriva is roaring, showeth, I ween, that he
+hath found assistance! It behoveth thee not, therefore, to go out!" Thus
+addressed by her, that king of the monkeys, the eloquent Vali, decked in
+a golden garland replied unto Tara of face beautiful as the moon,
+saying, "Thou understandest the voice of every creature. Tell me after
+reflection whose help it is that this brother in name only of mine hath
+obtained!" Thus addressed by him Tara endued with wisdom and possessed
+of the effulgence of the moon, answered her lord after a moment's
+reflection, saying, "Listen, O monarch of the monkeys! That foremost of
+bowmen, endued with great might, Rama the son of Dasaratha, whose spouse
+hath been ravished, hath made an alliance offensive and defensive with
+Sugriva! And his brother the intelligent Lakshmana also of mighty arms,
+the unvanquished son of Sumitra, standeth beside him for the success of
+Sugriva's object. And Mainda and Dwivida, and Hanuman the son of
+_Pavana_, and Jamvuman, the king of the bears, are beside Sugriva as his
+counsellors. All these illustrious ones are endued with great strength
+and intelligence. And these all, depending upon the might and energy of
+Rama, are prepared for thy destruction!" Hearing these words of hers
+that were for his benefit, the king of the monkeys disregarded them
+altogether. And filled with jealousy, he also suspected her to have set
+her heart on Sugriva! And addressing Tara in harsh words, he went out of
+his cave and coming before Sugriva who was staying by the side of the
+mountains of Malyavat, he spoke unto him thus, "Frequently vanquished
+before by me, fond as thou art of life, thou art allowed by me to escape
+with life owing to thy relationship with me! What hath made thee wish
+for death so soon?" Thus addressed by Vali, Sugriva, that slayer of
+foes, as if addressing Rama himself for informing him of what had
+happened, replied unto his brother in these words of grave import, "O
+king, robbed by thee of my wife and my kingdom also, what need have I of
+life? Know that it is for this that I have come!" Then addressing each
+other in these and other words of the same import, Vali and Sugriva
+rushed to the encounter, fighting with _Sala_ and _Tala_ trees and
+stones. And they struck each other down on the earth. And leaping high
+into the air, they struck each other with their fists. And mangled by
+each other's nail and teeth, both of them were covered with blood. And
+the two heroes shone on that account like a pair of blossoming
+_Kinshukas_. And as they fought with each other, no difference (in
+aspect) could be observed so as to distinguish them. Then Hanuman placed
+on Sugriva's neck a garland of flowers. And that hero thereupon shone
+with that garland on his neck, like the beautiful and huge peak of
+_Malya_ with its cloudy belt. And Rama, recognising Sugriva by that
+sign, then drew his foremost of huge bows, aiming at Vali as his mark.
+And the twang of Rama's bow resembled the roar of an engine. And Vali,
+pierced in the heart by that arrow, trembled in fear. And Vali, his
+heart having been pierced through, began to vomit forth blood. And he
+then beheld standing before him Rama with Sumatra's son by his side. And
+reproving that descendant of Kakutstha's race, Vali fell down on the
+ground and became senseless. And Tara then beheld that lord of hers
+possessed of the effulgence of the Moon, lying prostrate on the bare
+earth. And after Vali had been thus slain, Sugriva regained possession
+of Kishkindhya, and along with it, of the widowed Tara also of face
+beautiful as the moon. And the intelligent Rama also dwelt on the
+beautiful breast of the Malyavat hill for four months, duly worshipped
+by Sugriva all the while.
+
+"'Meanwhile Ravana excited by lust, having reached his city of Lanka,
+placed Sita in an abode, resembling _Nandana_ itself, within a forest of
+_Asokas_, that looked like an asylum of ascetics. And the large-eyed
+Sita passed her days there in distress, living on fruits and roots,
+practising ascetic austerities with fasts, attired in ascetic garb, and
+waning thin day by day, thinking of her absent lord. And the king of the
+_Rakshasas_ appointed many _Rakshasa_ women armed with bearded darts and
+swords and lances and battle-axes and maces and flaming brands, for
+guarding her. And some of these had two eyes, and some three, and some
+had eyes on their foreheads. And some had long tongues and some had
+none. And some had three breasts and some had only one leg. And some had
+three matted braids on their heads, and some had only one eye. And
+these, and others of blazing eyes and hair stiff as the camel's, stood
+beside Sita surrounding her day and night most watchfully. And those
+_Pisacha_ women of frightful voice and terrible aspect always addressed
+that large-eyed lady in the harshest tones. And they said, "Let us eat
+her up, let us mangle her, let us tear her into pieces, her, that is,
+that dwelleth here disregarding our lord!" And filled with grief at the
+separation from her lord, Sita drew a deep sigh and answered those
+_Rakshasa_ women, saying, "Reverend ladies, eat me up without delay! I
+have no desire to live without that husband of mine, of eyes like
+lotus-leaves and locks wavy, and blue in hue! Truly I will, without food
+and without the least love of life, emaciate my limbs, like a she-snake
+(hybernating) within a _Tala_ tree. Know this for certain that I will
+never seek the protection of any other person than the descendant of
+Raghu. And knowing this, do what ye think fit!" And hearing these words
+of hers, those _Rakshasas_ with dissonant voice went to the king of the
+_Rakshasas_, for representing unto him all she had said. And when those
+_Rakshasas_ had gone away, one of their number known by the name of
+_Trijata_, who was virtuous and agreeable in speech, began to console
+the princess of Videha. And she said, "Listen, O Sita! I will tell thee
+something! O friend, believe in what I say! O thou of fair hips, cast
+off thy fears, and listen to what I say. There is an intelligent and old
+chief of the _Rakshasas_ known by the name of Avindhya. He always
+seeketh Rama's good and hath told me these words for thy sake!
+'Reassuring and cheering her, tell Sita in my name, saying: "Thy husband
+the mighty Rama is well and is waited upon by Lakshmana. And the blessed
+descendant of Raghu hath already made friends with Sugriva, the king of
+the monkeys, and is ready to act for thee!"' And, O timid lady,
+entertain thou no fear on account of Ravana, who is censured by the
+whole world, for, O daughter, thou art safe from him on account of
+Nalakuvera's curse. Indeed, this wretch had been cursed before for his
+having violated his daughter-in-law, Rambha. This lustful wretch is not
+able to violate any woman by force. Thy husband will soon come,
+protected by Sugriva and with the intelligent son of Sumitra in his
+train, and will soon take thee away hence! O lady, I have had a most
+terrible dream of evil omen, indicating the destruction of this
+wicked-minded wretch of Pulastya's race! This night wanderer of mean
+deeds is, indeed, most wicked and cruel. He inspireth terror in all by
+the defects of his nature and the wickedness of his conduct. And
+deprived of his senses by Fate, he challengeth the very gods. In my
+vision I have seen every indication of his downfall. I have seen the
+Ten-headed, with his crown shaven and body besmeared with oil, sunk in
+mire, and the next moment dancing on a chariot drawn by mules. I have
+seen Kumbhakarna and others, perfectly naked and with crowns shaven,
+decked with red wreaths and unguents, and running towards the southern
+direction. Vibhishana alone, with umbrella over his head, and graced
+with a turban, and with body decked with white wreaths and unguents, I
+beheld ascending the summit of the White hill. And I saw four of his
+counsellors also, decked with white wreaths and unguents, ascending the
+summit of that hill along with him. All this bodeth that these alone
+will be saved from the impending terror. The whole earth with its oceans
+and seas will be enveloped with Rama's arrows. O lady, thy husband will
+fill the whole earth with his fame. I also saw Lakshmana, consuming all
+directions (with his arrows) and ascending on a heap of bones and
+drinking thereon honey and rice boiled in milk. And thou, O lady, hast
+been beheld by me running towards a northernly direction, weeping and
+covered with blood and protected by a tiger! And, O princess of Videha,
+soon wilt thou find happiness, being united, O Sita, with thy lord, that
+descendant of Raghu accompanied by his brother!' Hearing these words of
+_Trijata_, that girl with eyes like those of a young gazelle, once more
+began to entertain hopes of a union with her lord. And when at last
+those fierce and cruel _Pisacha_ guards came back, they saw her sitting
+with _Trijata_ as before.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXIX
+
+"Markandeya said, 'And while the chaste Sita was dwelling there
+afflicted with melancholy and grief on account of her lord, attired in
+mean garb, with but a single jewel (on the marital thread on her wrist),
+and incessantly weeping, seated on a stone, and waited upon by
+_Rakshasa_ women, Ravana, afflicted by the shafts of the god of desire,
+came to her and approached her presence. And inflamed by desire, that
+conqueror in battle of the gods, the _Danavas_, the _Gandharvas_, the
+_Yakshas_, and the _Kimpurushas_, attired in celestial robes and
+possessing handsome features, decked with jewelled earrings and wearing
+a beautiful garland and crown, entered the _Asoka_ woods, like an
+embodiment of the vernal season. And dressed with care, Ravana looked
+like the _Kalpa_ tree in Indra's garden. But though adorned with every
+embellishment, that inspired her only with awe, like a beautified banian
+in the midst of a cemetery. And that night wanderer, having approached
+the presence of that slender-waisted lady, looked like the planet Saturn
+in the presence of _Rohini_. And smitten with the shafts of the god of
+the flowery emblem he accosted that fair-hipped lady then affrighted
+like a helpless doe, and told her these words, "Thou hast, O Sita, shown
+thy regard for thy lord too much! O thou of delicate limbs, be merciful
+unto me. Let thy person be embellished now (by these maids in waiting).
+O excellent lady, accept me as thy lord! And, O thou of the most
+beautiful complexion, attired in costly robes and ornaments, take thou
+the first place among all the women of my household. Many are the
+daughters of the celestials and also the _Gandharvas_ that I possess! I
+am lord also of many _Danava_ and _Daitya_ ladies! One hundred and forty
+millions of _Pisachas_, twice as many man-eating Rakshasa of terrible
+deed, and thrice as many Yaksha do my bidding! Some of these are under
+the sway of my brother who is the lord of all treasures. In my drinking
+hall, O excellent lady of beautiful thighs, Gandharvas and Apsaras wait
+on me as they do on my brother! I am, again, the son of that regenerate
+_Rishi_ Visravas himself of high ascetic merit. I am renowned, again, as
+the fifth Regent of the Universe! And, O beautiful lady, of food and
+edibles and drinks of the very best kind, I have as much as the Lord
+himself of the celestials! Let all thy troubles consequent on a life in
+the woods cease! O thou of fair hips, be my Queen, as Mandodari
+herself!" Thus addressed by him, the beautiful princess of Videha,
+turning away and regarding him as something less than a straw, replied
+unto that wanderer of the night. And at that time the princess of
+Videha, that girl of beautiful hips, had her deep and compact bosom
+copiously drenched by her inauspicious tears shed ceaselessly. And she
+who regarded her husband as her god, answered that mean wretch, saying,
+"By sheer ill-luck it is, O king of the Rakshasas, that I am obliged to
+hear such words of grievous import spoken by thee! Blessed be thou, O
+Rakshasa fond of sensual pleasures, let thy heart be withdrawn from me!
+I am the wife of another, ever devoted to my husband, and, therefore,
+incapable of being possessed by thee! A helpless human being that I am,
+I cannot be a fit wife for thee! What joy can be thine by using violence
+towards an unwilling woman? Thy father is a wise Brahmana, born of
+Brahma and equal unto that Lord himself of the creation! Why dost thou
+not, therefore, thyself being equal to a Regent of the Universe, observe
+virtue? Disgracing thy brother, that king of the Yakshas, that adorable
+one who is the friend of Maheswara himself, that lord of treasures, how
+is it that thou feelest no shame?" Having said these words, Sita began
+to weep, her bosom shivering in agitation, and covering her neck and
+face with her garments. And the long and well-knit braid, black and
+glossy, falling from the head of the weeping lady, looked like a black
+snake. And hearing these cruel words uttered by Sita, the foolish
+Ravana, although thus rejected, addressed Sita once more, saying, "O
+lady, let the god having the _Makara_ for his emblem burn me sorely. I
+will, however, on no account, O thou of sweet smiles and beautiful hips,
+approach thee, as thou art unwilling! What can I do to thee that still
+feelest a regard for Rama who is only a human being and, therefore, our
+food?" Having said those words unto that lady of faultless features, the
+king of the _Rakshasa_ made himself invisible then and there and went
+away to the place he liked. And Sita, surrounded by those _Rakshasa_
+women, and treated with tenderness by _Trijata_, continued to dwell
+there in grief.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXX
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the illustrious descendant of Raghu, along
+with his brother, hospitably treated by Sugriva, continued to dwell on
+the breast of the _Malyavat_ hill, beholding every day the clear blue
+sky. And one night, while gazing from the mountain-top on the bright
+moon in the cloudless sky surrounded by planets and stars and stellar
+bodies, that slayer of foes was suddenly awakened (to a remembrance of
+Sita) by the cold breezes fragrant with the perfumes of the lily, lotus
+and other flowers of the same species. And virtuous Rama, dejected in
+spirits at the thought of Sita's captivity in the abode of the Rakshasa,
+addressed the heroic Lakshmana in the morning saying, "Go, Lakshmana and
+seek in Kishkindhya that ungrateful king of the monkeys, who understands
+well his own interest and is even now indulging in dissipations, that
+foolish wretch of his race whom I have installed on a throne and to whom
+all apes and monkeys and bears owe allegiance, that fellow for whose
+sake, O mighty-armed perpetuator of Raghu's race, Vali was slain by me
+with thy help in the wood of Kishkindhya! I regard that worst of monkeys
+on earth to be highly ungrateful, for, O Lakshmana, that wretch hath now
+forgotten me who am sunk in such distress! I think he is unwilling to
+fulfil his pledge, disregarding, from dullness of understanding, one who
+hath done him such services! If thou findest him luke-warm and rolling
+in sensual joys, thou must then send him, by the path Vali hath been
+made to follow, to the common goal of all creatures! If, on the other
+hand, thou seest that foremost of monkeys delight in our cause, then, O
+descendant of Kakutstha, shouldst thou bring him hither with thee! Be
+quick, and delay not!" Thus addressed by his brother, Lakshmana ever
+attentive to the behests and welfare of his superiors, set out taking
+with him his handsome bow with string and arrows. And reaching the gates
+of Kishkindhya he entered the city unchallenged. And knowing him to be
+angry, the monkey-king advanced to receive him. And with his wife,
+Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, with a humble heart, joyfully received
+him with due honours. And the dauntless son of Sumitra then told him
+what Rama had said. And having heard everything in detail, O mighty
+monarch, Sugriva, the king of the monkeys with his wife and servants,
+joined his hands, and cheerfully said unto Lakshmana, that elephant
+among men, these words: "I am, O Lakshmana, neither wicked, nor
+ungrateful, nor destitute of virtue! Hear what efforts I have made for
+finding out Sita's place of captivity! I have despatched diligent
+monkeys in all directions. All of them have stipulated to return within
+a month. They will, O hero, search the whole earth with her forests and
+hills and seas, her villages and towns and cities and mines. Only five
+nights are wanting to complete that month, and then thou wilt, with
+Rama, hear tidings of great joy!"
+
+"'Thus addressed by that intelligent king of the monkeys, the
+high-souled Lakshmana became appeased, and he in his turn worshipped
+Sugriva. And accompanied by Sugriva, he returned to Rama on the breast
+of the Malyavat hill. And approaching him, Lakshmana informed him of the
+beginning already made in respect of his undertaking. And soon thousands
+of monkey-chiefs began to return, after having carefully searched the
+three quarters of the earth, viz., the North, the East and the West. But
+they that had gone towards the South did not make their appearance. And
+they that came back represented to Rama, saying that although they had
+searched the whole earth with her belt of seas, yet they could not find
+either the princess of Videha or Ravana. But that descendant of
+Kakutstha's race, afflicted at heart, managed to live yet, resting his
+hopes (of hearing Sita's tidings) on the great monkeys that had gone
+towards the South.
+
+"'After the lapse of two months, several monkeys seeking with haste the
+presence of Sugriva, addressed him, saying, "O king, that foremost of
+monkeys, the son of _Pavana_, as also Angada, the son of Vali, and the
+other great monkeys whom thou hadst despatched to search the southern
+region, have come back and are pillaging that great and excellent
+orchard called _Madhuvana_, which was always guarded by Vali and which
+hath been well-guarded by thee also after him!" Hearing of this act of
+liberty on their part, Sugriva inferred the success of their mission,
+for it is only servants that have been crowned with success that can act
+in this way. And that intelligent and foremost of monkeys communicated
+his suspicions to Rama. And Rama also, from this, guessed that the
+princess of Mithila had been seen. Then Hanuman and the other monkeys,
+having refreshed themselves thus, came towards their king, who was then
+staying with Rama and Lakshmana. And, O Bharata, observing the gait of
+Hanuman and the colour of his face, Rama was confirmed in the belief
+that Hanuman had really seen Sita. Then those successful monkeys with
+Hanuman at their head, duly bowed unto Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva.
+And Rama then taking up his bow and quiver, addressed those monkeys,
+saying, "Have you been successful? Will ye impart life unto me? Will ye
+once more enable me to reign in Ayodhya after having slain my enemy in
+battle and rescued the daughter of Janaka? With the princess of Videha
+unrescued, and the foe unslain in battle, I dare not live, robbed of
+wife and honour!" Thus addressed by Rama, the son of _Pavana_, replied
+unto him, saying, "I bring thee good news, O Rama; for Janaka's daughter
+hath been seen by me. Having searched the southern region with all its
+hills, forests, and mines for some time, we became very weary. At length
+we beheld a great cavern. And having beheld it, we entered that cavern
+which extended over many _Yojanas_. It was dark and deep and overgrown
+with trees and infested by worms. And having gone a great way through
+it, we came upon sun-shine and beheld a beautiful palace. It was, O
+Raghava, the abode of the _Daitya Maya_. And there we beheld a female
+ascetic named _Prabhavati_ engaged in ascetic austerities. And she gave
+us food and drink of various kinds. And having refreshed ourselves
+therewith and regained our strength, we proceeded along the way shown by
+her. At last we came out of the cavern and beheld the brimy sea, and on
+its shores, the _Sahya_, the _Malaya_ and the great _Dardura_ mountains.
+And ascending the mountains of _Malaya_, we beheld before us the vast
+ocean.[51] And beholding it we felt sorely grieved in mind. And dejected
+in spirits and afflicted with pain and famishing with hunger, we
+despaired of returning with our lives. Casting our eyes on the great
+ocean extending over many hundreds of _Yojanas_ and abounding in whales
+and alligators and other aquatic animals, we became anxious and filled
+with grief. We then sat together, resolved to die there of starvation.
+And in course of conversation we happened to talk of the vulture
+_Jatayu_. Just then we saw a bird huge as a mountain, of frightful form,
+and inspiring terror into every heart, like a second son of Vinata.[52]
+And coming upon us unawares for devouring us, he said, 'Who are ye that
+are speaking thus of my brother _Jatayu_? I am his elder brother, by
+name _Sampati_, and am the king of birds. Once upon a time, we two, with
+the desire of outstripping each other, flew towards the sun. My wings
+got burnt, but those of _Jatayu_ were not. That was the last time I saw
+my beloved brother _Jatayu_, the king of vultures! My wings burnt, I
+fell down upon the top of this great mountain where I still am!' When he
+finished speaking, we informed him of the death of his brother in a few
+words and also of this calamity that hath befallen thee! And, O king,
+the powerful Sampati hearing this unpleasant news from us, was greatly
+afflicted and again enquired of us, saying, 'Who is this Rama and why
+was Sita carried off and how was Jatayu slain? Ye foremost of monkeys I
+wish to hear everything in detail!' We then informed him of everything
+about this calamity of thine and of the reason also of our vow of
+starvation. That king of birds then urged us (to give up our vow) by
+these words of his: 'Ravana is, indeed, known to me. Lanka is his
+capital. I beheld it on the other side of the sea in a valley of the
+_Trikuta_ hills! Sita must be there. I have little doubt of this!'
+Hearing these words of his, we rose up quickly and began, O chastiser of
+foes, to take counsel of one another for crossing the ocean! And when
+none dared to cross it, I, having recourse to my father, crossed the
+great ocean which is a hundred _Yojanas_ in width. And having slain the
+_Rakshasis_ on the waters, I saw the chaste Sita within Ravana's harem,
+observing ascetic austerities, eager to behold her lord, with matted
+locks on head, and body besmeared with filth, and lean, and melancholy
+and helpless. Recognising her as Sita by those unusual signs, and
+approaching that worshipful lady while alone, I said, 'I am, O Sita, an
+emissary of Rama and monkey begotten by _Pavana_![53] Desirous of having
+a sight of thee, hither have I come travelling through the skies!
+Protected by Sugriva, that monarch of all the monkeys, the royal
+brothers Rama and Lakshmana are in peace! And Rama, O lady, with
+Sumitra's son, hath enquired of thy welfare! And Sugriva also, on
+account of his friendship (with Rama and Lakshmana) enquireth of thy
+welfare. Followed by all the monkeys, thy husband will soon be here.
+Confide in me, O adorable lady, I am a monkey and not a _Rakshasa_!'
+Thus addressed by me, Sita seemed to meditate for a moment and then
+replied to me, saying, 'From the words of _Avindhya_ I know that thou
+art Hanuman! O mighty-armed one, Avindhya is an old and respected
+_Rakshasa_! He told me that Sugriva is surrounded by counsellors like
+thee. Thou mayst depart now!' And with these words she gave me this
+jewel as a credential. And, indeed, it was by means of this jewel that
+the faultless Sita had been able to support her existence. And the
+daughter of Janaka further told me as a token from her, that by thee, O
+tiger among men, a blade of grass (inspired with _Mantras_ and thus
+converted into a fatal weapon) had once been shot at a crow while ye
+were on the breast of the mighty hill known by the name of _Chitrakuta_!
+And this she said as evidence of my having met her and hers being really
+the princess of Videha. I then caused myself to be seized by Ravana's
+soldiers, and then set fire to the city of Lanka!"'"
+
+    [51] Abode of Varuna in the original.
+
+    [52] Garuda.
+
+    [53] Pavana, the God of the wind.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'It was on the breast of that very hill where Rama was
+seated with those foremost of monkeys that great monkey chiefs at the
+command of Sugriva, began to flock together. The father-in-law of Vali,
+the illustrious Sushena, accompanied by a thousand crores of active
+apes, came to Rama. And those two foremost of monkeys endued with mighty
+energy, viz., Gaya and Gavakshya, each accompanied by a hundred crores
+of monkeys, showed themselves there. And, O king, Gavakshya also of
+terrible mien and endued with a bovine tail, showed himself there,
+having collected sixty thousand crores of monkeys. And the renowned
+Gandhamadana, dwelling on the mountains of the same name, collected a
+hundred thousand crores of monkeys. And the intelligent and mighty
+monkey known by the name of Panasa mustered together fifty-two crores of
+monkeys.[54] And that foremost and illustrious of monkeys named
+Dadhimukha of mighty energy mustered a large army of monkeys possessed
+of terrible prowess. And Jamvuvan showed himself there with a hundred
+thousand crores of black bears of terrible deeds and faces having the
+_Tilaka_ mark.[55] And these and many other chiefs of monkey-chiefs,
+countless in number, O king, came there for aiding Rama's cause. And
+endued with bodies huge as mountain-peaks and roaring like lions, loud
+was the uproar that was heard there made by those monkeys running
+restlessly from place to place. And some of them looked like
+mountain-peaks, and some looked like buffaloes. And some were of the hue
+of autumnal clouds and the faces of some were red as vermillion. And
+some rose high, and some fell down, and some cut capers, and some
+scattered the dust, as they mustered together from various directions.
+And that monkey army, vast as the sea at full tide, encamped there at
+Sugriva's bidding. And after those foremost of monkeys had mustered from
+every direction, the illustrious descendant of Raghu, with Sugriva by
+his side, set out in an auspicious moment of a very fair day under a
+lucky constellation, accompanied by that host arrayed in order of
+battle, as if for the purpose of destroying all the worlds. And Hanuman,
+the son of the Wind-god, was in the van of that host, while the rear was
+protected by the fearless son of Sumitra. And surrounded by the
+monkey-chiefs, those princes of Raghu's house with fingers cased in
+_guana_ skin, shone, as they went, like the Sun and the Moon in the
+midst of the planets. And that monkey host armed with stones and _Sola_
+and _Tola_ trees, looked very much like a far-extending field of corn
+under the morning sun. And that mighty army, protected by Nala and Nila
+and Angada and Kratha and Mainda and Dwivida, marched forth for
+achieving the purpose of Raghava. And encamping successively, without
+interruption of any kind, on wide and healthy tracts and valleys
+abounding with fruits and roots and water and honey and meat, the monkey
+host at last reached the shores of the brimy sea. And like unto a second
+ocean, that mighty army with its countless colours, having reached the
+shores of sea, took up its abode there. Then the illustrious son of
+Dasaratha, addressing Sugriva amongst all those foremost monkeys, spoke
+unto him these words that were suited to the occasion, "This army is
+large. The ocean also is difficult to cross. What contrivance,
+therefore, commends itself to thee for crossing the ocean?" At these
+words, many vain-glorious monkeys answered, "We are fully able to cross
+the sea." This answer, however, was not of much use, as all could not
+avail of that means. Some of the monkeys proposed to cross the sea in
+boats, and some in rafts of various kinds. Rama, however, conciliating
+them all, said, "This cannot be. The sea here is a full hundred
+_Yojanas_ in width. All the monkeys, ye heroes, will not be able to
+cross it. This proposal, therefore, that ye have made, is not consonant
+to reason. Besides we have not the number of boats necessary for
+carrying all our troops. How, again, can one like us raise such
+obstacles in the way of the merchants? Our army is very large. The foe
+wilt make a great havoc if a hole is detected. Therefore, to cross the
+sea in boats and rafts doth not recommend itself to me. I will, however,
+pray to the Ocean for the necessary means. Foregoing food, I will lie
+down on the shore. He will certainly show himself to me. If, however, he
+doth not show himself, I will chastise him then by means of my great
+weapons that are more blazing than fire itself and are incapable of
+being baffled!" Having said these words, both Rama and Lakshmana touched
+water[56] and duly laid themselves down on a bed of _kusa_ grass on the
+seashore. The divine and illustrious Ocean then, that lord of male and
+female rivers, surrounded by aquatic animals, appeared unto Rama in a
+vision. And addressing Rama in sweet accents, the genius of the Ocean,
+surrounded by countless mines of gems, said, "O son of Kausalya, tell me
+what aid, O bull among men, I am to render thee! I also have sprung from
+the race of Ikshwaku and am, therefore, a relative of thine!" Rama
+replied unto him, saying, "O lord of rivers, male and female, I desire
+thee to grant me a way for my troops, passing along which I may slay the
+Ten-headed (Ravana), that wretch of Pulastya's race! If thou dost not
+grant the way I beg of thee, I will then dry thee up by means of my
+celestial arrows inspired with _mantras_!" And hearing these words of
+Rama, the genius of Varuna's abode, joining his hands, answered in great
+affliction, "I do not desire to put any obstacle in thy way. I am no foe
+of thine! Listen, O Rama, to these words, and having listened, do what
+is proper! If, at thy command, I get a way for the passage of thy army,
+others then, from strength of their bows, will command me to do the
+same! In thy army there is a monkey of the name of Nala, who is a
+skilful mechanic. And endued with great strength, Nala is the son of
+_Tashtri_, the divine artificer of the Universe. And whether it is wood,
+or grass or stone, that he will throw into my waters, I will support the
+same on my surface, and thus wilt thou have a bridge (over which to
+pass)!" And having said these words, the genius of the Ocean
+disappeared. And Rama awaking, called Nala unto him and said, "Build
+thou a bridge over the sea! Thou alone, I am sure, art able to do it!"
+And it was by this means that the descendant of Kakutstha's race caused
+a bridge to be built that was ten _Yojanas_ in width and a hundred
+_Yojanas_ in length. And to this day that bridge is celebrated over all
+the world by the name of _Nala's bridge_. And having completed that
+bridge, Nala, of body huge as a hill, came away at the command of Rama.
+
+    [54] There is a difference of reading here. Some texts read
+    fifty seven.
+
+    [55] A difference of reading is observable here.
+
+    [56] As a purificatory ceremony, called the Achamana. To this
+    day, no Hindu can perform any ceremony without going through the
+    Achamana in the first instance.
+
+"'And while Rama was on this side of the ocean, the virtuous Vibhishana,
+the brother of the king of the Rakshasas accompanied by four of his
+counsellors, came unto Rama. And the high-souled Rama received him with
+due welcome. Sugriva, however, feared, thinking he might be a spy. The
+son of Raghu, meanwhile perfectly satisfied (with Vibhishana) in
+consequence of the sincerity of his exertions and the many indications
+of his good conduct, worshipped him with respect. And he also installed
+Vibhishana in the sovereignty of all the Rakshasas and made him his own
+junior counsellor, and a friend of Lakshmana's. And it was under
+Vibhishana's guidance, O king, that Rama with all his troops crossed the
+great ocean by means of that bridge in course of a month. And having
+crossed the ocean and arrived at Lanka, Rama caused its extensive and
+numerous gardens to be devastated by his monkeys. And while Rama's
+troops were there, two of Ravana's counsellors and officers, named Suka
+and Sarana, who had come as spies, having assumed the shape of monkeys,
+were seized by Vibhishana. And when those wanderers of the night assumed
+their real Rakshasa forms, Rama showed them his troop and dismissed them
+quietly. And having quartered his troops in those woods that skirted the
+city, Rama then sent the monkey Angada with great wisdom as his envoy to
+Ravana.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having quartered his army in those groves abounding
+with food and water and with fruits and roots, the descendant of
+Kakutstha began to watch over them with care. Ravana, on the other hand,
+planted in his city many appliances constructed according to the rules
+of military science. And his city, naturally impregnable on account of
+its strong ramparts and gate-ways, had seven trenches, that were deep
+and full of water to the brim and that abounded with fishes and sharks
+and alligators, made more impregnable still by means of pointed stakes
+of _Khadira_ wood. And the ramparts, heaped with stones, were made
+impregnable by means of catapults. And the warriors (who guarded the
+walls) were armed with earthen pots filled with venomous snakes, and
+with resinous powders of many kinds. And they were also armed with
+clubs, and fire-brands and arrows and lances and swords and battle-axes.
+And they had also _Sataghnis_[57] and stout maces steeped in wax.[58]
+And at all the gates of the city were planted movable and immovable
+encampments manned by large numbers of infantry supported by countless
+elephants and horses. And Angada, having reached one of the gates of the
+city, was made known to the Rakshasas. And he entered the town without
+suspicion or fear. And surrounded by countless Rakshasas, that hero in
+his beauty looked like the Sun himself in the midst of masses of clouds.
+And having approached the hero of Pulastya's race in the midst of his
+counsellors, the eloquent Angada saluted the king and began to deliver
+Rama's message in these words, "That descendant of Raghu, O king, who
+ruleth at Kosala and whose renown hath spread over the whole world,
+sayeth unto thee these words suited to the occasion. Accept thou that
+message and act according to it! Provinces and towns, in consequence of
+their connection with sinful kings incapable of controlling their souls,
+are themselves polluted and destroyed. By the violent abduction of Sita,
+thou alone hast injured me! Thou, however, wilt become the cause of
+death to many unoffending persons. Possessed of power and filled with
+pride, thou hast, before this, slain many _Rishis_ living in the woods,
+and insulted the very gods. Thou hast slain also many great kings and
+many weeping women. For those transgressions of thine, retribution is
+about to overtake thee! I will slay thee with thy counsellors. Fight and
+show thy courage![59] O wanderer of the night, behold the power of my
+bow, although I am but a man! Release Sita, the daughter of Janaka! If
+thou dost not release her, I shall make the Earth divested of all
+Rakshasas with my keen-edged arrows!" Hearing these defiant words of the
+enemy, king Ravana bore them ill, becoming senseless with wrath. And
+thereupon four Rakshasas skilled in reading every sign of their master,
+seized Angada like four hawks seizing a tiger. With those Rakshasas,
+however, holding him fast by his limbs, Angada leaped upwards and
+alighted on the palace terrace. And as he leaped up with a great force,
+those wanderers of the night fell down the earth, and bruised by the
+violence of the fall, had their ribs broken. And from the golden terrace
+on which he had alighted, he took a downward leap. And overleaping the
+walls of Lanka, he alighted to where his comrades were. And approaching
+the presence of the lord of Kosala and informing him of everything, the
+monkey Angada endued with great energy retired to refresh himself,
+dismissed with due respect by Rama.
+
+    [57] Lit. an engine killing a hundred. Perhaps, some kind of
+    rude cannon.
+
+    [58] Perhaps, brands or torches steeped in wax, intended to be
+    thrown in a burning state, amongst the foe. Readers of Indian
+    history know how Lord Lake was repulsed from Bharatpore by means
+    of huge bales of cotton, steeped in oil, rolled from the
+    ramparts of that town, in a burning state, towards the advancing
+    English.
+
+    [59] Lit. be a Purusha (male)! Manhood would not be appropriate
+    in connection with a Rakshasa.
+
+"'The descendant of Raghu then caused the ramparts of Lanka to be broken
+down by a united attack of all those monkeys endued with the speed of
+the wind. Then Lakshmana, with Vibhishana and the king of the bears
+marching in the van, blew up the southern gate of the city that was
+almost impregnable. Rama then attacked Lanka with a hundred thousand
+crores of monkeys, all possessed of great skill in battle, and endued
+with reddish complexions like those of young camels. And those crores of
+greyish bears with long arms, and legs and huge paws, and generally
+supporting themselves on their broad haunches, were also urged on to
+support the attack. And in consequence of those monkeys leaping up and
+leaping down and leaping in transverse directions, the Sun himself, his
+bright disc completely shaded, became invisible for the dust they
+raised. And the citizens of Lanka beheld the wall of their town assume
+all over a tawny hue, covered by monkeys of complexions yellow as the
+ears of paddy, and grey as _Shirisha_ flowers, and red as the rising
+Sun, and white as flax or hemp. And the Rakshasas, O king, with their
+wives and elders, were struck with wonders at that sight. And the monkey
+warriors began to pull down pillars made of precious stones and the
+terraces and tops of palatial mansions. And breaking into fragments the
+propellers of catapults and other engines, they began to cast them about
+in all directions. And taking up the _Sataghnis_ along with the discs,
+the clubs, and stones, they threw them down into the city with great
+force and loud noise. And attacked thus by the monkeys, those Rakshasas
+that had been placed on the walls to guard them, fled precipitately by
+hundreds and thousands.
+
+"'Then hundreds of thousands of Rakshasas, of terrible mien, and capable
+of assuming any form at will, came out at the command of the king. And
+pouring a perfect shower of arrows and driving the denizens of the
+forest, those warriors, displaying great prowess, adorned the ramparts.
+And soon those wanderers of the night, looking like masses of flesh, and
+of terrible mien, forced the monkeys to leave the walls. And mangled by
+the enemies' lances, numerous monkey-chiefs fell down from the ramparts,
+and crushed by the falling columns and gate-ways, numerous Rakshasas
+also fell down to rise no more. And the monkeys and the brave Rakshasas
+that commenced to eat up the foe, struggled, seizing one another by the
+hair, and mangling and tearing one another with their nails and teeth.
+And the monkeys and the Rakshasas roared and yelled frightfully, and
+while many of both parties were slain and fell down to rise no more,
+neither side gave up the contest. And Rama continued all the while to
+shower a thick downpour of arrows like the very clouds. And the arrows
+he shot, enveloping Lanka, killed large numbers of Rakshasas. And the
+son of Sumitra, too, that mighty bowman incapable of being fatigued in
+battle, naming particular Rakshasas stationed on the ramparts, slew them
+with his clothyard shafts. And then the monkey host, having achieved
+success was withdrawn at the command of Rama, after it had thus pulled
+down the fortifications of Lanka and made all objects within the city
+capable of being aimed at by the besieging force.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'And while those troops (thus withdrawn) were reposing
+themselves in their quarters, many little Rakshasas and _Pisachas_
+owning Ravana as their leader, penetrated amongst them. And among these
+were _Parvana, Patana, Jambha, Khara, Krodha-vasa, Hari, Praruja, Aruja_
+and _Praghasa_, and others. And as these wicked ones were penetrating
+(the monkey host) in their invisible forms, Vibhishana, who had the
+knowledge thereof, broke the spell of their invisibility. And once seen,
+O king, by the powerful and long-leaping monkeys, they were all slain
+and prostrated on the earth, deprived of life. And unable to endure
+this, Ravana marched out at the head of his troops. And surrounded by
+his terrible army of Rakshasas and _Pisachas_, Ravana who was conversant
+with the rules of warfare like a second _Usanas_ invested the monkey
+host, having disposed his troops in that array which is named after
+_Usanas_ himself. And beholding Ravana advancing with his army disposed
+in that array, Rama, following the mode recommended by Vrihaspati,
+disposed his troops in counter array for opposing that wanderer of the
+night. And coming up quickly, Ravana began to fight with Rama. And
+Lakshmana singled out Indrajit, and Sugriva singled out Virupakshya, and
+Nikharvata fought with Tara, and Nala with Tunda, and Patusa with
+Panasa. And each warrior, advancing up to him whom he regarded as his
+match, began to fight with him on that field of battle, relying on the
+strength of his own arms, and that encounter, so frightful to timid
+persons, soon became terrible and fierce like that between the gods and
+the _Asuras_ in the days of old. And Ravana covered Rama with a shower
+of darts and lances and swords, and Rama also afflicted Ravana with his
+whetted arrows of iron furnished with the sharpest points, and in the
+same way Lakshmana smote the contending Indrajit with arrows capable of
+penetrating into the most vital parts and Indrajit also smote Sumitra's
+son with an arrowy shower. And Vibhishana showered upon Prahasta and
+Prahasta showered upon Vibhishana, without any regard for each other a
+thick downpour of winged arrows furnished with the sharpest points. And
+thus between those mighty warriors there came about an encounter of
+celestial weapons of great force, at which the three worlds with their
+mobile and immobile creatures were sorely distressed.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXIV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Then Prahasta, suddenly advancing up to Vibhishana
+and uttering a loud yell, struck him with his mace. But though struck
+with that mace of terrible force, the mighty-armed Vibhishana of great
+wisdom, without wavering in the least, stood still as the mountains of
+Himavat. Then Vibhishana, taking up a huge and mighty javelin furnished
+with a hundred bells, inspired it with _mantras_ and hurled it at the
+head of his adversary. And by the impetuosity of that weapon rushing
+with the force of the thunderbolt, Prahasta's head was severed off, and
+he thereupon looked like a mighty tree broken by the wind. And beholding
+that wanderer of the night, Prahasta, thus slain in battle, Dhumraksha
+rushed with great impetuosity against the monkey-host. And beholding the
+soldiers of Dhumraksha, looking like the clouds and endued with terrible
+mien, advancing up towards them, the monkey-chief suddenly broke and
+fled. And seeing those foremost of monkeys suddenly give way, that tiger
+among monkeys, Hanuman, the son of Pavana, began to advance. And
+beholding the son of Pavana staying still on the field of battle, the
+retreating monkeys, O king, one and all quickly rallied. Then mighty and
+great and fearful was the uproar that arose there in consequence of the
+warriors of Rama and Ravana rushing against each other. And in that
+battle which raged terribly the field soon became miry with blood. And
+Dhumraksha afflicted the monkey-host with volleys of winged shafts. Then
+that vanquisher of foes, Hanuman, the son of Pavana, quickly seized that
+advancing leader of the Rakshasa. And the encounter that took place
+between that monkey and the Rakshasa hero, each desirous of defeating
+the other, was fierce and terrible, like that of Indra and Prahlada (in
+days of yore). And the Rakshasa struck the monkey with his maces and
+spiked clubs while the monkey struck the Rakshasa with trunks of trees
+unshorn of their branches. Then Hanuman, the son of Pavana, slew in
+great wrath that Rakshasa along with his charioteer and horses and broke
+his chariot also into pieces. And beholding Dhumraksha, that foremost of
+Rakshasa, thus slain, the monkeys, abandoning all fear, rushed against
+the Rakshasa army with great valour. And slaughtered in large numbers by
+the victorious and powerful monkeys, the Rakshasas became dispirited and
+fled in fear to Lanka. And the surviving wreck of the Rakshasa army,
+having reached the city, informed king Ravana of everything that had
+happened. And hearing from them that Prahasta and that mighty archer
+Dhumraksha, had both, with their armies, been slain by the powerful
+monkeys, Ravana drew a deep sigh and springing up from his excellent
+seat, said,--the time is come for Kumbhakarna to act.--And having said
+this, he awoke, by means of various loud-sounding instruments, his
+brother Kumbhakarna from his deep and prolonged slumbers. And having
+awaked him with great efforts, the Rakshasa king, still afflicted with
+anxiety, addressed the mighty Kumbhakarna and said unto him when seated
+at his ease on his bed, having perfectly recovered consciousness and
+self-possession, these words, "Thou, indeed, art happy, O Kumbhakarna,
+that canst enjoy profound and undisturbed repose, unconscious of the
+terrible calamity that hath overtaken us! Rama with his monkey host hath
+crossed the Ocean by a bridge and disregarding us all is waging a
+terrible war (against us). I have stealthily brought away his wife Sita,
+the daughter of Janaka, and it is to recover her that he hath come
+hither, after having made a bridge over the great Ocean. Our great
+kinsmen also, Prahasta and others, have already been slain by him. And,
+O scourge of thy enemies, there is not another person, save thee, that
+can slay Rama! Therefore, O warrior, putting on thy armour, do thou set
+out this day for the purpose of vanquishing Rama and his followers! The
+two younger brothers of Dushana, viz., Vajravega and Promathin, will
+join thee with their forces!" And having said this unto the mighty
+Kumbhakarna, the Rakshasa king gave instructions to Vajravega and
+Promathin as to what they should do. And accepting his advice, those two
+warlike brothers of Dushana quickly marched out of the city, preceded by
+Kumbhakarna.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Then Kumbhakarna set out from the city, accompanied
+by his followers. And soon he beheld the victorious monkey troops
+encamped before him. And passing them by with the object of seeking out
+Rama, he beheld the son of Sumitra standing at his post, bow in hand.
+Then the monkey warriors, speedily advancing towards him, surrounded him
+on all sides. And then they commenced to strike him with numberless
+large trees. And many amongst them fearlessly began to tear his body
+with their nails. And those monkeys began to fight with him in various
+ways approved by the laws of warfare. And they soon overwhelmed that
+chief of the Rakshasas with a shower of terrible weapons of various
+kinds. And attacked by them thus, Kumbhakarna only laughed at them and
+began to eat them up. And he devoured those foremost of monkeys known by
+the name of Chala, and Chandachala, and Vajravahu. And beholding that
+fearful act of the _Rakshasa_, other monkeys were frightened and set
+forth a loud wail of fear. And hearing the screams of those
+monkey-leaders, Sugriva boldly advanced towards Kumbhakarna. And that
+high-souled king of the monkeys swiftly approaching the _Rakshasa_,
+violently struck him on the head with the trunk of a _Sala_ tree. And
+though the high-souled Sugriva always prompt in action broke that _Sala_
+tree on the head of Kumbhakarna, he failed to make any impression on
+that _Rakshasa_. And then, as if roused from his torpor by that blow,
+Kumbhakarna stretching forth his arms seized Sugriva by main force. And
+beholding Sugriva dragged away by the _Rakshasa_, the heroic son of
+Sumitra, that delighter of his friends, rushed towards Kumbhakarna. And
+that slayer of hostile heroes, Lakshmana, advancing towards Kumbhakarna,
+discharged at him an impetuous and mighty arrow furnished with golden
+wings. And that arrow, cutting through his coat of mail and penetrating
+into his body, passed through it outright and struck into the earth,
+stained with the _Rakshasa's_ blood. Kumbhakarna then, having his breast
+thus bored through, released the king of monkeys. And taking up a huge
+mass of stone as his weapon, the mighty warrior Kumbhakarna then rushed
+towards the son of Sumitra, aiming it at him. And as the _Rakshasa_
+rushed towards him, Lakshmana cut off his upraised arms by means of a
+couple of keen-edged shafts furnished with heads resembling razors. But
+as soon as the two arms of the Rakshasa were thus cut off, double that
+number of arms soon appeared on his person. Sumitra's son, however,
+displaying his skill in weapons, soon by means of similar arrows cut off
+those arms also, each of which had seized a mass of stone. At this, that
+_Rakshasa_ assumed a form enormously huge and furnished with numerous
+heads and legs and arms. Then the son of Sumitra rived, with a _Brahma_
+weapon, that warrior looking like an assemblage of hill. And rent by
+means of that celestial weapon, that _Rakshasa_ fell on the field of
+battle like a huge tree with spreading branches suddenly consumed by
+heaven's thunderbolt. And beholding Kumbhakarna endued with great
+activity and resembling the _Asura_ Vritra himself, deprived of life and
+prostrated on the field of battle, the _Rakshasa_ warriors fled in fear.
+And beholding the _Rakshasa_ warriors running away from the field of
+battle, the younger brother of Dushana, rallying them, rushed in great
+wrath upon the son of Sumitra. Sumitra's son, however, with a loud roar,
+received with his winged shafts both those wrathful warriors, Vajravega
+and Promathin, rushing towards him. The battle then, O son of Pritha,
+that took place between those two younger brothers of Dushana on the one
+hand and the intelligent Lakshmana on the other, was exceedingly furious
+and made the bristles of the spectators stand on end. And Lakshmana
+overwhelmed the two _Rakshasas_ with a perfect shower of arrows. And
+those two _Rakshasa_ heroes, on the other hand, both of them excited
+with fury, covered Lakshmana with an arrowy hail. And that terrible
+encounter between Vajravega and Promathin and the mighty-armed Lakshmana
+lasted for a short while. And Hanuman, the son of Pavana, taking up a
+mountain peak, rushed towards one of the brothers, and with that weapon
+took the life of the Rakshasa Vajravega. And that mighty monkey, Nala,
+also, with a large mass of rock, crushed Promathin, that other younger
+brother of Dushana. The deadly struggle, however, between the soldiers
+of Rama and Ravana, rushing against one another, instead of coming to an
+end even after this, raged on as before. And hundreds of _Rakshasas_
+were slain by the denizens of the forest, while many of the latter were
+slain by the former. The loss, however, in killed, of the _Rakshasas_
+was far greater than that of the monkeys.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Learning that Kumbhakarna had with his followers,
+fallen in battle as also that great warrior Prahasta, and Dhumraksha too
+of mighty energy, Ravana then addressed his heroic son Indrajit saying,
+"O slayer of foes, slay thou in battle Rama and Sugriva and Lakshmana.
+My good son, it was by thee that this blazing fame of mine had been
+acquired by vanquishing in battle that wielder of the thunderbolt, the
+thousand-eyed Lord of Sachi! Having the power of appearing and vanishing
+at thy will, slay thou, O smiter of foes, my enemies by means, O thou
+foremost of all wielders of weapons, of thy celestial arrows received as
+boons (from the gods)! Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva are incapable of
+enduring the bare touch of thy weapons. What shall I say, therefore, of
+their followers? That cessation of hostilities which could not be
+brought about by either Prahasta or Kumbhakarna in battle, be it thine,
+O mighty-armed one, to bring about! Slaying my enemies with all their
+army by means of thy keen-edged shafts, enhance my joy to-day, O son, as
+thou didst once before by vanquishing Vasava!" Thus addressed by him,
+Indrajit said--So be it,--and encased in mail he quickly ascended his
+chariot, and proceeded, O king, towards the field of battle. And then
+that bull amongst _Rakshasas_ loudly announcing his own name, challenged
+Lakshmana endued with auspicious marks, to a single combat. And
+Lakshmana, thus challenged, rushed towards that _Rakshasa_, with his bow
+and arrows, and striking terror into his adversary's heart by means of
+the flapping of his bow-string on the leathern case of his left hand.
+And the encounter that took place between those warriors that defied
+each other's prowess and each of whom was desirous of vanquishing the
+other, and both of whom were conversant with celestial weapons, was
+terrible in the extreme. But when the son of Ravana found that he could
+not by his arrows gain any advantage over his adversary, that foremost
+of mighty warriors mustered all his energy. And Indrajit then began to
+hurl at Lakshmana with great force numberless javelins. The son of
+Sumitra, however, cut them into fragments by means of his own keen-edged
+arrows. And those javelins, thus cut into pieces by the keen-edged
+arrows of Lakshmana, dropped down upon the ground. Then the handsome
+Angada, the son of Vali, taking up a large tree, rushed impetuously at
+Indrajit and struck him with it on the head. Undaunted at this, Indrajit
+of mighty energy sought to smite Angada with a lance. Just at that
+juncture, however, Lakshmana cut into pieces the lance taken up by
+Ravana's son. The son of Ravana then took up a mace and struck on the
+left flank that foremost of monkeys, the heroic Angada who was then
+staying close beside him. Angada, the powerful son of Vali, little
+recking that stroke, hurled at Indrajit a mighty Sala stem. And hurled
+in wrath by Angada for the destruction of Indrajit, that tree, O son of
+Pritha, destroyed Indrajit's chariot along with his horses and
+charioteer. And thereupon jumping from his horseless and driverless car,
+the son of Ravana disappeared from sight, O king, by aid of his powers
+of illusion. And beholding that _Rakshasa_, abundantly endued with
+powers of illusion, disappear so suddenly, Rama proceeded towards that
+spot and began to protect his troops with care. Indrajit, however, with
+arrows, obtained as boons from the gods, began to pierce both Rama and
+mighty Lakshmana in every part of their bodies. Then the heroic Rama and
+Lakshmana both continued to contend with their arrows against Ravana's
+son who had made himself invisible by his powers of illusion. But
+Indrajit continued to shower in wrath all over those lions among men his
+keen-edged shafts by hundreds and thousands. And seeking that invisible
+warrior who was ceaselessly showering his arrows, the monkeys penetrated
+into every part of the firmament, armed with huge masses of stone. Them
+as well as the two brothers, however, the invisible _Rakshasa_ began to
+afflict with his shafts. Indeed, the son of Ravana, concealing himself
+by his powers of illusion, furiously attacked the monkey host. And the
+heroic brothers Rama and Lakshmana, pierced all over with arrows,
+dropped down on the ground like the Sun and the Moon fallen down from
+the firmament.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXVII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Beholding both the brothers Rama and Lakshmana
+prostrate on the ground, the son of Ravana tied them in a net-work of
+those arrows of his which he had obtained as boons. And tied by Indrajit
+on the field of battle by means of that arrowy net, those heroic tigers
+among men resembled a couple of hawks immured in a cage. And beholding
+those heroes prostrate on the ground pierced with hundreds of arrows,
+Sugriva with all the monkeys stood surrounding them on all sides. And
+the king of the monkeys stood there, accompanied by Sushena and Mainda
+and Dwivida, and Kumuda and Angada and Hanuman and Nila and Tara and
+Nala. And Vibhishana, having achieved success in another part of the
+field, soon arrived at that spot, and roused those heroes from
+insensibility, awakening them by means of the weapon called
+_Prajna_.[60] Then Sugriva soon extracted the arrows from their bodies.
+And by means of that most efficacious medicine called the _Visalya_,[61]
+applied with celestial _mantras_, those human heroes regained their
+consciousness. And the arrow having been extracted from their bodies,
+those mighty warriors in a moment rose from their recumbent posture,
+their pains and fatigue thoroughly alleviated. And beholding Rama the
+descendant of Ikshwaku's race, quite at his ease, Vibhishana, O son of
+Pritha, joining his hands, told him these words, "O chastiser of foes,
+at the command of the king of the Guhyakas, a Guhyaka hath come from the
+White mountains, bringing with him his water![62] O great king, this
+water is a present to thee from Kuvera, so that all creatures that are
+invisible may, O chastiser of foes, become visible to thee! This water
+laved over the eyes will make every invisible creature visible to thee,
+as also to any other person to whom thou mayst give it!"--Saying--_So be
+it_,--Rama took that sacred water, and sanctified his own eyes
+therewith. And the high-minded Lakshmana also did the same. And Sugriva
+and Jambuvan, and Hanuman and Angada, and Mainda and Dwivida, and Nila
+and many other foremost of the monkeys, laved their eyes with that
+water. And thereupon it exactly happened as Vibhishana had said, for, O
+Yudhishthira, soon did the eyes of all these became capable of beholding
+things that could not be seen by the unassisted eye!
+
+    [60] This weapon could restore an insensible warrior to
+    consciousness, as the Sam-mohana weapon could deprive one of
+    consciousness.
+
+    [61] Visalya a medicinal plant of great efficacy in healing cuts
+    and wounds. It is still cultivated in several parts of Bengal. A
+    medical friend of the writer tested the efficacy of the plant
+    known by that name and found it to be much superior to either
+    gallic acid or tannic acid in stopping blood.
+
+    [62] The Guhyakas occupy, in Hindu mythology, a position next
+    only to that of the gods, and superior to that of the Gandharvas
+    who are the celestial choristers. The White mountain is another
+    name of Kailasa, the peak where Siva hath his abode.
+
+"'Meanwhile, Indrajit, after the success he had won, went to his father.
+And having informed him of the feats he had achieved, he speedily
+returned to the field of battle and placed himself at the van of his
+army. The son of Sumitra then, under Vibhishana's guidance, rushed
+towards that wrathful son of Ravana coming back, from desire of battle,
+to lead the attack. And Lakshmana, excited to fury and receiving a hint
+from Vibhishana, and desiring to slay Indrajit who had not completed his
+daily sacrifice, smote with his arrows that warrior burning to achieve
+success. And desirous of vanquishing each other, the encounter that took
+place between them was exceedingly wonderful like that (in days of yore)
+between the Lord of celestials and Prahrada. And Indrajit pierced the
+son of Sumitra with arrows penetrating into his very vitals. And the son
+of Sumitra also pierced Ravana's son with arrows of fiery energy. And
+pierced with Lakshmana's arrows, the son of Ravana became senseless with
+wrath. And he shot at Lakshmana eight shafts fierce as venomous snakes.
+Listen now, O Yudhishthira, as I tell thee how the heroic son of Sumitra
+then took his adversary's life by means of three winged arrows possessed
+of the energy and effulgence of fire! With one of these, he severed from
+Indrajit's body that arm of his enemy which had grasped the bow. With
+the second he caused that other arm which had held the arrows, to drop
+down on the ground. With the third that was bright and possessed of the
+keenest edge, he cut off his head decked with a beautiful nose and
+bright with earrings. And shorn of arms and head, the trunk became
+fearful to behold. And having slain the foe thus, that foremost of
+mighty men then slew with his arrows the charioteer of his adversary.
+And the horses then dragged away the empty chariot into the city. And
+Ravana then beheld that car without his son on it. And hearing that his
+son had been slain, Ravana suffered his heart to be overpowered with
+grief. And under the influence of extreme grief and affliction, the king
+of the Rakshasas suddenly cherished the desire of killing the princess
+of Mithila. And seizing a sword, the wicked Rakshasa hastily ran towards
+that lady staying within the _Asoka_ wood longing to behold her lord.
+Then Avindhya beholding that sinful purpose of the wicked wretch,
+appeased his fury. Listen, O Yudhishthira, to the reasons urged by
+Avindhya! That wise Rakshasa said, "Placed as thou art on the blazing
+throne of an empire, it behoveth thee not to slay a woman! Besides, this
+woman is already slain, considering that she is a captive in thy power!
+I think, she would not be slain if only her body were destroyed. Slay
+thou her husband! He being slain, she will be slain too! Indeed, not
+even he of an hundred sacrifices (Indra) is thy equal in prowess! The
+gods with Indra at their head, had repeatedly been affrighted by thee in
+battle!" With these and many other words of the same import, Avindhya
+succeeded in appeasing Ravana. And the latter did, indeed, listen to his
+counsellor's speech. And that wanderer of the night, then, resolved to
+give battle himself, sheathed his sword, and issued orders for preparing
+his chariot.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The Ten-necked (Ravana), excited to fury at the death
+of his beloved son, ascended his car decked with gold and gems. And
+surrounded by terrible _Rakshasas_ with various kinds of weapons in
+their hands, Ravana rushed towards Rama, fighting with numerous
+monkey-chiefs. And beholding him rushing in wrath towards the monkey
+army, Mainda and Nila and Nala and Angada, and Hanuman and Jambuvan,
+surrounded him with all their troops. And those foremost of monkeys and
+bears began to exterminate with trunks of trees, the soldiers of the
+Ten-necked (Ravana), in his very sight. And beholding the enemy
+slaughtering his troops, the _Rakshasa_ king, Ravana, possessed of great
+powers of illusion, began to put them forth. And forth from his body
+began to spring hundreds and thousands of _Rakshasas_ armed with arrows
+and lances and double-edged swords in hand. Rama, however, with a
+celestial weapon slew all those _Rakshasas_. The king of the _Rakshasas_
+then once more put forth his prowess of illusion. The Ten-faced,
+producing from his body numerous warriors resembling, O Bharata, both
+Rama and Lakshmana, rushed towards the two brothers. And then those
+_Rakshasas_, hostile to Rama and Lakshmana and armed with bows and
+arrows, rushed towards Rama, and beholding that power of illusion put
+forth by the king of _Rakshasas_, that descendant of Ikshwaku's race,
+the son of Sumitra, addressed Rama in these heroic words, "Slay those
+_Rakshasas_, those wretches with forms like thy own!" And Rama,
+thereupon slew those and other _Rakshasas_ of forms resembling his own.
+And that time Matali, the charioteer of Indra, approached Rama on the
+field of battle, with a car effulgent as the Sun and unto which were
+yoked horses of a tawny hue. And Matali said, "O son of Kakutstha's
+race, this excellent and victorious car, unto which have been yoked this
+pair of tawny horses, belongs to the Lord of celestials! It is on this
+excellent car, O tiger among men, that Indra hath slain in battle
+hundreds of _Daityas_ and _Danavas_! Therefore, O tiger among men, do
+thou, riding on the car driven by me, quickly slay Ravana in battle! Do
+not delay in achieving this!" Thus addressed by him, the descendant of
+Raghu's race, however, doubted the truthful words of Matali, thinking
+this is another illusion produced by the _Rakshasas_--Vibhishana then
+addressed him saying, "This, O tiger among men, is no illusion of the
+wicked Ravana! Ascend thou this chariot quickly, for this, O thou of
+great effulgence, belongeth to Indra!" The descendant of Kakutstha then
+cheerfully said unto Vibhishana, "So be it", and riding on that car,
+rushed wrathfully upon Ravana. And when Ravana, too, rushed against his
+antagonist, a loud wail of woe was set up by the creatures of the Earth,
+while the celestials in heaven sent forth a leonine roar accompanied by
+beating of large drums. The encounter then that took place between the
+Ten-necked _Rakshasa_ and that prince of Raghu's race, was fierce in the
+extreme. Indeed, that combat between them hath no parallel elsewhere.
+And the _Rakshasa_ hurled at Rama a terrible javelin looking like
+Indra's thunderbolt and resembling a Brahmana's curse on the point of
+utterance.[63] Rama, however, quickly cut into fragments that javelin by
+means of his sharp arrows. And beholding that most difficult feat,
+Ravana was struck with fear. But soon his wrath was excited and the
+Ten-necked hero began to shower on Rama whetted arrows by thousands and
+tens of thousands and countless weapons of various kinds, such as
+rockets and javelins and maces and battle-axes and darts of various
+kinds and Shataghnis and _whetted shafts_. And beholding that terrible
+form of illusion displayed by the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_, the monkeys
+fled in fear in all directions. Then the descendant of Kakutstha, taking
+out of his quiver an excellent arrow furnished with handsome wings and
+golden feathers and a bright and beautiful head, fixed it on the bow
+with _Brahmasira_ mantra. And beholding that excellent arrow transformed
+by Rama, with proper _mantras_ into a Brahma weapon, the celestials and
+the Gandharvas with Indra at their head, began to rejoice. And the gods
+and the _Danavas_ and the _Kinnaras_ were led by the display of that
+_Brahma_ weapon to regard the life of their Rakshasa foe almost closed.
+Then Rama shot that terrible weapon of unrivalled energy, destined to
+compass Ravana's death, and resembling the curse of a Brahmana on the
+point of utterance. And as soon, O Bharata, as that arrow was shot by
+Rama from his bow drawn to a circle, the _Rakshasa_ king with his
+chariot and charioteer and horses blazed up, surrounded on all sides by
+a terrific fire. And beholding Ravana slain by Rama of famous
+achievements, the celestials, with the _Gandharvas_ and the _Charanas_,
+rejoiced exceedingly. And deprived of universal dominion by the energy
+of the Brahma weapon, the five elements forsook the illustrious Ravana,
+and were consumed by the _Brahma_ weapon, the physical ingredients of
+Ravana's body. His flesh and blood were all reduced to nothingness,--so
+that the ashes even could not be seen.'"
+
+    [63] According to both Vyasa and Valmiki, there is nothing so
+    fierce as a Brahmana's curse. The very thunderbolt of Indra is
+    weak compared to a Brahmana's curse. The reason is obvious. The
+    thunder smites the individual at whom it may be aimed. The curse
+    of Brahmana smites the whole race, whole generation, whole
+    country.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXIX
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having slain Ravana, that wretched king of the
+_Rakshasas_ and foe of the celestials, Rama with his friends and
+Sumitra's son rejoiced exceedingly. And after the Ten-necked
+(_Rakshasa_) hath been slain, the celestials with the _Rishis_ at their
+head, worshipped Rama of mighty arms, blessing and uttering the word
+_Jaya_ repeatedly. And all the celestials and the _Gandharvas_ and the
+denizens of the celestial regions gratified Rama of eyes like lotus
+leaves, with hymns and flowery showers. And having duly worshipped Rama,
+they all went away to those regions whence they had come. And, O thou of
+unfading glory, the firmament at that time looked as if a great festival
+was being celebrated.
+
+"'And having slain the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_, the lord Rama of worldwide
+fame, that conqueror of hostile cities, bestowed Lanka on Vibhishana.
+Then that old and wise counsellor (of Ravana) known by the name of
+Avindhya, with Sita walking before him but behind Vibhishana who was at
+the front, came out of the city. And with great humility Avindhya said
+unto the illustrious descendant of Kakutstha, "O illustrious one, accept
+thou this goddess, Janaka's daughter of excellent conduct!" Hearing
+these words, the descendant of Ikshwaku's race alighted from his
+excellent chariot and beheld Sita bathed in tears. And beholding that
+beautiful lady seated within her vehicle, afflicted with grief,
+besmeared with filth, with matted locks on head, and attired in dirty
+robes, Rama, afraid of the loss of his honour, said unto her, "Daughter
+of Videha, go withersover thou likest! Thou art now free! What should
+have been done by me, hath been done! O blessed lady, owning me for thy
+husband, it is not meet that thou shouldst grow old in the abode of the
+_Rakshasa_! It is for this I have slain that wanderer of the night! But
+how can one like us, acquainted with every truth of morality, embrace
+even for a moment a woman that had fallen into other's hands? O princess
+of Mithila whether thou art chaste or unchaste, I dare not enjoy thee,
+now that thou art like sacrificial butter lapped by a dog!" Hearing
+these cruel words, that adorable girl suddenly fell down in great
+affliction of heart, like a plantain tree severed from its roots. And
+the colour that was suffusing her face in consequence of the joy she had
+felt, quickly disappeared, like watery particles on a mirror blown
+thereon by the breath of the mouth. And hearing these words of Rama, all
+the monkeys also with Lakshmana became still as dead. Then the divine
+and pure-souled Brahma of four faces, that Creator of the Universe
+himself sprung from a lotus, showed himself on his car to Raghu's son.
+And Sakra and Agni and Vayu, and Yama and Varuna and the illustrious
+Lord of the _Yakshas_, and the holy _Rishis_, and king Dasaratha also in
+a celestial and effulgent form and on car drawn by swans, showed
+themselves. And then the firmament crowded with celestials and
+_Gandharvas_ became as beautiful as the autumnal welkin spangled with
+stars. And rising up from the ground, the blessed and famous princess of
+Videha, in the midst of those present spoke unto Rama of wide chest,
+these words, "O prince, I impute no fault to thee, for thou art well
+acquainted with the behaviour that one should adopt towards both men and
+women. But hear thou these words of mine! The ever-moving Air is always
+present within every creature. If I have sinned, let him forsake my
+vital forces! If I have sinned, Oh, then let Fire, and Water, and Space,
+and Earth, like Air (whom I have already invoked), also forsake my vital
+forces! And as, O hero, I have never, even in my dreams, cherished the
+image of any other person, so be thou my lord as appointed by the gods."
+After Sita had spoken, a sacred voice, resounding through the whole of
+that region, was heard in the skies, gladdening the hearts of the
+high-souled monkeys. And the Wind-god was heard to say, "O son of Raghu,
+what Sita hath said is true! I am the god of Wind. The princess of
+Mithila is sinless! Therefore, O king, be united with thy wife!" And the
+god of Fire said, "O son of Raghu, I dwell within the bodies of all
+creatures! O descendant of Kakutstha, the princess of Mithila is not
+guilty of even the minutest fault!" And Varuna then said, "O son of
+Raghu, the humours in every creature's body derive their existence from
+me! I tell thee, let the princess of Mithila be accepted by thee!" And
+Brahma himself then said, "O descendant of Kakutstha, O son, in thee
+that art honest and pure and conversant with the duties of royal sages,
+this conduct is not strange. Listen, however, to these words of mine!
+Thou hast, O hero, slain this enemy of the gods, the _Gandharvas_, the
+_Nagas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Danavas_, and the great _Rishis_! It was
+through my grace that he had hitherto been unslayable of all creatures.
+And indeed, it was for some reason that I had tolerated him for some
+time! The wretch, however, abducted Sita for his own destruction. And as
+regards Sita, I protected her through Nalakuvera's curse. For that
+person had cursed Ravana of old, saying, that if he ever approached an
+unwilling woman, his head should certainly be split into a hundred
+fragments. Let no suspicion, therefore, be thine! O thou of great glory,
+accept thy wife! Thou hast indeed, achieved a mighty feat for the
+benefit of the gods, O thou that art of divine effulgence!" And last of
+all Dasaratha said, "I have been gratified with thee, O child! Blessed
+be thou, I am thy father Dasaratha! I command thee to take back thy
+wife, and rule thy kingdom, O thou foremost of men!" Rama then replied,
+"If thou art my father, I salute thee with reverence, O king of kings! I
+shall indeed, return, at thy command, to the delightful city of
+Ayodhya!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed, his father, O bull of the
+Bharata race, gladly answered Rama, the corners of whose eyes were of a
+reddish hue, saying, "Return to Ayodhya and rule thou that kingdom! O
+thou of great glory, thy fourteen years (of exile) have been completed."
+Thus addressed by Dasaratha, Rama bowed to the gods, and saluted by his
+friends he was united with his wife, like the Lord of the celestials
+with the daughter of Puloman. And that chastiser of foes then gave a
+boon to Avindhya. And he also bestowed both riches and honours on the
+_Rakshasa_ woman named _Trijata_. And when Brahma with all the
+celestials having Indra at their head, said unto Rama, "O thou that
+ownest Kausalya for thy mother, what boons after thy heart shall we
+grant thee?" Rama, thereupon, prayed them to grant him firm adherence to
+virtues and invincibility in respect of all foes. And he also asked for
+the restoration to life of all those monkeys that had been slain by the
+_Rakshasas_, and after Brahma had said--So be it, those monkeys, O king,
+restored to life, rose up from the field of battle, and Sita too, of
+great good fortune, granted unto Hanuman a boon, saying, "Let thy life,
+O son, last as long as (the fame of) Rama's achievements! And, O Hanuman
+of yellow eyes, let celestial viands and drinks be ever available to
+thee through my grace!"'
+
+"'Then the celestials with Indra at their head all disappeared in the
+very sight of those warriors of spotless achievements. And beholding
+Rama united with the daughter of Janaka, the charioteer of Sakra, highly
+pleased, addressed him in the midst of friends, and said these words, "O
+thou of prowess that can never be baffled thou hast dispelled the sorrow
+of the celestials, the _Gandharvas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Asuras_, the
+_Nagas_, and human beings! As long, therefore, as the Earth will hold
+together, so long will all creatures with the celestials, the _Asuras_,
+the _Gandharvas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Rakshasas_, and the _Pannagas_,
+speak of thee." And having said these words unto Rama, Matali worshipped
+that son of Raghu, and having obtained the leave of that foremost of
+wielders of weapons, he went away, on that same chariot of solar
+effulgence. And Rama also, with Sumatra's son and Vibhishana, and
+accompanied by all the monkeys with Sugriva at their head, placing Sita
+in the van and having made arrangements for the protection of Lanka,
+recrossed the ocean by the same bridge. And he rode on that beautiful
+and sky-ranging chariot called the _Pushpaka_ that was capable of going
+everywhere at the will of the rider. And that subduer of passions was
+surrounded by his principal counsellors in order of precedence. And
+arriving at that part of the sea-shore where he had formerly laid
+himself down, the virtuous king, with all the monkeys, pitched his
+temporary abode. And the son of Raghu then, bringing the monkeys before
+him in due time, worshipped them all, and gratifying them with presents
+of jewels and gems, dismissed them one after another. And after all the
+monkey-chiefs, and the apes with bovine tails, and the bears, had gone
+away, Rama re-entered Kishkindhya with Sugriva. And accompanied by both
+Vibhishana and Sugriva, Rama re-entered Kishkindhya riding on the
+_Pushpaka_ car and showing the princess of Videha the woods along the
+way. And having arrived at Kishkindhya, Rama, that foremost of all
+smiters, installed the successful Angada as prince-regent of the
+kingdom. And accompanied by the same friends as also by Sumitra's son,
+Rama proceeded towards his city along the same path by which he had
+come. And having reached the city of Ayodhya, the king despatched
+Hanuman thence as envoy to Bharata. And Hanuman, having ascertained
+Bharata's intentions from external indications, gave him the good news
+(of Rama's arrival). And after the son of Pavana had come back, Rama
+entered _Nandigrama_. And having entered that town, Rama beheld Bharata
+besmeared with filth and attired in rags and seated with his elder
+brother's sandals placed before him. And being united, O bull of Bharata
+race, with both Bharata and Shatrughna, the mighty son of Raghu, along
+with Sumitra's son, began to rejoice exceedingly. And Bharata and
+Shatrughna also, united with their eldest brother, and beholding Sita,
+both derived great pleasure. And Bharata then, after having worshipped
+his returned brother, made over to him with great pleasure, the kingdom
+that had been in his hands as a sacred trust. And Vasishtha and Vamadeva
+then together installed that hero in the sovereignty (of Ayodhya) at the
+eighth Muhurta[64] of the day under the asterism called _Sravana_. And
+after his installation was over, Rama gave leave to well-pleased Sugriva
+the king of the monkeys, along with all his followers, as also to
+rejoicing Vibhishana of Pulastya's race, to return to their respective
+abodes. And having worshipped them with various articles of enjoyment,
+and done everything that was suitable to the occasion, Rama dismissed
+those friends of his with a sorrowful heart. And the son of Raghu then,
+having worshiped that _Pushpaka_ chariot, joyfully gave it back unto
+Vaisravana. And then assisted by the celestial _Rishi_ (Vasishtha), Rama
+performed on the banks of the _Gomati_ ten horse-sacrifices without
+obstruction of any kind and with treble presents unto Brahmanas.'"
+
+    [64] Abhijit is lit. the eighth muhurta of the day, a muhurta
+    being equal to an hour of 48 minutes, i.e. the thirtieth part of
+    a whole day and night. The Vaishnava asterism is as explained by
+    Nilakantha, the Sravava.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXL
+
+"Markandeya said, 'It was thus, O mighty-armed one, that Rama of
+immeasurable energy had suffered of old such excessive calamity in
+consequence of his exile in the woods! O tiger among men, do not grieve,
+for, O chastiser of foes, thou art _Kshatriya_! Thou too treadest in the
+path in which strength of arms is to be put forth,--the path that
+leadeth to tangible rewards. Thou hast not even a particle of sin. Even
+the celestials with Indra at their head, and the _Asuras_ have to tread
+in the path that is trod by thee! It was after such afflictions that the
+wielder of the thunderbolt, aided by the _Maruts_, slew _Vritra_, and
+the invincible _Namuchi_ and the Rakshasi of long tongue! He that hath
+assistance, always secureth the accomplishment of all his purposes! What
+is that which cannot be vanquished in battle by him that hath Dhananjaya
+for his brother? This Bhima, also, of terrible prowess, is the foremost
+of mighty persons. The heroic and youthful sons of Madravati again are
+mighty bowmen. With allies such as these, why dost thou despair, O
+chastiser of foes? These are capable of vanquishing the army of the
+wielder himself of the thunderbolt with the _Maruts_ in the midst.
+Having these mighty bowmen of celestial forms for thy allies, thou, O
+bull of Bharata race, art sure to conquer in battle all thy foes!
+Behold, this Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, forcibly abducted by the
+wicked-minded Saindhava from pride of strength and energy, hath been
+brought back by these mighty warriors after achieving terrible feats!
+Behold, king Jayadratha was vanquished and lay powerless before thee!
+The princess of Videha was rescued with almost no allies by Rama after
+the slaughter in battle of the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_ of terrible
+prowess! Indeed, the allies of Rama (in that contest) were monkeys and
+black-faced bears, creatures that were not even human! Think of all
+this, O king, in thy mind! Therefore, O foremost of Kurus, grieve not
+for all (that hath occurred), O bull of the Bharata race! Illustrious
+persons like thee never indulge in sorrow, O smiter of foes!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that the king was comforted by
+Markandeya. And then that high-souled one, casting off his sorrows, once
+more spoke unto Markandeya."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLI
+
+(_Pativrata-mahatmya Parva_)
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O mighty sage, I do not so much grieve for myself
+or these my brothers or the loss of my kingdom as I do for this daughter
+of Drupada. When we were afflicted at the game of the dice by those
+wicked-souled ones, it was Krishna that delivered us. And she was
+forcibly carried off from the forest by Jayadratha. Hast thou even seen
+or heard of any chaste and exalted lady that resembleth this daughter of
+Drupada?'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O king, how the exalted merit of chaste
+ladies, O Yudhishthira, was completely obtained by a princess named
+Savitri. There was a king among the Madras, who was virtuous and highly
+pious. And he always ministered unto the Brahmanas, and was high-souled
+and firm in promise. And he was of subdued senses and given to
+sacrifices. And he was the foremost of givers, and was able, and beloved
+by both the citizens and the rural population. And the name of that lord
+of Earth was Aswapati. And he was intent on the welfare of all beings.
+And that forgiving (monarch) of truthful speech and subdued senses was
+without issue. And when he got old, he was stricken with grief at this.
+And with the object of raising offspring, he observed rigid vows and
+began to live upon frugal fare, having recourse to the Brahmacharya mode
+of life, and restraining his senses. And that best of kings, (daily)
+offering ten thousand oblations to the fire, recited Mantras in honour
+of _Savitri_[65] and ate temperately at the sixth hour. And he passed
+eighteen years, practising such vows. Then when the eighteen years were
+full, _Savitri_ was pleased (with him). And O king, issuing with great
+delight, in embodied form, from the _Agnihotra_ fire, the goddess showed
+herself to that king. And intent on conferring boons, she spoke these
+words unto the monarch, "I have been gratified, O king, with thy
+_Brahmacharya_ practices, thy purity and self-restraint and observance
+of vows, and all thy endeavours and veneration! Do thou, O mighty king,
+O Aswapati, ask for the boon that thou desirest! Thou ought, however, by
+no means show any disregard for virtue." Thereat Aswapati said, "It is
+with the desire of attaining virtue that I have been engaged in this
+task. O goddess, may many sons be born unto me worthy of my race! If
+thou art pleased with me, O goddess, I ask for this boon. The twice-born
+ones have assured me that great merit lieth in having offspring!"
+_Savitri_ replied, "O king, having already learnt this thy intention, I
+had spoken unto that lord, the Grandsire, about thy sons. Through the
+favour granted by the Self-create, there shall speedily be born unto
+thee on earth a daughter of great energy. It behoveth thee not to make
+any reply. Well-pleased, I tell thee this at the command of the
+Grandsire."'
+
+    [65] Also called Gayatri, the wife of Brahma.
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having accepted _Savitri's_ words and saying, "_So be
+it!_" the king again gratified her and said, "May this happen soon!" On
+_Savitri_ vanishing away, the monarch entered his own city. And that
+hero began to live in his kingdom, ruling his subjects righteously. And
+when some time had elapsed, that king, observant of vows, begat
+offspring on his eldest queen engaged in the practice of virtue. And
+then, O bull of the Bharata race, the embryo in the womb of the princess
+of Malava increased like the lord of stars in the heavens during the
+lighted fortnight. And when the time came, she brought forth a daughter
+furnished with lotus-like eyes. And that best of monarchs, joyfully
+performed the usual ceremonies on her behalf. And as she had been
+bestowed with delight by the goddess _Savitri_ by virtue of the
+oblations offered in honour of that goddess, both her father, and the
+Brahmanas named her _Savitri_. And the king's daughter grew like unto
+_Sree_ herself in an embodied form. And in due time, that damsel
+attained her puberty. And beholding that graceful maiden of slender
+waist and ample hips, and resembling a golden image, people thought, "We
+have received a goddess." And overpowered by her energy, none could wed
+that girl of eyes like lotus-leaves, and possessed of a burning
+splendour.
+
+"'And it came to pass that once on the occasion of a _parva_, having
+fasted and bathed her head, she presented herself before the (family)
+deity and caused the Brahmanas to offer oblations with due rites to the
+sacrificial fire. And taking the flowers that had been offered to the
+god, that lady, beautiful as _Sree_ herself, went to her high-souled
+sire. And having reverenced the feet of her father and offering him the
+flowers she had brought, that maiden of exceeding grace, with joined
+hands, stood at the side of the king. And seeing his own daughter
+resembling a celestial damsel arrived at puberty, and unsought by
+people, the king became sad. And the king said, "Daughter, the time for
+bestowing thee is come! Yet none asketh thee. Do thou (therefore)
+thyself seek for a husband equal to thee in qualities! That person who
+may be desired by thee should be notified to me. Do thou choose for thy
+husband as thou listest. I shall bestow thee with deliberation. Do thou,
+O auspicious one, listen to me as I tell thee the words which I heard
+recited by the twice-born ones. The father that doth not bestow his
+daughter cometh by disgrace. And the husband that knoweth not his wife
+in her season meeteth with disgrace. And the son that doth not protect
+his mother when her husband is dead, also suffereth disgrace. Hearing
+these words of mine, do thou engage thyself in search of a husband. Do
+thou act in such a way that we may not be censured by the gods!"'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having said these words to his daughter and his old
+counsellors, he instructed the attendants to follow her, saying,--_Go!_
+Thereat, bashfully bowing down unto her father's feet, the meek maid
+went out without hesitation, in compliance with the words of her sire.
+And ascending a golden car, she went to the delightful asylum of the
+royal sages, accompanied by her father's aged counsellors. There, O son,
+worshipping the feet of the aged ones, she gradually began to roam over
+all the woods. Thus the king's daughter distributing wealth in all
+sacred regions, ranged the various places belonging to the foremost of
+the twice-born ones.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'On one occasion, O Bharata, when that king, the
+lord of the Madras, was seated with Narada in the midst of his court,
+engaged in conversation, Savitri, accompanied by the king's counsellors,
+came to her father's abode after having visited various sacred regions
+and asylums. And beholding her father seated with Narada, she worshipped
+the feet of both by bending down her head. And Narada then said,
+"Whither had this thy daughter gone? And, O king, whence also doth she
+come? Why also dost thou not bestow her on a husband, now that she hath
+arrived at the age of puberty?" Aswapati answered, saying, "Surely it
+was on this very business that she had been sent, and she returneth now
+(from her search). Do thou, O celestial sage, listen, even from her as
+to the husband she hath chosen herself!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then the blessed maid, commanded by her father
+with the words,--_Relate everything in detail_,--regarded those words of
+her sire as if they were those of a god, and spoke unto him thus, "There
+was, amongst the Salwas, a virtuous Kshatriya king known by the name of
+Dyumatsena. And it came to pass that in course of time he became blind.
+And that blind king possessed of wisdom had an only son. And it so
+happened that an old enemy dwelling in the vicinity, taking advantage of
+the king's mishap, deprived him of his kingdom. And thereupon the
+monarch, accompanied by his wife bearing a child on her breast, went
+into the woods. And having retired into the forests, he adopted great
+vows and began to practise ascetic austerities. And his son, born in the
+city, began to grow in the hermitage. That youth, fit to be my husband,
+I have accepted in my heart for my lord!" At these words of hers, Narada
+said, "Alas, O king, Savitri hath committed a great wrong, since, not
+knowing, she hath accepted for her lord this Satyavan of excellent
+qualities! His father speaketh the truth and his mother also is truthful
+in her speech. And it is for this that the Brahmanas have named the son
+_Satyavan_. In his childhood he took great delight in horses, and used
+to make horses of clay. And he used also to draw pictures of horses. And
+for this that youth is sometimes called by the name of _Chitraswa_." The
+king then asked, "And is prince Satyavan, who is devoted to his father,
+endued with energy and intelligence and forgiveness and courage?" Narada
+replied, saying, "In energy Satyavan is like unto the sun, and in wisdom
+like unto Vrihaspati! And he is brave like unto the lord of the
+celestials and forgiving like unto the Earth herself!" Aswapati then
+said, "And is the prince Satyavan liberal in gifts and devoted to the
+Brahmanas? Is he handsome and magnanimous and lovely to behold?" Narada
+said, "In bestowal of gifts according to his power, the mighty son of
+Dyumatsena is like unto Sankriti's son Rantideva. In truthfulness of
+speech and devotion unto Brahmanas, he is like Sivi, the son of Usinara.
+And he is magnanimous like Yayati, and beautiful like the Moon. And in
+beauty of person he is like either of the twin Aswins. And with senses
+under control, he is meek, and brave, and truthful! And with passion in
+subjection he is devoted to his friends, and free from malice and modest
+and patient. Indeed, briefly speaking, they that are possessed of great
+ascetic merit and are of exalted character say that he is always correct
+in his conduct and that honour is firmly seated on his brow." Hearing
+this, Aswapati said, "O reverend sage, thou tellest me that he is
+possessed of every virtue! Do thou now tell me his defects if, indeed,
+he hath any!" Narada then said, "He hath one only defect that hath
+overwhelmed all his virtues. That defect is incapable of being conquered
+by even the greatest efforts. He hath only one defect, and no other.
+Within a year from this day, Satyavan, endued with a short life will
+cast off his body!" Hearing these words of the sage, the king said,
+"Come, O Savitri, go thou and choose another for thy lord, O beautiful
+damsel! That one great defect (in this youth) existeth, covering all his
+merits. The illustrious Narada honoured by even the gods, sayeth, that
+Satyavan will have to cast off his body within a year, his days being
+numbered!" At these words of her father, Savitri said, "The death can
+fall but once; a daughter can be given away but once; and once only can a
+person say, _I give away_! These three things can take place only once.
+Indeed, with a life short or long, possessed of virtues or bereft of
+them, I have, for once, selected my husband. Twice I shall not select.
+Having first settled a thing mentally, it is expressed in words, and
+then it is carried out into practice. Of this my mind is an example!"
+Narada then said, "O best of men, the heart of thy daughter Savitri
+wavereth not! It is not possible by any means to make her swerve from
+this path of virtue! In no other person are those virtues that dwell in
+Satyavan. The bestowal of thy daughter, therefore, is approved by me!"
+The king said, "What thou hast said, O illustrious one, should never be
+disobeyed, for thy words are true! And I shall act as thou hast said,
+since thou art my preceptor!" Narada said, "May the bestowal of thy
+daughter Savitri be attended with peace! I shall now depart. Blessed be
+all of ye!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, Narada rose up into the sky
+and went to heaven. On the other hand, the king began to make
+preparations for his daughter's wedding!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having pondered over these words (of Narada) about
+his daughter's marriage, the king began to make arrangements about the
+nuptials. And summoning all the old Brahmanas, and _Ritwijas_ together
+with the priests, he set out with his daughter on an auspicious day. And
+arriving at the asylum of Dyumatsena in the sacred forest, the king
+approached the royal sage on foot, accompanied by the twice-born ones.
+And there he beheld the blind monarch of great wisdom seated on a
+cushion of _Kusa_ grass spread under _Sala_ tree. And after duly
+reverencing the royal sage, the king in an humble speech introduced
+himself. Thereupon, offering him the _Arghya_, a seat, and a cow, the
+monarch asked his royal guest,--_Wherefore is this visit?_--Thus
+addressed the king disclosed everything about his intentions and purpose
+with reference to Satyavan. And Aswapati said, "O royal sage, this
+beautiful girl is my daughter named Savitri. O thou versed in morality,
+do thou, agreeably to the customs of our order, take her from me as thy
+daughter-in-law!" Hearing these words, Dyumatsena said, "Deprived of
+kingdom, and taking up our abode in the woods, we are engaged in the
+practice of virtue as ascetics with regulated lives. Unworthy of a
+forest life, how will thy daughter, living in the sylvan asylum, bear
+this hardship?" Aswapati said, "When my daughter knoweth, as well as
+myself, that happiness and misery come and go (without either being
+stationary), such words as these are not fit to be used towards one like
+me! O king, I have come hither, having made up my mind! I have bowed to
+thee from friendship; it behoveth thee not, therefore, to destroy my
+hope! It behoveth thee not, also, to disregard me who, moved by love,
+have come to thee! Thou art my equal and fit for an alliance with me, as
+indeed, I am thy equal and fit for alliance with thee! Do thou,
+therefore, accept my daughter for thy daughter-in-law and the wife of
+the good Satyavan!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Formerly I had
+desired an alliance with thee. But I hesitated, being subsequently
+deprived of my kingdom. Let this wish, therefore, that I had formerly
+entertained, be accomplished this very day. Thou art, indeed, a welcome
+guest to me!"
+
+"'Then summoning all the twice-born ones residing in the hermitages of
+that forest, the two kings caused the union to take place with due
+rites. And having bestowed his daughter with suitable robes and
+ornaments, Aswapati went back to his abode in great joy. And Satyavan,
+having obtained a wife possessed of every accomplishment, became highly
+glad, while she also rejoiced exceedingly upon having gained the husband
+after her own heart. And when her father had departed, she put off all
+her ornaments, and clad herself in barks and cloths dyed in red. And by
+her services and virtues, her tenderness and self-denial, and by her
+agreeable offices unto all, she pleased everybody. And she gratified her
+mother-in-law by attending to her person and by covering her with robes
+and ornaments. And she gratified her father-in-law by worshipping him as
+a god and controlling her speech. And she pleased her husband by her
+honeyed speeches, her skill in every kind of work, the evenness of her
+temper, and by the indications of her love in private. And thus, O
+Bharata, living in the asylum of those pious dwellers of the forest,
+they continued for some time to practise ascetic austerities. But the
+words spoken by Narada were present night and day in the mind of the
+sorrowful Savitri.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLIV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'At length, O king, after a long time had passed away,
+the hour that had been appointed for the death of Satyavan arrived. And
+as the words that had been spoken by Narada were ever present in the
+mind of Savitri, she had counted the days as they passed. And having
+ascertained that her husband would die on the fourth day following, the
+damsel fasted day and night, observing the _Triratra_ vow. And hearing
+of her vow, the king became exceedingly sorrowful and rising up soothed
+Savitri and said these words, "This vow that thou hast begun to observe,
+O daughter of a king, is exceedingly hard; for it is extremely difficult
+to fast for three nights together!" And hearing these words, Savitri
+said, "Thou needst not be sorry, O father! This vow I shall be able to
+observe! I have for certain undertaken this task with perseverance; and
+perseverance is the cause of the successful observance of vows." And
+having listened to her, Dyumatsena said, "I can by no means say unto
+thee, _Do thou break thy vow_. One like me should, on the contrary,
+say,--_Do thou complete thy vow!_" And having said this to her, the
+high-minded Dyumatsena stopped. And Savitri continuing to fast began to
+look (lean) like a wooden doll. And, O bull of the Bharata race,
+thinking that her husband would die on the morrow, the woe-stricken
+Savitri, observing a fast, spent that night in extreme anguish. And when
+the Sun had risen about a couple of hand Savitri thinking within
+herself--_To-day is that day_, finished her morning rites, and offered
+oblations to the flaming fire. And bowing down unto the aged Brahmanas,
+and her father-in-law, and mother-in-law, she stood before them with
+joined hands, concentrating her senses. And for the welfare of Savitri,
+all the ascetics dwelling in that hermitage, uttered the auspicious
+benediction that she should never suffer widowhood. And Savitri immersed
+in contemplation accepted those words of the ascetics, mentally
+saying,--_So be it!_--And the king's daughter, reflecting on those words
+of Narada, remained, expecting the hour and the moment.
+
+"'Then, O best of the Bharatas, well-pleased, her father-in-law and
+mother-in-law said these words unto the princess seated in a corner,
+"Thou hast completed the vow as prescribed. The time for thy meal hath
+now arrived; therefore, do thou what is proper!" Thereat Savitri said,
+"Now that I have completed the purposed vow, I will eat when the Sun
+goes down. Even this is my heart's resolve and this my vow!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'And when Savitri had spoken thus about her meal,
+Satyavan, taking his axe upon his shoulders, set out for the woods. And
+at this, Savitri said unto her husband, "It behoveth thee not to go
+alone! I will accompany thee. I cannot bear to be separated from thee!"
+Hearing these words of hers, Satyavan said, "Thou hast never before
+repaired to the forest. And, O lady, the forest-paths are hard to pass!
+Besides thou hast been reduced by fast on account of thy vow. How
+wouldst thou, therefore, be able to walk on foot?" Thus addressed,
+Savitri said, "I do not feel langour because of the fast, nor do I feel
+exhaustion. And I have made up my mind to go. It behoveth thee not,
+therefore, to prevent me!" At this, Satyavan said, "If thou desirest to
+go, I will gratify that desire of thine. Do thou, however, take the
+permission of my parents, so that I may be guilty of no fault!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her lord, Savitri of high vows
+saluted her father-in-law and mother-in-law and addressed them, saying,
+"This my husband goeth to the forest for procuring fruits. Permitted by
+my revered lady-mother and father-in-law, I will accompany him. For
+to-day I cannot bear to be separated from him. Thy son goeth out for the
+sake of the sacrificial fire and for his reverend superiors. He ought
+not, therefore, to be dissuaded. Indeed, he could be dissuaded if he
+went into the forest on any other errand. Do ye not prevent me! I will
+go into the forest with him. It is a little less than a year that I have
+not gone out of the asylum. Indeed, I am extremely desirous of beholding
+the blossoming woods!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Since
+Savitri hath been bestowed by her father as my daughter-in-law, I do not
+remember that she hath ever spoken any words couching a request. Let my
+daughter-in-law, therefore, have her will in this matter. Do thou,
+however, O daughter, act in such a way that Satyavan's work may not be
+neglected!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having received the permission of both, the
+illustrious Savitri, departed with her lord, in seeming smiles although
+her heart was racked with grief. And that lady of large eyes went on,
+beholding picturesque and delightful woods inhabited by swarms of
+peacocks. And Satyavan sweetly said unto Savitri, "Behold these rivers
+of sacred currents and these excellent trees decked with flowers!" But
+the faultless Savitri continued to watch her lord in all his moods, and
+recollecting the words of the celestial sage, she considered her husband
+as already dead. And with heart cleft in twain, that damsel, replying to
+her lord, softly followed him expecting that hour.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The powerful Satyavan then, accompanied by his wife,
+plucked fruits and filled his wallet with them. And he then began to
+fell branches of trees. And as he was hewing them, he began to perspire.
+And in consequence of that exercise his head began to ache. And
+afflicted with toil, he approached his beloved wife, and addressed her,
+saying, "O Savitri, owing to this hard exercise my head acheth, and all
+my limbs and my heart also are afflicted sorely! O thou of restrained
+speech, I think myself unwell, I feel as if my head is being pierced
+with numerous darts. Therefore, O auspicious lady, I wish to sleep, for
+I have not the power to stand." Hearing these words, Savitri quickly
+advancing, approached her husband, and sat down upon the ground, placing
+his head upon her lap. And that helpless lady, thinking of Narada's
+words, began to calculate the (appointed) division of the day, the hour,
+and the moment. The next moment she saw a person clad in red attire with
+his head decked with a diadem. And his body was of large proportions and
+effulgent as the Sun. And he was of a darkish hue, had red eyes, carried
+a noose in his hand, and was dreadful to behold. And he was standing
+beside Satyavan and was steadfastly gazing at him. And seeing him,
+Savitri gently placed her husband's head on the ground, and rising
+suddenly, with a trembling heart, spake these words in distressful
+accents, "Seeing this thy superhuman form, I take thee to be a deity. If
+thou will tell me, O chief of the gods, who thou art and what also thou
+intendst to do!" Thereat, Yama replied, "O Savitri, thou art ever
+devoted to thy husband, and thou art also endued with ascetic merit. It
+is for this reason that I hold converse with thee. Do thou, O auspicious
+one, know me for Yama. This thy lord Satyavan, the son of a king, hath
+his days run out. I shall, therefore, take him away binding him in this
+noose. Know this to be my errand!" At these words Savitri said, "I had
+heard that thy emissaries come to take away mortals, O worshipful one!
+Why then, O lord, hast thou come in person?"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her, the illustrious lord of
+_Pitris_, with a view to oblige her, began to unfold to her truly all
+about his intentions. And Yama said, "This prince is endued with virtues
+and beauty of person, and is a sea of accomplishments. He deserveth not
+to be borne away by my emissaries. Therefore is it that I have come
+personally." Saying this, Yama by main force pulled out of the body of
+Satyavan, a person of the measure of the thumb, bound in noose and
+completely under subjection. And when Satyavan's life had thus been
+taken out, the body, deprived of breath, and shorn of lustre, and
+destitute of motion, became unsightly to behold. And binding Satyavan's
+vital essence, Yama proceeded in a southerly direction. Thereupon, with
+heart overwhelmed in grief, the exalted Savitri, ever devoted to her
+lord and crowned with success in respect of her vows, began to follow
+Yama. And at this, Yama said, "Desist, O Savitri! Go back, and perform
+the funeral obsequies of thy lord! Thou art freed from all thy
+obligations to thy lord. Thou hast come as far as it is possible to
+come." Savitri replied, "Whither my husband is being carried, or whither
+he goeth of his own accord, I will follow him thither. This is the
+eternal custom. By virtue of my asceticism, of my regard for my
+superiors, of my affection for my lord, of my observance of vows, as
+well as of thy favour, my course is unimpeded. It hath been declared by
+wise men endued with true knowledge that by walking only seven paces
+with another, one contracteth a friendship with one's companion. Keeping
+that friendship (which I have contracted with thee) in view, I shall
+speak to thee something. Do thou listen to it. They that have not their
+souls under control, acquire not merit by leading the four successive
+modes of life, viz.,--celibacy with study, domesticity, retirement into
+the woods, and renunciation of the world. That which is called religious
+merit is said to consist of true knowledge. The wise, therefore, have
+declared religious merit to be the foremost of all things and not the
+passage through the four successive modes. By practising the duties of
+even one of these four modes agreeable to the directions of the wise, we
+have attained to true merit, and, therefore, we do not desire the second
+or the third mode, viz., celibacy with study or renunciation. It is for
+this again that the wise have declared religious merit to be the
+foremost of all things!" Hearing these words of hers, Yama said, "Do
+thou desist! I have been pleased with these words of thine couched in
+proper letters and accents, and based on reason. Do thou ask for a boon!
+Except the life of thy husband, O thou of faultless features, I will
+bestow on thee any boon that thou mayst solicit!" Hearing these words,
+Savitri said, "Deprived of his kingdom and bereft also of sight, my
+father-in-law leadeth a life of retirement in our sylvan asylum. Let
+that king through thy favour attain his eye-sight, and become strong
+like either fire or the Sun!" Yama said, "O thou of faultless features,
+I grant thee this boon! It will even be as thou hast said! It seems that
+thou art fatigued with thy journey. Do thou desist, therefore, and
+return! Suffer not thyself to be weary any longer!" Savitri said, "What
+weariness can I feel in the presence of my husband? The lot that is my
+husband's is certainly mine also. Whither thou carriest my husband,
+thither will I also repair! O chief of the celestials, do thou again
+listen to me! Even a single interview with the pious is highly
+desirable; friendship with them is still more so. And intercourse with
+the virtuous can never be fruitless. Therefore, one should live in the
+company of the righteous!" Yama said, "These words that thou hast
+spoken, so fraught with useful instruction, delight the heart and
+enhance the wisdom of even the learned. Therefore, O lady, solicit thou
+a second boon, except the life of Satyavan!" Savitri said, "Sometime
+before, my wise and intelligent father-in-law was deprived of his
+kingdom. May that monarch regain his kingdom. And may that superior of
+mine never renounce his duties! Even this is the second boon that I
+solicit!" Then Yama said,--"The king shall soon regain his kingdom. Nor
+shall he ever fall off from his duties. Thus, O daughter of a king have
+I fulfilled thy desire. Do thou now desist! Return! Do not take any
+future trouble!" Savitri said, "Thou hast restrained all creatures by
+thy decrees, and it is by thy decrees that thou takest them away, not
+according to thy will. Therefore it is, O god, O divine one, that people
+call thee _Yama_! Do thou listen to the words that I say! The eternal
+duty of the good towards all creatures is never to injure them in
+thought, word, and deed, but to bear them love and give them their due.
+As regards this world, everything here is like this (husband of mine).
+Men are destitute of both devotion and skill. The good, however, show
+mercy to even their foes when these seek their protection." Yama said,
+"As water to the thirsty soul, so are these words uttered by thee to me!
+Therefore, do thou, O fair lady, if thou will, once again ask for any
+boon except Satyavana's life!" At these words Savitri replied, "That
+lord of earth, my father, is without sons. That he may have a hundred
+sons begotten of his loins, so that his line may be perpetuated, is the
+third boon I would ask of thee!" Yama said, "Thy sire, O auspicious
+lady, shall obtain a hundred illustrious sons, who will perpetuate and
+increase their father's race! Now, O daughter of a king, thou hast
+obtained thy wish. Do thou desist! Thou hast come far enough." Savitri
+said, "Staying by the side of my husband, I am not conscious of the
+length of the way I have walked. Indeed, my mind rusheth to yet a longer
+way off. Do thou again, as thou goest on, listen to the words that I
+will presently utter! Thou art the powerful son of Vivaswat. It is for
+this that thou art called _Vatvaswata_ by the wise. And, O lord, since
+thou dealest out equal law unto all created things, thou hast been
+designated the _lord of justice_! One reposeth not, even in one's own
+self, the confidence that one doth in the righteous. Therefore, every
+one wisheth particularly for intimacy with the righteous. It is goodness
+of heart alone that inspireth the confidence of all creatures. And it is
+for this that people rely particularly on the righteous." And hearing
+these words, Yama said, "The words that thou utterest, O fair lady, I
+have not heard from any one save thee; I am highly pleased with this
+speech of thine. Except the life of Satyavan, solicit thou, therefore, a
+fourth boon, and then go thy way!" Savitri then said, "Both of me and
+Satyavan's loins, begotten by both of us, let there be a century of sons
+possessed of strength and prowess and capable of perpetuating our race!
+Even this is the fourth boon that I would beg of thee!" Hearing these
+words of hers, Yama replied, "Thou shalt, O lady, obtain a century of
+sons, possessed of strength and prowess, and causing thee great delight.
+O daughter of a king, let no more weariness be thine! Do thou desist!
+Thou hast already come too far!" Thus addressed, Savitri said, "They
+that are righteous always practise eternal morality! And the communion
+of the pious with the pious is never fruitless! Nor is there any danger
+to the pious from those that are pious. And verily it is the righteous
+who by their truth make the Sun move in the heaven. And it is the
+righteous that support the earth by their austerities! And, O king, it
+is the righteous upon whom both the past and the future depend!
+Therefore, they that are righteous, are never cheerless in the company
+of the righteous. Knowing this to be the eternal practice of the good
+and righteous, they that are righteous continue to do good to others
+without expecting any benefit in return. A good office is never thrown
+away on the good and virtuous. Neither interest nor dignity suffereth
+any injury by such an act. And since such conduct ever adheres to the
+righteous, the righteous often become the protectors of all." Hearing
+these words of hers, Yama replied, "The more thou utterest such speeches
+that are pregnant with great import, full of honeyed phrases, instinct
+with morality, and agreeable to mind, the more is the respect that I
+feel for thee! O thou that art so devoted to thy lord, ask for some
+incomparable boon!" Thus addressed, Savitri said, "O bestower of
+honours, the boon thou hast already given me is incapable of
+accomplishment without union with my husband. Therefore, among other
+boons, I ask for this, may this Satyavan be restored to life! Deprived
+of my husband, I am as one dead! Without my husband, I do not wish for
+happiness. Without my husband, I do not wish for heaven itself. Without
+my husband, I do not wish for prosperity. Without my husband, I cannot
+make up my mind to live! Thou thyself hast bestowed on me the boon,
+namely, of a century of sons; yet thou takest away my husband! I ask for
+this boon, 'May Satyavan be restored to life,' for by that thy words
+will be made true."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thereupon saying,--_So be it_,--Vivaswat's son,
+Yama, the dispenser of justice, untied his noose, and with cheerful
+heart said these words to Savitri, "Thus, O auspicious and chaste lady,
+is thy husband freed by me! Thou wilt be able to take him back free from
+disease. And he will attain to success! And along with thee, he will
+attain a life of four hundred years. And celebrating sacrifices with due
+rites, he will achieve great fame in this world. And upon thee Satyavan
+will also beget a century of sons. And these Kshatriyas with their sons
+and grandsons will all be kings, and will always be famous in connection
+with thy name. And thy father also will beget a hundred sons on thy
+mother Malavi. And under the name of the _Malavas_, thy Kshatriya
+brothers, resembling the celestials, will be widely known along with
+their sons and daughters!" And having bestowed these boons on Savitri
+and having thus made her desist, Yama departed for his abode. Savitri,
+after Yama had gone away, went back to the spot where her husband's
+ash-coloured corpse lay, and seeing her lord on the ground, she
+approached him, and taking hold of him, she placed his head on her lap
+and herself sat down on the ground. Then Satyavan regained his
+consciousness, and affectionately eyeing Savitri again and again, like
+one come home after a sojourn in a strange land, he addressed her thus,
+"Alas, I have slept long! Wherefore didst thou not awake me? And where
+is that same sable person that was dragging me away?" At these words of
+his, Savitri said, "Thou hast, O bull among men, slept long on my lap!
+That restrainer of creatures, the worshipful Yama, had gone away. Thou
+art refreshed, O blessed one, and sleep hath forsaken thee, O son of a
+king! If thou art able, rise thou up! Behold, the night is deep!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having regained consciousness, Satyavan rose up
+like one who had enjoyed a sweet sleep, and seeing every side covered
+with woods, said, "O girl of slender waist, I came with thee for
+procuring fruits. Then while I was cutting wood I felt a pain in my
+head. And on account of that intense pain about my head I was unable to
+stand for any length of time, and, therefore, I lay on thy lap and
+slept. All this, O auspicious lady, I remember. Then, as thou didst
+embrace me, sleep stole away my senses. I then saw that it was dark all
+around. In the midst of it I saw a person of exceeding effulgence. If
+thou knowest everything, do thou then, O girl of slender waist, tell me
+whether what I saw was only a dream or a reality!" Thereupon, Savitri
+addressed him, saying, "The night deepens. I shall, O prince, relate
+everything unto thee on the morrow. Arise, arise, may good betide thee!
+And, O thou of excellent vows, come and behold thy parents! The sun hath
+set a long while ago and the night deepens. Those rangers of the night,
+having frightful voices, are walking about in glee. And sounds are
+heard, proceeding from the denizens of the forest treading through the
+woods. These terrible shrieks of jackals that are issuing from the south
+and the east make my heart tremble (in fear)!" Satyavan then said,
+"Covered with deep darkness, the wilderness hath worn a dreadful aspect.
+Thou wilt, therefore, not be able to discern the tract, and consequently
+wilt not be able to go!" Then Savitri replied, "In consequence of a
+conflagration having taken place in the forest today a withered tree
+standeth aflame, and the flames being stirred by the wind are discerned
+now and then. I shall fetch some fire and light these faggots around. Do
+thou dispel all anxiety. I will do all (this) if thou darest not go, for
+I find thee unwell. Nor wilt thou be able to discover the way through
+this forest enveloped in darkness. Tomorrow when the woods become
+visible, we will go hence, if thou please! If, O sinless one, it is thy
+wish, we shall pass this night even here!" At these words of hers,
+Satyavan replied, "The pain in my head is off; and I feel well in my
+limbs. With thy favour I wish to behold my father and mother. Never
+before did I return to the hermitage after the proper time had passed
+away. Even before it is twilight my mother confineth me within the
+asylum. Even when I come out during the day, my parents become anxious
+on my account, and my father searcheth for me, together with all the
+inhabitants of the sylvan asylums. Before this, moved by deep grief, my
+father and mother had rebuked me many times and often, saying,--_Thou
+comest having tarried long_! I am thinking of the pass they have today
+come to on my account, for, surely, great grief will be theirs when they
+miss me. One night before this, the old couple, who love me dearly, wept
+from deep sorrow and said into me, 'Deprived of thee, O son, we cannot
+live for even a moment. As long as thou livest, so long, surely, we also
+will live. Thou art the crutch of these blind ones; on thee doth
+perpetuity of our race depend. On thee also depend our funeral cake, our
+fame and our descendants!' My mother is old, and my father also is so. I
+am surely their crutch. If they see me not in the night, what, oh, will
+be their plight! I hate that slumber of mine for the sake of which my
+unoffending mother and my father have both been in trouble, and I myself
+also, am placed in such rending distress! Without my father and mother,
+I cannot bear to live. It is certain that by this time my blind father,
+his mind disconsolate with grief, is asking everyone of the inhabitants
+of the hermitage about me! I do not, O fair girl, grieve so much for
+myself as I do for my sire, and for my weak mother ever obedient to her
+lord! Surely, they will be afflicted with extreme anguish on account of
+me. I hold my life so long as they live. And I know that they should be
+maintained by me and that I should do only what is agreeable to them!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, that virtuous youth who loved
+and revered his parents, afflicted with grief held up his arms and began
+to lament in accents of woe. And seeing her lord overwhelmed with sorrow
+the virtuous Savitri wiped away the tears from his eyes and said, "If I
+have observed austerities, and have given away in charity, and have
+performed sacrifice, may this night be for the good of my father-in-law,
+mother-in-law and husband! I do not remember having told a single
+falsehood, even in jest. Let my father-in-law and mother-in-law hold
+their lives by virtue of the truth!" Satyavan said, "I long for the
+sight of my father and mother! Therefore, O Savitri, proceed without
+delay. O beautiful damsel, I swear by my own self that if I find any
+evil to have befallen my father and mother, I will not live. If thou
+hast any regard for virtue, if thou wishest me to live, if it is thy
+duty to do what is agreeable to me, proceed thou to the hermitage!" The
+beautiful Savitri then rose and tying up her hair, raised her husband in
+her arms. And Satyavan having risen, rubbed his limbs with his hands.
+And as he surveyed all around, his eyes fell upon his wallet. Then
+Savitri said unto him, "Tomorrow thou mayst gather fruits. And I shall
+carry thy axe for thy ease." Then hanging up the wallet upon the bough
+of a tree, and taking up the axe, she re-approached her husband. And
+that lady of beautiful thighs, placing her husband's left arm upon her
+left shoulder, and embracing him with her right arms, proceeded with
+elephantic gait. Then Satyavan said, "O timid one, by virtue of habit,
+the (forest) paths are known to me. And further, by the light of the
+moon between the trees, I can see them. We have now reached the same
+path that we took in the morning for gathering fruits. Do thou, O
+auspicious one, proceed by the way that we had come: thou needst not any
+longer feel dubious about our path. Near that tract overgrown with
+_Palasa_ tree, the way diverges into two. Do thou proceed along the path
+that lies to the north of it. I am now well and have got back my
+strength. I long to see my father and mother!" Saying this Satyavan
+hastily proceeded towards the hermitage.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the mighty Dyumatsena, having regained his
+sight, could see everything. And when his vision grew clear he saw
+everything around him. And, O bull of the Bharata race, proceeding with
+his wife Saivya to all the (neighbouring) asylums in search of his son,
+he became extremely distressed on his account. And that night the old
+couple went about searching in asylums, and rivers, and woods, and
+floods. And whenever they heard any sound, they stood rising their
+heads, anxiously thinking that their son was coming, and said, "O yonder
+cometh Satyavan with Savitri!" And they rushed hither and thither like
+maniacs, their feet torn, cracked, wounded, and bleeding, pierced with
+thorns and _Kusa_ blades. Then all the Brahmanas dwelling in that
+hermitage came unto them, and surrounding them on all sides, comforted
+them, and brought them back to their own asylum. And there Dyumatsena
+with his wife surrounded by aged ascetics, was entertained with stories
+of monarchs of former times. And although that old couple desirous of
+seeing their son, was comforted, yet recollecting the youthful days of
+their son, they became exceedingly sorry. And afflicted with grief, they
+began to lament in piteous accents, saying, "Alas, O son, alas, O chaste
+daughter-in-law, where are you?" Then a truthful Brahmana of the name of
+Suvarchas spake unto them, saying, "Considering the austerities,
+self-restraint, and behaviour of his wife Savitri, there can be no doubt
+that Satyavan liveth!" And Gautama said, "I have studied all the _Vedas_
+with their branches, and I have acquired great ascetic merit. And I have
+led a celibate existence, practising also the _Brahmacharya_ mode of
+life. I have gratified Agni and my superiors. With rapt soul I have also
+observed all the vows: and I have according to the ordinance, frequently
+lived upon air alone. By virtue of this ascetic merit, I am cognisant of
+all the doings of others. Therefore, do thou take it for certain that
+Satyavan liveth." Thereupon his disciple said, "The words that have
+fallen from the lips of my preceptor can never be false. Therefore,
+Satyavan surely liveth." And the _Rishi_ said, "Considering the
+auspicious marks that his wife Savitri beareth and all of which indicate
+immunity from widowhood, there can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth!"
+And Varadwaja said, "Having regard to the ascetic merit, self-restraint,
+and conduct of his wife Savitri, there can be no doubt that Satyavan
+liveth." And Dalbhya said, "Since thou hast regained thy sight, and
+since Savitri hath gone away after completion of the vow, without taking
+any food, there can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Apastamba
+said, "From the manner in which the voices of birds and wild animals are
+being heard through the stillness of the atmosphere on all sides, and
+from the fact also of thy having regained the use of thy eyes,
+indicating thy usefulness for earthly purposes once more, there can be
+no doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Dhaumya said, "As thy son is graced
+with every virtue, and as he is the beloved of all, and as he is
+possessed of marks betokening a long life, there can be no doubt that
+Satyavan liveth."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus cheered by those ascetics of truthful
+speech, Dyumatsena pondering over those points, attained a little ease.
+A little while after, Savitri with her husband Satyavan reached the
+hermitage during the night and entered it with a glad heart. The
+Brahmanas then said, "Beholding this meeting with thy son, and thy
+restoration to eye-sight, we all wish thee well, O lord of earth. Thy
+meeting with thy son, the sight of thy daughter-in-law, and thy
+restoration to sight--constitute a threefold prosperity which thou hast
+gained. What we all have said must come to pass: there can be no doubt
+of this. Henceforth thou shalt rapidly grow in prosperity." Then, O
+Pritha's son, the twice-born ones lighted a fire and sat themselves down
+before king Dyumatsena. And Saivya, and Satyavan, and Savitri who stood
+apart, their hearts free from grief, sat down with the permission of
+them all. Then, O Partha, seated with the monarch those dwellers of the
+woods, actuated by curiosity, asked the king's son, saying, "Why didst
+thou not, O illustrious one, come back earlier with thy wife? Why hast
+thou come so late in the night? What obstacle prevented thee! We do not
+know, O son of a king, why thou hast caused such alarm to us, and to thy
+father and mother. It behoveth thee to tell us all about this."
+Thereupon, Satyavan said, "With the permission of my father, I went to
+the woods with Savitri. There, as I was hewing wood in the forest, I
+felt a pain in my head. And in consequence of the pain, I fell into a
+deep sleep.--This is all that I remember. I had never slept so long
+before I have come so late at night, in order that ye might not grieve
+(on my account). There is no other reason for this." Gautama then said,
+"Thou knowest not then the cause of thy father's sudden restoration to
+sight. It, therefore, behoveth Savitri to relate it. I wish to hear it
+(from thee), for surely thou art conversant with the mysteries of good
+and evil. And, O Savitri, I know thee to be like the goddess _Savitri_
+herself in splendour. Thou must know the cause of this. Therefore, do
+thou relate it truly! If it should not be kept a secret, do thou unfold
+it unto us!" At these words of Gautama Savitri said, "It is as ye
+surmise. Your desire shall surely not be unfulfilled. I have no secret
+to keep. Listen to the truth then! The high-souled Narada had predicted
+the death of my husband. To-day was the appointed time. I could not,
+therefore, bear to be separated from my husband's company. And after he
+had fallen asleep, Yama, accompanied by his messengers, presented
+himself before him, and tying him, began to take him away towards the
+region inhabited by the _Pitris_. Thereupon I began to praise that
+august god, with truthful words. And he granted me five boons, of which
+do ye hear from me! For my father-in-law I have obtained these two
+boons, viz., his restoration to sight as also to his kingdom. My father
+also hath obtained a hundred sons. And I myself have obtained a hundred
+sons. And my husband Satyavan hath obtained a life of four hundred
+years. It was for the sake of my husband's life that I had observed that
+vow. Thus have I narrated unto you in detail the cause by which this
+mighty misfortune of mine was afterwards turned into happiness." The
+_Rishis_ said, "O chaste lady of excellent disposition, observant of
+vows and endued with virtue, and sprung from an illustrious line, by
+thee hath the race of this foremost of kings, which was overwhelmed with
+calamities, and was sinking in an ocean of darkness, been rescued."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then having applauded and reverenced that best
+of women, those _Rishis_ there assembled bade farewell to that foremost
+of kings as well as to his son. And having saluted them thus, they
+speedily went, in peace with cheerful hearts, to their respective
+abodes.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When the night had passed away, and the solar
+orb had risen, those ascetics, having performed their morning rites,
+assembled together. And although those mighty sages again and again
+spake unto Dyumatsena of the high fortune of Savitri, yet they were
+never satisfied. And it so happened, O king, that there came to that
+hermitage a large body of people from Salwa. And they brought tidings of
+the enemy of Dyumatsena having been slain by his own minister. And they
+related unto him all that had happened, viz., how having heard that the
+usurper had been slain with all his friends and allies by his minister,
+his troops had all fled, and how all the subjects had become unanimous
+(on behalf of their legitimate king), saying, "Whether possessed of
+sight or not, even he shall be our king!" And they said, "We have been
+sent to thee in consequence of that resolve. This car of thine, and this
+army also consisting of four kinds of forces, have arrived for thee!
+Good betide thee, O King! Do thou come! Thou hast been proclaimed in the
+city. Do thou for ever occupy the station belonging to thy father and
+grand-father!" And beholding the king possessed of sight and
+able-bodied, they bowed down their heads, their eyes expanded with
+wonder. Then having worshipped those old and Brahmanas dwelling in the
+hermitage and honoured by them in return, the king set out for his city.
+And surrounded by the soldiers, Saivya also accompanied by Savitri, went
+in a vehicle furnished with shining sheets and borne on the shoulders of
+men. Then the priests with joyful hearts installed Dyumatsena on the
+throne with his high-souled son as prince-regent. And after the lapse of
+a long time, Savitri gave birth to a century of sons, all warlike and
+unretreating from battle, and enhancing the fame of Salwa's race. And
+she also had a century of highly powerful uterine brothers born unto
+Aswapati, the lord of the Madras, by Malavi. Thus, O son of Pritha, did
+Savitri raise from pitiable plight to high fortune, herself, and her
+father and mother, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, as also the race
+of her husband. And like that gentle lady Savitri, the auspicious
+daughter of Drupada, endued with excellent character, will rescue you
+all.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Thus exhorted by that high-souled sage, the son of
+Pandu, O king, with his mind free from anxiety, continued to live in the
+forest of Kamyaka. The man that listeneth with reverence to the
+excellent story of Savitri, attaineth to happiness, and success in
+everything, and never meeteth with misery!"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLVIII
+
+Janamejaya said,--"What, O Brahmana, was that great fear entertained by
+Yudhishthira in respect of Karna, for which Lomasa had conveyed to the
+son of Pandu a message of deep import from Indra in these words, _That
+intense fear of thine which thou dost never express to any one, I will
+remove after Dhananjaya goeth from hence?_ And, O best of ascetics, why
+was it that the virtuous Yudhishthira never expressed it to any one?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "As thou askest me, O tiger among kings, I will
+relate that history unto thee! Do thou listen to my words, O best of the
+Bharatas! After twelve years (of their exile) had passed away and the
+thirteenth year had set in, Sakra, ever friendly to the sons of Pandu,
+resolved to beg of Karna (his ear-rings). And, O mighty monarch,
+ascertaining this intention of the great chief of the celestials about
+(Karna's) ear-rings, Surya, having effulgence for his wealth, went unto
+Karna. And, O foremost of kings, while that hero devoted to the
+Brahmanas and truthful in speech was lying down at night at his ease on
+a rich bed overlaid with a costly sheet, the effulgent deity, filled
+with kindness and affection for his son, showed himself, O Bharata, unto
+him in his dreams. And assuming from ascetic power the form of a
+handsome Brahmana versed in the _Vedas_, Surya sweetly said unto Karna
+these words for his benefit, 'O son, do thou O Karna, listen to these
+words of mine, O thou foremost of truthful persons! O mighty-armed one,
+I tell thee to-day from affection, what is for thy great good! With the
+object, O Karna, of obtaining thy ear-rings, Sakra, moved by the desire
+of benefiting the sons of Pandu, will come unto thee, disguised as a
+Brahmana! He, as well as all the world, knoweth thy character, viz.,
+that when solicited by pious people, thou givest away but never takest
+in gift! Thou, O son, givest unto Brahmanas wealth or any other thing
+that is asked of thee and never refusest anything to anybody. Knowing
+thee to be such, the subduer himself of Paka will come to beg of thee
+thy ear-rings and coat of mail. When he beggeth the ear-rings of thee,
+it behoveth thee not to give them away, but to gratify him with sweet
+speeches to the best of thy power. Even this, is for thy supreme good!
+While asking thee for the ear-rings, thou shalt, with various reasons,
+repeatedly refuse Purandara who is desirous of obtaining them, offering
+him, instead, various other kinds of wealth, such as gems and women and
+kine, and citing various precedents. If thou, O Karna, givest away thy
+beautiful ear-rings born with thee, thy life being shortened, thou wilt
+meet with death! Arrayed in thy mail and ear-rings, thou wilt, O
+bestower of honours, be incapable of being slain by foes in battle! Do
+thou lay to heart these words of mine! Both these jewelled ornaments
+have sprung from _Amrita_. Therefore, they should be preserved by thee,
+if thy life is at all dear to thee.'
+
+"Hearing these words, Karna said, 'Who art thou that tellest me so,
+showing me such kindness? If it pleaseth thee, tell me, O illustrious
+one, who thou art in the guise of a Brahmana!'--The Brahmana thereupon
+said, 'O son, I am he of a thousand rays! Out of affection, I point out
+to thee the path! Act thou according to my words, as it is for thy great
+good to do so!' Karna replied, 'Surely, this itself is highly fortunate
+for me that the god himself of splendour addresses me today, seeking my
+welfare. Listen, however, to these words of mine! May it please thee, O
+bestower of boons, it is only from affection that I tell thee this! If I
+am dear to thee, I should not be dissuaded from the observance of my
+vow! O thou that are possessed of the wealth of effulgence, the whole
+world knoweth this to be my vow that, of a verity, I am prepared to give
+away life itself unto superior Brahmanas! If, O best of all rangers of
+the sky, Sakra cometh to me, disguised as a Brahmana, to beg for the
+benefit of the sons of Pandu, I will, O chief of the celestials, give
+him the ear-rings and the excellent mail, so that my fame which hath
+spread over the three worlds may not suffer any diminution! For persons
+like us, it is not fit to save life by a blame-worthy act. On the
+contrary, it is even proper for us to meet death with the approbation of
+the world and under circumstances bringing fame. Therefore, will I
+bestow upon Indra the ear-rings with my coat of mail! If the slayer
+himself of Vala and Vritra cometh to ask for the ear-rings for the
+benefit of the sons of Pandu, that will conduce to my fame, leading at
+the same time to _his_ infamy! O thou possessed of splendour, I wish for
+fame in this world, even if it is to be purchased with life itself, for
+they that have fame enjoy the celestial regions, while they that are
+destitute of it are lost. Fame keepeth people alive in this world even
+like a mother, while infamy killeth men even though they may move about
+with bodies undestroyed. O lord of the worlds, O thou possessed of the
+wealth of effulgence, that fame is the life of men is evidenced by an
+ancient _sloka_ sung by the Creator himself,--_In the next world it is
+fame that is the chief support of a person, while in this world pure
+fame lengthens life_. Therefore, by giving away my ear-rings and mail
+with both of which I was born I will win eternal fame! And by duly
+giving away the same to Brahmanas according to the ordinance, by
+offering up my body (as a gift to the gods) in the sacrifice of war, by
+achieving feats difficult of performance, and by conquering my foes in
+fight, I will acquire nothing but renown. And by dispelling on the field
+of battle the fears of the affrighted that may beg for their lives, and
+relieving old men and boys and Brahmanas from terror and anxiety, I will
+win excellent fame and the highest heaven. My fame is to be protected
+with the sacrifice of even my life. Even this, know thou, is my vow! By
+giving away such a valuable gift to Maghavan disguised as a Brahmana, I
+will, O god, acquire in this world the most exalted state.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLIX
+
+"Surya said, 'Never do, O Karna, anything that is harmful to thy self
+and thy friends; thy sons, thy wives, thy father, and thy mother; O thou
+best of those that bear life, people desire renown (in this world) and
+lasting fame in heaven, without wishing to sacrifice their bodies. But
+as thou desirest undying fame at the expense of thy life, she will,
+without doubt, snatch away thy life! O bull among men, in this world,
+the father, the mother, the son, and other relatives are of use only to
+him that is alive. O tiger among men, as regard kings, it is only when
+they are alive that prowess can be of any use to them. Do thou
+understand this? O thou of exceeding splendour, fame is for the good of
+these only that are alive! Of what use is fame to the dead whose bodies
+have been reduced to ashes? One that is dead cannot enjoy renown. It is
+only when one is alive that one can enjoy it. The fame of one that is
+dead is like a garland of flowers around the neck of a corpse. As thou
+reverest me, I tell thee this for thy benefit, because thou art a
+worshipper of mine! They that worship me are always protected by me.
+That also is another reason for my addressing thee thus! Thinking again,
+O mighty-armed one, that _this one revereth me with great reverence_, I
+have been inspired with love for thee! Do thou, therefore, act according
+to my words! There is, besides some profound mystery in all this,
+ordained by fate. It is for this, that I tell thee so. Do thou act
+without mistrust of any kind! O bull among men, it is not fit for thee
+to know this which is a secret to the very gods. Therefore, I do not
+reveal that secret unto thee. Thou wilt, however, understand it in time.
+I repeat what I have already said. Do thou, O Radha's son, lay my words
+to heart! When the wielder of the thunder-bolt asketh thee for them, do
+thou never give him thy ear-rings! O thou of exceeding splendour, with
+thy handsome ear-rings, thou lookest beautiful, even like the Moon
+himself in the clear firmament, between the _Visakha_ constellation!
+Dost thou know that fame availeth only the person that is living.
+Therefore, when the lord of the celestials will ask the ear-rings, thou
+shouldst, O son, refuse him! Repeating again and again answers fraught
+with various reasons, thou wilt, O sinless one, be able to remove the
+eagerness of the lord of the celestial for the possession of the
+ear-rings. Do thou, O Karna, alter Purandara's purpose by urging answers
+fraught with reason and grave import and adorned with sweetness and
+suavity. Thou dost always, O tiger among men, challenge him that can
+draw the bow with his left hand, and heroic Arjuna also will surely
+encounter thee in fight. But when furnished with thy ear-rings, Arjuna
+will never be able to vanquish thee in fight even if Indra himself comes
+to his assistance. Therefore, O Karna, if thou wishest to vanquish
+Arjuna in battle, these handsome ear-rings of thine should never be
+parted with to Sakra.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCC
+
+"Karna said, 'As thou, O lord of splendour, knowest me for thy
+worshipper, so also thou knowest that there is nothing which I cannot
+give away in charity, O thou of fiery rays! Neither my wives, nor my
+sons, nor my own self, nor my friends, are so dear to me as thou, on
+account of the veneration I feel for thee, O lord of splendour! Thou
+knowest, O maker of light, that high-souled persons bear a loving regard
+for their dear worshippers. _Karna revereth me and is dear to me. He
+knoweth no other deity in heaven_,--thinking this thou hast, O lord,
+said unto me what is for my benefit. Yet, O thou of bright rays, again
+do I beseech thee with bended head, again do I place myself in thy
+hands. I will repeat the answer I have already given. It behoveth thee
+to forgive me! Death itself is not fraught with such terrors for me as
+untruth! As regards especially the Brahmanas, again, I do not hesitate
+to yield up my life even for them! And, O divine one, respecting what
+thou hast said unto me of Phalguna, the son of Pandu, let thy grief born
+of thy anxiety of heart, O lord of splendour, be dispelled touching him
+and myself; for I shall surely conquer Arjuna in battle! Thou knowest, O
+deity, that I have great strength of weapons obtained from Jamadagnya
+and the high-souled Drona. Permit me now, O foremost of celestials, to
+observe my vow, so that unto him of the thunderbolt coming to beg of me,
+I may give away even my life!'
+
+"Surya said, 'If O son, thou givest away thy ear-rings to the wielder of
+the thunder-bolt, O thou of mighty strength, thou shouldst also, for the
+purpose of securing victory, speak unto him, saying,--_O thou of a
+hundred sacrifices, I shall give thee ear-rings under a
+condition_.--Furnished with the ear-rings, thou art certainly incapable
+of being slain by any being. Therefore, it is, O son, that desirous of
+beholding thee slain in battle by Arjuna, the destroyer of the Danavas
+desireth to deprive thee of thy ear-rings. Repeatedly adoring with
+truthful words that lord of the celestials, viz., Purandara armed with
+weapons incapable of being frustrated, do thou also beseech him, saying,
+"Give me an infallible dart capable of slaying all foes, and I will, O
+thousand-eyed deity, give the ear-rings with the excellent coat of
+mail!" On this condition shouldst thou give the ear-rings unto Sakra.
+With that dart, O Karna, thou wilt slay foes in battle: for, O
+mighty-armed one, that dart of the chief of the celestials doth not
+return to the hand that hurleth it, without slaying enemies by hundreds
+and by thousands!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this, the thousand-rayed deity
+suddenly vanished away. The next day, after having told his prayers,
+Karna related his dream unto the Sun. And Vrisha related unto him the
+vision he had seen, and all that had passed between them in the night.
+Thereupon, having heard everything, that enemy of Swarbhanu, that lord,
+the resplendent and divine Surya, said unto him with a smile, 'It is
+even so!' Then Radha's son, that slayer of hostile heroes, knowing all
+about the matter, and desirous of obtaining the dart, remained in
+expectation of Vasava."
+
+
+SECTION CCCI
+
+Janamejaya said, "What was that secret which was not revealed to Karna
+by the deity of warm rays? Of what kind also were those ear-rings and of
+what sort was that coat of mail? Whence, too, was that mail and those
+ear-rings? All this, O best of men. I wish to hear! O thou possessed of
+the wealth of asceticism, do tell me all this!"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "I will, O monarch, tell thee that secret which was
+not revealed by the deity possessed of the wealth of effulgence. I will
+also describe unto thee those ear-rings and that coat of mail. Once on a
+time, O king, there appeared before Kuntibhoja a Brahmana of fierce
+energy and tall stature, bearing a beard and matted locks, and carrying
+a staff in his hand. And, he was agreeable to the eye and of faultless
+limbs, and seemed to blaze forth in splendour. And he was possessed of a
+yellow-blue complexion like that of honey. And his speech was
+mellifluous, and he was adorned with ascetic merit and a knowledge of
+the _Vedas_. And that person of great ascetic merit, addressing king
+Kuntibhoja, said, 'O thou that are free from pride, I wish to live as a
+guest in thy house feeding on the food obtained as alms from thee!
+Neither thy followers, nor thou thyself, shall ever act in such a way as
+to produce my displeasure! If, O sinless one, it liketh thee, I would
+then live in thy house thus! I shall leave thy abode when I wish, and
+come back when I please. And, O king, no one shall offend me in respect
+of my food or bed.'--Then Kuntibhoja spake unto him these words
+cheerfully, 'Be it so, and more.' And he again said unto him, 'O thou of
+great wisdom, I have an illustrious daughter named Pritha. And she
+beareth an excellent character, is observant of vow, chaste, and of
+subdued senses. And she shall attend on thee and minister unto thee with
+reverence. And thou wilt be pleased with her disposition!' And having
+said this to that Brahmana and duly paid him homage, the king went to
+his daughter Pritha of large eyes, and spake thus unto her, 'O child,
+this eminently pious Brahmana is desirous of dwelling in my house! I
+have accepted his proposal, saying,--_So be it_, relying, O child, on
+thy aptitude and skill in ministering unto Brahmanas. It, therefore,
+behoveth thee to act in such a manner that my words may not be untrue.
+Do thou give him with alacrity whatever this reverend Brahmana possessed
+of ascetic merit and engaged in the study of the Vedas, may want. Let
+everything that this Brahmana asketh for be given to him cheerfully. A
+Brahmana is the embodiment of pre-eminent energy: he is also the
+embodiment of the highest ascetic merit. It is in consequence of the
+virtuous practices of Brahmanas that the sun shineth in the heavens. It
+was for their disregard of Brahmanas that were deserving of honour that
+the mighty _Asura_ Vatapi, as also Talajangha, was destroyed by the
+curse of the Brahmanas. For the present, O child, it is a highly
+virtuous one of that order that is entrusted to thy keep. Thou shouldst
+always tend this Brahmana with concentrated mind. O daughter, I know
+that, from childhood upwards, thou hast ever been attentive to
+Brahmanas, and superiors, and relatives, and servants, and friends, to
+thy mothers and myself. I know thou bearest thyself well, bestowing
+proper regard upon everyone. And, O thou of faultless limbs, in the city
+of the interior of my palace, on account of thy gentle behaviour, there
+is not one, even among the servants, that is dissatisfied with thee. I
+have, therefore, thought thee fit to wait upon all Brahmanas of wrathful
+temper. Thou art, O Pritha, a girl and has been adopted as my daughter.
+Thou art born in the race of the Vrishnis, and art the favourite
+daughter of Sura. Thou wert, O girl, given to me gladly by thy father
+himself. The sister of Vasudeva by birth, thou art (by adoption) the
+foremost of my children. Having promised me in these words,--_I will
+give my first born_,--thy father gladly gave thee to me while thou wert
+yet in thy infancy. It is for this reason that thou art my daughter.
+Born in such a race and reared in such a race, thou hast come from one
+happy state to another like a lotus transferred from one lake to
+another. O auspicious girl, women, specially they that are of mean
+extraction, although they may with difficulty be kept under restraint,
+become in consequence of their unripe age, generally deformed in
+character. But thou, O Pritha, art born in a royal race, and thy beauty
+also is extraordinary. And then, O girl, thou art endued with every
+accomplishment. Do thou, therefore, O damsel, renouncing pride and
+haughtiness and a sense of self-importance, wait upon and worship the
+boon-giving Brahmana, and thereby attain, O Pritha, to an auspicious
+state! By acting thus, O auspicious and sinless girl, thou wilt surely
+attain to auspiciousness! But if on the contrary, thou stirrest up the
+anger of this best of the twice-born ones, my entire race will be
+consumed by him!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCII
+
+"Kunti said, 'According to thy promise, I will, O king, with
+concentrated mind, serve that Brahmana. O foremost of kings, I do not
+say this falsely. It is my nature to worship Brahmanas. And, as in the
+present case, my doing so would be agreeable to thee, even this would be
+highly conducive to my welfare. Whether that worshipful one cometh in
+the evening, or in morning, or at night or even at midnight, he will
+have no reason to be angry with me! O foremost of kings, to do good by
+serving the twice-born ones, observing all thy commands, is what I
+consider to be highly profitable to me, O best of men! Do thou,
+therefore, O foremost of monarchs rely on me! That best of Brahmanas,
+while residing in thy house, shall never have cause for dissatisfaction,
+I tell thee truly. I shall, O king, be always attentive to that which is
+agreeable to this Brahmana, and what is fraught also with good to thee.
+O sinless one! I know full well that Brahmanas that are eminently
+virtuous, when propitiated bestow salvation, and when displeased, are
+capable of bringing about destruction upon the offender. Therefore, I
+shall please this foremost of Brahmanas. Thou wilt not, O monarch, come
+to any grief from that best of regenerate persons, owing to any act of
+mine. In consequence of the transgressions of monarchs, Brahmanas, O
+foremost of kings, became the cause of evil to them, as Chyavana had
+become, in consequence of the act of Sukanya. I will, therefore, O king,
+with great regularity, wait upon that best of Brahmanas according to thy
+instructions in that respect!' And when she had thus spoken at length,
+the king embraced and cheered her, and instructed her in detail as to
+what should be done by her. And the king said, 'Thou shall, O gentle
+maid, act even thus, without fear, for my good as also thy own, and for
+the good of thy race also, O thou of faultless limbs!' And having said
+this the illustrious Kuntibhoja, who was devoted to the Brahmanas, made
+over the girl Pritha to that Brahmana, saying, 'This my daughter, O
+Brahmana, is of tender age and brought up in luxury. If, therefore, she
+transgresses at any time, do thou not take that to heart! Illustrious
+Brahmanas are never angry with old men, children, and ascetics, even if
+these transgress frequently. In respect of even a great wrong
+forgiveness is due from the regenerate. The worship, therefore, O best
+of Brahmanas, that is offered to the best of one's power and exertion,
+should be acceptable!' Hearing these words of the monarch, the Brahmana
+said, 'So be it!' Thereupon, the king became highly pleased and assigned
+unto him apartments that were white as swans or the beams of the moon.
+And in the room intended for the sacrificial fire, the king placed a
+brilliant seat especially constructed for him. And the food and other
+things that were offered unto the Brahmana were of the same excellent
+kind. And casting aside idleness and all sense of self-importance, the
+princess addressed herself with right good will to wait upon the
+Brahmana. And the chaste Kunti, endued with purity of conduct, went
+thither for serving the Brahmana. And duly waiting upon that Brahmana as
+if he were a very god, she gratified him highly."
+
+
+SECTION CCCIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And that maiden of rigid vows, O mighty monarch, by
+serving with a pure heart, that Brahmana of rigid vows, succeeded in
+gratifying him. And, O foremost of kings, saying, 'I will come back in
+the morning,' that best of Brahmanas sometimes came in the evening or in
+night. Him, however, the maiden worshipped at all hours with sumptuous
+food and drink and bed. And as day after day passed away, her attentions
+to him, in respect of food and seat and bed, increased instead of
+undergoing any diminution. And, O king, even when the Brahmana reproved
+her, finding fault with any of her arrangements, or addressed her in
+harsh words, Pritha did not do anything that was disagreeable to him.
+And on many occasions the Brahmana came back after the appointed hour
+had long passed away. And on many occasions (such as the depth of night)
+when food was hard to procure, he said, 'Give me food!' But on all those
+occasions saying, 'All is ready,'--Pritha held before him the fare. And
+even like a disciple, daughter, or a sister, that blameless gem of a
+girl with a devoted heart, O king, gratified that foremost of Brahmanas.
+And that best of Brahmanas became well-pleased with her conduct and
+ministrations. And he received those attentions of hers, valuing them
+rightly. And, O Bharata, her father asked her every morning and evening
+saying, 'O daughter, is the Brahmana satisfied with thy ministrations?'
+And that illustrious maiden used to reply, 'Exceedingly well!' And
+thereupon, the high-souled Kuntibhoja experienced the greatest delight.
+And when after a full year that best of ascetics was unable to find any
+fault whatever in Pritha, who was engaged in ministering unto him,
+well-pleased he said unto her, 'O gentle maid, I have been well-pleased
+with thy attentions, O beautiful girl! Do thou, O blessed girl, ask even
+for such boons as are difficult of being obtained by men in this world,
+and obtaining which, thou mayst surpass in fame all the women in this
+world.' At these words of his, Kunti said, 'Everything hath already been
+done in my behalf since thou, O chief of those that are versed in the
+_Vedas_, and my father also, have been pleased with me! As regards the
+boons, I consider them as already obtained by me, O Brahmana!' The
+Brahmana thereupon said, 'If, O gentle maid, thou dost not, O thou of
+sweet smiles, wish to obtain boons from me, do thou then take this
+_mantra_ from me for invoking the celestials! Any one amongst the
+celestials whom thou mayst invoke by uttering this _mantra_, will appear
+before thee and be under thy power. Willing or not, by virtue of this
+_mantra_, that deity in gentle guise, and assuming the obedient attitude
+of slave, will become subject to thy power!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, that faultless maiden could
+not, O king, from fear of a curse, refuse for the second time compliance
+with the wishes of that best of the twice-born ones. Then, O king, that
+Brahmana imparted unto that girl of faultless limbs those _mantras_
+which are recited in the beginning of the _Atharvan Veda_. And, O king,
+having imparted unto her those _mantras_, he said unto Kuntibhoja. 'I
+have, O monarch, dwelt happily in thy house, always worshipped with due
+regard and gratified by thy daughter. I shall now depart.' And saying
+this, he vanished there and then. And beholding that Brahmana vanish
+there and then, the king was struck with amazement. And the monarch then
+treated his daughter Pritha with proper regard."
+
+
+SECTION CCCIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of Brahmanas had gone away on
+some other errand, the maiden began to ponder over the virtue of those
+_mantras_. And she said to herself, 'Of what nature are those _mantras_
+that have been bestowed on me by that high-souled one? I shall without
+delay test their power.' And as she was thinking in this way, she
+suddenly perceived indications of the approach of her season. And her
+season having arrived, while she was yet unmarried, she blushed in
+shame. And it came to pass that as she was seated in her chamber on a
+rich bed, she beheld the solar orb rising in the east. And both the mind
+and the eyes of that maiden of excellent waist became rivetted fast upon
+the solar orb. And she gazed and gazed on that orb without being
+satiated with the beauty of the morning Sun. And she suddenly became
+gifted with celestial sight. And then she beheld that god of divine form
+accoutred in mail and adorned with ear-rings. And at sight of the god, O
+lord of men, she became curious as to the (potency of the) _mantras_.
+And thereupon that maiden resolved to invoke him. And having recourse to
+_Pranayama_, she invoked the Maker of day. And thus invoked by her, O
+king, the Maker of day speedily presented himself. And he was of a
+yellowish hue like honey, and was possessed of mighty arms, and his neck
+was marked with lines like those of a conchshell. And furnished with
+armlets, and decked with a diadem, he came smiling, and illumining all
+the directions. And it was by _Yoga_ power that he divided himself in
+twain, one of which continued to give heat, and the other appeared
+before Kunti. And he addressed Kunti in words that were exceedingly
+sweet, saying, 'O gentle maiden, over-powered by the _mantras_, I come
+hither obedient to thee. Subject as I am to thy power, what shall I do,
+O queen? Tell me, for I shall do whatever thou mayst command.' Hearing
+these words of the deity, Kunti said, 'O worshipful one, go thou back to
+the place thou hast come from! I invoked thee from curiosity alone.
+Pardon me, O worshipful one!' Surya then said, 'O damsel of slender
+waist, I will, even as thou hast said, return to the place I have come
+from! Having called a celestial, it is not, however, proper to send him
+away in vain. Thy intention, O blessed one, it is to have from Surya a
+son furnished with a coat of mail and ear-rings, and who in point of
+prowess would be beyond compare in this world! Do thou, therefore, O
+damsel of elephantine gait, surrender thy person to me! Thou shall then
+have, O lady, a son after thy wish! O gentle girl, O thou of sweet
+smiles, I will go back after having known thee! If thou do not gratify
+me to-day by obeying my word, I shall in anger curse thee, thy father
+and that Brahmana also. For thy fault, I will surely consume them all,
+and I shall inflict condign punishment on that foolish father of thine
+that knoweth not this transgression of thine and on that Brahmana who
+hath bestowed the _mantras_ on thee without knowing thy disposition and
+character! Yonder are all the celestials in heaven, with Purandara at
+their head, who are looking at me with derisive smiles at my being
+deceived by thee, O lady! Look at those celestials, for thou art now
+possessed of celestial sight! Before this I have endued thee with
+celestial vision, in consequence of which thou couldst see me!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon the princess beheld the celestials
+standing in the firmament, each in his proper sphere, even as she saw
+before her that highly resplendent deity furnished with rays, viz.,
+Surya himself. And beholding them all, the girl became frightened and
+her face was suffused with blushes of shame. And then she addressed
+Surya, saying, 'O lord of rays, go thou back to thy own region. On
+account of my maidenhood, this outrage of thine is fraught with woe to
+me! It is only one's father, mother, and other superiors, that are
+capable of giving away their daughter's body. Virtue I shall never
+sacrifice, seeing that in this world the keeping of their persons
+inviolate is deemed as the highest duty of Women, and is held in high
+regard! O thou possessed of wealth of splendour, it is only to test the
+power of my _mantras_ that I have, from mere childishness, summoned
+thee. Considering that this hath been done by a girl of tender years, it
+behoveth thee, O lord, to forgive her!' Then Surya said, 'It is because
+I consider thee a girl that, O Kunti, I am speaking to thee so mildly.
+To one that is not so I would not concede this. Do thou, O Kunti,
+surrender thyself! Thou shalt surely attain happiness thereby. Since, O
+timid maiden, thou hast invoked me with _mantras_, it is not proper for
+me to go away without any purpose being attained, for, if I do so I
+shall then, O thou of faultless limbs, be the object of laughter in the
+world, and, O beauteous damsel, a bye-word with all the celestials. Do
+thou, therefore, yield to me! By that thou shalt obtain a son even like
+myself, and thou shalt also be much praised in all the world.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Although that noble girl addressed him in various
+sweet words, yet she was unable to dissuade that deity of a thousand
+rays. And when she failed to dissuade the dispeller of darkness, at last
+from fear of a curse, she reflected, O king, for a long time!--'How may
+my innocent father, and that Brahmana also, escape the angry Surya's
+curse for my sake? Although energy and asceticism are capable of
+destroying sins, yet even honest persons, if they be of unripe age,
+should not foolishly court them. By foolishly acting in that way I have
+today been placed in a frightful situation. Indeed, I have been placed
+entirely within the grasp of this deity. Ye how can I do what is sinful
+by taking it on myself to surrender my person to him?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "afflicted with fear of a curse, and thinking
+much within herself, an utter stupefaction of the senses came upon her.
+And she was so confounded that she could not settle what to do. Afraid,
+on the one hand, O king, of the reproach of friends if she obeyed the
+deity, and, on the other, of his curse if she disobeyed him, the damsel
+at last, O foremost of kings, said these words unto that god, in accents
+tremulous with bashfulness, 'O god, as my father and mother and friends
+are still living, this violation of duty on my part should not take
+place. If, O god, I commit this unlawful act with thee, the reputation
+of this race shall be sacrificed in this world on my account. If thou,
+however, O thou foremost of those that impart heat, deem this to be a
+meritorious act, I shall then fulfil thy desire even though my relatives
+may not have bestowed me on thee! May I remain chaste after having
+surrendered my person to thee! Surely, the virtue, the reputation, the
+fame, and the life of every creature are established in thee!' Hearing
+these words of hers, Surya replied, 'O thou of sweet smiles, neither thy
+father, nor thy mother, nor any other superior of thine, is competent to
+give thee away! May good betide thee, O beauteous damsel! Do thou listen
+to my words! It is because a virgin desireth the company of every one,
+that she hath received the appellation of _Kanya_, from the root _kama_
+meaning to desire. Therefore, O thou of excellent hips and the fairest
+complexion, a virgin is, by nature, free in this world. Thou shalt not,
+O lady, by any means, be guilty of any sin by complying with my request.
+And how can I, who am desirous of the welfare of all creatures, commit
+an unrighteous act? That all men and women should be bound by no
+restraints, is the law of nature. The opposite condition is the
+perversion of the natural state. Thou shalt remain a virgin after having
+gratified me. And thy son shall also be mighty-armed and illustrious.'
+Thereupon Kunti said, 'If, O dispeller of darkness, I obtain a son from
+thee, may he be furnished with a coat of mail and ear-rings, and may he
+be mighty-armed and endued with great strength!' Hearing these words of
+hers, Surya answered, 'O gentle maiden, thy son shall be mighty-armed
+and decked with ear-rings and a celestial coat of mail. And both his
+ear-rings and coat of mail will be made of _Amrita_, and his coat will
+also be invulnerable.' Kunti then said, 'If the excellent mail and
+ear-rings of the son thou wilt beget on me, be, indeed, made of
+_Amrita_, then, O god, O worshipful deity, let thy purpose be fulfilled!
+May he be powerful, strong, energetic, and handsome, even like thee, and
+may he also be endued with virtue!' Surya then said, 'O princess, O
+excellent damsel, these ear-rings had been given to me by Aditi. O timid
+lady, I will bestow them, as also this excellent mail, on thy son!'
+Kunti then said, 'Very well, O worshipful one! If my son, O lord of
+light, become so, I will, as thou sayest, gratify thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of hers Surya said, 'So be
+it!' And that ranger of the skies, that enemy of Swarbhanu, with soul
+absorbed in _Yoga_, entered into Kunti, and touched her on the navel. At
+this, that damsel, on account of Surya's energy, became stupefied. And
+that reverend lady then fell down on her bed, deprived of her senses.
+Surya then addressed her, saying, 'I will now depart, O thou of graceful
+hips! Thou shalt bring forth a son who will become the foremost of all
+wielders of weapons. At the same time thou shalt remain a virgin.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O foremost of kings, as the highly
+effulgent Surya was about to depart, that girl bashfully said unto him,
+'So be it!' And it was thus that the daughter of king Kuntibhoja,
+importuned by Surya, had after soliciting a son from him, fallen down
+stupefied on that excellent bed, like a broken creeper. And it was thus
+that deity of fierce rays, stupefying her, entered into her by virtue of
+_Yoga_ power, and placed his own self within her womb. The deity,
+however, did not sully her by deflowering her in the flesh. And after
+Surya had gone away, that girl regained her consciousness."
+
+
+SECTION CCCVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "It was, O lord of earth, on the first day of the
+lighted fortnight during the tenth month of the year that Pritha
+conceived a son like the lord himself of the stars in the firmament. And
+that damsel of excellent hips from fear of her friends, concealed her
+conception, so that no one knew her condition. And as the damsel lived
+entirely in the apartments assigned to the maidens and carefully
+concealed her condition, no one except her nurse knew the truth. And in
+due time that beauteous maiden, by the grace of deity, brought forth a
+son resembling a very god. And even like his father, the child was
+equipped in a coat of mail, and decked with brilliant ear-rings. And he
+was possessed of leonine eyes and shoulders like those of a bull. And no
+sooner was the beauteous girl delivered of a child, then she consulted
+with her nurse and placed the infant in a commodious and smooth box made
+of wicker work and spread over with soft sheets and furnished with a
+costly pillow. And its surface was laid over with wax, and it was
+encased in a rich cover. And with tears in her eyes, she carried the
+infant to the river Aswa, and consigned the basket to its waters. And
+although she knew it to be improper for an unmarried girl to bear
+offspring, yet from parental affection, O foremost of kings, she wept
+piteously. Do thou listen to the words Kunti weepingly uttered, while
+consigning the box to the waters of the river Aswa, 'O child, may good
+betide thee at the hands of all that inhabit the land, the water, the
+sky, and the celestial regions. May all thy paths be auspicious! May no
+one obstruct thy way! And, O son, may all that come across thee have
+their hearts divested of hostility towards thee: And may that lord of
+waters, Varuna, protect thee in water! And may the deity that rangeth
+the skies completely protect thee in the sky. And may, O son, that best
+of those that impart heat, viz., Surya, thy father, and from whom I have
+obtained thee as ordained by Destiny, protect thee everywhere! And may
+the _Adityas_ and the _Vasus_, the _Rudras_ and the _Sadhyas_, the
+_Viswadevas_ and the _Maruts_, and the cardinal points with the great
+Indra and the regents presiding over them, and, indeed, all the
+celestials, protect thee in every place! Even in foreign lands I shall
+be able to recognise thee by this mail of thine! Surely, thy sire, O
+son, the divine Surya possessed of the wealth of splendour, is blessed,
+for he will with his celestial sight behold thee going down the current!
+Blessed also is that lady who will, O thou that are begotten by a god,
+take thee for her son, and who will give thee suck when thou art
+thirsty! And what a lucky dream hath been dreamt by her that will adopt
+thee for her son, thee that is endued with solar splendour, and
+furnished with celestial mail, and adorned with celestial ear-rings,
+thee that hast expansive eyes resembling lotuses, a complexion bright as
+burnished copper or lotus leaves, a fair forehead, and hair ending in
+beautiful curls! O son, she that will behold thee crawl on the ground,
+begrimed with dust, and sweetly uttering inarticulate words, is surely
+blessed! And she also, O son, that will behold thee arrive at thy
+youthful prime like maned lion born in Himalayan forests, is surely
+blessed!'"
+
+"O king, having thus bewailed long and piteously, Pritha laid the basket
+on the waters of the river Aswa. And the lotus-eyed damsel, afflicted
+with grief on account of her son and weeping bitterly, with her nurse
+cast the basket at dead of night, and though desirous of beholding her
+son often and again, returned, O monarch, to the palace, fearing lest
+her father should come to know of what had happened. Meanwhile, the
+basket floated from the river Aswa to the river Charmanwati, and from
+the Charmanwati it passed to the Yamuna, and so on to the Ganga. And
+carried by the waves of the Ganga, the child contained in the basket
+came to the city of Champa ruled by a person of the _Suta_ tribe.
+Indeed, the excellent coat of mail and those ear-rings made of _Amrita_
+that were born with his body, as also the ordinance of Destiny, kept the
+child alive."
+
+
+SECTION CCCVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And it came to pass that at this time a _Suta_ named
+Adhiratha, who was a friend of Dhritarashtra, came to the river Ganga,
+accompanied by his wife. And, O king, his wife named Radha was
+unparalleled on earth for beauty. And although that highly blessed dame
+had made great endeavours to obtain a son, yet she had failed, O
+represser of foes, to obtain one. And on coming to the river Ganga, she
+beheld a box drifting along the current. And containing articles capable
+of protecting from dangers and decked with unguents, that box was
+brought before her by the waves of the Janhavi. And attracted by
+curiosity, the lady caused it to be seized. And she then related all
+unto Adhiratha of the charioteer caste. And hearing this Adhiratha took
+away the box from the water-side, and opened it by means of instruments.
+And then he beheld a boy resembling the morning Sun. And the infant was
+furnished with golden mail, and looked exceedingly beautiful with a face
+decked in ear-rings. And thereupon the charioteer, together with his
+wife, was struck with such astonishment that their eyes expanded in
+wonder. And taking the infant on his lap, Adhiratha said unto his wife,
+'Ever since I was born, O timid lady, I had never seen such a wonder.
+This child that hath come to us must be of celestial birth. Surely,
+sonless as I am, it is the gods that have sent him unto me!' Saying
+this, O lord of earth, he gave the infant to Radha. And thereat, Radha
+adopted, according to the ordinance, that child of celestial form and
+divine origin, and possessed of the splendour of the filaments of the
+lotus and furnished with excellent grace. And duly reared by her, that
+child endued with great prowess began to grow up. And after Karna's
+adoption, Adhiratha had other sons begotten by himself. And seeing the
+child furnished with bright mail and golden ear-rings, the twice-born
+ones named him Vasusena. And thus did that child endued with great
+splendour and immeasurable prowess became the son of the charioteer, and
+came to be known as Vasusena and Vrisha. And Pritha learnt through spies
+that her own son clad in celestial mail was growing up amongst the Angas
+as the eldest son of a charioteer (Adhiratha). And seeing that in
+process of time his son had grown up, Adhiratha sent him to the city
+named after the elephant. And there Karna put up with Drona, for the
+purpose of learning arms. And that powerful youth contracted a
+friendship with Duryodhana. And having acquired all the four kinds of
+weapons from Drona, Kripa, and Rama, he became famous in the world as a
+mighty bowman. And after having contracted a friendship with
+Dhritarashtra's son, he became intent on injuring the sons of Pritha.
+And he was always desirous of fighting with the high-souled Phalguna.
+And, O king, ever since they first saw each other, Karna always used to
+challenge Arjuna, and Arjuna, on his part, used to challenge him. This,
+O foremost of kings, was without doubt, the secret known to the Sun,
+viz., begot by himself on Kunti, Karna was being reared in the race of
+the _Sutas_. And beholding him decked with his ear-rings and mail,
+Yudhishthira thought him to be unslayable in fight, and was exceedingly
+pained at it. And when, O foremost of monarchs, Karna after rising from
+the water, used at mid-day to worship the effulgent Surya with joined
+hands, the Brahmanas used to solicit him for wealth. And at that time
+there was nothing that he would not give away to the twice-born ones.
+And Indra, assuming the guise of a Brahmana, appeared before him (at
+such a time) and said, 'Give me!' And thereupon Radha's son replied unto
+him, 'Thou art welcome!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And when the king of the celestials presented
+himself in the guise of a Brahmana, beholding him, Karna said,
+'Welcome!' And not knowing his intention, Adhiratha's son addressed the
+Brahmana, saying, 'Of a necklace of gold, and beauteous damsels, and
+villages with plenty of kine, which shall I give thee?' Thereupon the
+Brahmana replied, 'I ask thee not to give me either a necklace of gold,
+or fair damsels, or any other agreeable object. To those do thou give
+them that ask for them. If, O sinless one, thou art sincere in thy vow,
+then wilt thou, cutting off (from thy person) this coat of mail born
+with thy body, and these ear-rings also, bestow them on me! I desire, O
+chastiser of foes, that thou mayst speedily give me these; for, this one
+gain of mine will be considered as superior to every other gain!'
+Hearing these words, Karna said, 'O Brahmana, I will give thee homestead
+land, and fair damsels, and kine, and fields; but my mail and ear-rings
+I am unable to give thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Although thus urged with various words by
+Karna, still, O chief of the Bharata race, that Brahmana did not ask for
+any other boon. And although Karna sought to pacify him to the best of
+his power, and worshipped him duly, yet that best of Brahmanas did not
+ask for any other boon. And when that foremost of Brahmanas did not ask
+for any other boon, Radha's son again spake unto him with a smile, 'My
+mail, O regenerate one, hath been born with my body, and this pair of
+ear-rings hath arisen from _Amrita_. It is for these that I am
+unslayable in the worlds. Therefore, I cannot part with them. Do thou, O
+bull among Brahmanas, accept from me the entire kingdom of the earth,
+rid of enemies and full of prosperity! O foremost of regenerate ones, if
+I am deprived of my ear-rings, and the mail born with my body, I shall
+be liable to be vanquished by the foes!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When the illustrious slayer of Paka refused to
+ask for any other boon, Karna with a smile again addressed him, saying,
+'O god of gods, even before this, I had recognised thee, O Lord! O
+Sakra, it is not proper for me to confer on thee any unprofitable boon,
+for thou art the very lord of the celestials! On the contrary, being as
+thou art the Creator and lord of all beings, it is thou that shouldst
+confer boons on me! If, O god, I give thee this coat of mail and
+ear-rings, then I am sure to meet with destruction, and thou shalt also
+undergo ridicule! Therefore, O Sakra, take my earrings and excellent
+mail in exchange for something conferred by thee on me! Otherwise, I
+will not bestow them on thee!' Thereupon Sakra replied, 'Even before I
+had come to thee, Surya had known of my purpose and without doubt, it is
+he that hath unfolded everything unto thee! O Karna, be it as thou
+wishest! O son, except the thunder-bolt alone, tell me what it is that
+thou desirest to have!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Indra, Karna was filled
+with delight and seeing that his purpose was about to be accomplished he
+approached Vasava, and intent upon obtaining a dart incapable of being
+baffled, he addressed Indra, saying, 'Do thou, O Vasava, in exchange for
+my coat of mail and ear-rings, give me a dart incapable of being
+baffled, and competent to destroy hosts of enemies when arrayed in order
+of battle!' Thereupon, O ruler of earth, fixing his mind for a moment on
+the dart (for bringing it there), Vasava thus spake unto Karna, 'Do thou
+give me thy ear-rings, and the coat of mail born with thy body, and in
+return take this dart on these terms! When I encounter the _Daitya_ in
+battle, this dart that is incapable of being baffled, hurled by my hand,
+destroyeth enemies by hundreds, and cometh back to my hand after
+achieving its purpose. In thy hand, however, this dart, O son of _Suta_,
+will slay only one powerful enemy of thine. And having achieved that
+feat, it will, roaring and blazing, return to me!' Thereat Karna said,
+'I desire to slay in fierce fight even one enemy of mine, who roareth
+fiercely and is hot as fire, and of whom I am in fear!' At this, Indra
+said, 'Thou shall slay such a roaring and powerful foe in battle. But
+that one whom thou seekest to slay, is protected by an illustrious
+personage. Even He whom persons versed in the Vedas call '_the
+invincible Boar_,' and '_the incomprehensible Narayana_,' even that
+Krishna himself, is protecting him!' Thereupon Karna replied, 'Even if
+this be so, do thou, O illustrious one give me the weapon that will
+destroy only one powerful foe! I shall, on my part, bestow on thee my
+mail and ear-rings, cutting them off my person. Do thou, however, grant
+that my body, thus wounded, may not be unsightly!' Hearing this, Indra
+said, 'As thou, O Karna, art bent upon observing the truth, thy person
+shall not be unsightly, or shall any scar remain on it. And, O thou best
+of those that are graced with speech, O Karna, thou shall be possessed
+of complexion and energy of thy father himself. And if, maddened by
+wrath, thou hurlest this dart, while there are still other weapons with
+thee, and when thy life also is not in imminent peril, it will fall even
+on thyself.' Karna answered, 'As thou directest me, O Sakra, I shall
+hurl this _Vasavi_ dart only when I am in imminent peril! Truly I tell
+thee this!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon, O king, taking the blazing dart,
+Karna began to peel off his natural mail. And beholding Karna cutting
+his own body, the entire host of celestials and men and _Danavas_ set up
+a leonine roar. And Karna betrayed no contortions of face while peeling
+his mail. And beholding that hero among men thus cutting his body with
+an weapon, smiling ever and anon, celestial kettle-drums began to be
+played upon and celestial flowers began to be showered on him. And Karna
+cutting off the excellent mail from his person, gave it to Vasava, still
+dripping. And cutting off his ear-rings also from off his ears, he made
+them over to Indra. And it is for this fact that he came to be called
+Karna. And Sakra, having thus beguiled Karna that made him famous in the
+world, thought with a smile that the business of the sons of Pandu had
+already been completed. And having done all this, he ascended to heaven.
+And hearing that Karna had been beguiled, all the sons of Dhritarashtra
+became distressed and shorn of pride. And the sons of Pritha, on the
+other hand, learning that such plight had befallen the son of the
+charioteer, were filled with joy."
+
+Janamejaya said, "Where were those heroes, the sons of Pandu, at that
+time? And from whom did they hear this welcome news? And what also did
+they do, when the twelfth year of their exile passed away? Do thou, O
+illustrious one, tell me all this!"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated the chief of the Saindhavas, and
+rescued Krishna, and having outlived the entire term of their painful
+exile in the woods, and having listened to the ancient stories about
+gods and _Rishis_ recited by Markandeya, those heroes among men returned
+from their asylum in Kamyaka to the sacred Dwaitavana, with all their
+cars, and followers, and accompanied by their charioteers, their kine,
+and the citizens who had followed them."
+
+
+SECTION CCCIX
+
+(_Aranya Parva_)
+
+Janamejaya said, "Having felt great affliction on account of the
+abduction of their wife and having rescued Krishna thereafter, what did
+the Pandavas next do?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having felt great affliction on account of the
+abduction of Krishna, king Yudhishthira of unfading glory, with his
+brothers, left the woods of Kamyaka and returned to the delightful and
+picturesque Dwaitavana abounding in trees and containing delicious
+fruits and roots. And the sons of Pandu with their wife Krishna began to
+reside there, living frugally on fruits and practising rigid vows. And
+while those repressers of foes, the virtuous king Yudhishthira, the son
+of Kunti, and Bhimasena, and Arjuna, and those other sons of Pandu born
+of Madri, were dwelling in Dwaitavana, practising rigid vows, they
+underwent, for the sake of a Brahmana, great trouble, which, however,
+was destined to bring about their future happiness. I will tell thee all
+about the trouble which those foremost of Kurus underwent while living
+in those woods, and which in the end brought about their happiness. Do
+thou listen to it! Once on a time, as a deer was butting about, it
+chanced that the two sticks for making fire and a churning staff
+belonging to a Brahmana devoted to ascetic austerities, struck fast into
+its antlers. And, thereupon, O king, that powerful deer of exceeding
+fleetness with long bounds, speedily went out of the hermitage, taking
+those articles away. And, O foremost of Kurus, seeing those articles of
+his thus carried away, the Brahmana, anxious on account of his
+_Agnihotra_, quickly came before the Pandavas. And approaching without
+loss of time Ajatasatru seated in that forest with his brothers, the
+Brahmana, in great distress, spake these words, 'As a deer was butting
+about, it happened, O king, that my fire-sticks and churning staff which
+had been placed against a large tree stuck fast to its antlers. O king,
+that powerful deer of exceeding fleetness hath speedily gone out of the
+hermitage with long bounds, taking those articles away. Tracking that
+powerful deer, O king, by its foot-prints, do ye, ye sons of Pandu,
+bring back those articles of mine, so that my _Agnihotra_ may not be
+stopped!' Hearing these words of the Brahmana, Yudhishthira became
+exceedingly concerned. And the son of Kunti taking up his bow sallied
+out with his brothers. And putting on their corselets and equipped with
+their bows, those bulls among men, intent upon serving the Brahmana,
+swiftly sallied out in the wake of the deer. And descrying the deer at
+no great distance, those mighty warriors discharged at it barbed arrows
+and javelins and darts, but the sons of Pandu could not pierce it by any
+means. And as they struggled to pursue and slay it, that powerful deer
+became suddenly invisible. And losing sight of the deer, the
+noble-minded sons of Pandu, fatigued and disappointed and afflicted with
+hunger and thirst, approached a banian tree in that deep forest, and sat
+down in its cool shade. And when they had sat down, Nakula stricken with
+sorrow and urged by impatience, addressed his eldest brother of the Kuru
+race, saying, 'In our race, O king, virtue hath never been sacrificed,
+nor hath there been loss of wealth from insolence. And being asked, we
+have never said to any creature, Nay! Why then in the present case have
+we met with this disaster?'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCX
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'There is no limit to calamities. Nor is it possible
+to ascertain either their final or efficient cause. It is the Lord of
+justice alone who distributeth the fruits of both virtue and vice.'
+Thereupon Bhima said, 'Surely, this calamity hath befallen us, because I
+did not slay the _Pratikamin_ on the very spot, when he dragged Krishna
+as a slave into the assembly.' And Arjuna said, 'Surely, this calamity
+hath befallen us because I resented not those biting words piercing the
+very bones, uttered by the _Suta's_ son!' And Sahadeva said, 'Surely, O
+Bharata, this calamity hath befallen us because I did not slay Sakuni
+when he defeated thee at dice!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then king Yudhishthira addressed Nakula saying,
+'Do thou, O son of Madri, climb this tree and look around the ten points
+of the horizon. Do thou see whether there is water near us or such trees
+as grow on watery grounds! O child, these thy brothers are all fatigued
+and thirsty.' Thereupon saying, 'So be it,' Nakula speedily climbed up a
+tree, and having looked around, said unto his eldest brother, 'O king, I
+see many a tree that groweth by the water-side, and I hear also the
+cries of cranes. Therefore, without doubt, water must be somewhere
+here.' Hearing these words, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, firm in truth,
+said, 'O amiable one, go thou and fetch water in these quivers!' Saying,
+'So be it,' at the command of his eldest brother Nakula quickly
+proceeded towards the place where there was water and soon came upon it.
+And beholding a crystal lake inhabited by cranes he desired to drink of
+it, when he heard these words from the sky, 'O child, do not commit this
+rash act! This lake hath already been in my possession. Do thou, O son
+of Madri, first answer my questions and then drink of this water and
+take away (as much as thou requirest).' Nakula, however, who was
+exceedingly thirsty, disregarding these words, drank of the cool water,
+and having drunk of it, dropped down dead. And, O represser of foes,
+seeing Nakula's delay, Yudhishthira the son of Kunti said unto Sahadeva,
+the heroic brother of Nakula, 'O Sahadeva, it is long since our brother,
+he who was born immediately before thee, hath gone from hence! Do thou,
+therefore, go and bring back thy uterine brother, together with water.'
+At this, Sahadeva, saying, 'So be it,' set out in that direction; and
+coming to the spot, beheld his brother lying dead on the ground. And
+afflicted at the death of his brother, and suffering severely from
+thirst, he advanced towards the water, when these words were heard by
+him, 'O child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been
+in my possession. First answer my question, and then drink of the water
+and take away as much as thou mayst require.' Sahadeva, however, who was
+extremely thirsty, disregarding these words, drank of the water, and
+having drunk of it, dropped down dead. Then Yudhishthira, the son of
+Kunti, said unto Vijaya, 'It is long since, O Vibhatsu, that thy two
+brothers have gone, O represser of foes! Blessed be thou! Do thou bring
+them back, together with water. Thou art, O child, the refuge of us all
+when plunged in distress!' Thus addressed, the intelligent Gudakesa,
+taking his bow and arrows and also his naked sword, set out for that
+lake of waters. And reaching that spot, he whose car was drawn by white
+steeds beheld those tigers among men, his two younger brothers who had
+come to fetch water, lying dead there. And seeing them as if asleep,
+that lion among men, exceedingly aggrieved, raised his bow and began to
+look around that wood. But he found none in that mighty forest. And,
+being fatigued, he who was capable of drawing the bow by his left hand
+as well, rushed in the direction of the water. And as he was rushing
+(towards the water), he heard these words from the sky, 'Why dost thou
+approach this water? Thou shalt not be able to drink of it by force. If
+thou, O Kaunteya, can answer the question I will put to thee, then only
+shalt thou drink of the water and take away as much as thou requirest, O
+Bharata!' Thus forbidden, the son of Pritha said, 'Do thou forbid me by
+appearing before me! And when thou shalt be sorely pierced with my
+arrows, thou wilt not then again speak in this way!' Having said this,
+Partha covered all sides with arrows inspired by _mantras_. And he also
+displayed his skill in shooting at an invisible mark by sound alone.
+And, O bull of the Bharata race, sorely afflicted with thirst, he
+discharged barbed darts and javelins and iron arrows, and showered on
+the sky innumerable shafts incapable of being baffled. Thereupon, the
+invisible Yaksha said, 'What need of all this trouble, O son of Pritha?
+Do thou drink only after answering my questions! If thou drink, however,
+without answering my questions, thou shalt die immediately after.' Thus
+addressed, Pritha's son Dhananjaya capable of drawing the bow with his
+left hand as well, disregarding those words, drank of the water, and
+immediately after dropped down dead. And (seeing Dhananjaya's delay)
+Kunti's son Yudhishthira addressed Bhimasena, saying, 'O represser of
+foes, it is a long while that Nakula and Sahadeva and Vibhatsu have gone
+to fetch water, and they have not come yet, O Bharata! Good betide thee!
+Do thou bring them back, together with water!' Thereupon saying, 'So be
+it,' Bhimasena set out for that place where those tigers among men, his
+brothers, lay dead. And beholding them, Bhima afflicted though he was
+with thirst, was exceedingly distressed. And that mighty armed hero
+thought all that to have been the act of some Yaksha or Rakshasa. And
+Pritha's son Vrikodara thought, 'I shall surely have to fight today. Let
+me, therefore, first appease my thirst.' Then that bull of the Bharata
+race rushed forward with the intention of drinking. Thereupon the Yaksha
+said, 'O child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been
+in my possession. Do thou first answer my questions, and then drink and
+take away as much water as thou requirest!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by that Yaksha of immeasurable
+energy, Bhima, without answering his questions, drank of the water. And
+as soon as he drank, he fell down dead on the spot. Then thinking that
+his brothers had left him long since, Yudhishthira waited for some time.
+And the king said unto himself again and again, 'Why is it that the two
+sons of Madri are delaying? And why doth the wielder also of the
+_Gandiva_ delay? And why doth Bhima too, endued with great strength,
+delay? I shall go to search for them!' And resolved to do this, the
+mighty-armed Yudhishthira then rose up, his heart burning in grief. And
+that bull among men, the royal son of Kunti thought within himself. 'Is
+this forest under some malign influence? Or, is it infested by some
+wicked beasts? Or, have they all fallen, in consequence of having
+disregarded some mighty being? Or, not finding water in the spot whither
+those heroes had first repaired, they have spent all this time in search
+through the forest? What is that reason for which those bulls among men
+do not come back?' And speaking in this strain, that foremost of
+monarchs, the illustrious Yudhishthira, entered into that mighty forest
+where no human sound was heard and which was inhabited by deer and bears
+and birds, and which was adorned with trees that were bright and green,
+and which echoed with the hum of the black-bee and the notes of winged
+warblers. As he was proceeding along, he beheld that beautiful lake
+which looked as if it had been made by the celestial artificer himself.
+And it was adorned with flowers of a golden hue and with lotuses and
+_Sindhuvars_. And it abounded with canes and _Ketakas_ and _Karaviras_
+and _Pippalas_, and fatigued with toil, Yudhishthira saw that tank and
+was struck with wonder."
+
+
+SECTION CCCXI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Yudhishthira saw his brothers, each possessed of the
+glory of Indra himself, lying dead like the Regents of the world dropped
+from their spheres at the end of the _Yuga_. And beholding Arjuna lying
+dead, with his bow and arrows dropped on the ground, and also Bhimasena
+and the twins motionless and deprived of life, the king breathed a hot
+and long sigh, and was bathed in tears of grief. And beholding his
+brothers lying dead, the mighty armed son of Dharma with heart racked in
+anxiety, began to lament profusely, saying, 'Thou hadst, O mighty-armed
+Vrikodara, vowed, saying,--_I shall with mace smash the thighs of
+Duryodhana in battle!_ O enhancer of the glory of the Kurus, in thy
+death, O mighty-armed and high-souled one, all that hath become
+fruitless now! The promises of men may be ineffectual; but why have the
+words of the gods uttered in respect of thee been thus fruitless? O
+Dhananjaya, while thou wert in thy mother's lying-in-room, the gods had
+said,--_O Kunti, this thy son shall not be inferior to him of a thousand
+eyes!_ And in the northern Paripatra mountains, all beings had sung,
+saying,--_The prosperity (of this race), robbed by foes will be
+recovered by this one without delay. No one will be able to vanquish him
+in battle, while there will be none whom he will not be able to
+vanquish._ Why then hath that Jishnu endued with great strength been
+subject to death? Oh, why doth that Dhananjaya, relying on whom we had
+hitherto endured all this misery, lie on the ground blighting[66] all my
+hopes! Why have those heroes, those mighty sons of Kunti, Bhimasena and
+Dhananjaya, came under the power of the enemy,--those who themselves
+always slew their foes, and whom no weapons could resist! Surely, this
+vile heart of mine must be made of adamant, since, beholding these twins
+lying today on the ground it doth not split! Ye bulls among men, versed
+in holy writ and acquainted with the properties of time and place, and
+endued with ascetic merit, ye who duly performed all sacred rites, why
+lie ye down, without performing acts deserving of you? Alas, why lie ye
+insensible on the earth, with your bodies unwounded, ye unvanquished
+ones, and with your vows untouched?' And beholding his brothers sweetly
+sleeping there as (they usually did) on mountain slopes, the high souled
+king, overwhelmed with grief and bathed in sweat, came to a distressful
+condition. And saying,--It is even so--that virtuous lord of men,
+immersed in an ocean of grief anxiously proceeded to ascertain the cause
+(of that catastrophe). And that mighty-armed and high-souled one,
+acquainted with the divisions of time and place, could not settle his
+course of action. Having thus bewailed much in this strain, the virtuous
+Yudhishthira, the son of _Dharma_ or _Tapu_, restrained his soul and
+began to reflect in his mind as to who had slain those heroes. 'There
+are no strokes of weapons upon these, nor is any one's foot-print here.
+The being must be mighty I ween, by whom my brothers have been slain.
+Earnestly shall I ponder over this, or, let me first drink of the water,
+and then know all. It may be that the habitually crooked-minded
+Duryodhana hath caused this water to be secretly placed here by the king
+of the _Gandharvas_. What man of sense can trust wicked wight of evil
+passions with whom good and evil are alike? Or, perhaps, this may be an
+act of that wicked-souled one through secret messengers of his.' And it
+was thus that that highly intelligent one gave way to diverse
+reflections. He did not believe that water to have been tainted with
+poison, for though dead no corpse-like pallor was on them. 'The colour
+on the faces of these my brothers hath not faded!' And it was thus that
+Yudhishthira thought. And the king continued, 'Each of these foremost of
+men was like unto a mighty cataract. Who, therefore, save Yama himself
+who in due time bringeth about the end of all things, could have baffled
+them thus.' And having concluded this for certain, he began to perform
+his ablutions in that lake. And while he descended into it, he heard
+these words from the sky, uttered by the Yaksha,--'I am a crane, living
+on tiny fish. It is by me that thy younger brothers have been brought
+under the sway of the lord of departed spirits. If thou, O prince,
+answer not the questions put by me, even thou shalt number the fifth
+corpse. Do not, O child, act rashly! This lake hath already been in my
+possession. Having answered my questions first, do thou, O Kunti's son,
+drink and carry away (as much as thou requirest)!' Hearing these words,
+Yudhishthira said, 'Art thou the foremost of the Rudras, or of the
+Vasus, or of the Marutas? I ask, what god art thou? This could not have
+been done by a bird! Who is it that hath overthrown the four mighty
+mountains, viz., the Himavat, the Paripatra, the Vindhya, and the
+Malaya? Great is the feat done by thee, thou foremost of strong persons!
+Those whom neither gods, nor _Gandharvas_ nor _Asuras_, nor _Rakshasas_
+could endure in mighty conflict, have been slain by thee! Therefore,
+exceedingly wonderful is the deed done by thee! I do not know what thy
+business may be, nor do I know thy purpose. Therefore, great is the
+curiosity and fear also that have taken possession of me. My mind is
+greatly agitated, and as my head also is aching, I ask thee, therefore,
+O worshipful one, who art thou that stayest here?' Hearing these words
+the Yaksha said, 'I am, good betide thee, a Yaksha, and not an
+amphibious bird. It is by me that all these brothers of thine, endued
+with mighty prowess, have been slain!'"
+
+    [66] Samhritya--killing.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these accursed words couched in harsh
+syllabus,[67] Yudhishthira, O king, approaching the Yaksha who had
+spoken then, stood there. And that bull among the Bharatas then beheld
+that Yaksha of unusual eyes and huge body tall like a palmyra-palm and
+looking like fire or the Sun, and irresistible and gigantic like a
+mountain, staying on a tree, and uttering a loud roar deep as that of
+the clouds. And the Yaksha said, 'These thy brothers, O king, repeatedly
+forbidden by me, would forcibly take away water. It is for this that
+they have been slain by me! He that wisheth to live, should not, O king,
+drink this water! O son of Pritha, act not rashly! This lake hath
+already been in my possession. Do thou, O son of Kunti, first answer my
+questions, and then take away as much as thou likest!' Yudhishthira
+said, 'I do not, O Yaksha, covet, what is already in thy possession! O
+bull among male beings, virtuous persons never approve that one should
+applaud his own self (without boasting, I shall, therefore, answer thy
+questions, according to my intelligence). Do thou ask me!' The Yaksha
+then said, 'What is it that maketh the Sun rise? Who keeps him company?
+Who causeth him to set? And in whom is he established?' Yudhishthira
+answered, '_Brahma_ maketh the Sun rise; the gods keep him company;
+_Dharma_ causeth him to set; and he is established in truth.'[68] The
+Yaksha asked, 'By what doth one become learned? By what doth he attain
+what is very great? How can one have a second? And, O king, how can one
+acquire intelligence?' Yudhishthira answered, 'It is by the (study of
+the) _Srutis_ that a person becometh learned; it is by ascetic
+austerities that one acquireth what is very great; it is by intelligence
+that a person acquireth a second and it is by serving the old that one
+becometh wise.'[69] The Yaksha asked, 'What constituteth the divinity of
+the Brahmanas? What even is their practice that is like that of the
+pious? What also is the human attribute of the Brahmanas? And what
+practice of theirs is like that of the impious?' Yudhishthira answered,
+'The study of the _Vedas_ constitutes their divinity; their asceticism
+constitutes behaviour that is like that of the pious; their liability to
+death is their human attribute and slander is their impiety.' The Yaksha
+asked, 'What institutes the divinity of the Kshatriyas? What even is
+their practice that is like that of the pious? What is their human
+attribute? And what practice of theirs is like that of the impious?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'Arrows and weapons are their divinity;
+celebration of sacrifices is that act which is like that of the pious;
+liability to fear is their human attribute; and refusal of protection is
+that act of theirs which is like that of the impious.' The Yaksha asked,
+'What is that which constitutes the _Sama_ of the sacrifice? What the
+_Yajus_ of the sacrifice? What is that which is the refuge of a
+sacrifice? And what is that which sacrifice cannot do without?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'Life is the _Sama_ of the sacrifice; the mind is
+the _Yajus_ of the sacrifice; the _Rik_ is that which is the refuge of
+the sacrifice; and it is _Rik_ alone which sacrifice cannot do
+without.'[70] The Yaksha asked, 'What is of the foremost value to those
+that cultivate? What is of the foremost value to those that sow? What is
+of the foremost value to those that wish for prosperity in this world?
+And what is of the foremost value to those that bring forth?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'That which is of the foremost value to those
+that cultivate is rain; that of the foremost value to those that sow is
+seed; that of the foremost value to those that bring forth is
+offspring.'[71] The Yaksha asked, 'What person, enjoying all the objects
+of the senses, endued with intelligence, regarded by the world and liked
+by all beings, though breathing, doth not offer anything to these five,
+viz., gods, guests, servants, _Pitris_, and himself, though endued with
+breath, is not yet alive.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is weightier than the
+earth itself? What is higher than the heavens? What is fleeter than the
+wind? And what is more numerous than grass?' Yudhishthira answered, 'The
+mother is weightier than the earth; the father is higher than the
+heaven; the mind is fleeter than the wind; and our thoughts are more
+numerous than grass.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is that which doth not
+close its eyes while asleep? What is that which doth not move after
+birth? What is that which is without heart? And what is that which
+swells with its own impetus?' Yudhishthira answered, 'A fish doth not
+close its eyes while asleep; an egg doth not move after birth; a stone
+is without heart; and a river swelleth with its own impetus.' The Yaksha
+asked, 'Who is the friend of the exile? Who is the friend of the
+householder? Who is the friend of him that ails? And who is the friend
+of one about to die?' Yudhishthira answered, 'The friend of the exile in
+a distant land is his companion; the friend of the householder is the
+wife; the friend of him that ails is the physician; and the friend of
+him about to die is charity.' The Yaksha asked,--'Who is the guest of
+all creatures? What is the eternal duty? What, O foremost of kings, is
+_Amrita_? And what is this entire Universe?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'_Agni_ is the guest of all creatures; the milk of kine is
+_amrita; Homa_ (therewith) is the eternal duty; and this Universe
+consists of air alone.'[72] The Yaksha asked,--'What is that which
+sojourneth alone? What is that which is re-born after its birth? What is
+the remedy against cold? And what is the largest field?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'The sun sojourneth alone; the moon takes birth anew; fire is
+the remedy against cold; and the Earth is the largest field.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What is the highest refuge of virtue? What of fame? What of
+heaven? And what, of happiness?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Liberality is
+the highest refuge of virtue; gift, of fame; truth, of heaven; and good
+behaviour, of happiness.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is the soul of man?
+Who is that friend bestowed on man by the gods? What is man's chief
+support? And what also is his chief refuge?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'The son is a man's soul; the wife is the friend bestowed on
+man by the gods; the clouds are his chief support; and gift is his chief
+refuge.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is the best of all laudable things?
+What is the most valuable of all his possessions? What is the best of
+all gains? And what is the best of all kinds of happiness?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--"The best of all laudable things is skill; the best of all
+possessions is knowledge; the best of all gains is health; and
+contentment is the best of all kinds of happiness.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What is the highest duty in the world? What is that virtue
+which always beareth fruit? What is that which if controlled, leadeth
+not to regret? And who are they with whom an alliance cannot break?'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'The highest of duties is to refrain from
+injury; the rites ordained in the _Three (Vedas)_ always bear fruit; the
+mind, if controlled, leadeth to no regret; and an alliance with the good
+never breaketh.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is that which, if renounced,
+maketh one agreeable? What is that which, if renounced, leadeth to no
+regret? What is that which, if renounced, maketh one wealthy? And what
+is that which if renounced, maketh one happy?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'Pride, if renounced, maketh one agreeable; wrath, if
+renounced leadeth to no regret; desire, if renounced, maketh one
+wealthy; and avarice, if renounced, maketh one happy.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'For what doth one give away to Brahmanas? For what to mimes and
+dancers? For what to servants? And for what to the king?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'It is for religious merit that one giveth away to Brahmanas;
+it is for fame that one giveth away to mimes and dancers; it is for
+supporting them that one giveth away to servants; and it is for
+obtaining relief from fear that one giveth to kings.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'With what is the world enveloped? What is that owing to which a
+thing cannot discover itself? For what are friends forsaken? And for
+what doth one fail to go to heaven?' Yudhishthira answered,--'The world
+is enveloped with darkness. Darkness doth not permit a thing to show
+itself. It is from avarice that friends are forsaken. And it is
+connection with the world for which one faileth to go to heaven.' The
+Yaksha asked,--'For what may one be considered as dead? For what may a
+kingdom be considered as dead? For what may a _Sraddha_ be considered as
+dead? And for what, a sacrifice?' Yudhishthira answered,--'For want of
+wealth may a man be regarded as dead. A kingdom for want of a king may
+be regarded as dead. A _Sraddha_ that is performed with the aid of a
+priest that hath no learning may be regarded as dead. And a sacrifice in
+which there are no gifts to Brahmanas is dead.' The Yaksha asked,--'What
+constitutes the way? What hath been spoken of as water? What, as food?
+And what, as poison? Tell us also what is the proper time of a
+_Sraddha_, and then drink and take away as much as thou likest!'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'They that are good constitute the way.[73]
+Space hath been spoken of as water.[74] The cow is food.[75] A request
+is poison. And a Brahmana is regarded as the proper time of a
+_Sraddha_.[76] I do not know what thou mayst think of all this, O
+Yaksha?' The Yaksha asked,--'What hath been said to be the sign of
+asceticism? And what is true restraint? What constitutes forgiveness.
+And what is shame?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Staying in one's own
+religion is asceticism; the restraint of the mind is of all restraints
+the true one; forgiveness consists in enduring enmity; and shame, in
+withdrawing from all unworthy acts.' The Yaksha asked,--'What, O king is
+said to be knowledge? What, tranquillity? What constitutes mercy? And
+what hath been called simplicity?' Yudhishthira answered,--'True
+knowledge is that of Divinity. True tranquillity is that of the heart.
+Mercy consists in wishing happiness to all. And simplicity is equanimity
+of heart.' The Yaksha asked,--'What enemy is invincible? What
+constitutes an incurable disease for man? What sort of a man is called
+honest and what dishonest?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Anger is an
+invincible enemy. Covetousness constitutes an incurable disease. He is
+honest that desires the weal of all creatures, and he is dishonest who
+is unmerciful.' The Yaksha asked,--'What, O king, is ignorance? And what
+is pride? What also is to be understood by idleness? And what hath been
+spoken of as grief?' Yudhishthira answered,--'True ignorance consists in
+not knowing one's duties. Pride is a consciousness of one's being
+himself an actor or sufferer in life. Idleness consists in not
+discharging one's duties, and ignorance in grief.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What hath steadiness been said by the _Rishis_ to be? And what,
+patience? What also is a real ablution? And what is charity?'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'Steadiness consists in one's staying in one's
+own religion, and true patience consists in the subjugation of the
+senses. A true bath consists in washing the mind clean of all
+impurities, and charity consists in protecting all creatures.' The
+Yaksha asked,--'What man should be regarded as learned, and who should
+be called an atheist? Who also is to be called ignorant? What is called
+desire and what are the sources of desire? And what is envy?'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'He is to be called learned who knoweth his
+duties. An atheist is he who is ignorant and so also he is ignorant who
+is an atheist. Desire is due to objects of possession, and envy is
+nothing else than grief of heart.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is pride,
+and what is hypocrisy? What is the grace of the gods, and what is
+wickedness?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Stolid ignorance is pride. The
+setting up of a religious standard is hypocrisy. The grace of the gods
+is the fruit of our gifts, and wickedness consists in speaking ill of
+others.' The Yaksha asked,--'Virtue, profit, and desire are opposed to
+one another. How could things thus antagonistic to one another exist
+together?' Yudhishthira answered,--'When a wife and virtue agree with
+each other, then all the three thou hast mentioned may exist together.'
+The Yaksha asked,--'O bull of the Bharata race, who is he that is
+condemned to everlasting hell? It behoveth thee to soon answer the
+question that I ask!' Yudhishthira answered,--'He that summoneth a poor
+Brahmana promising to make him a gift and then tells him that he hath
+nothing to give, goeth to everlasting hell. He also must go to
+everlasting hell, who imputes falsehood to the _Vedas_, the scriptures,
+the Brahmanas, the gods, and the ceremonies in honour of the _Pitris_.
+He also goeth to everlasting hell who though in possession of wealth,
+never giveth away nor enjoyeth himself from avarice, saying, he hath
+none.' The Yaksha asked,--'By what, O king, birth, behaviour, study, or
+learning doth a person become a Brahmana? Tell us with certitude!'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'Listen, O Yaksha! It is neither birth, nor
+study, nor learning, that is the cause of _Brahmanahood_, without doubt,
+it is behaviour that constitutes it. One's behaviour should always be
+well-guarded, especially by a Brahmana. He who maintaineth his conduct
+unimpaired, is never impaired himself. Professors and pupils, in fact,
+all who study the scriptures, if addicted to wicked habits, are to be
+regarded as illiterate wretches. He only is learned who performeth his
+religious duties. He even that hath studied the four Vedas is to be
+regarded as a wicked wretch scarcely distinguishable from a Sudra (if
+his conduct be not correct). He only who performeth the _Agnihotra_ and
+hath his senses under control, is called a Brahmana!' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What doth one gain that speaketh agreeable words? What doth he
+gain that always acteth with judgment? What doth he gain that hath many
+friends? And what he, that is devoted to virtue?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'He that speaketh agreeable words becometh agreeable to all.
+He that acteth with judgment obtaineth whatever he seeketh. He that hath
+many friends liveth happily. And he that is devoted to virtue obtaineth
+a happy state (in the next world).' The Yaksha asked,--'Who is truly
+happy? What is most wonderful? What is _the_ path? And what is _the_
+news? Answer these four questions of mine and let thy dead brothers
+revive.' Yudhishthira answered,--'O amphibious creature, a man who
+cooketh in his own house, on the fifth or the sixth part of the day,
+with scanty vegetables, but who is not in debt and who stirreth not from
+home, is truly happy. Day after day countless creatures are going to the
+abode of Yama, yet those that remain behind believe themselves to be
+immortal. What can be more wonderful than this? Argument leads to no
+certain conclusion, the _Srutis_ are different from one another; there
+is not even one _Rishi_ whose opinion can be accepted by all; the truth
+about religion and duty is hid in caves: therefore, that alone is the
+path along which the great have trod. This world full of ignorance is
+like a pan. The sun is fire, the days and nights are fuel. The months
+and the seasons constitute the wooden ladle. Time is the cook that is
+cooking all creatures in that pan (with such aids); this is _the news_.'
+The Yaksha asked,--'Thou hast, O represser of foes, truly answered all
+my questions! Tell us now who is truly a man, and what man truly
+possesseth every kind of wealth.' Yudhishthira answered,--'The report of
+one's good action reacheth heaven and spreadeth over the earth. As long
+as that report lasteth, so long is a person to whom the agreeable and
+the disagreeable, weal and woe, the past and the future, are the same,
+is said to possess every kind of wealth.' The Yaksha said,--'Thou hast,
+O king truly answered who is a man, and what man possesseth every kind
+of wealth. Therefore, let one only amongst thy brothers, whom thou mayst
+wish, get up with life!' Yudhishthira answered,--'Let this one that is
+of darkish hue, whose eyes are red, who is tall like a large _Sala_
+tree, whose chest is broad and arms long, let this Nakula, O Yaksha, get
+up with life!' The Yaksha rejoined,--'This Bhimasena is dear unto thee,
+and this Arjuna also is one upon whom all of you depend! Why, then, O
+king, dost thou wish a step-brother to get up with his life! How canst
+thou, forsaking Bhima whose strength is equal to that of ten thousand
+elephants, wish Nakula to live? People said that this Bhima was dear to
+thee. From what motive then dost thou wish a step-brother to revive?
+Forsaking Arjuna the might of whose arm is worshipped by all the sons of
+Pandu, why dost thou wish Nakula to revive?' Yudhishthira said,--'If
+virtue is sacrificed, he that sacrificeth it, is himself lost. So virtue
+also cherisheth the cherisher. Therefore taking care that virtue by
+being sacrificed may not sacrifice us, I never forsake virtue.
+Abstention from injury is the highest virtue, and is, I ween, even
+higher than the highest object of attainment. I endeavour to practise
+that virtue. Therefore, let Nakula, O Yaksha, revive! Let men know that
+the king is always virtuous! I will never depart from my duty. Let
+Nakula, therefore, revive! My father had two wives, Kunti and Madri. Let
+both of them have children. This is what I wish. As Kunti is to me, so
+also is Madri. There is no difference between them in my eye. I desire
+to act equally towards my mothers. Therefore, let Nakula live.' The
+Yaksha said,--'Since abstention from injury is regarded by thee as
+higher than both profit and pleasure, therefore, let all thy brothers
+live, O bull of Bharata race!'"
+
+    [67] Lit. Letters.
+
+    [68] Behind the plain and obvious meanings of the words employed
+    both in the question and the answer, there is a deeper
+    signification of a spiritual kind. I think Nilakantha has
+    rightly understood the passage. By Aditya, which of course
+    commonly means the Sun, is indicated the unpurified soul (from
+    adatte sabdadin indriadivis &c.). The first question then,
+    becomes, 'Who is it that exalteth the unpurified soul?' The act
+    of exaltation implies a raising of the soul from its earthly
+    connections. The answer to this is, 'Brahma, i.e., Veda or
+    self-knowledge.' The second question--'What are those that keep
+    company with the soul during its progress of purification?' The
+    answer is, 'Self-restraint and other qualities, which are all of
+    a god-like or divine nature.' The third question is.--Who lead
+    the soul to its place (state) of rest? The answer is, 'Dharma,
+    _i.e._, rectitude, morality, and religious observances.' It is
+    often asserted that one must pass through the observances
+    (Karma) before attaining to a state of Rest or Truth or Pure
+    Knowledge. The last question is,--'On what is the soul
+    established!' The answer, according to all that has been
+    previously said, is 'Truth or Pure Knowledge.' For the soul that
+    is emancipated from and raised above all carnal connections, is
+    no longer in need of observances and acts (Karma) but stays
+    unmoved in True Knowledge (Janana).
+
+    [69] Nilakantha explains both Dhriti and Dwitiya in a spiritual
+    sense. There is no need, however, of a spiritual explanation
+    here. By Dhriti is meant steadiness of intelligence; by Dwitiya
+    lit, a second. What Yudhishthira says is that a steady
+    intelligence serves the purposes of a helpful companion.
+
+    [70] Nilakantha explains this correctly, as I imagine, by
+    supposing that by 'sacrifice' is meant the spiritual sacrifice
+    for the acquisition of pure knowledge. In the objective
+    sacrifice which one celebrates, the Sama, the Yajus, and the Rik
+    mantras are all necessary. In the subjective sacrifice the
+    acquisition of true knowledge, life and mind are as necessary as
+    the mantras from the Sama and the Yajur Vedas in an objective
+    one. And as no objective sacrifice can do without the Riks,
+    being principally dependent on them, so the subjective
+    sacrifices for acquiring true knowledge can never do without
+    prayerfulness, which, I imagine, is represented as the Riks. To
+    understand this passage thoroughly would require an intimate
+    acquaintance with the ritual of a sacrifice like the Agnishtoma
+    or any other of that kind.
+
+    [71] Some texts read apatatam for uvapatam. If the former be the
+    correct reading, the meaning would be--'What is the best of
+    things that fall?' Nilakantha explains both avapatam nivapatam
+    in a spiritual sense. By the first he understands--'They that
+    offer oblation to the gods,' and by the second, 'They that offer
+    oblations to the Pitris.' The necessity of a spiritual
+    interpretation, however, is not very apparent.
+
+    [72] Yudhishthira has the authority of the Srutis for saying
+    that the one pervading element of the universe is air.
+
+    [73] The word used in the question is _dik_, literally,
+    direction. Obviously, of course, it means in this connection
+    way. Yudhishthira answers that the way which one is to tread
+    along is that of the good.
+
+    [74] The _Srutis_ actually speak of space as water. These are
+    questions to test Yudhishthira's knowledge of the Vedic
+    cosmogony.
+
+    [75] The _Srutis_ speak of the cow as the only food, in the
+    following sense. The cow gives milk. The milk gives butter. The
+    butter is used in Homa. The Homa is the cause of the clouds. The
+    clouds give rain. The rain makes the seed to sprout forth and
+    produce food. Nilakantha endeavours to explain this in a
+    spiritual sense. There is however, no need of such explanation
+    here.
+
+    [76] What Yudhishthira means to say is that there is no special
+    time for a Sraddha. It is to be performed whenever a good and
+    able priest may be secured.
+
+
+SECTION CCCXII
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Then agreeable to the words of the Yaksha the
+Pandavas rose up; and in a moment their hunger and thirst left them.
+Thereupon Yudhishthira said, 'I ask thee that art incapable of being
+vanquished and that standest on one leg in the tank, what god art thou,
+for I cannot take thee for a Yaksha! Art thou the foremost of the Vasus,
+or of the Rudras, or of the chief of the Maruts? Or art thou the lord
+himself of the celestials, wielder of the thunder-bolt! Each of these my
+brothers is capable of fighting as hundred thousand warriors, and I see
+not the warrior that can slay them all! I see also that their senses
+have refreshed, as if they have sweetly awaked from slumber. Art thou a
+friend of ours, or even our father himself?' At this the Yaksha
+replied,--'O child, I am even thy father, the Lord of justice, possessed
+of great prowess! Know, bull of the Bharata race, that I came hither
+desirous of beholding thee! Fame, truth, self-restraint, purity,
+candour, modesty, steadiness, charity, austerities and _Brahmacharya_,
+these are my body! And abstention from injury, impartiality, peace,
+penances, sanctity, and freedom from malice are the doors (through which
+I am accessible). Thou art always dear to me! By good luck thou art
+devoted to the five;[77] and by good luck also thou hast conquered the
+six.[78] Of the six, two appear in the first part of life; two in the
+middle part thereof; and the remaining two at the end, in order to make
+men repair to the next world. I am, good betide thee, the lord of
+justice! I came hither to test thy merit. I am well-pleased to witness
+thy harmlessness; and, O sinless one, I will confer boons on thee. Do
+thou, O foremost of kings, ask of me boons. I shall surely confer them,
+O sinless one! Those that revere me, never come by distress!'
+Yudhishthira said,--'A deer was carrying away the Brahmana's
+fire-sticks. Therefore, the first boon that I shall ask, is, may that
+Brahmana's adorations to _Agni_ be not interrupted!' The Yaksha
+said,--'O Kunti's son endued with splendour, it was I who for examining
+thee, was carrying away, in the guise of a deer, that Brahmana's
+fire-sticks!'"
+
+    [77] That is, tranquillity of mind, self-restraint, abstention
+    from sensual pleasures, resignation, and Yoga meditation.
+
+    [78] That is, hunger, thirst, sorrow, bluntness of mortal
+    feeling, decrepitude, and death.
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thereupon that worshipful one said,--'I give
+thee this boon! Good betide thee! O thou that are like unto an immortal,
+ask thou a fresh boon!' Yudhishthira said,--'We have spent these twelve
+years in the forest; and the thirteenth year is come. May no one
+recognise us, as we spend this year somewhere.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thereat that worshipful one replied,--'I give
+this boon unto thee!' And then reassuring Kunti's son having truth for
+prowess, he also said, 'Even if, O Bharata, ye range this (entire) earth
+in your proper forms none in the three worlds shall recognise you. Ye
+perpetuators of the Kuru race, through my grace, ye will spend this
+thirteenth year, secretly and unrecognised, in Virata's kingdom! And
+every one of you will be able at will to assume any form he likes! Do ye
+now present the Brahmana with his fire-sticks. It was only to test you
+that I carried them away in the form of a deer! O amiable Yudhishthira,
+do thou ask for another boon that thou mayst like! I will confer it on
+thee. O foremost of men, I have not yet been satisfied by granting boons
+to thee! Do thou my son, accept a third boon that is great and
+incomparable! Thou, O king, art born of me, and Vidura of portion or
+mine!' Thereat Yudhishthira said,--'It is enough that I have beheld thee
+with my senses, eternal God of gods as thou art! O father, whatever boon
+thou wilt confer on me I shall surely accept gladly! May I, O lord,
+always conquer covetousness and folly and anger, and may my mind be ever
+devoted to charity, truth, and ascetic austerities!' The Lord of justice
+said,--'Even by nature, O Pandava, hast thou been endued with these
+qualities, for thou art the Lord of justice himself! Do thou again
+attain what thou asked for!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Having said these words, the worshipful Lord
+of justice, who is the object of contemplation of all the worlds,
+vanished therefrom; and the high-souled Pandavas after they had slept
+sweetly were united with one another. And their fatigue dispelled, those
+heroes returned to the hermitage, and gave back that Brahmana his
+firesticks. That man who pursueth this illustrious and fame-enhancing
+story of the revival (of the Pandavas) and the meeting of father and son
+(Dharma and Yudhishthira), obtaineth perfect tranquillity of mind, and
+sons and grandsons, and also a life extending over a hundred years! And
+the mind of that man that layeth this story to heart, never delighteth
+in unrighteousness, or in disunion among friends, or misappropriation of
+other person's property, or staining other people's wives, or in foul
+thoughts!"
+
+
+SECTION CCCXIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Commanded by the Lord of justice to thus spend
+in disguise the thirteenth year of non-discovery, the high-souled
+Pandavas, observant of vows and having truth for prowess, sat before
+those learned and vow-observing ascetics that from regard were dwelling
+with them in their exile in the forest. And with joined hands they said
+these words, with the intention of obtaining permission to spend the
+thirteenth year in the manner indicated. And they said, 'Ye know well
+that the sons of Dhritarashtra have by deceit deprived us of our
+kingdom, and have also done us many other wrongs! We have passed twelve
+years in the forest in great affliction. The thirteenth year only, which
+we are to spend unrecognised, yet remaineth. It behoveth you to permit
+us now to spend this year in concealment! Those rancorous enemies of
+ours, Suyodhana, the wicked-minded Karna, and Suvala's son should they
+discover us, would do mighty wrong to the citizens and our friends!
+Shall we all with the Brahmanas, be again established in our own
+kingdom?' Having said this, that pure-spirited son of Dharma king
+Yudhishthira, overwhelmed with grief and with accents choked in tears,
+swooned away. Thereupon the Brahmanas, together with his brothers began
+to cheer him up. Then Dhaumya spake unto the king these words fraught
+with mighty meaning,--'O king, thou art learned and capable of bearing
+privations, art firm in promise, and of subdued sense! Men of such stamp
+are not overwhelmed by any calamity whatever. Even the high-souled gods
+themselves have wandered over various places in disguise, for the
+purpose of overcoming foes. Indra for the purpose of overcoming his
+foes, dwelt in disguise in the asylum of Giriprastha, in Nishadha and
+thus attained his end. Before taking his birth in the womb of Aditi,
+Vishnu for the purpose of destroying the _Daityas_ passed a long time
+unrecognised, assuming the form of the _Haya-griba_ (Horse-necked). Then
+how disguising himself in the form of a dwarf, he by his prowess
+deprived Vali of his kingdom, hath been heard by thee! And thou hast
+also heard how Hutasana entering into water and remaining in
+concealment, achieved the purpose of the gods. And O thou versed in
+duty, thou hast heard how Hari with the view of overcoming his foes,
+entered into Sakra's thunder-bolt, and lay concealed there. And, O
+sinless one, thou hast heard of the office the regenerate _Rishi_ Aurva
+at one time performed for the gods, remaining concealed in his mother's
+womb. And O child, living in concealment in every part of the earth,
+Vivaswat, endued with excellent energy, at last entirely burnt up all
+his foes. And living disguised in the abode of Dasaratha, Vishnu of
+dreadful deeds slew the Ten-necked one in battle. Thus remaining in
+disguise in various places, high-souled persons have before this
+conquered their enemies in battle.' Thus cheered by these words of
+Dhaumya, the virtuous Yudhishthira, relying on his own wisdom and also
+that acquired from the scriptures regained his composure. Then that
+foremost of strong persons, the mighty-armed Bhimasena endued with great
+strength encouraging the king greatly, spake these words, 'Looking up to
+thy face (for permission), the wielder of the _Gandiva_, acting
+according to his sense of duty hath not yet, O king, shown any rashness!
+And although fully able to destroy the foe, Nakula and Sahadeva of
+dreadful prowess have been ever prevented by me! Never shall we swerve
+from that in which thou wilt engage us! Do thou tell us what is to be
+done! We shall speedily conquer our enemies!' When Bhimasena had said
+this, the Brahmanas uttered benedictions on the Bharatas, and then
+obtaining their permission, went to their respective quarters. And all
+those foremost of _Yatis_ and _Munis_ versed in the Vedas, exceedingly
+desirous of again beholding the Pandavas, went back to their homes. And
+accompanied by Dhaumya, these heroes, the five learned Pandavas equipped
+in vows set out with Krishna. And each versed in a separate science, and
+all proficient in _mantras_ and cognisant of when peace was to be
+concluded and when war was to be waged those tigers among men, about to
+enter upon a life of non-recognition, the next day proceeded for a Krose
+and then sat themselves down with the view of taking counsel of each
+other."
+
+_The End of Vana Parva_
+
+
+
+
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+<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold;'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
+most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
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+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 2</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: Kisari Mohan Ganguli</div>
+<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: May 13, 2004 [eBook #12333]<br />
+[Most recently updated: March 28, 2021]</div>
+<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div>
+<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div>
+<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: John B. Hare, Juliet Sutherland, David King, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team</div>
+<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAHABHARATA BK. 3 PT. 2 ***</div>
+
+<h1>THE MAHABHARATA<br />
+VANA PARVA, PART II</h1>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 300]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLV (continued from previous eBook)</h2>
+<p>And the ruddy geese, and the gallinules and the ducks and the
+<i>karandavas</i> and the <i>plavas</i> and the parrots and the
+male <i>kokilas</i> and the herons in confusion flew in all
+directions, while some proud elephants urged by their mates, as
+also some lions and elephants in rage, flew at Bhimasena. And as
+they were distracted at heart through fear, these fierce animals
+discharging urine and dung, set up loud yells with gapping mouths.
+Thereupon the illustrious and graceful son of the wind-god, the
+mighty Pandava, depending upon the strength of his arms, began to
+slay one elephant with another elephant and one lion with another
+lion while he despatched the others with slaps. And on being struck
+by Bhima the lions and the tigers and the leopards, in fright gave
+loud cries and discharged urine and dung. And after having
+destroyed these the handsome son of Pandu, possessed of mighty
+strength, entered into the forest, making all sides resound with
+his shouts. And then the long-armed one saw on the slopes of the
+Gandhamadana a beautiful plantain tree spreading over many a
+<i>yojana</i>. And like unto a mad lion, that one of great strength
+proceeded amain towards that tree breaking down various plants. And
+that foremost of strong persons&mdash;Bhima&mdash;uprooting
+innumerable plaintain trunks equal in height to many palm-trees
+(placed one above another), cast them on all sides with force. And
+that highly powerful one, haughty like a male lion, sent up shouts.
+And then he encountered countless beasts of gigantic size, and
+stags, and monkeys, and lions, and buffaloes, and aquatic animals.
+And what with the cries of these, and what with the shouts of
+Bhima, even the beasts and birds that were at distant parts of the
+wood, became all frightened. And hearing those cries of beasts and
+birds, myriads of aquatic fowls suddenly rose up on wetted wings.
+And seeing these fowls of water, that bull among the Bharatas
+proceeded in that direction; and saw a vast and romantic lake. And
+that fathomless lake was, as it were, being fanned by the golden
+plantain trees on the coast, shaken by the soft breezes. And
+immediately descending into the lake abounding in lilies and
+lotuses, he began to sport lustily like unto a mighty maddened
+elephant. Having thus sported there for a long while, he of
+immeasurable effulgence ascended, in order to penetrate with speed
+into that forest filled with trees. Then the Pandava winded with
+all his might his loud-blowing shell. And striking his arms with
+his hands, the mighty Bhima made all the points of heaven resound.
+And filled with the sounds of the shell, and with the shouts of
+Bhimasena, and also with the reports produced by the striking of
+his arms, the caves of the mountain seemed as if they were roaring.
+And hearing those loud arm-strokes, like unto the crashing of
+thunder, the lions that were slumbering in the caves, uttered
+mighty howls. And being terrified by the yelling of the lions, the
+elephants, O Bharata, sent forth tremendous roars, which filled the
+mountain. And hearing those sounds emitted, and knowing also
+Bhimasena to be his brother, the ape Hanuman, the chief of monkeys,
+with the view of doing good to Bhima, obstructed the path leading
+to heaven. And thinking that he (Bhima) should not pass that way,
+(Hanuman) lay across the narrow path, beautified by plantain trees,
+obstructing it for the sake of the safety of Bhima. With the object
+that Bhima <span class="pagenum">[Pg 301]</span> might not come by
+curse or defeat, by entering into the plantain wood, the ape
+Hanuman of huge body lay down amidst the plantain trees, being
+overcome with drowsiness. And he began to yawn, lashing his long
+tail, raised like unto the pole consecrated to Indra, and sounding
+like thunder. And on all sides round, the mountains by the mouths
+of caves emitted those sounds in echo, like a cow lowing. And as it
+was being shaken by the reports produced by the lashing of the
+tail, the mountain with its summits tottering, began to crumble all
+around. And overcoming that roaring of mad elephants, the sounds of
+his tail spread over the varied slopes of the mountain.</p>
+<p>"On those sounds being heard the down of Bhima's body stood on
+end; and he began to range that plantain wood, in search of those
+sounds. And that one of mighty arms saw the monkey-chief in the
+plantain wood, on an elevated rocky base. And he was hard to be
+looked at even as the lightning-flash; and of coppery hue like that
+of the lightning-flash; and endued with the voice of the
+lightning-flash; and quick moving as the lightning-flash; and
+having his short flesh neck supported on his shoulders; and with
+his waist slender in consequence of the fullness of his shoulders.
+And his tail covered with long hair, and a little bent at the end,
+was raised like unto a banner. And (Bhima) saw Hanuman's head
+furnished with small lips, and coppery face and tongue, and red
+ears, and brisk eyes, and bare white incisors sharpened at the
+edge. And his head was like unto the shining moon; adorned with
+white teeth within the mouth; and with mane scattered over,
+resembling a heap of <i>asoka</i> flowers. And amidst the golden
+plantain trees, that one of exceeding effulgence was lying like
+unto a blazing fire, with his radiant body. And that slayer of foes
+was casting glances with his eyes reddened with intoxication. And
+the intelligent Bhima saw that mighty chief of monkeys, of huge
+body, lying like unto the Himalaya, obstructing the path of heaven.
+And seeing him alone in that mighty forest, the undaunted athletic
+Bhima, of long arms, approached him with rapid strides, and uttered
+a loud shout like unto the thunder. And at that shout of Bhima,
+beasts and birds became all alarmed. The powerful Hanuman, however,
+opening his eyes partially looked at him (Bhima) with disregard,
+with eyes reddened with intoxication. And then smilingly addressing
+him, Hanuman said the following words, 'Ill as I am, I was sleeping
+sweetly. Why hast thou awakened me? Thou shouldst show kindness to
+all creatures, as thou hast reason. Belonging to the animal
+species, we are ignorant of virtue. But being endued with reason,
+men show kindness towards creatures. Why do then reasonable persons
+like thee commit themselves to acts contaminating alike body,
+speech, and heart, and destructive of virtue? Thou knowest not what
+virtue is, neither hast thou taken council of the wise. And
+therefore it is that from ignorance, and childishness thou
+destroyest the lower animals. Say, who art thou, and what for hast
+thou come to the forest devoid of humanity and human beings? And, O
+foremost of men, tell thou also, whither thou wilt go to-day.
+Further it is impossible to proceed. Yonder hills are inaccessible.
+O hero, save the passage obtained by the practice of asceticism,
+there is no passage to that place. This is the path of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 302]</span> the celestials; it is ever impassable by
+mortals. Out of kindness, O hero, do I dissuade thee. Do thou
+hearken unto my words. Thou canst not proceed further from this
+place. Therefore, O lord, do thou desist. O chief of men, to-day in
+every way thou art welcome to this place. If thou think it proper to
+accept my words, do thou then, O best of men, rest here, partaking
+of fruits and roots, sweet as ambrosia, and do not have thyself
+destroyed for naught.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O represser of foes, hearing these words of
+the intelligent monkey-chief, the heroic Bhima answered, 'Who art
+thou? And why also hast thou assumed the shape of a monkey? It is a
+Kshatriya&mdash;one of a race next to the Brahmanas&mdash;that
+asketh thee. And he belongeth to the Kuru race and the lunar stock,
+and was borne by Kunti in her womb, and is one of the sons of
+Pandu, and is the off spring of the windgod, and is known by the
+name of Bhimasena.' Hearing these words of the Kuru hero, Hanuman
+smiled, and that son of the wind-god (Hanuman) spake unto that
+offspring of the windgod (Bhimasena), saying, 'I am a monkey, I
+will not allow thee the passage thou desirest. Better desist and go
+back. Do thou not meet with destruction.' At this Bhimasena
+replied, 'Destruction at anything else do I not ask thee about, O
+monkey. Do thou give me passage. Arise! Do not come by grief at my
+hands.' Hanuman said, 'I have no strength to rise; I am suffering
+from illness. If go thou must, do thou go by overleaping me.' Bhima
+said, 'The Supreme Soul void of the properties pervadeth a body all
+over. Him knowable alone by knowledge, I cannot disregard. And
+therefore, will I not overleap thee. If I had not known Him from
+Whom become manifest all creatures, I would have leapt over thee
+and also the mountain, even as Hanuman had bounded over the ocean.'
+Thereupon Hanuman said, 'Who is that Hanuman, who had bounded over
+the ocean? I ask thee, O best of men. Relate if thou canst.' Bhima
+replied, 'He is even my brother, excellent with every perfection,
+and endued with intelligence and strength both of mind and body.
+And he is the illustrious chief of monkeys, renowned in the
+Ramayana. And for Rama's queen, that king of the monkeys even with
+one leap crossed the ocean extending over a hundred <i>yojanas</i>.
+That mighty one is my brother. I am equal unto him in energy,
+strength and prowess and also in fight. And able am I to punish
+thee. So arise. Either give me passage or witness my prowess
+to-day. If thou do not listen to my bidding, I shall send thee to
+the abode of Yama.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued. "Then knowing him (Bhima) to be
+intoxicated with strength, and proud of the might of his arms,
+Hanuman, slighting him at heart, said the following words, 'Relent
+thou, O sinless one. In consequence of age, I have no strength to
+get up. From pity for me, do thou go, moving aside my tail.' Being
+thus addressed by Hanuman, Bhima proud of the strength of his arms,
+took him for one wanting in energy and <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+303]</span> prowess, and thought within himself, 'Taking fast hold
+of the tail, will I send this monkey destitute of energy and
+prowess, to the region of Yama.' Thereat, with a smile he
+slightingly took hold of the tail with his left hand; but could not
+move that tail of the mighty monkey. Then with both arms he pulled
+it, resembling the pole reared in honour of Indra. Still the mighty
+Bhima could not raise the tail with both his arms. And his
+eye-brows were contracted up, and his eyes rolled, and his face was
+contracted into wrinkles and his body was covered with sweat; and
+yet he could not raise it. And when after having striven, the
+illustrious Bhima failed in raising the tail, he approached the
+side of the monkey, and stood with a bashful countenance. And
+bowing down, Kunti's son, with joined hands, spake these words,
+'Relent thou, O foremost of monkeys; and forgive me for my harsh
+words. Art thou a Siddha, or a god, or a Gandharva, or a Guhyaka? I
+ask thee out of curiosity. Tell me who thou art that hast assumed
+the shape of monkey, if it be not a secret, O long-armed one, and
+if I can well hear it. I ask thee as a disciple, and I, O sinless
+one, seek thy refuge.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O represser of
+foes, even to the extent of thy curiosity to know me, shall I
+relate all at length. Listen, O son of Pandu! O lotus-eyed one, I
+was begotten by the windgod that life of the world&mdash;upon the
+wife of Kesari. I am a monkey, by name Hanuman. All the mighty
+monkey-kings, and monkey-chiefs used to wait upon that son of the
+sun, Sugriva, and that son of Sakra, Vali. And, O represser of
+foes, a friendship subsisted between me and Sugriva, even as
+between the wind and fire. And for some cause, Sugriva, driven out
+by his brother, for a long time dwelt with me at the Hri-syamukh.
+And it came to pass that the mighty son of Dasaratha the heroic
+Rama, who is Vishnu's self in the shape of a human being, took his
+birth in this world. And in company with his queen and brother,
+taking his bow, that foremost of bowmen with the view of compassing
+his father's welfare, began to reside in the Dandaka forest. And
+from Janasthana, that mighty Rakshasa monarch, the wicked Ravana,
+carried away his (Rama's) queen by stratagem and force, deceiving,
+O sinless one, that foremost of men, through the agency of a
+Rakshasa, Maricha, who assumed the form of a deer marked with
+gem-like and golden spots.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLVII</h2>
+<p>"Hanuman said, 'And after his wife was carried away, that
+descendant of Raghu, while searching with his brother for his
+queen, met, on the summit of that mountain, with Sugriva, chief of
+the monkeys. Then a friendship was contracted between him and the
+high-souled Raghava. And the latter, having slain Vali installed
+Sugriva in the kingdom. And having obtained the kingdom, Sugriva
+sent forth monkeys by hundreds and by thousands in search of Sita.
+And, O best of men, I too with innumerable monkeys set out towards
+the south in quest of Sita, O mighty-armed one. Then a mighty
+vulture Sampati by name, communicated the tidings that Sita was
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 304]</span> in the abode of Ravana.
+Thereupon with the object of securing success unto Rama, I all of a
+sudden bounded over the main, extending for a hundred
+<i>yojanas</i>. And, O chief of the Bharatas, having by my own
+prowess crossed the ocean, that abode of sharks and crocodiles, I
+saw in Ravana's residence, the daughter of king Janaka, Sita, like
+unto the daughter of a celestial. And having interviewed that lady,
+Vaidehi, Rama's beloved, and burnt the whole of Lanka with its
+towers and ramparts and gates, and proclaimed my name there, I
+returned. Hearing everything from me the lotus-eyed Rama at once
+ascertained his course of action, and having for the passage of his
+army constructed a bridge across the deep, crossed it followed by
+myriads of monkeys. Then by prowess Rama slew those Rakshasas in
+battle, and also Ravana, the oppressor of the worlds together with
+his Rakshasa followers. And having slain the king of the Rakshasas,
+with his brother, and sons and kindred, he installed in the kingdom
+in Lanka the Rakshasa chief, Vibhishana, pious, and reverent, and
+kind to devoted dependants. Then Rama recovered his wife even like
+the lost Vaidic revelation. Then Raghu's son, Rama, with his
+devoted wife, returned to his own city, Ayodhya, inaccessible to
+enemies; and that lord of men began to dwell there. Then that
+foremost of kings, Rama was established in the kingdom. Thereafter,
+I asked a boon of the lotus-eyed Rama, saying, "O slayer of foes,
+Rama, may I live as long as the history of thy deeds remaineth
+extant on earth!" Thereupon he said, "So be it." O represser of
+foes, O Bhima, through the grace of Sita also, here all excellent
+objects of entertainment are supplied to me, whoever abide at this
+place. Rama reigned for the thousand and ten hundred years. Then he
+ascended to his own abode. Ever since, here Apsaras and Gandharvas
+delight me, singing for aye the deeds of that hero, O sinless one.
+O son of the Kurus, this path is impassable to mortals. For this, O
+Bharata, as also with the view that none might defeat or curse
+thee, have I obstructed thy passage to this path trod by the
+immortals. This is one of the paths to heaven, for the celestials;
+mortals cannot pass this way. But the lake in search of which thou
+hast come, lieth even in that direction.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the powerful Bhimasena
+of mighty arms, affectionately, and with a cheerful heart, bowed
+unto his brother, Hanuman, the monkey-chief, and said in mild
+words, 'None is more fortunate than I am; now have I seen my elder
+brother. It is a great favour shown unto me; and I have been well
+pleased with thee. Now I wish that thou mayst fulfil this desire of
+mine. I desire to behold, O hero, that incomparable form of thine,
+which thou at that time hadst had, in bounding over the main, that
+abode of sharks and crocodiles. Thereby I shall be satisfied, and
+also believe in thy words.' Thus addressed, that mighty monkey said
+with a smile, 'That form of mine neither thou, not any one else can
+behold. At that age, the state of things was different, and doth
+not exist at present. In the Krita <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+305]</span> age, the state of things was one; and in the Treta,
+another; and in the Dwapara, still another. Diminution is going on
+this age; and I have not that form now. The ground, rivers, plants,
+and rocks, and <i>siddhas</i>, gods, and celestial sages conform to
+Time, in harmony with the state of things in the different yugas.
+Therefore, do not desire to see my former shape, O perpetuator of
+the Kuru race. I am conforming to the tendency of the age. Verily,
+Time is irresistible.' Bhimasena said, 'Tell me of the duration of
+the different yugas, and of the different manners and customs and
+of virtue, pleasure and profit, and of acts, and energy, and of
+life and death in the different yugas.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O
+child, that yuga is called Krita when the one eternal religion was
+extant. And in that best of yugas, every one had religious
+perfection, and, therefore, there was no need of religious acts.
+And then virtue knew no deterioration; nor did people decrease. It
+is for this that this age is called Krita (perfect). But in time
+the yuga had come to be considered as an inferior one. And, O
+child, in the Krita age, there were neither gods, nor demons, nor
+Gandharvas, nor Yakshas, nor Rakshasas, nor Nagas. And there was no
+buying and selling. And the Sama, the Rich, and the Yajus did not
+exist. And there was no manual labour. And then the necessaries of
+life were obtained only by being thought of. And the only merit was
+in renouncing the world. And during that yuga, there was neither
+disease, nor decay of the senses. And there was neither malice, nor
+pride, nor hypocrisy, nor discord, nor ill-will, nor cunning, nor
+fear, nor misery, nor envy, nor covetousness. And for this, that
+prime refuge of Yogis, even the Supreme Brahma, was attainable to
+all. And Narayana wearing a white hue was the soul of all
+creatures. And in the Krita Yuga, the distinctive characteristics
+of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras were natural and
+these ever stuck to their respective duties. And then Brahma was
+the sole refuge, and their manners and customs were naturally
+adapted to the attainment of Brahma and the objects of their
+knowledge was the sole Brahma, and all their acts also had
+reference to Brahma. In this way all the orders attained merit. And
+one uniform Soul was the object of their meditation; and there was
+only one <i>mantra</i> (the <i>Om</i>), and there was one
+ordinance. And although of different characteristics, all of them
+followed a single Veda; and they had one religion. And according to
+the divisions of time, they led the four modes of life, without
+aiming at any object, and so they attained emancipation. The
+religion consisting in the identification of self with Brahma
+indicates the Krita Yuga. And in the Krita Yuga, the virtue of the
+four orders is throughout entire in four-fold measure. Such is the
+Krita Yuga devoid of the three qualities. Do thou also hear from me
+of the character of the Treta Yuga. In this age, sacrifices are
+introduced, and virtue decreaseth by a quarter. And Narayana (who
+is the Soul of all creatures) assumeth a red colour. And men
+practise truth, and devote themselves to religion and religious
+rites. And thence sacrifices and various religious observances come
+into existence. And in the Treta Yuga people begin to devise means
+for the attainment of an object; and they attain it through acts
+and gifts. And they never deviate from virtue. And they are devoted
+to asceticism and to the bestowal of gifts. <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 306]</span> And the four orders adhere to their
+respective duties; and perform rites. Such are the men of the Treta
+Yuga. In the Dwapara Yuga, religion decreaseth by one half. And
+Narayana weareth a yellow hue. And the Veda becometh divided into
+four parts. And then some men retain (the knowledge of) the four
+Vedas, and some of three Vedas, and some of one Veda, while others
+do not know even the Richs. And on the Shastras becoming thus
+divided, acts become multiplied. And largely influenced by passion,
+people engage in asceticism and gifts. And from their incapacity to
+study the entire Veda, it becomes divided into several parts. And
+in consequence of intellect having decreased, few are established
+in truth. And when people fall off from truth, they become subject
+to various diseases; and then lust, and natural calamities ensue.
+And afflicted with these, people betake themselves to penances. And
+some celebrate sacrifices, desiring to enjoy the good things of
+life, or attain heaven. On the coming of the Dwapara Yuga, men
+become degenerate, in consequence of impiety. O son of Kunti, in
+the Kali Yuga a quarter only of virtue abideth. And in the
+beginning of this iron age, Narayana weareth a black hue. And the
+Vedas and the institutes, and virtue, and sacrifices, and religious
+observances, fall into disuse. And (then) reign <i>iti</i><a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a>, and disease, and lassitude, and
+anger and other deformities, and natural calamities, and anguish,
+and fear of scarcity. And as the yugas wane, virtue dwindles. And
+as virtue dwindles away, creatures degenerate. And as creatures
+degenerate, their natures undergo deterioration. And the religious
+acts performed at the waning of the yugas, produce contrary
+effects. And even those that live for several yugas, conform to
+these changes. O represser of foes, as regards thy curiosity to
+know me, I say this,&mdash;Why should a wise person be eager to
+know a superfluous matter? (Thus), O long-armed one, have I
+narrated in full what thou hadst asked me regarding the
+characteristics of the different yugas. Good happen to thee! Do
+thou return.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CXLIX</h2>
+<p>"Bhimasena said, 'Without beholding thy former shape, I will
+never go away. If I have found favour with thee, do thou then show
+me thine own shape.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Being thus addressed by Bhima, the
+monkey with a smile showed him that form of his in which he had
+bounded over the main. And wishing to gratify his brother, Hanuman
+assumed a gigantic body which (both) in length and breadth
+increased exceedingly. And that monkey of immeasurable effulgence
+stood there, covering the plantain grove furnished with trees, and
+elevating himself to the height reached by the Vindhya. And the
+monkey, having attained his lofty and gigantic body like
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 307]</span> unto a mountain, furnished
+with coppery eyes, and sharp teeth, and a face marked by frown, lay
+covering all sides and lashing his long tail. And that son of the
+Kurus, Bhima, beholding that gigantic form of his brother,
+wondered, and the hairs of his body repeatedly stood on end. And
+beholding him like unto the sun in splendour, and unto a golden
+mountain, and also unto the blazing firmament, Bhima closed his
+eyes. Thereupon Hanuman addressed Bhima with a smile, saying, 'O
+sinless one, thou art capable of beholding my size up to this
+extent. I can, however, go on swelling my size as long as I wish.
+And, O Bhima, amidst foes, my size increaseth exceedingly by its
+own energy.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Witnessing that dreadful and wonderful body
+of Hanuman, like unto the Vindhya mountain, the son of the wind-god
+became bewildered. Then with his down standing erect, the
+noble-minded Bhima, joining his hands, replied unto Hanuman saying
+(there), 'O lord, by me have been beheld the vast dimensions of thy
+body. Do thou (now), O highly powerful one, decrease thyself by thy
+own power. Surely I cannot look at thee, like unto the sun risen,
+and of immeasurable (power), and irrepressible, and resembling the
+mountain Mainaka. O hero, to-day this wonder of my heart is very
+great, that thou remaining by his side, Rama should have
+encountered Ravana personally. Depending on the strength of thy
+arms, thou wert capable of instantly destroying Lanka, with its
+warriors, and horses, elephants and chariots. Surely, O son of the
+wind-god, there is nothing that is incapable of being achieved by
+thee; and in fight, Ravana together with his followers was no match
+for thee single-handed.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Bhima, Hanuman, the
+chief of monkeys, answered in affectionate words uttered in solemn
+accents. 'O mighty-armed one, O Bharata, it is even as thou sayest.
+O Bhimasena, that worst of Rakshasas was no match for me. But if I
+had slain Ravana&mdash;that thorn of the worlds&mdash;the glory of
+Raghu's son would have been obscured;&mdash;and for this it is that
+I left him alone. By slaying that lord of the Rakshasas together
+with his followers, and bringing back Sita unto his own city, that
+hero hath established his fame among men. Now, O highly wise one,
+being intent on the welfare of thy brothers, and protected by the
+wind-god, do thou go along a fortunate and auspicious way. O
+foremost of the Kurus, this way will lead thee to the Saugandhika
+wood. (Proceeding in this direction), thou wilt behold the gardens
+of Kuvera, guarded by Yakshas and Rakshasas. Do thou not pluck the
+flowers (there) personally by thy own force; for the gods deserve
+regard specially from mortals. O best of the Bharata race, the gods
+confer their favour (upon men), (being propitiated) by offerings,
+and <i>homas</i>, and reverential salutations, and recitation of
+<i>mantras</i>, and veneration, O Bharata. Do thou not, therefore,
+act with rashness, O child; and do thou not deviate from the duties
+of thy order. Sticking to the duties of thy order, do thou
+understand and follow the highest morality. Without knowing duties
+and serving the old, even persons like unto Vrihaspati cannot
+understand profit and religion. One should ascertain with
+discrimination those cases in which vice goeth under the name of
+virtue, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 308]</span> and virtue goeth
+under the name of vice,&mdash;(cases) in which people destitute of
+intelligence become perplexed. From religious observances
+proceedeth merit; and in merit are established the Vedas; and from
+the Vedas sacrifices come into existence; and by sacrifices are
+established the gods. The gods are maintained by the (celebration
+of) sacrifices prescribed by the Vedas and the religious
+ordinances; while men maintain themselves by (following) the
+ordinances of Vrihaspati and Usanas and also by these avocations,
+by which the world is maintained,&mdash;serving for wages,
+(receiving) taxes, merchandise, agriculture and tending kine and
+sheep. The world subsisteth by profession. The (study of the) three
+Vedas and agriculture and trade and government constitutes, it is
+ordained by the wise, the professions of the twice born ones; and
+each order maintaineth itself by following the profession
+prescribed for it. And when these callings are properly pursued,
+the world is maintained with ease. If, however, people do not
+righteously lead their lives, the world becometh lawless, in
+consequence of the want of Vedic merit and government. And if
+people do not resort to (their) prescribed vocations, they perish,
+but by regularly following the three professions, they bring about
+religion. The religion of the Brahmanas consisteth in the knowledge
+of the soul and the hue of that order alone is universally the
+same. The celebration of sacrifices, and study and bestowal of
+gifts are well-known to be the three duties common (to all these
+orders). Officiating at sacrifices, teaching and the acceptance of
+gifts are the duties of a Brahmana. To rule (the subjects) is the
+duty of the Kshatriya; and to tend (cattle), that of the Vaisya,
+while to serve the twice-born orders is said to be the duty of the
+Sudra. The Sudras cannot beg alms, or perform <i>homas</i>, or
+observe vows; and they must dwell in the habitation of their
+masters. Thy vocation, O son of Kunti, is that of the Kshatriya,
+which is to protect (the subjects). Do thou carry out thy own
+duties, in an humble spirit, restraining thy senses. That king
+alone can govern, who taketh counsel of experienced men, and is
+helped by honest, intelligent and learned ministers; but a king who
+is addicted to vices, meeteth with defeat. Then only is the order
+of the world secured, when the king duly punisheth and conferreth
+favours. Therefore, it is necessary to ascertain through spies the
+nature of the hostile country, its fortified places and the allied
+force of the enemy and their prosperity and decay and the way in
+which they retain the adhesion of the powers they have drawn to
+their side. Spies are among the important auxiliaries of the king;
+and tact, diplomacy, prowess, chastisement, favour and cleverness
+lead to success. And success is to be attained through these,
+either in separation, or combined&mdash;namely, conciliation, gift,
+sowing dissensions, chastisement, and sight. And, O chief of the
+Bharatas, polity hath for its root diplomacy; and diplomacy also is
+the main qualification of spies. And polity, if well judged
+conferreth success. Therefore, in matters of polity the counsels of
+Brahmanas should be resorted to. And in secret affairs, these
+should not be consulted,&mdash;namely, a woman, a sot, a boy, a
+covetous person, a mean-minded individual, and he that betrayeth
+signs of insanity. Wise men only should be consulted, and affairs
+are to be despatched through officers that are able. <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 309]</span> And polity must be executed through
+persons that are friendly; but dunces should in all affairs be
+excluded. In matters religious, pious men; and in matters of gain,
+wise men; and in guarding families, eunuchs; and in all crooked
+affairs, crooked men, must be employed. And the propriety or
+impropriety of the resolution of the enemy, as also their strength
+or weakness, must be ascertained through one's own as well as
+hostile spies. Favour should be shown to honest persons that have
+prudently sought protection; but lawless and disobedient
+individuals should be punished. And when the king justly punisheth
+and showeth favour, the dignity of the law is well maintained. O
+son of Pritha, thus have I expounded, unto thee the hard duties of
+kings difficult to comprehend. Do thou with equanimity observe
+these as prescribed for thy order. The Brahmanas attain heaven
+through merit, mortification of the senses, and sacrifice. The
+Vaisyas attain excellent state through gifts, hospitality, and
+religious acts. The Kshatriyas attain the celestial regions by
+protecting and chastising the subjects, uninfluenced by lust,
+malice, avarice and anger. If kings justly punish (their subjects),
+they go to the place whither repair meritorious persons.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CL</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then contracting that huge body of his,
+which he had assumed at will, the monkey with his arms again
+embraced Bhimasena. And O Bharata, on Bhima being embraced by his
+brother, his fatigue went off, and all (the powers of body) as also
+his strength were restored. And having gained great accession of
+strength, he thought that there was none equal to him in physical
+power. And with tears in his eyes, the monkey from affection again
+addressed Bhima in choked utterance, saying, 'O hero, repair to thy
+own abode. May I be incidentally remembered by thee in thy talk! O
+best of Kurus, do not tell any one that I abide here. O thou of
+great strength, the most excellent of the wives of the gods and
+Gandharvas resort to this place, and the time of their arrival is
+nigh. My eyes have been blessed (by seeing thee). And, O Bhima,
+having felt a human being by coming in contact with thee, I have
+been put in mind of that son of Raghu, who was Vishnu himself under
+the name of Rama, and who delighted the heart of the world; and who
+was as the sun in regard to the lotus face of Sita, and also to
+that darkness&mdash;Ravana. Therefore, O heroic son of Kunti, let
+not thy meeting with me be fruitless. Do thou with fraternal
+feeling ask of me a boon, O Bharata. If this be thy wish, that
+going to Varanavata, I may destroy the insignificant sons of
+Dhritarashtra&mdash;even this will I immediately do. Or if this be
+thy wish that, that city may be ground by me with rocks, or that I
+may bind Duryodhana and bring him before thee, even this will I do
+to-day, O thou of mighty strength.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of that high-souled one,
+Bhimasena with a cheerful heart answered Hanuman, saying, 'O
+foremost of monkeys, I take all this as already performed by thee.
+Good happen <span class="pagenum">[Pg 310]</span> to thee. O
+mighty-armed one! I ask of thee this,&mdash;be thou well pleased
+with me. O powerful one, on thy having become our protector, the
+Pandavas have found help. Even by thy prowess shall we conquer all
+foes.' Thus addressed, Hanuman said unto Bhimasena, 'From fraternal
+feeling and affection, I will do good unto thee, by diving into the
+army of thy foes copiously furnished with arrows and javelins. And,
+O highly powerful one, O hero, when thou shall give leonine roars,
+then shall I with my own, add force to shouts. Remaining on the
+flagstaff of Arjuna's car will I emit fierce shouts that will damp
+the energy of thy foes. Thereby ye will slay them easily.' Having
+said this unto Pandu's son, and also pointed him out the way.
+Hanuman vanished at that spot."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of monkeys had gone away,
+Bhima, the best of strong men, began to range the huge Gandhamadana
+along that path. And he went on, thinking of Hanuman's body and
+splendour unrivalled on earth, and also of the greatness and
+dignity of Dasaratha's son. And proceeding in search of the place
+filled with lotuses of that kind, Bhima beheld romantic woods, and
+groves, and rivers, and lakes graced with trees bearing blossoms,
+and flowery woodlands variegated with various flowers. And, O
+Bharata, he beheld herds of mad elephants besmeared with mud,
+resembling masses of pouring clouds. And that graceful one went on
+with speed, beholding by the wayside woods wherein there stood with
+their mates deer of quick glances, holding the grass in their
+mouths. And fearless from prowess, Bhimasena, as if invited by the
+breeze-shaken trees of the forest ever fragrant with flowers,
+bearing delicate coppery twigs, plunged into the mountainous
+regions inhabited by buffaloes, bears and leopards. And on the way,
+he passed by lotus-lakes haunted by maddened black-bees, having
+romantic descents and woods, and on account of the presence of
+lotus-buds, appearing as if they had joined their hands (before
+Bhima). And having for his provisions on the journey the words of
+Draupadi, Bhima went on with speed, his mind and sight fixed on the
+blooming slopes of the mountain. And when the sun passed the
+meridian, he saw in the forest scattered over with deer, a mighty
+river filled with fresh golden lotuses. And being crowded with
+swans and Karandavas, and graced with Chakravakas, the river looked
+like a garland of fresh lotuses put on by the mountain. And in that
+river that one of great strength found the extensive assemblage of
+Saugandhika lotuses, effulgent as the rising sun, and delightful to
+behold. And beholding it, Pandu's son thought within himself that
+his object had been gained, and also mentally presented himself
+before his beloved worn out by exile."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 311]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having reached that spot, Bhimasena saw in
+the vicinity of the Kailasa cliff, that beautiful lotus lake
+surrounded by lovely woods, and guarded by the Rakshasas. And it
+sprang from the cascades contiguous to the abode of Kuvera. And it
+was beautiful to behold, and was furnished with a wide-spreading
+shade and abounded in various trees and creepers and was covered
+with green lilies. And this unearthly lake was filled with golden
+lotuses, and swarmed with diverse species of birds. And its banks
+were beautiful and devoid of mud. And situated on the rocky
+elevation this expanse of excellent water was exceedingly fair. And
+it was the wonder of the world and healthful and of romantic sight.
+In that lake the son of Kunti saw, the water of ambrosial taste and
+cool and light and clear and fresh; and the Pandava drank of it
+profusely. And that unearthly receptacle of waters was covered with
+celestial Saugandhika lotuses, and was also spread over with
+beautiful variegated golden lotuses of excellent fragrance having
+graceful stalks of <i>lapis lazulis</i>. And swayed by swans and
+Karandavas, these lotuses were scattering fresh farina. And this
+lake was the sporting region of the high-souled Kuvera, the king of
+the Yakshas. And it was held in high regard by the Gandharvas, the
+Apsaras and the celestials. And it was frequented by the celestial
+sages and the Yakshas and the Kimpurushas and the Rakshasas and the
+Kinnaras; and it was well-protected by Kuvera. And as soon as he
+beheld that river and that unearthly lake, Kunti's son, Bhimasena
+of mighty strength became exceedingly delighted. And agreeably to
+the mandate of their king, hundreds and thousands of Rakshasas,
+named Krodhavasas, were guarding that lake, wearing uniforms and
+armed with various weapons. And as that repressor of foes, Kunti's
+son, the heroic Bhima of dreadful prowess, clad in deer-skins and
+wearing golden armlets and equipped with weapons and girding his
+sword on, was fearlessly proceeding, with the view of gathering the
+lotus, those (Rakshasas) saw him and immediately began to address
+each other, shouting forth, 'It behoveth you to enquire for the
+errand on which this foremost of men, clad in deer skins, and
+equipped with arms, hath come.' Then they all approached the
+effulgent Vrikodara of mighty arms and asked, 'Who art thou? Thou
+shouldst answer our questions. We see thee in the guise of an
+ascetic and yet armed with weapons. O thou of mighty intelligence,
+do thou unfold unto us the object with which thou hast come
+(hither).'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLIII</h2>
+<p>"Bhima said, 'I am the son of Pandu, and next by birth to
+Yudhishthira the just, and my name is Bhimasena. O Rakshasas, I
+have come with my brothers to the jujube named Visala. At that
+place, Panchali saw an excellent Saugandhika lotus, which, of a
+certainty, was carried thither by the wind <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 312]</span> from this region. She wisheth to have
+those flowers in abundance. Know ye, ye Rakshasas, that I am
+engaged in fulfilling the desire of my wedded wife of faultless
+features, and have come hither to procure the flowers.' Thereat the
+Rakshasas said, 'O foremost of men, this spot is dear unto Kuvera,
+and it is his sporting region. Men subject to death cannot sport
+here. O Vrikodara, the celestial sages, and the gods taking the
+permission of the chief of the Yakshas, drink of this lake, and
+sport herein. And, O Pandava, the Gandharvas and the Apsaras also
+divert themselves in this lake. That wicked person who,
+disregarding the lord of treasures, unlawfully attempteth to sport
+here, without doubt, meeteth with destruction. Disregarding him,
+thou seekest to take away the lotuses from this place by main
+force. Why then dost thou say that thou art the brother of
+Yudhishthira the just? First, taking the permission of the lord of
+Yakshas, do thou drink of this lake and take away the flowers. If
+thou dost not do this, thou shall not be able even to glance at a
+single lotus.' Bhimasena said, 'Ye Rakshasas, I do not see the lord
+of wealth here. And even if I did see that mighty king, I would not
+beseech him: Kshatriyas never beseech (any body). This is the
+eternal morality; and I by no means wish to forsake the Kshatriya
+morality. And, further this lotus-lake hath sprung from the
+cascades of the mountain; it hath not been excavated in the mansion
+of Kuvera. Therefore it belongeth equally to all creatures with
+Vaisravana. In regard to a thing of such a nature, who goeth to
+beseech another?'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having said this unto the Rakshasas, the
+mighty-armed and exceedingly unforbearing Bhimasena of great
+strength plunged into the lotus-lake. Thereat that powerful one was
+forbidden by the Rakshasas, saying, 'Do not do this;' and they from
+all sides began to abuse him in anger. But slighting these
+Rakshasas, that mighty one of dreadful prowess plunged (farther and
+farther). Now they all prepared for opposing him. And with eyes
+rolling, they upraised their arms, and rushed in wrath at
+Bhimasena, exclaiming, 'Seize him! Bind him! Hew him! We shall cook
+Bhimasena, and eat him up!' Thereupon that one of great force,
+taking his ponderous and mighty mace inlaid with golden plates,
+like unto the mace of Yama himself, turned towards those, and then
+said, 'Stay!' At this, they darted at him with vehemence,
+brandishing lances, and axes, and other weapons. And wishing to
+destroy Bhima, the dreadful and fierce Krodhavasas surrounded Bhima
+on all sides. But that one, being endued with strength, had been
+begotten by Vayu in the womb of Kunti; and he was heroic and
+energetic, and the slayer of foes, and ever devoted to virtue and
+truth, and incapable of being vanquished by enemies through
+prowess. Accordingly this high-souled Bhima defeating all the
+manoeuvres of the foes, and breaking their arms, killed on the
+banks of the lake more than a hundred, commencing with the
+foremost. And then witnessing his prowess and strength, and the
+force of his skill, and also the might of his arms, and unable to
+bear (the onset), those prime heroes all of a sudden fled on all
+sides in bands.</p>
+<p>"Beaten and pierced by Bhimasena, those Krodhavasas quitted the
+field of battle, and in confusion quickly fled towards the Kailasa
+cliff, supporting <span class="pagenum">[Pg 313]</span> themselves
+in the sky. Having thus by the exercise of his prowess defeated
+those hosts, even as Sakra had defeated the armies of Daityas and
+Danavas, he (Bhima), now that he had conquered the enemy, plunged
+into the lake and began to gather the lotuses, with the object of
+gaining his purpose. And as he drank of the waters, like unto
+nectar, his energy and strength were again fully restored; and he
+fell to plucking and gathering Saugandhika lotuses of excellent
+fragrance. On the other hand, the Krodhavasas, being driven by the
+might of Bhima and exceedingly terrified, presented themselves
+before the lord of wealth, and gave an exact account of Bhima's
+prowess and strength in fight. Hearing their words, the god
+(Kuvera) smiled and then said, 'Let Bhima take for Krishna as many
+lotuses as he likes. This is already known to me.' Thereupon taking
+the permission of the lord of wealth, those (Rakshasas) renouncing
+anger, went to that foremost of the Kurus, and in that lotus-lake
+beheld Bhima alone, disporting in delight."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then, O best of the Bharatas, Bhima began to
+collect those rare unearthly, variegated and fresh flowers in
+abundance.</p>
+<p>"And it came to pass that a high and violent wind, piercing to
+the touch, and blowing about gravels, arose, portending battle. And
+frightful meteors began to shoot, with thundering sounds. And being
+enveloped by darkness, the sun became pale, his rays being
+obscured. And on Bhima displaying his prowess, dreadful sounds of
+explosion rang through the sky. And the earth began to tremble, and
+dust fell in showers. And the points of the heavens became
+reddened. And beasts and birds began to cry in shrill tones. And
+every thing became enveloped in darkness; and nothing could be
+distinguished. And other evil omens besides these appeared there.
+Witnessing these strange phenomena, Dharma's son Yudhishthira, the
+foremost of speakers, said, 'Who is it that will overcome us? Ye
+Pandavas who take delight in battle, good betide you! Do ye equip
+yourselves. From what I see, I infer that the time for the display
+of our prowess hath drawn nigh.' Having said this, the king looked
+around. Then not finding Bhima, that represser of foes, Dharma's
+son, Yudhishthira, enquired of Krishna and the twins standing near
+regarding his brother, Bhima, the doer of dreadful deeds in battle,
+saying, 'O Panchali, is Bhima intent upon performing some great
+feat, or hath that one delighting in daring deeds already achieved
+some brave deed? Portending some great danger, these omens have
+appeared all around, indicating a fearful battle.' When
+Yudhishthira said this, his beloved queen, the high-minded Krishna
+of sweet smiles, answered him, in order to remove his anxiety. 'O
+king, that Saugandhika lotus which to-day had been brought by the
+wind, I had out of love duly shown unto Bhimasena; and I had also
+said unto that hero, If thou canst find many of this species,
+procuring even all of them, do thou return speedily,&mdash;O
+Pandava, that mighty armed one, with the view of gratifying my
+desire, may have gone towards <span class="pagenum">[Pg 314]</span>
+the north-east to bring them.' Having heard these words of hers,
+the king said unto the twins, 'Let us together follow the path
+taken by Vrikodara. Let the Rakshasas carry those Brahmanas that
+are fatigued and weak. O Ghatotkacha, O thou like unto a celestial,
+do thou carry Krishna. I am convinced and it is plain that Bhima
+hath dived into the forest; for it is long since he hath gone, and
+in speed he resembleth the wind, and in clearing over the ground,
+he is swift like unto Vinata's son, and he will ever leap into the
+sky, and alight at his will. O Rakshasas, we shall follow him
+through your prowess. He will not at first do any wrong to the
+Siddhas versed in the Vedas.' O best of the Bharatas, saying, 'So
+be it,' Hidimva's son and the other Rakshasas who knew the quarter
+where the lotus lake of Kuvera was situated, started cheerfully
+with Lomasa, bearing the Pandavas, and many of the Brahmanas.
+Having shortly reached that spot, they saw that romantic lake
+covered with Saugandhika and other lotuses and surrounded by
+beautiful woods. And on its shores they beheld the high-souled and
+vehement Bhima, as also the slaughtered Yakshas of large eyes, with
+their bodies, eyes, arms and thighs smashed, and their heads
+crushed. And on seeing the high-souled Bhima, standing on the shore
+of that lake in an angry mood, and with steadfast eyes, and biting
+his lip, and stationed on the shore of the lake with his mace
+upraised by his two hands, like unto Yama with his mace in his hand
+at the time of the universal dissolution, Yudhishthira the just,
+embraced him again and again, and said in sweet words, 'O Kaunteya,
+what hast thou done? Good betide thee! If thou wishest to do good
+unto me, thou shouldst never again commit such a rash act, nor
+offend the gods.' Having thus instructed the son of Kunti, and
+taken the flowers those god-like ones began to sport in that very
+lake. At this instant, the huge-bodied warders of the gardens,
+equipped with rocks for weapons, presented themselves at the spot.
+And seeing Yudhishthira the just and the great sage Lomasa and
+Nakula and Sahadeva and also the other foremost of Brahmanas, they
+all bowed themselves down in humility. And being pacified by
+Yudhishthira the just, the Rakshasas became satisfied. And with the
+knowledge of Kuvera, those foremost of Kurus for a short time dwelt
+pleasantly at that spot on the slopes of the Gandhamadana,
+expecting Arjuna."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Once upon a time Yudhishthira, while living
+at that place, addressed Krishna, his brother, and the Brahmanas,
+saying, 'By us have been attentively seen one after another sacred
+and auspicious <i>tirthas</i>, and woods, delightful to beheld,
+which had ere this been visited by the celestials and the
+high-souled sages, and which had been worshipped by the Brahmanas.
+And in various sacred asylums we have performed ablutions with
+Brahmanas, and have heard from them the lives and acts of many
+sages, and also of many royal sages of yore, and other pleasant
+stories. And with flowers and water have the gods been worshipped
+by us. And with offerings <span class="pagenum">[Pg 315]</span> of
+fruits and roots as available at each place we have gratified the
+<i>pitris</i>. And with the high-souled ones have we performed
+ablutions in all sacred and beautiful mountains and lakes, and also
+in the highly sacred ocean. And with the Brahmanas we have bathed
+in the Ila, and in the Saraswati, and in the Sindhu, and in the
+Yamuna, and in the Narmada, and in various other romantic
+<i>tirthas</i>. And having passed the source of the Ganga, we have
+seen many a lovely hill and the Himalaya mountains, inhabited by
+various species of birds, and also the jujube named Visala, where
+there is the hermitage of Nara and Narayana. And (finally) we have
+beheld this unearthly lake, held in veneration by the Siddhas, the
+gods and the sages. In fact, O foremost of Brahmanas, we have one
+by one carefully seen all celebrated and sacred spots in company
+with the high-souled Lomasa. Now, O Bhima, how shall we repair to
+the sacred abode of Vaisravana, inhabited by the Siddhas? Do thou
+think of the means of entering (the same).'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When that king had said this, an aerial
+voice spake, saying. 'Thou will not be able to go to that
+inaccessible spot. By this very way, do thou repair from this
+region of Kuvera to the place whence thou hadst come even to the
+hermitage of Nara and Narayana, known by the name of Vadari.
+Thence, O Kaunteya, thou wilt repair to the hermitage of
+Vrishaparva, abounding in flowers and fruit, and inhabited by the
+Siddhas and the Charanas. Having passed that, O Partha, thou wilt
+proceed to the hermitage of Arshtishena, and from thence thou wilt
+behold the abode of Kuvera.' Just at that moment the breeze became
+fresh, and gladsome and cool and redolent of unearthly fragrance;
+and it showered blossoms, And on hearing the celestial voice from
+the sky, they all were amazed,&mdash;more specially those earthly
+<i>rishis</i> and the Brahmanas. On hearing this mighty marvel, the
+Brahmana Dhaumya, said, 'This should not be gainsaid. O Bharata,
+let this be so.' Thereupon, king Yudhishthira obeyed him. And
+having returned to the hermitage of Nara and Narayana, he began to
+dwell pleasantly, surrounded by Bhimasena and his other brothers,
+Panchali, and the Brahmanas."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dwelling with the Brahmanas in
+that best of mountains, in expectation of Arjuna's return, when the
+Pandavas had grown confident and when all those Rakshasas together
+with Bhima's son had departed, one day while Bhimasena was away, a
+Rakshasa all of a sudden carried off Yudhishthira the just and the
+twins and Krishna. That Rakshasa (in the guise of a Brahmana) had
+constantly remained in the company of the Pandavas, alleging that
+he was a high-class Brahmana, skilled in counsel, and versed in all
+the <i>Sastras</i>. His object was to possess himself of the bows,
+the quivers and the other material implements belonging to the
+Pandavas; and he had been watching for an opportunity of ravishing
+Draupadi. And that wicked and sinful one was named Jatasura. And,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 316]</span> O king of kings, Pandu's son
+(Yudhishthira) had been supporting him, but knew not that wretch
+like unto a fire covered with ashes.</p>
+<p>"And once on a day while that represser of foes, Bhimasena, was
+out hunting, he (the Rakshasa), seeing Ghatotkacha and his
+followers scatter in different directions and seeing those
+vow-observing great <i>rishis</i>, of ascetic wealth, viz., Lomasa
+and the rest, away for bathing and collecting flowers, assumed a
+different form, gigantic and monstrous and frightful; and having
+secured all the arms (of the Pandavas) as also Draupadi, that
+wicked one fled away taking the three Pandavas. Thereupon that son
+of Pandu, Sahadeva, extricated himself with exertion, and by force
+snatched the sword named Kausika from the grasp of the enemy and
+began to call Bhimasena, taking the direction in which that mighty
+one had gone. And on being carried off Yudhishthira the just,
+addressed him (that Rakshasa), saying, 'O stupid one, thy merit
+decreaseth (even by this act of thine). Dost thou not pay heed unto
+the established order of nature? Whether belonging to the human
+race, or to the lower orders, all pay regard to virtue,&mdash;more
+specially the Rakshasas. In the first instance, they knew virtue
+better than others. Having considered all these, thou ought to
+adhere to virtue. O Rakshasa, the gods, the <i>pitris</i>, the
+Siddhas, the <i>rishis</i>, the Gandharvas, the brutes and even the
+worms and ants depend for their lives on men; and thou too liveth
+through that agency. If prosperity attendeth the human race, thy
+race also prospereth; and if calamities befall the former, even the
+celestials suffer grief. Being gratified by offerings, do the gods
+thrive. O Rakshasa, we are the guardians, governors and preceptors
+of kingdoms. If kingdoms become unprotected, whence can proceed
+prosperity and happiness? Unless there be offence, a Rakshasa
+should not violate a king. O man-eating one, we have committed no
+wrong, ever so little. Living on <i>vighasa</i>, we serve the gods
+and others to the best of our power. And we are ever intent upon
+bowing down to our superiors and Brahmanas. A friend, and one
+confiding, and he whose food hath been partaken of, and he that
+hath afforded shelter, should never be injured. Thou hast lived in
+our place happily, being duly honoured. And, O evil-minded one,
+having partaken of our food, how canst thou carry us off? And as
+thy acts are so improper and as thou hast grown in age without
+deriving any benefit and as thy propensities are evil, so thou
+deservest to die for nothing, and for nothing wilt thou die to-day.
+And if thou beest really evil-disposed and devoid of all virtue, do
+thou render us back our weapons and ravish Draupadi after fight.
+But if through stupidity thou must do this deed, then in the world
+thou wilt only reap demerit and infamy. O Rakshasa, by doing
+violence to this female of the human race, thou hast drunk poison,
+after having shaken the vessel.' Thereupon, Yudhishthira made
+himself ponderous to the Rakshasa. And being oppressed with the
+weight, he could not proceed rapidly as before. Then addressing
+Draupadi, Nakula and Sahadeva, Yudhishthira said, 'Do ye not
+entertain any fear of this wretched Rakshasa, I have checked his
+speed. The mighty-armed <span class="pagenum">[Pg 317]</span> son
+of the Wind-god may not be far away; and on Bhima coming up at the
+next moment, the Rakshasa will not live.' O king, staring at the
+Rakshasa bereft of sense, Sahadeva addressed Yudhishthira, the son
+of Kunti, saying, 'What can be more meritorious for a Kshatriya
+than to fall in fight, or defeat a foe? O repressor of foes, we
+will fight and either this one will slay us, or we shall slay him,
+O mighty-armed one. Verily this is the place and time, O king. And,
+O thou of unfailing prowess, the time hath come for the display of
+our Kshatriya virtue. It behoveth us to attain heaven either by
+gaining victory or being slain. If the sun sets to-day, the
+Rakshasa living yet, O Bharata, I will not any more say that I am a
+Kshatriya. Ho! Ho! Rakshasa, say! I am Pandu's son, Sahadeva.
+Either, after having killed me, carry off this lady, or being
+slain, lie senseless here.'</p>
+<p>"Madri's son, Sahadeva, was speaking thus, when Bhimasena made
+his appearance, with a mace in his hand, like unto Vasava himself
+wielding the thunder-bolt. And here he saw his two brothers and the
+noble-minded Draupadi (on the shoulders of the demon), and Sahadeva
+on the ground rebuking the Rakshasa and also that stupid Rakshasa
+himself deprived of sense by Fate, going round in different
+directions through bewilderment caused by Destiny. And finding his
+brothers and Draupadi being carried off, Bhima of mighty strength
+was fired with wrath, and addressed the Rakshasa, saying, 'I had
+ere this found thee out for a wicked wight from thy scrutiny of our
+weapons; but as I had no apprehension of thee, so I had not slain
+thee at that time. Thou wert in the disguise of a
+Brahmana&mdash;nor didst thou say anything harsh unto us. And thou
+didst take delight in pleasing us. And thou also didst not do us
+wrong. And, furthermore, thou wert our guest. How could I,
+therefore, slay thee, who wert thus innocent of offence, and who
+wert in the disguise of a Brahmana? He that knowing such a one to
+be even a Rakshasa, slayeth him, goes to hell. Further, thou canst
+not be killed before the time cometh. Surely to-day thou hast
+reached the fullness of thy time in as much as thy mind hath been
+thus turned by the wonder-performing Fate towards carrying off
+Krishna. By committing thyself to this deed, thou hast swallowed up
+the hook fastened to the line of Fate. So like unto a fish in
+water, whose mouth hath been hooked, how canst thou live to-day?
+Thou shall not have to go whither thou intendest to, or whither
+thou hadst already gone mentally; but thou shall go whither have
+repaired Vaka and Hidimva.'</p>
+<p>"Thus addressed by Bhima, the Rakshasa in alarm put them down;
+and being forced by Fate, approached for fight. And with his lips
+trembling in anger he spake unto Bhima, saying, 'Wretch! I have not
+been bewildered; I had been delaying for thee. Today will I offer
+oblations of thy blood to those Rakshasas who, I had heard, have
+been slain by thee in fight.' Thus addressed, Bhima, as if bursting
+with wrath, like unto Yama himself at the time of the universal
+dissolution, rushed towards the Rakshasa, licking the corners of
+his mouth and staring at him as he struck his own arms with the
+hands. And seeing Bhima waiting in <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+318]</span> expectation of fight, the Rakshasa also darted towards
+him in anger, like unto Vali towards the wielder of the
+thunderbolt, repeatedly gaping and licking the corners of his
+mouth. And when a dreadful wrestling ensued between those two, both
+the sons of Madri, waxing exceeding wroth rushed forward; but
+Kunti's son, Vrikodara, forbade them with a smile and said,
+'Witness ye! I am more than a match for this Rakshasa. By my own
+self and by my brothers, and by my merit, and by my good deeds, and
+by my sacrifices, do I swear that I shall slay this Rakshasa.' And
+after this was said, those two heroes, the Rakshasa and Vrikodara
+challenging each other, caught each other by the arms. And they not
+forgiving each other, then there ensued a conflict between the
+infuriated Bhima and the Rakshasa, like unto that between a god and
+a demon. And repeatedly uprooting trees, those two of mighty
+strength struck each other, shouting and roaring like two masses of
+clouds. And those foremost of athletes, each wishing to kill the
+other, and rushing at the other with vehemence, broke down many a
+gigantic tree by their thighs. Thus that encounter with trees,
+destructive of plants, went on like unto that between the two
+brothers Vali and Sugriva&mdash;desirous of the possession of a
+single woman. Brandishing trees for a moment, they struck each
+other with them, shouting incessantly. And when all the trees of
+the spot had been pulled down and crushed into fibres by them
+endeavouring to kill each other, then, O Bharata, those two of
+mighty strength, taking up rocks, began to fight for a while, like
+unto a mountain and a mighty mass of clouds. And not suffering each
+other, they fell to striking each other with hard and large crags,
+resembling vehement thunder-bolts. Then from strength defying each
+other, they again darted at each other, and grasping each other by
+their arms, began to wrestle like unto two elephants. And next they
+dealt each other fierce blows. And then those two mighty ones began
+to make chattering sounds by gnashing their teeth. And at length,
+having clenched his fist like a five-headed snake, Bhima with force
+dealt a blow on the neck of the Rakshasa. And when struck by that
+fist of Bhima, the Rakshasa became faint, Bhimasena stood, catching
+hold of that exhausted one. And then the god-like mighty-armed
+Bhima lifted him with his two arms, and dashing him with force on
+the ground, the son of Pandu smashed all his limbs. And striking
+him with his elbow, he severed from his body the head with bitten
+lips and rolling eyes, like unto a fruit from its stem. And
+Jatasura's head being severed by Bhimasena's might, he fell
+besmeared with gore, and having bitten lips. Having slain Jatasura,
+Bhima presented himself before Yudhishthira, and the foremost
+Brahmanas began to eulogise him (Bhima) even as the Marutas
+(eulogise) Vasava."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "On that Rakshasa having been slain,
+that lord, the royal son of Kunti, returned to the hermitage of
+Narayana and began to dwell there. And once on a time, remembering
+his brother <span class="pagenum">[Pg 319]</span> Jaya (Arjuna),
+Yudhishthira summoned all his brothers, together with Draupadi and
+said these words, 'We have passed these four years peacefully
+ranging the woods. It hath been appointed by Vibhatsu that about
+the fifth year he will come to that monarch of mountains, the
+excellent cliff Sweta, ever graced with festivities held by
+blooming plants and maddened Kokilas and black bees, and peacocks,
+and chatakas and inhabited by tigers, and boars and buffaloes, and
+gavayas, and deer, and ferocious beasts; and sacred; and lovely
+with blown lotuses of a hundred and a thousand petals, and blooming
+lilies and blue lilies and frequented by the celestials and the
+Asuras. And we also, eagerly anxious of meeting him on his arrival
+have made up our minds to repair thither. Partha of unrivalled
+prowess hath appointed with me, saying, "I shall remain abroad for
+five years, with the object of learning military science." In the
+place like unto the region of the gods, shall we behold the wielder
+of Gandiva arrive after having obtained the weapons.' Having said
+this, the Pandava summoned the Brahmanas, and the sons of Pritha
+having gone round the ascetics of rigid austerities and thereby
+pleased them, informed them of the matter mentioned above.
