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diff --git a/15474-h/15474-h.htm b/15474-h/15474-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b6bcd32 --- /dev/null +++ b/15474-h/15474-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,67706 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Mahabharata, Volume I., Book 1-3 by Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana +Vyasa, Volume 1 + +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, Volume 1 + Books 1, 2, and 3 + +Translator: Kisari Mohan Ganguli + +Release Date: March 26, 2005 [EBook #15474] +Last Updated: November 6, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAHABHARATA VOL 1 *** + + + + +Produced by John B. Hare, David King, and David Widger + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h1> + <h4> + of + </h4> + <h2> + Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h1> + VOLUME 1 + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h1> + BOOKS 1 to 3 + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text + </h3> + <h4> + by + </h4> + <h2> + Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + [1883-1896] + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="mynote"> + <p> + The text file scanned at sacred-texts.com, 2003, and proofed at + Distributed Proofing, Juliet Sutherland, Project Manager. Additional + proofing and formatting of the text file at sacred-texts.com, by J. B. + Hare. + </p> + <br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + + <h3><a href="#link2H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a></h3> + +<p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE MAHABHARATA</b> </a><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#bookone"> <b>BOOK ONE</b> </a> + </p> + + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> SECTION I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> SECTION II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> SECTION III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> SECTION IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> SECTION V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> SECTION VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> SECTION VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> SECTION VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> SECTION IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> SECTION X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> SECTION XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> SECTION XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> SECTION XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> SECTION XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> SECTION XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> SECTION XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> SECTION XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> SECTION XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> SECTION XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> SECTION XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> SECTION XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> SECTION XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> SECTION XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> SECTION XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> SECTION XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> SECTION XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> SECTION XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> SECTION XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> SECTION XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> SECTION XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> SECTION XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> SECTION XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0035"> SECTION XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0036"> SECTION XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0037"> SECTION XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0038"> SECTION XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0039"> SECTION XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0040"> SECTION XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0041"> SECTION XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0042"> SECTION XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0043"> SECTION XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0044"> SECTION XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0045"> SECTION XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0046"> SECTION XLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0047"> SECTION XLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0048"> SECTION XLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0049"> SECTION XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0050"> SECTION XLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0051"> SECTION XLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0052"> SECTION L </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> SECTION LI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0054"> SECTION LII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0055"> SECTION LIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0056"> SECTION LIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0057"> SECTION LV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0058"> SECTION LVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0059"> SECTION LVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0060"> SECTION LVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0061"> SECTION LIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0062"> SECTION LX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0063"> SECTION LXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0064"> SECTION LXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0065"> SECTION LXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0066"> SECTION LXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0067"> SECTION LXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0068"> SECTION LXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0069"> SECTION LXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0070"> SECTION LXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0071"> SECTION LXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0072"> SECTION LXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0073"> SECTION LXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0074"> SECTION LXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0075"> SECTION LXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0076"> SECTION LXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0077"> SECTION LXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0078"> SECTION LXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0079"> SECTION LXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0080"> SECTION LXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0081"> SECTION LXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0082"> SECTION LXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0083"> SECTION LXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0084"> SECTION LXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0085"> SECTION LXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0086"> SECTION LXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0087"> SECTION LXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0088"> SECTION LXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0089"> SECTION LXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0090"> SECTION LXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0091"> SECTION XC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0092"> SECTION XCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0093"> SECTION XCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0094"> SECTION XCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0095"> SECTION XCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0096"> SECTION XCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0097"> SECTION XCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0098"> SECTION XCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0099"> SECTION XCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0100"> SECTION XCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0101"> SECTION C </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0102"> SECTION CI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0103"> SECTION CII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0104"> SECTION CIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0105"> SECTION CIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0106"> SECTION CV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0107"> SECTION CVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0108"> SECTION CVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0109"> SECTION CVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0110"> SECTION CIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0111"> SECTION CX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0112"> SECTION CXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0113"> SECTION CXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0114"> SECTION CXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0115"> SECTION CXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0116"> SECTION CXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0117"> SECTION CXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0118"> SECTION CXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0119"> SECTION CXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0120"> SECTION CXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0121"> SECTION CXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0122"> SECTION CXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0123"> SECTION CXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0124"> SECTION CXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0125"> SECTION CXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0126"> SECTION CXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0127"> SECTION CXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0128"> SECTION CXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0129"> SECTION CXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0130"> SECTION CXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0131"> SECTION CXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0132"> SECTION CXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0133"> SECTION CXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0134"> SECTION CXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0135"> SECTION CXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0136"> SECTION CXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0137"> SECTION CXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0138"> SECTION CXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0139"> SECTION CXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0140"> SECTION CXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0141"> SECTION CXL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0142"> SECTION CXLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0143"> SECTION CXLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0144"> SECTION CXLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0145"> SECTION CXLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0146"> SECTION CXLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0147"> SECTION CXLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0148"> SECTION CXLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0149"> SECTION CXLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0150"> SECTION CXLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0151"> SECTION CL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0152"> SECTION CLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0153"> SECTION CLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0154"> SECTION CLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0155"> SECTION CLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0156"> SECTION CLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0157"> SECTION CLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0158"> SECTION CLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0159"> SECTION CLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0160"> SECTION CLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0161"> SECTION CLX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0162"> SECTION CLXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0163"> SECTION CLXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0164"> SECTION CLXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0165"> SECTION CLXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0166"> SECTION CLXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0167"> SECTION CLXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0168"> SECTION CLXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0169"> SECTION CLXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0170"> SECTION CLXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0171"> SECTION CLXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0172"> SECTION CLXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0173"> SECTION CLXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0174"> SECTION CLXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0175"> SECTION CLXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0176"> SECTION CLXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_SECT"> Section CLXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0178"> SECTION CLXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0179"> SECTION CLXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0180"> SECTION CLXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0181"> SECTION CLXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0182"> SECTION CLXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0183"> SECTION CLXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0184"> SECTION CLXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0185"> SECTION CLXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0186"> SECTION CLXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0187"> SECTION CLXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0188"> SECTION CLXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0189"> SECTION CLXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0190"> SECTION CLXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0191"> SECTION CLXL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0192"> SECTION CLXLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0193"> SECTION CLXLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0194"> SECTION CLXLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0195"> SECTION CLXLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0196"> SECTION CLXLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0197"> SECTION CLXLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0198"> SECTION CLXLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0199"> SECTION CLXLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0200"> SECTION CLXLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0201"> SECTION CC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0202"> SECTION CCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0203"> SECTION CCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0204"> SECTION CCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0205"> SECTION CCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0206"> SECTION CCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0207"> SECTION CCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0208"> SECTION CCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0209"> SECTION CCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0210"> SECTION CCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0211"> SECTION CCX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0212"> SECTION CCXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0213"> SECTION CCXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0214"> SECTION CCXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0215"> SECTION CCXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0216"> SECTION CCXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0217"> SECTION CCXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0218"> SECTION CCXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0219"> SECTION CCXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0220"> SECTION CCXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0221"> SECTION CCXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0222"> SECTION CCXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0223"> SECTION CCXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0224"> SECTION CCXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0225"> SECTION CCXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0226"> SECTION CCXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0227"> SECTION CCXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0228"> SECTION CCXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0229"> SECTION CCXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0230"> SECTION CCXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0231"> SECTION CCXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0232"> SECTION CCXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0233"> SECTION CCXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0234"> SECTION CCXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0235"> SECTION CCXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0236"> SECTION CCXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0237"> SECTION CCXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0239"> <b>THE MAHABHARATA</b> </a><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0240"> <b>BOOK 2 — SABHA PARVA</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0241"> SECTION I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0242"> SECTION II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0243"> SECTION III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0244"> SECTION IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0245"> SECTION V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0246"> SECTION VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0247"> SECTION VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0248"> SECTION VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0249"> SECTION IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0250"> SECTION X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0251"> SECTION XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0252"> SECTION XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0253"> SECTION XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0254"> SECTION XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0255"> SECTION XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0256"> SECTION XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0257"> SECTION XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0258"> SECTION XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0259"> SECTION XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0260"> SECTION XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0261"> SECTION XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0262"> SECTION XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0263"> SECTION XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0264"> SECTION XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0265"> SECTION XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0266"> SECTION XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0267"> SECTION XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0268"> SECTION XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0269"> SECTION XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0270"> SECTION XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0271"> SECTION XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0272"> SECTION XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0273"> SECTION XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0274"> SECTION XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0275"> SECTION XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0276"> SECTION XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0277"> SECTION XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0278"> SECTION XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0279"> SECTION XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0280"> SECTION XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0281"> SECTION XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0282"> SECTION XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0283"> SECTION XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0284"> SECTION XLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0285"> SECTION XLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0286"> SECTION XLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0287"> SECTION XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0288"> SECTION XLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0289"> SECTION XLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0290"> SECTION L </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0291"> SECTION LI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0292"> SECTION LII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0293"> SECTION LIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0294"> SECTION LIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0295"> SECTION LV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0296"> SECTION LVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0297"> SECTION LVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0298"> SECTION LVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0299"> SECTION LIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0300"> SECTION LX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0301"> SECTION LXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0302"> SECTION LXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0303"> SECTION LXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0304"> SECTION LXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0305"> SECTION LXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0306"> SECTION LXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0307"> SECTION LXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0308"> SECTION LXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0309"> SECTION LXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0310"> SECTION LXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0311"> SECTION LXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0312"> SECTION LXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0313"> SECTION LXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0314"> SECTION LXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0315"> SECTION LXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0316"> SECTION LXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0317"> SECTION LXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0318"> SECTION LXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0319"> SECTION LXXX </a> + </p> + + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0321"> <b>THE MAHABHARATA</b> </a><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0322"> <b>BOOK 3 — VANA PARVA</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0323"> SECTION I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0324"> SECTION II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0325"> SECTION III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0326"> SECTION IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0327"> SECTION V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0328"> SECTION VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0329"> SECTION VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0330"> SECTION VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0331"> SECTION IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0332"> SECTION X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0333"> SECTION XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0334"> SECTION XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0335"> SECTION XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0336"> SECTION XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0337"> SECTION XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0338"> SECTION XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0339"> SECTION XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0340"> SECTION XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0341"> SECTION XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0342"> SECTION XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0343"> SECTION XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0344"> SECTION XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0345"> SECTION XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0346"> SECTION XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0347"> SECTION XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0348"> SECTION XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0349"> SECTION XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0350"> SECTION XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0351"> SECTION XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0352"> SECTION XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0353"> SECTION XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0354"> SECTION XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0355"> SECTION XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0356"> SECTION XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0357"> SECTION XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0358"> SECTION XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0359"> SECTION XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0360"> SECTION XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0361"> SECTION XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0362"> SECTION XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0363"> SECTION XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0364"> SECTION XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0365"> SECTION XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0366"> SECTION XLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0367"> SECTION XLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0368"> SECTION XLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0369"> SECTION XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0370"> SECTION XLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0371"> SECTION XLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0372"> SECTION L </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0373"> SECTION LI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0374"> SECTION LII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0375"> SECTION LIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0376"> SECTION LIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0377"> SECTION LV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0378"> SECTION LVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0379"> SECTION LVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0380"> SECTION LVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0381"> SECTION LIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0382"> SECTION LX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0383"> SECTION LXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0384"> SECTION LXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0385"> SECTION LXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0386"> SECTION LXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0387"> SECTION LXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0388"> SECTION LXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0389"> SECTION LXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0390"> SECTION LXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0391"> SECTION LXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0392"> SECTION LXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0393"> SECTION LXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0394"> SECTION LXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0395"> SECTION LXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0396"> SECTION LXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0397"> SECTION LXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0398"> SECTION LXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0399"> SECTION LXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0400"> SECTION LXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0401"> SECTION LXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0402"> SECTION LXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0403"> SECTION LXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0404"> SECTION LXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0405"> SECTION LXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0406"> SECTION LXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0407"> SECTION LXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0408"> SECTION LXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0409"> SECTION LXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0410"> SECTION LXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0411"> SECTION LXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0412"> SECTION XC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0413"> SECTION XCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0414"> SECTION XCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0415"> SECTION XCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0416"> SECTION XCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0417"> SECTION XCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0418"> SECTION XCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0419"> SECTION XCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0420"> SECTION XCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0421"> SECTION XCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0422"> SECTION C </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0423"> SECTION CI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0424"> SECTION CII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0425"> SECTION CIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0426"> SECTION CIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0427"> SECTION CV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0428"> SECTION CVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0429"> SECTION CVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0430"> SECTION CVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0431"> SECTION CIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0432"> SECTION CX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0433"> SECTION CXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0434"> SECTION CXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0435"> SECTION CXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0436"> SECTION CXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0437"> SECTION CXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0438"> SECTION CXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0439"> SECTION CXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0440"> SECTION CXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0441"> SECTION CXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0442"> SECTION CXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0443"> SECTION CXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0444"> SECTION CXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0445"> SECTION CXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0446"> SECTION CXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0447"> SECTION CXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0448"> SECTION CXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0449"> SECTION CXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0450"> SECTION CXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0451"> SECTION CXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0452"> SECTION CXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0453"> SECTION CXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0454"> SECTION CXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0455"> SECTION CXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0456"> SECTION CXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0457"> SECTION CXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0458"> SECTION CXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0459"> SECTION CXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0460"> SECTION CXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0461"> SECTION CXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0462"> SECTION CXL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0463"> SECTION CXLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0464"> SECTION CXLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0465"> SECTION CXLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0466"> SECTION CXLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0467"> SECTION CXLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0468"> SECTION CXLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0469"> SECTION CXLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0470"> SECTION CXLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0471"> SECTION CXLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0472"> SECTION CL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0473"> SECTION CLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0474"> SECTION CLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0475"> SECTION CLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0476"> SECTION CLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0477"> SECTION CLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0478"> SECTION CLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0479"> SECTION CLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0480"> SECTION CLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0481"> SECTION CLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0482"> SECTION CLX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0483"> SECTION CLXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0484"> SECTION CLXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0485"> SECTION CLXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0486"> SECTION CLXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0487"> SECTION CLXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0488"> SECTION CLXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0489"> SECTION CLXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0490"> SECTION CLXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0491"> SECTION CLXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0492"> SECTION CLXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0493"> SECTION CLXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0494"> SECTION CLXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0495"> SECTION CLXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0496"> SECTION CLXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0497"> SECTION CLXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0498"> SECTION CLXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0499"> SECTION CLXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0500"> SECTION CLXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0501"> SECTION CLXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0502"> SECTION CLXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0503"> SECTION CLXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0504"> SECTION CLXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0505"> SECTION CLXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0506"> SECTION CLXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0507"> SECTION CLXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0508"> SECTION CLXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0509"> SECTION CLXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0510"> SECTION CLXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0511"> SECTION CLXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0512"> SECTION CLXL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0513"> SECTION CLXLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0514"> SECTION CLXLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0515"> SECTION CLXLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0516"> SECTION CLXLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0517"> SECTION CLXLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0518"> SECTION CLXLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0519"> SECTION CLXLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0520"> SECTION CLXLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0521"> SECTION CLXLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0522"> SECTION CC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0523"> SECTION CCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0524"> SECTION CCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0525"> SECTION CCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0526"> SECTION CCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0527"> SECTION CCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0528"> SECTION CCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0529"> SECTION CCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0530"> SECTION CCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0531"> SECTION CCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0532"> SECTION CCX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0533"> SECTION CCXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0534"> SECTION CCXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0535"> SECTION CCXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0536"> SECTION CCXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0537"> SECTION CCXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0538"> SECTION CCXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0539"> SECTION CCXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0540"> SECTION CCXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0541"> SECTION CCXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0542"> SECTION CCXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0543"> SECTION CCXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0544"> SECTION CCXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0545"> SECTION CCXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0546"> SECTION CCXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0547"> SECTION CCXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0548"> SECTION CCXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0549"> SECTION CCXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0550"> SECTION CCXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0551"> SECTION CCXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0552"> SECTION CCXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0553"> SECTION CCXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0554"> SECTION CCXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0555"> SECTION CCXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0556"> SECTION CCXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0557"> SECTION CCXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0558"> SECTION CCXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0559"> SECTION CCXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0560"> SECTION CCXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0561"> SECTION CCXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0562"> SECTION CCXL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0563"> SECTION CCXLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0564"> SECTION CCXLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0565"> SECTION CCXLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0566"> SECTION CCXLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0567"> SECTION CCXLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0568"> SECTION CCXLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0569"> SECTION CCXLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0570"> SECTION CCXLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0571"> SECTION CCXLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0572"> SECTION CCL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0573"> SECTION CCLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0574"> SECTION CCLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0575"> SECTION CCLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0576"> SECTION CCLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0577"> SECTION CCLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0578"> SECTION CCLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0579"> SECTION CCLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0580"> SECTION CCLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0581"> SECTION CCLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0582"> SECTION CCLX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0583"> SECTION CCLXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0584"> SECTION CCLXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0585"> SECTION CCLXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0586"> SECTION CCLXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0587"> SECTION CCLXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0588"> SECTION CCLXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0589"> SECTION CCLXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0590"> SECTION CCLXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0591"> SECTION CCLXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0592"> SECTION CCLXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0593"> SECTION CCLXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0594"> SECTION CCLXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0595"> SECTION CCLXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0596"> SECTION CCLXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0597"> SECTION CCLXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0598"> SECTION CCLXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0599"> SECTION CCLXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0600"> SECTION CCLXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0601"> SECTION CCLXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0602"> SECTION CCLXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0603"> SECTION CCLXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0604"> SECTION CCLXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0605"> SECTION CCLXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0606"> SECTION CCLXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0607"> SECTION CCLXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0608"> SECTION CCLXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0609"> SECTION CCLXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0610"> SECTION CCLXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0611"> SECTION CCLXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0612"> SECTION CCLXL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0613"> SECTION CCLXLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0614"> SECTION CCLXLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0615"> SECTION CCLXLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0616"> SECTION CCLXLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0617"> SECTION CCLXLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0618"> SECTION CCLXLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0619"> SECTION CCLXLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0620"> SECTION CCLXLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0621"> SECTION CCLXLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0622"> SECTION CCC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0623"> SECTION CCCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0624"> SECTION CCCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0625"> SECTION CCCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0626"> SECTION CCCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0627"> SECTION CCCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0628"> SECTION CCCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0629"> SECTION CCCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0630"> SECTION CCCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0631"> SECTION CCCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0632"> SECTION CCCX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0633"> SECTION CCCXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0634"> SECTION CCCXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0635"> SECTION CCCXIII </a> + </p> + + +<p> + <a name="bookone"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + +<h1>BOOK ONE</h1> + + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + The object of a translator should ever be to hold the mirror upto his + author. That being so, his chief duty is to represent so far as + practicable the manner in which his author’s ideas have been expressed, + retaining if possible at the sacrifice of idiom and taste all the + peculiarities of his author’s imagery and of language as well. In regard + to translations from the Sanskrit, nothing is easier than to dish up Hindu + ideas, so as to make them agreeable to English taste. But the endeavour of + the present translator has been to give in the following pages as literal + a rendering as possible of the great work of Vyasa. To the purely English + reader there is much in the following pages that will strike as + ridiculous. Those unacquainted with any language but their own are + generally very exclusive in matters of taste. Having no knowledge of + models other than what they meet with in their own tongue, the standard + they have formed of purity and taste in composition must necessarily be a + narrow one. The translator, however, would ill-discharge his duty, if for + the sake of avoiding ridicule, he sacrificed fidelity to the original. He + must represent his author as he is, not as he should be to please the + narrow taste of those entirely unacquainted with him. Mr. Pickford, in the + preface to his English translation of the Mahavira Charita, ably defends a + close adherence to the original even at the sacrifice of idiom and taste + against the claims of what has been called ‘Free Translation,’ which means + dressing the author in an outlandish garb to please those to whom he is + introduced. + </p> + <p> + In the preface to his classical translation of Bhartrihari’s Niti Satakam + and Vairagya Satakam, Mr. C.H. Tawney says, “I am sensible that in the + present attempt I have retained much local colouring. For instance, the + ideas of worshipping the feet of a god of great men, though it frequently + occurs in Indian literature, will undoubtedly move the laughter of + Englishmen unacquainted with Sanskrit, especially if they happen to belong + to that class of readers who revel their attention on the accidental and + remain blind to the essential. But a certain measure of fidelity to the + original even at the risk of making oneself ridiculous, is better than the + studied dishonesty which characterises so many translations of oriental + poets.” + </p> + <p> + We fully subscribe to the above although, it must be observed, the censure + conveyed to the class of translators last indicated is rather undeserved, + there being nothing like a ‘studied dishonesty’ in their efforts which + proceed only from a mistaken view of their duties and as such betray only + an error of the head but not of the heart. More than twelve years ago when + Babu Pratapa Chandra Roy, with Babu Durga Charan Banerjee, went to my + retreat at Seebpore, for engaging me to translate the Mahabharata into + English, I was amazed with the grandeur of the scheme. My first question + to him was,—whence was the money to come, supposing my competence + for the task. Pratapa then unfolded to me the details of his plan, the + hopes he could legitimately cherish of assistance from different quarters. + He was full of enthusiasm. He showed me Dr. Rost’s letter, which, he said, + had suggested to him the undertaking. I had known Babu Durga Charan for + many years and I had the highest opinion of his scholarship and practical + good sense. When he warmly took Pratapa’s side for convincing me of the + practicability of the scheme, I listened to him patiently. The two were + for completing all arrangements with me the very day. To this I did not + agree. I took a week’s time to consider. I consulted some of my literary + friends, foremost among whom was the late lamented Dr. Sambhu C. + Mookherjee. The latter, I found, had been waited upon by Pratapa. Dr. + Mookherjee spoke to me of Pratapa as a man of indomitable energy and + perseverance. The result of my conference with Dr. Mookherjee was that I + wrote to Pratapa asking him to see me again. In this second interview + estimates were drawn up, and everything was arranged as far as my portion + of the work was concerned. My friend left with me a specimen of + translation which he had received from Professor Max Muller. This I began + to study, carefully comparing it sentence by sentence with the original. + About its literal character there could be no doubt, but it had no flow + and, therefore, could not be perused with pleasure by the general reader. + The translation had been executed thirty years ago by a young German + friend of the great Pundit. I had to touch up every sentence. This I did + without at all impairing faithfulness to the original. My first ‘copy’ was + set up in type and a dozen sheets were struck off. These were submitted to + the judgment of a number of eminent writers, European and native. All of + them, I was glad to see, approved of the specimen, and then the task of + translating the Mahabharata into English seriously began. + </p> + <p> + Before, however, the first fasciculus could be issued, the question as to + whether the authorship of the translation should be publicly owned, arose. + Babu Pratapa Chandra Roy was against anonymity. I was for it. The reasons + I adduced were chiefly founded upon the impossibility of one person + translating the whole of the gigantic work. Notwithstanding my resolve to + discharge to the fullest extent the duty that I took up, I might not live + to carry it out. It would take many years before the end could be reached. + Other circumstances than death might arise in consequence of which my + connection with the work might cease. It could not be desirable to issue + successive fasciculus with the names of a succession of translators + appearing on the title pages. These and other considerations convinced my + friend that, after all, my view was correct. It was, accordingly, resolved + to withhold the name of the translator. As a compromise, however, between + the two views, it was resolved to issue the first fasciculus with two + prefaces, one over the signature of the publisher and the other headed—‘Translator’s + Preface.’ This, it was supposed, would effectually guard against + misconceptions of every kind. No careful reader would then confound the + publisher with the author. + </p> + <p> + Although this plan was adopted, yet before a fourth of the task had been + accomplished, an influential Indian journal came down upon poor Pratapa + Chandra Roy and accused him openly of being a party to a great literary + imposture, viz., of posing before the world as the translator of Vyasa’s + work when, in fact, he was only the publisher. The charge came upon my + friend as a surprise, especially as he had never made a secret of the + authorship in his correspondence with Oriental scholars in every part of + the world. He promptly wrote to the journal in question, explaining the + reasons there were for anonymity, and pointing to the two prefaces with + which the first fasciculus had been given to the world. The editor readily + admitted his mistake and made a satisfactory apology. + </p> + <p> + Now that the translation has been completed, there can no longer be any + reason for withholding the name of the translator. The entire translation + is practically the work of one hand. In portions of the Adi and the Sabha + Parvas, I was assisted by Babu Charu Charan Mookerjee. About four forms of + the Sabha Parva were done by Professor Krishna Kamal Bhattacharya, and + about half a fasciculus during my illness, was done by another hand. I + should however state that before passing to the printer the copy received + from these gentlemen I carefully compared every sentence with the + original, making such alterations as were needed for securing a uniformity + of style with the rest of the work. + </p> + <p> + I should here observe that in rendering the Mahabharata into English I + have derived very little aid from the three Bengali versions that are + supposed to have been executed with care. Every one of these is full of + inaccuracies and blunders of every description. The Santi in particular + which is by far the most difficult of the eighteen Parvas, has been made a + mess of by the Pundits that attacked it. Hundreds of ridiculous blunders + can be pointed out in both the Rajadharma and the Mokshadharma sections. + Some of these I have pointed out in footnotes. + </p> + <p> + I cannot lay claim to infallibility. There are verses in the Mahabharata + that are exceedingly difficult to construe. I have derived much aid from + the great commentator Nilakantha. I know that Nilakantha’s authority is + not incapable of being challenged. But when it is remembered that the + interpretations given by Nilakantha came down to him from preceptors of + olden days, one should think twice before rejecting Nilakantha as a guide. + </p> + <p> + About the readings I have adopted, I should say that as regards the first + half of the work, I have generally adhered to the Bengal texts; as regards + the latter half, to the printed Bombay edition. Sometimes individual + sections, as occurring in the Bengal editions, differ widely, in respect + of the order of the verses, from the corresponding ones in the Bombay + edition. In such cases I have adhered to the Bengal texts, convinced that + the sequence of ideas has been better preserved in the Bengal editions + than the Bombay one. + </p> + <p> + I should express my particular obligations to Pundit Ram Nath Tarkaratna, + the author of ‘Vasudeva Vijayam’ and other poems, Pundit Shyama Charan + Kaviratna, the learned editor of Kavyaprakasha with the commentary of + Professor Mahesh Chandra Nayaratna, and Babu Aghore Nath Banerjee, the + manager of the Bharata Karyalaya. All these scholars were my referees on + all points of difficulty. Pundit Ram Nath’s solid scholarship is known to + them that have come in contact with him. I never referred to him a + difficulty that he could not clear up. Unfortunately, he was not always at + hand to consult. Pundit Shyama Charan Kaviratna, during my residence at + Seebpore, assisted me in going over the Mokshadharma sections of the Santi + Parva. Unostentatious in the extreme, Kaviratna is truly the type of a + learned Brahman of ancient India. Babu Aghore Nath Banerjee also has from + time to time, rendered me valuable assistance in clearing my difficulties. + </p> + <p> + Gigantic as the work is, it would have been exceedingly difficult for me + to go on with it if I had not been encouraged by Sir Stuart Bayley, Sir + Auckland Colvin, Sir Alfred Croft, and among Oriental scholars, by the + late lamented Dr. Reinhold Rost, and Mons. A. Barth of Paris. All these + eminent men know from the beginning that the translation was proceeding + from my pen. Notwithstanding the enthusiasm, with which my poor friend, + Pratapa Chandra Roy, always endeavoured to fill me. I am sure my energies + would have flagged and patience exhausted but for the encouraging words + which I always received from these patrons and friends of the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, I should name my literary chief and friend, Dr. Sambhu C. + Mookherjee. The kind interest he took in my labours, the repeated + exhortations he addressed to me inculcating patience, the care with which + he read every fasciculus as it came out, marking all those passages which + threw light upon topics of antiquarian interest, and the words of praise + he uttered when any expression particularly happy met his eyes, served to + stimulate me more than anything else in going on with a task that + sometimes seemed to me endless. + </p> + <p> + Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </p> + <p> + Calcutta + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h2> + <h3> + ADI PARVA + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION I + </h2> + <p> + Om! Having bowed down to Narayana and Nara, the most exalted male being, + and also to the goddess Saraswati, must the word Jaya be uttered. + </p> + <p> + Ugrasrava, the son of Lomaharshana, surnamed Sauti, well-versed in the + Puranas, bending with humility, one day approached the great sages of + rigid vows, sitting at their ease, who had attended the twelve years’ + sacrifice of Saunaka, surnamed Kulapati, in the forest of Naimisha. Those + ascetics, wishing to hear his wonderful narrations, presently began to + address him who had thus arrived at that recluse abode of the inhabitants + of the forest of Naimisha. Having been entertained with due respect by + those holy men, he saluted those Munis (sages) with joined palms, even all + of them, and inquired about the progress of their asceticism. Then all the + ascetics being again seated, the son of Lomaharshana humbly occupied the + seat that was assigned to him. Seeing that he was comfortably seated, and + recovered from fatigue, one of the Rishis beginning the conversation, + asked him, ‘Whence comest thou, O lotus-eyed Sauti, and where hast thou + spent the time? Tell me, who ask thee, in detail.’ + </p> + <p> + Accomplished in speech, Sauti, thus questioned, gave in the midst of that + big assemblage of contemplative Munis a full and proper answer in words + consonant with their mode of life. + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Having heard the diverse sacred and wonderful stories which + were composed in his Mahabharata by Krishna-Dwaipayana, and which were + recited in full by Vaisampayana at the Snake-sacrifice of the high-souled + royal sage Janamejaya and in the presence also of that chief of Princes, + the son of Parikshit, and having wandered about, visiting many sacred + waters and holy shrines, I journeyed to the country venerated by the + Dwijas (twice-born) and called Samantapanchaka where formerly was fought + the battle between the children of Kuru and Pandu, and all the chiefs of + the land ranged on either side. Thence, anxious to see you, I am come into + your presence. Ye reverend sages, all of whom are to me as Brahma; ye + greatly blessed who shine in this place of sacrifice with the splendour of + the solar fire: ye who have concluded the silent meditations and have fed + the holy fire; and yet who are sitting—without care, what, O ye + Dwijas (twice-born), shall I repeat, shall I recount the sacred stories + collected in the Puranas containing precepts of religious duty and of + worldly profit, or the acts of illustrious saints and sovereigns of + mankind?” + </p> + <p> + “The Rishi replied, ‘The Purana, first promulgated by the great Rishi + Dwaipayana, and which after having been heard both by the gods and the + Brahmarshis was highly esteemed, being the most eminent narrative that + exists, diversified both in diction and division, possessing subtile + meanings logically combined, and gleaned from the Vedas, is a sacred work. + Composed in elegant language, it includeth the subjects of other books. It + is elucidated by other Shastras, and comprehendeth the sense of the four + Vedas. We are desirous of hearing that history also called Bharata, the + holy composition of the wonderful Vyasa, which dispelleth the fear of + evil, just as it was cheerfully recited by the Rishi Vaisampayana, under + the direction of Dwaipayana himself, at the snake-sacrifice of Raja + Janamejaya?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti then said, ‘Having bowed down to the primordial being Isana, to + whom multitudes make offerings, and who is adored by the multitude; who is + the true incorruptible one, Brahma, perceptible, imperceptible, eternal; + who is both a non-existing and an existing-non-existing being; who is the + universe and also distinct from the existing and non-existing universe; + who is the creator of high and low; the ancient, exalted, inexhaustible + one; who is Vishnu, beneficent and the beneficence itself, worthy of all + preference, pure and immaculate; who is Hari, the ruler of the faculties, + the guide of all things moveable and immoveable; I will declare the sacred + thoughts of the illustrious sage Vyasa, of marvellous deeds and worshipped + here by all. Some bards have already published this history, some are now + teaching it, and others, in like manner, will hereafter promulgate it upon + the earth. It is a great source of knowledge, established throughout the + three regions of the world. It is possessed by the twice-born both in + detailed and compendious forms. It is the delight of the learned for being + embellished with elegant expressions, conversations human and divine, and + a variety of poetical measures. + </p> + <p> + In this world, when it was destitute of brightness and light, and + enveloped all around in total darkness, there came into being, as the + primal cause of creation, a mighty egg, the one inexhaustible seed of all + created beings. It is called Mahadivya, and was formed at the beginning of + the Yuga, in which we are told, was the true light Brahma, the eternal + one, the wonderful and inconceivable being present alike in all places; + the invisible and subtile cause, whose nature partaketh of entity and + non-entity. From this egg came out the lord Pitamaha Brahma, the one only + Prajapati; with Suraguru and Sthanu. Then appeared the twenty-one + Prajapatis, viz., Manu, Vasishtha and Parameshthi; ten Prachetas, Daksha, + and the seven sons of Daksha. Then appeared the man of inconceivable + nature whom all the Rishis know and so the Viswe-devas, the Adityas, the + Vasus, and the twin Aswins; the Yakshas, the Sadhyas, the Pisachas, the + Guhyakas, and the Pitris. After these were produced the wise and most holy + Brahmarshis, and the numerous Rajarshis distinguished by every noble + quality. So the water, the heavens, the earth, the air, the sky, the + points of the heavens, the years, the seasons, the months, the fortnights, + called Pakshas, with day and night in due succession. And thus were + produced all things which are known to mankind. + </p> + <p> + And what is seen in the universe, whether animate or inanimate, of created + things, will at the end of the world, and after the expiration of the + Yuga, be again confounded. And, at the commencement of other Yugas, all + things will be renovated, and, like the various fruits of the earth, + succeed each other in the due order of their seasons. Thus continueth + perpetually to revolve in the world, without beginning and without end, + this wheel which causeth the destruction of all things. + </p> + <p> + The generation of Devas, in brief, was thirty-three thousand, thirty-three + hundred and thirty-three. The sons of Div were Brihadbhanu, Chakshus, Atma + Vibhavasu, Savita, Richika, Arka, Bhanu, Asavaha, and Ravi. Of these + Vivaswans of old, Mahya was the youngest whose son was Deva-vrata. The + latter had for his son, Su-vrata who, we learn, had three sons,—Dasa-jyoti, + Sata-jyoti, and Sahasra-jyoti, each of them producing numerous offspring. + The illustrious Dasa-jyoti had ten thousand, Sata-jyoti ten times that + number, and Sahasra-jyoti ten times the number of Sata-jyoti’s offspring. + From these are descended the family of the Kurus, of the Yadus, and of + Bharata; the family of Yayati and of Ikshwaku; also of all the Rajarshis. + Numerous also were the generations produced, and very abundant were the + creatures and their places of abode. The mystery which is threefold—the + Vedas, Yoga, and Vijnana Dharma, Artha, and Kama—also various books + upon the subject of Dharma, Artha, and Kama; also rules for the conduct of + mankind; also histories and discourses with various srutis; all of which + having been seen by the Rishi Vyasa are here in due order mentioned as a + specimen of the book. + </p> + <p> + The Rishi Vyasa published this mass of knowledge in both a detailed and an + abridged form. It is the wish of the learned in the world to possess the + details and the abridgement. Some read the Bharata beginning with the + initial mantra (invocation), others with the story of Astika, others with + Uparichara, while some Brahmanas study the whole. Men of learning display + their various knowledge of the institutes in commenting on the + composition. Some are skilful in explaining it, while others, in + remembering its contents. + </p> + <p> + The son of Satyavati having, by penance and meditation, analysed the + eternal Veda, afterwards composed this holy history, when that learned + Brahmarshi of strict vows, the noble Dwaipayana Vyasa, offspring of + Parasara, had finished this greatest of narrations, he began to consider + how he might teach it to his disciples. And the possessor of the six + attributes, Brahma, the world’s preceptor, knowing of the anxiety of the + Rishi Dwaipayana, came in person to the place where the latter was, for + gratifying the saint, and benefiting the people. And when Vyasa, + surrounded by all the tribes of Munis, saw him, he was surprised; and, + standing with joined palms, he bowed and ordered a seat to be brought. And + Vyasa having gone round him who is called Hiranyagarbha seated on that + distinguished seat stood near it; and being commanded by Brahma + Parameshthi, he sat down near the seat, full of affection and smiling in + joy. Then the greatly glorious Vyasa, addressing Brahma Parameshthi, said, + “O divine Brahma, by me a poem hath been composed which is greatly + respected. The mystery of the Veda, and what other subjects have been + explained by me; the various rituals of the Upanishads with the Angas; the + compilation of the Puranas and history formed by me and named after the + three divisions of time, past, present, and future; the determination of + the nature of decay, fear, disease, existence, and non-existence, a + description of creeds and of the various modes of life; rule for the four + castes, and the import of all the Puranas; an account of asceticism and of + the duties of a religious student; the dimensions of the sun and moon, the + planets, constellations, and stars, together with the duration of the four + ages; the Rik, Sama and Yajur Vedas; also the Adhyatma; the sciences + called Nyaya, Orthoephy and Treatment of diseases; charity and + Pasupatadharma; birth celestial and human, for particular purposes; also a + description of places of pilgrimage and other holy places of rivers, + mountains, forests, the ocean, of heavenly cities and the kalpas; the art + of war; the different kinds of nations and languages: the nature of the + manners of the people; and the all-pervading spirit;—all these have + been represented. But, after all, no writer of this work is to be found on + earth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Brahma said. ‘I esteem thee for thy knowledge of divine mysteries, before + the whole body of celebrated Munis distinguished for the sanctity of their + lives. I know thou hast revealed the divine word, even from its first + utterance, in the language of truth. Thou hast called thy present work a + poem, wherefore it shall be a poem. There shall be no poets whose works + may equal the descriptions of this poem, even, as the three other modes + called Asrama are ever unequal in merit to the domestic Asrama. Let Ganesa + be thought of, O Muni, for the purpose of writing the poem.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Brahma having thus spoken to Vyasa, retired to his own + abode. Then Vyasa began to call to mind Ganesa. And Ganesa, obviator of + obstacles, ready to fulfil the desires of his votaries, was no sooner + thought of, than he repaired to the place where Vyasa was seated. And when + he had been saluted, and was seated, Vyasa addressed him thus, ‘O guide of + the Ganas! be thou the writer of the Bharata which I have formed in my + imagination, and which I am about to repeat.” + </p> + <p> + “Ganesa, upon hearing this address, thus answered, ‘I will become the + writer of thy work, provided my pen do not for a moment cease writing.” + And Vyasa said unto that divinity, ‘Wherever there be anything thou dost + not comprehend, cease to continue writing.’ Ganesa having signified his + assent, by repeating the word Om! proceeded to write; and Vyasa began; and + by way of diversion, he knit the knots of composition exceeding close; by + doing which, he dictated this work according to his engagement. + </p> + <p> + I am (continued Sauti) acquainted with eight thousand and eight hundred + verses, and so is Suka, and perhaps Sanjaya. From the mysteriousness of + their meaning, O Muni, no one is able, to this day, to penetrate those + closely knit difficult slokas. Even the omniscient Ganesa took a moment to + consider; while Vyasa, however, continued to compose other verses in great + abundance. + </p> + <p> + The wisdom of this work, like unto an instrument of applying collyrium, + hath opened the eyes of the inquisitive world blinded by the darkness of + ignorance. As the sun dispelleth the darkness, so doth the Bharata by its + discourses on religion, profit, pleasure and final release, dispel the + ignorance of men. As the full-moon by its mild light expandeth the buds of + the water-lily, so this Purana, by exposing the light of the Sruti hath + expanded the human intellect. By the lamp of history, which destroyeth the + darkness of ignorance, the whole mansion of nature is properly and + completely illuminated. + </p> + <p> + This work is a tree, of which the chapter of contents is the seed; the + divisions called Pauloma and Astika are the root; the part called Sambhava + is the trunk; the books called Sabha and Aranya are the roosting perches; + the books called Arani is the knitting knots; the books called Virata and + Udyoga the pith; the book named Bhishma, the main branch; the book called + Drona, the leaves; the book called Karna, the fair flowers; the book named + Salya, their sweet smell; the books entitled Stri and Aishika, the + refreshing shade; the book called Santi, the mighty fruit; the book called + Aswamedha, the immortal sap; the denominated Asramavasika, the spot where + it groweth; and the book called Mausala, is an epitome of the Vedas and + held in great respect by the virtuous Brahmanas. The tree of the Bharata, + inexhaustible to mankind as the clouds, shall be as a source of livelihood + to all distinguished poets.” + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘I will now speak of the undying flowery and fruitful + productions of this tree, possessed of pure and pleasant taste, and not to + be destroyed even by the immortals. Formerly, the spirited and virtuous + Krishna-Dwaipayana, by the injunctions of Bhishma, the wise son of Ganga + and of his own mother, became the father of three boys who were like the + three fires by the two wives of Vichitra-virya; and having thus raised up + Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura, he returned to his recluse abode to + prosecute his religious exercise. + </p> + <p> + It was not till after these were born, grown up, and departed on the + supreme journey, that the great Rishi Vyasa published the Bharata in this + region of mankind; when being solicited by Janamejaya and thousands of + Brahmanas, he instructed his disciple Vaisampayana, who was seated near + him; and he, sitting together with the Sadasyas, recited the Bharata, + during the intervals of the ceremonies of the sacrifice, being repeatedly + urged to proceed. + </p> + <p> + Vyasa hath fully represented the greatness of the house of Kuru, the + virtuous principles of Gandhari, the wisdom of Vidura, and the constancy + of Kunti. The noble Rishi hath also described the divinity of Vasudeva, + the rectitude of the sons of Pandu, and the evil practices of the sons and + partisans of Dhritarashtra. + </p> + <p> + Vyasa executed the compilation of the Bharata, exclusive of the episodes + originally in twenty-four thousand verses; and so much only is called by + the learned as the Bharata. Afterwards, he composed an epitome in one + hundred and fifty verses, consisting of the introduction with the chapter + of contents. This he first taught to his son Suka; and afterwards he gave + it to others of his disciples who were possessed of the same + qualifications. After that he executed another compilation, consisting of + six hundred thousand verses. Of those, thirty hundred thousand are known + in the world of the Devas; fifteen hundred thousand in the world of the + Pitris: fourteen hundred thousand among the Gandharvas, and one hundred + thousand in the regions of mankind. Narada recited them to the Devas, + Devala to the Pitris, and Suka published them to the Gandharvas, Yakshas, + and Rakshasas: and in this world they were recited by Vaisampayana, one of + the disciples of Vyasa, a man of just principles and the first among all + those acquainted with the Vedas. Know that I, Sauti, have also repeated + one hundred thousand verses. + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira is a vast tree, formed of religion and virtue; Arjuna is its + trunk; Bhimasena, its branches; the two sons of Madri are its full-grown + fruit and flowers; and its roots are Krishna, Brahma, and the Brahmanas. + </p> + <p> + Pandu, after having subdued many countries by his wisdom and prowess, took + up his abode with the Munis in a certain forest as a sportsman, where he + brought upon himself a very severe misfortune for having killed a stag + coupling with its mate, which served as a warning for the conduct of the + princes of his house as long as they lived. Their mothers, in order that + the ordinances of the law might be fulfilled, admitted as substitutes to + their embraces the gods Dharma, Vayu, Sakra, and the divinities the twin + Aswins. And when their offspring grew up, under the care of their two + mothers, in the society of ascetics, in the midst of sacred groves and + holy recluse-abodes of religious men, they were conducted by Rishis into + the presence of Dhritarashtra and his sons, following as students in the + habit of Brahmacharis, having their hair tied in knots on their heads. + ‘These our pupils’, said they, ‘are as your sons, your brothers, and your + friends; they are Pandavas.’ Saying this, the Munis disappeared. + </p> + <p> + When the Kauravas saw them introduced as the sons of Pandu, the + distinguished class of citizens shouted exceedingly for joy. Some, + however, said, they were not the sons of Pandu; others said, they were; + while a few asked how they could be his offspring, seeing he had been so + long dead. Still on all sides voices were heard crying, ‘They are on all + accounts welcome! Through divine Providence we behold the family of Pandu! + Let their welcome be proclaimed!’ As these acclamations ceased, the + plaudits of invisible spirits, causing every point of the heavens to + resound, were tremendous. There were showers of sweet-scented flowers, and + the sound of shells and kettle-drums. Such were the wonders that happened + on the arrival of the young princes. The joyful noise of all the citizens, + in expression of their satisfaction on the occasion, was so great that it + reached the very heavens in magnifying plaudits. + </p> + <p> + Having studied the whole of the Vedas and sundry other shastras, the + Pandavas resided there, respected by all and without apprehension from any + one. + </p> + <p> + The principal men were pleased with the purity of Yudhishthira, the + courage of Arjuna, the submissive attention of Kunti to her superiors, and + the humility of the twins, Nakula and Sahadeva; and all the people + rejoiced in their heroic virtues. + </p> + <p> + After a while, Arjuna obtained the virgin Krishna at the swayamvara, in + the midst of a concourse of Rajas, by performing a very difficult feat of + archery. And from this time he became very much respected in this world + among all bowmen; and in fields of battle also, like the sun, he was hard + to behold by foe-men. And having vanquished all the neighbouring princes + and every considerable tribe, he accomplished all that was necessary for + the Raja (his eldest brother) to perform the great sacrifice called + Rajasuya. + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira, after having, through the wise counsels of Vasudeva and by + the valour of Bhimasena and Arjuna, slain Jarasandha (the king of Magadha) + and the proud Chaidya, acquired the right to perform the grand sacrifice + of Rajasuya abounding in provisions and offering and fraught with + transcendent merits. And Duryodhana came to this sacrifice; and when he + beheld the vast wealth of the Pandavas scattered all around, the + offerings, the precious stones, gold and jewels; the wealth in cows, + elephants, and horses; the curious textures, garments, and mantles; the + precious shawls and furs and carpets made of the skin of the Ranku; he was + filled with envy and became exceedingly displeased. And when he beheld the + hall of assembly elegantly constructed by Maya (the Asura architect) after + the fashion of a celestial court, he was inflamed with rage. And having + started in confusion at certain architectural deceptions within this + building, he was derided by Bhimasena in the presence of Vasudeva, like + one of mean descent. + </p> + <p> + And it was represented to Dhritarashtra that his son, while partaking of + various objects of enjoyment and diverse precious things, was becoming + meagre, wan, and pale. And Dhritarashtra, some time after, out of + affection for his son, gave his consent to their playing (with the + Pandavas) at dice. And Vasudeva coming to know of this, became exceedingly + wroth. And being dissatisfied, he did nothing to prevent the disputes, but + overlooked the gaming and sundry other horried unjustifiable transactions + arising therefrom: and in spite of Vidura, Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa, the + son of Saradwan, he made the Kshatriyas kill each other in the terrific + war that ensued.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Dhritarashtra hearing the ill news of the success of the Pandavas and + recollecting the resolutions of Duryodhana, Kama, and Sakuni, pondered for + a while and addressed to Sanjaya the following speech:— + </p> + <p> + ‘Attend, O Sanjaya, to all I am about to say, and it will not become thee + to treat me with contempt. Thou art well-versed in the shastras, + intelligent and endowed with wisdom. My inclination was never to war, not + did I delight in the destruction of my race. I made no distinction between + my own children and the children of Pandu. My own sons were prone to + wilfulness and despised me because I am old. Blind as I am, because of my + miserable plight and through paternal affection, I bore it all. I was + foolish alter the thoughtless Duryodhana ever growing in folly. Having + been a spectator of the riches of the mighty sons of Pandu, my son was + derided for his awkwardness while ascending the hall. Unable to bear it + all and unable himself to overcome the sons of Pandu in the field, and + though a soldier, unwilling yet to obtain good fortune by his own + exertion, with the help of the king of Gandhara he concerted an unfair + game at dice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear, O Sanjaya, all that happened thereupon and came to my knowledge. + And when thou hast heard all I say, recollecting everything as it fell + out, thou shall then know me for one with a prophetic eye. When I heard + that Arjuna, having bent the bow, had pierced the curious mark and brought + it down to the ground, and bore away in triumph the maiden Krishna, in the + sight of the assembled princes, then, O Sanjaya I had no hope of success. + When I heard that Subhadra of the race of Madhu had, after forcible + seizure been married by Arjuna in the city of Dwaraka, and that the two + heroes of the race of Vrishni (Krishna and Balarama the brothers of + Subhadra) without resenting it had entered Indraprastha as friends, then, + O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that Arjuna, by his + celestial arrow preventing the downpour by Indra the king of the gods, had + gratified Agni by making over to him the forest of Khandava, then, O + Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that the five Pandavas + with their mother Kunti had escaped from the house of lac, and that Vidura + was engaged in the accomplishment of their designs, then, O Sanjaya, I had + no hope of success. When I heard that Arjuna, after having pierced the + mark in the arena had won Draupadi, and that the brave Panchalas had + joined the Pandavas, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I + heard that Jarasandha, the foremost of the royal line of Magadha, and + blazing in the midst of the Kshatriyas, had been slain by Bhima with his + bare arms alone, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard + that in their general campaign the sons of Pandu had conquered the chiefs + of the land and performed the grand sacrifice of the Rajasuya, then, O + Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that Draupadi, her voice + choked with tears and heart full of agony, in the season of impurity and + with but one raiment on, had been dragged into court and though she had + protectors, she had been treated as if she had none, then, O Sanjaya, I + had no hope of success. When I heard that the wicked wretch Duhsasana, was + striving to strip her of that single garment, had only drawn from her + person a large heap of cloth without being able to arrive at its end, + then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that Yudhishthira, + beaten by Saubala at the game of dice and deprived of his kingdom as a + consequence thereof, had still been attended upon by his brothers of + incomparable prowess, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I + heard that the virtuous Pandavas weeping with affliction had followed + their elder brother to the wilderness and exerted themselves variously for + the mitigation of his discomforts, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. + </p> + <p> + ‘When I heard that Yudhishthira had been followed into the wilderness by + Snatakas and noble-minded Brahmanas who live upon alms, then, O Sanjaya, I + had no hope of success. When I heard that Arjuna, having, in combat, + pleased the god of gods, Tryambaka (the three-eyed) in the disguise of a + hunter, obtained the great weapon Pasupata, then O Sanjaya, I had no hope + of success. When I heard that the just and renowned Arjuna after having + been to the celestial regions, had there obtained celestial weapons from + Indra himself then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that + afterwards Arjuna had vanquished the Kalakeyas and the Paulomas proud with + the boon they had obtained and which had rendered them invulnerable even + to the celestials, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard + that Arjuna, the chastiser of enemies, having gone to the regions of Indra + for the destruction of the Asuras, had returned thence successful, then, O + Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that Bhima and the other + sons of Pritha (Kunti) accompanied by Vaisravana had arrived at that + country which is inaccessible to man then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. When I heard that my sons, guided by the counsels of Karna, while + on their journey of Ghoshayatra, had been taken prisoners by the + Gandharvas and were set free by Arjuna, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. When I heard that Dharma (the god of justice) having come under + the form of a Yaksha had proposed certain questions to Yudhishthira then, + O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that my sons had failed + to discover the Pandavas under their disguise while residing with Draupadi + in the dominions of Virata, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. + When I heard that the principal men of my side had all been vanquished by + the noble Arjuna with a single chariot while residing in the dominions of + Virata, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that + Vasudeva of the race of Madhu, who covered this whole earth by one foot, + was heartily interested in the welfare of the Pandavas, then, O Sanjaya, I + had no hope of success. When I heard that the king of Matsya, had offered + his virtuous daughter Uttara to Arjuna and that Arjuna had accepted her + for his son, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that + Yudhishthira, beaten at dice, deprived of wealth, exiled and separated + from his connections, had assembled yet an army of seven Akshauhinis, + then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard Narada, declare + that Krishna and Arjuna were Nara and Narayana and he (Narada) had seen + them together in the regions of Brahma, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. When I heard that Krishna, anxious to bring about peace, for the + welfare of mankind had repaired to the Kurus, and went away without having + been able to effect his purpose, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. When I heard that Kama and Duryodhana resolved upon imprisoning + Krishna displayed in himself the whole universe, then, O Sanjaya, I had no + hope of success. Then I heard that at the time of his departure, Pritha + (Kunti) standing, full of sorrow, near his chariot received consolation + from Krishna, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that + Vasudeva and Bhishma the son of Santanu were the counsellors of the + Pandavas and Drona the son of Bharadwaja pronounced blessings on them, + then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When Kama said unto Bhishma—I + will not fight when thou art fighting—and, quitting the army, went + away, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that + Vasudeva and Arjuna and the bow Gandiva of immeasurable prowess, these + three of dreadful energy had come together, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope + of success. When I heard that upon Arjuna having been seized with + compunction on his chariot and ready to sink, Krishna showed him all the + worlds within his body, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I + heard that Bhishma, the desolator of foes, killing ten thousand + charioteers every day in the field of battle, had not slain any amongst + the Pandavas then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that + Bhishma, the righteous son of Ganga, had himself indicated the means of + his defeat in the field of battle and that the same were accomplished by + the Pandavas with joyfulness, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. + When I heard that Arjuna, having placed Sikhandin before himself in his + chariot, had wounded Bhishma of infinite courage and invincible in battle, + then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that the aged hero + Bhishma, having reduced the numbers of the race of shomaka to a few, + overcome with various wounds was lying on a bed of arrows, then, O + Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that upon Bhishma’s lying + on the ground with thirst for water, Arjuna, being requested, had pierced + the ground and allayed his thirst, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. When Bayu together with Indra and Suryya united as allies for the + success of the sons of Kunti, and the beasts of prey (by their + inauspicious presence) were putting us in fear, then, O Sanjaya, I had no + hope of success. When the wonderful warrior Drona, displaying various + modes of fight in the field, did not slay any of the superior Pandavas, + then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that the Maharatha + Sansaptakas of our army appointed for the overthrow of Arjuna were all + slain by Arjuna himself, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I + heard that our disposition of forces, impenetrable by others, and defended + by Bharadwaja himself well-armed, had been singly forced and entered by + the brave son of Subhadra, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When + I heard that our Maharathas, unable to overcome Arjuna, with jubilant + faces after having jointly surrounded and slain the boy Abhimanyu, then, O + Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that the blind Kauravas + were shouting for joy after having slain Abhimanyu and that thereupon + Arjuna in anger made his celebrated speech referring to Saindhava, then, O + Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that Arjuna had vowed the + death of Saindhava and fulfilled his vow in the presence of his enemies, + then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that upon the + horses of Arjuna being fatigued, Vasudeva releasing them made them drink + water and bringing them back and reharnessing them continued to guide them + as before, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that + while his horses were fatigued, Arjuna staying in his chariot checked all + his assailants, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard + that Yuyudhana of the race of Vrishni, after having thrown into confusion + the army of Drona rendered unbearable in prowess owing to the presence of + elephants, retired to where Krishna and Arjuna were, then, O Sanjaya, I + had no hope of success. When I heard that Karna even though he had got + Bhima within his power allowed him to escape after only addressing him in + contemptuous terms and dragging him with the end of his bow, then, O + Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that Drona, Kritavarma, + Kripa, Karna, the son of Drona, and the valiant king of Madra (Salya) + suffered Saindhava to be slain, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. + When I heard that the celestial Sakti given by Indra (to Karna) was by + Madhava’s machinations caused to be hurled upon Rakshasa Ghatotkacha of + frightful countenance, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I + heard that in the encounter between Karna and Ghatotkacha, that Sakti was + hurled against Ghatotkacha by Karna, the same which was certainly to have + slain Arjuna in battle, then, O Sanjaya. I had no hope of success. When I + heard that Dhristadyumna, transgressing the laws of battle, slew Drona + while alone in his chariot and resolved on death, then, O Sanjaya, I had + no hope of success. When I heard that Nakula. the son of Madri, having in + the presence of the whole army engaged in single combat with the son of + Drona and showing himself equal to him drove his chariot in circles + around, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When upon the death of + Drona, his son misused the weapon called Narayana but failed to achieve + the destruction of the Pandavas, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. When I heard that Bhimasena drank the blood of his brother + Duhsasana in the field of battle without anybody being able to prevent + him, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that the + infinitely brave Karna, invincible in battle, was slain by Arjuna in that + war of brothers mysterious even to the gods, then, O Sanjaya, I had no + hope of success. When I heard that Yudhishthira, the Just, overcame the + heroic son of Drona, Duhsasana, and the fierce Kritavarman, then, O + Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that the brave king of + Madra who ever dared Krishna in battle was slain by Yudhishthira, then, O + Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that the wicked Suvala of + magic power, the root of the gaming and the feud, was slain in battle by + Sahadeva, the son of Pandu, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. + When I heard that Duryodhana, spent with fatigue, having gone to a lake + and made a refuge for himself within its waters, was lying there alone, + his strength gone and without a chariot, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. When I heard that the Pandavas having gone to that lake + accompanied by Vasudeva and standing on its beach began to address + contemptuously my son who was incapable of putting up with affronts, then, + O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard that while, displaying + in circles a variety of curious modes (of attack and defence) in an + encounter with clubs, he was unfairly slain according to the counsels of + Krishna, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of success. When I heard the son + of Drona and others by slaying the Panchalas and the sons of Draupadi in + their sleep, perpetrated a horrible and infamous deed, then, O Sanjaya, I + had no hope of success. When I heard that Aswatthaman while being pursued + by Bhimasena had discharged the first of weapons called Aishika, by which + the embryo in the womb (of Uttara) was wounded, then, O Sanjaya, I had no + hope of success. When I heard that the weapon Brahmashira (discharged by + Aswatthaman) was repelled by Arjuna with another weapon over which he had + pronounced the word “Sasti” and that Aswatthaman had to give up the + jewel-like excrescence on his head, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. When I heard that upon the embryo in the womb of Virata’s + daughter being wounded by Aswatthaman with a mighty weapon, Dwaipayana and + Krishna pronounced curses on him, then, O Sanjaya, I had no hope of + success. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! Gandhari, destitute of children, grand-children, parents, brothers, + and kindred, is to be pitied. Difficult is the task that hath been + performed by the Pandavas: by them hath a kingdom been recovered without a + rival. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas! I have heard that the war hath left only ten alive: three of our + side, and the Pandavas, seven, in that dreadful conflict eighteen + Akshauhinis of Kshatriyas have been slain! All around me is utter + darkness, and a fit of swoon assaileth me: consciousness leaves me, O + Suta, and my mind is distracted.” + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Dhritarashtra, bewailing his fate in these words, was + overcome with extreme anguish and for a time deprived of sense; but being + revived, he addressed Sanjaya in the following words. + </p> + <p> + “After what hath come to pass, O Sanjaya, I wish to put an end to my life + without delay; I do not find the least advantage in cherishing it any + longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘The wise son of Gavalgana (Sanjaya) then addressed the + distressed lord of Earth while thus talking and bewailing, sighing like a + serpent and repeatedly tainting, in words of deep import. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast heard, O Raja, of the greatly powerful men of vast exertions, + spoken of by Vyasa and the wise Narada; men born of great royal families, + resplendent with worthy qualities, versed in the science of celestial + arms, and in glory emblems of Indra; men who having conquered the world by + justice and performed sacrifices with fit offerings (to the Brahmanas), + obtained renown in this world and at last succumbed to the sway of time. + Such were Saivya; the valiant Maharatha; Srinjaya, great amongst + conquerors. Suhotra; Rantideva, and Kakshivanta, great in glory; Valhika, + Damana, Saryati, Ajita, and Nala; Viswamitra the destroyer of foes; + Amvarisha, great in strength; Marutta, Manu, Ikshaku, Gaya, and Bharata; + Rama the son of Dasaratha; Sasavindu, and Bhagiratha; Kritavirya, the + greatly fortunate, and Janamejaya too; and Yayati of good deeds who + performed sacrifices, being assisted therein by the celestials themselves, + and by whose sacrificial altars and stakes this earth with her habited and + uninhabited regions hath been marked all over. These twenty-four Rajas + were formerly spoken of by the celestial Rishi Narada unto Saivya when + much afflicted for the loss of his children. Besides these, other Rajas + had gone before, still more powerful than they, mighty charioteers noble + in mind, and resplendent with every worthy quality. These were Puru, Kuru, + Yadu, Sura and Viswasrawa of great glory; Anuha, Yuvanaswu, Kakutstha, + Vikrami, and Raghu; Vijava, Virihorta, Anga, Bhava, Sweta, and Vripadguru; + Usinara, Sata-ratha, Kanka, Duliduha, and Druma; Dambhodbhava, Para, Vena, + Sagara, Sankriti, and Nimi; Ajeya, Parasu, Pundra, Sambhu, and holy + Deva-Vridha; Devahuya, Supratika, and Vrihad-ratha; Mahatsaha, Vinitatma, + Sukratu, and Nala, the king of the Nishadas; Satyavrata, Santabhaya, + Sumitra, and the chief Subala; Janujangha, Anaranya, Arka, Priyabhritya, + Chuchi-vrata, Balabandhu, Nirmardda, Ketusringa, and Brhidbala; + Dhrishtaketu, Brihatketu, Driptaketu, and Niramaya; Abikshit, Chapala, + Dhurta, Kritbandhu, and Dridhe-shudhi; Mahapurana-sambhavya, Pratyanga, + Paraha and Sruti. These, O chief, and other Rajas, we hear enumerated by + hundreds and by thousands, and still others by millions, princes of great + power and wisdom, quitting very abundant enjoyments met death as thy sons + have done! Their heavenly deeds, valour, and generosity, their + magnanimity, faith, truth, purity, simplicity and mercy, are published to + the world in the records of former times by sacred bards of great + learning. Though endued with every noble virtue, these have yielded up + their lives. Thy sons were malevolent, inflamed with passion, avaricious, + and of very evil-disposition. Thou art versed in the Sastras, O Bharata, + and art intelligent and wise; they never sink under misfortunes whose + understandings are guided by the Sastras. Thou art acquainted, O prince, + with the lenity and severity of fate; this anxiety therefore for the + safety of thy children is unbecoming. Moreover, it behoveth thee not to + grieve for that which must happen: for who can avert, by his wisdom, the + decrees of fate? No one can leave the way marked out for him by + Providence. Existence and non-existence, pleasure and pain all have Time + for their root. Time createth all things and Time destroyeth all + creatures. It is Time that burneth creatures and it is Time that + extinguisheth the fire. All states, the good and the evil, in the three + worlds, are caused by Time. Time cutteth short all things and createth + them anew. Time alone is awake when all things are asleep: indeed, Time is + incapable of being overcome. Time passeth over all things without being + retarded. Knowing, as thou dost, that all things past and future and all + that exist at the present moment, are the offspring of Time, it behoveth + thee not to throw away thy reason.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘The son of Gavalgana having in this manner administered + comfort to the royal Dhritarashtra overwhelmed with grief for his sons, + then restored his mind to peace. Taking these facts for his subject, + Dwaipayana composed a holy Upanishad that has been published to the world + by learned and sacred bards in the Puranas composed by them. + </p> + <p> + “The study of the Bharata is an act of piety. He that readeth even one + foot, with belief, hath his sins entirely purged away. Herein Devas, + Devarshis, and immaculate Brahmarshis of good deeds, have been spoken of; + and likewise Yakshas and great Uragas (Nagas). Herein also hath been + described the eternal Vasudeva possessing the six attributes. He is the + true and just, the pure and holy, the eternal Brahma, the supreme soul, + the true constant light, whose divine deeds wise and learned recount; from + whom hath proceeded the non-existent and existent-non-existent universe + with principles of generation and progression, and birth, death and + re-birth. That also hath been treated of which is called Adhyatma (the + superintending spirit of nature) that partaketh of the attributes of the + five elements. That also hath been described who is purusha being above + such epithets as ‘undisplayed’ and the like; also that which the foremost + yatis exempt from the common destiny and endued with the power of + meditation and Tapas behold dwelling in their hearts as a reflected image + in the mirror. + </p> + <p> + “The man of faith, devoted to piety, and constant in the exercise of + virtue, on reading this section is freed from sin. The believer that + constantly heareth recited this section of the Bharata, called the + Introduction, from the beginning, falleth not into difficulties. The man + repeating any part of the introduction in the two twilights is during such + act freed from the sins contracted during the day or the night. This + section, the body of the Bharata, is truth and nectar. As butter is in + curd, Brahmana among bipeds, the Aranyaka among the Vedas, and nectar + among medicines; as the sea is eminent among receptacles of water, and the + cow among quadrupeds; as are these (among the things mentioned) so is the + Bharata said to be among histories. + </p> + <p> + “He that causeth it, even a single foot thereof, to be recited to + Brahmanas during a Sradha, his offerings of food and drink to the manes of + his ancestors become inexhaustible. + </p> + <p> + “By the aid of history and the Puranas, the Veda may be expounded; but the + Veda is afraid of one of little information lest he should it. The learned + man who recites to other this Veda of Vyasa reapeth advantage. It may + without doubt destroy even the sin of killing the embryo and the like. He + that readeth this holy chapter of the moon, readeth the whole of the + Bharata, I ween. The man who with reverence daily listeneth to this sacred + work acquireth long life and renown and ascendeth to heaven. + </p> + <p> + “In former days, having placed the four Vedas on one side and the Bharata + on the other, these were weighed in the balance by the celestials + assembled for that purpose. And as the latter weighed heavier than the + four Vedas with their mysteries, from that period it hath been called in + the world Mahabharata (the great Bharata). Being esteemed superior both in + substance and gravity of import it is denominated Mahabharata on account + of such substance and gravity of import. He that knoweth its meaning is + saved from all his sins. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tapa is innocent, study is harmless, the ordinance of the Vedas + prescribed for all the tribes are harmless, the acquisition of wealth by + exertion is harmless; but when they are abused in their practices it is + then that they become sources of evil.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION II + </h2> + <p> + “The Rishis said, ‘O son of Suta, we wish to hear a full and + circumstantial account of the place mentioned by you as Samanta-panchaya.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Listen, O ye Brahmanas, to the sacred descriptions I utter O + ye best of men, ye deserve to hear of the place known as Samanta-panchaka. + In the interval between the Treta and Dwapara Yugas, Rama (the son of + Jamadagni) great among all who have borne arms, urged by impatience of + wrongs, repeatedly smote the noble race of Kshatriyas. And when that fiery + meteor, by his own valour, annihilated the entire tribe of the Kshatriyas, + he formed at Samanta-panchaka five lakes of blood. We are told that his + reason being overpowered by anger he offered oblations of blood to the + manes of his ancestors, standing in the midst of the sanguine waters of + those lakes. It was then that his forefathers of whom Richika was the + first having arrived there addressed him thus, ‘O Rama, O blessed Rama, O + offspring of Bhrigu, we have been gratified with the reverence thou hast + shown for thy ancestors and with thy valour, O mighty one! Blessings be + upon thee. O thou illustrious one, ask the boon that thou mayst desire.’ + </p> + <p> + “Rama said, ‘If, O fathers, ye are favourably disposed towards me, the + boon I ask is that I may be absolved from the sins born of my having + annihilated the Kshatriyas in anger, and that the lakes I have formed may + become famous in the world as holy shrines.’ The Pitris then said, ‘So + shall it be. But be thou pacified.’ And Rama was pacified accordingly. The + region that lieth near unto those lakes of gory water, from that time hath + been celebrated as Samanta-panchaka the holy. The wise have declared that + every country should be distinguished by a name significant of some + circumstance which may have rendered it famous. In the interval between + the Dwapara and the Kali Yugas there happened at Samanta-panchaka the + encounter between the armies of the Kauravas and the Pandavas. In that + holy region, without ruggedness of any kind, were assembled eighteen + Akshauhinis of soldiers eager for battle. And, O Brahmanas, having come + thereto, they were all slain on the spot. Thus the name of that region, O + Brahmanas, hath been explained, and the country described to you as a + sacred and delightful one. I have mentioned the whole of what relateth to + it as the region is celebrated throughout the three worlds.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Rishis said, ‘We have a desire to know, O son of Suta, what is + implied by the term Akshauhini that hath been used by thee. Tell us in + full what is the number of horse and foot, chariots and elephants, which + compose an Akshauhini for thou art fully informed.