+Thereupon the Brahmanas gave their assent, saying, 'This shall be
+attended by prosperity and welfare. O foremost of the Bharatas,
+these troubles shall result in happiness. O pious one, gaining the
+earth by the Kshatriya virtue, thou shall govern it.' Then in
+obedience to these words of the ascetics, that represser of foes,
+Yudhishthira, set out with his brothers and those Brahmanas,
+followed by the Rakshasa and protected by Lomasa. And that one of
+mighty energy, and of staunch vows, with his brothers, at places
+went on foot and at others were carried by the Rakshasas. Then king
+Yudhishthira, apprehending many troubles, proceeded towards the
+north abounding in lions and tigers and elephants. And beholding on
+the way the mountain Mainaka and the base of the Gandhamadana and
+that rocky mass Sweta and many a crystal rivulet higher and higher
+up the mountain, he reached on the seventeenth day the sacred
+slopes of the Himalayas. And, O king, not far from the
+Gandhamadana, Pandu's son beheld on the sacred slopes of the
+Himavan covered with various trees and creepers the holy hermitage
+of Vrishaparva surrounded by blossoming trees growing near the
+cascades. And when those repressers of foes, the sons of Pandu, had
+recovered from fatigue, they went to the royal sage, the pious
+Vrishaparva and greeted him. And that royal sage received with
+affection those foremost of Bharatas, even as his own sons. And
+those repressers of foes passed there seven nights, duly regarded.
+And when the eighth day came, taking the permission of that sage
+celebrated over the worlds, they prepared to start on their
+journey. And having one by one introduced unto Vrishapava those
+Brahmanas, who, duly honoured, remained in his charge as friends;
+and having also entrusted the highsouled Vrishaparva with their
+remaining robes, the sons of Pandu, O king, left in the hermitage
+of Vrishaparva their sacrificial vessels together with their
+ornaments and jewels. And wise and pious and versed in every duty
+and having a knowledge of the past as well as the future, that one
+gave instructions unto those best of the Bharatas, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 320]</span> as unto his own sons. Then taking his
+permission those high-souled ones set out towards the north. And as
+they set out the magnanimous Vrishaparva followed them to a certain
+distance. Then having entrusted the Pandavas unto the care of the
+Brahmanas and instructed and blessed them and given directions
+concerning their course, Vrishaparva of mighty energy retraced his
+steps.</p>
+<p>"Then Kunti's son, Yudhishthira of unfailing prowess, together
+with his brothers, began to proceed on foot along the mountain
+path, inhabited by various kinds of beasts. And having dwelt at the
+mountain slopes, densely overgrown with trees, Pandu's son on the
+fourth day reached the Sweta mountain, like unto a mighty mass of
+clouds, abounding in streams and consisting of a mass of gold and
+gems. And taking the way directed by Vrishaparva, they reached one
+by one the intended places, beholding various mountains. And over
+and over they passed with ease many inaccessible rocks and
+exceedingly impassable caves of the mountain. And Dhaumya and
+Krishna and the Parthas and the mighty sage Lomasa went on in a
+body and none grew tired. And those highly fortunate ones arrived
+at the sacred and mighty mountain resounding with the cries of
+birds and beasts and covered with various trees and creepers and
+inhabited by monkeys, and romantic and furnished with many
+lotus-lakes and having marshes and extensive forests. And then with
+their down standing erect, they saw the mountain Gandhamadana, the
+abode of Kimpurushas, frequented by Siddhas and Charanas and ranged
+by Vidyadharis and Kinnaris and inhabited by herds of elephants and
+thronged with lions and tigers and resounding with the roars of
+Sarabhas and attended by various beasts. And the war-like sons of
+Pandu gradually entered into the forest of the Gandhamadana, like
+unto the Nandana gardens, delightful to the mind and heart and
+worthy of being inhabited and having beautiful groves. And as those
+heroes entered with Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas, they
+heard notes uttered by the mouths of birds, exceedingly sweet and
+graceful to the ear and causing delight and dulcet and broken by
+reason of excess of animal spirits. And they saw various trees
+bending under the weight of fruits in all seasons, and ever bright
+with flowers&mdash;such as mangoes and hog-plums and bhavyas and
+pomegranates, citrons and jacks and lakuchas and plantains and
+aquatic reeds and parvatas and champakas and lovely kadamvas and
+vilwas, wood-apples and rose-apples and kasmaris and jujubes and
+figs and glomerous figs and banians and aswatthas and khirikas and
+bhall atakas and amalkas and bibhitakas and ingudas and karamardas
+and tindukas of large fruits&mdash;these and many others on the
+slopes of the Gandhamadana, clustered with sweet and nectarine
+fruits. And besides these, they beheld champakas and asokas and
+ketakas and vakulas and punnagas and saptaparnas and karnikaras,
+and patals, and beautiful kutajas and mandaras, and lotuses, and
+parijatas, and kovidaras and devadarus, and salas, and palmyra
+palms, and tamalas, and pippalas, and salmalis and kinsukas, and
+singsapas, and saralas and these were inhabited by Chakoras, and
+wood-peckers and chatakas, and various other birds, singing in
+sweet tones pleasing to the ear. And they saw lakes <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 321]</span> beautiful on all sides with aquatic
+birds, and covered all around with kumudas, and pundarikas, and
+kokanadas, and utpalas, and kalharas, and kamalas and thronged on
+all sides with drakes and ruddy geese, and ospreys, and gulls and
+karandavas, and plavas, and swans, and cranes, and shags, and other
+aquatic birds. And those foremost of men saw those lotus-lakes
+beautified with assemblages of lotuses, and ringing with the sweet
+hum of bees, glad, and drowsy on account of having drunk the
+intoxicating honey of lotuses, and reddened with the farina falling
+from the lotus cups. And in the groves they beheld with their hens
+peacocks maddened with desire caused by the notes of
+cloud-trumpets; and those woods-loving glad peacocks drowsy with
+desire, were dancing, spreading in dalliance their gorgeous tails,
+and were crying in melodious notes. And some of the peacocks were
+sporting with their mates on kutaja trees covered with creepers.
+And some sat on the boughs of the kutajas, spreading their gorgeous
+tails, and looking like crowns worn by the trees. And in the glades
+they beheld the graceful sindhuvaras like unto the darts of Cupid.
+And on the summits of the mountain, they saw blooming karnikaras
+bearing blossoms of a golden hue, appearing like ear-rings of
+excellent make. And in the forest they saw blossoming kuruvakas,
+like unto the shafts of Cupid, which smiteth one with desire and
+maketh him uneasy. And they saw tilakas appearing like unto
+beauty-spots painted on the forehead of the forest. And they saw
+mango trees graced with blossoms hummed over by black bees, and
+serving the purpose of Cupid's shafts. And on the slopes of the
+mountain there were diverse blossoming trees, looking lovely, some
+bearing flowers of a golden hue, and some, of the hue of the
+forest-conflagration, and some, red and some sable, and some green
+like unto lapises. And besides these, there were ranges of salas
+and tamalas and patalas and vakula trees, like unto garlands put on
+by the summits of the mountain. Thus gradually beholding on the
+slopes of the mountain many lakes, looking transparent like
+crystal, and having swans of white plumage and resounding with
+cries of cranes, and filled with lotuses and lilies, and furnished
+with waters of delicious feel; and also beholding fragrant flowers,
+and luscious fruits, and romantic lakes, and captivating trees, the
+Pandavas penetrated into the forest with eyes expanded with wonder.
+And (as they proceeded) they were fanned by the breeze of balmy
+feel, and perfumed by kamalas and utpalas and kalharas and
+pundarikas. Then Yudhishthira pleasantly spake unto Bhima saying,
+'Ah! O Bhima, beautiful is this forest of the Gandhamadana. In this
+romantic forest there are various heavenly blossoming wild trees
+and creepers, bedecked with foliage and fruit, nor are there any
+trees that do not flower. On these slopes of the Gandhamadana, all
+the trees are of sleek foliage and fruit. And behold how these
+lotus-lakes with fullblown lotuses, and ringing with the hum of
+black bees, are being agitated by elephants with their mates.
+Behold another lotus-lake girt with lines of lotuses, like unto a
+second Sree in an embodied form wearing garlands. And in this
+excellent forest there are beautiful ranges of woods, rich with the
+aroma of various blossoms, and hummed over by the black bees. And,
+O Bhima, behold on all sides the excellent sporting <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 322]</span> ground of the celestials. By coming here,
+we have attained extra-human state, and been blessed. O Partha, on
+these slopes of the Gandhamadana, yon beautiful blossoming trees,
+being embraced by creepers with blossoms at their tops, look
+lovely. And, O Bhima, hark unto the notes of the peacocks crying
+with their hens on the mountain slopes. And birds such as chakoras,
+and satapatras, and maddened kokilas, and parrots, are alighting on
+these excellent flowering trees. And sitting on the twigs, myriads
+of jivajivakas of scarlet, yellow and red hues, are looking at one
+another. And the cranes are seen near the spots covered with green
+and reddish grass, and also by the side of the cascades. And those
+birds, bhringarajas, and upachakras, and herons are pouring forth
+their notes charming to all creatures. And, lo! with their mates,
+these elephants furnished with four tusks, and white as lotuses,
+are agitating that large lake of the hue of lapises. And from many
+cascades, torrents high as several palmyra palms (placed one upon
+another) are rushing down from the cliffs. And many argent minerals
+splendid, and of the effulgence of the sun, and like unto autumnal
+clouds, are beautifying this mighty mountain. And in some places
+there are minerals of the hue of the collyrium, and in some those
+like unto gold, in some, yellow orpiment and in some, vermilion,
+and in some, caves of red arsenic like unto the evening clouds and
+in some, red chalk of the hue of the rabbit, and in some, minerals
+like unto white and sable clouds; and in some, those effulgent as
+the rising sun, these minerals of great lustre beautify the
+mountain. O Partha, as was said by Vrishaparva, the Gandharvas and
+the Kimpurushas, in company with their loves, are visible on the
+summits of the mountain. And, O Bhima, there are heard various
+songs of appropriate measures, and also Vedic hymns, charming to
+all creatures. Do thou behold the sacred and graceful celestial
+river Mahaganga, with swans, resorted to by sages and Kinnaras.
+And, O represser of foes, see this mountain having minerals,
+rivulets, and beautiful woods and beasts, and snakes of diverse
+shapes and a hundred heads and Kinnaras, Gandharvas and
+Apsaras.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having attained excellent state, those
+valiant and warlike repressers of foes with Draupadi and the
+high-souled Brahmanas were exceedingly delighted at heart, and they
+were not satiated by beholding that monarch of mountains.
+Thereafter they saw the hermitage of the royal sage Arshtishena,
+furnished with flowers and trees bearing fruits. Then they went to
+Arshtishena versed in all duties of rigid austerities,
+skeleton-like, and having muscles bare."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having approached that one, whose sins
+had been consumed by asceticism, Yudhishthira announced his name,
+and gladly greeted him, bending his head. And then Krishna, and
+Bhima, and the devout twins, having bowed down their heads unto the
+royal sage, stood <span class="pagenum">[Pg 323]</span> (there)
+surrounding him. And that priest of the Pandavas, the virtuous
+Dhaumya, also duly approached that vow-observing sage. And by his
+prophetic eye that virtuous Muni had already known (the identity
+of) those foremost of the Kurus, the sons of Pandu. And he said
+unto them. 'Be ye seated.' And that one of rigid austerities, after
+having duly received that chief of the Kurus, when the latter with
+his brothers had seated himself enquired after his welfare saying,
+'Dost thou not turn thy inclination upon untruth? And art thou
+intent upon virtue? And, O Partha, hath not thy attention to thy
+father and thy mother diminished? Are all thy superiors, and the
+aged, and those versed in the Vedas, honoured by thee? And O
+Pritha's son, dost thou not turn thy inclination unto sinful acts?
+And dost thou, O best of the Kurus, properly know how to perform
+meritorious acts, and to eschew wicked deeds? Dost thou not exalt
+thyself? And are pious men gratified, being honoured by thee? And
+even dwelling in the woods, dost thou follow virtue alone? And, O
+Partha, doth not Dhaumya grieve at thy conduct? Dost thou follow
+the customs of thy ancestors, by charity, and religious
+observances, and asceticism, and purity, and candour, and
+forgiveness? And dost thou go along the way taken by the royal
+sages? On the birth of a son in their (respective) lines, the
+<i>Pitris</i> in their regions, both laugh and grieve,
+thinking&mdash;Will the sinful acts of this son of ours harm us, or
+will meritorious deeds conduce to our welfare? He conquereth both
+the worlds that payeth homage unto his father, and mother, and
+preceptor, and Agni, and fifthly, the soul.' Yudhishthira said, 'O
+worshipful one, those duties have been mentioned by thee as
+excellent. To the best of my power I duly and properly discharge
+them.'</p>
+<p>"Arshtishena said, 'During the Parvas sages subsisting on air
+and water come unto this best of the mountains ranging through the
+air. And on the summits of the mountain are seen amorous
+Kimpurushas with their paramours, mutually attached unto each
+other; as also, O Partha, many Gandharvas and Apsaras clad in white
+silk vestments; and lovely-looking Vidyadharas, wearing garlands;
+and mighty Nagas, and Suparnas, and Uragas, and others. And on the
+summits of the mountain are heard, during the Parvas, sounds of
+kettle-drums, and tabors, shells and mridangas. O foremost of the
+Bharatas, even by staying here, ye shall hear those sounds; do ye
+by no means feel inclined to repair thither. Further, O best of the
+Bharata race, it is impossible, to proceed beyond this. That place
+is the sporting-region of the celestials. There is no access
+thither for mortals. O Bharata, at this place all creatures bear
+ill-will to, and the Rakshasas chastise, that man who committeth
+aggression, be it ever so little. Beyond the summit of this Kailasa
+cliff, is seen the path of the celestial sages. If any one through
+impudence goeth beyond this, the Rakshasas slay him with iron darts
+and other weapons. There, O child, during the Parvas, he that goeth
+about on the shoulders of men, even Vaisravana is seen in pomp and
+grandeur surrounded by the Apsaras. And when that lord of all the
+Rakshasas is seated on the summit, all creatures behold him like
+unto the sun arisen. O best of Bharatas, that summit is the
+sporting-garden of the celestials, and the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 324]</span> Danavas, and the Siddhas, and Vaisravana.
+And during the Parvas, as Tumburu entertaineth the Lord of
+treasures, the sweet notes of his song are heard all over the
+Gandhamadana. O child, O Yudhishthira, here during the Parvas, all
+creatures see and hear marvels like this. O Pandavas, till ye meet
+with Arjuna, do ye stay here, partaking of luscious fruits, and the
+food of the Munis. O child as thou hast come hither, do thou not
+betray any impertinence. And, O child, after living here at thy
+will and diverting thyself as thou listest, thou wilt at length
+rule the earth, having conquered it by the force of thy arms.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLIX</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "How long did my great grandsires, the
+highsouled sons of Pandu of matchless prowess, dwell in the
+Gandhamadana mountain? And what did those exceedingly powerful
+ones, gifted with manliness, do? And what was the food of those
+high-souled ones, when those heroes of the worlds dwelt (there)? O
+excellent one, do thou relate all about this. Do thou describe the
+prowess of Bhimasena, and what that mighty-armed one did in the
+mountain Himalayan. Surely, O best of Brahmanas, he did not fight
+again with the Yakshas. And did they meet with Vaisravana? Surely,
+as Arshtishena said, the lord of wealth cometh thither. All this, O
+thou of ascetic wealth, I desire to hear in detail. Surely, I have
+not yet been fully satisfied by hearing about their acts."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having heard from that one of
+incomparable energy, (Arshtishena), that advice conducive to their
+welfare, those foremost of the Bharatas, began to behave always
+accordingly. Those best of men, the Pandavas, dwelt upon the
+Himavan, partaking of the food eaten by the Munis, and luscious
+fruit, and the flesh of deer killed with unpoisoned shafts and
+various kinds of pure honey. Living thus, they passed the fifth
+year, hearing various stories told by Lomasa. O lord, saying, 'I
+shall be present when occasion ariseth,' Ghatotkacha, together with
+all the Rakshasas, had ere this already gone away. Those
+magnanimous ones passed many months in the hermitage of
+Arshtishena, witnessing many marvels. And as the Pandavas were
+sporting there pleasantly, there came to see them some complacent
+vow-observing Munis and Charanas of high fortune, and pure souls.
+And those foremost of the Bharata race conversed with them on
+earthly topics. And it came to pass that when several days has
+passed, Suparna all of a sudden carried off an exceedingly powerful
+and mighty Naga, living in the large lake. And thereupon that
+mighty mountain began to tremble, and the gigantic trees, break.
+And all the creatures and the Pandavas witnessed the wonder. Then
+from the brow of that excellent mountain, the wind brought before
+the Pandavas various fragrant and fair blossoms. And the Pandavas,
+and the illustrious Krishna, together with their friends, saw those
+unearthly blossoms of five hues. And as the mighty-armed Bhimasena
+was seated at ease upon the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 325]</span>
+mountain, Krishna addressed him, saying, 'O best of the Bharata
+race, in the presence of all the creatures, these flowers of five
+hues, carried by the force of the wind raised by Suparna, are
+falling in amain on the river Aswaratha. In Khandava thy
+high-souled brother, firm in promise, had baffled Gandharvas and
+Nagas and Vasava himself, and slain fierce Rakshasas, and also
+obtained the bow Gandiva. Thou also art of exceeding prowess and
+the might of thy arms is great, and irrepressible, and unbearable
+like unto the might of Sakra. O Bhimasena, terrified with the force
+of thy arms, let all the Rakshasas betake themselves to the ten
+cardinal points, leaving the mountain. Then will thy friends be
+freed from fear and affliction, and behold the auspicious summit of
+this excellent mountain furnished with variegated flowers. O Bhima,
+I have for long cherished this thought in my mind,&mdash;that
+protected by the might of thy arms, I shall see that summit.'</p>
+<p>"Thereupon, like a high-mettled bull that hath been struck,
+Bhimasena, considering himself as censured by Draupadi, could not
+bear (that). And that Pandava of the gait of a lion or a bull, and
+graceful, and generous, and having the splendour of gold, and
+intelligent, and strong, and proud, and sensitive, and heroic, and
+having red eyes, and broad shoulders, and gifted with the strength
+of mad elephants, and having leonine teeth and a broad neck, and
+tall like a young sala tree, and highsouled, and graceful in every
+limb, and of neck having the whorls of a shell and mighty-armed,
+took up his bow plaited at the back with gold, and also his sword.
+And haughty like unto a lion, and resembling a maddened elephant,
+that strong one rushed towards that cliff, free from fear or
+affliction. And all the creatures saw him equipped with bows and
+arrows, approaching like a lion or a maddened elephant. And free
+from fear or affliction, the Pandava taking his mace, proceeded to
+that monarch of mountains causing the delight of Draupadi. And
+neither exhaustion, nor fatigue, nor lassitude, nor the malice (of
+others), affected that son of Pritha and the Wind-god. And having
+arrived at a rugged path affording passage to one individual only,
+that one of great strength ascended that terrible summit high as
+several palmyra palms (placed one upon another). And having
+ascended that summit, and thereby gladdened Kinnaras, and great
+Nagas, and Munis, and Gandharvas, and Rakshasas, that foremost of
+the Bharata line, gifted with exceeding strength described the
+abode of Vaisravana, adorned with golden crystal palaces surrounded
+on all sides by golden walls having the splendour of all gems,
+furnished with gardens all around, higher than a mountain peak,
+beautiful with ramparts and towers, and adorned with door-ways and
+gates and rows of pennons. And the abode was graced with dallying
+damsels dancing around, and also with pennons waved by the breeze.
+And with bent arms, supporting himself on the end of his bow, he
+stood beholding with eagerness the city of the lord of treasures.
+And gladdening all creatures, there was blowing a breeze, carrying
+all perfumes, and of a balmy feel. And there were various beautiful
+and wonderful trees of diverse hues resounding with diverse dulcet
+notes. And at that place the foremost of the Bharatas surveyed the
+palace of the Lord of the Rakshasas scattered with heaps of
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 326]</span> gems, and adorned with
+variegated garlands. And renouncing all care of life the
+mighty-armed Bhimasena stood motionless like a rock, with his mace
+and sword and bow in his hands. Then he blew his shell making the
+down of his adversaries stand erect; and twanging his bow-string,
+and striking his arms with the hands he unnerved all the creatures.
+Thereat with their hairs standing erect, the Yakshas and Rakshasas
+began to rush towards the Pandavas, in the direction of those
+sounds. And taken by the arms of the Yakshas and Rakshasas the
+flamed maces and clubs and swords and spears and javelins and axes,
+and when, O Bharata, the fight ensued between the Rakshasas and
+Bhima, the latter by arrows cut off the darts, javelins and axes of
+those possessing great powers of illusion, and he of exceeding
+strength with arrows pierced the bodies of the roaring Rakshasas,
+both of those that were in the sky, and of those that remained on
+the earth. And Bhima of exceeding strength was deluged with the
+mighty sanguine rain sprung from the bodies of the Rakshasas with
+maces and clubs in their hands and flowing on all sides from their
+persons. And the bodies and hands of the Yakshas and Rakshasas were
+seen to be struck off by the weapon discharged by the might of
+Bhima's arms. And then all the creatures saw the graceful Pandava
+densely surrounded by the Rakshasas, like unto the Sun enveloped by
+clouds. And even as the Sun surrounds everything with his rays,
+that mighty-armed and strong one of unfailing prowess, covered all
+with arrows destroying foes. And although menacing and uttering
+yells, the Rakshasas did not see Bhima embarrassed. Thereupon, with
+their bodies mangled, the Yakshas afflicted by fear of Bhimasena
+began to utter frightful sounds of distress, throwing their mighty
+weapons. And terrified at the wielder of a strong bow, they fled
+towards the southern quarter, forsaking their maces and spears and
+swords and clubs and axes. And then there stood, holding in his
+hands darts and maces, the broad-chested and mighty-armed friend of
+Vaisravana, the Rakshasa named Maniman. And that one of great
+strength began to display his mastery and manliness. And seeing
+them forsake the fight, he addressed them with a smile, 'Going to
+Vaisravana's abode, how will ye say unto that lord of wealth, that
+numbers have been defeated by a single mortal in battle?' Having
+said this unto them that Rakshasa, taking in his hands clubs and
+javelins and maces, set out and rushed towards the Pandava. And he
+rushed in amain like a maddened elephant. Bhimasena pierced his
+sides with three choice arrows. And the mighty Maniman, on his
+part, in wrath taking and flourishing a tremendous mace hurled it
+at Bhimasena. Thereupon Bhimasena beset with innumerable shafts
+sharpened on stones, hurled that mighty mace in the sky, dreadful,
+and like unto the lightning flash. But on reaching the mace those
+shafts were baffled; and although discharged with force by that
+adept at hurling the mace, still they could not stay its career.
+Then the mighty Bhima of dreadful prowess, baffled his (the
+Rakshasa's) discharge by resorting to his skill in mace-fighting.
+In the meanwhile, the intelligent Rakshasa had discharged a
+terrible iron club, furnished with a golden shaft. And that club,
+belching forth flames and emitting tremendous roars, all of a
+sudden pierced <span class="pagenum">[Pg 327]</span> Bhima's right
+arm and then fell to the ground. On being severely wounded by that
+club, that bowman, Kunti's son, of immeasurable prowess, with eyes
+rolling in ire, took up his mace. And having taken that iron mace,
+inlaid with golden plates, which caused the fear of foes and
+brought on their defeat, he darted it with speed towards the mighty
+Maniman, menacing (him) and uttering shouts. Then Maniman on his
+part, taking his huge and blazing dart, with great force discharged
+it at Bhima, uttering loud shouts. Thereat breaking the dart with
+the end of his mace, that mighty-armed one skilled in
+mace-fighting, speedily rushed to slay him, as Garuda (rushed) to
+slay a serpent. Then all of a sudden, advancing ahead in the field,
+that mighty-armed one sprang into the sky and brandishing his mace
+hurled it with shouts. And like unto the thunder-bolt hurled by
+Indra, that mace like a pest, with the speed of the wind destroyed
+the Rakshasa and then fell to the ground. Then all the creatures
+saw that Rakshasa of terrible strength slaughtered by Bhima, even
+like a bull slain by a lion. And the surviving Rakshasas seeing him
+slain on the ground went towards the east, uttering frightful
+sounds of distress."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Hearing various sounds resounding in the
+caves of the mountain and not seeing Bhimasena, Kunti's son,
+Ajatasatru and the twin sons of Madri and Dhaumya and Krishna and
+all the Brahmanas and the friends (of the Pandavas), were filled
+with anxiety. Thereupon, entrusting Draupadi to the charge of
+Arshtishena and equipped in their arms, those valiant and mighty
+charioteers together began to ascend the summit of the mountain.
+And having reached the summit, as those repressors of foes and
+mighty bowmen and powerful charioteers they were looking about, saw
+Bhima and those huge Rakshasas of mighty strength and courage
+weltering in a state of unconsciousness having been struck down by
+Bhima. And holding his mace and sword and bow, that mighty-armed
+one looked like Maghavan, after he had slain the Danava hosts. Then
+on seeing their brother, the Pandavas, who had attained excellent
+state, embraced him and sat down there. And with those mighty
+bowmen, that summit looked grand like heaven graced by those
+foremost of celestials, the highly fortunate Lokapalas. And seeing
+the abode of Kuvera and the Rakshasas, lying slain on the ground,
+the king addressed his brother who was seated, saying, 'Either it
+be through rashness, or through ignorance, thou hast, O Bhima,
+committed a sinful act. O hero, as thou art leading the life of an
+anchorite, this slaughter without cause is unlike thee. Acts, it is
+asserted by those versed in duties, as are calculated to displease
+a monarch, ought not to be committed. But thou hast, O Bhimasena,
+committed a deed which will offend even the gods. He that
+disregarding profit and duty, turneth his thoughts to sin must, O
+Partha, reap the fruit of his sinful actions. However, if thou
+seekest my good, never again commit such a deed.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 328]</span></p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to his brother,
+Vrikodara the virtuous, the highly energetic and firm-minded son of
+Kunti, Yudhishthira versed in the particulars of (the science of)
+profit, ceased, and began to reflect on that matter.</p>
+<p>"On the other hand, the Rakshasas that had survived those slain
+by Bhima fled in a body towards the abode of Kuvera. And they of
+exceeding fleetness having speedily reached Vaisravana's abode,
+began to utter loud cries of distress, being afflicted with the
+fear of Bhima. And, O king bereft of their weapons and exhausted
+and with their mail besmeared with gore and with dishevelled hair
+they spake unto Kuvera, saying. 'O lord, all thy foremost Rakshasas
+fighting with maces and clubs and swords and lances and barbed
+darts, have been slain. O lord of treasures, a mortal, trespassing
+into the mountain, hath, singlehanded, slaughtered all thy
+Krodhavasa Rakshasas assembled together. And, O lord of wealth,
+there lie the foremost of the Yakshas and Rakshasas senseless and
+dead, having been struck down; and we have been let off through his
+favour. And thy friend, Maniman also hath been slain. All this hath
+been done by a mortal. Do thou what is proper, after this.' Having
+heard this, that lord of all the Yaksha hosts waxing wroth, with
+eyes reddened in anger, exclaimed, 'What!' And hearing of Bhima's
+second (act of) aggression, that lord of treasures, the king of the
+Yakshas, was filled with wrath, and said, 'Yoke' (the horses).
+Thereat unto a car of the hue of dark clouds, and high as a
+mountain summit, they yoked steeds having golden garments. And on
+being yoked unto the car, those excellent horses of his, graced
+with every noble quality and furnished with the ten auspicious
+curls of hair and having energy and strength, and adorned with
+various gems and looking splendid, as if desirous of speeding like
+the wind, began to neigh at each other the neighing emitted at (the
+hour of) victory. And that divine and effulgent king of the Yakshas
+set out, being eulogised by the celestials and Gandharvas. And a
+thousand foremost Yakshas of reddened eyes and golden lustre and
+having huge bodies, and gifted with great strength, equipped with
+weapons and girding on their swords, followed that high-souled lord
+of treasures. And coursing through the firmament they (the steeds)
+arrived at the Gandhamadana, as if drawing forward the sky with
+their fleetness. And with their down standing erect, the Pandavas
+saw that large assemblage of horses maintained by the lord of
+wealth and also the highsouled and graceful Kuvera himself
+surrounded by the Yaksha hosts. And seeing those mighty charioteers
+the son of Pandu, possessed of great strength, equipped with bows
+and swords, Kuvera also was delighted; and he was pleased at heart,
+keeping in view the task of the celestials. And like unto birds,
+they, (the Yakshas) gifted with extreme celerity, alighted on the
+summit of the mountain and stood before them (the Pandavas), with
+the lord of treasures at their head. Then, O Bharata, seeing him
+pleased with the Pandavas, the Yakshas and the Gandharvas stood
+there, free from agitation. Then thinking themselves as having
+transgressed, those high-souled and mighty charioteers, the
+Pandavas, having bowed down unto that lord, the giver of wealth
+stood surrounding the lord <span class="pagenum">[Pg 329]</span> of
+treasures with joined hands. And the lord of treasures sat on that
+excellent seat, the elegant Pushpaka, constructed by Viswakarma,
+painted with diverse colours. And thousands of Yakshas and
+Rakshasas, some having huge frames and some ears resembling pegs,
+and hundreds of Gandharvas and hosts of Apsaras sat in the presence
+of that one seated, even as the celestials sit surrounding him of a
+hundred sacrifices and wearing a beautiful golden garland on his
+head and holding in his hands his noose and sword and bow, Bhima
+stood, gazing at the lord of wealth. And Bhimasena did not feel
+depressed either on having been wounded by the Rakshasas, or even
+in that plight seeing Kuvera arrive.</p>
+<p>"And that one going about on the shoulders of men, on seeing
+Bhima stand desirous of fighting with sharpened shafts, said unto
+Dharma's son, 'O Partha, all the creatures know thee as engaged in
+their good. Do thou, therefore, with thy brothers fearlessly dwell
+on this summit of the mountain. And, O Pandava, be thou not angry
+with Bhima. These Yakshas and Rakshasas had already been slain by
+Destiny: thy brother hath been the instrument merely. And it is not
+necessary to feel shame for the act of impudence that hath been
+committed. This destruction of the Rakshasas had been foreseen by
+the gods. I entertain no anger towards Bhimasena. Rather, O
+foremost of the Bharata race, I am pleased with him;
+nay,&mdash;even before coming here, I had been gratified with this
+deed of Bhima.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having spoken thus unto the king, (Kuvera)
+said unto Bhimasena, 'O child, O best of the Kurus, I do not mind
+this, O Bhima, as in order to please Krishna, thou hast,
+disregarding the gods and me also, committed this rash act, namely,
+the destruction of the Yakshas and the Rakshasas, depending on the
+strength of thy arms, I am well-pleased with thee. O Vrikodara,
+to-day I have been freed from a terrible curse. For some offence,
+that great Rishi, Agastya, had cursed me in anger. Thou hast
+delivered me by this act (of thine). O Pandu's son, my disgrace had
+ere this been fated. No offence, therefore, in any way, attaches
+unto thee, O Pandava.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O divine one, why wast thou cursed by the
+high-souled Agastya? O god, I am curious to hear about the occasion
+of that imprecation. I wonder that at that very moment, thou
+together with thy forces and attendants wast not consumed by the
+ire of that intelligent one.'</p>
+<p>"Thereupon the lord of treasures said, 'At Kusasthali, O king,
+once there was held a conclave of the gods. And surrounded by
+grimvisaged Yakshas, numbering three hundred maha-padmas, carrying
+various weapons, I was going to that place. And on the way, I saw
+that foremost of sages, Agastya, engaged in the practice of severe
+austerities on the bank of the Yamuna, abounding in various birds
+and graced with blossoming trees. And, O king, immediately on
+seeing that mass of energy, flaming and brilliant as fire, seated
+with upraised arms, facing the sun, my friend, the graceful lord of
+the Rakshasas, Maniman, from stupidity, foolishness, hauteur and
+ignorance discharged his excrement on the crown of that Maharshi.
+Thereupon, as if burning all the cardinal points by his wrath, he
+said unto me, "Since, O lord <span class="pagenum">[Pg 330]</span>
+of treasures, in thy very presence, disregarding me, this thy
+friend hath thus affronted me, he, together with thy forces, shall
+meet with destruction at the hands of a mortal. And, O
+wicked-minded one, thou also, being distressed on account of thy
+fallen soldiers, shalt be freed from thy sin, on beholding that
+mortal. But if they follow thy behests, their (the soldier's)
+powerful sons shall not incur by this dreadful curse." This curse I
+received formerly from that foremost of Rishis. Now, O mighty king,
+have I been delivered by thy brother Bhima.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXI</h2>
+<p>"The lord of treasures said, 'O Yudhishthira, patience, ability,
+(appropriate) time and place and prowess&mdash;these five lead to
+success in human affairs. O Bharata, in the Krita Yuga, men were
+patient and able in their respective occupations and they knew how
+to display prowess. And, O foremost of the Kshatriyas, a Kshatriya
+that is endued with patience and understandeth the propriety
+regarding place and time and is versed in all mortal regulations,
+can alone govern the world for a long time,&mdash;nay, in all
+transactions. He that behaveth thus, acquireth, O hero, fame in
+this world and excellent state in the next. And by having displayed
+his prowess at the proper place and time, Sakra with the Vasus hath
+obtained the dominion of heaven. He that from anger cannot see his
+fall and he that being naturally wicked and evilminded followeth
+evil and he that knoweth not the propriety relative to acts, meet
+with destruction both in this world and the next. The exertions of
+that stupid person become fruitless, who is not conversant with the
+expediency regarding time and acts, and he meeteth with destruction
+both in this world and the next. And the object of that wicked and
+deceitful persons is vicious, who, aiming at mastery of every kind,
+committeth some rash act. O best of men, Bhimasena is fearless, and
+ignorant of duties, and haughty, and of the sense of a child, and
+unforbearing. Do thou, therefore, check him. Repairing again to the
+hermitage of the pious sage Arshtishena, do thou reside there
+during the dark fortnight, without fear or anxiety. O lord of men,
+deputed by me, all the Gandharvas residing at Alaka, as also those
+dwelling in this mountain, will, O mighty-armed one, protect thee,
+and these best of the Brahmanas. And, O king, O chief among
+virtuous men, knowing that Vrikodara hath come hither out of
+rashness, do thou check him. Henceforth, O monarch, beings living
+in the forest will meet you, wait upon you and always protect you
+all. And, ye foremost of men, my servants will always procure for
+you various meats and drinks of delicious flavour. And, O son,
+Yudhishthira, even as by reason of your being the progeny of
+spiritual intercourse, Jishnu is entitled to the protection of
+Mahendra, and Vrikodara, of the Wind-god, and thou, of Dharma, and
+the twins possessed of strength, of the Aswins,&mdash;so ye all are
+entitled to my protection. That one next by birth to Bhimasena,
+Phalguna, versed in the science of profit and all mortal
+regulations, is well in heaven. And, O child, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 331]</span> those perfections that are recognised in
+the world as leading to heaven, are established in Dhananjaya even
+from his very birth. And self-restraint, and charity, and strength,
+and intelligence, and modesty, and fortitude, and excellent
+energy&mdash;even all these are established in that majestic one of
+magnificent soul. And, O Pandava, Jishnu never committed any
+shameful act through poverty of spirit. And in the world, none ever
+say that Partha hath uttered an untruth. And, O Bharata, honoured
+by the gods, <i>pitris</i>, and the Gandharvas, that enhancer of
+the glory of the Kurus is learning the science of weapons in
+Sakra's abode. And, O Partha, in heaven he that with justice had
+brought under his subjection all the rulers of the earth, even that
+exceedingly powerful and highly energetic monarch, the grandsire of
+thy father, Santanu himself, is well-pleased with the behaviour of
+that wielder of the Gandiva&mdash;the foremost of his race. And, O
+king, abiding in Indra's regions, he who on the banks of the Yamuna
+had worshipped the gods, the <i>pitris</i>, and the Brahmanas, by
+celebrating seven grand horse sacrifices, that great grandsire of
+thine, the emperor Santanu of severe austerities, who hath attained
+heaven, hath enquired of thy welfare.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of the dispenser of
+wealth, the Pandavas were well-pleased with them. Then lowering his
+club and mace and sword and bow, that foremost of the Bharatas
+bowed down unto <i>Kuvera</i>. And that giver of protection, the
+lord of treasures, seeing him prostrate, said, 'Be thou the
+destroyer of the pride of foes, and the enhancer of the delight of
+friends. And ye oppressors of enemies, do ye live in our romantic
+region. The <i>Yakshas</i> will not cross your desires. Gudakesa,
+after having acquired mastery over weapons, will come back soon.
+Bidden adieu by Maghavat himself, Dhananjaya will join you.'</p>
+<p>"Having thus instructed Yudhishthira of excellent deeds, the
+lord of the <i>Guhyakas</i>, vanished from that best of mountains.
+And thousands upon thousands of <i>Yakshas</i>, and
+<i>Rakshasas</i> followed him in vehicles spread over with
+checkered cushions, and decorated with various jewels. And as the
+horses proceeded towards the abode of Kuvera, a noise arose as of
+birds flying in the air. And the chargers of the lord of treasures
+speedily coursed through the sky as if drawing forward the
+firmament, and devouring the air.</p>
+<p>"Then at the command of the lord of wealth, the dead bodies of
+the <i>Rakshasas</i> were removed from the summit of the mountain.
+As the intelligent Agastya had fixed this period as the limit of
+(the duration of) his curse, so being slain in conflict, the
+<i>Rakshasas</i> were freed from the imprecation. And being
+honoured by the <i>Rakshasas</i>, the Pandavas for several nights
+dwelt pleasantly in those habitations."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O represser of foes, at sunrise,
+having finished his daily devotions, <i>Dhaumya</i> came unto the
+Pandavas, with <span class="pagenum">[Pg 332]</span>
+<i>Arshtishena</i>. And having bowed down unto the feet of
+Arshtishena and Dhaumya, they with joined hands paid homage unto
+all the Brahmanas. Then Dhaumya taking Yudhishthira's right hand,
+said these words, looking at the east, 'O mighty monarch, this king
+of mountains, Mandara lieth vast, covering the earth up to the
+ocean. O Pandava, Indra and Vaisravana preside over this point
+graced with woods and forests and mountains. And, O child, the
+intelligent sages versed in every duty, say, that this (region) is
+the abode of Indra and king Vaisravana. And the twice-born ones,
+and the sages versed in the duties, and the <i>Sidhas</i>, and the
+<i>Sadhyas</i>, and the celestials pay their adorations unto the
+Sun as he riseth from this point. And that lord of all living
+beings, king <i>Yama</i>, conversant with duty, presideth over
+yonder southern region whither come the spirits of the departed.
+And this is <i>Sanyamana</i>, the abode of the lord of departed
+spirits, sacred, and wonderful to behold, and crowned with prime
+prosperity. And the intelligent ones call that monarch of mountains
+(by the name of) Asta. Having, O king, arrived at this, the Sun
+ever abideth by the truth. And king <i>Varuna</i> protects all
+creatures, abiding in this king of mountains, and also in the vast
+deep. And, O highly fortunate one, there illumining the northern
+regions, lieth the puissant Mahameru, auspicious and the refuge of
+those knowing <i>Brahma</i>, where is the court of <i>Brahma</i>,
+and remaining where that soul of all creatures, <i>Prajapati</i>,
+hath created all that is mobile and immobile. And the
+<i>Mahameru</i> is the auspicious and healthy abode even of the
+seven mind-born sons of <i>Brahma</i>, of whom <i>Daksha</i> was
+the seventh. And, O child, here it is that the seven celestial
+<i>rishis</i> with Vasishtha at their head rise and set. Behold
+that excellent and bright summit of the Meru, where sitteth the
+great sire (<i>Brahma</i>) with the celestials happy in
+self-knowledge. And next to the abode of <i>Brahma</i> is visible
+the region of him who is said to be the really primal Cause or the
+origin of all creatures, even that prime lord, god Narayana, having
+neither beginning nor end. And, O king, that auspicious place
+composed of all energies even the celestials, cannot behold. And
+the region of the high-souled <i>Vishnu</i>, by its native
+splendour, exceeding in effulgence the sun or fire, cannot be
+beheld by the gods, or the Danavas. And the region of Narayana
+lieth resplendent to the east of the <i>Meru</i>, where, O child,
+that lord of all creatures, the self-create primal Cause of the
+universe, having manifested all beings, looketh splendid of his
+excellent grace. O child, not to speak of the <i>Maharshis</i>-even
+<i>Brahmarshis</i> have no access to that place. And, O best of the
+Kurus, it is the <i>Yatis</i> only who have access to it. And, O
+Pandu's son, (at that place) luminaries cannot shine by him; there
+that lord of inconceivable soul alone shineth transcendental. There
+by reverence, and severe austerities, Yatis inspired by virtue of
+pious practices, attain Narayana Hari. And, O Bharata, repairing
+thither, and attaining that universal Soul&mdash;the self-create
+and eternal God of gods, high-souled ones, of <i>Yoga</i> success,
+and free from ignorance and pride have not to return to this world.
+O highly fortunate Yudhishthira, this region is without beginning,
+or deterioration, or end for it is the very essence of that God.
+And, O son of the Kurus, the Sun and the Moon every day go round
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 333]</span> this Meru, coursing in an
+opposite direction. And, O sinless one, O mighty monarch, the other
+luminaries also go round this king of mountains in the self-same
+way. Thus the worshipful Sun who dispelleth darkness, goeth round
+this (mountain) obscuring other luminaries. Then having set, and
+passed the evening, that Maker of day, the Sun, taketh a northerly
+course. Then again nearing the <i>Meru</i>, the divine Sun (ever)
+intent on the good of all beings, again courseth, facing the east.
+And in this way, the divine Moon also together with the stars goeth
+round this mountain, dividing the month unto several sections, by
+his arrival at the Parvas. Having thus unerringly coursed round the
+mighty <i>Meru</i>, and, nourished all creatures, the Moon again
+repaireth unto the <i>Mandar</i>. In the same way, that destroyer
+of darkness&mdash;the divine Sun&mdash;also moveth on this
+unobstructed path, animating the universe. When, desirous of
+causing dew, he repaireth to the south, then there ensueth winter
+to all creatures. Then the Sun, turning back from the south, by his
+rays draweth up the energy from all creatures both mobile and
+immobile. Thereupon, men become subject to perspiration, fatigue,
+drowsiness and lassitude; and living beings always feel disposed to
+slumber. Thence, returning through unknown regions, that divine
+effulgent one causeth shower, and thereby reviveth beings. And
+having, by the comfort caused by the shower, wind, and warmth,
+cherished the mobile and the immobile, the powerful Sun resumeth
+his former course. O Partha, ranging thus, the Sun unerringly
+turneth on the wheel of Time, influencing created things. His
+course is unceasing; he never resteth, O Pandava. Withdrawing the
+energy of all beings, he again rendereth it back. O Bharata,
+dividing time into day and night, and Kala, and Kashiba, that lord,
+the Sun, dealeth life and motion to all created things.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in that best of mountains
+those high-souled ones observing excellent vows, felt themselves
+attracted (to that place), and diverted themselves, eager to behold
+Arjuna. And multitudes of <i>Gandharvas</i> and <i>Maharshis</i>
+gladly visited those energetic ones, possessing prowess, of chaste
+desires and being the foremost of those endued with truth and
+fortitude. And having arrived at that excellent mountain furnished
+with trees bearing blossoms, those mighty charioteers were
+exceedingly delighted, even as the <i>Marutas</i>, on arriving at
+the celestial regions. And experiencing great exhilaration, they
+lived (there), seeing the slopes and summits of that mighty
+mountain, filled with flowers, and resonant with the cries of
+peacocks and cranes. And on that beautiful mountain they beheld
+lakes filled with lotuses, and having their shores covered with
+trees, and frequented by darkness, and <i>karandavas</i> and swans.
+And the flourishing sporting-regions, graceful on account of the
+various flowers, and abounding in gems, was capable of captivating
+that king, the dispenser of wealth (<i>Kuvera</i>). And always
+ranging (there), those foremost of ascetics (the Pandavas)
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 334]</span> were incapable of conceiving
+(the significance of) that Summit, furnished with mighty trees, and
+masses of wide-spreading clouds. And, O great hero, owing to its
+native splendour, and also on account of the brilliance of the
+annual plants, there was no difference there between night and day.
+And staying in the mountain, remaining in which the Sun of
+unrivalled energy cherisheth the mobile and immobile things, those
+heroes and foremost of men beheld the rising and the setting of the
+Sun. And having seen the rising and the setting points of the Sun
+and the rising and the setting mountain, and all the cardinal
+points, as well as the intervening spaces ever blazing with the
+rays of the Dispeller of darkness, those heroes, in expectation of
+the arrival of that mighty charioteer firm in truth, became engaged
+in reciting the <i>Vedas</i>, practising the daily rituals, chiefly
+discharging the religious duties, exercising sacred vows, and
+abiding by the truth. And saying, 'Let us even here experience
+delight by joining without delay Arjuna accomplished in arms,'
+those highly blessed Parthas became engaged in the practice of
+<i>Yoga</i>. And beholding romantic woods on that mountain, as they
+always thought of <i>Kiriti</i>, every day and night appeared unto
+them even as a year. From that very moment joy had taken leave of
+them when, with Dhaumya's permission, the high-souled
+<i>Jishnu</i>, matting his hair, departed (for the woods). So, how
+could they, absorbed in his contemplation, experience happiness
+there? They had become overwhelmed with grief ever since the moment
+when at the command of his brother, Yudhishthira, <i>Jishnu</i> of
+the tread of a mad elephant had departed from the <i>Kamyaka</i>
+forest. O Bharata, in this way, on that mountain those descendants
+of Bharata passed a month with difficulty, thinking of him of the
+white steeds, who had gone to <i>Vasava's</i> abode for learning
+arms. And Arjuna, having dwelt for five years in the abode of him
+of a thousand eyes, and having from that lord of celestials
+obtained all the celestial weapons,&mdash;such as those of
+<i>Agni</i>, of <i>Varuna</i>, of <i>Soma</i>, of <i>Vayu</i>, of
+<i>Vishnu</i>, of <i>Indra</i>, of <i>Pasupati</i>, of
+<i>Brahma</i>, of <i>Parameshthi</i>, of <i>Prajapati</i>, of
+<i>Yama</i>, of <i>Dhata</i>, of <i>Savita</i>, of <i>Tvashta</i>,
+and of <i>Vaisravana</i>; and having bowed down to and gone round
+him of a hundred sacrifices, and taken his (Indra's) permission,
+cheerfully came to the Gandhamadana."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "And it came to pass that one day as
+those mighty charioteers were thinking of Arjuna, seeing Mahendra's
+car, yoked with horses of the effulgence of lightning, arrive all
+on a sudden, they were delighted. And driven by Matali, that
+blazing car, suddenly illuminating the sky, looked like smokeless
+flaming tongues of fire, or a mighty meteor embosomed in clouds.
+And seated in that car appeared <i>Kiriti</i> wearing garlands and
+new-made ornaments. Then Dhananjaya possessing the prowess of the
+wielder of the thunder-bolt, alighted on that mountain, blazing in
+beauty. And that intelligent one decked in a diadem <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 335]</span> and garlands, having alighted on the
+mountain, first bowed down at the feet of <i>Dhaumya</i>, and then
+at those of <i>Ajatasatru</i>. And he also paid homage unto
+Vrikodara's feet; and the twins also bowed down unto him. Then
+going to Krishna, and having cheered her, he stood before his
+(elder) brother in humble guise. And on meeting with that matchless
+one, they were exceedingly delighted. And he also meeting with them
+rejoiced exceedingly, and began to eulogise the king. And seeing
+before them that car driving in which the slayer of Namuchi had
+annihilated seven phalanxes of <i>Diti's</i> offspring, the
+magnanimous Parthas went round it. And being highly pleased, they
+offered excellent worship unto Matali, as unto the lord of the
+celestials himself. And then the son of the Kuru king duly enquired
+of him after the health of all the gods. And Matali also greeted
+them. And having instructed the Parthas even as a father doth his
+sons, he ascended that incomparable car, and returned to the lord
+of the celestials.</p>
+<p>"And when Matali had gone away, that foremost of the royal race,
+Sakra's son, the high-souled destroyer of all foes made over unto
+his love, the mother of <i>Sutasoma</i>, beautiful precious gems
+and ornaments having the splendour of the sun, which had been
+presented to him by Sakra. Then, sitting in the midst of those
+foremost of the Kurus, and those best of the <i>Brahmanas</i>,
+effulgent like unto fire or the sun, he began to relate all as it
+had happened, saying, 'In this way, I have learnt weapons from
+<i>Sakra</i>, <i>Vayu</i>, and the manifest <i>Siva</i>; and all
+the celestials with Indra also have been pleased with me, on
+account of my good behaviour, and concentration.'</p>
+<p>"After having briefly narrated unto them his sojourn in heaven,
+<i>Kiriti</i> of spotless deeds agreeably slept that night with the
+two sons of Madri."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then when the night had been spent,
+Dhananjaya, together with his brothers, paid homage unto
+Yudhishthira the just. And, O Bharata, at this moment, proceeding
+from the celestials there arose mighty and tremendous sounds of a
+musical instrument, and the rattling of car-wheels, and the tolling
+of bells. And there at all the beasts and beasts of prey and birds
+emitted separate cries. And from all sides in cars resplendent as
+the sun, hosts of <i>Gandharvas</i> and <i>Apsaras</i> began to
+follow that represser of foes, the lord of the celestials. And
+ascending a car yoked with steeds, decorated with burnished gold,
+and roaring like clouds, that king of the celestials,
+<i>Purandara</i> blazing in beauty came unto the Parthas. And
+having arrived (at that place), he of a thousand eyes descended
+from his car. And as soon as Yudhishthira the just saw that
+high-souled one, he together with his brothers, approached that
+graceful king of the immortals. And in accordance with the
+ordinance that generous one duly worshipped him of immeasurable
+soul, in consequence with his dignity. And then Dhananjaya
+possessed of prowess, having bowed down unto <i>Purandara</i>,
+stood before the lord of the celestials in humble guise, like
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 336]</span> unto a servant. And seeing
+the sinless Dhananjaya having ascetic merit, bearing clotted hair,
+stand in humility before the lord of celestials, Yudhishthira, the
+son of Kunti, of great energy, smelt (the crown) of his head. And
+beholding <i>Phalguna</i> (in that attitude), he was exceedingly
+glad; and by worshipping the king of the celestials, he experienced
+the highest bliss. Then unto that strongminded monarch, swimming in
+felicity, the intelligent lord of the celestials, Purandara, spake,
+saying, 'Thou shalt rule the earth, O Pandava. Blessed be thou! Do
+thou, O Kunti's son, again repair unto Kamyaka.'</p>
+<p>"That learned man who for a year leading the <i>Brahmacharya</i>
+mode of life, subduing his senses and observing vows, peruseth with
+rapt attention this meeting of <i>Sakra</i> with the Pandavas,
+liveth a hundred years free from disturbances, and enjoying
+happiness."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "When <i>Sakra</i> had gone to his
+proper place, <i>Vibhatsu</i> together with his brothers and
+Krishna, paid homage unto the son of Dharma. Then smelling the
+crown of the head of that Pandava, who was thus paying homage,
+(Yudhishthira) in accents faltering on account of joy, addressed
+Arjuna, saying, 'O Arjuna, how didst thou pass this period in
+heaven? And how has thou obtained the weapons, and how also hast
+thou gratified the lord of the celestials? And, O Pandava, has thou
+adequately secured the weapons? Have the lord of the celestials and
+<i>Rudra</i> gladly granted thee the weapons? And how hast thou
+beheld the divine <i>Sakra</i>, and the wielder of <i>Pinaka</i>?
+And how has thou obtained the weapons? And in what manner didst
+thou worship (them)? And what service hadst thou done unto that
+repressor of foes, the worshipful one of a hundred sacrifices, that
+he said unto thee, "By thee have I been gratified?" All this, O
+highly effulgent one, I wish to hear in detail. And, O sinless one,
+the manner in which thou didst please Mahadeva and the king of the
+celestials and, O repressor of foes, the service thou hadst done to
+the wielder of the thunder-bolt,&mdash;do thou, O Dhananjaya,
+relate all this in detail.'</p>
+<p>"Arjuna said, 'O mighty monarch, listen how I duly beheld him of
+a hundred sacrifice and the divine <i>Sankara</i> also. O grinder
+of foes, O king, having acquired that science which thou hadst
+directed me (to learn), I at thy command went to the forest, for
+practising penances. From <i>Kamyaka</i> repairing to the
+<i>Bhrigutunga</i>, I spent there one night, being engaged in
+austerities. And it came to pass that on the next I saw a certain
+<i>Brahmana</i>. And he asked me, saying, "O son of Kunti, whither
+wilt thou go?" Thereupon, O descendant of the Kurus, I truly
+related unto him everything. And, O best of kings, having heard the
+true account, the <i>Brahmana</i> became well-pleased with me, and,
+O king, praised me. Then the <i>Brahmana</i>, pleased with me,
+said, "O Bharata, be thou engaged in austerities. By performing
+penances, thou wilt in a short time behold the lord of the
+celestials." <span class="pagenum">[Pg 337]</span> And according to
+his advice I ascended the <i>Himavan</i>, and, O mighty king, began
+to practise penances, (the first) month subsisting on fruit and
+roots. I spent the second month, subsisting on water. And, O
+Pandava, in the third month I totally abstained from food. And in
+the fourth month I remained with upraised arms. And a wonder it is
+that I did not lose any strength. And it came to pass that when the
+first day of the fifth month had been spent, there appeared before
+me a being wearing the form of a boar, turning up the earth with
+his mouth, stamping the ground with his feet, rubbing the earth
+with his breast, and momentarily going about in a frightful manner.
+And him followed a great being in the guise of a hunter furnished
+with the bow, arrows, and the sword, and surrounded by females.
+Thereupon, taking my bow and the two inexhaustible quivers, I
+pierced with shafts that terrible and frightful creature. And
+simultaneously (with me) that hunter also drawing a strong bow,
+more severely struck at (the animal), as if shaking my mind. And, O
+king, he also said unto me, "Why hast thou, transgressing the rules
+of hunting, hit the animal first hit at by me? With these sharpened
+shafts will I destroy thy pride. Stay!" Then that mighty-bodied one
+holding the bow rushed at me. And with volleys of mighty shafts, he
+covered me entirely, even as a cloud covereth a mountain with
+showers. Then, on my part, I covered him with a mighty discharge of
+arrows. Thereupon, with steady arrows having their points aflame,
+and inspired with <i>mantras</i>, I pierced him even as (Indra)
+riveth a mountain with a thunderbolt. Then his person began to be
+multiplied a hundredfold and a thousandfold. At this, I pierced all
+his bodies with shafts. Then again all those forms became one, O
+Bharata. Thereat I struck at it. Next, he now assumed a small body
+with a huge head, and now a huge body with a small head. And, O
+king, he then assumed his former person and approached me for
+fight. And, O foremost of the Bharata race, when in the encounter I
+failed to overwhelm him with arrows, I fixed the mighty weapon of
+the Wind-god. But I failed to discharge it at him, and this was a
+wonder. And when that weapon thus failed of effect, I was struck
+with amazement. However, O king, exerting myself more vigorously, I
+again covered that being with a mighty multitude of shafts. Then
+taking <i>Sthuna-karna</i>, and <i>Varuna</i> and <i>Salava</i>,
+and <i>Asmavarsha</i> weapons, I assailed him, profusely showering
+shafts. But, O king, he instantly swallowed up even all these
+weapons of mine. And when all those (weapons) had been swallowed
+up, I discharged the weapon presided over by Brahma. And when the
+blazing arrows issuing from that weapon were heaped upon him all
+around, and being thus heaped over by that mighty weapon discharged
+by me, he increased (in bulk). Then all the world became oppressed
+with the energy begotten of the weapon hurled by me, and the
+firmament and all the points of the sky became illumined. But that
+one of mighty energy instantly baffled even that weapon. And, O
+monarch, when that weapon presided over by <i>Brahma</i> had been
+baffled I was possessed with terrible fear. Thereupon immediately
+holding even my bow and the two inexhaustible quivers, I shot at
+that being, but he swallowed up all those weapons. And when all the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 338]</span> weapons had been baffled and
+swallowed up, there ensued a wrestling between him and myself. And
+we encountered each other first with blows and then with slaps. But
+incapable of overcoming that being, I fell down stupefied on the
+ground. Thereupon, O mighty king, with a laugh, that wonderful
+being at my sight vanished at that spot together with the women.
+Having accomplished this, O illustrious monarch, that divine one
+assumed another and unearthly form (clad in) wonderful raiment. And
+renouncing the form of a hunter, that divine lord of the gods,
+resumed his own unearthly appearance and that mighty god stood
+(there). Then appeared before me with <i>Uma</i> that manifest
+divine one, having the bull for his mark, wielding the
+<i>Pinaka</i>, bearing serpents and capable of assuming many forms.
+And, O repressor of foes, advancing towards me, standing even then
+in the field ready for conflict, that wielder of the trident
+addressed me saying, "I am well-pleased with thee." Then that
+divine one held up my bows and the couple of quivers furnished with
+inexhaustible shafts and returned them unto me saying, "Do thou ask
+some boon, O Kunti's son. I am well-pleased with thee. Tell me,
+what I shall do for thee. And, O hero, express the desire that
+dwelleth in thy heart. I will grant it. Except immortality alone,
+tell me as to the desire that is in thy heart." Thereat with my
+mind intent on the acquisition of arms, I only bowed down unto Siva
+and said, "O divine one, if thou beest favourably disposed towards
+me, then I wish to have this boon,&mdash;I wish to learn all the
+weapons that are with thy god-head." Then the god <i>Tryamvaka</i>
+said unto me, "I will give. O Pandava, my own weapon <i>Raudra</i>
+shall attend upon thee." Thereupon <i>Mahadeva</i>, well-pleased,
+granted to me the mighty weapon, <i>Pasupata</i>. And, having
+granted that eternal weapon, he also said unto me, "This must never
+be hurled at mortals. If discharged at any person of small energy,
+it would consume the universe. Shouldst thou (at any time) be hard
+pressed, thou mayst discharge it. And when all thy weapons have
+been completely baffled, thou mayst hurl it." Then when he having
+the bull for his mark, had been thus gratified, there stood
+manifest by my side that celestial weapon, of resistless force
+capable of baffling all weapons and destructive of foes and the
+hewer of hostile forces and unrivalled and difficult to be borne
+even by the celestials, the demons and the <i>Rakshasas</i>. Then
+at the command of that god, I sat me down there. And in my very
+sight the god vanished from the spot.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXVII</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna said, 'O Bharata, by the grace of that god of gods the
+Supreme Soul, <i>Tryamvaka</i>, I passed the night at that place.
+And having passed the night, when I had finished the morning
+rituals, I saw that foremost of the <i>Brahmanas</i> whom I had
+seen before. And unto him I told all as it had happened, O Bharata,
+namely, that I had met the divine <i>Mahadeva</i>. Thereupon, O
+king of kings, well-pleased, he said unto me, "Since thou hast
+beheld the great god, incapable of being beheld by any one else,
+soon wilt thou <span class="pagenum">[Pg 339]</span> mix with
+<i>Vaivaswata</i> and the other <i>Lokapalas</i> and the lord of
+the celestials; and Indra too will grant thee weapons." O king,
+having said this unto me and having embraced me again and again,
+that <i>Brahmana</i> resembling the Sun, went away whither he
+listed. And, O slayer of foes, it came to pass that on the evening
+of that day refreshing the whole world, there began to blow a pure
+breeze. And in my vicinity on the base of the <i>Himalaya</i>
+mountain fresh, fragrant and fair flowers began to bloom. And on
+all sides there were heard charming symphony and captivating hymns
+relating to Indra. And before the lord of the celestial hosts of
+<i>Apsaras</i> and <i>Gandharvas</i> chanted various songs. And
+ascending celestial cars, there approached the <i>Marutas</i> and
+the followers of <i>Mahendra</i> and the dwellers of heaven. And
+afterwards, Marutvan together with <i>Sachi</i> and all the
+celestials appeared on the scene in cars yoked with horses
+elegantly adorned. And at this very moment, O king, he that goeth
+about on the shoulders of men manifested himself unto me in
+excellent grace. And I saw <i>Yama</i> seated on the south and
+<i>Varuna</i> and the lord of the celestials at their respective
+regions. And, O foremost of men, O mighty monarch, they after
+having cheered me said, "O Savyasachin, behold us&mdash;the
+Lokapalas&mdash;seated. For the performance of the task of the gods
+thou hast obtained the sight of <i>Sankara</i>. Do thou now receive
+weapons from us seated around." Thereupon, O lord, having bowed
+down unto those foremost of the celestials with regard, I duly
+accepted those mighty weapons. And then they recognised me as one
+of their own. Afterwards the gods repaired to the quarter from
+whence they had come. And that lord of the celestials, the divine
+Maghavan too having ascended his glorious chariot, said, "O
+<i>Phalguna</i>, thou shalt have to repair unto the celestial
+region. O Dhananjaya, even before this thy arrival I knew that thou
+wouldst come hither. Then I have, O best of the Bharatas,
+manifested myself unto thee. As formerly thou hadst performed thy
+ablution in the various <i>tirthas</i> and now hast performed
+severe austerities, so thou wilt be able to repair unto the
+celestial regions, O Pandava. Thou wilt, however, again have to
+practise extreme penance, for thou shouldst at any rate journey to
+heaven. And at my command, Matali shall take thee to the celestial
+regions. Thou hast already been recognised by the celestials and
+the celestial sages of high soul." Thereupon I said unto Sakra, "O
+divine one, be thou favourable unto me. With the view of learning
+arms do I beseech thee that thou mayst be my preceptor." At this
+Indra said, "O child, having learnt weapons thou wouldst perform
+terrible deeds and with this object thou desirest to obtain the
+weapons. However, obtain thou the arms, as thou desirest." Then I
+said, "O slayer of foes, I never would discharge these celestial
+weapons at mortals except when all my other arms should have been
+baffled. Do thou, O lord of the celestials, grant me the celestial
+weapons (so that) I may hereafter obtain the regions attainable by
+warriors." Indra said, "O Dhananjaya it is to try thee that I have
+said such words unto thee. Having been begotten of me this speech
+of thine well becometh thee. Do thou, O Bharata, repairing unto my
+abode learn all the weapons of <i>Vayu</i>, of <i>Agni</i>, of the
+<i>Vasus</i>, of <i>Varuna</i>, of the <i>Marutas</i>, of the
+<i>Siddhas</i>, of Brahma, of the Gandharvas, of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 340]</span> the Uragas, of the Rakshasas, of Vishnu
+and of the <i>Nairitas</i>; and also all the weapons that are with
+me, O perpetuator of the Kuru race." Having said this unto me
+<i>Sakra</i> vanished at the very spot. Then, O king, I saw the
+wonderful and sacred celestial car yoked with steeds arrive
+conducted by Matali. And when the Lokapalas went away Matali said
+unto me, "O thou of mighty splendour, the lord of the celestials is
+desirous of seeing thee. And O mighty-armed one, do thou acquire
+competence and then perform thy task. Come and behold the regions,
+attainable by merit and come unto heaven even in this frame. O
+Bharata, the thousand-eyed lord of the celestials wisheth to see
+thee." Thus addressed by Matali, I, taking leave of the mountain
+Himalaya and having gone round it ascended that excellent car. And
+then the exceedingly generous Matali, versed in equine lore, drove
+the steeds, gifted with the speed of thought or the wind. And when
+the chariot began to move that charioteer looking at my face as I
+was seated steadily, wondered and said these words, "Today this
+appeareth unto me strange and unprecedented that being seated in
+this celestial car, thou hast not been jerked ever so little. O
+foremost of Bharata race, I have ever remarked that at the first
+pull by the steeds even the lord of the celestials himself getteth
+jerked. But all the while that the car had moved, thou hast been
+sitting unshaken. This appeareth unto me as transcending even the
+power of <i>Sakra</i>."</p>
+<p>"'Having said this, O Bharata, Matali soared in the sky and
+showed me the abodes of the celestials and their palaces. Then the
+chariot yoked with steeds coursed upwards. And the celestials and
+the sages began to worship (that car), O prince of men. And I saw
+the regions, moving anywhere at will, and the splendour also of the
+highly energetic <i>Gandharvas, Apsaras</i>, and the celestial
+sages. And <i>Sakra's</i> charioteer, Matali, at once showed me
+<i>Nandana</i> and other gardens and groves belonging to the
+celestials. Next I beheld Indra's abode, <i>Amaravati</i>, adorned
+with jewels and trees yielding any sort of fruit that is desired.
+There the Sun doth not shed heat; nor doth heat or cold or fatigue
+there affect (one), O king. And, O great monarch, the celestials
+feel neither sorrow nor poverty of spirit, nor weakness, nor
+lassitude, O grinder of foes. And, O ruler of men, the celestials
+and the others have neither anger nor covetousness. And, O king, in
+the abodes of the celestials, the beings are ever contented. And
+there the trees ever bear verdant foliage, and fruits, and flowers;
+and the various lakes are embalmed with the fragrance of lotuses.
+And there the breeze is cool, and delicious, and fragrant, and
+pure, and inspiring. And the ground is variegated with all kinds of
+gems, and adorned with blossoms. And there were seen innumerable
+beautiful beasts and in the air innumerable rangers of the sky.
+Then I saw the <i>Vasus</i>, and the <i>Rudras</i>, and the
+<i>Sadhyas</i> with the <i>Marutas</i>, and the <i>Adityas</i>, and
+the two <i>Aswins</i> and worshipped them. And they conferred their
+benison on me, granting me strength and prowess, and energy, and
+celebrity, and (skill in) arms, and victory in battle. Then,
+entering that romantic city adored by the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the
+celestials, with joined hands, I stood before the thousand-eyed
+lord of the celestials. Thereupon, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+341]</span> that best of bestowers gladly offered unto me half of
+his seat; and <i>Vasava</i> also with regard touched my person.
+And, O Bharata, with the view of acquiring arms and learning
+weapons, I began to dwell in heaven, together with the gods and the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> of generous souls. And <i>Viswavana's</i> son,
+<i>Chitrasena</i> became my friend. And he, O king, imparted unto
+me the entire <i>Gandharva</i> (science). And, O monarch, I happily
+lived in <i>Sakra's</i> abode, well cared for having all my desires
+gratified, learning weapons, listening to the notes of songs, and
+the clear sounds of musical instruments, and beholding the foremost
+of <i>Apsaras</i> dance. And without neglecting to study the arts,
+which I learnt properly, my attention was specially fixed on the
+acquisition of arms. And that lord of a thousand eyes was pleased
+with that purpose of mine. Living thus in heaven, O king, I passed
+this period.</p>
+<p>"'And when I had acquired proficiency in weapons, and gained his
+confidence that one having for his vehicle the horse
+(<i>Uchchaisrava</i>), (Indra), patting me on the head with his
+hand, said these words, "Now even the celestials themselves cannot
+conquer thee,&mdash;what shall I say of imperfect mortals residing
+on earth? Thou hast become invulnerable in strength, irrepressible,
+and incomparable in fight." Then with the hair of his body standing
+on end, he again accosted me saying, "O hero, in fighting with
+weapons none is equal unto thee. And, O perpetuator of the Kuru
+race, thou art even watchful, and dexterous, and truthful, and of
+subdued senses, and the protector of the <i>Brahmanas</i> and adept
+in weapons, and warlike. And, O Partha, together with (a knowledge
+of) the five modes, using (them), thou hast obtained five and ten
+weapons and, therefore, there existeth none, who is thy peer. And
+thou hast perfectly learnt the discharge (of those weapons) and
+(their) withdrawal, and (their) re-discharge and re-withdrawal, and
+the <i>Prayaschitta</i> connected (with them), and also their
+revival, in case of their being baffled. Now, O represser of foes,
+the time hath arrived for thy paying the preceptor's fee. Do thou
+promise to pay the fee; then I shall unfold unto thee what thou
+wilt have to perform." Thereat, O king, I said unto the ruler of
+the celestials, "If it be in my power to do the work, do thou
+consider it as already accomplished by me." O king, when I had said
+these words, Indra with a smile said unto me "Nothing is there in
+the three worlds that is not in thy power (to achieve). My enemies,
+those <i>Danavas</i>, named <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, dwell in the
+womb of the ocean. And they number thirty million and are
+notorious, and all of equal forms and strength and splendour. Do
+thou slay them there, O Kunti's son; and that will be thy
+preceptor's fee."</p>
+<p>"'Saying this he gave unto me the highly resplendent celestial
+car, conducted by Matali, furnished with hair resembling the down
+of peacocks. And on my head he set this excellent diadem. And he
+gave me ornaments for my body, like unto his own. And he granted
+unto me the impenetrable mail&mdash;the best of its kind, and easy
+to the touch; and fastened unto the <i>Gandiva</i> this durable
+string. Then I set out, ascending that splendid chariot riding on
+which in days of yore, the lord of the celestials and vanquished
+<i>Vali</i>&mdash;that son of <i>Virochana</i>. And, O ruler of
+men, startled by the rattling <span class="pagenum">[Pg 342]</span>
+of the car, all the celestials, approached (there), taking me to be
+the king of the celestials. And seeing me, they asked, "O Phalguna,
+what art thou going to do?" And I told them as it had fallen
+out,&mdash;and said, "I shall even do this in battle. Ye that are
+highly fortunate, know that I have set out desirous of slaying the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>. O sinless ones, do ye bless me." Thereupon,
+they began to eulogise me even as they (eulogise) the god,
+<i>Purandara</i>. And they said, "Riding on this car,
+<i>Maghavan</i> conquered in battle <i>Samvara</i>, and
+<i>Namuchi</i>, and <i>Vala</i>, and <i>Vritra</i>, and
+<i>Prahrada</i>, and <i>Naraka</i>. And mounted on this car also
+Maghavan, had conquered in battle many thousands and millions and
+hundreds of millions of <i>Daityas</i>. And, O <i>Kaunteya</i>,
+thou also, riding on this car, by thy prowess shalt conquer the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> in conflict, even as did the self-possessed
+Maghavan in days of yore. And here is the best of shells; by this
+also thou shalt defeat the <i>Danavas</i>. And by this it is that
+the high souled <i>Sakra</i> conquered the words." Saying this, the
+gods offered (unto me) this shell, <i>Devadatta</i>, sprung in the
+deep; and I accepted it for the sake of victory. And at this
+moment, the gods fell extolling me. And in order to be engaged in
+action, I proceeded to the dreadful abode of the <i>Danavas</i>,
+furnished with the shell, the mail, and arrows, and taking my
+bow.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Then at places eulogised by the
+<i>Maharshis</i>, I (proceeded, and at length) beheld the
+ocean&mdash;that inexhaustible lord of waters. And like unto
+flowing cliffs were seen on it heaving billows, now meeting
+together and now rolling away. And there (were seen) all around
+barks by thousands filled with gems. And there were seen
+<i>timingilas</i> and tortoises and <i>makaras</i> like unto rock
+submerged in water. And on all sides round thousands of shells sunk
+in water appeared like stars in the night covered by light clouds.
+And thousands upon thousands of gems were floating in heaps and a
+violent wind was blowing about in whirls&mdash;and this was
+wonderful to behold. And having beheld that excellent lord of all
+waters with powerful tides, I saw at a short distance the city of
+the demons filled with the <i>Danavas</i>. And even there, entering
+underneath the earth, Matali skilled in guiding the car, sitting
+fast on the chariot drove it with force; and he dashed on,
+frightening that city with the rattling of his chariot. And hearing
+that rattling of the chariot like unto the rumbling of the clouds
+in the sky, the <i>Danavas</i>, thinking me to be the lord of the
+celestials, became agitated. And thereupon they all, frightened at
+heart, stood holding in their hands bows and arrows and swords and
+javelins and axes and maces and clubs. Then having made
+arrangements for the defence of the city, the <i>Danavas</i>, with
+minds alarmed, shut the gates, so that nothing could be discovered.
+Thereupon taking my shell, <i>Devadatta</i>, of tremendous roars, I
+again and again winded it with exceeding cheerfulness. And filling
+all the firmament, those sounds produced echoes. Thereat mighty
+beings <span class="pagenum">[Pg 343]</span> were terrified and
+they hid (themselves). And then, O Bharata, all of them adorned
+with ornaments, those offsprings of <i>Diti</i>&mdash;the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>&mdash;made their appearance by thousands,
+donning diverse mail and taking in their hands various weapons and
+equipped with mighty iron javelins and maces and clubs and hatchets
+and sabres and discs and <i>sataghnis</i> and <i>bhusundis</i> and
+variegated and ornamented swords. Then, after deliberating much as
+to the course of the car, Matali began to guide the steeds on a
+(piece of) level ground, O foremost of the Bharatas. And owing to
+the swiftness of those fleet coursers conducted by him, I could see
+nothing&mdash;and this was strange. Then the <i>Danavas</i> there
+began to sound thousands of musical instruments, dissonant and of
+odd shapes. And at those sounds, fishes by hundreds and by
+thousands, like unto hills, having their senses bewildered by that
+noise, fled suddenly. And mighty force flew at me, the demons
+discharging sharpened shafts by hundreds and by thousands. And
+then, O Bharata, there ensued a dreadful conflict between me and
+the demons, calculated to extinguish the <i>Nivata Kavachas</i>.
+And there came to the mighty battle the <i>Devarshis</i> and the
+<i>Danavarshis</i> and the <i>Brahmarshis</i> and the
+<i>Siddhas</i>. And desirous of victory, the <i>Munis eulogised</i>
+me with the same sweet-speeches that (they had eulogised) Indra
+with, at the war, (which took place) for the sake of
+<i>Tara</i>.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXIX</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Then, O Bharata, vehemently rushed at me in
+battle in a body the <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, equipped with arms.
+And obstructing the course of the car, and shouting loudly, those
+mighty charioteers, hemming me in on all sides, covered me with
+showers of shafts. Then other demons of mighty prowess, with darts
+and hatchets in their hands, began to throw at me spears and axes.
+And that mighty discharge of darts, with numerous maces and clubs
+incessantly hurled fell upon my car. And other dreadful and
+grim-visaged smiters among the <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, furnished
+with bows and sharpened weapons, ran at me in fight. And in the
+conflict, shooting from the <i>Gandiva</i> sundry swift arrows
+coursing straight, I pierced each of them with ten. And they were
+driven back by those stone-whetted shafts of mine. Then on my
+steeds being swiftly driven by Matali, they began to display
+various movements with the speed of the wind. And being skilfully
+guided by Matali, they began to trample upon the sons of
+<i>Diti</i>. And although the steeds yoked unto that mighty chariot
+numbered hundreds upon hundreds, yet being deftly conducted by
+Matali, they began to move, as if they were only a few. And by
+their tread, and by the rattling of the chariot wheels and by the
+volleys of my shafts, the <i>Danavas</i> began to fall by hundreds.
+And others accoutred in bows, being deprived of life, and having
+their charioteers slain, were carried about by the horses. Then,
+covering all sides and directions, all (the <i>Danavas</i>) skilled
+in striking entered into the contest with various weapons, and
+thereat my mind became afflicted. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+344]</span> And I witnessed (this instance of) the marvellous
+prowess of Matali, viz., that he guided those fiery steeds with
+ease. Then, O king, in the conflict, with diverse fleet weapons I
+pierced by hundreds and by thousands (demons) bearing arms. And, O
+slayer of foes, seeing me thus range the field putting forth every
+exertion, the heroic charioteer of <i>Sakra</i> was well-pleased.
+And oppressed by those steeds and that car, some (of them) met with
+annihilation; and others desisted from fight; while (other)
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, challenged by us in battle and being
+harassed with shafts offered opposition unto me, by (discharging)
+mighty showers of arrows. Thereupon, with hundreds and thousands of
+sundry fleet weapons inspired with the <i>mantras</i> relating to
+<i>Brahma's</i> weapons, I swiftly began to burn them. And being
+sore pressed by me, those mighty <i>asuras</i> waxing wroth
+afflicted me together, by pouring torrents of clubs and darts and
+swords. Then, O Bharata, I took up that favourite weapon of the
+lord of the celestials, Maghavan by name, prime and of fiery energy
+and by the energy of that weapon I cut into a thousand pieces the
+<i>Tomaras</i>, together with the swords and the tridents hurled by
+them. And having cut off their arms I in ire pierced them each with
+ten shafts. And in the field arrows were shot from the
+<i>Gandiva</i> like unto rows of black-bees; and this Matali
+admired. And their shafts also showered upon me; but those powerful
+(arrows) I cut off with my shafts. Then on being struck the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> again covered me on all sides with a mighty
+shower of arrows. And having neutralised the force of the arrows by
+excellent swift and flaming weapons capable of baffling arms, I
+pierced them by thousands. And blood began to flow from their torn
+frames, even as in the rainy season waters run down from the
+summits of mountains. And on being wounded by my fleet and
+straight-coursing shafts of the touch of Indra's thunder-bolt, they
+became greatly agitated. And their bodies were pierced at hundreds
+of places; and the force of their arms diminished. Then the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> fought me by (the help of) illusion.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXX</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna said, 'Then with rocks of the proportions of trees,
+there commenced a mighty shower of crags; and this exercised me
+exceedingly. And in that high encounter, I crushed (those crags) by
+swift-speeding showers of arrows, issuing from Mahendra's weapon,
+like unto the thunder-bolt itself. And when the rocks had been
+reduced to powder, there was generated fire; and the rocky dust
+fell like unto masses of flames. And when the showers of crags had
+been repelled, there happened near me a mightier shower of water,
+having currents of the proportions of an axle. And falling from the
+welkin, those thousands of powerful torrents covered the entire
+firmament and the directions and the cardinal points. And on
+account of the pouring of the shower, and of the blowing of the
+wind, and of roaring of the <i>Daityas</i>, nothing could be
+perceived. And touching heaven and the entire earth, and
+incessantly falling on the ground, the showers bewildered
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 345]</span> me. Thereupon, I discharged
+that celestial weapon which I had learnt from Indra&mdash;even the
+dreadful and flaming <i>Visoshana</i>: and by that the water was
+dried up. And, O Bharata, when the rocky shower had been destroyed,
+and the watery shower had been dried up, the <i>Danavas</i> began
+to spread illusions of fire and wind. Then by aqueous appliances I
+extinguished the flames; and by a mighty rock-issuing arm, resisted
+the fury of the winds. And when these had been repelled, the
+<i>Danavas</i>, irrepressible in battle, O Bharata, simultaneously
+created various illusions. And there happened a tremendous
+horrifying shower of rocks and dreadful weapons of fire and wind.
+And that illusory downpour afflicted me in fight. And then on all
+sides there appeared a dense and thick darkness. And when the world
+had been enveloped in deep and dense darkness, the steeds turned
+away, Matali fell off, and from his hand the golden lash fell to
+the earth. And, O foremost of the Bharatas, being frightened, he
+again and again cried, "Where art thou?" And when he had been
+stupefied, a terrible fear possessed me. And then in a hurry, he
+spake unto me, saying, "O Partha, for the sake of nectar, there had
+taken place a mighty conflict between the gods and the demons. I
+had seen that (encounter), O sinless one. And on the occasion of
+the destruction of Samvara, there had occurred a dreadful and
+mighty contest. Nevertheless I had acted as charioteer to the lord
+of the celestials. In the same way, on the occasion of the slaying
+of <i>Vritra</i>, the steeds had been conducted by me. And I had
+also beheld the high and terrific encounter with <i>Virochana's</i>
+son, and, O Pandava, with <i>Vala</i>, and with <i>Prahrada</i> and
+with others also. In these exceedingly dreadful battles, I was
+present; but, O Pandu's son, never (before) had I lost my senses.
+Surely the Greatfather hath ordained the destruction of all
+creatures; for this battle cannot be for any other purpose than
+destruction of the universe." Having heard these words of his,
+"pacifying my perturbation by my own effort, I will destroy the
+mighty energy of the illusion spread by the <i>Danavas</i>" quoth I
+unto the terrified Matali. "Behold the might of my arms, and the
+power of my weapons and of the bow, <i>Gandiva</i>. To-day even by
+(the help of) illusion-creating arms, will I dispel this deep gloom
+and also this horrible illusion of theirs. Do not fear, O
+charioteer. Pacify thyself." Having said this, O lord of men, I
+created for the good of the celestials, an illusion of arms capable
+of bewildering all beings. And when (their) illusion had been
+dispelled, some of the foremost amongst the <i>Asuras</i>, of
+unrivalled prowess, again spread diverse kinds of illusion.
+Thereupon, now (the world) displayed itself, and now it was
+devoured by darkness; and now the world disappeared from view and
+now it was submerged under water. And when it had brightened up,
+Matali, sitting in front of the car, with the wellconducted steeds,
+began to range that hair-erecting field. Then the fierce
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> assailed me. And finding my opportunity, I
+began to send them to the mansion of Yama. Thereupon, in that
+conflict then raging, calculated to annihilate the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> on a sudden, I could not see the
+<i>Danavas</i> concealed by illusion.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 346]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXI</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Remaining invisible the <i>Daityas</i> began
+to fight with the help of illusion. And I too fought with them,
+resorting to the energy of visible weapons. And the shafts duly
+discharged from the <i>Gandiva</i>, began to sever their heads at
+those different places where they were respectively stationed. And
+thus assailed by me in the conflict, the <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>,
+all on a sudden withdrawing the illusion, entered into their own
+city. And when the <i>Daityas</i> had fled, and when all had become
+visible, I there discovered hundreds and thousands of the slain.
+And there I saw by hundreds their shivered weapons, ornaments,
+limbs, and mail. And the horses could not find room for moving from
+one place to another; and on a sudden with a bound, they fell to
+coursing in the sky. Then remaining invisible, the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> covered the entire welkin with masses of
+crags. And, O Bharata, other dreadful <i>Danavas</i>, entering into
+the entrails of the earth, took up horses' legs and chariot-wheels.
+And as I was fighting, they, hard besetting my horses with rocks,
+attacked me together with (my) car. And with the crags that had
+fallen and with others that were falling, the place where I was,
+seemed to be a mountain cavern. And on myself being covered with
+crags and on the horses being hard pressed, I became sore
+distressed and this was marked by Matali. And on seeing me afraid,
+he said unto me, "O Arjuna, Arjuna! be thou not afraid; send that
+weapon, the thunder-bolt, O lord of men." Hearing those words of
+his, I then discharged the favourite weapon of the king of the
+celestials&mdash;the dreadful thunderbolt. And inspiring the
+Gandiva with <i>mantras</i>, I, aiming at the locality of the
+crags, shot sharpened iron shafts of the touch of the thunder-bolt.
+And sent by the thunder, those adamantine arrows entered into all
+those illusions and into the midst of those <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>.
+And slaughtered by the vehemence of the thunder, those
+<i>Danavas</i> resembling cliffs, fell to the earth together in
+masses. And entering amongst those <i>Danavas</i> that had carried
+away the steeds of the car into the interior of the earth, the
+shafts sent them into the mansion of <i>Yama</i>. And that quarter
+was completely covered with the <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i> that had
+been killed or baffled, comparable unto cliffs and lying scattered
+like crags. And then no injury appeared to have been sustained
+either by the horses, or by the car, or by Matali, or by me, and
+this seemed strange. Then, O king, Matali addressed me smiling,
+"Not in the celestials themselves, O Arjuna, is seen the prowess
+that is seen in thee." And when the <i>Danava</i> hosts had been
+destroyed, all their females began to bewail in that city, like
+unto cranes in autumn. Then with Matali I entered that city,
+terrifying with the rattling of my car the wives of the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>. Thereupon, seeing those ten thousand horses
+like unto peacocks (in hue), and also that chariot resembling the
+sun, the women fled in swarms. And like unto (the sounds of) rocks
+falling on a mountain, sounds arose of the (falling) ornaments of
+the terrified dames. (At length), the panic-stricken wives of the
+<i>Daityas</i> entered into their respective golden places
+variegated with innumerable jewels. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+347]</span> Beholding that excellent city, superior to the city of
+the celestials themselves, I asked Matali, saying, "Why do not the
+celestials reside in such (a place)? Surely, this appeareth
+superior to the city of Purandara." Thereat, Matali said, "In days
+of yore, O Partha, even this was the city of our lord of the
+celestials. Afterwards the celestials were driven from hence by the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>. Having performed the most rigid
+austerities, they had gratified the Grand-father and had asked (and
+obtained) the boons&mdash;namely, that they might reside here, and
+that they might be free from danger in wars with the gods." Then
+<i>Sakra</i> addressed the self-create lord saying, "Do thou, O
+lord, desirous of our own welfare do what is proper." Thereupon, O
+Bharata, in this matter the Lord commanded (Indra), saying, "O
+slayer of foes, in another body, even thou shalt be (the destroyer
+of the <i>Danavas</i>)." Then, in order to slaughter them,
+<i>Sakra</i> rendered unto thee those weapons. The gods had been
+unable to slay these, who have been slain by thee. O Bharata, in
+the fullness of time, hadst thou come hither, in order to destroy
+them and thou hast done so. O foremost of men, with the object that
+the demons might be killed, Mahendra had conferred on thee the
+excellent prime energy of these weapons.'</p>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'After having destroyed the <i>Danavas</i>,
+and also subdued that city, with Matali I again went to that abode
+of the celestials.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXII</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Then while returning, I happened to descry a
+mighty unearthly city, moving at will, and having the effulgence of
+fire or the sun. And that city contained various trees composed of
+gems, and sweet-voiced feathered ones. And furnished with four
+gates, and gate-ways, and towers, that impregnable (city) was
+inhabited by the <i>Paulamas</i> and <i>Kalakanjas</i>. And it was
+made of all sorts of jewels and was unearthly, and of wonderful
+appearance. And it was covered with trees of all kinds of gems,
+bearing fruits and flowers. And it contained exceedingly beautiful
+unearthly birds. And it always swarmed throughout with cheerful
+<i>Asuras</i>, wearing garlands, and bearing in their hands darts,
+two edged swords, maces, bows, and clubs. And, O king, on seeing
+this wonderful city of the Daityas, I asked Matali saying, "What is
+this that looketh so wonderful?" Thereat, Matali replied, "Once on
+a time a <i>Daitya's</i> daughter, named <i>Pulama</i> and a mighty
+female of the <i>Asura</i> order, <i>Kalaka</i> by name, practised
+severe austerities for a thousand celestial years. And at the end
+of their austerities, the self-create conferred on them boons. And,
+O king of kings, they received these boons,&mdash;that their
+offspring might never suffer misfortune; that they might be
+incapable of being destroyed even by the gods, the <i>Rakshasas</i>
+and the <i>Pannagas</i>; and that they might obtain a highly
+effulgent and surpassingly fair aerial city, furnished with all
+manner of gems and invincible even by the celestials, the
+<i>Maharshis</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the
+<i>Pannagas</i>, the <i>Asuras</i> <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+348]</span> and the <i>Rakshasas</i>. O best of the Bharatas, this
+is that unearthly aerial city devoid of the celestials, which is
+moving about, having been created for the <i>Kalakeyas</i>, by
+<i>Brahma</i> himself. And this city is furnished with all
+desirable objects, and is unknown of grief or disease. And, O hero,
+celebrated under the name of <i>Hiranyapura</i>, this mighty city
+is inhabited by the <i>Paulamas</i> and the <i>Kalakanjas</i>; and
+it is also guarded by those mighty <i>Asuras</i>. And, O king,
+unslayed by any of the gods, there they dwell cheerfully, free from
+anxiety and having all their desires gratified, O foremost of
+kings. Formerly, <i>Brahma</i> had destined destruction at the
+hands of mortals. Do thou, O Partha, in fight, compass with that
+weapon&mdash;the thunder-bolt&mdash;the destruction of the mighty
+and irrepressible <i>Kalakanjas</i>."'</p>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'O lord of men, learning that they were
+incapable of being destroyed by the celestials and the
+<i>Asuras</i>, I cheerfully said unto Matali, "Do thou speedily
+repair into yonder city. With weapons will I compass the
+annihilation of the haters of the lord of the celestials. Surely,
+there exist no wicked haters of the gods who ought not to be slain
+by me." Thereupon Matali took me to the vicinity of
+<i>Hiranyapura</i> on the celestial chariot yoked with steeds. And
+seeing me, those sons of Diti, wearing various kinds of attire and
+ornament and accoutred in mail, flew at me with a mighty rush. And
+those foremost of the <i>Danavas</i>, of exceeding prowess, in
+wrath attacked me with arrows and <i>bhallas</i> and clubs and
+two-edged swords, and <i>tomaras</i>. Thereat, O king, resorting to
+my strength of lore, I resisted that great volley of weapons by a
+mighty shower of shafts; and also confounded them in conflict by
+ranging around in my car. And being bewildered, the <i>Danavas</i>
+began to push each other down. And having been confounded, they
+rushed at one another. And with flaming arrows, I severed their
+heads by hundreds. And hard pressed by me, the offspring of Diti,
+taking shelter within (their) city, soared with it to the
+firmament, resorting to the illusion proper to the <i>Danavas</i>.
+Thereupon, O son of the Kurus, covering the way of the
+<i>Daityas</i>, with a mighty discharge of shafts I obstructed
+their course. Then by virtue of the bestowal of the boon, the
+<i>Daityas</i> supported themselves easily on that sky-ranging
+unearthly aerial city, going anywhere at will and like unto the
+sun. And now (the city) entered unto the earth and now it rose
+upwards; and at one time it went in a crooked way and at another
+time it submerged into water. At this, O represser of foes, I
+assailed that mighty city, going anywhere at will, and resembling
+<i>Amaravati</i>. And, O best of the Bharatas, I attacked the city
+containing those sons of Diti, with multitudes of shafts,
+displaying celestial weapons. And battered and broken by the
+straight-coursing iron shafts, shot by me, the city of the
+<i>Asuras</i>, O king, fell to the earth. And they also, wounded by
+my iron arrows having the speed of the thunder, began, O monarch,
+to go about, being urged by destiny. Then ascending to the sky,
+Matali, as if falling in front, swiftly descended to the earth, on
+that chariot of solar resplendence. Then, O Bharata, environed me
+sixty thousand cars belonging to those wrathful ones eager to
+battle with me. And with sharpened shafts graced with feathers of
+the vulture, I destroyed those (cars). At this, thinking, "These
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 349]</span> our hosts are incapable of
+being vanquished by mortals," they became engaged in the conflict,
+like unto the surges of the sea. Thereupon I gradually began to fix
+(on the string) unearthly weapons. At this, thousands of weapons
+(shot) by those wonderfully warring charioteers, by degrees opposed
+my unearthly arms and in the field I saw hundreds and thousands of
+mighty (demons) ranging on their cars, in various manoeuvres. And
+being furnished with variegated mail and standards and diverse
+ornaments, they delighted my mind. And in the conflict I could not
+afflict them by showers of shafts, but they did not afflict me. And
+being afflicted by those innumerable ones, equipped in weapons and
+skilled in fight, I was pained in that mighty encounter and a
+terrible fear seized me. Thereupon collecting (my energies) in
+fight, I (bowed down) unto that god of gods, <i>Raudra</i>, and
+saying, "May welfare attend on all beings!" I fixed that mighty
+weapon which, celebrated under the name of <i>Raudra</i>, is the
+destroyer of all foes. Then I beheld a male person having three
+heads, nine eyes, three faces, and six arms. And his hair was
+flaming like fire or the sun. And, O slayer of foes, for his dress,
+he had mighty serpents, putting out their tongues. And saying, O
+best of the Bharatas, the dreadful and eternal <i>Raudra</i>, I
+being free from fear, set it on the <i>Gandiva</i>; and, bowing
+unto the three-eyed <i>Sarva</i> of immeasurable energy, let go
+(the weapon), with the object of vanquishing those foremost of the
+<i>Danavas</i>, O Bharata. And, O lord of men, as soon as it had
+been hurled, there appeared on the scene by thousands, forms of
+deer, and of lions, and of tigers, and of bears and of buffaloes,
+and of serpents, and of kine, and of sarabhas, and of elephants,
+and of apes in multitudes, and of bulls, and of boars, and of cats,
+and of dogs, and of spectres, and of all the <i>Bhurundas</i>, and
+of vultures, and of Garudas, of <i>chumaras</i>, and of all the
+leopards, and of mountains, and of seas, and of celestials, and of
+sages, and of all the <i>Gandharvas</i>, and of ghosts with the
+<i>Yakshas</i>, and of the haters of the gods, (<i>Asuras</i>), and
+of the <i>Guhyakas</i> in the field, and of the <i>Nairitas</i> and
+of elephant-mouthed sharks, and of owls, and of beings having the
+forms of fishes and horses, and of beings bearing swords and
+various other weapons, and of <i>Rakshasas</i> wielding maces and
+clubs. And on that weapon being hurled all the universe became
+filled with these as well as many others wearing various shapes.
+And again and again wounded by beings of various sights with
+(pieces of) flesh, fat, bones, and marrow on their
+persons,&mdash;some having three heads, and some four tusks, and
+some four mouths, and some four arms,&mdash;the <i>Danavas</i> met
+with destruction. And, then, O Bharata, in a moment I slew all
+those <i>Danavas</i>, with other swarms of arrows composed of the
+quintessence of stone, flaming like fire or the sun, and possessed
+of the force of the thunder-bolt. And, seeing them hewn by the
+<i>Gandiva</i>, and deprived of life, and thrown from the sky, I
+again bowed unto that god&mdash;the Destroyer of <i>Tripura</i>.
+And, seeing those adorned with unearthly ornaments, crushed by the
+weapon, the <i>Raudra</i>, the charioteer of the celestials,
+experienced the greatest delight. And having witnessed the
+accomplishment of that unbearable feat incapable of being achieved
+even by the celestials themselves, Matali, the charioteer of Sakra,
+paid <span class="pagenum">[Pg 350]</span> homage unto me; and
+well-pleased, with joint hands said these words. "The feat that
+hath been achieved by thee, is incapable of being borne even by the
+gods, nay,&mdash;in battle, the lord of the celestials himself
+cannot perform this deed. The sky-coursing mighty city incapable of
+being destroyed by the gods and the Asuras hast thou, O hero,
+crushed by thy own prowess and by the energy of asceticism." And
+when that aerial city had been destroyed, and when the
+<i>Danavas</i> also had been slain, their wives, uttering cries of
+distress, like unto Kurari birds, with hair dishevelled came out of
+the city. And bewailing for their sons and brothers and fathers,
+they fell on the ground and cried with distressful accents. And on
+being deprived for their lords, they beat their breasts, their
+garlands and ornaments fallen off. And that city of <i>Danavas</i>,
+in appearance like unto the city of the <i>Gandharvas</i> filled
+with lamentations and stricken with dole and distress, and bereft
+of grace even like unto a lake deprived of (its) elephants, or like
+unto a forest deprived of trees and (deprived of its) masters,
+looked no longer beautiful&mdash;but it vanished, like a
+cloud-constructed city. And when I had accomplished the task, from
+the field Matali took me of delighted spirits, unto the abode of
+the lord of the celestials. And having slain those mighty Asuras,
+and destroyed <i>Hiranyapura</i>, and having also killed the
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>, I came unto Indra. And, O exceedingly
+resplendent one, as it had fallen out, Matali related in detail
+unto Devendra that entire achievement of mine. And with the
+Marutas, hearing of the destruction of <i>Hiranyapura</i>, of the
+neutralisation of the illusion, and of the slaughter of the highly
+powerful Nivatakavachas in fight, the prosperous thousand-eyed
+divine <i>Purandara</i> was well pleased, and exclaimed, "Well
+done; Well done!" And the king of the celestials together with the
+celestials, cheering me again and again, said these sweet words,
+"By thee hath been achieved a feat incapable of being achieved by
+the gods and the Asuras. And, O Partha, by slaying my mighty
+enemies, thou hast paid the preceptor's fee. And, O Dhananjaya,
+thus in battle shalt thou always remain calm, and discharge the
+weapons unerringly, and there shall not stand thee in fight
+celestials, and <i>Danavas</i>, and <i>Rakshasas</i>, and
+<i>Yakshas</i>, and <i>Asuras</i>, and <i>Gandharvas</i> and birds
+and serpents. And, O Kaunteya, by conquering it even by the might
+of thy arms, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, will rule the earth."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXIII</h2>
+<p>"Arjuna continued, 'Then firmly confident, the sovereign of the
+celestials considering as his own, pertinently said these words
+unto me wounded by cleaving shafts, "All the celestial weapons, O
+Bharata, are with thee, so no man on earth will by any means be
+able to over-power thee. And, O son, when thou art in the field,
+Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and Karna and Sakuni together with
+other Kshatriyas shall not amount unto one-sixteenth part of thee."
+And the lord Maghavan granted me this golden garland and this
+shell, Devadatta, of mighty roars, and also his celestial mail
+impenetrable <span class="pagenum">[Pg 351]</span> and capable of
+protecting the body. And Indra himself set on my (head) this
+diadem. And <i>Sakra</i> presented me with these unearthly apparels
+and unearthly ornaments, elegant and rare. In this manner, O king,
+(duly) honoured, I delightfully dwelt in Indra's sacred abode with
+the children of the <i>Gandharvas</i>. Then, well-pleased,
+<i>Sakra</i>, together with the celestials, addressed me, saying,
+"O Arjuna, the time hath come for thy departure; thy brothers have
+thought of thee." Thus, O Bharata, remembering the dissensions
+arising from that gambling, did I, O king, pass those five years in
+the abode of Indra. Then have I come and seen thee surrounded by
+our brothers on the summit of this lower range of the
+<i>Gandhamadana</i>.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O Dhananjaya, by fortune it is that the
+weapons have been obtained by thee; by fortune it is that the
+master of the immortals hath been adored by thee. O repressor of
+foes, by fortune it is that the divine <i>Sthanu</i> together with
+the goddess had become manifest unto thee and been gratified by
+thee in battle, O sinless one; by fortune it is that thou hadst met
+with the Lokapalas, O best of the Bharatas. O Partha, by fortune it
+is that we have prospered; and by fortune it is that thou hast come
+back. To-day I consider as if the entire earth engarlanded with
+cities hath already been conquered, and as if the sons of
+Dhritarashtra have already been subdued. Now, O Bharata, I am
+curious to behold those celestial weapons wherewith thou hadst
+slain the powerful <i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>.'</p>
+<p>"Thereat Arjuna said, 'Tomorrow in the morning thou wilt see all
+the celestial weapons with which I slew the fierce
+<i>Nivata-Kavachas</i>.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Thus having related (the facts touching) the
+arrival, Dhananjaya passed that night there, together with all his
+brothers."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "And when the night had passed,
+Yudhishthira the just, arose and together with his brothers,
+performed the necessary duties. He then spake unto Arjuna, that
+delight of his mother, saying, 'O Kaunteya, do thou show (me) those
+weapons with which thou vanquished the <i>Danavas</i>.' Thereat, O
+king, the exceedingly powerful Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, duly
+practising extreme purity, showed those weapons, O Bharata, which
+had been given unto him by the celestials. Dhananjaya seated on the
+earth, as his chariot, which had the mountain for its pole, the
+base of the axle and the cluster of beautiful-looking bamboo trees
+for its socket-pole, looked resplendent with that celestial armour
+of great lustre, took his bow <i>Gandiva</i> and the conch-shell
+given to him by the gods, commenced to exhibit those celestial
+weapons in order. And as those celestial weapons had been set, the
+Earth being oppressed with the feet (of Arjuna), began to tremble
+with (its) trees; and the rivers and the mighty main became vexed;
+and the rocks were riven; and the air was hushed. And the sun did
+not shine; and fire did not flame; and by no means did the Vedas of
+the twice-born once shine. And, O Janamejaya, the creatures
+peopling the interior of the earth, on being <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 352]</span> afflicted, rose and surrounded the
+Pandava, trembling with joined hands and contorted countenances.
+And being burnt by those weapons, they besought Dhananjaya (for
+their lives). Then the <i>Brahmarshis</i>, and the <i>Siddhas</i>,
+and the <i>Maharshis</i> and the mobile beings&mdash;all these
+appeared (on the scene). And the foremost <i>Devarshis</i>, and the
+celestials and the <i>Yakshas</i> and the <i>Rakshasas</i> and the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> and the feathered tribes and the (other)
+sky-ranging beings&mdash;all these appeared (on the scene). And the
+Great-sire and all the Lokapalas and the divine Mahadeva, came
+thither, together with their followers. Then, O great king, bearing
+unearthly variegated blossoms <i>Vayu</i> (the Wind-god) fell to
+strewing them around the Pandava. And sent by the celestials, the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> chanted various ballads; and, O monarch, hosts of
+the <i>Apsaras</i> danced (there). At such a moment, O king, sent
+by the celestials, Narada arrived (there) and addressed Partha in
+these sweet words, 'O Arjuna, Arjuna, do thou not discharge the
+celestial weapons. These should never be discharged when there is
+no object (fit). And when there is an object (present), they should
+also by no means be hurled, unless one is sore pressed; for, O son
+of the Kurus, to discharge the weapons (without occasion), is
+fraught with great evil. And, O Dhananjaya, being duly kept as thou
+hast been instructed to these powerful weapons will doubtless
+conduce to thy strength and happiness. But if they are not properly
+kept, they, O Pandava, will become the instrument for the
+destruction of the three worlds. So thou shouldst not act in this
+way again. O Ajatasatru, thou too wilt behold even these weapons,
+when Partha will use them for grinding (thy) enemies in
+battle.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having prevented Partha the immortals
+with others that had come there, went to each his place, O foremost
+of men. And, O Kaurava, after they had all gone, the Pandavas began
+to dwell pleasantly in the same forest, together with Krishna."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXV</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "When that prince among heroes, having been
+accomplished in arms, had returned from the abode of the slayer of
+Vritra, what did Pritha's sons do in company with the warlike
+Dhananjaya?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "In company with that hero equal unto Indra,
+Arjuna&mdash;that foremost of men, sported in the pleasure-gardens
+of the lord of treasures (situated) in those woods on that romantic
+and excellent mountain. And surveying those peerless and various
+pleasure-grounds filled with diverse trees, that chief of men,
+<i>Kiriti</i>, ever intent upon arms, ranged at large, bow in hand.
+And having through the grace of king Vaisravana obtained a
+residence, those sons of a sovereign cared not for the prosperity
+of men. And, O king, that period of their (lives) passed
+peacefully. And having Partha in their company, they spent four
+years there even like a single night. And as the Pandavas lived in
+the wood, (these four years) and the former six, numbering ten,
+passed smoothly with them.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 353]</span></p>
+<p>"Then having seated themselves before the king, the vehement son
+of the Wind-god, with <i>Jishnu</i> and the heroic twins, like unto
+the lord of the celestials, earnestly addressed the king in these
+beneficial and pleasant words. 'It is only to render thy promise
+effectual and to advance thy interests, that, O king of the Kurus,
+forsaking the forest, we do not go to slay Suyodhana together with
+all his followers. Although deserving of happiness, yet have we
+been deprived of happiness. And this is the eleventh year that (in
+this state) we have been living (in the forest). And hereafter,
+deluding that one of evil mind and character, shall we easily live
+out the period of non-discovery. And at thy mandate, O monarch,
+free from apprehension, we have been ranging the woods, having
+relinquished our honour. Having been tempted by our residence in
+the vicinity, they (our enemies) will not believe that we have
+removed to a distant realm. And after having lived there
+undiscovered for a year, and having wreaked our revenge on that
+wicked wight, Suyodhana, with his followers, we shall easily root
+out that meanest of men, slaying him and regaining our kingdom.
+Therefore, O Dharmaraja, do thou descend unto the earth. For, O
+king, if we dwell in this region like unto heaven itself, we shall
+forget our sorrows. In that case, O Bharata, thy fame like unto a
+fragrant flower shall vanish from the mobile and the immobile
+worlds. By gaining that kingdom of the Kuru chiefs, thou wilt be
+able to attain (great glory), and to perform various sacrifices.
+This that thou art receiving from <i>Kuvera</i>, thou wilt, O
+foremost of men, be able to attain any time. Now, O Bharata, turn
+thy mind towards the punishment and destruction of foes that
+committed wrongs. O king, the wielder of the thunderbolt himself is
+incapable of standing thy prowess. And intent upon thy welfare, he,
+having <i>Suparna</i> for his mark (Krishna), and also the grandson
+of Sini (Satyaki) never experience pain, even when engaged in
+encounter with the gods, O Dharmaraja. And Arjuna is peerless in
+strength, and so am I too, O best of kings. And as Krishna together
+with the Yadavas is intent upon thy welfare, so am I also, O
+foremost of monarchs, and the heroic twins accomplished in war. And
+encountering the enemy, we, having for our main object the
+attainment by thee of wealth and prosperity, will destroy
+them.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then having learnt that intention of
+theirs, the magnanimous and excellent son of Dharma, versed in
+religion and profit, and of immeasurable prowess, went round
+Vaisravana's abode. And Yudhishthira the just, after bidding adieu
+unto the palaces, the rivers, the lakes, and all the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, looked towards the way by which (he) had come
+(there). And then looking at the mountain also, the high-souled and
+pure-minded one besought that best of mountains, saying, 'O
+foremost of mountains, may I together with my friends, after having
+finished my task, and slain my foes, and regained my kingdom, see
+thee again, carrying on austerities with subdued soul.' And this
+also he determined on. And in company with his younger brothers and
+the <i>Brahmanas</i>, the lord of the Kurus proceeded even along
+that very road. And Ghatotkacha with his followers began to carry
+them over the mountain cascades. And as they started, the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 354]</span> great sage <i>Lomasa</i>,
+advising them even as a father doth his son, with a cheerful heart,
+went unto the sacred abode of the dwellers of heaven. Then advised
+also by Arshtishena, those first of men, the Parthas, went alone
+beholding romantic <i>tirthas</i> and hermitages, and other mighty
+lakes."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When they had left their happy home in the
+beautiful mountain abounding in cascades, and having birds, and the
+elephants of the eight quarters, and the supernatural attendants of
+<i>Kuvera</i> (as dwellers thereof), all happiness forsook those
+foremost of men of Bharata's race. But afterwards on beholding
+<i>Kuvera's</i> favourite mountain, <i>Kailasa</i>, appearing like
+clouds, the delight of those pre-eminent heroes of the race of
+Bharata, became very great. And those foremost of heroic men,
+equipped with scimitars and bows, proceeded contentedly, beholding
+elevations and defiles, and dens of lions and craggy causeways and
+innumerable water-falls and lowlands, in different places, as also
+other great forests inhabited by countless deer and birds and
+elephants. And they came upon beautiful woodlands and rivers and
+lakes and caves and mountain caverns; and these frequently by day
+and night became the dwelling place of those great men. And having
+dwelt in all sorts of inaccessible places and crossing
+<i>Kailasa</i> of inconceivable grandeur, they reached the
+excellent and surpassingly beautiful hermitage of
+<i>Vrishaparba</i>. And meeting king Vrishaparba and received by
+him, they became free from depression and then they accurately
+narrated in detail to Vrishaparba the story of their sojourn in the
+mountains. And having pleasantly passed one night in his sacred
+abode frequented by gods and <i>Maharshis</i>, those great warriors
+proceeded smoothly towards the jujube tree called Visala and took
+up their quarters there. Then all those magnanimous men having
+reached the place of Narayana, continued to live there, bereft of
+all sorrow, at beholding <i>Kuvera's</i> favourite lake, frequented
+by gods and <i>Siddhas</i>. And viewing that lake, those foremost
+of men, the sons of Pandu traversed that place, renouncing all
+grief even as immaculate <i>Brahmana rishis</i> (do) on attaining a
+habitation in the <i>Nandana</i> gardens. Then all those warriors
+having in due course happily lived at Badari for one month,
+proceeded towards the realm of Suvahu, king of the <i>Kiratas</i>,
+by following the same track by which they had come. And crossing
+the difficult Himalayan regions, and the countries of China,
+Tukhara, Darada and all the climes of Kulinda, rich in heaps of
+jewels, those warlike men reached the capital of Suvahu. And
+hearing that those sons and grandsons of kings had all reached his
+kingdom, Suvahu, elated with joy, advanced (to meet them). Then the
+best of the Kurus welcomed him also. And meeting king Suvahu, and
+being joined by all their charioteers with Visoka at their head and
+by their attendants, Indrasena and others, and also by the
+superintendents and servants of the kitchen, they stayed there
+comfortably for one night. Then taking all the chariots and
+chariot-men and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 355]</span> dismissing
+Ghatotkacha together with his followers, they next repaired to the
+monarch of mountains in the vicinity of the <i>Yamuna</i>. In the
+midst of the mountain abounding in waterfalls and having grey and
+orange-coloured slopes and summits covered with a sheet of snow,
+those warlike men having then found the great forest of Visakhayupa
+like unto the forest of Chitraratha and inhabited by wild boars and
+various kinds of deer and birds, made it their home. Addicted to
+hunting as their chief occupation, the sons of Pritha peacefully
+dwelt in that forest for one year. There in a cavern of the
+mountain, Vrikodara, with a heart afflicted with distraction and
+grief, came across a snake of huge strength distressed with hunger
+and looking fierce like death itself. At this crisis Yudhishthira,
+the best of pious men, became the protector of Vrikodara and he, of
+infinite puissance, extricated Bhima whose whole body had been fast
+gripped by the snake with its folds. And the twelfth year of their
+sojourn in forests having arrived, those scions of the race of
+Kuru, blazing in effulgence, and engaged in asceticism, always
+devoted principally to the practice of archery, repaired cheerfully
+from that Chitraratha-like forest to the borders of the desert, and
+desirous of dwelling by the <i>Saraswati</i> they went there, and
+from the banks of that river they reached the lake of
+<i>Dwaitabana</i>. Then seeing them enter <i>Dwaitabana</i>, the
+dwellers of that place engaged in asceticism, religious ordinances,
+and self-restraining exercises and in deep and devout meditation
+and subsisting on things ground with stone (for want of teeth)
+having procured grass-mats and water-vessels, advanced to meet
+them. The holy fig, the rudaraksha, the rohitaka, the cane and the
+jujube, the catechu, the sirisha, the bel and the inguda and the
+karira and pilu and sami trees grew on the banks of the
+<i>Saraswati</i>. Wandering about with contentment in (the vicinity
+of) the <i>Saraswati</i> which was, as it were, the home of the
+celestials, and the favourite (resort) of <i>Yakshas</i> and
+<i>Gandharvas</i> and <i>Maharshis</i>, those sons of kings lived
+there in happiness."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXVII</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "How was it, O sage! that Bhima, of mighty
+prowess and possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants, was
+stricken with panic at (the sight of) that snake? Thou hast
+described him, that slayer of his enemies, as dismayed and appalled
+with fear, even him, who by fighting at the lotus lake (of Kuvera)
+became the destroyer of <i>Yakshas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i> and
+who, in proud defiance, invited to a single combat, Pulastya's son,
+the dispenser of all riches. I desire to hear this (from you);
+great indeed is my curiosity."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "O king, having reached king
+Vrishaparva's hermitage, while those fearful warriors were living
+in various wonderful woods, Vrikodara roaming at pleasure, with bow
+in hand and armed with a scimitar, found that beautiful forest,
+frequented by gods and <i>Gandharvas</i>. And then he beheld (some)
+lovely spots in the Himalayan <span class="pagenum">[Pg 356]</span>
+mountains, frequented by <i>Devarshis</i> and <i>Siddhas</i> and
+inhabited by hosts of <i>Apsaras</i>, resounded here and there with
+(the warbling of) birds&mdash;the <i>chakora</i>, the
+<i>chakrabaka</i>, the <i>jibajibaka</i> and the cuckoo and the
+<i>Bhringaraja</i>, and abounding with shady trees, soft with the
+touch of snow and pleasing to the eye and mind, and bearing
+perennial fruits and flowers. And he beheld mountain streams with
+waters glistening like the <i>lapis lazuli</i> and with ten
+thousand snow-white ducks and swans and with forests of
+<i>deodar</i> trees forming (as it were) a trap for the clouds; and
+with <i>tugna</i> and <i>kalikaya</i> forests, interspersed with
+yellow sandal trees. And he of mighty strength, in the pursuit of
+the chase, roamed in the level and desert tracts of the mountain,
+piercing his game with unpoisoned arrows. In that forest the famous
+and mighty Bhimasena, possessing the strength of a hundred
+elephants, killed (many) large wild boars, with the force (of his
+arms). And endowed with terrible prowess and mighty strength, and
+powerful as the lion or the tiger, and capable of resisting a
+hundred men, and having long arms, and possessing the strength of a
+hundred elephants, he killed many antelopes and wild boars and
+buffaloes. And here and there, in that forest he pulled out trees
+by the roots, with great violence and broke them too, causing the
+earth and the woods and the (surrounding) places to resound. And
+then shouting and trampling on the tops of mountains, and causing
+the earth to resound with his roars, and striking his arms, and
+uttering his war-cry, and slapping and clapping his hands,
+Bhimasena, exempt from decay, and ever-proud and without fear,
+again and again leaped about in those woods. And on hearing the
+shouts of Bhimasena, powerful lions and elephants of huge strength,
+left their lairs in fright. And in that same forest, he fearlessly
+strolled about in search of game; and like the denizens of the
+woods, that most valiant of men, the mighty Bhimasena, wandered on
+foot in that forest. And he penetrated the vast forest, shouting
+strange whoops, and terrifying all creatures, endowed with strength
+and prowess. And then being terrified, the snakes hid (themselves)
+in caves, but he, overtaking them with promptitude, pursued them
+slowly. Then the mighty Bhimasena, like unto the Lord of the
+Celestials, saw a serpent of colossal proportions, living in one of
+the mountain fastnesses and covering the (entire) cave with its
+body and causing one's hair to stand on end (from fright). It had
+its huge body stretched like a hillock, and it possessed gigantic
+strength, and its body was speckled with spots and it had a
+turmeric-like (yellow) colour and a deep copper-coloured mouth of
+the form of a cave supplied with four teeth; and with glaring eyes,
+it was constantly licking the corners of its mouth. And it was the
+terror of all animated beings and it looked like the very image of
+the Destroyer Yama; and with the hissing noise of its breath it lay
+as if rebuking (an in-comer). And seeing Bhima draw so near to him,
+the serpent, all on a sudden, became greatly enraged, and that
+goat-devouring snake violently seized Bhimasena in his grip. Then
+by virtue of the boon that had been received by the serpent,
+Bhimasena with his body in the serpent's grip, instantly lost all
+consciousness. Unrivalled by that of others, the might of
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 357]</span> Bhimasena's arms equaled the
+might of ten thousand elephants combined. But Bhima, of great
+prowess, being thus vanquished by the snake, trembled slowly, and
+was unable to exert himself. And that one of mighty arms and of
+leonine shoulders, though possessed of strength of ten thousand
+elephants, yet seized by the snake, and overpowered by virtue of
+the boon, lost all strength. He struggled furiously to extricate
+himself, but did not succeed in any wise baffling this
+(snake)."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "And the powerful Bhimasena, having thus
+come under the power of the snake, thought of its mighty and
+wonderful prowess; and said unto it, 'Be thou pleased to tell me, O
+snake, who thou art. And, O foremost of reptiles, what wilt thou do
+with me? I am Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, and next by birth to
+Yudhishthira the just. And endued as I am with the strength of ten
+thousand elephants, how hast thou been able to overpower me? In
+fight have been encountered and slain by me innumerable lions, and
+tigers, and buffaloes, and elephants. And, O best of serpents,
+mighty <i>Rakshasas</i> and <i>Pisachas</i>, and <i>Nagas</i>, are
+unable to stand the force of my arms. Art thou possessed of any
+magic, or hast thou received any boon, that although exerting
+myself, I have been overcome by thee? Now I have been convinced
+that the strength of men is false, for, O serpent, by thee hath
+such mighty strength of men been baffled.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "When the heroic Bhima of noble deed had
+said this, the snake caught him, and coiled him all round with his
+body, having thus subdued that mighty-armed one, and freed his
+plump arms alone, the serpent spake these words, 'By good fortune
+it is that, myself being hungry, after long time the gods have
+to-day destined thee for my food; for life is dear unto every
+embodied being, I should relate unto thee the way in which I have
+come by this snake form. Hear, O best of the pious, I have fallen
+into this plight on account of the wrath of the <i>Maharshis</i>.
+Now desirous of getting rid of the curse, I will narrate unto thee
+all about it. Thou hast, no doubt, heard of the royal sage,
+<i>Nahusha</i>. He was the son of Ayu, and the perpetuator of the
+line of thy ancestors. Even I am that one. For having affronted the
+<i>Brahmanas</i> I, by (virtue of) Agastya's malediction, have come
+by this condition. Thou art my agnate, and lovely to
+behold.&mdash;so thou shouldst not be slain by me,&mdash;yet I
+shall to-day devour thee! Do thou behold the dispensation of
+Destiny! And be it a buffalo, or an elephant, none coming within my
+reach at the sixth division of the day, can, O best of men, escape.
+And, O best of the Kurus, thou hast not been taken by an animal of
+the lower order, having strength alone,&mdash;but this (hath been
+so) by reason only of the boon I have received. As I was falling
+rapidly from Sakra's throne placed on the front of his palace, I
+spake unto that worshipful sage (Agastya), "Do thou free me from
+this curse." Thereat filled with compassion, that energetic one
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 358]</span> said unto me, "O king, thou
+shall be freed after the lapse of some time." Then I fell to the
+earth (as a snake); but my recollection (of former life) did not
+renounce me. And although it be so ancient, I still recollect all
+that was said. And the sage said unto me, "That person who
+conversant with the relation subsisting between the soul and the
+Supreme Being, shall be able to answer the questions put by thee,
+shall deliver thee. And, O king, taken by thee, strong beings
+superior to thee, shall immediately lose their strength." I heard
+these words of those compassionate ones, who felt attached unto me.
+And then the Brahmanas vanished. Thus, O highly effulgent one,
+having become a serpent, I, doing exceedingly sinful acts, live in
+unclean hell, in expectation of the (appointed) time.' The
+mighty-armed Bhimasena addressed the serpent, saying, 'I am not
+angry, O mighty snake,&mdash;nor do I blame myself. Since in regard
+to happiness and misery, men sometimes possess the power of
+bringing and dismissing them, and sometimes do not. Therefore one
+should not fret one's mind. Who can baffle destiny by
+self-exertion? I deem destiny to be supreme, and self-exertion to
+be of no avail. Smitten with the stroke of destiny, the prowess of
+my arms lost, behold me to-day fallen unto this condition without
+palpable cause. But to-day I do not so much grieve for my own self
+being slain, as I do for my brothers deprived of their kingdom, and
+exiled into the forest. This Himalaya is inaccessible, and abounds
+with <i>Yakshas</i> and the <i>Rakshasas</i>. And searching about
+for me, they will be distracted. And hearing that I have been
+killed, (my brothers) will forego all exertion, for, firm in
+promise, they have hitherto been controlled by my harsh speech, I
+being desirous of gaining the kingdom. Or the intelligent Arjuna
+(alone), being versed in every lore, and incapable of being
+overcome by gods and <i>Rakshasas</i> and <i>Gandharvas</i>, will
+not be afflicted with grief. That mighty-armed and exceedingly
+powerful one is able single-handed to speedily pull down from his
+place even the celestials. What shall I say of the deceitfully
+gambling son of Dhritarashtra, detested of all men, and filled with
+haughtiness and ignorance! And I also grieve for my poor mother,
+affectionate to her sons, who is ever solicitous for our greatness
+in a large measure than is attained by our enemies. O serpent, the
+desire that forlorn one had in me will all be fruitless in
+consequence of my destruction. And gifted with manliness, the
+twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, following their elder brother (me), and
+always protected by the strength of my arms, will, owing to my
+destruction, be depressed and deprived of their prowess, and
+stricken with grief. This is what I think.' In this way Vrikodara
+lamented profusely. And being bound by the body of the snake, he
+could not exert himself.</p>
+<p>"On the other hand, Kunti's son, Yudhishthira, (seeing) and
+reflecting on dreadful ill omens, became alarmed. Terrified by the
+blaze of the points of the horizon, jackals stationing themselves
+on the right of that hermitage, set up frightful and inauspicious
+yells. And ugly <i>Vartikas</i> as of dreadful sight, having one
+wing, one eye, and one leg, were seen to vomit blood, facing the
+sun. And the wind began to blow dryly, and violently, attracting
+grits. And to the right all the beasts and birds began to cry. And
+in the rear the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 359]</span> black crows
+cried, 'Go!' 'Go!' And momentarily his (Yudhishthira's) right arm
+began to twitch, and his chest and left leg shook (of themselves).
+And indicating evil his left eye contracted spasmodically.
+Thereupon, O Bharata, the intelligent Yudhishthira the just,
+inferring some great calamity (to be imminent), asked Draupadi,
+saying, 'Where is Bhima?' Thereat Panchali said that Vrikodara had
+long gone out. Hearing this, that mighty-armed king set out with
+Dhaumya, after having said unto Dhananjaya, 'Thou shouldst protect
+Draupadi.' And he also directed Nakula and Sahadeva to protect the
+<i>Brahmanas</i>. And issuing from the hermitage that lord, Kunti's
+son, following the footprints of Bhimasena, began to search for him
+in that mighty forest. And on coming to the east, he found mighty
+leaders of elephant-herds (slain) and saw the earth marked with
+Bhima's (foot-prints). Then seeing thousands of deer and hundreds
+of lions lying in the forest, the king ascertained his course. And
+on the way were scattered trees pulled down by the wind caused by
+the thighs of that hero endued with the speed of the wind as he
+rushed after the deer. And proceeding, guided by those marks, to a
+spot filled with dry winds and abounding in leafless vegetables,
+brackish and devoid of water, covered with thorny plants and
+scattered over with gravel, stumps and shrubs and difficult of
+access and uneven and dangerous, he saw in a mountain cavern his
+younger brother motionless, caught in the folds of that foremost of
+snakes."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Yudhishthira, finding his beloved
+brother coiled by the body of the serpent, said these words: 'O son
+of Kunti, how hast thou come by this misfortune! And who is this
+best of serpents having a body like unto a mountain mass?'
+Bhimasena said, 'O worshipful one, this mighty being hath caught me
+for food. He is the royal sage Nahusha living in the form of a
+serpent.' Yudhishthira said, 'O longlived one, do thou free my
+brother of immeasurable prowess; we will give thee some other food
+which will appease thy hunger.' The serpent said, 'I have got for
+diet even this son of a king, come to my mouth of himself. Do thou
+go away. Thou shouldst not stay here. (If thou remainest here) thou
+too shall be my fare to-morrow. O mighty-armed one, this is
+ordained in respect of me, that he that cometh unto my place,
+becometh my food and thou too art in my quarter. After a long time
+have I got thy younger brother as my food; I will not let him off;
+neither do I like to have any other food.' Thereat Yudhishthira
+said, 'O serpent, whether thou art a god, or a demon, or an
+<i>Uraga</i>, do thou tell me truly, it is Yudhishthira that asketh
+thee, wherefore, O snake, hast thou taken Bhimasena? By obtaining
+which, or by knowing what wilt thou receive satisfaction, O snake,
+and what food shall I give thee? And how mayst thou free him.' The
+serpent said, 'O sinless one, I was thy ancestor, the son of Ayu
+and fifth in descent from the Moon. And I was a king celebrated
+under the name of Nahusha. And by sacrifices and <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 360]</span> asceticism and study of the Vedas and
+self-restraint and prowess I had acquired a permanent dominion over
+the three worlds. And when I had obtained such dominion,
+haughtiness possessed me. And thousands of <i>Brahmanas</i> were
+engaged in carrying my chair. And intoxicated by supremacy, I
+insulted those <i>Brahmanas</i>. And, O lord of the earth, by
+Agastya have I been reduced to this pass! Yet, O Pandava, to this
+day the memory (of my former birth) hath not forsaken me! And, O
+king, even by the favour of that high-souled Agastya, during the
+sixth division of the day have I got for meal thy younger brother.
+Neither will I set him free, nor do I wish for any other food. But
+if to-day thou answerest the questions put by me, then, I shall
+deliver Vrikodara!' At this Yudhishthira said, 'O serpent, ask
+whatever thou listest! I shall, if I can, answer thy questions with
+the view of gratifying thee, O snake! Thou knowest fully what
+should be known by <i>Brahmanas</i>. Therefore, O king of snakes,
+hearing (thee) I shall answer thy queries!'</p>
+<p>"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, say&mdash;Who is a
+<i>Brahmana</i> and what should be known? By thy speech I infer
+thee to be highly intelligent.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O foremost of serpents, he, it is asserted
+by the wise, in whom are seen truth, charity, forgiveness, good
+conduct, benevolence, observance of the rites of his order and
+mercy is a <i>Brahmana</i>. And, O serpent, that which should be
+known is even the supreme <i>Brahma</i>, in which is neither
+happiness nor misery&mdash;and attaining which beings are not
+affected with misery; what is thy opinion?'</p>
+<p>"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, truth, charity, forgiveness,
+benevolence, benignity, kindness and the <i>Veda</i><a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> which worketh the benefit of the four
+orders, which is the authority in matters of religion and which is
+true, are seen even in the <i>Sudra</i>. As regards the object to
+be known and which thou allegest is without both happiness and
+misery, I do not see any such that is devoid of these.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'Those characteristics that are present in a
+<i>Sudra</i>, do not exist in a <i>Brahmana</i>; nor do those that
+are in a <i>Brahmana</i> exist in a <i>Sudra</i>. And a
+<i>Sudra</i> is not a <i>Sudra</i> by birth alone&mdash;nor a
+<i>Brahmana</i> is <i>Brahmana</i> by birth alone. He, it is said
+by the wise, in whom are seen those virtues is a <i>Brahmana</i>.
+And people term him a Sudra in whom those qualities do not exist,
+even though he be a <i>Brahmana</i> by birth. And again, as for thy
+assertion that the object to be known (as asserted by me) doth not
+exist, because nothing exists that is devoid of both (happiness and
+misery), such indeed is the opinion, O serpent, that nothing exists
+that is without (them) both. But as in cold, heat doth not exist,
+nor in heat, cold, so there cannot exist an object in which both
+(happiness and misery) cannot exist?'</p>
+<p>"The serpent said, 'O king, if thou recognise him as a Brahmana
+by characteristics, then, O long-lived one, the distinction of
+caste becometh futile as long as conduct doth not come into
+play.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'In human society, O mighty and highly
+intelligent <span class="pagenum">[Pg 361]</span> serpent, it is
+difficult to ascertain one's caste, because of promiscuous
+intercourse among the four orders. This is my opinion. Men
+belonging to all orders (promiscuously) beget offspring upon women
+of all the orders. And of men, speech, sexual intercourse, birth
+and death are common. And to this the Rishis have borne testimony
+by using as the beginning of a sacrifice such expressions
+as&mdash;<i>of what caste so ever we may be, we celebrate the
+sacrifice</i>. Therefore, those that are wise have asserted that
+character is the chief essential requisite. The natal ceremony of a
+person is performed before division of the umbilical cord. His
+mother then acts as its <i>Savitri</i> and his father officiates as
+priest. He is considered as a <i>Sudra</i> as long as he is not
+initiated in the <i>Vedas</i>. Doubts having arisen on this point,
+O prince of serpents, Swayambhuba Manu has declared, that the
+mixed castes are to be regarded as better than the (other) classes,
+if having gone through the ceremonies of purification, the latter
+do not conform to the rules of good conduct, O excellent snake!
+Whosoever now conforms to the rules of pure and virtuous conduct,
+him have I, ere now, designated as a <i>Brahmana</i>.' The serpent
+replied, 'O Yudhishthira, thou art acquainted with all that is fit
+to be known and having listened to thy words, how can I (now) eat
+up thy brother Vrikodara!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXX</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'In this world, you are so learned in the
+<i>Vedas</i> and <i>Vedangas</i>; tell me (then), what one should
+do to attain salvation?'</p>
+<p>"The serpent replied, 'O scion of the Bharata's race, my belief
+is that the man who bestows alms on proper objects, speaks kind
+words and tells the truth and abstains from doing injury to any
+creature goes to heaven.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira enquired, 'Which, O snake, is the higher of the
+two, truth or alms-giving? Tell me also the greater or less
+importance of kind behaviour and of doing injury to no
+creature.'</p>
+<p>"The snake replied, 'The relative merits of these virtues, truth
+and alms-giving, kind speech and abstention from injury to any
+creature, are known (measured) by their objective gravity
+(utility). Truth is (sometimes) more praiseworthy than some acts of
+charity; some of the latter again are more commendable than true
+speech. Similarly, O mighty king, and lord of the earth, abstention
+from doing injury to any creature is seen to be important than good
+speech and vice-versa. Even so it is, O king, depending on effects.
+And now, if thou hast anything else to ask, say it all, I shall
+enlighten thee!' Yudhishthira said, 'Tell me, O snake, how the
+incorporal being's translation to heaven, its perception by the
+senses and its enjoyment of the immutable fruits of its actions
+(here below), can be comprehended.' The snake replied, 'By his own
+acts, man is seen to attain to one of the three conditions of human
+existence, of heavenly life, or of birth in the lower animal
+kingdom. Among these, the man who is not slothful, who injures no
+one and who is endowed with charity and other virtues, goes to
+heaven, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 362]</span> after leaving this
+world of men. By doing the very contrary, O king, people are again
+born as men or as lower animals. O my son, it is particularly said
+in this connection, that the man who is swayed by anger and lust
+and who is given to avarice and malice falls away from his human
+state and is born again as a lower animal, and the lower animals
+too are ordained to be transformed into the human state; and the
+cow, the horse and other animals are observed to attain to even the
+divine state.<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> O my son, the sentient being, reaping
+the fruits of his actions, thus transmigrates through these
+conditions; but the regenerate and wise man reposes his soul in the
+everlasting Supreme Spirit. The embodied spirit, enchained by
+destiny and reaping the fruits of its own actions, thus undergoes
+birth after birth but he that has lost touch of his actions, is
+conscious of the immutable destiny of all born beings.<a id="footnotetag4" name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a>'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira asked, 'O snake, tell me truly and without
+confusion how that dissociated spirit becomes cognisant of sound,
+touch, form, flavour, and taste. O great-minded one, dost thou not
+perceive them, simultaneously by the senses? Do thou, O best of
+snakes, answer all these queries!' The snake replied, 'O long-lived
+one, the thing called <i>Atman</i> (spirit), betaking itself to
+corporeal tenement and manifesting itself through the organs of
+sense, becomes duly cognisant of perceptible objects. O prince of
+Bharata's race, know that the senses, the mind, and the intellect,
+assisting the soul in its perception of objects, are called
+<i>Karanas</i>. O my son, the eternal spirit, going out of its
+sphere, and aided by the mind, acting through the senses, the
+receptacles of all perceptions, successively perceives these things
+(sound, form, flavour, &amp;c). O most valiant of men, the mind of
+living creatures is the cause of all perception, and, therefore, it
+cannot be cognisant of more than one thing at a time. That spirit,
+O foremost of men, betaking itself to the space between the
+eyebrows, sends the high and low intellect to different objects.
+What the <i>Yogins</i> perceive after the action of the intelligent
+principle by that is manifested the action of the soul.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'Tell me the distinguishing characteristics
+of the mind and the intellect. The knowledge of it is ordained as
+the chief duty of persons meditating on the Supreme Spirit.'</p>
+<p>"The snake replied, 'Through illusion, the soul becomes
+subservient to the intellect. The intellect, though known to be
+subservient to the soul, becomes (then) the director of the latter.
+The intellect is brought into play by acts of perception; the mind
+is self-existent. The Intellect does not cause the sensation (as of
+pain, pleasure, &amp;c), but the mind does. This, my son, is the
+difference between the mind and the intellect. You too are learned
+in this matter, what is your opinion?'</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 363]</span></p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O most intelligent one, you have fine
+intelligence and you know all that is fit to be known. Why do you
+ask me that question? You knew all and you performed such wonderful
+deeds and you lived in heaven. How could then illusion overpower
+you? Great is my doubt on this point.' The snake replied,
+'Prosperity intoxicates even the wise and valiant men. Those who
+live in luxury, (soon) lose their reason. So, I too, O
+Yudhishthira, overpowered by the infatuation of prosperity, have
+fallen from my high state and having recovered my
+self-consciousness, am enlightening thee thus! O victorious king,
+thou hast done me a good turn. By conversing with thy pious self,
+my painful curse has been expiated. In days of yore, while I used
+to sojourn in heaven in a celestial chariot, reveling in my pride,
+I did not think of anything else, I used to exact tribute from
+<i>Brahmarshis, Devas, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Pannagas</i>
+and all other dwellers of the three worlds. O lord of earth, such
+was the spell of my eyes, that on whatever creature, I fixed them,
+I instantly destroyed his power. Thousands of <i>Brahmarshis</i>
+used to draw my chariot. The delinquency, O king, was the cause of
+my fall from my high prosperity. Among them, Agastya was one day
+drawing my conveyance, and my feet came in contact with his body;
+Agastya then pronounced (this curse) on me, in anger, "Ruin seize
+thee, do thou become a snake." So, losing my glory, I fell down
+from that excellent car and while falling, I beheld myself turned
+into a snake, with head downwards. I thus implored that Brahmana,
+"May this curse be extinguished, O adorable one! You ought to
+forgive one who has been so foolish from infatuation." Then he
+kindly told me this, as I was being hurled down (from heaven), "The
+virtuous king Yudhishthira will save thee from this curse, and
+when, O king, horrible sin of pride will be extinguished in thee,
+thou shalt attain salvation." And I was struck with wonder on
+seeing (this) power of his austere virtues; and therefore, have I
+questioned thee about the attributes of the Supreme Spirit and of
+<i>Brahmanas</i>. Truth, charity, self-restraint, penance,
+abstention from doing injury to any creature, and constancy in
+virtue, these, O king, and not his race or family connections, are
+the means, by which a man must always secure salvation. May this
+brother of thine, the mighty Bhimasena, meet with good luck and may
+happiness abide with thee! I must go to Heaven again.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "So saying, that king, Nahusha, quitted
+his serpentine form, and assuming his celestial shape he went back
+to Heaven. The glorious and pious Yudhishthira, too, returned to
+his hermitage with Dhaumya and his brother Bhima. Then the virtuous
+Yudhishthira narrated all that, in detail, to the <i>Brahmanas</i>
+who had assembled (there). On hearing that, his three brothers and
+all the <i>Brahmanas</i> and the renowned Draupadi too were covered
+with shame. And all those excellent <i>Brahmanas</i> desiring the
+welfare of the Pandavas, admonished Bhima for his foolhardiness,
+telling him not to attempt such things again, and the Pandavas too
+were greatly pleased at seeing the mighty Bhima out of danger, and
+continued to live there pleasantly."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 364]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXI</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Markandeya-Samasya Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "While they were dwelling at that place,
+there set in the season of the rains, the season that puts an end
+to the hot weather and is delightful to all animated beings. Then
+the black clouds, rumbling loudly, and covering the heavens and the
+cardinal points, ceaselessly rained during day and night. These
+clouds, counted by hundreds and by thousands, looked like domes in
+the rainy season. From the earth disappeared the effulgence of the
+sun; its place was taken by the stainless lustre of the lightning;
+the earth became delightful to all, being overgrown with grass,
+with gnats and reptiles in their joy; it was bathed with rain and
+possessed with calm. When the waters had covered all, it could not
+be known whether the ground was at all even or
+uneven;&mdash;whether there were rivers or trees or hills. At the
+end of the hot season, the rivers added beauty to the woods being
+themselves full of agitated waters, flowing with great force and
+resembling serpents in the hissing sound they made. The boars, the
+stags and the birds, while the rain was falling upon them began to
+utter sounds of various kinds which could be heard within the
+forest tracts. The <i>chatakas</i>, the peacocks and the host of
+male <i>Kohilas</i> and the excited frogs, all ran about in joy.
+Thus while the Pandavas were roaming about in the deserts and sandy
+tracts, the happy season of rain, so various in aspect and
+resounding with clouds passed away. Then set in the season of
+autumn, thronged with ganders and cranes and full of joy; then the
+forest tracts were overrun with grass; the river turned limpid; the
+firmament and stars shone brightly., And the autumn, thronged with
+beasts and birds, was joyous and pleasant for the magnanimous sons
+of Pandu. Then were seen nights, that were free from dust and cool
+with clouds and beautified by myriads of planets and stars and the
+moon. And they beheld rivers and ponds, adorned with lilies and
+white lotuses, full of cool and pleasant water. And while roving by
+the river <i>Saraswati</i> whose banks resembled the firmament
+itself and were overgrown with canes, and as such abounded in
+sacred baths, their joy was great. And those heroes who wielded
+powerful bows, were specially glad to see the pleasant river
+<i>Saraswati</i>, with its limpid waters full to the brim. And, O
+Janamejaya, the holiest night, that of the full moon in the month
+of <i>Kartika</i> in the season of autumn, was spent by them while
+dwelling there! And the sons of Pandu, the best of the descendants
+of Bharata, spent that auspicious juncture with righteous and
+magnanimous saints devoted to penance. And as soon as the dark
+fortnight set in immediately after, the sons of Pandu entered the
+forest named the Kamyaka, accompanied by Dhananjaya and their
+charioteers and cooks."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O son of Kuru, they, Yudhishthira and
+others, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 365]</span> having reached the
+forest of <i>Kamyaka</i>, were hospitably received by hosts of
+saints and they lived together with Krishna. And while the sons of
+Pandu were dwelling in security in that place, many
+<i>Brahmanas</i> came to wait upon them. And a certain
+<i>Brahmana</i> said, 'He the beloved friend of Arjuna, of powerful
+arms and possessed of self control, descendant of <i>Sura</i>, of a
+lofty intellect, will come, for, O ye foremost of the descendants
+of Kuru, Hari knows that ye have arrived here. For, Hari has always
+a longing for your sight and always seeks your welfare. And
+Markandeya, who lived very many years devoted to great austerities,
+given to study and penance, will erelong come and meet you.' And
+the very moment that he was uttering these words, there was beheld
+Krishna, coming thitherward upon a car unto which were yoked the
+horses Saivya and Sugriva,&mdash;he the best of those that ride on
+cars, accompanied by Satyabhama, is like Indra by Sachi, the
+daughter of Pulaman. And the son of Devaki came, desirous to see
+those most righteous of the descendants of Kuru. And the sagacious
+Krishna, having alighted from the car, prostrated himself, with
+pleasure in his heart, before the virtuous king, in the prescribed
+way, and also before Bhima, that foremost of powerful men. And he
+paid his respects to Dhaumya, while the twin brothers prostrated
+themselves to him. And he embraced Arjuna of the curly hair; and
+spoke words of solace to the daughter of Drupada. And the
+descendant of the chief of the Dasaraha tribe, that chastiser of
+foes, when he saw the beloved Arjuna come near him, having seen him
+after a length of time, clasped him again and again. And so too
+Satyabhama also, the beloved consort of Krishna, embraced the
+daughter of Drupada, the beloved wife of the sons of Pandu. Then
+these sons of Pandu, accompanied by their wife and priests, paid
+their respects to Krishna, whose eyes resembled the white lotus and
+surrounded him on all sides. And Krishna, when united with Arjuna,
+the son of Pritha, the winner of riches and the terror of the
+demons assumed a beauty comparable to that of <i>Siva</i>, the
+magnanimous lord of all created beings, when he, the mighty lord,
+is united with Kartikeya (his son). And Arjuna, who bore a circlet
+of crowns on his head, gave an account of what had happened to him
+in the forest to Krishna, the elder brother of Gada. And Arjuna
+asked, saying, 'How is Subhadra, and her son Abhimanyu?' And
+Krishna, the slayer of Madhu, having paid his respects in the
+prescribed form to the son of Pritha, and to the priest, and
+seating himself with them there, spoke to king Yudhishthira, in
+words of praise. And he said, 'O king, Virtue is preferable to the
+winning of kingdoms; it is, in fact, practice of austerities! By
+you who have obeyed with truth and candour what your duty
+prescribed, have been won both this world and that to come! First
+you have studied, while performing religious duties; having
+acquired in a suitable way the whole science of arms, having won
+wealth by pursuing the methods prescribed for the military caste,
+you have celebrated all the time-honoured sacrificial rites. You
+take no delight in sensual pleasures; you do not act, O lord of
+men, from motives of enjoyment, nor do you swerve from virtue from
+greed of riches; it is for this, you have been named the Virtuous
+King, O son of Pritha! Having won <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+366]</span> kingdoms and riches and means of enjoyment, your best
+delight has been charity and truth and practice of austerities, O
+King, and faith and meditation and forbearance and patience! When
+the population of Kuru-jangala beheld Krishna outraged in the
+assembly hall, who but yourself could brook that conduct, O Pandu's
+son, which was so repugnant both to virtue and usage? No doubt, you
+will, before long, rule over men in a praiseworthy way, all your
+desires being fulfilled. Here are we prepared to chastise the
+Kurus, as soon as the stipulation made by you is fully performed!'
+And Krishna, the foremost of the <i>Dasarha</i> tribe, then said to
+Dhaumya and Bhima and Yudhishthira, and the twins and Krishna, 'How
+fortunate that by your blessing Arjuna the bearer of the coronet,
+has arrived after having acquired the science of arms!' And
+Krishna, the leader of the <i>Dasarha</i> tribe, accompanied by
+friends, likewise spoke to Krishna, the daughter of Yajnasena,
+saying, 'How fortunate that you are united, safe and secure, with
+Arjuna, the winner of riches!' And Krishna also said, 'O Krishna, O
+daughter of Yajnasena, those sons of yours, are devoted to the
+study of the science of arms, are well-behaved and conduct
+themselves on the pattern, O Krishna, of their righteous friends.
+Your father and your uterine brothers proffer them a kingdom and
+territories; but the boys find no joy in the house of Drupada, or
+in that of their maternal uncles. Safely proceeding to the land of
+the Anartas, they take the greatest delight in the study of the
+science of arms. Your sons enter the town of the <i>Vrishnis</i>
+and take an immediate liking to the people there. And as you would
+direct them to conduct themselves, or as the respected Kunti would
+do, so does Subhadra direct them in a watchful way. Perhaps, she is
+still more careful of them. And, O Krishna, as Rukmini's son is the
+preceptor of Aniruddha, of Abhimanyu, of Sunitha, and of Bhanu; so
+he is the preceptor and the refuge of your sons also! And a good
+preceptor, would unceasingly give them lessons in the wielding of
+maces and swords and bucklers, in missiles and in the arts of
+driving cars and of riding horses, being valiant. And he, the son
+of Rukmini, having bestowed a very good training upon them, and
+having taught them the art of using various weapons in a proper
+way, takes satisfaction at the valorous deeds of your sons, and of
+Abhimanyu, O daughter of Drupada! And when your son goes out, in
+pursuit of (out-door) sports, each one of them is followed thither
+by cars and horses and vehicles and elephants.' And Krishna said to
+the virtuous king, Yudhishthira, 'The fighting men of the
+<i>Dasarha</i> tribe, and the <i>Kukuras</i>, and the
+<i>Andhakas</i>&mdash;let these, O king, place themselves at thy
+command&mdash;let them perform what thou desirest them. O lord of
+men, let the army of the tribe of Madhus, (resistless) like the
+wind, with their bows and led by Balarama whose weapon is the
+plough&mdash;let that army, equipped (for war), consisting of
+horsemen and foot soldiers and horses and cars and elephants,
+prepare to do your bidding. O son of Pandu! Drive Duryodhana, the
+son of Dhritarashtra, the vilest of sinful men, together with his
+followers and his hosts of friends to the path betaken by the lord
+of Saubha, the son of the Earth! You, O ruler of men, are welcome
+to stick to that stipulation which was made in the
+assembly-hall&mdash;but <span class="pagenum">[Pg 367]</span> let
+the city of Hastina be made ready for you, when the hostile force
+has been slain by the soldiers of the <i>Dasarha</i> tribe! Having
+roamed at your pleasure in all those places where you may desire to
+go, having got rid of your grief and freed from all your
+sins&mdash;you will reach the city of Hastina&mdash;the well-known
+city situated in the midst of a fine territory!'&mdash;Then the
+magnanimous king having been acquainted with the view, thus clearly
+set forth by Krishna that best of men, and, having applauded the
+same, and having deliberated, thus spoke with joined palms unto
+Kesava, 'O Kesava, no doubt, thou art the refuge of the sons of
+Pandu; for the sons of Pandu have their protector in thee! When the
+time will come, there is no doubt that thou wilt do all the work
+just mentioned by thee; and even more than the same! As promised by
+us, we have spent all the twelve years in lonely forests. O Kesava,
+having in the prescribed way completed the period for living
+unrecognised, the sons of Pandu will take refuge in thee. This
+should be the intention of those that associate with thee, O
+Krishna! The sons of Pandu swerve not from the path of truth, for
+the sons of Pritha with their charity and their piety with their
+people and their wives and with their relations have their
+protector in thee!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O descendant of Bharata, while Krishna, the
+descendant of the <i>Vrishnis</i> and the virtuous king, were thus
+talking, there appeared then the saint Markandeya, grown grey in
+the practise of penances. And he had seen many thousand years of
+life, was of a pious soul, and devoted to great austerities. Signs
+of old age he had none; and deathless he was, and endued with
+beauty and generous and many good qualities. And he looked like one
+only twenty-five years old. And when the aged saint, who had seen
+many thousand years of life, came, all the <i>Brahmanas</i> paid
+their respects to him and so did Krishna together with Pandu's son.
+And when that wisest saint, thus honoured, took his seat in a
+friendly way, Krishna addressed him, in accordance with the views
+of the <i>Brahmanas</i> and of Pandu's sons, thus,&mdash;</p>
+<p>"'The sons of Pandu, and the <i>Brahmanas</i> assembled here,
+and the daughter of Drupada, and Satyabhama, likewise myself, are
+all anxious to hear your most excellent words, O Markandeya!
+Propound to us the holy stories of events of bygone times, and the
+eternal rules of righteous conduct by which are guided kings and
+women and saints!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "When they had all taken their seats,
+Narada also, the divine saint, of purified soul, came on a visit to
+Pandu's sons. Him also, then, of great soul, all those foremost men
+of superior intellect, honoured in the prescribed form, by offering
+water to wash his feet, and the well-known oblation called the
+<i>Arghya</i>. Then the godlike saint, Narada, learning that they
+were about to hear the speech of Markandeya, expressed his assent
+to the arrangement. And he, the deathless, knowing what would be
+opportune, said smilingly, 'O saint of the <i>Brahmana</i> caste,
+speak what you were about to say unto the sons of Pandu!' Thus
+addressed, Markandeya, devoted to great austerities, replied, 'Wait
+a moment. A great deal will be narrated.' Thus addressed, the sons
+of Pandu, together with those twice-born <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+368]</span> ones, waited a moment, looking at that great saint,
+(bright) as the mid-day sun."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Pandu's son, the king of the Kuru
+tribe, having observed that the great saint was willing to speak,
+questioned him with a view to suggesting topics to speak upon,
+saying, 'You who are ancient (in years), know the deeds of gods and
+demons, and illustrious saints, and of all the royal ones. We
+consider you as worthy of being worshipped and honoured; and we
+have long yearned after your company. And here is this son of
+Devaki, Krishna, who has come to us on a visit. Verily, when I look
+at myself, fallen away from happiness, and when I contemplate the
+sons of Dhritarashtra, of evil life, flourishing in every way, the
+idea arises in me that it is <i>man</i> who does all acts, good or
+bad, and that it is <i>he</i> that enjoys the fruit the acts bring
+forth. How then is god the agent? And, O best of those that are
+proficient in the knowledge of God, how is it that men's actions
+follow them? Is it in this world? Or is it in some subsequent
+existence? And, O best of righteous men among the twice-born, in
+what way is an embodied animated being joined by his good and evil
+deeds that seek him out? Is it after death? Or is it in this world?
+And, O descendant of Bhrigu, is what we experience in this world
+the result of the acts of this very life? Or will the acts of this
+life bear fruit in the world to come? And where do the actions of
+an animated being who is dead find their resting place?'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O best of those that can speak, this question
+befits thee, and is just what it should be. Thou knowest all that
+there is to know. But thou art asking this question, simply for the
+sake of form. Here I shall answer thee: listen to me with an
+attentive mind, as to how in this world and in that to come, a man
+experienceth happiness and misery. The lord of born beings, himself
+sprung first of all, created, for all embodied beings, bodies which
+were stainless, pure, and obedient to virtuous impulses, O wisest
+of the descendants of Kuru! The ancient men had all their desires
+fulfilled, were given to praiseworthy courses of life, were
+speakers of truth, godly and pure. All were equal to the gods,
+could ascend to the sky at their pleasure, and could come back
+again; and all went about at their pleasure. And they had their
+death and their life also under their own control; and they had few
+sufferings; had no fear; and had their wishes fulfilled; and they
+were free from trouble; could visit the gods and the magnanimous
+saints; knew by heart all righteous rules; were self-controlled and
+free from envy. And they lived many thousand years; and had many
+thousand sons. Then in course of time they came to be restricted to
+walking solely on the surface of the earth, overpowered by lust and
+wrath, dependent for subsistence upon falsehood and trick,
+overwhelmed by greed and senselessness. Then those wicked men, when
+disembodied, on account of their unrighteous and unblessed deeds,
+went to hell in a crooked way. Again and again, they were grilled,
+and, again and again they began to drag their miserable existence
+in this wonderful world. And their desires were unfulfilled, the
+objects unaccomplished, and their knowledge became unavailing. And
+their senses were paralysed and they became apprehensive of
+everything and the cause <span class="pagenum">[Pg 369]</span> of
+other people's sufferings. And they were generally marked by wicked
+deeds, and born in low families; they became wicked and afflicted
+with diseases, and the terror of others. And they became
+short-lived and sinful and they reaped the fruit of their terrible
+deeds. And coveting everything, they became godless and indifferent
+in mind, O son of Kunti! The destiny of every creature after death
+is determined by his acts in this world. Thou hast asked me where
+this treasure of acts of the sage and the ignorant remain, and
+where they enjoy the fruit of their good and evil deeds! Do thou
+listen to the regulations on this subject! Man with his subtle
+original body created by God lays up a great store of virtue and
+vice. After death he quits his frail (outer) body and is
+immediately born again in another order of beings. He never remains
+non-existent for a single moment. In his new life his actions
+follow him invariably as shadow and, fructifying, makes his destiny
+happy or miserable. The wise man, by his spiritual insight, knows
+all creatures to be bound to an immutable destiny by the destroyer
+and incapable of resisting the fruition of his actions in good or
+evil fortune. This, O Yudhishthira, is the doom of all creatures
+steeped in spiritual ignorance. Do thou now hear of the perfect way
+attained by men of high spiritual perception! Such men are of high
+ascetic virtue and are versed in all profane and holy writ,
+diligent in performing their religious obligations and devoted to
+truth. And they pay due homage to their preceptors and superiors
+and practise Yoga, are forgiving, continent and energetic and pious
+and are generally endowed with every virtue. By the conquest of the
+passions, they are subdued in mind; by practising <i>yoga</i> they
+become free from disease, fear and sorrow; they are not troubled
+(in mind). In course of birth, mature or immature, or while
+ensconced in the womb, in every condition, they with spiritual eyes
+recognize the relation of their soul to the supreme Spirit. Those
+great-minded <i>Rishis</i> of positive and intuitive knowledge
+passing through this arena of actions, return again to the abode of
+the celestials. Men, O king, attain what they have in consequence
+of the grace of the gods of Destiny or of their own actions. Do
+thou not think otherwise. O Yudhishthira, I regard that as the
+highest good which is regarded so in this world. Some attain
+happiness in this world, but not in the next; others do so in the
+next, but not in this. Some, again, attain happiness in this as
+well as in the next world; and others neither here nor in the next
+world. Those that have immense wealth, shine every day with
+well-decorated persons. O slayer of mighty foes, being addicted to
+carnal pleasures, they enjoy happiness only in this world, but not
+in the next. But those who are engaged in spiritual meditations and
+the study of the Vedas, who are diligent in asceticism, and who
+impair the vigour of their bodies by performing their duties, who
+have subdued their passions, and who refrain from killing any
+animated being, those men, O slayer of thy enemies, attain
+happiness in the next world, but not in this! Those who first live
+a pious life, and virtuously acquire wealth in due time and then
+marry and perform sacrifices, attain bliss both in this and the
+next world. Those foolish men again who do not acquire knowledge,
+nor are engaged in asceticism or charity or increasing their
+species, or in encompassing the pleasures and <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 370]</span> enjoyments of this world, attain bliss
+neither in this nor in the next world. But all of you are
+proficient in knowledge and possessed of great power and strength
+and celestial vigour. For the extermination (of the wicked) and for
+serving the purposes of the gods, ye have come from the other world
+and have taken your birth in this! Ye, who are so valiant, and
+engaged in asceticism, self-restraining exercises, and religious
+ordinances, and fond of exertion, after having performed great
+deeds and gratified the gods and <i>Rishis</i> and the
+<i>Pitris</i>, ye will at last in due course attain by your own
+acts the supreme region&mdash;the abode of all virtuous men! O
+ornament of Kuru's race, may no doubts cross thy mind on account of
+these thy sufferings, for this affliction is for thy good!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"The sons of Pandu said to the
+high-souled Markandeya, 'We long to hear of the greatness of the
+<i>Brahmanas</i>. Do thou tell us of it!' Thus asked, the revered
+Markandeya, of austere virtue and high spiritual energy, and
+proficient in all departments of knowledge, replied, 'A
+strong-limbed, handsome young prince of the race of the Haihayas, a
+conqueror of hostile cities, (once) went out hunting. And (while)
+roaming in the wilderness of big trees and thickets of grass, he
+saw, at no great distance from him, a <i>Muni</i> with the skin of
+a black antelope for his upper garment, and killed him for a deer.
+Pained at what he had done, and his senses paralysed with grief, he
+repaired to the presence of the more distinguished of the
+<i>Haihaya</i> chiefs. The lotus-eyed prince related to them the
+particulars. On hearing the account, O my son, and beholding the
+body of the <i>Muni</i> who had subsisted on fruits and roots, they
+were sorely afflicted in mind. And they all set out enquiring here
+and there as they proceeded, as to whose son the <i>Muni</i> might
+be. And they soon after reached the hermitage of Arishtanemi, son
+of Kasyapa. And saluting that great <i>Muni</i>, so constant in
+austerity, they all remained standing, while the <i>Muni</i>, on
+his part, busied himself about their reception. And they said unto
+the illustrious <i>Muni</i>, "By a freak of destiny, we have ceased
+to merit thy welcome: indeed, we have killed a Brahmana!" And the
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i> said to them, "How hath a Brahmana come to
+be killed by you, and say where may be he? Do ye all witness the
+power of my ascetic practices!" And they, having related everything
+to him as it had happened went back, but found not the body of the
+dead <i>Rishi</i> on the spot (where they had left it). And having
+searched for him, they returned, ashamed and bereft of all
+perception, as in a dream. And then, O thou conqueror of hostile
+cities, the <i>Muni</i> Tarkshya, addressed them, saying, "Ye
+princes, can this be the Brahmana of your killing? This Brahmana,
+endowed with occult gifts from spiritual exercises, is, indeed, my
+son!" Seeing that <i>Rishi</i>, O lord of the earth, they were
+struck with bewilderment. And they said, "What a marvel! How hath
+the dead come to life again? Is it the power of his austere virtue
+by which he hath revived again? <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+371]</span> We long to hear this, O Brahmana, if, indeed, it can be
+divulged?" To them, he replied, "Death, O lords of men, hath no
+power over us! I shall tell ye the reason briefly and intelligibly.
+We perform our own sacred duties; therefore, have we no fear of
+death; we speak well of <i>Brahmanas</i> but never think any ill of
+them; therefore hath death no terror for us. Entertaining our
+guests with food and drink, and our dependants with plenty of food,
+we ourselves (then) partake of what is left; therefore we are not
+afraid of death. We are peaceful and austere and charitable and
+forbearing and fond of visiting sacred shrines, and we live in
+sacred places; therefore we have no fear of death. And we live in
+places inhabited by men who have great spiritual power; therefore
+hath death no terror for us. I have briefly told ye all! Return ye
+now all together, cured of all worldly vanity. Ye have no fear of
+sin!" Saying <i>amen</i>, O foremost scion of Bharata's race, and
+saluting the great <i>Muni</i>, all those princes joyously returned
+to their country.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Do ye again hear from me the glory of
+the <i>Brahmanas</i>! It is said that a royal sage of the name of
+<i>Vainya</i> was once engaged in performing the horse-sacrifice
+and that Atri desired to go to him for alms. But Atri subsequently
+gave up his desire of wealth, from religious scruples. After much
+thought he, of great power, became desirous of living in the woods,
+and, calling his wife and sons together, addressed them thus, "Let
+us attain the highly tranquil and complete fruition of our desires.
+May it, therefore, be agreeable to you to repair quickly to the
+forest for a life of great merit." His wife, arguing from motives
+of virtue also then said to him, "Hie thee to the illustrious
+prince Vainya, and beg of him vast riches! Asked by thee, that
+royal sage, engaged in sacrifice will give thee wealth. Having gone
+there, O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, and received from him vast
+wealth, thou canst distribute it among thy sons and servants and
+then thou canst go whithersoever thou pleasest. This, indeed, is
+the higher virtue as instanced by men conversant with religion."
+Atri replied, "I am informed, O virtuous one, by the high-souled
+Gautama, that Vainya is a pious prince, devoted to the cause of
+truth; but there are <i>Brahmanas</i> (about his persons) who are
+jealous of me; and as Gautama hath told me this, I do not venture
+to go there, for (while) there, if I were to advise what is good
+and calculated to secure piety and the fulfilment of one's desires,
+they would contradict me with words unproductive of any good. But I
+approve of any counsel and will go there; Vainya will give me kine
+and hoards of riches."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'So saying, he, of great ascetic merit,
+hastened to Vainya's sacrifice and reaching the sacrificial altar
+and making his obeisance to the king and praising him with
+well-meaning speeches, he spoke these words, "Blessed art thou, O
+king! Ruling over the earth, thou art the foremost of sovereigns!
+The <i>Munis</i> praise thee, and besides thee there is none so
+versed in religious lore!" To him the <i>Rishi</i> Gautama, of
+great ascetic <span class="pagenum">[Pg 372]</span> merit, then
+indignantly replied saying, "Atri, do not repeat this nonsense. (It
+seems) thou art not in thy proper senses. In this world of ours,
+Mahendra the lord of all created beings (alone) is the foremost of
+all sovereigns!" Then, O, great prince, Atri said to Gautama, "As
+Indra, the lord of all creatures, ruleth over our destinies, so
+doth this king! Thou art mistaken. It is thou who hast lost thine
+senses from want of spiritual perception!" Gautama replied, "I know
+I am not mistaken; it is thou who art labouring under a
+misconception in this matter. To secure the king's countenance,
+thou art flattering him in (this) assembly of the people. Thou dost
+not know what the highest virtue, nor dost thou feel the need for
+it. Thou art like a child steeped in ignorance, for what then hast
+thou become (so) old in years?"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'While those two men were thus disputing
+in the presence of the <i>Munis</i>, who were engaged in Vainya's
+sacrifice the latter enquired, "What is the matter with them, that
+maketh them talk so vociferously?" Then the very pious Kasyapa
+learned in all religious lore, approaching the disputants asked
+them what was the matter. And then Gautama, addressing that
+assembly of great <i>Munis</i> said, "Listen, O great
+<i>Brahmanas</i>, to the point in dispute between us. Atri hath
+said that Vainya is the ruler of our destinies; great is our doubt
+on this point."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing this, the great-mind
+<i>Munis</i> went instantly to Sanatkumara who was well versed in
+religion to clear their doubt. And then he of great ascetic merit,
+having heard the particulars from them addressed them these words
+full of religious meaning. And Sanatkumara said, "As fire assisted
+by the wind burneth down forests, so a Brahmana's energy in union
+with a Kshatriya's or a Kshatriya's joined with a Brahmana's
+destroyeth all enemies. The sovereign is the distinguished giver of
+laws and the protector of his subjects. He is (a protector of
+created beings) like Indra, (a propounder of morals) like Sukra, (a
+counsellor) like Vrihaspati and (hence he is also called) the ruler
+of men's destinies. Who does not think it proper to worship the
+individual of whom such terms as 'preserver of created beings,'
+'royal,' 'emperor,' 'Kshatriya' (or saviour of the earth), 'lord of
+earth,' 'ruler of men,' are applied in praise? The king is (also)
+styled the prime cause (of social order, as being the promulgator
+of laws), 'the virtuous in wars,' (and therefore, preserver after
+peace), 'the watchman,' 'the contented,' 'the lord,' 'the guide to
+salvation,' 'the easily victorious,' 'the Vishnu like,' 'of
+effective wrath,' 'the winner of battles' and 'the cherisher of the
+true religion.' The <i>Rishis</i>, fearful of sin, entrusted (the
+temporal) power to the Kshatriyas. As among the gods in heaven the
+Sun dispelleth darkness by his effulgence, so doth the king
+completely root out sin from this earth. Therefore is the king's
+greatness deduced from the evidences of the sacred books, and we
+are bound to pronounce for that side which hath spoken in favour of
+the king."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then that illustrious prince, highly
+pleased with the victorious party, joyfully said to Atri, who had
+praised him erewhile, "O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, thou hast made
+and styled me the greatest and most excellent of men here, and
+compared me to the gods; therefore, shall I give <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 373]</span> thee vast and various sorts of wealth. My
+impression is that thou art omniscient. I give thee, O well-dressed
+and well-adorned one, a hundred millions of gold coins and also ten
+<i>bharas</i> of gold." Then Atri, of high austere virtues and
+great spiritual powers, thus welcomed (by the king), accepted all
+the gifts without any breach of propriety, and returned home. And
+then giving his wealth to his sons and subduing his self, he
+cheerfully repaired to the forest with the object of performing
+penances.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O thou conqueror of hostile cities, in
+this connection Saraswati too, when interrogated by that
+intelligent <i>Muni</i> Tarkshya, had said (this). Do thou listen
+to her words! Tarkshya had asked, saying, "Excellent lady, what is
+the best thing for a man to do here below, and how must he act so
+that he may not deviate from (the path of) virtue. Tell me all
+this, O beautiful lady, so that instructed by thee, I may not fall
+away from the path of virtue! When and how must one offer oblations
+to the (sacred) fire and when must he worship so that virtue may
+not be compromised? Tell me all this, O excellent lady, so that I
+may live without any passions, craving, or desire, in this
+world."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus questioned by that cheerful
+<i>Muni</i> and seeing him eager to learn and endued with high
+intelligence, Saraswati addressed these pious and beneficial words
+to the Brahmana, Tarkshya.'</p>
+<p>"'Saraswati said, "He who is engaged in the study of the
+<i>Vedas</i>, and with sanctity and equanimity perceives the
+supreme Godhead in his proper sphere, ascends the celestial regions
+and attains supreme beatitude with the Immortals. Many large,
+beautiful, pellucid and sacred lakes are there, abounding with
+fish, flowers, and golden lilies. They are like shrines and their
+very sight is calculated to assuage grief. Pious men, distinctively
+worshipped by virtuous well-adorned golden-complexioned
+<i>Apsaras</i>, dwell in contentment on the shores of those lakes.
+He who giveth cows (to Brahmanas) attaineth the highest regions; by
+giving bullocks he reacheth the solar regions, by giving clothes he
+getteth to the lunar world, and by giving gold he attaineth to the
+state of the Immortals. He who giveth a beautiful cow with a fine
+calf, and which is easily milked and which doth not run away, is
+(destined) to live for as many years in the celestial regions as
+there are hairs on the body of that animal. He who giveth a fine,
+strong, powerful, young bullock, capable of drawing the plough and
+bearing burdens, reacheth the regions attained by men who give ten
+cows. When a man bestoweth a well-caparisoned <i>kapila</i> cow
+with a brazen milk-pail and with money given afterwards, that cow
+becoming, by its own distinguished qualities, a giver of everything
+reacheth the side of the man who gave her away. He who giveth away
+cows, reapeth innumerable fruits of his action, measured by the
+hairs on the body of that animal. He also saveth (from perdition)
+in the next world his sons and grandsons and ancestors to the
+seventh generation. He who presenteth to <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+374]</span> a Brahmana, sesamum made up in the form of a cow,
+having horns made of gold, with money besides, and a brazen
+milk-pail, subsequently attaineth easily to the regions of the
+<i>Vasus</i>. By his own acts man descends into the darksome lower
+regions, infested by evil spirits (of his own passions) like a ship
+tossed by the storm in the high seas; but the gift of kine to
+Brahmanas saves him in the next world. He who giveth his daughter
+in marriage, in the <i>Brahma</i> form, who bestoweth gifts of land
+on Brahmanas and who duly maketh other presents, attaineth to the
+regions of Purandara. O Tarkshya, the virtuous man who is constant
+in presenting oblations to the sacred fire for seven years,
+sanctifieth by his own action seven generations up and down."</p>
+<p>"'Tarkshya said, "O beautiful lady, explain to me who ask thee,
+the rules for the maintenance of the sacred fire as inculcated in
+the <i>Vedas</i>. I shall now learn from thee the time-honoured
+rules for perpetually keeping up the sacred fire."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXVI</h2>
+<p>"Then Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, said to the Brahmana,
+Markandeya, 'Do thou now narrate the history of Vaivaswata
+Manu.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya replied, 'O king, O foremost of men, there was a
+powerful and great <i>Rishi</i> of the name of Manu. He was the son
+of Vivaswan and was equal unto <i>Brahma</i> in glory. And he far
+excelled his father and grandfather in strength, in power, in
+fortune, as also in religious austerities. And standing on one leg
+and with uplifted hand, that lord of men did severe penance in the
+jujube forest called Visala. And there with head downwards and with
+steadfast eyes he practised the rigid and severe penance for ten
+thousand years. And one day, whilst he was practising austerities
+there with wet clothes on and matted hair on head, a fish
+approaching the banks of the Chirini, addressed him thus,
+"Worshipful sir, I am a helpless little fish, I am afraid of the
+large ones; therefore, do thou, O great devotee, think it worth thy
+while to protect me from them; especially as this fixed custom is
+well established amongst us that the strong fish always preys upon
+the weak ones. Therefore do thou think it fit to save me from being
+drowned in this sea of terrors! I shall requite thee for thy good
+offices." On hearing these words from the fish, Vaivaswata Manu was
+overpowered with pity and he took out the fish from the water with
+his own hands. And the fish which had a body glistening like the
+rays of the moon when taken out of the water was put back in an
+earthen water-vessel. And thus reared that fish O king, grew up in
+size and Manu tended it carefully like a child. And after a long
+while, it became so large in size, that there was no room for it in
+that vessel. And then seeing Manu (one day), it again addressed
+these words to him, "Worshipful sir, do thou appoint some better
+habitation for me." And then the adorable Manu, the conqueror of
+hostile cities, took it out of that vessel and carried it to a
+large tank and placed it there. And there again the fish grew for
+many a long year. And although the tank was two <i>yojanas</i>
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 375]</span> in length and one
+<i>yojana</i> in width, even there, O lotus-eyed son of Kunti and
+ruler of men, was no room for the fish to play about! And beholding
+Manu it said again, "O pious and adorable father, take me to the
+Ganga, the favourite spouse of the Ocean so that I may live there;
+or do as thou listest. O sinless one, as I have grown to this great
+bulk by thy favour I shall do thy bidding cheerfully." Thus asked
+the upright and continent and worshipful Manu took the fish to the
+river Ganga and he put it into the river with his own hands. And
+there, O conqueror of thy enemies, the fish again grew for some
+little time and then beholding Manu, it said again, "O lord, I am
+unable to move about in the Ganga on account of my great body;
+therefore, worshipful sir, do thou please take me quickly to the
+sea!" O son of Pritha, Manu then taking it out of the Ganga,
+carried it to the sea and consigned it there. And despite its great
+bulk, Manu transported it easily and its touch and smell were also
+pleasant to him. And when it was thrown into the sea by Manu, it
+said these words to him with a smile, "O adorable being, thou hast
+protected me with special care; do thou now listen to me as to what
+thou shouldst do in the fulness of time! O fortunate and worshipful
+sir, the dissolution of all this mobile and immobile world is nigh
+at hand. The time for the purging of this world is now ripe.
+Therefore do I now explain what is good for thee! The mobile and
+immobile divisions of the creation, those that have the power of
+locomotion, and those that have it not, of all these the terrible
+doom hath now approached. Thou shall build a strong massive ark and
+have it furnished with a long rope. On that must thou ascend, O
+great <i>Muni</i>, with the seven <i>Rishis</i> and take with thee
+all the different seeds which were enumerated by regenerate
+Brahmanas in days of yore, and separately and carefully must thou
+preserve them therein. And whilst there, O beloved of the
+<i>Munis</i>, thou shall wait for me, and I shall appear to thee
+like a horned animal, and thus, O ascetic, shall thou recognise me!
+And I shall now depart, and thou shall act according to my
+instructions, for, without my assistance, thou canst not save
+thyself from that fearful flood." Then Manu said unto the fish, "I
+do not doubt all that thou hast said, O great one! Even so shall I
+act!" And giving instructions to each other, they both went away.
+And Manu then, O great and powerful king and conqueror of thy
+enemies, procured all the different seeds as directed by the fish,
+and set sail in an excellent vessel on the surging sea. And then, O
+lord of the earth, he bethought himself of that fish. And the fish
+too, O conqueror of thy enemies and foremost scion of Bharata's
+race, knowing his mind, appeared there with horns on his head. And
+then, O tiger among men, beholding in the ocean that horned fish
+emerging like a rock in the form of which he had been before
+appraised, he lowered the ropy noose on its head. And fastened by
+the noose, the fish, O king and conqueror of hostile cities, towed
+the ark with great force through the salt waters. And it conveyed
+them in that vessel on the roaring and billow beaten sea. And, O
+conqueror of thy enemies and hostile cities, tossed by the tempest
+on the great ocean, the vessel reeled about like a drunken harlot.
+And neither land nor the four cardinal points of the compass, could
+be distinguished. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 376]</span> And there
+was water every where and the waters covered the heaven and the
+firmament also. And, O bull of Bharata's race, when the world was
+thus flooded, none but Manu, the seven <i>Rishis</i> and the fish
+could be seen. And, O king, the fish diligently dragged the boat
+through the flood for many a long year and then, O descendant of
+Kuru and ornament of Bharata's race, it towed the vessel towards
+the highest peak of the Himavat. And, O Bharata, the fish then told
+those on the vessel to tie it to the peak of the Himavat. And
+hearing the words of the fish they immediately tied the boat on
+that peak of the mountain and, O son of Kunti and ornament of
+Bharata's race, know that that high peak of the Himavat is still
+called by the name of <i>Naubandhana</i> (the harbour). Then the
+fish addressing the associated <i>Rishis</i> told them these words,
+"I am Brahma, the Lord of all creatures; there is none greater than
+myself. Assuming the shape of a fish, I have saved you from this
+cataclysm. Manu will create (again) all beings&mdash;gods,
+<i>Asuras</i> and men, all those divisions of creation which have
+the power of locomotion and which have it not. By practicing severe
+austerities he will acquire this power, and with my blessing,
+illusion will have no power over him."</p>
+<p>"'So saying the fish vanished instantly. And Vaivaswata Manu
+himself became desirous of creating the world. In this work of
+creation illusion overtook him and he, therefore, practised great
+asceticism. And endowed with ascetic merit, Manu, O ornament of
+Bharata's race, again set about his work of creating all beings in
+proper and exact order. This story which I have narrated to thee
+and the hearing of which destroyeth all sin, is celebrated as the
+Legend of the Fish. And the man who listeneth every day to this
+primeval history of Manu, attaineth happiness and all other objects
+of desire and goeth to heaven.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXVII</h2>
+<p>"Then the virtuous king Yudhishthira in all humility again
+enquired of the illustrious Markandeya, saying, 'O great
+<i>Muni</i>, thou hast seen many thousands of ages pass away. In
+this world there is none so longlived as thou! O best of those that
+have attained the knowledge of Supreme Spirit, there is none equal
+to thee in years except the great-minded <i>Brahma</i> living in
+the most exalted place. Thou, O Brahmana, worshippest <i>Brahma</i>
+at the time of the great dissolution of the universe, when this
+world is without sky and without the gods and <i>Danavas</i>. And
+when that cataclysm ceaseth and the Grandsire awaketh, thou alone,
+O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, beholdest <i>Brahma</i> duly re-create
+the four orders of beings after having filled the cardinal points
+with air and consigned the waters to their proper place. Thou, O
+great Brahmana, hast worshipped in his presence the great Lord and
+Grandsire of all creatures with soul rapt in meditation and
+entirely swallowed up in Him! And, O Brahmana, thou hast many a
+time witnessed with thy eyes, the primeval acts of creation, and,
+plunged in severe ascetic austerities, thou hast also surpassed the
+<i>Prajapatis</i> themselves! Thou art esteemed as one <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 377]</span> who is nearest to Narayana, in the next
+world. Many a time in days of yore hast thou beheld the Supreme
+Creator of the universe with eyes of spiritual abstraction and
+renunciation, having first opened thy pure and lotus-like
+heart&mdash;the only place where the multiform Vishnu of universal
+knowledge may be seen! It is for this, O learned <i>Rishi</i>, by
+the grace of God neither all-destroying Death, nor dotage that
+causeth the decay of the body, hath any power over thee! When
+neither the sun, nor the moon, nor fire, nor earth, nor air, nor
+sky remains, when all the world being destroyed looketh like one
+vast ocean, when the <i>Gods</i> and <i>Asuras</i> and the great
+<i>Uragas</i> are annihilated, and when the great-minded
+<i>Brahma</i>, the Lord of all creatures, taking his seat on a
+lotus flower, sleepeth there, then thou alone remainest to worship
+him! And, O best of Brahman as thou hast seen all this that
+occurred before, with thy own eyes. And thou alone hast witnessed
+many things by the senses, and never in all the worlds hath there
+been any thing unknown to thee! Therefore do I long to hear any
+discourse explaining the causes of things!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya replied, 'Indeed, I shall explain all, after having
+bowed down to that Self-existent, Primordial Being, who is eternal
+and undeteriorating and inconceivable, and who is at once vested
+with and divested of attributes. O tiger among men, this Janardana
+attired in yellow robes is the grand Mover and Creator of all, the
+Soul and Framer of all things, and the lord of all! He is also
+called the Great, the Incomprehensible, the Wonderful and the
+Immaculate. He is without beginning and without end, pervades all
+the world, is Unchangeable and Undeteriorating. He is the Creator
+of all, but is himself uncreate and is the Cause of all power. His
+knowledge is greater than that of all the gods together. O best of
+kings and pre-eminent of men, after the dissolution of the
+universe, all this wonderful creation again comes into life. Four
+thousand years have been said to constitute the <i>Krita Yuga</i>.
+Its dawn also, as well as its eve, hath been said to comprise four
+hundred years. The <i>Treta-Yuga</i> is said to comprise three
+thousand years, and its dawn, as well as its eve, is said to
+comprise three hundred years. The <i>Yuga</i> that comes next is
+called <i>Dwapara</i>, and it hath been computed to consist of two
+thousand years. Its dawn, as well as its eve, is said to comprise
+two hundred years. The next <i>Yuga</i>, called <i>Kali</i>, is
+said to comprise one thousand years and its dawn, as well as eve,
+is said to comprise one hundred years. Know, O king, that the
+duration of the dawn is the same as that of the eve of a
+<i>Yuga</i>. And after the <i>Kali Yuga</i> is over, the <i>Krita
+Yuga</i> comes again. A cycle of the <i>Yugas</i> thus comprised a
+period of twelve thousand years. A full thousand of such cycles
+would constitute a <i>day of Brahma</i>. O tiger among men, when
+all this universe is withdrawn and ensconced within its
+home&mdash;the Creator himself&mdash;that disappearance of all
+things is called by the learned to be Universal Destruction. O bull
+of the Bharata race, towards the end of the last mentioned period
+of one thousand years, <i>i.e.</i>, when the period wanted to
+complete a cycle is short, men generally become addicted to
+falsehood in speech. O son of Pritha, then sacrifices and gifts and
+vows, instead of being performed by principals are suffered to be
+performed by <span class="pagenum">[Pg 378]</span> representatives!
+Brahmanas then perform acts that are reserved for the
+<i>Sudras</i>, and the <i>Sudras</i> betake themselves to the
+acquisition of wealth. Then Kshatriyas also betake themselves to
+the practice of religious acts. In the <i>Kali</i> age, the
+Brahmanas also abstain from sacrifices and the study of the Vedas,
+are divested of their staff and deer-skin, and in respect of food
+become omnivorous. And, O son, the Brahmanas in that age also
+abstain from prayers and meditation while the Sudras betake
+themselves to these! The course of the world looketh contrary, and
+indeed, these are the signs that foreshadow the Universal
+Destruction. And, O lord of men, numerous <i>Mleccha</i> kings then
+rule over the earth! And those sinful monarchs, addicted to false
+speech, govern their subjects on principles that are false. The
+<i>Andhhas</i>, the <i>Sakas</i>, the <i>Pulindas</i>, the
+<i>Yavanas</i>, the <i>Kamvojas</i>, the <i>Valhikas</i> and the
+<i>Abhiras</i>, then become, O best of men, possessed of bravery
+and the sovereignty of the earth. This, O tiger among men, becometh
+the state of the world during the eve, O Bharata, of the
+<i>Kali</i> age! Not a single Brahmana then adhereth to the duties
+of his order. And the Kshatriyas and the Vaisyas also, O monarch,
+follow practices contrary to those that are proper for their own
+orders. And men become short-lived, weak in strength, energy, and
+prowess; and endued with small might and diminutive bodies, they
+become scarcely truthful in speech. And the human population
+dwindles away over large tracts of country, and the regions of the
+earth, North and South, and East and West, become crowded with
+animals and beasts of prey. And during this period, they also that
+utter <i>Brahma</i>, do so in vain. The <i>Sudras</i> address
+<i>Brahmanas</i>, saying, <i>Bho</i>, while the Brahmanas address
+Sudras, saying <i>Respected Sir</i>. And, O tiger among men, at the
+end of the <i>Yuga</i>, animals increase enormously. And, O king,
+odours and perfumes do not then become so agreeable to our sense of
+scent, and, O tiger among men, the very tastes of things do not
+then so well accord with our organs of taste as at other periods!
+And, O king, women then become mothers of numerous progeny, endued
+with low statures, and destitute of good behaviour and good
+manners. And they also make their very mouths serve the purposes of
+the organ of procreation. And famine ravages the habitations of
+men, and the highways are infested by women of ill fame, while
+females in general, O king, become at such periods hostile to their
+lords and destitute of modesty! And, O king, the very kine at such
+periods yield little milk, while the trees, sat over with swarms of
+crows, do not produce many flowers and fruits. And, O lord of the
+earth, regenerate classes, tainted with the sin of slaying
+Brahmanas, accept gifts from monarchs that are addicted to
+falsehood in speech. And filled with covetousness and ignorance,
+and bearing on their persons the outward symbols of religion, they
+set out on eleemosynary rounds, afflicting the people of the Earth.
+And people leading domestic lives, afraid of the burden of taxes,
+become deceivers, while Brahmanas, falsely assuming the garb of
+ascetics, earn wealth by trade, with nails and hair unpared and
+uncut. And, O tiger among men, many of the twice-born classes
+become, from avarice of wealth, religious mendicants of the
+<i>Brahmacharin</i> order. And, O monarch, men at such periods
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 379]</span> behave contrary to the
+<i>modes</i> of life to which they betake themselves, and addicted
+to intoxicating drinks and capable of violating the beds of their
+preceptors, their desires are all of this world, pursuing matters
+ministering to the flesh and the blood. And O tiger among men, at
+such period the asylums of ascetics become full of sinful and
+audacious wretches ever applauding lives of dependence. And the
+illustrious chastiser of Paka never showers rain according to the
+seasons and the seeds also that are scattered on earth, do not, O
+Bharata, all sprout forth. And men, unholy in deed and thought,
+take pleasure in envy and malice. And, O sinless one, the earth
+then becometh full of sin and immorality. And, O lord of the earth,
+he that becometh virtuous at such periods doth not live long.
+Indeed, the earth becometh reft of virtue in every shape. And, O
+tiger among men, the merchants and traders then full of guile, sell
+large quantities of articles with false weights and measures. And
+they that are virtuous do not prosper; while they that are sinful
+proper exceedingly. And virtue loseth her strength while sin
+becometh all powerful. And men that are devoted to virtue become
+poor and short-lived; while they that are sinful become long-lived
+and win prosperity. And in such times, people behave sinfully even
+in places of public amusements in cities and towns. And men always
+seek the accomplishment of their ends by means that are sinful. And
+having earned fortunes that are really small they become
+intoxicated with the pride of wealth. And O monarch, many men at
+such periods strive to rob the wealth that hath from trust been
+deposited with them in secrecy. And wedded to sinful practices,
+they shamelessly declare&mdash;<i>there is nothing in deposit</i>.
+And beasts of prey and other animals and fowl may be seen to lie
+down in places of public amusement in cities and towns, as well as
+in sacred edifices. And, O king girls of seven or eight years of
+age do then conceive, while boys of ten or twelve years beget
+offspring. And in their sixteenth year, men are overtaken with
+decrepitude and decay and the period of life itself is soon outrun.
+And O king, when men become so short-lived, more youths act like
+the aged; while all that is observable in youth may be noticed in
+the old. And women given to impropriety of conduct and marked by
+evil manners, deceive even the best of husbands and forget
+themselves with menials and slaves and even with animals. And O
+king, even women that are wives of heroes seek the companionship of
+other men and forget themselves with these during the life-time of
+their husbands.</p>
+<p>"'O king, towards the end of those thousands of years
+constituting the four <i>Yugas</i> and when the lives of men become
+so short, a drought occurs extending for many years. And then, O
+lord of the earth, men and creatures endued with small strength and
+vitality, becoming hungry die by thousands. And then, O lord of
+men, seven blazing Suns, appearing in the firmament, drink up all
+the waters of the Earth that are in rivers or seas. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, then also everything of the nature of wood and
+grass that is wet to dry, is consumed and reduced to ashes. And
+then, O Bharata, the fire called <i>Samvartaka</i> impelled by the
+winds appeareth on the earth that hath already been dried to
+cinders by the seven Suns. And then that fire, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 380]</span> penetrating through the Earth and making
+its appearance, in the nether regions also, begetteth great terror
+in the hearts of the <i>gods</i>, the <i>Danavas</i> and the
+<i>Yakshas</i>. And, O lord of the earth, consuming the nether
+regions as also everything upon this Earth that fire destroyeth all
+things in a moment. And that fire called <i>Samvartaka</i> aided by
+that inauspicious wind, consumeth this world extending for hundreds
+and thousands of <i>yojanas</i>. And that lord of all things, that
+fire, blazing forth in effulgence consumeth this universe with gods
+and <i>Asuras</i> and <i>Gandharvas</i> and <i>Yakshas</i> and
+<i>Snakes</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i>. And there rise in the sky deep
+masses of clouds, looking like herds of elephants and decked with
+wreaths of lightning that are wonderful to behold. And some of
+those clouds are of the hue of the blue lotus; and some are of the
+hue of the water-lily; and some resemble in tint the filaments of
+the lotus and some are purple and some are yellow as turmeric and
+some of the hue of the crows' egg. And some are bright as the
+petals of the lotus and some red as vermillion. And some resemble
+palatial cities in shape and some herds of elephants. And some are
+of the form of lizards and some of crocodiles and sharks. And, O
+king, the clouds that gather in the sky on the occasion are
+terrible to behold and wreathed with lightnings, roar frightfully.
+And those vapoury masses, charged with rain, soon cover the entire
+welkin. And, O king, those masses of vapour then flood with water
+the whole earth with her mountains and forests and mines. And, O
+bull among men, urged by the Supreme Lord those clouds roaring
+frightfully, soon flood over the entire surface of the earth. And
+pouring in a great quantity of water and filling the whole earth,
+they quench that terrible inauspicious fire (of which I have
+already spoken to thee). And urged by the illustrious Lord those
+clouds filling the earth with their downpour shower incessantly for
+twelve years. And then, O Bharata, the Ocean oversteps his
+continents, the mountains sunder in fragments, and the Earth sinks
+under the increasing flood. And then moved on a sudden by the
+impetus of the wind, those clouds wander along the entire expanse
+of the firmament and disappear from the view. And then, O ruler of
+men, the Self-create Lord&mdash;the first Cause of
+everything&mdash;having his abode in the lotus, drinketh those
+terrible winds and goeth to sleep, O Bharata!</p>
+<p>"'And then when the universe become one dead expanse of water,
+when all mobile and immobile creatures have been destroyed, when
+the <i>gods</i> and the <i>Asuras</i> cease to be, when the
+<i>Yakshas</i> and the <i>Rakshasas</i> are no more, when man is
+not, when trees and beasts of prey have disappeared, when the
+firmament itself has ceased to exist, I alone, O lord of the earth,
+wander in affliction. And, O best of kings, wandering over that
+dreadful expanse of water, my heart becometh afflicted in
+consequence of my not beholding any creature! And, O king,
+wandering without cessation, through that flood, I become fatigued,
+but I obtain no resting place! And some time after I behold in that
+expanse of accumulated waters a vast and wide-extending banian
+tree, O lord of earth! And I then behold, O Bharata, seated on a
+conch, O king, overlaid with a celestial bed and attached to a
+far-extended bough of that banian, a boy, O great king, of face
+fair as the lotus or the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 381]</span>
+moon, and of eyes, O ruler of men, large as petals of a full blown
+lotus! And at this sight, O lord of earth, wonder filled my heart.
+And I asked myself, "How doth this boy alone sit here when the
+world itself hath been destroyed?" And, O king, although I have
+full knowledge of the Past, the Present, and the Future, still I
+failed to learn anything of this by means of even ascetic
+meditation. Endued with the lustre of the <i>Atasi</i> flower, and
+decked with the mark of <i>Sreevatsa</i>, he seemed to me to be
+like the abode of <i>Lakshmi</i>, herself. And that boy, of eyes
+like the petals of the lotus, having the mark of <i>Sreevatsa</i>,
+and possessed of blazing effulgence, then addressed me in words
+highly pleasant to the ear, saying, "O sire, I know thee to be
+fatigued and desirous of rest. O Markandeya of Bhrigu's race, rest
+thou here as long as thou wishest. O best of <i>Munis</i>, entering
+within my body, rest thou there. That hath been the abode assigned
+to thee by me. I have been pleased with thee." Thus addressed by
+that boy, a sense of total disregard possessed me in respect both
+of my long life and state of manhood. Then that boy suddenly opened
+his mouth, and as fate would have it, I entered his mouth deprived
+of the power of motion. But O king, having suddenly entered into
+the stomach of that boy, I behold there the whole earth teeming
+with cities and kingdoms. And, O best of men, while wandering
+through the stomach of that illustrious one, I behold the Ganga,
+the Satudru, the Sita, the Yamuna, and the Kausiki; the
+Charmanwati, the Vetravati; the Chandrabhaga, the Saraswati, the
+Sindhu, the Vipasa, and the Godavari; the Vaswokasara, the Nalini
+and the Narmada; the Tamra, and the Venna also of delightful
+current and sacred waters; the Suvenna, the Krishna-venna, the
+Irama, and the Mahanadi; the Vitasti, O great king, and that large
+river, the Cavery; the one also, O tiger among men, the Visalya,
+and the Kimpuna also. I beheld all these and many other rivers that
+are on the earth! And, O slayer of foes, I also beheld there the
+ocean inhabited by alligators and sharks, that mine of gems, that
+excellent abode of waters. And I beheld there the firmament also,
+decked with the Sun and the Moon, blazing with effulgence, and
+possessed of lustre of fire of the Sun. And I beheld there, O king,
+the earth also, graced with woods and forests. And, O monarch, I
+beheld there many Brahmanas also, engaged in various sacrifices;
+and the Kshatriyas engaged in doing good to all the orders; and the
+Vaisyas employed in pursuits in agriculture; and the Sudras devoted
+to the service of the regenerate classes. And, O king, while
+wandering through the stomach of that high-souled one, I also
+beheld the Himavat and the mountains of Hemakuta. And I also saw
+Nishada, and the mountains of Sweta abounding in silver. And, O
+king, I saw there the mountain Gandhamadana, and, O tiger among
+men, also Mandara and the huge mountains of Nila. And, O great
+king, I saw there the golden mountains of Meru and also Mahendra
+and those excellent mountains called the Vindhyas. And I beheld
+there the mountains of Malaya and of Paripatra also. These and many
+other mountains that are on earth were all seen by me in his
+stomach. And all these were decked with jewels and gems. And, O
+monarch, while wandering through his stomach, I also beheld lions
+and tigers and boars and, indeed, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+382]</span> all other animals that are on earth, O great king! O
+tiger among men, having entered his stomach, as I wandered around,
+I also beheld the whole tribe of the <i>gods</i> with their chief
+Sakra, the <i>Sadhyas</i>, the <i>Rudras</i>, the <i>Adityas</i>,
+the <i>Guhyakas</i>, the <i>Pitris</i>, the <i>Snakes</i> and the
+<i>Nagas</i>, the feathery tribes, the <i>Vasus</i>, the
+<i>Aswins</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Apsaras</i>, the
+<i>Yakshas</i>, the <i>Rishis</i>, the hordes of the <i>Daityas</i>
+and the <i>Danavas</i>, and the <i>Nagas</i> also, O king, and the
+sons of <i>Singhika</i> and all the other enemies of the gods;
+indeed what else of mobile and immobile creatures may be seen on
+earth, were all seen by me, O monarch, within the stomach of that
+high-souled one. And, O lord, living upon fruits I dwelt within his
+body for many centuries wandering over the entire universe that is
+there. Never did I yet, O king, behold the limits of his body. And
+when, O lord of earth, I failed to measure the limits of that
+high-souled one's body, even though I wandered within him
+continuously in great anxiety of mind, I then, in thought and deed
+sought the protection of that boon-giving and pre-eminent Deity,
+duly acknowledging his superiority. And when I had done this, O
+king, I was suddenly projected (from within his body) through that
+high-souled one's open mouth by means, O chief of men, of a gust of
+wind. And, O king, I then beheld seated on the branch of that very
+banian that same Being of immeasurable energy, in the form of a boy
+with the mark of <i>Sreevatsa</i> (on his breast) having, O tiger
+among men, swallowed up the whole universe. And that boy of blazing
+effulgence and bearing the mark of <i>Sreevatsa</i> and attired in
+yellow robes, gratified with me, smilingly addressed me, saying, "O
+Markandeya, O best of <i>Munis</i>, having dwelt for some time
+within my body, thou hast been fatigued! I shall however speak unto
+thee." And as he said this to me, at that very moment I acquired a
+new sight, so to speak, in consequence of which I beheld myself to
+be possessed of true knowledge and emancipated from the illusions
+of the world. And, O child, having witnessed the inexhaustible
+power of that Being of immeasurable energy, I then worshipped his
+revered and well-shaped feet with soles bright as burnished copper
+and well-decked with toes of mild red hue, having placed them
+carefully on my head and joining my palms in humility and
+approaching him with reverence. I beheld that Divine Being who is
+the soul of all things and whose eyes are like the petals of the
+lotus. And having bowed unto him with joined hands I addressed him
+saying, "I wish to know thee, O Divine Being, as also this high and
+wonderful illusion of thine! O illustrious one, having entered into
+thy body through thy mouth, I have beheld the entire universe in
+thy stomach! O Divine Being, the gods, the <i>Danavas</i> and the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, and
+the <i>Nagas</i>, indeed, the whole universe mobile and immobile,
+are all within thy body! And though I have ceaselessly wandered
+through thy body at a quick pace, through thy grace, O God, my
+memory faileth me not. And, O great lord, I have come out of thy
+body at thy desire but not of mine! O thou of eyes like lotus
+leaves, I desire to know thee who art free from all faults! Why
+dost thou stay here in the form of a boy having swallowed up the
+entire universe? It behoveth thee to explain all this to me. Why, O
+sinless one, is the entire universe within thy body? How
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 383]</span> long also, O chastiser of
+foes, wilt thou stay here? Urged by a curiosity that is not
+improper for Brahmanas, I desire, O Lord of all the gods, to hear
+all this from thee, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, with every
+detail and exactly as it all happens, for all I have seen, O Lord,
+is wonderful and inconceivable!" And thus addressed by me, that
+deity of deities, of blazing effulgence and great beauty, that
+foremost of all speakers consoling me properly, spoke unto me these
+words.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The Deity then said, "O Brahmana, the
+gods even do not know me truly! As however, I have been gratified
+with thee, I will tell thee how I created the universe! O
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, thou art devoted to thy ancestors and hast
+also sought my protection! Thou hast also beheld me with thy eyes,
+and thy ascetic merit also is great! In ancient times I called the
+waters by the name of <i>Nara</i>; and because the waters have ever
+been my <i>ayana</i> or home, therefore have I been called
+<i>Narayana</i> (the <i>water-homed</i>). O best of regenerate
+ones, I am <i>Narayana</i>, the Source of all things, the Eternal,
+the Unchangeable. I am the Creator of all things, and the Destroyer
+also of all. I am Vishnu, I am Brahma and I am Sakra, the chief of
+the gods. I am king Vaisravana, and I am Yama, the lord of the
+deceased spirits. I am Siva, I am Soma, and I am Kasyapa the lord
+of the created things. And, O best of regenerate ones, I am he
+called <i>Dhatri</i>, and he also that is called <i>Vidhatri</i>,
+and I am Sacrifice embodied. Fire is my mouth, the earth my feet,
+and the Sun and the Moon are my eyes; the Heaven is the crown of my
+head, the firmament and the cardinal points are my ears; the waters
+are born of my sweat. Space with the cardinal points are my body,
+and the Air is my mind. I have performed many hundreds of
+sacrifices with gifts in profusion. I am always present in the
+sacrifices of the gods; and they that are cognisant of the
+<i>Vedas</i> and officiate therein, make their offerings to me. On
+earth the Kshatriya chiefs that rule over men, in performing their
+sacrifices from desire of obtaining heaven, and the Vaisyas also in
+performing theirs from desire of winning those happy regions, all
+worship me at such times and by those ceremonials. It is I who,
+assuming the form of Sesha support (on my head) this earth bounded
+by the four seas and decked by Meru and Mandara. And O regenerate
+one, it is I who, assuming the form of a boar, had raised in days
+of yore this earth sunk in water. And, O best of Brahmanas, it is I
+who, becoming the fire that issues out of the <i>Equine mouth</i>,
+drink up the waters (of the ocean) and create them again. In
+consequence of my energy from my mouth, my arms, my thighs, and my
+feet gradually sprang Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and
+Sudras. It is from me that the <i>Rik</i>, the <i>Sama</i>, the
+<i>Yajus</i>, and the <i>Atharvan</i> Vedas spring, and it is in me
+that they all enter when the time cometh. Brahmanas devoted to
+asceticism, they that value Peace as the highest attribute, they
+that have their souls under complete control, they that are
+desirous of knowledge, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 384]</span> they
+that are freed from lust and wrath and envy, they that are unwedded
+to things of the earth, they that have their sins completely washed
+away, they that are possessed of gentleness and virtue, and are
+divested of pride, they that have a full knowledge of the Soul, all
+worship me with profound meditation. I am the flame known as
+<i>Samvartaka</i>, I am the Wind called by that name, I am the Sun
+wearing that appellation, and I am the fire that hath that
+designation. And, O best of Brahmanas, those things that are seen
+in the firmament as stars, know them to be the pores of my skin.
+The ocean&mdash;those mines of gems and the four cardinal points,
+know, O Brahmana, are my robes, my bed, and my home. By me have
+they been distributed for serving the purposes of the gods. And, O
+best of men, know also that lust, wrath, joy, fear, and the
+over-clouding of the intellect, are all different forms of myself.
+And, O Brahmana, whatever is obtained by men by the practice of
+truth, charity, ascetic austerities, and peace and harmlessness
+towards all creatures, and such other handsome deeds, is obtained
+because of my arrangements. Governed by my ordinance, men wander
+within my body, their senses overwhelmed by me. They move not
+according to their will but as they are moved by me. Regenerate
+Brahmanas that have thoroughly studied the <i>Vedas</i>, that have
+tranquillity in their souls, they that have subdued their wrath,
+obtain a high reward by means of their numerous sacrifices. That
+reward, however, is unattainable by men that are wicked in their
+deeds, overwhelmed by covetousness, mean and disreputable with
+souls unblessed and impure. Therefore, must thou know, O Brahmana
+that this reward which is obtained by persons having their souls
+under control and which is unobtainable by the ignorant and the
+foolish,&mdash;this which is attainable by asceticism
+alone,&mdash;is productive of high merit. And, O best of men, at
+those times when virtue and morality decrease and sin and
+immorality increase, I create myself in new forms. And, O
+<i>Muni</i>, when fierce and malicious <i>Daityas</i> and
+<i>Rakshasas</i> that are incapable of being slain by even the
+foremost of the gods, are born on earth, I then take my birth in
+the families of virtuous men, and assuming human body restore
+tranquillity by exterminating all evils. Moved by my own
+<i>maya</i>, I create gods and men, and <i>Gandharvas</i> and
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, and all immobile things and then destroy them all
+myself (when the time cometh). For the preservation of rectitude
+and morality I assume a human form, and when the season for action
+cometh, I again assume forms that are inconceivable. In the
+<i>Krita</i> age I become white, in the <i>Treta</i> age I become
+yellow, in the <i>Dwapara</i> I have become red and in the
+<i>Kali</i> age I become dark in hue. In the <i>Kali</i> age, the
+proportion of immorality becometh three-fourths, (a fourth only
+being that of morality). And when the end of the <i>Yuga</i>
+cometh, assuming the fierce form of Death, alone I destroy all the
+three worlds with their mobile and immobile existences. With three
+steps, I cover the whole Universe; I am the Soul of the universe; I
+am the source of all happiness; I am the humbler of all pride; I am
+omnipresent; I am infinite; I am the Lord of the senses; and my
+prowess is great. O Brahmana, alone do I set a-going the wheel of
+Time; I am formless; I am the Destroyer of all creatures; and I am
+the cause of all efforts of all my <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+385]</span> creatures. O best of <i>Munis</i>, my soul completely
+pervadeth all my creatures, but, O foremost of all regenerate ones,
+no one knoweth me. It is me that the pious and the devoted worship
+in all the worlds. O regenerate one, whatever of pain thou hast
+felt within my stomach, know, O sinless one, that all that is for
+thy happiness and good fortune. And whatever of mobile and immobile
+objects thou hast seen in the world, everything hath been ordained
+by my Soul which is the Spring of all existence. The grandsire of
+all creatures is half my body; I am called Narayana, and I am
+bearer of the conch-shell, the discus and the mace. O regenerate
+<i>Rishi</i>, for a period measured by a thousand times the length
+of the <i>Yugas</i>, I who am the Universal Soul sleep overwhelming
+all creatures in insensibility. And, O best of regenerate
+<i>Rishis</i>, I stay here thus for all time, in the form of a boy
+though I am old, until Brahma waketh up. O foremost of Brahmanas,
+gratified with thee, I who am <i>Brahma</i> have repeatedly granted
+thee boons, O thou who art worshipped by regenerate <i>Rishis</i>!
+Beholding one vast expanse of water and seeing that all mobile and
+immobile creatures have been destroyed, thou wert afflicted with
+melancholy. I know this, and it is for this that I showed thee the
+universe (within my stomach). And while thou wert within my body,
+beholding the entire universe, thou wert filled with wonder and
+deprived of thy senses. O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, it is for this
+that thou wert speedily brought out by me through my mouth. I have
+(now) told thee of that Soul which is incapable of being
+comprehended by the gods and the <i>Asuras</i>. And as long as that
+great ascetic, the holy Brahma, doth not awake, thou, O regenerate
+<i>Rishi</i>, canst happily and trustfully dwell here. And when
+that Grandsire of all creatures awaketh up, I will then, O best of
+Brahmanas, alone create all creatures endued with bodies, the
+firmament, the earth, light, the atmosphere, water, and indeed all
+else of mobile and immobile creatures (that thou mayst have seen)
+on the earth!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having said so unto me that wonderful
+Deity vanished, O son, from my sight! I then beheld this varied and
+wondrous creation start into life. O king, O thou foremost of the
+Bharata race, I witnessed all this, so wonderful, O thou foremost
+of all virtuous men, at the end of the <i>Yuga</i>! And the Deity,
+of eyes large as lotus leaves, seen by me, in days of yore is this
+tiger among men, this Janardana who hath become thy relative! It is
+in consequence of the boon granted to me by this one that memory
+doth not fail me, that the period of my life, O son of Kunti, is so
+long and death itself is under my control. This is that ancient and
+supreme Lord Hari of inconceivable soul who hath taken his birth as
+Krishna of the Vrishni race, and who endued with mighty arms,
+seemeth to sport in this world! This one is <i>Dhatri</i> and
+<i>Vidhatri</i>, the Destroyer of all the Eternal, the bearer of
+the <i>Sreevatsa</i> mark on his breast, the Lord of the lord of
+all creatures, the highest of the high, called also Govinda!
+Beholding this foremost of all gods, this ever-victorious Being,
+attired in yellow robes, this chief of the Vrishni race, my
+recollection cometh back to me! This Madhava is the father and
+mother of all creatures! Ye bulls of the Kuru race, seek ye the
+refuge of this Protector!'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 386]</span></p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the sons of Pritha and
+those bulls among men&mdash;the twins, along with Draupadi, all
+bowed down unto Janardana. And that tiger among men deserving of
+every respect thus revered by the sons of Pandu, then consoled them
+all with words of great sweetness."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXXXIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said "Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, once more
+asked the great <i>Muni</i> Markandeya about the future course of
+the government of the Earth.</p>
+<p>"And Yudhishthira said, 'O thou foremost of all speakers, O
+<i>Muni</i> of Bhrigu's race, that which we have heard from thee
+about the destruction and re-birth of all things at the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i>, is, indeed, full of wonder! I am filled with
+curiosity, however, in respect of what may happen in the
+<i>Kali</i> age. When morality and virtue will be at an end, what
+will remain there! What will be the prowess of men in that age,
+what their food, and what their amusements? What will be the period
+of life at the end of the <i>Yuga</i>? What also is the limit,
+having attained which the <i>Krita</i> age will begin anew? Tell me
+all in detail, O <i>Muni</i>, for all that thou narratest is varied
+and delightful.'</p>
+<p>"Thus addressed, that foremost of <i>Munis</i> began his
+discourse again, delighting that tiger of the Vrishni race and the
+sons of Pandu as well. And Markandeya said, 'Listen, O monarch, to
+all that hath been seen and heard by me, and to all, O king of
+kings, that hath been known to me by intuition from the grace of
+the God of gods! O bull of the Bharata race, listen to me as I
+narrate the future history of the world during the sinful age. O
+bull of the Bharata race, in the <i>Krita</i> age, everything was
+free from deceit and guile and avarice and covetousness; and
+morality like a bull was among men, with all the four legs
+complete. In the <i>Treta</i> age sin took away one of these legs
+and morality had three legs. In the <i>Dwapara</i>, sin and
+morality are mixed half and half; and accordingly morality is said
+to have two legs only. In the dark age (<i>of Kali</i>), O thou
+best of the Bharata race, morality mixed with three parts of sin
+liveth by the side of men. Accordingly morality then is said to
+wait on men, with only a fourth part of itself remaining. Know, O
+Yudhishthira, that the period of life, the energy, intellect and
+the physical strength of men decrease in every <i>Yuga</i>! O
+Pandava, the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras, (in
+the <i>Kali</i> age) will practise morality and virtue deceitfully
+and men in general will deceive their fellows by spreading the net
+of virtue. And men with false reputation of learning will, by their
+acts, cause Truth to be contracted and concealed. And in
+consequence of the shortness of their lives they will not be able
+to acquire much knowledge. And in consequence of the littleness of
+their knowledge, they will have no wisdom. And for this,
+covetousness and avarice will overwhelm them all. And wedded to
+avarice and wrath and ignorance and lust men will entertain
+animosities towards one another, desiring to take one another's
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 387]</span> lives. And Brahmanas and
+Kshatriyas and Vaisyas with their virtue contracted and divested of
+asceticism and truth will all be reduced to an equality with the
+Sudras. And the lowest orders of men will rise to the position of
+the intermediate ones, and those in intermediate stations will,
+without doubt, descend to the level of the lowest ones. Even such,
+O Yudhishthira, will become the state of the world at the end of
+the <i>Yuga</i>. Of robes those will be regarded the best that are
+made of flax, and of grain the <i>Paspalum frumentacea</i><a id="footnotetag5" name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5"><sup>5</sup></a> will be regarded the best. Towards
+this period men will regard their wives as their (only) friends.
+And men will live on fish and milk, goats and sheep, for cows will
+be extinct. And towards that period, even they that are always
+observant of vows, will become covetous. And opposed to one
+another, men will, at such a time, seek one another's lives; and
+divested of <i>Yuga</i>, people will become atheists and thieves.
+And they will even dig the banks of streams with their spades and
+sow grains thereon. And even those places will prove barren for
+them at such a time. And those men who are devoted to ceremonial
+rites in honour of the deceased and of the gods, will be avaricious
+and will also appropriate and enjoy what belongs to others. The
+father will enjoy what belongs to the son; and the son, what
+belongs to the father. And those things will also be enjoyed by men
+in such times, the enjoyment of which hath been forbidden in the
+scriptures. And the Brahmanas, speaking disrespectfully of the
+Vedas, will not practise vows, and their understanding clouded by
+the science of disputation, they will no longer perform sacrifices
+and the <i>Homa</i>. And deceived by the false science of reasons,
+they will direct their hearts towards everything mean and low. And
+men will till low lands for cultivation and employ cows and calves
+that are one year old, in drawing the plough and carrying burthens.
+And sons having slain their sires, and sires having slain their
+sons will incur no opprobrium. And they will frequently save
+themselves from anxiety by such deeds, and even glory in them. And
+the whole world will be filled with <i>mleccha</i> behaviour and
+notions and ceremonies, and sacrifices will cease and joy will be
+nowhere and general rejoicing will disappear. And men will rob the
+possession of helpless persons, of those that are friendless and of
+wisdoms also. And, possessed of small energy and strength, without
+knowledge and given to avarice and folly and sinful practices men
+will accept with joy the gifts made by wicked people with words of
+contempt. And, O son of Kunti, the kings of the earth, with hearts
+wedded to sin without knowledge and always boastful of their
+wisdom, will challenge one another from desire of taking one
+another's life. And the Kshatriyas also towards the end of such a
+period will become the thorns of the earth. And filled with avarice
+and swelling with pride and vanity and, unable and unwilling to
+protect (their subjects), they will take pleasure in inflicting
+punishments only. And attacking and repeating their attacks upon
+the good and the honest, and feeling no pity for the latter, even
+when they will cry in grief, the Kshatriyas will, O Bharata, rob
+these of their <span class="pagenum">[Pg 388]</span> wives and
+wealth. And no one will ask for a girl (for purposes of marriage)
+and no one will give away a girl (for such purposes), but the girls
+will themselves choose their lords, when the end of the <i>Yuga</i>
+comes. And the kings of the earth with souls steeped in ignorance,
+and discontented with what they have, will at such a time, rob
+their subjects by every means in their power. And without doubt the
+whole world will be <i>mlecchified</i>.<a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href="#footnote6"><sup>6</sup></a> And when
+the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, the right hand will deceive the
+left; and the left, the right. And men with false reputation of
+learning will contract Truth and the old will betray the
+senselessness of the young, and the young will betray the dotage of
+the old. And cowards will have the reputation of bravery and the
+brave will be cheerless like cowards. And towards the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i> men will cease to trust one another. And full of
+avarice and folly the whole world will have but one kind of food.
+And sin will increase and prosper, while virtue will fade and cease
+to flourish. And Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas will
+disappear, leaving, O king, no remnants of their orders. And all
+men towards the end of the Yuga will become members of one common
+order, without distinction of any kind. And sires will not forgive
+sons, and sons will not forgive sires. And when the end approaches,
+wives will not wait upon and serve their husbands. And at such a
+time men will seek those countries where wheat and barley form the
+staple food. And, O monarch, both men and women will become
+perfectly free in their behaviour and will not tolerate one
+another's acts. And, O Yudhishthira, the whole world will be
+<i>mlecchified</i>. And men will cease to gratify the gods by
+offerings of <i>Sraddhas</i>. And no one will listen to the words
+of others and no one will be regarded as a preceptor by another.
+And, O ruler of men, intellectual darkness will envelop the whole
+earth, and the life of man will then be measured by sixteen years,
+on attaining to which age death will ensue. And girls of five or
+six years of age will bring forth children and boys of seven or
+eight years of age will become fathers. And, O tiger among kings,
+when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> will come, the wife will never be
+content with her husband, nor the husband with his wife. And the
+possessions of men will never be much, and people will falsely bear
+the marks of religion, and jealousy and malice will fill the world.
+And no one will, at that time, be a giver (of wealth or anything
+else) in respect to any one else. And the inhabited regions of the
+earth will be afflicted with dearth and famine, and the highways
+will be filled with lustful men and women of evil repute. And, at
+such a time, the women will also entertain an aversion towards
+their husbands. And without doubt all men will adopt the behaviour
+of the <i>mlecchas</i>, become omnivorous without distinction, and
+cruel in all their acts, when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> will come.
+And, O thou foremost of the Bharatas, urged by avarice, men will,
+at that time, deceive one another when they sell and purchase. And
+without a knowledge of the ordinance, men will perform ceremonies
+and rites, and, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 389]</span> indeed,
+behave as listeth them, when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes. And
+when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, urged by their very
+dispositions, men will act cruelly, and speak ill of one another.
+And people will, without compunction, destroy trees and gardens.
+And men will be filled with anxiety as regards the means of living.
+And, O king, overwhelmed with covetousness, men will kill Brahmanas
+and appropriate and enjoy the possessions of their victims. And the
+regenerate ones, oppressed by Sudras, and afflicted with fear, and
+crying <i>Oh</i> and <i>Alas</i>, will wander over the earth
+without anybody to protect them. And when men will begin to slay
+one another, and become wicked and fierce and without any respect
+for animal life, then will the <i>Yuga</i> come to an end. And, O
+king, even the foremost of the regenerate ones, afflicted by
+robbers, will, like crows, fly in terror and with speed, and seek
+refuge, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, in rivers and mountains and
+inaccessible regions. And always oppressed by bad rulers with
+burthens of taxes, the foremost of the regenerate classes, O lord
+of the earth, will, in those terrible times, take leave of all
+patience and do improper acts by becoming even the servants of the
+Sudras. And Sudras will expound the scriptures, and Brahmanas will
+wait upon and listen to them, and settle their course of duty
+accepting such interpretations as their guides. And the low will
+become the high, and the course of things will look contrary. And
+renouncing the gods, men will worship bones and other relics
+deposited within walls. And, at the end of the <i>Yuga</i>, the
+Sudras will cease to wait upon and serve the Brahmanas. And in the
+asylums of great <i>Rishis</i>, and the teaching institutions of
+Brahmanas, and in places sacred to the gods and sacrificial
+compounds, and in sacred tanks, the earth will be disfigured with
+tombs and pillars containing bony relics and not graced with
+temples dedicated to the gods. All this will take place at the end
+of the <i>Yuga</i>, and know that these are the signs of the end of
+the <i>Yuga</i>. And when men become fierce and destitute of virtue
+and carnivorous and addicted to intoxicating drinks, then doth the
+<i>Yuga</i> come to an end. And, O monarch, when flowers will be
+begot within flowers, and fruits within fruits, then will the
+<i>Yuga</i> come to an end. And the clouds will pour rain
+unseasonably when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> approaches. And, at
+that time, ceremonial rites of men will not follow one another in
+due order, and the Sudras will quarrel with the Brahmanas. And the
+earth will soon be full of <i>mlecchas</i>, and the Brahmanas will
+fly in all directions for fear of the burthen of taxes. And all
+distinctions between men will cease as regards conduct and
+behaviour, and afflicted with honorary tasks and offices, people
+will fly to woody retreats, subsisting on fruits and roots. And the
+world will be so afflicted, that rectitude of conduct will cease to
+be exhibited anywhere. And disciples will set at naught the
+instructions of preceptors, and seek even to injure them. And
+preceptors impoverished will be disregarded by men. And friends and
+relatives and kinsmen will perform friendly offices for the sake of
+the wealth only that is possessed by a person. And when the end of
+the <i>Yuga</i> comes, everybody will be in want. And all the
+points of the horizon will be ablaze, and the stars and stellar
+groups will be destitute of brilliancy, and the planets and
+planetary conjunctions <span class="pagenum">[Pg 390]</span> will
+be inauspicious. And the course of the winds will be confused and
+agitated, and innumerable meteors will flash through the sky,
+foreboding evil. And the Sun will appear with six others of the
+same kind. And all around there will be din and uproar, and
+everywhere there will be conflagrations. And the Sun, from the hour
+of his rising to that of setting, will be enveloped by Rahu. And
+the deity of a thousand eyes will shower rain unseasonably. And
+when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, crops will not grow in
+abundance. And the women will always be sharp in speech and
+pitiless and fond of weeping. And they will never abide by the
+commands of their husbands. And when the end of the <i>Yuga</i>
+comes, sons will slay fathers and mothers. And women, living
+uncontrolled, will slay their husbands and sons. And, O king, when
+the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, <i>Rahu</i> will swallow the Sun
+unseasonably. And fires will blaze up on all sides. And travellers
+unable to obtain food and drink and shelter even when they ask for
+these, will lie down on the wayside refraining from urging their
+solicitations. And when the end of the <i>Yuga</i> comes, crows and
+snakes and vultures and kites and other animals and birds will
+utter frightful and dissonant cries. And when the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i> comes, men will cast away and neglect their friends and
+relatives and attendants. And, O monarch, when the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i> comes, men abandoning the countries and directions and
+towns and cities of their occupation, will seek for new ones, one
+after another. And people will wander over the earth, uttering,
+"<i>O father, O son</i>", and such other frightful and rending
+cries.</p>
+<p>"'And when those terrible times will be over, the creation will
+begin anew. And men will again be created and distributed into the
+four orders beginning with Brahmanas. And about that time, in order
+that men may increase, Providence, according to its pleasure, will
+once more become propitious. And then when the Sun, the Moon, and
+Vrihaspati will, with the constellation <i>Pushya</i><a id="footnotetag7" name="footnotetag7"></a><a href="#footnote7"><sup>7</sup></a>, enter the same sign, the
+<i>Krita</i> age will begin again. And the clouds will commence to
+shower seasonably, and the stars and stellar conjunctions will
+become auspicious. And the planets, duly revolving in their orbits,
+will become exceedingly propitious. And all around, there will be
+prosperity and abundance and health and peace. And commissioned by
+Time, a Brahmana of the name of <i>Kalki</i> will take his birth.
+And he will glorify Vishnu and possess great energy, great
+intelligence, and great prowess. And he will take his birth in a
+town of the name of <i>Sambhala</i> in an auspicious Brahmana
+family. And vehicles and weapons, and warriors and arms, and coats
+of mail will be at his disposal as soon as he will think of them.
+And he will be the king of kings, and ever victorious with the
+strength of virtue. And he will restore order and peace in this
+world crowded with creatures and contradictory in its course. And
+that blazing Brahmana of mighty intellect, having appeared, will
+destroy all things. And he will be the Destroyer of all, and will
+inaugurate a new <i>Yuga</i>. And surrounded by the Brahmanas, that
+Brahmana will exterminate all the <i>mlecchas</i> wherever those
+low and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 391]</span> despicable persons
+may take refuge.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXL</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having exterminated the thieves and
+robbers, <i>Kalki</i> will, at a great Horse-sacrifice, duly give
+away this earth to the Brahmanas, and having established anew the
+blessed rectitude ordained by the Self-create, <i>Kalki</i>, of
+sacred deeds and illustrious reputation, will enter a delightful
+forest, and the people of this earth will imitate his conduct, and
+when the Brahmanas will have exterminated the thieves and robbers,
+there will be prosperity everywhere (on earth). And as the
+countries of the earth will one after another be subjugated, that
+tiger among Brahmanas, <i>Kalki</i>, having placed deer skins and
+lances and tridents there, will roam over the earth, adored by
+foremost Brahmanas and showing his regard for them and engaged all
+the while in slaughtering thieves and robbers. And he will
+exterminate the thieves and robbers amid heart-rending cries of
+"<i>Oh, father&mdash;Oh, mother!&mdash;O son!</i>" and the like,
+and O Bharata, when sin will thus have been rooted out and virtue
+will flourish on arrival of the <i>Krita</i> age, men will once
+more betake themselves to the practice of religious rites. And in
+the age that will set in, viz., the <i>Krita</i>, well-planted
+gardens and sacrificial compounds and large tanks and educational
+centres for the cultivation of Brahmanic lore and ponds and temples
+will re-appear everywhere. And the ceremonies and rites of
+sacrifices will also begin to be performed. And the Brahmanas will
+become good and honest, and the regenerate ones, devoted to ascetic
+austerities, will become <i>Munis</i> and the asylums of ascetics,
+which had before been filled with wretches will once more be homes
+of men devoted to truth, and men in general will begin to honour
+and practise truth. And all seeds, sown on earth, will grow, and, O
+monarch, every kind of crop will grow in every season. And men will
+devotedly practise charity and vows and observances, and the
+Brahmanas devoted to meditation and sacrifices will be of virtuous
+soul and always cheerful, and the rulers of the earth will govern
+their kingdoms virtuously, and in the <i>Krita</i> age, the Vaisyas
+will be devoted to the practices of their order. And the Brahmanas
+will be devoted to their six-fold duties (of study, teaching,
+performance of sacrifices on their own account, officiating at
+sacrifices performed by others, charity and acceptance of gifts),
+and the Kshatriyas will be devoted to feats of prowess. And Sudras
+will be devoted to service of the three (high) orders.</p>
+<p>"'These, O Yudhishthira, are the courses of the <i>Krita</i>,
+the <i>Treta</i>, the <i>Dwapara</i> and the succeeding age. I have
+now narrated to thee everything. I have also told thee, O son of
+Pandu, the periods embraced by the several <i>Yugas</i> as
+generally known. I have now told thee everything appertaining to
+both the past and the future as narrated by <i>Vayu</i> in the
+<i>Parana</i> (which goes by his name and) which is adored by the
+<i>Rishis</i>. Being immortal I have many a time beheld and
+otherwise ascertained the courses of the world. Indeed, all I have
+seen and felt I have now told thee. And, O thou of unfading
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 392]</span> glory, listen now with thy
+brothers to something else I will presently tell thee for clearing
+thy doubts about religion! O thou foremost of virtuous men, thou
+shouldst always fix thy soul on virtue, for, O monarch, a person of
+virtuous soul obtaineth bliss both here and hereafter. And, O
+sinless one, listen to the auspicious words that I will now speak
+to thee. <i>Never do thou humiliate a Brahmana, for a Brahmana, if
+angry, may by his vow destroy the three worlds.</i>'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Markandeya, the
+royal head of the Kurus, endued with intelligence and possessed of
+great lustre, spoke these words of great wisdom, 'O <i>muni</i>, if
+I am to protect my subjects, to what course of conduct should I
+adhere? And how should I behave so that I may not fall away from
+the duties of my order?'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya, hearing this, answered, 'Be merciful to all
+creatures, and devoted to their good. Love all creatures, scorning
+none. Be truthful in speech, humble, with passions under complete
+control, and always devoted to the protection of thy people.
+Practise virtue and renounce sin, and worship thou the manes and
+the god and whatever thou mayst have done from ignorance or
+carelessness, wash them off and expiate them by charity. Renouncing
+pride and vanity, be thou possessed to humility and good behaviour.
+And subjugating the whole earth, rejoice thou and let happiness be
+thine. This is the course of conduct that accords with virtue. I
+have recited to thee all that was and all that will be regarded as
+virtuous. There is nothing appertaining to the past or the future
+that is unknown to thee. Therefore, O son, take not to heart this
+present calamity of thine. They that are wise are never overwhelmed
+when they are persecuted by <i>Time</i>. O thou of mighty arms, the
+very dwellers of heaven cannot rise superior to Time. Time afflicts
+all creatures. O sinless one, let not doubt cross thy mind
+regarding the truth of what I have told thee, for, if thou
+sufferest doubt to enter thy heart, thy virtue will suffer
+diminution! O bull of the Bharata race, thou art born in the
+celebrated family of the Kurus. Thou shouldst practise that which I
+have told thee, in thought, word and deed.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira answered, 'O thou foremost of the regenerate ones,
+at thy command I will certainly act according to all the
+instructions thou hast given me, and which, O lord, are all so
+sweet to the ear. O foremost of Brahmanas, avarice and lust I have
+none, and neither fear nor pride nor vanity. I shall, therefore, O
+lord, follow all that thou hast told me.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having listened to the words of the
+intelligent Markandeya, the sons of Pandu, O king, along with the
+wielder of the bow called <i>Saranga</i>, and all those bulls among
+Brahmanas, and all others that were there, became filled with joy.
+And having heard those blessed words appertaining to olden time,
+from Markandeya gifted with wisdom, their hearts were filled with
+wonder."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "It behoveth thee to narrate to me in full the
+greatness <span class="pagenum">[Pg 393]</span> of the Brahmanas
+even as the mighty ascetic Markandeya had expounded it to the sons
+of Pandu."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The eldest son of Pandu had asked Markandeya
+saying, 'It behoveth thee to expound to me the greatness of
+Brahmanas.' Markandeya answered him saying, 'Hear, O king, about
+the behaviour of Brahmanas in days of old.'</p>
+<p>"And Markandeya continued, 'There was a king, by name Parikshit
+in Ayodhya and belonging to the race of Ikshvaku. And once upon a
+time Parikshit went a-hunting. And as he was riding alone on a
+horse chasing deer, the animal led him to a great distance (from
+the habitations of men). And fatigued by the distance he had ridden
+and afflicted with hunger and thirst he beheld in that part of the
+country whither he had been led, a dark and dense forest, and the
+king, beholding that forest, entered it and seeing a delightful
+tank within the forest, both the rider and the horse bathed in it,
+and refreshed by the bath and placing before his horse some stalks
+and fibres of the lotus, the king sat by the side of the tank. And
+while he was lying by the side of the tank, he heard certain sweet
+strains of music, and hearing those strains, he reflected, "I do
+not see here the foot-prints of men. Whose and whence then these
+strains?" And the king soon beheld a maiden of great beauty
+gathering flowers singing all the while, and the maiden soon came
+before the king, and the king thereupon asked her, "Blessed one,
+who art thou and whose?" And she replied, "I am a maiden." And the
+king said, "I ask thee to be mine." And the maiden answered, "Give
+me a pledge, for then only I can be thine, else not." And the king
+then asked about the pledge and the girl answered, "Thou wilt never
+make me cast my eyes on water", and the king saying, "So be it,"
+married her, and king Parikshit having married her sported (with
+her) in great joy, and sat with her in silence, and while the king
+was staying there, his troops reached the spot, and those troops
+beholding the monarch stood surrounding him, and cheered by the
+presence of troops, the king entered a handsome vehicle accompanied
+by his (newly) wedded wife. And having arrived at his capital he
+began to live with her in privacy. And persons that were even near
+enough to the king could not obtain any interview with him and the
+minister-in-chief enquired of those females that waited upon the
+king, asking, "What do ye do here?" And those women replied, "We
+behold here a female of unrivalled beauty. And the king sporteth
+with her, having married her with a pledge that he would never show
+her water." And hearing those words, the minister-in-chief caused
+an artificial forest to be created, consisting of many trees with
+abundant flowers and fruits, and he caused to be excavated within
+that forest and towards one of its sides a large tank, placed in a
+secluded spot and full of water that was sweet as <i>Amrita</i>.
+The tank was well covered with a net of pearls. Approaching the
+king one day in private, he addressed the king saying, "This is a
+fine forest without water. Sport thou here joyfully!" And the king
+at those words of his minister entered that forest with that
+adorable wife of his, and the king sported with her in that
+delightful forest, and afflicted with hunger and thirst and
+fatigued and spent, the king beheld a <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+394]</span> bower of Madhavi creepers<a id="footnotetag8" name="footnotetag8"></a><a href="#footnote8"><sup>8</sup></a> and
+entering that bower with his dear one, the king beheld a tank full
+of water that was transparent and bright as nectar, and beholding
+that tank, the king sat on its bank with her and the king told his
+adorable wife, "Cheerfully do thou plunge into this water!" And
+she, hearing those words plunged into the tank. But having plunged
+into the water she appeared not above the surface, and as the king
+searched, he failed to discover any trace of her. And the king
+ordered the waters of the tank to be baled out, and thereupon he
+beheld a frog sitting at the mouth of a hole, and the king was
+enraged at this and promulgated an order saying, "Let frogs be
+slaughtered everywhere in my dominions! Whoever wishes to have an
+interview with me must come before me with a tribute of dead
+frogs." And accordingly when frogs began to be terribly
+slaughtered, the affrighted frogs represented all that had happened
+unto their king, and the king of the frogs assuming the garb of an
+ascetic came before the king Parikshit, and having approached the
+monarch, he said, "O king, give not thyself up to wrath! Be
+inclined to grace. It behoveth thee not to slay the innocent
+frogs." Here occurs a couple of <i>Slokas</i>. (They are
+these):&mdash;"O thou of unfading glory, slay not the frogs! Pacify
+thy wrath! The prosperity and ascetic merits of those that have
+their souls steeped in ignorance suffer diminution! Pledge thyself
+not to be angry with the frogs! What need hast thou to commit such
+sin! What purpose will be served by slaying the frogs!" Then king
+Parikshit whose soul was filled with woe on account of the death of
+her that was dear to him, answered the chief of the frogs who had
+spoken to him thus, "I will not forgive the frogs. On the other
+hand, I will slay them. By these wicked wretches hath my dear one
+been swallowed up. The frogs, therefore, always deserve to be
+killed by me. It behoveth thee not, O learned one, to intercede on
+their behalf." And hearing these words of Parikshit, the king of
+the frogs with his senses and mind much pained said, "Be inclined
+to grace, O king! I am the king of the frogs by name Ayu. She who
+was thy wife is my daughter of the name of Susobhana. This, indeed,
+is an instance of her bad conduct. Before this, many kings were
+deceived by her." The king thereupon said to him, "I desire to have
+her. Let her be granted to me by thee!" The king of the frogs
+thereupon bestowed his daughter upon Parikshit, and addressing her
+said, "Wait upon and serve the king." And having spoken these words
+to his daughter, he also addressed her in wrath saying, "Since thou
+hast deceived many Kings for this untruthful behaviour of thine,
+thy offspring will prove disrespectful to Brahmanas!" But having
+obtained her, the king became deeply enamoured of her in
+consequence of her companionable virtues, and feeling that he had,
+as it were, obtained the sovereignty of the three worlds, he bowed
+down to the king of the frogs and reverenced him in due form and
+then with utterance choked in joy and tears said, "I have been
+favoured indeed!" And the king of the frogs obtaining the leave of
+his daughter, returned to the place from which he had <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 395]</span> come and some time after the king begot
+three sons upon her and those sons were named Sala and Dala and
+Vala, and some time after, their father, installing the eldest of
+them of all on the throne and setting his heart on asceticism,
+retired into the forest. One day Sala while out a-hunting, beheld a
+deer and pursued it, on his car, and the prince said to his
+charioteer, "Drive thou fast." And the charioteer, thus addressed,
+replied unto the king, saying, "Do not entertain such a purpose.
+This deer is incapable of being caught by thee. If indeed
+<i>Vami</i> horses had been yoked to thy car, then couldst thou
+have taken it." Thereupon the king addressed his charioteer,
+saying, "Tell me all about <i>Vami</i> horses, otherwise I will
+slay thee." Thus addressed the charioteer became dreadfully alarmed
+and he was afraid of the king and also of Vamadeva's curse and told
+not the king anything and the king then lifting up his scimitar
+said to him, "Tell me soon, else I will slay thee." At last afraid
+of the king, the charioteer said, "The <i>Vami</i> horses are those
+belonging to Vamadeva; they are fleet as the mind." And unto his
+charioteer who had said so, the king said, "Repair thou to the
+asylum of Vamadeva." And reaching the asylum of Vamadeva the king
+said unto that <i>Rishi</i>, "O holy one, a deer struck by me is
+flying away. It behoveth thee to make it capable of being seized by
+me by granting me thy pair of <i>Vami</i> horses." The <i>Rishi</i>
+then answered him saying, "I give thee my pair of <i>Vami</i>
+horses. But after accomplishing thy object, my <i>Vami</i> pair you
+should soon return." The king then taking those steeds and
+obtaining the leave of the <i>Rishi</i> pursued the deer, having
+yoked the <i>Vami</i> pair unto his car, and after he had left the
+asylum he spoke unto his charioteer saying, "These jewels of steeds
+the Brahmanas do not deserve to possess. These should not be
+returned to Vamadeva." Having said this and seized the deer he
+returned to his capital and placed those steeds within the inner
+apartments of the palace.</p>
+<p>"'Meanwhile the <i>Rishi</i> reflected, "The prince is young.
+Having obtained an excellent pair of animals, he is sporting with
+it in joy without returning it to me. Alas, what a pity it is!" And
+reflecting in this strain, the <i>Rishi</i> said unto a disciple of
+his, after the expiration of a month, "Go, O Atreya, and say to the
+king that if he has done with the <i>Vami</i> steeds, he should
+return them unto thy preceptor." And the disciple Atreya,
+thereupon, repairing to the king, spoke unto him as instructed, and
+the king replied saying, "This pair of steeds deserves to be owned
+by kings. The Brahmanas do not deserve to possess jewels of such
+value. What business have Brahmanas with horses? Return thou
+contentedly!" And Atreya, thus addressed by the king, returned and
+told his preceptor all that had happened, and hearing this sad
+intelligence, Vamadeva's heart was filled with wrath, and repairing
+in person to the king he asked him for his steeds, and the king
+refused to give the <i>Rishi</i> what the latter asked, and
+Vamadeva said, "O lord of earth, give me thou my <i>Vami</i>
+horses. By them hast thou accomplished a task which was almost
+incapable of being accomplished by thee. By transgressing the
+practices of Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, subject not thyself, O king,
+to death by means of the terrible noose of Varuna." And hearing
+this, the king answered, "O Vamadeva, this couple of excellent
+well-trained, and docile bulls are fit animals for Brahmanas.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 396]</span> O great <i>Rishi</i>, (take
+them and) go with them wherever thou likest. Indeed, the very
+<i>Vedas</i> carry persons like thee." Then Vamadeva said, "O king,
+the <i>Vedas</i> do, indeed, carry persons like us. But that is in
+the world hereafter. In this world, however, O king, animals like
+these carry me and persons like me as also all others." At this the
+king answered, "Let four asses carry thee, or four mules of the
+best kind, or even four steeds endued with the speed of the wind.
+Go thou with these. This pair of <i>Vami</i> horses, however,
+deserves to be owned by Kshatriyas. Know thou, therefore, that
+these are not thine." At this, Vamadeva said, "O king, terrible
+vows have been ordained for the Brahmanas. If I have lived in their
+observance, let four fierce and mighty Rakshasas of terrible mien
+and iron bodies, commanded by me, pursue thee with desire of
+slaying, and carry thee on their sharp lances, having cut up thy
+body into four parts." Hearing this, the king said, "Let those, O
+Vamadeva, that know thee as a Brahmana that in thought, word, and
+deed, is desirous of taking life, at my command, armed with bright
+lances and swords prostrate thee with thy disciples before me."
+Then Vamadeva answered, "O king, having obtained these my
+<i>Vami</i> steeds, thou hadst said, '<i>I will return them</i>.'
+Therefore, give me back my <i>Vami</i> steeds, so thou mayst be
+able to protect thy life." Hearing this, the king said, "Pursuit of
+deer hath not been ordained for the Brahmanas. I do punish thee,
+however, for thy untruthfulness. From this day, too, obeying all
+thy commands I will, O Brahmana, attain to regions of bliss."
+Vamadeva then said, "A Brahmana cannot be punished in thought, word
+or deed. That learned person who by ascetic austerities succeedeth
+in knowing a Brahmana to be so, faileth not to attain to prominence
+in this world."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'After Vamadeva had said this, there
+arose, O king, (four) <i>Rakshasas</i> of terrible mien, and as
+they, with lances in their hands, approached the king for slaying
+him, the latter cried aloud, saying, "If, O Brahmana, all the
+descendants of Ikshvaku's race, if (my brother) Dala, if all these
+Vaisyas acknowledge my sway, then I will not yield up the
+<i>Vami</i> steeds to Vamadeva, for these men can never be
+virtuous." And while he was uttering those words, those
+<i>Rakshasas</i> slew him, and the lord of earth was soon
+prostrated on the ground. And the Ikshvakus, learning that their
+king had been slain, installed Dala on the throne, and the Brahmana
+Vamadeva thereupon going to the kingdom (of the Ikshvakus),
+addressed the new monarch, saying, "O king, it hath been declared
+in all the sacred books that persons should give away unto
+Brahmanas. If thou fearest sin, O king, give me now the <i>Vami</i>
+steeds without delay." And hearing these words of Vamadeva, the
+king in anger spoke unto his charioteer, saying, "Bring me an arrow
+from those I have kept, which is handsome to behold and tempered
+with poison, so that pierced by it Vamadeva may lie prostrate in
+pain, torn by the dogs." Hearing this, Vamadeva answered, "I know,
+O king, that thou hast a son of ten years of age, called Senajita,
+begotten upon thy queen. Urged by my word, slay thou that dear boy
+of thine without delay by means of thy frightful arrows!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'At these words of Vamadeva, O king, that
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 397]</span> arrow of fierce energy, shot
+by the monarch, slew the prince in the inner apartments, and
+hearing this, Dala said there and then, "Ye people of Ikshvaku's
+race, I will do ye good. I shall slay this Brahmana today, grinding
+him with force. Bring me another arrow of fierce energy. Ye lords
+of earth, behold my prowess now." And at these words of Dala,
+Vamadeva said, "This arrow of terrible mien and tempered with
+poison, that thou aimest at me, thou shall not, O ruler of men, be
+able to aim nor even to shoot." And thereupon the king said, "Ye
+men of Ikshvaku's race, behold me incapable of shooting the arrow
+that hath been taken up by me. I fail to compass the death of this
+Brahmana. Let Vamadeva who is blessed with a long life live." Then
+Vamadeva said, "Touching thy queen with this arrow, thou mayst
+purge thyself of the sin (of attempting to take the life of a
+Brahmana)." And king Dala did as he was directed and the queen then
+addressed the <i>Muni</i>, and said, "O Vamadeva, let me be able to
+duly instruct this wretched husband of mine from day to day,
+imparting unto him words of happy import; and let me always wait
+upon and serve the Brahmanas, and by this acquire, O Brahmana, the
+sacred regions hereafter." And hearing these words of the queen,
+Vamadeva said, "O thou of beautiful eyes, thou hast saved this
+royal race. Beg thou an incomparable boon. I will grant thee
+whatever thou mayst ask. And, O thou faultless one, rule thou, O
+princess, these thy kinsmen and this great kingdom of the
+Ikshvakus!" And hearing these words of Vamadeva the princess said,
+"This, O holy one, is the boon I seek, viz., that my husband may
+now be freed from his sin, and that thou mayst be employed in
+thinking of the weal of his son and kinsmen. This is the boon that
+I ask, O thou foremost of Brahmanas!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing these words of the queen, that
+<i>Muni</i>, O thou foremost of the Kuru race, said, "So be it."
+And thereupon king Dala became highly glad and gave unto the
+<i>Muni</i> his <i>Vami</i> steeds, having bowed down unto him with
+reverence!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The <i>Rishis</i>, the Brahmanas, and
+Yudhishthira then asked Markandeya, saying, 'How did the
+<i>Rishi</i> Vaka become so long lived?'</p>
+<p>"Thus asked by them, Markandeya answered, 'The royal sage Vaka
+is a great ascetic and endowed with long life. Ye need not enquire
+into the reason of this.'</p>
+<p>"Hearing this, O Bharata, the son of Kunti, king Yudhishthira
+the just, along with his brothers, then asked Markandeya saying,
+'It hath been heard by us that both Vaka and Daivya are of great
+souls and endowed with immortality and that those <i>Rishis</i>,
+held in universal reverence, are the friends of the chief of the
+gods. O Holy One, I desire to listen to the (history of the)
+meeting of Vaka and Indra that is full of both joy and woe. Narrate
+thou that history unto us succinctly.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'When that horrible conflict between the gods
+and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 398]</span> the <i>Asuras</i> was
+over, Indra became the ruler of the three worlds. The clouds
+showered rain copiously. And the dwellers of the world had
+abundance of harvests, and were excellent in disposition. And
+devoted to virtue, they always practised morality and enjoyed
+peace. And all persons, devoted to the duties of their respective
+orders, were perfectly happy and cheerful, and the slayer of Vala,
+beholding all the creatures of the world happy and cheerful, became
+himself filled with joy. And he of a hundred sacrifices, the chief
+of the <i>gods</i> seated on the back of his elephant Airavata,
+surveyed his happy subjects, and he cast his eyes on delightful
+asylums of <i>Rishis</i>, on various auspicious rivers, towns full
+of prosperity, and villages and rural regions in the enjoyment of
+plenty. And he also cast his eyes upon kings devoted to the
+practice of virtue and well-skilled in ruling their subjects. And
+he also looked upon tanks and reservoirs and wells and lakes and
+smaller lakes all full of water and adored by best of Brahmanas in
+the observance, besides, of various excellent vows, and then
+descending on the delightful earth, O king, the god of a hundred
+sacrifices, proceeded towards a blessed asylum teeming with animals
+and birds, situated by the side of the sea, in the delightful and
+auspicious regions of the East on a spot overgrown with abundance
+of vegetation. And the chief of the gods beheld Vaka in that
+asylum, and Vaka also, beholding the ruler of the Immortals, became
+highly glad, and he worshipped Indra by presenting him with water
+to wash his feet, a carpet to sit upon, the usual offering of the
+<i>Arghya</i>, and fruit and roots. And the boon-giving slayer of
+Vala, the divine ruler of those that know not old age, being seated
+at his ease, asked Vaka the following question, "O sinless
+<i>Muni</i>, thou hast lived for a hundred years! Tell me, O
+Brahmana, what the sorrows are of those that are immortal!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing this, Vaka answered, saying,
+"Life with persons that are disagreeable, separation from those
+that are agreeable and beloved, companionship with the wicked,
+these are the evils which they that are immortal have to bear. The
+death of sons and wives, of kinsmen and friends, and the pain of
+dependence on others, are some of the greatest of evils. (These may
+all be noticed in a deathless life). There is no more pitiable
+sight in the world, as I conceive, than that of men destitute of
+wealth being insulted by others. The acquisition of family dignity
+by those that have it not, the loss of family dignity by those that
+have it, unions and disunions,&mdash;these all are noticeable by
+those that lead deathless lives. How they that have no family
+dignity but have prosperity, win what they have not&mdash;all this,
+O god of a hundred sacrifices, is before thy very eyes! What can be
+more pitiable than the calamities and reverses sustained by the
+gods, the <i>Asuras</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, men, the snakes,
+and the <i>Rakshasas</i>! They that have been of good families
+suffer afflictions in consequence of their subjection to persons
+that are ill-born and the poor are insulted by the rich. What can
+be more pitiable than these? Innumerable examples of such
+contradictory dispensations are seen in the world. The foolish and
+the ignorant are cheerful and happy while the learned and the wise
+suffer misery! Plentiful instances of misery and woe are seen among
+men in this world! (They that lead deathless lives are destined
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 399]</span> to behold all these and
+suffer on that account.)"</p>
+<p>"'Indra then said, "O thou of great good fortune, tell me again,
+what the joys are of those persons that lead deathless
+lives,&mdash;joys that are adored by gods and <i>Rishis</i>!"</p>
+<p>"'Vaka answered, "If without having to associate with a wicked
+friend, a man cooks scanty vegetables in his own house at the eight
+or the twelfth part of the day, there can be nothing happier than
+that.<a id="footnotetag9" name="footnotetag9"></a><a href="#footnote9"><sup>9</sup></a> He in whose case the day is not
+counted is not called voracious. And, O Maghavan, happiness is even
+his own whose scanty vegetables are cooked. Earned by his own
+efforts, without having to depend upon any one, he that eateth even
+fruits and vegetables in his own house is entitled to respect. He
+that eateth in another's house the food given to him in contempt,
+even if that food be rich and sweet, doth what is despicable. This,
+therefore, is the opinion of the wise that fie on the food of that
+mean wretch who like a dog or a <i>Rakshasa</i> eateth at another's
+house. If after treating guests and servants and offering food to
+the manes a good Brahmana eateth what remains, there can be nothing
+happier than that. There is nothing sweeter or more sacred, O thou
+of a hundred sacrifices, than that food which such a person takes
+after serving the guest with the first portion thereof. Each
+mouthful (of rice) that the Brahmana eats after having served the
+guest, produces merit equal to what attaches to the gift of a
+thousand kine. And whatever sins such a one may have committed in
+his youth are all washed away of a certainty. The water in the
+hands of the Brahmana that hath been fed and honoured with a
+pecuniary gift (after the feeding is over) when touched with water
+(sprinkled by him that feeds), instantly purges off all the sins of
+the latter!"</p>
+<p>"'Speaking of these and various other things with Vaka, the
+chief of the gods went away to heaven.'"<a id="footnotetag10" name="footnotetag10"></a><a href="#footnote10"><sup>10</sup></a></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then the sons of Pandu again addressed
+Markandeya saying, 'Thou hast told us of greatness of Brahmanas. We
+desire now to hear of the greatness of the royal Kshatriyas!" Thus
+addressed by them, the great <i>Rishi</i> Markandeya spoke, 'Listen
+now to the greatness of the royal Kshatriyas. A certain king of the
+name of Suhotra belonging to the Kuru race went on a visit to the
+great <i>Rishis</i>. And as he was returning from that visit, he
+beheld king Sivi the son of Usinara, seated on his car, and as each
+came before the other, each saluted the other as best befitted his
+age and each <span class="pagenum">[Pg 400]</span> regarding
+himself as the equal of the other in respect of qualities, refused
+to give the way to the other. And at this juncture Narada appeared
+there, and beholding what had happened, the celestial <i>Rishi</i>
+asked, "Why is it that ye both stand here blocking each other's
+way?" And thus questioned both of them spoke to Narada saying, "O
+holy one, do not speak so. The sages of old have declared that the
+way should be given to one who is superior or to him that is abler.
+We, however, that stand blocking each other's way are equal to each
+other in every respect. Judged properly there is no superiority
+amongst us." Thus addressed by them, Narada recited three
+<i>slokas</i>. (They are these), "O thou of the Kuru race, he that
+is wicked behaveth wickedly even unto him that is humble; he also
+that is humble behaveth with humility and honestly unto him that is
+wicked! He that is honest behaveth honestly even towards the
+dishonest. Why should he not behave honestly towards him that is
+honest? He that is honest regardeth the service that is done to
+him, as if it were a hundred times greater than it is. Is this not
+current amongst the gods themselves? Certainly it is the royal son
+of Usinara who is possessed of goodness that is greater than thine.
+One should conquer the mean by charity; the untruthful by truth,
+the man of wicked deeds by forgiveness; and the dishonest by
+honesty. Both of you are large-hearted. Let one amongst you stand
+aside, according to the indication of the above <i>slokas</i>." And
+having said so Narada became silent, and hearing what Narada had
+said the king of the Kuru race walking round <i>Sivi</i>, and
+praising his numerous achievements, gave him the way and went on in
+his course. It was even thus that Narada had described the high
+blessedness of the royal Kshatriyas.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Listen now to another story. One day as
+king Yayati, the son of Nahusha, was sitting on his throne,
+surrounded by the citizens, there came unto him a Brahmana desirous
+of soliciting wealth for his preceptor, and approaching the king,
+the Brahmana said, "O king, I beg of thee wealth for my preceptor
+according to my covenant." And the king said, "O Holy One, tell me
+what thy covenant is." And thereupon the Brahmana said, "O king, in
+this world when men are asked for alms, they entertain contempt for
+him that asketh it. I therefore, ask thee, O king, with what
+feelings thou wilt give me what I ask and upon which I have set my
+heart." And the king replied saying, "Having given away a thing, I
+never boast of it. I never also listen to solicitations for things
+that cannot be given. I listen, however, to prayers for things that
+can be given and giving them away I always become happy. I will
+give thee a thousand kine. The Brahmana that asks me for a gift is
+always dear to me. I am never angry with the person that begs of me
+and I am never sorry for having given away a thing!" And the
+Brahmana then obtained from the king a thousand kine and went
+away.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 401]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The son of Pandu again addressed the
+<i>Rishi</i> and said, 'Speak thou unto us of the high fortune of
+royal Kshatriyas!' And Markandeya said, 'There were two kings of
+the name of Vrishadarbha and Seduka and both of them were
+conversant with morals and with weapons of attack and defence. And
+Seduka knew that Vrishadarbha had from his boyhood an unuttered vow
+that he would give no other metal unto Brahmanas save gold and
+silver. And once on a time a Brahmana having completed his study of
+the <i>Vedas</i> came unto Seduka and uttering a benediction upon
+him begged of him wealth for his preceptor, saying, "Give me a
+thousand steeds." And thus addressed, Seduka said unto him, "It is
+not possible for me to give thee this for thy preceptor. Therefore,
+go thou unto king Vrishadarbha, for, O Brahmana, he is a highly
+virtuous king. Go and beg of him. He will grant thy request. Even
+this is his unuttered vow." Hearing these words that Brahmana went
+to Vrishadarbha and begged of him a thousand steeds, and the king
+thus solicited, struck the Brahmana with a whip and thereupon the
+Brahmana said, "Innocent as I am, why dost thou attack me thus?"
+And the Brahmana was on the point of cursing the king, when the
+latter said, "O Brahmana, dost thou curse him that doth not give
+thee what thou askest? Or, is this behaviour proper for a
+Brahmana?" And the Brahmana said, "O king of kings, sent unto thee
+by Seduka, I come before thee for this." The king said, "I will
+give thee now whatever tribute may come to me before the morning
+expire. How indeed, can I send away the man empty-handed who hath
+been whipped by me." And having said this the king gave unto that
+Brahmana the entire proceeds of that day and that was more than the
+value of a thousand horses.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'One day it was resolved by the gods that they
+should descend on the earth and try the goodness and virtue of king
+Sivi, the son of Usinara. And addressing each
+other,&mdash;"<i>Well</i>"&mdash;Agni and Indra came to the earth.
+And Agni took the form of a pigeon flying away from Indra who
+pursued him in the form of a hawk, and that pigeon fell upon the
+lap of king Sivi who was seated on an excellent seat. And the
+priest thereupon addressing the king said, "Afraid of the hawk and
+desirous of saving its life, this pigeon hath come to thee for
+safety. The learned have said that the falling of a pigeon upon
+one's body forebodeth a great danger. Let the king that understands
+omens give away wealth for saving himself from the danger
+indicated." And the pigeon also addressed the king and said,
+"Afraid of the hawk and desirous of saving my life I have come to
+thee for protection. I am a <i>Muni</i>. Having assumed the form of
+a pigeon, I come to thee as a seeker of thy protection. Indeed, I
+seek thee as my life. Know me as one possessed of Vedic lore, as
+one leading the <i>Brahmacharya</i> mode of life, as one possessed
+also of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 402]</span> self-control and
+ascetic virtues. And know me further as one that has never spoken
+disagreeably unto his preceptor, as one possessed of every virtue
+indeed, as one that is sinless. I repeat the Vedas, I know their
+prosody; indeed, I have studied all the Vedas letter by letter. I
+am not a pigeon. Oh, do not yield me up to the hawk. The giving up
+of a learned and pure Brahmana can never be a good gift." And after
+the pigeon said so, the hawk addressed the king, and said,
+"Creatures do not come into the world in the same particular order.
+In the order of creation, thou mayst, in a former birth, have been
+begotten by this pigeon. It is not proper for thee, O king, to
+interfere with my food by protecting this pigeon (even though he
+might have been thy father)." And thus addressed, the king said,
+"Hath any one, before this, seen birds thus speak the pure speech
+of man? Knowing what this pigeon sayeth, and this hawk also, how
+can we act to-day according to virtue? He that giveth up an
+affrighted creature seeking protection, unto its foe, doth not
+obtain protection when he is in need of it himself. Indeed, the
+very clouds do not shower rain seasonably for him, and the seeds
+though scattered do not grow for him. He that giveth up an
+afflicted creature seeking protection unto its foe, hath to see his
+offspring die in childhood. The ancestor of such a person can never
+dwell in heaven; indeed, the very gods decline to accept the
+libations of clarified butter poured by him into the fire. He that
+giveth up an affrighted creature seeking protection, unto its foe,
+is struck with the thunder-bolt by the gods with Indra at their
+head. The food that he eateth is unsanctified, and he, of a narrow
+soul, falleth from heaven very soon. O hawk, let the people of the
+Sivi tribe place before thee a bull cooked with rice instead of
+this pigeon. And let them also carry to the place where thou livest
+in joy, meat in abundance." And hearing this, the hawk said, "O
+king, I do not ask for a bull, nor, indeed, any other meat, nor
+meat more in quantity than that of this pigeon. It hath been given
+to me by the gods. The creature, therefore, is my food today in
+consequence of its death that hath been ordained. Therefore, O
+monarch, give it up to me." Thus addressed by the hawk, the king
+said, "Let my men see and carefully carry the bull to thee with
+every limb entire. Let that bull be the ransom of this creature
+afflicted with fright and let it be carried to thee before my eyes.
+Oh, slay not this pigeon! I will yield up my very life, yet I would
+not give up this pigeon. Dost thou not know, O hawk, that this
+creature looketh like a sacrifice with the <i>Soma</i> juice? O
+blessed one, cease to take so much trouble for it. I cannot, by any
+means, yield up the pigeon to thee. Or, O hawk, if it pleases thee,
+command me to do some such thing which I may do for thee, which may
+be agreeable to thee, and upon doing which the men of the Sivi
+tribe may yet in joy bless me in terms of applause. I promise thee
+that I will do what thou mayst did me do." And at this appeal of
+the king, the hawk said, "O king, if thou givest me as much flesh
+as would be equal to the weight of the pigeon, cutting it off thy
+right thigh; then can the pigeon be properly saved by thee; then
+wouldst thou do what would be agreeable to me and what the men of
+the Sivi tribe would speak of in terms of praise." And the king
+agreed to this and he cut off a piece of flesh from his right thigh
+and weighed it against the pigeon. But the pigeon <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 403]</span> weighed heavier. And thereupon the king
+cut off another piece of his flesh, but the pigeon still weighed
+heavier, and then the king cut off pieces of flesh from all parts
+of his body and placed them on the scale. But the pigeon still
+weighed heavier, and then the king himself ascended the scale and
+he felt no grief at this and beholding this, the hawk disappeared
+there saying&mdash;(The pigeon hath been) <i>Saved</i>,&mdash;And
+the king asked the pigeon saying, "O pigeon, let the Sivis know who
+the hawk is. None but the lord of the universe could do as he did.
+O Holy One, answer thou this question of mine!" And the pigeon then
+said, "I am the smoke-bannered Agni called also Vaiswanara. The
+hawk is none other than Sachi's lord armed with the thunder-bolt. O
+son of Suratha, thou art a bull among men. We came to try thee.
+These pieces of flesh, O king, that thou hast cut off with thy
+sword from thy body for saving me have caused gashes in thy body. I
+will make these marks auspicious and handsome and they will be of
+the colour of gold and emit a sweet perfume, and earning great fame
+and respected by the gods and the <i>Rishis</i> thou shall long
+rule these subjects of thine, and a son will spring from thy flank
+who shall be called <i>Kapataroman</i>. O king, thou shalt obtain
+this son of the name of <i>Kapataroman</i> from out of thy own body
+and thou wilt behold him become the foremost of the
+<i>Saurathas</i>, blazing with renown, possessed of bravery and
+great personal beauty!"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "And the son of Pandu once more addressed
+Markandeya, saying, 'Tell us again of the great good fortune of
+kings.' And Markandeya said, 'There came unto the horse-sacrifice
+of king Ashtaka of Viswamitra's race, many kings. And there came
+unto that sacrifice the three brothers also of that king, viz.,
+Pratardana, Vasumanas, and Sivi, the son of Usinara. And after the
+sacrifice was completed, Ashtaka was proceeding on his car along
+with his brothers when they all beheld Narada coming that way and
+they saluted the celestial <i>Rishi</i> and said unto him, "Ride
+thou on this car with us." And Narada, saying, <i>So be it</i>,
+mounted on the car, and one among those kings having gratified the
+holy and celestial <i>Rishi</i> Narada, said, "O Holy One, I
+desire, to ask thee something." And the <i>Rishi</i> said, "Ask."
+And the person, thus permitted, said, "All four of us are blessed
+with long lives and have indeed every virtue. We shall, therefore,
+be permitted to go to a certain heaven and dwell there for a long
+period. Who amongst us, however, O king, shall fall down first?"
+Thus questioned the <i>Rishi</i> said, "This Ashtaka shall first
+come down." And thereupon the enquirer asked, "For what cause?" And
+the <i>Rishi</i> answered, "I lived for a few days in the abode of
+Ashtaka. He carried me (one day) on his car out of the town and
+there I beheld thousands of kine distinguished from one another by
+difference of hue. And beholding those kine I asked Ashtaka whose
+they were and Ashtaka answered me, saying, '<i>I have given away
+these kine.' By this answer</i> he gave expression to his own
+praise. It is for this answer of his that Ashtaka shall have
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 404]</span> to come down." And after
+Narada had said so, one of them again enquired, saying, "Three of
+us then will stay in heaven. Amongst us three, who shall fall down
+first?" And the <i>Rishi</i> answered, "Pratardana." And the
+enquirer asked, "For what cause?" And the <i>Rishi</i> answered, "I
+lived for some days in the abode of Pratardana also. And he carried
+me on his car one day. And while doing so, a Brahmana asked him
+saying, '<i>Give me a horse</i>!' And Pratardana replied, '<i>After
+returning, I will give thee one</i>!' And thereupon the Brahmana
+said, '<i>Let it be given to me soon</i>.' And as the Brahmana
+spoke those words, the king gave unto him the steed that had been
+yoked on the right-hand wheel of the car. And there came unto him
+another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a steed. And the king having
+spoken to him in the same way, gave him the steed that had been
+yoked on the left wheel of his car. And having given away the horse
+unto him, the king proceeded on his journey. And then there came
+unto the king another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a horse. And
+the king soon gave him the horse on the left front of his car,
+unyoking the animal. And having done so, the king proceeded on his
+journey. And then there came unto the king another Brahmana
+desirous of obtaining a horse. And the king said unto him,
+'<i>Returning, I will give thee a horse</i>.' But the Brahmana
+said, '<i>Let the steed be given to me soon</i>.' And the king gave
+him the only horse he had. And seizing the yoke of the car himself,
+the king began to draw it. And as he did so, he said, '<i>There is
+now nothing for the Brahmanas</i>.' The king had given away, it is
+true, but he had done so with detraction. And for that speech of
+his, he shall have to fall down from heaven." And after the
+<i>Rishi</i> had said so, of the two that remained, one asked, "Who
+amongst us two shall fall down?" And the <i>Rishi</i> answered,
+"Vasumanas." And the enquirer asked, "For what reason?" And Narada
+said, "In course of my wanderings I arrived at the abode of
+Vasumanas. And at that time the Brahmanas were performing the
+ceremony of <i>Swastivachana</i> for the sake of a flowery
+car.<a id="footnotetag11" name="footnotetag11"></a><a href="#footnote11"><sup>11</sup></a> And I approached the king's
+presence. And after the Brahmanas had completed the ceremony, the
+flowery car became visible to them. And I praised that car, and
+thereupon the king told me, '<i>Holy one, by thee hath this car
+been praised. Let this car, therefore, be thine</i>.' And after
+this I went to Vasumanas another time when I was in need of a
+(flowery) car. And I admired the car, and the king said, '<i>It is
+thine</i>.' And I went to the king a third time and admired the car
+again. And even then the king exhibiting the flowery car to the
+Brahmanas, cast his eyes on me, and said, '<i>O holy one, thou hast
+praised the flowery car sufficiently</i>." And the king only said
+these words, without making me a gift of that car. And for this he
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 405]</span> will fall down from
+heaven."</p>
+<p>"'And one among them said, "Of the one who is to go with thee,
+who will go and who will fall down?" And Narada answered, saying,
+"Sivi will go, but I will fall down." "For what reason?" asked the
+enquirer. And Narada said, "I am not the equal of Sivi. For one day
+a Brahmana came unto Sivi and addressing him, said, 'O Sivi, I came
+to thee for food.' And Sivi replied unto him, saying. 'What shall I
+do? Let me have thy orders.' And the Brahmana answered, 'This thy
+son known by the name of Vrihadgarbha should be killed. And, O
+king, cook him for my food.' And hearing this, I waited to see what
+would follow. And Sivi then killed his son and cooking him duly and
+placing that food in a vessel and taking it upon his head, he went
+out in search of the Brahmana and while Sivi was thus seeking, for
+the Brahmana, some one told him, 'The Brahmana thou seekest, having
+entered thy city, is setting fire to thy abode and he is also
+setting fire, in wrath, to thy treasury, thy arsenal, the
+apartments of the females and thy stables for horses and
+elephants.' And Sivi heard all this, without change of colour, and
+entering his city spoke unto the Brahmana, 'O holy one, the food
+has been cooked.' And the Brahmana hearing this spoke not a word
+and from surprise he stood with downcast looks. And Sivi with a
+view to gratifying the Brahmana said, 'O holy one, eat thou this.'
+And the Brahmana looking at Sivi for a moment said, 'Eat it
+thyself.' And thereupon Sivi said, 'Let it be so.' And Sivi
+cheerfully taking the vessel from his head desired to eat it and
+thereupon the Brahmana caught hold of Sivi's hand and addressing
+him said, 'Thou hast conquered wrath. There is nothing that thou
+canst not give unto the Brahmanas.' And saying this, that Brahmana
+adored Sivi, and then as Sivi cast his eyes before him, he beheld
+his son standing like a child of the <i>gods</i>, decked in
+ornaments and yielding a fragrance from his body and the Brahmana,
+having accomplished all this, made himself visible and it was
+<i>Vidhatri</i> himself who had thus come in that guise to try that
+royal sage, and after <i>Vidhatri</i> had disappeared, the
+counsellors addressed the king, saying, 'Thou knowest everything.
+For what didst thou do all this?' And Sivi answered, 'It was not
+for fame, nor for wealth, nor from desire of acquiring objects of
+enjoyment that I did all this. This course is not sinful. It is for
+this that I do all this. The path which is trodden by the virtuous
+is laudable. My heart always inclineth towards such a course. This
+high instance of Sivi's blessedness I know, and I have, therefore,
+narrated it duly!'"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The sons of Pandu and those <i>Rishis</i>
+then asked Markandeya, 'Is there anybody that is blessed with
+longer life than thou?' And Markandeya answered them, saying,
+'There is without doubt, a royal sage of the name of Indradyumna
+and his virtue having diminished, he fell from heaven, crying, "My
+achievements are lost!" And he came unto me and asked, "Dost thou
+know me?" And I answered him, saying, "From our anxiety
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 406]</span> to acquire religious merit we
+do not confine ourselves to any home. We live but for a night in
+the same village or town. A person like us, therefore, cannot
+possibly know thy pursuits. The fasts and vows we observe render us
+weak in body and unable to follow any worldly pursuits on our own
+behalf. Hence, one like us cannot possibly know thee." He then
+asked me, "Is there any one who is longer lived than thou?" I
+answered him, saying, "There liveth on the Himavat an owl of the
+name of Pravarakarna. He is older than I. He may know thee. The
+part of the Himavat where he dwelleth is far off from here." And at
+this Indradyumna became a horse and carried me to where that owl
+lived and the king asked the owl, saying, "Dost thou know me?" And
+the owl seemed to reflect for a moment and then said unto the king,
+"I do not know thee." And the royal sage Indradyumna thereupon
+asked the owl, "Is there any one who is older than thou?" And thus
+asked the owl answered, saying, "There is a lake of the name of
+Indradyumna. In that lake dwelleth a crane of the name of
+Nadijangha. He is older than we. Ask thou him." And at this king
+Indradyumna taking both myself and the owl went to that lake where
+the crane Nadijangha dwelt. And that crane was asked by us, "Dost
+thou know the king Indradyumna?" And the crane thereupon seemed to
+reflect a little and then said, "I do not know king Indradyumna."
+And the crane was asked by us, "Is there any one who is older than
+thou?" And he answered us, saying, "There dwelleth in this very
+lake a tortoise of the name of Akupara. He is older than I. He may
+know something of this king. Therefore, enquire ye of Akupara." And
+then that crane gave information to the tortoise, saying, "It is
+intended by us to ask thee something. Please come to us." And
+hearing this the tortoise came out of the lake to that part of the
+bank where we all were and as he came there we asked him, saying,
+"Dost thou know this king Indradyumna?" And the tortoise reflected
+for a moment. And his eyes were filled with tears and his heart was
+much moved and he trembled all over and was nearly deprived of his
+senses. And he said with joined hands, "Alas, do I not know this
+one? He had planted the sacrificial stake a thousand times at the
+time of kindling the sacrificial fire. This lake was excavated by
+the feet of the cows given away by this king unto the Brahmanas on
+the completion of the sacrifice. I have lived here ever since." And
+after the tortoise had said all this, there came from the celestial
+regions a car. And an aerial voice was heard which said, addressing
+Indradyumna, "Come thou and obtain the place thou deservest in
+heaven! Thy achievements are great! Come thou cheerfully to thy
+place! Here also are certain <i>slokas</i>: The report of virtuous
+deeds spreadeth over the earth and ascendeth to heaven. As long as
+that report lasts, so long is the doer said to be in heaven. The
+man whose evil deeds are bruited about, is said to fall down and
+live, as long as that evil report lasts in the lower regions.
+Therefore should man be virtuous in his acts if he is to gain
+Heaven. And he should seek refuge in virtue, abandoning a sinful
+heart."</p>
+<p>"'And hearing these words, the king said, "Let the car stay
+here as long as I do not take these old persons to the places
+whence I brought them.' And having brought me and the owl
+Pravarakarna to our respective places, he <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+407]</span> went away, riding on that car, to the place that was
+fit for him. Being longlived, I witness all this."'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that Markandeya narrated
+all this unto the son of Pandu. And after Markandeya finished, the
+sons of Pandu said, 'Blessed be thou! Thou hadst acted properly in
+causing king Indradyumna who had fallen from Heaven to regain his
+sphere!' And Markandeya answered them, saying, 'Devaki's son,
+Krishna, also had thus raised the royal sage Nriga who had sunk in
+hell and caused him to regain Heaven!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CLXLIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "King Yudhishthira, hearing from the
+illustrious Markandeya the story of the royal sage Indradyumna's
+regaining of Heaven, again asked the <i>Muni</i>, saying, 'O great
+<i>Muni</i>, tell me in what condition should a man practise
+charity in order to gain admission into the regions of Indra? Is it
+by practising charity while leading a domestic mode of life, or in
+boyhood, or in youth, or in old age? O, tell me about the
+respective merits reaped from the practice of charity in these
+different stages of life.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Life that is futile is of four kinds. Charity
+also that is futile is of sixteen kinds. His life is vain who hath
+no son; and his also who is out of pale of virtue: and his too who
+liveth on the food of other; and, lastly, his who cooketh for
+himself without giving therefrom unto the <i>Pitris</i>, the gods,
+and the guests, and who eateth of it before these all. The gift to
+one that has fallen away from the practice of virtuous vows, as
+also the gift of wealth that has been earned wrongly, are both in
+vain. The gift to a fallen Brahmana, that to a thief, that also to
+a preceptor that is false, is in vain. The gift to an untruthful
+man, to a person that is sinful, to one that is ungrateful, to one
+that officiates at sacrifices performed by all classes of people
+residing in a village, to one that sells the <i>Vedas</i>,<a id="footnotetag12" name="footnotetag12"></a><a href="#footnote12"><sup>12</sup></a> to a Brahmana that cooks for Sudra,
+to one that too by birth is a Brahmana but who is destitute of the
+occupations of his order, is in vain. The gift to one that has
+married a girl after the accession of puberty, to females, to one
+that sports with snakes, and to one that is employed in menial
+offices, is also in vain. These sixteen kinds of gifts are
+productive of no merits. That man who with mind clouded with
+darkness giveth away from fear or anger, enjoyeth the merit of such
+gift while he is in the womb of his mother. The man who (under
+other circumstances) maketh gifts unto the Brahmanas, enjoyeth the
+fruit thereof while he is in old age. Therefore, O king, the man
+who wishes to win the way of heaven, should under all conditions,
+make gifts unto Brahmanas of everything that he wishes to give
+away.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'By what means do Brahmanas, who accept
+gifts from all the four orders, save others as well as
+themselves?"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 408]</span></p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'By <i>Japa</i>,<a id="footnotetag13" name="footnotetag13"></a><a href="#footnote13"><sup>13</sup></a> and
+<i>Mantras</i>,<a id="footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href="#footnote14"><sup>14</sup></a> and
+<i>Homa</i><a id="footnotetag15" name="footnotetag15"></a><a href="#footnote15"><sup>15</sup></a> and the study of the <i>Vedas</i>,
+the Brahmanas construct a <i>Vedic</i> boat<a id="footnotetag16" name="footnotetag16"></a><a href="#footnote16"><sup>16</sup></a>
+wherewith they save both others and themselves. The gods themselves
+are pleased with that man who gratifieth the Brahmanas. Indeed, a
+man may attain heaven at the command of a Brahmana. Thou wilt, O
+king, without doubt ascend to regions of everlasting bliss, in
+consequence of thy worship of the <i>Pitris</i> and the gods, and
+thy reverence for the Brahmanas, even though thy body is filled
+with phlegmatic humours and withal so dull and inert! He that
+desires virtue and heaven should adore the Brahmanas. One should
+feed Brahmanas with care on occasions of <i>Sraddhas</i>, although
+those among them that are cursed or fallen should be excluded. They
+also should be carefully excluded that are either excessively fair
+or excessively black, that have diseased nails, that are lepers,
+that are deceitful, that are born in bastardy of widows or of women
+having husbands alive; and they also that support themselves by the
+profession of arms. That <i>Sraddha</i> which is censurable,
+consumeth the performer thereof like fire consuming fuel. If they
+that are to be employed in <i>Sraddhas</i> happen to be dumb,
+blind, or deaf, care should be taken to employ them along with
+Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas. O Yudhishthira, listen now
+unto whom thou shouldst give. He that knoweth all the <i>Vedas</i>
+should give only to that able Brahmana who is competent to rescue
+both the giver and himself, for he, indeed, is to be regarded as
+able who can rescue both the giver and himself. O son of Pritha,
+the sacred fires do not receive such gratification from libations
+of clarified butter, from offerings of flowers and sandal and other
+perfumed pastes as from the entertainment of guests. Therefore, do
+thou strive to entertain guests, O son of Pandu! O king, they that
+give unto guests water to wash their feet, butter to rub over their
+(tired) legs, light during the hours of darkness, food, and
+shelter, have not to go before Yama. The removal (after worship) of
+the flowery offerings unto the gods, the removal of the remnants of
+a Brahmana's feast, waiting (upon a Brahmana) with perfumed pastes,
+and the massaging of a Brahmana's limbs, are, each of them, O
+foremost of kings, productive of greater merit than the gift of
+kine. A person, without doubt, rescueth himself by the gift of a
+<i>Kapila</i> cow. Therefore, should one give away a <i>Kapila</i>
+cow decked with ornaments unto Brahmanas. O thou of the Bharata
+race, one should give unto a person of good lineage and conversant
+with the Vedas; unto a person that is poor; unto one leading a
+domestic mode of life but burdened with wife and children; unto one
+that daily adoreth the sacred fire; and unto one that hath done
+thee no service. Thou shouldst always give unto such persons but
+not to them that are in affluence. What merit is there, O thou
+foremost of the Bharata race, by giving unto one that is affluent?
+One cow must be given unto one Brahmana. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+409]</span> A single cow must not be given unto many. For if the
+cow so given away (unto many) be sold, the giver's family is lost
+for three generations. Such a gift would not assuredly rescue the
+giver nor the Brahmana that takes it. He who giveth eighty
+<i>Ratis</i> of pure gold, earneth the merit of giving away a
+hundred pieces of gold for ever. He that giveth away a strong bull
+capable also of drawing the plough, is certainly rescued from all
+difficulties and finally goeth to heaven. He that giveth away land
+unto a learned Brahmana, hath all his desires fulfilled. The tired
+traveller, with weakened limbs and feet besmeared with dust, asks
+for the name of him that may give him food. There are men who
+answer him by telling him the name. That wise man who informs these
+toil-worn ones of the name of the person who may give them food,
+is, without doubt, regarded as equal in merit unto the giver
+himself of food. Therefore, abstaining from other kinds of gift,
+give thou food. There is no merit (arising out of gifts) that is so
+great as that of giving food. The man that according to the measure
+of his might gives well-cooked and pure food unto the Brahmanas,
+acquires, by that act of his, the companionship of Prajapati
+(<i>Brahma</i>). There is nothing superior to food. Therefore, food
+is regarded as the first and foremost of all things (to be given
+away). It hath been said that food itself is <i>Prajapati</i>. And
+<i>Prajapati</i> is regarded as the Year. And the Year is
+sacrifice. And everything is established in sacrifice, for it is
+from sacrifice that all creatures, mobile and immobile, take their
+origin. For this reason, it hath been heard by us, food is the
+foremost of all things. They that give away lakes and large pieces
+of water, and tanks and wells, and shelter and food and they that
+have sweet words for all, have not to hear the admonitions of Yama.
+With him who gives rice, and wealth earned by his labour, unto
+Brahmana of good behaviour, the earth is satisfied. And she poureth
+upon him showers of wealth. The giver of food walketh first, after
+him the speaker of truth and he that giveth unto persons that do
+not solicit. But the three go to the same place.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing all this, Yudhishthira, along
+with his younger brothers, impelled by curiosity, again addressed
+the high-souled Markandeya, saying, 'O great <i>Muni</i>, what is
+the distance of Yama's region from that of men? What is its
+measurement? How also do men pass it over? And by what means? O,
+tell me all this!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O king, O them foremost of virtuous men, this
+question of thine appertains to a great mystery. It is sacred and
+much applauded by the <i>Rishis</i>. Appertaining as it also does
+to virtue, I will speak of it to thee. The distance of Yama's
+region from the abode of men is, O king, eighty-six thousand
+<i>Yojanas</i>! The way is over space, without water, and very
+terrible to behold. Nowhere on that road is the shade of a tree,
+nowhere any water, and nowhere any resting place in which the
+traveller, when fatigued, may rest for some moments. And men and
+women and all on earth that have life, are forcibly led along this
+way by the messengers of Yama. Those creatures that obey the
+mandates of the grim king, and they, O king, that have given horses
+and other good conveyances unto Brahmanas, proceed along this way
+on those animals and vehicles. And they that have given umbrellas
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 410]</span> proceed along this way with
+umbrellas warding off the sun's rays. And they that have given
+food, proceed without hunger, while they that have not given food
+proceed afflicted with hunger. And they that have given robes,
+proceed along this way attired in robes while they that have given
+none, proceed naked. And they that have given gold, proceed in
+happiness, themselves decked in ornaments. And they that have given
+land, proceed with every desire completely gratified. And they that
+have given grain, proceed without being afflicted with any want.
+And they that have given houses, proceed happily on cars. And those
+men that have given something to drink, proceed with cheerful
+hearts unafflicted with thirst. And they that have given lights,
+proceed happily lighting the way before them. And they that have
+given kine, proceed along the way happily, freed from all their
+sins. And they that have fasted for a month, proceed on cars drawn
+by swans. And they who have fasted for six nights, proceed on cars
+drawn by peacocks. And, O son of Pandu, he that fasteth three
+nights upon only one meal without a second during this period goeth
+into a region free from disease and anxiety. And water hath this
+excellent property that it produceth happiness in the region of
+Yama. And they that give water find for themselves a river there of
+the name of Pushpodaka. And the givers of water on the earth drink
+cool and ambrosial draughts from that stream. And they that are of
+evil deeds have pus ordained for them. Thus, O great king, that
+river serveth all purposes. Therefore, O king, adore thou duly
+these Brahmanas (that are with thee). Weak in limbs owing to the
+way he has walked, and besmeared with the dust of the high-road,
+the traveller enquireth for the name of him who giveth food, and
+cometh in hope to his house. Adore thou him with reverent
+attention, for he indeed is a guest, and he is a Brahmana. The gods
+with Indra at their head follow him as he proceedeth. And if he is
+adored, the gods with Indra become gratified, and if he is not
+adored, the celestials with their chief become cheerless.
+Therefore, O thou foremost of kings, worship thou these Brahmanas
+duly. I have thus spoken to thee upon a hundred subjects. What dost
+thou desire to hear from me again?'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O master, conversant thou art with virtue
+and morality, and so I desire to repeatedly listen to thee as thou
+speakest on sacred subjects appertaining to virtue and morals.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O king, I will now speak on another sacred
+subject appertaining to eternal interests and capable of washing
+off all sins. Listen thou with rapt attention. O thou foremost of
+the Bharatas, the merit equal to that of giving away a
+<i>Kapila</i> cow in (the <i>tirtha</i> called)
+<i>Jyeshtha-Pushkara</i> arises from washing the feet of Brahmanas.
+As long as the earth remains wet with water which a Brahmana hath
+touched with his feet, so long do <i>Pitris</i> drink water of cups
+made of lotus-leaves. If the guest is welcomed (with enquiries
+about his welfare), the deities of fire become glad; and if he is
+offered a seat, it is the god of a hundred sacrifices, who is
+gratified. If his feet are washed, it is the <i>Pitris</i> who are
+delighted; and if he is fed it is <i>Prajapati</i> that is pleased.
+One should with collected soul, give a cow when (during her throes)
+the feet and head of her calf are visible, before her delivery is
+complete. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 411]</span> A cow with her calf
+in the air in course of falling from the uterus to the earth, is to
+be regarded as equal to the earth herself. He, therefore, that
+giveth away such a cow, reapeth the merit of giving away the earth.
+And he that giveth away such a cow, is adored in heaven for as many
+thousands of <i>Yugas</i> as there are bristles on the bodies of
+the animal and her young one together. And, O Bharata, he that
+having accepted a thing in gift giveth it away immediately unto a
+person that is virtuous and honest, reapeth very great merit.
+Without doubt, he reapeth the fruit of giving away the whole earth
+to her utmost limits and with her oceans and seas and caves, her
+mountains and forests and woods. That Brahmana who eateth in
+silence from a plate, keeping his hands between his knees,
+succeedeth in rescuing others. And those Brahmanas that abstain
+from drink and who are never spoken of by others as having any
+faults and who daily read the <i>Samhitas</i>, are capable of
+rescuing others. Libations of butter and edible offerings should
+all be presented to a Brahmana who is learned in the <i>Vedas</i>.
+And as libations of clarified butter poured into fire never go in
+vain, so gift to virtuous Brahmanas learned in the <i>Vedas</i> can
+never go in vain. The Brahmanas have anger for their weapon; they
+never fight with arms of iron and steel. Indeed the Brahmanas slay
+with anger like Indra slaying the Asuras with his thunder-bolt.
+Thus prelection appertaining to virtue and morality is now over.
+Hearing this, the <i>Munis</i> of the forest of <i>Naimisha</i>
+were filled with delight. And those ascetics were also freed from
+grief and anger by listening to it. And they were also purged of
+all their sins in consequence of this. And, O king, those human
+beings that listen to it become freed from the obligation of
+rebirth.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O thou of great wisdom, what purification
+is there by which a Brahmana may always keep himself pure? I desire
+to hear of it from thee, O thou foremost of all virtuous men!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya answered, 'There are three kinds of purity, viz.,
+purity in speech, purity in deed, and purity achieved by use of
+water. He that has recourse to these three different kinds of
+purity, attains, without doubt, to heaven. That Brahmana who
+adoreth the goddess <i>Sandhya</i> in the morning and the evening,
+and who recites meditatively the sacred goddess <i>Gayairi</i> who
+is the mother of the <i>Vedas</i>, sanctified by the latter, is
+freed from all his sins. Even if he accepts in gift the entire
+earth with her oceans, he doth not, on that account, suffer the
+least unhappiness. And those heavenly bodies in the sky including
+the sun that may be inauspicious and hostile towards him soon
+become auspicious and favourable towards him in consequence of
+these acts of his, while those stars that are auspicious and
+favourable become more auspicious and more favourable in
+consequence of such conduct of his. And terrible Rakshasas
+subsisting on animal food, of gigantic and fierce mien, all become
+unable to prevail over a Brahmana who practiseth these
+purifications. The Brahmanas are even like blazing fires. They
+incur no fault in consequence of teaching, of officiating at
+sacrifices, and of accepting gifts from others. Whether the
+Brahmana be cognisant of the <i>Vedas</i> or ignorant of them,
+whether they be pure or impure, they should never be insulted,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 412]</span> for Brahmanas are like fires.
+As the fire that blazeth up in the place set apart for the
+cremation of the dead is never regarded impure on that account, so
+the Brahmana, be he learned or ignorant, is always pure. He is
+great and a very god! Cities that are adorned with walls and gates
+and palaces one after another, lose their beauty if they are bereft
+of Brahmanas. That, indeed, O king, is a city where Brahmanas
+accomplished in the <i>Vedas</i>, duly observing the duties of
+their order and possessed of learning and ascetic merit, reside. O
+son of Pritha, that spot, be it a wood or pasture land, where
+learned Brahmanas reside, hath been called a city. And that place,
+O king, becometh a <i>tirtha</i> also. By approaching a king that
+offereth protection, as also a Brahmana possessed of ascetic merit,
+and by offering worship unto both, a man may purge off his sins
+immediately. The learned have said that ablutions in the sacred
+<i>tirthas</i>, recitation of the names of holy ones, and converse
+with the good and virtuous, are all acts worthy of applause. They
+that are virtuous and honest always regard themselves as sanctified
+by the holy companionship of persons like themselves and by the
+water of pure and sacred converse. The carrying of three staffs,
+the vow of silence, matted hair on head, the shaving of the crown,
+covering one's person with barks and deerskins, the practice of
+vows, ablutions, the worship of fire, abode in the woods,
+emaciating the body, all these are useless if the heart be not
+pure. The indulgence of the six senses is easy, if purity be not
+sought in the object of enjoyment. Abstinence, however, which of
+itself is difficult, is scarcely easy without purity of the objects
+of enjoyment. O king of kings, among the six senses, the mind alone
+that is easily moved is the most dangerous! Those high-souled
+persons that do not commit sins in word, deed, heart and soul, are
+said to undergo ascetic austerities, and not they that suffer their
+bodies to be wasted by fasts and penances. He that hath no feeling
+of kindness for relatives cannot be free from sin even if his body
+be pure. That hard-heartedness of his is the enemy of his
+asceticism. Asceticism, again, is not mere abstinence from the
+pleasures of the world. He that is always pure and decked with
+virtue, he that practises kindness all his life, is a <i>Muni</i>
+even though he may lead a domestic life. Such a man is purged of
+all his sins. Fasts and other penances cannot destroy sins, however
+much they may weaken and dry up the body that is made of flesh and
+blood. The man whose heart is without holiness, suffers torture
+only by undergoing penances in ignorance of their meaning. He is
+never freed from sins of such acts. The fire he worshippeth doth
+not consume his sins. It is in consequence of holiness and virtue
+alone that men attain to regions of blessedness, and fasts and vows
+become efficacious. Subsistence on fruits and roots, the vow of
+silence, living upon air, the shaving of the crown, abandonment of
+a fixed home, the wearing of matted locks on the head, lying under
+the canopy of heaven, daily fasts, the worship of fire, immersion
+in water, and lying on the bare ground,&mdash;these alone cannot
+produce such a result. They only that are possessed of holiness
+succeed, by knowledge and deeds, to conquer disease, decrepitude
+and death, and acquire a high status. As seeds that have been
+scorched by fire do not sprout forth, so the pains that have been
+burnt by knowledge cannot <span class="pagenum">[Pg 413]</span>
+effect the soul. This inert body that is only like a block of wood
+when destitute of souls, is, without doubt, short lived like froth
+in the ocean. He that obtaineth a view of his soul, the soul that
+resideth in every body, by help of one or half of a rhythmic line
+(of the <i>Vedas</i>), hath no more need for anything. Some
+obtaining a knowledge of identity with the Supreme Soul from but
+two letters (of the <i>Vedas</i>) and some from hundreds and
+thousands of rhythmic lines, acquire salvation, for the knowledge
+of one's identity with the Supreme Soul is the sure indication of
+salvation. The men of old, distinguished for their knowledge, have
+said, neither this world nor that hereafter nor bliss can be his
+who is disturbed by doubts. And belief of one's identity with the
+Supreme Soul is the indication of salvation. He that knoweth the
+true meaning of the Vedas, understandeth their true use. Such a man
+is affrighted at the Vedic ritual like a man at sight of a forest
+conflagration. Giving up dry disputation, have recourse to
+<i>Sruti</i> and <i>Smriti</i>, and seek thou, with the aid of thy
+reason, the knowledge of the Undecaying One that is without a
+second. One's search (after this knowledge) becometh futile from
+defect of means. Therefore, should one carefully strive to obtain
+that knowledge by aid of the <i>Vedas</i>. The <i>Vedas</i> are the
+Supreme Soul; they are His body; they are the Truth. The soul that
+is bounded by the animal organism is incompetent to know Him in
+whom all the <i>Vedas</i> merge. That Supreme Soul, however, is
+capable of being known by the pure intellect. The existence of the
+<i>gods</i> as stated in the <i>Vedas</i>, the efficacy of acts,
+and the capacity for action of being furnished with bodies, are
+noticeable in every <i>Yuga</i>. Independence of these and
+annihilation are to be sought from purity of the senses. Therefore,
+the suspension of the function of the senses is the true fasting.
+One may attain to heaven by asceticism, one may obtain objects of
+enjoyment by the practice of charity and may have his sins purged
+off by ablutions in <i>tirthas</i>. But complete emancipation
+cannot be had except by knowledge.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, O great king, by the
+<i>Rishi</i>, Yudhishthira of great fame then said, 'O holy one, I
+desire to listen to the rules about that charity which is
+meritorious.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O great king, O Yudhishthira, the rules about
+charity which thou wishest to hear from me are always highly
+regarded by me. Listen now to the mysteries of charity as expounded
+in the <i>sruti</i> and the <i>smritis</i>! A man that performs a
+<i>sraddha</i> in the conjunction called <i>Gajacchaya</i> at a
+place that is fanned by the leaves of the <i>Aswattha</i> tree
+enjoys the fruits thereof, O Yudhishthira, for a hundred thousand
+<i>kalpas</i>. O king, he that foundeth a <i>dharmasala</i> and
+established there a person to look after all comers, is crowned
+with the merits of all the sacrifices. He that giveth away a horse
+at a <i>tirtha</i> where the current of the river runneth in a
+direction opposite to its general course, reapeth merit that is
+inexhaustible. The guest that comes to one's house for food is none
+other than Indra himself. If he is entertained with food, Indra
+himself conferreth on the best merit that is inexhaustible. As men
+cross seas by vessels, so are the givers mentioned above are saved
+from all their sins. So what is given unto Brahmanas produceth,
+like gift of curds, inexhaustible merits. A gift on particular
+lunations produceth merit that <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+414]</span> is twice as much as a gift on other days. That in a
+particular season produceth merit ten times greater that in other
+seasons. That in a particular year produceth merit a hundred times
+greater than in other years. And lastly, a gift on the last day of
+the last month of the year produceth merit that is inexhaustible. A
+gift also that is made while the Sun is on the solstitial points,
+one again that is made on the last day of the Sun's path through
+Libra, Aries, Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces, a gift again during
+eclipses of the Moon and the Sun, produce merit that is
+inexhaustible. The learned have also said that gifts made during
+the seasons produce merit that is ten times, those made during the
+change of seasons, a hundred times&mdash;and those made during the
+days when <i>Rahu</i> is visible, a thousand times&mdash;greater
+than what is produced by gifts at other time; while a gift made on
+the last day of the Sun's course through Libra and Aries produces
+merit that knows no diminution. O king, no one can enjoy landed
+possessions unless he giveth away land, and no one can go on cars
+and vehicles unless he giveth away these. Indeed a person on
+rebirth obtaineth the fruition of whatever objects he hath in view
+at the time of making a gift to a Brahmana. Gold hath sprung from
+Fire; the Earth from Vishnu; and the cows from the Sun. He,
+therefore, that giveth away gold, land, and kine attaineth all the
+regions of Agni, Vishnu, and the Sun. There is nothing so eternal
+as a gift. Where, therefore, in the three worlds is anything that
+is more auspicious? It is for this, O king, that they who have
+great intelligence say that there is nothing higher and greater in
+the three worlds than gift!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CC</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having, O great king, heard from the
+illustrious Markandeya the history of the attainment of heaven by
+the royal sage Indradyumna, Yudhishthira, that bull of the Bharata
+race, once more asked that sinless <i>Muni</i> endued with great
+ascetic merit and long life, saying, 'Thou knowest, O virtuous one,
+the entire host of the gods, the <i>Danavas</i>, and the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>. Thou art acquainted also with various royal
+genealogies and many eternal lines of <i>Rishis</i>! O best of
+Brahmanas, there is nothing in this world that thou dost not know!
+Thou knowest also, O <i>Muni</i>, many delightful stories about
+<i>men, Snakes</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i>; about gods,
+<i>Gandharvas</i>, and <i>Yakshas</i>, and about <i>Kinnaras</i>
+and <i>Apsaras</i>! I desire now to hear from thee, O best of
+Brahmanas, as to why Kuvalaswa&mdash;that unvanquished king of
+Ikshavaku's race changed his name, assuming another, viz.,
+<i>Dhundhumara</i>. O thou best of Bhrigu's line, I desire to know
+in detail why the name of Kuvalaswa of great intelligence underwent
+such a change!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, the
+great <i>Muni</i> Markandeya, O Bharata, then began the history of
+Dhundhumara!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O royal Yudhishthira, listen to me, I will
+tell thee all! The story of Dhundhumara is a moral one. Listen to
+it then! Listen <span class="pagenum">[Pg 415]</span> now, O king,
+to the story of how the royal Kuvalaswa of Ikshvaku's race came to
+be known as Dhundhumara. O son, O Bharata, there was a celebrated
+<i>Rishi</i> of the name of Utanka and, O thou of the Kuru race,
+Utanka had his hermitage in a delightful wilderness. And, O great
+king, the <i>Rishi</i> Utanka underwent ascetic austerities of the
+severest kind and the lord Utanka underwent those penances for
+numberless years with the object of obtaining the favours of
+Vishnu, and gratified with his penances that illustrious Lord
+presented himself before Utanka. And beholding the Deity, the
+<i>Rishi</i> in all humility began to gratify him with many hymns,
+and Utanka said, "O thou of great effulgence all creatures with the
+gods, <i>Asuras</i> and human beings, all things that are mobile or
+immobile, even <i>Brahma</i> himself, the Vedas, and all things
+that are capable of being known, have, O lord, been created by
+thee! The firmament is thy head, O god, and the sun and the moon
+are thy eyes! And, O Unfading One, the winds are thy breath and
+fire thy energy! The directions of the horizon constitute thy arms
+and the great ocean thy stomach! And, O god, the hills and
+mountains constitute thy thigh and the sky thy hips, O slayer of
+Madhu! The earth constitutes thy feet, and the plants the bristles
+on thy body. And, O lord, Indra and Soma and Agni and Varuna,
+indeed all the gods, the <i>Asuras</i> and the great Snakes all
+wait upon thee with humility, adoring thee with various hymns! O
+Lord of the Universe, created things are pervaded by thee. The
+great <i>Rishis</i> of high energy and ever plunged in ascetic
+meditation, always adore thee. When thou art gratified, the
+universe is in peace. And when thou art angry, terror pervadeth
+every soul. Thou art, O Lord, the great dispeller of all terrors
+and thou art the One Supreme Male Being! Thou art the cause of
+happiness of both gods and human beings! And, O Lord, by three
+steps of thine thou didst cover the three worlds! And it was by
+thee that the <i>Asuras</i> in the height of their power were
+destroyed! It is owing to thy prowess, O God, that the celestials
+obtained peace and happiness and, O thou of great effulgence, it
+was thy anger that destroyed hundred great <i>Daitya</i> chiefs.
+Thou art the Creator and destroyer of all creatures in the world.
+It is by adoring thee that the gods have obtained happiness." It
+was thus, O Yudhishthira, that the high-souled Utanka praised the
+Lord of the senses. And Vishnu, therefore, said unto Utanka, "I am
+gratified with thee. Ask thou the boon that thou desirest." And
+Utanka said, "This indeed hath been a great boon to me, in that I
+have been able to behold Hari, that eternal Being, that divine
+Creator, that Lord of the universe!" Thus addressed Vishnu said, "I
+am gratified with this absence of all desires on thy part and with
+thy devotion, O thou best of men! But, O Brahmanas, O regenerate
+one, thou shouldst of a certainty accept some boon from me!" Thus
+requested by Hari to accept a boon Utanka then, O thou best of
+Bharatas, with joined hands begged a boon saying, "O illustrious
+one, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, if thou hast been gratified
+with me, then let my heart always rest on virtue, truth, and
+self-content. And, O Lord, let my heart always turn to thee in
+devotion." And hearing these words of Utanka, the holy one said, "O
+regenerate one, all this shall happen to thee through my grace. And
+there will also appear in thee a <i>yoga</i> power endued with
+which <span class="pagenum">[Pg 416]</span> thou shalt achieve a
+great thing for the dwellers of Heaven, as also for the triple
+world. Even now a great <i>Asura</i> of the name of Dhundhu is
+undergoing ascetic penances of fierce austerity with the object of
+destroying the triple world. Hear now as to who will slay that
+<i>Asura</i>. O son, there will appear a king of invincible energy
+and great prowess and he will be born in the race of Ikshvaku and
+will be known by the name of Vrihadaswa who will have a son of the
+name of Kuvalaswa endued with great holiness and self-control and
+celebrity. And that best of kings will be furnished with
+<i>yoga</i> power springing from me and urged and commended by
+thee, O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, that king will be the slayer of
+the Asura Dhundhu." And having said these words unto that Brahmana,
+Vishnu disappeared there and then.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O king, after the death of Ikshvaku, a highly
+virtuous king of the name of <i>Sasada</i>, ascending the throne of
+Ayodhya ruled this earth. And from <i>Sasada</i> was descended
+Kakutstha of great energy. And Kakutstha had a son of name Anenas.
+And Anenas had a son named Prithu and Prithu had a son named
+Viswagaswa and from Viswagaswa sprang Adri and from Adri sprang
+Yuvanaswa and from Yuvanaswa sprang Sravastha and it was by this
+Sravastha that the city called <i>Sravasthi</i> was built and from
+Sravastha was descended Vrihadaswa and from Vrihadaswa sprang
+Kuvalaswa and Kuvalaswa had twentyone thousand sons and all these
+sons were fierce and powerful and skilled in learning. And
+Kuvalaswa excelled his father in every quality. And when the time
+came, his father Vrihadaswa installed him&mdash;the brave and
+highly virtuous Kuvalaswa&mdash;on the throne. And having thus made
+over the royal dignity to his son, that slayer of foes&mdash;king
+Vrihadaswa of great intelligence&mdash;retired into the woods for
+asceticism.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O king, when the royal sage Vrihadaswa
+was about to retire into the woods, that best of Brahmanas, Utanka
+heard of it. And Utanka who was possessed of great energy and
+immeasurable soul, approached that foremost of all wielders of
+weapons and best of men. And approaching him, the <i>Rishis</i>
+began to persuade him to give up asceticism. And Utanka said, "O
+king, to protect (the people) is thy duty. It behoveth thee to do
+that duty of thine. Let us be free from all anxiety through thy
+grace. Possessed as thou art of a great soul, protected by thee,
+the earth will be freed from all dangers. Therefore, it behoveth
+thee, not to retire into the woods. Great merit attaches to the act
+of protecting people in this world. Such merit can never be
+acquired in the woods. Let not thy heart, therefore, turn to this
+course. The merit, great king, that was acquired in days of old by
+great royal sages by protecting their subjects was so great that
+nothing equal to it could be seen. The king should always protect
+his subjects. It behoveth thee, therefore, to protect thy people. O
+lord of the earth, I cannot (at present) perform my ascetic
+devotions peacefully. Close to my asylum there is a sea of sands
+known by the name of <i>Ujjalaka.</i> And it <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 417]</span> occupies a level country and is without
+any water. And it extends many <i>yojanas</i> in length and breadth
+and in that desert dwells a chief of the <i>Danavas</i> called
+Dhundhu by name. And Dhundhu is the son of Madhu and Kaitabha, and
+is fierce and terrible and possessed of great prowess. And endued
+with immeasurable energy, that <i>Danava</i>, O king, dwelleth
+under the ground, and, O king, it behoveth thee to retire into the
+woods, having first slain that <i>Asura</i>. That <i>Asura</i> is
+now lying still in the observance of an ascetic penance of great
+austerity and, O king, the object he hath in view is sovereignty
+over the celestials as also of the three worlds. And, O king,
+having obtained a boon from the Grandsire of all creatures, that
+<i>Asura</i> hath become incapable of being slain by the gods and
+<i>Daityas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i> and <i>Gandharvas</i>. Slay
+though him, O king, and blessed be thou and let not thy heart turn
+to any other course. By slaying him thou wilt without doubt,
+achieve a great thing and thou wilt also obtain eternal and undying
+fame. And O king, when at the end of every year that wicked
+<i>Asura</i> lying covered with sands, wakes up and begins to
+breathe, then the whole earth with her mountains, forests and woods
+begins to tremble. And his breath raiseth up clouds of sands, and
+shroudeth the very sun, and for seven days continually the earth
+tremble all over, and sparks and flames of fire mixed with smoke
+spread far around and for all this, O king, I cannot rest in peace
+in my asylum. Slay thou him, O king, for the good of the world.
+Indeed, when that <i>Asura</i> is slain the triple world will be in
+peace and happiness. That thou art competent, O king, to slay that
+<i>Asura</i>, I fully believe. Thy energy will be enhanced by
+Vishnu with the addition of his own. In days of old, O king, Vishnu
+gave this boon that the king who should slay this fierce and great
+<i>Asura</i> would be pervaded by the invincible energy of Vishnu
+himself. Bearing that invincible <i>Vaishnava</i> energy in
+thyself, slay thou, O great king, that <i>Daitya</i> of fierce
+prowess. Possessed as Dhundhu is of mighty energy, no one, O king,
+that is endued with small energy himself will be capable of
+consuming him, even if he were to strive for a hundred
+years."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed by Utanka, that unvanquished
+royal sage, with joined hands, O thou foremost of the Kuru race,
+replied unto Utanka, saying, "This visit of thine, O Brahmana, will
+not be in vain. This my son, O holy one, known by the name of
+Kuvalaswa is endued with steadiness and activity. In prowess also
+he is unequaled on earth. Without doubt he will accomplish all this
+that is agreeable to thee, aided by all his brave sons endued with
+arms like unto iron maces. Give me leave to retire, O Brahmana, for
+I have now given up my weapons." Thus addressed by the king, that
+<i>Muni</i> of immeasurable energy replied unto him, saying, "So be
+it." And the royal sage Vrihadaswa then, having commended his son
+to obey the behest of the high-souled Utanka saying, "Let it be
+done by <span class="pagenum">[Pg 418]</span> thee," himself
+retired into an excellent forest.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O holy one, O thou possessed of the wealth
+of asceticism, who was this <i>Daitya</i> of great energy? Whose
+son and whose grandson was he? I desire to know all this; O thou
+possessed of the wealth of asceticism I never heard of this mighty
+<i>Daitya</i> before. I desire to know all this truly, O holy one,
+and with all particulars in detail, O thou of great wisdom and
+ascetic wealth!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O monarch, know everything as it happened, O
+ruler of men, as I narrate the particulars truly, O thou of great
+wisdom! When the world became one broad expanse of water and
+creatures mobile and immobile were destroyed, when, O bull of the
+Bharata race, the entire creation came to its end, He who is the
+Source and Creator of the Universe, viz., the Eternal and unfading
+Vishnu, He who is called by <i>Munis</i> crowned with ascetic
+success as the Supreme Lord of the Universe, that Being of great
+holiness, then lay in <i>Yoga</i> sleep on the wide hood of the
+Snake Sesha of immeasurable energy, and the Creator of the
+Universe, that highly-blessed and holy Hari, knowing no
+deterioration, lay on the hood of that Snake encircling the whole
+Earth and as the Deity lay asleep on that bed, a lotus, endued with
+great beauty and effulgence equal unto that of the Sun, sprang from
+his navel. And from that lotus possessed of effulgence like unto
+the Sun's, sprang the Grandsire <i>Brahma</i>, that lord of the
+worlds who is the four <i>Vedas</i>, who hath four forms and four
+faces, who is invincible in consequence of his own energy and who
+is endued with mighty strength and great prowess and as the Lord
+Hari of wondrous frame, possessed of great lustre and decked with a
+crown and the <i>Kaustubha</i> gem and attired in purple silk, lay
+stretched for many a <i>yojana</i> on that excellent bed furnished
+by the hood of the snake itself extending far and wide, blazing, O
+king, in his beauty and the lustre of his own body like a thousand
+Suns concentrated in one mass. He was beheld some time after by two
+<i>Danavas</i> of great prowess named Madhu and Kaitabha and
+beholding Hari (in that posture) and the Grandsire with eyes like
+lotus-leaves seated on that lotus, both Madhu and Kaitabha wandered
+much and they began to terrify and alarm Brahma of immeasurable
+prowess, and the illustrious Brahma alarmed by their continued
+exertions trembled on his seat, and at his trembling the stalk of
+the lotus on which he was seated began to tremble and when the
+lotus-stalk trembled, Kesava awoke. And awakened from his slumber,
+Govinda beheld those <i>Danavas</i> of mighty energy, and beholding
+them the Deity said unto them, "Welcome, ye mighty ones! I am
+gratified with you! Therefore, I will grant you excellent boons!"
+And thereupon both those proud and mighty <i>Danavas</i>, O king,
+laughingly replied unto Hrishikesa, saying, "Ask boons of us, O
+Divine one! O thou that art the Supreme Deity, we are disposed to
+grant thee a boon. Indeed, we will grant thee a boon! Therefore,
+ask thou of us anything that cometh to thy mind." Thus addressed by
+them the holy one spoke, "Ye brave ones, I will accept a boon from
+you. There is a boon that I desire. Both of you are possessed of
+mighty energy. There is no male person like unto any of you. O ye
+of unbaffled prowess, submit ye to be slain by me. Even that is
+what I desire to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 419]</span> accomplish
+for the good of the world." Hearing these words of the Deity, both
+Madhu and Kaitabha said, "We have never before spoken an untruth;
+no, not even in jest; what shall we say of other occasions! O thou
+foremost of male Beings, know that we have ever been firm in truth
+and morality. In strength, in forms, in beauty, in virtue, in
+asceticism, in charity, in behaviour, in goodness, in self control,
+there is no one equal unto either of us. A great danger, O Kesava,
+hath approached us. Accomplish thou, therefore, what thou hast
+said. No one can prevail over Time. But, O Lord, there is one thing
+that we desire to be done by thee. O thou best and foremost of all
+Deities, thou must slay us at a spot that is absolutely uncovered.
+And, O thou of excellent eyes, we also desire to become thy sons.
+This is the boon that we desire, know then, O chief of the gods!
+Let not that, O Deity, be false which thou hadst at first promised
+to us." The Holy One then replied unto them saying, "Yes, I will do
+as ye desire. Everything will be as ye wish!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then Govinda began to reflect but
+uncovered space found he none and when he could not discover any
+spot that was uncovered on earth or in the sky, that foremost Deity
+then beheld his thighs to be absolutely uncovered. And there, O
+king, the illustrious Deity cut off the heads of Madhu and Kaitabha
+with his keenedged discus!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The illustrious Dhundhu, O king, was the son
+of Madhu and Kaitabha, and possessed of great energy and prowess,
+he underwent ascetic penances of great austerity and he stood erect
+on one leg and reduced his body to a mass of only veins and
+arteries, and Brahma, gratified with him, gave him a boon. And the
+boon he had asked of the lord Prajapati was in these words, "Let no
+one among the gods, the <i>Danavas</i>, the <i>Rakshas</i>, the
+Snakes, the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the <i>Rakshasas</i> be capable
+of slaying me. Even this is the boon that I ask of thee." And the
+Grandsire replied unto him saying, "Let it be as thou wishest. Go
+thy way." And thus addressed by the Grandsire, the <i>Danava</i>
+placed the feet of the Deity on his head and having thus touched
+with reverence the Deity's feet he went away and possessed of
+mighty energy and prowess. Dhundhu, having obtained the boon
+hastily approached Vishnu remembering the death of his father at
+the hands of that Deity, and the wrathful Dhundhu having vanquished
+the gods with the <i>Gandharvas</i> began to distress all the
+celestials with Vishnu at their head. And at last O bull of the
+Bharata race, that wicked souled <i>Asura</i> arriving at a sea of
+sands known by the name of Ujjalaka, began to distress to the
+utmost of his might the asylum of Utanka. And endued with fierce
+energy, Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha, lay in his
+subterranean cave underneath the sands in the observance of fierce
+ascetic and severe austerities with the object of destroying the
+triple world, and while the <i>Asura</i> lay breathing near the
+asylum of Utanka that <i>Rishi</i> possessed of the splendour of
+fire, king Kualaswa with his troops, accompanied by the Brahmana
+Utanka, as also <span class="pagenum">[Pg 420]</span> by all his
+sons set out for that region, O bull of the Bharata race! And after
+that grinder of foes, the royal Kuvalaswa, had set out, accompanied
+by his twenty-one thousand sons all of whom were exceedingly
+powerful, the illustrious Lord Vishnu filled him with his own
+energy at the command of Utanka and impelled by the desire of
+benefiting the triple world and while that invincible hero was
+proceeding on his way a loud voice was heard in the sky repeating
+the words, "This fortunate and unslayable one will become the
+destroyer of Dhundhu to-day." And the gods began to shower upon him
+celestial flowers. And the celestial kettle drums began to sound
+their music although none played upon them. And during the march of
+that wise one, cool breezes began to blow and the chief of the
+celestials poured gentle showers wetting the dust on the roads and,
+O Yudhishthira, the cars of the celestials could be seen high over
+the spot where the mighty <i>Asura</i> Dhundhu was. The gods and
+<i>Gandharvas</i> and great <i>Rishis</i> urged by curiosity, came
+there to behold the encounter between Dhundhu and Kuvalaswa and, O
+thou of the Kuru race, filled by Narayana with his own energy, king
+Kuvalaswa, aided by his sons, soon surrounded that sea of sands and
+the king ordered that wilderness to be excavated and after the
+king's sons had excavated that sea of sands for seven days, they
+could see the mighty <i>Asura</i> Dhundhu. And, O bull of the
+Bharata race, the huge body of that <i>Asura</i> lay within those
+sands, effulgent in its own energy like the Sun himself. And
+Dhundhu, O king, was lying covering the western region of the
+desert and surrounded on all sides by the sons of Kuvalaswa, the
+<i>Danava</i> was assaulted with sharp-pointed shafts and maces and
+heavy and short clubs and axes and clubs, with iron spikes and
+darts and bright and keen-edged swords, and thus assaulted, the
+mighty <i>Danava</i> rose from his recumbent posture in wrath. And
+enraged, the <i>Asura</i> began to swallow those various weapons
+that were hurled at him and he vomited from his mouth fiery flames
+like unto those of the fire called <i>Samvarta</i> that appeareth
+at the end of the <i>Yuga</i> and by those flames of his, the
+<i>Asura</i> consumed all the sons of the king and, O tiger among
+men, like the Lord Kapila of old consuming the sons of king Sagara,
+the infuriated <i>Asura</i> overwhelming the triple world with the
+flames vomited from his mouth, achieved that wonderful feat in a
+moment. And, O thou best of the Bharatas, when all those sons of
+king Kuvalaswa were consumed by the fire emitted by the
+<i>Asura</i> in wrath, the monarch, possessed as he was of mighty
+energy, then approached the <i>Danava</i> who, like unto a second
+Kumbhakarna of mighty energy, had come to the encounter after
+waking from his slumbers. From the body of the king, O monarch,
+then began to flow a mighty and copious stream of water and that
+stream soon extinguished, O king, the fiery flames emitted by the
+<i>Asura</i>. And, O great king, the royal Kuvalaswa, filled with
+<i>Yoga</i> force, having extinguished those flames by the water
+that issued from his body, consumed that <i>Daitya</i> of wicked
+prowess with the celebrated weapon called <i>Brahma</i> for
+relieving the triple world of its fears, and the royal sage
+Kuvalaswa, having consumed that great <i>Asura</i>, that foe of the
+celestials and slayer of all enemies, by means of that weapon
+became like unto a second chief of the triple world and the
+high-souled king Kuvalaswa having slain <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+421]</span> the <i>Asura</i> Dhundhu, became from that time known
+by the name of <i>Dhundhumara</i> and from that time he came to be
+regarded as invincible in battle, and the gods and the great
+<i>Rishis</i> who had come to witness that encounter were so far
+gratified with him that they addressed him saying, "Ask thou a boon
+of us!" And thus solicited by the gods, the king bowed to them and
+filled with joy, the king said unto them, with joined hands these
+words, "Let me be always able to give wealth unto superior
+Brahmanas! Let me be invincible as regards all foes! Let there be
+friendship between myself and Vishnu! Let me have no ill-feeling
+towards any creature! Let my heart always turn to virtue! And let
+me (finally) dwell in heaven for ever!" And the gods and the
+<i>Rishis</i> and Utanka, hearing this were exceedingly gratified
+and all of them said, "Let it be as thou wishest!" And, O king,
+having also blessed him with many other speeches, the gods and the
+great <i>Rishis</i> then went away to their respective abodes. And,
+O Yudhishthira, after the slaughter of all his sons, king Kuvalaswa
+had still three sons left, and, O thou of the Bharata race, they
+were called <i>Dridaswa</i> and <i>Kapilaswa</i> and
+<i>Chandraswa</i>. It is from them, O king, that the illustrious
+line of kings belonging to Ikshvaku's race, all possessed of
+immeasurable prowess, hath sprung.</p>
+<p>"'It was thus, O best of king, that that great <i>Daitya</i> of
+the name Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha was slain by
+Kuvalaswa and it was for this also that king came to be called by
+the name of <i>Dhundhumara</i>. And indeed, the name he assumed was
+no empty one but was literally true.</p>
+<p>"'I have now told thee all that thou hadst asked me, viz., all
+about that person in consequence of whose act the story of
+Dhundhu's death hath become famous. He that listeneth to this holy
+history connected with the glory of Vishnu, becometh virtuous and
+obtaineth children. By listening to this story on particular
+lunations, one becometh blessed with long life and great good
+fortune. And freed from every anxiety one ceaseth to have any fear
+of diseases.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O thou foremost of the Bharata race, king
+Yudhishthira then asked the illustrious Markandeya a difficult
+question about morality, saying, 'I desire to hear, O holy one,
+about the high and excellent virtue of women. I desire to hear from
+thee, O Brahmana, discourse about the subtle truths of morality. O
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, O best of men, the Sun, the Moon, the
+Wind, the Earth, the Fire, the father, the mother, the
+preceptor&mdash;these and other objects ordained by the gods,
+appear to us as Deities embodied! All these that are reverend ones
+are worthy of our best regard. So also is the woman who adoreth one
+lord. The worship that chaste wives offer unto their husbands
+appeareth to me to be fraught with great difficulty. O adorable
+one, it behoveth thee to discourse to us of the high and excellent
+virtue of chaste wives&mdash;of wives who restraining all their
+senses and keeping their hearts under complete control regard their
+husbands as veritable gods. O holy and adorable one, all this
+appears to me to be exceedingly difficult <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+422]</span> of accomplishment. O regenerate one, the worship that
+sons offer to their mothers and fathers and that wives offer to
+their husbands, both seem to me to be highly difficult. I do not
+behold anything that is more difficult than the severe virtue of
+chaste women. O Brahmana, the duties that women of good behaviour
+discharge with care and the conduct that is pursued by good sons
+towards their fathers and mothers appear to me to be most difficult
+of performance. Those women that are each devoted to but one lord,
+they that always speak the truth, they that undergo a period of
+gestation for full ten months&mdash;there is nothing, O Brahmana,
+that is more difficult than that is done by these. O worshipful
+one, women bring forth their offspring with great hazard to
+themselves and great pain and rear their children, O bull among
+Brahmanas, with great affection! Those persons also who being
+always engaged in acts of cruelty and thereby incurring general
+hatred, succeed yet in doing their duties accomplish what, in my
+opinion, is exceedingly difficult. O regenerate one, tell me the
+truths of the duties of the Kshatriya order. It is difficult, O
+twice-born one, for those high-souled ones to acquire virtue who by
+the duties of their order are obliged to do what is cruel. O holy
+one, thou art capable of answering all questions; I desire to hear
+thee discourse on all this. O thou foremost of Bhrigu's race, I
+desire to listen to all this, waiting respectfully on thee, O thou
+of excellent vows!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O thou foremost of the Bharata race, I will
+discourse to thee on all this truly, however difficult of answer
+thy question may be. Listen to me, therefore, as I speak unto thee.
+Some regard the mother as superior and some the father. The mother,
+however, that bringeth forth and reareth up offspring what is more
+difficult. Fathers also, by ascetic penances, by worship of the
+gods, by adorations addressed to them, by bearing cold and heat, by
+incantations and other means desire to have children. And having by
+these painful expedients obtained children that are so difficult of
+acquisition, they then, O hero, are always anxious about the future
+of their sons and, O Bharata, both the father and the mother desire
+to see in their sons fame and achievements and prosperity and
+offspring and virtue. That son is virtuous who realises these hopes
+of his parents. And, O great king, that son with whom the father
+and the mother are gratified, achieveth eternal fame and eternal
+virtue both here and thereafter. As regards women again, neither
+sacrifice nor <i>sraddhas</i>, nor fasts are of any efficacy. By
+serving their husbands only they can win heaven. O king, O
+Yudhishthira, remembering this alone, listen thou with attention to
+the duties of chaste women.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'There was, O Bharata, a virtuous ascetic of
+the name of Kausika and endued with wealth of asceticism and
+devoted to the study of the <i>Vedas</i>, he was a very superior
+Brahmana and that best of Brahmanas studied all the <i>Vedas</i>
+with the <i>Angas</i> and the <i>Upanishadas</i> and one day he was
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 423]</span> reciting the <i>Vedas</i> at
+the foot of a tree and at that time there sat on the top of that
+tree a female crane and that she-crane happened at that time to
+befoul the Brahmana's body and beholding that crane the Brahmana
+became very angry and thought of doing her an injury and as the
+Brahmana cast his angry glances upon the crane and thought also of
+doing her an injury, she fell down on the ground and beholding the
+crane thus fallen from the tree and insensible in death, the
+Brahmana was much moved by pity and the regenerate one began to
+lament for the dead crane saying, "Alas, I have done a bad deed,
+urged by anger and malice!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having repeated these words many times,
+that learned Brahmana entered a village for procuring alms. And, O
+bull of the Bharata race, in course of his eleemosynary round among
+the houses of persons of good lineage, the Brahmana entered one
+such house that he knew from before. And as he entered the house,
+he said, "<i>Give</i>." And he was answered by a female with the
+word, "<i>Stay</i>." And while the housewife was engaged, O king,
+in cleaning the vessel from which alms are given, her husband, O
+thou best of the Bharatas, suddenly entered the house, very much
+afflicted with hunger. The chaste housewife beheld her husband and
+disregarding the Brahmana, gave her lord water to wash his feet and
+face and also a seat and after that the black-eyed lady, placing
+before her lord savoury food and drink, humbly stood beside him
+desirous of attending to all his wants. And, O Yudhishthira, that
+obedient wife used every day to eat the orts of her husband's plate
+and, always conducting herself in obedience to the wishes of the
+lord, that lady ever regarded her husband, and all her heart's
+affections inclined towards her lord. Of various and holy behaviour
+and skilful in all domestic duties and attentive to all her
+relatives, she always did what was agreeable and beneficial to her
+husband and she also, with rapt senses attended to the worship of
+the gods and the wants of guests and servants and her mother-in-law
+and father-in-law.</p>
+<p>"'And while the lady of handsome eyes was still engaged in
+waiting upon her lord, she beheld that Brahmana waiting for alms
+and beholding him, she remembered that she had asked him to wait.
+And remembering all this, she felt abashed. And then that chaste
+woman possessed of great fame, took something for alms and went
+out, O thou foremost of the Bharatas, for giving it unto that
+Brahmana. And when she came before him, the Brahmana said, "O best
+of women, O blessed one, I am surprised at thy conduct! Having
+requested me to wait saying, '<i>Stay</i>' thou didst not dismiss
+me!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, beholding that Brahmana
+filled with wrath and blazing with his energy, that chaste woman
+began to conciliate him and said, "O learned one, it behoveth thee
+to forgive me. My husband is my supreme god. He came hungry and
+tired and was being served and waited upon by me." Hearing this,
+the Brahmana said, "With thee Brahmanas are not worthy of superior
+regard. Exaltest thou thy husband above them? Leading a domestic
+life, dost thou disregard Brahmanas? Indra himself boweth down unto
+them, what shall I say of men on earth. Proud woman, dost thou not
+know it, hast thou never heard it, that the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 424]</span> Brahmanas are like fire and may consume
+the entire earth?" At these words of that Brahmana the woman
+answered, "I am no she-crane, O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>! O thou
+that art endued with the wealth of asceticism, cast off this anger
+of thine. Engaged as thou are, what canst thou do to me with these
+angry glances of thine? I do not disregard Brahmanas. Endued with
+great energy of soul, they are like unto the gods themselves. But,
+O sinless one, this fault of mine it behoveth thee to forgive. I
+know the energy and high dignity of Brahmanas that are possessed of
+wisdom. The waters of the ocean have been made brackish and
+undrinkable by the wrath of the Brahmanas. I know also the energy
+of <i>Munis</i> of souls under complete control and endued with
+blazing ascetic merit. The fire of their wrath to this day hath not
+been extinguished in the forest of Dandaka. It was for his having
+disregarded the Brahmanas that the great <i>Asura</i>&mdash;the
+wicked and evil-minded Vatapi was digested when he came in contact
+with Agastya. It hath been heard by us that the powers and merits
+of high-souled Brahmanas are great. But, O Brahmana, as regenerate
+ones of high souls are great in wrath, so are they equally great in
+forgiveness. Therefore, O sinless one, it behoveth thee to forgive
+me in the matter of this my offence. O Brahmana, my heart inclineth
+to that merit which springeth from the service of my husband, for I
+regard my husband as the highest among all the gods. O best of
+Brahmanas, I practise that virtue which consists in serving my
+husband whom I regard as the highest Deity. Behold, O regenerate
+one, the merit that attaches to the service of one's husband! I
+know that thou hast burnt a she-crane with thy wrath! But, O best
+of regenerate ones, the anger that a person cherishes is the
+greatest of foes which that person hath. The gods know him for a
+Brahmana who hath cast off anger and passion. The gods know him for
+a Brahmana who always speaketh the truth here, who always
+gratifieth his preceptor, and who, though injured himself, never
+returneth the injury. The gods know him for a Brahmana who hath his
+senses under control, who is virtuous and pure and devoted to the
+study of the Vedas, and who hath mastery over anger and lust. The
+gods know him for a Brahmana who, cognisant of morals and endued
+with mental energy, is catholic in religion and looketh upon all
+equal unto himself. The gods know him for a Brahmana who studieth
+himself and teacheth others, who performeth sacrifices himself and
+officiateth at the sacrifices of others, and who giveth away to the
+best of his means. The gods know that bull among the regenerate
+ones for a Brahmana who, endued with liberality of soul, practiseth
+the <i>Brahmacharya</i> vow and is devoted to study,&mdash;in fact
+who is vigilantly devoted to the study of the <i>Vedas</i>.
+Whatever conduceth to the happiness of the Brahmanas is always
+recited before these. Ever taking pleasure in truth, the hearts of
+such men never find joy in untruth. O thou best of regenerate ones,
+it hath been said that the study of the Vedas, tranquillity of
+soul, simplicity of behaviour, and repression of the senses,
+constitute the eternal duties of the Brahmana. Those cognisant with
+virtue and morals have said that truth and honesty are the highest
+virtue. Virtue that is eternal is difficult of being understood.
+But whatever it is, it is based on <i>truth</i>. The ancients have
+declared that virtue <span class="pagenum">[Pg 425]</span>
+dependeth on <i>sruti</i>. But, O foremost of regenerate ones,
+virtue as exposed in <i>sruti</i> appears to be of various kinds.
+It is, therefore, too subtle of comprehension. Thou, O holy one,
+art cognisant of virtue, pure, and devoted to the study of the
+<i>Vedas</i>. I think, however, O holy one, that thou dost not know
+what virtue in reality is. Repairing to the city of Mithila,
+enquire thou of a virtuous fowler there, if indeed, O regenerate
+one, thou art not really acquainted with what constitutes the
+highest virtue. There liveth in Mithila a fowler who is truthful
+and devoted to the service of his parents and who hath senses under
+complete control. Even he will discourse to thee on virtue. Blessed
+be thou, O best of regenerate ones, if thou likest, repair thither.
+O faultless one, it behoveth thee to forgive me, if what I have
+said be unpalatable, for they that are desirous of acquiring virtue
+are incapable of injuring women!"</p>
+<p>"'At these words of the chaste woman, the Brahmana replied,
+saying, "I am gratified with thee. Blessed be thou; my anger hath
+subsided, O beautiful one! The reproofs uttered by thee will be of
+the highest advantage to me. Blessed be thou, I shall now go and
+accomplish what is so conducive, O handsome one, to my
+benefit!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Dismissed by her, Kausika, that best of
+regenerate ones, left her house, and, reproaching himself, returned
+to his own abode.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Continually reflecting upon that wonderful
+discourse of the woman, Kausika began to reproach himself and
+looked very much like a guilty person and meditating on the subtle
+ways of morality and virtue, he said to himself, "I should accept
+with reverence what the lady hath said and should, therefore,
+repair to Mithila. Without doubt there dwelleth in that city a
+fowler of soul under complete control and fully acquainted with the
+mysteries of virtue and morality. This very day will I repair unto
+that one endued with wealth of asceticism for enquiring of him
+about virtue." His faith in her was assured by her knowledge of the
+death of the she-crane and the excellent words of virtuous import
+she had uttered. Kausika thus reflecting with reverence upon all
+she had said, set out for Mithila, filled with curiosity. And he
+traversed many forests and villages and towns and at last reached
+Mithila that was ruled over by Janaka and he beheld the city to be
+adorned with the flags of various creeds. And he beheld that
+beautiful town to be resounding with the noise of sacrifices and
+festivities and furnished with splendid gateways. It abounded with
+palatial residences and protected by walls on all sides; it had
+many splendid buildings to boast of. And that delightful town was
+also filled with innumerable cars. And its streets and roads were
+many and well-laid and many of them were lined with shops. And it
+was full of horses and cars and elephants and warriors. And the
+citizens were all in health and joy and they were always engaged in
+festivities. And having entered that city, that Brahmana beheld
+there many other things. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 426]</span> And
+there the Brahmana enquired about the virtuous fowler and was
+answered by some twice-born persons. And repairing to the place
+indicated by those regenerate ones, the Brahmana beheld the fowler
+seated in a butcher's yard and the ascetic fowler was then selling
+venison and buffalo meat and in consequence of the large concourse
+of buyers gathered round that fowler, Kausika stood at a distance.
+But the fowler, apprehending that the Brahmana had come to him,
+suddenly rose from his seat and went to that secluded spot where
+the Brahmana was staying and having approached him there, the
+fowler said, "I salute thee, O holy one! Welcome art thou, O thou
+best of Brahmanas! I am the fowler. Blessed be thou! Command me as
+to what I may do for thee. The word that the chaste woman said unto
+thee, viz., <i>Repair thou to Mithila</i>, are known to me. I also
+know for what purpose thou hast come hither." Hearing these words
+of the fowler that Brahmana was filled with surprise. And he began
+to reflect inwardly, saying, "This indeed, is the second marvel
+that I see!" The fowler then said unto the Brahmana, saying, "Thou
+art now standing in place that is scarcely proper for thee, O
+sinless one. If it pleasest thee, let us go to my abode, O holy
+one!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, '"<i>So be it</i>," said the Brahmana
+unto him, gladly. And thereupon, the fowler proceeded towards his
+home with the Brahmana walking before him. And entering his abode
+that looked delightful, the fowler reverenced his guest by offering
+him a seat. And he also gave him water to wash his feet and face.
+And accepting these, that best of Brahmanas sat at his ease. And he
+then addressed the fowler, saying, "It seems to me that this
+profession doth not befit thee. O fowler, I deeply regret that thou
+shouldst follow such a cruel trade." At these words of the Brahmana
+the fowler said, "This profession is that of my family, myself
+having inherited it from my sires and grandsires. O regenerate one,
+grieve not for me owing to my adhering to the duties that belong to
+me by birth. Discharging the duties ordained for me beforehand by
+the Creator, I carefully serve my superiors and the old. O thou
+best of Brahmanas! I always speak the truth, never envy others; and
+give to the best of my power. I live upon what remaineth after
+serving the gods, guests, and those that depend on me. I never
+speak ill of anything, small or great. O thou best of Brahmanas,
+the actions of a former life always follow the doer. In this world
+there are three principal professions, viz., agriculture, rearing
+of cattle, and trade. As regards the other world, the three
+<i>Vedas</i>, knowledge, and the science of morals are efficacious.
+Service (of the other three orders) hath been ordained to be the
+duty of the Sudra. Agriculture hath been ordained for the Vaisyas,
+and fighting for the Kshatriyas, while the practice of the
+<i>Brahmacharya</i> vow, asceticism, recitation of <i>mantras</i>,
+and truthfulness have been ordained for the Brahmanas. Over
+subjects adhering to their proper duties, the king should rule
+virtuously; while he should set those thereto that have fallen away
+from the duties of their order. Kings should ever be feared,
+because they are the lords of their subjects. They restrain those
+subjects of theirs that fall away from their duties as they
+restrain the motions of the deer by means of their shafts. O
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, there existeth not in the kingdom
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 427]</span> of Janaka a single subject
+that followeth not the duties of his birth. O thou best of the
+Brahmanas, all the four orders here rigidly adhere to their
+respective duties. King Janaka punisheth him that is wicked, even
+if he be his own son; but never doth he inflict pain on him that is
+virtuous. With good and able spies employed under him, he looketh
+upon all with impartial eyes. Prosperity, and kingdom, and capacity
+to punish, belong, O thou best of Brahmanas, to the Kshatriyas.
+Kings desire high prosperity through practice of the duties that
+belong to them. The king is the protector of all the four orders.
+As regards myself, O Brahmana, I always sell pork and buffalo meat
+without slaying those animals myself. I sell meat of animals, O
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i>, that have been slain by others. I never
+eat meat myself; never go to my wife except in her season; I always
+fast during the day, and eat, O regenerate one, in the night. Even
+though the behaviour of his order is bad, a person may yet be
+himself of good behaviour. So also a person may become virtuous,
+although he may be slayer of animals by profession. It is in
+consequence of the sinful acts of kings that virtue decreaseth
+greatly, and sin beginneth to prosper. And when all this taketh
+place the subjects of the kingdom begin to decay. And it is then, O
+Brahmana, that ill-looking monsters, and dwarfs, and hunch-backed
+and large-headed wights, and men that are blind or deaf or those
+that have paralysed eyes or are destitute of the power of
+procreation, begin to take their birth. It is from the sinfulness
+of kings that their subjects suffer numerous mischiefs. But this
+our king Janaka casteth his eyes upon all his subjects virtuously,
+and he is always kind unto them who, on their part, ever adhere to
+their respective duties. Regarding myself, I always with good deeds
+please those that speak well, as also those that speak ill of me.
+Those kings that live in the observance of their own proper duties,
+who are always engaged in the practice of acts that are good and
+honest, who are of souls under complete control and who are endued
+with readiness and alacrity, may not depend upon anything else for
+supporting their power. Gift of food to the best of one's power,
+endurance of heat and cold, firmness in virtue, and a regard and
+tenderness for all creatures,&mdash;these attributes can never find
+place in a person, without an innate desire being present in him of
+separating himself from the world. One should avoid falsehood in
+speech, and should do good without solicitation. One should never
+cast off virtue from lust, from wrath, or from malice. One should
+never joy immoderately at a good turn or grieve immoderately at a
+bad one. One should never feel depressed when overtaken by poverty,
+nor when so overtaken abandon the path of virtue. If at any time
+one doth what is wrong, he should never do its like again. One
+should always urge his soul to the doing of that which he regardeth
+as beneficial. One should never return wrong for wrong, but should
+act honestly by those that have wronged him. That wretched man who
+desireth to do what is sinful, slayeth himself. By doing what is
+sinful, one only imitates them that are wicked and sinful.
+Disbelieving in virtue they that mock the good and the pure saying,
+'<i>There is no virtue</i>' undoubtedly meet with destruction. A
+sinful man swelleth up like a leather bag puffed up with wind. The
+thoughts of these wretches filled <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+428]</span> with pride and folly are feeble and unprofitable. It is
+the heart, the inner soul, that discovereth the fool like the sun
+that discovereth forms during the day. The food cannot always shine
+in the world by means of self-praise. The learned man, however,
+even if he be destitute of beauty, displayeth his lustre by
+refraining from speaking ill of others and well of himself. No
+example, however, can be met with, in this world, of a person
+shining brilliantly on account of attributes to be found in him in
+their reputed measure. If one repenteth of a wrong done by him,
+that repentance washeth off his sin. The resolution of never doing
+it again saveth him from future sin, even as, O thou best of
+Brahmanas, he may save himself from sin by any of those expiations
+obtained in the scriptures. Even this, O regenerate one, is the
+<i>sruti</i> that may be seen in respect of virtue. He that having
+before been virtuous, committeth a sin, or committeth it
+unknowingly may destroy that sin. For virtue, O Brahmana, driveth
+off the sin that men commit from ignorance. A man, after having
+committed a sin, should cease to regard himself any longer as a
+man. No man can conceal his sins. The gods behold what one does,
+also the Being that is within every one. He that with piety and
+without detraction hideth the faults of the honest and the wise
+like holes in his own attire, surely seeketh his salvation. If a
+man seeketh redemption after having committed a sin, without doubt
+he is purged of all his sins and looketh pure and resplendent like
+the moon emerged from the clouds. A man that seeketh redemption is
+washed of all his sins, even as the sun, upon rising, dispelleth
+all darkness. O best of Brahmanas, it is temptation that
+constitutes the basis of sin. Men that are ignorant commit sin,
+yielding to temptation alone. Sinful men generally cover themselves
+with a virtuous exterior, like wells whose mouths are covered by
+long grass. Outwardly they seem to possess self-control and
+holiness and indulge in preaching virtuous texts which, in their
+mouth are of little meaning. Indeed, everything may be noticed in
+them except conduct that is truly virtuous!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'At these words, O best of men, of the
+fowler, that Brahmana endued with great wisdom, then asked the
+fowler, saying, "How shall I know what is virtuous conduct? Blessed
+be thou, I desire to hear this, O thou foremost of virtuous men,
+from thee. Therefore, O thou of exalted soul, tell me all about it
+truly." Hearing these words, the fowler replied, saying, "O best of
+Brahmanas, Sacrifices, Gift, Asceticism, the Vedas, and
+Truth&mdash;these five holy things are ever present in conduct that
+is called virtuous. Having subjugated lust and wrath, pride,
+avarice, and crookedness, they that take pleasure in virtue because
+it is virtue, are regarded as really virtuous and worthy of the
+approbation of persons that are virtuous. These persons who are
+devoted to sacrifices, and study of the Vedas have no independent
+behaviour. They follow only the practices of the honest and the
+good. This indeed, is the second attribute of the virtuous. Waiting
+upon superiors, Truth, Freedom from anger, and Gift, these four, O
+Brahmana, are inseparably connected with behaviour that is
+virtuous. For the reputation that a person acquires by setting his
+heart on virtuous behaviour and adhering to it rigidly is incapable
+of acquisition except by <span class="pagenum">[Pg 429]</span>
+practising the four virtues named above. The essence of the
+<i>Vedas</i> is Truth: the essence of Truth is self-control, and
+the essence of self-control is abstention from the pleasures of the
+world. These all are to be noticed in behaviour that is virtuous.
+They that follow those deluded fools that mock the forms of faith
+prevailing among men, are dragged into destruction for walking in
+such a sinful path. They, however, that are virtuous and engaged in
+the observance of vows, who are devoted to the <i>srutis</i> and
+the virtue of abstention from the pleasure of the world, they in
+fact who tread in virtue's path and follow the true religion, they
+that are obedient to the mandates of their preceptors, and who
+reflect upon the sense of the scriptures with patience and
+carefulness,&mdash;it is these that are said to be possessed of
+behaviour that is virtuous; it is these, O Brahmana, that are said
+to properly guide their higher intelligence. Forsaking those that
+are atheists, those that transgress virtue's limits, those that are
+of wicked souls, those that live in sinfulness, betake thyself to
+knowledge reverencing those that are virtuous. Lust and temptation
+are even like sharks in the river of life; the waters are the five
+senses. Do thou cross over to the other side of this river in the
+boat of patience and resignation, avoiding the shoals of corporeal
+existence (repeated births in this world). The supreme virtue
+consisting in the exercise of the intelligent principle and
+abstraction, when gradually super-added to virtuous conduct,
+becomes beautiful like dye on white fabrics. Truthfulness and
+abstention from doing injury to any one, are virtues highly
+beneficial to all creatures. Of these, that latter is a cardinal
+virtue, and is based on truth. Our mental faculties have their
+proper play when their foundation is laid in truth, and in the
+exercise of virtue truth is of the highest value. Purity of conduct
+is the characteristic of all good men. Those that are distinguished
+for holy living are good and virtuous. All creatures follow the
+principles of conduct which are innate in their nature. The sinful
+being who has no control over self acquires lust, anger and other
+vices. It is the immemorial rule that virtuous actions are those
+that are founded on justice, and it is also ordained by holy men
+that all iniquitous conduct is sin. Those who are not swayed by
+anger, pride, haughtiness and envy, and those who are quiet and
+straight-forward, are men of virtuous conduct. Those who are
+diligent in performing the rites enjoined in the three
+<i>Vedas</i>, who are wise, and of pure and virtuous conduct, who
+exercise self-restraint and are full of attention to their
+superior, are men of virtuous conduct. The actions and conduct of
+such men of great power, are very difficult of attainment. They are
+sanctified by the purification of their own actions, and
+consequently sin in them dies out of itself. This virtue of good
+conduct is wonderful, ancient, immutable and eternal; and wise men
+observing this virtue with holiness, attain to heaven. These men
+who believe in the existence of the Deity, who are free from false
+pride, and versed in holy writ, and who respect regenerate
+(twice-born) men, go to heaven. Among holy men, virtue is
+differentiated in three ways&mdash;that great virtue which is
+inculcated in the <i>Vedas</i>, the other which is inculcated in
+the <i>dharmashastras</i> (the minor scriptures), and virtuous
+conduct. And virtuous conduct is indicated by acquisition of
+knowledge, pilgrimage to sacred places, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+430]</span> truthfulness, forbearance, purity and
+straight-forwardness. Virtuous men are always kind to all
+creatures, and well-disposed towards regenerate men. They abstain
+from doing injury to any creature, and are never rude in speech.
+Those good men who know well the consequences of the fruition of
+their good and evil deeds, are commended by virtuous men. Those who
+are just and good-natured, and endowed with virtue, who wish well
+of all creatures, who are steadfast in the path of virtue, and have
+conquered heaven, who are charitable, unselfish and of unblemished
+character, who succour the afflicted, and are learned and respected
+by all, who practise austerities, and are kind to all creatures,
+are commended as such by the virtuous. Those who are charitably
+disposed attain prosperity in this world, as also the regions of
+bliss (hereafter). The virtuous man when solicited for assistance
+by good men bestow alms on them by straining to the utmost, even to
+the deprivation of the comforts of his wife and servants. Good men
+having an eye to their own welfare, as also virtue and the ways of
+the world, act in this way and thereby grow in virtue through
+endless ages. Good persons possessing the virtues of truthfulness,
+abstention from doing injury to any one, rectitude, abstention from
+evil towards any one, want of haughtiness, modesty, resignation,
+self-restraint, absence of passion, wisdom, patience, and kindness
+towards all creatures, and freedom from malice and lust, are the
+witnesses of the world. These three are said to constitute the
+perfect way of the virtuous, viz., a man must not do wrong to any
+body, he must bestow alms, and must always be truthful. Those
+high-souled good men of virtuous conduct, and settled convictions,
+who are kind to all and are full of compassion, depart with
+contentment from this world to the perfect way of virtue. Freedom
+from malice, forbearance, peace of mind, contentment, pleasant
+speech, renunciation of desire and anger, virtuous conduct and
+actions regulated according to the ordinances of holy writ,
+constitute the perfect way of the virtuous. And those who are
+constant in virtue follow these rules of virtuous conduct, and
+having reached the pinnacle of knowledge, and discriminating
+between the various phases of human conduct, which are either very
+virtuous or the reverse, they escape from the great danger. Thus, O
+great Brahmana, having introduced the subject of virtuous conduct,
+have I described to thee all this, according to my own knowledge
+and to what I have heard on the subject."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The pious fowler, O Yudhishthira, then
+said to that Brahmana, "Undoubtedly my deeds are very cruel, but, O
+Brahmana, Destiny is all-powerful and it is difficult to evade the
+consequence of our past actions. And this is the <i>karmic evil</i>
+arising out of sin committed in a former life. But, O Brahmana, I
+am always assiduous in eradicating the evil. The Deity takes away
+life, the executioner acts only as a secondary agent. And we, O
+good Brahmana, are only such agents in regard to our <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 431]</span> <i>karma</i>. Those animals that are
+slain by me and whose meat I sell, also acquire <i>karma</i>,
+because (with their meat), gods and guests and servants are regaled
+with dainty food and the <i>manes</i> are propitiated. It is said
+authoritatively that herbs and vegetables, deer, birds and wild
+animals constitute the food of all creatures. And, O Brahmana, king
+Sivi, the son of Usinara, of great forbearance attained to heaven,
+which is hard to reach, giving away his own flesh. And in days of
+yore, O Brahmana, two thousand animals used to be killed every day
+in the kitchen of king Rantideva; and in the same manner two
+thousand cows were killed every day; and, O best of regenerate
+beings, king Rantideva acquired unrivalled reputation by
+distributing food with meat every day. For the performance of the
+fourmonthly rites animals ought to be sacrificed daily. 'The sacred
+fire is fond of animal food,' this saying has come down to us. And
+at sacrifices animals are invariably killed by regenerate
+Brahmanas, and these animals being purged of sin, by incantation of
+hymns, go to heaven. If, O Brahmana, the sacred fire had not been
+so fond of animal food in ancient times, it could never have become
+the food of any one. And in this matter of animal food, this rule
+has been laid down by <i>Munis</i>:&mdash;Whoever partakes of
+animal food after having first offered it duly and respectfully to
+the gods and the <i>manes</i>, is not polluted by the act. And such
+a man is not at all considered to have partaken of animal food,
+even, as a Brahmacharin having intercoursed with his wife during
+the menstrual period, is nevertheless considered to be a good
+Brahmana. After consideration of the propriety and impropriety of
+the matter, this rule has been laid down. King Saudasa, O Brahmana,
+when under a curse, often used to prey upon men; what is thy
+opinion of this matter? And, O good Brahmana, knowing this to be
+the consequence of my own actions, I obtain my livelihood from this
+profession. The forsaking of one's own occupation is considered, O
+Brahmana, to be a sin, and the act of sticking to one's own
+profession is without doubt a meritorious act. The <i>Karma</i> of
+a former existence never forsakes any creature. And in determining
+the various consequences of one's <i>Karma</i>, this rule was not
+lost sight of by the Creator. A person having his being under the
+influence of evil <i>Karma</i>, must always consider how he can
+atone for his <i>Karma</i>, and extricate himself from an evil
+doom, and the evil <i>Karma</i> may be expiated in various ways.
+Accordingly, O good Brahmana, I am charitable, truthful, assiduous
+in attending on my superior, full of respect towards regenerate
+Brahmanas, devoted to and free from pride and (idle) excessive
+talk. Agriculture is considered to be a praiseworthy occupation,
+but it is well-known that even there, great harm is done to animal
+life; and in the operation of digging the earth with the plough,
+numberless creatures lurking in the ground as also various other
+forms of animal life are destroyed. Dost thou not think so? O good
+Brahmana, <i>Vrihi</i> and other seeds of rice are all living
+organisms. What is thy opinion on this matter? Men, O Brahmana,
+hunt wild animals and kill them and partake of their meat; they
+also cut up trees and herbs; but, O Brahmana, there are numberless
+living organisms in trees, in fruits, as also in water; dost thou
+not think so? This whole creation, O Brahmana, is full of animal
+life, sustaining itself <span class="pagenum">[Pg 432]</span> with
+food derived from living organisms. Dost thou not mark that fish
+preys upon fish, and that various species of animals prey upon
+other species, and there are species the members of which prey upon
+each other? Men, O Brahmana, while walking about hither and
+thither, kill numberless creatures lurking in the ground by
+trampling on them, and even men of wisdom and enlightenment destroy
+animal life in various ways, even while sleeping or reposing
+themselves. What hast thou to say to this?&mdash;The earth and the
+air all swarm with living organisms, which are unconsciously
+destroyed by men from mere ignorance. Is not this so? The
+commandment that people should not do harm to any creature, was
+ordained of old by men, who were ignorant of the true facts of the
+case. For, O Brahmana, there is not a man on the face of this
+earth, who is free from the sin of doing injury to creatures. After
+full consideration, the conclusion is irresistible that there is
+not a single man who is free from the sin of doing injury to animal
+life. Even the sage, O good Brahmana, whose vow is to do harm to no
+creature, doth inflict injury to animal life. Only, on account of
+greater needfulness, the harm is less. Men of noble birth and great
+qualities perpetrate wicked acts in defiance of all, of which they
+are not at all ashamed. Good men acting in an exemplary way are not
+commended by other good men; nor are bad men acting in a contrary
+way praised by their wicked compeers; and friends are not agreeable
+to friends, albeit endowed with high qualities; and foolish
+pedantic men cry down the virtues of their preceptors. This
+reversal of the natural order of things, O good Brahmana, is seen
+everywhere in this world. What is thy opinion as to the
+virtuousness or otherwise of this state of things? There is much
+that can be said of the goodness or badness of our actions. But
+whoever is addicted to his own proper occupation surely acquires
+great reputation."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O Yudhishthira, the virtuous fowler,
+eminent in pity, then skilfully addressed himself again to that
+foremost of Brahmanas, saying, "It is the dictum of the aged that
+the ways of righteousness are subtle, diverse and infinite. When
+life is at stake and in the matter of marriage, it is proper to
+tell an untruth. Untruth sometimes leads to the triumph of truth,
+and the latter dwindles into untruth. Whichever conduces most to
+the good of all creatures is considered to be truth. Virtue is thus
+perverted; mark thou its subtle ways. O best of virtuous men, man's
+actions are either good or bad, and he undoubtedly reaps their
+fruits. The ignorant man having attained to an abject state,
+grossly abuses the gods, not knowing that it is the consequence of
+his own evil <i>karma</i>. The foolish, the designing and the
+fickle, O good Brahmana, always attain the very reverse of
+happiness or misery. Neither learning nor good morals, nor personal
+exertion can save them. And if the fruits of our exertion were not
+dependent on anything else, people would attain the object of their
+desire, by simply striving to attain it. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+433]</span> It is seen that able, intelligent and diligent persons
+are baffled in their efforts, and do not attain the fruits of their
+actions. On the other hand, persons who are always active in
+injuring others and in practising deception on the world, lead a
+happy life. There are some who attain prosperity without any
+exertion. And there are others, who with the utmost exertion, are
+unable to achieve their dues. Miserly persons with the object of
+having sons born to them worship the gods, and practise severe
+austerities, and those sons having remained in the womb for ten
+months at length turn out to be very infamous issue of their race;
+and others begotten under the same auspices, decently pass their
+lives in luxury with heaps of riches and grain accumulated by their
+ancestors. The diseases from which men suffer, are undoubtedly the
+result of their own <i>karma</i>. They then behave like small deer
+at the hands of hunters, and they are racked with mental troubles.
+And, O Brahmana, as hunters intercept the flight of their game, the
+progress of those diseases is checked by able and skilful
+physicians with their collections of drugs. And, thou best of the
+cherishers of religion, thou hast observed that those who have it
+in their power to enjoy (the good things of this earth), are
+prevented from doing so from the fact of their suffering from
+chronic bowel-complaints, and that many others that are strong and
+powerful, suffer from misery, and are enabled with great difficulty
+to obtain a livelihood; and that every man is thus helpless,
+overcome by misery and illusion, and again and again tossed and
+overpowered by the powerful current of his own actions
+(<i>karma</i>). If there were absolute freedom of action, no
+creature would die, none would be subject to decay, or await his
+evil doom, and everybody would attain the object of his desire. All
+persons desire to out distance their neighbours (in the race of
+life), and they strive to do so to the utmost of their power; but
+the result turns out otherwise. Many are the persons born under the
+influence of the same star and the same auspices of good luck; but
+a great diversity is observable in the maturity of their actions.
+No person, O good Brahmana, can be the dispenser of his own lot.
+The actions done in a previous existence are seen to fructify in
+our present life. It is the immemorial tradition that the soul is
+eternal and everlasting, but the corporeal frame of all creatures
+is subject to destruction here (below). When therefore life is
+extinguished, the body only is destroyed, but the spirit, wedded to
+its actions, travels elsewhere."</p>
+<p>"'The Brahmana replied, "O best of those versed in the doctrine
+of <i>karma</i>, and in the delivery of discourses, I long to know
+accurately how the soul becomes eternal." The fowler replied, "The
+spirit dies not, there being simply a change of tenement. They are
+mistaken, who foolishly say that all creatures die. The soul
+betakes itself to another frame, and its change of habitation is
+called its death. In the world of men, no man reaps the
+consequences of another man's <i>karma</i>. Whatever one does, he
+is sure to reap the consequences thereof; for the consequences of
+the <i>karma</i> that is once done, can never be obviated. The
+virtuous become endowed with great virtues, and sinful men become
+the perpetrators of wicked deeds. Men's actions follow them; and
+influenced by these, they are born again." The Brahmana enquired,
+"Why does the spirit take its birth, and why does its nativity
+become sinful or virtuous, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 434]</span>
+and how, O good man, does it come to belong to a sinful or virtuous
+race?" The fowler replied, "This mystery seems to belong to the
+subject of procreation, but I shall briefly describe to you, O good
+Brahmana, how the spirit is born again with its accumulated load of
+<i>karma</i>, the righteous in a virtuous, and the wicked in a
+sinful nativity. By the performance of virtuous actions it attains
+to the state of the gods, and by a combination of good and evil, it
+acquires the human state; by indulgence in sensuality and similar
+demoralising practices it is born in the lower species of animals,
+and by sinful acts, it goes to the infernal regions. Afflicted with
+the miseries of birth and dotage, man is fated to rot here below
+from the evil consequences of his own actions. Passing through
+thousands of births as also the infernal regions, our spirits
+wander about, secured by the fetters of their own <i>karma</i>.
+Animate beings become miserable in the next world on account of
+these actions done by themselves and from the reaction of those
+miseries, they assume lower births and then they accumulate a new
+series of actions, and they consequently suffer misery over again,
+like sickly men partaking of unwholesome food; and although they
+are thus afflicted, they consider themselves to be happy and at
+ease and consequently their fetters are not loosened and new
+<i>karma</i> arises; and suffering from diverse miseries they turn
+about in this world like a wheel. If casting off their fetters they
+purify themselves by their actions and practise austerities and
+religious meditations, then, O best of Brahmanas, they attain the
+Elysian regions by these numerous acts and by casting off their
+fetters and by the purification of <i>karma</i>, men attain those
+blissful regions where misery is unknown to those who go there. The
+sinful man who is addicted to vices, never comes to the end of his
+course of iniquities. Therefore must we strive to do what is
+virtuous and forbear from doing what is unrighteous. Whoever with a
+heart full of gratefulness and free from malice strives to do what
+is good, attains wealth, virtue, happiness and heaven (hereafter).
+Those who are purified of sins, wise, forbearing, constant in
+righteousness, and self-restrained enjoy continuous felicity in
+this as well as in the next world. Man must follow the standard of
+virtue of the good and in his acts imitate the example of the
+righteous. There are virtuous men, versed in holy writ and learned
+in all departments of knowledge. Man's proper duty consists in
+following his own proper avocation, and this being the case these
+latter do not become confused and mixed up. The wise man delights
+in virtue and lives by righteousness. And, O good Brahmana, such a
+man with the wealth of righteousness which he hereby acquires,
+waters the root of the plant in which he finds most virtue. The
+virtuous man acts thus and his mind is calmed. He is pleased with
+his friends in this world and he also attains happiness hereafter.
+Virtuous people, O good man, acquire dominion over all and the
+pleasure of beauty, flavour, sound and touch according to their
+desire. These are known to be the rewards of virtue. But the man of
+enlightened vision, O great Brahmana, is not satisfied with reaping
+the fruits of righteousness. Not content with that, he with the
+light of spiritual wisdom that is in him, becomes indifferent to
+pain and pleasure and the vice of the world influenceth him not. Of
+his own free will he becometh <span class="pagenum">[Pg 435]</span>
+indifferent to worldly pursuits but he forsaketh not virtue.
+Observing that everything worldly is evanescent, he trieth to
+renounce everything and counting on more chance he deviseth means
+for the attainment of salvation. Thus doth he renounce the pursuits
+of the world, shunneth the ways of sin, becometh virtuous and at
+last attaineth salvation. Spiritual wisdom is the prime requisite
+of men for salvation, resignation and forbearance are its roots. By
+this means he attaineth all the objects of this desire. But
+subduing the senses and by means of truthfulness and forbearance,
+he attaineth, O good Brahmana, the supreme asylum of
+<i>Brahma</i>." The Brahmana again enquired, "O thou most eminent
+in virtue and constant in the performance of the religious
+obligations, you talk of senses; what are they; how may they be
+subdued; and what is the good of subduing them; and how doth a
+creature reap the fruits thereof? O pious man, I beg to acquaint
+myself with the truth of this matter."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Hear, O king Yudhishthira what the
+virtuous fowler, thus interrogated by that Brahmana, said to him in
+reply. The fowler said, "Men's minds are at first bent on the
+acquisition of knowledge. That acquired, O good Brahmana, they
+indulge in their passions and desires, and for that end, they
+labour and set about tasks of great magnitude and indulge in
+much-desired pleasures of beauty, flavour, &amp;c. Then follows
+fondness, then envy, then avarice and then extinction of all
+spiritual light. And when men are thus influenced by avarice, and
+overcome by envy and fondness, their intellect ceases to be guided
+by righteousness and they practise the very mockery of virtue.
+Practising virtue with hypocrisy, they are content to acquire
+wealth by dishonourable means with the wealth thus acquired the
+intelligent principle in them becomes enamoured of those evil ways,
+and they are filled with a desire to commit sins. And when, O good
+Brahmana, their friends and men of wisdom remonstrate with them,
+they are ready with specious answers, which are neither sound nor
+convincing. From their being addicted to evil ways, they are guilty
+of a threefold sin. They commit sin in thought, in word, as also in
+action. They being addicted to wicked ways, all their good
+qualities die out, and these men of wicked deeds cultivate the
+friendship of men of similar character, and consequently they
+suffer misery in this world as well as in the next. The sinful man
+is of this nature, and now hear of the man of virtue. He discerns
+these evils by means of his spiritual insight, and is able to
+discriminate between happiness and misery, and is full of
+respectful attention to men of virtue, and from practising virtues,
+his mind becomes inclined to righteousness." The Brahmana replied,
+"Thou hast given a true exposition of religion which none else is
+able to expound. Thy spiritual power is great, and thou dost appear
+to me to be like a great <i>Rishi</i>." The fowler replied, "The
+great Brahmanas are worshipped with the same honours as our
+ancestors and they are always propitiated with offerings of food
+before others. Wise men in this world do what is pleasing
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 436]</span> to them, with all their
+heart. And I shall, O good Brahmana, describe to thee what is
+pleasing to them, after having bowed down to Brahmanas as a class.
+Do thou learn from me the Brahmanic philosophy. This whole universe
+unconquerable everywhere and abounding in great elements, is
+Brahma, and there is nothing higher than this. The earth, air,
+water, fire and sky are the great elements. And form, odour, sound,
+touch and taste are their characteristic properties. These latter
+too have their properties which are also correlated to each other.
+And of the three qualities, which are gradually characterised by
+each, in order of priority is consciousness which is called the
+mind. The seventh is intelligence and after that comes egoism; and
+then the five senses, then the soul, then the moral qualities
+called <i>sattwa, rajas</i> and <i>tamas</i>. These seventeen are
+said to be the unknown or incomprehensible qualities. I have
+described all this to thee, what else dost thou wish to
+know?"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the Brahmana, thus
+interrogated by the virtuous fowler, resumed again this discourse
+so pleasing to the mind. The Brahmana said, "O best of the
+cherishers of religion, it is said that there are five great
+elements; do thou describe to me in full the properties of any one
+of the five." The fowler replied, "The earth, water, fire, air and
+sky all have properties interlapping each other. I shall describe
+them to thee. The earth, O Brahmana, has five qualities, water
+four, fire three and the air and sky together three also. Sound,
+touch, form, odour and taste&mdash;these five qualities belong to
+earth, and sound, touch, form and taste, O austere Brahmana, have
+been described to thee as the properties of water, and sound, touch
+and form are the three properties of fire and air has two
+properties sound and touch, and sound is the property of sky. And,
+O Brahmana, these fifteen properties inherent in five elements,
+exist in all substances of which this universe is composed. And
+they are not opposed to one another; they exist, O Brahmana, in
+proper combination. When this whole universe is thrown into a state
+of confusion, then every corporeal being in the fulness of time,
+assumes another <i>corpus</i>. It arises and perishes in due order.
+And there are present the five elementary substances of which all
+the mobile and immobile world is composed. Whatever is perceptible
+by the senses, is called <i>vyakta</i> (knowable or comprehensible)
+and whatever is beyond the reach of the senses and can only be
+perceived by guesses, is known to be <i>avyakta</i> (not
+<i>vyakta</i>). When a person engages in the discipline of
+self-examination, after having subdued the senses which have of
+their own proper objective play in the external conditions of
+sound, form, &amp;c, then he beholds his own spirit pervading the
+universe, and the universe reflected in itself. He who is wedded to
+his previous <i>karma</i>, although skilled in the highest
+spiritual wisdom, is cognisant only of his soul's objective
+existence, but the person whose soul is never affected by the
+objective conditions around, is never subject to ills, owing to its
+absorption in the elementary spirit of Brahma. When a person
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 437]</span> has overcome the domination
+of illusion, his manly virtues consisting of the essence of
+spiritual wisdom, turn to the spiritual enlightenment which
+illumines the intelligence of sentient beings. Such a person is
+styled by the omnipotent, intelligent Spirit as one who is without
+beginning and without end, self-existent, immutable, incorporeal
+and incomparable. This, O Brahmana, that thou hast enquired of me
+is only the result of self discipline. And this self-discipline can
+only be acquired by subduing the senses. It cannot be otherwise,
+heaven and hell are both dependent on our senses. When subdued,
+they lead to heaven; when indulged in, they lead to perdition. This
+subjugation of the senses is the highest means of attaining
+spiritual light. Our senses are at the (cause) root of our
+spiritual advancement as also at the root of our spiritual
+degradation. By indulging in them, a person undoubtedly contracts
+vices, and by subduing these, he attains salvation. The
+self-restrained person who acquires mastery over the six senses
+inherent in our nature, is never tainted with sin, and consequently
+evil has no power over him. Man's corporeal self has been compared
+to a chariot, his soul to a charioteer and his senses to horses. A
+dexterous man drives about without confusion, like a quiet
+charioteer with well-broken horses. That man is an excellent driver
+who knows how to patiently wield the reins of those wild
+horses,&mdash;the six senses inherent in our nature. When our
+senses become ungovernable like horses on the high road, we must
+patiently rein them in; for with patience, we are sure to get the
+better of them. When a man's mind is overpowered by any one of
+these senses running wild, he loses his reason, and becomes like a
+ship tossed by storms upon the high ocean. Men are deceived by
+illusion in hoping to reap the fruits of those six things, whose
+effects are studied by persons of spiritual insight, who thereby
+reap the fruits of their clear perception."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the fowler having expounded
+these abstruse points, the Brahmana with great attention again
+enquired of him about these subtle topics. The Brahmana said, "Do
+thou truly describe to me, who now duly ask thee, the respective
+virtues of the qualities of <i>sattwa, rajas</i>, and
+<i>tamas</i>." The fowler replied, "Very well, I shall tell thee
+what thou hast asked. I shall describe separately their respective
+virtues, do thou listen. Of them <i>tamas</i> is characterised by
+illusion (spiritual), <i>rajas</i> incites (men to action),
+<i>sattwa</i> is of great grandeur, and on that account, it is said
+to be the greatest of them. He who is greatly under the influence
+of spiritual ignorance, who is foolish, senseless and given to
+dreaming, who is idle, unenergetic and swayed by anger and
+haughtiness, is said to be under the influence of <i>tamas</i>.
+And, O Brahmana <i>rishi</i>, that excellent man who is agreeable
+in speech, thoughtful, free from envy, industrious in action from
+an eager desire to reap its fruits, and of warm temperament, is
+said to be under the influence of <i>rajas</i>. And he who is
+resolute, patient, not subject to <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+438]</span> anger, free from malice, and is not skilful in action
+from want of a selfish desire to reap its fruits, wise and
+forbearing, is said to be under the influence of <i>sattwa</i>.
+When a man endowed with the <i>sattwa</i> quality, is influenced by
+worldliness, he suffers misery; but he hates worldliness, when he
+realises its full significance. And then a feeling of indifference
+to worldly affairs begins to influence him. And then his pride
+decreases, and uprightness becomes more prominent, and his
+conflicting moral sentiments are reconciled. And then
+self-restraint in any matter becomes unnecessary. A man, O
+Brahmana, may be born in the Sudra caste, but if he is possessed of
+good qualities, he may attain the state of <i>Vaisya</i> and
+similarly that of a <i>Kshatriya</i>, and if he is steadfast in
+rectitude, he may even become a Brahmana. I have described to thee
+these virtues, what else dost thou wish to learn?"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXII</h2>
+<p>"'The Brahmana enquired, "How is it that fire (vital force) in
+combination with the earthly element (matter), becomes the
+corporeal tenement (of living creatures), and how doth the vital
+air (the breath of life) according to the nature of its seat (the
+muscles and nerves) excite to action (the corporeal frame)?"'
+Markandeya said, 'This question, O Yudhishthira, having been put to
+the Brahmana by the fowler, the latter, in reply, said to that
+high-minded Brahmana. (The fowler said):&mdash;"The vital spirit
+manifesting itself in the seat of consciousness, causes the action
+of the corporeal frame. And the soul being present in both of them
+acts (through them). The past, the present and the future are
+inseparably associated with the soul. And it is the highest of a
+creature's possessions; it is of the essence of the Supreme Spirit
+and we adore it. It is the animating principle of all creatures,
+and it is the eternal <i>pumsha</i> (spirit). It is great and it is
+the intelligence and the <i>ego</i>, and it is the subjective seat
+of the various properties of elements. Thus while seated here (in a
+corporeal frame) it is sustained in all its relations external or
+internal (to matter or mind) by the subtle ethereal air called
+<i>prana</i>, and thereafter, each creature goes its own way by the
+action of another subtle air called <i>Samana</i>. And this latter
+transforming itself into <i>Apana</i> air, and supported by the
+head of the stomach carries the refuse matter of the body, urine
+&amp;c, to the kidneys and intestines. That same air is present in
+the three elements of effort, exertion and power, and in that
+condition it is called <i>Udana</i> air by persons learned in
+physical science, and when manifesting itself by its presence at
+all the junctional points of the human system, it is known by the
+name <i>Vyana</i>. And the internal heat is diffused over all the
+tissues of our system, and supported by these kinds of air, it
+transforms our food and the tissues and the humours of our system.
+And by the coalition of <i>Prana</i> and other airs, a reaction
+(combination) ensues, and the heat generated thereby is known as
+the internal heat of the human system which causes the digestion of
+our food. The <i>Prana</i> and the <i>Apana</i> air are interposed
+within the <i>Samana</i> and the <i>Udana</i> air. And the heat
+generated by their coalition causes the growth of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 439]</span> the body (consisting of the seven
+substances, bones, muscles, &amp;c). And that portion of its seat
+extending to as far as the rectum is called <i>Apana</i>; and from
+that arteries arise in the five airs <i>Prana</i>, &amp;c. The
+<i>Prana</i> air, acted on by the heat strikes against the
+extremity of the <i>Apana</i> region and then recoiling, it reacts
+on the heat. Above the navel is the region of undigested food and
+below it the region of digestion. And the <i>Prana</i> and all
+other airs of the system are seated in the navel. The arteries
+issuing from the heart run upwards and downwards, as also in
+oblique directions; they carry the best essence of our food, and
+are acted upon by the ten <i>Prana</i> airs. This is the way by
+which patient <i>Yogins</i> who have overcome all difficulties, and
+who view things with an impartial and equal eye, with their souls
+seated in the brain, find the Supreme Spirit, the <i>Prana</i> and
+the <i>Apana</i> airs are thus present in the body of all
+creatures. Know that the spirit is embodied in corporeal disguise,
+in the eleven allotropous conditions (of the animal system), and
+that though eternal, its normal state is apparently modified by its
+accompaniments,&mdash;even like the fire purified in its
+pan,&mdash;eternal, yet with its course altered by its
+surroundings; and that the divine thing which is kindred with the
+body is related to the latter in the same way as a drop of water to
+the sleek surface of a lotus-leaf on which it rolls. Know that
+<i>sattwa, rajas</i> and <i>tamas</i>, are the attributes of all
+life and that life is the attribute of spirit, and that the latter
+again is an attribute of the Supreme Spirit. Inert, insensible
+matter is the seat of the living principle, which is active in
+itself and induces activity in others. That thing by which the
+seven worlds are incited to action is called the most high by men
+of high spiritual insight. Thus in all these elements, the eternal
+spirit does not show itself, but is perceived by the learned in
+spiritual science by reason of their high and keen perception. A
+pure-minded person, by purification of his heart, is able to
+destroy the good and evil effect of his actions and attains eternal
+beatitude by the enlightenment of his inward spirit. That state of
+peace and purification of heart is likened to the state of a person
+who in a cheerful state of mind sleeps soundly, or the brilliance
+of a lamp trimmed by a skillful hand. Such a pure-minded person
+living on spare diet perceives the Supreme Spirit reflected in his
+own, and by practising concentration of mind in the evening and
+small hours of the night, he beholds the Supreme Spirit which has
+no attributes, in the light of his heart, shining like a dazzling
+lamp, and thus he attains salvation. Avarice and anger must be
+subdued by all means, for this act constitutes the most sacred
+virtue that people can practise and is considered to be the means
+by which men can cross over to the other side of this sea of
+affliction and trouble. A man must preserve his righteousness from
+being overcome by the evil consequences of anger, his virtues from
+the effects of pride, his learning from the effects of vanity, and
+his own spirit from illusion. Leniency is the best of virtues, and
+forbearance is the best of powers, the knowledge of our spiritual
+nature is the best of all knowledge, and truthfulness is the best
+of all religious obligations. The telling of truth is good, and the
+knowledge of truth may also be good, but what conduces to the
+greatest good of all creatures, is known as the highest truth. He
+whose actions are <span class="pagenum">[Pg 440]</span> performed
+not with the object of securing any reward or blessing, who has
+sacrificed all to the requirements of his renunciation, is a real
+<i>Sannyasin</i> and is really wise. And as communion with Brahma
+cannot be taught to us, even by our spiritual preceptor,&mdash;he
+only giving us a clue to the mystery&mdash;renunciation of the
+material world is called <i>Yoga</i>. We must not do harm to any
+creature and must live in terms of amity with all, and in this our
+present existence, we must not avenge ourselves on any creature.
+Self-abnegation, peace of mind, renunciation of hope, and
+equanimity,&mdash;these are the ways by which spiritual
+enlightenment can always be secured; and the knowledge of self
+(one's own spiritual nature) is the best of all knowledge. In this
+world as well as hereafter, renouncing all worldly desires and
+assuming a stoic indifference, wherein all suffering is at rest,
+people should fulfil their religious duties with the aid of their
+intelligence. The <i>muni</i> who desires to obtain <i>moksha</i>
+(salvation), which is very difficult to attain, must be constant in
+austerities, forbearing, self-restrained, and must give up that
+longing fondness which binds him to the things of this earth. They
+call these the attributes of the Supreme Spirit. The <i>gunas</i>
+(qualities or attributes) that we are conscious of, reduce
+themselves to <i>agunas</i> (non-gunas) in Him; He is not bound by
+anything, and is perceptible only by the expansion and development
+of our spiritual vision; as soon as the illusion of ignorance is
+dispelled, this supreme unalloyed beatitude is attained. By
+foregoing the objects of both pleasure and pain and by renouncing
+the feelings which bind him to the things of this earth, a man may
+attain Brahma (Supreme Spirit or salvation). O good Brahmana, I
+have now briefly explained to thee all this, as I have heard. What
+else dost thou wish to know?"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'When, O Yudhishthira, all this mystery of
+salvation was explained to that Brahmana, he was highly pleased and
+he said addressing the fowler, "All this that thou hast explained,
+is rational, and it seems to me that there is nothing in connection
+with the mysteries of religion which thou dost not know." The
+fowler replied, "O good and great Brahmana, thou shalt perceive
+with thine own eyes, all the virtue that I lay claim to, and by
+reason of which I have attained this blissful state. Rise,
+worshipful sir, and quickly enter this inner apartment. O virtuous
+man, it is proper that thou shouldst see my father and my mother."'
+Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed the Brahmana went in, and
+beheld a fine beautiful mansion. It was a magnificent house divided
+in four suites of rooms, admired by gods and looking like one of
+their palaces; it was also furnished with seats and beds, and
+redolent of excellent perfumes. His revered parents clad in white
+robes, having finished their meals, were seated at ease. The
+fowler, beholding them, prostrated himself before them with his
+head at their feet. His aged parents then addressed him thus,
+"Rise, O man of piety, rise, may righteousness shield thee; we are
+much pleased with thee for thy piety; mayst thou <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 441]</span> be blessed with a long life, and with
+knowledge, high intelligence, and fulfilment of thy desires. Thou
+art a good and dutiful son, for, we are constantly and reasonably
+looked after by thee, and even amongst the celestials thou hast not
+another divinity to worship. By constantly subduing thyself, thou
+hast become endowed with the self-restraining power of Brahmanas
+and all thy grandsires and ancestors are constantly pleased with
+thee for thy self-restraining virtues and for thy piety towards us.
+In thought, word or deed thy attention to us never flags, and it
+seems that at present thou hast no other thought in thy mind (save
+as to how to please us). As Rama, the son of Jamadagni, laboured to
+please his aged parents, so hast thou, O Son, done to please us,
+and even more." Then the fowler introduced the Brahmana to his
+parents and they received him with the usual salutation of welcome,
+and the Brahmana accepting their welcome, enquired if they, with
+their children and servants, were all right at home, and if they
+were always enjoying good health at that time (of life). The aged
+couple replied, "At home, O Brahmana, we are all right, with all
+our servants. Hast thou, adorable sir, reached this place without
+any difficulty?"' Markandeya continued, 'The Brahmana replied,
+"Yes, I have." Then the fowler addressing himself to the Brahmana
+said to him, "These my parents, worshipful sir, are the idols that
+I worship; whatever is due to the gods, I do unto them. As the
+thirty-three gods with Indra at their head are worshipped by men,
+so are these aged parents of mine worshipped by me. As Brahmanas
+exert themselves for the purpose of procuring offering for their
+gods, so do I act with diligence for these two (idols of mine).
+These my father and mother, O Brahmana, are my supreme gods, and I
+seek to please them always with offering of flowers, fruits and
+gems. To me they are like the three sacred fires mentioned by the
+learned; and, O Brahmana, they seem to me to be as good as
+sacrifices or the four <i>Vedas</i>. My five life-giving airs, my
+wife and children and friends are all for them (dedicated to their
+service). And with my wife and children I always attend on them. O
+good Brahmana, with my own hands I assist them in bathing and also
+wash their feet and give them food and I say to them only what is
+agreeable, leaving out what is unpleasant. I consider it to be my
+highest duty to do what is agreeable to them even though it be not
+strictly justifiable. And, O Brahmana, I am always diligent in
+attending on them. The two parents, the sacred fire, the soul and
+the spiritual preceptor, these five, O good Brahmana, are worthy of
+the highest reverence from a person who seeks prosperity. By
+serving them properly, one acquires the merit of perpetually
+keeping up the sacred fire. And it is the eternal and invariable
+duty of all householders."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The virtuous fowler, having introduced
+his (both) parents to that Brahmana as his highest <i>gurus</i>,
+again spoke to him as follows, "Mark thou the power of this virtue
+of mine, by which my inner <span class="pagenum">[Pg 442]</span>
+spiritual vision is extended. For this, thou wast told by that
+self-restrained, truthful lady, devoted to her husband, 'Hie thee
+to Mithila; for there lives a fowler who will explain to thee, the
+mysteries of religion.'" The Brahmana said, "O pious man, so
+constant in fulfilling thy religious obligations, bethinking myself
+of what that truthful good-natured lady so true to her husband,
+hath said, I am convinced that thou art really endowed with every
+high quality." The fowler replied, "I have no doubt, my lord, that
+what that lady, so faithful to her husband, said to thee about me,
+was said with full knowledge of the facts. I have, O Brahmana,
+explained to thee all this as a matter of favour. And now, good
+sir, listen to me. I shall explain what is good for thee. O good
+Brahmana, of irreproachable character, thou hast wronged thy father
+and thy mother, for thou hast left home without their permission,
+for the purpose of learning the <i>Vedas</i>. Thou hast not acted
+properly in this matter, for thy ascetic and aged parents have
+become entirely blind from grief at thy loss. Do thou return home
+to console them. May this virtue never forsake thee. Thou art
+high-minded, of ascetic merit, and always devoted to thy religion
+but all these have become useless to thee. Do thou without delay
+return to console thy parents. Do have some regard for my words and
+not act otherwise; I tell thee what is good for thee, O Brahmana
+<i>Rishi</i>. Do thou return home this very day." The Brahmana
+replied, "This that thou hast said, is undoubtedly true; mayst
+thou, O pious man, attain prosperity; I am much pleased with thee."
+The fowler said, "O Brahmana, as thou practisest with assiduousness
+those divine, ancient, and eternal virtues which are so difficult
+of attainment even by pure-minded persons, thou appearest (to me)
+like a divine being. Return to the side of thy father and mother
+and be quick and diligent in honouring thy parents; for, I do not
+know if there is any virtue higher than this." The Brahmana
+replied, "By a piece of singular good luck have I arrived here, and
+by a piece of similar good luck have I thus been associated with
+thee. It is very difficult to find out, in our midst, a person who
+can so well expound the mysteries of religion; there is scarcely
+one man among thousands, who is well versed in the science of
+religion. I am very glad, O great man, to have secured thy
+friendship; mayst thou be prosperous. I was on the point of falling
+into hell, but was extricated by thee. It was destined to be so,
+for thou didst (unexpectedly) come in my way. And, O great man, as
+the fallen King Yayati was saved by his virtuous grandsons
+(daughter's sons), so have I know been saved by thee. According to
+thy advice, I shall honour my father and my mother; for a man with
+an impure heart can never expound the mysteries of sin and
+righteousness. As it is very difficult for a person born in the
+Sudra class to learn the mysteries of the eternal religion, I do
+not consider thee to be a Sudra. There must surely be some mystery
+in connection with this matter. Thou must have attained the Sudra's
+estate by reason of the fruition of thine own past <i>karma</i>. O
+magnanimous man, I long to know the truth about this matter. Do
+thou tell it to me with attention and according to thy own
+inclination."</p>
+<p>"'The fowler replied, "O good Brahmana, Brahmanas are worthy of
+all respect from me. Listen, O sinless one, to this story of a
+previous existence <span class="pagenum">[Pg 443]</span> of mine. O
+son of an excellent Brahmana, I was formerly a Brahmana, well-read
+in the <i>Vedas</i>, and an accomplished student of the
+<i>Vedangas</i>. Through my own fault I have been degraded to my
+present state. A certain king, accomplished in the science of
+<i>dhanurveda</i> (science of archery), was my friend; and from his
+companionship, O Brahmana, I, too became skilled in archery; and
+one day the king, in company with his ministers and followed by his
+best warriors, went out on a hunting expedition. He killed a large
+number of deer near a hermitage. I, too, O good Brahmana,
+discharged a terrible arrow. And a <i>rishi</i> was wounded by that
+arrow with its head bent out. He fell down upon the ground, and
+screaming loudly said, 'I have harmed no one, what sinful man has
+done this?' And, my lord, taking him for a deer, I went up to him
+and found that he was pierced through the body by my arrow. On
+account of my wicked deed I was sorely grieved (in mind). And then
+I said to that <i>rishi</i> of severe ascetic merit, who was loudly
+crying, lying upon the ground, 'I have done this unwittingly, O
+<i>rishi</i>.' And also this I said to the <i>muni</i>: 'Do thou
+think it proper to pardon all this transgression.' But, O Brahmana,
+the <i>rishi</i>, lashing himself into a fury, said to me, 'Thou
+shalt be born as a cruel fowler in the Sudra class.'"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXV</h2>
+<p>"'The fowler continued, "Thus cursed by that <i>rishi</i>, I
+sought to propitiate him with these words: 'Pardon me, O
+<i>muni</i>, I have done this wicked deed unwittingly. It behooves
+thee to pardon all that. Do thou, worshipful sir, soothe yourself.'
+The <i>rishi</i> replied, 'The curse that I have pronounced can
+never be falsified, this is certain. But from kindness towards
+thee, I shall do thee a favour. Though born in the Sudra class thou
+shalt remain a pious man and thou shalt undoubtedly honour thy
+parents; and by honouring them thou shalt attain great spiritual
+perfection; thou shalt also remember the events of thy past life
+and shalt go to heaven; and on the expiation of this curse, thou
+shalt again become a Brahmana.' O best of men, thus, of old was I
+cursed by that <i>rishi</i> of severe power, and thus was he
+propitiated by me. Then, O good Brahmana, I extricated the arrow
+from his body, and took him into the hermitage, but he was not
+deprived of his life (recovered). O good Brahmana, I have thus
+described to thee what happened to me of old, and also how I can go
+to heaven hereafter." The Brahmana said, "O thou of great
+intelligence, all men are thus subject to happiness or misery, thou
+shouldst not therefore grieve for that. In obedience to the customs
+of thy (present) race, thou hast pursued these wicked ways, but
+thou art always devoted to virtue and versed in the ways and
+mysteries of the world. And, O learned man, these being the duties
+of thy profession, the stain of evil <i>karma</i> will not attach
+to thee. And after dwelling here for some little time, thou shalt
+again become a Brahmana; and even now, I consider thee to be a
+Brahmana, there is no doubt about this. For the Brahmana who is
+vain and haughty, who is addicted to vices and wedded to evil and
+degrading practices, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 444]</span> is like
+a Sudra. On the other hand, I consider a Sudra who is always
+adorned with these virtues,&mdash;righteousness, self-restraint,
+and truthfulness,&mdash;as a Brahmana. A man becomes a Brahmana by
+his character; by his own evil <i>karma</i> a man attains an evil
+and terrible doom. O good man, I believe that sin in thee has now
+died out. Thou must not grieve for this, for men, like thee who art
+so virtuous and learned in the ways and mysteries of the world, can
+have no cause for grief."</p>
+<p>"'The fowler replied, "The bodily afflictions should be cured
+with medicines, and the mental ones with spiritual wisdom. This is
+the power of knowledge. Knowing this, the wise should not behave
+like boys. Men of low intelligence are overpowered with grief at
+the occurrence of something which is not agreeable to them, or
+non-occurrence of something which is good or much desired. Indeed,
+all creatures are subject to this characteristic (of grief or
+happiness). It is not merely a single creature or class that is
+subject to misery. Cognisant of this evil, people quickly mend
+their ways, and if they perceive it at the very outset they succeed
+in curing it altogether. Whoever grieves for it, only makes himself
+uneasy. Those wise men whose knowledge has made them happy and
+contented, and who are indifferent to happiness and misery alike,
+are really happy. The wise are always contented and the foolish
+always discontented. There is no end to discontentment, and
+contentment is the highest happiness. People who have reached the
+perfect way, do not grieve, they are always conscious of the final
+destiny of all creatures. One must not give way to discontent<a id="footnotetag17" name="footnotetag17"></a><a href="#footnote17"><sup>17</sup></a> for it is like a virulent poison.
+It kills persons of undeveloped intelligence, just as a child is
+killed by an enraged snake. That man has no manliness whose
+energies have left him and who is overpowered with perplexity when
+an occasion for the exercise of vigour presents itself. Our actions
+are surely followed by their consequences. Whoever merely gives
+himself up to passive indifference (to worldly affairs)
+accomplishes no good. Instead of murmuring one must try to find out
+the way by which he can secure exemption from (spiritual) misery;
+and the means of salvation found, he must then free himself from
+sensuality. The man who has attained a high state of spiritual
+knowledge is always conscious of the great deficiency (instability)
+of all matter. Such a person keeping in view the final doom (of
+all), never grieves. I too, O learned man, do not grieve; I stay
+here (in this life) biding my time. For this reason, O best of men,
+I am not perplexed (with doubts)". The Brahmana said, "Thou art
+wise and high in spiritual knowledge and vast is thy intelligence.
+Thou who art versed in holy writ, art content with thy spiritual
+wisdom. I have no cause to find fault with thee. Adieu, O best of
+pious men, mayst thou be prosperous, and may righteousness shield
+thee, and mayst thou be assiduous in the practice of virtue."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The fowler said to him, "Be it so." And
+the good Brahmana walked round him<a id="footnotetag18" name="footnotetag18"></a><a href="#footnote18"><sup>18</sup></a> and
+then departed. And the Brahmana <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+445]</span> returning home was duly assiduous in his attention to
+his old parents. I have thus, O pious Yudhishthira, narrated in
+detail to thee this history full of moral instruction, which thou,
+my good son, didst ask me to recite,&mdash;the virtue of women's
+devotion to their husbands and that of filial piety.' Yudhishthira
+replied, 'O most pious Brahmana and best of <i>munis</i>, thou hast
+related to me this good and wonderful moral story; and listening to
+thee, O learned man, my time has glided away like a moment; but, O
+adorable sir, I am not as yet satiated with hearing this
+moral<a id="footnotetag19" name="footnotetag19"></a><a href="#footnote19"><sup>19</sup></a> discourse.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "The virtuous king Yudhishthira, having
+listened to this excellent religious discourse, again addressed
+himself to the <i>rishi</i> Markandeya saying, 'Why did the
+fire-god hide himself in water in olden times, and why is it that
+Angiras of great splendour officiating as fire-god, used to
+convey<a id="footnotetag20" name="footnotetag20"></a><a href="#footnote20"><sup>20</sup></a> oblations during his dissolution.
+There is but one fire, but according to the nature of its action,
+it is seen to divide itself into many. O worshipful sir, I long to
+be enlightened on all these points,&mdash;How the Kumara<a id="footnotetag21" name="footnotetag21"></a><a href="#footnote21"><sup>21</sup></a> was born, how he came to be known
+as the son of Agni (the fire-god) and how he was begotten by Rudra
+or Ganga and Krittika. O noble scion of Bhrigu's race, I desire to
+learn all this accurately as it happened. O great <i>muni</i>, I am
+thrilled with great curiosity.' Markandeya replied, 'In this
+connection this old story is cited by the learned, as to how the
+carrier of oblations (the fire-god) in a fit of rage, sought the
+waters of the sea in order to perform a penance, and how the
+adorable Angiras transforming himself into the fire-god,<a id="footnotetag22" name="footnotetag22"></a><a href="#footnote22"><sup>22</sup></a> destroyed darkness and distressed
+the world with his scorching rays. In olden times, O long-armed
+hero, the great Angiras performed a wonderful penance in his
+hermitage; he even excelled the fire-god, the carrier of oblations,
+in splendour and in that state he illumined the whole universe. At
+that time the fire-god was also performing a penance and was
+greatly distressed by his (Angirasa's) effulgence. He was greatly
+depressed, but did not know what to do. Then that adorable god
+thought within himself, "Brahma has created another fire-god for
+this universe. As I have been practising austerities, my services
+as the presiding deity of fire have been dispensed with;" and then
+he considered how he could re-establish himself as the <i>god</i>
+of fire. He beheld the great <i>muni</i> giving heat to the whole
+universe like fire, and approached him slowly with fear. But
+Angiras said to him, "Do thou quickly re-establish yourself as the
+fire animating the universe, thou art well-known in the three
+stable worlds and thou wast first created by Brahma to dispel
+darkness. Do thou, O destroyer of darkness, quickly <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 446]</span> occupy thine own proper place." Agni
+replied, "My reputation has been injured now in this world. And
+thou art become the fire-god, and people will know thee, and not
+me, as fire. I have relinquished my god-hood of fire, do thou
+become the primeval fire and I shall officiate as the second or
+Prajapatyaka fire." Angiras replied, "Do thou become the fire-god
+and the destroyer of darkness and do thou attend to thy sacred duty
+of clearing people's way to heaven, and do thou, O lord, make me
+speedily thy first child."' Markandeya continued, 'Hearing these
+words of Angiras, the fire-god did as desired, and, O king, Angiras
+had a son named Vrihaspati. Knowing him to be the first son of
+Angiras by Agni, the gods, O Bharata, came and enquired about the
+mystery. And thus asked by the gods he then enlightened them, and
+the gods then accepted the explanation of Angiras. In this
+connection, I shall describe to thee religious sorts of fire of
+great effulgence which are here variously known in the
+Brahmanas<a id="footnotetag23" name="footnotetag23"></a><a href="#footnote23"><sup>23</sup></a> by their respective uses.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O ornament of Kuru's race, he (Angiras)
+who was the third son of Brahma had a wife of the name of Subha. Do
+thou hear of the children he had by her. His son Vrihaspati, O
+king, was very famous, large-hearted and of great bodily vigour.
+His genius and learning were profound, and he had a great
+reputation as a counsellor. Bhanumati was his first-born daughter.
+She was the most beautiful of all his children. Angiras's second
+daughter was called Raga.<a id="footnotetag24" name="footnotetag24"></a><a href="#footnote24"><sup>24</sup></a> She was
+so named because she was the object of all creature's love.
+Siniwali was the third daughter of Angiras. Her body was of such
+slender make that she was visible at one time and invisible at
+another; and for this reason she was likened to <i>Rudra's</i>
+daughter. Archismati was his fourth daughter, she was so named from
+her great refulgence. And his fifth daughter was called
+<i>Havishmati</i>, so named from her accepting <i>havis</i> or
+oblations. The sixth daughter of Angiras was called Mahismati the
+pious. O keen-witted being, the seventh daughter of Angiras is
+known by the name of Mahamati, who is always present at sacrifices
+of great splendour, and that worshipful daughter of Angiras, whom
+they call unrivalled and without portion, and about whom people
+utter the words <i>kuhu kuhu</i> (wonder), is known by the name of
+Kuhu.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Vrihaspati had a wife (called Tara)
+belonging to the lunar world. By her, he had six sons partaking of
+the energy of fire, and one daughter. The fire in whose honour
+oblations of clarified butter <span class="pagenum">[Pg 447]</span>
+are offered at the Paurnamasya and other sacrifices, was a son of
+Vrihaspati called Sanju; he was of great ascetic merit. At the
+<i>Chaturmasya</i> (four-monthly) and <i>Aswamedha</i> (horse)
+sacrifices, animals are offered first in his honour, and this
+powerful fire is indicated by numerous flames. Sanju's wife was
+called Satya, she was of matchless beauty and she sprang from
+Dharma (righteousness) for the sake of truth. The blazing fire was
+his son, and he had three daughters of great religious merit. The
+fire which is honoured with the first oblations at sacrifices is
+his first son called Bharadwaja. The second son of Sanju is called
+Bharata in whose honour oblations of clarified butter are offered
+with the sacrificial ladle (called Sruk) at all the full moon
+(<i>Paurnamasaya</i>) sacrifices. Beside these three sons of whom
+Bharata is the senior, he had a son named Bharata and a daughter
+called Bharati. The Bharata fire is the son of <i>Prajapati</i>
+Bharata <i>Agni</i> (fire). And, O ornament of Bharata's race,
+because he is greatly honoured, he is also called the great. Vira
+is Bharadwaja's wife; she gave birth to Vira. It is said by the
+Brahmanas that he is worshipped like <i>Soma</i> (with the same
+hymns) with offerings of clarified butter. He is joined with Soma
+in the secondary oblation of clarified butter and is also called
+Rathaprabhu, Rathadhwana and Kumbhareta. He begot a son named
+Siddhi by his wife Sarayu, and enveloped the sun with his splendour
+and from being the presiding genius of the fire sacrifice he is
+ever mentioned in the hymns in praise of fire. And the fire
+<i>Nischyavana</i> praises the earth only; he never suffers in
+reputation, splendour and prosperity. The sinless fire Satya
+blazing with pure flame is his son. He is free from all taint and
+is not defiled by sin, and is the regulator of time. That fire has
+another name Nishkriti, because he accomplished the
+<i>Nishkriti</i> (relief) of all blatant creatures here. When
+properly worshipped he vouchsafes good fortune. His son is called
+Swana, who is the generator of all diseases; he inflicts severe
+sufferings on people for which they cry aloud, and moves in the
+intelligence of the whole universe. And the other fire
+(Vrihaspati's third son) is called Viswajit by men of spiritual
+wisdom. The fire, which is known as the internal heat by which the
+food of all creatures is digested, is the fourth son of Vrihaspati
+known through all the worlds, O Bharata, by the name of Viswabhuk.
+He is self-restrained, of great religious merit, and is a
+<i>Brahmacharin</i> and he is worshipped by Brahmanas at the
+Paka-sacrifices. The sacred river Gomati was his wife and by her
+all religious-minded men perform their rites. And that terrible
+water-drinking sea fire called Vadava is the fifth son of
+Vrihaspati. This Brahmic fire has a tendency to move upwards and
+hence it is called <i>Urdhvabhag</i>, and is seated in the vital
+air called <i>Prana</i>. The sixth son is called the great
+Swishtakrit; for by him oblations became <i>swishta</i> (<i>su</i>,
+excellently, and <i>ishta</i>, offered) and the <i>udagdhara</i>
+oblation is always made in his honour. And when all creatures are
+claimed, the fire called Manyauti becomes filled with fury. This
+inexorably terrible and highly irascible fire is the daughter of
+Vrihaspati, and is known as <i>Swaha</i> and is present in all
+matter. (By the respective influence of the three qualities of
+<i>sattwa, rajas</i> and <i>tamas</i>, Swaha had three sons). By
+reason of the first she had a son who was equaled by none in heaven
+in personal beauty, and from this fact he <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+448]</span> was surnamed by the gods as the <i>Kama</i>-fire.<a id="footnotetag25" name="footnotetag25"></a><a href="#footnote25"><sup>25</sup></a> (By reason of the second) she had a
+son called the <i>Amogha</i> or invincible fire, the destroyer of
+his enemies in battle. Assured of success he curbs his anger and is
+armed with a bow and seated on a chariot and adorned with wreaths
+of flowers. (From the action of the third quality) she had a son,
+the great <i>Uktha</i> (the means of salvation) praised by (akin
+to) three Ukthas.<a id="footnotetag26" name="footnotetag26"></a><a href="#footnote26"><sup>26</sup></a> He is
+the originator of the great word<a id="footnotetag27" name="footnotetag27"></a><a href="#footnote27"><sup>27</sup></a> and is
+therefore known as the Samaswasa or the means of rest
+(salvation).'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'He (<i>Uktha</i>) performed a severe
+penance lasting for many years, with the view of having a pious son
+equal unto <i>Brahma</i> in reputation. And when the invocation was
+made with the <i>vyahriti</i> hymns and with the aid of the five
+sacred fires, <i>Kasyapa, Vasistha, Prana</i>, the son of <i>Prana,
+Chyavana</i>, the son of <i>Angiras</i>, and
+<i>Suvarchaka</i>&mdash;there arose a very bright energy (force)
+full of the animating (creative) principle, and of five different
+colours. Its head was of the colour of the blazing fire, its arms
+were bright like the sun and its skin and eyes were golden-coloured
+and its feet, O Bharata, were black. Its five colours were given to
+it by those five men by reason of their great penance. This
+celestial being is therefore described as appertaining to five men,
+and he is the progenitor of five tribes. After having performed a
+penance for ten thousand years, that being of great ascetic merit
+produced the terrible fire appertaining to the <i>Pitris</i>
+(manes) in order to begin the work of creation, and from his head
+and mouth respectively he created Vrihat and Rathantara (day and
+night) who quickly steal away (life, &amp;c.). He also created Siva
+from his navel, Indra from his might and wind and fire from his
+soul, and from his two arms sprang the hymns <i>Udatta</i> and
+<i>Anudatta</i>. He also produced the mind, and the five senses,
+and other creatures. Having created these, he produced the five
+sons of the <i>Pitris</i>. Of these <i>Pranidhi</i> was the son of
+<i>Vrihadratha</i>. Vrihadratha was the son of Kasyapa. Bhanu was
+the godson of Chyavana, Saurabha, the son of Suvarchaka, and
+Anudatta, the son of Prana. These twenty-five beings are reputed
+(to have been created by him). Tapa also created fifteen other gods
+who obstruct sacrifices<a id="footnotetag28" name="footnotetag28"></a><a href="#footnote28"><sup>28</sup></a>. They
+are Subhima, Bhima, Atibhima, Bhimavala, Avala, Sumitra, Mitravana,
+Mitasina, Mitravardhana and Mitradharaman,<a id="footnotetag29" name="footnotetag29"></a><a href="#footnote29"><sup>29</sup></a>
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 449]</span> and Surapravira, Vira,
+Suveka, Suravarchas and Surahantri. These gods are divided into
+three classes of five each. Located here in this world, they
+destroy the sacrifices of the gods in heaven; they frustrate their
+objects and spoil their oblations of clarified butter. They do this
+only to spite the sacred fires carrying oblations to the gods. If
+the officiating priests are careful, they place the oblations in
+their honour outside of the sacrificial altar. To that particular
+place where the sacred fire may be placed, they cannot go. They
+carry the oblation of their votaries by means of wings. When
+appeased by hymns, they do not frustrate the sacrificial rites.
+Vrihaduktha, another son of Tapa, belongs to the Earth. He is
+worshipped here in this world by pious men performing
+<i>Agnihotra</i> sacrifices. Of the son of Tapa who is known as
+Rathantara, it is said by officiating priests that the sacrificial
+oblation offered in his honour is offered to Mitravinda. The
+celebrated Tapa was thus very happy with his sons.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The fire called Bharata was bound by
+severe rules of asceticism. Pushtimati is another name of his fire;
+for when he is satisfied he vouchsafes <i>pushti</i> (development)
+to all creatures, and for this reason he is called <i>Bharata</i>
+(or the Cherisher). And that other fire, by name Siva, is devoted
+to the worship of Sakti (the forces of the presiding deity of the
+forces of Nature), and because he always relieves the sufferings of
+all creatures afflicted with misery, he is called Siva (the giver
+of good). And on the acquisition of great ascetic wealth by
+<i>Tapa</i>, an intelligent son named Puranda was born to inherit
+the same. Another son named Ushma was also born. This fire is
+observed in the vapour of all matter. A third son Manu was born. He
+officiated as Prajapati. The Brahmanas who are learned in the
+Vedas, then speak of the exploits of the fire Sambhu. And after
+that the bright Avasathya fire of great refulgence is spoken of by
+the Brahmanas. Tapa thus created the five Urjaskara fires, all
+bright as gold. These all share the <i>Soma</i> drink in
+sacrifices. The great sun-god when fatigued (after his day's
+labours) is known as the Prasanta fire. He created the terrible
+<i>Asuras</i> and various other creatures of the earth. Angiras,
+too created the <i>Prajapati</i> Bhanu, the son of Tapa. He is also
+called Vrihadbhanu (the great Bhanu) by Brahmanas learned in the
+<i>Vedas</i>. Bhanu married Supraja, and Brihadbhanu the daughter
+of Surya (the sun-god). They gave birth to six sons; do thou hear
+of their progeny. The fire who gives strength to the weak is called
+Valada (or the giver of strength). He is the first son of Bhanu,
+and that other fire who looks terrible when all the elements are in
+a tranquil state is called the Manjuman fire; he is the second son
+of Bhanu. And the fire in whose honour oblations of clarified
+butter are enjoined to be made here at the <i>Darsa</i> and
+<i>Paurnamasya</i> sacrifices and who is known as Vishnu in this
+world, is (the third son of Bhanu) called Angiras, or Dhritiman.
+And the fire to whom with Indra, the <i>Agrayana</i> oblation is
+enjoined to be made is called the <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+450]</span> Agrayana fire. He is the (fourth) son of Bhanu. The
+fifth son of Bhanu is Agraha who is the source of the oblations
+which are daily made for the performance of the <i>Chaturmasya</i>
+(four-monthly) rites. And Stuva is the sixth son of Bhanu. Nisa was
+the name of another wife of that Manu who is known by the name of
+Bhanu. She gave birth to one daughter, the two Agnishtomas, and
+also five other fire-gods. The resplendent fire-god who is honoured
+with the first oblations in company with the presiding deity of the
+clouds is called Vaiswanara. And that other fire who is called the
+lord of all the worlds is Viswapati, the second son of Manu. And
+the daughter of Manu is called Swistakrit, because by oblations
+unto her one acquires great merit. Though she was the daughter of
+Hiranyakasipu, she yet became his wife for her evil deeds. She is,
+however, one of the Prajapatis. And that other fire which has its
+seats in the vital airs of all creatures and animates their bodies,
+is called Sannihita. It is the cause of our perceptions of sound
+and form. That divine spirit whose course is marked with black and
+white stains, who is the supporter of fire, and who, though free
+from sin, is the accomplisher of desired <i>karma</i>, whom the
+wise regard as a great <i>Rishi</i>, is the fire Kapila, the
+propounder of the <i>Yoga</i> system called Sankhya. The fire
+through whom the elementary spirits always receive the offerings
+called <i>Agra</i> made by other creatures at the performance of
+all the peculiar rites in this world is called Agrani. And these
+other bright fires famous in the world, were created for the
+rectification of the <i>Agnihotra</i> rites when marred by any
+defects. If the fires interlap each other by the action of the
+wind, then the rectification must be made with the
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the fire Suchi. And if the
+southern fire comes in contact with the two other fires, then
+rectification must be made by the performance of the
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the fire Viti. If the fires
+in their place called Nivesa come in contact with the fire called
+Devagni, then the <i>Ashtakapala</i> rites must be performed in
+honour of the fire Suchi for rectification. And if the perpetual
+fire is touched by a woman in her monthly course, then for
+rectification the <i>Ashtakapala</i> rites must be performed in
+honour of the fire called Dasyuman. If at the time of the
+performance of this <i>Agnihotra</i> rites the death of any
+creature is spoken of, or if animals die, then rectification must
+be made with the performance of the <i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in
+honour of the Suraman fire. The Brahmana, who while suffering from
+a disease is unable to offer oblations to the sacred fire for three
+nights, must make amends for the same by performing the
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the northern fire. He who has
+performed the <i>Darsa</i> and the <i>Paurnamasya</i> rites must
+make the rectification with the performance of the
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the Patikrit fire. If the
+fire of a lying-in room comes in contact with the perpetual sacred
+fire, then rectification must be made with the performance of
+<i>Ashtakapala</i> rites in honour of the Agniman fire.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Mudita, the favourite wife of the fire
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 451]</span> Swaha, used to live in water.
+And Swaha who was the regent of the earth and sky begot in that
+wife of his a highly sacred fire called Advanta. There is a
+tradition amongst learned Brahmanas that this fire is the ruler and
+inner soul of all creatures. He is worshipful, resplendent and the
+lord of all the great <i>Bhutas</i> here. And that fire, under the
+name of Grihapati, is ever worshipped at all sacrifices and conveys
+all the oblations that are made in this world. That great son of
+Swaha&mdash;the great Adbhuta fire is the soul of the waters and
+the prince and regent of the sky and the lord of everything great.
+His (son), the Bharata fire, consumes the dead bodies of all
+creatures. His first Kratu is known as Niyata at the performance of
+the <i>Agnishtoma</i> sacrifice. That powerful prime fire
+(<i>Swaha</i>) is always missed by the gods, because when he sees
+Niyata approaching him he hides himself in the sea from fear of
+contamination. Searching for him in every direction, the gods could
+not (once) find him out and on beholding Atharvan the fire said to
+him, "O valiant being, do thou carry the oblations for the gods! I
+am disabled from want of strength. Attaining the state of the
+red-eyed fire, do thou condescend to do me this favour!" Having
+thus advised Atharvan, the fire went away to some other place. But
+his place of concealment was divulged by the finny tribe. Upon them
+the fire pronounced this curse in anger, "You shall be the food of
+all creatures in various ways." And then that carrier of oblations
+spoke unto <i>Atharvan</i> (as before). Though entreated by the
+gods, he did not agree to continue carrying their oblations. He
+then became insensible and instantly gave up the ghost. And leaving
+his material body, he entered into the bowels of the earth. Coming
+into contact with the earth, he created the different metals. Force
+and scent arose from his pus; the <i>Deodar</i> pine from his
+bones; glass from his phlegm; the <i>Marakata</i> jewel from his
+bile; and the black iron from his liver. And all the world has been
+embellished with these three substances (wood, stone and iron). The
+clouds were made from his nails, and corals from his veins. And, O
+king, various other metals were produced from his body. Thus
+leaving his material body, he remained absorbed in (spiritual)
+meditation. He was roused by the penance of Bhrigu and Angiras. The
+powerful fire thus gratified with penance, blazed forth intensely.
+But on beholding the <i>Rishi</i> (Atharvan), he again sought his
+watery refuge. At this extinction of the fire, the whole world was
+frightened, and sought the protection of Atharvan, and the gods and
+others began to worship him. Atharvan rummaged the whole sea in the
+presence of all those beings eager with expectation, and finding
+out the fire, himself began the work of creation. Thus in olden
+times the fire was destroyed and called back to life by the
+adorable Atharvan. But now he invariably carries the oblations of
+all creatures. Living in the sea and travelling about various
+countries, he produced the various fires mentioned in the
+<i>Vedas</i>.</p>
+<p>"'The river Indus, the five rivers (of the Punjab), the Sone,
+the Devika, the Saraswati, the Ganga, the Satakumbha, the Sarayu,
+the Gandaki, the Charmanwati, the Mahi, the Medha, the Medhatithi,
+the three rivers Tamravati, the Vetravati, and the Kausiki; the
+Tamasa, the Narmada, the Godavari, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+452]</span> the Vena, the Upavena, the Bhima, the Vadawa, the
+Bharati, the Suprayoga, the Kaveri, the Murmura, the Tungavenna,
+the Krishnavenna and the Kapila, these rivers, O Bharata, are said
+to be the mothers of the fires! The fire called Adbhuta had a wife
+of the name of Priya, and Vibhu was the eldest of his sons by her.
+There are as many different kinds of <i>Soma sacrifices</i> as the
+number of fires mentioned before. All this race of fires,
+first-born of the spirit of Brahma, sprang also from the race of
+Atri. Atri in his own mind conceived these sons, desirous of
+extending the creation. By this act, the fires came out of his own
+Brahmic frame. I have thus narrated to thee the history of the
+origin of these fires. They are great, resplendent, and unrivalled
+in power, and they are the destroyers of darkness. Know that the
+powers of those fires are the same as those of the Adbhuta fire as
+related in the Vedas. For all these fires are one and same. This
+adorable being, the first born fire, must be considered as one. For
+like the <i>Jyotishtoma</i> sacrifice he came out of Angiras body
+in various forms. I have thus described to thee the history of the
+great race of Agni (fires) who when duly worshipped with the
+various hymns, carry the oblations of all creatures to the
+gods.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O sinless scion of Kuru's race, I have
+described to thee the various branches of the race of Agni. Listen
+now to the story of the birth of the intelligent Kartikeya. I shall
+tell thee of that wonderful and famous and highly energetic son of
+the Adbhuta fire begotten of the wives of the <i>Brahmarshis</i>.
+In ancient times the <i>gods</i> and <i>Asuras</i> were very active
+in destroying one another. And the terrible <i>Asuras</i> always
+succeeded in defeating the gods. And Purandara (Indra) beholding
+the great slaughter of his armies by them and anxious to find out a
+leader for the celestial host, thought within himself, "I must find
+out a mighty person who observing the ranks of the celestial army
+shattered by the <i>Danavas</i> will be able to reorganize it with
+vigour." He then repaired to the Manasa mountains and was there
+deeply absorbed in thought of nature, when he heard the
+heart-rending cries of a woman to the effect, "May some one come
+quick and rescue me, and either indicate a husband for me, or be my
+husband himself." Purandara said to her, "Do not be afraid, lady!"
+And having said these words, he saw Kesin (an <i>Asura</i>) adorned
+with a crown and mace in hand standing even like a hill of metals
+at a distance and holding that lady by the hand. Vasava addressed
+then that <i>Asura</i> saying, "Why art thou bent on behaving
+insolently to this lady? Know that I am the god who wields the
+thunderbolt. Refrain thou from doing any violence to this lady." To
+him Kesin replied, "Do thou, O Sakra, leave her alone. I desire to
+possess her. Thinkest thou, O slayer of Paka, that thou shalt be
+able to return home with thy life?" With these words Kesin hurled
+his mace for slaying Indra. Vasava cut it up in its course with his
+thunderbolt. Then Kesin, furious with rage, hurled a huge mass of
+rock at him. Beholding that, he of a hundred sacrifices rent it
+asunder <span class="pagenum">[Pg 453]</span> with his thunderbolt,
+and it fell down upon the ground. And Kesin himself was wounded by
+that falling mass of rock. Thus sorely afflicted, he fled leaving
+the lady behind. And when the <i>Asura</i> was gone, Indra said to
+that lady, "Who and whose wife art thou, O lady with a beautiful
+face, and what has brought thee here?"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXIII</h2>
+<p>"'The lady replied, "I am a daughter of Prajapati (the lord of
+all creatures, Brahma) and my name is Devasena. My sister
+Daityasena has ere this been ravished by Kesin. We two sisters with
+our maids habitually used to come to these Manasa mountains for
+pleasures with the permission of Prajapati. And the great
+<i>Asura</i> Kesin used daily to pay his court to us. Daityasena, O
+conqueror of Paka, listened to him, but I did not. Daityasena was,
+therefore, taken away by him, but, O illustrious one, thou hast
+rescued me with thy might. And now, O lord of the celestials, I
+desire that thou shouldst select an invincible husband for me." To
+this Indra replied, "Thou art a cousin of mine, thy mother being a
+sister of my mother Dakshayani, and now I desire to hear thee
+relate thine own prowess." The lady replied, "O hero with long
+arms, I am <i>Avala</i><a id="footnotetag30" name="footnotetag30"></a><a href="#footnote30"><sup>30</sup></a> (weak)
+but my husband must be powerful. And by the potency of my father's
+boon, he will be respected by <i>gods</i> and <i>Asuras</i> alike."
+Indra said, "O blameless creature, I wish to hear from thee, what
+sort of power thou wishest thy husband to possess." The lady
+replied, "That manly and famous and powerful being devoted to
+Brahma, who is able to conquer all the celestials, <i>Asuras,
+Yakshas, Kinnaras, Uragas, Rakshasas</i>, and the evil-minded
+<i>Daityas</i> and to subdue all the worlds with thee, shall be my
+husband."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing her speech, Indra was grieved
+and deeply thought within himself, "There is no husband for this
+lady, answering to her own description." And that god adorned with
+sun-like effulgence, then perceived the Sun rising on the Udaya
+hill,<a id="footnotetag31" name="footnotetag31"></a><a href="#footnote31"><sup>31</sup></a> and the great Soma (Moon) gliding
+into the Sun. It being the time of the new Moon, he of a hundred
+sacrifices, at the <i>Raudra</i><a id="footnotetag32" name="footnotetag32"></a><a href="#footnote32"><sup>32</sup></a> moment,
+observed the gods and <i>Asuras</i> fighting on the Sunrise hill.
+And he saw that the morning twilight was tinged with red clouds.
+And he also saw that the abode of Varuna had become blood-red. And
+he also observed Agni conveying oblations offered with various
+hymns by Bhrigu, Angiras, and others and entering the disc of the
+Sun. And he further saw the twenty four <i>Parvas</i> adorning the
+Sun, and the terrible Soma also present in the Sun under such
+surroundings. And observing this union of the Sun and the Moon and
+that fearful conjunction <span class="pagenum">[Pg 454]</span> of
+theirs, Sakra thought within himself, "This terrific conjunction of
+the Sun and the Moon forebodeth a fearful battle on the morrow. And
+the river Sindhu (Indus) too is flowing with a current of fresh
+blood and the jackals with fiery laces are crying to the Sun. This
+great conjunction is fearful and full of energy. This union of the
+Moon (Soma) with the Sun and Agni is very wonderful. And if Soma
+giveth birth to a son now, that son may become the husband of this
+lady. And Agni also hath similar surroundings now, and he too is a
+god. If the two begetteth a son, that son may become the husband of
+this lady." With these thoughts that illustrious celestial repaired
+to the regions of Brahma, taking Devasena<a id="footnotetag33" name="footnotetag33"></a><a href="#footnote33"><sup>33</sup></a>
+with him. And saluting the Grandsire he said unto him, "Do thou fix
+a renowned warrior as husband of this lady." Brahma replied, "O
+slayer of <i>Asuras</i>, it shall be as thou hast intended. The
+issue of that union will be mighty and powerful accordingly. That
+powerful being will be the husband of this lady and the joint
+leader of thy forces with thee." Thus addressed, the lord of the
+celestials and the lady bowed unto him and then repaired to the
+place where those great Brahmanas, the powerful celestial
+<i>Rishis</i>, Vasistha and others, lived. And with Indra at their
+head, the other gods also, desirous of drinking the Soma beverage,
+repaired to the sacrifices of those <i>Rishis</i> to receive their
+respective shares of the offerings. Having duly performed the
+ceremonies with the bright blazing fire, those great-minded persons
+offered oblations to the celestials. And the <i>Adbhuta</i> fire,
+that carrier of oblations, was invited with <i>mantras</i>. And
+coming out of the solar disc, that lordly fire duly repaired
+thither, restraining speech. And, O chief of Bharata's race, that
+fire entering the sacrificial fire that had been ignited and into
+which various offerings were made by the <i>Rishis</i> with
+recitations of hymns, took them with him and made them over to the
+dwellers of heaven. And while returning from that place, he
+observed the wives of those high-souled <i>Rishis</i> sleeping at
+their ease on their beds. And those ladies had a complexion
+beautiful like that of an altar of gold, spotless like moon-beams,
+resembling fiery flames and looking like blazing stars. And seeing
+those wives of the illustrious Brahmanas with eager eyes, his mind
+became agitated and he was smitten with their charms. Restraining
+his heart he considered it improper for him to be thus agitated.
+And he said unto himself, "The wives of these great Brahmanas are
+chaste and faithful and beyond the reach of other people's desires.
+I am filled with desire to possess them. I cannot lawfully cast my
+eyes upon them, nor ever touch them when they are not filled with
+desire. I shall, therefore, gratify myself daily with only looking
+at them by becoming their <i>Garhapatya</i> (house-hold)
+fire."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The <i>Adbhuta</i> fire, thus
+transforming himself into a house-hold one, was highly gratified
+with seeing those gold-complexioned ladies and touching them with
+his flames. And influenced by their charms he dwelt there for a
+long time, giving them his heart and filled with an intense
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 455]</span> love for them. And baffled in
+all his efforts to win the hearts of those Brahmana ladies, and his
+own heart tortured by love, he repaired to a forest with the
+certain object of destroying himself. A little while before, Swaha,
+the daughter of Daksha, had bestowed her love on him. The excellent
+lady had been endeavouring for a long time to detect his weak
+moments; but that blameless lady did not succeed in finding out any
+weakness in the calm and collected fire-god. But now that the god
+had betaken himself to a forest, actually tortured by the pangs of
+love, she thought, "As I too am distressed with love, I shall
+assume the guise of the wives of the seven <i>Rishis</i>, and in
+that disguise I shall seek the fire-god so smitten with their
+charms. This done, he will be gratified and my desire too will be
+satisfied."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, the beautiful Siva
+endowed with great virtues and an unspotted character was the wife
+of Angiras (one of the seven <i>Rishis</i>). That excellent lady
+(Swaha) at first assuming the disguise of Siva, sought the presence
+of Agni unto whom she said, "O Agni, I am tortured with love for
+thee. Do thou think it fit to woo me. And if thou dost not accede
+to my request, know that I shall commit self-destruction. I am Siva
+the wife of Angiras. I have come here according to the advice of
+the wives of the other <i>Rishis</i>, who have sent me here after
+due deliberation."</p>
+<p>"'Agni replied, "How didst thou know that I was tortured with
+love and how could the others, the beloved wives of the seven
+<i>Rishis</i>, of whom thou hast spoken, know this?"</p>
+<p>"'Swaha replied, "Thou art always a favourite with us, but we
+are afraid of thee. Now having read thy mind by well-known signs,
+they have sent to thy presence. I have come here to gratify my
+desire. Be thou quick, O Agni, to encompass the object of thy
+desire, my sisters-in-law are awaiting me. I must return soon."</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then Agni, filled with great joy and
+delight, married Swaha in the guise of Siva, and that lady joyfully
+cohabiting with him, held the <i>semen virile</i> in her hands. And
+then she thought within herself that those who would observe her in
+that disguise in the forest, would cast an unmerited slur upon the
+conduct of those Brahmana ladies in connection with Agni.
+Therefore, to prevent this, she should assume the disguise of a
+bird, and in that state she should more easily get out of the
+forest.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then assuming the disguise of a winged
+creature, she went out of the forest and reached the White Mountain
+begirt with clumps of heath and other plants and trees, and guarded
+by strange seven-headed serpents with poison in their very looks,
+and abounding with <i>Rakshasas</i>, male and female
+<i>Pisachas</i>, terrible spirits, and various kinds of birds and
+animals. That excellent lady quickly ascending a peak of those
+mountains, threw that <i>semen</i> into a golden lake. And then
+assuming successively <span class="pagenum">[Pg 456]</span> the
+forms of the wives of the high-souled seven <i>Rishis</i>, she
+continued to dally with Agni. But on account of the great ascetic
+merit of Arundhati and her devotion to her husband (Vasishtha), she
+was unable to assume her form. And, O chief of Kuru's race, the
+lady Swaha on the first lunar day threw six times into that lake
+the <i>semen</i> of Agni. And thrown there, it produced a male
+child endowed with great power. And from the fact of its being
+regarded by the <i>Rishis</i> as <i>cast off</i>, the child born
+therefrom came to be called by the name of <i>Skanda</i>. And the
+child had six faces, twelve ears, as many eyes, hands, and feet,
+one neck, and one stomach. And it first assumed a form on the
+second lunar day, and it grew to the size of a little child on the
+third. And the limbs of Guha were developed on the fourth day. And
+being surrounded by masses of red clouds flashing forth lightning,
+it shone like the Sun rising in the midst of a mass of red clouds.
+And seizing the terrific and immense bow which was used by the
+destroyer of the <i>Asura</i> Tripura for the destruction of the
+enemies of the gods, that mighty being uttered such a terrible roar
+that the three worlds with their mobile and immobile divisions
+became struck with awe. And hearing that sound which seemed like
+the rumbling of a mass of big clouds, the great <i>Nagas,
+Chitra</i> and <i>Airavata</i>, were shaken with fear. And seeing
+them unsteady that lad shining with sun-like refulgence held them
+with both his hands. And with a dart in (another) hand, and with a
+stout, red-crested, big cock fast secured in another, that
+long-armed son of Agni began to sport about making a terrible
+noise. And holding an excellent conch-shell with two of his hands,
+that mighty being began to blow it to the great terror of even the
+most powerful creatures. And striking the air with two of his
+hands, and playing about on the hill-top, the mighty Mahasena of
+unrivalled prowess, looked as if he were on the point of devouring
+the three worlds, and shone like the bright Sun-god at the moment
+of his ascension in the heavens. And that being of wonderful
+prowess and matchless strength, seated on the top of that hill,
+looked on with his numerous faces directed towards the different
+cardinal points, and observing various things, he repeated his loud
+roars. And on hearing those roars various creatures were prostrate
+with fear. And frightened and troubled in mind they sought
+protection. And all those persons of various orders who then sought
+the protection of that god are known as his powerful Brahmana
+followers. And rising from his seat, that mighty god allayed the
+fears of all those people, and then drawing his bow, he discharged
+his arrows in the direction of the White Mountain. And with those
+arrows the hill Krauncha, the son of Himavat, was rent asunder. And
+that is the reason why swans and vultures now migrate to the Sumeru
+mountains. The Krauncha hill, sorely wounded, fell down uttering
+fearful groans. And seeing him fallen, the other hills too began to
+scream. And that mighty being of unrivalled prowess, hearing the
+groans of the afflicted, was not at all moved, but himself
+uplifting his mace, yelled forth his war-whoop. And that
+high-souled being then hurled his mace of great lustre and quickly
+rent in twain one of the peaks of the White Mountain. And the White
+Mountain being thus pierced by him was greatly afraid of him and
+dissociating himself from the earth fled with <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 457]</span> the other mountains. And the earth was
+greatly afflicted and bereft of her ornaments on all sides. And in
+this distress, she went over to <i>Skanda</i> and once more shone
+with all her might. And the mountains too bowed down to
+<i>Skanda</i> and came back and stuck into the earth. And all
+creatures then celebrated the worship of <i>Skanda</i> on the fifth
+day of the lunar month.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'When that powerful, high-souled, and
+mighty being was born, various kinds of fearful phenomena occurred.
+And the nature of males and females, of heat and cold, and of such
+other pairs of contraries, was reversed. And the planets, the
+cardinal points and the firmaments became radiant with light and
+the earth began to rumble very much. And the <i>Rishis</i> even,
+seeking the welfare of the world, while they observed all these
+terrific prodigies on all sides, began with anxious hearts to
+restore tranquillity in the universe. And those who used to live in
+that Chitraratha forest said, "This very miserable condition of
+ours hath been brought about by Agni cohabiting with the six wives
+of the seven <i>Rishis</i>." Others again who had seen the goddess
+assume the disguise of a bird said, "This evil hath been brought
+about by a bird." No one ever imagined that Swaha was the authoress
+of that mischief. But having heard that the (new born) male child
+was hers, she went to Skanda and gradually revealed to him the fact
+that she was his mother. And those seven <i>Rishis</i>, when they
+heard that a son of great power had been born (to them), divorced
+their six wives with the exception of the adorable Arundhati,
+because all the dwellers of that forest protested that those six
+persons had been instrumental in bringing forth the child. Swaha
+too, O king, said again and again to the seven <i>Rishis</i>,
+saying, "Ye ascetics, this child is mine, your wives are not his
+mother."</p>
+<p>"'The great <i>Muni</i> Viswamitra had, after the conclusion of
+the sacrifices of the seven <i>Rishis</i>, followed unseen the god
+of fire, while the latter was tortured with lust. He, therefore,
+knew everything as it happened and he was the first to seek the
+protection of Mahasena. And he offered divine prayers to Mahasena
+and all the thirteen auspicious rites appertaining to childhood,
+such as the natal and other ceremonies, were all performed by the
+great <i>Muni</i> in respect of that child. And for the good of the
+world he promulgated the virtues of the six-faced Skanda, and
+performed ceremonies in honour of the cock, the goddess
+<i>Sakti</i>, and the first followers of Skanda. And for this
+reason he became a great favourite of the celestial youth. That
+great <i>Muni</i> then informed the seven <i>Rishis</i> of the
+transformations of Swaha and told them that their wives were
+perfectly innocent. But though thus informed the seven
+<i>Rishis</i> abandoned their spouses unconditionally.'"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The celestials having heard of the
+prowess of Skanda, all said to Vasava, "O Sakra, do thou kill
+Skanda without delay for his prowess is unbearable. And if thou
+dost not exterminate him, he will conquer the three worlds with
+ourselves, and overpowering thee, will himself <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 458]</span> become the mighty lord of the
+celestials." Perplexed in mind, Sakra replied unto them, "This
+child is endowed with great prowess. He can himself destroy the
+Creator of the Universe, in battle putting forth his might. I
+venture not, therefore, to do away with him." To this the gods
+replied, "Thou hast no manliness in thee, in that thou talkest in
+this manner. Let the great Mothers of the Universe repair to-day to
+Skanda. They can master at will any degree of energy. Let them kill
+this child." "It shall be so."&mdash;the mothers replied. And then
+they went away. But on beholding that he was possessed of great
+might, they became dispirited, and considering that he was
+invincible, they sought his protection and said unto him, "Do thou,
+O mighty being, become our (adopted) son. We are full of affection
+for thee and desirous of giving thee suck. Lo, the milk oozes from
+our breasts!" On hearing these words, the mighty Mahasena became
+desirous of sucking their breasts and he received them with due
+respect and acceded to their request. And that mightiest of mighty
+creatures then beheld his father Agni come towards him. And that
+god, who is the doer of all that is good, was duly honoured by his
+son, and in company with the Mothers, he stayed there by the side
+of Mahasena to tend him. And that lady amongst the Mothers who was
+born of Anger<a id="footnotetag34" name="footnotetag34"></a><a href="#footnote34"><sup>34</sup></a> with a
+spike in hand kept watch over Skanda even like a mother guarding
+her own offspring, and that irascible red-coloured daughter of the
+Sea, who lived herself on blood, hugged Mahasena in her breast and
+nursed him like a mother. And Agni transforming himself into a
+trader with a goat's mouth and followed by numerous children began
+to gratify that child of his with toys in that mountain abode of
+his.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'The planets with their satellites, the
+<i>Rishis</i> and the Mothers, Agni and numerous other blazing
+courtiers and many other dwellers of heaven of terrible mien,
+waited on Mahasena along with the Mothers. And the illustrious
+sovereign of the gods, desirous of victory but believing success to
+be doubtful mounted his elephant Airavata and attended by the other
+gods advanced towards Skanda. That mighty being followed by all the
+celestials was armed with his thunderbolt. And with the object of
+slaying Mahasena, he marched with terrible celestial army of great
+splendour, sounding their shrill war-cry and furnished with various
+sorts of standards, with warriors encased in various armour and
+armed with numerous bows and riding on various animals. When
+Mahasena beheld the gloriously decked Sakra, attired in his best
+clothes, advancing with the determination of slaying him, he (too
+on his part) advanced to meet that chief of the celestials. O
+Partha, the mighty Vasava, the lord of the celestials, then
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 459]</span> uttered a loud shout, to
+encourage his warriors and marching rapidly with the view of
+killing Agni's son and praised by Tridasas<a id="footnotetag35" name="footnotetag35"></a><a href="#footnote35"><sup>35</sup></a>
+and great <i>Rishis</i>, he at length reached the abode of
+Kartikeya. And then he shouted out with other gods; and Guha too in
+response to this, uttered a fearful war-cry resembling the roaring
+of the sea. On hearing that noise, the celestial army behaved like
+an agitated sea, and was stunned and fixed to the spot. And that
+son of <i>Pavaka</i> (the Fire-god) beholding the gods come near to
+him with the object of killing him, was filled with wrath, and gave
+out rising flame of fire from within his mouth. And these flames
+destroyed the celestial forces struggling on the ground. Their
+heads, their bodies, their arms and riding animals were all burnt
+in that conflagration and they appeared all on a sudden like stars
+displaced from their proper spheres. Thus afflicted, the god
+renounced all allegiance to the thunder-bolt, and sought the
+protection of Pavaka's son; and thus peace was again secured. When
+he was thus forsaken by the gods, Sakra hurled his thunder-bolt at
+Skanda. It pierced him on the right side; and, O great king, it
+passed through the body of that high-souled being. And from being
+struck with the thunder-bolt, there arose from Skanda's body
+another being&mdash;a youth with a club in hand, and adorned with a
+celestial amulet. And because he was born on account of the
+piercing of the thunder-bolt, he was named Visakha. And Indra, when
+he beheld that another person looking like the fierce destroying
+Fire-god had come into being was frightened out of his wits and
+besought the protection of Skanda, with the palms of his hands
+joined together (as a mark of respect). And that excellent being
+Skanda, bade him renounce all fear, with his arm. The gods were
+then transported with joy, and their hands too struck up.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Now hear of those terrible and
+curious-looking followers of Skanda. A number of male children came
+into being when Skanda was struck with the
+thunder-bolt,&mdash;those terrific creatures that steal (spirit
+away) little children, whether born, or in the womb and a number of
+female children too of great strength were born to him. Those
+children adopted Visakha as their father. That adorable and
+dexterous Bhadrasakha, having a face like that of a goat was at the
+time (of the battle) surrounded by all his sons and daughters whom
+he guarded carefully in the presence of the great mothers. And for
+this reason the inhabitants of this earth call Skanda the father of
+<i>Kumaras</i> (little children). Those persons who desire to have
+sons born to them, worship in their places the powerful
+<i>Rudra</i> in the form of the Fire-god, and <i>Uma</i> in the
+form of <i>Swaha</i>. And by that <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+460]</span> means they are blessed with sons. The daughters
+begotten by the Fire-god, <i>Tapa</i>, went over to Skanda, who
+said to them, "What can I do for you?" Those girls replied, "Do us
+this favour; by thy blessing, may we become the good and respected
+mothers of all the world!" He replied, "Be it so." And that
+liberal-minded being repeated again and again, "Ye shall be divided
+into Siva and Asiva."<a id="footnotetag36" name="footnotetag36"></a><a href="#footnote36"><sup>36</sup></a> And the
+mothers then departed, having first established Skanda's sonship,
+Kaki, Halima, Malini, Vrinhila, Arya, Palala and Vaimitra, these
+were the seven mothers of Sisu. They had a powerful, red-eyed,
+terrific, and very turbulent son named Sisu born by the blessing of
+Skanda. He was reputed as the eighth hero, born of the mothers of
+Skanda. But he is also known as the ninth, when that being with the
+face of a goat, is included. Know that the sixth face of Skanda was
+like that of a goat. That face, O king, is situated in the middle
+of the six, and is regarded constantly by the mother. That head by
+which Bhadrasakha created the divine energy, is reputed to be the
+best of all his heads. O ruler of men, these virtuous wonderful
+events happened on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar
+month, and on the sixth, a very fierce and terrific battle was
+fought at that place."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Skanda was adorned with a golden amulet
+and wreath, and wore a crest and a crown of gold; his eyes were
+golden-coloured, and he had a set of sharp teeth; he was dressed in
+a red garment and looked very handsome; he had a comely appearance,
+and was endowed with all good characteristics and was the favourite
+of the three worlds. He granted boons (to people who sought them)
+and was brave, youthful, and adorned with bright ear-rings. Whilst
+he was reposing himself, the goddess of fortune, looking like a
+lotus and assuming a personal embodiment, rendered her allegiance
+to him. When he became thus possessed of good fortune, that famous
+and delicate-looking creature appeared to all like the moon at its
+full. And high-minded Brahmanas worshipped that mighty being, and
+the <i>Maharshis</i> (great <i>rishis</i>) then said as follows to
+Skanda, "O thou born of the golden egg, mayst thou be prosperous
+and mayst thou become an instrument of good to the universe! O best
+of the gods, although thou wast born only six nights (days) ago,
+the whole world has owned allegiance to thee (within this short
+time), and thou hast also allayed their fears. Therefore do thou
+become the Indra (lord) of the three worlds and remove their cause
+of apprehension." Skanda replied, "You gentlemen of great ascetic
+wealth (tell me) what Indra does with all three worlds and how that
+sovereign of the celestials protects the hosts of gods
+unremittingly." The <i>Rishis</i> replied, "Indra is the giver of
+strength, power, children and happiness to all creatures and when
+propitiated, that Lord of the celestials bestows on all the objects
+of their desire. He destroys the wicked <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+461]</span> and fulfils the desires of the righteous; and that
+Destroyer of Vala assigns to all creatures their various duties. He
+officiates for the sun and the moon in places where there is no sun
+or moon; he even when occasion requires it, acts for (serves the
+purposes of) fire, air, earth, and water. These are the duties of
+Indra; his capacities are immense. Thou too art mighty; therefore
+great hero, do thou become our Indra."</p>
+<p>"'Sakra said, "O mighty being, do thou make us happy, by
+becoming our lord. Excellent being, thou art worthy of the honour;
+therefore shall we anoint thee this very day."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Do thou continue to rule the three worlds
+with self-possession, and with thy heart bent on conquest. I shall
+remain thy humble servant. I covet not thy sovereignty."</p>
+<p>"'Sakra replied, "Thy prowess is unrivalled, O hero, do thou
+therefore vanquish the enemies of the gods. People have been struck
+with wonder at thy prowess. More specially as I have been bereft of
+my prowess, and defeated by thee, now if I were to act as Indra, I
+should not command the respect of all creatures, and they would be
+busy in bringing about dissensions between us; and then, my lord,
+they would become the partisans of one or other of us. And when
+they formed themselves into two distinct factions, war as before
+would be the result of that defection. And in that war, thou
+wouldst undoubtedly defeat me without difficulty and thyself become
+the lord of all worlds."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Thou, O Sakra, art my sovereign, as also of
+the three worlds; mayst thou be prosperous! Tell me if I can obey
+any commands of thine."</p>
+<p>"'Indra replied, "At thy bidding, O powerful being, I shall
+continue to act as Indra. And if thou hast said this deliberately
+and in earnest, then hear me how thou canst gratify thy desire of
+serving me. Do thou, O mighty being, take the leadership of the
+celestial forces accordingly."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Do thou anoint me as leader, for the
+destruction of the Danavas, for the good of the celestials, and for
+the well-being of cows and Brahmanas."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus anointed by Indra and all other
+gods, and honoured by the <i>Maharshis</i>, he looked grand at the
+moment. The golden umbrella<a id="footnotetag37" name="footnotetag37"></a><a href="#footnote37"><sup>37</sup></a> held
+(over his head) looked like a halo of blazing fire. That famous
+god, the Conqueror of Tripura, himself fastened the celestial
+wreath of gold, of Viswakarma's manufacture, round his neck. And, O
+great man and conqueror of thine enemies, that worshipful god with
+the emblem of the bull, had gone there previously with Parvati. He
+honoured him with a joyous heart. The Fire-god is called Rudra by
+Brahmanas, and from this fact Skanda is called the son of Rudra.
+The White Mountain was formed from discharges of Rudra's <i>semen
+virile</i> and the sensual indulgences of the Fire-god with the
+Krittikas took place on that same White Mountain. And as Rudra was
+seen by all the dwellers of heaven to heap honours on the
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 462]</span> excellent Guha (Skanda), he
+was for that reason reputed as the son of Rudra. This child had his
+being by the action of Rudra entering into the constitution of the
+Fire-god, and for this reason, Skanda came to be known as the son
+of Rudra. And, O Bharata, as Rudra, the Fire-god, Swaha, and the
+six wives (of the seven Rishis) were instrumental to the birth of
+the great god Skanda, he was for that reason reputed as the son of
+Rudra.'</p>
+<p>"'That son of Fire-god was clad in a pair of clean red cloths,
+and thus he looked grand and resplendent like the Sun peeping forth
+from behind a mass of red clouds. And the red cock given to him by
+the Fire-god, formed his ensign; and when perched on the top of his
+chariot, it looked like the image of the all-destroying fire. And
+the presiding deity of the power which conduces to the victory of
+the god, and which is the director of the exertions of all
+creatures, and constitutes their glory, prop and refuge, advanced
+before him. And a mysterious charm entered into his constitution,
+the charm which manifests its powers on the battlefield. Beauty,
+strength, piety, power, might, truthfulness, rectitude, devotion to
+Brahmanas, freedom from illusion or perplexity, protection of
+followers, destruction of foes, and care of all
+creatures,&mdash;these, O lord of men, are the inborn virtues of
+Skanda. Thus anointed by all the gods, he looked pleased and
+complacent; and dressed in his best style, he looked beautiful like
+the moon at its full. The much-esteemed incantation of <i>Vedic</i>
+hymns, the music of the celestial band, and the songs of gods and
+<i>Gandharvas</i> then rang on all sides. And surrounded by all the
+well-dressed <i>Apsaras</i>, and many other gay and happy-looking
+<i>Pisachas</i> and hosts of gods, that anointed (by gods) son of
+Pavaka disported himself in all his grandeur. To the dwellers of
+heaven, the anointed Mahasena appeared like the Sun rising after
+extinction of darkness. And then the celestial forces looking upon
+him as their leader, surrounded him on all sides in thousands. That
+adorable being followed by all creatures then assumed their
+commands, and praised and honoured by them, he encouraged them in
+return.</p>
+<p>"'The Performer of a thousand sacrifices then thought of
+Devasena, whom he has rescued before. And considering that this
+being (Skanda) was undoubtedly destined to be the husband of this
+lady by Brahma himself, he had her brought there, dressed her with
+the best apparel. And the vanquisher of Vala then said to Skanda,
+"O foremost of gods, this lady was, even before thy birth, destined
+to be thy bride by that Self-existent Being.<a id="footnotetag38" name="footnotetag38"></a><a href="#footnote38"><sup>38</sup></a>
+Therefore do thou duly accept her lotus-like beautiful right hand
+with invocation of the (marital) hymns." Thus told, he duly married
+her. And Vrihaspati learned in hymns performed the necessary
+prayers and oblations. She who is called Shashthi, Lakshmi, Asa,
+Sukhaprada, Sinivali, Kuhu, Saivritti, and Aparajita, is known
+among men as Devasena, the wife of Skanda. When Skanda became
+united to Devasena in indissoluble bonds of matrimony, then the
+gods of prosperity in her own personal embodiment began to serve
+him with diligence. As Skanda attained celebrity on the fifth lunar
+day, that day is called <i>Sripanchami</i> (or the auspicious fifth
+day) and as he attained his <span class="pagenum">[Pg 463]</span>
+object on the sixth, that lunar day is considered to be of great
+moment.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Those six ladies, the wives of the seven
+<i>Rishis</i> when they learned that good fortune had smiled on
+Mahasena and that he had been made leader of the celestial
+forces,<a id="footnotetag39" name="footnotetag39"></a><a href="#footnote39"><sup>39</sup></a> repaired to his camp. Those
+virtuous ladies of high religious merit had been disowned by the
+<i>Rishis</i>. They lost no time in visiting that leader of the
+celestial forces and then addressed him thus, "We, O son, have been
+cast out by our god-like husbands, without any cause. Some people
+spread the rumour that we gave birth to thee. Believing in the
+truth of this story, they became greatly indignant, and banished us
+from our sacred places. It behooves thee now to save us from this
+infamy. We desire to adopt thee as our son, so that, O mighty
+being, eternal bliss may be secured to us by that favour. Do thou
+thus repay the obligation thou owest to us."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "O ladies of faultless character, do you
+accordingly become my mothers. I am your son and ye shall attain
+all the objects of your desire."</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then Sakra having expressed a wish to
+say something to Skanda, the latter enquired, "What is it?" Being
+told by Skanda to speak it out, Vasava said, "The lady Abhijit, the
+younger sister of Rohini, being jealous of her seniority, has
+repaired to the woods to perform austerities. And I am at a loss to
+find out a substitute for the fallen star. May good luck attend on
+thee, do thou consult with <i>Brahma</i> (for the purpose of
+filling up the room) of this great asterism." Dhanishtha and other
+asterisms were created by <i>Brahma</i>, and Rohini used to serve
+the purpose of one such; and consequently their number was full.
+And in accordance with Sakra's advice, Krittika was assigned a
+place in the heavens, and that star presided over by <i>Agni</i>
+shines as if with seven heads. Vinata also said to Skanda, "Thou
+art as a son to me, and entitled to offer me the funeral cakes (at
+my funeral obsequies). I desire, my son, to live with thee
+always."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Be it so, all honour to thee! Do thou guide
+me with a mother's affection, and honoured by thy daughter-in-law,
+thou shalt always live with me."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then the great mothers spoke as follows
+to Skanda, "We have been described by the learned as the mothers of
+all creatures. But we desire to be thy mothers, do thou honour
+us."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Ye are all as mothers to me, and I am your
+son. Tell me what I can do to please you."</p>
+<p>"'The mothers replied, "The ladies (Brahmi, Maheswari, &amp;c.)
+were appointed as mothers of the world in bygone ages. We desire, O
+great god, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 464]</span> that they be
+dispossessed of that dignity, and ourselves installed in their
+place, and that we, instead of them, be worshipped by the world. Do
+thou now restore to us those of our progeny, of whom we have been
+deprived, by them on thy account."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Ye shall not recover those that have been
+once given away, but I can give you other offspring if ye
+like."</p>
+<p>"'The mothers replied, "We desire that living with thee and
+assuming different shapes we be able to eat up the progeny of those
+mothers and their guardians. Do thou grant us this favour."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda said, "I can grant you progeny, but this topic on which
+ye have just now dilated is a very painful one. May ye be
+prosperous! All honour to you, ladies, do ye vouchsafe to them your
+protecting care."</p>
+<p>"'The mothers replied, "We shall protect them, O Skanda, as thou
+desirest. Mayst thou be prosperous! But, O mighty being, we desire
+to live with thee always."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "So long as children of the human kind do not
+attain the youthful state in the sixteenth year of their age, ye
+shall afflict them with your various forms, and I too shall confer
+on you a fierce inexhaustible spirit. And with that ye shall live
+happily, worshipped by all."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'And then a fiery powerful being came out
+of the body of Skanda for the purpose of devouring the progeny of
+mortal beings. He fell down upon the ground, senseless and hungry.
+And bidden by Skanda, that genius of evil assumed a terrific form.
+Skandapasmara is the name by which it is known among good
+Brahmanas. Vinata is called the terrific Sakuni <i>graha</i>
+(spirit of evil). She who is known as <i>Putana Rakshasi</i> by the
+learned is the <i>graha</i> called Putana; that fierce and terrible
+looking <i>Rakshasa</i> of a hideous appearance is also called the
+<i>pisacha</i>, Sita Putana. That fierce-looking spirit is the
+cause of abortion in women. Aditi is also known by the name of
+Revati; her evil spirit is called Raivata, and that terrible
+<i>graha</i> also afflicts children. Diti, the mother of the
+Daityas (<i>Asuras</i>), is also called Muhkamandika, and that
+terrible creature is very fond of the flesh of little children.
+Those male and female children, O Kaurava, who are said to have
+been begotten by Skanda, are spirit of evil and they destroy the
+foetus in the womb. They (the <i>Kumaras</i>) are known as the
+husbands of those very ladies, and children are seized unawares by
+these cruel spirits. And, O king, <i>Surabhi</i> who is called the
+mother of bovine kind by the wise is best ridden by the evil spirit
+Sakuni, who in company with her, devours children on this earth.
+And Sarama, the mother of dogs, also habitually kills human beings
+while still in the womb. She who is the mother of all trees has her
+abode in a <i>karanja</i> tree. She grants boons and has a placid
+countenance and is always favourably disposed towards all
+creatures. Those persons who desire to have children, bow down to
+her, who is seated in a <i>karanja</i> tree. These eighteen evil
+spirits fond of meat and wine, and others of the same kind,
+invariably take up their abode in the lying-in-room for ten days.
+Kadru introduces herself in a subtle form into the body of a
+pregnant woman and there she causes the destruction of the foetus,
+and the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 465]</span> mother is made to
+give birth to a <i>Naga</i> (serpent). And that mother of the
+Gandharvas takes away the foetus, and for this reason, conception
+in woman turns out to be abortive. The mother of the <i>Apsaras</i>
+removes the foetus from the womb, and for this reason such
+conceptions are said to be stationary by the learned. The daughter
+of the Divinity of the Red Sea is said to have nursed
+Skanda,&mdash;she is worshipped under the name of Lohitayani on
+Kadamva trees. Arya acts the same part among female beings, as
+Rudra does among male ones. She is the mother of all children and
+is distinctly worshipped for their welfare. These that I have
+described are the evil spirits presiding over the destinies of
+young children, and until children attain their sixteenth year,
+these spirits exercise their influence for evil, and after that,
+for good. The whole body of male and female spirits that I have now
+described are always denominated by men as the spirits of Skanda.
+They are propitiated with burnt offerings, ablutions, unguents,
+sacrifices and other offerings, and particularly by the worship of
+Skanda. And, O king, when they are honoured and worshipped with due
+reverence, they bestow on men whatever is good for them, as also
+valour and long life. And now having bowed down to Maheswara, I
+shall describe the nature of those spirits who influence the
+destinies of men after they have attained their sixteenth year.</p>
+<p>"'The man who beholds gods while sleeping, or in a wakeful state
+soon turns mad, and the spirit under whose influence these
+hallucinations take place is called the celestial spirit. When a
+person beholds his dead ancestors while he is seated at ease, or
+lying in his bed, he soon loses his reason, and the spirit which
+causes this illusion of sensible perception, is called the
+ancestral spirit. The man who shows disrespect to the
+<i>Siddhas</i> and who is cursed by them in return, soon runs mad
+and the evil influence by which this is brought about, is called
+the <i>Siddha</i> spirit. And the spirit by whose influence a man
+smells sweet odour, and becomes cognisant of various tastes (when
+there are no odoriferous or tasteful substances about him) and soon
+becomes tormented, is called the <i>Rakshasa</i> spirit. And the
+spirit by whose action celestial musicians (<i>Gandharvas</i>)
+blend their existence into the constitution of a human being, and
+make him run mad in no time, is called the <i>Gandharva</i> spirit.
+And that evil spirit by whose influence men are always tormented by
+<i>Pisachas</i>, is called the <i>Pisacha</i> spirit. When the
+spirit of <i>Yakshas</i> enters into the system of a human being by
+some accident, he loses his reason immediately, and such a spirit
+is called the <i>Yaksha</i> spirit. The man who loses his reason on
+account of his mind being demoralised with vices, runs mad in no
+time, and his illness must be remedied according to methods
+prescribed in the <i>Sastras</i>. Men also run mad from perplexity,
+from fear, as also on beholding hideous sights. The remedy lies in
+quieting their minds. There are three classes of spirits, some are
+frolicsome, some are gluttonous, and some sensual. Until men attain
+the age of three score and ten, these evil influences continue to
+torment them, and then fever becomes the only evil spirit that
+afflicts sentient beings. These evil spirits always avoid those who
+have subdued their senses, who are self-restrained, of cleanly
+habits, god-fearing and free from laziness and contamination. I
+have thus described to thee, O king, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+466]</span> the evil spirits that mould the destinies of men. Thou
+who art devoted to Maheswara art never troubled by them.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'When Skanda had bestowed these powers,
+Swaha appeared to him and said, "Thou art my natural son,&mdash;I
+desire that thou shalt grant exquisite happiness to me."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "What sort of happiness dost thou wish to
+enjoy?"</p>
+<p>"'Swaha replied, "O mighty being, I am the favourite daughter of
+Daksha, by name Swaha; and from my youthful days I have been in
+love with Hutasana (the Fire-god); but that god, my son, does not
+understand my feelings. I desire to live for ever with him (as his
+wife)."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "From this day, lady, all the oblations that
+men of virtuous character, who swerve not from the path of virtue,
+will offer to their gods or ancestors with incantation of purifying
+hymns by Brahmanas, shall always be offered (through Agni) coupled
+with the name of Swaha, and thus, excellent lady, wilt thou always
+live associated with Agni, the god of fire."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed and honoured by Skanda,
+Swaha was greatly pleased; and associated with her husband Pavaka
+(the Fire-god), she honoured him in return.</p>
+<p>"'Then <i>Brahma</i>, the lord of all creatures, said to
+Mahasena, "Do thou go and visit thy father Mahadeva, the conqueror
+of Tripura. Rudra coalescing with Agni (the Fire-god) and Uma with
+Swaha have combined to make thee invincible for the well-being of
+all creatures. And the semen of the high-souled Rudra cast into the
+reproductive organ of Uma was thrown back upon this hill, and hence
+the twin Mujika and Minjika came into being. A portion of it fell
+into the Blood Sea, another portion, into the rays of the sun,
+another upon the earth and thus was it distributed in five
+portions. Learned men ought to remember that these thy various and
+fierce-looking followers living on the flesh of animals were
+produced from the <i>semen</i>." "Be it so," so saying, the
+high-souled Mahasena with fatherly love, honoured his father
+Maheswara.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Men who are desirous of acquiring
+wealth, should worship those five classes of spirits with the sun
+flower, and for alleviation of diseases also worship must be
+rendered to them. The twin Mujika and Minjika begotten by Rudra
+must always be respected by persons desiring the welfare of little
+children; and persons who desire to have children born to them must
+always worship those female spirits who live on human flesh and are
+produced in trees. Thus all <i>Pisachas</i> are said to be divided
+into innumerable classes. And now, O king, listen to the origin of
+the bells and standards of Skanda. Airavata (Indra's elephant) is
+known to have had two bells of the name of Vaijayanti, and the
+keen-witted Sakra had them brought to him, and personally gave them
+to Guha. Visakha took one of those bells and Skanda the other. The
+standards of both Kartikeya and Visakha were <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 467]</span> of a red colour. That mighty god Mahasena
+was pleased with the toys that had been given to him by the gods.
+Surrounded by hosts of gods and <i>Pisachas</i> and seated on the
+Golden Mountain, he looked splendid in all the grandeur of
+prosperity. And that mountain covered with fine forests, also
+looked grand in his companionship, just as the Mandara hill
+abounding with excellent caves shines with the rays of the sun. The
+White Mountain was adorned with whole tracts of wood-land covered
+with blossoming Santanaka flowers and with forests of Karavira,
+Parijata, Jaba and Asoke trees,&mdash;as also with wild tracts
+overgrown with Kadamva trees; and it abounded with herds of
+celestial deer and flocks of celestial birds. And the rumbling of
+clouds serving the purpose of musical instruments sounded like the
+murmur of an agitated sea, and celestial Gandharvas and Apsaras
+began to dance. And there arose a great sound of joy from the
+merriment of all creatures. Thus the whole world with Indra himself
+seemed to have been transferred to the White Mountain. And all the
+people began to observe Skanda with satisfaction in their looks,
+and they did not at all feel tired of doing so.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'When that adorable son of the Fire-god
+was anointed as leader of the celestial army, that grand and happy
+lord, Hara (Mahadeva) riding with Parvati in a chariot shining with
+sunlike refulgence repaired to a place called Bhadravata. His
+excellent chariot was drawn by a thousand lions and managed by
+<i>Kala</i>. They passed through blank space, and seemed as if they
+were about to devour the sky; and striking terror into the heart of
+all creatures in the mobile divisions of the worlds, those maned
+beasts flitted through the air, uttering fearful growls. And that
+lord of all animals (Mahadeva) seated in that chariot with Uma,
+looked like the sun with flames of lightning illuminating masses of
+clouds begirt with Indra's bow (rainbow). He was preceded by that
+adorable Lord of riches riding on the backs of human beings with
+his attendant Guhyakas riding in his beautiful car Pushpaka. And
+Sakra too riding on his elephant Airavata and accompanied by other
+gods brought up the rear of Mahadeva, the granter of boons,
+marching in this way at the head of the celestial army. And the
+great <i>Yaksha Amogha</i> with his attendants&mdash;the
+<i>Jambhaka Yakshas</i> and other <i>Rakshasas</i> decorated with
+garlands of flowers&mdash;obtained a place in the right wing of his
+army; and many gods of wonderful fighting powers in company with
+the <i>Vasus</i> and the <i>Rudras</i>, also marched with the right
+division of his army. And the terrible-looking Yama too in company
+with Death marched with him (followed by hundreds of terrible
+diseases); and behind him was carried the terrible, sharp-pointed,
+well-decorated trident of Siva, called Vijaya. And Varuna, the
+adorable lord of waters with his terrible <i>Pasa</i>,<a id="footnotetag40" name="footnotetag40"></a><a href="#footnote40"><sup>40</sup></a> and surrounded by numerous aquatic
+animals, marched slowly with the trident. And the trident Vijaya
+was followed by the <i>Pattisa</i><a id="footnotetag41" name="footnotetag41"></a><a href="#footnote41"><sup>41</sup></a> of
+Rudra guarded by maces, balls, clubs and other excellent weapons.
+And the <i>Pattisa</i>, O king, was followed by the bright umbrella
+of Rudra and the Kamandalu served by the <i>Maharshis</i>;
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 468]</span> and on it progressed in the
+company of Bhrigu, Angiras and others. And behind all these rode
+Rudra in his white chariot, re-assuring the gods with the
+exhibition of his powers. And rivers and lakes and seas,
+<i>Apsaras, Rishis</i>, Celestials, <i>Gandharvas</i> and serpents,
+stars, planets, and the children of gods, as also many women,
+followed him in his train. These handsome-looking ladies proceeded
+scattering flowers all around; and the clouds marched, having made
+their obeisance to that god (Mahadeva) armed with the <i>Pinaka</i>
+bow. And some of them held a white umbrella over his head, and Agni
+(the Fire god) and Vayu (the god of winds) busied themselves with
+two hairy fans (emblems of royalty). And, O king, he was followed
+by the glorious Indra accompanied by the <i>Rajarshis</i>, and
+singing the praise of that god with the emblem of the bull. And
+Gauri, Vidya, Gandhari, Kesini, and the lady called Mitra in
+company with Savitri, all proceeded in the train of Parvati, as
+also all the Vidyas (presiding deities of all branches of
+knowledge) that were created by the learned. The <i>Rakshasa</i>
+spirit who delivers to different battalions the commands which are
+implicitly obeyed by Indra and other gods, advanced in front of the
+army as standard-bearer. And that foremost of <i>Rakshasas</i>, by
+name Pingala, the friend of Rudra, who is always busy in places
+where corpses are burnt, and who is agreeable to all people,
+marched with them merrily, at one time going ahead of the army, and
+falling behind again at another, his movements being uncertain.
+Virtuous actions are the offerings with which the god Rudra is
+worshipped by mortals. He who is also called Siva, the omnipotent
+god, armed with the Pinaka bow, is Maheswara. He is worshipped in
+various forms.</p>
+<p>"'The son of Krittika, the leader of the celestial army,
+respectful to Brahmanas, surrounded by the celestial forces, also
+followed that lord of the gods. And then Mahadeva said these
+weighty words to Mahasena, "Do thou carefully command the seventh
+army corps of the celestial forces."</p>
+<p>"'Skanda replied, "Very well, my lord! I shall command the
+seventh army corps. Now tell me quickly if there is anything else
+to be done."</p>
+<p>"'Rudra said, "Thou shall always find me in the field of action.
+By looking up to me and by devotion to me shalt thou attain great
+welfare."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'With these words Maheswara received him
+in his embrace, and then dismissed him. And, O great king, after
+the dismissal of Skanda, prodigies of various kinds occurred to
+disturb the equanimity of the gods.</p>
+<p>"'The firmament with the stars was in a blaze, and the whole
+universe in a state of utter confusion. The earth quaked and gave
+forth a rumbling sound, and darkness overspread the whole world.
+Then observing this terrible catastrophy, Sankara with the
+estimable Uma, and the celestials with the great <i>Maharshis</i>,
+were much exercised in mind. And when they had fallen into this
+state of confusion, there appeared before them a fierce and mighty
+host armed with various weapons, and looking like a mass of clouds
+and rocks. Those terrible and countless beings, speaking different
+languages directed their movements towards the point where Sankara
+and the celestials stood. They hurled into the ranks of the
+celestial army flights <span class="pagenum">[Pg 469]</span> of
+arrows in all directions, masses of rock, maces, <i>sataghnis,
+prasas</i> and <i>parighas</i>. The celestial army was thrown into
+a state of confusion by a shower of these terrible weapons and
+their ranks were seen to waver. The <i>Danavas</i> made a great
+havoc by cutting up their soldiers, horses, elephants, chariots and
+arms. And the celestial troops then seemed as if they were about to
+turn their backs upon the enemy. And numbers of them fell, slain by
+the <i>Asuras</i>, like large trees in a forest burnt in a
+conflagration. Those dwellers of heaven fell with their heads
+separated from their bodies, and having none to lead them in that
+fearful battle, they were slaughtered by the enemy. And then the
+god Purandara (Indra), the slayer of Vala, observing that they were
+unsteady and hard-pressed by the <i>Asuras</i>, tried to rally them
+with this speech, "Do not be afraid, ye heroes, may success attend
+your efforts! Do ye all take up your arms, and resolve upon manly
+conduct, and ye will meet with no more misfortune, and defeat those
+wicked and terrible-looking <i>Danavas</i>. May ye be successful!
+Do ye fall upon the <i>Danavas</i> with me."</p>
+<p>"'The dwellers of heaven were re-assured on hearing this speech
+from Sakra; and under his leadership, they again rushed against the
+<i>Danavas</i>. And then the thirty-three crores of gods and all
+the powerful <i>Marutas</i> and the <i>Sadhyas</i> with the
+<i>Vasus</i> returned to the charge. And the arrows which they
+angrily discharged against the enemy drew a large quantity of blood
+from the bodies of the <i>Daityas</i> and of their horses and
+elephants. And those sharp arrows passing through their bodies fell
+upon the ground, looking like so many snakes falling from the sides
+of a hill. And, O king, the <i>Daityas</i> pierced by those arrows
+fell fast on all sides, looking like so many detached masses of
+clouds. Then the <i>Danava</i> host, struck with panic at that
+charge of the celestials on the field of battle, wavered at that
+shower of various weapons. Then all the gods loudly gave vent to
+their joy, with arms ready to strike; and the celestial bands too
+struck up various airs. Thus took place that encounter, so fearful
+to both sides: for all the battle-field was covered with blood and
+strewn with the bodies of both gods and <i>Asuras</i>. But the gods
+were soon worsted all on a sudden, and the terrible <i>Danavas</i>
+again made a great havoc of the celestial army. Then the
+<i>Asuras</i> drums struck up and their shrill bugles were sounded;
+and the <i>Danava</i> chiefs yelled their terrific war-cry.</p>
+<p>"'Then a powerful <i>Danava</i>, taking a huge mass of rock in
+his hands, came out of that terrible <i>Daitya</i> army. He looked
+like the sun peering forth from against a mass of dark clouds. And,
+O king, the celestials, beholding that he was about to hurl that
+mass of rock at them, fled in confusion. But they were pursued by
+Mahisha, who hurled that hillock at them. And, O lord of the world,
+by the falling of that mass of rock, ten thousand warriors of the
+celestial army were crushed to the ground and breathed their last.
+And this act of Mahisha struck terror into the hearts of the gods,
+and with his attendant <i>Danavas</i> he fell upon them like a lion
+attacking a herd of deer. And when Indra and the other celestials
+observed that Mahisha was advancing to the charge, they fled,
+leaving behind their arms and colours. And Mahisha was greatly
+enraged at this, and he quickly advanced towards the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 470]</span> chariot of Rudra; and reaching near, he
+seized its pole with his hands. And when Mahisha in a fit of rage
+had thus seized the chariot of Rudra, all the Earth began to groan
+and the great <i>Rishis</i> lost their senses. And <i>Daityas</i>
+of huge proportions, looking like dark clouds, were boisterous with
+joy, thinking that victory was assured to them. And although that
+adorable god (Rudra) was in that plight, yet he did not think it
+worth while to kill Mahisha in battle; he remembered that Skanda
+would deal the deathblow to that evil-minded <i>Asura</i>. And the
+fiery Mahisha, contemplating with satisfaction the prize (the
+chariot of Rudra) which he had secured, sounded his war-cry, to the
+great alarm of the gods and the joy of the <i>Daityas</i>. And when
+the gods were in that fearful predicament, the mighty Mahasena,
+burning with anger, and looking grand like the Sun advanced to
+their rescue. And that lordly being was clad in blazing red and
+decked with a wreath of red flowers. And cased in armour of gold he
+rode in a gold-coloured chariot bright as the Sun and drawn by
+chestnut horses. And at his sight the army of the daityas was
+suddenly dispirited on the field of battle. And, O great king, the
+mighty Mahasena discharged a bright <i>Sakti</i> for the
+destruction of Mahisha. That missile cut off the head of Mahisha,
+and he fell upon the ground and died. And his head massive as a
+hillock, falling on the ground, barred the entrance to the country
+of the Northern Kurus, extending in length for sixteen
+<i>Yojanas</i> though at present the people of that country pass
+easily by that gate.</p>
+<p>"'It was observed both by the gods and the <i>Danavas</i> that
+Skanda hurled his <i>sakti</i> again and again on the field of
+battle, and that it returned to his hands, after killing thousands
+of the enemy's forces. And the terrible <i>Danavas</i> fell in
+large numbers by the arrows of the wise Mahasena. And then a panic
+seized them, and the followers of Skanda began to slay and eat them
+up by thousands and drink their blood. And they joyously
+exterminated the <i>Danavas</i> in no time, just as the sun
+destroys darkness, or as fire destroys a forest, or as the winds
+drive away the clouds. And in this manner the famous Skanda
+defeated all his enemies. And the gods came to congratulate him,
+and he, in turn, paid his respects to Maheswara. And that son of
+Krittika looked grand like the sun in all the glory of his
+effulgence. And when the enemy was completely defeated by Skanda
+and when Maheswara left the battle-field, Purandara embraced
+Mahasena and said to him, "This Mahisha, who was made invincible by
+the favour of Brahma hath been killed by thee. O best of warriors,
+the gods were like grass to him. O strong-limbed hero, thou hast
+removed a thorn of the celestials. Thou hast killed in battle
+hundreds of Danavas equal in valour to Mahisha who were all hostile
+to us, and who used to harass us before. And thy followers too have
+devoured them by hundreds. Thou art, O mighty being, invincible in
+battle like Uma's lord; and this victory shall be celebrated as thy
+first achievement, and thy fame shall be undying in the three
+worlds. And, O strong-armed god, all the gods will yield their
+allegiance to thee." Having spoken thus to Mahasena, the husband of
+Sachi left the place accompanied by the gods and with the
+permission of the adorable three-eyed god (Siva). And Rudra
+returned to Bhadravata, and the celestials too returned to their
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 471]</span> respective abodes. And Rudra
+spoke, addressing the gods, "Ye must render allegiance to Skanda
+just as ye do unto me." And that son of the Fire-god, having killed
+the Danavas hath conquered the three worlds, in one day, and he
+hath been worshipped by the great <i>Rishis</i>. The Brahmana who
+with due attention readeth this story of the birth of Skanda,
+attaineth to great prosperity in this world and the companionship
+of Skanda hereafter.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O good and adorable Brahmana, I wish to
+know the different names of that high-souled being, by which he is
+celebrated throughout the three worlds.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by the Pandava in that
+assembly of <i>Rishis</i>, the worshipful Markandeya of high
+ascetic merit replied, 'Agneya (Son of Agni), Skanda (Cast-off),
+Diptakirti (Of blazing fame), Anamaya (Always hale), Mayuraketu
+(Peacock-bannered), Dharmatman (The virtuous-souled), Bhutesa (The
+lord of all creatures), Mahishardana (The slayer of Mahisha),
+Kamajit (The subjugator of desires), Kamada (The fulfiller of
+desires), Kanta (The handsome), Satyavak (The truthful in speech),
+Bhuvaneswara (The lord of the universe), Sisu (The child), Sighra
+(The quick), Suchi (The pure), Chanda (The fiery), Diptavarna (The
+bright-complexioned), Subhanana (Of beautiful face), Amogha
+(Incapable of being baffled), Anagha (The sinless), Rudra (The
+terrible), Priya (The favourite), Chandranana (Of face like the
+moon), Dipta-sasti (The wielder of the blazing lance), Prasantatman
+(Of tranquil soul), Bhadrakrit (The doer of good), Kutamahana (The
+chamber of even the wicked), Shashthipriya (True favourite of
+Shashthi), Pavitra (The holy), Matrivatsala (The reverencer of his
+mother), Kanya-bhartri (The protector of virgins), Vibhakta
+(Diffused over the universe), Swaheya (The son of Swaha),
+Revatisuta (The child of Revati), Prabhu (The Lord), Neta (The
+leader), Visakha (Reared up by Visakha), Naigameya (Sprang from the
+Veda), Suduschara (Difficult of propitiation), Suvrata (Of
+excellent vows), Lalita (The beautiful), Valakridanaka-priya (Fond
+of toys), Khacharin (The ranger of skies), Brahmacharin (The
+chaste), Sura (The brave), Saravanodbhava (Born in a forest of
+heath), Viswamitra priya (The favourite of Viswamitra),
+Devasena-priya (The lover of Devasena), Vasudeva-priya (The beloved
+of Vasudeva), and Priya-krit (The doer of agreeable
+things)&mdash;these are the divine names of Kartikeya. Whoever
+repeateth them, undoubtedly secureth fame, wealth, and
+salvation.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'O valiant scion of Kuru's race, I shall
+now with due devotion pray to that unrivalled, mighty, six-faced,
+and valiant Guha who is worshipped by gods and <i>Rishis</i>,
+enumerating his other titles of distinction: do thou listen to
+them: Thou art devoted to <i>Brahma</i>, begotten of Brahma, and
+versed in the mysteries of <i>Brahma</i>. Thou art called
+<i>Brahmasaya</i>, and thou art the foremost of those who are
+possessed of <i>Brahma</i>. Thou art fond of <i>Brahma</i>, thou
+art austere like the Brahmanas and art versed in the great mystery
+of <i>Brahma</i> and the leader of the Brahmanas. Thou art
+<i>Swaha</i>, thou art <i>Swadha</i>, and thou art the holiest of
+the holy, and art invoked in hymns and celebrated as the six-flamed
+fire. Thou art the year, thou art <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+472]</span> the six seasons, thou art the months, the (lunar) half
+months, the (solar) declinations, and the cardinal points of space.
+Thou art lotus-eyed. Thou art possessed of a lily-like face. Thou
+hast a thousand faces and a thousand arms. Thou art the ruler of
+the universe, thou art the great Oblation, and thou art the
+animating spirit of all the gods and the <i>Asuras</i>. Thou art
+the great leader of armies. Thou art <i>Prachanda</i> (furious),
+thou art the Lord, and thou art the great master and the conqueror
+of thine enemies. Thou art <i>Sahasrabhu</i> (multiform),
+<i>Sahasratusti</i> (a thousand times content), <i>Sahasrabhuk</i>
+(devourer of everything), and <i>Sahasrapad</i> (of a thousand
+legs), and thou art the earth itself. Thou art possessed of
+infinite forms and thousand heads and great strength. According to
+thine own inclinations thou hast appeared as the son of Ganga,
+Swaha, Mahi, or Krittika. O six-faced god, thou dost play with the
+cock and assume different forms according to thy will. Thou art
+Daksha, Soma, the Maruta, Dharma, Vayu, the prince of mountains,
+and Indra, for all time. Thou art mighty, the most eternal of all
+eternal things, and the lord of all lords. Thou art the progenitor
+of Truth, the destroyer of Diti's progeny (<i>Asuras</i>), and the
+great conqueror of the enemies of the celestials. Thou art the
+personation of virtue and being thyself vast and minute, thou art
+acquainted with the highest and lowest points of virtuous acts, and
+the mysteries of <i>Brahma</i>. O foremost of all gods and
+high-souled lord of the Universe, this whole creation is
+over-spread with thy energy! I have thus prayed to thee according
+to the best of my power. I salute thee who art possessed of twelve
+eyes and many hands. Thy remaining attributes transcend my powers
+of comprehension!'</p>
+<p>"'The Brahmana who with due attention readeth this story of the
+birth of Skanda, or relateth it unto Brahmanas, or hears it
+narrated by regenerate men, attaineth to wealth, long life, fame,
+children, as also victory, prosperity and contentment, and the
+companionship of Skanda.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXI</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Draupadi-Satyabhama Samvada</i>)</h3>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "After those Brahmanas and the illustrious
+sons of Pandu had taken their seats, Draupadi and Satyabhama
+entered the hermitage. And with hearts full of joy the two ladies
+laughed merrily and seated themselves at their ease. And, O king,
+those ladies, who always spake sweetly to each other, having met
+after a long time, began to talk upon various delightful topics
+arising out of the stories of the Kurus and the Yadus. And the
+slender-waisted Satyabhama, the favourite wife of Krishna and the
+daughter of Satrajit, then asked Draupadi in private, saying, 'By
+what behaviour is it, O daughter of Drupada, that thou art able to
+rule the sons of Pandu&mdash;those heroes endued with strength and
+beauty and like unto the <i>Lokapalas</i> themselves? Beautiful
+lady, how is it that they are so obedient to thee and are never
+angry with thee? Without doubt the sons of Pandu, O thou of lovely
+features, are ever submissive to thee and watchful to do thy
+bidding! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 473]</span> Tell me, O lady, the
+reason of this. Is it practice of vows, or asceticism, or
+incantation or drug at the time of the bath (in season) or the
+efficacy of science, or the influence of youthful appearance, or
+the recitation of particular formulae, or <i>Homa</i>, or collyrium
+and other medicaments? Tell me now, O princess of Panchala, of that
+blessed and auspicious thing by which, O Krishna, Krishna may ever
+be obedient to me.'</p>
+<p>"When the celebrated Satyabhama, having said this, ceased, the
+chaste and blessed daughter of Drupada answered her, saying, 'Thou
+askedest me, O Satyabhama, of the practices of women that are
+wicked. How can I answer thee, O lady, about the cause that is
+pursued by wicked females? It doth not become thee, lady, to pursue
+the questions, or doubt me, after this, for thou art endued with
+intelligence and art the favourite wife of Krishna. When the
+husband learns that his wife is addicted to incantations and drugs,
+from that hour he beginneth to dread her like a serpent ensconced
+in his sleeping chamber. And can a man that is troubled with fear
+have peace, and how can one that hath no peace have happiness? A
+husband can never be made obedient by his wife's incantations. We
+hear of painful diseases being transmitted by enemies. Indeed, they
+that desire to slay others, send poison in the shape of customary
+gifts, so that the man that taketh the powders so sent, by tongue
+or skin, is, without doubt, speedily deprived of life. Women have
+sometimes caused dropsy and leprosy, decrepitude and impotence and
+idiocy and blindness and deafness in men. These wicked women, ever
+treading in the path of sin, do sometimes (by these means) injure
+their husbands. But the wife should never do the least injury to
+her lord. Hear now, O illustrious lady, of the behaviour I adopt
+towards the high-souled sons of Pandu. Keeping aside vanity, and
+controlling desire and wrath, I always serve with devotion the sons
+of Pandu with their wives. Restraining jealousy, with deep devotion
+of heart, without a sense of degradation at the services I perform,
+I wait upon my husbands. Ever fearing to utter what is evil or
+false, or to look or sit or walk with impropriety, or cast glances
+indicative of the feelings of the heart, do I serve the sons of
+Pritha&mdash;those mighty warriors blazing like the sun or fire,
+and handsome as the moon, those endued with fierce energy and
+prowess, and capable of slaying their foes by a glance of the eye.
+Celestial, or man, or Gandharva, young or decked with ornaments,
+wealthy or comely of person, none else my heart liketh. I never
+bathe or eat or sleep till he that is my husband hath bathed or
+eaten or slept,&mdash;till, in fact, our attendants have bathed,
+eaten, or slept. Whether returning from the field, the forest, or
+the town, hastily rising up I always salute my husband with water
+and a seat. I always keep the house and all household articles and
+the food that is to be taken well-ordered and clean. Carefully do I
+keep the rice, and serve the food at the proper time. I never
+indulge in angry and fretful speech, and never imitate women that
+are wicked. Keeping idleness at distance I always do what is
+agreeable. I never laugh except at a jest, and never stay for any
+length of time at the house-gate. I never stay long in places for
+answering calls of nature, nor in pleasure-gardens attached to the
+house. I always refrain from laughing loudly and indulging in high
+passion, and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 474]</span> from everything
+that may give offence. Indeed, O Satyabhama, I always am engaged in
+waiting upon my lords. A separation from my lords is never
+agreeable to me. When my husband leaveth home for the sake of any
+relative, then renouncing flowers and fragrant paste of every kind,
+I begin to undergo penances. Whatever my husband drinketh not,
+whatever my husband eateth not, whatever my husband enjoyeth not, I
+ever renounce. O beautiful lady, decked in ornaments and ever
+controlled by the instruction imparted to me, I always devotedly
+seek the good of my lord. Those duties that my mother-in-law had
+told me of in respect of relatives, as also the duties of
+alms-giving, of offering worship to the gods, of oblations to the
+diseased, of boiling food in pots on auspicious days for offer to
+ancestors and guests of reverence and service to those that deserve
+our regards, and all else that is known to me, I always discharge
+day and night, without idleness of any kind. Having with my whole
+heart recourse to humility and approved rules I serve my meek and
+truthful lords ever observant of virtue, regarding them as
+poisonous snakes capable of being excited at a trifle. I think that
+to be eternal virtue for women which is based upon a regard for the
+husband. The husband is the wife's god, and he is her refuge.
+Indeed, there is no other refuge for her. How can, then, the wife
+do the least injury to her lord? I never, in sleeping or eating or
+adorning any person, act against the wishes of my lord, and always
+guided by my husbands, I never speak ill of my mother-in-law. O
+blessed lady, my husbands have become obedient to me in consequence
+of my diligence, my alacrity, and the humility with which I serve
+superiors. Personally do I wait every day with food and drink and
+clothes upon the revered and truthful Kunti&mdash;that mother of
+heroes. Never do I show any preference for myself over her in
+matters of food and attire, and never do I reprove in words that
+princess equal unto the Earth herself in forgiveness. Formerly,
+eight thousand Brahmanas were daily fed in the palace of
+Yudhishthira from off plates of gold. And eighty thousand Brahmanas
+also of the <i>Snataka</i> sect leading domestic lives were
+entertained by Yudhishthira with thirty serving-maids assigned to
+each. Besides these, ten thousand <i>yatis</i> with the vital seed
+drawn up, had their pure food carried unto them in plates of gold.
+All these Brahmanas that were the utterers of the <i>Veda</i>, I
+used to worship duly with food, drink, and raiment taken from
+stores only after a portion thereof had been dedicated to the
+Viswadeva.<a id="footnotetag42" name="footnotetag42"></a><a href="#footnote42"><sup>42</sup></a> The illustrious son of Kunti had a
+hundred thousand well-dressed serving-maids with bracelets on arms
+and golden ornaments on necks, and decked with costly garlands and
+wreaths and gold in profusion, and sprinkled with sandal paste. And
+adorned with jewels and gold they were all skilled in singing and
+dancing. O lady, I knew the names and features of all those girls,
+as also what they are and what they were, and what they did not.
+Kunti's son of great intelligence <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+475]</span> had also a hundred thousand maid-servants who daily
+used to feed guests, with plates of gold in their hands. And while
+Yudhishthira lived in Indraprastha a hundred thousand horses and a
+hundred thousand elephants used to follow in his train. These were
+the possessions of Yudhishthira while he ruled the earth. It was I
+however, O lady, who regulated their number and framed the rules to
+be observed in respect of them; and it was I who had to listen to
+all complaints about them. Indeed, I knew everything about what the
+maid-servants of the palace and other classes of attendants, even
+the cow-herds and the shepherds of the royal establishment, did or
+did not. O blessed and illustrious lady, it was I alone amongst the
+Pandavas who knew the income and expenditure of the king and what
+their whole wealth was. And those bulls among the Bharatas,
+throwing upon me the burden of looking after all those that were to
+be fed by them, would, O thou of handsome face, pay their court to
+me. And this load, so heavy and incapable of being borne by persons
+of evil heart, I used to bear day and night, sacrificing my ease,
+and all the while affectionately devoted to them. And while my
+husbands were engaged in the pursuit of virtue, I only supervised
+their treasury inexhaustible like the ever-filled receptacle of
+Varuna. Day and night bearing hunger and thirst, I used to serve
+the Kuru princes, so that my nights and days were equal to me. I
+used to wake up first and go to bed last. This, O Satyabhama, hath
+ever been my charm for making my husbands obedient to me! This
+great art hath ever been known to me for making my husbands
+obedient to me. Never have I practised the charms of wicked women,
+nor do I ever wish to practise them.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing those words of virtuous import
+uttered by Krishna, Satyabhama, having first reverenced the
+virtuous princess of Panchala, answered saying, 'O princess of
+Panchala, I have been guilty, O daughter of Yajnasena, forgive me!
+Among friends, conversations in jest arise naturally, and without
+premeditation.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXII</h2>
+<p>"Draupadi said, 'I shall now indicate to thee, for attracting
+the heart of thy husbands a way that is free from deceit. By
+adopting it duly, dear friend, thou will be able to draw away thy
+lord from other females. In all the worlds, including that of the
+celestials, there is no god equal, O Satyabhama, unto the husband.
+When he is gratified with thee, thou mayst have (from thy husband)
+every object of desire; when he is angry, all these may be lost. It
+is from her husband that the wife obtaineth offspring and various
+articles of enjoyment. It is from thy husband that thou mayst have
+handsome beds and seats, and robes and garlands, and perfumes, and
+great fame and heaven itself hereafter. One cannot obtain happiness
+here by means that are easy. Indeed, the woman that is chaste,
+obtains weal with woe. Always adore Krishna, therefore, with
+friendship and love physical sufferings. And do thou also act in a
+way, by offering handsome seats and excellent garlands <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 476]</span> and various perfumes and prompt service,
+that he may be devoted to thee, thinking, "<i>I am truly loved by
+her!</i>" Hearing the voice of thy lord at the gate, rise thou up
+from thy seat and stay in readiness within the room. And as soon as
+thou seest him enter thy chamber, worship him by promptly offering
+him a seat and water to wash his feet. And even when he commands a
+maidservant to do anything, get thou up and do it thyself. Let
+Krishna understand this temper of thy mind and know that thou
+adorest him with all thy heart. And, O Satyabhama, whatever thy
+lord speaketh before thee, do not blab of it even if it may not
+deserve concealment,&mdash;for if any of thy co-wives were to speak
+of it unto Vasudeva, he might be irritated with thee. Feed thou by
+every means in thy power those that are dear and devoted to thy
+lord and always seek his good. Thou shouldst, however, always keep
+thyself aloof from those that are hostile to and against thy lord
+and seek to do him injury, as also from those that are addicted to
+deceit. Foregoing all excitement and carelessness in the presence
+of men, conceal thy inclinations by observing silence, and thou
+shouldst not stay or converse in private even with thy sons,
+Pradyumna and Samva. Thou shouldst form attachments with only such
+females as are high-born and sinless and devoted to their lords,
+and thou shouldst always shun women that are wrathful, addicted to
+drinks, gluttonous, thievish, wicked and fickle. Behaviour such as
+this is reputable and productive of prosperity; and while it is
+capable of neutralising hostility, it also leadeth to heaven.
+Therefore, worship thou thy husband, decking thyself in costly
+garlands and ornaments and smearing thyself with unguents and
+excellent perfumes.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then Kesava, the slayer of Madhu, also
+called Janardana, having conversed on various agreeable themes with
+the illustrious sons of Pandu and with those Brahmanas that were
+headed by Markandeya and having bid them farewell, mounted his car
+and called for Satyabhama. And Satyabhama then, having embraced the
+daughter of Drupada, addressed her in these cordial words
+expressive of her feelings towards her: 'O Krishna, let there be no
+anxiety, no grief, for thee! Thou hast no cause to pass thy nights
+in sleeplessness, for thou wilt surely obtain back the earth
+subjugated by thy husbands, who are all equal unto the gods. O thou
+of black eyes, women endued with such disposition and possessed of
+such auspicious marks, can never suffer misfortune long. It hath
+been heard by me that thou shall, with thy husbands, certainly
+enjoy this earth peacefully and freed from all thorns! And, O
+daughter of Drupada, thou shalt certainly behold the earth ruled by
+Yudhishthira after the sons of Dhritarashtra have been slain and
+the deeds of their hostility avenged! Thou wilt soon behold those
+wives of the Kurus, who, deprived of sense by pride, laughed at
+thee while on thy way to exile, themselves reduced to a state of
+helplessness and despair! Know them all, O Krishna, that did thee
+any injury while thou <span class="pagenum">[Pg 477]</span> wert
+afflicted, to have already gone to the abode of Yama. Thy brave
+sons, Prativindhya by Yudhishthira and Sutasoma by Bhima, and
+Srutakarman by Arjuna, and Satanika by Nakula, and Srutasena begot
+by Sahadeva, are well and have become skilled in weapons. Like
+Abhimanyu they are all staying at Dwaravati, delighted with the
+place. And Subhadra also, cheerfully and with her whole soul,
+looketh after them like thee, and like thee joyeth in them and
+deriveth much happiness from them. Indeed, she grieveth in their
+griefs and joyeth in their joys. And the mother of Pradyumna also
+loveth them with her whole soul. And Kesava with his sons Bhanu and
+others watcheth over them with especial affection. And my
+mother-in-law is ever attentive in feeding and clothing them. And
+the Andhakas and Vrishnis, including Rama and others, regard them
+with affection. And, O beautiful lady, their affection for thy sons
+is equal unto what they feel for Pradyumna.'</p>
+<p>"Having said these agreeable and truthful and cordial words,
+Satyabhama desired to go to Vasudeva's car. And the wife of Krishna
+then walked round the queen of the Pandavas. And having done so the
+beautiful Satyabhama mounted the car of Krishna. And the chief of
+the Yadavas, comforting Draupadi with a smile and causing the
+Pandavas to return, set out for his own city, with swift horses
+(yoked unto his car)."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXIV</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Ghosha-yatra Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "While those foremost of men&mdash;the sons of
+Pritha&mdash;were passing their days in the forest exposed to the
+inclemencies of the winter, the summer, the wind and the sun, what
+did they do, O Brahmana, after they had reached the lake and woods
+going by the name of Dwaita?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "After the sons of Pandu had arrived at that
+lake, they chose a residence that was removed from the habitations
+of men. And they began to roam through delightful woods and ever
+charming mountains and picturesque river-valleys. And after they
+had taken up their residence there, many venerable ascetics endued
+with Vedic lore often came to see them. And those foremost of men
+always received those <i>Veda</i>-knowing <i>Rishis</i> with great
+respect. And one day there came unto the Kaurava princes a certain
+Brahmana who was well known on earth for his powers of speech. And
+having conversed with the Pandavas for a while, he went away as
+pleased him to the court of the royal son of Vichitravirya.
+Received with respect by that chief of the Kurus, the old king, the
+Brahmana took his seat; and asked by the monarch he began to talk
+of the sons of Dharma, Pavana, Indra and of the twins, all of whom
+having fallen into severe misery, had become emaciated and reduced
+owing to exposure to wind and sun. And that Brahmana also talked of
+Krishna who was overwhelmed with suffering and who then had become
+perfectly helpless, although she had heroes for her lords. And
+hearing the words of that Brahmana, the royal son of Vichitravirya
+became afflicted with grief, at the thought of those princes of
+royal lineage then <span class="pagenum">[Pg 478]</span> swimming
+in a river of sorrow. His inmost soul afflicted with sorrow and
+trembling all over with sighs, he quieted himself with a great
+effort, remembering that everything had arisen from his own fault.
+And the monarch said, 'Alas, how is it that Yudhishthira who is the
+eldest of my sons, who is truthful and pious and virtuous in his
+behaviour, who hath not a foe, who had formerly slept on beds made
+of soft <i>Ranku</i> skins, sleepeth now on the bare ground! Alas,
+wakened formerly by <i>Sutas</i> and <i>Magadhas</i> and other
+singers with his praises, melodiously recited every morning, that
+prince of the Kuru race, equal unto Indra himself, is now waked
+from the bare ground towards the small hours of the night by a
+multitude of birds! How doth Vrikodara, reduced by exposure to wind
+and sun and filled with wrath, sleep, in the presence of the
+princess of Panchala, on the bare ground, unfit as he is to suffer
+such lot! Perhaps also, the intelligent Arjuna, who is incapable of
+bearing pain, and who, though obedient to the will of Yudhishthira,
+yet feeleth himself to be pierced over all by the remembrance of
+his wrongs, sleepeth not in the night! Beholding the twins and
+Krishna and Yudhishthira and Bhima plunged in misery, Arjuna
+without doubt, sigheth like a serpent of fierce energy and sleepeth
+not from wrath in the night! The twins also, who are even like a
+couple of blessed celestials in heaven sunk in woe though deserving
+of bliss, without doubt pass their nights in restless wakefulness
+restrained (from avenging their wrongs) by virtue and truth! The
+mighty son of the Wind-god, who is equal to the Wind-god himself in
+strength, without doubt, sigheth and restraineth his wrath, being
+tied through his elder brother in the bonds of truth! Superior in
+battle to all warriors, he now lieth quiet on the ground,
+restrained by virtue and truth, and burning to slay my children, he
+bideth his time. The cruel words that Dussasana spoke after
+Yudhishthira had been deceitfully defeated at dice, have sunk deep
+into Vrikodara's heart, and are consuming him, like a burning
+bundle of straw consuming a fagot of dry wood! The son of Dharma
+never acteth sinfully; Dhananjaya also always obeyeth him; but
+Bhima's wrath, in consequence of a life of exile, is increasing
+like a conflagration assisted by the wind! That hero, burning with
+rage such as that, squeezeth his hands and breatheth hot and fierce
+sighs, as if consuming therewith my sons and grandsons! The wielder
+of the <i>Gandiva</i> and Vrikodara, when angry, are like Yama and
+Kala themselves; scattering their shafts, which are like unto
+thunder-bolts, they exterminate in battle the ranks of the enemy.
+Alas Duryodhana, and Sakuni, and the <i>Suta's</i> son, and
+Dussasana also of wicked soul, in robbing the Pandavas of their
+kingdom by means of dice, seem to behold the honey alone without
+marking the terrible ruin. A man having acted rightly or wrongly,
+expecteth the fruit of those acts. The fruit, however, confounding
+him, paralyses him fully. How can man, thereof, have salvation? If
+the soil is properly tilled, and the seed sown therein, and if the
+god (of rain) showereth in season, still the crop may not grow.
+This is what we often hear. Indeed, how could this saying be true
+unless, as I think, it be that everything here is dependent on
+Destiny? The gambler Sakuni hath behaved deceitfully towards the
+son of Pandu, who ever acteth honestly. From affection for my
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 479]</span> wicked sons I also have acted
+similarly. Alas, it is owing to this that the hour of destruction
+hath come for the Kurus! Oh, perhaps, what is inevitable must
+happen! The wind, impelled or not, will move. The woman that
+conceives will bring forth. Darkness will be dispelled at dawn, and
+day disappear at evening! Whatever may be earned by us or others,
+whether people spend it or not, when the time cometh, those
+possessions of ours do bring on misery. Why then do people become
+so anxious about earning wealth? If, indeed, what is acquired is
+the result of fate, then should it be protected so that it may not
+be divided, nor lost little by little, nor permitted to flow out at
+once, for if unprotected, it may break into a hundred fragments.
+But whatever the character of our possessions, our acts in the
+world are never lost. Behold what the energy of Arjuna is, who went
+into the abode of Indra from the woods! Having mastered the four
+kinds of celestial weapons he hath come back into this world! What
+man is there who, having gone to heaven in his human form, wisheth
+to come back? This would never have been but because he seeth
+innumerable Kurus to be at the point of death, afflicted by Time!
+The bowman is Arjuna, capable of wielding the bow with his left
+hand as well! The bow he wieldeth is the <i>Gandiva</i> of fierce
+impetus. He hath, besides, those celestial weapons of his! Who is
+there that would bear the energy of these three!'</p>
+<p>"Hearing these words of the monarch, the son of Suvala, going
+unto Duryodhana, who was then sitting with Karna, told them
+everything in private. And Duryodhana, though possessed of little
+sense, was filled with grief at what he heard."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of Dhritarashtra,
+Sakuni, when the opportunity presented itself, aided by Karna,
+spoke unto Duryodhana these words, 'Having exiled the heroic
+Pandavas by thy own prowess, O Bharata, rule thou this earth
+without a rival like the slayer of Samvara ruling the heaven! O
+monarch, the kings of the east, the south, the west, and the north,
+have all been made tributary to thee! O lord of earth, that blazing
+Prosperity which had before paid her court to the sons of Pandu,
+hath now been acquired by thee along with thy brothers! That
+blazing Prosperity, O king, which we not many days ago saw with
+heavy hearts in Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, is today seen by us
+to be owned by thee, she having, O mighty-armed monarch, been
+snatched by thee from the royal Yudhishthira by force of intellect
+alone. O slayer of hostile heroes, all the kings of the earth now
+living in subjection to thee, await thy commands, as they did
+before under Yudhishthira, awaiting his. O monarch, the goddess
+Earth with her boundless extent with girth of seas, with her
+mountains and forests, and towns and cities and mines, and decked
+with woodlands and hills is now thine! Adored by the Brahmanas and
+worshipped by the kings, thou blazest forth, O king, in consequence
+of thy prowess, like the Sun <span class="pagenum">[Pg 480]</span>
+among the gods in heaven! Surrounded by the Kurus, O king, like
+Yama by the Rudra, or Vasava by the Maruts, thou shinest, O
+monarch, like the Moon among the stars! Let us, therefore, O king,
+go and look at the sons of Pandu&mdash;them who are now divested of
+prosperity, them who never obeyed commands, them who never owed
+subjection! It hath been heard by us, O monarch, that the Pandavas
+are now living on the banks of the lake called <i>Dwaitavana</i>,
+with a multitude of Brahmanas, having the wilderness for their
+home. Go thither, O king, in all thy prosperity, scorching the son
+of Pandu with a sight of thy glory, like the Sun scorching
+everything with his hot rays! Thyself a sovereign and they divested
+of sovereignty, thyself in prosperity and they divested of it,
+thyself possessing affluence and they in poverty, behold now, O
+king, the sons of Pandu. Let the sons of Pandu behold thee like
+Yayati, the son of Nahusha, accompanied by a large train of
+followers and enjoying bliss that is great. O king, that blazing
+Prosperity which is seen by both one's friends and foes, is
+regarded as well-bestowed! What happiness can be more complete than
+that which he enjoyeth who while himself in prosperity, looketh
+upon his foes in adversity, like a person on the hill top looking
+down upon another crawling on the earth? O tiger among kings, the
+happiness that one derives from beholding his foes in grief, is
+greater than what one may derive from the acquisition of offering
+or wealth or kingdom! What happiness will not be his who, himself
+in affluence, will cast his eyes on Dhananjaya attired in barks and
+deer-skins? Let thy wife dressed in costly robes look at the woeful
+Krishna clad in barks and deer-skins, and enhance the latter's
+grief! Let the daughter of Drupada reproach herself and her life,
+divested as she is of wealth, for the sorrow that she will feel
+upon beholding thy wife decked in ornaments will be far greater
+than what she had felt in the midst of the assembly (when Dussasana
+had dragged her there)!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having thus spoken unto the king, Karna
+and Sakuni both remained silent, O Janamejaya, after their
+discourse was over."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of Karna, king
+Duryodhana became highly pleased. Soon after, however, the prince
+became melancholy and addressing the speaker said, 'What thou
+tellest me, O Karna, is always before my mind. I shall not,
+however, obtain permission to repair to the place where the
+Pandavas are residing. King Dhritarashtra is always grieving for
+those heroes. Indeed, the king regarded the sons of Pandu to have
+become more powerful than before in consequence of their ascetic
+austerities. Or, if the king understands our motives, he will
+never, having regard to the future, grant us permission, for, O
+thou of great effulgence, we can have no other business in the
+woods of <i>Dwaitavana</i> than the destruction of the Pandavas in
+exile! Thou knowest the words that Kshatri spoke to me,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 481]</span> to thyself, and to the son of
+Suvala, at the time of the match at dice! Reflecting upon all those
+words as also upon all those lamentations (that he and others
+indulged in), I cannot make up my mind as to whether I should or
+should not go! I shall certainly be highly pleased if I cast my
+eyes on Bhima and Phalguna passing their days in pain with Krishna
+in the woods. The joy that I may feel in obtaining the sovereignty
+of the entire earth is nothing to that which will be mine upon
+beholding the sons of Pandu attired in barks of trees and
+deer-skins. What joy can be greater, O Karna, that will be mine
+upon beholding the daughter of Drupada dressed in red rags in the
+woods? If king Yudhishthira and Bhima, the sons of Pandu, behold me
+graced with great affluence, then only shall I have attained the
+great end of my life! I do not, however, see the means by which I
+may repair to those woods, by which, in fact, I may obtain the
+king's permission to go thither! Contrive thou, therefore, some
+skilful plan, with Suvala's son and Dussasana, by which we may go
+to those woods! I also, making up my mind today as to whether I
+should go or not, approach the presence of the king tomorrow. And
+when I shall be sitting with Bhishma&mdash;that best of the
+Kurus&mdash;thou wilt, with Sakuni propose the pretext which thou
+mayst have contrived. Hearing then the words of Bhishma and of the
+king on the subject of our journey, I will settle everything
+beseeching our grandfather.'</p>
+<p>"Saying 'So be it,' they then all went away to their respective
+quarters. And as soon as the night had passed away, Karna came to
+the king. And coming to him, Karna smilingly spoke unto Duryodhana,
+saying, 'A plan hath been contrived by me. Listen to it, O lord of
+men! Our herds are now waiting in the woods of <i>Dwaitavana</i> in
+expectation of thee! Without doubt, we may all go there under the
+pretext of supervising our cattle stations, for, O monarch, it is
+proper that kings should frequently repair to their cattle
+stations. If this be the motive put forth, thy father, O prince,
+will certainly grant thee permission!' And while Duryodhana and
+Karna were thus conversing laughingly, Sakuni addressed them and
+said, 'This plan, free from difficulties, was what I also saw for
+going thither! The king will certainly grant us permission, or even
+send us thither of his own accord. Our herds are now all waiting in
+the woods of <i>Dwaitavana</i> expecting thee. Without doubt, we
+may all go there under the pretext of supervising our cattle
+stations!'</p>
+<p>"They then all three laughed together, and gave their hands unto
+one another. And having arrived at that conclusion, they went to
+see the chief of Kurus."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "They then all saw king Dhritarashtra, O
+Janamejaya, and having seen him, enquired after his welfare, and
+were, in return, asked about their welfare. Then a cow-herd named
+Samanga, who had been instructed beforehand by them, approaching
+the king, spoke unto him of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 482]</span>
+the cattle. Then the son of Radha and Sakuni, O king, addressing
+Dhritarashtra, that foremost of monarchs, said, 'O Kaurava, our
+cattle-stations are now in a delightful place. The time for their
+tale as also for marking the calves hath come. And, O monarch, this
+also is an excellent season for thy son to go ahunting! It behoveth
+thee, therefore, to grant permission to Duryodhana to go
+thither.'</p>
+<p>"Dhritarashtra replied, 'The chase of the deer, as also the
+examination of cattle is very proper, O child! I think, indeed,
+that the herdsmen are not to be trusted. But we have heard that
+those tigers among men, the Pandavas, are now staying in the
+vicinity of those cattle stations. I think, therefore, ye should
+not go thither yourselves! Defeated by deceitful means they are now
+living in the deep forest in great suffering. O Radheya, they are
+mighty warriors and naturally able, they are now devoted to ascetic
+austerities. King Yudhishthira will not suffer his wrath to be
+awakened, but Bhimasena is naturally passionate. The daughter of
+Yajnasena is energy's self. Full of pride and folly, ye are certain
+to give offence. Endued with ascetic merit she will certainly
+consume you, or perhaps, those heroes, armed with swords and
+weapons! Nor, if from force of numbers, ye seek to injure them in
+any respect, that will be a highly improper act, although, as I
+think, ye will never be able to succeed. The mighty-armed
+Dhananjaya hath returned thence to the forest. While unaccomplished
+in arms, Vivatsu had subjugated the whole earth before. A mighty
+warrior as he is and accomplished in arms now, will he not be able
+to slay you all? Or, if in obedience to my words, ye behave
+carefully having repaired thither, ye will not be able to live
+happily there in consequence of the anxiety ye will feel owing to a
+state of continued trustlessness. Or, some soldier of yours may do
+some injury to Yudhishthira, and that unpremeditated act will be
+ascribed to your fault. Therefore, let some faithful men proceed
+there for the work of tale. I do not think it is proper for thee,
+Bharata, to go thither thyself.'</p>
+<p>"Sakuni said, 'The eldest of the sons of Pandu is cognisant of
+morality. He pledged in the midst of the assembly, O Bharata, that
+he would live for twelve years in the forest. The other sons of
+Pandu are all virtuous and obedient to Yudhishthira. And
+Yudhishthira himself, the son of Kunti, will never be angry with
+us. Indeed, we desire very much to go on a hunting expedition, and
+will avail of that opportunity for supervising the tale of our
+cattle. We have no mind to see the sons of Pandu. We will not go to
+that spot where the Pandavas have taken up their residence, and
+consequently no exhibition of misconduct can possibly arise on our
+part.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Sakuni, that lord of
+men, Dhritarashtra, granted permission, but not very willingly, to
+Duryodhana and his counsellors to go to the place. And permitted by
+the monarch the Bharata prince born of Gandhari started,
+accompanied by Karna and surrounded by a large host. And he was
+also accompanied by Dussasana and Suvala's son of great
+intelligence and by many other brothers of his and by ladies in
+thousands. And as the mighty-armed prince started for beholding the
+lake that was known by the name of <i>Dwaitavana</i>, the citizens
+(of Hastina), <span class="pagenum">[Pg 483]</span> also
+accompanied by their wives began to follow him to that forest.
+Eight thousand cars, thirty thousand elephants, nine thousand
+horses, and many thousands of foot-soldiers, and shops and
+pavilions and traders, bards and men trained in the chase by
+hundreds and thousands followed the prince. And as the king
+started, followed by this large concourse of people, the uproar
+that was caused there resembled, O king, the deep tumult of the
+ranging winds in the rainy season. And reaching the lake
+<i>Dwaitavana</i> with all his followers and vehicles, king
+Duryodhana took up his quarters at the distance of four miles from
+it."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "King Duryodhana then moving from forest to
+forest, at last approached the cattle-stations, and encamped his
+troops. And his attendants, selecting a well-known and delightful
+spot that abounded in water and trees and that possessed every
+convenience constructed an abode for him. And near enough to the
+royal residence they also erected separate abodes for Karna and
+Sakuni and the brothers of the king. And the king beheld his cattle
+by hundreds and thousands and examining their limbs and marks
+supervised their tale. And he caused the calves to be marked and
+took note of those that required to be tamed. And he also counted
+those kine whose calves had not yet been weaned. And completing the
+task of tale by marking and counting every calf that was three
+years old, the Kuru prince, surrounded by the cowherds, began to
+sport and wander cheerfully. And the citizens also and the soldiers
+by thousands began to sport, as best pleased them, in those woods,
+like the celestials. And the herdsmen, well skilled in singing and
+dancing and instrumental music, and virgins decked in ornaments,
+began to minister to the pleasures of Dhritarashtra's son. And the
+king surrounded by the ladies of the royal household began
+cheerfully to distribute wealth and food and drinks of various
+kinds amongst those that sought to please him, according to their
+desires.</p>
+<p>"And the king, attended by all his followers, began also to slay
+hyenas and buffaloes and deer and gayals and bears and boars all
+around. And the king, piercing by his shafts those animals by
+thousands in deep forest, caused the deer to be caught in the more
+delightful parts of the woods. Drinking milk and enjoying, O
+Bharata, various other delicious articles and beholding, as he
+proceeded, many delightful forests and woods swarming with bees
+inebriate with floral honey and resounding with the notes of the
+peacock, the king at last reached the sacred lake of
+<i>Dwaitavana</i>. And the spot which the king reached swarmed with
+bees inebriate with floral honey, and echoed with the mellifluous
+notes of the blue-throated jay and was shaded by
+<i>Saptacchadas</i> and <i>punnagas</i> and <i>Vakulas</i>. And the
+king graced with high prosperity proceeded thither like the
+thunder-wielding chief of the celestials himself. And, O thou best
+of the Kuru race, King Yudhishthira the just, endued with high
+intelligence, was then, O monarch, residing in the vicinity of that
+lake at <span class="pagenum">[Pg 484]</span> will and celebrating
+with his wedded wife, the daughter of Drupada, the diurnal
+sacrifice called <i>Rajarshi</i>, according to the ordinance
+sanctioned for the celestials and persons living in the wilderness.
+And, O monarch, having reached that spot, Duryodhana commanded his
+men by thousands, saying, 'Let pleasure-houses be constructed
+soon.' Thus commanded, those doers of the king's behests replying
+to the Kuru chief with the words, 'So be it,' went towards the
+banks of the lake for constructing pleasure-houses. And as the
+picked soldiers of Dhritarashtra's son, having reached the region
+of the lake, were about to enter the gates of the wood, a number of
+<i>Gandharvas</i> appeared and forbade them to enter. For, O
+monarch, the king of the <i>Gandharvas</i> accompanied by his
+followers, had come thither beforehand, from the abode of
+<i>Kuvera</i>. And the king of the <i>Gandharvas</i> had also been
+accompanied by the several tribes of <i>Apsaras</i>, as also by the
+sons of the celestials. And intent upon sport, he had come to that
+place for merriment, and occupying it, had closed it against all
+comers. And the attendants of the (Kuru) king, finding the lake
+closed by the king of the <i>Gandharvas</i>, went back, O monarch,
+to where the royal Duryodhana was. And Duryodhana having heard
+these words, despatched a number of his warriors difficult of being
+subjugated in battle, commanding them to drive away the
+<i>Gandharvas</i>. And those warriors who formed the vanguard of
+the Kuru army, hearing these words of the king, went back to the
+lake of <i>Dwaitavana</i> and addressing the <i>Gandharvas</i>,
+said, 'The mighty king Duryodhana&mdash;the son of
+Dhritarashtra&mdash;is coming, hither for sport. Stand ye aside,
+therefore!' Thus addressed by them, O king, the <i>Gandharvas</i>
+laughed and replied unto those men in these harsh words: 'Your
+wicked king Duryodhana must be destitute of sense. How else could
+he have thus commanded us that are dwellers of heaven, as if
+indeed, we were his servants? Without forethought, ye also are
+doubtless on the point of death; for senseless idiots as ye are, ye
+have dared to bring us his message! Return ye soon to where that
+king of the Kurus is, or else go this very day to the abode of
+Yama.' Thus addressed by the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the advanced guard
+of the king's army ran back to the place where the royal son of
+Dhritarashtra was."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXXXIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Those soldiers then, O king, all went back
+to Duryodhana and repeated to him every word that the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> had said. And, O Bharata, finding that his
+soldiers had been opposed by the <i>Gandharvas</i>, Dhritarashtra's
+son, endued with energy, was filled with rage. And the king
+addressed his soldiers, saying, 'Punish these wretches who desire
+to oppose my will, even if they have come hither to sport,
+accompanied by all the celestials with him of a hundred
+sacrifices.' And hearing these words of Duryodhana, the sons and
+officers of Dhritarashtra all endued with great strength, as also
+warriors by thousands, began to arm themselves for battle. And
+filling the ten sides with loud leonine roars and rushing at those
+<i>Gandharvas</i> that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 485]</span> had
+been guarding the gates, they entered the forest. And as the Kuru
+soldiers entered the forest, other <i>Gandharvas</i> came up and
+forbade them to advance. And though gently forbidden by the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> to advance, the Kuru soldiers, without regarding
+them in the least, began to enter that mighty forest. And when
+those rangers of the sky found that the warriors of Dhritarashtra
+along with their king could not be stopped by words they all went
+to their king Chitrasena and represented everything unto him. And
+when Chitrasena, the king of the Gandharvas, came to know all this
+he became filled with rage, alluding to the Kuru, and commanded his
+followers saying, 'Punish these wretches of wicked behaviour.' And,
+O Bharata, when the <i>Gandharvas</i> were so commanded by
+Chitrasena, they rushed weapons in hand, towards the Dhritarashtra
+ranks. And beholding the <i>Gandharvas</i> impetuously rushing
+towards them with upraised weapons, the Kuru warriors precipitously
+fled in all directions at the very sight of Duryodhana. And
+beholding the Kuru soldiers all flying from the field with their
+backs to the foe, the heroic Radheya alone fled not. And seeing the
+mighty host of the Gandharvas rushing towards him, Radheya checked
+them by a perfect shower of arrows. And the <i>Suta's</i> son,
+owing to his extreme lightness of hand, struck hundreds of
+<i>Gandharvas</i> with <i>Kshurapras</i> and arrows and
+<i>Bhallas</i> and various weapons made of bones and steel. And
+that mighty warrior, causing the heads of numerous
+<i>Gandharvas</i> to roll down within a short time, made the ranks
+of Chitrasena to yell in anguish. And although they were
+slaughtered in great numbers by Karna endued with great
+intelligence, yet the <i>Gandharvas</i> returned to the charge by
+hundreds and thousands. And in consequence of the swarms of
+Chitrasena's warriors rushing impetuously to the field the earth
+itself became soon covered by the <i>Gandharva</i> host. Then king
+Duryodhana, and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and Dussasana, and
+Vikarna, and other sons of Dhritarashtra, seated on cars the
+clatter of whose wheels resembled the roars of Garuda, returned to
+the charge, following the lead of Karna, and began to slaughter
+that host. And desirous of supporting Karna, these princes invested
+the Gandharva army, with a large number of cars and a strong body
+of horses. Then the whole of the <i>Gandharva</i> host began to
+fight with the Kauravas. And the encounter that took place between
+the contending hosts was fierce in the extreme and might make one's
+hair stand on end. The <i>Gandharvas</i>, at last, afflicted with
+the shafts of the Kuru army, seemed to be exhausted. And the
+Kauravas beholding the <i>Gandharvas</i> so afflicted sent up a
+loud sound.</p>
+<p>"And seeing the <i>Gandharva</i> host yielding to fear, the
+angry Chitrasena sprang from his seat, resolved to exterminate the
+Kuru army. And conversant with various modes of warfare, he waged
+on the fight, aided by his weapons of illusion. And the Kaurava
+warriors were then all deprived of their senses by the illusion of
+Chitrasena. And then, O Bharata, it seemed that every warrior of
+the Kuru army was fallen upon and surrounded by ten
+<i>Gandharvas</i>. And attacked with great vigour, the Kuru host
+was greatly afflicted and struck with panic. O king, all of them
+that liked to live, fled from the field. But while the entire
+Dhritarashtra host broke and fled, Karna, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+486]</span> that offspring of the Sun, stood there, O king,
+immovable as a hill. Indeed, Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni, the
+son of Suvala, all fought with the <i>Gandharvas</i>, although
+every one of them was much wounded and mangled in the encounter.
+All the <i>Gandharvas</i> then, desirous of slaying Karna, rushed
+together by hundreds and thousands towards Karna. And those mighty
+warriors, desirous of slaying the <i>Suta's</i> son, surrounded him
+on all sides, with swords and battle-axes and spears. And some cut
+down the yoke of his car, and some his flagstaff, and some the
+shaft of his car, and some his horses, and some his charioteer. And
+some cut down his umbrella and some the wooden fender round his car
+and some the joints of his car. It was thus that many thousands of
+Gandharvas, together attacking his car, broke it into minute
+fragments. And while his car was thus attacked, Karna leaped
+therefrom with sword and shield in hand, and mounting on Vikarna's
+car, urged the steeds for saving himself."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXL</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "After that great warrior Karna had been
+routed by the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the whole of the Kuru army, O
+monarch, fled from the field in the very sight of Dhritarashtra's
+son. And beholding all his troops flying from the field of battle
+with their back to the foe, king Duryodhana refused to fly. Seeing
+the mighty host of the <i>Gandharvas</i> rushing towards him, that
+represser of foes poured down upon them a thick shower of arrows.
+The <i>Gandharvas</i>, however, without regarding that arrowy
+shower, and desirous also of slaying him, surrounded that car of
+his. And by means of their arrows, they cut off into fragments the
+yoke, the shaft, the fenders, the flagstaff, the three-fold bamboo
+poles, and the principal turret of his car. And they also slew his
+charioteer and horses, hacking them to pieces. And when Duryodhana,
+deprived of his car, fell on the ground, the strong-armed
+Chitrasena rushed towards him and seized him in such a way that it
+seemed his life itself was taken. And after the Kuru king had been
+seized, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, surrounding Dussasana, who was
+seated on his car, also took him prisoner. And some
+<i>Gandharvas</i> seized Vivinsati and Chitrasena, and some Vinda
+and Anuvinda, while others seized all the ladies of royal
+household. And the warriors of Duryodhana, who were routed by the
+<i>Gandharvas</i>, joining those who had fled first, approached the
+Pandavas (who were living in the vicinity). And after Duryodhana
+had been made captive, the vehicles, the shops, the pavilions, the
+carriages, and the draught animals, all were made over to the
+Pandavas for protection. And those soldiers said, 'The mighty-armed
+son of Dhritarashtra, possessed of great strength and handsome
+mien, is being taken away captive by the <i>Gandharvas</i>! Ye sons
+of Pritha, follow them! Dussasana, Durvishasa, Durmukha, and
+Durjaya, are all being led away as captives in chains by the
+Gandharvas, as also all the ladies of the royal household!'</p>
+<p>"Crying thus, the followers of Duryodhana, afflicted with grief
+and <span class="pagenum">[Pg 487]</span> melancholy, approached
+Yudhishthira, desirous of effecting the release of the king. Bhima
+then answered those old attendants of Duryodhana, who, afflicted
+with grief and melancholy, were thus soliciting (the aid of
+Yudhishthira), saying, 'What we should have done with great
+efforts, arraying ourselves in line of battle, supported by horses
+and elephants hath, indeed, been done by the <i>Gandharvas</i>!
+They that come hither for other purposes, have been overtaken by
+consequences they had not foreseen! Indeed, this is the result of
+the evil counsels of a king who is fond of deceitful play! It hath
+been heard by us that the foe of a person who is powerless, is
+overthrown by others. The Gandharvas have, in an extraordinary way
+illustrated before our eyes the truth of this saying! It seems that
+there is still fortunately some person in the world who is desirous
+of doing us good who hath, indeed, taken upon his own shoulders our
+pleasant load, although we are sitting idly! The wretch had come
+hither to cast his eyes on us,&mdash;himself in prosperity while
+ourselves are sunk in adversity and emaciated by ascetic
+austerities and are exposed to wind, cold and heat. They that
+imitate the behaviour of that sinful and wretched Kaurava, are now
+beholding his disgrace! He that had instructed Duryodhana to do
+this, had certainly acted sinfully. That the sons of Kunti are not
+wicked and sinful, I tell it before you all!'</p>
+<p>"And while Bhima, the son of Kunti, was speaking thus in a voice
+of sarcasm, king Yudhishthira told him, 'This is not time for cruel
+words!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLI</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O child, why dost thou use language such as
+this, towards the frightened Kurus, who are now in adversity and
+who have come to us, solicitous of protection! O Vrikodara,
+disunions and disputes do take place amongst those that are
+connected in blood. Hostilities such as these do go on. But the
+honour of the family is never suffered to be interfered with. If
+any stranger seeketh to insult the honour of a family, they that
+are good never tolerate such insult coming from the stranger. The
+wicked-souled king of the Gandharvas knoweth that we are living
+here from some time. Yet disregarding us, he hath done this deed
+which is so disagreeable to us! O exalted one, from this forcible
+seizure of Duryodhana and from this insult to the ladies of our
+house by a stranger, our family honour is being destroyed.
+Therefore, ye tigers among men, arise and arm yourselves without
+delay for rescuing those that have sought our protection and for
+guarding the honour of our family. Ye tigers among men, let Arjuna
+and the twins and thyself also that art brave and unvanquished,
+liberate Duryodhana, who is even now being taken away a captive! Ye
+foremost of warriors, these blazing cars, furnished with golden
+flagstaffs and every kind of weapons belonging to Dhritarashtra's
+sons, are ready here. With Indrasena and other charioteers skilled
+in arms, for guiding them, ride ye on these everfurnished cars of
+deep rattle! And riding on these, exert ye with activity for
+fighting with the Gandharvas to liberate Duryodhana. Even an
+ordinary Kshatriya <span class="pagenum">[Pg 488]</span> (amongst
+those that are here), would to the height of his power, protect one
+that hath come hither for refuge! What then, O Vrikodara, shall I
+say of thee! Entreated for assistance in such words as "<i>O hasten
+to my aid</i>!" Who is there (amongst those standing around me)
+that is high-souled enough to assist even his foe, beholding him
+seeking shelter with joined hands? The bestowal of a boon,
+sovereignty, and the birth of a son are sources of great joy. But,
+ye sons of Pandu, the liberation of a foe from distress is equal to
+all the three put together! What can be a source of greater joy to
+you than that Duryodhana sunk in distress seeketh his very life as
+depending on the might of your arms? O Vrikodara, if the vow in
+which I am engaged had been over, there is little doubt that I
+would myself have run to his aid. Strive thou by all means, O
+Bharata, to liberate Duryodhana by the arts of conciliation. If,
+however, the king of the Gandharvas cannot be managed by the arts
+of conciliation, then must thou try to rescue Suyodhana by lightly
+skirmishing with the foe. But if the chief of the Gandharvas do not
+let the Kurus off even then, they must be rescued by crushing the
+foe by all means. O Vrikodara, this is all I can tell thee now, for
+my vow hath been begun and is not ended yet!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Ajatasatru,
+Dhananjaya pledged himself, from respect for these commands of his
+superior, to liberate the Kauravas. And Arjuna said, 'If the
+Gandharvas do not set the Dhartarashtras free peacefully, the Earth
+shall this day drink the blood of the king of the Gandharvas!' And
+hearing that pledge of the truth-speaking Arjuna, the Kauravas
+then, O king, regained (the lost) tenor of their minds."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Hearing the words of Yudhishthira, those
+bulls among men, headed by Bhimasena, rose up with faces beaming in
+joy. And those mighty warriors, O Bharata, then began to case
+themselves in impenetrable mail that were besides variegated with
+pure gold, and armed themselves with celestial weapons of various
+kinds. And the Pandavas thus cased in mail, and mounted on those
+chariots furnished with flagstaffs and armed with bows and arrows,
+looked like blazing fires. And those tigers among warriors, riding
+upon those well furnished cars drawn by fleet horses, proceeded to
+that spot without losing a moment. And beholding those mighty
+warriors&mdash;the sons of Pandu&mdash;thus proceeding together
+(for the liberation of Duryodhana), the Kuru army sent forth a loud
+shout. And soon did those rangers of the sky flushed with victory,
+and those impetuous warriors, the sons of Pandu, fearlessly
+encounter each other in that forest. The Gandharvas were flushed
+with success, and beholding the four brave sons of Pandu coming to
+battle seated on their cars, they all turned back towards the
+advancing combatants. And, the dwellers of the Gandhamadana,
+beholding the Pandavas looking like blazing guardians of the world
+provoked to ire, stood arrayed <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+489]</span> in order of battle. And, O Bharata, in accordance with
+words of king Yudhishthira of great wisdom, the encounter that took
+place was a skirmish. But when Arjuna&mdash;that persecutor of
+foes&mdash;saw that the foolish soldiers of the king of Gandharvas
+could not be made to understand what was good for them by means of
+a light skirmish, he addressed those invincible rangers of the
+skies in a conciliatory tone and said, 'Leave ye my brother king
+Suyodhana.' Thus addressed by the illustrious son of Pandu, the
+Gandharvas, laughing aloud, replied unto him saying, 'O child,
+there is but one in the world whose behests we obey and living
+under whose rule we pass our days in happiness: O Bharata, we
+always act as that one only person commandeth us! Besides that
+celestial chief there is none that can command us!' Thus addressed
+by the Gandharvas, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, replied unto them,
+saying, 'This contact with other people's wives and this hostile
+encounter with human beings are acts that are both censurable in
+the king of the Gandharvas and not proper for him. Therefore, leave
+ye these sons of Dhritarashtra all endued with mighty energy. And
+liberate ye also these ladies, at the command of king Yudhishthira
+the just. If, ye Gandharvas, ye do not set the sons of
+Dhritarashtra free peacefully, I shall certainly rescue Suyodhana
+(and his party) by exerting my prowess.' And speaking unto them
+thus, Pritha's son, Dhananjaya, capable of wielding the bow with
+his left hand also, then rained a shower of sharp pointed
+sky-ranging shafts upon those rangers of the firmament. Thus
+attacked, the mighty Gandharvas then encountered the sons of Pandu
+with a shower of arrows equally thick, and the Pandavas also
+replied by attacking those dwellers of heaven. And the battle then,
+O Bharata, that ranged between the active and agile Gandharvas and
+the impetuous son of Pandu was fierce in the extreme."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then those Gandharvas decked in golden
+garlands and accomplished in celestial weapons, showing their
+blazing shafts, encountered the Pandavas from every side. And as
+the sons of Pandu were only four in number and the Gandharvas
+counted by thousands, the battle that ensued appeared to be
+extraordinary. And as the cars of Karna and Duryodhana had formerly
+been broken into a hundred fragments by the Gandharvas, so were the
+cars of the four heroes attempted to be broken. But those tigers
+among men began to encounter with their showers of arrows thousands
+upon thousands of Gandharvas rushing towards them. Those rangers of
+skies endued with great energy, thus checked on all sides by that
+arrowy down-pour, succeeded not in even coming near to the sons of
+Pandu. Then Arjuna whose ire had been provoked, aiming at the angry
+Gandharvas, prepared to hurl against them his celestial weapons.
+And in that encounter, the mighty Arjuna, by means of his
+<i>Agneya</i> weapon, sent ten hundreds of thousands of Gandharvas
+to the abode of Yama. And that mighty bowman, Bhima, also, that
+foremost of all warriors in battle, slew, by means of his
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 490]</span> sharp arrows, Gandharvas by
+hundreds. And the mighty sons of Madri also, battling with vigour,
+encountered hundreds of Gandharvas, O king, and slaughtered them
+all. And as Gandharvas were being thus slaughtered by the mighty
+warriors with their celestial weapons, they rose up to the skies,
+taking with them the sons of Dhritarashtra. But Dhananjaya, the son
+of Kunti, beholding them rise up to the skies, surrounded them on
+every side by a wide net of arrows. And confined within that arrowy
+net like birds within a cage, they showered in wrath upon Arjuna
+maces and darts and broad-swords. But Arjuna who was conversant
+with the most efficacious weapons, soon checked that shower of
+maces and darts and broad-swords, and in return began to mangle the
+limbs of the Gandharvas with his crescent-shaped arrows. And heads
+and legs and arms began to drop down from above resembling a shower
+of stones. And at that sight, the foe was struck with panic. And as
+the Gandharvas were being slaughtered by the illustrious son of
+Pandu, they began to shower from the skies a heavy downpour of
+shafts upon Arjuna, who was on the surface of the earth. But that
+chastiser of foes, Arjuna, endued with mighty energy checked that
+shower of arrows by means of his own weapons and began, in return,
+to wound them. Then Arjuna of the Kuru race shot his well-known
+weapons called <i>Sthunakarna, Indrajala, Saura, Agneya</i> and
+<i>Saumya</i>. And the Gandharvas consumed by the fiery weapons of
+Kunti's son, began to suffer heavily, like the sons of Diti, while
+being scorched by Sakra's thunder-bolt. And when they attacked
+Arjuna from above, they were checked by his net of arrows. And
+while they attacked him from all sides on the surface of the earth,
+they were checked by his crescent-shaped arrows. And beholding the
+Gandharvas put in fear by Kunti's son, Chitrasena rushed, O
+Bharata, at Dhananjaya, armed with a mace. And as the king of the
+Gandharvas was rushing at Arjuna from above with that mace in hand,
+the latter cut with his arrows that mace wholly made of iron into
+seven pieces. And beholding that mace of his cut into many pieces
+by Arjuna of great activity, with his arrows, Chitrasena, by means
+of his science, concealed himself from the view of the Pandava and
+began to fight with him. The heroic Arjuna, however, by means of
+his own celestial weapons checked all the celestial weapons that
+were aimed at him by the Gandharvas. And when the chief of the
+Gandharvas saw that he was checked by the illustrious Arjuna with
+those weapons of his he entirely disappeared from sight by help of
+his powers of illusion. And Arjuna, observing that the chief of the
+Gandharvas was striking at him concealed from sight, attacked his
+assailant with celestial weapon inspired with proper
+<i>Mantras</i>. And the multiform Dhananjaya filled with wrath,
+prevented the disappearance of his foe by means of his weapon known
+by the name of <i>Sabda-veda</i>. And assailed with those weapons
+by the illustrious Arjuna, his dear friend, the king of the
+Gandharvas, showed himself unto him. And Chitrasena said, 'Behold
+in me thy friend battling with thee!' And beholding his friend
+Chitrasena exhausted in the battle, that bull among the sons of
+Pandu withdrew the weapons he had shot. And the other sons of Pandu
+beholding Arjuna withdraw his weapons, checked their flying steeds
+and the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 491]</span> impetus of their
+weapons and withdrew their bows. And Chitrasena and Bhima and
+Arjuna and the twins enquiring about one another's welfare, sat
+awhile on their respective cars."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Then that mighty bowman of blazing
+splendour, Arjuna, smilingly said unto Chitrasena in the midst of
+the Gandharva host, 'What purpose dost thou serve, O hero, in
+punishing the Kauravas? O, why also hath Suyodhana with his wives
+been thus punished?'</p>
+<p>"Chitrasena replied, 'O Dhananjaya, without stirring from my own
+abode I became acquainted with the purpose of the wicked Duryodhana
+and the wretched Karna in coming hither. The purpose was even
+this,&mdash;knowing that ye are exiles in the forest and suffering
+great afflictions as if ye had none to take care of you, himself in
+prosperity, this wretch entertained the desire of beholding you
+plunged in adversity and misfortune. They came hither for mocking
+you and the illustrious daughter of Drupada. The lord of the
+celestials also, having ascertained this purpose of theirs, told
+me, "Go thou and bring Duryodhana hither in chains along with his
+counsellors. Dhananjaya also with his brother should always be
+protected by thee in battle, for he is thy dear friend and
+disciple." At these words of the lord of the celestials I came
+hither speedily. This wicked prince hath also been put in chains. I
+will now proceed to the region of the celestials, whither I will
+lead this wicked wight at the command of the slayer of Paka!'</p>
+<p>"Arjuna answered, saying, 'O Chitrasena, if thou wishest to do
+what is agreeable to me, set Suyodhana free, at the command of king
+Yudhishthira the just, for he is our brother!'</p>
+<p>"Chitrasena said, 'This sinful wretch is always full of vanity.
+He deserveth not to be set free. O Dhananjaya, he hath deceived and
+wronged both king Yudhishthira the just and Krishna. Yudhishthira
+the son of Kunti as yet knoweth not the purpose on which the wretch
+came hither. Let the king, therefore, do what he desires after
+knowing everything!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "After this, all of them went to king
+Yudhishthira the just. And going unto the king, they represented
+unto him everything about Duryodhana's conduct. And Ajatasatru,
+hearing everything that the Gandharvas had said, liberated all the
+Kauravas and applauded the Gandharvas. And the king said,
+'Fortunate it is for us that though gifted with great strength, ye
+did not yet slay the wicked son of Dhritarashtra along with all
+counsellors and relatives. This, O sir, hath been an act of great
+kindness done to me by the Gandharvas. The honour also of my family
+is saved by liberating this wicked wight. I am glad at seeing you
+all. Command me what I am to do for you. And having obtained all
+you wish, return ye soon whence ye came!'</p>
+<p>"Thus addressed by the intelligent son of Pandu, the Gandharvas
+became well-pleased and went away with the Apsaras. And the lord of
+the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 492]</span> celestials then, coming
+to that spot, revived those Gandharvas that had been slain in the
+encounter with the Kurus, by sprinkling the celestial <i>Amrita</i>
+over them. And the Pandavas also, having liberated their relatives
+along with the ladies of the royal household, and having achieved
+that difficult feat (the defeat of the Gandharvas host) became
+well-pleased. And those illustrious and mighty warriors worshipped
+by the Kurus along with their sons and wives, blazed forth in
+splendour like flaming fires in the sacrificial compound. And
+Yudhishthira then addressing the liberated Duryodhana in the midst
+of his brothers, from affection, told him these words: 'O child,
+never again do such a rash act. O Bharata, a rash wight never
+cometh by happiness. O son of the Kuru race, pleased be thou with
+all thy brothers. Go back to thy capital as pleaseth thee, without
+yielding thyself to despondency or cheerlessness!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dismissed by the son of Pandu,
+king Duryodhana then saluted king Yudhishthira the just and
+overwhelmed with shame, and his heart rent in twain, mechanically
+set out for his capital, like one destitute of life. And after the
+Kaurava prince had departed, the brave Yudhishthira, the son of
+Kunti, along with his brothers, was worshipped by the Brahmanas,
+and surrounded by those Brahmanas endued with the wealth of
+asceticism, like Sakra himself by the celestials, he began to pass
+his days happily in the woods of Dwaita."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLV</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "After his defeat and capture by the foe and
+his subsequent liberation by the illustrious sons of Pandu by force
+of arms, it seemeth to me that the entry into Hastinapura of the
+proud, wicked, boastful, vicious, insolent, and wretched
+Duryodhana, engaged in insulting the sons of Pandu and bragging of
+his own superiority, must have been exceedingly difficult. Describe
+to me in detail, O Vaisampayana, the entry into the capital, of
+that prince overwhelmed with shame and unmanned by grief!"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Dismissed by the king Yudhishthira the just,
+Dhritarashtra's son Suyodhana, bending his head down in shame and
+afflicted with grief and melancholy, set out slowly. And the king,
+accompanied by his four kinds of forces, proceeded towards his
+city, his heart rent in grief and filled with thoughts of his
+defeat along the way in a region that abounded in grass and water.