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘One chariot, one elephant, five foot-soldiers, and three + horses form one Patti; three pattis make one Sena-mukha; three sena-mukhas + are called a Gulma; three gulmas, a Gana; three ganas, a Vahini; three + vahinis together are called a Pritana; three pritanas form a Chamu; three + chamus, one Anikini; and an anikini taken ten times forms, as it is styled + by those who know, an Akshauhini. O ye best of Brahmanas, arithmeticians + have calculated that the number of chariots in an Akshauhini is twenty-one + thousand eight hundred and seventy. The measure of elephants must be fixed + at the same number. O ye pure, you must know that the number of + foot-soldiers is one hundred and nine thousand, three hundred and fifty, + the number of horse is sixty-five thousand, six hundred and ten. These, O + Brahmanas, as fully explained by me, are the numbers of an Akshauhini as + said by those acquainted with the principles of numbers. O best of + Brahmanas, according to this calculation were composed the eighteen + Akshauhinis of the Kaurava and the Pandava army. Time, whose acts are + wonderful assembled them on that spot and having made the Kauravas the + cause, destroyed them all. Bhishma acquainted with choice of weapons, + fought for ten days. Drona protected the Kaurava Vahinis for five days. + Kama the desolator of hostile armies fought for two days; and Salya for + half a day. After that lasted for half a day the encounter with clubs + between Duryodhana and Bhima. At the close of that day, Aswatthaman and + Kripa destroyed the army of Yudishthira in the night while sleeping + without suspicion of danger. + </p> + <p> + ‘O Saunaka, this best of narrations called Bharata which has begun to be + repeated at thy sacrifice, was formerly repeated at the sacrifice of + Janamejaya by an intelligent disciple of Vyasa. It is divided into several + sections; in the beginning are Paushya, Pauloma, and Astika parvas, + describing in full the valour and renown of kings. It is a work whose + description, diction, and sense are varied and wonderful. It contains an + account of various manners and rites. It is accepted by the wise, as the + state called Vairagya is by men desirous of final release. As Self among + things to be known, as life among things that are dear, so is this history + that furnisheth the means of arriving at the knowledge of Brahma the first + among all the sastras. There is not a story current in this world but doth + depend upon this history even as the body upon the foot that it taketh. As + masters of good lineage are ever attended upon by servants desirous of + preferment so is the Bharata cherished by all poets. As the words + constituting the several branches of knowledge appertaining to the world + and the Veda display only vowels and consonants, so this excellent history + displayeth only the highest wisdom. + </p> + <p> + ‘Listen, O ye ascetics, to the outlines of the several divisions (parvas) + of this history called Bharata, endued with great wisdom, of sections and + feet that are wonderful and various, of subtile meanings and logical + connections, and embellished with the substance of the Vedas. + </p> + <p> + ‘The first parva is called Anukramanika; the second, Sangraha; then + Paushya; then Pauloma; the Astika; then Adivansavatarana. Then comes the + Sambhava of wonderful and thrilling incidents. Then comes Jatugrihadaha + (setting fire to the house of lac) and then Hidimbabadha (the killing of + Hidimba) parvas; then comes Baka-badha (slaughter of Baka) and then + Chitraratha. The next is called Swayamvara (selection of husband by + Panchali), in which Arjuna by the exercise of Kshatriya virtues, won + Draupadi for wife. Then comes Vaivahika (marriage). Then comes + Viduragamana (advent of Vidura), Rajyalabha (acquirement of kingdom), + Arjuna-banavasa (exile of Arjuna) and Subhadra-harana (the carrying away + of Subhadra). After these come Harana-harika, Khandava-daha (the burning + of the Khandava forest) and Maya-darsana (meeting with Maya the Asura + architect). Then come Sabha, Mantra, Jarasandha, Digvijaya (general + campaign). After Digvijaya come Raja-suyaka, Arghyaviharana (the robbing + of the Arghya) and Sisupala-badha (the killing of Sisupala). After these, + Dyuta (gambling), Anudyuta (subsequent to gambling), Aranyaka, and + Krimira-badha (destruction of Krimira). The Arjuna-vigamana (the travels + of Arjuna), Kairati. In the last hath been described the battle between + Arjuna and Mahadeva in the guise of a hunter. After this + Indra-lokavigamana (the journey to the regions of Indra); then that mine + of religion and virtue, the highly pathetic Nalopakhyana (the story of + Nala). After this last, Tirtha-yatra or the pilgrimage of the wise prince + of the Kurus, the death of Jatasura, and the battle of the Yakshas. Then + the battle with the Nivata-kavachas, Ajagara, and Markandeya-Samasya + (meeting with Markandeya). Then the meeting of Draupadi and Satyabhama, + Ghoshayatra, Mirga-Swapna (dream of the deer). Then the story of + Brihadaranyaka and then Aindradrumna. Then Draupadi-harana (the abduction + of Draupadi), Jayadratha-bimoksana (the release of Jayadratha). Then the + story of ‘Savitri’ illustrating the great merit of connubial chastity. + After this last, the story of ‘Rama’. The parva that comes next is called + ‘Kundala-harana’ (the theft of the ear-rings). That which comes next is + ‘Aranya’ and then ‘Vairata’. Then the entry of the Pandavas and the + fulfilment of their promise (of living unknown for one year). Then the + destruction of the ‘Kichakas’, then the attempt to take the kine (of + Virata by the Kauravas). The next is called the marriage of Abhimanyu with + the daughter of Virata. The next you must know is the most wonderful parva + called Udyoga. The next must be known by the name of ‘Sanjaya-yana’ (the + arrival of Sanjaya). Then comes ‘Prajagara’ (the sleeplessness of + Dhritarashtra owing to his anxiety). Then Sanatsujata, in which are the + mysteries of spiritual philosophy. Then ‘Yanasaddhi’, and then the arrival + of Krishna. Then the story of ‘Matali’ and then of ‘Galava’. Then the + stories of ‘Savitri’, ‘Vamadeva’, and ‘Vainya’. Then the story of + ‘Jamadagnya and Shodasarajika’. Then the arrival of Krishna at the court, + and then Bidulaputrasasana. Then the muster of troops and the story of + Sheta. Then, must you know, comes the quarrel of the high-souled Karna. + Then the march to the field of the troops of both sides. The next hath + been called numbering the Rathis and Atirathas. Then comes the arrival of + the messenger Uluka which kindled the wrath (of the Pandavas). The next + that comes, you must know, is the story of Amba. Then comes the thrilling + story of the installation of Bhishma as commander-in-chief. The next is + called the creation of the insular region Jambu; then Bhumi; then the + account about the formation of islands. Then comes the ‘Bhagavat-gita’; + and then the death of Bhishma. Then the installation of Drona; then the + destruction of the ‘Sansaptakas’. Then the death of Abhimanyu; and then + the vow of Arjuna (to slay Jayadratha). Then the death of Jayadratha, and + then of Ghatotkacha. Then, must you know, comes the story of the death of + Drona of surprising interest. The next that comes is called the discharge + of the weapon called Narayana. Then, you know, is Karna, and then Salya. + Then comes the immersion in the lake, and then the encounter (between + Bhima and Duryodhana) with clubs. Then comes Saraswata, and then the + descriptions of holy shrines, and then genealogies. Then comes Sauptika + describing incidents disgraceful (to the honour of the Kurus). Then comes + the ‘Aisika’ of harrowing incidents. Then comes ‘Jalapradana’ oblations of + water to the manes of the deceased, and then the wailings of the women. + The next must be known as ‘Sraddha’ describing the funeral rites performed + for the slain Kauravas. Then comes the destruction of the Rakshasa + Charvaka who had assumed the disguise of a Brahmana (for deceiving + Yudhishthira). Then the coronation of the wise Yudhishthira. The next is + called the ‘Grihapravibhaga’. Then comes ‘Santi’, then + ‘Rajadharmanusasana’, then ‘Apaddharma’, then ‘Mokshadharma’. Those that + follow are called respectively ‘Suka-prasna-abhigamana’, + ‘Brahma-prasnanusana’, the origin of ‘Durvasa’, the disputations with + Maya. The next is to be known as ‘Anusasanika’. Then the ascension of + Bhishma to heaven. Then the horse-sacrifice, which when read purgeth all + sins away. The next must be known as the ‘Anugita’ in which are words of + spiritual philosophy. Those that follow are called ‘Asramvasa’, + ‘Puttradarshana’ (meeting with the spirits of the deceased sons), and the + arrival of Narada. The next is called ‘Mausala’ which abounds with + terrible and cruel incidents. Then comes ‘Mahaprasthanika’ and ascension + to heaven. Then comes the Purana which is called Khilvansa. In this last + are contained ‘Vishnuparva’, Vishnu’s frolics and feats as a child, the + destruction of ‘Kansa’, and lastly, the very wonderful ‘Bhavishyaparva’ + (in which there are prophecies regarding the future). + </p> + <p> + The high-souled Vyasa composed these hundred parvas of which the above is + only an abridgement: having distributed them into eighteen, the son of + Suta recited them consecutively in the forest of Naimisha as follows: + </p> + <p> + ‘In the Adi parva are contained Paushya, Pauloma, Astika, Adivansavatara, + Samva, the burning of the house of lac, the slaying of Hidimba, the + destruction of the Asura Vaka, Chitraratha, the Swayamvara of Draupadi, + her marriage after the overthrow of rivals in war, the arrival of Vidura, + the restoration, Arjuna’s exile, the abduction of Subhadra, the gift and + receipt of the marriage dower, the burning of the Khandava forest, and the + meeting with (the Asura-architect) Maya. The Paushya parva treats of the + greatness of Utanka, and the Pauloma, of the sons of Bhrigu. The Astika + describes the birth of Garuda and of the Nagas (snakes), the churning of + the ocean, the incidents relating to the birth of the celestial steed + Uchchaihsrava, and finally, the dynasty of Bharata, as described in the + Snake-sacrifice of king Janamejaya. The Sambhava parva narrates the birth + of various kings and heroes, and that of the sage, Krishna Dwaipayana: the + partial incarnations of deities, the generation of Danavas and Yakshas of + great prowess, and serpents, Gandharvas, birds, and of all creatures; and + lastly, of the life and adventures of king Bharata—the progenitor of + the line that goes by his name—the son born of Sakuntala in the + hermitage of the ascetic Kanwa. This parva also describes the greatness of + Bhagirathi, and the births of the Vasus in the house of Santanu and their + ascension to heaven. In this parva is also narrated the birth of Bhishma + uniting in himself portions of the energies of the other Vasus, his + renunciation of royalty and adoption of the Brahmacharya mode of life, his + adherence to his vows, his protection of Chitrangada, and after the death + of Chitrangada, his protection of his younger brother, Vichitravirya, and + his placing the latter on the throne: the birth of Dharma among men in + consequence of the curse of Animondavya; the births of Dhritarashtra and + Pandu through the potency of Vyasa’s blessings (?) and also the birth of + the Pandavas; the plottings of Duryodhana to send the sons of Pandu to + Varanavata, and the other dark counsels of the sons of Dhritarashtra in + regard to the Pandavas; then the advice administered to Yudhishthira on + his way by that well-wisher of the Pandavas—Vidura—in the + mlechchha language—the digging of the hole, the burning of Purochana + and the sleeping woman of the fowler caste, with her five sons, in the + house of lac; the meeting of the Pandavas in the dreadful forest with + Hidimba, and the slaying of her brother Hidimba by Bhima of great prowess. + The birth of Ghatotkacha; the meeting of the Pandavas with Vyasa and in + accordance with his advice their stay in disguise in the house of a + Brahmana in the city of Ekachakra; the destruction of the Asura Vaka, and + the amazement of the populace at the sight; the extra-ordinary births of + Krishna and Dhrishtadyumna; the departure of the Pandavas for Panchala in + obedience to the injunction of Vyasa, and moved equally by the desire of + winning the hand of Draupadi on learning the tidings of the Swayamvara + from the lips of a Brahmana; victory of Arjuna over a Gandharva, called + Angaraparna, on the banks of the Bhagirathi, his contraction of friendship + with his adversary, and his hearing from the Gandharva the history of + Tapati, Vasishtha and Aurva. This parva treats of the journey of the + Pandavas towards Panchala, the acquisition of Draupadi in the midst of all + the Rajas, by Arjuna, after having successfully pierced the mark; and in + the ensuing fight, the defeat of Salya, Kama, and all the other crowned + heads at the hands of Bhima and Arjuna of great prowess; the ascertainment + by Balarama and Krishna, at the sight of these matchless exploits, that + the heroes were the Pandavas, and the arrival of the brothers at the house + of the potter where the Pandavas were staying; the dejection of Drupada on + learning that Draupadi was to be wedded to five husbands; the wonderful + story of the five Indras related in consequence; the extraordinary and + divinely-ordained wedding of Draupadi; the sending of Vidura by the sons + of Dhritarashtra as envoy to the Pandavas; the arrival of Vidura and his + sight to Krishna; the abode of the Pandavas in Khandava-prastha, and then + their rule over one half of the kingdom; the fixing of turns by the sons + of Pandu, in obedience to the injunction of Narada, for connubial + companionship with Krishna. In like manner hath the history of Sunda and + Upasunda been recited in this. This parva then treats of the departure of + Arjuna for the forest according to the vow, he having seen Draupadi and + Yudhishthira sitting together as he entered the chamber to take out arms + for delivering the kine of a certain Brahmana. This parva then describes + Arjuna’s meeting on the way with Ulupi, the daughter of a Naga (serpent); + it then relates his visits to several sacred spots; the birth of + Vabhruvahana; the deliverance by Arjuna of the five celestial damsels who + had been turned into alligators by the imprecation of a Brahmana, the + meeting of Madhava and Arjuna on the holy spot called Prabhasa; the + carrying away of Subhadra by Arjuna, incited thereto by her brother + Krishna, in the wonderful car moving on land and water, and through + mid-air, according to the wish of the rider; the departure for + Indraprastha, with the dower; the conception in the womb of Subhadra of + that prodigy of prowess, Abhimanyu; Yajnaseni’s giving birth to children; + then follows the pleasure-trip of Krishna and Arjuna to the banks of the + Jamuna and the acquisition by them of the discus and the celebrated bow + Gandiva; the burning of the forest of Khandava; the rescue of Maya by + Arjuna, and the escape of the serpent,—and the begetting of a son by + that best of Rishis, Mandapala, in the womb of the bird Sarngi. This parva + is divided by Vyasa into two hundred and twenty-seven chapters. These two + hundred and twenty-seven chapters contain eight thousand eight hundred and + eighty-four slokas. + </p> + <p> + The second is the extensive parva called Sabha or the assembly, full of + matter. The subjects of this parva are the establishment of the grand hall + by the Pandavas; their review of their retainers; the description of the + lokapalas by Narada well-acquainted with the celestial regions; the + preparations for the Rajasuya sacrifice; the destruction of Jarasandha; + the deliverance by Vasudeva of the princes confined in the mountain-pass; + the campaign of universal conquest by the Pandavas; the arrival of the + princes at the Rajasuya sacrifice with tribute; the destruction of + Sisupala on the occasion of the sacrifice, in connection with offering of + arghya; Bhimasena’s ridicule of Duryodhana in the assembly; Duryodhana’s + sorrow and envy at the sight of the magnificent scale on which the + arrangements had been made; the indignation of Duryodhana in consequence, + and the preparations for the game of dice; the defeat of Yudhishthira at + play by the wily Sakuni; the deliverance by Dhritarashtra of his afflicted + daughter-in-law Draupadi plunged in the sea of distress caused by the + gambling, as of a boat tossed about by the tempestuous waves. The + endeavours of Duryodhana to engage Yudhishthira again in the game; and the + exile of the defeated Yudhishthira with his brothers. These constitute + what has been called by the great Vyasa the Sabha Parva. This parva is + divided into seventh-eight sections, O best of Brahmanas, of two thousand, + five hundred and seven slokas. + </p> + <p> + Then comes the third parva called Aranyaka (relating to the forest) This + parva treats of the wending of the Pandavas to the forest and the + citizens, following the wise Yudhishthira, Yudhishthira’s adoration of the + god of day; according to the injunctions of Dhaumya, to be gifted with the + power of maintaining the dependent Brahmanas with food and drink: the + creation of food through the grace of the Sun: the expulsion by + Dhritarashtra of Vidura who always spoke for his master’s good; Vidura’s + coming to the Pandavas and his return to Dhritarashtra at the solicitation + of the latter; the wicked Duryodhana’s plottings to destroy the + forest-ranging Pandavas, being incited thereto by Karna; the appearance of + Vyasa and his dissuasion of Duryodhana bent on going to the forest; the + history of Surabhi; the arrival of Maitreya; his laying down to + Dhritarashtra the course of action; and his curse on Duryodhana; Bhima’s + slaying of Kirmira in battle; the coming of the Panchalas and the princes + of the Vrishni race to Yudhishthira on hearing of his defeat at the unfair + gambling by Sakuni; Dhananjaya’s allaying the wrath of Krishna; Draupadi’s + lamentations before Madhava; Krishna’s cheering her; the fall of Sauva + also has been here described by the Rishi; also Krishna’s bringing + Subhadra with her son to Dwaraka; and Dhrishtadyumna’s bringing the son of + Draupadi to Panchala; the entrance of the sons of Pandu into the romantic + Dwaita wood; conversation of Bhima, Yudhishthira, and Draupadi; the coming + of Vyasa to the Pandavas and his endowing Yudhishthira with the power of + Pratismriti; then, after the departure of Vyasa, the removal of the + Pandavas to the forest of Kamyaka; the wanderings of Arjuna of + immeasurable prowess in search of weapons; his battle with Mahadeva in the + guise of a hunter; his meeting with the lokapalas and receipt of weapons + from them; his journey to the regions of Indra for arms and the consequent + anxiety of Dhritarashtra; the wailings and lamentations of Yudhishthira on + the occasion of his meeting with the worshipful great sage Brihadaswa. + Here occurs the holy and highly pathetic story of Nala illustrating the + patience of Damayanti and the character of Nala. Then the acquirement by + Yudhishthira of the mysteries of dice from the same great sage; then the + arrival of the Rishi Lomasa from the heavens to where the Pandavas were, + and the receipt by these high-souled dwellers in the woods of the + intelligence brought by the Rishi of their brother Arjuna staving in the + heavens; then the pilgrimage of the Pandavas to various sacred spots in + accordance with the message of Arjuna, and their attainment of great merit + and virtue consequent on such pilgrimage; then the pilgrimage of the great + sage Narada to the shrine Putasta; also the pilgrimage of the high-souled + Pandavas. Here is the deprivation of Karna of his ear-rings by Indra. Here + also is recited the sacrificial magnificence of Gaya; then the story of + Agastya in which the Rishi ate up the Asura Vatapi, and his connubial + connection with Lopamudra from the desire of offspring. Then the story of + Rishyasringa who adopted Brahmacharya mode of life from his very boyhood; + then the history of Rama of great prowess, the son of Jamadagni, in which + has been narrated the death of Kartavirya and the Haihayas; then the + meeting between the Pandavas and the Vrishnis in the sacred spot called + Prabhasa; then the story of Su-kanya in which Chyavana, the son of Bhrigu, + made the twins, Aswinis, drink, at the sacrifice of king Saryati, the Soma + juice (from which they had been excluded by the other gods), and in which + besides is shown how Chyavana himself acquired perpetual youth (as a boon + from the grateful Aswinis). Then hath been described the history of king + Mandhata; then the history of prince Jantu; and how king Somaka by + offering up his only son (Jantu) in sacrifice obtained a hundred others; + then the excellent history of the hawk and the pigeon; then the + examination of king Sivi by Indra, Agni, and Dharma; then the story of + Ashtavakra, in which occurs the disputation, at the sacrifice of Janaka, + between that Rishi and the first of logicians, Vandi, the son of Varuna; + the defeat of Vandi by the great Ashtavakra, and the release by the Rishi + of his father from the depths of the ocean. Then the story of Yavakrita, + and then that of the great Raivya: then the departure (of the Pandavas) + for Gandhamadana and their abode in the asylum called Narayana; then + Bhimasena’s journey to Gandhamadana at the request of Draupadi (in search + of the sweet-scented flower). Bhima’s meeting on his way, in a grove of + bananas, with Hanuman, the son of Pavana of great prowess; Bhima’s bath in + the tank and the destruction of the flowers therein for obtaining the + sweet-scented flower (he was in search of); his consequent battle with the + mighty Rakshasas and the Yakshas of great prowess including Hanuman; the + destruction of the Asura Jata by Bhima; the meeting (of the Pandavas) with + the royal sage Vrishaparva; their departure for the asylum of Arshtishena + and abode therein: the incitement of Bhima (to acts of vengeance) by + Draupadi. Then is narrated the ascent on the hills of Kailasa by + Bhimasena, his terrific battle with the mighty Yakshas headed by Hanuman; + then the meeting of the Pandavas with Vaisravana (Kuvera), and the meeting + with Arjuna after he had obtained for the purpose of Yudhishthira many + celestial weapons; then Arjuna’s terrible encounter with the + Nivatakavachas dwelling in Hiranyaparva, and also with the Paulomas, and + the Kalakeyas; their destruction at the hands of Arjuna; the commencement + of the display of the celestial weapons by Arjuna before Yudhishthira, the + prevention of the same by Narada; the descent of the Pandavas from + Gandhamadana; the seizure of Bhima in the forest by a mighty serpent huge + as the mountain; his release from the coils of the snake, upon + Yudhishthira’s answering certain questions; the return of the Pandavas to + the Kamyaka woods. Here is described the reappearance of Vasudeva to see + the mighty sons of Pandu; the arrival of Markandeya, and various recitals, + the history of Prithu the son of Vena recited by the great Rishi; the + stories of Saraswati and the Rishi Tarkhya. After these, is the story of + Matsya; other old stories recited by Markandeya; the stories of + Indradyumna and Dhundhumara; then the history of the chaste wife; the + history of Angira, the meeting and conversation of Draupadi and + Satyabhama; the return of the Pandavas to the forest of Dwaita; then the + procession to see the calves and the captivity of Duryodhana; and when the + wretch was being carried off, his rescue by Arjuna; here is Yudhishthira’s + dream of the deer; then the re-entry of the Pandavas into the Kamyaka + forest, here also is the long story of Vrihidraunika. Here also is recited + the story of Durvasa; then the abduction by Jayadratha of Draupadi from + the asylum; the pursuit of the ravisher by Bhima swift as the air and the + ill-shaving of Jayadratha’s crown at Bhima’s hand. Here is the long + history of Rama in which is shown how Rama by his prowess slew Ravana in + battle. Here also is narrated the story of Savitri; then Karna’s + deprivation by Indra of his ear-rings; then the presentation to Karna by + the gratified Indra of a Sakti (missile weapon) which had the virtue of + killing only one person against whom it might be hurled; then the story + called Aranya in which Dharma (the god of justice) gave advice to his son + (Yudhishthira); in which, besides is recited how the Pandavas after having + obtained a boon went towards the west. These are all included in the third + Parva called Aranyaka, consisting of two hundred and sixty-nine sections. + The number of slokas is eleven thousand, six hundred and sixty-four. + </p> + <p> + “The extensive Parva that comes next is called Virata. The Pandavas + arriving at the dominions of Virata saw in a cemetery on the outskirts of + the city a large shami tree whereon they kept their weapons. Here hath + been recited their entry into the city and their stay there in disguise. + Then the slaying by Bhima of the wicked Kichaka who, senseless with lust, + had sought Draupadi; the appointment by prince Duryodhana of clever spies; + and their despatch to all sides for tracing the Pandavas; the failure of + these to discover the mighty sons of Pandu; the first seizure of Virata’s + kine by the Trigartas and the terrific battle that ensued; the capture of + Virata by the enemy and his rescue by Bhimasena; the release also of the + kine by the Pandava (Bhima); the seizure of Virata’s kine again by the + Kurus; the defeat in battle of all the Kurus by the single-handed Arjuna; + the release of the king’s kine; the bestowal by Virata of his daughter + Uttara for Arjuna’s acceptance on behalf of his son by Subhadra—Abhimanyu—the + destroyer of foes. These are the contents of the extensive fourth Parva—the + Virata. The great Rishi Vyasa has composed in these sixty-seven sections. + The number of slokas is two thousand and fifty. + </p> + <p> + “Listen then to (the contents of) the fifth Parva which must be known as + Udyoga. While the Pandavas, desirous of victory, were residing in the + place called Upaplavya, Duryodhana and Arjuna both went at the same time + to Vasudeva, and said, “You should render us assistance in this war.” The + high-souled Krishna, upon these words being uttered, replied, “O ye first + of men, a counsellor in myself who will not fight and one Akshauhini of + troops, which of these shall I give to which of you?” Blind to his own + interests, the foolish Duryodhana asked for the troops; while Arjuna + solicited Krishna as an unfighting counsellor. Then is described how, when + the king of Madra was coming for the assistance of the Pandavas, + Duryodhana, having deceived him on the way by presents and hospitality, + induced him to grant a boon and then solicited his assistance in battle; + how Salya, having passed his word to Duryodhana, went to the Pandavas and + consoled them by reciting the history of Indra’s victory (over Vritra). + Then comes the despatch by the Pandavas of their Purohita (priest) to the + Kauravas. Then is described how king Dhritarashtra of great prowess, + having heard the word of the purohita of the Pandavas and the story of + Indra’s victory decided upon sending his purohita and ultimately + despatched Sanjaya as envoy to the Pandavas from desire for peace. Here + hath been described the sleeplessness of Dhritarashtra from anxiety upon + hearing all about the Pandavas and their friends, Vasudeva and others. It + was on this occasion that Vidura addressed to the wise king Dhritarashtra + various counsels that were full of wisdom. It was here also that + Sanat-sujata recited to the anxious and sorrowing monarch the excellent + truths of spiritual philosophy. On the next morning Sanjaya spoke, in the + court of the King, of the identity of Vasudeva and Arjuna. It was then + that the illustrious Krishna, moved by kindness and a desire for peace, + went himself to the Kaurava capital, Hastinapura, for bringing about + peace. Then comes the rejection by prince Duryodhana of the embassy of + Krishna who had come to solicit peace for the benefit of both parties. + Here hath been recited the story of Damvodvava; then the story of the + high-souled Matuli’s search for a husband for his daughter: then the + history of the great sage Galava; then the story of the training and + discipline of the son of Bidula. Then the exhibition by Krishna, before + the assembled Rajas, of his Yoga powers upon learning the evil counsels of + Duryodhana and Karna; then Krishna’s taking Karna in his chariot and his + tendering to him of advice, and Karna’s rejection of the same from pride. + Then the return of Krishna, the chastiser of enemies from Hastinapura to + Upaplavya, and his narration to the Pandavas of all that had happened. It + was then that those oppressors of foes, the Pandavas, having heard all and + consulted properly with each other, made every preparation for war. Then + comes the march from Hastinapura, for battle, of foot-soldiers, horses, + charioteers and elephants. Then the tale of the troops by both parties. + Then the despatch by prince Duryodhana of Uluka as envoy to the Pandavas + on the day previous to the battle. Then the tale of charioteers of + different classes. Then the story of Amba. These all have been described + in the fifth Parva called Udyoga of the Bharata, abounding with incidents + appertaining to war and peace. O ye ascetics, the great Vyasa hath + composed one hundred and eighty-six sections in this Parva. The number of + slokas also composed in this by the great Rishi is six thousand, six + hundred and ninety-eight. + </p> + <p> + “Then is recited the Bhishma Parva replete with wonderful incidents. In + this hath been narrated by Sanjaya the formation of the region known as + Jambu. Here hath been described the great depression of Yudhishthira’s + army, and also a fierce fight for ten successive days. In this the + high-souled Vasudeva by reasons based on the philosophy of final release + drove away Arjuna’s compunction springing from the latter’s regard for his + kindred (whom he was on the eve of slaying). In this the magnanimous + Krishna, attentive to the welfare of Yudhishthira, seeing the loss + inflicted (on the Pandava army), descended swiftly from his chariot + himself and ran, with dauntless breast, his driving whip in hand, to + effect the death of Bhishma. In this, Krishna also smote with piercing + words Arjuna, the bearer of the Gandiva and the foremost in battle among + all wielders of weapons. In this, the foremost of bowmen, Arjuna, placing + Shikandin before him and piercing Bhishma with his sharpest arrows felled + him from his chariot. In this, Bhishma lay stretched on his bed of arrows. + This extensive Parva is known as the sixth in the Bharata. In this have + been composed one hundred and seventeen sections. The number of slokas is + five thousand, eight hundred and eighty-four as told by Vyasa conversant + with the Vedas. + </p> + <p> + “Then is recited the wonderful Parva called Drona full of incidents. First + comes the installation in the command of the army of the great instructor + in arms, Drona: then the vow made by that great master of weapons of + seizing the wise Yudhishthira in battle to please Duryodhana; then the + retreat of Arjuna from the field before the Sansaptakas, then the + overthrow of Bhagadatta like to a second Indra in the field, with the + elephant Supritika, by Arjuna; then the death of the hero Abhimanyu in his + teens, alone and unsupported, at the hands of many Maharathas including + Jayadratha; then after the death of Abhimanyu, the destruction by Arjuna, + in battle of seven Akshauhinis of troops and then of Jayadratha; then the + entry, by Bhima of mighty arms and by that foremost of + warriors-in-chariot, Satyaki, into the Kaurava ranks impenetrable even to + the gods, in search of Arjuna in obedience to the orders of Yudhishthira, + and the destruction of the remnant of the Sansaptakas. In the Drona Parva, + is the death of Alambusha, of Srutayus, of Jalasandha, of Shomadatta, of + Virata, of the great warrior-in-chariot Drupada, of Ghatotkacha and + others; in this Parva, Aswatthaman, excited beyond measure at the fall of + his father in battle, discharged the terrible weapon Narayana. Then the + glory of Rudra in connection with the burning (of the three cities). Then + the arrival of Vyasa and recital by him of the glory of Krishna and + Arjuna. This is the great seventh Parva of the Bharata in which all the + heroic chiefs and princes mentioned were sent to their account. The number + of sections in this is one hundred and seventy. The number of slokas as + composed in the Drona Parva by Rishi Vyasa, the son of Parasara and the + possessor of true knowledge after much meditation, is eight thousand, nine + hundred and nine. + </p> + <p> + “Then comes the most wonderful Parva called Karna. In this is narrated the + appointment of the wise king of Madra as (Karna’s) charioteer. Then the + history of the fall of the Asura Tripura. Then the application to each + other by Karna and Salya of harsh words on their setting out for the + field, then the story of the swan and the crow recited in insulting + allusion: then the death of Pandya at the hands of the high-souled + Aswatthaman; then the death of Dandasena; then that of Darda; then + Yudhishthira’s imminent risk in single combat with Karna in the presence + of all the warriors; then the mutual wrath of Yudhishthira and Arjuna; + then Krishna’s pacification of Arjuna. In this Parva, Bhima, in fulfilment + of his vow, having ripped open Dussasana’s breast in battle drank the + blood of his heart. Then Arjuna slew the great Karna in single combat. + Readers of the Bharata call this the eighth Parva. The number of sections + in this is sixty-nine and the number of slokas is four thousand, nine + hundred and sixty-tour. + </p> + <p> + “Then hath been recited the wonderful Parva called Salya. After all the + great warriors had been slain, the king of Madra became the leader of the + (Kaurava) army. The encounters one after another, of charioteers, have + been here described. Then comes the fall of the great Salya at the hands + of Yudhishthira, the Just. Here also is the death of Sakuni in battle at + the hands of Sahadeva. Upon only a small remnant of the troops remaining + alive after the immense slaughter, Duryodhana went to the lake and + creating for himself room within its waters lay stretched there for some + time. Then is narrated the receipt of this intelligence by Bhima from the + fowlers: then is narrated how, moved by the insulting speeches of the + intelligent Yudhishthira, Duryodhana ever unable to bear affronts, came + out of the waters. Then comes the encounter with clubs, between Duryodhana + and Bhima; then the arrival, at the time of such encounter, of Balarama: + then is described the sacredness of the Saraswati; then the progress of + the encounter with clubs; then the fracture of Duryodhana’s thighs in + battle by Bhima with (a terrific hurl of) his mace. These all have been + described in the wonderful ninth Parva. In this the number of sections is + fifty-nine and the number of slokas composed by the great Vyasa—the + spreader of the fame of the Kauravas—is three thousand, two hundred + and twenty. + </p> + <p> + “Then shall I describe the Parva called Sauptika of frightful incidents. + On the Pandavas having gone away, the mighty charioteers, Kritavarman, + Kripa, and the son of Drona, came to the field of battle in the evening + and there saw king Duryodhana lying on the ground, his thighs broken, and + himself covered with blood. Then the great charioteer, the son of Drona, + of terrible wrath, vowed, ‘without killing all the Panchalas including + Drishtadyumna, and the Pandavas also with all their allies, I will not + take off armour.’ Having spoken those words, the three warriors leaving + Duryodhana’s side entered the great forest just as the sun was setting. + While sitting under a large banian tree in the night, they saw an owl + killing numerous crows one after another. At the sight of this, + Aswatthaman, his heart full of rage at the thought of his father’s fate, + resolved to slay the slumbering Panchalas. And wending to the gate of the + camp, he saw there a Rakshasa of frightful visage, his head reaching to + the very heavens, guarding the entrance. And seeing that Rakshasa + obstructing all his weapons, the son of Drona speedily pacified by worship + the three-eyed Rudra. And then accompanied by Kritavarman and Kripa he + slew all the sons of Draupadi, all the Panchalas with Dhrishtadyumna and + others, together with their relatives, slumbering unsuspectingly in the + night. All perished on that fatal night except the five Pandavas and the + great warrior Satyaki. Those escaped owing to Krishna’s counsels, then the + charioteer of Dhrishtadyumna brought to the Pandavas intelligence of the + slaughter of the slumbering Panchalas by the son of Drona. Then Draupadi + distressed at the death of her sons and brothers and father sat before her + lords resolved to kill herself by fasting. Then Bhima of terrible prowess, + moved by the words of Draupadi, resolved, to please her; and speedily + taking up his mace followed in wrath the son of his preceptor in arms. The + son of Drona from fear of Bhimasena and impelled by the fates and moved + also by anger discharged a celestial weapon saying, ‘This is for the + destruction of all the Pandavas’; then Krishna saying. ‘This shall not + be’, neutralised Aswatthaman’s speech. Then Arjuna neutralised that weapon + by one of his own. Seeing the wicked Aswatthaman’s destructive intentions, + Dwaipayana and Krishna pronounced curses on him which the latter returned. + Pandava then deprived the mighty warrior-in-chariot Aswatthaman, of the + jewel on his head, and became exceedingly glad, and, boastful of their + success, made a present of it to the sorrowing Draupadi. Thus the tenth + Parva, called Sauptika, is recited. The great Vyasa hath composed this in + eighteen sections. The number of slokas also composed (in this) by the + great reciter of sacred truths is eight hundred and seventy. In this Parva + has been put together by the great Rishi the two Parvas called Sauptika + and Aishika. + </p> + <p> + “After this hath been recited the highly pathetic Parva called Stri, + Dhritarashtra of prophetic eye, afflicted at the death of his children, + and moved by enmity towards Bhima, broke into pieces a statue of hard iron + deftly placed before him by Krishna (as substitute of Bhima). Then Vidura, + removing the distressed Dhritarashtra’s affection for worldly things by + reasons pointing to final release, consoled that wise monarch. Then hath + been described the wending of the distressed Dhritarashtra accompanied by + the ladies of his house to the field of battle of the Kauravas. Here + follow the pathetic wailings of the wives of the slain heroes. Then the + wrath of Gandhari and Dhritarashtra and their loss of consciousness. Then + the Kshatriya ladies saw those heroes,—their unreturning sons, + brothers, and fathers,—lying dead on the field. Then the + pacification by Krishna of the wrath of Gandhari distressed at the death + of her sons and grandsons. Then the cremation of the bodies of the + deceased Rajas with due rites by that monarch (Yudhishthira) of great + wisdom and the foremost also of all virtuous men. Then upon the + presentation of water of the manes of the deceased princes having + commenced, the story of Kunti’s acknowledgment of Karna as her son born in + secret. Those have all been described by the great Rishi Vyasa in the + highly pathetic eleventh Parva. Its perusal moveth every feeling heart + with sorrow and even draweth tears from the eyes. The number of sections + composed is twenty-seven. The number of slokas is seven hundred and + seventy-five. + </p> + <p> + “Twelfth in number cometh the Santi Parva, which increaseth the + understanding and in which is related the despondency of Yudhishthira on + his having slain his fathers, brothers, sons, maternal uncles and + matrimonial relations. In this Parva is described how from his bed of + arrows Bhishma expounded various systems of duties worth the study of + kings desirous of knowledge; this Parva expounded the duties relative to + emergencies, with full indications of time and reasons. By understanding + these, a person attaineth to consummate knowledge. The mysteries also of + final emancipation have been expatiated upon. This is the twelfth Parva + the favourite of the wise. It consists of three hundred and thirty-nine + sections, and contains fourteen thousand, seven hundred and thirty-two + slokas. + </p> + <p> + “Next in order is the excellent Anusasana Parva. In it is described how + Yudhishthira, the king of the Kurus, was reconciled to himself on hearing + the exposition of duties by Bhishma, the son of Bhagirathi. This Parva + treats of rules in detail and of Dharma and Artha; then the rules of + charity and its merits; then the qualifications of donees, and the supreme + ride-regarding gifts. This Parva also describes the ceremonials of + individual duty, the rules of conduct and the matchless merit of truth. + This Parva showeth the great merit of Brahmanas and kine, and unraveleth + the mysteries of duties in relation to time and place. These are embodied + in the excellent Parva called Anusasana of varied incidents. In this hath + been described the ascension of Bhishma to Heaven. This is the thirteenth + Parva which hath laid down accurately the various duties of men. The + number of sections, in this is one hundred and forty-six. The number of + slokas is eight thousand. + </p> + <p> + “Then comes the fourteenth Parva Aswamedhika. In this is the excellent + story of Samvarta and Marutta. Then is described the discovery (by the + Pandavas) of golden treasuries; and then the birth of Parikshit who was + revived by Krishna after having been burnt by the (celestial) weapon of + Aswatthaman. The battles of Arjuna the son of Pandu, while following the + sacrificial horse let loose, with various princes who in wrath seized it. + Then is shown the great risk of Arjuna in his encounter with Vabhruvahana + the son of Chitrangada (by Arjuna) the appointed daughter of the chief of + Manipura. Then the story of the mongoose during the performance of the + horse-sacrifice. This is the most wonderful Parva called Aswamedhika. The + number of sections is one hundred and three. The number of slokas composed + (in this) by Vyasa of true knowledge is three thousand, three hundred and + twenty. + </p> + <p> + “Then comes the fifteenth Parva called Asramvasika. In this, + Dhritarashtra, abdicating the kingdom, and accompanied by Gandhari and + Vidura went to the woods. Seeing this, the virtuous Pritha also, ever + engaged in cherishing her superiors, leaving the court of her sons, + followed the old couple. In this is described the wonderful meeting + through the kindness of Vyasa of the king (Dhritarashtra) with the spirits + of his slain children, grand-children, and other princes, returned from + the other world. Then the monarch abandoning his sorrows acquired with his + wife the highest fruit of his meritorious actions. In this Parva, Vidura + after having leaned on virtue all his life attaineth to the most + meritorious state. + </p> + <p> + “The learned son of Gavalgana, Sanjaya, also of passions under full + control, and the foremost of ministers, attained, in the Parva, to the + blessed state. In this, Yudhishthira the just met Narada and heard from + him about the extinction of the race of Vrishnis. This is the very + wonderful Parva called Asramvasika. The number of sections in this is + forty-two, and the number of slokas composed by Vyasa cognisant of truth + is one thousand five hundred and six. + </p> + <p> + “After this, you know, comes the Maushala of painful incidents. In this, + those lion-hearted heroes (of the race of Vrishni) with the scars of many + a field on their bodies, oppressed with the curse of a Brahmana, while + deprived of reason from drink, impelled by the fates, slew each other on + the shores of the Salt Sea with the Eraka grass which (in their hands) + became (invested with the fatal attributes of the) thunder. In this, both + Balarama and Kesava (Krishna) after causing the extermination of their + race, their hour having come, themselves did not rise superior to the sway + of all-destroying Time. In this, Arjuna the foremost among men, going to + Dwaravati (Dwaraka) and seeing the city destitute of the Vrishnis was much + affected and became exceedingly sorry. Then after the funeral of his + maternal uncle Vasudeva the foremost among the Yadus (Vrishnis), he saw + the heroes of the Yadu race lying stretched in death on the spot where + they had been drinking. He then caused the cremation of the bodies of the + illustrious Krishna and Balarama and of the principal members of the + Vrishni race. Then as he was journeying from Dwaraka with the women and + children, the old and the decrepit—the remnants of the Yadu race—he + was met on the way by a heavy calamity. He witnessed also the disgrace of + his bow Gandiva and the unpropitiousness of his celestial weapons. Seeing + all this, Arjuna became despondent and, pursuant to Vyasa’s advice, went + to Yudhishthira and solicited permission to adopt the Sannyasa mode of + life. This is the sixteenth Parva called Maushala The number of sections + is eight and the number of slokas composed by Vyasa cognisant of truth is + three hundred and twenty. + </p> + <p> + “The next is Mahaprasthanika, the seventeenth Parva. + </p> + <p> + “In this, those foremost among men the Pandavas abdicating their kingdom + went with Draupadi on their great journey called Mahaprasthana. In this, + they came across Agni, having arrived on the shore of the sea of red + waters. In this, asked by Agni himself, Arjuna worshipped him duly, + returned to him the excellent celestial bow called Gandiva. In this, + leaving his brothers who dropped one after another and Draupadi also, + Yudhishthira went on his journey without once looking back on them. This + the seventeenth Parva is called Mahaprasthanika. The number of sections in + this is three. The number of slokas also composed by Vyasa cognisant of + truth is three hundred and twenty. + </p> + <p> + “The Parva that comes after this, you must know, is the extraordinary one + called Svarga of celestial incidents. Then seeing the celestial car come + to take him, Yudhishthira moved by kindness towards the dog that + accompanied him, refused to ascend it without his companion. Observing the + illustrious Yudhishthira’s steady adherence to virtue, Dharma (the god of + justice) abandoning his canine form showed himself to the king. Then + Yudhishthira ascending to heaven felt much pain. The celestial messenger + showed him hell by an act of deception. Then Yudhishthira, the soul of + justice, heard the heart-rending lamentations of his brothers abiding in + that region under the discipline of Yama. Then Dharma and Indra showed + Yudhishthira the region appointed for sinners. Then Yudhishthira, after + leaving the human body by a plunge in the celestial Ganges, attained to + that region which his acts merited, and began to live in joy respected by + Indra and all other gods. This is the eighteenth Parva as narrated by the + illustrious Vyasa. The number of slokas composed, O ascetics, by the great + Rishi in this is two hundred and nine. + </p> + <p> + “The above are the contents of the Eighteen Parvas. In the appendix + (Khita) are the Harivansa and the Vavishya. The number of slokas contained + in the Harivansa is twelve thousand.” + </p> + <p> + These are the contents of the section called Parva-sangraha. Sauti + continued, “Eighteen Akshauhinis of troops came together for battle. The + encounter that ensued was terrible and lasted for eighteen days. He who + knows the four Vedas with all the Angas and Upanishads, but does not know + this history (Bharata), cannot be regarded as wise. Vyasa of immeasurable + intelligence, has spoken of the Mahabharata as a treatise on Artha, on + Dharma, and on Kama. Those who have listened to his history can never bear + to listen to others, as, indeed, they who have listened to the sweet voice + of the male Kokila can never hear the dissonance of the crow’s cawing. As + the formation of the three worlds proceedeth from the five elements, so do + the inspirations of all poets proceed from this excellent composition. O + ye Brahman, as the four kinds of creatures (viviparous, oviparous, born of + hot moisture and vegetables) are dependent on space for their existence, + so the Puranas depend upon this history. As all the senses depend for + their exercise upon the various modifications of the mind, so do all acts + (ceremonials) and moral qualities depend upon this treatise. There is not + a story current in the world but doth depend on this history, even as body + upon the food it taketh. All poets cherish the Bharata even as servants + desirous of preferment always attend upon masters of good lineage. Even as + the blessed domestic Asrama can never be surpassed by the three other + Asramas (modes of life) so no poets can surpass this poem. + </p> + <p> + “Ye ascetics, shake off all inaction. Let your hearts be fixed on virtue, + for virtue is the one only friend of him that has gone to the other world. + Even the most intelligent by cherishing wealth and wives can never make + these their own, nor are these possessions lasting. The Bharata uttered by + the lips of Dwaipayana is without a parallel; it is virtue itself and + sacred. It destroyeth sin and produceth good. He that listeneth to it + while it is being recited hath no need of a bath in the sacred waters of + Pushkara. A Brahmana, whatever sins he may commit during the day through + his senses, is freed from them all by reading the Bharata in the evening. + Whatever sins he may commit also in the night by deeds, words, or mind, he + is freed from them all by reading Bharata in the first twilight (morning). + He that giveth a hundred kine with horns mounted with gold to a Brahmana + well-posted up in the Vedas and all branches of learning, and he that + daily listeneth to the sacred narrations of the Bharata, acquireth equal + merit. As the wide ocean is easily passable by men having ships, so is + this extensive history of great excellence and deep import with the help + of this chapter called Parva sangraha.” + </p> + <p> + Thus endeth the section called Parva-sangraha of the Adi Parva of the + blessed Mahabharata. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION III + </h2> + <h3> + (Paushya Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Sauti said, “Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, was, with his brothers, + attending his long sacrifice on the plains of Kurukshetra. His brothers + were three, Srutasena, Ugrasena, and Bhimasena. And as they were sitting + at the sacrifice, there arrived at the spot an offspring of Sarama (the + celestial bitch). And belaboured by the brothers of Janamejaya, he ran + away to his mother, crying in pain. And his mother seeing him crying + exceedingly asked him, ‘Why criest thou so? Who hath beaten thee? And + being thus questioned, he said unto his mother, ‘I have been belaboured by + the brothers of Janamejaya.’ And his mother replied, ‘Thou hast committed + some fault for which hast thou been beaten!’ He answered, ‘I have not + committed any fault. I have not touched the sacrificial butter with my + tongue, nor have I even cast a look upon it.’ His mother Sarama hearing + this and much distressed at the affliction of her son went to the place + where Janamejaya with his brothers was at his long-extending sacrifice. + And she addressed Janamejaya in anger, saying, ‘This my son hath committed + no fault: he hath not looked upon your sacrificial butter, nor hath he + touched it with his tongue. Wherefore hath he been beaten?’ They said not + a word in reply; whereupon she said, ‘As ye have beaten my son who hath + committed no fault, therefore shall evil come upon ye, when ye least + expect it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya, thus addressed by the celestial bitch, Sarama, became + exceedingly alarmed and dejected. And after the sacrifice was concluded + returned to Hastinapura, and began to take great pains in searching for a + Purohita who could by procuring absolution for his sin, neutralise the + effect of the curse. + </p> + <p> + “One day Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, while a-hunting, observed in a + particular part of his dominions a hermitage where dwelt a certain Rishi + of fame, Srutasrava. He had a son named Somasrava deeply engaged in + ascetic devotions. Being desirous of appointing that son of the Rishi as + his Purohita, Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, saluted the Rishi and + addressed him, saying, ‘O possessor of the six attributes, let this thy + son be my purohita.’ The Rishi thus addressed, answered Janamejaya, ‘O + Janamejaya, this my son, deep in ascetic devotions, accomplished in the + study of the Vedas, and endued with the full force of my asceticism, is + born of (the womb of) a she-snake that had drunk my vital fluid. He is + able to absolve thee from all offences save those committed against + Mahadeva. But he hath one particular habit, viz. he would grant to any + Brahmana whatever might be begged of him. If thou canst put up with it, + then thou take him.’ Janamejaya thus addressed replied to the Rishi, ‘It + shall be even so.’ And accepting him for his Purohita, he returned to his + capital; and he then addressed his brothers saying, ‘This is the person I + have chosen for my spiritual master; whatsoever he may say must be + complied with by you without examination.’ And his brothers did as they + were directed. And giving these directions to his brothers, the king + marched towards Takshyashila and brought that country under his authority. + </p> + <p> + “About this time there was a Rishi, Ayoda-Dhaumya by name. And + Ayoda-Dhaumya had three disciples, Upamanyu, Aruni, and Veda. And the + Rishi bade one of these disciples, Aruni of Panchala, to go and stop up a + breach in the water-course of a certain field. And Aruni of Panchala, thus + ordered by his preceptor, repaired to the spot. And having gone there he + saw that he could not stop up the breach in the water-course by ordinary + means. And he was distressed because he could not do his preceptor’s + bidding. But at length he saw a way and said, ‘Well, I will do it in this + way.’ He then went down into the breach and lay down himself there. And + the water was thus confined. + </p> + <p> + “And some time after, the preceptor Ayoda-Dhaumya asked his other + disciples where Aruni of Panchala was. And they answered, ‘Sir, he hath + been sent by yourself saying, ‘Go, stop up the breach in the water-course + of the field,’ Thus reminded, Dhaumya, addressing his pupils, said, ‘Then + let us all go to the place where he is.’ + </p> + <p> + “And having arrived there, he shouted, ‘Ho Aruni of Panchala! Where art + thou? Come hither, my child.’ And Aruni hearing the voice of his preceptor + speedily came out of the water-course and stood before his preceptor. And + addressing the latter, Aruni said, ‘Here I am in the breach of the + water-course. Not having been able to devise any other means, I entered + myself for the purpose of preventing the water running out. It is only + upon hearing thy voice that, having left it and allowed the waters to + escape, I have stood before thee. I salute thee, Master; tell me what I + have to do.’ + </p> + <p> + “The preceptor, thus addressed, replied, ‘Because in getting up from the + ditch thou hast opened the water-course, thenceforth shalt thou be called + Uddalaka as a mark of thy preceptor’s favour. And because my words have + been obeyed by thee, thou shalt obtain good fortune. And all the Vedas + shall shine in thee and all the Dharmasastras also.’ And Aruni, thus + addressed by his preceptor, went to the country after his heart. + </p> + <p> + “The name of another of Ayoda-Dhaumya’s disciples was Upamanyu. And + Dhaumya appointed him saying, ‘Go, my child, Upamanyu, look after the + kine.’ And according to his preceptor’s orders, he went to tend the kine. + And having watched them all day, he returned in the evening to his + preceptor’s house and standing before him he saluted him respectfully. And + his preceptor seeing him in good condition of body asked him, ‘Upamanyu, + my child, upon what dost thou support thyself? Thou art exceedingly + plump.’ And he answered, ‘Sir, I support myself by begging’. And his + preceptor said, ‘What is obtained in alms should not be used by thee + without offering it to me.’ And Upamanyu, thus told, went away. And having + obtained alms, he offered the same to his preceptor. And his preceptor + took from him even the whole. And Upamanyu, thus treated, went to attend + the cattle. And having watched them all day, he returned in the evening to + his preceptor’s abode. And he stood before his preceptor and saluted him + with respect. And his preceptor perceiving that he still continued to be + of good condition of body said unto him, ‘Upamanyu, my child, I take from + thee even the whole of what thou obtainest in alms, without leaving + anything for thee. How then dost thou, at present, contrive to support + thyself?’ And Upamanyu said unto his preceptor, ‘Sir, having made over to + you all that I obtain in alms, I go a-begging a second time for supporting + myself.’ And his preceptor then replied, ‘This is not the way in which + thou shouldst obey the preceptor. By this thou art diminishing the support + of others that live by begging. Truly having supported thyself so, thou + hast proved thyself covetous.’ And Upamanyu, having signified his assent + to all that his preceptor said, went away to attend the cattle. And having + watched them all day, he returned to his preceptor’s house. And he stood + before his preceptor and saluted him respectfully. And his preceptor + observing that he was still fat, said again unto him, ‘Upamanyu, my child, + I take from thee all thou obtainest in alms and thou dost not go a-begging + a second time, and yet art thou in healthy condition. How dost thou + support thyself?’ And Upamanyu, thus questioned, answered, ‘Sir, I now + live upon the milk of these cows.’ And his preceptor thereupon told him, + ‘It is not lawful for thee to appropriate the milk without having first + obtained my consent.’ And Upamanyu having assented to the justice of these + observations, went away to tend the kine. And when he returned to his + preceptor’s abode, he stood before him and saluted him as usual. And his + preceptor seeing that he was still fat, said, ‘Upamanyu, my child, thou + eatest no longer of alms, nor dost thou go a-begging a second time, not + even drinkest of the milk; yet art thou fat. By what means dost thou + contrive to live now? And Upamanyu replied, ‘Sir, I now sip the froth that + these calves throw out, while sucking their mother’s teats.’ And the + preceptor said, ‘These generous calves, I suppose, out of compassion for + thee, throw out large quantities of froth. Wouldst thou stand in the way + of their full meals by acting as thou hast done? Know that it is unlawful + for thee to drink the froth.’ And Upamanyu, having signified his assent to + this, went as before to tend the cows. And restrained by his preceptor, he + feedeth not on alms, nor hath he anything else to eat; he drinketh not of + the milk, nor tasteth he of the froth! + </p> + <p> + “And Upamanyu, one day, oppressed by hunger, when in a forest, ate of the + leaves of the Arka (Asclepias gigantea). And his eyes being affected by + the pungent, acrimonious, crude, and saline properties of the leaves which + he had eaten, he became blind. And as he was crawling about, he fell into + a pit. And upon his not returning that day when the sun was sinking down + behind the summit of the western mountains, the preceptor observed to his + disciples that Upamanyu was not yet come. And they told him that he had + gone out with the cattle. + </p> + <p> + “The preceptor then said, ‘Upamanyu being restrained by me from the use of + everything, is, of course, and therefore, doth not come home until it be + late. Let us then go in search of him.’ And having said this, he went with + his disciples into the forest and began to shout, saying, ‘Ho Upamanyu, + where art thou?’ And Upamanyu hearing his preceptor’s voice answered in a + loud tone, ‘Here I am at the bottom of a well.’ And his preceptor asked + him how he happened to be there. And Upamanyu replied, ‘Having eaten of + the leaves of the Arka plant I became blind, and so have I fallen into + this well.’ And his preceptor thereupon told him, ‘Glorify the twin + Aswins, the joint physicians of the gods, and they will restore thee thy + sight.’ And Upamanyu thus directed by his preceptor began to glorify the + twin Aswins, in the following words of the Rig Veda: + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye have existed before the creation! Ye first-born beings, ye are + displayed in this wondrous universe of five elements! I desire to obtain + you by the help of the knowledge derived from hearing, and of meditation, + for ye are Infinite! Ye are the course itself of Nature and intelligent + Soul that pervades that course! Ye are birds of beauteous feathers perched + on the body that is like to a tree! Ye are without the three common + attributes of every soul! Ye are incomparable! Ye, through your spirit in + every created thing, pervade the Universe! + </p> + <p> + “Ye are golden Eagles! Ye are the essence into which all things disappear! + Ye are free from error and know no deterioration! Ye are of beauteous + beaks that would not unjustly strike and are victorious in every + encounter! Ye certainly prevail over time! Having created the sun, ye + weave the wondrous cloth of the year by means of the white thread of the + day and the black thread of the night! And with the cloth so woven, ye + have established two courses of action appertaining respectively to the + Devas and the Pitris. The bird of Life seized by Time which represents the + strength of the Infinite soul, ye set free for delivering her unto great + happiness! They that are in deep ignorance, as long as they are under + delusions of their senses, suppose you, who are independent of the + attributes of matter, to be gifted with form! Three hundred and sixty cows + represented by three hundred and sixty days produce one calf between them + which is the year. That calf is the creator and destroyer of all. Seekers + of truth following different routes, draw the milk of true knowledge with + its help. Ye Aswins, ye are the creators of that calf! + </p> + <p> + “The year is but the nave of a wheel to which is attached seven hundred + and twenty spokes representing as many days and nights. The circumference + of this wheel represented by twelve months is without end. This wheel is + full of delusions and knows no deterioration. It affects all creatures + whether to this or of the other worlds. Ye Aswins, this wheel of time is + set in motion by you! + </p> + <p> + “The wheel of Time as represented by the year has a nave represented by + the six seasons. The number of spokes attached to that nave is twelve as + represented by the twelve signs of the Zodiac. This wheel of Time + manifests the fruits of the acts of all things. The presiding deities of + Time abide in that wheel. Subject as I am to its distressful influence, ye + Aswins, liberate me from that wheel of Time. Ye Aswins, ye are this + universe of five elements! Ye are the objects that are enjoyed in this and + in the other world! Make me independent of the five elements! And though + ye are the Supreme Brahma, yet ye move over the Earth in forms enjoying + the delights that the senses afford. + </p> + <p> + “In the beginning, ye created the ten points of the universe! Then have ye + placed the Sun and the Sky above! The Rishis, according to the course of + the same Sun, perform their sacrifices, and the gods and men, according to + what hath been appointed for them, perform their sacrifices also enjoying + the fruits of those acts! + </p> + <p> + “Mixing the three colours, ye have produced all the objects of sight! It + is from these objects that the Universe hath sprung whereon the gods and + men are engaged in their respective occupations, and, indeed, all + creatures endued with life! + </p> + <p> + “Ye Aswins, I adore you! I also adore the Sky which is your handiwork! Ye + are the ordainers of the fruits of all acts from which even the gods are + not free! Ye are yourselves free from the fruits of your acts! + </p> + <p> + “Ye are the parents of all! As males and females it is ye that swallow the + food which subsequently develops into the life creating fluid and blood! + The new-born infant sucks the teat of its mother. Indeed it is ye that + take the shape of the infant! Ye Aswins, grant me my sight to protect my + life!” + </p> + <p> + The twin Aswins, thus invoked, appeared and said, ‘We are satisfied. Here + is a cake for thee. Take and eat it.’ And Upamanyu thus addressed, + replied, ‘Your words, O Aswins, have never proved untrue. But without + first offering this cake to my preceptor I dare not take it.’ And the + Aswins thereupon told him, ‘Formerly, thy preceptor had invoked us. We + thereupon gave him a cake like this; and he took it without offering it to + his master. Do thou do that which thy preceptor did.’ Thus addressed, + Upamanyu again said unto them, ‘O Aswins, I crave your pardon. Without + offering it to my preceptor I dare not apply this cake.’ The Aswins then + said, ‘O, we are pleased with this devotion of thine to thy preceptor. Thy + master’s teeth are of black iron. Thine shall be of gold. Thou shall be + restored to sight and shall have good fortune.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus spoken to by the Aswins he recovered his sight, and having gone to + his preceptor’s presence he saluted him and told him all. And his + preceptor was well-pleased with him and said unto him, ‘Thou shalt obtain + prosperity even as the Aswins have said. All the Vedas shall shine in thee + and all the Dharma-sastras.’ And this was the trial of Upamanyu. + </p> + <p> + “Then Veda the other disciple of Ayoda-Dhaumya was called. His preceptor + once addressed him, saying, ‘Veda, my child, tarry some time in my house + and serve thy preceptor. It shall be to thy profit.’ And Veda having + signified his assent tarried long in the family of his preceptor mindful + of serving him. Like an ox under the burthens of his master, he bore heat + and cold, hunger and thirst, at all times without a murmur. And it was not + long before his preceptor was satisfied. And as a consequence of that + satisfaction, Veda obtained good fortune and universal knowledge. And this + was the trial of Veda. + </p> + <p> + “And Veda, having received permission from his preceptor, and leaving the + latter’s residence after the completion of his studies, entered the + domestic mode of life. And while living in his own house, he got three + pupils. And he never told them to perform any work or to obey implicitly + his own behests; for having himself experienced much woe while abiding in + the family of his preceptor, he liked not to treat them with severity. + </p> + <p> + “After a certain time, Janamejaya and Paushya, both of the order of + Kshatriyas, arriving at his residence appointed the Brahman. Veda, as + their spiritual guide (Upadhyaya). And one day while about to depart upon + some business related to a sacrifice, he employed one of his disciples, + Utanka, to take charge of his household. ‘Utanka’, said he, ‘whatsoever + should have to be done in my house, let it be done by thee without + neglect.’ And having given these orders to Utanka, he went on his journey. + </p> + <p> + “So Utanka always mindful of the injunction of his preceptor took up his + abode in the latter’s house. And while Utanka was residing there, the + females of his preceptor’s house having assembled addressed him and said, + ‘O Utanka, thy mistress is in that season when connubial connection might + be fruitful. The preceptor is absent; then stand thou in his place and do + the needful.’ And Utanka, thus addressed, said unto those women, ‘It is + not proper for me to do this at the bidding of women. I have not been + enjoined by my preceptor to do aught that is improper.’ + </p> + <p> + “After a while, his preceptor returned from his journey. And his preceptor + having learnt all that had happened, became well-pleased and, addressing + Utanka, said, ‘Utanka, my child, what favour shall I bestow on thee? I + have been served by thee duly; therefore hath our friendship for each + other increased. I therefore grant thee leave to depart. Go thou, and let + thy wishes be accomplished!’ + </p> + <p> + “Utanka, thus addressed, replied, saying, “Let me do something that you + wish, for it hath been said, ‘He who bestoweth instruction contrary to + usage and he who receiveth it contrary to usage, one of the two dieth, and + enmity springeth up between the two.—I, therefore, who have received + thy leave to depart, am desirous of bringing thee some honorarium due to a + preceptor. His master, upon hearing this, replied, ‘Utanka, my child, wait + a while.’ Sometime after, Utanka again addressed his preceptor, saying, + ‘Command me to bring that for honorarium, which you desire.’ And his + preceptor then said, ‘My dear Utanka, thou hast often told me of your + desire to bring something by way of acknowledgment for the instruction + thou hast received. Go then in and ask thy mistress what thou art to + bring. And bring thou that which she directs.’ And thus directed by his + preceptor Utanka addressed his preceptress, saying, ‘Madam, I have + obtained my master’s leave to go home, and I am desirous of bringing + something agreeable to thee as honorarium for the instruction I have + received, in order that I may not depart as his debtor. Therefore, please + command me what I am to bring.’ Thus addressed, his preceptress replied, + ‘Go unto King Paushya and beg of him the pair of ear-rings worn by his + Queen, and bring them hither. The fourth day hence is a sacred day when I + wish to appear before the Brahmanas (who may dine at my house) decked with + these ear-rings. Then accomplish this, O Utanka! If thou shouldst succeed, + good fortune shall attend thee; if not, what good canst thou expect?’ + </p> + <p> + “Utanka thus commanded, took his departure. And as he was passing along + the road he saw a bull of extraordinary size and a man of uncommon stature + mounted thereon. And that man addressed Utanka and said, ‘Eat thou of the + dung of this bull.’ Utanka, however, was unwilling to comply. The man said + again, ‘O Utanka, eat of it without scrutiny. Thy master ate of it + before.’ And Utanka signified his assent and ate of the dung and drank of + the urine of that bull, and rose respectfully, and washing his hands and + mouth went to where King Paushya was. + </p> + <p> + ‘On arriving at the palace, Utanka saw Paushya seated (on his throne). And + approaching him Utanka saluted the monarch by pronouncing blessings and + said, ‘I am come as a petitioner to thee.’ And King Paushya, having + returned Utanka’s salutations, said, ‘Sir, what shall I do for thee?’ And + Utanka said, ‘I came to beg of thee a pair of ear-rings as a present to my + preceptor. It behoveth thee to give me the ear-rings worn by the Queen.’ + </p> + <p> + “King Paushya replied, ‘Go, Utanka, into the female apartments where the + Queen is and demand them of her.’ And Utanka went into the women’s + apartments. But as he could not discover the Queen, he again addressed the + king, saying, ‘It is not proper that I should be treated by thee with + deceit. Thy Queen is not in the private apartments, for I could not find + her.’ The king thus addressed, considered for a while and replied, + ‘Recollect, Sir, with attention whether thou art not in a state of + defilement in consequence of contact with the impurities of a repast. My + Queen is a chaste wife and cannot be seen by any one who is impure owing + to contact with the leavings of a repast. Nor doth she herself appear in + sight of any one who is defiled.’ + </p> + <p> + “Utanka, thus informed, reflected for a while and then said, ‘Yes, it must + be so. Having been in a hurry I performed my ablutions (after meal) in a + standing posture.’ King Paushya then said, ‘Here is a transgression, + purification is not properly effected by one in a standing posture, not by + one while he is going along.’ And Utanka having agreed to this, sat down + with his face towards the east, and washed his face, hands, and feet + thoroughly. And he then, without a noise, sipped thrice of water free from + scum and froth, and not warm, and just sufficient to reach his stomach and + wiped his face twice. And he then touched with water the apertures of his + organs (eyes, ears, etc.). And having done all this, he once more entered + the apartments of the women. And this time he saw the Queen. And as the + Queen perceived him, she saluted him respectfully and said, ‘Welcome, Sir, + command me what I have to do.’ And Utanka said unto her, ‘It behoveth thee + to give me those ear-rings of thine. I beg them as a present for my + preceptor.’ And the Queen having been highly pleased with Utanka’s conduct + and, considering that Utanka as an object of charity could not be passed + over, took off her ear-rings and gave them to him. And she said, ‘These + ear-rings are very much sought after by Takshaka, the King of the + serpents. Therefore shouldst thou carry them with the greatest care.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Utanka being told this, said unto the Queen, ‘Lady, be under no + apprehension. Takshaka, Chief of the serpents, is not able to overtake + me.’ And having said this, and taking leave of the Queen, he went back + into the presence of Paushya, and said, ‘Paushya, I am gratified.’ Then + Paushya said to Utanka, ‘A fit object of charity can only be had at long + intervals. Thou art a qualified guest, therefore do I desire to perform a + sraddha. Tarry thou a little. And Utanka replied, ‘Yes, I will tarry, and + beg that the clean provisions that are ready may be soon brought in.’ And + the king having signified his assent, entertained Utanka duly. And Utanka + seeing that the food placed before him had hair in it, and also that it + was cold, thought it unclean. And he said unto Paushya, ‘Thou givest me + food that is unclean, therefore shalt thou lose thy sight.’ And Paushya in + answer said, ‘And because dost thou impute uncleanliness to food that is + clean, therefore shalt thou be without issue.’ And Utanka thereupon + rejoined, ‘It behoveth thee not, after having offered me unclean food, to + curse me in return. Satisfy thyself by ocular proof.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Paushya seeing the food alleged to be unclean satisfied himself of + its uncleanliness. And Paushya having ascertained that the food was truly + unclean, being cold and mixed with hair, prepared as it was by a woman + with unbraided hair, began to pacify the Rishi Utanka, saying, ‘Sir, the + food placed before thee is cold, and doth contain hair, having been + prepared without sufficient care. Therefore I pray thee pardon me. Let me + not become blind.’ And Utanka answered, ‘What I say must come to pass. + Having become blind, thou mayst, however, recover the sight before long. + Grant that thy curse also doth not take effect on me.’ And Paushya said + unto him, ‘I am unable to revoke my curse. For my wrath even now hath not + been appeased. But thou knowest not this. For a Brahmana’s heart is soft + as new-churned butter, even though his words bear a sharp-edged razor. It + is otherwise in respect of these with the Kshatriya. His words are soft as + new-churned butter, but his heart is like a sharp-edged tool, such being + the case, I am unable, because of the hardness of my heart, to neutralise + my curse. Then go thou thy own way.’ To this Utanka made answer, “I showed + thee the uncleanliness of the food offered to me, and I was even now + pacified by thee. Besides, saidst thou at first that because I imputed + uncleanliness to food that was clean I should be without issue. But the + food truly unclean, thy curse cannot affect me. Of this I am sure.’ And + Utanka having said this departed with the ear-rings. + </p> + <p> + “On the road Utanka perceived coming towards him a naked idle beggar + sometimes coming in view and sometimes disappearing. And Utanka put the + ear-rings on the ground and went for water. In the meantime the beggar + came quickly to the spot and taking up the ear-rings ran away. And Utanka + having completed his ablutions in water and purified himself and having + also reverently bowed down to the gods and his spiritual masters pursued + the thief with the utmost speed. And having with great difficulty + overtaken him, he seized him by force. But at that instant the person + seized, quitting the form of a beggar and assuming his real form, viz., + that of Takshaka, speedily entered a large hole open in the ground. And + having got in, Takshaka proceeded to his own abode, the region of the + serpents. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Utanka, recollecting the words of the Queen, pursued the Serpent, + and began to dig open the hole with a stick but was unable to make much + progress. And Indra beholding his distress sent his thunder-bolt (Vajra) + to his assistance. Then the thunder-bolt entering that stick enlarged that + hole. And Utanka began to enter the hole after the thunder-bolt. And + having entered it, he beheld the region of the serpents infinite in + extent, filled with hundreds of palaces and elegant mansions with turrets + and domes and gate-ways, abounding with wonderful places for various games + and entertainments. And Utanka then glorified the serpents by the + following slokas: + </p> + <p> + “Ye Serpents, subjects of King Airavata, splendid in battle and showering + weapons in the field like lightning-charged clouds driven by the winds! + Handsome and of various forms and decked with many coloured ear-rings, ye + children of Airavata, ye shine like the Sun in the firmament! On the + northern banks of the Ganges are many habitations of serpents. There I + constantly adore the great serpents. Who except Airavata would desire to + move in the burning rays of the Sun? When Dhritarashtra (Airavata’s + brother) goes out, twenty-eight thousand and eight serpents follow him as + his attendants. Ye who move near him and ye who stay at a distance from + him, I adore all of you that have Airavata for your elder brother. + </p> + <p> + “I adore thee also, to obtain the ear-rings, O Takshaka, who formerly + dwelt in Kurukshetra and the forest of Khandava! Takshaka and Aswasena, ye + are constant companions who dwell in Kurukshetra on the banks of the + Ikshumati! I also adore the illustrious Srutasena, the younger brother of + Takshaka, who resided at the holy place called Mahadyumna with a view to + obtaining the chiefship of the serpents. + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmana Rishi Utanka having saluted the chief serpents in this + manner, obtained not, however, the ear-rings. And he thereupon became very + thoughtful. And when he saw that he obtained not the ear-rings even though + he had adored the serpents, he then looked about him and beheld two women + at a loom weaving a piece of cloth with a fine shuttle; and in the loom + were black and white threads. And he likewise saw a wheel, with twelve + spokes, turned by six boys. And he also saw a man with a handsome horse. + And he began to address them the following mantras: + </p> + <p> + “This wheel whose circumference is marked by twenty-four divisions + representing as many lunar changes is furnished with three hundred spokes! + It is set in continual motion by six boys (the seasons)! These damsels + representing universal nature are weaving without intermission a cloth + with threads black and white, and thereby ushering into existence the + manifold worlds and the beings that inhabit them! Thou wielder of the + thunder, the protector of the universe, the slayer of Vritra and Namuchi, + thou illustrious one who wearest the black cloth and displayest truth and + untruth in the universe, thou who ownest for thy carrier the horse which + was received from the depths of the ocean, and which is but another form + of Agni (the god of fire), I bow to thee, thou supreme Lord, thou Lord of + the three worlds, O Purandara!’ + </p> + <p> + “Then the man with the horse said unto Utanka, ‘I am gratified by this thy + adoration. What good shall I do to thee?’ And Utanka replied, ‘Even let + the serpents be brought under my control.’ Then the man rejoined, ‘Blow + into this horse.’ And Utanka blew into that horse. And from the horse thus + blown into, there issued, from every aperture of his body, flames of fire + with smoke by which the region of the Nagas was about to be consumed. And + Takshaka, surprised beyond measure and terrified by the heat of the fire, + hastily came out of his abode taking the ear-rings with him, and said unto + Utanka, ‘Pray, Sir, take back the ear-rings.’ And Utanka took them back. + </p> + <p> + “But Utanka having recovered his ear-rings thought, ‘O, this is that + sacred day of my preceptress. I am at a distance. How can I, therefore, + show my regard for her? And when Utanka was anxious about this, the man + addressed him and said, ‘Ride this horse, Utanka, and he will in a moment + carry thee to thy master’s abode.’ And Utanka having signified his assent, + mounted the horse and presently reached his preceptor’s house. + </p> + <p> + “And his preceptress that morning after having bathed was dressing her + hair sitting, thinking of uttering a curse on Utanka if he should not + return within time. But, in the meantime, Utanka entered his preceptor’s + abode and paid his respects to his preceptress and presented her the + ear-rings. ‘Utanka’, said she, ‘thou hast arrived at the proper time at + the proper place. Welcome, my child; thou art innocent and therefore I do + not curse thee! Good fortune is even before thee. Let thy wishes be + crowned with success!’ + </p> + <p> + “Then Utanka waited on his preceptor. And his preceptor said, ‘Thou art + welcome! What hath occasioned thy long absence?’ And Utanka replied to his + preceptor, ‘Sir, in the execution of this my business obstruction was + offered by Takshaka, the King of serpents. Therefore I had to go to the + region of the Nagas. There I saw two damsels sitting at a loom, weaving a + fabric with black and white threads. Pray, what is that? There likewise I + beheld a wheel with twelve spokes ceaselessly turned by six boys. What too + doth that import? Who is also the man that I saw? And what the horse of + extraordinary size likewise beheld by me? And when I was on the road I + also saw a bull with a man mounted thereon, by whom I was endearingly + accosted thus, ‘Utanka, eat of the dung of this bull, which was also eaten + by thy master?’ So I ate of the dung of that bull according to his words. + Who also is he? Therefore, enlightened by thee, I desire to hear all about + them.’ + </p> + <p> + “And his preceptor thus addressed said unto him, ‘The two damsels thou + hast seen are Dhata and Vidhata; the black and white threads denote night + and day; the wheel of twelve spokes turned by the six boys signified the + year comprising six seasons. The man is Parjanya, the deity of rain, and + the horse is Agni, the god of fire. The bull that thou hast seen on the + road is Airavata, the king of elephants; the man mounted thereon is Indra; + and the dung of the bull which was eaten by thee was Amrita. It was + certainly for this (last) that thou hast not met with death in the region + of the Nagas; and Indra who is my friend having been mercifully inclined + showed thee favour. It is for this that thou returnest safe, with the + ear-rings about thee. Then, O thou amiable one, I give thee leave to + depart. Thou shall obtain good fortune.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Utanka, having obtained his master’s leave, moved by anger and + resolved to avenge himself on Takshaka, proceeded towards Hastinapura. + That excellent Brahmana soon reached Hastinapura. And Utanka then waited + upon King Janamejaya who had some time before returned victorious from + Takshashila. And Utanka saw the victorious monarch surrounded on all sides + by his ministers. And he pronounced benedictions on him in a proper form. + And Utanka addressed the monarch at the proper moment in speech of correct + accent and melodious sounds, saying, ‘O thou the best of monarchs! How is + it that thou spendest thy time like a child when there is another matter + that urgently demandeth thy attention?’” + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘The monarch Janamejaya, thus addressed, saluting that + excellent Brahmana replied unto him, ‘In cherishing these my subjects I do + discharge the duties of my noble tribe. Say, what is that business to be + done by me and which hath brought thee hither.’ + </p> + <p> + “The foremost of Brahmanas and distinguished beyond all for good deeds, + thus addressed by the excellent monarch of large heart, replied unto him, + ‘O King! the business is thy own that demandeth thy attention; therefore + do it, please. O thou King of kings! Thy father was deprived of life by + Takshaka; therefore do thou avenge thy father’s death on that vile + serpent. The time hath come, I think, for the act of vengeance ordained by + the Fates. Go then avenge the death of thy magnanimous father who, being + bitten without cause by that vile serpent, was reduced to five elements + even like a tree stricken by thunder. The wicked Takshaka, vilest of the + serpent race, intoxicated with power committed an unnecessary act when he + bit the King, that god-like father, the protector of the race of royal + saints. Wicked in his deeds, he even caused Kasyapa (the prince of + physicians) to run back when he was coming for the relief of thy father. + It behoveth thee to burn the wicked wretch in the blazing fire of a + snake-sacrifice. O King! Give instant orders for the sacrifice. It is thus + thou canst avenge the death of thy father. And a very great favour shall + have also been shown to me. For by that malignant wretch, O virtuous + Prince, my business also was, on one occasion, obstructed, while + proceeding on account of my preceptor.” + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, The monarch, having heard these words, was enraged with + Takshaka. By the speech of Utanka was inflamed the prince, even as the + sacrificial fire with clarified butter. Moved by grief also, in the + presence of Utanka, the prince asked his ministers the particulars of his + father’s journey to the regions of the blessed. And when he heard all + about the circumstances of his father’s death from the lips of Utanka, he + was overcome with pain and sorrow. + </p> + <p> + And thus endeth the section called Paushya of the Adi Parva of the blessed + Mahabharata.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IV + </h2> + <h3> + (Pauloma Parva) + </h3> + <p> + ‘UGRASRAVA SAUTI, the son of Lomaharshana, versed in the Puranas, while + present in the forest of Naimisha, at the twelve years’ sacrifice of + Saunaka, surnamed Kulapati, stood before the Rishis in attendance. Having + studied Puranas with meticulous devotion and thus being thoroughly + acquainted with them, he addressed them with joined hands thus, ‘I have + graphically described to you the history of Utanka which is one of the + causes of King Janamejaya’s Snake-sacrifice. What, revered Sirs, do ye + wish to hear now? What shall I relate to you?’ The holy men replied, ‘O + son of Lomaharshana, we shall ask thee about what we are anxious to hear + and thou wilt recount the tales one by one. Saunaka, our revered master, + is at present attending the apartment of the holy fire. He is acquainted + with those divine stories which relate to the gods and asuras. He + adequately knoweth the histories of men, serpents, and Gandharvas. + Further, O Sauti, in this sacrifice that learned Brahmana is the chief. He + is able, faithful to his vows, wise, a master of the Sastras and the + Aranyaka, a speaker of truth, a lover of peace, a mortifier of the flesh, + and an observer of the penances according to the authoritative decrees. He + is respected by us all. It behoveth us therefore to wait for him. And when + he is seated on his highly respected seat, thou wilt answer what that best + of Dwijas shall ask of thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Be it so. And when the high-souled master hath been seated I + shall narrate, questioned by him, sacred stories on a variety of + subjects.” After a while that excellent Brahmana (Saunaka) having duly + finished all his duties, and having propitiated the gods with prayers and + the manes with oblations of water, came back to the place of sacrifice, + where with Sauti seated before was the assembly of saints of rigid vows + sitting at ease. And when Saunaka was seated in the midst of the Ritwiks + and Sadhyas, who were also in their seats, he spake as followeth.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION V + </h2> + <h3> + (Pauloma Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘Child, thy father formerly read the whole of the Puranas, + O son of Lomaharshana, and the Bharata with Krishna-Dwaipayana. Hast thou + also made them thy study? In those ancient records are chronicled + interesting stories and the history of the first generations of the wise + men, all of which we heard being rehearsed by thy sire. In the first + place, I am desirous of hearing the history of the race of Bhrigu. Recount + thou that history, we shall attentively listen to thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Sauti answered, ‘By me hath been acquired all that was formerly studied + by the high-souled Brahmanas including Vaisampayana and repeated by them; + by me hath been acquired all that had been studied by my father. O + descendant of the Bhrigu race, attend then to so much as relateth to the + exalted race of Bhrigu, revered by Indra and all the gods, by the tribes + of Rishis and Maruts (Winds). O great Muni, I shall first properly recount + the story of this family, as told in the Puranas. + </p> + <p> + “The great and blessed saint Bhrigu, we are informed, was produced by the + self-existing Brahma from the fire at the sacrifice of Varuna. And Bhrigu + had a son, named Chyavana, whom he dearly loved. And to Chyavana was born + a virtuous son called Pramati. And Pramati had a son named Ruru by + Ghritachi (the celestial dancer). And to Ruru also by his wife Pramadvara, + was born a son, whose name was Sunaka. He was, O Saunaka, thy great + ancestor exceedingly virtuous in his ways. He was devoted to asceticism, + of great reputation, proficient in law, and eminent among those having a + knowledge of the Vedas. He was virtuous, truthful, and of well-regulated + fare.’ + </p> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘O son of Suta, I ask thee why the illustrious son of + Bhrigu was named Chyavana. Do tell me all.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti replied, ‘Bhrigu had a wife named Puloma whom he dearly loved. She + became big with child by Bhrigu. And one day while the virtuous continent + Puloma was in that condition, Bhrigu, great among those that are true to + their religion, leaving her at home went out to perform his ablutions. It + was then that the Rakshasa called Puloma came to Bhrigu’s abode. And + entering the Rishi’s abode, the Rakshasa saw the wife of Bhrigu, + irreproachable in everything. And seeing her he became filled with lust + and lost his senses. The beautiful Puloma entertained the Rakshasa thus + arrived, with roots and fruits of the forest. And the Rakshasa who burnt + with desire upon seeing her, became very much delighted and resolved, O + good sage, to carry her away who was so blameless in every respect. + </p> + <p> + ‘My design is accomplished,’ said the Rakshasa, and so seizing that + beautiful matron he carried her away. And, indeed, she of agreeable + smiles, had been betrothed by her father himself, to him, although the + former subsequently bestowed her, according to due rites, on Bhrigu. O + thou of the Bhrigu race, this wound rankled deep in the Rakshasa’s mind + and he thought the present moment very opportune for carrying the lady + away. + </p> + <p> + “And the Rakshasa saw the apartment in which the sacrificial fire was kept + burning brightly. The Rakshasa then asked the flaming element ‘Tell me, O + Agni, whose wife this woman rightfully is. Thou art the mouth of gods; + therefore thou art bound to answer my question. This lady of superior + complexion had been first accepted by me as wife, but her father + subsequently bestowed her on the false Bhrigu. Tell me truly if this fair + one can be regarded as the wife of Bhrigu, for having found her alone, I + have resolved to take her away by force from the hermitage. My heart + burneth with rage when I reflect that Bhrigu hath got possession of this + woman of slender waist, first betrothed to me.’” + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘In this manner the Rakshasa asked the flaming god of + fire again and again whether the lady was Bhrigu’s wife. And the god was + afraid to return an answer. ‘Thou, O god of fire,’ said he, residest + constantly within every creature, as witness of her or his merits and + demerits. O thou respected one, then answer my question truly. Has not + Bhrigu appropriated her who was chosen by me as my wife? Thou shouldst + declare truly whether, therefore, she is my wife by first choice. After + thy answer as to whether she is the wife of Bhrigu, I will bear her away + from this hermitage even in sight of thee. Therefore answer thou truly.’” + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘The Seven flamed god having heard these words of the + Rakshasa became exceedingly distressed, being afraid of telling a + falsehood and equally afraid of Bhrigu’s curse. And the god at length made + answer in words that came out slowly. ‘This Puloma was, indeed, first + chosen by thee, O Rakshasa, but she was not taken by thee with holy rites + and invocations. But this far-famed lady was bestowed by her father on + Bhrigu as a gift from desire of blessing. She was not bestowed on thee O + Rakshasa, this lady was duly made by the Rishi Bhrigu his wife with Vedic + rites in my presence. This is she—I know her. I dare not speak a + falsehood. O thou best of the Rakshasas, falsehood is never respected in + this world.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VI + </h2> + <h3> + (Pauloma Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O Brahmana, having heard these words from the god of fire, + the Rakshasa assumed the form of a boar, and seizing the lady carried her + away with the speed of the wind—even of thought. Then the child of + Bhrigu lying in her body enraged at such violence, dropped from his + mother’s womb, for which he obtained the name of Chyavana. And the + Rakshasa perceiving the infant drop from the mother’s womb, shining like + the sun, quitted his grasp of the woman, fell down and was instantly + converted into ashes. And the beautiful Pauloma, distracted with grief, O + Brahmana of the Bhrigu race, took up her offspring Chyavana, the son of + Bhrigu and walked away. And Brahma, the Grandfather of all, himself saw + her, the faultless wife of his son, weeping. And the Grandfather of all + comforted her who was attached to her son. And the drops of tears which + rolled down her eyes formed a great river. And that river began to follow + the foot-steps of the wife of the great ascetic Bhrigu. And the + Grandfather of the worlds seeing that river follow the path of his son’s + wife gave it a name himself, and he called it Vadhusara. And it passeth by + the hermitage of Chyavana. And in this manner was born Chyavana of great + ascetic power, the son of Bhrigu. + </p> + <p> + “And Bhrigu saw his child Chyavana and its beautiful mother. And the Rishi + in a rage asked her, ‘By whom wast thou made known to that Rakshasa who + resolved to carry thee away? O thou of agreeable smiles, the Rakshasa + could not know thee as my wile. Therefore tell me who it was that told the + Rakshasa so, in order that I may curse him through anger.’ And Pauloma + replied, ‘O possessor of the six attributes! I was identified to the + Rakshasa by Agni (the god of fire). And he (the Rakshasa) bore me away, + who cried like the Kurari (female osprey). And it was only by the ardent + splendour of this thy son that I was rescued, for the Rakshasa (seeing + this infant) let me go and himself falling to the ground was turned into + ashes.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Bhrigu, upon hearing this account from Pauloma, became + exceedingly enraged. And in excess of passion the Rishi cursed Agni, + saying, ‘Thou shalt eat of all things.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the sixth section called “the curse on Agni” in the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VII + </h2> + <h3> + (Pauloma Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘the god of fire enraged at the curse of Bhrigu, thus + addressed the Rishi, ‘What meaneth this rashness, O Brahmana, that thou + hast displayed towards me? What transgression can be imputed to me who was + labouring to do justice and speak the truth impartially? Being asked I + gave the true answer. A witness who when interrogated about a fact of + which he hath knowledge, representeth otherwise than it is, ruineth his + ancestors and descendants both to the seventh generation. He, too, who, + being fully cognisant of all the particulars of an affair, doth not + disclose what he knoweth, when asked, is undoubtedly stained with guilt. I + can also curse thee, but Brahmanas are held by me in high respect. + Although these are known to thee, O Brahmana, I will yet speak of them, so + please attend! Having, by ascetic power, multiplied myself, I am present + in various forms, in places of the daily homa, at sacrifices extending for + years, in places where holy rites are performed (such as marriage, etc.), + and at other sacrifices. With the butter that is poured upon my flame + according to the injunctions prescribed in the Vedas, the Devas and the + Pitris are appeased. The Devas are the waters; the Pitris are also the + waters. The Devas have with the Pitris an equal right to the sacrifices + called Darshas and Purnamasas. The Devas therefore are the Pitris and the + Pitris, the Devas. They are identical beings, worshipped together and also + separately at the changes of the moon. The Devas and the Pitris eat what + is poured upon me. I am therefore called the mouth of the Devas and the + Pitris. At the new moon the Pitris, and at the full moon the Devas, are + fed through my mouth, eating of the clarified butter that is poured on me. + Being, as I am, their mouth, how am I to be an eater of all things (clean + and unclean)? + </p> + <p> + “Then Agni, alter reflecting for a while, withdrew himself from all + places; from places of the daily homa of the Brahmanas, from all + long-extending sacrifices, from places of holy rites, and from other + ceremonies. Without their Oms and Vashats, and deprived of their Swadhas + and Swahas (sacrificial mantras during offerings), the whole body of + creatures became much distressed at the loss of their (sacrificial) fire. + The Rishis in great anxiety went to the gods and addressed them thus, ‘Ye + immaculate beings! The three regions of the universe are confounded at the + cessation of their sacrifices and ceremonies in consequence of the loss of + fire! Ordain what is to be done in tins matter, so that there may be no + loss of time.’ Then the Rishis and the gods went together to the presence + of Brahma. And they represented to him all about the curse on Agni and the + consequent interruption of all ceremonies. And they said, ‘O thou greatly + fortunate! Once Agni hath been cursed by Bhrigu for some reason. Indeed, + being the mouth of the gods and also the first who eateth of what is + offered in sacrifices, the eater also of the sacrificial butter, how will + Agni be reduced to the condition of one who eateth of all things + promiscuously?’ And the creator of the universe hearing these words of + theirs summoned Agni to his presence. And Brahma addressed Agni, the + creator of all and eternal as himself, in these gentle words, ‘Thou art + the creator of the worlds and thou art their destroyer! Thou preserves! + the three worlds and thou art the promoter of all sacrifices and + ceremonies! Therefore behave thyself so that ceremonies be not + interrupted. And, O thou eater of the sacrificial butter, why dost thou + act so foolishly, being, as thou art, the Lord of all? Thou alone art + always pure in the universe and thou art its stay! Thou shall not, with + all thy body, be reduced to the state of one who eateth of all things + promiscuously. O thou of flames, the flame that is in thy viler parts + shall alone eat of all things alike. The body of thine which eateth of + flesh (being in the stomach of all carnivorous animals) shall also eat of + all things promiscuously. And as every thing touched by the sun’s rays + becometh pure, so shall everything be pure that shall be burnt by thy + flames. Thou art, O fire, the supreme energy born of thy own power. Then, + O Lord, by that power of thine make the Rishi’s curse come true. Continue + to ‘receive thy own portion and that of the gods, offered at thy mouth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘Then Agni replied to the Grandfather, ‘So be it.’ And + he then went away to obey the command of the supreme Lord. The gods and + the Rishis also returned in delight to the place whence they had come. And + the Rishis began to perform as before their ceremonies and sacrifices. And + the gods in heaven and all creatures of the world rejoiced exceedingly. + And Agni too rejoiced in that he was free from the prospect of sin. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, O possessor of the six attributes, had Agni been cursed in the days + of yore by Bhrigu. And such is the ancient history connected with the + destruction of the Rakshasa, Pauloma and the birth of Chyavana.’” + </p> + <p> + Thus endeth the seventh section of the Pauloma Parva of the Adi Parva of + the blessed Mahabharata. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Pauloma Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O Brahmana, Chyavana, the son of Bhrigu, begot a son in the + womb of his wife Sukanya. And that son was the illustrious Pramati of + resplendent energy. And Pramati begot in the womb of Ghritachi a son + called Ruru. And Ruru begot on his wife Pramadvara a son called Sunaka. + And I shall relate to you in detail, O Brahmana, the entire history of + Ruru of abundant energy. O listen to it then in full! + </p> + <p> + “Formerly there was a great Rishi called Sthulakesa possessed of ascetic + power and learning and kindly disposed towards all creatures. At that + time, O Brahmana sage, Viswavasu, the King of the Gandharvas, it is said, + had intimacy with Menaka, the celestial dancing-girl. And the Apsara, + Menaka, O thou of the Bhrigu race, when her time was come, brought forth + an infant near the hermitage of Sthulakesa. And dropping the newborn + infant on the banks of the river, O Brahmana, Menaka, the Apsara, being + destitute of pity and shame, went away. And the Rishi, Sthulakesa, of + great ascetic power, discovered the infant lying forsaken in a lonely part + of the river-side. And he perceived that it was a female child, bright as + the offspring of an Immortal and blazing, as it were, with beauty: And the + great Brahmana, Sthulakesa, the first of Munis, seeing that female child, + and filled with compassion, took it up and reared it. And the lovely child + grew up in his holy habitation, the noble-minded and blessed Rishi + Sthulakesa performing in due succession all the ceremonies beginning with + that at birth as ordained by the divine law. And because she surpassed all + of her sex in goodness, beauty, and every quality, the great Rishi called + her by the name of Pramadvara. And the pious Ruru having seen Pramadvara + in the hermitage of Sthulakesa became one whose heart was pierced by the + god of love. And Ruru by means of his companions made his father Pramati, + the son of Bhrigu, acquainted with his passion. And Pramati demanded her + of the far-famed Sthulakesa for his son. And her foster-father betrothed + the virgin Pramadvara to Ruru, fixing the nuptials for the day when the + star Varga-Daivata (Purva-phalguni) would be ascendant. + </p> + <p> + “Then within a few days of the time fixed for the nuptials, the beautiful + virgin while at play with companions of her own sex, her time having come, + impelled by fate, trod upon a serpent which she did not perceive as it lay + in coil. And the reptile, urged to execute the will of Fate, violently + darted its envenomed fangs into the body of the heedless maiden. And stung + by that serpent, she instantly dropped senseless on the ground, her colour + faded and all the graces of her person went off. And with dishevelled hair + she became a spectacle of woe to her companions and friends. And she who + was so agreeable to behold became on her death what was too painful to + look at. And the girl of slender waist lying on the ground like one asleep—being + overcome with the poison of the snake-once more became more beautiful than + in life. And her foster-father and the other holy ascetics who were there, + all saw her lying motionless upon the ground with the splendour of a + lotus. And then there came many noted Brahmanas filled with compassion, + and they sat around her. And Swastyatreya, Mahajana, Kushika, + Sankhamekhala, Uddalaka, Katha, and Sweta of great renown, Bharadwaja, + Kaunakutsya, Arshtishena, Gautama, Pramati, and Pramati’s son Ruru, and + other inhabitants of the forest, came there. And when they saw that maiden + lying dead on the ground overcome with the poison of the reptile that had + bitten her, they all wept filled with compassion. But Ruru, mortified + beyond measure, retired from the scene.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the eighth section of the Pauloma Parva of the Adi Parva of the + blessed Mahabharata. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IX + </h2> + <h3> + (Pauloma Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘While those illustrious Brahmanas were sitting around the + dead body of Pramadvara, Ruru, sorely afflicted, retired into a deep wood + and wept aloud. And overwhelmed with grief he indulged in much piteous + lamentation. And, remembering his beloved Pramadvara, he gave vent to his + sorrow in the following words, ‘Alas! The delicate fair one that + increaseth my affliction lieth upon the bare ground. What can be more + deplorable to us, her friends? If I have been charitable, if I have + performed acts of penance, if I have ever revered my superiors, let the + merit of these arts restore to life my beloved one! If from my birth I + have been controlling my passions, adhered to my vows, let the fair + Pramadvara rise from the ground. + </p> + <p> + “And while Ruru was indulging in these lamentations for the loss of his + bride, a messenger from heaven came to him in the forest and addressed him + thus, ‘The words thou utterest, O Ruru, in thy affliction are certainly + ineffectual. For, O pious man, one belonging to this world whose days have + run out can never come back to life. This poor child of a Gandharva and + Apsara has had her days run out! Therefore, O child, thou shouldst not + consign thy heart to sorrow. The great gods, however, have provided + beforehand a means of her restoration to life. And if thou compliest with + it, thou mayest receive back thy Pramadvara.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Ruru replied, O messenger of heaven! What is that which the gods have + ordained. Tell me in full so that (on hearing) I may comply with it. It + behoveth thee to deliver me from grief!’ And the celestial messenger said + unto Ruru, ‘Resign half of thy own life to thy bride, and then, O Ruru of + the race of Bhrigu, thy Pramadvara shall rise from the ground.’ ‘O best of + celestial messengers, I most willingly offer a moiety of my own life in + favour of my bride. Then let my beloved one rise up once more in her dress + and lovable form.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Then the king of Gandharvas (the father of Pramadvara) and + the celestial messenger, both of excellent qualities, went to the god + Dharma (the Judge of the dead) and addressed him, saying, ‘If it be thy + will, O Dharmaraja, let the amiable Pramadvara, the betrothed wife of + Ruru, now lying dead, rise up with a moiety of Ruru’s life.’ And + Dharmaraja answered, ‘O messenger of the gods, if it be thy wish, let + Pramadvara, the betrothed wife of Ruru, rise up endued with a moiety of + Ruru’s life.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘And when Dharmaraja had said so, that maiden of + superior complexion, Pramadvara, endued with a moiety of Ruru’s life, rose + as from her slumber. This bestowal by Ruru of a moiety of his own span of + life to resuscitate his bride afterwards led, as it would be seen, to a + curtailment of Ruru’s life. + </p> + <p> + “And on an auspicious day their fathers gladly married them with due + rites. And the couple passed their days, devoted to each other. And Ruru + having obtained such a wife, as is hard to be found, beautiful and bright + as the filaments of the lotus, made a vow for the destruction of the + serpent-race. And whenever he saw a serpent he became filled with great + wrath and always killed it with a weapon. + </p> + <p> + “One day, O Brahmana, Ruru entered an extensive forest. And there he saw + an old serpent of the Dundubha species lying stretched on the ground. And + Ruru thereupon lifted up in anger his staff, even like to the staff of + Death, for the purpose of killing it. Then the Dundubha, addressing Ruru, + said, ‘I have done thee no harm, O Brahmana! Then wherefore wilt thou slay + me in anger?’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the ninth section of the Pauloma Parva of the Adi Parva of the + blessed Mahabharata. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION X + </h2> + <h3> + (Pauloma Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + Sauti said, ‘And Ruru, on hearing those words, replied, ‘My wife, dear to + me as life, was bit by a snake; upon which, I took, O snake, a dreadful + vow, viz., that I would kill every snake that I might come across. + Therefore shall I smite thee and thou shalt be deprived of life.’ + </p> + <p> + “And the Dundubha replied, ‘O Brahmana, the snakes that bite man are quite + different in type. It behoveth thee not to slay Dundubhas who are serpents + only in name. Subject like other serpents to the same calamities but not + sharing their good fortune, in woe the same but in joy different, the + Dundubhas should not be slain by thee under any misconception.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘And the Rishi Ruru hearing these words of the serpent, + and seeing that it was bewildered with fear, albeit a snake of the + Dundubha species, killed it not. And Ruru, the possessor of the six + attributes, comforting the snake addressed it, saying, ‘Tell me fully, O + snake, who art thou thus metamorphosed?’ And the Dundubha replied, ‘O + Ruru! I was formerly a Rishi by name Sahasrapat. And it is by the curse of + a Brahmana that I have been transformed into a snake. And Ruru asked, ‘O + thou best of snakes, for what wast thou cursed by a Brahmana in wrath? And + how long also will thy form continue so?’” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the tenth section of the Pauloma Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XI + </h2> + <h3> + (Pauloma Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti continued ‘The Dundubha then said, ‘In former times, I had a friend + Khagama by name. He was impetuous in his speech and possessed of spiritual + power by virtue of his austerities. And one day when he was engaged in the + Agni-hotra (Fire-sacrifice), I made a mock snake of blades of grass, and + in a frolic attempted to frighten him with it. And anon he fell into a + swoon. On recovering his senses, that truth-telling and vow-observing + ascetic, burning with wrath, exclaimed, ‘Since thou hast made a powerless + mock snake to frighten me, thou shalt be turned even into a venomless + serpent thyself by my curse.’ O ascetic, I well knew the power of his + penances; therefore with an agitated heart, I addressed him thus, bending + low with joined hands, ‘Friend, I did this by way of a joke, to excite thy + laughter. It behoveth thee to forgive me and revoke thy curse.’ And seeing + me sorely troubled, the ascetic was moved, and he replied, breathing hot + and hard. ‘What I have said must come to pass. Listen to what I say and + lay it to thy heart. O pious one! when Ruru the pure son of Pramati, will + appear, thou shall be delivered from the curse the moment thou seest him. + Thou art the very Ruru and the son of Pramati. On regaining my native + form, I will tell thee something for thy good. + </p> + <p> + “And that illustrious man and the best of Brahmanas then left his + snake-body, and attained his own form and original brightness. He then + addressed the following words to Ruru of incomparable power, ‘O thou first + of created beings, verily the highest virtue of man is sparing the life of + others. Therefore a Brahmana should never take the life of any creature. A + Brahmana should ever be mild. This is the most sacred injunction of the + Vedas. A Brahmana should be versed in the Vedas and Vedangas, and should + inspire all creatures with belief in God. He should be benevolent to all + creatures, truthful, and forgiving, even as it is his paramount duty to + retain the Vedas in his memory. The duties of the Kshatriya are not thine. + To be stern, to wield the sceptre and to rule the subjects properly are + the duties of the Kshatriya. Listen, O Ruru, to the account of the + destruction of snakes at the sacrifice of Janamejaya in days of yore, and + the deliverance of the terrified reptiles by that best of Dwijas, Astika, + profound in Vedic lore and might in spiritual energy.’” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the eleventh section of the Pauloma Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XII + </h2> + <h3> + (Pauloma Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Ruru then asked, ‘O best of Dwijas, why was king + Janamejaya bent upon destroying the serpents?—And why and how were + they saved by the wise Astika? I am anxious to hear all this in detail.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Rishi replied, ‘O Ruru, the important history of Astika you will + learn from the lips of Brahmanas.’ Saying this, he vanished. + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Ruru ran about in search of the missing Rishi, and + having failed to find him in all the woods, fell down on the ground, + fatigued. And revolving in his mind the words of the Rishi, he was greatly + confounded and seemed to be deprived of his senses. Regaining + consciousness, he came home and asked his father to relate the history in + question. Thus asked, his father related all about the story.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the twelfth section in the Pauloma Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘For what reason did that tiger among kings, the royal + Janamejaya, determine to take the lives of the snakes by means of a + sacrifice? O Sauti, tell us in full the true story. Tell us also why + Astika, that best of regenerate ones, that foremost of ascetics, rescued + the snakes from the blazing fire. Whose son was that monarch who + celebrated the snake-sacrifice? And whose son also was that best of + regenerate ones?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O best of speakers, this story of Astika is long. I will + duly relate it in full, O listen!’ + </p> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘I am desirous of hearing at length the charming story of + that Rishi, that illustrious Brahmana named Astika.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘This history (first) recited by Krishna-Dwaipayana, is + called a Purana by the Brahmanas. It was formerly narrated by my wise + father, Lomaharshana, the disciple of Vyasa, before the dwellers of the + Naimisha forest, at their request. I was present at the recital, and, O + Saunaka, since thou askest me, I shall narrate the history of Astika + exactly as I heard it. O listen, as I recite in full that sin-destroying + story. + </p> + <p> + “The father of Astika was powerful like Prajapati. He was a Brahma-charin, + always engaged in austere devotions. He ate sparingly, was a great + ascetic, and had his lust under complete control. And he was known by the + name of Jaratkaru. That foremost one among the Yayavaras, virtuous and of + rigid vows, highly blessed and endued with great ascetic power, once + undertook a journey over the world. He visited diverse places, bathed in + diverse sacred waters, and rested where night overtook him. Endued with + great energy, he practised religious austerities, hard to be practised by + men of unrestrained souls. The sage lived upon air only, and renounced + sleep for ever. Thus going about like a blazing fire, one day he happened + to see his ancestors, hanging heads down in a great hole, their feet + pointing upwards. On seeing them, Jaratkaru addressed them, saying: + </p> + <p> + ‘Who are you thus hanging heads down in this hole by a rope of virana + fibres that is again secretly eaten into on all sides by a rat living + here?’ + </p> + <p> + “The ancestors said, ‘We are Rishis of rigid vows, called Yayavaras. We + are sinking low into the earth for want of offspring. We have a son named + Jaratkaru. Woe to us! That wretch hath entered upon a life of austerities + only! The fool doth not think of raising offspring by marriage! It is for + that reason, viz., the fear of extinction of our race, that we are + suspended in this hole. Possessed of means, we fare like unfortunates that + have none! O excellent one, who art thou that thus sorrowest as a friend + on our account? We desire to learn, O Brahmana, who thou art that standest + by us, and why, O best of men, thou sorrowest for us that are so + unfortunate.’ + </p> + <p> + “Jaratkaru said, ‘Ye are even my sires and grandsires I am that Jaratkaru! + O, tell me, how I may serve you.’ + </p> + <p> + “The fathers then answered, ‘Try thy best, O child, to beget a son to + extend our line. Thou wilt then, O excellent one, have done a meritorious + art for both thyself and us. Not by the fruits of virtue, not by ascetic + penances well hoarded up, acquireth the merit which one doth by becoming a + father. Therefore, O child, by our command, set thy heart upon marriage + and offspring. Even this is our highest good.’ + </p> + <p> + “Jaratkaru replied, ‘I shall not marry for my sake, nor shall I earn + wealth for enjoyment, but I shall do so for your welfare only. According + to this understanding, I shall, agreeably to the Sastric ordinance, take a + wife for attaining the end. I shall not act otherwise. If a bride may be + had of the same name with me, whose friends would, besides, willingly give + her to me as a gift in charity, I shall wed her duly. But who will give + his daughter to a poor man like me for wife. I shall, however, accept any + daughter given to me as alms. I shall endeavour, ye sires, even thus to + wed a girl! Having given my word, I will not act otherwise. Upon her I + will raise offspring for your redemption, so that, ye fathers, ye may + attain to eternal regions (of bliss) and may rejoice as ye like.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the thirteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘That Brahmana of rigid vows then wandered over the earth for + a wife but a wife found he not. One day he went into the forest, and + recollecting the words of his ancestors, he thrice prayed in a faint voice + for a bride. Thereupon Vasuki rose and offered his sister for the Rishi’s + acceptance. But the Brahmana hesitated to accept her, thinking her not to + be of the same name with himself. The high-souled Jaratkaru thought within + himself, ‘I will take none for wife who is not of the same name with + myself.’ Then that Rishi of great wisdom and austere penances asked him, + saying, ‘Tell me truly what is the name of this thy sister, O snake.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasuki replied, ‘O Jaratkaru, this my younger sister is called Jaratkaru. + Given away by me, accept this slender-waisted damsel for thy spouse. O + best of Brahmanas, for thee I reserved her. Therefore, take her.’ Saying + this, he offered his beautiful sister to Jaratkaru who then espoused her + with ordained rites.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the thirteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O foremost of persons acquainted with Brahma, the mother of + the snakes had cursed them of old, saying, ‘He that hath the Wind for his + charioteer (viz., Agni) shall burn you all in Janamejaya’s sacrifice!’ It + was to neutralise that curse that the chief of the snakes married his + sister to that high-souled Rishi of excellent vows. The Rishi wedded her + according to the rites ordained (in the scriptures), and from them was + born a high-souled son called Astika. An illustrious ascetic; versed in + the Vedas and their branches, he regarded all with an even eye, and + removed the fears of both his parents. + </p> + <p> + “Then, after a long space of time, a king descending from the Pandava line + celebrated a great sacrifice known as the Snake-sacrifice, After that + sacrifice had commenced for the destruction of the snakes, Astika + delivered the Nagas, viz., his brothers and maternal uncles and other + snakes (from a fiery death). And he delivered his fathers also by + begetting offspring. And by his austerities, O Brahmana, and various vows + and study of the Vedas, he freed himself from all his debts. By + sacrifices, at which various kinds of offerings were made, he propitiated + the gods. By practising the Brahmacharya mode of life he conciliated the + Rishis; and by begetting offspring he gratified his ancestors. + </p> + <p> + “Thus Jaratkaru of rigid vows discharged the heavy debt he owed to his + sires who being thus relieved from bondage ascended to heaven. Thus having + acquired great religious merit, Jaratkaru, after a long course of years, + went to heaven, leaving Astika behind. There is the story of Astika that I + have related duly Now, tell me, O tiger of Bhrigu’s race, what else I + shall narrate.” + </p> + <p> + So ends the fifteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘O Sauti, relate once more in detail this history of the + learned and virtuous Astika. Our curiosity for hearing it is great. O + amiable one, thou speakest sweetly, with proper accent and emphasis; and + we are well-pleased with thy speech. Thou speakest even as thy father. Thy + sire was ever ready to please us. Tell us now the story as thy father had + related it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O thou that art blest with longevity, I shall narrate the + history of Astika as I heard it from my father. O Brahmana, in the golden + age, Prajapati had two daughters. O sinless one, the sisters were endowed + with wonderful beauty. Named Kadru and Vinata, they became the wives of + Kasyapa. Kasyapa derived great pleasure from his two wedded wives and + being gratified he, resembling Prajapati himself, offered to give each of + them a boon. Hearing that their lord was willing to confer on them their + choice blessings, those excellent ladies felt transports of joy. Kadru + wished to have for sons a thousand snakes all of equal splendour. And + Vinata wished to bring forth two sons surpassing the thousand offsprings + of Kadru in strength, energy, size of body, and prowess. Unto Kadru her + lord gave that boon about a multitude of offspring. And unto Vinata also, + Kasyapa said, ‘Be it so!’ Then Vinata, having; obtained her prayer, + rejoiced greatly. Obtaining two sons of superior prowess, she regarded her + boon fulfilled. Kadru also obtained her thousand sons of equal splendour. + ‘Bear the embryos carefully,’ said Kasyapa, and then he went into the + forest, leaving his two wives pleased with his blessings.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘O best of regenerate ones, after a long time, Kadru + brought forth a thousand eggs, and Vinata two. Their maid-servants + deposited the eggs separately in warm vessels. Five hundred years passed + away, and the thousand eggs produced by Kadru burst and out came the + progeny. But the twins of Vinata did not appear. Vinata was jealous, and + therefore she broke one of the eggs and found in it an embryo with the + upper part developed but the lower one undeveloped. At this, the child in + the egg became angry and cursed his mother, saying. ‘Since thou hast + prematurely broken this egg, thou shall serve as a slave. Shouldst thou + wait five hundred years and not destroy, or render the other egg + half-developed, by breaking it through impatience, then the illustrious + child within it will deliver thee from slavery! And if thou wouldst have + the child strong, thou must take tender care of the egg for all this + time!’ Thus cursing his mother, the child rose to the sky. O Brahmana, + even he is the charioteer of Surya, always seen in the hour of morning! + </p> + <p> + “Then at the expiration of the five hundred years, bursting open the other + egg, out came Garuda, the serpent-eater. O tiger of Bhrigu’s race, + immediately on seeing the light, that son of Vinata left his mother. And + the lord of birds, feeling hungry, took wing in quest of the food assigned + to him by the Great Ordainer of all.”. + </p> + <p> + So ends the sixteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O ascetic, about this time the two sisters saw approaching + near, that steed of complacent appearance named Uchchaihsravas who was + worshipped by the gods, that gem of steeds, who arose at the churning of + the Ocean for nectar. Divine, graceful, perpetually young, creation’s + master-piece, and of irresistible vigour, it was blest with every + auspicious mark.’ + </p> + <p> + “Saunaka asked, ‘Why did the gods churn the Ocean for nectar, and under + what circumstances and when as you say, did that best of steeds so + powerful and resplendent spring?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘There is a mountain named Meru, of blazing appearance, and + looking like a heap of effulgence. The rays of the Sun falling on its + peaks of golden lustre are dispersed by them. Decked with gold and + exceedingly beautiful, that mountain is the haunt of the gods and the + Gandharvas. It is immeasurable and unapproachable by men of manifold sins. + Dreadful beasts of prey wander over its breasts, and it is illuminated by + many divine life-giving herbs. It stands kissing the heavens by its height + and is the first of mountains. Ordinary people cannot even think of + ascending it. It is graced with trees and streams, and resounds with the + charming melody of winged choirs. Once the celestials sat on its begemmed + peak—in conclave. They who had practised penances and observed + excellent vows for amrita now seemed to be eager seekers alter amrita + (celestial ambrosia). Seeing the celestial assembly in anxious mood + Nara-yana said to Brahman, ‘Do thou churn the Ocean with the gods and the + Asuras. By doing so, amrita will be obtained as also all drugs and gems. O + ye gods, chum the Ocean, ye will discover amrita.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the seventeenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘There is a mountain called Mandara adorned with cloud-like + peaks. It is the best of mountains, and is covered all over with + intertwining herbs. There countless birds pour forth their melodies, and + beasts of prey roam about. The gods, the Apsaras and the Kinnaras visit + the place. Upwards it rises eleven thousand yojanas, and descends + downwards as much. The gods wanted to tear it up and use it as a churning + rod but failing to do so same to Vishnu and Brahman who were sitting + together, and said unto them, ‘Devise some efficient scheme, consider, ye + gods, how Mandara may be dislodged for our good.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘O son of Bhrigu! Vishnu with Brahman assented to it. + And the lotus-eyed one (Vishnu) laid the hard task on the mighty Ananta, + the prince of snakes. The powerful Ananta, directed thereto both by + Brahman and Narayana, O Brahmana, tore up the mountain with the woods + thereon and with the denizens of those woods. And the gods came to the + shore of the Ocean with Ananta and addressed the Ocean, saying, ‘O Ocean; + we have come to churn thy waters for obtaining nectar.’ And the Ocean + replied, ‘Be it so, as I shall not go without a share of it. I am able to + bear the prodigious agitation of my waters set up by the mountain.’ The + gods then went to the king of tortoises and said to him, ‘O Tortoise-king, + thou wilt have to hold the mountain on thy back!’ The Tortoise-king + agreed, and Indra contrived to place the mountain on the former’s back. + </p> + <p> + “And the gods and the Asuras made of Mandara a churning staff and Vasuki + the cord, and set about churning the deep for amrita. The Asuras held + Vasuki by the hood and the gods held him by the tail. And Ananta, who was + on the side of the gods, at intervals raised the snake’s hood and suddenly + lowered it. And in consequence of the stretch Vasuki received at the hands + of the gods and the Asuras, black vapours with flames issued from his + mouth. These, turned into clouds charged with lightning, poured showers + that refreshed the tired gods. And flowers that also fell on all sides of + the celestials from the trees on the whirling Mandara, refreshed them. + </p> + <p> + “Then, O Brahmana, out of the deep came a tremendous roar like unto the + roar of the clouds at the Universal Dissolution. Diverse aquatic animals + being crushed by the great mountain gave up the ghost in the salt waters. + And many denizens of the lower regions and the world of Varuna were + killed. Large trees with birds on the whirling Mandara were torn up by the + roots and fell into the water. The mutual friction of those trees also + produced fires that blazed up frequently. The mountain thus looked like a + mass of dark clouds charged with lightning. O Brahmana, the fire spread, + and consumed the lions, elephants and other creatures that were on the + mountain. Then Indra extinguished that fire by pouring down heavy showers. + </p> + <p> + “After the churning, O Brahmana, had gone on for some time, gummy + exudations of various trees and herbs vested with the properties of amrita + mingled with the waters of the Ocean. And the celestials attained to + immortality by drinking of the water mixed with those gums and with the + liquid extract of gold. By degrees, the milky water of the agitated deep + turned into clarified butter by virtue of those gums and juices. But + nectar did not appear even then. The gods came before the boon-granting + Brahman seated on his seat and said, ‘Sire, we are spent up, we have no + strength left to churn further. Nectar hath not yet arisen so that now we + have no resource save Narayana.’ + </p> + <p> + “On hearing them, Brahman said to Narayana, ‘O Lord, condescend to grant + the gods strength to churn the deep afresh.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then Narayana agreeing to grant their various prayers, said, ‘Ye wise + ones, I grant you sufficient strength. Go, put the mountain in position + again and churn the water.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Re-established thus in strength, the gods recommenced churning. After a + while, the mild Moon of a thousand rays emerged from the Ocean. Thereafter + sprung forth Lakshmi dressed in white, then Soma, then the White Steed, + and then the celestial gem Kaustubha which graces the breast of Narayana. + Then Lakshmi, Soma and the Steed, fleet as the mind, all came before the + gods on high. Then arose the divine Dhanwantari himself with the white + vessel of nectar in his hand. And seeing him, the Asuras set up a loud + cry, saying, ‘It be ours.’ + </p> + <p> + “And at length rose the great elephant, Airavata, of huge body and with + two pair of white tusks. And him took Indra the wielder of the + thunderbolt. But with the churning still going on, the poison Kalakuta + appeared at last. Engulfing the Earth it suddenly blazed up like a fire + attended with fumes. And by the scent of the fearful Kalakuta, the three + worlds were stupefied. And then Siva, being solicited by Brahman, + swallowed that poison for the safety of the creation. The divine Maheswara + held it in his throat, and it is said that from that time he is called + Nilakantha (blue-throated). Seeing all these wondrous things, the Asuras + were filled with despair, and got themselves prepared for entering into + hostilities with the gods for the possession of Lakshmi and Amrita. + Thereupon Narayana called his bewitching Maya (illusive power) to his aid, + and assuming the form of an enticing female, coquetted with the Danavas. + The Danavas and the Daityas charmed with her exquisite beauty and grace + lost their reason and unanimously placed the Amrita in the hands of that + fair damsel.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the eighteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Then the Daityas and the Danauas equipped with first-class + armours and various weapons attacked the gods. In the meantime the valiant + Lord Vishnu in the form of an enchantress accompanied by Nara deceived the + mighty Danavas and took away the Amrita from their hands. + </p> + <p> + “And all the gods at that time of great fright drank the Amrita with + delight, receiving it from Vishnu. And while the gods were partaking of + it, after which they had so much hankered, a Danava named Rahu was also + drinking it among them in the guise of a god. And when the Amrita had + reached Rahu’s throat only, Surya and Soma (recognised him and) intimated + the fact to the gods. And Narayana instantly cut off with his discus the + well-adorned head of the Danava who was drinking the Amrita without + permission. And the huge head of the Danava, cut off by the discus and + resembling a mountain peak, then rose up to the sky and began to utter + dreadful cries. And the Danava’s headless trunk, falling upon the ground + and rolling thereon, made the Earth tremble with her mountains, forests + and islands. And from that time there is a long-standing quarrel between + Rahu’s head and Surya and Soma. And to this day it swalloweth Surya and + Soma (during solar and lunar eclipses). + </p> + <p> + “Then Narayana quitting his enchanting female form and hurling many + terrible weapons at the Danavas, made them tremble. And thus on the shores + of the salt-water sea, commenced the dreadful battle of the gods and the + Asuras. And sharp-pointed javelins and lances and various weapons by + thousands began to be discharged on all sides. And mangled with the discus + and wounded with swords, darts and maces, the Asuras in large numbers + vomited blood and lay prostrate on the earth. Cut off from the trunks with + sharp double-edged swords, heads adorned with bright gold, fell + continually on the field of battle. Their bodies drenched in gore, the + great Asuras lay dead everywhere. It seemed as if red-dyed mountain peaks + lay scattered all around. And when the Sun rose in his splendour, + thousands of warriors struck one another with weapons. And cries of + distress were heard everywhere. The warriors fighting at a distance from + one another brought one another down by sharp iron missiles, and those + fighting at close quarters slew one another with blows of their fists. And + the air was filled with shrieks of distress. Everywhere were heard the + alarming sounds,—‘cut’, ‘pierce’, ‘at them’, ‘hurl down’, ‘advance’. + </p> + <p> + ‘And when the battle was raging fiercely, Nara and Narayana entered the + field. And Narayana seeing the celestial bow in the hand of Nara, called + to mind his own weapon, the Danava-destroying discus. And lo! the discus, + Sudarsana, destroyer of enemies, like to Agni in effulgence and dreadful + in battle, came from the sky as soon as thought of. And when it came, + Narayana of fierce energy, possessing arms like the trunk of an elephant, + hurled with great force that weapon of extraordinary lustre, effulgent as + blazing fire, dreadful and capable of destroying hostile towns. And that + discus blazing like the fire that consumeth all things at the end of Yuga, + hurled with force from the hands of Narayana, and falling constantly + everywhere, destroyed the Daityas and the Danavas by thousands. Sometimes + it blazed like fire and consumed them all; sometimes it struck them down + as it coursed through the sky; and sometimes, falling on the earth, it + drank their life-blood like a goblin. + </p> + <p> + “On the other hand, the Danavas, white as the clouds from which the rain + hath dropped, possessing great strength and bold hearts, ascended the sky, + and by hurling down thousands of mountains, continually harassed the gods. + And those dreadful mountains, like masses of clouds, with their trees and + flat tops, falling from the sky, collided with one another and produced a + tremendous roar. And when thousands of warriors shouted without + intermission in the field of battle and mountains with the woods thereon + began to fall around, the earth with her forests trembled. Then the divine + Nara appeared at the scene of the dreadful conflict between the Asuras and + the Ganas (the followers of Rudra), and reducing to dust those rocks by + means of his gold-headed arrows, he covered the heavens with dust. Thus + discomfited by the gods, and seeing the furious discus scouring the fields + of heaven like a blazing flame, the mighty Danavas entered the bowels of + the earth, while others plunged into the sea of salt-waters. + </p> + <p> + “And having gained the victory, the gods offered due respect to Mandara + and placed him again on his own base. And the nectar-bearing gods made the + heavens resound with their shouts, and went to their own abodes. And the + gods, on returning to the heavens, rejoiced greatly, and Indra and the + other deities made over to Narayana the vessel of Amrita for careful + keeping.’” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the nineteenth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XX + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Thus have I recited to you the whole story of how Amrita was + churned out of the Ocean, and the occasion on which the horse + Uchchaihsravas of great beauty and incomparable prowess was obtained. It + was this horse about which Kadru asked Vinata, saying, ‘Tell me, amiable + sister, without taking much time, of what colour Uchchaishravas is.’ And + Vinata answered, ‘That prince of steeds is certainly white. What dost thou + think, sister? Say thou what is its colour. Let us lay a wager upon it.’ + Kadru replied, then, ‘O thou of sweet smiles. I think that horse is black + in its tail. Beauteous one, bet with me that she who loseth will become + the other’s slave.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘Thus wagering with each other about menial service as a + slave, the sisters went home, and resolved to satisfy themselves by + examining the horse next day. And Kadru, bent upon practising a deception, + ordered her thousand sons to transform themselves into black hair and + speedily cover the horse’s tail in order that she might not become a + slave. But her sons, the snakes, refusing to do her bidding, she cursed + them, saying, ‘During the snake-sacrifice of the wise king Janamejaya of + the Pandava race, Agni shall consume you all.’ And the Grandsire (Brahman) + himself heard this exceedingly cruel curse pronounced by Kadru, impelled + by the fates. And seeing that the snakes had multiplied exceedingly, the + Grandsire, moved by kind consideration for his creatures, sanctioned with + all the gods this curse of Kadru. Indeed, as the snakes were of virulent + poison, great prowess and excess of strength, and ever bent on biting + other creatures, their mother’s conduct towards them—those + persecutors of all creatures,—was very proper for the good of all + creatures. Fate always inflicts punishment of death on those who seek the + death of other creatures. The gods, having exchanged such sentiments with + one another, supported Kadru’s action (and went away). And Brahman, + calling Kasyapa to him, spake unto him these words, ‘O thou pure one who + overcomest all enemies, these snakes begotten by you, who are of virulent + poison and huge bodies, and ever intent on biting other creatures, have + been cursed by their mother. O son, do not grieve for it in the least. The + destruction of the snakes in the sacrifice hath, indeed, been ordained + long ago’ Saying this, the divine Creator of the Universe comforted + Kasyapa and imparted to that illustrious one the knowledge of neutralising + poison.” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the twentieth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said. ‘Then when the night had passed away and the sun had risen in + the morning, O thou whose wealth is asceticism, the two sisters Kadru and + Vinata, having laid a wager about slavery, went with haste and impatience + to view the steed Uchchaishravas from a near point. On their way they saw + the Ocean, that receptacle of waters, vast and deep, rolling and + tremendously roaring, full of fishes large enough to swallow the whale, + and abounding with huge makaras and creatures of various forms by + thousands, and rendered inaccessible by the presence of other terrible, + monster-shaped, dark, and fierce aquatic animals, abounding with tortoises + and crocodiles, the mine of all kinds of gems, the home of Varuna (the + water-God), the excellent and beautiful residence of the Nagas, the lord + of all rivers, the abode of the subterranean fire, the friend (or asylum) + of the Asuras, the terror of all creatures, the grand reservoir of water, + and ever immutable. It is holy, beneficial to the gods, and is the great + source of nectar; without limits, inconceivable, sacred, and highly + wonderful. It is dark, terrible with the sound of aquatic creatures, + tremendously roaring, and full of deep whirl-pools. It is an object of + terror to all creatures. Moved by the winds blowing from its shores and + heaving high, agitated and disturbed, it seems to dance everywhere with + uplifted hands represented by its surges. Full of swelling billows caused + by the waxing and waning of the moon the parent of Vasudeva’s great conch + called Panchajanya, the great mine of gems, its waters were formerly + disturbed in consequence of the agitation caused within them by the Lord + Govinda of immeasurable prowess when he had assumed the form of a wild + boar for raising the (submerged) Earth. Its bottom, lower than the nether + regions, the vow observing regenerate Rishi Atri could not fathom after + (toiling for) a hundred years. It becomes the bed of the lotus-naveled + Vishnu when at the termination of every Yuga that deity of immeasurable + power enjoys yoga-nidra, the deep sleep under the spell of spiritual + meditation. It is the refuge of Mainaka fearful of falling thunder, and + the retreat of the Asuras overcome in fierce encounters. It offers water + as sacrificial butter to the blazing fire issuing from the mouth of Varava + (the Ocean-mare). It is fathomless and without limits, vast and + immeasurable, and the lord of rivers. + </p> + <p> + “And they saw that unto it rushed mighty rivers by thousands with proud + gait, like amorous competitors, each eager for meeting it, forestalling + the others. And they saw that it was always full, and always dancing in + its waves. And they saw that it was deep and abounding with fierce whales + and makaras. And it resounded constantly with the terrible sounds of + aquatic creatures. And they saw that it was vast, and wide as the expanse + of space, unfathomable, and limitless, and the grand reservoir of water.’” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the twenty-first section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘The Nagas after consultation arrived at the conclusion that + they should do their mother’s bidding, for if she failed in obtaining her + desire she might withdraw her affection and burn them all. If, on the + other hand, she were graciously inclined, she might free them from her + curse. They said, ‘We will certainly render the horse’s tail black.’ And + it is said that they then went and became hairs in the horse’s tail. + </p> + <p> + “Now the two co-wives had laid the wager. And having laid the wager, O + best of Brahmanas, the two sisters Kadru and Vinata, the daughters of + Daksha, proceeded in great delight along the sky to see the other side of + the Ocean. And on their way they saw the Ocean, that receptacle of waters, + incapable of being easily disturbed, mightily agitated all of a sudden by + the wind, and roaring tremendously; abounding with fishes capable of + swallowing the whale and full of makaras; containing also creatures of + diverse forms counted by thousands; frightful from the presence of + horrible monsters, inaccessible, deep, and terrible, the mine of all kinds + of gems, the home of Varuna (the water-god), the wonderful habitations of + the Nagas, the lord of rivers, the abode of the subterranean fire; the + residence of the Asuras and of many dreadful creatures; the reservoir of + water, not subject to decay, aromatic, and wonderful, the great source of + the amrita of the celestials; immeasurable and inconceivable, containing + waters that are holy, filled to the brim by many thousands of great + rivers, dancing as it were in waves. Such was the Ocean, full of rolling + waves, vast as the expanse of the sky, deep, of body lighted with the + flames of subterranean fire, and roaring, which the sisters quickly passed + over.’” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the twenty-second section in the Astika Parva of the Adi + Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Having crossed the Ocean, Kadru of swift speed, accompanied + by Vinata, soon alighted near the horse. They then both beheld that + foremost of steeds of great speed, with body white as the rays of the moon + but having black hairs (in the tail). And observing many black hairs in + the tail, Kadru put Vinata, who was deeply dejected, into slavery. And + thus Vinata having lost the wager, entered into a state of slavery and + became exceedingly sorry. + </p> + <p> + “In the meantime, when his time came, burst forth from the egg without + (the help of his) mother, Garuda of great splendour, enkindling all the + points of the universe, that mighty being endued with strength, that bird + capable of assuming at will any form, of going at will everywhere, and of + calling to his aid at will any measure of energy. Effulgent like a heap of + fire, he shone terribly. Of lustre equal to that of the fire at the end of + the Yuga, his eyes were bright like the lightning-flash. And soon after + birth, that bird grew in size and increasing his body ascended the skies. + Fierce and vehemently roaring, he looked as terrible as second Ocean-fire. + And all the deities seeing him, sought the protection of Vibhavasu (Agni). + And they bowed down to that deity of manifold forms seated on his seat and + spake unto him these words, ‘O Agni, extend not thy body! Wilt thou + consume us? Lo, this huge heap of thy flames is spreading wide!’ And Agni + replied, ‘O, ye persecutors of the Asuras, it is not as ye imagine. This + is Garuda of great strength and equal to me in splendour, endued with + great energy, and born to promote the joy of Vinata. Even the sight of + this heap of effulgence hath caused this delusion in you. He is the mighty + son of Kasyapa, the destroyer of the Nagas, engaged in the well-being of + the gods, and the foe of the Daityas and the Rakshasas. Be not afraid of + it in the least. Come with me and see.’ Thus addressed, the gods from a + distance. + </p> + <p> + “The gods said, ‘Thou art a Rishi (i.e., one cognisant of all mantras), + share of the largest portion in sacrifices, ever resplendent, the + controller along with the Rishi wended their way towards Garuda and adored + him of birds, the presiding spirit of the animate and the inanimate + universe. Thou art the destroyer of all, the creator of all; thou art the + very Hiranyagarbha; thou art the progenitor of creation in the form of + Daksha and the other Prajapatis; thou art Indra (the king of the gods), + thou art Hayagriva the steed necked incarnation of Vishnu; thou art the + arrow (Vishnu himself, as he became such in the hands of Mahadeva at the + burning of Tripura); thou art the lord of the universe; thou art the mouth + of Vishnu; thou art the four-faced Padmaja; thou art the Brahmana (i.e., + wise), thou art Agni, Pavana, etc. (i.e., the presiding deity of every + object in the universe). Thou art knowledge, thou art the illusion to + which we are all subject; thou art the all-pervading spirit; thou art the + lord of the gods; thou art the great Truth; thou art fearless; thou art + ever unchanged; thou art Brahma without attributes; thou art the energy of + the Sun; thou art the intellectual functions; thou art our great + protector; thou art the ocean of holiness; thou art purity; thou art + bereft of the attributes of darkness; thou art the possessor of the six + high attributes; thou art he who cannot be withstood in contest. From thee + have emanated all things; thou art of excellent deeds; thou art all that + hath not been and all that hath been. Thou art pure knowledge; thou + displayest to us, as Surya does by his rays, this animate and inanimate + universe; thou darkenest the splendour of Surya at every moment, and thou + art the destroyer of all; thou art all that is perishable and all that is + imperishable. O thou resplendent as Agni, thou burnest all even as Surya + in his anger burneth all creatures. O terrible one, thou resistest even as + the fire that destroys everything at the time of the Universal + Dissolution. O mighty Garuda who movest in the skies, we seek thy + protection. O lord of birds thy energy is extraordinary, thy splendour is + that of fire, thy brightness is like that of the lightning that no + darkness can approach. Thou reachest the very clouds, and art both the + cause and the effect; the dispenser of boons and invincible in prowess. O + Lord, this whole universe is rendered hot by thy splendour, bright as the + lustre of heated gold. Protect these high-souled gods, who overcome by + thee and terrified withal, are flying along the heavens in different + directions on their celestial cars. O thou best of birds, thou Lord of + all, thou art the son of the merciful and high-souled Rishi Kasyapa; + therefore, be not wroth but have mercy on the universe. Thou art Supreme. + O pacify thy anger and preserve us. At thy voice, loud as the roar of the + thunder, the ten points, the skies, the heavens, the Earth and our hearts, + O bird, thou art continuously shaking. O, diminish this thy body + resembling Agni. At the sight of the splendour resembling that of Yama + when in wrath, our hearts lose all equanimity and quake. O thou lord of + birds, be propitious to us who solicit thy mercy! O illustrious one, + bestow on us good fortune and joy.’ + </p> + <p> + And that bird of fair feathers, thus adored by the deities and diverse + sections of Rishis, reduced his own energy and splendour.’” + </p> + <p> + And thus ends the twenty-third section in the Astika Parva of the Adi + Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Then hearing of and beholding his own body, that bird of + beautiful feathers diminished its size.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Garuda said, ‘Let no creature be afraid; as ye are in a fright at the + sight of my terrible form, I shall diminish my energy.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Then that bird capable of going everywhere at will, + that ranger of the skies capable of calling to his aid any measure of + energy, bearing Aruna on his back, wended from his father’s home and + arrived at his mother’s side on the other shore of the great ocean. And he + placed Aruna of great splendour in the eastern regions, just at a time + when Surya had resolved to burn the worlds with his fierce rays.’ + </p> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘When did the revered Surya resolve at the time to burn the + worlds? What wrong was done to him by the gods that provoked his ire?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O sinless one, when Rahu was drinking nectar among the gods + at the time of the churning of the ocean he was pointed out to the gods by + Surya and Soma, and from that time he conceived an enmity towards those + deities. And upon this Rahu sought to devour his afflictor (Surya), became + wroth, and thought, ‘Oh, this enmity of Rahu towards me hath sprung from + my desire of benefiting the gods. And this dire consequence I alone have + to sustain. Indeed, at this pass help I obtain not. And before the very + eyes of the denizens of heaven I am going to be devoured and they brook it + quietly. Therefore, for the destruction of the worlds must I strive.’ And + with this resolution he went to the mountains of the west. + </p> + <p> + “And from that place he began to radiate his heat around for the + destruction of the world. And then the great Rishis, approaching the gods, + spake unto them, ‘Lo, in the middle of the night springeth a great heat + striking terror into every heart, and destructive of the three worlds.’ + Then the gods, accompanied by the Rishis, wended to the Grandsire, and + said unto him, ‘O what is this great heat today that causeth such panic? + Surya hath not yet risen, still the destruction (of the world) is obvious. + O Lord, what will happen when he doth rise?” The Grandsire replied, + ‘Indeed, Surya is prepared to rise today for the destruction of the world. + As soon as he will appear he will burn everything into a heap of ashes. By + me, however, hath the remedy been provided beforehand. The intelligent son + of Kasyapa is known to all by the name of Aruna. He is huge of body and of + great splendour; he shall stay in front of Surya, doing the duty of his + charioteer and taking away all the energy of the former. And this will + ensure the welfare of the worlds, of the Rishis, and of the dwellers in + heaven.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Aruna, at the behest of the Grandsire, did all that he + was ordered to do. And Surya rose veiled by Aruna’s person. I have told + thee now why Surya was in wrath, and how Aruna, the brother of Garuda, was + appointed as his charioteer. Hear next of that other question asked by + thee a little while ago.’” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the twenty-fourth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi + Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Then that bird of great strength and energy and capable of + going at will to every place repaired to his mother’s side on the other + shore of the great ocean. Thither lived Vinata in affliction, defeated in + wager and put into a state of slavery. Once Kadru calling Vinata who had + prostrated herself before the former, addressed her these words in the + presence of her son, ‘O gentle Vinata, there is in the midst of the ocean, + in a remote quarter, a delightful and fair region inhabited by the Nagas. + Bear me thither!’ At this that mother of the bird of fair feathers bore + (on her shoulders) the mother of the snakes. And Garuda also, directed by + his mother’s words, carried (on his back) the snakes. And that ranger of + the skies born of Vinata began to ascend towards the Sun. And thereupon + the snakes, scorched by the rays of the Sun, swooned away. And Kadru + seeing her sons in that state prayed to Indra, saying, ‘I bow to thee, + thou Lord of all the gods! I bow to thee, thou slayer of Vritra! I bow to + thee, thou slayer of Namuchi! O thou of a thousand eyes, consort of Sachi! + By thy showers, be thou the protector of the snakes scorched by the Sun. O + thou best of the deities, thou art our great protector. O Purandara, thou + art able to grant rain in torrents. Thou art Vayu (the air), the clouds, + fire, and the lightning of the skies. Thou art the propeller of the + clouds, and hast been called the great cloud (i.e., that which will darken + the universe at the end of Yuga). Thou art the fierce and incomparable + thunder, and the roaring clouds. Thou art the Creator of the worlds and + their Destroyer. Thou art unconquered. Thou art the light of all + creatures, Aditya, Vibhavasu, and the wonderful elements. Thou art the + ruler of all the gods. Thou art Vishnu. Thou hast a thousand eyes. Thou + art a god, and the final resource. Thou art, O deity, all amrita, and the + most adored Soma. Thou art the moment, the lunar day, the bala (minute), + thou art the kshana (4 minutes). Thou art the lighted fortnight, and also + the dark fortnight. Thou art kala, thou kashtha, and thou Truti. + Thou art the year, the seasons, the months, the nights, and the days. Thou + art the fair Earth with her mountains and forests. Thou art also the + firmament, resplendent with the Sun. Thou art the great Ocean with heaving + billows and abounding with whales, swallowers of whales, and makaras, and + various fishes. Thou art of great renown, always adored by the wise and by + the great Rishis with minds rapt in contemplation. Thou drinkest, for the + good of all creatures, the Soma juice in sacrifices and the clarified + butter offered with sacred invocation. Thou art always worshipped at + sacrifices by Brahmanas moved by desire of fruit. O thou of incomparable + mass of strength, thou art sung in the Vedas and Vedangas. It is for that + reason that learned Brahmanas bent upon performing sacrifices, study the + Vedas with every care.’” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the twenty-fifth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘And then Indra, the king of gods, having the best of horses + for his bearer, thus adored by Kadru, covered the entire firmament with + masses of blue clouds. And he commanded the clouds, saying, Pour ye, your + vivifying and blessed drops!’ And those clouds, luminous with lightning, + and incessantly roaring against each other in the welkin, poured abundant + water. And the sky, in consequence of those wonderful and terribly-roaring + clouds that were incessantly begetting vast quantities of water, looked as + if the end of Yuga had come. And in consequence of the myriads of waves + caused in the falling torrents, the deep roar of the clouds, the flashes + of lightning, the violence of the wind, and the general agitation, the sky + looked as if dancing in madness. The sky became overcast, and the rays of + the Sun and the Moon totally disappeared in consequence of that incessant + downpour. + </p> + <p> + “And upon Indra’s causing that downpour, the Nagas became exceedingly + delighted. And the Earth was filled with water all around. And the cool, + clear water reached even the nether regions. And there were countless + waves of water all over the Earth. And the snakes with their mother + reached (in safety) the island called Ramaniyaka.” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the twenty-sixth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘And then the Nagas drenched by that shower, became + exceedingly glad. And borne by that bird of fair feathers, they soon + arrived at the island. That island had been fixed by the Creator of the + Universe as the abode of the makaras. There they saw the terrible Lavana + Samudra (ocean of salt). On arriving there with Garuda, they saw there a + beautiful forest washed by the waters of the sea and resounding with the + music of winged choirs. And there were clusters of trees all around laden + with various fruits and flowers. And there were also fair mansions all + around; and many tanks full of lotuses. And it was also adorned with many + lakes of pure water. And it was refreshed with pure incense-breathing + breezes. And it was adorned with many a tree that grew only on the hills + of Malaya, and seemed by their tallness to reach the very heavens. And + there were also various other trees whose flowers were scattered all + around by the breeze. And that forest was charming and dear to the + Gandharvas and always gave them pleasure. And it was full of bees maddened + with the honey they sucked. And the sight of all this was exceedingly + delightful. And in consequence of many things there, capable of charming + everybody, that forest was fair, delightful, and holy. And, echoing with + the notes of various birds, it delighted greatly the sons of Kadru. + </p> + <p> + “And the snakes, after arriving at that forest, began to enjoy themselves. + And they commanded the lord of birds, viz., Garuda, of great energy, + saying, ‘Convey us to some other fair island with pure water. Thou ranger + of the skies, thou must have seen many fair regions while coursing + (through the air).’ Garuda, alter reflecting for a few moments, asked his + mother Vinata, saying, ‘Why, mother, have I to do the bidding of the + snakes?’ Vinata thus questioned by him spake unto that ranger of the + skies, her son, invested with every virtue, of great energy, and great + strength, as follows: “Vinata said, ‘O thou best of birds, I have become, + from misfortune, the slave of my co-wife. The snakes, by an act of + deception, caused me to lose my bet and have made me so.’ When his mother + had told him the reason, that ranger of the skies, dejected with grief, + addressed the snakes, saying, ‘Tell me, ye snakes, by bringing what thing, + gaining a knowledge of what thing, or doing what act of prowess, we may be + freed from this state of bondage to you.’” Sauti continued, ‘The snakes, + hearing him, said, ‘Bring thou amrita by force. Then O bird, shall you be + freed from bondage.’” And so ends the twenty-seventh section in the Astika + Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Garuda, thus addressed by the snakes, then said unto his + mother, ‘I shall go to bring amrita, I desire to eat something in the way. + Direct me to it.’ Vinata replied, ‘In a remote region in the midst of the + ocean, the Nishadas have their fair home. Having eaten the thousands of + Nishadas that live there, bring thou amrita. But let not thy heart be ever + set on taking the life of a Brahmana. Of all creatures a Brahmana must not + be slain. He is, indeed, like fire. A Brahmana, when angry, becomes like + fire or the Sun, like poison or an edged weapon. A Brahmana, it has been + said, is the master of all creatures. For these and other reasons, a + Brahmana is the adored of the virtuous. O child, he is never to be slain + by thee even in anger. Hostility with Brahmanas, therefore, would not be + proper under any circumstances. O sinless one, neither Agni nor Surya + truly can consume so much as does a Brahmana of rigid vows, when angry. By + these various indications must thou know a good Brahmana. Indeed, a + brahmana is the first-born of all creatures, the foremost of the four + orders, the father and the master of all.’” Garuda then asked, ‘O mother, + of what form is a Brahmana, of what behaviour, and of what prowess? Doth + he shine like fire, or is he of tranquil mien? And, O mother, it behoveth + thee to tell my inquiring self, those auspicious signs by which I may + recognise a Brahmana.’” Vinata replied, saying, ‘O child, him shouldst + thou know as the best amongst Brahmanas who having entered thy throat + would torture thee as a fish-hook or burn thee as blazing charcoal. A + Brahmana must never be slain by thee even in anger.’ And Vinata out of + affection for her son, again told him these words, ‘Him shouldst thou know + as a good Brahmana who would not be digested in thy stomach.’ Although she + knew the incomparable strength of her son, yet she blessed him heartily, + for, deceived by the snakes, she was very much afflicted by woe. And she + said. ‘Let Marut (the god of the winds) protect thy wings, and Surya and + Soma thy vertebral regions; let Agni protect thy head, and the Vasus thy + whole body. I also, O child (engaged in beneficial ceremonies), shall sit + here for your welfare. Go then, O child, in safety to accomplish thy + purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Then Garuda, having heard the words of his mother, + stretched his wings and ascended the skies. And endued with great + strength, he soon fell upon the Nishadas, hungry and like another Yama. + And bent upon slaying the Nishadas, he raised a great quantity of dust + that overspread the firmament, and sucking up water from amid the ocean, + shook the trees growing on the adjacent mountains. And then that lord of + birds obstructed the principal thoroughfares of the town of the Nishadas + by his mouth, increasing its orifice at will. And the Nishadas began to + fly in great haste in the direction of the open mouth of the great + serpent-eater. And as birds in great affliction ascend by thousand into + the skies when the trees in a forest are shaken by the winds, so those + Nishadas blinded by the dust raised by the storm entered the + wide-extending cleft of Garuda’s mouth open to receive them. And then the + hungry lord of all rangers of the skies, that oppressor of enemies, endued + with great strength, and moving with greatest celerity to achieve his end, + closed his mouth, killing innumerable Nishadas following the occupation of + fishermen.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the twenty-eighth section in the Astika Parva of Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘A certain Brahmana with his wife had entered the throat + of that ranger of the skies. The former began to burn the bird’s throat + like a piece of flaming charcoal. Him Garuda addressed, saying, ‘O best of + Brahmanas, come out soon from my mouth which I open for thee. A Brahmana + must never be slain by me, although he may be always engaged in sinful + practices.’ Unto Garuda who had thus addressed him that Brahmana said, ‘O, + let this woman of the Nishada caste, who is my wife, also come out with + me.’ And Garuda said, ‘Taking the woman also of the Nishada caste with + thee, come out soon. Save thyself without delay since thou hast not yet + been digested by the heat of my stomach.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘And then that Brahmana, accompanied by his wife of the + Nishada caste, came out, and praising Garuda wended whatever way he liked. + And when that Brahmana had come out with his wife, that lord of birds, + fleet as the mind, stretching his wings ascended the skies. He then saw + his father, and, hailed by him, Garuda, of incomparable prowess made + proper answers. And the great Rishi (Kasyapa) then asked him, ‘O child, is + it well with thee? Dost thou get sufficient food every day? Is there food + in plenty for thee in the world of men?’ + </p> + <p> + “Garuda replied, ‘My mother is ever well. And so is my brother, and so am + I. But, father, I do not always obtain plenty of food, for which my peace + is incomplete. I am sent by the snakes to fetch the excellent amrita. + Indeed, I shall fetch it today for emancipating my mother from her + bondage. My mother command me, saying, ‘Eat thou the Nishadas.’ I have + eaten them by thousands, but my hunger is not appeased. Therefore, O + worshipful one, point out to me some other food, by eating which, O + master, I may be strong enough to bring away amrita by force. Thou + shouldst indicate some food wherewith I may appease my hunger and thirst.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kasyapa replied, ‘This lake thou seest is sacred. It hath been heard, of + even in the heavens. There is an elephant, with face downwards, who + continually draggeth a tortoise, his elder brother. I shall speak to you + in detail of their hostility in former life. Just listen as I tell you why + they are here. + </p> + <p> + “There was of old a great Rishi of the name of Vibhavasu. He was + exceedingly wrathful. He had a younger brother of the name of Supritika. + The latter was averse to keeping his wealth jointly with his brother’s. + And Supritika would always speak of partition. After some time his brother + Vibhavasu told Supritika, ‘It is from great foolishness that persons + blinded by love of wealth always desire to make a partition of their + patrimony. After effecting a partition they fight with each other, deluded + by wealth. Then again, enemies in the guise of friends cause estrangements + between ignorant and selfish men alter they become separated in wealth, + and pointing out faults confirm their quarrels, so that the latter soon + fall one by one. Absolute ruin very soon overtakes the separated. For + these reasons the wise never speak approvingly of partition amongst + brothers who, when divided, do not regard the most authoritative Sastras + and live always in fear of each other. But as thou, Supritika, without + regarding my advice impelled by desire of separation, always wishest to + make an arrangement about your property, thou shall become an elephant.’ + Supritika, thus cursed, then spake unto Vibhavasu, ‘Thou also shall become + a tortoise moving in the midst of the waters.’ + </p> + <p> + “And thus on account of wealth those two fools, Supritika and Vibhavasu, + from each other’s curse, have become an elephant and a tortoise + respectively. Owing to their wrath, they have both become inferior + animals. And they are engaged in hostilities with each other, proud of + their excessive strength and the weight of their bodies. And in this lake + those two beings of huge bodies are engaged in acts according to their + former hostility. Look here, one amongst them, the handsome elephant of + huge body, is even now approaching. Hearing his roar, the tortoise also of + huge body, living within the waters, cometh out, agitating the lake + violently. And seeing him the elephant, curling his trunk, rusheth into + the water. And endued with great energy, with motion of his tusks and + fore-part of his trunk and tail and feet, he agitates the water of the + lake abounding with fishes. And the tortoise also of great strength, with + upraised head, cometh forward for an encounter. And the elephant is six + yojanas in height and twice that measure in circumference. And the height + of the tortoise also is three yojanas and his circumference ten. Eat thou + up both of them that are madly engaged in the encounter and bent upon + slaying each other, and then accomplish the task that thou desirest. + Eating that fierce elephant which looketh like a huge mountain and + resembleth a mass of dark clouds, bring thou amrita.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Having said so unto Garuda, he (Kasyapa) blessed him, + saying, ‘Blest be thou when thou art in combat with the gods. Let water + pitchers filled to the brim, Brahmanas, kine, and other auspicious + objects, bless thee, thou oviparous one. And, O thou of great strength, + when thou art engaged with the gods in combat, let the Riks, the Yajus, + the Samas, the sacred sacrificial butter, all the mysteries (Upanishads), + constitute thy strength.’ + </p> + <p> + “Garuda, thus addressed by his father, wended to the side of that lake. He + saw that expanse of clear water with birds of various kinds all around. + And remembering the words of his father, that ranger of the skies + possessed of great swiftness of motion, seized the elephant and the + tortoise, one in each claw. And that bird then soared high into the air. + And he came upon a sacred place called Alamva and saw many divine trees. + And struck by the wind raised by his wings, those trees began to shake + with fear. And those divine trees having golden boughs feared that they + would break. And the ranger of the skies seeing that those trees capable + of granting every wish were quaking with fear, went to other trees of + incomparable appearance. And those gigantic trees were adorned with fruits + of gold and silver and branches of precious gems. And they were washed + with the water of the sea. And there was a large banian among them, which + had grown into gigantic proportions, that spoke unto that lord of bird + coursing towards it with the fleetness of the mind, ‘Sit thou on this + large branch of mine extending a hundred yojanas and eat the elephant and + the tortoise.’ When that best of birds, of great swiftness and of body + resembling a mountain, quickly alighted upon a bough of that banian tree, + the resort of thousands of winged creatures-that bough also full of leaves + shook and broke down.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the twenty-ninth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘At the very touch by Garuda of great might with his feet, + the branch of the tree broke as it was caught by Garuda. Casting his eyes + around in wonder he saw Valakhilya Rishis hanging therefrom with heads + downwards and engaged in ascetic penances. Reflecting that if that bough + fell down, the Rishis would be slain, the mighty one held the elephant and + the tortoise still more firmly with his claws. And from fear of slaying + the Rishis and desire of saving them, held that bough in his beaks, and + rose on his wings. The great Rishis were struck with wonder at the sight + of that act of his which was beyond even the power of the gods, and gave + that mighty bird a name. And they said, ‘As this ranger of the skies rises + on its wings bearing a heavy burden, let this foremost of birds having + snakes for his food be called Garuda (bearer of heavy weight).’ + </p> + <p> + “And shaking the mountains by his wings, Garuda leisurely coursed through + the skies. And as he soared with the elephant and the tortoise (in his + claws), he beheld various regions underneath. Desiring as he did to save + the Valakhilyas, he saw not a spot whereon to sit. At last he went to that + foremost of mountains called Gandhamadana. There he saw his father Kasyapa + engaged in ascetic devotions. Kasyapa also saw his son, that ranger of the + skies, of divine form, possessed of great splendour, and energy and + strength, and endued with the speed of the wind or the mind, huge as a + mountain peak, a ready smiter like the curse of a Brahmana, inconceivable, + indescribable, frightful to all creatures, possessed of great prowess, + terrible, of the splendour of Agni himself, and incapable of being + overcome by the deities, Danavas, and invincible Rakshasas, capable of + splitting mountain summits and sucking the ocean itself and destroying the + three worlds, fierce, and looking like Yama himself. The illustrious + Kasyapa, seeing him approach and knowing also his motive, spoke unto him + these words: + </p> + <p> + “Kasyapa said, ‘O child, do not commit a rash act, for then thou wouldst + have to suffer pain. The Valakhilyas, supporting themselves by drinking + the rays of the sun, might, if angry, blast thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Kasyapa then propitiated, for the sake of his son, the + Valakhilyas of exceeding good fortune and whose sins had been destroyed by + ascetic penances.’ And Kasyapa said, ‘Ye whose wealth is asceticism, the + essay of Garuda is for the good of all creatures. The task is great that + he is striving to accomplish. It behoveth you to accord him your + permission.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Those ascetics thus addressed by the illustrious + Kasyapa, abandoned that bough and went to the sacred mountain of Himavat + for purposes of ascetic penances. After those Rishis had gone away, the + son of Vinata, with voice obstructed by the bough in his beaks, asked his + father Kasyapa saying, ‘O illustrious one, where shall I throw this arm of + the tree? O illustrious one, indicate to me some region without human + beings.’ Then Kasyapa spoke of a mountain without human beings with caves + and dales always covered with snow and incapable of approach by ordinary + creatures even in thought. And the great bird bearing that branch, that + elephant, and that tortoise, proceeded with great speed towards that + mountain. The great arm of the tree with which that bird of huge body flew + away could not be girt round with a cord made of a hundred (cow) hides. + Garuda, the lord of birds, then flew away for hundreds of thousand of + yojanas within—the shortest time. And going according to the + directions of his father to that mountain almost in a moment, that ranger + of the skies let fall the gigantic bough. And it fell with a great noise. + And that Prince of mountains shook, struck with the storm raised by + Garuda’s wings. And the trees thereon dropped showers of flowers. And the + peaks decked with gems and gold adorning that great mountain itself, were + loosened and tell down on all sides. And the falling bough struck down + numerous trees which, with golden flowers amid dark foliage, shone there + like clouds charged with lightning. And those trees, bright as gold, + falling down upon the ground and, dyed with mountain metals, shone as if + they were bathed in the rays of the sun. + </p> + <p> + “Then that best of birds, Garuda, perching on the summit of that mountain, + ate both the elephant and the tortoise, rose on his wings with great speed + from the top of the mountain. + </p> + <p> + “And various omens began to appear among the gods foreboding fear. Indra’s + favourite thunderbolt blazed up in a fright. Meteors with flames and + smoke, loosened from the welkin, shot down during the day. And the weapons + of the Vasus, the Rudras, the Adityas, the Sabhyas, the Maruts, and other + gods, began to spend their force against one another. Such a thing had + never happened even during the war between the gods and the Asuras. And + the winds blew accompanied with thunder, and meteors fell by thousands. + And the sky, though cloudless, roared tremendously. And even he who was + the god of gods shed showers of blood. And the flowery garlands on the + necks of the gods faded and their prowess suffered diminution. And + terrible masses of clouds dropped thick showers of blood. And the dust + raised by the winds darkened the splendour of the very coronets of the + gods. And He of a thousand sacrifices (Indra), with the other gods, + perplexed with fear at the sight of those dark forebodings spoke unto + Vrihaspati thus, ‘Why, O worshipful one, have these natural disturbances + suddenly arisen? No foe do I behold who would oppress us in war.’ + Vrihaspati answered, ‘O chief of the gods, O thou of a thousand + sacrifices, it is from thy fault and carelessness, and owing also to the + ascetic penance of the high-souled great Rishis, the Valakhilyas, that the + son of Kasyapa and Vinata, a ranger of the skies endued with great + strength and possessing the capacity of assuming at will any form, is + approaching to take away the Soma. And that bird, foremost among all + endued with great strength, is able to rob you of the Soma. Everything is + possible with him; the unachievable he can achieve.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Indra, having heard these words, then spoke unto those + that guarded the amrita, saying, ‘A bird endued with great strength and + energy has set his heart on taking away the amrita. I warn you beforehand + so that he may not succeed in taking it away by force. Vrihaspati has told + me that his strength is immeasurable.’ And the gods hearing of it were + amazed and took precautions. And they stood surrounding the amrita and + Indra also of great prowess, the wielder of the thunder, stood with them. + And the gods wore curious breastplates of gold, of great value, and set + with gems, and bright leathern armour of great toughness. And the mighty + deities wielded various sharp-edged weapons of terrible shapes, countless + in number, emitting, even all of them, sparks of fire with smoke. And they + were also armed with many a discus and iron mace furnished with spikes, + and trident, battle-axe, and various kinds of sharp-pointed missiles and + polished swords and maces of terrible form, all befitting their respective + bodies. And decked with celestial ornaments and resplendent with those + bright arms, the gods waited there, their fears allayed. And the gods, of + incomparable strength, energy, and splendour, resolved to protect the + amrita. Capable of splitting the towns of the Asuras, all displayed + themselves in forms resplendent as the fire. And in consequence of the + gods standing there, that (would be) battle-field, owing to hundreds of + thousands of maces furnished with iron spikes, shone like another + firmament illumined by the rays of the Sun.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the thirtieth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘O son of Suta, what was Indra’s fault, what his act of + carelessness? How was Garuda born in consequence of the ascetic penances + of the Valakhilyas? Why also Kasyapa—a Brahman—had the king of + birds for a son? Why, too, was he invincible of all creatures and + unslayable of all? Why also was that ranger of the skies capable of going + into every place at will and of mustering at will any measure of energy? + If these are described in the Purana, I should like to hear them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘What thou askest me is, indeed, the subject of the Purana. O + twice-born one, listen as I briefly recite it all. + </p> + <p> + “Once upon a time, when the lord of creation, Kasyapa, was engaged in a + sacrifice from desire of offspring, the Rishis, the gods, and the + Gandharvas, all gave him help. And Indra was appointed by Kasyapa to bring + the sacrificial fuel; and with him those ascetics the Valakhilyas, and all + the other deities. And the lord Indra, taking up according to his own + strength, a weight that was mountain-like, brought it without any fatigue. + And he saw on the way some Rishis, of bodies of the measure of the thumb, + all together carrying one single stalk of a Palasa (Butea frondosa) leaf. + And those Rishis were, from want of food, very lean and almost merged in + their own bodies. And they were so weak that they were much afflicted when + sunk in the water that collected in an indentation on the road produced by + the hoof of a cow. And Purandara, proud of his strength, beheld them with + surprise, and laughing at them in derision soon left them behind insulting + them, besides, by passing over their heads. And those Rishis being thus + insulted were filled with rage and sorrow. And they made preparations for + a great sacrifice at which Indra was terrified. Hear, O Saunaka, of the + wish for accomplishment of which those vow-observing wise, and excellent + ascetics poured clarified butter of the sacrificial fire with loudly + uttered mantras, ‘There shall be another Indra of all gods, capable of + going everywhere at will, and of mustering at will any measure of energy, + and striking tear into the (present) king of the gods. By the fruit of our + ascetic penance, let one arise, fleet as the mind, and fierce withal.’ And + the lord of the celestials of a hundred sacrifices, having come to know of + this, became very much alarmed and sought the protection of the + vow-observing Kasyapa. And the Prajapati Kasyapa, hearing everything from + Indra, went to the Valakhilyas and asked them if their sacrifice had been + successful. And those truth-speaking Rishis replied to him, saying, ‘Let + it be as thou sayest!’ And the Prajapati Kasyapa pacifying them, spake + unto them as follows, ‘By the word of Brahman, this one (Indra) hath been + made the Lord of the three worlds. Ye ascetics, ye also are striving to + create another Indra! Ye excellent ones, it behoveth you not to falsify + the word of Brahman. Let not also this purpose, for (accomplishing) which + ye are striving, be rendered futile. Let there spring an Indra (Lord) of + winged creatures, endued with excess of strength! Be gracious unto Indra + who is a suppliant before you.’ And the Valakhilyas, thus addressed by + Kasyapa, after offering reverence to that first of the Munis, viz., the + Prajapati Kasyapa, spake unto him: + </p> + <p> + “The Valakhilyas said, ‘O Prajapati, this sacrifice of us all is for an + Indra! Indeed this hath also been meant for a son being born unto thee! + Let this task be now left to thee. And in this matter do whatsoever thou + seest to be good and proper.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Meanwhile, moved by the desire of offspring, the good + daughter of Daksha, the vow-observing, amiable, and fortunate Vinata, her + ascetic penances over, having purified herself with a bath in that season + when connubial companionship might prove fruitful, approached her lord. + And Kasyapa spake unto her, ‘Respected one, the sacrifice commenced by me + hath borne fruit. What hath been desired by thee shall come to pass. Two + heroic sons, shall be born unto thee, who shall be the lords of the three + worlds. By the penances of the Valakhilyas and by virtue of the desire + with which I commenced my sacrifice, those sons shall be of exceedingly + good fortune and worshipped in the three worlds!’ And the illustrious + Kasyapa spake unto her again, ‘Bear thou these auspicious seeds with great + care. These two will be the lords of all winged creatures. These heroic + rangers of the skies will be respected in all the worlds, and capable of + assuming any form at will. + </p> + <p> + “And the Prajapati, gratified with all that took place, then addressed + Indra of a hundred sacrifices, saying, ‘Thou shalt have two brothers of + great energy and prowess, who shall be to thee even as the helpmates. From + them no injury shall result unto thee. Let thy sorrow cease; thou shalt + continue as the lord of all. Let not, however, the utterers of the name of + Brahma be ever again slighted by thee. Nor let the very wrathful ones, + whose words are even the thunderbolt, be ever again insulted by thee. + Indra, thus addressed, went to heaven, his fears dispelled. And Vinata + also, her purpose fulfilled, was exceedingly glad. And she gave birth to + two sons, Aruna and Garuda. And Aruna, of undeveloped body, became the + fore-runner of the Sun. And Garuda was vested with the lordship over the + birds. O thou of Bhrigu’s race, hearken now to the mighty achievement of + Garuda.’” + </p> + <p> + “So ends the thirty-first section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O foremost of Brahmanas, the gods having prepared for battle + in that way, Garuda, the king of birds, soon came upon those wise ones. + And the gods beholding him of excessive strength began to quake with fear, + and strike one another with all their weapons. And amongst those that + guarded the Soma was Brahmana (the celestial architect), of measureless + might, effulgent as the electric fire and of great energy. And after a + terrific encounter lasting only a moment, managed by the lord of birds + with his talons, beak, and wings, he lay as dead on the fields. And the + ranger of the skies making the worlds dark with the dust raised by the + hurricane of his wings, overwhelmed the celestials with it. And the + latter, overwhelmed with that dust, swooned away. And the immortals who + guarded the amrita, blinded by that dust, could no longer see Garuda. Even + thus did Garuda agitate the region of the heavens. And even thus he + mangled the gods with the wounds inflicted by his wings and beak. + </p> + <p> + “Then the god of a thousand eyes commanded Vayu (the god of wind), saying, + ‘Dispel thou this shower of dust soon. O Maruta, this is indeed, thy task. + Then the mighty Vayu soon drove away that dust. And when the darkness had + disappeared, the celestials attacked Garuda. And as he of great might was + attacked by the gods, he began to roar aloud, like the great cloud that + appeareth in the sky at the end of the Yuga, frightening every creature. + And that king of birds, of great energy, that slayer of hostile heroes, + then rose on his wings. All the wise ones (the celestials) with Indra + amongst them armed with double-edged broad swords, iron maces furnished + with sharp spikes, pointed lances, maces, bright arrows, and many a discus + of the form of the sun, saw him over head. And the king of birds, attacked + them on all sides with showers of various weapons and fought exceedingly + hard without wavering for a moment. And the son of Vinata, of great + prowess blazing in the sky, attacked the gods on all sides with his wings + and breast. And blood began to flow copiously from the bodies of the gods + mangled by the talons and the beak of Garuda. Overcome by the lord of + birds, the Sadhyas with the Gandharvas fled eastwards, the Vasus with the + Rudras towards the south, the Adityas towards the west, and the twin + Aswins towards the north. Gifted with great energy, they retreated + fighting, looking back every moment on their enemy. + </p> + <p> + “And Garuda had encounters with the Yakshas, Aswakranda of great courage, + Rainuka, the bold Krathanaka, Tapana, Uluka, Swasanaka, Nimesha, Praruja, + and Pulina. And the son of Vinata mangled them with his wings, talons, and + beak, like Siva himself, that chastiser of enemies, and the holder of + Pinaka in rage at the end of the Yuga. And those Yakshas of great might + and courage, mangled all over by that ranger of the skies, looked like + masses of black clouds dropping thick showers of blood. + </p> + <p> + “And Garuda, depriving them of life, and then went to where the amrita + was. And he saw that it was surrounded on all sides by fire. And the + terrible flames of that fire covered the entire sky. And moved by violent + winds, they seemed bent on burning the Sun himself. The illustrious Garuda + then assumed ninety times ninety mouths and quickly drinking the waters of + many rivers with those mouths and returning with great speed, that + chastiser of enemies, having wings for his vehicle extinguished that fire + with that water. And extinguishing that fire, he assumed a very small + form, desirous of entering into (the place where the Soma was).’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the thirty-second section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Santi said, ‘And that bird, assuming a golden body bright as the rays of + the Sun, entered with great force (the region where the Soma was), like a + torrent entering the ocean. And he saw, placed near the Soma, a wheel of + steel keen-edged, and sharp as the razor, revolving incessantly. And that + fierce instrument, of the splendour of the blazing sun and of terrible + form, had been devised by the gods for cutting in pieces all robbers of + the Soma. Garuda, seeing a passage through it, stopped there for a moment. + Diminishing his body, in an instant he passed through the spokes of that + wheel. Within the line of the wheel, he beheld, stationed there for + guarding the Soma two great snakes of the effulgence of blazing fire, with + tongues bright as the lightning-flash, of great energy, with mouth + emitting fire, with blazing eyes, containing poison, very terrible, always + in anger, and of great activity. Their eyes were ceaselessly inflamed with + rage and were also winkless. He who may be seen by even one of the two + would instantly be reduced to ashes. The bird of fair feathers suddenly + covered their eyes with dust. And unseen by them he attacked them from all + sides. And the son of Vinata, that ranger of the skies, attacking their + bodies, mangled them into pieces. He then approached the Soma without loss + of time. Then the mighty son of Vinata, taking up the Amrita from the + place where it was kept, rose on his wings with great speed, breaking into + pieces the machine that had surrounded it. And the bird soon came out, + taking the Amrita but without drinking it himself. And he then wended on + his way without the least fatigue, darkening the splendour of the Sun. + </p> + <p> + “And the son of Vinata then met Vishnu on his way along the sky. And + Narayana was gratified at that act of self-denial on the part of Garuda. + And that deity, knowing no deterioration, said unto the ranger of the + skies, ‘O, I am inclined to grant thee a boon.’ The ranger of the skies + thereupon said, ‘I shall stay above thee.’ And he again spake unto + Narayana these words, ‘I shall be immortal and free from disease without + (drinking) Amrita.’ Vishnu said unto the son of Vinata, ‘Be it so.’ + Garuda, receiving those two boons, told Vishnu, ‘I also shall grant thee a + boon; therefore, let the possessor of the six attributes ask of me.’ + Vishnu then asked the mighty Garuda to become his carrier. And he made the + bird sit on the flagstaff of his car, saying, ‘Even thus thou shalt stay + above me.’ And the ranger of the skies, of great speed, saying unto + Narayana, ‘Be it so,’ swiftly wended on his way, mocking the wind with his + fleetness. + </p> + <p> + “And while that foremost of all rangers of the skies, that first of winged + creatures, Garuda, was coursing through the air after wresting the Amrita, + Indra hurled at him his thunderbolt. Then Garuda, the lord of birds, + struck with thunderbolt, spake laughingly unto Indra engaged in the + encounter, in sweet words, saying, ‘I shall respect the Rishi (Dadhichi) + of whose bone the Vajra hath been made. I shall also respect the Vajra, + and thee also of a thousand sacrifices. I cast this feather of mine whose + end thou shalt not attain. Struck with thy thunder I have not felt the + slightest pain.’ And having said this, the king of birds cast a feather of + his. And all creatures became exceedingly glad, beholding that excellent + feather of Garuda so cast off. And seeing that the feather was very + beautiful, they said, ‘Let this bird be called Suparna (having fair + feathers). And Purandara of a thousand eyes, witnessing this wonderful + incident, thought that bird to be some great being and addressed him + thus.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Indra said, ‘O best of birds, I desire to know the limit of thy great + strength. I also desire eternal friendship with thee.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the thirty-third section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘Garuda then said, ‘O Purandara, let there be friendship + between thee and me as thou desirest. My strength, know thou, is hard to + bear. O thou of a thousand sacrifices, the good never approve of speaking + highly of their own strength, nor do they speak of their own merits. But + being made a friend, and asked by thee, O friend, I will answer thee, + although self-praise without reason is ever improper. I can bear, on a + single feather of mine, O Sakra, this Earth, with her mountains and + forests and with the waters of the ocean, and with thee also stationed + thereon. Know thou, my strength is such that I can bear without fatigue + even all the worlds put together, with their mobile and immobile objects.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘O Saunaka, after Garuda of great courage had thus + spoken, Indra the chief of the gods, the wearer of the (celestial) crown, + ever bent upon the good of the worlds, replied, saying, ‘It is as thou + sayest. Everything is possible in thee. Accept now my sincere and hearty + friendship. And if thou hast no concern with the Soma, return it to me. + Those to whom thou wouldst give it would always oppose us.’ Garuda + answered, ‘There is a certain reason for which the Soma is being carried + by me. I shall not give the Soma to any one for drink. But, O thou of a + thousand eyes, after I have placed it down, thou, O lord of the heavens, + canst then, taking it up, instantly bring it away.’ Indra then said, ‘O + oviparous one, I am highly gratified with these words now spoken by thee. + O best of all rangers of the skies; accept from me any boon that thou + desirest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Then Garuda, recollecting the sons of Kadru and + remembering also the bondage of his mother caused by an act of deception + owing to the well-known reason (viz., the curse of Aruna), said, ‘Although + I have power over all creatures, yet I shall do your bidding. Let, O + Sakra, the mighty snakes become my food.’ The slayer of the Danavas having + said unto him, ‘Be it so,’ then went to Hari, the god of gods, of great + soul, and the lord of Yogins. And the latter sanctioned everything that + had been said by Garuda. And the illustrious lord of heaven again said + unto Garuda, ‘I shall bring away the Soma when thou placest it down.’ And + having said so, he bade farewell to Garuda. And the bird of fair feathers + then went to the presence of his mother with great speed. + </p> + <p> + “And Garuda in joy then spake unto all the snakes, ‘Here have I brought + the Amrita. Let me place it on some Kusa grass. O ye snakes, sitting here, + drink of it after ye have performed your ablutions and religious rites. As + said by you, let my mother become, from this day, free, for I have + accomplished your bidding.’ The snakes having said unto Garuda, ‘Be it + so,’ then went to perform their ablutions. Meanwhile, Sakra taking up the + Amrita, wended back to heaven. The snakes after performing their + ablutions, their daily devotions, and other sacred rites, returned in joy, + desirous of drinking the Amrita. They saw that the bed of kusa grass + whereon the Amrita had been placed was empty, the Amrita itself having + been taken away by a counter-act of deception. And they began to lick with + their tongues the kusa grass, as the Amrita had been placed thereon. And + the tongues of the snakes by that act became divided in twain. And the + kusa grass, too, from the contact with Amrita, became sacred thenceforth. + Thus did the illustrious Garuda bring Amrita (from the heavens) for the + snakes, and thus were the tongues of snakes divided by what Garuda did. + </p> + <p> + “Then the bird of fair feathers, very much delighted, enjoyed himself in + those woods accompanied by his mother. Of grand achievements, and deeply + reverenced by all rangers of the skies, he gratified his mother by + devouring the snakes. + </p> + <p> + “That man who would listen to this story, or read it out to an assembly of + good Brahmanas, must surely go to heaven, acquiring great merit from the + recitation of (the feats of) Garuda.’” + </p> + <p> + And so ends the thirty-fourth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi + Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘O son of Suta, thou hast told us the reason why the snakes + were cursed by their mother, and why Vinata also was cursed by her son. + Thou hast also told us about the bestowal of boons, by their husband, on + Kadru and Vinata. Thou hast likewise told us the names of Vinata’s sons. + But thou hast not yet recited to us the names of the snakes. We are + anxious to hear the names of the principal ones.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, O thou whose wealth is asceticism, from fear of being + lengthy, I shall not mention the names of all the snakes. But I will + recite the names of the chief ones. Listen to me! + </p> + <p> + “Sesha was born first, and then Vasuki. (Then were born) Airavata, + Takshaka, Karkotaka, Dhananjaya, Kalakeya, the serpent Mani, Purana, + Pinjaraka, and Elapatra, Vamana, Nila, Anila, Kalmasha, Savala, Aryaka, + Ugra, Kalasapotaka, Suramukha, Dadhimukha, Vimalapindaka, Apta, Karotaka, + Samkha, Valisikha, Nisthanaka, Hemaguha, Nahusha, Pingala, Vahyakarna, + Hastipada, Mudgarapindaka, Kamvala Aswatara, Kaliyaka, Vritta, Samvartaka, + Padma, Mahapadma, Sankhamukha, Kushmandaka, Kshemaka, Pindaraka, Karavira, + Pushpadanshtraka, Vilwaka, Vilwapandara, Mushikada, Sankhasiras, + Purnabhadra, Haridraka, Aparajita, Jyotika, Srivaha, Kauravya, + Dhritarashtra, Sankhapinda, Virajas, Suvahu, Salipinda, Prabhakara, + Hastipinda, Pitharaka, Sumuksha, Kaunapashana, Kuthara, Kunjara, Kumuda, + Kumudaksha, Tittri, Halika, Kardama, Vahumulaka, Karkara, Akarkara, + Kundodara, and Mahodara. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, O best of regenerate ones, have I said the names of the principal + serpents. From fear of being tedious I do not give names of the rest. O + thou whose wealth is asceticism, the sons of these snakes, with their + grandsons, are innumerable. Reflecting upon this, I shall not name them to + thee. O best ascetics, in this world the number of snakes baffles + calculation, there being many thousands and millions of them.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the thirty-fifth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘O child, thou hast named many of the serpents gifted with + great energy and incapable of being easily overcome. What did they do + after hearing of that curse?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘The illustrious Sesha amongst them, of great renown, leaving + his mother practised hard penances, living upon air and rigidly observing + his vows. He practised these ascetic devotions, repairing to Gandhamadana, + Vadri, Gokarna, the woods of Pushkara, and the foot of Himavat. And he + passed his days in those sacred regions, some of which were sacred for + their water and others for their soil in the rigid observance of his vows, + with singleness of aim, and his passions under complete control. And the + Grandsire of all, Brahma, saw that ascetic with knotted hair, clad in + rags, and his flesh, skin, and sinews dried up owing to the hard penances + he was practising. And the Grandsire addressing him, that + penance-practising one of great fortitude, said, ‘What is that thorn + doest, O Sesha? Let the welfare of the creatures of the worlds also engage + thy thoughts. O sinless one, thou art afflicting all creatures by thy hard + penances. O Sesha, tell me the desire implanted in thy breast.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Sesha replied, ‘My uterine brothers are all of wicked hearts. I do + not desire to live amongst them. Let this be sanctioned by thee. Like + enemies they are always jealous of one another. I am, therefore, engaged + in ascetic devotions. I will not see them even. They never show any + kindness for Vinata and her son. Indeed, Vinata’s son capable of ranging + through the skies, is another brother of ours. They always envy him. And + he, too, is much stronger owing to the bestowal of that boon by our + father, the high-souled Kasyapa. For these, I engaged in ascetic penances, + and I will cast off this body of mine, so that I may avoid companionship + with them, even in another state of life.’ + </p> + <p> + “Unto Sesha who had said so, the Grandsire said, ‘O Sesha, I know the + behaviour of all thy brothers and their great danger owing to their + offence against their mother. But O Snake, a remedy (for this) hath been + provided by me even beforehand. It behoveth thee not to grieve for thy + brothers. O Sesha, ask of me the boon thou desirest. I have been highly + gratified with thee and I will grant thee today a boon. O best of snakes, + it is fortunate that thy heart hath been set on virtue. Let thy heart be + more and more firmly set on virtue.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then Sesha replied, ‘O divine Grandsire, this is the boon desired by me; + viz., may my heart always delight in virtue and in blessed ascetic + penances, O Lord of all!’ + </p> + <p> + “Brahman said, ‘O Sesha, I am exceedingly gratified with this thy + self-denial and love of peace. But, at my command, let this act be done by + thee for the good of my creatures. Bear thou, O Sesha, properly and well + this Earth so unsteady with her mountains and forests, her seas and towns + and retreats, so that she may be steady.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sesha said, ‘O divine Lord of all creatures, O bestower of boons, O lord + of the Earth, lord of every created thing, lord of the universe, I will, + even as thou sayest hold the Earth steady. Therefore, O lord of all + creatures, place her on my head.’ + </p> + <p> + “Brahman said, ‘O best of snakes, go underneath the Earth. She will + herself give thee a crevice to pass through. And, O Sesha, by holding the + Earth, thou shalt certainly do what is prized by me very greatly.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Then the elder brother of the king of the snakes, + entering a hole, passed to the other side of the Earth, and holding her, + supported with his head that goddess with her belt of seas passing all + round.’ + </p> + <p> + “Brahman said, ‘O Sesha, O best of snakes, thou art the god Dharma, + because alone, with thy huge body, thou supportest the Earth with + everything on her, even as I myself, or Valavit (Indra), can.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘The snake, Sesha, the lord Ananta, of great prowess, + lives underneath the Earth, alone supporting the world at the command of + Brahman. And the illustrious Grandsire, the best of the immortals, then + gave unto Ananta the bird of fair feathers, viz., the son of Vinata, for + Ananta’s help.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the thirty-sixth section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘That best of snakes, viz., Vasuki, hearing the curse of his + mother, reflected how to render it abortive. He held a consultation with + all his brothers, Airavata and others, intent upon doing what they deemed + best for themselves.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Vasuki said, ‘O ye sinless ones, the object of this curse is known to + you. It behoveth us to strive to neutralise it. Remedies certainly exist + for all curses, but no remedy can avail those cursed by their mother. + Hearing that this curse hath been uttered in the presence of the + Immutable, the Infinite, and the True one, my heart trembleth. Surely, our + annihilation hath come. Otherwise why should not the Immutable Lord + prevent our mother while uttering the curse? Therefore, let us consult + today how we may secure the safety of the snakes. Let us not waste time. + All of you are wise and discerning. We will consult together and find out + the means of deliverance as (did) the gods of yore to regain lost Agni who + had concealed himself within a cave, so that Janamejaya’s sacrifice for + the destruction of the snakes may not take place, and so that we may not + meet with destruction.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Thus addressed all the offspring of Kadru assembled + together, and, wise in counsels, submitted their opinions to one another. + One party of the serpents said, ‘We should assume the guise of superior + Brahmanas, and beseech Janamejaya, saying, ‘This (intended) sacrifice of + yours ought not to take place.’ Other snakes thinking themselves wise, + said, ‘We should all become his favourite counsellors. He will then + certainly ask for our advice in all projects. And we will then give him + such advice that the sacrifice may be obstructed. The king, the foremost + of wise men, thinking us of sterling worth will certainly ask us about his + sacrifice. We will say, ‘It must not be!’ And pointing to many serious + evils in this and the next worlds, we will take care that the sacrifice + may not take place. Or, let one of the snakes, approaching, bite the + person who, intending the monarch’s good, and well-acquainted with the + rites of the snake-sacrifice, may be appointed as the sacrificial priest, + so that he will die. The sacrificial priest dying, the sacrifice will not + be completed. We will also bite all those who, acquainted with the rites + of the snake-sacrifice, may be appointed Ritwiks of the sacrifice, and by + that means attain our object.’ Other snakes, more virtuous and kind, said, + ‘O, this counsel of yours is evil. It is not meet to kill Brahmanas. In + danger, that remedy is proper, which is blessed on the practices of the + righteous. Unrighteousness finally destroyeth the world.’ Other serpents + said, ‘We will extinguish the blazing sacrificial fire by ourselves + becoming clouds luminous with lightning and pouring down showers.’ Other + snakes, the best of their kind, proposed, ‘Going, by night, let us steal + away the vessel of Soma juice. That will disturb the rite. Or, at that + sacrifice, let the snakes, by hundreds and thousands, bite the people, and + spread terror around. Or, let the serpents defile the pure food with their + food-defiling urine and dung.’ Others said, ‘Let us become the king’s + Ritwiks, and obstruct his sacrifice by saying at the outset, ‘Give us the + sacrificial fee.’ He (the king), being placed in our power, will do + whatever we like.’ Others there said, ‘When the king will sport in the + waters, we will carry him to our home and bind him, so that that sacrifice + will not take place!’ Other serpents who deemed themselves wise, said, + ‘Approaching the king, let us bite him, so that our object will be + accomplished. By his death the root of all evil will be torn up. This is + the final deliberation of us all, O thou who hearest with thy eyes! Then, + do speedily what thou deemest proper.’ Having said this, they looked + intently at Vasuki, that best of snakes. And Vasuki also, after + reflecting, answered saying, ‘Ye snakes, this final determination of you + doth not seem worthy of adoption. The advice of you all is not to my + liking. What shall I say which would be for your good? I think the grace + of the illustrious Kasyapa (our father) can alone do us good. Ye snakes, + my heart doth not know which of all your suggestions is to be adopted for + the welfare of my race as also of me. That must be done by me which would + be to your weal. It is this that makes me so anxious, for the credit or + the discredit (of the measure) is mine alone.’” + </p> + <p> + So ends the thirty-seventh section in the Astika Parva of the Adi Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Hearing the respective speeches of all the snakes, and + hearing also the words of Vasuki, Elapatra began to address them, saying, + ‘That sacrifice is not one that can be prevented. Nor is king Janamejaya + of the Pandava race from whom this fear proceedeth, such that he can be + hindered. The person, O king, who is afflicted by fate hath recourse to + fate alone; nothing else can be his refuge. Ye best of snakes, this fear + of ours hath fate for its root. Fate alone must be our refuge in this. + Listen to what I say. When that curse was uttered, ye best of snakes, in + fear I lay crouching on the lap of our mother. Ye best of snakes, and O + lord (Vasuki) of great splendour, from that place I heard the words the + sorrowing gods spake unto the Grandsire. The gods said, ‘O Grandsire, thou + god of gods who else than the cruel Kadru could thus, after getting such + dear children, curse them so, even in thy presence? And, O Grandsire, by + thee also hath been spoken, with reference to those words of hers, ‘Be it + so.’ We wish to know the reason why thou didst not prevent her.’ Brahman + replied, ‘The snakes have multiplied. They are cruel, terrible in form and + highly poisonous. From desire of the good of my creatures, I did not + prevent Kadru then. Those poisonous serpents and others who are sinful, + biting others for no faults, shall, indeed, be destroyed, but not they who + are harmless and virtuous. And hear also, how, when the hour comes, the + snakes may escape this dreadful calamity. There shall be born in the race + of the Yayavaras a great Rishi known by the name of Jaratkaru, + intelligent, with passions under complete control. That Jaratkaru shall + have a son of the name of Astika. He shall put a stop to that sacrifice. + And those snakes who shall be virtuous shall escape therefrom. The gods + said, ‘O thou truth-knowing one, on whom will Jaratkaru, that foremost + Muni, gifted with great energy and asceticism, beget that illustrious + son?’ Brahma answered, ‘Gifted with great energy, that best Brahmana shall + beget a son possessed of great energy on a wife of the same name as his. + Vasuki, the king of the snakes, hath a sister of the name of Jaratkaru; + the son, of whom I speak, shall be born of her, and he shall liberate the + snakes.’ + </p> + <p> + “Elapatra continued, ‘The gods then said unto the Grandsire, ‘Be it so.’ + And the lord Brahman, having said so unto the gods, went to heaven. O + Vasuki, I see before me that sister of thine known by the name of + Jaratkaru. For relieving us from fear, give her as alms unto him (i.e., + the Rishi), Jaratkaru, of excellent vows, who shall roam abegging for a + bride. This means of release hath been heard of by me!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O best of regenerate ones, hearing these words of Elapatra, + all the serpents, in great delight, exclaimed, ‘Well said, well said!’ And + from that time Vasuki set about carefully bringing up that maiden, viz., + his sister Jaratkaru. And he took great delight in rearing her. + </p> + <p> + “And much time did not elapse from this, when the gods and the Asuras, + assembling together, churned the abode of Varuna. And Vasuki, the foremost + of all gifted with strength, became the churning-cord. And directly the + work was over, the king of the snakes presented himself before the + Grandsire. And the gods, accompanied by Vasuki, addressed the Grandsire, + saying, ‘O lord, Vasuki is suffering great affliction from fear of (his + mother’s curse). It behoveth thee to root out the sorrow, begotten of the + curse of his mother, that hath pierced the heart of Vasuki desirous of the + weal of his race. The king of the snakes is ever our friend and + benefactor. O Lord of the gods, be gracious unto him and assuage his + mind’s fever.’ + </p> + <p> + “Brahman replied, ‘O ye immortals, I have thought, in my mind, of what ye + have said. Let the king of the snakes do that which hath been communicated + to him before by Elapatra. The time hath arrived. Those only shall be + destroyed that are wicked, not those that are virtuous. Jaratkaru hath + been born, and that Brahmana is engaged in hard ascetic penances. Let + Vasuki, at the proper time, bestow on him his sister. Ye gods, what hath + been spoken by the snake Elapatra for the weal of the snakes is true and + not otherwise.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Then the king of the snakes, Vasuki, afflicted with the + curse of his mother, hearing these words of the Grandsire, and intending + to bestow his sister of the Rishi Jaratkaru, commanded all the serpents, a + large numbers of whom were ever attentive to their duties, to watch the + Rishi Jaratkaru, saying, ‘When the lord Jaratkaru will ask for a wife, + come immediately and inform me of it. The weal of our race depends upon + it.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XL + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘O son of Suta, I desire to know the reason why the + illustrious Rishi whom thou hast named Jaratkaru came to be so called on + earth. It behoveth thee to tell us the etymology of the name Jaratkaru.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Jara is said to mean waste, and Karu implies huge. This + Rishi’s body had been huge, and he gradually reduced it by severe ascetic + penances. For the same reason, O Brahmanas, the sister of Vasuki was + called Jaratkaru.’ + </p> + <p> + The virtuous Saunaka, when he heard this, smiled and addressing Ugrasravas + said, ‘It is even so.’ + </p> + <p> + Saunaka then said, ‘I have heard all that thou hast before recited. I + desire to know how Astika was born.’ + </p> + <p> + Sauti, on hearing these words, began to relate according to what was + written in the Sastras. + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Vasuki, desirous of bestowing his sister upon the Rishi + Jaratkaru, gave the snakes (necessary) orders. But days went on, yet that + wise Muni of rigid vows, deeply engaged in ascetic devotions, did not seek + for a wife. That high-souled Rishi, engaged in studies and deeply devoted + to asceticism, his vital seed under full control, fearlessly wandered over + the whole earth and had no wish for a wife. + </p> + <p> + “Afterwards, once upon a time, there was a king, O Brahmana, of the name + of Parikshit, born in the race of the Kauravas. And, like his + great-grandfather Pandu of old, he was of mighty arms, the first of all + bearers of bows in battle, and fond of hunting. And the monarch wandered + about, hunting deer, and wild boars, and wolves, and buffaloes and various + other kinds of wild animals. One day, having pierced a deer with a sharp + arrow and slung his bow on his back, he penetrated into the deep forest, + searching for the animal here and there, like the illustrious Rudra + himself of old pursuing in the heavens, bow in hand, the deer which was + Sacrifice, itself turned into that shape, after the piercing. No deer that + was pierced by Parikshit had ever escaped in the wood with life. This + deer, however wounded as before, fled with speed, as the (proximate) cause + of the king’s attainment to heaven. And the deer that Parikshit—that + king of men—had pierced was lost to his gaze and drew the monarch + far away into the forest. And fatigued and thirsty, he came across a Muni, + in the forest, seated in a cow-pen and drinking to his fill the froth + oozing out of the mouths of calves sucking the milk of their dams. And + approaching him hastily, the monarch, hungry and fatigued, and raising his + bow, asked that Muni of rigid vows, saying, ‘O Brahmana, I am king + Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu. A deer pierced by me hath been lost. Hast + thou seen it?’ But that Muni observing then the vow of silence, spoke not + unto him a word. And the king in anger thereupon placed upon his shoulder + a dead snake, taking it up with the end of his bow. The Muni suffered him + to do it without protest. And he spoke not a word, good or bad. And the + king seeing him in that state, cast off his anger and became sorry. And he + returned to his capital but the Rishi continued in the same state. The + forgiving Muni, knowing that the monarch who was a tiger amongst kings was + true to the duties of his order, cursed him not, though insulted. That + tiger amongst monarchs, that foremost one of Bharata’s race, also did not + know that the person whom he had so insulted was a virtuous Rishi. It was + for this that he had so insulted him. + </p> + <p> + “That Rishi had a son by name Sringin, of tender years, gifted with great + energy, deep in ascetic penances, severe in his vows, very wrathful, and + difficult to be appeased. At times, he worshipped with great attention and + respect his preceptor seated with ease on his seat and ever engaged in the + good of creatures. + </p> + <p> + “And commanded by his preceptor, he was coming home when, O best of + Brahmanas, a companion of his, a Rishi’s son named Krisa in a playful mood + laughingly spoke unto him. And Sringin, wrathful and like unto poison + itself, hearing these words in reference to his father, blazed up in + rage.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Krisa said, ‘Be not proud, O Sringin, for ascetic as thou art and + possessed of energy, thy father bears on his shoulders a dead snake. + Henceforth speak not a word to sons of Rishis like ourselves who have + knowledge of the truth, are deep in ascetic penances, and have attained + success. Where is that manliness of thine, those high words of thine + begotten of pride, when thou must have to behold thy father bearing a dead + snake? O best of all the Munis, thy father too had done nothing to deserve + this treatment, and it is for this that I am particularly sorry as if the + punishment were mine.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLI + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Being thus addressed, and hearing that his sire was bearing + a dead snake, the powerful Sringin burned with wrath. And looking at + Krisa, and speaking softly, he asked him, ‘Pray, why doth my father bear + today a dead snake?’ And Krisa replied, ‘Even as king Parikshit was + roving, for purpose of hunting, O dear one, he placed the dead snake on + the shoulder of thy sire.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Sringin asked, ‘What wrong was done to that wicked monarch by my + father? O Krisa, tell me this, and witness the power of my asceticism.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Krisa answered, ‘King Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu, while hunting, + had wounded a fleet stag with an arrow and chased it alone. And the king + lost sight of the animal in that extensive wilderness. Seeing then thy + sire, he immediately accosted him. Thy sire was then observing the vow of + silence. Oppressed by hunger, thirst and labour, the prince again and + again asked thy sire sitting motionless, about the missing deer. The sage, + being under the vow of silence, returned no reply. The king thereupon + placed the snake on thy sire’s shoulder with the end of his bow. O + Sringin, thy sire engaged in devotion is in the same posture still. And + the king also hath gone to his capital which is named after the elephant!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Having heard of a dead snake placed upon his (father’s) + shoulders, the son of the Rishi, his eyes reddened with anger, blazed up + with rage. And possessed by anger, the puissant Rishi then cursed the + king, touching water and overcome with wrath.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Sringin said, ‘That sinful wretch of a monarch who hath placed a dead + snake on the shoulders of my lean and old parent, that insulter of + Brahmanas and tarnisher of the fame of the Kurus, shall be taken within + seven nights hence to the regions of Yama (Death) by the snake Takshaka, + the powerful king of serpents, stimulated thereto by the strength of my + words!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘And having thus cursed (the king) from anger, Sringin + went to his father, and saw the sage sitting in the cow-pen, bearing the + dead snake. And seeing his parent in that plight, he was again inflamed + with ire. And he shed tears of grief, and addressed his sire, saying, + ‘Father, having been informed of this thy disgrace at the hands of that + wicked wretch, king Parikshit, I have from anger even cursed him; and that + worst of Kurus hath richly deserved my potent curse. Seven days hence, + Takshaka, the lord of snakes, shall take the sinful king to the horrible + abode of Death.’ And the father said to the enraged son, ‘Child, I am not + pleased with thee. Ascetics should not act thus. We live in the domains of + that great king. We are protected by him righteously. In all he does, the + reigning king should by the like of us forgiven. If thou destroy Dharma, + verily Dharma will destroy thee. If the king do not properly protect us, + we fare very ill; we cannot perform our religious rites according to our + desire. But protected by righteous sovereigns, we attain immense merit, + and they are entitled to a share thereof. Therefore, reigning royalty is + by all means to be forgiven. And Parikshit like unto his great-grandsire, + protecteth us as a king should protect his subjects. That + penance-practising monarch was fatigued and oppressed with hunger. + Ignorant of my vow (of silence) he did this. A kingless country always + suffereth from evils. The king punisheth offenders, and fear of + punishments conducteth to peace; and people do their duties and perform + their rites undisturbed. The king establisheth religion—establisheth + the kingdom of heaven. The king protecteth sacrifices from disturbance, + and sacrifices to please the gods. The gods cause rain, and rain produceth + grains and herbs, which are always useful to man. Manu sayeth, a ruler of + the destinies of men is equal (in dignity) to ten Veda-studying priests. + Fatigued and oppressed with hunger, that penance-practising prince hath + done this through ignorance of my vow. Why then hast thou rashly done this + unrighteous action through childishness? O son, in no way doth the king + deserve a curse from us.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘And Sringin then replied to his father, saying, ‘Whether + this be an act of rashness, O father, or an improper act that I have done, + whether thou likest it or dislikest it, the words spoken by me shall never + be in vain. O father, I tell thee (a curse) can never be otherwise. I have + never spoken a lie even in jest.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Samika said, ‘Dear child, I know that thou art of great prowess, and + truthful in speech. Thou hast never spoken falsehood before, so that thy + curse shall never be falsified. The son, even when he attaineth to age, + should yet be always counselled by the father, so that crowned with good + qualities he may acquire great renown. A child as thou art, how much more + dost thou stand in need of counsel? Thou art ever engaged in ascetic + penances. The wrath of even the illustrious ones possessing the six + attributes increaseth greatly. O thou foremost of ordinance-observing + persons, seeing that thou art my son and a minor too, and beholding also + thy rashness, I see that I must counsel thee. Live thou, O son, inclined + to peace and eating fruits and roots of the forest. Kill this thy anger + and destroy not the fruit of thy ascetic acts in this way. Wrath surely + decreaseth the virtue that ascetics acquire with great pains. And then for + those deprived of virtue, the blessed state existeth not. Peacefulness + ever giveth success to forgiving ascetics. Therefore, becoming forgiving + in thy temper and conquering thy passions, shouldst thou always live. By + forgiveness shalt thou obtain worlds that are beyond the reach of Brahman + himself. Having adopted peacefulness myself, and with a desire also for + doing good as much as lies in my power, I must do something; even must I + send to that king, telling him, ‘O monarch, thou hast been cursed by my + son of tender years and undeveloped intellect, in wrath, at seeing thy act + of disrespect towards myself.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘And that great ascetic, observer of vows, moved by + kindness, sent with proper instructions a disciple of his to king + Parikshit. And he sent his disciple Gaurmukha of good manners and engaged + also in ascetic penances, instructing him to first enquire about the + welfare of the king and then to communicate the real message. And that + disciple soon approached that monarch, the head of the Kuru race. And he + entered the king’s palace having first sent notice of his arrival through + the servant in attendance at the gate. + </p> + <p> + “And the twice-born Gaurmukha was duly worshipped by the monarch. And + after resting for a while, he detailed fully to the king, in the presence + of his ministers, the words of Samika, of cruel import, exactly as he had + been instructed.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Gaurmukha said, ‘O king of kings, there is a Rishi, Samika, by name, + of virtuous soul, his passions under control, peaceful, and given up to + hard ascetic devotions, living in thy dominions! By thee, O tiger among + men, was placed on the shoulders of that Rishi observing at present the + vow of silence, a dead snake, with the end of thy bow! He himself forgave + thee that act. But his son could not. And by the latter hast thou today + been cursed, O king of kings, without the knowledge of his father, to the + effect that within seven nights hence, shall (the snake) Takshaka cause + thy death. And Samika repeatedly asked his son to save thee, but there is + none to falsify his son’s curse. And because he hath been unable to pacify + his son possessed by anger, therefore have I been sent to thee, O king, + for thy good!’ + </p> + <p> + “And that king of the Kuru race, himself engaged in ascetic practices, + having heard these cruel words and recollecting his own sinful act, became + exceedingly sorry. And the king, learning that foremost of Rishis in the + forest had been observing the vow of silence, was doubly afflicted with + sorrow and seeing the kindness of the Rishi Samika, and considering his + own sinful act towards him, the king became very repentant. And the king + looking like a very god, did not grieve so much for hearing of his death + as for having done that act to the Rishi.’ + </p> + <p> + “And then the king sent away Gaurmukha, saying, ‘Let the worshipful one + (Samika) be gracious to me!’ And when Gaurmukha had gone away, the king, + in great anxiety, without loss of time, consulted his ministers. And + having consulted them, the king, himself wise in counsels, caused a + mansion to be erected upon one solitary column. It was well-guarded day + and night. And for its protection were placed there physicians and + medicines, and Brahmanas skilled in mantras all around. And the monarch, + protected on all sides, discharged his kingly duties from that place + surrounded by his virtuous ministers. And no one could approach that best + of kings there. The air even could not go there, being prevented from + entering. + </p> + <p> + “And when the seventh day had arrived, that best of Brahmanas, the learned + Kasyapa was coming (towards the king’s residence), desirous of treating + the king (after the snake-bite). He had heard all that had taken place, + viz., that Takshaka, that first of snakes, would send that best of + monarchs to the presence of Yama (Death). And he thought, I would cure the + monarch after he is bit by that first of snakes. By that I may have wealth + and may acquire virtue also.’ But that prince of snakes, Takshaka, in the + form of an old Brahmana, saw Kasyapa approaching on his way, his heart set + upon curing the king. And the prince of snakes then spake unto that bull + among Munis, Kasyapa, saying, ‘Whither dost thou go with such speed? What, + besides, is the business upon which thou art intent?’ + </p> + <p> + “And Kasyapa, thus addressed, replied, ‘Takshaka, by his poison, will + today burn king Parikshit of the Kuru race, that oppressor of all enemies. + I go with speed, O amiable one, to cure, without loss of time, the king of + immeasurable prowess, the sole representative of the Pandava race, after + he is bit by the same Takshaka like to Agni himself in energy.’ And + Takshaka answered, ‘I am that Takshaka, O Brahmana, who shall burn that + lord of the earth. Stop, for thou art unable to cure one bit by me.’ And + Kasyapa rejoined, ‘I am sure that, possessed (that I am) of the power of + learning, going thither I shall cure that monarch bit by thee.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘And Takshaka, after this, answered, ‘If, indeed, thou art + able to cure any creature bitten by me, then, O Kasyapa, revive thou this + tree bit by me. O best of Brahmanas, I burn this banian in thy sight. Try + thy best and show me that skill in mantras of which thou hast spoken.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Kasyapa said, If thou art so minded, bite thou then, O king of + snakes, this tree. O snake, I shall revive it, though bit by thee. + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘That king of snakes, thus addressed by the illustrious + Kasyapa, bit then that banian tree. And that tree, bit by the illustrious + snake, and penetrated by the poison of the serpent, blazed up all around. + And having burnt the banian so, the snake then spake again unto Kasyapa, + saying, ‘O first of Brahmanas, try thy best and revive this lord of the + forest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘The tree was reduced to ashes by the poison of that + king of snakes. But taking up those ashes, Kasyapa spoke these words. ‘O + king of snakes, behold the power of my knowledge as applied to this lord + of the forest! O snake, under thy very nose I shall revive it.’ And then + that best of Brahmanas, the illustrious and learned Kasyapa, revived, by + his vidya, that tree which had been reduced to a heap of ashes. And first + he created the sprout, then he furnished it with two leaves, and then he + made the stem, and then the branches, and then the full-grown tree with + leaves and all. And Takshaka, seeing the tree revived by the illustrious + Kasyapa, said unto him, ‘It is not wonderful in thee that thou shouldst + destroy my poison or that of any one else like myself. O thou whose wealth + is asceticism, desirous of what wealth, goest thou thither? The reward + thou hopest to have from that best of monarchs, even I will give thee, + however difficult it may be to obtain it. Decked with fame as thou art, + thy success may be doubtful on that king affected by a Brahmana’s curse + and whose span of life itself hath been shortened. In that case, this + blazing fame of thine that hath overspread the three worlds will disappear + like the Sun when deprived of his splendour (on the occasion of the + eclipse).’ + </p> + <p> + “Kasyapa said, ‘I go there for wealth, give it unto me, O snake, so that + taking thy gold. I may return.’ Takshaka replied, ‘O best of regenerate + ones, even I will give thee more than what thou expectest from that king. + Therefore do not go.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘That best of Brahmanas, Kasyapa, of great prowess and + intelligence, hearing those words of Takshaka, sat in yoga meditation over + the king. And that foremost of Munis, viz., Kasyapa, of great prowess and + gifted with spiritual knowledge, ascertaining that the period of life of + that king of the Pandava race had really run out, returned, receiving from + Takshaka as much wealth as he desired. + </p> + <p> + “And upon the illustrious Kasyapa’s retracing his steps, Takshaka at the + proper time speedily entered the city of Hastinapura. And on his way he + heard that the king was living very cautiously, protected by means of + poison-neutralising mantras and medicines.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘The snake thereupon reflected thus, ‘The monarch must + be deceived by me with power of illusion. But what must be the means?’ + Then Takshaka sent to the king some snakes in the guise of ascetics taking + with them fruits, kusa grass, and water (as presents). And Takshaka, + addressing them, said, ‘Go ye all to the king, on the pretext of pressing + business, without any sign of impatience, as if to make the monarch only + accept the fruits and flowers and water (that ye shall carry as presents + unto him).’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Those snakes, thus commanded by Takshaka, acted + accordingly. And they took to the king, Kusa grass and water, and fruits. + And that foremost of kings, of great prowess, accepted those offerings. + And after their business was finished, he said upto them, ‘Retire.’ Then + after those snakes disguised as ascetics had gone away, the king addressed + his ministers and friends, saying, ‘Eat ye, with me, all these fruits of + excellent taste brought by the ascetics.’ Impelled by Fate and the words + of the Rishi, the king, with his ministers, felt the desire of eating + those fruits. The particular fruit, within which Takshaka had entered, was + taken by the king himself for eating. And when he was eating it, there + appeared, O Saunaka, an ugly insect out of it, of shape scarcely + discernible, of eyes black, and of coppery colour. And that foremost of + kings, taking that insect, addressed his councillors, saying, ‘The sun is + setting; today I have no more tear from poison. Therefore, let this insect + become Takshaka and bite me, so that my sinful act may be expiated and the + words of the ascetic rendered true.’ And those councillors also, impelled + by Fate, approved of that speech. And then the monarch smiled, losing his + senses, his hour having come. And he quickly placed that insect on his + neck. And as the king was smiling, Takshaka, who had (in the form of that + insect) come out of the fruit that had been offered to the king, coiled + himself round the neck of the monarch. And quickly coiling round the + king’s neck and uttering a tremendous roar, Takshaka, that lord of snakes, + bit that protector of the earth.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Then the councillors beholding the king in the coils of + Takshaka, became pale with fear and wept in exceeding grief. And hearing + the roar of Takshaka, the ministers all fled. And as they were flying away + in great grief, they saw Takshaka, the king of snakes, that wonderful + serpent, coursing through the blue sky like a streak of the hue of the + lotus, and looking very much like the vermilion-coloured line on a woman’s + crown dividing the dark masses of her hair in the middle. + </p> + <p> + “And the mansion in which the king was living blazed up with Takshaka’s + poison. And the king’s councillors, on beholding it, fled away in all + directions. And the king himself fell down, as if struck by lightning. + </p> + <p> + “And when the king was laid low by Takshaka’s poison, his councillors with + the royal priest—a holy Brahmana—performed all his last rites. + All the citizens, assembling together, made the minor son of the deceased + monarch their king. And the people called their new king, that slayer of + all enemies, that hero of the Kuru race, by the name of Janamejaya. And + that best of monarchs, Janamejaya, though a child, was wise in mind. And + with his councillors and priest, the eldest son Parikshita, that bull + amongst the Kurus, ruled the kingdom like his heroic great-grand-father + (Yudhishthira). And the ministers of the youthful monarch, beholding that + he could now keep his enemies in check, went to Suvarnavarman, the king of + Kasi, and asked him his daughter Vapushtama for a bride. And the king of + Kasi, after due inquiries, bestowed with ordained rites, his daughter + Vapushtama on that mighty hero of Kuru race. And the latter, receiving his + bride, became exceedingly glad. And he gave not his heart at any time to + any other woman. And gifted with great energy, he wandered in pursuit of + pleasure, with a cheerful heart, on expanses of water and amid woods and + flowery fields. And that first of monarchs passed his time in pleasure as + Pururavas of old did, on receiving the celestial damsel Urvasi. Herself + fairest of the fair, the damsel Vapushtama too, devoted to her lord and + celebrated for her beauty having gained a desirable husband, pleased him + by the excess of her affection during the period he spent in the pursuit + of pleasure.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Meanwhile the great ascetic Jaratkaru wandered over the whole earth + making the place where evening fell his home for the night. And gifted + with ascetic power, he roamed, practising various vows difficult to be + practised by the immature, and bathing also in various sacred waters. And + the Muni had air alone for his food and was free from desire of worldly + enjoyment. And he became daily emaciated and grew lean-fleshed. And one + day he saw the spirits of his ancestors, heads down, in a hole, by a cord + of virana roots having only one thread entire. And that even single thread + was being gradually eaten away by a large rat dwelling in that hole. And + the Pitris in that hole were without food, emaciated, pitiable, and + eagerly desirous of salvation. And Jaratkaru, approaching the pitiable + one, himself in humble guise, asked them, ‘Who are ye hanging by this cord + of virana roots? The single weak root that is still left in this cord of + virana roots already eaten away by the rat, dwelling in this hole, is + itself being gradually eaten away by the same rat with his sharp teeth. + The little that remains of that single thread will soon be cut away. It is + clear ye shall then have to fall down into this pit with faces downwards. + Seeing you with faces downwards, and overtaken by this great calamity, my + pity hath been excited. What good can I do to you. Tell me quickly whether + this calamity can be averted by a fourth, a third, or even by the + sacrifice of a half of this my asceticism, O, relieve yourselves even with + the whole of my asceticism. I consent to all this. Do ye as ye please.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Pitris said, ‘Venerable Brahmacharin, thou desirest to relieve us. + But, O foremost of Brahmanas, thou canst not dispel our affliction by thy + asceticism. O child, O first of speakers, we too have the fruits of our + asceticism. But, O Brahmana, it is for the loss of children that we are + falling down into this unholy hell. The grandsire himself hath said that a + son is a great merit. As we are about to be cast in this hole, our ideas + are no longer clear. Therefore, O child, we know thee not, although thy + manhood is well-known on earth. Venerable thou art and of good fortune, + thou who thus from kindness grievest for us worthy of pity and greatly + afflicted. O Brahmana, listen, who we are. We are Rishis of the Yayavara + sect, of rigid vows. And, O Muni, from loss of children, we have fallen + down from a sacred region. Our severe penances have not been destroyed; we + have a thread yet. But we have only one thread now. It matters little, + however, whether he is or is not. Unfortunate as we are, we have a thread + in one, known as Jaratkaru. The unfortunate one has gone through the Vedas + and their branches and is practising asceticism alone. He being one with + soul under complete control, desires set high, observant of vows, deeply + engaged in ascetic penances, and free from greed for the merits or + asceticism, we have been reduced to this deplorable state. He hath no + wife, no son, no relatives. Therefore, do we hang in this hole, our + consciousness lost, like men having none to take care of them. If thou + meetest him, O, tell him, from thy kindness to ourselves, Thy Pitris, in + sorrow, are hanging with faces downwards in a hole. Holy one, take a wife + and beget children. O thou of ascetic wealth, thou art, O amiable one, the + only thread that remaineth in the line of thy ancestors. O Brahmana, the + cord of virana roots that thou seest we are hanging by, is the cord + representing our multiplied race. And, O Brahmana, these threads of the + cord of virana roots that thou seest as eaten away, are ourselves who have + been eaten up by Time. This root thou seest hath been half-eaten and by + which we are hanging in this hole is he that hath adopted asceticism + alone. The rat that thou beholdest is Time of infinite strength. And he + (Time) is gradually weakening the wretch Jaratkaru engaged in ascetic + penances tempted by the merits thereof, but wanting in prudence and heart. + O excellent one, his asceticism cannot save us. Behold, our roots being + torn, cast down from higher regions, deprived of consciousness by Time, we + are going downwards like sinful wretches. And upon our going down into + this hole with all our relatives, eaten up by Time, even he shall sink + with us into hell. O child, whether it is asceticism, or sacrifice, or + whatever else there be of very holy acts, everything is inferior. These + cannot count with a son. O child, having seen all, speak unto that + Jaratkaru of ascetic wealth. Thou shouldst tell him in detail everything + that thou hast beheld. And, O Brahmana, from thy kindness towards us, thou + shouldst tell him all that would induce him to take a wife and beget + children. Amongst his friends, or of our own race, who art thou, O + excellent one, that thus grievest for us all like a friend? We wish to + hear who thou art that stayest here.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said. ‘Jaratkaru, hearing all this, became excessively dejected. + And from sorrow he spoke unto those Pitris in words obstructed by tears.’ + And Jaratkaru said, ‘Ye are even my fathers and grand-fathers gone before. + Therefore, tell me what I must do for your welfare. I am that sinful son + of yours, Jaratkaru! Punish me for my sinful deeds, a wretch that I am.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Pitris replied, saying, ‘O son, by good luck hast thou arrived at + this spot in course of thy rambles. O Brahmana, why hast thou not taken a + wife?’ + </p> + <p> + “Jaratkaru said. ‘Ye Pitris, this desire hath always existed in my heart + that I would, with vital seed drawn up, carry this body to the other + world. My mind hath been possessed with the idea that I would not take a + wife. But ye grandsires, having seen you hanging like birds, I have + diverted my mind from the Brahmacharya mode of life. I will truly do what + you like. I will certainly marry, if ever I meet with a maiden of my own + name. I shall accept her who, bestowing herself of her own accord, will be + as aims unto me, and whom I shall not have to maintain. I shall marry if I + get such a one; otherwise, I shall not. This is the truth, ye grandsires! + And the offspring that will be begot upon her shall be your salvation. And + ye Pitris of mine, ye shall live for ever in blessedness and without + fear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘The Muni, having said so unto the Pitris, wandered over + the earth again. And, O Saunaka, being old, he obtained no wife. And he + grieved much that he was not successful. But directed (as before) by his + ancestors, he continued the search. And going into the forest, he wept + loudly in great grief. And having gone into the forest, the wise one, + moved by the desire of doing good to his ancestors, said, ‘I will ask for + a bride,’ distinctly repeating these words thrice. And he said, ‘Whatever + creatures are here, mobile and immobile, so whoever there be that are + invisible, O, hear my words! My ancestors, afflicted with grief, have + directed me that am engaged in the most severe penances, saying, ‘Marry + thou for (the acquisition of) a son.’ ‘O ye, being directed by my + ancestors, I am roaming in poverty and sorrow, over the wide world for + wedding a maiden that I may obtain as alms. Let that creature, amongst + those I have addressed, who hath a daughter, bestow on me that am roaming + far and near. Such a bride as is of same name with me, to be bestowed on + me as alms, and whom, besides, I shall not maintain, O bestow on me!’ Then + those snakes that had been set upon Jaratkaru track, ascertaining his + inclination, gave information to Vasuki. And the king of the snakes, + hearing their words, took with him that maiden decked with ornaments, and + went into the forest unto that Rishi. And, O Brahmana, Vasuki, the king of + the snakes, having gone there, offered that maiden as alms unto that + high-souled Rishi. But the Rishi did not at once accept her. And the + Rishi, thinking her not to be of the same name with himself, and seeing + that the question of her maintenance also was unsettled, reflected for a + few moments, hesitating to accept her. And then, O son of Bhrigu, he asked + Vasuki the maiden’s name, and also said unto him, ‘I shall not maintain + her.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Then Vasuki spake unto the Rishi Jaratkaru these words, ‘O + best of Brahmanas, this maiden is of the same name with thee. She is my + sister and hath ascetic merit. I will maintain thy wife; accept her. O + thou of ascetic wealth, I shall protect her with all my ability. And, O + foremost of the great Munis, she hath been reared by me for thee.’ And the + Rishi replied, ‘This is agreed between us that I shall not maintain her; + and she shall not do aught that I do not like. If she do, I leave her!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘When the snake had promised, saying, ‘I shall maintain + my sister,’ Jaratkaru then went to the snake’s house. Then that first of + mantra-knowing Brahmanas, observing rigid vows, that virtuous and veteran + ascetic, took her hand presented to him according to shastric rites. And + taking his bride with him, adored by the great Rishi, he entered the + delightful chamber set apart for him by the king of the snakes. And in + that chamber was a bed-stead covered with very valuable coverlets. And + Jaratkaru lived there with his wife. And the excellent Rishi made an + agreement with his wife, saying, ‘Nothing must ever be done or said by + thee that is against my liking. And in case of thy doing any such thing, I + will leave thee and no longer continue to stay in thy house. Bear in mind + these words that have been spoken by me.’ + </p> + <p> + “And then the sister of the king of the snakes in great anxiety and + grieving exceedingly, spoke unto him, saying, ‘Be it so.’ And moved by the + desire of doing good to her relatives, that damsel, of unsullied + reputation, began to attend upon her lord with the wakefulness of a dog, + the timidity of a deer, and knowledge of signs possessed by the crow. And + one day, after the menstrual period, the sister of Vasuki, having purified + herself by a bath according to custom, approached her lord the great Muni; + And thereupon she conceived. And the embryo was like unto a flame of fire, + possessed of great energy, and resplendent as fire itself. And it grew + like the moon in the bright fortnight. + </p> + <p> + “And one day, within a short time, Jaratkaru of great fame, placing his + head on the lap of his wife, slept, looking like one fatigued. And as he + was sleeping, the sun entered his chambers in the Western mountain and was + about to set. And, O Brahmana, as the day was fading, she, the excellent + sister of Vasuki, became thoughtful, fearing the loss of her husband’s + virtue. And she thought, ‘What should I now do? Shall I wake my husband or + not? He is exacting and punctilious in his religious duties. How can I act + as not to offend him? The alternatives are his anger and the loss of + virtue of a virtuous man. The loss of virtue, I ween, is the greater of + the two evils. Again, if I wake him, he will be angry. But if twilight + passeth away without his prayers being said, he shall certainly sustain + loss of virtue.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And having resolved at last, the sweet-speeched Jaratkaru, the sister of + Vasuki, spake softly unto that Rishi resplendent with ascetic penances, + and lying prostrate like a flame of fire, ‘O thou of great good fortune, + awake, the sun is setting. O thou of rigid vows, O illustrious one, do + your evening prayer after purifying yourself with water and uttering the + name of Vishnu. The time for the evening sacrifice hath come. Twilight, O + lord, is even now gently covering the western side.’ + </p> + <p> + “The illustrious Jaratkaru of great ascetic merit, thus addressed, spake + unto his wife these words, his upper lip quivering in anger, ‘O amiable + one of the Naga race, thou hast insulted me. I shall no longer abide with + thee, but shall go where I came from. O thou of beautiful thighs, I + believe in my heart that the sun hath no power to set in the usual time, + if I am asleep. An insulted person should never live where he hath met + with the insult, far less should I, a virtuous person, or those that are + like me.’ Jaratkaru, the sister of Vasuki, thus addressed by her lord, + began to quake with terror, and she spake unto him, saying, ‘O Brahmana, I + have not waked thee from desire of insult; but I have done it so that thy + virtue may not sustain any loss.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Rishi Jaratkaru, great in ascetic merit, possessed with anger and + desirous of forsaking his spouse, thus addressed, spake unto his wife, + saying, O thou fair one, never have I spoken a falsehood. Therefore, go I + shall. This was also settled between ourselves. O amiable one, I have + passed the time happily with thee. And, O fair one, tell thy brother, when + I am gone, that I have left thee. And upon my going away, it behoveth thee + not to grieve for me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed Jaratkaru, the fair sister of Vasuki, of faultless + features, filled with anxiety and sorrow, having mustered sufficient + courage and patience, though her heart was still quaking, then spake unto + Rishi Jaratkaru. Her words were obstructed with tears and her face was + pale with fear. And the palms of her hands were joined together, and her + eyes were bathed in tears. And she said, ‘It behoveth thee not to leave me + without a fault. Thou treadest over the path of virtue. I too have been in + the same path, with heart fixed on the good of my relatives. O best of + Brahmanas, the object for which I was bestowed on thee hath not been + accomplished yet. Unfortunate that I am, what shall Vasuki say unto me? O + excellent one, the offspring desired of by my relatives afflicted by a + mother’s curse, do not yet appear! The welfare of my relatives dependeth + on the acquisition of offspring from thee. And in order that my connection + with thee may not be fruitless, O illustrious Brahmana, moved by the + desire of doing good to my race do I entreat thee. O excellent one, + high-souled thou art; so why shall thou leave me who am faultless? This is + what is not just clear to me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed, the Muni of great ascetic merit spake unto his wife + Jaratkaru these words that were proper and suitable to the occasion. And + he said, ‘O fortunate one, the being thou hast conceived, even like unto + Agni himself is a Rishi of soul highly virtuous, and a master of the Vedas + and their branches.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said so, the great Rishi, Jaratkaru of virtuous soul, went away, + his heart firmly fixed on practising again the severest penances.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘O thou of ascetic wealth, soon after her lord had left her, + Jaratkaru went to her brother. And she told him everything that had + happened. And the prince of snakes, hearing the calamitous news, spake + unto his miserable sister, himself more miserable still.’ + </p> + <p> + “And he said, ‘Thou knowest, ‘O amiable one, the purpose of thy bestowal, + the reason thereof. If, from that union, for the welfare of the snakes, a + son be born, then he, possessed of energy, will save us all from the + snake-sacrifice. The Grandsire had said so, of old, in the midst of the + gods. O fortunate one, hast thou conceived from thy union with that best + of Rishis? My heart’s desire is that my bestowal of thee on that wise one + may not be fruitless. Truly, it is not proper for me to ask thee about + this. But from the gravity of the interests I ask thee this. Knowing also + the obstinacy of thy lord, ever engaged in severe penances, I shall not + follow him, for he may curse me. Tell me in detail all that thy lord, O + amiable one, hath done, and extract that terribly afflicting dart that + lies implanted for a long time past in my heart.’ + </p> + <p> + “Jaratkaru, thus addressed, consoling Vasuki, the king of the snakes, at + length replied, saying, ‘Asked by me about offspring, the high-souled and + mighty ascetic said, ‘There is,’—and then he went away. I do not + remember him to have ever before speak even in jest aught that is false. + Why should he, O king, speak a falsehood on such a serious occasion? He + said, ‘Thou shouldst not grieve, O daughter of the snake race, about the + intended result of our union. A son shall be born to thee, resplendent as + the blazing sun.’ O brother, having said this to me, my husband of ascetic + wealth went away—Therefore, let the deep sorrow cherished in thy + heart disappear.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Thus addressed, Vasuki, the king of the snakes, + accepted those words of his sister, and in great joy said, ‘Be it so!’ And + the chief of the snakes then adored his sister with his best regards, gift + of wealth, and fitting eulogies. Then, O best of Brahmanas, the embryo + endued with great splendour, began to develop, like the moon in the + heavens in the bright fortnight. + </p> + <p> + And in due time, the sister of the snakes, O Brahmana, gave birth to a son + of the splendour of a celestial child, who became the reliever of the + fears of his ancestors and maternal relatives. The child grew up there in + the house of the king of the snakes. He studied the Vedas and their + branches with the ascetic Chyavana, the son of Bhrigu. And though but a + boy, his vows were rigid. And he was gifted with great intelligence, and + with the several attributes of virtue, knowledge, freedom from the world’s + indulgences, and saintliness. And the name by which he was known to the + world was Astika. And he was known by the name of Astika (whoever is) + because his father had gone to the woods, saying. ‘There is’, when he was + in the womb. Though but a boy, he had great gravity and intelligence. And + he was reared with great care in the palace of the snakes. And he was like + the illustrious lord of the celestials, Mahadeva of the golden form, the + wielder of the trident. And he grew up day by day, the delight of all the + snakes.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘Tell me again, in detail,—all that king Janamejaya + had asked his ministers about his father’s ascension to heaven.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti said, ‘O Brahmana, hear all that the king asked his ministers, and + all that they said about the death of Parikshit.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya asked, ‘Know ye all that befell my father. How did that famous + king, in time, meet with his death? Hearing from you the incidents of my + father’s life in detail, I shall ordain something, if it be for the + benefit of the world. Otherwise, I shall do nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The minister replied, ‘Hear, O monarch, what thou hast asked, viz., an + account of thy illustrious father’s life, and how also that king of kings + left this world. Thy father was virtuous and high-souled, and always + protected his people. O, hear, how that high-souled one conducted himself + on earth. Like unto an impersonation of virtue and justice, the monarch, + cognisant of virtue, virtuously protected the four orders, each engaged in + the discharge of their specified duties. Of incomparable prowess, and + blessed with fortune, he protected the goddess Earth. There was none who + hated him and he himself hated none. Like unto Prajapati (Brahma) he was + equally disposed towards all creatures. O monarch, Brahmanas and + Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras, all engaged contentedly in the practice + of their respective duties, were impartially protected by that king. + Widows and orphans, the maimed and the poor, he maintained. Of handsome + features, he was unto all creatures like a second Soma. Cherishing his + subjects and keeping them contented, blessed with good fortune, + truth-telling, of immense prowess, he was the disciple of Saradwat in the + science of arms. And, O Janamejaya, thy father was dear unto Govinda. Of + great fame, he was loved by all men. And he was born in the womb of Uttara + when the Kuru race was almost extinct. And, therefore, the mighty son of + Abhimanyu came to be called Parikshit (born in an extinct line). + Well-versed in the interpretation of treatises on the duties of kings, he + was gifted with every virtue. With passions under complete control, + intelligent, possessing a retentive memory, the practiser of all virtues, + the conqueror of his six passions of powerful mind, surpassing all, and + fully acquainted with the science of morality and political science, the + father had ruled over these subjects for sixty years. And he then died, + mourned by all his subjects. And, after him, O first of men, thou hast + acquired this hereditary kingdom of the Kurus for the last thousand years. + Thou wast installed while a child, and art thus protecting every + creature.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘There hath not been born in our race a king who hath + not sought the good of his subjects or been loved by them. Behold + especially the conduct of my grandsires ever engaged in great + achievements. How did my father, blessed with many virtues, meet with his + death? Describe everything to me as it happened. I am desirous of hearing + it from you!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Thus directed by the monarch, those councillors, ever + solicitous of the good of the king, told him everything exactly as it had + occurred.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the councillors said, ‘O king, that father of thine, that protector + of the whole earth, that foremost of all persons obedient to the + scriptures, became addicted to the sports of the field, even as Pandu of + mighty arms, that foremost of all bearers of the bow in battle. He made + over to us all the affairs of state from the most trivial to the most + important. One day, going into the forest, he pierced a deer with an + arrow. And having pierced it he followed it quickly on foot into the deep + woods, armed with sword and quiver. He could not, however, come upon the + lost deer. Sixty years of age and decrepit, he was soon fatigued and + became hungry. He then saw in the deep woods a high-souled Rishi. The + Rishi was then observing the vow of silence. The king asked him about the + deer, but, though asked, he made no reply. At last the king, already tired + with exertion and hunger, suddenly became angry with that Rishi sitting + motionless like a piece of wood in observance of his vow of silence. + Indeed, the king knew not that he was a Muni observing the vow of silence. + Swayed by anger, thy father insulted him. O excellent one of the Bharata + race, the king, thy father taking up from the ground with the end of his + bow a dead snake placed it on the shoulders of that Muni of pure soul. But + the Muni spake not a word good or bad and was without anger. He continued + in the same posture, bearing the dead snake.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION L + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘The ministers said, ‘That king of kings then, spent + with hunger and exertion, and having placed the snake upon the shoulders + of that Muni, came back to his capital. The Muni had a son, born of a cow, + of the name of Sringin. He was widely known, possessed of great prowess + and energy, and very wrathful. Going (every day) to his preceptor he was + in the habit of worshipping him. Commanded by him, Sringin was returning + home, when he heard from a friend of his about the insult of his father by + thy parent. And, O tiger among kings, he heard that his father, without + having committed any fault, was bearing, motionless like a statue, upon + his shoulders a dead snake placed thereon. O king, the Rishi insulted by + thy father was severe in ascetic penances, the foremost of Munis, the + controller of passions, pure, and ever engaged in wonderful acts. His soul + was enlightened with ascetic penances, and his organs and their functions + were under complete control. His practices and his speech were both very + nice. He was contented and without avarice. He was without meanness of any + kind and without envy. He was old and used to observe the vow of silence. + And he was the refuge whom all creatures might seek in distress. + </p> + <p> + “Such was the Rishi insulted by thy father. The son, however, of that + Rishi, in wrath, cursed thy father. Though young in years, the powerful + one was old in ascetic splendour. Speedily touching water, he spake, + burning as it were with spiritual energy and rage, these words in allusion + to thy father, ‘Behold the power of my asceticism! Directed by my words, + the snake Takshaka of powerful energy and virulent poison, shall, within + seven nights hence, burn, with his poison the wretch that hath placed the + dead snake upon my un-offending father.’ And having said this, he went to + where his father was. And seeing his father he told him of his curse. The + tiger among Rishis thereupon sent to thy father a disciple of his, named + Gaurmukha, of amiable manners and possessed of every virtue. And having + rested a while (after arrival at court) he told the king everything, + saying in the words of his master, ‘Thou hast been cursed, O king, by my + son. Takshaka shall burn thee with his poison! Therefore, O king, be + careful.’ O Janamejaya, hearing those terrible words, thy father took + every precaution against the powerful snake Takshaka. + </p> + <p> + “And when the seventh day had arrived, a Brahmana Rishi, named Kasyapa, + desired to come to the monarch. But the snake Takshaka saw Kasyapa. And + the prince of snakes spake unto Kasyapa without loss of time, saying, + ‘Where dost thou go so quickly, and what is the business on which thou + goest?’ Kasyapa replied, saying, ‘O Brahmana, I am going whither king + Parikshit, that best of the Kurus, is. He shall today be burnt by the + poison of the snake Takshaka. I go there quickly in order to cure him, in + fact, in order that, protected by me, the snake may not bite him to + death.’ Takshaka answered, saying, ‘Why dost thou seek to revive the king + to be bitten by me? I am that Takshaka. O Brahmana, behold the wonderful + power of my poison. Thou art incapable of reviving that monarch when bit + by me.’ So saying, Takshaka, then and there, bit a lord of the forest (a + banian tree). And the banian, as soon as it was bit by the snake, was + converted into ashes. But Kasyapa, O king, revived it. Takshaka thereupon + tempted him, saying, ‘Tell me thy desire.’ And Kasyapa, too, thus + addressed, spake again unto Takshaka, saying, ‘I go there from desire of + wealth.’ And Takshaka, thus addressed, then spake unto the high-souled + Kasyapa in these soft words, ‘O sinless one, take from me more wealth than + what thou expectest from that monarch, and go back!’ And Kasyapa, that + foremost of men, thus addressed by the snake, and receiving from him as + much wealth as he desired, wended his way back. + </p> + <p> + “And Kasyapa going back, Takshaka, approaching in disguise, blasted, with + the fire of his poison, thy virtuous father, the first of kings, then + staying in his mansion with all precautions. And after that, thou wast, O + tiger among men, been installed (on the throne). And, O best of monarchs, + we have thus told thee all that we have seen and heard, cruel though the + account is. And hearing all about the discomfiture of thy royal father, + and of the insult to the Rishi Utanka, decide thou that which should + follow! + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘King Janamejaya, that chastiser of enemies, then spake + upto all his ministers. And he said, ‘When did ye learn all that happened + upon that, banian reduced to ashes by Takshaka, and which, wonderful as it + is, was afterwards revived by Kasyapa? Assuredly, my father could not have + died, for the poison could have been neutralised by Kasyapa with his + mantras. That worst of snakes, of sinful soul, thought within his mind + that if Kasyapa resuscitated the king bit by him, he, Takshaka, would be + an object of ridicule in the world owing to the neutralisation of his + poison. Assuredly, having thought so, he pacified the Brahmana. I have + devised a way, however, of inflicting punishment upon him. I like to know, + however, what ye saw or heard, what happened in the deep solitude of the + forest,—viz., the words of Takshaka and the speeches of Kasyapa. + Having known it, I shall devise the means of exterminating the snake + race.’ + </p> + <p> + “The ministers said, ‘Hear, O monarch of him who told us before of the + meeting between that foremost Brahmana and that prince of snakes in the + woods. A certain person, O monarch, had climbed up that tree containing + some dry branches with the object of breaking them for sacrificial fuel. + He was not perceived either by the snake or by the Brahmana. And, O king, + that man was reduced to ashes along with the tree itself. And, O king of + kings, he was revived with the tree by the power of the Brahmana. That + man, a Brahmana’s menial, having come to us, represented fully everything + as it happened between Takshaka and the Brahmana. Thus have we told thee, + O king, all that we have seen and heard. And having heard it, O tiger + among kings, ordain that which should follow.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘King Janamejaya, having listened to the words of his + ministers, was sorely afflicted with grief, and began to weep. And the + monarch began to squeeze his hands. And the lotus-eyed king began to + breathe a long and hot breath, shed tears, and shrieked aloud. And + possessed with grief and sorrow, and shedding copious tears, and touching + water according to the form, the monarch spake. And reflecting for a + moment, as if settling something in his mind, the angry monarch, + addressing all ministers, said these words. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have heard your account of my father’s ascension to heaven. Know ye now + what my fixed resolve is. I think no time must be lost in avenging this + injury upon the wretch Takshaka that killed my father. He burnt my father + making Sringin only a secondary cause. From malignity alone he made + Kasyapa return. If that Brahmana had arrived, my father assuredly would + have lived. What would he have lost if the king had revived by the grace + of Kasyapa and the precautionary measures of his ministers? From ignorance + of the effects of my wrath, he prevented Kasyapa—that excellent of + Brahmanas—whom he could not defeat, from coming to my father with + the desire of reviving him. The act of aggression is great on the part of + the wretch Takshaka who gave wealth unto that Brahmana in order that he + might not revive the king. I must now avenge myself on my father’s enemy + to please myself, the Rishi Utanka and you all.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LI + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + ‘Sauti said, ‘King Janamejaya having said so, his ministers expressed + their approbation. And the monarch then expressed his determination to + perform a snake-sacrifice. And that lord of the Earth—that tiger of + the Bharata race—the son of Parikshit, then called his priest and + Ritwiks. And accomplished in speech, he spake unto them these words + relating to the accomplishment of his great task. ‘I must avenge myself on + the wretch Takshaka who killed my father. Tell me what I must do. Do you + know any act by which I may cast into the blazing fire the snake Takshaka + with his relatives? I desire to burn that wretch even as he burnt, of + yore, by the fire of his poison, my father.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The chief priest answered, ‘There is, O king, a great sacrifice for thee + devised by the gods themselves. It is known as the snake-sacrifice, and is + read of in the Puranas. O king, thou alone canst accomplish it, and no one + else. Men versed in the Puranas have told us, there is such a sacrifice.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Thus addressed, the king, O excellent one, thought + Takshaka to be already burnt and thrown into the blazing mouth of Agni, + the eater of the sacrificial butter. The king then said unto those + Brahmanas versed in mantras, ‘I shall make preparations for that + sacrifice. Tell me the things that are necessary.’ And the king’s Ritwiks, + O excellent Brahmana, versed in the Vedas and acquainted with the rites of + that sacrifice measured, according to the scriptures, the land for the + sacrificial platform. And the platform was decked with valuable articles + and with Brahmanas. And it was full of precious things and paddy. And the + Ritwika sat upon it at ease. And after the sacrificial platform had been + thus constructed according to rule and as desired, they installed the king + at the snake-sacrifice for the attainment of its object. And before the + commencement of the snake-Sacrifice that was to come, there occurred this + very important incident foreboding obstruction to the sacrifice. For when + the sacrificial platform was being constructed, a professional builder of + great intelligence and well-versed in the knowledge of laying foundations, + a Suta by caste, well-acquainted with the Puranas, said, ‘The soil upon + which and the time at which the measurement for the sacrificial platform + has been made, indicate that this sacrifice will not be completed, a + Brahmana becoming the reason thereof.’ Hearing this, the king, before his + installation, gave orders to his gate-keepers not to admit anybody without + his knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘The snake-sacrifice then commenced according to due form. + And the sacrificial priests, competent in their respective duties + according to the ordinance, clad in black garments and their eyes red from + contact with smoke, poured clarified butter into the blazing fire, + uttering the appropriate mantras. And causing the hearts of all the snakes + to tremble with fear, they poured clarified butter into the mouth of Agni + uttering the names of the snakes. And the snakes thereupon began to fall + into the blazing fire, benumbed and piteously calling upon one another. + And swollen and breathing hard, and twining each other with their heads + and tails, they came in large numbers and fell into the fire. The white, + the black, the blue, the old and the young—all fell alike into the + fire, uttering various cries. Those measuring a krosa, and those measuring + a yojana, and those of the measure of a gokarna, fell continuously with + great violence into that first of all fires. And hundreds and thousands + and tens of thousands of snakes, deprived of all control over their limbs, + perished on that occasion. And amongst those that perished, there were + some that were like horses, other like trunks of elephants, and others of + huge bodies and strength like maddened elephants Of various colours and + virulent poison, terrible and looking like maces furnished with + iron-spikes, of great strength, ever inclined to bite, the snakes, + afflicted with their mother’s curse, fell into the fire.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka asked, ‘What great Rishis became the Ritwiks at the + snake-sacrifice of the wise king Janamejaya of the Pandava line? Who also + became the Sadasyas in that terrible snake-sacrifice, so frightful to the + snakes, and begetting such sorrow in them? It behoveth thee to describe + all these in detail, so that, O son of Suta, we may know who were + acquainted with the rituals of the snake-sacrifice.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti replied, ‘I will recite the names of those wise ones who became the + monarch’s Ritwiks and Sadasyas. The Brahmana Chandabhargava became the + Hotri in that sacrifice. He was of great reputation, and was born in the + race of Chyavana and was the foremost of those acquainted with the Vedas. + The learned old Brahmana, Kautsa, became the Udgatri, the chanter of the + Vedic hymns. Jaimini became the Brahmana, and Sarngarva and Pingala the + Adhvaryus, Vyasa with his son and disciples, and Uddalaka, Pramataka, + Swetaketu, Pingala, Asita, Devala, Narada, Parvata, Atreya, Kundajathara, + the Brahmana Kalaghata, Vatsya, old Srutasravas ever engaged in japa and + the study of the Vedas. Kohala Devasarman, Maudgalya, Samasaurava, and + many other Brahmanas who had got through the Vedas became the Sadasyas at + that sacrifice of the son of Parikshit. + </p> + <p> + “When the Ritwiks in that snake-sacrifice began to pour clarified butter + into the fire, terrible snakes, striking fear into every creature, began + to fall into it. And the fat and the marrow of the snakes thus falling + into the fire began to flow in rivers. And the atmosphere was filled with + an insufferable stench owing to the incessant burning of the snakes. And + incessant also were the cries of the snakes fallen into the fire and those + in the air about to fall into it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Meanwhile, Takshaka, that prince of snakes, as soon as he heard that king + Janamejaya was engaged in the sacrifice, went to the palace of Purandara + (Indra). And that best of snakes, having represented all that had taken + place, sought in terror the protection of Indra after having acknowledged + his fault. And Indra, gratified, told him, ‘O prince of snakes, O + Takshaka, here thou hast no fear from that snake-sacrifice. The Grandsire + was pacified by me for thy sake. Therefore, thou hast no fear. Let this + fear of thy heart be allayed.’ + </p> + <p> + Sauti continued, ‘Thus encouraged by him, that best of snakes began to + dwell in Indra’s abode in joy and happiness. But Vasuki, seeing that the + snakes were incessantly falling into the fire and that his family was + reduced to only a few, became exceedingly sorry. And the king of the + snakes was afflicted with great grief, and his heart was about to break. + And summoning his sister, he spake unto her, saying, ‘O amiable one, my + limbs are burning and I no longer see the points of the heavens. I am + about to fall down from loss of consciousness. My mind is turning, my + sight is falling and my heart is breaking. Benumbed, I may fall today into + that blazing fire! This sacrifice of the son of Parikshit is for the + extermination of our race. It is evident I also shall have to go to the + abode of the king of the dead. The time is come, O my sister, on account + of which thou wert bestowed by me on Jaratkaru to protect us with our + relatives. O best of the women of the snake race, Astika will put an end + to the sacrifice that is going on. The Grandsire told me this of old. + Therefore, O child, solicit thy dear son who is fully conversant with the + Vedas and regarded even by the old, for the protection of myself and also + of those dependent on me.”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Then the snake-dame Jaratkaru, calling her own son, told him + the following words according to the directions of Vasuki, the king of the + snakes. ‘O son, the time is come for the accomplishment of that object for + which I was bestowed on thy father by my brother. Therefore, do thou that + which should be done.’ + </p> + <p> + “Astika asked, ‘Why wert thou, O mother, bestowed on my father by my + uncle? Tell me all truly so that on hearing it, I may do what is proper.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then Jaratkaru, the sister of the king of the snakes, herself unmoved by + the general distress, and even desirous of the welfare of her relatives, + said unto him, ‘O son, it is said that the mother of all the snakes is + Kadru. Know thou why she cursed in anger her sons.’ Addressing the snakes + she said, ‘As ye have refused to falsely represent Uchchaihsravas, the + prince of horses, for bringing about Vinata’s bondage according to the + wager, therefore, shall he whose charioteer is Vayu burn you all in + Janamejaya’s sacrifice. And perishing in that sacrifice, ye shall go to + the region of the unredeemed spirits.’ The Grandsire of all the worlds + spake unto her while uttering this curse, ‘Be it so,’ and thus approved of + her speech. Vasuki, having heard that curse and then the words of the + Grandsire, sought the protection of the gods, O child, on the occasion + when the amrita was being churned for. And the gods, their object + fulfilled, for they had obtained the excellent amrita, with Vasuki ahead, + approached the Grandsire. And all the gods, with king Vasuki, sought to + incline Him who was born of the lotus to be propitious, so that the curse + might be made abortive.’ + </p> + <p> + “And the gods said, ‘O Lord, Vasuki, the king of the snakes, is sorry on + account of his relatives. How may his mother’s curse prove abortive?’ + </p> + <p> + “Brahman thereupon replied, saying, ‘Jaratkaru will take unto himself a + wife of the name of Jaratkaru; the Brahmana born of her will relieve the + snakes.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasuki, the best of snakes, hearing those words, bestowed me, O thou of + godlike looks, on thy high-souled father some time before the commencement + of the sacrifice. And from that marriage thou art born of me. That time + has come. It behoveth thee to protect us from this danger. It behoveth + thee to protect my brother and myself from the fire, so that the object, + viz., our relief, for which I was bestowed on thy wise father, may not be + unfulfilled. What dost thou think, O son?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Thus addressed, Astika said unto his mother, ‘Yes, I + will.’ And he then addressed the afflicted Vasuki, and as if infusing life + into him, said, ‘O Vasuki, thou best of snakes, thou great being, truly do + I say, I shall relieve thee from that curse. Be easy, O snake! There is no + fear any longer. I shall strive earnestly so that good may come! Nobody + hath ever said that my speech, even in jest, hath proved false. Hence on + serious occasions like this, I need not say anything more, O uncle, going + thither today I shall gratify, with words mixed with blessings, the + monarch Janamejaya installed at the sacrifice, so that, O excellent one, + the sacrifice may stop. O highminded one, O king of the snakes, believe + all that I say. Believe me, my resolve can never be unfulfilled.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Vasuki then said, ‘O Astika, my head swims and my heart breaks. I + cannot discern the points of the earth, as I am afflicted with a mother’s + curse.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Astika said, ‘Thou best of snakes, it behoveth thee not to grieve any + longer. I shall dispel this fear of thine from the blazing fire. This + terrible punishment, capable of burning like the fire at the end of the + Yuga, I shall extinguish. Nurse not thy fear any longer.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Then that best of Brahmanas, Astika, quelling the + terrible fear of the Vasuki’s heart, and taking it, as it were, on + himself, wended, for the relief of the king of the snakes, with speed to + Janamejaya’s sacrifice blessed with every merit. And Astika having gone + thither, beheld the excellent sacrificial compound with numerous Sadasyas + on it whose splendour was like unto that of the Sun or Agni. But that best + of Brahmanas was refused admittance by the door-keepers. And the mighty + ascetic gratified them, being desirous of entering the sacrificial + compound. And that best of Brahmanas, that foremost of all virtuous men, + having entered the excellent sacrificial compound, began to adore the king + of infinite achievements, Ritwiks, the Sadasyas, and also the sacred + fire.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LV + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Astika said, ‘Soma and Varuna and Prajapati performed sacrifices of old + in Prayaga. But thy sacrifice, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of + Parikshit, is not inferior to any of those. Let those dear unto us be + blessed! Sakra performed a hundred sacrifices. But this sacrifice of + thine, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Parikshit, is fully + equal to ten thousand sacrifices of Sakra. Let those dear unto us be + blessed! Like the sacrifice of Yama, of Harimedha, or of king Rantideva, + is the sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of + Parikshit. Let those dear unto us be blessed! Like the sacrifice of Maya, + of king Sasavindu, or of king Vaisravana, is this sacrifice of thine, O + foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Satyavati, in which he himself + was the chief priest, is this sacrifice of Nriga, of Ajamida, of the son + of Dasaratha, is this sacrifice of thine, O foremost one of Bharata’s + race, O son of Parikshit. Let those dear unto us be blessed! Like the + sacrifice of king Yudhishthira, the son of a god and belonging to Ajamida + race, heard of (even) in the heavens, is this sacrifice of thine. O + foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Parikshit, let those dear unto us + be blessed! Like the sacrifice of Krishna (Dwaipayana), the son of + Satyavati, in which he himself was the chief priest, is this sacrifice of + thine, O foremost one of Bharata’s race, O son of Parikshit Let those dear + unto us be blessed! These (Ritwiks and Sadasyas) that are here engaged in + making thy sacrifice, like unto that of the slayer of Vritra, are of + splendour equal to that of the sun. There now remains nothing for them to + know, and gifts made to them become inexhaustible (in merit). It is my + conviction that there is no Ritwik in all the worlds who is equal to thy + Ritwik, Dwaipayana. His disciples, becoming Ritwiks, competent for their + duties, travel over the earth. The high-souled bearer of libation (viz., + Agni), called also Vibhavasu and Chitrabhanu, having gold for his vital + seed and having his path, marked by black smoke, blazing up with flames + inclined to the right, beareth these thy libations of clarified butter to + the gods. In this world of men there is no other monarch equal to thee in + the protection of subjects. I am ever well-pleased with thy abstinence. + Indeed, thou art either Varuna, or Yama, the god of Justice. Like Sakra + himself, thunderbolt in hand, thou art, in this world, the protector of + all creatures. In this earth there is no man so great as thou and no + monarch who is thy equal in sacrifice. Thou art like Khatwanga, Nabhaga, + and Dilipa. In prowess thou art like Yayati and Mandhatri. In splendour + equal to the sun, and of excellent vows, thou art O monarch, like Bhishma! + Like Valmiki thou art of energy concealed. Like Vasishtha thou hast + controlled thy wrath. Like Indra is thy lordship. Thy splendour also + shines like that of Narayana. Like Yama art thou conversant with the + dispensation of justice. Thou art like Krishna adorned with every virtue. + Thou art the home of the good fortune that belongs to the Vasus. Thou art + also the refuge of the sacrifices. In strength thou art equal to + Damvodbhava. Like Rama (the son of Jamadagni) thou art conversant with the + scriptures and arms. In energy thou art equal to Aurva and Trita. Thou + inspirest terror by thy looks like Bhagiratha.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Astika, having thus adored them, gratified them all, viz., + the king, the Sadasyas, the Ritwiks and the sacrificial fire. And king + Janamejaya beholding the signs and indications manifested all around, + addressed them as follows.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + Janamejaya said, ‘Though this one is but a boy, he speaks yet like a wise + old man. He is not a boy but one wise and old. I think, I desire to bestow + on him a boon. Therefore, ye Brahmanas, give me the necessary permission.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Sadasyas said, ‘A Brahmana, though a boy, deserves the respect of + kings. The learned ones do more so. This boy deserves every desire of his + being fulfilled by thee, but not before Takshaka comes with speed.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘The king, being inclined to grant the Brahmana a boon, + said ‘Ask thou a boon.’ The Hotri, however, being rather displeased, said, + ‘Takshaka hath not come as yet into this sacrifice.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya replied, ‘Exert ye to the best of your might, so that this + sacrifice of mine may attain completion, and Takshaka also may soon come + here. He is my enemy.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Ritwiks replied, ‘As the scriptures declare unto us, and as the fire + also saith, O monarch, (it seems that) Takshaka is now staying in the + abode of Indra, afflicted with fear.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘The illustrious Suta named Lohitaksha also, conversant + with the Puranas, had said so before. + </p> + <p> + “Asked by the king on the present occasion he again told the monarch, + ‘Sire, it is even so as the Brahmanas have said—Knowing the Puranas, + I say, O monarch, that Indra hath granted him this boon, saying, ‘Dwell + with me in concealment, and Agni shall not burn thee.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘Hearing this, the king installed in the sacrifice + became very sorry and urged the Hotri to do his duty. And as the Hotri, + with mantras, began to pour clarified butter into the fire Indra himself + appeared on the scene. And the illustrious one came in his car, adorned by + all the gods standing around, followed by masses of clouds, celestial + singers, and the several bevies of celestial dancing girls. And Takshaka + anxious with fear, hid himself in the upper garment of Indra and was not + visible. Then the king in his anger again said unto his mantra-knowing + Brahmanas these words, bent upon the destruction of Takshaka, ‘If the + snake Takshaka be in the abode of Indra, cast him into the fire with Indra + himself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘Urged thus by the king Janamejaya about Takshaka, the + Hotri poured libations, naming that snake then staying there. And even as + the libations were poured, Takshaka, with Purandara himself, anxious and + afflicted, became visible in a moment in the skies. Then Purandara, seeing + that sacrifice, became much alarmed, and quickly casting Takshaka off, + went back to his own abode. After Indra had gone away, Takshaka, the + prince of snakes, insensible with fear, was by virtue of the mantras, + brought near enough the flames of the sacrificial fire.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Ritwiks then said, ‘O king of kings, the sacrifice of thine is being + performed duly. It behoveth thee, O Lord, to grant a boon now to this + first of Brahmanas.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya then said, ‘Thou immeasurable one of such handsome and + child-like features, I desire to grant thee a worthy boon. Therefore, ask + thou that which thou desirest in thy heart. I promise thee, that I will + grant it even if it be ungrantable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Ritwiks said, ‘O monarch, behold, Takshaka is soon coming under thy + control! His terrible cries, and loud roar is being heard. Assuredly, the + snake hath been forsaken by the wielder of thunder. His body being + disabled by your mantras, he is falling from heaven. Even now, rolling in + the skies, and deprived of consciousness, the prince of snakes cometh, + breathing loudly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘While Takshaka, the prince of snakes was about to fall + into the sacrificial fire, during those few moments Astika spoke as + follows, ‘O Janamejaya, if thou wouldst grant me a boon, let this + sacrifice of thine come to an end and let no more snakes fall into the + fire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O Brahmana, the son of Parikshit, being thus addressed by Astika, became + exceedingly sorry and replied unto Astika thus, ‘O illustrious one, gold, + silver, kine, whatever other possessions thou desirest I shall give unto + thee. But let not my sacrifice come to an end.’ + </p> + <p> + “Astika thereupon replied, ‘Gold, silver or kine, I do not ask of thee, O + monarch! But let thy sacrifice be ended so that my maternal relations be + relieved.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘The son of Parikshit, being thus addressed by Astika, + repeatedly said this unto that foremost of speakers, ‘Best of the + Brahmanas, ask some other boon. O, blessed be thou!’ But, O thou of + Bhrigu’s race, he did not beg any other boon. Then all the Sadasyas + conversant with the Vedas told the king in one voice, ‘Let the Brahmana + receive his boon!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘O son of a Suta, I desire to hear the names of all those + snakes that fell into the fire of this snake-sacrifice!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti replied, ‘Many thousands and tens of thousands and billions of + snakes fell into the fire. O most excellent Brahmana, so great is the + number that I am unable to count them all. So far, however, as I remember, + hear the names I mention of the principal snakes cast into the fire. Hear + first the names of the principal ones of Vasuki’s race alone, of colour + blue, red and white of terrible form and huge body and deadly poison. + Helpless and miserable and afflicted with their mother’s curse, they fell + into the sacrificial fire like libations of butter. + </p> + <p> + “Kotisa, Manasa, Purna, Cala, Pala Halmaka, Pichchala, Kaunapa, Cakra, + Kalavega, Prakalana, Hiranyavahu, Carana, Kakshaka, Kaladantaka—these + snakes born of Vasuki, fell into the fire. And, O Brahmana, numerous other + snakes well-born, and of terrible form and great strength, were burnt in + the blazing fire. I shall now mention those born in the race of Takshaka. + Hear thou their names. Puchchandaka, Mandalaka, Pindasektri, Ravenaka; + Uchochikha, Carava, Bhangas, Vilwatejas, Virohana; Sili, Salakara, Muka, + Sukumara, Pravepana, Mudgara and Sisuroman, Suroman and Mahahanu. These + snakes born of Takshaka fell into the fire. And Paravata, Parijata, + Pandara, Harina, Krisa, Vihanga, Sarabha, Meda, Pramoda, Sauhatapana—these + born in the race of Airavata fell into the fire. Now hear, O best of + Brahmanas, the names of the snakes I mention born in the race of Kauravya: + Eraka, Kundala Veni, Veniskandha, Kumaraka, Vahuka, Sringavera, Dhurtaka, + Pratara and Astaka. There born in the race of Kauravya fell into the fire. + Now hear the names I mention, in order, of those snakes endued with the + speed of the wind and with virulent poison, born in the race of + Dhritarashtra: Sankukarna, Pitharaka, Kuthara, Sukhana, and Shechaka; + Purnangada, Purnamukha, Prahasa, Sakuni, Dari, Amahatha, Kumathaka, + Sushena, Vyaya, Bhairava, Mundavedanga, Pisanga, Udraparaka, Rishabha, + Vegavat, Pindaraka; Raktanga, Sarvasaranga, Samriddha, Patha and Vasaka; + Varahaka, Viranaka, Suchitra, Chitravegika, Parasara, Tarunaka, + Maniskandha and Aruni. + </p> + <p> + “O Brahmana, thus I have recited the names of the principal snakes known + widely for their achievements—I have not been able to name all, the + number being countless. The sons of these snakes, the sons of those sons, + that were burnt having fallen into the fire, I am unable to mention. They + are so many! Some of three heads, some of seven, others of ten, of poison + like unto the fire at the end of the yuga and terrible in form,—they + were burnt by thousands! + </p> + <p> + “Many others, of huge bodies, of great speed, tall as mountain summits, of + the length of a yama, of a yojana, and of two yojanas, capable of assuming + at will any form and of mastering at will any degree of strength, of + poison like unto blazing fire, afflicted by the curse of a mother, were + burnt in that great ‘sacrifice.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Astika Parva, continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sauti said, ‘Listen now to another very wonderful incident in connection + with Astika. When king Janamejaya was about to gratify Astika by granting + the boon, the snake (Takshaka), thrown off Indra’s hands, remained in mid + air without actually falling. King Janamejaya thereupon became curious, + for Takshaka, afflicted with fear, did not at once fall into the fire + although libations were poured in proper form into the blazing sacrificial + Agni in his name.’ + </p> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘Was it, O Suta, that the mantras of those wise Brahmanas + were not potent; since Takshaka did not fall into the fire?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti replied, ‘Unto the unconscious Takshaka, that best of snakes, after + he had been cast off Indra’s hands, Astika had thrice said, ‘Stay,’ + ‘Stay,’ ‘Stay.’ And he succeeded in staying in the skies, with afflicted + heart, like a person somehow staying between the welkin and the earth. + </p> + <p> + “The king then, on being repeatedly urged by his Sadasyas, said, ‘Let it + be done as Astika hath said. Let the sacrifice be ended, let the snakes be + safe, let this Astika also be gratified, O Suta, thy words also be true.’ + When the boon was granted to Astika, plaudits expressive of joy rang + through the air. Thus the sacrifice of the son of Parikshit—that + king of the Pandava race—came to an end. The king Janamejaya of the + Bharata race was himself pleased, and on the Ritwiks with the Sadasyas, + and on all who had come there, the king, bestowed money by hundreds and + thousands. And unto Suta Lohitaksha—conversant with the rules of + building and foundations—who had at the commencement said that a + Brahmana would be the cause of the interruption of the snake-sacrifice, + the king gave much wealth. The king, of uncommon kindness, also gave him + various things, with food and wearing apparel, according to his desire, + and became very much pleased. Then he concluded his sacrifice according to + the prescribed rites, and after treating him with every respect, the king + in joy sent home the wise Astika exceedingly gratified, for he had + attained his object. And the king said unto him, ‘Thou must come again to + become a Sadasya in my great Horse-sacrifice.’ And Astika said, ‘yes’ and + then returned home in great joy, having achieved his great end after + gratifying the monarch. And returning in joy to his uncle and mother and + touching their feet, he recounted to them everything as it had happened.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘Hearing all he had said, the snakes that had come + thither became very much delighted, and their fears were allayed. They + were much pleased with Astika and asked him to solicit a boon, saying, ‘O + learned one, what good shall we do unto thee? We have been very much + gratified, having been all saved by thee. What shall we accomplish for + thee, O child!’ + </p> + <p> + “Astika said, ‘Let those Brahmanas, and other men, who shall, in the + morning or in the evening, cheerfully and with attention, read the sacred + account of this my act, have no fear from any of you.’ And the snakes in + joy thereupon said, ‘O nephew, in the nature of thy boon, let it be + exactly as thou sayest. That which thou askest we all shall cheerfully do, + O nephew! And those also that call to mind Astika, Artiman and Sunitha, in + the day or in the night, shall have no fear of snakes. He again shall have + no fear of snakes who will say, ‘I call to mind the famous Astika born of + Jaratkaru, that Astika who saved the snakes from the snake-sacrifice. + Therefore, ye snakes of great good fortune, it behoveth you not to bite + me. But go ye away, blessed be ye, or go away thou snake of virulent + poison, and remember the words of Astika after the snake sacrifice of + Janamejaya. That snake who does not cease from biting after hearing such + mention of Astika, shall have his hood divided a hundredfold like the + fruit of Sinsa tree.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sauti continued, ‘That first of Brahmanas, thus addressed by the foremost + of the chief snakes assembled together, was very much gratified. And the + high-souled one then set his heart upon going away. + </p> + <p> + “And that best of Brahmanas, having saved the snakes from the + snake-sacrifice, ascended to heaven when his time came, leaving sons and + grandsons behind him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thus have I recited to thee this history of Astika exactly as it + happened. Indeed, the recitation of this history dispelleth all fear of + snakes’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti continued, ‘O Brahmanas, O foremost one of Bhrigu’s race, as thy + ancestor Pramati had cheerfully narrated unto his inquiring son Ruru, and + as I had heard it, thus have I recited this blessed history, from the + beginning, of the learned Astika. And, O Brahmana, O oppressor of all + enemies, having heard this holy history of Astika that increaseth virtue, + and which thou hadst asked me about after hearing the story of the + Dundubha, let thy ardent curiosity be satisfied.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Adivansavatarana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘O son, thou hast narrated to me this extensive and great + history commencing from the progeny of Bhrigu. O son of Suta, I have been + much gratified with thee. I ask thee again, to recite to me, O son of a + Suta, the history composed by Vyasa. The varied and wonderful narrations + that were recited amongst those illustrious Sadasyas assembled at the + sacrifice, in the intervals of their duties of that long-extending + ceremony, and the objects also of those narrations, I desire to hear from + thee, O son of a Suta! Recite therefore, all those to me fully.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti said, ‘The Brahmanas, in the intervals of the duties, spoke of many + things founded upon the Vedas. But Vyasa recited the wonderful and great + history called the Bharata.’ + </p> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘That sacred history called the Mahabharata, spreading the + fame of the Pandavas, which Krishna-Dwaipayana, asked by Janamejaya, + caused to be duly recited after the completion of the sacrifice. I desire + to hear duly. That history hath been born of the ocean-like mind of the + great Rishi of soul purified by yoga. Thou foremost of good men, recite it + unto me, for, O son of a Suta, my thirst hath not been appeased by all + thou hast said.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sauti said, ‘I shall recite to thee from the beginning of that great and + excellent history called the Mahabharata composed by Vyasa. O Brahmana, + listen to it in full, as I recite it. I myself feel a great pleasure in + reciting it.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LX + </h2> + <h3> + (Adivansavatarana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + ‘Sauti said, ‘Hearing that Janamejaya was installed in the + snake-sacrifice, the learned Rishi Krishna-Dwaipayana went thither on the + occasion. And he, the grand-father of the Pandavas, was born in an island + of the Yamuna, of the virgin Kali by Sakti’s son, Parasara. And the + illustrious one developed by his will alone his body as soon as he was + born, and mastered the Vedas with their branches, and all the histories. + And he readily obtained that which no one could obtain by asceticism, by + the study of the Vedas, by vows, by fasts, by progeny, and by sacrifice. + And the first of Veda-knowing ones, he divided the Vedas into four parts. + And the Brahmana Rishi had knowledge of the supreme Brahma, knew the past + by intuition, was holy, and cherished truth. Of sacred deeds and great + fame, he begot Pandu and Dhritarashtra and Vidura in order to continue the + line of Santanu. + </p> + <p> + “And the high-souled Rishi, with his disciples all conversant with the + Vedas and their branches, entered the sacrificial pavilion of the royal + sage, Janamejaya. And he saw that the king Janamejaya was seated in the + sacrificial region like the god Indra, surrounded by numerous Sadasyas, by + kings of various countries whose coronal locks had undergone the sacred + bath, and by competent Ritwiks like unto Brahman himself. And that + foremost one of Bharata’s race, the royal sage Janamejaya, beholding the + Rishi come, advanced quickly with his followers and relatives in great + joy. And the king with the approval of his Sadasyas, gave the Rishi a + golden seat as Indra did to Vrihaspati. And when the Rishi, capable of + granting boons and adored by the celestial Rishis themselves, had been + seated, the king of kings worshipped him according to the rites of the + scriptures. And the king then offered him—his grandfather Krishna—who + fully deserved them, water to wash his feet and mouth, and the Arghya, and + kine. And accepting those offerings from the Pandava Janamejaya and + ordering the kine also not to be slain, Vyasa became much gratified. And + the king, after those adorations bowed to his great-grandfather, and + sitting in joy asked him about his welfare. And the illustrious Rishi + also, casting his eyes upon him and asking him about his welfare, + worshipped the Sadasyas, having been before worshipped by them all. And + after all this, Janamejaya with all his Sadasyas, questioned that first of + Brahmanas, with joined palms as follows: + </p> + <p> + ‘O Brahmana, thou hast seen with thy own eyes the acts of the Kurus and + the Pandavas. I am desirous of hearing thee recite their history. What was + the cause of the disunion amongst them that was fruitful of such + extraordinary deeds? Why also did that great battle, which caused the + death of countless creatures occur between all my grandfathers—their + clear sense over-clouded by fate? O excellent Brahmana, tell me all this + in full as everything had happened.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing those words of Janamejaya, Krishna-Dwaipayana directed his + disciple Vaisampayana seated by his side, saying, ‘The discord that + happened between the Kurus and the Pandavas of old, narrate all to the + king even as thou hast heard from me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then that blessed Brahmana, at the command of his preceptor recited the + whole of that history unto the king, the Sadasyas, and all the chieftains + there assembled. And he told them all about the hostility and the utter + extinction of the Kurus and the Pandavas.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Adivansavatarana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Bowing down in the first place to my preceptor with + the eight parts of my body touching the ground, with devotion and + reverence, and with all my heart, worshipping the whole assembly of + Brahmanas and other learned persons, I shall recite in full what I have + heard from the high-souled and great Rishi Vyasa, the first of intelligent + men in the three worlds. And having got it within thy reach, O monarch, + thou also art a fit person to hear the composition called Bharata. + Encouraged by the command of my preceptor my heart feeleth no fear. + </p> + <p> + “Hear, O monarch, why that disunion occurred between the Kurus and the + Pandavas, and why also that exile into the woods immediately proceeding + from the game at dice prompted by the desire (of the Kurus) for rule. I + shall relate all to thee who askest it thou best of the Bharata race! + </p> + <p> + “On the death of their father those heroes (the Pandavas) came to their + own home. And within a short time they became well-versed in archery. And + the Kurus beholding the Pandavas gifted with physical strength, energy, + and power of mind, popular also with the citizens, and blessed with good + fortune, became very jealous. Then the crookedminded Duryodhana, and + Karna, with (the former’s uncle) the son of Suvala began to persecute them + and devise means for their exile. Then the wicked Duryodhana, guided by + the counsels of Sakuni (his maternal uncle), persecuted the Pandavas in + various ways for the acquirement of undisputed sovereignty. The wicked son + of Dhritarashtra gave poison to Bhima, but Bhima of the stomach of the + wolf digested the poison with the food. Then the wretch again tied the + sleeping Bhima on the margin of the Ganges and, casting him into the + water, went away. But when Bhimasena of strong arms, the son of Kunti + woke, he tore the strings with which he had been tied and came up, his + pains all gone. And while asleep and in the water black snakes of virulent + poison bit him in every part of his body. But that slayer of foes did not + still perish. And in all those persecutions of the Pandavas by their + cousins, the Kurus, the high-minded Vidura attentively engaged himself + neutralising those evil designs and rescuing the persecuted ones. And as + Sakra from the heavens keeps in happiness the world of men, so did Vidura + always keep the Pandavas from evil. + </p> + <p> + “When Duryodhana, with various means, both secret and open, found himself + incapable of destroying the Pandavas who were protected by the fates and + kept alive for grave future purposes (such as the extermination of the + Kuru race), then called together his counsellors consisting of Vrisha + (Karna), Duhsasana and others, and with the knowledge of Dhritarashtra + caused a house of lac to be constructed. And king Dhritarashtra, from + affection for his children, and prompted by the desire of sovereignty, + sent the Pandavas tactfully into Varanavata. And the Pandavas then went + away with their mother from Hastinapura. And when they were leaving the + city, Vidura gave them some idea of impending danger and how they could + come out of it. + </p> + <p> + ‘The sons of Kunti reached the town of Varanavata and lived there with + their mother. And, agreeably to the command of Dhritarashtra, those + illustrious slayers of all enemies lived in the palace of lac, while in + that town. And they lived in that place for one year, protecting + themselves from Purochana very wakefully. And causing a subterranean + passage to be constructed, acting according to the directions of Vidura, + they set fire to that house of lac and burnt Purochana (their enemy and + the spy of Duryodhana) to death. Those slayers of all enemies, anxious + with fear, then fled with their mother. In the woods beside a fountain + they saw a Rakshasa. But, alarmed at the risk they ran of exposure by such + an act the Pandavas fled in the darkness, out of fear from the sons of + Dhritarashtra. It was here that Bhima gained Hidimva (the sister of the + Rakshasa he slew) for a wife, and it was of her that Ghatotkacha was born. + Then the Pandavas, of rigid vows, and conversant with the Vedas wended to + a town of the name of Ekachakra and dwelt there in the guise of + Brahmacharins. And those bulls among men dwelt in that town in the house + of a Brahmana for some time, with temperance and abstinence. And it was + here that Bhima of mighty arms came upon a hungry and mighty and + man-eating Rakshasa of the name of Vaka. And Bhima, the son of Pandu, that + tiger among men, slew him speedily with the strength of his arms and made + the citizens safe and free from fear. Then they heard of Krishna (the + princess of Panchala) having become disposed to select a husband from + among the assembled princes. And, hearing of it, they went to Panchala, + and there they obtained the maiden. And having obtained Draupadi (as their + common wife) they then dwelt there for a year. And after they became + known, those chastisers of all enemies went back to Hastinapura. And they + were then told by king Dhritarashtra and the son of Santanu (Bhishma) as + follows: ‘In order, O dear ones, dissensions may not take place between + you and your cousins, we have settled that Khandavaprastha should be your + abode. Therefore, go ye, casting off all jealousy, to Khandavaprastha + which contains many towns served by many broad roads, for dwelling there.’ + And accordingly the Pandavas went, with all their friends and followers, + to Khandavaprastha taking with them many jewels and precious stones. And + the sons of Pritha dwelt there for many years. And they brought, by force + of arms, many a prince under their subjection. And thus, setting their + hearts on virtue and firmly adhering to truth, unruffled by affluence, + calm in deportment, and putting down numerous evils, the Pandavas + gradually rose to power. And Bhima of great reputation subjugated the + East, the heroic Arjuna, the North, Nakula, the West; Sahadeva that slayer + of all hostile heroes, the South. And this having been done, their + domination was spread over the whole world. And with the five Pandavas, + each like unto the Sun, the Earth looked as if she had six Suns. + </p> + <p> + “Then, for some reason, Yudhishthira the just, gifted with great energy + and prowess, sent his brother Arjuna who was capable of drawing the bow + with the left hand, dearer unto him than life itself, into the woods. And + Arjuna, that tiger among men, of firm soul, and gifted with every virtue, + lived in the woods for eleven years and months. And during this period, on + a certain occasion, Arjuna went to Krishna in Dwaravati. And Vibhatsu + (Arjuna) there obtained for a wife the lotus-eyed and sweet-speeched + younger sister of Vasudeva, Subhadra by name. And she became united, in + gladness, with Arjuna, the son of Pandu, like Sachi with the great Indra, + or Sri with Krishna himself. And then, O best of monarchs, Arjuna, the son + of Kunti, with Vasudeva, gratified Agni; the carrier of the sacrificial + butter, in the forest of Khandava (by burning the medicinal plants in that + woods to cure Agni of his indigestion). And to Arjuna, assisted as he was + by Kesava, the task did not at all appear heavy even as nothing is heavy + to Vishnu with immense design and resources in the matter of destroying + his enemies. And Agni gave unto the son of Pritha the excellent bow + Gandiva and a quiver that was inexhaustible, and a war-chariot bearing the + figure of Garuda on its standard. And it was on this occasion that Arjuna + relieved the great Asura (Maya) from fear (of being consumed in the fire). + And Maya, in gratitude, built (for the Pandavas) a celestial palace decked + with every sort of jewels and precious stones. And the wicked Duryodhana, + beholding that building, was tempted with the desire of possessing it. And + deceiving Yudhishthira by means of the dice played through the hands of + the son of Suvala, Duryodhana sent the Pandavas into the woods for twelve + years and one additional year to be passed in concealment, thus making the + period full thirteen. + </p> + <p> + “And the fourteenth year, O monarch, when the Pandavas returned and + claimed their property, they did not obtain it. And thereupon war was + declared, and the Pandavas, after exterminating the whole race of + Kshatriyas and slaying king Duryodhana, obtained back their devastated + kingdom. + </p> + <p> + “This is the history of the Pandavas who never acted under the influence + of evil passions; and this the account, O first of victorious monarchs of + the disunion that ended in the loss of their kingdom by the Kurus and the + victory of the Pandavas.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Adivansavatarana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O excellent Brahmana, thou hast, indeed, told me, in + brief, the history, called Mahabharata, of the great acts of the Kurus. + But, O thou of ascetic wealth, recite now that wonderful narration fully. + I feel a great curiosity to hear it. It behoveth thee to recite it, + therefore, in full. I am not satisfied with hearing in a nutshell the + great history. That could never have been a trifling cause for which the + virtuous ones could slay those whom they should not have slain, and for + which they are yet applauded by men. Why also did those tigers among men, + innocent and capable of avenging themselves upon their enemies, calmly + suffer the persecution of the wicked Kurus? Why also, O best of Brahmanas, + did Bhima of mighty arms and of the strength of ten thousand elephants, + control his anger, though wronged? Why also did the chaste Krishna, the + daughter of Drupada, wronged by those wretches and able to burn them, not + burn the sons of Dhritarashtra with her wrathful eyes? Why also did the + two other sons of Pritha (Bhima and Arjuna) and the two sons of Madri + (Nakula and Sahadeva), themselves injured by the wretched Kurus, follow + Yudhishthira who was greatly addicted to the evil habit of gambling? Why + also did Yudhishthira, that foremost of all virtuous men, the son of + Dharma himself, fully acquainted with all duties, suffer that excess of + affliction? Why also did the Pandava Dhananjaya, having Krishna for his + charioteer, who by his arrows sent to the other world that dauntless host + of fighting men (suffer such persecution)? O thou of ascetic wealth, speak + to me of all these as they took place, and everything that those mighty + charioteers achieved.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O monarch, appoint thou a time for hearing it. This + history told by Krishna-Dwaipayana is very extensive. This is but the + beginning. I shall recite it. I shall repeat the whole of the composition + in full, of the illustrious and great Rishi Vyasa of immeasurable mental + power, and worshipped in all the worlds. This Bharata consists of a + hundred thousand sacred slokas composed by the son of Satyavati, of + immeasurable mental power. He that reads it to others, and they that hear + it read, attain to the world of Brahman and become equal to the very gods. + This Bharata is equal unto the Vedas, is holy and excellent; is the + worthiest of all to be listened to, and is a Purana worshipped by the + Rishis. It contains much useful instruction on Artha and Kama (profit and + pleasure). This sacred history maketh the heart desire for salvation. + Learned persons by reciting this Veda of Krishna-Dwaipayana to those that + are liberal, truthful and believing, earn much wealth. Sins, such as + killing the embryo in the womb, are destroyed assuredly by this. A person, + however cruel and sinful, by hearing this history, escapes from all his + sins like the Sun from Rahu (after the eclipse is over). This history is + called Jaya. It should be heard by those desirous of victory. A king by + hearing it may bring the whole world under subjection and conquer all his + foes. This history in itself is a mighty act of propitiation, a mighty + sacrifice productive of blessed fruit. It should always be heard by a + young monarch with his queen, for then they beget a heroic son or a + daughter to occupy a throne. This history is the high and sacred science + of Dharma, Artha, and also of Moksha; it hath been so said by Vyasa + himself of mind that is immeasurable. This history is recited in the + present age and will be recited in the future. They that hear it, read, + have sons and servants always obedient to them and doing their behests. + All sins that are committed by body, word, or mind, immediately leave them + that hear this history. They who hear, without the spirit of fault + finding, the story of the birth of the Bharata princes, can have no fear + of maladies, let alone the fear of the other world. + </p> + <p> + “For extending the fame of the high-souled Pandavas and of other + Kshatriyas versed in all branches of knowledge, high spirited, and already + known in the world for their achievements, Krishna-Dwaipayana, guided also + by the desire of doing good to the world, hath composed this work. It is + excellent, productive of fame, grants length of life, is sacred and + heavenly. He who, from desire of acquiring religious merit, causeth this + history to be heard by sacred Brahmanas, acquireth great merit and virtue + that is inexhaustible. He that reciteth the famous generation of the Kurus + becometh immediately purified and acquireth a large family himself, and + becometh respected in the world. That Brahmana who regularly studies this + sacred Bharata for the four months of the rainy season, is cleansed from + all his sins. He that has read the Bharata may be regarded as one + acquainted with the Vedas. + </p> + <p> + “This work presents an account of the gods and royal sages and sacred + regenerate Rishis, the sinless Kesava; the god of gods, Mahadeva and the + goddess Parvati; the birth of Kartikeya who sprang from union of Parvati + with Mahadeva and was reared by many mothers; the greatness of Brahmanas + and of kine. This Bharata is a collection of all the Srutis, and is fit to + be heard by every virtuous person. That learned man who reciteth it to + Brahmanas during the sacred lunations, becometh cleansed of all sins, and, + not caring for heaven as it were, attaineth to a union with Brahma. He + that causeth even a single foot of this poem to be heard by Brahmanas + during the performance of a Sraddha, maketh that Sraddha inexhaustible, + the Pitris becoming ever gratified with the articles once presented to + them. The sins that are committed daily by our senses or the mind, those + that are committed knowingly or unknowingly by any man, are all destroyed + by hearing the Mahabharata. The history of the exalted birth of the + Bharata princes is called the Mahabharata. He who knoweth this etymology + of the name is cleansed of all his sins. And as this history of the + Bharata race is so wonderful, that, when recited, it assuredly purifieth + mortals from all sins. The sage Krishna-Dwaipayana completed his work in + three years. Rising daily and purifying himself and performing his ascetic + devotions, he composed this Mahabharata. Therefore, this should be heard + by Brahmanas with the formality of a vow. He who reciteth this holy + narration composed by Krishna (Vyasa) for the hearing of others, and they + who hear it, in whatever state he or they may be, can never be affected by + the fruit of deeds, good or bad. The man desirous of acquiring virtue + should hear it all. This is equivalent to all histories, and he that + heareth it always attaineth to purity of heart. The gratification that one + deriveth from attaining to heaven is scarcely equal to that which one + deriveth from hearing this holy history. The virtuous man who with + reverence heareth it or causeth it to be heard, obtaineth the fruit of the + Rajasuya and the horse-sacrifice. The Bharata is said to be as much a mine + of gems as the vast Ocean or the great mountain Meru. This history is + sacred and excellent, and is equivalent to the Vedas, worthy of being + heard, pleasing to the ear, sin-cleansing, and virtue-increasing. O + monarch, he that giveth a copy of the Bharata to one that asketh for it + doth indeed make a present of the whole earth with her belt of seas. O son + of Parikshit, this pleasant narration that giveth virtue and victory I am + about to recite in its entirety: listen to it. The sage Krishna-Dwaipayana + regularly rising for three years, composed this wonderful history called + Mahabharata. O bull amongst the Bharata monarchs, whatever is spoken about + virtue, wealth, pleasure, and salvation may be seen elsewhere; but + whatever is not contained in this is not to be found anywhere.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Adivansavatarana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘There was a king of the name of Uparichara. That + monarch was devoted to virtue. He was very much addicted also to hunting. + That king of the Paurava race, called also Vasu, conquered the excellent + and delightful kingdom of Chedi under instructions from Indra. Some time + after, the king gave up the use of arms and, dwelling in a secluded + retreat, practised the most severe austerities. The gods with Indra at + their head once approached the monarch during this period, believing that + he sought the headship of the gods, by those severe austerities of his. + The celestials, becoming objects of his sight, by soft speeches succeeded + in winning him away from his ascetic austerities.’ + </p> + <p> + “The gods said, ‘O lord of the earth, thou shouldst take care so that + virtue may not sustain a diminution on earth! Protected by thee, virtue + itself will in return protect the universe.’ And Indra said, ‘O king, + protect virtue on earth attentively and rigidly. Being virtuous, thou + shalt, for all time, behold (in after life) many sacred regions. And + though I am of Heaven, and thou art of earth, yet art thou my friend and + dear to me. And, O king of men, dwell thou in that region on earth which + is delightful, and aboundeth in animals, is sacred, full of wealth and + corn, is well-protected like heaven, which is of agreeable climate, graced + with every object of enjoyment, and blessed with fertility. And, O monarch + of Chedi, this thy dominion is full of riches, of gems and precious + stones, and containeth, besides, much mineral wealth. The cities and towns + of this region are all devoted to virtue; the people are honest and + contented; they never lie even in jest. Sons never divide their wealth + with their fathers and are ever mindful of the welfare of their parents. + Lean cattle are never yoked to the plough or the cart or engaged in + carrying merchandise; on the other hand, they are well-fed and fattened. + In Chedi the four orders are always engaged in their respective vocations. + Let nothing be unknown to thee that happens in the three worlds. I shall + give thee a crystal car such as the celestials alone are capable of + carrying the car through mid air. Thou alone, of all mortals on earth, + riding on that best of cars, shall course through mid-air like a celestial + endued with a physical frame. I shall also give thee a triumphal garland + of unfading lotuses, with which on, in battle, thou shall not be wounded + by weapons. And, O king, this blessed and incomparable garland, widely + known on earth as Indra’s garland, shall be thy distinctive badge. + </p> + <p> + “The slayer of Vritra (Indra) also gave the king, for his gratification, a + bamboo pole for protecting the honest and the peaceful. After the expiry + of a year, the king planted it in the ground for the purpose of + worshipping the giver thereof, viz., Sakra. From that time forth, O + monarch, all kings, following Vasu’s example, began to plant a pole for + the celebration of Indra’s worship. After erecting the pole they decked it + with golden cloth and scents and garlands and various ornaments. And the + god Vasava is worshipped in due form with such garlands and ornaments. And + the god, for the gratification of the illustrious Vasu, assuming the form + of a swan, came himself to accept the worship thus offered. And the god, + beholding the auspicious worship thus made by Vasu, that first of + monarchs, was delighted, and said unto him, ‘Those men, and kings also, + who will worship me and joyously observe this festival of mine like the + king of Chedi, shall have glory and victory for their countries and + kingdom. Their cities also shall expand and be ever in joy.’ + </p> + <p> + “King Vasu was thus blessed by the gratified Maghavat, the high-souled + chief of the gods. Indeed, those men who cause this festivity of Sakra to + be observed with gifts of land, of gems and precious stones, become the + respected of the world. And king Vasu, the lord of Chedis bestowing boons + and performing great sacrifices and observing the festivity of Sakra, was + much respected by Indra. And from Chedi he ruled the whole world + virtuously. And for the gratification of Indra, Vasu, the lord of the + Chedis, observed the festivity of Indra. + </p> + <p> + “And Vasu had five sons of great energy and immeasurable prowess. And the + emperor installed his sons as governors of various provinces. + </p> + <p> + “And his son Vrihadratha was installed in Magadha and was known by the + name of Maharatha. Another son of his was Pratyagraha; and another, + Kusamva, who was also called Manivahana. And the two others were Mavella, + and Yadu of great prowess and invincible in battle. + </p> + <p> + “These, O monarch, were the sons of that royal sage of mighty energy. And + the five sons of Vasu planted kingdoms and towns after their own names and + founded separate dynasties that lasted for long ages. + </p> + <p> + “And when king Vasu took his seat in that crystal car, with the gift of + Indra, and coursed through the sky, he was approached by Gandharvas and + Apsaras (the celestial singers and dancers). And as he coursed through the + upper regions, he was called Uparichara. And by his capital flowed a river + called Suktimati. And that river was once attacked by a life-endued + mountain called Kolahala maddened by lust. And Vasu, beholding the foul + attempt, struck the mountain with his foot. And by the indentation caused + by Vasu’s stamp, the river came out (of the embraces of Kolahala). But the + mountain begat on the river two children that were twins. And the river, + grateful to Vasu for his having set her free from Kolahala’s embraces, + gave them both to Vasu. And the son was made the generalissimo to his + forces by Vasu, that best of royal sages and giver of wealth and punisher + of enemies. And the daughter called Girika, was wedded by Vasu. + </p> + <p> + ‘And Girika, the wife of Vasu, after her menstrual course, purifying + herself by a bath, represented her state unto her lord. But that very day + the Pitris of Vasu came unto that best of monarchs and foremost of wise + men, and asked him to slay deer (for their Sraddha). And the king, + thinking that the command of the Pitris should not be disobeyed, went + a-hunting thinking of Girika alone who was gifted with great beauty and + like unto another Sri herself. And the season being the spring, the woods + within which the king was roaming, had become delightful like unto the + gardens of the king of the Gandharvas himself. There were Asokas and + Champakas and Chutas and Atimuktas in abundance: and there were Punnagas + and Karnikaras and Vakulas and Divya Patalas and Patalas and Narikelas and + Chandanas and Arjunas and similar other beautiful and sacred trees + resplendent with fragrant flowers and sweet fruits. And the whole forest + was maddened by the sweet notes of the kokila and echoed with the hum of + maddened bees. And the king became possessed with desire, and he saw not + his wife before him. Maddened by desire he was roaming hither and thither, + when he saw a beautiful Asoka decked with dense foliage, its branches + covered with flowers. And the king sat at his ease in the shade of that + tree. And excited by the fragrance of the season and the charming odours + of the flowers around, and excited also by the delicious breeze, the king + could not keep his mind away from the thought of the beautiful Girika. And + beholding that a swift hawk was resting very near to him, the king, + acquainted with the subtle truths of Dharma and Artha, went unto him and + said, ‘Amiable one, carry thou this seed (semen) for my wife Girika and + give it unto her. Her season hath arrived.’ + </p> + <p> + “The hawk, swift of speed, took it from the king and rapidly coursed + through the air. While thus passing, the hawk was seen by another of his + species. Thinking that the first one was carrying meat, the second one + flew at him. The two fought with each other in the sky with their beaks. + While they were fighting, the seed fell into the waters of the Yamuna. And + in those waters dwelt an Apsara of the higher rank, known by the name of + Adrika, transformed by a Brahmana’s curse into a fish. As soon as Vasu’s + seed fell into the water from the claws of the hawk, Adrika rapidly + approached and swallowed it at once. That fish was, some time after, + caught by the fishermen. And it was the tenth month of the fish’s having + swallowed the seed. From the stomach of that fish came out a male and a + female child of human form. The fishermen wondered much, and wending unto + king Uparichara (for they were his subjects) told him all. They said, ‘O + king, these two beings of human shape have been found in the body of a + fish!’ The male child amongst the two was taken by Uparichara. That child + afterwards became the virtuous and truthful monarch Matsya. + </p> + <p> + “After the birth of the twins, the Apsara herself became freed from her + curse. For she had been told before by the illustrious one (who had cursed + her) that she would, while living in her piscatorial form, give birth to + two children of human shape and then would be freed from the curse. Then, + according to these words, having given birth to the two children, and been + killed by the fishermen, she left her fish-form and assumed her own + celestial shape. The Apsara then rose up on the path trodden by the + Siddhas, the Rishis and the Charanas. + </p> + <p> + “The fish-smelling daughter of the Apsara in her piscatorial form was then + given by the king unto the fishermen, saying, ‘Let this one be thy + daughter.’ That girl was known by the name of Satyavati. And gifted with + great beauty and possessed of every virtue, she of agreeable smiles, owing + to contact with fishermen, was for some time of the fishy smell. Wishing + to serve her (foster) father she plied a boat on the waters of the Yamuna. + </p> + <p> + “While engaged in this vocation, Satyavati was seen one day by the great + Rishi Parasara, in course of his wanderings. As she was gifted with great + beauty, an object of desire even with an anchorite, and of graceful + smiles, the wise sage, as soon as he beheld her, desired to have her. And + that bull amongst Munis addressed the daughter of Vasu of celestial beauty + and tapering thighs, saying, ‘Accept my embraces, O blessed one!’ + Satyavati replied, ‘O holy one, behold the Rishis standing on either bank + of the river. Seen by them, how can I grant thy wish?’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed by her, the ascetic thereupon created a fog (which existed + not before and) which enveloped the whole region in darkness. And the + maiden, beholding the fog that was created by the great Rishi wondered + much. And the helpless one became suffused with the blushes of + bashfulness. And she said, ‘O holy one, note that I am a maiden under the + control of my father. O sinless one, by accepting your embraces my + virginity will be sullied. O best of Brahmanas, my virginity being + sullied, how shall I, O Rishi, be able to return home? Indeed, I shall not + then be able to bear life. Reflecting upon all this, O illustrious one, do + that which should be done.’ That best of Rishis, gratified with all she + said, replied, “Thou shall remain a virgin even if thou grantest my wish. + And, O timid one, O beauteous lady, solicit the boon that thou desirest. O + thou of fair smiles, my grace hath never before proved fruitless.’ Thus + addressed, the maiden asked for the boon that her body might emit a sweet + scent (instead of the fish-odour that it had). And the illustrious Rishi + thereupon granted that wish of her heart. + </p> + <p> + “Having obtained her boon, she became highly pleased, and her season + immediately came. And she accepted the embraces of that Rishi of wonderful + deeds. And she thenceforth became known among men by the name of + Gandhavati (the sweet-scented one). And men could perceive her scent from + the distance of a yojana. And for this she was known by another name which + was Yojanagandha (one who scatters her scent for a yojana all around). And + the illustrious Parasara, after this, went to his own asylum. + </p> + <p> + “And Satyavati gratified with having obtained the excellent boon in + consequence of which she became sweet-scented and her virginity remained + unsullied conceived through Parasara’s embraces. And she brought forth the + very day, on an island in the Yamuna, the child begot upon her by Parasara + and gifted with great energy. And the child, with the permission of his + mother, set his mind on asceticism. And he went away saying, ‘As soon as + thou rememberest me when occasion comes, I shall appear unto thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “And it was thus that Vyasa was born of Satyavati through Parasara. And + because he was born in an island, he was called Dwaipayana (Dwaipa or + islandborn). And the learned Dwaipayana, beholding that virtue is destined + to become lame by one leg each yuga (she having four legs in all) and that + the period of life and the strength of men followed the yugas, and moved + by the desire of obtaining the favour of Brahman and the Brahmanas, + arranged the Vedas. And for this he came to be called Vyasa (the arranger + or compiler). The boon-giving great one then taught Sumanta, Jaimini, + Paila, his son Suka, and Vaisampayana, the Vedas having the Mahabharata + for their fifth. And the compilation of the Bharata was published by him + through them separately. + </p> + <p> + “Then Bhishma, of great energy and fame and of immeasurable splendour, and + sprung from the component parts of the Vasus, was born in the womb of + Ganga through king Santanu. And there was a Rishi of the name of + Animandavya of great fame. And he was conversant with the interpretations + of the Vedas, was illustrious, gifted with great energy, and of great + reputation. And, accused of theft, though innocent, the old Rishi was + impaled. He thereupon summoned Dharma and told him these words, ‘In my + childhood I had pierced a little fly on a blade of grass, O Dharma! I + recollect that one sin: but I cannot call to mind any other. I have, + however, since practised penances a thousandfold. Hath not that one sin + been conquered by this my asceticism? And because the killing of a + Brahmana is more heinous than that of any other living thing, therefore, + hast thou, O Dharma, been sinful. Thou shalt, therefore, be born on earth + in the Sudra order.’ And for that curse Dharma was born a Sudra in the + form of the learned Vidura of pure body who was perfectly sinless. And the + Suta was born of Kunti in her maidenhood through Surya. And he came out of + his mother’s womb with a natural coat of mail and face brightened by + ear-rings. And Vishnu himself, of world-wide fame, and worshipped of all + the worlds, was born of Devaki through Vasudeva, for the benefit of the + three worlds. He is without birth and death, of radiant splendour, the + Creator of the universe and the Lord of all! Indeed, he who is the + invisible cause of all, who knoweth no deterioration, who is the + all-pervading soul, the centre round which everything moveth, the + substance in which the three attributes of Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas + co-inhere, the universal soul, the immutable, the material out of which + hath been created this universe, the Creator himself, the controlling + lord, the invisible dweller in every object, progenitor of this universe + of five elements, who is united with the six high attributes, is the + Pranava or Om of the Vedas, is infinite, incapable of being moved by any + force save his own will, illustrious, the embodiment of the mode of life + called Sannyasa, who floated on the waters before the creation, who is the + source whence hath sprung this mighty frame, who is the great combiner, + the uncreate, the invisible essence of all, the great immutable, bereft of + those attributes that are knowable by the senses, who is the universe + itself, without beginning, birth, and decay,—is possessed of + infinite wealth, that Grandsire of all creatures, became incarnate in the + race of the Andhaka-Vrishnis for the increase of virtue. + </p> + <p> + “And Satyaki and Kritavarma, conversant with (the use of) weapons + possessed of mighty energy, well-versed in all branches of knowledge, and + obedient to Narayana in everything and competent in the use of weapons, + had their births from Satyaka and Hridika. And the seed of the great Rishi + Bharadwaja of severe penances, kept in a pot, began to develop. And from + that seed came Drona (the pot-born). And from the seed of Gautama, fallen + upon a clump of reeds, were born two that were twins, the mother of + Aswatthaman (called Kripi), and Kripa of great strength. Then was born + Dhrishtadyumna, of the splendour of Agni himself, from the sacrificial + fire. And the mighty hero was born with bow in hand for the destruction of + Drona. And from the sacrificial altar was born Krishna (Draupadi) + resplendent and handsome, of bright features and excellent beauty. Then + was born the disciple of Prahlada, viz., Nagnajit, and also Suvala. And + from Suvala was born a son, Sakuni, who from the curse of the gods became + the slayer of creatures and the foe of virtue. And unto him was also born + a daughter (Gandhari), the mother of Duryodhana. And both were well-versed + in the arts of acquiring worldly profits. And from Krishna was born, in + the soil of Vichitravirya, Dhritarashtra, the lord of men, and Pandu of + great strength. And from Dwaipayana also born, in the Sudra caste, the + wise and intelligent Vidura, conversant with both religion and profit, and + free from all sins. And unto Pandu by his two wives were born five sons + like the celestials. The eldest of them was Yudhishthira. And Yudhishthira + was born (of the seed) of Dharma (Yama, the god of justice); and Bhima of + the wolf’s stomach was born of Marut (the god of wind), and Dhananjaya, + blessed with good fortune and the first of all wielders of weapons, was + born of Indra; and Nakula and Sahadeva, of handsome features and ever + engaged in the service of their superiors, were born of the twin Aswins. + And unto the wise Dhritarashtra were born a hundred sons, viz., Duryodhana + and others, and another, named Yuyutsu, who was born of a vaisya woman. + And amongst those hundred and one, eleven, viz., Duhsasana, Duhsaha, + Durmarshana, Vikarna, Chitrasena, Vivinsati, Jaya, Satyavrata, Purumitra, + and Yuyutsu by a Vaisya wife, were all Maharathas (great car-warriors). + And Abhimanyu was born of Subhadra, the sister of Vasudeva through Arjuna, + and was, therefore, the grandson of the illustrious Pandu. And unto the + five Pandavas were born five sons by (their common wife) Panchali. And + these princes were all very handsome and conversant with all branches of + knowledge. From Yudhishthira was born Pritivindhya; from Vrikodara, + Sutasoma; from Arjuna, Srutakirti; from Nakula, Satanika; and from + Sahadeva, Srutasena of great prowess; and Bhima, in the forest begot on + Hidimva a son named Ghatotkacha. And from Drupada was born a daughter + Sikhandin who was afterwards transformed into a male child. Sikhandini was + so transformed into a male by Yaksha named Sthuna from the desire of doing + her good. + </p> + <p> + “In that great battle of the Kurus came hundreds of thousands of monarchs + for fighting against one another. The names of the innumerable host I am + unable to recount even in ten thousand years. I have named, however, the + principal ones who have been mentioned in this history.’” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + SECTION LXIV +</pre> + <p> + (Adivansavatarana Parva continued) + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O Brahmana, those thou hast named and those thou hast + not named, I wish to hear of them in detail, as also of other kings by + thousands. And, O thou of great good fortune, it behoveth thee to tell me + in full the object for which those Maharathas, equal unto the celestials + themselves, were born on earth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘It hath been heard by us, O monarch, that what thou + askest is a mystery even to the gods. I shall, however, speak of it unto + thee, after bowing down (to the self-born). The son of Jamadagni + (Parasurama), after twenty-one times making the earth bereft of Kshatriyas + wended to that best of mountains Mahendra and there began his ascetic + penances. And at that time when the earth was bereft of Kshatriyas, the + Kshatriya ladies, desirous of offspring, used to come, O monarch, to the + Brahmanas and Brahmanas of rigid vows had connection with them during the + womanly season alone, but never, O king, lustfully and out of season. And + Kshatriya ladies by thousands conceived from such connection with + Brahmanas. Then, O monarch, were born many Kshatriyas of greater energy, + boys and girls, so that the Kshatriya race, might thrive. And thus sprang + the Kshatriya race from Kshatriya ladies by Brahmanas of ascetic penances. + And the new generation, blessed with long life, began to thrive in virtue. + And thus were the four orders having Brahmanas at their head + re-established. And every man at that time went in unto his wife during + her season and never from lust and out of season. And, O bull of the + Bharata race, in the same way, other creatures also, even those born in + the race of birds went in unto their wives during the season alone. And, O + protector of the earth, hundreds of thousands of creatures were born, and + all were virtuous and began to multiply in virtue, all being free from + sorrow and disease. And, O thou of the elephant’s tread, this wide earth + having the ocean for her boundaries, with her mountains and woods and + towns, was once more governed by the Kshatriyas. And when the earth began + to be again governed virtuously by the Kshatriyas, the other orders having + Brahmanas for their first were filled with great joy. And the kings giving + up all vices born of lust and anger and justly awarding punishments to + those that deserved them protected the earth. And he of a hundred + sacrifices, possessed also of a thousand eyes, beholding that the + Kshatriya monarchs ruled so virtuously, poured down vivifying showers at + proper times and places and blessed all creatures. Then, O king, no one of + immature years died, and none knew a woman before attaining to age. And + thus, O bull of the Bharata race, the earth, to the very coasts of the + ocean, became filled with men that were all long-lived. The Kshatriyas + performed great sacrifices bestowing much wealth. And the Brahmanas also + all studied the Vedas with their branches and the Upanishads. And, O king, + no Brahmana in those days ever sold the Vedas (i.e., taught for money) or + ever read aloud the Vedas in the presence of a Sudra. The Vaisyas, with + the help of bullocks, caused the earth to be tilled. And they never yoked + the cattle themselves. And they fed with care all cattle that were lean. + And men never milked kine as long as the calves drank only the milk of + their dams (without having taken to grass or any other food). And no + merchant in those days ever sold his articles by false scales. And, O + tiger among men, all persons, holding to the ways of virtue, did + everything with eyes set upon virtue. And, O monarch, all the orders were + mindful of their own respective duties. Thus, O tiger among men, virtue in + those days never sustained any diminution. And, O bull of the Bharata + race, both kine and women gave birth to their offspring at the proper + time. And trees bore flowers and fruit duly according to the seasons. And + thus, O king, the krita age having then duly set in, the whole earth was + filled with numerous creatures. + </p> + <p> + “And, O bull of the Bharata race, when such was the blessed state of the + terrestrial world, the Asuras, O lord of men, began to be born in kingly + lines. And the sons of Diti (Daityas) being repeatedly defeated in war by + the sons of Aditi (celestials) and deprived also of sovereignty and + heaven, began to be incarnated on the earth. And, O king, the Asuras being + possessed of great powers, and desirous of sovereignty began to be born on + earth amongst various creatures, such as kine, horses, asses, camels, + buffaloes, among creatures such as Rakshasas and others, and among + elephants and deer. And, O protector of the earth, owing to those already + born and to those that were being born, the earth became incapable of + supporting herself. And amongst the sons of Diti and of Danu, cast out of + heaven, some were born on the earth as kings of great pride and insolence. + Possessed of great energy, they covered the earth in various shapes. + Capable of oppressing all foes, they filled the earth having the ocean for + its boundaries. And by their strength they began to oppress Brahmanas and + Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras and all other creatures also. Terrifying + and killing all creatures, they traversed the earth, O king, in bands of + hundreds and thousands. Devoid of truth and virtue, proud of their + strength, and intoxicated with (the wine of) insolence, they even insulted + the great Rishis in their hermitages. + </p> + <p> + “And the earth, thus oppressed by the mighty Asuras endued with great + strength and energy and possessed of abundant means, began to think of + waiting on Brahman. The united strength of the creatures (such as Sesha, + the Tortoise, and the huge Elephant), and of many Seshas too, became + capable of supporting the earth with her mountains, burdened as she was + with the weight of the Danavas. And then, O king, the earth, oppressed + with weight and afflicted with fear, sought the protection of the + Grandsire of all creatures. And she beheld the divine Brahman—the + Creator of the worlds who knoweth no deterioration—surrounded by the + gods, Brahmanas, and great Rishis, of exceeding good fortune, and adored + by delighted Gandharvas and Apsaras always engaged in the service of the + celestials. And the Earth, desirous of protection, then represented + everything to him, in the presence, O Bharata, of all the Regents of the + worlds. But, O king, the Earth’s object had been known beforehand to the + Omniscient, Self-create, and Supreme Lord. And, O Bharata, Creator as he + is of the universe, why should he not know fully what is in the minds of + his creatures including the very gods and the Asuras? O king, the Lord of + the Earth, the Creator of all creatures, also called Isa, Sambhu, + Prajapati, then spake unto her. And Brahman said, ‘O holder of wealth, for + the accomplishment of the object for which thou hast approached me, I + shall appoint all the dwellers in the heavens.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having said so unto the Earth, O king, the + divine Brahman bade her farewell. And the Creator then commanded all the + gods saying, ‘To ease the Earth of her burden, go ye and have your births + in her according to your respective parts and seek ye strife (with the + Asuras already born there)’. And the Creator of all, summoning also all + the tribes of the Gandharvas and the Apsaras, spake unto them these words + of deep import, ‘Go ye and be born amongst men according to your + respective parts in forms that ye like.’ + </p> + <p> + “And all the gods with Indra, on hearing these words of the Lord of the + celestials—words that were true, desirable under the circumstances, + and fraught with benefit,—accepted them. And they all having + resolved to come down on earth in their respected parts, then went to + Narayana, the slayer of all foes, at Vaikunth—the one who has the + discus and the mace in his hands, who is clad in purple, who is of great + splendour, who hath the lotus on his navel, who is the slayer of the foes + of the gods, who is of eyes looking down upon his wide chest (in yoga + attitude), who is the lord of the Prajapati himself, the sovereign of all + the gods, of mighty strength, who hath the mark of the auspicious whirl on + his breast, who is the mover of every one’s faculties and who is adored by + all the gods. Him, Indra the most exalted of persons, addressed, saying, + “Be incarnate.” And Hari replied,—‘Let it be.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Indra had a consultation with Narayana about the + latter’s descent on the earth from heaven with all the gods according to + their respective parts. And, having commanded all the dwellers in heaven, + Indra returned from the abode of Narayana. And the dwellers in heaven + gradually became incarnate on earth for the destruction of the Asuras and + for the welfare of the three worlds. And then, O tiger among kings, the + celestials had their births, according as they pleased, in the races of + Brahmarshis and royal sages. And they slew the Danavas, Rakshasas, + Gandharvas and Snakes, other man-eaters, and many other creatures. And, O + bull in the Bharata race, the Danavas, Rakshasas and Gandharvas and + Snakes, could not slay the incarnate celestials even in their infancy, so + strong they were.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘I desire to hear from the beginning of the births of + the gods, the Danavas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, men, Yakshas and + Rakshasas. Therefore, it behoveth thee to tell me about the births of all + creatures.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Indeed, I shall, having bowed down to the + Self-create, tell thee in detail the origin of the celestials and other + creatures. It is known that Brahman hath six spiritual sons, viz., + Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu. And Marichi’s son is + Kasyapa, and from Kasyapa have sprung these creatures. Unto Daksha (one of + the Prajapatis) were born thirteen daughters of great good fortune. The + daughters of Daksha are, O tiger among men and prince of the Bharata race, + Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kala, Danayu, Sinhika, Krodha, Pradha, Viswa, Vinata, + Kapila, Muni, and Kadru. The sons and grandsons of these, gifted with + great energy, are countless. From Aditi have sprung the twelve Adityas who + are the lords of the universe. And, O Bharata, as they are according to + their names, I shall recount them to thee. They are Dhatri, Mitra, + Aryaman, Sakra, Varuna, Ansa, Vaga, Vivaswat, Usha, Savitri, Tvashtri, and + Vishnu. The youngest, however, is superior to them all in merit. Diti had + one son called Hiranyakasipu. And the illustrious Hiranyakasipu had five + sons, all famous throughout the world. The eldest of them all was + Prahlada, the next was Sahradha; the third was Anuhrada; and after him + were Sivi and Vashkala. And, O Bharata, it is known everywhere that + Prahlada had three sons. They were Virochana, Kumbha, and Nikumbha. And + unto Virochana was born a son, Vali, of great prowess. And the son of Vali + is known to be the great Asura, Vana. And blessed with good fortune, Vana + was a follower of Rudra, and was known also by the name of Mahakala. And + Danu had forty sons, O Bharata! The eldest of them all was Viprachitti of + great fame Samvara, and Namuchi and Pauloman; Asiloman, and Kesi and + Durjaya; Ayahsiras, Aswasiras, and the powerful Aswasanku; also + Gaganamardhan, and Vegavat, and he called Ketumat; Swarbhanu, Aswa, + Aswapati, Vrishaparvan, and then Ajaka; and Aswagriva, and Sukshama, and + Tuhunda of great strength, Ekapada, and Ekachakra, Virupaksha, Mahodara, + and Nichandra, and Nikumbha, Kupata, and then Kapata; Sarabha, and + Sulabha, Surya, and then Chandramas; these in the race of Danu are stated + to be well-known. The Surya and Chandramas (the Sun and the Moon) of the + celestials are other persons, and not the sons of Danu as mentioned above. + The following ten, gifted with great strength and vigour, were also, O + king, born in the race of Danu;—Ekaksha, Amritapa of heroic courage, + Pralamva and Naraka, Vatrapi, Satrutapana, and Satha, the great Asura; + Gavishtha, and Vanayu, and the Danava called Dirghajiva. And, O Bharata, + the sons and the grandsons of these were known to be countless. And + Sinhika gave birth to Rahu, the persecutor of the Sun and the Moon, and to + three others, Suchandra, Chandrahantri, and Chandrapramardana. And the + countless progeny of Krura (krodha) were as crooked and wicked as herself. + And the tribe was wrathful, of crooked deeds, and persecutors of their + foes. And Danayu also had four sons who were bulls among the Asuras. They + were Vikshara, Vala, Vira, and Vritra the great Asura. And the sons of + Kala were all like Yama himself and smiter of all foes. And they were of + great energy, and oppressors of all foes. And the sons of Kala were + Vinasana and Krodha, and then Krodhahantri, and Krodhasatru. And there + were many others among the sons of Kala. And Sukra, the son of a Rishi, + was the chief priest of the Asuras. And the celebrated Sukra had four sons + who were priests of the Asuras. And they were Tashtadhara and Atri, and + two others of fierce deeds. They were like the Sun himself in energy, and + set their hearts on acquiring the regions of Brahman. + </p> + <p> + “Thus hath been recited by me, as heard in the Purana, of progeny of the + gods and the Asuras, both of great strength and energy. I am incapable, O + king, of counting the descendants of these, countless as they are, are not + much known to fame. + </p> + <p> + “And the sons of Vinata were Tarkhya and Arishtanemi, and Garuda and + Aruna, and Aruni and Varuni. And Sesha or Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka, + Kumara, and Kulika are known to be the sons of Kadru; and Bhimasena, + Ugrasena, Suparna, Varuna, Gopati, and Dhritarashtra, and Suryavarchas the + seventh, Satyavachas, Arkaparna, Prayuta, Bhima, and Chitraratha known to + fame, of great learning, and a controller of his passions, and then + Kalisiras, and, O king, Parjanya, the fourteenth in the list, Kali, the + fifteenth, and Narada, the sixteenth—these Devas and Gandharvas are + known to be the sons of Muni (Daksha’s daughter as mentioned before). I + shall recount many others, O Bharata! Anavadya Manu, Vansa, Asura, + Marganapria, Anupa, Subhaga, Vasi, were the daughters brought forth by + Pradha, Siddha, and Purna, and Varhin, and Purnayus of great fame, + Brahmacharin, Ratiguna, and Suparna who was the seventh; Viswavasu, Bhanu, + and Suchandra who was the tenth, were also the sons of Pradha. All these + were celestial Gandharvas. And it is also known that this Pradha of great + fortune, through the celestial Rishi (Kasyapa, her husband), brought forth + the sacred of the Apsaras, Alamvusha, Misrakesi, Vidyutparna, Tilottama, + Aruna, Rakshita, Rambha, Manorama, Kesini, Suvahu, Surata, Suraja, and + Supria were the daughters, and Ativahu and the celebrated Haha and Huhu, + and Tumvuru were the sons—the best of Gandharvas—of Pradha and + Amrita. The Brahmanas, kine, Gandharvas, and Apsaras, were born of Kapila + as stated in the Purana. + </p> + <p> + “Thus hath been recited to thee by me the birth of all creatures duly—of + Gandharvas and Apsaras, of Snakes, Suparnas, Rudras, and Maruts; of kine + and of Brahmanas blessed with great good fortune, and of sacred deeds. And + this account (if read) extendeth the span of life, is sacred, worthy of + all praise, and giveth pleasure to the ear. It should be always heard and + recited to others, in a proper frame of mind. + </p> + <p> + “He who duly readeth this account of the birth of all high-souled + creatures in the presence of the gods and Brahmanas, obtaineth large + progeny, good fortune, and fame, and attaineth also to excellent worlds + hereafter.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘It is known that the spiritual sons of Brahman were + the six great Rishis (already mentioned). There was another of the name of + Sthanu. And the sons of Sthanu, gifted with great energy, were, it is + known, eleven. They were Mrigavayadha, Sarpa, Niriti of great fame: + Ajaikapat, Ahivradhna, and Pinaki, the oppressor of foes; Dahana and + Iswara, and Kapali of great splendour; and Sthanu, and the illustrious + Bharga. These are called the eleven Rudras. It hath been already said, + that Marichi, Angiras. Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, and Kratu—these six + great Rishis of great energy—are the sons of Brahman. It is + well-known in the world that Angiras’s sons are three,—Vrihaspati, + Utathya, and Samvarta, all of rigid vows. And, O king, it is said that the + sons of Atri are numerous. And, being great Rishis, they are all + conversant with the Vedas, crowned with ascetic success, and of souls in + perfect peace. And, O tiger among kings, the sons of Pulastya of great + wisdom are Rakshasas, Monkeys, Kinnaras (half-men and half-horses), and + Yakshas. And, O king, the son of Pulaha were, it is said, the Salabhas + (the winged insects), the lions, the Kimpurushas (half-lions and + half-men), the tigers, bears, and wolves. And the sons of Kratu, sacred as + sacrifices, are the companions of Surya, (the Valikhilyas), known in three + worlds and devoted to truth and vows. And, O protector of the Earth, the + illustrious Rishi Daksha, of soul in complete peace, and of great + asceticism, sprung from the right toe of Brahman. And from the left toe of + Brahman sprang the wife of the high-souled Daksha. And the Muni begat upon + her fifty daughters; and all those daughters were of faultless features + and limbs and of eyes like lotus-petals. And the lord Daksha, not having + any sons, made those daughters his Putrikas (so that their sons might + belong both to himself and to their husbands). And Daksha bestowed, + according to the sacred ordinance, ten of his daughters on Dharma, + twenty-seven on Chandra (the Moon), and thirteen on Kasyapa. Listen as I + recount the wives of Dharma according to their names. They are ten in all—Kirti, + Lakshmi, Dhriti, Medha, Pushti, Sraddha, Kria, Buddhi, Lajja, and Mali. + These are the wives of Dharma as appointed by the Self-create. It is known + also throughout the world that the wives of Soma (Moon) are twenty-seven. + And the wives of Soma, all of sacred vows, are employed in indicating + time; and they are the Nakshatras and the Yoginis and they became so for + assisting the courses of the worlds. + </p> + <p> + “And Brahman had another son named Manu. And Manu had a son of the name of + Prajapati. And the sons of Prajapati were eight and were called Vasus whom + I shall name in detail. They were Dhara, Dhruva, Soma, Aha, Anila, Anala, + Pratyusha, and Prabhasa. These eight are known as the Vasus. Of these, + Dhara and the truth-knowing Dhruva were born of Dhumra; Chandramas (Soma) + and Swasana (Anila) were born of the intelligent Swasa; Aha was the son of + Rata: and Hutasana (Anala) of Sandilya; and Pratyusha and Prabhasa were + the sons of Prabhata. And Dhara had two sons, Dravina and Huta-havya-vaha. + And the son of Dhruva is the illustrious Kala (Time), the destroyer of the + worlds. And Soma’s son is the resplendent Varchas. And Varchas begot upon + his wife Manohara three sons—Sisira, and Ramana. And the son of Aha + were Jyotih, Sama, Santa, and also Muni. And the son of Agni is the + handsome Kumara born in a forest of reeds. And, he is also called + Kartikeya because he was reared by Krittika and others. And, after + Kartikeya, there were born his three brothers Sakha, Visakha, Naigameya. + And the wife of Anila is Siva, and Siva’s son were Manojava and + Avijnataagati. These two were the sons of Anila. The son of Pratyusha, you + must know, is the Rishi named Devala; and Devala had two sons who were + both exceedingly forgiving and of great mental power. And the sister of + Vrihaspati, the first of women, uttering the sacred truth, engaged in + ascetic penances, roamed over the whole earth; and she became the wife of + Prabhasa, the eighth Vasu. And she brought forth the illustrious + Viswakarman, the founder of all arts. And he was the originator of a + thousand arts, the engineer of the immortals, the maker of all kinds of + ornaments, and the first of artists. And he it was who constructed the + celestial cars of the gods, and mankind are enabled to live in consequence + of the inventions of that illustrious one. And he is worshipped, for that + reason, by men. And he is eternal and immutable, this Viswakarman. + </p> + <p> + “And the illustrious Dharma, the dispenser of all happiness, assuming a + human countenance, came out through the right breast of Brahman. And + Ahasta (Dharma) hath three excellent sons capable of charming every + creature. And they are Sama, Kama, Harsha (Peace, Desire, and Joy). And by + their energy they are supporting the worlds. And the wife of Kama is Rati, + of Sama is Prapti; and the wife of Harsha is Nanda. And upon them, indeed, + are the worlds made to depend. + </p> + <p> + “And the son of Marichi is Kasyapa. And Kasyapa’s offspring are the gods + and the Asuras. And, therefore, is Kasyapa, the Father of the worlds. And + Tvashtri, of the form of Vadava (a mare), became the wife of Savitri. And + she gave birth, in the skies, to two greatly fortunate twins, the Aswins. + And, O king, the sons of Aditi are twelve with Indra heading them all. And + the youngest of them all was Vishnu upon whom the worlds depend. + </p> + <p> + “These are the thirty-three gods (the eight Vasus, the eleven Rudras, the + twelve Adityas, Prajapati, and Vashatkara). I shall now recount their + progeny according to their Pakshas, Kulas, and Ganas. The Rudras, the + Saddhyas, the Maruts, the Vasus, the Bhargavas, and the Viswedevas are + each reckoned as a Paksha. Garuda the son of Vinata and the mighty Aruna + also, and the illustrious Vrihaspati are reckoned among the Adityas. The + twin Aswins, all annual plants, and all inferior animals, are reckoned + among the Guhyakas. + </p> + <p> + “These are the Ganas of the gods recited to thee, O king! This recitation + washes men of all sins. + </p> + <p> + “The illustrious Bhrigu came out, ripping open the breast of Brahman. The + learned Sukra is Bhrigu’s son. And the learned Sukra becoming a planet and + engaged according to the command of the Self-existent in pouring and + withholding rain, and in dispensing and remitting calamities, traverses, + for sustaining the lives of all the creatures in the three worlds, through + the skies. And the learned Sukra, of great intelligence and wisdom, of + rigid vows, leading the life of a Brahmacharin, divided himself in twain + by power of asceticism, and became the spiritual guide of both the Daityas + and the gods. And after Sukra was thus employed by Brahman in seeking the + welfare (of the gods and the Asuras), Bhrigu begot another excellent son. + This was Chyavana who was like the blazing sun, of virtuous soul, and of + great fame. And he came out of his mother’s womb in anger and became the + cause of his mother’s release, O king (from the hands of the Rakshasas). + And Arushi, the daughter of Manu, became the wife of the wise Chyavana. + And, on her was begotten Aurva of great reputation. And he came out, + ripping open the thigh of Arushi. And Aurva begot Richika. And Richika + even in his boyhood became possessed of great power and energy, and of + every virtue. And Richika begot Jamadagni. And the high-souled Jamadagni + had four sons. And the youngest of them all was Rama (Parasurama). And + Rama was superior to all his brothers in the possession of good qualities. + And he was skilful in all weapons, and became the slayer of the + Kshatriyas. And he had his passions under complete control. And Aurva had + a hundred sons with Jamadagni the eldest. And these hundred sons had + offspring by thousands spread over this earth. + </p> + <p> + “And Brahman had two other sons, viz., Dhatri and Vidhatri who stayed with + Manu. Their sister is the auspicious Lakshmi having her abode amid + lotuses. And the spiritual sons of Lakshmi are the sky-ranging horses. And + the daughter born of Sukra, named Divi, became the eldest wife of Varuna. + Of her were born a son named Vala and a daughter named Sura (wine), to the + joy of the gods. And Adharma (Sin) was born when creatures (from want of + food) began to devour one another. And Adharma always destroys every + creature. And Adharma hath Niriti for his wife, whence the Rakshasas who + are called Nairitas (offspring of Niriti). And she hath also three other + cruel sons always engaged in sinful deeds. They are Bhaya (fear), + Mahabhaya (terror), and Mrityu (Death) who is always engaged in slaying + every created thing. And, as he is all-destroying, he hath no wife, and no + son. And Tamra brought forth five daughters known throughout the worlds. + They are Kaki (crow), Syeni (hawk), Phasi (hen), Dhritarashtri (goose), + and Suki (parrot). And Kaki brought forth the crows; Syeni, the hawks, the + cocks and vultures, Dhritarashtri, all ducks and swans; and she also + brought forth all Chakravakas; and the fair Suki, of amiable qualities, + and possessing all auspicious signs brought forth all the parrots. And + Krodha gave birth to nine daughters, all of wrathful disposition. And + their names were Mrigi, Mrigamanda, Hari, Bhadramana, Matangi, Sarduli, + Sweta, Surabhi, and the agreeable Surasa blessed with every virtue. And, O + foremost of men, the offspring of Mrigi are all animals of the deer + species. And the offspring of Mrigamanda are all animals of the bear + species and those called Srimara (sweet-footed). And Bhadramana begot the + celestial elephants, Airavata. And the offspring of Hari are all animals + of the simian species endued with great activity, so also all the horses. + And those animals also, that are called Go-langula (the cow-tailed), are + said to be the offspring of Hari. And Sarduli begot lions and tigers in + numbers, and also leopards and all other strong animals. And, O king, the + offspring of Matangi are all the elephants. And Sweta begat the large + elephant known by the name of Sweta, endued with great speed. And, O king, + Surabhi gave birth to two daughters, the amiable Rohini and the far-famed + Gandharvi. And, O Bharata, she had also two other daughters named Vimala + and Anala. From Rohini have sprung all kine, and from Gandharvi all + animals of the horse species. And Anala begat the seven kinds of trees + yielding pulpy fruits. (They are the date, the palm, the hintala, the + tali, the little date, the nut, and the cocoanut.) And she had also + another daughter called Suki (the mother of the parrot species). And + Surasa bore a son called Kanka (a species of long-feathered birds). And + Syeni, the wife of Aruna, gave birth to two sons of great energy and + strength, named Sampati and the mighty Jatayu. Surasa also bore the Nagas, + and Kadru, the Punnagas (snakes). And Vinata had two sons Garuda and + Aruna, known far and wide. And, O king of men, O foremost of intelligent + persons, thus hath the genealogy of all the principal creatures been fully + described by me. By listening to this, a man is fully cleansed of all his + sins, and acquireth great knowledge, and finally attaineth to the first of + states in after-life!