+The king encamped on a delightful piece of ground as pleased him
+best, with his elephants and cars and cavalry and infantry
+stationed all around. And as the king Duryodhana was seated on an
+elevated bedstead endued with the effulgence of fire, himself
+looking like the moon under an eclipse, towards the small hours of
+the morning Karna, approaching him, said, 'Fortunate it is, O son
+of Gandhari, that thou art alive! Fortunate it is, that we have
+once more met! By good luck it is that thou hast vanquished the
+Gandharvas capable of assuming any form at will. And, O son of the
+Kuru race, it is by good luck alone, that I am enabled to see thy
+brothers&mdash;mighty <span class="pagenum">[Pg 493]</span>
+warriors all&mdash;come off victorious from that encounter, having
+subjugated their foes! As regards myself, assailed by all the
+Gandharvas, I fled before thy eyes, unable to rally our flying
+host. Assailed by the foe with all his might, my body mangled with
+their arrows, I sought safety in flight. This however, O Bharata,
+seemed to me to be a great marvel that I behold you all come safe
+and sound in body, with your wives, troops, and vehicles, out of
+that super-human encounter. O Bharata, there is another man in this
+world who can achieve what thou, O king, hast achieved in battle
+to-day with thy brothers.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king
+Duryodhana replied unto the ruler of the Angas in a voice choked
+with tears."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLVI</h2>
+<p>"Duryodhana said, 'O Radheya, thou knowest not what hath
+happened. Therefore, I do not resent thy words. Thou thinkest the
+hostile Gandharvas to have been vanquished by me with my own
+energy. O thou of mighty arms, my brothers, indeed had for a long
+time, aided by me fought with the Gandharvas. The slaughtered,
+indeed, on both sides were great. But when those brave Gandharvas,
+resorting to their many powers of illusion, ascended the skies and
+began to fight with us thence, our encounter with them ceased to be
+an equal one. Defeat then was ours and even captivity. And
+afflicted with sorrow, we along with our attendants and counsellors
+and children and wives and troops and vehicles were being taken by
+them through the skies. It was then that some soldiers of ours and
+some brave officers repaired in grief unto the sons of
+Pandu&mdash;those heroes that never refuse succour to those that
+ask for it. And having gone to them they said, "Here is king
+Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, who with his younger brothers
+and friends and wives is being led away a captive by the Gandharvas
+along the sky. Blest be ye. Liberate the king along with the women
+of the royal household! Suffer no insult to be offered unto all the
+ladies of the Kuru race." And when they had spoken thus, the eldest
+of Pandu's sons, who is endued with a virtuous soul then
+conciliated his brothers and commanded them to liberate us. Then
+those bulls among men, the Pandavas, overtaking the Gandharvas,
+solicited our release in soft words, although fully able to effect
+it by force of arms. And when the Gandharvas, addressed in such
+conciliatory words, refused to set us at liberty, then Arjuna and
+Bhima and the twins endued with mighty energy, shot showers of
+arrows at the Gandharvas. Then the Gandharvas, abandoning the
+fight, fled through the sky, dragging our melancholy selves after
+them, filled with joy. Then we beheld a network of arrows spread
+all around by Dhananjaya, who was also shooting celestial weapons
+upon the foe. And seeing the points of the horizon covered by
+Arjuna with a thick network of sharp arrows, his friend, the chief
+of the Gandharvas, showed himself. And Chitrasena and Arjuna,
+embracing each other, enquired after each other's welfare. And the
+other <span class="pagenum">[Pg 494]</span> sons of Pandu also
+embraced the chief of the Gandharvas and were embraced by him. And
+enquiries of courtesy passed between them also. And the brave
+Gandharvas then abandoning their weapons and mail mingled in a
+friendly spirit with the Pandavas. And Chitrasena and Dhananjaya
+worshipped each other with regard.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLVII</h2>
+<p>"Duryodhana said, 'That slayer of hostile heroes, Arjuna, then
+approaching Chitrasena, smilingly addressed him in these manly
+words: "O hero, O foremost of the Gandharvas, it behoveth thee to
+set my brothers at liberty. They are incapable of being insulted as
+long as the sons of Pandu are alive." Thus addressed by the
+illustrious son of Pandu, the chief of the Gandharvas, O Karna,
+disclosed unto the Pandavas the object we had in view in proceeding
+to that place, viz., that we came there for casting our eyes on the
+sons of Pandu with their wife, all plunged in misery. And while the
+Gandharva was disclosing those counsels of ours, overwhelmed with
+shame I desired the earth to yield me a crevice, so that I might
+disappear there and then. The Gandharvas then, accompanied by the
+Pandavas, went to Yudhishthira, and, disclosing unto him also
+counsels, made us over, bound as we were, to him. Alas, what
+greater sorrow could be mine than that I should thus be offered as
+a tribute unto Yudhishthira, in the very sight of the women of our
+household, myself in chains and plunged in misery, and under the
+absolute control of my enemies. Alas, they, who have ever been
+persecuted by me, they unto whom I have ever been a foe released me
+from captivity, and wretch that I am, I am indebted to them for my
+life. If, O hero, I had met with my death in that great battle,
+that would have been far better than that I should have obtained my
+life in this way. If I had been slain by the Gandharvas, my fame
+would have spread over the whole earth, and I should have obtained
+auspicious regions of eternal bliss in the heaven of Indra. Listen
+to me therefore, ye bulls among men, as to what I intend to do now.
+I will stay here forgoing all food, while ye all return home. Let
+all my brothers also go to Hastinapura. Let all our friends,
+including Karna, and all our relatives headed by Dussasana, return
+now to the capital. Insulted by the foe, I myself will not repair
+thither. I who had before wrested from the foe his respect, I who
+had always enhanced the respect of my friends, have now become a
+source of sorrow unto friends and of joy unto enemies. What shall I
+now say unto the king, going to the city named after the elephant?
+What will Bhishma and Drona, Kripa, and Drona's son, Vidura and
+Sanjaya, Vahuka and Somadatta and other revered seniors,&mdash;what
+will the principal men of the other orders and men of independent
+professions, say to me and what shall I say unto them in reply?
+Having hitherto stayed over the heads of my enemies, having
+hitherto trod upon their breasts, I have fallen away from my
+position. How shall I ever speak with them? Insolent men having
+obtained prosperity and knowledge and affluence, are seldom blest
+for any <span class="pagenum">[Pg 495]</span> length of time like
+myself puffed up with vanity. Alas, led by folly I have done a
+highly improper and wicked act, for which, fool that I am, I have
+fallen into such distress. Therefore, will I perish by starving,
+life having become insupportable to me. Relieved from distress by
+the foe, what man of spirit is there who can drag on his existence?
+Proud as I am, shorn of manliness, the foe hath laughed at me, for
+the Pandavas possessed of prowess have looked at me plunged in
+misery!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "While giving way to such reflections
+Duryodhana spoke unto Dussasana thus: 'O Dussasana, listen to these
+words of mine, O thou of the Bharata race! Accepting this
+installation that I offer thee, be thou king in my place. Rule thou
+the wide earth protected by Karna and Suvala's sons. Like Indra
+himself looking after the Maruts, cherish thou thy brothers in such
+a way that they may all confide in thee. Let thy friends and
+relatives depend on thee like the gods depending on him of a
+hundred sacrifices. Always shouldst thou bestow pensions on
+Brahmanas, without idleness, and be thou ever the refuge of thy
+friends and relatives. Like Vishnu looking after the celestials,
+thou shouldst always look after all consanguineous relatives. Thou
+shouldst also ever cherish thy superiors. Go, rule thou the earth
+gladdening thy friends and reproving thy foes.' And clasping his
+neck, Duryodhana said, 'Go!' Hearing these words of his, Dussasana
+in perfect cheerlessness and overwhelmed with great sorrow, his
+voice choked in tears, said, with joined hands and bending his head
+unto his eldest brother, 'Relent!' And saying this he fell down on
+earth with heavy heart. And afflicted with grief that tiger among
+men, shedding his tears on the feet of his brother again said,
+'This will never be! The earth may split, the vault of heaven may
+break in pieces, the sun may cast off his splendour, the moon may
+abandon his coolness, the wind may forsake its speed, the Himavat
+may be moved from its site, the waters of the ocean may dry up, and
+fire may abandon its heat, yet I, O king, may never rule the earth
+without thee.' And Dussasana repeatedly said, 'Relent, O king! Thou
+alone shall be king in our race for a hundred years.' And having
+spoken thus unto the king, Dussasana began to weep melodiously
+catching, O Bharata, the feet of his eldest brother deserving of
+worship from him.</p>
+<p>"And beholding Dussasana and Duryodhana thus weeping, Karna in
+great grief approached them both and said, 'Ye Kuru princes, why do
+you thus yield to sorrow like ordinary men, from senselessness?
+Mere weeping can never ease a sorrowing man's grief. When weeping
+can never remove one's griefs, what do you gain by thus giving way
+to sorrow? Summon patience to your aid to not gladden the foe by
+such conduct. O king, the Pandavas only did their duty in
+liberating thee. They that reside in the dominions of the king,
+should always do what is agreeable to the king. Protected by thee,
+the Pandavas are residing happily in thy dominion. It behoveth thee
+not to indulge in such sorrow like an ordinary person. Behold, thy
+uterine brothers are all sad and cheerless at seeing thee resolved
+to put an end to thy life by forgoing food. Blest be thou! Rise up
+and come to thy city and console these thy uterine brothers.'"
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 496]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLVIII</h2>
+<p>"Karna continued, 'O king, this conduct of thine to-day
+appeareth to be childish. O hero, O slayer of foes, what is to be
+wondered at in this that the Pandavas liberated thee when thou wert
+vanquished by the foe? O son of the Kuru race, those that reside in
+the territories of the king, especially those (amongst them) that
+lead the profession of arms, should always do what is agreeable to
+the king whether they happen to be known to their monarch or
+unknown to him. It happened often that foremost men who crush the
+ranks of the hostile host, are vanquished by them, and are rescued
+by their own troops. They that leading the profession of arms,
+reside in the king's realm should always combine and exert
+themselves to the best of their power, for the king. If, therefore,
+O king, the Pandavas, who live in the territories, have liberated
+thee, what is there to be regretted at in this? That the Pandavas,
+O best of kings, did not follow thee when thou didst march forth to
+battle at the head of thy troops, has been an improper act on their
+part. They had before this come under thy power, becoming thy
+slaves. They are, therefore, bound to aid thee now, being endued
+with courage and might and incapable of turning away from the field
+of battle. Thou art enjoying all the rich possessions of the
+Pandavas. Behold them yet alive, O king! They have not resolved to
+die, forgoing all food. Blest be thou! Rise up, O king! It behoveth
+thee not to indulge in great sorrow long. O king, it is the certain
+duty of those that reside in the king's realm to do what is
+agreeable to the king. Where should the regret be in all this? If
+thou, O king, dost not act according to my words I shall stay here
+employed in reverentially serving thy feet. O bull among men, I do
+not desire to live deprived of thy company. O king, if thou
+resolvest to slay thyself by forgoing food, thou wilt simply be an
+object of laughter with other kings.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king
+Duryodhana, firmly resolved to leave the world, desired not to rise
+from where he sat."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCXLIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Beholding king Duryodhana, incapable of
+putting up with an insult, seated with the resolution of giving up
+life by forgoing food, Sakuni, the son of Suvala, said these words
+to comfort him. Sakuni said, 'O son of the Kuru race, you have just
+heard what Karna hath said. His words are, indeed fraught with
+wisdom. Why wouldst thou abandoning from foolishness the high
+prosperity that I won for thee, cast off thy life today, O king,
+yielding to silliness? It seemeth to me to-day that thou hast never
+waited upon the old. He that cannot control sudden accession of joy
+or grief, is lost even though he may have obtained prosperity, like
+an unburnt earthen vessel in water. That king who is entirely
+destitute of courage, who hath no spark of manliness, who is the
+slave of procrastination, who <span class="pagenum">[Pg 497]</span>
+always acts with indiscretion, who is addicted to sensual
+pleasures, is seldom respected by his subjects. Benefited as thou
+has been, whence is this unreasonable grief of thine? Do not undo
+this graceful act done by the sons of Pritha, by indulging in such
+grief. When thou shouldst joy and reward the Pandavas, thou art
+grieving, O king? Indeed, this behaviour of thine is inconsistent.
+Be cheerful, do not cast away thy life; but remember with a pleased
+heart the good they have done thee. Give back unto the sons of
+Pritha their kingdom, and win thou both virtue and renown by such
+conduct. By acting in this way, thou mayst be grateful. Establish
+brotherly relations with the Pandavas by being friends, and give
+them their paternal kingdom, for then thou wilt be happy!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Sakuni, and
+seeing the brave Dussasana lying prostrate before him unmanned by
+fraternal love, the king raised Dussasana and, clasping him in his
+well round arms, smelt his head from affection. And hearing these
+words of Karna and Sauvala, king Duryodhana lost heart more than
+ever, and he was overwhelmed with shame and utter despair overtook
+his soul. And hearing all that his friends said, he answered with
+sorrow, 'I have nothing more to do with virtue, wealth, friendship,
+affluence, sovereignty, and enjoyments. Do not obstruct my purpose,
+but leave me all of you. I am firmly resolved to cast away my life
+by forgoing food. Return to the city, and treat my superiors there
+respectfully.'</p>
+<p>"Thus addressed by him, they replied unto that royal grinder of
+foes, saying, 'O monarch, the course that is thine, is also ours, O
+Bharata. How can we enter the city without thee?'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Though addressed in all manner of ways
+by his friends and counsellors and brothers and relatives, the king
+wavered not from his purpose. And the son of Dhritarashtra in
+accordance with his purpose spread <i>Kusa</i> grass on the earth,
+and purifying himself by touching water, sat down upon that spot.
+And clad in rags and <i>Kusa</i> grass he set himself to observe
+the highest vow. And stopping all speech, that tiger among kings,
+moved by the desire of going to heaven, began to pray and worship
+internally suspending all external intercourse.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile the fierce <i>Daityas</i> and the <i>Danavas</i> who
+had been defeated of old by the celestials and had been dwelling in
+the nether regions having ascertained Duryodhana's purpose and
+knowing that if the king died their party would be weakened,
+commenced a sacrifice with fire for summoning Duryodhana to their
+presence. And <i>mantra</i> knowing persons then commenced with the
+help of formulae declared by Brihaspati and Usanas, those rites
+that are indicated in the <i>Atharva Veda</i> and the
+<i>Upanishads</i> and which are capable of being achieved by
+<i>mantras</i> and prayers. And Brahmins of rigid vows, well-versed
+in the <i>Vedas</i> and the branches, began, with rapt soul, to
+pour libations of clarified butter and milk into the fire, uttering
+<i>mantras</i>. And after those rites were ended, a strange
+goddess, O king, with mouth wide open, arose (from the sacrificial
+fire), saying, 'What am I to do?' And the Daityas with well-pleased
+hearts, commanded her, saying, 'Bring thou hither the royal
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 498]</span> son of Dhritarashtra, who is
+even now observing the vow of starvation for getting rid of his
+life.' Thus commanded, she went away saying, 'So be it.' And she
+went in the twinkling of an eye to that spot where Suyodhana was.
+And taking up the king back to the nether regions, and having
+brought him thus in a moment, she apprised the <i>Danavas</i> of
+it. And the <i>Danavas</i> beholding the king brought into their
+midst in the night, united together, and all of them with
+well-pleased hearts and eyes expanded in delight addressed these
+flattering words to Duryodhana."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCL</h2>
+<p>"The Danavas said, 'O Suyodhana, O great king! O perpetuator of
+the race of Bharata, thou art ever surrounded by heroes and
+illustrious men. Why hast thou, then, undertaken to do such a rash
+act as the vow of starvation? The suicide ever sinketh into hell
+and becometh the subject of calumnious speech. Nor do intelligent
+persons like thee ever set their hands to acts that are sinful and
+opposed to their best interests and striking at the very root of
+their purposes. Restrain this resolve of thine, therefore, O king,
+which is destructive of morality, profit, and happiness, of fame,
+prowess, and energy, and which enhanceth the joy of foes. O exalted
+king, know the truth, the celestial origin of thy soul, and the
+maker of thy body, and then summon thou patience to thy aid. In
+days of old, O king, we have obtained thee, by ascetic austerities
+from Maheswara. The upper part of thy body is wholly made of an
+assemblage of <i>Vajras</i>, and is, therefore, invulnerable to
+weapons of every description, O sinless one. The lower part of thy
+body, capable of captivating the female heart by its comeliness was
+made of flowers by the goddess herself&mdash;the wife of Mahadeva.
+Thy body is thus, O best of kings, the creation of Maheswara
+himself and his goddess. Therefore, O tiger among kings, thou art
+of celestial origin, not human. Other brave Kshatriyas of mighty
+energy headed by Bhagadatta, and all acquainted with celestial
+weapons, will slay thy foes. Therefore, let this grief of thine
+cease. Thou hast no cause for fear. For aiding thee, many heroic
+<i>Danavas</i> have been born on the earth. Other Asuras will also
+possess Bhishma and Drona and Karna and others. Possessed by those
+Asuras, these heroes will cast away their kindness and fight with
+thy foes. Indeed, when the <i>Danavas</i> will enter their heart
+and possess them completely, flinging all affections to a distance,
+becoming hard-hearted, these warriors will strike every body
+opposed to them in battle without sparing sons, brothers, fathers,
+friends, disciples, relatives, even children and old men. Blinded
+by ignorance and wrath, and impelled by that destiny which hath
+been ordained by the Creator, these tigers among men, with hearts
+steeped in sin, will, O thou foremost of the Kurus, depopulate the
+earth by hurling and shooting all kinds of weapons, with great
+manliness and strength and always addressing one another boastfully
+with words such as these, "<i>Thou shall not escape from me today
+with life</i>." And these illustrious sons of Pandu also, five in
+number, will fight with these. <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+499]</span> And, endued with mighty strength and favoured by Fate,
+they will compass the destruction of these. And, O king, many
+<i>Daityas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i> also that have been born in the
+Kshatriya order, will fight with great prowess in the battle with
+thy foes, using maces and clubs and lances and various weapons of a
+superior kind. And, O hero, with respect to the fear that is in thy
+heart rising from Arjuna, we have already settled the means for
+slaying Arjuna. The soul of the slain Naraka hath assumed the form
+of Karna. Recollecting his former hostility he will encounter both
+Kesava and Arjuna. And that mighty warrior and foremost of smiters,
+proud of his prowess will vanquish Arjuna in battle as also all thy
+enemies. The wielder of the thunder-bolt, knowing all this, and
+desirous of saving Arjuna, will in disguise take away from Karna
+his ear-rings and coat of mail. We also have for that reason
+appointed hundreds upon hundreds and thousands upon thousands of
+<i>Daityas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i>, viz., those that are known by
+the name of <i>Samsaptakas</i>.<a id="footnotetag43" name="footnotetag43"></a><a href="#footnote43"><sup>43</sup></a> These
+celebrated warriors will slay the heroic Arjuna. Therefore, grieve
+not, O king. Thou wilt rule the whole earth, O monarch, without a
+rival. Do not yield to despondency. Conduct such as this does not
+suit thee. O thou of the Kuru race, if thou diest, our party
+becometh weak. Go thou, O hero, and let not thy mind be directed to
+any other course of action. Thou art ever our refuge as, indeed,
+the Pandavas are the refuge of the gods.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having addressed him thus, those
+<i>Daityas</i> embraced that elephant among kings, and those bulls
+among the <i>Danavas</i> cheered that irrepressible one like a son.
+And, O Bharata, pacifying his mind by soft speech, they permitted
+him to depart, saying, 'Go and attain victory!' And when they had
+given leave to the mighty-armed one, that very goddess carried him
+back to the spot where he had sat down, intent upon putting an end
+to his life. And having set that hero down and paid him homage, the
+goddess vanished, taking the king's permission. O Bharata, when she
+had gone, king Duryodhana considered all (that had happened) as a
+dream. He then thought within himself, 'I shall defeat the Pandavas
+in battle.' And Suyodhana thought that Karna and the Samsaptaka
+army were both able (to destroy) and intent upon destroying that
+slayer of foes, Partha. Thus, O bull of the Bharata race, the hope
+was strengthened of the wicked minded son of Dhritarashtra, of
+conquering the Pandavas. And Karna also, his soul and faculties
+possessed by the inmost soul of Naraka, had at that time cruelly
+determined to slay Arjuna. And those heroes&mdash;the Samsaptakas
+also&mdash;having their sense possessed by the <i>Rakshasas</i>,
+and influenced by the qualities of emotion and darkness, were
+desirous of slaying Phalguna. And, O king, others with Bhishma,
+Drona, and Kripa at their head, having their faculties influenced
+by the Danavas, were not so affectionate towards the sons of Pandu
+as they had been. But king Suyodhana did not tell any one of
+this.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 500]</span></p>
+<p>"When the night passed away, Karna, that offspring of the Sun,
+with joined hands, smilingly addressed these wise words to king
+Duryodhana, 'No dead man conquereth his foes: it is when he is
+alive that he can see his good. Where is the good of the dead
+person; and, O Kauravya, where is his victory? Therefore, this is
+no time for grief, or fear or death.' And having, with his arms
+embraced that mighty-armed one, he further said, 'Rise up, O king!
+Why dost thou lie down? Why dost thou grieve, O slayer of foes?
+Having afflicted thy enemies by thy prowess, why dost thou wish for
+death? Or (perhaps) fear hath possessed thee at the sight of
+Arjuna's prowess. I truly promise unto thee that I will slay Arjuna
+in battle. O lord of men, I swear by my weapon that when the three
+and ten years shall have passed away, I will bring the sons of
+Pritha under thy subjection.' Thus addressed by Karna, and
+remembering the words of the <i>Daityas</i> and supplications made
+by them (his brothers), Suyodhana rose up. And having heard those
+words of the <i>Daityas</i> that tiger among men, with a firm
+resolve in his heart arrayed his army, abounding in horses and
+elephants and cars and infantry. And, O monarch, immensely swarming
+with white umbrellas, and pennons, and white <i>Chamaras</i>, and
+cars, and elephants, and foot-soldiers, that mighty army, as it
+moved like the waters of the Ganga, looked graceful like the
+firmament, at a season when the clouds have dispersed and the signs
+of autumn have been but partially developed. And, O foremost of
+kings, eulogised like a monarch by the best of the Brahmanas
+blessing with victory, that lord of men Suyodhana, Dhritarashtra's
+son, receiving honours paid with innumerable joined palms, and
+flaming in exceeding splendour, went in the front, accompanied by
+Karna, and that gambler, the son of Suvala. And all his brothers
+with Dussasana at their head, and Bhurisrava, and Somadatta, and
+the mighty king Vahlika, followed that lion among kings on his way,
+with cars of various forms, and horses, and the best of elephants.
+And, O prince among monarchs, in a short time, those perpetuators of
+the Kuru race entered their own city."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "When the high-souled sons of Pritha were
+living in the forest, what did those foremost of men and mighty
+archers&mdash;the sons of Dhritarashtra&mdash;do? And what did the
+offspring of the Sun, Karna, and the mighty Sakuni, and Bhishma,
+and Drona, and Kripa do? It behoveth thee to relate this unto
+me."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When, O mighty king, in this manner the
+Pandavas had gone, leaving Suyodhana, and when, having been
+liberated by Pandu's sons, he had come to Hastinapura, Bhishma said
+these words to the son of Dhritarashtra, 'O child, I had told thee
+before, when thou wert intent upon going to the hermitage that thy
+journey did not please me. But thou didst do so. And as a
+consequence, O hero, wert thou forcibly taken captive by the enemy,
+and wert delivered by the Pandavas versed in morality. Yet
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 501]</span> art thou not ashamed. Even in
+the presence of thee, O son of Gandhari, together with thy army,
+did the Suta's son, struck with panic, fly from the battle of the
+Gandharvas, O king. And, O foremost of kings, O son of the monarch!
+while thou with thy army wert crying distressfully, thou didst
+witness the prowess of the high-souled Pandavas, and also, O
+mighty-armed one, of the wicked son of the Suta, Karna. O best of
+kings, whether in the science of arms, or heroism, or morality,
+Karna, O thou devoted to virtue, is not a fourth part of the
+Pandavas. Therefore, for the welfare of this race, the conclusion
+of peace is, I think, desirable with the high-souled Pandavas.'</p>
+<p>"Having been thus addressed by Bhishma, Dhritarashtra's son the
+king, laughed a good deal, and then suddenly sailed out with the
+son of Suvala. Thereupon, knowing that he was gone, those mighty
+bowmen with Karna, and Dussasana at their head, followed the highly
+powerful son of Dhritarashtra. And seeing them gone, Bhishma, the
+grandfather of the Kurus, hung down his head from shame, and then,
+O king, went to his own quarters. And, O mighty monarch, when
+Bhishma had left, that lord of men, Dhritarashtra's son came there
+again, and began to consult with his counsellors, 'What is it that
+is good for me? What remaineth to be done? And how we can most
+effectively bring about the good we shall discuss to-day.' Karna
+said, 'O Kuru's son, Duryodhana, do thou lay to heart the words
+that I say. Bhishma always blameth us, and praiseth the Pandavas.
+And from the ill-will he beareth towards thee, he hateth me also.
+And, O lord of men, in thy presence he ever crieth me down. I shall
+never, O Bharata, bear these words that Bhishma had said in thy
+presence in relation to this matter, extolling the Pandavas, and
+censuring thee, O represser of foes! Do thou, O king, enjoin on me,
+together with servants, forces, and cars. I shall, O monarch,
+conquer the earth furnished with mountains and woods and forests.
+The earth had been conquered by the four powerful Pandavas. I
+shall, without doubt, conquer it for thee single-handed. Let that
+wretch of the Kuru race, the exceedingly wicked-minded Bhishma, see
+it,&mdash;he who vilifies those that do not deserve censure, and
+praises those that should not be praised. Let him this day witness
+my might, and blame himself. Do thou, O king, command me. Victory
+shall surely be thine. By my weapon, O monarch, I swear this before
+thee.'</p>
+<p>"O king, O bull of the Bharata race, hearing those words of
+Karna, that lord of men, experiencing the highest delight, spoke
+unto Karna, saying, 'I am blessed. I have been favoured by
+thee,&mdash;since thou, endued with great strength, art ever intent
+on my welfare. My life hath borne fruit, to-day. As thou, O hero,
+intendest to subdue all our enemies, repair thou. May good betide
+thee! Do thou command me (what I am to do).' O subduer of foes,
+having been thus addressed by Dhritarashtra's intelligent son,
+Karna ordered all the necessaries for the excursion. And on an
+auspicious lunar day, at an auspicious moment, and under the
+influence of a star presided over by an auspicious deity, that
+mighty bowman, having been honoured by twice-born ones, and been
+bathed with auspicious and holy substances and also worshipped by
+speech set out, filling with the rattle of his car the three
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 502]</span> worlds, with their mobile and
+immobile objects."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O bull among the Bharatas, that
+mighty bowman, Karna, surrounded by a large army, besieged the
+beautiful city of Drupada. And he, after a hard conflict, brought
+the hero under subjection, and, O best of monarchs, made Drupada
+contribute silver and gold and gems, and also pay tribute. And, O
+foremost of kings, having subdued him, (Karna) brought under
+subjection those princes that were under him (Drupada) and made
+them pay tribute. Then going to the north, he subdued the
+sovereigns (of that quarter) and having effected the defeat of
+Bhagadatta, Radha's son ascended that mighty mountain Himavat, all
+along fighting his foes. And ranging all sides, he conquered and
+brought under subjection all the kings inhabiting the Himavat, and
+made them pay dues. Then descending from the mountain and rushing
+to the east, he reduced the Angas, and the Bangas, and the
+Kalingas, and the Mandikas, and the Magadhas, the Karkakhandas; and
+also included with them the Avasiras, Yodhyas, and the Ahikshatras.
+Having (thus) conquered the eastern quarter Karna then presented
+himself before Batsa-bhumi. And having taken Batsa-bhumi, he
+reduced Kevali, and Mrittikavati, and Mohana and Patrana, and
+Tripura, and Kosala,&mdash;and compelled all these to pay tribute.
+Then going to the south, Karna vanquished the mighty charioteers
+(of that quarter) and in Dakshinatya, the Suta's son entered into
+conflict with Rukmi. After having fought dreadfully, Rukmi spake to
+the Suta's son saying, 'O foremost of monarchs, I have been pleased
+with thy might and prowess. I shall not do thee wrong: I have only
+fulfilled the vow of a Kshatriya. Gladly will I give thee as many
+gold coins as thou desirest.' Having met with Rukmi, Karna repaired
+to Pandya and the mountain, Sri. And by fighting, he made Karala,
+king Nila, Venudari's son, and other best of kings living in the
+southern direction pay tribute. Then going to Sisupala's son, the
+son of the Suta defeated him and that highly powerful one also
+brought under his sway all the neighbouring rulers. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, having subjugated the Avantis and concluded peace
+with them, and having met with the Vrishnis, he conquered the west.
+And, having come to the quarter of Varuna, he made all the Yavana
+and Varvara kings pay tribute. And, having conquered the entire
+earth&mdash;east, west, north and south&mdash;that hero without any
+aid brought under subjection all the nations of the Mlechchhas, the
+mountaineers, the Bhadras, the Rohitakas, the Agneyas and the
+Malavas. And, having conquered the mighty charioteers, headed by
+the Nagnajitas, the Suta's son brought the <i>Sasakas</i> and the
+<i>Yavanas</i> under his sway. Having thus conquered and brought
+under his subjection the world, the mighty charioteer and tiger
+among men came (back) to Hastinapura. That lord of men,
+Dhritarashtra's son, accompanied by his father and brothers and
+friends, came to that mighty bowman, who had arrived, and duly paid
+homage unto Karna crowned with martial <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+503]</span> merit. And the king proclaimed his feats, saying, 'What
+I have not received from either Bhishma, or Drona, or Kripa, or
+Vahlika, I have received from thee. May good betide thee! What need
+of speaking at length! Hear my words, O Karna! In thee, O chief of
+men, I have my refuge. O mighty-armed one, O tiger among men,
+without doubt all the Pandavas and the other kings crowned with
+prosperity, come not to a sixteenth part of thee. Do thou, O mighty
+bowman, O Karna, see Dhritarashtra, and the illustrious Gandhari,
+as the bearer of the thunderbolt did Aditi.'</p>
+<p>"Then, O king, there arose in the city of Hastinapura a clamour,
+and sounds of <i>Oh!</i> and <i>Alas!</i> and, O lord of men, some
+of the kings praised him (Karna), while others censured him, while
+others, again, remained silent. Having thus, O foremost of
+monarchs, in a short time conquered this earth furnished with
+mountains and forests and skies, and with oceans, and fields, and
+filled with high and low tracts, and cities, and replete also with
+islands, O lord of earth, and brought the monarchs under
+subjection,&mdash;and having gained imperishable wealth, the Suta's
+son appeared before the king. Then, O represser of foes, entering
+into the interior of the palace that hero saw Dhritarashtra with
+Gandhari, O tiger among men, that one conversant with morality took
+hold of his feet even like a son. And Dhritarashtra embraced him
+affectionately, and then dismissed him. Ever since that time, O
+monarch, O Bharata, king Duryodhana and Sakuni, the son of Suvala,
+thought that Pritha's sons had already been defeated in battle by
+Karna."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "O king, O lord of men, that slayer of
+hostile heroes, the Suta's son, said these words to Duryodhana, 'O
+Kaurava Duryodhana, do thou lay unto thy heart the words that I
+shall tell thee; and, O represser of foes, after having heard my
+words, it behoveth thee to act accordingly every way. Now, O best
+of monarchs, O hero, hath the earth been rid of foes. Do thou rule
+her even like the mighty-minded Sakra himself, having his foes
+destroyed.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having been thus addressed by Karna,
+the king again spake unto him, saying, 'O bull among men, nothing
+whatever is unattainable to him who hath thee for refuge, and to
+whom thou art attached and on whose welfare thou art entirely
+intent. Now, I have a purpose, which do thou truly listen to.
+Having beheld that foremost of sacrifices, the mighty
+<i>Rajasuya</i>, performed by the Pandavas, a desire hath sprung up
+in me (to celebrate the same). Do thou, O Suta's son, fulfil this
+desire of mine.' Thus addressed, Karna spake thus unto the king,
+'Now that all the rulers of the earth have been brought under thy
+subjection, do thou summon the principal Brahmanas, and, O best of
+Kurus, duly procure the articles required for the sacrifice. And, O
+represser of foes, let Ritwijas as prescribed, and versed in the
+Vedas, celebrate thy rites according to the ordinance, O king. And,
+O bull of the Bharata race, let thy great sacrifice also, abounding
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 504]</span> in meats and drinks, and
+grand with parts, commence.'</p>
+<p>"O king, having been thus addressed by Karna, Dhritarashtra's
+son summoned the priest, and spake unto him these words, 'Do thou
+duly and in proper order celebrate for me that best of sacrifices,
+the <i>Rajasuya</i> furnished with excellent <i>Dakshinas</i>.'
+Thus accosted, that best of Brahmanas spake unto the king, saying,
+'O foremost of the Kauravas, while Yudhishthira is living, that
+best of sacrifices cannot be performed in thy family, O Prince of
+kings! Further, O monarch, thy father Dhritarashtra, endued with
+long life, liveth. For this reason also, O best of kings, this
+sacrifice cannot be undertaken by thee. There is, O lord, another
+great sacrifice, resembling the Rajasuya. Do thou, O foremost of
+kings, celebrate that sacrifice. Listen to these words of mine. All
+these rulers of the earth, who have, O king, become tributary to
+thee, will pay thee tribute in gold, both pure and impure. Of that
+gold, do thou, O best of monarchs, now make the (sacrificial)
+plough, and do thou, O Bharata, plough the sacrificial compound
+with it. At that spot, let there commence, O foremost of kings,
+with due rites, and without any disturbance the sacrifice,
+sanctified with <i>mantras</i> abounding in edibles. The name of
+that sacrifice worthy of virtuous persons, is Vaishnava. No person
+save the ancient Vishnu hath performed it before. This mighty
+sacrifice vies with that best of sacrifices&mdash;the
+<i>Rajasuya</i> itself. And, further, it liketh us&mdash;and it is
+also for thy welfare (to celebrate it). And, moreover, it is
+capable of being celebrated without any disturbance. (By
+undertaking this), thy desire will be fufilled.'</p>
+<p>"Having been thus addressed by those Brahmanas, Dhritarashtra's
+son, the king, spake these words to Karna, his brothers and the son
+of Suvala, 'Beyond doubt, the words of the Brahmanas are entirely
+liked by me. If they are relished by you also, express it without
+delay.' Thus appealed, they all said unto the king, 'So be it.'
+Then the king one by one appointed persons to their respective
+tasks; and desired all the artisans to construct the (sacrificial)
+plough. And, O best of kings, all that had been commanded to be
+done, was gradually executed."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then all the artisans, the principal
+counsellors, and the highly wise Vidura said unto Dhritarashtra's
+son, 'All the preparations for the excellent sacrifice have been
+made, O king; and the time also hath come, O Bharata. And the
+exceedingly precious golden plough hath been constructed.' Hearing
+this, O monarch, that best of kings, Dhritarashtra's son commanded
+that prince among sacrifices to be commenced. Then commenced that
+sacrifice sanctified by <i>mantras</i>, and abounding in edibles,
+and the son of Gandhari was duly initiated according to the
+ordinance. And Dhritarashtra, and the illustrious Vidura, and
+Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and the celebrated
+Gandhari experienced great delight. And, O foremost of kings,
+Duryodhana despatched swift <span class="pagenum">[Pg 505]</span>
+messengers to invite the princes and the Brahmanas. And mounting
+fleet vehicles they went to the (respective) directions assigned to
+them. Then to a certain messenger on the point of setting out,
+Dussasana said, 'Go thou speedily to the woods of <i>Dwaita</i>;
+and in that forest duly invite the Brahmanas and those wicked
+persons, the Pandavas.' Thereupon, he repaired thither, and bowing
+down to all the Pandavas, said, 'Having acquired immense wealth by
+his native prowess, that best of kings and foremost of Kurus,
+Duryodhana, O monarch, is celebrating a sacrifice. Thither are
+going from various directions the kings and the Brahmanas. O king,
+I have been sent by the high-souled Kaurava. That king and lord of
+men, Dhritarashtra's son, invites you. It behoveth you, therefore,
+to witness the delightful sacrifice of that monarch.'</p>
+<p>"Hearing these words of the messenger, that tiger among kings,
+the royal Yudhishthira, said, 'By good luck it is that that
+enhancer of the glory of his ancestors, king Suyodhana is
+celebrating this best of sacrifices. We should certainly repair
+thither; but we cannot do now; for till (the completion of) the
+thirteenth year, we shall have to observe our vow.' Hearing this
+speech of Yudhishthira the just, Bhima said these words, 'Then will
+king Yudhishthira the just go thither, when he will cast him
+(Duryodhana) into the fire kindled by weapons. Do thou say unto
+Suyodhana. "<i>When after the expiration of the thirteenth year,
+that lord of men, the Pandava, will, in the sacrifice of battle,
+pour upon the Dhritarashtras, the clarified butter of his ire, then
+will I come!</i>"' But the other Pandavas, O king, did not say
+anything unpleasant. The messenger (on his return) related unto
+Dhritarashtra's son all as it had fallen out. Then there came to
+the city of Dhritarashtra many foremost of men, lords of various
+countries, and highly virtuous Brahmanas. And duly received in
+order according to the ordinance, those lords of men experienced
+great delight and were all well-pleased. And that foremost among
+monarchs&mdash;Dhritarashtra&mdash;surrounded by all the Kauravas,
+experienced the height of joy, and spake unto Vidura, saying, 'Do
+thou, O Kshatta, speedily so act that all persons in the
+sacrificial compound may be served with food, be refreshed and
+satisfied.' Thereupon, O represser of foes, assenting to that
+order, the learned Vidura versed in morality, cheerfully
+entertained all the orders in proper measure with meat and
+beverages to eat and drink, and fragrant garland and various kinds
+of attire. And having constructed pavilions (for their
+accommodation), that hero and foremost of kings, duly entertained
+the princes and the Brahmanas by thousands, and also bestowing upon
+them wealth of various kinds, bade them farewell. And having
+dismissed all the kings, he entered Hastinapura, surrounded by his
+brothers, and in company with Karna and Suvala's son."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "While, O great king, Duryodhana was entering
+(the city), the panegyrists eulogized the prince of unfailing
+prowess. And <span class="pagenum">[Pg 506]</span> others also
+eulogized that mighty bowman and foremost of kings. And sprinkling
+over him fried paddy and sandal paste the citizens said, 'By good
+luck it is, O king, that thy sacrifice hath been completed without
+obstruction.' And some, more reckless of speech, that were present
+there, said unto that lord of the earth, 'Surely this thy sacrifice
+cannot be compared with Yudhishthira's: nor doth this come up to a
+sixteenth part of that (sacrifice).' Thus spake unto that king some
+that were reckless of consequences. His friends, however, said,
+'This sacrifice of thine hath surpassed all others. Yayati and
+Nahusha, and Mandhata and Bharata, having been sanctified by
+celebrating such a sacrifice, have all gone to heaven.' Hearing
+such agreeable words from his friends, that monarch, O bull of the
+Bharata's race, well-pleased, entered the city and finally his own
+abode. Then, O king, worshipping the feet of his father and mother
+and of others headed by Bhishma, Drona and Kripa, and of the wise
+Vidura, and worshipped in turn by his younger brothers, that
+delighter of brothers sat down upon an excellent seat, surrounded
+by the latter. And the Suta's son, rising up, said, 'By good luck
+it is, O foremost of the Bharata race, that this mighty sacrifice
+of thine hath been brought to a close. When, however, the sons of
+Pritha shall have been slain in battle and thou wilt have completed
+the <i>Rajasuya</i> sacrifice, once again, O lord of men, shall I
+honour thee thus.' Then that mighty king, the illustrious son of
+Dhritarashtra, replied unto him, 'Truly hath this been spoken by
+thee. When, O foremost of men, the wicked-minded Pandavas have been
+slain, and when also the grand <i>Rajasuya</i> hath been celebrated
+by me, then thou shalt again, O hero, honour me thus.' And having
+said this, O Bharata, the Kaurava embraced Karna, and began, O
+mighty king, to think of the <i>Rajasuya</i>, that foremost of
+sacrifices. And that best of kings also addressed the Kurus around
+him, saying, 'When shall I, ye Kauravas, having slain all the
+Pandavas, celebrate that costly and foremost of sacrifices, the
+<i>Rajasuya</i>.' Then spake Karna unto him, saying, 'Hear me, O
+elephant among kings! So long as I do not slay Arjuna, I shall not
+allow any one to wash my feet, nor shall I taste meat. And I shall
+observe the <i>Asura</i> vow<a id="footnotetag44" name="footnotetag44"></a><a href="#footnote44"><sup>44</sup></a> and
+whoever may solicit me (for any thing), I never shall say, "<i>I
+have it not</i>."' When Karna had thus vowed to slay Phalguna in
+battle, those mighty charioteers and bowmen, the sons of
+Dhritarashtra, sent up a loud cheer; and Dhritarashtra's sons
+thought that the Pandavas had already been conquered. Then that
+chief of kings, the graceful Duryodhana, leaving those bulls among
+men, entered his apartment, like the lord Kuvera entering the
+garden of Chitraratha. And all those mighty bowmen also, O Bharata,
+went to their respective quarters.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile those mighty bowmen, the Pandavas, excited by the
+words the messenger had spoken, became anxious, and they did not
+(from that time) <span class="pagenum">[Pg 507]</span> experience
+the least happiness. Intelligence, further, O foremost of kings,
+had been brought by spies regarding the vow of the Suta's son to
+slay Vijaya. Hearing this, O lord of men, Dharma's son became
+exceedingly anxious. And considering Karna of the impenetrable mail
+to be of wonderful prowess, and remembering all their woes, he knew
+no peace. And that high-souled one filled with anxiety, made up his
+mind to abandon the woods about <i>Dwaitavana</i> abounding with
+ferocious animals.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile the royal son of Dhritarashtra began to rule the
+earth, along with his heroic brothers as also with Bhishma and
+Drona and Kripa. And with the assistance of the Suta's son crowned
+with martial glory, Duryodhana remained ever intent on the welfare
+of the rulers of the earth, and he worshipped the foremost of
+Brahmanas by celebrating sacrifices with profuse gifts. And that
+hero and subduer of foes, O king, was engaged in doing good to his
+brothers, concluding for certain in his mind that giving and
+enjoying are the only use of riches."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLVI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "After having delivered Duryodhana, what did
+the mighty sons of Pandu do in that forest? It behoveth thee to
+tell me this."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Once on a time, as Yudhishthira lay down at
+night in the <i>Dwaita</i> woods, some deer, with accents choked in
+tears, presented themselves before him in his dreams. To them
+standing with joined hands, their bodies trembling all over that
+foremost of monarchs said, 'Tell me what ye wish to say. Who are
+ye? And what do ye desire?' Thus accosted by Kunti's son&mdash;the
+illustrious Pandava, those deer, the remnant of those that had been
+slaughtered, replied unto him, saying, 'We are, O Bharata, those
+deer that are still alive after them that had been slaughtered. We
+shall be exterminated totally. Therefore, do thou change thy
+residence. O mighty king, all thy brothers are heroes, conversant
+with weapons; they have thinned the ranks of the rangers of the
+forest. We few&mdash;the remnants,&mdash;O mighty-minded one,
+remain like seed. By thy favour, O king of kings, let us increase.'
+Seeing these deer, which remained like seed after the rest had been
+destroyed trembling and afflicted with fear, Yudhishthira the just
+was greatly affected with grief. And the king, intent on the
+welfare of all creatures, said unto them, 'So be it. I shall act as
+ye have said.' Awaking after such a vision, that excellent king,
+moved by pity towards the deer, thus spake unto his brothers
+assembled there, 'Those deer that are alive after them that have
+been slaughtered, accosted me at night, after I had awakened,
+saying, "<i>We remain like the cues of our lines. Blest be thou! Do
+thou have compassion on us</i>." And they have spoken truly. We
+ought to feel pity for the dwellers of the forest. We have been
+feeding on them for a year together and eight months. Let us,
+therefore, again (repair) to the romantic Kamyakas, that best of
+forests abounding in wild animals, situated at the head of the
+desert, near lake Trinavindu. And there let us pleasantly pass the
+rest of our time.' Then, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 508]</span> O
+king, the Pandavas versed in morality, swiftly departed (thence),
+accompanied by the Brahmanas and all those that lived with them,
+and followed by Indrasena and other retainers. And proceeding along
+the roads walked (by travellers), furnished with excellent corn and
+clear water, they at length beheld the sacred asylum of Kamyaka
+endued with ascetic merit. And as pious men enter the celestial
+regions, those foremost of the Bharata race, the Kauravas,
+surrounded by those bulls among Brahmanas entered that forest."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in the woods, O bull of the
+Bharata race, the high-souled Pandavas spent one and ten years in a
+miserable plight. And although deserving of happiness, those
+foremost of men, brooding over their circumstances, passed their
+days miserably, living on fruits and roots. And that royal sage,
+the mighty-armed Yudhishthira, reflecting that the extremity of
+misery that had befallen his brothers, was owing to his own fault,
+and remembering those sufferings that had arisen from his act of
+gambling, could not sleep peacefully. And he felt as if his heart
+had been pierced with a lance. And remembering the harsh words of
+the Suta's son, the Pandava, repressing the venom of his wrath,
+passed his time in humble guise, sighing heavily. And Arjuna and
+both the twins and the illustrious Draupadi, and the mighty
+Bhima&mdash;he that was strongest of all men&mdash;experienced the
+most poignant pain in casting their eyes on Yudhishthira. And
+thinking that a short time only remained (of their exile), those
+bulls among men, influenced by rage and hope and by resorting to
+various exertions and endeavours, made their bodies assume almost
+different shapes.</p>
+<p>"After a little while, that mighty ascetic, Vyasa, the son of
+Satyavati, came there to see the Pandavas. And seeing him approach,
+Kunti's son, Yudhishthira, stepped forward, and duly received that
+high-souled one. And having gratified Vyasa by bowing down unto
+him, Pandu's son of subdued senses, after the <i>Rishi</i> had been
+seated, sat down before him, desirous of listening to him. And
+beholding his grandsons lean and living in the forest on the
+produce of the wilderness, that mighty sage, moved by compassion,
+said these words, in accents choked in tears, 'O mighty-armed
+Yudhishthira, O thou best of virtuous persons, those men that do
+not perform ascetic austerities never attain great happiness in
+this world. People experience happiness and misery by turns; for
+surely, O bull among men, no man ever enjoyeth unbroken happiness.
+A wise man endued with high wisdom, knowing that life hath its ups
+and downs, is neither filled with joy nor with grief. When
+happiness cometh, one should enjoy it; when misery cometh, one
+should bear it, as a sower of crops must bide his season. Nothing
+is superior to asceticism: by asceticism one acquireth mighty
+fruit. Do thou know, O Bharata, that there is nothing that
+asceticism cannot achieve. Truth, sincerity, freedom from anger,
+justice, self-control, restraint of the faculties, immunity from
+malice, guilelessness, sanctity, and mortification of the senses,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 509]</span> these, O mighty monarch,
+purify a person of meritorious acts. Foolish persons addicted to
+vice and bestial ways, attain to brutish births in after life and
+never enjoy happiness. The fruit of acts done in this world is
+reaped in the next. Therefore should one restrain his body by
+asceticism and the observance of vows. And, O king, free from guile
+and with a cheerful spirit, one should, according to his power,
+bestow gifts, after going down to the recipient and paying him
+homage. A truth-telling person attaineth a life devoid of trouble.
+A person void of anger attaineth sincerity, and one free from
+malice acquireth supreme contentment. A person who hath subdued his
+senses and his inner faculties, never knoweth tribulation; nor is a
+person of subdued senses affected by sorrow at the height of
+other's prosperity. A man who giveth everyone his due, and the
+bestower of boons, attain happiness, and come by every object of
+enjoyment; while a man free from envy reapeth perfect ease. He that
+honoureth those to whom honour is due, attaineth birth in an
+illustrious line; and he that hath subdued his senses, never cometh
+by misfortune. A man whose mind followeth good, after having paid
+his debt to nature, is on this account, born again endued with a
+righteous mind.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O eminently virtuous one, O mighty sage, of
+the bestowal of gifts and the observance of asceticism, which is of
+greater efficacy in the next world, and which, harder of
+practice?'</p>
+<p>"Vyasa said, 'There is nothing, O child, in this world harder to
+practise than charity. Men greatly thirst after wealth, and wealth
+also is gotten with difficulty. Nay, renouncing even dear life
+itself, heroic men, O magnanimous one, enter into the depths of the
+sea and the forest for the sake of wealth. For wealth, some betake
+themselves to agriculture and the tending of kine, and some enter
+into servitude. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to part with
+wealth that is obtained with such trouble. Since nothing is harder
+to practise than charity, therefore, in my opinion, even the
+bestowal of boons is superior to everything. Specially is this to
+be borne in mind that well-earned gains should, in proper time and
+place, be given away to pious men. But the bestowal of ill-gotten
+gains can never rescue the giver from the evil of rebirth. It hath
+been declared, O Yudhishthira, that by bestowing, in a pure spirit,
+even a slight gift in due time and to a fit recipient, a man
+attaineth inexhaustible fruit in the next world. In this connection
+is instanced the old story regarding the fruit obtained by
+<i>Mudgala</i>, for having given away only a <i>drona</i><a id="footnotetag45" name="footnotetag45"></a><a href="#footnote45"><sup>45</sup></a> of corn.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLVIII</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'Why did that high-souled one give away a
+drona of corn? And, O eminently pious one, to whom and in what
+prescribed way did he give it? Do thou tell me this. Surely, I
+consider the life of that virtuous person as having borne fruit
+with whose practices the possessor himself of the six attributes,
+witnessing everything, was well pleased.'</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 510]</span></p>
+<p>"Vyasa said, 'There lived, O king, in Kurukshetra a virtuous man
+(sage), Mudgala by name. And he was truthful, and free from malice,
+and of subdued senses. And he used to lead the <i>Sila</i> and
+<i>Unchha</i> modes of life.<a id="footnotetag46" name="footnotetag46"></a><a href="#footnote46"><sup>46</sup></a> And
+although living like a pigeon, yet that one of mighty austerities
+entertained his guests, celebrated the sacrifice called
+<i>Istikrita</i>, and performed other rites. And that sage together
+with his son and wife, ate for a fortnight, and during the other
+fortnight led the life of a pigeon, collecting a <i>drona</i> of
+corn. And celebrating the <i>Darsa</i> and <i>Paurnamasya</i>
+sacrifices, that one devoid of guile, used to pass his days by
+taking the food that remained after the deities and the guests had
+eaten. And on auspicious lunar days, that lord of the three worlds,
+Indra himself, accompanied by the celestials used, O mighty
+monarch, to partake of the food offered at his sacrifice. And that
+one, having adopted the life of a <i>Muni</i>, with a cheerful
+heart entertained his guests also with food on such days. And as
+that high-souled one distributed his food with alacrity, the
+remainder of the <i>drona</i> of corn increased as soon as a guest
+appeared. And by virtue of the pure spirit in which the sage gave away,
+that food of his increased so much that hundreds upon hundreds
+of learned Brahmanas were fed with it.</p>
+<p>"'And, O king, it came to pass that having heard of the virtuous
+Mudgala observant of vows, the <i>Muni</i> Durvasa, having space
+alone for his covering,<a id="footnotetag47" name="footnotetag47"></a><a href="#footnote47"><sup>47</sup></a> his
+accoutrements worn like that of maniac, and his head bare of hair,
+came there, uttering, O Pandava various insulting words. And having
+arrived there that best of <i>Munis</i> said unto the Brahmana,
+"Know thou, O foremost of Brahmanas, that I have come hither
+seeking for food." Thereupon Mudgala said unto the sage, "Thou art
+welcome!" And then offering to that maniac of an ascetic affected
+by hunger, water to wash his feet and mouth, that one observant of
+the vow of feeding guests, respectfully placed before him excellent
+fare. Affected by hunger, the frantic <i>Rishi</i> completely
+exhausted the food that had been offered unto him. Thereupon,
+Mudgala furnished him again with food. Then having eaten up all
+that food, he besmeared his body with the unclean orts and went
+away as he had come. In this manner, during the next season, he
+came again and ate up all the food supplied by that wise one
+leading the <i>Unchha</i> mode of life. Thereupon, without
+partaking any food himself, the sage Mudgala again became engaged
+in collecting corn, following the <i>Unchha</i> mode. Hunger could
+not disturb his equanimity. Nor could anger, nor guile, nor a sense
+of degradation, nor agitation, enter into the heart of that best of
+Brahmanas leading the <i>Unchha</i> mode of life along with his son
+and his wife. In this way, Durvasa having made up his mind, during
+successive seasons presented himself for six several times before
+that best of sages living according to the <i>Unchha</i> mode; yet
+that <i>Muni</i> could not perceive any agitation in Mudgala's
+heart; and he found the pure heart of the pure-souled ascetic
+always pure. Thereupon, well-pleased, the sage addressed
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 511]</span> Mudgala, saying, "There is
+not another guileless and charitable being like thee on earth. The
+pangs of hunger drive away to a distance the sense of righteousness
+and deprive people of all patience. The tongue, loving delicacies,
+attracteth men towards them. Life is sustained by food. The mind,
+moreover, is fickle, and it is hard to keep it in subjection. The
+concentration of the mind and of the senses surely constitutes
+ascetic austerities. It must be hard to renounce in a pure spirit a
+thing earned by pains. Yet, O pious one, all this hath been duly
+achieved by thee. In thy company we feel obliged and gratified.
+Self-restraint, fortitude, justice, control of the senses and of
+faculties, mercy, and virtue, all these are established in thee.
+Thou hast by thy deeds conquered the different worlds and have
+thereby obtained admission into paths of beautitude. Ah! even the
+dwellers of heaven are proclaiming thy mighty deeds of charity. O
+thou observant of vows, thou shalt go to heaven even in thine own
+body."</p>
+<p>"'Whilst the <i>Muni</i> Durvasa was speaking thus, a celestial
+messenger appeared before Mudgala, upon a car yoked with swans and
+cranes, hung with a neat work of bells, scented with divine
+fragrance, painted picturesquely, and possessed of the power of
+going everywhere at will. And he addressed the Brahmana sage,
+saying, "O sage, do thou ascend into this chariot earned by thy
+acts. Thou hast attained the fruit of thy asceticism!"</p>
+<p>"'As the messenger of the gods was speaking thus, the sage told
+him, "O divine messenger, I desire that thou mayst describe unto me
+the attributes of those that reside there. What are their
+austerities, and what their purposes? And, O messenger of the gods,
+what constitutes happiness in heaven, and what are the
+disadvantages thereof? It is declared by virtuous men of good
+lineage that friendship with pious people is contracted by only
+walking with them seven paces. O lord, in the name of that
+friendship I ask thee, do thou without hesitation tell me the
+truth, and that which is good for me now. Having heard thee, I
+shall, according to thy words, ascertain the course I ought to
+follow."'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLIX</h2>
+<p>"'The messenger of the gods said, "O great sage, thou art of
+simple understanding; since, having secured that celestial bliss
+which bringeth great honour, thou art still deliberating like an
+unwise person. O <i>Muni</i>, that region which is known as heaven,
+existeth there above us. Those regions tower high, and are
+furnished with excellent paths, and are, O sage, always ranged by
+celestial cars. Atheists, and untruthful persons, those that have
+not practised ascetic austerities and those that have not performed
+great sacrifices, cannot repair thither. Only men of virtuous
+souls, and those of subdued spirits, and those that have their
+faculties in subjection, and those that have controlled their
+senses, and those that are free from malice, and persons intent on
+the practice of charity, and heroes, and men bearing marks of
+battle, after having, with subdued senses and faculties, performed
+the most meritorious rites, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 512]</span>
+attain those regions, O Brahmana, capable of being obtained only by
+virtuous acts, and inhabited by pious men. There, O Mudgala, are
+established separately myriads of beautiful, shining, and
+resplendent worlds bestowing every object of desire, owned by those
+celestial beings, the gods, the <i>Sadhyas</i>, and the
+<i>Vaiswas</i>, the great sages, <i>Yamas</i>, and the
+<i>Dharmas</i>, and the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the <i>Apsaras</i>.
+And there is that monarch of mountains the golden Meru extending
+over a space of thirty-three thousand <i>Yojanas</i>. And there, O
+Mudgala, are the sacred gardens of the celestials, with Nandana at
+their head, where sport the persons of meritorious acts. And
+neither hunger, nor thirst, nor lassitude, nor fear, nor anything
+that is disgusting or inauspicious is there. And all the odours of
+that place are delightful, and all the breezes delicious to the
+touch. And all the sounds there are captivating, O sage, to the ear
+and the heart. And neither grief, nor decrepitude, nor labour, nor
+repentance also is there. That world, O <i>Muni</i>, obtained as
+the fruit of one's own acts, is of this nature. Persons repair
+thither by virtue of their meritorious deeds. And the persons of
+those that dwell there look resplendent, and this, O Mudgala,
+solely by virtue of their own acts, and not owing to the merits of
+father or mothers. And there is neither sweat, nor stench, nor
+urine there. And there, O <i>Muni</i>, dust doth not soils one's
+garments. And their excellent garlands, redolent of divine
+fragrance, never fade. And, O Brahmana, they yoke such cars as this
+(that I have brought). And, O mighty sage, devoid of envy and grief
+and fatigue and ignorance and malice, men who have attained heaven,
+dwell in those regions happily. And, O bull among <i>Munis</i>,
+higher and higher over such regions there are others endued with
+higher celestial virtues. Of these, the beautiful and resplendent
+regions of Brahma are the foremost. Thither, O Brahmana, repair
+<i>Rishis</i> that have been sanctified by meritorious acts. And
+there dwell certain beings named <i>Ribhus</i>. They are the gods
+of the gods themselves. Their regions are supremely blessed, and
+are adored even by the deities. These shine by their own light, and
+bestow every object of desire. They suffer no pangs that women
+might cause, do not possess worldly wealth, and are free from
+guile. The <i>Ribhus</i> do not subsist on oblations, nor yet on
+ambrosia. And they are endued with such celestial forms that they
+cannot be perceived by the senses. And these eternal gods of the
+celestials do not desire happiness for happiness' sake, nor do they
+change at the revolution of a <i>Kalpa</i>. Where, indeed, is their
+decrepitude or dissolution? For them there is neither ecstasy, nor
+joy, nor happiness. They have neither happiness nor misery.
+Wherefore should they have anger or aversion then, O <i>Muni</i>? O
+Mudgala, their supreme state is coveted even by the gods. And that
+crowning emancipation, hard to attain, can never be acquired by
+people subject to desire. The number of those deities is
+thirty-three. To their regions repair wise men, after having
+observed excellent vows, or bestowed gifts according to the
+ordinance. Thou also hast easily acquired that success by thy
+charities. Do thou, by effulgence displayed by virtue of thy
+ascetic austerities, enjoy that condition obtained by thy
+meritorious acts. Such, O Brahmana, is the bliss of heaven
+containing various worlds.</p>
+<p>"'"Thus have I described unto thee the blessing of the celestial
+regions. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 513]</span> Do thou now hear
+from me some of the disadvantages thereof. That in the celestial
+regions a person, while reaping the fruit of the acts he hath
+already performed, cannot be engaged in any others, and that he
+must enjoy the consequences of the former until they are completely
+exhausted, and, further, that he is subject to fall after he hath
+entirely exhausted his merit, form, in my opinion, the
+disadvantages of heaven. The fall of a person whose mind hath been
+steeped in happiness, must, O Mudgala, be pronounced as a fault.
+And the discontent and regret that must follow one's stay at an
+inferior seat after one hath enjoyed more auspicious and brighter
+regions, must be hard to bear. And the consciousness of those about
+to fall is stupefied, and also agitated by emotions. And as the
+garlands of those about to fall fade away, fear invadeth their
+hearts. These mighty drawbacks, O Mudgala, extend even to the
+regions of Brahma. In the celestial regions, the virtues of men who
+have performed righteous acts, are countless. And, O <i>Muni</i>,
+this is another of the attributes of the fallen that, by reason of
+their merits, they take birth among men. And then they attain to
+high fortune and happiness. If one, however, cannot acquire
+knowledge here, one cometh by an inferior birth. The fruits of acts
+done in this world are reaped in the next. This world, O Brahmana,
+hath been declared to be one of acts; the others, as one of fruit.
+Thus have I, O Mudgala, asked by thee, described all unto thee.
+Now, O pious one, with thy favour, we shall easily set out with
+speed."'</p>
+<p>"Vyasa continued, 'Having heard this speech, Mudgala began to
+reflect in his mind. And having deliberated well, that best of
+<i>Munis</i> spake thus unto the celestial messenger, "O messenger
+of the gods, I bow unto thee. Do thou, O sire, depart in peace. I
+have nothing to do with either happiness, or heaven having such
+prominent defects. Persons who enjoy heaven suffer, after all, huge
+misery and extreme regret in this world. Therefore, I do not desire
+heaven. I shall seek for that unfailing region repairing whither
+people have not to lament, or to be pained, or agitated. Thou hast
+described unto me these great defects belonging to the celestial
+regions. Do thou now describe unto me a region free from faults."
+Thereupon the celestial messenger said, "Above the abode of
+<i>Brahma</i>, there is the supreme seat of Vishnu, pure, and
+eternal, and luminous known by the name of <i>Para Brahma</i>.
+Thither, O Brahmana, cannot repair persons who are attached to the
+objects of the senses: nor can those subject to arrogance,
+covetousness, ignorance, anger, and envy, go to that place. It is
+only those that are free from affection, and those free from pride,
+and those free from conflicting emotions, and those that have
+restrained their senses, and those given to contemplation and
+<i>Yoga</i>, that can repair thither." Having heard these words,
+the <i>Muni</i> bade farewell to the celestial messenger, and that
+virtuous one leading the <i>Unchha</i> mode of life, assumed
+perfect contentment. And then praise and dispraise became equal
+unto him; and a brickbat, stone, and gold assumed the same aspect
+in his eyes. And availing himself of the means of attaining
+<i>Brahma</i>, he became always engaged in meditation. And having
+obtained power by means of knowledge, and acquired excellent
+understanding, he attained that supreme state of emancipation which
+is regarded as Eternal. Therefore, thou also, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 514]</span> O Kunti's son, ought not to grieve.
+Deprived thou hast truly been of a flourishing kingdom, but thou
+wilt regain it by thy ascetic austerities. Misery after happiness,
+and happiness after misery, revolve by turns round a man even like
+the point of a wheel's circumference round the axle. After the
+thirteenth year hath passed away, thou wilt, O thou of immeasurable
+might, get back the kingdom possessed before thee by thy father and
+grand-father. Therefore, let the fever of thy heart depart!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to Pandu's son, the
+worshipful Vyasa went back to his hermitage for the purpose of
+performing austerities."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLX</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "While the high-souled Pandavas were living in
+those woods, delighted with the pleasant conversation they held
+with the <i>Munis</i>, and engaged in distributing the food they
+obtained from the sun, with various kinds of venison to Brahmanas
+and others that came to them for edibles till the hour of Krishna's
+meal, how, O great <i>Muni</i>, did Duryodhana and the other wicked
+and sinful sons of Dhritarashtra, guided by the counsels of
+Dussasana, Karna and Sakuni, deal with them? I ask thee this. Do
+thou, worshipful Sir, enlighten me."</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When, O great king, Duryodhana heard that
+the Pandavas were living as happily in the woods as in a city, he
+longed, with the artful Karna, Dussasana and others, to do them
+harm. And while those evil-minded persons were employed in
+concerting various wicked designs, the virtuous and celebrated
+ascetic Durvasa, following the bent of his own will, arrived at the
+city of the Kurus with ten thousand disciples. And seeing the
+irascible ascetic arrived, Duryodhana and his brothers welcomed him
+with great humility, self-abasement and gentleness. And himself
+attending on the <i>Rishi</i> as a menial, the prince gave him a
+right worshipful reception. And the illustrious <i>Muni</i> stayed
+there for a few days, while king Duryodhana, watchful of his
+imprecations, attended on him diligently by day and night. And
+sometimes the <i>Muni</i> would say, 'I am hungry, O king, give me
+some food quickly.' And sometimes he would go out for a bath and,
+returning at a late hour, would say, 'I shall not eat anything
+today as I have no appetite,' and so saying would disappear from
+his sight. And sometimes, coming all on a sudden, he would say,
+'Feed us quickly.' And at other times, bent on some mischief, he
+would awake at midnight and having caused his meals to be prepared
+as before, would carp at them and not partake of them at all. And
+trying the prince in this way for a while, when the <i>Muni</i>
+found that the king Duryodhana was neither angered, nor annoyed, he
+became graciously inclined towards him. And then, O Bharata, the
+intractable Durvasa said unto him, 'I have power to grant thee
+boons. Thou mayst ask of me whatever lies nearest to thy heart. May
+good fortune be thine. Pleased as I am with thee, thou mayst obtain
+from me anything that is not <span class="pagenum">[Pg 515]</span>
+opposed to religion and morals.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of the great
+ascetic, Suyodhana felt himself to be inspired with new life.
+Indeed, it had been agreed upon between himself and Karna and
+Dussasana as to what the boon should be that he would ask of the
+<i>Muni</i> if the latter were pleased with his reception. And the
+evil-minded king, bethinking himself of what had previously been
+decided, joyfully solicited the following favour, saying, 'The
+great king Yudhishthira is the eldest and the best of our race.
+That pious man is now living in the forest with his brothers. Do
+thou, therefore, once become the guest of that illustrious one even
+as, O Brahmana, thou hast with thy disciples been mine for some
+time. If thou art minded to do me a favour, do thou go unto him at
+a time when that delicate and excellent lady, the celebrated
+princess of Panchala, after having regaled with food the Brahmanas,
+her husbands and herself, may lie down to rest.' The <i>Rishi</i>
+replied, 'Even so shall I act for thy satisfaction.' And having
+said this to Suyodhana, that great Brahmana, Durvasa, went away in
+the very same state in which he had come. And Suyodhana regarded
+himself to have attained all the objects of his desire. And holding
+Karna by the hand he expressed great satisfaction. And Karna, too,
+joyfully addressed the king in the company of his brothers, saying,
+'By a piece of singular good luck, thou hast fared well and
+attained the objects of thy desire. And by good luck it is that thy
+enemies have been immersed in a sea of dangers that is difficult to
+cross. The sons of Pandu are now exposed to the fire of Durvasa's
+wrath. Through their own fault they have fallen into an abyss of
+darkness.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "O king, expressing their satisfaction
+in this strain, Duryodhana and others, bent on evil machinations,
+returned merrily to their respective homes."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXI</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Draupadi-harana Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "One day, having previously ascertained that
+the Pandavas were all seated at their ease and that Krishna was
+reposing herself after her meal, the sage Durvasa, surrounded by
+ten thousand disciples repaired to that forest. The illustrious and
+upright king Yudhishthira, seeing that guest arrived, advanced with
+his brothers to receive him. And joining the palms of his hands and
+pointing to a proper and excellent seat, he accorded the
+<i>Rishis</i> a fit and respectful welcome. And the king said unto
+him, 'Return quick, O adorable sir, after performing thy diurnal
+ablutions and observances.' And that sinless <i>Muni</i>, not
+knowing how the king would be able to provide a feast for him and
+his disciples, proceeded with the latter to perform his ablutions.
+And that host of the <i>Muni</i>, of subdued passions, went into
+the stream for performing their ablutions. Meanwhile, O king, the
+excellent princess Draupadi, devoted to her husbands, was in great
+anxiety about the food (to be provided for the <i>Munis</i>). And
+when after <span class="pagenum">[Pg 516]</span> much anxious
+thought she came to the conclusion that means there were none for
+providing a feast, she inwardly prayed to Krishna, the slayer of
+Kansa. And the princess said, 'Krishna, O Krishna, of mighty arms,
+O son of Devaki, whose power is inexhaustible, O Vasudeva, O lord
+of the Universe, who dispellest the difficulties of those that bow
+down to thee, thou art the soul, the creator and the destroyer of
+the Universe. Thou, O lord, art inexhaustible and the saviour of
+the afflicted. Thou art the preserver of the Universe and of all
+created beings. Thou art the highest of the high, and the spring of
+the mental perceptions <i>Akuli</i> and <i>Chiti</i>!<a id="footnotetag48" name="footnotetag48"></a><a href="#footnote48"><sup>48</sup></a> O Supreme and Infinite Being, O
+giver of all good, be thou the refuge of the helpless. O Primordial
+Being, incapable of being conceived by the soul or the mental
+faculties or otherwise, thou art the ruler of all and the lord of
+Brahma. I seek thy protection. O god, thou art ever kindly disposed
+towards those that take refuge in thee. Do thou cherish me with thy
+kindness. O thou with a complexion dark as the leaves of the blue
+lotus, and with eyes red as the corolla of the lily, and attired in
+yellow robes with, besides, the bright <i>Kaustubha</i> gem in thy
+bosom, thou art the beginning and the end of creation, and the
+great refuge of all. Thou art the supreme light and essence of the
+Universe! Thy face is directed towards every point. They call thee
+Supreme Gem and the depository of all treasures. Under thy
+protections, O lord of the gods, all evils lose their terror. As
+thou didst protect me before from Dussasana, do thou extricate me
+now from this difficulty.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "The great and sovereign God, and Lord
+of the earth, of mysterious movements, the lord Kesava who is ever
+kind to the dependents, thus adored by Krishna, and perceiving her
+difficulty, instantly repaired to that place leaving the bed of
+Rukmini who was sleeping by his side. Beholding Vasudeva, Draupadi
+bowed down to him in great joy and informed him of the arrival of
+the <i>Munis</i> and every other thing. And having heard everything
+Krishna said unto her, 'I am very much afflicted with hunger, do
+thou give me some food without delay, and then thou mayst go about
+thy work.' At these words of Kesava, Krishna became confused, and
+replied unto him, saying, 'The sun-given vessel remains full till I
+finish my meal. But as I have already taken my meal today, there is
+no food in it now.' Then that lotus-eyed and adorable being said
+unto Krishna, 'This is no time for jest, O Krishna.&mdash;I am much
+distressed with hunger, go thou quickly to fetch the vessel and
+show it to me.' When Kesava, that ornament of the Yadu's race, had
+the vessel brought unto him,&mdash;with such persistence, he looked
+into it and saw a particle of rice and vegetable sticking at its
+rim. And swallowing it he said unto her, 'May it please the god
+Hari, the soul of the Universe, and may that god who partaketh at
+sacrifices, be satiated with this.' Then the long-armed Krishna,
+that soother of miseries, said unto Bhimasena, 'Do thou speedily
+invite the <i>Munis</i> to dinner.' Then, O good king, the
+celebrated Bhimasena quickly went to invite all those <i>Munis</i>,
+Durvasa <span class="pagenum">[Pg 517]</span> and others, who had
+gone to the nearest stream of transparent and cool water to perform
+their ablutions. Meanwhile, these ascetics, having plunged into the
+river, were rubbing their bodies and observing that they all felt
+their stomachs to be full. And coming out of the stream, they began
+to stare at one another. And turning towards Durvasa, all those
+ascetics observed, 'Having bade the king make our meals ready, we
+have come hither for a bath. But how, O regenerate <i>Rishi</i>,
+can we eat anything now, for our stomachs seem to be full to the
+throat. The repast hath been uselessly prepared for us. What is the
+best thing to be done now?' Durvasa replied, 'By spoiling the
+repast, we have done a great wrong to that royal sage, king
+Yudhishthira. Would not the Pandavas destroy us by looking down
+upon us with angry eyes? I know the royal sage Yudhishthira to be
+possessed of great ascetic power. Ye Brahmanas, I am afraid of men
+that are devoted to Hari. The high-souled Pandavas are all
+religious men, learned, war-like, diligent in ascetic austerities
+and religious observances, devoted to Vasudeva, and always
+observant of rules of good conduct. If provoked, they can consume
+us with their wrath as fire doth a bale of cotton. Therefore, ye
+disciples, do ye all run away quickly without seeing them
+(again)!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "All those Brahmanas, thus advised by
+their ascetic preceptor, became greatly afraid of the Pandavas and
+fled away in all directions. Then Bhimasena not beholding those
+excellent <i>Munis</i> in the celestial river, made a search after
+them here and there at all the landing places. And learning from
+the ascetics of those places that they had run away, he came back
+and informed Yudhishthira of what had happened. Then all the
+Pandavas of subdued senses, expecting them to come, remained
+awaiting their arrival for some time. And Yudhishthira said,
+'Coming dead of night the <i>Rishis</i> will deceive us. Oh how,
+can we escape from this difficulty created by the fates?' Seeing
+them absorbed in such reflections and breathing long deep sighs at
+frequent intervals, the illustrious Krishna suddenly appeared to
+them and addressed them these words: 'Knowing, ye sons of Pritha,
+your danger from that wrathful <i>Rishi</i>, I was implored by
+Draupadi to come, and (therefore) have I come here speedily. But
+now ye have not the least fear from the <i>Rishi</i> Durvasa.
+Afraid of your ascetic powers, he hath made himself scarce ere
+this. Virtuous men never suffer. I now ask your permission to let
+me return home. May you always be prosperous!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing Kesava's words, the sons of
+Pritha, with Draupadi, became easy in mind. And cured of their
+fever (of anxiety), they said unto him, 'As persons drowning in the
+wide ocean safely reach the shore by means of a boat, so have we,
+by thy aid, O lord Govinda, escaped from this inextricable
+difficulty. Do thou now depart in peace, and may prosperity be
+thine.' Thus dismissed, he repaired to his capital and the Pandavas
+too, O blessed lord, wandering from forest to forest passed their
+days merrily with Draupadi. Thus, O king, have I related to thee
+the story which thou askedest me to repeat. And it was thus that
+the machinations of the wicked sons of Dhritarashtra about the
+Pandavas in the forest, were frustrated."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 518]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "These great warriors of the race of Bharata
+sojourned like immortals in the great forest of Kamyaka, employed
+in hunting and pleased with the sight of numerous wild tracts of
+country and wide reaches of woodland, gorgeous with flowers
+blossoming in season. And the sons of Pandu, each like unto Indra
+and the terror of his enemies, dwelt there for some time. And one
+day those valiant men, the conquerors of their foes, went about in
+all directions in search of game for feeding the Brahmanas in their
+company, leaving Draupadi alone at the hermitage, with the
+permission of the great ascetic Trinavindu, resplendent with
+ascetic grandeur, and of their spiritual guide Dhaumya. Meanwhile,
+the famous king of Sindhu, the son of Vriddhakshatra was, with a
+view to matrimony, proceeding to the kingdom of Salwa, dressed in
+his best royal apparel and accompanied by numerous princes. And the
+prince halted in the woods of Kamyaka. And in that secluded place,
+he found the beautiful Draupadi, the beloved and celebrated wife of
+the Pandavas, standing at the threshold of the hermitage. And she
+looked grand in the superb beauty of her form, and seemed to shed a
+lustre on the woodland around, like lightning illuminating masses
+of dark clouds. And they who saw her asked themselves, 'Is this an
+Apsara, or a daughter of the gods, or a celestial phantom?' And
+with this thought, their hands also joined together, they stood
+gazing on the perfect and faultless beauty of her form. And
+Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, and the son of Vriddhakshatra,
+struck with amazement at the sight of that lady of faultless
+beauty, was seized with an evil intention. And inflamed with
+desire, he said to the prince named Kotika, 'Whose is this lady of
+faultless form? Is she of the human kind? I have no need to marry
+if I can secure this exquisitely beautiful creature. Taking her
+with me, I shall go back to my abode, Oh sir, and enquire who she
+is and whence she has come and why also that delicate being hath
+come into this forest beset with thorns. Will this ornament of
+womankind, this slender-waisted lady of so much beauty, endued with
+handsome teeth and large eyes, accept me as her lord? I shall
+certainly regard myself successful, if I obtain the hand of this
+excellent lady. Go, Kotika, and enquire who her husband may be.'
+Thus asked, Kotika, wearing a kundala, jumped out of his chariot
+and came near her, as a jackal approacheth a tigress, and spake
+unto her these words."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXIII</h2>
+<p>"Kotika said, 'Excellent lady, who art thou that standest alone,
+leaning on a branch of the <i>Kadamva</i> tree at this hermitage
+and looking grand like a flame of fire blazing at night time, and
+fanned by the wind? Exquisitely beautiful as thou art, how is it
+that thou feelest not any fear in these forests? Methinks thou art
+a goddess, or a <i>Yakshi</i>, or a <i>Danavi</i>, or an excellent
+<i>Apsara</i>, or the wife of a <i>Daitya</i>, or a daughter of the
+<i>Naga</i> king, or a <i>Rakshasi</i> or the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 519]</span> wife of Varuna, or of Yama, or of Soma,
+or of Kuvera, who, having assumed a human form, wanderest in these
+forests. Or, hast thou come from the mansions of Dhatri, or of
+Vidhatri, or of Savitri, or of Vibhu, or of Sakra? Thou dost not
+ask us who we are, nor do we know who protects thee here!
+Respectfully do we ask thee, good lady, who is thy powerful father,
+and, O, do tell us truly the names of thy husband, thy relatives,
+and thy race, and tell us also what thou dost here. As for us, I am
+king Suratha's son whom people know by the name of Kotika, and that
+man with eyes large as the petals of the lotus, sitting on a
+chariot of gold, like the sacrificial fire on the altar, is the
+warrior known by the name of Kshemankara, king of Trigarta. And
+behind him is the famous son of the king of Pulinda, who is even
+now gazing on thee. Armed with a mighty bow and endued with large
+eyes, and decorated with floral wreaths, he always liveth on the
+breasts of mountains. The dark and handsome young man, the scourge
+of his enemies, standing at the edge of that tank, is the son of
+Suvala of the race of Ikshwaku. And if, O excellent lady, thou hast
+ever heard the name of Jayadratha, the king of Sauviras, even he is
+there at the head of six thousand chariots, with horses and
+elephants and infantry, and followed by twelve Sauvira princes as
+his standard-bearers, named Angaraka, Kunjara, Guptaka, Satrunjaya,
+Srinjaya, Suprabiddha, Prabhankara, Bhramara, Ravi, Sura, Pratapa
+and Kuhana, all mounted on chariots drawn by chestnut horses and
+every one of them looking like the fire on the sacrificial altar.
+The brothers also of the king, viz., the powerful Valahaka, Anika,
+Vidarana and others, are among his followers. These strong-limbed
+and noble youths are the flowers of the Sauvira chivalry. The king
+is journeying in the company of these his friends, like Indra
+surrounded by the Maruts. O fine-haired lady, do tell us that are
+unacquainted (with these matters), whose wife and whose daughter
+thou art.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "The princess Draupadi, thus questioned
+by that ornament of Sivi's race, moved her eyes gently, and letting
+go her hold of the Kadamva branch and arranging her silken apparel
+she said, 'I am aware, O prince, that it is not proper for a person
+like me to address you thus, but as there is not another man or
+woman here to speak with thee and as I am alone here just now, let
+me, therefore, speak. Know, worthy sir, that being alone in this
+forest here, I should not speak unto thee, remembering the usages
+of my sex. I have learned, O Saivya, that thou art Suratha's son,
+whom people know by the name of Kotika. Therefore, on my part, I
+shall now tell thee of my relations and renowned race. I am the
+daughter of king Drupada, and people know me by the name of
+Krishna, and I have accepted as my husbands, five persons of whom
+you may have heard while they were living at Khandavaprastha. Those
+noble persons, viz., Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the two
+sons of Madri, leaving me here and having assigned unto themselves
+the four points of the horizon, have gone out on <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 520]</span> a hunting excursion. The king hath gone
+to the east, Bhimasena towards the south, Arjuna to the west, and
+the twin brothers towards the north! Therefore, do ye now alight
+and dismiss your carriages so that ye may depart after receiving a
+due welcome from them. The high-souled son of Dharma is fond of
+guests and will surely be delighted to see you!' Having addressed
+Saivya's son in this way, the daughter of Drupada, with face
+beautiful as the moon, remembering well her husband's character for
+hospitality, entered her spacious cottage."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "O Bharata, Kotikakhya related to those
+princes who had been waiting, all that had passed between him and
+Krishna. And hearing Kotikakhya's words, Jayadratha said to that
+scion of the race of Sivi, 'Having listened only to her speech, my
+heart has been lovingly inclined towards that ornament of
+womankind. Why therefore, hast thou returned (thus unsuccessful)? I
+tell thee truly, O thou of mighty arms, that having once seen this
+lady, other women now seem to me like so many monkeys. I having
+looked at her, she has captivated my heart. Do tell me, O Saivya,
+if that excellent lady is of the human kind.' Kotika replied, 'This
+lady is the famous princess Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, and
+the celebrated wife of the five sons of Pandu. She is the much
+esteemed and beloved and chaste wife of the sons of Pritha. Taking
+her with thee, do thou proceed towards Sauvira!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the evil-minded
+Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, Sauvira and other countries, said,
+'I must see Draupadi.' And with six other men he entered that
+solitary hermitage, like a wolf entering the den of a lion. And he
+said unto Krishna, 'Hail to thee, excellent lady! Are thy husbands
+well and those, besides, whose prosperity thou always wishest.'
+Draupadi replied, 'Kunti's son king Yudhishthira of the race of
+Kuru, his brothers, myself, and all those of whom thou hast
+enquired of, are well. Is everything right with thy kingdom, thy
+government, exchequer, and thy army? Art thou, as sole ruler,
+governing with justice the rich countries of Saivya, Sivi, Sindhu
+and others that thou hast brought under thy sway? Do thou, O
+prince, accept this water for washing thy feet. Do thou also take
+this seat. I offer thee fifty animals for thy train's breakfast.
+Besides these, Yudhishthira himself, the son of Kunti, will give
+thee porcine deer and <i>Nanku</i> deer, and does, and antelopes,
+and <i>Sarabhas</i>, and rabbits, and <i>Ruru</i> deer, and bears,
+and <i>Samvara</i> deer and gayals and many other animals, besides
+wild boars and buffaloes and other animals of the quadruped tribe.'
+Hearing this Jayadratha replied, saying, 'All is well with me. By
+offering to provide our breakfast, thou hast in a manner actually
+done it. Come now and ride my chariot and be completely happy. For
+it becomes not thee to have any regard for the miserable sons of
+Pritha who are living in the woods, whose energies have been
+paralysed, whose kingdom hath been snatched <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 521]</span> and whose fortunes are at the lowest ebb.
+A woman of sense like thee doth not attach herself to a husband
+that is poor. She should follow her lord when he is in prosperity
+but abandon him when in adversity. The sons of Pandu have for ever
+fallen away from their high state, and have lost their kingdom for
+all time to come. Thou hast no need, therefore, to partake of their
+misery from any regard for them. Therefore, O thou of beautiful
+hips, forsaking the sons of Pandu, be happy by becoming my wife,
+and share thou with me the kingdoms of Sindhu and Sauvira.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these frightful words of the
+king of Sindhu, Krishna retired from that place, her face furrowed
+into a frown owing to the contraction of her eye-brows. But
+disregarding his words from supreme contempt, the slender-waisted
+Krishna reproving said unto the king of Sindhu, 'Speak not thus
+again! Art thou not ashamed? Be on thy guard!' And that lady of
+irreproachable character anxiously expecting the return of her
+husband, began, with long speeches, to beguile him completely."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The daughter of Drupada, though naturally
+handsome, was suffused with crimson arising from a fit of anger.
+And with eyes inflamed and eye-brows bent in wrath, she reproved
+the ruler of the Suviras, saying, 'Art thou not ashamed, O fool, to
+use such insulting words in respect of those celebrated and
+terrible warriors, each like unto Indra himself, and who are all
+devoted to their duties and who never waver in fight with even
+hosts of <i>Yakshas</i> and <i>Rakshasas</i>? O Sauvira, good men
+never speak ill of learned persons devoted to austerities and
+endued with learning, no matter whether they live in the wilderness
+or in houses. It is only wretches that are mean as thou who do so.
+Methinks there is none in this assemblage of Kshatriya, who is
+capable of holding thee by the hand to save thee from falling into
+the pit thou openest under thy feet. In hoping to vanquish king
+Yudhishthira the just, thou really hopest to separate, stick in
+hand, from a herd roaming in Himalayan valleys, its leader, huge as
+a mountain peak and with the temporal juice trickling down its rent
+temples. Out of childish folly thou art kicking up into wakefulness
+the powerful lion lying asleep, in order to pluck the hair from off
+his face! Thou shalt, however, have to run away when thou seest
+Bhimasena in wrath! Thy courting a combat with the furious Jishnu
+may be likened to thy kicking up a mighty, terrible, full-grown and
+furious lion asleep in a mountain cave. The encounter thou speakest
+of with those two excellent youths&mdash;the younger
+Pandavas&mdash;is like unto the act of a fool that wantonly
+trampleth on the tails of two venomous black cobras with bifurcated
+tongues. The bamboo, the reed, and the plantain bear fruit only to
+perish and not to grow in size any further. Like also the crab that
+conceiveth for her own destruction, thou wilt lay hands upon me who
+am protected by these mighty heroes!'</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 522]</span></p>
+<p>"Jayadratha replied, 'I know all this, O Krishna, and I am well
+aware of the prowess of those princes. But thou canst not frighten
+us now with these threats. We, too, O Krishna, belong by birth to
+the seventeen high clans, and are endowed with the six royal
+qualities.<a id="footnotetag49" name="footnotetag49"></a><a href="#footnote49"><sup>49</sup></a> We, therefore, look down upon the
+Pandavas as inferior men! Therefore, do thou, O daughter of
+Drupada, ride this elephant or this chariot quickly, for thou canst
+not baffle us with thy words alone; or, speaking less boastfully,
+seek thou the mercy of the king of the Sauviras!'</p>
+<p>"Draupadi replied, 'Though I am so powerful, why doth the king
+of Sauvira yet consider me so powerless. Well-known as I am, I
+cannot, from fear of violence, demean myself before that prince.
+Even Indra himself cannot abduct her for whose protection Krishna
+and Arjuna would together follow, riding in the same chariot. What
+shall I say, therefore, of a weak human being. When Kiriti, that
+slayer of foes, riding on his car, will, on my account, enter thy
+ranks, striking terror into every heart, he will consume everything
+around like fire consuming a stack of dry grass in summer. The
+warring princes of the Andhaka and the Vrishni races, with
+Janardana at their head, and the mighty bowmen of the Kaikeya
+tribe, will all follow in my wake with great ardour. The terrible
+arrows of Dhananjaya, shot from the string of the <i>Gandiva</i>
+and propelled by his arms fly with great force through the air,
+roaring like the very clouds. And when thou wilt behold Arjuna
+shooting from the <i>Gandiva</i> a thick mass of mighty arrows like
+unto a flight of locusts, then wilt thou repent of thine own folly!
+Bethink thyself of what thou wilt feel when that warrior armed with
+the <i>Gandiva</i>, blowing his conch-shell and with gloves
+reverberating with the strokes of his bowstring will again and
+again pierce thy breast with his shafts. And when Bhima will
+advance towards thee, mace in hand and the two sons of Madri range
+in all directions, vomiting forth the venom of their wrath, thou
+wilt then experience pangs of keen regret that will last for ever.
+As I have never been false to my worthy lords even in thought, so
+by that merit shall I now have the pleasure of beholding thee
+vanquished and dragged by the sons of Pritha. Thou canst not, cruel
+as thou art, frighten me by seizing me with violence, for as soon
+as those Kuru warriors will espy me they will bring me back to the
+woods of Kamyaka.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then that lady of large eyes, beholding
+them ready to lay violent hands on her, rebuked them and said,
+'Defile me not by your touch!' And in a great alarm she then called
+upon her spiritual adviser, Dhaumya. Jayadratha, however, seized
+her by her upper garment, but she pushed him with great vigour. And
+pushed by the lady, that sinful wretch fell upon the ground like a
+tree severed from its roots. Seized, however, once more by him with
+great violence, she began to pant for breath. And dragged by the
+wretch, Krishna at last ascended his chariot having worshipped
+Dhaumya's feet. And Dhaumya then addressed Jayadratha and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 523]</span> said, 'Do thou, O Jayadratha,
+observe the ancient custom of the Kshatriyas. Thou canst not carry
+her off without having vanquished those great warriors. Without
+doubt, thou shalt reap the painful fruits of this thy despicable
+act, when thou encounterest the heroic sons of Pandu with
+Yudhishthira the just at their head!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words Dhaumya,
+entering into the midst of Jayadratha's infantry, began to follow
+that renowned princess who was thus being carried away by the
+ravisher."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile those foremost of bowmen on the
+face of the earth, having wandered separately and ranged in all
+directions, and having slain plenty of deer and buffaloes, at
+length met together. And observing that great forest, which was
+crowded with hosts of deer and wild beasts, resounding with the
+shrill cries of birds, and hearing the shrieks and yells of the
+denizens of the wilderness, Yudhishthira said unto his brothers,
+'These birds and wild beasts, flying towards that direction which
+is illuminated by the sun, are uttering dissonant cries and
+displaying an intense excitement. All this only shows that this
+mighty forest hath been invaded by hostile intruders. Without a
+moment's delay let us give up the chase. We have no more need of
+game. My heart aches and seems to burn! The soul in my body,
+over-powering the intellect, seems ready to fly out. As a lake rid
+by Garuda of the mighty snake that dwells in it, as a pot drained
+of its contents by thirsty men, as a kingdom reft of king and
+prosperity, even so doth the forest of Kamyaka seem to me.' Thus
+addressed, those heroic warriors drove towards their abode, on
+great cars of handsome make and drawn by steeds of the
+<i>Saindharva</i> breed exceedingly fleet and possessed of the
+speed of the hurricane. And on their way back, they beheld a jackal
+yelling hideously on the wayside towards their left. And king
+Yudhishthira, regarding it attentively, said unto Bhima and
+Dhananjaya, 'This jackal that belongs to a very inferior species of
+animals, speaking to our left, speaketh a language which plainly
+indicates that the sinful Kurus, disregarding us, have commenced to
+oppress us by resorting to violence.' After the sons of Pandu had
+given up the chase and said these words, they entered the grove
+which contained their hermitage. And there they found their beloved
+one's maid, the girl Dhatreyika, sobbing and weeping. And Indrasena
+then quickly alighting from the chariot and advancing with hasty
+steps towards her, questioned her, O king, in great distress of
+mind, saying, 'What makes thee weep thus, lying on the ground, and
+why is thy face so woe-begone and colourless? I hope no cruel
+wretches have done any harm to the princess Draupadi possessed of
+incomparable beauty and large eyes and who is the second self of
+every one of those bulls of the Kuru race? So anxious hath been
+Dharma's son that if the princess hath entered the bowels of the
+earth or hath soared to heaven or dived into the bottom of the
+ocean, he and his brothers will go thither in pursuit of her.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 524]</span> Who could that fool be that
+would carry away that priceless jewel belonging to the mighty and
+ever-victorious sons of Pandu, those grinders of foes, and which is
+dear unto them as their own lives? I don't know who the person
+could be that would think of carrying away that princess who hath
+such powerful protectors and who is even like a walking embodiment
+of the hearts of the sons of Pandu? Piercing whose breasts will
+terrible shafts stick to the ground to-day? Do not weep for her, O
+timid girl, for know thou that Krishna will come back this very
+day, and the sons of Pritha, having slain their foes, will again be
+united with Yagnaseni!' Thus addressed by him, Dhatreyika, wiping
+her beautiful face, replied unto Indrasena the charioteer, saying,
+'Disregarding the five Indra-like sons of Pandu, Jayadratha hath
+carried away Krishna by force. The track pursued by him hath not
+yet disappeared, for the broken branches of trees have not yet
+faded. Therefore, turn your cars and follow her quickly, for the
+princess cannot have gone far by this time! Ye warriors possessed
+of the prowess of Indra, putting on your costly bows of handsome
+make, and taking up your costly bows and quivers, speed ye in
+pursuit of her, lest overpowered by threats or violence and losing
+her sense and the colour of her cheeks, she yields herself up to an
+undeserving wight, even as one poureth forth, from the sacrificial
+ladle, the sanctified oblation on a heap of ashes. O, see that the
+clarified butter is not poured into an unigniting fire of paddy
+chaff; that a garland of flowers is not thrown away in a cemetery.
+O, take care that the <i>Soma</i> juice of a sacrifice is not
+licked up by a dog through the carelessness of the officiating
+priests! O, let not the lily be rudely torn by a jackal roaming for
+its prey in the impenetrable forest. O, let no inferior wight touch
+with his lips the bright and beautiful face of your wife, fair as
+the beams of the moon and adorned with the finest nose and the
+handsomest eyes, like a dog licking clarified butter kept in the
+sacrificial pot! Do ye speed in this track and let not time steal a
+march on you.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'Retire, good woman, and control thy tongue.
+Speak not this way before us. Kings or princes, whoever are
+infatuated with the possession of power, are sure to come to
+grief!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "With these words, they departed,
+following the track pointed out to them, and frequently breathing
+deep sighs like the hissing of snakes, and twanging the strings of
+their large bows. And then they observed a cloud of dust raised by
+the hoofs of the steeds belonging to Jayadratha's army. And they
+also saw Dhaumya in the midst of the ravisher's infantry, exhorting
+Bhima to quicken his steps. Then those princes (the sons of Pandu)
+with hearts undepressed, bade him be of good cheer and said unto
+him, 'Do thou return cheerfully!'&mdash;And then they rushed
+towards that host with great fury, like hawks swooping down on
+their prey. And possessed of the prowess of Indra, they had been
+filled with fury at the insult offered to Draupadi. But at sight of
+Jayadratha and of their beloved wife seated on his car, their fury
+knew no bounds. And those mighty bowmen, Bhima and Dhananjaya and
+the twin brothers and the king, called out Jayadratha to stop, upon
+which the enemy was so bewildered as to lose their knowledge of
+directions."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 525]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "The hostile Kshatriyas, incensed at sight of
+Bhimasena and Arjuna, sent up a loud shout in the forest. And the
+wicked king Jayadratha, when he saw the standards of those bulls of
+the Kuru race, lost his heart, and addressing the resplendent
+Yagnaseni seated on his car, said, 'Those five great warriors, O
+Krishna, that are coming, are I believe, thy husbands. As thou
+knowest the sons of Pandu well, do thou, O lady of beautiful
+tresses, describe them one by one to us, pointing out which of them
+rideth which car!' Thus addressed, Draupadi replied, 'Having done
+this violent deed calculated to shorten thy life, what will it
+avail thee now, O fool, to know the names of those great warriors,
+for, now that my heroic husbands are come, not one of ye will be
+left alive in battle. However as thou art on the point of death and
+hast asked me, I will tell thee everything, this being consistent
+with the ordinance. Beholding king Yudhishthira the just with his
+younger brothers, I have not the slightest anxiety or fear from
+thee! That warrior at the top of whose flagstaff two handsome and
+sonorous tabours called <i>Nanda</i> and <i>Upananda</i> are
+constantly played upon,&mdash;he, O Sauvira chief, hath a correct
+knowledge of the morality of his own acts. Men that have attained
+success always walk in his train. With a complexion like that of
+pure gold, possessed of a prominent nose and large eyes, and endued
+with a slender make, that husband of mine is known among people by
+the name of Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma and the foremost of the
+Kuru race. That virtuous prince of men granteth life to even a foe
+that yields. Therefore, O fool, throwing down thy arms and joining
+thy hands, run to him for thy good, to seek his protection. And
+that other man whom thou seest with long arms and tall as the
+full-grown <i>Sala</i> tree, seated on his chariot, biting his
+lips, and contracting his forehead so as to bring the two eye-brows
+together, is he,&mdash;my husband Vrikodara! Steeds of the noblest
+breed, plump and strong, well-trained and endued with great might,
+draw the cars of that warrior! His achievements are superhuman. He
+is known, therefore, by the name of <i>Bhima</i> on earth. They
+that offend him are never suffered to live. He never forgetteth a
+foe. On some pretext or other he wrecketh his vengeance. Nor is he
+pacified even after he has wrecked a signal vengeance. And there,
+that foremost of bowmen, endued with intelligence and renown, with
+senses under complete control and reverence for the old&mdash;that
+brother and disciple of Yudhishthira&mdash;is my husband
+Dhananjaya! Virtue he never forsaketh, from lust or fear or anger!
+Nor doth he ever commit a deed that is cruel. Endued with the
+energy of fire and capable of withstanding every foe, that grinder
+of enemies is the son of Kunti. And that other youth, versed in
+every question of morality and profit, who ever dispelleth the
+fears of the affrighted, who is endued with high wisdom, who is
+considered as the handsomest person in the whole world and who is
+protected by all the sons of Pandu, being regarded by them as
+dearer to them than their own lives for his unflinching devotion to
+them, is my husband Nakula possessed of great prowess. Endued with
+high wisdom and having Sahadeva for his second, possessed of
+exceeding <span class="pagenum">[Pg 526]</span> lightness of hand,
+he fighteth with the sword, making dexterous passes therewith.
+Thou, foolish man, shall witness today his performances on the
+field of battle, like unto those of Indra amid the ranks of
+Daityas! And that hero skilled in weapons and possessed of
+intelligence and wisdom, and intent on doing what is agreeable to
+the son of Dharma, that favourite and youngest born of the
+Pandavas, is my husband Sahadeva! Heroic, intelligent, wise and
+ever wrathful there is not another man equal unto him in
+intelligence or in eloquence amid assemblies of the wise. Dearer to
+Kunti than her own soul, he is always mindful of the duties of
+Kshatriyas, and would much sooner rush into fire or sacrifice his
+own life than say anything that is opposed to religion and morals.
+When the sons of Pandu will have killed thy warriors in battle,
+then wilt thou behold thy army in the miserable plight of a ship on
+the sea wrecked with its freight of jewels on the back of a whale.
+Thus have I described unto thee the prowess of the sons of Pandu,
+disregarding whom in thy foolishness, thou hast acted so. If thou
+escapest unscathed from them, then, indeed thou wilt have obtained
+a new lease of life.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then those five sons of Pritha, each
+like unto Indra, filled with wrath, leaving the panic-stricken
+infantry alone who were imploring them for mercy, rushed furiously
+upon the charioteers, attacking them on all sides and darkening the
+very air with the thick shower of arrows they shot."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXIX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile, the king of Sindhu was giving
+orders to those princes, saying, 'Halt, strike, march, quick,' and
+like. And on seeing Bhima, Arjuna and the twin brothers with
+Yudhishthira, the soldiers sent up a loud shout on the field of
+battle. And the warriors of the Sivi, Sauvira and Sindhu tribes, at
+the sight of those powerful heroes looking like fierce tigers, lost
+heart. And Bhimasena, armed with a mace entirely of Saikya iron and
+embossed with gold, rushed towards the Saindhava monarch doomed to
+death. But Kotikakhya, speedily surrounding Vrikodara with an array
+of mighty charioteers, interposed between and separated the
+combatants. And Bhima, though assailed with numberless spears and
+clubs and iron arrows hurled at him by the strong arms of hostile
+heroes, did not waver for one moment. On the other hand, he killed,
+with his mace, an elephant with its driver and fourteen
+foot-soldiers fighting in the front of Jayadratha's car. And Arjuna
+also, desirous of capturing the Sauvira king, slew five hundred
+brave mountaineers fighting in the van of the Sindhu army. And in
+that encounter, the king himself slew in the twinkling of an eye, a
+hundred of the best warriors of the Sauviras. And Nakula too, sword
+in hand, jumping out of his chariot, scattered in a moment, like a
+tiller sowing seeds, the heads of the combatants fighting in the
+rear. And Sahadeva from his chariot began to fell with his iron
+shafts, many warriors fighting on elephants, like birds dropped
+from the boughs of a tree. Then the king of Trigartas, bow in hand
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 527]</span> descending from his great
+chariot, killed the four steeds of the king with his mace. But
+Kunti's son, king Yudhishthira the just, seeing the foe approach so
+near, and fighting on foot, pierced his breast with a
+crescent-shaped arrow. And that hero, thus wounded in the breast
+began to vomit blood, and fell down upon the ground besides
+Pritha's son, like an uprooted tree. And king Yudhishthira the
+just, whose steeds had been slain taking this opportunity,
+descended with Indrasena from his chariot and mounted that of
+Sahadeva. And the two warriors, Kshemankara and Mahamuksha,
+singling out Nakula, began to pour on him from both sides a perfect
+shower of keen-edged arrows. The son of Madri, however, succeeded
+in slaying, with a couple of long shafts, both those warriors who
+had been pouring on him an arrowy shower&mdash;like clouds in the
+rainy season. Suratha, the king of Trigartas, well-versed in
+elephant-charges, approaching the front of Nakula's chariot, caused
+it to be dragged by the elephant he rode. But Nakula, little
+daunted at this, leaped out of his chariot, and securing a point of
+vantage, stood shield and sword in hand, immovable as a hill.
+Thereupon Suratha, wishing to slay Nakula at once, urged towards
+him his huge and infuriate elephant with trunk upraised. But when
+the beast came near, Nakula with his sword severed from his head
+both trunk and tusks. And that mail-clad elephant, uttering a
+frightful roar, fell headlong upon the ground, crushing its riders
+by the fall. And having achieved this daring feat, the heroic son
+of Madri, getting up on Bhimasena's car, obtained a little rest.
+And Bhima too, seeing prince Kotikakhya rush to the encounter, cut
+off the head of his charioteer with a horse-shoe arrow. That prince
+did not even perceive that his driver was killed by his
+strong-armed adversary, and his horses, no longer restrained by a
+driver, ran about on the battle-field in all directions. And seeing
+that prince without a driver turn his back, that foremost of
+smiters, Bhima the son of Pandu, went up to him and slew him with a
+bearded dart. And Dhananjaya also cut off with his sharp
+crescent-shaped arrows, the heads, as well as the bows of all the
+twelve Sauvira heroes. And the great warrior killed in battle, with
+the arrow, the leaders of the Ikshwakus and the hosts of Sivis and
+Trigartas and Saindhavas. And a great many elephants with their
+colours, and chariots with standards, were seen to fall by the hand
+of Arjuna. And heads without trunks, and trunks without heads, lay
+covering the entire field of battle. And dogs, and herons and
+ravens, and crows, and falcons, and jackals, and vultures, feasted
+on the flesh and blood of warriors slain on that field. And when
+Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, saw that his warriors were slain,
+he became terrified and anxious to run away leaving Krishna behind.
+And in that general confusion, the wretch, setting down Draupadi
+there, fled for his life, pursuing the same forest path by which he
+had come. And king Yudhishthira the just, seeing Draupadi with
+Dhaumya walking before, caused her to be taken up on a chariot by
+the heroic Sahadeva, the son of Madri. And when Jayadratha had fled
+away Bhima began to mow down with his iron-arrows such of his
+followers as were running away striking each trooper down after
+naming him. But Arjuna perceiving that Jayadratha had run away
+exhorted his brother to refrain from slaughtering the <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 528]</span> remnant of the Saindhava host. And Arjuna
+said, 'I do not find on the field of battle Jayadratha through
+whose fault alone we have experienced this bitter misfortune! Seek
+him out first and may success crown thy effort! What is the good of
+thy slaughtering these troopers? Why art thou bent upon this
+unprofitable business?'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Bhimasena, thus exhorted by Arjuna of
+great wisdom, turning to Yudhishthira, replied, saying, 'As a great
+many of the enemy's warriors have been slain and as they are flying
+in all directions, do thou, O king, now return home, taking with
+thee Draupadi and the twin brothers and high-souled Dhaumya, and
+console the princess after getting back to our asylum! That foolish
+king of Sindhu I shall not let alone as long as he lives, even if
+he find a shelter in the infernal regions or is backed by Indra
+himself!' And Yudhishthira replied, saying, 'O thou of mighty arms
+remembering (our sister) Dussala and the celebrated Gandhari, thou
+shouldst not slay the king of Sindhu even though he is so
+wicked!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words, Draupadi was
+greatly excited. And that highly intelligent lady in her excitement
+said to her two husbands, Bhima and Arjuna with indignation mixed
+with modesty, 'If you care to do what is agreeable to me, you must
+slay that mean and despicable wretch, that sinful, foolish,
+infamous and contemptible chief of the Saindhava clan! That foe who
+forcibly carries away a wife, and he that wrests a kingdom, should
+never be forgiven on the battle-field, even though he should
+supplicate for mercy!' Thus admonished, those two valiant warriors
+went in search of the Saindhava chief. And the king taking Krishna
+with him returned home, accompanied by his spiritual adviser. And
+on entering the hermitage, he found it was laid over with seats for
+the ascetics and crowded with their disciples and graced with the
+presence of Markandeya and other Brahmanas. And while those
+Brahmanas were gravely bewailing the lot of Draupadi, Yudhishthira
+endued with great wisdom joined their company, with his brothers.
+And beholding the king thus come back after having defeated the
+Saindhava and the Sauvira host and recovered Draupadi, they were
+all elated with joy! And the king took his seat in their midst. And
+the excellent princess Krishna entered the hermitage with the two
+brothers.</p>
+<p>"Meanwhile Bhima and Arjuna, learning the enemy was full two
+miles ahead of them urged their horses to greater speed in pursuit
+of him. And the mighty Arjuna performed a wonderful deed, killing
+the horse of Jayadratha although they were full two miles ahead of
+them. Armed with celestial weapons undaunted by difficulties he
+achieved this difficult feat with arrows inspired with
+<i>Mantras</i>. And then the two warriors, Bhima and Arjuna, rushed
+towards the terrified king of Sindhu whose horses had been slain
+and who was alone and perplexed in mind. And the latter was greatly
+grieved on seeing his steeds slain. And beholding Dhananjaya do
+such a daring deed, and intent on running away, he followed the
+same forest track by which he had come. And Phalguna, seeing the
+Saindhava chief so active in his fright, overtook him and addressed
+him saying, 'Possessed of so little manliness, how couldst thou
+dare to take away a lady by force? Turn round, O prince;
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 529]</span> it is not meet that thou
+shouldst run away! How canst thou act so, leaving thy followers in
+the midst of thy foes?' Although addressed by the sons of Pritha
+thus, the monarch of Sindhu did not even once turn round. And then
+bidding him to what he chose the mighty Bhima overtook him in an
+instant, but the kind Arjuna entreated him not to kill that
+wretch."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXX</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Jayadratha flying for his life upon
+beholding those two brothers with upraised arms, was sorely grieved
+and bolted off with speed and coolness. But the mighty and
+indignant Bhimasena, descending from his chariot, ran after him
+thus fleeing, and seized him by the hair of his head. And holding
+him high up in the air, Bhima thrust him on the ground with
+violence. And seizing the prince by the head, he knocked him about.
+And when the wretch recovered consciousness, he groaned aloud and
+wanted to get up on his legs. But that hero endued with mighty arms
+kicked him on the head. And Bhima pressed him on the breast with
+his knees as well as with his fists. And the prince thus
+belaboured, soon became insensible. Then Phalguna dissuaded the
+wrathful Bhimasena from inflicting further chastisement on the
+prince, by reminding him of what Yudhishthira had said regarding
+(their sister) Dussala. But Bhima replied, saying, 'This sinful
+wretch hath done a cruel injury to Krishna, who never can bear such
+treatment. He, therefore, deserveth to die at my hands! But what
+can I do? The king is always overflowing with mercy, and thou, too,
+art constantly putting obstacles in my way from a childish sense of
+virtue!' Having said these words, Vrikodara, with his
+crescent-shaped arrow, shaved the hair of the prince's head,
+heaving five tufts in as many places. Jayadratha uttered not a word
+at this. Then Vrikodara, addressing the foe said, 'If thou wishest
+to live, listen to me. O fool! I shall tell thee the means to
+attain that wish! In public assemblies and in open courts thou must
+say,&mdash;I am the slave of the Pandavas.&mdash;on this condition
+alone, I will pardon thee thy life! This is the customary rule of
+conquest on the field of battle.' Thus addressed and treated, king
+Jayadratha said to the mighty and fierce warrior who always looked
+awful, 'Be it so!' And he was trembling and senseless and begrimed
+with dust. Then Arjuna and Vrikodara, securing him with chains,
+thrust him into a chariot. And Bhima, himself mounting that
+chariot, and accompanied by Arjuna, drove towards the hermitage.
+And approaching Yudhishthira seated there, he placed Jayadratha in
+that condition before the king. And the king, smiling, told him to
+set the Sindhu prince at liberty. Then Bhima said unto the king,
+'Do thou tell Draupadi that this wretch hath become the slave of
+the Pandavas.' Then his eldest brother said unto him
+affectionately, 'If thou hast any regard for us, do thou set this
+wretch at liberty!' And Draupadi too, reading the king's mind,
+said, 'Let him off! He hath become a slave of the king's and thou,
+too, hast disfigured him by leaving five tufts of hair on his
+head.' Then that crest-fallen prince, having obtained his liberty,
+approached king Yudhishthira <span class="pagenum">[Pg 530]</span>
+and bowed down unto him. And seeing those <i>Munis</i> there, he
+saluted them also. Then the kind-hearted king Yudhishthira, the son
+of Dharma, beholding Jayadratha in that condition, almost supported
+by Arjuna, said unto him, 'Thou art a free man now; I emancipate
+thee! Now go away and be careful not to do such thing again; shame
+to thee! Thou hadst intended to take away a lady by violence, even
+though thou art so mean and powerless! What other wretch save thee
+would think of acting thus?' Then that foremost king of Bharata's
+race eyed with pity that perpetrator of wicked deeds, and believing
+that he had lost his senses, said, 'Mayst thy heart grow in virtue!
+Never set thy heart again on immoral deeds! Thou mayst depart in
+peace now with thy charioteers, cavalry and infantry.' Thus
+addressed by Yudhishthira, the prince, O Bharata, was overpowered
+with shame, and bending down his head, he silently and sorrowfully
+wended his way to the place where the Ganga debouches on the
+plains. And imploring the protection of the god of three eyes, the
+consort of Uma, he did severe penance at that place. And the
+three-eyed god, pleased with his austerities deigned to accept his
+offerings in person. And he also granted him a boon! Do thou
+listen, O monarch, how the prince received that boon! Jayadratha,
+addressing that god, asked the boon, 'May I be able to defeat in
+battle all the five sons of Pandu on their chariots!' The god,
+however, told him 'This cannot be.' And Maheswara said, 'None can
+slay or conquer them in battle. Save Arjuna, however, thou shall be
+able to only check them (once) on the field of battle! The heroic
+Arjuna, with mighty arms, is the god incarnate styled <i>Nara</i>.
+He practised austerities of old in the Vadari forest. The God
+<i>Narayana</i> is his friend. Therefore, he is unconquerable of
+the very gods. I myself have given him the celestial weapon called
+<i>Pasupata</i>. From the regents also of all the ten cardinal
+points, he has acquired the thunder-bolt and other mighty weapons.
+And the great god Vishnu who is the Infinite Spirit, the Lord
+Preceptor of all the gods, is the Supreme Being without attributes,
+and the Soul of the Universe, and existeth pervading the whole
+creation. At the termination of a cycle of ages, assuming the shape
+of the all-consuming fire, he consumed the whole Universe with
+mountains and seas and islands and hills and woods and forests. And
+after the destruction of the <i>Naga</i> world also in the
+subterranean regions in the same way, vast masses of many-coloured
+and loud-pealing clouds, with streaks of lightning, spreading along
+the entire welkin, had appeared on high. Then pouring down water in
+torrents thick as axles of cars, and filling the space everywhere,
+these extinguishing that all-consuming fire! When at the close of
+four thousand <i>Yugas</i> the Earth thus became flooded with
+water, like one vast sea, and all mobile creatures were hushed in
+death, and the sun and the moon and the winds were all destroyed,
+and the Universe was devoid of planets and stars, the Supreme Being
+called Narayana, unknowable by the senses, adorned with a thousand
+heads and as many eyes and legs, became desirous of rest. And the
+serpent Sesha, looking terrible with his thousand hoods, and
+shining with the splendour of ten thousand suns, and white as the
+<i>Kunda</i> flower or the moon or a string of pearls, or the white
+lotus, or milk, or the fibres of a lotus stalk, served <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 531]</span> for his conch. And that adorable and
+omnipotent God thus slept on the bosom of the deep, enveloping all
+space with nocturnal gloom. And when his creative faculty was
+excited, he awoke and found the Universe denuded of everything. In
+this connection, the following <i>sloka</i> is recited respecting
+the meaning of <i>Narayana</i>. "Water was created by (the
+<i>Rishi</i>) <i>Nara</i>, and it formed his corpus; therefore do
+we hear it styled as <i>Nara</i>. And because it formed his
+<i>Ayana</i> (resting-place) therefore is he known as
+<i>Narayana</i>." As soon as that everlasting Being was engaged in
+meditation for the re-creation of the Universe, a lotus flower
+instantaneously came into existence from his navel, and the
+four-faced <i>Brahma</i> came out of that navel-lotus. And then the
+Grandsire of all creatures, seating himself on that flower and
+finding that the whole Universe was a blank, created in his own
+likeness, and from his will, the (nine) great <i>Rishis,
+Marichi</i> and others. And these in their turn observing the same
+thing, completed the creation, by creating <i>Yakshas, Rakshas,
+Pisachas</i>, reptiles, men, and all mobile and immobile creatures.
+The Supreme Spirit hath three conditions. In the form of Brahma, he
+is the Creator, and in the form of Vishnu he is the Preserver, and
+in his form as Rudra, he is the Destroyer of the Universe! O king
+of Sindhu, hast thou not heard of the wonderful achievements of
+Vishnu, described to thee by the <i>Munis</i> and the Brahmanas
+learned in the <i>Vedas</i>? When the world was thus reduced to one
+vast sea of water, with only the heavens above, the Lord, like a
+fire-fly at night-time during the rainy season, moved about hither
+and thither in search of stable ground, with the view of
+rehabilitating his creation, and became desirous of raising the
+Earth submerged in water. <i>What shape shall I take to rescue the
+Earth from this flood!</i>&mdash;So thinking and contemplating with
+divine insight, he bethought himself of the shape of a wild boar
+fond of sporting in water. And assuming the shape of a sacrificial
+boar shining with effulgence and instinct with the <i>Vedas</i> and
+ten <i>Yojanas</i> in length, with pointed tusks and a complexion
+like dark clouds, and with a body huge as a mountain, and roaring
+like a conglomeration of clouds, the Lord plunged into the waters,
+and lifted up the Earth with one of his tusks, and replaced it in
+its proper sphere. At another time, the mighty Lord, assuming a
+wonderful form with a body half lion, half man, and squeezing his
+hands, repaired to the court of the ruler of the <i>Daityas</i>.
+That progenitor of the <i>Daityas</i>, the son of <i>Diti</i>, who
+was the enemy of the (gods), beholding the Lord's peculiar form,
+burst out into passion and his eyes became inflamed with rage. And
+Hiranya-Kasipu, the war-like son of Diti and the enemy of the gods,
+adorned with garlands and looking like a mass of dark clouds,
+taking up his trident in hand and roaring like the clouds, rushed
+on that being half lion, half man. Then that powerful king of wild
+beasts, half man, half lion, taking a leap in the air, instantly
+rent the <i>Daitya</i> in twain by means of his sharp claws. And
+the adorable lotus-eyed Lord of great effulgence, having thus slain
+the <i>Daitya</i> king for the well-being of all creatures, again
+took his birth in the womb of <i>Aditi</i> as son of Kasyapa. And
+at the expiration of a thousand years she was delivered of that
+superhuman conception. And then was born that Being, of the hue of
+rain-charged clouds with bright eyes and of dwarfish stature.
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 532]</span> He had the ascetic's staff
+and water-pot in hand, and was marked with the emblem of a curl of
+hair on the breast. And that adorable Being wore matted locks and
+the sacrificial thread, and he was stout and handsome and
+resplendent with lustre. And that Being, arriving at the
+sacrificial enclosure of Vali, king of the <i>Danavas</i>, entered
+the sacrificial assembly with the aid of Vrihaspati. And beholding
+that dwarf-bodied Being, Vali was well-pleased and said unto him,
+"I am glad to see thee, O Brahmana! Say what is it that thou
+wantest from me!" Thus addressed by Vali, the dwarf-god replied
+with a smile, saying, "So be it! Do thou, lord of the
+<i>Danavas</i>, give me three paces of ground!" And Vali contented
+to give what that Brahmana of infinite power had asked. And while
+measuring with his paces the space he sought, Hari assumed a
+wonderful and extraordinary form. And with only three paces he
+instantly covered this illimitable world. And then that everlasting
+God, Vishnu, gave it away unto Indra. This history which has just
+been related to thee, is celebrated as the "<i>Incarnation of the
+Dwarf</i>." And from him, all the gods had their being, and after
+him the world is said to be <i>Vaishnava</i>, or pervaded by
+Vishnu. And for the destruction of the wicked and the preservation
+of religion, even He hath taken his birth among men in the race of
+the Yadus. And the adorable Vishnu is styled Krishna. These, O king
+of Sindhu, are the achievements of the Lord whom all the worlds
+worship and whom the learned describe as without beginning and
+without end, unborn and Divine! They call Him, the unconquerable
+Krishna with conchshell, discus and mace, and adorned with the
+emblem of a curl of hair, Divine, clad in silken robes of yellow
+hue, and the best of those versed in the art of war. Arjuna is
+protected by Krishna the possessor of these attributes. That
+glorious and lotus-eyed Being of infinite power, that slayer of
+hostile heroes, riding in the same chariot with Pritha's son,
+protecteth him! He is, therefore, invincible; the very gods cannot
+resist his power, still less can one with human attributes vanquish
+the son of Pritha in battle! Therefore, O king, thou must let him
+alone! Thou shalt, however, be able to vanquish for a single day
+only, the rest of Yudhishthira's forces along with thine
+enemies&mdash;the four sons of Pandu!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words unto that
+prince, the adorable Hara of three eyes, the destroyer of all sins,
+the consort of Uma, and lord of wild beasts, the destroyer of
+(Daksha's) sacrifice, the slayer of Tripura and He that had plucked
+out the eyes of Bhaga, surrounded by his dwarfish and hunch-backed
+and terrible followers having frightful eyes and ears and uplifted
+arms, vanished, O tiger among kings, from that place with his
+consort Uma! And the wicked Jayadratha also returned home, and the
+sons of Pandu continued to dwell in the forest of Kamyaka."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "What did those tigers among men, the Pandavas,
+do, after they had suffered such misery in consequence of the
+ravishment of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 533]</span> Draupadi?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated Jayadratha and rescued
+Krishna, the virtuous king Yudhishthira took his seat by the side
+of that best of <i>Munis</i>. And among those foremost of ascetics
+who were expressing their grief upon hearing Draupadi's misfortune,
+Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, addressed Markandeya, saying, 'O
+adorable Sire, amongst the gods and the ascetics, thou art known to
+have the fullest knowledge of both the past as well as the future.
+A doubt existeth in my mind, which I would ask thee to solve! This
+lady is the daughter of Drupada; she hath issued from the
+sacrificial altar and hath not been begotten of the flesh; and she
+is highly blessed and is also the daughter-in-law of the
+illustrious Pandu. I incline to think that Time, and human Destiny
+that dependeth on our acts, and the Inevitable, are irresistible in
+respect of creatures. (If it were not so), how could such a
+misfortune afflict this wife of ours so faithful and virtuous, like
+a false accusation of theft against an honest man? The daughter of
+Drupada hath never committed any sinful act, nor hath she done
+anything that is not commendable: on the contrary, she hath
+assiduously practised the highest virtues towards Brahmanas. And
+yet the foolish king Jayadratha had carried her away by force. In
+consequence of this act of violence on her, that sinful wretch hath
+his hair shaved off his head and sustained also, with all his
+allies, defeat in battle. It is true we have rescued her after
+slaughtering the troops of Sindhu. But the disgrace of this
+ravishment of our wife during our hours of carelessness, hath
+stained us, to be sure. This life in the wilderness is full of
+miseries. We subsist by chase; and though dwelling in the woods, we
+are obliged to slay the denizens thereof that live with us! This
+exile also that we suffer is due to the act of deceitful kinsmen!
+Is there any one who is more unfortunate than I am? Hath thou ever
+seen or heard of such a one before?'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'O bull of the Bharata race, even Rama
+suffered unparalleled misery, for the evil-minded Ravana, king of
+the Rakshasas, having recourse to deceit and overpowering the
+vulture Jatayu, forcibly carried away his wife Sita from his asylum
+in the woods. Indeed, Rama, with the help of Sugriva, brought her
+back, constructing a bridge across the sea, and consuming Lanka
+with his keen-edged arrows.'</p>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'In what race was Rama born and what was the
+measure of his might and prowess? Whose son also was Ravana and for
+what was it that he had any misunderstanding with Rama? It behoveth
+thee, O illustrious one, to tell me all this in detail; for I long
+to hear the story of Rama of great achievements!'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O prince of Bharata's race, to this
+old history exactly as it happened! I will tell thee all about the
+distress suffered by Rama together with his wife. There was a great
+king named Aja sprung from the race of Ikshwaku. He had a son named
+Dasaratha who was devoted to the <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+534]</span> study of the Vedas and was ever pure. And Dasaratha had
+four sons conversant with morality and profit known by the names,
+respectively, of Rama, Lakshmana, Satrughna, and the mighty
+Bharata. And Rama had for his mother Kausalya, and Bharata had for
+his mother Kaikeyi, while those scourges of their enemies Lakshmana
+and Satrughna were the sons of Sumitra. And Janaka was the king of
+Videha, and Sita was his daughter. And Tashtri himself created her,
+desiring to make her the beloved wife of Rama. I have now told thee
+the history of both Rama's and Sita's birth. And now, O king, I
+will relate unto thee the birth of Ravana. That Lord of all
+creatures and the Creator of the Universe viz., the Self-create
+Prajapati himself&mdash;that god possessed of great ascetic
+merit&mdash;is the grandfather of Ravana. And Pulastya hath a
+mighty son called Vaisravana begotten of a cow. But his son,
+leaving his father, went to his grandfather. And, O king, angered
+at this, his father then created a second self of himself. And with
+half of his own self that regenerate one became born of Visrava for
+wrecking a vengeance on Vaisravana. But the Grandsire, pleased with
+Vaisravana, gave him immortality, and sovereignty of all the wealth
+of the Universe, the guardianship of one of the cardinal points,
+the friendship of Isana, and a son named Nalakuvera. And he also
+gave him for his capital Lanka, which was guarded by hosts of
+Rakshasas, and also a chariot called Pushpaka capable of going
+everywhere according to the will of the rider. And the kingship of
+the Yakshas and the sovereignty over sovereigns were also
+his.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The Muni named Visrava, who was begotten of
+half the soul of Pulastya, in a fit of passion, began to look upon
+Vaisravana with great anger. But, O monarch, Kuvera, the king of
+the Rakshasas, knowing that his father was angry with him, always
+sought to please him. And, O best of Bharata's race, that king of
+kings living in Lanka, and borne upon the shoulders of men, sent
+three Rakshasa women to wait upon his father. Their names, O king,
+were Pushpotkata, Raka and Malini. And they were skilled in singing
+and dancing and were always assiduous in their attentions on that
+high-souled Rishi. And those slender-waisted ladies vied with one
+another, O king, in gratifying the Rishi. And that high-souled and
+adorable being was pleased with them and granted them boons. And to
+every one of them he gave princely sons according to their desire.
+Two sons&mdash;those foremost of Rakshasas named Kumvakarna and the
+Ten-headed Ravana,&mdash;both unequaled on earth in prowess, were
+born to Pushpotkata. And Malini had a son named Vibhishana, and
+Raka had twin children named Khara and Surpanakha. And Vibhishana
+surpassed them all in beauty. And that excellent person was very
+pious and assiduously performed all religious rites. But that
+foremost of Rakshasas, with ten heads, was the eldest to them all.
+And he was religious, and energetic and possessed of great strength
+and prowess. And the Rakshasa Kumvakarna was the most powerful in
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 535]</span> battle, for he was fierce and
+terrible and a thorough master of the arts of illusion. And Khara
+was proficient in archery, and hostile to the Brahmanas, subsisting
+as he did on flesh. And the fierce Surpanakha was constant source
+of trouble to the ascetics. And the warriors, learned in the Vedas
+and diligent in ceremonial rites, all lived with their father in
+the Gandhamadana. And there they beheld Vaisravana seated with
+their father, possessed of riches and borne on the shoulders of
+men. And seized with jealousy, they resolved upon performing
+penances. And with ascetic penances of the most severe kind, they
+gratified Brahma. And the Ten-headed Ravana, supporting life by
+means of air alone and surrounded by the five sacred fires and
+absorbed in meditation, remained standing on one leg for a thousand
+years. And Kumvakarna with head downwards, and with restricted
+diet, was constant in austerities. And the wise and magnanimous
+Vibhishana, observing fasts and subsisting only on dry leaves and
+engaged in meditation, practised severe austerities for a long
+period. And Khara and Surpanakha, with cheerful hearts, protected
+and attended on them while they were performing those austerities.
+And at the close of a thousand years, the invincible Ten-headed
+One, cutting off his own heads, offered them as offering to the
+sacred fire. And at this act of his, the Lord of the Universe was
+pleased with him. And then Brahma, personally appearing to them,
+bade them desist from those austerities and promised to grant boons
+unto every one of them. And the adorable Brahma said, "I am pleased
+with you, my sons! Cease now from these austerities and ask boons
+of me! Whatever your desires may be, they, with the single
+exception of that of immortality, will be fulfilled! As thou hast
+offered thy heads to the fire from great ambition, they will again
+adorn thy body as before, according to thy desire. And thy body
+will not be disfigured and thou shall be able to assume any form
+according to thy desire and become the conqueror of thy foes in
+battle. There is no doubt of this!" thereupon Ravana said, "May I
+never experience defeat at the hands of Gandharvas, Celestials,
+Kinnaras, Asuras, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Serpents and all other
+creatures!" Brahma said, "From those that hast named, thou shalt
+never have cause of fear; except from men (thou shalt have no
+occasion for fear). Good betide thee! So hath it been ordained by
+me!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed, the Ten-headed (Ravana) was
+highly gratified, for on account of his perverted understanding,
+the man-eating one slighted human beings. Then the great Grandsire
+addressed Kumbhakarna as before. His reason being clouded by
+darkness, he asked for long-lasting sleep. Saying, "It shall be
+so!" Brahma then addressed Vibhishana, "O my son, I am much pleased
+with thee! Ask any boon thou pleasest!" Thereupon, Vibhishana
+replied, "Even in great danger, may I never swerve from the path of
+righteousness, and though ignorant, may I, O adorable Sire, be
+illumined with the light of divine knowledge!" And Brahma replied,
+"O scourge of thy enemies, as thy soul inclines not to
+unrighteousness although born in the <i>Rakshasa race</i>, I grant
+thee immortality!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having obtained this boon, the
+Ten-headed Rakshasa defeated Kuvera in battle and obtained from him
+the sovereignty <span class="pagenum">[Pg 536]</span> of Lanka.
+That adorable Being, leaving Lanka and followed by Gandharvas,
+Yakshas, Rakshas, and Kinnaras, went to live on mount Gandhamadana.
+And Ravana forcibly took from him the celestial chariot
+<i>Pushpaka</i>. And upon this Vaisravana cursed him, saying, "This
+chariot shall never carry thee; it shall bear him who will slay
+thee in battle! And as thou hast insulted me, thy elder brother,
+thou shalt soon die!"</p>
+<p>"'The pious Vibhishana, O King, treading in the path followed by
+the virtuous and possessed of great glory, followed Kuvera. That
+adorable Lord of wealth, highly pleased with his younger brothers,
+invested him with the command of the Yaksha and Raksha hosts. On
+the other hand, the powerful and man-eating <i>Rakshasas</i> and
+<i>Pisachas</i>, having assembled together, invested the Ten-headed
+Ravana with their sovereignty. And Ravana, capable of assuming any
+form at will and terrible in prowess, and capable also of passing
+through the air, attacked the gods and the <i>Daityas</i> and
+wrested from them all their valuable possessions. And as he had
+terrified all creatures, he was called <i>Ravana</i>. And Ravana,
+capable of mustering any measure of might inspired the very gods
+with terror.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Then the <i>Brahmarshis</i>, the
+<i>Siddhas</i> and the <i>Devarshis</i>, with <i>Havyavaha</i> as
+their spokesman, sought the protection of Brahma. And Agni said,
+"That powerful son of Visrava, the Ten-headed cannot be slain on
+account of thy boon! Endued with great might he oppresseth in every
+possible way the creatures of the earth. Protect us, therefore, O
+adorable one! There is none else save thee to protect us!"</p>
+<p>"'Brahma said, "O Agni, he cannot be conquered in battle by
+either the gods or the <i>Asuras</i>! I have already ordained that
+which is needful for that purpose. Indeed his death is near! Urged
+by me, the four-headed God hath already been incarnate for that
+object. Even Vishnu, that foremost of smiters will achieve that
+object!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then the Grandsire also asked Sakra, in
+their presence, "Be thou, with all the celestials, born on earth!
+And beget ye on monkeys and bears, heroic sons possessed of great
+strength and capable of assuming any form at will as allies of
+Vishnu!" And at this, the gods, the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the
+<i>Danavas</i> quickly assembled to take counsel as to how they
+should be born on earth according to their respective parts. And in
+their presence the boon-giving god commanded a <i>Gandharvi</i>, by
+name Dundubhi saying, "Go there for accomplishing this object!" And
+Dundubhi hearing these words of the Grandsire was born in the world
+of men as the hunchbacked <i>Manthara</i>. And all the principal
+celestials, with Sakra and others begot offspring upon the wives of
+the foremost of monkeys and bears. And those sons equaled their
+sires in strength and fame. And they were capable of splitting
+mountain peaks and their weapons were stones and trees of the
+<i>Sala</i> and the <i>Tala</i> species. And their bodies were hard
+as adamant, and they <span class="pagenum">[Pg 537]</span> were
+possessed of very great strength. And they were all skilled in war
+and capable of mustering any measure of energy at will. And they
+were equal to a thousand elephants in might, and they resembled the
+wind in speed. And some of them lived wherever they liked, while
+others lived in forests. And the adorable Creator of the Universe,
+having ordained all this, instructed <i>Manthara</i> as to what she
+would have to do. And Manthara quick as thought, understood all his
+words, and went hither and thither ever engaged in fomenting
+quarrels.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXV</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O adorable one, thou hast described to me
+in detail the history of the birth of Rama and others. I wish to
+learn the cause of their exile. Do thou, O Brahmana, relate why the
+sons of Dasaratha&mdash;the brothers Rama and Lakshmana&mdash;went
+to the forest with famous princess of Mithila.'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The pious king Dasaratha, ever mindful of the
+old and assiduous in religious ceremonies, was greatly pleased when
+these sons were born. And his sons gradually grew up in might and
+they became conversant with the Vedas together with all their
+mysteries, and with the science of arms. And when after having gone
+through the Brahmacharya vows the princes were married, king
+Dasaratha became happy and highly pleased. And the intelligent
+Rama, the eldest of them all, became the favourite of his father,
+and greatly pleased the people with his charming ways. And then, O
+Bharata, the wise king, considering himself old in years took
+counsel with his virtuous ministers and spiritual adviser for
+installing Rama as regent of the kingdom. And all those great
+ministers were agreed that it was time to do so. And, O scion of
+Kuru's race, king Dasaratha was greatly pleased to behold his
+son,&mdash;that enhancer of Kausalya's delight&mdash;possessed of
+eyes that were red, and arms that were sinewy. And his steps were
+like those of a wild elephant. And he had long arms and high
+shoulders and black and curly hair. And he was valiant, and glowing
+with splendour, and not inferior to Indra himself in battle. And he
+was well-versed in holy writ and was equal to Vrihaspati in wisdom.
+An object of love with all the people, he was skilled in every
+science. And with senses under complete control, his very enemies
+were pleased to behold him. And he was terror of the wicked and the
+protector of the virtuous. And possessed of intelligence and
+incapable of being baffled, he was victorious over all and never
+vanquished by any. And, O descendant of Kurus, beholding his
+son&mdash;that enhancer of Kausalya's joy&mdash;king Dasaratha
+became highly pleased. And reflecting on Rama's virtues, the
+powerful and mighty king cheerfully addressed the family priest,
+saying, "Blessed be thou, O Brahmana! This night of the Pushya
+constellation will bring in a very auspicious conjunction. Let,
+therefore, materials be collected and let Rama also be invited.
+This Pushya constellation will last till tomorrow. And Rama,
+therefore, should be invested by me and my ministers as
+prince-regent <span class="pagenum">[Pg 538]</span> of all my
+subjects!"</p>
+<p>"'Meanwhile Manthara (the maid of Kaikeyi), hearing these words
+of the king, went to her mistress, and spoke unto her as was suited
+to the occasion. And she said, "Thy great ill-luck, O Kaikeyi, hath
+this day been proclaimed by the king! O unlucky one, mayst thou be
+bitten by a fierce and enraged snake of virulent poison! Kausalya,
+indeed, is fortunate, as it is her son that is going to be
+installed on the throne. Where, indeed, is thy prosperity, when thy
+son obtaineth not the kingdom?"</p>
+<p>"'Hearing these words of her maid, the slender-waisted and
+beautiful Kaikeyi put on all her ornaments, and sought her husband
+in a secluded place. And with a joyous heart, and smiling
+pleasantly, she addressed these words to him with all the
+blandishments of love, "O king, thou art always true to thy
+promises. Thou didst promise before to grant me an object of my
+desire. Do thou fulfil that promise now and save thyself from the
+sin of unredeemed pledge!" The king replied, saying, "I will grant
+thee a boon. Ask thou whatever thou wishest! What man undeserving
+of death shall be slain today and who that deserves death is to be
+set at liberty? Upon whom shall I bestow wealth to-day, or whose
+wealth shall be confiscated? Whatever wealth there is in this
+world, save what belongeth to Brahmanas, is mine! I am the king of
+kings in this world, and the protector of all the four classes!
+Tell me quickly, O blessed lady, what that object is upon which
+thou hast set thy heart!" Hearing these words of the king, and
+tying him fast to his pledge, and conscious also of her power over
+him, she addressed him in these words, "I desire that Bharata be
+the recipient of that investiture which thou hast designed for
+Rama, and let Rama go into exile living in the forest of Dandaka
+for fourteen years as an ascetic with matted locks on head and
+robed in rags and deer-skins!" Hearing these disagreeable words of
+cruel import, the king, O chief of the Bharata race, was sorely
+afflicted and became utterly speechless! But the mighty and
+virtuous Rama, learning that his father had been thus solicited,
+went into the forest so that the king's truth might remain
+inviolate. And, blessed be thou, he was followed by the auspicious
+Lakshmana&mdash;that foremost of bowmen and his wife Sita, the
+princess of Videha and daughter of Janaka. And after Rama had gone
+into the forest, king Dasaratha took leave of his body, agreeably
+to the eternal law of time. And knowing that Rama not near and that
+the king was dead, queen Kaikeyi, causing Bharata to be brought
+before her, addressed him in these words, "Dasaratha hath gone to
+heaven and both Rama and Lakshmana are in the forest! Take thou
+this kingdom which is so extensive and whose peace there is no
+rival to disturb." Thereupon the virtuous Bharata replied unto her
+saying, "Thou hast done a wicked deed, having slain thy husband and
+exterminated this family from lust of wealth alone! Heaping infamy
+on my head, O accursed woman of our race, thou hast, O mother,
+attained this, thy object!" And having said these words, the prince
+wept aloud. And having proved his innocence before all the subjects
+of that realm he set out in the wake of Rama, desiring to bring him
+back. And placing Kausalya and Sumitra and Kaikeyi in the vehicles
+at the van of his train, he proceeded with a heavy heart, in
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 539]</span> company with Satrughna. And
+he was accompanied by Vasishtha and Vamadeva, and other Brahmanas
+by thousands and by the people of the cities and the provinces,
+desiring to bring back Rama. And he saw Rama with Lakshmana, living
+on the mountains of Chitrakuta with bow in hand and decked with the
+ornaments of ascetics. Bharata, however, was dismissed by Rama, who
+was determined to act according to the words of his father. And
+returning, Bharata ruled at Nandigrama, keeping before him, his
+brother's wooden sandals. And Rama fearing a repetition of
+intrusion by the people of Ayodhya, entered into the great forest
+towards the asylum of Sarabhanga. And having paid his respects to
+Sarabhanga, he entered the forest of Dandaka and took up his abode
+on the banks of beautiful river Godavari. And while living there,
+Rama was inveigled into hostilities with Khara, then dwelling in
+Janasthana, on account of Surpanakha. And for the protection of the
+ascetics the virtuous scion of Raghu's race slew fourteen thousand
+Rakshasas on earth, and having slain those mighty Rakshasas, Khara
+and Dushana, the wise descendant of Raghu once more made that
+sacred forest free from danger.</p>
+<p>"'And after these Rakshasas had been slain, Surpanakha with
+mutilated nose and lips, repaired to Lanka&mdash;the abode of her
+brother (Ravana). And when that Rakshasa woman, senseless with
+grief and with dry blood-stains on her face, appeared before
+Ravana, she fell down at his feet. And beholding her so horribly
+mutilated, Ravana became senseless with wrath and grinding his
+teeth sprung up from his seat. And dismissing his ministers, he
+enquired of her in private, saying, "Blessed sister, who hath made
+thee so, forgetting and disregarding me? Who is he that having got
+a sharp-pointed spear hath rubbed his body with it? Who is he that
+sleepeth in happiness and security, after placing a fire close to
+his head? Who is he that hath trodden upon a revengeful snake of
+virulent poison? Who indeed, is that person who standeth with his
+hand thrust into the mouth of the maned lion!" Then flames of wrath
+burst forth from his body, like those that are emitted at night
+from the hollows of a tree on fire. His sister then related unto
+him the prowess of Rama and the defeat of the Rakshasas with Khara
+and Dushana at their head. Informed of the slaughter of his
+relatives, Ravana, impelled by Fate, remembered Maricha for slaying
+Rama. And resolving upon the course he was to follow and having
+made arrangements for the government of his capital, he consoled
+his sister, and set out on an aerial voyage. And crossing the
+Trikuta and the Kala mountains, he beheld the vast receptacle of
+deep waters&mdash;the abode of the Makaras. Then crossing the
+Ocean, the Ten headed Ravana reached Gokarna&mdash;the favourite
+resort of the illustrious god armed with the trident. And there
+Ravana met with his old friend Maricha who, from fear of Rama
+himself, had adopted an ascetic mode of life.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Beholding Ravana come, Maricha received him
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 540]</span> with a respectful welcome,
+and offered him fruits and roots. And after Ravana had taken his
+seat, and rested himself a while, Maricha skilled in speech, sat
+beside Ravana and addressed him who was himself as eloquent in
+speech, saying, "Thy complexion hath assumed an unnatural hue; is
+it all right with thy kingdom, O king of the Rakshasas? What hath
+brought thee here? Do thy subjects continue to pay thee the same
+allegiance that they used to pay thee before? What business hath
+brought thee here? Know that it is already fulfilled, even if it be
+very difficult of fulfilment!" Ravana, whose heart was agitated
+with wrath and humiliation informed him briefly of the acts of Rama
+and the measures that were to be taken. And on hearing his story,
+Maricha briefly replied to him, saying, "Thou must not provoke
+Rama, for I know his strength! Is there a person who is capable of
+withstanding the impetus of his arrows? That great man hath been
+the cause of my assuming my present ascetic life. What evil-minded
+creature hath put thee up to this course calculated to bring ruin
+and destruction on thee?" To this Ravana indignantly replied,
+reproaching him thus, "If thou dost not obey my orders, thou shall
+surely die at my hands." Maricha then thought within himself, "When
+death is inevitable, I shall do his biddings; for it is better to
+die at the hands of one that is superior." Then he replied to the
+lord of the Rakshasas saying, "I shall surely render thee whatever
+help I can!" Then the Ten-headed Ravana said unto him, "Go and
+tempt Sita, assuming the shape of a deer with golden horns and a
+golden skin! When Sita will observe thee thus, she will surely send
+away Rama to hunt thee. And then Sita will surely come within my
+power, and I shall forcibly carry her away. And then that wicked
+Rama will surely die of grief at the loss of his wife. Do thou help
+me in this way!"</p>
+<p>"'Thus addressed, Maricha performed his obsequies (in
+anticipation) and with a sorrowful heart, followed Ravana who was
+in advance of him. And having reached the hermitage of Rama of
+difficult achievements, they both did as arranged beforehand. And
+Ravana appeared in the guise of an ascetic with head shaven, and
+adorned with a <i>Kamandala</i>, and a treble staff. And Maricha
+appeared in the shape of a deer. And Maricha appeared before the
+princess of Videha in that guise. And impelled by Fate, she sent
+away Rama after that deer. And Rama, with the object of pleasing
+her, quickly took up his bow, and leaving Lakshmana behind to
+protect her, went in pursuit of that deer. And armed with his bow
+and quiver and scimitar, and his fingers encased in gloves of
+<i>Guana</i> skin, Rama went in pursuit of that deer, after the
+manner of Rudra following the stellar deer<a id="footnotetag50" name="footnotetag50"></a><a href="#footnote50"><sup>50</sup></a> in
+days of yore. And that Rakshasa enticed away Rama to a great
+distance by appearing before him at one time and disappearing from
+his view at another. And when Rama at last knew who and what that
+deer was, viz., that he was a <i>Rakshasa</i>, that illustrious
+descendant of Raghu's race took out an infallible arrow and slew
+that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 541]</span> Rakshasa, in the
+disguise of a deer. And struck with Rama's arrow, the Rakshasa,
+imitating Rama's voice, cried out in great distress, calling upon
+Sita and Lakshmana. And when the princess of Videha heard that cry
+of distress, she urged Lakshmana to run towards the quarter from
+whence the cry came. Then Lakshmana said to her, "Timid lady, thou
+hast no cause of fear! Who is so powerful as to be able to smite
+Rama? O thou of sweet smiles, in a moment thou wilt behold thy
+husband Rama!" Thus addressed, the chaste Sita, from that timidity
+which is natural to women, became suspicious of even the pure
+Lakshmana, and began to weep aloud. And that chaste lady, devoted
+to her husband, harshly reproved Lakshmana, saying, "The object
+which thou, O fool, cherishest in thy heart, shall never be
+fulfilled! I would rather kill myself with a weapon or throw myself
+from the top of a hill or enter into a blazing fire than live with
+a sorry wretch like thee, forsaking my husband Rama, like a tigress
+under the protection of a jackal!"</p>
+<p>"'When the good natured Lakshmana, who was very fond of his
+brother, heard these words, he shut his ears (with his hands) and
+set out on the track that Rama had taken. And Lakshmana set out
+without casting a single glance on that lady with lips soft and red
+like the <i>Bimba</i> fruit. Meanwhile, the Rakshasa Ravana,
+wearing a genteel guise though wicked at heart, and like unto fire
+enveloped in a heap of ashes, showed himself there. And he appeared
+there in the disguise of a hermit, for forcibly carrying away that
+lady of blameless character. The virtuous daughter of Janaka,
+seeing him come, welcomed him with fruits and root and a seat.
+Disregarding these and assuming his own proper shape, that bull
+among Rakshasas began to re-assure the princess of Videha in these
+words, "I am, O Sita, the king of the Rakshasas, known by the name
+of Ravana! My delightful city, known by the name of Lanka is on the
+other side of the great ocean! There among beautiful women, thou
+wilt shine with me! O lady of beautiful lips, forsaking the ascetic
+Rama do thou become my wife!" Janaka's daughter of beautiful lips,
+hearing these and other words in the same strain, shut her ears and
+replied unto him, saying, "Do not say so! The vault of heaven with
+all its stars may fall down, the Earth itself may be broken into
+fragments, fire itself may change its nature by becoming cool, yet
+I cannot forsake the descendant of Raghu! How can a she-elephant,
+who hath lived with the mighty leader of a herd with rent temples
+forsake him and live with a hog? Having once tasted the sweet wine
+prepared from honey or flowers, how can a woman, I fancy, relish
+the wretched arrak from rice?" Having uttered those words, she
+entered the cottage, her lips trembling in wrath and her arms
+moving to and fro in emotion. Ravana, however, followed her thither
+and intercepted her further progress. And rudely scolded by the
+Rakshasa, she swooned away. But Ravana seized her by the hair of
+her head, and rose up into the air. Then a huge vulture of the name
+of Jatayu living on a mountain peak, beheld that helpless lady thus
+weeping and calling upon Rama in great distress while being carried
+away by Ravana.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 542]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'That heroic king of the vultures, Jatayu,
+having Sampati for his uterine brother and Arjuna himself for his
+father, was a friend of Dasaratha. And beholding his
+daughter-in-law Sita on the lap of Ravana, that ranger of the skies
+rushed in wrath against the king of the Rakshasas. And the vulture
+addressed Ravana, saying, "Leave the princess of Mithila, leave her
+I say! How canst thou, O Rakshasa, ravish her when I am alive? If
+thou dost not release my daughter-in-law, thou shalt not escape
+from me with life!" And having said these words Jatayu began to
+tear the king of the Rakshasas with his talons. And he mangled him
+in a hundred different parts of his body by striking him with his
+wings and beaks. And blood began to flow as copiously from Ravana's
+body as water from a mountain spring. And attacked thus by that
+vulture desirous of Rama's good, Ravana, taking up a sword, cut off
+the two wings of that bird. And having slain that king of the
+vultures, huge as a mountain-peak shooting forth above the clouds,
+the Rakshasa rose high in the air with Sita on his lap. And the
+princess of Videha, wherever she saw an asylum of ascetics, a lake,
+a river, or a tank, threw down an ornament of hers. And beholding
+on the top of a mountain five foremost of monkeys, that intelligent
+lady threw down amongst them a broad piece of her costly attire.
+And that beautiful and yellow piece of cloth fell, fluttering
+through the air, amongst those five foremost of monkeys like
+lightning from the clouds. And that Rakshasa soon passed a great
+way through the firmament like a bird through the air. And soon the
+Rakshasa beheld his delightful and charming city of many gates,
+surrounded on all sides by high walls and built by Viswakrit
+himself. And the king of the Rakshasa then entered his own city
+known by the name of Lanka, accompanied by Sita.</p>
+<p>"'And while Sita was being carried away, the intelligent Rama,
+having slain the great deer, retraced his steps and saw his brother
+Lakshmana (on the way). And beholding his brother, Rama reproved
+him, saying, "How couldst thou come hither, leaving the princess of
+Videha in a forest that is haunted by the Rakshasa?" And reflecting
+on his own enticement to a great distance by that Rakshasa in the
+guise of a deer and on the arrival of his brother (leaving Sita
+alone in the asylum), Rama was filled with agony. And quickly
+advancing towards Lakshmana while reproving him still, Rama asked
+him, "O Lakshmana, is the princess of Videha still alive? I fear
+she is no more!" Then Lakshmana told him everything about what Sita
+had said, especially that unbecoming language of hers subsequently.
+With a burning heart Rama then ran towards the asylum. And on the
+way he beheld a vulture huge as a mountain, lying in agonies of
+death. And suspecting him to be a Rakshasa, the descendant of the
+Kakutstha race, along with Lakshmana rushed towards him, drawing
+with great force his bow to a circle. The mighty vulture, however,
+addressing them both, said, "Blessed be ye, I am the king of the
+vultures, and friend of Dasaratha!" Hearing these words of his,
+both Rama and his brother put aside their excellent bow and said,
+"Who is this <span class="pagenum">[Pg 543]</span> one that
+speaketh the name of our father in these woods?" And then they saw
+that creature to be a bird destitute of two wings, and that bird
+then told them of his own overthrow at the hands of Ravana for the
+sake of Sita. Then Rama enquired of the vulture as to the way
+Ravana had taken. The vulture answered him by a nod of his head and
+then breathed his last. And having understood from the sign the
+vulture had made that Ravana had gone towards the south, Rama
+reverencing his father's friend, caused his funeral obsequies to be
+duly performed. Then those chastisers of foes, Rama and Lakshmana,
+filled with grief at the abduction of the princess of Videha, took
+a southern path through the Dandaka woods beholding along their way
+many uninhabited asylums of ascetics, scattered over with seats of
+Kusa grass and umbrellas of leaves and broken water-pots, and
+abounding with hundreds of jackals. And in that great forest, Rama
+along with Sumatra's son beheld many herds of deer running in all
+directions. And they heard a loud uproar of various creatures like
+what is heard during a fast spreading forest conflagration. And
+soon they beheld a headless Rakshasa of terrible mien. And that
+Rakshasa was dark as the clouds and huge as a mountain, with
+shoulders broad as those of a Sola tree, and with arms that were
+gigantic. And he had a pair of large eyes on his breast, and the
+opening of his mouth was placed on his capacious belly. And that
+Rakshasa seized Lakshmana by the hand, without any difficulty. And
+seized by the Rakshasa the son of Sumitra, O Bharata, became
+utterly confounded and helpless. And casting his glances on Rama,
+that headless Rakshasa began to draw Lakshmana towards that part of
+his body where his mouth was. And Lakshmana in grief addressed
+Rama, saying, "Behold my plight! The loss of thy kingdom, and then
+the death of our father, and then the abduction of Sita, and
+finally this disaster that hath overwhelmed me! Alas, I shall not
+behold thee return with the princess of Videha to Kosala and seated
+on thy ancestral throne as the ruler of the entire Earth! They only
+that are fortunate will behold thy face, like unto the moon emerged
+from the clouds, after thy coronation bath in water sanctified with
+Kusa grass and fried paddy and black peas!" And the intelligent
+Lakshmana uttered those and other lamentations in the same strain.
+The illustrious descendant, however, of Kakutstha's race undaunted
+amid danger, replied unto Lakshmana, saying, "Do not, O tiger among
+men, give way to grief! What is this thing when I am here? Cut thou
+off his right arm and I shall cut off his left." And while Rama was
+still speaking so, the left arm of the monster was severed by him,
+cut off with a sharp scimitar, as if indeed, that arm were a stalk
+of the <i>Tila corn</i>. The mighty son of Sumitra then beholding
+his brother standing before him struck off with his sword the right
+arm also of that Rakshasa. And Lakshmana also began to repeatedly
+strike the Rakshasa under the ribs, and then that huge headless
+monster fell upon the ground and expired quickly. And then there
+came out from the Rakshasa's body a person of celestial make. And
+he showed himself to the brothers, staying for a moment in the
+skies, like the Sun in his effulgence in the firmament. And Rama
+skilled in speech, asked him, saying, "Who art thou? Answer
+<i>me</i> who enquire of thee? Whence could such a thing happen?
+All this seems to me to be exceedingly <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+544]</span> wonderful!" Thus addressed by Rama, that being replied
+unto him, saying, "I am, O prince, a Gandharva of the name of
+Viswavasu! It was through the curse of a Brahmana that I had to
+assume the form and nature of a Rakshasa. As to thyself, O Rama,
+Sita hath been carried away with violence by king Ravana who
+dwelleth in Lanka. Repair thou unto Sugriva who will give thee his
+friendship. There, near enough to the peak of <i>Rishyamuka</i> is
+the lake known by the name of <i>Pampa</i> of sacred water and
+cranes. There dwelleth, with four of his counsellors, Sugriva, the
+brother of the monkey-king Vali decked with a garland of gold.
+Repairing unto him, inform of thy cause of sorrow. In plight very
+much like thy own, he will render thee assistance. This is all that
+we can say. Thou wilt, without doubt, see the daughter of Janaka!
+Without doubt Ravana and others are known to the king of the
+monkeys!" Having said these words, that celestial being of great
+effulgence made himself invisible, and those heroes, both Rama and
+Lakshmana, wondered much.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Afflicted with grief at the abduction of
+Sita, Rama had not to go much further before he came upon
+<i>Pampa</i>&mdash;that lake which abounded with lotuses of various
+kinds. And fanned by the cool, delicious and fragrant breezes in
+those woods, Rama suddenly remembered his dear spouse. And, O
+mighty monarch, thinking of that dear wife of his, and afflicted at
+the thought of his separation from her, Rama gave way to
+lamentations. The son of Sumitra then addressed him saying, "O thou
+that givest proper respect to those that deserve it, despondency
+such as this should not be suffered to approach thee, like illness
+that can never touch an old man leading a regular life! Thou hast
+obtained information of Ravana and of the princess of Videha!
+Liberate her now with exertion and intelligence! Let us now
+approach Sugriva, that foremost of monkeys, who is even now on the
+mountain top! Console thyself, when I, thy disciple and slave and
+ally, am near!" And addressed by Lakshmana in these and other words
+of the same import, Rama regained his own nature and attended to
+the business before him. And bathing in the waters of <i>Pampa</i>
+and offering oblations therewith unto their ancestors, both those
+heroic brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, set out (for
+<i>Rishyamuka</i>). And arriving at <i>Rishyamuka</i> which
+abounded with fruits and roots and trees, those heroes beheld five
+monkeys on the top of the mountain-peak. And seeing them approach,
+Sugriva sent his counsellor the intelligent Hanuman, huge as the
+Himavat-mountains, to receive them. And the brothers, having first
+exchanged words with Hanuman, approached Sugriva. And then, O king,
+Rama made friends with Sugriva. And when Rama informed Sugriva of
+the object he had in view, Sugriva showed him the piece of cloth
+that Sita had dropped among the monkeys, while being carried away
+by Ravana. And having obtained from him those credentials, Rama
+himself installed Sugriva&mdash;that foremost of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 545]</span> monkeys&mdash;in sovereignty of all the
+monkeys of Earth. And Rama also pledged himself to slay Vali in
+battle. And having come to that understanding and placing the
+fullest confidence in each other, they all repaired to
+<i>Kiskindhya</i>, desirous of battle (with Vali). And arriving at
+<i>Kiskindhya</i>, Sugriva sent forth a loud roar deep as that of a
+cataract. Unable to bear that challenge, Vali was for coming out
+(but his wife) Tara stood in way, saying, "Himself endued with
+great strength, the way in which Sugriva is roaring, showeth, I
+ween, that he hath found assistance! It behoveth thee not,
+therefore, to go out!" Thus addressed by her, that king of the
+monkeys, the eloquent Vali, decked in a golden garland replied unto
+Tara of face beautiful as the moon, saying, "Thou understandest the
+voice of every creature. Tell me after reflection whose help it is
+that this brother in name only of mine hath obtained!" Thus
+addressed by him Tara endued with wisdom and possessed of the
+effulgence of the moon, answered her lord after a moment's
+reflection, saying, "Listen, O monarch of the monkeys! That
+foremost of bowmen, endued with great might, Rama the son of
+Dasaratha, whose spouse hath been ravished, hath made an alliance
+offensive and defensive with Sugriva! And his brother the
+intelligent Lakshmana also of mighty arms, the unvanquished son of
+Sumitra, standeth beside him for the success of Sugriva's object.
+And Mainda and Dwivida, and Hanuman the son of <i>Pavana</i>, and
+Jamvuman, the king of the bears, are beside Sugriva as his
+counsellors. All these illustrious ones are endued with great
+strength and intelligence. And these all, depending upon the might
+and energy of Rama, are prepared for thy destruction!" Hearing
+these words of hers that were for his benefit, the king of the
+monkeys disregarded them altogether. And filled with jealousy, he
+also suspected her to have set her heart on Sugriva! And addressing
+Tara in harsh words, he went out of his cave and coming before
+Sugriva who was staying by the side of the mountains of Malyavat,
+he spoke unto him thus, "Frequently vanquished before by me, fond
+as thou art of life, thou art allowed by me to escape with life
+owing to thy relationship with me! What hath made thee wish for
+death so soon?" Thus addressed by Vali, Sugriva, that slayer of
+foes, as if addressing Rama himself for informing him of what had
+happened, replied unto his brother in these words of grave import,
+"O king, robbed by thee of my wife and my kingdom also, what need
+have I of life? Know that it is for this that I have come!" Then
+addressing each other in these and other words of the same import,
+Vali and Sugriva rushed to the encounter, fighting with <i>Sala</i>
+and <i>Tala</i> trees and stones. And they struck each other down
+on the earth. And leaping high into the air, they struck each other
+with their fists. And mangled by each other's nail and teeth, both
+of them were covered with blood. And the two heroes shone on that
+account like a pair of blossoming <i>Kinshukas</i>. And as they
+fought with each other, no difference (in aspect) could be observed
+so as to distinguish them. Then Hanuman placed on Sugriva's neck a
+garland of flowers. And that hero thereupon shone with that garland
+on his neck, like the beautiful and huge peak of <i>Malya</i> with
+its cloudy belt. And Rama, recognising Sugriva by that sign, then
+drew his foremost of huge bows, aiming at Vali as his mark. And the
+twang of Rama's bow <span class="pagenum">[Pg 546]</span> resembled
+the roar of an engine. And Vali, pierced in the heart by that
+arrow, trembled in fear. And Vali, his heart having been pierced
+through, began to vomit forth blood. And he then beheld standing
+before him Rama with Sumatra's son by his side. And reproving that
+descendant of Kakutstha's race, Vali fell down on the ground and
+became senseless. And Tara then beheld that lord of hers possessed
+of the effulgence of the Moon, lying prostrate on the bare earth.
+And after Vali had been thus slain, Sugriva regained possession of
+Kishkindhya, and along with it, of the widowed Tara also of face
+beautiful as the moon. And the intelligent Rama also dwelt on the
+beautiful breast of the Malyavat hill for four months, duly
+worshipped by Sugriva all the while.</p>
+<p>"'Meanwhile Ravana excited by lust, having reached his city of
+Lanka, placed Sita in an abode, resembling <i>Nandana</i> itself,
+within a forest of <i>Asokas</i>, that looked like an asylum of
+ascetics. And the large-eyed Sita passed her days there in
+distress, living on fruits and roots, practising ascetic
+austerities with fasts, attired in ascetic garb, and waning thin
+day by day, thinking of her absent lord. And the king of the
+<i>Rakshasas</i> appointed many <i>Rakshasa</i> women armed with
+bearded darts and swords and lances and battle-axes and maces and
+flaming brands, for guarding her. And some of these had two eyes,
+and some three, and some had eyes on their foreheads. And some had
+long tongues and some had none. And some had three breasts and some
+had only one leg. And some had three matted braids on their heads,
+and some had only one eye. And these, and others of blazing eyes
+and hair stiff as the camel's, stood beside Sita surrounding her
+day and night most watchfully. And those <i>Pisacha</i> women of
+frightful voice and terrible aspect always addressed that
+large-eyed lady in the harshest tones. And they said, "Let us eat
+her up, let us mangle her, let us tear her into pieces, her, that
+is, that dwelleth here disregarding our lord!" And filled with
+grief at the separation from her lord, Sita drew a deep sigh and
+answered those <i>Rakshasa</i> women, saying, "Reverend ladies, eat
+me up without delay! I have no desire to live without that husband
+of mine, of eyes like lotus-leaves and locks wavy, and blue in hue!
+Truly I will, without food and without the least love of life,
+emaciate my limbs, like a she-snake (hybernating) within a
+<i>Tala</i> tree. Know this for certain that I will never seek the
+protection of any other person than the descendant of Raghu. And
+knowing this, do what ye think fit!" And hearing these words of
+hers, those <i>Rakshasas</i> with dissonant voice went to the king
+of the <i>Rakshasas</i>, for representing unto him all she had
+said. And when those <i>Rakshasas</i> had gone away, one of their
+number known by the name of <i>Trijata</i>, who was virtuous and
+agreeable in speech, began to console the princess of Videha. And
+she said, "Listen, O Sita! I will tell thee something! O friend,
+believe in what I say! O thou of fair hips, cast off thy fears, and
+listen to what I say. There is an intelligent and old chief of the
+<i>Rakshasas</i> known by the name of Avindhya. He always seeketh
+Rama's good and hath told me these words for thy sake! 'Reassuring
+and cheering her, tell Sita in my name, saying: "Thy husband the
+mighty Rama is well and is waited upon by Lakshmana. And the
+blessed descendant of Raghu hath already made friends with Sugriva,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 547]</span> the king of the monkeys, and
+is ready to act for thee!"' And, O timid lady, entertain thou no
+fear on account of Ravana, who is censured by the whole world, for,
+O daughter, thou art safe from him on account of Nalakuvera's
+curse. Indeed, this wretch had been cursed before for his having
+violated his daughter-in-law, Rambha. This lustful wretch is not
+able to violate any woman by force. Thy husband will soon come,
+protected by Sugriva and with the intelligent son of Sumitra in his
+train, and will soon take thee away hence! O lady, I have had a
+most terrible dream of evil omen, indicating the destruction of
+this wicked-minded wretch of Pulastya's race! This night wanderer
+of mean deeds is, indeed, most wicked and cruel. He inspireth
+terror in all by the defects of his nature and the wickedness of
+his conduct. And deprived of his senses by Fate, he challengeth the
+very gods. In my vision I have seen every indication of his
+downfall. I have seen the Ten-headed, with his crown shaven and
+body besmeared with oil, sunk in mire, and the next moment dancing
+on a chariot drawn by mules. I have seen Kumbhakarna and others,
+perfectly naked and with crowns shaven, decked with red wreaths and
+unguents, and running towards the southern direction. Vibhishana
+alone, with umbrella over his head, and graced with a turban, and
+with body decked with white wreaths and unguents, I beheld
+ascending the summit of the White hill. And I saw four of his
+counsellors also, decked with white wreaths and unguents, ascending
+the summit of that hill along with him. All this bodeth that these
+alone will be saved from the impending terror. The whole earth with
+its oceans and seas will be enveloped with Rama's arrows. O lady,
+thy husband will fill the whole earth with his fame. I also saw
+Lakshmana, consuming all directions (with his arrows) and ascending
+on a heap of bones and drinking thereon honey and rice boiled in
+milk. And thou, O lady, hast been beheld by me running towards a
+northernly direction, weeping and covered with blood and protected
+by a tiger! And, O princess of Videha, soon wilt thou find
+happiness, being united, O Sita, with thy lord, that descendant of
+Raghu accompanied by his brother!' Hearing these words of
+<i>Trijata</i>, that girl with eyes like those of a young gazelle,
+once more began to entertain hopes of a union with her lord. And
+when at last those fierce and cruel <i>Pisacha</i> guards came
+back, they saw her sitting with <i>Trijata</i> as before.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'And while the chaste Sita was dwelling there
+afflicted with melancholy and grief on account of her lord, attired
+in mean garb, with but a single jewel (on the marital thread on her
+wrist), and incessantly weeping, seated on a stone, and waited upon
+by <i>Rakshasa</i> women, Ravana, afflicted by the shafts of the
+god of desire, came to her and approached her presence. And
+inflamed by desire, that conqueror in battle of the gods, the
+<i>Danavas</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, and the
+<i>Kimpurushas</i>, attired in celestial robes and possessing
+handsome features, decked with jewelled earrings and wearing a
+beautiful garland and crown, entered the <i>Asoka</i> woods,
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 548]</span> like an embodiment of the
+vernal season. And dressed with care, Ravana looked like the
+<i>Kalpa</i> tree in Indra's garden. But though adorned with every
+embellishment, that inspired her only with awe, like a beautified
+banian in the midst of a cemetery. And that night wanderer, having
+approached the presence of that slender-waisted lady, looked like
+the planet Saturn in the presence of <i>Rohini</i>. And smitten
+with the shafts of the god of the flowery emblem he accosted that
+fair-hipped lady then affrighted like a helpless doe, and told her
+these words, "Thou hast, O Sita, shown thy regard for thy lord too
+much! O thou of delicate limbs, be merciful unto me. Let thy person
+be embellished now (by these maids in waiting). O excellent lady,
+accept me as thy lord! And, O thou of the most beautiful
+complexion, attired in costly robes and ornaments, take thou the
+first place among all the women of my household. Many are the
+daughters of the celestials and also the <i>Gandharvas</i> that I
+possess! I am lord also of many <i>Danava</i> and <i>Daitya</i>
+ladies! One hundred and forty millions of <i>Pisachas</i>, twice as
+many man-eating Rakshasa of terrible deed, and thrice as many
+Yaksha do my bidding! Some of these are under the sway of my
+brother who is the lord of all treasures. In my drinking hall, O
+excellent lady of beautiful thighs, Gandharvas and Apsaras wait on
+me as they do on my brother! I am, again, the son of that
+regenerate <i>Rishi</i> Visravas himself of high ascetic merit. I
+am renowned, again, as the fifth Regent of the Universe! And, O
+beautiful lady, of food and edibles and drinks of the very best
+kind, I have as much as the Lord himself of the celestials! Let all
+thy troubles consequent on a life in the woods cease! O thou of
+fair hips, be my Queen, as Mandodari herself!" Thus addressed by
+him, the beautiful princess of Videha, turning away and regarding
+him as something less than a straw, replied unto that wanderer of
+the night. And at that time the princess of Videha, that girl of
+beautiful hips, had her deep and compact bosom copiously drenched
+by her inauspicious tears shed ceaselessly. And she who regarded
+her husband as her god, answered that mean wretch, saying, "By
+sheer ill-luck it is, O king of the Rakshasas, that I am obliged to
+hear such words of grievous import spoken by thee! Blessed be thou,
+O Rakshasa fond of sensual pleasures, let thy heart be withdrawn
+from me! I am the wife of another, ever devoted to my husband, and,
+therefore, incapable of being possessed by thee! A helpless human
+being that I am, I cannot be a fit wife for thee! What joy can be
+thine by using violence towards an unwilling woman? Thy father is a
+wise Brahmana, born of Brahma and equal unto that Lord himself of
+the creation! Why dost thou not, therefore, thyself being equal to
+a Regent of the Universe, observe virtue? Disgracing thy brother,
+that king of the Yakshas, that adorable one who is the friend of
+Maheswara himself, that lord of treasures, how is it that thou
+feelest no shame?" Having said these words, Sita began to weep, her
+bosom shivering in agitation, and covering her neck and face with
+her garments. And the long and well-knit braid, black and glossy,
+falling from the head of the weeping lady, looked like a black
+snake. And hearing these cruel words uttered by Sita, the foolish
+Ravana, although thus rejected, addressed Sita once more, saying,
+"O lady, let the god having the <i>Makara</i> for his emblem burn
+me sorely. I will, however, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 549]</span>
+on no account, O thou of sweet smiles and beautiful hips, approach
+thee, as thou art unwilling! What can I do to thee that still
+feelest a regard for Rama who is only a human being and, therefore,
+our food?" Having said those words unto that lady of faultless
+features, the king of the <i>Rakshasa</i> made himself invisible
+then and there and went away to the place he liked. And Sita,
+surrounded by those <i>Rakshasa</i> women, and treated with
+tenderness by <i>Trijata</i>, continued to dwell there in
+grief.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the illustrious descendant of
+Raghu, along with his brother, hospitably treated by Sugriva,
+continued to dwell on the breast of the <i>Malyavat</i> hill,
+beholding every day the clear blue sky. And one night, while gazing
+from the mountain-top on the bright moon in the cloudless sky
+surrounded by planets and stars and stellar bodies, that slayer of
+foes was suddenly awakened (to a remembrance of Sita) by the cold
+breezes fragrant with the perfumes of the lily, lotus and other
+flowers of the same species. And virtuous Rama, dejected in spirits
+at the thought of Sita's captivity in the abode of the Rakshasa,
+addressed the heroic Lakshmana in the morning saying, "Go,
+Lakshmana and seek in Kishkindhya that ungrateful king of the
+monkeys, who understands well his own interest and is even now
+indulging in dissipations, that foolish wretch of his race whom I
+have installed on a throne and to whom all apes and monkeys and
+bears owe allegiance, that fellow for whose sake, O mighty-armed
+perpetuator of Raghu's race, Vali was slain by me with thy help in
+the wood of Kishkindhya! I regard that worst of monkeys on earth to
+be highly ungrateful, for, O Lakshmana, that wretch hath now
+forgotten me who am sunk in such distress! I think he is unwilling
+to fulfil his pledge, disregarding, from dullness of understanding,
+one who hath done him such services! If thou findest him luke-warm
+and rolling in sensual joys, thou must then send him, by the path
+Vali hath been made to follow, to the common goal of all creatures!
+If, on the other hand, thou seest that foremost of monkeys delight
+in our cause, then, O descendant of Kakutstha, shouldst thou bring
+him hither with thee! Be quick, and delay not!" Thus addressed by
+his brother, Lakshmana ever attentive to the behests and welfare of
+his superiors, set out taking with him his handsome bow with string
+and arrows. And reaching the gates of Kishkindhya he entered the
+city unchallenged. And knowing him to be angry, the monkey-king
+advanced to receive him. And with his wife, Sugriva, the king of
+the monkeys, with a humble heart, joyfully received him with due
+honours. And the dauntless son of Sumitra then told him what Rama
+had said. And having heard everything in detail, O mighty monarch,
+Sugriva, the king of the monkeys with his wife and servants, joined
+his hands, and cheerfully said unto Lakshmana, that elephant among
+men, these words: "I am, O Lakshmana, neither wicked, nor
+ungrateful, nor destitute of virtue! Hear what efforts I have made
+for finding out Sita's place of captivity! I have <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 550]</span> despatched diligent monkeys in all
+directions. All of them have stipulated to return within a month.
+They will, O hero, search the whole earth with her forests and
+hills and seas, her villages and towns and cities and mines. Only
+five nights are wanting to complete that month, and then thou wilt,
+with Rama, hear tidings of great joy!"</p>
+<p>"'Thus addressed by that intelligent king of the monkeys, the
+high-souled Lakshmana became appeased, and he in his turn
+worshipped Sugriva. And accompanied by Sugriva, he returned to Rama
+on the breast of the Malyavat hill. And approaching him, Lakshmana
+informed him of the beginning already made in respect of his
+undertaking. And soon thousands of monkey-chiefs began to return,
+after having carefully searched the three quarters of the earth,
+viz., the North, the East and the West. But they that had gone
+towards the South did not make their appearance. And they that came
+back represented to Rama, saying that although they had searched
+the whole earth with her belt of seas, yet they could not find
+either the princess of Videha or Ravana. But that descendant of
+Kakutstha's race, afflicted at heart, managed to live yet, resting
+his hopes (of hearing Sita's tidings) on the great monkeys that had
+gone towards the South.</p>
+<p>"'After the lapse of two months, several monkeys seeking with
+haste the presence of Sugriva, addressed him, saying, "O king, that
+foremost of monkeys, the son of <i>Pavana</i>, as also Angada, the
+son of Vali, and the other great monkeys whom thou hadst despatched
+to search the southern region, have come back and are pillaging
+that great and excellent orchard called <i>Madhuvana</i>, which was
+always guarded by Vali and which hath been well-guarded by thee
+also after him!" Hearing of this act of liberty on their part,
+Sugriva inferred the success of their mission, for it is only
+servants that have been crowned with success that can act in this
+way. And that intelligent and foremost of monkeys communicated his
+suspicions to Rama. And Rama also, from this, guessed that the
+princess of Mithila had been seen. Then Hanuman and the other
+monkeys, having refreshed themselves thus, came towards their king,
+who was then staying with Rama and Lakshmana. And, O Bharata,
+observing the gait of Hanuman and the colour of his face, Rama was
+confirmed in the belief that Hanuman had really seen Sita. Then
+those successful monkeys with Hanuman at their head, duly bowed
+unto Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva. And Rama then taking up his
+bow and quiver, addressed those monkeys, saying, "Have you been
+successful? Will ye impart life unto me? Will ye once more enable
+me to reign in Ayodhya after having slain my enemy in battle and
+rescued the daughter of Janaka? With the princess of Videha
+unrescued, and the foe unslain in battle, I dare not live, robbed
+of wife and honour!" Thus addressed by Rama, the son of
+<i>Pavana</i>, replied unto him, saying, "I bring thee good news, O
+Rama; for Janaka's daughter hath been seen by me. Having searched
+the southern region with all its hills, forests, and mines for some
+time, we became very weary. At length we beheld a great cavern. And
+having beheld it, we entered that cavern which extended over many
+<i>Yojanas</i>. It was dark and deep and overgrown with trees and
+infested by worms. And having gone a great way <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 551]</span> through it, we came upon sun-shine and
+beheld a beautiful palace. It was, O Raghava, the abode of the
+<i>Daitya Maya</i>. And there we beheld a female ascetic named
+<i>Prabhavati</i> engaged in ascetic austerities. And she gave us
+food and drink of various kinds. And having refreshed ourselves
+therewith and regained our strength, we proceeded along the way
+shown by her. At last we came out of the cavern and beheld the
+brimy sea, and on its shores, the <i>Sahya</i>, the <i>Malaya</i>
+and the great <i>Dardura</i> mountains. And ascending the mountains
+of <i>Malaya</i>, we beheld before us the vast ocean.<a id="footnotetag51" name="footnotetag51"></a><a href="#footnote51"><sup>51</sup></a> And beholding it we felt sorely
+grieved in mind. And dejected in spirits and afflicted with pain
+and famishing with hunger, we despaired of returning with our
+lives. Casting our eyes on the great ocean extending over many
+hundreds of <i>Yojanas</i> and abounding in whales and alligators
+and other aquatic animals, we became anxious and filled with grief.
+We then sat together, resolved to die there of starvation. And in
+course of conversation we happened to talk of the vulture
+<i>Jatayu</i>. Just then we saw a bird huge as a mountain, of
+frightful form, and inspiring terror into every heart, like a
+second son of Vinata.<a id="footnotetag52" name="footnotetag52"></a><a href="#footnote52"><sup>52</sup></a> And
+coming upon us unawares for devouring us, he said, 'Who are ye that
+are speaking thus of my brother <i>Jatayu</i>? I am his elder
+brother, by name <i>Sampati</i>, and am the king of birds. Once
+upon a time, we two, with the desire of outstripping each other,
+flew towards the sun. My wings got burnt, but those of
+<i>Jatayu</i> were not. That was the last time I saw my beloved
+brother <i>Jatayu</i>, the king of vultures! My wings burnt, I fell
+down upon the top of this great mountain where I still am!' When he
+finished speaking, we informed him of the death of his brother in a
+few words and also of this calamity that hath befallen thee! And, O
+king, the powerful Sampati hearing this unpleasant news from us,
+was greatly afflicted and again enquired of us, saying, 'Who is
+this Rama and why was Sita carried off and how was Jatayu slain? Ye
+foremost of monkeys I wish to hear everything in detail!' We then
+informed him of everything about this calamity of thine and of the
+reason also of our vow of starvation. That king of birds then urged
+us (to give up our vow) by these words of his: 'Ravana is, indeed,
+known to me. Lanka is his capital. I beheld it on the other side of
+the sea in a valley of the <i>Trikuta</i> hills! Sita must be
+there. I have little doubt of this!' Hearing these words of his, we
+rose up quickly and began, O chastiser of foes, to take counsel of
+one another for crossing the ocean! And when none dared to cross
+it, I, having recourse to my father, crossed the great ocean which
+is a hundred <i>Yojanas</i> in width. And having slain the
+<i>Rakshasis</i> on the waters, I saw the chaste Sita within
+Ravana's harem, observing ascetic austerities, eager to behold her
+lord, with matted locks on head, and body besmeared with filth, and
+lean, and melancholy and helpless. Recognising her as Sita by those
+unusual signs, and approaching that worshipful lady while alone, I
+said, 'I am, O Sita, an emissary of Rama and monkey begotten by
+<i>Pavana</i>!<a id="footnotetag53" name="footnotetag53"></a><a href="#footnote53"><sup>53</sup></a>
+Desirous of having a sight of thee, hither have I come <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 552]</span> travelling through the skies! Protected
+by Sugriva, that monarch of all the monkeys, the royal brothers
+Rama and Lakshmana are in peace! And Rama, O lady, with Sumitra's
+son, hath enquired of thy welfare! And Sugriva also, on account of
+his friendship (with Rama and Lakshmana) enquireth of thy welfare.
+Followed by all the monkeys, thy husband will soon be here. Confide
+in me, O adorable lady, I am a monkey and not a <i>Rakshasa</i>!'
+Thus addressed by me, Sita seemed to meditate for a moment and then
+replied to me, saying, 'From the words of <i>Avindhya</i> I know
+that thou art Hanuman! O mighty-armed one, Avindhya is an old and
+respected <i>Rakshasa</i>! He told me that Sugriva is surrounded by
+counsellors like thee. Thou mayst depart now!' And with these words
+she gave me this jewel as a credential. And, indeed, it was by
+means of this jewel that the faultless Sita had been able to
+support her existence. And the daughter of Janaka further told me
+as a token from her, that by thee, O tiger among men, a blade of
+grass (inspired with <i>Mantras</i> and thus converted into a fatal
+weapon) had once been shot at a crow while ye were on the breast of
+the mighty hill known by the name of <i>Chitrakuta</i>! And this
+she said as evidence of my having met her and hers being really the
+princess of Videha. I then caused myself to be seized by Ravana's
+soldiers, and then set fire to the city of Lanka!"'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'It was on the breast of that very hill where
+Rama was seated with those foremost of monkeys that great monkey
+chiefs at the command of Sugriva, began to flock together. The
+father-in-law of Vali, the illustrious Sushena, accompanied by a
+thousand crores of active apes, came to Rama. And those two
+foremost of monkeys endued with mighty energy, viz., Gaya and
+Gavakshya, each accompanied by a hundred crores of monkeys, showed
+themselves there. And, O king, Gavakshya also of terrible mien and
+endued with a bovine tail, showed himself there, having collected
+sixty thousand crores of monkeys. And the renowned Gandhamadana,
+dwelling on the mountains of the same name, collected a hundred
+thousand crores of monkeys. And the intelligent and mighty monkey
+known by the name of Panasa mustered together fifty-two crores of
+monkeys.<a id="footnotetag54" name="footnotetag54"></a><a href="#footnote54"><sup>54</sup></a> And that foremost and illustrious
+of monkeys named Dadhimukha of mighty energy mustered a large army
+of monkeys possessed of terrible prowess. And Jamvuvan showed
+himself there with a hundred thousand crores of black bears of
+terrible deeds and faces having the <i>Tilaka</i> mark.<a id="footnotetag55" name="footnotetag55"></a><a href="#footnote55"><sup>55</sup></a> And these and many other chiefs of
+monkey-chiefs, countless in number, O king, came there for aiding
+Rama's cause. And endued with bodies huge as mountain-peaks and
+roaring like lions, loud was the uproar that was heard there made
+by those monkeys running restlessly from place to place. And some
+of them looked like mountain-peaks, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+553]</span> and some looked like buffaloes. And some were of the
+hue of autumnal clouds and the faces of some were red as
+vermillion. And some rose high, and some fell down, and some cut
+capers, and some scattered the dust, as they mustered together from
+various directions. And that monkey army, vast as the sea at full
+tide, encamped there at Sugriva's bidding. And after those foremost
+of monkeys had mustered from every direction, the illustrious
+descendant of Raghu, with Sugriva by his side, set out in an
+auspicious moment of a very fair day under a lucky constellation,
+accompanied by that host arrayed in order of battle, as if for the
+purpose of destroying all the worlds. And Hanuman, the son of the
+Wind-god, was in the van of that host, while the rear was protected
+by the fearless son of Sumitra. And surrounded by the
+monkey-chiefs, those princes of Raghu's house with fingers cased in
+<i>guana</i> skin, shone, as they went, like the Sun and the Moon
+in the midst of the planets. And that monkey host armed with stones
+and <i>Sola</i> and <i>Tola</i> trees, looked very much like a
+far-extending field of corn under the morning sun. And that mighty
+army, protected by Nala and Nila and Angada and Kratha and Mainda
+and Dwivida, marched forth for achieving the purpose of Raghava.
+And encamping successively, without interruption of any kind, on
+wide and healthy tracts and valleys abounding with fruits and roots
+and water and honey and meat, the monkey host at last reached the
+shores of the brimy sea. And like unto a second ocean, that mighty
+army with its countless colours, having reached the shores of sea,
+took up its abode there. Then the illustrious son of Dasaratha,
+addressing Sugriva amongst all those foremost monkeys, spoke unto
+him these words that were suited to the occasion, "This army is
+large. The ocean also is difficult to cross. What contrivance,
+therefore, commends itself to thee for crossing the ocean?" At
+these words, many vain-glorious monkeys answered, "We are fully
+able to cross the sea." This answer, however, was not of much use,
+as all could not avail of that means. Some of the monkeys proposed
+to cross the sea in boats, and some in rafts of various kinds.
+Rama, however, conciliating them all, said, "This cannot be. The
+sea here is a full hundred <i>Yojanas</i> in width. All the
+monkeys, ye heroes, will not be able to cross it. This proposal,
+therefore, that ye have made, is not consonant to reason. Besides
+we have not the number of boats necessary for carrying all our
+troops. How, again, can one like us raise such obstacles in the way
+of the merchants? Our army is very large. The foe wilt make a great
+havoc if a hole is detected. Therefore, to cross the sea in boats
+and rafts doth not recommend itself to me. I will, however, pray to
+the Ocean for the necessary means. Foregoing food, I will lie down
+on the shore. He will certainly show himself to me. If, however, he
+doth not show himself, I will chastise him then by means of my
+great weapons that are more blazing than fire itself and are
+incapable of being baffled!" Having said these words, both Rama and
+Lakshmana touched water<a id="footnotetag56" name="footnotetag56"></a><a href="#footnote56"><sup>56</sup></a> and
+duly laid themselves down on a bed of <i>kusa</i> grass on the
+seashore. The divine and illustrious Ocean then, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 554]</span> that lord of male and female rivers,
+surrounded by aquatic animals, appeared unto Rama in a vision. And
+addressing Rama in sweet accents, the genius of the Ocean,
+surrounded by countless mines of gems, said, "O son of Kausalya,
+tell me what aid, O bull among men, I am to render thee! I also
+have sprung from the race of Ikshwaku and am, therefore, a relative
+of thine!" Rama replied unto him, saying, "O lord of rivers, male
+and female, I desire thee to grant me a way for my troops, passing
+along which I may slay the Ten-headed (Ravana), that wretch of
+Pulastya's race! If thou dost not grant the way I beg of thee, I
+will then dry thee up by means of my celestial arrows inspired with
+<i>mantras</i>!" And hearing these words of Rama, the genius of
+Varuna's abode, joining his hands, answered in great affliction, "I
+do not desire to put any obstacle in thy way. I am no foe of thine!
+Listen, O Rama, to these words, and having listened, do what is
+proper! If, at thy command, I get a way for the passage of thy
+army, others then, from strength of their bows, will command me to
+do the same! In thy army there is a monkey of the name of Nala, who
+is a skilful mechanic. And endued with great strength, Nala is the
+son of <i>Tashtri</i>, the divine artificer of the Universe. And
+whether it is wood, or grass or stone, that he will throw into my
+waters, I will support the same on my surface, and thus wilt thou
+have a bridge (over which to pass)!" And having said these words,
+the genius of the Ocean disappeared. And Rama awaking, called Nala
+unto him and said, "Build thou a bridge over the sea! Thou alone, I
+am sure, art able to do it!" And it was by this means that the
+descendant of Kakutstha's race caused a bridge to be built that was
+ten <i>Yojanas</i> in width and a hundred <i>Yojanas</i> in length.
+And to this day that bridge is celebrated over all the world by the
+name of <i>Nala's bridge</i>. And having completed that bridge,
+Nala, of body huge as a hill, came away at the command of Rama.</p>
+<p>"'And while Rama was on this side of the ocean, the virtuous
+Vibhishana, the brother of the king of the Rakshasas accompanied by
+four of his counsellors, came unto Rama. And the high-souled Rama
+received him with due welcome. Sugriva, however, feared, thinking
+he might be a spy. The son of Raghu, meanwhile perfectly satisfied
+(with Vibhishana) in consequence of the sincerity of his exertions
+and the many indications of his good conduct, worshipped him with
+respect. And he also installed Vibhishana in the sovereignty of all
+the Rakshasas and made him his own junior counsellor, and a friend
+of Lakshmana's. And it was under Vibhishana's guidance, O king,
+that Rama with all his troops crossed the great ocean by means of
+that bridge in course of a month. And having crossed the ocean and
+arrived at Lanka, Rama caused its extensive and numerous gardens to
+be devastated by his monkeys. And while Rama's troops were there,
+two of Ravana's counsellors and officers, named Suka and Sarana,
+who had come as spies, having assumed the shape of monkeys, were
+seized by Vibhishana. And when those wanderers of the night assumed
+their real Rakshasa forms, Rama showed them his <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 555]</span> troop and dismissed them quietly. And
+having quartered his troops in those woods that skirted the city,
+Rama then sent the monkey Angada with great wisdom as his envoy to
+Ravana.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having quartered his army in those groves
+abounding with food and water and with fruits and roots, the
+descendant of Kakutstha began to watch over them with care. Ravana,
+on the other hand, planted in his city many appliances constructed
+according to the rules of military science. And his city, naturally
+impregnable on account of its strong ramparts and gate-ways, had
+seven trenches, that were deep and full of water to the brim and
+that abounded with fishes and sharks and alligators, made more
+impregnable still by means of pointed stakes of <i>Khadira</i>
+wood. And the ramparts, heaped with stones, were made impregnable
+by means of catapults. And the warriors (who guarded the walls)
+were armed with earthen pots filled with venomous snakes, and with
+resinous powders of many kinds. And they were also armed with
+clubs, and fire-brands and arrows and lances and swords and
+battle-axes. And they had also <i>Sataghnis</i><a id="footnotetag57" name="footnotetag57"></a><a href="#footnote57"><sup>57</sup></a> and stout maces steeped in
+wax.<a id="footnotetag58" name="footnotetag58"></a><a href="#footnote58"><sup>58</sup></a> And at all the gates of the city
+were planted movable and immovable encampments manned by large
+numbers of infantry supported by countless elephants and horses.
+And Angada, having reached one of the gates of the city, was made
+known to the Rakshasas. And he entered the town without suspicion
+or fear. And surrounded by countless Rakshasas, that hero in his
+beauty looked like the Sun himself in the midst of masses of
+clouds. And having approached the hero of Pulastya's race in the
+midst of his counsellors, the eloquent Angada saluted the king and
+began to deliver Rama's message in these words, "That descendant of
+Raghu, O king, who ruleth at Kosala and whose renown hath spread
+over the whole world, sayeth unto thee these words suited to the
+occasion. Accept thou that message and act according to it!
+Provinces and towns, in consequence of their connection with sinful
+kings incapable of controlling their souls, are themselves polluted
+and destroyed. By the violent abduction of Sita, thou alone hast
+injured me! Thou, however, wilt become the cause of death to many
+unoffending persons. Possessed of power and filled with pride, thou
+hast, before this, slain many <i>Rishis</i> living in the woods,
+and insulted the very gods. Thou hast slain also many great kings
+and many weeping women. For those transgressions of thine,
+retribution is about to overtake thee! I will slay thee with thy
+counsellors. Fight and show thy courage!<a id="footnotetag59" name="footnotetag59"></a><a href="#footnote59"><sup>59</sup></a> O
+wanderer of the night, behold the power of <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 556]</span> my bow, although I am but a man! Release
+Sita, the daughter of Janaka! If thou dost not release her, I shall
+make the Earth divested of all Rakshasas with my keen-edged
+arrows!" Hearing these defiant words of the enemy, king Ravana bore
+them ill, becoming senseless with wrath. And thereupon four
+Rakshasas skilled in reading every sign of their master, seized
+Angada like four hawks seizing a tiger. With those Rakshasas,
+however, holding him fast by his limbs, Angada leaped upwards and
+alighted on the palace terrace. And as he leaped up with a great
+force, those wanderers of the night fell down the earth, and
+bruised by the violence of the fall, had their ribs broken. And
+from the golden terrace on which he had alighted, he took a
+downward leap. And overleaping the walls of Lanka, he alighted to
+where his comrades were. And approaching the presence of the lord
+of Kosala and informing him of everything, the monkey Angada endued
+with great energy retired to refresh himself, dismissed with due
+respect by Rama.</p>
+<p>"'The descendant of Raghu then caused the ramparts of Lanka to
+be broken down by a united attack of all those monkeys endued with
+the speed of the wind. Then Lakshmana, with Vibhishana and the king
+of the bears marching in the van, blew up the southern gate of the
+city that was almost impregnable. Rama then attacked Lanka with a
+hundred thousand crores of monkeys, all possessed of great skill in
+battle, and endued with reddish complexions like those of young
+camels. And those crores of greyish bears with long arms, and legs
+and huge paws, and generally supporting themselves on their broad
+haunches, were also urged on to support the attack. And in
+consequence of those monkeys leaping up and leaping down and
+leaping in transverse directions, the Sun himself, his bright disc
+completely shaded, became invisible for the dust they raised. And
+the citizens of Lanka beheld the wall of their town assume all over
+a tawny hue, covered by monkeys of complexions yellow as the ears
+of paddy, and grey as <i>Shirisha</i> flowers, and red as the
+rising Sun, and white as flax or hemp. And the Rakshasas, O king,
+with their wives and elders, were struck with wonders at that
+sight. And the monkey warriors began to pull down pillars made of
+precious stones and the terraces and tops of palatial mansions. And
+breaking into fragments the propellers of catapults and other
+engines, they began to cast them about in all directions. And
+taking up the <i>Sataghnis</i> along with the discs, the clubs, and
+stones, they threw them down into the city with great force and
+loud noise. And attacked thus by the monkeys, those Rakshasas that
+had been placed on the walls to guard them, fled precipitately by
+hundreds and thousands.</p>
+<p>"'Then hundreds of thousands of Rakshasas, of terrible mien, and
+capable of assuming any form at will, came out at the command of
+the king. And pouring a perfect shower of arrows and driving the
+denizens of the forest, those warriors, displaying great prowess,
+adorned the ramparts. And soon those wanderers of the night,
+looking like masses of flesh, and of terrible mien, forced the
+monkeys to leave the walls. And mangled by the enemies' lances,
+numerous monkey-chiefs fell down from the ramparts, and crushed by
+the falling columns and gate-ways, numerous Rakshasas also fell
+down to rise no more. And the monkeys and the brave Rakshasas that
+commenced to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 557]</span> eat up the foe,
+struggled, seizing one another by the hair, and mangling and
+tearing one another with their nails and teeth. And the monkeys and
+the Rakshasas roared and yelled frightfully, and while many of both
+parties were slain and fell down to rise no more, neither side gave
+up the contest. And Rama continued all the while to shower a thick
+downpour of arrows like the very clouds. And the arrows he shot,
+enveloping Lanka, killed large numbers of Rakshasas. And the son of
+Sumitra, too, that mighty bowman incapable of being fatigued in
+battle, naming particular Rakshasas stationed on the ramparts, slew
+them with his clothyard shafts. And then the monkey host, having
+achieved success was withdrawn at the command of Rama, after it had
+thus pulled down the fortifications of Lanka and made all objects
+within the city capable of being aimed at by the besieging
+force.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'And while those troops (thus withdrawn) were
+reposing themselves in their quarters, many little Rakshasas and
+<i>Pisachas</i> owning Ravana as their leader, penetrated amongst
+them. And among these were <i>Parvana, Patana, Jambha, Khara,
+Krodha-vasa, Hari, Praruja, Aruja</i> and <i>Praghasa</i>, and
+others. And as these wicked ones were penetrating (the monkey host)
+in their invisible forms, Vibhishana, who had the knowledge
+thereof, broke the spell of their invisibility. And once seen, O
+king, by the powerful and long-leaping monkeys, they were all slain
+and prostrated on the earth, deprived of life. And unable to endure
+this, Ravana marched out at the head of his troops. And surrounded
+by his terrible army of Rakshasas and <i>Pisachas</i>, Ravana who
+was conversant with the rules of warfare like a second
+<i>Usanas</i> invested the monkey host, having disposed his troops
+in that array which is named after <i>Usanas</i> himself. And
+beholding Ravana advancing with his army disposed in that array,
+Rama, following the mode recommended by Vrihaspati, disposed his
+troops in counter array for opposing that wanderer of the night.
+And coming up quickly, Ravana began to fight with Rama. And
+Lakshmana singled out Indrajit, and Sugriva singled out
+Virupakshya, and Nikharvata fought with Tara, and Nala with Tunda,
+and Patusa with Panasa. And each warrior, advancing up to him whom
+he regarded as his match, began to fight with him on that field of
+battle, relying on the strength of his own arms, and that
+encounter, so frightful to timid persons, soon became terrible and
+fierce like that between the gods and the <i>Asuras</i> in the days
+of old. And Ravana covered Rama with a shower of darts and lances
+and swords, and Rama also afflicted Ravana with his whetted arrows
+of iron furnished with the sharpest points, and in the same way
+Lakshmana smote the contending Indrajit with arrows capable of
+penetrating into the most vital parts and Indrajit also smote
+Sumitra's son with an arrowy shower. And Vibhishana showered upon
+Prahasta and Prahasta showered upon Vibhishana, without any regard
+for each other a thick downpour of winged arrows furnished with the
+sharpest points. And thus between those mighty warriors
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 558]</span> there came about an encounter
+of celestial weapons of great force, at which the three worlds with
+their mobile and immobile creatures were sorely distressed.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Then Prahasta, suddenly advancing up to
+Vibhishana and uttering a loud yell, struck him with his mace. But
+though struck with that mace of terrible force, the mighty-armed
+Vibhishana of great wisdom, without wavering in the least, stood
+still as the mountains of Himavat. Then Vibhishana, taking up a
+huge and mighty javelin furnished with a hundred bells, inspired it
+with <i>mantras</i> and hurled it at the head of his adversary. And
+by the impetuosity of that weapon rushing with the force of the
+thunderbolt, Prahasta's head was severed off, and he thereupon
+looked like a mighty tree broken by the wind. And beholding that
+wanderer of the night, Prahasta, thus slain in battle, Dhumraksha
+rushed with great impetuosity against the monkey-host. And
+beholding the soldiers of Dhumraksha, looking like the clouds and
+endued with terrible mien, advancing up towards them, the
+monkey-chief suddenly broke and fled. And seeing those foremost of
+monkeys suddenly give way, that tiger among monkeys, Hanuman, the
+son of Pavana, began to advance. And beholding the son of Pavana
+staying still on the field of battle, the retreating monkeys, O
+king, one and all quickly rallied. Then mighty and great and
+fearful was the uproar that arose there in consequence of the
+warriors of Rama and Ravana rushing against each other. And in that
+battle which raged terribly the field soon became miry with blood.
+And Dhumraksha afflicted the monkey-host with volleys of winged
+shafts. Then that vanquisher of foes, Hanuman, the son of Pavana,
+quickly seized that advancing leader of the Rakshasa. And the
+encounter that took place between that monkey and the Rakshasa
+hero, each desirous of defeating the other, was fierce and
+terrible, like that of Indra and Prahlada (in days of yore). And
+the Rakshasa struck the monkey with his maces and spiked clubs
+while the monkey struck the Rakshasa with trunks of trees unshorn
+of their branches. Then Hanuman, the son of Pavana, slew in great
+wrath that Rakshasa along with his charioteer and horses and broke
+his chariot also into pieces. And beholding Dhumraksha, that
+foremost of Rakshasa, thus slain, the monkeys, abandoning all fear,
+rushed against the Rakshasa army with great valour. And slaughtered
+in large numbers by the victorious and powerful monkeys, the
+Rakshasas became dispirited and fled in fear to Lanka. And the
+surviving wreck of the Rakshasa army, having reached the city,
+informed king Ravana of everything that had happened. And hearing
+from them that Prahasta and that mighty archer Dhumraksha, had
+both, with their armies, been slain by the powerful monkeys, Ravana
+drew a deep sigh and springing up from his excellent seat,
+said,&mdash;the time is come for Kumbhakarna to act.&mdash;And
+having said this, he awoke, by means of various loud-sounding
+instruments, his brother Kumbhakarna from his deep and prolonged
+slumbers. And having <span class="pagenum">[Pg 559]</span> awaked
+him with great efforts, the Rakshasa king, still afflicted with
+anxiety, addressed the mighty Kumbhakarna and said unto him when
+seated at his ease on his bed, having perfectly recovered
+consciousness and self-possession, these words, "Thou, indeed, art
+happy, O Kumbhakarna, that canst enjoy profound and undisturbed
+repose, unconscious of the terrible calamity that hath overtaken
+us! Rama with his monkey host hath crossed the Ocean by a bridge
+and disregarding us all is waging a terrible war (against us). I
+have stealthily brought away his wife Sita, the daughter of Janaka,
+and it is to recover her that he hath come hither, after having
+made a bridge over the great Ocean. Our great kinsmen also,
+Prahasta and others, have already been slain by him. And, O scourge
+of thy enemies, there is not another person, save thee, that can
+slay Rama! Therefore, O warrior, putting on thy armour, do thou set
+out this day for the purpose of vanquishing Rama and his followers!
+The two younger brothers of Dushana, viz., Vajravega and Promathin,
+will join thee with their forces!" And having said this unto the
+mighty Kumbhakarna, the Rakshasa king gave instructions to
+Vajravega and Promathin as to what they should do. And accepting
+his advice, those two warlike brothers of Dushana quickly marched
+out of the city, preceded by Kumbhakarna.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Then Kumbhakarna set out from the city,
+accompanied by his followers. And soon he beheld the victorious
+monkey troops encamped before him. And passing them by with the
+object of seeking out Rama, he beheld the son of Sumitra standing
+at his post, bow in hand. Then the monkey warriors, speedily
+advancing towards him, surrounded him on all sides. And then they
+commenced to strike him with numberless large trees. And many
+amongst them fearlessly began to tear his body with their nails.
+And those monkeys began to fight with him in various ways approved
+by the laws of warfare. And they soon overwhelmed that chief of the
+Rakshasas with a shower of terrible weapons of various kinds. And
+attacked by them thus, Kumbhakarna only laughed at them and began
+to eat them up. And he devoured those foremost of monkeys known by
+the name of Chala, and Chandachala, and Vajravahu. And beholding
+that fearful act of the <i>Rakshasa</i>, other monkeys were
+frightened and set forth a loud wail of fear. And hearing the
+screams of those monkey-leaders, Sugriva boldly advanced towards
+Kumbhakarna. And that high-souled king of the monkeys swiftly
+approaching the <i>Rakshasa</i>, violently struck him on the head
+with the trunk of a <i>Sala</i> tree. And though the high-souled
+Sugriva always prompt in action broke that <i>Sala</i> tree on the
+head of Kumbhakarna, he failed to make any impression on that
+<i>Rakshasa</i>. And then, as if roused from his torpor by that
+blow, Kumbhakarna stretching forth his arms seized Sugriva by main
+force. And beholding Sugriva dragged away by the <i>Rakshasa</i>,
+the heroic son of Sumitra, that delighter of his friends, rushed
+towards Kumbhakarna. And that slayer of hostile <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 560]</span> heroes, Lakshmana, advancing towards
+Kumbhakarna, discharged at him an impetuous and mighty arrow
+furnished with golden wings. And that arrow, cutting through his
+coat of mail and penetrating into his body, passed through it
+outright and struck into the earth, stained with the
+<i>Rakshasa's</i> blood. Kumbhakarna then, having his breast thus
+bored through, released the king of monkeys. And taking up a huge
+mass of stone as his weapon, the mighty warrior Kumbhakarna then
+rushed towards the son of Sumitra, aiming it at him. And as the
+<i>Rakshasa</i> rushed towards him, Lakshmana cut off his upraised
+arms by means of a couple of keen-edged shafts furnished with heads
+resembling razors. But as soon as the two arms of the Rakshasa were
+thus cut off, double that number of arms soon appeared on his
+person. Sumitra's son, however, displaying his skill in weapons,
+soon by means of similar arrows cut off those arms also, each of
+which had seized a mass of stone. At this, that <i>Rakshasa</i>
+assumed a form enormously huge and furnished with numerous heads
+and legs and arms. Then the son of Sumitra rived, with a
+<i>Brahma</i> weapon, that warrior looking like an assemblage of
+hill. And rent by means of that celestial weapon, that
+<i>Rakshasa</i> fell on the field of battle like a huge tree with
+spreading branches suddenly consumed by heaven's thunderbolt. And
+beholding Kumbhakarna endued with great activity and resembling the
+<i>Asura</i> Vritra himself, deprived of life and prostrated on the
+field of battle, the <i>Rakshasa</i> warriors fled in fear. And
+beholding the <i>Rakshasa</i> warriors running away from the field
+of battle, the younger brother of Dushana, rallying them, rushed in
+great wrath upon the son of Sumitra. Sumitra's son, however, with a
+loud roar, received with his winged shafts both those wrathful
+warriors, Vajravega and Promathin, rushing towards him. The battle
+then, O son of Pritha, that took place between those two younger
+brothers of Dushana on the one hand and the intelligent Lakshmana
+on the other, was exceedingly furious and made the bristles of the
+spectators stand on end. And Lakshmana overwhelmed the two
+<i>Rakshasas</i> with a perfect shower of arrows. And those two
+<i>Rakshasa</i> heroes, on the other hand, both of them excited
+with fury, covered Lakshmana with an arrowy hail. And that terrible
+encounter between Vajravega and Promathin and the mighty-armed
+Lakshmana lasted for a short while. And Hanuman, the son of Pavana,
+taking up a mountain peak, rushed towards one of the brothers, and
+with that weapon took the life of the Rakshasa Vajravega. And that
+mighty monkey, Nala, also, with a large mass of rock, crushed
+Promathin, that other younger brother of Dushana. The deadly
+struggle, however, between the soldiers of Rama and Ravana, rushing
+against one another, instead of coming to an end even after this,
+raged on as before. And hundreds of <i>Rakshasas</i> were slain by
+the denizens of the forest, while many of the latter were slain by
+the former. The loss, however, in killed, of the <i>Rakshasas</i>
+was far greater than that of the monkeys.</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 561]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Learning that Kumbhakarna had with his
+followers, fallen in battle as also that great warrior Prahasta,
+and Dhumraksha too of mighty energy, Ravana then addressed his
+heroic son Indrajit saying, "O slayer of foes, slay thou in battle
+Rama and Sugriva and Lakshmana. My good son, it was by thee that
+this blazing fame of mine had been acquired by vanquishing in
+battle that wielder of the thunderbolt, the thousand-eyed Lord of
+Sachi! Having the power of appearing and vanishing at thy will,
+slay thou, O smiter of foes, my enemies by means, O thou foremost
+of all wielders of weapons, of thy celestial arrows received as
+boons (from the gods)! Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva are incapable
+of enduring the bare touch of thy weapons. What shall I say,
+therefore, of their followers? That cessation of hostilities which
+could not be brought about by either Prahasta or Kumbhakarna in
+battle, be it thine, O mighty-armed one, to bring about! Slaying my
+enemies with all their army by means of thy keen-edged shafts,
+enhance my joy to-day, O son, as thou didst once before by
+vanquishing Vasava!" Thus addressed by him, Indrajit said&mdash;So
+be it,&mdash;and encased in mail he quickly ascended his chariot,
+and proceeded, O king, towards the field of battle. And then that
+bull amongst <i>Rakshasas</i> loudly announcing his own name,
+challenged Lakshmana endued with auspicious marks, to a single
+combat. And Lakshmana, thus challenged, rushed towards that
+<i>Rakshasa</i>, with his bow and arrows, and striking terror into
+his adversary's heart by means of the flapping of his bow-string on
+the leathern case of his left hand. And the encounter that took
+place between those warriors that defied each other's prowess and
+each of whom was desirous of vanquishing the other, and both of
+whom were conversant with celestial weapons, was terrible in the
+extreme. But when the son of Ravana found that he could not by his
+arrows gain any advantage over his adversary, that foremost of
+mighty warriors mustered all his energy. And Indrajit then began to
+hurl at Lakshmana with great force numberless javelins. The son of
+Sumitra, however, cut them into fragments by means of his own
+keen-edged arrows. And those javelins, thus cut into pieces by the
+keen-edged arrows of Lakshmana, dropped down upon the ground. Then
+the handsome Angada, the son of Vali, taking up a large tree,
+rushed impetuously at Indrajit and struck him with it on the head.
+Undaunted at this, Indrajit of mighty energy sought to smite Angada
+with a lance. Just at that juncture, however, Lakshmana cut into
+pieces the lance taken up by Ravana's son. The son of Ravana then
+took up a mace and struck on the left flank that foremost of
+monkeys, the heroic Angada who was then staying close beside him.
+Angada, the powerful son of Vali, little recking that stroke,
+hurled at Indrajit a mighty Sala stem. And hurled in wrath by
+Angada for the destruction of Indrajit, that tree, O son of Pritha,
+destroyed Indrajit's chariot along with his horses and charioteer.
+And thereupon jumping from his horseless and driverless car, the
+son of Ravana disappeared from sight, O king, by aid of his powers
+of illusion. And beholding that <i>Rakshasa</i>, abundantly endued
+with powers of illusion, disappear so suddenly, Rama <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 562]</span> proceeded towards that spot and began to
+protect his troops with care. Indrajit, however, with arrows,
+obtained as boons from the gods, began to pierce both Rama and
+mighty Lakshmana in every part of their bodies. Then the heroic
+Rama and Lakshmana both continued to contend with their arrows
+against Ravana's son who had made himself invisible by his powers
+of illusion. But Indrajit continued to shower in wrath all over
+those lions among men his keen-edged shafts by hundreds and
+thousands. And seeking that invisible warrior who was ceaselessly
+showering his arrows, the monkeys penetrated into every part of the
+firmament, armed with huge masses of stone. Them as well as the two
+brothers, however, the invisible <i>Rakshasa</i> began to afflict
+with his shafts. Indeed, the son of Ravana, concealing himself by
+his powers of illusion, furiously attacked the monkey host. And the
+heroic brothers Rama and Lakshmana, pierced all over with arrows,
+dropped down on the ground like the Sun and the Moon fallen down
+from the firmament.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Beholding both the brothers Rama and
+Lakshmana prostrate on the ground, the son of Ravana tied them in a
+net-work of those arrows of his which he had obtained as boons. And
+tied by Indrajit on the field of battle by means of that arrowy
+net, those heroic tigers among men resembled a couple of hawks
+immured in a cage. And beholding those heroes prostrate on the
+ground pierced with hundreds of arrows, Sugriva with all the
+monkeys stood surrounding them on all sides. And the king of the
+monkeys stood there, accompanied by Sushena and Mainda and Dwivida,
+and Kumuda and Angada and Hanuman and Nila and Tara and Nala. And
+Vibhishana, having achieved success in another part of the field,
+soon arrived at that spot, and roused those heroes from
+insensibility, awakening them by means of the weapon called
+<i>Prajna</i>.<a id="footnotetag60" name="footnotetag60"></a><a href="#footnote60"><sup>60</sup></a> Then
+Sugriva soon extracted the arrows from their bodies. And by means
+of that most efficacious medicine called the <i>Visalya</i>,<a id="footnotetag61" name="footnotetag61"></a><a href="#footnote61"><sup>61</sup></a> applied with celestial
+<i>mantras</i>, those human heroes regained their consciousness.
+And the arrow having been extracted from their bodies, those mighty
+warriors in a moment rose from their recumbent posture, their pains
+and fatigue thoroughly alleviated. And beholding Rama the
+descendant of Ikshwaku's race, quite at his ease, Vibhishana, O son
+of Pritha, joining his hands, told him these words, "O chastiser of
+foes, at the command of the king of the Guhyakas, a Guhyaka hath
+come from the White mountains, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+563]</span> bringing with him his water!<a id="footnotetag62" name="footnotetag62"></a><a href="#footnote62"><sup>62</sup></a> O great
+king, this water is a present to thee from Kuvera, so that all
+creatures that are invisible may, O chastiser of foes, become
+visible to thee! This water laved over the eyes will make every
+invisible creature visible to thee, as also to any other person to
+whom thou mayst give it!"&mdash;Saying&mdash;<i>So be
+it</i>,&mdash;Rama took that sacred water, and sanctified his own
+eyes therewith. And the high-minded Lakshmana also did the same.
+And Sugriva and Jambuvan, and Hanuman and Angada, and Mainda and
+Dwivida, and Nila and many other foremost of the monkeys, laved
+their eyes with that water. And thereupon it exactly happened as
+Vibhishana had said, for, O Yudhishthira, soon did the eyes of all
+these became capable of beholding things that could not be seen by
+the unassisted eye!</p>
+<p>"'Meanwhile, Indrajit, after the success he had won, went to his
+father. And having informed him of the feats he had achieved, he
+speedily returned to the field of battle and placed himself at the
+van of his army. The son of Sumitra then, under Vibhishana's
+guidance, rushed towards that wrathful son of Ravana coming back,
+from desire of battle, to lead the attack. And Lakshmana, excited
+to fury and receiving a hint from Vibhishana, and desiring to slay
+Indrajit who had not completed his daily sacrifice, smote with his
+arrows that warrior burning to achieve success. And desirous of
+vanquishing each other, the encounter that took place between them
+was exceedingly wonderful like that (in days of yore) between the
+Lord of celestials and Prahrada. And Indrajit pierced the son of
+Sumitra with arrows penetrating into his very vitals. And the son
+of Sumitra also pierced Ravana's son with arrows of fiery energy.
+And pierced with Lakshmana's arrows, the son of Ravana became
+senseless with wrath. And he shot at Lakshmana eight shafts fierce
+as venomous snakes. Listen now, O Yudhishthira, as I tell thee how
+the heroic son of Sumitra then took his adversary's life by means
+of three winged arrows possessed of the energy and effulgence of
+fire! With one of these, he severed from Indrajit's body that arm
+of his enemy which had grasped the bow. With the second he caused
+that other arm which had held the arrows, to drop down on the
+ground. With the third that was bright and possessed of the keenest
+edge, he cut off his head decked with a beautiful nose and bright
+with earrings. And shorn of arms and head, the trunk became fearful
+to behold. And having slain the foe thus, that foremost of mighty
+men then slew with his arrows the charioteer of his adversary. And
+the horses then dragged away the empty chariot into the city. And
+Ravana then beheld that car without his son on it. And hearing that
+his son had been slain, Ravana suffered his heart to be overpowered
+with grief. And under the influence of extreme grief and
+affliction, the king of the Rakshasas suddenly cherished the desire
+of killing the princess of Mithila. And seizing a sword, the wicked
+Rakshasa hastily ran towards that lady staying within the
+<i>Asoka</i> wood longing <span class="pagenum">[Pg 564]</span> to
+behold her lord. Then Avindhya beholding that sinful purpose of the
+wicked wretch, appeased his fury. Listen, O Yudhishthira, to the
+reasons urged by Avindhya! That wise Rakshasa said, "Placed as thou
+art on the blazing throne of an empire, it behoveth thee not to
+slay a woman! Besides, this woman is already slain, considering
+that she is a captive in thy power! I think, she would not be slain
+if only her body were destroyed. Slay thou her husband! He being
+slain, she will be slain too! Indeed, not even he of an hundred
+sacrifices (Indra) is thy equal in prowess! The gods with Indra at
+their head, had repeatedly been affrighted by thee in battle!" With
+these and many other words of the same import, Avindhya succeeded
+in appeasing Ravana. And the latter did, indeed, listen to his
+counsellor's speech. And that wanderer of the night, then, resolved
+to give battle himself, sheathed his sword, and issued orders for
+preparing his chariot.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXVIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The Ten-necked (Ravana), excited to fury at
+the death of his beloved son, ascended his car decked with gold and
+gems. And surrounded by terrible <i>Rakshasas</i> with various
+kinds of weapons in their hands, Ravana rushed towards Rama,
+fighting with numerous monkey-chiefs. And beholding him rushing in
+wrath towards the monkey army, Mainda and Nila and Nala and Angada,
+and Hanuman and Jambuvan, surrounded him with all their troops. And
+those foremost of monkeys and bears began to exterminate with
+trunks of trees, the soldiers of the Ten-necked (Ravana), in his
+very sight. And beholding the enemy slaughtering his troops, the
+<i>Rakshasa</i> king, Ravana, possessed of great powers of
+illusion, began to put them forth. And forth from his body began to
+spring hundreds and thousands of <i>Rakshasas</i> armed with arrows
+and lances and double-edged swords in hand. Rama, however, with a
+celestial weapon slew all those <i>Rakshasas</i>. The king of the
+<i>Rakshasas</i> then once more put forth his prowess of illusion.
+The Ten-faced, producing from his body numerous warriors
+resembling, O Bharata, both Rama and Lakshmana, rushed towards the
+two brothers. And then those <i>Rakshasas</i>, hostile to Rama and
+Lakshmana and armed with bows and arrows, rushed towards Rama, and
+beholding that power of illusion put forth by the king of
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, that descendant of Ikshwaku's race, the son of
+Sumitra, addressed Rama in these heroic words, "Slay those
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, those wretches with forms like thy own!" And
+Rama, thereupon slew those and other <i>Rakshasas</i> of forms
+resembling his own. And that time Matali, the charioteer of Indra,
+approached Rama on the field of battle, with a car effulgent as the
+Sun and unto which were yoked horses of a tawny hue. And Matali
+said, "O son of Kakutstha's race, this excellent and victorious
+car, unto which have been yoked this pair of tawny horses, belongs
+to the Lord of celestials! It is on this excellent car, O tiger
+among men, that Indra hath slain in battle hundreds of
+<i>Daityas</i> and <i>Danavas</i>! Therefore, O tiger among men, do
+thou, riding on the car driven by me, quickly slay Ravana in
+battle! <span class="pagenum">[Pg 565]</span> Do not delay in
+achieving this!" Thus addressed by him, the descendant of Raghu's
+race, however, doubted the truthful words of Matali, thinking this
+is another illusion produced by the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>&mdash;Vibhishana then addressed him saying, "This,
+O tiger among men, is no illusion of the wicked Ravana! Ascend thou
+this chariot quickly, for this, O thou of great effulgence,
+belongeth to Indra!" The descendant of Kakutstha then cheerfully
+said unto Vibhishana, "So be it", and riding on that car, rushed
+wrathfully upon Ravana. And when Ravana, too, rushed against his
+antagonist, a loud wail of woe was set up by the creatures of the
+Earth, while the celestials in heaven sent forth a leonine roar
+accompanied by beating of large drums. The encounter then that took
+place between the Ten-necked <i>Rakshasa</i> and that prince of
+Raghu's race, was fierce in the extreme. Indeed, that combat
+between them hath no parallel elsewhere. And the <i>Rakshasa</i>
+hurled at Rama a terrible javelin looking like Indra's thunderbolt
+and resembling a Brahmana's curse on the point of utterance.<a id="footnotetag63" name="footnotetag63"></a><a href="#footnote63"><sup>63</sup></a> Rama, however, quickly cut into
+fragments that javelin by means of his sharp arrows. And beholding
+that most difficult feat, Ravana was struck with fear. But soon his
+wrath was excited and the Ten-necked hero began to shower on Rama
+whetted arrows by thousands and tens of thousands and countless
+weapons of various kinds, such as rockets and javelins and maces
+and battle-axes and darts of various kinds and Shataghnis and
+<i>whetted shafts</i>. And beholding that terrible form of illusion
+displayed by the Ten-necked <i>Rakshasa</i>, the monkeys fled in
+fear in all directions. Then the descendant of Kakutstha, taking
+out of his quiver an excellent arrow furnished with handsome wings
+and golden feathers and a bright and beautiful head, fixed it on
+the bow with <i>Brahmasira</i> mantra. And beholding that excellent
+arrow transformed by Rama, with proper <i>mantras</i> into a Brahma
+weapon, the celestials and the Gandharvas with Indra at their head,
+began to rejoice. And the gods and the <i>Danavas</i> and the
+<i>Kinnaras</i> were led by the display of that <i>Brahma</i>
+weapon to regard the life of their Rakshasa foe almost closed. Then
+Rama shot that terrible weapon of unrivalled energy, destined to
+compass Ravana's death, and resembling the curse of a Brahmana on
+the point of utterance. And as soon, O Bharata, as that arrow was
+shot by Rama from his bow drawn to a circle, the <i>Rakshasa</i>
+king with his chariot and charioteer and horses blazed up,
+surrounded on all sides by a terrific fire. And beholding Ravana
+slain by Rama of famous achievements, the celestials, with the
+<i>Gandharvas</i> and the <i>Charanas</i>, rejoiced exceedingly.
+And deprived of universal dominion by the energy of the Brahma
+weapon, the five elements forsook the illustrious Ravana, and were
+consumed by the <i>Brahma</i> weapon, the physical ingredients of
+Ravana's body. His flesh and blood were all reduced to
+nothingness,&mdash;so that the ashes even could not be seen.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 566]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXXXIX</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having slain Ravana, that wretched king of
+the <i>Rakshasas</i> and foe of the celestials, Rama with his
+friends and Sumitra's son rejoiced exceedingly. And after the
+Ten-necked (<i>Rakshasa</i>) hath been slain, the celestials with
+the <i>Rishis</i> at their head, worshipped Rama of mighty arms,
+blessing and uttering the word <i>Jaya</i> repeatedly. And all the
+celestials and the <i>Gandharvas</i> and the denizens of the
+celestial regions gratified Rama of eyes like lotus leaves, with
+hymns and flowery showers. And having duly worshipped Rama, they
+all went away to those regions whence they had come. And, O thou of
+unfading glory, the firmament at that time looked as if a great
+festival was being celebrated.</p>
+<p>"'And having slain the Ten-necked <i>Rakshasa</i>, the lord Rama
+of worldwide fame, that conqueror of hostile cities, bestowed Lanka
+on Vibhishana. Then that old and wise counsellor (of Ravana) known
+by the name of Avindhya, with Sita walking before him but behind
+Vibhishana who was at the front, came out of the city. And with
+great humility Avindhya said unto the illustrious descendant of
+Kakutstha, "O illustrious one, accept thou this goddess, Janaka's
+daughter of excellent conduct!" Hearing these words, the descendant
+of Ikshwaku's race alighted from his excellent chariot and beheld
+Sita bathed in tears. And beholding that beautiful lady seated
+within her vehicle, afflicted with grief, besmeared with filth,
+with matted locks on head, and attired in dirty robes, Rama, afraid
+of the loss of his honour, said unto her, "Daughter of Videha, go
+withersover thou likest! Thou art now free! What should have been
+done by me, hath been done! O blessed lady, owning me for thy
+husband, it is not meet that thou shouldst grow old in the abode of
+the <i>Rakshasa</i>! It is for this I have slain that wanderer of
+the night! But how can one like us, acquainted with every truth of
+morality, embrace even for a moment a woman that had fallen into
+other's hands? O princess of Mithila whether thou art chaste or
+unchaste, I dare not enjoy thee, now that thou art like sacrificial
+butter lapped by a dog!" Hearing these cruel words, that adorable
+girl suddenly fell down in great affliction of heart, like a
+plantain tree severed from its roots. And the colour that was
+suffusing her face in consequence of the joy she had felt, quickly
+disappeared, like watery particles on a mirror blown thereon by the
+breath of the mouth. And hearing these words of Rama, all the
+monkeys also with Lakshmana became still as dead. Then the divine
+and pure-souled Brahma of four faces, that Creator of the Universe
+himself sprung from a lotus, showed himself on his car to Raghu's
+son. And Sakra and Agni and Vayu, and Yama and Varuna and the
+illustrious Lord of the <i>Yakshas</i>, and the holy <i>Rishis</i>,
+and king Dasaratha also in a celestial and effulgent form and on
+car drawn by swans, showed themselves. And then the firmament
+crowded with celestials and <i>Gandharvas</i> became as beautiful
+as the autumnal welkin spangled with stars. And rising up from the
+ground, the blessed and famous princess of Videha, in the midst of
+those present spoke unto Rama of wide chest, these words, "O
+prince, I impute no fault to thee, for thou art well acquainted
+with the behaviour that <span class="pagenum">[Pg 567]</span> one
+should adopt towards both men and women. But hear thou these words
+of mine! The ever-moving Air is always present within every
+creature. If I have sinned, let him forsake my vital forces! If I
+have sinned, Oh, then let Fire, and Water, and Space, and Earth,
+like Air (whom I have already invoked), also forsake my vital
+forces! And as, O hero, I have never, even in my dreams, cherished
+the image of any other person, so be thou my lord as appointed by
+the gods." After Sita had spoken, a sacred voice, resounding
+through the whole of that region, was heard in the skies,
+gladdening the hearts of the high-souled monkeys. And the Wind-god
+was heard to say, "O son of Raghu, what Sita hath said is true! I
+am the god of Wind. The princess of Mithila is sinless! Therefore,
+O king, be united with thy wife!" And the god of Fire said, "O son
+of Raghu, I dwell within the bodies of all creatures! O descendant
+of Kakutstha, the princess of Mithila is not guilty of even the
+minutest fault!" And Varuna then said, "O son of Raghu, the humours
+in every creature's body derive their existence from me! I tell
+thee, let the princess of Mithila be accepted by thee!" And Brahma
+himself then said, "O descendant of Kakutstha, O son, in thee that
+art honest and pure and conversant with the duties of royal sages,
+this conduct is not strange. Listen, however, to these words of
+mine! Thou hast, O hero, slain this enemy of the gods, the
+<i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Nagas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the
+<i>Danavas</i>, and the great <i>Rishis</i>! It was through my
+grace that he had hitherto been unslayable of all creatures. And
+indeed, it was for some reason that I had tolerated him for some
+time! The wretch, however, abducted Sita for his own destruction.
+And as regards Sita, I protected her through Nalakuvera's curse.
+For that person had cursed Ravana of old, saying, that if he ever
+approached an unwilling woman, his head should certainly be split
+into a hundred fragments. Let no suspicion, therefore, be thine! O
+thou of great glory, accept thy wife! Thou hast indeed, achieved a
+mighty feat for the benefit of the gods, O thou that art of divine
+effulgence!" And last of all Dasaratha said, "I have been gratified
+with thee, O child! Blessed be thou, I am thy father Dasaratha! I
+command thee to take back thy wife, and rule thy kingdom, O thou
+foremost of men!" Rama then replied, "If thou art my father, I
+salute thee with reverence, O king of kings! I shall indeed,
+return, at thy command, to the delightful city of Ayodhya!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed, his father, O bull of
+the Bharata race, gladly answered Rama, the corners of whose eyes
+were of a reddish hue, saying, "Return to Ayodhya and rule thou
+that kingdom! O thou of great glory, thy fourteen years (of exile)
+have been completed." Thus addressed by Dasaratha, Rama bowed to
+the gods, and saluted by his friends he was united with his wife,
+like the Lord of the celestials with the daughter of Puloman. And
+that chastiser of foes then gave a boon to Avindhya. And he also
+bestowed both riches and honours on the <i>Rakshasa</i> woman named
+<i>Trijata</i>. And when Brahma with all the celestials having
+Indra at their head, said unto Rama, "O thou that ownest Kausalya
+for thy mother, what boons after thy heart shall we grant thee?"
+Rama, thereupon, prayed them to grant him firm adherence to virtues
+and invincibility in respect of all foes. And he <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 568]</span> also asked for the restoration to life of
+all those monkeys that had been slain by the <i>Rakshasas</i>, and
+after Brahma had said&mdash;So be it, those monkeys, O king,
+restored to life, rose up from the field of battle, and Sita too,
+of great good fortune, granted unto Hanuman a boon, saying, "Let
+thy life, O son, last as long as (the fame of) Rama's achievements!
+And, O Hanuman of yellow eyes, let celestial viands and drinks be
+ever available to thee through my grace!"'</p>
+<p>"'Then the celestials with Indra at their head all disappeared
+in the very sight of those warriors of spotless achievements. And
+beholding Rama united with the daughter of Janaka, the charioteer
+of Sakra, highly pleased, addressed him in the midst of friends,
+and said these words, "O thou of prowess that can never be baffled
+thou hast dispelled the sorrow of the celestials, the
+<i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the <i>Asuras</i>, the
+<i>Nagas</i>, and human beings! As long, therefore, as the Earth
+will hold together, so long will all creatures with the celestials,
+the <i>Asuras</i>, the <i>Gandharvas</i>, the <i>Yakshas</i>, the
+<i>Rakshasas</i>, and the <i>Pannagas</i>, speak of thee." And
+having said these words unto Rama, Matali worshipped that son of
+Raghu, and having obtained the leave of that foremost of wielders
+of weapons, he went away, on that same chariot of solar effulgence.
+And Rama also, with Sumatra's son and Vibhishana, and accompanied
+by all the monkeys with Sugriva at their head, placing Sita in the
+van and having made arrangements for the protection of Lanka,
+recrossed the ocean by the same bridge. And he rode on that
+beautiful and sky-ranging chariot called the <i>Pushpaka</i> that
+was capable of going everywhere at the will of the rider. And that
+subduer of passions was surrounded by his principal counsellors in
+order of precedence. And arriving at that part of the sea-shore
+where he had formerly laid himself down, the virtuous king, with
+all the monkeys, pitched his temporary abode. And the son of Raghu
+then, bringing the monkeys before him in due time, worshipped them
+all, and gratifying them with presents of jewels and gems,
+dismissed them one after another. And after all the monkey-chiefs,
+and the apes with bovine tails, and the bears, had gone away, Rama
+re-entered Kishkindhya with Sugriva. And accompanied by both
+Vibhishana and Sugriva, Rama re-entered Kishkindhya riding on the
+<i>Pushpaka</i> car and showing the princess of Videha the woods
+along the way. And having arrived at Kishkindhya, Rama, that
+foremost of all smiters, installed the successful Angada as
+prince-regent of the kingdom. And accompanied by the same friends
+as also by Sumitra's son, Rama proceeded towards his city along the
+same path by which he had come. And having reached the city of
+Ayodhya, the king despatched Hanuman thence as envoy to Bharata.
+And Hanuman, having ascertained Bharata's intentions from external
+indications, gave him the good news (of Rama's arrival). And after
+the son of Pavana had come back, Rama entered <i>Nandigrama</i>.
+And having entered that town, Rama beheld Bharata besmeared with
+filth and attired in rags and seated with his elder brother's
+sandals placed before him. And being united, O bull of Bharata
+race, with both Bharata and Shatrughna, the mighty son of Raghu,
+along with Sumitra's son, began to rejoice exceedingly. And Bharata
+and Shatrughna also, united with their eldest brother, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 569]</span> and beholding Sita, both derived great
+pleasure. And Bharata then, after having worshipped his returned
+brother, made over to him with great pleasure, the kingdom that had
+been in his hands as a sacred trust. And Vasishtha and Vamadeva
+then together installed that hero in the sovereignty (of Ayodhya)
+at the eighth Muhurta<a id="footnotetag64" name="footnotetag64"></a><a href="#footnote64"><sup>64</sup></a> of the
+day under the asterism called <i>Sravana</i>. And after his
+installation was over, Rama gave leave to well-pleased Sugriva the
+king of the monkeys, along with all his followers, as also to
+rejoicing Vibhishana of Pulastya's race, to return to their
+respective abodes. And having worshipped them with various articles
+of enjoyment, and done everything that was suitable to the
+occasion, Rama dismissed those friends of his with a sorrowful
+heart. And the son of Raghu then, having worshiped that
+<i>Pushpaka</i> chariot, joyfully gave it back unto Vaisravana. And
+then assisted by the celestial <i>Rishi</i> (Vasishtha), Rama
+performed on the banks of the <i>Gomati</i> ten horse-sacrifices
+without obstruction of any kind and with treble presents unto
+Brahmanas.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXL</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'It was thus, O mighty-armed one, that Rama of
+immeasurable energy had suffered of old such excessive calamity in
+consequence of his exile in the woods! O tiger among men, do not
+grieve, for, O chastiser of foes, thou art <i>Kshatriya</i>! Thou
+too treadest in the path in which strength of arms is to be put
+forth,&mdash;the path that leadeth to tangible rewards. Thou hast
+not even a particle of sin. Even the celestials with Indra at their
+head, and the <i>Asuras</i> have to tread in the path that is trod
+by thee! It was after such afflictions that the wielder of the
+thunderbolt, aided by the <i>Maruts</i>, slew <i>Vritra</i>, and
+the invincible <i>Namuchi</i> and the Rakshasi of long tongue! He
+that hath assistance, always secureth the accomplishment of all his
+purposes! What is that which cannot be vanquished in battle by him
+that hath Dhananjaya for his brother? This Bhima, also, of terrible
+prowess, is the foremost of mighty persons. The heroic and youthful
+sons of Madravati again are mighty bowmen. With allies such as
+these, why dost thou despair, O chastiser of foes? These are
+capable of vanquishing the army of the wielder himself of the
+thunderbolt with the <i>Maruts</i> in the midst. Having these
+mighty bowmen of celestial forms for thy allies, thou, O bull of
+Bharata race, art sure to conquer in battle all thy foes! Behold,
+this Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, forcibly abducted by the
+wicked-minded Saindhava from pride of strength and energy, hath
+been brought back by these mighty warriors after achieving terrible
+feats! Behold, king Jayadratha was vanquished and lay powerless
+before thee! The princess of Videha was rescued with almost no
+allies by Rama after the slaughter in battle of the Ten-necked
+<i>Rakshasa</i> of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 570]</span> terrible
+prowess! Indeed, the allies of Rama (in that contest) were monkeys
+and black-faced bears, creatures that were not even human! Think of
+all this, O king, in thy mind! Therefore, O foremost of Kurus,
+grieve not for all (that hath occurred), O bull of the Bharata
+race! Illustrious persons like thee never indulge in sorrow, O
+smiter of foes!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that the king was comforted
+by Markandeya. And then that high-souled one, casting off his
+sorrows, once more spoke unto Markandeya."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLI</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Pativrata-mahatmya Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'O mighty sage, I do not so much grieve for
+myself or these my brothers or the loss of my kingdom as I do for
+this daughter of Drupada. When we were afflicted at the game of the
+dice by those wicked-souled ones, it was Krishna that delivered us.
+And she was forcibly carried off from the forest by Jayadratha.
+Hast thou even seen or heard of any chaste and exalted lady that
+resembleth this daughter of Drupada?'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O king, how the exalted merit of
+chaste ladies, O Yudhishthira, was completely obtained by a
+princess named Savitri. There was a king among the Madras, who was
+virtuous and highly pious. And he always ministered unto the
+Brahmanas, and was high-souled and firm in promise. And he was of
+subdued senses and given to sacrifices. And he was the foremost of
+givers, and was able, and beloved by both the citizens and the
+rural population. And the name of that lord of Earth was Aswapati.
+And he was intent on the welfare of all beings. And that forgiving
+(monarch) of truthful speech and subdued senses was without issue.
+And when he got old, he was stricken with grief at this. And with
+the object of raising offspring, he observed rigid vows and began
+to live upon frugal fare, having recourse to the Brahmacharya mode
+of life, and restraining his senses. And that best of kings,
+(daily) offering ten thousand oblations to the fire, recited
+Mantras in honour of <i>Savitri</i><a id="footnotetag65" name="footnotetag65"></a><a href="#footnote65"><sup>65</sup></a> and ate
+temperately at the sixth hour. And he passed eighteen years,
+practising such vows. Then when the eighteen years were full,
+<i>Savitri</i> was pleased (with him). And O king, issuing with
+great delight, in embodied form, from the <i>Agnihotra</i> fire,
+the goddess showed herself to that king. And intent on conferring
+boons, she spoke these words unto the monarch, "I have been
+gratified, O king, with thy <i>Brahmacharya</i> practices, thy
+purity and self-restraint and observance of vows, and all thy
+endeavours and veneration! Do thou, O mighty king, O Aswapati, ask
+for the boon that thou desirest! Thou ought, however, by no means
+show any disregard for virtue." Thereat Aswapati said, "It is with
+the desire of attaining virtue that I have been engaged in this
+task. O goddess, may many sons be born unto me worthy of my race!
+If thou art pleased with me, O goddess, I ask for this <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 571]</span> boon. The twice-born ones have assured me
+that great merit lieth in having offspring!" <i>Savitri</i>
+replied, "O king, having already learnt this thy intention, I had
+spoken unto that lord, the Grandsire, about thy sons. Through the
+favour granted by the Self-create, there shall speedily be born
+unto thee on earth a daughter of great energy. It behoveth thee not
+to make any reply. Well-pleased, I tell thee this at the command of
+the Grandsire."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having accepted <i>Savitri's</i> words and
+saying, "<i>So be it!</i>" the king again gratified her and said,
+"May this happen soon!" On <i>Savitri</i> vanishing away, the
+monarch entered his own city. And that hero began to live in his
+kingdom, ruling his subjects righteously. And when some time had
+elapsed, that king, observant of vows, begat offspring on his
+eldest queen engaged in the practice of virtue. And then, O bull of
+the Bharata race, the embryo in the womb of the princess of Malava
+increased like the lord of stars in the heavens during the lighted
+fortnight. And when the time came, she brought forth a daughter
+furnished with lotus-like eyes. And that best of monarchs, joyfully
+performed the usual ceremonies on her behalf. And as she had been
+bestowed with delight by the goddess <i>Savitri</i> by virtue of
+the oblations offered in honour of that goddess, both her father,
+and the Brahmanas named her <i>Savitri</i>. And the king's daughter
+grew like unto <i>Sree</i> herself in an embodied form. And in due
+time, that damsel attained her puberty. And beholding that graceful
+maiden of slender waist and ample hips, and resembling a golden
+image, people thought, "We have received a goddess." And
+overpowered by her energy, none could wed that girl of eyes like
+lotus-leaves, and possessed of a burning splendour.</p>
+<p>"'And it came to pass that once on the occasion of a
+<i>parva</i>, having fasted and bathed her head, she presented
+herself before the (family) deity and caused the Brahmanas to offer
+oblations with due rites to the sacrificial fire. And taking the
+flowers that had been offered to the god, that lady, beautiful as
+<i>Sree</i> herself, went to her high-souled sire. And having
+reverenced the feet of her father and offering him the flowers she
+had brought, that maiden of exceeding grace, with joined hands,
+stood at the side of the king. And seeing his own daughter
+resembling a celestial damsel arrived at puberty, and unsought by
+people, the king became sad. And the king said, "Daughter, the time
+for bestowing thee is come! Yet none asketh thee. Do thou
+(therefore) thyself seek for a husband equal to thee in qualities!
+That person who may be desired by thee should be notified to me. Do
+thou choose for thy husband as thou listest. I shall bestow thee
+with deliberation. Do thou, O auspicious one, listen to me as I
+tell thee the words which I heard recited by the twice-born ones.
+The father that doth not bestow his daughter cometh by disgrace.
+And the husband that knoweth not his wife in her season meeteth
+with disgrace. And the son that doth not protect his mother when
+her husband is dead, also suffereth disgrace. Hearing these words
+of mine, do thou engage thyself in search of a husband. Do thou act
+in such a way that we may not be censured by the gods!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having said these words to his daughter and
+his old counsellors, he instructed the attendants to follow her,
+saying,&mdash;<i>Go!</i> <span class="pagenum">[Pg 572]</span>
+Thereat, bashfully bowing down unto her father's feet, the meek
+maid went out without hesitation, in compliance with the words of
+her sire. And ascending a golden car, she went to the delightful
+asylum of the royal sages, accompanied by her father's aged
+counsellors. There, O son, worshipping the feet of the aged ones,
+she gradually began to roam over all the woods. Thus the king's
+daughter distributing wealth in all sacred regions, ranged the
+various places belonging to the foremost of the twice-born
+ones.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'On one occasion, O Bharata, when that
+king, the lord of the Madras, was seated with Narada in the midst
+of his court, engaged in conversation, Savitri, accompanied by the
+king's counsellors, came to her father's abode after having visited
+various sacred regions and asylums. And beholding her father seated
+with Narada, she worshipped the feet of both by bending down her
+head. And Narada then said, "Whither had this thy daughter gone?
+And, O king, whence also doth she come? Why also dost thou not
+bestow her on a husband, now that she hath arrived at the age of
+puberty?" Aswapati answered, saying, "Surely it was on this very
+business that she had been sent, and she returneth now (from her
+search). Do thou, O celestial sage, listen, even from her as to the
+husband she hath chosen herself!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then the blessed maid, commanded by her
+father with the words,&mdash;<i>Relate everything in
+detail</i>,&mdash;regarded those words of her sire as if they were
+those of a god, and spoke unto him thus, "There was, amongst the
+Salwas, a virtuous Kshatriya king known by the name of Dyumatsena.
+And it came to pass that in course of time he became blind. And
+that blind king possessed of wisdom had an only son. And it so
+happened that an old enemy dwelling in the vicinity, taking
+advantage of the king's mishap, deprived him of his kingdom. And
+thereupon the monarch, accompanied by his wife bearing a child on
+her breast, went into the woods. And having retired into the
+forests, he adopted great vows and began to practise ascetic
+austerities. And his son, born in the city, began to grow in the
+hermitage. That youth, fit to be my husband, I have accepted in my
+heart for my lord!" At these words of hers, Narada said, "Alas, O
+king, Savitri hath committed a great wrong, since, not knowing, she
+hath accepted for her lord this Satyavan of excellent qualities!
+His father speaketh the truth and his mother also is truthful in
+her speech. And it is for this that the Brahmanas have named the
+son <i>Satyavan</i>. In his childhood he took great delight in
+horses, and used to make horses of clay. And he used also to draw
+pictures of horses. And for this that youth is sometimes called by
+the name of <i>Chitraswa</i>." The king then asked, "And is prince
+Satyavan, who is devoted to his father, endued with energy and
+intelligence and forgiveness and courage?" Narada replied, saying,
+"In energy Satyavan is like unto the sun, and in wisdom like unto
+Vrihaspati! And he is brave like unto the lord of the celestials
+and forgiving <span class="pagenum">[Pg 573]</span> like unto the
+Earth herself!" Aswapati then said, "And is the prince Satyavan
+liberal in gifts and devoted to the Brahmanas? Is he handsome and
+magnanimous and lovely to behold?" Narada said, "In bestowal of
+gifts according to his power, the mighty son of Dyumatsena is like
+unto Sankriti's son Rantideva. In truthfulness of speech and
+devotion unto Brahmanas, he is like Sivi, the son of Usinara. And
+he is magnanimous like Yayati, and beautiful like the Moon. And in
+beauty of person he is like either of the twin Aswins. And with
+senses under control, he is meek, and brave, and truthful! And with
+passion in subjection he is devoted to his friends, and free from
+malice and modest and patient. Indeed, briefly speaking, they that
+are possessed of great ascetic merit and are of exalted character
+say that he is always correct in his conduct and that honour is
+firmly seated on his brow." Hearing this, Aswapati said, "O
+reverend sage, thou tellest me that he is possessed of every
+virtue! Do thou now tell me his defects if, indeed, he hath any!"
+Narada then said, "He hath one only defect that hath overwhelmed
+all his virtues. That defect is incapable of being conquered by
+even the greatest efforts. He hath only one defect, and no other.
+Within a year from this day, Satyavan, endued with a short life
+will cast off his body!" Hearing these words of the sage, the king
+said, "Come, O Savitri, go thou and choose another for thy lord, O
+beautiful damsel! That one great defect (in this youth) existeth,
+covering all his merits. The illustrious Narada honoured by even
+the gods, sayeth, that Satyavan will have to cast off his body
+within a year, his days being numbered!" At these words of her
+father, Savitri said, "The death can fall but once; a daughter can
+be given away but once; and once only can a person say, <i>I give
+away</i>! These three things can take place only once. Indeed, with
+a life short or long, possessed of virtues or bereft of them, I
+have, for once, selected my husband. Twice I shall not select.
+Having first settled a thing mentally, it is expressed in words,
+and then it is carried out into practice. Of this my mind is an
+example!" Narada then said, "O best of men, the heart of thy
+daughter Savitri wavereth not! It is not possible by any means to
+make her swerve from this path of virtue! In no other person are
+those virtues that dwell in Satyavan. The bestowal of thy daughter,
+therefore, is approved by me!" The king said, "What thou hast said,
+O illustrious one, should never be disobeyed, for thy words are
+true! And I shall act as thou hast said, since thou art my
+preceptor!" Narada said, "May the bestowal of thy daughter Savitri
+be attended with peace! I shall now depart. Blessed be all of
+ye!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, Narada rose up into
+the sky and went to heaven. On the other hand, the king began to
+make preparations for his daughter's wedding!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLIII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Having pondered over these words (of Narada)
+about his daughter's marriage, the king began to make arrangements
+about the nuptials. And summoning all the old Brahmanas, and
+<i>Ritwijas</i> together <span class="pagenum">[Pg 574]</span> with
+the priests, he set out with his daughter on an auspicious day. And
+arriving at the asylum of Dyumatsena in the sacred forest, the king
+approached the royal sage on foot, accompanied by the twice-born
+ones. And there he beheld the blind monarch of great wisdom seated
+on a cushion of <i>Kusa</i> grass spread under <i>Sala</i> tree.
+And after duly reverencing the royal sage, the king in an humble
+speech introduced himself. Thereupon, offering him the
+<i>Arghya</i>, a seat, and a cow, the monarch asked his royal
+guest,&mdash;<i>Wherefore is this visit?</i>&mdash;Thus addressed
+the king disclosed everything about his intentions and purpose with
+reference to Satyavan. And Aswapati said, "O royal sage, this
+beautiful girl is my daughter named Savitri. O thou versed in
+morality, do thou, agreeably to the customs of our order, take her
+from me as thy daughter-in-law!" Hearing these words, Dyumatsena
+said, "Deprived of kingdom, and taking up our abode in the woods,
+we are engaged in the practice of virtue as ascetics with regulated
+lives. Unworthy of a forest life, how will thy daughter, living in
+the sylvan asylum, bear this hardship?" Aswapati said, "When my
+daughter knoweth, as well as myself, that happiness and misery come
+and go (without either being stationary), such words as these are
+not fit to be used towards one like me! O king, I have come hither,
+having made up my mind! I have bowed to thee from friendship; it
+behoveth thee not, therefore, to destroy my hope! It behoveth thee
+not, also, to disregard me who, moved by love, have come to thee!
+Thou art my equal and fit for an alliance with me, as indeed, I am
+thy equal and fit for alliance with thee! Do thou, therefore,
+accept my daughter for thy daughter-in-law and the wife of the good
+Satyavan!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Formerly I had
+desired an alliance with thee. But I hesitated, being subsequently
+deprived of my kingdom. Let this wish, therefore, that I had
+formerly entertained, be accomplished this very day. Thou art,
+indeed, a welcome guest to me!"</p>
+<p>"'Then summoning all the twice-born ones residing in the
+hermitages of that forest, the two kings caused the union to take
+place with due rites. And having bestowed his daughter with
+suitable robes and ornaments, Aswapati went back to his abode in
+great joy. And Satyavan, having obtained a wife possessed of every
+accomplishment, became highly glad, while she also rejoiced
+exceedingly upon having gained the husband after her own heart. And
+when her father had departed, she put off all her ornaments, and
+clad herself in barks and cloths dyed in red. And by her services
+and virtues, her tenderness and self-denial, and by her agreeable
+offices unto all, she pleased everybody. And she gratified her
+mother-in-law by attending to her person and by covering her with
+robes and ornaments. And she gratified her father-in-law by
+worshipping him as a god and controlling her speech. And she
+pleased her husband by her honeyed speeches, her skill in every
+kind of work, the evenness of her temper, and by the indications of
+her love in private. And thus, O Bharata, living in the asylum of
+those pious dwellers of the forest, they continued for some time to
+practise ascetic austerities. But the words spoken by Narada were
+present night and day in the mind of the sorrowful Savitri.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 575]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLIV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'At length, O king, after a long time had
+passed away, the hour that had been appointed for the death of
+Satyavan arrived. And as the words that had been spoken by Narada
+were ever present in the mind of Savitri, she had counted the days
+as they passed. And having ascertained that her husband would die
+on the fourth day following, the damsel fasted day and night,
+observing the <i>Triratra</i> vow. And hearing of her vow, the king
+became exceedingly sorrowful and rising up soothed Savitri and said
+these words, "This vow that thou hast begun to observe, O daughter
+of a king, is exceedingly hard; for it is extremely difficult to
+fast for three nights together!" And hearing these words, Savitri
+said, "Thou needst not be sorry, O father! This vow I shall be able
+to observe! I have for certain undertaken this task with
+perseverance; and perseverance is the cause of the successful
+observance of vows." And having listened to her, Dyumatsena said,
+"I can by no means say unto thee, <i>Do thou break thy vow</i>. One
+like me should, on the contrary, say,&mdash;<i>Do thou complete thy
+vow!</i>" And having said this to her, the high-minded Dyumatsena
+stopped. And Savitri continuing to fast began to look (lean) like a
+wooden doll. And, O bull of the Bharata race, thinking that her
+husband would die on the morrow, the woe-stricken Savitri,
+observing a fast, spent that night in extreme anguish. And when the
+Sun had risen about a couple of hand Savitri thinking within
+herself&mdash;<i>To-day is that day</i>, finished her morning
+rites, and offered oblations to the flaming fire. And bowing down
+unto the aged Brahmanas, and her father-in-law, and mother-in-law,
+she stood before them with joined hands, concentrating her senses.
+And for the welfare of Savitri, all the ascetics dwelling in that
+hermitage, uttered the auspicious benediction that she should never
+suffer widowhood. And Savitri immersed in contemplation accepted
+those words of the ascetics, mentally saying,&mdash;<i>So be
+it!</i>&mdash;And the king's daughter, reflecting on those words of
+Narada, remained, expecting the hour and the moment.</p>
+<p>"'Then, O best of the Bharatas, well-pleased, her father-in-law
+and mother-in-law said these words unto the princess seated in a
+corner, "Thou hast completed the vow as prescribed. The time for
+thy meal hath now arrived; therefore, do thou what is proper!"
+Thereat Savitri said, "Now that I have completed the purposed vow,
+I will eat when the Sun goes down. Even this is my heart's resolve
+and this my vow!"</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'And when Savitri had spoken thus about
+her meal, Satyavan, taking his axe upon his shoulders, set out for
+the woods. And at this, Savitri said unto her husband, "It behoveth
+thee not to go alone! I will accompany thee. I cannot bear to be
+separated from thee!" Hearing these words of hers, Satyavan said,
+"Thou hast never before repaired to the forest. And, O lady, the
+forest-paths are hard to pass! Besides thou hast been reduced by
+fast on account of thy vow. How wouldst thou, therefore, be able to
+walk on foot?" Thus addressed, Savitri said, "I do not feel langour
+because of the fast, nor do I feel exhaustion. And I have made up
+my mind to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 576]</span> go. It behoveth
+thee not, therefore, to prevent me!" At this, Satyavan said, "If
+thou desirest to go, I will gratify that desire of thine. Do thou,
+however, take the permission of my parents, so that I may be guilty
+of no fault!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her lord, Savitri of
+high vows saluted her father-in-law and mother-in-law and addressed
+them, saying, "This my husband goeth to the forest for procuring
+fruits. Permitted by my revered lady-mother and father-in-law, I
+will accompany him. For to-day I cannot bear to be separated from
+him. Thy son goeth out for the sake of the sacrificial fire and for
+his reverend superiors. He ought not, therefore, to be dissuaded.
+Indeed, he could be dissuaded if he went into the forest on any
+other errand. Do ye not prevent me! I will go into the forest with
+him. It is a little less than a year that I have not gone out of
+the asylum. Indeed, I am extremely desirous of beholding the
+blossoming woods!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Since
+Savitri hath been bestowed by her father as my daughter-in-law, I
+do not remember that she hath ever spoken any words couching a
+request. Let my daughter-in-law, therefore, have her will in this
+matter. Do thou, however, O daughter, act in such a way that
+Satyavan's work may not be neglected!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having received the permission of both,
+the illustrious Savitri, departed with her lord, in seeming smiles
+although her heart was racked with grief. And that lady of large
+eyes went on, beholding picturesque and delightful woods inhabited
+by swarms of peacocks. And Satyavan sweetly said unto Savitri,
+"Behold these rivers of sacred currents and these excellent trees
+decked with flowers!" But the faultless Savitri continued to watch
+her lord in all his moods, and recollecting the words of the
+celestial sage, she considered her husband as already dead. And
+with heart cleft in twain, that damsel, replying to her lord,
+softly followed him expecting that hour.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLV</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'The powerful Satyavan then, accompanied by
+his wife, plucked fruits and filled his wallet with them. And he
+then began to fell branches of trees. And as he was hewing them, he
+began to perspire. And in consequence of that exercise his head
+began to ache. And afflicted with toil, he approached his beloved
+wife, and addressed her, saying, "O Savitri, owing to this hard
+exercise my head acheth, and all my limbs and my heart also are
+afflicted sorely! O thou of restrained speech, I think myself
+unwell, I feel as if my head is being pierced with numerous darts.
+Therefore, O auspicious lady, I wish to sleep, for I have not the
+power to stand." Hearing these words, Savitri quickly advancing,
+approached her husband, and sat down upon the ground, placing his
+head upon her lap. And that helpless lady, thinking of Narada's
+words, began to calculate the (appointed) division of the day, the
+hour, and the moment. The next moment she saw a person clad in red
+attire with his head decked with a diadem. And his body was
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 577]</span> of large proportions and
+effulgent as the Sun. And he was of a darkish hue, had red eyes,
+carried a noose in his hand, and was dreadful to behold. And he was
+standing beside Satyavan and was steadfastly gazing at him. And
+seeing him, Savitri gently placed her husband's head on the ground,
+and rising suddenly, with a trembling heart, spake these words in
+distressful accents, "Seeing this thy superhuman form, I take thee
+to be a deity. If thou will tell me, O chief of the gods, who thou
+art and what also thou intendst to do!" Thereat, Yama replied, "O
+Savitri, thou art ever devoted to thy husband, and thou art also
+endued with ascetic merit. It is for this reason that I hold
+converse with thee. Do thou, O auspicious one, know me for Yama.
+This thy lord Satyavan, the son of a king, hath his days run out. I
+shall, therefore, take him away binding him in this noose. Know
+this to be my errand!" At these words Savitri said, "I had heard
+that thy emissaries come to take away mortals, O worshipful one!
+Why then, O lord, hast thou come in person?"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her, the illustrious
+lord of <i>Pitris</i>, with a view to oblige her, began to unfold
+to her truly all about his intentions. And Yama said, "This prince
+is endued with virtues and beauty of person, and is a sea of
+accomplishments. He deserveth not to be borne away by my
+emissaries. Therefore is it that I have come personally." Saying
+this, Yama by main force pulled out of the body of Satyavan, a
+person of the measure of the thumb, bound in noose and completely
+under subjection. And when Satyavan's life had thus been taken out,
+the body, deprived of breath, and shorn of lustre, and destitute of
+motion, became unsightly to behold. And binding Satyavan's vital
+essence, Yama proceeded in a southerly direction. Thereupon, with
+heart overwhelmed in grief, the exalted Savitri, ever devoted to
+her lord and crowned with success in respect of her vows, began to
+follow Yama. And at this, Yama said, "Desist, O Savitri! Go back,
+and perform the funeral obsequies of thy lord! Thou art freed from
+all thy obligations to thy lord. Thou hast come as far as it is
+possible to come." Savitri replied, "Whither my husband is being
+carried, or whither he goeth of his own accord, I will follow him
+thither. This is the eternal custom. By virtue of my asceticism, of
+my regard for my superiors, of my affection for my lord, of my
+observance of vows, as well as of thy favour, my course is
+unimpeded. It hath been declared by wise men endued with true
+knowledge that by walking only seven paces with another, one
+contracteth a friendship with one's companion. Keeping that
+friendship (which I have contracted with thee) in view, I shall
+speak to thee something. Do thou listen to it. They that have not
+their souls under control, acquire not merit by leading the four
+successive modes of life, viz.,&mdash;celibacy with study,
+domesticity, retirement into the woods, and renunciation of the
+world. That which is called religious merit is said to consist of
+true knowledge. The wise, therefore, have declared religious merit
+to be the foremost of all things and not the passage through the
+four successive modes. By practising the duties of even one of
+these four modes agreeable to the directions of the wise, we have
+attained to true merit, and, therefore, we do not desire the second
+or the third mode, viz., celibacy with study or renunciation. It is
+for this again that the wise have declared religious merit to be
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 578]</span> the foremost of all things!"
+Hearing these words of hers, Yama said, "Do thou desist! I have
+been pleased with these words of thine couched in proper letters
+and accents, and based on reason. Do thou ask for a boon! Except
+the life of thy husband, O thou of faultless features, I will
+bestow on thee any boon that thou mayst solicit!" Hearing these
+words, Savitri said, "Deprived of his kingdom and bereft also of
+sight, my father-in-law leadeth a life of retirement in our sylvan
+asylum. Let that king through thy favour attain his eye-sight, and
+become strong like either fire or the Sun!" Yama said, "O thou of
+faultless features, I grant thee this boon! It will even be as thou
+hast said! It seems that thou art fatigued with thy journey. Do
+thou desist, therefore, and return! Suffer not thyself to be weary
+any longer!" Savitri said, "What weariness can I feel in the
+presence of my husband? The lot that is my husband's is certainly
+mine also. Whither thou carriest my husband, thither will I also
+repair! O chief of the celestials, do thou again listen to me! Even
+a single interview with the pious is highly desirable; friendship
+with them is still more so. And intercourse with the virtuous can
+never be fruitless. Therefore, one should live in the company of
+the righteous!" Yama said, "These words that thou hast spoken, so
+fraught with useful instruction, delight the heart and enhance the
+wisdom of even the learned. Therefore, O lady, solicit thou a
+second boon, except the life of Satyavan!" Savitri said, "Sometime
+before, my wise and intelligent father-in-law was deprived of his
+kingdom. May that monarch regain his kingdom. And may that superior
+of mine never renounce his duties! Even this is the second boon
+that I solicit!" Then Yama said,&mdash;"The king shall soon regain
+his kingdom. Nor shall he ever fall off from his duties. Thus, O
+daughter of a king have I fulfilled thy desire. Do thou now desist!
+Return! Do not take any future trouble!" Savitri said, "Thou hast
+restrained all creatures by thy decrees, and it is by thy decrees
+that thou takest them away, not according to thy will. Therefore it
+is, O god, O divine one, that people call thee <i>Yama</i>! Do thou
+listen to the words that I say! The eternal duty of the good
+towards all creatures is never to injure them in thought, word, and
+deed, but to bear them love and give them their due. As regards
+this world, everything here is like this (husband of mine). Men are
+destitute of both devotion and skill. The good, however, show mercy
+to even their foes when these seek their protection." Yama said,
+"As water to the thirsty soul, so are these words uttered by thee
+to me! Therefore, do thou, O fair lady, if thou will, once again
+ask for any boon except Satyavana's life!" At these words Savitri
+replied, "That lord of earth, my father, is without sons. That he
+may have a hundred sons begotten of his loins, so that his line may
+be perpetuated, is the third boon I would ask of thee!" Yama said,
+"Thy sire, O auspicious lady, shall obtain a hundred illustrious
+sons, who will perpetuate and increase their father's race! Now, O
+daughter of a king, thou hast obtained thy wish. Do thou desist!
+Thou hast come far enough." Savitri said, "Staying by the side of
+my husband, I am not conscious of the length of the way I have
+walked. Indeed, my mind rusheth to yet a longer way off. Do thou
+again, as thou goest on, listen to the words that I will presently
+utter! Thou art the powerful son of Vivaswat. It is for this that
+thou art called <i>Vatvaswata</i> <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+579]</span> by the wise. And, O lord, since thou dealest out equal
+law unto all created things, thou hast been designated the <i>lord
+of justice</i>! One reposeth not, even in one's own self, the
+confidence that one doth in the righteous. Therefore, every one
+wisheth particularly for intimacy with the righteous. It is
+goodness of heart alone that inspireth the confidence of all
+creatures. And it is for this that people rely particularly on the
+righteous." And hearing these words, Yama said, "The words that
+thou utterest, O fair lady, I have not heard from any one save
+thee; I am highly pleased with this speech of thine. Except the
+life of Satyavan, solicit thou, therefore, a fourth boon, and then
+go thy way!" Savitri then said, "Both of me and Satyavan's loins,
+begotten by both of us, let there be a century of sons possessed of
+strength and prowess and capable of perpetuating our race! Even
+this is the fourth boon that I would beg of thee!" Hearing these
+words of hers, Yama replied, "Thou shalt, O lady, obtain a century
+of sons, possessed of strength and prowess, and causing thee great
+delight. O daughter of a king, let no more weariness be thine! Do
+thou desist! Thou hast already come too far!" Thus addressed,
+Savitri said, "They that are righteous always practise eternal
+morality! And the communion of the pious with the pious is never
+fruitless! Nor is there any danger to the pious from those that are
+pious. And verily it is the righteous who by their truth make the
+Sun move in the heaven. And it is the righteous that support the
+earth by their austerities! And, O king, it is the righteous upon
+whom both the past and the future depend! Therefore, they that are
+righteous, are never cheerless in the company of the righteous.
+Knowing this to be the eternal practice of the good and righteous,
+they that are righteous continue to do good to others without
+expecting any benefit in return. A good office is never thrown away
+on the good and virtuous. Neither interest nor dignity suffereth
+any injury by such an act. And since such conduct ever adheres to
+the righteous, the righteous often become the protectors of all."
+Hearing these words of hers, Yama replied, "The more thou utterest
+such speeches that are pregnant with great import, full of honeyed
+phrases, instinct with morality, and agreeable to mind, the more is
+the respect that I feel for thee! O thou that art so devoted to thy
+lord, ask for some incomparable boon!" Thus addressed, Savitri
+said, "O bestower of honours, the boon thou hast already given me
+is incapable of accomplishment without union with my husband.
+Therefore, among other boons, I ask for this, may this Satyavan be
+restored to life! Deprived of my husband, I am as one dead! Without
+my husband, I do not wish for happiness. Without my husband, I do
+not wish for heaven itself. Without my husband, I do not wish for
+prosperity. Without my husband, I cannot make up my mind to live!
+Thou thyself hast bestowed on me the boon, namely, of a century of
+sons; yet thou takest away my husband! I ask for this boon, 'May
+Satyavan be restored to life,' for by that thy words will be made
+true."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thereupon saying,&mdash;<i>So be
+it</i>,&mdash;Vivaswat's son, Yama, the dispenser of justice,
+untied his noose, and with cheerful heart said these words to
+Savitri, "Thus, O auspicious and chaste lady, is thy husband freed
+by me! Thou wilt be able to take him back free from disease. And he
+will attain to success! And along with thee, he will attain a life
+of <span class="pagenum">[Pg 580]</span> four hundred years. And
+celebrating sacrifices with due rites, he will achieve great fame
+in this world. And upon thee Satyavan will also beget a century of
+sons. And these Kshatriyas with their sons and grandsons will all
+be kings, and will always be famous in connection with thy name.
+And thy father also will beget a hundred sons on thy mother Malavi.
+And under the name of the <i>Malavas</i>, thy Kshatriya brothers,
+resembling the celestials, will be widely known along with their
+sons and daughters!" And having bestowed these boons on Savitri and
+having thus made her desist, Yama departed for his abode. Savitri,
+after Yama had gone away, went back to the spot where her husband's
+ash-coloured corpse lay, and seeing her lord on the ground, she
+approached him, and taking hold of him, she placed his head on her
+lap and herself sat down on the ground. Then Satyavan regained his
+consciousness, and affectionately eyeing Savitri again and again,
+like one come home after a sojourn in a strange land, he addressed
+her thus, "Alas, I have slept long! Wherefore didst thou not awake
+me? And where is that same sable person that was dragging me away?"
+At these words of his, Savitri said, "Thou hast, O bull among men,
+slept long on my lap! That restrainer of creatures, the worshipful
+Yama, had gone away. Thou art refreshed, O blessed one, and sleep
+hath forsaken thee, O son of a king! If thou art able, rise thou
+up! Behold, the night is deep!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having regained consciousness, Satyavan
+rose up like one who had enjoyed a sweet sleep, and seeing every
+side covered with woods, said, "O girl of slender waist, I came
+with thee for procuring fruits. Then while I was cutting wood I
+felt a pain in my head. And on account of that intense pain about
+my head I was unable to stand for any length of time, and,
+therefore, I lay on thy lap and slept. All this, O auspicious lady,
+I remember. Then, as thou didst embrace me, sleep stole away my
+senses. I then saw that it was dark all around. In the midst of it
+I saw a person of exceeding effulgence. If thou knowest everything,
+do thou then, O girl of slender waist, tell me whether what I saw
+was only a dream or a reality!" Thereupon, Savitri addressed him,
+saying, "The night deepens. I shall, O prince, relate everything
+unto thee on the morrow. Arise, arise, may good betide thee! And, O
+thou of excellent vows, come and behold thy parents! The sun hath
+set a long while ago and the night deepens. Those rangers of the
+night, having frightful voices, are walking about in glee. And
+sounds are heard, proceeding from the denizens of the forest
+treading through the woods. These terrible shrieks of jackals that
+are issuing from the south and the east make my heart tremble (in
+fear)!" Satyavan then said, "Covered with deep darkness, the
+wilderness hath worn a dreadful aspect. Thou wilt, therefore, not
+be able to discern the tract, and consequently wilt not be able to
+go!" Then Savitri replied, "In consequence of a conflagration
+having taken place in the forest today a withered tree standeth
+aflame, and the flames being stirred by the wind are discerned now
+and then. I shall fetch some fire and light these faggots around.
+Do thou dispel all anxiety. I will do all (this) if thou darest not
+go, for I find thee unwell. Nor wilt thou be able to discover the
+way through this forest enveloped in darkness. Tomorrow when the
+woods become visible, we will go <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+581]</span> hence, if thou please! If, O sinless one, it is thy
+wish, we shall pass this night even here!" At these words of hers,
+Satyavan replied, "The pain in my head is off; and I feel well in
+my limbs. With thy favour I wish to behold my father and mother.
+Never before did I return to the hermitage after the proper time
+had passed away. Even before it is twilight my mother confineth me
+within the asylum. Even when I come out during the day, my parents
+become anxious on my account, and my father searcheth for me,
+together with all the inhabitants of the sylvan asylums. Before
+this, moved by deep grief, my father and mother had rebuked me many
+times and often, saying,&mdash;<i>Thou comest having tarried
+long</i>! I am thinking of the pass they have today come to on my
+account, for, surely, great grief will be theirs when they miss me.
+One night before this, the old couple, who love me dearly, wept
+from deep sorrow and said into me, 'Deprived of thee, O son, we
+cannot live for even a moment. As long as thou livest, so long,
+surely, we also will live. Thou art the crutch of these blind ones;
+on thee doth perpetuity of our race depend. On thee also depend our
+funeral cake, our fame and our descendants!' My mother is old, and
+my father also is so. I am surely their crutch. If they see me not
+in the night, what, oh, will be their plight! I hate that slumber
+of mine for the sake of which my unoffending mother and my father
+have both been in trouble, and I myself also, am placed in such
+rending distress! Without my father and mother, I cannot bear to
+live. It is certain that by this time my blind father, his mind
+disconsolate with grief, is asking everyone of the inhabitants of
+the hermitage about me! I do not, O fair girl, grieve so much for
+myself as I do for my sire, and for my weak mother ever obedient to
+her lord! Surely, they will be afflicted with extreme anguish on
+account of me. I hold my life so long as they live. And I know that
+they should be maintained by me and that I should do only what is
+agreeable to them!"'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, that virtuous youth
+who loved and revered his parents, afflicted with grief held up his
+arms and began to lament in accents of woe. And seeing her lord
+overwhelmed with sorrow the virtuous Savitri wiped away the tears
+from his eyes and said, "If I have observed austerities, and have
+given away in charity, and have performed sacrifice, may this night
+be for the good of my father-in-law, mother-in-law and husband! I
+do not remember having told a single falsehood, even in jest. Let
+my father-in-law and mother-in-law hold their lives by virtue of
+the truth!" Satyavan said, "I long for the sight of my father and
+mother! Therefore, O Savitri, proceed without delay. O beautiful
+damsel, I swear by my own self that if I find any evil to have
+befallen my father and mother, I will not live. If thou hast any
+regard for virtue, if thou wishest me to live, if it is thy duty to
+do what is agreeable to me, proceed thou to the hermitage!" The
+beautiful Savitri then rose and tying up her hair, raised her
+husband in her arms. And Satyavan having risen, rubbed his limbs
+with his hands. And as he surveyed all around, his eyes fell upon
+his wallet. Then Savitri said unto him, "Tomorrow thou mayst gather
+fruits. And I shall carry thy axe for thy ease." Then hanging up
+the wallet upon the bough of a tree, and taking up the axe, she
+re-approached her husband. And that lady of beautiful thighs,
+placing <span class="pagenum">[Pg 582]</span> her husband's left
+arm upon her left shoulder, and embracing him with her right arms,
+proceeded with elephantic gait. Then Satyavan said, "O timid one,
+by virtue of habit, the (forest) paths are known to me. And
+further, by the light of the moon between the trees, I can see
+them. We have now reached the same path that we took in the morning
+for gathering fruits. Do thou, O auspicious one, proceed by the way
+that we had come: thou needst not any longer feel dubious about our
+path. Near that tract overgrown with <i>Palasa</i> tree, the way
+diverges into two. Do thou proceed along the path that lies to the
+north of it. I am now well and have got back my strength. I long to
+see my father and mother!" Saying this Satyavan hastily proceeded
+towards the hermitage.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLVI</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the mighty Dyumatsena, having
+regained his sight, could see everything. And when his vision grew
+clear he saw everything around him. And, O bull of the Bharata
+race, proceeding with his wife Saivya to all the (neighbouring)
+asylums in search of his son, he became extremely distressed on his
+account. And that night the old couple went about searching in
+asylums, and rivers, and woods, and floods. And whenever they heard
+any sound, they stood rising their heads, anxiously thinking that
+their son was coming, and said, "O yonder cometh Satyavan with
+Savitri!" And they rushed hither and thither like maniacs, their
+feet torn, cracked, wounded, and bleeding, pierced with thorns and
+<i>Kusa</i> blades. Then all the Brahmanas dwelling in that
+hermitage came unto them, and surrounding them on all sides,
+comforted them, and brought them back to their own asylum. And
+there Dyumatsena with his wife surrounded by aged ascetics, was
+entertained with stories of monarchs of former times. And although
+that old couple desirous of seeing their son, was comforted, yet
+recollecting the youthful days of their son, they became
+exceedingly sorry. And afflicted with grief, they began to lament
+in piteous accents, saying, "Alas, O son, alas, O chaste
+daughter-in-law, where are you?" Then a truthful Brahmana of the
+name of Suvarchas spake unto them, saying, "Considering the
+austerities, self-restraint, and behaviour of his wife Savitri,
+there can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth!" And Gautama said, "I
+have studied all the <i>Vedas</i> with their branches, and I have
+acquired great ascetic merit. And I have led a celibate existence,
+practising also the <i>Brahmacharya</i> mode of life. I have
+gratified Agni and my superiors. With rapt soul I have also
+observed all the vows: and I have according to the ordinance,
+frequently lived upon air alone. By virtue of this ascetic merit, I
+am cognisant of all the doings of others. Therefore, do thou take
+it for certain that Satyavan liveth." Thereupon his disciple said,
+"The words that have fallen from the lips of my preceptor can never
+be false. Therefore, Satyavan surely liveth." And the <i>Rishi</i>
+said, "Considering the auspicious marks that his wife Savitri
+beareth and all of which indicate immunity from widowhood, there
+can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth!" <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+583]</span> And Varadwaja said, "Having regard to the ascetic
+merit, self-restraint, and conduct of his wife Savitri, there can
+be no doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Dalbhya said, "Since thou
+hast regained thy sight, and since Savitri hath gone away after
+completion of the vow, without taking any food, there can be no
+doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Apastamba said, "From the manner
+in which the voices of birds and wild animals are being heard
+through the stillness of the atmosphere on all sides, and from the
+fact also of thy having regained the use of thy eyes, indicating
+thy usefulness for earthly purposes once more, there can be no
+doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Dhaumya said, "As thy son is
+graced with every virtue, and as he is the beloved of all, and as
+he is possessed of marks betokening a long life, there can be no
+doubt that Satyavan liveth."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Thus cheered by those ascetics of
+truthful speech, Dyumatsena pondering over those points, attained a
+little ease. A little while after, Savitri with her husband
+Satyavan reached the hermitage during the night and entered it with
+a glad heart. The Brahmanas then said, "Beholding this meeting with
+thy son, and thy restoration to eye-sight, we all wish thee well, O
+lord of earth. Thy meeting with thy son, the sight of thy
+daughter-in-law, and thy restoration to sight&mdash;constitute a
+threefold prosperity which thou hast gained. What we all have said
+must come to pass: there can be no doubt of this. Henceforth thou
+shalt rapidly grow in prosperity." Then, O Pritha's son, the
+twice-born ones lighted a fire and sat themselves down before king
+Dyumatsena. And Saivya, and Satyavan, and Savitri who stood apart,
+their hearts free from grief, sat down with the permission of them
+all. Then, O Partha, seated with the monarch those dwellers of the
+woods, actuated by curiosity, asked the king's son, saying, "Why
+didst thou not, O illustrious one, come back earlier with thy wife?
+Why hast thou come so late in the night? What obstacle prevented
+thee! We do not know, O son of a king, why thou hast caused such
+alarm to us, and to thy father and mother. It behoveth thee to tell
+us all about this." Thereupon, Satyavan said, "With the permission
+of my father, I went to the woods with Savitri. There, as I was
+hewing wood in the forest, I felt a pain in my head. And in
+consequence of the pain, I fell into a deep sleep.&mdash;This is
+all that I remember. I had never slept so long before I have come
+so late at night, in order that ye might not grieve (on my
+account). There is no other reason for this." Gautama then said,
+"Thou knowest not then the cause of thy father's sudden restoration
+to sight. It, therefore, behoveth Savitri to relate it. I wish to
+hear it (from thee), for surely thou art conversant with the
+mysteries of good and evil. And, O Savitri, I know thee to be like
+the goddess <i>Savitri</i> herself in splendour. Thou must know the
+cause of this. Therefore, do thou relate it truly! If it should not
+be kept a secret, do thou unfold it unto us!" At these words of
+Gautama Savitri said, "It is as ye surmise. Your desire shall
+surely not be unfulfilled. I have no secret to keep. Listen to the
+truth then! The high-souled Narada had predicted the death of my
+husband. To-day was the appointed time. I could not, therefore,
+bear to be separated from my husband's company. And after he had
+fallen asleep, Yama, accompanied by his messengers, presented
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 584]</span> himself before him, and tying
+him, began to take him away towards the region inhabited by the
+<i>Pitris</i>. Thereupon I began to praise that august god, with
+truthful words. And he granted me five boons, of which do ye hear
+from me! For my father-in-law I have obtained these two boons,
+viz., his restoration to sight as also to his kingdom. My father
+also hath obtained a hundred sons. And I myself have obtained a
+hundred sons. And my husband Satyavan hath obtained a life of four
+hundred years. It was for the sake of my husband's life that I had
+observed that vow. Thus have I narrated unto you in detail the
+cause by which this mighty misfortune of mine was afterwards turned
+into happiness." The <i>Rishis</i> said, "O chaste lady of
+excellent disposition, observant of vows and endued with virtue,
+and sprung from an illustrious line, by thee hath the race of this
+foremost of kings, which was overwhelmed with calamities, and was
+sinking in an ocean of darkness, been rescued."'</p>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'Then having applauded and reverenced
+that best of women, those <i>Rishis</i> there assembled bade
+farewell to that foremost of kings as well as to his son. And
+having saluted them thus, they speedily went, in peace with
+cheerful hearts, to their respective abodes.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLVII</h2>
+<p>"Markandeya continued, 'When the night had passed away, and the
+solar orb had risen, those ascetics, having performed their morning
+rites, assembled together. And although those mighty sages again
+and again spake unto Dyumatsena of the high fortune of Savitri, yet
+they were never satisfied. And it so happened, O king, that there
+came to that hermitage a large body of people from Salwa. And they
+brought tidings of the enemy of Dyumatsena having been slain by his
+own minister. And they related unto him all that had happened,
+viz., how having heard that the usurper had been slain with all his
+friends and allies by his minister, his troops had all fled, and
+how all the subjects had become unanimous (on behalf of their
+legitimate king), saying, "Whether possessed of sight or not, even
+he shall be our king!" And they said, "We have been sent to thee in
+consequence of that resolve. This car of thine, and this army also
+consisting of four kinds of forces, have arrived for thee! Good
+betide thee, O King! Do thou come! Thou hast been proclaimed in the
+city. Do thou for ever occupy the station belonging to thy father
+and grand-father!" And beholding the king possessed of sight and
+able-bodied, they bowed down their heads, their eyes expanded with
+wonder. Then having worshipped those old and Brahmanas dwelling in
+the hermitage and honoured by them in return, the king set out for
+his city. And surrounded by the soldiers, Saivya also accompanied
+by Savitri, went in a vehicle furnished with shining sheets and
+borne on the shoulders of men. Then the priests with joyful hearts
+installed Dyumatsena on the throne with his high-souled son as
+prince-regent. And after the lapse of a long time, Savitri gave
+birth to a century of sons, all warlike and unretreating from
+battle, and enhancing the fame of Salwa's race. And she also had a
+century of highly powerful uterine brothers <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 585]</span> born unto Aswapati, the lord of the
+Madras, by Malavi. Thus, O son of Pritha, did Savitri raise from
+pitiable plight to high fortune, herself, and her father and
+mother, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, as also the race of
+her husband. And like that gentle lady Savitri, the auspicious
+daughter of Drupada, endued with excellent character, will rescue
+you all.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Thus exhorted by that high-souled sage, the
+son of Pandu, O king, with his mind free from anxiety, continued to
+live in the forest of Kamyaka. The man that listeneth with
+reverence to the excellent story of Savitri, attaineth to
+happiness, and success in everything, and never meeteth with
+misery!"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLVIII</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said,&mdash;"What, O Brahmana, was that great fear
+entertained by Yudhishthira in respect of Karna, for which Lomasa
+had conveyed to the son of Pandu a message of deep import from
+Indra in these words, <i>That intense fear of thine which thou dost
+never express to any one, I will remove after Dhananjaya goeth from
+hence?</i> And, O best of ascetics, why was it that the virtuous
+Yudhishthira never expressed it to any one?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "As thou askest me, O tiger among kings, I
+will relate that history unto thee! Do thou listen to my words, O
+best of the Bharatas! After twelve years (of their exile) had
+passed away and the thirteenth year had set in, Sakra, ever
+friendly to the sons of Pandu, resolved to beg of Karna (his
+ear-rings). And, O mighty monarch, ascertaining this intention of
+the great chief of the celestials about (Karna's) ear-rings, Surya,
+having effulgence for his wealth, went unto Karna. And, O foremost
+of kings, while that hero devoted to the Brahmanas and truthful in
+speech was lying down at night at his ease on a rich bed overlaid
+with a costly sheet, the effulgent deity, filled with kindness and
+affection for his son, showed himself, O Bharata, unto him in his
+dreams. And assuming from ascetic power the form of a handsome
+Brahmana versed in the <i>Vedas</i>, Surya sweetly said unto Karna
+these words for his benefit, 'O son, do thou O Karna, listen to
+these words of mine, O thou foremost of truthful persons! O
+mighty-armed one, I tell thee to-day from affection, what is for
+thy great good! With the object, O Karna, of obtaining thy
+ear-rings, Sakra, moved by the desire of benefiting the sons of
+Pandu, will come unto thee, disguised as a Brahmana! He, as well as
+all the world, knoweth thy character, viz., that when solicited by
+pious people, thou givest away but never takest in gift! Thou, O
+son, givest unto Brahmanas wealth or any other thing that is asked
+of thee and never refusest anything to anybody. Knowing thee to be
+such, the subduer himself of Paka will come to beg of thee thy
+ear-rings and coat of mail. When he beggeth the ear-rings of thee,
+it behoveth thee not to give them away, but to gratify him with
+sweet speeches to the best of thy power. Even this, is for thy
+supreme good! While asking thee for the ear-rings, thou shalt, with
+various reasons, repeatedly refuse Purandara who is desirous of
+obtaining them, offering him, instead, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+586]</span> various other kinds of wealth, such as gems and women
+and kine, and citing various precedents. If thou, O Karna, givest
+away thy beautiful ear-rings born with thee, thy life being
+shortened, thou wilt meet with death! Arrayed in thy mail and
+ear-rings, thou wilt, O bestower of honours, be incapable of being
+slain by foes in battle! Do thou lay to heart these words of mine!
+Both these jewelled ornaments have sprung from <i>Amrita</i>.
+Therefore, they should be preserved by thee, if thy life is at all
+dear to thee.'</p>
+<p>"Hearing these words, Karna said, 'Who art thou that tellest me
+so, showing me such kindness? If it pleaseth thee, tell me, O
+illustrious one, who thou art in the guise of a
+Brahmana!'&mdash;The Brahmana thereupon said, 'O son, I am he of a
+thousand rays! Out of affection, I point out to thee the path! Act
+thou according to my words, as it is for thy great good to do so!'
+Karna replied, 'Surely, this itself is highly fortunate for me that
+the god himself of splendour addresses me today, seeking my
+welfare. Listen, however, to these words of mine! May it please
+thee, O bestower of boons, it is only from affection that I tell
+thee this! If I am dear to thee, I should not be dissuaded from the
+observance of my vow! O thou that are possessed of the wealth of
+effulgence, the whole world knoweth this to be my vow that, of a
+verity, I am prepared to give away life itself unto superior
+Brahmanas! If, O best of all rangers of the sky, Sakra cometh to
+me, disguised as a Brahmana, to beg for the benefit of the sons of
+Pandu, I will, O chief of the celestials, give him the ear-rings
+and the excellent mail, so that my fame which hath spread over the
+three worlds may not suffer any diminution! For persons like us, it
+is not fit to save life by a blame-worthy act. On the contrary, it
+is even proper for us to meet death with the approbation of the
+world and under circumstances bringing fame. Therefore, will I
+bestow upon Indra the ear-rings with my coat of mail! If the slayer
+himself of Vala and Vritra cometh to ask for the ear-rings for the
+benefit of the sons of Pandu, that will conduce to my fame, leading
+at the same time to <i>his</i> infamy! O thou possessed of
+splendour, I wish for fame in this world, even if it is to be
+purchased with life itself, for they that have fame enjoy the
+celestial regions, while they that are destitute of it are lost.
+Fame keepeth people alive in this world even like a mother, while
+infamy killeth men even though they may move about with bodies
+undestroyed. O lord of the worlds, O thou possessed of the wealth
+of effulgence, that fame is the life of men is evidenced by an
+ancient <i>sloka</i> sung by the Creator himself,&mdash;<i>In the
+next world it is fame that is the chief support of a person, while
+in this world pure fame lengthens life</i>. Therefore, by giving
+away my ear-rings and mail with both of which I was born I will win
+eternal fame! And by duly giving away the same to Brahmanas
+according to the ordinance, by offering up my body (as a gift to
+the gods) in the sacrifice of war, by achieving feats difficult of
+performance, and by conquering my foes in fight, I will acquire
+nothing but renown. And by dispelling on the field of battle the
+fears of the affrighted that may beg for their lives, and relieving
+old men and boys and Brahmanas from terror and anxiety, I will win
+excellent fame and the highest heaven. My fame is to be protected
+with the sacrifice of even my life. Even this, know thou, is my
+vow! By giving away such a valuable gift to Maghavan disguised as a
+Brahmana, I <span class="pagenum">[Pg 587]</span> will, O god,
+acquire in this world the most exalted state.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCLXLIX</h2>
+<p>"Surya said, 'Never do, O Karna, anything that is harmful to thy
+self and thy friends; thy sons, thy wives, thy father, and thy
+mother; O thou best of those that bear life, people desire renown
+(in this world) and lasting fame in heaven, without wishing to
+sacrifice their bodies. But as thou desirest undying fame at the
+expense of thy life, she will, without doubt, snatch away thy life!
+O bull among men, in this world, the father, the mother, the son,
+and other relatives are of use only to him that is alive. O tiger
+among men, as regard kings, it is only when they are alive that
+prowess can be of any use to them. Do thou understand this? O thou
+of exceeding splendour, fame is for the good of these only that are
+alive! Of what use is fame to the dead whose bodies have been
+reduced to ashes? One that is dead cannot enjoy renown. It is only
+when one is alive that one can enjoy it. The fame of one that is
+dead is like a garland of flowers around the neck of a corpse. As
+thou reverest me, I tell thee this for thy benefit, because thou
+art a worshipper of mine! They that worship me are always protected
+by me. That also is another reason for my addressing thee thus!
+Thinking again, O mighty-armed one, that <i>this one revereth me
+with great reverence</i>, I have been inspired with love for thee!
+Do thou, therefore, act according to my words! There is, besides
+some profound mystery in all this, ordained by fate. It is for
+this, that I tell thee so. Do thou act without mistrust of any
+kind! O bull among men, it is not fit for thee to know this which
+is a secret to the very gods. Therefore, I do not reveal that
+secret unto thee. Thou wilt, however, understand it in time. I
+repeat what I have already said. Do thou, O Radha's son, lay my
+words to heart! When the wielder of the thunder-bolt asketh thee
+for them, do thou never give him thy ear-rings! O thou of exceeding
+splendour, with thy handsome ear-rings, thou lookest beautiful,
+even like the Moon himself in the clear firmament, between the
+<i>Visakha</i> constellation! Dost thou know that fame availeth
+only the person that is living. Therefore, when the lord of the
+celestials will ask the ear-rings, thou shouldst, O son, refuse
+him! Repeating again and again answers fraught with various
+reasons, thou wilt, O sinless one, be able to remove the eagerness
+of the lord of the celestial for the possession of the ear-rings.
+Do thou, O Karna, alter Purandara's purpose by urging answers
+fraught with reason and grave import and adorned with sweetness and
+suavity. Thou dost always, O tiger among men, challenge him that
+can draw the bow with his left hand, and heroic Arjuna also will
+surely encounter thee in fight. But when furnished with thy
+ear-rings, Arjuna will never be able to vanquish thee in fight even
+if Indra himself comes to his assistance. Therefore, O Karna, if
+thou wishest to vanquish Arjuna in battle, these handsome ear-rings
+of thine should never be parted with to Sakra.'"</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 588]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCC</h2>
+<p>"Karna said, 'As thou, O lord of splendour, knowest me for thy
+worshipper, so also thou knowest that there is nothing which I
+cannot give away in charity, O thou of fiery rays! Neither my
+wives, nor my sons, nor my own self, nor my friends, are so dear to
+me as thou, on account of the veneration I feel for thee, O lord of
+splendour! Thou knowest, O maker of light, that high-souled persons
+bear a loving regard for their dear worshippers. <i>Karna revereth
+me and is dear to me. He knoweth no other deity in
+heaven</i>,&mdash;thinking this thou hast, O lord, said unto me
+what is for my benefit. Yet, O thou of bright rays, again do I
+beseech thee with bended head, again do I place myself in thy
+hands. I will repeat the answer I have already given. It behoveth
+thee to forgive me! Death itself is not fraught with such terrors
+for me as untruth! As regards especially the Brahmanas, again, I do
+not hesitate to yield up my life even for them! And, O divine one,
+respecting what thou hast said unto me of Phalguna, the son of
+Pandu, let thy grief born of thy anxiety of heart, O lord of
+splendour, be dispelled touching him and myself; for I shall surely
+conquer Arjuna in battle! Thou knowest, O deity, that I have great
+strength of weapons obtained from Jamadagnya and the high-souled
+Drona. Permit me now, O foremost of celestials, to observe my vow,
+so that unto him of the thunderbolt coming to beg of me, I may give
+away even my life!'</p>
+<p>"Surya said, 'If O son, thou givest away thy ear-rings to the
+wielder of the thunder-bolt, O thou of mighty strength, thou
+shouldst also, for the purpose of securing victory, speak unto him,
+saying,&mdash;<i>O thou of a hundred sacrifices, I shall give thee
+ear-rings under a condition</i>.&mdash;Furnished with the
+ear-rings, thou art certainly incapable of being slain by any
+being. Therefore, it is, O son, that desirous of beholding thee
+slain in battle by Arjuna, the destroyer of the Danavas desireth to
+deprive thee of thy ear-rings. Repeatedly adoring with truthful
+words that lord of the celestials, viz., Purandara armed with
+weapons incapable of being frustrated, do thou also beseech him,
+saying, "Give me an infallible dart capable of slaying all foes,
+and I will, O thousand-eyed deity, give the ear-rings with the
+excellent coat of mail!" On this condition shouldst thou give the
+ear-rings unto Sakra. With that dart, O Karna, thou wilt slay foes
+in battle: for, O mighty-armed one, that dart of the chief of the
+celestials doth not return to the hand that hurleth it, without
+slaying enemies by hundreds and by thousands!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this, the thousand-rayed
+deity suddenly vanished away. The next day, after having told his
+prayers, Karna related his dream unto the Sun. And Vrisha related
+unto him the vision he had seen, and all that had passed between
+them in the night. Thereupon, having heard everything, that enemy
+of Swarbhanu, that lord, the resplendent and divine Surya, said
+unto him with a smile, 'It is even so!' Then Radha's son, that
+slayer of hostile heroes, knowing all about the matter, and
+desirous of obtaining the dart, remained in expectation of
+Vasava."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 589]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCI</h2>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "What was that secret which was not revealed to
+Karna by the deity of warm rays? Of what kind also were those
+ear-rings and of what sort was that coat of mail? Whence, too, was
+that mail and those ear-rings? All this, O best of men. I wish to
+hear! O thou possessed of the wealth of asceticism, do tell me all
+this!"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "I will, O monarch, tell thee that secret
+which was not revealed by the deity possessed of the wealth of
+effulgence. I will also describe unto thee those ear-rings and that
+coat of mail. Once on a time, O king, there appeared before
+Kuntibhoja a Brahmana of fierce energy and tall stature, bearing a
+beard and matted locks, and carrying a staff in his hand. And, he
+was agreeable to the eye and of faultless limbs, and seemed to
+blaze forth in splendour. And he was possessed of a yellow-blue
+complexion like that of honey. And his speech was mellifluous, and
+he was adorned with ascetic merit and a knowledge of the
+<i>Vedas</i>. And that person of great ascetic merit, addressing
+king Kuntibhoja, said, 'O thou that are free from pride, I wish to
+live as a guest in thy house feeding on the food obtained as alms
+from thee! Neither thy followers, nor thou thyself, shall ever act
+in such a way as to produce my displeasure! If, O sinless one, it
+liketh thee, I would then live in thy house thus! I shall leave thy
+abode when I wish, and come back when I please. And, O king, no one
+shall offend me in respect of my food or bed.'&mdash;Then
+Kuntibhoja spake unto him these words cheerfully, 'Be it so, and
+more.' And he again said unto him, 'O thou of great wisdom, I have
+an illustrious daughter named Pritha. And she beareth an excellent
+character, is observant of vow, chaste, and of subdued senses. And
+she shall attend on thee and minister unto thee with reverence. And
+thou wilt be pleased with her disposition!' And having said this to
+that Brahmana and duly paid him homage, the king went to his
+daughter Pritha of large eyes, and spake thus unto her, 'O child,
+this eminently pious Brahmana is desirous of dwelling in my house!
+I have accepted his proposal, saying,&mdash;<i>So be it</i>,
+relying, O child, on thy aptitude and skill in ministering unto
+Brahmanas. It, therefore, behoveth thee to act in such a manner
+that my words may not be untrue. Do thou give him with alacrity
+whatever this reverend Brahmana possessed of ascetic merit and
+engaged in the study of the Vedas, may want. Let everything that
+this Brahmana asketh for be given to him cheerfully. A Brahmana is
+the embodiment of pre-eminent energy: he is also the embodiment of
+the highest ascetic merit. It is in consequence of the virtuous
+practices of Brahmanas that the sun shineth in the heavens. It was
+for their disregard of Brahmanas that were deserving of honour that
+the mighty <i>Asura</i> Vatapi, as also Talajangha, was destroyed
+by the curse of the Brahmanas. For the present, O child, it is a
+highly virtuous one of that order that is entrusted to thy keep.
+Thou shouldst always tend this Brahmana with concentrated mind. O
+daughter, I know that, from childhood upwards, thou hast ever been
+attentive to Brahmanas, and superiors, and relatives, and servants,
+and friends, to thy mothers and myself. I know thou bearest thyself
+well, bestowing proper regard upon everyone. And, O thou of
+faultless limbs, <span class="pagenum">[Pg 590]</span> in the city
+of the interior of my palace, on account of thy gentle behaviour,
+there is not one, even among the servants, that is dissatisfied
+with thee. I have, therefore, thought thee fit to wait upon all
+Brahmanas of wrathful temper. Thou art, O Pritha, a girl and has
+been adopted as my daughter. Thou art born in the race of the
+Vrishnis, and art the favourite daughter of Sura. Thou wert, O
+girl, given to me gladly by thy father himself. The sister of
+Vasudeva by birth, thou art (by adoption) the foremost of my
+children. Having promised me in these words,&mdash;<i>I will give
+my first born</i>,&mdash;thy father gladly gave thee to me while
+thou wert yet in thy infancy. It is for this reason that thou art
+my daughter. Born in such a race and reared in such a race, thou
+hast come from one happy state to another like a lotus transferred
+from one lake to another. O auspicious girl, women, specially they
+that are of mean extraction, although they may with difficulty be
+kept under restraint, become in consequence of their unripe age,
+generally deformed in character. But thou, O Pritha, art born in a
+royal race, and thy beauty also is extraordinary. And then, O girl,
+thou art endued with every accomplishment. Do thou, therefore, O
+damsel, renouncing pride and haughtiness and a sense of
+self-importance, wait upon and worship the boon-giving Brahmana,
+and thereby attain, O Pritha, to an auspicious state! By acting
+thus, O auspicious and sinless girl, thou wilt surely attain to
+auspiciousness! But if on the contrary, thou stirrest up the anger
+of this best of the twice-born ones, my entire race will be
+consumed by him!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCII</h2>
+<p>"Kunti said, 'According to thy promise, I will, O king, with
+concentrated mind, serve that Brahmana. O foremost of kings, I do
+not say this falsely. It is my nature to worship Brahmanas. And, as
+in the present case, my doing so would be agreeable to thee, even
+this would be highly conducive to my welfare. Whether that
+worshipful one cometh in the evening, or in morning, or at night or
+even at midnight, he will have no reason to be angry with me! O
+foremost of kings, to do good by serving the twice-born ones,
+observing all thy commands, is what I consider to be highly
+profitable to me, O best of men! Do thou, therefore, O foremost of
+monarchs rely on me! That best of Brahmanas, while residing in thy
+house, shall never have cause for dissatisfaction, I tell thee
+truly. I shall, O king, be always attentive to that which is
+agreeable to this Brahmana, and what is fraught also with good to
+thee. O sinless one! I know full well that Brahmanas that are
+eminently virtuous, when propitiated bestow salvation, and when
+displeased, are capable of bringing about destruction upon the
+offender. Therefore, I shall please this foremost of Brahmanas.
+Thou wilt not, O monarch, come to any grief from that best of
+regenerate persons, owing to any act of mine. In consequence of the
+transgressions of monarchs, Brahmanas, O foremost of kings, became
+the cause of evil to them, as Chyavana had become, in consequence
+of the act of Sukanya. I will, therefore, O king, with great
+regularity, wait upon that best of Brahmanas <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 591]</span> according to thy instructions in that
+respect!' And when she had thus spoken at length, the king embraced
+and cheered her, and instructed her in detail as to what should be
+done by her. And the king said, 'Thou shall, O gentle maid, act
+even thus, without fear, for my good as also thy own, and for the
+good of thy race also, O thou of faultless limbs!' And having said
+this the illustrious Kuntibhoja, who was devoted to the Brahmanas,
+made over the girl Pritha to that Brahmana, saying, 'This my
+daughter, O Brahmana, is of tender age and brought up in luxury.
+If, therefore, she transgresses at any time, do thou not take that
+to heart! Illustrious Brahmanas are never angry with old men,
+children, and ascetics, even if these transgress frequently. In
+respect of even a great wrong forgiveness is due from the
+regenerate. The worship, therefore, O best of Brahmanas, that is
+offered to the best of one's power and exertion, should be
+acceptable!' Hearing these words of the monarch, the Brahmana said,
+'So be it!' Thereupon, the king became highly pleased and assigned
+unto him apartments that were white as swans or the beams of the
+moon. And in the room intended for the sacrificial fire, the king
+placed a brilliant seat especially constructed for him. And the
+food and other things that were offered unto the Brahmana were of
+the same excellent kind. And casting aside idleness and all sense
+of self-importance, the princess addressed herself with right good
+will to wait upon the Brahmana. And the chaste Kunti, endued with
+purity of conduct, went thither for serving the Brahmana. And duly
+waiting upon that Brahmana as if he were a very god, she gratified
+him highly."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "And that maiden of rigid vows, O mighty
+monarch, by serving with a pure heart, that Brahmana of rigid vows,
+succeeded in gratifying him. And, O foremost of kings, saying, 'I
+will come back in the morning,' that best of Brahmanas sometimes
+came in the evening or in night. Him, however, the maiden
+worshipped at all hours with sumptuous food and drink and bed. And
+as day after day passed away, her attentions to him, in respect of
+food and seat and bed, increased instead of undergoing any
+diminution. And, O king, even when the Brahmana reproved her,
+finding fault with any of her arrangements, or addressed her in
+harsh words, Pritha did not do anything that was disagreeable to
+him. And on many occasions the Brahmana came back after the
+appointed hour had long passed away. And on many occasions (such as
+the depth of night) when food was hard to procure, he said, 'Give
+me food!' But on all those occasions saying, 'All is
+ready,'&mdash;Pritha held before him the fare. And even like a
+disciple, daughter, or a sister, that blameless gem of a girl with
+a devoted heart, O king, gratified that foremost of Brahmanas. And
+that best of Brahmanas became well-pleased with her conduct and
+ministrations. And he received those attentions of hers, valuing
+them rightly. And, O Bharata, her father asked her every morning
+and evening saying, 'O daughter, is the Brahmana satisfied with thy
+ministrations?' And that illustrious maiden used to reply,
+'Exceedingly well!' And thereupon, the <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+592]</span> high-souled Kuntibhoja experienced the greatest
+delight. And when after a full year that best of ascetics was
+unable to find any fault whatever in Pritha, who was engaged in
+ministering unto him, well-pleased he said unto her, 'O gentle
+maid, I have been well-pleased with thy attentions, O beautiful
+girl! Do thou, O blessed girl, ask even for such boons as are
+difficult of being obtained by men in this world, and obtaining
+which, thou mayst surpass in fame all the women in this world.' At
+these words of his, Kunti said, 'Everything hath already been done
+in my behalf since thou, O chief of those that are versed in the
+<i>Vedas</i>, and my father also, have been pleased with me! As
+regards the boons, I consider them as already obtained by me, O
+Brahmana!' The Brahmana thereupon said, 'If, O gentle maid, thou
+dost not, O thou of sweet smiles, wish to obtain boons from me, do
+thou then take this <i>mantra</i> from me for invoking the
+celestials! Any one amongst the celestials whom thou mayst invoke
+by uttering this <i>mantra</i>, will appear before thee and be
+under thy power. Willing or not, by virtue of this <i>mantra</i>,
+that deity in gentle guise, and assuming the obedient attitude of
+slave, will become subject to thy power!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, that faultless maiden
+could not, O king, from fear of a curse, refuse for the second time
+compliance with the wishes of that best of the twice-born ones.
+Then, O king, that Brahmana imparted unto that girl of faultless
+limbs those <i>mantras</i> which are recited in the beginning of
+the <i>Atharvan Veda</i>. And, O king, having imparted unto her
+those <i>mantras</i>, he said unto Kuntibhoja. 'I have, O monarch,
+dwelt happily in thy house, always worshipped with due regard and
+gratified by thy daughter. I shall now depart.' And saying this, he
+vanished there and then. And beholding that Brahmana vanish there
+and then, the king was struck with amazement. And the monarch then
+treated his daughter Pritha with proper regard."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCIV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of Brahmanas had gone
+away on some other errand, the maiden began to ponder over the
+virtue of those <i>mantras</i>. And she said to herself, 'Of what
+nature are those <i>mantras</i> that have been bestowed on me by
+that high-souled one? I shall without delay test their power.' And
+as she was thinking in this way, she suddenly perceived indications
+of the approach of her season. And her season having arrived, while
+she was yet unmarried, she blushed in shame. And it came to pass
+that as she was seated in her chamber on a rich bed, she beheld the
+solar orb rising in the east. And both the mind and the eyes of
+that maiden of excellent waist became rivetted fast upon the solar
+orb. And she gazed and gazed on that orb without being satiated
+with the beauty of the morning Sun. And she suddenly became gifted
+with celestial sight. And then she beheld that god of divine form
+accoutred in mail and adorned with ear-rings. And at sight of the
+god, O lord of men, she became curious as to the (potency of the)
+<i>mantras</i>. And thereupon that maiden resolved to invoke him.
+And having recourse to <span class="pagenum">[Pg 593]</span>
+<i>Pranayama</i>, she invoked the Maker of day. And thus invoked by
+her, O king, the Maker of day speedily presented himself. And he
+was of a yellowish hue like honey, and was possessed of mighty
+arms, and his neck was marked with lines like those of a
+conchshell. And furnished with armlets, and decked with a diadem,
+he came smiling, and illumining all the directions. And it was by
+<i>Yoga</i> power that he divided himself in twain, one of which
+continued to give heat, and the other appeared before Kunti. And he
+addressed Kunti in words that were exceedingly sweet, saying, 'O
+gentle maiden, over-powered by the <i>mantras</i>, I come hither
+obedient to thee. Subject as I am to thy power, what shall I do, O
+queen? Tell me, for I shall do whatever thou mayst command.'
+Hearing these words of the deity, Kunti said, 'O worshipful one, go
+thou back to the place thou hast come from! I invoked thee from
+curiosity alone. Pardon me, O worshipful one!' Surya then said, 'O
+damsel of slender waist, I will, even as thou hast said, return to
+the place I have come from! Having called a celestial, it is not,
+however, proper to send him away in vain. Thy intention, O blessed
+one, it is to have from Surya a son furnished with a coat of mail
+and ear-rings, and who in point of prowess would be beyond compare
+in this world! Do thou, therefore, O damsel of elephantine gait,
+surrender thy person to me! Thou shall then have, O lady, a son
+after thy wish! O gentle girl, O thou of sweet smiles, I will go
+back after having known thee! If thou do not gratify me to-day by
+obeying my word, I shall in anger curse thee, thy father and that
+Brahmana also. For thy fault, I will surely consume them all, and I
+shall inflict condign punishment on that foolish father of thine
+that knoweth not this transgression of thine and on that Brahmana
+who hath bestowed the <i>mantras</i> on thee without knowing thy
+disposition and character! Yonder are all the celestials in heaven,
+with Purandara at their head, who are looking at me with derisive
+smiles at my being deceived by thee, O lady! Look at those
+celestials, for thou art now possessed of celestial sight! Before
+this I have endued thee with celestial vision, in consequence of
+which thou couldst see me!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon the princess beheld the
+celestials standing in the firmament, each in his proper sphere,
+even as she saw before her that highly resplendent deity furnished
+with rays, viz., Surya himself. And beholding them all, the girl
+became frightened and her face was suffused with blushes of shame.
+And then she addressed Surya, saying, 'O lord of rays, go thou back
+to thy own region. On account of my maidenhood, this outrage of
+thine is fraught with woe to me! It is only one's father, mother,
+and other superiors, that are capable of giving away their
+daughter's body. Virtue I shall never sacrifice, seeing that in
+this world the keeping of their persons inviolate is deemed as the
+highest duty of Women, and is held in high regard! O thou possessed
+of wealth of splendour, it is only to test the power of my
+<i>mantras</i> that I have, from mere childishness, summoned thee.
+Considering that this hath been done by a girl of tender years, it
+behoveth thee, O lord, to forgive her!' Then Surya said, 'It is
+because I consider thee a girl that, O Kunti, I am speaking
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 594]</span> to thee so mildly. To one
+that is not so I would not concede this. Do thou, O Kunti,
+surrender thyself! Thou shalt surely attain happiness thereby.
+Since, O timid maiden, thou hast invoked me with <i>mantras</i>, it
+is not proper for me to go away without any purpose being attained,
+for, if I do so I shall then, O thou of faultless limbs, be the
+object of laughter in the world, and, O beauteous damsel, a
+bye-word with all the celestials. Do thou, therefore, yield to me!
+By that thou shalt obtain a son even like myself, and thou shalt
+also be much praised in all the world.'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCV</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Although that noble girl addressed him in
+various sweet words, yet she was unable to dissuade that deity of a
+thousand rays. And when she failed to dissuade the dispeller of
+darkness, at last from fear of a curse, she reflected, O king, for
+a long time!&mdash;'How may my innocent father, and that Brahmana
+also, escape the angry Surya's curse for my sake? Although energy
+and asceticism are capable of destroying sins, yet even honest
+persons, if they be of unripe age, should not foolishly court them.
+By foolishly acting in that way I have today been placed in a
+frightful situation. Indeed, I have been placed entirely within the
+grasp of this deity. Ye how can I do what is sinful by taking it on
+myself to surrender my person to him?'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "afflicted with fear of a curse, and
+thinking much within herself, an utter stupefaction of the senses
+came upon her. And she was so confounded that she could not settle
+what to do. Afraid, on the one hand, O king, of the reproach of
+friends if she obeyed the deity, and, on the other, of his curse if
+she disobeyed him, the damsel at last, O foremost of kings, said
+these words unto that god, in accents tremulous with bashfulness,
+'O god, as my father and mother and friends are still living, this
+violation of duty on my part should not take place. If, O god, I
+commit this unlawful act with thee, the reputation of this race
+shall be sacrificed in this world on my account. If thou, however,
+O thou foremost of those that impart heat, deem this to be a
+meritorious act, I shall then fulfil thy desire even though my
+relatives may not have bestowed me on thee! May I remain chaste
+after having surrendered my person to thee! Surely, the virtue, the
+reputation, the fame, and the life of every creature are
+established in thee!' Hearing these words of hers, Surya replied,
+'O thou of sweet smiles, neither thy father, nor thy mother, nor
+any other superior of thine, is competent to give thee away! May
+good betide thee, O beauteous damsel! Do thou listen to my words!
+It is because a virgin desireth the company of every one, that she
+hath received the appellation of <i>Kanya</i>, from the root
+<i>kama</i> meaning to desire. Therefore, O thou of excellent hips
+and the fairest complexion, a virgin is, by nature, free in this
+world. Thou shalt not, O lady, by any means, be guilty of any sin
+by complying with my request. And how can I, who am desirous of the
+welfare of all creatures, commit an unrighteous act? That all men
+and women should be bound by no restraints, is the law of nature.
+The opposite condition is the <span class="pagenum">[Pg 595]</span>
+perversion of the natural state. Thou shalt remain a virgin after
+having gratified me. And thy son shall also be mighty-armed and
+illustrious.' Thereupon Kunti said, 'If, O dispeller of darkness, I
+obtain a son from thee, may he be furnished with a coat of mail and
+ear-rings, and may he be mighty-armed and endued with great
+strength!' Hearing these words of hers, Surya answered, 'O gentle
+maiden, thy son shall be mighty-armed and decked with ear-rings and
+a celestial coat of mail. And both his ear-rings and coat of mail
+will be made of <i>Amrita</i>, and his coat will also be
+invulnerable.' Kunti then said, 'If the excellent mail and
+ear-rings of the son thou wilt beget on me, be, indeed, made of
+<i>Amrita</i>, then, O god, O worshipful deity, let thy purpose be
+fulfilled! May he be powerful, strong, energetic, and handsome,
+even like thee, and may he also be endued with virtue!' Surya then
+said, 'O princess, O excellent damsel, these ear-rings had been
+given to me by Aditi. O timid lady, I will bestow them, as also
+this excellent mail, on thy son!' Kunti then said, 'Very well, O
+worshipful one! If my son, O lord of light, become so, I will, as
+thou sayest, gratify thee!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of hers Surya said,
+'So be it!' And that ranger of the skies, that enemy of Swarbhanu,
+with soul absorbed in <i>Yoga</i>, entered into Kunti, and touched
+her on the navel. At this, that damsel, on account of Surya's
+energy, became stupefied. And that reverend lady then fell down on
+her bed, deprived of her senses. Surya then addressed her, saying,
+'I will now depart, O thou of graceful hips! Thou shalt bring forth
+a son who will become the foremost of all wielders of weapons. At
+the same time thou shalt remain a virgin.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O foremost of kings, as the
+highly effulgent Surya was about to depart, that girl bashfully
+said unto him, 'So be it!' And it was thus that the daughter of
+king Kuntibhoja, importuned by Surya, had after soliciting a son
+from him, fallen down stupefied on that excellent bed, like a
+broken creeper. And it was thus that deity of fierce rays,
+stupefying her, entered into her by virtue of <i>Yoga</i> power,
+and placed his own self within her womb. The deity, however, did
+not sully her by deflowering her in the flesh. And after Surya had
+gone away, that girl regained her consciousness."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCVI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "It was, O lord of earth, on the first day of
+the lighted fortnight during the tenth month of the year that
+Pritha conceived a son like the lord himself of the stars in the
+firmament. And that damsel of excellent hips from fear of her
+friends, concealed her conception, so that no one knew her
+condition. And as the damsel lived entirely in the apartments
+assigned to the maidens and carefully concealed her condition, no
+one except her nurse knew the truth. And in due time that beauteous
+maiden, by the grace of deity, brought forth a son resembling a
+very god. And even like his father, the child was equipped in a
+coat of mail, and decked with brilliant ear-rings. And he
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 596]</span> was possessed of leonine eyes
+and shoulders like those of a bull. And no sooner was the beauteous
+girl delivered of a child, then she consulted with her nurse and
+placed the infant in a commodious and smooth box made of wicker
+work and spread over with soft sheets and furnished with a costly
+pillow. And its surface was laid over with wax, and it was encased
+in a rich cover. And with tears in her eyes, she carried the infant
+to the river Aswa, and consigned the basket to its waters. And
+although she knew it to be improper for an unmarried girl to bear
+offspring, yet from parental affection, O foremost of kings, she
+wept piteously. Do thou listen to the words Kunti weepingly
+uttered, while consigning the box to the waters of the river Aswa,
+'O child, may good betide thee at the hands of all that inhabit the
+land, the water, the sky, and the celestial regions. May all thy
+paths be auspicious! May no one obstruct thy way! And, O son, may
+all that come across thee have their hearts divested of hostility
+towards thee: And may that lord of waters, Varuna, protect thee in
+water! And may the deity that rangeth the skies completely protect
+thee in the sky. And may, O son, that best of those that impart
+heat, viz., Surya, thy father, and from whom I have obtained thee
+as ordained by Destiny, protect thee everywhere! And may the
+<i>Adityas</i> and the <i>Vasus</i>, the <i>Rudras</i> and the
+<i>Sadhyas</i>, the <i>Viswadevas</i> and the <i>Maruts</i>, and
+the cardinal points with the great Indra and the regents presiding
+over them, and, indeed, all the celestials, protect thee in every
+place! Even in foreign lands I shall be able to recognise thee by
+this mail of thine! Surely, thy sire, O son, the divine Surya
+possessed of the wealth of splendour, is blessed, for he will with
+his celestial sight behold thee going down the current! Blessed
+also is that lady who will, O thou that are begotten by a god, take
+thee for her son, and who will give thee suck when thou art
+thirsty! And what a lucky dream hath been dreamt by her that will
+adopt thee for her son, thee that is endued with solar splendour,
+and furnished with celestial mail, and adorned with celestial
+ear-rings, thee that hast expansive eyes resembling lotuses, a
+complexion bright as burnished copper or lotus leaves, a fair
+forehead, and hair ending in beautiful curls! O son, she that will
+behold thee crawl on the ground, begrimed with dust, and sweetly
+uttering inarticulate words, is surely blessed! And she also, O
+son, that will behold thee arrive at thy youthful prime like maned
+lion born in Himalayan forests, is surely blessed!'"</p>
+<p>"O king, having thus bewailed long and piteously, Pritha laid
+the basket on the waters of the river Aswa. And the lotus-eyed
+damsel, afflicted with grief on account of her son and weeping
+bitterly, with her nurse cast the basket at dead of night, and
+though desirous of beholding her son often and again, returned, O
+monarch, to the palace, fearing lest her father should come to know
+of what had happened. Meanwhile, the basket floated from the river
+Aswa to the river Charmanwati, and from the Charmanwati it passed
+to the Yamuna, and so on to the Ganga. And carried by the waves of
+the Ganga, the child contained in the basket came to the city of
+Champa ruled by a person of the <i>Suta</i> tribe. Indeed, the
+excellent coat of mail and those ear-rings made of <i>Amrita</i>
+that were born with his body, as also the ordinance of Destiny,
+kept the child alive."</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum">[Pg 597]</span></p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCVII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "And it came to pass that at this time a
+<i>Suta</i> named Adhiratha, who was a friend of Dhritarashtra,
+came to the river Ganga, accompanied by his wife. And, O king, his
+wife named Radha was unparalleled on earth for beauty. And although
+that highly blessed dame had made great endeavours to obtain a son,
+yet she had failed, O represser of foes, to obtain one. And on
+coming to the river Ganga, she beheld a box drifting along the
+current. And containing articles capable of protecting from dangers
+and decked with unguents, that box was brought before her by the
+waves of the Janhavi. And attracted by curiosity, the lady caused
+it to be seized. And she then related all unto Adhiratha of the
+charioteer caste. And hearing this Adhiratha took away the box from
+the water-side, and opened it by means of instruments. And then he
+beheld a boy resembling the morning Sun. And the infant was
+furnished with golden mail, and looked exceedingly beautiful with a
+face decked in ear-rings. And thereupon the charioteer, together
+with his wife, was struck with such astonishment that their eyes
+expanded in wonder. And taking the infant on his lap, Adhiratha
+said unto his wife, 'Ever since I was born, O timid lady, I had
+never seen such a wonder. This child that hath come to us must be
+of celestial birth. Surely, sonless as I am, it is the gods that
+have sent him unto me!' Saying this, O lord of earth, he gave the
+infant to Radha. And thereat, Radha adopted, according to the
+ordinance, that child of celestial form and divine origin, and
+possessed of the splendour of the filaments of the lotus and
+furnished with excellent grace. And duly reared by her, that child
+endued with great prowess began to grow up. And after Karna's
+adoption, Adhiratha had other sons begotten by himself. And seeing
+the child furnished with bright mail and golden ear-rings, the
+twice-born ones named him Vasusena. And thus did that child endued
+with great splendour and immeasurable prowess became the son of the
+charioteer, and came to be known as Vasusena and Vrisha. And Pritha
+learnt through spies that her own son clad in celestial mail was
+growing up amongst the Angas as the eldest son of a charioteer
+(Adhiratha). And seeing that in process of time his son had grown
+up, Adhiratha sent him to the city named after the elephant. And
+there Karna put up with Drona, for the purpose of learning arms.
+And that powerful youth contracted a friendship with Duryodhana.
+And having acquired all the four kinds of weapons from Drona,
+Kripa, and Rama, he became famous in the world as a mighty bowman.
+And after having contracted a friendship with Dhritarashtra's son,
+he became intent on injuring the sons of Pritha. And he was always
+desirous of fighting with the high-souled Phalguna. And, O king,
+ever since they first saw each other, Karna always used to
+challenge Arjuna, and Arjuna, on his part, used to challenge him.
+This, O foremost of kings, was without doubt, the secret known to
+the Sun, viz., begot by himself on Kunti, Karna was being reared in
+the race of the <i>Sutas</i>. And beholding him decked with his
+ear-rings and mail, Yudhishthira thought him to be unslayable in
+fight, and was exceedingly pained at it. And when, O foremost of
+monarchs, Karna after rising from the water, used at mid-day to
+worship the effulgent <span class="pagenum">[Pg 598]</span> Surya
+with joined hands, the Brahmanas used to solicit him for wealth.
+And at that time there was nothing that he would not give away to
+the twice-born ones. And Indra, assuming the guise of a Brahmana,
+appeared before him (at such a time) and said, 'Give me!' And
+thereupon Radha's son replied unto him, 'Thou art welcome!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCVIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "And when the king of the celestials
+presented himself in the guise of a Brahmana, beholding him, Karna
+said, 'Welcome!' And not knowing his intention, Adhiratha's son
+addressed the Brahmana, saying, 'Of a necklace of gold, and
+beauteous damsels, and villages with plenty of kine, which shall I
+give thee?' Thereupon the Brahmana replied, 'I ask thee not to give
+me either a necklace of gold, or fair damsels, or any other
+agreeable object. To those do thou give them that ask for them. If,
+O sinless one, thou art sincere in thy vow, then wilt thou, cutting
+off (from thy person) this coat of mail born with thy body, and
+these ear-rings also, bestow them on me! I desire, O chastiser of
+foes, that thou mayst speedily give me these; for, this one gain of
+mine will be considered as superior to every other gain!' Hearing
+these words, Karna said, 'O Brahmana, I will give thee homestead
+land, and fair damsels, and kine, and fields; but my mail and
+ear-rings I am unable to give thee!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Although thus urged with various words
+by Karna, still, O chief of the Bharata race, that Brahmana did not
+ask for any other boon. And although Karna sought to pacify him to
+the best of his power, and worshipped him duly, yet that best of
+Brahmanas did not ask for any other boon. And when that foremost of
+Brahmanas did not ask for any other boon, Radha's son again spake
+unto him with a smile, 'My mail, O regenerate one, hath been born
+with my body, and this pair of ear-rings hath arisen from
+<i>Amrita</i>. It is for these that I am unslayable in the worlds.
+Therefore, I cannot part with them. Do thou, O bull among
+Brahmanas, accept from me the entire kingdom of the earth, rid of
+enemies and full of prosperity! O foremost of regenerate ones, if I
+am deprived of my ear-rings, and the mail born with my body, I
+shall be liable to be vanquished by the foes!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "When the illustrious slayer of Paka
+refused to ask for any other boon, Karna with a smile again
+addressed him, saying, 'O god of gods, even before this, I had
+recognised thee, O Lord! O Sakra, it is not proper for me to confer
+on thee any unprofitable boon, for thou art the very lord of the
+celestials! On the contrary, being as thou art the Creator and lord
+of all beings, it is thou that shouldst confer boons on me! If, O
+god, I give thee this coat of mail and ear-rings, then I am sure to
+meet with destruction, and thou shalt also undergo ridicule!
+Therefore, O Sakra, take my earrings and excellent mail in exchange
+for something conferred by thee on me! Otherwise, I will not bestow
+them on thee!' Thereupon Sakra replied, 'Even before I had come to
+thee, Surya had known of my purpose and without doubt, <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 599]</span> it is he that hath unfolded everything
+unto thee! O Karna, be it as thou wishest! O son, except the
+thunder-bolt alone, tell me what it is that thou desirest to
+have!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Indra, Karna was
+filled with delight and seeing that his purpose was about to be
+accomplished he approached Vasava, and intent upon obtaining a dart
+incapable of being baffled, he addressed Indra, saying, 'Do thou, O
+Vasava, in exchange for my coat of mail and ear-rings, give me a
+dart incapable of being baffled, and competent to destroy hosts of
+enemies when arrayed in order of battle!' Thereupon, O ruler of
+earth, fixing his mind for a moment on the dart (for bringing it
+there), Vasava thus spake unto Karna, 'Do thou give me thy
+ear-rings, and the coat of mail born with thy body, and in return
+take this dart on these terms! When I encounter the <i>Daitya</i>
+in battle, this dart that is incapable of being baffled, hurled by
+my hand, destroyeth enemies by hundreds, and cometh back to my hand
+after achieving its purpose. In thy hand, however, this dart, O son
+of <i>Suta</i>, will slay only one powerful enemy of thine. And
+having achieved that feat, it will, roaring and blazing, return to
+me!' Thereat Karna said, 'I desire to slay in fierce fight even one
+enemy of mine, who roareth fiercely and is hot as fire, and of whom
+I am in fear!' At this, Indra said, 'Thou shall slay such a roaring
+and powerful foe in battle. But that one whom thou seekest to slay,
+is protected by an illustrious personage. Even He whom persons
+versed in the Vedas call '<i>the invincible Boar</i>,' and '<i>the
+incomprehensible Narayana</i>,' even that Krishna himself, is
+protecting him!' Thereupon Karna replied, 'Even if this be so, do
+thou, O illustrious one give me the weapon that will destroy only
+one powerful foe! I shall, on my part, bestow on thee my mail and
+ear-rings, cutting them off my person. Do thou, however, grant that
+my body, thus wounded, may not be unsightly!' Hearing this, Indra
+said, 'As thou, O Karna, art bent upon observing the truth, thy
+person shall not be unsightly, or shall any scar remain on it. And,
+O thou best of those that are graced with speech, O Karna, thou
+shall be possessed of complexion and energy of thy father himself.
+And if, maddened by wrath, thou hurlest this dart, while there are
+still other weapons with thee, and when thy life also is not in
+imminent peril, it will fall even on thyself.' Karna answered, 'As
+thou directest me, O Sakra, I shall hurl this <i>Vasavi</i> dart
+only when I am in imminent peril! Truly I tell thee this!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon, O king, taking the blazing
+dart, Karna began to peel off his natural mail. And beholding Karna
+cutting his own body, the entire host of celestials and men and
+<i>Danavas</i> set up a leonine roar. And Karna betrayed no
+contortions of face while peeling his mail. And beholding that hero
+among men thus cutting his body with an weapon, smiling ever and
+anon, celestial kettle-drums began to be played upon and celestial
+flowers began to be showered on him. And Karna cutting off the
+excellent mail from his person, gave it to Vasava, still dripping.
+And cutting off his ear-rings also from off his ears, he made them
+over to Indra. And it is for this fact that he came to be called
+Karna. And Sakra, having thus beguiled Karna that made him famous
+in the world, thought with a smile that the business of the sons of
+Pandu had already been completed. And having done all <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 600]</span> this, he ascended to heaven. And hearing
+that Karna had been beguiled, all the sons of Dhritarashtra became
+distressed and shorn of pride. And the sons of Pritha, on the other
+hand, learning that such plight had befallen the son of the
+charioteer, were filled with joy."</p>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "Where were those heroes, the sons of Pandu, at
+that time? And from whom did they hear this welcome news? And what
+also did they do, when the twelfth year of their exile passed away?
+Do thou, O illustrious one, tell me all this!"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated the chief of the Saindhavas,
+and rescued Krishna, and having outlived the entire term of their
+painful exile in the woods, and having listened to the ancient
+stories about gods and <i>Rishis</i> recited by Markandeya, those
+heroes among men returned from their asylum in Kamyaka to the
+sacred Dwaitavana, with all their cars, and followers, and
+accompanied by their charioteers, their kine, and the citizens who
+had followed them."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCIX</h2>
+<h3>(<i>Aranya Parva</i>)</h3>
+<p>Janamejaya said, "Having felt great affliction on account of the
+abduction of their wife and having rescued Krishna thereafter, what
+did the Pandavas next do?"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Having felt great affliction on account of
+the abduction of Krishna, king Yudhishthira of unfading glory, with
+his brothers, left the woods of Kamyaka and returned to the
+delightful and picturesque Dwaitavana abounding in trees and
+containing delicious fruits and roots. And the sons of Pandu with
+their wife Krishna began to reside there, living frugally on fruits
+and practising rigid vows. And while those repressers of foes, the
+virtuous king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, and Bhimasena, and
+Arjuna, and those other sons of Pandu born of Madri, were dwelling
+in Dwaitavana, practising rigid vows, they underwent, for the sake
+of a Brahmana, great trouble, which, however, was destined to bring
+about their future happiness. I will tell thee all about the
+trouble which those foremost of Kurus underwent while living in
+those woods, and which in the end brought about their happiness. Do
+thou listen to it! Once on a time, as a deer was butting about, it
+chanced that the two sticks for making fire and a churning staff
+belonging to a Brahmana devoted to ascetic austerities, struck fast
+into its antlers. And, thereupon, O king, that powerful deer of
+exceeding fleetness with long bounds, speedily went out of the
+hermitage, taking those articles away. And, O foremost of Kurus,
+seeing those articles of his thus carried away, the Brahmana,
+anxious on account of his <i>Agnihotra</i>, quickly came before the
+Pandavas. And approaching without loss of time Ajatasatru seated in
+that forest with his brothers, the Brahmana, in great distress,
+spake these words, 'As a deer was butting about, it happened, O
+king, that my fire-sticks and churning staff which had been placed
+against a large tree stuck fast to its antlers. <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 601]</span> O king, that powerful deer of exceeding
+fleetness hath speedily gone out of the hermitage with long bounds,
+taking those articles away. Tracking that powerful deer, O king, by
+its foot-prints, do ye, ye sons of Pandu, bring back those articles
+of mine, so that my <i>Agnihotra</i> may not be stopped!' Hearing
+these words of the Brahmana, Yudhishthira became exceedingly
+concerned. And the son of Kunti taking up his bow sallied out with
+his brothers. And putting on their corselets and equipped with
+their bows, those bulls among men, intent upon serving the
+Brahmana, swiftly sallied out in the wake of the deer. And
+descrying the deer at no great distance, those mighty warriors
+discharged at it barbed arrows and javelins and darts, but the sons
+of Pandu could not pierce it by any means. And as they struggled to
+pursue and slay it, that powerful deer became suddenly invisible.
+And losing sight of the deer, the noble-minded sons of Pandu,
+fatigued and disappointed and afflicted with hunger and thirst,
+approached a banian tree in that deep forest, and sat down in its
+cool shade. And when they had sat down, Nakula stricken with sorrow
+and urged by impatience, addressed his eldest brother of the Kuru
+race, saying, 'In our race, O king, virtue hath never been
+sacrificed, nor hath there been loss of wealth from insolence. And
+being asked, we have never said to any creature, Nay! Why then in
+the present case have we met with this disaster?'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCX</h2>
+<p>"Yudhishthira said, 'There is no limit to calamities. Nor is it
+possible to ascertain either their final or efficient cause. It is
+the Lord of justice alone who distributeth the fruits of both
+virtue and vice.' Thereupon Bhima said, 'Surely, this calamity hath
+befallen us, because I did not slay the <i>Pratikamin</i> on the
+very spot, when he dragged Krishna as a slave into the assembly.'
+And Arjuna said, 'Surely, this calamity hath befallen us because I
+resented not those biting words piercing the very bones, uttered by
+the <i>Suta's</i> son!' And Sahadeva said, 'Surely, O Bharata, this
+calamity hath befallen us because I did not slay Sakuni when he
+defeated thee at dice!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Then king Yudhishthira addressed Nakula
+saying, 'Do thou, O son of Madri, climb this tree and look around
+the ten points of the horizon. Do thou see whether there is water
+near us or such trees as grow on watery grounds! O child, these thy
+brothers are all fatigued and thirsty.' Thereupon saying, 'So be
+it,' Nakula speedily climbed up a tree, and having looked around,
+said unto his eldest brother, 'O king, I see many a tree that
+groweth by the water-side, and I hear also the cries of cranes.
+Therefore, without doubt, water must be somewhere here.' Hearing
+these words, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, firm in truth, said, 'O
+amiable one, go thou and fetch water in these quivers!' Saying, 'So
+be it,' at the command of his eldest brother Nakula quickly
+proceeded towards the place where there was water and soon came
+upon it. And beholding a crystal lake inhabited by cranes he
+desired to drink of it, when he heard these words from the sky, 'O
+child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been in
+my possession. Do thou, O son <span class="pagenum">[Pg 602]</span>
+of Madri, first answer my questions and then drink of this water
+and take away (as much as thou requirest).' Nakula, however, who
+was exceedingly thirsty, disregarding these words, drank of the
+cool water, and having drunk of it, dropped down dead. And, O
+represser of foes, seeing Nakula's delay, Yudhishthira the son of
+Kunti said unto Sahadeva, the heroic brother of Nakula, 'O
+Sahadeva, it is long since our brother, he who was born immediately
+before thee, hath gone from hence! Do thou, therefore, go and bring
+back thy uterine brother, together with water.' At this, Sahadeva,
+saying, 'So be it,' set out in that direction; and coming to the
+spot, beheld his brother lying dead on the ground. And afflicted at
+the death of his brother, and suffering severely from thirst, he
+advanced towards the water, when these words were heard by him, 'O
+child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been in
+my possession. First answer my question, and then drink of the
+water and take away as much as thou mayst require.' Sahadeva,
+however, who was extremely thirsty, disregarding these words, drank
+of the water, and having drunk of it, dropped down dead. Then
+Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, said unto Vijaya, 'It is long
+since, O Vibhatsu, that thy two brothers have gone, O represser of
+foes! Blessed be thou! Do thou bring them back, together with
+water. Thou art, O child, the refuge of us all when plunged in
+distress!' Thus addressed, the intelligent Gudakesa, taking his bow
+and arrows and also his naked sword, set out for that lake of
+waters. And reaching that spot, he whose car was drawn by white
+steeds beheld those tigers among men, his two younger brothers who
+had come to fetch water, lying dead there. And seeing them as if
+asleep, that lion among men, exceedingly aggrieved, raised his bow
+and began to look around that wood. But he found none in that
+mighty forest. And, being fatigued, he who was capable of drawing
+the bow by his left hand as well, rushed in the direction of the
+water. And as he was rushing (towards the water), he heard these
+words from the sky, 'Why dost thou approach this water? Thou shalt
+not be able to drink of it by force. If thou, O Kaunteya, can
+answer the question I will put to thee, then only shalt thou drink
+of the water and take away as much as thou requirest, O Bharata!'
+Thus forbidden, the son of Pritha said, 'Do thou forbid me by
+appearing before me! And when thou shalt be sorely pierced with my
+arrows, thou wilt not then again speak in this way!' Having said
+this, Partha covered all sides with arrows inspired by
+<i>mantras</i>. And he also displayed his skill in shooting at an
+invisible mark by sound alone. And, O bull of the Bharata race,
+sorely afflicted with thirst, he discharged barbed darts and
+javelins and iron arrows, and showered on the sky innumerable
+shafts incapable of being baffled. Thereupon, the invisible Yaksha
+said, 'What need of all this trouble, O son of Pritha? Do thou
+drink only after answering my questions! If thou drink, however,
+without answering my questions, thou shalt die immediately after.'
+Thus addressed, Pritha's son Dhananjaya capable of drawing the bow
+with his left hand as well, disregarding those words, drank of the
+water, and immediately after dropped down dead. And (seeing
+Dhananjaya's delay) Kunti's son Yudhishthira addressed Bhimasena,
+saying, 'O represser of foes, it is a long while that Nakula and
+Sahadeva and Vibhatsu have gone to fetch water, and <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 603]</span> they have not come yet, O Bharata! Good
+betide thee! Do thou bring them back, together with water!'
+Thereupon saying, 'So be it,' Bhimasena set out for that place
+where those tigers among men, his brothers, lay dead. And beholding
+them, Bhima afflicted though he was with thirst, was exceedingly
+distressed. And that mighty armed hero thought all that to have
+been the act of some Yaksha or Rakshasa. And Pritha's son Vrikodara
+thought, 'I shall surely have to fight today. Let me, therefore,
+first appease my thirst.' Then that bull of the Bharata race rushed
+forward with the intention of drinking. Thereupon the Yaksha said,
+'O child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been
+in my possession. Do thou first answer my questions, and then drink
+and take away as much water as thou requirest!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by that Yaksha of
+immeasurable energy, Bhima, without answering his questions, drank
+of the water. And as soon as he drank, he fell down dead on the
+spot. Then thinking that his brothers had left him long since,
+Yudhishthira waited for some time. And the king said unto himself
+again and again, 'Why is it that the two sons of Madri are
+delaying? And why doth the wielder also of the <i>Gandiva</i>
+delay? And why doth Bhima too, endued with great strength, delay? I
+shall go to search for them!' And resolved to do this, the
+mighty-armed Yudhishthira then rose up, his heart burning in grief.
+And that bull among men, the royal son of Kunti thought within
+himself. 'Is this forest under some malign influence? Or, is it
+infested by some wicked beasts? Or, have they all fallen, in
+consequence of having disregarded some mighty being? Or, not
+finding water in the spot whither those heroes had first repaired,
+they have spent all this time in search through the forest? What is
+that reason for which those bulls among men do not come back?' And
+speaking in this strain, that foremost of monarchs, the illustrious
+Yudhishthira, entered into that mighty forest where no human sound
+was heard and which was inhabited by deer and bears and birds, and
+which was adorned with trees that were bright and green, and which
+echoed with the hum of the black-bee and the notes of winged
+warblers. As he was proceeding along, he beheld that beautiful lake
+which looked as if it had been made by the celestial artificer
+himself. And it was adorned with flowers of a golden hue and with
+lotuses and <i>Sindhuvars</i>. And it abounded with canes and
+<i>Ketakas</i> and <i>Karaviras</i> and <i>Pippalas</i>, and
+fatigued with toil, Yudhishthira saw that tank and was struck with
+wonder."</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCXI</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana said, "Yudhishthira saw his brothers, each
+possessed of the glory of Indra himself, lying dead like the
+Regents of the world dropped from their spheres at the end of the
+<i>Yuga</i>. And beholding Arjuna lying dead, with his bow and
+arrows dropped on the ground, and also Bhimasena and the twins
+motionless and deprived of life, the king breathed a hot and long
+sigh, and was bathed in tears of grief. And beholding his brothers
+lying dead, the mighty armed son of Dharma with heart racked in
+anxiety, began to lament <span class="pagenum">[Pg 604]</span>
+profusely, saying, 'Thou hadst, O mighty-armed Vrikodara, vowed,
+saying,&mdash;<i>I shall with mace smash the thighs of Duryodhana
+in battle!</i> O enhancer of the glory of the Kurus, in thy death,
+O mighty-armed and high-souled one, all that hath become fruitless
+now! The promises of men may be ineffectual; but why have the words
+of the gods uttered in respect of thee been thus fruitless? O
+Dhananjaya, while thou wert in thy mother's lying-in-room, the gods
+had said,&mdash;<i>O Kunti, this thy son shall not be inferior to
+him of a thousand eyes!</i> And in the northern Paripatra
+mountains, all beings had sung, saying,&mdash;<i>The prosperity (of
+this race), robbed by foes will be recovered by this one without
+delay. No one will be able to vanquish him in battle, while there
+will be none whom he will not be able to vanquish.</i> Why then
+hath that Jishnu endued with great strength been subject to death?
+Oh, why doth that Dhananjaya, relying on whom we had hitherto
+endured all this misery, lie on the ground blighting<a id="footnotetag66" name="footnotetag66"></a><a href="#footnote66"><sup>66</sup></a> all my hopes! Why have those
+heroes, those mighty sons of Kunti, Bhimasena and Dhananjaya, came
+under the power of the enemy,&mdash;those who themselves always
+slew their foes, and whom no weapons could resist! Surely, this
+vile heart of mine must be made of adamant, since, beholding these
+twins lying today on the ground it doth not split! Ye bulls among
+men, versed in holy writ and acquainted with the properties of time
+and place, and endued with ascetic merit, ye who duly performed all
+sacred rites, why lie ye down, without performing acts deserving of
+you? Alas, why lie ye insensible on the earth, with your bodies
+unwounded, ye unvanquished ones, and with your vows untouched?' And
+beholding his brothers sweetly sleeping there as (they usually did)
+on mountain slopes, the high souled king, overwhelmed with grief
+and bathed in sweat, came to a distressful condition. And
+saying,&mdash;It is even so&mdash;that virtuous lord of men,
+immersed in an ocean of grief anxiously proceeded to ascertain the
+cause (of that catastrophe). And that mighty-armed and high-souled
+one, acquainted with the divisions of time and place, could not
+settle his course of action. Having thus bewailed much in this
+strain, the virtuous Yudhishthira, the son of <i>Dharma</i> or
+<i>Tapu</i>, restrained his soul and began to reflect in his mind
+as to who had slain those heroes. 'There are no strokes of weapons
+upon these, nor is any one's foot-print here. The being must be
+mighty I ween, by whom my brothers have been slain. Earnestly shall
+I ponder over this, or, let me first drink of the water, and then
+know all. It may be that the habitually crooked-minded Duryodhana
+hath caused this water to be secretly placed here by the king of
+the <i>Gandharvas</i>. What man of sense can trust wicked wight of
+evil passions with whom good and evil are alike? Or, perhaps, this
+may be an act of that wicked-souled one through secret messengers
+of his.' And it was thus that that highly intelligent one gave way
+to diverse reflections. He did not believe that water to have been
+tainted with poison, for though dead no corpse-like pallor was on
+them. 'The colour on the faces of these my brothers hath not
+faded!' And it was thus that Yudhishthira thought. And the king
+continued, 'Each of these foremost of men was like unto a mighty
+cataract. <span class="pagenum">[Pg 605]</span> Who, therefore,
+save Yama himself who in due time bringeth about the end of all
+things, could have baffled them thus.' And having concluded this
+for certain, he began to perform his ablutions in that lake. And
+while he descended into it, he heard these words from the sky,
+uttered by the Yaksha,&mdash;'I am a crane, living on tiny fish. It
+is by me that thy younger brothers have been brought under the sway
+of the lord of departed spirits. If thou, O prince, answer not the
+questions put by me, even thou shalt number the fifth corpse. Do
+not, O child, act rashly! This lake hath already been in my
+possession. Having answered my questions first, do thou, O Kunti's
+son, drink and carry away (as much as thou requirest)!' Hearing
+these words, Yudhishthira said, 'Art thou the foremost of the
+Rudras, or of the Vasus, or of the Marutas? I ask, what god art
+thou? This could not have been done by a bird! Who is it that hath
+overthrown the four mighty mountains, viz., the Himavat, the
+Paripatra, the Vindhya, and the Malaya? Great is the feat done by
+thee, thou foremost of strong persons! Those whom neither gods, nor
+<i>Gandharvas</i> nor <i>Asuras</i>, nor <i>Rakshasas</i> could
+endure in mighty conflict, have been slain by thee! Therefore,
+exceedingly wonderful is the deed done by thee! I do not know what
+thy business may be, nor do I know thy purpose. Therefore, great is
+the curiosity and fear also that have taken possession of me. My
+mind is greatly agitated, and as my head also is aching, I ask
+thee, therefore, O worshipful one, who art thou that stayest here?'
+Hearing these words the Yaksha said, 'I am, good betide thee, a
+Yaksha, and not an amphibious bird. It is by me that all these
+brothers of thine, endued with mighty prowess, have been
+slain!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these accursed words couched in
+harsh syllabus,<a id="footnotetag67" name="footnotetag67"></a><a href="#footnote67"><sup>67</sup></a>
+Yudhishthira, O king, approaching the Yaksha who had spoken then,
+stood there. And that bull among the Bharatas then beheld that
+Yaksha of unusual eyes and huge body tall like a palmyra-palm and
+looking like fire or the Sun, and irresistible and gigantic like a
+mountain, staying on a tree, and uttering a loud roar deep as that
+of the clouds. And the Yaksha said, 'These thy brothers, O king,
+repeatedly forbidden by me, would forcibly take away water. It is
+for this that they have been slain by me! He that wisheth to live,
+should not, O king, drink this water! O son of Pritha, act not
+rashly! This lake hath already been in my possession. Do thou, O
+son of Kunti, first answer my questions, and then take away as much
+as thou likest!' Yudhishthira said, 'I do not, O Yaksha, covet,
+what is already in thy possession! O bull among male beings,
+virtuous persons never approve that one should applaud his own self
+(without boasting, I shall, therefore, answer thy questions,
+according to my intelligence). Do thou ask me!' The Yaksha then
+said, 'What is it that maketh the Sun rise? Who keeps him company?
+Who causeth him to set? And in whom is he established?'
+Yudhishthira answered, '<i>Brahma</i> maketh the Sun rise; the gods
+keep him company; <i>Dharma</i> causeth him to set; and he is
+established in truth.'<a id="footnotetag68" name="footnotetag68"></a><a href="#footnote68"><sup>68</sup></a> The
+Yaksha asked, 'By what doth one become learned? By <span class=
+"pagenum">[Pg 606]</span> what doth he attain what is very great?
+How can one have a second? And, O king, how can one acquire
+intelligence?' Yudhishthira answered, 'It is by the (study of the)
+<i>Srutis</i> that a person becometh learned; it is by ascetic
+austerities that one acquireth what is very great; it is by
+intelligence that a person acquireth a second and it is by serving
+the old that one becometh wise.'<a id="footnotetag69" name="footnotetag69"></a><a href="#footnote69"><sup>69</sup></a> The
+Yaksha asked, 'What constituteth the divinity of the Brahmanas?
+What even is their practice that is like that of the pious? What
+also is the human attribute of the Brahmanas? And what practice of
+theirs is like that of the impious?' Yudhishthira answered, 'The
+study of the <i>Vedas</i> constitutes their divinity; their
+asceticism constitutes behaviour that is like that of the pious;
+their liability to death is their human attribute and slander is
+their impiety.' The Yaksha asked, 'What institutes the divinity of
+the Kshatriyas? What even is their practice that is like that of
+the pious? What is their human attribute? And what practice of
+theirs is like that of the impious?' Yudhishthira answered, 'Arrows
+and weapons are their divinity; celebration of sacrifices is that
+act which is like that of the pious; liability to fear is their
+human attribute; and refusal of protection is that act of theirs
+which is like that of the impious.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is that
+which constitutes the <i>Sama</i> of the sacrifice? What the
+<i>Yajus</i> of the sacrifice? What is that which is the refuge of
+a sacrifice? And what is that which sacrifice cannot do without?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'Life is the <i>Sama</i> of the sacrifice;
+the mind is the <i>Yajus</i> of the sacrifice; the <i>Rik</i> is
+that which is the refuge of the sacrifice; and it is <i>Rik</i>
+alone which sacrifice cannot do without.'<a id="footnotetag70" name="footnotetag70"></a><a href="#footnote70"><sup>70</sup></a>
+The Yaksha asked, 'What <span class="pagenum">[Pg 607]</span> is of
+the foremost value to those that cultivate? What is of the foremost
+value to those that sow? What is of the foremost value to those
+that wish for prosperity in this world? And what is of the foremost
+value to those that bring forth?' Yudhishthira answered, 'That
+which is of the foremost value to those that cultivate is rain;
+that of the foremost value to those that sow is seed; that of the
+foremost value to those that bring forth is offspring.'<a id="footnotetag71" name="footnotetag71"></a><a href="#footnote71"><sup>71</sup></a> The Yaksha asked, 'What person,
+enjoying all the objects of the senses, endued with intelligence,
+regarded by the world and liked by all beings, though breathing,
+doth not offer anything to these five, viz., gods, guests,
+servants, <i>Pitris</i>, and himself, though endued with breath, is
+not yet alive.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is weightier than the earth
+itself? What is higher than the heavens? What is fleeter than the
+wind? And what is more numerous than grass?' Yudhishthira answered,
+'The mother is weightier than the earth; the father is higher than
+the heaven; the mind is fleeter than the wind; and our thoughts are
+more numerous than grass.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is that which
+doth not close its eyes while asleep? What is that which doth not
+move after birth? What is that which is without heart? And what is
+that which swells with its own impetus?' Yudhishthira answered, 'A
+fish doth not close its eyes while asleep; an egg doth not move
+after birth; a stone is without heart; and a river swelleth with
+its own impetus.' The Yaksha asked, 'Who is the friend of the
+exile? Who is the friend of the householder? Who is the friend of
+him that ails? And who is the friend of one about to die?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'The friend of the exile in a distant land
+is his companion; the friend of the householder is the wife; the
+friend of him that ails is the physician; and the friend of him
+about to die is charity.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'Who is the guest
+of all creatures? What is the eternal duty? What, O foremost of
+kings, is <i>Amrita</i>? And what is this entire Universe?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'<i>Agni</i> is the guest of all
+creatures; the milk of kine is <i>amrita; Homa</i> (therewith) is
+the eternal duty; and this Universe consists of air alone.'<a id="footnotetag72" name="footnotetag72"></a><a href="#footnote72"><sup>72</sup></a> The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is
+that which sojourneth alone? What is that which is re-born after
+its birth? What is the remedy against cold? And what is the largest
+field?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'The sun sojourneth alone; the
+moon takes birth anew; fire is the remedy against cold; and the
+Earth is the largest field.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is the
+highest refuge of virtue? What of fame? What of heaven? And what,
+of happiness?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Liberality is the
+highest refuge of virtue; gift, of fame; truth, of heaven; and
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 608]</span> good behaviour, of
+happiness.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is the soul of man? Who
+is that friend bestowed on man by the gods? What is man's chief
+support? And what also is his chief refuge?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'The son is a man's soul; the wife is the friend
+bestowed on man by the gods; the clouds are his chief support; and
+gift is his chief refuge.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is the
+best of all laudable things? What is the most valuable of all his
+possessions? What is the best of all gains? And what is the best of
+all kinds of happiness?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;"The best of
+all laudable things is skill; the best of all possessions is
+knowledge; the best of all gains is health; and contentment is the
+best of all kinds of happiness.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is
+the highest duty in the world? What is that virtue which always
+beareth fruit? What is that which if controlled, leadeth not to
+regret? And who are they with whom an alliance cannot break?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'The highest of duties is to refrain
+from injury; the rites ordained in the <i>Three (Vedas)</i> always
+bear fruit; the mind, if controlled, leadeth to no regret; and an
+alliance with the good never breaketh.' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'What is that which, if renounced, maketh one
+agreeable? What is that which, if renounced, leadeth to no regret?
+What is that which, if renounced, maketh one wealthy? And what is
+that which if renounced, maketh one happy?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'Pride, if renounced, maketh one agreeable; wrath,
+if renounced leadeth to no regret; desire, if renounced, maketh one
+wealthy; and avarice, if renounced, maketh one happy.' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'For what doth one give away to Brahmanas? For what to
+mimes and dancers? For what to servants? And for what to the king?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'It is for religious merit that one
+giveth away to Brahmanas; it is for fame that one giveth away to
+mimes and dancers; it is for supporting them that one giveth away
+to servants; and it is for obtaining relief from fear that one
+giveth to kings.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'With what is the world
+enveloped? What is that owing to which a thing cannot discover
+itself? For what are friends forsaken? And for what doth one fail
+to go to heaven?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'The world is
+enveloped with darkness. Darkness doth not permit a thing to show
+itself. It is from avarice that friends are forsaken. And it is
+connection with the world for which one faileth to go to heaven.'
+The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'For what may one be considered as dead?
+For what may a kingdom be considered as dead? For what may a
+<i>Sraddha</i> be considered as dead? And for what, a sacrifice?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'For want of wealth may a man be
+regarded as dead. A kingdom for want of a king may be regarded as
+dead. A <i>Sraddha</i> that is performed with the aid of a priest
+that hath no learning may be regarded as dead. And a sacrifice in
+which there are no gifts to Brahmanas is dead.' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'What constitutes the way? What hath been spoken of as
+water? What, as food? And what, as poison? Tell us also what is the
+proper time of a <i>Sraddha</i>, and then drink and take away as
+much as thou likest!' Yudhishthira <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+609]</span> answered,&mdash;'They that are good constitute the
+way.<a id="footnotetag73" name="footnotetag73"></a><a href="#footnote73"><sup>73</sup></a> Space hath been spoken of as
+water.<a id="footnotetag74" name="footnotetag74"></a><a href="#footnote74"><sup>74</sup></a>
+The cow is food.<a id="footnotetag75" name="footnotetag75"></a><a href="#footnote75"><sup>75</sup></a> A request is poison. And a Brahmana
+is regarded as the proper time of a <i>Sraddha</i>.<a id="footnotetag76" name="footnotetag76"></a><a href="#footnote76"><sup>76</sup></a> I do not know what thou mayst think
+of all this, O Yaksha?' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What hath been
+said to be the sign of asceticism? And what is true restraint? What
+constitutes forgiveness. And what is shame?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'Staying in one's own religion is asceticism; the
+restraint of the mind is of all restraints the true one;
+forgiveness consists in enduring enmity; and shame, in withdrawing
+from all unworthy acts.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What, O king is
+said to be knowledge? What, tranquillity? What constitutes mercy?
+And what hath been called simplicity?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'True knowledge is that of Divinity. True
+tranquillity is that of the heart. Mercy consists in wishing
+happiness to all. And simplicity is equanimity of heart.' The
+Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What enemy is invincible? What constitutes an
+incurable disease for man? What sort of a man is called honest and
+what dishonest?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Anger is an
+invincible enemy. Covetousness constitutes an incurable disease. He
+is honest that desires the weal of all creatures, and he is
+dishonest who is unmerciful.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What, O
+king, is ignorance? And what is pride? What also is to be
+understood by idleness? And what hath been spoken of as grief?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'True ignorance consists in not
+knowing one's duties. Pride is a consciousness of one's being
+himself an actor or sufferer in life. Idleness consists in not
+discharging one's duties, and ignorance in grief.' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'What hath steadiness been said by the <i>Rishis</i>
+to be? And what, patience? What also is a real ablution? And what
+is charity?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Steadiness consists in
+one's staying in one's own religion, and true patience consists in
+the subjugation of the senses. A true bath consists in washing the
+mind clean of all impurities, and charity consists in protecting
+all creatures.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What man should be
+regarded as learned, and who should be called an atheist? Who also
+is to be called ignorant? What is called desire and what are the
+sources of desire? And what is envy?' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'He is to be called learned who knoweth his duties.
+An atheist is he who is ignorant and so also he is ignorant who is
+an atheist. Desire is due to objects of possession, and envy is
+nothing else than grief of heart.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'What is
+pride, and what is <span class="pagenum">[Pg 610]</span> hypocrisy?
+What is the grace of the gods, and what is wickedness?'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Stolid ignorance is pride. The
+setting up of a religious standard is hypocrisy. The grace of the
+gods is the fruit of our gifts, and wickedness consists in speaking
+ill of others.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'Virtue, profit, and desire
+are opposed to one another. How could things thus antagonistic to
+one another exist together?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'When a
+wife and virtue agree with each other, then all the three thou hast
+mentioned may exist together.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'O bull of
+the Bharata race, who is he that is condemned to everlasting hell?
+It behoveth thee to soon answer the question that I ask!'
+Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'He that summoneth a poor Brahmana
+promising to make him a gift and then tells him that he hath
+nothing to give, goeth to everlasting hell. He also must go to
+everlasting hell, who imputes falsehood to the <i>Vedas</i>, the
+scriptures, the Brahmanas, the gods, and the ceremonies in honour
+of the <i>Pitris</i>. He also goeth to everlasting hell who though
+in possession of wealth, never giveth away nor enjoyeth himself
+from avarice, saying, he hath none.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'By
+what, O king, birth, behaviour, study, or learning doth a person
+become a Brahmana? Tell us with certitude!' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'Listen, O Yaksha! It is neither birth, nor study,
+nor learning, that is the cause of <i>Brahmanahood</i>, without
+doubt, it is behaviour that constitutes it. One's behaviour should
+always be well-guarded, especially by a Brahmana. He who
+maintaineth his conduct unimpaired, is never impaired himself.
+Professors and pupils, in fact, all who study the scriptures, if
+addicted to wicked habits, are to be regarded as illiterate
+wretches. He only is learned who performeth his religious duties.
+He even that hath studied the four Vedas is to be regarded as a
+wicked wretch scarcely distinguishable from a Sudra (if his conduct
+be not correct). He only who performeth the <i>Agnihotra</i> and
+hath his senses under control, is called a Brahmana!' The Yaksha
+asked,&mdash;'What doth one gain that speaketh agreeable words?
+What doth he gain that always acteth with judgment? What doth he
+gain that hath many friends? And what he, that is devoted to
+virtue?' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'He that speaketh agreeable
+words becometh agreeable to all. He that acteth with judgment
+obtaineth whatever he seeketh. He that hath many friends liveth
+happily. And he that is devoted to virtue obtaineth a happy state
+(in the next world).' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'Who is truly happy?
+What is most wonderful? What is <i>the</i> path? And what is
+<i>the</i> news? Answer these four questions of mine and let thy
+dead brothers revive.' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'O amphibious
+creature, a man who cooketh in his own house, on the fifth or the
+sixth part of the day, with scanty vegetables, but who is not in
+debt and who stirreth not from home, is truly happy. Day after day
+countless creatures are going to the abode of Yama, yet those that
+remain behind believe themselves to be immortal. What can be more
+wonderful than this? Argument leads to no certain conclusion, the
+<i>Srutis</i> are different from one another; there is not even one
+<i>Rishi</i> whose opinion can be accepted by all; the truth about
+religion and duty is hid in caves: therefore, that alone is the
+path along which the great have trod. This world full of ignorance
+is like a pan. The sun is fire, <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+611]</span> the days and nights are fuel. The months and the
+seasons constitute the wooden ladle. Time is the cook that is
+cooking all creatures in that pan (with such aids); this is <i>the
+news</i>.' The Yaksha asked,&mdash;'Thou hast, O represser of foes,
+truly answered all my questions! Tell us now who is truly a man,
+and what man truly possesseth every kind of wealth.' Yudhishthira
+answered,&mdash;'The report of one's good action reacheth heaven
+and spreadeth over the earth. As long as that report lasteth, so
+long is a person to whom the agreeable and the disagreeable, weal
+and woe, the past and the future, are the same, is said to possess
+every kind of wealth.' The Yaksha said,&mdash;'Thou hast, O king
+truly answered who is a man, and what man possesseth every kind of
+wealth. Therefore, let one only amongst thy brothers, whom thou
+mayst wish, get up with life!' Yudhishthira answered,&mdash;'Let
+this one that is of darkish hue, whose eyes are red, who is tall
+like a large <i>Sala</i> tree, whose chest is broad and arms long,
+let this Nakula, O Yaksha, get up with life!' The Yaksha
+rejoined,&mdash;'This Bhimasena is dear unto thee, and this Arjuna
+also is one upon whom all of you depend! Why, then, O king, dost
+thou wish a step-brother to get up with his life! How canst thou,
+forsaking Bhima whose strength is equal to that of ten thousand
+elephants, wish Nakula to live? People said that this Bhima was
+dear to thee. From what motive then dost thou wish a step-brother
+to revive? Forsaking Arjuna the might of whose arm is worshipped by
+all the sons of Pandu, why dost thou wish Nakula to revive?'
+Yudhishthira said,&mdash;'If virtue is sacrificed, he that
+sacrificeth it, is himself lost. So virtue also cherisheth the
+cherisher. Therefore taking care that virtue by being sacrificed
+may not sacrifice us, I never forsake virtue. Abstention from
+injury is the highest virtue, and is, I ween, even higher than the
+highest object of attainment. I endeavour to practise that virtue.
+Therefore, let Nakula, O Yaksha, revive! Let men know that the king
+is always virtuous! I will never depart from my duty. Let Nakula,
+therefore, revive! My father had two wives, Kunti and Madri. Let
+both of them have children. This is what I wish. As Kunti is to me,
+so also is Madri. There is no difference between them in my eye. I
+desire to act equally towards my mothers. Therefore, let Nakula
+live.' The Yaksha said,&mdash;'Since abstention from injury is
+regarded by thee as higher than both profit and pleasure,
+therefore, let all thy brothers live, O bull of Bharata race!'"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCXII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Then agreeable to the words of
+the Yaksha the Pandavas rose up; and in a moment their hunger and
+thirst left them. Thereupon Yudhishthira said, 'I ask thee that art
+incapable of being vanquished and that standest on one leg in the
+tank, what god art thou, for I cannot take thee for a Yaksha! Art
+thou the foremost of the Vasus, or of the Rudras, or of the chief
+of the Maruts? Or art thou the lord himself of the celestials,
+wielder of the thunder-bolt! Each of these my brothers is capable
+of fighting as hundred thousand warriors, and I see not the warrior
+that can slay them <span class="pagenum">[Pg 612]</span> all! I see
+also that their senses have refreshed, as if they have sweetly
+awaked from slumber. Art thou a friend of ours, or even our father
+himself?' At this the Yaksha replied,&mdash;'O child, I am even thy
+father, the Lord of justice, possessed of great prowess! Know, bull
+of the Bharata race, that I came hither desirous of beholding thee!
+Fame, truth, self-restraint, purity, candour, modesty, steadiness,
+charity, austerities and <i>Brahmacharya</i>, these are my body!
+And abstention from injury, impartiality, peace, penances,
+sanctity, and freedom from malice are the doors (through which I am
+accessible). Thou art always dear to me! By good luck thou art
+devoted to the five;<a id="footnotetag77" name="footnotetag77"></a><a href="#footnote77"><sup>77</sup></a> and by
+good luck also thou hast conquered the six.<a id="footnotetag78" name="footnotetag78"></a><a href="#footnote78"><sup>78</sup></a> Of
+the six, two appear in the first part of life; two in the middle
+part thereof; and the remaining two at the end, in order to make
+men repair to the next world. I am, good betide thee, the lord of
+justice! I came hither to test thy merit. I am well-pleased to
+witness thy harmlessness; and, O sinless one, I will confer boons
+on thee. Do thou, O foremost of kings, ask of me boons. I shall
+surely confer them, O sinless one! Those that revere me, never come
+by distress!' Yudhishthira said,&mdash;'A deer was carrying away
+the Brahmana's fire-sticks. Therefore, the first boon that I shall
+ask, is, may that Brahmana's adorations to <i>Agni</i> be not
+interrupted!' The Yaksha said,&mdash;'O Kunti's son endued with
+splendour, it was I who for examining thee, was carrying away, in
+the guise of a deer, that Brahmana's fire-sticks!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Thereupon that worshipful one
+said,&mdash;'I give thee this boon! Good betide thee! O thou that
+are like unto an immortal, ask thou a fresh boon!' Yudhishthira
+said,&mdash;'We have spent these twelve years in the forest; and
+the thirteenth year is come. May no one recognise us, as we spend
+this year somewhere.'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Thereat that worshipful one
+replied,&mdash;'I give this boon unto thee!' And then reassuring
+Kunti's son having truth for prowess, he also said, 'Even if, O
+Bharata, ye range this (entire) earth in your proper forms none in
+the three worlds shall recognise you. Ye perpetuators of the Kuru
+race, through my grace, ye will spend this thirteenth year,
+secretly and unrecognised, in Virata's kingdom! And every one of
+you will be able at will to assume any form he likes! Do ye now
+present the Brahmana with his fire-sticks. It was only to test you
+that I carried them away in the form of a deer! O amiable
+Yudhishthira, do thou ask for another boon that thou mayst like! I
+will confer it on thee. O foremost of men, I have not yet been
+satisfied by granting boons to thee! Do thou my son, accept a third
+boon that is great and incomparable! Thou, O king, art born of me,
+and Vidura of portion or mine!' Thereat Yudhishthira
+said,&mdash;'It is enough that I have beheld thee with my senses,
+eternal God of gods as thou art! O father, whatever boon thou wilt
+confer on me I shall surely accept gladly! May I, O lord, always
+conquer covetousness and folly and anger, and may my mind be
+<span class="pagenum">[Pg 613]</span> ever devoted to charity,
+truth, and ascetic austerities!' The Lord of justice
+said,&mdash;'Even by nature, O Pandava, hast thou been endued with
+these qualities, for thou art the Lord of justice himself! Do thou
+again attain what thou asked for!'"</p>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Having said these words, the
+worshipful Lord of justice, who is the object of contemplation of
+all the worlds, vanished therefrom; and the high-souled Pandavas
+after they had slept sweetly were united with one another. And
+their fatigue dispelled, those heroes returned to the hermitage,
+and gave back that Brahmana his firesticks. That man who pursueth
+this illustrious and fame-enhancing story of the revival (of the
+Pandavas) and the meeting of father and son (Dharma and
+Yudhishthira), obtaineth perfect tranquillity of mind, and sons and
+grandsons, and also a life extending over a hundred years! And the
+mind of that man that layeth this story to heart, never delighteth
+in unrighteousness, or in disunion among friends, or
+misappropriation of other person's property, or staining other
+people's wives, or in foul thoughts!"</p>
+<h2>SECTION CCCXIII</h2>
+<p>Vaisampayana continued,&mdash;"Commanded by the Lord of justice
+to thus spend in disguise the thirteenth year of non-discovery, the
+high-souled Pandavas, observant of vows and having truth for
+prowess, sat before those learned and vow-observing ascetics that
+from regard were dwelling with them in their exile in the forest.
+And with joined hands they said these words, with the intention of
+obtaining permission to spend the thirteenth year in the manner
+indicated. And they said, 'Ye know well that the sons of
+Dhritarashtra have by deceit deprived us of our kingdom, and have
+also done us many other wrongs! We have passed twelve years in the
+forest in great affliction. The thirteenth year only, which we are
+to spend unrecognised, yet remaineth. It behoveth you to permit us
+now to spend this year in concealment! Those rancorous enemies of
+ours, Suyodhana, the wicked-minded Karna, and Suvala's son should
+they discover us, would do mighty wrong to the citizens and our
+friends! Shall we all with the Brahmanas, be again established in
+our own kingdom?' Having said this, that pure-spirited son of
+Dharma king Yudhishthira, overwhelmed with grief and with accents
+choked in tears, swooned away. Thereupon the Brahmanas, together
+with his brothers began to cheer him up. Then Dhaumya spake unto
+the king these words fraught with mighty meaning,&mdash;'O king,
+thou art learned and capable of bearing privations, art firm in
+promise, and of subdued sense! Men of such stamp are not
+overwhelmed by any calamity whatever. Even the high-souled gods
+themselves have wandered over various places in disguise, for the
+purpose of overcoming foes. Indra for the purpose of overcoming his
+foes, dwelt in disguise in the asylum of Giriprastha, in Nishadha
+and thus attained his end. Before taking his birth in the womb of
+Aditi, Vishnu for the purpose of destroying the <i>Daityas</i>
+passed a long time unrecognised, assuming <span class="pagenum">[Pg
+614]</span> the form of the <i>Haya-griba</i> (Horse-necked). Then
+how disguising himself in the form of a dwarf, he by his prowess
+deprived Vali of his kingdom, hath been heard by thee! And thou
+hast also heard how Hutasana entering into water and remaining in
+concealment, achieved the purpose of the gods. And O thou versed in
+duty, thou hast heard how Hari with the view of overcoming his
+foes, entered into Sakra's thunder-bolt, and lay concealed there.
+And, O sinless one, thou hast heard of the office the regenerate
+<i>Rishi</i> Aurva at one time performed for the gods, remaining
+concealed in his mother's womb. And O child, living in concealment
+in every part of the earth, Vivaswat, endued with excellent energy,
+at last entirely burnt up all his foes. And living disguised in the
+abode of Dasaratha, Vishnu of dreadful deeds slew the Ten-necked
+one in battle. Thus remaining in disguise in various places,
+high-souled persons have before this conquered their enemies in
+battle.' Thus cheered by these words of Dhaumya, the virtuous
+Yudhishthira, relying on his own wisdom and also that acquired from
+the scriptures regained his composure. Then that foremost of strong
+persons, the mighty-armed Bhimasena endued with great strength
+encouraging the king greatly, spake these words, 'Looking up to thy
+face (for permission), the wielder of the <i>Gandiva</i>, acting
+according to his sense of duty hath not yet, O king, shown any
+rashness! And although fully able to destroy the foe, Nakula and
+Sahadeva of dreadful prowess have been ever prevented by me! Never
+shall we swerve from that in which thou wilt engage us! Do thou
+tell us what is to be done! We shall speedily conquer our enemies!'
+When Bhimasena had said this, the Brahmanas uttered benedictions on
+the Bharatas, and then obtaining their permission, went to their
+respective quarters. And all those foremost of <i>Yatis</i> and
+<i>Munis</i> versed in the Vedas, exceedingly desirous of again
+beholding the Pandavas, went back to their homes. And accompanied
+by Dhaumya, these heroes, the five learned Pandavas equipped in
+vows set out with Krishna. And each versed in a separate science,
+and all proficient in <i>mantras</i> and cognisant of when peace
+was to be concluded and when war was to be waged those tigers among
+men, about to enter upon a life of non-recognition, the next day
+proceeded for a Krose and then sat themselves down with the view of
+taking counsel of each other."</p>
+<p><i>The End of Vana Parva</i></p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>:<a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a>
+It means these six things, unfavourable to crops&mdash;excessive rain,
+drought, rats, locusts, birds, and a neighbouring hostile king.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>:<a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a>
+In as much as the rites performed by the Sudras have their
+origin in the Vedas.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>:<a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a>
+More literally, the state of the gods. It may appropriately be
+remarked here that the ordinary Hindu gods, of the post-Vedic
+period, like the gods of Ancient Greece and Italy, were simply a
+class of superhuman beings, distinctly contra-distinguished from
+the Supreme Spirit, the <i>Paramatman</i> or <i>Parabrahma</i>.
+After death, a virtuous man was supposed to be transformed into one
+of these so-called gods.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> <b>Footnote 4</b>:<a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a>
+This is the well-known and popular doctrine of transmigration of
+souls.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote5" name="footnote5"></a> <b>Footnote 5</b>:<a href="#footnotetag5">(return)</a>
+The word in the text is <i>Kora-dushakas</i>, supposed by Wilson
+to be the <i>Paspalum frumentacea</i> (<i>vide</i> Dict.).
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote6" name="footnote6"></a> <b>Footnote 6</b>:<a href="#footnotetag6">(return)</a>
+The word in the text is <i>mlecchibhutam</i>. The Sanskrit
+grammar affords a great facility for the formation of verbs from
+substantives. <i>Mlecchify</i> may be hybrid, but it correctly and
+shortly signifies the Sanskrit word.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote7" name="footnote7"></a> <b>Footnote 7</b>:<a href="#footnotetag7">(return)</a>
+<i>Pushya</i> is the eighth lunar asterism consisting of three
+stars, of which one is, the Cancer. (Vide Wilson's Diet.).
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote8" name="footnote8"></a> <b>Footnote 8</b>:<a href="#footnotetag8">(return)</a>
+An Indian creeper of the order of <i>Goertnera racemosa</i>. It
+bears large white flowers of much fragrance.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote9" name="footnote9"></a> <b>Footnote 9</b>:<a href="#footnotetag9">(return)</a>
+They, therefore, that lead deathless lives can enjoy this bliss
+from day to day for ever.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote10" name="footnote10"></a> <b>Footnote 10</b>:<a href="#footnotetag10">(return)</a>
+It is difficult to understand how all that Vaka says can be an
+answer to Indra's question. The chief of the gods enquires: What
+are the joys of those that lead deathless lives? Vaka breaks away
+unto a confused rigmarole about the merits of independence and the
+religious merit of entertaining guests and servants. All the
+printed editions have the passage as rendered here.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote11" name="footnote11"></a> <b>Footnote 11</b>:<a href="#footnotetag11">(return)</a>
+The ceremony of <i>Swastivachana</i> is described to be "a
+religious rite, preparatory to any important observance, in which
+the Brahmanas strew boiled rice on the ground, and invoke the
+blessings of the gods on the ceremony about to commence"
+(<i>Vide</i> Wilson's Diet).
+A flowery car was, probably, one of celestial make that the
+kings procured from heaven by performing costly rites and
+ceremonies. These were sometimes exhibited to the people, and prior
+to these exhibitions, the ceremony of <i>Swastivachana</i> was
+performed.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote12" name="footnote12"></a> <b>Footnote 12</b>:<a href="#footnotetag12">(return)</a>
+A man is said to sell the Vedas who lectures on the Vedas taking
+fees from the hearers.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote13" name="footnote13"></a> <b>Footnote 13</b>:<a href="#footnotetag13">(return)</a>
+<i>Japa</i> is the silent recitation of particular
+<i>Mantras</i>.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote14" name="footnote14"></a> <b>Footnote 14</b>:<a href="#footnotetag14">(return)</a>
+<i>Mantras</i> are particular formulae of worship. They are for
+the most part rhythmic compositions, believed to be of great
+efficacy.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote15" name="footnote15"></a> <b>Footnote 15</b>:<a href="#footnotetag15">(return)</a>
+The <i>Homa</i> is that sacrificial rite which consists of
+pouring libations of clarified butter into fire.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote16" name="footnote16"></a> <b>Footnote 16</b>:<a href="#footnotetag16">(return)</a>
+<i>Vedamayi nou</i>. Lit, a boat made of the Vedas.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote17" name="footnote17"></a> <b>Footnote 17</b>:<a href="#footnotetag17">(return)</a>
+<i>Vishada</i> is the original. It means discontent, but here it
+means more a mixture of discontent, perplexity and confusion than
+mere discontent.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote18" name="footnote18"></a> <b>Footnote 18</b>:<a href="#footnotetag18">(return)</a>
+A form of Hindu etiquette at parting.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote19" name="footnote19"></a> <b>Footnote 19</b>:<a href="#footnotetag19">(return)</a>
+It is so very difficult to translate the word
+<i>Karma</i>,&mdash;religion and morals were invariably associated
+with each other in ancient Hindu mind.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote20" name="footnote20"></a> <b>Footnote 20</b>:<a href="#footnotetag20">(return)</a>
+Agni or fire was supposed to convey the oblations offered by men
+to the gods.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote21" name="footnote21"></a> <b>Footnote 21</b>:<a href="#footnotetag21">(return)</a>
+<i>Kumara</i> means a boy, hence a prince. Here Kartika the
+war-god is meant.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote22" name="footnote22"></a> <b>Footnote 22</b>:<a href="#footnotetag22">(return)</a>
+By carrying their oblations to the gods.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote23" name="footnote23"></a> <b>Footnote 23</b>:<a href="#footnotetag23">(return)</a>
+Portions of the Vedas.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote24" name="footnote24"></a> <b>Footnote 24</b>:<a href="#footnotetag24">(return)</a>
+<i>Raga</i> means love.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote25" name="footnote25"></a> <b>Footnote 25</b>:<a href="#footnotetag25">(return)</a>
+Kama is the name of the god of love, Indian Cupid.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote26" name="footnote26"></a> <b>Footnote 26</b>:<a href="#footnotetag26">(return)</a>
+The body, the exciting Cause of our actions is an <i>uktha</i>,
+the soul of the vivifier of the body is the second <i>uktha</i>,
+and the Supreme Spirit, the inciter of the soul is the third.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote27" name="footnote27"></a> <b>Footnote 27</b>:<a href="#footnotetag27">(return)</a>
+The word of God.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote28" name="footnote28"></a> <b>Footnote 28</b>:<a href="#footnotetag28">(return)</a>
+In Hindu Mythology there are no gods who destroy sacrifices. It
+is only the Asuras who do so. The Burdwan translator renders this
+passage,&mdash;"fifteen other gods belonging to western nations or
+<i>Asuras</i>." It is noticeable that the beings that were
+denounced as <i>Asuras</i> by the Hindus were worshipped as Gods
+(<i>Asuras</i>) by the followers of Zarathustra.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote29" name="footnote29"></a> <b>Footnote 29</b>:<a href="#footnotetag29">(return)</a>
+In connection with the names of these Mitra-gods, it is to be
+remembered that Mitra was the name of the principal god of the
+ancient Persians.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote30" name="footnote30"></a> <b>Footnote 30</b>:<a href="#footnotetag30">(return)</a>
+<i>Avala</i> is a common name of women. It means one who has no
+vala or strength or power. The word is also used as an
+adjective.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote31" name="footnote31"></a> <b>Footnote 31</b>:<a href="#footnotetag31">(return)</a>
+According to the Hindus, the sun rises from and sets behind two
+hills respectively. He rises from the <i>Udaya</i> or Sun-rise hill
+and sets behind the <i>Asta</i> or sun-set hill.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote32" name="footnote32"></a> <b>Footnote 32</b>:<a href="#footnotetag32">(return)</a>
+<i>Raudra</i>&mdash;belonging to Rudra, the god of fury,
+violence, war, &amp;c.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote33" name="footnote33"></a> <b>Footnote 33</b>:<a href="#footnotetag33">(return)</a>
+<i>Devasena</i> literally means the celestial army. This fable
+seems to be an allegorical representation of the attempts made by
+Indra to procure a leader for the celestial host.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote34" name="footnote34"></a> <b>Footnote 34</b>:<a href="#footnotetag34">(return)</a>
+Anger personified is a deity.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote35" name="footnote35"></a> <b>Footnote 35</b>:<a href="#footnotetag35">(return)</a>
+Another name of gods, so named from their having only three
+stages of life&mdash;viz., infancy, childhood, and youth&mdash;and
+being exempt from the fourth&mdash;old age.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote36" name="footnote36"></a> <b>Footnote 36</b>:<a href="#footnotetag36">(return)</a>
+i.e., good and evil spirits.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote37" name="footnote37"></a> <b>Footnote 37</b>:<a href="#footnotetag37">(return)</a>
+One of the ensigns of royalty in Hindustan.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote38" name="footnote38"></a> <b>Footnote 38</b>:<a href="#footnotetag38">(return)</a>
+Brahma.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote39" name="footnote39"></a> <b>Footnote 39</b>:<a href="#footnotetag39">(return)</a>
+Devasenapati is the original. It may mean either the <i>pati</i>
+(leader) of the <i>sena</i> (forces) of <i>devas</i> or the
+<i>pati</i> (husband) of Devasena.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote40" name="footnote40"></a> <b>Footnote 40</b>:<a href="#footnotetag40">(return)</a>
+A kind of missile.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote41" name="footnote41"></a> <b>Footnote 41</b>:<a href="#footnotetag41">(return)</a>
+Another kind of weapon.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote42" name="footnote42"></a> <b>Footnote 42</b>:<a href="#footnotetag42">(return)</a>
+The word in the text is "Agrahara," which, as Nilakantha
+explains, means here, "That which is first taken from a heap after
+the dedication of a portion to the Viswadevas." What Draupadi means
+to say is, that she always took care to feed those Brahmanas with
+food "first" taken from the stores, without, in fact, having taken
+anything there from the use of anybody else.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote43" name="footnote43"></a> <b>Footnote 43</b>:<a href="#footnotetag43">(return)</a>
+Lit, Soldiers that have sworn to conquer or die. A full
+Akshauhini of these soldiers was owned by Krishna, who gave them to
+Duryodhana to fight for him. The story of Krishna's offering to
+Duryodhana the choice between these soldiers on the one side, and
+himself sworn not to fight but only to aid with his counsels on the
+other, is given in full in the Udyoga Parva. Duryodhana, from
+folly, accepted the former, who were all slain by Arjuna.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote44" name="footnote44"></a> <b>Footnote 44</b>:<a href="#footnotetag44">(return)</a>
+The vow of the Asuras was (according to the Burdwan Pundits)
+never to drink wine. It is more rational to suppose that Karna
+swears to give up the refined manners and practices of the Arvas
+and adopt those of the Asuras till the consummation of the
+cherished desire.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote45" name="footnote45"></a> <b>Footnote 45</b>:<a href="#footnotetag45">(return)</a>
+A very small measure.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote46" name="footnote46"></a> <b>Footnote 46</b>:<a href="#footnotetag46">(return)</a>
+Picking up for support (1) ears of corn and (2) individual
+grains, left on the field by husbandmen after they have gathered
+and carried away the sheaves, are called the Sila and the Unchha
+modes of life.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote47" name="footnote47"></a> <b>Footnote 47</b>:<a href="#footnotetag47">(return)</a>
+Naked.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote48" name="footnote48"></a> <b>Footnote 48</b>:<a href="#footnotetag48">(return)</a>
+Both these words are of doubtful meaning. It seems they are
+employed in the Vedas to denote the faculties of knowledge and the
+moral sense respectively.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote49" name="footnote49"></a> <b>Footnote 49</b>:<a href="#footnotetag49">(return)</a>
+The six acts of a king are peace, war, marching, halting, sowing
+dissention, and seeking protection.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote50" name="footnote50"></a> <b>Footnote 50</b>:<a href="#footnotetag50">(return)</a>
+Tard-mrigam. Formerly Prajapati, assuming the Form of a deer,
+followed his daughter from lust, and Rudra, armed with a trident,
+pursued Prajapati and struck off his head. That deer-head of
+Prajapati severed from the trunk, became the star, or rather
+constellation, called Mrigasiras.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote51" name="footnote51"></a> <b>Footnote 51</b>:<a href="#footnotetag51">(return)</a>
+Abode of Varuna in the original.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote52" name="footnote52"></a> <b>Footnote 52</b>:<a href="#footnotetag52">(return)</a>
+Garuda.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote53" name="footnote53"></a> <b>Footnote 53</b>:<a href="#footnotetag53">(return)</a>
+Pavana, the God of the wind.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote54" name="footnote54"></a> <b>Footnote 54</b>:<a href="#footnotetag54">(return)</a>
+There is a difference of reading here. Some texts read fifty
+seven.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote55" name="footnote55"></a> <b>Footnote 55</b>:<a href="#footnotetag55">(return)</a>
+A difference of reading is observable here.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote56" name="footnote56"></a> <b>Footnote 56</b>:<a href="#footnotetag56">(return)</a>
+As a purificatory ceremony, called the Achamana. To this day, no
+Hindu can perform any ceremony without going through the Achamana
+in the first instance.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote57" name="footnote57"></a> <b>Footnote 57</b>:<a href="#footnotetag57">(return)</a>
+Lit. an engine killing a hundred. Perhaps, some kind of rude
+cannon.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote58" name="footnote58"></a> <b>Footnote 58</b>:<a href="#footnotetag58">(return)</a>
+Perhaps, brands or torches steeped in wax, intended to be thrown
+in a burning state, amongst the foe. Readers of Indian history know
+how Lord Lake was repulsed from Bharatpore by means of huge bales
+of cotton, steeped in oil, rolled from the ramparts of that town,
+in a burning state, towards the advancing English.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote59" name="footnote59"></a> <b>Footnote 59</b>:<a href="#footnotetag59">(return)</a>
+Lit. be a Purusha (male)! Manhood would not be appropriate in
+connection with a Rakshasa.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote60" name="footnote60"></a> <b>Footnote 60</b>:<a href="#footnotetag60">(return)</a>
+This weapon could restore an insensible warrior to
+consciousness, as the Sam-mohana weapon could deprive one of
+consciousness.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote61" name="footnote61"></a> <b>Footnote 61</b>:<a href="#footnotetag61">(return)</a>
+Visalya a medicinal plant of great efficacy in healing cuts and
+wounds. It is still cultivated in several parts of Bengal. A
+medical friend of the writer tested the efficacy of the plant known
+by that name and found it to be much superior to either gallic acid
+or tannic acid in stopping blood.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote62" name="footnote62"></a> <b>Footnote 62</b>:<a href="#footnotetag62">(return)</a>
+The Guhyakas occupy, in Hindu mythology, a position next only to
+that of the gods, and superior to that of the Gandharvas who are
+the celestial choristers. The White mountain is another name of
+Kailasa, the peak where Siva hath his abode.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote63" name="footnote63"></a> <b>Footnote 63</b>:<a href="#footnotetag63">(return)</a>
+According to both Vyasa and Valmiki, there is nothing so fierce
+as a Brahmana's curse. The very thunderbolt of Indra is weak
+compared to a Brahmana's curse. The reason is obvious. The thunder
+smites the individual at whom it may be aimed. The curse of
+Brahmana smites the whole race, whole generation, whole
+country.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote64" name="footnote64"></a> <b>Footnote 64</b>:<a href="#footnotetag64">(return)</a>
+Abhijit is lit. the eighth muhurta of the day, a muhurta being
+equal to an hour of 48 minutes, i.e. the thirtieth part of a whole
+day and night. The Vaishnava asterism is as explained by
+Nilakantha, the Sravava.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote65" name="footnote65"></a> <b>Footnote 65</b>:<a href="#footnotetag65">(return)</a>
+Also called Gayatri, the wife of Brahma.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote66" name="footnote66"></a> <b>Footnote 66</b>:<a href="#footnotetag66">(return)</a>
+Samhritya&mdash;killing.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote67" name="footnote67"></a> <b>Footnote 67</b>:<a href="#footnotetag67">(return)</a>
+Lit. Letters.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote68" name="footnote68"></a> <b>Footnote 68</b>:<a href="#footnotetag68">(return)</a>
+Behind the plain and obvious meanings of the words employed both
+in the question and the answer, there is a deeper signification of
+a spiritual kind. I think Nilakantha has rightly understood the
+passage. By Aditya, which of course commonly means the Sun, is
+indicated the unpurified soul (from adatte sabdadin indriadivis
+&amp;c.). The first question then, becomes, 'Who is it that
+exalteth the unpurified soul?' The act of exaltation implies a
+raising of the soul from its earthly connections. The answer to
+this is, 'Brahma, i.e., Veda or self-knowledge.' The second
+question&mdash;'What are those that keep company with the soul
+during its progress of purification?' The answer is,
+'Self-restraint and other qualities, which are all of a god-like or
+divine nature.' The third question is.&mdash;Who lead the soul to
+its place (state) of rest? The answer is, 'Dharma, <i>i.e.</i>,
+rectitude, morality, and religious observances.' It is often
+asserted that one must pass through the observances (Karma) before
+attaining to a state of Rest or Truth or Pure Knowledge. The last
+question is,&mdash;'On what is the soul established!' The answer,
+according to all that has been previously said, is 'Truth or Pure
+Knowledge.' For the soul that is emancipated from and raised above
+all carnal connections, is no longer in need of observances and
+acts (Karma) but stays unmoved in True Knowledge (Janana).
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote69" name="footnote69"></a> <b>Footnote 69</b>:<a href="#footnotetag69">(return)</a>
+Nilakantha explains both Dhriti and Dwitiya in a spiritual
+sense. There is no need, however, of a spiritual explanation here.
+By Dhriti is meant steadiness of intelligence; by Dwitiya lit, a
+second. What Yudhishthira says is that a steady intelligence serves
+the purposes of a helpful companion.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote70" name="footnote70"></a> <b>Footnote 70</b>:<a href="#footnotetag70">(return)</a>
+Nilakantha explains this correctly, as I imagine, by supposing
+that by 'sacrifice' is meant the spiritual sacrifice for the
+acquisition of pure knowledge. In the objective sacrifice which one
+celebrates, the Sama, the Yajus, and the Rik mantras are all
+necessary. In the subjective sacrifice the acquisition of true
+knowledge, life and mind are as necessary as the mantras from the
+Sama and the Yajur Vedas in an objective one. And as no objective
+sacrifice can do without the Riks, being principally dependent on
+them, so the subjective sacrifices for acquiring true knowledge can
+never do without prayerfulness, which, I imagine, is represented as
+the Riks. To understand this passage thoroughly would require an
+intimate acquaintance with the ritual of a sacrifice like the
+Agnishtoma or any other of that kind.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote71" name="footnote71"></a> <b>Footnote 71</b>:<a href="#footnotetag71">(return)</a>
+Some texts read apatatam for uvapatam. If the former be the
+correct reading, the meaning would be&mdash;'What is the best of
+things that fall?' Nilakantha explains both avapatam nivapatam in a
+spiritual sense. By the first he understands&mdash;'They that offer
+oblation to the gods,' and by the second, 'They that offer
+oblations to the Pitris.' The necessity of a spiritual
+interpretation, however, is not very apparent.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote72" name="footnote72"></a> <b>Footnote 72</b>:<a href="#footnotetag72">(return)</a>
+Yudhishthira has the authority of the Srutis for saying that the
+one pervading element of the universe is air.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote73" name="footnote73"></a> <b>Footnote 73</b>:<a href="#footnotetag73">(return)</a>
+The word used in the question is <i>dik</i>, literally,
+direction. Obviously, of course, it means in this connection way.
+Yudhishthira answers that the way which one is to tread along is
+that of the good.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote74" name="footnote74"></a> <b>Footnote 74</b>:<a href="#footnotetag74">(return)</a>
+The <i>Srutis</i> actually speak of space as water. These are
+questions to test Yudhishthira's knowledge of the Vedic
+cosmogony.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote75" name="footnote75"></a> <b>Footnote 75</b>:<a href="#footnotetag75">(return)</a>
+The <i>Srutis</i> speak of the cow as the only food, in the
+following sense. The cow gives milk. The milk gives butter. The
+butter is used in Homa. The Homa is the cause of the clouds. The
+clouds give rain. The rain makes the seed to sprout forth and
+produce food. Nilakantha endeavours to explain this in a spiritual
+sense. There is however, no need of such explanation here.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote76" name="footnote76"></a> <b>Footnote 76</b>:<a href="#footnotetag76">(return)</a>
+What Yudhishthira means to say is that there is no special time
+for a Sraddha. It is to be performed whenever a good and able
+priest may be secured.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote77" name="footnote77"></a> <b>Footnote 77</b>:<a href="#footnotetag77">(return)</a>
+That is, tranquillity of mind, self-restraint, abstention from
+sensual pleasures, resignation, and Yoga meditation.
+</p>
+
+<p class="footnote"><a id="footnote78" name="footnote78"></a> <b>Footnote 78</b>:<a href="#footnotetag78">(return)</a>
+That is, hunger, thirst, sorrow, bluntness of mortal feeling,
+decrepitude, and death.
+</p>
+
+<hr />
+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+Bk. 3 Pt. 2, by Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 2
+
+Author: Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+Release Date: May 13, 2004 [EBook #12333]
+Last Updated: March 10, 2013
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAHABHARATA BK. 3 PT. 2 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by John B. Hare, Juliet Sutherland, David King, and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+
+
+The Mahabharata of
+
+Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+BOOK 3
+
+VANA PARVA
+
+Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text
+
+by
+
+Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+[1883-1896]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MAHABHARATA
+
+
+VANA PARVA
+
+PART 2
+
+
+SECTION CXLV (continued from previous e-book)
+
+And the ruddy geese, and the gallinules and the ducks and
+the _karandavas_ and the _plavas_ and the parrots and the male _kokilas_
+and the herons in confusion flew in all directions, while some proud
+elephants urged by their mates, as also some lions and elephants in
+rage, flew at Bhimasena. And as they were distracted at heart through
+fear, these fierce animals discharging urine and dung, set up loud yells
+with gapping mouths. Thereupon the illustrious and graceful son of the
+wind-god, the mighty Pandava, depending upon the strength of his arms,
+began to slay one elephant with another elephant and one lion with
+another lion while he despatched the others with slaps. And on being
+struck by Bhima the lions and the tigers and the leopards, in fright
+gave loud cries and discharged urine and dung. And after having
+destroyed these the handsome son of Pandu, possessed of mighty strength,
+entered into the forest, making all sides resound with his shouts. And
+then the long-armed one saw on the slopes of the Gandhamadana a
+beautiful plantain tree spreading over many a _yojana_. And like unto a
+mad lion, that one of great strength proceeded amain towards that tree
+breaking down various plants. And that foremost of strong
+persons--Bhima--uprooting innumerable plaintain trunks equal in height
+to many palm-trees (placed one above another), cast them on all sides
+with force. And that highly powerful one, haughty like a male lion, sent
+up shouts. And then he encountered countless beasts of gigantic size,
+and stags, and monkeys, and lions, and buffaloes, and aquatic animals.
+And what with the cries of these, and what with the shouts of Bhima,
+even the beasts and birds that were at distant parts of the wood, became
+all frightened. And hearing those cries of beasts and birds, myriads of
+aquatic fowls suddenly rose up on wetted wings. And seeing these fowls
+of water, that bull among the Bharatas proceeded in that direction; and
+saw a vast and romantic lake. And that fathomless lake was, as it were,
+being fanned by the golden plantain trees on the coast, shaken by the
+soft breezes. And immediately descending into the lake abounding in
+lilies and lotuses, he began to sport lustily like unto a mighty
+maddened elephant. Having thus sported there for a long while, he of
+immeasurable effulgence ascended, in order to penetrate with speed into
+that forest filled with trees. Then the Pandava winded with all his
+might his loud-blowing shell. And striking his arms with his hands, the
+mighty Bhima made all the points of heaven resound. And filled with the
+sounds of the shell, and with the shouts of Bhimasena, and also with the
+reports produced by the striking of his arms, the caves of the mountain
+seemed as if they were roaring. And hearing those loud arm-strokes, like
+unto the crashing of thunder, the lions that were slumbering in the
+caves, uttered mighty howls. And being terrified by the yelling of the
+lions, the elephants, O Bharata, sent forth tremendous roars, which
+filled the mountain. And hearing those sounds emitted, and knowing also
+Bhimasena to be his brother, the ape Hanuman, the chief of monkeys, with
+the view of doing good to Bhima, obstructed the path leading to heaven.
+And thinking that he (Bhima) should not pass that way, (Hanuman) lay
+across the narrow path, beautified by plantain trees, obstructing it for
+the sake of the safety of Bhima. With the object that Bhima might not
+come by curse or defeat, by entering into the plantain wood, the ape
+Hanuman of huge body lay down amidst the plantain trees, being overcome
+with drowsiness. And he began to yawn, lashing his long tail, raised
+like unto the pole consecrated to Indra, and sounding like thunder. And
+on all sides round, the mountains by the mouths of caves emitted those
+sounds in echo, like a cow lowing. And as it was being shaken by the
+reports produced by the lashing of the tail, the mountain with its
+summits tottering, began to crumble all around. And overcoming that
+roaring of mad elephants, the sounds of his tail spread over the varied
+slopes of the mountain.
+
+"On those sounds being heard the down of Bhima's body stood on end; and
+he began to range that plantain wood, in search of those sounds. And
+that one of mighty arms saw the monkey-chief in the plantain wood, on an
+elevated rocky base. And he was hard to be looked at even as the
+lightning-flash; and of coppery hue like that of the lightning-flash;
+and endued with the voice of the lightning-flash; and quick moving as
+the lightning-flash; and having his short flesh neck supported on his
+shoulders; and with his waist slender in consequence of the fullness of
+his shoulders. And his tail covered with long hair, and a little bent at
+the end, was raised like unto a banner. And (Bhima) saw Hanuman's head
+furnished with small lips, and coppery face and tongue, and red ears,
+and brisk eyes, and bare white incisors sharpened at the edge. And his
+head was like unto the shining moon; adorned with white teeth within the
+mouth; and with mane scattered over, resembling a heap of _asoka_
+flowers. And amidst the golden plantain trees, that one of exceeding
+effulgence was lying like unto a blazing fire, with his radiant body.
+And that slayer of foes was casting glances with his eyes reddened with
+intoxication. And the intelligent Bhima saw that mighty chief of
+monkeys, of huge body, lying like unto the Himalaya, obstructing the
+path of heaven. And seeing him alone in that mighty forest, the
+undaunted athletic Bhima, of long arms, approached him with rapid
+strides, and uttered a loud shout like unto the thunder. And at that
+shout of Bhima, beasts and birds became all alarmed. The powerful
+Hanuman, however, opening his eyes partially looked at him (Bhima) with
+disregard, with eyes reddened with intoxication. And then smilingly
+addressing him, Hanuman said the following words, 'Ill as I am, I was
+sleeping sweetly. Why hast thou awakened me? Thou shouldst show kindness
+to all creatures, as thou hast reason. Belonging to the animal species,
+we are ignorant of virtue. But being endued with reason, men show
+kindness towards creatures. Why do then reasonable persons like thee
+commit themselves to acts contaminating alike body, speech, and heart,
+and destructive of virtue? Thou knowest not what virtue is, neither hast
+thou taken council of the wise. And therefore it is that from ignorance,
+and childishness thou destroyest the lower animals. Say, who art thou,
+and what for hast thou come to the forest devoid of humanity and human
+beings? And, O foremost of men, tell thou also, whither thou wilt go
+to-day. Further it is impossible to proceed. Yonder hills are
+inaccessible. O hero, save the passage obtained by the practice of
+asceticism, there is no passage to that place. This is the path of the
+celestials; it is ever impassable by mortals. Out of kindness, O hero,
+do I dissuade thee. Do thou hearken unto my words. Thou canst not
+proceed further from this place. Therefore, O lord, do thou desist. O
+chief of men, to-day in every way thou art welcome to this place. If thou
+think it proper to accept my words, do thou then, O best of men, rest
+here, partaking of fruits and roots, sweet as ambrosia, and do not have
+thyself destroyed for naught.'"
+
+
+SECTION CXLVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O represser of foes, hearing these words of the
+intelligent monkey-chief, the heroic Bhima answered, 'Who art thou? And
+why also hast thou assumed the shape of a monkey? It is a Kshatriya--one
+of a race next to the Brahmanas--that asketh thee. And he belongeth to
+the Kuru race and the lunar stock, and was borne by Kunti in her womb,
+and is one of the sons of Pandu, and is the off spring of the windgod,
+and is known by the name of Bhimasena.' Hearing these words of the Kuru
+hero, Hanuman smiled, and that son of the wind-god (Hanuman) spake unto
+that offspring of the windgod (Bhimasena), saying, 'I am a monkey, I
+will not allow thee the passage thou desirest. Better desist and go
+back. Do thou not meet with destruction.' At this Bhimasena replied,
+'Destruction at anything else do I not ask thee about, O monkey. Do thou
+give me passage. Arise! Do not come by grief at my hands.' Hanuman said,
+'I have no strength to rise; I am suffering from illness. If go thou
+must, do thou go by overleaping me.' Bhima said, 'The Supreme Soul void
+of the properties pervadeth a body all over. Him knowable alone by
+knowledge, I cannot disregard. And therefore, will I not overleap thee.
+If I had not known Him from Whom become manifest all creatures, I would
+have leapt over thee and also the mountain, even as Hanuman had bounded
+over the ocean.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'Who is that Hanuman, who had
+bounded over the ocean? I ask thee, O best of men. Relate if thou
+canst.' Bhima replied, 'He is even my brother, excellent with every
+perfection, and endued with intelligence and strength both of mind and
+body. And he is the illustrious chief of monkeys, renowned in the
+Ramayana. And for Rama's queen, that king of the monkeys even with one
+leap crossed the ocean extending over a hundred _yojanas_. That mighty
+one is my brother. I am equal unto him in energy, strength and prowess
+and also in fight. And able am I to punish thee. So arise. Either give
+me passage or witness my prowess to-day. If thou do not listen to my
+bidding, I shall send thee to the abode of Yama.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued. "Then knowing him (Bhima) to be intoxicated with
+strength, and proud of the might of his arms, Hanuman, slighting him at
+heart, said the following words, 'Relent thou, O sinless one. In
+consequence of age, I have no strength to get up. From pity for me, do
+thou go, moving aside my tail.' Being thus addressed by Hanuman, Bhima
+proud of the strength of his arms, took him for one wanting in energy
+and prowess, and thought within himself, 'Taking fast hold of the tail,
+will I send this monkey destitute of energy and prowess, to the region
+of Yama.' Thereat, with a smile he slightingly took hold of the tail
+with his left hand; but could not move that tail of the mighty monkey.
+Then with both arms he pulled it, resembling the pole reared in honour
+of Indra. Still the mighty Bhima could not raise the tail with both his
+arms. And his eye-brows were contracted up, and his eyes rolled, and his
+face was contracted into wrinkles and his body was covered with sweat;
+and yet he could not raise it. And when after having striven, the
+illustrious Bhima failed in raising the tail, he approached the side of
+the monkey, and stood with a bashful countenance. And bowing down,
+Kunti's son, with joined hands, spake these words, 'Relent thou, O
+foremost of monkeys; and forgive me for my harsh words. Art thou a
+Siddha, or a god, or a Gandharva, or a Guhyaka? I ask thee out of
+curiosity. Tell me who thou art that hast assumed the shape of monkey,
+if it be not a secret, O long-armed one, and if I can well hear it. I
+ask thee as a disciple, and I, O sinless one, seek thy refuge.'
+Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O represser of foes, even to the extent of thy
+curiosity to know me, shall I relate all at length. Listen, O son of
+Pandu! O lotus-eyed one, I was begotten by the windgod that life of the
+world--upon the wife of Kesari. I am a monkey, by name Hanuman. All the
+mighty monkey-kings, and monkey-chiefs used to wait upon that son of the
+sun, Sugriva, and that son of Sakra, Vali. And, O represser of foes, a
+friendship subsisted between me and Sugriva, even as between the wind
+and fire. And for some cause, Sugriva, driven out by his brother, for a
+long time dwelt with me at the Hri-syamukh. And it came to pass that the
+mighty son of Dasaratha the heroic Rama, who is Vishnu's self in the
+shape of a human being, took his birth in this world. And in company
+with his queen and brother, taking his bow, that foremost of bowmen with
+the view of compassing his father's welfare, began to reside in the
+Dandaka forest. And from Janasthana, that mighty Rakshasa monarch, the
+wicked Ravana, carried away his (Rama's) queen by stratagem and force,
+deceiving, O sinless one, that foremost of men, through the agency of a
+Rakshasa, Maricha, who assumed the form of a deer marked with gem-like
+and golden spots.'"
+
+
+SECTION CXLVII
+
+"Hanuman said, 'And after his wife was carried away, that descendant of
+Raghu, while searching with his brother for his queen, met, on the
+summit of that mountain, with Sugriva, chief of the monkeys. Then a
+friendship was contracted between him and the high-souled Raghava. And
+the latter, having slain Vali installed Sugriva in the kingdom. And
+having obtained the kingdom, Sugriva sent forth monkeys by hundreds and
+by thousands in search of Sita. And, O best of men, I too with
+innumerable monkeys set out towards the south in quest of Sita, O
+mighty-armed one. Then a mighty vulture Sampati by name, communicated
+the tidings that Sita was in the abode of Ravana. Thereupon with the
+object of securing success unto Rama, I all of a sudden bounded over the
+main, extending for a hundred _yojanas_. And, O chief of the Bharatas,
+having by my own prowess crossed the ocean, that abode of sharks and
+crocodiles, I saw in Ravana's residence, the daughter of king Janaka,
+Sita, like unto the daughter of a celestial. And having interviewed that
+lady, Vaidehi, Rama's beloved, and burnt the whole of Lanka with its
+towers and ramparts and gates, and proclaimed my name there, I returned.
+Hearing everything from me the lotus-eyed Rama at once ascertained his
+course of action, and having for the passage of his army constructed a
+bridge across the deep, crossed it followed by myriads of monkeys. Then
+by prowess Rama slew those Rakshasas in battle, and also Ravana, the
+oppressor of the worlds together with his Rakshasa followers. And having
+slain the king of the Rakshasas, with his brother, and sons and kindred,
+he installed in the kingdom in Lanka the Rakshasa chief, Vibhishana,
+pious, and reverent, and kind to devoted dependants. Then Rama recovered
+his wife even like the lost Vaidic revelation. Then Raghu's son, Rama,
+with his devoted wife, returned to his own city, Ayodhya, inaccessible
+to enemies; and that lord of men began to dwell there. Then that
+foremost of kings, Rama was established in the kingdom. Thereafter, I
+asked a boon of the lotus-eyed Rama, saying, "O slayer of foes, Rama,
+may I live as long as the history of thy deeds remaineth extant on
+earth!" Thereupon he said, "So be it." O represser of foes, O Bhima,
+through the grace of Sita also, here all excellent objects of
+entertainment are supplied to me, whoever abide at this place. Rama
+reigned for the thousand and ten hundred years. Then he ascended to his
+own abode. Ever since, here Apsaras and Gandharvas delight me, singing
+for aye the deeds of that hero, O sinless one. O son of the Kurus, this
+path is impassable to mortals. For this, O Bharata, as also with the
+view that none might defeat or curse thee, have I obstructed thy passage
+to this path trod by the immortals. This is one of the paths to heaven,
+for the celestials; mortals cannot pass this way. But the lake in search
+of which thou hast come, lieth even in that direction.'"
+
+
+SECTION CXLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the powerful Bhimasena of
+mighty arms, affectionately, and with a cheerful heart, bowed unto his
+brother, Hanuman, the monkey-chief, and said in mild words, 'None is
+more fortunate than I am; now have I seen my elder brother. It is a
+great favour shown unto me; and I have been well pleased with thee. Now
+I wish that thou mayst fulfil this desire of mine. I desire to behold, O
+hero, that incomparable form of thine, which thou at that time hadst
+had, in bounding over the main, that abode of sharks and crocodiles.
+Thereby I shall be satisfied, and also believe in thy words.' Thus
+addressed, that mighty monkey said with a smile, 'That form of mine
+neither thou, not any one else can behold. At that age, the state of
+things was different, and doth not exist at present. In the Krita age,
+the state of things was one; and in the Treta, another; and in the
+Dwapara, still another. Diminution is going on this age; and I have not
+that form now. The ground, rivers, plants, and rocks, and _siddhas_,
+gods, and celestial sages conform to Time, in harmony with the state of
+things in the different yugas. Therefore, do not desire to see my former
+shape, O perpetuator of the Kuru race. I am conforming to the tendency
+of the age. Verily, Time is irresistible.' Bhimasena said, 'Tell me of
+the duration of the different yugas, and of the different manners and
+customs and of virtue, pleasure and profit, and of acts, and energy, and
+of life and death in the different yugas.' Thereupon Hanuman said, 'O
+child, that yuga is called Krita when the one eternal religion was
+extant. And in that best of yugas, every one had religious perfection,
+and, therefore, there was no need of religious acts. And then virtue
+knew no deterioration; nor did people decrease. It is for this that this
+age is called Krita (perfect). But in time the yuga had come to be
+considered as an inferior one. And, O child, in the Krita age, there
+were neither gods, nor demons, nor Gandharvas, nor Yakshas, nor
+Rakshasas, nor Nagas. And there was no buying and selling. And the Sama,
+the Rich, and the Yajus did not exist. And there was no manual labour.
+And then the necessaries of life were obtained only by being thought of.
+And the only merit was in renouncing the world. And during that yuga,
+there was neither disease, nor decay of the senses. And there was
+neither malice, nor pride, nor hypocrisy, nor discord, nor ill-will, nor
+cunning, nor fear, nor misery, nor envy, nor covetousness. And for this,
+that prime refuge of Yogis, even the Supreme Brahma, was attainable to
+all. And Narayana wearing a white hue was the soul of all creatures. And
+in the Krita Yuga, the distinctive characteristics of Brahmanas,
+Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras were natural and these ever stuck to
+their respective duties. And then Brahma was the sole refuge, and their
+manners and customs were naturally adapted to the attainment of Brahma
+and the objects of their knowledge was the sole Brahma, and all their
+acts also had reference to Brahma. In this way all the orders attained
+merit. And one uniform Soul was the object of their meditation; and
+there was only one _mantra_ (the _Om_), and there was one ordinance. And
+although of different characteristics, all of them followed a single
+Veda; and they had one religion. And according to the divisions of time,
+they led the four modes of life, without aiming at any object, and so
+they attained emancipation. The religion consisting in the
+identification of self with Brahma indicates the Krita Yuga. And in the
+Krita Yuga, the virtue of the four orders is throughout entire in
+four-fold measure. Such is the Krita Yuga devoid of the three qualities.
+Do thou also hear from me of the character of the Treta Yuga. In this
+age, sacrifices are introduced, and virtue decreaseth by a quarter. And
+Narayana (who is the Soul of all creatures) assumeth a red colour. And
+men practise truth, and devote themselves to religion and religious
+rites. And thence sacrifices and various religious observances come into
+existence. And in the Treta Yuga people begin to devise means for the
+attainment of an object; and they attain it through acts and gifts. And
+they never deviate from virtue. And they are devoted to asceticism and
+to the bestowal of gifts. And the four orders adhere to their respective
+duties; and perform rites. Such are the men of the Treta Yuga. In the
+Dwapara Yuga, religion decreaseth by one half. And Narayana weareth a
+yellow hue. And the Veda becometh divided into four parts. And then some
+men retain (the knowledge of) the four Vedas, and some of three Vedas,
+and some of one Veda, while others do not know even the Richs. And on
+the Shastras becoming thus divided, acts become multiplied. And largely
+influenced by passion, people engage in asceticism and gifts. And from
+their incapacity to study the entire Veda, it becomes divided into
+several parts. And in consequence of intellect having decreased, few are
+established in truth. And when people fall off from truth, they become
+subject to various diseases; and then lust, and natural calamities
+ensue. And afflicted with these, people betake themselves to penances.
+And some celebrate sacrifices, desiring to enjoy the good things of
+life, or attain heaven. On the coming of the Dwapara Yuga, men become
+degenerate, in consequence of impiety. O son of Kunti, in the Kali Yuga
+a quarter only of virtue abideth. And in the beginning of this iron age,
+Narayana weareth a black hue. And the Vedas and the institutes, and
+virtue, and sacrifices, and religious observances, fall into disuse. And
+(then) reign _iti_[1], and disease, and lassitude, and anger and other
+deformities, and natural calamities, and anguish, and fear of scarcity.
+And as the yugas wane, virtue dwindles. And as virtue dwindles away,
+creatures degenerate. And as creatures degenerate, their natures undergo
+deterioration. And the religious acts performed at the waning of the
+yugas, produce contrary effects. And even those that live for several
+yugas, conform to these changes. O represser of foes, as regards thy
+curiosity to know me, I say this,--Why should a wise person be eager to
+know a superfluous matter? (Thus), O long-armed one, have I narrated in
+full what thou hadst asked me regarding the characteristics of the
+different yugas. Good happen to thee! Do thou return.'"
+
+    [1] Iti means these six things, unfavourable to crops--excessive
+    rain, drought, rats, locusts, birds, and a neighbouring hostile
+    king.
+
+
+SECTION CXLIX
+
+"Bhimasena said, 'Without beholding thy former shape, I will never go
+away. If I have found favour with thee, do thou then show me thine own
+shape.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Being thus addressed by Bhima, the monkey with
+a smile showed him that form of his in which he had bounded over the
+main. And wishing to gratify his brother, Hanuman assumed a gigantic
+body which (both) in length and breadth increased exceedingly. And that
+monkey of immeasurable effulgence stood there, covering the plantain
+grove furnished with trees, and elevating himself to the height reached
+by the Vindhya. And the monkey, having attained his lofty and gigantic
+body like unto a mountain, furnished with coppery eyes, and sharp teeth,
+and a face marked by frown, lay covering all sides and lashing his long
+tail. And that son of the Kurus, Bhima, beholding that gigantic form of
+his brother, wondered, and the hairs of his body repeatedly stood on
+end. And beholding him like unto the sun in splendour, and unto a golden
+mountain, and also unto the blazing firmament, Bhima closed his eyes.
+Thereupon Hanuman addressed Bhima with a smile, saying, 'O sinless one,
+thou art capable of beholding my size up to this extent. I can, however,
+go on swelling my size as long as I wish. And, O Bhima, amidst foes, my
+size increaseth exceedingly by its own energy.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Witnessing that dreadful and wonderful body of
+Hanuman, like unto the Vindhya mountain, the son of the wind-god became
+bewildered. Then with his down standing erect, the noble-minded Bhima,
+joining his hands, replied unto Hanuman saying (there), 'O lord, by me
+have been beheld the vast dimensions of thy body. Do thou (now), O
+highly powerful one, decrease thyself by thy own power. Surely I cannot
+look at thee, like unto the sun risen, and of immeasurable (power), and
+irrepressible, and resembling the mountain Mainaka. O hero, to-day this
+wonder of my heart is very great, that thou remaining by his side, Rama
+should have encountered Ravana personally. Depending on the strength of
+thy arms, thou wert capable of instantly destroying Lanka, with its
+warriors, and horses, elephants and chariots. Surely, O son of the
+wind-god, there is nothing that is incapable of being achieved by thee;
+and in fight, Ravana together with his followers was no match for thee
+single-handed.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Bhima, Hanuman, the chief of
+monkeys, answered in affectionate words uttered in solemn accents. 'O
+mighty-armed one, O Bharata, it is even as thou sayest. O Bhimasena,
+that worst of Rakshasas was no match for me. But if I had slain
+Ravana--that thorn of the worlds--the glory of Raghu's son would have
+been obscured;--and for this it is that I left him alone. By slaying
+that lord of the Rakshasas together with his followers, and bringing
+back Sita unto his own city, that hero hath established his fame among
+men. Now, O highly wise one, being intent on the welfare of thy
+brothers, and protected by the wind-god, do thou go along a fortunate
+and auspicious way. O foremost of the Kurus, this way will lead thee to
+the Saugandhika wood. (Proceeding in this direction), thou wilt behold
+the gardens of Kuvera, guarded by Yakshas and Rakshasas. Do thou not
+pluck the flowers (there) personally by thy own force; for the gods
+deserve regard specially from mortals. O best of the Bharata race, the
+gods confer their favour (upon men), (being propitiated) by offerings,
+and _homas_, and reverential salutations, and recitation of _mantras_,
+and veneration, O Bharata. Do thou not, therefore, act with rashness, O
+child; and do thou not deviate from the duties of thy order. Sticking to
+the duties of thy order, do thou understand and follow the highest
+morality. Without knowing duties and serving the old, even persons like
+unto Vrihaspati cannot understand profit and religion. One should
+ascertain with discrimination those cases in which vice goeth under the
+name of virtue, and virtue goeth under the name of vice,--(cases) in
+which people destitute of intelligence become perplexed. From religious
+observances proceedeth merit; and in merit are established the Vedas;
+and from the Vedas sacrifices come into existence; and by sacrifices are
+established the gods. The gods are maintained by the (celebration of)
+sacrifices prescribed by the Vedas and the religious ordinances; while
+men maintain themselves by (following) the ordinances of Vrihaspati and
+Usanas and also by these avocations, by which the world is
+maintained,--serving for wages, (receiving) taxes, merchandise,
+agriculture and tending kine and sheep. The world subsisteth by
+profession. The (study of the) three Vedas and agriculture and trade and
+government constitutes, it is ordained by the wise, the professions of
+the twice born ones; and each order maintaineth itself by following the
+profession prescribed for it. And when these callings are properly
+pursued, the world is maintained with ease. If, however, people do not
+righteously lead their lives, the world becometh lawless, in consequence
+of the want of Vedic merit and government. And if people do not resort
+to (their) prescribed vocations, they perish, but by regularly following
+the three professions, they bring about religion. The religion of the
+Brahmanas consisteth in the knowledge of the soul and the hue of that
+order alone is universally the same. The celebration of sacrifices, and
+study and bestowal of gifts are well-known to be the three duties common
+(to all these orders). Officiating at sacrifices, teaching and the
+acceptance of gifts are the duties of a Brahmana. To rule (the subjects)
+is the duty of the Kshatriya; and to tend (cattle), that of the Vaisya,
+while to serve the twice-born orders is said to be the duty of the
+Sudra. The Sudras cannot beg alms, or perform _homas_, or observe vows;
+and they must dwell in the habitation of their masters. Thy vocation, O
+son of Kunti, is that of the Kshatriya, which is to protect (the
+subjects). Do thou carry out thy own duties, in an humble spirit,
+restraining thy senses. That king alone can govern, who taketh counsel
+of experienced men, and is helped by honest, intelligent and learned
+ministers; but a king who is addicted to vices, meeteth with defeat.
+Then only is the order of the world secured, when the king duly
+punisheth and conferreth favours. Therefore, it is necessary to ascertain
+through spies the nature of the hostile country, its fortified places
+and the allied force of the enemy and their prosperity and decay and the
+way in which they retain the adhesion of the powers they have drawn to
+their side. Spies are among the important auxiliaries of the king; and
+tact, diplomacy, prowess, chastisement, favour and cleverness lead to
+success. And success is to be attained through these, either in
+separation, or combined--namely, conciliation, gift, sowing dissensions,
+chastisement, and sight. And, O chief of the Bharatas, polity hath for
+its root diplomacy; and diplomacy also is the main qualification of
+spies. And polity, if well judged conferreth success. Therefore, in
+matters of polity the counsels of Brahmanas should be resorted to. And
+in secret affairs, these should not be consulted,--namely, a woman, a
+sot, a boy, a covetous person, a mean-minded individual, and he that
+betrayeth signs of insanity. Wise men only should be consulted, and
+affairs are to be despatched through officers that are able. And polity
+must be executed through persons that are friendly; but dunces should in
+all affairs be excluded. In matters religious, pious men; and in matters
+of gain, wise men; and in guarding families, eunuchs; and in all crooked
+affairs, crooked men, must be employed. And the propriety or impropriety
+of the resolution of the enemy, as also their strength or weakness, must
+be ascertained through one's own as well as hostile spies. Favour should
+be shown to honest persons that have prudently sought protection; but
+lawless and disobedient individuals should be punished. And when the
+king justly punisheth and showeth favour, the dignity of the law is well
+maintained. O son of Pritha, thus have I expounded, unto thee the hard
+duties of kings difficult to comprehend. Do thou with equanimity
+observe these as prescribed for thy order. The Brahmanas attain heaven
+through merit, mortification of the senses, and sacrifice. The Vaisyas
+attain excellent state through gifts, hospitality, and religious acts.
+The Kshatriyas attain the celestial regions by protecting and chastising
+the subjects, uninfluenced by lust, malice, avarice and anger. If kings
+justly punish (their subjects), they go to the place whither repair
+meritorious persons.'"
+
+
+SECTION CL
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then contracting that huge body of his, which he had
+assumed at will, the monkey with his arms again embraced Bhimasena. And
+O Bharata, on Bhima being embraced by his brother, his fatigue went off,
+and all (the powers of body) as also his strength were restored. And
+having gained great accession of strength, he thought that there was
+none equal to him in physical power. And with tears in his eyes, the
+monkey from affection again addressed Bhima in choked utterance, saying,
+'O hero, repair to thy own abode. May I be incidentally remembered by
+thee in thy talk! O best of Kurus, do not tell any one that I abide
+here. O thou of great strength, the most excellent of the wives of the
+gods and Gandharvas resort to this place, and the time of their arrival
+is nigh. My eyes have been blessed (by seeing thee). And, O Bhima,
+having felt a human being by coming in contact with thee, I have been
+put in mind of that son of Raghu, who was Vishnu himself under the name
+of Rama, and who delighted the heart of the world; and who was as the
+sun in regard to the lotus face of Sita, and also to that
+darkness--Ravana. Therefore, O heroic son of Kunti, let not thy meeting
+with me be fruitless. Do thou with fraternal feeling ask of me a boon, O
+Bharata. If this be thy wish, that going to Varanavata, I may destroy
+the insignificant sons of Dhritarashtra--even this will I immediately
+do. Or if this be thy wish that, that city may be ground by me with
+rocks, or that I may bind Duryodhana and bring him before thee, even
+this will I do to-day, O thou of mighty strength.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of that high-souled one,
+Bhimasena with a cheerful heart answered Hanuman, saying, 'O foremost of
+monkeys, I take all this as already performed by thee. Good happen to
+thee. O mighty-armed one! I ask of thee this,--be thou well pleased with
+me. O powerful one, on thy having become our protector, the Pandavas
+have found help. Even by thy prowess shall we conquer all foes.' Thus
+addressed, Hanuman said unto Bhimasena, 'From fraternal feeling and
+affection, I will do good unto thee, by diving into the army of thy foes
+copiously furnished with arrows and javelins. And, O highly powerful
+one, O hero, when thou shall give leonine roars, then shall I with my
+own, add force to shouts. Remaining on the flagstaff of Arjuna's car
+will I emit fierce shouts that will damp the energy of thy foes. Thereby
+ye will slay them easily.' Having said this unto Pandu's son, and also
+pointed him out the way. Hanuman vanished at that spot."
+
+
+SECTION CLI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of monkeys had gone away, Bhima,
+the best of strong men, began to range the huge Gandhamadana along that
+path. And he went on, thinking of Hanuman's body and splendour
+unrivalled on earth, and also of the greatness and dignity of
+Dasaratha's son. And proceeding in search of the place filled with
+lotuses of that kind, Bhima beheld romantic woods, and groves, and
+rivers, and lakes graced with trees bearing blossoms, and flowery
+woodlands variegated with various flowers. And, O Bharata, he beheld
+herds of mad elephants besmeared with mud, resembling masses of pouring
+clouds. And that graceful one went on with speed, beholding by the
+wayside woods wherein there stood with their mates deer of quick
+glances, holding the grass in their mouths. And fearless from prowess,
+Bhimasena, as if invited by the breeze-shaken trees of the forest ever
+fragrant with flowers, bearing delicate coppery twigs, plunged into the
+mountainous regions inhabited by buffaloes, bears and leopards. And on
+the way, he passed by lotus-lakes haunted by maddened black-bees, having
+romantic descents and woods, and on account of the presence of
+lotus-buds, appearing as if they had joined their hands (before Bhima).
+And having for his provisions on the journey the words of Draupadi,
+Bhima went on with speed, his mind and sight fixed on the blooming
+slopes of the mountain. And when the sun passed the meridian, he saw in
+the forest scattered over with deer, a mighty river filled with fresh
+golden lotuses. And being crowded with swans and Karandavas, and graced
+with Chakravakas, the river looked like a garland of fresh lotuses put
+on by the mountain. And in that river that one of great strength found
+the extensive assemblage of Saugandhika lotuses, effulgent as the rising
+sun, and delightful to behold. And beholding it, Pandu's son thought
+within himself that his object had been gained, and also mentally
+presented himself before his beloved worn out by exile."
+
+
+SECTION CLII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having reached that spot, Bhimasena saw in the
+vicinity of the Kailasa cliff, that beautiful lotus lake surrounded by
+lovely woods, and guarded by the Rakshasas. And it sprang from the
+cascades contiguous to the abode of Kuvera. And it was beautiful to
+behold, and was furnished with a wide-spreading shade and abounded in
+various trees and creepers and was covered with green lilies. And this
+unearthly lake was filled with golden lotuses, and swarmed with diverse
+species of birds. And its banks were beautiful and devoid of mud. And
+situated on the rocky elevation this expanse of excellent water was
+exceedingly fair. And it was the wonder of the world and healthful and
+of romantic sight. In that lake the son of Kunti saw, the water of
+ambrosial taste and cool and light and clear and fresh; and the Pandava
+drank of it profusely. And that unearthly receptacle of waters was
+covered with celestial Saugandhika lotuses, and was also spread over
+with beautiful variegated golden lotuses of excellent fragrance having
+graceful stalks of _lapis lazulis_. And swayed by swans and Karandavas,
+these lotuses were scattering fresh farina. And this lake was the
+sporting region of the high-souled Kuvera, the king of the Yakshas. And
+it was held in high regard by the Gandharvas, the Apsaras and the
+celestials. And it was frequented by the celestial sages and the Yakshas
+and the Kimpurushas and the Rakshasas and the Kinnaras; and it was
+well-protected by Kuvera. And as soon as he beheld that river and that
+unearthly lake, Kunti's son, Bhimasena of mighty strength became
+exceedingly delighted. And agreeably to the mandate of their king,
+hundreds and thousands of Rakshasas, named Krodhavasas, were guarding
+that lake, wearing uniforms and armed with various weapons. And as that
+repressor of foes, Kunti's son, the heroic Bhima of dreadful prowess,
+clad in deer-skins and wearing golden armlets and equipped with weapons
+and girding his sword on, was fearlessly proceeding, with the view of
+gathering the lotus, those (Rakshasas) saw him and immediately began to
+address each other, shouting forth, 'It behoveth you to enquire for the
+errand on which this foremost of men, clad in deer skins, and equipped
+with arms, hath come.' Then they all approached the effulgent Vrikodara
+of mighty arms and asked, 'Who art thou? Thou shouldst answer our
+questions. We see thee in the guise of an ascetic and yet armed with
+weapons. O thou of mighty intelligence, do thou unfold unto us the
+object with which thou hast come (hither).'"
+
+
+SECTION CLIII
+
+"Bhima said, 'I am the son of Pandu, and next by birth to Yudhishthira
+the just, and my name is Bhimasena. O Rakshasas, I have come with my
+brothers to the jujube named Visala. At that place, Panchali saw an
+excellent Saugandhika lotus, which, of a certainty, was carried thither
+by the wind from this region. She wisheth to have those flowers in
+abundance. Know ye, ye Rakshasas, that I am engaged in fulfilling the
+desire of my wedded wife of faultless features, and have come hither to
+procure the flowers.' Thereat the Rakshasas said, 'O foremost of men,
+this spot is dear unto Kuvera, and it is his sporting region. Men
+subject to death cannot sport here. O Vrikodara, the celestial sages,
+and the gods taking the permission of the chief of the Yakshas, drink of
+this lake, and sport herein. And, O Pandava, the Gandharvas and the
+Apsaras also divert themselves in this lake. That wicked person who,
+disregarding the lord of treasures, unlawfully attempteth to sport here,
+without doubt, meeteth with destruction. Disregarding him, thou seekest
+to take away the lotuses from this place by main force. Why then dost
+thou say that thou art the brother of Yudhishthira the just? First,
+taking the permission of the lord of Yakshas, do thou drink of this lake
+and take away the flowers. If thou dost not do this, thou shall not be
+able even to glance at a single lotus.' Bhimasena said, 'Ye Rakshasas, I
+do not see the lord of wealth here. And even if I did see that mighty
+king, I would not beseech him: Kshatriyas never beseech (any body). This
+is the eternal morality; and I by no means wish to forsake the Kshatriya
+morality. And, further this lotus-lake hath sprung from the cascades of
+the mountain; it hath not been excavated in the mansion of Kuvera.
+Therefore it belongeth equally to all creatures with Vaisravana. In
+regard to a thing of such a nature, who goeth to beseech another?'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having said this unto the Rakshasas, the
+mighty-armed and exceedingly unforbearing Bhimasena of great strength
+plunged into the lotus-lake. Thereat that powerful one was forbidden by
+the Rakshasas, saying, 'Do not do this;' and they from all sides began
+to abuse him in anger. But slighting these Rakshasas, that mighty one of
+dreadful prowess plunged (farther and farther). Now they all prepared
+for opposing him. And with eyes rolling, they upraised their arms, and
+rushed in wrath at Bhimasena, exclaiming, 'Seize him! Bind him! Hew him!
+We shall cook Bhimasena, and eat him up!' Thereupon that one of great
+force, taking his ponderous and mighty mace inlaid with golden plates,
+like unto the mace of Yama himself, turned towards those, and then said,
+'Stay!' At this, they darted at him with vehemence, brandishing lances,
+and axes, and other weapons. And wishing to destroy Bhima, the dreadful
+and fierce Krodhavasas surrounded Bhima on all sides. But that one,
+being endued with strength, had been begotten by Vayu in the womb of
+Kunti; and he was heroic and energetic, and the slayer of foes, and ever
+devoted to virtue and truth, and incapable of being vanquished by
+enemies through prowess. Accordingly this high-souled Bhima defeating
+all the manoeuvres of the foes, and breaking their arms, killed on the
+banks of the lake more than a hundred, commencing with the foremost. And
+then witnessing his prowess and strength, and the force of his skill,
+and also the might of his arms, and unable to bear (the onset), those
+prime heroes all of a sudden fled on all sides in bands.
+
+"Beaten and pierced by Bhimasena, those Krodhavasas quitted the field of
+battle, and in confusion quickly fled towards the Kailasa cliff,
+supporting themselves in the sky. Having thus by the exercise of his
+prowess defeated those hosts, even as Sakra had defeated the armies of
+Daityas and Danavas, he (Bhima), now that he had conquered the enemy,
+plunged into the lake and began to gather the lotuses, with the object
+of gaining his purpose. And as he drank of the waters, like unto nectar,
+his energy and strength were again fully restored; and he fell to
+plucking and gathering Saugandhika lotuses of excellent fragrance. On
+the other hand, the Krodhavasas, being driven by the might of Bhima and
+exceedingly terrified, presented themselves before the lord of wealth,
+and gave an exact account of Bhima's prowess and strength in fight.
+Hearing their words, the god (Kuvera) smiled and then said, 'Let Bhima
+take for Krishna as many lotuses as he likes. This is already known to
+me.' Thereupon taking the permission of the lord of wealth, those
+(Rakshasas) renouncing anger, went to that foremost of the Kurus, and in
+that lotus-lake beheld Bhima alone, disporting in delight."
+
+
+SECTION CLIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then, O best of the Bharatas, Bhima began to collect
+those rare unearthly, variegated and fresh flowers in abundance.
+
+"And it came to pass that a high and violent wind, piercing to the
+touch, and blowing about gravels, arose, portending battle. And
+frightful meteors began to shoot, with thundering sounds. And being
+enveloped by darkness, the sun became pale, his rays being obscured. And
+on Bhima displaying his prowess, dreadful sounds of explosion rang
+through the sky. And the earth began to tremble, and dust fell in
+showers. And the points of the heavens became reddened. And beasts and
+birds began to cry in shrill tones. And every thing became enveloped in
+darkness; and nothing could be distinguished. And other evil omens
+besides these appeared there. Witnessing these strange phenomena,
+Dharma's son Yudhishthira, the foremost of speakers, said, 'Who is it
+that will overcome us? Ye Pandavas who take delight in battle, good
+betide you! Do ye equip yourselves. From what I see, I infer that the
+time for the display of our prowess hath drawn nigh.' Having said this,
+the king looked around. Then not finding Bhima, that represser of foes,
+Dharma's son, Yudhishthira, enquired of Krishna and the twins standing
+near regarding his brother, Bhima, the doer of dreadful deeds in battle,
+saying, 'O Panchali, is Bhima intent upon performing some great feat, or
+hath that one delighting in daring deeds already achieved some brave
+deed? Portending some great danger, these omens have appeared all
+around, indicating a fearful battle.' When Yudhishthira said this, his
+beloved queen, the high-minded Krishna of sweet smiles, answered him, in
+order to remove his anxiety. 'O king, that Saugandhika lotus which
+to-day had been brought by the wind, I had out of love duly shown unto
+Bhimasena; and I had also said unto that hero, If thou canst find many
+of this species, procuring even all of them, do thou return speedily,--O
+Pandava, that mighty armed one, with the view of gratifying my desire,
+may have gone towards the north-east to bring them.' Having heard these
+words of hers, the king said unto the twins, 'Let us together follow the
+path taken by Vrikodara. Let the Rakshasas carry those Brahmanas that
+are fatigued and weak. O Ghatotkacha, O thou like unto a celestial, do
+thou carry Krishna. I am convinced and it is plain that Bhima hath dived
+into the forest; for it is long since he hath gone, and in speed he
+resembleth the wind, and in clearing over the ground, he is swift like
+unto Vinata's son, and he will ever leap into the sky, and alight at his
+will. O Rakshasas, we shall follow him through your prowess. He will not
+at first do any wrong to the Siddhas versed in the Vedas.' O best of the
+Bharatas, saying, 'So be it,' Hidimva's son and the other Rakshasas who
+knew the quarter where the lotus lake of Kuvera was situated, started
+cheerfully with Lomasa, bearing the Pandavas, and many of the Brahmanas.
+Having shortly reached that spot, they saw that romantic lake covered
+with Saugandhika and other lotuses and surrounded by beautiful woods.
+And on its shores they beheld the high-souled and vehement Bhima, as
+also the slaughtered Yakshas of large eyes, with their bodies, eyes,
+arms and thighs smashed, and their heads crushed. And on seeing the
+high-souled Bhima, standing on the shore of that lake in an angry mood,
+and with steadfast eyes, and biting his lip, and stationed on the shore
+of the lake with his mace upraised by his two hands, like unto Yama with
+his mace in his hand at the time of the universal dissolution,
+Yudhishthira the just, embraced him again and again, and said in sweet
+words, 'O Kaunteya, what hast thou done? Good betide thee! If thou
+wishest to do good unto me, thou shouldst never again commit such a rash
+act, nor offend the gods.' Having thus instructed the son of Kunti, and
+taken the flowers those god-like ones began to sport in that very lake.
+At this instant, the huge-bodied warders of the gardens, equipped with
+rocks for weapons, presented themselves at the spot. And seeing
+Yudhishthira the just and the great sage Lomasa and Nakula and Sahadeva
+and also the other foremost of Brahmanas, they all bowed themselves down
+in humility. And being pacified by Yudhishthira the just, the Rakshasas
+became satisfied. And with the knowledge of Kuvera, those foremost of
+Kurus for a short time dwelt pleasantly at that spot on the slopes of
+the Gandhamadana, expecting Arjuna."
+
+
+SECTION CLV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Once upon a time Yudhishthira, while living at that
+place, addressed Krishna, his brother, and the Brahmanas, saying, 'By us
+have been attentively seen one after another sacred and auspicious
+_tirthas_, and woods, delightful to beheld, which had ere this been
+visited by the celestials and the high-souled sages, and which had been
+worshipped by the Brahmanas. And in various sacred asylums we have
+performed ablutions with Brahmanas, and have heard from them the lives
+and acts of many sages, and also of many royal sages of yore, and other
+pleasant stories. And with flowers and water have the gods been
+worshipped by us. And with offerings of fruits and roots as available at
+each place we have gratified the _pitris_. And with the high-souled ones
+have we performed ablutions in all sacred and beautiful mountains and
+lakes, and also in the highly sacred ocean. And with the Brahmanas we
+have bathed in the Ila, and in the Saraswati, and in the Sindhu, and in
+the Yamuna, and in the Narmada, and in various other romantic _tirthas_.
+And having passed the source of the Ganga, we have seen many a lovely
+hill and the Himalaya mountains, inhabited by various species of birds,
+and also the jujube named Visala, where there is the hermitage of Nara
+and Narayana. And (finally) we have beheld this unearthly lake, held in
+veneration by the Siddhas, the gods and the sages. In fact, O foremost
+of Brahmanas, we have one by one carefully seen all celebrated and
+sacred spots in company with the high-souled Lomasa. Now, O Bhima, how
+shall we repair to the sacred abode of Vaisravana, inhabited by the
+Siddhas? Do thou think of the means of entering (the same).'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When that king had said this, an aerial voice spake,
+saying. 'Thou will not be able to go to that inaccessible spot. By this
+very way, do thou repair from this region of Kuvera to the place whence
+thou hadst come even to the hermitage of Nara and Narayana, known by the
+name of Vadari. Thence, O Kaunteya, thou wilt repair to the hermitage of
+Vrishaparva, abounding in flowers and fruit, and inhabited by the
+Siddhas and the Charanas. Having passed that, O Partha, thou wilt
+proceed to the hermitage of Arshtishena, and from thence thou wilt behold
+the abode of Kuvera.' Just at that moment the breeze became fresh, and
+gladsome and cool and redolent of unearthly fragrance; and it showered
+blossoms, And on hearing the celestial voice from the sky, they all were
+amazed,--more specially those earthly _rishis_ and the Brahmanas. On
+hearing this mighty marvel, the Brahmana Dhaumya, said, 'This should not
+be gainsaid. O Bharata, let this be so.' Thereupon, king Yudhishthira
+obeyed him. And having returned to the hermitage of Nara and Narayana,
+he began to dwell pleasantly, surrounded by Bhimasena and his other
+brothers, Panchali, and the Brahmanas."
+
+
+SECTION CLVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dwelling with the Brahmanas in that best
+of mountains, in expectation of Arjuna's return, when the Pandavas had
+grown confident and when all those Rakshasas together with Bhima's son
+had departed, one day while Bhimasena was away, a Rakshasa all of a
+sudden carried off Yudhishthira the just and the twins and Krishna. That
+Rakshasa (in the guise of a Brahmana) had constantly remained in the
+company of the Pandavas, alleging that he was a high-class Brahmana,
+skilled in counsel, and versed in all the _Sastras_. His object was to
+possess himself of the bows, the quivers and the other material
+implements belonging to the Pandavas; and he had been watching for an
+opportunity of ravishing Draupadi. And that wicked and sinful one was
+named Jatasura. And, O king of kings, Pandu's son (Yudhishthira) had
+been supporting him, but knew not that wretch like unto a fire covered
+with ashes.
+
+"And once on a day while that represser of foes, Bhimasena, was out
+hunting, he (the Rakshasa), seeing Ghatotkacha and his followers scatter
+in different directions and seeing those vow-observing great _rishis_,
+of ascetic wealth, viz., Lomasa and the rest, away for bathing and
+collecting flowers, assumed a different form, gigantic and monstrous and
+frightful; and having secured all the arms (of the Pandavas) as also
+Draupadi, that wicked one fled away taking the three Pandavas. Thereupon
+that son of Pandu, Sahadeva, extricated himself with exertion, and by
+force snatched the sword named Kausika from the grasp of the enemy and
+began to call Bhimasena, taking the direction in which that mighty one
+had gone. And on being carried off Yudhishthira the just, addressed him
+(that Rakshasa), saying, 'O stupid one, thy merit decreaseth (even by
+this act of thine). Dost thou not pay heed unto the established order of
+nature? Whether belonging to the human race, or to the lower orders, all
+pay regard to virtue,--more specially the Rakshasas. In the first
+instance, they knew virtue better than others. Having considered all
+these, thou ought to adhere to virtue. O Rakshasa, the gods, the
+_pitris_, the Siddhas, the _rishis_, the Gandharvas, the brutes and even
+the worms and ants depend for their lives on men; and thou too liveth
+through that agency. If prosperity attendeth the human race, thy race
+also prospereth; and if calamities befall the former, even the
+celestials suffer grief. Being gratified by offerings, do the gods
+thrive. O Rakshasa, we are the guardians, governors and preceptors of
+kingdoms. If kingdoms become unprotected, whence can proceed prosperity
+and happiness? Unless there be offence, a Rakshasa should not violate a
+king. O man-eating one, we have committed no wrong, ever so little.
+Living on _vighasa_, we serve the gods and others to the best of our
+power. And we are ever intent upon bowing down to our superiors and
+Brahmanas. A friend, and one confiding, and he whose food hath been
+partaken of, and he that hath afforded shelter, should never be injured.
+Thou hast lived in our place happily, being duly honoured. And, O
+evil-minded one, having partaken of our food, how canst thou carry us
+off? And as thy acts are so improper and as thou hast grown in age
+without deriving any benefit and as thy propensities are evil, so thou
+deservest to die for nothing, and for nothing wilt thou die to-day. And
+if thou beest really evil-disposed and devoid of all virtue, do thou
+render us back our weapons and ravish Draupadi after fight. But if
+through stupidity thou must do this deed, then in the world thou wilt
+only reap demerit and infamy. O Rakshasa, by doing violence to this
+female of the human race, thou hast drunk poison, after having shaken
+the vessel.' Thereupon, Yudhishthira made himself ponderous to the
+Rakshasa. And being oppressed with the weight, he could not proceed
+rapidly as before. Then addressing Draupadi, Nakula and Sahadeva,
+Yudhishthira said, 'Do ye not entertain any fear of this wretched
+Rakshasa, I have checked his speed. The mighty-armed son of the Wind-god
+may not be far away; and on Bhima coming up at the next moment, the
+Rakshasa will not live.' O king, staring at the Rakshasa bereft of
+sense, Sahadeva addressed Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, saying, 'What
+can be more meritorious for a Kshatriya than to fall in fight, or defeat
+a foe? O repressor of foes, we will fight and either this one will slay
+us, or we shall slay him, O mighty-armed one. Verily this is the place
+and time, O king. And, O thou of unfailing prowess, the time hath come
+for the display of our Kshatriya virtue. It behoveth us to attain heaven
+either by gaining victory or being slain. If the sun sets to-day, the
+Rakshasa living yet, O Bharata, I will not any more say that I am a
+Kshatriya. Ho! Ho! Rakshasa, say! I am Pandu's son, Sahadeva. Either,
+after having killed me, carry off this lady, or being slain, lie
+senseless here.'
+
+"Madri's son, Sahadeva, was speaking thus, when Bhimasena made his
+appearance, with a mace in his hand, like unto Vasava himself wielding
+the thunder-bolt. And here he saw his two brothers and the noble-minded
+Draupadi (on the shoulders of the demon), and Sahadeva on the ground
+rebuking the Rakshasa and also that stupid Rakshasa himself deprived of
+sense by Fate, going round in different directions through bewilderment
+caused by Destiny. And finding his brothers and Draupadi being carried
+off, Bhima of mighty strength was fired with wrath, and addressed the
+Rakshasa, saying, 'I had ere this found thee out for a wicked wight from
+thy scrutiny of our weapons; but as I had no apprehension of thee, so I
+had not slain thee at that time. Thou wert in the disguise of a
+Brahmana--nor didst thou say anything harsh unto us. And thou didst take
+delight in pleasing us. And thou also didst not do us wrong. And,
+furthermore, thou wert our guest. How could I, therefore, slay thee, who
+wert thus innocent of offence, and who wert in the disguise of a
+Brahmana? He that knowing such a one to be even a Rakshasa, slayeth him,
+goes to hell. Further, thou canst not be killed before the time cometh.
+Surely to-day thou hast reached the fullness of thy time in as much as
+thy mind hath been thus turned by the wonder-performing Fate towards
+carrying off Krishna. By committing thyself to this deed, thou hast
+swallowed up the hook fastened to the line of Fate. So like unto a fish
+in water, whose mouth hath been hooked, how canst thou live to-day? Thou
+shall not have to go whither thou intendest to, or whither thou hadst
+already gone mentally; but thou shall go whither have repaired Vaka and
+Hidimva.'
+
+"Thus addressed by Bhima, the Rakshasa in alarm put them down; and being
+forced by Fate, approached for fight. And with his lips trembling in
+anger he spake unto Bhima, saying, 'Wretch! I have not been bewildered;
+I had been delaying for thee. Today will I offer oblations of thy blood
+to those Rakshasas who, I had heard, have been slain by thee in fight.'
+Thus addressed, Bhima, as if bursting with wrath, like unto Yama himself
+at the time of the universal dissolution, rushed towards the Rakshasa,
+licking the corners of his mouth and staring at him as he struck his own
+arms with the hands. And seeing Bhima waiting in expectation of fight,
+the Rakshasa also darted towards him in anger, like unto Vali towards
+the wielder of the thunderbolt, repeatedly gaping and licking the
+corners of his mouth. And when a dreadful wrestling ensued between those
+two, both the sons of Madri, waxing exceeding wroth rushed forward; but
+Kunti's son, Vrikodara, forbade them with a smile and said, 'Witness ye!
+I am more than a match for this Rakshasa. By my own self and by my
+brothers, and by my merit, and by my good deeds, and by my sacrifices,
+do I swear that I shall slay this Rakshasa.' And after this was said,
+those two heroes, the Rakshasa and Vrikodara challenging each other,
+caught each other by the arms. And they not forgiving each other, then
+there ensued a conflict between the infuriated Bhima and the Rakshasa,
+like unto that between a god and a demon. And repeatedly uprooting
+trees, those two of mighty strength struck each other, shouting and
+roaring like two masses of clouds. And those foremost of athletes, each
+wishing to kill the other, and rushing at the other with vehemence,
+broke down many a gigantic tree by their thighs. Thus that encounter
+with trees, destructive of plants, went on like unto that between the
+two brothers Vali and Sugriva--desirous of the possession of a single
+woman. Brandishing trees for a moment, they struck each other with them,
+shouting incessantly. And when all the trees of the spot had been pulled
+down and crushed into fibres by them endeavouring to kill each other,
+then, O Bharata, those two of mighty strength, taking up rocks, began to
+fight for a while, like unto a mountain and a mighty mass of clouds. And
+not suffering each other, they fell to striking each other with hard and
+large crags, resembling vehement thunder-bolts. Then from strength
+defying each other, they again darted at each other, and grasping each
+other by their arms, began to wrestle like unto two elephants. And next
+they dealt each other fierce blows. And then those two mighty ones began
+to make chattering sounds by gnashing their teeth. And at length, having
+clenched his fist like a five-headed snake, Bhima with force dealt a
+blow on the neck of the Rakshasa. And when struck by that fist of Bhima,
+the Rakshasa became faint, Bhimasena stood, catching hold of that
+exhausted one. And then the god-like mighty-armed Bhima lifted him with
+his two arms, and dashing him with force on the ground, the son of Pandu
+smashed all his limbs. And striking him with his elbow, he severed from
+his body the head with bitten lips and rolling eyes, like unto a fruit
+from its stem. And Jatasura's head being severed by Bhimasena's might,
+he fell besmeared with gore, and having bitten lips. Having slain
+Jatasura, Bhima presented himself before Yudhishthira, and the foremost
+Brahmanas began to eulogise him (Bhima) even as the Marutas (eulogise)
+Vasava."
+
+
+SECTION CLVII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "On that Rakshasa having been slain, that lord,
+the royal son of Kunti, returned to the hermitage of Narayana and began
+to dwell there. And once on a time, remembering his brother Jaya
+(Arjuna), Yudhishthira summoned all his brothers, together with Draupadi
+and said these words, 'We have passed these four years peacefully
+ranging the woods. It hath been appointed by Vibhatsu that about the
+fifth year he will come to that monarch of mountains, the excellent
+cliff Sweta, ever graced with festivities held by blooming plants and
+maddened Kokilas and black bees, and peacocks, and chatakas and
+inhabited by tigers, and boars and buffaloes, and gavayas, and deer, and
+ferocious beasts; and sacred; and lovely with blown lotuses of a hundred
+and a thousand petals, and blooming lilies and blue lilies and
+frequented by the celestials and the Asuras. And we also, eagerly
+anxious of meeting him on his arrival have made up our minds to repair
+thither. Partha of unrivalled prowess hath appointed with me, saying, "I
+shall remain abroad for five years, with the object of learning military
+science." In the place like unto the region of the gods, shall we behold
+the wielder of Gandiva arrive after having obtained the weapons.' Having
+said this, the Pandava summoned the Brahmanas, and the sons of Pritha
+having gone round the ascetics of rigid austerities and thereby pleased
+them, informed them of the matter mentioned above. Thereupon the
+Brahmanas gave their assent, saying, 'This shall be attended by
+prosperity and welfare. O foremost of the Bharatas, these troubles shall
+result in happiness. O pious one, gaining the earth by the Kshatriya
+virtue, thou shall govern it.' Then in obedience to these words of the
+ascetics, that represser of foes, Yudhishthira, set out with his
+brothers and those Brahmanas, followed by the Rakshasa and protected by
+Lomasa. And that one of mighty energy, and of staunch vows, with his
+brothers, at places went on foot and at others were carried by the
+Rakshasas. Then king Yudhishthira, apprehending many troubles, proceeded
+towards the north abounding in lions and tigers and elephants. And
+beholding on the way the mountain Mainaka and the base of the
+Gandhamadana and that rocky mass Sweta and many a crystal rivulet higher
+and higher up the mountain, he reached on the seventeenth day the sacred
+slopes of the Himalayas. And, O king, not far from the Gandhamadana,
+Pandu's son beheld on the sacred slopes of the Himavan covered with
+various trees and creepers the holy hermitage of Vrishaparva surrounded
+by blossoming trees growing near the cascades. And when those repressers
+of foes, the sons of Pandu, had recovered from fatigue, they went to the
+royal sage, the pious Vrishaparva and greeted him. And that royal sage
+received with affection those foremost of Bharatas, even as his own
+sons. And those repressers of foes passed there seven nights, duly
+regarded. And when the eighth day came, taking the permission of that
+sage celebrated over the worlds, they prepared to start on their
+journey. And having one by one introduced unto Vrishapava those
+Brahmanas, who, duly honoured, remained in his charge as friends; and
+having also entrusted the highsouled Vrishaparva with their remaining
+robes, the sons of Pandu, O king, left in the hermitage of Vrishaparva
+their sacrificial vessels together with their ornaments and jewels. And
+wise and pious and versed in every duty and having a knowledge of the
+past as well as the future, that one gave instructions unto those best
+of the Bharatas, as unto his own sons. Then taking his permission those
+high-souled ones set out towards the north. And as they set out the
+magnanimous Vrishaparva followed them to a certain distance. Then having
+entrusted the Pandavas unto the care of the Brahmanas and instructed and
+blessed them and given directions concerning their course, Vrishaparva
+of mighty energy retraced his steps.
+
+"Then Kunti's son, Yudhishthira of unfailing prowess, together with his
+brothers, began to proceed on foot along the mountain path, inhabited by
+various kinds of beasts. And having dwelt at the mountain slopes,
+densely overgrown with trees, Pandu's son on the fourth day reached the
+Sweta mountain, like unto a mighty mass of clouds, abounding in streams
+and consisting of a mass of gold and gems. And taking the way directed
+by Vrishaparva, they reached one by one the intended places, beholding
+various mountains. And over and over they passed with ease many
+inaccessible rocks and exceedingly impassable caves of the mountain. And
+Dhaumya and Krishna and the Parthas and the mighty sage Lomasa went on
+in a body and none grew tired. And those highly fortunate ones arrived
+at the sacred and mighty mountain resounding with the cries of birds and
+beasts and covered with various trees and creepers and inhabited by
+monkeys, and romantic and furnished with many lotus-lakes and having
+marshes and extensive forests. And then with their down standing erect,
+they saw the mountain Gandhamadana, the abode of Kimpurushas, frequented
+by Siddhas and Charanas and ranged by Vidyadharis and Kinnaris and
+inhabited by herds of elephants and thronged with lions and tigers and
+resounding with the roars of Sarabhas and attended by various beasts.
+And the war-like sons of Pandu gradually entered into the forest of the
+Gandhamadana, like unto the Nandana gardens, delightful to the mind and
+heart and worthy of being inhabited and having beautiful groves. And as
+those heroes entered with Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas, they
+heard notes uttered by the mouths of birds, exceedingly sweet and
+graceful to the ear and causing delight and dulcet and broken by reason
+of excess of animal spirits. And they saw various trees bending under
+the weight of fruits in all seasons, and ever bright with flowers--such
+as mangoes and hog-plums and bhavyas and pomegranates, citrons and jacks
+and lakuchas and plantains and aquatic reeds and parvatas and champakas
+and lovely kadamvas and vilwas, wood-apples and rose-apples and kasmaris
+and jujubes and figs and glomerous figs and banians and aswatthas and
+khirikas and bhall atakas and amalkas and bibhitakas and ingudas and
+karamardas and tindukas of large fruits--these and many others on the
+slopes of the Gandhamadana, clustered with sweet and nectarine fruits.
+And besides these, they beheld champakas and asokas and ketakas and
+vakulas and punnagas and saptaparnas and karnikaras, and patals, and
+beautiful kutajas and mandaras, and lotuses, and parijatas, and
+kovidaras and devadarus, and salas, and palmyra palms, and tamalas, and
+pippalas, and salmalis and kinsukas, and singsapas, and saralas and
+these were inhabited by Chakoras, and wood-peckers and chatakas, and
+various other birds, singing in sweet tones pleasing to the ear. And
+they saw lakes beautiful on all sides with aquatic birds, and covered
+all around with kumudas, and pundarikas, and kokanadas, and utpalas, and
+kalharas, and kamalas and thronged on all sides with drakes and ruddy
+geese, and ospreys, and gulls and karandavas, and plavas, and swans, and
+cranes, and shags, and other aquatic birds. And those foremost of men
+saw those lotus-lakes beautified with assemblages of lotuses, and
+ringing with the sweet hum of bees, glad, and drowsy on account of
+having drunk the intoxicating honey of lotuses, and reddened with the
+farina falling from the lotus cups. And in the groves they beheld with
+their hens peacocks maddened with desire caused by the notes of
+cloud-trumpets; and those woods-loving glad peacocks drowsy with desire,
+were dancing, spreading in dalliance their gorgeous tails, and were
+crying in melodious notes. And some of the peacocks were sporting with
+their mates on kutaja trees covered with creepers. And some sat on the
+boughs of the kutajas, spreading their gorgeous tails, and looking like
+crowns worn by the trees. And in the glades they beheld the graceful
+sindhuvaras like unto the darts of Cupid. And on the summits of the
+mountain, they saw blooming karnikaras bearing blossoms of a golden hue,
+appearing like ear-rings of excellent make. And in the forest they saw
+blossoming kuruvakas, like unto the shafts of Cupid, which smiteth one
+with desire and maketh him uneasy. And they saw tilakas appearing like
+unto beauty-spots painted on the forehead of the forest. And they saw
+mango trees graced with blossoms hummed over by black bees, and serving
+the purpose of Cupid's shafts. And on the slopes of the mountain there
+were diverse blossoming trees, looking lovely, some bearing flowers of a
+golden hue, and some, of the hue of the forest-conflagration, and some,
+red and some sable, and some green like unto lapises. And besides these,
+there were ranges of salas and tamalas and patalas and vakula trees,
+like unto garlands put on by the summits of the mountain. Thus gradually
+beholding on the slopes of the mountain many lakes, looking transparent
+like crystal, and having swans of white plumage and resounding with
+cries of cranes, and filled with lotuses and lilies, and furnished with
+waters of delicious feel; and also beholding fragrant flowers, and
+luscious fruits, and romantic lakes, and captivating trees, the Pandavas
+penetrated into the forest with eyes expanded with wonder. And (as they
+proceeded) they were fanned by the breeze of balmy feel, and perfumed by
+kamalas and utpalas and kalharas and pundarikas. Then Yudhishthira
+pleasantly spake unto Bhima saying, 'Ah! O Bhima, beautiful is this
+forest of the Gandhamadana. In this romantic forest there are various
+heavenly blossoming wild trees and creepers, bedecked with foliage and
+fruit, nor are there any trees that do not flower. On these slopes of
+the Gandhamadana, all the trees are of sleek foliage and fruit. And
+behold how these lotus-lakes with fullblown lotuses, and ringing with
+the hum of black bees, are being agitated by elephants with their mates.
+Behold another lotus-lake girt with lines of lotuses, like unto a second
+Sree in an embodied form wearing garlands. And in this excellent forest
+there are beautiful ranges of woods, rich with the aroma of various
+blossoms, and hummed over by the black bees. And, O Bhima, behold on all
+sides the excellent sporting ground of the celestials. By coming here,
+we have attained extra-human state, and been blessed. O Partha, on these
+slopes of the Gandhamadana, yon beautiful blossoming trees, being
+embraced by creepers with blossoms at their tops, look lovely. And, O
+Bhima, hark unto the notes of the peacocks crying with their hens on the
+mountain slopes. And birds such as chakoras, and satapatras, and
+maddened kokilas, and parrots, are alighting on these excellent
+flowering trees. And sitting on the twigs, myriads of jivajivakas of
+scarlet, yellow and red hues, are looking at one another. And the cranes
+are seen near the spots covered with green and reddish grass, and also
+by the side of the cascades. And those birds, bhringarajas, and
+upachakras, and herons are pouring forth their notes charming to all
+creatures. And, lo! with their mates, these elephants furnished with
+four tusks, and white as lotuses, are agitating that large lake of the
+hue of lapises. And from many cascades, torrents high as several palmyra
+palms (placed one upon another) are rushing down from the cliffs. And
+many argent minerals splendid, and of the effulgence of the sun, and
+like unto autumnal clouds, are beautifying this mighty mountain. And in
+some places there are minerals of the hue of the collyrium, and in some
+those like unto gold, in some, yellow orpiment and in some, vermilion,
+and in some, caves of red arsenic like unto the evening clouds and in
+some, red chalk of the hue of the rabbit, and in some, minerals like
+unto white and sable clouds; and in some, those effulgent as the rising
+sun, these minerals of great lustre beautify the mountain. O Partha, as
+was said by Vrishaparva, the Gandharvas and the Kimpurushas, in company
+with their loves, are visible on the summits of the mountain. And, O
+Bhima, there are heard various songs of appropriate measures, and also
+Vedic hymns, charming to all creatures. Do thou behold the sacred and
+graceful celestial river Mahaganga, with swans, resorted to by sages and
+Kinnaras. And, O represser of foes, see this mountain having minerals,
+rivulets, and beautiful woods and beasts, and snakes of diverse shapes
+and a hundred heads and Kinnaras, Gandharvas and Apsaras.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having attained excellent state, those valiant and
+warlike repressers of foes with Draupadi and the high-souled Brahmanas
+were exceedingly delighted at heart, and they were not satiated by
+beholding that monarch of mountains. Thereafter they saw the hermitage
+of the royal sage Arshtishena, furnished with flowers and trees bearing
+fruits. Then they went to Arshtishena versed in all duties of rigid
+austerities, skeleton-like, and having muscles bare."
+
+
+SECTION CLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having approached that one, whose sins had been
+consumed by asceticism, Yudhishthira announced his name, and gladly
+greeted him, bending his head. And then Krishna, and Bhima, and the
+devout twins, having bowed down their heads unto the royal sage, stood
+(there) surrounding him. And that priest of the Pandavas, the virtuous
+Dhaumya, also duly approached that vow-observing sage. And by his
+prophetic eye that virtuous Muni had already known (the identity of)
+those foremost of the Kurus, the sons of Pandu. And he said unto them.
+'Be ye seated.' And that one of rigid austerities, after having duly
+received that chief of the Kurus, when the latter with his brothers had
+seated himself enquired after his welfare saying, 'Dost thou not turn
+thy inclination upon untruth? And art thou intent upon virtue? And, O
+Partha, hath not thy attention to thy father and thy mother diminished?
+Are all thy superiors, and the aged, and those versed in the Vedas,
+honoured by thee? And O Pritha's son, dost thou not turn thy inclination
+unto sinful acts? And dost thou, O best of the Kurus, properly know how
+to perform meritorious acts, and to eschew wicked deeds? Dost thou not
+exalt thyself? And are pious men gratified, being honoured by thee? And
+even dwelling in the woods, dost thou follow virtue alone? And, O
+Partha, doth not Dhaumya grieve at thy conduct? Dost thou follow the
+customs of thy ancestors, by charity, and religious observances, and
+asceticism, and purity, and candour, and forgiveness? And dost thou go
+along the way taken by the royal sages? On the birth of a son in their
+(respective) lines, the _Pitris_ in their regions, both laugh and
+grieve, thinking--Will the sinful acts of this son of ours harm us, or
+will meritorious deeds conduce to our welfare? He conquereth both the
+worlds that payeth homage unto his father, and mother, and preceptor,
+and Agni, and fifthly, the soul.' Yudhishthira said, 'O worshipful one,
+those duties have been mentioned by thee as excellent. To the best of my
+power I duly and properly discharge them.'
+
+"Arshtishena said, 'During the Parvas sages subsisting on air and water
+come unto this best of the mountains ranging through the air. And on the
+summits of the mountain are seen amorous Kimpurushas with their
+paramours, mutually attached unto each other; as also, O Partha, many
+Gandharvas and Apsaras clad in white silk vestments; and lovely-looking
+Vidyadharas, wearing garlands; and mighty Nagas, and Suparnas, and
+Uragas, and others. And on the summits of the mountain are heard, during
+the Parvas, sounds of kettle-drums, and tabors, shells and mridangas. O
+foremost of the Bharatas, even by staying here, ye shall hear those
+sounds; do ye by no means feel inclined to repair thither. Further, O
+best of the Bharata race, it is impossible, to proceed beyond this. That
+place is the sporting-region of the celestials. There is no access
+thither for mortals. O Bharata, at this place all creatures bear
+ill-will to, and the Rakshasas chastise, that man who committeth
+aggression, be it ever so little. Beyond the summit of this Kailasa
+cliff, is seen the path of the celestial sages. If any one through
+impudence goeth beyond this, the Rakshasas slay him with iron darts and
+other weapons. There, O child, during the Parvas, he that goeth about on
+the shoulders of men, even Vaisravana is seen in pomp and grandeur
+surrounded by the Apsaras. And when that lord of all the Rakshasas is
+seated on the summit, all creatures behold him like unto the sun arisen.
+O best of Bharatas, that summit is the sporting-garden of the
+celestials, and the Danavas, and the Siddhas, and Vaisravana. And during
+the Parvas, as Tumburu entertaineth the Lord of treasures, the sweet
+notes of his song are heard all over the Gandhamadana. O child, O
+Yudhishthira, here during the Parvas, all creatures see and hear marvels
+like this. O Pandavas, till ye meet with Arjuna, do ye stay here,
+partaking of luscious fruits, and the food of the Munis. O child as thou
+hast come hither, do thou not betray any impertinence. And, O child,
+after living here at thy will and diverting thyself as thou listest,
+thou wilt at length rule the earth, having conquered it by the force of
+thy arms.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLIX
+
+Janamejaya said, "How long did my great grandsires, the highsouled sons
+of Pandu of matchless prowess, dwell in the Gandhamadana mountain? And
+what did those exceedingly powerful ones, gifted with manliness, do? And
+what was the food of those high-souled ones, when those heroes of the
+worlds dwelt (there)? O excellent one, do thou relate all about this. Do
+thou describe the prowess of Bhimasena, and what that mighty-armed one
+did in the mountain Himalayan. Surely, O best of Brahmanas, he did not
+fight again with the Yakshas. And did they meet with Vaisravana? Surely,
+as Arshtishena said, the lord of wealth cometh thither. All this, O thou
+of ascetic wealth, I desire to hear in detail. Surely, I have not yet
+been fully satisfied by hearing about their acts."
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having heard from that one of incomparable
+energy, (Arshtishena), that advice conducive to their welfare, those
+foremost of the Bharatas, began to behave always accordingly. Those best
+of men, the Pandavas, dwelt upon the Himavan, partaking of the food
+eaten by the Munis, and luscious fruit, and the flesh of deer killed
+with unpoisoned shafts and various kinds of pure honey. Living thus,
+they passed the fifth year, hearing various stories told by Lomasa. O
+lord, saying, 'I shall be present when occasion ariseth,' Ghatotkacha,
+together with all the Rakshasas, had ere this already gone away. Those
+magnanimous ones passed many months in the hermitage of Arshtishena,
+witnessing many marvels. And as the Pandavas were sporting there
+pleasantly, there came to see them some complacent vow-observing Munis
+and Charanas of high fortune, and pure souls. And those foremost of the
+Bharata race conversed with them on earthly topics. And it came to pass
+that when several days has passed, Suparna all of a sudden carried off
+an exceedingly powerful and mighty Naga, living in the large lake. And
+thereupon that mighty mountain began to tremble, and the gigantic trees,
+break. And all the creatures and the Pandavas witnessed the wonder. Then
+from the brow of that excellent mountain, the wind brought before the
+Pandavas various fragrant and fair blossoms. And the Pandavas, and the
+illustrious Krishna, together with their friends, saw those unearthly
+blossoms of five hues. And as the mighty-armed Bhimasena was seated at
+ease upon the mountain, Krishna addressed him, saying, 'O best of the
+Bharata race, in the presence of all the creatures, these flowers of
+five hues, carried by the force of the wind raised by Suparna, are
+falling in amain on the river Aswaratha. In Khandava thy high-souled
+brother, firm in promise, had baffled Gandharvas and Nagas and Vasava
+himself, and slain fierce Rakshasas, and also obtained the bow Gandiva.
+Thou also art of exceeding prowess and the might of thy arms is great,
+and irrepressible, and unbearable like unto the might of Sakra. O
+Bhimasena, terrified with the force of thy arms, let all the Rakshasas
+betake themselves to the ten cardinal points, leaving the mountain. Then
+will thy friends be freed from fear and affliction, and behold the
+auspicious summit of this excellent mountain furnished with variegated
+flowers. O Bhima, I have for long cherished this thought in my
+mind,--that protected by the might of thy arms, I shall see that
+summit.'
+
+"Thereupon, like a high-mettled bull that hath been struck, Bhimasena,
+considering himself as censured by Draupadi, could not bear (that). And
+that Pandava of the gait of a lion or a bull, and graceful, and
+generous, and having the splendour of gold, and intelligent, and strong,
+and proud, and sensitive, and heroic, and having red eyes, and broad
+shoulders, and gifted with the strength of mad elephants, and having
+leonine teeth and a broad neck, and tall like a young sala tree, and
+highsouled, and graceful in every limb, and of neck having the whorls of
+a shell and mighty-armed, took up his bow plaited at the back with gold,
+and also his sword. And haughty like unto a lion, and resembling a
+maddened elephant, that strong one rushed towards that cliff, free from
+fear or affliction. And all the creatures saw him equipped with bows and
+arrows, approaching like a lion or a maddened elephant. And free from
+fear or affliction, the Pandava taking his mace, proceeded to that
+monarch of mountains causing the delight of Draupadi. And neither
+exhaustion, nor fatigue, nor lassitude, nor the malice (of others),
+affected that son of Pritha and the Wind-god. And having arrived at a
+rugged path affording passage to one individual only, that one of great
+strength ascended that terrible summit high as several palmyra palms
+(placed one upon another). And having ascended that summit, and thereby
+gladdened Kinnaras, and great Nagas, and Munis, and Gandharvas, and
+Rakshasas, that foremost of the Bharata line, gifted with exceeding
+strength described the abode of Vaisravana, adorned with golden crystal
+palaces surrounded on all sides by golden walls having the splendour of
+all gems, furnished with gardens all around, higher than a mountain
+peak, beautiful with ramparts and towers, and adorned with door-ways and
+gates and rows of pennons. And the abode was graced with dallying
+damsels dancing around, and also with pennons waved by the breeze. And
+with bent arms, supporting himself on the end of his bow, he stood
+beholding with eagerness the city of the lord of treasures. And
+gladdening all creatures, there was blowing a breeze, carrying all
+perfumes, and of a balmy feel. And there were various beautiful and
+wonderful trees of diverse hues resounding with diverse dulcet notes.
+And at that place the foremost of the Bharatas surveyed the palace of
+the Lord of the Rakshasas scattered with heaps of gems, and adorned with
+variegated garlands. And renouncing all care of life the mighty-armed
+Bhimasena stood motionless like a rock, with his mace and sword and bow
+in his hands. Then he blew his shell making the down of his adversaries
+stand erect; and twanging his bow-string, and striking his arms with the
+hands he unnerved all the creatures. Thereat with their hairs standing
+erect, the Yakshas and Rakshasas began to rush towards the Pandavas, in
+the direction of those sounds. And taken by the arms of the Yakshas and
+Rakshasas the flamed maces and clubs and swords and spears and javelins
+and axes, and when, O Bharata, the fight ensued between the Rakshasas
+and Bhima, the latter by arrows cut off the darts, javelins and axes of
+those possessing great powers of illusion, and he of exceeding strength
+with arrows pierced the bodies of the roaring Rakshasas, both of those
+that were in the sky, and of those that remained on the earth. And Bhima
+of exceeding strength was deluged with the mighty sanguine rain sprung
+from the bodies of the Rakshasas with maces and clubs in their hands and
+flowing on all sides from their persons. And the bodies and hands of the
+Yakshas and Rakshasas were seen to be struck off by the weapon
+discharged by the might of Bhima's arms. And then all the creatures saw
+the graceful Pandava densely surrounded by the Rakshasas, like unto the
+Sun enveloped by clouds. And even as the Sun surrounds everything with
+his rays, that mighty-armed and strong one of unfailing prowess, covered
+all with arrows destroying foes. And although menacing and uttering
+yells, the Rakshasas did not see Bhima embarrassed. Thereupon, with
+their bodies mangled, the Yakshas afflicted by fear of Bhimasena began to
+utter frightful sounds of distress, throwing their mighty weapons. And
+terrified at the wielder of a strong bow, they fled towards the southern
+quarter, forsaking their maces and spears and swords and clubs and axes.
+And then there stood, holding in his hands darts and maces, the
+broad-chested and mighty-armed friend of Vaisravana, the Rakshasa named
+Maniman. And that one of great strength began to display his mastery and
+manliness. And seeing them forsake the fight, he addressed them with a
+smile, 'Going to Vaisravana's abode, how will ye say unto that lord of
+wealth, that numbers have been defeated by a single mortal in battle?'
+Having said this unto them that Rakshasa, taking in his hands clubs and
+javelins and maces, set out and rushed towards the Pandava. And he
+rushed in amain like a maddened elephant. Bhimasena pierced his sides
+with three choice arrows. And the mighty Maniman, on his part, in wrath
+taking and flourishing a tremendous mace hurled it at Bhimasena.
+Thereupon Bhimasena beset with innumerable shafts sharpened on stones,
+hurled that mighty mace in the sky, dreadful, and like unto the
+lightning flash. But on reaching the mace those shafts were baffled; and
+although discharged with force by that adept at hurling the mace, still
+they could not stay its career. Then the mighty Bhima of dreadful
+prowess, baffled his (the Rakshasa's) discharge by resorting to his
+skill in mace-fighting. In the meanwhile, the intelligent Rakshasa had
+discharged a terrible iron club, furnished with a golden shaft. And that
+club, belching forth flames and emitting tremendous roars, all of a
+sudden pierced Bhima's right arm and then fell to the ground. On being
+severely wounded by that club, that bowman, Kunti's son, of immeasurable
+prowess, with eyes rolling in ire, took up his mace. And having taken
+that iron mace, inlaid with golden plates, which caused the fear of foes
+and brought on their defeat, he darted it with speed towards the mighty
+Maniman, menacing (him) and uttering shouts. Then Maniman on his part,
+taking his huge and blazing dart, with great force discharged it at
+Bhima, uttering loud shouts. Thereat breaking the dart with the end of
+his mace, that mighty-armed one skilled in mace-fighting, speedily
+rushed to slay him, as Garuda (rushed) to slay a serpent. Then all of a
+sudden, advancing ahead in the field, that mighty-armed one sprang into
+the sky and brandishing his mace hurled it with shouts. And like unto
+the thunder-bolt hurled by Indra, that mace like a pest, with the speed
+of the wind destroyed the Rakshasa and then fell to the ground. Then all
+the creatures saw that Rakshasa of terrible strength slaughtered by
+Bhima, even like a bull slain by a lion. And the surviving Rakshasas
+seeing him slain on the ground went towards the east, uttering frightful
+sounds of distress."
+
+
+SECTION CLX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing various sounds resounding in the caves of
+the mountain and not seeing Bhimasena, Kunti's son, Ajatasatru and the
+twin sons of Madri and Dhaumya and Krishna and all the Brahmanas and the
+friends (of the Pandavas), were filled with anxiety. Thereupon,
+entrusting Draupadi to the charge of Arshtishena and equipped in their
+arms, those valiant and mighty charioteers together began to ascend the
+summit of the mountain. And having reached the summit, as those
+repressors of foes and mighty bowmen and powerful charioteers they were
+looking about, saw Bhima and those huge Rakshasas of mighty strength and
+courage weltering in a state of unconsciousness having been struck down
+by Bhima. And holding his mace and sword and bow, that mighty-armed one
+looked like Maghavan, after he had slain the Danava hosts. Then on
+seeing their brother, the Pandavas, who had attained excellent state,
+embraced him and sat down there. And with those mighty bowmen, that
+summit looked grand like heaven graced by those foremost of celestials,
+the highly fortunate Lokapalas. And seeing the abode of Kuvera and the
+Rakshasas, lying slain on the ground, the king addressed his brother who
+was seated, saying, 'Either it be through rashness, or through
+ignorance, thou hast, O Bhima, committed a sinful act. O hero, as thou
+art leading the life of an anchorite, this slaughter without cause is
+unlike thee. Acts, it is asserted by those versed in duties, as are
+calculated to displease a monarch, ought not to be committed. But thou
+hast, O Bhimasena, committed a deed which will offend even the gods. He
+that disregarding profit and duty, turneth his thoughts to sin must, O
+Partha, reap the fruit of his sinful actions. However, if thou seekest
+my good, never again commit such a deed.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to his brother, Vrikodara the
+virtuous, the highly energetic and firm-minded son of Kunti,
+Yudhishthira versed in the particulars of (the science of) profit,
+ceased, and began to reflect on that matter.
+
+"On the other hand, the Rakshasas that had survived those slain by Bhima
+fled in a body towards the abode of Kuvera. And they of exceeding
+fleetness having speedily reached Vaisravana's abode, began to utter
+loud cries of distress, being afflicted with the fear of Bhima. And, O
+king bereft of their weapons and exhausted and with their mail besmeared
+with gore and with dishevelled hair they spake unto Kuvera, saying. 'O
+lord, all thy foremost Rakshasas fighting with maces and clubs and
+swords and lances and barbed darts, have been slain. O lord of
+treasures, a mortal, trespassing into the mountain, hath, singlehanded,
+slaughtered all thy Krodhavasa Rakshasas assembled together. And, O lord
+of wealth, there lie the foremost of the Yakshas and Rakshasas senseless
+and dead, having been struck down; and we have been let off through his
+favour. And thy friend, Maniman also hath been slain. All this hath been
+done by a mortal. Do thou what is proper, after this.' Having heard
+this, that lord of all the Yaksha hosts waxing wroth, with eyes reddened
+in anger, exclaimed, 'What!' And hearing of Bhima's second (act of)
+aggression, that lord of treasures, the king of the Yakshas, was filled
+with wrath, and said, 'Yoke' (the horses). Thereat unto a car of the hue
+of dark clouds, and high as a mountain summit, they yoked steeds having
+golden garments. And on being yoked unto the car, those excellent horses
+of his, graced with every noble quality and furnished with the ten
+auspicious curls of hair and having energy and strength, and adorned
+with various gems and looking splendid, as if desirous of speeding like
+the wind, began to neigh at each other the neighing emitted at (the hour
+of) victory. And that divine and effulgent king of the Yakshas set out,
+being eulogised by the celestials and Gandharvas. And a thousand
+foremost Yakshas of reddened eyes and golden lustre and having huge
+bodies, and gifted with great strength, equipped with weapons and
+girding on their swords, followed that high-souled lord of treasures.
+And coursing through the firmament they (the steeds) arrived at the
+Gandhamadana, as if drawing forward the sky with their fleetness. And
+with their down standing erect, the Pandavas saw that large assemblage
+of horses maintained by the lord of wealth and also the highsouled and
+graceful Kuvera himself surrounded by the Yaksha hosts. And seeing those
+mighty charioteers the son of Pandu, possessed of great strength,
+equipped with bows and swords, Kuvera also was delighted; and he was
+pleased at heart, keeping in view the task of the celestials. And like
+unto birds, they, (the Yakshas) gifted with extreme celerity, alighted
+on the summit of the mountain and stood before them (the Pandavas), with
+the lord of treasures at their head. Then, O Bharata, seeing him pleased
+with the Pandavas, the Yakshas and the Gandharvas stood there, free from
+agitation. Then thinking themselves as having transgressed, those
+high-souled and mighty charioteers, the Pandavas, having bowed down unto
+that lord, the giver of wealth stood surrounding the lord of treasures
+with joined hands. And the lord of treasures sat on that excellent seat,
+the elegant Pushpaka, constructed by Viswakarma, painted with diverse
+colours. And thousands of Yakshas and Rakshasas, some having huge frames
+and some ears resembling pegs, and hundreds of Gandharvas and hosts of
+Apsaras sat in the presence of that one seated, even as the celestials
+sit surrounding him of a hundred sacrifices and wearing a beautiful
+golden garland on his head and holding in his hands his noose and sword
+and bow, Bhima stood, gazing at the lord of wealth. And Bhimasena did
+not feel depressed either on having been wounded by the Rakshasas, or
+even in that plight seeing Kuvera arrive.
+
+"And that one going about on the shoulders of men, on seeing Bhima stand
+desirous of fighting with sharpened shafts, said unto Dharma's son, 'O
+Partha, all the creatures know thee as engaged in their good. Do thou,
+therefore, with thy brothers fearlessly dwell on this summit of the
+mountain. And, O Pandava, be thou not angry with Bhima. These Yakshas
+and Rakshasas had already been slain by Destiny: thy brother hath been
+the instrument merely. And it is not necessary to feel shame for the act
+of impudence that hath been committed. This destruction of the Rakshasas
+had been foreseen by the gods. I entertain no anger towards Bhimasena.
+Rather, O foremost of the Bharata race, I am pleased with him;
+nay,--even before coming here, I had been gratified with this deed of
+Bhima.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having spoken thus unto the king, (Kuvera) said unto
+Bhimasena, 'O child, O best of the Kurus, I do not mind this, O Bhima,
+as in order to please Krishna, thou hast, disregarding the gods and me
+also, committed this rash act, namely, the destruction of the Yakshas
+and the Rakshasas, depending on the strength of thy arms, I am
+well-pleased with thee. O Vrikodara, to-day I have been freed from a
+terrible curse. For some offence, that great Rishi, Agastya, had cursed
+me in anger. Thou hast delivered me by this act (of thine). O Pandu's
+son, my disgrace had ere this been fated. No offence, therefore, in any
+way, attaches unto thee, O Pandava.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O divine one, why wast thou cursed by the
+high-souled Agastya? O god, I am curious to hear about the occasion of
+that imprecation. I wonder that at that very moment, thou together with
+thy forces and attendants wast not consumed by the ire of that
+intelligent one.'
+
+"Thereupon the lord of treasures said, 'At Kusasthali, O king, once
+there was held a conclave of the gods. And surrounded by grimvisaged
+Yakshas, numbering three hundred maha-padmas, carrying various weapons,
+I was going to that place. And on the way, I saw that foremost of sages,
+Agastya, engaged in the practice of severe austerities on the bank of
+the Yamuna, abounding in various birds and graced with blossoming trees.
+And, O king, immediately on seeing that mass of energy, flaming and
+brilliant as fire, seated with upraised arms, facing the sun, my friend,
+the graceful lord of the Rakshasas, Maniman, from stupidity,
+foolishness, hauteur and ignorance discharged his excrement on the crown
+of that Maharshi. Thereupon, as if burning all the cardinal points by
+his wrath, he said unto me, "Since, O lord of treasures, in thy very
+presence, disregarding me, this thy friend hath thus affronted me, he,
+together with thy forces, shall meet with destruction at the hands of a
+mortal. And, O wicked-minded one, thou also, being distressed on account
+of thy fallen soldiers, shalt be freed from thy sin, on beholding that
+mortal. But if they follow thy behests, their (the soldier's) powerful
+sons shall not incur by this dreadful curse." This curse I received
+formerly from that foremost of Rishis. Now, O mighty king, have I been
+delivered by thy brother Bhima.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXI
+
+"The lord of treasures said, 'O Yudhishthira, patience, ability,
+(appropriate) time and place and prowess--these five lead to success in
+human affairs. O Bharata, in the Krita Yuga, men were patient and able
+in their respective occupations and they knew how to display prowess.
+And, O foremost of the Kshatriyas, a Kshatriya that is endued with
+patience and understandeth the propriety regarding place and time and is
+versed in all mortal regulations, can alone govern the world for a long
+time,--nay, in all transactions. He that behaveth thus, acquireth, O
+hero, fame in this world and excellent state in the next. And by having
+displayed his prowess at the proper place and time, Sakra with the
+Vasus hath obtained the dominion of heaven. He that from anger cannot
+see his fall and he that being naturally wicked and evilminded followeth
+evil and he that knoweth not the propriety relative to acts, meet with
+destruction both in this world and the next. The exertions of that
+stupid person become fruitless, who is not conversant with the
+expediency regarding time and acts, and he meeteth with destruction both
+in this world and the next. And the object of that wicked and deceitful
+persons is vicious, who, aiming at mastery of every kind, committeth
+some rash act. O best of men, Bhimasena is fearless, and ignorant of
+duties, and haughty, and of the sense of a child, and unforbearing. Do
+thou, therefore, check him. Repairing again to the hermitage of the
+pious sage Arshtishena, do thou reside there during the dark fortnight,
+without fear or anxiety. O lord of men, deputed by me, all the
+Gandharvas residing at Alaka, as also those dwelling in this mountain,
+will, O mighty-armed one, protect thee, and these best of the Brahmanas.
+And, O king, O chief among virtuous men, knowing that Vrikodara hath
+come hither out of rashness, do thou check him. Henceforth, O monarch,
+beings living in the forest will meet you, wait upon you and always
+protect you all. And, ye foremost of men, my servants will always
+procure for you various meats and drinks of delicious flavour. And, O
+son, Yudhishthira, even as by reason of your being the progeny of
+spiritual intercourse, Jishnu is entitled to the protection of Mahendra,
+and Vrikodara, of the Wind-god, and thou, of Dharma, and the twins
+possessed of strength, of the Aswins,--so ye all are entitled to my
+protection. That one next by birth to Bhimasena, Phalguna, versed in the
+science of profit and all mortal regulations, is well in heaven. And, O
+child, those perfections that are recognised in the world as leading to
+heaven, are established in Dhananjaya even from his very birth. And
+self-restraint, and charity, and strength, and intelligence, and
+modesty, and fortitude, and excellent energy--even all these are
+established in that majestic one of magnificent soul. And, O Pandava,
+Jishnu never committed any shameful act through poverty of spirit. And
+in the world, none ever say that Partha hath uttered an untruth. And, O
+Bharata, honoured by the gods, _pitris_, and the Gandharvas, that
+enhancer of the glory of the Kurus is learning the science of weapons in
+Sakra's abode. And, O Partha, in heaven he that with justice had brought
+under his subjection all the rulers of the earth, even that exceedingly
+powerful and highly energetic monarch, the grandsire of thy father,
+Santanu himself, is well-pleased with the behaviour of that wielder of
+the Gandiva--the foremost of his race. And, O king, abiding in Indra's
+regions, he who on the banks of the Yamuna had worshipped the gods, the
+_pitris_, and the Brahmanas, by celebrating seven grand horse
+sacrifices, that great grandsire of thine, the emperor Santanu of severe
+austerities, who hath attained heaven, hath enquired of thy welfare.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of the dispenser of wealth,
+the Pandavas were well-pleased with them. Then lowering his club and
+mace and sword and bow, that foremost of the Bharatas bowed down unto
+_Kuvera_. And that giver of protection, the lord of treasures, seeing
+him prostrate, said, 'Be thou the destroyer of the pride of foes, and
+the enhancer of the delight of friends. And ye oppressors of enemies, do
+ye live in our romantic region. The _Yakshas_ will not cross your
+desires. Gudakesa, after having acquired mastery over weapons, will come
+back soon. Bidden adieu by Maghavat himself, Dhananjaya will join you.'
+
+"Having thus instructed Yudhishthira of excellent deeds, the lord of the
+_Guhyakas_, vanished from that best of mountains. And thousands upon
+thousands of _Yakshas_, and _Rakshasas_ followed him in vehicles spread
+over with checkered cushions, and decorated with various jewels. And as
+the horses proceeded towards the abode of Kuvera, a noise arose as of
+birds flying in the air. And the chargers of the lord of treasures
+speedily coursed through the sky as if drawing forward the firmament,
+and devouring the air.
+
+"Then at the command of the lord of wealth, the dead bodies of the
+_Rakshasas_ were removed from the summit of the mountain. As the
+intelligent Agastya had fixed this period as the limit of (the duration
+of) his curse, so being slain in conflict, the _Rakshasas_ were freed
+from the imprecation. And being honoured by the _Rakshasas_, the
+Pandavas for several nights dwelt pleasantly in those habitations."
+
+
+SECTION CLXII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O represser of foes, at sunrise, having
+finished his daily devotions, _Dhaumya_ came unto the Pandavas, with
+_Arshtishena_. And having bowed down unto the feet of Arshtishena and
+Dhaumya, they with joined hands paid homage unto all the Brahmanas. Then
+Dhaumya taking Yudhishthira's right hand, said these words, looking at
+the east, 'O mighty monarch, this king of mountains, Mandara lieth vast,
+covering the earth up to the ocean. O Pandava, Indra and Vaisravana
+preside over this point graced with woods and forests and mountains.
+And, O child, the intelligent sages versed in every duty, say, that this
+(region) is the abode of Indra and king Vaisravana. And the twice-born
+ones, and the sages versed in the duties, and the _Sidhas_, and the
+_Sadhyas_, and the celestials pay their adorations unto the Sun as he
+riseth from this point. And that lord of all living beings, king _Yama_,
+conversant with duty, presideth over yonder southern region whither come
+the spirits of the departed. And this is _Sanyamana_, the abode of the
+lord of departed spirits, sacred, and wonderful to behold, and crowned
+with prime prosperity. And the intelligent ones call that monarch of
+mountains (by the name of) Asta. Having, O king, arrived at this, the
+Sun ever abideth by the truth. And king _Varuna_ protects all creatures,
+abiding in this king of mountains, and also in the vast deep. And, O
+highly fortunate one, there illumining the northern regions, lieth the
+puissant Mahameru, auspicious and the refuge of those knowing _Brahma_,
+where is the court of _Brahma_, and remaining where that soul of all
+creatures, _Prajapati_, hath created all that is mobile and immobile.
+And the _Mahameru_ is the auspicious and healthy abode even of the seven
+mind-born sons of _Brahma_, of whom _Daksha_ was the seventh. And, O
+child, here it is that the seven celestial _rishis_ with Vasishtha at
+their head rise and set. Behold that excellent and bright summit of the
+Meru, where sitteth the great sire (_Brahma_) with the celestials happy
+in self-knowledge. And next to the abode of _Brahma_ is visible the
+region of him who is said to be the really primal Cause or the origin of
+all creatures, even that prime lord, god Narayana, having neither
+beginning nor end. And, O king, that auspicious place composed of all
+energies even the celestials, cannot behold. And the region of the
+high-souled _Vishnu_, by its native splendour, exceeding in effulgence
+the sun or fire, cannot be beheld by the gods, or the Danavas. And the
+region of Narayana lieth resplendent to the east of the _Meru_, where, O
+child, that lord of all creatures, the self-create primal Cause of the
+universe, having manifested all beings, looketh splendid of his
+excellent grace. O child, not to speak of the _Maharshis_-even
+_Brahmarshis_ have no access to that place. And, O best of the Kurus, it
+is the _Yatis_ only who have access to it. And, O Pandu's son, (at that
+place) luminaries cannot shine by him; there that lord of inconceivable
+soul alone shineth transcendental. There by reverence, and severe
+austerities, Yatis inspired by virtue of pious practices, attain
+Narayana Hari. And, O Bharata, repairing thither, and attaining that
+universal Soul--the self-create and eternal God of gods, high-souled
+ones, of _Yoga_ success, and free from ignorance and pride have not to
+return to this world. O highly fortunate Yudhishthira, this region is
+without beginning, or deterioration, or end for it is the very essence
+of that God. And, O son of the Kurus, the Sun and the Moon every day go
+round this Meru, coursing in an opposite direction. And, O sinless one,
+O mighty monarch, the other luminaries also go round this king of
+mountains in the self-same way. Thus the worshipful Sun who dispelleth
+darkness, goeth round this (mountain) obscuring other luminaries. Then
+having set, and passed the evening, that Maker of day, the Sun, taketh a
+northerly course. Then again nearing the _Meru_, the divine Sun (ever)
+intent on the good of all beings, again courseth, facing the east. And
+in this way, the divine Moon also together with the stars goeth round
+this mountain, dividing the month unto several sections, by his arrival
+at the Parvas. Having thus unerringly coursed round the mighty _Meru_,
+and, nourished all creatures, the Moon again repaireth unto the
+_Mandar_. In the same way, that destroyer of darkness--the divine
+Sun--also moveth on this unobstructed path, animating the universe.
+When, desirous of causing dew, he repaireth to the south, then there
+ensueth winter to all creatures. Then the Sun, turning back from the
+south, by his rays draweth up the energy from all creatures both mobile
+and immobile. Thereupon, men become subject to perspiration, fatigue,
+drowsiness and lassitude; and living beings always feel disposed to
+slumber. Thence, returning through unknown regions, that divine
+effulgent one causeth shower, and thereby reviveth beings. And having,
+by the comfort caused by the shower, wind, and warmth, cherished the
+mobile and the immobile, the powerful Sun resumeth his former course. O
+Partha, ranging thus, the Sun unerringly turneth on the wheel of Time,
+influencing created things. His course is unceasing; he never resteth, O
+Pandava. Withdrawing the energy of all beings, he again rendereth it
+back. O Bharata, dividing time into day and night, and Kala, and
+Kashiba, that lord, the Sun, dealeth life and motion to all created
+things.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in that best of mountains those
+high-souled ones observing excellent vows, felt themselves attracted (to
+that place), and diverted themselves, eager to behold Arjuna. And
+multitudes of _Gandharvas_ and _Maharshis_ gladly visited those
+energetic ones, possessing prowess, of chaste desires and being the
+foremost of those endued with truth and fortitude. And having arrived at
+that excellent mountain furnished with trees bearing blossoms, those
+mighty charioteers were exceedingly delighted, even as the _Marutas_, on
+arriving at the celestial regions. And experiencing great exhilaration,
+they lived (there), seeing the slopes and summits of that mighty
+mountain, filled with flowers, and resonant with the cries of peacocks
+and cranes. And on that beautiful mountain they beheld lakes filled with
+lotuses, and having their shores covered with trees, and frequented by
+darkness, and _karandavas_ and swans. And the flourishing
+sporting-regions, graceful on account of the various flowers, and
+abounding in gems, was capable of captivating that king, the dispenser
+of wealth (_Kuvera_). And always ranging (there), those foremost of
+ascetics (the Pandavas) were incapable of conceiving (the significance
+of) that Summit, furnished with mighty trees, and masses of
+wide-spreading clouds. And, O great hero, owing to its native splendour,
+and also on account of the brilliance of the annual plants, there was no
+difference there between night and day. And staying in the mountain,
+remaining in which the Sun of unrivalled energy cherisheth the mobile
+and immobile things, those heroes and foremost of men beheld the rising
+and the setting of the Sun. And having seen the rising and the setting
+points of the Sun and the rising and the setting mountain, and all the
+cardinal points, as well as the intervening spaces ever blazing with the
+rays of the Dispeller of darkness, those heroes, in expectation of the
+arrival of that mighty charioteer firm in truth, became engaged in
+reciting the _Vedas_, practising the daily rituals, chiefly discharging
+the religious duties, exercising sacred vows, and abiding by the truth.
+And saying, 'Let us even here experience delight by joining without
+delay Arjuna accomplished in arms,' those highly blessed Parthas became
+engaged in the practice of _Yoga_. And beholding romantic woods on that
+mountain, as they always thought of _Kiriti_, every day and night
+appeared unto them even as a year. From that very moment joy had taken
+leave of them when, with Dhaumya's permission, the high-souled _Jishnu_,
+matting his hair, departed (for the woods). So, how could they, absorbed
+in his contemplation, experience happiness there? They had become
+overwhelmed with grief ever since the moment when at the command of his
+brother, Yudhishthira, _Jishnu_ of the tread of a mad elephant had
+departed from the _Kamyaka_ forest. O Bharata, in this way, on that
+mountain those descendants of Bharata passed a month with difficulty,
+thinking of him of the white steeds, who had gone to _Vasava's_ abode
+for learning arms. And Arjuna, having dwelt for five years in the abode
+of him of a thousand eyes, and having from that lord of celestials
+obtained all the celestial weapons,--such as those of _Agni_, of
+_Varuna_, of _Soma_, of _Vayu_, of _Vishnu_, of _Indra_, of _Pasupati_,
+of _Brahma_, of _Parameshthi_, of _Prajapati_, of _Yama_, of _Dhata_, of
+_Savita_, of _Tvashta_, and of _Vaisravana_; and having bowed down to
+and gone round him of a hundred sacrifices, and taken his (Indra's)
+permission, cheerfully came to the Gandhamadana."
+
+
+SECTION CLXIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "And it came to pass that one day as those
+mighty charioteers were thinking of Arjuna, seeing Mahendra's car, yoked
+with horses of the effulgence of lightning, arrive all on a sudden, they
+were delighted. And driven by Matali, that blazing car, suddenly
+illuminating the sky, looked like smokeless flaming tongues of fire, or
+a mighty meteor embosomed in clouds. And seated in that car appeared
+_Kiriti_ wearing garlands and new-made ornaments. Then Dhananjaya
+possessing the prowess of the wielder of the thunder-bolt, alighted on
+that mountain, blazing in beauty. And that intelligent one decked in a
+diadem and garlands, having alighted on the mountain, first bowed down
+at the feet of _Dhaumya_, and then at those of _Ajatasatru_. And he also
+paid homage unto Vrikodara's feet; and the twins also bowed down unto
+him. Then going to Krishna, and having cheered her, he stood before his
+(elder) brother in humble guise. And on meeting with that matchless one,
+they were exceedingly delighted. And he also meeting with them rejoiced
+exceedingly, and began to eulogise the king. And seeing before them that
+car driving in which the slayer of Namuchi had annihilated seven
+phalanxes of _Diti's_ offspring, the magnanimous Parthas went round it.
+And being highly pleased, they offered excellent worship unto Matali, as
+unto the lord of the celestials himself. And then the son of the Kuru
+king duly enquired of him after the health of all the gods. And Matali
+also greeted them. And having instructed the Parthas even as a father
+doth his sons, he ascended that incomparable car, and returned to the
+lord of the celestials.
+
+"And when Matali had gone away, that foremost of the royal race, Sakra's
+son, the high-souled destroyer of all foes made over unto his love, the
+mother of _Sutasoma_, beautiful precious gems and ornaments having the
+splendour of the sun, which had been presented to him by Sakra. Then,
+sitting in the midst of those foremost of the Kurus, and those best of
+the _Brahmanas_, effulgent like unto fire or the sun, he began to relate
+all as it had happened, saying, 'In this way, I have learnt weapons from
+_Sakra_, _Vayu_, and the manifest _Siva_; and all the celestials with
+Indra also have been pleased with me, on account of my good behaviour,
+and concentration.'
+
+"After having briefly narrated unto them his sojourn in heaven, _Kiriti_
+of spotless deeds agreeably slept that night with the two sons of
+Madri."
+
+
+SECTION CLXV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then when the night had been spent, Dhananjaya,
+together with his brothers, paid homage unto Yudhishthira the just. And,
+O Bharata, at this moment, proceeding from the celestials there arose
+mighty and tremendous sounds of a musical instrument, and the rattling
+of car-wheels, and the tolling of bells. And there at all the beasts and
+beasts of prey and birds emitted separate cries. And from all sides in
+cars resplendent as the sun, hosts of _Gandharvas_ and _Apsaras_ began
+to follow that represser of foes, the lord of the celestials. And
+ascending a car yoked with steeds, decorated with burnished gold, and
+roaring like clouds, that king of the celestials, _Purandara_ blazing in
+beauty came unto the Parthas. And having arrived (at that place), he of
+a thousand eyes descended from his car. And as soon as Yudhishthira the
+just saw that high-souled one, he together with his brothers, approached
+that graceful king of the immortals. And in accordance with the
+ordinance that generous one duly worshipped him of immeasurable soul, in
+consequence with his dignity. And then Dhananjaya possessed of prowess,
+having bowed down unto _Purandara_, stood before the lord of the
+celestials in humble guise, like unto a servant. And seeing the sinless
+Dhananjaya having ascetic merit, bearing clotted hair, stand in humility
+before the lord of celestials, Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, of great
+energy, smelt (the crown) of his head. And beholding _Phalguna_ (in that
+attitude), he was exceedingly glad; and by worshipping the king of the
+celestials, he experienced the highest bliss. Then unto that
+strongminded monarch, swimming in felicity, the intelligent lord of the
+celestials, Purandara, spake, saying, 'Thou shalt rule the earth, O
+Pandava. Blessed be thou! Do thou, O Kunti's son, again repair unto
+Kamyaka.'
+
+"That learned man who for a year leading the _Brahmacharya_ mode of
+life, subduing his senses and observing vows, peruseth with rapt
+attention this meeting of _Sakra_ with the Pandavas, liveth a hundred
+years free from disturbances, and enjoying happiness."
+
+
+SECTION CLXVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When _Sakra_ had gone to his proper place,
+_Vibhatsu_ together with his brothers and Krishna, paid homage unto the
+son of Dharma. Then smelling the crown of the head of that Pandava, who
+was thus paying homage, (Yudhishthira) in accents faltering on account
+of joy, addressed Arjuna, saying, 'O Arjuna, how didst thou pass this
+period in heaven? And how has thou obtained the weapons, and how also
+hast thou gratified the lord of the celestials? And, O Pandava, has thou
+adequately secured the weapons? Have the lord of the celestials and
+_Rudra_ gladly granted thee the weapons? And how hast thou beheld the
+divine _Sakra_, and the wielder of _Pinaka_? And how has thou obtained
+the weapons? And in what manner didst thou worship (them)? And what
+service hadst thou done unto that repressor of foes, the worshipful one
+of a hundred sacrifices, that he said unto thee, "By thee have I been
+gratified?" All this, O highly effulgent one, I wish to hear in detail.
+And, O sinless one, the manner in which thou didst please Mahadeva and
+the king of the celestials and, O repressor of foes, the service thou
+hadst done to the wielder of the thunder-bolt,--do thou, O Dhananjaya,
+relate all this in detail.'
+
+"Arjuna said, 'O mighty monarch, listen how I duly beheld him of a
+hundred sacrifice and the divine _Sankara_ also. O grinder of foes, O
+king, having acquired that science which thou hadst directed me (to
+learn), I at thy command went to the forest, for practising penances.
+From _Kamyaka_ repairing to the _Bhrigutunga_, I spent there one night,
+being engaged in austerities. And it came to pass that on the next I saw
+a certain _Brahmana_. And he asked me, saying, "O son of Kunti, whither
+wilt thou go?" Thereupon, O descendant of the Kurus, I truly related
+unto him everything. And, O best of kings, having heard the true
+account, the _Brahmana_ became well-pleased with me, and, O king,
+praised me. Then the _Brahmana_, pleased with me, said, "O Bharata, be
+thou engaged in austerities. By performing penances, thou wilt in a
+short time behold the lord of the celestials." And according to his
+advice I ascended the _Himavan_, and, O mighty king, began to practise
+penances, (the first) month subsisting on fruit and roots. I spent the
+second month, subsisting on water. And, O Pandava, in the third month I
+totally abstained from food. And in the fourth month I remained with
+upraised arms. And a wonder it is that I did not lose any strength. And
+it came to pass that when the first day of the fifth month had been
+spent, there appeared before me a being wearing the form of a boar,
+turning up the earth with his mouth, stamping the ground with his feet,
+rubbing the earth with his breast, and momentarily going about in a
+frightful manner. And him followed a great being in the guise of a
+hunter furnished with the bow, arrows, and the sword, and surrounded by
+females. Thereupon, taking my bow and the two inexhaustible quivers, I
+pierced with shafts that terrible and frightful creature. And
+simultaneously (with me) that hunter also drawing a strong bow, more
+severely struck at (the animal), as if shaking my mind. And, O king, he
+also said unto me, "Why hast thou, transgressing the rules of hunting,
+hit the animal first hit at by me? With these sharpened shafts will I
+destroy thy pride. Stay!" Then that mighty-bodied one holding the bow
+rushed at me. And with volleys of mighty shafts, he covered me entirely,
+even as a cloud covereth a mountain with showers. Then, on my part, I
+covered him with a mighty discharge of arrows. Thereupon, with steady
+arrows having their points aflame, and inspired with _mantras_, I
+pierced him even as (Indra) riveth a mountain with a thunderbolt. Then
+his person began to be multiplied a hundredfold and a thousandfold. At
+this, I pierced all his bodies with shafts. Then again all those forms
+became one, O Bharata. Thereat I struck at it. Next, he now assumed a
+small body with a huge head, and now a huge body with a small head. And,
+O king, he then assumed his former person and approached me for fight.
+And, O foremost of the Bharata race, when in the encounter I failed to
+overwhelm him with arrows, I fixed the mighty weapon of the Wind-god.
+But I failed to discharge it at him, and this was a wonder. And when
+that weapon thus failed of effect, I was struck with amazement. However,
+O king, exerting myself more vigorously, I again covered that being with
+a mighty multitude of shafts. Then taking _Sthuna-karna_, and _Varuna_
+and _Salava_, and _Asmavarsha_ weapons, I assailed him, profusely
+showering shafts. But, O king, he instantly swallowed up even all these
+weapons of mine. And when all those (weapons) had been swallowed up, I
+discharged the weapon presided over by Brahma. And when the blazing
+arrows issuing from that weapon were heaped upon him all around, and
+being thus heaped over by that mighty weapon discharged by me, he
+increased (in bulk). Then all the world became oppressed with the energy
+begotten of the weapon hurled by me, and the firmament and all the
+points of the sky became illumined. But that one of mighty energy
+instantly baffled even that weapon. And, O monarch, when that weapon
+presided over by _Brahma_ had been baffled I was possessed with terrible
+fear. Thereupon immediately holding even my bow and the two
+inexhaustible quivers, I shot at that being, but he swallowed up all
+those weapons. And when all the weapons had been baffled and swallowed
+up, there ensued a wrestling between him and myself. And we encountered
+each other first with blows and then with slaps. But incapable of
+overcoming that being, I fell down stupefied on the ground. Thereupon, O
+mighty king, with a laugh, that wonderful being at my sight vanished at
+that spot together with the women. Having accomplished this, O
+illustrious monarch, that divine one assumed another and unearthly form
+(clad in) wonderful raiment. And renouncing the form of a hunter, that
+divine lord of the gods, resumed his own unearthly appearance and that
+mighty god stood (there). Then appeared before me with _Uma_ that
+manifest divine one, having the bull for his mark, wielding the
+_Pinaka_, bearing serpents and capable of assuming many forms. And, O
+repressor of foes, advancing towards me, standing even then in the field
+ready for conflict, that wielder of the trident addressed me saying, "I
+am well-pleased with thee." Then that divine one held up my bows and the
+couple of quivers furnished with inexhaustible shafts and returned them
+unto me saying, "Do thou ask some boon, O Kunti's son. I am well-pleased
+with thee. Tell me, what I shall do for thee. And, O hero, express the
+desire that dwelleth in thy heart. I will grant it. Except immortality
+alone, tell me as to the desire that is in thy heart." Thereat with my
+mind intent on the acquisition of arms, I only bowed down unto Siva and
+said, "O divine one, if thou beest favourably disposed towards me, then
+I wish to have this boon,--I wish to learn all the weapons that are with
+thy god-head." Then the god _Tryamvaka_ said unto me, "I will give. O
+Pandava, my own weapon _Raudra_ shall attend upon thee." Thereupon
+_Mahadeva_, well-pleased, granted to me the mighty weapon, _Pasupata_.
+And, having granted that eternal weapon, he also said unto me, "This
+must never be hurled at mortals. If discharged at any person of small
+energy, it would consume the universe. Shouldst thou (at any time) be
+hard pressed, thou mayst discharge it. And when all thy weapons have
+been completely baffled, thou mayst hurl it." Then when he having the
+bull for his mark, had been thus gratified, there stood manifest by my
+side that celestial weapon, of resistless force capable of baffling all
+weapons and destructive of foes and the hewer of hostile forces and
+unrivalled and difficult to be borne even by the celestials, the demons
+and the _Rakshasas_. Then at the command of that god, I sat me down
+there. And in my very sight the god vanished from the spot.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXVII
+
+"Arjuna said, 'O Bharata, by the grace of that god of gods the Supreme
+Soul, _Tryamvaka_, I passed the night at that place. And having passed
+the night, when I had finished the morning rituals, I saw that foremost
+of the _Brahmanas_ whom I had seen before. And unto him I told all as it
+had happened, O Bharata, namely, that I had met the divine _Mahadeva_.
+Thereupon, O king of kings, well-pleased, he said unto me, "Since thou
+hast beheld the great god, incapable of being beheld by any one else,
+soon wilt thou mix with _Vaivaswata_ and the other _Lokapalas_ and the
+lord of the celestials; and Indra too will grant thee weapons." O king,
+having said this unto me and having embraced me again and again, that
+_Brahmana_ resembling the Sun, went away whither he listed. And, O
+slayer of foes, it came to pass that on the evening of that day
+refreshing the whole world, there began to blow a pure breeze. And in my
+vicinity on the base of the _Himalaya_ mountain fresh, fragrant and fair
+flowers began to bloom. And on all sides there were heard charming
+symphony and captivating hymns relating to Indra. And before the lord of
+the celestial hosts of _Apsaras_ and _Gandharvas_ chanted various songs.
+And ascending celestial cars, there approached the _Marutas_ and the
+followers of _Mahendra_ and the dwellers of heaven. And afterwards,
+Marutvan together with _Sachi_ and all the celestials appeared on the
+scene in cars yoked with horses elegantly adorned. And at this very
+moment, O king, he that goeth about on the shoulders of men manifested
+himself unto me in excellent grace. And I saw _Yama_ seated on the south
+and _Varuna_ and the lord of the celestials at their respective regions.
+And, O foremost of men, O mighty monarch, they after having cheered me
+said, "O Savyasachin, behold us--the Lokapalas--seated. For the
+performance of the task of the gods thou hast obtained the sight of
+_Sankara_. Do thou now receive weapons from us seated around."
+Thereupon, O lord, having bowed down unto those foremost of the
+celestials with regard, I duly accepted those mighty weapons. And then
+they recognised me as one of their own. Afterwards the gods repaired to
+the quarter from whence they had come. And that lord of the celestials,
+the divine Maghavan too having ascended his glorious chariot, said, "O
+_Phalguna_, thou shalt have to repair unto the celestial region. O
+Dhananjaya, even before this thy arrival I knew that thou wouldst come
+hither. Then I have, O best of the Bharatas, manifested myself unto
+thee. As formerly thou hadst performed thy ablution in the various
+_tirthas_ and now hast performed severe austerities, so thou wilt be
+able to repair unto the celestial regions, O Pandava. Thou wilt,
+however, again have to practise extreme penance, for thou shouldst at
+any rate journey to heaven. And at my command, Matali shall take thee to
+the celestial regions. Thou hast already been recognised by the
+celestials and the celestial sages of high soul." Thereupon I said unto
+Sakra, "O divine one, be thou favourable unto me. With the view of
+learning arms do I beseech thee that thou mayst be my preceptor." At
+this Indra said, "O child, having learnt weapons thou wouldst perform
+terrible deeds and with this object thou desirest to obtain the weapons.
+However, obtain thou the arms, as thou desirest." Then I said, "O slayer
+of foes, I never would discharge these celestial weapons at mortals
+except when all my other arms should have been baffled. Do thou, O lord
+of the celestials, grant me the celestial weapons (so that) I may
+hereafter obtain the regions attainable by warriors." Indra said, "O
+Dhananjaya it is to try thee that I have said such words unto thee.
+Having been begotten of me this speech of thine well becometh thee. Do
+thou, O Bharata, repairing unto my abode learn all the weapons of
+_Vayu_, of _Agni_, of the _Vasus_, of _Varuna_, of the _Marutas_, of the
+_Siddhas_, of Brahma, of the Gandharvas, of the Uragas, of the
+Rakshasas, of Vishnu and of the _Nairitas_; and also all the weapons
+that are with me, O perpetuator of the Kuru race." Having said this unto
+me _Sakra_ vanished at the very spot. Then, O king, I saw the wonderful
+and sacred celestial car yoked with steeds arrive conducted by Matali.
+And when the Lokapalas went away Matali said unto me, "O thou of mighty
+splendour, the lord of the celestials is desirous of seeing thee. And O
+mighty-armed one, do thou acquire competence and then perform thy task.
+Come and behold the regions, attainable by merit and come unto heaven
+even in this frame. O Bharata, the thousand-eyed lord of the celestials
+wisheth to see thee." Thus addressed by Matali, I, taking leave of the
+mountain Himalaya and having gone round it ascended that excellent car.
+And then the exceedingly generous Matali, versed in equine lore, drove
+the steeds, gifted with the speed of thought or the wind. And when the
+chariot began to move that charioteer looking at my face as I was seated
+steadily, wondered and said these words, "Today this appeareth unto me
+strange and unprecedented that being seated in this celestial car, thou
+hast not been jerked ever so little. O foremost of Bharata race, I have
+ever remarked that at the first pull by the steeds even the lord of the
+celestials himself getteth jerked. But all the while that the car had
+moved, thou hast been sitting unshaken. This appeareth unto me as
+transcending even the power of _Sakra_."
+
+"'Having said this, O Bharata, Matali soared in the sky and showed me
+the abodes of the celestials and their palaces. Then the chariot yoked
+with steeds coursed upwards. And the celestials and the sages began to
+worship (that car), O prince of men. And I saw the regions, moving
+anywhere at will, and the splendour also of the highly energetic
+_Gandharvas, Apsaras_, and the celestial sages. And _Sakra's_
+charioteer, Matali, at once showed me _Nandana_ and other gardens and
+groves belonging to the celestials. Next I beheld Indra's abode,
+_Amaravati_, adorned with jewels and trees yielding any sort of fruit
+that is desired. There the Sun doth not shed heat; nor doth heat or cold
+or fatigue there affect (one), O king. And, O great monarch, the
+celestials feel neither sorrow nor poverty of spirit, nor weakness, nor
+lassitude, O grinder of foes. And, O ruler of men, the celestials and
+the others have neither anger nor covetousness. And, O king, in the
+abodes of the celestials, the beings are ever contented. And there the
+trees ever bear verdant foliage, and fruits, and flowers; and the
+various lakes are embalmed with the fragrance of lotuses. And there the
+breeze is cool, and delicious, and fragrant, and pure, and inspiring.
+And the ground is variegated with all kinds of gems, and adorned with
+blossoms. And there were seen innumerable beautiful beasts and in the
+air innumerable rangers of the sky. Then I saw the _Vasus_, and the
+_Rudras_, and the _Sadhyas_ with the _Marutas_, and the _Adityas_, and
+the two _Aswins_ and worshipped them. And they conferred their benison
+on me, granting me strength and prowess, and energy, and celebrity, and
+(skill in) arms, and victory in battle. Then, entering that romantic
+city adored by the _Gandharvas_ and the celestials, with joined hands, I
+stood before the thousand-eyed lord of the celestials. Thereupon, that
+best of bestowers gladly offered unto me half of his seat; and _Vasava_
+also with regard touched my person. And, O Bharata, with the view of
+acquiring arms and learning weapons, I began to dwell in heaven,
+together with the gods and the _Gandharvas_ of generous souls. And
+_Viswavana's_ son, _Chitrasena_ became my friend. And he, O king,
+imparted unto me the entire _Gandharva_ (science). And, O monarch, I
+happily lived in _Sakra's_ abode, well cared for having all my desires
+gratified, learning weapons, listening to the notes of songs, and the
+clear sounds of musical instruments, and beholding the foremost of
+_Apsaras_ dance. And without neglecting to study the arts, which I
+learnt properly, my attention was specially fixed on the acquisition of
+arms. And that lord of a thousand eyes was pleased with that purpose of
+mine. Living thus in heaven, O king, I passed this period.
+
+"'And when I had acquired proficiency in weapons, and gained his
+confidence that one having for his vehicle the horse (_Uchchaisrava_),
+(Indra), patting me on the head with his hand, said these words, "Now
+even the celestials themselves cannot conquer thee,--what shall I say of
+imperfect mortals residing on earth? Thou hast become invulnerable in
+strength, irrepressible, and incomparable in fight." Then with the hair
+of his body standing on end, he again accosted me saying, "O hero, in
+fighting with weapons none is equal unto thee. And, O perpetuator of the
+Kuru race, thou art even watchful, and dexterous, and truthful, and of
+subdued senses, and the protector of the _Brahmanas_ and adept in
+weapons, and warlike. And, O Partha, together with (a knowledge of) the
+five modes, using (them), thou hast obtained five and ten weapons and,
+therefore, there existeth none, who is thy peer. And thou hast perfectly
+learnt the discharge (of those weapons) and (their) withdrawal, and
+(their) re-discharge and re-withdrawal, and the _Prayaschitta_ connected
+(with them), and also their revival, in case of their being baffled.
+Now, O represser of foes, the time hath arrived for thy paying the
+preceptor's fee. Do thou promise to pay the fee; then I shall unfold
+unto thee what thou wilt have to perform." Thereat, O king, I said unto
+the ruler of the celestials, "If it be in my power to do the work, do
+thou consider it as already accomplished by me." O king, when I had said
+these words, Indra with a smile said unto me "Nothing is there in the
+three worlds that is not in thy power (to achieve). My enemies, those
+_Danavas_, named _Nivata-Kavachas_, dwell in the womb of the ocean. And
+they number thirty million and are notorious, and all of equal forms and
+strength and splendour. Do thou slay them there, O Kunti's son; and that
+will be thy preceptor's fee."
+
+"'Saying this he gave unto me the highly resplendent celestial car,
+conducted by Matali, furnished with hair resembling the down of
+peacocks. And on my head he set this excellent diadem. And he gave me
+ornaments for my body, like unto his own. And he granted unto me the
+impenetrable mail--the best of its kind, and easy to the touch; and
+fastened unto the _Gandiva_ this durable string. Then I set out,
+ascending that splendid chariot riding on which in days of yore, the
+lord of the celestials and vanquished _Vali_--that son of _Virochana_.
+And, O ruler of men, startled by the rattling of the car, all the
+celestials, approached (there), taking me to be the king of the
+celestials. And seeing me, they asked, "O Phalguna, what art thou going
+to do?" And I told them as it had fallen out,--and said, "I shall even
+do this in battle. Ye that are highly fortunate, know that I have set
+out desirous of slaying the _Nivata-Kavachas_. O sinless ones, do ye
+bless me." Thereupon, they began to eulogise me even as they (eulogise)
+the god, _Purandara_. And they said, "Riding on this car, _Maghavan_
+conquered in battle _Samvara_, and _Namuchi_, and _Vala_, and _Vritra_,
+and _Prahrada_, and _Naraka_. And mounted on this car also Maghavan, had
+conquered in battle many thousands and millions and hundreds of millions
+of _Daityas_. And, O _Kaunteya_, thou also, riding on this car, by thy
+prowess shalt conquer the _Nivata-Kavachas_ in conflict, even as did the
+self-possessed Maghavan in days of yore. And here is the best of shells;
+by this also thou shalt defeat the _Danavas_. And by this it is that the
+high souled _Sakra_ conquered the words." Saying this, the gods offered
+(unto me) this shell, _Devadatta_, sprung in the deep; and I accepted it
+for the sake of victory. And at this moment, the gods fell extolling me.
+And in order to be engaged in action, I proceeded to the dreadful abode
+of the _Danavas_, furnished with the shell, the mail, and arrows, and
+taking my bow.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXVIII
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then at places eulogised by the _Maharshis_, I
+(proceeded, and at length) beheld the ocean--that inexhaustible lord of
+waters. And like unto flowing cliffs were seen on it heaving billows,
+now meeting together and now rolling away. And there (were seen) all
+around barks by thousands filled with gems. And there were seen
+_timingilas_ and tortoises and _makaras_ like unto rock submerged in
+water. And on all sides round thousands of shells sunk in water appeared
+like stars in the night covered by light clouds. And thousands upon
+thousands of gems were floating in heaps and a violent wind was blowing
+about in whirls--and this was wonderful to behold. And having beheld
+that excellent lord of all waters with powerful tides, I saw at a short
+distance the city of the demons filled with the _Danavas_. And even
+there, entering underneath the earth, Matali skilled in guiding the car,
+sitting fast on the chariot drove it with force; and he dashed on,
+frightening that city with the rattling of his chariot. And hearing that
+rattling of the chariot like unto the rumbling of the clouds in the sky,
+the _Danavas_, thinking me to be the lord of the celestials, became
+agitated. And thereupon they all, frightened at heart, stood holding in
+their hands bows and arrows and swords and javelins and axes and maces
+and clubs. Then having made arrangements for the defence of the city,
+the _Danavas_, with minds alarmed, shut the gates, so that nothing could
+be discovered. Thereupon taking my shell, _Devadatta_, of tremendous
+roars, I again and again winded it with exceeding cheerfulness. And
+filling all the firmament, those sounds produced echoes. Thereat mighty
+beings were terrified and they hid (themselves). And then, O Bharata,
+all of them adorned with ornaments, those offsprings of _Diti_--the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_--made their appearance by thousands, donning diverse
+mail and taking in their hands various weapons and equipped with mighty
+iron javelins and maces and clubs and hatchets and sabres and discs and
+_sataghnis_ and _bhusundis_ and variegated and ornamented swords. Then,
+after deliberating much as to the course of the car, Matali began to
+guide the steeds on a (piece of) level ground, O foremost of the
+Bharatas. And owing to the swiftness of those fleet coursers conducted
+by him, I could see nothing--and this was strange. Then the _Danavas_
+there began to sound thousands of musical instruments, dissonant and of
+odd shapes. And at those sounds, fishes by hundreds and by thousands,
+like unto hills, having their senses bewildered by that noise, fled
+suddenly. And mighty force flew at me, the demons discharging sharpened
+shafts by hundreds and by thousands. And then, O Bharata, there ensued a
+dreadful conflict between me and the demons, calculated to extinguish
+the _Nivata Kavachas_. And there came to the mighty battle the
+_Devarshis_ and the _Danavarshis_ and the _Brahmarshis_ and the
+_Siddhas_. And desirous of victory, the _Munis eulogised_ me with the
+same sweet-speeches that (they had eulogised) Indra with, at the war,
+(which took place) for the sake of _Tara_.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXIX
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then, O Bharata, vehemently rushed at me in battle
+in a body the _Nivata-Kavachas_, equipped with arms. And obstructing the
+course of the car, and shouting loudly, those mighty charioteers,
+hemming me in on all sides, covered me with showers of shafts. Then
+other demons of mighty prowess, with darts and hatchets in their hands,
+began to throw at me spears and axes. And that mighty discharge of
+darts, with numerous maces and clubs incessantly hurled fell upon my
+car. And other dreadful and grim-visaged smiters among the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_, furnished with bows and sharpened weapons, ran at me
+in fight. And in the conflict, shooting from the _Gandiva_ sundry swift
+arrows coursing straight, I pierced each of them with ten. And they were
+driven back by those stone-whetted shafts of mine. Then on my steeds
+being swiftly driven by Matali, they began to display various movements
+with the speed of the wind. And being skilfully guided by Matali, they
+began to trample upon the sons of _Diti_. And although the steeds yoked
+unto that mighty chariot numbered hundreds upon hundreds, yet being
+deftly conducted by Matali, they began to move, as if they were only a
+few. And by their tread, and by the rattling of the chariot wheels and
+by the volleys of my shafts, the _Danavas_ began to fall by hundreds.
+And others accoutred in bows, being deprived of life, and having their
+charioteers slain, were carried about by the horses. Then, covering all
+sides and directions, all (the _Danavas_) skilled in striking entered
+into the contest with various weapons, and thereat my mind became
+afflicted. And I witnessed (this instance of) the marvellous prowess of
+Matali, viz., that he guided those fiery steeds with ease. Then, O king,
+in the conflict, with diverse fleet weapons I pierced by hundreds and by
+thousands (demons) bearing arms. And, O slayer of foes, seeing me thus
+range the field putting forth every exertion, the heroic charioteer of
+_Sakra_ was well-pleased. And oppressed by those steeds and that car,
+some (of them) met with annihilation; and others desisted from fight;
+while (other) _Nivata-Kavachas_, challenged by us in battle and being
+harassed with shafts offered opposition unto me, by (discharging) mighty
+showers of arrows. Thereupon, with hundreds and thousands of sundry
+fleet weapons inspired with the _mantras_ relating to _Brahma's_
+weapons, I swiftly began to burn them. And being sore pressed by me,
+those mighty _asuras_ waxing wroth afflicted me together, by pouring
+torrents of clubs and darts and swords. Then, O Bharata, I took up that
+favourite weapon of the lord of the celestials, Maghavan by name, prime
+and of fiery energy and by the energy of that weapon I cut into a
+thousand pieces the _Tomaras_, together with the swords and the tridents
+hurled by them. And having cut off their arms I in ire pierced them each
+with ten shafts. And in the field arrows were shot from the _Gandiva_
+like unto rows of black-bees; and this Matali admired. And their shafts
+also showered upon me; but those powerful (arrows) I cut off with my
+shafts. Then on being struck the _Nivata-Kavachas_ again covered me on
+all sides with a mighty shower of arrows. And having neutralised the
+force of the arrows by excellent swift and flaming weapons capable of
+baffling arms, I pierced them by thousands. And blood began to flow from
+their torn frames, even as in the rainy season waters run down from the
+summits of mountains. And on being wounded by my fleet and
+straight-coursing shafts of the touch of Indra's thunder-bolt, they
+became greatly agitated. And their bodies were pierced at hundreds of
+places; and the force of their arms diminished. Then the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_ fought me by (the help of) illusion.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXX
+
+"Arjuna said, 'Then with rocks of the proportions of trees, there
+commenced a mighty shower of crags; and this exercised me exceedingly.
+And in that high encounter, I crushed (those crags) by swift-speeding
+showers of arrows, issuing from Mahendra's weapon, like unto the
+thunder-bolt itself. And when the rocks had been reduced to powder,
+there was generated fire; and the rocky dust fell like unto masses of
+flames. And when the showers of crags had been repelled, there happened
+near me a mightier shower of water, having currents of the proportions
+of an axle. And falling from the welkin, those thousands of powerful
+torrents covered the entire firmament and the directions and the
+cardinal points. And on account of the pouring of the shower, and of the
+blowing of the wind, and of roaring of the _Daityas_, nothing could be
+perceived. And touching heaven and the entire earth, and incessantly
+falling on the ground, the showers bewildered me. Thereupon, I
+discharged that celestial weapon which I had learnt from Indra--even the
+dreadful and flaming _Visoshana_: and by that the water was dried up.
+And, O Bharata, when the rocky shower had been destroyed, and the watery
+shower had been dried up, the _Danavas_ began to spread illusions of
+fire and wind. Then by aqueous appliances I extinguished the flames; and
+by a mighty rock-issuing arm, resisted the fury of the winds. And when
+these had been repelled, the _Danavas_, irrepressible in battle, O
+Bharata, simultaneously created various illusions. And there happened a
+tremendous horrifying shower of rocks and dreadful weapons of fire and
+wind. And that illusory downpour afflicted me in fight. And then on all
+sides there appeared a dense and thick darkness. And when the world had
+been enveloped in deep and dense darkness, the steeds turned away,
+Matali fell off, and from his hand the golden lash fell to the earth.
+And, O foremost of the Bharatas, being frightened, he again and again
+cried, "Where art thou?" And when he had been stupefied, a terrible fear
+possessed me. And then in a hurry, he spake unto me, saying, "O Partha,
+for the sake of nectar, there had taken place a mighty conflict between
+the gods and the demons. I had seen that (encounter), O sinless one. And
+on the occasion of the destruction of Samvara, there had occurred a
+dreadful and mighty contest. Nevertheless I had acted as charioteer to
+the lord of the celestials. In the same way, on the occasion of the
+slaying of _Vritra_, the steeds had been conducted by me. And I had also
+beheld the high and terrific encounter with _Virochana's_ son, and, O
+Pandava, with _Vala_, and with _Prahrada_ and with others also. In these
+exceedingly dreadful battles, I was present; but, O Pandu's son, never
+(before) had I lost my senses. Surely the Greatfather hath ordained the
+destruction of all creatures; for this battle cannot be for any other
+purpose than destruction of the universe." Having heard these words of
+his, "pacifying my perturbation by my own effort, I will destroy the
+mighty energy of the illusion spread by the _Danavas_" quoth I unto the
+terrified Matali. "Behold the might of my arms, and the power of my
+weapons and of the bow, _Gandiva_. To-day even by (the help of)
+illusion-creating arms, will I dispel this deep gloom and also this
+horrible illusion of theirs. Do not fear, O charioteer. Pacify thyself."