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O worshipful one, I wish to hear from thee in detail + about the birth, among men, of the gods, the Danavas, the Gandharvas, the + Rakshasas, the lions, the tigers, and the other animals, the snakes, the + birds, and in fact, of all creatures. I wish also to hear about the acts + and achievements of those, in due order, after they became incarnate in + human forms.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O king of men, I shall first tell thee all about + those celestials and Danavas that were born among men—The first of + Danavas, who was known by the name of Viprachitti, became that bull among + men, noted as Jarasandha. And, O king, that son of Diti, who was known as + Hiranyakasipu, was known in this world among men as the powerful Sisupala. + He who had been known as Samhlada, the younger brother of Prahlada, became + among men the famous Salya, that bull amongst Valhikas. The spirited + Anuhlada who had been the youngest became noted in the world as + Dhrishtaketu. And, O king, that son of Diti who had been known as Sivi + became on earth the famous monarch Druma. And he who was known as the + great Asura Vashkala became on earth the great Bhagadatta. The five great + Asuras gifted with great energy, Ayahsira, Aswasira, the spirited Aysanku, + Gaganamurdhan, and Vegavat, were all born in the royal line of Kekaya and + all became great monarchs. That other Asura of mighty energy who was known + by the name of Ketumat became on earth the monarch Amitaujas of terrible + deeds. That great Asura who was known as Swarbhanu became on earth the + monarch Ugrasena of fierce deeds. That great Asura who was known as Aswa + became on earth the monarch Asoka of exceeding energy and invincible in + battle. And, O king, the younger brother of Aswa who was known as + Aswapati, a son of Diti, became on earth the mighty monarch Hardikya. The + great and fortunate Asura who was known as Vrishaparvan became noted on + earth as king Dirghaprajna. And, O king, the younger brother of + Vrishaparvan who was known by the name of Ajaka became noted on earth as + king Salwa. The powerful and mighty Asura who was known as Aswagriva + became noted on earth as king Rochamana. And, O king, the Asura who was + known as Sukshma, endued with great intelligence and whose achievements + also were great, became on earth the famous king Vrihadratha. And that + first of Asuras who was known by the name of Tuhunda, became noted on + earth as the monarch, Senavindu. That Asura of great strength who was + known as Ishupa became the monarch Nagnajita of famous prowess. The great + Asura who was known as Ekachakra became noted on earth as Pritivindhya. + The great Asura Virupaksha capable of displaying various modes of fight + became noted on earth as king Chitravarman. The first of Danavas, the + heroic Hara, who humbled the pride of all foes became on earth the famous + and fortunate Suvahu. The Asura Suhtra of great energy and the destroyer + of foemen, became noted on earth as the fortunate monarch, Munjakesa. That + Asura of great intelligence called Nikumbha, who was never vanquished in + battle was born on earth as king Devadhipa, the first among monarchs. That + great Asura known amongst the sons of Diti by the name of Sarabha became + on earth the royal sage called Paurava. And, O king, the great Asura of + exceeding energy, the fortunate Kupatha, was born on earth as the famous + monarch Suparswa. The great Asura, O king, who was called Kratha, was born + on earth as the royal sage Parvateya of form resplendent like a golden + mountain. He amongst the Asura who was known as Salabha the second, became + on earth the monarch Prahlada in the country of the Valhikas. The + foremost, among the sons of Diti known by the name of Chandra and handsome + as the lord of the stars himself, became on earth noted as Chandravarman, + the king of the Kamvojas. That bull amongst the Danavas who was known by + the name of Arka became on earth, O king, the royal sage Rishika. That + best of Asuras who was known as Mritapa became on earth, O best of kings, + the monarch, Pascimanupaka. That great Asura of surpassing energy known as + Garishtha became noted on earth as king Drumasena. The great Asura who was + known as Mayura became noted on earth as the monarch Viswa. He who was the + younger brother of Mayura and called Suparna became noted on earth as the + monarch, Kalakirti. The mighty Asura who was known as Chandrahantri became + on earth the royal sage Sunaka. The great Asura who was called + Chandravinasana became noted on earth as the monarch, Janaki. That bull + amongst the Danavas, O prince of the Kuru race, who was called + Dhirghajihva, became noted on earth as Kasiraja. The Graha who was brought + forth by Sinhika and who persecuted the Sun and the Moon became noted on + earth as the monarch Kratha. The eldest of the four sons of Danayu, who + was known by the name of Vikshara, became known on earth the spirited + monarch, Vasumitra. The second brother of Vikshara, the great Asura, was + born on earth as the king of the country, called Pandya. That best of + Asuras who was known by the name of Valina became on earth the monarch + Paundramatsyaka. And, O king, that great Asura who was known as Vritra + became on earth the royal sage known by the name of Manimat. That Asura + who was the younger brother of Vritra and known as Krodhahantri became + noted on earth as king Danda. That other Asura who was known by the name + Krodhavardhana became noted on earth as the monarch, Dandadhara. The eight + sons of the Kaleyas that were born on earth all became great kings endued + with the prowess of tigers. The eldest of them all became king Jayatsena + in Magadha. The second of them, in prowess, like Indra, became noted on + earth as Aparajita. The third of them, endued with great energy and power + of producing deception, was born on earth as the king of the Nishadas + gifted with great prowess. That other amongst them who was known as the + fourth was noted on earth as Srenimat, that best of royal sages. That + great Asura amongst them who was the fifth, became noted on earth as king + Mahanjas, the oppressor of enemies. That great Asura possessing great + intelligence who was the sixth of them became noted on earth as Abhiru, + that best of royal sages. The seventh of them became known throughout + earth, from the centre to the sea, as king Samudrasena well acquainted + with the truths of the scriptures. The eighth of the Kaleyas known as + Vrihat became on earth a virtuous king ever engaged in the good of all + creatures. The mighty Danava known by the name of Kukshi became on earth + as Parvatiya from his brightness as of a golden mountain. The mighty Asura + Krathana gifted with great energy became noted on earth as the monarch + Suryaksha. The great Asura of handsome features known by the name of + Surya, became on earth the monarch of the Valhikas by name Darada, that + foremost of all kings. And, O king, from the tribe of Asuras called + Krodhavasa, of whom I have already spoken to thee, were born many heroic + kings on earth. Madraka, and Karnaveshta, Siddhartha, and also Kitaka; + Suvira, and Suvahu, and Mahavira, and also Valhika, Kratha, Vichitra, + Suratha, and the handsome king Nila; and Chiravasa, and Bhumipala; and + Dantavakra, and he who was called Durjaya; that tiger amongst kings named + Rukmi; and king Janamejaya, Ashada, and Vayuvega, and also Bhuritejas; + Ekalavya, and Sumitra, Vatadhana, and also Gomukha; the tribe of kings + called the Karushakas, and also Khemadhurti; Srutayu, and Udvaha, and also + Vrihatsena; Kshema, Ugratirtha, the king of the Kalingas; and Matimat, and + he was known as king Iswara; these first of kings were all born of the + Asura class called Krodhavasa. + </p> + <p> + “There was also born on earth a mighty Asura known amongst the Danavas by + the name of Kalanemi, endued with great strength, of grand achievements, + and blessed with a large share of prosperity. He became the mighty son of + Ugrasena and was known on earth by the name of Kansa. And he who was known + among the Asuras by the name of Devaka and was besides in splendour like + unto Indra himself, was born on earth as the foremost king of the + Gandharvas. And, O monarch, know thou that Drona, the son of Bharadwaja, + not born of any woman, sprung from a portion of the celestial Rishi + Vrihaspati of grand achievements. And he was the prince of all bowmen, + conversant with all weapons, of mighty achievements, of great energy. Thou + shouldst know he was also well-acquainted with the Vedas and the science + of arms. And he was of wonderful deeds and the pride of his race. And, O + king, his son the heroic Aswatthaman, of eyes like the lotus-petals, + gifted with surpassing energy, and the terror of all foes, the great + oppressor of all enemies, was born on earth, of the united portions of + Mahadeva, Yama, Kama, and Krodha. And from the curse of Vasishtha and the + command also of Indra, the eight Vasus were born of Ganga by her husband + Santanu. The youngest of them was Bhishma, the dispeller of the fears of + the Kurus, gifted with great intelligence, conversant with the Vedas, the + first speakers, and the thinner of the enemy’s ranks. And possessed of + mighty energy and the first of all persons acquainted with weapons, he + encountered the illustrious Rama himself, the son of Jamadagni of the + Bhrigu race. And, O king, that Brahman sage who, on earth, was known by + the name of Kripa and was the embodiment of all manliness was born of the + tribe of the Rudras. And the mighty chariot-fighter and king who on earth + was known by the name of Sakuni, that crusher of foes, thou shouldst know, + O king, was Dwapara himself (the third yuga). And he who was Satyaki of + sure aim, that upholder of the pride of Vrishni race, that oppressor of + foes, begotten of the portion of gods called the Maruts. And that royal + sage Drupada who on earth was a monarch, the first among all persons + bearing arms, was also born of the same tribe of the celestials. And, O + king, thou shouldst also know that Kritavarman, that prince among men, of + deeds unsurpassed by any one, and the foremost of all bulls amongst + Kshatriyas, was born of the portion of the same celestials. And that royal + sage also, Virata by name, the scorcher of the kingdoms of others, and the + great oppressor of all foes, was born of the portion of the same gods. + That son of Arishta who was known by the name of Hansa, was born in the + Kuru race and became the monarch of the Gandharvas. He who was known as + Dhritarashtra born of the seed of Krishna-Dwaipayana, and gifted with long + arms and great energy, also a monarch, of the prophetic eye, became blind + in consequence of the fault of his mother and the wrath of the Rishi. His + younger brother who was possessed of great strength and was really a great + being known as Pandu, devoted to truth and virtue, was Purity’s self. And, + O king, thou shouldst know that he who was known on earth as Vidura, who + was the first of all virtuous men, who was the god of Justice himself, was + the excellent and greatly fortunate son of the Rishi Atri. The evil-minded + and wicked king Duryodhana, the destroyer of the fair fame of the Kurus, + was born of a portion of Kali on earth. He it was who caused all creatures + to be slain and the earth to be wasted; and he it was who fanned the flame + of hostility that ultimately consumed all. They who had been the sons of + Pulastya (the Rakshasas) were born on earth among men of Duryodhana’s + brothers, that century of wicked individuals commencing with Duhasasana as + their first. And, O bull among the Bharata princes, Durmukha, Duhsaha, and + others whose names I do not mention, who always supported Duryodhana (in + all his schemes), were, indeed, the sons of Pulastya. And over and above + these hundred, Dhritarashtra had one son named Yuyutsu born of a Vaisya + wife.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O illustrious one, tell me the names of Dhritarashtra’s + sons according to the order of their birth beginning from the eldest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O king, they are as follows: Duryodhana, and Yuyutsu, + and also Duhsasana; Duhsaha and Duhshala, and then Durmukha; Vivinsati, + and Vikarna, Jalasandha, Sulochna, Vinda and Anuvinda, Durdharsha, Suvahu, + Dushpradharshana; Durmarshana, and Dushkarna, and Karna; Chitra and + Vipachitra, Chitraksha, Charuchitra, and Angada, Durmada, and + Dushpradharsha, Vivitsu, Vikata, Sama; Urananabha, and Padmanabha, Nanda + and Upanandaka; Sanapati, Sushena, Kundodara; Mahodara; Chitravahu, and + Chitravarman, Suvarman, Durvirochana; Ayovahu, Mahavahu, Chitrachapa and + Sukundala, Bhimavega, Bhimavala, Valaki, Bhimavikrama, Ugrayudha, + Bhimaeara, Kanakayu, Dridhayudha, Dridhavarman, Dridhakshatra Somakirti, + Anadara; Jarasandha, Dridhasandha, Satyasandha, Sahasravaeh; Ugrasravas, + Ugrasena, and Kshemamurti; Aprajita, Panditaka, Visalaksha, Duradhara, + Dridhahasta, and Suhasta, Vatavega, and Suvarchasa; Adityaketu, Vahvasin, + Nagadatta and Anuyaina; Nishangi, Kuvachi, Dandi, Dandadhara, Dhanugraha; + Ugra, Bhimaratha, Vira, Viravahu, Alolupa; Abhaya, and Raudrakarman, also + he who was Dridharatha; Anadhrishya, Kundaveda, Viravi, Dhirghalochana; + Dirghavahu; Mahavahu; Vyudhoru, Kanakangana; Kundaja and Chitraka. There + was also a daughter named Duhsala who was over and above the hundred. And + Yuyutsu who was Dhritarashtra’s son by a Vaisya wife, was also over and + above the hundred. Thus, O king, have I recited the names of the hundred + sons and also that of the daughter (of Dhritarashtra). Thou hast now known + their names according to the order of their births. All of them were + heroes and great car-warriors, and skilled in the art of warfare. Besides, + all of them were versed in the Vedas, and, O king, all of them had got + through the scriptures. All of them were mighty in attack and defence, and + all were graced with learning. And, O monarch, all of them had wives + suitable to them in grace and accomplishments. And, O king, when the time + came, the Kaurava monarch bestowed his daughter Duhsala on Jayadratha, the + king of the Sindhus, agreeably to the counsels of Sakuni. + </p> + <p> + “And, O monarch, learn that king Yudhishthira was a portion of Dharma; + that Bhimasena was of the deity of wind; that Arjuna was of Indra, the + chief of the celestials; and that Nakula and Sahadeva, the handsomest + beings among all creatures, and unrivalled for beauty on earth, were + similarly portions of the twin Aswins. And he who was known as the mighty + Varchas, the son of Soma, became Abhimanyu of wonderful deeds, the son of + Arjuna. And before his incarnation, O king, the god Soma had said these + words to the celestials, ‘I cannot give (part with) my son. He is dearer + to me than life itself. Let this be the compact and let it be not + transgressed. The destruction of the Asuras on earth is the work of the + celestials, and, therefore, it is our work as well. Let this Varchas, + therefore, go thither, but let him not stay there long. Nara, whose + companion is Narayana, will be born as Indra’s son and indeed, will be + known as Arjuna, the mighty son of Pandu. This boy of mine shall be his + son and become a mighty car-warrior in his boyhood. And let him, ye best + of immortals, stay on earth for sixteen years. And when he attaineth to + his sixteenth year, the battle shall take place in which all who are born + of your portions shall achieve the destruction of mighty warriors. But a + certain encounter shall take place without both Nara and Narayana (taking + any part in it). And, indeed, your portions, ye celestials, shall fight, + having made that disposition of the forces which is known by the name of + the Chakra-vyuha. And my son shall compel all foes to retreat before him. + The boy of mighty arms having penetrated the impenetrable array, shall + range within it fearlessly and send a fourth part of the hostile force, in + course of half a day, unto the regions of the king of the dead. Then when + numberless heroes and mighty car-warriors will return to the charge + towards the close of the day, my boy of mighty arms, shall reappear before + me. And he shall beget one heroic son in his line, who shall continue the + almost extinct Bharata race.’ Hearing these words of Soma, the dwellers in + heaven replied, ‘So be it.’ And then all together applauded and worshipped + (Soma) the king of stars. Thus, O king, have I recited to thee the + (particulars of the) birth of thy father’s father. + </p> + <p> + “Know also, O monarch, that the mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna was a + portion of Agni. And know also that Sikhandin, who was at first a female, + was (the incarnation of) a Rakshasa. And, O bull in Bharata’s race, they + who became the five sons of Draupadi, those bulls amongst the Bharata + princes, were the celestials known as the Viswas. Their names were + Pritivindhya, Sutasoma, Srutakirti, Satanika, Nakula, and Srutasena, + endued with mighty energy. + </p> + <p> + “Sura, the foremost of the Yadus, was the father of Vasudeva. He had a + daughter called Pritha, who for her beauty, was unrivalled on earth. And + Sura, having promised in the presence of fire that he would give his + firstborn child to Kuntibhoja, the son of his paternal aunt, who was + without offspring, gave his daughter unto the monarch in expectation of + his favours. Kuntibhoja thereupon made her his daughter. And she became, + thenceforth, in the house of her (adoptive) father, engaged in attending + upon Brahmanas and guests. One day she had to wait upon the wrathful + ascetic of rigid vows, Durvasa by name, acquainted with truth and fully + conversant with the mysteries of religion. And Pritha with all possible + care gratified the wrathful Rishi with soul under complete control. The + holy one, gratified with the attentions bestowed on him by the maiden, + told her, ‘I am satisfied, O fortunate one, with thee! By this mantra + (that I am about to give thee), thou shall be able to summon (to thy side) + whatever celestials thou likest. And, by their grace, shall thou also + obtain children.’ Thus addressed, the girl (a little while after), seized + with curiosity, summoned, during the period of her maiden-hood, the god + Surya. And the lord of light thereupon made her conceive and begot on her + a son who became the first of all wielders of weapons. From fear of + relatives she brought forth in secrecy that child who had come out with + ear-rings and coat of mail. And he was gifted with the beauty of a + celestial infant, and in splendour was like unto the maker of day himself. + And every part of his body was symmetrical and well-adorned. And Kunti + cast the handsome child into the water. But the child thus thrown into the + water was taken up by the excellent husband of Radha and given by him to + his wife to be adopted by her as their son. And the couple gave him the + name of Vasusena, by which appellation the child soon became known all + over the land. And, as he grew up, he became very strong and excelled in + all weapons. The first of all successful persons, he soon mastered the + sciences. And when the intelligent one having truth for his strength + recited the Vedas, there was nothing he would not then give to the + Brahmanas. At that time Indra, the originator of all things, moved by the + desire of benefiting his own son Arjuna, assumed the guise of a Brahmana, + came to him, and begged of the hero his ear-rings and natural armour. And + the hero taking off his ear-rings and armour gave them unto the Brahmana. + And Sakra (accepting the gift) presented to the giver a dart, surprised + (at his open handedness), and addressed him in these words, ‘O invincible + one, amongst the celestials, Asuras, men, Gandharvas, Nagas, and + Rakshasas, he at whom thou hurlest (this weapon), that one shall certainly + be slain.’ And the son of Surya was at first known in the world by the + name of Vasusena. But, for his deeds, he subsequently came to be called + Karna. And because that hero of great fame had taken off his natural + armour, therefore was he—the first son of Pritha—called Kama. + And, O best of kings, the hero began to grow up in the Suta caste. And, O + king, know thou that Kama—the first of all exalted men—the + foremost of all wielders of weapons—the slayer of foes—and the + best portion of the maker of day—was the friend and counsellor of + Duryodhana. And he, called Vasudeva, endued with great valour, was among + men a portion of him called Narayana—the god of gods—eternal. + And Valadeva of exceeding strength was a portion of the Naga, Sesha. And, + O monarch, know that Pradyumna of great energy was Sanatkumara. And in + this way the portion of various other dwellers in heaven became exalted + men in the race of Vasudeva, increasing the glory thereof. And, O king, + the portions of the tribe of Apsaras which I have mentioned already, also + became incarnate on earth according to Indra’s commands—And sixteen + thousand portions of those goddesses became, O king, in this world of men, + the wives of Vasudeva. And a portion of Sri herself became incarnate on + earth, for the gratification of Narayana, in the line of Bhishmaka. And + she was by name the chaste Rukmini. And the faultless Draupadi, + slender-waisted like the wasp, was born of a portion of Sachi (the queen + of the celestials), in the line of Drupada. And she was neither low nor + tall in stature. And she was of the fragrance of the blue lotus, of eyes + large as lotus-petals, of thighs fair and round, of dense masses of black + curly hair. And endued with every auspicious feature and of complexion + like that of the emerald, she became the charmer of the hearts of five + foremost of men. And the two goddesses Siddhi and Dhriti became the + mothers of those five, and were called Kunti and Madri. And she who was + Mati became the daughter (Gandhari) of Suvala. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, O king, have I recited to thee all about the incarnation, according + to their respective portions, of the gods, the Asuras, the Gandharvas, the + Apsaras, and of the Rakshasas. They who were born on earth as monarchs + invincible in battle, those high-souled ones who were born in the wide + extended line of the Yadus, they who were born as mighty monarchs in other + lines, they who were born as Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas, have + all been recited by me duly. And this account of the incarnation (of + superior beings according to their respective portions) capable of + bestowing wealth, fame, offspring, long life, and success, should always + be listened to in a proper frame of mind. And having listened to this + account of incarnation, according to their portions, of gods, Gandharvas, + and Rakshasas, the hearer becoming acquainted with the creation, + preservation, and destruction of the universe and acquiring wisdom, is + never cast down even under the most engrossing sorrows.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O Brahmana, I have, indeed, heard from thee this + account of the incarnation, according to their portions, of the gods, the + Danavas, the Rakshasas, and also of the Gandharvas and the Apsaras. I + however, again desire to hear of the dynasty of the Kurus from the very + beginning. Therefore, O Brahmana, speak of this in the presence of all + these regenerate Rishis.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O exalted one of Bharata’s race, the founder of the + Paurava line was Dushmanta gifted with great energy. And he was the + protector of the earth bounded by the four seas. And that king had full + sway over four quarters of this world. And he was the lord also of various + regions in the midst of the sea. And that great oppressor of all foes had + sway over the countries even of the Mlechchhas. + </p> + <p> + “And during his rule there were no men of mixed castes, no tillers of the + soil (for the land, of itself, yielded produce), no workers of mines (for + the surface of the earth yielded in abundance), and no sinful men. All + were virtuous, and did everything from virtuous motives, O tiger among + men. There was no fear of thieves, O dear one, no fear of famine, no fear + off disease. And all four orders took pleasure in doing their respective + duties and never performed religious acts for obtaining fruition of + desires. And his subjects, depending upon him, never entertained any fear. + And Parjanya (Indra) poured showers at the proper time, and the produce of + the fields was always pulpy and juicy. And the earth was full of all kinds + of wealth and all kinds of animals. And the Brahmanas were always engaged + in their duties and they were always truthful. And the youthful monarch + was endued with wonderful prowess and a physical frame hard as the + thunderbolt, so that he could, taking up the mountain Mandara with its + forests and bushes, support it on his arms. And he was well-skilled in + four kinds of encounters with the mace (hurling it at foes at a distance, + striking at those that are near, whirling it in the midst of many, and + driving the foe before). And he was skilled also in the use of all kinds + of weapons and in riding elephants and horses. And in strength he was like + unto Vishnu, in splendour like unto the maker of day, in gravity like unto + the ocean, and in patience, like unto the earth. And the monarch was loved + by all his subjects, and he ruled his contented people virtuously.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘I desire to hear from thee about the birth and life of + the high-souled Bharata and of the origin of Sakuntala. And, O holy one, I + also desire to hear all about Dushmanta—that lion among men—and + how the hero obtained Sakuntala. It behoveth thee, O knower of truth and + the first of all intelligent men, to tell me everything.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Once on a time (king Dushmanta) of mighty arms, + accompanied by a large force, went into the forest. And he took with him + hundreds of horses and elephants. And the force that accompanied the + monarch was of four kinds (foot-soldiers, car-warriors, cavalry, and + elephants)—heroes armed with swords and darts and bearing in their + hands maces and stout clubs. And surrounded by hundreds of warriors with + lances and spears in their hands, the monarch set out on his journey. And + with the leonine roars of the warriors and the notes of conchs and sound + of drums, with the rattle of the car-wheels and shrieks of huge elephants, + all mingling with the neighing of horses and the clash of weapons of the + variously armed attendants in diverse dresses, there arose a deafening + tumult while the king was on his march. And ladies gifted with great + beauty beheld from the terraces of goodly mansions that heroic monarch, + the achiever of his own fame. And the ladies saw that he was like unto + Sakra, the slayer of his enemies, capable of repulsing the elephants of + foes—And they believed that he was the wielder of the thunderbolt + himself. And they said, ‘This is that tiger among men who in battle is + equal unto the Vasus in prowess, and in consequence of the might of whose + arms no foes are left.’ And saying this, the ladies from affection + gratified the monarch by showering flowers on his head. And followed by + foremost of Brahmanas uttering blessings all the way, the king in great + gladness of heart went towards the forest, eager for slaying the deer. And + many Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras, followed the monarch who + was like unto the king of the celestials seated on the back of a proud + elephant. The citizens and other classes followed the monarch for some + distance. And they at last refrained from going farther at the command of + the king. And the king, then, ascending his chariot of winged speed, + filled the whole earth and even the heavens, with the rattle of his + chariot wheels. And, as he went, he saw around him a forest like unto + Nandana itself (the celestial garden). And it was full of Vilwa, Arka, + Khadira (catechu), Kapittha (wood-apple) and Dhava trees. And he saw that + the soil was uneven and scattered over with blocks of stone loosened from + the neighbouring cliffs. And he saw that it was without water and without + human beings and lay extended for many Yojanas around. And it was full of + deer, and lions, and other terrible beasts of prey. + </p> + <p> + “And king Dushmanta, that tiger among men, assisted by his followers and + the warriors in his train, agitated that forest, killing numerous animals. + And Dushmanta, piercing them with his arrows, felled numerous tigers that + were within shooting range. And the king wounded many that were too + distant, and killed many that were too near with his heavy sword. And that + foremost of all wielders of darts killed many by hurling his darts at + them. And well-conversant with the art of whirling the mace, the king of + immeasurable prowess fearlessly wandered over the forest. And the king + roamed about, killing the denizens of the wilderness sometimes with his + sword and sometimes by fast-descending blows of his mace and heavy club. + </p> + <p> + “And when the forest was so disturbed by the king possessed of wonderful + energy and by the warriors in his train delighting in warlike sports, the + lions began to desert it in numbers. And herds of animals deprived of + their leaders, from fear and anxiety began to utter loud cries as they + fled in all directions. And fatigued with running, they began to fall down + on all sides, unable to slake their thirst, having reached river-beds that + were perfectly dry. And many so falling were eaten up by the hungry + warriors. While others were eaten up after having been duly quartered and + roasted in fires lit up by them. And many strong elephants, maddened with + the wounds they received and alarmed beyond measure, fled with trunks + raised on high. And those wild elephants, betraying the usual symptoms of + alarm by urinating and ejecting the contents of their stomachs and + vomiting blood in large quantities, trampled, as they ran, many warriors + to death. And that forest which had been full of animals, was by the king + with his bands of followers and with sharp weapons soon made bereft of + lions and tigers and other monarchs of the wilderness.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then the king with his followers, having killed + thousands of animals, entered another forest with a view to hunting. And + attended by a single follower and fatigued with hunger and thirst, he came + upon a large desert on the frontiers of the forest. And having crossed + this herbless plain, the king came upon another forest full of the + retreats of ascetics, beautiful to look at, delightful to the heart and of + cool agreeable breezes. And it was full of trees covered with blossoms, + the soil overgrown with the softest and greenest grass, extending for many + miles around, and echoing with the sweet notes of winged warblers. And it + resounded with the notes of the male Kokila and of the shrill cicala. And + it was full of magnificent trees with outstretched branches forming a + shady canopy overhead. And the bees hovered over flowery creepers all + around. And there were beautiful bowers in every place. And there was no + tree without fruits, none that had prickles on it, none that had no bees + swarming around it. And the whole forest resounded with the melody of + winged choristers. And it was decked with the flowers of every season. And + there were refreshing shades of blossoming trees. + </p> + <p> + “Such was the delicious and excellent forest that the great bowman + entered. And trees with branches beautified with clusters began to wave + gently at the soft breeze and rain their flowers over the monarch’s head. + And the trees, clad in their flowery attires of all colours, with + sweet-throated warblers perched on them, stood there in rows with heads + touching the very heavens. And around their branches hanging down with the + weight of flowers the bees tempted by the honey hummed in sweet chorus. + And the king, endued with great energy, beholding innumerable spots + covered with bowers of creepers decked with clusters of flowers, from + excess of gladness, became very much charmed. And the forest was + exceedingly beautiful in consequence of those trees ranged around with + flowery branches twining with each other and looking like so many rainbows + for gaudiness and variety of colour. And it was the resort of bands of + Siddhas, of the Charanas, of tribes of Gandharvas, and Apsaras, of monkeys + and Kinnaras drunk with delight. Delicious cool, and fragrant breezes, + conveying the fragrance from fresh flowers, blew in all directions as if + they had come there to sport with the trees. And the king saw that + charming forest gifted with such beauties. And it was situated in a delta + of the river, and the cluster of high trees standing together lent the + place the look of a gaudy pole erected to Indra’s honour. + </p> + <p> + “And in that forest which was the resort of ever cheerful birds, the + monarch saw a delightful and charming retreat of ascetics. And there were + many trees around it. And the sacred fire was burning within it. And the + king worshipped that unrivalled retreat. And he saw seated in it numerous + Yotis, Valakhilyas and other Munis. And it was adorned with many chambers + containing sacrificial fire. And the flowers dropping from the trees had + formed a thick carpet spread over the ground. And the spot looked + exceedingly beautiful with those tall trees of large trunks. And by it + flowed, O king, the sacred and transparent Malini with every species of + water-fowl playing on its bosom. And that stream infused gladness into the + hearts of the ascetics who resorted to it for purposes of ablutions. And + the king beheld on its banks many innocent animals of the deer species and + was exceedingly delighted with all that he saw. + </p> + <p> + “And the monarch, the course of whose chariot no foe could obstruct, then + entered that asylum which was like unto the region of the celestials, + being exceedingly beautiful all over. And the king saw that it stood on + the margin of the sacred stream which was like the mother of all the + living creatures residing in its vicinage. And on its bank sported the + Chakravaka, and waves of milkwhite foam. And there stood also the + habitations of Kinnaras. And monkeys and bears too disported themselves in + numbers. And there lived also holy ascetics engaged in studies and + meditation. And there could be seen also elephants and tigers and snakes. + And it was on the banks of that stream that the excellent asylum of the + illustrious Kasyapa stood, offering a home to numerous Rishis of great + ascetic merit. And beholding that river, and also the asylum washed by + that river which was studded with many islands and which possessed banks + of so much beauty,—an asylum like unto that of Nara and Narayana + laved by the water of the Ganga—the king resolved to enter into that + sacred abode. And that bull among men, desirous of beholding the great + Rishi of ascetic wealth, the illustrious Kanwa of the race of Kasyapa, one + who possessed every virtue and who, for his splendour, could be gazed at + with difficulty, approached that forest resounding with the notes of + maddened peacocks and like unto the gardens of the great Gandharva, + Chitraratha, himself. And halting his army consisting of flags, cavalry, + infantry, and elephants at the entrance of the forest, the monarch spoke + as follows, ‘I shall go to behold the mighty ascetic of Kasyapa’s race, + one who is without darkness. Stay ye here until my return!’ + </p> + <p> + “And the king having entered that forest which was like unto Indra’s + garden, soon forgot his hunger and thirst. And he was pleased beyond + measure. And the monarch, laying aside all signs of royalty, entered that + excellent asylum with but his minister and his priest, desirous of + beholding that Rishi who was an indestructible mass of ascetic merit. And + the king saw that the asylum was like unto the region of Brahman. Here + were bees sweetly humming and there were winged warblers of various + species pouring forth their melodies. At particular places that tiger + among men heard the chanting of Rik hymns by first-rate Brahmanas + according to the just rules of intonation. Other places again were graced + with Brahmanas acquainted with ordinances of sacrifice, of the Angas and + of the hymns of the Yajurveda. Other places again were filled with the + harmonious strains of Saman hymns sung by vow-observing Rishis. At other + places the asylum was decked with Brahmanas learned in the Atharvan Veda. + At other places again Brahmanas learned in the Atharvan Veda and those + capable of chanting the sacrificial hymns of the Saman were reciting the + Samhitas according to the just rules of voice. And at other places again, + other Brahmanas well-acquainted with the science of orthoepy were reciting + mantras of other kinds. In fact, that sacred retreat resounding with these + holy notes was like unto a second region of Brahman himself. And there + were many Brahmanas skilled in the art of making sacrificial platforms and + in the rules of Krama in sacrifices, conversant with logic and the mental + sciences, and possessing a complete knowledge of the Vedas. There were + those also who were fully acquainted with the meanings of all kinds of + expressions; those that were conversant with all special rites, those also + that were followers of Moksha-Dharma; those again that were well-skilled + in establishing propositions; rejecting superfluous causes, and drawing + right conclusions. There were those having a knowledge of the science of + words (grammar), of prosody, of Nirukta; those again that were conversant + with astrology and learned in the properties of matter and the fruits of + sacrificial rites, possessing a knowledge of causes and effects, capable + of understanding the cries of birds and monkeys, well-read in large + treatises, and skilled in various sciences. And the king, as he proceeded, + heard their voices. And the retreat resounded also with voice of men + capable of charming human hearts. And the slayer of hostile heroes also + saw around him learned Brahmanas of rigid vows engaged in Japa (the + repeated muttering of the names of gods) and Homa (burnt-offering). And + the king wondered much on beholding the beautiful carpets which those + Brahmanas offered to him respectfully. And that best of monarchs, at the + sight of the rites with which those Brahmanas worshipped the gods and the + great Rishis, thought within himself that he was in the region of Brahman. + And the more the king saw that auspicious and sacred asylum of Kasyapa + protected by that Rishi’s ascetic virtues and possessing all the + requisites of a holy retreat, the more he desired to see it. In fact, he + was not satisfied with his short survey. And the slayer of heroes at last, + accompanied by his minister and his priest, entered that charming and + sacred retreat of Kasyapa inhabited all around by Rishis of ascetic wealth + and exalted vows.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The monarch then, as he proceeded, left even his + reduced retinue at the entrance of the hermitage. And entering quite alone + he saw not the Rishi (Kanwa) of rigid vows. And not seeing the Rishi and + finding that the abode was empty, he called loudly, saying, ‘What ho, who + is here?’ And the sound of his voice was echoed back. And hearing the + sound of his voice, there came out of the Rishi’s abode a maiden beautiful + as Sri herself but dressed as an ascetic’s daughter. And the black-eyed + fair one, as she saw king Dushmanta, bade him welcome and received him + duly. And, showing him due respect by the offer of a seat, water to wash + his feet, and Arghya, she enquired about the monarch’s health and peace. + And having worshipped the king and asked him about his health and peace, + the maiden reverentially asked, ‘What must be done, O king! I await your + commands.’ The king, duly worshipped by her, said unto that maiden of + faultless features and sweet speech, ‘I have come to worship the + highly-blessed Rishi Kanwa. Tell me, O amiable and beautiful one, where + has the illustrious Rishi gone?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuntala then answered, ‘My illustrious father hath gone away from the + asylum to fetch fruit. Wait but a moment and thou wilt see him when he + arrives.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The king not seeing the Rishi and addressed thus + by her, beheld that the maiden was exceedingly beautiful and endued with + perfect symmetry of shape. And he saw that she was of sweet smiles. And + she stood decked with the beauty of her faultless features, her ascetic + penances, and her humility. And he saw that she was in the bloom of youth. + He therefore asked her, ‘Who art thou? And whose daughter, O beautiful + one? Why hast thou come into the woods also? O handsome one, gifted with + so much beauty and such virtues, whence hast thou come? O charming one, at + the very first glance hast thou stolen my heart! I desire to learn all + about thee; therefore tell me all.’ And thus addressed by the monarch, the + maiden smilingly replied in these sweet words, ‘O Dushmanta, I am the + daughter of the virtuous, wise, high-souled, and illustrious ascetic + Kanwa.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dushmanta, hearing this, replied, ‘The universally-worshipped and + highly-blessed Rishi is one whose seed hath been drawn up. Even Dharma + himself might fall off from his course but an ascetic of rigid vows can + never fall off so. Therefore, O thou of the fairest complexion, how hast + thou been born as his daughter? This great doubt of mine it behoveth thee + to dispel.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuntala then replied, ‘Hear, O king, what I have learnt regarding all + that befell me of old and how I became the daughter of the Muni. Once on a + time, a Rishi came here and asked about my birth. All that the illustrious + one (Kanwa) told him, hear now from me, O king! + </p> + <p> + “My father Kanwa, in answer to that Rishi’s enquiries, said, ‘Viswamitra, + of old, having been engaged in the austerest penances alarmed Indra, the + chief of the celestials, who thought that the mighty ascetic of blazing + energy would, by his penances, hurl him down from his high seat in + heaven.’ Indra, thus alarmed, summoned Menaka and told her, ‘Thou, O + Menaka, art the first of celestial Apsaras. Therefore, O amiable one, do + me this service. Hear what I say. This great ascetic Viswamitra like unto + the Sun in splendour, is engaged in the most severe of penances. My heart + is trembling with fear. Indeed, O slender-waisted Menaka, this is thy + business. Thou must see that Viswamitra of soul rapt in contemplation and + engaged in the austerest penances, who might hurl me down from my seat. Go + and tempt him and frustrating his continued austerities accomplish my + good. Win him away from his penances, O beautiful one, by tempting him + with thy beauty, youth, agreeableness, arts, smiles and speech.’ Hearing + all this, Menaka replied, ‘The illustrious Viswamitra is endued with great + energy and is a mighty ascetic. He is very short-tempered too, as is known + to thee. The energy, penances, and wrath of the high-souled one have made + even thee anxious. Why should I not also be anxious? He it was who made + even the illustrious Vasishtha bear the pangs of witnessing the premature + death of his children. He it was who, though at first born as Kshatriya, + subsequently became a Brahmana by virtue of his ascetic penances. He it + was who, for purposes of his ablutions, created a deep river that can with + difficulty be forded, and which sacred stream is known by the name of the + Kausiki. It was Viswamitra whose wife, in a season of distress, was + maintained by the royal sage Matanga (Trisanku) who was then living under + a father’s curse as a hunter. It was Viswamitra who, on returning after + the famine was over, changed the name of the stream having his asylum from + Kausik into Para. It was Viswamitra who in return for the services of + Matanga, himself became the latter’s priest for purposes of a sacrifice. + The lord of the celestials himself went through fear to drink the Soma + juice. It was Viswamitra who in anger created a second world and numerous + stars beginning with Sravana. He it was who granted protection to Trisanku + smarting under a superior’s curse. I am frightened to approach him of such + deeds. Tell me, O Indra, the means that should be adopted so that I may + not be burnt by his wrath. He can burn the three worlds by his splendour, + can, by a stamp (of his foot), cause the earth to quake. He can sever the + great Meru from the earth and hurl it to any distance. He can go round the + ten points of the earth in a moment. How can a woman like me even touch + such a one full of ascetic virtues, like unto a blazing fire, and having + his passions under complete control? His mouth is like unto a blazing + fire; the pupils of his eyes are like the Sun and the Moon; his tongue is + like unto Yama himself. How shall, O chief of the celestials, a woman like + me even touch him? At the thought of his prowess Yama, Soma, the great + Rishis, the Saddhyas, the Viswas, Valakhilyas, are terrified! How can a + woman like me gaze at him without alarm? Commanded, however, by thee, O + king of the celestials, I shall somehow approach that Rishi. But, O chief + of the gods, devise thou some plan whereby protected by thee, I may safely + move about that Rishi. I think that when I begin to play before the Rishi, + Marut (the god of wind) had better go there and rob me of my dress, and + Manmatha (the god of love) had also, at thy command, better help me then. + Let also Marut on that occasion bear thither fragrance from the woods to + tempt the Rishi.’ Saying this and seeing that all she had spoken about had + been duly provided, Menaka went to the retreat of the great Kausika.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + Kanwa continued, ‘And Sakra, thus addressed by her, then commanded him who + could approach every place (viz., the god of the wind) to be present with + Menaka at the time she would be before the Rishi. And the timid and + beautiful Menaka then entered the retreat and saw there Viswamitra who had + burnt, by his penances, all his sins, and was engaged still in ascetic + penances. And saluting the Rishi, she then began to sport before him. And + just at that time Marut robbed her of her garments that were white as the + Moon. And she thereupon ran, as if in great bashfulness, to catch hold of + her attire, and as if she was exceedingly annoyed with Marut. And she did + all this before the very eyes of Viswamitra who was endued with energy + like that of fire. And Viswamitra saw her in that attitude. And beholding + her divested of her robes, he saw that she was of faultless feature. And + that best of Munis saw that she was exceedingly handsome, with no marks of + age on her person. And beholding her beauty and accomplishments that bull + amongst Rishis was possessed with lust and made a sign that he desired her + companionship. And he invited her accordingly, and she also of faultless + features expressed her acceptance of the invitation. And they then passed + a long time there in each other’s company. And sporting with each other, + just as they pleased, for a long time as if it were only a single day, the + Rishi begat on Menaka a daughter named Sakuntala. And Menaka (as her + conception advanced) went to the banks of the river Malini coursing along + a valley of the charming mountains of Himavat. And there she gave birth to + that daughter. And she left the new-born infant on the bank of that river + and went away. And beholding the new-born infant lying in that forest + destitute of human beings but abounding with lions and tigers, a number of + vultures sat around to protect it from harm. No Rakshasas or carnivorous + animals took its life. Those vultures protected the daughter of Menaka. I + went there to perform my ablution and beheld the infant lying in the + solitude of the wilderness surrounded by vultures. Bringing her hither I + have made her my daughter. Indeed, the maker of the body, the protector of + life, the giver of food, are all three, fathers in their order, according + to the scriptures. And because she was surrounded in the solitude of the + wilderness, by Sakuntas (birds), therefore, hath she been named by me + Sakuntala (bird-protected). O Brahman, learn that it is thus that + Sakuntala hath become my daughter. And the faultless Sakuntala also + regards me as her father.’ + </p> + <p> + “This is what my father had said unto the Rishi, having been asked by him. + O king of men, it is thus that thou must know I am the daughter of Kanwa. + And not knowing my real father, I regard Kanwa as my father. Thus have I + told thee, O king, all that hath been heard by me regarding my birth!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘King Dushmanta, hearing all this, said, + ‘Well-spoken, O princess, this that thou hast said! Be my wife, O + beautiful one! What shall I do for thee? Golden garlands, robes, ear-rings + of gold, white and handsome pearls, from various countries, golden coins, + finest carpets, I shall present thee this very day. Let the whole of my + kingdom be thine today, O beautiful one! Come to me, O timid one, wedding + me, O beautiful one, according to the Gandharva form. O thou of tapering + thighs, of all forms of marriage, the Gandharva one is regarded as the + first.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuntala, hearing this, said, ‘O king, my father hath gone away from + this asylum to bring fruit. Wait but a moment; he will bestow me on thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dushmanta replied, ‘O beautiful and faultless one, I desire that thou + shouldst be my life’s companion. Know thou that I exist for thee, and my + heart is in thee. One is certainly one’s own friend, and one certainly may + depend upon one’s own self. Therefore, according to the ordinance, thou + canst certainly bestow thyself. There are, in all, eight kinds of + marriages. These are Brahma, Daiva, Arsha, Prajapatya, Asura, Gandharva, + Rakshasa, and Paisacha, the eighth. Manu, the son of the self-create, hath + spoken of the appropriateness of all these forms according to their order. + Know, O faultless one, that the first four of these are fit for Brahmanas, + and the first six for Kshatriyas. As regards kings, even the Rakshasa form + is permissible. The Asura form is permitted to Vaisyas and Sudras. Of the + first five the three are proper, the other two being improper. The + Paisacha and the Asura forms should never be practised. These are the + institutes of religion, and one should act according to them. The + Gandharva and the Rakshasa form are consistent with the practices of + Kshatriyas. Thou needst not entertain the least fear. There is not the + least doubt that either according to any one of these last-mentioned + forms, or according to a union of both of them, our wedding may take + place. O thou of the fairest complexion, full of desire I am, thou also in + a similar mood mayst become my wife according to the Gandharva form.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuntala, having listened to all this, answered, ‘If this be the course + sanctioned by religion, if, indeed, I am my own disposer, hear, O thou + foremost one of Puru’s race, what my terms are. Promise truly to give me + what I ask thee. The son that shall be begotten on me shall become thy + heir-apparent. This, O king, is my fixed resolve. O Dushmanta, if thou + grant this, then let our union take place.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The monarch, without taking time to consider at + once told her, ‘Let it be so. I will even take thee, O thou of agreeable + smiles, with me to my capital. I tell thee truly. O beautiful one, thou + deservest all this.’ And so saying, that first of kings wedded the + handsome Sakuntala of graceful gait, and knew her as a husband. And + assuring her duly, he went away, telling her repeatedly, ‘I shall send + thee, for thy escort, my troops of four classes. Indeed, it is even thus + that I shall take thee to my capital, O thou of sweet smiles!” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘O Janamejaya, having promised so unto her, the + king went away. And as he retraced his way homewards, he began to think of + Kasyapa. And he asked himself, ‘What will the illustrious ascetic say, + after he has known all?’ Thinking of this, he entered his capital. + </p> + <p> + “The moment the king had left, Kanwa arrived at his abode. But Sakuntala, + from a sense of shame, did not go out to receive her father. That great + ascetic, however, possessed of spiritual knowledge, knew all. Indeed + beholding everything with his spiritual eye, the illustrious one was + pleased, and addressing her, said, ‘Amiable one, what hath been done by + thee today in secret, without, having waited for me—viz., + intercourse with a man—hath not been destructive of thy virtue. + Indeed, union according to the Gandharva form, of a wishful woman with a + man of sensual desire, without mantras of any kind, it is said, is the + best for Kshatriyas. That best of men, Dushmanta, is also high-souled and + virtuous. Thou hast, O Sakuntala, accepted him for thy husband. The son + that shall be born of thee shall be mighty and illustrious in this world. + And he shall have sway over the sea. And the forces of that illustrious + king of kings, while he goeth out against his foes shall be irresistible.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuntala then approached her fatigued father and washed his feet. And + taking down the load he had with him and placing the fruits in proper + order, she told him, ‘It behoveth thee to give thy grace to that Dushmanta + whom I have accepted for my husband, as well as his ministers!’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanwa replied, ‘O thou of the fairest complexion, for thy sake I am + inclined to bless him. But receive from me, O blessed one, the boon that + thou desirest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Sakuntala, thereupon, moved by desire of + benefiting Dushmanta, asked the boon that the Paurava monarchs might ever + be virtuous and never deprived of their thrones.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After Dushmanta had left the asylum having made those + promises unto Sakuntala, the latter of tapering thighs brought forth a boy + of immeasurable energy. And when the child was three years old, he became + in splendour like the blazing fire. And, O Janamejaya, he was possessed of + beauty and magnanimity and every accomplishment. And that first of + virtuous men, Kanwa, caused all the rites of religion to be performed in + respect of that intelligent child thriving day by day. And the boy gifted + with pearly teeth and shining locks, capable of slaying lions even then, + with all auspicious signs on his palm, and broad expansive forehead, grew + up in beauty and strength. And like unto a celestial child in splendour, + he began to grow up rapidly. And when he was only six years of age, endued + with great strength he used to seize and bind to the trees that stood + around that asylum, lions and tigers and bears and buffaloes and + elephants. And he rode on some animals, and pursued others in sportive + mood. The dwellers at Kanwa’s asylum thereupon bestowed on him a name. And + they said, because he seizes and restrains an animals however strong, let + him, be called Sarvadamana (the subduer of all). And it was thus that the + boy came to be named Sarvadamana, endued as he was with prowess, and + energy and strength. And the Rishi seeing the boy and marking also his + extraordinary acts, told Sakuntala that the time had come for his + installation as the heir-apparent. And beholding the strength of the boy, + Kanwa commanded his disciples, saying, ‘Bear ye without delay this + Sakuntala with her son from this abode to that of her husband, blessed + with every auspicious sign. Women should not live long in the houses of + their paternal or maternal relations. Such residence is destructive of + their reputation, their good conduct, their virtue. Therefore, delay not + in bearing her hence.’ These disciples of the Rishi thereupon, saying ‘So + be it,’ went towards the city named after an elephant (Hastinapura) with + Sakuntala and her son ahead of them. And then she of fair eye-brows, + taking with her that boy of celestial beauty, endued with eyes like lotus + petals, left the woods where she had been first known by Dushmanta. And + having approached the king, she with her boy resembling in splendour the + rising sun was introduced to him. And the disciples of the Rishi having + introduced her, returned to the asylum. And Sakuntala having worshipped + the king according to proper form, told him, ‘This is thy son, O king! Let + him be installed as thy heir-apparent. O king, this child, like unto a + celestial, hath been begotten by thee upon me. Therefore, O best of men, + fulfil now the promise thou gavest me. Call to mind, O thou of great good + fortune, the agreement thou hadst made on the occasion of thy union with + me in the asylum of Kanwa.’ + </p> + <p> + “The king, hearing these her words, and remembering everything said, ‘I do + not remember anything. Who art thou, O wicked woman in ascetic guise? I do + not remember having any connection with thee in respect of Dharma, Kama + and Arthas. Go or stay or do as thou pleasest.’ Thus addressed by him, the + fair-coloured innocent one became abashed. Grief deprived her of + consciousness and she stood for a time like an wooden post. Soon, however, + her eyes became red like copper and her lips began to quiver. And the + glances she now and then cast upon the king seemed to burn the latter. Her + rising wrath however, and the fire of her asceticism, she extinguished + within herself by an extraordinary effort. Collecting her thoughts in a + moment, her heart possessed with sorrow and rage, she thus addressed her + lord in anger, looking at him, ‘Knowing everything, O monarch, how canst + thou, like an inferior person, thus say that thou knowest it not? Thy + heart is a witness to the truth or falsehood of this matter. Therefore, + speak truly without degrading thyself. He who being one thing representeth + himself as another thing to others, is like a thief and a robber of his + own self. Of what sin is he not capable? Thou thinkest that thou alone + hast knowledge of thy deed. But knowest thou not that the Ancient, + Omniscient one (Narayana) liveth in thy heart? He knoweth all thy sins, + and thou sinnest in His presence. He that sins thinks that none observes + him. But he is observed by the gods and by Him also who is in every heart. + The Sun, the Moon, the Air, the Fire, the Earth, the Sky, Water, the + heart, Yama, the day, the night, both twilights, and Dharma, all witness + the acts of man. Yama, the son of Surya, takes no account of the sins of + him with whom Narayana the witness of all acts, is gratified. But he with + whom Narayana is not gratified is tortured for his sins by Yama. Him who + degradeth himself by representing his self falsely, the gods never bless. + Even his own soul blesseth him not. I am a wife devoted to my husband. I + have come of my own accord, it is true. But do not, on that account, treat + me with disrespect. I am thy wife and, therefore, deserve to be treated + respectfully. Wilt thou not treat me so, because I have come hither of my + own accord? In the presence of so many, why dost thou treat me like an + ordinary woman? I am not certainly crying in the wilderness. Dost thou not + hear me? But if thou refuse to do what I supplicate thee for, O Dushmanta, + thy head this moment shall burst into a hundred pieces! The husband + entering the womb of the wife cometh out himself in the form of the son. + Therefore is the wife called by those cognisant of the Vedas as Jaya (she + of whom one is born). And the son that is so born unto persons cognisant + of the Vedic Mantras rescueth the spirits of deceased ancestors. And + because the son rescueth ancestors from the hell call Put, therefore, hath + he been called by the Self-create himself as Puttra (the rescuer from + Put). By a son one conquereth the three worlds. By a son’s son, one + enjoyeth eternity. And by a grandson’s son great-grand-fathers enjoy + everlasting happiness. She is a true wife who is skilful in household + affairs. She is a true wife who hath borne a son. She is a true wife whose + heart is devoted to her lord. She is a true wife who knoweth none but her + lord. The wife is a man’s half. The wife is the first of friends. The wife + is the root of religion, profit, and desire. The wife is the root of + salvation. They that have wives can perform religious acts. They that have + wives can lead domestic lives. They that have wives have the means to be + cheerful. They that have wives can achieve good fortune. Sweet-speeched + wives are friends on occasions of joy. They are as fathers on occasions of + religious acts. They are mothers in sickness and woe. Even in the deep + woods to a traveller a wife is his refreshment and solace. He that hath a + wife is trusted by all. A wife, therefore, is one’s most valuable + possession. Even when the husband leaving this world goeth into the region + of Yama, it is the devoted wife that accompanies him thither. A wife going + before waits for the husband. But if the husband goeth before, the chaste + wife followeth close. For these reasons, O king, doth marriage exist. The + husband enjoyth the companionship of the wife both in this and in the + other worlds. It hath been said by learned persons that one is himself + born as one’s son. Therefore, a man whose wife hath borne a son should + look upon her as his mother. Beholding the face of the son one hath + begotten upon his wife, like his own face in a mirror, one feeleth as + happy as a virtuous man, on attaining to heaven. Men scorched by mental + grief, or suffering under bodily pain, feel as much refreshed in the + companionship of their wives as a perspiring person in a cool bath. No + man, even in anger, should ever do anything that is disagreeable to his + wife, seeing that happiness, joy, and virtue,—everything dependeth + on the wife. A wife is the sacred field in which the husband is born + himself. Even Rishis cannot create creatures without women. What happiness + is greater than what the father feeleth when the son running towards him, + even though his body be covered with dust, claspeth his limbs? Why then + dost thou treat with indifference such a son, who hath approached thee + himself and who casteth wistful glances towards thee for climbing thy + knees? Even ants support their own eggs without destroying them; then why + shouldst not thou, a virtuous man that thou art, support thy own child? + The touch of soft sandal paste, of women, of (cool) water is not so + agreeable as the touch of one’s own infant son locked in one’s embrace. As + a Brahmana is the foremost of all bipeds, a cow, the foremost of all + quadrupeds, a protector, the foremost of all superiors, so is the son the + foremost of all objects, agreeable to the touch. Let, therefore, this + handsome child touch thee in embrace. There is nothing in the world more + agreeable to the touch than the embrace of one’s son. O chastiser of foes, + I have brought forth this child, O monarch, capable of dispelling all thy + sorrows after bearing him in my womb for full three years. O monarch of + Puru’s race, ‘He shall perform a hundred horse-sacrifices’—these + were the words uttered from the sky when I was in the lying-in room. + Indeed, men going into places remote from their homes take up there + others’ children on their laps and smelling their heads feel great + happiness. Thou knowest that Brahmanas repeat these Vedic mantras on the + occasion of the consecrating rites of infancy.—Thou art born, O son, + of my body! Thou art sprung from my heart. Thou art myself in the form of + a son. Live thou to a hundred years! My life dependeth on thee, and the + continuation of my race also, on thee. Therefore, O son, live thou in + great happiness to a hundred years. He hath sprung from thy body, this + second being from thee! Behold thyself in thy son, as thou beholdest thy + image in the clear lake. As the sacrificial fire is kindled from the + domestic one, so hath this one sprung from thee. Though one, thou hast + divided thyself. In course of hunting while engaged in pursuit of the + deer, I was approached by thee, O king, I who was then a virgin in the + asylum of my father. Urvasi, Purvachitti, Sahajanya, Menaka, Viswachi and + Ghritachi, these are the six foremost of Apsaras. Amongst them again, + Menaka, born of Brahman, is the first. Descending from heaven on Earth, + after intercourse with Viswamitra, she gave birth to me. That celebrated + Apsara, Menaka, brought me forth in a valley of Himavat. Bereft of all + affection, she went away, cast me there as if I were the child of somebody + else. What sinful act did I do, of old, in some other life that I was in + infancy cast away by my parents and at present am cast away by thee! Put + away by thee, I am ready to return to the refuge of my father. But it + behoveth thee not to cast off this child who is thy own.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing all this, Dushmanta said, ‘O Sakuntala, I do not know having + begot upon thee this son. Women generally speak untruths. Who shall + believe in thy words? Destitute of all affection, the lewd Menaka is thy + mother, and she cast thee off on the surface of the Himavat as one throws + away, after the worship is over, the flowery offering made to his gods. + Thy father too of the Kshatriya race, the lustful Viswamitra, who was + tempted to become a Brahmana, is destitute of all affection. However, + Menaka is the first of Apsaras, and thy father also is the first of + Rishis. Being their daughter, why dost thou speak like a lewd woman? Thy + words deserve no credit. Art thou not ashamed to speak them, especially + before me? Go hence, O wicked woman in ascetic guise. Where is that + foremost of great Rishis, where also is that Apsara Menaka? And why art + thou, low as thou art, in the guise of an ascetic? Thy child too is grown + up. Thou sayest he is a boy, but he is very strong. How hath he soon grown + like a Sala sprout? Thy birth is low. Thou speakest like a lewd woman. + Lustfully hast thou been begotten by Menaka. O woman of ascetic guise, all + that thou sayest is quite unknown to me. I don’t know thee. Go + withersoever thou choosest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuntala replied, ‘Thou seest, O king, the fault of others, even though + they be as small as a mustard seed. But seeing, thou noticest not thy own + faults even though they be as large as the Vilwa fruit. Menaka is one of + the celestials. Indeed, Menaka is reckoned as the first of celestials. My + birth, therefore, O Dushmanta, is far higher than thine. Thou walkest upon + the Earth, O king, but I roam in the skies! Behold, the difference between + ourselves is as that between (the mountain) Meru and a mustard seed! + Behold my power, O king! I can repair to the abodes of Indra, Kuvera, + Yama, and Varuna! The saying is true which I shall refer to before thee, O + sinless one! I refer to it for example’s sake and not from evil motives. + Therefore, it behoveth thee to pardon me after thou hast heard it. An ugly + person considereth himself handsomer than others until he sees his own + face in the mirror. But when he sees his own ugly face in the mirror, it + is then that he perceiveth the difference between himself and others. He + that is really handsome never taunts anybody. And he that always talketh + evil becometh a reviler. And as the swine always look for dirt and filth + even when in the midst of a flower-garden, so the wicked always choose the + evil out of both evil and good that others speak. Those, however, that are + wise, on hearing the speeches of others that are intermixed with both good + and evil, accept only what is good, like geese that always extract the + milk only, though it be mixed with water. As the honest are always pained + at speaking ill of others, so do the wicked always rejoice in doing the + same thing. As the honest always feel pleasure in showing regard for the + old, so do the wicked always take delight in aspersing the good. The + honest are happy in not seeking for faults. The wicked are happy in + seeking for them. The wicked ever speak ill of the honest. But the latter + never injure the former, even if injured by them. What can be more + ridiculous in the world than that those that are themselves wicked should + represent the really honest as wicked? When even atheists are annoyed with + those that have fallen off from truth and virtue and who are really like + angry snakes of virulent poison, what shall I say of myself who am + nurtured in faith? He that having begotten a son who is his own image, + regardeth him not, never attaineth to the worlds he coveteth, and verily + the gods destroy his good fortune and possessions. The Pitris have said + that the son continueth the race and the line and is, therefore, the best + of all religious acts. Therefore, none should abandon a son. Manu hath + said that there are five kinds of sons; those begotten by one’s self upon + his own wife, those obtained (as gift) from others, those purchased for a + consideration, those reared with affection and those begotten upon other + women than upon wedded wives. Sons support the religion and achievements + of men, enhance their joys, and rescue deceased ancestors from hell. It + behoveth thee not, therefore, O tiger among kings, to abandon a son who is + such. Therefore, O lord of Earth, cherish thy own self, truth, and virtue + by cherishing thy son. O lion among monarchs, it behoveth thee not to + support this deceitfulness. The dedication of a tank is more meritorious + than that of a hundred wells. A sacrifice again is more meritorious than + the dedication of a tank. A son is more meritorious than a sacrifice. + Truth is more meritorious than a hundred sons. A hundred horse-sacrifices + had once been weighed against Truth, and Truth was found heavier than a + hundred horse-sacrifices. O king, Truth, I ween, may be equal to the study + of, the entire Vedas and ablutions in all holy places. There is no virtue + equal to Truth: there is nothing superior to Truth. O king, Truth is God + himself; Truth is the highest vow. Therefore, violate not thy pledge, O + monarch! Let Truth and thee be even united. If thou placest no credit in + my words, I shall of my own accord go hence. Indeed, thy companionship + should be avoided. But thou, O Dushmanta, that when thou art gone, this + son of mine shall rule the whole Earth surrounded by the four seas and + adorned with the king of the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Sakuntala having spoken to the monarch in this + wise, left his presence. But as soon as she had left, a voice from the + skies, emanating from no visible shape, thus spoke unto Dushmanta as he + was sitting surrounded by his occasional and household priests, his + preceptors, and ministers. And the voice said, ‘The mother is but the + sheath of flesh; the son sprung from the father is the father himself. + Therefore, O Dushmanta, cherish thy son, and insult not Sakuntala. O best + of men, the son, who is but a form of one’s own seed, rescueth (ancestors) + from the region of Yama. Thou art the progenitor of this boy. Sakuntala + hath spoken the truth. The husband, dividing his body in twain, is born of + his wife in the form of son. Therefore, O Dushmanta, cherish, O monarch, + thy son born of Sakuntala. To live by forsaking one’s living son is a + great, misfortune. Therefore, O thou of Puru’s race, cherish thy + high-souled son born of Sakuntala—And because this child is to be + cherished by thee even at our word, therefore shall this thy son be known + by the name of Bharata (the cherished).’ Hearing these words uttered by + the dwellers in heaven, the monarch of Puru’s race became overjoyed and + spoke as follows unto his priests and ministers, ‘Hear ye these words + uttered by the celestial messenger? I myself know this one to be my son. + If I had taken him as my son on the strength of Sakuntala’s words alone, + my people would have been suspicious and my son also would not have been + regarded as pure.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The monarch, then, O thou of Bharata’s race, + seeing the purity of his son established by the celestial messenger, + became exceedingly glad. And he took unto him that son with joy. And the + king with a joyous heart then performed all those rites upon his son that + a father should perform. And the king smelt his child’s head and hugged + him with affection. And the Brahmanas began to utter blessings upon him + and the bards began to applaud him. And the monarch then experienced the + great delight that one feeleth at the touch of one’s son. And Dushmanta + also received mat wife of his with affection. And he told her these words, + pacifying her affectionately, ‘O goddess, my union with the? took place + privately Therefore, I was thinking of how best to establish thy purity. + My people might think that we were only lustfully united and not as + husband and wife, and therefore, this son that I would have installed as + my heir apparent would only have been regarded as one of impure birth. And + dearest, every hard word thou hast uttered in thy anger, have I, O + large-eyed one, forgiven thee. Thou art my dearest!’ And the royal sage + Dushmanta, having spoken thus unto his dear wife, O Bharata, received her + with offerings of perfume, food, and drink. And king Dushmanta, then, + bestowed the name of Bharata upon his child, and formally installed him as + the heir apparent. And the famous and bright wheels of Bharata’s car, + invincible and like unto the wheels of the cars owned by the gods, + traversed every region, filling the whole Earth with their rattle. And the + son of Dushmanta reduced to subjection all kings of the Earth. And he + ruled virtuously and earned great fame. And that monarch of great prowess + was known by the titles of Chakravarti and Sarvabhauma. And he performed + many sacrifices like Sakra, the lord of the Maruts. And Kanwa was the + chief priest at those sacrifices, in which the offerings to Brahmanas were + great. And the blessed monarch performed both the cow and the + horse-sacrifices. And Bharata gave unto Kanwa a thousand gold coins as the + sacerdotal fee. It is that Bharata from whom have emanated so many mighty + achievements. It is from him that the great race called after him in his + race are called after him. And in the Bharata race there have been born + many godlike monarchs gifted with great energy, and like unto Brahman + himself. Their number cannot be counted. But, O thou of Bharata’s race, I + shall name the principal ones that were blessed with great good fortune, + like unto the gods, and devoted to truth and honesty.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Hear now, as I recite the recorded genealogy, that is + sacred and subservient to religion, profit and pleasure, of these royal + sages—Daksha, the lord of creation, Manu, the son of Surya, Bharata, + Ruru, Puru, and Ajamidha. I shall also recite to thee, O sinless one, the + genealogies of the Yadavas and of the Kurus and of the king of the Bharata + line. These genealogies are sacred and their recitation is a great act of + propitiation. That recitation conferreth wealth, fame and long life. And, + O sinless one, all these I have named shone in their splendour and were + equal unto the great Rishis in energy. + </p> + <p> + “Prachetas had ten sons who were all devoted to asceticism and possessed + of every virtue. They burnt, of old, by the fire emanating from their + mouths, several plants of poisonous and innumerable large trees that had + covered the Earth and became a source of great discomfort to man. After + these ten, was born another named Daksha. It is from Daksha that all + creatures have sprung. Therefore is he, O tiger among men, called the + Grandfather. Born of Prachetas the Muni Daksha, uniting himself with + Virini, begat a thousand sons of rigid vows, all like himself. And Narada + taught these thousand sons of Daksha the excellent philosophy of Sankhya + as a means of salvation. And, O Janamejaya, the lord of creation, Daksha, + then, from the desire of making creatures, begat fifty daughters. And he + made all of them his appointed daughters (so that their sons might be his + sons also for the performance of all religious acts). And he bestowed ten + of his daughters on Dharma, and thirteen on Kasyapa. And he gave + twenty-seven to Chandra, who are all engaged in indicating time. And + Kasyapa, the son of Marichi, begat on the eldest of his thirteen wives, + the Adityas, the celestials endued with great energy and having Indra as + their head and also Vivaswat (the Sun). And of Vivaswat was born the lord + Yama. And Martanda (Vivaswat) also begat another son after Yama, gifted + with great intelligence and named Manu. And Manu was endued with great + wisdom and devoted to virtue. And he became the progenitor of a line. And + in Manu’s race have been born all human beings, who have, therefore, been + called Manavas. And it is of Manu that all men including Brahmanas, + Kshatriyas, and others have been descended, and are, therefore, all called + Manavas. Subsequently, O monarch, the Brahmanas became united with the + Kshatriyas. And those sons of Manu that were Brahmanas devoted themselves + to the study of the Vedas. And Manu begat ten other children named Vena, + Dhrishnu, Narishyan, Nabhaga, Ikshvaku, Karusha, Saryati, the eighth, a + daughter named Ila, Prishadhru the ninth, and Nabhagarishta, the tenth. + They all betook themselves to the practices of Kshatriyas. Besides these, + Manu had fifty other sons on Earth. But we heard that they all perished, + quarrelling with one another. The learned Pururavas was born of Ila. It + hath been heard by us that Ila was both his mother and father. And the + great Pururavas had sway over thirteen islands of the sea. And, though a + human being, he was always surrounded by companions that were superhuman. + And Pururavas intoxicated with power quarrelled with the Brahmanas and + little caring for their anger robbed them of their wealth. Beholding all + this Sanatkumara came from the region of Brahman and gave him good + counsel, which was, however, rejected by Pururavas. Then the wrath of the + great Rishis was excited, and the avaricious monarch, who intoxicated with + power, had lost his reason, was immediately destroyed by their curse. + </p> + <p> + “It was Pururavas who first brought from the region of the Gandharvas the + three kinds of fire (for sacrificial purpose). And he brought thence, the + Apsara Urvasi also. And the son of Ila begat upon Urvasi six sons who were + called Ayus, Dhimat, Amavasu and Dhridhayus, and Vanayus, and Satayus. And + it is said that Ayus begat four sons named Nahusha, Vriddhasarman, + Rajingaya, and Anenas, on the daughter of Swarbhanu. And, O monarch, + Nahusha, of all the sons of Ayus, being gifted with great intelligence and + prowess ruled his extensive kingdom virtuously. And king Nahusha supported + evenly the Pitris, the celestials, the Rishis, the Brahmanas, the + Gandharvas, the Nagas, the Rakshasas, the Kshatriyas, and the Vaisyas. And + he suppressed all robber-gangs with a mighty hand. But he made the Rishis + pay tribute and carry him on their backs like bests of burden. And, + conquering the very gods by the beauty of his person, his asceticism, + prowess, and energy, he ruled as if he were Indra himself. And Nahusha + begat six sons, all of sweet speech, named Yati, Yayati, Sanyati, Ayati, + and Dhruva. Yati betaking himself to asceticism became a Muni like unto + Brahman himself. Yayati became a monarch of great prowess and virtue. He + ruled the whole Earth, performed numerous sacrifices, worshipped the + Pitris with great reverence, and always respected the gods. And he brought + the whole world under his sway and was never vanquished by any foe. And + the sons of Yayati were all great bowmen and resplendent with every + virtue. And, O king, they were begotten upon (his two wives) Devayani and + Sarmishtha. And of Devayani were born Yadu and Turvasu, and of Sarmishtha + were born Drahyu, Anu, and Puru. And, O king, having virtuously ruled his + subjects for a long time, Yayati was attacked with a hideous decrepitude + destroying his personal beauty. And attacked by decrepitude, the monarch + then spoke, O Bharata, unto his sons Yadu and Puru and Turvasu and Drahyu + and Anu these words, ‘Ye dear sons, I wish to be a young man and to + gratify my appetites in the company of young women. Do you help me + therein.’ To him his eldest son born of Devayani then said, ‘What needest + thou, O king? Dost thou want to have your youth?’ Yayati then told him, + ‘Accept thou my decrepitude, O son! With thy youth I would enjoy myself. + During the time of a great sacrifice I have been cursed by the Muni Usanas + (Sukra). O son, I would enjoy myself with your youth. Take any of you this + my decrepitude and with my body rule ye my kingdom. I would enjoy myself + with a renovated body. Therefore, ye my sons, take ye my decrepitude.’ But + none of his sons accepted his decrepitude. Then his youngest son Puru said + unto him, ‘O king, enjoy thyself thou once again with a renovated body and + returned youth! I shall take thy decrepitude and at thy command rule thy + kingdom.’ Thus addressed, the royal sage, by virtue of his ascetic power + then transferred his own decrepitude unto that high-souled son of his and + with the youth of Puru became a youth; while with the monarch’s age Puru + ruled his kingdom. + </p> + <p> + “Then, after a thousand years had passed away, Yayati, that tiger among + kings, remained as strong and powerful as a tiger. And he enjoyed for a + long time the companionship of his two wives. And in the gardens of + Chitraratha (the king of Gandharvas), the king also enjoyed the company of + the Apsara Viswachi. But even after all this, the great king found his + appetites unsatiated. The king, then recollected the following truths + contained in the Puranas, ‘Truly, one’s appetites are never satiated by + enjoyment. On the other hand, like sacrificial butter poured into the + fire, they flame up with indulgence. Even if one enjoyed the whole Earth + with its wealth, diamonds and gold, animals and women, one may not yet be + satiated. It is only when man doth not commit any sin in respect of any + living thing, in thought, deed, or speech, it is then that he attaineth to + purity as that of Brahman. When one feareth nothing, when one is not + feared by anything, when one wisheth for nothing, when one injureth + nothing, it is then that one attaineth to the purity of Brahman.’ The wise + monarch seeing this and satisfied that one’s appetites are never satiated, + set his mind at rest by meditation, and took back from his son his own + decrepitude. And giving him back his youth, though his own appetites were + unsatiated, and installing him on the throne, he spoke unto Puru thus, + ‘Thou art my true heir, thou art my true son by whom my race is to be + continued. In the world shall my race be known by thy name.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then that tiger among kings, having installed + his son Puru on the throne, went away to the mount of Bhrigu for devoting + himself to asceticism. And, having acquired great ascetic merit, after + long years, he succumbed to the inevitable influence of Time. He left his + human body by observing the vow of fasting, and ascended to heaven with + his wives.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O thou of the wealth of asceticism, tell me how our + ancestor Yayati, who is the tenth from Prajapati, obtained for a wife the + unobtainable daughter of Sukra. I desire to hear of it in detail. Tell me + also, one after another, of those monarchs separately who were the + founders of dynasties.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The monarch Yayati was in splendour like unto Indra + himself. I will tell thee, in reply to thy question, O Janamejaya, how + both Sukra and Vrishaparvan bestowed upon him, with due rites, their + daughters, and how his union took place with Devayani in special. + </p> + <p> + “Between the celestials and the Asuras, there happened, of yore, frequent + encounters for the sovereignty of the three worlds with everything in + them. The gods, then, from desire of victory, installed the son of Angiras + (Vrihaspati) as their priest to conduct their sacrifices; while their + opponents installed the learned Usanas as their priest for the same + purpose. And between those two Brahmanas there are always much boastful + rivalry. Those Danavas assembled for encounter that were slain by the gods + were all revived by the seer Sukra by the power of his knowledge. And then + starting again, into life,—these fought with the gods. The Asuras + also slew on the field of battle many of the celestials. But the + open-minded Vrihaspati could not revive them, because he knew not the + science called Sanjivani (re-vivification) which Kavya endued with great + energy knew so well. And the gods were, therefore, in great sorrow. And + the gods, in great anxiety of heart and entertaining a fear of the learned + Usanas, then went to Kacha, the eldest son of Vrihaspati, and spoke unto + him, saying, ‘We pay court to thee, be kind to us and do us a service that + we regard as very great. That knowledge which resides in Sukra, that + Brahmana of immeasurable prowess, make thy own as soon as thou canst. Thou + shalt find the Brahmana in the court of Vrishaparvan. He always protects + the Danavas but never us, their opponents. Thou art his junior in age, + and, therefore, capable of adoring him with reverence. Thou canst also + adore Devayani, the favourite daughter of that high-souled Brahmana. + Indeed, thou alone art capable of propitiating them both by worship. There + is none else that can do so. By gratifying Devayani with thy conduct, + liberality, sweetness, and general behaviour, thou canst certainly obtain + that knowledge.’ The son of Vrihaspati, thus solicited by the gods, said + ‘So be it, and went to where Vrishaparvan was. Kacha, thus sent by the + gods, soon went to the capital of the chief of the Asuras, and beheld + Sukra there. And beholding him, he thus spoke unto him, ‘Accept me as thy + disciple. I am the grandson of the Rishi Angiras and son of Vrihaspati. By + name I am known as Kacha. Thyself becoming my preceptor, I shall practise + the Brahmacharya mode of life for a thousand years. Command me, then, O + Brahmana!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sukra (hearing this) said, ‘Welcome art thou, O Kacha! I accept thy + speech. I will treat thee with regard; for by so doing, it is Vrihaspati + who will be regarded.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Kacha commanded by Kavya or Usanas himself, + called also Sukra, then said, ‘So be it,’ and took the vow he had spoken + of. And, O Bharata, accepting the vow of which he had spoken, at the + proper time, Kacha began to conciliate regardfully both his preceptor and + (his daughter) Devayani. Indeed, he began to conciliate both. And as he + was young, by singing and dancing and playing on different kinds of + instruments, he soon gratified Devayani who was herself in her youth. And, + O Bharata, with his whole heart set upon it, he soon gratified the maiden + Devayani who was then a young lady, by presents of flowers and fruits and + services rendered with alacrity. And Devayani also with her songs and + sweetness of manners used, while they were alone, to attend upon that + youth carrying out his vow. And when five hundred years had thus passed of + Kacha’s vow, the Danavas came to learn his intention. And having no + compunctions about slaying a Brahmana, they became very angry with him. + And one day they saw Kacha in a solitary part of the woods engaged in + tending (his preceptor’s) kine. They then slew Kacha from their hatred of + Vrihaspati and also from their desire of protecting the knowledge of + reviving the dead from being conveyed by him. And having slain him, they + hacked his body into pieces and gave them to be devoured by jackals and + wolves. And (when twilight came) the kine returned to the fold without him + who tended them. And Devayani, seeing the kine returned from the woods + without Kacha, spoke, O Bharata, unto her father thus: + </p> + <p> + ‘Thy evening-fire hath been kindled. The Sun also hath set, O father! The + kine have returned without him who tendeth them. Kacha is, indeed, not to + be seen. It is plain that Kacha hath been lost, or is dead. Truly do I + say, O father, that without him I will not live.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sukra hearing this said, I will revive him by saying, ‘Let this one + come.’ Then having recourse to the science of reviving the dead, Sukra + summoned Kacha. And summoned by his preceptor, Kacha appeared before him + in the gladness of heart tearing by virtue of his preceptor’s science the + bodies of the wolves (that had devoured him). And asked about the cause of + his delay, he thus spoke unto Bhargava’s daughter. Indeed, asked by that + Brahman’s daughter, he told her, ‘I was dead. O thou of pure manners, + burdened with sacrificial fuel, Kusa grass, and logs of wood, I was coming + towards our abode. I sat under a banian tree. The kine also, having been + brought together, were staying under the shade of that same banian tree. + The Asuras, beholding me, asked ‘Who art thou?’ They heard me answer, ‘I + am the son of Vrihaspati.’ As soon as I said this, the Danavas slew me, + and hacking my body into pieces gave my remains to jackals and wolves. And + they then went home in the gladness of heart. O amiable one, summoned by + the high-souled Bhargava, I after all come before thee fully revived.’ + </p> + <p> + “On another occasion, asked by Devayani, the Brahmana Kacha went into the + woods. And as he was roving about for gathering flowers, the Danavas + beheld him. They again slew him, and pounding him into a paste they mixed + it with the water of the ocean. Finding him long still (in coming), the + maiden again represented the matter unto her father. And summoned again by + the Brahmana with the aid of his science, Kacha appearing before his + preceptor and his daughter told everything as it had happened. Then + slaying him for the third time and burning him and reducing him to ashes, + the Asuras gave those ashes to the preceptor himself, mixing them with his + wine. And Devayani again spoke unto her father, saying, ‘O father, Kacha + was sent to gather flowers. But he is not to be seen. It is plain he hath + been lost, or has died. I tell thee truly, I would not live without him.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sukra hearing this said, ‘O daughter, the son of Vrihaspati hath gone to + the region of the dead. Though revived by my science, he is thus slain + frequently. What, indeed, am I to do? O Devayani, do not grieve, do not + cry. One like thee should not grieve for one that is mortal. Thou art + indeed, O daughter, in consequence of my prowess, worshipped thrice a day + during the ordained hours of prayer, by Brahmanas, the gods with Indra, + the Vasus, the Aswins, the Asuras, in fact, by the whole universe. It is + impossible to keep him alive, for revived by me he is often killed.’ To + all this Devayani replied, ‘Why shall I, O father, not grieve for him + whose grandfather is old Angiras himself, whose father is Vrihaspati who + is an ocean of ascetic merit, who is the grandson of a Rishi and the son + also of a Rishi? He himself too was a Brahmacharin and an ascetic; always + wakeful and skilled in everything. I will starve and follow the way Kacha + has gone. The handsome Kacha is, O father, dear unto me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The great Rishi Kavya, then, afflicted by what + Devayani said, cried in anger, ‘Certainly, the Asuras seek to injure me, + for they slay my disciple that stayeth with me. These followers of Rudra + desire to divest me of my character as a Brahmana by making me participate + in their crime. Truly, this crime hath a terrible end. The crime of + slaying a Brahmana would even burn Indra himself.’ Having said this, the + Brahmana Sukra, urged by Devayani, began to summon Kacha who had entered + the jaws of Death. But Kacha, summoned with the aid of science, and afraid + of the consequence to his preceptor, feebly replied from within the + stomach of his preceptor, saying, ‘Be graceful unto me, O lord! I am Kacha + that worshippeth thee. Behave unto me as to thy own dearly-loved son.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Sukra then said, ‘By what path, O Brahmana, hast + thou entered my stomach, where thou stayest now? Leaving the Asuras this + very moment, I shall go over to the gods.” Kacha replied, ‘By thy grace, + memory hath not failed me. Indeed, I do recollect everything as it hath + happened. My ascetic virtues have not been destroyed. It is, therefore, + that I am able to bear this almost insufferable pain. O Kavya, slain by + the Asuras and burnt and reduced to powder, I have been given to thee with + thy wine. When thou art present, O Brahmana, the art of the Asuras will + never be able to vanquish, the science of the Brahmana.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing this, Sukra said, ‘O daughter, what good can I do to thee? It is + with my death that Kacha can get his life back. O Devayani, Kacha is even + within me. There is no other way of his coming out except by ripping open + my stomach.’ Devayani replied, ‘Both evils shall, like fire, burn me! The + death of Kacha and thy own death are to me the same! The death of Kacha + would deprive me of life. If thou also diest, I shall not be able to bear + my life.’ Then Sukra said, ‘O son of Vrihaspati, thou art, indeed, one + already crowned with success, because Devayani regards thee so well. + Accept the science that I will today impart to thee, if, indeed, thou be + not Indra in the form of Kacha. None can come out of my stomach with life. + A Brahmana, however, must not be slain, therefore, accept thou the science + I impart to thee. Start thou into life as my son. And possessed of the + knowledge received from me, and revived by me, take care that, on coming + out of my body, thou dost act gracefully.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Receiving the science imparted to him by his + preceptor the handsome Kacha, ripped open his stomach, came out like the + moon at evening on the fifteenth day of the bright fort-night. And + beholding the remains of his preceptor lying like a heap of penances, + Kacha revived him, aided by the science he had learned. Worshipping him + with regard, Kacha said unto his preceptor, ‘Him who poureth the nectar of + knowledge into one’s ears, even as thou hast done into those of myself who + was void of knowledge, him do I regard both as my father and mother. And + remembering the immense service done by him, who is there so ungrateful as + to injure him? They that, having acquired knowledge, injure their + preceptor who is always an object of worship, who is the giver of + knowledge, who is the most precious of all precious objects on Earth, come + to be hated on Earth and finally go to the regions of the sinful.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The learned Sukra, having been deceived while + under the influence of wine, and remembering the total loss of + consciousness that is one of the terrible consequences of drink, and + beholding too before him the handsome Kacha whom he had, in a state of + unconsciousness, drunk with his wine, then thought of effecting a reform + in the manners of Brahmanas. The high-souled Usanas rising up from the + ground in anger, then spoke as follows: “The wretched Brahmana who from + this day, unable to resist the temptation, will drink wine shall be + regarded as having lost his virtue, shall be reckoned to have committed + the sin of slaying a Brahmana, shall be hated both in this and the other + worlds. I set this limit to the conduct and dignity of Brahmanas + everywhere. Let the honest, let Brahmanas, let those with regard for their + superiors, let the gods, let the three worlds, listen!’ Having said these + words that high-souled one, that ascetic of ascetics, then summoning the + Danavas who had been deprived by fate of the good sense, told them these + words, Ye foolish Danavas, know ye that Kacha hath obtained his wishes. He + will henceforth dwell with me. Having obtained the valuable knowledge of + reviving the dead, that Brahmana hath, indeed, become in prowess even as + Brahman himself!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Bhargava having said so much cut short his + speech. The Danavas were surprised and went away to their homes. Kacha, + too, having stayed with his preceptor for a full thousand years, then + prepared to return to the abode of the celestials, after having obtained + his preceptor’s permission.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After the expiry of the period of his vow, Kacha, + having obtained his preceptor’s leave, was about to return to the abode of + the celestials, when Devayani, addressing him, said, ‘O grandson of the + Rishi Angiras, in conduct and birth, in learning, asceticism and humility, + thou shinest most brightly. As the celebrated Rishi Angiras is honoured + and regarded by my father, so is thy father regarded and worshipped by me. + O thou of ascetic wealth, knowing this, listen to what I say. Recollect my + conduct towards thee during the period of thy vow (Brahmacharya). Thy vow + hath now been over. It behoveth thee to fix thy affections on me. O accept + my hand duly with ordained mantras.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kacha replied, ‘Thou art to me an object of regard and worship even as + thy father! O thou of faultless features, thou art, indeed, even an object + of greater reverence! Thou art dearer than life to the high-souled + Bhargava, O amiable one! As the daughter of my preceptor, thou art ever + worthy of my worship! As my preceptor Sukra, thy father, is ever deserving + of my regards, so art thou, O Devayani! Therefore, it behoveth thee not to + say so.’ Hearing this, Devayani replied, ‘Thou, too, art the son of my + father’s preceptor’s son. Therefore, O best of Brahmanas, thou art + deserving of my regards and worship. O Kacha, when thou wert slain so many + times by the Asuras, recollect today the affection I showed for thee. + Remembering my friendship and affection for thee, and, indeed, my devoted + regard also, O virtuous one, it behoveth thee not to abandon me without + any fault. I am truly devoted to thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing all this, Kacha said, ‘O thou of virtuous vows, do not urge me + into such a sinful course. O thou of fair eye-brows, be gracious unto me. + Beautiful one, thou art to me an object of greater regard than my + preceptor. Full of virtuous resolves, O large-eyed one, of face as + handsome, as moon, the place where thou hadst resided, viz., the body of + Kavya, hath also been my abode. Thou art truly my sister. Amiable one, + happily have we passed the days that we have been together. There is + perfect good understanding between us. I ask thy leave to return to my + abode. Therefore, bless me so that my journey may be safe. I must be + remembered by thee, when thou recallest me in connection with topics of + conversation, as one that hath not transgressed virtue. Always attend upon + my preceptor with readiness and singleness of heart.’ To all this, + Devaniya answered, ‘Solicited, by me, if, indeed, thou truly refusest to + make me thy wife, then, O Kacha, this thy knowledge shall not bear fruit.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing this, Kacha said, ‘I have refused thy request only because thou + art the daughter of my preceptor, and not because thou hast any fault. Nor + hath my preceptor in this respect issued any command. Curse me if it + please thee. I have told thee what the behaviour should be of a Rishi. I + do not deserve thy curse, O Devayani. But yet thou hast cursed me! Thou + hast acted under the influence of passion and not from a sense of duty. + Therefore, thy desire will not be fulfilled. No Rishi’s son shall ever + accept thy hand in marriage. Thou hast said that my knowledge shall not + bear fruit. Let it be so. But in respect of him it shall bear fruit to + whom I may impart it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘That first of Brahmanas, Kacha, having said so + unto Devayani speedily wended his way unto the abode of the chief of the + celestials. Beholding him arrived, the celestials with Indra ahead, having + first worshipped him, spoke unto him as follows, ‘Thou hast indeed, + performed an act of great benefit for us. Wonderful hath been thy + achievement! Thy fame shall never die! Thou shall be a sharer with us in + sacrificial offerings.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The dwellers in heaven became exceedingly glad in + welcoming Kacha who had mastered the wonderful science. And, O bull of + Bharata’s race, the celestials then learnt that science from Kacha and + considered their object already achieved. And assembling together, they + spoke unto him of a hundred sacrifices, saying, ‘The time hath come for + showing prowess. Slay thy foes, O Purandara!’ And thus addressed, + Maghavat, then accompanied by the celestials, set out, saying, ‘So be it.’ + But on his way he saw a number of damsels. These maidens were sporting in + a lake in the gardens of the Gandharva Chitraratha. Changing himself into + wind, he soon mixed up the garments of those maidens which they had laid + on the bank. A little while after, the maidens, getting up from the water, + approached their garments that had, indeed, got mixed up with one another. + And it so happened that from the intermingled heap, the garments of + Devayani were appropriated by Sarmishtha, the daughter of Vrishaparvan, + from ignorance that it was not hers. And, O king, thereupon, between them, + Devayani and Sarmishtha, then ensued a dispute. And Devayani said, ‘O + daughter of the Asura (chief), why dost thou take my attire, being, as + thou art, my disciple? As thou art destitute of good behaviour, nothing + good can happen to thee!’ Sarmishtha, however, quickly replied, ‘Thy + father occupying a lower seat, always adoreth with downcast looks, like a + hired chanter of praises, my father, whether he sitteth at his ease or + reclineth at full length! Thou art the daughter of one that chanteth the + praises of others, of one that accepteth alms. I am the daughter of one + who is adored, of one who bestoweth alms instead of ever accepting them! + Beggar-woman as thou art, thou art free to strike thy breast, to use ill + words, to vow enmity to me, to give way to thy wrath. Acceptress of alms, + thou weepest tears of anger in vain! If so minded, I can harm thee, but + thou canst not. Thou desirest to quarrel. But know thou that I do not + reckon thee as my equal!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words, Devayani became exceedingly + angry and began to pull at her clothes. Sarmishtha thereupon threw her + into a well and went home. Indeed, the wicked Sarmishtha believing that + Devayani was dead, bent her steps home-wards in a wrathful mood. + </p> + <p> + “After Sarmishtha had left, Yayati the son of Nahusha soon came to that + spot. The king had been out a-hunting. The couple of horses harnessed to + his car and the other single horse with him were all fatigued. And the + king himself was thirsty. And the son of Nahusha saw a well that was by. + And he saw that it was dry. But in looking down into it, he saw a maiden + who in splendour was like a blazing fire. And beholding her within it, the + blessed king addressed that girl of the complexion of the celestials, + soothing her with sweet words. And he said, ‘Who art thou, O fair one, of + nails bright as burnished copper, and with ear-rings decked with celestial + gems? Thou seemest to be greatly perturbed. Why dost thou weep in + affliction? How, indeed, hast thou fallen into this well covered with + creepers and long grass? And, O slender-waisted girl, answer me truly + whose daughter thou art. + </p> + <p> + “Devayani then replied, ‘I am the daughter of Sukra who brings back into + life the Asuras slain by the gods. He doth not know what hath befallen me. + This is my right hand, O king, with nails bright as burnished copper. Thou + art well-born; I ask thee, to take and raise me up! I know thou art of + good behaviour, of great prowess, and of wide fame! It behoveth thee, + therefore, to raise me from this well.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘King Yayati, learning that she was a Brahmana’s + daughter, raised her from that well by catching hold of her right hand. + And the monarch promptly raising her from the pit and squinting to her + tapering thighs, sweetly and courteously returned to his capital. + </p> + <p> + “When the son of Nahusha had gone away, Devayani of faultless features, + afflicted with grief, then spoke unto her maid, Ghurnika by name, who met + her then. And she said, ‘O Ghurnika, go thou quickly and speak to my + father without loss of time of everything as it hath happened. I shall not + now enter the city of Vrishaparvan.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Ghurnika, thus commanded, repaired quickly to + the mansion, of the Asura chief, where she saw Kavya and spoke unto him + with her perception dimmed by anger. And she said, ‘I tell thee, O great + Brahmana, that Devayani hath been ill-used, O fortunate one, in the forest + by Sarmishtha, the daughter of Vrishaparvan.’ And Kavya, hearing that his + daughter had been ill-used by Sarmishtha speedily went out with a heavy + heart, seeking her in the woods. And when he found her in the woods, he + clasped her with affection and spoke unto her with voice choked with + grief, ‘O daughter, the weal or woe that befalleth people is always due to + their own faults. Thou hast therefore some fault, I ween, which hath been + expiated thus.’ Hearing this Devayani replied, ‘Be it a penalty or not, + listen to me with attention. O, hear that all Sarmishtha, the daughter of + Vrishaparvan, hath said unto me. Really hath she said that thou art only + the hired chanter of the praises of the Asura king! Even thus hath she—that + Sarmishtha, Vrishaparvan’s daughter,—spoken to me, with reddened + eyes, these piercing and cruel words, ‘Thou art the daughter of one that + ever chanteth for hire the praises of others, of one that asketh for + charities, of one that accepteth alms; whereas I am the daughter of one + that receiveth adorations, of one that giveth, of one that never accepteth + anything as gift!’ These have been the words repeatedly spoken unto me by + the proud Sarmishtha, the daughter of Vrishaparvan, with eyes red with + anger. If, O father, I am really the daughter of a hired chanter of + praises, of one that accepteth gifts, I must offer my adorations in the + hope of obtaining her grace! Oh, of this I have already told her!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sukra replied, ‘Thou art, O Devayani, no daughter of a hired adorer, of + one that asketh for alms and accepteth gifts. Thou art the daughter of one + that adores none, but of one that is adored by all! Vrishaparvan himself + knoweth it, and Indra, and king Yayati too. That inconceivable Brahma, + that unopposable Godhead, is my strength! The self-create, himself, + gratified by me, hath said that I am for aye the lord of that which is in + all things on Earth or in Heaven! I tell thee truly that it is I who pour + rain for the good of creatures and who nourish the annual plants that + sustain all living things!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘It was by such sweet words of excellent import + that the father endeavoured to pacify his daughter afflicted with woe and + oppressed by anger.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Sukra continued, ‘Know, then, O Devayani, that he that mindeth not the + evil speeches of others, conquereth everything! The wise say that he is a + true charioteer who without slackening holdeth tightly the reins of his + horses. He, therefore, is the true man that subdueth, without indulging in + his rising wrath. Know thou, O Devayani, that by him is everything + conquered, who calmly subdueth his rising anger. He is regarded as a man + who by having recourse to forgiveness, shaketh off his rising anger like a + snake casting off its slough He that suppresseth his anger, he that + regardeth not the evil speeches of others, he that becometh not angry, + though there be cause, certainly acquireth the four objects for which we + live (viz., virtue, profit, desire, and salvation) Between him that + performeth without fatigue sacrifices every month for a hundred years, and + him that never feeleth angry at anything, he that feeleth not wrath is + certainly the higher. Boys and girls, unable to distinguish between right + and wrong, quarrel with each other. The wise never imitate them.’ + Devayani, on hearing this speech of her father, said, ‘O father, I know, + also what the difference is between anger and forgiveness as regards the + power of each. But when a disciple behaveth disrespectfully, he should + never be forgiven by the preceptor if the latter is really desirous of + benefiting the former. Therefore, I do not desire to live any longer in a + country where evil behaviour is at a premium. The wise man desirous of + good, should not dwell among those sinfully inclined men who always speak + ill of good behaviour and high birth. But there should one live,—indeed, + that hath been said to be the best of dwelling places,—where good + behaviour and purity of birth are known and respected. The cruel words + uttered by Vrishaparvan’s daughter burn my heart even as men, desirous of + kindling a fire, burn the dry fuel. I do not think anything more miserable + for a man in the three worlds than to adore one’s enemies blessed with + good fortune, himself possessing none. It hath been indeed said by the + learned that for such a man even death would be better.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Kavya, the foremost of Bhrigu’s line, became + angry himself. And approaching Vrishaparvan where the latter was seated, + began to address him without weighing his words, ‘O king,’ he said, + ‘sinful acts do not, like the Earth, bear fruit immediately! But gradually + and secretly do they extirpate their doers. Such fruit visiteth either in + one’s own self, one’s son, or one’s grandson. Sins must bear their fruit. + Like rich food they can never be digested. And because ye slew the + Brahmana Kacha, the grandson of Angiras, who was virtuous, acquainted with + the precepts of religion, and attentive to his duties, while residing in + my abode, even for this act of slaughter—and for the mal-treatment + of my daughter too, know, O Vrishaparvan, I shall leave thee and thy + relatives! Indeed, O king, for this, I can no longer stay with thee! Dost + thou, O Asura chief, think that I am a raving liar? Thou makest light of + thy offence without seeking to correct it!’. + </p> + <p> + “Vrishaparvan then said, ‘O son of Bhrigu, never have I attributed want of + virtue, of falsehood, to thee. Indeed, virtue and truth ever dwell in + thee. Be kind to me! O Bhargava, if, leaving us, thou really goest hence, + we shall then go into the depths of the ocean. Indeed, there is nothing + else for us to do.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sukra then replied, ‘Ye Asuras, whether ye go into the depths of the + ocean or fly away to all directions. I care little. I am unable to bear my + daughter’s grief. My daughter is ever dear to me. My life dependeth on + her. Seek ye to please her. As Vrihaspati ever seeketh the good of Indra, + so do I always seek thine by my ascetic merits.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrishaparvan then said, ‘O Bhargava, thou art the absolute master of + whatever is possessed by the Asura chiefs in this world-their elephants, + kine and horses, and even my humble self!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sukra then answered, ‘If it is true, O great Asura, that I am the lord of + all the wealth of the Asuras, then go and gratify Devayani.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘when the great Kavya was so addressed by + Vrishaparvan, he then went to Devayani and told her all. Devayani, + however, quickly replied, ‘O Bhargava, if thou art truly the lord of the + Asura king himself and of all his wealth, then let the king himself come + to me and say so in my presence.’ Vrishaparvan then approached Devayani + and told her, ‘O Devayani of sweet smiles, whatever thou desirest I am + willing to give thee, however difficult it may be to grant the same.’ + Devayani answered, ‘I desire Sarmishtha with a thousand maids to wait on + me! She must also follow me to where my father may give me away.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrishaparvan then commanded a maid-servant in attendance on him, saying, + ‘Go and quickly bring Sarmishtha hither. Let her also accomplish what + Devayani wisheth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The maid-servant then repaired to Sarmishtha and + told her, ‘O amiable Sarmishtha, rise and follow me. Accomplish the good + of thy relatives. Urged by Devayani, the Brahmana (Sukra) is on the point + of leaving his disciples (the Asuras). O sinless one, thou must do what + Devayani wisheth.’ Sarmishtha replied, ‘I shall cheerfully do what + Devayani wisheth. Urged by Devayani Sukra is calling me. Both Sukra and + Devayani must not leave the Asuras through my fault.