+Having said this, O lord of men, I created for the good of the
+celestials, an illusion of arms capable of bewildering all beings. And
+when (their) illusion had been dispelled, some of the foremost amongst
+the _Asuras_, of unrivalled prowess, again spread diverse kinds of
+illusion. Thereupon, now (the world) displayed itself, and now it was
+devoured by darkness; and now the world disappeared from view and now it
+was submerged under water. And when it had brightened up, Matali,
+sitting in front of the car, with the wellconducted steeds, began to
+range that hair-erecting field. Then the fierce _Nivata-Kavachas_
+assailed me. And finding my opportunity, I began to send them to the
+mansion of Yama. Thereupon, in that conflict then raging, calculated to
+annihilate the _Nivata-Kavachas_ on a sudden, I could not see the
+_Danavas_ concealed by illusion.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXI
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Remaining invisible the _Daityas_ began to fight
+with the help of illusion. And I too fought with them, resorting to the
+energy of visible weapons. And the shafts duly discharged from the
+_Gandiva_, began to sever their heads at those different places where
+they were respectively stationed. And thus assailed by me in the
+conflict, the _Nivata-Kavachas_, all on a sudden withdrawing the
+illusion, entered into their own city. And when the _Daityas_ had fled,
+and when all had become visible, I there discovered hundreds and
+thousands of the slain. And there I saw by hundreds their shivered
+weapons, ornaments, limbs, and mail. And the horses could not find room
+for moving from one place to another; and on a sudden with a bound, they
+fell to coursing in the sky. Then remaining invisible, the
+_Nivata-Kavachas_ covered the entire welkin with masses of crags. And, O
+Bharata, other dreadful _Danavas_, entering into the entrails of the
+earth, took up horses' legs and chariot-wheels. And as I was fighting,
+they, hard besetting my horses with rocks, attacked me together with
+(my) car. And with the crags that had fallen and with others that were
+falling, the place where I was, seemed to be a mountain cavern. And on
+myself being covered with crags and on the horses being hard pressed, I
+became sore distressed and this was marked by Matali. And on seeing me
+afraid, he said unto me, "O Arjuna, Arjuna! be thou not afraid; send
+that weapon, the thunder-bolt, O lord of men." Hearing those words of
+his, I then discharged the favourite weapon of the king of the
+celestials--the dreadful thunderbolt. And inspiring the Gandiva with
+_mantras_, I, aiming at the locality of the crags, shot sharpened iron
+shafts of the touch of the thunder-bolt. And sent by the thunder, those
+adamantine arrows entered into all those illusions and into the midst of
+those _Nivata-Kavachas_. And slaughtered by the vehemence of the
+thunder, those _Danavas_ resembling cliffs, fell to the earth together
+in masses. And entering amongst those _Danavas_ that had carried away
+the steeds of the car into the interior of the earth, the shafts sent
+them into the mansion of _Yama_. And that quarter was completely covered
+with the _Nivata-Kavachas_ that had been killed or baffled, comparable
+unto cliffs and lying scattered like crags. And then no injury appeared
+to have been sustained either by the horses, or by the car, or by
+Matali, or by me, and this seemed strange. Then, O king, Matali
+addressed me smiling, "Not in the celestials themselves, O Arjuna, is
+seen the prowess that is seen in thee." And when the _Danava_ hosts had
+been destroyed, all their females began to bewail in that city, like
+unto cranes in autumn. Then with Matali I entered that city, terrifying
+with the rattling of my car the wives of the _Nivata-Kavachas_.
+Thereupon, seeing those ten thousand horses like unto peacocks (in hue),
+and also that chariot resembling the sun, the women fled in swarms. And
+like unto (the sounds of) rocks falling on a mountain, sounds arose of
+the (falling) ornaments of the terrified dames. (At length), the
+panic-stricken wives of the _Daityas_ entered into their respective
+golden places variegated with innumerable jewels. Beholding that
+excellent city, superior to the city of the celestials themselves, I
+asked Matali, saying, "Why do not the celestials reside in such (a
+place)? Surely, this appeareth superior to the city of Purandara."
+Thereat, Matali said, "In days of yore, O Partha, even this was the city
+of our lord of the celestials. Afterwards the celestials were driven
+from hence by the _Nivata-Kavachas_. Having performed the most rigid
+austerities, they had gratified the Grand-father and had asked (and
+obtained) the boons--namely, that they might reside here, and that they
+might be free from danger in wars with the gods." Then _Sakra_ addressed
+the self-create lord saying, "Do thou, O lord, desirous of our own
+welfare do what is proper." Thereupon, O Bharata, in this matter the
+Lord commanded (Indra), saying, "O slayer of foes, in another body, even
+thou shalt be (the destroyer of the _Danavas_)." Then, in order to
+slaughter them, _Sakra_ rendered unto thee those weapons. The gods had
+been unable to slay these, who have been slain by thee. O Bharata, in
+the fullness of time, hadst thou come hither, in order to destroy them
+and thou hast done so. O foremost of men, with the object that the
+demons might be killed, Mahendra had conferred on thee the excellent
+prime energy of these weapons.'
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'After having destroyed the _Danavas_, and also
+subdued that city, with Matali I again went to that abode of the
+celestials.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXII
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then while returning, I happened to descry a mighty
+unearthly city, moving at will, and having the effulgence of fire or the
+sun. And that city contained various trees composed of gems, and
+sweet-voiced feathered ones. And furnished with four gates, and
+gate-ways, and towers, that impregnable (city) was inhabited by the
+_Paulamas_ and _Kalakanjas_. And it was made of all sorts of jewels and
+was unearthly, and of wonderful appearance. And it was covered with
+trees of all kinds of gems, bearing fruits and flowers. And it contained
+exceedingly beautiful unearthly birds. And it always swarmed throughout
+with cheerful _Asuras_, wearing garlands, and bearing in their hands
+darts, two edged swords, maces, bows, and clubs. And, O king, on seeing
+this wonderful city of the Daityas, I asked Matali saying, "What is this
+that looketh so wonderful?" Thereat, Matali replied, "Once on a time a
+_Daitya's_ daughter, named _Pulama_ and a mighty female of the _Asura_
+order, _Kalaka_ by name, practised severe austerities for a thousand
+celestial years. And at the end of their austerities, the self-create
+conferred on them boons. And, O king of kings, they received these
+boons,--that their offspring might never suffer misfortune; that they
+might be incapable of being destroyed even by the gods, the _Rakshasas_
+and the _Pannagas_; and that they might obtain a highly effulgent and
+surpassingly fair aerial city, furnished with all manner of gems and
+invincible even by the celestials, the _Maharshis_, the _Yakshas_, the
+_Gandharvas_, the _Pannagas_, the _Asuras_ and the _Rakshasas_. O best
+of the Bharatas, this is that unearthly aerial city devoid of the
+celestials, which is moving about, having been created for the
+_Kalakeyas_, by _Brahma_ himself. And this city is furnished with all
+desirable objects, and is unknown of grief or disease. And, O hero,
+celebrated under the name of _Hiranyapura_, this mighty city is
+inhabited by the _Paulamas_ and the _Kalakanjas_; and it is also guarded
+by those mighty _Asuras_. And, O king, unslayed by any of the gods,
+there they dwell cheerfully, free from anxiety and having all their
+desires gratified, O foremost of kings. Formerly, _Brahma_ had destined
+destruction at the hands of mortals. Do thou, O Partha, in fight,
+compass with that weapon--the thunder-bolt--the destruction of the
+mighty and irrepressible _Kalakanjas_."'
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'O lord of men, learning that they were incapable of
+being destroyed by the celestials and the _Asuras_, I cheerfully said
+unto Matali, "Do thou speedily repair into yonder city. With weapons
+will I compass the annihilation of the haters of the lord of the
+celestials. Surely, there exist no wicked haters of the gods who ought
+not to be slain by me." Thereupon Matali took me to the vicinity of
+_Hiranyapura_ on the celestial chariot yoked with steeds. And seeing me,
+those sons of Diti, wearing various kinds of attire and ornament and
+accoutred in mail, flew at me with a mighty rush. And those foremost of
+the _Danavas_, of exceeding prowess, in wrath attacked me with arrows
+and _bhallas_ and clubs and two-edged swords, and _tomaras_. Thereat, O
+king, resorting to my strength of lore, I resisted that great volley of
+weapons by a mighty shower of shafts; and also confounded them in
+conflict by ranging around in my car. And being bewildered, the
+_Danavas_ began to push each other down. And having been confounded,
+they rushed at one another. And with flaming arrows, I severed their
+heads by hundreds. And hard pressed by me, the offspring of Diti, taking
+shelter within (their) city, soared with it to the firmament, resorting
+to the illusion proper to the _Danavas_. Thereupon, O son of the Kurus,
+covering the way of the _Daityas_, with a mighty discharge of shafts I
+obstructed their course. Then by virtue of the bestowal of the boon, the
+_Daityas_ supported themselves easily on that sky-ranging unearthly
+aerial city, going anywhere at will and like unto the sun. And now (the
+city) entered unto the earth and now it rose upwards; and at one time it
+went in a crooked way and at another time it submerged into water. At
+this, O represser of foes, I assailed that mighty city, going anywhere
+at will, and resembling _Amaravati_. And, O best of the Bharatas, I
+attacked the city containing those sons of Diti, with multitudes of
+shafts, displaying celestial weapons. And battered and broken by the
+straight-coursing iron shafts, shot by me, the city of the _Asuras_, O
+king, fell to the earth. And they also, wounded by my iron arrows having
+the speed of the thunder, began, O monarch, to go about, being urged by
+destiny. Then ascending to the sky, Matali, as if falling in front,
+swiftly descended to the earth, on that chariot of solar resplendence.
+Then, O Bharata, environed me sixty thousand cars belonging to those
+wrathful ones eager to battle with me. And with sharpened shafts graced
+with feathers of the vulture, I destroyed those (cars). At this,
+thinking, "These our hosts are incapable of being vanquished by
+mortals," they became engaged in the conflict, like unto the surges of
+the sea. Thereupon I gradually began to fix (on the string) unearthly
+weapons. At this, thousands of weapons (shot) by those wonderfully
+warring charioteers, by degrees opposed my unearthly arms and in the
+field I saw hundreds and thousands of mighty (demons) ranging on their
+cars, in various manoeuvres. And being furnished with variegated mail
+and standards and diverse ornaments, they delighted my mind. And in the
+conflict I could not afflict them by showers of shafts, but they did not
+afflict me. And being afflicted by those innumerable ones, equipped in
+weapons and skilled in fight, I was pained in that mighty encounter and
+a terrible fear seized me. Thereupon collecting (my energies) in fight,
+I (bowed down) unto that god of gods, _Raudra_, and saying, "May welfare
+attend on all beings!" I fixed that mighty weapon which, celebrated
+under the name of _Raudra_, is the destroyer of all foes. Then I beheld
+a male person having three heads, nine eyes, three faces, and six arms.
+And his hair was flaming like fire or the sun. And, O slayer of foes,
+for his dress, he had mighty serpents, putting out their tongues. And
+saying, O best of the Bharatas, the dreadful and eternal _Raudra_, I
+being free from fear, set it on the _Gandiva_; and, bowing unto the
+three-eyed _Sarva_ of immeasurable energy, let go (the weapon), with the
+object of vanquishing those foremost of the _Danavas_, O Bharata. And, O
+lord of men, as soon as it had been hurled, there appeared on the scene
+by thousands, forms of deer, and of lions, and of tigers, and of bears
+and of buffaloes, and of serpents, and of kine, and of sarabhas, and of
+elephants, and of apes in multitudes, and of bulls, and of boars, and of
+cats, and of dogs, and of spectres, and of all the _Bhurundas_, and of
+vultures, and of Garudas, of _chumaras_, and of all the leopards, and of
+mountains, and of seas, and of celestials, and of sages, and of all the
+_Gandharvas_, and of ghosts with the _Yakshas_, and of the haters of the
+gods, (_Asuras_), and of the _Guhyakas_ in the field, and of the
+_Nairitas_ and of elephant-mouthed sharks, and of owls, and of beings
+having the forms of fishes and horses, and of beings bearing swords and
+various other weapons, and of _Rakshasas_ wielding maces and clubs. And
+on that weapon being hurled all the universe became filled with these as
+well as many others wearing various shapes. And again and again wounded
+by beings of various sights with (pieces of) flesh, fat, bones, and
+marrow on their persons,--some having three heads, and some four tusks,
+and some four mouths, and some four arms,--the _Danavas_ met with
+destruction. And, then, O Bharata, in a moment I slew all those
+_Danavas_, with other swarms of arrows composed of the quintessence of
+stone, flaming like fire or the sun, and possessed of the force of the
+thunder-bolt. And, seeing them hewn by the _Gandiva_, and deprived of
+life, and thrown from the sky, I again bowed unto that god--the
+Destroyer of _Tripura_. And, seeing those adorned with unearthly
+ornaments, crushed by the weapon, the _Raudra_, the charioteer of the
+celestials, experienced the greatest delight. And having witnessed the
+accomplishment of that unbearable feat incapable of being achieved even
+by the celestials themselves, Matali, the charioteer of Sakra, paid
+homage unto me; and well-pleased, with joint hands said these words.
+"The feat that hath been achieved by thee, is incapable of being borne
+even by the gods, nay,--in battle, the lord of the celestials himself
+cannot perform this deed. The sky-coursing mighty city incapable of
+being destroyed by the gods and the Asuras hast thou, O hero, crushed by
+thy own prowess and by the energy of asceticism." And when that aerial
+city had been destroyed, and when the _Danavas_ also had been slain,
+their wives, uttering cries of distress, like unto Kurari birds, with
+hair dishevelled came out of the city. And bewailing for their sons and
+brothers and fathers, they fell on the ground and cried with distressful
+accents. And on being deprived for their lords, they beat their breasts,
+their garlands and ornaments fallen off. And that city of _Danavas_, in
+appearance like unto the city of the _Gandharvas_ filled with
+lamentations and stricken with dole and distress, and bereft of grace
+even like unto a lake deprived of (its) elephants, or like unto a forest
+deprived of trees and (deprived of its) masters, looked no longer
+beautiful--but it vanished, like a cloud-constructed city. And when I
+had accomplished the task, from the field Matali took me of delighted
+spirits, unto the abode of the lord of the celestials. And having slain
+those mighty Asuras, and destroyed _Hiranyapura_, and having also killed
+the _Nivata-Kavachas_, I came unto Indra. And, O exceedingly resplendent
+one, as it had fallen out, Matali related in detail unto Devendra that
+entire achievement of mine. And with the Marutas, hearing of the
+destruction of _Hiranyapura_, of the neutralisation of the illusion, and
+of the slaughter of the highly powerful Nivatakavachas in fight, the
+prosperous thousand-eyed divine _Purandara_ was well pleased, and
+exclaimed, "Well done; Well done!" And the king of the celestials
+together with the celestials, cheering me again and again, said these
+sweet words, "By thee hath been achieved a feat incapable of being
+achieved by the gods and the Asuras. And, O Partha, by slaying my mighty
+enemies, thou hast paid the preceptor's fee. And, O Dhananjaya, thus in
+battle shalt thou always remain calm, and discharge the weapons
+unerringly, and there shall not stand thee in fight celestials, and
+_Danavas_, and _Rakshasas_, and _Yakshas_, and _Asuras_, and
+_Gandharvas_ and birds and serpents. And, O Kaunteya, by conquering it
+even by the might of thy arms, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, will rule the
+earth."'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIII
+
+"Arjuna continued, 'Then firmly confident, the sovereign of the
+celestials considering as his own, pertinently said these words unto me
+wounded by cleaving shafts, "All the celestial weapons, O Bharata, are
+with thee, so no man on earth will by any means be able to over-power
+thee. And, O son, when thou art in the field, Bhishma and Drona and
+Kripa and Karna and Sakuni together with other Kshatriyas shall not
+amount unto one-sixteenth part of thee." And the lord Maghavan granted
+me this golden garland and this shell, Devadatta, of mighty roars, and
+also his celestial mail impenetrable and capable of protecting the body.
+And Indra himself set on my (head) this diadem. And _Sakra_ presented me
+with these unearthly apparels and unearthly ornaments, elegant and rare.
+In this manner, O king, (duly) honoured, I delightfully dwelt in Indra's
+sacred abode with the children of the _Gandharvas_. Then, well-pleased,
+_Sakra_, together with the celestials, addressed me, saying, "O Arjuna,
+the time hath come for thy departure; thy brothers have thought of
+thee." Thus, O Bharata, remembering the dissensions arising from that
+gambling, did I, O king, pass those five years in the abode of Indra.
+Then have I come and seen thee surrounded by our brothers on the summit
+of this lower range of the _Gandhamadana_.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O Dhananjaya, by fortune it is that the weapons
+have been obtained by thee; by fortune it is that the master of the
+immortals hath been adored by thee. O repressor of foes, by fortune it
+is that the divine _Sthanu_ together with the goddess had become
+manifest unto thee and been gratified by thee in battle, O sinless one;
+by fortune it is that thou hadst met with the Lokapalas, O best of the
+Bharatas. O Partha, by fortune it is that we have prospered; and by
+fortune it is that thou hast come back. To-day I consider as if the
+entire earth engarlanded with cities hath already been conquered, and as
+if the sons of Dhritarashtra have already been subdued. Now, O Bharata,
+I am curious to behold those celestial weapons wherewith thou hadst
+slain the powerful _Nivata-Kavachas_.'
+
+"Thereat Arjuna said, 'Tomorrow in the morning thou wilt see all the
+celestial weapons with which I slew the fierce _Nivata-Kavachas_.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Thus having related (the facts touching) the
+arrival, Dhananjaya passed that night there, together with all his
+brothers."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "And when the night had passed, Yudhishthira the
+just, arose and together with his brothers, performed the necessary
+duties. He then spake unto Arjuna, that delight of his mother, saying,
+'O Kaunteya, do thou show (me) those weapons with which thou vanquished
+the _Danavas_.' Thereat, O king, the exceedingly powerful Dhananjaya,
+the son of Pandu, duly practising extreme purity, showed those weapons,
+O Bharata, which had been given unto him by the celestials. Dhananjaya
+seated on the earth, as his chariot, which had the mountain for its
+pole, the base of the axle and the cluster of beautiful-looking bamboo
+trees for its socket-pole, looked resplendent with that celestial armour
+of great lustre, took his bow _Gandiva_ and the conch-shell given to him
+by the gods, commenced to exhibit those celestial weapons in order. And
+as those celestial weapons had been set, the Earth being oppressed with
+the feet (of Arjuna), began to tremble with (its) trees; and the rivers
+and the mighty main became vexed; and the rocks were riven; and the air
+was hushed. And the sun did not shine; and fire did not flame; and by no
+means did the Vedas of the twice-born once shine. And, O Janamejaya, the
+creatures peopling the interior of the earth, on being afflicted, rose
+and surrounded the Pandava, trembling with joined hands and contorted
+countenances. And being burnt by those weapons, they besought Dhananjaya
+(for their lives). Then the _Brahmarshis_, and the _Siddhas_, and the
+_Maharshis_ and the mobile beings--all these appeared (on the scene).
+And the foremost _Devarshis_, and the celestials and the _Yakshas_ and
+the _Rakshasas_ and the _Gandharvas_ and the feathered tribes and the
+(other) sky-ranging beings--all these appeared (on the scene). And the
+Great-sire and all the Lokapalas and the divine Mahadeva, came thither,
+together with their followers. Then, O great king, bearing unearthly
+variegated blossoms _Vayu_ (the Wind-god) fell to strewing them around
+the Pandava. And sent by the celestials, the _Gandharvas_ chanted
+various ballads; and, O monarch, hosts of the _Apsaras_ danced (there).
+At such a moment, O king, sent by the celestials, Narada arrived (there)
+and addressed Partha in these sweet words, 'O Arjuna, Arjuna, do thou
+not discharge the celestial weapons. These should never be discharged
+when there is no object (fit). And when there is an object (present),
+they should also by no means be hurled, unless one is sore pressed; for,
+O son of the Kurus, to discharge the weapons (without occasion), is
+fraught with great evil. And, O Dhananjaya, being duly kept as thou hast
+been instructed to these powerful weapons will doubtless conduce to thy
+strength and happiness. But if they are not properly kept, they, O
+Pandava, will become the instrument for the destruction of the three
+worlds. So thou shouldst not act in this way again. O Ajatasatru, thou
+too wilt behold even these weapons, when Partha will use them for
+grinding (thy) enemies in battle.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having prevented Partha the immortals with
+others that had come there, went to each his place, O foremost of men.
+And, O Kaurava, after they had all gone, the Pandavas began to dwell
+pleasantly in the same forest, together with Krishna."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXV
+
+Janamejaya said, "When that prince among heroes, having been accomplished
+in arms, had returned from the abode of the slayer of Vritra, what did
+Pritha's sons do in company with the warlike Dhananjaya?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "In company with that hero equal unto Indra,
+Arjuna--that foremost of men, sported in the pleasure-gardens of the
+lord of treasures (situated) in those woods on that romantic and
+excellent mountain. And surveying those peerless and various
+pleasure-grounds filled with diverse trees, that chief of men, _Kiriti_,
+ever intent upon arms, ranged at large, bow in hand. And having through
+the grace of king Vaisravana obtained a residence, those sons of a
+sovereign cared not for the prosperity of men. And, O king, that period
+of their (lives) passed peacefully. And having Partha in their company,
+they spent four years there even like a single night. And as the
+Pandavas lived in the wood, (these four years) and the former six,
+numbering ten, passed smoothly with them.
+
+"Then having seated themselves before the king, the vehement son of the
+Wind-god, with _Jishnu_ and the heroic twins, like unto the lord of the
+celestials, earnestly addressed the king in these beneficial and
+pleasant words. 'It is only to render thy promise effectual and to
+advance thy interests, that, O king of the Kurus, forsaking the forest,
+we do not go to slay Suyodhana together with all his followers. Although
+deserving of happiness, yet have we been deprived of happiness. And this
+is the eleventh year that (in this state) we have been living (in the
+forest). And hereafter, deluding that one of evil mind and character,
+shall we easily live out the period of non-discovery. And at thy
+mandate, O monarch, free from apprehension, we have been ranging the
+woods, having relinquished our honour. Having been tempted by our
+residence in the vicinity, they (our enemies) will not believe that we
+have removed to a distant realm. And after having lived there
+undiscovered for a year, and having wreaked our revenge on that wicked
+wight, Suyodhana, with his followers, we shall easily root out that
+meanest of men, slaying him and regaining our kingdom. Therefore, O
+Dharmaraja, do thou descend unto the earth. For, O king, if we dwell in
+this region like unto heaven itself, we shall forget our sorrows. In
+that case, O Bharata, thy fame like unto a fragrant flower shall vanish
+from the mobile and the immobile worlds. By gaining that kingdom of the
+Kuru chiefs, thou wilt be able to attain (great glory), and to perform
+various sacrifices. This that thou art receiving from _Kuvera_, thou
+wilt, O foremost of men, be able to attain any time. Now, O Bharata,
+turn thy mind towards the punishment and destruction of foes that
+committed wrongs. O king, the wielder of the thunderbolt himself is
+incapable of standing thy prowess. And intent upon thy welfare, he,
+having _Suparna_ for his mark (Krishna), and also the grandson of Sini
+(Satyaki) never experience pain, even when engaged in encounter with the
+gods, O Dharmaraja. And Arjuna is peerless in strength, and so am I too,
+O best of kings. And as Krishna together with the Yadavas is intent upon
+thy welfare, so am I also, O foremost of monarchs, and the heroic twins
+accomplished in war. And encountering the enemy, we, having for our main
+object the attainment by thee of wealth and prosperity, will destroy
+them.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then having learnt that intention of theirs,
+the magnanimous and excellent son of Dharma, versed in religion and
+profit, and of immeasurable prowess, went round Vaisravana's abode. And
+Yudhishthira the just, after bidding adieu unto the palaces, the rivers,
+the lakes, and all the _Rakshasas_, looked towards the way by which (he)
+had come (there). And then looking at the mountain also, the high-souled
+and pure-minded one besought that best of mountains, saying, 'O foremost
+of mountains, may I together with my friends, after having finished my
+task, and slain my foes, and regained my kingdom, see thee again,
+carrying on austerities with subdued soul.' And this also he determined
+on. And in company with his younger brothers and the _Brahmanas_, the
+lord of the Kurus proceeded even along that very road. And Ghatotkacha
+with his followers began to carry them over the mountain cascades. And
+as they started, the great sage _Lomasa_, advising them even as a father
+doth his son, with a cheerful heart, went unto the sacred abode of the
+dwellers of heaven. Then advised also by Arshtishena, those first of
+men, the Parthas, went alone beholding romantic _tirthas_ and
+hermitages, and other mighty lakes."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When they had left their happy home in the beautiful
+mountain abounding in cascades, and having birds, and the elephants of
+the eight quarters, and the supernatural attendants of _Kuvera_ (as
+dwellers thereof), all happiness forsook those foremost of men of
+Bharata's race. But afterwards on beholding _Kuvera's_ favourite
+mountain, _Kailasa_, appearing like clouds, the delight of those
+pre-eminent heroes of the race of Bharata, became very great. And those
+foremost of heroic men, equipped with scimitars and bows, proceeded
+contentedly, beholding elevations and defiles, and dens of lions and
+craggy causeways and innumerable water-falls and lowlands, in different
+places, as also other great forests inhabited by countless deer and
+birds and elephants. And they came upon beautiful woodlands and rivers
+and lakes and caves and mountain caverns; and these frequently by day
+and night became the dwelling place of those great men. And having dwelt
+in all sorts of inaccessible places and crossing _Kailasa_ of
+inconceivable grandeur, they reached the excellent and surpassingly
+beautiful hermitage of _Vrishaparba_. And meeting king Vrishaparba and
+received by him, they became free from depression and then they
+accurately narrated in detail to Vrishaparba the story of their sojourn
+in the mountains. And having pleasantly passed one night in his sacred
+abode frequented by gods and _Maharshis_, those great warriors proceeded
+smoothly towards the jujube tree called Visala and took up their
+quarters there. Then all those magnanimous men having reached the place
+of Narayana, continued to live there, bereft of all sorrow, at beholding
+_Kuvera's_ favourite lake, frequented by gods and _Siddhas_. And viewing
+that lake, those foremost of men, the sons of Pandu traversed that
+place, renouncing all grief even as immaculate _Brahmana rishis_ (do) on
+attaining a habitation in the _Nandana_ gardens. Then all those warriors
+having in due course happily lived at Badari for one month, proceeded
+towards the realm of Suvahu, king of the _Kiratas_, by following the
+same track by which they had come. And crossing the difficult Himalayan
+regions, and the countries of China, Tukhara, Darada and all the climes
+of Kulinda, rich in heaps of jewels, those warlike men reached the
+capital of Suvahu. And hearing that those sons and grandsons of kings
+had all reached his kingdom, Suvahu, elated with joy, advanced (to meet
+them). Then the best of the Kurus welcomed him also. And meeting king
+Suvahu, and being joined by all their charioteers with Visoka at their
+head and by their attendants, Indrasena and others, and also by the
+superintendents and servants of the kitchen, they stayed there
+comfortably for one night. Then taking all the chariots and chariot-men
+and dismissing Ghatotkacha together with his followers, they next
+repaired to the monarch of mountains in the vicinity of the _Yamuna_. In
+the midst of the mountain abounding in waterfalls and having grey and
+orange-coloured slopes and summits covered with a sheet of snow, those
+warlike men having then found the great forest of Visakhayupa like unto
+the forest of Chitraratha and inhabited by wild boars and various kinds
+of deer and birds, made it their home. Addicted to hunting as their
+chief occupation, the sons of Pritha peacefully dwelt in that forest for
+one year. There in a cavern of the mountain, Vrikodara, with a heart
+afflicted with distraction and grief, came across a snake of huge
+strength distressed with hunger and looking fierce like death itself. At
+this crisis Yudhishthira, the best of pious men, became the protector of
+Vrikodara and he, of infinite puissance, extricated Bhima whose whole
+body had been fast gripped by the snake with its folds. And the twelfth
+year of their sojourn in forests having arrived, those scions of the
+race of Kuru, blazing in effulgence, and engaged in asceticism, always
+devoted principally to the practice of archery, repaired cheerfully from
+that Chitraratha-like forest to the borders of the desert, and desirous
+of dwelling by the _Saraswati_ they went there, and from the banks of
+that river they reached the lake of _Dwaitabana_. Then seeing them enter
+_Dwaitabana_, the dwellers of that place engaged in asceticism,
+religious ordinances, and self-restraining exercises and in deep and
+devout meditation and subsisting on things ground with stone (for want
+of teeth) having procured grass-mats and water-vessels, advanced to meet
+them. The holy fig, the rudaraksha, the rohitaka, the cane and the
+jujube, the catechu, the sirisha, the bel and the inguda and the karira
+and pilu and sami trees grew on the banks of the _Saraswati_. Wandering
+about with contentment in (the vicinity of) the _Saraswati_ which was,
+as it were, the home of the celestials, and the favourite (resort) of
+_Yakshas_ and _Gandharvas_ and _Maharshis_, those sons of kings lived
+there in happiness."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVII
+
+Janamejaya said, "How was it, O sage! that Bhima, of mighty prowess and
+possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants, was stricken with
+panic at (the sight of) that snake? Thou hast described him, that slayer
+of his enemies, as dismayed and appalled with fear, even him, who by
+fighting at the lotus lake (of Kuvera) became the destroyer of _Yakshas_
+and _Rakshasas_ and who, in proud defiance, invited to a single combat,
+Pulastya's son, the dispenser of all riches. I desire to hear this (from
+you); great indeed is my curiosity."
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "O king, having reached king Vrishaparva's
+hermitage, while those fearful warriors were living in various wonderful
+woods, Vrikodara roaming at pleasure, with bow in hand and armed with a
+scimitar, found that beautiful forest, frequented by gods and
+_Gandharvas_. And then he beheld (some) lovely spots in the Himalayan
+mountains, frequented by _Devarshis_ and _Siddhas_ and inhabited by
+hosts of _Apsaras_, resounded here and there with (the warbling of)
+birds--the _chakora_, the _chakrabaka_, the _jibajibaka_ and the cuckoo
+and the _Bhringaraja_, and abounding with shady trees, soft with the
+touch of snow and pleasing to the eye and mind, and bearing perennial
+fruits and flowers. And he beheld mountain streams with waters
+glistening like the _lapis lazuli_ and with ten thousand snow-white
+ducks and swans and with forests of _deodar_ trees forming (as it were)
+a trap for the clouds; and with _tugna_ and _kalikaya_ forests,
+interspersed with yellow sandal trees. And he of mighty strength, in the
+pursuit of the chase, roamed in the level and desert tracts of the
+mountain, piercing his game with unpoisoned arrows. In that forest the
+famous and mighty Bhimasena, possessing the strength of a hundred
+elephants, killed (many) large wild boars, with the force (of his arms).
+And endowed with terrible prowess and mighty strength, and powerful as
+the lion or the tiger, and capable of resisting a hundred men, and
+having long arms, and possessing the strength of a hundred elephants, he
+killed many antelopes and wild boars and buffaloes. And here and there,
+in that forest he pulled out trees by the roots, with great violence and
+broke them too, causing the earth and the woods and the (surrounding)
+places to resound. And then shouting and trampling on the tops of
+mountains, and causing the earth to resound with his roars, and striking
+his arms, and uttering his war-cry, and slapping and clapping his hands,
+Bhimasena, exempt from decay, and ever-proud and without fear, again and
+again leaped about in those woods. And on hearing the shouts of
+Bhimasena, powerful lions and elephants of huge strength, left their
+lairs in fright. And in that same forest, he fearlessly strolled about
+in search of game; and like the denizens of the woods, that most valiant
+of men, the mighty Bhimasena, wandered on foot in that forest. And he
+penetrated the vast forest, shouting strange whoops, and terrifying all
+creatures, endowed with strength and prowess. And then being terrified,
+the snakes hid (themselves) in caves, but he, overtaking them with
+promptitude, pursued them slowly. Then the mighty Bhimasena, like unto
+the Lord of the Celestials, saw a serpent of colossal proportions,
+living in one of the mountain fastnesses and covering the (entire) cave
+with its body and causing one's hair to stand on end (from fright). It
+had its huge body stretched like a hillock, and it possessed gigantic
+strength, and its body was speckled with spots and it had a
+turmeric-like (yellow) colour and a deep copper-coloured mouth of the
+form of a cave supplied with four teeth; and with glaring eyes, it was
+constantly licking the corners of its mouth. And it was the terror of
+all animated beings and it looked like the very image of the Destroyer
+Yama; and with the hissing noise of its breath it lay as if rebuking (an
+in-comer). And seeing Bhima draw so near to him, the serpent, all on a
+sudden, became greatly enraged, and that goat-devouring snake violently
+seized Bhimasena in his grip. Then by virtue of the boon that had been
+received by the serpent, Bhimasena with his body in the serpent's grip,
+instantly lost all consciousness. Unrivalled by that of others, the
+might of Bhimasena's arms equaled the might of ten thousand elephants
+combined. But Bhima, of great prowess, being thus vanquished by the
+snake, trembled slowly, and was unable to exert himself. And that one of
+mighty arms and of leonine shoulders, though possessed of strength of ten
+thousand elephants, yet seized by the snake, and overpowered by virtue
+of the boon, lost all strength. He struggled furiously to extricate
+himself, but did not succeed in any wise baffling this (snake)."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "And the powerful Bhimasena, having thus come
+under the power of the snake, thought of its mighty and wonderful
+prowess; and said unto it, 'Be thou pleased to tell me, O snake, who
+thou art. And, O foremost of reptiles, what wilt thou do with me? I am
+Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, and next by birth to Yudhishthira the just.
+And endued as I am with the strength of ten thousand elephants, how hast
+thou been able to overpower me? In fight have been encountered and slain
+by me innumerable lions, and tigers, and buffaloes, and elephants. And,
+O best of serpents, mighty _Rakshasas_ and _Pisachas_, and _Nagas_, are
+unable to stand the force of my arms. Art thou possessed of any magic,
+or hast thou received any boon, that although exerting myself, I have
+been overcome by thee? Now I have been convinced that the strength of
+men is false, for, O serpent, by thee hath such mighty strength of men
+been baffled.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When the heroic Bhima of noble deed had said
+this, the snake caught him, and coiled him all round with his body,
+having thus subdued that mighty-armed one, and freed his plump arms
+alone, the serpent spake these words, 'By good fortune it is that,
+myself being hungry, after long time the gods have to-day destined thee
+for my food; for life is dear unto every embodied being, I should relate
+unto thee the way in which I have come by this snake form. Hear, O best
+of the pious, I have fallen into this plight on account of the wrath of
+the _Maharshis_. Now desirous of getting rid of the curse, I will
+narrate unto thee all about it. Thou hast, no doubt, heard of the royal
+sage, _Nahusha_. He was the son of Ayu, and the perpetuator of the line
+of thy ancestors. Even I am that one. For having affronted the
+_Brahmanas_ I, by (virtue of) Agastya's malediction, have come by this
+condition. Thou art my agnate, and lovely to behold.--so thou shouldst
+not be slain by me,--yet I shall to-day devour thee! Do thou behold the
+dispensation of Destiny! And be it a buffalo, or an elephant, none
+coming within my reach at the sixth division of the day, can, O best of
+men, escape. And, O best of the Kurus, thou hast not been taken by an
+animal of the lower order, having strength alone,--but this (hath been
+so) by reason only of the boon I have received. As I was falling rapidly
+from Sakra's throne placed on the front of his palace, I spake unto that
+worshipful sage (Agastya), "Do thou free me from this curse." Thereat
+filled with compassion, that energetic one said unto me, "O king, thou
+shall be freed after the lapse of some time." Then I fell to the earth
+(as a snake); but my recollection (of former life) did not renounce me.
+And although it be so ancient, I still recollect all that was said. And
+the sage said unto me, "That person who conversant with the relation
+subsisting between the soul and the Supreme Being, shall be able to
+answer the questions put by thee, shall deliver thee. And, O king, taken
+by thee, strong beings superior to thee, shall immediately lose their
+strength." I heard these words of those compassionate ones, who felt
+attached unto me. And then the Brahmanas vanished. Thus, O highly
+effulgent one, having become a serpent, I, doing exceedingly sinful
+acts, live in unclean hell, in expectation of the (appointed) time.' The
+mighty-armed Bhimasena addressed the serpent, saying, 'I am not angry, O
+mighty snake,--nor do I blame myself. Since in regard to happiness and
+misery, men sometimes possess the power of bringing and dismissing them,
+and sometimes do not. Therefore one should not fret one's mind. Who can
+baffle destiny by self-exertion? I deem destiny to be supreme, and
+self-exertion to be of no avail. Smitten with the stroke of destiny, the
+prowess of my arms lost, behold me to-day fallen unto this condition
+without palpable cause. But to-day I do not so much grieve for my own
+self being slain, as I do for my brothers deprived of their kingdom, and
+exiled into the forest. This Himalaya is inaccessible, and abounds with
+_Yakshas_ and the _Rakshasas_. And searching about for me, they will be
+distracted. And hearing that I have been killed, (my brothers) will
+forego all exertion, for, firm in promise, they have hitherto been
+controlled by my harsh speech, I being desirous of gaining the kingdom.
+Or the intelligent Arjuna (alone), being versed in every lore, and
+incapable of being overcome by gods and _Rakshasas_ and _Gandharvas_,
+will not be afflicted with grief. That mighty-armed and exceedingly
+powerful one is able single-handed to speedily pull down from his place
+even the celestials. What shall I say of the deceitfully gambling son of
+Dhritarashtra, detested of all men, and filled with haughtiness and
+ignorance! And I also grieve for my poor mother, affectionate to her
+sons, who is ever solicitous for our greatness in a large measure than
+is attained by our enemies. O serpent, the desire that forlorn one had
+in me will all be fruitless in consequence of my destruction. And gifted
+with manliness, the twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, following their elder
+brother (me), and always protected by the strength of my arms, will,
+owing to my destruction, be depressed and deprived of their prowess, and
+stricken with grief. This is what I think.' In this way Vrikodara
+lamented profusely. And being bound by the body of the snake, he could
+not exert himself.
+
+"On the other hand, Kunti's son, Yudhishthira, (seeing) and reflecting
+on dreadful ill omens, became alarmed. Terrified by the blaze of the
+points of the horizon, jackals stationing themselves on the right of
+that hermitage, set up frightful and inauspicious yells. And ugly
+_Vartikas_ as of dreadful sight, having one wing, one eye, and one leg,
+were seen to vomit blood, facing the sun. And the wind began to blow
+dryly, and violently, attracting grits. And to the right all the beasts
+and birds began to cry. And in the rear the black crows cried, 'Go!'
+'Go!' And momentarily his (Yudhishthira's) right arm began to twitch,
+and his chest and left leg shook (of themselves). And indicating evil
+his left eye contracted spasmodically. Thereupon, O Bharata, the
+intelligent Yudhishthira the just, inferring some great calamity (to be
+imminent), asked Draupadi, saying, 'Where is Bhima?' Thereat Panchali
+said that Vrikodara had long gone out. Hearing this, that mighty-armed
+king set out with Dhaumya, after having said unto Dhananjaya, 'Thou
+shouldst protect Draupadi.' And he also directed Nakula and Sahadeva to
+protect the _Brahmanas_. And issuing from the hermitage that lord,
+Kunti's son, following the footprints of Bhimasena, began to search for
+him in that mighty forest. And on coming to the east, he found mighty
+leaders of elephant-herds (slain) and saw the earth marked with Bhima's
+(foot-prints). Then seeing thousands of deer and hundreds of lions lying
+in the forest, the king ascertained his course. And on the way were
+scattered trees pulled down by the wind caused by the thighs of that
+hero endued with the speed of the wind as he rushed after the deer. And
+proceeding, guided by those marks, to a spot filled with dry winds and
+abounding in leafless vegetables, brackish and devoid of water, covered
+with thorny plants and scattered over with gravel, stumps and shrubs and
+difficult of access and uneven and dangerous, he saw in a mountain
+cavern his younger brother motionless, caught in the folds of that
+foremost of snakes."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Yudhishthira, finding his beloved brother
+coiled by the body of the serpent, said these words: 'O son of Kunti,
+how hast thou come by this misfortune! And who is this best of serpents
+having a body like unto a mountain mass?' Bhimasena said, 'O worshipful
+one, this mighty being hath caught me for food. He is the royal sage
+Nahusha living in the form of a serpent.' Yudhishthira said, 'O
+longlived one, do thou free my brother of immeasurable prowess; we will
+give thee some other food which will appease thy hunger.' The serpent
+said, 'I have got for diet even this son of a king, come to my mouth of
+himself. Do thou go away. Thou shouldst not stay here. (If thou
+remainest here) thou too shall be my fare to-morrow. O mighty-armed one,
+this is ordained in respect of me, that he that cometh unto my place,
+becometh my food and thou too art in my quarter. After a long time have
+I got thy younger brother as my food; I will not let him off; neither do
+I like to have any other food.' Thereat Yudhishthira said, 'O serpent,
+whether thou art a god, or a demon, or an _Uraga_, do thou tell me
+truly, it is Yudhishthira that asketh thee, wherefore, O snake, hast
+thou taken Bhimasena? By obtaining which, or by knowing what wilt thou
+receive satisfaction, O snake, and what food shall I give thee? And how
+mayst thou free him.' The serpent said, 'O sinless one, I was thy
+ancestor, the son of Ayu and fifth in descent from the Moon. And I was a
+king celebrated under the name of Nahusha. And by sacrifices and
+asceticism and study of the Vedas and self-restraint and prowess I had
+acquired a permanent dominion over the three worlds. And when I had
+obtained such dominion, haughtiness possessed me. And thousands of
+_Brahmanas_ were engaged in carrying my chair. And intoxicated by
+supremacy, I insulted those _Brahmanas_. And, O lord of the earth, by
+Agastya have I been reduced to this pass! Yet, O Pandava, to this day
+the memory (of my former birth) hath not forsaken me! And, O king, even
+by the favour of that high-souled Agastya, during the sixth division of
+the day have I got for meal thy younger brother. Neither will I set him
+free, nor do I wish for any other food. But if to-day thou answerest the
+questions put by me, then, I shall deliver Vrikodara!' At this
+Yudhishthira said, 'O serpent, ask whatever thou listest! I shall, if I
+can, answer thy questions with the view of gratifying thee, O snake!
+Thou knowest fully what should be known by _Brahmanas_. Therefore, O
+king of snakes, hearing (thee) I shall answer thy queries!'
+
+"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, say--Who is a _Brahmana_ and what
+should be known? By thy speech I infer thee to be highly intelligent.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O foremost of serpents, he, it is asserted by the
+wise, in whom are seen truth, charity, forgiveness, good conduct,
+benevolence, observance of the rites of his order and mercy is a
+_Brahmana_. And, O serpent, that which should be known is even the
+supreme _Brahma_, in which is neither happiness nor misery--and
+attaining which beings are not affected with misery; what is thy
+opinion?'
+
+"The serpent said, 'O Yudhishthira, truth, charity, forgiveness,
+benevolence, benignity, kindness and the _Veda_[2] which worketh the
+benefit of the four orders, which is the authority in matters of
+religion and which is true, are seen even in the _Sudra_. As regards the
+object to be known and which thou allegest is without both happiness and
+misery, I do not see any such that is devoid of these.'
+
+    [2] In as much as the rites performed by the Sudras have their
+    origin in the Vedas.
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Those characteristics that are present in a
+_Sudra_, do not exist in a _Brahmana_; nor do those that are in a
+_Brahmana_ exist in a _Sudra_. And a _Sudra_ is not a _Sudra_ by birth
+alone--nor a _Brahmana_ is _Brahmana_ by birth alone. He, it is said by
+the wise, in whom are seen those virtues is a _Brahmana_. And people
+term him a Sudra in whom those qualities do not exist, even though he be
+a _Brahmana_ by birth. And again, as for thy assertion that the object
+to be known (as asserted by me) doth not exist, because nothing exists
+that is devoid of both (happiness and misery), such indeed is the
+opinion, O serpent, that nothing exists that is without (them) both. But
+as in cold, heat doth not exist, nor in heat, cold, so there cannot
+exist an object in which both (happiness and misery) cannot exist?'
+
+"The serpent said, 'O king, if thou recognise him as a Brahmana by
+characteristics, then, O long-lived one, the distinction of caste
+becometh futile as long as conduct doth not come into play.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'In human society, O mighty and highly intelligent
+serpent, it is difficult to ascertain one's caste, because of
+promiscuous intercourse among the four orders. This is my opinion. Men
+belonging to all orders (promiscuously) beget offspring upon women of
+all the orders. And of men, speech, sexual intercourse, birth and death
+are common. And to this the Rishis have borne testimony by using as the
+beginning of a sacrifice such expressions as--_of what caste so ever we
+may be, we celebrate the sacrifice_. Therefore, those that are wise have
+asserted that character is the chief essential requisite. The natal
+ceremony of a person is performed before division of the umbilical cord.
+His mother then acts as its _Savitri_ and his father officiates as
+priest. He is considered as a _Sudra_ as long as he is not initiated in
+the _Vedas_. Doubts having arisen on this point, O prince of serpents,
+Swayambhuba Manu has declared, that the mixed castes are to be regarded
+as better than the (other) classes, if having gone through the
+ceremonies of purification, the latter do not conform to the rules of
+good conduct, O excellent snake! Whosoever now conforms to the rules of
+pure and virtuous conduct, him have I, ere now, designated as a
+_Brahmana_.' The serpent replied, 'O Yudhishthira, thou art acquainted
+with all that is fit to be known and having listened to thy words, how
+can I (now) eat up thy brother Vrikodara!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXX
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'In this world, you are so learned in the _Vedas_
+and _Vedangas_; tell me (then), what one should do to attain salvation?'
+
+"The serpent replied, 'O scion of the Bharata's race, my belief is that
+the man who bestows alms on proper objects, speaks kind words and tells
+the truth and abstains from doing injury to any creature goes to
+heaven.'
+
+"Yudhishthira enquired, 'Which, O snake, is the higher of the two, truth
+or alms-giving? Tell me also the greater or less importance of kind
+behaviour and of doing injury to no creature.'
+
+"The snake replied, 'The relative merits of these virtues, truth and
+alms-giving, kind speech and abstention from injury to any creature, are
+known (measured) by their objective gravity (utility). Truth is
+(sometimes) more praiseworthy than some acts of charity; some of the
+latter again are more commendable than true speech. Similarly, O mighty
+king, and lord of the earth, abstention from doing injury to any
+creature is seen to be important than good speech and vice-versa. Even
+so it is, O king, depending on effects. And now, if thou hast anything
+else to ask, say it all, I shall enlighten thee!' Yudhishthira said,
+'Tell me, O snake, how the incorporal being's translation to heaven, its
+perception by the senses and its enjoyment of the immutable fruits of
+its actions (here below), can be comprehended.' The snake replied, 'By
+his own acts, man is seen to attain to one of the three conditions of
+human existence, of heavenly life, or of birth in the lower animal
+kingdom. Among these, the man who is not slothful, who injures no one
+and who is endowed with charity and other virtues, goes to heaven, after
+leaving this world of men. By doing the very contrary, O king, people
+are again born as men or as lower animals. O my son, it is particularly
+said in this connection, that the man who is swayed by anger and lust
+and who is given to avarice and malice falls away from his human state
+and is born again as a lower animal, and the lower animals too are
+ordained to be transformed into the human state; and the cow, the horse
+and other animals are observed to attain to even the divine state.[3] O
+my son, the sentient being, reaping the fruits of his actions, thus
+transmigrates through these conditions; but the regenerate and wise man
+reposes his soul in the everlasting Supreme Spirit. The embodied spirit,
+enchained by destiny and reaping the fruits of its own actions, thus
+undergoes birth after birth but he that has lost touch of his actions,
+is conscious of the immutable destiny of all born beings.[4]'
+
+    [3] More literally, the state of the gods. It may appropriately
+    be remarked here that the ordinary Hindu gods, of the post-Vedic
+    period, like the gods of Ancient Greece and Italy, were simply a
+    class of superhuman beings, distinctly contra-distinguished from
+    the Supreme Spirit, the _Paramatman_ or _Parabrahma_. After
+    death, a virtuous man was supposed to be transformed into one of
+    these so-called gods.
+
+    [4] This is the well-known and popular doctrine of
+    transmigration of souls.
+
+"Yudhishthira asked, 'O snake, tell me truly and without confusion how
+that dissociated spirit becomes cognisant of sound, touch, form,
+flavour, and taste. O great-minded one, dost thou not perceive them,
+simultaneously by the senses? Do thou, O best of snakes, answer all
+these queries!' The snake replied, 'O long-lived one, the thing called
+_Atman_ (spirit), betaking itself to corporeal tenement and manifesting
+itself through the organs of sense, becomes duly cognisant of
+perceptible objects. O prince of Bharata's race, know that the senses,
+the mind, and the intellect, assisting the soul in its perception of
+objects, are called _Karanas_. O my son, the eternal spirit, going out
+of its sphere, and aided by the mind, acting through the senses, the
+receptacles of all perceptions, successively perceives these things
+(sound, form, flavour, &c). O most valiant of men, the mind of living
+creatures is the cause of all perception, and, therefore, it cannot be
+cognisant of more than one thing at a time. That spirit, O foremost of
+men, betaking itself to the space between the eyebrows, sends the high
+and low intellect to different objects. What the _Yogins_ perceive after
+the action of the intelligent principle by that is manifested the action
+of the soul.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Tell me the distinguishing characteristics of the
+mind and the intellect. The knowledge of it is ordained as the chief
+duty of persons meditating on the Supreme Spirit.'
+
+"The snake replied, 'Through illusion, the soul becomes subservient to
+the intellect. The intellect, though known to be subservient to the
+soul, becomes (then) the director of the latter. The intellect is
+brought into play by acts of perception; the mind is self-existent. The
+Intellect does not cause the sensation (as of pain, pleasure, &c), but
+the mind does. This, my son, is the difference between the mind and the
+intellect. You too are learned in this matter, what is your opinion?'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O most intelligent one, you have fine intelligence
+and you know all that is fit to be known. Why do you ask me that
+question? You knew all and you performed such wonderful deeds and you
+lived in heaven. How could then illusion overpower you? Great is my
+doubt on this point.' The snake replied, 'Prosperity intoxicates even
+the wise and valiant men. Those who live in luxury, (soon) lose their
+reason. So, I too, O Yudhishthira, overpowered by the infatuation of
+prosperity, have fallen from my high state and having recovered my
+self-consciousness, am enlightening thee thus! O victorious king, thou
+hast done me a good turn. By conversing with thy pious self, my painful
+curse has been expiated. In days of yore, while I used to sojourn in
+heaven in a celestial chariot, reveling in my pride, I did not think of
+anything else, I used to exact tribute from _Brahmarshis, Devas,
+Yakshas, Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Pannagas_ and all other dwellers of the
+three worlds. O lord of earth, such was the spell of my eyes, that on
+whatever creature, I fixed them, I instantly destroyed his power.
+Thousands of _Brahmarshis_ used to draw my chariot. The delinquency, O
+king, was the cause of my fall from my high prosperity. Among them,
+Agastya was one day drawing my conveyance, and my feet came in contact
+with his body; Agastya then pronounced (this curse) on me, in anger,
+"Ruin seize thee, do thou become a snake." So, losing my glory, I fell
+down from that excellent car and while falling, I beheld myself turned
+into a snake, with head downwards. I thus implored that Brahmana, "May
+this curse be extinguished, O adorable one! You ought to forgive one who
+has been so foolish from infatuation." Then he kindly told me this, as I
+was being hurled down (from heaven), "The virtuous king Yudhishthira
+will save thee from this curse, and when, O king, horrible sin of pride
+will be extinguished in thee, thou shalt attain salvation." And I was
+struck with wonder on seeing (this) power of his austere virtues; and
+therefore, have I questioned thee about the attributes of the Supreme
+Spirit and of _Brahmanas_. Truth, charity, self-restraint, penance,
+abstention from doing injury to any creature, and constancy in virtue,
+these, O king, and not his race or family connections, are the means, by
+which a man must always secure salvation. May this brother of thine, the
+mighty Bhimasena, meet with good luck and may happiness abide with thee!
+I must go to Heaven again.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "So saying, that king, Nahusha, quitted his
+serpentine form, and assuming his celestial shape he went back to
+Heaven. The glorious and pious Yudhishthira, too, returned to his
+hermitage with Dhaumya and his brother Bhima. Then the virtuous
+Yudhishthira narrated all that, in detail, to the _Brahmanas_ who had
+assembled (there). On hearing that, his three brothers and all the
+_Brahmanas_ and the renowned Draupadi too were covered with shame. And
+all those excellent _Brahmanas_ desiring the welfare of the Pandavas,
+admonished Bhima for his foolhardiness, telling him not to attempt such
+things again, and the Pandavas too were greatly pleased at seeing the
+mighty Bhima out of danger, and continued to live there pleasantly."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXI
+
+(_Markandeya-Samasya Parva_)
+
+Vaisampayana said, "While they were dwelling at that place, there set in
+the season of the rains, the season that puts an end to the hot weather
+and is delightful to all animated beings. Then the black clouds,
+rumbling loudly, and covering the heavens and the cardinal points,
+ceaselessly rained during day and night. These clouds, counted by
+hundreds and by thousands, looked like domes in the rainy season. From
+the earth disappeared the effulgence of the sun; its place was taken by
+the stainless lustre of the lightning; the earth became delightful to
+all, being overgrown with grass, with gnats and reptiles in their joy;
+it was bathed with rain and possessed with calm. When the waters had
+covered all, it could not be known whether the ground was at all even or
+uneven;--whether there were rivers or trees or hills. At the end of the
+hot season, the rivers added beauty to the woods being themselves full
+of agitated waters, flowing with great force and resembling serpents in
+the hissing sound they made. The boars, the stags and the birds, while
+the rain was falling upon them began to utter sounds of various kinds
+which could be heard within the forest tracts. The _chatakas_, the
+peacocks and the host of male _Kohilas_ and the excited frogs, all ran
+about in joy. Thus while the Pandavas were roaming about in the deserts
+and sandy tracts, the happy season of rain, so various in aspect and
+resounding with clouds passed away. Then set in the season of autumn,
+thronged with ganders and cranes and full of joy; then the forest tracts
+were overrun with grass; the river turned limpid; the firmament and
+stars shone brightly., And the autumn, thronged with beasts and birds,
+was joyous and pleasant for the magnanimous sons of Pandu. Then were
+seen nights, that were free from dust and cool with clouds and
+beautified by myriads of planets and stars and the moon. And they beheld
+rivers and ponds, adorned with lilies and white lotuses, full of cool
+and pleasant water. And while roving by the river _Saraswati_ whose
+banks resembled the firmament itself and were overgrown with canes, and
+as such abounded in sacred baths, their joy was great. And those heroes
+who wielded powerful bows, were specially glad to see the pleasant river
+_Saraswati_, with its limpid waters full to the brim. And, O Janamejaya,
+the holiest night, that of the full moon in the month of _Kartika_ in
+the season of autumn, was spent by them while dwelling there! And the
+sons of Pandu, the best of the descendants of Bharata, spent that
+auspicious juncture with righteous and magnanimous saints devoted to
+penance. And as soon as the dark fortnight set in immediately after, the
+sons of Pandu entered the forest named the Kamyaka, accompanied by
+Dhananjaya and their charioteers and cooks."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O son of Kuru, they, Yudhishthira and others, having
+reached the forest of _Kamyaka_, were hospitably received by hosts of
+saints and they lived together with Krishna. And while the sons of Pandu
+were dwelling in security in that place, many _Brahmanas_ came to wait
+upon them. And a certain _Brahmana_ said, 'He the beloved friend of
+Arjuna, of powerful arms and possessed of self control, descendant of
+_Sura_, of a lofty intellect, will come, for, O ye foremost of the
+descendants of Kuru, Hari knows that ye have arrived here. For, Hari has
+always a longing for your sight and always seeks your welfare. And
+Markandeya, who lived very many years devoted to great austerities,
+given to study and penance, will erelong come and meet you.' And the
+very moment that he was uttering these words, there was beheld Krishna,
+coming thitherward upon a car unto which were yoked the horses Saivya
+and Sugriva,--he the best of those that ride on cars, accompanied by
+Satyabhama, is like Indra by Sachi, the daughter of Pulaman. And the son
+of Devaki came, desirous to see those most righteous of the descendants
+of Kuru. And the sagacious Krishna, having alighted from the car,
+prostrated himself, with pleasure in his heart, before the virtuous
+king, in the prescribed way, and also before Bhima, that foremost of
+powerful men. And he paid his respects to Dhaumya, while the twin
+brothers prostrated themselves to him. And he embraced Arjuna of the
+curly hair; and spoke words of solace to the daughter of Drupada. And
+the descendant of the chief of the Dasaraha tribe, that chastiser of
+foes, when he saw the beloved Arjuna come near him, having seen him
+after a length of time, clasped him again and again. And so too
+Satyabhama also, the beloved consort of Krishna, embraced the daughter
+of Drupada, the beloved wife of the sons of Pandu. Then these sons of
+Pandu, accompanied by their wife and priests, paid their respects to
+Krishna, whose eyes resembled the white lotus and surrounded him on all
+sides. And Krishna, when united with Arjuna, the son of Pritha, the
+winner of riches and the terror of the demons assumed a beauty
+comparable to that of _Siva_, the magnanimous lord of all created
+beings, when he, the mighty lord, is united with Kartikeya (his son).
+And Arjuna, who bore a circlet of crowns on his head, gave an account of
+what had happened to him in the forest to Krishna, the elder brother of
+Gada. And Arjuna asked, saying, 'How is Subhadra, and her son
+Abhimanyu?' And Krishna, the slayer of Madhu, having paid his respects
+in the prescribed form to the son of Pritha, and to the priest, and
+seating himself with them there, spoke to king Yudhishthira, in words of
+praise. And he said, 'O king, Virtue is preferable to the winning of
+kingdoms; it is, in fact, practice of austerities! By you who have
+obeyed with truth and candour what your duty prescribed, have been won
+both this world and that to come! First you have studied, while
+performing religious duties; having acquired in a suitable way the whole
+science of arms, having won wealth by pursuing the methods prescribed
+for the military caste, you have celebrated all the time-honoured
+sacrificial rites. You take no delight in sensual pleasures; you do not
+act, O lord of men, from motives of enjoyment, nor do you swerve from
+virtue from greed of riches; it is for this, you have been named the
+Virtuous King, O son of Pritha! Having won kingdoms and riches and means
+of enjoyment, your best delight has been charity and truth and practice
+of austerities, O King, and faith and meditation and forbearance and
+patience! When the population of Kuru-jangala beheld Krishna outraged in
+the assembly hall, who but yourself could brook that conduct, O Pandu's
+son, which was so repugnant both to virtue and usage? No doubt, you
+will, before long, rule over men in a praiseworthy way, all your desires
+being fulfilled. Here are we prepared to chastise the Kurus, as soon as
+the stipulation made by you is fully performed!' And Krishna, the
+foremost of the _Dasarha_ tribe, then said to Dhaumya and Bhima and
+Yudhishthira, and the twins and Krishna, 'How fortunate that by your
+blessing Arjuna the bearer of the coronet, has arrived after having
+acquired the science of arms!' And Krishna, the leader of the _Dasarha_
+tribe, accompanied by friends, likewise spoke to Krishna, the daughter
+of Yajnasena, saying, 'How fortunate that you are united, safe and
+secure, with Arjuna, the winner of riches!' And Krishna also said, 'O
+Krishna, O daughter of Yajnasena, those sons of yours, are devoted to
+the study of the science of arms, are well-behaved and conduct
+themselves on the pattern, O Krishna, of their righteous friends. Your
+father and your uterine brothers proffer them a kingdom and territories;
+but the boys find no joy in the house of Drupada, or in that of their
+maternal uncles. Safely proceeding to the land of the Anartas, they take
+the greatest delight in the study of the science of arms. Your sons
+enter the town of the _Vrishnis_ and take an immediate liking to the
+people there. And as you would direct them to conduct themselves, or as
+the respected Kunti would do, so does Subhadra direct them in a watchful
+way. Perhaps, she is still more careful of them. And, O Krishna, as
+Rukmini's son is the preceptor of Aniruddha, of Abhimanyu, of Sunitha,
+and of Bhanu; so he is the preceptor and the refuge of your sons also!
+And a good preceptor, would unceasingly give them lessons in the
+wielding of maces and swords and bucklers, in missiles and in the arts
+of driving cars and of riding horses, being valiant. And he, the son of
+Rukmini, having bestowed a very good training upon them, and having
+taught them the art of using various weapons in a proper way, takes
+satisfaction at the valorous deeds of your sons, and of Abhimanyu, O
+daughter of Drupada! And when your son goes out, in pursuit of
+(out-door) sports, each one of them is followed thither by cars and
+horses and vehicles and elephants.' And Krishna said to the virtuous
+king, Yudhishthira, 'The fighting men of the _Dasarha_ tribe, and the
+_Kukuras_, and the _Andhakas_--let these, O king, place themselves at
+thy command--let them perform what thou desirest them. O lord of men,
+let the army of the tribe of Madhus, (resistless) like the wind, with
+their bows and led by Balarama whose weapon is the plough--let that
+army, equipped (for war), consisting of horsemen and foot soldiers and
+horses and cars and elephants, prepare to do your bidding. O son of
+Pandu! Drive Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, the vilest of sinful
+men, together with his followers and his hosts of friends to the path
+betaken by the lord of Saubha, the son of the Earth! You, O ruler of
+men, are welcome to stick to that stipulation which was made in the
+assembly-hall--but let the city of Hastina be made ready for you, when
+the hostile force has been slain by the soldiers of the _Dasarha_ tribe!
+Having roamed at your pleasure in all those places where you may desire
+to go, having got rid of your grief and freed from all your sins--you
+will reach the city of Hastina--the well-known city situated in the
+midst of a fine territory!'--Then the magnanimous king having been
+acquainted with the view, thus clearly set forth by Krishna that best of
+men, and, having applauded the same, and having deliberated, thus spoke
+with joined palms unto Kesava, 'O Kesava, no doubt, thou art the refuge
+of the sons of Pandu; for the sons of Pandu have their protector in
+thee! When the time will come, there is no doubt that thou wilt do all
+the work just mentioned by thee; and even more than the same! As
+promised by us, we have spent all the twelve years in lonely forests. O
+Kesava, having in the prescribed way completed the period for living
+unrecognised, the sons of Pandu will take refuge in thee. This should be
+the intention of those that associate with thee, O Krishna! The sons of
+Pandu swerve not from the path of truth, for the sons of Pritha with
+their charity and their piety with their people and their wives and with
+their relations have their protector in thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O descendant of Bharata, while Krishna, the
+descendant of the _Vrishnis_ and the virtuous king, were thus talking,
+there appeared then the saint Markandeya, grown grey in the practise of
+penances. And he had seen many thousand years of life, was of a pious
+soul, and devoted to great austerities. Signs of old age he had none;
+and deathless he was, and endued with beauty and generous and many good
+qualities. And he looked like one only twenty-five years old. And when
+the aged saint, who had seen many thousand years of life, came, all the
+_Brahmanas_ paid their respects to him and so did Krishna together with
+Pandu's son. And when that wisest saint, thus honoured, took his seat in
+a friendly way, Krishna addressed him, in accordance with the views of
+the _Brahmanas_ and of Pandu's sons, thus,--
+
+"'The sons of Pandu, and the _Brahmanas_ assembled here, and the
+daughter of Drupada, and Satyabhama, likewise myself, are all anxious to
+hear your most excellent words, O Markandeya! Propound to us the holy
+stories of events of bygone times, and the eternal rules of righteous
+conduct by which are guided kings and women and saints!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When they had all taken their seats, Narada
+also, the divine saint, of purified soul, came on a visit to Pandu's
+sons. Him also, then, of great soul, all those foremost men of superior
+intellect, honoured in the prescribed form, by offering water to wash
+his feet, and the well-known oblation called the _Arghya_. Then the
+godlike saint, Narada, learning that they were about to hear the speech
+of Markandeya, expressed his assent to the arrangement. And he, the
+deathless, knowing what would be opportune, said smilingly, 'O saint of
+the _Brahmana_ caste, speak what you were about to say unto the sons of
+Pandu!' Thus addressed, Markandeya, devoted to great austerities,
+replied, 'Wait a moment. A great deal will be narrated.' Thus addressed,
+the sons of Pandu, together with those twice-born ones, waited a moment,
+looking at that great saint, (bright) as the mid-day sun."
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Pandu's son, the king of the Kuru tribe, having
+observed that the great saint was willing to speak, questioned him with a
+view to suggesting topics to speak upon, saying, 'You who are ancient
+(in years), know the deeds of gods and demons, and illustrious saints,
+and of all the royal ones. We consider you as worthy of being worshipped
+and honoured; and we have long yearned after your company. And here is
+this son of Devaki, Krishna, who has come to us on a visit. Verily, when
+I look at myself, fallen away from happiness, and when I contemplate the
+sons of Dhritarashtra, of evil life, flourishing in every way, the idea
+arises in me that it is _man_ who does all acts, good or bad, and that
+it is _he_ that enjoys the fruit the acts bring forth. How then is god
+the agent? And, O best of those that are proficient in the knowledge of
+God, how is it that men's actions follow them? Is it in this world? Or
+is it in some subsequent existence? And, O best of righteous men among
+the twice-born, in what way is an embodied animated being joined by his
+good and evil deeds that seek him out? Is it after death? Or is it in
+this world? And, O descendant of Bhrigu, is what we experience in this
+world the result of the acts of this very life? Or will the acts of this
+life bear fruit in the world to come? And where do the actions of an
+animated being who is dead find their resting place?'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O best of those that can speak, this question befits
+thee, and is just what it should be. Thou knowest all that there is to
+know. But thou art asking this question, simply for the sake of form.
+Here I shall answer thee: listen to me with an attentive mind, as to how
+in this world and in that to come, a man experienceth happiness and
+misery. The lord of born beings, himself sprung first of all, created,
+for all embodied beings, bodies which were stainless, pure, and obedient
+to virtuous impulses, O wisest of the descendants of Kuru! The ancient
+men had all their desires fulfilled, were given to praiseworthy courses
+of life, were speakers of truth, godly and pure. All were equal to the
+gods, could ascend to the sky at their pleasure, and could come back
+again; and all went about at their pleasure. And they had their death
+and their life also under their own control; and they had few
+sufferings; had no fear; and had their wishes fulfilled; and they were
+free from trouble; could visit the gods and the magnanimous saints; knew
+by heart all righteous rules; were self-controlled and free from envy.
+And they lived many thousand years; and had many thousand sons. Then in
+course of time they came to be restricted to walking solely on the
+surface of the earth, overpowered by lust and wrath, dependent for
+subsistence upon falsehood and trick, overwhelmed by greed and
+senselessness. Then those wicked men, when disembodied, on account of
+their unrighteous and unblessed deeds, went to hell in a crooked way.
+Again and again, they were grilled, and, again and again they began to
+drag their miserable existence in this wonderful world. And their
+desires were unfulfilled, the objects unaccomplished, and their
+knowledge became unavailing. And their senses were paralysed and they
+became apprehensive of everything and the cause of other people's
+sufferings. And they were generally marked by wicked deeds, and born in
+low families; they became wicked and afflicted with diseases, and the
+terror of others. And they became short-lived and sinful and they reaped
+the fruit of their terrible deeds. And coveting everything, they became
+godless and indifferent in mind, O son of Kunti! The destiny of every
+creature after death is determined by his acts in this world. Thou hast
+asked me where this treasure of acts of the sage and the ignorant
+remain, and where they enjoy the fruit of their good and evil deeds! Do
+thou listen to the regulations on this subject! Man with his subtle
+original body created by God lays up a great store of virtue and vice.
+After death he quits his frail (outer) body and is immediately born
+again in another order of beings. He never remains non-existent for a
+single moment. In his new life his actions follow him invariably as
+shadow and, fructifying, makes his destiny happy or miserable. The wise
+man, by his spiritual insight, knows all creatures to be bound to an
+immutable destiny by the destroyer and incapable of resisting the
+fruition of his actions in good or evil fortune. This, O Yudhishthira,
+is the doom of all creatures steeped in spiritual ignorance. Do thou now
+hear of the perfect way attained by men of high spiritual perception!
+Such men are of high ascetic virtue and are versed in all profane and
+holy writ, diligent in performing their religious obligations and
+devoted to truth. And they pay due homage to their preceptors and
+superiors and practise Yoga, are forgiving, continent and energetic and
+pious and are generally endowed with every virtue. By the conquest of
+the passions, they are subdued in mind; by practising _yoga_ they become
+free from disease, fear and sorrow; they are not troubled (in mind). In
+course of birth, mature or immature, or while ensconced in the womb, in
+every condition, they with spiritual eyes recognize the relation of
+their soul to the supreme Spirit. Those great-minded _Rishis_ of
+positive and intuitive knowledge passing through this arena of actions,
+return again to the abode of the celestials. Men, O king, attain what
+they have in consequence of the grace of the gods of Destiny or of their
+own actions. Do thou not think otherwise. O Yudhishthira, I regard that
+as the highest good which is regarded so in this world. Some attain
+happiness in this world, but not in the next; others do so in the next,
+but not in this. Some, again, attain happiness in this as well as in the
+next world; and others neither here nor in the next world. Those that
+have immense wealth, shine every day with well-decorated persons. O
+slayer of mighty foes, being addicted to carnal pleasures, they enjoy
+happiness only in this world, but not in the next. But those who are
+engaged in spiritual meditations and the study of the Vedas, who are
+diligent in asceticism, and who impair the vigour of their bodies by
+performing their duties, who have subdued their passions, and who
+refrain from killing any animated being, those men, O slayer of thy
+enemies, attain happiness in the next world, but not in this! Those who
+first live a pious life, and virtuously acquire wealth in due time and
+then marry and perform sacrifices, attain bliss both in this and the
+next world. Those foolish men again who do not acquire knowledge, nor
+are engaged in asceticism or charity or increasing their species, or in
+encompassing the pleasures and enjoyments of this world, attain bliss
+neither in this nor in the next world. But all of you are proficient in
+knowledge and possessed of great power and strength and celestial
+vigour. For the extermination (of the wicked) and for serving the
+purposes of the gods, ye have come from the other world and have taken
+your birth in this! Ye, who are so valiant, and engaged in asceticism,
+self-restraining exercises, and religious ordinances, and fond of
+exertion, after having performed great deeds and gratified the gods and
+_Rishis_ and the _Pitris_, ye will at last in due course attain by your
+own acts the supreme region--the abode of all virtuous men! O ornament
+of Kuru's race, may no doubts cross thy mind on account of these thy
+sufferings, for this affliction is for thy good!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"The sons of Pandu said to the high-souled
+Markandeya, 'We long to hear of the greatness of the _Brahmanas_. Do
+thou tell us of it!' Thus asked, the revered Markandeya, of austere
+virtue and high spiritual energy, and proficient in all departments of
+knowledge, replied, 'A strong-limbed, handsome young prince of the race
+of the Haihayas, a conqueror of hostile cities, (once) went out hunting.
+And (while) roaming in the wilderness of big trees and thickets of
+grass, he saw, at no great distance from him, a _Muni_ with the skin of
+a black antelope for his upper garment, and killed him for a deer.
+Pained at what he had done, and his senses paralysed with grief, he
+repaired to the presence of the more distinguished of the _Haihaya_
+chiefs. The lotus-eyed prince related to them the particulars. On
+hearing the account, O my son, and beholding the body of the _Muni_ who
+had subsisted on fruits and roots, they were sorely afflicted in mind.
+And they all set out enquiring here and there as they proceeded, as to
+whose son the _Muni_ might be. And they soon after reached the hermitage
+of Arishtanemi, son of Kasyapa. And saluting that great _Muni_, so
+constant in austerity, they all remained standing, while the _Muni_, on
+his part, busied himself about their reception. And they said unto the
+illustrious _Muni_, "By a freak of destiny, we have ceased to merit thy
+welcome: indeed, we have killed a Brahmana!" And the regenerate _Rishi_
+said to them, "How hath a Brahmana come to be killed by you, and say
+where may be he? Do ye all witness the power of my ascetic practices!"
+And they, having related everything to him as it had happened went back,
+but found not the body of the dead _Rishi_ on the spot (where they had
+left it). And having searched for him, they returned, ashamed and bereft
+of all perception, as in a dream. And then, O thou conqueror of hostile
+cities, the _Muni_ Tarkshya, addressed them, saying, "Ye princes, can
+this be the Brahmana of your killing? This Brahmana, endowed with occult
+gifts from spiritual exercises, is, indeed, my son!" Seeing that
+_Rishi_, O lord of the earth, they were struck with bewilderment. And
+they said, "What a marvel! How hath the dead come to life again? Is it
+the power of his austere virtue by which he hath revived again? We long
+to hear this, O Brahmana, if, indeed, it can be divulged?" To them, he
+replied, "Death, O lords of men, hath no power over us! I shall tell ye
+the reason briefly and intelligibly. We perform our own sacred duties;
+therefore, have we no fear of death; we speak well of _Brahmanas_ but
+never think any ill of them; therefore hath death no terror for us.
+Entertaining our guests with food and drink, and our dependants with
+plenty of food, we ourselves (then) partake of what is left; therefore
+we are not afraid of death. We are peaceful and austere and charitable
+and forbearing and fond of visiting sacred shrines, and we live in
+sacred places; therefore we have no fear of death. And we live in places
+inhabited by men who have great spiritual power; therefore hath death no
+terror for us. I have briefly told ye all! Return ye now all together,
+cured of all worldly vanity. Ye have no fear of sin!" Saying _amen_, O
+foremost scion of Bharata's race, and saluting the great _Muni_, all
+those princes joyously returned to their country.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Do ye again hear from me the glory of the
+_Brahmanas_! It is said that a royal sage of the name of _Vainya_ was
+once engaged in performing the horse-sacrifice and that Atri desired to
+go to him for alms. But Atri subsequently gave up his desire of wealth,
+from religious scruples. After much thought he, of great power, became
+desirous of living in the woods, and, calling his wife and sons
+together, addressed them thus, "Let us attain the highly tranquil and
+complete fruition of our desires. May it, therefore, be agreeable to you
+to repair quickly to the forest for a life of great merit." His wife,
+arguing from motives of virtue also then said to him, "Hie thee to the
+illustrious prince Vainya, and beg of him vast riches! Asked by thee,
+that royal sage, engaged in sacrifice will give thee wealth. Having gone
+there, O regenerate _Rishi_, and received from him vast wealth, thou
+canst distribute it among thy sons and servants and then thou canst go
+whithersoever thou pleasest. This, indeed, is the higher virtue as
+instanced by men conversant with religion." Atri replied, "I am
+informed, O virtuous one, by the high-souled Gautama, that Vainya is a
+pious prince, devoted to the cause of truth; but there are _Brahmanas_
+(about his persons) who are jealous of me; and as Gautama hath told me
+this, I do not venture to go there, for (while) there, if I were to
+advise what is good and calculated to secure piety and the fulfilment of
+one's desires, they would contradict me with words unproductive of any
+good. But I approve of any counsel and will go there; Vainya will give
+me kine and hoards of riches."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'So saying, he, of great ascetic merit, hastened
+to Vainya's sacrifice and reaching the sacrificial altar and making his
+obeisance to the king and praising him with well-meaning speeches, he
+spoke these words, "Blessed art thou, O king! Ruling over the earth,
+thou art the foremost of sovereigns! The _Munis_ praise thee, and
+besides thee there is none so versed in religious lore!" To him the
+_Rishi_ Gautama, of great ascetic merit, then indignantly replied
+saying, "Atri, do not repeat this nonsense. (It seems) thou art not in
+thy proper senses. In this world of ours, Mahendra the lord of all
+created beings (alone) is the foremost of all sovereigns!" Then, O,
+great prince, Atri said to Gautama, "As Indra, the lord of all
+creatures, ruleth over our destinies, so doth this king! Thou art
+mistaken. It is thou who hast lost thine senses from want of spiritual
+perception!" Gautama replied, "I know I am not mistaken; it is thou who
+art labouring under a misconception in this matter. To secure the king's
+countenance, thou art flattering him in (this) assembly of the people.
+Thou dost not know what the highest virtue, nor dost thou feel the need
+for it. Thou art like a child steeped in ignorance, for what then hast
+thou become (so) old in years?"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'While those two men were thus disputing in the
+presence of the _Munis_, who were engaged in Vainya's sacrifice the
+latter enquired, "What is the matter with them, that maketh them talk so
+vociferously?" Then the very pious Kasyapa learned in all religious
+lore, approaching the disputants asked them what was the matter. And
+then Gautama, addressing that assembly of great _Munis_ said, "Listen, O
+great _Brahmanas_, to the point in dispute between us. Atri hath said
+that Vainya is the ruler of our destinies; great is our doubt on this
+point."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing this, the great-mind _Munis_ went
+instantly to Sanatkumara who was well versed in religion to clear their
+doubt. And then he of great ascetic merit, having heard the particulars
+from them addressed them these words full of religious meaning. And
+Sanatkumara said, "As fire assisted by the wind burneth down forests, so
+a Brahmana's energy in union with a Kshatriya's or a Kshatriya's joined
+with a Brahmana's destroyeth all enemies. The sovereign is the
+distinguished giver of laws and the protector of his subjects. He is (a
+protector of created beings) like Indra, (a propounder of morals) like
+Sukra, (a counsellor) like Vrihaspati and (hence he is also called) the
+ruler of men's destinies. Who does not think it proper to worship the
+individual of whom such terms as 'preserver of created beings,' 'royal,'
+'emperor,' 'Kshatriya' (or saviour of the earth), 'lord of earth,'
+'ruler of men,' are applied in praise? The king is (also) styled the
+prime cause (of social order, as being the promulgator of laws), 'the
+virtuous in wars,' (and therefore, preserver after peace), 'the
+watchman,' 'the contented,' 'the lord,' 'the guide to salvation,' 'the
+easily victorious,' 'the Vishnu like,' 'of effective wrath,' 'the winner
+of battles' and 'the cherisher of the true religion.' The _Rishis_,
+fearful of sin, entrusted (the temporal) power to the Kshatriyas. As
+among the gods in heaven the Sun dispelleth darkness by his effulgence,
+so doth the king completely root out sin from this earth. Therefore is
+the king's greatness deduced from the evidences of the sacred books, and
+we are bound to pronounce for that side which hath spoken in favour of
+the king."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then that illustrious prince, highly pleased
+with the victorious party, joyfully said to Atri, who had praised him
+erewhile, "O regenerate _Rishi_, thou hast made and styled me the
+greatest and most excellent of men here, and compared me to the gods;
+therefore, shall I give thee vast and various sorts of wealth. My
+impression is that thou art omniscient. I give thee, O well-dressed and
+well-adorned one, a hundred millions of gold coins and also ten _bharas_
+of gold." Then Atri, of high austere virtues and great spiritual powers,
+thus welcomed (by the king), accepted all the gifts without any breach
+of propriety, and returned home. And then giving his wealth to his sons
+and subduing his self, he cheerfully repaired to the forest with the
+object of performing penances.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O thou conqueror of hostile cities, in this
+connection Saraswati too, when interrogated by that intelligent _Muni_
+Tarkshya, had said (this). Do thou listen to her words! Tarkshya had
+asked, saying, "Excellent lady, what is the best thing for a man to do
+here below, and how must he act so that he may not deviate from (the
+path of) virtue. Tell me all this, O beautiful lady, so that instructed
+by thee, I may not fall away from the path of virtue! When and how must
+one offer oblations to the (sacred) fire and when must he worship so
+that virtue may not be compromised? Tell me all this, O excellent lady,
+so that I may live without any passions, craving, or desire, in this
+world."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus questioned by that cheerful _Muni_ and
+seeing him eager to learn and endued with high intelligence, Saraswati
+addressed these pious and beneficial words to the Brahmana, Tarkshya.'
+
+"'Saraswati said, "He who is engaged in the study of the _Vedas_, and
+with sanctity and equanimity perceives the supreme Godhead in his proper
+sphere, ascends the celestial regions and attains supreme beatitude with
+the Immortals. Many large, beautiful, pellucid and sacred lakes are
+there, abounding with fish, flowers, and golden lilies. They are like
+shrines and their very sight is calculated to assuage grief. Pious men,
+distinctively worshipped by virtuous well-adorned golden-complexioned
+_Apsaras_, dwell in contentment on the shores of those lakes. He who
+giveth cows (to Brahmanas) attaineth the highest regions; by giving
+bullocks he reacheth the solar regions, by giving clothes he getteth to
+the lunar world, and by giving gold he attaineth to the state of the
+Immortals. He who giveth a beautiful cow with a fine calf, and which is
+easily milked and which doth not run away, is (destined) to live for as
+many years in the celestial regions as there are hairs on the body of
+that animal. He who giveth a fine, strong, powerful, young bullock,
+capable of drawing the plough and bearing burdens, reacheth the regions
+attained by men who give ten cows. When a man bestoweth a
+well-caparisoned _kapila_ cow with a brazen milk-pail and with money
+given afterwards, that cow becoming, by its own distinguished qualities,
+a giver of everything reacheth the side of the man who gave her away. He
+who giveth away cows, reapeth innumerable fruits of his action, measured
+by the hairs on the body of that animal. He also saveth (from perdition)
+in the next world his sons and grandsons and ancestors to the seventh
+generation. He who presenteth to a Brahmana, sesamum made up in the form
+of a cow, having horns made of gold, with money besides, and a brazen
+milk-pail, subsequently attaineth easily to the regions of the _Vasus_.
+By his own acts man descends into the darksome lower regions, infested
+by evil spirits (of his own passions) like a ship tossed by the storm in
+the high seas; but the gift of kine to Brahmanas saves him in the next
+world. He who giveth his daughter in marriage, in the _Brahma_ form, who
+bestoweth gifts of land on Brahmanas and who duly maketh other presents,
+attaineth to the regions of Purandara. O Tarkshya, the virtuous man who
+is constant in presenting oblations to the sacred fire for seven years,
+sanctifieth by his own action seven generations up and down."
+
+"'Tarkshya said, "O beautiful lady, explain to me who ask thee, the
+rules for the maintenance of the sacred fire as inculcated in the
+_Vedas_. I shall now learn from thee the time-honoured rules for
+perpetually keeping up the sacred fire."'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVI
+
+"Then Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, said to the Brahmana, Markandeya,
+'Do thou now narrate the history of Vaivaswata Manu.'
+
+"Markandeya replied, 'O king, O foremost of men, there was a powerful
+and great _Rishi_ of the name of Manu. He was the son of Vivaswan and
+was equal unto _Brahma_ in glory. And he far excelled his father and
+grandfather in strength, in power, in fortune, as also in religious
+austerities. And standing on one leg and with uplifted hand, that lord
+of men did severe penance in the jujube forest called Visala. And there
+with head downwards and with steadfast eyes he practised the rigid and
+severe penance for ten thousand years. And one day, whilst he was
+practising austerities there with wet clothes on and matted hair on
+head, a fish approaching the banks of the Chirini, addressed him thus,
+"Worshipful sir, I am a helpless little fish, I am afraid of the large
+ones; therefore, do thou, O great devotee, think it worth thy while to
+protect me from them; especially as this fixed custom is well
+established amongst us that the strong fish always preys upon the weak
+ones. Therefore do thou think it fit to save me from being drowned in
+this sea of terrors! I shall requite thee for thy good offices." On
+hearing these words from the fish, Vaivaswata Manu was overpowered with
+pity and he took out the fish from the water with his own hands. And the
+fish which had a body glistening like the rays of the moon when taken
+out of the water was put back in an earthen water-vessel. And thus
+reared that fish O king, grew up in size and Manu tended it carefully
+like a child. And after a long while, it became so large in size, that
+there was no room for it in that vessel. And then seeing Manu (one day),
+it again addressed these words to him, "Worshipful sir, do thou appoint
+some better habitation for me." And then the adorable Manu, the
+conqueror of hostile cities, took it out of that vessel and carried it
+to a large tank and placed it there. And there again the fish grew for
+many a long year. And although the tank was two _yojanas_ in length and
+one _yojana_ in width, even there, O lotus-eyed son of Kunti and ruler
+of men, was no room for the fish to play about! And beholding Manu it
+said again, "O pious and adorable father, take me to the Ganga, the
+favourite spouse of the Ocean so that I may live there; or do as thou
+listest. O sinless one, as I have grown to this great bulk by thy favour
+I shall do thy bidding cheerfully." Thus asked the upright and continent
+and worshipful Manu took the fish to the river Ganga and he put it into
+the river with his own hands. And there, O conqueror of thy enemies, the
+fish again grew for some little time and then beholding Manu, it said
+again, "O lord, I am unable to move about in the Ganga on account of my
+great body; therefore, worshipful sir, do thou please take me quickly to
+the sea!" O son of Pritha, Manu then taking it out of the Ganga, carried
+it to the sea and consigned it there. And despite its great bulk, Manu
+transported it easily and its touch and smell were also pleasant to him.
+And when it was thrown into the sea by Manu, it said these words to him
+with a smile, "O adorable being, thou hast protected me with special
+care; do thou now listen to me as to what thou shouldst do in the
+fulness of time! O fortunate and worshipful sir, the dissolution of all
+this mobile and immobile world is nigh at hand. The time for the purging
+of this world is now ripe. Therefore do I now explain what is good for
+thee! The mobile and immobile divisions of the creation, those that have
+the power of locomotion, and those that have it not, of all these the
+terrible doom hath now approached. Thou shall build a strong massive ark
+and have it furnished with a long rope. On that must thou ascend, O
+great _Muni_, with the seven _Rishis_ and take with thee all the
+different seeds which were enumerated by regenerate Brahmanas in days of
+yore, and separately and carefully must thou preserve them therein. And
+whilst there, O beloved of the _Munis_, thou shall wait for me, and I
+shall appear to thee like a horned animal, and thus, O ascetic, shall
+thou recognise me! And I shall now depart, and thou shall act according
+to my instructions, for, without my assistance, thou canst not save
+thyself from that fearful flood." Then Manu said unto the fish, "I do
+not doubt all that thou hast said, O great one! Even so shall I act!"
+And giving instructions to each other, they both went away. And Manu
+then, O great and powerful king and conqueror of thy enemies, procured
+all the different seeds as directed by the fish, and set sail in an
+excellent vessel on the surging sea. And then, O lord of the earth, he
+bethought himself of that fish. And the fish too, O conqueror of thy
+enemies and foremost scion of Bharata's race, knowing his mind, appeared
+there with horns on his head. And then, O tiger among men, beholding in
+the ocean that horned fish emerging like a rock in the form of which he
+had been before appraised, he lowered the ropy noose on its head. And
+fastened by the noose, the fish, O king and conqueror of hostile cities,
+towed the ark with great force through the salt waters. And it conveyed
+them in that vessel on the roaring and billow beaten sea. And, O
+conqueror of thy enemies and hostile cities, tossed by the tempest on
+the great ocean, the vessel reeled about like a drunken harlot. And
+neither land nor the four cardinal points of the compass, could be
+distinguished. And there was water every where and the waters covered
+the heaven and the firmament also. And, O bull of Bharata's race, when
+the world was thus flooded, none but Manu, the seven _Rishis_ and the
+fish could be seen. And, O king, the fish diligently dragged the boat
+through the flood for many a long year and then, O descendant of Kuru
+and ornament of Bharata's race, it towed the vessel towards the highest
+peak of the Himavat. And, O Bharata, the fish then told those on the
+vessel to tie it to the peak of the Himavat. And hearing the words of
+the fish they immediately tied the boat on that peak of the mountain
+and, O son of Kunti and ornament of Bharata's race, know that that high
+peak of the Himavat is still called by the name of _Naubandhana_ (the
+harbour). Then the fish addressing the associated _Rishis_ told them
+these words, "I am Brahma, the Lord of all creatures; there is none
+greater than myself. Assuming the shape of a fish, I have saved you from
+this cataclysm. Manu will create (again) all beings--gods, _Asuras_ and
+men, all those divisions of creation which have the power of locomotion
+and which have it not. By practicing severe austerities he will acquire
+this power, and with my blessing, illusion will have no power over him."
+
+"'So saying the fish vanished instantly. And Vaivaswata Manu himself
+became desirous of creating the world. In this work of creation illusion
+overtook him and he, therefore, practised great asceticism. And endowed
+with ascetic merit, Manu, O ornament of Bharata's race, again set about
+his work of creating all beings in proper and exact order. This story
+which I have narrated to thee and the hearing of which destroyeth all
+sin, is celebrated as the Legend of the Fish. And the man who listeneth
+every day to this primeval history of Manu, attaineth happiness and all
+other objects of desire and goeth to heaven.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVII
+
+"Then the virtuous king Yudhishthira in all humility again enquired of
+the illustrious Markandeya, saying, 'O great _Muni_, thou hast seen many
+thousands of ages pass away. In this world there is none so longlived as
+thou! O best of those that have attained the knowledge of Supreme
+Spirit, there is none equal to thee in years except the great-minded
+_Brahma_ living in the most exalted place. Thou, O Brahmana, worshippest
+_Brahma_ at the time of the great dissolution of the universe, when this
+world is without sky and without the gods and _Danavas_. And when that
+cataclysm ceaseth and the Grandsire awaketh, thou alone, O regenerate
+_Rishi_, beholdest _Brahma_ duly re-create the four orders of beings
+after having filled the cardinal points with air and consigned the
+waters to their proper place. Thou, O great Brahmana, hast worshipped in
+his presence the great Lord and Grandsire of all creatures with soul
+rapt in meditation and entirely swallowed up in Him! And, O Brahmana,
+thou hast many a time witnessed with thy eyes, the primeval acts of
+creation, and, plunged in severe ascetic austerities, thou hast also
+surpassed the _Prajapatis_ themselves! Thou art esteemed as one who is
+nearest to Narayana, in the next world. Many a time in days of yore hast
+thou beheld the Supreme Creator of the universe with eyes of spiritual
+abstraction and renunciation, having first opened thy pure and
+lotus-like heart--the only place where the multiform Vishnu of universal
+knowledge may be seen! It is for this, O learned _Rishi_, by the grace
+of God neither all-destroying Death, nor dotage that causeth the decay
+of the body, hath any power over thee! When neither the sun, nor the
+moon, nor fire, nor earth, nor air, nor sky remains, when all the world
+being destroyed looketh like one vast ocean, when the _Gods_ and
+_Asuras_ and the great _Uragas_ are annihilated, and when the
+great-minded _Brahma_, the Lord of all creatures, taking his seat on a
+lotus flower, sleepeth there, then thou alone remainest to worship him!
+And, O best of Brahman as thou hast seen all this that occurred before,
+with thy own eyes. And thou alone hast witnessed many things by the
+senses, and never in all the worlds hath there been any thing unknown to
+thee! Therefore do I long to hear any discourse explaining the causes of
+things!'
+
+"Markandeya replied, 'Indeed, I shall explain all, after having bowed
+down to that Self-existent, Primordial Being, who is eternal and
+undeteriorating and inconceivable, and who is at once vested with and
+divested of attributes. O tiger among men, this Janardana attired in
+yellow robes is the grand Mover and Creator of all, the Soul and Framer
+of all things, and the lord of all! He is also called the Great, the
+Incomprehensible, the Wonderful and the Immaculate. He is without
+beginning and without end, pervades all the world, is Unchangeable and
+Undeteriorating. He is the Creator of all, but is himself uncreate and
+is the Cause of all power. His knowledge is greater than that of all the
+gods together. O best of kings and pre-eminent of men, after the
+dissolution of the universe, all this wonderful creation again comes
+into life. Four thousand years have been said to constitute the _Krita
+Yuga_. Its dawn also, as well as its eve, hath been said to comprise
+four hundred years. The _Treta-Yuga_ is said to comprise three thousand
+years, and its dawn, as well as its eve, is said to comprise three
+hundred years. The _Yuga_ that comes next is called _Dwapara_, and it
+hath been computed to consist of two thousand years. Its dawn, as well
+as its eve, is said to comprise two hundred years. The next _Yuga_,
+called _Kali_, is said to comprise one thousand years and its dawn, as
+well as eve, is said to comprise one hundred years. Know, O king, that
+the duration of the dawn is the same as that of the eve of a _Yuga_. And
+after the _Kali Yuga_ is over, the _Krita Yuga_ comes again. A cycle of
+the _Yugas_ thus comprised a period of twelve thousand years. A full
+thousand of such cycles would constitute a _day of Brahma_. O tiger
+among men, when all this universe is withdrawn and ensconced within its
+home--the Creator himself--that disappearance of all things is called by
+the learned to be Universal Destruction. O bull of the Bharata race,
+towards the end of the last mentioned period of one thousand years,
+i.e., when the period wanted to complete a cycle is short, men generally
+become addicted to falsehood in speech. O son of Pritha, then sacrifices
+and gifts and vows, instead of being performed by principals are
+suffered to be performed by representatives! Brahmanas then perform acts
+that are reserved for the _Sudras_, and the _Sudras_ betake themselves
+to the acquisition of wealth. Then Kshatriyas also betake themselves to
+the practice of religious acts. In the _Kali_ age, the Brahmanas also
+abstain from sacrifices and the study of the Vedas, are divested of
+their staff and deer-skin, and in respect of food become omnivorous.
+And, O son, the Brahmanas in that age also abstain from prayers and
+meditation while the Sudras betake themselves to these! The course of
+the world looketh contrary, and indeed, these are the signs that
+foreshadow the Universal Destruction. And, O lord of men, numerous
+_Mleccha_ kings then rule over the earth! And those sinful monarchs,
+addicted to false speech, govern their subjects on principles that are
+false. The _Andhhas_, the _Sakas_, the _Pulindas_, the _Yavanas_, the
+_Kamvojas_, the _Valhikas_ and the _Abhiras_, then become, O best of
+men, possessed of bravery and the sovereignty of the earth. This, O
+tiger among men, becometh the state of the world during the eve, O
+Bharata, of the _Kali_ age! Not a single Brahmana then adhereth to the
+duties of his order. And the Kshatriyas and the Vaisyas also, O monarch,
+follow practices contrary to those that are proper for their own orders.
+And men become short-lived, weak in strength, energy, and prowess; and
+endued with small might and diminutive bodies, they become scarcely
+truthful in speech. And the human population dwindles away over large
+tracts of country, and the regions of the earth, North and South, and
+East and West, become crowded with animals and beasts of prey. And
+during this period, they also that utter _Brahma_, do so in vain. The
+_Sudras_ address _Brahmanas_, saying, _Bho_, while the Brahmanas address
+Sudras, saying _Respected Sir_. And, O tiger among men, at the end of
+the _Yuga_, animals increase enormously. And, O king, odours and
+perfumes do not then become so agreeable to our sense of scent, and, O
+tiger among men, the very tastes of things do not then so well accord
+with our organs of taste as at other periods! And, O king, women then
+become mothers of numerous progeny, endued with low statures, and
+destitute of good behaviour and good manners. And they also make their
+very mouths serve the purposes of the organ of procreation. And famine
+ravages the habitations of men, and the highways are infested by women
+of ill fame, while females in general, O king, become at such periods
+hostile to their lords and destitute of modesty! And, O king, the very
+kine at such periods yield little milk, while the trees, sat over with
+swarms of crows, do not produce many flowers and fruits. And, O lord of
+the earth, regenerate classes, tainted with the sin of slaying
+Brahmanas, accept gifts from monarchs that are addicted to falsehood in
+speech. And filled with covetousness and ignorance, and bearing on their
+persons the outward symbols of religion, they set out on eleemosynary
+rounds, afflicting the people of the Earth. And people leading domestic
+lives, afraid of the burden of taxes, become deceivers, while Brahmanas,
+falsely assuming the garb of ascetics, earn wealth by trade, with nails
+and hair unpared and uncut. And, O tiger among men, many of the
+twice-born classes become, from avarice of wealth, religious mendicants
+of the _Brahmacharin_ order. And, O monarch, men at such periods behave
+contrary to the _modes_ of life to which they betake themselves, and
+addicted to intoxicating drinks and capable of violating the beds of
+their preceptors, their desires are all of this world, pursuing matters
+ministering to the flesh and the blood. And O tiger among men, at such
+period the asylums of ascetics become full of sinful and audacious
+wretches ever applauding lives of dependence. And the illustrious
+chastiser of Paka never showers rain according to the seasons and the
+seeds also that are scattered on earth, do not, O Bharata, all sprout
+forth. And men, unholy in deed and thought, take pleasure in envy and
+malice. And, O sinless one, the earth then becometh full of sin and
+immorality. And, O lord of the earth, he that becometh virtuous at such
+periods doth not live long. Indeed, the earth becometh reft of virtue in
+every shape. And, O tiger among men, the merchants and traders then full
+of guile, sell large quantities of articles with false weights and
+measures. And they that are virtuous do not prosper; while they that are
+sinful proper exceedingly. And virtue loseth her strength while sin
+becometh all powerful. And men that are devoted to virtue become poor
+and short-lived; while they that are sinful become long-lived and win
+prosperity. And in such times, people behave sinfully even in places of
+public amusements in cities and towns. And men always seek the
+accomplishment of their ends by means that are sinful. And having earned
+fortunes that are really small they become intoxicated with the pride of
+wealth. And O monarch, many men at such periods strive to rob the wealth
+that hath from trust been deposited with them in secrecy. And wedded to
+sinful practices, they shamelessly declare--_there is nothing in
+deposit_. And beasts of prey and other animals and fowl may be seen to
+lie down in places of public amusement in cities and towns, as well as
+in sacred edifices. And, O king girls of seven or eight years of age do
+then conceive, while boys of ten or twelve years beget offspring. And in
+their sixteenth year, men are overtaken with decrepitude and decay and
+the period of life itself is soon outrun. And O king, when men become so
+short-lived, more youths act like the aged; while all that is observable
+in youth may be noticed in the old. And women given to impropriety of
+conduct and marked by evil manners, deceive even the best of husbands
+and forget themselves with menials and slaves and even with animals. And
+O king, even women that are wives of heroes seek the companionship of
+other men and forget themselves with these during the life-time of their
+husbands.
+
+"'O king, towards the end of those thousands of years constituting the
+four _Yugas_ and when the lives of men become so short, a drought occurs
+extending for many years. And then, O lord of the earth, men and
+creatures endued with small strength and vitality, becoming hungry die
+by thousands. And then, O lord of men, seven blazing Suns, appearing in
+the firmament, drink up all the waters of the Earth that are in rivers
+or seas. And, O bull of the Bharata race, then also everything of the
+nature of wood and grass that is wet to dry, is consumed and reduced to
+ashes. And then, O Bharata, the fire called _Samvartaka_ impelled by the
+winds appeareth on the earth that hath already been dried to cinders by
+the seven Suns. And then that fire, penetrating through the Earth and
+making its appearance, in the nether regions also, begetteth great
+terror in the hearts of the _gods_, the _Danavas_ and the _Yakshas_.
+And, O lord of the earth, consuming the nether regions as also
+everything upon this Earth that fire destroyeth all things in a moment.
+And that fire called _Samvartaka_ aided by that inauspicious wind,
+consumeth this world extending for hundreds and thousands of _yojanas_.
+And that lord of all things, that fire, blazing forth in effulgence
+consumeth this universe with gods and _Asuras_ and _Gandharvas_ and
+_Yakshas_ and _Snakes_ and _Rakshasas_. And there rise in the sky deep
+masses of clouds, looking like herds of elephants and decked with
+wreaths of lightning that are wonderful to behold. And some of those
+clouds are of the hue of the blue lotus; and some are of the hue of the
+water-lily; and some resemble in tint the filaments of the lotus and
+some are purple and some are yellow as turmeric and some of the hue of
+the crows' egg. And some are bright as the petals of the lotus and some
+red as vermillion. And some resemble palatial cities in shape and some
+herds of elephants. And some are of the form of lizards and some of
+crocodiles and sharks. And, O king, the clouds that gather in the sky on
+the occasion are terrible to behold and wreathed with lightnings, roar
+frightfully. And those vapoury masses, charged with rain, soon cover the
+entire welkin. And, O king, those masses of vapour then flood with water
+the whole earth with her mountains and forests and mines. And, O bull
+among men, urged by the Supreme Lord those clouds roaring frightfully,
+soon flood over the entire surface of the earth. And pouring in a great
+quantity of water and filling the whole earth, they quench that terrible
+inauspicious fire (of which I have already spoken to thee). And urged by
+the illustrious Lord those clouds filling the earth with their downpour
+shower incessantly for twelve years. And then, O Bharata, the Ocean
+oversteps his continents, the mountains sunder in fragments, and the
+Earth sinks under the increasing flood. And then moved on a sudden by
+the impetus of the wind, those clouds wander along the entire expanse of
+the firmament and disappear from the view. And then, O ruler of men, the
+Self-create Lord--the first Cause of everything--having his abode in the
+lotus, drinketh those terrible winds and goeth to sleep, O Bharata!
+
+"'And then when the universe become one dead expanse of water, when all
+mobile and immobile creatures have been destroyed, when the _gods_ and
+the _Asuras_ cease to be, when the _Yakshas_ and the _Rakshasas_ are no
+more, when man is not, when trees and beasts of prey have disappeared,
+when the firmament itself has ceased to exist, I alone, O lord of the
+earth, wander in affliction. And, O best of kings, wandering over that
+dreadful expanse of water, my heart becometh afflicted in consequence of
+my not beholding any creature! And, O king, wandering without cessation,
+through that flood, I become fatigued, but I obtain no resting place!
+And some time after I behold in that expanse of accumulated waters a
+vast and wide-extending banian tree, O lord of earth! And I then behold,
+O Bharata, seated on a conch, O king, overlaid with a celestial bed and
+attached to a far-extended bough of that banian, a boy, O great king, of
+face fair as the lotus or the moon, and of eyes, O ruler of men, large
+as petals of a full blown lotus! And at this sight, O lord of earth,
+wonder filled my heart. And I asked myself, "How doth this boy alone sit
+here when the world itself hath been destroyed?" And, O king, although I
+have full knowledge of the Past, the Present, and the Future, still I
+failed to learn anything of this by means of even ascetic meditation.
+Endued with the lustre of the _Atasi_ flower, and decked with the mark
+of _Sreevatsa_, he seemed to me to be like the abode of _Lakshmi_,
+herself. And that boy, of eyes like the petals of the lotus, having the
+mark of _Sreevatsa_, and possessed of blazing effulgence, then addressed
+me in words highly pleasant to the ear, saying, "O sire, I know thee to
+be fatigued and desirous of rest. O Markandeya of Bhrigu's race, rest
+thou here as long as thou wishest. O best of _Munis_, entering within my
+body, rest thou there. That hath been the abode assigned to thee by me.
+I have been pleased with thee." Thus addressed by that boy, a sense of
+total disregard possessed me in respect both of my long life and state
+of manhood. Then that boy suddenly opened his mouth, and as fate would
+have it, I entered his mouth deprived of the power of motion. But O
+king, having suddenly entered into the stomach of that boy, I behold
+there the whole earth teeming with cities and kingdoms. And, O best of
+men, while wandering through the stomach of that illustrious one, I
+behold the Ganga, the Satudru, the Sita, the Yamuna, and the Kausiki;
+the Charmanwati, the Vetravati; the Chandrabhaga, the Saraswati, the
+Sindhu, the Vipasa, and the Godavari; the Vaswokasara, the Nalini and
+the Narmada; the Tamra, and the Venna also of delightful current and
+sacred waters; the Suvenna, the Krishna-venna, the Irama, and the
+Mahanadi; the Vitasti, O great king, and that large river, the Cavery;
+the one also, O tiger among men, the Visalya, and the Kimpuna also. I
+beheld all these and many other rivers that are on the earth! And, O
+slayer of foes, I also beheld there the ocean inhabited by alligators
+and sharks, that mine of gems, that excellent abode of waters. And I
+beheld there the firmament also, decked with the Sun and the Moon,
+blazing with effulgence, and possessed of lustre of fire of the Sun. And
+I beheld there, O king, the earth also, graced with woods and forests.
+And, O monarch, I beheld there many Brahmanas also, engaged in various
+sacrifices; and the Kshatriyas engaged in doing good to all the orders;
+and the Vaisyas employed in pursuits in agriculture; and the Sudras
+devoted to the service of the regenerate classes. And, O king, while
+wandering through the stomach of that high-souled one, I also beheld the
+Himavat and the mountains of Hemakuta. And I also saw Nishada, and the
+mountains of Sweta abounding in silver. And, O king, I saw there the
+mountain Gandhamadana, and, O tiger among men, also Mandara and the huge
+mountains of Nila. And, O great king, I saw there the golden mountains
+of Meru and also Mahendra and those excellent mountains called the
+Vindhyas. And I beheld there the mountains of Malaya and of Paripatra
+also. These and many other mountains that are on earth were all seen by
+me in his stomach. And all these were decked with jewels and gems. And,
+O monarch, while wandering through his stomach, I also beheld lions and
+tigers and boars and, indeed, all other animals that are on earth, O
+great king! O tiger among men, having entered his stomach, as I wandered
+around, I also beheld the whole tribe of the _gods_ with their chief
+Sakra, the _Sadhyas_, the _Rudras_, the _Adityas_, the _Guhyakas_, the
+_Pitris_, the _Snakes_ and the _Nagas_, the feathery tribes, the
+_Vasus_, the _Aswins_, the _Gandharvas_, the _Apsaras_, the _Yakshas_,
+the _Rishis_, the hordes of the _Daityas_ and the _Danavas_, and the
+_Nagas_ also, O king, and the sons of _Singhika_ and all the other
+enemies of the gods; indeed what else of mobile and immobile creatures
+may be seen on earth, were all seen by me, O monarch, within the stomach
+of that high-souled one. And, O lord, living upon fruits I dwelt within
+his body for many centuries wandering over the entire universe that is
+there. Never did I yet, O king, behold the limits of his body. And when,
+O lord of earth, I failed to measure the limits of that high-souled
+one's body, even though I wandered within him continuously in great
+anxiety of mind, I then, in thought and deed sought the protection of
+that boon-giving and pre-eminent Deity, duly acknowledging his
+superiority. And when I had done this, O king, I was suddenly projected
+(from within his body) through that high-souled one's open mouth by
+means, O chief of men, of a gust of wind. And, O king, I then beheld
+seated on the branch of that very banian that same Being of immeasurable
+energy, in the form of a boy with the mark of _Sreevatsa_ (on his
+breast) having, O tiger among men, swallowed up the whole universe. And
+that boy of blazing effulgence and bearing the mark of _Sreevatsa_ and
+attired in yellow robes, gratified with me, smilingly addressed me,
+saying, "O Markandeya, O best of _Munis_, having dwelt for some time
+within my body, thou hast been fatigued! I shall however speak unto
+thee." And as he said this to me, at that very moment I acquired a new
+sight, so to speak, in consequence of which I beheld myself to be
+possessed of true knowledge and emancipated from the illusions of the
+world. And, O child, having witnessed the inexhaustible power of that
+Being of immeasurable energy, I then worshipped his revered and
+well-shaped feet with soles bright as burnished copper and well-decked
+with toes of mild red hue, having placed them carefully on my head and
+joining my palms in humility and approaching him with reverence. I
+beheld that Divine Being who is the soul of all things and whose eyes
+are like the petals of the lotus. And having bowed unto him with joined
+hands I addressed him saying, "I wish to know thee, O Divine Being, as
+also this high and wonderful illusion of thine! O illustrious one,
+having entered into thy body through thy mouth, I have beheld the entire
+universe in thy stomach! O Divine Being, the gods, the _Danavas_ and the
+_Rakshasas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Gandharvas_, and the _Nagas_, indeed,
+the whole universe mobile and immobile, are all within thy body! And
+though I have ceaselessly wandered through thy body at a quick pace,
+through thy grace, O God, my memory faileth me not. And, O great lord, I
+have come out of thy body at thy desire but not of mine! O thou of eyes
+like lotus leaves, I desire to know thee who art free from all faults!
+Why dost thou stay here in the form of a boy having swallowed up the
+entire universe? It behoveth thee to explain all this to me. Why, O
+sinless one, is the entire universe within thy body? How long also, O
+chastiser of foes, wilt thou stay here? Urged by a curiosity that is not
+improper for Brahmanas, I desire, O Lord of all the gods, to hear all
+this from thee, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, with every detail and
+exactly as it all happens, for all I have seen, O Lord, is wonderful and
+inconceivable!" And thus addressed by me, that deity of deities, of
+blazing effulgence and great beauty, that foremost of all speakers
+consoling me properly, spoke unto me these words.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The Deity then said, "O Brahmana, the gods even
+do not know me truly! As however, I have been gratified with thee, I
+will tell thee how I created the universe! O regenerate _Rishi_, thou
+art devoted to thy ancestors and hast also sought my protection! Thou
+hast also beheld me with thy eyes, and thy ascetic merit also is great!
+In ancient times I called the waters by the name of _Nara_; and because
+the waters have ever been my _ayana_ or home, therefore have I been
+called _Narayana_ (the _water-homed_). O best of regenerate ones, I am
+_Narayana_, the Source of all things, the Eternal, the Unchangeable. I
+am the Creator of all things, and the Destroyer also of all. I am
+Vishnu, I am Brahma and I am Sakra, the chief of the gods. I am king
+Vaisravana, and I am Yama, the lord of the deceased spirits. I am Siva,
+I am Soma, and I am Kasyapa the lord of the created things. And, O best
+of regenerate ones, I am he called _Dhatri_, and he also that is called
+_Vidhatri_, and I am Sacrifice embodied. Fire is my mouth, the earth my
+feet, and the Sun and the Moon are my eyes; the Heaven is the crown of
+my head, the firmament and the cardinal points are my ears; the waters
+are born of my sweat. Space with the cardinal points are my body, and
+the Air is my mind. I have performed many hundreds of sacrifices with
+gifts in profusion. I am always present in the sacrifices of the gods;
+and they that are cognisant of the _Vedas_ and officiate therein, make
+their offerings to me. On earth the Kshatriya chiefs that rule over men,
+in performing their sacrifices from desire of obtaining heaven, and the
+Vaisyas also in performing theirs from desire of winning those happy
+regions, all worship me at such times and by those ceremonials. It is I
+who, assuming the form of Sesha support (on my head) this earth bounded
+by the four seas and decked by Meru and Mandara. And O regenerate one,
+it is I who, assuming the form of a boar, had raised in days of yore
+this earth sunk in water. And, O best of Brahmanas, it is I who,
+becoming the fire that issues out of the _Equine mouth_, drink up the
+waters (of the ocean) and create them again. In consequence of my energy
+from my mouth, my arms, my thighs, and my feet gradually sprang
+Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras. It is from me that the
+_Rik_, the _Sama_, the _Yajus_, and the _Atharvan_ Vedas spring, and it
+is in me that they all enter when the time cometh. Brahmanas devoted to
+asceticism, they that value Peace as the highest attribute, they that
+have their souls under complete control, they that are desirous of
+knowledge, they that are freed from lust and wrath and envy, they that
+are unwedded to things of the earth, they that have their sins
+completely washed away, they that are possessed of gentleness and
+virtue, and are divested of pride, they that have a full knowledge of
+the Soul, all worship me with profound meditation. I am the flame known
+as _Samvartaka_, I am the Wind called by that name, I am the Sun wearing
+that appellation, and I am the fire that hath that designation. And, O
+best of Brahmanas, those things that are seen in the firmament as stars,
+know them to be the pores of my skin. The ocean--those mines of gems and
+the four cardinal points, know, O Brahmana, are my robes, my bed, and my
+home. By me have they been distributed for serving the purposes of the
+gods. And, O best of men, know also that lust, wrath, joy, fear, and the
+over-clouding of the intellect, are all different forms of myself. And,
+O Brahmana, whatever is obtained by men by the practice of truth,
+charity, ascetic austerities, and peace and harmlessness towards all
+creatures, and such other handsome deeds, is obtained because of my
+arrangements. Governed by my ordinance, men wander within my body, their
+senses overwhelmed by me. They move not according to their will but as
+they are moved by me. Regenerate Brahmanas that have thoroughly studied
+the _Vedas_, that have tranquillity in their souls, they that have
+subdued their wrath, obtain a high reward by means of their numerous
+sacrifices. That reward, however, is unattainable by men that are wicked
+in their deeds, overwhelmed by covetousness, mean and disreputable with
+souls unblessed and impure. Therefore, must thou know, O Brahmana that
+this reward which is obtained by persons having their souls under
+control and which is unobtainable by the ignorant and the foolish,--this
+which is attainable by asceticism alone,--is productive of high merit.
+And, O best of men, at those times when virtue and morality decrease and
+sin and immorality increase, I create myself in new forms. And, O
+_Muni_, when fierce and malicious _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_ that are
+incapable of being slain by even the foremost of the gods, are born on
+earth, I then take my birth in the families of virtuous men, and
+assuming human body restore tranquillity by exterminating all evils.
+Moved by my own _maya_, I create gods and men, and _Gandharvas_ and
+_Rakshasas_, and all immobile things and then destroy them all myself
+(when the time cometh). For the preservation of rectitude and morality I
+assume a human form, and when the season for action cometh, I again
+assume forms that are inconceivable. In the _Krita_ age I become white,
+in the _Treta_ age I become yellow, in the _Dwapara_ I have become red
+and in the _Kali_ age I become dark in hue. In the _Kali_ age, the
+proportion of immorality becometh three-fourths, (a fourth only being
+that of morality). And when the end of the _Yuga_ cometh, assuming the
+fierce form of Death, alone I destroy all the three worlds with their
+mobile and immobile existences. With three steps, I cover the whole
+Universe; I am the Soul of the universe; I am the source of all
+happiness; I am the humbler of all pride; I am omnipresent; I am
+infinite; I am the Lord of the senses; and my prowess is great. O
+Brahmana, alone do I set a-going the wheel of Time; I am formless; I am
+the Destroyer of all creatures; and I am the cause of all efforts of all
+my creatures. O best of _Munis_, my soul completely pervadeth all my
+creatures, but, O foremost of all regenerate ones, no one knoweth me. It
+is me that the pious and the devoted worship in all the worlds. O
+regenerate one, whatever of pain thou hast felt within my stomach, know,
+O sinless one, that all that is for thy happiness and good fortune. And
+whatever of mobile and immobile objects thou hast seen in the world,
+everything hath been ordained by my Soul which is the Spring of all
+existence. The grandsire of all creatures is half my body; I am called
+Narayana, and I am bearer of the conch-shell, the discus and the mace. O
+regenerate _Rishi_, for a period measured by a thousand times the length
+of the _Yugas_, I who am the Universal Soul sleep overwhelming all
+creatures in insensibility. And, O best of regenerate _Rishis_, I stay
+here thus for all time, in the form of a boy though I am old, until
+Brahma waketh up. O foremost of Brahmanas, gratified with thee, I who am
+_Brahma_ have repeatedly granted thee boons, O thou who art worshipped
+by regenerate _Rishis_! Beholding one vast expanse of water and seeing
+that all mobile and immobile creatures have been destroyed, thou wert
+afflicted with melancholy. I know this, and it is for this that I showed
+thee the universe (within my stomach). And while thou wert within my
+body, beholding the entire universe, thou wert filled with wonder and
+deprived of thy senses. O regenerate _Rishi_, it is for this that thou
+wert speedily brought out by me through my mouth. I have (now) told thee
+of that Soul which is incapable of being comprehended by the gods and
+the _Asuras_. And as long as that great ascetic, the holy Brahma, doth
+not awake, thou, O regenerate _Rishi_, canst happily and trustfully
+dwell here. And when that Grandsire of all creatures awaketh up, I will
+then, O best of Brahmanas, alone create all creatures endued with
+bodies, the firmament, the earth, light, the atmosphere, water, and
+indeed all else of mobile and immobile creatures (that thou mayst have
+seen) on the earth!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having said so unto me that wonderful Deity
+vanished, O son, from my sight! I then beheld this varied and wondrous
+creation start into life. O king, O thou foremost of the Bharata race, I
+witnessed all this, so wonderful, O thou foremost of all virtuous men,
+at the end of the _Yuga_! And the Deity, of eyes large as lotus leaves,
+seen by me, in days of yore is this tiger among men, this Janardana who
+hath become thy relative! It is in consequence of the boon granted to me
+by this one that memory doth not fail me, that the period of my life, O
+son of Kunti, is so long and death itself is under my control. This is
+that ancient and supreme Lord Hari of inconceivable soul who hath taken
+his birth as Krishna of the Vrishni race, and who endued with mighty
+arms, seemeth to sport in this world! This one is _Dhatri_ and
+_Vidhatri_, the Destroyer of all the Eternal, the bearer of the
+_Sreevatsa_ mark on his breast, the Lord of the lord of all creatures,
+the highest of the high, called also Govinda! Beholding this foremost of
+all gods, this ever-victorious Being, attired in yellow robes, this
+chief of the Vrishni race, my recollection cometh back to me! This
+Madhava is the father and mother of all creatures! Ye bulls of the Kuru
+race, seek ye the refuge of this Protector!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the sons of Pritha and those
+bulls among men--the twins, along with Draupadi, all bowed down unto
+Janardana. And that tiger among men deserving of every respect thus
+revered by the sons of Pandu, then consoled them all with words of great
+sweetness."
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said "Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, once more asked the
+great _Muni_ Markandeya about the future course of the government of the
+Earth.
+
+"And Yudhishthira said, 'O thou foremost of all speakers, O _Muni_ of
+Bhrigu's race, that which we have heard from thee about the destruction
+and re-birth of all things at the end of the _Yuga_, is, indeed, full of
+wonder! I am filled with curiosity, however, in respect of what may
+happen in the _Kali_ age. When morality and virtue will be at an end,
+what will remain there! What will be the prowess of men in that age,
+what their food, and what their amusements? What will be the period of
+life at the end of the _Yuga_? What also is the limit, having attained
+which the _Krita_ age will begin anew? Tell me all in detail, O _Muni_,
+for all that thou narratest is varied and delightful.'
+
+"Thus addressed, that foremost of _Munis_ began his discourse again,
+delighting that tiger of the Vrishni race and the sons of Pandu as well.
+And Markandeya said, 'Listen, O monarch, to all that hath been seen and
+heard by me, and to all, O king of kings, that hath been known to me by
+intuition from the grace of the God of gods! O bull of the Bharata race,
+listen to me as I narrate the future history of the world during the
+sinful age. O bull of the Bharata race, in the _Krita_ age, everything
+was free from deceit and guile and avarice and covetousness; and
+morality like a bull was among men, with all the four legs complete. In
+the _Treta_ age sin took away one of these legs and morality had three
+legs. In the _Dwapara_, sin and morality are mixed half and half; and
+accordingly morality is said to have two legs only. In the dark age (_of
+Kali_), O thou best of the Bharata race, morality mixed with three parts
+of sin liveth by the side of men. Accordingly morality then is said to
+wait on men, with only a fourth part of itself remaining. Know, O
+Yudhishthira, that the period of life, the energy, intellect and the
+physical strength of men decrease in every _Yuga_! O Pandava, the
+Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras, (in the _Kali_ age)
+will practise morality and virtue deceitfully and men in general will
+deceive their fellows by spreading the net of virtue. And men with false
+reputation of learning will, by their acts, cause Truth to be contracted
+and concealed. And in consequence of the shortness of their lives they
+will not be able to acquire much knowledge. And in consequence of the
+littleness of their knowledge, they will have no wisdom. And for this,
+covetousness and avarice will overwhelm them all. And wedded to avarice
+and wrath and ignorance and lust men will entertain animosities towards
+one another, desiring to take one another's lives. And Brahmanas and
+Kshatriyas and Vaisyas with their virtue contracted and divested of
+asceticism and truth will all be reduced to an equality with the Sudras.
+And the lowest orders of men will rise to the position of the
+intermediate ones, and those in intermediate stations will, without
+doubt, descend to the level of the lowest ones. Even such, O
+Yudhishthira, will become the state of the world at the end of the
+_Yuga_. Of robes those will be regarded the best that are made of flax,
+and of grain the _Paspalum frumentacea_[5] will be regarded the best.
+Towards this period men will regard their wives as their (only) friends.
+And men will live on fish and milk, goats and sheep, for cows will be
+extinct. And towards that period, even they that are always observant of
+vows, will become covetous. And opposed to one another, men will, at
+such a time, seek one another's lives; and divested of _Yuga_, people
+will become atheists and thieves. And they will even dig the banks of
+streams with their spades and sow grains thereon. And even those places
+will prove barren for them at such a time. And those men who are devoted
+to ceremonial rites in honour of the deceased and of the gods, will be
+avaricious and will also appropriate and enjoy what belongs to others.
+The father will enjoy what belongs to the son; and the son, what belongs
+to the father. And those things will also be enjoyed by men in such
+times, the enjoyment of which hath been forbidden in the scriptures. And
+the Brahmanas, speaking disrespectfully of the Vedas, will not practise
+vows, and their understanding clouded by the science of disputation,
+they will no longer perform sacrifices and the _Homa_. And deceived by
+the false science of reasons, they will direct their hearts towards
+everything mean and low. And men will till low lands for cultivation and
+employ cows and calves that are one year old, in drawing the plough and
+carrying burthens. And sons having slain their sires, and sires having
+slain their sons will incur no opprobrium. And they will frequently save
+themselves from anxiety by such deeds, and even glory in them. And the
+whole world will be filled with _mleccha_ behaviour and notions and
+ceremonies, and sacrifices will cease and joy will be nowhere and
+general rejoicing will disappear. And men will rob the possession of
+helpless persons, of those that are friendless and of wisdoms also. And,
+possessed of small energy and strength, without knowledge and given to
+avarice and folly and sinful practices men will accept with joy the
+gifts made by wicked people with words of contempt. And, O son of Kunti,
+the kings of the earth, with hearts wedded to sin without knowledge and
+always boastful of their wisdom, will challenge one another from desire
+of taking one another's life. And the Kshatriyas also towards the end of
+such a period will become the thorns of the earth. And filled with
+avarice and swelling with pride and vanity and, unable and unwilling to
+protect (their subjects), they will take pleasure in inflicting
+punishments only. And attacking and repeating their attacks upon the
+good and the honest, and feeling no pity for the latter, even when they
+will cry in grief, the Kshatriyas will, O Bharata, rob these of their
+wives and wealth. And no one will ask for a girl (for purposes of
+marriage) and no one will give away a girl (for such purposes), but the
+girls will themselves choose their lords, when the end of the _Yuga_
+comes. And the kings of the earth with souls steeped in ignorance, and
+discontented with what they have, will at such a time, rob their
+subjects by every means in their power. And without doubt the whole
+world will be _mlecchified_.[6] And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes,
+the right hand will deceive the left; and the left, the right. And men
+with false reputation of learning will contract Truth and the old will
+betray the senselessness of the young, and the young will betray the
+dotage of the old. And cowards will have the reputation of bravery and
+the brave will be cheerless like cowards. And towards the end of the
+_Yuga_ men will cease to trust one another. And full of avarice and
+folly the whole world will have but one kind of food. And sin will
+increase and prosper, while virtue will fade and cease to flourish. And
+Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas will disappear, leaving, O king, no
+remnants of their orders. And all men towards the end of the Yuga will
+become members of one common order, without distinction of any kind. And
+sires will not forgive sons, and sons will not forgive sires. And when
+the end approaches, wives will not wait upon and serve their husbands.
+And at such a time men will seek those countries where wheat and barley
+form the staple food. And, O monarch, both men and women will become
+perfectly free in their behaviour and will not tolerate one another's
+acts. And, O Yudhishthira, the whole world will be _mlecchified_. And
+men will cease to gratify the gods by offerings of _Sraddhas_. And no
+one will listen to the words of others and no one will be regarded as a
+preceptor by another. And, O ruler of men, intellectual darkness will
+envelop the whole earth, and the life of man will then be measured by
+sixteen years, on attaining to which age death will ensue. And girls of
+five or six years of age will bring forth children and boys of seven or
+eight years of age will become fathers. And, O tiger among kings, when
+the end of the _Yuga_ will come, the wife will never be content with her
+husband, nor the husband with his wife. And the possessions of men will
+never be much, and people will falsely bear the marks of religion, and
+jealousy and malice will fill the world. And no one will, at that time,
+be a giver (of wealth or anything else) in respect to any one else. And
+the inhabited regions of the earth will be afflicted with dearth and
+famine, and the highways will be filled with lustful men and women of
+evil repute. And, at such a time, the women will also entertain an
+aversion towards their husbands. And without doubt all men will adopt
+the behaviour of the _mlecchas_, become omnivorous without distinction,
+and cruel in all their acts, when the end of the _Yuga_ will come. And,
+O thou foremost of the Bharatas, urged by avarice, men will, at that
+time, deceive one another when they sell and purchase. And without a
+knowledge of the ordinance, men will perform ceremonies and rites, and,
+indeed, behave as listeth them, when the end of the _Yuga_ comes. And
+when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, urged by their very dispositions, men
+will act cruelly, and speak ill of one another. And people will, without
+compunction, destroy trees and gardens. And men will be filled with
+anxiety as regards the means of living. And, O king, overwhelmed with
+covetousness, men will kill Brahmanas and appropriate and enjoy the
+possessions of their victims. And the regenerate ones, oppressed by
+Sudras, and afflicted with fear, and crying _Oh_ and _Alas_, will wander
+over the earth without anybody to protect them. And when men will begin
+to slay one another, and become wicked and fierce and without any
+respect for animal life, then will the _Yuga_ come to an end. And, O
+king, even the foremost of the regenerate ones, afflicted by robbers,
+will, like crows, fly in terror and with speed, and seek refuge, O
+perpetuator of the Kuru race, in rivers and mountains and inaccessible
+regions. And always oppressed by bad rulers with burthens of taxes, the
+foremost of the regenerate classes, O lord of the earth, will, in those
+terrible times, take leave of all patience and do improper acts by
+becoming even the servants of the Sudras. And Sudras will expound the
+scriptures, and Brahmanas will wait upon and listen to them, and settle
+their course of duty accepting such interpretations as their guides. And
+the low will become the high, and the course of things will look
+contrary. And renouncing the gods, men will worship bones and other
+relics deposited within walls. And, at the end of the _Yuga_, the Sudras
+will cease to wait upon and serve the Brahmanas. And in the asylums of
+great _Rishis_, and the teaching institutions of Brahmanas, and in
+places sacred to the gods and sacrificial compounds, and in sacred
+tanks, the earth will be disfigured with tombs and pillars containing
+bony relics and not graced with temples dedicated to the gods. All this
+will take place at the end of the _Yuga_, and know that these are the
+signs of the end of the _Yuga_. And when men become fierce and destitute
+of virtue and carnivorous and addicted to intoxicating drinks, then doth
+the _Yuga_ come to an end. And, O monarch, when flowers will be begot
+within flowers, and fruits within fruits, then will the _Yuga_ come to
+an end. And the clouds will pour rain unseasonably when the end of the
+_Yuga_ approaches. And, at that time, ceremonial rites of men will not
+follow one another in due order, and the Sudras will quarrel with the
+Brahmanas. And the earth will soon be full of _mlecchas_, and the
+Brahmanas will fly in all directions for fear of the burthen of taxes.
+And all distinctions between men will cease as regards conduct and
+behaviour, and afflicted with honorary tasks and offices, people will
+fly to woody retreats, subsisting on fruits and roots. And the world
+will be so afflicted, that rectitude of conduct will cease to be
+exhibited anywhere. And disciples will set at naught the instructions of
+preceptors, and seek even to injure them. And preceptors impoverished
+will be disregarded by men. And friends and relatives and kinsmen will
+perform friendly offices for the sake of the wealth only that is
+possessed by a person. And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, everybody
+will be in want. And all the points of the horizon will be ablaze, and
+the stars and stellar groups will be destitute of brilliancy, and the
+planets and planetary conjunctions will be inauspicious. And the course
+of the winds will be confused and agitated, and innumerable meteors will
+flash through the sky, foreboding evil. And the Sun will appear with six
+others of the same kind. And all around there will be din and uproar,
+and everywhere there will be conflagrations. And the Sun, from the hour
+of his rising to that of setting, will be enveloped by Rahu. And the
+deity of a thousand eyes will shower rain unseasonably. And when the end
+of the _Yuga_ comes, crops will not grow in abundance. And the women
+will always be sharp in speech and pitiless and fond of weeping. And
+they will never abide by the commands of their husbands. And when the
+end of the _Yuga_ comes, sons will slay fathers and mothers. And women,
+living uncontrolled, will slay their husbands and sons. And, O king,
+when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, _Rahu_ will swallow the Sun
+unseasonably. And fires will blaze up on all sides. And travellers
+unable to obtain food and drink and shelter even when they ask for
+these, will lie down on the wayside refraining from urging their
+solicitations. And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, crows and snakes
+and vultures and kites and other animals and birds will utter frightful
+and dissonant cries. And when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, men will cast
+away and neglect their friends and relatives and attendants. And, O
+monarch, when the end of the _Yuga_ comes, men abandoning the countries
+and directions and towns and cities of their occupation, will seek for
+new ones, one after another. And people will wander over the earth,
+uttering, "_O father, O son_", and such other frightful and rending
+cries.
+
+    [5] The word in the text is _Kora-dushakas_, supposed by Wilson
+    to be the _Paspalum frumentacea_ (_vide_ Dict.).
+
+    [6] The word in the text is _mlecchibhutam_. The Sanskrit
+    grammar affords a great facility for the formation of verbs from
+    substantives. _Mlecchify_ may be hybrid, but it correctly and
+    shortly signifies the Sanskrit word.
+
+"'And when those terrible times will be over, the creation will begin
+anew. And men will again be created and distributed into the four orders
+beginning with Brahmanas. And about that time, in order that men may
+increase, Providence, according to its pleasure, will once more become
+propitious. And then when the Sun, the Moon, and Vrihaspati will, with
+the constellation _Pushya_[7], enter the same sign, the _Krita_ age will
+begin again. And the clouds will commence to shower seasonably, and the
+stars and stellar conjunctions will become auspicious. And the planets,
+duly revolving in their orbits, will become exceedingly propitious. And
+all around, there will be prosperity and abundance and health and peace.
+And commissioned by Time, a Brahmana of the name of _Kalki_ will take
+his birth. And he will glorify Vishnu and possess great energy, great
+intelligence, and great prowess. And he will take his birth in a town of
+the name of _Sambhala_ in an auspicious Brahmana family. And vehicles
+and weapons, and warriors and arms, and coats of mail will be at his
+disposal as soon as he will think of them. And he will be the king of
+kings, and ever victorious with the strength of virtue. And he will
+restore order and peace in this world crowded with creatures and
+contradictory in its course. And that blazing Brahmana of mighty
+intellect, having appeared, will destroy all things. And he will be the
+Destroyer of all, and will inaugurate a new _Yuga_. And surrounded by
+the Brahmanas, that Brahmana will exterminate all the _mlecchas_
+wherever those low and despicable persons may take refuge.'"
+
+    [7] _Pushya_ is the eighth lunar asterism consisting of three
+    stars, of which one is, the Cancer. (Vide Wilson's Diet.).
+
+
+SECTION CLXL
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having exterminated the thieves and robbers,
+_Kalki_ will, at a great Horse-sacrifice, duly give away this earth to
+the Brahmanas, and having established anew the blessed rectitude
+ordained by the Self-create, _Kalki_, of sacred deeds and illustrious
+reputation, will enter a delightful forest, and the people of this earth
+will imitate his conduct, and when the Brahmanas will have exterminated
+the thieves and robbers, there will be prosperity everywhere (on earth).
+And as the countries of the earth will one after another be subjugated,
+that tiger among Brahmanas, _Kalki_, having placed deer skins and lances
+and tridents there, will roam over the earth, adored by foremost
+Brahmanas and showing his regard for them and engaged all the while in
+slaughtering thieves and robbers. And he will exterminate the thieves
+and robbers amid heart-rending cries of "_Oh, father--Oh, mother!--O
+son!_" and the like, and O Bharata, when sin will thus have been rooted
+out and virtue will flourish on arrival of the _Krita_ age, men will
+once more betake themselves to the practice of religious rites. And in
+the age that will set in, viz., the _Krita_, well-planted gardens and
+sacrificial compounds and large tanks and educational centres for the
+cultivation of Brahmanic lore and ponds and temples will re-appear
+everywhere. And the ceremonies and rites of sacrifices will also begin
+to be performed. And the Brahmanas will become good and honest, and the
+regenerate ones, devoted to ascetic austerities, will become _Munis_ and
+the asylums of ascetics, which had before been filled with wretches will
+once more be homes of men devoted to truth, and men in general will
+begin to honour and practise truth. And all seeds, sown on earth, will
+grow, and, O monarch, every kind of crop will grow in every season. And
+men will devotedly practise charity and vows and observances, and the
+Brahmanas devoted to meditation and sacrifices will be of virtuous soul
+and always cheerful, and the rulers of the earth will govern their
+kingdoms virtuously, and in the _Krita_ age, the Vaisyas will be devoted
+to the practices of their order. And the Brahmanas will be devoted to
+their six-fold duties (of study, teaching, performance of sacrifices on
+their own account, officiating at sacrifices performed by others,
+charity and acceptance of gifts), and the Kshatriyas will be devoted to
+feats of prowess. And Sudras will be devoted to service of the three
+(high) orders.
+
+"'These, O Yudhishthira, are the courses of the _Krita_, the _Treta_,
+the _Dwapara_ and the succeeding age. I have now narrated to thee
+everything. I have also told thee, O son of Pandu, the periods embraced
+by the several _Yugas_ as generally known. I have now told thee
+everything appertaining to both the past and the future as narrated by
+_Vayu_ in the _Parana_ (which goes by his name and) which is adored by
+the _Rishis_. Being immortal I have many a time beheld and otherwise
+ascertained the courses of the world. Indeed, all I have seen and felt I
+have now told thee. And, O thou of unfading glory, listen now with thy
+brothers to something else I will presently tell thee for clearing thy
+doubts about religion! O thou foremost of virtuous men, thou shouldst
+always fix thy soul on virtue, for, O monarch, a person of virtuous soul
+obtaineth bliss both here and hereafter. And, O sinless one, listen to
+the auspicious words that I will now speak to thee. _Never do thou
+humiliate a Brahmana, for a Brahmana, if angry, may by his vow destroy
+the three worlds._'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Markandeya, the royal
+head of the Kurus, endued with intelligence and possessed of great
+lustre, spoke these words of great wisdom, 'O _muni_, if I am to protect
+my subjects, to what course of conduct should I adhere? And how should I
+behave so that I may not fall away from the duties of my order?'
+
+"Markandeya, hearing this, answered, 'Be merciful to all creatures, and
+devoted to their good. Love all creatures, scorning none. Be truthful in
+speech, humble, with passions under complete control, and always devoted
+to the protection of thy people. Practise virtue and renounce sin, and
+worship thou the manes and the god and whatever thou mayst have done
+from ignorance or carelessness, wash them off and expiate them by
+charity. Renouncing pride and vanity, be thou possessed to humility and
+good behaviour. And subjugating the whole earth, rejoice thou and let
+happiness be thine. This is the course of conduct that accords with
+virtue. I have recited to thee all that was and all that will be
+regarded as virtuous. There is nothing appertaining to the past or the
+future that is unknown to thee. Therefore, O son, take not to heart this
+present calamity of thine. They that are wise are never overwhelmed when
+they are persecuted by _Time_. O thou of mighty arms, the very dwellers
+of heaven cannot rise superior to Time. Time afflicts all creatures. O
+sinless one, let not doubt cross thy mind regarding the truth of what I
+have told thee, for, if thou sufferest doubt to enter thy heart, thy
+virtue will suffer diminution! O bull of the Bharata race, thou art born
+in the celebrated family of the Kurus. Thou shouldst practise that which
+I have told thee, in thought, word and deed.'
+
+"Yudhishthira answered, 'O thou foremost of the regenerate ones, at thy
+command I will certainly act according to all the instructions thou hast
+given me, and which, O lord, are all so sweet to the ear. O foremost of
+Brahmanas, avarice and lust I have none, and neither fear nor pride nor
+vanity. I shall, therefore, O lord, follow all that thou hast told me.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having listened to the words of the intelligent
+Markandeya, the sons of Pandu, O king, along with the wielder of the bow
+called _Saranga_, and all those bulls among Brahmanas, and all others
+that were there, became filled with joy. And having heard those blessed
+words appertaining to olden time, from Markandeya gifted with wisdom,
+their hearts were filled with wonder."
+
+
+SECTION CLXLI
+
+Janamejaya said, "It behoveth thee to narrate to me in full the
+greatness of the Brahmanas even as the mighty ascetic Markandeya had
+expounded it to the sons of Pandu."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The eldest son of Pandu had asked Markandeya saying,
+'It behoveth thee to expound to me the greatness of Brahmanas.'
+Markandeya answered him saying, 'Hear, O king, about the behaviour of
+Brahmanas in days of old.'
+
+"And Markandeya continued, 'There was a king, by name Parikshit in
+Ayodhya and belonging to the race of Ikshvaku. And once upon a time
+Parikshit went a-hunting. And as he was riding alone on a horse chasing
+deer, the animal led him to a great distance (from the habitations of
+men). And fatigued by the distance he had ridden and afflicted with
+hunger and thirst he beheld in that part of the country whither he had
+been led, a dark and dense forest, and the king, beholding that forest,
+entered it and seeing a delightful tank within the forest, both the
+rider and the horse bathed in it, and refreshed by the bath and placing
+before his horse some stalks and fibres of the lotus, the king sat by
+the side of the tank. And while he was lying by the side of the tank, he
+heard certain sweet strains of music, and hearing those strains, he
+reflected, "I do not see here the foot-prints of men. Whose and whence
+then these strains?" And the king soon beheld a maiden of great beauty
+gathering flowers singing all the while, and the maiden soon came before
+the king, and the king thereupon asked her, "Blessed one, who art thou
+and whose?" And she replied, "I am a maiden." And the king said, "I ask
+thee to be mine." And the maiden answered, "Give me a pledge, for then
+only I can be thine, else not." And the king then asked about the pledge
+and the girl answered, "Thou wilt never make me cast my eyes on water",
+and the king saying, "So be it," married her, and king Parikshit having
+married her sported (with her) in great joy, and sat with her in
+silence, and while the king was staying there, his troops reached the
+spot, and those troops beholding the monarch stood surrounding him, and
+cheered by the presence of troops, the king entered a handsome vehicle
+accompanied by his (newly) wedded wife. And having arrived at his
+capital he began to live with her in privacy. And persons that were even
+near enough to the king could not obtain any interview with him and the
+minister-in-chief enquired of those females that waited upon the king,
+asking, "What do ye do here?" And those women replied, "We behold here a
+female of unrivalled beauty. And the king sporteth with her, having
+married her with a pledge that he would never show her water." And
+hearing those words, the minister-in-chief caused an artificial forest
+to be created, consisting of many trees with abundant flowers and
+fruits, and he caused to be excavated within that forest and towards one
+of its sides a large tank, placed in a secluded spot and full of water
+that was sweet as _Amrita_. The tank was well covered with a net of
+pearls. Approaching the king one day in private, he addressed the king
+saying, "This is a fine forest without water. Sport thou here joyfully!"
+And the king at those words of his minister entered that forest with
+that adorable wife of his, and the king sported with her in that
+delightful forest, and afflicted with hunger and thirst and fatigued and
+spent, the king beheld a bower of Madhavi creepers[8] and entering that
+bower with his dear one, the king beheld a tank full of water that was
+transparent and bright as nectar, and beholding that tank, the king sat
+on its bank with her and the king told his adorable wife, "Cheerfully do
+thou plunge into this water!" And she, hearing those words plunged into
+the tank. But having plunged into the water she appeared not above the
+surface, and as the king searched, he failed to discover any trace of
+her. And the king ordered the waters of the tank to be baled out, and
+thereupon he beheld a frog sitting at the mouth of a hole, and the king
+was enraged at this and promulgated an order saying, "Let frogs be
+slaughtered everywhere in my dominions! Whoever wishes to have an
+interview with me must come before me with a tribute of dead frogs." And
+accordingly when frogs began to be terribly slaughtered, the affrighted
+frogs represented all that had happened unto their king, and the king of
+the frogs assuming the garb of an ascetic came before the king
+Parikshit, and having approached the monarch, he said, "O king, give not
+thyself up to wrath! Be inclined to grace. It behoveth thee not to slay
+the innocent frogs." Here occurs a couple of _Slokas_. (They are
+these):--"O thou of unfading glory, slay not the frogs! Pacify thy
+wrath! The prosperity and ascetic merits of those that have their souls
+steeped in ignorance suffer diminution! Pledge thyself not to be angry
+with the frogs! What need hast thou to commit such sin! What purpose
+will be served by slaying the frogs!" Then king Parikshit whose soul was
+filled with woe on account of the death of her that was dear to him,
+answered the chief of the frogs who had spoken to him thus, "I will not
+forgive the frogs. On the other hand, I will slay them. By these wicked
+wretches hath my dear one been swallowed up. The frogs, therefore,
+always deserve to be killed by me. It behoveth thee not, O learned one,
+to intercede on their behalf." And hearing these words of Parikshit, the
+king of the frogs with his senses and mind much pained said, "Be
+inclined to grace, O king! I am the king of the frogs by name Ayu. She
+who was thy wife is my daughter of the name of Susobhana. This, indeed,
+is an instance of her bad conduct. Before this, many kings were deceived
+by her." The king thereupon said to him, "I desire to have her. Let her
+be granted to me by thee!" The king of the frogs thereupon bestowed his
+daughter upon Parikshit, and addressing her said, "Wait upon and serve
+the king." And having spoken these words to his daughter, he also
+addressed her in wrath saying, "Since thou hast deceived many Kings for
+this untruthful behaviour of thine, thy offspring will prove
+disrespectful to Brahmanas!" But having obtained her, the king became
+deeply enamoured of her in consequence of her companionable virtues, and
+feeling that he had, as it were, obtained the sovereignty of the three
+worlds, he bowed down to the king of the frogs and reverenced him in due
+form and then with utterance choked in joy and tears said, "I have been
+favoured indeed!" And the king of the frogs obtaining the leave of his
+daughter, returned to the place from which he had come and some time
+after the king begot three sons upon her and those sons were named Sala
+and Dala and Vala, and some time after, their father, installing the
+eldest of them of all on the throne and setting his heart on asceticism,
+retired into the forest. One day Sala while out a-hunting, beheld a deer
+and pursued it, on his car, and the prince said to his charioteer,
+"Drive thou fast." And the charioteer, thus addressed, replied unto the
+king, saying, "Do not entertain such a purpose. This deer is incapable
+of being caught by thee. If indeed _Vami_ horses had been yoked to thy
+car, then couldst thou have taken it." Thereupon the king addressed his
+charioteer, saying, "Tell me all about _Vami_ horses, otherwise I will
+slay thee." Thus addressed the charioteer became dreadfully alarmed and
+he was afraid of the king and also of Vamadeva's curse and told not the
+king anything and the king then lifting up his scimitar said to him,
+"Tell me soon, else I will slay thee." At last afraid of the king, the
+charioteer said, "The _Vami_ horses are those belonging to Vamadeva;
+they are fleet as the mind." And unto his charioteer who had said so,
+the king said, "Repair thou to the asylum of Vamadeva." And reaching the
+asylum of Vamadeva the king said unto that _Rishi_, "O holy one, a deer
+struck by me is flying away. It behoveth thee to make it capable of
+being seized by me by granting me thy pair of _Vami_ horses." The
+_Rishi_ then answered him saying, "I give thee my pair of _Vami_ horses.
+But after accomplishing thy object, my _Vami_ pair you should soon
+return." The king then taking those steeds and obtaining the leave of
+the _Rishi_ pursued the deer, having yoked the _Vami_ pair unto his car,
+and after he had left the asylum he spoke unto his charioteer saying,
+"These jewels of steeds the Brahmanas do not deserve to possess. These
+should not be returned to Vamadeva." Having said this and seized the
+deer he returned to his capital and placed those steeds within the inner
+apartments of the palace.
+
+    [8] An Indian creeper of the order of _Goertnera racemosa_. It
+    bears large white flowers of much fragrance.
+
+"'Meanwhile the _Rishi_ reflected, "The prince is young. Having obtained
+an excellent pair of animals, he is sporting with it in joy without
+returning it to me. Alas, what a pity it is!" And reflecting in this
+strain, the _Rishi_ said unto a disciple of his, after the expiration of
+a month, "Go, O Atreya, and say to the king that if he has done with the
+_Vami_ steeds, he should return them unto thy preceptor." And the
+disciple Atreya, thereupon, repairing to the king, spoke unto him as
+instructed, and the king replied saying, "This pair of steeds deserves
+to be owned by kings. The Brahmanas do not deserve to possess jewels of
+such value. What business have Brahmanas with horses? Return thou
+contentedly!" And Atreya, thus addressed by the king, returned and told
+his preceptor all that had happened, and hearing this sad intelligence,
+Vamadeva's heart was filled with wrath, and repairing in person to the
+king he asked him for his steeds, and the king refused to give the
+_Rishi_ what the latter asked, and Vamadeva said, "O lord of earth, give
+me thou my _Vami_ horses. By them hast thou accomplished a task which
+was almost incapable of being accomplished by thee. By transgressing the
+practices of Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, subject not thyself, O king, to
+death by means of the terrible noose of Varuna." And hearing this, the
+king answered, "O Vamadeva, this couple of excellent well-trained, and
+docile bulls are fit animals for Brahmanas. O great _Rishi_, (take them
+and) go with them wherever thou likest. Indeed, the very _Vedas_ carry
+persons like thee." Then Vamadeva said, "O king, the _Vedas_ do, indeed,
+carry persons like us. But that is in the world hereafter. In this
+world, however, O king, animals like these carry me and persons like me
+as also all others." At this the king answered, "Let four asses carry
+thee, or four mules of the best kind, or even four steeds endued with
+the speed of the wind. Go thou with these. This pair of _Vami_ horses,
+however, deserves to be owned by Kshatriyas. Know thou, therefore, that
+these are not thine." At this, Vamadeva said, "O king, terrible vows
+have been ordained for the Brahmanas. If I have lived in their
+observance, let four fierce and mighty Rakshasas of terrible mien and
+iron bodies, commanded by me, pursue thee with desire of slaying, and
+carry thee on their sharp lances, having cut up thy body into four
+parts." Hearing this, the king said, "Let those, O Vamadeva, that know
+thee as a Brahmana that in thought, word, and deed, is desirous of
+taking life, at my command, armed with bright lances and swords
+prostrate thee with thy disciples before me." Then Vamadeva answered, "O
+king, having obtained these my _Vami_ steeds, thou hadst said, '_I will
+return them_.' Therefore, give me back my _Vami_ steeds, so thou mayst
+be able to protect thy life." Hearing this, the king said, "Pursuit of
+deer hath not been ordained for the Brahmanas. I do punish thee,
+however, for thy untruthfulness. From this day, too, obeying all thy
+commands I will, O Brahmana, attain to regions of bliss." Vamadeva then
+said, "A Brahmana cannot be punished in thought, word or deed. That
+learned person who by ascetic austerities succeedeth in knowing a
+Brahmana to be so, faileth not to attain to prominence in this world."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'After Vamadeva had said this, there arose, O
+king, (four) _Rakshasas_ of terrible mien, and as they, with lances in
+their hands, approached the king for slaying him, the latter cried
+aloud, saying, "If, O Brahmana, all the descendants of Ikshvaku's race,
+if (my brother) Dala, if all these Vaisyas acknowledge my sway, then I
+will not yield up the _Vami_ steeds to Vamadeva, for these men can never
+be virtuous." And while he was uttering those words, those _Rakshasas_
+slew him, and the lord of earth was soon prostrated on the ground. And
+the Ikshvakus, learning that their king had been slain, installed Dala
+on the throne, and the Brahmana Vamadeva thereupon going to the kingdom
+(of the Ikshvakus), addressed the new monarch, saying, "O king, it hath
+been declared in all the sacred books that persons should give away unto
+Brahmanas. If thou fearest sin, O king, give me now the _Vami_ steeds
+without delay." And hearing these words of Vamadeva, the king in anger
+spoke unto his charioteer, saying, "Bring me an arrow from those I have
+kept, which is handsome to behold and tempered with poison, so that
+pierced by it Vamadeva may lie prostrate in pain, torn by the dogs."
+Hearing this, Vamadeva answered, "I know, O king, that thou hast a son
+of ten years of age, called Senajita, begotten upon thy queen. Urged by
+my word, slay thou that dear boy of thine without delay by means of thy
+frightful arrows!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'At these words of Vamadeva, O king, that arrow
+of fierce energy, shot by the monarch, slew the prince in the inner
+apartments, and hearing this, Dala said there and then, "Ye people of
+Ikshvaku's race, I will do ye good. I shall slay this Brahmana today,
+grinding him with force. Bring me another arrow of fierce energy. Ye
+lords of earth, behold my prowess now." And at these words of Dala,
+Vamadeva said, "This arrow of terrible mien and tempered with poison,
+that thou aimest at me, thou shall not, O ruler of men, be able to aim
+nor even to shoot." And thereupon the king said, "Ye men of Ikshvaku's
+race, behold me incapable of shooting the arrow that hath been taken up
+by me. I fail to compass the death of this Brahmana. Let Vamadeva who is
+blessed with a long life live." Then Vamadeva said, "Touching thy queen
+with this arrow, thou mayst purge thyself of the sin (of attempting to
+take the life of a Brahmana)." And king Dala did as he was directed and
+the queen then addressed the _Muni_, and said, "O Vamadeva, let me be
+able to duly instruct this wretched husband of mine from day to day,
+imparting unto him words of happy import; and let me always wait upon
+and serve the Brahmanas, and by this acquire, O Brahmana, the sacred
+regions hereafter." And hearing these words of the queen, Vamadeva said,
+"O thou of beautiful eyes, thou hast saved this royal race. Beg thou an
+incomparable boon. I will grant thee whatever thou mayst ask. And, O
+thou faultless one, rule thou, O princess, these thy kinsmen and this
+great kingdom of the Ikshvakus!" And hearing these words of Vamadeva the
+princess said, "This, O holy one, is the boon I seek, viz., that my
+husband may now be freed from his sin, and that thou mayst be employed
+in thinking of the weal of his son and kinsmen. This is the boon that I
+ask, O thou foremost of Brahmanas!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing these words of the queen, that _Muni_, O
+thou foremost of the Kuru race, said, "So be it." And thereupon king
+Dala became highly glad and gave unto the _Muni_ his _Vami_ steeds,
+having bowed down unto him with reverence!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The _Rishis_, the Brahmanas, and Yudhishthira then
+asked Markandeya, saying, 'How did the _Rishi_ Vaka become so long
+lived?'
+
+"Thus asked by them, Markandeya answered, 'The royal sage Vaka is a
+great ascetic and endowed with long life. Ye need not enquire into the
+reason of this.'
+
+"Hearing this, O Bharata, the son of Kunti, king Yudhishthira the just,
+along with his brothers, then asked Markandeya saying, 'It hath been
+heard by us that both Vaka and Daivya are of great souls and endowed
+with immortality and that those _Rishis_, held in universal reverence,
+are the friends of the chief of the gods. O Holy One, I desire to listen
+to the (history of the) meeting of Vaka and Indra that is full of both
+joy and woe. Narrate thou that history unto us succinctly.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'When that horrible conflict between the gods and the
+_Asuras_ was over, Indra became the ruler of the three worlds. The
+clouds showered rain copiously. And the dwellers of the world had
+abundance of harvests, and were excellent in disposition. And devoted to
+virtue, they always practised morality and enjoyed peace. And all
+persons, devoted to the duties of their respective orders, were
+perfectly happy and cheerful, and the slayer of Vala, beholding all the
+creatures of the world happy and cheerful, became himself filled with
+joy. And he of a hundred sacrifices, the chief of the _gods_ seated on
+the back of his elephant Airavata, surveyed his happy subjects, and he
+cast his eyes on delightful asylums of _Rishis_, on various auspicious
+rivers, towns full of prosperity, and villages and rural regions in the
+enjoyment of plenty. And he also cast his eyes upon kings devoted to the
+practice of virtue and well-skilled in ruling their subjects. And he
+also looked upon tanks and reservoirs and wells and lakes and smaller
+lakes all full of water and adored by best of Brahmanas in the
+observance, besides, of various excellent vows, and then descending on
+the delightful earth, O king, the god of a hundred sacrifices, proceeded
+towards a blessed asylum teeming with animals and birds, situated by the
+side of the sea, in the delightful and auspicious regions of the East on
+a spot overgrown with abundance of vegetation. And the chief of the gods
+beheld Vaka in that asylum, and Vaka also, beholding the ruler of the
+Immortals, became highly glad, and he worshipped Indra by presenting him
+with water to wash his feet, a carpet to sit upon, the usual offering of
+the _Arghya_, and fruit and roots. And the boon-giving slayer of Vala,
+the divine ruler of those that know not old age, being seated at his
+ease, asked Vaka the following question, "O sinless _Muni_, thou hast
+lived for a hundred years! Tell me, O Brahmana, what the sorrows are of
+those that are immortal!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Hearing this, Vaka answered, saying, "Life with
+persons that are disagreeable, separation from those that are agreeable
+and beloved, companionship with the wicked, these are the evils which
+they that are immortal have to bear. The death of sons and wives, of
+kinsmen and friends, and the pain of dependence on others, are some of
+the greatest of evils. (These may all be noticed in a deathless life).
+There is no more pitiable sight in the world, as I conceive, than that
+of men destitute of wealth being insulted by others. The acquisition of
+family dignity by those that have it not, the loss of family dignity by
+those that have it, unions and disunions,--these all are noticeable by
+those that lead deathless lives. How they that have no family dignity
+but have prosperity, win what they have not--all this, O god of a
+hundred sacrifices, is before thy very eyes! What can be more pitiable
+than the calamities and reverses sustained by the gods, the _Asuras_,
+the _Gandharvas_, men, the snakes, and the _Rakshasas_! They that have
+been of good families suffer afflictions in consequence of their
+subjection to persons that are ill-born and the poor are insulted by the
+rich. What can be more pitiable than these? Innumerable examples of such
+contradictory dispensations are seen in the world. The foolish and the
+ignorant are cheerful and happy while the learned and the wise suffer
+misery! Plentiful instances of misery and woe are seen among men in this
+world! (They that lead deathless lives are destined to behold all these
+and suffer on that account.)"
+
+"'Indra then said, "O thou of great good fortune, tell me again, what
+the joys are of those persons that lead deathless lives,--joys that are
+adored by gods and _Rishis_!"
+
+"'Vaka answered, "If without having to associate with a wicked friend, a
+man cooks scanty vegetables in his own house at the eight or the twelfth
+part of the day, there can be nothing happier than that.[9] He in whose
+case the day is not counted is not called voracious. And, O Maghavan,
+happiness is even his own whose scanty vegetables are cooked. Earned by
+his own efforts, without having to depend upon any one, he that eateth
+even fruits and vegetables in his own house is entitled to respect. He
+that eateth in another's house the food given to him in contempt, even
+if that food be rich and sweet, doth what is despicable. This,
+therefore, is the opinion of the wise that fie on the food of that mean
+wretch who like a dog or a _Rakshasa_ eateth at another's house. If
+after treating guests and servants and offering food to the manes a good
+Brahmana eateth what remains, there can be nothing happier than that.
+There is nothing sweeter or more sacred, O thou of a hundred sacrifices,
+than that food which such a person takes after serving the guest with
+the first portion thereof. Each mouthful (of rice) that the Brahmana
+eats after having served the guest, produces merit equal to what
+attaches to the gift of a thousand kine. And whatever sins such a one
+may have committed in his youth are all washed away of a certainty. The
+water in the hands of the Brahmana that hath been fed and honoured with
+a pecuniary gift (after the feeding is over) when touched with water
+(sprinkled by him that feeds), instantly purges off all the sins of the
+latter!"
+
+    [9] They, therefore, that lead deathless lives can enjoy this
+    bliss from day to day for ever.
+
+"'Speaking of these and various other things with Vaka, the chief of the
+gods went away to heaven.'"[10]
+
+    [10] It is difficult to understand how all that Vaka says can be
+    an answer to Indra's question. The chief of the gods enquires:
+    What are the joys of those that lead deathless lives? Vaka
+    breaks away unto a confused rigmarole about the merits of
+    independence and the religious merit of entertaining guests and
+    servants. All the printed editions have the passage as rendered
+    here.
+
+
+SECTION CLXLIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then the sons of Pandu again addressed Markandeya
+saying, 'Thou hast told us of greatness of Brahmanas. We desire now to
+hear of the greatness of the royal Kshatriyas!" Thus addressed by them,
+the great _Rishi_ Markandeya spoke, 'Listen now to the greatness of the
+royal Kshatriyas. A certain king of the name of Suhotra belonging to the
+Kuru race went on a visit to the great _Rishis_. And as he was returning
+from that visit, he beheld king Sivi the son of Usinara, seated on his
+car, and as each came before the other, each saluted the other as best
+befitted his age and each regarding himself as the equal of the other in
+respect of qualities, refused to give the way to the other. And at this
+juncture Narada appeared there, and beholding what had happened, the
+celestial _Rishi_ asked, "Why is it that ye both stand here blocking
+each other's way?" And thus questioned both of them spoke to Narada
+saying, "O holy one, do not speak so. The sages of old have declared
+that the way should be given to one who is superior or to him that is
+abler. We, however, that stand blocking each other's way are equal to
+each other in every respect. Judged properly there is no superiority
+amongst us." Thus addressed by them, Narada recited three _slokas_.
+(They are these), "O thou of the Kuru race, he that is wicked behaveth
+wickedly even unto him that is humble; he also that is humble behaveth
+with humility and honestly unto him that is wicked! He that is honest
+behaveth honestly even towards the dishonest. Why should he not behave
+honestly towards him that is honest? He that is honest regardeth the
+service that is done to him, as if it were a hundred times greater than
+it is. Is this not current amongst the gods themselves? Certainly it is
+the royal son of Usinara who is possessed of goodness that is greater
+than thine. One should conquer the mean by charity; the untruthful by
+truth, the man of wicked deeds by forgiveness; and the dishonest by
+honesty. Both of you are large-hearted. Let one amongst you stand aside,
+according to the indication of the above _slokas_." And having said so
+Narada became silent, and hearing what Narada had said the king of the
+Kuru race walking round _Sivi_, and praising his numerous achievements,
+gave him the way and went on in his course. It was even thus that Narada
+had described the high blessedness of the royal Kshatriyas.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Listen now to another story. One day as king
+Yayati, the son of Nahusha, was sitting on his throne, surrounded by the
+citizens, there came unto him a Brahmana desirous of soliciting wealth
+for his preceptor, and approaching the king, the Brahmana said, "O king,
+I beg of thee wealth for my preceptor according to my covenant." And the
+king said, "O Holy One, tell me what thy covenant is." And thereupon the
+Brahmana said, "O king, in this world when men are asked for alms, they
+entertain contempt for him that asketh it. I therefore, ask thee, O
+king, with what feelings thou wilt give me what I ask and upon which I
+have set my heart." And the king replied saying, "Having given away a
+thing, I never boast of it. I never also listen to solicitations for
+things that cannot be given. I listen, however, to prayers for things
+that can be given and giving them away I always become happy. I will
+give thee a thousand kine. The Brahmana that asks me for a gift is
+always dear to me. I am never angry with the person that begs of me and
+I am never sorry for having given away a thing!" And the Brahmana then
+obtained from the king a thousand kine and went away.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The son of Pandu again addressed the _Rishi_ and
+said, 'Speak thou unto us of the high fortune of royal Kshatriyas!' And
+Markandeya said, 'There were two kings of the name of Vrishadarbha and
+Seduka and both of them were conversant with morals and with weapons of
+attack and defence. And Seduka knew that Vrishadarbha had from his
+boyhood an unuttered vow that he would give no other metal unto
+Brahmanas save gold and silver. And once on a time a Brahmana having
+completed his study of the _Vedas_ came unto Seduka and uttering a
+benediction upon him begged of him wealth for his preceptor, saying,
+"Give me a thousand steeds." And thus addressed, Seduka said unto him,
+"It is not possible for me to give thee this for thy preceptor.
+Therefore, go thou unto king Vrishadarbha, for, O Brahmana, he is a
+highly virtuous king. Go and beg of him. He will grant thy request. Even
+this is his unuttered vow." Hearing these words that Brahmana went to
+Vrishadarbha and begged of him a thousand steeds, and the king thus
+solicited, struck the Brahmana with a whip and thereupon the Brahmana
+said, "Innocent as I am, why dost thou attack me thus?" And the Brahmana
+was on the point of cursing the king, when the latter said, "O Brahmana,
+dost thou curse him that doth not give thee what thou askest? Or, is
+this behaviour proper for a Brahmana?" And the Brahmana said, "O king of
+kings, sent unto thee by Seduka, I come before thee for this." The king
+said, "I will give thee now whatever tribute may come to me before the
+morning expire. How indeed, can I send away the man empty-handed who
+hath been whipped by me." And having said this the king gave unto that
+Brahmana the entire proceeds of that day and that was more than the
+value of a thousand horses.'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'One day it was resolved by the gods that they should
+descend on the earth and try the goodness and virtue of king Sivi, the
+son of Usinara. And addressing each other,--"_Well_"--Agni and Indra
+came to the earth. And Agni took the form of a pigeon flying away from
+Indra who pursued him in the form of a hawk, and that pigeon fell upon
+the lap of king Sivi who was seated on an excellent seat. And the priest
+thereupon addressing the king said, "Afraid of the hawk and desirous of
+saving its life, this pigeon hath come to thee for safety. The learned
+have said that the falling of a pigeon upon one's body forebodeth a
+great danger. Let the king that understands omens give away wealth for
+saving himself from the danger indicated." And the pigeon also addressed
+the king and said, "Afraid of the hawk and desirous of saving my life I
+have come to thee for protection. I am a _Muni_. Having assumed the form
+of a pigeon, I come to thee as a seeker of thy protection. Indeed, I
+seek thee as my life. Know me as one possessed of Vedic lore, as one
+leading the _Brahmacharya_ mode of life, as one possessed also of
+self-control and ascetic virtues. And know me further as one that has
+never spoken disagreeably unto his preceptor, as one possessed of every
+virtue indeed, as one that is sinless. I repeat the Vedas, I know their
+prosody; indeed, I have studied all the Vedas letter by letter. I am not
+a pigeon. Oh, do not yield me up to the hawk. The giving up of a learned
+and pure Brahmana can never be a good gift." And after the pigeon said
+so, the hawk addressed the king, and said, "Creatures do not come into
+the world in the same particular order. In the order of creation, thou
+mayst, in a former birth, have been begotten by this pigeon. It is not
+proper for thee, O king, to interfere with my food by protecting this
+pigeon (even though he might have been thy father)." And thus addressed,
+the king said, "Hath any one, before this, seen birds thus speak the
+pure speech of man? Knowing what this pigeon sayeth, and this hawk also,
+how can we act to-day according to virtue? He that giveth up an
+affrighted creature seeking protection, unto its foe, doth not obtain
+protection when he is in need of it himself. Indeed, the very clouds do
+not shower rain seasonably for him, and the seeds though scattered do
+not grow for him. He that giveth up an afflicted creature seeking
+protection unto its foe, hath to see his offspring die in childhood. The
+ancestor of such a person can never dwell in heaven; indeed, the very
+gods decline to accept the libations of clarified butter poured by him
+into the fire. He that giveth up an affrighted creature seeking
+protection, unto its foe, is struck with the thunder-bolt by the gods
+with Indra at their head. The food that he eateth is unsanctified, and
+he, of a narrow soul, falleth from heaven very soon. O hawk, let the
+people of the Sivi tribe place before thee a bull cooked with rice
+instead of this pigeon. And let them also carry to the place where thou
+livest in joy, meat in abundance." And hearing this, the hawk said, "O
+king, I do not ask for a bull, nor, indeed, any other meat, nor meat
+more in quantity than that of this pigeon. It hath been given to me by
+the gods. The creature, therefore, is my food today in consequence of
+its death that hath been ordained. Therefore, O monarch, give it up to
+me." Thus addressed by the hawk, the king said, "Let my men see and
+carefully carry the bull to thee with every limb entire. Let that bull
+be the ransom of this creature afflicted with fright and let it be
+carried to thee before my eyes. Oh, slay not this pigeon! I will yield
+up my very life, yet I would not give up this pigeon. Dost thou not
+know, O hawk, that this creature looketh like a sacrifice with the
+_Soma_ juice? O blessed one, cease to take so much trouble for it. I
+cannot, by any means, yield up the pigeon to thee. Or, O hawk, if it
+pleases thee, command me to do some such thing which I may do for thee,
+which may be agreeable to thee, and upon doing which the men of the Sivi
+tribe may yet in joy bless me in terms of applause. I promise thee that
+I will do what thou mayst did me do." And at this appeal of the king,
+the hawk said, "O king, if thou givest me as much flesh as would be
+equal to the weight of the pigeon, cutting it off thy right thigh; then
+can the pigeon be properly saved by thee; then wouldst thou do what
+would be agreeable to me and what the men of the Sivi tribe would speak
+of in terms of praise." And the king agreed to this and he cut off a
+piece of flesh from his right thigh and weighed it against the pigeon.
+But the pigeon weighed heavier. And thereupon the king cut off another
+piece of his flesh, but the pigeon still weighed heavier, and then the
+king cut off pieces of flesh from all parts of his body and placed them
+on the scale. But the pigeon still weighed heavier, and then the king
+himself ascended the scale and he felt no grief at this and beholding
+this, the hawk disappeared there saying--(The pigeon hath been)
+_Saved_,--And the king asked the pigeon saying, "O pigeon, let the Sivis
+know who the hawk is. None but the lord of the universe could do as he
+did. O Holy One, answer thou this question of mine!" And the pigeon then
+said, "I am the smoke-bannered Agni called also Vaiswanara. The hawk is
+none other than Sachi's lord armed with the thunder-bolt. O son of
+Suratha, thou art a bull among men. We came to try thee. These pieces of
+flesh, O king, that thou hast cut off with thy sword from thy body for
+saving me have caused gashes in thy body. I will make these marks
+auspicious and handsome and they will be of the colour of gold and emit
+a sweet perfume, and earning great fame and respected by the gods and
+the _Rishis_ thou shall long rule these subjects of thine, and a son
+will spring from thy flank who shall be called _Kapataroman_. O king,
+thou shalt obtain this son of the name of _Kapataroman_ from out of thy
+own body and thou wilt behold him become the foremost of the
+_Saurathas_, blazing with renown, possessed of bravery and great
+personal beauty!"'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And the son of Pandu once more addressed Markandeya,
+saying, 'Tell us again of the great good fortune of kings.' And
+Markandeya said, 'There came unto the horse-sacrifice of king Ashtaka of
+Viswamitra's race, many kings. And there came unto that sacrifice the
+three brothers also of that king, viz., Pratardana, Vasumanas, and Sivi,
+the son of Usinara. And after the sacrifice was completed, Ashtaka was
+proceeding on his car along with his brothers when they all beheld
+Narada coming that way and they saluted the celestial _Rishi_ and said
+unto him, "Ride thou on this car with us." And Narada, saying, _So be
+it_, mounted on the car, and one among those kings having gratified the
+holy and celestial _Rishi_ Narada, said, "O Holy One, I desire, to ask
+thee something." And the _Rishi_ said, "Ask." And the person, thus
+permitted, said, "All four of us are blessed with long lives and have
+indeed every virtue. We shall, therefore, be permitted to go to a
+certain heaven and dwell there for a long period. Who amongst us,
+however, O king, shall fall down first?" Thus questioned the _Rishi_
+said, "This Ashtaka shall first come down." And thereupon the enquirer
+asked, "For what cause?" And the _Rishi_ answered, "I lived for a few
+days in the abode of Ashtaka. He carried me (one day) on his car out of
+the town and there I beheld thousands of kine distinguished from one
+another by difference of hue. And beholding those kine I asked Ashtaka
+whose they were and Ashtaka answered me, saying, '_I have given away
+these kine.' By this answer_ he gave expression to his own praise. It is
+for this answer of his that Ashtaka shall have to come down." And after
+Narada had said so, one of them again enquired, saying, "Three of us
+then will stay in heaven. Amongst us three, who shall fall down first?"
+And the _Rishi_ answered, "Pratardana." And the enquirer asked, "For
+what cause?" And the _Rishi_ answered, "I lived for some days in the
+abode of Pratardana also. And he carried me on his car one day. And
+while doing so, a Brahmana asked him saying, '_Give me a horse_!' And
+Pratardana replied, '_After returning, I will give thee one_!' And
+thereupon the Brahmana said, '_Let it be given to me soon_.' And as the
+Brahmana spoke those words, the king gave unto him the steed that had
+been yoked on the right-hand wheel of the car. And there came unto him
+another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a steed. And the king having
+spoken to him in the same way, gave him the steed that had been yoked on
+the left wheel of his car. And having given away the horse unto him, the
+king proceeded on his journey. And then there came unto the king another
+Brahmana desirous of obtaining a horse. And the king soon gave him the
+horse on the left front of his car, unyoking the animal. And having done
+so, the king proceeded on his journey. And then there came unto the king
+another Brahmana desirous of obtaining a horse. And the king said unto
+him, '_Returning, I will give thee a horse_.' But the Brahmana said,
+'_Let the steed be given to me soon_.' And the king gave him the only
+horse he had. And seizing the yoke of the car himself, the king began to
+draw it. And as he did so, he said, '_There is now nothing for the
+Brahmanas_.' The king had given away, it is true, but he had done so
+with detraction. And for that speech of his, he shall have to fall down
+from heaven." And after the _Rishi_ had said so, of the two that
+remained, one asked, "Who amongst us two shall fall down?" And the
+_Rishi_ answered, "Vasumanas." And the enquirer asked, "For what
+reason?" And Narada said, "In course of my wanderings I arrived at the
+abode of Vasumanas. And at that time the Brahmanas were performing the
+ceremony of _Swastivachana_ for the sake of a flowery car.[11] And I
+approached the king's presence. And after the Brahmanas had completed
+the ceremony, the flowery car became visible to them. And I praised that
+car, and thereupon the king told me, '_Holy one, by thee hath this car
+been praised. Let this car, therefore, be thine_.' And after this I went
+to Vasumanas another time when I was in need of a (flowery) car. And I
+admired the car, and the king said, '_It is thine_.' And I went to the
+king a third time and admired the car again. And even then the king
+exhibiting the flowery car to the Brahmanas, cast his eyes on me, and
+said, '_O holy one, thou hast praised the flowery car sufficiently_."
+And the king only said these words, without making me a gift of that
+car. And for this he will fall down from heaven."
+
+    [11] The ceremony of _Swastivachana_ is described to be "a
+    religious rite, preparatory to any important observance, in
+    which the Brahmanas strew boiled rice on the ground, and invoke
+    the blessings of the gods on the ceremony about to commence"
+    (_Vide_ Wilson's Diet).
+
+    A flowery car was, probably, one of celestial make that the
+    kings procured from heaven by performing costly rites and
+    ceremonies. These were sometimes exhibited to the people, and
+    prior to these exhibitions, the ceremony of _Swastivachana_ was
+    performed.
+
+"'And one among them said, "Of the one who is to go with thee, who will
+go and who will fall down?" And Narada answered, saying, "Sivi will go,
+but I will fall down." "For what reason?" asked the enquirer. And Narada
+said, "I am not the equal of Sivi. For one day a Brahmana came unto Sivi
+and addressing him, said, 'O Sivi, I came to thee for food.' And Sivi
+replied unto him, saying. 'What shall I do? Let me have thy orders.' And
+the Brahmana answered, 'This thy son known by the name of Vrihadgarbha
+should be killed. And, O king, cook him for my food.' And hearing this,
+I waited to see what would follow. And Sivi then killed his son and
+cooking him duly and placing that food in a vessel and taking it upon
+his head, he went out in search of the Brahmana and while Sivi was thus
+seeking, for the Brahmana, some one told him, 'The Brahmana thou
+seekest, having entered thy city, is setting fire to thy abode and he is
+also setting fire, in wrath, to thy treasury, thy arsenal, the
+apartments of the females and thy stables for horses and elephants.' And
+Sivi heard all this, without change of colour, and entering his city
+spoke unto the Brahmana, 'O holy one, the food has been cooked.' And the
+Brahmana hearing this spoke not a word and from surprise he stood with
+downcast looks. And Sivi with a view to gratifying the Brahmana said, 'O
+holy one, eat thou this.' And the Brahmana looking at Sivi for a moment
+said, 'Eat it thyself.' And thereupon Sivi said, 'Let it be so.' And
+Sivi cheerfully taking the vessel from his head desired to eat it and
+thereupon the Brahmana caught hold of Sivi's hand and addressing him
+said, 'Thou hast conquered wrath. There is nothing that thou canst not
+give unto the Brahmanas.' And saying this, that Brahmana adored Sivi,
+and then as Sivi cast his eyes before him, he beheld his son standing
+like a child of the _gods_, decked in ornaments and yielding a fragrance
+from his body and the Brahmana, having accomplished all this, made
+himself visible and it was _Vidhatri_ himself who had thus come in that
+guise to try that royal sage, and after _Vidhatri_ had disappeared, the
+counsellors addressed the king, saying, 'Thou knowest everything. For
+what didst thou do all this?' And Sivi answered, 'It was not for fame,
+nor for wealth, nor from desire of acquiring objects of enjoyment that I
+did all this. This course is not sinful. It is for this that I do all
+this. The path which is trodden by the virtuous is laudable. My heart
+always inclineth towards such a course. This high instance of Sivi's
+blessedness I know, and I have, therefore, narrated it duly!'"'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The sons of Pandu and those _Rishis_ then asked
+Markandeya, 'Is there anybody that is blessed with longer life than
+thou?' And Markandeya answered them, saying, 'There is without doubt, a
+royal sage of the name of Indradyumna and his virtue having diminished,
+he fell from heaven, crying, "My achievements are lost!" And he came
+unto me and asked, "Dost thou know me?" And I answered him, saying,
+"From our anxiety to acquire religious merit we do not confine ourselves
+to any home. We live but for a night in the same village or town. A
+person like us, therefore, cannot possibly know thy pursuits. The fasts
+and vows we observe render us weak in body and unable to follow any
+worldly pursuits on our own behalf. Hence, one like us cannot possibly
+know thee." He then asked me, "Is there any one who is longer lived than
+thou?" I answered him, saying, "There liveth on the Himavat an owl of
+the name of Pravarakarna. He is older than I. He may know thee. The part
+of the Himavat where he dwelleth is far off from here." And at this
+Indradyumna became a horse and carried me to where that owl lived and
+the king asked the owl, saying, "Dost thou know me?" And the owl seemed
+to reflect for a moment and then said unto the king, "I do not know
+thee." And the royal sage Indradyumna thereupon asked the owl, "Is there
+any one who is older than thou?" And thus asked the owl answered,
+saying, "There is a lake of the name of Indradyumna. In that lake
+dwelleth a crane of the name of Nadijangha. He is older than we. Ask
+thou him." And at this king Indradyumna taking both myself and the owl
+went to that lake where the crane Nadijangha dwelt. And that crane was
+asked by us, "Dost thou know the king Indradyumna?" And the crane
+thereupon seemed to reflect a little and then said, "I do not know king
+Indradyumna." And the crane was asked by us, "Is there any one who is
+older than thou?" And he answered us, saying, "There dwelleth in this
+very lake a tortoise of the name of Akupara. He is older than I. He may
+know something of this king. Therefore, enquire ye of Akupara." And then
+that crane gave information to the tortoise, saying, "It is intended by
+us to ask thee something. Please come to us." And hearing this the
+tortoise came out of the lake to that part of the bank where we all were
+and as he came there we asked him, saying, "Dost thou know this king
+Indradyumna?" And the tortoise reflected for a moment. And his eyes were
+filled with tears and his heart was much moved and he trembled all over
+and was nearly deprived of his senses. And he said with joined hands,
+"Alas, do I not know this one? He had planted the sacrificial stake a
+thousand times at the time of kindling the sacrificial fire. This lake
+was excavated by the feet of the cows given away by this king unto the
+Brahmanas on the completion of the sacrifice. I have lived here ever
+since." And after the tortoise had said all this, there came from the
+celestial regions a car. And an aerial voice was heard which said,
+addressing Indradyumna, "Come thou and obtain the place thou deservest
+in heaven! Thy achievements are great! Come thou cheerfully to thy
+place! Here also are certain _slokas_: The report of virtuous deeds
+spreadeth over the earth and ascendeth to heaven. As long as that report
+lasts, so long is the doer said to be in heaven. The man whose evil
+deeds are bruited about, is said to fall down and live, as long as that
+evil report lasts in the lower regions. Therefore should man be virtuous
+in his acts if he is to gain Heaven. And he should seek refuge in
+virtue, abandoning a sinful heart."
+
+"'And hearing these words, the king said, "Let the car stay here as
+long as I do not take these old persons to the places whence I brought
+them.' And having brought me and the owl Pravarakarna to our respective
+places, he went away, riding on that car, to the place that was fit for
+him. Being longlived, I witness all this."'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that Markandeya narrated all this
+unto the son of Pandu. And after Markandeya finished, the sons of Pandu
+said, 'Blessed be thou! Thou hadst acted properly in causing king
+Indradyumna who had fallen from Heaven to regain his sphere!' And
+Markandeya answered them, saying, 'Devaki's son, Krishna, also had thus
+raised the royal sage Nriga who had sunk in hell and caused him to
+regain Heaven!'"
+
+
+SECTION CLXLIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "King Yudhishthira, hearing from the illustrious
+Markandeya the story of the royal sage Indradyumna's regaining of
+Heaven, again asked the _Muni_, saying, 'O great _Muni_, tell me in what
+condition should a man practise charity in order to gain admission into
+the regions of Indra? Is it by practising charity while leading a
+domestic mode of life, or in boyhood, or in youth, or in old age? O,
+tell me about the respective merits reaped from the practice of charity
+in these different stages of life.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Life that is futile is of four kinds. Charity also
+that is futile is of sixteen kinds. His life is vain who hath no son;
+and his also who is out of pale of virtue: and his too who liveth on the
+food of other; and, lastly, his who cooketh for himself without giving
+therefrom unto the _Pitris_, the gods, and the guests, and who eateth of
+it before these all. The gift to one that has fallen away from the
+practice of virtuous vows, as also the gift of wealth that has been
+earned wrongly, are both in vain. The gift to a fallen Brahmana, that to
+a thief, that also to a preceptor that is false, is in vain. The gift to
+an untruthful man, to a person that is sinful, to one that is
+ungrateful, to one that officiates at sacrifices performed by all
+classes of people residing in a village, to one that sells the
+_Vedas_,[12] to a Brahmana that cooks for Sudra, to one that too by
+birth is a Brahmana but who is destitute of the occupations of his
+order, is in vain. The gift to one that has married a girl after the
+accession of puberty, to females, to one that sports with snakes, and to
+one that is employed in menial offices, is also in vain. These sixteen
+kinds of gifts are productive of no merits. That man who with mind
+clouded with darkness giveth away from fear or anger, enjoyeth the merit
+of such gift while he is in the womb of his mother. The man who (under
+other circumstances) maketh gifts unto the Brahmanas, enjoyeth the fruit
+thereof while he is in old age. Therefore, O king, the man who wishes to
+win the way of heaven, should under all conditions, make gifts unto
+Brahmanas of everything that he wishes to give away.'
+
+    [12] A man is said to sell the Vedas who lectures on the Vedas
+    taking fees from the hearers.
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'By what means do Brahmanas, who accept gifts from
+all the four orders, save others as well as themselves?"
+
+"Markandeya said, 'By _Japa_,[13] and _Mantras_,[14] and _Homa_[15] and
+the study of the _Vedas_, the Brahmanas construct a _Vedic_ boat[16]
+wherewith they save both others and themselves. The gods themselves are
+pleased with that man who gratifieth the Brahmanas. Indeed, a man may
+attain heaven at the command of a Brahmana. Thou wilt, O king, without
+doubt ascend to regions of everlasting bliss, in consequence of thy
+worship of the _Pitris_ and the gods, and thy reverence for the
+Brahmanas, even though thy body is filled with phlegmatic humours and
+withal so dull and inert! He that desires virtue and heaven should adore
+the Brahmanas. One should feed Brahmanas with care on occasions of
+_Sraddhas_, although those among them that are cursed or fallen should
+be excluded. They also should be carefully excluded that are either
+excessively fair or excessively black, that have diseased nails, that
+are lepers, that are deceitful, that are born in bastardy of widows or
+of women having husbands alive; and they also that support themselves by
+the profession of arms. That _Sraddha_ which is censurable, consumeth
+the performer thereof like fire consuming fuel. If they that are to be
+employed in _Sraddhas_ happen to be dumb, blind, or deaf, care should be
+taken to employ them along with Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas. O
+Yudhishthira, listen now unto whom thou shouldst give. He that knoweth
+all the _Vedas_ should give only to that able Brahmana who is competent
+to rescue both the giver and himself, for he, indeed, is to be regarded
+as able who can rescue both the giver and himself. O son of Pritha, the
+sacred fires do not receive such gratification from libations of
+clarified butter, from offerings of flowers and sandal and other
+perfumed pastes as from the entertainment of guests. Therefore, do thou
+strive to entertain guests, O son of Pandu! O king, they that give unto
+guests water to wash their feet, butter to rub over their (tired) legs,
+light during the hours of darkness, food, and shelter, have not to go
+before Yama. The removal (after worship) of the flowery offerings unto
+the gods, the removal of the remnants of a Brahmana's feast, waiting
+(upon a Brahmana) with perfumed pastes, and the massaging of a
+Brahmana's limbs, are, each of them, O foremost of kings, productive of
+greater merit than the gift of kine. A person, without doubt, rescueth
+himself by the gift of a _Kapila_ cow. Therefore, should one give away a
+_Kapila_ cow decked with ornaments unto Brahmanas. O thou of the Bharata
+race, one should give unto a person of good lineage and conversant with
+the Vedas; unto a person that is poor; unto one leading a domestic mode
+of life but burdened with wife and children; unto one that daily adoreth
+the sacred fire; and unto one that hath done thee no service. Thou
+shouldst always give unto such persons but not to them that are in
+affluence. What merit is there, O thou foremost of the Bharata race, by
+giving unto one that is affluent? One cow must be given unto one
+Brahmana. A single cow must not be given unto many. For if the cow so
+given away (unto many) be sold, the giver's family is lost for three
+generations. Such a gift would not assuredly rescue the giver nor the
+Brahmana that takes it. He who giveth eighty _Ratis_ of pure gold,
+earneth the merit of giving away a hundred pieces of gold for ever. He
+that giveth away a strong bull capable also of drawing the plough, is
+certainly rescued from all difficulties and finally goeth to heaven. He
+that giveth away land unto a learned Brahmana, hath all his desires
+fulfilled. The tired traveller, with weakened limbs and feet besmeared
+with dust, asks for the name of him that may give him food. There are
+men who answer him by telling him the name. That wise man who informs
+these toil-worn ones of the name of the person who may give them food,
+is, without doubt, regarded as equal in merit unto the giver himself of
+food. Therefore, abstaining from other kinds of gift, give thou food.
+There is no merit (arising out of gifts) that is so great as that of
+giving food. The man that according to the measure of his might gives
+well-cooked and pure food unto the Brahmanas, acquires, by that act of
+his, the companionship of Prajapati (_Brahma_). There is nothing
+superior to food. Therefore, food is regarded as the first and foremost
+of all things (to be given away). It hath been said that food itself is
+_Prajapati_. And _Prajapati_ is regarded as the Year. And the Year is
+sacrifice. And everything is established in sacrifice, for it is from
+sacrifice that all creatures, mobile and immobile, take their origin.
+For this reason, it hath been heard by us, food is the foremost of all
+things. They that give away lakes and large pieces of water, and tanks
+and wells, and shelter and food and they that have sweet words for all,
+have not to hear the admonitions of Yama. With him who gives rice, and
+wealth earned by his labour, unto Brahmana of good behaviour, the earth
+is satisfied. And she poureth upon him showers of wealth. The giver of
+food walketh first, after him the speaker of truth and he that giveth
+unto persons that do not solicit. But the three go to the same place.'"
+
+    [13] _Japa_ is the silent recitation of particular _Mantras_.
+
+    [14] _Mantras_ are particular formulae of worship. They are for
+    the most part rhythmic compositions, believed to be of great
+    efficacy.
+
+    [15] The _Homa_ is that sacrificial rite which consists of
+    pouring libations of clarified butter into fire.
+
+    [16] _Vedamayi nou_. Lit, a boat made of the Vedas.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing all this, Yudhishthira, along with his
+younger brothers, impelled by curiosity, again addressed the high-souled
+Markandeya, saying, 'O great _Muni_, what is the distance of Yama's
+region from that of men? What is its measurement? How also do men pass
+it over? And by what means? O, tell me all this!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O king, O them foremost of virtuous men, this
+question of thine appertains to a great mystery. It is sacred and much
+applauded by the _Rishis_. Appertaining as it also does to virtue, I
+will speak of it to thee. The distance of Yama's region from the abode
+of men is, O king, eighty-six thousand _Yojanas_! The way is over space,
+without water, and very terrible to behold. Nowhere on that road is the
+shade of a tree, nowhere any water, and nowhere any resting place in
+which the traveller, when fatigued, may rest for some moments. And men
+and women and all on earth that have life, are forcibly led along this
+way by the messengers of Yama. Those creatures that obey the mandates of
+the grim king, and they, O king, that have given horses and other good
+conveyances unto Brahmanas, proceed along this way on those animals and
+vehicles. And they that have given umbrellas proceed along this way with
+umbrellas warding off the sun's rays. And they that have given food,
+proceed without hunger, while they that have not given food proceed
+afflicted with hunger. And they that have given robes, proceed along
+this way attired in robes while they that have given none, proceed
+naked. And they that have given gold, proceed in happiness, themselves
+decked in ornaments. And they that have given land, proceed with every
+desire completely gratified. And they that have given grain, proceed
+without being afflicted with any want. And they that have given houses,
+proceed happily on cars. And those men that have given something to
+drink, proceed with cheerful hearts unafflicted with thirst. And they
+that have given lights, proceed happily lighting the way before them.
+And they that have given kine, proceed along the way happily, freed from
+all their sins. And they that have fasted for a month, proceed on cars
+drawn by swans. And they who have fasted for six nights, proceed on cars
+drawn by peacocks. And, O son of Pandu, he that fasteth three nights
+upon only one meal without a second during this period goeth into a
+region free from disease and anxiety. And water hath this excellent
+property that it produceth happiness in the region of Yama. And they
+that give water find for themselves a river there of the name of
+Pushpodaka. And the givers of water on the earth drink cool and
+ambrosial draughts from that stream. And they that are of evil deeds
+have pus ordained for them. Thus, O great king, that river serveth all
+purposes. Therefore, O king, adore thou duly these Brahmanas (that are
+with thee). Weak in limbs owing to the way he has walked, and besmeared
+with the dust of the high-road, the traveller enquireth for the name of
+him who giveth food, and cometh in hope to his house. Adore thou him
+with reverent attention, for he indeed is a guest, and he is a Brahmana.
+The gods with Indra at their head follow him as he proceedeth. And if he
+is adored, the gods with Indra become gratified, and if he is not
+adored, the celestials with their chief become cheerless. Therefore, O
+thou foremost of kings, worship thou these Brahmanas duly. I have thus
+spoken to thee upon a hundred subjects. What dost thou desire to hear
+from me again?'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O master, conversant thou art with virtue and
+morality, and so I desire to repeatedly listen to thee as thou speakest
+on sacred subjects appertaining to virtue and morals.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O king, I will now speak on another sacred subject
+appertaining to eternal interests and capable of washing off all sins.
+Listen thou with rapt attention. O thou foremost of the Bharatas, the
+merit equal to that of giving away a _Kapila_ cow in (the _tirtha_
+called) _Jyeshtha-Pushkara_ arises from washing the feet of Brahmanas.
+As long as the earth remains wet with water which a Brahmana hath
+touched with his feet, so long do _Pitris_ drink water of cups made of
+lotus-leaves. If the guest is welcomed (with enquiries about his
+welfare), the deities of fire become glad; and if he is offered a seat,
+it is the god of a hundred sacrifices, who is gratified. If his feet are
+washed, it is the _Pitris_ who are delighted; and if he is fed it is
+_Prajapati_ that is pleased. One should with collected soul, give a cow
+when (during her throes) the feet and head of her calf are visible,
+before her delivery is complete. A cow with her calf in the air in
+course of falling from the uterus to the earth, is to be regarded as
+equal to the earth herself. He, therefore, that giveth away such a cow,
+reapeth the merit of giving away the earth. And he that giveth away such
+a cow, is adored in heaven for as many thousands of _Yugas_ as there are
+bristles on the bodies of the animal and her young one together. And, O
+Bharata, he that having accepted a thing in gift giveth it away
+immediately unto a person that is virtuous and honest, reapeth very
+great merit. Without doubt, he reapeth the fruit of giving away the
+whole earth to her utmost limits and with her oceans and seas and caves,
+her mountains and forests and woods. That Brahmana who eateth in silence
+from a plate, keeping his hands between his knees, succeedeth in
+rescuing others. And those Brahmanas that abstain from drink and who are
+never spoken of by others as having any faults and who daily read the
+_Samhitas_, are capable of rescuing others. Libations of butter and
+edible offerings should all be presented to a Brahmana who is learned in
+the _Vedas_. And as libations of clarified butter poured into fire never
+go in vain, so gift to virtuous Brahmanas learned in the _Vedas_ can
+never go in vain. The Brahmanas have anger for their weapon; they never
+fight with arms of iron and steel. Indeed the Brahmanas slay with anger
+like Indra slaying the Asuras with his thunder-bolt. Thus prelection
+appertaining to virtue and morality is now over. Hearing this, the
+_Munis_ of the forest of _Naimisha_ were filled with delight. And those
+ascetics were also freed from grief and anger by listening to it. And
+they were also purged of all their sins in consequence of this. And, O
+king, those human beings that listen to it become freed from the
+obligation of rebirth.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O thou of great wisdom, what purification is there
+by which a Brahmana may always keep himself pure? I desire to hear of it
+from thee, O thou foremost of all virtuous men!'
+
+"Markandeya answered, 'There are three kinds of purity, viz., purity in
+speech, purity in deed, and purity achieved by use of water. He that has
+recourse to these three different kinds of purity, attains, without
+doubt, to heaven. That Brahmana who adoreth the goddess _Sandhya_ in the
+morning and the evening, and who recites meditatively the sacred goddess
+_Gayairi_ who is the mother of the _Vedas_, sanctified by the latter, is
+freed from all his sins. Even if he accepts in gift the entire earth
+with her oceans, he doth not, on that account, suffer the least
+unhappiness. And those heavenly bodies in the sky including the sun that
+may be inauspicious and hostile towards him soon become auspicious and
+favourable towards him in consequence of these acts of his, while those
+stars that are auspicious and favourable become more auspicious and more
+favourable in consequence of such conduct of his. And terrible Rakshasas
+subsisting on animal food, of gigantic and fierce mien, all become
+unable to prevail over a Brahmana who practiseth these purifications.
+The Brahmanas are even like blazing fires. They incur no fault in
+consequence of teaching, of officiating at sacrifices, and of accepting
+gifts from others. Whether the Brahmana be cognisant of the _Vedas_ or
+ignorant of them, whether they be pure or impure, they should never be
+insulted, for Brahmanas are like fires. As the fire that blazeth up in
+the place set apart for the cremation of the dead is never regarded
+impure on that account, so the Brahmana, be he learned or ignorant, is
+always pure. He is great and a very god! Cities that are adorned with
+walls and gates and palaces one after another, lose their beauty if they
+are bereft of Brahmanas. That, indeed, O king, is a city where Brahmanas
+accomplished in the _Vedas_, duly observing the duties of their order
+and possessed of learning and ascetic merit, reside. O son of Pritha,
+that spot, be it a wood or pasture land, where learned Brahmanas reside,
+hath been called a city. And that place, O king, becometh a _tirtha_
+also. By approaching a king that offereth protection, as also a Brahmana
+possessed of ascetic merit, and by offering worship unto both, a man may
+purge off his sins immediately. The learned have said that ablutions in
+the sacred _tirthas_, recitation of the names of holy ones, and converse
+with the good and virtuous, are all acts worthy of applause. They that
+are virtuous and honest always regard themselves as sanctified by the
+holy companionship of persons like themselves and by the water of pure
+and sacred converse. The carrying of three staffs, the vow of silence,
+matted hair on head, the shaving of the crown, covering one's person
+with barks and deerskins, the practice of vows, ablutions, the worship
+of fire, abode in the woods, emaciating the body, all these are useless
+if the heart be not pure. The indulgence of the six senses is easy, if
+purity be not sought in the object of enjoyment. Abstinence, however,
+which of itself is difficult, is scarcely easy without purity of the
+objects of enjoyment. O king of kings, among the six senses, the mind
+alone that is easily moved is the most dangerous! Those high-souled
+persons that do not commit sins in word, deed, heart and soul, are said
+to undergo ascetic austerities, and not they that suffer their bodies to
+be wasted by fasts and penances. He that hath no feeling of kindness for
+relatives cannot be free from sin even if his body be pure. That
+hard-heartedness of his is the enemy of his asceticism. Asceticism,
+again, is not mere abstinence from the pleasures of the world. He that
+is always pure and decked with virtue, he that practises kindness all
+his life, is a _Muni_ even though he may lead a domestic life. Such a
+man is purged of all his sins. Fasts and other penances cannot destroy
+sins, however much they may weaken and dry up the body that is made of
+flesh and blood. The man whose heart is without holiness, suffers
+torture only by undergoing penances in ignorance of their meaning. He is
+never freed from sins of such acts. The fire he worshippeth doth not
+consume his sins. It is in consequence of holiness and virtue alone that
+men attain to regions of blessedness, and fasts and vows become
+efficacious. Subsistence on fruits and roots, the vow of silence, living
+upon air, the shaving of the crown, abandonment of a fixed home, the
+wearing of matted locks on the head, lying under the canopy of heaven,
+daily fasts, the worship of fire, immersion in water, and lying on the
+bare ground,--these alone cannot produce such a result. They only that
+are possessed of holiness succeed, by knowledge and deeds, to conquer
+disease, decrepitude and death, and acquire a high status. As seeds that
+have been scorched by fire do not sprout forth, so the pains that have
+been burnt by knowledge cannot effect the soul. This inert body that is
+only like a block of wood when destitute of souls, is, without doubt,
+short lived like froth in the ocean. He that obtaineth a view of his
+soul, the soul that resideth in every body, by help of one or half of a
+rhythmic line (of the _Vedas_), hath no more need for anything. Some
+obtaining a knowledge of identity with the Supreme Soul from but two
+letters (of the _Vedas_) and some from hundreds and thousands of
+rhythmic lines, acquire salvation, for the knowledge of one's identity
+with the Supreme Soul is the sure indication of salvation. The men of
+old, distinguished for their knowledge, have said, neither this world
+nor that hereafter nor bliss can be his who is disturbed by doubts. And
+belief of one's identity with the Supreme Soul is the indication of
+salvation. He that knoweth the true meaning of the Vedas, understandeth
+their true use. Such a man is affrighted at the Vedic ritual like a man
+at sight of a forest conflagration. Giving up dry disputation, have
+recourse to _Sruti_ and _Smriti_, and seek thou, with the aid of thy
+reason, the knowledge of the Undecaying One that is without a second.
+One's search (after this knowledge) becometh futile from defect of
+means. Therefore, should one carefully strive to obtain that knowledge
+by aid of the _Vedas_. The _Vedas_ are the Supreme Soul; they are His
+body; they are the Truth. The soul that is bounded by the animal
+organism is incompetent to know Him in whom all the _Vedas_ merge. That
+Supreme Soul, however, is capable of being known by the pure intellect.
+The existence of the _gods_ as stated in the _Vedas_, the efficacy of
+acts, and the capacity for action of being furnished with bodies, are
+noticeable in every _Yuga_. Independence of these and annihilation are
+to be sought from purity of the senses. Therefore, the suspension of the
+function of the senses is the true fasting. One may attain to heaven by
+asceticism, one may obtain objects of enjoyment by the practice of
+charity and may have his sins purged off by ablutions in _tirthas_. But
+complete emancipation cannot be had except by knowledge.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, O great king, by the _Rishi_,
+Yudhishthira of great fame then said, 'O holy one, I desire to listen to
+the rules about that charity which is meritorious.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O great king, O Yudhishthira, the rules about charity
+which thou wishest to hear from me are always highly regarded by me.
+Listen now to the mysteries of charity as expounded in the _sruti_ and
+the _smritis_! A man that performs a _sraddha_ in the conjunction called
+_Gajacchaya_ at a place that is fanned by the leaves of the _Aswattha_
+tree enjoys the fruits thereof, O Yudhishthira, for a hundred thousand
+_kalpas_. O king, he that foundeth a _dharmasala_ and established there
+a person to look after all comers, is crowned with the merits of all the
+sacrifices. He that giveth away a horse at a _tirtha_ where the current
+of the river runneth in a direction opposite to its general course,
+reapeth merit that is inexhaustible. The guest that comes to one's house
+for food is none other than Indra himself. If he is entertained with
+food, Indra himself conferreth on the best merit that is inexhaustible.
+As men cross seas by vessels, so are the givers mentioned above are
+saved from all their sins. So what is given unto Brahmanas produceth,
+like gift of curds, inexhaustible merits. A gift on particular lunations
+produceth merit that is twice as much as a gift on other days. That in a
+particular season produceth merit ten times greater that in other
+seasons. That in a particular year produceth merit a hundred times
+greater than in other years. And lastly, a gift on the last day of the
+last month of the year produceth merit that is inexhaustible. A gift
+also that is made while the Sun is on the solstitial points, one again
+that is made on the last day of the Sun's path through Libra, Aries,
+Gemini, Virgo, and Pisces, a gift again during eclipses of the Moon and
+the Sun, produce merit that is inexhaustible. The learned have also said
+that gifts made during the seasons produce merit that is ten times,
+those made during the change of seasons, a hundred times--and those made
+during the days when _Rahu_ is visible, a thousand times--greater than
+what is produced by gifts at other time; while a gift made on the last
+day of the Sun's course through Libra and Aries produces merit that
+knows no diminution. O king, no one can enjoy landed possessions unless
+he giveth away land, and no one can go on cars and vehicles unless he
+giveth away these. Indeed a person on rebirth obtaineth the fruition of
+whatever objects he hath in view at the time of making a gift to a
+Brahmana. Gold hath sprung from Fire; the Earth from Vishnu; and the
+cows from the Sun. He, therefore, that giveth away gold, land, and kine
+attaineth all the regions of Agni, Vishnu, and the Sun. There is nothing
+so eternal as a gift. Where, therefore, in the three worlds is anything
+that is more auspicious? It is for this, O king, that they who have
+great intelligence say that there is nothing higher and greater in the
+three worlds than gift!'"
+
+
+SECTION CC
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having, O great king, heard from the illustrious
+Markandeya the history of the attainment of heaven by the royal sage
+Indradyumna, Yudhishthira, that bull of the Bharata race, once more
+asked that sinless _Muni_ endued with great ascetic merit and long life,
+saying, 'Thou knowest, O virtuous one, the entire host of the gods, the
+_Danavas_, and the _Rakshasas_. Thou art acquainted also with various
+royal genealogies and many eternal lines of _Rishis_! O best of
+Brahmanas, there is nothing in this world that thou dost not know! Thou
+knowest also, O _Muni_, many delightful stories about _men, Snakes_ and
+_Rakshasas_; about gods, _Gandharvas_, and _Yakshas_, and about
+_Kinnaras_ and _Apsaras_! I desire now to hear from thee, O best of
+Brahmanas, as to why Kuvalaswa--that unvanquished king of Ikshavaku's
+race changed his name, assuming another, viz., _Dhundhumara_. O thou
+best of Bhrigu's line, I desire to know in detail why the name of
+Kuvalaswa of great intelligence underwent such a change!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, the great
+_Muni_ Markandeya, O Bharata, then began the history of Dhundhumara!"
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O royal Yudhishthira, listen to me, I will tell thee
+all! The story of Dhundhumara is a moral one. Listen to it then! Listen
+now, O king, to the story of how the royal Kuvalaswa of Ikshvaku's race
+came to be known as Dhundhumara. O son, O Bharata, there was a
+celebrated _Rishi_ of the name of Utanka and, O thou of the Kuru race,
+Utanka had his hermitage in a delightful wilderness. And, O great king,
+the _Rishi_ Utanka underwent ascetic austerities of the severest kind
+and the lord Utanka underwent those penances for numberless years with
+the object of obtaining the favours of Vishnu, and gratified with his
+penances that illustrious Lord presented himself before Utanka. And
+beholding the Deity, the _Rishi_ in all humility began to gratify him
+with many hymns, and Utanka said, "O thou of great effulgence all
+creatures with the gods, _Asuras_ and human beings, all things that are
+mobile or immobile, even _Brahma_ himself, the Vedas, and all things
+that are capable of being known, have, O lord, been created by thee! The
+firmament is thy head, O god, and the sun and the moon are thy eyes!
+And, O Unfading One, the winds are thy breath and fire thy energy! The
+directions of the horizon constitute thy arms and the great ocean thy
+stomach! And, O god, the hills and mountains constitute thy thigh and
+the sky thy hips, O slayer of Madhu! The earth constitutes thy feet, and
+the plants the bristles on thy body. And, O lord, Indra and Soma and
+Agni and Varuna, indeed all the gods, the _Asuras_ and the great Snakes
+all wait upon thee with humility, adoring thee with various hymns! O
+Lord of the Universe, created things are pervaded by thee. The great
+_Rishis_ of high energy and ever plunged in ascetic meditation, always
+adore thee. When thou art gratified, the universe is in peace. And when
+thou art angry, terror pervadeth every soul. Thou art, O Lord, the great
+dispeller of all terrors and thou art the One Supreme Male Being! Thou
+art the cause of happiness of both gods and human beings! And, O Lord,
+by three steps of thine thou didst cover the three worlds! And it was by
+thee that the _Asuras_ in the height of their power were destroyed! It
+is owing to thy prowess, O God, that the celestials obtained peace and
+happiness and, O thou of great effulgence, it was thy anger that
+destroyed hundred great _Daitya_ chiefs. Thou art the Creator and
+destroyer of all creatures in the world. It is by adoring thee that the
+gods have obtained happiness." It was thus, O Yudhishthira, that the
+high-souled Utanka praised the Lord of the senses. And Vishnu,
+therefore, said unto Utanka, "I am gratified with thee. Ask thou the
+boon that thou desirest." And Utanka said, "This indeed hath been a
+great boon to me, in that I have been able to behold Hari, that eternal
+Being, that divine Creator, that Lord of the universe!" Thus addressed
+Vishnu said, "I am gratified with this absence of all desires on thy
+part and with thy devotion, O thou best of men! But, O Brahmanas, O
+regenerate one, thou shouldst of a certainty accept some boon from me!"
+Thus requested by Hari to accept a boon Utanka then, O thou best of
+Bharatas, with joined hands begged a boon saying, "O illustrious one, O
+thou of eyes like lotus leaves, if thou hast been gratified with me,
+then let my heart always rest on virtue, truth, and self-content. And, O
+Lord, let my heart always turn to thee in devotion." And hearing these
+words of Utanka, the holy one said, "O regenerate one, all this shall
+happen to thee through my grace. And there will also appear in thee a
+_yoga_ power endued with which thou shalt achieve a great thing for the
+dwellers of Heaven, as also for the triple world. Even now a great
+_Asura_ of the name of Dhundhu is undergoing ascetic penances of fierce
+austerity with the object of destroying the triple world. Hear now as to
+who will slay that _Asura_. O son, there will appear a king of
+invincible energy and great prowess and he will be born in the race of
+Ikshvaku and will be known by the name of Vrihadaswa who will have a son
+of the name of Kuvalaswa endued with great holiness and self-control and
+celebrity. And that best of kings will be furnished with _yoga_ power
+springing from me and urged and commended by thee, O regenerate _Rishi_,
+that king will be the slayer of the Asura Dhundhu." And having said
+these words unto that Brahmana, Vishnu disappeared there and then.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O king, after the death of Ikshvaku, a highly
+virtuous king of the name of _Sasada_, ascending the throne of Ayodhya
+ruled this earth. And from _Sasada_ was descended Kakutstha of great
+energy. And Kakutstha had a son of name Anenas. And Anenas had a son
+named Prithu and Prithu had a son named Viswagaswa and from Viswagaswa
+sprang Adri and from Adri sprang Yuvanaswa and from Yuvanaswa sprang
+Sravastha and it was by this Sravastha that the city called _Sravasthi_
+was built and from Sravastha was descended Vrihadaswa and from
+Vrihadaswa sprang Kuvalaswa and Kuvalaswa had twentyone thousand sons
+and all these sons were fierce and powerful and skilled in learning. And
+Kuvalaswa excelled his father in every quality. And when the time came,
+his father Vrihadaswa installed him--the brave and highly virtuous
+Kuvalaswa--on the throne. And having thus made over the royal dignity to
+his son, that slayer of foes--king Vrihadaswa of great intelligence--
+retired into the woods for asceticism.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O king, when the royal sage Vrihadaswa was about
+to retire into the woods, that best of Brahmanas, Utanka heard of it.
+And Utanka who was possessed of great energy and immeasurable soul,
+approached that foremost of all wielders of weapons and best of men. And
+approaching him, the _Rishis_ began to persuade him to give up
+asceticism. And Utanka said, "O king, to protect (the people) is thy
+duty. It behoveth thee to do that duty of thine. Let us be free from all
+anxiety through thy grace. Possessed as thou art of a great soul,
+protected by thee, the earth will be freed from all dangers. Therefore,
+it behoveth thee, not to retire into the woods. Great merit attaches to
+the act of protecting people in this world. Such merit can never be
+acquired in the woods. Let not thy heart, therefore, turn to this
+course. The merit, great king, that was acquired in days of old by great
+royal sages by protecting their subjects was so great that nothing equal
+to it could be seen. The king should always protect his subjects. It
+behoveth thee, therefore, to protect thy people. O lord of the earth, I
+cannot (at present) perform my ascetic devotions peacefully. Close to my
+asylum there is a sea of sands known by the name of _Ujjalaka._ And it
+occupies a level country and is without any water. And it extends many
+_yojanas_ in length and breadth and in that desert dwells a chief of the
+_Danavas_ called Dhundhu by name. And Dhundhu is the son of Madhu and
+Kaitabha, and is fierce and terrible and possessed of great prowess. And
+endued with immeasurable energy, that _Danava_, O king, dwelleth under
+the ground, and, O king, it behoveth thee to retire into the woods,
+having first slain that _Asura_. That _Asura_ is now lying still in the
+observance of an ascetic penance of great austerity and, O king, the
+object he hath in view is sovereignty over the celestials as also of the
+three worlds. And, O king, having obtained a boon from the Grandsire of
+all creatures, that _Asura_ hath become incapable of being slain by the
+gods and _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_ and _Gandharvas_. Slay though him, O
+king, and blessed be thou and let not thy heart turn to any other
+course. By slaying him thou wilt without doubt, achieve a great thing
+and thou wilt also obtain eternal and undying fame. And O king, when at
+the end of every year that wicked _Asura_ lying covered with sands,
+wakes up and begins to breathe, then the whole earth with her mountains,
+forests and woods begins to tremble. And his breath raiseth up clouds of
+sands, and shroudeth the very sun, and for seven days continually the
+earth tremble all over, and sparks and flames of fire mixed with smoke
+spread far around and for all this, O king, I cannot rest in peace in my
+asylum. Slay thou him, O king, for the good of the world. Indeed, when
+that _Asura_ is slain the triple world will be in peace and happiness.
+That thou art competent, O king, to slay that _Asura_, I fully believe.
+Thy energy will be enhanced by Vishnu with the addition of his own. In
+days of old, O king, Vishnu gave this boon that the king who should slay
+this fierce and great _Asura_ would be pervaded by the invincible energy
+of Vishnu himself. Bearing that invincible _Vaishnava_ energy in
+thyself, slay thou, O great king, that _Daitya_ of fierce prowess.
+Possessed as Dhundhu is of mighty energy, no one, O king, that is endued
+with small energy himself will be capable of consuming him, even if he
+were to strive for a hundred years."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed by Utanka, that unvanquished royal
+sage, with joined hands, O thou foremost of the Kuru race, replied unto
+Utanka, saying, "This visit of thine, O Brahmana, will not be in vain.
+This my son, O holy one, known by the name of Kuvalaswa is endued with
+steadiness and activity. In prowess also he is unequaled on earth.
+Without doubt he will accomplish all this that is agreeable to thee,
+aided by all his brave sons endued with arms like unto iron maces. Give
+me leave to retire, O Brahmana, for I have now given up my weapons."
+Thus addressed by the king, that _Muni_ of immeasurable energy replied
+unto him, saying, "So be it." And the royal sage Vrihadaswa then, having
+commended his son to obey the behest of the high-souled Utanka saying,
+"Let it be done by thee," himself retired into an excellent forest.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O holy one, O thou possessed of the wealth of
+asceticism, who was this _Daitya_ of great energy? Whose son and whose
+grandson was he? I desire to know all this; O thou possessed of the
+wealth of asceticism I never heard of this mighty _Daitya_ before. I
+desire to know all this truly, O holy one, and with all particulars in
+detail, O thou of great wisdom and ascetic wealth!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O monarch, know everything as it happened, O ruler of
+men, as I narrate the particulars truly, O thou of great wisdom! When
+the world became one broad expanse of water and creatures mobile and
+immobile were destroyed, when, O bull of the Bharata race, the entire
+creation came to its end, He who is the Source and Creator of the
+Universe, viz., the Eternal and unfading Vishnu, He who is called by
+_Munis_ crowned with ascetic success as the Supreme Lord of the
+Universe, that Being of great holiness, then lay in _Yoga_ sleep on the
+wide hood of the Snake Sesha of immeasurable energy, and the Creator of
+the Universe, that highly-blessed and holy Hari, knowing no
+deterioration, lay on the hood of that Snake encircling the whole Earth
+and as the Deity lay asleep on that bed, a lotus, endued with great
+beauty and effulgence equal unto that of the Sun, sprang from his navel.
+And from that lotus possessed of effulgence like unto the Sun's, sprang
+the Grandsire _Brahma_, that lord of the worlds who is the four _Vedas_,
+who hath four forms and four faces, who is invincible in consequence of
+his own energy and who is endued with mighty strength and great prowess
+and as the Lord Hari of wondrous frame, possessed of great lustre and
+decked with a crown and the _Kaustubha_ gem and attired in purple silk,
+lay stretched for many a _yojana_ on that excellent bed furnished by the
+hood of the snake itself extending far and wide, blazing, O king, in his
+beauty and the lustre of his own body like a thousand Suns concentrated
+in one mass. He was beheld some time after by two _Danavas_ of great
+prowess named Madhu and Kaitabha and beholding Hari (in that posture)
+and the Grandsire with eyes like lotus-leaves seated on that lotus, both
+Madhu and Kaitabha wandered much and they began to terrify and alarm
+Brahma of immeasurable prowess, and the illustrious Brahma alarmed by
+their continued exertions trembled on his seat, and at his trembling the
+stalk of the lotus on which he was seated began to tremble and when the
+lotus-stalk trembled, Kesava awoke. And awakened from his slumber,
+Govinda beheld those _Danavas_ of mighty energy, and beholding them the
+Deity said unto them, "Welcome, ye mighty ones! I am gratified with you!
+Therefore, I will grant you excellent boons!" And thereupon both those
+proud and mighty _Danavas_, O king, laughingly replied unto Hrishikesa,
+saying, "Ask boons of us, O Divine one! O thou that art the Supreme
+Deity, we are disposed to grant thee a boon. Indeed, we will grant thee
+a boon! Therefore, ask thou of us anything that cometh to thy mind."
+Thus addressed by them the holy one spoke, "Ye brave ones, I will accept
+a boon from you. There is a boon that I desire. Both of you are
+possessed of mighty energy. There is no male person like unto any of
+you. O ye of unbaffled prowess, submit ye to be slain by me. Even that
+is what I desire to accomplish for the good of the world." Hearing these
+words of the Deity, both Madhu and Kaitabha said, "We have never before
+spoken an untruth; no, not even in jest; what shall we say of other
+occasions! O thou foremost of male Beings, know that we have ever been
+firm in truth and morality. In strength, in forms, in beauty, in virtue,
+in asceticism, in charity, in behaviour, in goodness, in self control,
+there is no one equal unto either of us. A great danger, O Kesava, hath
+approached us. Accomplish thou, therefore, what thou hast said. No one
+can prevail over Time. But, O Lord, there is one thing that we desire to
+be done by thee. O thou best and foremost of all Deities, thou must slay
+us at a spot that is absolutely uncovered. And, O thou of excellent
+eyes, we also desire to become thy sons. This is the boon that we
+desire, know then, O chief of the gods! Let not that, O Deity, be false
+which thou hadst at first promised to us." The Holy One then replied
+unto them saying, "Yes, I will do as ye desire. Everything will be as ye
+wish!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then Govinda began to reflect but uncovered
+space found he none and when he could not discover any spot that was
+uncovered on earth or in the sky, that foremost Deity then beheld his
+thighs to be absolutely uncovered. And there, O king, the illustrious
+Deity cut off the heads of Madhu and Kaitabha with his keenedged
+discus!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The illustrious Dhundhu, O king, was the son of Madhu
+and Kaitabha, and possessed of great energy and prowess, he underwent
+ascetic penances of great austerity and he stood erect on one leg and
+reduced his body to a mass of only veins and arteries, and Brahma,
+gratified with him, gave him a boon. And the boon he had asked of the
+lord Prajapati was in these words, "Let no one among the gods, the
+_Danavas_, the _Rakshas_, the Snakes, the _Gandharvas_ and the
+_Rakshasas_ be capable of slaying me. Even this is the boon that I ask
+of thee." And the Grandsire replied unto him saying, "Let it be as thou
+wishest. Go thy way." And thus addressed by the Grandsire, the _Danava_
+placed the feet of the Deity on his head and having thus touched with
+reverence the Deity's feet he went away and possessed of mighty energy
+and prowess. Dhundhu, having obtained the boon hastily approached Vishnu
+remembering the death of his father at the hands of that Deity, and the
+wrathful Dhundhu having vanquished the gods with the _Gandharvas_ began
+to distress all the celestials with Vishnu at their head. And at last O
+bull of the Bharata race, that wicked souled _Asura_ arriving at a sea
+of sands known by the name of Ujjalaka, began to distress to the utmost
+of his might the asylum of Utanka. And endued with fierce energy,
+Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha, lay in his subterranean cave
+underneath the sands in the observance of fierce ascetic and severe
+austerities with the object of destroying the triple world, and while
+the _Asura_ lay breathing near the asylum of Utanka that _Rishi_
+possessed of the splendour of fire, king Kualaswa with his troops,
+accompanied by the Brahmana Utanka, as also by all his sons set out for
+that region, O bull of the Bharata race! And after that grinder of foes,
+the royal Kuvalaswa, had set out, accompanied by his twenty-one thousand
+sons all of whom were exceedingly powerful, the illustrious Lord Vishnu
+filled him with his own energy at the command of Utanka and impelled by
+the desire of benefiting the triple world and while that invincible hero
+was proceeding on his way a loud voice was heard in the sky repeating
+the words, "This fortunate and unslayable one will become the destroyer
+of Dhundhu to-day." And the gods began to shower upon him celestial
+flowers. And the celestial kettle drums began to sound their music
+although none played upon them. And during the march of that wise one,
+cool breezes began to blow and the chief of the celestials poured gentle
+showers wetting the dust on the roads and, O Yudhishthira, the cars of
+the celestials could be seen high over the spot where the mighty _Asura_
+Dhundhu was. The gods and _Gandharvas_ and great _Rishis_ urged by
+curiosity, came there to behold the encounter between Dhundhu and
+Kuvalaswa and, O thou of the Kuru race, filled by Narayana with his own
+energy, king Kuvalaswa, aided by his sons, soon surrounded that sea of
+sands and the king ordered that wilderness to be excavated and after the
+king's sons had excavated that sea of sands for seven days, they could
+see the mighty _Asura_ Dhundhu. And, O bull of the Bharata race, the
+huge body of that _Asura_ lay within those sands, effulgent in its own
+energy like the Sun himself. And Dhundhu, O king, was lying covering the
+western region of the desert and surrounded on all sides by the sons of
+Kuvalaswa, the _Danava_ was assaulted with sharp-pointed shafts and
+maces and heavy and short clubs and axes and clubs, with iron spikes and
+darts and bright and keen-edged swords, and thus assaulted, the mighty
+_Danava_ rose from his recumbent posture in wrath. And enraged, the
+_Asura_ began to swallow those various weapons that were hurled at him
+and he vomited from his mouth fiery flames like unto those of the fire
+called _Samvarta_ that appeareth at the end of the _Yuga_ and by those
+flames of his, the _Asura_ consumed all the sons of the king and, O
+tiger among men, like the Lord Kapila of old consuming the sons of king
+Sagara, the infuriated _Asura_ overwhelming the triple world with the
+flames vomited from his mouth, achieved that wonderful feat in a moment.
+And, O thou best of the Bharatas, when all those sons of king Kuvalaswa
+were consumed by the fire emitted by the _Asura_ in wrath, the monarch,
+possessed as he was of mighty energy, then approached the _Danava_ who,
+like unto a second Kumbhakarna of mighty energy, had come to the
+encounter after waking from his slumbers. From the body of the king, O
+monarch, then began to flow a mighty and copious stream of water and
+that stream soon extinguished, O king, the fiery flames emitted by the
+_Asura_. And, O great king, the royal Kuvalaswa, filled with _Yoga_
+force, having extinguished those flames by the water that issued from
+his body, consumed that _Daitya_ of wicked prowess with the celebrated
+weapon called _Brahma_ for relieving the triple world of its fears, and
+the royal sage Kuvalaswa, having consumed that great _Asura_, that foe
+of the celestials and slayer of all enemies, by means of that weapon
+became like unto a second chief of the triple world and the high-souled
+king Kuvalaswa having slain the _Asura_ Dhundhu, became from that
+time known by the name of _Dhundhumara_ and from that time he came to be
+regarded as invincible in battle, and the gods and the great _Rishis_
+who had come to witness that encounter were so far gratified with him
+that they addressed him saying, "Ask thou a boon of us!" And thus
+solicited by the gods, the king bowed to them and filled with joy, the
+king said unto them, with joined hands these words, "Let me be always
+able to give wealth unto superior Brahmanas! Let me be invincible as
+regards all foes! Let there be friendship between myself and Vishnu! Let
+me have no ill-feeling towards any creature! Let my heart always turn to
+virtue! And let me (finally) dwell in heaven for ever!" And the gods and
+the _Rishis_ and Utanka, hearing this were exceedingly gratified and all
+of them said, "Let it be as thou wishest!" And, O king, having also
+blessed him with many other speeches, the gods and the great _Rishis_
+then went away to their respective abodes. And, O Yudhishthira, after
+the slaughter of all his sons, king Kuvalaswa had still three sons left,
+and, O thou of the Bharata race, they were called _Dridaswa_ and
+_Kapilaswa_ and _Chandraswa_. It is from them, O king, that the
+illustrious line of kings belonging to Ikshvaku's race, all possessed of
+immeasurable prowess, hath sprung.
+
+"'It was thus, O best of king, that that great _Daitya_ of the name
+Dhundhu, the son of Madhu and Kaitabha was slain by Kuvalaswa and it was
+for this also that king came to be called by the name of _Dhundhumara_.
+And indeed, the name he assumed was no empty one but was literally true.
+
+"'I have now told thee all that thou hadst asked me, viz., all about
+that person in consequence of whose act the story of Dhundhu's death
+hath become famous. He that listeneth to this holy history connected
+with the glory of Vishnu, becometh virtuous and obtaineth children. By
+listening to this story on particular lunations, one becometh blessed
+with long life and great good fortune. And freed from every anxiety one
+ceaseth to have any fear of diseases.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O thou foremost of the Bharata race, king
+Yudhishthira then asked the illustrious Markandeya a difficult question
+about morality, saying, 'I desire to hear, O holy one, about the high
+and excellent virtue of women. I desire to hear from thee, O Brahmana,
+discourse about the subtle truths of morality. O regenerate _Rishi_, O
+best of men, the Sun, the Moon, the Wind, the Earth, the Fire, the
+father, the mother, the preceptor--these and other objects ordained by
+the gods, appear to us as Deities embodied! All these that are reverend
+ones are worthy of our best regard. So also is the woman who adoreth one
+lord. The worship that chaste wives offer unto their husbands appeareth
+to me to be fraught with great difficulty. O adorable one, it behoveth
+thee to discourse to us of the high and excellent virtue of chaste
+wives--of wives who restraining all their senses and keeping their
+hearts under complete control regard their husbands as veritable gods. O
+holy and adorable one, all this appears to me to be exceedingly
+difficult of accomplishment. O regenerate one, the worship that sons
+offer to their mothers and fathers and that wives offer to their
+husbands, both seem to me to be highly difficult. I do not behold
+anything that is more difficult than the severe virtue of chaste women.
+O Brahmana, the duties that women of good behaviour discharge with care
+and the conduct that is pursued by good sons towards their fathers and
+mothers appear to me to be most difficult of performance. Those women
+that are each devoted to but one lord, they that always speak the truth,
+they that undergo a period of gestation for full ten months--there is
+nothing, O Brahmana, that is more difficult than that is done by these.
+O worshipful one, women bring forth their offspring with great hazard to
+themselves and great pain and rear their children, O bull among
+Brahmanas, with great affection! Those persons also who being always
+engaged in acts of cruelty and thereby incurring general hatred, succeed
+yet in doing their duties accomplish what, in my opinion, is exceedingly
+difficult. O regenerate one, tell me the truths of the duties of the
+Kshatriya order. It is difficult, O twice-born one, for those
+high-souled ones to acquire virtue who by the duties of their order are
+obliged to do what is cruel. O holy one, thou art capable of answering
+all questions; I desire to hear thee discourse on all this. O thou
+foremost of Bhrigu's race, I desire to listen to all this, waiting
+respectfully on thee, O thou of excellent vows!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O thou foremost of the Bharata race, I will discourse
+to thee on all this truly, however difficult of answer thy question may
+be. Listen to me, therefore, as I speak unto thee. Some regard the
+mother as superior and some the father. The mother, however, that
+bringeth forth and reareth up offspring what is more difficult. Fathers
+also, by ascetic penances, by worship of the gods, by adorations addressed
+to them, by bearing cold and heat, by incantations and other means desire
+to have children. And having by these painful expedients obtained
+children that are so difficult of acquisition, they then, O hero, are
+always anxious about the future of their sons and, O Bharata, both the
+father and the mother desire to see in their sons fame and achievements
+and prosperity and offspring and virtue. That son is virtuous who
+realises these hopes of his parents. And, O great king, that son with
+whom the father and the mother are gratified, achieveth eternal fame and
+eternal virtue both here and thereafter. As regards women again, neither
+sacrifice nor _sraddhas_, nor fasts are of any efficacy. By serving
+their husbands only they can win heaven. O king, O Yudhishthira,
+remembering this alone, listen thou with attention to the duties of
+chaste women.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'There was, O Bharata, a virtuous ascetic of the name
+of Kausika and endued with wealth of asceticism and devoted to the study
+of the _Vedas_, he was a very superior Brahmana and that best of
+Brahmanas studied all the _Vedas_ with the _Angas_ and the _Upanishadas_
+and one day he was reciting the _Vedas_ at the foot of a tree and at
+that time there sat on the top of that tree a female crane and that
+she-crane happened at that time to befoul the Brahmana's body and
+beholding that crane the Brahmana became very angry and thought of doing
+her an injury and as the Brahmana cast his angry glances upon the crane
+and thought also of doing her an injury, she fell down on the ground and
+beholding the crane thus fallen from the tree and insensible in death,
+the Brahmana was much moved by pity and the regenerate one began to
+lament for the dead crane saying, "Alas, I have done a bad deed, urged
+by anger and malice!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having repeated these words many times, that
+learned Brahmana entered a village for procuring alms. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, in course of his eleemosynary round among the houses
+of persons of good lineage, the Brahmana entered one such house that he
+knew from before. And as he entered the house, he said, "_Give_." And he
+was answered by a female with the word, "_Stay_." And while the
+housewife was engaged, O king, in cleaning the vessel from which alms
+are given, her husband, O thou best of the Bharatas, suddenly entered
+the house, very much afflicted with hunger. The chaste housewife beheld
+her husband and disregarding the Brahmana, gave her lord water to wash
+his feet and face and also a seat and after that the black-eyed lady,
+placing before her lord savoury food and drink, humbly stood beside him
+desirous of attending to all his wants. And, O Yudhishthira, that
+obedient wife used every day to eat the orts of her husband's plate and,
+always conducting herself in obedience to the wishes of the lord, that
+lady ever regarded her husband, and all her heart's affections inclined
+towards her lord. Of various and holy behaviour and skilful in all
+domestic duties and attentive to all her relatives, she always did what
+was agreeable and beneficial to her husband and she also, with rapt
+senses attended to the worship of the gods and the wants of guests and
+servants and her mother-in-law and father-in-law.
+
+"'And while the lady of handsome eyes was still engaged in waiting upon
+her lord, she beheld that Brahmana waiting for alms and beholding him,
+she remembered that she had asked him to wait. And remembering all this,
+she felt abashed. And then that chaste woman possessed of great fame,
+took something for alms and went out, O thou foremost of the Bharatas,
+for giving it unto that Brahmana. And when she came before him, the
+Brahmana said, "O best of women, O blessed one, I am surprised at thy
+conduct! Having requested me to wait saying, '_Stay_' thou didst not
+dismiss me!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, beholding that Brahmana filled
+with wrath and blazing with his energy, that chaste woman began to
+conciliate him and said, "O learned one, it behoveth thee to forgive me.
+My husband is my supreme god. He came hungry and tired and was being
+served and waited upon by me." Hearing this, the Brahmana said, "With
+thee Brahmanas are not worthy of superior regard. Exaltest thou thy
+husband above them? Leading a domestic life, dost thou disregard
+Brahmanas? Indra himself boweth down unto them, what shall I say of men
+on earth. Proud woman, dost thou not know it, hast thou never heard it,
+that the Brahmanas are like fire and may consume the entire earth?" At
+these words of that Brahmana the woman answered, "I am no she-crane, O
+regenerate _Rishi_! O thou that art endued with the wealth of
+asceticism, cast off this anger of thine. Engaged as thou are, what
+canst thou do to me with these angry glances of thine? I do not
+disregard Brahmanas. Endued with great energy of soul, they are like
+unto the gods themselves. But, O sinless one, this fault of mine it
+behoveth thee to forgive. I know the energy and high dignity of
+Brahmanas that are possessed of wisdom. The waters of the ocean have
+been made brackish and undrinkable by the wrath of the Brahmanas. I know
+also the energy of _Munis_ of souls under complete control and endued
+with blazing ascetic merit. The fire of their wrath to this day hath not
+been extinguished in the forest of Dandaka. It was for his having
+disregarded the Brahmanas that the great _Asura_--the wicked and
+evil-minded Vatapi was digested when he came in contact with Agastya. It
+hath been heard by us that the powers and merits of high-souled
+Brahmanas are great. But, O Brahmana, as regenerate ones of high souls
+are great in wrath, so are they equally great in forgiveness. Therefore,
+O sinless one, it behoveth thee to forgive me in the matter of this my
+offence. O Brahmana, my heart inclineth to that merit which springeth
+from the service of my husband, for I regard my husband as the highest
+among all the gods. O best of Brahmanas, I practise that virtue which
+consists in serving my husband whom I regard as the highest Deity.
+Behold, O regenerate one, the merit that attaches to the service of
+one's husband! I know that thou hast burnt a she-crane with thy wrath!
+But, O best of regenerate ones, the anger that a person cherishes is the
+greatest of foes which that person hath. The gods know him for a
+Brahmana who hath cast off anger and passion. The gods know him for a
+Brahmana who always speaketh the truth here, who always gratifieth his
+preceptor, and who, though injured himself, never returneth the injury.
+The gods know him for a Brahmana who hath his senses under control, who
+is virtuous and pure and devoted to the study of the Vedas, and who hath
+mastery over anger and lust. The gods know him for a Brahmana who,
+cognisant of morals and endued with mental energy, is catholic in
+religion and looketh upon all equal unto himself. The gods know him for
+a Brahmana who studieth himself and teacheth others, who performeth
+sacrifices himself and officiateth at the sacrifices of others, and who
+giveth away to the best of his means. The gods know that bull among the
+regenerate ones for a Brahmana who, endued with liberality of soul,
+practiseth the _Brahmacharya_ vow and is devoted to study,--in fact who
+is vigilantly devoted to the study of the _Vedas_. Whatever conduceth to
+the happiness of the Brahmanas is always recited before these. Ever
+taking pleasure in truth, the hearts of such men never find joy in
+untruth. O thou best of regenerate ones, it hath been said that the
+study of the Vedas, tranquillity of soul, simplicity of behaviour, and
+repression of the senses, constitute the eternal duties of the Brahmana.
+Those cognisant with virtue and morals have said that truth and honesty
+are the highest virtue. Virtue that is eternal is difficult of being
+understood. But whatever it is, it is based on _truth_. The ancients
+have declared that virtue dependeth on _sruti_. But, O foremost of
+regenerate ones, virtue as exposed in _sruti_ appears to be of various
+kinds. It is, therefore, too subtle of comprehension. Thou, O holy one,
+art cognisant of virtue, pure, and devoted to the study of the _Vedas_.
+I think, however, O holy one, that thou dost not know what virtue in
+reality is. Repairing to the city of Mithila, enquire thou of a virtuous
+fowler there, if indeed, O regenerate one, thou art not really
+acquainted with what constitutes the highest virtue. There liveth in
+Mithila a fowler who is truthful and devoted to the service of his
+parents and who hath senses under complete control. Even he will
+discourse to thee on virtue. Blessed be thou, O best of regenerate ones,
+if thou likest, repair thither. O faultless one, it behoveth thee to
+forgive me, if what I have said be unpalatable, for they that are
+desirous of acquiring virtue are incapable of injuring women!"
+
+"'At these words of the chaste woman, the Brahmana replied, saying, "I
+am gratified with thee. Blessed be thou; my anger hath subsided, O
+beautiful one! The reproofs uttered by thee will be of the highest
+advantage to me. Blessed be thou, I shall now go and accomplish what is
+so conducive, O handsome one, to my benefit!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Dismissed by her, Kausika, that best of
+regenerate ones, left her house, and, reproaching himself, returned to
+his own abode.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Continually reflecting upon that wonderful discourse
+of the woman, Kausika began to reproach himself and looked very much
+like a guilty person and meditating on the subtle ways of morality and
+virtue, he said to himself, "I should accept with reverence what the
+lady hath said and should, therefore, repair to Mithila. Without doubt
+there dwelleth in that city a fowler of soul under complete control and
+fully acquainted with the mysteries of virtue and morality. This very
+day will I repair unto that one endued with wealth of asceticism for
+enquiring of him about virtue." His faith in her was assured by her
+knowledge of the death of the she-crane and the excellent words of
+virtuous import she had uttered. Kausika thus reflecting with reverence
+upon all she had said, set out for Mithila, filled with curiosity. And
+he traversed many forests and villages and towns and at last reached
+Mithila that was ruled over by Janaka and he beheld the city to be
+adorned with the flags of various creeds. And he beheld that beautiful
+town to be resounding with the noise of sacrifices and festivities and
+furnished with splendid gateways. It abounded with palatial residences
+and protected by walls on all sides; it had many splendid buildings to
+boast of. And that delightful town was also filled with innumerable
+cars. And its streets and roads were many and well-laid and many of them
+were lined with shops. And it was full of horses and cars and elephants
+and warriors. And the citizens were all in health and joy and they were
+always engaged in festivities. And having entered that city, that
+Brahmana beheld there many other things. And there the Brahmana enquired
+about the virtuous fowler and was answered by some twice-born persons.
+And repairing to the place indicated by those regenerate ones, the
+Brahmana beheld the fowler seated in a butcher's yard and the ascetic
+fowler was then selling venison and buffalo meat and in consequence of
+the large concourse of buyers gathered round that fowler, Kausika stood
+at a distance. But the fowler, apprehending that the Brahmana had come
+to him, suddenly rose from his seat and went to that secluded spot where
+the Brahmana was staying and having approached him there, the fowler
+said, "I salute thee, O holy one! Welcome art thou, O thou best of
+Brahmanas! I am the fowler. Blessed be thou! Command me as to what I may
+do for thee. The word that the chaste woman said unto thee, viz.,
+_Repair thou to Mithila_, are known to me. I also know for what purpose
+thou hast come hither." Hearing these words of the fowler that Brahmana
+was filled with surprise. And he began to reflect inwardly, saying,
+"This indeed, is the second marvel that I see!" The fowler then said
+unto the Brahmana, saying, "Thou art now standing in place that is
+scarcely proper for thee, O sinless one. If it pleasest thee, let us go
+to my abode, O holy one!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, '"_So be it_," said the Brahmana unto him,
+gladly. And thereupon, the fowler proceeded towards his home with the
+Brahmana walking before him. And entering his abode that looked
+delightful, the fowler reverenced his guest by offering him a seat. And
+he also gave him water to wash his feet and face. And accepting these,
+that best of Brahmanas sat at his ease. And he then addressed the
+fowler, saying, "It seems to me that this profession doth not befit
+thee. O fowler, I deeply regret that thou shouldst follow such a cruel
+trade." At these words of the Brahmana the fowler said, "This profession
+is that of my family, myself having inherited it from my sires and
+grandsires. O regenerate one, grieve not for me owing to my adhering to
+the duties that belong to me by birth. Discharging the duties ordained
+for me beforehand by the Creator, I carefully serve my superiors and the
+old. O thou best of Brahmanas! I always speak the truth, never envy
+others; and give to the best of my power. I live upon what remaineth
+after serving the gods, guests, and those that depend on me. I never
+speak ill of anything, small or great. O thou best of Brahmanas, the
+actions of a former life always follow the doer. In this world there are
+three principal professions, viz., agriculture, rearing of cattle, and
+trade. As regards the other world, the three _Vedas_, knowledge, and the
+science of morals are efficacious. Service (of the other three orders)
+hath been ordained to be the duty of the Sudra. Agriculture hath been
+ordained for the Vaisyas, and fighting for the Kshatriyas, while the
+practice of the _Brahmacharya_ vow, asceticism, recitation of _mantras_,
+and truthfulness have been ordained for the Brahmanas. Over subjects
+adhering to their proper duties, the king should rule virtuously; while
+he should set those thereto that have fallen away from the duties of
+their order. Kings should ever be feared, because they are the lords of
+their subjects. They restrain those subjects of theirs that fall away
+from their duties as they restrain the motions of the deer by means of
+their shafts. O regenerate _Rishi_, there existeth not in the kingdom of
+Janaka a single subject that followeth not the duties of his birth. O
+thou best of the Brahmanas, all the four orders here rigidly adhere to
+their respective duties. King Janaka punisheth him that is wicked, even
+if he be his own son; but never doth he inflict pain on him that is
+virtuous. With good and able spies employed under him, he looketh upon
+all with impartial eyes. Prosperity, and kingdom, and capacity to
+punish, belong, O thou best of Brahmanas, to the Kshatriyas. Kings
+desire high prosperity through practice of the duties that belong to
+them. The king is the protector of all the four orders. As regards
+myself, O Brahmana, I always sell pork and buffalo meat without slaying
+those animals myself. I sell meat of animals, O regenerate _Rishi_, that
+have been slain by others. I never eat meat myself; never go to my wife
+except in her season; I always fast during the day, and eat, O
+regenerate one, in the night. Even though the behaviour of his order is
+bad, a person may yet be himself of good behaviour. So also a person may
+become virtuous, although he may be slayer of animals by profession. It
+is in consequence of the sinful acts of kings that virtue decreaseth
+greatly, and sin beginneth to prosper. And when all this taketh place
+the subjects of the kingdom begin to decay. And it is then, O Brahmana,
+that ill-looking monsters, and dwarfs, and hunch-backed and large-headed
+wights, and men that are blind or deaf or those that have paralysed eyes
+or are destitute of the power of procreation, begin to take their birth.
+It is from the sinfulness of kings that their subjects suffer numerous
+mischiefs. But this our king Janaka casteth his eyes upon all his
+subjects virtuously, and he is always kind unto them who, on their part,
+ever adhere to their respective duties. Regarding myself, I always with
+good deeds please those that speak well, as also those that speak ill of
+me. Those kings that live in the observance of their own proper duties,
+who are always engaged in the practice of acts that are good and honest,
+who are of souls under complete control and who are endued with
+readiness and alacrity, may not depend upon anything else for supporting
+their power. Gift of food to the best of one's power, endurance of heat
+and cold, firmness in virtue, and a regard and tenderness for all
+creatures,--these attributes can never find place in a person, without
+an innate desire being present in him of separating himself from the
+world. One should avoid falsehood in speech, and should do good without
+solicitation. One should never cast off virtue from lust, from wrath, or
+from malice. One should never joy immoderately at a good turn or grieve
+immoderately at a bad one. One should never feel depressed when
+overtaken by poverty, nor when so overtaken abandon the path of virtue.
+If at any time one doth what is wrong, he should never do its like
+again. One should always urge his soul to the doing of that which he
+regardeth as beneficial. One should never return wrong for wrong, but
+should act honestly by those that have wronged him. That wretched man
+who desireth to do what is sinful, slayeth himself. By doing what is
+sinful, one only imitates them that are wicked and sinful. Disbelieving
+in virtue they that mock the good and the pure saying, '_There is no
+virtue_' undoubtedly meet with destruction. A sinful man swelleth up
+like a leather bag puffed up with wind. The thoughts of these wretches
+filled with pride and folly are feeble and unprofitable. It is the
+heart, the inner soul, that discovereth the fool like the sun that
+discovereth forms during the day. The food cannot always shine in the
+world by means of self-praise. The learned man, however, even if he be
+destitute of beauty, displayeth his lustre by refraining from speaking
+ill of others and well of himself. No example, however, can be met with,
+in this world, of a person shining brilliantly on account of attributes
+to be found in him in their reputed measure. If one repenteth of a wrong
+done by him, that repentance washeth off his sin. The resolution of
+never doing it again saveth him from future sin, even as, O thou best of
+Brahmanas, he may save himself from sin by any of those expiations
+obtained in the scriptures. Even this, O regenerate one, is the _sruti_
+that may be seen in respect of virtue. He that having before been
+virtuous, committeth a sin, or committeth it unknowingly may destroy
+that sin. For virtue, O Brahmana, driveth off the sin that men commit
+from ignorance. A man, after having committed a sin, should cease to
+regard himself any longer as a man. No man can conceal his sins. The
+gods behold what one does, also the Being that is within every one. He
+that with piety and without detraction hideth the faults of the honest
+and the wise like holes in his own attire, surely seeketh his salvation.
+If a man seeketh redemption after having committed a sin, without doubt
+he is purged of all his sins and looketh pure and resplendent like the
+moon emerged from the clouds. A man that seeketh redemption is washed of
+all his sins, even as the sun, upon rising, dispelleth all darkness. O
+best of Brahmanas, it is temptation that constitutes the basis of sin.
+Men that are ignorant commit sin, yielding to temptation alone. Sinful
+men generally cover themselves with a virtuous exterior, like wells
+whose mouths are covered by long grass. Outwardly they seem to possess
+self-control and holiness and indulge in preaching virtuous texts which,
+in their mouth are of little meaning. Indeed, everything may be noticed
+in them except conduct that is truly virtuous!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'At these words, O best of men, of the fowler,
+that Brahmana endued with great wisdom, then asked the fowler, saying,
+"How shall I know what is virtuous conduct? Blessed be thou, I desire to
+hear this, O thou foremost of virtuous men, from thee. Therefore, O thou
+of exalted soul, tell me all about it truly." Hearing these words, the
+fowler replied, saying, "O best of Brahmanas, Sacrifices, Gift,
+Asceticism, the Vedas, and Truth--these five holy things are ever
+present in conduct that is called virtuous. Having subjugated lust and
+wrath, pride, avarice, and crookedness, they that take pleasure in
+virtue because it is virtue, are regarded as really virtuous and worthy
+of the approbation of persons that are virtuous. These persons who are
+devoted to sacrifices, and study of the Vedas have no independent
+behaviour. They follow only the practices of the honest and the good.
+This indeed, is the second attribute of the virtuous. Waiting upon
+superiors, Truth, Freedom from anger, and Gift, these four, O Brahmana,
+are inseparably connected with behaviour that is virtuous. For the
+reputation that a person acquires by setting his heart on virtuous
+behaviour and adhering to it rigidly is incapable of acquisition except
+by practising the four virtues named above. The essence of the _Vedas_
+is Truth: the essence of Truth is self-control, and the essence of
+self-control is abstention from the pleasures of the world. These all
+are to be noticed in behaviour that is virtuous. They that follow those
+deluded fools that mock the forms of faith prevailing among men, are
+dragged into destruction for walking in such a sinful path. They,
+however, that are virtuous and engaged in the observance of vows, who
+are devoted to the _srutis_ and the virtue of abstention from the
+pleasure of the world, they in fact who tread in virtue's path and
+follow the true religion, they that are obedient to the mandates of
+their preceptors, and who reflect upon the sense of the scriptures with
+patience and carefulness,--it is these that are said to be possessed of
+behaviour that is virtuous; it is these, O Brahmana, that are said to
+properly guide their higher intelligence. Forsaking those that are
+atheists, those that transgress virtue's limits, those that are of
+wicked souls, those that live in sinfulness, betake thyself to knowledge
+reverencing those that are virtuous. Lust and temptation are even like
+sharks in the river of life; the waters are the five senses. Do thou
+cross over to the other side of this river in the boat of patience and
+resignation, avoiding the shoals of corporeal existence (repeated births
+in this world). The supreme virtue consisting in the exercise of the
+intelligent principle and abstraction, when gradually super-added to
+virtuous conduct, becomes beautiful like dye on white fabrics.
+Truthfulness and abstention from doing injury to any one, are virtues
+highly beneficial to all creatures. Of these, that latter is a cardinal
+virtue, and is based on truth. Our mental faculties have their proper
+play when their foundation is laid in truth, and in the exercise of
+virtue truth is of the highest value. Purity of conduct is the
+characteristic of all good men. Those that are distinguished for holy
+living are good and virtuous. All creatures follow the principles of
+conduct which are innate in their nature. The sinful being who has no
+control over self acquires lust, anger and other vices. It is the
+immemorial rule that virtuous actions are those that are founded on
+justice, and it is also ordained by holy men that all iniquitous conduct
+is sin. Those who are not swayed by anger, pride, haughtiness and envy,
+and those who are quiet and straight-forward, are men of virtuous
+conduct. Those who are diligent in performing the rites enjoined in the
+three _Vedas_, who are wise, and of pure and virtuous conduct, who
+exercise self-restraint and are full of attention to their superior, are
+men of virtuous conduct. The actions and conduct of such men of great
+power, are very difficult of attainment. They are sanctified by the
+purification of their own actions, and consequently sin in them dies out
+of itself. This virtue of good conduct is wonderful, ancient, immutable
+and eternal; and wise men observing this virtue with holiness, attain to
+heaven. These men who believe in the existence of the Deity, who are
+free from false pride, and versed in holy writ, and who respect
+regenerate (twice-born) men, go to heaven. Among holy men, virtue is
+differentiated in three ways--that great virtue which is inculcated in
+the _Vedas_, the other which is inculcated in the _dharmashastras_ (the
+minor scriptures), and virtuous conduct. And virtuous conduct is
+indicated by acquisition of knowledge, pilgrimage to sacred places,
+truthfulness, forbearance, purity and straight-forwardness. Virtuous men
+are always kind to all creatures, and well-disposed towards regenerate
+men. They abstain from doing injury to any creature, and are never rude
+in speech. Those good men who know well the consequences of the fruition
+of their good and evil deeds, are commended by virtuous men. Those who
+are just and good-natured, and endowed with virtue, who wish well of all
+creatures, who are steadfast in the path of virtue, and have conquered
+heaven, who are charitable, unselfish and of unblemished character, who
+succour the afflicted, and are learned and respected by all, who
+practise austerities, and are kind to all creatures, are commended as
+such by the virtuous. Those who are charitably disposed attain
+prosperity in this world, as also the regions of bliss (hereafter). The
+virtuous man when solicited for assistance by good men bestow alms on
+them by straining to the utmost, even to the deprivation of the comforts
+of his wife and servants. Good men having an eye to their own welfare,
+as also virtue and the ways of the world, act in this way and thereby
+grow in virtue through endless ages. Good persons possessing the virtues
+of truthfulness, abstention from doing injury to any one, rectitude,
+abstention from evil towards any one, want of haughtiness, modesty,
+resignation, self-restraint, absence of passion, wisdom, patience, and
+kindness towards all creatures, and freedom from malice and lust, are
+the witnesses of the world. These three are said to constitute the
+perfect way of the virtuous, viz., a man must not do wrong to any body,
+he must bestow alms, and must always be truthful. Those high-souled good
+men of virtuous conduct, and settled convictions, who are kind to all
+and are full of compassion, depart with contentment from this world to
+the perfect way of virtue. Freedom from malice, forbearance, peace of
+mind, contentment, pleasant speech, renunciation of desire and anger,
+virtuous conduct and actions regulated according to the ordinances of
+holy writ, constitute the perfect way of the virtuous. And those who are
+constant in virtue follow these rules of virtuous conduct, and having
+reached the pinnacle of knowledge, and discriminating between the
+various phases of human conduct, which are either very virtuous or the
+reverse, they escape from the great danger. Thus, O great Brahmana,
+having introduced the subject of virtuous conduct, have I described to
+thee all this, according to my own knowledge and to what I have heard on
+the subject."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The pious fowler, O Yudhishthira, then said to
+that Brahmana, "Undoubtedly my deeds are very cruel, but, O Brahmana,
+Destiny is all-powerful and it is difficult to evade the consequence of
+our past actions. And this is the _karmic evil_ arising out of sin
+committed in a former life. But, O Brahmana, I am always assiduous in
+eradicating the evil. The Deity takes away life, the executioner acts
+only as a secondary agent. And we, O good Brahmana, are only such agents
+in regard to our _karma_. Those animals that are slain by me and whose
+meat I sell, also acquire _karma_, because (with their meat), gods and
+guests and servants are regaled with dainty food and the _manes_ are
+propitiated. It is said authoritatively that herbs and vegetables, deer,
+birds and wild animals constitute the food of all creatures. And, O
+Brahmana, king Sivi, the son of Usinara, of great forbearance attained
+to heaven, which is hard to reach, giving away his own flesh. And in
+days of yore, O Brahmana, two thousand animals used to be killed every
+day in the kitchen of king Rantideva; and in the same manner two
+thousand cows were killed every day; and, O best of regenerate beings,
+king Rantideva acquired unrivalled reputation by distributing food with
+meat every day. For the performance of the fourmonthly rites animals
+ought to be sacrificed daily. 'The sacred fire is fond of animal food,'
+this saying has come down to us. And at sacrifices animals are
+invariably killed by regenerate Brahmanas, and these animals being
+purged of sin, by incantation of hymns, go to heaven. If, O Brahmana,
+the sacred fire had not been so fond of animal food in ancient times, it
+could never have become the food of any one. And in this matter of
+animal food, this rule has been laid down by _Munis_:--Whoever partakes
+of animal food after having first offered it duly and respectfully to
+the gods and the _manes_, is not polluted by the act. And such a man is
+not at all considered to have partaken of animal food, even, as a
+Brahmacharin having intercoursed with his wife during the menstrual
+period, is nevertheless considered to be a good Brahmana. After
+consideration of the propriety and impropriety of the matter, this rule
+has been laid down. King Saudasa, O Brahmana, when under a curse, often
+used to prey upon men; what is thy opinion of this matter? And, O good
+Brahmana, knowing this to be the consequence of my own actions, I obtain
+my livelihood from this profession. The forsaking of one's own
+occupation is considered, O Brahmana, to be a sin, and the act of
+sticking to one's own profession is without doubt a meritorious act. The
+_Karma_ of a former existence never forsakes any creature. And in
+determining the various consequences of one's _Karma_, this rule was not
+lost sight of by the Creator. A person having his being under the
+influence of evil _Karma_, must always consider how he can atone for his
+_Karma_, and extricate himself from an evil doom, and the evil _Karma_
+may be expiated in various ways. Accordingly, O good Brahmana, I am
+charitable, truthful, assiduous in attending on my superior, full of
+respect towards regenerate Brahmanas, devoted to and free from pride and
+(idle) excessive talk. Agriculture is considered to be a praiseworthy
+occupation, but it is well-known that even there, great harm is done to
+animal life; and in the operation of digging the earth with the plough,
+numberless creatures lurking in the ground as also various other forms
+of animal life are destroyed. Dost thou not think so? O good Brahmana,
+_Vrihi_ and other seeds of rice are all living organisms. What is thy
+opinion on this matter? Men, O Brahmana, hunt wild animals and kill them
+and partake of their meat; they also cut up trees and herbs; but, O
+Brahmana, there are numberless living organisms in trees, in fruits, as
+also in water; dost thou not think so? This whole creation, O Brahmana,
+is full of animal life, sustaining itself with food derived from living
+organisms. Dost thou not mark that fish preys upon fish, and that
+various species of animals prey upon other species, and there are
+species the members of which prey upon each other? Men, O Brahmana,
+while walking about hither and thither, kill numberless creatures
+lurking in the ground by trampling on them, and even men of wisdom and
+enlightenment destroy animal life in various ways, even while sleeping
+or reposing themselves. What hast thou to say to this?--The earth and
+the air all swarm with living organisms, which are unconsciously
+destroyed by men from mere ignorance. Is not this so? The commandment
+that people should not do harm to any creature, was ordained of old by
+men, who were ignorant of the true facts of the case. For, O Brahmana,
+there is not a man on the face of this earth, who is free from the sin
+of doing injury to creatures. After full consideration, the conclusion
+is irresistible that there is not a single man who is free from the sin
+of doing injury to animal life. Even the sage, O good Brahmana, whose
+vow is to do harm to no creature, doth inflict injury to animal life.
+Only, on account of greater needfulness, the harm is less. Men of noble
+birth and great qualities perpetrate wicked acts in defiance of all, of
+which they are not at all ashamed. Good men acting in an exemplary way
+are not commended by other good men; nor are bad men acting in a
+contrary way praised by their wicked compeers; and friends are not
+agreeable to friends, albeit endowed with high qualities; and foolish
+pedantic men cry down the virtues of their preceptors. This reversal of
+the natural order of things, O good Brahmana, is seen everywhere in this
+world. What is thy opinion as to the virtuousness or otherwise of this
+state of things? There is much that can be said of the goodness or
+badness of our actions. But whoever is addicted to his own proper
+occupation surely acquires great reputation."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O Yudhishthira, the virtuous fowler, eminent in
+pity, then skilfully addressed himself again to that foremost of
+Brahmanas, saying, "It is the dictum of the aged that the ways of
+righteousness are subtle, diverse and infinite. When life is at stake
+and in the matter of marriage, it is proper to tell an untruth. Untruth
+sometimes leads to the triumph of truth, and the latter dwindles into
+untruth. Whichever conduces most to the good of all creatures is
+considered to be truth. Virtue is thus perverted; mark thou its subtle
+ways. O best of virtuous men, man's actions are either good or bad, and
+he undoubtedly reaps their fruits. The ignorant man having attained to
+an abject state, grossly abuses the gods, not knowing that it is the
+consequence of his own evil _karma_. The foolish, the designing and the
+fickle, O good Brahmana, always attain the very reverse of happiness or
+misery. Neither learning nor good morals, nor personal exertion can save
+them. And if the fruits of our exertion were not dependent on anything
+else, people would attain the object of their desire, by simply striving
+to attain it. It is seen that able, intelligent and diligent persons are
+baffled in their efforts, and do not attain the fruits of their actions.
+On the other hand, persons who are always active in injuring others and
+in practising deception on the world, lead a happy life. There are some
+who attain prosperity without any exertion. And there are others, who
+with the utmost exertion, are unable to achieve their dues. Miserly
+persons with the object of having sons born to them worship the gods,
+and practise severe austerities, and those sons having remained in the
+womb for ten months at length turn out to be very infamous issue of
+their race; and others begotten under the same auspices, decently pass
+their lives in luxury with heaps of riches and grain accumulated by
+their ancestors. The diseases from which men suffer, are undoubtedly the
+result of their own _karma_. They then behave like small deer at the
+hands of hunters, and they are racked with mental troubles. And, O
+Brahmana, as hunters intercept the flight of their game, the progress of
+those diseases is checked by able and skilful physicians with their
+collections of drugs. And, thou best of the cherishers of religion, thou
+hast observed that those who have it in their power to enjoy (the good
+things of this earth), are prevented from doing so from the fact of
+their suffering from chronic bowel-complaints, and that many others that
+are strong and powerful, suffer from misery, and are enabled with great
+difficulty to obtain a livelihood; and that every man is thus helpless,
+overcome by misery and illusion, and again and again tossed and
+overpowered by the powerful current of his own actions (_karma_). If
+there were absolute freedom of action, no creature would die, none would
+be subject to decay, or await his evil doom, and everybody would attain
+the object of his desire. All persons desire to out distance their
+neighbours (in the race of life), and they strive to do so to the utmost
+of their power; but the result turns out otherwise. Many are the persons
+born under the influence of the same star and the same auspices of good
+luck; but a great diversity is observable in the maturity of their
+actions. No person, O good Brahmana, can be the dispenser of his own
+lot. The actions done in a previous existence are seen to fructify in
+our present life. It is the immemorial tradition that the soul is
+eternal and everlasting, but the corporeal frame of all creatures is
+subject to destruction here (below). When therefore life is
+extinguished, the body only is destroyed, but the spirit, wedded to its
+actions, travels elsewhere."
+
+"'The Brahmana replied, "O best of those versed in the doctrine of
+_karma_, and in the delivery of discourses, I long to know accurately
+how the soul becomes eternal." The fowler replied, "The spirit dies not,
+there being simply a change of tenement. They are mistaken, who
+foolishly say that all creatures die. The soul betakes itself to another
+frame, and its change of habitation is called its death. In the world of
+men, no man reaps the consequences of another man's _karma_. Whatever
+one does, he is sure to reap the consequences thereof; for the
+consequences of the _karma_ that is once done, can never be obviated.
+The virtuous become endowed with great virtues, and sinful men become
+the perpetrators of wicked deeds. Men's actions follow them; and
+influenced by these, they are born again." The Brahmana enquired, "Why
+does the spirit take its birth, and why does its nativity become sinful
+or virtuous, and how, O good man, does it come to belong to a sinful or
+virtuous race?" The fowler replied, "This mystery seems to belong to the
+subject of procreation, but I shall briefly describe to you, O good
+Brahmana, how the spirit is born again with its accumulated load of
+_karma_, the righteous in a virtuous, and the wicked in a sinful
+nativity. By the performance of virtuous actions it attains to the state
+of the gods, and by a combination of good and evil, it acquires the
+human state; by indulgence in sensuality and similar demoralising
+practices it is born in the lower species of animals, and by sinful
+acts, it goes to the infernal regions. Afflicted with the miseries of
+birth and dotage, man is fated to rot here below from the evil
+consequences of his own actions. Passing through thousands of births as
+also the infernal regions, our spirits wander about, secured by the
+fetters of their own _karma_. Animate beings become miserable in the
+next world on account of these actions done by themselves and from the
+reaction of those miseries, they assume lower births and then they
+accumulate a new series of actions, and they consequently suffer misery
+over again, like sickly men partaking of unwholesome food; and although
+they are thus afflicted, they consider themselves to be happy and at
+ease and consequently their fetters are not loosened and new _karma_
+arises; and suffering from diverse miseries they turn about in this
+world like a wheel. If casting off their fetters they purify themselves
+by their actions and practise austerities and religious meditations,
+then, O best of Brahmanas, they attain the Elysian regions by these
+numerous acts and by casting off their fetters and by the purification
+of _karma_, men attain those blissful regions where misery is unknown to
+those who go there. The sinful man who is addicted to vices, never comes
+to the end of his course of iniquities. Therefore must we strive to do
+what is virtuous and forbear from doing what is unrighteous. Whoever
+with a heart full of gratefulness and free from malice strives to do
+what is good, attains wealth, virtue, happiness and heaven (hereafter).
+Those who are purified of sins, wise, forbearing, constant in
+righteousness, and self-restrained enjoy continuous felicity in this as
+well as in the next world. Man must follow the standard of virtue of the
+good and in his acts imitate the example of the righteous. There are
+virtuous men, versed in holy writ and learned in all departments of
+knowledge. Man's proper duty consists in following his own proper
+avocation, and this being the case these latter do not become confused
+and mixed up. The wise man delights in virtue and lives by
+righteousness. And, O good Brahmana, such a man with the wealth of
+righteousness which he hereby acquires, waters the root of the plant in
+which he finds most virtue. The virtuous man acts thus and his mind is
+calmed. He is pleased with his friends in this world and he also attains
+happiness hereafter. Virtuous people, O good man, acquire dominion over
+all and the pleasure of beauty, flavour, sound and touch according to
+their desire. These are known to be the rewards of virtue. But the man
+of enlightened vision, O great Brahmana, is not satisfied with reaping
+the fruits of righteousness. Not content with that, he with the light of
+spiritual wisdom that is in him, becomes indifferent to pain and
+pleasure and the vice of the world influenceth him not. Of his own free
+will he becometh indifferent to worldly pursuits but he forsaketh not
+virtue. Observing that everything worldly is evanescent, he trieth to
+renounce everything and counting on more chance he deviseth means for
+the attainment of salvation. Thus doth he renounce the pursuits of the
+world, shunneth the ways of sin, becometh virtuous and at last attaineth
+salvation. Spiritual wisdom is the prime requisite of men for salvation,
+resignation and forbearance are its roots. By this means he attaineth
+all the objects of this desire. But subduing the senses and by means of
+truthfulness and forbearance, he attaineth, O good Brahmana, the supreme
+asylum of _Brahma_." The Brahmana again enquired, "O thou most eminent
+in virtue and constant in the performance of the religious obligations,
+you talk of senses; what are they; how may they be subdued; and what is
+the good of subduing them; and how doth a creature reap the fruits
+thereof? O pious man, I beg to acquaint myself with the truth of this
+matter."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCIX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Hear, O king Yudhishthira what the virtuous
+fowler, thus interrogated by that Brahmana, said to him in reply. The
+fowler said, "Men's minds are at first bent on the acquisition of
+knowledge. That acquired, O good Brahmana, they indulge in their
+passions and desires, and for that end, they labour and set about tasks
+of great magnitude and indulge in much-desired pleasures of beauty,
+flavour, &c. Then follows fondness, then envy, then avarice and then
+extinction of all spiritual light. And when men are thus influenced by
+avarice, and overcome by envy and fondness, their intellect ceases to be
+guided by righteousness and they practise the very mockery of virtue.
+Practising virtue with hypocrisy, they are content to acquire wealth by
+dishonourable means with the wealth thus acquired the intelligent
+principle in them becomes enamoured of those evil ways, and they are
+filled with a desire to commit sins. And when, O good Brahmana, their
+friends and men of wisdom remonstrate with them, they are ready with
+specious answers, which are neither sound nor convincing. From their
+being addicted to evil ways, they are guilty of a threefold sin. They
+commit sin in thought, in word, as also in action. They being addicted
+to wicked ways, all their good qualities die out, and these men of
+wicked deeds cultivate the friendship of men of similar character, and
+consequently they suffer misery in this world as well as in the next.
+The sinful man is of this nature, and now hear of the man of virtue. He
+discerns these evils by means of his spiritual insight, and is able to
+discriminate between happiness and misery, and is full of respectful
+attention to men of virtue, and from practising virtues, his mind
+becomes inclined to righteousness." The Brahmana replied, "Thou hast
+given a true exposition of religion which none else is able to expound.
+Thy spiritual power is great, and thou dost appear to me to be like a
+great _Rishi_." The fowler replied, "The great Brahmanas are worshipped
+with the same honours as our ancestors and they are always propitiated
+with offerings of food before others. Wise men in this world do what is
+pleasing to them, with all their heart. And I shall, O good Brahmana,
+describe to thee what is pleasing to them, after having bowed down to
+Brahmanas as a class. Do thou learn from me the Brahmanic philosophy.
+This whole universe unconquerable everywhere and abounding in great
+elements, is Brahma, and there is nothing higher than this. The earth,
+air, water, fire and sky are the great elements. And form, odour, sound,
+touch and taste are their characteristic properties. These latter too
+have their properties which are also correlated to each other. And of
+the three qualities, which are gradually characterised by each, in order
+of priority is consciousness which is called the mind. The seventh is
+intelligence and after that comes egoism; and then the five senses, then
+the soul, then the moral qualities called _sattwa, rajas_ and _tamas_.
+These seventeen are said to be the unknown or incomprehensible
+qualities. I have described all this to thee, what else dost thou wish
+to know?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the Brahmana, thus interrogated by
+the virtuous fowler, resumed again this discourse so pleasing to the
+mind. The Brahmana said, "O best of the cherishers of religion, it is
+said that there are five great elements; do thou describe to me in full
+the properties of any one of the five." The fowler replied, "The earth,
+water, fire, air and sky all have properties interlapping each other. I
+shall describe them to thee. The earth, O Brahmana, has five qualities,
+water four, fire three and the air and sky together three also. Sound,
+touch, form, odour and taste--these five qualities belong to earth, and
+sound, touch, form and taste, O austere Brahmana, have been described to
+thee as the properties of water, and sound, touch and form are the three
+properties of fire and air has two properties sound and touch, and sound
+is the property of sky. And, O Brahmana, these fifteen properties
+inherent in five elements, exist in all substances of which this
+universe is composed. And they are not opposed to one another; they
+exist, O Brahmana, in proper combination. When this whole universe is
+thrown into a state of confusion, then every corporeal being in the
+fulness of time, assumes another _corpus_. It arises and perishes in due
+order. And there are present the five elementary substances of which all
+the mobile and immobile world is composed. Whatever is perceptible by
+the senses, is called _vyakta_ (knowable or comprehensible) and whatever
+is beyond the reach of the senses and can only be perceived by guesses,
+is known to be _avyakta_ (not _vyakta_). When a person engages in the
+discipline of self-examination, after having subdued the senses which
+have of their own proper objective play in the external conditions of
+sound, form, &c, then he beholds his own spirit pervading the universe,
+and the universe reflected in itself. He who is wedded to his previous
+_karma_, although skilled in the highest spiritual wisdom, is cognisant
+only of his soul's objective existence, but the person whose soul is
+never affected by the objective conditions around, is never subject to
+ills, owing to its absorption in the elementary spirit of Brahma. When a
+person has overcome the domination of illusion, his manly virtues
+consisting of the essence of spiritual wisdom, turn to the spiritual
+enlightenment which illumines the intelligence of sentient beings. Such
+a person is styled by the omnipotent, intelligent Spirit as one who is
+without beginning and without end, self-existent, immutable, incorporeal
+and incomparable. This, O Brahmana, that thou hast enquired of me is
+only the result of self discipline. And this self-discipline can only be
+acquired by subduing the senses. It cannot be otherwise, heaven and hell
+are both dependent on our senses. When subdued, they lead to heaven;
+when indulged in, they lead to perdition. This subjugation of the senses
+is the highest means of attaining spiritual light. Our senses are at the
+(cause) root of our spiritual advancement as also at the root of our
+spiritual degradation. By indulging in them, a person undoubtedly
+contracts vices, and by subduing these, he attains salvation. The
+self-restrained person who acquires mastery over the six senses inherent
+in our nature, is never tainted with sin, and consequently evil has no
+power over him. Man's corporeal self has been compared to a chariot, his
+soul to a charioteer and his senses to horses. A dexterous man drives
+about without confusion, like a quiet charioteer with well-broken
+horses. That man is an excellent driver who knows how to patiently wield
+the reins of those wild horses,--the six senses inherent in our nature.
+When our senses become ungovernable like horses on the high road, we
+must patiently rein them in; for with patience, we are sure to get the
+better of them. When a man's mind is overpowered by any one of these
+senses running wild, he loses his reason, and becomes like a ship tossed
+by storms upon the high ocean. Men are deceived by illusion in hoping to
+reap the fruits of those six things, whose effects are studied by
+persons of spiritual insight, who thereby reap the fruits of their clear
+perception."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXI
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O Bharata, the fowler having expounded these
+abstruse points, the Brahmana with great attention again enquired of him
+about these subtle topics. The Brahmana said, "Do thou truly describe to
+me, who now duly ask thee, the respective virtues of the qualities of
+_sattwa, rajas_, and _tamas_." The fowler replied, "Very well, I shall
+tell thee what thou hast asked. I shall describe separately their
+respective virtues, do thou listen. Of them _tamas_ is characterised by
+illusion (spiritual), _rajas_ incites (men to action), _sattwa_ is of
+great grandeur, and on that account, it is said to be the greatest of
+them. He who is greatly under the influence of spiritual ignorance, who
+is foolish, senseless and given to dreaming, who is idle, unenergetic
+and swayed by anger and haughtiness, is said to be under the influence
+of _tamas_. And, O Brahmana _rishi_, that excellent man who is agreeable
+in speech, thoughtful, free from envy, industrious in action from an
+eager desire to reap its fruits, and of warm temperament, is said to be
+under the influence of _rajas_. And he who is resolute, patient, not
+subject to anger, free from malice, and is not skilful in action from
+want of a selfish desire to reap its fruits, wise and forbearing, is
+said to be under the influence of _sattwa_. When a man endowed with the
+_sattwa_ quality, is influenced by worldliness, he suffers misery; but
+he hates worldliness, when he realises its full significance. And then a
+feeling of indifference to worldly affairs begins to influence him. And
+then his pride decreases, and uprightness becomes more prominent, and
+his conflicting moral sentiments are reconciled. And then self-restraint
+in any matter becomes unnecessary. A man, O Brahmana, may be born in the
+Sudra caste, but if he is possessed of good qualities, he may attain the
+state of _Vaisya_ and similarly that of a _Kshatriya_, and if he is
+steadfast in rectitude, he may even become a Brahmana. I have described
+to thee these virtues, what else dost thou wish to learn?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXII
+
+"'The Brahmana enquired, "How is it that fire (vital force) in
+combination with the earthly element (matter), becomes the corporeal
+tenement (of living creatures), and how doth the vital air (the breath
+of life) according to the nature of its seat (the muscles and nerves)
+excite to action (the corporeal frame)?"' Markandeya said, 'This
+question, O Yudhishthira, having been put to the Brahmana by the fowler,
+the latter, in reply, said to that high-minded Brahmana. (The fowler
+said):--"The vital spirit manifesting itself in the seat of
+consciousness, causes the action of the corporeal frame. And the soul
+being present in both of them acts (through them). The past, the present
+and the future are inseparably associated with the soul. And it is the
+highest of a creature's possessions; it is of the essence of the Supreme
+Spirit and we adore it. It is the animating principle of all creatures,
+and it is the eternal _pumsha_ (spirit). It is great and it is the
+intelligence and the _ego_, and it is the subjective seat of the various
+properties of elements. Thus while seated here (in a corporeal frame) it
+is sustained in all its relations external or internal (to matter or
+mind) by the subtle ethereal air called _prana_, and thereafter, each
+creature goes its own way by the action of another subtle air called
+_Samana_. And this latter transforming itself into _Apana_ air, and
+supported by the head of the stomach carries the refuse matter of the
+body, urine &c, to the kidneys and intestines. That same air is present
+in the three elements of effort, exertion and power, and in that
+condition it is called _Udana_ air by persons learned in physical
+science, and when manifesting itself by its presence at all the
+junctional points of the human system, it is known by the name _Vyana_.
+And the internal heat is diffused over all the tissues of our system,
+and supported by these kinds of air, it transforms our food and the
+tissues and the humours of our system. And by the coalition of _Prana_
+and other airs, a reaction (combination) ensues, and the heat generated
+thereby is known as the internal heat of the human system which causes
+the digestion of our food. The _Prana_ and the _Apana_ air are
+interposed within the _Samana_ and the _Udana_ air. And the heat
+generated by their coalition causes the growth of the body (consisting
+of the seven substances, bones, muscles, &c). And that portion of its
+seat extending to as far as the rectum is called _Apana_; and from that
+arteries arise in the five airs _Prana_, &c. The _Prana_ air, acted on
+by the heat strikes against the extremity of the _Apana_ region and then
+recoiling, it reacts on the heat. Above the navel is the region of
+undigested food and below it the region of digestion. And the _Prana_
+and all other airs of the system are seated in the navel. The arteries
+issuing from the heart run upwards and downwards, as also in oblique
+directions; they carry the best essence of our food, and are acted upon
+by the ten _Prana_ airs. This is the way by which patient _Yogins_ who
+have overcome all difficulties, and who view things with an impartial
+and equal eye, with their souls seated in the brain, find the Supreme
+Spirit, the _Prana_ and the _Apana_ airs are thus present in the body of
+all creatures. Know that the spirit is embodied in corporeal disguise,
+in the eleven allotropous conditions (of the animal system), and that
+though eternal, its normal state is apparently modified by its
+accompaniments,--even like the fire purified in its pan,--eternal, yet
+with its course altered by its surroundings; and that the divine thing
+which is kindred with the body is related to the latter in the same way
+as a drop of water to the sleek surface of a lotus-leaf on which it
+rolls. Know that _sattwa, rajas_ and _tamas_, are the attributes of all
+life and that life is the attribute of spirit, and that the latter again
+is an attribute of the Supreme Spirit. Inert, insensible matter is the
+seat of the living principle, which is active in itself and induces
+activity in others. That thing by which the seven worlds are incited to
+action is called the most high by men of high spiritual insight. Thus in
+all these elements, the eternal spirit does not show itself, but is
+perceived by the learned in spiritual science by reason of their high
+and keen perception. A pure-minded person, by purification of his heart,
+is able to destroy the good and evil effect of his actions and attains
+eternal beatitude by the enlightenment of his inward spirit. That state
+of peace and purification of heart is likened to the state of a person
+who in a cheerful state of mind sleeps soundly, or the brilliance of a
+lamp trimmed by a skillful hand. Such a pure-minded person living on
+spare diet perceives the Supreme Spirit reflected in his own, and by
+practising concentration of mind in the evening and small hours of the
+night, he beholds the Supreme Spirit which has no attributes, in the
+light of his heart, shining like a dazzling lamp, and thus he attains
+salvation. Avarice and anger must be subdued by all means, for this act
+constitutes the most sacred virtue that people can practise and is
+considered to be the means by which men can cross over to the other side
+of this sea of affliction and trouble. A man must preserve his
+righteousness from being overcome by the evil consequences of anger, his
+virtues from the effects of pride, his learning from the effects of
+vanity, and his own spirit from illusion. Leniency is the best of
+virtues, and forbearance is the best of powers, the knowledge of our
+spiritual nature is the best of all knowledge, and truthfulness is the
+best of all religious obligations. The telling of truth is good, and the
+knowledge of truth may also be good, but what conduces to the greatest
+good of all creatures, is known as the highest truth. He whose actions
+are performed not with the object of securing any reward or blessing,
+who has sacrificed all to the requirements of his renunciation, is a
+real _Sannyasin_ and is really wise. And as communion with Brahma cannot
+be taught to us, even by our spiritual preceptor,--he only giving us a
+clue to the mystery--renunciation of the material world is called
+_Yoga_. We must not do harm to any creature and must live in terms of
+amity with all, and in this our present existence, we must not avenge
+ourselves on any creature. Self-abnegation, peace of mind, renunciation
+of hope, and equanimity,--these are the ways by which spiritual
+enlightenment can always be secured; and the knowledge of self (one's
+own spiritual nature) is the best of all knowledge. In this world as
+well as hereafter, renouncing all worldly desires and assuming a stoic
+indifference, wherein all suffering is at rest, people should fulfil
+their religious duties with the aid of their intelligence. The _muni_
+who desires to obtain _moksha_ (salvation), which is very difficult to
+attain, must be constant in austerities, forbearing, self-restrained,
+and must give up that longing fondness which binds him to the things of
+this earth. They call these the attributes of the Supreme Spirit. The
+_gunas_ (qualities or attributes) that we are conscious of, reduce
+themselves to _agunas_ (non-gunas) in Him; He is not bound by anything,
+and is perceptible only by the expansion and development of our
+spiritual vision; as soon as the illusion of ignorance is dispelled,
+this supreme unalloyed beatitude is attained. By foregoing the objects
+of both pleasure and pain and by renouncing the feelings which bind him
+to the things of this earth, a man may attain Brahma (Supreme Spirit or
+salvation). O good Brahmana, I have now briefly explained to thee all
+this, as I have heard. What else dost thou wish to know?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'When, O Yudhishthira, all this mystery of salvation
+was explained to that Brahmana, he was highly pleased and he said
+addressing the fowler, "All this that thou hast explained, is rational,
+and it seems to me that there is nothing in connection with the
+mysteries of religion which thou dost not know." The fowler replied, "O
+good and great Brahmana, thou shalt perceive with thine own eyes, all
+the virtue that I lay claim to, and by reason of which I have attained
+this blissful state. Rise, worshipful sir, and quickly enter this inner
+apartment. O virtuous man, it is proper that thou shouldst see my father
+and my mother."' Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed the Brahmana went
+in, and beheld a fine beautiful mansion. It was a magnificent house
+divided in four suites of rooms, admired by gods and looking like one of
+their palaces; it was also furnished with seats and beds, and redolent
+of excellent perfumes. His revered parents clad in white robes, having
+finished their meals, were seated at ease. The fowler, beholding them,
+prostrated himself before them with his head at their feet. His aged
+parents then addressed him thus, "Rise, O man of piety, rise, may
+righteousness shield thee; we are much pleased with thee for thy piety;
+mayst thou be blessed with a long life, and with knowledge, high
+intelligence, and fulfilment of thy desires. Thou art a good and dutiful
+son, for, we are constantly and reasonably looked after by thee, and
+even amongst the celestials thou hast not another divinity to worship.
+By constantly subduing thyself, thou hast become endowed with the
+self-restraining power of Brahmanas and all thy grandsires and ancestors
+are constantly pleased with thee for thy self-restraining virtues and
+for thy piety towards us. In thought, word or deed thy attention to us
+never flags, and it seems that at present thou hast no other thought in
+thy mind (save as to how to please us). As Rama, the son of Jamadagni,
+laboured to please his aged parents, so hast thou, O Son, done to please
+us, and even more." Then the fowler introduced the Brahmana to his
+parents and they received him with the usual salutation of welcome, and
+the Brahmana accepting their welcome, enquired if they, with their
+children and servants, were all right at home, and if they were always
+enjoying good health at that time (of life). The aged couple replied,
+"At home, O Brahmana, we are all right, with all our servants. Hast
+thou, adorable sir, reached this place without any difficulty?"'
+Markandeya continued, 'The Brahmana replied, "Yes, I have." Then the
+fowler addressing himself to the Brahmana said to him, "These my
+parents, worshipful sir, are the idols that I worship; whatever is due
+to the gods, I do unto them. As the thirty-three gods with Indra at
+their head are worshipped by men, so are these aged parents of mine
+worshipped by me. As Brahmanas exert themselves for the purpose of
+procuring offering for their gods, so do I act with diligence for these
+two (idols of mine). These my father and mother, O Brahmana, are my
+supreme gods, and I seek to please them always with offering of flowers,
+fruits and gems. To me they are like the three sacred fires mentioned by
+the learned; and, O Brahmana, they seem to me to be as good as
+sacrifices or the four _Vedas_. My five life-giving airs, my wife and
+children and friends are all for them (dedicated to their service). And
+with my wife and children I always attend on them. O good Brahmana, with
+my own hands I assist them in bathing and also wash their feet and give
+them food and I say to them only what is agreeable, leaving out what is
+unpleasant. I consider it to be my highest duty to do what is agreeable
+to them even though it be not strictly justifiable. And, O Brahmana, I
+am always diligent in attending on them. The two parents, the sacred
+fire, the soul and the spiritual preceptor, these five, O good Brahmana,
+are worthy of the highest reverence from a person who seeks prosperity.
+By serving them properly, one acquires the merit of perpetually keeping
+up the sacred fire. And it is the eternal and invariable duty of all
+householders."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The virtuous fowler, having introduced his
+(both) parents to that Brahmana as his highest _gurus_, again spoke to
+him as follows, "Mark thou the power of this virtue of mine, by which my
+inner spiritual vision is extended. For this, thou wast told by that
+self-restrained, truthful lady, devoted to her husband, 'Hie thee to
+Mithila; for there lives a fowler who will explain to thee, the
+mysteries of religion.'" The Brahmana said, "O pious man, so constant in
+fulfilling thy religious obligations, bethinking myself of what that
+truthful good-natured lady so true to her husband, hath said, I am
+convinced that thou art really endowed with every high quality." The
+fowler replied, "I have no doubt, my lord, that what that lady, so
+faithful to her husband, said to thee about me, was said with full
+knowledge of the facts. I have, O Brahmana, explained to thee all this
+as a matter of favour. And now, good sir, listen to me. I shall explain
+what is good for thee. O good Brahmana, of irreproachable character,
+thou hast wronged thy father and thy mother, for thou hast left home
+without their permission, for the purpose of learning the _Vedas_. Thou
+hast not acted properly in this matter, for thy ascetic and aged parents
+have become entirely blind from grief at thy loss. Do thou return home
+to console them. May this virtue never forsake thee. Thou art
+high-minded, of ascetic merit, and always devoted to thy religion but
+all these have become useless to thee. Do thou without delay return to
+console thy parents. Do have some regard for my words and not act
+otherwise; I tell thee what is good for thee, O Brahmana _Rishi_. Do
+thou return home this very day." The Brahmana replied, "This that thou
+hast said, is undoubtedly true; mayst thou, O pious man, attain
+prosperity; I am much pleased with thee." The fowler said, "O Brahmana,
+as thou practisest with assiduousness those divine, ancient, and eternal
+virtues which are so difficult of attainment even by pure-minded
+persons, thou appearest (to me) like a divine being. Return to the side
+of thy father and mother and be quick and diligent in honouring thy
+parents; for, I do not know if there is any virtue higher than this."
+The Brahmana replied, "By a piece of singular good luck have I arrived
+here, and by a piece of similar good luck have I thus been associated
+with thee. It is very difficult to find out, in our midst, a person who
+can so well expound the mysteries of religion; there is scarcely one man
+among thousands, who is well versed in the science of religion. I am
+very glad, O great man, to have secured thy friendship; mayst thou be
+prosperous. I was on the point of falling into hell, but was extricated
+by thee. It was destined to be so, for thou didst (unexpectedly) come in
+my way. And, O great man, as the fallen King Yayati was saved by his
+virtuous grandsons (daughter's sons), so have I know been saved by thee.
+According to thy advice, I shall honour my father and my mother; for a
+man with an impure heart can never expound the mysteries of sin and
+righteousness. As it is very difficult for a person born in the Sudra
+class to learn the mysteries of the eternal religion, I do not consider
+thee to be a Sudra. There must surely be some mystery in connection with
+this matter. Thou must have attained the Sudra's estate by reason of the
+fruition of thine own past _karma_. O magnanimous man, I long to know
+the truth about this matter. Do thou tell it to me with attention and
+according to thy own inclination."
+
+"'The fowler replied, "O good Brahmana, Brahmanas are worthy of all
+respect from me. Listen, O sinless one, to this story of a previous
+existence of mine. O son of an excellent Brahmana, I was formerly a
+Brahmana, well-read in the _Vedas_, and an accomplished student of the
+_Vedangas_. Through my own fault I have been degraded to my present
+state. A certain king, accomplished in the science of _dhanurveda_
+(science of archery), was my friend; and from his companionship, O
+Brahmana, I, too became skilled in archery; and one day the king, in
+company with his ministers and followed by his best warriors, went out
+on a hunting expedition. He killed a large number of deer near a
+hermitage. I, too, O good Brahmana, discharged a terrible arrow. And a
+_rishi_ was wounded by that arrow with its head bent out. He fell down
+upon the ground, and screaming loudly said, 'I have harmed no one, what
+sinful man has done this?' And, my lord, taking him for a deer, I went
+up to him and found that he was pierced through the body by my arrow. On
+account of my wicked deed I was sorely grieved (in mind). And then I
+said to that _rishi_ of severe ascetic merit, who was loudly crying,
+lying upon the ground, 'I have done this unwittingly, O _rishi_.' And
+also this I said to the _muni_: 'Do thou think it proper to pardon all
+this transgression.' But, O Brahmana, the _rishi_, lashing himself into
+a fury, said to me, 'Thou shalt be born as a cruel fowler in the Sudra
+class.'"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXV
+
+"'The fowler continued, "Thus cursed by that _rishi_, I sought to
+propitiate him with these words: 'Pardon me, O _muni_, I have done this
+wicked deed unwittingly. It behooves thee to pardon all that. Do thou,
+worshipful sir, soothe yourself.' The _rishi_ replied, 'The curse that I
+have pronounced can never be falsified, this is certain. But from
+kindness towards thee, I shall do thee a favour. Though born in the
+Sudra class thou shalt remain a pious man and thou shalt undoubtedly
+honour thy parents; and by honouring them thou shalt attain great
+spiritual perfection; thou shalt also remember the events of thy past
+life and shalt go to heaven; and on the expiation of this curse, thou
+shalt again become a Brahmana.' O best of men, thus, of old was I cursed
+by that _rishi_ of severe power, and thus was he propitiated by me.
+Then, O good Brahmana, I extricated the arrow from his body, and took
+him into the hermitage, but he was not deprived of his life (recovered).
+O good Brahmana, I have thus described to thee what happened to me of
+old, and also how I can go to heaven hereafter." The Brahmana said, "O
+thou of great intelligence, all men are thus subject to happiness or
+misery, thou shouldst not therefore grieve for that. In obedience to the
+customs of thy (present) race, thou hast pursued these wicked ways, but
+thou art always devoted to virtue and versed in the ways and mysteries
+of the world. And, O learned man, these being the duties of thy
+profession, the stain of evil _karma_ will not attach to thee. And after
+dwelling here for some little time, thou shalt again become a Brahmana;
+and even now, I consider thee to be a Brahmana, there is no doubt about
+this. For the Brahmana who is vain and haughty, who is addicted to vices
+and wedded to evil and degrading practices, is like a Sudra. On the
+other hand, I consider a Sudra who is always adorned with these
+virtues,--righteousness, self-restraint, and truthfulness,--as a
+Brahmana. A man becomes a Brahmana by his character; by his own evil
+_karma_ a man attains an evil and terrible doom. O good man, I believe
+that sin in thee has now died out. Thou must not grieve for this, for
+men, like thee who art so virtuous and learned in the ways and mysteries
+of the world, can have no cause for grief."
+
+"'The fowler replied, "The bodily afflictions should be cured with
+medicines, and the mental ones with spiritual wisdom. This is the power
+of knowledge. Knowing this, the wise should not behave like boys. Men of
+low intelligence are overpowered with grief at the occurrence of
+something which is not agreeable to them, or non-occurrence of something
+which is good or much desired. Indeed, all creatures are subject to this
+characteristic (of grief or happiness). It is not merely a single
+creature or class that is subject to misery. Cognisant of this evil,
+people quickly mend their ways, and if they perceive it at the very
+outset they succeed in curing it altogether. Whoever grieves for it,
+only makes himself uneasy. Those wise men whose knowledge has made them
+happy and contented, and who are indifferent to happiness and misery
+alike, are really happy. The wise are always contented and the foolish
+always discontented. There is no end to discontentment, and contentment
+is the highest happiness. People who have reached the perfect way, do
+not grieve, they are always conscious of the final destiny of all
+creatures. One must not give way to discontent[17] for it is like a
+virulent poison. It kills persons of undeveloped intelligence, just as a
+child is killed by an enraged snake. That man has no manliness whose
+energies have left him and who is overpowered with perplexity when an
+occasion for the exercise of vigour presents itself. Our actions are
+surely followed by their consequences. Whoever merely gives himself up
+to passive indifference (to worldly affairs) accomplishes no good.
+Instead of murmuring one must try to find out the way by which he can
+secure exemption from (spiritual) misery; and the means of salvation
+found, he must then free himself from sensuality. The man who has
+attained a high state of spiritual knowledge is always conscious of the
+great deficiency (instability) of all matter. Such a person keeping in
+view the final doom (of all), never grieves. I too, O learned man, do
+not grieve; I stay here (in this life) biding my time. For this reason,
+O best of men, I am not perplexed (with doubts)". The Brahmana said,
+"Thou art wise and high in spiritual knowledge and vast is thy
+intelligence. Thou who art versed in holy writ, art content with thy
+spiritual wisdom. I have no cause to find fault with thee. Adieu, O best
+of pious men, mayst thou be prosperous, and may righteousness shield
+thee, and mayst thou be assiduous in the practice of virtue."'
+
+    [17] _Vishada_ is the original. It means discontent, but here it
+    means more a mixture of discontent, perplexity and confusion
+    than mere discontent.
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The fowler said to him, "Be it so." And the good
+Brahmana walked round him[18] and then departed. And the Brahmana
+returning home was duly assiduous in his attention to his old parents. I
+have thus, O pious Yudhishthira, narrated in detail to thee this history
+full of moral instruction, which thou, my good son, didst ask me to
+recite,--the virtue of women's devotion to their husbands and that of
+filial piety.' Yudhishthira replied, 'O most pious Brahmana and best of
+_munis_, thou hast related to me this good and wonderful moral story;
+and listening to thee, O learned man, my time has glided away like a
+moment; but, O adorable sir, I am not as yet satiated with hearing this
+moral[19] discourse.'"
+
+    [18] A form of Hindu etiquette at parting.
+
+    [19] It is so very difficult to translate the word
+    _Karma_,--religion and morals were invariably associated with
+    each other in ancient Hindu mind.
+
+
+SECTION CCXVI
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "The virtuous king Yudhishthira, having listened
+to this excellent religious discourse, again addressed himself to the
+_rishi_ Markandeya saying, 'Why did the fire-god hide himself in water
+in olden times, and why is it that Angiras of great splendour
+officiating as fire-god, used to convey[20] oblations during his
+dissolution. There is but one fire, but according to the nature of its
+action, it is seen to divide itself into many. O worshipful sir, I long
+to be enlightened on all these points,--How the Kumara[21] was born, how
+he came to be known as the son of Agni (the fire-god) and how he was
+begotten by Rudra or Ganga and Krittika. O noble scion of Bhrigu's race,
+I desire to learn all this accurately as it happened. O great _muni_, I
+am thrilled with great curiosity.' Markandeya replied, 'In this
+connection this old story is cited by the learned, as to how the carrier
+of oblations (the fire-god) in a fit of rage, sought the waters of the
+sea in order to perform a penance, and how the adorable Angiras
+transforming himself into the fire-god,[22] destroyed darkness and
+distressed the world with his scorching rays. In olden times, O
+long-armed hero, the great Angiras performed a wonderful penance in his
+hermitage; he even excelled the fire-god, the carrier of oblations, in
+splendour and in that state he illumined the whole universe. At that
+time the fire-god was also performing a penance and was greatly
+distressed by his (Angirasa's) effulgence. He was greatly depressed, but
+did not know what to do. Then that adorable god thought within himself,
+"Brahma has created another fire-god for this universe. As I have been
+practising austerities, my services as the presiding deity of fire have
+been dispensed with;" and then he considered how he could re-establish
+himself as the _god_ of fire. He beheld the great _muni_ giving heat to
+the whole universe like fire, and approached him slowly with fear. But
+Angiras said to him, "Do thou quickly re-establish yourself as the fire
+animating the universe, thou art well-known in the three stable worlds
+and thou wast first created by Brahma to dispel darkness. Do thou, O
+destroyer of darkness, quickly occupy thine own proper place." Agni
+replied, "My reputation has been injured now in this world. And thou art
+become the fire-god, and people will know thee, and not me, as fire. I
+have relinquished my god-hood of fire, do thou become the primeval fire
+and I shall officiate as the second or Prajapatyaka fire." Angiras
+replied, "Do thou become the fire-god and the destroyer of darkness and
+do thou attend to thy sacred duty of clearing people's way to heaven,
+and do thou, O lord, make me speedily thy first child."' Markandeya
+continued, 'Hearing these words of Angiras, the fire-god did as desired,
+and, O king, Angiras had a son named Vrihaspati. Knowing him to be the
+first son of Angiras by Agni, the gods, O Bharata, came and enquired
+about the mystery. And thus asked by the gods he then enlightened them,
+and the gods then accepted the explanation of Angiras. In this
+connection, I shall describe to thee religious sorts of fire of great
+effulgence which are here variously known in the Brahmanas[23] by their
+respective uses.'"
+
+    [20] Agni or fire was supposed to convey the oblations offered
+    by men to the gods.
+
+    [21] _Kumara_ means a boy, hence a prince. Here Kartika the
+    war-god is meant.
+
+    [22] By carrying their oblations to the gods.
+
+    [23] Portions of the Vedas.
+
+
+SECTION CCXVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O ornament of Kuru's race, he (Angiras) who was
+the third son of Brahma had a wife of the name of Subha. Do thou hear of
+the children he had by her. His son Vrihaspati, O king, was very famous,
+large-hearted and of great bodily vigour. His genius and learning were
+profound, and he had a great reputation as a counsellor. Bhanumati was
+his first-born daughter. She was the most beautiful of all his children.
+Angiras's second daughter was called Raga.[24] She was so named because
+she was the object of all creature's love. Siniwali was the third
+daughter of Angiras. Her body was of such slender make that she was
+visible at one time and invisible at another; and for this reason she
+was likened to _Rudra's_ daughter. Archismati was his fourth daughter,
+she was so named from her great refulgence. And his fifth daughter was
+called _Havishmati_, so named from her accepting _havis_ or oblations.
+The sixth daughter of Angiras was called Mahismati the pious. O
+keen-witted being, the seventh daughter of Angiras is known by the name
+of Mahamati, who is always present at sacrifices of great splendour, and
+that worshipful daughter of Angiras, whom they call unrivalled and
+without portion, and about whom people utter the words _kuhu kuhu_
+(wonder), is known by the name of Kuhu.'"
+
+    [24] _Raga_ means love.
+
+
+SECTION CCXVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Vrihaspati had a wife (called Tara) belonging to
+the lunar world. By her, he had six sons partaking of the energy of
+fire, and one daughter. The fire in whose honour oblations of clarified
+butter are offered at the Paurnamasya and other sacrifices, was a son of
+Vrihaspati called Sanju; he was of great ascetic merit. At the
+_Chaturmasya_ (four-monthly) and _Aswamedha_ (horse) sacrifices, animals
+are offered first in his honour, and this powerful fire is indicated by
+numerous flames. Sanju's wife was called Satya, she was of matchless
+beauty and she sprang from Dharma (righteousness) for the sake of truth.
+The blazing fire was his son, and he had three daughters of great
+religious merit. The fire which is honoured with the first oblations at
+sacrifices is his first son called Bharadwaja. The second son of Sanju
+is called Bharata in whose honour oblations of clarified butter are
+offered with the sacrificial ladle (called Sruk) at all the full moon
+(_Paurnamasaya_) sacrifices. Beside these three sons of whom Bharata is
+the senior, he had a son named Bharata and a daughter called Bharati.
+The Bharata fire is the son of _Prajapati_ Bharata _Agni_ (fire). And, O
+ornament of Bharata's race, because he is greatly honoured, he is also
+called the great. Vira is Bharadwaja's wife; she gave birth to Vira. It
+is said by the Brahmanas that he is worshipped like _Soma_ (with the
+same hymns) with offerings of clarified butter. He is joined with Soma
+in the secondary oblation of clarified butter and is also called
+Rathaprabhu, Rathadhwana and Kumbhareta. He begot a son named Siddhi by
+his wife Sarayu, and enveloped the sun with his splendour and from being
+the presiding genius of the fire sacrifice he is ever mentioned in the
+hymns in praise of fire. And the fire _Nischyavana_ praises the earth
+only; he never suffers in reputation, splendour and prosperity. The
+sinless fire Satya blazing with pure flame is his son. He is free from
+all taint and is not defiled by sin, and is the regulator of time. That
+fire has another name Nishkriti, because he accomplished the _Nishkriti_
+(relief) of all blatant creatures here. When properly worshipped he
+vouchsafes good fortune. His son is called Swana, who is the generator
+of all diseases; he inflicts severe sufferings on people for which they
+cry aloud, and moves in the intelligence of the whole universe. And the
+other fire (Vrihaspati's third son) is called Viswajit by men of
+spiritual wisdom. The fire, which is known as the internal heat by which
+the food of all creatures is digested, is the fourth son of Vrihaspati
+known through all the worlds, O Bharata, by the name of Viswabhuk. He is
+self-restrained, of great religious merit, and is a _Brahmacharin_ and
+he is worshipped by Brahmanas at the Paka-sacrifices. The sacred river
+Gomati was his wife and by her all religious-minded men perform their
+rites. And that terrible water-drinking sea fire called Vadava is the
+fifth son of Vrihaspati. This Brahmic fire has a tendency to move
+upwards and hence it is called _Urdhvabhag_, and is seated in the vital
+air called _Prana_. The sixth son is called the great Swishtakrit; for
+by him oblations became _swishta_ (_su_, excellently, and _ishta_,
+offered) and the _udagdhara_ oblation is always made in his honour. And
+when all creatures are claimed, the fire called Manyauti becomes filled
+with fury. This inexorably terrible and highly irascible fire is the
+daughter of Vrihaspati, and is known as _Swaha_ and is present in all
+matter. (By the respective influence of the three qualities of _sattwa,
+rajas_ and _tamas_, Swaha had three sons). By reason of the first she
+had a son who was equaled by none in heaven in personal beauty, and
+from this fact he was surnamed by the gods as the _Kama_-fire.[25] (By
+reason of the second) she had a son called the _Amogha_ or invincible
+fire, the destroyer of his enemies in battle. Assured of success he
+curbs his anger and is armed with a bow and seated on a chariot and
+adorned with wreaths of flowers. (From the action of the third quality)
+she had a son, the great _Uktha_ (the means of salvation) praised by
+(akin to) three Ukthas.[26] He is the originator of the great word[27]
+and is therefore known as the Samaswasa or the means of rest
+(salvation).'"
+
+    [25] Kama is the name of the god of love, Indian Cupid.
+
+    [26] The body, the exciting Cause of our actions is an _uktha_,
+    the soul of the vivifier of the body is the second _uktha_, and
+    the Supreme Spirit, the inciter of the soul is the third.
+
+    [27] The word of God.
+
+
+SECTION CCXIX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'He (_Uktha_) performed a severe penance lasting
+for many years, with the view of having a pious son equal unto _Brahma_
+in reputation. And when the invocation was made with the _vyahriti_
+hymns and with the aid of the five sacred fires, _Kasyapa, Vasistha,
+Prana_, the son of _Prana, Chyavana_, the son of _Angiras_, and
+_Suvarchaka_--there arose a very bright energy (force) full of the
+animating (creative) principle, and of five different colours. Its head
+was of the colour of the blazing fire, its arms were bright like the sun
+and its skin and eyes were golden-coloured and its feet, O Bharata, were
+black. Its five colours were given to it by those five men by reason of
+their great penance. This celestial being is therefore described as
+appertaining to five men, and he is the progenitor of five tribes. After
+having performed a penance for ten thousand years, that being of great
+ascetic merit produced the terrible fire appertaining to the _Pitris_
+(manes) in order to begin the work of creation, and from his head and
+mouth respectively he created Vrihat and Rathantara (day and night) who
+quickly steal away (life, &c.). He also created Siva from his navel,
+Indra from his might and wind and fire from his soul, and from his two
+arms sprang the hymns _Udatta_ and _Anudatta_. He also produced the
+mind, and the five senses, and other creatures. Having created these, he
+produced the five sons of the _Pitris_. Of these _Pranidhi_ was the son
+of _Vrihadratha_. Vrihadratha was the son of Kasyapa. Bhanu was the
+godson of Chyavana, Saurabha, the son of Suvarchaka, and Anudatta, the
+son of Prana. These twenty-five beings are reputed (to have been created
+by him). Tapa also created fifteen other gods who obstruct
+sacrifices[28]. They are Subhima, Bhima, Atibhima, Bhimavala, Avala,
+Sumitra, Mitravana, Mitasina, Mitravardhana and Mitradharaman,[29] and
+Surapravira, Vira, Suveka, Suravarchas and Surahantri. These gods are
+divided into three classes of five each. Located here in this world,
+they destroy the sacrifices of the gods in heaven; they frustrate their
+objects and spoil their oblations of clarified butter. They do this only
+to spite the sacred fires carrying oblations to the gods. If the
+officiating priests are careful, they place the oblations in their
+honour outside of the sacrificial altar. To that particular place where
+the sacred fire may be placed, they cannot go. They carry the oblation
+of their votaries by means of wings. When appeased by hymns, they do not
+frustrate the sacrificial rites. Vrihaduktha, another son of Tapa,
+belongs to the Earth. He is worshipped here in this world by pious men
+performing _Agnihotra_ sacrifices. Of the son of Tapa who is known as
+Rathantara, it is said by officiating priests that the sacrificial
+oblation offered in his honour is offered to Mitravinda. The celebrated
+Tapa was thus very happy with his sons.'"
+
+    [28] In Hindu Mythology there are no gods who destroy
+    sacrifices. It is only the Asuras who do so. The Burdwan
+    translator renders this passage,--"fifteen other gods belonging
+    to western nations or _Asuras_." It is noticeable that the
+    beings that were denounced as _Asuras_ by the Hindus were
+    worshipped as Gods (_Asuras_) by the followers of Zarathustra.
+
+    [29] In connection with the names of these Mitra-gods, it is to
+    be remembered that Mitra was the name of the principal god of
+    the ancient Persians.
+
+
+SECTION CCXX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The fire called Bharata was bound by severe
+rules of asceticism. Pushtimati is another name of his fire; for when he
+is satisfied he vouchsafes _pushti_ (development) to all creatures, and
+for this reason he is called _Bharata_ (or the Cherisher). And that
+other fire, by name Siva, is devoted to the worship of Sakti (the forces
+of the presiding deity of the forces of Nature), and because he always
+relieves the sufferings of all creatures afflicted with misery, he is
+called Siva (the giver of good). And on the acquisition of great ascetic
+wealth by _Tapa_, an intelligent son named Puranda was born to inherit
+the same. Another son named Ushma was also born. This fire is observed
+in the vapour of all matter. A third son Manu was born. He officiated as
+Prajapati. The Brahmanas who are learned in the Vedas, then speak of the
+exploits of the fire Sambhu. And after that the bright Avasathya fire of
+great refulgence is spoken of by the Brahmanas. Tapa thus created the
+five Urjaskara fires, all bright as gold. These all share the _Soma_
+drink in sacrifices. The great sun-god when fatigued (after his day's
+labours) is known as the Prasanta fire. He created the terrible _Asuras_
+and various other creatures of the earth. Angiras, too created the
+_Prajapati_ Bhanu, the son of Tapa. He is also called Vrihadbhanu (the
+great Bhanu) by Brahmanas learned in the _Vedas_. Bhanu married Supraja,
+and Brihadbhanu the daughter of Surya (the sun-god). They gave birth to
+six sons; do thou hear of their progeny. The fire who gives strength to
+the weak is called Valada (or the giver of strength). He is the first
+son of Bhanu, and that other fire who looks terrible when all the
+elements are in a tranquil state is called the Manjuman fire; he is the
+second son of Bhanu. And the fire in whose honour oblations of clarified
+butter are enjoined to be made here at the _Darsa_ and _Paurnamasya_
+sacrifices and who is known as Vishnu in this world, is (the third son
+of Bhanu) called Angiras, or Dhritiman. And the fire to whom with Indra,
+the _Agrayana_ oblation is enjoined to be made is called the Agrayana
+fire. He is the (fourth) son of Bhanu. The fifth son of Bhanu is Agraha
+who is the source of the oblations which are daily made for the
+performance of the _Chaturmasya_ (four-monthly) rites. And Stuva is the
+sixth son of Bhanu. Nisa was the name of another wife of that Manu who
+is known by the name of Bhanu. She gave birth to one daughter, the two
+Agnishtomas, and also five other fire-gods. The resplendent fire-god who
+is honoured with the first oblations in company with the presiding deity
+of the clouds is called Vaiswanara. And that other fire who is called
+the lord of all the worlds is Viswapati, the second son of Manu. And the
+daughter of Manu is called Swistakrit, because by oblations unto her one
+acquires great merit. Though she was the daughter of Hiranyakasipu, she
+yet became his wife for her evil deeds. She is, however, one of the
+Prajapatis. And that other fire which has its seats in the vital airs of
+all creatures and animates their bodies, is called Sannihita. It is the
+cause of our perceptions of sound and form. That divine spirit whose
+course is marked with black and white stains, who is the supporter of
+fire, and who, though free from sin, is the accomplisher of desired
+_karma_, whom the wise regard as a great _Rishi_, is the fire Kapila,
+the propounder of the _Yoga_ system called Sankhya. The fire through
+whom the elementary spirits always receive the offerings called _Agra_
+made by other creatures at the performance of all the peculiar rites in
+this world is called Agrani. And these other bright fires famous in the
+world, were created for the rectification of the _Agnihotra_ rites when
+marred by any defects. If the fires interlap each other by the action of
+the wind, then the rectification must be made with the _Ashtakapala_
+rites in honour of the fire Suchi. And if the southern fire comes in
+contact with the two other fires, then rectification must be made by the
+performance of the _Ashtakapala_ rites in honour of the fire Viti. If
+the fires in their place called Nivesa come in contact with the fire
+called Devagni, then the _Ashtakapala_ rites must be performed in honour
+of the fire Suchi for rectification. And if the perpetual fire is
+touched by a woman in her monthly course, then for rectification the
+_Ashtakapala_ rites must be performed in honour of the fire called
+Dasyuman. If at the time of the performance of this _Agnihotra_ rites
+the death of any creature is spoken of, or if animals die, then
+rectification must be made with the performance of the _Ashtakapala_
+rites in honour of the Suraman fire. The Brahmana, who while suffering
+from a disease is unable to offer oblations to the sacred fire for three
+nights, must make amends for the same by performing the _Ashtakapala_
+rites in honour of the northern fire. He who has performed the _Darsa_
+and the _Paurnamasya_ rites must make the rectification with the
+performance of the _Ashtakapala_ rites in honour of the Patikrit fire.
+If the fire of a lying-in room comes in contact with the perpetual
+sacred fire, then rectification must be made with the performance of
+_Ashtakapala_ rites in honour of the Agniman fire.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXI
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Mudita, the favourite wife of the fire Swaha,
+used to live in water. And Swaha who was the regent of the earth and sky
+begot in that wife of his a highly sacred fire called Advanta. There is
+a tradition amongst learned Brahmanas that this fire is the ruler and
+inner soul of all creatures. He is worshipful, resplendent and the lord
+of all the great _Bhutas_ here. And that fire, under the name of
+Grihapati, is ever worshipped at all sacrifices and conveys all the
+oblations that are made in this world. That great son of Swaha--the
+great Adbhuta fire is the soul of the waters and the prince and regent
+of the sky and the lord of everything great. His (son), the Bharata
+fire, consumes the dead bodies of all creatures. His first Kratu is
+known as Niyata at the performance of the _Agnishtoma_ sacrifice. That
+powerful prime fire (_Swaha_) is always missed by the gods, because when
+he sees Niyata approaching him he hides himself in the sea from fear of
+contamination. Searching for him in every direction, the gods could not
+(once) find him out and on beholding Atharvan the fire said to him, "O
+valiant being, do thou carry the oblations for the gods! I am disabled
+from want of strength. Attaining the state of the red-eyed fire, do thou
+condescend to do me this favour!" Having thus advised Atharvan, the fire
+went away to some other place. But his place of concealment was divulged
+by the finny tribe. Upon them the fire pronounced this curse in anger,
+"You shall be the food of all creatures in various ways." And then that
+carrier of oblations spoke unto _Atharvan_ (as before). Though entreated
+by the gods, he did not agree to continue carrying their oblations. He
+then became insensible and instantly gave up the ghost. And leaving his
+material body, he entered into the bowels of the earth. Coming into
+contact with the earth, he created the different metals. Force and scent
+arose from his pus; the _Deodar_ pine from his bones; glass from his
+phlegm; the _Marakata_ jewel from his bile; and the black iron from his
+liver. And all the world has been embellished with these three
+substances (wood, stone and iron). The clouds were made from his nails,
+and corals from his veins. And, O king, various other metals were
+produced from his body. Thus leaving his material body, he remained
+absorbed in (spiritual) meditation. He was roused by the penance of
+Bhrigu and Angiras. The powerful fire thus gratified with penance,
+blazed forth intensely. But on beholding the _Rishi_ (Atharvan), he
+again sought his watery refuge. At this extinction of the fire, the
+whole world was frightened, and sought the protection of Atharvan, and
+the gods and others began to worship him. Atharvan rummaged the whole
+sea in the presence of all those beings eager with expectation, and
+finding out the fire, himself began the work of creation. Thus in olden
+times the fire was destroyed and called back to life by the adorable
+Atharvan. But now he invariably carries the oblations of all creatures.
+Living in the sea and travelling about various countries, he produced
+the various fires mentioned in the _Vedas_.
+
+"'The river Indus, the five rivers (of the Punjab), the Sone, the
+Devika, the Saraswati, the Ganga, the Satakumbha, the Sarayu, the
+Gandaki, the Charmanwati, the Mahi, the Medha, the Medhatithi, the three
+rivers Tamravati, the Vetravati, and the Kausiki; the Tamasa, the
+Narmada, the Godavari, the Vena, the Upavena, the Bhima, the Vadawa, the
+Bharati, the Suprayoga, the Kaveri, the Murmura, the Tungavenna, the
+Krishnavenna and the Kapila, these rivers, O Bharata, are said to be the
+mothers of the fires! The fire called Adbhuta had a wife of the name
+of Priya, and Vibhu was the eldest of his sons by her. There are as many
+different kinds of _Soma sacrifices_ as the number of fires mentioned
+before. All this race of fires, first-born of the spirit of Brahma,
+sprang also from the race of Atri. Atri in his own mind conceived these
+sons, desirous of extending the creation. By this act, the fires came
+out of his own Brahmic frame. I have thus narrated to thee the history
+of the origin of these fires. They are great, resplendent, and
+unrivalled in power, and they are the destroyers of darkness. Know that
+the powers of those fires are the same as those of the Adbhuta fire as
+related in the Vedas. For all these fires are one and same. This
+adorable being, the first born fire, must be considered as one. For like
+the _Jyotishtoma_ sacrifice he came out of Angiras body in various
+forms. I have thus described to thee the history of the great race of
+Agni (fires) who when duly worshipped with the various hymns, carry the
+oblations of all creatures to the gods.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O sinless scion of Kuru's race, I have described
+to thee the various branches of the race of Agni. Listen now to the
+story of the birth of the intelligent Kartikeya. I shall tell thee of
+that wonderful and famous and highly energetic son of the Adbhuta fire
+begotten of the wives of the _Brahmarshis_. In ancient times the _gods_
+and _Asuras_ were very active in destroying one another. And the
+terrible _Asuras_ always succeeded in defeating the gods. And Purandara
+(Indra) beholding the great slaughter of his armies by them and anxious
+to find out a leader for the celestial host, thought within himself, "I
+must find out a mighty person who observing the ranks of the celestial
+army shattered by the _Danavas_ will be able to reorganize it with
+vigour." He then repaired to the Manasa mountains and was there deeply
+absorbed in thought of nature, when he heard the heart-rending cries of
+a woman to the effect, "May some one come quick and rescue me, and
+either indicate a husband for me, or be my husband himself." Purandara
+said to her, "Do not be afraid, lady!" And having said these words, he
+saw Kesin (an _Asura_) adorned with a crown and mace in hand standing
+even like a hill of metals at a distance and holding that lady by the
+hand. Vasava addressed then that _Asura_ saying, "Why art thou bent on
+behaving insolently to this lady? Know that I am the god who wields the
+thunderbolt. Refrain thou from doing any violence to this lady." To him
+Kesin replied, "Do thou, O Sakra, leave her alone. I desire to possess
+her. Thinkest thou, O slayer of Paka, that thou shalt be able to return
+home with thy life?" With these words Kesin hurled his mace for slaying
+Indra. Vasava cut it up in its course with his thunderbolt. Then Kesin,
+furious with rage, hurled a huge mass of rock at him. Beholding that, he
+of a hundred sacrifices rent it asunder with his thunderbolt, and it
+fell down upon the ground. And Kesin himself was wounded by that falling
+mass of rock. Thus sorely afflicted, he fled leaving the lady behind.
+And when the _Asura_ was gone, Indra said to that lady, "Who and whose
+wife art thou, O lady with a beautiful face, and what has brought thee
+here?"'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXIII
+
+"'The lady replied, "I am a daughter of Prajapati (the lord of all
+creatures, Brahma) and my name is Devasena. My sister Daityasena has ere
+this been ravished by Kesin. We two sisters with our maids habitually
+used to come to these Manasa mountains for pleasures with the permission
+of Prajapati. And the great _Asura_ Kesin used daily to pay his court to
+us. Daityasena, O conqueror of Paka, listened to him, but I did not.
+Daityasena was, therefore, taken away by him, but, O illustrious one,
+thou hast rescued me with thy might. And now, O lord of the celestials,
+I desire that thou shouldst select an invincible husband for me." To
+this Indra replied, "Thou art a cousin of mine, thy mother being a
+sister of my mother Dakshayani, and now I desire to hear thee relate
+thine own prowess." The lady replied, "O hero with long arms, I am
+_Avala_[30] (weak) but my husband must be powerful. And by the potency
+of my father's boon, he will be respected by _gods_ and _Asuras_ alike."
+Indra said, "O blameless creature, I wish to hear from thee, what sort
+of power thou wishest thy husband to possess." The lady replied, "That
+manly and famous and powerful being devoted to Brahma, who is able to
+conquer all the celestials, _Asuras, Yakshas, Kinnaras, Uragas,
+Rakshasas_, and the evil-minded _Daityas_ and to subdue all the worlds
+with thee, shall be my husband."'
+
+    [30] _Avala_ is a common name of women. It means one who has no
+    vala or strength or power. The word is also used as an
+    adjective.
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'On hearing her speech, Indra was grieved and
+deeply thought within himself, "There is no husband for this lady,
+answering to her own description." And that god adorned with sun-like
+effulgence, then perceived the Sun rising on the Udaya hill,[31] and the
+great Soma (Moon) gliding into the Sun. It being the time of the new
+Moon, he of a hundred sacrifices, at the _Raudra_[32] moment, observed
+the gods and _Asuras_ fighting on the Sunrise hill. And he saw that the
+morning twilight was tinged with red clouds. And he also saw that the
+abode of Varuna had become blood-red. And he also observed Agni
+conveying oblations offered with various hymns by Bhrigu, Angiras, and
+others and entering the disc of the Sun. And he further saw the twenty
+four _Parvas_ adorning the Sun, and the terrible Soma also present in
+the Sun under such surroundings. And observing this union of the Sun and
+the Moon and that fearful conjunction of theirs, Sakra thought within
+himself, "This terrific conjunction of the Sun and the Moon forebodeth a
+fearful battle on the morrow. And the river Sindhu (Indus) too is
+flowing with a current of fresh blood and the jackals with fiery laces
+are crying to the Sun. This great conjunction is fearful and full of
+energy. This union of the Moon (Soma) with the Sun and Agni is very
+wonderful. And if Soma giveth birth to a son now, that son may become
+the husband of this lady. And Agni also hath similar surroundings now,
+and he too is a god. If the two begetteth a son, that son may become the
+husband of this lady." With these thoughts that illustrious celestial
+repaired to the regions of Brahma, taking Devasena[33] with him. And
+saluting the Grandsire he said unto him, "Do thou fix a renowned warrior
+as husband of this lady." Brahma replied, "O slayer of _Asuras_, it
+shall be as thou hast intended. The issue of that union will be mighty
+and powerful accordingly. That powerful being will be the husband of
+this lady and the joint leader of thy forces with thee." Thus addressed,
+the lord of the celestials and the lady bowed unto him and then repaired
+to the place where those great Brahmanas, the powerful celestial
+_Rishis_, Vasistha and others, lived. And with Indra at their head, the
+other gods also, desirous of drinking the Soma beverage, repaired to the
+sacrifices of those _Rishis_ to receive their respective shares of the
+offerings. Having duly performed the ceremonies with the bright blazing
+fire, those great-minded persons offered oblations to the celestials.
+And the _Adbhuta_ fire, that carrier of oblations, was invited with
+_mantras_. And coming out of the solar disc, that lordly fire duly
+repaired thither, restraining speech. And, O chief of Bharata's race,
+that fire entering the sacrificial fire that had been ignited and into
+which various offerings were made by the _Rishis_ with recitations of
+hymns, took them with him and made them over to the dwellers of heaven.
+And while returning from that place, he observed the wives of those
+high-souled _Rishis_ sleeping at their ease on their beds. And those
+ladies had a complexion beautiful like that of an altar of gold,
+spotless like moon-beams, resembling fiery flames and looking like
+blazing stars. And seeing those wives of the illustrious Brahmanas with
+eager eyes, his mind became agitated and he was smitten with their
+charms. Restraining his heart he considered it improper for him to be
+thus agitated. And he said unto himself, "The wives of these great
+Brahmanas are chaste and faithful and beyond the reach of other people's
+desires. I am filled with desire to possess them. I cannot lawfully cast
+my eyes upon them, nor ever touch them when they are not filled with
+desire. I shall, therefore, gratify myself daily with only looking at
+them by becoming their _Garhapatya_ (house-hold) fire."'
+
+    [31] According to the Hindus, the sun rises from and sets behind
+    two hills respectively. He rises from the _Udaya_ or Sun-rise
+    hill and sets behind the _Asta_ or sun-set hill.
+
+    [32] _Raudra_--belonging to Rudra, the god of fury, violence,
+    war, &c.
+
+    [33] _Devasena_ literally means the celestial army. This fable
+    seems to be an allegorical representation of the attempts made
+    by Indra to procure a leader for the celestial host.
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The _Adbhuta_ fire, thus transforming himself
+into a house-hold one, was highly gratified with seeing those
+gold-complexioned ladies and touching them with his flames. And
+influenced by their charms he dwelt there for a long time, giving them
+his heart and filled with an intense love for them. And baffled in all
+his efforts to win the hearts of those Brahmana ladies, and his own
+heart tortured by love, he repaired to a forest with the certain object
+of destroying himself. A little while before, Swaha, the daughter of
+Daksha, had bestowed her love on him. The excellent lady had been
+endeavouring for a long time to detect his weak moments; but that
+blameless lady did not succeed in finding out any weakness in the calm
+and collected fire-god. But now that the god had betaken himself to a
+forest, actually tortured by the pangs of love, she thought, "As I too
+am distressed with love, I shall assume the guise of the wives of the
+seven _Rishis_, and in that disguise I shall seek the fire-god so
+smitten with their charms. This done, he will be gratified and my desire
+too will be satisfied."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXIV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O lord of men, the beautiful Siva endowed with
+great virtues and an unspotted character was the wife of Angiras (one of
+the seven _Rishis_). That excellent lady (Swaha) at first assuming the
+disguise of Siva, sought the presence of Agni unto whom she said, "O
+Agni, I am tortured with love for thee. Do thou think it fit to woo me.
+And if thou dost not accede to my request, know that I shall commit
+self-destruction. I am Siva the wife of Angiras. I have come here
+according to the advice of the wives of the other _Rishis_, who have
+sent me here after due deliberation."
+
+"'Agni replied, "How didst thou know that I was tortured with love and
+how could the others, the beloved wives of the seven _Rishis_, of whom
+thou hast spoken, know this?"
+
+"'Swaha replied, "Thou art always a favourite with us, but we are afraid
+of thee. Now having read thy mind by well-known signs, they have sent to
+thy presence. I have come here to gratify my desire. Be thou quick, O
+Agni, to encompass the object of thy desire, my sisters-in-law are
+awaiting me. I must return soon."
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then Agni, filled with great joy and delight,
+married Swaha in the guise of Siva, and that lady joyfully cohabiting
+with him, held the _semen virile_ in her hands. And then she thought
+within herself that those who would observe her in that disguise in the
+forest, would cast an unmerited slur upon the conduct of those Brahmana
+ladies in connection with Agni. Therefore, to prevent this, she should
+assume the disguise of a bird, and in that state she should more easily
+get out of the forest.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then assuming the disguise of a winged creature,
+she went out of the forest and reached the White Mountain begirt with
+clumps of heath and other plants and trees, and guarded by strange
+seven-headed serpents with poison in their very looks, and abounding
+with _Rakshasas_, male and female _Pisachas_, terrible spirits, and
+various kinds of birds and animals. That excellent lady quickly
+ascending a peak of those mountains, threw that _semen_ into a golden
+lake. And then assuming successively the forms of the wives of the
+high-souled seven _Rishis_, she continued to dally with Agni. But on
+account of the great ascetic merit of Arundhati and her devotion to her
+husband (Vasishtha), she was unable to assume her form. And, O chief of
+Kuru's race, the lady Swaha on the first lunar day threw six times into
+that lake the _semen_ of Agni. And thrown there, it produced a male
+child endowed with great power. And from the fact of its being regarded
+by the _Rishis_ as _cast off_, the child born therefrom came to be
+called by the name of _Skanda_. And the child had six faces, twelve
+ears, as many eyes, hands, and feet, one neck, and one stomach. And it
+first assumed a form on the second lunar day, and it grew to the size of
+a little child on the third. And the limbs of Guha were developed on the
+fourth day. And being surrounded by masses of red clouds flashing forth
+lightning, it shone like the Sun rising in the midst of a mass of red
+clouds. And seizing the terrific and immense bow which was used by the
+destroyer of the _Asura_ Tripura for the destruction of the enemies of
+the gods, that mighty being uttered such a terrible roar that the three
+worlds with their mobile and immobile divisions became struck with awe.
+And hearing that sound which seemed like the rumbling of a mass of big
+clouds, the great _Nagas, Chitra_ and _Airavata_, were shaken with fear.
+And seeing them unsteady that lad shining with sun-like refulgence held
+them with both his hands. And with a dart in (another) hand, and with a
+stout, red-crested, big cock fast secured in another, that long-armed
+son of Agni began to sport about making a terrible noise. And holding an
+excellent conch-shell with two of his hands, that mighty being began to
+blow it to the great terror of even the most powerful creatures. And
+striking the air with two of his hands, and playing about on the
+hill-top, the mighty Mahasena of unrivalled prowess, looked as if he
+were on the point of devouring the three worlds, and shone like the
+bright Sun-god at the moment of his ascension in the heavens. And that
+being of wonderful prowess and matchless strength, seated on the top of
+that hill, looked on with his numerous faces directed towards the
+different cardinal points, and observing various things, he repeated his
+loud roars. And on hearing those roars various creatures were prostrate
+with fear. And frightened and troubled in mind they sought protection.
+And all those persons of various orders who then sought the protection
+of that god are known as his powerful Brahmana followers. And rising
+from his seat, that mighty god allayed the fears of all those people,
+and then drawing his bow, he discharged his arrows in the direction of
+the White Mountain. And with those arrows the hill Krauncha, the son of
+Himavat, was rent asunder. And that is the reason why swans and vultures
+now migrate to the Sumeru mountains. The Krauncha hill, sorely wounded,
+fell down uttering fearful groans. And seeing him fallen, the other
+hills too began to scream. And that mighty being of unrivalled prowess,
+hearing the groans of the afflicted, was not at all moved, but himself
+uplifting his mace, yelled forth his war-whoop. And that high-souled
+being then hurled his mace of great lustre and quickly rent in twain one
+of the peaks of the White Mountain. And the White Mountain being thus
+pierced by him was greatly afraid of him and dissociating himself from
+the earth fled with the other mountains. And the earth was greatly
+afflicted and bereft of her ornaments on all sides. And in this
+distress, she went over to _Skanda_ and once more shone with all her
+might. And the mountains too bowed down to _Skanda_ and came back and
+stuck into the earth. And all creatures then celebrated the worship of
+_Skanda_ on the fifth day of the lunar month.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXV
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When that powerful, high-souled, and mighty
+being was born, various kinds of fearful phenomena occurred. And the
+nature of males and females, of heat and cold, and of such other pairs
+of contraries, was reversed. And the planets, the cardinal points and
+the firmaments became radiant with light and the earth began to rumble
+very much. And the _Rishis_ even, seeking the welfare of the world,
+while they observed all these terrific prodigies on all sides, began
+with anxious hearts to restore tranquillity in the universe. And those
+who used to live in that Chitraratha forest said, "This very miserable
+condition of ours hath been brought about by Agni cohabiting with the
+six wives of the seven _Rishis_." Others again who had seen the goddess
+assume the disguise of a bird said, "This evil hath been brought about
+by a bird." No one ever imagined that Swaha was the authoress of that
+mischief. But having heard that the (new born) male child was hers, she
+went to Skanda and gradually revealed to him the fact that she was his
+mother. And those seven _Rishis_, when they heard that a son of great
+power had been born (to them), divorced their six wives with the
+exception of the adorable Arundhati, because all the dwellers of that
+forest protested that those six persons had been instrumental in
+bringing forth the child. Swaha too, O king, said again and again to the
+seven _Rishis_, saying, "Ye ascetics, this child is mine, your wives are
+not his mother."
+
+"'The great _Muni_ Viswamitra had, after the conclusion of the
+sacrifices of the seven _Rishis_, followed unseen the god of fire, while
+the latter was tortured with lust. He, therefore, knew everything as it
+happened and he was the first to seek the protection of Mahasena. And he
+offered divine prayers to Mahasena and all the thirteen auspicious rites
+appertaining to childhood, such as the natal and other ceremonies, were
+all performed by the great _Muni_ in respect of that child. And for the
+good of the world he promulgated the virtues of the six-faced Skanda,
+and performed ceremonies in honour of the cock, the goddess _Sakti_, and
+the first followers of Skanda. And for this reason he became a great
+favourite of the celestial youth. That great _Muni_ then informed the
+seven _Rishis_ of the transformations of Swaha and told them that their
+wives were perfectly innocent. But though thus informed the seven
+_Rishis_ abandoned their spouses unconditionally.'"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The celestials having heard of the prowess of
+Skanda, all said to Vasava, "O Sakra, do thou kill Skanda without delay
+for his prowess is unbearable. And if thou dost not exterminate him, he
+will conquer the three worlds with ourselves, and overpowering thee,
+will himself become the mighty lord of the celestials." Perplexed in
+mind, Sakra replied unto them, "This child is endowed with great
+prowess. He can himself destroy the Creator of the Universe, in battle
+putting forth his might. I venture not, therefore, to do away with him."
+To this the gods replied, "Thou hast no manliness in thee, in that thou
+talkest in this manner. Let the great Mothers of the Universe repair
+to-day to Skanda. They can master at will any degree of energy. Let them
+kill this child." "It shall be so."--the mothers replied. And then they
+went away. But on beholding that he was possessed of great might, they
+became dispirited, and considering that he was invincible, they sought
+his protection and said unto him, "Do thou, O mighty being, become our
+(adopted) son. We are full of affection for thee and desirous of giving
+thee suck. Lo, the milk oozes from our breasts!" On hearing these words,
+the mighty Mahasena became desirous of sucking their breasts and he
+received them with due respect and acceded to their request. And that
+mightiest of mighty creatures then beheld his father Agni come towards
+him. And that god, who is the doer of all that is good, was duly
+honoured by his son, and in company with the Mothers, he stayed there by
+the side of Mahasena to tend him. And that lady amongst the Mothers who
+was born of Anger[34] with a spike in hand kept watch over Skanda even
+like a mother guarding her own offspring, and that irascible
+red-coloured daughter of the Sea, who lived herself on blood, hugged
+Mahasena in her breast and nursed him like a mother. And Agni
+transforming himself into a trader with a goat's mouth and followed by
+numerous children began to gratify that child of his with toys in that
+mountain abode of his.'"
+
+    [34] Anger personified is a deity.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXVI
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'The planets with their satellites, the _Rishis_
+and the Mothers, Agni and numerous other blazing courtiers and many
+other dwellers of heaven of terrible mien, waited on Mahasena along with
+the Mothers. And the illustrious sovereign of the gods, desirous of
+victory but believing success to be doubtful mounted his elephant
+Airavata and attended by the other gods advanced towards Skanda. That
+mighty being followed by all the celestials was armed with his
+thunderbolt. And with the object of slaying Mahasena, he marched with
+terrible celestial army of great splendour, sounding their shrill
+war-cry and furnished with various sorts of standards, with warriors
+encased in various armour and armed with numerous bows and riding on
+various animals. When Mahasena beheld the gloriously decked Sakra,
+attired in his best clothes, advancing with the determination of slaying
+him, he (too on his part) advanced to meet that chief of the celestials.
+O Partha, the mighty Vasava, the lord of the celestials, then uttered a
+loud shout, to encourage his warriors and marching rapidly with the view
+of killing Agni's son and praised by Tridasas[35] and great _Rishis_, he
+at length reached the abode of Kartikeya. And then he shouted out with
+other gods; and Guha too in response to this, uttered a fearful war-cry
+resembling the roaring of the sea. On hearing that noise, the celestial
+army behaved like an agitated sea, and was stunned and fixed to the
+spot. And that son of _Pavaka_ (the Fire-god) beholding the gods come
+near to him with the object of killing him, was filled with wrath, and
+gave out rising flame of fire from within his mouth. And these flames
+destroyed the celestial forces struggling on the ground. Their heads,
+their bodies, their arms and riding animals were all burnt in that
+conflagration and they appeared all on a sudden like stars displaced
+from their proper spheres. Thus afflicted, the god renounced all
+allegiance to the thunder-bolt, and sought the protection of Pavaka's
+son; and thus peace was again secured. When he was thus forsaken by the
+gods, Sakra hurled his thunder-bolt at Skanda. It pierced him on the
+right side; and, O great king, it passed through the body of that
+high-souled being. And from being struck with the thunder-bolt, there
+arose from Skanda's body another being--a youth with a club in hand, and
+adorned with a celestial amulet. And because he was born on account of
+the piercing of the thunder-bolt, he was named Visakha. And Indra, when
+he beheld that another person looking like the fierce destroying
+Fire-god had come into being was frightened out of his wits and besought
+the protection of Skanda, with the palms of his hands joined together
+(as a mark of respect). And that excellent being Skanda, bade him
+renounce all fear, with his arm. The gods were then transported with
+joy, and their hands too struck up.'"
+
+    [35] Another name of gods, so named from their having only three
+    stages of life--viz., infancy, childhood, and youth--and being
+    exempt from the fourth--old age.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Now hear of those terrible and curious-looking
+followers of Skanda. A number of male children came into being when
+Skanda was struck with the thunder-bolt,--those terrific creatures that
+steal (spirit away) little children, whether born, or in the womb and a
+number of female children too of great strength were born to him. Those
+children adopted Visakha as their father. That adorable and dexterous
+Bhadrasakha, having a face like that of a goat was at the time (of the
+battle) surrounded by all his sons and daughters whom he guarded
+carefully in the presence of the great mothers. And for this reason the
+inhabitants of this earth call Skanda the father of _Kumaras_ (little
+children). Those persons who desire to have sons born to them, worship
+in their places the powerful _Rudra_ in the form of the Fire-god, and
+_Uma_ in the form of _Swaha_. And by that means they are blessed with
+sons. The daughters begotten by the Fire-god, _Tapa_, went over to
+Skanda, who said to them, "What can I do for you?" Those girls replied,
+"Do us this favour; by thy blessing, may we become the good and
+respected mothers of all the world!" He replied, "Be it so." And that
+liberal-minded being repeated again and again, "Ye shall be divided into
+Siva and Asiva."[36] And the mothers then departed, having first
+established Skanda's sonship, Kaki, Halima, Malini, Vrinhila, Arya,
+Palala and Vaimitra, these were the seven mothers of Sisu. They had a
+powerful, red-eyed, terrific, and very turbulent son named Sisu born by
+the blessing of Skanda. He was reputed as the eighth hero, born of the
+mothers of Skanda. But he is also known as the ninth, when that being
+with the face of a goat, is included. Know that the sixth face of Skanda
+was like that of a goat. That face, O king, is situated in the middle of
+the six, and is regarded constantly by the mother. That head by which
+Bhadrasakha created the divine energy, is reputed to be the best of all
+his heads. O ruler of men, these virtuous wonderful events happened on
+the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month, and on the sixth, a
+very fierce and terrific battle was fought at that place."
+
+    [36] i.e., good and evil spirits.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Skanda was adorned with a golden amulet and
+wreath, and wore a crest and a crown of gold; his eyes were
+golden-coloured, and he had a set of sharp teeth; he was dressed in a
+red garment and looked very handsome; he had a comely appearance, and
+was endowed with all good characteristics and was the favourite of the
+three worlds. He granted boons (to people who sought them) and was
+brave, youthful, and adorned with bright ear-rings. Whilst he was
+reposing himself, the goddess of fortune, looking like a lotus and
+assuming a personal embodiment, rendered her allegiance to him. When he
+became thus possessed of good fortune, that famous and delicate-looking
+creature appeared to all like the moon at its full. And high-minded
+Brahmanas worshipped that mighty being, and the _Maharshis_ (great
+_rishis_) then said as follows to Skanda, "O thou born of the golden
+egg, mayst thou be prosperous and mayst thou become an instrument of
+good to the universe! O best of the gods, although thou wast born only
+six nights (days) ago, the whole world has owned allegiance to thee
+(within this short time), and thou hast also allayed their fears.
+Therefore do thou become the Indra (lord) of the three worlds and remove
+their cause of apprehension." Skanda replied, "You gentlemen of great
+ascetic wealth (tell me) what Indra does with all three worlds and how
+that sovereign of the celestials protects the hosts of gods
+unremittingly." The _Rishis_ replied, "Indra is the giver of strength,
+power, children and happiness to all creatures and when propitiated,
+that Lord of the celestials bestows on all the objects of their desire.
+He destroys the wicked and fulfils the desires of the righteous; and
+that Destroyer of Vala assigns to all creatures their various duties. He
+officiates for the sun and the moon in places where there is no sun or
+moon; he even when occasion requires it, acts for (serves the purposes
+of) fire, air, earth, and water. These are the duties of Indra; his
+capacities are immense. Thou too art mighty; therefore great hero, do
+thou become our Indra."
+
+"'Sakra said, "O mighty being, do thou make us happy, by becoming our
+lord. Excellent being, thou art worthy of the honour; therefore shall we
+anoint thee this very day."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Do thou continue to rule the three worlds with
+self-possession, and with thy heart bent on conquest. I shall remain thy
+humble servant. I covet not thy sovereignty."
+
+"'Sakra replied, "Thy prowess is unrivalled, O hero, do thou therefore
+vanquish the enemies of the gods. People have been struck with wonder at
+thy prowess. More specially as I have been bereft of my prowess, and
+defeated by thee, now if I were to act as Indra, I should not command
+the respect of all creatures, and they would be busy in bringing about
+dissensions between us; and then, my lord, they would become the
+partisans of one or other of us. And when they formed themselves into
+two distinct factions, war as before would be the result of that
+defection. And in that war, thou wouldst undoubtedly defeat me without
+difficulty and thyself become the lord of all worlds."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Thou, O Sakra, art my sovereign, as also of the three
+worlds; mayst thou be prosperous! Tell me if I can obey any commands of
+thine."
+
+"'Indra replied, "At thy bidding, O powerful being, I shall continue to
+act as Indra. And if thou hast said this deliberately and in earnest,
+then hear me how thou canst gratify thy desire of serving me. Do thou, O
+mighty being, take the leadership of the celestial forces accordingly."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Do thou anoint me as leader, for the destruction of
+the Danavas, for the good of the celestials, and for the well-being of
+cows and Brahmanas."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus anointed by Indra and all other gods, and
+honoured by the _Maharshis_, he looked grand at the moment. The golden
+umbrella[37] held (over his head) looked like a halo of blazing fire.
+That famous god, the Conqueror of Tripura, himself fastened the
+celestial wreath of gold, of Viswakarma's manufacture, round his neck.
+And, O great man and conqueror of thine enemies, that worshipful god
+with the emblem of the bull, had gone there previously with Parvati. He
+honoured him with a joyous heart. The Fire-god is called Rudra by
+Brahmanas, and from this fact Skanda is called the son of Rudra. The
+White Mountain was formed from discharges of Rudra's _semen virile_ and
+the sensual indulgences of the Fire-god with the Krittikas took place on
+that same White Mountain. And as Rudra was seen by all the dwellers of
+heaven to heap honours on the excellent Guha (Skanda), he was for that
+reason reputed as the son of Rudra. This child had his being by the
+action of Rudra entering into the constitution of the Fire-god, and for
+this reason, Skanda came to be known as the son of Rudra. And, O
+Bharata, as Rudra, the Fire-god, Swaha, and the six wives (of the seven
+Rishis) were instrumental to the birth of the great god Skanda, he was
+for that reason reputed as the son of Rudra.'
+
+    [37] One of the ensigns of royalty in Hindustan.
+
+"'That son of Fire-god was clad in a pair of clean red cloths, and thus
+he looked grand and resplendent like the Sun peeping forth from behind a
+mass of red clouds. And the red cock given to him by the Fire-god,
+formed his ensign; and when perched on the top of his chariot, it looked
+like the image of the all-destroying fire. And the presiding deity of
+the power which conduces to the victory of the god, and which is the
+director of the exertions of all creatures, and constitutes their glory,
+prop and refuge, advanced before him. And a mysterious charm entered
+into his constitution, the charm which manifests its powers on the
+battlefield. Beauty, strength, piety, power, might, truthfulness,
+rectitude, devotion to Brahmanas, freedom from illusion or perplexity,
+protection of followers, destruction of foes, and care of all
+creatures,--these, O lord of men, are the inborn virtues of Skanda. Thus
+anointed by all the gods, he looked pleased and complacent; and dressed
+in his best style, he looked beautiful like the moon at its full. The
+much-esteemed incantation of _Vedic_ hymns, the music of the celestial
+band, and the songs of gods and _Gandharvas_ then rang on all sides. And
+surrounded by all the well-dressed _Apsaras_, and many other gay and
+happy-looking _Pisachas_ and hosts of gods, that anointed (by gods) son
+of Pavaka disported himself in all his grandeur. To the dwellers of
+heaven, the anointed Mahasena appeared like the Sun rising after
+extinction of darkness. And then the celestial forces looking upon him
+as their leader, surrounded him on all sides in thousands. That adorable
+being followed by all creatures then assumed their commands, and praised
+and honoured by them, he encouraged them in return.
+
+"'The Performer of a thousand sacrifices then thought of Devasena, whom
+he has rescued before. And considering that this being (Skanda) was
+undoubtedly destined to be the husband of this lady by Brahma himself,
+he had her brought there, dressed her with the best apparel. And the
+vanquisher of Vala then said to Skanda, "O foremost of gods, this lady
+was, even before thy birth, destined to be thy bride by that
+Self-existent Being.[38] Therefore do thou duly accept her lotus-like
+beautiful right hand with invocation of the (marital) hymns." Thus told,
+he duly married her. And Vrihaspati learned in hymns performed the
+necessary prayers and oblations. She who is called Shashthi, Lakshmi,
+Asa, Sukhaprada, Sinivali, Kuhu, Saivritti, and Aparajita, is known
+among men as Devasena, the wife of Skanda. When Skanda became united to
+Devasena in indissoluble bonds of matrimony, then the gods of prosperity
+in her own personal embodiment began to serve him with diligence. As
+Skanda attained celebrity on the fifth lunar day, that day is called
+_Sripanchami_ (or the auspicious fifth day) and as he attained his
+object on the sixth, that lunar day is considered to be of great
+moment.'"
+
+    [38] Brahma.
+
+
+SECTION CCXXIX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Those six ladies, the wives of the seven
+_Rishis_ when they learned that good fortune had smiled on Mahasena and
+that he had been made leader of the celestial forces,[39] repaired to
+his camp. Those virtuous ladies of high religious merit had been
+disowned by the _Rishis_. They lost no time in visiting that leader of
+the celestial forces and then addressed him thus, "We, O son, have been
+cast out by our god-like husbands, without any cause. Some people spread
+the rumour that we gave birth to thee. Believing in the truth of this
+story, they became greatly indignant, and banished us from our sacred
+places. It behooves thee now to save us from this infamy. We desire to
+adopt thee as our son, so that, O mighty being, eternal bliss may be
+secured to us by that favour. Do thou thus repay the obligation thou
+owest to us."
+
+    [39] Devasenapati is the original. It may mean either the _pati_
+    (leader) of the _sena_ (forces) of _devas_ or the _pati_
+    (husband) of Devasena.
+
+"'Skanda replied, "O ladies of faultless character, do you accordingly
+become my mothers. I am your son and ye shall attain all the objects of
+your desire."
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then Sakra having expressed a wish to say
+something to Skanda, the latter enquired, "What is it?" Being told by
+Skanda to speak it out, Vasava said, "The lady Abhijit, the younger
+sister of Rohini, being jealous of her seniority, has repaired to the
+woods to perform austerities. And I am at a loss to find out a
+substitute for the fallen star. May good luck attend on thee, do thou
+consult with _Brahma_ (for the purpose of filling up the room) of this
+great asterism." Dhanishtha and other asterisms were created by
+_Brahma_, and Rohini used to serve the purpose of one such; and
+consequently their number was full. And in accordance with Sakra's
+advice, Krittika was assigned a place in the heavens, and that star
+presided over by _Agni_ shines as if with seven heads. Vinata also said
+to Skanda, "Thou art as a son to me, and entitled to offer me the
+funeral cakes (at my funeral obsequies). I desire, my son, to live with
+thee always."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Be it so, all honour to thee! Do thou guide me with a
+mother's affection, and honoured by thy daughter-in-law, thou shalt
+always live with me."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then the great mothers spoke as follows to
+Skanda, "We have been described by the learned as the mothers of all
+creatures. But we desire to be thy mothers, do thou honour us."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Ye are all as mothers to me, and I am your son. Tell
+me what I can do to please you."
+
+"'The mothers replied, "The ladies (Brahmi, Maheswari, &c.) were
+appointed as mothers of the world in bygone ages. We desire, O great
+god, that they be dispossessed of that dignity, and ourselves installed
+in their place, and that we, instead of them, be worshipped by the
+world. Do thou now restore to us those of our progeny, of whom we have
+been deprived, by them on thy account."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Ye shall not recover those that have been once given
+away, but I can give you other offspring if ye like."
+
+"'The mothers replied, "We desire that living with thee and assuming
+different shapes we be able to eat up the progeny of those mothers and
+their guardians. Do thou grant us this favour."
+
+"'Skanda said, "I can grant you progeny, but this topic on which ye have
+just now dilated is a very painful one. May ye be prosperous! All honour
+to you, ladies, do ye vouchsafe to them your protecting care."
+
+"'The mothers replied, "We shall protect them, O Skanda, as thou
+desirest. Mayst thou be prosperous! But, O mighty being, we desire to
+live with thee always."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "So long as children of the human kind do not attain
+the youthful state in the sixteenth year of their age, ye shall afflict
+them with your various forms, and I too shall confer on you a fierce
+inexhaustible spirit. And with that ye shall live happily, worshipped by
+all."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'And then a fiery powerful being came out of the
+body of Skanda for the purpose of devouring the progeny of mortal
+beings. He fell down upon the ground, senseless and hungry. And bidden
+by Skanda, that genius of evil assumed a terrific form. Skandapasmara is
+the name by which it is known among good Brahmanas. Vinata is called the
+terrific Sakuni _graha_ (spirit of evil). She who is known as _Putana
+Rakshasi_ by the learned is the _graha_ called Putana; that fierce and
+terrible looking _Rakshasa_ of a hideous appearance is also called the
+_pisacha_, Sita Putana. That fierce-looking spirit is the cause of
+abortion in women. Aditi is also known by the name of Revati; her evil
+spirit is called Raivata, and that terrible _graha_ also afflicts
+children. Diti, the mother of the Daityas (_Asuras_), is also called
+Muhkamandika, and that terrible creature is very fond of the flesh of
+little children. Those male and female children, O Kaurava, who are said
+to have been begotten by Skanda, are spirit of evil and they destroy the
+foetus in the womb. They (the _Kumaras_) are known as the husbands of
+those very ladies, and children are seized unawares by these cruel
+spirits. And, O king, _Surabhi_ who is called the mother of bovine kind
+by the wise is best ridden by the evil spirit Sakuni, who in company
+with her, devours children on this earth. And Sarama, the mother of
+dogs, also habitually kills human beings while still in the womb. She
+who is the mother of all trees has her abode in a _karanja_ tree. She
+grants boons and has a placid countenance and is always favourably
+disposed towards all creatures. Those persons who desire to have
+children, bow down to her, who is seated in a _karanja_ tree. These
+eighteen evil spirits fond of meat and wine, and others of the same
+kind, invariably take up their abode in the lying-in-room for ten days.
+Kadru introduces herself in a subtle form into the body of a pregnant
+woman and there she causes the destruction of the foetus, and the mother
+is made to give birth to a _Naga_ (serpent). And that mother of the
+Gandharvas takes away the foetus, and for this reason, conception in
+woman turns out to be abortive. The mother of the _Apsaras_ removes the
+foetus from the womb, and for this reason such conceptions are said to
+be stationary by the learned. The daughter of the Divinity of the Red
+Sea is said to have nursed Skanda,--she is worshipped under the name of
+Lohitayani on Kadamva trees. Arya acts the same part among female
+beings, as Rudra does among male ones. She is the mother of all children
+and is distinctly worshipped for their welfare. These that I have
+described are the evil spirits presiding over the destinies of young
+children, and until children attain their sixteenth year, these spirits
+exercise their influence for evil, and after that, for good. The whole
+body of male and female spirits that I have now described are always
+denominated by men as the spirits of Skanda. They are propitiated with
+burnt offerings, ablutions, unguents, sacrifices and other offerings,
+and particularly by the worship of Skanda. And, O king, when they are
+honoured and worshipped with due reverence, they bestow on men whatever
+is good for them, as also valour and long life. And now having bowed
+down to Maheswara, I shall describe the nature of those spirits who
+influence the destinies of men after they have attained their sixteenth
+year.
+
+"'The man who beholds gods while sleeping, or in a wakeful state soon
+turns mad, and the spirit under whose influence these hallucinations
+take place is called the celestial spirit. When a person beholds his
+dead ancestors while he is seated at ease, or lying in his bed, he soon
+loses his reason, and the spirit which causes this illusion of sensible
+perception, is called the ancestral spirit. The man who shows disrespect
+to the _Siddhas_ and who is cursed by them in return, soon runs mad and
+the evil influence by which this is brought about, is called the
+_Siddha_ spirit. And the spirit by whose influence a man smells sweet
+odour, and becomes cognisant of various tastes (when there are no
+odoriferous or tasteful substances about him) and soon becomes
+tormented, is called the _Rakshasa_ spirit. And the spirit by whose
+action celestial musicians (_Gandharvas_) blend their existence into the
+constitution of a human being, and make him run mad in no time, is
+called the _Gandharva_ spirit. And that evil spirit by whose influence
+men are always tormented by _Pisachas_, is called the _Pisacha_ spirit.
+When the spirit of _Yakshas_ enters into the system of a human being by
+some accident, he loses his reason immediately, and such a spirit is
+called the _Yaksha_ spirit. The man who loses his reason on account of
+his mind being demoralised with vices, runs mad in no time, and his
+illness must be remedied according to methods prescribed in the
+_Sastras_. Men also run mad from perplexity, from fear, as also on
+beholding hideous sights. The remedy lies in quieting their minds. There
+are three classes of spirits, some are frolicsome, some are gluttonous,
+and some sensual. Until men attain the age of three score and ten, these
+evil influences continue to torment them, and then fever becomes the
+only evil spirit that afflicts sentient beings. These evil spirits
+always avoid those who have subdued their senses, who are
+self-restrained, of cleanly habits, god-fearing and free from laziness
+and contamination. I have thus described to thee, O king, the evil
+spirits that mould the destinies of men. Thou who art devoted to
+Maheswara art never troubled by them.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXX
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When Skanda had bestowed these powers, Swaha
+appeared to him and said, "Thou art my natural son,--I desire that thou
+shalt grant exquisite happiness to me."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "What sort of happiness dost thou wish to enjoy?"
+
+"'Swaha replied, "O mighty being, I am the favourite daughter of Daksha,
+by name Swaha; and from my youthful days I have been in love with
+Hutasana (the Fire-god); but that god, my son, does not understand my
+feelings. I desire to live for ever with him (as his wife)."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "From this day, lady, all the oblations that men of
+virtuous character, who swerve not from the path of virtue, will offer
+to their gods or ancestors with incantation of purifying hymns by
+Brahmanas, shall always be offered (through Agni) coupled with the name
+of Swaha, and thus, excellent lady, wilt thou always live associated
+with Agni, the god of fire."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed and honoured by Skanda, Swaha was
+greatly pleased; and associated with her husband Pavaka (the Fire-god),
+she honoured him in return.
+
+"'Then _Brahma_, the lord of all creatures, said to Mahasena, "Do thou
+go and visit thy father Mahadeva, the conqueror of Tripura. Rudra
+coalescing with Agni (the Fire-god) and Uma with Swaha have combined to
+make thee invincible for the well-being of all creatures. And the semen
+of the high-souled Rudra cast into the reproductive organ of Uma was
+thrown back upon this hill, and hence the twin Mujika and Minjika came
+into being. A portion of it fell into the Blood Sea, another portion,
+into the rays of the sun, another upon the earth and thus was it
+distributed in five portions. Learned men ought to remember that these
+thy various and fierce-looking followers living on the flesh of animals
+were produced from the _semen_." "Be it so," so saying, the high-souled
+Mahasena with fatherly love, honoured his father Maheswara.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Men who are desirous of acquiring wealth, should
+worship those five classes of spirits with the sun flower, and for
+alleviation of diseases also worship must be rendered to them. The twin
+Mujika and Minjika begotten by Rudra must always be respected by persons
+desiring the welfare of little children; and persons who desire to have
+children born to them must always worship those female spirits who live
+on human flesh and are produced in trees. Thus all _Pisachas_ are said
+to be divided into innumerable classes. And now, O king, listen to the
+origin of the bells and standards of Skanda. Airavata (Indra's elephant)
+is known to have had two bells of the name of Vaijayanti, and the
+keen-witted Sakra had them brought to him, and personally gave them to
+Guha. Visakha took one of those bells and Skanda the other. The
+standards of both Kartikeya and Visakha were of a red colour. That
+mighty god Mahasena was pleased with the toys that had been given to him
+by the gods. Surrounded by hosts of gods and _Pisachas_ and seated on
+the Golden Mountain, he looked splendid in all the grandeur of
+prosperity. And that mountain covered with fine forests, also looked
+grand in his companionship, just as the Mandara hill abounding with
+excellent caves shines with the rays of the sun. The White Mountain was
+adorned with whole tracts of wood-land covered with blossoming Santanaka
+flowers and with forests of Karavira, Parijata, Jaba and Asoke
+trees,--as also with wild tracts overgrown with Kadamva trees; and it
+abounded with herds of celestial deer and flocks of celestial birds. And
+the rumbling of clouds serving the purpose of musical instruments
+sounded like the murmur of an agitated sea, and celestial Gandharvas and
+Apsaras began to dance. And there arose a great sound of joy from the
+merriment of all creatures. Thus the whole world with Indra himself
+seemed to have been transferred to the White Mountain. And all the
+people began to observe Skanda with satisfaction in their looks, and
+they did not at all feel tired of doing so.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When that adorable son of the Fire-god was
+anointed as leader of the celestial army, that grand and happy lord,
+Hara (Mahadeva) riding with Parvati in a chariot shining with sunlike
+refulgence repaired to a place called Bhadravata. His excellent chariot
+was drawn by a thousand lions and managed by _Kala_. They passed through
+blank space, and seemed as if they were about to devour the sky; and
+striking terror into the heart of all creatures in the mobile divisions
+of the worlds, those maned beasts flitted through the air, uttering
+fearful growls. And that lord of all animals (Mahadeva) seated in that
+chariot with Uma, looked like the sun with flames of lightning
+illuminating masses of clouds begirt with Indra's bow (rainbow). He was
+preceded by that adorable Lord of riches riding on the backs of human
+beings with his attendant Guhyakas riding in his beautiful car Pushpaka.
+And Sakra too riding on his elephant Airavata and accompanied by other
+gods brought up the rear of Mahadeva, the granter of boons, marching in
+this way at the head of the celestial army. And the great _Yaksha
+Amogha_ with his attendants--the _Jambhaka Yakshas_ and other
+_Rakshasas_ decorated with garlands of flowers--obtained a place in the
+right wing of his army; and many gods of wonderful fighting powers in
+company with the _Vasus_ and the _Rudras_, also marched with the right
+division of his army. And the terrible-looking Yama too in company with
+Death marched with him (followed by hundreds of terrible diseases); and
+behind him was carried the terrible, sharp-pointed, well-decorated
+trident of Siva, called Vijaya. And Varuna, the adorable lord of waters
+with his terrible _Pasa_,[40] and surrounded by numerous aquatic
+animals, marched slowly with the trident. And the trident Vijaya was
+followed by the _Pattisa_[41] of Rudra guarded by maces, balls, clubs
+and other excellent weapons. And the _Pattisa_, O king, was followed by
+the bright umbrella of Rudra and the Kamandalu served by the
+_Maharshis_; and on it progressed in the company of Bhrigu, Angiras and
+others. And behind all these rode Rudra in his white chariot,
+re-assuring the gods with the exhibition of his powers. And rivers and
+lakes and seas, _Apsaras, Rishis_, Celestials, _Gandharvas_ and
+serpents, stars, planets, and the children of gods, as also many women,
+followed him in his train. These handsome-looking ladies proceeded
+scattering flowers all around; and the clouds marched, having made their
+obeisance to that god (Mahadeva) armed with the _Pinaka_ bow. And some
+of them held a white umbrella over his head, and Agni (the Fire god) and
+Vayu (the god of winds) busied themselves with two hairy fans (emblems
+of royalty). And, O king, he was followed by the glorious Indra
+accompanied by the _Rajarshis_, and singing the praise of that god with
+the emblem of the bull. And Gauri, Vidya, Gandhari, Kesini, and the lady
+called Mitra in company with Savitri, all proceeded in the train of
+Parvati, as also all the Vidyas (presiding deities of all branches of
+knowledge) that were created by the learned. The _Rakshasa_ spirit who
+delivers to different battalions the commands which are implicitly
+obeyed by Indra and other gods, advanced in front of the army as
+standard-bearer. And that foremost of _Rakshasas_, by name Pingala, the
+friend of Rudra, who is always busy in places where corpses are burnt,
+and who is agreeable to all people, marched with them merrily, at one
+time going ahead of the army, and falling behind again at another, his
+movements being uncertain. Virtuous actions are the offerings with which
+the god Rudra is worshipped by mortals. He who is also called Siva, the
+omnipotent god, armed with the Pinaka bow, is Maheswara. He is
+worshipped in various forms.
+
+    [40] A kind of missile.
+
+    [41] Another kind of weapon.
+
+"'The son of Krittika, the leader of the celestial army, respectful to
+Brahmanas, surrounded by the celestial forces, also followed that lord
+of the gods. And then Mahadeva said these weighty words to Mahasena, "Do
+thou carefully command the seventh army corps of the celestial forces."
+
+"'Skanda replied, "Very well, my lord! I shall command the seventh army
+corps. Now tell me quickly if there is anything else to be done."
+
+"'Rudra said, "Thou shall always find me in the field of action. By
+looking up to me and by devotion to me shalt thou attain great
+welfare."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'With these words Maheswara received him in his
+embrace, and then dismissed him. And, O great king, after the dismissal
+of Skanda, prodigies of various kinds occurred to disturb the equanimity
+of the gods.
+
+"'The firmament with the stars was in a blaze, and the whole universe in
+a state of utter confusion. The earth quaked and gave forth a rumbling
+sound, and darkness overspread the whole world. Then observing this
+terrible catastrophy, Sankara with the estimable Uma, and the
+celestials with the great _Maharshis_, were much exercised in mind. And
+when they had fallen into this state of confusion, there appeared before
+them a fierce and mighty host armed with various weapons, and looking
+like a mass of clouds and rocks. Those terrible and countless beings,
+speaking different languages directed their movements towards the point
+where Sankara and the celestials stood. They hurled into the ranks of
+the celestial army flights of arrows in all directions, masses of rock,
+maces, _sataghnis, prasas_ and _parighas_. The celestial army was thrown
+into a state of confusion by a shower of these terrible weapons and
+their ranks were seen to waver. The _Danavas_ made a great havoc by
+cutting up their soldiers, horses, elephants, chariots and arms. And the
+celestial troops then seemed as if they were about to turn their backs
+upon the enemy. And numbers of them fell, slain by the _Asuras_, like
+large trees in a forest burnt in a conflagration. Those dwellers of
+heaven fell with their heads separated from their bodies, and having
+none to lead them in that fearful battle, they were slaughtered by the
+enemy. And then the god Purandara (Indra), the slayer of Vala, observing
+that they were unsteady and hard-pressed by the _Asuras_, tried to rally
+them with this speech, "Do not be afraid, ye heroes, may success attend
+your efforts! Do ye all take up your arms, and resolve upon manly
+conduct, and ye will meet with no more misfortune, and defeat those
+wicked and terrible-looking _Danavas_. May ye be successful! Do ye fall
+upon the _Danavas_ with me."
+
+"'The dwellers of heaven were re-assured on hearing this speech from
+Sakra; and under his leadership, they again rushed against the
+_Danavas_. And then the thirty-three crores of gods and all the powerful
+_Marutas_ and the _Sadhyas_ with the _Vasus_ returned to the charge. And
+the arrows which they angrily discharged against the enemy drew a large
+quantity of blood from the bodies of the _Daityas_ and of their horses
+and elephants. And those sharp arrows passing through their bodies fell
+upon the ground, looking like so many snakes falling from the sides of a
+hill. And, O king, the _Daityas_ pierced by those arrows fell fast on
+all sides, looking like so many detached masses of clouds. Then the
+_Danava_ host, struck with panic at that charge of the celestials on the
+field of battle, wavered at that shower of various weapons. Then all the
+gods loudly gave vent to their joy, with arms ready to strike; and the
+celestial bands too struck up various airs. Thus took place that
+encounter, so fearful to both sides: for all the battle-field was
+covered with blood and strewn with the bodies of both gods and _Asuras_.
+But the gods were soon worsted all on a sudden, and the terrible
+_Danavas_ again made a great havoc of the celestial army. Then the
+_Asuras_ drums struck up and their shrill bugles were sounded; and the
+_Danava_ chiefs yelled their terrific war-cry.
+
+"'Then a powerful _Danava_, taking a huge mass of rock in his hands,
+came out of that terrible _Daitya_ army. He looked like the sun peering
+forth from against a mass of dark clouds. And, O king, the celestials,
+beholding that he was about to hurl that mass of rock at them, fled in
+confusion. But they were pursued by Mahisha, who hurled that hillock at
+them. And, O lord of the world, by the falling of that mass of rock, ten
+thousand warriors of the celestial army were crushed to the ground and
+breathed their last. And this act of Mahisha struck terror into the
+hearts of the gods, and with his attendant _Danavas_ he fell upon them
+like a lion attacking a herd of deer. And when Indra and the other
+celestials observed that Mahisha was advancing to the charge, they fled,
+leaving behind their arms and colours. And Mahisha was greatly enraged
+at this, and he quickly advanced towards the chariot of Rudra; and
+reaching near, he seized its pole with his hands. And when Mahisha in a
+fit of rage had thus seized the chariot of Rudra, all the Earth began to
+groan and the great _Rishis_ lost their senses. And _Daityas_ of huge
+proportions, looking like dark clouds, were boisterous with joy,
+thinking that victory was assured to them. And although that adorable
+god (Rudra) was in that plight, yet he did not think it worth while to
+kill Mahisha in battle; he remembered that Skanda would deal the
+deathblow to that evil-minded _Asura_. And the fiery Mahisha,
+contemplating with satisfaction the prize (the chariot of Rudra) which
+he had secured, sounded his war-cry, to the great alarm of the gods and
+the joy of the _Daityas_. And when the gods were in that fearful
+predicament, the mighty Mahasena, burning with anger, and looking grand
+like the Sun advanced to their rescue. And that lordly being was clad in
+blazing red and decked with a wreath of red flowers. And cased in armour
+of gold he rode in a gold-coloured chariot bright as the Sun and drawn
+by chestnut horses. And at his sight the army of the daityas was
+suddenly dispirited on the field of battle. And, O great king, the
+mighty Mahasena discharged a bright _Sakti_ for the destruction of
+Mahisha. That missile cut off the head of Mahisha, and he fell upon the
+ground and died. And his head massive as a hillock, falling on the
+ground, barred the entrance to the country of the Northern Kurus,
+extending in length for sixteen _Yojanas_ though at present the people
+of that country pass easily by that gate.
+
+"'It was observed both by the gods and the _Danavas_ that Skanda hurled
+his _sakti_ again and again on the field of battle, and that it returned
+to his hands, after killing thousands of the enemy's forces. And the
+terrible _Danavas_ fell in large numbers by the arrows of the wise
+Mahasena. And then a panic seized them, and the followers of Skanda
+began to slay and eat them up by thousands and drink their blood. And
+they joyously exterminated the _Danavas_ in no time, just as the sun
+destroys darkness, or as fire destroys a forest, or as the winds drive
+away the clouds. And in this manner the famous Skanda defeated all his
+enemies. And the gods came to congratulate him, and he, in turn, paid
+his respects to Maheswara. And that son of Krittika looked grand like
+the sun in all the glory of his effulgence. And when the enemy was
+completely defeated by Skanda and when Maheswara left the battle-field,
+Purandara embraced Mahasena and said to him, "This Mahisha, who was made
+invincible by the favour of Brahma hath been killed by thee. O best of
+warriors, the gods were like grass to him. O strong-limbed hero, thou
+hast removed a thorn of the celestials. Thou hast killed in battle
+hundreds of Danavas equal in valour to Mahisha who were all hostile to
+us, and who used to harass us before. And thy followers too have
+devoured them by hundreds. Thou art, O mighty being, invincible in
+battle like Uma's lord; and this victory shall be celebrated as thy
+first achievement, and thy fame shall be undying in the three worlds.
+And, O strong-armed god, all the gods will yield their allegiance to
+thee." Having spoken thus to Mahasena, the husband of Sachi left the
+place accompanied by the gods and with the permission of the adorable
+three-eyed god (Siva). And Rudra returned to Bhadravata, and the
+celestials too returned to their respective abodes. And Rudra spoke,
+addressing the gods, "Ye must render allegiance to Skanda just as ye do
+unto me." And that son of the Fire-god, having killed the Danavas hath
+conquered the three worlds, in one day, and he hath been worshipped by
+the great _Rishis_. The Brahmana who with due attention readeth this
+story of the birth of Skanda, attaineth to great prosperity in this
+world and the companionship of Skanda hereafter.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O good and adorable Brahmana, I wish to know the
+different names of that high-souled being, by which he is celebrated
+throughout the three worlds.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by the Pandava in that assembly
+of _Rishis_, the worshipful Markandeya of high ascetic merit replied,
+'Agneya (Son of Agni), Skanda (Cast-off), Diptakirti (Of blazing fame),
+Anamaya (Always hale), Mayuraketu (Peacock-bannered), Dharmatman (The
+virtuous-souled), Bhutesa (The lord of all creatures), Mahishardana (The
+slayer of Mahisha), Kamajit (The subjugator of desires), Kamada (The
+fulfiller of desires), Kanta (The handsome), Satyavak (The truthful in
+speech), Bhuvaneswara (The lord of the universe), Sisu (The child),
+Sighra (The quick), Suchi (The pure), Chanda (The fiery), Diptavarna
+(The bright-complexioned), Subhanana (Of beautiful face), Amogha
+(Incapable of being baffled), Anagha (The sinless), Rudra (The
+terrible), Priya (The favourite), Chandranana (Of face like the moon),
+Dipta-sasti (The wielder of the blazing lance), Prasantatman (Of
+tranquil soul), Bhadrakrit (The doer of good), Kutamahana (The chamber
+of even the wicked), Shashthipriya (True favourite of Shashthi), Pavitra
+(The holy), Matrivatsala (The reverencer of his mother), Kanya-bhartri
+(The protector of virgins), Vibhakta (Diffused over the universe),
+Swaheya (The son of Swaha), Revatisuta (The child of Revati), Prabhu
+(The Lord), Neta (The leader), Visakha (Reared up by Visakha), Naigameya
+(Sprang from the Veda), Suduschara (Difficult of propitiation), Suvrata
+(Of excellent vows), Lalita (The beautiful), Valakridanaka-priya (Fond
+of toys), Khacharin (The ranger of skies), Brahmacharin (The chaste),
+Sura (The brave), Saravanodbhava (Born in a forest of heath), Viswamitra
+priya (The favourite of Viswamitra), Devasena-priya (The lover of
+Devasena), Vasudeva-priya (The beloved of Vasudeva), and Priya-krit (The
+doer of agreeable things)--these are the divine names of Kartikeya.
+Whoever repeateth them, undoubtedly secureth fame, wealth, and
+salvation.'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'O valiant scion of Kuru's race, I shall now with
+due devotion pray to that unrivalled, mighty, six-faced, and valiant
+Guha who is worshipped by gods and _Rishis_, enumerating his other
+titles of distinction: do thou listen to them: Thou art devoted to
+_Brahma_, begotten of Brahma, and versed in the mysteries of _Brahma_.
+Thou art called _Brahmasaya_, and thou art the foremost of those who are
+possessed of _Brahma_. Thou art fond of _Brahma_, thou art austere like
+the Brahmanas and art versed in the great mystery of _Brahma_ and the
+leader of the Brahmanas. Thou art _Swaha_, thou art _Swadha_, and thou
+art the holiest of the holy, and art invoked in hymns and celebrated as
+the six-flamed fire. Thou art the year, thou art the six seasons, thou
+art the months, the (lunar) half months, the (solar) declinations, and
+the cardinal points of space. Thou art lotus-eyed. Thou art possessed of
+a lily-like face. Thou hast a thousand faces and a thousand arms. Thou
+art the ruler of the universe, thou art the great Oblation, and thou art
+the animating spirit of all the gods and the _Asuras_. Thou art the
+great leader of armies. Thou art _Prachanda_ (furious), thou art the
+Lord, and thou art the great master and the conqueror of thine enemies.
+Thou art _Sahasrabhu_ (multiform), _Sahasratusti_ (a thousand times
+content), _Sahasrabhuk_ (devourer of everything), and _Sahasrapad_ (of a
+thousand legs), and thou art the earth itself. Thou art possessed of
+infinite forms and thousand heads and great strength. According to thine
+own inclinations thou hast appeared as the son of Ganga, Swaha, Mahi, or
+Krittika. O six-faced god, thou dost play with the cock and assume
+different forms according to thy will. Thou art Daksha, Soma, the
+Maruta, Dharma, Vayu, the prince of mountains, and Indra, for all time.
+Thou art mighty, the most eternal of all eternal things, and the lord of
+all lords. Thou art the progenitor of Truth, the destroyer of Diti's
+progeny (_Asuras_), and the great conqueror of the enemies of the
+celestials. Thou art the personation of virtue and being thyself vast
+and minute, thou art acquainted with the highest and lowest points of
+virtuous acts, and the mysteries of _Brahma_. O foremost of all gods and
+high-souled lord of the Universe, this whole creation is over-spread
+with thy energy! I have thus prayed to thee according to the best of my
+power. I salute thee who art possessed of twelve eyes and many hands.
+Thy remaining attributes transcend my powers of comprehension!'
+
+"'The Brahmana who with due attention readeth this story of the birth of
+Skanda, or relateth it unto Brahmanas, or hears it narrated by
+regenerate men, attaineth to wealth, long life, fame, children, as also
+victory, prosperity and contentment, and the companionship of Skanda.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXI
+
+(_Draupadi-Satyabhama Samvada_)
+
+Vaisampayana said, "After those Brahmanas and the illustrious sons of
+Pandu had taken their seats, Draupadi and Satyabhama entered the
+hermitage. And with hearts full of joy the two ladies laughed merrily
+and seated themselves at their ease. And, O king, those ladies, who
+always spake sweetly to each other, having met after a long time, began
+to talk upon various delightful topics arising out of the stories of the
+Kurus and the Yadus. And the slender-waisted Satyabhama, the favourite
+wife of Krishna and the daughter of Satrajit, then asked Draupadi in
+private, saying, 'By what behaviour is it, O daughter of Drupada, that
+thou art able to rule the sons of Pandu--those heroes endued with
+strength and beauty and like unto the _Lokapalas_ themselves? Beautiful
+lady, how is it that they are so obedient to thee and are never angry
+with thee? Without doubt the sons of Pandu, O thou of lovely features,
+are ever submissive to thee and watchful to do thy bidding! Tell me, O
+lady, the reason of this. Is it practice of vows, or asceticism, or
+incantation or drug at the time of the bath (in season) or the efficacy
+of science, or the influence of youthful appearance, or the recitation
+of particular formulae, or _Homa_, or collyrium and other medicaments?
+Tell me now, O princess of Panchala, of that blessed and auspicious
+thing by which, O Krishna, Krishna may ever be obedient to me.'
+
+"When the celebrated Satyabhama, having said this, ceased, the chaste
+and blessed daughter of Drupada answered her, saying, 'Thou askedest me,
+O Satyabhama, of the practices of women that are wicked. How can I
+answer thee, O lady, about the cause that is pursued by wicked females?
+It doth not become thee, lady, to pursue the questions, or doubt me,
+after this, for thou art endued with intelligence and art the favourite
+wife of Krishna. When the husband learns that his wife is addicted to
+incantations and drugs, from that hour he beginneth to dread her like a
+serpent ensconced in his sleeping chamber. And can a man that is
+troubled with fear have peace, and how can one that hath no peace have
+happiness? A husband can never be made obedient by his wife's
+incantations. We hear of painful diseases being transmitted by enemies.
+Indeed, they that desire to slay others, send poison in the shape of
+customary gifts, so that the man that taketh the powders so sent, by
+tongue or skin, is, without doubt, speedily deprived of life. Women have
+sometimes caused dropsy and leprosy, decrepitude and impotence and
+idiocy and blindness and deafness in men. These wicked women, ever
+treading in the path of sin, do sometimes (by these means) injure their
+husbands. But the wife should never do the least injury to her lord.
+Hear now, O illustrious lady, of the behaviour I adopt towards the
+high-souled sons of Pandu. Keeping aside vanity, and controlling desire
+and wrath, I always serve with devotion the sons of Pandu with their
+wives. Restraining jealousy, with deep devotion of heart, without a
+sense of degradation at the services I perform, I wait upon my husbands.
+Ever fearing to utter what is evil or false, or to look or sit or walk
+with impropriety, or cast glances indicative of the feelings of the
+heart, do I serve the sons of Pritha--those mighty warriors blazing like
+the sun or fire, and handsome as the moon, those endued with fierce
+energy and prowess, and capable of slaying their foes by a glance of the
+eye. Celestial, or man, or Gandharva, young or decked with ornaments,
+wealthy or comely of person, none else my heart liketh. I never bathe or
+eat or sleep till he that is my husband hath bathed or eaten or
+slept,--till, in fact, our attendants have bathed, eaten, or slept.
+Whether returning from the field, the forest, or the town, hastily
+rising up I always salute my husband with water and a seat. I always
+keep the house and all household articles and the food that is to be
+taken well-ordered and clean. Carefully do I keep the rice, and serve
+the food at the proper time. I never indulge in angry and fretful
+speech, and never imitate women that are wicked. Keeping idleness at
+distance I always do what is agreeable. I never laugh except at a jest,
+and never stay for any length of time at the house-gate. I never stay
+long in places for answering calls of nature, nor in pleasure-gardens
+attached to the house. I always refrain from laughing loudly and
+indulging in high passion, and from everything that may give offence.
+Indeed, O Satyabhama, I always am engaged in waiting upon my lords. A
+separation from my lords is never agreeable to me. When my husband
+leaveth home for the sake of any relative, then renouncing flowers and
+fragrant paste of every kind, I begin to undergo penances. Whatever my
+husband drinketh not, whatever my husband eateth not, whatever my
+husband enjoyeth not, I ever renounce. O beautiful lady, decked in
+ornaments and ever controlled by the instruction imparted to me, I
+always devotedly seek the good of my lord. Those duties that my
+mother-in-law had told me of in respect of relatives, as also the duties
+of alms-giving, of offering worship to the gods, of oblations to the
+diseased, of boiling food in pots on auspicious days for offer to
+ancestors and guests of reverence and service to those that deserve our
+regards, and all else that is known to me, I always discharge day and
+night, without idleness of any kind. Having with my whole heart recourse
+to humility and approved rules I serve my meek and truthful lords ever
+observant of virtue, regarding them as poisonous snakes capable of being
+excited at a trifle. I think that to be eternal virtue for women which
+is based upon a regard for the husband. The husband is the wife's god,
+and he is her refuge. Indeed, there is no other refuge for her. How can,
+then, the wife do the least injury to her lord? I never, in sleeping or
+eating or adorning any person, act against the wishes of my lord, and
+always guided by my husbands, I never speak ill of my mother-in-law. O
+blessed lady, my husbands have become obedient to me in consequence of
+my diligence, my alacrity, and the humility with which I serve
+superiors. Personally do I wait every day with food and drink and
+clothes upon the revered and truthful Kunti--that mother of heroes.
+Never do I show any preference for myself over her in matters of food
+and attire, and never do I reprove in words that princess equal unto the
+Earth herself in forgiveness. Formerly, eight thousand Brahmanas were
+daily fed in the palace of Yudhishthira from off plates of gold. And
+eighty thousand Brahmanas also of the _Snataka_ sect leading domestic
+lives were entertained by Yudhishthira with thirty serving-maids
+assigned to each. Besides these, ten thousand _yatis_ with the vital
+seed drawn up, had their pure food carried unto them in plates of gold.
+All these Brahmanas that were the utterers of the _Veda_, I used to
+worship duly with food, drink, and raiment taken from stores only after
+a portion thereof had been dedicated to the Viswadeva.[42] The
+illustrious son of Kunti had a hundred thousand well-dressed
+serving-maids with bracelets on arms and golden ornaments on necks, and
+decked with costly garlands and wreaths and gold in profusion, and
+sprinkled with sandal paste. And adorned with jewels and gold they were
+all skilled in singing and dancing. O lady, I knew the names and
+features of all those girls, as also what they are and what they were,
+and what they did not. Kunti's son of great intelligence had also a
+hundred thousand maid-servants who daily used to feed guests, with
+plates of gold in their hands. And while Yudhishthira lived in
+Indraprastha a hundred thousand horses and a hundred thousand elephants
+used to follow in his train. These were the possessions of Yudhishthira
+while he ruled the earth. It was I however, O lady, who regulated their
+number and framed the rules to be observed in respect of them; and it
+was I who had to listen to all complaints about them. Indeed, I knew
+everything about what the maid-servants of the palace and other classes
+of attendants, even the cow-herds and the shepherds of the royal
+establishment, did or did not. O blessed and illustrious lady, it was I
+alone amongst the Pandavas who knew the income and expenditure of the
+king and what their whole wealth was. And those bulls among the
+Bharatas, throwing upon me the burden of looking after all those that
+were to be fed by them, would, O thou of handsome face, pay their court
+to me. And this load, so heavy and incapable of being borne by persons
+of evil heart, I used to bear day and night, sacrificing my ease, and
+all the while affectionately devoted to them. And while my husbands were
+engaged in the pursuit of virtue, I only supervised their treasury
+inexhaustible like the ever-filled receptacle of Varuna. Day and night
+bearing hunger and thirst, I used to serve the Kuru princes, so that my
+nights and days were equal to me. I used to wake up first and go to bed
+last. This, O Satyabhama, hath ever been my charm for making my husbands
+obedient to me! This great art hath ever been known to me for making my
+husbands obedient to me. Never have I practised the charms of wicked
+women, nor do I ever wish to practise them.'"
+
+    [42] The word in the text is "Agrahara," which, as Nilakantha
+    explains, means here, "That which is first taken from a heap
+    after the dedication of a portion to the Viswadevas." What
+    Draupadi means to say is, that she always took care to feed
+    those Brahmanas with food "first" taken from the stores,
+    without, in fact, having taken anything there from the use of
+    anybody else.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing those words of virtuous import uttered
+by Krishna, Satyabhama, having first reverenced the virtuous princess of
+Panchala, answered saying, 'O princess of Panchala, I have been guilty,
+O daughter of Yajnasena, forgive me! Among friends, conversations in
+jest arise naturally, and without premeditation.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXII
+
+"Draupadi said, 'I shall now indicate to thee, for attracting the heart
+of thy husbands a way that is free from deceit. By adopting it duly,
+dear friend, thou will be able to draw away thy lord from other females.
+In all the worlds, including that of the celestials, there is no god
+equal, O Satyabhama, unto the husband. When he is gratified with thee,
+thou mayst have (from thy husband) every object of desire; when he is
+angry, all these may be lost. It is from her husband that the wife
+obtaineth offspring and various articles of enjoyment. It is from thy
+husband that thou mayst have handsome beds and seats, and robes and
+garlands, and perfumes, and great fame and heaven itself hereafter. One
+cannot obtain happiness here by means that are easy. Indeed, the woman
+that is chaste, obtains weal with woe. Always adore Krishna, therefore,
+with friendship and love physical sufferings. And do thou also act in a
+way, by offering handsome seats and excellent garlands and various
+perfumes and prompt service, that he may be devoted to thee, thinking,
+"_I am truly loved by her!_" Hearing the voice of thy lord at the gate,
+rise thou up from thy seat and stay in readiness within the room. And as
+soon as thou seest him enter thy chamber, worship him by promptly
+offering him a seat and water to wash his feet. And even when he
+commands a maidservant to do anything, get thou up and do it thyself.
+Let Krishna understand this temper of thy mind and know that thou
+adorest him with all thy heart. And, O Satyabhama, whatever thy lord
+speaketh before thee, do not blab of it even if it may not deserve
+concealment,--for if any of thy co-wives were to speak of it unto
+Vasudeva, he might be irritated with thee. Feed thou by every means in
+thy power those that are dear and devoted to thy lord and always seek
+his good. Thou shouldst, however, always keep thyself aloof from those
+that are hostile to and against thy lord and seek to do him injury, as
+also from those that are addicted to deceit. Foregoing all excitement
+and carelessness in the presence of men, conceal thy inclinations by
+observing silence, and thou shouldst not stay or converse in private
+even with thy sons, Pradyumna and Samva. Thou shouldst form attachments
+with only such females as are high-born and sinless and devoted to their
+lords, and thou shouldst always shun women that are wrathful, addicted
+to drinks, gluttonous, thievish, wicked and fickle. Behaviour such as
+this is reputable and productive of prosperity; and while it is capable
+of neutralising hostility, it also leadeth to heaven. Therefore, worship
+thou thy husband, decking thyself in costly garlands and ornaments and
+smearing thyself with unguents and excellent perfumes.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then Kesava, the slayer of Madhu, also called
+Janardana, having conversed on various agreeable themes with the
+illustrious sons of Pandu and with those Brahmanas that were headed by
+Markandeya and having bid them farewell, mounted his car and called for
+Satyabhama. And Satyabhama then, having embraced the daughter of
+Drupada, addressed her in these cordial words expressive of her feelings
+towards her: 'O Krishna, let there be no anxiety, no grief, for thee!
+Thou hast no cause to pass thy nights in sleeplessness, for thou wilt
+surely obtain back the earth subjugated by thy husbands, who are all
+equal unto the gods. O thou of black eyes, women endued with such
+disposition and possessed of such auspicious marks, can never suffer
+misfortune long. It hath been heard by me that thou shall, with thy
+husbands, certainly enjoy this earth peacefully and freed from all
+thorns! And, O daughter of Drupada, thou shalt certainly behold the
+earth ruled by Yudhishthira after the sons of Dhritarashtra have been
+slain and the deeds of their hostility avenged! Thou wilt soon behold
+those wives of the Kurus, who, deprived of sense by pride, laughed at
+thee while on thy way to exile, themselves reduced to a state of
+helplessness and despair! Know them all, O Krishna, that did thee any
+injury while thou wert afflicted, to have already gone to the abode of
+Yama. Thy brave sons, Prativindhya by Yudhishthira and Sutasoma by
+Bhima, and Srutakarman by Arjuna, and Satanika by Nakula, and Srutasena
+begot by Sahadeva, are well and have become skilled in weapons. Like
+Abhimanyu they are all staying at Dwaravati, delighted with the place.
+And Subhadra also, cheerfully and with her whole soul, looketh after
+them like thee, and like thee joyeth in them and deriveth much happiness
+from them. Indeed, she grieveth in their griefs and joyeth in their
+joys. And the mother of Pradyumna also loveth them with her whole soul.
+And Kesava with his sons Bhanu and others watcheth over them with
+especial affection. And my mother-in-law is ever attentive in feeding
+and clothing them. And the Andhakas and Vrishnis, including Rama and
+others, regard them with affection. And, O beautiful lady, their
+affection for thy sons is equal unto what they feel for Pradyumna.'
+
+"Having said these agreeable and truthful and cordial words, Satyabhama
+desired to go to Vasudeva's car. And the wife of Krishna then walked
+round the queen of the Pandavas. And having done so the beautiful
+Satyabhama mounted the car of Krishna. And the chief of the Yadavas,
+comforting Draupadi with a smile and causing the Pandavas to return, set
+out for his own city, with swift horses (yoked unto his car)."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXIV
+
+(_Ghosha-yatra Parva_)
+
+Janamejaya said, "While those foremost of men--the sons of Pritha--were
+passing their days in the forest exposed to the inclemencies of the
+winter, the summer, the wind and the sun, what did they do, O Brahmana,
+after they had reached the lake and woods going by the name of Dwaita?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "After the sons of Pandu had arrived at that lake,
+they chose a residence that was removed from the habitations of men. And
+they began to roam through delightful woods and ever charming mountains
+and picturesque river-valleys. And after they had taken up their
+residence there, many venerable ascetics endued with Vedic lore often
+came to see them. And those foremost of men always received those
+_Veda_-knowing _Rishis_ with great respect. And one day there came unto
+the Kaurava princes a certain Brahmana who was well known on earth for
+his powers of speech. And having conversed with the Pandavas for a
+while, he went away as pleased him to the court of the royal son of
+Vichitravirya. Received with respect by that chief of the Kurus, the old
+king, the Brahmana took his seat; and asked by the monarch he began to
+talk of the sons of Dharma, Pavana, Indra and of the twins, all of whom
+having fallen into severe misery, had become emaciated and reduced owing
+to exposure to wind and sun. And that Brahmana also talked of Krishna
+who was overwhelmed with suffering and who then had become perfectly
+helpless, although she had heroes for her lords. And hearing the words
+of that Brahmana, the royal son of Vichitravirya became afflicted with
+grief, at the thought of those princes of royal lineage then swimming in
+a river of sorrow. His inmost soul afflicted with sorrow and trembling
+all over with sighs, he quieted himself with a great effort, remembering
+that everything had arisen from his own fault. And the monarch said,
+'Alas, how is it that Yudhishthira who is the eldest of my sons, who is
+truthful and pious and virtuous in his behaviour, who hath not a foe,
+who had formerly slept on beds made of soft _Ranku_ skins, sleepeth now
+on the bare ground! Alas, wakened formerly by _Sutas_ and _Magadhas_ and
+other singers with his praises, melodiously recited every morning, that
+prince of the Kuru race, equal unto Indra himself, is now waked from the
+bare ground towards the small hours of the night by a multitude of
+birds! How doth Vrikodara, reduced by exposure to wind and sun and
+filled with wrath, sleep, in the presence of the princess of Panchala,
+on the bare ground, unfit as he is to suffer such lot! Perhaps also, the
+intelligent Arjuna, who is incapable of bearing pain, and who, though
+obedient to the will of Yudhishthira, yet feeleth himself to be pierced
+over all by the remembrance of his wrongs, sleepeth not in the night!
+Beholding the twins and Krishna and Yudhishthira and Bhima plunged in
+misery, Arjuna without doubt, sigheth like a serpent of fierce energy
+and sleepeth not from wrath in the night! The twins also, who are even
+like a couple of blessed celestials in heaven sunk in woe though
+deserving of bliss, without doubt pass their nights in restless
+wakefulness restrained (from avenging their wrongs) by virtue and truth!
+The mighty son of the Wind-god, who is equal to the Wind-god himself in
+strength, without doubt, sigheth and restraineth his wrath, being tied
+through his elder brother in the bonds of truth! Superior in battle to
+all warriors, he now lieth quiet on the ground, restrained by virtue and
+truth, and burning to slay my children, he bideth his time. The cruel
+words that Dussasana spoke after Yudhishthira had been deceitfully
+defeated at dice, have sunk deep into Vrikodara's heart, and are
+consuming him, like a burning bundle of straw consuming a fagot of dry
+wood! The son of Dharma never acteth sinfully; Dhananjaya also always
+obeyeth him; but Bhima's wrath, in consequence of a life of exile, is
+increasing like a conflagration assisted by the wind! That hero, burning
+with rage such as that, squeezeth his hands and breatheth hot and fierce
+sighs, as if consuming therewith my sons and grandsons! The wielder of
+the _Gandiva_ and Vrikodara, when angry, are like Yama and Kala
+themselves; scattering their shafts, which are like unto thunder-bolts,
+they exterminate in battle the ranks of the enemy. Alas Duryodhana, and
+Sakuni, and the _Suta's_ son, and Dussasana also of wicked soul, in
+robbing the Pandavas of their kingdom by means of dice, seem to behold
+the honey alone without marking the terrible ruin. A man having acted
+rightly or wrongly, expecteth the fruit of those acts. The fruit,
+however, confounding him, paralyses him fully. How can man, thereof,
+have salvation? If the soil is properly tilled, and the seed sown
+therein, and if the god (of rain) showereth in season, still the crop
+may not grow. This is what we often hear. Indeed, how could this saying
+be true unless, as I think, it be that everything here is dependent on
+Destiny? The gambler Sakuni hath behaved deceitfully towards the son of
+Pandu, who ever acteth honestly. From affection for my wicked sons I
+also have acted similarly. Alas, it is owing to this that the hour of
+destruction hath come for the Kurus! Oh, perhaps, what is inevitable
+must happen! The wind, impelled or not, will move. The woman that
+conceives will bring forth. Darkness will be dispelled at dawn, and day
+disappear at evening! Whatever may be earned by us or others, whether
+people spend it or not, when the time cometh, those possessions of ours
+do bring on misery. Why then do people become so anxious about earning
+wealth? If, indeed, what is acquired is the result of fate, then should
+it be protected so that it may not be divided, nor lost little by
+little, nor permitted to flow out at once, for if unprotected, it may
+break into a hundred fragments. But whatever the character of our
+possessions, our acts in the world are never lost. Behold what the
+energy of Arjuna is, who went into the abode of Indra from the woods!
+Having mastered the four kinds of celestial weapons he hath come back
+into this world! What man is there who, having gone to heaven in his
+human form, wisheth to come back? This would never have been but because
+he seeth innumerable Kurus to be at the point of death, afflicted by
+Time! The bowman is Arjuna, capable of wielding the bow with his left
+hand as well! The bow he wieldeth is the _Gandiva_ of fierce impetus. He
+hath, besides, those celestial weapons of his! Who is there that would
+bear the energy of these three!'
+
+"Hearing these words of the monarch, the son of Suvala, going unto
+Duryodhana, who was then sitting with Karna, told them everything in
+private. And Duryodhana, though possessed of little sense, was filled
+with grief at what he heard."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing those words of Dhritarashtra, Sakuni, when
+the opportunity presented itself, aided by Karna, spoke unto Duryodhana
+these words, 'Having exiled the heroic Pandavas by thy own prowess, O
+Bharata, rule thou this earth without a rival like the slayer of Samvara
+ruling the heaven! O monarch, the kings of the east, the south, the
+west, and the north, have all been made tributary to thee! O lord of
+earth, that blazing Prosperity which had before paid her court to the
+sons of Pandu, hath now been acquired by thee along with thy brothers!
+That blazing Prosperity, O king, which we not many days ago saw with
+heavy hearts in Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, is today seen by us to be
+owned by thee, she having, O mighty-armed monarch, been snatched by thee
+from the royal Yudhishthira by force of intellect alone. O slayer of
+hostile heroes, all the kings of the earth now living in subjection to
+thee, await thy commands, as they did before under Yudhishthira,
+awaiting his. O monarch, the goddess Earth with her boundless extent
+with girth of seas, with her mountains and forests, and towns and cities
+and mines, and decked with woodlands and hills is now thine! Adored by
+the Brahmanas and worshipped by the kings, thou blazest forth, O king,
+in consequence of thy prowess, like the Sun among the gods in heaven!
+Surrounded by the Kurus, O king, like Yama by the Rudra, or Vasava by
+the Maruts, thou shinest, O monarch, like the Moon among the stars! Let
+us, therefore, O king, go and look at the sons of Pandu--them who are
+now divested of prosperity, them who never obeyed commands, them who
+never owed subjection! It hath been heard by us, O monarch, that the
+Pandavas are now living on the banks of the lake called _Dwaitavana_,
+with a multitude of Brahmanas, having the wilderness for their home. Go
+thither, O king, in all thy prosperity, scorching the son of Pandu with
+a sight of thy glory, like the Sun scorching everything with his hot
+rays! Thyself a sovereign and they divested of sovereignty, thyself in
+prosperity and they divested of it, thyself possessing affluence and
+they in poverty, behold now, O king, the sons of Pandu. Let the sons of
+Pandu behold thee like Yayati, the son of Nahusha, accompanied by a
+large train of followers and enjoying bliss that is great. O king, that
+blazing Prosperity which is seen by both one's friends and foes, is
+regarded as well-bestowed! What happiness can be more complete than that
+which he enjoyeth who while himself in prosperity, looketh upon his foes
+in adversity, like a person on the hill top looking down upon another
+crawling on the earth? O tiger among kings, the happiness that one
+derives from beholding his foes in grief, is greater than what one may
+derive from the acquisition of offering or wealth or kingdom! What
+happiness will not be his who, himself in affluence, will cast his eyes
+on Dhananjaya attired in barks and deer-skins? Let thy wife dressed in
+costly robes look at the woeful Krishna clad in barks and deer-skins,
+and enhance the latter's grief! Let the daughter of Drupada reproach
+herself and her life, divested as she is of wealth, for the sorrow that
+she will feel upon beholding thy wife decked in ornaments will be far
+greater than what she had felt in the midst of the assembly (when
+Dussasana had dragged her there)!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having thus spoken unto the king, Karna and
+Sakuni both remained silent, O Janamejaya, after their discourse was
+over."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having heard these words of Karna, king Duryodhana
+became highly pleased. Soon after, however, the prince became melancholy
+and addressing the speaker said, 'What thou tellest me, O Karna, is
+always before my mind. I shall not, however, obtain permission to repair
+to the place where the Pandavas are residing. King Dhritarashtra is
+always grieving for those heroes. Indeed, the king regarded the sons of
+Pandu to have become more powerful than before in consequence of their
+ascetic austerities. Or, if the king understands our motives, he will
+never, having regard to the future, grant us permission, for, O thou of
+great effulgence, we can have no other business in the woods of
+_Dwaitavana_ than the destruction of the Pandavas in exile! Thou knowest
+the words that Kshatri spoke to me, to thyself, and to the son of
+Suvala, at the time of the match at dice! Reflecting upon all those
+words as also upon all those lamentations (that he and others indulged
+in), I cannot make up my mind as to whether I should or should not go! I
+shall certainly be highly pleased if I cast my eyes on Bhima and
+Phalguna passing their days in pain with Krishna in the woods. The joy
+that I may feel in obtaining the sovereignty of the entire earth is
+nothing to that which will be mine upon beholding the sons of Pandu
+attired in barks of trees and deer-skins. What joy can be greater, O
+Karna, that will be mine upon beholding the daughter of Drupada dressed
+in red rags in the woods? If king Yudhishthira and Bhima, the sons of
+Pandu, behold me graced with great affluence, then only shall I have
+attained the great end of my life! I do not, however, see the means by
+which I may repair to those woods, by which, in fact, I may obtain the
+king's permission to go thither! Contrive thou, therefore, some skilful
+plan, with Suvala's son and Dussasana, by which we may go to those
+woods! I also, making up my mind today as to whether I should go or not,
+approach the presence of the king tomorrow. And when I shall be sitting
+with Bhishma--that best of the Kurus--thou wilt, with Sakuni propose the
+pretext which thou mayst have contrived. Hearing then the words of
+Bhishma and of the king on the subject of our journey, I will settle
+everything beseeching our grandfather.'
+
+"Saying 'So be it,' they then all went away to their respective
+quarters. And as soon as the night had passed away, Karna came to the
+king. And coming to him, Karna smilingly spoke unto Duryodhana, saying,
+'A plan hath been contrived by me. Listen to it, O lord of men! Our
+herds are now waiting in the woods of _Dwaitavana_ in expectation of
+thee! Without doubt, we may all go there under the pretext of
+supervising our cattle stations, for, O monarch, it is proper that kings
+should frequently repair to their cattle stations. If this be the motive
+put forth, thy father, O prince, will certainly grant thee permission!'
+And while Duryodhana and Karna were thus conversing laughingly, Sakuni
+addressed them and said, 'This plan, free from difficulties, was what I
+also saw for going thither! The king will certainly grant us permission,
+or even send us thither of his own accord. Our herds are now all waiting
+in the woods of _Dwaitavana_ expecting thee. Without doubt, we may all
+go there under the pretext of supervising our cattle stations!'
+
+"They then all three laughed together, and gave their hands unto one
+another. And having arrived at that conclusion, they went to see the
+chief of Kurus."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "They then all saw king Dhritarashtra, O Janamejaya,
+and having seen him, enquired after his welfare, and were, in return,
+asked about their welfare. Then a cow-herd named Samanga, who had been
+instructed beforehand by them, approaching the king, spoke unto him of
+the cattle. Then the son of Radha and Sakuni, O king, addressing
+Dhritarashtra, that foremost of monarchs, said, 'O Kaurava, our
+cattle-stations are now in a delightful place. The time for their tale
+as also for marking the calves hath come. And, O monarch, this also is
+an excellent season for thy son to go ahunting! It behoveth thee,
+therefore, to grant permission to Duryodhana to go thither.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra replied, 'The chase of the deer, as also the examination
+of cattle is very proper, O child! I think, indeed, that the herdsmen
+are not to be trusted. But we have heard that those tigers among men,
+the Pandavas, are now staying in the vicinity of those cattle stations.
+I think, therefore, ye should not go thither yourselves! Defeated by
+deceitful means they are now living in the deep forest in great
+suffering. O Radheya, they are mighty warriors and naturally able, they
+are now devoted to ascetic austerities. King Yudhishthira will not
+suffer his wrath to be awakened, but Bhimasena is naturally passionate.
+The daughter of Yajnasena is energy's self. Full of pride and folly, ye
+are certain to give offence. Endued with ascetic merit she will
+certainly consume you, or perhaps, those heroes, armed with swords and
+weapons! Nor, if from force of numbers, ye seek to injure them in any
+respect, that will be a highly improper act, although, as I think, ye
+will never be able to succeed. The mighty-armed Dhananjaya hath returned
+thence to the forest. While unaccomplished in arms, Vivatsu had
+subjugated the whole earth before. A mighty warrior as he is and
+accomplished in arms now, will he not be able to slay you all? Or, if in
+obedience to my words, ye behave carefully having repaired thither, ye
+will not be able to live happily there in consequence of the anxiety ye
+will feel owing to a state of continued trustlessness. Or, some soldier
+of yours may do some injury to Yudhishthira, and that unpremeditated act
+will be ascribed to your fault. Therefore, let some faithful men proceed
+there for the work of tale. I do not think it is proper for thee,
+Bharata, to go thither thyself.'
+
+"Sakuni said, 'The eldest of the sons of Pandu is cognisant of morality.
+He pledged in the midst of the assembly, O Bharata, that he would live
+for twelve years in the forest. The other sons of Pandu are all virtuous
+and obedient to Yudhishthira. And Yudhishthira himself, the son of
+Kunti, will never be angry with us. Indeed, we desire very much to go on
+a hunting expedition, and will avail of that opportunity for supervising
+the tale of our cattle. We have no mind to see the sons of Pandu. We
+will not go to that spot where the Pandavas have taken up their
+residence, and consequently no exhibition of misconduct can possibly
+arise on our part.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Sakuni, that lord of men,
+Dhritarashtra, granted permission, but not very willingly, to Duryodhana
+and his counsellors to go to the place. And permitted by the monarch the
+Bharata prince born of Gandhari started, accompanied by Karna and
+surrounded by a large host. And he was also accompanied by Dussasana and
+Suvala's son of great intelligence and by many other brothers of his and
+by ladies in thousands. And as the mighty-armed prince started for
+beholding the lake that was known by the name of _Dwaitavana_, the
+citizens (of Hastina), also accompanied by their wives began to follow
+him to that forest. Eight thousand cars, thirty thousand elephants, nine
+thousand horses, and many thousands of foot-soldiers, and shops and
+pavilions and traders, bards and men trained in the chase by hundreds
+and thousands followed the prince. And as the king started, followed by
+this large concourse of people, the uproar that was caused there
+resembled, O king, the deep tumult of the ranging winds in the rainy
+season. And reaching the lake _Dwaitavana_ with all his followers and
+vehicles, king Duryodhana took up his quarters at the distance of four
+miles from it."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "King Duryodhana then moving from forest to forest,
+at last approached the cattle-stations, and encamped his troops. And his
+attendants, selecting a well-known and delightful spot that abounded in
+water and trees and that possessed every convenience constructed an
+abode for him. And near enough to the royal residence they also erected
+separate abodes for Karna and Sakuni and the brothers of the king. And
+the king beheld his cattle by hundreds and thousands and examining their
+limbs and marks supervised their tale. And he caused the calves to be
+marked and took note of those that required to be tamed. And he also
+counted those kine whose calves had not yet been weaned. And completing
+the task of tale by marking and counting every calf that was three years
+old, the Kuru prince, surrounded by the cowherds, began to sport and
+wander cheerfully. And the citizens also and the soldiers by thousands
+began to sport, as best pleased them, in those woods, like the
+celestials. And the herdsmen, well skilled in singing and dancing and
+instrumental music, and virgins decked in ornaments, began to minister
+to the pleasures of Dhritarashtra's son. And the king surrounded by the
+ladies of the royal household began cheerfully to distribute wealth and
+food and drinks of various kinds amongst those that sought to please
+him, according to their desires.
+
+"And the king, attended by all his followers, began also to slay hyenas
+and buffaloes and deer and gayals and bears and boars all around. And
+the king, piercing by his shafts those animals by thousands in deep
+forest, caused the deer to be caught in the more delightful parts of the
+woods. Drinking milk and enjoying, O Bharata, various other delicious
+articles and beholding, as he proceeded, many delightful forests and
+woods swarming with bees inebriate with floral honey and resounding with
+the notes of the peacock, the king at last reached the sacred lake of
+_Dwaitavana_. And the spot which the king reached swarmed with bees
+inebriate with floral honey, and echoed with the mellifluous notes of
+the blue-throated jay and was shaded by _Saptacchadas_ and _punnagas_
+and _Vakulas_. And the king graced with high prosperity proceeded
+thither like the thunder-wielding chief of the celestials himself. And,
+O thou best of the Kuru race, King Yudhishthira the just, endued with
+high intelligence, was then, O monarch, residing in the vicinity of that
+lake at will and celebrating with his wedded wife, the daughter of
+Drupada, the diurnal sacrifice called _Rajarshi_, according to the
+ordinance sanctioned for the celestials and persons living in the
+wilderness. And, O monarch, having reached that spot, Duryodhana
+commanded his men by thousands, saying, 'Let pleasure-houses be
+constructed soon.' Thus commanded, those doers of the king's behests
+replying to the Kuru chief with the words, 'So be it,' went towards the
+banks of the lake for constructing pleasure-houses. And as the picked
+soldiers of Dhritarashtra's son, having reached the region of the lake,
+were about to enter the gates of the wood, a number of _Gandharvas_
+appeared and forbade them to enter. For, O monarch, the king of the
+_Gandharvas_ accompanied by his followers, had come thither beforehand,
+from the abode of _Kuvera_. And the king of the _Gandharvas_ had also
+been accompanied by the several tribes of _Apsaras_, as also by the sons
+of the celestials. And intent upon sport, he had come to that place for
+merriment, and occupying it, had closed it against all comers. And the
+attendants of the (Kuru) king, finding the lake closed by the king of
+the _Gandharvas_, went back, O monarch, to where the royal Duryodhana
+was. And Duryodhana having heard these words, despatched a number of his
+warriors difficult of being subjugated in battle, commanding them to
+drive away the _Gandharvas_. And those warriors who formed the vanguard
+of the Kuru army, hearing these words of the king, went back to the lake
+of _Dwaitavana_ and addressing the _Gandharvas_, said, 'The mighty king
+Duryodhana--the son of Dhritarashtra--is coming, hither for sport. Stand
+ye aside, therefore!' Thus addressed by them, O king, the _Gandharvas_
+laughed and replied unto those men in these harsh words: 'Your wicked
+king Duryodhana must be destitute of sense. How else could he have thus
+commanded us that are dwellers of heaven, as if indeed, we were his
+servants? Without forethought, ye also are doubtless on the point of
+death; for senseless idiots as ye are, ye have dared to bring us his
+message! Return ye soon to where that king of the Kurus is, or else go
+this very day to the abode of Yama.' Thus addressed by the _Gandharvas_,
+the advanced guard of the king's army ran back to the place where the
+royal son of Dhritarashtra was."
+
+
+SECTION CCXXXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Those soldiers then, O king, all went back to
+Duryodhana and repeated to him every word that the _Gandharvas_ had
+said. And, O Bharata, finding that his soldiers had been opposed by the
+_Gandharvas_, Dhritarashtra's son, endued with energy, was filled with
+rage. And the king addressed his soldiers, saying, 'Punish these
+wretches who desire to oppose my will, even if they have come hither to
+sport, accompanied by all the celestials with him of a hundred
+sacrifices.' And hearing these words of Duryodhana, the sons and
+officers of Dhritarashtra all endued with great strength, as also
+warriors by thousands, began to arm themselves for battle. And filling
+the ten sides with loud leonine roars and rushing at those _Gandharvas_
+that had been guarding the gates, they entered the forest. And as the
+Kuru soldiers entered the forest, other _Gandharvas_ came up and forbade
+them to advance. And though gently forbidden by the _Gandharvas_ to
+advance, the Kuru soldiers, without regarding them in the least, began
+to enter that mighty forest. And when those rangers of the sky found
+that the warriors of Dhritarashtra along with their king could not be
+stopped by words they all went to their king Chitrasena and represented
+everything unto him. And when Chitrasena, the king of the Gandharvas,
+came to know all this he became filled with rage, alluding to the Kuru,
+and commanded his followers saying, 'Punish these wretches of wicked
+behaviour.' And, O Bharata, when the _Gandharvas_ were so commanded by
+Chitrasena, they rushed weapons in hand, towards the Dhritarashtra
+ranks. And beholding the _Gandharvas_ impetuously rushing towards them
+with upraised weapons, the Kuru warriors precipitously fled in all
+directions at the very sight of Duryodhana. And beholding the Kuru
+soldiers all flying from the field with their backs to the foe, the
+heroic Radheya alone fled not. And seeing the mighty host of the
+Gandharvas rushing towards him, Radheya checked them by a perfect shower
+of arrows. And the _Suta's_ son, owing to his extreme lightness of hand,
+struck hundreds of _Gandharvas_ with _Kshurapras_ and arrows and
+_Bhallas_ and various weapons made of bones and steel. And that mighty
+warrior, causing the heads of numerous _Gandharvas_ to roll down within
+a short time, made the ranks of Chitrasena to yell in anguish. And
+although they were slaughtered in great numbers by Karna endued with
+great intelligence, yet the _Gandharvas_ returned to the charge by
+hundreds and thousands. And in consequence of the swarms of Chitrasena's
+warriors rushing impetuously to the field the earth itself became soon
+covered by the _Gandharva_ host. Then king Duryodhana, and Sakuni, the
+son of Suvala, and Dussasana, and Vikarna, and other sons of
+Dhritarashtra, seated on cars the clatter of whose wheels resembled the
+roars of Garuda, returned to the charge, following the lead of Karna,
+and began to slaughter that host. And desirous of supporting Karna,
+these princes invested the Gandharva army, with a large number of cars
+and a strong body of horses. Then the whole of the _Gandharva_ host
+began to fight with the Kauravas. And the encounter that took place
+between the contending hosts was fierce in the extreme and might make
+one's hair stand on end. The _Gandharvas_, at last, afflicted with the
+shafts of the Kuru army, seemed to be exhausted. And the Kauravas
+beholding the _Gandharvas_ so afflicted sent up a loud sound.
+
+"And seeing the _Gandharva_ host yielding to fear, the angry Chitrasena
+sprang from his seat, resolved to exterminate the Kuru army. And
+conversant with various modes of warfare, he waged on the fight, aided
+by his weapons of illusion. And the Kaurava warriors were then all
+deprived of their senses by the illusion of Chitrasena. And then, O
+Bharata, it seemed that every warrior of the Kuru army was fallen upon
+and surrounded by ten _Gandharvas_. And attacked with great vigour, the
+Kuru host was greatly afflicted and struck with panic. O king, all of
+them that liked to live, fled from the field. But while the entire
+Dhritarashtra host broke and fled, Karna, that offspring of the Sun,
+stood there, O king, immovable as a hill. Indeed, Duryodhana and Karna
+and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, all fought with the _Gandharvas_,
+although every one of them was much wounded and mangled in the
+encounter. All the _Gandharvas_ then, desirous of slaying Karna, rushed
+together by hundreds and thousands towards Karna. And those mighty
+warriors, desirous of slaying the _Suta's_ son, surrounded him on all
+sides, with swords and battle-axes and spears. And some cut down the
+yoke of his car, and some his flagstaff, and some the shaft of his car,
+and some his horses, and some his charioteer. And some cut down his
+umbrella and some the wooden fender round his car and some the joints of
+his car. It was thus that many thousands of Gandharvas, together
+attacking his car, broke it into minute fragments. And while his car was
+thus attacked, Karna leaped therefrom with sword and shield in hand, and
+mounting on Vikarna's car, urged the steeds for saving himself."
+
+
+SECTION CCXL
+
+Vaisampayana said, "After that great warrior Karna had been routed by
+the _Gandharvas_, the whole of the Kuru army, O monarch, fled from the
+field in the very sight of Dhritarashtra's son. And beholding all his
+troops flying from the field of battle with their back to the foe, king
+Duryodhana refused to fly. Seeing the mighty host of the _Gandharvas_
+rushing towards him, that represser of foes poured down upon them a
+thick shower of arrows. The _Gandharvas_, however, without regarding
+that arrowy shower, and desirous also of slaying him, surrounded that
+car of his. And by means of their arrows, they cut off into fragments
+the yoke, the shaft, the fenders, the flagstaff, the three-fold bamboo
+poles, and the principal turret of his car. And they also slew his
+charioteer and horses, hacking them to pieces. And when Duryodhana,
+deprived of his car, fell on the ground, the strong-armed Chitrasena
+rushed towards him and seized him in such a way that it seemed his life
+itself was taken. And after the Kuru king had been seized, the
+_Gandharvas_, surrounding Dussasana, who was seated on his car, also
+took him prisoner. And some _Gandharvas_ seized Vivinsati and
+Chitrasena, and some Vinda and Anuvinda, while others seized all the
+ladies of royal household. And the warriors of Duryodhana, who were
+routed by the _Gandharvas_, joining those who had fled first, approached
+the Pandavas (who were living in the vicinity). And after Duryodhana had
+been made captive, the vehicles, the shops, the pavilions, the
+carriages, and the draught animals, all were made over to the Pandavas
+for protection. And those soldiers said, 'The mighty-armed son of
+Dhritarashtra, possessed of great strength and handsome mien, is being
+taken away captive by the _Gandharvas_! Ye sons of Pritha, follow them!
+Dussasana, Durvishasa, Durmukha, and Durjaya, are all being led away as
+captives in chains by the Gandharvas, as also all the ladies of the
+royal household!'
+
+"Crying thus, the followers of Duryodhana, afflicted with grief and
+melancholy, approached Yudhishthira, desirous of effecting the release
+of the king. Bhima then answered those old attendants of Duryodhana,
+who, afflicted with grief and melancholy, were thus soliciting (the aid
+of Yudhishthira), saying, 'What we should have done with great efforts,
+arraying ourselves in line of battle, supported by horses and elephants
+hath, indeed, been done by the _Gandharvas_! They that come hither for
+other purposes, have been overtaken by consequences they had not
+foreseen! Indeed, this is the result of the evil counsels of a king who
+is fond of deceitful play! It hath been heard by us that the foe of a
+person who is powerless, is overthrown by others. The Gandharvas have,
+in an extraordinary way illustrated before our eyes the truth of this
+saying! It seems that there is still fortunately some person in the
+world who is desirous of doing us good who hath, indeed, taken upon his
+own shoulders our pleasant load, although we are sitting idly! The
+wretch had come hither to cast his eyes on us,--himself in prosperity
+while ourselves are sunk in adversity and emaciated by ascetic
+austerities and are exposed to wind, cold and heat. They that imitate
+the behaviour of that sinful and wretched Kaurava, are now beholding his
+disgrace! He that had instructed Duryodhana to do this, had certainly
+acted sinfully. That the sons of Kunti are not wicked and sinful, I tell
+it before you all!'
+
+"And while Bhima, the son of Kunti, was speaking thus in a voice of
+sarcasm, king Yudhishthira told him, 'This is not time for cruel
+words!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXLI
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O child, why dost thou use language such as this,
+towards the frightened Kurus, who are now in adversity and who have come
+to us, solicitous of protection! O Vrikodara, disunions and disputes do
+take place amongst those that are connected in blood. Hostilities such
+as these do go on. But the honour of the family is never suffered to be
+interfered with. If any stranger seeketh to insult the honour of a
+family, they that are good never tolerate such insult coming from the
+stranger. The wicked-souled king of the Gandharvas knoweth that we are
+living here from some time. Yet disregarding us, he hath done this deed
+which is so disagreeable to us! O exalted one, from this forcible
+seizure of Duryodhana and from this insult to the ladies of our house by
+a stranger, our family honour is being destroyed. Therefore, ye tigers
+among men, arise and arm yourselves without delay for rescuing those
+that have sought our protection and for guarding the honour of our
+family. Ye tigers among men, let Arjuna and the twins and thyself also
+that art brave and unvanquished, liberate Duryodhana, who is even now
+being taken away a captive! Ye foremost of warriors, these blazing cars,
+furnished with golden flagstaffs and every kind of weapons belonging to
+Dhritarashtra's sons, are ready here. With Indrasena and other
+charioteers skilled in arms, for guiding them, ride ye on these
+everfurnished cars of deep rattle! And riding on these, exert ye with
+activity for fighting with the Gandharvas to liberate Duryodhana. Even
+an ordinary Kshatriya (amongst those that are here), would to the
+height of his power, protect one that hath come hither for refuge! What
+then, O Vrikodara, shall I say of thee! Entreated for assistance in such
+words as "_O hasten to my aid_!" Who is there (amongst those standing
+around me) that is high-souled enough to assist even his foe, beholding
+him seeking shelter with joined hands? The bestowal of a boon,
+sovereignty, and the birth of a son are sources of great joy. But, ye
+sons of Pandu, the liberation of a foe from distress is equal to all the
+three put together! What can be a source of greater joy to you than that
+Duryodhana sunk in distress seeketh his very life as depending on the
+might of your arms? O Vrikodara, if the vow in which I am engaged had
+been over, there is little doubt that I would myself have run to his
+aid. Strive thou by all means, O Bharata, to liberate Duryodhana by the
+arts of conciliation. If, however, the king of the Gandharvas cannot be
+managed by the arts of conciliation, then must thou try to rescue
+Suyodhana by lightly skirmishing with the foe. But if the chief of the
+Gandharvas do not let the Kurus off even then, they must be rescued by
+crushing the foe by all means. O Vrikodara, this is all I can tell thee
+now, for my vow hath been begun and is not ended yet!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Ajatasatru, Dhananjaya
+pledged himself, from respect for these commands of his superior, to
+liberate the Kauravas. And Arjuna said, 'If the Gandharvas do not set
+the Dhartarashtras free peacefully, the Earth shall this day drink the
+blood of the king of the Gandharvas!' And hearing that pledge of the
+truth-speaking Arjuna, the Kauravas then, O king, regained (the lost)
+tenor of their minds."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Hearing the words of Yudhishthira, those bulls among
+men, headed by Bhimasena, rose up with faces beaming in joy. And those
+mighty warriors, O Bharata, then began to case themselves in
+impenetrable mail that were besides variegated with pure gold, and armed
+themselves with celestial weapons of various kinds. And the Pandavas
+thus cased in mail, and mounted on those chariots furnished with
+flagstaffs and armed with bows and arrows, looked like blazing fires.
+And those tigers among warriors, riding upon those well furnished cars
+drawn by fleet horses, proceeded to that spot without losing a moment.
+And beholding those mighty warriors--the sons of Pandu--thus proceeding
+together (for the liberation of Duryodhana), the Kuru army sent forth a
+loud shout. And soon did those rangers of the sky flushed with victory,
+and those impetuous warriors, the sons of Pandu, fearlessly encounter
+each other in that forest. The Gandharvas were flushed with success, and
+beholding the four brave sons of Pandu coming to battle seated on their
+cars, they all turned back towards the advancing combatants. And, the
+dwellers of the Gandhamadana, beholding the Pandavas looking like
+blazing guardians of the world provoked to ire, stood arrayed in order
+of battle. And, O Bharata, in accordance with words of king Yudhishthira
+of great wisdom, the encounter that took place was a skirmish. But when
+Arjuna--that persecutor of foes--saw that the foolish soldiers of the
+king of Gandharvas could not be made to understand what was good for
+them by means of a light skirmish, he addressed those invincible rangers
+of the skies in a conciliatory tone and said, 'Leave ye my brother king
+Suyodhana.' Thus addressed by the illustrious son of Pandu, the
+Gandharvas, laughing aloud, replied unto him saying, 'O child, there is
+but one in the world whose behests we obey and living under whose rule
+we pass our days in happiness: O Bharata, we always act as that one only
+person commandeth us! Besides that celestial chief there is none that
+can command us!' Thus addressed by the Gandharvas, Dhananjaya, the son
+of Kunti, replied unto them, saying, 'This contact with other people's
+wives and this hostile encounter with human beings are acts that are
+both censurable in the king of the Gandharvas and not proper for him.
+Therefore, leave ye these sons of Dhritarashtra all endued with mighty
+energy. And liberate ye also these ladies, at the command of king
+Yudhishthira the just. If, ye Gandharvas, ye do not set the sons of
+Dhritarashtra free peacefully, I shall certainly rescue Suyodhana (and
+his party) by exerting my prowess.' And speaking unto them thus,
+Pritha's son, Dhananjaya, capable of wielding the bow with his left hand
+also, then rained a shower of sharp pointed sky-ranging shafts upon
+those rangers of the firmament. Thus attacked, the mighty Gandharvas
+then encountered the sons of Pandu with a shower of arrows equally
+thick, and the Pandavas also replied by attacking those dwellers of
+heaven. And the battle then, O Bharata, that ranged between the active
+and agile Gandharvas and the impetuous son of Pandu was fierce in the
+extreme."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then those Gandharvas decked in golden garlands and
+accomplished in celestial weapons, showing their blazing shafts,
+encountered the Pandavas from every side. And as the sons of Pandu were
+only four in number and the Gandharvas counted by thousands, the battle
+that ensued appeared to be extraordinary. And as the cars of Karna and
+Duryodhana had formerly been broken into a hundred fragments by the
+Gandharvas, so were the cars of the four heroes attempted to be broken.
+But those tigers among men began to encounter with their showers of
+arrows thousands upon thousands of Gandharvas rushing towards them.
+Those rangers of skies endued with great energy, thus checked on all
+sides by that arrowy down-pour, succeeded not in even coming near to the
+sons of Pandu. Then Arjuna whose ire had been provoked, aiming at the
+angry Gandharvas, prepared to hurl against them his celestial weapons.
+And in that encounter, the mighty Arjuna, by means of his _Agneya_
+weapon, sent ten hundreds of thousands of Gandharvas to the abode of
+Yama. And that mighty bowman, Bhima, also, that foremost of all warriors
+in battle, slew, by means of his sharp arrows, Gandharvas by hundreds.
+And the mighty sons of Madri also, battling with vigour, encountered
+hundreds of Gandharvas, O king, and slaughtered them all. And as
+Gandharvas were being thus slaughtered by the mighty warriors with their
+celestial weapons, they rose up to the skies, taking with them the sons
+of Dhritarashtra. But Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, beholding them rise
+up to the skies, surrounded them on every side by a wide net of arrows.
+And confined within that arrowy net like birds within a cage, they
+showered in wrath upon Arjuna maces and darts and broad-swords. But
+Arjuna who was conversant with the most efficacious weapons, soon
+checked that shower of maces and darts and broad-swords, and in return
+began to mangle the limbs of the Gandharvas with his crescent-shaped
+arrows. And heads and legs and arms began to drop down from above
+resembling a shower of stones. And at that sight, the foe was struck
+with panic. And as the Gandharvas were being slaughtered by the
+illustrious son of Pandu, they began to shower from the skies a heavy
+downpour of shafts upon Arjuna, who was on the surface of the earth. But
+that chastiser of foes, Arjuna, endued with mighty energy checked that
+shower of arrows by means of his own weapons and began, in return, to
+wound them. Then Arjuna of the Kuru race shot his well-known weapons
+called _Sthunakarna, Indrajala, Saura, Agneya_ and _Saumya_. And the
+Gandharvas consumed by the fiery weapons of Kunti's son, began to suffer
+heavily, like the sons of Diti, while being scorched by Sakra's
+thunder-bolt. And when they attacked Arjuna from above, they were
+checked by his net of arrows. And while they attacked him from all sides
+on the surface of the earth, they were checked by his crescent-shaped
+arrows. And beholding the Gandharvas put in fear by Kunti's son,
+Chitrasena rushed, O Bharata, at Dhananjaya, armed with a mace. And as
+the king of the Gandharvas was rushing at Arjuna from above with that
+mace in hand, the latter cut with his arrows that mace wholly made of
+iron into seven pieces. And beholding that mace of his cut into many
+pieces by Arjuna of great activity, with his arrows, Chitrasena, by
+means of his science, concealed himself from the view of the Pandava and
+began to fight with him. The heroic Arjuna, however, by means of his own
+celestial weapons checked all the celestial weapons that were aimed at
+him by the Gandharvas. And when the chief of the Gandharvas saw that he
+was checked by the illustrious Arjuna with those weapons of his he
+entirely disappeared from sight by help of his powers of illusion. And
+Arjuna, observing that the chief of the Gandharvas was striking at him
+concealed from sight, attacked his assailant with celestial weapon
+inspired with proper _Mantras_. And the multiform Dhananjaya filled with
+wrath, prevented the disappearance of his foe by means of his weapon
+known by the name of _Sabda-veda_. And assailed with those weapons by
+the illustrious Arjuna, his dear friend, the king of the Gandharvas,
+showed himself unto him. And Chitrasena said, 'Behold in me thy friend
+battling with thee!' And beholding his friend Chitrasena exhausted in
+the battle, that bull among the sons of Pandu withdrew the weapons he
+had shot. And the other sons of Pandu beholding Arjuna withdraw his
+weapons, checked their flying steeds and the impetus of their weapons
+and withdrew their bows. And Chitrasena and Bhima and Arjuna and the
+twins enquiring about one another's welfare, sat awhile on their
+respective cars."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Then that mighty bowman of blazing splendour,
+Arjuna, smilingly said unto Chitrasena in the midst of the Gandharva
+host, 'What purpose dost thou serve, O hero, in punishing the Kauravas?
+O, why also hath Suyodhana with his wives been thus punished?'
+
+"Chitrasena replied, 'O Dhananjaya, without stirring from my own abode I
+became acquainted with the purpose of the wicked Duryodhana and the
+wretched Karna in coming hither. The purpose was even this,--knowing
+that ye are exiles in the forest and suffering great afflictions as if
+ye had none to take care of you, himself in prosperity, this wretch
+entertained the desire of beholding you plunged in adversity and
+misfortune. They came hither for mocking you and the illustrious
+daughter of Drupada. The lord of the celestials also, having ascertained
+this purpose of theirs, told me, "Go thou and bring Duryodhana hither in
+chains along with his counsellors. Dhananjaya also with his brother
+should always be protected by thee in battle, for he is thy dear friend
+and disciple." At these words of the lord of the celestials I came
+hither speedily. This wicked prince hath also been put in chains. I will
+now proceed to the region of the celestials, whither I will lead this
+wicked wight at the command of the slayer of Paka!'
+
+"Arjuna answered, saying, 'O Chitrasena, if thou wishest to do what is
+agreeable to me, set Suyodhana free, at the command of king Yudhishthira
+the just, for he is our brother!'
+
+"Chitrasena said, 'This sinful wretch is always full of vanity. He
+deserveth not to be set free. O Dhananjaya, he hath deceived and wronged
+both king Yudhishthira the just and Krishna. Yudhishthira the son of
+Kunti as yet knoweth not the purpose on which the wretch came hither.
+Let the king, therefore, do what he desires after knowing everything!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "After this, all of them went to king
+Yudhishthira the just. And going unto the king, they represented unto
+him everything about Duryodhana's conduct. And Ajatasatru, hearing
+everything that the Gandharvas had said, liberated all the Kauravas and
+applauded the Gandharvas. And the king said, 'Fortunate it is for us
+that though gifted with great strength, ye did not yet slay the wicked
+son of Dhritarashtra along with all counsellors and relatives. This, O
+sir, hath been an act of great kindness done to me by the Gandharvas.
+The honour also of my family is saved by liberating this wicked wight. I
+am glad at seeing you all. Command me what I am to do for you. And
+having obtained all you wish, return ye soon whence ye came!'
+
+"Thus addressed by the intelligent son of Pandu, the Gandharvas became
+well-pleased and went away with the Apsaras. And the lord of the
+celestials then, coming to that spot, revived those Gandharvas that had
+been slain in the encounter with the Kurus, by sprinkling the celestial
+_Amrita_ over them. And the Pandavas also, having liberated their
+relatives along with the ladies of the royal household, and having
+achieved that difficult feat (the defeat of the Gandharvas host) became
+well-pleased. And those illustrious and mighty warriors worshipped by
+the Kurus along with their sons and wives, blazed forth in splendour
+like flaming fires in the sacrificial compound. And Yudhishthira then
+addressing the liberated Duryodhana in the midst of his brothers, from
+affection, told him these words: 'O child, never again do such a rash
+act. O Bharata, a rash wight never cometh by happiness. O son of the
+Kuru race, pleased be thou with all thy brothers. Go back to thy capital
+as pleaseth thee, without yielding thyself to despondency or
+cheerlessness!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus dismissed by the son of Pandu, king
+Duryodhana then saluted king Yudhishthira the just and overwhelmed with
+shame, and his heart rent in twain, mechanically set out for his
+capital, like one destitute of life. And after the Kaurava prince had
+departed, the brave Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, along with his
+brothers, was worshipped by the Brahmanas, and surrounded by those
+Brahmanas endued with the wealth of asceticism, like Sakra himself by
+the celestials, he began to pass his days happily in the woods of
+Dwaita."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLV
+
+Janamejaya said, "After his defeat and capture by the foe and his
+subsequent liberation by the illustrious sons of Pandu by force of arms,
+it seemeth to me that the entry into Hastinapura of the proud, wicked,
+boastful, vicious, insolent, and wretched Duryodhana, engaged in
+insulting the sons of Pandu and bragging of his own superiority, must
+have been exceedingly difficult. Describe to me in detail, O
+Vaisampayana, the entry into the capital, of that prince overwhelmed
+with shame and unmanned by grief!"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Dismissed by the king Yudhishthira the just,
+Dhritarashtra's son Suyodhana, bending his head down in shame and
+afflicted with grief and melancholy, set out slowly. And the king,
+accompanied by his four kinds of forces, proceeded towards his city, his
+heart rent in grief and filled with thoughts of his defeat along the way
+in a region that abounded in grass and water. The king encamped on a
+delightful piece of ground as pleased him best, with his elephants and
+cars and cavalry and infantry stationed all around. And as the king
+Duryodhana was seated on an elevated bedstead endued with the effulgence
+of fire, himself looking like the moon under an eclipse, towards the
+small hours of the morning Karna, approaching him, said, 'Fortunate it
+is, O son of Gandhari, that thou art alive! Fortunate it is, that we
+have once more met! By good luck it is that thou hast vanquished the
+Gandharvas capable of assuming any form at will. And, O son of the Kuru
+race, it is by good luck alone, that I am enabled to see thy
+brothers--mighty warriors all--come off victorious from that encounter,
+having subjugated their foes! As regards myself, assailed by all the
+Gandharvas, I fled before thy eyes, unable to rally our flying host.
+Assailed by the foe with all his might, my body mangled with their
+arrows, I sought safety in flight. This however, O Bharata, seemed to me
+to be a great marvel that I behold you all come safe and sound in body,
+with your wives, troops, and vehicles, out of that super-human
+encounter. O Bharata, there is another man in this world who can achieve
+what thou, O king, hast achieved in battle to-day with thy brothers.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king Duryodhana
+replied unto the ruler of the Angas in a voice choked with tears."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLVI
+
+"Duryodhana said, 'O Radheya, thou knowest not what hath happened.
+Therefore, I do not resent thy words. Thou thinkest the hostile
+Gandharvas to have been vanquished by me with my own energy. O thou of
+mighty arms, my brothers, indeed had for a long time, aided by me fought
+with the Gandharvas. The slaughtered, indeed, on both sides were great.
+But when those brave Gandharvas, resorting to their many powers of
+illusion, ascended the skies and began to fight with us thence, our
+encounter with them ceased to be an equal one. Defeat then was ours and
+even captivity. And afflicted with sorrow, we along with our attendants
+and counsellors and children and wives and troops and vehicles were
+being taken by them through the skies. It was then that some soldiers of
+ours and some brave officers repaired in grief unto the sons of
+Pandu--those heroes that never refuse succour to those that ask for it.
+And having gone to them they said, "Here is king Duryodhana, the son of
+Dhritarashtra, who with his younger brothers and friends and wives is
+being led away a captive by the Gandharvas along the sky. Blest be ye.
+Liberate the king along with the women of the royal household! Suffer no
+insult to be offered unto all the ladies of the Kuru race." And when
+they had spoken thus, the eldest of Pandu's sons, who is endued with a
+virtuous soul then conciliated his brothers and commanded them to
+liberate us. Then those bulls among men, the Pandavas, overtaking the
+Gandharvas, solicited our release in soft words, although fully able to
+effect it by force of arms. And when the Gandharvas, addressed in such
+conciliatory words, refused to set us at liberty, then Arjuna and Bhima
+and the twins endued with mighty energy, shot showers of arrows at the
+Gandharvas. Then the Gandharvas, abandoning the fight, fled through the
+sky, dragging our melancholy selves after them, filled with joy. Then we
+beheld a network of arrows spread all around by Dhananjaya, who was also
+shooting celestial weapons upon the foe. And seeing the points of the
+horizon covered by Arjuna with a thick network of sharp arrows, his
+friend, the chief of the Gandharvas, showed himself. And Chitrasena and
+Arjuna, embracing each other, enquired after each other's welfare. And
+the other sons of Pandu also embraced the chief of the Gandharvas and
+were embraced by him. And enquiries of courtesy passed between them
+also. And the brave Gandharvas then abandoning their weapons and mail
+mingled in a friendly spirit with the Pandavas. And Chitrasena and
+Dhananjaya worshipped each other with regard.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXLVII
+
+"Duryodhana said, 'That slayer of hostile heroes, Arjuna, then
+approaching Chitrasena, smilingly addressed him in these manly words: "O
+hero, O foremost of the Gandharvas, it behoveth thee to set my brothers
+at liberty. They are incapable of being insulted as long as the sons of
+Pandu are alive." Thus addressed by the illustrious son of Pandu, the
+chief of the Gandharvas, O Karna, disclosed unto the Pandavas the object
+we had in view in proceeding to that place, viz., that we came there for
+casting our eyes on the sons of Pandu with their wife, all plunged in
+misery. And while the Gandharva was disclosing those counsels of ours,
+overwhelmed with shame I desired the earth to yield me a crevice, so
+that I might disappear there and then. The Gandharvas then, accompanied
+by the Pandavas, went to Yudhishthira, and, disclosing unto him also
+counsels, made us over, bound as we were, to him. Alas, what greater
+sorrow could be mine than that I should thus be offered as a tribute
+unto Yudhishthira, in the very sight of the women of our household,
+myself in chains and plunged in misery, and under the absolute control
+of my enemies. Alas, they, who have ever been persecuted by me, they
+unto whom I have ever been a foe released me from captivity, and wretch
+that I am, I am indebted to them for my life. If, O hero, I had met with
+my death in that great battle, that would have been far better than that
+I should have obtained my life in this way. If I had been slain by the
+Gandharvas, my fame would have spread over the whole earth, and I should
+have obtained auspicious regions of eternal bliss in the heaven of
+Indra. Listen to me therefore, ye bulls among men, as to what I intend
+to do now. I will stay here forgoing all food, while ye all return home.
+Let all my brothers also go to Hastinapura. Let all our friends,
+including Karna, and all our relatives headed by Dussasana, return now
+to the capital. Insulted by the foe, I myself will not repair thither. I
+who had before wrested from the foe his respect, I who had always
+enhanced the respect of my friends, have now become a source of sorrow
+unto friends and of joy unto enemies. What shall I now say unto the
+king, going to the city named after the elephant? What will Bhishma and
+Drona, Kripa, and Drona's son, Vidura and Sanjaya, Vahuka and Somadatta
+and other revered seniors,--what will the principal men of the other
+orders and men of independent professions, say to me and what shall I
+say unto them in reply? Having hitherto stayed over the heads of my
+enemies, having hitherto trod upon their breasts, I have fallen away
+from my position. How shall I ever speak with them? Insolent men having
+obtained prosperity and knowledge and affluence, are seldom blest for
+any length of time like myself puffed up with vanity. Alas, led by folly
+I have done a highly improper and wicked act, for which, fool that I am,
+I have fallen into such distress. Therefore, will I perish by starving,
+life having become insupportable to me. Relieved from distress by the
+foe, what man of spirit is there who can drag on his existence? Proud as
+I am, shorn of manliness, the foe hath laughed at me, for the Pandavas
+possessed of prowess have looked at me plunged in misery!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "While giving way to such reflections Duryodhana
+spoke unto Dussasana thus: 'O Dussasana, listen to these words of mine,
+O thou of the Bharata race! Accepting this installation that I offer
+thee, be thou king in my place. Rule thou the wide earth protected by
+Karna and Suvala's sons. Like Indra himself looking after the Maruts,
+cherish thou thy brothers in such a way that they may all confide in
+thee. Let thy friends and relatives depend on thee like the gods
+depending on him of a hundred sacrifices. Always shouldst thou bestow
+pensions on Brahmanas, without idleness, and be thou ever the refuge of
+thy friends and relatives. Like Vishnu looking after the celestials,
+thou shouldst always look after all consanguineous relatives. Thou
+shouldst also ever cherish thy superiors. Go, rule thou the earth
+gladdening thy friends and reproving thy foes.' And clasping his neck,
+Duryodhana said, 'Go!' Hearing these words of his, Dussasana in perfect
+cheerlessness and overwhelmed with great sorrow, his voice choked in
+tears, said, with joined hands and bending his head unto his eldest
+brother, 'Relent!' And saying this he fell down on earth with heavy
+heart. And afflicted with grief that tiger among men, shedding his tears
+on the feet of his brother again said, 'This will never be! The earth
+may split, the vault of heaven may break in pieces, the sun may cast off
+his splendour, the moon may abandon his coolness, the wind may forsake
+its speed, the Himavat may be moved from its site, the waters of the
+ocean may dry up, and fire may abandon its heat, yet I, O king, may
+never rule the earth without thee.' And Dussasana repeatedly said,
+'Relent, O king! Thou alone shall be king in our race for a hundred
+years.' And having spoken thus unto the king, Dussasana began to weep
+melodiously catching, O Bharata, the feet of his eldest brother
+deserving of worship from him.
+
+"And beholding Dussasana and Duryodhana thus weeping, Karna in great
+grief approached them both and said, 'Ye Kuru princes, why do you thus
+yield to sorrow like ordinary men, from senselessness? Mere weeping can
+never ease a sorrowing man's grief. When weeping can never remove one's
+griefs, what do you gain by thus giving way to sorrow? Summon patience
+to your aid to not gladden the foe by such conduct. O king, the Pandavas
+only did their duty in liberating thee. They that reside in the
+dominions of the king, should always do what is agreeable to the king.
+Protected by thee, the Pandavas are residing happily in thy dominion. It
+behoveth thee not to indulge in such sorrow like an ordinary person.
+Behold, thy uterine brothers are all sad and cheerless at seeing thee
+resolved to put an end to thy life by forgoing food. Blest be thou! Rise
+up and come to thy city and console these thy uterine brothers.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCXLVIII
+
+"Karna continued, 'O king, this conduct of thine to-day appeareth to be
+childish. O hero, O slayer of foes, what is to be wondered at in this
+that the Pandavas liberated thee when thou wert vanquished by the foe? O
+son of the Kuru race, those that reside in the territories of the king,
+especially those (amongst them) that lead the profession of arms, should
+always do what is agreeable to the king whether they happen to be known
+to their monarch or unknown to him. It happened often that foremost men
+who crush the ranks of the hostile host, are vanquished by them, and are
+rescued by their own troops. They that leading the profession of arms,
+reside in the king's realm should always combine and exert themselves to
+the best of their power, for the king. If, therefore, O king, the
+Pandavas, who live in the territories, have liberated thee, what is
+there to be regretted at in this? That the Pandavas, O best of kings,
+did not follow thee when thou didst march forth to battle at the head of
+thy troops, has been an improper act on their part. They had before this
+come under thy power, becoming thy slaves. They are, therefore, bound to
+aid thee now, being endued with courage and might and incapable of
+turning away from the field of battle. Thou art enjoying all the rich
+possessions of the Pandavas. Behold them yet alive, O king! They have
+not resolved to die, forgoing all food. Blest be thou! Rise up, O king!
+It behoveth thee not to indulge in great sorrow long. O king, it is the
+certain duty of those that reside in the king's realm to do what is
+agreeable to the king. Where should the regret be in all this? If thou,
+O king, dost not act according to my words I shall stay here employed in
+reverentially serving thy feet. O bull among men, I do not desire to
+live deprived of thy company. O king, if thou resolvest to slay thyself
+by forgoing food, thou wilt simply be an object of laughter with other
+kings.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Karna, king Duryodhana,
+firmly resolved to leave the world, desired not to rise from where he
+sat."
+
+
+SECTION CCXLIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Beholding king Duryodhana, incapable of putting up
+with an insult, seated with the resolution of giving up life by forgoing
+food, Sakuni, the son of Suvala, said these words to comfort him. Sakuni
+said, 'O son of the Kuru race, you have just heard what Karna hath said.
+His words are, indeed fraught with wisdom. Why wouldst thou abandoning
+from foolishness the high prosperity that I won for thee, cast off thy
+life today, O king, yielding to silliness? It seemeth to me to-day that
+thou hast never waited upon the old. He that cannot control sudden
+accession of joy or grief, is lost even though he may have obtained
+prosperity, like an unburnt earthen vessel in water. That king who is
+entirely destitute of courage, who hath no spark of manliness, who is
+the slave of procrastination, who always acts with indiscretion, who is
+addicted to sensual pleasures, is seldom respected by his subjects.
+Benefited as thou has been, whence is this unreasonable grief of thine?
+Do not undo this graceful act done by the sons of Pritha, by indulging
+in such grief. When thou shouldst joy and reward the Pandavas, thou art
+grieving, O king? Indeed, this behaviour of thine is inconsistent. Be
+cheerful, do not cast away thy life; but remember with a pleased heart
+the good they have done thee. Give back unto the sons of Pritha their
+kingdom, and win thou both virtue and renown by such conduct. By acting
+in this way, thou mayst be grateful. Establish brotherly relations with
+the Pandavas by being friends, and give them their paternal kingdom, for
+then thou wilt be happy!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Sakuni, and seeing the
+brave Dussasana lying prostrate before him unmanned by fraternal love,
+the king raised Dussasana and, clasping him in his well round arms,
+smelt his head from affection. And hearing these words of Karna and
+Sauvala, king Duryodhana lost heart more than ever, and he was
+overwhelmed with shame and utter despair overtook his soul. And hearing
+all that his friends said, he answered with sorrow, 'I have nothing more
+to do with virtue, wealth, friendship, affluence, sovereignty, and
+enjoyments. Do not obstruct my purpose, but leave me all of you. I am
+firmly resolved to cast away my life by forgoing food. Return to the
+city, and treat my superiors there respectfully.'
+
+"Thus addressed by him, they replied unto that royal grinder of foes,
+saying, 'O monarch, the course that is thine, is also ours, O Bharata.
+How can we enter the city without thee?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Though addressed in all manner of ways by his
+friends and counsellors and brothers and relatives, the king wavered not
+from his purpose. And the son of Dhritarashtra in accordance with his
+purpose spread _Kusa_ grass on the earth, and purifying himself by
+touching water, sat down upon that spot. And clad in rags and _Kusa_
+grass he set himself to observe the highest vow. And stopping all
+speech, that tiger among kings, moved by the desire of going to heaven,
+began to pray and worship internally suspending all external
+intercourse.
+
+"Meanwhile the fierce _Daityas_ and the _Danavas_ who had been defeated
+of old by the celestials and had been dwelling in the nether regions
+having ascertained Duryodhana's purpose and knowing that if the king
+died their party would be weakened, commenced a sacrifice with fire for
+summoning Duryodhana to their presence. And _mantra_ knowing persons
+then commenced with the help of formulae declared by Brihaspati and
+Usanas, those rites that are indicated in the _Atharva Veda_ and the
+_Upanishads_ and which are capable of being achieved by _mantras_ and
+prayers. And Brahmins of rigid vows, well-versed in the _Vedas_ and the
+branches, began, with rapt soul, to pour libations of clarified butter
+and milk into the fire, uttering _mantras_. And after those rites were
+ended, a strange goddess, O king, with mouth wide open, arose (from the
+sacrificial fire), saying, 'What am I to do?' And the Daityas with
+well-pleased hearts, commanded her, saying, 'Bring thou hither the royal
+son of Dhritarashtra, who is even now observing the vow of starvation
+for getting rid of his life.' Thus commanded, she went away saying, 'So
+be it.' And she went in the twinkling of an eye to that spot where
+Suyodhana was. And taking up the king back to the nether regions, and
+having brought him thus in a moment, she apprised the _Danavas_ of it.
+And the _Danavas_ beholding the king brought into their midst in the
+night, united together, and all of them with well-pleased hearts and
+eyes expanded in delight addressed these flattering words to
+Duryodhana."
+
+
+SECTION CCL
+
+"The Danavas said, 'O Suyodhana, O great king! O perpetuator of the race
+of Bharata, thou art ever surrounded by heroes and illustrious men. Why
+hast thou, then, undertaken to do such a rash act as the vow of
+starvation? The suicide ever sinketh into hell and becometh the subject
+of calumnious speech. Nor do intelligent persons like thee ever set
+their hands to acts that are sinful and opposed to their best interests
+and striking at the very root of their purposes. Restrain this resolve
+of thine, therefore, O king, which is destructive of morality, profit,
+and happiness, of fame, prowess, and energy, and which enhanceth the joy
+of foes. O exalted king, know the truth, the celestial origin of thy
+soul, and the maker of thy body, and then summon thou patience to thy
+aid. In days of old, O king, we have obtained thee, by ascetic
+austerities from Maheswara. The upper part of thy body is wholly made of
+an assemblage of _Vajras_, and is, therefore, invulnerable to weapons of
+every description, O sinless one. The lower part of thy body, capable of
+captivating the female heart by its comeliness was made of flowers by
+the goddess herself--the wife of Mahadeva. Thy body is thus, O best of
+kings, the creation of Maheswara himself and his goddess. Therefore, O
+tiger among kings, thou art of celestial origin, not human. Other brave
+Kshatriyas of mighty energy headed by Bhagadatta, and all acquainted
+with celestial weapons, will slay thy foes. Therefore, let this grief of
+thine cease. Thou hast no cause for fear. For aiding thee, many heroic
+_Danavas_ have been born on the earth. Other Asuras will also possess
+Bhishma and Drona and Karna and others. Possessed by those Asuras, these
+heroes will cast away their kindness and fight with thy foes. Indeed,
+when the _Danavas_ will enter their heart and possess them completely,
+flinging all affections to a distance, becoming hard-hearted, these
+warriors will strike every body opposed to them in battle without
+sparing sons, brothers, fathers, friends, disciples, relatives, even
+children and old men. Blinded by ignorance and wrath, and impelled by
+that destiny which hath been ordained by the Creator, these tigers among
+men, with hearts steeped in sin, will, O thou foremost of the Kurus,
+depopulate the earth by hurling and shooting all kinds of weapons, with
+great manliness and strength and always addressing one another
+boastfully with words such as these, "_Thou shall not escape from me
+today with life_." And these illustrious sons of Pandu also, five in
+number, will fight with these. And, endued with mighty strength and
+favoured by Fate, they will compass the destruction of these. And, O
+king, many _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_ also that have been born in the
+Kshatriya order, will fight with great prowess in the battle with thy
+foes, using maces and clubs and lances and various weapons of a superior
+kind. And, O hero, with respect to the fear that is in thy heart rising
+from Arjuna, we have already settled the means for slaying Arjuna. The
+soul of the slain Naraka hath assumed the form of Karna. Recollecting
+his former hostility he will encounter both Kesava and Arjuna. And that
+mighty warrior and foremost of smiters, proud of his prowess will
+vanquish Arjuna in battle as also all thy enemies. The wielder of the
+thunder-bolt, knowing all this, and desirous of saving Arjuna, will in
+disguise take away from Karna his ear-rings and coat of mail. We also
+have for that reason appointed hundreds upon hundreds and thousands upon
+thousands of _Daityas_ and _Rakshasas_, viz., those that are known by
+the name of _Samsaptakas_.[43] These celebrated warriors will slay the
+heroic Arjuna. Therefore, grieve not, O king. Thou wilt rule the whole
+earth, O monarch, without a rival. Do not yield to despondency. Conduct
+such as this does not suit thee. O thou of the Kuru race, if thou diest,
+our party becometh weak. Go thou, O hero, and let not thy mind be
+directed to any other course of action. Thou art ever our refuge as,
+indeed, the Pandavas are the refuge of the gods.'"
+
+    [43] Lit, Soldiers that have sworn to conquer or die. A full
+    Akshauhini of these soldiers was owned by Krishna, who gave them
+    to Duryodhana to fight for him. The story of Krishna's offering
+    to Duryodhana the choice between these soldiers on the one side,
+    and himself sworn not to fight but only to aid with his counsels
+    on the other, is given in full in the Udyoga Parva. Duryodhana,
+    from folly, accepted the former, who were all slain by Arjuna.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having addressed him thus, those _Daityas_
+embraced that elephant among kings, and those bulls among the _Danavas_
+cheered that irrepressible one like a son. And, O Bharata, pacifying his
+mind by soft speech, they permitted him to depart, saying, 'Go and
+attain victory!' And when they had given leave to the mighty-armed one,
+that very goddess carried him back to the spot where he had sat down,
+intent upon putting an end to his life. And having set that hero down
+and paid him homage, the goddess vanished, taking the king's permission.
+O Bharata, when she had gone, king Duryodhana considered all (that had
+happened) as a dream. He then thought within himself, 'I shall defeat
+the Pandavas in battle.' And Suyodhana thought that Karna and the
+Samsaptaka army were both able (to destroy) and intent upon destroying
+that slayer of foes, Partha. Thus, O bull of the Bharata race, the hope
+was strengthened of the wicked minded son of Dhritarashtra, of
+conquering the Pandavas. And Karna also, his soul and faculties
+possessed by the inmost soul of Naraka, had at that time cruelly
+determined to slay Arjuna. And those heroes--the Samsaptakas
+also--having their sense possessed by the _Rakshasas_, and influenced by
+the qualities of emotion and darkness, were desirous of slaying
+Phalguna. And, O king, others with Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa at their
+head, having their faculties influenced by the Danavas, were not so
+affectionate towards the sons of Pandu as they had been. But king
+Suyodhana did not tell any one of this.
+
+"When the night passed away, Karna, that offspring of the Sun, with
+joined hands, smilingly addressed these wise words to king Duryodhana,
+'No dead man conquereth his foes: it is when he is alive that he can see
+his good. Where is the good of the dead person; and, O Kauravya, where
+is his victory? Therefore, this is no time for grief, or fear or death.'
+And having, with his arms embraced that mighty-armed one, he further
+said, 'Rise up, O king! Why dost thou lie down? Why dost thou grieve, O
+slayer of foes? Having afflicted thy enemies by thy prowess, why dost
+thou wish for death? Or (perhaps) fear hath possessed thee at the sight
+of Arjuna's prowess. I truly promise unto thee that I will slay Arjuna
+in battle. O lord of men, I swear by my weapon that when the three and
+ten years shall have passed away, I will bring the sons of Pritha under
+thy subjection.' Thus addressed by Karna, and remembering the words of
+the _Daityas_ and supplications made by them (his brothers), Suyodhana
+rose up. And having heard those words of the _Daityas_ that tiger among
+men, with a firm resolve in his heart arrayed his army, abounding in
+horses and elephants and cars and infantry. And, O monarch, immensely
+swarming with white umbrellas, and pennons, and white _Chamaras_, and
+cars, and elephants, and foot-soldiers, that mighty army, as it moved
+like the waters of the Ganga, looked graceful like the firmament, at a
+season when the clouds have dispersed and the signs of autumn have been
+but partially developed. And, O foremost of kings, eulogised like a
+monarch by the best of the Brahmanas blessing with victory, that lord of
+men Suyodhana, Dhritarashtra's son, receiving honours paid with
+innumerable joined palms, and flaming in exceeding splendour, went in
+the front, accompanied by Karna, and that gambler, the son of Suvala.
+And all his brothers with Dussasana at their head, and Bhurisrava, and
+Somadatta, and the mighty king Vahlika, followed that lion among kings
+on his way, with cars of various forms, and horses, and the best of
+elephants. And, O prince among monarchs, in a short time, those
+perpetuators of the Kuru race entered their own city."
+
+
+SECTION CCLI
+
+Janamejaya said, "When the high-souled sons of Pritha were living in the
+forest, what did those foremost of men and mighty archers--the sons of
+Dhritarashtra--do? And what did the offspring of the Sun, Karna, and the
+mighty Sakuni, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa do? It behoveth thee to
+relate this unto me."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When, O mighty king, in this manner the Pandavas had
+gone, leaving Suyodhana, and when, having been liberated by Pandu's
+sons, he had come to Hastinapura, Bhishma said these words to the son of
+Dhritarashtra, 'O child, I had told thee before, when thou wert intent
+upon going to the hermitage that thy journey did not please me. But thou
+didst do so. And as a consequence, O hero, wert thou forcibly taken
+captive by the enemy, and wert delivered by the Pandavas versed in
+morality. Yet art thou not ashamed. Even in the presence of thee, O son
+of Gandhari, together with thy army, did the Suta's son, struck with
+panic, fly from the battle of the Gandharvas, O king. And, O foremost of
+kings, O son of the monarch! while thou with thy army wert crying
+distressfully, thou didst witness the prowess of the high-souled
+Pandavas, and also, O mighty-armed one, of the wicked son of the Suta,
+Karna. O best of kings, whether in the science of arms, or heroism, or
+morality, Karna, O thou devoted to virtue, is not a fourth part of the
+Pandavas. Therefore, for the welfare of this race, the conclusion of
+peace is, I think, desirable with the high-souled Pandavas.'
+
+"Having been thus addressed by Bhishma, Dhritarashtra's son the king,
+laughed a good deal, and then suddenly sailed out with the son of
+Suvala. Thereupon, knowing that he was gone, those mighty bowmen with
+Karna, and Dussasana at their head, followed the highly powerful son of
+Dhritarashtra. And seeing them gone, Bhishma, the grandfather of the
+Kurus, hung down his head from shame, and then, O king, went to his own
+quarters. And, O mighty monarch, when Bhishma had left, that lord of
+men, Dhritarashtra's son came there again, and began to consult with his
+counsellors, 'What is it that is good for me? What remaineth to be done?
+And how we can most effectively bring about the good we shall discuss
+to-day.' Karna said, 'O Kuru's son, Duryodhana, do thou lay to heart the
+words that I say. Bhishma always blameth us, and praiseth the Pandavas.
+And from the ill-will he beareth towards thee, he hateth me also. And, O
+lord of men, in thy presence he ever crieth me down. I shall never, O
+Bharata, bear these words that Bhishma had said in thy presence in
+relation to this matter, extolling the Pandavas, and censuring thee, O
+represser of foes! Do thou, O king, enjoin on me, together with
+servants, forces, and cars. I shall, O monarch, conquer the earth
+furnished with mountains and woods and forests. The earth had been
+conquered by the four powerful Pandavas. I shall, without doubt, conquer
+it for thee single-handed. Let that wretch of the Kuru race, the
+exceedingly wicked-minded Bhishma, see it,--he who vilifies those that
+do not deserve censure, and praises those that should not be praised.
+Let him this day witness my might, and blame himself. Do thou, O king,
+command me. Victory shall surely be thine. By my weapon, O monarch, I
+swear this before thee.'
+
+"O king, O bull of the Bharata race, hearing those words of Karna, that
+lord of men, experiencing the highest delight, spoke unto Karna, saying,
+'I am blessed. I have been favoured by thee,--since thou, endued with
+great strength, art ever intent on my welfare. My life hath borne fruit,
+to-day. As thou, O hero, intendest to subdue all our enemies, repair
+thou. May good betide thee! Do thou command me (what I am to do).' O
+subduer of foes, having been thus addressed by Dhritarashtra's
+intelligent son, Karna ordered all the necessaries for the excursion.
+And on an auspicious lunar day, at an auspicious moment, and under the
+influence of a star presided over by an auspicious deity, that mighty
+bowman, having been honoured by twice-born ones, and been bathed with
+auspicious and holy substances and also worshipped by speech set out,
+filling with the rattle of his car the three worlds, with their mobile
+and immobile objects."
+
+
+SECTION CCLII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O bull among the Bharatas, that mighty
+bowman, Karna, surrounded by a large army, besieged the beautiful city
+of Drupada. And he, after a hard conflict, brought the hero under
+subjection, and, O best of monarchs, made Drupada contribute silver and
+gold and gems, and also pay tribute. And, O foremost of kings, having
+subdued him, (Karna) brought under subjection those princes that were
+under him (Drupada) and made them pay tribute. Then going to the north,
+he subdued the sovereigns (of that quarter) and having effected the
+defeat of Bhagadatta, Radha's son ascended that mighty mountain Himavat,
+all along fighting his foes. And ranging all sides, he conquered and
+brought under subjection all the kings inhabiting the Himavat, and made
+them pay dues. Then descending from the mountain and rushing to the
+east, he reduced the Angas, and the Bangas, and the Kalingas, and the
+Mandikas, and the Magadhas, the Karkakhandas; and also included with
+them the Avasiras, Yodhyas, and the Ahikshatras. Having (thus) conquered
+the eastern quarter Karna then presented himself before Batsa-bhumi. And
+having taken Batsa-bhumi, he reduced Kevali, and Mrittikavati, and
+Mohana and Patrana, and Tripura, and Kosala,--and compelled all these to
+pay tribute. Then going to the south, Karna vanquished the mighty
+charioteers (of that quarter) and in Dakshinatya, the Suta's son entered
+into conflict with Rukmi. After having fought dreadfully, Rukmi spake to
+the Suta's son saying, 'O foremost of monarchs, I have been pleased with
+thy might and prowess. I shall not do thee wrong: I have only fulfilled
+the vow of a Kshatriya. Gladly will I give thee as many gold coins as
+thou desirest.' Having met with Rukmi, Karna repaired to Pandya and the
+mountain, Sri. And by fighting, he made Karala, king Nila, Venudari's
+son, and other best of kings living in the southern direction pay
+tribute. Then going to Sisupala's son, the son of the Suta defeated him
+and that highly powerful one also brought under his sway all the
+neighbouring rulers. And, O bull of the Bharata race, having subjugated
+the Avantis and concluded peace with them, and having met with the
+Vrishnis, he conquered the west. And, having come to the quarter of
+Varuna, he made all the Yavana and Varvara kings pay tribute. And,
+having conquered the entire earth--east, west, north and south--that
+hero without any aid brought under subjection all the nations of the
+Mlechchhas, the mountaineers, the Bhadras, the Rohitakas, the Agneyas
+and the Malavas. And, having conquered the mighty charioteers, headed by
+the Nagnajitas, the Suta's son brought the _Sasakas_ and the _Yavanas_
+under his sway. Having thus conquered and brought under his subjection
+the world, the mighty charioteer and tiger among men came (back) to
+Hastinapura. That lord of men, Dhritarashtra's son, accompanied by his
+father and brothers and friends, came to that mighty bowman, who had
+arrived, and duly paid homage unto Karna crowned with martial merit. And
+the king proclaimed his feats, saying, 'What I have not received from
+either Bhishma, or Drona, or Kripa, or Vahlika, I have received from
+thee. May good betide thee! What need of speaking at length! Hear my
+words, O Karna! In thee, O chief of men, I have my refuge. O
+mighty-armed one, O tiger among men, without doubt all the Pandavas and
+the other kings crowned with prosperity, come not to a sixteenth part of
+thee. Do thou, O mighty bowman, O Karna, see Dhritarashtra, and the
+illustrious Gandhari, as the bearer of the thunderbolt did Aditi.'
+
+"Then, O king, there arose in the city of Hastinapura a clamour, and
+sounds of _Oh!_ and _Alas!_ and, O lord of men, some of the kings
+praised him (Karna), while others censured him, while others, again,
+remained silent. Having thus, O foremost of monarchs, in a short time
+conquered this earth furnished with mountains and forests and skies, and
+with oceans, and fields, and filled with high and low tracts, and
+cities, and replete also with islands, O lord of earth, and brought the
+monarchs under subjection,--and having gained imperishable wealth, the
+Suta's son appeared before the king. Then, O represser of foes, entering
+into the interior of the palace that hero saw Dhritarashtra with
+Gandhari, O tiger among men, that one conversant with morality took hold
+of his feet even like a son. And Dhritarashtra embraced him
+affectionately, and then dismissed him. Ever since that time, O monarch,
+O Bharata, king Duryodhana and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, thought that
+Pritha's sons had already been defeated in battle by Karna."
+
+
+SECTION CCLIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "O king, O lord of men, that slayer of hostile
+heroes, the Suta's son, said these words to Duryodhana, 'O Kaurava
+Duryodhana, do thou lay unto thy heart the words that I shall tell thee;
+and, O represser of foes, after having heard my words, it behoveth thee
+to act accordingly every way. Now, O best of monarchs, O hero, hath the
+earth been rid of foes. Do thou rule her even like the mighty-minded
+Sakra himself, having his foes destroyed.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having been thus addressed by Karna, the king
+again spake unto him, saying, 'O bull among men, nothing whatever is
+unattainable to him who hath thee for refuge, and to whom thou art
+attached and on whose welfare thou art entirely intent. Now, I have a
+purpose, which do thou truly listen to. Having beheld that foremost of
+sacrifices, the mighty _Rajasuya_, performed by the Pandavas, a desire
+hath sprung up in me (to celebrate the same). Do thou, O Suta's son,
+fulfil this desire of mine.' Thus addressed, Karna spake thus unto the
+king, 'Now that all the rulers of the earth have been brought under thy
+subjection, do thou summon the principal Brahmanas, and, O best of
+Kurus, duly procure the articles required for the sacrifice. And, O
+represser of foes, let Ritwijas as prescribed, and versed in the Vedas,
+celebrate thy rites according to the ordinance, O king. And, O bull of
+the Bharata race, let thy great sacrifice also, abounding in meats and
+drinks, and grand with parts, commence.'
+
+"O king, having been thus addressed by Karna, Dhritarashtra's son
+summoned the priest, and spake unto him these words, 'Do thou duly and
+in proper order celebrate for me that best of sacrifices, the _Rajasuya_
+furnished with excellent _Dakshinas_.' Thus accosted, that best of
+Brahmanas spake unto the king, saying, 'O foremost of the Kauravas,
+while Yudhishthira is living, that best of sacrifices cannot be
+performed in thy family, O Prince of kings! Further, O monarch, thy
+father Dhritarashtra, endued with long life, liveth. For this reason
+also, O best of kings, this sacrifice cannot be undertaken by thee.
+There is, O lord, another great sacrifice, resembling the Rajasuya. Do
+thou, O foremost of kings, celebrate that sacrifice. Listen to these
+words of mine. All these rulers of the earth, who have, O king, become
+tributary to thee, will pay thee tribute in gold, both pure and impure.
+Of that gold, do thou, O best of monarchs, now make the (sacrificial)
+plough, and do thou, O Bharata, plough the sacrificial compound with it.
+At that spot, let there commence, O foremost of kings, with due rites,
+and without any disturbance the sacrifice, sanctified with _mantras_
+abounding in edibles. The name of that sacrifice worthy of virtuous
+persons, is Vaishnava. No person save the ancient Vishnu hath performed
+it before. This mighty sacrifice vies with that best of sacrifices--the
+_Rajasuya_ itself. And, further, it liketh us--and it is also for thy
+welfare (to celebrate it). And, moreover, it is capable of being
+celebrated without any disturbance. (By undertaking this), thy desire
+will be fufilled.'
+
+"Having been thus addressed by those Brahmanas, Dhritarashtra's son, the
+king, spake these words to Karna, his brothers and the son of Suvala,
+'Beyond doubt, the words of the Brahmanas are entirely liked by me. If
+they are relished by you also, express it without delay.' Thus appealed,
+they all said unto the king, 'So be it.' Then the king one by one
+appointed persons to their respective tasks; and desired all the
+artisans to construct the (sacrificial) plough. And, O best of kings,
+all that had been commanded to be done, was gradually executed."
+
+
+SECTION CCLIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then all the artisans, the principal
+counsellors, and the highly wise Vidura said unto Dhritarashtra's son,
+'All the preparations for the excellent sacrifice have been made, O
+king; and the time also hath come, O Bharata. And the exceedingly
+precious golden plough hath been constructed.' Hearing this, O monarch,
+that best of kings, Dhritarashtra's son commanded that prince among
+sacrifices to be commenced. Then commenced that sacrifice sanctified by
+_mantras_, and abounding in edibles, and the son of Gandhari was duly
+initiated according to the ordinance. And Dhritarashtra, and the
+illustrious Vidura, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and
+the celebrated Gandhari experienced great delight. And, O foremost of
+kings, Duryodhana despatched swift messengers to invite the princes and
+the Brahmanas. And mounting fleet vehicles they went to the (respective)
+directions assigned to them. Then to a certain messenger on the point of
+setting out, Dussasana said, 'Go thou speedily to the woods of _Dwaita_;
+and in that forest duly invite the Brahmanas and those wicked persons,
+the Pandavas.' Thereupon, he repaired thither, and bowing down to all
+the Pandavas, said, 'Having acquired immense wealth by his native
+prowess, that best of kings and foremost of Kurus, Duryodhana, O
+monarch, is celebrating a sacrifice. Thither are going from various
+directions the kings and the Brahmanas. O king, I have been sent by the
+high-souled Kaurava. That king and lord of men, Dhritarashtra's son,
+invites you. It behoveth you, therefore, to witness the delightful
+sacrifice of that monarch.'
+
+"Hearing these words of the messenger, that tiger among kings, the royal
+Yudhishthira, said, 'By good luck it is that that enhancer of the glory
+of his ancestors, king Suyodhana is celebrating this best of sacrifices.
+We should certainly repair thither; but we cannot do now; for till (the
+completion of) the thirteenth year, we shall have to observe our vow.'
+Hearing this speech of Yudhishthira the just, Bhima said these words,
+'Then will king Yudhishthira the just go thither, when he will cast him
+(Duryodhana) into the fire kindled by weapons. Do thou say unto
+Suyodhana. "_When after the expiration of the thirteenth year, that lord
+of men, the Pandava, will, in the sacrifice of battle, pour upon the
+Dhritarashtras, the clarified butter of his ire, then will I come!_"' But
+the other Pandavas, O king, did not say anything unpleasant. The
+messenger (on his return) related unto Dhritarashtra's son all as it had
+fallen out. Then there came to the city of Dhritarashtra many foremost
+of men, lords of various countries, and highly virtuous Brahmanas. And
+duly received in order according to the ordinance, those lords of men
+experienced great delight and were all well-pleased. And that foremost
+among monarchs--Dhritarashtra--surrounded by all the Kauravas,
+experienced the height of joy, and spake unto Vidura, saying, 'Do thou,
+O Kshatta, speedily so act that all persons in the sacrificial compound
+may be served with food, be refreshed and satisfied.' Thereupon, O
+represser of foes, assenting to that order, the learned Vidura versed in
+morality, cheerfully entertained all the orders in proper measure with
+meat and beverages to eat and drink, and fragrant garland and various
+kinds of attire. And having constructed pavilions (for their
+accommodation), that hero and foremost of kings, duly entertained the
+princes and the Brahmanas by thousands, and also bestowing upon them
+wealth of various kinds, bade them farewell. And having dismissed all
+the kings, he entered Hastinapura, surrounded by his brothers, and in
+company with Karna and Suvala's son."
+
+
+SECTION CCLV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "While, O great king, Duryodhana was entering (the
+city), the panegyrists eulogized the prince of unfailing prowess. And
+others also eulogized that mighty bowman and foremost of kings. And
+sprinkling over him fried paddy and sandal paste the citizens said, 'By
+good luck it is, O king, that thy sacrifice hath been completed without
+obstruction.' And some, more reckless of speech, that were present
+there, said unto that lord of the earth, 'Surely this thy sacrifice
+cannot be compared with Yudhishthira's: nor doth this come up to a
+sixteenth part of that (sacrifice).' Thus spake unto that king some that
+were reckless of consequences. His friends, however, said, 'This
+sacrifice of thine hath surpassed all others. Yayati and Nahusha, and
+Mandhata and Bharata, having been sanctified by celebrating such a
+sacrifice, have all gone to heaven.' Hearing such agreeable words from
+his friends, that monarch, O bull of the Bharata's race, well-pleased,
+entered the city and finally his own abode. Then, O king, worshipping
+the feet of his father and mother and of others headed by Bhishma, Drona
+and Kripa, and of the wise Vidura, and worshipped in turn by his younger
+brothers, that delighter of brothers sat down upon an excellent seat,
+surrounded by the latter. And the Suta's son, rising up, said, 'By good
+luck it is, O foremost of the Bharata race, that this mighty sacrifice
+of thine hath been brought to a close. When, however, the sons of Pritha
+shall have been slain in battle and thou wilt have completed the
+_Rajasuya_ sacrifice, once again, O lord of men, shall I honour thee
+thus.' Then that mighty king, the illustrious son of Dhritarashtra,
+replied unto him, 'Truly hath this been spoken by thee. When, O foremost
+of men, the wicked-minded Pandavas have been slain, and when also the
+grand _Rajasuya_ hath been celebrated by me, then thou shalt again, O
+hero, honour me thus.' And having said this, O Bharata, the Kaurava
+embraced Karna, and began, O mighty king, to think of the _Rajasuya_,
+that foremost of sacrifices. And that best of kings also addressed the
+Kurus around him, saying, 'When shall I, ye Kauravas, having slain all
+the Pandavas, celebrate that costly and foremost of sacrifices, the
+_Rajasuya_.' Then spake Karna unto him, saying, 'Hear me, O elephant
+among kings! So long as I do not slay Arjuna, I shall not allow any one
+to wash my feet, nor shall I taste meat. And I shall observe the _Asura_
+vow[44] and whoever may solicit me (for any thing), I never shall say,
+"_I have it not_."' When Karna had thus vowed to slay Phalguna in
+battle, those mighty charioteers and bowmen, the sons of Dhritarashtra,
+sent up a loud cheer; and Dhritarashtra's sons thought that the Pandavas
+had already been conquered. Then that chief of kings, the graceful
+Duryodhana, leaving those bulls among men, entered his apartment, like
+the lord Kuvera entering the garden of Chitraratha. And all those mighty
+bowmen also, O Bharata, went to their respective quarters.
+
+    [44] The vow of the Asuras was (according to the Burdwan
+    Pundits) never to drink wine. It is more rational to suppose
+    that Karna swears to give up the refined manners and practices
+    of the Arvas and adopt those of the Asuras till the consummation
+    of the cherished desire.
+
+"Meanwhile those mighty bowmen, the Pandavas, excited by the words the
+messenger had spoken, became anxious, and they did not (from that time)
+experience the least happiness. Intelligence, further, O foremost of
+kings, had been brought by spies regarding the vow of the Suta's son to
+slay Vijaya. Hearing this, O lord of men, Dharma's son became
+exceedingly anxious. And considering Karna of the impenetrable mail to
+be of wonderful prowess, and remembering all their woes, he knew no
+peace. And that high-souled one filled with anxiety, made up his mind to
+abandon the woods about _Dwaitavana_ abounding with ferocious animals.
+
+"Meanwhile the royal son of Dhritarashtra began to rule the earth, along
+with his heroic brothers as also with Bhishma and Drona and Kripa. And
+with the assistance of the Suta's son crowned with martial glory,
+Duryodhana remained ever intent on the welfare of the rulers of the
+earth, and he worshipped the foremost of Brahmanas by celebrating
+sacrifices with profuse gifts. And that hero and subduer of foes, O
+king, was engaged in doing good to his brothers, concluding for certain
+in his mind that giving and enjoying are the only use of riches."
+
+
+SECTION CCLVI
+
+Janamejaya said, "After having delivered Duryodhana, what did the mighty
+sons of Pandu do in that forest? It behoveth thee to tell me this."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Once on a time, as Yudhishthira lay down at night in
+the _Dwaita_ woods, some deer, with accents choked in tears, presented
+themselves before him in his dreams. To them standing with joined hands,
+their bodies trembling all over that foremost of monarchs said, 'Tell me
+what ye wish to say. Who are ye? And what do ye desire?' Thus accosted
+by Kunti's son--the illustrious Pandava, those deer, the remnant of
+those that had been slaughtered, replied unto him, saying, 'We are, O
+Bharata, those deer that are still alive after them that had been
+slaughtered. We shall be exterminated totally. Therefore, do thou change
+thy residence. O mighty king, all thy brothers are heroes, conversant
+with weapons; they have thinned the ranks of the rangers of the forest.
+We few--the remnants,--O mighty-minded one, remain like seed. By thy
+favour, O king of kings, let us increase.' Seeing these deer, which
+remained like seed after the rest had been destroyed trembling and
+afflicted with fear, Yudhishthira the just was greatly affected with
+grief. And the king, intent on the welfare of all creatures, said unto
+them, 'So be it. I shall act as ye have said.' Awaking after such a
+vision, that excellent king, moved by pity towards the deer, thus spake
+unto his brothers assembled there, 'Those deer that are alive after them
+that have been slaughtered, accosted me at night, after I had awakened,
+saying, "_We remain like the cues of our lines. Blest be thou! Do thou
+have compassion on us_." And they have spoken truly. We ought to feel
+pity for the dwellers of the forest. We have been feeding on them for a
+year together and eight months. Let us, therefore, again (repair) to the
+romantic Kamyakas, that best of forests abounding in wild animals,
+situated at the head of the desert, near lake Trinavindu. And there let
+us pleasantly pass the rest of our time.' Then, O king, the Pandavas
+versed in morality, swiftly departed (thence), accompanied by the
+Brahmanas and all those that lived with them, and followed by Indrasena
+and other retainers. And proceeding along the roads walked (by
+travellers), furnished with excellent corn and clear water, they at
+length beheld the sacred asylum of Kamyaka endued with ascetic merit.
+And as pious men enter the celestial regions, those foremost of the
+Bharata race, the Kauravas, surrounded by those bulls among Brahmanas
+entered that forest."
+
+
+SECTION CCLVII
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Dwelling in the woods, O bull of the Bharata
+race, the high-souled Pandavas spent one and ten years in a miserable
+plight. And although deserving of happiness, those foremost of men,
+brooding over their circumstances, passed their days miserably, living
+on fruits and roots. And that royal sage, the mighty-armed Yudhishthira,
+reflecting that the extremity of misery that had befallen his brothers,
+was owing to his own fault, and remembering those sufferings that had
+arisen from his act of gambling, could not sleep peacefully. And he felt
+as if his heart had been pierced with a lance. And remembering the harsh
+words of the Suta's son, the Pandava, repressing the venom of his wrath,
+passed his time in humble guise, sighing heavily. And Arjuna and both
+the twins and the illustrious Draupadi, and the mighty Bhima--he that
+was strongest of all men--experienced the most poignant pain in casting
+their eyes on Yudhishthira. And thinking that a short time only remained
+(of their exile), those bulls among men, influenced by rage and hope and
+by resorting to various exertions and endeavours, made their bodies
+assume almost different shapes.
+
+"After a little while, that mighty ascetic, Vyasa, the son of Satyavati,
+came there to see the Pandavas. And seeing him approach, Kunti's son,
+Yudhishthira, stepped forward, and duly received that high-souled one.
+And having gratified Vyasa by bowing down unto him, Pandu's son of
+subdued senses, after the _Rishi_ had been seated, sat down before him,
+desirous of listening to him. And beholding his grandsons lean and
+living in the forest on the produce of the wilderness, that mighty sage,
+moved by compassion, said these words, in accents choked in tears, 'O
+mighty-armed Yudhishthira, O thou best of virtuous persons, those men
+that do not perform ascetic austerities never attain great happiness in
+this world. People experience happiness and misery by turns; for surely,
+O bull among men, no man ever enjoyeth unbroken happiness. A wise man
+endued with high wisdom, knowing that life hath its ups and downs, is
+neither filled with joy nor with grief. When happiness cometh, one
+should enjoy it; when misery cometh, one should bear it, as a sower of
+crops must bide his season. Nothing is superior to asceticism: by
+asceticism one acquireth mighty fruit. Do thou know, O Bharata, that
+there is nothing that asceticism cannot achieve. Truth, sincerity,
+freedom from anger, justice, self-control, restraint of the faculties,
+immunity from malice, guilelessness, sanctity, and mortification of the
+senses, these, O mighty monarch, purify a person of meritorious acts.
+Foolish persons addicted to vice and bestial ways, attain to brutish
+births in after life and never enjoy happiness. The fruit of acts done
+in this world is reaped in the next. Therefore should one restrain his
+body by asceticism and the observance of vows. And, O king, free from
+guile and with a cheerful spirit, one should, according to his power,
+bestow gifts, after going down to the recipient and paying him homage. A
+truth-telling person attaineth a life devoid of trouble. A person void
+of anger attaineth sincerity, and one free from malice acquireth supreme
+contentment. A person who hath subdued his senses and his inner
+faculties, never knoweth tribulation; nor is a person of subdued senses
+affected by sorrow at the height of other's prosperity. A man who giveth
+everyone his due, and the bestower of boons, attain happiness, and come
+by every object of enjoyment; while a man free from envy reapeth perfect
+ease. He that honoureth those to whom honour is due, attaineth birth in
+an illustrious line; and he that hath subdued his senses, never cometh
+by misfortune. A man whose mind followeth good, after having paid his
+debt to nature, is on this account, born again endued with a righteous
+mind.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O eminently virtuous one, O mighty sage, of the
+bestowal of gifts and the observance of asceticism, which is of greater
+efficacy in the next world, and which, harder of practice?'
+
+"Vyasa said, 'There is nothing, O child, in this world harder to
+practise than charity. Men greatly thirst after wealth, and wealth also
+is gotten with difficulty. Nay, renouncing even dear life itself, heroic
+men, O magnanimous one, enter into the depths of the sea and the forest
+for the sake of wealth. For wealth, some betake themselves to
+agriculture and the tending of kine, and some enter into servitude.
+Therefore, it is extremely difficult to part with wealth that is
+obtained with such trouble. Since nothing is harder to practise than
+charity, therefore, in my opinion, even the bestowal of boons is
+superior to everything. Specially is this to be borne in mind that
+well-earned gains should, in proper time and place, be given away to
+pious men. But the bestowal of ill-gotten gains can never rescue the
+giver from the evil of rebirth. It hath been declared, O Yudhishthira,
+that by bestowing, in a pure spirit, even a slight gift in due time and
+to a fit recipient, a man attaineth inexhaustible fruit in the next
+world. In this connection is instanced the old story regarding the fruit
+obtained by _Mudgala_, for having given away only a _drona_[45] of
+corn.'"
+
+    [45] A very small measure.
+
+
+SECTION CCLVIII
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Why did that high-souled one give away a drona of
+corn? And, O eminently pious one, to whom and in what prescribed way did
+he give it? Do thou tell me this. Surely, I consider the life of that
+virtuous person as having borne fruit with whose practices the possessor
+himself of the six attributes, witnessing everything, was well pleased.'
+
+"Vyasa said, 'There lived, O king, in Kurukshetra a virtuous man (sage),
+Mudgala by name. And he was truthful, and free from malice, and of
+subdued senses. And he used to lead the _Sila_ and _Unchha_ modes of
+life.[46] And although living like a pigeon, yet that one of mighty
+austerities entertained his guests, celebrated the sacrifice called
+_Istikrita_, and performed other rites. And that sage together with his
+son and wife, ate for a fortnight, and during the other fortnight led
+the life of a pigeon, collecting a _drona_ of corn. And celebrating the
+_Darsa_ and _Paurnamasya_ sacrifices, that one devoid of guile, used to
+pass his days by taking the food that remained after the deities and the
+guests had eaten. And on auspicious lunar days, that lord of the three
+worlds, Indra himself, accompanied by the celestials used, O mighty
+monarch, to partake of the food offered at his sacrifice. And that one,
+having adopted the life of a _Muni_, with a cheerful heart entertained
+his guests also with food on such days. And as that high-souled one
+distributed his food with alacrity, the remainder of the _drona_ of corn
+increased as soon as a guest appeared. And by virtue of the pure spirit
+in which the sage gave away, that food of his increased so much that
+hundreds upon hundreds of learned Brahmanas were fed with it.
+
+    [46] Picking up for support (1) ears of corn and (2) individual
+    grains, left on the field by husbandmen after they have gathered
+    and carried away the sheaves, are called the Sila and the Unchha
+    modes of life.
+
+"'And, O king, it came to pass that having heard of the virtuous Mudgala
+observant of vows, the _Muni_ Durvasa, having space alone for his
+covering,[47] his accoutrements worn like that of maniac, and his head
+bare of hair, came there, uttering, O Pandava various insulting words.
+And having arrived there that best of _Munis_ said unto the Brahmana,
+"Know thou, O foremost of Brahmanas, that I have come hither seeking for
+food." Thereupon Mudgala said unto the sage, "Thou art welcome!" And
+then offering to that maniac of an ascetic affected by hunger, water to
+wash his feet and mouth, that one observant of the vow of feeding
+guests, respectfully placed before him excellent fare. Affected by
+hunger, the frantic _Rishi_ completely exhausted the food that had been
+offered unto him. Thereupon, Mudgala furnished him again with food. Then
+having eaten up all that food, he besmeared his body with the unclean
+orts and went away as he had come. In this manner, during the next
+season, he came again and ate up all the food supplied by that wise one
+leading the _Unchha_ mode of life. Thereupon, without partaking any food
+himself, the sage Mudgala again became engaged in collecting corn,
+following the _Unchha_ mode. Hunger could not disturb his equanimity.
+Nor could anger, nor guile, nor a sense of degradation, nor agitation,
+enter into the heart of that best of Brahmanas leading the _Unchha_ mode
+of life along with his son and his wife. In this way, Durvasa having
+made up his mind, during successive seasons presented himself for six
+several times before that best of sages living according to the _Unchha_
+mode; yet that _Muni_ could not perceive any agitation in Mudgala's
+heart; and he found the pure heart of the pure-souled ascetic always
+pure. Thereupon, well-pleased, the sage addressed Mudgala, saying,
+"There is not another guileless and charitable being like thee on earth.
+The pangs of hunger drive away to a distance the sense of righteousness
+and deprive people of all patience. The tongue, loving delicacies,
+attracteth men towards them. Life is sustained by food. The mind,
+moreover, is fickle, and it is hard to keep it in subjection. The
+concentration of the mind and of the senses surely constitutes ascetic
+austerities. It must be hard to renounce in a pure spirit a thing earned
+by pains. Yet, O pious one, all this hath been duly achieved by thee. In
+thy company we feel obliged and gratified. Self-restraint, fortitude,
+justice, control of the senses and of faculties, mercy, and virtue, all
+these are established in thee. Thou hast by thy deeds conquered the
+different worlds and have thereby obtained admission into paths of
+beautitude. Ah! even the dwellers of heaven are proclaiming thy mighty
+deeds of charity. O thou observant of vows, thou shalt go to heaven even
+in thine own body."
+
+    [47] Naked.
+
+"'Whilst the _Muni_ Durvasa was speaking thus, a celestial messenger
+appeared before Mudgala, upon a car yoked with swans and cranes, hung
+with a neat work of bells, scented with divine fragrance, painted
+picturesquely, and possessed of the power of going everywhere at will.
+And he addressed the Brahmana sage, saying, "O sage, do thou ascend into
+this chariot earned by thy acts. Thou hast attained the fruit of thy
+asceticism!"
+
+"'As the messenger of the gods was speaking thus, the sage told him, "O
+divine messenger, I desire that thou mayst describe unto me the
+attributes of those that reside there. What are their austerities, and
+what their purposes? And, O messenger of the gods, what constitutes
+happiness in heaven, and what are the disadvantages thereof? It is
+declared by virtuous men of good lineage that friendship with pious
+people is contracted by only walking with them seven paces. O lord, in
+the name of that friendship I ask thee, do thou without hesitation tell
+me the truth, and that which is good for me now. Having heard thee, I
+shall, according to thy words, ascertain the course I ought to
+follow."'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLIX
+
+"'The messenger of the gods said, "O great sage, thou art of simple
+understanding; since, having secured that celestial bliss which bringeth
+great honour, thou art still deliberating like an unwise person. O
+_Muni_, that region which is known as heaven, existeth there above us.
+Those regions tower high, and are furnished with excellent paths, and
+are, O sage, always ranged by celestial cars. Atheists, and untruthful
+persons, those that have not practised ascetic austerities and those
+that have not performed great sacrifices, cannot repair thither. Only
+men of virtuous souls, and those of subdued spirits, and those that have
+their faculties in subjection, and those that have controlled their
+senses, and those that are free from malice, and persons intent on the
+practice of charity, and heroes, and men bearing marks of battle, after
+having, with subdued senses and faculties, performed the most
+meritorious rites, attain those regions, O Brahmana, capable of being
+obtained only by virtuous acts, and inhabited by pious men. There, O
+Mudgala, are established separately myriads of beautiful, shining, and
+resplendent worlds bestowing every object of desire, owned by those
+celestial beings, the gods, the _Sadhyas_, and the _Vaiswas_, the great
+sages, _Yamas_, and the _Dharmas_, and the _Gandharvas_ and the
+_Apsaras_. And there is that monarch of mountains the golden Meru
+extending over a space of thirty-three thousand _Yojanas_. And there, O
+Mudgala, are the sacred gardens of the celestials, with Nandana at their
+head, where sport the persons of meritorious acts. And neither hunger,
+nor thirst, nor lassitude, nor fear, nor anything that is disgusting or
+inauspicious is there. And all the odours of that place are delightful,
+and all the breezes delicious to the touch. And all the sounds there are
+captivating, O sage, to the ear and the heart. And neither grief, nor
+decrepitude, nor labour, nor repentance also is there. That world, O
+_Muni_, obtained as the fruit of one's own acts, is of this nature.
+Persons repair thither by virtue of their meritorious deeds. And the
+persons of those that dwell there look resplendent, and this, O Mudgala,
+solely by virtue of their own acts, and not owing to the merits of
+father or mothers. And there is neither sweat, nor stench, nor urine
+there. And there, O _Muni_, dust doth not soils one's garments. And
+their excellent garlands, redolent of divine fragrance, never fade. And,
+O Brahmana, they yoke such cars as this (that I have brought). And, O
+mighty sage, devoid of envy and grief and fatigue and ignorance and
+malice, men who have attained heaven, dwell in those regions happily.
+And, O bull among _Munis_, higher and higher over such regions there are
+others endued with higher celestial virtues. Of these, the beautiful and
+resplendent regions of Brahma are the foremost. Thither, O Brahmana,
+repair _Rishis_ that have been sanctified by meritorious acts. And there
+dwell certain beings named _Ribhus_. They are the gods of the gods
+themselves. Their regions are supremely blessed, and are adored even by
+the deities. These shine by their own light, and bestow every object of
+desire. They suffer no pangs that women might cause, do not possess
+worldly wealth, and are free from guile. The _Ribhus_ do not subsist on
+oblations, nor yet on ambrosia. And they are endued with such celestial
+forms that they cannot be perceived by the senses. And these eternal
+gods of the celestials do not desire happiness for happiness' sake, nor
+do they change at the revolution of a _Kalpa_. Where, indeed, is their
+decrepitude or dissolution? For them there is neither ecstasy, nor joy,
+nor happiness. They have neither happiness nor misery. Wherefore should
+they have anger or aversion then, O _Muni_? O Mudgala, their supreme
+state is coveted even by the gods. And that crowning emancipation, hard
+to attain, can never be acquired by people subject to desire. The number
+of those deities is thirty-three. To their regions repair wise men,
+after having observed excellent vows, or bestowed gifts according to the
+ordinance. Thou also hast easily acquired that success by thy charities.
+Do thou, by effulgence displayed by virtue of thy ascetic austerities,
+enjoy that condition obtained by thy meritorious acts. Such, O Brahmana,
+is the bliss of heaven containing various worlds.
+
+"'"Thus have I described unto thee the blessing of the celestial
+regions. Do thou now hear from me some of the disadvantages thereof.
+That in the celestial regions a person, while reaping the fruit of the
+acts he hath already performed, cannot be engaged in any others, and
+that he must enjoy the consequences of the former until they are
+completely exhausted, and, further, that he is subject to fall after he
+hath entirely exhausted his merit, form, in my opinion, the
+disadvantages of heaven. The fall of a person whose mind hath been
+steeped in happiness, must, O Mudgala, be pronounced as a fault. And the
+discontent and regret that must follow one's stay at an inferior seat
+after one hath enjoyed more auspicious and brighter regions, must be
+hard to bear. And the consciousness of those about to fall is stupefied,
+and also agitated by emotions. And as the garlands of those about to
+fall fade away, fear invadeth their hearts. These mighty drawbacks, O
+Mudgala, extend even to the regions of Brahma. In the celestial regions,
+the virtues of men who have performed righteous acts, are countless.
+And, O _Muni_, this is another of the attributes of the fallen that, by
+reason of their merits, they take birth among men. And then they attain
+to high fortune and happiness. If one, however, cannot acquire knowledge
+here, one cometh by an inferior birth. The fruits of acts done in this
+world are reaped in the next. This world, O Brahmana, hath been declared
+to be one of acts; the others, as one of fruit. Thus have I, O Mudgala,
+asked by thee, described all unto thee. Now, O pious one, with thy
+favour, we shall easily set out with speed."'
+
+"Vyasa continued, 'Having heard this speech, Mudgala began to reflect in
+his mind. And having deliberated well, that best of _Munis_ spake thus
+unto the celestial messenger, "O messenger of the gods, I bow unto thee.
+Do thou, O sire, depart in peace. I have nothing to do with either
+happiness, or heaven having such prominent defects. Persons who enjoy
+heaven suffer, after all, huge misery and extreme regret in this world.
+Therefore, I do not desire heaven. I shall seek for that unfailing
+region repairing whither people have not to lament, or to be pained, or
+agitated. Thou hast described unto me these great defects belonging to
+the celestial regions. Do thou now describe unto me a region free from
+faults." Thereupon the celestial messenger said, "Above the abode of
+_Brahma_, there is the supreme seat of Vishnu, pure, and eternal, and
+luminous known by the name of _Para Brahma_. Thither, O Brahmana, cannot
+repair persons who are attached to the objects of the senses: nor can
+those subject to arrogance, covetousness, ignorance, anger, and envy, go
+to that place. It is only those that are free from affection, and those
+free from pride, and those free from conflicting emotions, and those
+that have restrained their senses, and those given to contemplation and
+_Yoga_, that can repair thither." Having heard these words, the _Muni_
+bade farewell to the celestial messenger, and that virtuous one leading
+the _Unchha_ mode of life, assumed perfect contentment. And then praise
+and dispraise became equal unto him; and a brickbat, stone, and gold
+assumed the same aspect in his eyes. And availing himself of the means
+of attaining _Brahma_, he became always engaged in meditation. And
+having obtained power by means of knowledge, and acquired excellent
+understanding, he attained that supreme state of emancipation which is
+regarded as Eternal. Therefore, thou also, O Kunti's son, ought not to
+grieve. Deprived thou hast truly been of a flourishing kingdom, but thou
+wilt regain it by thy ascetic austerities. Misery after happiness, and
+happiness after misery, revolve by turns round a man even like the point
+of a wheel's circumference round the axle. After the thirteenth year
+hath passed away, thou wilt, O thou of immeasurable might, get back the
+kingdom possessed before thee by thy father and grand-father. Therefore,
+let the fever of thy heart depart!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this to Pandu's son, the worshipful
+Vyasa went back to his hermitage for the purpose of performing
+austerities."
+
+
+SECTION CCLX
+
+Janamejaya said, "While the high-souled Pandavas were living in those
+woods, delighted with the pleasant conversation they held with the
+_Munis_, and engaged in distributing the food they obtained from the
+sun, with various kinds of venison to Brahmanas and others that came to
+them for edibles till the hour of Krishna's meal, how, O great _Muni_,
+did Duryodhana and the other wicked and sinful sons of Dhritarashtra,
+guided by the counsels of Dussasana, Karna and Sakuni, deal with them? I
+ask thee this. Do thou, worshipful Sir, enlighten me."
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When, O great king, Duryodhana heard that the
+Pandavas were living as happily in the woods as in a city, he longed,
+with the artful Karna, Dussasana and others, to do them harm. And while
+those evil-minded persons were employed in concerting various wicked
+designs, the virtuous and celebrated ascetic Durvasa, following the bent
+of his own will, arrived at the city of the Kurus with ten thousand
+disciples. And seeing the irascible ascetic arrived, Duryodhana and his
+brothers welcomed him with great humility, self-abasement and
+gentleness. And himself attending on the _Rishi_ as a menial, the prince
+gave him a right worshipful reception. And the illustrious _Muni_ stayed
+there for a few days, while king Duryodhana, watchful of his
+imprecations, attended on him diligently by day and night. And sometimes
+the _Muni_ would say, 'I am hungry, O king, give me some food quickly.'
+And sometimes he would go out for a bath and, returning at a late hour,
+would say, 'I shall not eat anything today as I have no appetite,' and
+so saying would disappear from his sight. And sometimes, coming all on a
+sudden, he would say, 'Feed us quickly.' And at other times, bent on
+some mischief, he would awake at midnight and having caused his meals to
+be prepared as before, would carp at them and not partake of them at
+all. And trying the prince in this way for a while, when the _Muni_
+found that the king Duryodhana was neither angered, nor annoyed, he
+became graciously inclined towards him. And then, O Bharata, the
+intractable Durvasa said unto him, 'I have power to grant thee boons.
+Thou mayst ask of me whatever lies nearest to thy heart. May good
+fortune be thine. Pleased as I am with thee, thou mayst obtain from me
+anything that is not opposed to religion and morals.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of the great ascetic,
+Suyodhana felt himself to be inspired with new life. Indeed, it had been
+agreed upon between himself and Karna and Dussasana as to what the boon
+should be that he would ask of the _Muni_ if the latter were pleased
+with his reception. And the evil-minded king, bethinking himself of what
+had previously been decided, joyfully solicited the following favour,
+saying, 'The great king Yudhishthira is the eldest and the best of our
+race. That pious man is now living in the forest with his brothers. Do
+thou, therefore, once become the guest of that illustrious one even as,
+O Brahmana, thou hast with thy disciples been mine for some time. If
+thou art minded to do me a favour, do thou go unto him at a time when
+that delicate and excellent lady, the celebrated princess of Panchala,
+after having regaled with food the Brahmanas, her husbands and herself,
+may lie down to rest.' The _Rishi_ replied, 'Even so shall I act for thy
+satisfaction.' And having said this to Suyodhana, that great Brahmana,
+Durvasa, went away in the very same state in which he had come. And
+Suyodhana regarded himself to have attained all the objects of his
+desire. And holding Karna by the hand he expressed great satisfaction.
+And Karna, too, joyfully addressed the king in the company of his
+brothers, saying, 'By a piece of singular good luck, thou hast fared
+well and attained the objects of thy desire. And by good luck it is that
+thy enemies have been immersed in a sea of dangers that is difficult to
+cross. The sons of Pandu are now exposed to the fire of Durvasa's wrath.
+Through their own fault they have fallen into an abyss of darkness.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "O king, expressing their satisfaction in this
+strain, Duryodhana and others, bent on evil machinations, returned
+merrily to their respective homes."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXI
+
+(_Draupadi-harana Parva_)
+
+Vaisampayana said, "One day, having previously ascertained that the
+Pandavas were all seated at their ease and that Krishna was reposing
+herself after her meal, the sage Durvasa, surrounded by ten thousand
+disciples repaired to that forest. The illustrious and upright king
+Yudhishthira, seeing that guest arrived, advanced with his brothers to
+receive him. And joining the palms of his hands and pointing to a proper
+and excellent seat, he accorded the _Rishis_ a fit and respectful
+welcome. And the king said unto him, 'Return quick, O adorable sir,
+after performing thy diurnal ablutions and observances.' And that
+sinless _Muni_, not knowing how the king would be able to provide a
+feast for him and his disciples, proceeded with the latter to perform
+his ablutions. And that host of the _Muni_, of subdued passions, went
+into the stream for performing their ablutions. Meanwhile, O king, the
+excellent princess Draupadi, devoted to her husbands, was in great
+anxiety about the food (to be provided for the _Munis_). And when after
+much anxious thought she came to the conclusion that means there were
+none for providing a feast, she inwardly prayed to Krishna, the slayer
+of Kansa. And the princess said, 'Krishna, O Krishna, of mighty arms, O
+son of Devaki, whose power is inexhaustible, O Vasudeva, O lord of the
+Universe, who dispellest the difficulties of those that bow down to
+thee, thou art the soul, the creator and the destroyer of the Universe.
+Thou, O lord, art inexhaustible and the saviour of the afflicted. Thou
+art the preserver of the Universe and of all created beings. Thou art
+the highest of the high, and the spring of the mental perceptions
+_Akuli_ and _Chiti_![48] O Supreme and Infinite Being, O giver of all
+good, be thou the refuge of the helpless. O Primordial Being, incapable
+of being conceived by the soul or the mental faculties or otherwise,
+thou art the ruler of all and the lord of Brahma. I seek thy protection.
+O god, thou art ever kindly disposed towards those that take refuge in
+thee. Do thou cherish me with thy kindness. O thou with a complexion
+dark as the leaves of the blue lotus, and with eyes red as the corolla
+of the lily, and attired in yellow robes with, besides, the bright
+_Kaustubha_ gem in thy bosom, thou art the beginning and the end of
+creation, and the great refuge of all. Thou art the supreme light and
+essence of the Universe! Thy face is directed towards every point. They
+call thee Supreme Gem and the depository of all treasures. Under thy
+protections, O lord of the gods, all evils lose their terror. As thou
+didst protect me before from Dussasana, do thou extricate me now from
+this difficulty.'"
+
+    [48] Both these words are of doubtful meaning. It seems they are
+    employed in the Vedas to denote the faculties of knowledge and
+    the moral sense respectively.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "The great and sovereign God, and Lord of the
+earth, of mysterious movements, the lord Kesava who is ever kind to the
+dependents, thus adored by Krishna, and perceiving her difficulty,
+instantly repaired to that place leaving the bed of Rukmini who was
+sleeping by his side. Beholding Vasudeva, Draupadi bowed down to him in
+great joy and informed him of the arrival of the _Munis_ and every other
+thing. And having heard everything Krishna said unto her, 'I am very
+much afflicted with hunger, do thou give me some food without delay, and
+then thou mayst go about thy work.' At these words of Kesava, Krishna
+became confused, and replied unto him, saying, 'The sun-given vessel
+remains full till I finish my meal. But as I have already taken my meal
+today, there is no food in it now.' Then that lotus-eyed and adorable
+being said unto Krishna, 'This is no time for jest, O Krishna.--I am
+much distressed with hunger, go thou quickly to fetch the vessel and
+show it to me.' When Kesava, that ornament of the Yadu's race, had the
+vessel brought unto him,--with such persistence, he looked into it and
+saw a particle of rice and vegetable sticking at its rim. And swallowing
+it he said unto her, 'May it please the god Hari, the soul of the
+Universe, and may that god who partaketh at sacrifices, be satiated with
+this.' Then the long-armed Krishna, that soother of miseries, said unto
+Bhimasena, 'Do thou speedily invite the _Munis_ to dinner.' Then, O good
+king, the celebrated Bhimasena quickly went to invite all those _Munis_,
+Durvasa and others, who had gone to the nearest stream of transparent
+and cool water to perform their ablutions. Meanwhile, these ascetics,
+having plunged into the river, were rubbing their bodies and observing
+that they all felt their stomachs to be full. And coming out of the
+stream, they began to stare at one another. And turning towards Durvasa,
+all those ascetics observed, 'Having bade the king make our meals ready,
+we have come hither for a bath. But how, O regenerate _Rishi_, can we
+eat anything now, for our stomachs seem to be full to the throat. The
+repast hath been uselessly prepared for us. What is the best thing to be
+done now?' Durvasa replied, 'By spoiling the repast, we have done a
+great wrong to that royal sage, king Yudhishthira. Would not the
+Pandavas destroy us by looking down upon us with angry eyes? I know the
+royal sage Yudhishthira to be possessed of great ascetic power. Ye
+Brahmanas, I am afraid of men that are devoted to Hari. The high-souled
+Pandavas are all religious men, learned, war-like, diligent in ascetic
+austerities and religious observances, devoted to Vasudeva, and always
+observant of rules of good conduct. If provoked, they can consume us
+with their wrath as fire doth a bale of cotton. Therefore, ye disciples,
+do ye all run away quickly without seeing them (again)!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "All those Brahmanas, thus advised by their
+ascetic preceptor, became greatly afraid of the Pandavas and fled away
+in all directions. Then Bhimasena not beholding those excellent _Munis_
+in the celestial river, made a search after them here and there at all
+the landing places. And learning from the ascetics of those places that
+they had run away, he came back and informed Yudhishthira of what had
+happened. Then all the Pandavas of subdued senses, expecting them to
+come, remained awaiting their arrival for some time. And Yudhishthira
+said, 'Coming dead of night the _Rishis_ will deceive us. Oh how, can we
+escape from this difficulty created by the fates?' Seeing them absorbed
+in such reflections and breathing long deep sighs at frequent intervals,
+the illustrious Krishna suddenly appeared to them and addressed them
+these words: 'Knowing, ye sons of Pritha, your danger from that wrathful
+_Rishi_, I was implored by Draupadi to come, and (therefore) have I come
+here speedily. But now ye have not the least fear from the _Rishi_
+Durvasa. Afraid of your ascetic powers, he hath made himself scarce ere
+this. Virtuous men never suffer. I now ask your permission to let me
+return home. May you always be prosperous!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing Kesava's words, the sons of Pritha,
+with Draupadi, became easy in mind. And cured of their fever (of
+anxiety), they said unto him, 'As persons drowning in the wide ocean
+safely reach the shore by means of a boat, so have we, by thy aid, O
+lord Govinda, escaped from this inextricable difficulty. Do thou now
+depart in peace, and may prosperity be thine.' Thus dismissed, he
+repaired to his capital and the Pandavas too, O blessed lord, wandering
+from forest to forest passed their days merrily with Draupadi. Thus, O
+king, have I related to thee the story which thou askedest me to repeat.
+And it was thus that the machinations of the wicked sons of
+Dhritarashtra about the Pandavas in the forest, were frustrated."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "These great warriors of the race of Bharata
+sojourned like immortals in the great forest of Kamyaka, employed in
+hunting and pleased with the sight of numerous wild tracts of country
+and wide reaches of woodland, gorgeous with flowers blossoming in
+season. And the sons of Pandu, each like unto Indra and the terror of
+his enemies, dwelt there for some time. And one day those valiant men,
+the conquerors of their foes, went about in all directions in search of
+game for feeding the Brahmanas in their company, leaving Draupadi alone
+at the hermitage, with the permission of the great ascetic Trinavindu,
+resplendent with ascetic grandeur, and of their spiritual guide Dhaumya.
+Meanwhile, the famous king of Sindhu, the son of Vriddhakshatra was,
+with a view to matrimony, proceeding to the kingdom of Salwa, dressed in
+his best royal apparel and accompanied by numerous princes. And the
+prince halted in the woods of Kamyaka. And in that secluded place, he
+found the beautiful Draupadi, the beloved and celebrated wife of the
+Pandavas, standing at the threshold of the hermitage. And she looked
+grand in the superb beauty of her form, and seemed to shed a lustre on
+the woodland around, like lightning illuminating masses of dark clouds.
+And they who saw her asked themselves, 'Is this an Apsara, or a daughter
+of the gods, or a celestial phantom?' And with this thought, their hands
+also joined together, they stood gazing on the perfect and faultless
+beauty of her form. And Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, and the son of
+Vriddhakshatra, struck with amazement at the sight of that lady of
+faultless beauty, was seized with an evil intention. And inflamed with
+desire, he said to the prince named Kotika, 'Whose is this lady of
+faultless form? Is she of the human kind? I have no need to marry if I
+can secure this exquisitely beautiful creature. Taking her with me, I
+shall go back to my abode, Oh sir, and enquire who she is and whence she
+has come and why also that delicate being hath come into this forest
+beset with thorns. Will this ornament of womankind, this slender-waisted
+lady of so much beauty, endued with handsome teeth and large eyes,
+accept me as her lord? I shall certainly regard myself successful, if I
+obtain the hand of this excellent lady. Go, Kotika, and enquire who her
+husband may be.' Thus asked, Kotika, wearing a kundala, jumped out of
+his chariot and came near her, as a jackal approacheth a tigress, and
+spake unto her these words."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXIII
+
+"Kotika said, 'Excellent lady, who art thou that standest alone, leaning
+on a branch of the _Kadamva_ tree at this hermitage and looking grand
+like a flame of fire blazing at night time, and fanned by the wind?
+Exquisitely beautiful as thou art, how is it that thou feelest not any
+fear in these forests? Methinks thou art a goddess, or a _Yakshi_, or a
+_Danavi_, or an excellent _Apsara_, or the wife of a _Daitya_, or a
+daughter of the _Naga_ king, or a _Rakshasi_ or the wife of Varuna, or
+of Yama, or of Soma, or of Kuvera, who, having assumed a human form,
+wanderest in these forests. Or, hast thou come from the mansions of
+Dhatri, or of Vidhatri, or of Savitri, or of Vibhu, or of Sakra? Thou
+dost not ask us who we are, nor do we know who protects thee here!
+Respectfully do we ask thee, good lady, who is thy powerful father, and,
+O, do tell us truly the names of thy husband, thy relatives, and thy
+race, and tell us also what thou dost here. As for us, I am king
+Suratha's son whom people know by the name of Kotika, and that man with
+eyes large as the petals of the lotus, sitting on a chariot of gold,
+like the sacrificial fire on the altar, is the warrior known by the name
+of Kshemankara, king of Trigarta. And behind him is the famous son of
+the king of Pulinda, who is even now gazing on thee. Armed with a mighty
+bow and endued with large eyes, and decorated with floral wreaths, he
+always liveth on the breasts of mountains. The dark and handsome young
+man, the scourge of his enemies, standing at the edge of that tank, is
+the son of Suvala of the race of Ikshwaku. And if, O excellent lady,
+thou hast ever heard the name of Jayadratha, the king of Sauviras, even
+he is there at the head of six thousand chariots, with horses and
+elephants and infantry, and followed by twelve Sauvira princes as his
+standard-bearers, named Angaraka, Kunjara, Guptaka, Satrunjaya,
+Srinjaya, Suprabiddha, Prabhankara, Bhramara, Ravi, Sura, Pratapa and
+Kuhana, all mounted on chariots drawn by chestnut horses and every one
+of them looking like the fire on the sacrificial altar. The brothers
+also of the king, viz., the powerful Valahaka, Anika, Vidarana and
+others, are among his followers. These strong-limbed and noble youths
+are the flowers of the Sauvira chivalry. The king is journeying in the
+company of these his friends, like Indra surrounded by the Maruts. O
+fine-haired lady, do tell us that are unacquainted (with these matters),
+whose wife and whose daughter thou art.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXIV
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "The princess Draupadi, thus questioned by that
+ornament of Sivi's race, moved her eyes gently, and letting go her hold
+of the Kadamva branch and arranging her silken apparel she said, 'I am
+aware, O prince, that it is not proper for a person like me to address
+you thus, but as there is not another man or woman here to speak with
+thee and as I am alone here just now, let me, therefore, speak. Know,
+worthy sir, that being alone in this forest here, I should not speak
+unto thee, remembering the usages of my sex. I have learned, O Saivya,
+that thou art Suratha's son, whom people know by the name of Kotika.
+Therefore, on my part, I shall now tell thee of my relations and
+renowned race. I am the daughter of king Drupada, and people know me by
+the name of Krishna, and I have accepted as my husbands, five persons of
+whom you may have heard while they were living at Khandavaprastha. Those
+noble persons, viz., Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the two sons
+of Madri, leaving me here and having assigned unto themselves the four
+points of the horizon, have gone out on a hunting excursion. The king
+hath gone to the east, Bhimasena towards the south, Arjuna to the west,
+and the twin brothers towards the north! Therefore, do ye now alight and
+dismiss your carriages so that ye may depart after receiving a due
+welcome from them. The high-souled son of Dharma is fond of guests and
+will surely be delighted to see you!' Having addressed Saivya's son in
+this way, the daughter of Drupada, with face beautiful as the moon,
+remembering well her husband's character for hospitality, entered her
+spacious cottage."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "O Bharata, Kotikakhya related to those princes who
+had been waiting, all that had passed between him and Krishna. And
+hearing Kotikakhya's words, Jayadratha said to that scion of the race of
+Sivi, 'Having listened only to her speech, my heart has been lovingly
+inclined towards that ornament of womankind. Why therefore, hast thou
+returned (thus unsuccessful)? I tell thee truly, O thou of mighty arms,
+that having once seen this lady, other women now seem to me like so many
+monkeys. I having looked at her, she has captivated my heart. Do tell
+me, O Saivya, if that excellent lady is of the human kind.' Kotika
+replied, 'This lady is the famous princess Krishna, the daughter of
+Drupada, and the celebrated wife of the five sons of Pandu. She is the
+much esteemed and beloved and chaste wife of the sons of Pritha. Taking
+her with thee, do thou proceed towards Sauvira!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, the evil-minded Jayadratha, the
+king of Sindhu, Sauvira and other countries, said, 'I must see
+Draupadi.' And with six other men he entered that solitary hermitage,
+like a wolf entering the den of a lion. And he said unto Krishna, 'Hail
+to thee, excellent lady! Are thy husbands well and those, besides, whose
+prosperity thou always wishest.' Draupadi replied, 'Kunti's son king
+Yudhishthira of the race of Kuru, his brothers, myself, and all those of
+whom thou hast enquired of, are well. Is everything right with thy
+kingdom, thy government, exchequer, and thy army? Art thou, as sole
+ruler, governing with justice the rich countries of Saivya, Sivi, Sindhu
+and others that thou hast brought under thy sway? Do thou, O prince,
+accept this water for washing thy feet. Do thou also take this seat. I
+offer thee fifty animals for thy train's breakfast. Besides these,
+Yudhishthira himself, the son of Kunti, will give thee porcine deer and
+_Nanku_ deer, and does, and antelopes, and _Sarabhas_, and rabbits, and
+_Ruru_ deer, and bears, and _Samvara_ deer and gayals and many other
+animals, besides wild boars and buffaloes and other animals of the
+quadruped tribe.' Hearing this Jayadratha replied, saying, 'All is well
+with me. By offering to provide our breakfast, thou hast in a manner
+actually done it. Come now and ride my chariot and be completely happy.
+For it becomes not thee to have any regard for the miserable sons of
+Pritha who are living in the woods, whose energies have been paralysed,
+whose kingdom hath been snatched and whose fortunes are at the lowest
+ebb. A woman of sense like thee doth not attach herself to a husband
+that is poor. She should follow her lord when he is in prosperity but
+abandon him when in adversity. The sons of Pandu have for ever fallen
+away from their high state, and have lost their kingdom for all time to
+come. Thou hast no need, therefore, to partake of their misery from any
+regard for them. Therefore, O thou of beautiful hips, forsaking the sons
+of Pandu, be happy by becoming my wife, and share thou with me the
+kingdoms of Sindhu and Sauvira.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these frightful words of the king of
+Sindhu, Krishna retired from that place, her face furrowed into a frown
+owing to the contraction of her eye-brows. But disregarding his words
+from supreme contempt, the slender-waisted Krishna reproving said unto
+the king of Sindhu, 'Speak not thus again! Art thou not ashamed? Be on
+thy guard!' And that lady of irreproachable character anxiously
+expecting the return of her husband, began, with long speeches, to
+beguile him completely."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The daughter of Drupada, though naturally handsome,
+was suffused with crimson arising from a fit of anger. And with eyes
+inflamed and eye-brows bent in wrath, she reproved the ruler of the
+Suviras, saying, 'Art thou not ashamed, O fool, to use such insulting
+words in respect of those celebrated and terrible warriors, each like
+unto Indra himself, and who are all devoted to their duties and who
+never waver in fight with even hosts of _Yakshas_ and _Rakshasas_? O
+Sauvira, good men never speak ill of learned persons devoted to
+austerities and endued with learning, no matter whether they live in the
+wilderness or in houses. It is only wretches that are mean as thou who
+do so. Methinks there is none in this assemblage of Kshatriya, who is
+capable of holding thee by the hand to save thee from falling into the
+pit thou openest under thy feet. In hoping to vanquish king Yudhishthira
+the just, thou really hopest to separate, stick in hand, from a herd
+roaming in Himalayan valleys, its leader, huge as a mountain peak and
+with the temporal juice trickling down its rent temples. Out of childish
+folly thou art kicking up into wakefulness the powerful lion lying
+asleep, in order to pluck the hair from off his face! Thou shalt,
+however, have to run away when thou seest Bhimasena in wrath! Thy
+courting a combat with the furious Jishnu may be likened to thy kicking
+up a mighty, terrible, full-grown and furious lion asleep in a mountain
+cave. The encounter thou speakest of with those two excellent
+youths--the younger Pandavas--is like unto the act of a fool that
+wantonly trampleth on the tails of two venomous black cobras with
+bifurcated tongues. The bamboo, the reed, and the plantain bear fruit
+only to perish and not to grow in size any further. Like also the crab
+that conceiveth for her own destruction, thou wilt lay hands upon me who
+am protected by these mighty heroes!'
+
+"Jayadratha replied, 'I know all this, O Krishna, and I am well aware of
+the prowess of those princes. But thou canst not frighten us now with
+these threats. We, too, O Krishna, belong by birth to the seventeen high
+clans, and are endowed with the six royal qualities.[49] We, therefore,
+look down upon the Pandavas as inferior men! Therefore, do thou, O
+daughter of Drupada, ride this elephant or this chariot quickly, for
+thou canst not baffle us with thy words alone; or, speaking less
+boastfully, seek thou the mercy of the king of the Sauviras!'
+
+    [49] The six acts of a king are peace, war, marching, halting,
+    sowing dissention, and seeking protection.
+
+"Draupadi replied, 'Though I am so powerful, why doth the king of
+Sauvira yet consider me so powerless. Well-known as I am, I cannot, from
+fear of violence, demean myself before that prince. Even Indra himself
+cannot abduct her for whose protection Krishna and Arjuna would together
+follow, riding in the same chariot. What shall I say, therefore, of a
+weak human being. When Kiriti, that slayer of foes, riding on his car,
+will, on my account, enter thy ranks, striking terror into every heart,
+he will consume everything around like fire consuming a stack of dry
+grass in summer. The warring princes of the Andhaka and the Vrishni
+races, with Janardana at their head, and the mighty bowmen of the
+Kaikeya tribe, will all follow in my wake with great ardour. The
+terrible arrows of Dhananjaya, shot from the string of the _Gandiva_ and
+propelled by his arms fly with great force through the air, roaring like
+the very clouds. And when thou wilt behold Arjuna shooting from the
+_Gandiva_ a thick mass of mighty arrows like unto a flight of locusts,
+then wilt thou repent of thine own folly! Bethink thyself of what thou
+wilt feel when that warrior armed with the _Gandiva_, blowing his
+conch-shell and with gloves reverberating with the strokes of his
+bowstring will again and again pierce thy breast with his shafts. And
+when Bhima will advance towards thee, mace in hand and the two sons of
+Madri range in all directions, vomiting forth the venom of their wrath,
+thou wilt then experience pangs of keen regret that will last for ever.
+As I have never been false to my worthy lords even in thought, so by
+that merit shall I now have the pleasure of beholding thee vanquished
+and dragged by the sons of Pritha. Thou canst not, cruel as thou art,
+frighten me by seizing me with violence, for as soon as those Kuru
+warriors will espy me they will bring me back to the woods of Kamyaka.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then that lady of large eyes, beholding them
+ready to lay violent hands on her, rebuked them and said, 'Defile me not
+by your touch!' And in a great alarm she then called upon her spiritual
+adviser, Dhaumya. Jayadratha, however, seized her by her upper garment,
+but she pushed him with great vigour. And pushed by the lady, that
+sinful wretch fell upon the ground like a tree severed from its roots.
+Seized, however, once more by him with great violence, she began to pant
+for breath. And dragged by the wretch, Krishna at last ascended his
+chariot having worshipped Dhaumya's feet. And Dhaumya then addressed
+Jayadratha and said, 'Do thou, O Jayadratha, observe the ancient custom
+of the Kshatriyas. Thou canst not carry her off without having
+vanquished those great warriors. Without doubt, thou shalt reap the
+painful fruits of this thy despicable act, when thou encounterest the
+heroic sons of Pandu with Yudhishthira the just at their head!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words Dhaumya, entering into
+the midst of Jayadratha's infantry, began to follow that renowned
+princess who was thus being carried away by the ravisher."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile those foremost of bowmen on the face of
+the earth, having wandered separately and ranged in all directions, and
+having slain plenty of deer and buffaloes, at length met together. And
+observing that great forest, which was crowded with hosts of deer and
+wild beasts, resounding with the shrill cries of birds, and hearing the
+shrieks and yells of the denizens of the wilderness, Yudhishthira said
+unto his brothers, 'These birds and wild beasts, flying towards that
+direction which is illuminated by the sun, are uttering dissonant cries
+and displaying an intense excitement. All this only shows that this
+mighty forest hath been invaded by hostile intruders. Without a moment's
+delay let us give up the chase. We have no more need of game. My heart
+aches and seems to burn! The soul in my body, over-powering the
+intellect, seems ready to fly out. As a lake rid by Garuda of the mighty
+snake that dwells in it, as a pot drained of its contents by thirsty
+men, as a kingdom reft of king and prosperity, even so doth the forest
+of Kamyaka seem to me.' Thus addressed, those heroic warriors drove
+towards their abode, on great cars of handsome make and drawn by steeds
+of the _Saindharva_ breed exceedingly fleet and possessed of the speed
+of the hurricane. And on their way back, they beheld a jackal yelling
+hideously on the wayside towards their left. And king Yudhishthira,
+regarding it attentively, said unto Bhima and Dhananjaya, 'This jackal
+that belongs to a very inferior species of animals, speaking to our
+left, speaketh a language which plainly indicates that the sinful Kurus,
+disregarding us, have commenced to oppress us by resorting to violence.'
+After the sons of Pandu had given up the chase and said these words,
+they entered the grove which contained their hermitage. And there they
+found their beloved one's maid, the girl Dhatreyika, sobbing and
+weeping. And Indrasena then quickly alighting from the chariot and
+advancing with hasty steps towards her, questioned her, O king, in great
+distress of mind, saying, 'What makes thee weep thus, lying on the
+ground, and why is thy face so woe-begone and colourless? I hope no
+cruel wretches have done any harm to the princess Draupadi possessed of
+incomparable beauty and large eyes and who is the second self of every
+one of those bulls of the Kuru race? So anxious hath been Dharma's son
+that if the princess hath entered the bowels of the earth or hath soared
+to heaven or dived into the bottom of the ocean, he and his brothers
+will go thither in pursuit of her. Who could that fool be that would
+carry away that priceless jewel belonging to the mighty and
+ever-victorious sons of Pandu, those grinders of foes, and which is dear
+unto them as their own lives? I don't know who the person could be that
+would think of carrying away that princess who hath such powerful
+protectors and who is even like a walking embodiment of the hearts of
+the sons of Pandu? Piercing whose breasts will terrible shafts stick to
+the ground to-day? Do not weep for her, O timid girl, for know thou that
+Krishna will come back this very day, and the sons of Pritha, having
+slain their foes, will again be united with Yagnaseni!' Thus addressed
+by him, Dhatreyika, wiping her beautiful face, replied unto Indrasena
+the charioteer, saying, 'Disregarding the five Indra-like sons of Pandu,
+Jayadratha hath carried away Krishna by force. The track pursued by him
+hath not yet disappeared, for the broken branches of trees have not yet
+faded. Therefore, turn your cars and follow her quickly, for the
+princess cannot have gone far by this time! Ye warriors possessed of the
+prowess of Indra, putting on your costly bows of handsome make, and
+taking up your costly bows and quivers, speed ye in pursuit of her, lest
+overpowered by threats or violence and losing her sense and the colour
+of her cheeks, she yields herself up to an undeserving wight, even as
+one poureth forth, from the sacrificial ladle, the sanctified oblation
+on a heap of ashes. O, see that the clarified butter is not poured into
+an unigniting fire of paddy chaff; that a garland of flowers is not
+thrown away in a cemetery. O, take care that the _Soma_ juice of a
+sacrifice is not licked up by a dog through the carelessness of the
+officiating priests! O, let not the lily be rudely torn by a jackal
+roaming for its prey in the impenetrable forest. O, let no inferior
+wight touch with his lips the bright and beautiful face of your wife,
+fair as the beams of the moon and adorned with the finest nose and the
+handsomest eyes, like a dog licking clarified butter kept in the
+sacrificial pot! Do ye speed in this track and let not time steal a
+march on you.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'Retire, good woman, and control thy tongue. Speak
+not this way before us. Kings or princes, whoever are infatuated with
+the possession of power, are sure to come to grief!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "With these words, they departed, following the
+track pointed out to them, and frequently breathing deep sighs like the
+hissing of snakes, and twanging the strings of their large bows. And
+then they observed a cloud of dust raised by the hoofs of the steeds
+belonging to Jayadratha's army. And they also saw Dhaumya in the midst
+of the ravisher's infantry, exhorting Bhima to quicken his steps. Then
+those princes (the sons of Pandu) with hearts undepressed, bade him be
+of good cheer and said unto him, 'Do thou return cheerfully!'--And then
+they rushed towards that host with great fury, like hawks swooping down
+on their prey. And possessed of the prowess of Indra, they had been
+filled with fury at the insult offered to Draupadi. But at sight of
+Jayadratha and of their beloved wife seated on his car, their fury knew
+no bounds. And those mighty bowmen, Bhima and Dhananjaya and the twin
+brothers and the king, called out Jayadratha to stop, upon which the
+enemy was so bewildered as to lose their knowledge of directions."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "The hostile Kshatriyas, incensed at sight of
+Bhimasena and Arjuna, sent up a loud shout in the forest. And the wicked
+king Jayadratha, when he saw the standards of those bulls of the Kuru
+race, lost his heart, and addressing the resplendent Yagnaseni seated on
+his car, said, 'Those five great warriors, O Krishna, that are coming,
+are I believe, thy husbands. As thou knowest the sons of Pandu well, do
+thou, O lady of beautiful tresses, describe them one by one to us,
+pointing out which of them rideth which car!' Thus addressed, Draupadi
+replied, 'Having done this violent deed calculated to shorten thy life,
+what will it avail thee now, O fool, to know the names of those great
+warriors, for, now that my heroic husbands are come, not one of ye will
+be left alive in battle. However as thou art on the point of death and
+hast asked me, I will tell thee everything, this being consistent with
+the ordinance. Beholding king Yudhishthira the just with his younger
+brothers, I have not the slightest anxiety or fear from thee! That
+warrior at the top of whose flagstaff two handsome and sonorous tabours
+called _Nanda_ and _Upananda_ are constantly played upon,--he, O Sauvira
+chief, hath a correct knowledge of the morality of his own acts. Men
+that have attained success always walk in his train. With a complexion
+like that of pure gold, possessed of a prominent nose and large eyes,
+and endued with a slender make, that husband of mine is known among
+people by the name of Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma and the foremost
+of the Kuru race. That virtuous prince of men granteth life to even a
+foe that yields. Therefore, O fool, throwing down thy arms and joining
+thy hands, run to him for thy good, to seek his protection. And that
+other man whom thou seest with long arms and tall as the full-grown
+_Sala_ tree, seated on his chariot, biting his lips, and contracting his
+forehead so as to bring the two eye-brows together, is he,--my husband
+Vrikodara! Steeds of the noblest breed, plump and strong, well-trained
+and endued with great might, draw the cars of that warrior! His
+achievements are superhuman. He is known, therefore, by the name of
+_Bhima_ on earth. They that offend him are never suffered to live. He
+never forgetteth a foe. On some pretext or other he wrecketh his
+vengeance. Nor is he pacified even after he has wrecked a signal
+vengeance. And there, that foremost of bowmen, endued with intelligence
+and renown, with senses under complete control and reverence for the
+old--that brother and disciple of Yudhishthira--is my husband
+Dhananjaya! Virtue he never forsaketh, from lust or fear or anger! Nor
+doth he ever commit a deed that is cruel. Endued with the energy of fire
+and capable of withstanding every foe, that grinder of enemies is the
+son of Kunti. And that other youth, versed in every question of morality
+and profit, who ever dispelleth the fears of the affrighted, who is
+endued with high wisdom, who is considered as the handsomest person in
+the whole world and who is protected by all the sons of Pandu, being
+regarded by them as dearer to them than their own lives for his
+unflinching devotion to them, is my husband Nakula possessed of great
+prowess. Endued with high wisdom and having Sahadeva for his second,
+possessed of exceeding lightness of hand, he fighteth with the sword,
+making dexterous passes therewith. Thou, foolish man, shall witness
+today his performances on the field of battle, like unto those of Indra
+amid the ranks of Daityas! And that hero skilled in weapons and
+possessed of intelligence and wisdom, and intent on doing what is
+agreeable to the son of Dharma, that favourite and youngest born of the
+Pandavas, is my husband Sahadeva! Heroic, intelligent, wise and ever
+wrathful there is not another man equal unto him in intelligence or in
+eloquence amid assemblies of the wise. Dearer to Kunti than her own
+soul, he is always mindful of the duties of Kshatriyas, and would much
+sooner rush into fire or sacrifice his own life than say anything that
+is opposed to religion and morals. When the sons of Pandu will have
+killed thy warriors in battle, then wilt thou behold thy army in the
+miserable plight of a ship on the sea wrecked with its freight of jewels
+on the back of a whale. Thus have I described unto thee the prowess of
+the sons of Pandu, disregarding whom in thy foolishness, thou hast acted
+so. If thou escapest unscathed from them, then, indeed thou wilt have
+obtained a new lease of life.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then those five sons of Pritha, each like unto
+Indra, filled with wrath, leaving the panic-stricken infantry alone who
+were imploring them for mercy, rushed furiously upon the charioteers,
+attacking them on all sides and darkening the very air with the thick
+shower of arrows they shot."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXIX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Meanwhile, the king of Sindhu was giving orders to
+those princes, saying, 'Halt, strike, march, quick,' and like. And on
+seeing Bhima, Arjuna and the twin brothers with Yudhishthira, the
+soldiers sent up a loud shout on the field of battle. And the warriors
+of the Sivi, Sauvira and Sindhu tribes, at the sight of those powerful
+heroes looking like fierce tigers, lost heart. And Bhimasena, armed with
+a mace entirely of Saikya iron and embossed with gold, rushed towards
+the Saindhava monarch doomed to death. But Kotikakhya, speedily
+surrounding Vrikodara with an array of mighty charioteers, interposed
+between and separated the combatants. And Bhima, though assailed with
+numberless spears and clubs and iron arrows hurled at him by the strong
+arms of hostile heroes, did not waver for one moment. On the other hand,
+he killed, with his mace, an elephant with its driver and fourteen
+foot-soldiers fighting in the front of Jayadratha's car. And Arjuna
+also, desirous of capturing the Sauvira king, slew five hundred brave
+mountaineers fighting in the van of the Sindhu army. And in that
+encounter, the king himself slew in the twinkling of an eye, a hundred
+of the best warriors of the Sauviras. And Nakula too, sword in hand,
+jumping out of his chariot, scattered in a moment, like a tiller sowing
+seeds, the heads of the combatants fighting in the rear. And Sahadeva
+from his chariot began to fell with his iron shafts, many warriors
+fighting on elephants, like birds dropped from the boughs of a tree.
+Then the king of Trigartas, bow in hand descending from his great
+chariot, killed the four steeds of the king with his mace. But Kunti's
+son, king Yudhishthira the just, seeing the foe approach so near, and
+fighting on foot, pierced his breast with a crescent-shaped arrow. And
+that hero, thus wounded in the breast began to vomit blood, and fell
+down upon the ground besides Pritha's son, like an uprooted tree. And
+king Yudhishthira the just, whose steeds had been slain taking this
+opportunity, descended with Indrasena from his chariot and mounted that
+of Sahadeva. And the two warriors, Kshemankara and Mahamuksha, singling
+out Nakula, began to pour on him from both sides a perfect shower of
+keen-edged arrows. The son of Madri, however, succeeded in slaying, with
+a couple of long shafts, both those warriors who had been pouring on him
+an arrowy shower--like clouds in the rainy season. Suratha, the king of
+Trigartas, well-versed in elephant-charges, approaching the front of
+Nakula's chariot, caused it to be dragged by the elephant he rode. But
+Nakula, little daunted at this, leaped out of his chariot, and securing
+a point of vantage, stood shield and sword in hand, immovable as a hill.
+Thereupon Suratha, wishing to slay Nakula at once, urged towards him his
+huge and infuriate elephant with trunk upraised. But when the beast came
+near, Nakula with his sword severed from his head both trunk and tusks.
+And that mail-clad elephant, uttering a frightful roar, fell headlong
+upon the ground, crushing its riders by the fall. And having achieved
+this daring feat, the heroic son of Madri, getting up on Bhimasena's
+car, obtained a little rest. And Bhima too, seeing prince Kotikakhya
+rush to the encounter, cut off the head of his charioteer with a
+horse-shoe arrow. That prince did not even perceive that his driver was
+killed by his strong-armed adversary, and his horses, no longer
+restrained by a driver, ran about on the battle-field in all directions.
+And seeing that prince without a driver turn his back, that foremost of
+smiters, Bhima the son of Pandu, went up to him and slew him with a
+bearded dart. And Dhananjaya also cut off with his sharp crescent-shaped
+arrows, the heads, as well as the bows of all the twelve Sauvira heroes.
+And the great warrior killed in battle, with the arrow, the leaders of
+the Ikshwakus and the hosts of Sivis and Trigartas and Saindhavas. And a
+great many elephants with their colours, and chariots with standards,
+were seen to fall by the hand of Arjuna. And heads without trunks, and
+trunks without heads, lay covering the entire field of battle. And dogs,
+and herons and ravens, and crows, and falcons, and jackals, and
+vultures, feasted on the flesh and blood of warriors slain on that
+field. And when Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, saw that his warriors
+were slain, he became terrified and anxious to run away leaving Krishna
+behind. And in that general confusion, the wretch, setting down Draupadi
+there, fled for his life, pursuing the same forest path by which he had
+come. And king Yudhishthira the just, seeing Draupadi with Dhaumya
+walking before, caused her to be taken up on a chariot by the heroic
+Sahadeva, the son of Madri. And when Jayadratha had fled away Bhima
+began to mow down with his iron-arrows such of his followers as were
+running away striking each trooper down after naming him. But Arjuna
+perceiving that Jayadratha had run away exhorted his brother to refrain
+from slaughtering the remnant of the Saindhava host. And Arjuna said, 'I
+do not find on the field of battle Jayadratha through whose fault alone
+we have experienced this bitter misfortune! Seek him out first and may
+success crown thy effort! What is the good of thy slaughtering these
+troopers? Why art thou bent upon this unprofitable business?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Bhimasena, thus exhorted by Arjuna of great
+wisdom, turning to Yudhishthira, replied, saying, 'As a great many of
+the enemy's warriors have been slain and as they are flying in all
+directions, do thou, O king, now return home, taking with thee Draupadi
+and the twin brothers and high-souled Dhaumya, and console the princess
+after getting back to our asylum! That foolish king of Sindhu I shall
+not let alone as long as he lives, even if he find a shelter in the
+infernal regions or is backed by Indra himself!' And Yudhishthira
+replied, saying, 'O thou of mighty arms remembering (our sister) Dussala
+and the celebrated Gandhari, thou shouldst not slay the king of Sindhu
+even though he is so wicked!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words, Draupadi was greatly
+excited. And that highly intelligent lady in her excitement said to her
+two husbands, Bhima and Arjuna with indignation mixed with modesty, 'If
+you care to do what is agreeable to me, you must slay that mean and
+despicable wretch, that sinful, foolish, infamous and contemptible chief
+of the Saindhava clan! That foe who forcibly carries away a wife, and he
+that wrests a kingdom, should never be forgiven on the battle-field,
+even though he should supplicate for mercy!' Thus admonished, those two
+valiant warriors went in search of the Saindhava chief. And the king
+taking Krishna with him returned home, accompanied by his spiritual
+adviser. And on entering the hermitage, he found it was laid over with
+seats for the ascetics and crowded with their disciples and graced with
+the presence of Markandeya and other Brahmanas. And while those
+Brahmanas were gravely bewailing the lot of Draupadi, Yudhishthira
+endued with great wisdom joined their company, with his brothers. And
+beholding the king thus come back after having defeated the Saindhava
+and the Sauvira host and recovered Draupadi, they were all elated with
+joy! And the king took his seat in their midst. And the excellent
+princess Krishna entered the hermitage with the two brothers.
+
+"Meanwhile Bhima and Arjuna, learning the enemy was full two miles ahead
+of them urged their horses to greater speed in pursuit of him. And the
+mighty Arjuna performed a wonderful deed, killing the horse of
+Jayadratha although they were full two miles ahead of them. Armed with
+celestial weapons undaunted by difficulties he achieved this difficult
+feat with arrows inspired with _Mantras_. And then the two warriors,
+Bhima and Arjuna, rushed towards the terrified king of Sindhu whose
+horses had been slain and who was alone and perplexed in mind. And the
+latter was greatly grieved on seeing his steeds slain. And beholding
+Dhananjaya do such a daring deed, and intent on running away, he
+followed the same forest track by which he had come. And Phalguna,
+seeing the Saindhava chief so active in his fright, overtook him and
+addressed him saying, 'Possessed of so little manliness, how couldst
+thou dare to take away a lady by force? Turn round, O prince; it is not
+meet that thou shouldst run away! How canst thou act so, leaving thy
+followers in the midst of thy foes?' Although addressed by the sons of
+Pritha thus, the monarch of Sindhu did not even once turn round. And
+then bidding him to what he chose the mighty Bhima overtook him in an
+instant, but the kind Arjuna entreated him not to kill that wretch."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXX
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Jayadratha flying for his life upon beholding those
+two brothers with upraised arms, was sorely grieved and bolted off with
+speed and coolness. But the mighty and indignant Bhimasena, descending
+from his chariot, ran after him thus fleeing, and seized him by the hair
+of his head. And holding him high up in the air, Bhima thrust him on the
+ground with violence. And seizing the prince by the head, he knocked him
+about. And when the wretch recovered consciousness, he groaned aloud and
+wanted to get up on his legs. But that hero endued with mighty arms
+kicked him on the head. And Bhima pressed him on the breast with his
+knees as well as with his fists. And the prince thus belaboured, soon
+became insensible. Then Phalguna dissuaded the wrathful Bhimasena from
+inflicting further chastisement on the prince, by reminding him of what
+Yudhishthira had said regarding (their sister) Dussala. But Bhima
+replied, saying, 'This sinful wretch hath done a cruel injury to
+Krishna, who never can bear such treatment. He, therefore, deserveth to
+die at my hands! But what can I do? The king is always overflowing with
+mercy, and thou, too, art constantly putting obstacles in my way from a
+childish sense of virtue!' Having said these words, Vrikodara, with his
+crescent-shaped arrow, shaved the hair of the prince's head, heaving
+five tufts in as many places. Jayadratha uttered not a word at this.
+Then Vrikodara, addressing the foe said, 'If thou wishest to live,
+listen to me. O fool! I shall tell thee the means to attain that wish!
+In public assemblies and in open courts thou must say,--I am the slave
+of the Pandavas.--on this condition alone, I will pardon thee thy life!
+This is the customary rule of conquest on the field of battle.' Thus
+addressed and treated, king Jayadratha said to the mighty and fierce
+warrior who always looked awful, 'Be it so!' And he was trembling and
+senseless and begrimed with dust. Then Arjuna and Vrikodara, securing
+him with chains, thrust him into a chariot. And Bhima, himself mounting
+that chariot, and accompanied by Arjuna, drove towards the hermitage.
+And approaching Yudhishthira seated there, he placed Jayadratha in that
+condition before the king. And the king, smiling, told him to set the
+Sindhu prince at liberty. Then Bhima said unto the king, 'Do thou tell
+Draupadi that this wretch hath become the slave of the Pandavas.' Then
+his eldest brother said unto him affectionately, 'If thou hast any
+regard for us, do thou set this wretch at liberty!' And Draupadi too,
+reading the king's mind, said, 'Let him off! He hath become a slave of
+the king's and thou, too, hast disfigured him by leaving five tufts of
+hair on his head.' Then that crest-fallen prince, having obtained his
+liberty, approached king Yudhishthira and bowed down unto him. And
+seeing those _Munis_ there, he saluted them also. Then the kind-hearted
+king Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, beholding Jayadratha in that
+condition, almost supported by Arjuna, said unto him, 'Thou art a free
+man now; I emancipate thee! Now go away and be careful not to do such
+thing again; shame to thee! Thou hadst intended to take away a lady by
+violence, even though thou art so mean and powerless! What other wretch
+save thee would think of acting thus?' Then that foremost king of
+Bharata's race eyed with pity that perpetrator of wicked deeds, and
+believing that he had lost his senses, said, 'Mayst thy heart grow in
+virtue! Never set thy heart again on immoral deeds! Thou mayst depart in
+peace now with thy charioteers, cavalry and infantry.' Thus addressed by
+Yudhishthira, the prince, O Bharata, was overpowered with shame, and
+bending down his head, he silently and sorrowfully wended his way to the
+place where the Ganga debouches on the plains. And imploring the
+protection of the god of three eyes, the consort of Uma, he did severe
+penance at that place. And the three-eyed god, pleased with his
+austerities deigned to accept his offerings in person. And he also
+granted him a boon! Do thou listen, O monarch, how the prince received
+that boon! Jayadratha, addressing that god, asked the boon, 'May I be
+able to defeat in battle all the five sons of Pandu on their chariots!'
+The god, however, told him 'This cannot be.' And Maheswara said, 'None
+can slay or conquer them in battle. Save Arjuna, however, thou shall be
+able to only check them (once) on the field of battle! The heroic
+Arjuna, with mighty arms, is the god incarnate styled _Nara_. He
+practised austerities of old in the Vadari forest. The God _Narayana_ is
+his friend. Therefore, he is unconquerable of the very gods. I myself
+have given him the celestial weapon called _Pasupata_. From the regents
+also of all the ten cardinal points, he has acquired the thunder-bolt
+and other mighty weapons. And the great god Vishnu who is the Infinite
+Spirit, the Lord Preceptor of all the gods, is the Supreme Being without
+attributes, and the Soul of the Universe, and existeth pervading the
+whole creation. At the termination of a cycle of ages, assuming the
+shape of the all-consuming fire, he consumed the whole Universe with
+mountains and seas and islands and hills and woods and forests. And
+after the destruction of the _Naga_ world also in the subterranean
+regions in the same way, vast masses of many-coloured and loud-pealing
+clouds, with streaks of lightning, spreading along the entire welkin,
+had appeared on high. Then pouring down water in torrents thick as axles
+of cars, and filling the space everywhere, these extinguishing that
+all-consuming fire! When at the close of four thousand _Yugas_ the Earth
+thus became flooded with water, like one vast sea, and all mobile
+creatures were hushed in death, and the sun and the moon and the winds
+were all destroyed, and the Universe was devoid of planets and stars,
+the Supreme Being called Narayana, unknowable by the senses, adorned
+with a thousand heads and as many eyes and legs, became desirous of
+rest. And the serpent Sesha, looking terrible with his thousand hoods,
+and shining with the splendour of ten thousand suns, and white as the
+_Kunda_ flower or the moon or a string of pearls, or the white lotus, or
+milk, or the fibres of a lotus stalk, served for his conch. And that
+adorable and omnipotent God thus slept on the bosom of the deep,
+enveloping all space with nocturnal gloom. And when his creative faculty
+was excited, he awoke and found the Universe denuded of everything. In
+this connection, the following _sloka_ is recited respecting the meaning
+of _Narayana_. "Water was created by (the _Rishi_) _Nara_, and it formed
+his corpus; therefore do we hear it styled as _Nara_. And because it
+formed his _Ayana_ (resting-place) therefore is he known as _Narayana_."
+As soon as that everlasting Being was engaged in meditation for the
+re-creation of the Universe, a lotus flower instantaneously came into
+existence from his navel, and the four-faced _Brahma_ came out of that
+navel-lotus. And then the Grandsire of all creatures, seating himself on
+that flower and finding that the whole Universe was a blank, created in
+his own likeness, and from his will, the (nine) great _Rishis, Marichi_
+and others. And these in their turn observing the same thing, completed
+the creation, by creating _Yakshas, Rakshas, Pisachas_, reptiles, men,
+and all mobile and immobile creatures. The Supreme Spirit hath three
+conditions. In the form of Brahma, he is the Creator, and in the form of
+Vishnu he is the Preserver, and in his form as Rudra, he is the
+Destroyer of the Universe! O king of Sindhu, hast thou not heard of the
+wonderful achievements of Vishnu, described to thee by the _Munis_ and
+the Brahmanas learned in the _Vedas_? When the world was thus reduced to
+one vast sea of water, with only the heavens above, the Lord, like a
+fire-fly at night-time during the rainy season, moved about hither and
+thither in search of stable ground, with the view of rehabilitating his
+creation, and became desirous of raising the Earth submerged in water.
+_What shape shall I take to rescue the Earth from this flood!_--So
+thinking and contemplating with divine insight, he bethought himself of
+the shape of a wild boar fond of sporting in water. And assuming the
+shape of a sacrificial boar shining with effulgence and instinct with
+the _Vedas_ and ten _Yojanas_ in length, with pointed tusks and a
+complexion like dark clouds, and with a body huge as a mountain, and
+roaring like a conglomeration of clouds, the Lord plunged into the
+waters, and lifted up the Earth with one of his tusks, and replaced it
+in its proper sphere. At another time, the mighty Lord, assuming a
+wonderful form with a body half lion, half man, and squeezing his hands,
+repaired to the court of the ruler of the _Daityas_. That progenitor of
+the _Daityas_, the son of _Diti_, who was the enemy of the (gods),
+beholding the Lord's peculiar form, burst out into passion and his eyes
+became inflamed with rage. And Hiranya-Kasipu, the war-like son of Diti
+and the enemy of the gods, adorned with garlands and looking like a mass
+of dark clouds, taking up his trident in hand and roaring like the
+clouds, rushed on that being half lion, half man. Then that powerful
+king of wild beasts, half man, half lion, taking a leap in the air,
+instantly rent the _Daitya_ in twain by means of his sharp claws. And
+the adorable lotus-eyed Lord of great effulgence, having thus slain the
+_Daitya_ king for the well-being of all creatures, again took his birth
+in the womb of _Aditi_ as son of Kasyapa. And at the expiration of a
+thousand years she was delivered of that superhuman conception. And then
+was born that Being, of the hue of rain-charged clouds with bright eyes
+and of dwarfish stature. He had the ascetic's staff and water-pot in
+hand, and was marked with the emblem of a curl of hair on the breast.
+And that adorable Being wore matted locks and the sacrificial thread,
+and he was stout and handsome and resplendent with lustre. And that
+Being, arriving at the sacrificial enclosure of Vali, king of the
+_Danavas_, entered the sacrificial assembly with the aid of Vrihaspati.
+And beholding that dwarf-bodied Being, Vali was well-pleased and said
+unto him, "I am glad to see thee, O Brahmana! Say what is it that thou
+wantest from me!" Thus addressed by Vali, the dwarf-god replied with a
+smile, saying, "So be it! Do thou, lord of the _Danavas_, give me three
+paces of ground!" And Vali contented to give what that Brahmana of
+infinite power had asked. And while measuring with his paces the space
+he sought, Hari assumed a wonderful and extraordinary form. And with
+only three paces he instantly covered this illimitable world. And then
+that everlasting God, Vishnu, gave it away unto Indra. This history
+which has just been related to thee, is celebrated as the "_Incarnation
+of the Dwarf_." And from him, all the gods had their being, and after
+him the world is said to be _Vaishnava_, or pervaded by Vishnu. And for
+the destruction of the wicked and the preservation of religion, even He
+hath taken his birth among men in the race of the Yadus. And the
+adorable Vishnu is styled Krishna. These, O king of Sindhu, are the
+achievements of the Lord whom all the worlds worship and whom the
+learned describe as without beginning and without end, unborn and
+Divine! They call Him, the unconquerable Krishna with conchshell, discus
+and mace, and adorned with the emblem of a curl of hair, Divine, clad in
+silken robes of yellow hue, and the best of those versed in the art of
+war. Arjuna is protected by Krishna the possessor of these attributes.
+That glorious and lotus-eyed Being of infinite power, that slayer of
+hostile heroes, riding in the same chariot with Pritha's son, protecteth
+him! He is, therefore, invincible; the very gods cannot resist his
+power, still less can one with human attributes vanquish the son of
+Pritha in battle! Therefore, O king, thou must let him alone! Thou
+shalt, however, be able to vanquish for a single day only, the rest of
+Yudhishthira's forces along with thine enemies--the four sons of
+Pandu!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said these words unto that prince, the
+adorable Hara of three eyes, the destroyer of all sins, the consort of
+Uma, and lord of wild beasts, the destroyer of (Daksha's) sacrifice, the
+slayer of Tripura and He that had plucked out the eyes of Bhaga,
+surrounded by his dwarfish and hunch-backed and terrible followers
+having frightful eyes and ears and uplifted arms, vanished, O tiger
+among kings, from that place with his consort Uma! And the wicked
+Jayadratha also returned home, and the sons of Pandu continued to dwell
+in the forest of Kamyaka."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXI
+
+Janamejaya said, "What did those tigers among men, the Pandavas, do,
+after they had suffered such misery in consequence of the ravishment of
+Draupadi?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated Jayadratha and rescued Krishna, the
+virtuous king Yudhishthira took his seat by the side of that best of
+_Munis_. And among those foremost of ascetics who were expressing their
+grief upon hearing Draupadi's misfortune, Yudhishthira, the son of
+Pandu, addressed Markandeya, saying, 'O adorable Sire, amongst the gods
+and the ascetics, thou art known to have the fullest knowledge of both
+the past as well as the future. A doubt existeth in my mind, which I
+would ask thee to solve! This lady is the daughter of Drupada; she hath
+issued from the sacrificial altar and hath not been begotten of the
+flesh; and she is highly blessed and is also the daughter-in-law of the
+illustrious Pandu. I incline to think that Time, and human Destiny that
+dependeth on our acts, and the Inevitable, are irresistible in respect
+of creatures. (If it were not so), how could such a misfortune afflict
+this wife of ours so faithful and virtuous, like a false accusation of
+theft against an honest man? The daughter of Drupada hath never
+committed any sinful act, nor hath she done anything that is not
+commendable: on the contrary, she hath assiduously practised the highest
+virtues towards Brahmanas. And yet the foolish king Jayadratha had
+carried her away by force. In consequence of this act of violence on
+her, that sinful wretch hath his hair shaved off his head and sustained
+also, with all his allies, defeat in battle. It is true we have rescued
+her after slaughtering the troops of Sindhu. But the disgrace of this
+ravishment of our wife during our hours of carelessness, hath stained
+us, to be sure. This life in the wilderness is full of miseries. We
+subsist by chase; and though dwelling in the woods, we are obliged to
+slay the denizens thereof that live with us! This exile also that we
+suffer is due to the act of deceitful kinsmen! Is there any one who is
+more unfortunate than I am? Hath thou ever seen or heard of such a one
+before?'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'O bull of the Bharata race, even Rama suffered
+unparalleled misery, for the evil-minded Ravana, king of the Rakshasas,
+having recourse to deceit and overpowering the vulture Jatayu, forcibly
+carried away his wife Sita from his asylum in the woods. Indeed, Rama,
+with the help of Sugriva, brought her back, constructing a bridge across
+the sea, and consuming Lanka with his keen-edged arrows.'
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'In what race was Rama born and what was the measure
+of his might and prowess? Whose son also was Ravana and for what was it
+that he had any misunderstanding with Rama? It behoveth thee, O
+illustrious one, to tell me all this in detail; for I long to hear the
+story of Rama of great achievements!'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O prince of Bharata's race, to this old
+history exactly as it happened! I will tell thee all about the distress
+suffered by Rama together with his wife. There was a great king named
+Aja sprung from the race of Ikshwaku. He had a son named Dasaratha who
+was devoted to the study of the Vedas and was ever pure. And Dasaratha
+had four sons conversant with morality and profit known by the names,
+respectively, of Rama, Lakshmana, Satrughna, and the mighty Bharata. And
+Rama had for his mother Kausalya, and Bharata had for his mother
+Kaikeyi, while those scourges of their enemies Lakshmana and Satrughna
+were the sons of Sumitra. And Janaka was the king of Videha, and Sita
+was his daughter. And Tashtri himself created her, desiring to make her
+the beloved wife of Rama. I have now told thee the history of both
+Rama's and Sita's birth. And now, O king, I will relate unto thee the
+birth of Ravana. That Lord of all creatures and the Creator of the
+Universe viz., the Self-create Prajapati himself--that god possessed of
+great ascetic merit--is the grandfather of Ravana. And Pulastya hath a
+mighty son called Vaisravana begotten of a cow. But his son, leaving his
+father, went to his grandfather. And, O king, angered at this, his
+father then created a second self of himself. And with half of his own
+self that regenerate one became born of Visrava for wrecking a vengeance
+on Vaisravana. But the Grandsire, pleased with Vaisravana, gave him
+immortality, and sovereignty of all the wealth of the Universe, the
+guardianship of one of the cardinal points, the friendship of Isana, and
+a son named Nalakuvera. And he also gave him for his capital Lanka,
+which was guarded by hosts of Rakshasas, and also a chariot called
+Pushpaka capable of going everywhere according to the will of the rider.
+And the kingship of the Yakshas and the sovereignty over sovereigns were
+also his.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The Muni named Visrava, who was begotten of half the
+soul of Pulastya, in a fit of passion, began to look upon Vaisravana
+with great anger. But, O monarch, Kuvera, the king of the Rakshasas,
+knowing that his father was angry with him, always sought to please him.
+And, O best of Bharata's race, that king of kings living in Lanka, and
+borne upon the shoulders of men, sent three Rakshasa women to wait upon
+his father. Their names, O king, were Pushpotkata, Raka and Malini. And
+they were skilled in singing and dancing and were always assiduous in
+their attentions on that high-souled Rishi. And those slender-waisted
+ladies vied with one another, O king, in gratifying the Rishi. And that
+high-souled and adorable being was pleased with them and granted them
+boons. And to every one of them he gave princely sons according to their
+desire. Two sons--those foremost of Rakshasas named Kumvakarna and the
+Ten-headed Ravana,--both unequaled on earth in prowess, were born to
+Pushpotkata. And Malini had a son named Vibhishana, and Raka had twin
+children named Khara and Surpanakha. And Vibhishana surpassed them all
+in beauty. And that excellent person was very pious and assiduously
+performed all religious rites. But that foremost of Rakshasas, with ten
+heads, was the eldest to them all. And he was religious, and energetic
+and possessed of great strength and prowess. And the Rakshasa Kumvakarna
+was the most powerful in battle, for he was fierce and terrible and a
+thorough master of the arts of illusion. And Khara was proficient in
+archery, and hostile to the Brahmanas, subsisting as he did on flesh.
+And the fierce Surpanakha was constant source of trouble to the
+ascetics. And the warriors, learned in the Vedas and diligent in
+ceremonial rites, all lived with their father in the Gandhamadana. And
+there they beheld Vaisravana seated with their father, possessed of
+riches and borne on the shoulders of men. And seized with jealousy, they
+resolved upon performing penances. And with ascetic penances of the most
+severe kind, they gratified Brahma. And the Ten-headed Ravana,
+supporting life by means of air alone and surrounded by the five sacred
+fires and absorbed in meditation, remained standing on one leg for a
+thousand years. And Kumvakarna with head downwards, and with restricted
+diet, was constant in austerities. And the wise and magnanimous
+Vibhishana, observing fasts and subsisting only on dry leaves and
+engaged in meditation, practised severe austerities for a long period.
+And Khara and Surpanakha, with cheerful hearts, protected and attended
+on them while they were performing those austerities. And at the close
+of a thousand years, the invincible Ten-headed One, cutting off his own
+heads, offered them as offering to the sacred fire. And at this act of
+his, the Lord of the Universe was pleased with him. And then Brahma,
+personally appearing to them, bade them desist from those austerities
+and promised to grant boons unto every one of them. And the adorable
+Brahma said, "I am pleased with you, my sons! Cease now from these
+austerities and ask boons of me! Whatever your desires may be, they,
+with the single exception of that of immortality, will be fulfilled! As
+thou hast offered thy heads to the fire from great ambition, they will
+again adorn thy body as before, according to thy desire. And thy body
+will not be disfigured and thou shall be able to assume any form
+according to thy desire and become the conqueror of thy foes in battle.
+There is no doubt of this!" thereupon Ravana said, "May I never
+experience defeat at the hands of Gandharvas, Celestials, Kinnaras,
+Asuras, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Serpents and all other creatures!" Brahma
+said, "From those that hast named, thou shalt never have cause of fear;
+except from men (thou shalt have no occasion for fear). Good betide
+thee! So hath it been ordained by me!"'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Thus addressed, the Ten-headed (Ravana) was highly
+gratified, for on account of his perverted understanding, the man-eating
+one slighted human beings. Then the great Grandsire addressed
+Kumbhakarna as before. His reason being clouded by darkness, he asked
+for long-lasting sleep. Saying, "It shall be so!" Brahma then addressed
+Vibhishana, "O my son, I am much pleased with thee! Ask any boon thou
+pleasest!" Thereupon, Vibhishana replied, "Even in great danger, may I
+never swerve from the path of righteousness, and though ignorant, may I,
+O adorable Sire, be illumined with the light of divine knowledge!" And
+Brahma replied, "O scourge of thy enemies, as thy soul inclines not to
+unrighteousness although born in the _Rakshasa race_, I grant thee
+immortality!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having obtained this boon, the Ten-headed
+Rakshasa defeated Kuvera in battle and obtained from him the sovereignty
+of Lanka. That adorable Being, leaving Lanka and followed by Gandharvas,
+Yakshas, Rakshas, and Kinnaras, went to live on mount Gandhamadana. And
+Ravana forcibly took from him the celestial chariot _Pushpaka_. And upon
+this Vaisravana cursed him, saying, "This chariot shall never carry
+thee; it shall bear him who will slay thee in battle! And as thou hast
+insulted me, thy elder brother, thou shalt soon die!"
+
+"'The pious Vibhishana, O King, treading in the path followed by the
+virtuous and possessed of great glory, followed Kuvera. That adorable
+Lord of wealth, highly pleased with his younger brothers, invested him
+with the command of the Yaksha and Raksha hosts. On the other hand, the
+powerful and man-eating _Rakshasas_ and _Pisachas_, having assembled
+together, invested the Ten-headed Ravana with their sovereignty. And
+Ravana, capable of assuming any form at will and terrible in prowess,
+and capable also of passing through the air, attacked the gods and the
+_Daityas_ and wrested from them all their valuable possessions. And as
+he had terrified all creatures, he was called _Ravana_. And Ravana,
+capable of mustering any measure of might inspired the very gods with
+terror.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXIV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Then the _Brahmarshis_, the _Siddhas_ and the
+_Devarshis_, with _Havyavaha_ as their spokesman, sought the protection
+of Brahma. And Agni said, "That powerful son of Visrava, the Ten-headed
+cannot be slain on account of thy boon! Endued with great might he
+oppresseth in every possible way the creatures of the earth. Protect us,
+therefore, O adorable one! There is none else save thee to protect us!"
+
+"'Brahma said, "O Agni, he cannot be conquered in battle by either the
+gods or the _Asuras_! I have already ordained that which is needful for
+that purpose. Indeed his death is near! Urged by me, the four-headed God
+hath already been incarnate for that object. Even Vishnu, that foremost
+of smiters will achieve that object!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then the Grandsire also asked Sakra, in their
+presence, "Be thou, with all the celestials, born on earth! And beget ye
+on monkeys and bears, heroic sons possessed of great strength and
+capable of assuming any form at will as allies of Vishnu!" And at this,
+the gods, the _Gandharvas_ and the _Danavas_ quickly assembled to take
+counsel as to how they should be born on earth according to their
+respective parts. And in their presence the boon-giving god commanded a
+_Gandharvi_, by name Dundubhi saying, "Go there for accomplishing this
+object!" And Dundubhi hearing these words of the Grandsire was born in
+the world of men as the hunchbacked _Manthara_. And all the principal
+celestials, with Sakra and others begot offspring upon the wives of the
+foremost of monkeys and bears. And those sons equaled their sires in
+strength and fame. And they were capable of splitting mountain peaks and
+their weapons were stones and trees of the _Sala_ and the _Tala_
+species. And their bodies were hard as adamant, and they were possessed
+of very great strength. And they were all skilled in war and capable of
+mustering any measure of energy at will. And they were equal to a
+thousand elephants in might, and they resembled the wind in speed. And
+some of them lived wherever they liked, while others lived in forests.
+And the adorable Creator of the Universe, having ordained all this,
+instructed _Manthara_ as to what she would have to do. And Manthara
+quick as thought, understood all his words, and went hither and thither
+ever engaged in fomenting quarrels.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXV
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O adorable one, thou hast described to me in detail
+the history of the birth of Rama and others. I wish to learn the cause
+of their exile. Do thou, O Brahmana, relate why the sons of
+Dasaratha--the brothers Rama and Lakshmana--went to the forest with
+famous princess of Mithila.'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The pious king Dasaratha, ever mindful of the old and
+assiduous in religious ceremonies, was greatly pleased when these sons
+were born. And his sons gradually grew up in might and they became
+conversant with the Vedas together with all their mysteries, and with
+the science of arms. And when after having gone through the Brahmacharya
+vows the princes were married, king Dasaratha became happy and highly
+pleased. And the intelligent Rama, the eldest of them all, became the
+favourite of his father, and greatly pleased the people with his
+charming ways. And then, O Bharata, the wise king, considering himself
+old in years took counsel with his virtuous ministers and spiritual
+adviser for installing Rama as regent of the kingdom. And all those
+great ministers were agreed that it was time to do so. And, O scion of
+Kuru's race, king Dasaratha was greatly pleased to behold his son,--that
+enhancer of Kausalya's delight--possessed of eyes that were red, and
+arms that were sinewy. And his steps were like those of a wild elephant.
+And he had long arms and high shoulders and black and curly hair. And he
+was valiant, and glowing with splendour, and not inferior to Indra
+himself in battle. And he was well-versed in holy writ and was equal to
+Vrihaspati in wisdom. An object of love with all the people, he was
+skilled in every science. And with senses under complete control, his
+very enemies were pleased to behold him. And he was terror of the wicked
+and the protector of the virtuous. And possessed of intelligence and
+incapable of being baffled, he was victorious over all and never
+vanquished by any. And, O descendant of Kurus, beholding his son--that
+enhancer of Kausalya's joy--king Dasaratha became highly pleased. And
+reflecting on Rama's virtues, the powerful and mighty king cheerfully
+addressed the family priest, saying, "Blessed be thou, O Brahmana! This
+night of the Pushya constellation will bring in a very auspicious
+conjunction. Let, therefore, materials be collected and let Rama also be
+invited. This Pushya constellation will last till tomorrow. And Rama,
+therefore, should be invested by me and my ministers as prince-regent of
+all my subjects!"
+
+"'Meanwhile Manthara (the maid of Kaikeyi), hearing these words of the
+king, went to her mistress, and spoke unto her as was suited to the
+occasion. And she said, "Thy great ill-luck, O Kaikeyi, hath this day
+been proclaimed by the king! O unlucky one, mayst thou be bitten by a
+fierce and enraged snake of virulent poison! Kausalya, indeed, is
+fortunate, as it is her son that is going to be installed on the throne.
+Where, indeed, is thy prosperity, when thy son obtaineth not the
+kingdom?"
+
+"'Hearing these words of her maid, the slender-waisted and beautiful
+Kaikeyi put on all her ornaments, and sought her husband in a secluded
+place. And with a joyous heart, and smiling pleasantly, she addressed
+these words to him with all the blandishments of love, "O king, thou art
+always true to thy promises. Thou didst promise before to grant me an
+object of my desire. Do thou fulfil that promise now and save thyself
+from the sin of unredeemed pledge!" The king replied, saying, "I will
+grant thee a boon. Ask thou whatever thou wishest! What man undeserving
+of death shall be slain today and who that deserves death is to be set
+at liberty? Upon whom shall I bestow wealth to-day, or whose wealth
+shall be confiscated? Whatever wealth there is in this world, save what
+belongeth to Brahmanas, is mine! I am the king of kings in this world,
+and the protector of all the four classes! Tell me quickly, O blessed
+lady, what that object is upon which thou hast set thy heart!" Hearing
+these words of the king, and tying him fast to his pledge, and conscious
+also of her power over him, she addressed him in these words, "I desire
+that Bharata be the recipient of that investiture which thou hast
+designed for Rama, and let Rama go into exile living in the forest of
+Dandaka for fourteen years as an ascetic with matted locks on head and
+robed in rags and deer-skins!" Hearing these disagreeable words of cruel
+import, the king, O chief of the Bharata race, was sorely afflicted and
+became utterly speechless! But the mighty and virtuous Rama, learning
+that his father had been thus solicited, went into the forest so that
+the king's truth might remain inviolate. And, blessed be thou, he was
+followed by the auspicious Lakshmana--that foremost of bowmen and his
+wife Sita, the princess of Videha and daughter of Janaka. And after Rama
+had gone into the forest, king Dasaratha took leave of his body,
+agreeably to the eternal law of time. And knowing that Rama not near and
+that the king was dead, queen Kaikeyi, causing Bharata to be brought
+before her, addressed him in these words, "Dasaratha hath gone to heaven
+and both Rama and Lakshmana are in the forest! Take thou this kingdom
+which is so extensive and whose peace there is no rival to disturb."
+Thereupon the virtuous Bharata replied unto her saying, "Thou hast done
+a wicked deed, having slain thy husband and exterminated this family
+from lust of wealth alone! Heaping infamy on my head, O accursed woman
+of our race, thou hast, O mother, attained this, thy object!" And having
+said these words, the prince wept aloud. And having proved his innocence
+before all the subjects of that realm he set out in the wake of Rama,
+desiring to bring him back. And placing Kausalya and Sumitra and Kaikeyi
+in the vehicles at the van of his train, he proceeded with a heavy
+heart, in company with Satrughna. And he was accompanied by Vasishtha
+and Vamadeva, and other Brahmanas by thousands and by the people of the
+cities and the provinces, desiring to bring back Rama. And he saw Rama
+with Lakshmana, living on the mountains of Chitrakuta with bow in hand
+and decked with the ornaments of ascetics. Bharata, however, was
+dismissed by Rama, who was determined to act according to the words of
+his father. And returning, Bharata ruled at Nandigrama, keeping before
+him, his brother's wooden sandals. And Rama fearing a repetition of
+intrusion by the people of Ayodhya, entered into the great forest
+towards the asylum of Sarabhanga. And having paid his respects to
+Sarabhanga, he entered the forest of Dandaka and took up his abode on
+the banks of beautiful river Godavari. And while living there, Rama was
+inveigled into hostilities with Khara, then dwelling in Janasthana, on
+account of Surpanakha. And for the protection of the ascetics the
+virtuous scion of Raghu's race slew fourteen thousand Rakshasas on
+earth, and having slain those mighty Rakshasas, Khara and Dushana, the
+wise descendant of Raghu once more made that sacred forest free from
+danger.
+
+"'And after these Rakshasas had been slain, Surpanakha with mutilated
+nose and lips, repaired to Lanka--the abode of her brother (Ravana). And
+when that Rakshasa woman, senseless with grief and with dry blood-stains
+on her face, appeared before Ravana, she fell down at his feet. And
+beholding her so horribly mutilated, Ravana became senseless with wrath
+and grinding his teeth sprung up from his seat. And dismissing his
+ministers, he enquired of her in private, saying, "Blessed sister, who
+hath made thee so, forgetting and disregarding me? Who is he that having
+got a sharp-pointed spear hath rubbed his body with it? Who is he that
+sleepeth in happiness and security, after placing a fire close to his
+head? Who is he that hath trodden upon a revengeful snake of virulent
+poison? Who indeed, is that person who standeth with his hand thrust
+into the mouth of the maned lion!" Then flames of wrath burst forth from
+his body, like those that are emitted at night from the hollows of a
+tree on fire. His sister then related unto him the prowess of Rama and
+the defeat of the Rakshasas with Khara and Dushana at their head.
+Informed of the slaughter of his relatives, Ravana, impelled by Fate,
+remembered Maricha for slaying Rama. And resolving upon the course he
+was to follow and having made arrangements for the government of his
+capital, he consoled his sister, and set out on an aerial voyage. And
+crossing the Trikuta and the Kala mountains, he beheld the vast
+receptacle of deep waters--the abode of the Makaras. Then crossing the
+Ocean, the Ten headed Ravana reached Gokarna--the favourite resort of
+the illustrious god armed with the trident. And there Ravana met with
+his old friend Maricha who, from fear of Rama himself, had adopted an
+ascetic mode of life.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Beholding Ravana come, Maricha received him with a
+respectful welcome, and offered him fruits and roots. And after Ravana
+had taken his seat, and rested himself a while, Maricha skilled in
+speech, sat beside Ravana and addressed him who was himself as eloquent
+in speech, saying, "Thy complexion hath assumed an unnatural hue; is it
+all right with thy kingdom, O king of the Rakshasas? What hath brought
+thee here? Do thy subjects continue to pay thee the same allegiance that
+they used to pay thee before? What business hath brought thee here? Know
+that it is already fulfilled, even if it be very difficult of
+fulfilment!" Ravana, whose heart was agitated with wrath and humiliation
+informed him briefly of the acts of Rama and the measures that were to
+be taken. And on hearing his story, Maricha briefly replied to him,
+saying, "Thou must not provoke Rama, for I know his strength! Is there a
+person who is capable of withstanding the impetus of his arrows? That
+great man hath been the cause of my assuming my present ascetic life.
+What evil-minded creature hath put thee up to this course calculated to
+bring ruin and destruction on thee?" To this Ravana indignantly replied,
+reproaching him thus, "If thou dost not obey my orders, thou shall
+surely die at my hands." Maricha then thought within himself, "When
+death is inevitable, I shall do his biddings; for it is better to die at
+the hands of one that is superior." Then he replied to the lord of the
+Rakshasas saying, "I shall surely render thee whatever help I can!" Then
+the Ten-headed Ravana said unto him, "Go and tempt Sita, assuming the
+shape of a deer with golden horns and a golden skin! When Sita will
+observe thee thus, she will surely send away Rama to hunt thee. And then
+Sita will surely come within my power, and I shall forcibly carry her
+away. And then that wicked Rama will surely die of grief at the loss of
+his wife. Do thou help me in this way!"
+
+"'Thus addressed, Maricha performed his obsequies (in anticipation) and
+with a sorrowful heart, followed Ravana who was in advance of him. And
+having reached the hermitage of Rama of difficult achievements, they
+both did as arranged beforehand. And Ravana appeared in the guise of an
+ascetic with head shaven, and adorned with a _Kamandala_, and a treble
+staff. And Maricha appeared in the shape of a deer. And Maricha appeared
+before the princess of Videha in that guise. And impelled by Fate, she
+sent away Rama after that deer. And Rama, with the object of pleasing
+her, quickly took up his bow, and leaving Lakshmana behind to protect
+her, went in pursuit of that deer. And armed with his bow and quiver and
+scimitar, and his fingers encased in gloves of _Guana_ skin, Rama went
+in pursuit of that deer, after the manner of Rudra following the stellar
+deer[50] in days of yore. And that Rakshasa enticed away Rama to a great
+distance by appearing before him at one time and disappearing from his
+view at another. And when Rama at last knew who and what that deer was,
+viz., that he was a _Rakshasa_, that illustrious descendant of Raghu's
+race took out an infallible arrow and slew that Rakshasa, in the
+disguise of a deer. And struck with Rama's arrow, the Rakshasa,
+imitating Rama's voice, cried out in great distress, calling upon Sita
+and Lakshmana. And when the princess of Videha heard that cry of
+distress, she urged Lakshmana to run towards the quarter from whence the
+cry came. Then Lakshmana said to her, "Timid lady, thou hast no cause of
+fear! Who is so powerful as to be able to smite Rama? O thou of sweet
+smiles, in a moment thou wilt behold thy husband Rama!" Thus addressed,
+the chaste Sita, from that timidity which is natural to women, became
+suspicious of even the pure Lakshmana, and began to weep aloud. And that
+chaste lady, devoted to her husband, harshly reproved Lakshmana, saying,
+"The object which thou, O fool, cherishest in thy heart, shall never be
+fulfilled! I would rather kill myself with a weapon or throw myself from
+the top of a hill or enter into a blazing fire than live with a sorry
+wretch like thee, forsaking my husband Rama, like a tigress under the
+protection of a jackal!"
+
+    [50] Tard-mrigam. Formerly Prajapati, assuming the Form of a
+    deer, followed his daughter from lust, and Rudra, armed with a
+    trident, pursued Prajapati and struck off his head. That
+    deer-head of Prajapati severed from the trunk, became the star,
+    or rather constellation, called Mrigasiras.
+
+"'When the good natured Lakshmana, who was very fond of his brother,
+heard these words, he shut his ears (with his hands) and set out on the
+track that Rama had taken. And Lakshmana set out without casting a
+single glance on that lady with lips soft and red like the _Bimba_
+fruit. Meanwhile, the Rakshasa Ravana, wearing a genteel guise though
+wicked at heart, and like unto fire enveloped in a heap of ashes, showed
+himself there. And he appeared there in the disguise of a hermit, for
+forcibly carrying away that lady of blameless character. The virtuous
+daughter of Janaka, seeing him come, welcomed him with fruits and root
+and a seat. Disregarding these and assuming his own proper shape, that
+bull among Rakshasas began to re-assure the princess of Videha in these
+words, "I am, O Sita, the king of the Rakshasas, known by the name of
+Ravana! My delightful city, known by the name of Lanka is on the other
+side of the great ocean! There among beautiful women, thou wilt shine
+with me! O lady of beautiful lips, forsaking the ascetic Rama do thou
+become my wife!" Janaka's daughter of beautiful lips, hearing these and
+other words in the same strain, shut her ears and replied unto him,
+saying, "Do not say so! The vault of heaven with all its stars may fall
+down, the Earth itself may be broken into fragments, fire itself may
+change its nature by becoming cool, yet I cannot forsake the descendant
+of Raghu! How can a she-elephant, who hath lived with the mighty leader
+of a herd with rent temples forsake him and live with a hog? Having once
+tasted the sweet wine prepared from honey or flowers, how can a woman, I
+fancy, relish the wretched arrak from rice?" Having uttered those words,
+she entered the cottage, her lips trembling in wrath and her arms moving
+to and fro in emotion. Ravana, however, followed her thither and
+intercepted her further progress. And rudely scolded by the Rakshasa,
+she swooned away. But Ravana seized her by the hair of her head, and
+rose up into the air. Then a huge vulture of the name of Jatayu living
+on a mountain peak, beheld that helpless lady thus weeping and calling
+upon Rama in great distress while being carried away by Ravana.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXVII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'That heroic king of the vultures, Jatayu, having
+Sampati for his uterine brother and Arjuna himself for his father, was a
+friend of Dasaratha. And beholding his daughter-in-law Sita on the lap
+of Ravana, that ranger of the skies rushed in wrath against the king of
+the Rakshasas. And the vulture addressed Ravana, saying, "Leave the
+princess of Mithila, leave her I say! How canst thou, O Rakshasa, ravish
+her when I am alive? If thou dost not release my daughter-in-law, thou
+shalt not escape from me with life!" And having said these words Jatayu
+began to tear the king of the Rakshasas with his talons. And he mangled
+him in a hundred different parts of his body by striking him with his
+wings and beaks. And blood began to flow as copiously from Ravana's body
+as water from a mountain spring. And attacked thus by that vulture
+desirous of Rama's good, Ravana, taking up a sword, cut off the two
+wings of that bird. And having slain that king of the vultures, huge as
+a mountain-peak shooting forth above the clouds, the Rakshasa rose high
+in the air with Sita on his lap. And the princess of Videha, wherever
+she saw an asylum of ascetics, a lake, a river, or a tank, threw down an
+ornament of hers. And beholding on the top of a mountain five foremost
+of monkeys, that intelligent lady threw down amongst them a broad piece
+of her costly attire. And that beautiful and yellow piece of cloth fell,
+fluttering through the air, amongst those five foremost of monkeys like
+lightning from the clouds. And that Rakshasa soon passed a great way
+through the firmament like a bird through the air. And soon the Rakshasa
+beheld his delightful and charming city of many gates, surrounded on all
+sides by high walls and built by Viswakrit himself. And the king of the
+Rakshasa then entered his own city known by the name of Lanka,
+accompanied by Sita.
+
+"'And while Sita was being carried away, the intelligent Rama, having
+slain the great deer, retraced his steps and saw his brother Lakshmana
+(on the way). And beholding his brother, Rama reproved him, saying, "How
+couldst thou come hither, leaving the princess of Videha in a forest
+that is haunted by the Rakshasa?" And reflecting on his own enticement
+to a great distance by that Rakshasa in the guise of a deer and on the
+arrival of his brother (leaving Sita alone in the asylum), Rama was
+filled with agony. And quickly advancing towards Lakshmana while
+reproving him still, Rama asked him, "O Lakshmana, is the princess of
+Videha still alive? I fear she is no more!" Then Lakshmana told him
+everything about what Sita had said, especially that unbecoming language
+of hers subsequently. With a burning heart Rama then ran towards the
+asylum. And on the way he beheld a vulture huge as a mountain, lying in
+agonies of death. And suspecting him to be a Rakshasa, the descendant of
+the Kakutstha race, along with Lakshmana rushed towards him, drawing
+with great force his bow to a circle. The mighty vulture, however,
+addressing them both, said, "Blessed be ye, I am the king of the
+vultures, and friend of Dasaratha!" Hearing these words of his, both
+Rama and his brother put aside their excellent bow and said, "Who is
+this one that speaketh the name of our father in these woods?" And then
+they saw that creature to be a bird destitute of two wings, and that
+bird then told them of his own overthrow at the hands of Ravana for the
+sake of Sita. Then Rama enquired of the vulture as to the way Ravana had
+taken. The vulture answered him by a nod of his head and then breathed
+his last. And having understood from the sign the vulture had made that
+Ravana had gone towards the south, Rama reverencing his father's friend,
+caused his funeral obsequies to be duly performed. Then those chastisers
+of foes, Rama and Lakshmana, filled with grief at the abduction of the
+princess of Videha, took a southern path through the Dandaka woods
+beholding along their way many uninhabited asylums of ascetics,
+scattered over with seats of Kusa grass and umbrellas of leaves and
+broken water-pots, and abounding with hundreds of jackals. And in that
+great forest, Rama along with Sumatra's son beheld many herds of deer
+running in all directions. And they heard a loud uproar of various
+creatures like what is heard during a fast spreading forest
+conflagration. And soon they beheld a headless Rakshasa of terrible
+mien. And that Rakshasa was dark as the clouds and huge as a mountain,
+with shoulders broad as those of a Sola tree, and with arms that were
+gigantic. And he had a pair of large eyes on his breast, and the opening
+of his mouth was placed on his capacious belly. And that Rakshasa seized
+Lakshmana by the hand, without any difficulty. And seized by the
+Rakshasa the son of Sumitra, O Bharata, became utterly confounded and
+helpless. And casting his glances on Rama, that headless Rakshasa began
+to draw Lakshmana towards that part of his body where his mouth was. And
+Lakshmana in grief addressed Rama, saying, "Behold my plight! The loss
+of thy kingdom, and then the death of our father, and then the abduction
+of Sita, and finally this disaster that hath overwhelmed me! Alas, I
+shall not behold thee return with the princess of Videha to Kosala and
+seated on thy ancestral throne as the ruler of the entire Earth! They
+only that are fortunate will behold thy face, like unto the moon emerged
+from the clouds, after thy coronation bath in water sanctified with Kusa
+grass and fried paddy and black peas!" And the intelligent Lakshmana
+uttered those and other lamentations in the same strain. The illustrious
+descendant, however, of Kakutstha's race undaunted amid danger, replied
+unto Lakshmana, saying, "Do not, O tiger among men, give way to grief!
+What is this thing when I am here? Cut thou off his right arm and I
+shall cut off his left." And while Rama was still speaking so, the left
+arm of the monster was severed by him, cut off with a sharp scimitar, as
+if indeed, that arm were a stalk of the _Tila corn_. The mighty son of
+Sumitra then beholding his brother standing before him struck off with
+his sword the right arm also of that Rakshasa. And Lakshmana also began
+to repeatedly strike the Rakshasa under the ribs, and then that huge
+headless monster fell upon the ground and expired quickly. And then
+there came out from the Rakshasa's body a person of celestial make. And
+he showed himself to the brothers, staying for a moment in the skies,
+like the Sun in his effulgence in the firmament. And Rama skilled in
+speech, asked him, saying, "Who art thou? Answer _me_ who enquire of
+thee? Whence could such a thing happen? All this seems to me to be
+exceedingly wonderful!" Thus addressed by Rama, that being replied unto
+him, saying, "I am, O prince, a Gandharva of the name of Viswavasu! It
+was through the curse of a Brahmana that I had to assume the form and
+nature of a Rakshasa. As to thyself, O Rama, Sita hath been carried away
+with violence by king Ravana who dwelleth in Lanka. Repair thou unto
+Sugriva who will give thee his friendship. There, near enough to the
+peak of _Rishyamuka_ is the lake known by the name of _Pampa_ of sacred
+water and cranes. There dwelleth, with four of his counsellors, Sugriva,
+the brother of the monkey-king Vali decked with a garland of gold.
+Repairing unto him, inform of thy cause of sorrow. In plight very much
+like thy own, he will render thee assistance. This is all that we can
+say. Thou wilt, without doubt, see the daughter of Janaka! Without doubt
+Ravana and others are known to the king of the monkeys!" Having said
+these words, that celestial being of great effulgence made himself
+invisible, and those heroes, both Rama and Lakshmana, wondered much.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Afflicted with grief at the abduction of Sita, Rama
+had not to go much further before he came upon _Pampa_--that lake which
+abounded with lotuses of various kinds. And fanned by the cool,
+delicious and fragrant breezes in those woods, Rama suddenly remembered
+his dear spouse. And, O mighty monarch, thinking of that dear wife of
+his, and afflicted at the thought of his separation from her, Rama gave
+way to lamentations. The son of Sumitra then addressed him saying, "O
+thou that givest proper respect to those that deserve it, despondency
+such as this should not be suffered to approach thee, like illness that
+can never touch an old man leading a regular life! Thou hast obtained
+information of Ravana and of the princess of Videha! Liberate her now
+with exertion and intelligence! Let us now approach Sugriva, that
+foremost of monkeys, who is even now on the mountain top! Console
+thyself, when I, thy disciple and slave and ally, am near!" And
+addressed by Lakshmana in these and other words of the same import, Rama
+regained his own nature and attended to the business before him. And
+bathing in the waters of _Pampa_ and offering oblations therewith unto
+their ancestors, both those heroic brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, set out
+(for _Rishyamuka_). And arriving at _Rishyamuka_ which abounded with
+fruits and roots and trees, those heroes beheld five monkeys on the top
+of the mountain-peak. And seeing them approach, Sugriva sent his
+counsellor the intelligent Hanuman, huge as the Himavat-mountains, to
+receive them. And the brothers, having first exchanged words with
+Hanuman, approached Sugriva. And then, O king, Rama made friends with
+Sugriva. And when Rama informed Sugriva of the object he had in view,
+Sugriva showed him the piece of cloth that Sita had dropped among the
+monkeys, while being carried away by Ravana. And having obtained from
+him those credentials, Rama himself installed Sugriva--that foremost of
+monkeys--in sovereignty of all the monkeys of Earth. And Rama also
+pledged himself to slay Vali in battle. And having come to that
+understanding and placing the fullest confidence in each other, they all
+repaired to _Kiskindhya_, desirous of battle (with Vali). And arriving
+at _Kiskindhya_, Sugriva sent forth a loud roar deep as that of a
+cataract. Unable to bear that challenge, Vali was for coming out (but
+his wife) Tara stood in way, saying, "Himself endued with great
+strength, the way in which Sugriva is roaring, showeth, I ween, that he
+hath found assistance! It behoveth thee not, therefore, to go out!" Thus
+addressed by her, that king of the monkeys, the eloquent Vali, decked in
+a golden garland replied unto Tara of face beautiful as the moon,
+saying, "Thou understandest the voice of every creature. Tell me after
+reflection whose help it is that this brother in name only of mine hath
+obtained!" Thus addressed by him Tara endued with wisdom and possessed
+of the effulgence of the moon, answered her lord after a moment's
+reflection, saying, "Listen, O monarch of the monkeys! That foremost of
+bowmen, endued with great might, Rama the son of Dasaratha, whose spouse
+hath been ravished, hath made an alliance offensive and defensive with
+Sugriva! And his brother the intelligent Lakshmana also of mighty arms,
+the unvanquished son of Sumitra, standeth beside him for the success of
+Sugriva's object. And Mainda and Dwivida, and Hanuman the son of
+_Pavana_, and Jamvuman, the king of the bears, are beside Sugriva as his
+counsellors. All these illustrious ones are endued with great strength
+and intelligence. And these all, depending upon the might and energy of
+Rama, are prepared for thy destruction!" Hearing these words of hers
+that were for his benefit, the king of the monkeys disregarded them
+altogether. And filled with jealousy, he also suspected her to have set
+her heart on Sugriva! And addressing Tara in harsh words, he went out of
+his cave and coming before Sugriva who was staying by the side of the
+mountains of Malyavat, he spoke unto him thus, "Frequently vanquished
+before by me, fond as thou art of life, thou art allowed by me to escape
+with life owing to thy relationship with me! What hath made thee wish
+for death so soon?" Thus addressed by Vali, Sugriva, that slayer of
+foes, as if addressing Rama himself for informing him of what had
+happened, replied unto his brother in these words of grave import, "O
+king, robbed by thee of my wife and my kingdom also, what need have I of
+life? Know that it is for this that I have come!" Then addressing each
+other in these and other words of the same import, Vali and Sugriva
+rushed to the encounter, fighting with _Sala_ and _Tala_ trees and
+stones. And they struck each other down on the earth. And leaping high
+into the air, they struck each other with their fists. And mangled by
+each other's nail and teeth, both of them were covered with blood. And
+the two heroes shone on that account like a pair of blossoming
+_Kinshukas_. And as they fought with each other, no difference (in
+aspect) could be observed so as to distinguish them. Then Hanuman placed
+on Sugriva's neck a garland of flowers. And that hero thereupon shone
+with that garland on his neck, like the beautiful and huge peak of
+_Malya_ with its cloudy belt. And Rama, recognising Sugriva by that
+sign, then drew his foremost of huge bows, aiming at Vali as his mark.
+And the twang of Rama's bow resembled the roar of an engine. And Vali,
+pierced in the heart by that arrow, trembled in fear. And Vali, his
+heart having been pierced through, began to vomit forth blood. And he
+then beheld standing before him Rama with Sumatra's son by his side. And
+reproving that descendant of Kakutstha's race, Vali fell down on the
+ground and became senseless. And Tara then beheld that lord of hers
+possessed of the effulgence of the Moon, lying prostrate on the bare
+earth. And after Vali had been thus slain, Sugriva regained possession
+of Kishkindhya, and along with it, of the widowed Tara also of face
+beautiful as the moon. And the intelligent Rama also dwelt on the
+beautiful breast of the Malyavat hill for four months, duly worshipped
+by Sugriva all the while.
+
+"'Meanwhile Ravana excited by lust, having reached his city of Lanka,
+placed Sita in an abode, resembling _Nandana_ itself, within a forest of
+_Asokas_, that looked like an asylum of ascetics. And the large-eyed
+Sita passed her days there in distress, living on fruits and roots,
+practising ascetic austerities with fasts, attired in ascetic garb, and
+waning thin day by day, thinking of her absent lord. And the king of the
+_Rakshasas_ appointed many _Rakshasa_ women armed with bearded darts and
+swords and lances and battle-axes and maces and flaming brands, for
+guarding her. And some of these had two eyes, and some three, and some
+had eyes on their foreheads. And some had long tongues and some had
+none. And some had three breasts and some had only one leg. And some had
+three matted braids on their heads, and some had only one eye. And
+these, and others of blazing eyes and hair stiff as the camel's, stood
+beside Sita surrounding her day and night most watchfully. And those
+_Pisacha_ women of frightful voice and terrible aspect always addressed
+that large-eyed lady in the harshest tones. And they said, "Let us eat
+her up, let us mangle her, let us tear her into pieces, her, that is,
+that dwelleth here disregarding our lord!" And filled with grief at the
+separation from her lord, Sita drew a deep sigh and answered those
+_Rakshasa_ women, saying, "Reverend ladies, eat me up without delay! I
+have no desire to live without that husband of mine, of eyes like
+lotus-leaves and locks wavy, and blue in hue! Truly I will, without food
+and without the least love of life, emaciate my limbs, like a she-snake
+(hybernating) within a _Tala_ tree. Know this for certain that I will
+never seek the protection of any other person than the descendant of
+Raghu. And knowing this, do what ye think fit!" And hearing these words
+of hers, those _Rakshasas_ with dissonant voice went to the king of the
+_Rakshasas_, for representing unto him all she had said. And when those
+_Rakshasas_ had gone away, one of their number known by the name of
+_Trijata_, who was virtuous and agreeable in speech, began to console
+the princess of Videha. And she said, "Listen, O Sita! I will tell thee
+something! O friend, believe in what I say! O thou of fair hips, cast
+off thy fears, and listen to what I say. There is an intelligent and old
+chief of the _Rakshasas_ known by the name of Avindhya. He always
+seeketh Rama's good and hath told me these words for thy sake!
+'Reassuring and cheering her, tell Sita in my name, saying: "Thy husband
+the mighty Rama is well and is waited upon by Lakshmana. And the blessed
+descendant of Raghu hath already made friends with Sugriva, the king of
+the monkeys, and is ready to act for thee!"' And, O timid lady,
+entertain thou no fear on account of Ravana, who is censured by the
+whole world, for, O daughter, thou art safe from him on account of
+Nalakuvera's curse. Indeed, this wretch had been cursed before for his
+having violated his daughter-in-law, Rambha. This lustful wretch is not
+able to violate any woman by force. Thy husband will soon come,
+protected by Sugriva and with the intelligent son of Sumitra in his
+train, and will soon take thee away hence! O lady, I have had a most
+terrible dream of evil omen, indicating the destruction of this
+wicked-minded wretch of Pulastya's race! This night wanderer of mean
+deeds is, indeed, most wicked and cruel. He inspireth terror in all by
+the defects of his nature and the wickedness of his conduct. And
+deprived of his senses by Fate, he challengeth the very gods. In my
+vision I have seen every indication of his downfall. I have seen the
+Ten-headed, with his crown shaven and body besmeared with oil, sunk in
+mire, and the next moment dancing on a chariot drawn by mules. I have
+seen Kumbhakarna and others, perfectly naked and with crowns shaven,
+decked with red wreaths and unguents, and running towards the southern
+direction. Vibhishana alone, with umbrella over his head, and graced
+with a turban, and with body decked with white wreaths and unguents, I
+beheld ascending the summit of the White hill. And I saw four of his
+counsellors also, decked with white wreaths and unguents, ascending the
+summit of that hill along with him. All this bodeth that these alone
+will be saved from the impending terror. The whole earth with its oceans
+and seas will be enveloped with Rama's arrows. O lady, thy husband will
+fill the whole earth with his fame. I also saw Lakshmana, consuming all
+directions (with his arrows) and ascending on a heap of bones and
+drinking thereon honey and rice boiled in milk. And thou, O lady, hast
+been beheld by me running towards a northernly direction, weeping and
+covered with blood and protected by a tiger! And, O princess of Videha,
+soon wilt thou find happiness, being united, O Sita, with thy lord, that
+descendant of Raghu accompanied by his brother!' Hearing these words of
+_Trijata_, that girl with eyes like those of a young gazelle, once more
+began to entertain hopes of a union with her lord. And when at last
+those fierce and cruel _Pisacha_ guards came back, they saw her sitting
+with _Trijata_ as before.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXIX
+
+"Markandeya said, 'And while the chaste Sita was dwelling there
+afflicted with melancholy and grief on account of her lord, attired in
+mean garb, with but a single jewel (on the marital thread on her wrist),
+and incessantly weeping, seated on a stone, and waited upon by
+_Rakshasa_ women, Ravana, afflicted by the shafts of the god of desire,
+came to her and approached her presence. And inflamed by desire, that
+conqueror in battle of the gods, the _Danavas_, the _Gandharvas_, the
+_Yakshas_, and the _Kimpurushas_, attired in celestial robes and
+possessing handsome features, decked with jewelled earrings and wearing
+a beautiful garland and crown, entered the _Asoka_ woods, like an
+embodiment of the vernal season. And dressed with care, Ravana looked
+like the _Kalpa_ tree in Indra's garden. But though adorned with every
+embellishment, that inspired her only with awe, like a beautified banian
+in the midst of a cemetery. And that night wanderer, having approached
+the presence of that slender-waisted lady, looked like the planet Saturn
+in the presence of _Rohini_. And smitten with the shafts of the god of
+the flowery emblem he accosted that fair-hipped lady then affrighted
+like a helpless doe, and told her these words, "Thou hast, O Sita, shown
+thy regard for thy lord too much! O thou of delicate limbs, be merciful
+unto me. Let thy person be embellished now (by these maids in waiting).
+O excellent lady, accept me as thy lord! And, O thou of the most
+beautiful complexion, attired in costly robes and ornaments, take thou
+the first place among all the women of my household. Many are the
+daughters of the celestials and also the _Gandharvas_ that I possess! I
+am lord also of many _Danava_ and _Daitya_ ladies! One hundred and forty
+millions of _Pisachas_, twice as many man-eating Rakshasa of terrible
+deed, and thrice as many Yaksha do my bidding! Some of these are under
+the sway of my brother who is the lord of all treasures. In my drinking
+hall, O excellent lady of beautiful thighs, Gandharvas and Apsaras wait
+on me as they do on my brother! I am, again, the son of that regenerate
+_Rishi_ Visravas himself of high ascetic merit. I am renowned, again, as
+the fifth Regent of the Universe! And, O beautiful lady, of food and
+edibles and drinks of the very best kind, I have as much as the Lord
+himself of the celestials! Let all thy troubles consequent on a life in
+the woods cease! O thou of fair hips, be my Queen, as Mandodari
+herself!" Thus addressed by him, the beautiful princess of Videha,
+turning away and regarding him as something less than a straw, replied
+unto that wanderer of the night. And at that time the princess of
+Videha, that girl of beautiful hips, had her deep and compact bosom
+copiously drenched by her inauspicious tears shed ceaselessly. And she
+who regarded her husband as her god, answered that mean wretch, saying,
+"By sheer ill-luck it is, O king of the Rakshasas, that I am obliged to
+hear such words of grievous import spoken by thee! Blessed be thou, O
+Rakshasa fond of sensual pleasures, let thy heart be withdrawn from me!
+I am the wife of another, ever devoted to my husband, and, therefore,
+incapable of being possessed by thee! A helpless human being that I am,
+I cannot be a fit wife for thee! What joy can be thine by using violence
+towards an unwilling woman? Thy father is a wise Brahmana, born of
+Brahma and equal unto that Lord himself of the creation! Why dost thou
+not, therefore, thyself being equal to a Regent of the Universe, observe
+virtue? Disgracing thy brother, that king of the Yakshas, that adorable
+one who is the friend of Maheswara himself, that lord of treasures, how
+is it that thou feelest no shame?" Having said these words, Sita began
+to weep, her bosom shivering in agitation, and covering her neck and
+face with her garments. And the long and well-knit braid, black and
+glossy, falling from the head of the weeping lady, looked like a black
+snake. And hearing these cruel words uttered by Sita, the foolish
+Ravana, although thus rejected, addressed Sita once more, saying, "O
+lady, let the god having the _Makara_ for his emblem burn me sorely. I
+will, however, on no account, O thou of sweet smiles and beautiful hips,
+approach thee, as thou art unwilling! What can I do to thee that still
+feelest a regard for Rama who is only a human being and, therefore, our
+food?" Having said those words unto that lady of faultless features, the
+king of the _Rakshasa_ made himself invisible then and there and went
+away to the place he liked. And Sita, surrounded by those _Rakshasa_
+women, and treated with tenderness by _Trijata_, continued to dwell
+there in grief.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXX
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the illustrious descendant of Raghu, along
+with his brother, hospitably treated by Sugriva, continued to dwell on
+the breast of the _Malyavat_ hill, beholding every day the clear blue
+sky. And one night, while gazing from the mountain-top on the bright
+moon in the cloudless sky surrounded by planets and stars and stellar
+bodies, that slayer of foes was suddenly awakened (to a remembrance of
+Sita) by the cold breezes fragrant with the perfumes of the lily, lotus
+and other flowers of the same species. And virtuous Rama, dejected in
+spirits at the thought of Sita's captivity in the abode of the Rakshasa,
+addressed the heroic Lakshmana in the morning saying, "Go, Lakshmana and
+seek in Kishkindhya that ungrateful king of the monkeys, who understands
+well his own interest and is even now indulging in dissipations, that
+foolish wretch of his race whom I have installed on a throne and to whom
+all apes and monkeys and bears owe allegiance, that fellow for whose
+sake, O mighty-armed perpetuator of Raghu's race, Vali was slain by me
+with thy help in the wood of Kishkindhya! I regard that worst of monkeys
+on earth to be highly ungrateful, for, O Lakshmana, that wretch hath now
+forgotten me who am sunk in such distress! I think he is unwilling to
+fulfil his pledge, disregarding, from dullness of understanding, one who
+hath done him such services! If thou findest him luke-warm and rolling
+in sensual joys, thou must then send him, by the path Vali hath been
+made to follow, to the common goal of all creatures! If, on the other
+hand, thou seest that foremost of monkeys delight in our cause, then, O
+descendant of Kakutstha, shouldst thou bring him hither with thee! Be
+quick, and delay not!" Thus addressed by his brother, Lakshmana ever
+attentive to the behests and welfare of his superiors, set out taking
+with him his handsome bow with string and arrows. And reaching the gates
+of Kishkindhya he entered the city unchallenged. And knowing him to be
+angry, the monkey-king advanced to receive him. And with his wife,
+Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, with a humble heart, joyfully received
+him with due honours. And the dauntless son of Sumitra then told him
+what Rama had said. And having heard everything in detail, O mighty
+monarch, Sugriva, the king of the monkeys with his wife and servants,
+joined his hands, and cheerfully said unto Lakshmana, that elephant
+among men, these words: "I am, O Lakshmana, neither wicked, nor
+ungrateful, nor destitute of virtue! Hear what efforts I have made for
+finding out Sita's place of captivity! I have despatched diligent
+monkeys in all directions. All of them have stipulated to return within
+a month. They will, O hero, search the whole earth with her forests and
+hills and seas, her villages and towns and cities and mines. Only five
+nights are wanting to complete that month, and then thou wilt, with
+Rama, hear tidings of great joy!"
+
+"'Thus addressed by that intelligent king of the monkeys, the
+high-souled Lakshmana became appeased, and he in his turn worshipped
+Sugriva. And accompanied by Sugriva, he returned to Rama on the breast
+of the Malyavat hill. And approaching him, Lakshmana informed him of the
+beginning already made in respect of his undertaking. And soon thousands
+of monkey-chiefs began to return, after having carefully searched the
+three quarters of the earth, viz., the North, the East and the West. But
+they that had gone towards the South did not make their appearance. And
+they that came back represented to Rama, saying that although they had
+searched the whole earth with her belt of seas, yet they could not find
+either the princess of Videha or Ravana. But that descendant of
+Kakutstha's race, afflicted at heart, managed to live yet, resting his
+hopes (of hearing Sita's tidings) on the great monkeys that had gone
+towards the South.
+
+"'After the lapse of two months, several monkeys seeking with haste the
+presence of Sugriva, addressed him, saying, "O king, that foremost of
+monkeys, the son of _Pavana_, as also Angada, the son of Vali, and the
+other great monkeys whom thou hadst despatched to search the southern
+region, have come back and are pillaging that great and excellent
+orchard called _Madhuvana_, which was always guarded by Vali and which
+hath been well-guarded by thee also after him!" Hearing of this act of
+liberty on their part, Sugriva inferred the success of their mission,
+for it is only servants that have been crowned with success that can act
+in this way. And that intelligent and foremost of monkeys communicated
+his suspicions to Rama. And Rama also, from this, guessed that the
+princess of Mithila had been seen. Then Hanuman and the other monkeys,
+having refreshed themselves thus, came towards their king, who was then
+staying with Rama and Lakshmana. And, O Bharata, observing the gait of
+Hanuman and the colour of his face, Rama was confirmed in the belief
+that Hanuman had really seen Sita. Then those successful monkeys with
+Hanuman at their head, duly bowed unto Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva.
+And Rama then taking up his bow and quiver, addressed those monkeys,
+saying, "Have you been successful? Will ye impart life unto me? Will ye
+once more enable me to reign in Ayodhya after having slain my enemy in
+battle and rescued the daughter of Janaka? With the princess of Videha
+unrescued, and the foe unslain in battle, I dare not live, robbed of
+wife and honour!" Thus addressed by Rama, the son of _Pavana_, replied
+unto him, saying, "I bring thee good news, O Rama; for Janaka's daughter
+hath been seen by me. Having searched the southern region with all its
+hills, forests, and mines for some time, we became very weary. At length
+we beheld a great cavern. And having beheld it, we entered that cavern
+which extended over many _Yojanas_. It was dark and deep and overgrown
+with trees and infested by worms. And having gone a great way through
+it, we came upon sun-shine and beheld a beautiful palace. It was, O
+Raghava, the abode of the _Daitya Maya_. And there we beheld a female
+ascetic named _Prabhavati_ engaged in ascetic austerities. And she gave
+us food and drink of various kinds. And having refreshed ourselves
+therewith and regained our strength, we proceeded along the way shown by
+her. At last we came out of the cavern and beheld the brimy sea, and on
+its shores, the _Sahya_, the _Malaya_ and the great _Dardura_ mountains.
+And ascending the mountains of _Malaya_, we beheld before us the vast
+ocean.[51] And beholding it we felt sorely grieved in mind. And dejected
+in spirits and afflicted with pain and famishing with hunger, we
+despaired of returning with our lives. Casting our eyes on the great
+ocean extending over many hundreds of _Yojanas_ and abounding in whales
+and alligators and other aquatic animals, we became anxious and filled
+with grief. We then sat together, resolved to die there of starvation.
+And in course of conversation we happened to talk of the vulture
+_Jatayu_. Just then we saw a bird huge as a mountain, of frightful form,
+and inspiring terror into every heart, like a second son of Vinata.[52]
+And coming upon us unawares for devouring us, he said, 'Who are ye that
+are speaking thus of my brother _Jatayu_? I am his elder brother, by
+name _Sampati_, and am the king of birds. Once upon a time, we two, with
+the desire of outstripping each other, flew towards the sun. My wings
+got burnt, but those of _Jatayu_ were not. That was the last time I saw
+my beloved brother _Jatayu_, the king of vultures! My wings burnt, I
+fell down upon the top of this great mountain where I still am!' When he
+finished speaking, we informed him of the death of his brother in a few
+words and also of this calamity that hath befallen thee! And, O king,
+the powerful Sampati hearing this unpleasant news from us, was greatly
+afflicted and again enquired of us, saying, 'Who is this Rama and why
+was Sita carried off and how was Jatayu slain? Ye foremost of monkeys I
+wish to hear everything in detail!' We then informed him of everything
+about this calamity of thine and of the reason also of our vow of
+starvation. That king of birds then urged us (to give up our vow) by
+these words of his: 'Ravana is, indeed, known to me. Lanka is his
+capital. I beheld it on the other side of the sea in a valley of the
+_Trikuta_ hills! Sita must be there. I have little doubt of this!'
+Hearing these words of his, we rose up quickly and began, O chastiser of
+foes, to take counsel of one another for crossing the ocean! And when
+none dared to cross it, I, having recourse to my father, crossed the
+great ocean which is a hundred _Yojanas_ in width. And having slain the
+_Rakshasis_ on the waters, I saw the chaste Sita within Ravana's harem,
+observing ascetic austerities, eager to behold her lord, with matted
+locks on head, and body besmeared with filth, and lean, and melancholy
+and helpless. Recognising her as Sita by those unusual signs, and
+approaching that worshipful lady while alone, I said, 'I am, O Sita, an
+emissary of Rama and monkey begotten by _Pavana_![53] Desirous of having
+a sight of thee, hither have I come travelling through the skies!
+Protected by Sugriva, that monarch of all the monkeys, the royal
+brothers Rama and Lakshmana are in peace! And Rama, O lady, with
+Sumitra's son, hath enquired of thy welfare! And Sugriva also, on
+account of his friendship (with Rama and Lakshmana) enquireth of thy
+welfare. Followed by all the monkeys, thy husband will soon be here.
+Confide in me, O adorable lady, I am a monkey and not a _Rakshasa_!'
+Thus addressed by me, Sita seemed to meditate for a moment and then
+replied to me, saying, 'From the words of _Avindhya_ I know that thou
+art Hanuman! O mighty-armed one, Avindhya is an old and respected
+_Rakshasa_! He told me that Sugriva is surrounded by counsellors like
+thee. Thou mayst depart now!' And with these words she gave me this
+jewel as a credential. And, indeed, it was by means of this jewel that
+the faultless Sita had been able to support her existence. And the
+daughter of Janaka further told me as a token from her, that by thee, O
+tiger among men, a blade of grass (inspired with _Mantras_ and thus
+converted into a fatal weapon) had once been shot at a crow while ye
+were on the breast of the mighty hill known by the name of _Chitrakuta_!
+And this she said as evidence of my having met her and hers being really
+the princess of Videha. I then caused myself to be seized by Ravana's
+soldiers, and then set fire to the city of Lanka!"'"
+
+    [51] Abode of Varuna in the original.
+
+    [52] Garuda.
+
+    [53] Pavana, the God of the wind.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'It was on the breast of that very hill where Rama was
+seated with those foremost of monkeys that great monkey chiefs at the
+command of Sugriva, began to flock together. The father-in-law of Vali,
+the illustrious Sushena, accompanied by a thousand crores of active
+apes, came to Rama. And those two foremost of monkeys endued with mighty
+energy, viz., Gaya and Gavakshya, each accompanied by a hundred crores
+of monkeys, showed themselves there. And, O king, Gavakshya also of
+terrible mien and endued with a bovine tail, showed himself there,
+having collected sixty thousand crores of monkeys. And the renowned
+Gandhamadana, dwelling on the mountains of the same name, collected a
+hundred thousand crores of monkeys. And the intelligent and mighty
+monkey known by the name of Panasa mustered together fifty-two crores of
+monkeys.[54] And that foremost and illustrious of monkeys named
+Dadhimukha of mighty energy mustered a large army of monkeys possessed
+of terrible prowess. And Jamvuvan showed himself there with a hundred
+thousand crores of black bears of terrible deeds and faces having the
+_Tilaka_ mark.[55] And these and many other chiefs of monkey-chiefs,
+countless in number, O king, came there for aiding Rama's cause. And
+endued with bodies huge as mountain-peaks and roaring like lions, loud
+was the uproar that was heard there made by those monkeys running
+restlessly from place to place. And some of them looked like
+mountain-peaks, and some looked like buffaloes. And some were of the hue
+of autumnal clouds and the faces of some were red as vermillion. And
+some rose high, and some fell down, and some cut capers, and some
+scattered the dust, as they mustered together from various directions.
+And that monkey army, vast as the sea at full tide, encamped there at
+Sugriva's bidding. And after those foremost of monkeys had mustered from
+every direction, the illustrious descendant of Raghu, with Sugriva by
+his side, set out in an auspicious moment of a very fair day under a
+lucky constellation, accompanied by that host arrayed in order of
+battle, as if for the purpose of destroying all the worlds. And Hanuman,
+the son of the Wind-god, was in the van of that host, while the rear was
+protected by the fearless son of Sumitra. And surrounded by the
+monkey-chiefs, those princes of Raghu's house with fingers cased in
+_guana_ skin, shone, as they went, like the Sun and the Moon in the
+midst of the planets. And that monkey host armed with stones and _Sola_
+and _Tola_ trees, looked very much like a far-extending field of corn
+under the morning sun. And that mighty army, protected by Nala and Nila
+and Angada and Kratha and Mainda and Dwivida, marched forth for
+achieving the purpose of Raghava. And encamping successively, without
+interruption of any kind, on wide and healthy tracts and valleys
+abounding with fruits and roots and water and honey and meat, the monkey
+host at last reached the shores of the brimy sea. And like unto a second
+ocean, that mighty army with its countless colours, having reached the
+shores of sea, took up its abode there. Then the illustrious son of
+Dasaratha, addressing Sugriva amongst all those foremost monkeys, spoke
+unto him these words that were suited to the occasion, "This army is
+large. The ocean also is difficult to cross. What contrivance,
+therefore, commends itself to thee for crossing the ocean?" At these
+words, many vain-glorious monkeys answered, "We are fully able to cross
+the sea." This answer, however, was not of much use, as all could not
+avail of that means. Some of the monkeys proposed to cross the sea in
+boats, and some in rafts of various kinds. Rama, however, conciliating
+them all, said, "This cannot be. The sea here is a full hundred
+_Yojanas_ in width. All the monkeys, ye heroes, will not be able to
+cross it. This proposal, therefore, that ye have made, is not consonant
+to reason. Besides we have not the number of boats necessary for
+carrying all our troops. How, again, can one like us raise such
+obstacles in the way of the merchants? Our army is very large. The foe
+wilt make a great havoc if a hole is detected. Therefore, to cross the
+sea in boats and rafts doth not recommend itself to me. I will, however,
+pray to the Ocean for the necessary means. Foregoing food, I will lie
+down on the shore. He will certainly show himself to me. If, however, he
+doth not show himself, I will chastise him then by means of my great
+weapons that are more blazing than fire itself and are incapable of
+being baffled!" Having said these words, both Rama and Lakshmana touched
+water[56] and duly laid themselves down on a bed of _kusa_ grass on the
+seashore. The divine and illustrious Ocean then, that lord of male and
+female rivers, surrounded by aquatic animals, appeared unto Rama in a
+vision. And addressing Rama in sweet accents, the genius of the Ocean,
+surrounded by countless mines of gems, said, "O son of Kausalya, tell me
+what aid, O bull among men, I am to render thee! I also have sprung from
+the race of Ikshwaku and am, therefore, a relative of thine!" Rama
+replied unto him, saying, "O lord of rivers, male and female, I desire
+thee to grant me a way for my troops, passing along which I may slay the
+Ten-headed (Ravana), that wretch of Pulastya's race! If thou dost not
+grant the way I beg of thee, I will then dry thee up by means of my
+celestial arrows inspired with _mantras_!" And hearing these words of
+Rama, the genius of Varuna's abode, joining his hands, answered in great
+affliction, "I do not desire to put any obstacle in thy way. I am no foe
+of thine! Listen, O Rama, to these words, and having listened, do what
+is proper! If, at thy command, I get a way for the passage of thy army,
+others then, from strength of their bows, will command me to do the
+same! In thy army there is a monkey of the name of Nala, who is a
+skilful mechanic. And endued with great strength, Nala is the son of
+_Tashtri_, the divine artificer of the Universe. And whether it is wood,
+or grass or stone, that he will throw into my waters, I will support the
+same on my surface, and thus wilt thou have a bridge (over which to
+pass)!" And having said these words, the genius of the Ocean
+disappeared. And Rama awaking, called Nala unto him and said, "Build
+thou a bridge over the sea! Thou alone, I am sure, art able to do it!"
+And it was by this means that the descendant of Kakutstha's race caused
+a bridge to be built that was ten _Yojanas_ in width and a hundred
+_Yojanas_ in length. And to this day that bridge is celebrated over all
+the world by the name of _Nala's bridge_. And having completed that
+bridge, Nala, of body huge as a hill, came away at the command of Rama.
+
+    [54] There is a difference of reading here. Some texts read
+    fifty seven.
+
+    [55] A difference of reading is observable here.
+
+    [56] As a purificatory ceremony, called the Achamana. To this
+    day, no Hindu can perform any ceremony without going through the
+    Achamana in the first instance.
+
+"'And while Rama was on this side of the ocean, the virtuous Vibhishana,
+the brother of the king of the Rakshasas accompanied by four of his
+counsellors, came unto Rama. And the high-souled Rama received him with
+due welcome. Sugriva, however, feared, thinking he might be a spy. The
+son of Raghu, meanwhile perfectly satisfied (with Vibhishana) in
+consequence of the sincerity of his exertions and the many indications
+of his good conduct, worshipped him with respect. And he also installed
+Vibhishana in the sovereignty of all the Rakshasas and made him his own
+junior counsellor, and a friend of Lakshmana's. And it was under
+Vibhishana's guidance, O king, that Rama with all his troops crossed the
+great ocean by means of that bridge in course of a month. And having
+crossed the ocean and arrived at Lanka, Rama caused its extensive and
+numerous gardens to be devastated by his monkeys. And while Rama's
+troops were there, two of Ravana's counsellors and officers, named Suka
+and Sarana, who had come as spies, having assumed the shape of monkeys,
+were seized by Vibhishana. And when those wanderers of the night assumed
+their real Rakshasa forms, Rama showed them his troop and dismissed them
+quietly. And having quartered his troops in those woods that skirted the
+city, Rama then sent the monkey Angada with great wisdom as his envoy to
+Ravana.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having quartered his army in those groves abounding
+with food and water and with fruits and roots, the descendant of
+Kakutstha began to watch over them with care. Ravana, on the other hand,
+planted in his city many appliances constructed according to the rules
+of military science. And his city, naturally impregnable on account of
+its strong ramparts and gate-ways, had seven trenches, that were deep
+and full of water to the brim and that abounded with fishes and sharks
+and alligators, made more impregnable still by means of pointed stakes
+of _Khadira_ wood. And the ramparts, heaped with stones, were made
+impregnable by means of catapults. And the warriors (who guarded the
+walls) were armed with earthen pots filled with venomous snakes, and
+with resinous powders of many kinds. And they were also armed with
+clubs, and fire-brands and arrows and lances and swords and battle-axes.
+And they had also _Sataghnis_[57] and stout maces steeped in wax.[58]
+And at all the gates of the city were planted movable and immovable
+encampments manned by large numbers of infantry supported by countless
+elephants and horses. And Angada, having reached one of the gates of the
+city, was made known to the Rakshasas. And he entered the town without
+suspicion or fear. And surrounded by countless Rakshasas, that hero in
+his beauty looked like the Sun himself in the midst of masses of clouds.
+And having approached the hero of Pulastya's race in the midst of his
+counsellors, the eloquent Angada saluted the king and began to deliver
+Rama's message in these words, "That descendant of Raghu, O king, who
+ruleth at Kosala and whose renown hath spread over the whole world,
+sayeth unto thee these words suited to the occasion. Accept thou that
+message and act according to it! Provinces and towns, in consequence of
+their connection with sinful kings incapable of controlling their souls,
+are themselves polluted and destroyed. By the violent abduction of Sita,
+thou alone hast injured me! Thou, however, wilt become the cause of
+death to many unoffending persons. Possessed of power and filled with
+pride, thou hast, before this, slain many _Rishis_ living in the woods,
+and insulted the very gods. Thou hast slain also many great kings and
+many weeping women. For those transgressions of thine, retribution is
+about to overtake thee! I will slay thee with thy counsellors. Fight and
+show thy courage![59] O wanderer of the night, behold the power of my
+bow, although I am but a man! Release Sita, the daughter of Janaka! If
+thou dost not release her, I shall make the Earth divested of all
+Rakshasas with my keen-edged arrows!" Hearing these defiant words of the
+enemy, king Ravana bore them ill, becoming senseless with wrath. And
+thereupon four Rakshasas skilled in reading every sign of their master,
+seized Angada like four hawks seizing a tiger. With those Rakshasas,
+however, holding him fast by his limbs, Angada leaped upwards and
+alighted on the palace terrace. And as he leaped up with a great force,
+those wanderers of the night fell down the earth, and bruised by the
+violence of the fall, had their ribs broken. And from the golden terrace
+on which he had alighted, he took a downward leap. And overleaping the
+walls of Lanka, he alighted to where his comrades were. And approaching
+the presence of the lord of Kosala and informing him of everything, the
+monkey Angada endued with great energy retired to refresh himself,
+dismissed with due respect by Rama.
+
+    [57] Lit. an engine killing a hundred. Perhaps, some kind of
+    rude cannon.
+
+    [58] Perhaps, brands or torches steeped in wax, intended to be
+    thrown in a burning state, amongst the foe. Readers of Indian
+    history know how Lord Lake was repulsed from Bharatpore by means
+    of huge bales of cotton, steeped in oil, rolled from the
+    ramparts of that town, in a burning state, towards the advancing
+    English.
+
+    [59] Lit. be a Purusha (male)! Manhood would not be appropriate
+    in connection with a Rakshasa.
+
+"'The descendant of Raghu then caused the ramparts of Lanka to be broken
+down by a united attack of all those monkeys endued with the speed of
+the wind. Then Lakshmana, with Vibhishana and the king of the bears
+marching in the van, blew up the southern gate of the city that was
+almost impregnable. Rama then attacked Lanka with a hundred thousand
+crores of monkeys, all possessed of great skill in battle, and endued
+with reddish complexions like those of young camels. And those crores of
+greyish bears with long arms, and legs and huge paws, and generally
+supporting themselves on their broad haunches, were also urged on to
+support the attack. And in consequence of those monkeys leaping up and
+leaping down and leaping in transverse directions, the Sun himself, his
+bright disc completely shaded, became invisible for the dust they
+raised. And the citizens of Lanka beheld the wall of their town assume
+all over a tawny hue, covered by monkeys of complexions yellow as the
+ears of paddy, and grey as _Shirisha_ flowers, and red as the rising
+Sun, and white as flax or hemp. And the Rakshasas, O king, with their
+wives and elders, were struck with wonders at that sight. And the monkey
+warriors began to pull down pillars made of precious stones and the
+terraces and tops of palatial mansions. And breaking into fragments the
+propellers of catapults and other engines, they began to cast them about
+in all directions. And taking up the _Sataghnis_ along with the discs,
+the clubs, and stones, they threw them down into the city with great
+force and loud noise. And attacked thus by the monkeys, those Rakshasas
+that had been placed on the walls to guard them, fled precipitately by
+hundreds and thousands.
+
+"'Then hundreds of thousands of Rakshasas, of terrible mien, and capable
+of assuming any form at will, came out at the command of the king. And
+pouring a perfect shower of arrows and driving the denizens of the
+forest, those warriors, displaying great prowess, adorned the ramparts.
+And soon those wanderers of the night, looking like masses of flesh, and
+of terrible mien, forced the monkeys to leave the walls. And mangled by
+the enemies' lances, numerous monkey-chiefs fell down from the ramparts,
+and crushed by the falling columns and gate-ways, numerous Rakshasas
+also fell down to rise no more. And the monkeys and the brave Rakshasas
+that commenced to eat up the foe, struggled, seizing one another by the
+hair, and mangling and tearing one another with their nails and teeth.
+And the monkeys and the Rakshasas roared and yelled frightfully, and
+while many of both parties were slain and fell down to rise no more,
+neither side gave up the contest. And Rama continued all the while to
+shower a thick downpour of arrows like the very clouds. And the arrows
+he shot, enveloping Lanka, killed large numbers of Rakshasas. And the
+son of Sumitra, too, that mighty bowman incapable of being fatigued in
+battle, naming particular Rakshasas stationed on the ramparts, slew them
+with his clothyard shafts. And then the monkey host, having achieved
+success was withdrawn at the command of Rama, after it had thus pulled
+down the fortifications of Lanka and made all objects within the city
+capable of being aimed at by the besieging force.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'And while those troops (thus withdrawn) were reposing
+themselves in their quarters, many little Rakshasas and _Pisachas_
+owning Ravana as their leader, penetrated amongst them. And among these
+were _Parvana, Patana, Jambha, Khara, Krodha-vasa, Hari, Praruja, Aruja_
+and _Praghasa_, and others. And as these wicked ones were penetrating
+(the monkey host) in their invisible forms, Vibhishana, who had the
+knowledge thereof, broke the spell of their invisibility. And once seen,
+O king, by the powerful and long-leaping monkeys, they were all slain
+and prostrated on the earth, deprived of life. And unable to endure
+this, Ravana marched out at the head of his troops. And surrounded by
+his terrible army of Rakshasas and _Pisachas_, Ravana who was conversant
+with the rules of warfare like a second _Usanas_ invested the monkey
+host, having disposed his troops in that array which is named after
+_Usanas_ himself. And beholding Ravana advancing with his army disposed
+in that array, Rama, following the mode recommended by Vrihaspati,
+disposed his troops in counter array for opposing that wanderer of the
+night. And coming up quickly, Ravana began to fight with Rama. And
+Lakshmana singled out Indrajit, and Sugriva singled out Virupakshya, and
+Nikharvata fought with Tara, and Nala with Tunda, and Patusa with
+Panasa. And each warrior, advancing up to him whom he regarded as his
+match, began to fight with him on that field of battle, relying on the
+strength of his own arms, and that encounter, so frightful to timid
+persons, soon became terrible and fierce like that between the gods and
+the _Asuras_ in the days of old. And Ravana covered Rama with a shower
+of darts and lances and swords, and Rama also afflicted Ravana with his
+whetted arrows of iron furnished with the sharpest points, and in the
+same way Lakshmana smote the contending Indrajit with arrows capable of
+penetrating into the most vital parts and Indrajit also smote Sumitra's
+son with an arrowy shower. And Vibhishana showered upon Prahasta and
+Prahasta showered upon Vibhishana, without any regard for each other a
+thick downpour of winged arrows furnished with the sharpest points. And
+thus between those mighty warriors there came about an encounter of
+celestial weapons of great force, at which the three worlds with their
+mobile and immobile creatures were sorely distressed.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXIV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Then Prahasta, suddenly advancing up to Vibhishana
+and uttering a loud yell, struck him with his mace. But though struck
+with that mace of terrible force, the mighty-armed Vibhishana of great
+wisdom, without wavering in the least, stood still as the mountains of
+Himavat. Then Vibhishana, taking up a huge and mighty javelin furnished
+with a hundred bells, inspired it with _mantras_ and hurled it at the
+head of his adversary. And by the impetuosity of that weapon rushing
+with the force of the thunderbolt, Prahasta's head was severed off, and
+he thereupon looked like a mighty tree broken by the wind. And beholding
+that wanderer of the night, Prahasta, thus slain in battle, Dhumraksha
+rushed with great impetuosity against the monkey-host. And beholding the
+soldiers of Dhumraksha, looking like the clouds and endued with terrible
+mien, advancing up towards them, the monkey-chief suddenly broke and
+fled. And seeing those foremost of monkeys suddenly give way, that tiger
+among monkeys, Hanuman, the son of Pavana, began to advance. And
+beholding the son of Pavana staying still on the field of battle, the
+retreating monkeys, O king, one and all quickly rallied. Then mighty and
+great and fearful was the uproar that arose there in consequence of the
+warriors of Rama and Ravana rushing against each other. And in that
+battle which raged terribly the field soon became miry with blood. And
+Dhumraksha afflicted the monkey-host with volleys of winged shafts. Then
+that vanquisher of foes, Hanuman, the son of Pavana, quickly seized that
+advancing leader of the Rakshasa. And the encounter that took place
+between that monkey and the Rakshasa hero, each desirous of defeating
+the other, was fierce and terrible, like that of Indra and Prahlada (in
+days of yore). And the Rakshasa struck the monkey with his maces and
+spiked clubs while the monkey struck the Rakshasa with trunks of trees
+unshorn of their branches. Then Hanuman, the son of Pavana, slew in
+great wrath that Rakshasa along with his charioteer and horses and broke
+his chariot also into pieces. And beholding Dhumraksha, that foremost of
+Rakshasa, thus slain, the monkeys, abandoning all fear, rushed against
+the Rakshasa army with great valour. And slaughtered in large numbers by
+the victorious and powerful monkeys, the Rakshasas became dispirited and
+fled in fear to Lanka. And the surviving wreck of the Rakshasa army,
+having reached the city, informed king Ravana of everything that had
+happened. And hearing from them that Prahasta and that mighty archer
+Dhumraksha, had both, with their armies, been slain by the powerful
+monkeys, Ravana drew a deep sigh and springing up from his excellent
+seat, said,--the time is come for Kumbhakarna to act.--And having said
+this, he awoke, by means of various loud-sounding instruments, his
+brother Kumbhakarna from his deep and prolonged slumbers. And having
+awaked him with great efforts, the Rakshasa king, still afflicted with
+anxiety, addressed the mighty Kumbhakarna and said unto him when seated
+at his ease on his bed, having perfectly recovered consciousness and
+self-possession, these words, "Thou, indeed, art happy, O Kumbhakarna,
+that canst enjoy profound and undisturbed repose, unconscious of the
+terrible calamity that hath overtaken us! Rama with his monkey host hath
+crossed the Ocean by a bridge and disregarding us all is waging a
+terrible war (against us). I have stealthily brought away his wife Sita,
+the daughter of Janaka, and it is to recover her that he hath come
+hither, after having made a bridge over the great Ocean. Our great
+kinsmen also, Prahasta and others, have already been slain by him. And,
+O scourge of thy enemies, there is not another person, save thee, that
+can slay Rama! Therefore, O warrior, putting on thy armour, do thou set
+out this day for the purpose of vanquishing Rama and his followers! The
+two younger brothers of Dushana, viz., Vajravega and Promathin, will
+join thee with their forces!" And having said this unto the mighty
+Kumbhakarna, the Rakshasa king gave instructions to Vajravega and
+Promathin as to what they should do. And accepting his advice, those two
+warlike brothers of Dushana quickly marched out of the city, preceded by
+Kumbhakarna.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Then Kumbhakarna set out from the city, accompanied
+by his followers. And soon he beheld the victorious monkey troops
+encamped before him. And passing them by with the object of seeking out
+Rama, he beheld the son of Sumitra standing at his post, bow in hand.
+Then the monkey warriors, speedily advancing towards him, surrounded him
+on all sides. And then they commenced to strike him with numberless
+large trees. And many amongst them fearlessly began to tear his body
+with their nails. And those monkeys began to fight with him in various
+ways approved by the laws of warfare. And they soon overwhelmed that
+chief of the Rakshasas with a shower of terrible weapons of various
+kinds. And attacked by them thus, Kumbhakarna only laughed at them and
+began to eat them up. And he devoured those foremost of monkeys known by
+the name of Chala, and Chandachala, and Vajravahu. And beholding that
+fearful act of the _Rakshasa_, other monkeys were frightened and set
+forth a loud wail of fear. And hearing the screams of those
+monkey-leaders, Sugriva boldly advanced towards Kumbhakarna. And that
+high-souled king of the monkeys swiftly approaching the _Rakshasa_,
+violently struck him on the head with the trunk of a _Sala_ tree. And
+though the high-souled Sugriva always prompt in action broke that _Sala_
+tree on the head of Kumbhakarna, he failed to make any impression on
+that _Rakshasa_. And then, as if roused from his torpor by that blow,
+Kumbhakarna stretching forth his arms seized Sugriva by main force. And
+beholding Sugriva dragged away by the _Rakshasa_, the heroic son of
+Sumitra, that delighter of his friends, rushed towards Kumbhakarna. And
+that slayer of hostile heroes, Lakshmana, advancing towards Kumbhakarna,
+discharged at him an impetuous and mighty arrow furnished with golden
+wings. And that arrow, cutting through his coat of mail and penetrating
+into his body, passed through it outright and struck into the earth,
+stained with the _Rakshasa's_ blood. Kumbhakarna then, having his breast
+thus bored through, released the king of monkeys. And taking up a huge
+mass of stone as his weapon, the mighty warrior Kumbhakarna then rushed
+towards the son of Sumitra, aiming it at him. And as the _Rakshasa_
+rushed towards him, Lakshmana cut off his upraised arms by means of a
+couple of keen-edged shafts furnished with heads resembling razors. But
+as soon as the two arms of the Rakshasa were thus cut off, double that
+number of arms soon appeared on his person. Sumitra's son, however,
+displaying his skill in weapons, soon by means of similar arrows cut off
+those arms also, each of which had seized a mass of stone. At this, that
+_Rakshasa_ assumed a form enormously huge and furnished with numerous
+heads and legs and arms. Then the son of Sumitra rived, with a _Brahma_
+weapon, that warrior looking like an assemblage of hill. And rent by
+means of that celestial weapon, that _Rakshasa_ fell on the field of
+battle like a huge tree with spreading branches suddenly consumed by
+heaven's thunderbolt. And beholding Kumbhakarna endued with great
+activity and resembling the _Asura_ Vritra himself, deprived of life and
+prostrated on the field of battle, the _Rakshasa_ warriors fled in fear.
+And beholding the _Rakshasa_ warriors running away from the field of
+battle, the younger brother of Dushana, rallying them, rushed in great
+wrath upon the son of Sumitra. Sumitra's son, however, with a loud roar,
+received with his winged shafts both those wrathful warriors, Vajravega
+and Promathin, rushing towards him. The battle then, O son of Pritha,
+that took place between those two younger brothers of Dushana on the one
+hand and the intelligent Lakshmana on the other, was exceedingly furious
+and made the bristles of the spectators stand on end. And Lakshmana
+overwhelmed the two _Rakshasas_ with a perfect shower of arrows. And
+those two _Rakshasa_ heroes, on the other hand, both of them excited
+with fury, covered Lakshmana with an arrowy hail. And that terrible
+encounter between Vajravega and Promathin and the mighty-armed Lakshmana
+lasted for a short while. And Hanuman, the son of Pavana, taking up a
+mountain peak, rushed towards one of the brothers, and with that weapon
+took the life of the Rakshasa Vajravega. And that mighty monkey, Nala,
+also, with a large mass of rock, crushed Promathin, that other younger
+brother of Dushana. The deadly struggle, however, between the soldiers
+of Rama and Ravana, rushing against one another, instead of coming to an
+end even after this, raged on as before. And hundreds of _Rakshasas_
+were slain by the denizens of the forest, while many of the latter were
+slain by the former. The loss, however, in killed, of the _Rakshasas_
+was far greater than that of the monkeys.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Learning that Kumbhakarna had with his followers,
+fallen in battle as also that great warrior Prahasta, and Dhumraksha too
+of mighty energy, Ravana then addressed his heroic son Indrajit saying,
+"O slayer of foes, slay thou in battle Rama and Sugriva and Lakshmana.
+My good son, it was by thee that this blazing fame of mine had been
+acquired by vanquishing in battle that wielder of the thunderbolt, the
+thousand-eyed Lord of Sachi! Having the power of appearing and vanishing
+at thy will, slay thou, O smiter of foes, my enemies by means, O thou
+foremost of all wielders of weapons, of thy celestial arrows received as
+boons (from the gods)! Rama and Lakshmana and Sugriva are incapable of
+enduring the bare touch of thy weapons. What shall I say, therefore, of
+their followers? That cessation of hostilities which could not be
+brought about by either Prahasta or Kumbhakarna in battle, be it thine,
+O mighty-armed one, to bring about! Slaying my enemies with all their
+army by means of thy keen-edged shafts, enhance my joy to-day, O son, as
+thou didst once before by vanquishing Vasava!" Thus addressed by him,
+Indrajit said--So be it,--and encased in mail he quickly ascended his
+chariot, and proceeded, O king, towards the field of battle. And then
+that bull amongst _Rakshasas_ loudly announcing his own name, challenged
+Lakshmana endued with auspicious marks, to a single combat. And
+Lakshmana, thus challenged, rushed towards that _Rakshasa_, with his bow
+and arrows, and striking terror into his adversary's heart by means of
+the flapping of his bow-string on the leathern case of his left hand.
+And the encounter that took place between those warriors that defied
+each other's prowess and each of whom was desirous of vanquishing the
+other, and both of whom were conversant with celestial weapons, was
+terrible in the extreme. But when the son of Ravana found that he could
+not by his arrows gain any advantage over his adversary, that foremost
+of mighty warriors mustered all his energy. And Indrajit then began to
+hurl at Lakshmana with great force numberless javelins. The son of
+Sumitra, however, cut them into fragments by means of his own keen-edged
+arrows. And those javelins, thus cut into pieces by the keen-edged
+arrows of Lakshmana, dropped down upon the ground. Then the handsome
+Angada, the son of Vali, taking up a large tree, rushed impetuously at
+Indrajit and struck him with it on the head. Undaunted at this, Indrajit
+of mighty energy sought to smite Angada with a lance. Just at that
+juncture, however, Lakshmana cut into pieces the lance taken up by
+Ravana's son. The son of Ravana then took up a mace and struck on the
+left flank that foremost of monkeys, the heroic Angada who was then
+staying close beside him. Angada, the powerful son of Vali, little
+recking that stroke, hurled at Indrajit a mighty Sala stem. And hurled
+in wrath by Angada for the destruction of Indrajit, that tree, O son of
+Pritha, destroyed Indrajit's chariot along with his horses and
+charioteer. And thereupon jumping from his horseless and driverless car,
+the son of Ravana disappeared from sight, O king, by aid of his powers
+of illusion. And beholding that _Rakshasa_, abundantly endued with
+powers of illusion, disappear so suddenly, Rama proceeded towards that
+spot and began to protect his troops with care. Indrajit, however, with
+arrows, obtained as boons from the gods, began to pierce both Rama and
+mighty Lakshmana in every part of their bodies. Then the heroic Rama and
+Lakshmana both continued to contend with their arrows against Ravana's
+son who had made himself invisible by his powers of illusion. But
+Indrajit continued to shower in wrath all over those lions among men his
+keen-edged shafts by hundreds and thousands. And seeking that invisible
+warrior who was ceaselessly showering his arrows, the monkeys penetrated
+into every part of the firmament, armed with huge masses of stone. Them
+as well as the two brothers, however, the invisible _Rakshasa_ began to
+afflict with his shafts. Indeed, the son of Ravana, concealing himself
+by his powers of illusion, furiously attacked the monkey host. And the
+heroic brothers Rama and Lakshmana, pierced all over with arrows,
+dropped down on the ground like the Sun and the Moon fallen down from
+the firmament.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXVII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Beholding both the brothers Rama and Lakshmana
+prostrate on the ground, the son of Ravana tied them in a net-work of
+those arrows of his which he had obtained as boons. And tied by Indrajit
+on the field of battle by means of that arrowy net, those heroic tigers
+among men resembled a couple of hawks immured in a cage. And beholding
+those heroes prostrate on the ground pierced with hundreds of arrows,
+Sugriva with all the monkeys stood surrounding them on all sides. And
+the king of the monkeys stood there, accompanied by Sushena and Mainda
+and Dwivida, and Kumuda and Angada and Hanuman and Nila and Tara and
+Nala. And Vibhishana, having achieved success in another part of the
+field, soon arrived at that spot, and roused those heroes from
+insensibility, awakening them by means of the weapon called
+_Prajna_.[60] Then Sugriva soon extracted the arrows from their bodies.
+And by means of that most efficacious medicine called the _Visalya_,[61]
+applied with celestial _mantras_, those human heroes regained their
+consciousness. And the arrow having been extracted from their bodies,
+those mighty warriors in a moment rose from their recumbent posture,
+their pains and fatigue thoroughly alleviated. And beholding Rama the
+descendant of Ikshwaku's race, quite at his ease, Vibhishana, O son of
+Pritha, joining his hands, told him these words, "O chastiser of foes,
+at the command of the king of the Guhyakas, a Guhyaka hath come from the
+White mountains, bringing with him his water![62] O great king, this
+water is a present to thee from Kuvera, so that all creatures that are
+invisible may, O chastiser of foes, become visible to thee! This water
+laved over the eyes will make every invisible creature visible to thee,
+as also to any other person to whom thou mayst give it!"--Saying--_So be
+it_,--Rama took that sacred water, and sanctified his own eyes
+therewith. And the high-minded Lakshmana also did the same. And Sugriva
+and Jambuvan, and Hanuman and Angada, and Mainda and Dwivida, and Nila
+and many other foremost of the monkeys, laved their eyes with that
+water. And thereupon it exactly happened as Vibhishana had said, for, O
+Yudhishthira, soon did the eyes of all these became capable of beholding
+things that could not be seen by the unassisted eye!
+
+    [60] This weapon could restore an insensible warrior to
+    consciousness, as the Sam-mohana weapon could deprive one of
+    consciousness.
+
+    [61] Visalya a medicinal plant of great efficacy in healing cuts
+    and wounds. It is still cultivated in several parts of Bengal. A
+    medical friend of the writer tested the efficacy of the plant
+    known by that name and found it to be much superior to either
+    gallic acid or tannic acid in stopping blood.
+
+    [62] The Guhyakas occupy, in Hindu mythology, a position next
+    only to that of the gods, and superior to that of the Gandharvas
+    who are the celestial choristers. The White mountain is another
+    name of Kailasa, the peak where Siva hath his abode.
+
+"'Meanwhile, Indrajit, after the success he had won, went to his father.
+And having informed him of the feats he had achieved, he speedily
+returned to the field of battle and placed himself at the van of his
+army. The son of Sumitra then, under Vibhishana's guidance, rushed
+towards that wrathful son of Ravana coming back, from desire of battle,
+to lead the attack. And Lakshmana, excited to fury and receiving a hint
+from Vibhishana, and desiring to slay Indrajit who had not completed his
+daily sacrifice, smote with his arrows that warrior burning to achieve
+success. And desirous of vanquishing each other, the encounter that took
+place between them was exceedingly wonderful like that (in days of yore)
+between the Lord of celestials and Prahrada. And Indrajit pierced the
+son of Sumitra with arrows penetrating into his very vitals. And the son
+of Sumitra also pierced Ravana's son with arrows of fiery energy. And
+pierced with Lakshmana's arrows, the son of Ravana became senseless with
+wrath. And he shot at Lakshmana eight shafts fierce as venomous snakes.
+Listen now, O Yudhishthira, as I tell thee how the heroic son of Sumitra
+then took his adversary's life by means of three winged arrows possessed
+of the energy and effulgence of fire! With one of these, he severed from
+Indrajit's body that arm of his enemy which had grasped the bow. With
+the second he caused that other arm which had held the arrows, to drop
+down on the ground. With the third that was bright and possessed of the
+keenest edge, he cut off his head decked with a beautiful nose and
+bright with earrings. And shorn of arms and head, the trunk became
+fearful to behold. And having slain the foe thus, that foremost of
+mighty men then slew with his arrows the charioteer of his adversary.
+And the horses then dragged away the empty chariot into the city. And
+Ravana then beheld that car without his son on it. And hearing that his
+son had been slain, Ravana suffered his heart to be overpowered with
+grief. And under the influence of extreme grief and affliction, the king
+of the Rakshasas suddenly cherished the desire of killing the princess
+of Mithila. And seizing a sword, the wicked Rakshasa hastily ran towards
+that lady staying within the _Asoka_ wood longing to behold her lord.
+Then Avindhya beholding that sinful purpose of the wicked wretch,
+appeased his fury. Listen, O Yudhishthira, to the reasons urged by
+Avindhya! That wise Rakshasa said, "Placed as thou art on the blazing
+throne of an empire, it behoveth thee not to slay a woman! Besides, this
+woman is already slain, considering that she is a captive in thy power!
+I think, she would not be slain if only her body were destroyed. Slay
+thou her husband! He being slain, she will be slain too! Indeed, not
+even he of an hundred sacrifices (Indra) is thy equal in prowess! The
+gods with Indra at their head, had repeatedly been affrighted by thee in
+battle!" With these and many other words of the same import, Avindhya
+succeeded in appeasing Ravana. And the latter did, indeed, listen to his
+counsellor's speech. And that wanderer of the night, then, resolved to
+give battle himself, sheathed his sword, and issued orders for preparing
+his chariot.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXVIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The Ten-necked (Ravana), excited to fury at the death
+of his beloved son, ascended his car decked with gold and gems. And
+surrounded by terrible _Rakshasas_ with various kinds of weapons in
+their hands, Ravana rushed towards Rama, fighting with numerous
+monkey-chiefs. And beholding him rushing in wrath towards the monkey
+army, Mainda and Nila and Nala and Angada, and Hanuman and Jambuvan,
+surrounded him with all their troops. And those foremost of monkeys and
+bears began to exterminate with trunks of trees, the soldiers of the
+Ten-necked (Ravana), in his very sight. And beholding the enemy
+slaughtering his troops, the _Rakshasa_ king, Ravana, possessed of great
+powers of illusion, began to put them forth. And forth from his body
+began to spring hundreds and thousands of _Rakshasas_ armed with arrows
+and lances and double-edged swords in hand. Rama, however, with a
+celestial weapon slew all those _Rakshasas_. The king of the _Rakshasas_
+then once more put forth his prowess of illusion. The Ten-faced,
+producing from his body numerous warriors resembling, O Bharata, both
+Rama and Lakshmana, rushed towards the two brothers. And then those
+_Rakshasas_, hostile to Rama and Lakshmana and armed with bows and
+arrows, rushed towards Rama, and beholding that power of illusion put
+forth by the king of _Rakshasas_, that descendant of Ikshwaku's race,
+the son of Sumitra, addressed Rama in these heroic words, "Slay those
+_Rakshasas_, those wretches with forms like thy own!" And Rama,
+thereupon slew those and other _Rakshasas_ of forms resembling his own.
+And that time Matali, the charioteer of Indra, approached Rama on the
+field of battle, with a car effulgent as the Sun and unto which were
+yoked horses of a tawny hue. And Matali said, "O son of Kakutstha's
+race, this excellent and victorious car, unto which have been yoked this
+pair of tawny horses, belongs to the Lord of celestials! It is on this
+excellent car, O tiger among men, that Indra hath slain in battle
+hundreds of _Daityas_ and _Danavas_! Therefore, O tiger among men, do
+thou, riding on the car driven by me, quickly slay Ravana in battle! Do
+not delay in achieving this!" Thus addressed by him, the descendant of
+Raghu's race, however, doubted the truthful words of Matali, thinking
+this is another illusion produced by the _Rakshasas_--Vibhishana then
+addressed him saying, "This, O tiger among men, is no illusion of the
+wicked Ravana! Ascend thou this chariot quickly, for this, O thou of
+great effulgence, belongeth to Indra!" The descendant of Kakutstha then
+cheerfully said unto Vibhishana, "So be it", and riding on that car,
+rushed wrathfully upon Ravana. And when Ravana, too, rushed against his
+antagonist, a loud wail of woe was set up by the creatures of the Earth,
+while the celestials in heaven sent forth a leonine roar accompanied by
+beating of large drums. The encounter then that took place between the
+Ten-necked _Rakshasa_ and that prince of Raghu's race, was fierce in the
+extreme. Indeed, that combat between them hath no parallel elsewhere.
+And the _Rakshasa_ hurled at Rama a terrible javelin looking like
+Indra's thunderbolt and resembling a Brahmana's curse on the point of
+utterance.[63] Rama, however, quickly cut into fragments that javelin by
+means of his sharp arrows. And beholding that most difficult feat,
+Ravana was struck with fear. But soon his wrath was excited and the
+Ten-necked hero began to shower on Rama whetted arrows by thousands and
+tens of thousands and countless weapons of various kinds, such as
+rockets and javelins and maces and battle-axes and darts of various
+kinds and Shataghnis and _whetted shafts_. And beholding that terrible
+form of illusion displayed by the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_, the monkeys
+fled in fear in all directions. Then the descendant of Kakutstha, taking
+out of his quiver an excellent arrow furnished with handsome wings and
+golden feathers and a bright and beautiful head, fixed it on the bow
+with _Brahmasira_ mantra. And beholding that excellent arrow transformed
+by Rama, with proper _mantras_ into a Brahma weapon, the celestials and
+the Gandharvas with Indra at their head, began to rejoice. And the gods
+and the _Danavas_ and the _Kinnaras_ were led by the display of that
+_Brahma_ weapon to regard the life of their Rakshasa foe almost closed.
+Then Rama shot that terrible weapon of unrivalled energy, destined to
+compass Ravana's death, and resembling the curse of a Brahmana on the
+point of utterance. And as soon, O Bharata, as that arrow was shot by
+Rama from his bow drawn to a circle, the _Rakshasa_ king with his
+chariot and charioteer and horses blazed up, surrounded on all sides by
+a terrific fire. And beholding Ravana slain by Rama of famous
+achievements, the celestials, with the _Gandharvas_ and the _Charanas_,
+rejoiced exceedingly. And deprived of universal dominion by the energy
+of the Brahma weapon, the five elements forsook the illustrious Ravana,
+and were consumed by the _Brahma_ weapon, the physical ingredients of
+Ravana's body. His flesh and blood were all reduced to nothingness,--so
+that the ashes even could not be seen.'"
+
+    [63] According to both Vyasa and Valmiki, there is nothing so
+    fierce as a Brahmana's curse. The very thunderbolt of Indra is
+    weak compared to a Brahmana's curse. The reason is obvious. The
+    thunder smites the individual at whom it may be aimed. The curse
+    of Brahmana smites the whole race, whole generation, whole
+    country.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXXXIX
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having slain Ravana, that wretched king of the
+_Rakshasas_ and foe of the celestials, Rama with his friends and
+Sumitra's son rejoiced exceedingly. And after the Ten-necked
+(_Rakshasa_) hath been slain, the celestials with the _Rishis_ at their
+head, worshipped Rama of mighty arms, blessing and uttering the word
+_Jaya_ repeatedly. And all the celestials and the _Gandharvas_ and the
+denizens of the celestial regions gratified Rama of eyes like lotus
+leaves, with hymns and flowery showers. And having duly worshipped Rama,
+they all went away to those regions whence they had come. And, O thou of
+unfading glory, the firmament at that time looked as if a great festival
+was being celebrated.
+
+"'And having slain the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_, the lord Rama of worldwide
+fame, that conqueror of hostile cities, bestowed Lanka on Vibhishana.
+Then that old and wise counsellor (of Ravana) known by the name of
+Avindhya, with Sita walking before him but behind Vibhishana who was at
+the front, came out of the city. And with great humility Avindhya said
+unto the illustrious descendant of Kakutstha, "O illustrious one, accept
+thou this goddess, Janaka's daughter of excellent conduct!" Hearing
+these words, the descendant of Ikshwaku's race alighted from his
+excellent chariot and beheld Sita bathed in tears. And beholding that
+beautiful lady seated within her vehicle, afflicted with grief,
+besmeared with filth, with matted locks on head, and attired in dirty
+robes, Rama, afraid of the loss of his honour, said unto her, "Daughter
+of Videha, go withersover thou likest! Thou art now free! What should
+have been done by me, hath been done! O blessed lady, owning me for thy
+husband, it is not meet that thou shouldst grow old in the abode of the
+_Rakshasa_! It is for this I have slain that wanderer of the night! But
+how can one like us, acquainted with every truth of morality, embrace
+even for a moment a woman that had fallen into other's hands? O princess
+of Mithila whether thou art chaste or unchaste, I dare not enjoy thee,
+now that thou art like sacrificial butter lapped by a dog!" Hearing
+these cruel words, that adorable girl suddenly fell down in great
+affliction of heart, like a plantain tree severed from its roots. And
+the colour that was suffusing her face in consequence of the joy she had
+felt, quickly disappeared, like watery particles on a mirror blown
+thereon by the breath of the mouth. And hearing these words of Rama, all
+the monkeys also with Lakshmana became still as dead. Then the divine
+and pure-souled Brahma of four faces, that Creator of the Universe
+himself sprung from a lotus, showed himself on his car to Raghu's son.
+And Sakra and Agni and Vayu, and Yama and Varuna and the illustrious
+Lord of the _Yakshas_, and the holy _Rishis_, and king Dasaratha also in
+a celestial and effulgent form and on car drawn by swans, showed
+themselves. And then the firmament crowded with celestials and
+_Gandharvas_ became as beautiful as the autumnal welkin spangled with
+stars. And rising up from the ground, the blessed and famous princess of
+Videha, in the midst of those present spoke unto Rama of wide chest,
+these words, "O prince, I impute no fault to thee, for thou art well
+acquainted with the behaviour that one should adopt towards both men and
+women. But hear thou these words of mine! The ever-moving Air is always
+present within every creature. If I have sinned, let him forsake my
+vital forces! If I have sinned, Oh, then let Fire, and Water, and Space,
+and Earth, like Air (whom I have already invoked), also forsake my vital
+forces! And as, O hero, I have never, even in my dreams, cherished the
+image of any other person, so be thou my lord as appointed by the gods."
+After Sita had spoken, a sacred voice, resounding through the whole of
+that region, was heard in the skies, gladdening the hearts of the
+high-souled monkeys. And the Wind-god was heard to say, "O son of Raghu,
+what Sita hath said is true! I am the god of Wind. The princess of
+Mithila is sinless! Therefore, O king, be united with thy wife!" And the
+god of Fire said, "O son of Raghu, I dwell within the bodies of all
+creatures! O descendant of Kakutstha, the princess of Mithila is not
+guilty of even the minutest fault!" And Varuna then said, "O son of
+Raghu, the humours in every creature's body derive their existence from
+me! I tell thee, let the princess of Mithila be accepted by thee!" And
+Brahma himself then said, "O descendant of Kakutstha, O son, in thee
+that art honest and pure and conversant with the duties of royal sages,
+this conduct is not strange. Listen, however, to these words of mine!
+Thou hast, O hero, slain this enemy of the gods, the _Gandharvas_, the
+_Nagas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Danavas_, and the great _Rishis_! It was
+through my grace that he had hitherto been unslayable of all creatures.
+And indeed, it was for some reason that I had tolerated him for some
+time! The wretch, however, abducted Sita for his own destruction. And as
+regards Sita, I protected her through Nalakuvera's curse. For that
+person had cursed Ravana of old, saying, that if he ever approached an
+unwilling woman, his head should certainly be split into a hundred
+fragments. Let no suspicion, therefore, be thine! O thou of great glory,
+accept thy wife! Thou hast indeed, achieved a mighty feat for the
+benefit of the gods, O thou that art of divine effulgence!" And last of
+all Dasaratha said, "I have been gratified with thee, O child! Blessed
+be thou, I am thy father Dasaratha! I command thee to take back thy
+wife, and rule thy kingdom, O thou foremost of men!" Rama then replied,
+"If thou art my father, I salute thee with reverence, O king of kings! I
+shall indeed, return, at thy command, to the delightful city of
+Ayodhya!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed, his father, O bull of the
+Bharata race, gladly answered Rama, the corners of whose eyes were of a
+reddish hue, saying, "Return to Ayodhya and rule thou that kingdom! O
+thou of great glory, thy fourteen years (of exile) have been completed."
+Thus addressed by Dasaratha, Rama bowed to the gods, and saluted by his
+friends he was united with his wife, like the Lord of the celestials
+with the daughter of Puloman. And that chastiser of foes then gave a
+boon to Avindhya. And he also bestowed both riches and honours on the
+_Rakshasa_ woman named _Trijata_. And when Brahma with all the
+celestials having Indra at their head, said unto Rama, "O thou that
+ownest Kausalya for thy mother, what boons after thy heart shall we
+grant thee?" Rama, thereupon, prayed them to grant him firm adherence to
+virtues and invincibility in respect of all foes. And he also asked for
+the restoration to life of all those monkeys that had been slain by the
+_Rakshasas_, and after Brahma had said--So be it, those monkeys, O king,
+restored to life, rose up from the field of battle, and Sita too, of
+great good fortune, granted unto Hanuman a boon, saying, "Let thy life,
+O son, last as long as (the fame of) Rama's achievements! And, O Hanuman
+of yellow eyes, let celestial viands and drinks be ever available to
+thee through my grace!"'
+
+"'Then the celestials with Indra at their head all disappeared in the
+very sight of those warriors of spotless achievements. And beholding
+Rama united with the daughter of Janaka, the charioteer of Sakra, highly
+pleased, addressed him in the midst of friends, and said these words, "O
+thou of prowess that can never be baffled thou hast dispelled the sorrow
+of the celestials, the _Gandharvas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Asuras_, the
+_Nagas_, and human beings! As long, therefore, as the Earth will hold
+together, so long will all creatures with the celestials, the _Asuras_,
+the _Gandharvas_, the _Yakshas_, the _Rakshasas_, and the _Pannagas_,
+speak of thee." And having said these words unto Rama, Matali worshipped
+that son of Raghu, and having obtained the leave of that foremost of
+wielders of weapons, he went away, on that same chariot of solar
+effulgence. And Rama also, with Sumatra's son and Vibhishana, and
+accompanied by all the monkeys with Sugriva at their head, placing Sita
+in the van and having made arrangements for the protection of Lanka,
+recrossed the ocean by the same bridge. And he rode on that beautiful
+and sky-ranging chariot called the _Pushpaka_ that was capable of going
+everywhere at the will of the rider. And that subduer of passions was
+surrounded by his principal counsellors in order of precedence. And
+arriving at that part of the sea-shore where he had formerly laid
+himself down, the virtuous king, with all the monkeys, pitched his
+temporary abode. And the son of Raghu then, bringing the monkeys before
+him in due time, worshipped them all, and gratifying them with presents
+of jewels and gems, dismissed them one after another. And after all the
+monkey-chiefs, and the apes with bovine tails, and the bears, had gone
+away, Rama re-entered Kishkindhya with Sugriva. And accompanied by both
+Vibhishana and Sugriva, Rama re-entered Kishkindhya riding on the
+_Pushpaka_ car and showing the princess of Videha the woods along the
+way. And having arrived at Kishkindhya, Rama, that foremost of all
+smiters, installed the successful Angada as prince-regent of the
+kingdom. And accompanied by the same friends as also by Sumitra's son,
+Rama proceeded towards his city along the same path by which he had
+come. And having reached the city of Ayodhya, the king despatched
+Hanuman thence as envoy to Bharata. And Hanuman, having ascertained
+Bharata's intentions from external indications, gave him the good news
+(of Rama's arrival). And after the son of Pavana had come back, Rama
+entered _Nandigrama_. And having entered that town, Rama beheld Bharata
+besmeared with filth and attired in rags and seated with his elder
+brother's sandals placed before him. And being united, O bull of Bharata
+race, with both Bharata and Shatrughna, the mighty son of Raghu, along
+with Sumitra's son, began to rejoice exceedingly. And Bharata and
+Shatrughna also, united with their eldest brother, and beholding Sita,
+both derived great pleasure. And Bharata then, after having worshipped
+his returned brother, made over to him with great pleasure, the kingdom
+that had been in his hands as a sacred trust. And Vasishtha and Vamadeva
+then together installed that hero in the sovereignty (of Ayodhya) at the
+eighth Muhurta[64] of the day under the asterism called _Sravana_. And
+after his installation was over, Rama gave leave to well-pleased Sugriva
+the king of the monkeys, along with all his followers, as also to
+rejoicing Vibhishana of Pulastya's race, to return to their respective
+abodes. And having worshipped them with various articles of enjoyment,
+and done everything that was suitable to the occasion, Rama dismissed
+those friends of his with a sorrowful heart. And the son of Raghu then,
+having worshiped that _Pushpaka_ chariot, joyfully gave it back unto
+Vaisravana. And then assisted by the celestial _Rishi_ (Vasishtha), Rama
+performed on the banks of the _Gomati_ ten horse-sacrifices without
+obstruction of any kind and with treble presents unto Brahmanas.'"
+
+    [64] Abhijit is lit. the eighth muhurta of the day, a muhurta
+    being equal to an hour of 48 minutes, i.e. the thirtieth part of
+    a whole day and night. The Vaishnava asterism is as explained by
+    Nilakantha, the Sravava.
+
+
+SECTION CCLXL
+
+"Markandeya said, 'It was thus, O mighty-armed one, that Rama of
+immeasurable energy had suffered of old such excessive calamity in
+consequence of his exile in the woods! O tiger among men, do not grieve,
+for, O chastiser of foes, thou art _Kshatriya_! Thou too treadest in the
+path in which strength of arms is to be put forth,--the path that
+leadeth to tangible rewards. Thou hast not even a particle of sin. Even
+the celestials with Indra at their head, and the _Asuras_ have to tread
+in the path that is trod by thee! It was after such afflictions that the
+wielder of the thunderbolt, aided by the _Maruts_, slew _Vritra_, and
+the invincible _Namuchi_ and the Rakshasi of long tongue! He that hath
+assistance, always secureth the accomplishment of all his purposes! What
+is that which cannot be vanquished in battle by him that hath Dhananjaya
+for his brother? This Bhima, also, of terrible prowess, is the foremost
+of mighty persons. The heroic and youthful sons of Madravati again are
+mighty bowmen. With allies such as these, why dost thou despair, O
+chastiser of foes? These are capable of vanquishing the army of the
+wielder himself of the thunderbolt with the _Maruts_ in the midst.
+Having these mighty bowmen of celestial forms for thy allies, thou, O
+bull of Bharata race, art sure to conquer in battle all thy foes!
+Behold, this Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, forcibly abducted by the
+wicked-minded Saindhava from pride of strength and energy, hath been
+brought back by these mighty warriors after achieving terrible feats!
+Behold, king Jayadratha was vanquished and lay powerless before thee!
+The princess of Videha was rescued with almost no allies by Rama after
+the slaughter in battle of the Ten-necked _Rakshasa_ of terrible
+prowess! Indeed, the allies of Rama (in that contest) were monkeys and
+black-faced bears, creatures that were not even human! Think of all
+this, O king, in thy mind! Therefore, O foremost of Kurus, grieve not
+for all (that hath occurred), O bull of the Bharata race! Illustrious
+persons like thee never indulge in sorrow, O smiter of foes!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "It was thus that the king was comforted by
+Markandeya. And then that high-souled one, casting off his sorrows, once
+more spoke unto Markandeya."
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLI
+
+(_Pativrata-mahatmya Parva_)
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'O mighty sage, I do not so much grieve for myself
+or these my brothers or the loss of my kingdom as I do for this daughter
+of Drupada. When we were afflicted at the game of the dice by those
+wicked-souled ones, it was Krishna that delivered us. And she was
+forcibly carried off from the forest by Jayadratha. Hast thou even seen
+or heard of any chaste and exalted lady that resembleth this daughter of
+Drupada?'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Listen, O king, how the exalted merit of chaste
+ladies, O Yudhishthira, was completely obtained by a princess named
+Savitri. There was a king among the Madras, who was virtuous and highly
+pious. And he always ministered unto the Brahmanas, and was high-souled
+and firm in promise. And he was of subdued senses and given to
+sacrifices. And he was the foremost of givers, and was able, and beloved
+by both the citizens and the rural population. And the name of that lord
+of Earth was Aswapati. And he was intent on the welfare of all beings.
+And that forgiving (monarch) of truthful speech and subdued senses was
+without issue. And when he got old, he was stricken with grief at this.
+And with the object of raising offspring, he observed rigid vows and
+began to live upon frugal fare, having recourse to the Brahmacharya mode
+of life, and restraining his senses. And that best of kings, (daily)
+offering ten thousand oblations to the fire, recited Mantras in honour
+of _Savitri_[65] and ate temperately at the sixth hour. And he passed
+eighteen years, practising such vows. Then when the eighteen years were
+full, _Savitri_ was pleased (with him). And O king, issuing with great
+delight, in embodied form, from the _Agnihotra_ fire, the goddess showed
+herself to that king. And intent on conferring boons, she spoke these
+words unto the monarch, "I have been gratified, O king, with thy
+_Brahmacharya_ practices, thy purity and self-restraint and observance
+of vows, and all thy endeavours and veneration! Do thou, O mighty king,
+O Aswapati, ask for the boon that thou desirest! Thou ought, however, by
+no means show any disregard for virtue." Thereat Aswapati said, "It is
+with the desire of attaining virtue that I have been engaged in this
+task. O goddess, may many sons be born unto me worthy of my race! If
+thou art pleased with me, O goddess, I ask for this boon. The twice-born
+ones have assured me that great merit lieth in having offspring!"
+_Savitri_ replied, "O king, having already learnt this thy intention, I
+had spoken unto that lord, the Grandsire, about thy sons. Through the
+favour granted by the Self-create, there shall speedily be born unto
+thee on earth a daughter of great energy. It behoveth thee not to make
+any reply. Well-pleased, I tell thee this at the command of the
+Grandsire."'
+
+    [65] Also called Gayatri, the wife of Brahma.
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having accepted _Savitri's_ words and saying, "_So be
+it!_" the king again gratified her and said, "May this happen soon!" On
+_Savitri_ vanishing away, the monarch entered his own city. And that
+hero began to live in his kingdom, ruling his subjects righteously. And
+when some time had elapsed, that king, observant of vows, begat
+offspring on his eldest queen engaged in the practice of virtue. And
+then, O bull of the Bharata race, the embryo in the womb of the princess
+of Malava increased like the lord of stars in the heavens during the
+lighted fortnight. And when the time came, she brought forth a daughter
+furnished with lotus-like eyes. And that best of monarchs, joyfully
+performed the usual ceremonies on her behalf. And as she had been
+bestowed with delight by the goddess _Savitri_ by virtue of the
+oblations offered in honour of that goddess, both her father, and the
+Brahmanas named her _Savitri_. And the king's daughter grew like unto
+_Sree_ herself in an embodied form. And in due time, that damsel
+attained her puberty. And beholding that graceful maiden of slender
+waist and ample hips, and resembling a golden image, people thought, "We
+have received a goddess." And overpowered by her energy, none could wed
+that girl of eyes like lotus-leaves, and possessed of a burning
+splendour.
+
+"'And it came to pass that once on the occasion of a _parva_, having
+fasted and bathed her head, she presented herself before the (family)
+deity and caused the Brahmanas to offer oblations with due rites to the
+sacrificial fire. And taking the flowers that had been offered to the
+god, that lady, beautiful as _Sree_ herself, went to her high-souled
+sire. And having reverenced the feet of her father and offering him the
+flowers she had brought, that maiden of exceeding grace, with joined
+hands, stood at the side of the king. And seeing his own daughter
+resembling a celestial damsel arrived at puberty, and unsought by
+people, the king became sad. And the king said, "Daughter, the time for
+bestowing thee is come! Yet none asketh thee. Do thou (therefore)
+thyself seek for a husband equal to thee in qualities! That person who
+may be desired by thee should be notified to me. Do thou choose for thy
+husband as thou listest. I shall bestow thee with deliberation. Do thou,
+O auspicious one, listen to me as I tell thee the words which I heard
+recited by the twice-born ones. The father that doth not bestow his
+daughter cometh by disgrace. And the husband that knoweth not his wife
+in her season meeteth with disgrace. And the son that doth not protect
+his mother when her husband is dead, also suffereth disgrace. Hearing
+these words of mine, do thou engage thyself in search of a husband. Do
+thou act in such a way that we may not be censured by the gods!"'
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having said these words to his daughter and his old
+counsellors, he instructed the attendants to follow her, saying,--_Go!_
+Thereat, bashfully bowing down unto her father's feet, the meek maid
+went out without hesitation, in compliance with the words of her sire.
+And ascending a golden car, she went to the delightful asylum of the
+royal sages, accompanied by her father's aged counsellors. There, O son,
+worshipping the feet of the aged ones, she gradually began to roam over
+all the woods. Thus the king's daughter distributing wealth in all
+sacred regions, ranged the various places belonging to the foremost of
+the twice-born ones.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'On one occasion, O Bharata, when that king, the
+lord of the Madras, was seated with Narada in the midst of his court,
+engaged in conversation, Savitri, accompanied by the king's counsellors,
+came to her father's abode after having visited various sacred regions
+and asylums. And beholding her father seated with Narada, she worshipped
+the feet of both by bending down her head. And Narada then said,
+"Whither had this thy daughter gone? And, O king, whence also doth she
+come? Why also dost thou not bestow her on a husband, now that she hath
+arrived at the age of puberty?" Aswapati answered, saying, "Surely it
+was on this very business that she had been sent, and she returneth now
+(from her search). Do thou, O celestial sage, listen, even from her as
+to the husband she hath chosen herself!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then the blessed maid, commanded by her father
+with the words,--_Relate everything in detail_,--regarded those words of
+her sire as if they were those of a god, and spoke unto him thus, "There
+was, amongst the Salwas, a virtuous Kshatriya king known by the name of
+Dyumatsena. And it came to pass that in course of time he became blind.
+And that blind king possessed of wisdom had an only son. And it so
+happened that an old enemy dwelling in the vicinity, taking advantage of
+the king's mishap, deprived him of his kingdom. And thereupon the
+monarch, accompanied by his wife bearing a child on her breast, went
+into the woods. And having retired into the forests, he adopted great
+vows and began to practise ascetic austerities. And his son, born in the
+city, began to grow in the hermitage. That youth, fit to be my husband,
+I have accepted in my heart for my lord!" At these words of hers, Narada
+said, "Alas, O king, Savitri hath committed a great wrong, since, not
+knowing, she hath accepted for her lord this Satyavan of excellent
+qualities! His father speaketh the truth and his mother also is truthful
+in her speech. And it is for this that the Brahmanas have named the son
+_Satyavan_. In his childhood he took great delight in horses, and used
+to make horses of clay. And he used also to draw pictures of horses. And
+for this that youth is sometimes called by the name of _Chitraswa_." The
+king then asked, "And is prince Satyavan, who is devoted to his father,
+endued with energy and intelligence and forgiveness and courage?" Narada
+replied, saying, "In energy Satyavan is like unto the sun, and in wisdom
+like unto Vrihaspati! And he is brave like unto the lord of the
+celestials and forgiving like unto the Earth herself!" Aswapati then
+said, "And is the prince Satyavan liberal in gifts and devoted to the
+Brahmanas? Is he handsome and magnanimous and lovely to behold?" Narada
+said, "In bestowal of gifts according to his power, the mighty son of
+Dyumatsena is like unto Sankriti's son Rantideva. In truthfulness of
+speech and devotion unto Brahmanas, he is like Sivi, the son of Usinara.
+And he is magnanimous like Yayati, and beautiful like the Moon. And in
+beauty of person he is like either of the twin Aswins. And with senses
+under control, he is meek, and brave, and truthful! And with passion in
+subjection he is devoted to his friends, and free from malice and modest
+and patient. Indeed, briefly speaking, they that are possessed of great
+ascetic merit and are of exalted character say that he is always correct
+in his conduct and that honour is firmly seated on his brow." Hearing
+this, Aswapati said, "O reverend sage, thou tellest me that he is
+possessed of every virtue! Do thou now tell me his defects if, indeed,
+he hath any!" Narada then said, "He hath one only defect that hath
+overwhelmed all his virtues. That defect is incapable of being conquered
+by even the greatest efforts. He hath only one defect, and no other.
+Within a year from this day, Satyavan, endued with a short life will
+cast off his body!" Hearing these words of the sage, the king said,
+"Come, O Savitri, go thou and choose another for thy lord, O beautiful
+damsel! That one great defect (in this youth) existeth, covering all his
+merits. The illustrious Narada honoured by even the gods, sayeth, that
+Satyavan will have to cast off his body within a year, his days being
+numbered!" At these words of her father, Savitri said, "The death can
+fall but once; a daughter can be given away but once; and once only can a
+person say, _I give away_! These three things can take place only once.
+Indeed, with a life short or long, possessed of virtues or bereft of
+them, I have, for once, selected my husband. Twice I shall not select.
+Having first settled a thing mentally, it is expressed in words, and
+then it is carried out into practice. Of this my mind is an example!"
+Narada then said, "O best of men, the heart of thy daughter Savitri
+wavereth not! It is not possible by any means to make her swerve from
+this path of virtue! In no other person are those virtues that dwell in
+Satyavan. The bestowal of thy daughter, therefore, is approved by me!"
+The king said, "What thou hast said, O illustrious one, should never be
+disobeyed, for thy words are true! And I shall act as thou hast said,
+since thou art my preceptor!" Narada said, "May the bestowal of thy
+daughter Savitri be attended with peace! I shall now depart. Blessed be
+all of ye!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, Narada rose up into the sky
+and went to heaven. On the other hand, the king began to make
+preparations for his daughter's wedding!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLIII
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Having pondered over these words (of Narada) about
+his daughter's marriage, the king began to make arrangements about the
+nuptials. And summoning all the old Brahmanas, and _Ritwijas_ together
+with the priests, he set out with his daughter on an auspicious day. And
+arriving at the asylum of Dyumatsena in the sacred forest, the king
+approached the royal sage on foot, accompanied by the twice-born ones.
+And there he beheld the blind monarch of great wisdom seated on a
+cushion of _Kusa_ grass spread under _Sala_ tree. And after duly
+reverencing the royal sage, the king in an humble speech introduced
+himself. Thereupon, offering him the _Arghya_, a seat, and a cow, the
+monarch asked his royal guest,--_Wherefore is this visit?_--Thus
+addressed the king disclosed everything about his intentions and purpose
+with reference to Satyavan. And Aswapati said, "O royal sage, this
+beautiful girl is my daughter named Savitri. O thou versed in morality,
+do thou, agreeably to the customs of our order, take her from me as thy
+daughter-in-law!" Hearing these words, Dyumatsena said, "Deprived of
+kingdom, and taking up our abode in the woods, we are engaged in the
+practice of virtue as ascetics with regulated lives. Unworthy of a
+forest life, how will thy daughter, living in the sylvan asylum, bear
+this hardship?" Aswapati said, "When my daughter knoweth, as well as
+myself, that happiness and misery come and go (without either being
+stationary), such words as these are not fit to be used towards one like
+me! O king, I have come hither, having made up my mind! I have bowed to
+thee from friendship; it behoveth thee not, therefore, to destroy my
+hope! It behoveth thee not, also, to disregard me who, moved by love,
+have come to thee! Thou art my equal and fit for an alliance with me, as
+indeed, I am thy equal and fit for alliance with thee! Do thou,
+therefore, accept my daughter for thy daughter-in-law and the wife of
+the good Satyavan!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Formerly I had
+desired an alliance with thee. But I hesitated, being subsequently
+deprived of my kingdom. Let this wish, therefore, that I had formerly
+entertained, be accomplished this very day. Thou art, indeed, a welcome
+guest to me!"
+
+"'Then summoning all the twice-born ones residing in the hermitages of
+that forest, the two kings caused the union to take place with due
+rites. And having bestowed his daughter with suitable robes and
+ornaments, Aswapati went back to his abode in great joy. And Satyavan,
+having obtained a wife possessed of every accomplishment, became highly
+glad, while she also rejoiced exceedingly upon having gained the husband
+after her own heart. And when her father had departed, she put off all
+her ornaments, and clad herself in barks and cloths dyed in red. And by
+her services and virtues, her tenderness and self-denial, and by her
+agreeable offices unto all, she pleased everybody. And she gratified her
+mother-in-law by attending to her person and by covering her with robes
+and ornaments. And she gratified her father-in-law by worshipping him as
+a god and controlling her speech. And she pleased her husband by her
+honeyed speeches, her skill in every kind of work, the evenness of her
+temper, and by the indications of her love in private. And thus, O
+Bharata, living in the asylum of those pious dwellers of the forest,
+they continued for some time to practise ascetic austerities. But the
+words spoken by Narada were present night and day in the mind of the
+sorrowful Savitri.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLIV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'At length, O king, after a long time had passed away,
+the hour that had been appointed for the death of Satyavan arrived. And
+as the words that had been spoken by Narada were ever present in the
+mind of Savitri, she had counted the days as they passed. And having
+ascertained that her husband would die on the fourth day following, the
+damsel fasted day and night, observing the _Triratra_ vow. And hearing
+of her vow, the king became exceedingly sorrowful and rising up soothed
+Savitri and said these words, "This vow that thou hast begun to observe,
+O daughter of a king, is exceedingly hard; for it is extremely difficult
+to fast for three nights together!" And hearing these words, Savitri
+said, "Thou needst not be sorry, O father! This vow I shall be able to
+observe! I have for certain undertaken this task with perseverance; and
+perseverance is the cause of the successful observance of vows." And
+having listened to her, Dyumatsena said, "I can by no means say unto
+thee, _Do thou break thy vow_. One like me should, on the contrary,
+say,--_Do thou complete thy vow!_" And having said this to her, the
+high-minded Dyumatsena stopped. And Savitri continuing to fast began to
+look (lean) like a wooden doll. And, O bull of the Bharata race,
+thinking that her husband would die on the morrow, the woe-stricken
+Savitri, observing a fast, spent that night in extreme anguish. And when
+the Sun had risen about a couple of hand Savitri thinking within
+herself--_To-day is that day_, finished her morning rites, and offered
+oblations to the flaming fire. And bowing down unto the aged Brahmanas,
+and her father-in-law, and mother-in-law, she stood before them with
+joined hands, concentrating her senses. And for the welfare of Savitri,
+all the ascetics dwelling in that hermitage, uttered the auspicious
+benediction that she should never suffer widowhood. And Savitri immersed
+in contemplation accepted those words of the ascetics, mentally
+saying,--_So be it!_--And the king's daughter, reflecting on those words
+of Narada, remained, expecting the hour and the moment.
+
+"'Then, O best of the Bharatas, well-pleased, her father-in-law and
+mother-in-law said these words unto the princess seated in a corner,
+"Thou hast completed the vow as prescribed. The time for thy meal hath
+now arrived; therefore, do thou what is proper!" Thereat Savitri said,
+"Now that I have completed the purposed vow, I will eat when the Sun
+goes down. Even this is my heart's resolve and this my vow!"
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'And when Savitri had spoken thus about her meal,
+Satyavan, taking his axe upon his shoulders, set out for the woods. And
+at this, Savitri said unto her husband, "It behoveth thee not to go
+alone! I will accompany thee. I cannot bear to be separated from thee!"
+Hearing these words of hers, Satyavan said, "Thou hast never before
+repaired to the forest. And, O lady, the forest-paths are hard to pass!
+Besides thou hast been reduced by fast on account of thy vow. How
+wouldst thou, therefore, be able to walk on foot?" Thus addressed,
+Savitri said, "I do not feel langour because of the fast, nor do I feel
+exhaustion. And I have made up my mind to go. It behoveth thee not,
+therefore, to prevent me!" At this, Satyavan said, "If thou desirest to
+go, I will gratify that desire of thine. Do thou, however, take the
+permission of my parents, so that I may be guilty of no fault!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her lord, Savitri of high vows
+saluted her father-in-law and mother-in-law and addressed them, saying,
+"This my husband goeth to the forest for procuring fruits. Permitted by
+my revered lady-mother and father-in-law, I will accompany him. For
+to-day I cannot bear to be separated from him. Thy son goeth out for the
+sake of the sacrificial fire and for his reverend superiors. He ought
+not, therefore, to be dissuaded. Indeed, he could be dissuaded if he
+went into the forest on any other errand. Do ye not prevent me! I will
+go into the forest with him. It is a little less than a year that I have
+not gone out of the asylum. Indeed, I am extremely desirous of beholding
+the blossoming woods!" Hearing these words Dyumatsena said, "Since
+Savitri hath been bestowed by her father as my daughter-in-law, I do not
+remember that she hath ever spoken any words couching a request. Let my
+daughter-in-law, therefore, have her will in this matter. Do thou,
+however, O daughter, act in such a way that Satyavan's work may not be
+neglected!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having received the permission of both, the
+illustrious Savitri, departed with her lord, in seeming smiles although
+her heart was racked with grief. And that lady of large eyes went on,
+beholding picturesque and delightful woods inhabited by swarms of
+peacocks. And Satyavan sweetly said unto Savitri, "Behold these rivers
+of sacred currents and these excellent trees decked with flowers!" But
+the faultless Savitri continued to watch her lord in all his moods, and
+recollecting the words of the celestial sage, she considered her husband
+as already dead. And with heart cleft in twain, that damsel, replying to
+her lord, softly followed him expecting that hour.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLV
+
+"Markandeya said, 'The powerful Satyavan then, accompanied by his wife,
+plucked fruits and filled his wallet with them. And he then began to
+fell branches of trees. And as he was hewing them, he began to perspire.
+And in consequence of that exercise his head began to ache. And
+afflicted with toil, he approached his beloved wife, and addressed her,
+saying, "O Savitri, owing to this hard exercise my head acheth, and all
+my limbs and my heart also are afflicted sorely! O thou of restrained
+speech, I think myself unwell, I feel as if my head is being pierced
+with numerous darts. Therefore, O auspicious lady, I wish to sleep, for
+I have not the power to stand." Hearing these words, Savitri quickly
+advancing, approached her husband, and sat down upon the ground, placing
+his head upon her lap. And that helpless lady, thinking of Narada's
+words, began to calculate the (appointed) division of the day, the hour,
+and the moment. The next moment she saw a person clad in red attire with
+his head decked with a diadem. And his body was of large proportions and
+effulgent as the Sun. And he was of a darkish hue, had red eyes, carried
+a noose in his hand, and was dreadful to behold. And he was standing
+beside Satyavan and was steadfastly gazing at him. And seeing him,
+Savitri gently placed her husband's head on the ground, and rising
+suddenly, with a trembling heart, spake these words in distressful
+accents, "Seeing this thy superhuman form, I take thee to be a deity. If
+thou will tell me, O chief of the gods, who thou art and what also thou
+intendst to do!" Thereat, Yama replied, "O Savitri, thou art ever
+devoted to thy husband, and thou art also endued with ascetic merit. It
+is for this reason that I hold converse with thee. Do thou, O auspicious
+one, know me for Yama. This thy lord Satyavan, the son of a king, hath
+his days run out. I shall, therefore, take him away binding him in this
+noose. Know this to be my errand!" At these words Savitri said, "I had
+heard that thy emissaries come to take away mortals, O worshipful one!
+Why then, O lord, hast thou come in person?"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus addressed by her, the illustrious lord of
+_Pitris_, with a view to oblige her, began to unfold to her truly all
+about his intentions. And Yama said, "This prince is endued with virtues
+and beauty of person, and is a sea of accomplishments. He deserveth not
+to be borne away by my emissaries. Therefore is it that I have come
+personally." Saying this, Yama by main force pulled out of the body of
+Satyavan, a person of the measure of the thumb, bound in noose and
+completely under subjection. And when Satyavan's life had thus been
+taken out, the body, deprived of breath, and shorn of lustre, and
+destitute of motion, became unsightly to behold. And binding Satyavan's
+vital essence, Yama proceeded in a southerly direction. Thereupon, with
+heart overwhelmed in grief, the exalted Savitri, ever devoted to her
+lord and crowned with success in respect of her vows, began to follow
+Yama. And at this, Yama said, "Desist, O Savitri! Go back, and perform
+the funeral obsequies of thy lord! Thou art freed from all thy
+obligations to thy lord. Thou hast come as far as it is possible to
+come." Savitri replied, "Whither my husband is being carried, or whither
+he goeth of his own accord, I will follow him thither. This is the
+eternal custom. By virtue of my asceticism, of my regard for my
+superiors, of my affection for my lord, of my observance of vows, as
+well as of thy favour, my course is unimpeded. It hath been declared by
+wise men endued with true knowledge that by walking only seven paces
+with another, one contracteth a friendship with one's companion. Keeping
+that friendship (which I have contracted with thee) in view, I shall
+speak to thee something. Do thou listen to it. They that have not their
+souls under control, acquire not merit by leading the four successive
+modes of life, viz.,--celibacy with study, domesticity, retirement into
+the woods, and renunciation of the world. That which is called religious
+merit is said to consist of true knowledge. The wise, therefore, have
+declared religious merit to be the foremost of all things and not the
+passage through the four successive modes. By practising the duties of
+even one of these four modes agreeable to the directions of the wise, we
+have attained to true merit, and, therefore, we do not desire the second
+or the third mode, viz., celibacy with study or renunciation. It is for
+this again that the wise have declared religious merit to be the
+foremost of all things!" Hearing these words of hers, Yama said, "Do
+thou desist! I have been pleased with these words of thine couched in
+proper letters and accents, and based on reason. Do thou ask for a boon!
+Except the life of thy husband, O thou of faultless features, I will
+bestow on thee any boon that thou mayst solicit!" Hearing these words,
+Savitri said, "Deprived of his kingdom and bereft also of sight, my
+father-in-law leadeth a life of retirement in our sylvan asylum. Let
+that king through thy favour attain his eye-sight, and become strong
+like either fire or the Sun!" Yama said, "O thou of faultless features,
+I grant thee this boon! It will even be as thou hast said! It seems that
+thou art fatigued with thy journey. Do thou desist, therefore, and
+return! Suffer not thyself to be weary any longer!" Savitri said, "What
+weariness can I feel in the presence of my husband? The lot that is my
+husband's is certainly mine also. Whither thou carriest my husband,
+thither will I also repair! O chief of the celestials, do thou again
+listen to me! Even a single interview with the pious is highly
+desirable; friendship with them is still more so. And intercourse with
+the virtuous can never be fruitless. Therefore, one should live in the
+company of the righteous!" Yama said, "These words that thou hast
+spoken, so fraught with useful instruction, delight the heart and
+enhance the wisdom of even the learned. Therefore, O lady, solicit thou
+a second boon, except the life of Satyavan!" Savitri said, "Sometime
+before, my wise and intelligent father-in-law was deprived of his
+kingdom. May that monarch regain his kingdom. And may that superior of
+mine never renounce his duties! Even this is the second boon that I
+solicit!" Then Yama said,--"The king shall soon regain his kingdom. Nor
+shall he ever fall off from his duties. Thus, O daughter of a king have
+I fulfilled thy desire. Do thou now desist! Return! Do not take any
+future trouble!" Savitri said, "Thou hast restrained all creatures by
+thy decrees, and it is by thy decrees that thou takest them away, not
+according to thy will. Therefore it is, O god, O divine one, that people
+call thee _Yama_! Do thou listen to the words that I say! The eternal
+duty of the good towards all creatures is never to injure them in
+thought, word, and deed, but to bear them love and give them their due.
+As regards this world, everything here is like this (husband of mine).
+Men are destitute of both devotion and skill. The good, however, show
+mercy to even their foes when these seek their protection." Yama said,
+"As water to the thirsty soul, so are these words uttered by thee to me!
+Therefore, do thou, O fair lady, if thou will, once again ask for any
+boon except Satyavana's life!" At these words Savitri replied, "That
+lord of earth, my father, is without sons. That he may have a hundred
+sons begotten of his loins, so that his line may be perpetuated, is the
+third boon I would ask of thee!" Yama said, "Thy sire, O auspicious
+lady, shall obtain a hundred illustrious sons, who will perpetuate and
+increase their father's race! Now, O daughter of a king, thou hast
+obtained thy wish. Do thou desist! Thou hast come far enough." Savitri
+said, "Staying by the side of my husband, I am not conscious of the
+length of the way I have walked. Indeed, my mind rusheth to yet a longer
+way off. Do thou again, as thou goest on, listen to the words that I
+will presently utter! Thou art the powerful son of Vivaswat. It is for
+this that thou art called _Vatvaswata_ by the wise. And, O lord, since
+thou dealest out equal law unto all created things, thou hast been
+designated the _lord of justice_! One reposeth not, even in one's own
+self, the confidence that one doth in the righteous. Therefore, every
+one wisheth particularly for intimacy with the righteous. It is goodness
+of heart alone that inspireth the confidence of all creatures. And it is
+for this that people rely particularly on the righteous." And hearing
+these words, Yama said, "The words that thou utterest, O fair lady, I
+have not heard from any one save thee; I am highly pleased with this
+speech of thine. Except the life of Satyavan, solicit thou, therefore, a
+fourth boon, and then go thy way!" Savitri then said, "Both of me and
+Satyavan's loins, begotten by both of us, let there be a century of sons
+possessed of strength and prowess and capable of perpetuating our race!
+Even this is the fourth boon that I would beg of thee!" Hearing these
+words of hers, Yama replied, "Thou shalt, O lady, obtain a century of
+sons, possessed of strength and prowess, and causing thee great delight.
+O daughter of a king, let no more weariness be thine! Do thou desist!
+Thou hast already come too far!" Thus addressed, Savitri said, "They
+that are righteous always practise eternal morality! And the communion
+of the pious with the pious is never fruitless! Nor is there any danger
+to the pious from those that are pious. And verily it is the righteous
+who by their truth make the Sun move in the heaven. And it is the
+righteous that support the earth by their austerities! And, O king, it
+is the righteous upon whom both the past and the future depend!
+Therefore, they that are righteous, are never cheerless in the company
+of the righteous. Knowing this to be the eternal practice of the good
+and righteous, they that are righteous continue to do good to others
+without expecting any benefit in return. A good office is never thrown
+away on the good and virtuous. Neither interest nor dignity suffereth
+any injury by such an act. And since such conduct ever adheres to the
+righteous, the righteous often become the protectors of all." Hearing
+these words of hers, Yama replied, "The more thou utterest such speeches
+that are pregnant with great import, full of honeyed phrases, instinct
+with morality, and agreeable to mind, the more is the respect that I
+feel for thee! O thou that art so devoted to thy lord, ask for some
+incomparable boon!" Thus addressed, Savitri said, "O bestower of
+honours, the boon thou hast already given me is incapable of
+accomplishment without union with my husband. Therefore, among other
+boons, I ask for this, may this Satyavan be restored to life! Deprived
+of my husband, I am as one dead! Without my husband, I do not wish for
+happiness. Without my husband, I do not wish for heaven itself. Without
+my husband, I do not wish for prosperity. Without my husband, I cannot
+make up my mind to live! Thou thyself hast bestowed on me the boon,
+namely, of a century of sons; yet thou takest away my husband! I ask for
+this boon, 'May Satyavan be restored to life,' for by that thy words
+will be made true."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thereupon saying,--_So be it_,--Vivaswat's son,
+Yama, the dispenser of justice, untied his noose, and with cheerful
+heart said these words to Savitri, "Thus, O auspicious and chaste lady,
+is thy husband freed by me! Thou wilt be able to take him back free from
+disease. And he will attain to success! And along with thee, he will
+attain a life of four hundred years. And celebrating sacrifices with due
+rites, he will achieve great fame in this world. And upon thee Satyavan
+will also beget a century of sons. And these Kshatriyas with their sons
+and grandsons will all be kings, and will always be famous in connection
+with thy name. And thy father also will beget a hundred sons on thy
+mother Malavi. And under the name of the _Malavas_, thy Kshatriya
+brothers, resembling the celestials, will be widely known along with
+their sons and daughters!" And having bestowed these boons on Savitri
+and having thus made her desist, Yama departed for his abode. Savitri,
+after Yama had gone away, went back to the spot where her husband's
+ash-coloured corpse lay, and seeing her lord on the ground, she
+approached him, and taking hold of him, she placed his head on her lap
+and herself sat down on the ground. Then Satyavan regained his
+consciousness, and affectionately eyeing Savitri again and again, like
+one come home after a sojourn in a strange land, he addressed her thus,
+"Alas, I have slept long! Wherefore didst thou not awake me? And where
+is that same sable person that was dragging me away?" At these words of
+his, Savitri said, "Thou hast, O bull among men, slept long on my lap!
+That restrainer of creatures, the worshipful Yama, had gone away. Thou
+art refreshed, O blessed one, and sleep hath forsaken thee, O son of a
+king! If thou art able, rise thou up! Behold, the night is deep!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having regained consciousness, Satyavan rose up
+like one who had enjoyed a sweet sleep, and seeing every side covered
+with woods, said, "O girl of slender waist, I came with thee for
+procuring fruits. Then while I was cutting wood I felt a pain in my
+head. And on account of that intense pain about my head I was unable to
+stand for any length of time, and, therefore, I lay on thy lap and
+slept. All this, O auspicious lady, I remember. Then, as thou didst
+embrace me, sleep stole away my senses. I then saw that it was dark all
+around. In the midst of it I saw a person of exceeding effulgence. If
+thou knowest everything, do thou then, O girl of slender waist, tell me
+whether what I saw was only a dream or a reality!" Thereupon, Savitri
+addressed him, saying, "The night deepens. I shall, O prince, relate
+everything unto thee on the morrow. Arise, arise, may good betide thee!
+And, O thou of excellent vows, come and behold thy parents! The sun hath
+set a long while ago and the night deepens. Those rangers of the night,
+having frightful voices, are walking about in glee. And sounds are
+heard, proceeding from the denizens of the forest treading through the
+woods. These terrible shrieks of jackals that are issuing from the south
+and the east make my heart tremble (in fear)!" Satyavan then said,
+"Covered with deep darkness, the wilderness hath worn a dreadful aspect.
+Thou wilt, therefore, not be able to discern the tract, and consequently
+wilt not be able to go!" Then Savitri replied, "In consequence of a
+conflagration having taken place in the forest today a withered tree
+standeth aflame, and the flames being stirred by the wind are discerned
+now and then. I shall fetch some fire and light these faggots around. Do
+thou dispel all anxiety. I will do all (this) if thou darest not go, for
+I find thee unwell. Nor wilt thou be able to discover the way through
+this forest enveloped in darkness. Tomorrow when the woods become
+visible, we will go hence, if thou please! If, O sinless one, it is thy
+wish, we shall pass this night even here!" At these words of hers,
+Satyavan replied, "The pain in my head is off; and I feel well in my
+limbs. With thy favour I wish to behold my father and mother. Never
+before did I return to the hermitage after the proper time had passed
+away. Even before it is twilight my mother confineth me within the
+asylum. Even when I come out during the day, my parents become anxious
+on my account, and my father searcheth for me, together with all the
+inhabitants of the sylvan asylums. Before this, moved by deep grief, my
+father and mother had rebuked me many times and often, saying,--_Thou
+comest having tarried long_! I am thinking of the pass they have today
+come to on my account, for, surely, great grief will be theirs when they
+miss me. One night before this, the old couple, who love me dearly, wept
+from deep sorrow and said into me, 'Deprived of thee, O son, we cannot
+live for even a moment. As long as thou livest, so long, surely, we also
+will live. Thou art the crutch of these blind ones; on thee doth
+perpetuity of our race depend. On thee also depend our funeral cake, our
+fame and our descendants!' My mother is old, and my father also is so. I
+am surely their crutch. If they see me not in the night, what, oh, will
+be their plight! I hate that slumber of mine for the sake of which my
+unoffending mother and my father have both been in trouble, and I myself
+also, am placed in such rending distress! Without my father and mother,
+I cannot bear to live. It is certain that by this time my blind father,
+his mind disconsolate with grief, is asking everyone of the inhabitants
+of the hermitage about me! I do not, O fair girl, grieve so much for
+myself as I do for my sire, and for my weak mother ever obedient to her
+lord! Surely, they will be afflicted with extreme anguish on account of
+me. I hold my life so long as they live. And I know that they should be
+maintained by me and that I should do only what is agreeable to them!"'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Having said this, that virtuous youth who loved
+and revered his parents, afflicted with grief held up his arms and began
+to lament in accents of woe. And seeing her lord overwhelmed with sorrow
+the virtuous Savitri wiped away the tears from his eyes and said, "If I
+have observed austerities, and have given away in charity, and have
+performed sacrifice, may this night be for the good of my father-in-law,
+mother-in-law and husband! I do not remember having told a single
+falsehood, even in jest. Let my father-in-law and mother-in-law hold
+their lives by virtue of the truth!" Satyavan said, "I long for the
+sight of my father and mother! Therefore, O Savitri, proceed without
+delay. O beautiful damsel, I swear by my own self that if I find any
+evil to have befallen my father and mother, I will not live. If thou
+hast any regard for virtue, if thou wishest me to live, if it is thy
+duty to do what is agreeable to me, proceed thou to the hermitage!" The
+beautiful Savitri then rose and tying up her hair, raised her husband in
+her arms. And Satyavan having risen, rubbed his limbs with his hands.
+And as he surveyed all around, his eyes fell upon his wallet. Then
+Savitri said unto him, "Tomorrow thou mayst gather fruits. And I shall
+carry thy axe for thy ease." Then hanging up the wallet upon the bough
+of a tree, and taking up the axe, she re-approached her husband. And
+that lady of beautiful thighs, placing her husband's left arm upon her
+left shoulder, and embracing him with her right arms, proceeded with
+elephantic gait. Then Satyavan said, "O timid one, by virtue of habit,
+the (forest) paths are known to me. And further, by the light of the
+moon between the trees, I can see them. We have now reached the same
+path that we took in the morning for gathering fruits. Do thou, O
+auspicious one, proceed by the way that we had come: thou needst not any
+longer feel dubious about our path. Near that tract overgrown with
+_Palasa_ tree, the way diverges into two. Do thou proceed along the path
+that lies to the north of it. I am now well and have got back my
+strength. I long to see my father and mother!" Saying this Satyavan
+hastily proceeded towards the hermitage.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLVI
+
+"Markandeya said, 'Meanwhile the mighty Dyumatsena, having regained his
+sight, could see everything. And when his vision grew clear he saw
+everything around him. And, O bull of the Bharata race, proceeding with
+his wife Saivya to all the (neighbouring) asylums in search of his son,
+he became extremely distressed on his account. And that night the old
+couple went about searching in asylums, and rivers, and woods, and
+floods. And whenever they heard any sound, they stood rising their
+heads, anxiously thinking that their son was coming, and said, "O yonder
+cometh Satyavan with Savitri!" And they rushed hither and thither like
+maniacs, their feet torn, cracked, wounded, and bleeding, pierced with
+thorns and _Kusa_ blades. Then all the Brahmanas dwelling in that
+hermitage came unto them, and surrounding them on all sides, comforted
+them, and brought them back to their own asylum. And there Dyumatsena
+with his wife surrounded by aged ascetics, was entertained with stories
+of monarchs of former times. And although that old couple desirous of
+seeing their son, was comforted, yet recollecting the youthful days of
+their son, they became exceedingly sorry. And afflicted with grief, they
+began to lament in piteous accents, saying, "Alas, O son, alas, O chaste
+daughter-in-law, where are you?" Then a truthful Brahmana of the name of
+Suvarchas spake unto them, saying, "Considering the austerities,
+self-restraint, and behaviour of his wife Savitri, there can be no doubt
+that Satyavan liveth!" And Gautama said, "I have studied all the _Vedas_
+with their branches, and I have acquired great ascetic merit. And I have
+led a celibate existence, practising also the _Brahmacharya_ mode of
+life. I have gratified Agni and my superiors. With rapt soul I have also
+observed all the vows: and I have according to the ordinance, frequently
+lived upon air alone. By virtue of this ascetic merit, I am cognisant of
+all the doings of others. Therefore, do thou take it for certain that
+Satyavan liveth." Thereupon his disciple said, "The words that have
+fallen from the lips of my preceptor can never be false. Therefore,
+Satyavan surely liveth." And the _Rishi_ said, "Considering the
+auspicious marks that his wife Savitri beareth and all of which indicate
+immunity from widowhood, there can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth!"
+And Varadwaja said, "Having regard to the ascetic merit, self-restraint,
+and conduct of his wife Savitri, there can be no doubt that Satyavan
+liveth." And Dalbhya said, "Since thou hast regained thy sight, and
+since Savitri hath gone away after completion of the vow, without taking
+any food, there can be no doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Apastamba
+said, "From the manner in which the voices of birds and wild animals are
+being heard through the stillness of the atmosphere on all sides, and
+from the fact also of thy having regained the use of thy eyes,
+indicating thy usefulness for earthly purposes once more, there can be
+no doubt that Satyavan liveth." And Dhaumya said, "As thy son is graced
+with every virtue, and as he is the beloved of all, and as he is
+possessed of marks betokening a long life, there can be no doubt that
+Satyavan liveth."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Thus cheered by those ascetics of truthful
+speech, Dyumatsena pondering over those points, attained a little ease.
+A little while after, Savitri with her husband Satyavan reached the
+hermitage during the night and entered it with a glad heart. The
+Brahmanas then said, "Beholding this meeting with thy son, and thy
+restoration to eye-sight, we all wish thee well, O lord of earth. Thy
+meeting with thy son, the sight of thy daughter-in-law, and thy
+restoration to sight--constitute a threefold prosperity which thou hast
+gained. What we all have said must come to pass: there can be no doubt
+of this. Henceforth thou shalt rapidly grow in prosperity." Then, O
+Pritha's son, the twice-born ones lighted a fire and sat themselves down
+before king Dyumatsena. And Saivya, and Satyavan, and Savitri who stood
+apart, their hearts free from grief, sat down with the permission of
+them all. Then, O Partha, seated with the monarch those dwellers of the
+woods, actuated by curiosity, asked the king's son, saying, "Why didst
+thou not, O illustrious one, come back earlier with thy wife? Why hast
+thou come so late in the night? What obstacle prevented thee! We do not
+know, O son of a king, why thou hast caused such alarm to us, and to thy
+father and mother. It behoveth thee to tell us all about this."
+Thereupon, Satyavan said, "With the permission of my father, I went to
+the woods with Savitri. There, as I was hewing wood in the forest, I
+felt a pain in my head. And in consequence of the pain, I fell into a
+deep sleep.--This is all that I remember. I had never slept so long
+before I have come so late at night, in order that ye might not grieve
+(on my account). There is no other reason for this." Gautama then said,
+"Thou knowest not then the cause of thy father's sudden restoration to
+sight. It, therefore, behoveth Savitri to relate it. I wish to hear it
+(from thee), for surely thou art conversant with the mysteries of good
+and evil. And, O Savitri, I know thee to be like the goddess _Savitri_
+herself in splendour. Thou must know the cause of this. Therefore, do
+thou relate it truly! If it should not be kept a secret, do thou unfold
+it unto us!" At these words of Gautama Savitri said, "It is as ye
+surmise. Your desire shall surely not be unfulfilled. I have no secret
+to keep. Listen to the truth then! The high-souled Narada had predicted
+the death of my husband. To-day was the appointed time. I could not,
+therefore, bear to be separated from my husband's company. And after he
+had fallen asleep, Yama, accompanied by his messengers, presented
+himself before him, and tying him, began to take him away towards the
+region inhabited by the _Pitris_. Thereupon I began to praise that
+august god, with truthful words. And he granted me five boons, of which
+do ye hear from me! For my father-in-law I have obtained these two
+boons, viz., his restoration to sight as also to his kingdom. My father
+also hath obtained a hundred sons. And I myself have obtained a hundred
+sons. And my husband Satyavan hath obtained a life of four hundred
+years. It was for the sake of my husband's life that I had observed that
+vow. Thus have I narrated unto you in detail the cause by which this
+mighty misfortune of mine was afterwards turned into happiness." The
+_Rishis_ said, "O chaste lady of excellent disposition, observant of
+vows and endued with virtue, and sprung from an illustrious line, by
+thee hath the race of this foremost of kings, which was overwhelmed with
+calamities, and was sinking in an ocean of darkness, been rescued."'
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'Then having applauded and reverenced that best
+of women, those _Rishis_ there assembled bade farewell to that foremost
+of kings as well as to his son. And having saluted them thus, they
+speedily went, in peace with cheerful hearts, to their respective
+abodes.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLVII
+
+"Markandeya continued, 'When the night had passed away, and the solar
+orb had risen, those ascetics, having performed their morning rites,
+assembled together. And although those mighty sages again and again
+spake unto Dyumatsena of the high fortune of Savitri, yet they were
+never satisfied. And it so happened, O king, that there came to that
+hermitage a large body of people from Salwa. And they brought tidings of
+the enemy of Dyumatsena having been slain by his own minister. And they
+related unto him all that had happened, viz., how having heard that the
+usurper had been slain with all his friends and allies by his minister,
+his troops had all fled, and how all the subjects had become unanimous
+(on behalf of their legitimate king), saying, "Whether possessed of
+sight or not, even he shall be our king!" And they said, "We have been
+sent to thee in consequence of that resolve. This car of thine, and this
+army also consisting of four kinds of forces, have arrived for thee!
+Good betide thee, O King! Do thou come! Thou hast been proclaimed in the
+city. Do thou for ever occupy the station belonging to thy father and
+grand-father!" And beholding the king possessed of sight and
+able-bodied, they bowed down their heads, their eyes expanded with
+wonder. Then having worshipped those old and Brahmanas dwelling in the
+hermitage and honoured by them in return, the king set out for his city.
+And surrounded by the soldiers, Saivya also accompanied by Savitri, went
+in a vehicle furnished with shining sheets and borne on the shoulders of
+men. Then the priests with joyful hearts installed Dyumatsena on the
+throne with his high-souled son as prince-regent. And after the lapse of
+a long time, Savitri gave birth to a century of sons, all warlike and
+unretreating from battle, and enhancing the fame of Salwa's race. And
+she also had a century of highly powerful uterine brothers born unto
+Aswapati, the lord of the Madras, by Malavi. Thus, O son of Pritha, did
+Savitri raise from pitiable plight to high fortune, herself, and her
+father and mother, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, as also the race
+of her husband. And like that gentle lady Savitri, the auspicious
+daughter of Drupada, endued with excellent character, will rescue you
+all.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Thus exhorted by that high-souled sage, the son of
+Pandu, O king, with his mind free from anxiety, continued to live in the
+forest of Kamyaka. The man that listeneth with reverence to the
+excellent story of Savitri, attaineth to happiness, and success in
+everything, and never meeteth with misery!"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLVIII
+
+Janamejaya said,--"What, O Brahmana, was that great fear entertained by
+Yudhishthira in respect of Karna, for which Lomasa had conveyed to the
+son of Pandu a message of deep import from Indra in these words, _That
+intense fear of thine which thou dost never express to any one, I will
+remove after Dhananjaya goeth from hence?_ And, O best of ascetics, why
+was it that the virtuous Yudhishthira never expressed it to any one?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "As thou askest me, O tiger among kings, I will
+relate that history unto thee! Do thou listen to my words, O best of the
+Bharatas! After twelve years (of their exile) had passed away and the
+thirteenth year had set in, Sakra, ever friendly to the sons of Pandu,
+resolved to beg of Karna (his ear-rings). And, O mighty monarch,
+ascertaining this intention of the great chief of the celestials about
+(Karna's) ear-rings, Surya, having effulgence for his wealth, went unto
+Karna. And, O foremost of kings, while that hero devoted to the
+Brahmanas and truthful in speech was lying down at night at his ease on
+a rich bed overlaid with a costly sheet, the effulgent deity, filled
+with kindness and affection for his son, showed himself, O Bharata, unto
+him in his dreams. And assuming from ascetic power the form of a
+handsome Brahmana versed in the _Vedas_, Surya sweetly said unto Karna
+these words for his benefit, 'O son, do thou O Karna, listen to these
+words of mine, O thou foremost of truthful persons! O mighty-armed one,
+I tell thee to-day from affection, what is for thy great good! With the
+object, O Karna, of obtaining thy ear-rings, Sakra, moved by the desire
+of benefiting the sons of Pandu, will come unto thee, disguised as a
+Brahmana! He, as well as all the world, knoweth thy character, viz.,
+that when solicited by pious people, thou givest away but never takest
+in gift! Thou, O son, givest unto Brahmanas wealth or any other thing
+that is asked of thee and never refusest anything to anybody. Knowing
+thee to be such, the subduer himself of Paka will come to beg of thee
+thy ear-rings and coat of mail. When he beggeth the ear-rings of thee,
+it behoveth thee not to give them away, but to gratify him with sweet
+speeches to the best of thy power. Even this, is for thy supreme good!
+While asking thee for the ear-rings, thou shalt, with various reasons,
+repeatedly refuse Purandara who is desirous of obtaining them, offering
+him, instead, various other kinds of wealth, such as gems and women and
+kine, and citing various precedents. If thou, O Karna, givest away thy
+beautiful ear-rings born with thee, thy life being shortened, thou wilt
+meet with death! Arrayed in thy mail and ear-rings, thou wilt, O
+bestower of honours, be incapable of being slain by foes in battle! Do
+thou lay to heart these words of mine! Both these jewelled ornaments
+have sprung from _Amrita_. Therefore, they should be preserved by thee,
+if thy life is at all dear to thee.'
+
+"Hearing these words, Karna said, 'Who art thou that tellest me so,
+showing me such kindness? If it pleaseth thee, tell me, O illustrious
+one, who thou art in the guise of a Brahmana!'--The Brahmana thereupon
+said, 'O son, I am he of a thousand rays! Out of affection, I point out
+to thee the path! Act thou according to my words, as it is for thy great
+good to do so!' Karna replied, 'Surely, this itself is highly fortunate
+for me that the god himself of splendour addresses me today, seeking my
+welfare. Listen, however, to these words of mine! May it please thee, O
+bestower of boons, it is only from affection that I tell thee this! If I
+am dear to thee, I should not be dissuaded from the observance of my
+vow! O thou that are possessed of the wealth of effulgence, the whole
+world knoweth this to be my vow that, of a verity, I am prepared to give
+away life itself unto superior Brahmanas! If, O best of all rangers of
+the sky, Sakra cometh to me, disguised as a Brahmana, to beg for the
+benefit of the sons of Pandu, I will, O chief of the celestials, give
+him the ear-rings and the excellent mail, so that my fame which hath
+spread over the three worlds may not suffer any diminution! For persons
+like us, it is not fit to save life by a blame-worthy act. On the
+contrary, it is even proper for us to meet death with the approbation of
+the world and under circumstances bringing fame. Therefore, will I
+bestow upon Indra the ear-rings with my coat of mail! If the slayer
+himself of Vala and Vritra cometh to ask for the ear-rings for the
+benefit of the sons of Pandu, that will conduce to my fame, leading at
+the same time to _his_ infamy! O thou possessed of splendour, I wish for
+fame in this world, even if it is to be purchased with life itself, for
+they that have fame enjoy the celestial regions, while they that are
+destitute of it are lost. Fame keepeth people alive in this world even
+like a mother, while infamy killeth men even though they may move about
+with bodies undestroyed. O lord of the worlds, O thou possessed of the
+wealth of effulgence, that fame is the life of men is evidenced by an
+ancient _sloka_ sung by the Creator himself,--_In the next world it is
+fame that is the chief support of a person, while in this world pure
+fame lengthens life_. Therefore, by giving away my ear-rings and mail
+with both of which I was born I will win eternal fame! And by duly
+giving away the same to Brahmanas according to the ordinance, by
+offering up my body (as a gift to the gods) in the sacrifice of war, by
+achieving feats difficult of performance, and by conquering my foes in
+fight, I will acquire nothing but renown. And by dispelling on the field
+of battle the fears of the affrighted that may beg for their lives, and
+relieving old men and boys and Brahmanas from terror and anxiety, I will
+win excellent fame and the highest heaven. My fame is to be protected
+with the sacrifice of even my life. Even this, know thou, is my vow! By
+giving away such a valuable gift to Maghavan disguised as a Brahmana, I
+will, O god, acquire in this world the most exalted state.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCLXLIX
+
+"Surya said, 'Never do, O Karna, anything that is harmful to thy self
+and thy friends; thy sons, thy wives, thy father, and thy mother; O thou
+best of those that bear life, people desire renown (in this world) and
+lasting fame in heaven, without wishing to sacrifice their bodies. But
+as thou desirest undying fame at the expense of thy life, she will,
+without doubt, snatch away thy life! O bull among men, in this world,
+the father, the mother, the son, and other relatives are of use only to
+him that is alive. O tiger among men, as regard kings, it is only when
+they are alive that prowess can be of any use to them. Do thou
+understand this? O thou of exceeding splendour, fame is for the good of
+these only that are alive! Of what use is fame to the dead whose bodies
+have been reduced to ashes? One that is dead cannot enjoy renown. It is
+only when one is alive that one can enjoy it. The fame of one that is
+dead is like a garland of flowers around the neck of a corpse. As thou
+reverest me, I tell thee this for thy benefit, because thou art a
+worshipper of mine! They that worship me are always protected by me.
+That also is another reason for my addressing thee thus! Thinking again,
+O mighty-armed one, that _this one revereth me with great reverence_, I
+have been inspired with love for thee! Do thou, therefore, act according
+to my words! There is, besides some profound mystery in all this,
+ordained by fate. It is for this, that I tell thee so. Do thou act
+without mistrust of any kind! O bull among men, it is not fit for thee
+to know this which is a secret to the very gods. Therefore, I do not
+reveal that secret unto thee. Thou wilt, however, understand it in time.
+I repeat what I have already said. Do thou, O Radha's son, lay my words
+to heart! When the wielder of the thunder-bolt asketh thee for them, do
+thou never give him thy ear-rings! O thou of exceeding splendour, with
+thy handsome ear-rings, thou lookest beautiful, even like the Moon
+himself in the clear firmament, between the _Visakha_ constellation!
+Dost thou know that fame availeth only the person that is living.
+Therefore, when the lord of the celestials will ask the ear-rings, thou
+shouldst, O son, refuse him! Repeating again and again answers fraught
+with various reasons, thou wilt, O sinless one, be able to remove the
+eagerness of the lord of the celestial for the possession of the
+ear-rings. Do thou, O Karna, alter Purandara's purpose by urging answers
+fraught with reason and grave import and adorned with sweetness and
+suavity. Thou dost always, O tiger among men, challenge him that can
+draw the bow with his left hand, and heroic Arjuna also will surely
+encounter thee in fight. But when furnished with thy ear-rings, Arjuna
+will never be able to vanquish thee in fight even if Indra himself comes
+to his assistance. Therefore, O Karna, if thou wishest to vanquish
+Arjuna in battle, these handsome ear-rings of thine should never be
+parted with to Sakra.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCC
+
+"Karna said, 'As thou, O lord of splendour, knowest me for thy
+worshipper, so also thou knowest that there is nothing which I cannot
+give away in charity, O thou of fiery rays! Neither my wives, nor my
+sons, nor my own self, nor my friends, are so dear to me as thou, on
+account of the veneration I feel for thee, O lord of splendour! Thou
+knowest, O maker of light, that high-souled persons bear a loving regard
+for their dear worshippers. _Karna revereth me and is dear to me. He
+knoweth no other deity in heaven_,--thinking this thou hast, O lord,
+said unto me what is for my benefit. Yet, O thou of bright rays, again
+do I beseech thee with bended head, again do I place myself in thy
+hands. I will repeat the answer I have already given. It behoveth thee
+to forgive me! Death itself is not fraught with such terrors for me as
+untruth! As regards especially the Brahmanas, again, I do not hesitate
+to yield up my life even for them! And, O divine one, respecting what
+thou hast said unto me of Phalguna, the son of Pandu, let thy grief born
+of thy anxiety of heart, O lord of splendour, be dispelled touching him
+and myself; for I shall surely conquer Arjuna in battle! Thou knowest, O
+deity, that I have great strength of weapons obtained from Jamadagnya
+and the high-souled Drona. Permit me now, O foremost of celestials, to
+observe my vow, so that unto him of the thunderbolt coming to beg of me,
+I may give away even my life!'
+
+"Surya said, 'If O son, thou givest away thy ear-rings to the wielder of
+the thunder-bolt, O thou of mighty strength, thou shouldst also, for the
+purpose of securing victory, speak unto him, saying,--_O thou of a
+hundred sacrifices, I shall give thee ear-rings under a
+condition_.--Furnished with the ear-rings, thou art certainly incapable
+of being slain by any being. Therefore, it is, O son, that desirous of
+beholding thee slain in battle by Arjuna, the destroyer of the Danavas
+desireth to deprive thee of thy ear-rings. Repeatedly adoring with
+truthful words that lord of the celestials, viz., Purandara armed with
+weapons incapable of being frustrated, do thou also beseech him, saying,
+"Give me an infallible dart capable of slaying all foes, and I will, O
+thousand-eyed deity, give the ear-rings with the excellent coat of
+mail!" On this condition shouldst thou give the ear-rings unto Sakra.
+With that dart, O Karna, thou wilt slay foes in battle: for, O
+mighty-armed one, that dart of the chief of the celestials doth not
+return to the hand that hurleth it, without slaying enemies by hundreds
+and by thousands!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this, the thousand-rayed deity
+suddenly vanished away. The next day, after having told his prayers,
+Karna related his dream unto the Sun. And Vrisha related unto him the
+vision he had seen, and all that had passed between them in the night.
+Thereupon, having heard everything, that enemy of Swarbhanu, that lord,
+the resplendent and divine Surya, said unto him with a smile, 'It is
+even so!' Then Radha's son, that slayer of hostile heroes, knowing all
+about the matter, and desirous of obtaining the dart, remained in
+expectation of Vasava."
+
+
+SECTION CCCI
+
+Janamejaya said, "What was that secret which was not revealed to Karna
+by the deity of warm rays? Of what kind also were those ear-rings and of
+what sort was that coat of mail? Whence, too, was that mail and those
+ear-rings? All this, O best of men. I wish to hear! O thou possessed of
+the wealth of asceticism, do tell me all this!"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "I will, O monarch, tell thee that secret which was
+not revealed by the deity possessed of the wealth of effulgence. I will
+also describe unto thee those ear-rings and that coat of mail. Once on a
+time, O king, there appeared before Kuntibhoja a Brahmana of fierce
+energy and tall stature, bearing a beard and matted locks, and carrying
+a staff in his hand. And, he was agreeable to the eye and of faultless
+limbs, and seemed to blaze forth in splendour. And he was possessed of a
+yellow-blue complexion like that of honey. And his speech was
+mellifluous, and he was adorned with ascetic merit and a knowledge of
+the _Vedas_. And that person of great ascetic merit, addressing king
+Kuntibhoja, said, 'O thou that are free from pride, I wish to live as a
+guest in thy house feeding on the food obtained as alms from thee!
+Neither thy followers, nor thou thyself, shall ever act in such a way as
+to produce my displeasure! If, O sinless one, it liketh thee, I would
+then live in thy house thus! I shall leave thy abode when I wish, and
+come back when I please. And, O king, no one shall offend me in respect
+of my food or bed.'--Then Kuntibhoja spake unto him these words
+cheerfully, 'Be it so, and more.' And he again said unto him, 'O thou of
+great wisdom, I have an illustrious daughter named Pritha. And she
+beareth an excellent character, is observant of vow, chaste, and of
+subdued senses. And she shall attend on thee and minister unto thee with
+reverence. And thou wilt be pleased with her disposition!' And having
+said this to that Brahmana and duly paid him homage, the king went to
+his daughter Pritha of large eyes, and spake thus unto her, 'O child,
+this eminently pious Brahmana is desirous of dwelling in my house! I
+have accepted his proposal, saying,--_So be it_, relying, O child, on
+thy aptitude and skill in ministering unto Brahmanas. It, therefore,
+behoveth thee to act in such a manner that my words may not be untrue.
+Do thou give him with alacrity whatever this reverend Brahmana possessed
+of ascetic merit and engaged in the study of the Vedas, may want. Let
+everything that this Brahmana asketh for be given to him cheerfully. A
+Brahmana is the embodiment of pre-eminent energy: he is also the
+embodiment of the highest ascetic merit. It is in consequence of the
+virtuous practices of Brahmanas that the sun shineth in the heavens. It
+was for their disregard of Brahmanas that were deserving of honour that
+the mighty _Asura_ Vatapi, as also Talajangha, was destroyed by the
+curse of the Brahmanas. For the present, O child, it is a highly
+virtuous one of that order that is entrusted to thy keep. Thou shouldst
+always tend this Brahmana with concentrated mind. O daughter, I know
+that, from childhood upwards, thou hast ever been attentive to
+Brahmanas, and superiors, and relatives, and servants, and friends, to
+thy mothers and myself. I know thou bearest thyself well, bestowing
+proper regard upon everyone. And, O thou of faultless limbs, in the city
+of the interior of my palace, on account of thy gentle behaviour, there
+is not one, even among the servants, that is dissatisfied with thee. I
+have, therefore, thought thee fit to wait upon all Brahmanas of wrathful
+temper. Thou art, O Pritha, a girl and has been adopted as my daughter.
+Thou art born in the race of the Vrishnis, and art the favourite
+daughter of Sura. Thou wert, O girl, given to me gladly by thy father
+himself. The sister of Vasudeva by birth, thou art (by adoption) the
+foremost of my children. Having promised me in these words,--_I will
+give my first born_,--thy father gladly gave thee to me while thou wert
+yet in thy infancy. It is for this reason that thou art my daughter.
+Born in such a race and reared in such a race, thou hast come from one
+happy state to another like a lotus transferred from one lake to
+another. O auspicious girl, women, specially they that are of mean
+extraction, although they may with difficulty be kept under restraint,
+become in consequence of their unripe age, generally deformed in
+character. But thou, O Pritha, art born in a royal race, and thy beauty
+also is extraordinary. And then, O girl, thou art endued with every
+accomplishment. Do thou, therefore, O damsel, renouncing pride and
+haughtiness and a sense of self-importance, wait upon and worship the
+boon-giving Brahmana, and thereby attain, O Pritha, to an auspicious
+state! By acting thus, O auspicious and sinless girl, thou wilt surely
+attain to auspiciousness! But if on the contrary, thou stirrest up the
+anger of this best of the twice-born ones, my entire race will be
+consumed by him!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCII
+
+"Kunti said, 'According to thy promise, I will, O king, with
+concentrated mind, serve that Brahmana. O foremost of kings, I do not
+say this falsely. It is my nature to worship Brahmanas. And, as in the
+present case, my doing so would be agreeable to thee, even this would be
+highly conducive to my welfare. Whether that worshipful one cometh in
+the evening, or in morning, or at night or even at midnight, he will
+have no reason to be angry with me! O foremost of kings, to do good by
+serving the twice-born ones, observing all thy commands, is what I
+consider to be highly profitable to me, O best of men! Do thou,
+therefore, O foremost of monarchs rely on me! That best of Brahmanas,
+while residing in thy house, shall never have cause for dissatisfaction,
+I tell thee truly. I shall, O king, be always attentive to that which is
+agreeable to this Brahmana, and what is fraught also with good to thee.
+O sinless one! I know full well that Brahmanas that are eminently
+virtuous, when propitiated bestow salvation, and when displeased, are
+capable of bringing about destruction upon the offender. Therefore, I
+shall please this foremost of Brahmanas. Thou wilt not, O monarch, come
+to any grief from that best of regenerate persons, owing to any act of
+mine. In consequence of the transgressions of monarchs, Brahmanas, O
+foremost of kings, became the cause of evil to them, as Chyavana had
+become, in consequence of the act of Sukanya. I will, therefore, O king,
+with great regularity, wait upon that best of Brahmanas according to thy
+instructions in that respect!' And when she had thus spoken at length,
+the king embraced and cheered her, and instructed her in detail as to
+what should be done by her. And the king said, 'Thou shall, O gentle
+maid, act even thus, without fear, for my good as also thy own, and for
+the good of thy race also, O thou of faultless limbs!' And having said
+this the illustrious Kuntibhoja, who was devoted to the Brahmanas, made
+over the girl Pritha to that Brahmana, saying, 'This my daughter, O
+Brahmana, is of tender age and brought up in luxury. If, therefore, she
+transgresses at any time, do thou not take that to heart! Illustrious
+Brahmanas are never angry with old men, children, and ascetics, even if
+these transgress frequently. In respect of even a great wrong
+forgiveness is due from the regenerate. The worship, therefore, O best
+of Brahmanas, that is offered to the best of one's power and exertion,
+should be acceptable!' Hearing these words of the monarch, the Brahmana
+said, 'So be it!' Thereupon, the king became highly pleased and assigned
+unto him apartments that were white as swans or the beams of the moon.
+And in the room intended for the sacrificial fire, the king placed a
+brilliant seat especially constructed for him. And the food and other
+things that were offered unto the Brahmana were of the same excellent
+kind. And casting aside idleness and all sense of self-importance, the
+princess addressed herself with right good will to wait upon the
+Brahmana. And the chaste Kunti, endued with purity of conduct, went
+thither for serving the Brahmana. And duly waiting upon that Brahmana as
+if he were a very god, she gratified him highly."
+
+
+SECTION CCCIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And that maiden of rigid vows, O mighty monarch, by
+serving with a pure heart, that Brahmana of rigid vows, succeeded in
+gratifying him. And, O foremost of kings, saying, 'I will come back in
+the morning,' that best of Brahmanas sometimes came in the evening or in
+night. Him, however, the maiden worshipped at all hours with sumptuous
+food and drink and bed. And as day after day passed away, her attentions
+to him, in respect of food and seat and bed, increased instead of
+undergoing any diminution. And, O king, even when the Brahmana reproved
+her, finding fault with any of her arrangements, or addressed her in
+harsh words, Pritha did not do anything that was disagreeable to him.
+And on many occasions the Brahmana came back after the appointed hour
+had long passed away. And on many occasions (such as the depth of night)
+when food was hard to procure, he said, 'Give me food!' But on all those
+occasions saying, 'All is ready,'--Pritha held before him the fare. And
+even like a disciple, daughter, or a sister, that blameless gem of a
+girl with a devoted heart, O king, gratified that foremost of Brahmanas.
+And that best of Brahmanas became well-pleased with her conduct and
+ministrations. And he received those attentions of hers, valuing them
+rightly. And, O Bharata, her father asked her every morning and evening
+saying, 'O daughter, is the Brahmana satisfied with thy ministrations?'
+And that illustrious maiden used to reply, 'Exceedingly well!' And
+thereupon, the high-souled Kuntibhoja experienced the greatest delight.
+And when after a full year that best of ascetics was unable to find any
+fault whatever in Pritha, who was engaged in ministering unto him,
+well-pleased he said unto her, 'O gentle maid, I have been well-pleased
+with thy attentions, O beautiful girl! Do thou, O blessed girl, ask even
+for such boons as are difficult of being obtained by men in this world,
+and obtaining which, thou mayst surpass in fame all the women in this
+world.' At these words of his, Kunti said, 'Everything hath already been
+done in my behalf since thou, O chief of those that are versed in the
+_Vedas_, and my father also, have been pleased with me! As regards the
+boons, I consider them as already obtained by me, O Brahmana!' The
+Brahmana thereupon said, 'If, O gentle maid, thou dost not, O thou of
+sweet smiles, wish to obtain boons from me, do thou then take this
+_mantra_ from me for invoking the celestials! Any one amongst the
+celestials whom thou mayst invoke by uttering this _mantra_, will appear
+before thee and be under thy power. Willing or not, by virtue of this
+_mantra_, that deity in gentle guise, and assuming the obedient attitude
+of slave, will become subject to thy power!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed, that faultless maiden could
+not, O king, from fear of a curse, refuse for the second time compliance
+with the wishes of that best of the twice-born ones. Then, O king, that
+Brahmana imparted unto that girl of faultless limbs those _mantras_
+which are recited in the beginning of the _Atharvan Veda_. And, O king,
+having imparted unto her those _mantras_, he said unto Kuntibhoja. 'I
+have, O monarch, dwelt happily in thy house, always worshipped with due
+regard and gratified by thy daughter. I shall now depart.' And saying
+this, he vanished there and then. And beholding that Brahmana vanish
+there and then, the king was struck with amazement. And the monarch then
+treated his daughter Pritha with proper regard."
+
+
+SECTION CCCIV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "When that foremost of Brahmanas had gone away on
+some other errand, the maiden began to ponder over the virtue of those
+_mantras_. And she said to herself, 'Of what nature are those _mantras_
+that have been bestowed on me by that high-souled one? I shall without
+delay test their power.' And as she was thinking in this way, she
+suddenly perceived indications of the approach of her season. And her
+season having arrived, while she was yet unmarried, she blushed in
+shame. And it came to pass that as she was seated in her chamber on a
+rich bed, she beheld the solar orb rising in the east. And both the mind
+and the eyes of that maiden of excellent waist became rivetted fast upon
+the solar orb. And she gazed and gazed on that orb without being
+satiated with the beauty of the morning Sun. And she suddenly became
+gifted with celestial sight. And then she beheld that god of divine form
+accoutred in mail and adorned with ear-rings. And at sight of the god, O
+lord of men, she became curious as to the (potency of the) _mantras_.
+And thereupon that maiden resolved to invoke him. And having recourse to
+_Pranayama_, she invoked the Maker of day. And thus invoked by her, O
+king, the Maker of day speedily presented himself. And he was of a
+yellowish hue like honey, and was possessed of mighty arms, and his neck
+was marked with lines like those of a conchshell. And furnished with
+armlets, and decked with a diadem, he came smiling, and illumining all
+the directions. And it was by _Yoga_ power that he divided himself in
+twain, one of which continued to give heat, and the other appeared
+before Kunti. And he addressed Kunti in words that were exceedingly
+sweet, saying, 'O gentle maiden, over-powered by the _mantras_, I come
+hither obedient to thee. Subject as I am to thy power, what shall I do,
+O queen? Tell me, for I shall do whatever thou mayst command.' Hearing
+these words of the deity, Kunti said, 'O worshipful one, go thou back to
+the place thou hast come from! I invoked thee from curiosity alone.
+Pardon me, O worshipful one!' Surya then said, 'O damsel of slender
+waist, I will, even as thou hast said, return to the place I have come
+from! Having called a celestial, it is not, however, proper to send him
+away in vain. Thy intention, O blessed one, it is to have from Surya a
+son furnished with a coat of mail and ear-rings, and who in point of
+prowess would be beyond compare in this world! Do thou, therefore, O
+damsel of elephantine gait, surrender thy person to me! Thou shall then
+have, O lady, a son after thy wish! O gentle girl, O thou of sweet
+smiles, I will go back after having known thee! If thou do not gratify
+me to-day by obeying my word, I shall in anger curse thee, thy father
+and that Brahmana also. For thy fault, I will surely consume them all,
+and I shall inflict condign punishment on that foolish father of thine
+that knoweth not this transgression of thine and on that Brahmana who
+hath bestowed the _mantras_ on thee without knowing thy disposition and
+character! Yonder are all the celestials in heaven, with Purandara at
+their head, who are looking at me with derisive smiles at my being
+deceived by thee, O lady! Look at those celestials, for thou art now
+possessed of celestial sight! Before this I have endued thee with
+celestial vision, in consequence of which thou couldst see me!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon the princess beheld the celestials
+standing in the firmament, each in his proper sphere, even as she saw
+before her that highly resplendent deity furnished with rays, viz.,
+Surya himself. And beholding them all, the girl became frightened and
+her face was suffused with blushes of shame. And then she addressed
+Surya, saying, 'O lord of rays, go thou back to thy own region. On
+account of my maidenhood, this outrage of thine is fraught with woe to
+me! It is only one's father, mother, and other superiors, that are
+capable of giving away their daughter's body. Virtue I shall never
+sacrifice, seeing that in this world the keeping of their persons
+inviolate is deemed as the highest duty of Women, and is held in high
+regard! O thou possessed of wealth of splendour, it is only to test the
+power of my _mantras_ that I have, from mere childishness, summoned
+thee. Considering that this hath been done by a girl of tender years, it
+behoveth thee, O lord, to forgive her!' Then Surya said, 'It is because
+I consider thee a girl that, O Kunti, I am speaking to thee so mildly.
+To one that is not so I would not concede this. Do thou, O Kunti,
+surrender thyself! Thou shalt surely attain happiness thereby. Since, O
+timid maiden, thou hast invoked me with _mantras_, it is not proper for
+me to go away without any purpose being attained, for, if I do so I
+shall then, O thou of faultless limbs, be the object of laughter in the
+world, and, O beauteous damsel, a bye-word with all the celestials. Do
+thou, therefore, yield to me! By that thou shalt obtain a son even like
+myself, and thou shalt also be much praised in all the world.'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCV
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Although that noble girl addressed him in various
+sweet words, yet she was unable to dissuade that deity of a thousand
+rays. And when she failed to dissuade the dispeller of darkness, at last
+from fear of a curse, she reflected, O king, for a long time!--'How may
+my innocent father, and that Brahmana also, escape the angry Surya's
+curse for my sake? Although energy and asceticism are capable of
+destroying sins, yet even honest persons, if they be of unripe age,
+should not foolishly court them. By foolishly acting in that way I have
+today been placed in a frightful situation. Indeed, I have been placed
+entirely within the grasp of this deity. Ye how can I do what is sinful
+by taking it on myself to surrender my person to him?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "afflicted with fear of a curse, and thinking
+much within herself, an utter stupefaction of the senses came upon her.
+And she was so confounded that she could not settle what to do. Afraid,
+on the one hand, O king, of the reproach of friends if she obeyed the
+deity, and, on the other, of his curse if she disobeyed him, the damsel
+at last, O foremost of kings, said these words unto that god, in accents
+tremulous with bashfulness, 'O god, as my father and mother and friends
+are still living, this violation of duty on my part should not take
+place. If, O god, I commit this unlawful act with thee, the reputation
+of this race shall be sacrificed in this world on my account. If thou,
+however, O thou foremost of those that impart heat, deem this to be a
+meritorious act, I shall then fulfil thy desire even though my relatives
+may not have bestowed me on thee! May I remain chaste after having
+surrendered my person to thee! Surely, the virtue, the reputation, the
+fame, and the life of every creature are established in thee!' Hearing
+these words of hers, Surya replied, 'O thou of sweet smiles, neither thy
+father, nor thy mother, nor any other superior of thine, is competent to
+give thee away! May good betide thee, O beauteous damsel! Do thou listen
+to my words! It is because a virgin desireth the company of every one,
+that she hath received the appellation of _Kanya_, from the root _kama_
+meaning to desire. Therefore, O thou of excellent hips and the fairest
+complexion, a virgin is, by nature, free in this world. Thou shalt not,
+O lady, by any means, be guilty of any sin by complying with my request.
+And how can I, who am desirous of the welfare of all creatures, commit
+an unrighteous act? That all men and women should be bound by no
+restraints, is the law of nature. The opposite condition is the
+perversion of the natural state. Thou shalt remain a virgin after having
+gratified me. And thy son shall also be mighty-armed and illustrious.'
+Thereupon Kunti said, 'If, O dispeller of darkness, I obtain a son from
+thee, may he be furnished with a coat of mail and ear-rings, and may he
+be mighty-armed and endued with great strength!' Hearing these words of
+hers, Surya answered, 'O gentle maiden, thy son shall be mighty-armed
+and decked with ear-rings and a celestial coat of mail. And both his
+ear-rings and coat of mail will be made of _Amrita_, and his coat will
+also be invulnerable.' Kunti then said, 'If the excellent mail and
+ear-rings of the son thou wilt beget on me, be, indeed, made of
+_Amrita_, then, O god, O worshipful deity, let thy purpose be fulfilled!
+May he be powerful, strong, energetic, and handsome, even like thee, and
+may he also be endued with virtue!' Surya then said, 'O princess, O
+excellent damsel, these ear-rings had been given to me by Aditi. O timid
+lady, I will bestow them, as also this excellent mail, on thy son!'
+Kunti then said, 'Very well, O worshipful one! If my son, O lord of
+light, become so, I will, as thou sayest, gratify thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of hers Surya said, 'So be
+it!' And that ranger of the skies, that enemy of Swarbhanu, with soul
+absorbed in _Yoga_, entered into Kunti, and touched her on the navel. At
+this, that damsel, on account of Surya's energy, became stupefied. And
+that reverend lady then fell down on her bed, deprived of her senses.
+Surya then addressed her, saying, 'I will now depart, O thou of graceful
+hips! Thou shalt bring forth a son who will become the foremost of all
+wielders of weapons. At the same time thou shalt remain a virgin.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O foremost of kings, as the highly
+effulgent Surya was about to depart, that girl bashfully said unto him,
+'So be it!' And it was thus that the daughter of king Kuntibhoja,
+importuned by Surya, had after soliciting a son from him, fallen down
+stupefied on that excellent bed, like a broken creeper. And it was thus
+that deity of fierce rays, stupefying her, entered into her by virtue of
+_Yoga_ power, and placed his own self within her womb. The deity,
+however, did not sully her by deflowering her in the flesh. And after
+Surya had gone away, that girl regained her consciousness."
+
+
+SECTION CCCVI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "It was, O lord of earth, on the first day of the
+lighted fortnight during the tenth month of the year that Pritha
+conceived a son like the lord himself of the stars in the firmament. And
+that damsel of excellent hips from fear of her friends, concealed her
+conception, so that no one knew her condition. And as the damsel lived
+entirely in the apartments assigned to the maidens and carefully
+concealed her condition, no one except her nurse knew the truth. And in
+due time that beauteous maiden, by the grace of deity, brought forth a
+son resembling a very god. And even like his father, the child was
+equipped in a coat of mail, and decked with brilliant ear-rings. And he
+was possessed of leonine eyes and shoulders like those of a bull. And no
+sooner was the beauteous girl delivered of a child, then she consulted
+with her nurse and placed the infant in a commodious and smooth box made
+of wicker work and spread over with soft sheets and furnished with a
+costly pillow. And its surface was laid over with wax, and it was
+encased in a rich cover. And with tears in her eyes, she carried the
+infant to the river Aswa, and consigned the basket to its waters. And
+although she knew it to be improper for an unmarried girl to bear
+offspring, yet from parental affection, O foremost of kings, she wept
+piteously. Do thou listen to the words Kunti weepingly uttered, while
+consigning the box to the waters of the river Aswa, 'O child, may good
+betide thee at the hands of all that inhabit the land, the water, the
+sky, and the celestial regions. May all thy paths be auspicious! May no
+one obstruct thy way! And, O son, may all that come across thee have
+their hearts divested of hostility towards thee: And may that lord of
+waters, Varuna, protect thee in water! And may the deity that rangeth
+the skies completely protect thee in the sky. And may, O son, that best
+of those that impart heat, viz., Surya, thy father, and from whom I have
+obtained thee as ordained by Destiny, protect thee everywhere! And may
+the _Adityas_ and the _Vasus_, the _Rudras_ and the _Sadhyas_, the
+_Viswadevas_ and the _Maruts_, and the cardinal points with the great
+Indra and the regents presiding over them, and, indeed, all the
+celestials, protect thee in every place! Even in foreign lands I shall
+be able to recognise thee by this mail of thine! Surely, thy sire, O
+son, the divine Surya possessed of the wealth of splendour, is blessed,
+for he will with his celestial sight behold thee going down the current!
+Blessed also is that lady who will, O thou that are begotten by a god,
+take thee for her son, and who will give thee suck when thou art
+thirsty! And what a lucky dream hath been dreamt by her that will adopt
+thee for her son, thee that is endued with solar splendour, and
+furnished with celestial mail, and adorned with celestial ear-rings,
+thee that hast expansive eyes resembling lotuses, a complexion bright as
+burnished copper or lotus leaves, a fair forehead, and hair ending in
+beautiful curls! O son, she that will behold thee crawl on the ground,
+begrimed with dust, and sweetly uttering inarticulate words, is surely
+blessed! And she also, O son, that will behold thee arrive at thy
+youthful prime like maned lion born in Himalayan forests, is surely
+blessed!'"
+
+"O king, having thus bewailed long and piteously, Pritha laid the basket
+on the waters of the river Aswa. And the lotus-eyed damsel, afflicted
+with grief on account of her son and weeping bitterly, with her nurse
+cast the basket at dead of night, and though desirous of beholding her
+son often and again, returned, O monarch, to the palace, fearing lest
+her father should come to know of what had happened. Meanwhile, the
+basket floated from the river Aswa to the river Charmanwati, and from
+the Charmanwati it passed to the Yamuna, and so on to the Ganga. And
+carried by the waves of the Ganga, the child contained in the basket
+came to the city of Champa ruled by a person of the _Suta_ tribe.
+Indeed, the excellent coat of mail and those ear-rings made of _Amrita_
+that were born with his body, as also the ordinance of Destiny, kept the
+child alive."
+
+
+SECTION CCCVII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And it came to pass that at this time a _Suta_ named
+Adhiratha, who was a friend of Dhritarashtra, came to the river Ganga,
+accompanied by his wife. And, O king, his wife named Radha was
+unparalleled on earth for beauty. And although that highly blessed dame
+had made great endeavours to obtain a son, yet she had failed, O
+represser of foes, to obtain one. And on coming to the river Ganga, she
+beheld a box drifting along the current. And containing articles capable
+of protecting from dangers and decked with unguents, that box was
+brought before her by the waves of the Janhavi. And attracted by
+curiosity, the lady caused it to be seized. And she then related all
+unto Adhiratha of the charioteer caste. And hearing this Adhiratha took
+away the box from the water-side, and opened it by means of instruments.
+And then he beheld a boy resembling the morning Sun. And the infant was
+furnished with golden mail, and looked exceedingly beautiful with a face
+decked in ear-rings. And thereupon the charioteer, together with his
+wife, was struck with such astonishment that their eyes expanded in
+wonder. And taking the infant on his lap, Adhiratha said unto his wife,
+'Ever since I was born, O timid lady, I had never seen such a wonder.
+This child that hath come to us must be of celestial birth. Surely,
+sonless as I am, it is the gods that have sent him unto me!' Saying
+this, O lord of earth, he gave the infant to Radha. And thereat, Radha
+adopted, according to the ordinance, that child of celestial form and
+divine origin, and possessed of the splendour of the filaments of the
+lotus and furnished with excellent grace. And duly reared by her, that
+child endued with great prowess began to grow up. And after Karna's
+adoption, Adhiratha had other sons begotten by himself. And seeing the
+child furnished with bright mail and golden ear-rings, the twice-born
+ones named him Vasusena. And thus did that child endued with great
+splendour and immeasurable prowess became the son of the charioteer, and
+came to be known as Vasusena and Vrisha. And Pritha learnt through spies
+that her own son clad in celestial mail was growing up amongst the Angas
+as the eldest son of a charioteer (Adhiratha). And seeing that in
+process of time his son had grown up, Adhiratha sent him to the city
+named after the elephant. And there Karna put up with Drona, for the
+purpose of learning arms. And that powerful youth contracted a
+friendship with Duryodhana. And having acquired all the four kinds of
+weapons from Drona, Kripa, and Rama, he became famous in the world as a
+mighty bowman. And after having contracted a friendship with
+Dhritarashtra's son, he became intent on injuring the sons of Pritha.
+And he was always desirous of fighting with the high-souled Phalguna.
+And, O king, ever since they first saw each other, Karna always used to
+challenge Arjuna, and Arjuna, on his part, used to challenge him. This,
+O foremost of kings, was without doubt, the secret known to the Sun,
+viz., begot by himself on Kunti, Karna was being reared in the race of
+the _Sutas_. And beholding him decked with his ear-rings and mail,
+Yudhishthira thought him to be unslayable in fight, and was exceedingly
+pained at it. And when, O foremost of monarchs, Karna after rising from
+the water, used at mid-day to worship the effulgent Surya with joined
+hands, the Brahmanas used to solicit him for wealth. And at that time
+there was nothing that he would not give away to the twice-born ones.
+And Indra, assuming the guise of a Brahmana, appeared before him (at
+such a time) and said, 'Give me!' And thereupon Radha's son replied unto
+him, 'Thou art welcome!'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCVIII
+
+Vaisampayana said, "And when the king of the celestials presented
+himself in the guise of a Brahmana, beholding him, Karna said,
+'Welcome!' And not knowing his intention, Adhiratha's son addressed the
+Brahmana, saying, 'Of a necklace of gold, and beauteous damsels, and
+villages with plenty of kine, which shall I give thee?' Thereupon the
+Brahmana replied, 'I ask thee not to give me either a necklace of gold,
+or fair damsels, or any other agreeable object. To those do thou give
+them that ask for them. If, O sinless one, thou art sincere in thy vow,
+then wilt thou, cutting off (from thy person) this coat of mail born
+with thy body, and these ear-rings also, bestow them on me! I desire, O
+chastiser of foes, that thou mayst speedily give me these; for, this one
+gain of mine will be considered as superior to every other gain!'
+Hearing these words, Karna said, 'O Brahmana, I will give thee homestead
+land, and fair damsels, and kine, and fields; but my mail and ear-rings
+I am unable to give thee!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Although thus urged with various words by
+Karna, still, O chief of the Bharata race, that Brahmana did not ask for
+any other boon. And although Karna sought to pacify him to the best of
+his power, and worshipped him duly, yet that best of Brahmanas did not
+ask for any other boon. And when that foremost of Brahmanas did not ask
+for any other boon, Radha's son again spake unto him with a smile, 'My
+mail, O regenerate one, hath been born with my body, and this pair of
+ear-rings hath arisen from _Amrita_. It is for these that I am
+unslayable in the worlds. Therefore, I cannot part with them. Do thou, O
+bull among Brahmanas, accept from me the entire kingdom of the earth,
+rid of enemies and full of prosperity! O foremost of regenerate ones, if
+I am deprived of my ear-rings, and the mail born with my body, I shall
+be liable to be vanquished by the foes!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "When the illustrious slayer of Paka refused to
+ask for any other boon, Karna with a smile again addressed him, saying,
+'O god of gods, even before this, I had recognised thee, O Lord! O
+Sakra, it is not proper for me to confer on thee any unprofitable boon,
+for thou art the very lord of the celestials! On the contrary, being as
+thou art the Creator and lord of all beings, it is thou that shouldst
+confer boons on me! If, O god, I give thee this coat of mail and
+ear-rings, then I am sure to meet with destruction, and thou shalt also
+undergo ridicule! Therefore, O Sakra, take my earrings and excellent
+mail in exchange for something conferred by thee on me! Otherwise, I
+will not bestow them on thee!' Thereupon Sakra replied, 'Even before I
+had come to thee, Surya had known of my purpose and without doubt, it is
+he that hath unfolded everything unto thee! O Karna, be it as thou
+wishest! O son, except the thunder-bolt alone, tell me what it is that
+thou desirest to have!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words of Indra, Karna was filled
+with delight and seeing that his purpose was about to be accomplished he
+approached Vasava, and intent upon obtaining a dart incapable of being
+baffled, he addressed Indra, saying, 'Do thou, O Vasava, in exchange for
+my coat of mail and ear-rings, give me a dart incapable of being
+baffled, and competent to destroy hosts of enemies when arrayed in order
+of battle!' Thereupon, O ruler of earth, fixing his mind for a moment on
+the dart (for bringing it there), Vasava thus spake unto Karna, 'Do thou
+give me thy ear-rings, and the coat of mail born with thy body, and in
+return take this dart on these terms! When I encounter the _Daitya_ in
+battle, this dart that is incapable of being baffled, hurled by my hand,
+destroyeth enemies by hundreds, and cometh back to my hand after
+achieving its purpose. In thy hand, however, this dart, O son of _Suta_,
+will slay only one powerful enemy of thine. And having achieved that
+feat, it will, roaring and blazing, return to me!' Thereat Karna said,
+'I desire to slay in fierce fight even one enemy of mine, who roareth
+fiercely and is hot as fire, and of whom I am in fear!' At this, Indra
+said, 'Thou shall slay such a roaring and powerful foe in battle. But
+that one whom thou seekest to slay, is protected by an illustrious
+personage. Even He whom persons versed in the Vedas call '_the
+invincible Boar_,' and '_the incomprehensible Narayana_,' even that
+Krishna himself, is protecting him!' Thereupon Karna replied, 'Even if
+this be so, do thou, O illustrious one give me the weapon that will
+destroy only one powerful foe! I shall, on my part, bestow on thee my
+mail and ear-rings, cutting them off my person. Do thou, however, grant
+that my body, thus wounded, may not be unsightly!' Hearing this, Indra
+said, 'As thou, O Karna, art bent upon observing the truth, thy person
+shall not be unsightly, or shall any scar remain on it. And, O thou best
+of those that are graced with speech, O Karna, thou shall be possessed
+of complexion and energy of thy father himself. And if, maddened by
+wrath, thou hurlest this dart, while there are still other weapons with
+thee, and when thy life also is not in imminent peril, it will fall even
+on thyself.' Karna answered, 'As thou directest me, O Sakra, I shall
+hurl this _Vasavi_ dart only when I am in imminent peril! Truly I tell
+thee this!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thereupon, O king, taking the blazing dart,
+Karna began to peel off his natural mail. And beholding Karna cutting
+his own body, the entire host of celestials and men and _Danavas_ set up
+a leonine roar. And Karna betrayed no contortions of face while peeling
+his mail. And beholding that hero among men thus cutting his body with
+an weapon, smiling ever and anon, celestial kettle-drums began to be
+played upon and celestial flowers began to be showered on him. And Karna
+cutting off the excellent mail from his person, gave it to Vasava, still
+dripping. And cutting off his ear-rings also from off his ears, he made
+them over to Indra. And it is for this fact that he came to be called
+Karna. And Sakra, having thus beguiled Karna that made him famous in the
+world, thought with a smile that the business of the sons of Pandu had
+already been completed. And having done all this, he ascended to heaven.
+And hearing that Karna had been beguiled, all the sons of Dhritarashtra
+became distressed and shorn of pride. And the sons of Pritha, on the
+other hand, learning that such plight had befallen the son of the
+charioteer, were filled with joy."
+
+Janamejaya said, "Where were those heroes, the sons of Pandu, at that
+time? And from whom did they hear this welcome news? And what also did
+they do, when the twelfth year of their exile passed away? Do thou, O
+illustrious one, tell me all this!"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having defeated the chief of the Saindhavas, and
+rescued Krishna, and having outlived the entire term of their painful
+exile in the woods, and having listened to the ancient stories about
+gods and _Rishis_ recited by Markandeya, those heroes among men returned
+from their asylum in Kamyaka to the sacred Dwaitavana, with all their
+cars, and followers, and accompanied by their charioteers, their kine,
+and the citizens who had followed them."
+
+
+SECTION CCCIX
+
+(_Aranya Parva_)
+
+Janamejaya said, "Having felt great affliction on account of the
+abduction of their wife and having rescued Krishna thereafter, what did
+the Pandavas next do?"
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Having felt great affliction on account of the
+abduction of Krishna, king Yudhishthira of unfading glory, with his
+brothers, left the woods of Kamyaka and returned to the delightful and
+picturesque Dwaitavana abounding in trees and containing delicious
+fruits and roots. And the sons of Pandu with their wife Krishna began to
+reside there, living frugally on fruits and practising rigid vows. And
+while those repressers of foes, the virtuous king Yudhishthira, the son
+of Kunti, and Bhimasena, and Arjuna, and those other sons of Pandu born
+of Madri, were dwelling in Dwaitavana, practising rigid vows, they
+underwent, for the sake of a Brahmana, great trouble, which, however,
+was destined to bring about their future happiness. I will tell thee all
+about the trouble which those foremost of Kurus underwent while living
+in those woods, and which in the end brought about their happiness. Do
+thou listen to it! Once on a time, as a deer was butting about, it
+chanced that the two sticks for making fire and a churning staff
+belonging to a Brahmana devoted to ascetic austerities, struck fast into
+its antlers. And, thereupon, O king, that powerful deer of exceeding
+fleetness with long bounds, speedily went out of the hermitage, taking
+those articles away. And, O foremost of Kurus, seeing those articles of
+his thus carried away, the Brahmana, anxious on account of his
+_Agnihotra_, quickly came before the Pandavas. And approaching without
+loss of time Ajatasatru seated in that forest with his brothers, the
+Brahmana, in great distress, spake these words, 'As a deer was butting
+about, it happened, O king, that my fire-sticks and churning staff which
+had been placed against a large tree stuck fast to its antlers. O king,
+that powerful deer of exceeding fleetness hath speedily gone out of the
+hermitage with long bounds, taking those articles away. Tracking that
+powerful deer, O king, by its foot-prints, do ye, ye sons of Pandu,
+bring back those articles of mine, so that my _Agnihotra_ may not be
+stopped!' Hearing these words of the Brahmana, Yudhishthira became
+exceedingly concerned. And the son of Kunti taking up his bow sallied
+out with his brothers. And putting on their corselets and equipped with
+their bows, those bulls among men, intent upon serving the Brahmana,
+swiftly sallied out in the wake of the deer. And descrying the deer at
+no great distance, those mighty warriors discharged at it barbed arrows
+and javelins and darts, but the sons of Pandu could not pierce it by any
+means. And as they struggled to pursue and slay it, that powerful deer
+became suddenly invisible. And losing sight of the deer, the
+noble-minded sons of Pandu, fatigued and disappointed and afflicted with
+hunger and thirst, approached a banian tree in that deep forest, and sat
+down in its cool shade. And when they had sat down, Nakula stricken with
+sorrow and urged by impatience, addressed his eldest brother of the Kuru
+race, saying, 'In our race, O king, virtue hath never been sacrificed,
+nor hath there been loss of wealth from insolence. And being asked, we
+have never said to any creature, Nay! Why then in the present case have
+we met with this disaster?'"
+
+
+SECTION CCCX
+
+"Yudhishthira said, 'There is no limit to calamities. Nor is it possible
+to ascertain either their final or efficient cause. It is the Lord of
+justice alone who distributeth the fruits of both virtue and vice.'
+Thereupon Bhima said, 'Surely, this calamity hath befallen us, because I
+did not slay the _Pratikamin_ on the very spot, when he dragged Krishna
+as a slave into the assembly.' And Arjuna said, 'Surely, this calamity
+hath befallen us because I resented not those biting words piercing the
+very bones, uttered by the _Suta's_ son!' And Sahadeva said, 'Surely, O
+Bharata, this calamity hath befallen us because I did not slay Sakuni
+when he defeated thee at dice!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then king Yudhishthira addressed Nakula saying,
+'Do thou, O son of Madri, climb this tree and look around the ten points
+of the horizon. Do thou see whether there is water near us or such trees
+as grow on watery grounds! O child, these thy brothers are all fatigued
+and thirsty.' Thereupon saying, 'So be it,' Nakula speedily climbed up a
+tree, and having looked around, said unto his eldest brother, 'O king, I
+see many a tree that groweth by the water-side, and I hear also the
+cries of cranes. Therefore, without doubt, water must be somewhere
+here.' Hearing these words, Kunti's son Yudhishthira, firm in truth,
+said, 'O amiable one, go thou and fetch water in these quivers!' Saying,
+'So be it,' at the command of his eldest brother Nakula quickly
+proceeded towards the place where there was water and soon came upon it.
+And beholding a crystal lake inhabited by cranes he desired to drink of
+it, when he heard these words from the sky, 'O child, do not commit this
+rash act! This lake hath already been in my possession. Do thou, O son
+of Madri, first answer my questions and then drink of this water and
+take away (as much as thou requirest).' Nakula, however, who was
+exceedingly thirsty, disregarding these words, drank of the cool water,
+and having drunk of it, dropped down dead. And, O represser of foes,
+seeing Nakula's delay, Yudhishthira the son of Kunti said unto Sahadeva,
+the heroic brother of Nakula, 'O Sahadeva, it is long since our brother,
+he who was born immediately before thee, hath gone from hence! Do thou,
+therefore, go and bring back thy uterine brother, together with water.'
+At this, Sahadeva, saying, 'So be it,' set out in that direction; and
+coming to the spot, beheld his brother lying dead on the ground. And
+afflicted at the death of his brother, and suffering severely from
+thirst, he advanced towards the water, when these words were heard by
+him, 'O child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been
+in my possession. First answer my question, and then drink of the water
+and take away as much as thou mayst require.' Sahadeva, however, who was
+extremely thirsty, disregarding these words, drank of the water, and
+having drunk of it, dropped down dead. Then Yudhishthira, the son of
+Kunti, said unto Vijaya, 'It is long since, O Vibhatsu, that thy two
+brothers have gone, O represser of foes! Blessed be thou! Do thou bring
+them back, together with water. Thou art, O child, the refuge of us all
+when plunged in distress!' Thus addressed, the intelligent Gudakesa,
+taking his bow and arrows and also his naked sword, set out for that
+lake of waters. And reaching that spot, he whose car was drawn by white
+steeds beheld those tigers among men, his two younger brothers who had
+come to fetch water, lying dead there. And seeing them as if asleep,
+that lion among men, exceedingly aggrieved, raised his bow and began to
+look around that wood. But he found none in that mighty forest. And,
+being fatigued, he who was capable of drawing the bow by his left hand
+as well, rushed in the direction of the water. And as he was rushing
+(towards the water), he heard these words from the sky, 'Why dost thou
+approach this water? Thou shalt not be able to drink of it by force. If
+thou, O Kaunteya, can answer the question I will put to thee, then only
+shalt thou drink of the water and take away as much as thou requirest, O
+Bharata!' Thus forbidden, the son of Pritha said, 'Do thou forbid me by
+appearing before me! And when thou shalt be sorely pierced with my
+arrows, thou wilt not then again speak in this way!' Having said this,
+Partha covered all sides with arrows inspired by _mantras_. And he also
+displayed his skill in shooting at an invisible mark by sound alone.
+And, O bull of the Bharata race, sorely afflicted with thirst, he
+discharged barbed darts and javelins and iron arrows, and showered on
+the sky innumerable shafts incapable of being baffled. Thereupon, the
+invisible Yaksha said, 'What need of all this trouble, O son of Pritha?
+Do thou drink only after answering my questions! If thou drink, however,
+without answering my questions, thou shalt die immediately after.' Thus
+addressed, Pritha's son Dhananjaya capable of drawing the bow with his
+left hand as well, disregarding those words, drank of the water, and
+immediately after dropped down dead. And (seeing Dhananjaya's delay)
+Kunti's son Yudhishthira addressed Bhimasena, saying, 'O represser of
+foes, it is a long while that Nakula and Sahadeva and Vibhatsu have gone
+to fetch water, and they have not come yet, O Bharata! Good betide thee!
+Do thou bring them back, together with water!' Thereupon saying, 'So be
+it,' Bhimasena set out for that place where those tigers among men, his
+brothers, lay dead. And beholding them, Bhima afflicted though he was
+with thirst, was exceedingly distressed. And that mighty armed hero
+thought all that to have been the act of some Yaksha or Rakshasa. And
+Pritha's son Vrikodara thought, 'I shall surely have to fight today. Let
+me, therefore, first appease my thirst.' Then that bull of the Bharata
+race rushed forward with the intention of drinking. Thereupon the Yaksha
+said, 'O child, do not commit this rash act! This lake hath already been
+in my possession. Do thou first answer my questions, and then drink and
+take away as much water as thou requirest!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by that Yaksha of immeasurable
+energy, Bhima, without answering his questions, drank of the water. And
+as soon as he drank, he fell down dead on the spot. Then thinking that
+his brothers had left him long since, Yudhishthira waited for some time.
+And the king said unto himself again and again, 'Why is it that the two
+sons of Madri are delaying? And why doth the wielder also of the
+_Gandiva_ delay? And why doth Bhima too, endued with great strength,
+delay? I shall go to search for them!' And resolved to do this, the
+mighty-armed Yudhishthira then rose up, his heart burning in grief. And
+that bull among men, the royal son of Kunti thought within himself. 'Is
+this forest under some malign influence? Or, is it infested by some
+wicked beasts? Or, have they all fallen, in consequence of having
+disregarded some mighty being? Or, not finding water in the spot whither
+those heroes had first repaired, they have spent all this time in search
+through the forest? What is that reason for which those bulls among men
+do not come back?' And speaking in this strain, that foremost of
+monarchs, the illustrious Yudhishthira, entered into that mighty forest
+where no human sound was heard and which was inhabited by deer and bears
+and birds, and which was adorned with trees that were bright and green,
+and which echoed with the hum of the black-bee and the notes of winged
+warblers. As he was proceeding along, he beheld that beautiful lake
+which looked as if it had been made by the celestial artificer himself.
+And it was adorned with flowers of a golden hue and with lotuses and
+_Sindhuvars_. And it abounded with canes and _Ketakas_ and _Karaviras_
+and _Pippalas_, and fatigued with toil, Yudhishthira saw that tank and
+was struck with wonder."
+
+
+SECTION CCCXI
+
+Vaisampayana said, "Yudhishthira saw his brothers, each possessed of the
+glory of Indra himself, lying dead like the Regents of the world dropped
+from their spheres at the end of the _Yuga_. And beholding Arjuna lying
+dead, with his bow and arrows dropped on the ground, and also Bhimasena
+and the twins motionless and deprived of life, the king breathed a hot
+and long sigh, and was bathed in tears of grief. And beholding his
+brothers lying dead, the mighty armed son of Dharma with heart racked in
+anxiety, began to lament profusely, saying, 'Thou hadst, O mighty-armed
+Vrikodara, vowed, saying,--_I shall with mace smash the thighs of
+Duryodhana in battle!_ O enhancer of the glory of the Kurus, in thy
+death, O mighty-armed and high-souled one, all that hath become
+fruitless now! The promises of men may be ineffectual; but why have the
+words of the gods uttered in respect of thee been thus fruitless? O
+Dhananjaya, while thou wert in thy mother's lying-in-room, the gods had
+said,--_O Kunti, this thy son shall not be inferior to him of a thousand
+eyes!_ And in the northern Paripatra mountains, all beings had sung,
+saying,--_The prosperity (of this race), robbed by foes will be
+recovered by this one without delay. No one will be able to vanquish him
+in battle, while there will be none whom he will not be able to
+vanquish._ Why then hath that Jishnu endued with great strength been
+subject to death? Oh, why doth that Dhananjaya, relying on whom we had
+hitherto endured all this misery, lie on the ground blighting[66] all my
+hopes! Why have those heroes, those mighty sons of Kunti, Bhimasena and
+Dhananjaya, came under the power of the enemy,--those who themselves
+always slew their foes, and whom no weapons could resist! Surely, this
+vile heart of mine must be made of adamant, since, beholding these twins
+lying today on the ground it doth not split! Ye bulls among men, versed
+in holy writ and acquainted with the properties of time and place, and
+endued with ascetic merit, ye who duly performed all sacred rites, why
+lie ye down, without performing acts deserving of you? Alas, why lie ye
+insensible on the earth, with your bodies unwounded, ye unvanquished
+ones, and with your vows untouched?' And beholding his brothers sweetly
+sleeping there as (they usually did) on mountain slopes, the high souled
+king, overwhelmed with grief and bathed in sweat, came to a distressful
+condition. And saying,--It is even so--that virtuous lord of men,
+immersed in an ocean of grief anxiously proceeded to ascertain the cause
+(of that catastrophe). And that mighty-armed and high-souled one,
+acquainted with the divisions of time and place, could not settle his
+course of action. Having thus bewailed much in this strain, the virtuous
+Yudhishthira, the son of _Dharma_ or _Tapu_, restrained his soul and
+began to reflect in his mind as to who had slain those heroes. 'There
+are no strokes of weapons upon these, nor is any one's foot-print here.
+The being must be mighty I ween, by whom my brothers have been slain.
+Earnestly shall I ponder over this, or, let me first drink of the water,
+and then know all. It may be that the habitually crooked-minded
+Duryodhana hath caused this water to be secretly placed here by the king
+of the _Gandharvas_. What man of sense can trust wicked wight of evil
+passions with whom good and evil are alike? Or, perhaps, this may be an
+act of that wicked-souled one through secret messengers of his.' And it
+was thus that that highly intelligent one gave way to diverse
+reflections. He did not believe that water to have been tainted with
+poison, for though dead no corpse-like pallor was on them. 'The colour
+on the faces of these my brothers hath not faded!' And it was thus that
+Yudhishthira thought. And the king continued, 'Each of these foremost of
+men was like unto a mighty cataract. Who, therefore, save Yama himself
+who in due time bringeth about the end of all things, could have baffled
+them thus.' And having concluded this for certain, he began to perform
+his ablutions in that lake. And while he descended into it, he heard
+these words from the sky, uttered by the Yaksha,--'I am a crane, living
+on tiny fish. It is by me that thy younger brothers have been brought
+under the sway of the lord of departed spirits. If thou, O prince,
+answer not the questions put by me, even thou shalt number the fifth
+corpse. Do not, O child, act rashly! This lake hath already been in my
+possession. Having answered my questions first, do thou, O Kunti's son,
+drink and carry away (as much as thou requirest)!' Hearing these words,
+Yudhishthira said, 'Art thou the foremost of the Rudras, or of the
+Vasus, or of the Marutas? I ask, what god art thou? This could not have
+been done by a bird! Who is it that hath overthrown the four mighty
+mountains, viz., the Himavat, the Paripatra, the Vindhya, and the
+Malaya? Great is the feat done by thee, thou foremost of strong persons!
+Those whom neither gods, nor _Gandharvas_ nor _Asuras_, nor _Rakshasas_
+could endure in mighty conflict, have been slain by thee! Therefore,
+exceedingly wonderful is the deed done by thee! I do not know what thy
+business may be, nor do I know thy purpose. Therefore, great is the
+curiosity and fear also that have taken possession of me. My mind is
+greatly agitated, and as my head also is aching, I ask thee, therefore,
+O worshipful one, who art thou that stayest here?' Hearing these words
+the Yaksha said, 'I am, good betide thee, a Yaksha, and not an
+amphibious bird. It is by me that all these brothers of thine, endued
+with mighty prowess, have been slain!'"
+
+    [66] Samhritya--killing.
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these accursed words couched in harsh
+syllabus,[67] Yudhishthira, O king, approaching the Yaksha who had
+spoken then, stood there. And that bull among the Bharatas then beheld
+that Yaksha of unusual eyes and huge body tall like a palmyra-palm and
+looking like fire or the Sun, and irresistible and gigantic like a
+mountain, staying on a tree, and uttering a loud roar deep as that of
+the clouds. And the Yaksha said, 'These thy brothers, O king, repeatedly
+forbidden by me, would forcibly take away water. It is for this that
+they have been slain by me! He that wisheth to live, should not, O king,
+drink this water! O son of Pritha, act not rashly! This lake hath
+already been in my possession. Do thou, O son of Kunti, first answer my
+questions, and then take away as much as thou likest!' Yudhishthira
+said, 'I do not, O Yaksha, covet, what is already in thy possession! O
+bull among male beings, virtuous persons never approve that one should
+applaud his own self (without boasting, I shall, therefore, answer thy
+questions, according to my intelligence). Do thou ask me!' The Yaksha
+then said, 'What is it that maketh the Sun rise? Who keeps him company?
+Who causeth him to set? And in whom is he established?' Yudhishthira
+answered, '_Brahma_ maketh the Sun rise; the gods keep him company;
+_Dharma_ causeth him to set; and he is established in truth.'[68] The
+Yaksha asked, 'By what doth one become learned? By what doth he attain
+what is very great? How can one have a second? And, O king, how can one
+acquire intelligence?' Yudhishthira answered, 'It is by the (study of
+the) _Srutis_ that a person becometh learned; it is by ascetic
+austerities that one acquireth what is very great; it is by intelligence
+that a person acquireth a second and it is by serving the old that one
+becometh wise.'[69] The Yaksha asked, 'What constituteth the divinity of
+the Brahmanas? What even is their practice that is like that of the
+pious? What also is the human attribute of the Brahmanas? And what
+practice of theirs is like that of the impious?' Yudhishthira answered,
+'The study of the _Vedas_ constitutes their divinity; their asceticism
+constitutes behaviour that is like that of the pious; their liability to
+death is their human attribute and slander is their impiety.' The Yaksha
+asked, 'What institutes the divinity of the Kshatriyas? What even is
+their practice that is like that of the pious? What is their human
+attribute? And what practice of theirs is like that of the impious?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'Arrows and weapons are their divinity;
+celebration of sacrifices is that act which is like that of the pious;
+liability to fear is their human attribute; and refusal of protection is
+that act of theirs which is like that of the impious.' The Yaksha asked,
+'What is that which constitutes the _Sama_ of the sacrifice? What the
+_Yajus_ of the sacrifice? What is that which is the refuge of a
+sacrifice? And what is that which sacrifice cannot do without?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'Life is the _Sama_ of the sacrifice; the mind is
+the _Yajus_ of the sacrifice; the _Rik_ is that which is the refuge of
+the sacrifice; and it is _Rik_ alone which sacrifice cannot do
+without.'[70] The Yaksha asked, 'What is of the foremost value to those
+that cultivate? What is of the foremost value to those that sow? What is
+of the foremost value to those that wish for prosperity in this world?
+And what is of the foremost value to those that bring forth?'
+Yudhishthira answered, 'That which is of the foremost value to those
+that cultivate is rain; that of the foremost value to those that sow is
+seed; that of the foremost value to those that bring forth is
+offspring.'[71] The Yaksha asked, 'What person, enjoying all the objects
+of the senses, endued with intelligence, regarded by the world and liked
+by all beings, though breathing, doth not offer anything to these five,
+viz., gods, guests, servants, _Pitris_, and himself, though endued with
+breath, is not yet alive.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is weightier than the
+earth itself? What is higher than the heavens? What is fleeter than the
+wind? And what is more numerous than grass?' Yudhishthira answered, 'The
+mother is weightier than the earth; the father is higher than the
+heaven; the mind is fleeter than the wind; and our thoughts are more
+numerous than grass.' The Yaksha asked, 'What is that which doth not
+close its eyes while asleep? What is that which doth not move after
+birth? What is that which is without heart? And what is that which
+swells with its own impetus?' Yudhishthira answered, 'A fish doth not
+close its eyes while asleep; an egg doth not move after birth; a stone
+is without heart; and a river swelleth with its own impetus.' The Yaksha
+asked, 'Who is the friend of the exile? Who is the friend of the
+householder? Who is the friend of him that ails? And who is the friend
+of one about to die?' Yudhishthira answered, 'The friend of the exile in
+a distant land is his companion; the friend of the householder is the
+wife; the friend of him that ails is the physician; and the friend of
+him about to die is charity.' The Yaksha asked,--'Who is the guest of
+all creatures? What is the eternal duty? What, O foremost of kings, is
+_Amrita_? And what is this entire Universe?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'_Agni_ is the guest of all creatures; the milk of kine is
+_amrita; Homa_ (therewith) is the eternal duty; and this Universe
+consists of air alone.'[72] The Yaksha asked,--'What is that which
+sojourneth alone? What is that which is re-born after its birth? What is
+the remedy against cold? And what is the largest field?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'The sun sojourneth alone; the moon takes birth anew; fire is
+the remedy against cold; and the Earth is the largest field.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What is the highest refuge of virtue? What of fame? What of
+heaven? And what, of happiness?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Liberality is
+the highest refuge of virtue; gift, of fame; truth, of heaven; and good
+behaviour, of happiness.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is the soul of man?
+Who is that friend bestowed on man by the gods? What is man's chief
+support? And what also is his chief refuge?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'The son is a man's soul; the wife is the friend bestowed on
+man by the gods; the clouds are his chief support; and gift is his chief
+refuge.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is the best of all laudable things?
+What is the most valuable of all his possessions? What is the best of
+all gains? And what is the best of all kinds of happiness?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--"The best of all laudable things is skill; the best of all
+possessions is knowledge; the best of all gains is health; and
+contentment is the best of all kinds of happiness.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What is the highest duty in the world? What is that virtue
+which always beareth fruit? What is that which if controlled, leadeth
+not to regret? And who are they with whom an alliance cannot break?'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'The highest of duties is to refrain from
+injury; the rites ordained in the _Three (Vedas)_ always bear fruit; the
+mind, if controlled, leadeth to no regret; and an alliance with the good
+never breaketh.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is that which, if renounced,
+maketh one agreeable? What is that which, if renounced, leadeth to no
+regret? What is that which, if renounced, maketh one wealthy? And what
+is that which if renounced, maketh one happy?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'Pride, if renounced, maketh one agreeable; wrath, if
+renounced leadeth to no regret; desire, if renounced, maketh one
+wealthy; and avarice, if renounced, maketh one happy.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'For what doth one give away to Brahmanas? For what to mimes and
+dancers? For what to servants? And for what to the king?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'It is for religious merit that one giveth away to Brahmanas;
+it is for fame that one giveth away to mimes and dancers; it is for
+supporting them that one giveth away to servants; and it is for
+obtaining relief from fear that one giveth to kings.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'With what is the world enveloped? What is that owing to which a
+thing cannot discover itself? For what are friends forsaken? And for
+what doth one fail to go to heaven?' Yudhishthira answered,--'The world
+is enveloped with darkness. Darkness doth not permit a thing to show
+itself. It is from avarice that friends are forsaken. And it is
+connection with the world for which one faileth to go to heaven.' The
+Yaksha asked,--'For what may one be considered as dead? For what may a
+kingdom be considered as dead? For what may a _Sraddha_ be considered as
+dead? And for what, a sacrifice?' Yudhishthira answered,--'For want of
+wealth may a man be regarded as dead. A kingdom for want of a king may
+be regarded as dead. A _Sraddha_ that is performed with the aid of a
+priest that hath no learning may be regarded as dead. And a sacrifice in
+which there are no gifts to Brahmanas is dead.' The Yaksha asked,--'What
+constitutes the way? What hath been spoken of as water? What, as food?
+And what, as poison? Tell us also what is the proper time of a
+_Sraddha_, and then drink and take away as much as thou likest!'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'They that are good constitute the way.[73]
+Space hath been spoken of as water.[74] The cow is food.[75] A request
+is poison. And a Brahmana is regarded as the proper time of a
+_Sraddha_.[76] I do not know what thou mayst think of all this, O
+Yaksha?' The Yaksha asked,--'What hath been said to be the sign of
+asceticism? And what is true restraint? What constitutes forgiveness.
+And what is shame?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Staying in one's own
+religion is asceticism; the restraint of the mind is of all restraints
+the true one; forgiveness consists in enduring enmity; and shame, in
+withdrawing from all unworthy acts.' The Yaksha asked,--'What, O king is
+said to be knowledge? What, tranquillity? What constitutes mercy? And
+what hath been called simplicity?' Yudhishthira answered,--'True
+knowledge is that of Divinity. True tranquillity is that of the heart.
+Mercy consists in wishing happiness to all. And simplicity is equanimity
+of heart.' The Yaksha asked,--'What enemy is invincible? What
+constitutes an incurable disease for man? What sort of a man is called
+honest and what dishonest?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Anger is an
+invincible enemy. Covetousness constitutes an incurable disease. He is
+honest that desires the weal of all creatures, and he is dishonest who
+is unmerciful.' The Yaksha asked,--'What, O king, is ignorance? And what
+is pride? What also is to be understood by idleness? And what hath been
+spoken of as grief?' Yudhishthira answered,--'True ignorance consists in
+not knowing one's duties. Pride is a consciousness of one's being
+himself an actor or sufferer in life. Idleness consists in not
+discharging one's duties, and ignorance in grief.' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What hath steadiness been said by the _Rishis_ to be? And what,
+patience? What also is a real ablution? And what is charity?'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'Steadiness consists in one's staying in one's
+own religion, and true patience consists in the subjugation of the
+senses. A true bath consists in washing the mind clean of all
+impurities, and charity consists in protecting all creatures.' The
+Yaksha asked,--'What man should be regarded as learned, and who should
+be called an atheist? Who also is to be called ignorant? What is called
+desire and what are the sources of desire? And what is envy?'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'He is to be called learned who knoweth his
+duties. An atheist is he who is ignorant and so also he is ignorant who
+is an atheist. Desire is due to objects of possession, and envy is
+nothing else than grief of heart.' The Yaksha asked,--'What is pride,
+and what is hypocrisy? What is the grace of the gods, and what is
+wickedness?' Yudhishthira answered,--'Stolid ignorance is pride. The
+setting up of a religious standard is hypocrisy. The grace of the gods
+is the fruit of our gifts, and wickedness consists in speaking ill of
+others.' The Yaksha asked,--'Virtue, profit, and desire are opposed to
+one another. How could things thus antagonistic to one another exist
+together?' Yudhishthira answered,--'When a wife and virtue agree with
+each other, then all the three thou hast mentioned may exist together.'
+The Yaksha asked,--'O bull of the Bharata race, who is he that is
+condemned to everlasting hell? It behoveth thee to soon answer the
+question that I ask!' Yudhishthira answered,--'He that summoneth a poor
+Brahmana promising to make him a gift and then tells him that he hath
+nothing to give, goeth to everlasting hell. He also must go to
+everlasting hell, who imputes falsehood to the _Vedas_, the scriptures,
+the Brahmanas, the gods, and the ceremonies in honour of the _Pitris_.
+He also goeth to everlasting hell who though in possession of wealth,
+never giveth away nor enjoyeth himself from avarice, saying, he hath
+none.' The Yaksha asked,--'By what, O king, birth, behaviour, study, or
+learning doth a person become a Brahmana? Tell us with certitude!'
+Yudhishthira answered,--'Listen, O Yaksha! It is neither birth, nor
+study, nor learning, that is the cause of _Brahmanahood_, without doubt,
+it is behaviour that constitutes it. One's behaviour should always be
+well-guarded, especially by a Brahmana. He who maintaineth his conduct
+unimpaired, is never impaired himself. Professors and pupils, in fact,
+all who study the scriptures, if addicted to wicked habits, are to be
+regarded as illiterate wretches. He only is learned who performeth his
+religious duties. He even that hath studied the four Vedas is to be
+regarded as a wicked wretch scarcely distinguishable from a Sudra (if
+his conduct be not correct). He only who performeth the _Agnihotra_ and
+hath his senses under control, is called a Brahmana!' The Yaksha
+asked,--'What doth one gain that speaketh agreeable words? What doth he
+gain that always acteth with judgment? What doth he gain that hath many
+friends? And what he, that is devoted to virtue?' Yudhishthira
+answered,--'He that speaketh agreeable words becometh agreeable to all.
+He that acteth with judgment obtaineth whatever he seeketh. He that hath
+many friends liveth happily. And he that is devoted to virtue obtaineth
+a happy state (in the next world).' The Yaksha asked,--'Who is truly
+happy? What is most wonderful? What is _the_ path? And what is _the_
+news? Answer these four questions of mine and let thy dead brothers
+revive.' Yudhishthira answered,--'O amphibious creature, a man who
+cooketh in his own house, on the fifth or the sixth part of the day,
+with scanty vegetables, but who is not in debt and who stirreth not from
+home, is truly happy. Day after day countless creatures are going to the
+abode of Yama, yet those that remain behind believe themselves to be
+immortal. What can be more wonderful than this? Argument leads to no
+certain conclusion, the _Srutis_ are different from one another; there
+is not even one _Rishi_ whose opinion can be accepted by all; the truth
+about religion and duty is hid in caves: therefore, that alone is the
+path along which the great have trod. This world full of ignorance is
+like a pan. The sun is fire, the days and nights are fuel. The months
+and the seasons constitute the wooden ladle. Time is the cook that is
+cooking all creatures in that pan (with such aids); this is _the news_.'
+The Yaksha asked,--'Thou hast, O represser of foes, truly answered all
+my questions! Tell us now who is truly a man, and what man truly
+possesseth every kind of wealth.' Yudhishthira answered,--'The report of
+one's good action reacheth heaven and spreadeth over the earth. As long
+as that report lasteth, so long is a person to whom the agreeable and
+the disagreeable, weal and woe, the past and the future, are the same,
+is said to possess every kind of wealth.' The Yaksha said,--'Thou hast,
+O king truly answered who is a man, and what man possesseth every kind
+of wealth. Therefore, let one only amongst thy brothers, whom thou mayst
+wish, get up with life!' Yudhishthira answered,--'Let this one that is
+of darkish hue, whose eyes are red, who is tall like a large _Sala_
+tree, whose chest is broad and arms long, let this Nakula, O Yaksha, get
+up with life!' The Yaksha rejoined,--'This Bhimasena is dear unto thee,
+and this Arjuna also is one upon whom all of you depend! Why, then, O
+king, dost thou wish a step-brother to get up with his life! How canst
+thou, forsaking Bhima whose strength is equal to that of ten thousand
+elephants, wish Nakula to live? People said that this Bhima was dear to
+thee. From what motive then dost thou wish a step-brother to revive?
+Forsaking Arjuna the might of whose arm is worshipped by all the sons of
+Pandu, why dost thou wish Nakula to revive?' Yudhishthira said,--'If
+virtue is sacrificed, he that sacrificeth it, is himself lost. So virtue
+also cherisheth the cherisher. Therefore taking care that virtue by
+being sacrificed may not sacrifice us, I never forsake virtue.
+Abstention from injury is the highest virtue, and is, I ween, even
+higher than the highest object of attainment. I endeavour to practise
+that virtue. Therefore, let Nakula, O Yaksha, revive! Let men know that
+the king is always virtuous! I will never depart from my duty. Let
+Nakula, therefore, revive! My father had two wives, Kunti and Madri. Let
+both of them have children. This is what I wish. As Kunti is to me, so
+also is Madri. There is no difference between them in my eye. I desire
+to act equally towards my mothers. Therefore, let Nakula live.' The
+Yaksha said,--'Since abstention from injury is regarded by thee as
+higher than both profit and pleasure, therefore, let all thy brothers
+live, O bull of Bharata race!'"
+
+    [67] Lit. Letters.
+
+    [68] Behind the plain and obvious meanings of the words employed
+    both in the question and the answer, there is a deeper
+    signification of a spiritual kind. I think Nilakantha has
+    rightly understood the passage. By Aditya, which of course
+    commonly means the Sun, is indicated the unpurified soul (from
+    adatte sabdadin indriadivis &c.). The first question then,
+    becomes, 'Who is it that exalteth the unpurified soul?' The act
+    of exaltation implies a raising of the soul from its earthly
+    connections. The answer to this is, 'Brahma, i.e., Veda or
+    self-knowledge.' The second question--'What are those that keep
+    company with the soul during its progress of purification?' The
+    answer is, 'Self-restraint and other qualities, which are all of
+    a god-like or divine nature.' The third question is.--Who lead
+    the soul to its place (state) of rest? The answer is, 'Dharma,
+    _i.e._, rectitude, morality, and religious observances.' It is
+    often asserted that one must pass through the observances
+    (Karma) before attaining to a state of Rest or Truth or Pure
+    Knowledge. The last question is,--'On what is the soul
+    established!' The answer, according to all that has been
+    previously said, is 'Truth or Pure Knowledge.' For the soul that
+    is emancipated from and raised above all carnal connections, is
+    no longer in need of observances and acts (Karma) but stays
+    unmoved in True Knowledge (Janana).
+
+    [69] Nilakantha explains both Dhriti and Dwitiya in a spiritual
+    sense. There is no need, however, of a spiritual explanation
+    here. By Dhriti is meant steadiness of intelligence; by Dwitiya
+    lit, a second. What Yudhishthira says is that a steady
+    intelligence serves the purposes of a helpful companion.
+
+    [70] Nilakantha explains this correctly, as I imagine, by
+    supposing that by 'sacrifice' is meant the spiritual sacrifice
+    for the acquisition of pure knowledge. In the objective
+    sacrifice which one celebrates, the Sama, the Yajus, and the Rik
+    mantras are all necessary. In the subjective sacrifice the
+    acquisition of true knowledge, life and mind are as necessary as
+    the mantras from the Sama and the Yajur Vedas in an objective
+    one. And as no objective sacrifice can do without the Riks,
+    being principally dependent on them, so the subjective
+    sacrifices for acquiring true knowledge can never do without
+    prayerfulness, which, I imagine, is represented as the Riks. To
+    understand this passage thoroughly would require an intimate
+    acquaintance with the ritual of a sacrifice like the Agnishtoma
+    or any other of that kind.
+
+    [71] Some texts read apatatam for uvapatam. If the former be the
+    correct reading, the meaning would be--'What is the best of
+    things that fall?' Nilakantha explains both avapatam nivapatam
+    in a spiritual sense. By the first he understands--'They that
+    offer oblation to the gods,' and by the second, 'They that offer
+    oblations to the Pitris.' The necessity of a spiritual
+    interpretation, however, is not very apparent.
+
+    [72] Yudhishthira has the authority of the Srutis for saying
+    that the one pervading element of the universe is air.
+
+    [73] The word used in the question is _dik_, literally,
+    direction. Obviously, of course, it means in this connection
+    way. Yudhishthira answers that the way which one is to tread
+    along is that of the good.
+
+    [74] The _Srutis_ actually speak of space as water. These are
+    questions to test Yudhishthira's knowledge of the Vedic
+    cosmogony.
+
+    [75] The _Srutis_ speak of the cow as the only food, in the
+    following sense. The cow gives milk. The milk gives butter. The
+    butter is used in Homa. The Homa is the cause of the clouds. The
+    clouds give rain. The rain makes the seed to sprout forth and
+    produce food. Nilakantha endeavours to explain this in a
+    spiritual sense. There is however, no need of such explanation
+    here.
+
+    [76] What Yudhishthira means to say is that there is no special
+    time for a Sraddha. It is to be performed whenever a good and
+    able priest may be secured.
+
+
+SECTION CCCXII
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Then agreeable to the words of the Yaksha the
+Pandavas rose up; and in a moment their hunger and thirst left them.
+Thereupon Yudhishthira said, 'I ask thee that art incapable of being
+vanquished and that standest on one leg in the tank, what god art thou,
+for I cannot take thee for a Yaksha! Art thou the foremost of the Vasus,
+or of the Rudras, or of the chief of the Maruts? Or art thou the lord
+himself of the celestials, wielder of the thunder-bolt! Each of these my
+brothers is capable of fighting as hundred thousand warriors, and I see
+not the warrior that can slay them all! I see also that their senses
+have refreshed, as if they have sweetly awaked from slumber. Art thou a
+friend of ours, or even our father himself?' At this the Yaksha
+replied,--'O child, I am even thy father, the Lord of justice, possessed
+of great prowess! Know, bull of the Bharata race, that I came hither
+desirous of beholding thee! Fame, truth, self-restraint, purity,
+candour, modesty, steadiness, charity, austerities and _Brahmacharya_,
+these are my body! And abstention from injury, impartiality, peace,
+penances, sanctity, and freedom from malice are the doors (through which
+I am accessible). Thou art always dear to me! By good luck thou art
+devoted to the five;[77] and by good luck also thou hast conquered the
+six.[78] Of the six, two appear in the first part of life; two in the
+middle part thereof; and the remaining two at the end, in order to make
+men repair to the next world. I am, good betide thee, the lord of
+justice! I came hither to test thy merit. I am well-pleased to witness
+thy harmlessness; and, O sinless one, I will confer boons on thee. Do
+thou, O foremost of kings, ask of me boons. I shall surely confer them,
+O sinless one! Those that revere me, never come by distress!'
+Yudhishthira said,--'A deer was carrying away the Brahmana's
+fire-sticks. Therefore, the first boon that I shall ask, is, may that
+Brahmana's adorations to _Agni_ be not interrupted!' The Yaksha
+said,--'O Kunti's son endued with splendour, it was I who for examining
+thee, was carrying away, in the guise of a deer, that Brahmana's
+fire-sticks!'"
+
+    [77] That is, tranquillity of mind, self-restraint, abstention
+    from sensual pleasures, resignation, and Yoga meditation.
+
+    [78] That is, hunger, thirst, sorrow, bluntness of mortal
+    feeling, decrepitude, and death.
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thereupon that worshipful one said,--'I give
+thee this boon! Good betide thee! O thou that are like unto an immortal,
+ask thou a fresh boon!' Yudhishthira said,--'We have spent these twelve
+years in the forest; and the thirteenth year is come. May no one
+recognise us, as we spend this year somewhere.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Thereat that worshipful one replied,--'I give
+this boon unto thee!' And then reassuring Kunti's son having truth for
+prowess, he also said, 'Even if, O Bharata, ye range this (entire) earth
+in your proper forms none in the three worlds shall recognise you. Ye
+perpetuators of the Kuru race, through my grace, ye will spend this
+thirteenth year, secretly and unrecognised, in Virata's kingdom! And
+every one of you will be able at will to assume any form he likes! Do ye
+now present the Brahmana with his fire-sticks. It was only to test you
+that I carried them away in the form of a deer! O amiable Yudhishthira,
+do thou ask for another boon that thou mayst like! I will confer it on
+thee. O foremost of men, I have not yet been satisfied by granting boons
+to thee! Do thou my son, accept a third boon that is great and
+incomparable! Thou, O king, art born of me, and Vidura of portion or
+mine!' Thereat Yudhishthira said,--'It is enough that I have beheld thee
+with my senses, eternal God of gods as thou art! O father, whatever boon
+thou wilt confer on me I shall surely accept gladly! May I, O lord,
+always conquer covetousness and folly and anger, and may my mind be ever
+devoted to charity, truth, and ascetic austerities!' The Lord of justice
+said,--'Even by nature, O Pandava, hast thou been endued with these
+qualities, for thou art the Lord of justice himself! Do thou again
+attain what thou asked for!'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Having said these words, the worshipful Lord
+of justice, who is the object of contemplation of all the worlds,
+vanished therefrom; and the high-souled Pandavas after they had slept
+sweetly were united with one another. And their fatigue dispelled, those
+heroes returned to the hermitage, and gave back that Brahmana his
+firesticks. That man who pursueth this illustrious and fame-enhancing
+story of the revival (of the Pandavas) and the meeting of father and son
+(Dharma and Yudhishthira), obtaineth perfect tranquillity of mind, and
+sons and grandsons, and also a life extending over a hundred years! And
+the mind of that man that layeth this story to heart, never delighteth
+in unrighteousness, or in disunion among friends, or misappropriation of
+other person's property, or staining other people's wives, or in foul
+thoughts!"
+
+
+SECTION CCCXIII
+
+Vaisampayana continued,--"Commanded by the Lord of justice to thus spend
+in disguise the thirteenth year of non-discovery, the high-souled
+Pandavas, observant of vows and having truth for prowess, sat before
+those learned and vow-observing ascetics that from regard were dwelling
+with them in their exile in the forest. And with joined hands they said
+these words, with the intention of obtaining permission to spend the
+thirteenth year in the manner indicated. And they said, 'Ye know well
+that the sons of Dhritarashtra have by deceit deprived us of our
+kingdom, and have also done us many other wrongs! We have passed twelve
+years in the forest in great affliction. The thirteenth year only, which
+we are to spend unrecognised, yet remaineth. It behoveth you to permit
+us now to spend this year in concealment! Those rancorous enemies of
+ours, Suyodhana, the wicked-minded Karna, and Suvala's son should they
+discover us, would do mighty wrong to the citizens and our friends!
+Shall we all with the Brahmanas, be again established in our own
+kingdom?' Having said this, that pure-spirited son of Dharma king
+Yudhishthira, overwhelmed with grief and with accents choked in tears,
+swooned away. Thereupon the Brahmanas, together with his brothers began
+to cheer him up. Then Dhaumya spake unto the king these words fraught
+with mighty meaning,--'O king, thou art learned and capable of bearing
+privations, art firm in promise, and of subdued sense! Men of such stamp
+are not overwhelmed by any calamity whatever. Even the high-souled gods
+themselves have wandered over various places in disguise, for the
+purpose of overcoming foes. Indra for the purpose of overcoming his
+foes, dwelt in disguise in the asylum of Giriprastha, in Nishadha and
+thus attained his end. Before taking his birth in the womb of Aditi,
+Vishnu for the purpose of destroying the _Daityas_ passed a long time
+unrecognised, assuming the form of the _Haya-griba_ (Horse-necked). Then
+how disguising himself in the form of a dwarf, he by his prowess
+deprived Vali of his kingdom, hath been heard by thee! And thou hast
+also heard how Hutasana entering into water and remaining in
+concealment, achieved the purpose of the gods. And O thou versed in
+duty, thou hast heard how Hari with the view of overcoming his foes,
+entered into Sakra's thunder-bolt, and lay concealed there. And, O
+sinless one, thou hast heard of the office the regenerate _Rishi_ Aurva
+at one time performed for the gods, remaining concealed in his mother's
+womb. And O child, living in concealment in every part of the earth,
+Vivaswat, endued with excellent energy, at last entirely burnt up all
+his foes. And living disguised in the abode of Dasaratha, Vishnu of
+dreadful deeds slew the Ten-necked one in battle. Thus remaining in
+disguise in various places, high-souled persons have before this
+conquered their enemies in battle.' Thus cheered by these words of
+Dhaumya, the virtuous Yudhishthira, relying on his own wisdom and also
+that acquired from the scriptures regained his composure. Then that
+foremost of strong persons, the mighty-armed Bhimasena endued with great
+strength encouraging the king greatly, spake these words, 'Looking up to
+thy face (for permission), the wielder of the _Gandiva_, acting
+according to his sense of duty hath not yet, O king, shown any rashness!
+And although fully able to destroy the foe, Nakula and Sahadeva of
+dreadful prowess have been ever prevented by me! Never shall we swerve
+from that in which thou wilt engage us! Do thou tell us what is to be
+done! We shall speedily conquer our enemies!' When Bhimasena had said
+this, the Brahmanas uttered benedictions on the Bharatas, and then
+obtaining their permission, went to their respective quarters. And all
+those foremost of _Yatis_ and _Munis_ versed in the Vedas, exceedingly
+desirous of again beholding the Pandavas, went back to their homes. And
+accompanied by Dhaumya, these heroes, the five learned Pandavas equipped
+in vows set out with Krishna. And each versed in a separate science, and
+all proficient in _mantras_ and cognisant of when peace was to be
+concluded and when war was to be waged those tigers among men, about to
+enter upon a life of non-recognition, the next day proceeded for a Krose
+and then sat themselves down with the view of taking counsel of each
+other."
+
+_The End of Vana Parva_
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana
+Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 2, by Translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
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