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Commanded by her father, then, Sarmishtha, + accompanied by a thousand maidens, soon came, in a palanquin, out of her + father’s excellent mansion. And approaching Devayani she said, ‘With my + thousand maids, I am thy waiting-maid! And I shall follow thee where thy + father may give thee away.’ Devayani replied, ‘I am the daughter of one + who chanteth the praises of thy father, and who beggeth and accepteth + alms; thou, on the other hand, art the daughter of one who is adored. How + canst thou be my waiting-maid?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sarmishtha answered, ‘One must by all means contribute to the happiness + of one’s afflicted relatives. Therefore shall I follow thee wherever thy + father may give thee away.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘When Sarmishtha thus promised to be Devayani’s + waiting-maid the latter, O king, then spoke unto her father thus, ‘O best + of all excellent Brahmanas, I am gratified. I shall now enter the Asura + capital! I now know that thy science and power of knowledge are not + futile!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘That best of Brahmanas, of great reputation, + thus addressed by his daughter, then, entered the Asura capital in the + gladness of his heart. And the Danavas worshipped him with great + reverence.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, ‘After some length of time, O best of monarchs, + Devayani of the fairest complexion went into the same woods for purposes + of pleasure. And accompanied by Sarmishtha with her thousand maids she + reached the same spot and began to wander freely. And waited upon by all + those companions she felt supremely happy. And sporting with light hearts, + they began drinking the honey in flowers, eating various kinds of fruit + and biting some. And just at that time, king Yayati, the son of Nahusha, + again came there tired and thirsty, in course of his wanderings, in search + of deer. And the king saw Devayani and Sarmishtha, and those other maidens + also, all decked with celestial ornaments and full of voluptuous languor + in consequence of the flower-honey they drank. And Devayani of sweet + smiles, unrivalled for beauty and possessed of the fairest complexion + amongst them all, was reclining at her ease. And she was waited upon by + Sarmishtha who was gently kneading her feet. + </p> + <p> + “And Yayati seeing all this, said, ‘O amiable ones, I would ask you both + your names and parentage. It seems that these two thousand maids wait on + you two.’ ‘Hearing the monarch, Devayani then answered, ‘Listen to me, O + best of men. Know that I am the daughter of Sukra, the spiritual guide of + the Asuras. This my companion is my waiting-maid. She attendeth on me + wherever I go. She is Sarmishtha, the daughter of the Asura king + Vrishaparvan.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati then asked, ‘I am curious to know why is this thy companion of + fair eye-brows, this maiden of the fairest complexion, the daughter of the + Asura chief thy waiting-maid!’ Devayani replied, ‘O best of king, + everything resulteth from Fate. Knowing this also to be the result of + Fate, wonder not at it. Thy feature and attire are both like a king’s. Thy + speech also is fair and correct as that of the Vedas. Tell me thy name, + whence thou art and whose son also.’ + </p> + <p> + “The monarch replied, ‘During my vow of Brahmacharya, the whole Vedas + entered my ears. I am known as Yayati, a king’s son and myself a king.’ + Devayani then enquired, ‘O king, what hast thou come here for? Is it to + gather lotuses or to angle or to hunt?’ Yayati said, ‘O amiable one, + thirsty from the pursuit of deer, I have come hither in search of water. I + am very much fatigued. I await but your commands to leave this spot.’ + </p> + <p> + “Devayani answered, ‘With my two thousand damsels and my waiting-maid + Sarmishtha, I wait but your commands. Prosperity to thee. Be thou my + friend and lord.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati, thereupon, replied, ‘Beautiful one, I do not deserve thee. Thou + art the daughter of Sukra far superior to me. Thy father cannot bestow + thee even on a great king.’ To this Devayani replied, ‘Brahmanas had + before this been united with the Kshatriyas, and Kshatriyas with + Brahmanas. Thou art the son of a Rishi and thyself a Rishi. Therefore, O + son of Nahusha, marry me.’ Yayati, however, replied, ‘O thou of the + handsomest features, the four orders have, indeed, sprung from one body. + But their duties and purity are not the same, the Brahmana being truly + superior to all.’ Devayani answered, ‘This hand of mine hath never been + touched before by any man save thee. Therefore, do I accept thee for my + lord. How, indeed, shall any other man touch my hand which had before been + touched by thyself who art a Rishi? Yayati then said, ‘The wise know that + a Brahmana is more to be avoided than an angry snake of virulent poison, + or a blazing fire of spreading flames.’ Devayani then told the monarch, ‘O + bull amongst men, why dost thou, indeed, say that Brahmana should be more + avoided than an angry snake of virulent poison or a blazing fire of + spreading flames?’ The monarch answered, ‘The snake killeth only one. The + sharpest weapon slayeth but a single person. The Brahmana, when angry + destroyeth whole cities and kingdoms! Therefore, O timid one, do I deem a + Brahmana as more to be avoided than either. I cannot hence wed thee, O + amiable one, unless thy father bestoweth thee on me. Devayani then said, + ‘Thou art, indeed, chosen by me. And, O king, it is understood that thou + wilt accept me if my father bestoweth me on thee. Thou needst not fear to + accept my poor self bestowed on thee. Thou dost not, indeed, ask for me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After this, Devayani quickly sent a maidservant + to her father. The maid represented to Sukra everything as it had + happened. And as soon as he had heard all, Bhargava came and saw Yayati. + And beholding Bhargava come, Yayati worshipped and adored that Brahmana, + and stood with joined palms in expectation of his commands.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Devayani then said, ‘This O father, is the son of Nahusha. He took + hold of my hand, when I was in distress. I bow to thee. Bestow me upon + him. I shall not wed any other person in the world.’ Sukra exclaimed, ‘O + thou of splendid courage, thou hast, indeed, been accepted as her lord by + this my dear daughter. I bestow her on thee. Therefore, O son of Nahusha, + accept her as thy wife.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati then said, ‘I solicit the boon, O Brahmana, that by so doing, the + sin of begetting a half-breed might not touch me.’ Sukra, however, assured + him by saying, ‘I shall absolve thee from the sin. Ask thou the boon that + thou desirest. Fear not to wed her. I grant thee absolution. Maintain + virtuously thy wife—the slender-waisted Devayani. Transports of + happiness be thine in her company. This other maiden, Vrishaparvan’s + daughter, Sarmishtha should ever be regarded by thee. But thou shall not + summon her to thy bed.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by Sukra, Yayati then walked + round the Brahmana. And the king then went through the auspicious ceremony + of marriage according to the rites of the scriptures. And having received + from Sukra this rich treasure of the excellent Devayani with Sarmishtha + and those two thousand maidens, and duly honoured also by Sukra himself + and the Asuras, the best of monarchs, then, commanded by the high-souled + Bhargava, returned to his capital with a joyous heart.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Yayati then, on returning to his capital which was + like unto the city of Indra, entered his inner apartments and established + there his bride Devayani. And the monarch, directed by Devayani, + established Vrishaparvan’s daughter Sarmishtha in a mansion especially + erected near the artificial woods of Asokas in his gardens. And the king + surrounded Vrishaparvan’s daughter Sarmishtha with a thousand maids and + honoured her by making every arrangement for her food and garments. But it + was with Devayani that the royal son of Nahusha sported like a celestial + for many years in joy and bliss. And when her season came, the fair + Devayani conceived. And she brought forth as her first child a fine boy. + And when a thousand years had passed away, Vrishaparvan’s daughter + Sarmishtha having attained to puberty saw that her season had come. She + became anxious and said to herself, ‘My season hath arrived. But I have + not yet chosen a husband. O, what hath happened, what should I do? How am + I to obtain the fruition of my wishes? Devayani hath become mother. My + youth is doomed to pass away in vain. Shall I choose him also for my + husband whom Devayani hath chosen? This is, indeed, my resolve: that + monarch should give me a son. Will not the virtuous one grant me a private + interview?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘While Sarmishtha was thus busy with her + thoughts, the king wandering listlessly came to that very wood of Asokas, + and beholding Sarmishtha before him, stood there in silence. Then + Sarmishtha of sweet smiles seeing the monarch before her with nobody to + witness what might pass, approached him and said with joined palms, ‘O son + of Nahusha, no one can behold the ladies that dwell in the inner + apartments of Soma, of Indra, of Vishnu, of Yama, of Varuna, and of thee! + Thou knowest, O king, that I am both handsome and well-born. I solicit + thee, O king! My season hath arrived. See that it goeth not in vain.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘Well do I know that honour of birth is thine, born as + thou art in the proud race of the Danavas. Thou art also gifted with + beauty. I do not, indeed, see even the speck of a fault in thy feature. + But Usanas commanded me, while I was united with Devayani, that never + should Vrishaparvan’s daughter he summoned to my bed.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sarmishtha then said, ‘It hath been said, O king, that it is not sinful + to lie on the occasion of a joke, in respect of women sought to be + enjoyed, on occasions of marriage, in peril of immediate death and of the + loss of one’s whole fortune. Lying is excusable on these five occasions. O + king, it is not true that he is fallen who speaks not the truth when + asked. Both Devayani and myself have been called hither as companions to + serve the same purpose. When, therefore, thou hadst said that you wouldst + confine thyself to one only amongst as, that was a lie thou hadst spoken.’ + Yayati replied, ‘A king should ever be a model in the eyes of his people. + That monarch certainly meets with destruction who speaks an untruth. As + for myself, I dare not speak an untruth even if the greatest loss + threatens me!’ Sarmishtha answered, ‘O monarch, one may look upon her + friend’s husband as her own. One’s friend’s marriage is the same as one’s + own. Thou hast been chosen by my friend as her husband. Thou art as much + my husband, therefore.’ Yayati then said, ‘It is, indeed my vow always to + grant what one asketh. As thou askest me, tell me then what I am to do.’ + Sarmishtha then said, ‘Absolve me, O king, from sin. Protect my virtue. + Becoming a mother by thee, let me practise the highest virtue in this + world. It is said, O king, that a wife, a slave, and a son can never earn + wealth for themselves. What they earn always belongeth to him who owneth + them. I am, indeed, the slave of Devayani. Thou art Devayani’s master and + lord. Thou art, therefore, O king, my master and lord as much as + Devayani’s! I solicit thee! O, fulfil my wishes!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by Sarmishtha, the monarch was + persuaded into the truth of all she spoke. He therefore, honoured + Sarmishtha by protecting her virtue. And they passed some time together. + And taking affectionate farewell of each other, they then parted, each + returning to whence he or she had come. + </p> + <p> + “And it came to pass that Sarmishtha of sweet smiles and fair eyebrows + conceived in consequence of that connection of hers with that best of + monarchs. And, O king, that lotus-eyed lady then in due course of time + brought forth a son of the splendour of a celestial child and of eyes + like-lotus-petals.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘When Devayani of sweet smiles heard of the birth of + this child, she became jealous, and O Bharata, Sarmishtha became an object + of her unpleasant reflections. And Devayani, repairing to her, addressed + her thus, ‘O thou of fair eye-brows, what sin is this thou hast committed + by yielding to the influence of lust?’ Sarmishtha replied, ‘A certain + Rishi of virtuous soul and fully conversant with the Vedas came to me. + Capable of granting boons he was solicited by me to grant my wishes that + were based on considerations of virtue. O thou of sweet smiles, I would + not seek the sinful fulfilment of my desires. I tell thee truly that this + child of mine is by that Rishi!’ Devayani answered, ‘It is all right if + that be the case, O timid one! But if the lineage, name, and family of + that Brahmana be known to thee, I should like to hear them.’ Sarmishtha + replied, ‘O thou of sweet smiles, in asceticism and energy, that Rishi is + resplendent like the Sun himself. Beholding him, I had not, any need to + make these enquiries—’ Devayani then said, ‘If this is true, if + indeed, thou hast obtained thy child from such a superior Brahmana, then, + O Sarmishtha, I have no cause of anger.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having thus talked and laughed with each other, + they separated, Devayani returning to the palace with the knowledge + imparted to her by Sarmishtha. And, O king, Yayati also begot on Devayani + two sons called Yadu and Turvasu, who were like Indra and Vishnu. And + Sarmishtha, the daughter of Vrishaparvan, became through the royal sage + the mother of three sons in all, named Drahyu, Anu, and Puru. + </p> + <p> + “And, O king, it so came to pass that one day Devayani of sweet smiles, + accompanied by Yayati, went into a solitary part of the woods, (in the + king’s extensive park). And there she saw three children of celestial + beauty playing with perfect trustfulness. And Devayani asked in surprise, + ‘Whose children are they, O king, who are so handsome and so like unto the + children of the celestials? In splendour and beauty they are like thee, I + should think.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘And Devayani without waiting for a reply from + the king, asked the children themselves, ‘Ye children, what is your + lineage? Who is your father? Answer me truly. I desire to know all.’ Those + children then pointed at the king (with their forefingers) and spoke of + Sarmishtha as their mother. + </p> + <p> + “And having so said, the children approached the king to clasp his knees. + But the king dared not caress them in the presence of Devayani. The boys + then left the place, and made towards their mother, weeping in grief. And + the king, at this conduct of the boys, became very much abashed. But + Devayani, marking the affection of the children for the king learnt the + secret and addressing Sarmishtha, said, ‘How hast thou dared to do me an + injury, being, as thou art, dependent on me? Dost thou not fear to have + recourse once more to that Asura custom of thine?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sarmishtha said, ‘O thou of sweet smiles, all that I told thee of a Rishi + is perfectly true. I have acted rightly and according to the precepts of + virtue, and therefore, do I not fear thee. When thou hadst chosen the king + for thy husband, I, too, chose him as mine. O beautiful one, a friend’s + husband is, according to usage, one’s own husband as well. Thou art the + daughter of a Brahmana and, therefore, deservest my worship and regard. + But dost thou not know that this royal sage is held by me in greater + esteem still?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Devayani then, hearing those words of hers, + exclaimed, O king, thus, ‘Thou hast wronged me, O monarch! I shall not + live here any longer.’ And saying this, she quickly rose, with tearful + eyes, to go to her father. And the king was grieved to see her thus, and + alarmed greatly, followed in her foot-steps, endeavouring to appease her + wrath. But Devayani, with eyes red with anger, would not desist. Speaking + not a word to the king, with eyes bathed in tears, she soon reached the + side of her father Usanas, the son of Kavi. And beholding her father, she + stood before him, after due salutations. And Yayati also, immediately + after, saluted and worshipped Bhargava.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Devayani said, ‘O father, virtue hath been vanquished by vice. The + low have risen, and the high have fallen. I have been offended again by + Sarmishtha, the daughter of Vrishaparvan. Three sons have been begotten + upon her by this king Yayati. But, O father, being luckless I have got + only two sons! O son of Bhrigu, this king is renowned for his knowledge of + the precepts of religion. But, O Kavya, I tell thee that he hath deviated + from the path of rectitude.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sukra, hearing all this, said, ‘O monarch, since thou hast made vice thy + beloved pursuit, though fully acquainted with the precepts of religion, + invincible decrepitude shall paralyse thee!’ Yayati answered, ‘Adorable + one, I was solicited by the daughter of the Danava king to fructify her + season. I did it from a sense of virtue and not from other motives. That + male person, who being solicited by a woman in her season doth not grant + her wishes, is called, O Brahmana, by those conversant with the Vedas, a + slayer of the embryo. He who, solicited in secret by a woman full of + desire and in season, goeth not in unto her, loseth virtue and is called + by the learned a killer of the embryo, O son of Bhrigu, for these reasons, + and anxious to avoid sin, I went into Sarmishtha.’ Sukra then replied, + ‘Thou art dependent on me. Thou shouldst have awaited my command. Having + acted falsely in the matter of thy duty, O son of Nahusha, thou hast been + guilty of the sin of theft.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Yayati, the son of Nahusha, thus cursed by the + angry Usanas, was then divested of his youth and immediately overcome by + decrepitude. And Yayati said, ‘O son of Bhrigu, I have not yet been + satiated with youth or with Devayani. Therefore, O Brahmana, be graceful + unto me so that decrepitude might not touch me.’ Sukra then answered, ‘I + never speak an untruth. Even now, O king, art thou attacked by + decrepitude. But if thou likest, thou art competent to transfer this thy + decrepitude to another.’ Yayati said, ‘O Brahmana, let it be commanded by + thee that that son of mine who giveth me his youth shall enjoy my kingdom, + and shall achieve both virtue and fame.’ Sukra replied, ‘O son of Nahusha, + thinking of me thou mayst transfer this thy decrepitude to whomsoever thou + likest. That son who shall give thee his youth shall become thy successor + to the throne. He shall also have long life, wide fame, and numerous + progeny!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Yayati, then, overcome with decrepitude, returned to + his capital and summoning his eldest son Yadu who was also the most + accomplished, addressed him thus, ‘Dear child, from the curse of Kavya + called also Usanas, decrepitude and wrinkles and whiteness of hair have + come over me. But I have not been gratified yet with the enjoyment of + youth. Do thou, O Yadu, take this my weakness along with my decrepitude. I + shall enjoy with thy youth. And when a full thousand years will have + elapsed, returning to thee thy youth, I shall take back my weakness with + this decrepitude!’ + </p> + <p> + “Yadu replied, ‘There are innumerable inconveniences in decrepitude, in + respect of drinking and eating. Therefore, O king, I shall not take thy + decrepitude. This is, indeed, my determination. White hair on the head, + cheerlessness and relaxation of the nerves, wrinkles all over the body, + deformities, weakness of the limbs, emaciation, incapacity to work, defeat + at the hands of friends and companions—these are the consequences of + decrepitude. Therefore, O king, I desire not to take it. O king, thou hast + many sons some of whom are dearer to thee. Thou art acquainted with the + precepts of virtue. Ask some other son of thine to take thy decrepitude. + </p> + <p> + “Yayati replied, ‘Thou art sprung from my heart, O son, but thou givest me + not thy youth. Therefore, thy children shall never be kings.’ And he + continued, addressing another son of his, ‘O Turvasu, take thou this + weakness of mine along with my decrepitude. With thy youth, O son, I like + to enjoy the pleasure of life. After the lapse of a full thousand years I + shall give back to thee thy youth, and take back from thee my weakness and + decrepitude.’ + </p> + <p> + “Turvasu replied, ‘I do not like decrepitude, O father, it takes away all + appetites and enjoyments, strength and beauty of person, intellect, and + even life.’ Yayati said to him, ‘Thou art sprung from my heart, O son! But + thou givest me not thy youth! Therefore, O Turvasu, thy race shall be + extinct. Wretch, thou shall be the king of those whose practices and + precepts are impure, amongst whom men of inferior blood procreate children + upon women of blue blood, who live on meat, who are mean, who hesitate not + to appropriate the wives of their superiors, whose practices are those of + birds and beasts, who are sinful, and non-Aryan.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Yayati, having thus cursed his son Turvasu, then, + addressed Sarmishtha’s son Drahyu thus, ‘O Drahyu, take thou for a + thousand years my decrepitude destructive of complexion and personal + beauty and give me thy youth. When a thousand years have passed away, I + shall return thee thy youth and take back my own weakness, and + decrepitude.’ To this Drahyu replied, ‘O king, one that is decrepit can + never enjoy elephants and cars and horses and women. Even his voice + becometh hoarse. Therefore, I do not desire (to take) thy decrepitude.’ + Yayati said to him, ‘Thou art sprung from my heart, O son! But thou + refusest to give me thy youth. Therefore, thy most cherished desires shall + never be fulfilled. Thou shalt be king only in name, of that region where + there are no roads for (the passage of) horses and cars and elephants, and + good vehicles, and asses, and goats and bullocks, and palanquins; where + there is swimming only by rafts and floats.’ Yayati next addressed Anu and + said, ‘O Anu, take my weakness and decrepitude. I shall with thy youth + enjoy the pleasures of life for a thousand years.’ To this Anu replied, + ‘Those that are decrepit always eat like children and are always impure. + They cannot pour libations upon fire in proper times. Therefore, I do not + like to take thy decrepitude.’ Yayati said to him, ‘Thou art sprung from + my heart, thou givest not thy youth. Thou findest so many faults in + decrepitude. Therefore, decrepitude shall overcome thee! And, O Anu, thy + progeny also as soon as they attain to youth, shall die. And thou shalt + also not be able to perform sacrifices before fire.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati at last turned to his youngest child, Puru, and addressing him + said, ‘Thou art, O Puru, my youngest son! But thou shall be the first of + all! Decrepitude, wrinkles, and whiteness of hair have come over me in + consequence of the curse of Kavya called also Usanas. I have not yet + however, been satiated with my youth. O Puru, take thou this my weakness + and decrepitude! With thy youth I shall enjoy for some years the pleasures + of life. And when a thousand years have passed away, I shall give back to + thee thy youth and take back my own decrepitude.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed by the king, Puru answered with + humility, ‘I shall do, O monarch, as thou bidest me. I shall take, O king, + thy weakness and decrepitude. Take thou my youth and enjoy as thou listest + the pleasures of life. Covered with thy decrepitude and becoming old, I + shall, as thou commandest, continue to live, giving thee my youth.’ Yayati + then said, ‘O Puru, I have been gratified with thee. And being gratified, + I tell thee that the people in thy kingdom shall have all their desires + fulfilled.’ + </p> + <p> + “And having said this, the great ascetic Yayati, then thinking of Kavya, + transferred his decrepitude unto the body of the high-souled Puru.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The excellent monarch Yayati, the son of Nahusha, + having received Puru’s youth, became exceedingly gratified. And with it he + once more began to indulge in his favourite pursuits to the full extent of + his desires and to the limit of his powers, according to seasons, so as to + derive the greatest pleasure therefrom. And, O king, in nothing that he + did, he acted against the precepts of his religion as behoved him well. He + gratified the gods by his sacrifices; the pitris, by Sraddhas; the poor, + by his charities; all excellent Brahmanas, by fulfilling their desires; + all persons entitled to the rites of hospitality, with food and drink; the + Vaisyas, by protection; and the Sudras, by kindness. And the king + repressed all criminals by proper punishments. And Yayati, gratifying all + sections of his subjects, protected them virtuously like another Indra. + And the monarch possessed of the prowess of a lion, with youth and every + object of enjoyment under control, enjoyed unlimited happiness without + transgressing the precepts of religion. And the king became very happy in + thus being able to enjoy all the excellent objects of his desires. And he + was only sorry when he thought that those thousand years would come to an + end. And having obtained youth for a thousand years, the king acquainted + with the mysteries of time, and watching proper Kalas and Kashthas sported + with (the celestial damsel) Viswachi, sometimes in the beautiful garden of + Indra, sometimes in Alaka (the city of Kuvera), and sometimes on the + summit of the mountain Meru on the north. And when the virtuous monarch + saw that the thousand years were full, he summoned his son, Puru, and + addressed him thus, ‘O oppressor of foes, with thy youth, O son, I have + enjoyed the pleasures of life, each according to its season to the full + extent of my desires, to the limit of my powers. Our desires, however, are + never gratified by indulgence. On the other hand, with indulgence, they + only flame up like fire with libations of sacrificial butter. If a single + person were owner of everything on Earth—all her yields of paddy and + barley, her silver, gold, and gems, her animals and women, he would not + still be content. Thirst of enjoyment, therefore, should be given up. + Indeed, true happiness belongeth to them that have cast off their thirst + for worldly objects—a thirst which is difficult to be thrown off by + the wicked and the sinful, which faileth not with the failing life, and + which is truly the fatal disease of man. My heart hath for a full thousand + years been fixed upon the objects of desires. My thirst for these, + however, increaseth day by day without abating. Therefore, I shall cast it + off, and fixing my mind on Brahma I shall pass the rest of my days with + the innocent deer in the forest peacefully and with no heart for any + worldly objects. And O Puru, I have been exceedingly gratified with thee! + Prosperity be thine! Receive back this thy youth! Receive thou also my + kingdom. Thou art, indeed, that son of mine who has done me the greatest + services.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Yayati, the son of Nahusha, received back + his decrepitude. And his son Puru received back his own youth. And Yayati + was desirous of installing Puru, his youngest son, on the throne. But the + four orders, with the Brahmanas at their head, then addressed the monarch + thus, ‘O king, how shall thou bestow thy kingdom on Puru, passing over thy + eldest son Yadu born of Devayani, and, therefore, the grandson of the + great Sukra? Indeed, Yadu is thy eldest son; after him hath been born + Turvasu; and of Sarmishtha’s sons, the first is Drahyu, then Anu and then + Puru. How doth the youngest deserve the throne, passing all his elder + brothers over? This we represent to thee! O, conform to virtuous + practice.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati then said, ‘Ye four orders with Brahmanas at their head, hear my + words as to why my kingdom should not be given to my eldest son. My + commands have been disobeyed by my eldest son, Yadu. The wise say that he + is no son who disobeyeth his father. That son, however, who doth the + bidding of his parents, who seeketh their good, who is agreeable to them, + is indeed, the best of sons. I have been disregarded by Yadu and by + Turvasu, too. Much I have been disregarded by Drahyu and by Anu also. By + Puru alone hath my word been obeyed. By him have I been much regarded. + Therefore, the youngest shall be my heir. He took my decrepitude. Indeed, + Puru is my friend. He did what was so agreeable to me. It hath also been + commanded by Sukra himself, the son of Kavi, that, that son of mine who + should obey me will become king after me and bring the whole Earth under + his sway. I, therefore, beseech thee, let Puru be installed on the + throne.’ + </p> + <p> + “The people then said, ‘True it is, O king, that, that son who is + accomplished and who seeketh the good of his parents, deserveth prosperity + even if he be the youngest. Therefore, doth Puru, who hath done the good, + deserve the crown. And as Sukra himself hath commanded it, we have nothing + to say to it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued., ‘The son of Nahusha, thus addressed by the + contented people, then installed his son, Puru, on the throne. And having + bestowed his kingdom on Puru, the monarch performed the initiatory + ceremonies for retiring into the woods. And soon after he left his + capital, followed by Brahmanas and ascetics. + </p> + <p> + “The sons of Yadu are known by the name of the Yadavas: while those of + Turvasu have come to be called the Yavanas. And the sons of Drahyu are the + Bhojas, while those of Anu, the Mlechchhas. The progeny of Puru, however, + are the Pauravas, amongst whom, O monarch, thou art born, in order to rule + for a thousand years with thy passions under complete control.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘King Yayati, the son of Nahusha, having thus + installed his dear son on the throne, became exceedingly happy, and + entered into the woods to lead the life of a hermit. And having lived for + some time into forest in the company of Brahmanas, observing many rigid + vows, eating fruits and roots, patiently bearing privations of all sorts, + the monarch at last ascended to heaven. And having ascended to heaven he + lived there in bliss. But soon, however, he was hurled down by Indra. And + it hath been heard by me, O king, that, though hurled from heaven, Yayati, + without reaching the surface of the Earth, stayed in the firmament. I have + heard that some time after he again entered the region of the celestials + in company with Vasuman, Ashtaka, Pratarddana, and Sivi.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘I desire to hear from thee in detail why Yayati, having + first obtained admission into heaven, was hurled therefrom, and why also + he gained re-admittance. Let all this, O Brahmana, be narrated by thee in + the presence of these regenerate sages. Yayati, lord of Earth, was, + indeed, like the chief of the celestials. The progenitor of the extensive + race of the Kurus, he was of the splendour of the Sun. I desire to hear in + full the story of his life both in heaven and on Earth, as he was + illustrious, and of world-wide celebrity and of wonderful achievements.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Indeed, I shall recite to thee the excellent story of + Yayati’s adventures on Earth and in heaven. That story is sacred and + destroyeth the sins of those that hear it. + </p> + <p> + “King Yayati, the son of Nahusha, having installed his youngest son, Puru, + on the throne after casting his sons with Yadu for their eldest amongst + the Mlechchhas, entered the forest to lead the life of a hermit. And the + king eating fruits and roots lived for some time in the forest. Having his + mind and passions under complete control, the king gratified by sacrifices + the Pitris and the gods. And he poured libations of clarified butter upon + the fire according to the rites prescribed for those leading the + Vanaprastha mode of life. And the illustrious one entertained guests and + strangers with the fruit of the forest and clarified butter, while he + himself supported life by gleaning scattered corn seeds. And the king; led + this sort of life for a full thousand years. And observing the vow of + silence and with mind under complete control he passed one full year, + living upon air alone and without sleep. And he passed another year + practising the severest austerities in the midst of four fires around and + the Sun overhead. And, living upon air alone, he stood erect upon one leg + for six months. And the king of sacred deeds ascended to heaven, covering + heaven as well as the Earth (with the fame of his achievements).’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘While that king of kings dwelt in heaven—the + home of the celestials, he was reverenced by the gods, the Sadhyas, the + Maruts, and the Vasus. Of sacred deeds, and mind under complete control, + the monarch used to repair now and then from the abode of the celestials + unto the region of Brahman. And it hath been heard by me that he dwelt for + a long time in heaven. + </p> + <p> + “One day that best of kings, Yayati, went to Indra and there in course of + conversation the lord of Earth was asked by Indra as follows: + </p> + <p> + ‘What didst thou say, O king, when thy son Puru took thy decrepitude on + Earth and when thou gavest him thy kingdom?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘I told him that the whole country between the rivers + Ganga and Yamuna was his. That is, indeed, the central region of the + Earth, while the out-lying regions are to be the dominions of thy + brothers. I also told him that those without anger were ever superior to + those under its sway, those disposed to forgive were ever superior to the + unforgiving. Man is superior to the lower animals. Among men again the + learned are superior to the un-learned. If wronged, thou shouldst not + wrong in return. One’s wrath, if disregarded, burneth one’s own self; but + he that regardeth it not taketh away all the virtues of him that exhibiteh + it. Never shouldst thou pain others by cruel speeches. Never subdue thy + foes by despicable means; and never utter such scorching and sinful words + as may torture others. He that pricketh as if with thorns men by means of + hard and cruel words, thou must know, ever carrieth in his mouth the + Rakshasas. Prosperity and luck fly away at his very sight. Thou shouldst + ever keep the virtuous before thee as thy models; thou shouldst ever with + retrospective eye compare thy acts with those of the virtuous; thou + shouldst ever disregard the hard words of the wicked. Thou shouldst ever + make the conduct of the wise the model upon which thou art to act thyself. + The man hurt by the arrows of cruel speech hurled from one’s lips, weepeth + day and night. Indeed, these strike at the core of the body. Therefore the + wise never fling these arrows at others. There is nothing in the three + worlds by which thou canst worship and adore the deities better than by + kindness, friendship, charity and sweet speeches unto all. Therefore, + shouldst thou always utter words that soothe, and not those that scorch. + And thou shouldst regard those that deserve, thy regards, and shouldst + always give but never beg!”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Alter this Indra again asked Yayati, ‘Thou didst + retire into the woods, O king, after accomplishing all thy duties. O + Yayati, son of Nahusha, I would ask thee to whom thou art equal in ascetic + austerities.’ Yayati answered, ‘O Vasava, I do not, in the matter of + ascetic austerities, behold my equal among men, the celestials, the + Gandharvas, and the great Rishis.’ Indra then said, ‘O monarch, because + thou disregardest those that are thy superiors, thy equals, and even thy + inferiors, without, in fact, knowing their real merits, thy virtues have + suffered diminution and thou must fall from heaven.’ Yayati then said, ‘O + Sakra, if, indeed, my virtues have really sustained diminution and I must + on that account fall down from heaven, I desire, O chief of the + celestials, that I may at least fall among the virtuous and the honest.’ + Indra replied, ‘O king, thou shall fall among those that are virtuous and + wise, and thou shall acquire also much renown. And after this experience + of thine, O Yayati, never again disregard those that are thy superiors or + even thy equals.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Upon this, Yayati fell from the region of the + celestials. And as he was falling, he was beheld by that foremost of royal + sages, viz., Ashtaka, the protector of his own religion. Ashtaka beholding + him, enquired, ‘Who art thou, O youth of a beauty equal to that of Indra, + in splendour blazing as the fire, thus falling from on high? Art thou that + foremost of sky-ranging bodies—the sun—emerging from, dark + masses of clouds? Beholding thee falling from the solar course, possessed + of immeasurable energy and the splendour of fire or the sun, every one is + curious as to what it is that is so falling, and is, besides, deprived of + consciousness! Beholding thee in the path of the celestials, possessed of + energy like that of Sakra, or Surya, or Vishnu, we have approached thee to + ascertain the truth. If thou hast first asked us who we were, we would + never have been guilty of the incivility of asking thee first. We now ask + thee who thou art and why thou approachest hither. Let thy fears be + dispelled; let thy woes and afflictions cease. Thou art now in the + presence of the virtuous and the wise. Even Sakra himself—the slayer + of Vala—cannot here do thee any injury. O thou of the prowess of the + chief of the celestials, the wise and the virtuous are the support of + their brethren in grief. Here there are none but the wise and virtuous + like thee assembled together. Therefore, stay thou here in peace. Fire + alone hath power to give heat. The Earth alone hath power to infuse life + into the seed. The sun alone hath power to illuminate everything. So the + guest alone hath power to command the virtuous and the wise.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Yayati said, ‘I am Yayati, the son of Nahusha and the father of Puru. + Cast off from the region of the celestials and of Siddhas and Rishis for + having disregarded every creature, I am falling down, my righteousness + having sustained diminution. In years I am older than you; therefore, I + have not saluted you first. Indeed, the Brahmanas always reverence him who + is older in years or superior in learning or in ascetic merit.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka then replied, ‘Thou sayest, O monarch, that he who is older in + years is worthy of regard. But it is said that he is truly worthy of + worship who is superior in learning and ascetic merit.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati replied to this, ‘It is said that sin destroyeth the merits of + four virtuous acts. Vanity containeth the element of that which leadeth to + hell. The virtuous never follow in the footsteps of the vicious. They act + in such a way that their religious merit always increaseth. I myself had + great religious merit, but all that, however, is gone. I will scarcely be + able to regain it even by my best exertions. Beholding my fate, he that is + bent upon (achieving) his own good, will certainly suppress vanity. He who + having acquired great wealth performeth meritorious sacrifices, who having + acquired all kinds of learning remaineth humble, and who having studied + the entire Vedas devoteth himself to asceticism with a heart withdrawn + from all mundane enjoyments, goeth to heaven. None should exult in having + acquired great wealth. None should be vain of having studied the entire + Vedas. In the world men are of different dispositions. Destiny is supreme. + Both power and exertion are all fruitless. Knowing Destiny to be + all-powerful, the wise, whatever their portions may be, should neither + exult nor grieve. When creatures know that their weal and woe are + dependent on Destiny and not on their own exertion or power, they should + neither grieve nor exult, remembering that Destiny is all powerful. The + wise should ever live contented, neither grieving at woe nor exulting at + weal. When Destiny is supreme, both grief and exultation are unbecoming. O + Ashtaka, I never suffer myself to be overcome by fear, nor do I ever + entertain grief, knowing for certain that I shall be in the world what the + great disposer of all hath ordained. Insects and worms, all oviparous + creatures, vegetable existences, all crawling animals, vermin, the fish in + the water, stones, grass, wood—in fact, all created things, when + they are freed from the effects of their acts, are united with the Supreme + Soul. Happiness and misery are both transient. Therefore, O Ashtaka, why + should I grieve? We can never know how we are to act in order to avoid + misery. Therefore, none should grieve for misery.’ + </p> + <p> + “Possessed of every virtue, king Yayati who was the maternal grandfather + of Ashtaka, while staying in the welkin, at the conclusion of his speech, + was again questioned by Ashtaka. The latter said, ‘O king of kings, tell + me, in detail, of all those regions that thou hast visited and enjoyed, as + well as the period for which thou hast enjoyed each. Thou speakest of the + precepts of religion even like the clever masters acquainted with the acts + and sayings of great beings!’ Yayati replied, ‘I was a great king on + Earth, owning the whole world for my dominion. Leaving it, I acquired by + dint of religious merit many high regions. There I dwelt for a full + thousand years, and then I attained to a very high region the abode of + Indra, of extraordinary beauty having a thousand gates, and extending over + a hundred yojanas all round. There too, I dwelt a full thousand years and + then attained to a higher region still. That is the region of perfect + beatitude, where decay never exists, the region, viz., that of the Creator + and the Lord of Earth, so difficult of attainment. There also I dwelt for + a full thousand years, and then attained to another very high region viz., + that of the god of gods (Vishnu) where, too, I had lived in happiness. + Indeed, I dwelt in various regions, adored by all the celestials, and + possessed of prowess and splendour equal unto those of the celestials + themselves. Capable of assuming any form at will, I lived for a million + years in the gardens of Nandana sporting with the Apsaras and beholding + numberless beautiful trees clad in flowery vesture and sending forth + delicious perfume all round. And after many, many years had elapsed, while + still residing there in enjoyment of perfect beatitude, the celestial + messenger of grim visage, one day, in a loud and deep voice, thrice + shouted to me—Ruined! Ruined! Ruined!—O lion among kings, this + much do I remember. I was then fallen from Nandana, my religious merits + gone! I heard in the skies, O king, the voices of the celestials + exclaiming in grief,—Alas! What a misfortune! Yayati, with his + religious merits destroyed, though virtuous and of sacred deeds, is + falling!—And as I was falling, I asked them loudly, ‘Where, ye + celestials, are those wise ones amongst whom I am to fall?’ They pointed + out to me this sacred sacrificial region belonging to you. Beholding the + curls of smoke blackening the atmosphere and smelling the perfume of + clarified butter poured incessantly upon fire, and guided thereby, I am + approaching this region of yours, glad at heart that I come amongst you.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XC + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Ashtaka said, ‘Capable of assuming any form at will, thou hast lived for + a million years in the gardens of Nandana. For what cause, O foremost of + those that flourished in the Krita age, hast thou been compelled to leave + that region and come hither?’ Yayati answered, ‘As kinsmen, friends, and + relatives forsake, in this world, those whose wealth disappears so, in the + other world, the celestials with Indra as their chief, forsake him who + hath lost his righteousness.’ Ashtaka said, ‘I am extremely anxious to + know how in the other world men can lose virtue. Tell me also, O king, + what regions are attainable by what courses of action. Thou art + acquainted, I know, with the acts and sayings of great beings.” + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘O pious one, they that speak of their own merits are + doomed to suffer the hell called Bhauma. Though really emaciated and lean, + they appear to grow on Earth (in the shape of their sons and grandsons) + only to become food for vultures, dogs, and jackals. Therefore, O king, + this highly censurable and wicked vice should be repressed. I have now, O + king, told thee all. Tell me what more I shall say.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka said, ‘When life is destroyed with age, vultures, peacocks, + insects, and worms eat up the human body. Where doth man then reside? How + doth he also come back to life? I have never heard of any hell called + Bhauma on Earth!’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘After the dissolution of the body, man, according to + his acts, re-entereth the womb of his mother and stayeth there in an + indistinct form, and soon after assuming a distinct and visible shape + reappeareth in the world and walketh on its surface. This is that + Earth-hell (Bhauma) where he falleth, for he beholdeth not the termination + of his existence and acteth not towards his emancipation. Some dwell for + sixty thousand years, some, for eighty-thousand years in heaven, and then + they fall. And as they fall, they are attacked by certain Rakshasas in the + form of sons, grandsons, and other relatives, that withdraw their hearts + from acting for their own emancipation.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka asked, ‘For what sin are beings, when they fall from heaven, + attacked by these fierce and sharp-toothed Rakshasas? Why are they not + reduced to annihilation? How do they again enter the womb, furnished with + senses?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘After falling from heaven, the being becometh a subtile + substance living in water. This water becometh the semen whence is the + seed of vitality. Thence entering the mother’s womb in the womanly season, + it developeth into the embryo and next into visible life like the fruit + from the flower. Entering trees, plants, and other vegetable substances, + water, air, earth, and space, that same watery seed of life assumeth the + quadrupedal or bipedal form. This is the case with all creatures that you + see.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka said, ‘O tell me, I ask thee because I have my doubts. Doth a + being that hath received a human form enter the womb in its own shape or + in some other? How doth it also acquire its distinct and visible shape, + eyes and ears and consciousness as well? Questioned by me, O, explain it + all! Thou art, O father, one acquainted with the acts and sayings of great + beings.’ Yayati answered, ‘According to the merits of one’s acts, the + being that in a subtile form co-inheres in the seed that is dropped into + the womb is attracted by the atmospheric force for purposes of re-birth. + It then developeth there in course of time; first it becomes the embryo, + and is next provided with the visible physical organism. Coming out of the + womb in due course of time, it becometh conscious of its existence as man, + and with his ears becometh sensible of sound; with his eyes, of colour and + form; with his nose, of scent; with his tongue, of taste; by his whole + body, of touch; and by his mind, of ideas. It is thus, O Ashtaka, that the + gross and visible body developeth from the subtile essence.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka asked, ‘After death, the body is burnt, or otherwise destroyed. + Reduced to nothing upon such dissolution, by what principle is one + revived?’ Yayati said, ‘O lion among kings, the person that dies assumes a + subtil form; and retaining consciousness of all his acts as in a dream, he + enters some other form with a speed quicker than that of air itself. The + virtuous attain to a superior, and the vicious to an inferior form of + existence. The vicious become worms and insects. I have nothing more to + say, O thou of great and pure soul! I have told thee how beings are born, + after development of embryonic forms, as four-footed, six-footed creatures + and others with more feet. What more wilt thou ask me?’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka said, ‘How, O father, do men attain to those superior regions + whence there is no return to earthly life? Is it by asceticism or by + knowledge? How also can one gradually attain to felicitous regions? Asked + by me, O answer it in full.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘The wise say that for men there are seven gates through + which admission may be gained into Heaven. There are asceticism, + benevolence, tranquillity of mind, self-command, modesty, simplicity, and + kindness to all creatures. The wise also say that a person loseth all + these in consequence of vanity. That man who having acquired knowledge + regardeth himself as learned, and with his learning destroyed the + reputation of others, never attaineth to regions of indestructible + felicity. That knowledge also doth not make its possessor competent to + attain to Brahma. Study, taciturnity, worship before fire, and sacrifices, + these four remove all fear. When, however, these are mixed with vanity, + instead of removing it, they cause fear. The wise should never exult at + (receiving) honours nor should they grieve at insults. For it is the wise + alone that honour the wise; the wicked never act like the virtuous. I have + given away so much—I have performed so many sacrifices,—I have + studied so much,—I have observed these vows,—such vanity is + the root of fear. Therefore, thou must not indulge in such feelings. Those + learned men who accept as their support the unchangeable, inconceivable + Brahma alone that ever showereth blessings on persons virtuous like thee, + enjoy perfect peace here and hereafter.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0092"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Ashtaka said, ‘Those cognisant of the Vedas differ in opinion as to how + the followers of each of the four modes of life, viz., Grihasthas, + Bhikshus, Brahmacharins, and Vanaprashthas, should conduct themselves in + order to acquire religious merit.” + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘These are what a Brahmacharin must do. While dwelling + in the abode of his preceptor, he must receive lessons only when his + preceptor summons him to do so; he must attend to the service of his + preceptor without waiting for the latter’s command; he must rise from his + bed before his preceptor riseth, and go to bed after his preceptor hath + gone to bed. He must be humble, must have his passions under complete + control, must be patient, vigilant, and devoted to studies. It is then + only that he can achieve success. It hath been said in the oldest + Upanishad that a grihastha, acquiring wealth by honest means, should + perform sacrifices; he should always give something in charity, should + perform the rites of hospitality unto all arriving at his abode, and + should never use anything without giving a portion thereof to others. A + Muni, without search for woods, depending on his own vigour, should + abstain from all vicious acts, should give away something in charity, + should never inflict pain on any creature. It is then only that he can + achieve success. He, indeed, is a true Bhikshu who doth not support + himself by any manual arts, who possesseth numerous accomplishments, who + hath his passions under complete control, who is unconnected with worldly + concerns, who sleepeth not under the shelter of a householder’s roof, who + is without wife, and who going a little way every day, travelleth over a + large extent of the country. A learned man should adopt the Vanaprastha + mode of life after performance of the necessary rites, when he hath been + able to control his appetites for enjoyment and desire of acquiring + valuable possessions. When one dieth in the woods while leading the + Vanaprastha mode of life, he maketh his ancestors and the successors, + numbering ten generations including himself, mix with the Divine essence.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka asked, ‘How many kinds of Munis are there (observers of the vow + of the silence)?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘He is, indeed, a Muni who, though dwelling in the + woods, hath an inhabited place near, or who, though dwelling in an + inhabited place, hath the woods near.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka enquired what is meant by Muni.’ Yayati replied, ‘A Muni + withdrawing himself from all worldly objects liveth in the woods. And + though he might never seek to surround himself with those objects that are + procurable in an inhabited place, he might yet obtain them all by virtue + of his ascetic power. He may truly be said to dwell in the woods having an + inhabited place near to himself. Again a wise man withdrawn from all + earthly objects, might live in a hamlet leading the life of a hermit. He + may never exhibit the pride of family, birth or learning. Clad in the + scantiest robes, he may yet regard himself as attired in the richest + vestments. He may rest content with food just enough for the support of + life. Such a person, though dwelling in an inhabited place, liveth yet in + the woods. + </p> + <p> + “The person again, who, with passions under complete control, adopteth the + vow of silence, refraining from action and entertaining no desire, + achieveth success. Why shouldst thou not, indeed, reverence the man who + liveth on clean food, who refraineth from ever injuring others, whose + heart is ever pure, who stands in the splendour of ascetic attributes, who + is free from the leaden weight of desire, who abstaineth from injury even + when sanctioned by religion? Emaciated by austerities and reduced in + flesh, marrow and blood, such a one conquereth not only this but the + highest world. And when the Muni sits in yoga meditation, becoming + indifferent to happiness and misery, honour and insult, he then leaveth + the world and enjoyeth communion with Brahma. When the Muni taketh food + like wine and other animals, i. e., without providing for it beforehand + and without any relish (like a sleeping infant feeding on the mother’s + lap), then like the all-pervading spirit he becometh identified with the + whole universe and attaineth to salvation.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Ashtaka asked, ‘Who amongst these, O king, both exerting constantly like + the Sun and the Moon, first attaineth to communion with Brahma, the + ascetic or the man of knowledge?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘The wise, with the help of the Vedas and of Knowledge, + having ascertained the visible universe to be illusory, instantly realises + the Supreme Spirit as the sole existent independent essence. While they + that devote themselves to Yoga meditation take time to acquire the same + knowledge, for it is by practice alone that these latter divest themselves + of the consciousness of quality. Hence the wise attain to salvation first. + Then again if the person devoted to Yoga find not sufficient time in one + life to attain success, being led astray by the attractions of the world, + in his next life he is benefited by the progress already achieved, for he + devoteth himself regretfully to the pursuit of success. But the man of + knowledge ever beholdeth the indestructible unity, and, is, therefore, + though steeped in worldly enjoyments, never affected by them at heart. + Therefore, there is nothing to impede his salvation. He, however, who + faileth to attain to knowledge, should yet devote himself to piety as + dependent on action (sacrifices &c.). But he that devoteth himself to + such piety, moved thereto by desire of salvation, can never achieve + success. His sacrifices bear no fruit and partake of the nature of + cruelty. Piety which is dependent on action that proceedeth not from the + desire of fruit, is, in case of such men Yoga itself.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka said, ‘O king, thou lookest like a young man; thou art handsome + and decked with a celestial garland. Thy splendour is great! Whence dost + thou come and where dost thou go? Whose messenger art thou? Art thou going + down into the Earth?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati said, ‘Fallen from heaven upon the loss of all my religious + merits, I am doomed to enter the Earth-hell. Indeed, I shall go there + after I have finished my discourse with you. Even now the regents of the + points of the universe command me to hasten thither. And, O king, I have + obtained it as a boon from Indra that though fall I must upon the earth, + yet I should fall amidst the wise and the virtuous. Ye are all wise and + virtuous that are assembled here.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka said, ‘Thou art acquainted with everything. I ask thee, O king, + are there any regions for myself to enjoy in heaven or in the firmament? + If there be, then, thou shalt not fall, though falling.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘O king, there are as many regions for thee to enjoy in + heaven even as the number of kine and horses on Earth with the animals in + the wilderness and on the hills.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka said, ‘If there are worlds for me to enjoy, as fruits of my + religious merits, in heaven, O king, I give them all unto thee. Therefore, + though falling, thou shalt not fall. O, take thou soon all those, wherever + they be, in heaven or in the firmament. Let thy sorrow cease.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘O best of kings, a Brahma-knowing Brahmana alone can + take in gift, but not one like ourselves. And, O monarch, I myself have + given away to Brahmanas as one should. Let no man who, is not a Brahmana + and let not the wife of a learned Brahmana ever live in infamy by + accepting gifts. While on earth, I ever desired to perform virtuous acts. + Having never done so before, how shall I now accept a gift?’ + </p> + <p> + “Pratardana who was amongst them asked, ‘O thou of the handsomest form, I + am Pratardana by name. I ask thee if there are any worlds for me to enjoy + as fruits of my religious merits, in heaven or the firmament? Answer me, + thou art acquainted with everything.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati said, ‘O king, numberless worlds, full of felicity, effulgent like + the solar disc, and where woe can never dwell, await thee. If thou + dwellest in each but for seven days, they would not yet be exhausted.’ + </p> + <p> + “Pratardana said, ‘These then I give unto thee. Therefore, though falling, + thou must not fall. Let the worlds that are mine be thine, whether they be + in the firmament or heaven. O, soon take them. Let thy woes cease.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘O monarch, no king of equal energy should ever desire + to receive as gift the religious merits of another king acquired by Yoga + austerities. And no king who is afflicted with calamity through the fates + should, if wise, act in a censurable way. A king keeping his eye fixed for + ever on virtue should walk along the path of virtue like myself and, + knowing what his duties are, should not act so meanly as thou directest. + When others desirous of acquiring religious merits do not accept gifts, + how can I do what they themselves do not? On the conclusion of this + speech, that best of kings, Yayati, was then addressed by Vasumat in the + following words.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0094"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vasumat said, ‘I am Vasumat, the son of Oshadaswa. I would ask thee, O + king, whether there are any worlds for me to enjoy as fruits of my + religious merits, in heaven or the firmament. Thou art, O high-souled one, + acquainted with all holy regions.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘There are as many regions for thee to enjoy in heaven + as the number of places in the firmament, the Earth and the ten points of + the universe illumined by the Sun.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasumat then said, ‘I give them to thee. Let those regions that are for + me be thine. Therefore, though falling, thou shall not fall. If to accept + them as gift be improper for thee, then, O monarch, buy them for a straw?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘I do not remember having ever bought and sold anything + unfairly. This has never been done by other kings. How shall I therefore + do it?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasumat said, ‘If buying them, O king, be regarded by thee as improper, + then take them as gilt from me. For myself I answer that I will never go + to those regions that are for me. Let them, therefore, be thine.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sivi then addressed the king thus, I am, O king, Sivi by name, the son of + Usinara. O father, are there in the firmament or in heaven any worlds for + me to enjoy? Thou knowest every region that one may enjoy as the fruit of + his religious merit.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati said, ‘Thou hast never, by speech or in mind, disregarded the + honest and the virtuous that applied to thee. There are infinite worlds + for thee to enjoy in heaven, all blazing like lightning.’ Sivi then said, + ‘If thou regardest their purchase as improper, I give them to thee. Take + them all, O king! I shall never take them, viz., those regions where the + wise never feel the least disquiet.’ + </p> + <p> + Yayati answered, ‘O Sivi, thou hast indeed, obtained for thyself, + possessed of the prowess of Indra, infinite worlds. But I do not desire to + enjoy regions given to me by others. Therefore, I accept not thy gift.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka then said, ‘O king, each of us has expressed his desire to give + thee worlds that each of us has acquired by his religious merits. Thou + acceptest not them. But leaving them for thee, we shall descend into the + Earth-hell.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘Ye all are truth-loving and wise. Give me that which I + deserve. I shall not be able to do what I have never done before.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka then said, ‘Whose are those five golden cars that we see? Do men + that repair to these regions of everlasting bliss ride in them?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘Those five golden cars displayed in glory, and blazing + as fire, would indeed, carry you to regions of bliss.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtaka said, ‘O king, ride on those cars thyself and repair to heaven. + We can wait. We follow thee in time.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati said, ‘We can now all go together. Indeed, all of us have + conquered heaven. Behold, the glorious path to heaven becomes visible.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then all those excellent monarchs riding in + those cars set out for heaven for gaining admittance into it, illuminating + the whole firmament by the glory of their virtues.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then Ashtaka, breaking the silence asked, ‘I had always thought that + Indra was my especial friend, and that I, of all others, should first + obtain admittance into heaven. But how is it that Usinara’s son, Sivi hath + already left us behind?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yayati answered, ‘This Usinara’s son had given all he possessed for + attaining to the region of Brahman. Therefore, is he the foremost among + us. Besides, Sivi’s liberality, asceticism, truth, virtue, modesty, + forgiveness, amiability, desire of performing good acts, have been so + great that none can measure them!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After this, Ashtaka, impelled by curiosity, + again asked his maternal grandfather resembling Indra himself, saying, ‘O + king, I ask thee, tell me truly, whence thou art, who thou art, and whose + son? Is there any other Brahmana or Kshatriya who hath done what thou + didst on earth?’ Yayati answered, ‘I tell thee truly, I am Yayati, the son + of Nahusha and the father of Puru. I was lord of all the Earth. Ye are my + relatives; I tell thee truly, I am the maternal grandfather of you all. + Having conquered the whole earth, I gave clothes to Brahmanas and also a + hundred handsome horses fit for sacrificial offering. For such acts of + virtue, the gods became propitious to those that perform them. I also gave + to Brahmanas this whole earth with her horses and elephants and kine and + gold all kinds of wealth, along with a hundred Arbudas of excellent milch + cows. Both the earth and the firmament exist owing to my truth and virtue; + fire yet burneth in the world of men owing to my truth and virtue. Never + hath a word spoken by me been untrue. It is for this that the wise adore + Truth. O Ashtaka, all I have told thee, Pratardana, and Vasumat, is Truth + itself. I know it for certain that the gods and the Rishis and all the + mansions of the blessed are adorable only because of Truth that + characteriseth them all. He that will without malice duly read unto good + Brahmanas his account of our ascension to heaven shall himself attain to + the same worlds with us.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘It was thus that the illustrious king Yayati of + high achievements, rescued by his collateral descendants, ascended to + heaven, leaving the earth and covering the three worlds with the fame of + his deeds.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0095"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O adorable one, I desire to hear the histories of those + kings who were descended from Puru. O tell me of each as he was possessed + of prowess and achievements. I have, indeed, heard that in Puru’s line + there was not a single one who was wanting in good behaviour and prowess, + or who was without sons. O thou of ascetic wealth, I desire to hear the + histories in detail of those famous monarchs endued with learning and all + accomplishments.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Asked by thee, I shall tell thee all about the + heroic-kings in Puru’s line, all equal unto Indra in prowess, possessing + great affluence and commanding the respect of all for their + accomplishments. + </p> + <p> + “Puru had by his wife Paushti three sons, Pravira, Iswara, and Raudraswa, + all of whom were mighty car-warriors. Amongst them, Pravira was the + perpetuator of the dynasty. Pravira had by his wife Suraseni a son named + Manasyu. And the latter of eyes like lotus-petals had his sway over the + whole Earth bounded by the four seas. And Manasyu had for his wife + Sauviri. And he begat upon her three sons called Sakta, Sahana, and Vagmi. + And they were heroes in battle and mighty car-warriors. The intelligent + and virtuous Kaudraswa begat upon the Apsara Misrakesi ten sons who were + all great bowmen. And they all grew up into heroes, performing numerous + sacrifices in honour of the gods. And they all had sons, were learned in + all branches of knowledge and ever devoted to virtue. They are Richeyu, + and Kaksreyu and Vrikeyu of great prowess; Sthandileyu, and Vaneyu, and + Jaleyu of great fame; Tejeyu of great strength and intelligence; and + Satyeyu of the prowess of Indra; Dharmeyu, and Sannateyu the tenth of the + prowess of the celestials. Amongst them all, Richeyu became the sole + monarch of the whole earth and was known by the name of Anadhrishti. And + in prowess he was like unto Vasava amongst the celestials. And Anadhristi + had a son of the name of Matinara who became a famous and virtuous king + and performed the Rajasuya and the horse-sacrifice. And Matinara had four + sons of immeasurable prowess, viz., Tansu, Mahan, Atiratha, and Druhyu of + immeasurable glory. (Amongst them, Tansu of great prowess became the + perpetrator of Puru’s line). And he subjugated the whole earth and + acquired great fame and splendour. And Tansu begat a son of great prowess + named Ilina. And he became the foremost of all conquerors and brought the + whole world under his subjection. And Ilina begat upon his wife Rathantara + five sons with Dushmanta at their head, all equal in might unto the five + elements. They were Dushmanta, Sura, Bhima, Pravasu, and Vasu. And, O + Janamejaya, the eldest of them, Dushmanta, became king. And Dushmanta had + by his wife Sakuntala an intelligent son named Bharata who became king. + And Bharata gave his name to the race of which he was the founder. And it + is from him that the fame of that dynasty hath spread so wide. And Bharata + begat upon his three wives nine sons in all. But none of them were like + their father and so Bharata was not at all pleased with them. Their + mothers, therefore, became angry and slew them all. The procreation of + children by Bharata, therefore, became vain. The monarch then performed a + great sacrifice and through the grace of Bharadwaja obtained a son named + Bhumanyu. And then Bharata, the great descendant of Puru, regarding + himself as really possessing a son, installed, O foremost one of Bharata’s + race, that son as his heir-apparent. And Bhumanyu begat upon his wife, + Pushkarini six sons named Suhotra, Suhotri, Suhavih, Sujeya, Diviratha and + Kichika. The eldest of them all, Suhotra, obtained the throne and + performed many Rajasuyas and horse-sacrifices. And Suhotra brought under + his sway the whole earth surrounded by her belt of seas and full of + elephants, kine and horses, and all her wealth of gems of gold. And the + earth afflicted with the weight of numberless human beings and elephants, + horses, and cats, was, as it were, about to sink. And during the virtuous + reign of Suhotra the surface of the whole earth was dotted all over with + hundreds and thousands, of sacrificial stakes. And the lord of the earth, + Suhotra, begat, upon his wife Aikshaki three sons, viz., Ajamidha, + Sumidha, and Purumidha. The eldest of them, Ajamidha, was the perpetuator + of the royal line. And he begat six sons,—Riksha was born of the + womb of Dhumini, Dushmanta and Parameshthin, of Nili, and Jahnu, Jala and + Rupina were born in that of Kesini. All the tribes of the Panchalas are + descended from Dushmanta and Parameshthin. And the Kushikas are the sons + of Jahnu of immeasurable prowess. And Riksha who was older than both Jala + and Rupina became king. And Riksha begat Samvarana, the perpetuator of the + royal line. And, O king, it hath been heard by us that while Samvarana, + the son of Riksha, was ruling the earth, there happened a great loss of + people from famine, pestilence, drought, and disease. And the Bharata + princes were beaten by the troops of enemies. And the Panchalas setting + out to invade the whole earth with their four kinds of troops soon brought + the whole earth under their sway. And with their ten Akshauhinis the king + of the Panchalas defeated the Bharata prince. Samvarana then with his wife + and ministers, sons and relatives, fled in fear, and took shelter in the + forest on the banks of the Sindhu extending to the foot of the mountains. + There the Bharatas lived for a full thousand years, within their fort. And + after they had lived there a thousand years, one day the illustrious Rishi + Vasishtha approached the exiled Bharatas, who, on going out, saluted the + Rishi and worshipped him by the offer of Arghya. And entertaining him with + reverence, they represented everything unto that illustrious Rishi. And + after he was seated on his seat, the king himself approached the Rishi and + addressed him, saying, ‘Be thou our priest, O illustrious one! We will + endeavour to regain our kingdom.’ And Vasishtha answered the Bharatas by + saying, ‘Om’ (the sign of consent). It hath been heard by us that + Vasishtha then installed the Bharata prince in the sovereignty of all the + Kshatriyas on earth, making by virtue of his Mantras this descendant of + Puru the veritable horns of the wild bull or the tusks of the wild + elephants. And the king retook the capital that had been taken away from + him and once more made all monarchs pay tribute to him. The powerful + Samvarana, thus installed once more in the actual sovereignty of the whole + earth, performed many sacrifices at which the presents to the Brahmanas + were great. + </p> + <p> + “Samvarana begat upon his wife, Tapati, the daughter of Surya, a son named + Kuru. This Kuru was exceedingly virtuous, and therefore, he was installed + on the throne by his people. It is after his name that the field called + Kuru-jangala has become so famous in the world. Devoted to asceticism, he + made that field (Kurukshetra) sacred by practising asceticism there. And + it has been heard by us that Kuru’s highly intelligent wife, Vahini, + brought forth five sons, viz., Avikshit, Bhavishyanta, Chaitraratha, Muni + and the celebrated Janamejaya. And Avikshit begat Parikshit the powerful, + Savalaswa, Adhiraja, Viraja, Salmali of great physical strength, + Uchaihsravas, Bhangakara and Jitari the eighth. In the race of these were + born, as the fruit of their pious acts seven mighty car-warriors with + Janamejaya at their head. And unto Parikshit were born sons who were all + acquainted with (the secrets of) religion and profit. And they were named + Kakshasena and Ugrasena, and Chitrasena endued with great energy, and + Indrasena and Sushena and Bhimasena. And the sons of Janamejaya were all + endued with great strength and became celebrated all over the world. And + they were Dhritarashtra who was the eldest, and Pandu and Valhika, and + Nishadha endued with great energy, and then the mighty Jamvunada, and then + Kundodara and Padati and then Vasati the eighth. And they were all + proficient in morality and profit and were kind to all creatures. Among + them Dhritarashtra became king. And Dhritarashtra had eight sons, viz., + Kundika, Hasti, Vitarka, Kratha the fifth, Havihsravas, Indrabha, and + Bhumanyu the invincible, and Dhritarashtra had many grandsons, of whom + three only were famous. They were, O king, Pratipa, Dharmanetra, Sunetra. + Among these three, Pratipa became unrivalled on earth. And, O bull in + Bharata’s race, Pratipa begat three sons, viz., Devapi, Santanu, and the + mighty car-warrior Valhika. The eldest Devapi adopted the ascetic course + of life, impelled thereto by the desire of benefiting his brothers. And + the kingdom was obtained by Santanu and the mighty car-warrior Valhika. + </p> + <p> + “O monarch, besides, there were born in the race of Bharata numberless + other excellent monarchs endued with great energy and like unto the + celestial Rishis themselves in virtue and ascetic power. And so also in + the race of Manu were born many mighty car-warriors like unto the + celestials themselves, who by their number swelled the Aila dynasty into + gigantic proportions.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0096"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O Brahmana, I have now heard from thee this great + history of my ancestors. I had also heard from thee about the great + monarchs that were born in this line. But I have not been gratified, this + charming account being so short. Therefore, be pleased, O Brahmana, to + recite the delightful narrative just in detail commencing from Manu, the + lord of creation. Who is there that will not be charmed with such an + account, as it is sacred? The fame of these monarchs increased by their + wisdom, virtue, accomplishments, and high character, hath so swelled as to + cover the three worlds. Having listened to the history, sweet as nectar, + of their liberality, prowess, physical strength, mental vigour, energy, + and perseverance, I have not been satiated!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Hear then, O monarch, as I recite in full the + auspicious account of thy own race just as I had heard it from Dwaipayana + before. + </p> + <p> + “Daksha begat Aditi, and Aditi begat Vivaswat, and Vivaswat begat Manu, + and Manu begat Ha and Ha begat Pururavas. And Pururavas begat Ayus, and + Ayus begat Nahusha, and Nahusha begat Yayati. And Yayati had two wives, + viz., Devayani, the daughter of Usanas, and Sarmishtha the daughter of + Vrishaparvan. Here occurs a sloka regarding (Yayati’s) descendants, + ‘Devayani gave birth to Yadu and Turvasu; and Vrishaparvan’s daughter, + Sarmishtha gave birth to Druhyu, Anu, and Puru., And the descendants of + Yadu are the Yadavas and of Puru are the Pauravas. And Puru had a wife of + the name of Kausalya, on whom he begat a son named Janamejaya who + performed three horse-sacrifices and a sacrifice called Viswajit. And then + he entered into the woods. And Janamejaya had married Ananta, the daughter + of Madhava, and begat upon her a son called Prachinwat. And the prince was + so called because he had conquered all the eastern countries up to the + very confines of the region where the Sun rises. And Prachinwat married + Asmaki, a daughter of the Yadavas and begat upon her a son named Sanyati. + And Sanyati married Varangi, the daughter of Drishadwata and begat upon + her a son named Ahayanti. And Ahayanti married Bhanumati, the daughter of + Kritavirya and begat upon her a son named Sarvabhauma. And Sarvabhauma + married Sunanda, the daughter of the Kekaya prince, having obtained her by + force. And he begat upon her a son named Jayatsena, who married Susrava, + the daughter of the Vidarbha king and begat upon her Avachina, And + Avachina also married another princess of Vidarbha, Maryada by name. And + he begat on her a son named Arihan. And Arihan married Angi and begat on + her Mahabhauma. And Mahabhauma married Suyajna, the daughter of + Prasenajit. And of her was born Ayutanayi. And he was so called because he + had performed a sacrifice at which the fat of an Ayuta (ten thousands) of + male beings was required. And Ayutanayi took for a wife Kama, the daughter + of Prithusravas. And by her was born a son named Akrodhana, who took to + wife Karambha, the daughter of the king of Kalinga. And of her was born + Devatithi, and Devatithi took for his wife Maryada, the princess of + Videha. And of her was born a son named Arihan. And Arihan took to wife + Sudeva, the princess of Anga, and upon her he begat a son named Riksha. + And Riksha married Jwala, the daughter of Takshaka, and he begat upon her + a son of the name of Matinara, who performed on the bank of Saraswati the + twelve years’ sacrifice said to be so efficacious. On conclusion of the + sacrifice, Saraswati appeared in person before the king and chose him for + husband. And he begat upon her a son named Tansu. Here occurs a sloka + descriptive of Tansu’s descendants. + </p> + <p> + “Tansu was born of Saraswati by Matinara. And Tansu himself begat a son + named Ilina on his wife, the princess Kalingi. + </p> + <p> + “Ilina begat on his wife Rathantari five sons, of whom Dushmanta was the + eldest. And Dushmanta took to wife Sakuntala, the daughter of Viswamitra. + And he begat on her a son named Bharata. Here occurs two slokas about + (Dushmanta’s) descendants. + </p> + <p> + “The mother is but the sheath of flesh in which the father begets the son. + Indeed the father himself is the son. Therefore, O Dushmanta, support thy + son and insult not Sakuntala. O god among men, the father himself becoming + the son rescueth himself from hell. Sakuntala hath truly said that thou + art the author of this child’s being. + </p> + <p> + “It is for this (i.e., because the king supported his child after hearing + the above speech of the celestial messenger) that Sakuntala’s son came to + be called Bharata (the supported). And Bharata married Sunanda, the + daughter of Sarvasena, the king of Kasi, and begat upon her the son named + Bhumanyu. And Bhumanyu married Vijaya, the daughter of Dasarha. And he + begat upon her a son Suhotra who married Suvarna, the daughter of + Ikshvaku. To her was born a son named Hasti who founded this city, which + has, therefore, been called Hastinapura. And Hasti married Yasodhara, the + princess of Trigarta. And of her was born a son named Vikunthana who took + for a wife Sudeva, the princess of Dasarha. And by her was born a son + named Ajamidha. And Ajamidha had four wives named Raikeyi, Gandhari, + Visala and Riksha. And he begat on them two thousand and four hundred + sons. But amongst them all, Samvarana became the perpetuator of the + dynasty. And Samvarana took for his wife Tapati, the daughter of Vivaswat. + And of her was born Kuru, who married Subhangi, the princess of Dasarha. + And he begat on her a son named Viduratha, who took to wife Supriya, the + daughter of the Madhavas. And he begat upon her a son named Anaswan. And + Anaswan married Amrita, the daughter of the Madhavas. And of her was born + a son named Parikshit, who took for his wife Suvasa, the daughter of the + Vahudas, and begat upon her a son named Bhimasena. And Bhimasena married + Kumari, the princess of Kekaya and begat upon her Pratisravas whose son + was Pratipa. And Pratipa married Sunanda, the daughter of Sivi, and begat + upon her three sons, viz., Devapi, Santanu and Valhika. And Devapi, while + still a boy, entered the woods as a hermit. And Santanu became king. Here + occurs a sloka in respect of Santanu. + </p> + <p> + “Those old men that were touched by this monarch not only felt an + indescribable sensation of pleasure but also became restored to youth. + Therefore, this monarch was called Santanu. + </p> + <p> + “And Santanu married Ganga, who bore him a son Devavrata who was + afterwards called Bhishma. And Bhishma, moved by the desire of doing good + to his father, got him married to Satyavati who was also called + Gandhakali. And in her maidenhood she had a son by Parasara, named + Dwaipayana. And upon her Santanu begat two other sons named Chitrangada + and Vichitravirya. And before they attained to majority, Chitrangada had + been slain by the Gandharvas. But Vichitravirya became king, and married + the two daughters of the king of Kasi, named Amvika and Amvalika. But + Vichitravirya died childless. Then Satyavati began to think as to how the + dynasty of Dushmanta might be perpetuated. Then she recollected the Rishi + Dwaipayana. The latter coming before her, asked, ‘What are thy commands?’ + ‘She said, ‘Thy brother Vichitravirya hath gone to heaven childless. Beget + virtuous children for him.’ Dwaipayana, consenting to this, begat three + children, viz., Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura. King Dhritarashtra had a + hundred sons by his wife, Gandhari in consequence of the boon granted by + Dwaipayana. And amongst those hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, four became + celebrated. They are Duryodhana, Duhsasana, Vikarna, and Chitrasena. And + Pandu had two jewels of wives, viz., Kunti, also called Pritha, and Madri. + One day Pandu, while out a-hunting, saw a deer covering its mate. That was + really a Rishi in the form of a deer. Seeing the deer in that attitude, he + killed it with his arrows, before its desire was gratified. Pierced with + the king’s arrow, the deer quickly changed its form and became a Rishi, + and said unto Pandu, ‘O Pandu, thou art virtuous and acquainted also with + the pleasure derived from the gratification of one’s desire. My desire + unsatisfied, thou hast slain me! Therefore, thou also, when so engaged and + before thou art gratified, shalt die!’ Pandu, hearing this curse, became + pale, and from that time would not go in unto his wives. And he told them + these words, ‘Through my own fault, I have been cursed! But I have heard + that for the childless there are no regions hereafter.’ Therefore, he + solicited Kunti to have offspring raised for him. And Kunti said, ‘Let it + be’, So she raised up offspring. By Dharma she had Yudhishthira; by + Maruta, Bhima: and by Sakra, Arjuna. And Pandu, well-pleased with her, + said, ‘This thy co-wife is also childless. Therefore, cause her also to + bear children.’ Kunti saying, ‘So be it,’ imparted unto Madri the mantra + of invocation. And on Madri were raised by the twin Aswins, the twins + Nakula and Sahadeva. And (one day) Pandu, beholding Madri decked with + ornaments, had his desire kindled. And, as soon as he touched her, he + died. Madri ascended the funeral pyre with her lord. And she said unto + Kunti, ‘Let these twins of mine be brought up by thee with affection.’ + After some time those five Pandavas were taken by the ascetics of the + woods to Hastinapura and there introduced to Bhishma and Vidura. And after + introducing them, the ascetics disappeared in the very sight of all. And + after the conclusion of the speech of those ascetics, flowers were + showered down upon the spot, and the celestial drums also were beaten in + the skies. The Pandavas were then taken (by Bhishma). They then + represented the death of their father and performed his last honours duly. + And as they were brought up there, Duryodhana became exceedingly jealous + of them. And the sinful Duryodhana acting like Rakshasa tried various + means to drive them away. But what must be can never be frustrated. So all + Duryodhana’s efforts proved futile. Then Dhritarashtra sent them, by an + act of deception to Varanavata, and they went there willingly. There an + endeavour was made to burn them to death; but it proved abortive owing to + the warning counsels of Vidura. After that the Pandavas slew Hidimva, and + then they went to a town called Ekachakra. There also they slew a Rakshasa + of the name of Vaka and then went to Panchala. And there obtaining + Draupadi for a wife they returned to Hastinapura. And there they dwelt for + some time in peace and begat children. And Yudhishthira begat + Prativindhya; Bhima, Sutasoma; Arjuna, Srutakriti; Nakula, Satanika; and + Sahadeva, Srutakarman. Besides these, Yudhishthira, having obtained for + his wife Devika, the daughter of Govasana of the Saivya tribe, in a + self-choice ceremony, begat upon her a son named Yaudheya. And Bhima also + obtaining for a wife Valandhara, the daughter of the king of Kasi, offered + his own prowess as dower and begat upon her a son named Sarvaga. And + Arjuna also, repairing to Dwaravati, brought away by force Subhadra. the + sweet-speeched sister of Vasudeva, and returned in happiness to + Hastinapura. And he begat upon her a son named Abhimanyu endued with all + accomplishments and dear to Vasudeva himself. And Nakula obtaining for his + wife Karenumati, the princess of Chedi, begat upon her a son named + Niramitra. And Sahadeva also married Vijaya, the daughter of Dyutimat, the + king of Madra, obtaining her in a self-choice ceremony and begat upon her + a son named Suhotra. And Bhimasena had some time before begat upon Hidimva + a son named Ghatotkacha. These are the eleven sons of the Pandavas. + Amongst them all, Abhimanyu was the perpetuator of the family. He married + Uttara, the daughter of Virata, who brought forth a dead child whom Kunti + took up on her lap at the command of Vasudeva who said, ‘I will revive + this child of six months.’ And though born before time, having been burnt + by the fire of (Aswatthaman’s weapon) and, therefore, deprived of strength + and energy he was revived by Vasudeva and endued with strength, energy and + prowess. And after reviving him, Vasudeva said, ‘Because this child hath + been born in an extinct race, therefore, he shall be called Parikshit’. + And Parikshit married Madravati, thy mother, O king, and thou art born to + her, O Janamejaya! Thou hast also begotten two sons on thy wife + Vapushtama, named Satanika and Sankukarna. And Satanika also hath begotten + one son named Aswamedhadatta upon the princess of Videha. + </p> + <p> + “Thus have I, O king, recited the history of the descendants of Puru and + of the Pandavas. This excellent, virtue-increasing, and sacred history + should ever be listened to by vow-observing Brahmanas, by Kshatriyas + devoted to the practices of their order and ready to protect their + subjects; by Vaisyas with attention, and by Sudras with reverence, whose + chief occupation is to wait upon the three other orders. Brahmanas + conversant in the Vedas and other persons, who with attention and + reverence recite this sacred history or listen to it when recited, conquer + the heavens and attain to the abode of the blessed. They are also always + respected and adored by the gods, Brahamanas, and other men. This holy + history of Bharata hath been composed by the sacred and illustrious Vyasa. + Veda-knowing Brahmanas and other persons who with reverence and without + malice hear it recited, earn great religious merits and conquer the + heavens. Though sinning, they are not disregarded by any one. Here occurs + a sloka, ‘This (Bharata) is equal unto the Vedas: it is holy and + excellent. It bestoweth wealth, fame, and life. Therefore, it should be + listened to by men with rapt attention.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0097"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘There was a king known by the name of Mahabhisha born + in the race of Ikshvaku. He was the lord of all the earth, and was + truthful (in speech) and of true prowess. By a thousand horse-sacrifices + and a hundred Rajasuyas he had gratified the chief of the celestials and + ultimately attained to heaven. + </p> + <p> + “One day the celestials had assembled together and were worshipping + Brahman. Many royal sages and king Mahabhisha also were present on the + spot. And Ganga, the queen of rivers, also came there to pay her + adorations to the Grandsire. And her garments white as the beams of the + moon was displaced by the action of the wind. And as her person became + exposed, the celestials bent down their heads. But the royal sage + Mahabhisha rudely stared at the queen of rivers. And Mahabhisha was for + this cursed by Brahman, who said, ‘Wretch, as thou hast forgotten thyself + at the sight of Ganga, thou shalt be re-born on earth. But thou shall + again and again attain to these regions. And she, too, shall be born in + the world of men and shall do thee injuries. But when thy wrath shall be + provoked, thou shalt then be freed from my curse.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘King Mahabhisha then recollecting all the + monarchs and ascetics on earth, wished to be born as son to Pratipa of + great prowess. And the queen of rivers, too, seeing king Mahabhisha lose + his firmness, went away, thinking of him wishfully. And on her way, she + saw those dwellers in heaven, the Vasus, also pursuing the same path. And + the queen of rivers beholding them in the predicament, asked them, ‘Why + look ye so dejected? Ye dwellers in heaven, is everything right with you?’ + Those celestials, the Vasus, answered her, saying, ‘O queen of rivers, we + have been cursed, for a venial fault, by the illustrious Vasishtha in + anger. The foremost of excellent Rishis, Vasishtha, had been engaged in + his twilight adorations and seated as he was, he could not be seen by us. + We crossed him in ignorance. Therefore, in wrath he hath cursed us, + saying, Be ye born among men!’ It is beyond our power to frustrate what + hath been said by that utterance of Brahma. Therefore, O river, thyself + becoming a human female make us the Vasus, thy children. O amiable one, we + are unwilling to enter the womb of any human female.’ Thus addressed, the + queen of rivers told them, ‘Be it so and asked them, ‘On earth, who is + that foremost of men whom ye will make your father?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Vasus replied, ‘On earth, unto Pratipa shall be born a son, Santanu, + who will be a king of world-wide fame.’ Ganga then said, ‘Ye celestials, + that is exactly my wish which ye sinless ones have expressed. I shall, + indeed, do good to that Santanu. That is also your desire as just + expressed.’ The Vasus then said, ‘It behoveth thee to throw thy children + after birth, into the water, so that, O thou of three courses (celestial, + terrestrial, and subterranean) we may be rescued soon without having to + live on earth for any length of time.’ Ganga then answered, ‘I shall do + what ye desire. But in order that his intercourse with me may not be + entirely fruitless, provide ye that one son at least may live.’ The Vasus + then replied, ‘We shall each contribute an eighth part of our respective + energies With the sum thereof, thou shall have one son according to thy + and his wishes. But this son shall not begat any children on earth. + Therefore, that son of thine endued with great energy, shall be + childless.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Vasus, making this arrangement with Ganga, went away without Waiting + to the place they liked.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0098"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said. ‘There was a king of the name of Pratipa, who was kind + to all creatures. He spent many years in ascetic penances at the source of + the river Ganga. The accomplished and lovely Ganga, one day, assuming the + form of a beautiful female, and rising from the waters, made up to the + monarch. The celestial maiden, endued with ravishing beauty, approached + the royal sage engaged in ascetic austerities, and sat upon his right + thigh that was, for manly strength, a veritable Sala tree. When the maiden + of handsome face had so sat upon his lap, the monarch said unto her, ‘O + amiable one, what dost thou desire? What shall I do?’ The damsel answered, + ‘I desire thee, O king, for my husband! O foremost one of the Kurus, be + mine! To refuse a woman coming of her own accord is never applauded by the + wise.’ Pratipa answered, ‘O thou of the fairest complexion, moved by lust, + I never go in unto others’ wives or women that are not of my order. This, + indeed, is my virtuous vow.’ The maiden rejoined, ‘I am not inauspicious + or ugly. I am every way worthy of being enjoyed. I am a celestial maiden + of rare beauty; I desire thee for my husband. Refuse me not, O king.’ To + this Pratipa answered, ‘I am, ‘O damsel, abstaining from that course to + which thou wouldst incite me. If I break my vow, sin will overwhelm and + kill me. O thou of the fairest complexion, thou hast embraced me, sitting + on my right thigh. But, O timid one, know that this is the seat for + daughters and daughters-in-law. The left lap is for the wife, but thou + hast not accepted that. Therefore, O best of women, I cannot enjoy thee as + an object of desire. Be my daughter-in-law. I accept thee for my son!’ + </p> + <p> + “The damsel then said, ‘O virtuous one, let it be as thou sayest. Let me + be united with thy son. From my respect for thee, I shall be a wife of the + celebrated Bharata race. Ye (of the Bharata race) are the refuge of all + the monarchs on earth! I am incapable of numbering the virtues of this + race even within a hundred years. The greatness and goodness of many + celebrated monarchs of this race are limitless. O lord of all, let it be + understood now that when I become thy daughter-in-law, thy son shall not + be able to judge of the propriety of my acts. Living thus with thy son, I + shall do good to him and increase his happiness. And he shall finally + attain to heaven in consequence of the sons I shall bear him, and of his + virtues and good conduct.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘O king, having said so, the celestial damsel + disappeared then and there. And the king, too, waited for the birth of his + son in order to fulfil his promise.’ + </p> + <p> + “About this time Pratipa, that light of the Kuru race, that bull amongst + Kshatriyas, was engaged, along with his wife, in austerities from desire + of offspring. And when they had grown old, a son was born unto them. This + was no other than Mahabhisha. And the child was called Santanu because he + was born when his father had controlled his passions by ascetic penances. + And the best of Kurus, Santanu, knowing that region of indestructible + bliss can be acquired by one’s deeds alone, became devoted to virtue. When + Santanu grew up into a youth, Pratipa addressed him and said, ‘Some time + ago, O Santanu, a celestial damsel came to me for thy good. If thou + meetest that fair-complexioned one in secret and if she solicit thee for + children, accept her as thy wife. And, O sinless one, judge not of the + propriety or impropriety of her action and ask not who she is, or whose or + whence, but accept her as thy wife at my command!’” Vaisampayana + continued, ‘Pratipa, having thus commanded his son Santanu and installed + him on his throne, retired into the woods. And king Santanu endued with + great intelligence and equal unto Indra himself in splendour, became + addicted to hunting and passed much of his time in the woods. And the best + of monarchs always slew deer and buffaloes. And one day, as he was + wandering along the bank of the Ganges, he came upon a region frequented + by Siddhas and Charanas. And there he saw a lovely maiden of blazing + beauty and like unto another Sri herself; of faultless and pearly teeth + and decked with celestial ornaments, and attired in garments of fine + texture that resembled in splendour the filaments of the lotus. And the + monarch, on beholding that damsel, became surprised, and his raptures + produced instant horripilation. With steadfast gaze he seemed to be + drinking her charms, but repeated draughts failed to quench his thirst. + The damsel also beholding the monarch of blazing splendour moving about in + great agitation, was moved herself and experienced an affection for him. + She gazed and gazed and longed to gaze on him evermore. The monarch then + in soft words addressed her and said, ‘O slender-waisted one, be thou a + goddess or the daughter of a Danava, be thou of the race of the + Gandharvas, or Apsaras, be thou of the Yakshas or the Nagas, or be thou of + human origin, O thou of celestial beauty, I solicit thee to be my wife!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0099"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The maiden then, hearing those soft and sweet words + of the smiling monarch, and remembering her promise to the Vasus, + addressed the king in reply. Of faultless features, the damsel sending a + thrill of pleasure into the heart by every word she uttered, said, ‘O + king, I shall become thy wife and obey thy commands. But, O monarch, thou + must not interfere with me in anything I do, be it agreeable or + disagreeable. Nor shall thou ever address me unkindly. As long as thou + shalt behave kindly I promise to live with thee. But I shall certainly + leave thee the moment thou interferest with me or speakest to me an unkind + word.’ The king answered, ‘Be it so.’ And thereupon the damsel obtaining + that excellent monarch, that foremost one of the Bharata race for her + husband, became highly pleased. And king Santanu also, obtaining her for + his wife, enjoyed to the full the pleasure of her company. And adhering to + his promise, he refrained from asking her anything. And the lord of earth, + Santanu, became exceedingly gratified with her conduct, beauty, + magnanimity, and attention to his comforts. And the goddess Ganga also, of + three courses (celestial, terrestrial, and subterranean) assuming a human + form of superior complexion and endued with celestial beauty, lived + happily as the wife of Santanu, having as the fruit of her virtuous acts, + obtained for her husband, that tiger among kings equal unto Indra himself + in splendour. And she gratified the king by her attractiveness and + affection, by her wiles and love, by her music and dance, and became + herself gratified. And the monarch was so enraptured with his beautiful + wife that months, seasons, and years rolled on without his being conscious + of them. And the king, while thus enjoying himself with his wife, had + eight children born unto him who in beauty were like the very celestials + themselves. But, O Bharata, those children, one after another, as soon as + they were born, were thrown into the river by Ganga who said, ‘This is for + thy good.’ And the children sank to rise no more. The king, however, could + not be pleased with such conduct. But he spoke not a word about it lest + his wife should leave him. But when the eighth child was born, and when + his wife as before was about to throw it smilingly into the river, the + king with a sorrowful countenance and desirous of saving it from + destruction, addressed her and said, ‘Kill it not! Who art thou and whose? + Why dost thou kill thy own children? Murderess of thy sons, the load of + thy sins is great!’” His wife, thus addressed, replied, ‘O thou desirous + of offspring, thou hast already become the first of those that have + children. I shall not destroy this child of thine. But according to our + agreement, the period of my stay with thee is at an end. I am Ganga, the + daughter of Jahnu. I am ever worshipped by the great sages; I have lived + with thee so long for accomplishing the purposes of the celestials. The + eight illustrious Vasus endued with great energy had, from Vasishtha’s + curse, to assume human forms. On earth, besides thee, there was none else + to deserve the honour of being their begetter. There is no woman also on + earth except one like me, a celestial of human form, to become their + mother. I assumed a human form to bring them forth. Thou also, having + become the father of the eight Vasus, hast acquired many regions of + perennial bliss. It was also agreed between myself and the Vasus that I + should free them from their human forms as soon as they would be born. I + have thus freed them from the curse of the Rishi Apava. Blest be thou; I + leave thee, O king! But rear thou this child of rigid vows. That I should + live with thee so long was the promise I gave to the Vasus. And let this + child be called Gangadatta.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0100"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Santanu asked, ‘What was the fault of the Vasus and who was Apava, + through whose curse the Vasus had to be born among men? What also hath + this child of thine, Gangadatta, done for which he shall have to live + among men? Why also were the Vasus, the lords of the three worlds, + condemned to be born amongst men? O daughter of Jahnu, tell me all.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed, the celestial daughter of Jahnu, + Ganga, then replied unto the monarch, her husband, that bull amongst men, + saying, ‘O best of Bharata’s race, he who was obtained as son by Varuna + was called Vasishtha, the Muni who afterwards came to be known as Apava. + He had his asylum on the breast of the king of mountains called Meru. The + spot was sacred and abounded with birds and beasts. And there bloomed at + all times of the year flowers of every season. And, O best of Bharata’s + race, that foremost of virtuous men, the son of Varuna, practised his + ascetic penances in those woods abounding with sweet roots and water. + </p> + <p> + “Daksha had a daughter known by the name of Surabhi, who, O bull of + Bharata’s race, for benefiting the world, brought forth, by her connection + with Kasyapa, a daughter (Nandini) in the form of a cow. That foremost of + all kine, Nandini, was the cow of plenty (capable of granting every + desire). The virtuous son of Varuna obtained Nandini for his Homa rites. + And Nandini, dwelling in that hermitage which was adored by Munis, roamed + about fearlessly in those sacred and delightful woods. + </p> + <p> + “One day, O bull of Bharata’s race, there came into those woods adored by + the gods and celestial Rishis, the Vasus with Prithu at their head. And + wandering there with their wives, they enjoyed themselves in those + delightful woods and mountains. And as they wandered there, the + slender-waisted wife of one of the Vasus, O thou of the prowess of Indra, + saw in those woods Nandini, the cow of plenty. And seeing that cow + possessing the wealth of all accomplishments, large eyes, full udders, + fine tail, beautiful hoofs, and every other auspicious sign, and yielding + much milk, she showed the animal to her husband Dyu. O thou of the prowess + of the first of elephants, when Dyu was shown that cow, he began to admire + her several qualities and addressing his wife, said, ‘O black-eyed girl of + fair thighs, this excellent cow belongeth to that Rishi whose is this + delightful asylum. O slender-waisted one, that mortal who drinketh the + sweet milk of this cow remaineth in unchanged youth for ten thousand + years.’ O best of monarchs, hearing this, the slender-waisted goddess of + faultless features then addressed her lord of blazing splendour and said, + ‘There is on earth a friend of mine, Jitavati by name, possessed of great + beauty and youth. She is the daughter of that god among men, the royal + sage Usinara, endued with intelligence and devoted to truth. I desire to + have this cow, O illustrious one, with her calf for that friend of mine. + Therefore, O best of celestials, bring that cow so that my friend drinking + of her milk may alone become on earth free from disease and decrepitude. O + illustrious and blameless one, it behoveth thee to grant me this desire of + mine. There is nothing that would be more agreeable to me.’ On hearing + these words of his wife, Dyu, moved by the desire of humouring her, stole + that cow, aided by his brothers Prithu and the others. Indeed, Dyu, + commanded by his lotus-eyed wife, did her bidding, forgetting at the + moment the high ascetic merits of the Rishi who owned her. He did not + think at the time that he was going to fall by committing the sin of + stealing the cow. + </p> + <p> + “When the son of Varuna returned to his asylum in the evening with fruits + he had collected, he beheld not the cow with her calf there. He began to + search for them in the woods, but when the great ascetic of superior + intelligence found not his cow on search, he saw by his ascetic vision + that she had been stolen by the Vasus. His wrath was instantly kindled and + he cursed the Vasus, saying, ‘Because the Vasus have stolen my cow of + sweet milk and handsome tail, therefore, shall they certainly be born on + earth!’ + </p> + <p> + “O thou bull of Bharata’s race, the illustrious Rishi Apava thus cursed + the Vasus in wrath. And having cursed them, the illustrious one set his + heart once more on ascetic meditation. And after that Brahmarshi of great + power and ascetic wealth had thus in wrath cursed the Vasus, the latter, O + king, coming to know of it, speedily came into his asylum. And addressing + the Rishi, O bull among kings, they endeavoured to pacify him. But they + failed, O tiger among men, to obtain grace from Apava—that Rishi + conversant, with all rules of virtue. The virtuous Apava, however, said, + ‘Ye Vasus, with Dhava and others, ye have been cursed by me. But ye shall + be freed from my curse within a year of your birth among men. But he for + whose deed ye have been cursed by me he, viz., Dyu, shall for his sinful + act, have to dwell on earth for a length of time. I shall not make futile + the words I have uttered in wrath. Dyu, though dwelling on Earth, shall + not beget children. He shall, however, be virtuous and conversant with the + scriptures. He shall be an obedient son to his father, but he shall have + to abstain from the pleasure of female companionship.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressing the Vasus, the great Rishi went away. The Vasus then + together came to me. And, O king, the begged of me the boon that as soon + as they would be born, I should throw them into the water. And, O best of + kings, I did as they desired, in order to free them from their earthly + life. And O best of kings, from the Rishi’s curse, this one only, viz., + Dyu, himself, is to live on earth for some time.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having said this, the goddess disappeared then + and there. And taking with her the child, she went away to the region she + chose. And that child of Santanu was named both Gangeya and Devavrata and + excelled his father in all accomplishments. + </p> + <p> + “Santanu, after the disappearance of his wife, returned to his capital + with a sorrowful heart. I shall now recount to thee the many virtues and + the great good fortune of the illustrious king Santanu of the Bharata + race. Indeed, it is this splendid history that is called the + Mahabharata.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0101"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION C + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued ) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The monarch Santanu, the most adored of the gods and + royal sages, was known in all the worlds for his wisdom, virtues, and + truthfulness (of speech). The qualities of self-control, liberality, + forgiveness, intelligence, modesty, patience and superior energy ever + dwelt in that bull among men, viz., Santanu, that great being endued with + these accomplishments and conversant with both religion and profit, the + monarch was at once the protector of the Bharata race and all human + beings. His neck was marked with (three) lines, like a conch-shell; his + shoulders were broad, and he resembled in prowess an infuriated elephant. + It would seem that all the auspicious signs of royalty dwelt in his + person, considering that to be their fittest abode. Men, seeing the + behaviour of that monarch of great achievements came to know that virtue + was ever superior to pleasure and profit. These were the attributes that + dwelt in that great being—that bull among men—Santanu. And + truly there was never a king like Santanu. All the kings of the earth, + beholding him devoted to virtue, bestowed upon that foremost of virtuous + men the title of King of kings. And all the kings of the earth during the + time of that lord-protector of the Bharata race, were without woe and fear + and anxiety of any kind. And they all slept in peace, rising from bed + every morning after happy dreams. And owing to that monarch of splendid + achievements resembling Indra himself in energy, all the kings of the + earth became virtuous and devoted to liberality, religious acts and + sacrifices. And when the earth was ruled by Santanu and other monarchs + like him, the religious merits of every order increased very greatly. The + Kshatriyas served the Brahmanas; the Vaisyas waited upon the Kshatriyas, + and the Sudras adoring the Brahmanas and the Kshatriyas, waited upon the + Vaisyas. And Santanu residing in Hastinapura, the delightful capital of + the Kurus, ruled the whole earth bounded by seas. He was truthful and + guileless, and like the king of the celestials himself conversant with the + dictates of virtue. And from the combination in him of liberality, + religion and asceticism, he acquired a great good fortune. He was free + from anger and malice, and was handsome in person like Soma himself. In + splendour he was like the Sun and in impetuosity of valour like Vayu. In + wrath he was like Yama, and in patience like the Earth. And, O king, while + Santanu ruled the earth, no deer, boars, birds, or other animals were + needlessly slain. In his dominions the great virtue of kindness to all + creatures prevailed, and the king himself, with the soul of mercy, and + void of desire and wrath, extended equal protection unto all creatures. + Then sacrifices in honour of the gods, the Rishis, and Pitris commenced, + and no creature was deprived of life sinfully. And Santanu was the king + and father of all—of those that were miserable and those that had no + protectors, of birds and beasts, in fact, of every created thing. And + during the rule of the best of Kurus—of that king of kings—speech + became united with truth, and the minds of men were directed towards + liberality and virtue. And Santanu, having enjoyed domestic felicity for + six and thirty years, retired into the woods. + </p> + <p> + “And Santanu’s son, the Vasu born of Ganga, named Devavrata resembled + Santanu himself in personal beauty, in habits and behaviour, and in + learning. And in all branches of knowledge worldly or spiritual his skill + was very great. His strength and energy were extraordinary. He became a + mighty car-warrior. In fact he was a great king. + </p> + <p> + “One day, while pursuing along the banks of the Ganges a deer that he had + struck with his arrow, king Santanu observed that the river had become + shallow. On observing this, that bull among men, viz., Santanu, began to + reflect upon this strange phenomenon. He mentally asked why that first of + rivers ran out so quickly as before. And while seeking for a cause, the + illustrious monarch beheld that a youth of great comeliness, well-built + and amiable person, like Indra himself, had, by his keen celestial weapon, + checked the flow of the river. And the king, beholding this extraordinary + feat of the river Ganga having been checked in her course near where that + youth stood, became very much surprised. This youth was no other than + Santanu’s son himself. But as Santanu had seen his son only once a few + moments after his birth, he had not sufficient recollection to identify + that infant with the youth before his eyes. The youth, however, seeing his + father, knew him at once, but instead of disclosing himself, he clouded + the king’s perception by his celestial powers of illusion and disappeared + in his very sight. + </p> + <p> + “King Santanu, wondering much at what he saw and imagining the youth to be + his own son then addressed Ganga and said, ‘Show me that child.’ Ganga + thus addressed, assuming a beautiful form, and holding the boy decked with + ornaments in her right arm, showed him to Santanu. And Santanu did not + recognise that beautiful female bedecked with ornaments and attired in + fine robes of white, although he had known her before. And Ganga said, ‘O + tiger among men, that eighth son whom thou hadst some time before begat + upon me is this. Know that this excellent child is conversant with all + weapons, O monarch, take him now. I have reared him with care. And go + home, O tiger among men, taking him with thee. Endued with superior + intelligence, he has studied with Vasishtha the entire Vedas with their + branches. Skilled in all weapons and a mighty bowman, he is like Indra in + battle. And, O Bharata, both the gods and the Asuras look upon him with + favour. Whatever branches of knowledge are known to Usanas, this one + knoweth completely. And so is he the master of all those Sastras that the + son of Angiras (Vrihaspati) adored by the gods and the Asuras, knoweth. + And all the weapons known to the powerful and invincible Rama, the son of + Jamadagni are known to this thy illustrious son of mighty arms. O king of + superior courage, take this thy own heroic child given unto thee by me. He + is a mighty bowman and conversant with the interpretation of all treatises + on the duties of a king.’ Thus commanded by Ganga, Santanu took his child + resembling the Sun himself in glory and returned to his capital. And + having reached his city that was like unto the celestial capital, that + monarch of Puru’s line regarded himself greatly fortunate. And having + summoned all the Pauravas together, for the protection of his kingdom he + installed his son as his heir-apparent. And O bull of Bharata’s race, the + prince soon gratified by his behaviour his father and the other members of + the Paurava race: in fact, all the subjects of the kingdom. And the king + of incomparable prowess lived happily with that son of his. + </p> + <p> + “Four years had thus passed away, when the king one day went into the + woods on the bank of the Yamuna. And while the king was rambling there, he + perceived a sweet scent coming from an unknown direction. And the monarch, + impelled by the desire of ascertaining the cause, wandered hither and + thither. And in course of his ramble, he beheld a black-eyed maiden of + celestial beauty, the daughter of a fisherman. The king addressing her, + said, ‘Who art thou, and whose daughter? What dost thou do here, O timid + one?’ She answered, ‘Blest be thou! I am the daughter of the chief of the + fishermen. At his command, I am engaged for religious merit, in rowing + passengers across this river in my boat.’ And Santanu, beholding that + maiden of celestial form endued with beauty, amiableness, and such + fragrance, desired her for his wife. And repairing unto her father, the + king solicited his consent to the proposed match. But the chief of the + fishermen replied to the monarch, saying, ‘O king, as soon as my daughter + of superior complexion was born, it was of course, understood that she + should be bestowed upon a husband. But listen to the desire I have + cherished all along in my heart. O sinless one, thou art truthful: if thou + desirest to obtain this maiden as a gift from me, give, me then this + pledge. If, indeed, thou givest the pledge, I will of course bestow my + daughter upon thee for truly I can never obtain a husband for her equal to + thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Santanu, hearing this, replied, ‘When I have heard of the pledge thou + askest, I shall then say whether I would be able to grant it. If it is + capable of being granted, I shall certainly grant it. Otherwise how shall + I grant it.’ The fisherman said, ‘O king, what I ask of thee is this: the + son born of this maiden shall be installed by thee on thy throne and none + else shall thou make thy successor.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘O Bharata, when Santanu heard this, he felt no + inclination to grant such a boon, though the fire of desire sorely burnt + him within. The king with his heart afflicted by desire returned to + Hastinapura, thinking all the way of the fisherman’s daughter. And having + returned home, the monarch passed his time in sorrowful meditation. One + day, Devavrata approaching his afflicted father said, ‘All is prosperity + with thee; all chiefs obey thee; then how is it that thou grievest thus? + Absorbed in thy own thoughts, thou speakest not a word to me in reply. + Thou goest not out on horse-back now; thou lookest pale and emaciated, + having lost all animation. I wish to know the disease thou sufferest from, + so that I may endeavour to apply a remedy.’ Thus addressed by his son, + Santanu answered, ‘Thou sayest truly, O son, that I have become + melancholy. I will also tell thee why I am so. O thou of Bharata’s line, + thou art the only scion of this our large race. Thou art always engaged in + sports of arms and achievements of prowess. But, O son, I am always + thinking of the instability of human life. If any danger overtake thee, O + child of Ganga, the result is that we become sonless. Truly thou alone art + to me as a century of sons. I do not, therefore, desire to wed again. I + only desire and pray that prosperity may ever attend thee so that our + dynasty may be perpetuated. The wise say that he that hath one son hath no + son. Sacrifices before fire and the knowledge of the three Vedas yield, it + is true, everlasting religious merit, but all these, in point of religious + merit, do not, come up to a sixteenth part of the religious merit + attainable on the birth of a son. Indeed, in this respect, there is hardly + any difference between men and the lower animals. O wise one, I do not + entertain a shadow of doubt that one attains to heaven in consequence of + his having begotten a son. The Vedas which constitute the root of the + Puranas and are regarded as authoritative even by the gods, contain + numerous proof of this. O thou of Bharata’s race, thou art a hero of + excitable temper, who is always engaged in the exercise of arms. It is + very probable that thou wilt be slain on the field of battle. If it so + happen, what then will be the state of the Bharata dynasty, It is this + thought that hath made me so melancholy. I have now told thee fully the + causes of my sorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Devavrata who was endued with great + intelligence, having ascertained all this from the king, reflected within + himself for a while. He then went to the old minister devoted to his + father’s welfare and asked him about the cause of the king’s grief. O bull + of Bharata’s race, when the prince questioned the minister, the latter + told him about the boon that was demanded by the chief of the fishermen in + respect of his daughter Gandhavati. Then Devavrata, accompanied by many + Kshatriya chiefs of venerable age, personally repaired to the chief of the + fishermen and begged of him his daughter on behalf of the king. The chief + of the fishermen received him with due adorations, and, O thou of + Bharata’s race, when the prince took his seat in the court of the chief, + the latter addressed him and said, ‘O bull among the Bharatas, thou art + the first of all wielders of weapons and the only son of Santanu. Thy + power is great. But I have something to tell thee. If the bride’s father + was Indra himself, even then he would have to repent of rejecting such an + exceedingly honourable and desirable proposal of marriage. The great man + of whose seed this celebrated maiden named Satyavati was born, is, indeed, + equal to you in virtue. He hath spoken to me on many occasions of the + virtues of thy father and told me that, the king alone is worthy of + (marrying) Satyavati. Let me tell you that I have even rejected the + solicitations of that best of Brahmarshis—the celestial sage Asita—who, + too, had often asked for Satyavati’s hand in marriage. I have only one + word to say on the part of this maiden. In the matter of the proposed + marriage there is one great objection founded on the fact of a rival in + the person of a co-wife’s son. O oppressor of all foes, he hath no + security, even if he be an Asura or a Gandharva, who hath a rival in thee. + There is this only objection to the proposed marriage, and nothing else. + Blest be thou! But this is all I have to say in the matter of the bestowal + or otherwise, of Satyavati.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘O thou of Bharata’s race, Devavrata, having + heard these words, and moved by the desire of benefiting his father thus + answered in the hearing of the assembled chiefs, ‘O foremost of truthful + men, listen to the vow I utter! The man has not been or will not be born, + who will have the courage to take such a vow! I shall accomplish all that + thou demandest! The son that may be born of this maiden shall be our + king.’ Thus addressed, the chief of the fishermen, impelled by desire of + sovereignty (for his daughter’s son), to achieve the almost impossible, + then said, ‘O thou of virtuous soul, thou art come hither as full agent on + behalf of thy father Santanu of immeasurable glory; be thou also the sole + manager on my behalf in the matter of the bestowal of this my daughter. + But, O amiable one, there is something else to be said, something else to + be reflected upon by thee. O suppressor of foes, those that have + daughters, from the very nature of their obligations, must say what I say. + O thou that art devoted to truth, the promise thou hast given in the + presence of these chiefs for the benefit of Satyavati, hath, indeed, been + worthy of thee. O thou of mighty arms, I have not the least doubt of its + ever being violated by thee. But I have my doubts in respect of the + children thou mayst beget.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘O king, the son of Ganga, devoted to truth, + having ascertained the scruples of the chief of the fishermen, then said, + moved thereto by the desire of benefiting his father, ‘Chief of fishermen, + thou best of men, listen to what I say in the presence of these assembled + kings. Ye kings, I have already relinquished my right to the throne, I + shall now settle the matter of my children. O fisherman, from this day I + adopt the vow of Brahmacharya (study and meditation in celibacy). If I die + sonless, I shall yet attain to regions of perennial bliss in heaven!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Upon these words of the son of Ganga, the hair + on the fisherman’s body stood on end from glee, and he replied, ‘I bestow + my daughter!’ Immediately after, the Apsaras and the gods with diverse + tribes of Rishis began to rain down flowers from the firmament upon the + head of Devavrata and exclaimed, ‘This one is Bhishma (the terrible).’ + Bhishma then, to serve his father, addressed the illustrious damsel and + said, ‘O mother, ascend this chariot, and let us go unto our house.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having said this, Bhishma helped the beautiful + maiden into his chariot. On arriving with her at Hastinapura, he told + Santanu everything as it had happened. And the assembled kings, jointly + and individually, applauded his extraordinary act and said, ‘He is really + Bhishma (the terrible)!’ And Santanu also, hearing of the extraordinary + achievements of his son, became highly gratified and bestowed upon the + high-souled prince the boon of death at will, saying, ‘Death shall never + come to thee as long as thou desirest to live. Truly death shall approach + thee, O sinless one, having first obtained thy command.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0102"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O monarch, after the nuptials were over, king Santanu + established his beautiful bride in his household. Soon after was born of + Satyavati an intelligent and heroic son of Santanu named Chitrangada. He + was endued with great energy and became an eminent man. The lord Santanu + of great prowess also begat upon Satyavati another son named + Vichitravirya, who became a mighty bowman and who became king after his + father. And before that bull among men, viz., Vichitravirya, attained to + majority, the wise king Santanu realised the inevitable influence of Time. + And after Santanu had ascended to heaven. Bhishma, placing himself under + the command of Satyavati, installed that suppressor of foes, viz., + Chitrangada, on the throne, who, having soon vanquished by his prowess all + monarchs, considered not any man as his equal. And beholding that he could + vanquish men, Asuras, and the very gods, his namesake, the powerful king + of the Gandharvas, approached him for an encounter. Between that Gandharva + and that foremost one of the Kurus, who were both very powerful, there + occurred on the field of Kurukshetra a fierce combat which lasted full + three years on the banks of the Saraswati. In that terrible encounter + characterised by thick showers of weapons and in which the combatants + ground each other fiercely, the Gandharva, who had greater prowess or + strategic deception, slew the Kuru prince. Having slain Chitrangada—that + first of men and oppressor of foes—the Gandharva ascended to heaven. + When that tiger among men endued with great prowess was slain, Bhishma, + the son of Santanu, performed, O king, all his obsequies. He then + installed the boy Vichitravirya of mighty arms, still in his minority, on + the throne of the Kurus. And Vichitravirya, placing himself under the + command of Bhishma, ruled the ancestral kingdom. And he adored Santanu’s + son Bhishma who was conversant with all the rules of religion and law; so, + indeed, Bhishma also protected him that was so obedient to the dictates of + duty.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0103"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O thou of Kuru’s race, after Chitrangada was slain, + his successor Vichitravirya being a minor, Bhishma ruled the kingdom, + placing himself under the command of Satyavati. When he saw that his + brother, who was the foremost of intelligent men, attained to majority, + Bhishma set his heart upon marrying Vichitravirya. At this time he heard + that the three daughters of the king of Kasi, all equal in beauty to the + Apsaras themselves, would be married on the same occasion, selecting their + husbands at a self-choice ceremony. Then that foremost of car-warriors, + that vanquisher of all foes, at the command of his mother, went to the + city of Varanasi in a single chariot. There Bhishma, the son of Santanu, + saw that innumerable monarchs had come from all directions; and there he + also saw those three maidens that would select their own husbands. And + when the (assembled) kings were each being mentioned by name, Bhishma + chose those maidens (on behalf of his brother). And taking them upon his + chariot, Bhishma, that first of smiters in battle, addressed the kings, O + monarch, and said in a voice deep as the roar of the clouds, ‘The wise + have directed that when an accomplished person has been invited, a maiden + may be bestowed on him, decked with ornaments and along with many valuable + presents. Others again may bestow their daughters by accepting a couple of + kine. Some again bestow their daughters by taking a fixed sum, and some + take away maidens by force. Some wed with the consent of the maidens, some + by drugging them into consent, and some by going unto the maidens’ parents + and obtaining their sanction. Some again obtain wives as presents for + assisting at sacrifices. Of these, the learned always applaud the eighth + form of marriage. Kings, however, speak highly of the Swyamvara (the fifth + form as above) and themselves wed according to it. But the sages have said + that, that wife is dearly to be prized who is taken away by force, after + the slaughter of opponents, from amidst the concourse of princes and kings + invited to a self-choice ceremony. Therefore, ye monarchs, I bear away + these maidens hence by force. Strive ye, to the best of your might, to + vanquish me or to be vanquished. Ye monarchs, I stand here resolved to + fight!’ Kuru prince, endued with great energy, thus addressing the + assembled monarchs and the king of Kasi, took upon his car those maidens. + And having taken them up, he sped his chariot away, challenging the + invited kings to a fight. + </p> + <p> + “The challenged monarchs then all stood up, slapping their arms and biting + their nether lips in wrath. And loud was the din produced, as, in a great + hurry, they began to cast off their ornaments and put on their armour. And + the motion of their ornaments and armour, O Janamejaya, brilliant as these + were, resembled meteoric flashes in the sky. And with brows contracted and + eyes red with rage, the monarchs moved in impatience, their armour and + ornaments dazzling or waving with their agitated steps. The charioteers + soon brought handsome cars with fine horses harnessed thereto. Those + splendid warriors then, equipped with all kinds of weapons, rode on those + cars, and with uplifted weapons pursued the retreating chief of the Kurus. + Then, O Bharata, occurred the terrible encounter between those innumerable + monarchs on one side and the Kuru warrior alone on the other. And the + assembled monarchs threw at their foe ten thousand arrows at the same + time. Bhishma, however speedily checked those numberless arrows before + they could come at him by means of a shower of his own arrows as + innumerable as the down on the body. Then those kings surrounded him from + all sides and rained arrows on him like masses of clouds showering on the + mountain-breast. But Bhishma, arresting with his shafts the course of that + arrowy downpour, pierced each of the monarchs with three shafts. The + latter, in their turn pierced Bhishma, each with five shafts. But, O king, + Bhishma checked those by his prowess and pierced each of the contending + kings with two shafts. The combat became so fierce with that dense shower + of arrows and other missiles that it looked very much like the encounter + between the celestials and the Asuras of old, and men of courage who took + no part in it were struck with fear even to look at the scene. Bhishma cut + off, with his arrows, on the field of battle, bows, and flagstaffs, and + coats of mail, and human heads by hundreds and thousands. And such was his + terrible prowess and extraordinary lightness of hand, and such the skill + with which he protected himself, that the contending car-warriors, though + his enemies, began to applaud him loudly. Then that foremost of all + wielders of weapons having vanquished in battle all those monarchs, + pursued his way towards the capital of the Bharatas, taking those maidens + with him. + </p> + <p> + “It was then, O king, that mighty car-warrior, king Salya of immeasurable + prowess, from behind summoned Bhishma, the son of Santanu, to an + encounter. And desirous of obtaining the maidens, he came upon Bhishma + like a mighty leader of a herd of elephants rushing upon another of his + kind, and tearing with his tusks the latter’s hips at the sight of a + female elephant in heat. And Salya of mighty arms, moved by wrath + addressed Bhishma and said, ‘Stay, Stay.’ Then Bhishma, that tiger among + men, that grinder of hostile armies, provoked by these words, flamed up in + wrath like a blazing fire. Bow in hand, and brow furrowed into wrinkles, + he stayed on his car, in obedience to Kshatriya usage having checked its + course in expectation of the enemy. All the monarchs seeing him stop, + stood there to become spectators of the coming encounter between him and + Salya. The two then began to exhibit their prowess (upon each other) like + roaring bulls of great strength at the sight of a cow in rut. Then that + foremost of men, king Salya covered Bhishma, the son of Santanu with + hundreds and thousands of swift-winged shafts. And those monarchs seeing + Salya thus covering Bhishma at the outset with innumerable shafts, + wondered much and uttered shouts of applause. Beholding his lightness of + hand in combat, the crowd of regal spectators became very glad and + applauded Salya greatly. That subjugator of hostile towns, Bhishma, then, + on hearing those shouts of the Kshatriyas, became very angry and said, + ‘Stay, Stay’. In wrath, he commanded his charioteer, saying, ‘Lead thou my + car to where Salya is, so that I may slay him instantly as Garuda slays a + serpent.’ Then the Kuru chief fixed the Varuna weapon on his bow-string, + and with it afflicted the four steeds of king Salya. And, O tiger among + kings, the Kuru chief, then, warding off with his weapons those of his + foe, slew Salya’s charioteer. Then that first of men, Bhishma, the son of + Santanu, fighting for the sake of those damsels, slew with the Aindra + weapon the noble steeds of his adversary. He then vanquished that best of + monarchs but left him with his life. O bull of Bharata’s race, Salya, + after his defeat, returned to his kingdom and continued to rule it + virtuously. And O conqueror of hostile towns, the other kings also, who + had come to witness, the self-choice ceremony returned to their own + kingdoms. + </p> + <p> + “That foremost of smiters, viz., Bhishma, after defeating those monarchs, + set out with those damsels, for Hastinapura whence the virtuous Kuru + prince Vichitravirya ruled the earth like that best of monarchs, viz., his + father Santanu. And, O king, passing through many forests, rivers, hills, + and woods abounding with trees, he arrived (at the capital) in no time. Of + immeasurable prowess in battle, the son of the ocean-going Ganga, having + slain numberless foes in battle without a scratch on his own person, + brought the daughters of the king of Kasi unto the Kurus as tenderly if + they were his daughters-in-law, or younger sisters, or daughters. And + Bhishma of mighty arms, impelled by the desire of benefiting his brother, + having by his prowess brought them thus, then offered those maidens + possessing every accomplishment unto Vichitravirya. Conversant with the + dictates of virtue, the son of Santanu, having achieved such an + extraordinary feat according to (kingly) custom, then began to make + preparations for his brother’s wedding. And when everything about the + wedding had been settled by Bhishma in consultation with Satyavati, the + eldest daughter of the king of Kasi, with a soft smile, told him these + words, ‘At heart I had chosen the king of Saubha for my husband. He had, + in his heart, accepted me for his wife. This was also approved by my + father. At the self-choice ceremony also I would have chosen him as my + lord. Thou art conversant with all the dictates of virtue, knowing all + this, do as thou likest.’ Thus addressed by that maiden in the presence of + the Brahmanas, the heroic Bhishma began to reflect as to what should be + done. As he was conversant with the rules of virtue, he consulted with the + Brahmanas who had mastered the Vedas, and permitted Amba, the eldest + daughter of the ruler of Kasi to do as she liked. But he bestowed with due + rites the two other daughters, Ambika and Ambalika on his younger brother + Vichitravirya. And though Vichitravirya was virtuous and abstemious, yet, + proud of youth and beauty, he soon became lustful after his marriage. And + both Ambika and Ambalika were of tall stature, and of the complexion of + molten gold. And their heads were covered with black curly hair, and their + finger-nails were high and red; their hips were fat and round, and their + breasts full and deep. And endued with every auspicious mark, the amiable + young ladies considered themselves to be wedded to a husband who was every + way worthy of themselves, and extremely loved and respected Vichitravirya. + And Vichitravirya also, endued with the prowess of the celestials and the + beauty of the twin Aswins, could steal the heart of any beautiful woman. + And the prince passed seven years uninterruptedly in the company of his + wives. He was attacked while yet in the prime of youth, with phthisis. + Friends and relatives in consultation with one another tried to effect a + cure. But in spite of all efforts, the Kuru prince died, setting like the + evening sun. The virtuous Bhishma then became plunged into anxiety and + grief, and in consultation with Satyavati caused the obsequial rites of + the deceased to be performed by learned priests and the several of the + Kuru race.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0104"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The unfortunate Satyavati then became plunged in + grief on account of her son. And after performing with her + daughters-in-law the funeral rites of the deceased, consoled, as best she + could, her weeping daughters-in-law and Bhishma, that foremost of all + wielders of weapons. And turning her eyes to religion, and to the paternal + and maternal lines (of the Kurus), she addressed Bhishma and said ‘The + funeral cake, the achievements, and the perpetuation of the line of the + virtuous and celebrated Santanu of Kuru’s race, all now depend on thee. As + the attainment of heaven is inseparable from good deeds, as long life is + inseparable from truth and faith, so is virtue inseparable from thee. O + virtuous one, thou art well-acquainted, in detail and in the abstract, + with the dictates of virtue, with various Srutis, and with all the + branches of the Vedas; know very well that thou art equal unto Sukra and + Angiras as regards firmness in virtue, knowledge of the particular customs + of families, and readiness of inventions under difficulties. Therefore, O + foremost of virtuous men, relying on thee greatly, I shall appoint thee in + a certain matter. Hearing me, it behoveth thee to do my bidding. O bull + among men, my son and thy brother, endued with energy and dear unto thee, + hath gone childless to heaven while still a boy. These wives of thy + brother, the amiable daughters of the ruler of Kasi, possessing beauty and + youth, have become desirous of children. Therefore, O thou of mighty arms, + at my command, raise offspring on them for the perpetuation of our line. + It behoveth thee to guard virtue against loss. Install thyself on the + throne and rule the kingdom of the Bharatas. Wed thou duly a wife. Plunge + not thy ancestors into hell.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by his mother and friends and + relatives, that oppressor of foes, the virtuous Bhishma, gave this reply + conformable to the dictates of virtue, ‘O mother, what thou sayest is + certainly sanctioned by virtue. But thou knowest what my vow is in the + matter of begetting children. Thou knowest also all that transpired in + connection with thy dower. O Satyavati, I repeat the pledge I once gave, + viz., I would renounce three worlds, the empire of heaven, anything that + may be greater than that, but truth I would never renounce. The earth may + renounce its scent, water may renounce its moisture, light may renounce + its attribute of exhibiting forms, air may renounce its attribute of + touch, the sun may renounce his glory, fire, its heat, the moon, his + cooling rays, space, its capacity of generating sound, the slayer of + Vritra, his prowess, the god of justice, his impartiality; but I cannot + renounce truth.’ Thus addressed by her son endued with wealth of energy, + Satyavati said unto Bhishma, ‘O thou whose prowess is truth, I know of thy + firmness in truth. Thou canst, if so minded, create, by the help of thy + energy, three worlds other than those that exist. I know what thy vow was + on my account. But considering this emergency, bear thou the burden of the + duty that one oweth to his ancestors. O punisher of foes, act in such a + way that the lineal link may not be broken and our friends and relatives + may not grieve.’ Thus urged by the miserable and weeping Satyavati + speaking such words inconsistent with virtue from grief at the loss of her + son, Bhishma addressed her again and said, ‘O Queen, turn not thy eyes + away from virtue. O, destroy us not. Breach of truth by a Kshatriya is + never applauded in our treatises on religion. I shall soon tell thee, O + Queen, what the established Kshatriya usage is to which recourse may be + had to prevent Santanu’s line becoming extinct on earth. Hearing me, + reflect on what should be done in consultation with learned priests and + those that are acquainted with practices allowable in times of emergency + and distress, forgetting not at the same time what the ordinary course of + social conduct is.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0105"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Bhishma continued, ‘In olden days, Rama, the son of Jamadagni, in anger + at the death of his father, slew with his battle axe the king of the + Haihayas. And Rama, by cutting off the thousand arms of Arjuna (the + Haihaya king), achieved a most difficult feat in the world. Not content + with this, he set out on his chariot for the conquest of the world, and + taking up his bow he cast around his mighty weapons to exterminate the + Kshatriyas. And the illustrious scion of Bhrigu’s race, by means of his + swift arrows annihilated the Kshatriya tribe one and twenty times. + </p> + <p> + “And when the earth was thus deprived of Kshatriyas by the great Rishi, + the Kshatriya ladies all over the land had offspring raised by Brahmanas + skilled in the Vedas. It has been said in the Vedas that the sons so + raised belongeth to him that had married the mother. And the Kshatriya + ladies went in unto the Brahamanas not lustfully but from motives of + virtue. Indeed, it was thus that the Kshatriya race was revived. + </p> + <p> + “In this connection there is another old history that I will recite to + you. There was in olden days a wise Rishi of the name of Utathya. He had a + wife of the name Mamata whom he dearly loved. One day Utathya’s younger + brother Vrihaspati, the priest of the celestials, endued with great + energy, approached Mamata. The latter, however, told her husband’s younger + brother—that foremost of eloquent men—that she had conceived + from her connection with his elder brother and that, therefore, he should + not then seek for the consummation of his wishes. She continued, ‘O + illustrious Vrihaspati, the child that I have conceived hath studied in + his mother’s womb the Vedas with the six Angas, Semen tuum frustra perdi + non potest. How can then this womb of mine afford room for two children at + a time? Therefore, it behoveth thee not to seek for the consummation of + thy desire at such a time. Thus addressed by her, Vrihaspati, though + possessed of great wisdom, succeeded not in suppressing his desire. Quum + auten jam cum illa coiturus esset, the child in the womb then addressed + him and said, ‘O father, cease from thy attempt. There is no space here + for two. O illustrious one, the room is small. I have occupied it first. + Semen tuum perdi non potest. It behoveth thee not to afflict me.’ But + Vrihaspati without listening to what that child in the womb said, sought + the embraces of Mamata possessing the most beautiful pair of eyes. Ille + tamen Muni qui in venture erat punctum temporis quo humor vitalis jam + emissum iret providens, viam per quam semen intrare posset pedibus + obstruxit. Semen ita exhisum, excidit et in terram projectumest. And the + illustrious Vrihaspati, beholding this, became indignant, and reproached + Utathya’s child and cursed him, saying, ‘Because thou hast spoken to me in + the way thou hast at a time of pleasure that is sought after by all + creatures, perpetual darkness shall overtake thee.’ And from this curse of + the illustrious Vrishaspati Utathya’s child who was equal unto Vrihaspati + in energy, was born blind and came to be called Dirghatamas (enveloped in + perpetual darkness). And the wise Dirghatamas, possessed of a knowledge of + the Vedas, though born blind, succeeded yet by virtue of his learning, in + obtaining for a wife a young and handsome Brahmana maiden of the name of + Pradweshi. And having married her, the illustrious Dirghatamas, for the + expansion of Utathya’s race, begat upon her several children with Gautama + as their eldest. These children, however, were all given to covetousness + and folly. The virtuous and illustrious Dirghatamas possessing complete + mastery over the Vedas, soon after learnt from Surabhi’s son the practices + of their order and fearlessly betook himself to those practices, regarding + them with reverence. (For shame is the creature of sin and can never be + where there is purity of intention). Then those best of Munis that dwelt + in the same asylum, beholding him transgress the limits of propriety + became indignant, seeing sin where sin was not. And they said, ‘O, this + man, transgresseth the limit of propriety. No longer doth he deserve a + place amongst us. Therefore, shall we all cast this sinful wretch off.’ + And they said many other things regarding the Muni Dirghatamas. And his + wife, too, having obtained children, became indignant with him. + </p> + <p> + “The husband then addressing his wife Pradweshi, said, ‘Why is it that + thou also hast been dissatisfied with me?’ His wife answered, ‘The husband + is called the Bhartri because he supporteth the wife. He is called Pati + because he protecteth her. But thou art neither, to me! O thou of great + ascetic merit, on the other hand, thou hast been blind from birth, it is I + who have supported thee and thy children. I shall not do so in future.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of his wife, the Rishi became indignant and said unto + her and her children, ‘Take me unto the Kshatriyas and thou shalt then be + rich.’ His wife replied (by saying), ‘I desire not wealth that may be + procured by thee, for that can never bring me happiness. O best of + Brahmanas, do as thou likest. I shall not be able to maintain thee as + before.’ At these words of his wife, Dirghatamas said, ‘I lay down from + this day as a rule that every woman shall have to adhere to one husband + for her life. Be the husband dead or alive, it shall not be lawful for a + woman to have connection with another. And she who may have such + connection shall certainly be regarded as fallen. A woman without husband + shall always be liable to be sinful. And even if she be wealthy she shall + not be able to enjoy that wealth truly. Calumny and evil report shall ever + dog her.’ Hearing these words of her husband Pradweshi became very angry, + and commanded her sons, saying, ‘Throw him into the waters of Ganga!’ And + at the command of their mother, the wicked Gautama and his brothers, those + slaves of covetousness and folly, exclaiming, ‘Indeed, why should we + support this old man?—‘tied the Muni to a raft and committing him to + the mercy of the stream returned home without compunction. The blind old + man drifting along the stream on that raft, passed through the territories + of many kings. One day a king named Vali conversant with every duty went + to the Ganges to perform his ablutions. And as the monarch was thus + engaged, the raft to which the Rishi was tied, approached him. And as it + came, the king took the old man. The virtuous Vali, ever devoted to truth, + then learning who the man was that was thus saved by him, chose him for + raising up offspring. And Vali said, ‘O illustrious one, it behoveth thee + to raise upon my wife a few sons that shall be virtuous and wise.’ Thus + addressed, the Rishi endued with great energy, expressed his willingness. + Thereupon king Vali sent his wife Sudeshna unto him. But the queen knowing + that the latter was blind and old went not unto him, she sent unto him her + nurse. And upon that Sudra woman the virtuous Rishi of passions under full + control begat eleven children of whom Kakshivat was the eldest. And + beholding those eleven sons with Kakshivat as the eldest, who had studied + all the Vedas and who like Rishis were utterers of Brahma and were + possessed of great power, king Vali one day asked the Rishi saying, ‘Are + these children mine?’ The Rishi replied, ‘No, they are mine. Kakshivat and + others have been begotten by me upon a Sudra woman. Thy unfortunate queen + Sudeshna, seeing me blind and old, insulted me by not coming herself but + sending unto me, instead, her nurse.’ The king then pacified that best of + Rishis and sent unto him his queen Sudeshna. The Rishi by merely touching + her person said to her, ‘Thou shalt have five children named Anga, Vanga, + Kalinga, Pundra and Suhma, who shall be like unto Surya (Sun) himself in + glory. And after their names as many countries shall be known on earth. It + is after their names that their dominions have come to be called Anga, + Vanga, Kalinga, Pundra and Suhma.’ + </p> + <p> + “It was thus that the line of Vali was perpetuated, in days of old, by a + great Rishi. And it was thus also that many mighty bowmen and great + car-warriors wedded to virtue, sprung in the Kshatriya race from the seed + of Brahmanas. Hearing this, O mother, do as thou likest, as regards the + matter in hand.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0106"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Bhishma, continued, ‘Listen, O mother, to me as I indicate the means by + which the Bharata line may be perpetuated. Let an accomplished Brahmana be + invited by an offer of wealth, and let him raise offspring upon the wives + of Vichitravirya.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Satyavati, then, smiling softly and in voice + broken in bashfulness, addressed Bhishma saying, ‘O Bharata of mighty + arms, what thou sayest is true. From my confidence in thee I shall now + indicate the means of perpetuating our line. Thou shall not be able to + reject it, being conversant, as thou art, with the practices permitted in + seasons of distress. In our race, thou art Virtue, and thou art Truth, and + thou art, too, our sole refuge. Therefore hearing what I say truly, do + what may be proper. + </p> + <p> + “My father was a virtuous man. For virtue’s sake he had kept a (ferry) + boat. One day, in the prime of my youth, I went to ply that boat. It so + happened that the great and wise Rishi Parasara, that foremost of all + virtuous men, came, and betook himself to my boat for crossing the Yamuna. + As I was rowing him across the river, the Rishi became excited with desire + and began to address me in soft words. The fear of my father was uppermost + in my mind. But the terror of the Rishi’s curse at last prevailed. And + having obtained from him a precious boon, I could not refuse his + solicitations. The Rishi by his energy brought me under his complete + control, and gratified his desire then and there, having first enveloped + the region in a thick fog. Before this there was a revolting fishy odour + in my body; but the Rishi dispelled it and gave me my present fragrance. + The Rishi also told me that by bringing forth his child in an island of + the river, I would still continue (to be) a virgin. And the child of + Parasara so born of me in my maidenhood hath become a great Rishi endued + with large ascetic powers and known by the name of Dwaipayana (the + island-born). That illustrious Rishi having by his ascetic power divided + the Vedas into four parts hath come to be called on earth by the name of + Vyasa (the divider or arranger), and for his dark colour, Krishna (the + dark). Truthful in speech, free from passion, a mighty ascetic who hath + burnt all his sins, he went away with his father immediately after his + birth. Appointed by me and thee also, that Rishi of incomparable splendour + will certainly beget good children upon the wives of thy brother. He told + me when he went away, ‘Mother, think of me when thou art in difficulty.’ I + will now call him up, if thou, O Bhishma of mighty arms so desirest. If + thou art willing, O Bhishma, I am sure that great ascetic will beget + children upon Vichitravirya’s field.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Mention being made of the great Rishi, Bhishma + with joined palms said, ‘That man is truly intelligent who fixes his eyes + judiciously on virtue, profit, and pleasure, and who after reflecting with + patience, acteth in such a way that virtue may lead to future virtue, + profit to future profit and pleasure to future pleasure. Therefore, that + which hath been said by thee and which, besides being beneficial to us, is + consistent with virtue, is certainly the best advice and hath my full + approval.’ And when Bhishma had said this, O thou of Kuru’s race, Kali + (Satyavati) thought of the Muni Dwaipayana and Dwaipayana who was then + engaged in interpreting the Vedas, learning that he was being called up by + his mother, came instantly unto her without anybody’s knowing it. + Satayavati then duly greeted her son and embraced him with arms, bathing + him in her tears, for the daughter of the fisherman wept bitterly at the + sight of her son after so long a time. And her first son, the great Vyasa, + beholding her weeping, washed her with cool water, and bowing unto her, + said, ‘I have come, O mother, to fulfil thy wishes. Therefore, O virtuous + one, command me without delay. I shall accomplish thy desire.’ The family + priest of the Bharatas then worshipped the great Rishi duly, and the + latter accepted the offerings of worship, uttering the usual mantras. And + gratified with the worship he received, he took his seat. Satyavati, + beholding him seated at his ease, after the usual inquiries, addressed him + and said, ‘O learned one, sons derive their birth both from the father and + the mother. They are, therefore, the common property of both parents. + There cannot be the least doubt about it that the mother, hath as much + power over them as the father. As thou art, indeed, my eldest son + according to the ordinance, O Brahmarshi, so is Vichitravirya my youngest + son. And as Bhishma is Vichitravirya’s brother on the father’s side, so + art thou his brother on the same mother’s side. I do not know what you may + think, but this is what, O son, I think. This Bhishma, the son of Santanu, + devoted to truth, doth not, for the sake, of truth, entertain the desire + of either begetting children or ruling the kingdom. Therefore, from + affection for thy brother Vichitravirya, for the perpetuation of our + dynasty, for the sake of this Bhishma’s request and my command, for + kindness to all creatures, for the protection of the people and from the + liberality of thy heart, O sinless one, it behoveth thee to do what I say. + Thy younger brother hath left two widows like unto the daughters of the + celestials themselves, endued with youth and great beauty. For the sake of + virtue and religion, they have become desirous of offspring. Thou art the + fittest person to be appointed. Therefore beget upon them children worthy + of our race and for the continuance of our line.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa, hearing this, said, ‘O Satyavati, thou knowest what virtue is both + in respect of this life and the other. O thou of great wisdom, thy + affections also are set on virtue. Therefore, at thy command, making + virtue my motive, I shall do what thou desirest. Indeed, this practice + that is conformable to the true and eternal religion is known to me, I + shall give unto my brother children that shall be like unto Mitra and + Varuna. Let the ladies then duly observe for one full year the vow I + indicate. They shall then be purified. No women shall ever approach me + without having observed a rigid vow.’ + </p> + <p> + “Satyavati then said, ‘O sinless one, it must be as thou sayest. Take such + steps that the ladies may conceive immediately. In a kingdom where there + is no king, the people perish from want of protection; sacrifices and + other holy acts are suspended; the clouds send no showers; and the gods + disappear. How can a kingdom be protected that hath no king? Therefore, + see thou that the ladies conceive. Bhishma will watch over the children as + long as they are in their mother’s wombs. + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa replied, ‘If I am to give unto my brother children so unseasonably, + then let the ladies bear my ugliness. That in itself shall, in their case, + be the austerest of penances. If the princess of Kosala can bear my strong + odour, my ugly and grim visage, my attire and body, she shall then + conceive an excellent child.’” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having spoken thus unto Satyavati, Vyasa of + great energy addressed her and said, ‘Let the princess of Kosala clad in + clean attire and checked with ornaments wait for me in her bed-chamber.’ + Saying this, the Rishi disappeared, Satyavati then went to her + daughter-in-law and seeing her in private spoke to her these words of + beneficial and virtuous import, ‘O princess of Kosala, listen to what I + say. It is consistent with virtue. The dynasty of the Bharatas hath become + extinct from my misfortune. Beholding my affliction and the extinction of + his paternal line, the wise Bhishma, impelled also by the desire of + perpetuating our race, hath made me a suggestion, which suggestion, + however, for its accomplishment is dependent on thee. Accomplish it, O + daughter, and restore the lost line of the Bharatas. O thou of fair hips, + bring thou forth a child equal in splendour unto the chief of the + celestials. He shall bear the onerous burden of this our hereditary + kingdom.’ + </p> + <p> + “Satyavati having succeeded with great difficulty in procuring the assent + of her virtuous daughter-in-law to her proposal which was not inconsistent + with virtue, then fed Brahmanas and Rishis and numberless guests who + arrived on die occasion.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0107"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Soon after the monthly season of the princess of + Kosala had been over, Satyavati, purifying her daughter-in-law with a + bath, led her into the sleeping apartment. There seating her upon a + luxurious bed, she addressed her, saying, ‘O Princess of Kosala, thy + husband hath an elder brother who shall this day enter thy womb as thy + child. Wait for him tonight without dropping off to sleep.’ Hearing these + words of her mother-in-law, the amiable princess, as she lay on her bed, + began to think of Bhishma and the other elders of the Kuru race. Then the + Rishi of truthful speech, who had given his promise in respect of Amvika + (the eldest of the princesses) in the first instance, entered her chamber + while the lamp was burning. The princess, seeing his dark visage, his + matted locks of copper hue, blazing eyes, his grim beard, closed her eyes + in fear. The Rishi, from desire of accomplishing his mother’s wishes, + however knew her. But the latter, struck with fear, opened not her eyes + even once to look at him. And when Vyasa came out, he was met by his + mother, who asked him, ‘Shall the princess have an accomplished son?’ + Hearing her, he replied, ‘The son of the princess she will bring forth + shall be equal in might unto ten thousand elephants. He will be an + illustrious royal sage, possessed of great learning and intelligence and + energy. The high-souled one shall have in his time a century of sons. But + from the fault of his mother he shall be blind ‘At these words of her son, + Satyavati said, ‘O thou of ascetic wealth, how can one that is blind + become a monarch worthy of the Kurus? How can one that is blind become the + protector of his relatives and family, and the glory of his father’s race? + It behoveth thee to give another king unto the Kurus.’ Saying, ‘So be it,’ + Vyasa went away. And the first princess of Kosala in due time brought + forth a blind son. + </p> + <p> + “Soon after Satyavati, O chastiser of foes, summoned Vyasa, after having + secured the assent of her daughter-in-law. Vyasa came according to his + promise, and approached, as before, the second wife of his brother. And + Ambalika beholding the Rishi, became pale with fear And, O Bharata, + beholding her so afflicted and pale with fear, Vyasa addressed her and + said, ‘Because thou hast been pale with fear at the sight of my grim + visage, therefore, thy child shall be pale in complexion. O thou of + handsome face, the name also thy child shall bear will be Pandu (the + pale).’ ‘Saying this, the illustrious and best of Rishis came out of her + chamber. And as he came out, he was met by his mother who asked him about + the would-be-child. The Rishi told her that the child would be of pale + complexion and known by the name of Pandu. Satyavati again begged of the + Rishi another child, and the Rishi told her in reply, ‘So be it.’ + Ambalika, then, when her time came, brought forth a son of pale + complexion. Blazing with beauty the child was endued with all auspicious + marks. Indeed, it was this child who afterwards became the father of those + mighty archers, the Pandavas. + </p> + <p> + “Some time after, when the oldest of Vichitravirya’s widows again had her + monthly season, she was solicited by Satyavati to approach Vyasa once + again. Possessed of beauty like a daughter of a celestial, the princess + refused to do her mother-in-law’s bidding, remembering the grim visage and + strong odour of the Rishi. She, however, sent unto him, a maid of hers, + endued with the beauty of an Apsara and decked with her own ornaments. And + when the Vyasa arrived, the maid rose up and saluted him. And she waited + upon him respectfully and took her seat near him when asked. And, O king, + the great Rishi of rigid vows, was well-pleased with her, and when he rose + to go away, he addressed her and said, ‘Amiable one, thou shalt no longer + be a slave. Thy child also shall be greatly fortunate and virtuous, and + the foremost of all intelligent men on earth!’ And, O king, the son thus + begotten upon her by Krishna-Dwaipayana was afterwards known by the name + of Vidura. He was thus the brother of Dhritarashtra and the illustrious + Pandu. And Vidura was free from desire and passion and was conversant with + the rules of government, and was the god of justice born on earth under + the curse of the illustrious Rishi Mandavya. And Krishna-Dwaipayana, when + he met his mother as before, informed her as to how he had been deceived + by the seniormost of the princesses and how he had begotten a son upon a + Sudra woman. And having spoken thus unto his mother the Rishi disappeared + from her sight. + </p> + <p> + “Thus were born, in the field of Vichitravirya, even of Dwaipayana those + sons of the splendour of celestial children, those propagators of the Kuru + race.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0108"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘What did the god of justice do for which he was cursed? + And who was the Brahmana ascetic from whose curse the god had to be born + in the Sudra caste?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘There was a Brahmana known by the name of Mandavya. + He was conversant with all duties and was devoted to religion, truth and + asceticism. The great ascetic used to sit at the entrance of his hermitage + at the foot of a tree, with his arms upraised in the observance of the vow + of silence. And as he sat there for years together, one day there came + into his asylum a number of robbers laden with spoil. And, O bull in + Bharata’s race, those robbers were then being pursued by a superior body + as guardians of the peace. The thieves, on entering that asylum, hid their + booty there, and in fear concealed themselves thereabout before the guards + came. But scarcely had they thus concealed themselves when the constables + in pursuit came to the spot. The latter, observing the Rishi sitting under + the tree, questioned him, O king, saying, ‘O best of Brahmanas, which way + have the thieves taken? Point it out to us so that we may follow it + without loss of time.’ Thus questioned by the guardians of peace the + ascetic, O king, said not a word, good or otherwise, in reply. The + officers of the king, however, on searching that asylum soon discovered + the thieves concealed thereabout together with the plunder. Upon this, + their suspicion fell upon the Muni, and accordingly they seized him with + the thieves and brought him before the king. The king sentenced him to be + executed along with his supposed associates. And the officers, acting in + ignorance, carried out the sentence by impaling the celebrated Rishi. And + having impaled him, they went to the king with the booty they had + recovered. But the virtuous Rishi, though impaled and kept without food, + remained in that state for a long time without dying. And the Rishi by his + ascetic power not only preserved his life but summoned other Rishi to the + scene. And they came there in the night in the forms of birds, and + beholding him engaged in ascetic meditation though fixed on that stake, + became plunged into grief. And telling that best of Brahmanas who they + were, they asked him saying, ‘O Brahmana, we desire to know what hath been + thy sin for which thou hast thus been made to suffer the tortures of + impalement!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0109"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus asked, the tiger among Munis then answered those + Rishis of ascetic wealth, ‘Whom shall I blame for this? In fact, none else + (than my own self) hath offended against me!’ After this, O monarch, the + officers of justice, seeing him alive, informed the king of it. The latter + hearing what they said, consulted with his advisers, and came to the place + and began to pacify the Rishi. fixed on the stake. And the king said, ‘O + thou best of Rishis, I have offended against thee in ignorance. I beseech + thee to pardon me for the same. It behoveth thee not to be angry with me.’ + Thus addressed by the king, the Muni was pacified. And beholding him free + from wrath, the king took him up with the stake and endeavoured to extract + it from his body. But not succeeding therein, he cut it off at the point + just outside the body. The Muni, with a portion of the stake within his + body, walked about, and in that state practised the austerest of penances + and conquered numberless regions unattainable by others. And for the + circumstances of a part of the stake being within his body, he came to be + known in the three worlds by the name of Ani-Mandavya (Mandavya with the + stake within). And one day that Brahamana acquainted with the highest + truth of religion went unto the abode of the god of justice. And beholding + the god there seated on his throne, the Rishi reproached him and said, + ‘What, pray, is that sinful act committed by me unconsciously, for which I + am bearing this punishment? O, tell me soon, and behold the power of my + asceticism.’ + </p> + <p> + “The god of justice, thus questioned, replied, ‘O thou of ascetic wealth, + a little insect was once pierced by thee on a blade of grass. Thou bearest + now the consequence of the act. O Rishi, as a gift, however small, + multiplieth in respect of its religious merits, so a sinful act + multiplieth in respect of the woe it bringeth in its train.’ On hearing + this, Ani-Mandavya asked, ‘O tell me truly when this act was committed by + me. Told in reply by the god of justice that he had committed it, when a + child, the Rishi said, ‘That shall not be a sin which may be done by a + child up to the twelfth year of his age from birth. The scriptures shall + not recognise it as sinful. The punishment thou hast inflicted on me for + such a venial offence hath been disproportionate in severity. The killing + of a Brahmana involves a sin that is heavier than the killing of any other + living being. Thou shall, therefore, O god of justice, have to be born + among men even in the Sudra order. And from this day I establish this + limit in respect of the consequence of acts that an act shall not be + sinful when committed by one below the age of fourteen. But when committed + by one above that age, it shall be regarded as sin.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Cursed for this fault by that illustrious Rishi, + the god of justice had his birth as Vidura in the Sudra order. And Vidura + was well-versed in the doctrines of morality and also politics and worldly + profit. And he was entirely free from covetousness and wrath. Possessed of + great foresight and undisturbed tranquillity of mind, Vidura was ever + devoted to the welfare of the Kurus.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0110"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Upon the birth of those three children, Kurujangala, + Kurukshetra, and the Kurus grew in prosperity. The earth began to yield + abundant harvest, and the crops also were of good flavour. And the clouds + began to pour rain in season and trees became full of fruits and flowers. + And the draught cattle were all happy and the birds and other animals + rejoiced exceedingly. And the flowers became fragrant and the fruits + became sweet; the cities and towns became filled with merchants, artisans, + traders and artists of every description. And the people became brave, + learned, honest and happy. And there were no robbers then, nor anybody who + was sinful. And it seemed that the golden age had come upon every part of + the kingdom. And the people devoted to virtuous acts, sacrifices and + truth, and regarding one another with love and affection grew in + prosperity. And free from pride, wrath and covetousness, they rejoiced in + perfectly innocent sports. And the capital of the Kurus, full as the + ocean, was a second Amaravati, teeming with hundreds of palaces and + mansions, and possessing gates and arches dark as the clouds. And men in + great cheerfulness sported constantly on rivers, lakes and tanks, and in + fine groves and charming woods. And the southern Kurus, in their virtuous + rivalry with their northern kinsmen, walked about in the company of + Siddhas and Charanas and Rishis. And all over that delightful country + whose prosperity was thus increased by the Kurus, there were no misers and + no widowed women. And the wells and lakes were ever full; the groves + abounded with trees, and the houses and abodes of Brahmanas were full of + wealth and the whole kingdom was full of festivities. And, O king, + virtuously ruled by Bhishma, the kingdom was adorned with hundreds of + sacrificial stakes. And the wheel of virtue having been set in motion by + Bhishma, and the country became so contented that the subjects of other + kingdoms, quitting their homes, came to dwell there and increase its + population. And the citizens and the people were filled with hope, upon + seeing the youthful acts of their illustrious princes. And, O king, in the + house of the Kuru chiefs as also of the principal citizens, ‘give’, ‘eat’ + were the only words constantly heard. And Dhritarashtra and Pandu and + Vidura of great intelligence were from their birth brought up by Bhishma, + as if they were his own sons. And the children, having passed through the + usual rites of their order, devoted themselves to vows and study. And they + grew up into fine young men skilled in the Vedas and all athletic sports. + And they became well-skilled in the practice of bow, in horsemanship, in + encounters with mace, sword and shield, in the management of elephants in + battle, and in the science of morality. Well-read in history and the + Puranas and various branches of learning, and acquainted with the truths + of the Vedas and their branches they acquired knowledge, which was + versatile and deep. And Pandu, possessed of great prowess, excelled all + men in archery while Dhritarashtra excelled all in personal strength, + while in the three worlds there was no one equal to Vidura in devotion to + virtue and in the knowledge of the dictates of morality. And beholding the + restoration of the extinct line of Santanu, the saying became current in + all countries that among mothers of heroes, the daughters of the king of + Kasi were the first; that among countries Kurujangala was the first; that + among virtuous men, Vidura was the first; that among cities Hastinapura + was the first. Pandu became king, for Dhritarashtra, owing to the + blindness, and Vidura, for his birth by a Sudra woman, did not obtain the + kingdom. One day Bhishma, the foremost of those acquainted with the duties + of a statesman and dictates of morality, properly addressing Vidura + conversant with the truth of religion and virtue, said as follows.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0111"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘This our celebrated race, resplendent with every virtue + and accomplishment, hath all along sovereignty over all other monarchs on + earth. Its glory maintained and itself perpetuated by many virtuous and + illustrious monarchs of old, the illustrious Krishna (Dwaipayana) and + Satyavati and myself have raised you (three) up, in order that it may not + be extinct. It behoveth myself and thee also to take such steps that this + our dynasty may expand again as the sea. It hath been heard by me that + there are three maidens worthy of being allied to our race. One is the + daughter of (Surasena of) the Yadava race; the other is the daughter of + Suvala; and the third is the princess of Madra. O son, all these maidens + are of course of blue blood. Possessed of beauty and pure blood, they are + eminently fit for an alliance with our family. O thou foremost of + intelligent men, I think we should choose them for the growth of our race. + Tell me what thou thinkest.’ Thus addressed, Vidura replied, ‘Thou art our + father and thou art our mother, too. Thou art our respected spiritual + instructor. Therefore, do thou what may be best for us in thy eyes.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Soon after Bhishma heard from the Brahmanas that + Gandhari, the amiable daughter of Suvala, having worshipped Hara (Siva) + had obtained from the deity the boon that she should have a century of + sons. Bhishma, the grandfather of the Kurus, having heard this, sent + messengers unto the king of Gandhara. King Suvala at first hesitated on + account of the blindness of the bridegroom, but taking into consideration + the blood of the Kurus, their fame and behaviour, he gave his virtuous + daughter unto Dhritarashtra and the chaste Gandhari hearing that + Dhritarashtra was blind and that her parents had consented to marry her to + him, from love and respect for her future husband, blindfolded her own + eyes. Sakuni, the son of Suvala, bringing unto the Kurus his sister endued + with youth and beauty, formally gave her away unto Dhritarashtra. And + Gandhari was received with great respect and the nuptials were celebrated + with great pomp under Bhishma’s directions. And the heroic Sakuni, after + having bestowed his sister along with many valuable robes, and having + received Bhishma’s adorations, returned to his own city. And, O thou of + Bharata’s race, the beautiful Gandhari gratified all the Kurus by her + behaviour and respectful attentions. And Gandhari, ever devoted to her + husband, gratified her superiors by her good conduct; and as she was + chaste, she never referred even by words to men other than her husband or + such superiors.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0112"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘There was amongst the Yadavas a chief named + Sura. He was the father of Vasudeva. And he had a daughter called Pritha, + who was unrivalled for beauty on earth. And, O thou of Bharata’s race, + Sura, always truthful in speech, gave from friendship this his firstborn + daughter unto his childless cousin and friend, the illustrious Kuntibhoja—the + son of his paternal aunt—pursuant to a former promise. And Pritha in + the house of her adoptive father was engaged in looking after the duties + of hospitality to Brahmanas and other guests. Once she gratified by her + attentions the terrible Brahmana of rigid vows, who was known by the name + of Durvasa and was well-acquainted with the hidden truths of morality. + Gratified with her respectful attentions, the sage, anticipating by his + spiritual power the future (season of) distress (consequent upon the curse + to be pronounced upon Pandu for his unrighteous act of slaying a deer + while serving its mate) imparted to her a formula of invocation for + summoning any of the celestials she liked to give her children. And the + Rishi said, ‘Those celestials that thou shall summon by this Mantra shall + certainly approach thee and give thee children.’ ‘Thus addressed by the + Brahmana, the amiable Kunti (Pritha) became curious, and in her maidenhood + summoned the god Arka (Sun). And as soon as he pronounced the Mantra, she + beheld that effulgent deity—that beholder of everything in the world—approaching + her. And beholding that extraordinary sight, the maiden of faultless + features was overcome with surprise. But the god Vivaswat (Sun) + approaching her, said, ‘Here I am, O black-eyed girl! Tell me what I am to + do for thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing this, Kunti said, ‘O slayer of foes, a certain Brahamana gave me + this formula of invocation as a boon, and, O lord, I have summoned thee + only to test its efficacy. For this offence I bow to thee. A woman, + whatever be her offence, always deserveth pardon.’ Surya (Sun) replied, ‘I + know that Durvasa hath granted this boon. But cast off thy fears, timid + maiden, and grant me thy embraces. Amiable one, my approach cannot be + futile; it must bear fruit. Thou hast summoned me, and if it be for + nothing, it shall certainly be regarded as thy transgression.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Vivaswat thus spoke unto her many things with a + view to allay her fears, but, O Bharata, the amiable maiden, from modesty + and fear of her relatives, consented not to grant his request. And, O bull + of Bharata’s race, Arka addressed her again and said, ‘O princess, for my + sake, it shall not be sinful for thee to grant my wish.’ Thus speaking + unto the daughter of Kuntibhoja, the illustrious Tapana—the + illuminator of the universe—gratified his wish. And of this + connection there was immediately born a son known all over the world as + Karna accountred with natural armour and with face brightened by + ear-rings. And the heroic Karna was the first of all wielders of weapons, + blessed with good fortune, and endued with the beauty of a celestial + child. And after the birth of this child, the illustrious Tapana granted + unto Pritha her maidenhood and ascended to heaven. And the princess of the + Vrishni race beholding with sorrow that son born of her, reflected + intently upon what was then the best for her to do. And from fear of her + relatives she resolved to conceal that evidence of her folly. And she cast + her offspring endued with great physical strength into the water. Then the + well-known husband of Radha, of the Suta caste, took up the child thus + cast into the water, and he and his wife brought him up as their own son. + And Radha and her husband bestowed on him the name of Vasusena (born with + wealth) because he was born with a natural armour and ear-rings. And + endued as he was born with great strength, as he grew up, he became + skilled in all weapons. Possessed of great energy, he used to adore the + sun until his back was heated by his rays (i.e., from dawn to midday), and + during the hours of worship, there was nothing on earth that the heroic + and intelligent Vasusena would not give unto the Brahmanas. And Indra + desirous of benefiting his own son Phalguni (Arjuna), assuming the form of + a Brahmana, approached Vasusena on one occasion and begged of him his + natural armour. Thus asked Karna took off his natural armour, and joining + his hands in reverence gave it unto Indra in the guise of a Brahmana. And + the chief of the celestials accepted the gift and was exceedingly + gratified with Karna’s liberality. He therefore, gave unto him a fine + dart, saying, ‘That one (and one only) among the celestials, the Asuras, + men, the Gandharvas, the Nagas, and the Rakshasas, whom thou desirest to + conquer, shall be certainly slain with this dart.’ + </p> + <p> + “The son of Surya was before this known by the name of Vasusena. But since + he cut off his natural armour, he came to be called Karna (the cutter or + peeler of his own cover).’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0113"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said. ‘The large-eyed daughter of Kuntibhoja, Pritha by + name, was endued with beauty and every accomplishment. Of rigid vows, she + was devoted to virtue and possessed of every good quality. But though + endued with beauty and youth and every womanly attribute, yet it so + happened that no king asked-for her hand. Her father Kuntibhoja seeing + this, invited, O best of monarchs, the princes and kings of other + countries and desired his daughter to select her husband from among her + guests. The intelligent Kunti, entering the amphitheatre, beheld Pandu—the + foremost of the Bharatas—that tiger among kings—in that + concourse of crowned heads. Proud as the lion, broad-chested, bull-eyed, + endued with great strength, and outshining all other monarchs in + splendour, he looked like another Indra in that royal assemblage. The + amiable daughter of Kuntibhoja, of faultless features, beholding Pandu—that + best of men—in that assembly, became very much agitated. And + advancing with modesty, all the while quivering with emotion, she placed + the nuptial garland about Pandu’s neck. The other monarchs, seeing Kunti + choose Pandu for her lord, returned to their respective kingdoms on + elephants, horses and cars, as they had come. Then, O king, the bride’s + father caused the nuptial rites to be performed duly. The Kuru prince + blessed with great good fortune and the daughter of Kuntibhoja formed a + couple like Maghavat and Paulomi (the king and queen of the celestials). + And, O best of Kuru monarchs, king Kuntibhoja, after the nuptials were + over, presented his son-in-law with much wealth and sent him back to his + capital. Then the Kuru prince Pandu, accompanied by a large force bearing + various kinds of banners and pennons, and eulogised by Brahmanas and great + Rishis pronouncing benedictions, reached his capital. And after arriving + at his own palace, he established his queen therein.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0114"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Some time after, Bhishma the intelligent son of + Santanu set his heart upon getting Pandu married to a second wife. + Accompanied by an army composed of four kinds of force, and also by aged + councillors and Brahmanas and great Rishis, he went to the capital of the + king of Madra. And that bull of the Valhikas—the king of Madra—hearing + that Bhishma had arrived, went out to receive him. And having received him + with respect, he got him to enter his palace. Arriving there, the king of + Madra offered unto Bhishma a white carpet for a seat; water to wash his + feet with, and usual oblation of various ingredients indicative of + respect. And when he was seated at ease, the king asked him about the + reason of his visit. Then Bhishma—the supporter of the dignity of + the Kurus—addressed the king of Madra and said, ‘O oppressor of all + foes, know that I have come for the hand of a maiden. It hath been heard + by us that thou hast a sister named Madri celebrated for her beauty and + endued with every virtue; I would chose her for Pandu. Thou art, O king, + in every respect worthy of an alliance with us, and we also are worthy of + thee. Reflecting upon all this, O king of Madra, accept us duly.’ The + ruler of Madra, thus addressed by Bhishma, replied, ‘To my mind, there is + none else than one of thy family with whom I can enter into an alliance. + But there is a custom in our family observed by our ancestors, which, be + it good or bad, I am incapable of transgressing. It is well-known, and + therefore is known to thee as well, I doubt not. Therefore, it is not + proper for thee to say to me,—Bestow thy sister. The custom to which + I allude is our family custom. With us that is a virtue and worthy of + observance. It is for this only, O slayer of foes, I cannot give thee any + assurance in the matter of thy request.’ On hearing this, Bhishma answered + the king of Madra, saying, ‘O king, this, no doubt,’ is a virtue. The + self-create himself hath said it. Thy ancestors were observant of custom. + There is no fault to find with it. It is also well-known, O Salya, that + this custom in respect of family dignity hath the approval of the wise and + the good.’ Saying this Bhishma of great energy, gave unto Salya much gold + both coined and uncoined, and precious stones of various colours by + thousands, and elephants and horses and cars, and much cloth and many + ornaments, and gems and pearls and corals. And Salya accepting with a + cheerful heart those precious gifts then gave away his sister decked in + ornaments unto that bull of the Kuru race. Then the wise Bhishma, the son + of the oceangoing Ganga, rejoiced at the issue of his mission, took Madri + with him, and returned to the Kuru capital named after the elephant. + </p> + <p> + “Then selecting on auspicious day and moment as indicated by the wise for + the ceremony, King Pandu was duly united with Madri. And after the + nuptials were over, the Kuru king established his beautiful bride in + handsome apartments. And, O king of kings, that best of monarchs then gave + himself up to enjoyment in the company of his two wives as best he liked + and to the limit of his desires. And after thirty days had elapsed, the + Kuru king, O monarch, started from his capital for the conquest of the + world. And after reverentially saluting and bowing to Bhishma and the + other elders of the Kuru race, and with adieus to Dhritarashtra and others + of the family, and obtaining their leave, he set out on his grand + campaign, accompanied by a large force of elephants, horses, and cars, and + well-pleased with the blessings uttered by all around and the auspicious + rites performed by the citizens for his success. And Pandu, accompanied by + such a strong force marched against various foes. And that tiger among men—that + spreader of the fame of the Kurus—first subjugated the robber tribes + of asarna. He next turned his army composed of innumerable elephants, + cavalry, infantry, and charioteers, with standards of various colours + against Dhirga—the ruler of the kingdom of Maghadha who was proud of + his strength, and offended against numerous monarchs. And attacking him in + his capital, Pandu slew him there, and took everything in his treasury and + also vehicles and draught animals without number. He then marched into + Mithila and subjugated the Videhas. And then, O bull among men, Pandu led + his army against Kasi, Sumbha, and Pundra, and by the strength and prowess + of his arms spread the fame of the Kurus. And Pandu, that oppressor of + foes, like unto a mighty fire whose far-reaching flames were represented + by his arrows and splendour by his weapons, began to consume all kings + that came in contact with him. These with their forces, vanquished by + Pandu at the head of his army, were made the vassals of the Kurus. And all + kings of the world, thus vanquished by him, regarded him as the one single + hero on earth even as the celestials regard Indra in heaven. And the kings + of earth with joined palms bowed to him and waited on him with presents of + various kinds of gems and wealth, precious stones and pearls and corals, + and much gold and silver, and first-class kine and handsome horses and + fine cars and elephants, and asses and camels and buffaloes, and goats and + sheep, and blankets and beautiful hides, and cloths woven out of furs. And + the king of Hastinapura accepting those offerings retraced his steps + towards his capital, to the great delight of his subjects. And the + citizens and others filled with joy, and kings and ministers, all began to + say, ‘O, the fame of the achievements of Santanu, that tiger among kings, + and of the wise Bharata, which were about to die, hath been revived by + Pandu. They who robbed before the Kurus of both territory and wealth have + been subjugated by Pandu—the tiger of Hastinapura—and made to + pay tribute.’ And all the citizens with Bhishma at their head went out to + receive the victorious king. They had not proceeded far when they saw the + attendants of the king laden with much wealth, and the train of various + conveyances laden with all kinds of wealth, and of elephants, horses, + cars, kine, camels and other animals, was so long that they saw not its + end. Then Pandu, beholding Bhishma, who was a father to him, worshipped + his feet and saluted the citizens and others as each deserved. And + Bhishma, too, embracing Pandu as his son who had returned victorious after + grinding many hostile kingdoms, wept tears of joy. And Pandu, instilling + joy into the hearts of his people with a flourish of trumpets and conchs + and kettle-drums, entered his capital.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0115"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Pandu, then, at the command of Dhritarashtra, offered + the wealth he had acquired by the prowess of his arms to Bhishma, their + grand-mother Satyavati and their mothers. And he sent portion of his + wealth to Vidura also. And the virtuous Pandu gratified his other + relatives also with similar presents. Then Satyavati and Bhishma and the + Kosala princes were all gratified with the presents Pandu made out of the + acquisitions of his prowess. And Ambalika in particular, upon embracing + her son of incomparable prowess, became as glad as the queen of heaven + upon embracing Jayanta. And with the wealth acquired by that hero + Dhritarashtra performed five great sacrifices that were equal unto a + hundred great horse-sacrifices, at all of which the offerings to Brahmanas + were by hundreds and thousands. + </p> + <p> + “A little while after, O bull of Bharata’s race, Pandu who had achieved a + victory over sloth and lethargy, accompanied by his two wives, Kunti and + Madri, retired into the woods. Leaving his excellent palace with its + luxurious beds, he became a permanent inhabitant of the woods, devoting + the whole of his time to the chase of the deer. And fixing his abode in a + delightful and hilly region overgrown with huge sala trees, on the + southern slope of the Himavat mountains, he roamed about in perfect + freedom. The handsome Pandu with his two wives wandered in those woods + like Airavata accompanied by two she-elephants. And the dwellers in those + woods, beholding the heroic Bharata prince in the company of his wives, + armed with sword, arrows, and bow, clad with his beautiful armour, and + skilled in all excellent weapons, regarded him as the very god wandering + amongst them. + </p> + <p> + “And at the command of Dhritarashtra, people were busy in supplying Pandu + in his retirement with every object of pleasure and enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile the son of the ocean-going Ganga heard that king Devaka had a + daughter endued with youth and beauty and begotten upon a Sudra wife. + Bringing her from her father’s abode, Bhishma married her to Vidura of + great wisdom. And Vidura begot upon her many children like unto himself in + accomplishments.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0116"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Meanwhile, O Janamejaya, Dhritarashtra begat upon + Gandhari a hundred sons, and upon a Vaisya wife another besides those + hundred. And Pandu had, by his two wives Kunti and Madri, five sons who + were great charioteers and who were all begotten by the celestials for the + perpetuation of the Kuru line.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O best of Brahmanas, how did Gandhari bring forth those + hundred sons and in how many years? What were also the periods of life + allotted to each? How did Dhritarashtra also beget another son in a Vaisya + wife? How did Dhritarashtra behave towards his loving obedient, and + virtuous wife Gandhari? How were also begotten the five sons of Pandu, + those mighty charioteers, even though Pandu himself laboured under the + curse of the great Rishi (he slew)? Tell me all this in detail, for my + thirst for hearing everything relating to my own ancestor hath not been + slaked.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘One day Gandhari entertained with respectful + attention the great Dwaipayana who came to her abode, exhausted with + hunger and fatigue. Gratified with Gandhari’s hospitality, the Rishi gave + her the boon she asked for, viz., that she should have a century of sons + each equal unto her lord in strength and accomplishments. Some time after + Gandhari conceived and she bore the burden in her womb for two long years + without being delivered. And she was greatly afflicted at this. It was + then that she heard that Kunti had brought forth a son whose splendour was + like unto the morning sun. Impatient of the period of gestation which had + prolonged so long, and deprived of reason by grief, she struck her womb + with great violence without the knowledge of her husband. And thereupon + came out of her womb, after two years’ growth, a hard mass of flesh like + unto an iron ball. When she was about to throw it away, Dwaipayana, + learning everything by his spiritual powers, promptly came there, and that + first of ascetics beholding that ball of flesh, addressed the daughter of + Suvala thus, ‘What hast thou done?’ Gandhari, without endeavouring to + disguise her feelings, addressed the Rishi and said, ‘Having heard that + Kunti had brought forth a son like unto Surya in splendour, I struck in + grief at my womb. Thou hadst, O Rishi, granted me the boon that I should + have a hundred sons, but here is only a ball of flesh for those hundred + sons!’ Vyasa then said, ‘Daughter of Suvala, it is even so. But my words + can never be futile. I have not spoken an untruth even in jest. I need not + speak of other occasions. Let a hundred pots full of clarified butter be + brought instantly, and let them be placed at a concealed spot. In the + meantime, let cool water be sprinkled over this ball of flesh.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘That ball of flesh then, sprinkled over with + water, became, in time, divided into a hundred and one parts, each about + the size of the thumb. These were then put into those pots full of + clarified butter that had been placed at a concealed spot and were watched + with care. The illustrious Vyasa then said unto the daughter of Suvala + that she should open the covers of the pots after full two years. And + having said this and made these arrangements, the wise Dwaipayana went to + the Himavat mountains for devoting himself to asceticism. + </p> + <p> + “Then in time, king Duryodhana was born from among those pieces of the + ball of flesh that had been deposited in those pots. According to the + order of birth, king Yudhishthira was the oldest. The news of Duryodhana’s + birth was carried to Bhishma and the wise Vidura. The day that the haughty + Duryodhana was born was also the birth-day of Bhima of mighty arms and + great prowess. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as Duryodhana was born, he began to cry and bray like an ass. And + hearing that sound, the asses, vultures, jackals and crows uttered their + respective cries responsively. Violent winds began to blow, and there were + fires in various directions. Then king Dhritarashtra in great fear, + summoning Bhishma and Vidura and other well-wishers and all the Kurus, and + numberless Brahmanas, addressed them and said, ‘The oldest of those + princes, Yudhishthira, is the perpetuator of our line. By virtue of his + birth he hath acquired the kingdom. We have nothing to say to this. But + shall this my son born after him become king? Tell me truly what is lawful + and right under these circumstances.’ As soon as these words were spoken, + O Bharata, jackals and other carnivorous animals began to howl ominously + And marking those frightful omens all around, the assembled Brahmanas and + the wise Vidura replied, ‘O king, O bull among men, when these frightful + omens are noticeable at the birth of thy eldest son, it is evident that he + shall be the exterminator of thy race. The prosperity of all dependeth on + his abandonment. Calamity there must be in keeping him. O king, if thou + abandonest him, there remain yet thy nine and ninety sons. If thou + desirest the good of thy race, abandon him, O Bharata! O king, do good to + the world and thy own race by casting off this one child of thine. It hath + been said that an individual should be cast off for the sake of the + family; that a family should be cast off for the sake of a village; that a + village may be abandoned for the sake of the whole country; and that the + earth itself may be abandoned for the sake of the soul.’ When Vidura and + those Brahmanas had stated so, king Dhritarashtra out of affection for his + son had not the heart to follow that advice. Then, O king, within a month, + were born a full hundred sons unto Dhritarashtra and a daughter also in + excess of this hundred. And during the time when Gandhari was in a state + of advanced pregnancy, there was a maid servant of the Vaisya class who + used to attend on Dhritarashtra. During that year, O king, was begotten + upon her by the illustrious Dhritarashtra a son endued with great + intelligence who was afterwards named Yuvutsu. And because he was begotten + by a Kshatriya upon a Vaisya woman, he came to be called Karna. + </p> + <p> + “Thus were born unto the wise Dhritarashtra a hundred sons who were all + heroes and mighty chariot-fighters, and a daughter over and above the + hundred, and another son Yuyutsu of great energy and prowess begotten upon + a Vaisya woman.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0117"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O sinless one, thou hast narrated to me from the + beginning all about the birth of Dhritarashtra’s hundred sons owing to the + boon granted by the Rishi. But thou hast not told me as yet any + particulars about the birth of the daughter. Thou hast merely said that + over and above the hundred sons, there was another son named Yuyutsu + begotten upon a Vaisya woman, and a daughter. The great Rishi Vyasa of + immeasurable energy said unto the daughter of the king of Gandhara that + she would become the mother of a hundred sons. Illustrious one, how is + that thou sayest Gandhari had a daughter over and above her hundred sons? + If the ball of flesh was distributed by the great Rishi only into a + hundred parts, and if Gandhari did not conceive on any other occasion, how + was then Duhsala born. Tell me this, O Rishi! my curiosity hath been + great.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O descendant of the Pandavas, thy question is just, + and I will tell thee how it happened. The illustrious and great Rishi + himself, by sprinkling water over that ball of flesh, began to divide it + into parts. And as it was being divided into parts, the nurse began to + take them up and put them one by one into those pots filled with clarified + butter. While this process was going on, the beautiful and chaste Gandhari + of rigid vows, realising the affection that one feeleth for a daughter, + began to think within herself, ‘There is no doubt that I shall have a + hundred sons, the Muni having said so. It can never be otherwise. But I + should be very happy if a daughter were born of me over and above these + hundred sons and junior to them all. My husband then may attain to those + worlds that the possession of a daughter’s sons conferreth. Then again, + the affection the women feel for their sons-in-law is great. If, + therefore, I obtain a daughter over and above my hundred sons, then, + surrounded by sons and daughter’s sons, I may feel supremely blest. If I + have ever practised ascetic austerities, if I have ever given anything in + charity, if I have ever performed the homa (through Brahamanas), if I have + ever gratified my superiors by respectful attentions, then (as the fruit + of those acts) let a daughter be born unto me.’ All this while that + illustrious and best of Rishis, Krishna-Dwaipayana himself was dividing + the ball of flesh; and counting a full hundred of the parts, he said unto + the daughter of Suvala, ‘Here are thy hundred sons. I did not speak aught + unto thee that was false. Here, however, is one part in excess of the + hundred, intended for giving thee a daughter’s son. This part shall + develop into an amiable and fortunate daughter, as thou hast desired’ Then + that great ascetic brought another pot full of clarified butter, and put + the part intended for a daughter into it. + </p> + <p> + “Thus have I, O Bharata, narrated unto thee all about the birth of + Duhsala. Tell me, O sinless one, what more I am now to narrate.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0118"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘Please recite the names of Dhritarashtra’s sons + according to the order of their birth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Their names, O king, according to the order of birth, + are Duryodhana, Yuyutsu, Duhsasana, Duhsaha, Duhsala, Jalasandha, Sama, + Saha, Vinda and Anuvinda, Durdharsha, Suvahu, Dushpradharshana, + Durmarshana and Durmukha, Dushkarna, and Karna; Vivinsati and Vikarna, + Sala, Satwa, Sulochana, Chitra and Upachitra, Chitraksha, Charuchitra, + Sarasana, Durmada and Durvigaha, Vivitsu, Vikatanana; Urnanabha and + Sunabha, then Nandaka and Upanandaka; Chitravana, Chitravarman, Suvarman, + Durvimochana; Ayovahu, Mahavahu, Chitranga, Chitrakundala, Bhimavega, + Bhimavala, Balaki, Balavardhana, Ugrayudha; Bhima, Karna, Kanakaya, + Dridhayudha, Dridhavarman, Dridhakshatra, Somakitri, Anudara; + Dridhasandha, Jarasandha, Satyasandha, Sada, Suvak, Ugrasravas, Ugrasena, + Senani, Dushparajaya, Aparajita, Kundasayin, Visalaksha, Duradhara; + Dridhahasta, Suhasta, Vatavega, and Suvarchas; Adityaketu, Vahvashin, + Nagadatta, Agrayayin; Kavachin, Krathana, Kunda, Kundadhara, Dhanurdhara; + the heroes, Ugra and Bhimaratha, Viravahu, Alolupa; Abhaya, and + Raudrakarman, and Dridharatha; Anadhrishya, Kundabhedin, Viravi, + Dhirghalochana Pramatha, and Pramathi and the powerful Dhirgharoma; + Dirghavahu, Mahavahu, Vyudhoru, Kanakadhvaja; Kundasi and Virajas. Besides + these hundred sons, there was a daughter named Duhsala. All were heroes + and Atirathas, and were well-skilled in warfare. All were learned in the + Vedas, and all kinds of weapons. And, O, king, worthy wives were in time + selected for all of them by Dhritarashtra after proper examination. And + king Dhritarashtra, O monarch, also bestowed Duhsala, in proper time and + with proper rites, upon Jayadratha (the king of Sindhu).’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0119"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O utterer of Brahma, thou hast recited (everything + about) the extraordinary birth among men, of the sons of Dhritarashtra in + consequence of the Rishi’s grace. Thou hast also said what their names + are, according to the order of their birth. O Brahmana, I have heard all + these from thee. But tell me now all about the Pandavas. While reciting + the incarnations on earth of the celestial, the Asuras, and the beings of + other classes, thou saidst that the Pandavas were all illustrious and + endued with the prowess of gods, and that they were incarnate portion of + the celestials themselves. I desire, therefore, to hear all about those + beings of extraordinary achievements beginning from the moment of their + birth. O Vaisampayana, recite thou their achievements.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O king, one day Pandu, while roaming about in the + woods (on the southern slopes of the Himavat) that teemed with deer and + wild animals of fierce disposition, saw a large deer, that seemed to be + the leader of a herd, serving his mate. Beholding the animals, the monarch + pierced them both with five of his sharp and swift arrows winged with + golden feathers. O monarch, that was no deer that Pandu struck at, but a + Rishi’s son of great ascetic merit who was enjoying his mate in the form + of a deer. Pierced by Pandu, while engaged in the act of intercourse, he + fell down to the ground, uttering cries that were of a man and began to + weep bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “The deer then addressed Pandu and said, ‘O king, even men that are slaves + to lust and wrath, and void of reason, and ever sinful, never commit such + a cruel act as this. Individual judgment prevaileth not against the + ordinance, the ordinance prevaileth against individual judgment. The wise + never sanction anything discountenanced by the ordinance. Thou art born, O + Bharata, in a race that hath ever been virtuous. How is it, therefore, + that even thou, suffering thyself to be overpowered by passion and wrath + losest thy reason?’ Hearing this, Pandu replied, ‘O deer, kings behave in + the matter of slaying animals of thy species exactly as they do in the + matter of slaying foes. It behoveth thee not, therefore, to reprove me + thus from ignorance. Animals of thy species are slain by open or covert + means. This, indeed, is the practice of kings. Then why dost thou reprove + me? Formerly, the Rishi Agastya, while engaged in the performance of a + grand sacrifice, chased the deer, and devoted every deer in the forest + unto the gods in general. Thou hast been slain, pursuant to the usage + sanctioned by such precedent. Wherefore reprovest us then? For his + especial sacrifices Agastya performed the homa with fat of the deer.’ + </p> + <p> + “The deer then said, ‘O king, men do not let fly their arrows at their + enemies when the latter are unprepared. But there is a time for doing it + (viz., after declaration of hostilities). Slaughter at such a time is not + censurable.’ + </p> + <p> + “Pandu replied, ‘It is well-known that men slay deer by various effective + means without regarding whether the animals are careful or careless. + Therefore, O deer, why dost thou reprove me?’ + </p> + <p> + “The deer then said, ‘O, king, I did not blame thee for thy having killed + a deer, or for the injury thou hast done to me. But, instead of acting so + cruelly, thou shouldst have waited till the completion of my act of + intercourse. What man of wisdom and virtue is there that can kill a deer + while engaged in such an act? The time of sexual intercourse is agreeable + to every creature and productive of good to all. O king, with this my mate + I was engaged in the gratification of my sexual desire. But that effort of + mine hath been rendered futile by thee. O king of the Kurus, as thou art + born in the race of the Pauravas ever noted for white (virtuous) deeds, + such an act hath scarcely been worthy of thee. O Bharata, this act must be + regarded as extremely cruel, deserving of universal execration, infamous, + and sinful, and certainly leading to hell. Thou art acquainted with the + pleasures of sexual intercourse. Thou art acquainted also with the + teaching of morality and dictates of duty. Like unto a celestial as thou + art, it behoveth thee not to do such an act as leadeth to hell. O best of + kings, thy duty is to chastise all who act cruelly, who are engaged in + sinful practices and who have thrown to the winds religion, profit, and + pleasure as explained in the scriptures. What hast thou done, O best of + men, in killing me who have given thee no offence? I am, O king, a Muni + who liveth on fruits and roots, though disguised as a deer. I was living + in the woods in peace with all. Yet thou hast killed me, O king, for which + I will curse thee certainly. As thou hast been cruel unto a couple of + opposite sexes, death shall certainly overtake thee as soon as thou + feelest the influence of sexual desire. I am a Muni of the name of + Kindama, possessed of ascetic merit. I was engaged in sexual intercourse + with this deer, because my feelings of modesty did not permit me to + indulge in such an act in human society. In the form of a deer I rove in + the deep woods in the company of other deer. Thou hast slain me without + knowing that I am a Brahmana, the sin of having slain a Brahmana shall + not, therefore, be thine. But senseless man, as you have killed me, + disguised as a deer, at such a time, thy fate shall certainly be even like + mine. When, approaching thy wife lustfully, thou wilt unite with her even + as I had done with mine, in that very state shalt thou have to go to the + world of the spirits. And that wife of thine with whom thou mayst be + united in intercourse at the time of thy death shall also follow thee with + affection and reverence to the domains of the king of the dead. Thou hast + brought me grief when I was happy. So shall grief come to thee when thou + art in happiness.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Saying this, that deer, afflicted with grief + gave up the ghost; and Pandu also was plunged in woe at the sight.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0120"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After the death of that deer, king Pandu with his + wives was deeply afflicted and wept bitterly. And he exclaimed, ‘The + wicked, even if born in virtuous families, deluded by their own passions, + become overwhelmed with misery as the fruit of their own deeds. I have + heard that my father, though begotten by Santanu of virtuous soul, was cut + off while still a youth, only because he had become a slave to his lust. + In the soil of that lustful king, the illustrious Rishi Krishna-Dwaipayana + himself, of truthful speech, begot me. A son though I am of such a being, + with my wicked heart wedded to vice, I am yet leading a wandering life in + the woods in the chase of the deer. Oh, the very gods have forsaken me! I + shall seek salvation now. The great impediments to salvation are the + desire to beget children, and other concerns of the world. I shall now + adopt the Brahmacharya mode of life and follow in the imperishable wake of + my father. I shall certainly bring my passions under complete control by + severe ascetic penances. Forsaking my wives and other relatives and + shaving my head, alone shall I wander over the earth, begging for my + subsistence from each of these trees standing here. Forsaking every object + of affection and aversion, and covering my body with dust, I shall make + the shelter of trees or deserted houses my home. I shall never yield to + influence of sorrow or joy, and I shall regard slander and eulogy in the + same light. I shall not seek benedictions or bows. I shall be at peace + with all, and shall not accept gifts. I shall not mock anybody, nor shall + I knit my brows at any one, but shall be ever cheerful and devoted to the + good of all creatures. I shall not harm any of the four orders of life + gifted with power of locomotion or otherwise, viz., oviparous and + viviparous creatures and worms and vegetables. But on the contrary, + preserve an equality of behaviour towards all, as if they were, my own + children. Once a day shall I beg of five or ten families at the most, and + if I do not succeed in obtaining alms, I shall then go without food. I + shall rather stint myself than beg more than once of the same person. If I + do not obtain anything after completing my round of seven or ten houses, + moved by covetousness, I shall not enlarge my round. Whether I obtain or + fail to obtain alms. I shall be equally unmoved like a great ascetic. One + lopping off an arm of mine with a hatchet, and one smearing another arm + with sandal-paste, shall be regarded by me equally. I shall not wish + prosperity to the one or misery to the other. I shall not be pleased with + life or displeased with death. I shall neither desire to live nor to die. + Washing my heart of all sins, I shall certainly transcend those sacred + rites productive of happiness, that men perform in auspicious moments, + days, and periods. I shall also abstain from all acts of religion and + profit and also those that lead to the gratification of the senses. Freed + from all sins and snares of the world, I shall be like the wind subject to + none. Following the path of fearlessness and bearing myself in this way I + shall at last lay down my life. Destitute of the power of begetting + children, firmly adhering to the line of duty I shall not certainly + deviate therefrom in order to tread in the vile path of the world that is + so full of misery. Whether respected or disrespected in the world that man + who from covetousness casteth on others a begging look, certainly behaveth + like a dog. (Destitute as I am of the power of procreation, I should not + certainly, from desire of offspring, solicit others to give me children).’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The king, having thus wept in sorrow, with a + sigh looked at his two wives Kunti and Madri, and addressing them said, + ‘Let the princess of Kosala (my mother), Vidura, the king with our + friends, the venerable Satyavati, Bhishma, the priests of our family, + illustrious Soma-drinking Brahmanas of rigid vows and all elderly citizens + depending on us be informed, after being prepared for it, that Pandu hath + retired into the woods to lead a life of asceticism.’ Hearing these words + of their lord who had set his heart on a life of asceticism in the woods, + both Kunti and Madri addressed him in these proper words, ‘O bull of + Bharata’s race, there are many other modes of life which thou canst adopt + and in which thou canst undergo the severest penances along with us, thy + wedded wives—in which for the salvation of thy body (freedom from + re-birth), thou mayest obtain heaven. We also, in the company of our lord, + and for his benefit, controlling our passions and bidding adieu to all + luxuries, shall subject ourselves to the severest austerities. O king, O + thou of great wisdom, if thou abandonest us, we shall then this very day + truly depart from this world.’ + </p> + <p> + Pandu replied, ‘If, indeed, this your resolve springeth from virtue, then + with you both I shall follow the imperishable path of my fathers. + Abandoning the luxuries of cities and towns, clad in barks of trees, and + living on fruits and roots, I shall wander in deep woods, practising the + severest penances. Bathing morning and evening, I shall perform the homa. + I shall reduce my body by eating very sparingly and shall wear rags and + skins and knotted locks on my head. Exposing myself to heat and cold and + disregarding hunger and thirst, I shall reduce my body by severe ascetic + penances, I shall live in solitude and I shall give myself up to + contemplation; I shall eat fruit, ripe or green, that I may find. I shall + offer oblations to the Pitris (manes) and the gods with speech, water and + the fruits of the wilderness. I shall not see, far less harm, any of the + denizens of the woods, or any of my relatives, or any of the residents of + cities and towns. Until I lay down this body, I shall thus practise the + severe ordinances of the Vanaprastha scriptures, always searching for + severer ones that they may contain.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The Kuru king, having said this unto his wives, + gave away to Brahmanas the big jewel in his diadem, his necklace of + precious gold, his bracelets, his large ear-rings, his valuable robes and + all the ornaments of his wives. Then summoning his attendants, he + commended them, saying, ‘Return ye to Hastinapura and proclaim unto all + that Pandu with his wives hath gone into the woods, foregoing wealth, + desire, happiness, and even sexual appetite.’ Then those followers and + attendants, hearing these and other soft words of the king, set up a loud + wail, uttering, ‘Oh, we are undone!’ Then with hot tears trickling down + their cheeks they left the monarch and returned to Hastinapura with speed + carrying that wealth with them (that was to be distributed in charity). + Then Dhritarashtra, that first of men, hearing from them everything that + had happened in the woods, wept for his brother. He brooded over his + affliction continually, little relishing the comfort of beds and seats and + dishes. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, the Kuru prince Pandu (after sending away his attendants) + accompanied by his two wives and eating fruits and roots went to the + mountains of Nagasata. He next went to Chaitraratha, and then crossed the + Kalakuta, and finally, crossing the Himavat, he arrived at Gandhamadana. + Protected by Mahabhutas, Siddhas, and great Rishis, Pandu lived, O king, + sometimes on level ground and sometimes on mountain slopes. He then + journeyed on to the lake of Indradyumna, whence crossing the mountains of + Hansakuta, he went to the mountain of hundred peaks (Sata-sringa) and + there continued to practise ascetic austerities.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0121"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Pandu, possessed of great energy, then devoted + himself to asceticism. Within a short time he became the favourite of the + whole body of the Siddhas and Charanas residing there. And, O Bharata, + devoted to the service of his spiritual masters, free from vanity, with + mind under complete control and the passions fully subdued, the prince, + becoming competent to enter heaven by his own energy, attained to great + (ascetic) prowess. Some of the Rishis would call him brother, some friend, + while others cherished him as their son. And, O bull of Bharata’s race, + having acquired after a long time great ascetic merit coupled with + complete singleness, Pandu became even like a Brahmarshi (though he was a + Kshatriya by birth). + </p> + <p> + “On a certain day of the new moon, the great Rishis of rigid vows + assembled together, and desirous of beholding Brahman were on the point of + starting on their expedition. Seeing them about to start, Pandu asked + those ascetics, saying, ‘Ye first of eloquent men, where shall we go?’ The + Rishis answered, ‘There will be a great gathering today, in the abode of + Brahman, of celestials, Rishis and Pitris. Desirous of beholding the + Self-create we shall go there today.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing this, Pandu rose up suddenly, desirous + of visiting heaven along with the great Rishis. Accompanied by his two + wives, when he was on the point of following the Rishis in the northerly + direction from the mountain of hundred peaks, those ascetics addressed him + saying, ‘In our northward march, while gradually ascending the king of + mountains, we have seen on its delightful breast many regions inaccessible + to ordinary mortals; retreats also of the gods, and Gandharvas and + Apsaras, with palatial mansions by hundreds clustering thick around and + resounding with the sweet notes of celestial music, the gardens of Kuvera + laid out on even and uneven grounds, banks of mighty rivers, and deep + caverns. There are many regions also on those heights that are covered + with perpetual snow and are utterly destitute of vegetable and animal + existence. In some places the downpour of rain is so heavy that they are + perfectly inaccessible and incapable of being utilised for habitation. Not + to speak of other animals, even winged creatures cannot cross them. The + only thing that can go there is air, and the only beings, Siddhas and + great Rishis. How shall these princesses ascend those heights of the king + of mountains? Unaccustomed to pain, shall they not droop in affliction? + Therefore, come not with us, O bull of Bharata’s race!’ + </p> + <p> + “Pandu replied, ‘Ye fortunate ones, it is said that for the sonless there + is no admittance into heaven. I am sonless! I In affliction I speak’ unto + you! I am afflicted because I have not been able to discharge the debt I + owe to my ancestors. It is certain that with the dissolution of this my + body my ancestors perish! Men are born on this earth with four debts, viz. + those due unto the (deceased) ancestors, the gods, the Rishis, and other + men. In justice these must be discharged. The wise have declared that no + regions of bliss exist for them that neglect to pay these debts in due + time. The gods are paid (gratified) by sacrifices, the Rishis, by study, + meditation, and asceticism, the (deceased) ancestors, by begetting + children and offering the funeral cake, and, lastly other men, by leading + a humane and inoffensive life. I have justly discharged my obligations to + the Rishis, the gods, and other men. But those others than these three are + sure to perish with the dissolution of my body! Ye ascetics, I am not yet + freed from the debt I owe to my (deceased) ancestors. The best of men are + born in this world to beget children for discharging that debt. I would + ask you, should children be begotten in my soil (upon my wives) as I + myself was begotten in the soil of my father by the eminent Rishi?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Rishis said, ‘O king of virtuous soul, there is progeny in store for + thee, that is sinless and blest with good fortune and like unto the gods. + We behold it all with our prophetic eyes. Therefore, O tiger among men, + accomplish by your own acts that which destiny pointeth at. Men of + intelligence, acting with deliberation, always obtain good fruits; it + behoveth thee, therefore, O king, to exert thyself. The fruits thou + wouldst obtain are distinctly visible. Thou wouldst really obtain + accomplished and agreeable progeny.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of the ascetics, Pandu, + remembering the loss of his procreative powers owing to the curse of the + deer, began to reflect deeply. And calling his wedded wife the excellent + Kunti, unto him, he told her in private, ‘Strive thou to raise offspring + at this time of distress. The wise expounders of the eternal religion + declare that a son, O Kunti, is the cause of virtuous fame in the three + worlds. It is said that sacrifices, charitable gifts, ascetic penances, + and vows observed most carefully, do not confer religious merit on a + sonless man. O thou of sweet smiles, knowing all this, I am certain that + as I am sonless, I shall not obtain regions of true felicity. O timid one, + wretch that I was and addicted to cruel deeds, as a consequence of the + polluted life I led, my power of procreation hath been destroyed by the + curse of the deer. The religious institutes mention six kinds of sons that + are heirs and kinsmen, and six other kinds that are not heirs but kinsmen. + I shall speak of them presently. O Pritha, listen to me. They are: 1st, + the son begotten by one’s own self upon his wedded wife; 2nd, the son + begotten upon one’s wife by an accomplished person from motives of + kindness; 3rd, the son begotten upon one’s wife by a person for pecuniary + consideration; 4th, the son begotten upon the wife after the husband’s + death; 5th, the maiden-born son; 6th, the son born of an unchaste wife; + 7th, the son given; 8th, the son bought for a consideration; 9th, the son + self-given; 10th, the son received with a pregnant bride; 11th, the + brother’s son; and 12th, the son begotten upon a wife of lower caste. On + failure of offspring of a prior class, the mother should desire to have + offspring of the next class. In times of distress, men solicit offspring + from accomplished younger brothers. The self-born Manu hath said that men + failing to have legitimate offspring of their own may have offspring + begotten upon their wives by others, for sons confer the highest religious + merit. Therefore, O Kunti, being destitute myself of the power of + procreation, I command thee to raise good offspring through some person + who is either equal or superior to me. O Kunti, listen to the history of + the daughter of Saradandayana who was appointed by her lord to raise + offspring. That warrior-dame, when her monthly season arrived, bathed duly + and in the night went out and waited on a spot where four roads met. She + did not wait long when a Brahmana crowned with ascetic success came there. + The daughter of Saradandayana solicited him for offspring. After pouring + libations of clarified butter on the fire (in the performance of the + sacrifice known by the name of Punsavana) she brought forth three sons + that were mighty car-warriors and of whom Durjaya was the eldest, begotten + upon her by that Brahmana. O thou of good fortune, do thou follow that + warrior-dame’s example at my command, and speedily raise offspring out of + the seed of some Brahmana of high ascetic merit.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0122"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed, Kunti replied unto her heroic lord, + king Pandu, that bull amongst the Kurus, saying, ‘O virtuous one, it + behoveth thee not to say so unto me. I am, O thou lotus-eyed one, thy + wedded wife, devoted to thee. O, Bharata of mighty arms, thyself shalt, in + righteousness, beget upon me children endued with great energy. Then I + shall ascend to heaven with thee; O prince of Kuru’s race, receive me in + thy embrace for begetting children. I shall not certainly, even in + imagination, accept any other man except thee in my embraces. What other + man is there in this world superior to thee? O virtuous one, listen to + this Pauranic narrative that hath been, O thou of large eyes, heard by me, + and that I shall presently narrate. + </p> + <p> + “There was, in ancient times, a king in the race of Puru, known by the + name of Vyushitaswa. He was devoted to truth and virtue. Of virtuous soul + and mighty arms, on one occasion, while he was performing a sacrifice the + gods with Indra and the great Rishis came to him, and Indra was so + intoxicated with the Soma juice he drank and the Brahmanas with the large + presents they received, that both the gods and the great Rishis began + themselves to perform everything appertaining to that sacrifice of the + illustrious royal sage. And thereupon Vyushitaswa began to shine above all + men like the Sun appearing in double splendour after the season of frost + is over. And the powerful Vyushitaswa, who was endued with the strength of + ten elephants very soon performed the horse-sacrifice, overthrowing, O + best of monarchs, all the kings of the East, the North, the West and the + South, and exacted tributes from them all. There is an anecdote, O best of + the Kurus, that is sung by all reciters of the Puranas, in connection with + that first of all men, the illustrious Vyushitaswa.—Having conquered + the whole Earth up to the coast of the sea, Vyushitaswa protected every + class of his subjects as a father does his own begotten sons.—Performing + many great sacrifices he gave away much wealth to the Brahmanas. After + collecting unlimited jewels and precious stones he made arrangements for + performing still greater ones. And he performed also the Agnishtoma, and + other special Vedic sacrifices, extracting great quantities of Soma juice. + And, O king, Vyushitaswa had for his dear wife, Bhadra, the daughter of + Kakshivat, unrivalled for beauty on earth. And it hath been heard by us + that the couple loved each other deeply. King Vyushitaswa was seldom + separated from his wife. Sexual excess, however, brought on an attack of + phthisis and the king died within a few days, sinking like the Sun in his + glory. Then Bhadra, his beautiful queen, was plunged into woe, and as she + was sonless, O tiger among men, she wept in great affliction. Listen to + me, O king, as I narrate to you all that Bhadra said with bitter tears + trickling down her cheeks. ‘O virtuous one’, she said, ‘Women serve no + purpose when their husbands are dead. She who liveth after her husband is + dead, draggeth on a miserable existence that can hardly be called life. O + bull of the Kshatriya order, death is a blessing to women without + husbands. I wish to follow the way thou hast gone. Be kind and take me + with thee. In thy absence, I am unable to bear life even for a moment. Be + kind to me, O king and take me hence pretty soon. O tiger among men, I + shall follow thee over the even and uneven ground. Thou hast gone away, O + lord, never to return. I shall follow thee, O king, as thy own shadow. O + tiger among men, I will obey thee (as thy slave) and will ever do what is + agreeable to thee and what is for thy good. O thou of eyes like + lotus-petals, without thee, from this day, mental agonies will overwhelm + me and eat into my heart. A wretch that I am, some loving couple had + doubtless been separated by me in a former life, for which, in this life, + I am made to suffer the pangs of separation from thee. O king, that + wretched woman who liveth even for a moment separated from her lord, + liveth in woe and suffereth the pangs of hell even here. Some loving + couple had doubtless been separated by me in a former life, for which + sinful act I am suffering this torture arising from my separation from + thee. O king, from this day I will lay myself down on a bed of Kusa grass + and abstain from every luxury, hoping to behold thee once more. O tiger + among men, show thyself to me. O king, O lord, command once more thy + wretched and bitterly weeping wife plunged in woe.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kunti continued, ‘It was thus, O Pandu, that the beautiful Bhadra wept + over the death of her lord. And the weeping Bhadra clasped in her arms the + corpse in anguish of heart. Then she was addressed by an incorporeal voice + in these words, “Rise up, O Bhadra, and leave this place. O thou of sweet + smiles, I grant thee this boon. I will beget offspring upon thee. Lie thou + down with me on thy own bed, after the catamenial bath, on the night of + the eighth or the fourteenth day of the moon.’ Thus addressed by the + incorporeal voice, the chaste Bhadra did, as she was directed, for + obtaining offspring. And, O bull of the Bharatas, the corpse of her + husband begat upon her seven children viz., three Salwas and four Madras. + O bull of the Bharatas, do thou also beget offspring upon me, like the + illustrious Vyushitaswa, by the exercise of that ascetic power which thou + possessest.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0123"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed by his loving wife, king Pandu, + well-acquainted with all rules of morality, replied in these words of + virtuous import, ‘O Kunti, what thou hast said is quite true. Vyushitaswa + of old did even as thou hast said. Indeed he was equal unto the celestials + themselves. But I shall now tell thee about the practices of old indicated + by illustrious Rishis, fully acquainted with every rule of morality. O + thou of handsome face and sweet smiles, women formerly were not immured + within houses and dependent on husbands and other relatives. They used to + go about freely, enjoying themselves as best as they liked. O thou of + excellent qualities, they did not then adhere to their husbands + faithfully, and yet, O handsome one, they were not regarded sinful, for + that was the sanctioned usage of the times. That very usage is followed to + this day by birds and beasts without any (exhibition of) jealousy. That + practice, sanctioned by precedent, is applauded by great Rishis. O thou of + taper thighs, the practice is yet regarded with respect amongst the + Northern Kurus. Indeed, that usage, so lenient to women, hath the sanction + of antiquity. The present practice, however (of women’s being confined to + one husband for life) hath been established but lately. I shall tell thee + in detail who established it and why. + </p> + <p> + “It hath been heard by us that there was a great Rishi of the name of + Uddalaka, who had a son named Swetaketu who also was an ascetic of merit. + O thou of eyes like lotus-petals, the present virtuous practice hath been + established by that Swetaketu from anger. Hear thou the reason. One day, + in the presence of Swetaketu’s father a Brahmana came and catching + Swetaketu’s mother by the hand, told her, ‘Let us go.’ Beholding his + mother seized by the hand and taken away apparently by force, the son was + greatly moved by wrath. Seeing his son indignant, Uddalaka addressed him + and said, ‘Be not angry. O son! This is the practice sanctioned by + antiquity. The women of all orders in this world are free, O son; men in + this matter, as regards their respective orders, act as kine.’ The Rishi’s + son, Swetaketu, however, disapproved of the usage and established in the + world the present practice as regards men and women. It hath been heard by + us, O thou of great virtue, that the existing practice dates from that + period among human beings but not among beings of other classes. + Accordingly, since the establishment of the present usage, it is sinful + for women not to adhere to their husbands. Women transgressing the limits + assigned by the Rishi became guilty of slaying the embryo. And, men, too, + viol ting a chaste and loving wife who hath from her maidenhood observed + the vow of purity, became guilty of the same sin. The woman also who, + being commanded by her husband to raise offspring, refuses to do his + bidding, becometh equally sinful. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, O timid one, was the existing usage established of old by + Swetaketu, the son of Uddalaka, in defiance of antiquity. O thou of taper + thighs, it hath also been heard by us that Madayanti, the wife of Saudasa, + commanded by her husband to raise offspring went unto Rishi Vasishtha. And + on going in unto him, the handsome Madayanti obtained a son named Asmaka. + She did this, moved by the desire of doing good to her husband. O thou of + lotus-eyes, thou knowest, O timid girl, how we ourselves, for the + perpetuation of the Kuru race, were begotten by Krishna-Dwaipayana. O + faultless one, beholding all these precedents it behoveth thee to do my + bidding, which is not inconsistent with virtue, O princess, who is devoted + to her husband, it hath also been said by those acquainted with the rules + of morality that a wife, when her monthly season cometh, must ever seek + her husband, though at other times she deserveth liberty. The wise have + declared this to be the ancient practice. But, be the act sinful or + sinless, those acquainted with the Vedas have declared that it is the duty + of wives to do what their husbands bid them do. Especially, O thou of + faultless features, I, who am deprived of the power of procreation, having + yet become desirous of beholding offspring, deserve the more to be obeyed + by thee. O amiable one, joining my palms furnished with rosy fingers, and + making of them a cup as of lotus leaves, I place them on my head to + propitiate thee. O thou of lair looks, it behoveth thee to raise + offspring, at my command, through some Brahmana possessed of high ascetic + merit. For then, owing to thee, O thou of fair hips, I may go the way that + is reserved for those that are blessed with children.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by Pandu, that subjugator of + hostile cities, the handsome Kunti, ever attentive to what was agreeable + and beneficial to her lord, then replied unto him, saying, ‘In my + girlhood, O lord, I was in my father’s house engaged in attending upon all + guests. I used to wait respectfully upon Brahmanas of rigid vows and great + ascetic merit. One day I gratified with my attentions that Brahmana whom + people call Durvasa, of mind under full control and possessing knowledge + of all the mysteries of religion. Pleased with my services, that Brahmana + gave me a boon in the form of a mantra (formula of invocation) for calling + into my presence any one of the celestials I liked. And the Rishi, + addressing me, said, ‘Anyone among the celestials whom thou callest by + this shall, O girl, approach thee and be obedient to thy will, whether he + liketh it or not. And, O princess, thou shall also have offspring through + his grace.’ O Bharata, that Brahmana told me this when I lived in my + father’s house. The words uttered by the Brahmana can never be false. The + time also hath come when they may yield fruit. Commanded by thee, O royal + sage, I can by that mantra summon any of the celestials, so that we may + have good children. O foremost of all truthful men, tell me which of the + celestials I shall summon. Know that, as regards this matter, I await your + commands.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing this, Pandu replied, ‘O handsome one, strive duly this very day + to gratify our wishes. Fortunate one, summon thou the god of justice. He + is the most virtuous of the celestials. The god of justice and virtue will + never be able to pollute us with sin. The world also, O beautiful + princess, will then think that what we do can never be unholy. The son + also that we shall obtain from him shall in virtue be certainly the + foremost among the Kurus. Begotten by the god of justice and morality, he + would never set his heart upon anything that is sinful or unholy. + Therefore, O thou of sweet smiles, steadily keeping virtue before thy + eyes, and duly observing holy vows, summon thou the god of justice and + virtue by the help of thy solicitations and incantations.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Kunti, that best of women, thus addressed + by her lord, said, ‘So be it.’ And bowing down to him and reverently + circumambulating his person, she resolved to do his bidding.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0124"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O Janamejaya, when Gandhari’s conception had been a + full year old, it was then that Kunti summoned the eternal god of justice + to obtain offspring from him. And she offered without loss of time, + sacrifices unto the god and began to duly repeat the formula that Durvasa + had imparted to her some time before. Then the god, overpowered by her + incantations, arrived at the spot where Kunti was seated in his car + resplendent as the Sun. Smiling, he asked, ‘O Kunti, what am I to give + thee?’ And Kunti too smiling in her turn, replied, ‘Thou must even give me + offspring.’ Then the handsome Kunti was united (in intercourse) with the + god of justice in his spiritual form and obtained from him a son devoted + to the good of all creatures. And she brought his excellent child, who + lived to acquire a great fame, at the eighth Muhurta called Abhijit, of + the hour of noon of that very auspicious day of the seventh month + (Kartika), viz., the fifth of the lighted fortnight, when the star + Jyeshtha in conjunction with the moon was ascendant. And as soon as the + child was born, an incorporeal voice (from the skies) said, ‘This child + shall be the best of men, the foremost of those that are virtuous. Endued + with great prowess and truthful in speech, he shall certainly be the ruler + of the earth. And this first child of Pandu shall be known by the name of + Yudhishthira. Possessed of prowess and honesty of disposition, he shall be + a famous king, known throughout the three worlds.’ + </p> + <p> + “Pandu, having obtained that virtuous son, again addressed his wife and + said. ‘The wise have declared that a Kshatriya must be endued with + physical strength, otherwise he is no Kshatriya.’ Therefore, ask thou for + an offspring of superior strength. Thus commanded by her lord, Kunti then + invoked Vayu. And the mighty god of wind, thus invoked, came unto her, + riding upon a deer, and said, ‘What, O Kunti, am I to give thee? Tell me + what is in thy heart” Smiling in modesty, she said to him, ‘Give me, O + best of celestials, a child endued with great strength and largeness of + limbs and capable of humbling the pride of every body.’ The god of wind + thereupon begat upon her the child afterwards known as Bhima of mighty + arms and fierce prowess. And upon the birth of that child endued with + extraordinary strength, an incorporeal voice, O Bharata, as before, said, + ‘This child shall be the foremost of all endued with strength.’ I must + tell you, O Bharata, of another wonderful event that occurred alter the + birth of Vrikodara (Bhima). While he fell from the lap of his mother upon + the mountain breast, the violence of the fall broke into fragments the + stone upon which he fell without his infant body being injured in the + least. And he fell from his mother’s lap because Kunti, frightened by a + tiger, had risen up suddenly, unconscious of the child that lay asleep on + her lap. And as she had risen, the infant, of body hard as the + thunderbolt, falling down upon the mountain breast, broke into a hundred + fragments the rocky mass upon which he fell. And beholding this, Pandu + wondered much. And it so happened that that very day on which Vrikodara + was born, was also, O best of Bharatas, the birthday of Duryodhana who + afterwards became the ruler of the whole earth.’ + </p> + <p> + “After the birth of Vrikodara, Pandu again began to think, ‘How am I to + obtain a very superior son who shall achieve world-wide fame? Every, thing + in the world dependeth on destiny and exertion. But destiny can never be + successful except by timely exertion. We have heard it said that Indra is + the chief of the gods. Indeed, he is endued with immeasurable might and + energy and prowess and glory. Gratifying him with my asceticism, I shall + obtain from him a son of great strength. Indeed, the son he giveth me must + be superior to all and capable of vanquishing in battle all men and + creatures other than men. I shall, therefore, practise the severest + austerities, with heart, deed and speech.’ + </p> + <p> + “After this, the Kuru king Pandu, taking counsel with the great Rishis + commanded Kunti to observe an auspicious vow for one full year, while he + himself commenced, O Bharata, to stand upon one leg from morning to + evening, and practise other severe austerities with mind rapt in + meditation, for gratifying the lord of the celestials. + </p> + <p> + “It was after a long time that Indra (gratified with such devotion) + approached Pandu and, addressing him, said, ‘I shall give thee, O king, a + son who will be celebrated all over the three worlds and who will promote + the welfare of Brahmanas, kine and all honest men. The son I shall give + thee will be the smiter of the wicked and the delight of friends and + relatives. Foremost of all men, he will be an irresistible slayer of all + foes.’ Thus addressed by Vasava (the king of the celestials), the virtuous + king of the Kuru race, well-recollecting those words, said unto Kunti, ‘O + fortunate one, thy vow hath become successful. The lord of the celestials + hath been gratified, and is willing to give thee a son such as thou + desirest, of superhuman achievements and great fame. He will be the + oppressor of all enemies and possessed of great wisdom. Endued with a + great soul, in splendour equal unto the Sun, invincible in battles, and of + great achievements, he will also be extremely handsome. O thou of fair + hips and sweet smiles, the lord of the celestials hath become gracious to + thee. Invoking him, bring thou forth a child who will be the very home of + all Kshatriya virtues.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The celebrated Kunti, thus addressed by her + lord, invoked Sakra (the king of the gods) who thereupon came unto her and + begat him that was afterwards called Arjuna. And as soon as this child was + born, an incorporeal voice, loud and deep as that of the clouds and + filling the whole welkin, distinctly said, addressing Kunti in the hearing + of every creature dwelling in that asylum, ‘This child of thine, O Kunti, + will be equal unto Kartavirya in energy and Siva in prowess. Invincible + like Sakra himself he will spread thy fame far and wide. As Vishnu (the + youngest of Aditi’s sons) had enhanced Aditi’s joy, so shall this child + enhance thy joy. Subjugating the Madras, the Kurus along with the Somakas, + and the people of Chedi, Kasi and Karusha, he will maintain the prosperity + of the Kurus. (Surfeited with libations at the sacrifice of king + Swetaketu), Agni will derive great gratification from the fat of all + creatures dwelling in the Khandava woods (to be burnt down) by the might + of this one’s arms. This mighty hero, vanquishing all the effeminate + monarchs of the earth, will, with his brothers perform three great + sacrifices. In prowess, O Kunti, he will be even as Jamadagnya or Vishnu. + The foremost of all men endued with prowess, he will achieve great fame. + He will gratify in battle (by his heroism) Sankara, the god of gods + (Mahadeva), and will receive from him the great weapon named Pasupata. + This thy son of mighty arms will also slay, at the command of Indra, those + Daityas called the Nivatakavachas who are the enemies of the gods. He will + also acquire all kinds of celestial weapons, and this bull among men will + also retrieve the fortunes of his race.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kunti heard these extraordinary words, while lying in the room. And + hearing those words uttered so loudly, the ascetics dwelling on the + mountain of a hundred peaks, and the celestials with Indra sitting in + their cars, became exceedingly glad. The sounds of the (invisible) drum + filled the entire welkin. There were shouts of joy, and the whole region + was covered with flowers showered down by invisible agents. The various + tribes of celestials assembled together, began to offer their respectful + adorations to the son of Pritha. The sons of Kadru (Nagas), the son of + Vinata, the Gandharvas, the lords of the creation, and the seven great + Rishis, viz., Bharadwaja, Kasyapa, Gautama, Viswamitra, Jamadagni, + Vasishtha, and the illustrious Atri who illumined the world of old when + the Sun was lost, all came there. And Marichi, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, + Kratu, Daksha the lord of creation, the Gandharvas, and Apsaras, came + there also. The various tribes of Apsaras, decked with celestial garlands + and every ornament, and attired in fine robes, came there and danced in + joy, chanting the praises of Vibhatsu (Arjuna). All around, the great + Rishis began to utter propitiatory formulas. And Tumvuru accompanied by + the Gandharvas began to sing in charming notes. And Bhimasena and + Ugrasena, Urnayus and Anagha. Gopati and Dhritarashtra and Suryavarchas + the eighth, Yugapa and Trinapa, Karshni, Nandi, and Chitraratha, Salisirah + the thirteenth, Parjanya the fourteenth, Kali the fifteenth, and Narada + the sixteenth in this list, Vrihatta, Vrihaka, Karala of great soul, + Brahmacharin, Vahuguna, Suvarna of great fame, Viswavasu, Bhumanyu, + Suchandra, Sam and the celebrated tribes of Haha and Huhu gifted with + wonderful melody of voice,—these celestial Gandharvas, O king, all + went there. Many illustrious Apsaras also of large eyes, decked with every + ornament came there to dance and sing. And Anuchana and Anavadya, + Gunamukhya and Gunavara, Adrika and Soma, Misrakesi and Alambusha, Marichi + and Suchika, Vidyutparna and Tilottama and Ambika, Lakshmana, Kshema Devi, + Rambha, Manorama, Asita, Suvahu, Supriya, Suvapuh, Pundarika, Sugandha, + Surasa, Pramathini, Kamya and Saradwati, all danced there together. And + Menaka, Sahajanya, Karnika, Punjikasthala, Ritusthala, Ghritachi, + Viswachi, Purvachiti, the celebrated Umlocha, Pramlocha the tenth and + Urvasi the eleventh,—these large-eyed dancing girls of heaven,—came + there and sang in chorus. And Dharti and Aryaman and Mitra and Varuna, + Bhaga and Indra, Vivaswat, Pushan, Tvastri and Parjanya or Vishnu, these + twelve Adityas came there to glorify Pandu’s son. And, O king, + Mrigavyadha, Sarpa, the celebrated Niriti, Ajaikapada, Ahivradhna, + Pinakin, Dahana, Iswara, Kapalin, Sthanu and the illustrious Bhaga—these + eleven Rudras,—also came there. And the twin Aswins, the eight + Vasus, the mighty Maruts, the Viswedevas, and the Sadhyas, also came + there. And Karkotaka, Vasuki, Kachchhapa, Kunda and the great Naga + Takshaka,—these mighty and wrathful snakes possessed of high ascetic + merit also came there. And Tarkshya, Arishtanemi, Garuda, Asitadvaja,—these + and many other Nagas, came there, so also Aruna and Aruni of Vinata’s race + also came there. And only great Rishis crowned with ascetic success and + not others saw those celestials and other beings seated in their cars or + waiting on the mountain peaks. Those best of Munis beholding that + wonderful sight, became amazed, and their love and affection for the + children of Pandu was in consequence enhanced. + </p> + <p> + “The celebrated Pandu, tempted by the desire of having more children + wished to speak again unto his wedded wife (for invoking some other god). + But Kunti addressed him, saying, ‘The wise do not sanction a fourth + delivery even in a season of distress. The woman having intercourse with + four different men is called a Swairini (heanton), while she having + intercourse with five becometh a harlot. Therefore, O learned one, as thou + art well-acquainted with the scripture on this subject, why dost thou, + beguiled by desire of offspring, tell me so in seeming forgetfulness of + the ordinance?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0125"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After the birth of Kunti’s sons and also of the + hundred sons of Dhritarashtra the daughter of the king of the Madras + privately addressed Pandu, saying, ‘O slayer of foes, I have no complaint + even if thou beest unpropitious to me. I have, O sinless one, also no + complaint that though by birth I am superior to Kunti yet I am inferior to + her in station. I do not grieve, O thou of Kuru’s race, that Gandhari hath + obtained a hundred sons. This, however, is my great grief that while Kunti + and I are equal, I should be childless, while it should so chance that + thou shouldst have offspring by Kunti alone. If the daughter of Kuntibhoja + should so provide that I should have offspring, she would then be really + doing me a great favour and benefiting thee likewise. She being my rival, + I feel a delicacy in soliciting any favour of her. If thou beest, O king, + propitiously disposed to me, then ask her to grant my desire.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing her, Pandu replied, ‘O Madri, I do revolve this matter often in + my own mind, but I have hitherto hesitated to tell thee anything, not + knowing how thou wouldst receive it. Now that I know what your wishes are, + I shall certainly strive after that end. I think that, asked by me, Kunti + will not refuse.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After this, Pandu addressed Kunti in private, + saying, ‘O Kunti, grant me some more offspring for the expansion of my + race and for the benefit of the world. O blessed one, provide thou that I + myself, my ancestors, and thine also, may always have the funeral cake + offered to us. O, do what is beneficial to me, and grant me and the world + what, indeed, is the best of benefits. O, do what, indeed, may be + difficult for thee, moved by the desire of achieving undying fame. Behold, + Indra, even though he hath obtained the sovereignty of the celestials, + doth yet, for fame alone, perform sacrifices. O handsome one, Brahmanas, + well-acquainted with the Vedas, and having achieved high ascetic merit, do + yet, for fame alone, approach their spiritual masters with reverence. So + also all royal sages and Brahmanas possessed of ascetic wealth have + achieved, for fame only, the most difficult of ascetic feat. Therefore, O + blameless one, rescue this Madri as by a raft (by granting her the means + of obtaining offspring), and achieve thou imperishable fame by making her + a mother of children.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed by her lord, Kunti readily yielded, and said unto Madri, + ‘Think thou, without loss of time, of some celestial, and thou shall + certainly obtain from him a child like unto him.’ Reflecting for a few + moments. Madri thought of the twin Aswins, who coming unto her with speed + begat upon her two sons that were twins named Nakula and Sahadeva, + unrivalled on earth for personal beauty. And as soon as they were born, an + incorporeal voice said, ‘In energy and beauty these twins shall transcend + even the twin Aswins themselves.’ Indeed possessed of great energy and + beauty, they illumined the whole region. + </p> + <p> + “O king, after all the children were born the Rishis dwelling on the + mountain of a hundred peaks uttering blessings on them and affectionately + performing the first rites of birth, bestowed appellations on them. The + eldest of Kunti’s children was called Yudhishthira, the second Bhimasena, + and the third Arjuna, and of Madri’s sons, the first-born of the twins was + called Nakula and the next Sahadeva. And those foremost sons born at an + interval of one year after one another, looked like an embodied period of + five years. And king Pandu, beholding his children of celestial beauty and + of super-abundant energy, great strength and prowess, and of largeness of + soul, rejoiced exceedingly. And the children became great favourites of + the Rishis, as also of their wives, dwelling on the mountain of a hundred + peaks. + </p> + <p> + “Some time after, Pandu again requested Kunti on behalf of Madri. + Addressed, O king, by her lord in private, Kunti replied, ‘Having given + her the formula of invocation only once, she hath, O king, managed to + obtain two sons. Have I not been thus deceived by her, I fear, O king, + that she will soon surpass me in the number of her children. This, indeed, + is the way of all wicked women. Fool that I was, I did not know that by + invoking the twin gods I could obtain at one birth twin children. I + beseech thee, O king, do not command me any further. Let this be the boon + granted (by thee) to me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus, O king, were born unto Pandu five sons who were begotten by + celestials and were endued with great strength, and who all lived to + achieve great fame and expand the Kuru race. Each bearing every auspicious + mark on his person, handsome like Soma, proud as the lion, well-skilled in + the use of the bow, and of leonine tread, breast, heart, eyes, neck and + prowess, those foremost of men, resembling the celestials themselves in + might, began to grow up. And beholding them and their virtues growing with + years, the great Rishis dwelling on that snowcapped sacred mountain were + filled with wonder. And the five Pandavas and the hundred sons of + Dhritarashtra—that propagator of the Kuru race—grew up rapidly + like a cluster of lotuses in a lake.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0126"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, “Beholding his five handsome sons growing up before + him in that great forest on the charming mountain slope, Pandu felt the + last might of his arms revive once more. One day in the season of spring + which maddens every creature the king accompanied by his wife (Madri), + began to rove in the woods where every tree had put forth new blossoms. He + beheld all around Palasas and Tilakas and Mangoes and Champakas and + Parihadrakas and Karnikaras, Asokas and Kesaras and Atimuktas and + Kuruvakas with swarms of maddened bees sweetly humming about. And there + were flowers of blossoming Parijatas with the Kokilas pouring forth their + melodies from under every twig echoing with the sweet hums of the black + bees. And he beheld also various other kinds of trees bent down with the + weight of their flowers and fruits. And there were also many fine pools of + water overgrown with hundreds of fragrant lotuses. Beholding all these, + Pandu felt the soft influence of desire. Roving like a celestial with a + light heart amidst such scenery, Pandu was alone with his wife Madri in + semi-transparent attire. And beholding the youthful Madri thus attired, + the king’s desire flamed up like a forest-fire. And ill-able to suppress + his desire thus kindled at the sight of his wife of eyes like + lotus-petals, he was completely overpowered. The king then seized her + against her will, but Madri trembling in fear resisted him to the best of + her might. Consumed by desire, he forgot everything about his misfortune. + And, O thou of Kuru’s race unrestrained by the fear of (the Rishi’s) curse + and impelled by fate, the monarch, overpowered by passion, forcibly sought + the embraces of Madri, as if he wished to put an end to his own life. His + reason, thus beguiled by the great Destroyer himself by intoxicating his + senses, was itself lost with his life. And the Kuru king Pandu, of + virtuous soul, thus succumbed to the inevitable influence of Time, while + united in intercourse with his wife. + </p> + <p> + “Then Madri, clasping the body of her senseless lord, began to weep aloud. + And Kunti with her sons and the twins of Madri, hearing those cries of + grief, came to the spot where the king lay in that state. Then, O king, + Madri addressing Kunti in a piteous voice, said, ‘Come hither alone, O + Kunti, and let the children stay there.’ Hearing these words, Kunti, + bidding the children stay, ran with speed, exclaiming, ‘Woe to me!’ And + beholding both Pandu and Madri lying prostrate on the ground she went in + grief and affliction, saying, ‘Of passions under complete control, this + hero, O Madri, had all along been watched by me with care. How did he then + forgetting the Rishi’s curse, approach thee with enkindled desire? O + Madri, this foremost of men should have been protected by thee. Why didst + thou tempt him into solitude? Always melancholy at the thought of the + Rishi’s curse, how came he to be merry with thee in solitude? O princess + of Valhika, more fortunate than myself, thou art really to be envied, for + thou hast seen the face of our lord suffused with gladness and joy.’ + </p> + <p> + “Madri then replied, saying, ‘Revered sister, with tears in my eyes, I + resisted the king, but he could not control himself, bent on, as it were + making the Rishi’s curse true.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kunti then said, ‘I am the older of his wedded wives; the chief religious + merit must be mine. Therefore, O Madri, prevent me not from achieving that + which must be achieved. I must follow our lord to the region of the dead. + Rise up, O Madri, and yield me his body. Rear thou these children.’ Madri + replied, saying, ‘I do clasp our lord yet, and have not allowed him to + depart; therefore, I shall follow him. My appetite hath not been appeased. + Thou art my older sister, O let me have thy sanction. This foremost one of + the Bharata princes had approached me, desiring to have intercourse. His + appetite unsatiated, shall I not follow him in the region of Yama to + gratify him? O revered one, if I survive thee, it is certain I shall not + be able to rear thy children as if they were mine. Will not sin touch me + on that account? But, thou, O Kunti, shall be able to bring my sons up as + if they were thine. The king, in seeking me wishfully, hath gone to the + region of spirits; therefore, my body should be burnt with his. O revered + sister, withhold not thy sanction to this which is agreeable to me. Thou + wilt certainly bring up the children carefully. That indeed, would be very + agreeable to me. I have no other direction to give!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having said this, the daughter of the king of + Madras, the wedded wife of Pandu, ascended the funeral pyre of her lord, + that bull among men.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0127"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The godlike Rishis, wise in counsels, beholding the + death of Pandu, consulted with one another, and said, ‘The virtuous and + renowned king Pandu, abandoning both sovereignty, and kingdom came hither + for practising ascetic austerities and resigned himself to the ascetics + dwelling on this mountain. He hath hence ascended to heaven, leaving his + wife and infant sons as a trust in our hands. Our duty now is to repair to + his kingdom with these his offspring, and his wife.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then those godlike Rishis of magnanimous hearts, + and crowned with ascetic success, summoning one another, resolved to go to + Hastinapura with Pandu’s children ahead, desiring to place them in the + hands of Bhishma and Dhritarashtra. The ascetics set out that very moment, + taking with them those children and Kunti and the two dead bodies. And + though unused to toil all her life, the affectionate Kunti now regarded as + very short the really long journey she had to perform. Having arrived at + Kurujangala within a short time, the illustrious Kunti presented herself + at the principal gate. The ascetics then charged the porters to inform the + king of their arrival. The men carried the message in a trice to the + court. And the citizens of Hastinapura, hearing of the arrival of + thousands of Charanas and Munis, were filled with wonder. And it was soon + after sunrise that they began to come out in numbers with their wives and + children to behold those ascetics. Seated in all kinds of cars and + conveyances by thousands, vast numbers of Kshatriyas with their wives, and + Brahmanas with theirs came out. And the concourse of Vaisyas and Sudras + too was as large on the occasion. The vast assemblage was very peaceful, + for every heart then was inclined to piety. And there also came out + Bhishma, the son of Santanu, and Somadatta or Valhika and the royal sage + (Dhritarashtra) endued with the vision of knowledge and Vidura himself and + the venerable Satyavati and the illustrious princess of Kosala and + Gandhari accompanied by the other ladies of the royal household. And the + hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, decked with various ornaments, also came + out. + </p> + <p> + “The Kauravas, then, accompanied by their priest, saluted the Rishis by + lowering their heads, and took their seats before them. The citizens also + saluting the ascetics and bowing down unto them with touching the ground, + took their seats there. Then Bhishma, setting that vast concourse + perfectly still, duly worshipped, O king, those ascetics by offering them + water to wash their feet with and the customary Arghya. And having done + this, he spoke unto them about the sovereignty and the kingdom. Then the + oldest of the ascetics with matted locks on head and loins covered with + animal skin, stood up, and with the concurrence of the other Rishis, spoke + as follows, ‘You all know that that possessor of the sovereignty of the + Kurus who was called king Pandu, had, after abandoning the pleasures of + the world, repaired hence to dwell on the mountain of a hundred peaks. He + adopted the Brahmacharya mode of life, but for some inscrutable purpose + the gods have in view, this his eldest son, Yudhishthira, was born there, + begotten by Dharma himself. Then that illustrious king obtained from Vayu + this other son—the foremost of all mighty men—called Bhima. + This other son, begotten upon Kunti by Indra, is Dhananjaya whose + achievements will humble all bowmen in the world. Look here again at these + tigers among men, mighty in the use of the bow, the twin children begotten + upon Madri by the twin Aswins. Leading in righteousness the life of a + Vanaprastha in the woods, illustrious Pandu hath thus revived the almost + extinct line of his grandfather. The birth, growth, and Vedic studies of + these children of Pandu, will, no doubt, give you great pleasure. Steadily + adhering to the path of the virtuous and the wise, and leaving behind him + these children, Pandu departed hence seventeen days ago. His wife Madri, + beholding him placed in the funeral pyre and about to be consumed, herself + ascended the same pyre, and sacrificing her life thus, hath gone with her + lord to the region reserved for chaste wives. Accomplish now whatever + rites should be performed for their benefit. These are (the unburnt + portions of) their bodies. Here also are their children—these + oppressors of foes—with their mother. Let these be now received with + due honours. After the completion of the first rites in honour of the + dead, let the virtuous Pandu, who had all along been the supporter of the + dignity of the Kurus, have the first annual Sraddha (sapindakarana) + performed with a view to installing him formally among the Pitris.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The ascetics with Guhyakas, having said this + unto the Kurus, instantly disappeared in the very sight of the people. And + beholding the Rishis and the Siddhas thus vanish in their sight like + vapoury forms appearing and disappearing in the skies, the citizens filled + with wonder returned to their homes.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0128"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Dhritarashtra then said, ‘O Vidura, celebrate + the funeral ceremonies of that lion among kings viz., Pandu, and of Madri + also, in right royal style. For the good of their souls, distribute + cattle, cloths, gems and diverse kinds of wealth, every one receiving as + much as he asketh for. Make arrangements also for Kunti’s performing the + last rites of Madri in such a style as pleaseth her. And let Madri’s body + be so carefully wrapped up that neither the Sun nor Vayu (god of wind) may + behold it. Lament not for the sinless Pandu. He was a worthy king and hath + left behind him five heroic sons equal unto the celestials themselves.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Vidura, O Bharata, saying, ‘So be it,’ in + consultation with Bhishma, fixed upon a sacred spot for the funeral rites + of Pandu. The family priests went out of the city without loss of time, + carrying with them the blazing sacred fire fed with clarified butter and + rendered fragrant therewith. Then friends, relatives, and adherents, + wrapping it up in cloth, decked the body of the monarch with the flowers + of the season and sprinkled various excellent perfumes over it. And they + also decked the hearse itself with garlands and rich hangings. Then + placing the covered body of the king with that of his queen on that + excellent bier decked out so brightly, they caused it to be carried on + human shoulders. With the white umbrella (of state) held over the hearse + with waving yak-tails and sounds of various musical instruments, the whole + scene looked bright and grand. Hundreds of people began to distribute gems + among the crowd on the occasion of the funeral rites of the king. At + length some beautiful robes, and white umbrellas and larger yak-tails, + were brought for the great ceremony. The priests clad in white walked in + the van of the procession pouring libations of clarified butter on the + sacred fire blazing in an ornamental vessel. And Brahmanas, and + Kshatriyas, and Vaisyas, and Sudras by thousands followed the deceased + king, loudly wailing in these accents, ‘O prince, where dost thou go, + leaving us behind, and making us forlorn and wretched for ever?’ And + Bhishma, and Vidura, and the Pandavas, also all wept aloud. At last they + came to a romantic wood on the banks of the Ganga. There they laid down + the hearse on which the truthful and lion-hearted prince and his spouse + lay. Then they brought water in many golden vessels, washed the prince’s + body besmeared before with several kinds of fragrant paste, and again + smeared it over with sandal paste. They then dressed it in a white dress + made of indigenous fabrics. And with the new suit on, the king seemed as + if he was living and only sleeping on a costly bed. + </p> + <p> + “When the other funeral ceremonies also were finished in consonance with + the directions of the priests, the Kauravas set fire to the dead bodies of + the king and the queen, bringing lotuses, sandal-paste, and other fragrant + substances to the pyre. + </p> + <p> + “Then seeing the bodies aflame, Kausalya burst out, ‘O my son, my son!’—and + fell down senseless on the ground. And seeing her down the citizens and + the inhabitants of the provinces began to wail from grief and affection + for their king. And the birds of the air and the beasts of the field were + touched by the lamentations of Kunti. And Bhishma, the son of Santanu, and + the wise Vidura, and the others also that were there, became disconsolate. + </p> + <p> + “Thus weeping, Bhishma, Vidura, Dhritarashtra, the Pandavas and the Kuru + ladies, all performed the watery ceremony of the king. And when all this + was over, the people, themselves filled with sorrow, began to console the + bereaved sons of Pandu. And the Pandavas with their friends began to sleep + on the ground. Seeing this the Brahmanas and the other citizens also + renounced their beds. Young and old, all the citizens grieved on account + of the sons of king Pandu, and passed twelve days in mourning with the + weeping Pandavas.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0129"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Bhishma and Kunti with their friends celebrated + the Sraddha of the deceased monarch, and offered the Pinda. And they + feasted the Kauravas and thousands of Brahmanas unto whom they also gave + gems and lands. Then the citizens returned to Hastinapura with the sons of + Pandu, now that they had been cleansed from the impurity incident to the + demise of their father. All then fell to weeping for the departed king. It + seemed as if they had lost one of their own kin. + </p> + <p> + “When the Sraddha had been celebrated in the manner mentioned above, the + venerable Vyasa, seeing all the subjects sunk in grief, said one day to + his mother Satyavati, ‘Mother, our days of happiness have gone by and days + of calamity have succeeded. Sin beginneth to increase day by day. The + world hath got old. The empire of the Kauravas will no longer endure + because of wrong and oppression. Go thou then into the forest, and devote + thyself to contemplation through Yoga. Henceforth society will be filled + with deceit and wrong. Good work will cease. Do not witness the + annihilation of thy race, in thy old age.’ + </p> + <p> + “Acquiescing in the words of Vyasa, Satyavati entered the inner apartments + and addressed her daughter-in-law, saying, ‘O Ambika, I hear that in + consequence of the deeds of your grandsons, this Bharata dynasty and its + subjects will perish. If thou permit, I would go to the forest with + Kausalya, so grieved at the loss of her son.’ O king, saying this the + queen, taking the permission of Bhishma also, went to the forest. And + arriving there with her two daughters-in-law, she became engaged in + profound contemplation, and in good time leaving her body ascended to + heaven.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then the sons of king Pandu, having gone through + all the purifying rites prescribed in the Vedas, began to grow up in + princely style in the home of their father. Whenever they were engaged in + play with the sons of Dhritarashtra, their superiority of strength became + marked. In speed, in striking the objects aimed at, in consuming articles + of food, and scattering dust, Bhimasena beat all the sons of + Dhritarashtra. The son of the Wind-god pulled them by the hair and made + them fight with one another, laughing all the while. And Vrikodara easily + defeated those hundred and one children of great energy as if they were + one instead of being a hundred and one. The second Pandava used to seize + them by the hair, and throwing them down, to drag them along the earth. By + this, some had their knees broken, some their heads, and some their + shoulders. That youth, sometimes holding ten of them, drowned them in + water, till they were nearly dead. When the sons of Dhritarashtra got up + to the boughs of a tree for plucking fruits, Bhima used to shake that + tree, by striking it with his foot, so that down came the fruits and the + fruitpluckers at the same time. In fact, those princes were no match for + Bhima in pugilistic encounters, in speed, or in skill. Bhima used to make + a display of his strength by thus tormenting them in childishness but not + from malice. + </p> + <p> + “Seeing these wonderful exhibitions of the might of Bhima, the powerful + Duryodhana, the eldest son of Dhritarashtra, began to conceive hostility + towards him. And the wicked and unrighteous Duryodhana, through ignorance + and ambition, prepared himself for an act of sin. He thought, ‘There is no + other individual who can compare with Bhima, the second son of Pandu, in + point of prowess. I shall have to destroy him by artifice. Singly, Bhima + dares a century of us to the combat. Therefore, when he shall sleep in the + garden, I shall throw him into the current of the Ganga. Afterwards, + confining his eldest brother Yudhishthira and his younger brother Arjuna, + I shall reign sole king without molestation.’ Determined thus, the wicked + Duryodhana was ever on the watch to find out an opportunity for injuring + Bhima. And, O Bharata, at length at a beautiful place called Pramanakoti + on the banks of the Ganga, he built a palace decorated with hangings of + broad-cloth and other rich stuffs. And he built this palace for sporting + in the water there, and filled it with all kinds of entertaining things + and choice viands. Gay flags waved on the top of this mansion. The name of + the house was ‘the water-sport house.’ Skilful cooks prepared various + kinds of viands. When all was ready, the officers gave intimation to + Duryodhana. Then the evil-minded prince said unto the Pandavas, ‘Let us + all go to the banks of the Ganga graced with trees and crowned with + flowers and sport there in the water.’ And upon Yudhishthira agreeing to + this, the sons of Dhritarashtra, taking the Pandavas with them, mounted + country-born elephants of great size and cars resembling towns, and left + the metropolis. + </p> + <p> + “On arriving at the place, the princes dismissed their attendants, and + surveying the beauty of the gardens and the groves, entered the palace, + like lions entering their mountain caves. On entering they saw that the + architects had handsomely plastered the walls and the ceilings and that + painters had painted them beautifully. The windows looked very graceful, + and the artificial fountains were splendid. Here and there were tanks of + pellucid water in which bloomed forests of lotuses. The banks were decked + with various flowers whose fragrance filled the atmosphere. The Kauravas + and the Pandavas sat down and began to enjoy the things provided for them. + They became engaged in play and began to exchange morsels of food with one + another. Meanwhile the wicked Duryodhana had mixed a powerful poison with + a quantity of food, with the object of making away with Bhima. That wicked + youth who had nectar in his tongue and a razor in his heart, rose at + length, and in a friendly way fed Bhima largely with that poisoned food, + and thinking himself lucky in having compassed his end, was exceedingly + glad at heart. Then the sons of Dhritarashtra and Pandu together became + cheerfully engaged in sporting in the water. Their sport having been + finished, they dressed themselves in white habiliments, and decked + themselves with various ornaments. Fatigued with play, they felt inclined + in the evening to rest in the pleasurehouse belonging to the garden. + Having made the other youths take exercise in the waters, the powerful + second Pandava was excessively fatigued. So that on rising from the water, + he lay down on the ground. He was weary and under the influence of the + poison. And the cool air served to spread the poison over all his frame, + so that he lost his senses at once. Seeing this Duryodhana bound him with + chords of shrubs, and threw him into the water. The insensible son of + Pandu sank down till he reached the Naga kingdom. Nagas, furnished with + fangs containing virulent venom, bit him by thousands. The vegetable + poison, mingled in the blood of the son of the Wind god, was neutralised + by the snake-poison. The serpents had bitten all over his frame, except + his chest, the skin of which was so tough that their fangs could not + penetrate it. + </p> + <p> + “On regaining consciousness, the son of Kunti burst his bands and began to + press the snakes down under the ground. A remnant fled for life, and going + to their king Vasuki, represented, ‘O king of snakes, a man drowned under + the water, bound in chords of shrubs; probably he had drunk poison. For + when he fell amongst us, he was insensible. But when we began to bite him, + he regained his senses, and bursting his fetters, commenced laying at us. + May it please Your Majesty to enquire who is.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then Vasuki, in accordance with the prayer of the inferior Nagas, went to + the place and saw Bhimasena. Of the serpents, there was one, named Aryaka. + He was the grandfather of the father of Kunti. The lord of serpents saw + his relative and embraced him. Then, Vasuki, learning all, was pleased + with Bhima, and said to Aryaka with satisfaction, ‘How are we to please + him? Let him have money and gems in profusion.” + </p> + <p> + “On hearing the words of Vasuki, Aryaka said, ‘O king of serpents, when + Your Majesty is pleased with him, no need of wealth for him! Permit him to + drink of rasakunda (nectar-vessels) and thus acquire immeasurable + strength. There is the strength of a thousand elephants in each one of + those vessels. Let this prince drink as much as he can.’ + </p> + <p> + “The king of serpents gave his consent. And the serpents thereupon began + auspicious rites. Then purifying himself carefully, Bhimasena facing the + east began to drink nectar. At one breath, he quaffed off the contents of + a whole vessel, and in this manner drained off eight successive jars, till + he was full. At length, the serpents prepared an excellent bed for him, on + which he lay down at ease.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0130"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Meanwhile the Kauravas and the Pandavas, after having + thus sported there, set out, without Bhima, for Hastinapura, some on + horses, some on elephants, while others preferred cars and other + conveyances. And on their way they said to one another, ‘Perhaps, Bhima + hath gone before us.’ And the wicked Duryodhana was glad at heart to miss + Bhima, and entered the city with his brothers in joy. + </p> + <p> + “The virtuous Yudhishthira, himself unacquainted with vice and wickedness, + regarded others to be as honest as himself. The eldest son of Pritha, + filled with fraternal love, going unto his mother, said, after making + obeisance to her, ‘O mother, hath Bhima come? O good mother, I don’t find + him here. Where may he have gone? We long sought for him everywhere in the + gardens and the beautiful woods; but found him nowhere. At length, we + thought that the heroic Bhima preceded us all. O illustrious dame, we came + hither in great anxiety. Arrived here, where hath he gone? Have you sent + him anywhere? O tell me, I am full of doubts respecting the mighty Bhima. + He had been asleep and hath not come. I conclude he is no more.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of the highly intelligent Yudhishthira, Kunti + shrieked, in alarm, and said, ‘Dear son, I have not seen Bhima. He did not + come to me. O, return in haste, and with your brothers search for him.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this in affliction to her eldest son, she summoned Vidura, + and said, ‘O illustrious Kshattri, Bhimasena is missing! Where has he + gone? The other brothers have all come back from the gardens, only Bhima + of mighty arms does not come home! Duryodhana likes him not. The Kaurava + is crooked and malicious and low-minded and imprudent. He coveteth the + throne openly. I am afraid he may have in a fit of anger slain my darling. + This afflicts me sorely, indeed, it burns my heart.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura replied, ‘Blessed dame, say not so! Protect thy other sons with + care. If the wicked Duryodhana be accused, he may slay thy remaining sons. + The great sage hath said that all thy sons will be long-lived. Therefore, + Bhima will surely return and gladden thy heart.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The wise Vidura, having said this unto Kunti, + returned to his abode, while Kunti, in great anxiety, continued to stay at + home with her children. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, Bhimasena awoke from that slumber on the eighth day, and felt + strong beyond measure in consequence of the nectar he had taken having + been all digested. Seeing him awake, the Nagas began to console and cheer + him, saying, ‘O thou of mighty arms, the strength-giving liquor thou hast + drunk will give thee the might of ten thousand elephants! No one now will + be able to vanquish thee in fight. O bull of Kuru’s race, do thou bath in + this holy and auspicious water and return home. Thy brothers are + disconsolate because of thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then Bhima purified himself with a bath in those waters, and decked in + white robes and flowery garlands of the same hue, ate of the paramanna + (rice and sugar pudding) offered to him by the Nagas. Then that oppressor + of all foes, decked in celestial ornaments, received the adorations and + blessings of the snakes, and saluting them in return, rose from the nether + region. Bearing up the lotus-eyed Pandava from under the waters, the Nagas + placed him in the selfsame gardens wherein he had been sporting, and + vanished in his very sight. + </p> + <p> + “The mighty Bhimasena, arrived on the surface of the earth, ran with speed + to his mother. And bowing down unto her and his eldest brother, and + smelling the heads of his younger brothers, that oppressor of all foes was + himself embraced by his mother and every one of those bulls among men. + Affectionate unto one another, they all repeatedly exclaimed, ‘What is our + joy today, O what joy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then Bhima, endued with great strength and prowess, related to his + brothers everything about the villainy of Duryodhana, and the lucky and + unlucky incidents that had befallen him in the world of the Serpents. + Thereupon Yudhishthira said, ‘Do thou observe silence on this. Do not + speak of this to any one. From this day, protect ye all one another with + care.’ Thus cautioned by the righteous Yudhishthira, they all, with + Yudhishthira himself, became very vigilant from that day. And lest + negligence might occur on the part of the sons of Kunti, Vidura + continually offered them sage advice. + </p> + <p> + “Some time after, Duryodhana again mixed in the food of Bhima a poison + that was fresh, virulent, and very deadly. But Yuyutsu (Dhritarashtra’s + son by a Vaisya wife), moved by his friendship for the Pandavas, informed + them of this. Vrikodara, however, swallowed it without any hesitation, and + digested it completely. And, though virulent the poison produced no + effects on Bhima. + </p> + <p> + “When that terrible poison intended for the destruction of Bhima failed of + its effect, Duryodhana. Karna and Sakuni, without giving up their wicked + design had recourse to numerous other contrivances for accomplishing the + death of the Pandavas. And though every one of these contrivances was + fully known to the Pandavas, yet in accordance with the advice of Vidura + they suppressed their indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, the king (Dhritarashtra), beholding the Kuru princes passing + their time in idleness and growing naughty, appointed Gautama as their + preceptor and sent them unto him for instruction. Born among a clump of + heath, Gautama was well-skilled in the Vedas and it was under him (also + called Kripa) that the Kuru princes began to learn the use of arms.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0131"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O Brahmana, it behoveth thee to relate to me everything + about the birth of Kripa. How did he spring from a clump of heath? Whence + also did he obtain his weapons?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O king, the great sage Gautama had a son named + Saradwat. This Saradwat was born with arrows (in hand). O oppressor of + foes, the son of Gautama exhibited great aptitude for the study of the + science of weapons, but none for the other sciences. Saradwat acquired all + his weapons by those austerities by which Brahmanas in student life + acquire the knowledge of Vedas. Gautama (the son of Gotama) by his + aptitude for the science of weapons and by his austerities made Indra + himself greatly afraid of him. Then, O thou of Kuru’s race, the chief of + the gods summoned a celestial damsel named Janapadi and sent her unto + Gautama, saying, ‘Do thy best to disturb the austerities of Gautama.’ + Repairing unto the charming asylum of Saradwat, the damsel began to tempt + the ascetic equipped with bow and arrows. Beholding that Apsara, of figure + unrivalled on earth for beauty, alone in those woods and clad in a single + piece of cloth, Saradwat’s eyes expanded with delight. At the sight of the + damsel, his bow and arrows slipped from his hand and his frame shook all + over with emotion; but possessed of ascetic fortitude and strength of + soul, the sage mustered sufficient patience to bear up against the + temptation. The suddenness, however, of his mental agitation, caused an + unconscious emission of his vital fluid. Leaving his bow and arrows and + deer-skin behind, he went away, flying from the Apsara. His vital fluid, + however, having fallen upon a clump of heath, was divided into two parts, + whence sprang two children that were twins. + </p> + <p> + “And it happened that a soldier in attendance upon king Santanu while the + monarch was out a-hunting in the woods, came upon the twins. And seeing + the bow and arrows and deer-skin on the ground, he thought they might be + the offspring of some Brahmana proficient in the science of arms. Deciding + thus, he took up the children along with the bow and arrows, and showed + what he had to the king. Beholding them the king was moved with pity, and + saying, ‘Let these become my children,’ brought them to his palace. Then + that first of men, Santanu, the son of Pratipa having brought Gautama’s + twins into his house, performed in respect of them the usual rites of + religion. And he began to bring them up and called them Kripa and Kripi, + in allusion to the fact that he brought them up from motives of pity + (Kripa). The son of Gotama having left his former asylum, continued his + study of the science of arms in right earnest. By his spiritual insight he + learnt that his son and daughter were in the palace of Santanu. He + thereupon went to the monarch and represented everything about his + lineage. He then taught Kripa the four branches of the science of arms, + and various other branches of knowledge, including all their mysteries and + recondite details. In a short time Kripa became an eminent professor of + the science (of arms). And the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, and the + Pandavas along with the Yadavas, and the Vrishnis, and many other princes + from various lands, began to receive lessons from him in that science.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0132"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Desirous of giving his grandsons a superior + education, Bhishma was on the look-out for a teacher endued with energy + and well-skilled in the science of arms. Deciding, O chief of the + Bharatas, that none who was not possessed of great intelligence, none who + was not illustrious or a perfect master of the science of arms, none who + was not of godlike might, should be the instructor of the Kuru (princes), + the son of Ganga, O tiger among men, placed the Pandavas and the Kauravas + under the tuition of Bharadwaja’s son, the intelligent Drona skilled in + all the Vedas. Pleased with the reception given him by the great Bhishma, + that foremost of all men skilled in arms, viz., illustrious Drona of + world-wide fame, accepted the princes as his pupils. And Drona taught them + the science of arms in all its branches. And, O monarch, both the Kauravas + and the Pandavas endued with immeasurable strength, in a short time became + proficient in the use of all kinds of arms.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya asked, ‘O Brahmana, how was Drona born? How and whence did he + acquire his arms? How and why came he unto the Kurus? Whose son also was + he endued with such energy? Again, how was his son Aswatthaman, the + foremost of all skilled in arms born? I wish to hear all this! Please + recite them in detail.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘There dwelt at the source of the Ganga, a great sage + named Bharadwaja, ceaselessly observing the most rigid vows. One day, of + old, intending to celebrate the Agnihotra sacrifice he went along with + many great Rishis to the Ganga to perform his ablutions. Arrived at the + bank of the stream, he saw Ghritachi herself, that Apsara endued with + youth and beauty, who had gone there a little before. With an expression + of pride in her countenance, mixed with a voluptuous languor of attitude, + the damsel rose from the water after her ablutions were over. And as she + was gently treading on the bank, her attire which was loose became + disordered. Seeing her attire disordered, the sage was smitten with + burning desire. The next moment his vital fluid came out, in consequence + of the violence of his emotion. The Rishi immediately held it in a vessel + called a drona. Then, O king, Drona sprang from the fluid thus preserved + in that vessel by the wise Bharadwaja. And the child thus born studied all + the Vedas and their branches. Before now Bharadwaja of great prowess and + the foremost of those possessing a knowledge of arms, had communicated to + the illustrious Agnivesa, a knowledge of the weapon called Agneya. O + foremost one of Bharata’s race, the Rishi (Agnivesa) sprung from fire now + communicated the knowledge of that great weapon to Drona the son of his + preceptor. + </p> + <p> + “There was a king named Prishata who was a great friend of Bharadwaja. + About this time Prishata had a son born unto him, named Drupada. And that + bull among Kshatriyas, viz., Drupada, the son of Prishata, used every day + to come to the hermitage of Bharadwaja to play with Drona and study in his + company. O monarch, when Prishata was dead, this Drupada of mighty arms + became the king of the northern Panchalas. About this time the illustrious + Bharadwaja also ascended to heaven. Drona continuing to reside in his + father’s hermitage devoted himself to ascetic austerities. Having become + well-versed in the Vedas and their branches and having burnt also all his + sins by asceticism, the celebrated Drona, obedient to the injunctions of + his father and moved by the desire of offspring married Kripi, the + daughter of Saradwat. And this woman, ever engaged in virtuous acts and + the Agnihotra, and the austerest of penances, obtained a son named + Aswatthaman. And as soon as Aswatthaman was born, he neighed like the + (celestial) steed Ucchaihsravas. Hearing that cry, an invisible being in + the skies said, ‘The voice of this child hath, like the neighing of a + horse, been audible all around. The child shall, therefore, be known by + the name of Aswatthaman, (the horse-voiced). The son of Bharadwaja (Drona) + was exceedingly glad at having obtained that child. Continuing to reside + in that hermitage he devoted himself to the study of the science of arms. + </p> + <p> + “O king, it was about this time that Drona heard that the illustrious + Brahmana Jamadagnya, that slayer of foes, that foremost one among all + wielders of weapons, versed in all kinds of knowledge, had expressed a + desire of giving away all his wealth to Brahmanas. Having heard of Rama’s + knowledge of arms and of his celestial weapons also, Drona set his heart + upon them as also upon the knowledge of morality that Rama possessed. Then + Drona of mighty arms, endued with high ascetic virtues, accompanied by + disciples who were all devoted to vows ascetic austerities, set out for + the Mahendra mountains. Arrived at Mahendra, the son of Bharadwaja + possessed of high ascetic merit, beheld the son of Bhrigu, the + exterminator of all foes, endued with great patience and with mind under + complete control. Then, approaching with his disciples that scion of the + Bhrigu race Drona, giving him his name, told him of his birth in the line + of Angiras. And touching the ground with his head, he worshipped Rama’s + feet. And beholding the illustrious son of Jamadagni intent upon retiring + into the woods after having given away all his wealth, Drona said, ‘Know + me to have sprung from Bharadwaja, but not in any woman’s womb! I am a + Brahmana of high birth, Drona by name, come to thee with the desire of + obtaining thy wealth.’ + </p> + <p> + “On hearing him, that illustrious grinder of the Kshatriya race replied, + Thou art welcome, O best of regenerate ones! Tell me what thou desirest. + Thus addressed by Rama, the son of Bharadwaja replied unto that foremost + of all smiters, desirous of giving away the whole of his wealth, ‘O thou + of multifarious vows, I am a candidate for thy eternal wealth,’ ‘O thou of + ascetic wealth, returned Rama, ‘My gold and whatever other wealth I had, + have all been given away unto Brahmanas! This earth also, to the verge of + the sea, decked with towns and cities, as with a garland of flowers, I + have given unto Kasyapa. I have now my body only and my various valuable + weapons left. I am prepared to give either my body or my weapons. Say, + which thou wouldst have! I would give it thee! Say quickly!’ + </p> + <p> + “Drona answered, O son of Bhrigu, it behoveth thee to give me all thy + weapons together with the mysteries of hurling and recalling them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Saying, ‘So be it,’ the son of Bhrigu gave all his weapons unto Drona,—indeed, + the whole science of arms with its rules and mysteries. Accepting them + all, and thinking himself amply rewarded that best of Brahmanas then, glad + at heart, set out, for (the city of) his friend Drupada.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0133"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then, O king, the mighty son of Bharadyaja presented + himself before Drupada, and addressing that monarch, said, ‘Know me for + thy friend.’ Thus addressed by his friend, the son of Bharadwaja, with a + joyous heart, the lord of the Panchalas was ill-able to bear that speech. + The king, intoxicated with the pride of wealth, contracted his brows in + wrath, and with reddened eyes spake these words unto Drona, ‘O Brahmana, + thy intelligence is scarcely of a high order, inasmuch as thou sayest unto + me, all on a sudden, that thou art my friend! O thou of dull apprehension, + great kings can never be friends with such luckless and indigent wights as + thou! It is true there had been friendship between thee and me before, for + we were then both equally circumstanced. But Time that impaireth + everything in its course, impaireth friendship also. In this world, + friendship never endureth for ever in any heart. Time weareth it off and + anger destroyeth it too. Do not stick, therefore, to that worn-off + friendship. Think not of it any longer. The friendship I had with thee, O + first of Brahmanas, was for a particular purpose. Friendship can never + subsist between a poor man and a rich man, between a man of letters and an + unlettered mind, between a hero and a coward. Why dost thou desire the + continuance of our former friendship? There may be friendship or hostility + between persons equally situated as to wealth or might. The indigent and + the affluent can neither be friends nor quarrel with each other. One of + impure birth can never be a friend to one of pure birth; one who is not a + car-warrior can never be a friend to one who is so; and one who is not a + king never have a king for his friend. Therefore, why dost thou desire the + continuance of our former friendship?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by Drupada, the mighty son of + Bharadwaja became filled with wrath, and reflecting for a moment, made up + his mind as to his course of action. Seeing the insolence of the Panchala + king, he wished to check it effectually. Hastily leaving the Panchala + capital Drona bent his steps towards the capital of the Kurus, named after + the elephant.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0134"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Arrived at Hastinapura, that best of Brahmanas, the + son of Bharadwaja, continued to live privately in the house of Gautama + (Kripa). His mighty son (Aswatthaman) at intervals of Kripa’s teaching, + used to give the sons of Kunti lessons in the use of arms. But as yet none + knew of Aswatthaman’s prowess. + </p> + <p> + “Drona had thus lived privately for some time in the house of Kripa when + one day the heroic princes, all in a company, came out of Hastinapura. And + coming out of the city, they began to play with a ball and roam about in + gladness of heart. And it so happened that the ball with which they had + been playing fell into a well. And thereupon the princes strove their best + to recover it from the well. But all the efforts the princes made to + recover it proved futile. They then began to eye one another bashfully, + and not knowing how to recover it, their anxiety became great. Just at + this time they beheld a Brahmana near enough unto them, of darkish hue, + decrepit and lean, sanctified by the performance of the Agnihotra and who + had finished his daily rites of worship. And beholding that illustrious + Brahmana, the princes who had despaired of success surrounded him + immediately. Drona (for that Brahmana was no other), seeing the princes + unsuccessful, and conscious of his own skill, smiled a little, and + addressing them said, ‘Shame on your Kshatriya might, and shame also on + your skill in arms! You have been born in the race of Bharata! How is it + that ye cannot recover the ball (from the bottom of this well)? If ye + promise me a dinner today, I will, with these blades of grass, bring up + not only the ball ye have lost but this ring also that I now throw down!’ + Thus saying, Drona that oppressor of foes, taking off his ring, threw it + down into the dry well. Then Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, addressing + Drona, said, ‘O Brahmana (thou askest for a trifle)! Do thou, with Kripa’s + permission, obtain of us that which would last thee for life!’ Thus + addressed, Drona with smiles replied unto the Bharata princes, saying, + ‘This handful of long grass I would invest, by my mantras, with the virtue + of weapons. Behold these blades possess virtues that other weapons, have + not! I will, with one of these blades, pierce the ball, and then pierce + that blade with another, and that another with a third, and thus shall I, + by a chain, bring up the ball.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Drona did exactly what he had said. And the + princes were all amazed and their eyes expanded with delight. And + regarding what they had witnessed to be very extraordinary, they said, O + learned Brahmana, do thou bring up the ring also without loss of time.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then the illustrious Drona, taking a bow with an arrow, pierced the ring + with that arrow and brought it up at once. And taking the ring thus + brought up from the well still pierced with his arrow, he coolly gave it + to the astonished princes. Then the latter, seeing the ring thus + recovered, said, ‘We bow to thee, O Brahmana! None else owneth such skill. + We long to know who thou art and whose son. What also can we do for thee?’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed, Drona replied unto the princes, saying, ‘Do ye repair + unto Bhishma and describe to him my likeness and skill. The mighty one + will recognize me.’ The princes then saying, ‘So be it,’ repaired unto + Bhishma and telling him of the purport of that Brahmana’s speech, related + everything about his (extraordinary) feat. Hearing everything from the + princes, Bhishma at once understood that the Brahmana was none else than + Drona, and thinking that he would make the best preceptor for the princes, + went in person unto him and welcoming him respectfully, brought him over + to the place. Then Bhishma, that foremost of all wielders of arms, + adroitly asked him the cause of his arrival at Hastinapura. Asked by him, + Drona represented everything as it had happened, saying, ‘O sir, in times + past I went to the great Rishi Agnivesa for obtaining from him his + weapons, desirous also of learning the science of arms. Devoted to the + service of my preceptor, I lived with him for many years in the humble + guise of a Brahmacharin, with matted locks on my head. At that time, + actuated by the same motives, the prince of Panchala, the mighty + Yajnasena, also lived in the same asylum. He became my friend, always + seeking my welfare. I liked him much. Indeed, we lived together for many, + many years. O thou of Kuru’s race, from our earliest years we had studied + together and, indeed, he was my friend from boyhood, always speaking and + doing what was agreeable to me. For gratifying me, O Bhishma, he used to + tell me, ‘O Drona, I am the favourite child of my illustrious father. When + the king installeth me as monarch of the Panchalas, the kingdom shall be + thine. O friend, this, indeed, is my solemn promise. My dominion, wealth + and happiness, shall all be dependent on thee.’ At last the time came for + his departure. Having finished his studies, he bent his steps towards his + country. I offered him my regards at the time, and, indeed, I remembered + his words ever afterwards. + </p> + <p> + “Some time after, in obedience to the injunctions of my father and tempted + also by the desire of offspring, I married Kripi of short hair, who gifted + with great intelligence, had observed many rigid vows, and was ever + engaged in the Agnihotra and other sacrifices and rigid austerities. + Gautami, in time, gave birth to a son named Aswatthaman of great prowess + and equal in splendour unto the Sun himself. Indeed, I was pleased on + having obtained Aswatthaman as much as my father had been on obtaining me. + </p> + <p> + “And it so happened that one day the child Aswatthaman observing some rich + men’s sons drink milk, began to cry. At this I was so beside myself that I + lost all knowledge of the point of the compass. Instead of asking him who + had only a few kine (so that if he gave me one, he would no longer be able + to perform his sacrifices and thus sustain a loss of virtue), I was + desirous of obtaining a cow from one who had many, and for that I wandered + from country to country. But my wanderings proved unsuccessful, for I + failed to obtain a milch cow. After I had come back unsuccessful, some of + my son’s playmates gave him water mixed with powdered rice. Drinking this, + the poor boy, was deceived into the belief that he had taken milk, and + began to dance in joy, saying, ‘O, I have taken milk. I have taken milk!’ + Beholding him dance with joy amid these playmates smiling at his + simplicity, I was exceedingly touched. Hearing also the derisive speeches + of busy-bodies who said, ‘Fie upon the indigent Drona, who strives not to + earn wealth, whose son drinking water mixed with powdered rice mistaketh + it for milk and danceth with joy, saying, ‘I have taken milk,—I have + taken milk!’—I was quite beside myself. Reproaching myself much, I + at last resolved that even if I should have to live cast off and censured + by Brahmanas, I would not yet, from desire of wealth, be anybody’s + servant, which is ever hateful. Thus resolved, O Bhishma, I went, for + former friendship, unto the king of the Somakas, taking with me my dear + child and wife. Hearing that he had been installed in the sovereignty (of + the Somakas), I regarded myself as blessed beyond compare. Joyfully I went + unto that dear friend of mine seated on the throne, remembering my former + friendship with him and also his own words to me. And, O illustrious one, + approaching Drupada, I said, ‘O tiger among men, know me for thy friend!’—Saying + this, I approached him confidently as a friend should. But Drupada, + laughing in derision cast me off as if I were a vulgar fellow. Addressing + me he said, ‘Thy intelligence scarcely seemeth to be of a high order + inasmuch as approaching me suddenly, thou sayest thou art my friend! Time + that impaireth everything, impaireth friendship also. My former friendship + with thee was for a particular purpose. One of impure birth can never be a + friend of one who is of pure birth. One who is not a car-warrior can never + be a friend of one who is such. Friendship can only subsist between + persons that are of equal rank, but not between those that are unequally + situated. Friendship never subsisteth for ever in my heart. Time impaireth + friendships, as also anger destroyeth them. Do thou not stick, therefore, + to that worn-off friendship between us. Think not of it any longer. The + friendship I had with thee, O best of Brahmanas, was for a special + purpose. There cannot be friendship between a poor man and a rich man, + between an unlettered hind and a man of letters, between a coward and a + hero. Why dost thou, therefore, desire, the revival of our former + friendship? O thou of simple understanding, great kings can never have + friendship with such indigent and luckless wight as thou? One who is not a + king can never have a king for his friend. I do not remember ever having + promised thee my kingdom. But, O Brahmana, I can now give thee food and + shelter for one night.’—Thus addressed by him, I left his presence + quickly with my wife, vowing to do that which I will certainly do soon + enough. Thus insulted by Drupada, O Bhishma, I have been filled with + wrath, I have come to the Kurus, desirous of obtaining intelligent and + docile pupils. I come to Hastinapura to gratify thy wishes. O, tell me + what I am to do.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by the son of Bharadwaja, Bhishma + said unto him, ‘String thy bow, O Brahmana, and make the Kuru princes + accomplished in arms. Worshipped by the Kurus, enjoy with a glad heart to + thy fill every comfort in their abode. Thou art the absolute lord, O + Brahmana, of what ever wealth the Kurus have and of their sovereignty and + kingdom! The Kurus are thine (from this day). Think that as already + accomplished which may be in thy heart. Thou art, O Brahmana, obtained by + us as the fruit of our great good luck. Indeed, the favour thou hast + conferred upon me by thy arrival is great.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0135"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus worshipped by Bhishma, Drona, that first of men, + endued with great energy, took up his quarters in the abode of the Kurus + and continued to live there, receiving their adorations. After he had + rested a while, Bhishma, taking with him his grandsons, the Kaurava + princes, gave them unto him as pupils, making at the same time many + valuable presents. And the mighty one (Bhishma) also joyfully gave unto + the son of Bharadwaja a house that was tidy and neat and well-filled with + paddy and every kind of wealth. And that first of archers, Drona, + thereupon joyfully, accepted the Kauravas, viz., the sons of Pandu and + Dhritarashtra, as his pupils. And having accepted them all as his pupils, + one day Drona called them apart and making them touch his feet, said to + them with a swelling heart, ‘I have in my heart a particular purpose. + Promise me truly, ye sinless ones, that when ye have become skilled in + arms, ye will accomplish it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words, the Kuru princes remained + silent. But Arjuna, O king, vowed to accomplish it whatever it was. Drona + then cheerfully clasped Arjuna to his bosom and took the scent of his head + repeatedly, shedding tears of joy all the while. Then Drona endued with + great prowess taught the sons of Pandu (the use of) many weapons both + celestial and human. And, O bull of the Bharata race, many other princes + also flocked to that best of Brahmanas for instruction in arms. The + Vrishnis and the Andhakas, and princes from various lands, and the + (adopted) son of Radha of the Suta caste, (Karna), all became pupils of + Drona. But of them all, the Suta child Karna, from jealousy, frequently + defied Arjuna, and supported by Duryodhana, used to disregard the + Pandavas. Arjuna, however, from devotion to the science of arms, always + stayed by the side of his preceptor, and in skill, strength of arms, and + perseverance, excelled all (his class-fellows). Indeed, although the + instruction the preceptor gave, was the same in the case of all, yet in + lightness and skill Arjuna became the foremost of all his fellow-pupils. + And Drona was convinced that none of his pupils would (at any time) be + able to be equal to that son of Indra. + </p> + <p> + “Thus Drona continued giving lessons to the princes in the science of + weapons. And while he gave unto every one of his pupils a narrow-mouthed + vessel (for fetching water) in order that much time may be spent in + filling them, he gave unto his own son Aswatthaman a broad-mouthed vessel, + so that, filling it quickly, he might return soon enough. And in the + intervals so gained, Drona used to instruct his own son in several + superior methods (of using weapons). Jishnu (Arjuna) came to know of this, + and thereupon filling his narrow-mouthed vessel with water by means of the + Varuna weapon he used to come unto his preceptor at the same time with his + preceptor’s son. And accordingly the intelligent son of Pritha, that + foremost of all men possessing a knowledge of weapons, had no inferiority + to his preceptor’s son in respect of excellence. Arjuna’s devotion to the + service of his preceptor as also to arms was very great and he soon became + the favourite of his preceptor. And Drona, beholding his pupil’s devotion + to arms, summoned the cook, and told him in secret, ‘Never give Arjuna his + food in the dark, nor tell him that I have told thee this.’ A few days + after, however, when Arjuna was taking his food, a wind arose, and + thereupon the lamp that had been burning went out. But Arjuna, endued with + energy, continued eating in the dark, his hand, from habit, going to his + mouth. His attention being thus called to the force of habit, the + strong-armed son of Pandu set his heart upon practising with his bow in + the night. And, O Bharata, Drona, hearing the twang of his bowstring in + the night, came to him, and clasping him, said, ‘Truly do I tell thee that + I shall do that unto thee by which there shall not be an archer equal to + thee in this world.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thereafter Drona began to teach Arjuna the art + of fighting on horse-back, on the back of elephants, on car, and on the + ground. And the mighty Drona also instructed Arjuna in fighting with the + mace, the sword, the lance, the spear, and the dart. And he also + instructed him in using many weapons and fighting with many men at the + same time. And hearing reports of his skill, kings and princes, desirous + of learning the science of arms, flocked to Drona by thousands. Amongst + those that came there, O monarch, was a prince named Ekalavya, who was the + son of Hiranyadhanus, king of the Nishadas (the lowest of the mixed + orders). Drona, however, cognisant of all rules of morality, accepted not + the prince as his pupil in archery, seeing that he was a Nishada who might + (in time) excel all his high-born pupils. But, O oppressor of all enemies, + the Nishada prince, touching Drona’s feet with bent head, wended his way + into the forest, and there he made a clay-image of Drona, and began to + worship it respectfully, as if it was his real preceptor, and practised + weapons before it with the most rigid regularity. In consequence of his + exceptional reverence for his preceptor and his devotion to his purpose, + all the three processes of fixing arrows on the bowstring, aiming, and + letting off became very easy for him. + </p> + <p> + “And one day, O grinder of foes, the Kuru and the Pandava princes, with + Drona’s leave, set out in their cars on a hunting excursion. A servant, O + king, followed the party at leisure, with the usual implements and a dog. + Having come to the woods, they wandered about, intent on the purpose they + had in view. Meanwhile, the dog also, in wandering alone in the woods, + came upon the Nishada prince (Ekalavya). And beholding the Nishada of dark + hue, of body besmeared with filth, dressed in black and bearing matted + locks on head, the dog began to bark aloud. + </p> + <p> + “Thereupon the Nishada prince, desirous of exhibiting his lightness of + hand, sent seven arrows into its mouth (before it could shut it). The dog, + thus pierced with seven arrows, came back to the Pandavas. Those heroes, + who beheld that sight, were filled with wonder, and, ashamed of their own + skill, began to praise the lightness of hand and precision of aim by + auricular precision (exhibited by the unknown archer). And they thereupon + began to seek in those woods for the unknown dweller therein that had + shown such skill. And, O king, the Pandavas soon found out the object of + their search ceaselessly discharging arrows from the bow. And beholding + that man of grim visage, who was totally a stranger to them, they asked, + ‘Who art thou and whose son?’ Thus questioned, the man replied, ‘Ye + heroes, I am the son of Hiranyadhanus, king of the Nishadas. Know me also + for a pupil of Drona, labouring for the mastery of the art of arms.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The Pandavas then, having made themselves + acquainted with everything connected with him, returned (to the city), and + going unto Drona, told him of that wonderful feat of archery which they + had witnessed in the woods. Arjuna, in particular, thinking all the while, + O king, Ekalavya, saw Drona in private and relying upon his preceptor’s + affection for him, said, ‘Thou hadst lovingly told me, clasping me, to thy + bosom, that no pupil of thine should be equal to me. Why then is there a + pupil of thine, the mighty son of the Nishada king, superior to me?” + </p> + <p> + ‘Vaisampayana continued, ‘On hearing these words, Drona reflected for a + moment, and resolving upon the course of action he should follow, took + Arjuna with him and went unto the Nishada prince. And he beheld Ekalavya + with body besmeared with filth, matted locks (on head), clad in rags, + bearing a bow in hand and ceaselessly shooting arrows therefrom. And when + Ekalavya saw Drona approaching towards him, he went a few steps forward, + and touched his feet and prostrated himself on the ground. And the son of + the Nishada king worshipping Drona, duly represented himself as his pupil, + and clasping his hands in reverence stood before him (awaiting his + commands). Then Drona, O king, addressed Ekalavya, saying, ‘If, O hero, + thou art really my pupil, give me then my fees.’ On hearing these words, + Ekalavya was very much gratified, and said in reply, ‘O illustrious + preceptor, what shall I give? Command me; for there is nothing, O foremost + of all persons conversant with the Vedas, that I may not give unto my + preceptor.’ Drona answered, ‘O Ekalavya, if thou art really intent on + making me a gift, I should like then to have the thumb of thy right hand.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these cruel words of Drona, who had + asked of him his thumb as tuition-fee, Ekalavya, ever devoted to truth and + desirous also of keeping his promise, with a cheerful face and an + unafflicted heart cut off without ado his thumb, and gave it unto Drona. + After this, when the Nishada prince began once more to shoot with the help + of his remaining fingers, he found, O king, that he had lost his former + lightness of hand. And at this Arjuna became happy, the fever (of + jealousy) having left him. + </p> + <p> + “Two of Drona’s pupils became very much accomplished in the use of mace. + These were Druvodhana and Bhima, who were, however, always jealous of each + other. Aswatthaman excelled everyone (in the mysteries of the science of + arms). The twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) excelled everybody in handling the + sword. Yudhishthira surpassed everybody as a car-warrior; but Arjuna, + however, outdistanced everyone in every respect—in intelligence, + resourcefulness, strength and perseverance. Accomplished in all weapons, + Arjuna became the foremost of even the foremost of car-warriors; and his + fame spread all over the earth to the verge of the sea. And although the + instruction was the same, the mighty Arjuna excelled all (the princes in + lightness of hand). Indeed, in weapons as in devotion to his preceptor, he + became the foremost of them all. And amongst all the princes, Arjuna alone + became an Atiratha (a car-warrior capable of fighting at one time with + sixty thousand foes). And the wicked sons of Dhritarashtra, beholding + Bhimasena endued with great strength and Arjuna accomplished in all arms, + became very jealous of them. + </p> + <p> + “O bull among men, one day Drona desirous of testing the comparative + excellence of all his pupils in the use of arms, collected them all + together after their education had been completed. And before assembling + them together, he had caused an artificial bird, as the would be aim, to + be placed on the top of a neighbouring tree. And when they were all + together, Drona said unto them, ‘Take up your bows quickly and stand here + aiming at that bird on the tree, with arrows fixed on your bowstrings; + shoot and cut off the bird’s head, as soon as I give the order. I shall + give each of you a turn, one by one, my children.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Drona, that foremost of all Angira’s sons + first addressed Yudhishthira saying, ‘O irrepressible one, aim with thy + arrow and shoot as soon as I give the order. Yudhishthira took up the bow + first, as desired, O king, by his preceptor, and stood aiming at the bird. + But, O bull of Bharata’s race, Drona in an instant, addressing the Kuru + prince standing with bow in hand, said, ‘Behold, O prince, that bird on + top of the tree.’ Yudhishthira replied unto his preceptor, saying, ‘I do.’ + But the next instant Drona again asked him, ‘What dost thou see now, O + prince? Seest thou the tree, myself or thy brothers?’ Yudhishthira + answered, ‘I see the tree, myself, my brothers, and the bird.’ Drona + repeated his question, but was answered as often in the same words. Drona + then, vexed with Yudhishthira, reproachingly said, ‘Stand thou apart. It + is not for thee to strike the aim.’ Then Drona repeated the experiment + with Duryodhana and the other sons of Dhritarashtra, one after another, as + also with his other pupils, Bhima and the rest, including the princes that + had come unto him from other lands. But the answer in every case was the + same as Yudhishthira’s viz., ‘We behold the tree, thyself, our + fellow-pupils, and the bird.’ And reproached by their preceptor, they were + all ordered, one after another, to stand apart.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0136"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘When everyone had failed, Drona smilingly called + Arjuna and said unto him, ‘By thee the aim must be shot; therefore, turn + thy eyes to it. Thou must let fly the arrow as soon as I give the order. + Therefore, O son, stand here with bow and arrow for an instant.’ Thus + addressed, Arjuna stood aiming at the bird as desired by his preceptor, + with his bow bent. An instant after Drona asked him as in the case of + others, ‘Seest thou, O Arjuna, the bird there, the tree, and myself?’ + Arjuna replied, ‘I see the bird only, but nor the tree, or thyself.’ Then + the irrepressible Drona, well-pleased with Arjuna, the instant after, + again said unto that mighty car-warrior amongst the Pandavas, ‘If thou + seest the vulture, then describe it to me.’ Arjuna said, I see only the + head of the vulture, not its body.’ At these words of Arjuna, the hair (on + Drona’s body) stood on end from delight. He then said to Partha, ‘Shoot.’ + And the latter instantly let fly (his arrow) and with his sharp shaft + speedily struck off the head of the vulture on the tree and brought it + down to the ground. No sooner was the deed done than Drona clasped + Phalguna to his bosom and thought Drupada with his friends had already + been vanquished in fight. + </p> + <p> + “Some time after, O bull of Bharata’s race, Drona, accompanied by all of + his pupils, went to the bank of the Ganga to bathe in that sacred stream. + And when Drona had plunged into the stream, a strong alligator, sent as it + were, by Death himself seized him by the thigh. And though himself quite + capable, Drona in a seeming hurry asked his pupil to rescue him. And he + said, ‘O, kill this monster and rescue me.’ Contemporaneously with this + speech, Vibhatsu (Arjuna) struck the monster within the water with five + sharp arrows irresistible in their course, while the other pupils stood + confounded, each at his place. Beholding Arjuna’s readiness, Drona + considered him to be the foremost of all his pupils, and became highly + pleased. The monster, in the meantime cut into pieces by the arrows of + Arjuna, released the thigh of illustrious Drona and gave up the ghost. The + son of Bharadwaja then addressed the illustrious and mighty car-warrior + Arjuna and said, ‘Accept, O thou of mighty arms, this very superior and + irresistible weapon called Brahmasira with the methods of hurling and + recalling it. Thou must not, however, ever use it against any human foe, + for if hurled at any foe endued with inferior energy, it might burn the + whole universe. It is said, O child, that this weapon hath not a peer in + the three worlds. Keep it, therefore, with great care, and listen to what + I say. If ever, O hero, any foe, not human, contendeth against thee thou + mayst then employ it against him for compassing his death in battle.’ + Pledging himself to do what he was bid, Vibhatsu then, with joined hands, + received that great weapon. + </p> + <p> + The preceptor then, addressing him again, said, ‘None else in this world + will ever become a superior bowman to thee. Vanquished thou shall never be + by any foe, and thy achievements will be great.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0137"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O thou of Bharata’s race, beholding the sons of + Dhritarashtra and Pandu accomplished in arms, Drona, O monarch, addressed + king Dhritarashtra, in the presence of Kripa, Somadatta, Valhika, the wise + son of Ganga (Bhishma), Vyasa, and Vidura, and said, ‘O best of Kuru + kings, thy children have completed their education. With thy permission, O + king, let them now show their proficiency.’ Hearing him, the king said + with a gladdened heart, ‘O best of Brahmanas, thou hast, indeed, + accomplished a great deed. Command me thyself as to the place and the time + where and when and the manner also in which the trial may be held. Grief + arising from my own blindness maketh me envy those who, blessed with + sight, will behold my children’s prowess in arm. O Kshatri (Vidura), do + all that Drona sayeth. O thou devoted to virtue, I think there is nothing + that can be more agreeable to me.’ Then Vidura, giving the necessary + assurance to the king, went out to do what he was bid. And Drona endued + with great wisdom, then measured out a piece of land that was void of + trees and thickets and furnished with wells and springs. And upon the spot + of land so measured out, Drona, that first of eloquent men, selecting a + lunar day when the star ascendant was auspicious, offered up sacrifice + unto the gods in the presence of the citizens assembled by proclamation to + witness the same. And then, O bull among men, the artificers of the king + built thereon a large and elegant stage according to the rules laid down + in the scriptures, and it was furnished with all kinds of weapons. They + also built another elegant hall for the lady-spectators. And the citizens + constructed many platforms while the wealthier of them pitched many + spacious and high tents all around. + </p> + <p> + “When the day fixed for the Tournament came, the king accompanied by his + ministers, with Bhishma and Kripa, the foremost of preceptors, walking + ahead, came unto that theatre of almost celestial beauty constructed of + pure gold, and decked with strings of pearls and stones of lapis lazuli. + And, O first of victorious men, Gandhari blessed with great good fortune + and Kunti, and the other ladies of the royal house-hold, in gorgeous + attire and accompanied by their waiting women, joyfully ascended the + platforms, like celestial ladies ascending the Sumeru mountain. And the + four orders including the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, desirous of beholding + the princes’ skill in arms, left the city and came running to the spot. + And so impatient was every one to behold the spectacle, that the vast + crowd assembled there in almost an instant. And with the sounds of + trumpets and drums and the noise of many voices, that vast concourse + appeared like an agitated ocean. + </p> + <p> + “At last, Drona accompanied by his son, dressed in white (attire), with a + white sacred thread, white locks, white beard, white garlands, and white + sandal-paste rubbed over his body, entered the lists. It seemed as if the + Moon himself accompanied by the planet Mars appeared in an unclouded sky. + On entering Bharadwaja performed timely worship and caused Brahmanas + versed in mantras to celebrate the auspicious rites. And after auspicious + and sweet-sounding musical instruments had been struck up as a + propitiatory ceremony, some persons entered, equipped with various arms. + And then having girded up their loins, those mighty warriors, those + foremost ones of Bharata’s race (the princes) entered, furnished with + finger-protectors (gauntlet), and bows, and quivers. And with Yudhishthira + at their head, the valiant princes entered in order of age and began to + show wonderful skill with their weapons. Some of the spectators lowered + their heads, apprehending fall of arrows while others fearlessly gazed on + with wonder. And riding swiftly on horses and managing them ‘dexterously’ + the princes began to hit marks with shafts engraved with their respective + names. And seeing the prowess of the princes armed with bows and arrows, + the spectators thought that they were beholding the city of the + Gandharvas, became filled with amazement. And, O Bharata, all on a sudden, + some hundreds and thousands, with eyes wide open in wonder, exclaimed, + ‘Well done! Well done!’ And having repeatedly displayed their skill and + dexterity in the use of bows and arrows and in the management of cars, the + mighty warriors took up their swords and bucklers, and began to range the + lists, playing their weapons. The spectators saw (with wonder) their + agility, the symmetry of their bodies, their grace, their calmness, the + firmness of their grasp and their deftness in the use of sword and + buckler. Then Vrikodara and Suyodhana, internally delighted (at the + prospect of fight), entered the arena, mace in hand, like two + single-peaked mountains. And those mighty-armed warriors braced their + loins, and summoning all their energy, roared like two infuriate elephants + contending for a cow-elephant; and like two infuriated elephants those + mighty heroes faultlessly (in consonance with the dictates of the science + of arm) careered right and left, circling the lists. And Vidura described + to Dhritarashtra and the mother of the Pandavas (Kunti) and Gandhari, all + the feats of the princes.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0138"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Upon the Kuru king and Bhima, the foremost of + all endued with strength, having entered the arena, the spectators were + divided into two parties in consequence of the partiality swaying their + affections. Some cried, ‘Behold the heroic king of the Kurus!’—some—‘Behold + Bhima!’—And on account of these cries, there was, all on a sudden, a + loud uproar. And seeing the place become like a troubled ocean, the + intelligent Bharadwaja said unto his dear son, Aswatthaman, ‘Restrain both + these mighty warriors so proficient in arms. Let not the ire of the + assembly be provoked by this combat of Bhima and Duryodhana.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then the son of the preceptor of the princes + restrained those combatants with their maces uplifted and resembling two + swollen oceans agitated by the winds that blow at the universal + dissolution. And Drona himself entering the yard of the arena commanded + the musicians to stop, and with a voice deep as that of the clouds + addressed these words, ‘Behold ye now that Partha who is dearer to me than + my own son, the master of all arms, the son of Indra himself, and like + unto the younger brother of Indra, (Vishnu)! And having performed the + propitiatory rites, the youthful Phalguna, equipped with the finger + protector (gauntlet) and his quiver full of shafts and bow in hand, + donning his golden mail, appeared in the lists even like an evening cloud + reflecting the rays of the setting sun and illumined by the hues of the + rainbow and flashes of lightning. + </p> + <p> + “On seeing Arjuna, the whole assembly were delighted and conchs began to + be blown all around with other musical instruments. And there arose a + great uproar in consequence of the spectators’ exclaiming,—‘This is + the graceful son of Kunti!’—‘This is the middle (third) Pandava!’—‘This + is the son of the mighty Indra!’—‘This is the protector of the + Kurus’—‘This is the foremost of those versed in arms!’—‘This + is the foremost of all cherishers of virtue!’—‘This is the foremost + of the persons of correct behaviour, the great repository of the knowledge + of manners!’ At those exclamations, the tears of Kunti, mixing with the + milk of her breast, wetted her bosom. And his ears being filled with that + uproar, that first of men, Dhritarashtra, asked Vidura in delight, ‘O + Kshatri, what is this great uproar for, like unto that of the troubled + ocean, arising all on a sudden and rending the very heavens?’ Vidura + replied, ‘O mighty monarch, the son of Pandu and Pritha, Phalguna, clad in + mail hath entered the lists. And hence this uproar!’ Dhritarashtra said, + ‘O thou of soul so great, by the three fires sprung from Pritha who is + even like the sacred fuel, I have, indeed, been blessed, favoured and + protected!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘When the spectators, excited with delight, had + somewhat regained their equanimity, Vibhatsu began to display his + lightness in the use of weapons. By the Agneya weapon, he created fire, + and by the Varuna weapon he created water, by the Vayavya weapon, he + created air, and by the Parjanya weapon he created clouds. And by the + Bhauma weapon, he created land, and by the Parvatya weapon, he brought + mountains into being. By the Antardhana weapon all these were made to + disappear. Now the beloved one of his preceptor (Arjuna) appeared tall and + now short; now he was seen on the yoke of his car, and now on the car + itself; and the next moment he was on the ground. And the hero favoured by + his practised dexterity, hit with his various butts—some tender, + some fine and some of thick composition. And like one shaft, he let fly at + a time into the mouth of a moving iron-boar five shafts together from his + bow-string. And that hero of mighty energy discharged one and twenty + arrows into the hollow of a cow’s horn hung up on a rope swaying to and + fro. In this manner, O sinless one, Arjuna showed his profound skill in + the use of sword, bow, and mace, walking over the lists in circles. + </p> + <p> + “And, O Bharata, when the exhibition had well-nigh ended, the excitement + of the spectators had cooled, and the sounds of instruments had died out + there was heard proceeding from the gate, the slapping of arms, betokening + might and strength, and even like unto the roar of the thunder. And, O + king, as soon as this sound was heard, the assembled multitude instantly + thought, ‘Are the mountains splitting or is the earth itself rending + asunder, or is the welkin resounding with the roar of gathering clouds? + And then all the spectators turned their eyes towards the gate. And Drona + stood, surrounded by the five brothers, the sons of Pritha, and looked + like the moon in conjunction with the five-starred constellation Hasta. + And Duryodhana, that slayer of foes, stood up in haste and was surrounded + by his century of haughty brothers with Aswatthaman amongst them. And that + prince, mace in hand, thus surrounded by his hundred brothers with + uplifted weapons appeared like Purandara in days of yore, encircled by the + celestial host on the occasion of the battle with the Danavas.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0139"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘When the spectators, with eyes expanded with + wonder, made way for that subjugator of hostile cities, Karna, that hero + with his natural mail and face brightened with ear-rings, took up his bow + and girded on his sword, and then entered the spacious lists, like a + walking cliff. That far-famed destroyer of hostile hosts, the large-eyed + Karna, was born of Pritha in her maidenhood. He was a portion of the + hot-beamed Sun and his energy and prowess were like unto those of the + lion, or the bull, or the leader of a herd of elephants. In splendour he + resembled the Sun, in loveliness the Moon, and in energy the fire. + Begotten by the Sun himself, he was tall in stature like a golden palm + tree, and, endued with the vigour of youth, he was capable of slaying a + lion. Handsome in features, he was possessed of countless accomplishments. + The mighty-armed warrior, eyeing all around the arena, bowed indifferently + to Drona and Kripa. And the entire assembly, motionless and with steadfast + gaze, thought, ‘Who is he?’ And they became agitated in their curiosity to + know the warrior. And that foremost of eloquent men, the offspring of the + Sun, in a voice deep as that of the clouds, addressed his unknown brother, + the son of the subduer of the Asura, Paka (Indra), saying, ‘O Partha, I + shall perform feats before this gazing multitude; excelling all thou hast + performed! Beholding them, thou shall be amazed.’ And, O thou best of + those blest with speech, he had hardly done when the spectators stood up + all at once, uplifted by some instrument, as it were. And, O tiger among + men, Duryodhana was filled with delight, while Vibhatsu was instantly all + abashment and anger. Then with the permission of Drona, the mighty Karna, + delighting in battle, there did all that Partha had done before. And, O + Bharata, Duryodhana with his brothers thereupon embraced Karna in joy and + then addressed him saying, ‘Welcome O mighty-armed warrior! I have + obtained thee by good fortune, O polite one! Live thou as thou pleasest, + and command me, and the kingdom of the Kurus.’ Kama replied, ‘When thou + hast said it, I regard it as already accomplished. I only long for thy + friendship. And, O lord, my wish is even for a single combat with Arjuna.’ + Duryodhana said, ‘Do thou with me enjoy the good things of life! Be thou + the benefactor of thy friend, and, O represser of enemies, place thou thy + feet on the heads of all foes.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayanacontinued, ‘Arjuna, after this, deeming himself disgraced, + said unto Karna stationed amidst the brothers like unto a cliff, ‘That + path which the unwelcome intruder and the uninvited talker cometh to, + shall be thine, O Karna, for thou shall be slain by me.’ Karna replied, + ‘This arena is meant for all, not for thee alone, O Phalguna! They are + kings who are superior in energy; and verily the Kshatriya regardeth might + and might alone. What need of altercation which is the exercise of the + weak? O Bharata, speak then in arrows until with arrows I strike off thy + head today before the preceptor himself!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hastily embraced by his brothers, Partha that + subduer of hostile cities, with the permission of Drona, advanced for the + combat. On the other side, Karna, having been embraced by Duryodhana with + his brothers, taking up his bow and arrows, stood ready for the fight. + Then the firmament became enveloped in clouds emitting flashes of + lightning, and the coloured bow of Indra appeared shedding its effulgent + rays. And the clouds seemed to laugh on account of the rows of white + cranes that were then on the wing. And seeing Indra thus viewing the arena + from affection (for his son), the sun too dispersed the clouds from over + his own offspring. And Phalguna remained deep hid under cover of the + clouds, while Karna remained visible, being surrounded by the rays of the + Sun. And the son of Dhritarashtra stood by Karna, and Bharadwaja and Kripa + and Bhishma remained with Partha. And the assembly was divided, as also + the female spectators. And knowing the state of things, Kunti the daughter + of Bhoja, swooned away. And by the help of female attendants, Vidura, + versed in the lore of all duties, revived the insensible Kunti by + sprinkling sandal-paste and water on her person. On being restored to + consciousness, Kunti, seeing her two sons clad in mail, was seized with + fear, but she could do nothing (to protect them). And beholding both the + warriors with bows strung in their hands the son of Saradwat, viz., Kripa, + knowing all duties and cognisant of the rules regulating duels, addressed + Karna, saying ‘This Pandava, who is the youngest son of Kunti, belongeth + to the Kaurava race: he will engage in combat with thee. But, O + mighty-armed one, thou too must tell us thy lineage and the names of thy + father and mother and the royal line of which thou art the ornament. + Learning all this, Partha will fight with thee or not (as he will think + fit). Sons of kings never fight with men of inglorious lineage.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘When he was thus addressed by Kripa, Karna’s + countenance became like unto a lotus pale and torn with the pelting + showers in the rainy season. Duryodhana said, ‘O preceptor, verily the + scriptures have it that three classes of persons can lay claim to royalty, + viz., persons of the blood royal, heroes, and lastly, those that lead + armies. If Phalguna is unwilling to fight with one who is not a king, I + will install Karna as king of Anga.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘At that very moment, seated on a golden seat, with + parched paddy and with flowers and water-pots and much gold, the mighty + warrior Karna was installed king by Brahmanas versed in mantras. And the + royal umbrella was held over his head, while Yak-tails waved around that + redoubtable hero of graceful mien. And the cheers, having ceased, king + (Karna) said unto the Kaurava Duryodhana, ‘O tiger among monarchs, what + shall I give unto thee that may compare with thy gift of a kingdom? O + king, I will do all thou biddest!’ And Suyodhana said unto him, ‘I eagerly + wish for thy friendship.’ Thus spoken to, Karna replied, ‘Be it so.’ And + they embraced each other in joy, and experienced great happiness.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0140"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After this, with his sheet loosely hanging down, + Adhiratha entered the lists, perspiring and trembling, and supporting + himself on a staff. + </p> + <p> + “Seeing him, Karna left his bow and impelled by filial regard bowed down + his head still wet with the water of inauguration. And them the + charioteer, hurriedly covering his feet with the end of his sheet, + addressed Karna crowned with success as his son. And the charioteer + embraced Karna and from excess of affection bedewed his head with tears, + that head still wet with the water sprinkled over it on account of the + coronation as king of Anga. Seeing the charioteer, the Pandava Bhimasena + took Karna for a charioteer’s son, and said by way of ridicule, ‘O son of + a charioteer, thou dost not deserve death in fight at the hands of Partha. + As befits thy race take thou anon the whip. And, O worst of mortals, + surely thou art not worthy to sway the kingdom of Anga, even as a dog doth + not deserve the butter placed before the sacrificial fire.’ Karna, thus + addressed, with slightly quivering lips fetched a deep sigh, looked at the + God of the day in the skies. And even as a mad elephant riseth from an + assemblage of lotuses, the mighty Duryodhana rose in wrath from among his + brothers, and addressed that performer of dreadful deeds, Bhimasena, + present there, ‘O Vrikodara, it behoveth thee not to speak such words. + Might is the cardinal virtue of a Kshatriya, and even a Kshatriya of + inferior birth deserveth to be fought with. The lineage of heroes, like + the sources of a lordly river, is ever unknown. The fire that covereth the + whole world riseth from the waters. The thunder that slayeth the Danavas + was made of a bone of (a mortal named) Dadhichi. The illustrious deity + Guha, who combines in his composition the portions of all the other + deities is of a lineage unknown. Some call him the offspring of Agni; + some, of Krittika, some, of Rudra, and some of Ganga. It hath been heard + by us that persons born in the Kashatriya order have become Brahmanas. + Viswamitra and others (born Kshatriyas) have obtained the eternal Brahma. + The foremost of all wielders of weapons, the preceptor Drona hath been + born in a waterpot and Kripa of the race of Gotama hath sprung from a + clump of heath. Your own births, ye Pandava princes, are known to me. Can + a she-deer bring forth a tiger (like Karna), of the splendour of the Sun, + and endued with every auspicious mark, and born also with a natural mail + and ear-rings? This prince among men deserveth the sovereignty of the + world, not of Anga only, in consequence of the might of his arm and my + swearing to obey him in everything. If there be anybody here to whom all + that I have done unto Karna hath become intolerable, let him ascend his + chariot and bend his bow with the help of his feet.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then there arose a confused murmur amongst the + spectators approving of Duryodhana’s speech. The sun, however, went down, + but prince Duryodhana taking Karna’s hand led him out of the arena lighted + with countless lamps. And, O king, the Pandavas also, accompanied by Drona + and Kripa and Bhishma, returned to their abodes. And the people, too, came + away, some naming Arjuna, some Karna, and some Duryodhana (as the victor + of the day). And Kunti, recognising her son in Karna by the various + auspicious marks on his person and beholding him installed in the + sovereignty of Anga, was from motherly affection, very pleased. And + Duryodhana, O monarch, having obtained Karna (in this way), banished his + fears arising out of Arjuna’s proficiency in arms. And the heroic Karna, + accomplished in arms, began to gratify Duryodhana by sweet speeches, while + Yudhishthira was impressed with the belief that there was no warrior on + earth like unto Karna.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0141"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXL + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Beholding the Pandavas and the son of + Dhritarashtra accomplished in arms, Drona thought the time had come when + he could demand the preceptorial fee. And, O king, assembling his pupils + one day together, the preceptor Drona asked of them the fee, saying, + ‘Seize Drupada, the king of Panchala in battle and bring him unto me. That + shall be the most acceptable fee.’ Those warriors then answering, ‘So be + it’, speedily mounted up on their chariots, and for bestowing upon their + preceptor the fee he had demanded, marched out, accompanied by him. Those + bulls among men, smiting the Panchalas on their way, laid siege to the + capital of the great Drupada. And Duryodhana and Karna and the mighty + Yuyutsu, and Duhsasana and Vikarna and Jalasandha and Sulochana,—these + and many other foremost of Kshatriya princes of great prowess, vied with + one another in becoming the foremost in the attack. And the princes, + riding in first class chariots and following the cavalry, entered the + hostile capital, and proceeded along the streets. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, the king of Panchala, beholding that mighty force and hearing + its loud clamour, came out of his palace, accompanied by his brothers. + Though king Yajnasena was well-armed, the Kuru army assailed him with a + shower of arrows, uttering their war-cry. Yajnasena, however, not easy to + be subdued in battle, approaching the Kurus upon his white chariot, began + to rain his fierce arrows around. + </p> + <p> + “Before the battle commenced, Arjuna, beholding the pride of prowess + displayed by the princes, addressed his preceptor, that best of Brahmanas, + Drona, and said, ‘We shall exert ourselves after these have displayed + their prowess. The king of Panchala can never be taken on the field of the + battle by any of these. Having said this, the sinless son of Kunti + surrounded by his brothers, waited outside the town at a distance of a + mile from it. Meanwhile Drupada beholding the Kuru host, rushed forward + and pouring a fierce shower of arrows around, terribly afflicted the Kuru + ranks. And such was his lightness of motion on the field of battle that, + though he was fighting unsupported on a single chariot, the Kurus from + panic supposed that there were many Drupadas opposed to them. And the + fierce arrows of that monarch fell fast on all sides, till conchs and + trumpets and drums by thousands began to be sounded by the Panchalas from + their houses (giving the alarm). Then there arose from the mighty Panchala + host a roar terrible as that of the lion, while the twang of their + bow-strings seemed to rend the very heavens. Then Duryodhana and Vikarna, + Suvahu and Dirghalochana and Duhsasana becoming furious, began to shower + their arrows upon the enemy. But the mighty bowman, Prishata’s son, + invincible in battle, though very much pierced with the arrows of the + enemy, instantly began, O Bharata, to afflict the hostile ranks with + greater vigour. And careering over the field of battle like a fiery wheel, + king Drupada with his arrows smote Duryodhana and Vikarna and even the + mighty Karna and many other heroic princes and numberless warriors, and + slaked their thirst for battle. Then all the citizens showered upon the + Kurus various missiles like clouds showering rain-drops upon the earth. + Young and old, they all rushed to battle, assailing the Kurus with vigour. + The Kauravas, then, O Bharata, beholding the battle become frightful, + broke and fled wailing towards the Pandavas. + </p> + <p> + “The Pandavas, hearing the terrible wail of the beaten host, reverentially + saluted Drona and ascended their chariots. Then Arjuna hastily bidding + Yudhishthira not to engage in the fight, rushed forward, appointing the + sons of Madri (Nakula and Sahadeva) the protectors of his chariot-wheels, + while Bhimasena ever fighting in the van, mace in hand, ran ahead. The + sinless Arjuna, thus accompanied by his brothers, hearing the shouts of + the enemy, advanced towards them, filling the whole region with the rattle + of his chariot-wheels. And like a Makara entering the sea, the + mighty-armed Bhima, resembling a second Yama, mace in hand, entered the + Panchala ranks, fiercely roaring like the ocean in a tempest. And Bhima, + mace in hand, first rushed towards the array of elephants in the hostile + force, while Arjuna, proficient in battle, assailed that force with the + prowess of his arms. And Bhima, like the great Destroyer himself, began to + slay those elephants with his mace. Those huge animals, like unto + mountains, struck with Bhima’s mace, had their heads broken into pieces. + Covered with stream of blood, they began to fall upon the ground like + cliffs loosened by thunder. And the Pandavas prostrated on the ground + elephants and horses and cars by thousands and slew many foot-soldiers and + many car-warriors. Indeed, as a herdsman in the woods driveth before him + with his staff countless cattle with ease, so did Vrikodara drive before + him the chariots and elephants of the hostile force. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, Phalguna, impelled by the desire of doing good unto + Bharadwaja’s son, assailed the son of Prishata with a shower of arrows and + felled him from the elephant on which he was seated. And, O monarch, + Arjuna, like unto the terrible fire that consumeth all things at the end + of the Yuga, began to prostrate on the ground horses and cars and + elephants by thousands. The Panchalas and the Srinjayas, on the other + hand, thus assailed by the Pandava, met him with a perfect shower of + weapons of various kinds. And they sent up a loud shout and fought + desperately with Arjuna. The battle became furious and terrible to behold. + Hearing the enemy’s shouts, the son of Indra was filled with wrath and + assailing the hostile host with a thick shower of arrows, rushed towards + it furiously afflicting it with renewed vigour. They who observed the + illustrious Arjuna at that time could not mark any interval between his + fixing the arrows on the bowstring and letting them off. Loud were the + shouts that rose there, mingled with cheers of approval. Then the king of + the Panchalas, accompanied by (the generalissimo of his forces) Satyajit, + rushed with speed at Arjuna like the Asura Samvara rushing at the chief of + the celestials (in days of yore). Then Arjuna covered the king of Panchala + with a shower of arrows. Then there arose a frightful uproar among the + Panchala host like unto the roar of a mighty lion springing at the leader + of a herd of elephants. And beholding Arjuna rushing at the king of + Panchala to seize him, Satyajit of great prowess rushed at him. And the + two warriors, like unto Indra and the Asura Virochana’s son (Vali), + approaching each other for combat, began to grind each other’s ranks. Then + Arjuna with great force pierced Satyajit with ten keen shafts at which + feat the spectators were all amazed. But Satyajit, without losing any + time, assailed Arjuna with a hundred shafts. Then that mighty car-warrior, + Arjuna, endued with remarkable lightness of motion, thus covered by that + shower of arrows, rubbed his bow-string to increase the force and velocity + of his shafts. Then cutting in twain his antagonist’s bow, Arjuna rushed + at the king of the Panchalas, but Satyajit, quickly taking up a tougher + bow, pierced with his arrows Partha, his chariot, charioteer, and horses. + Arjuna, thus assailed in battle by the Panchala warrior, forgave not his + foe. Eager to slay him at once, he pierced with a number of arrows his + antagonist’s horses, flags, bow, clenched (left) fist, charioteer, and the + attendant at his back. Then Satyajit, finding his bows repeatedly cut in + twain and his horses slain, desisted from the fight. + </p> + <p> + “The king of the Panchalas, beholding his general thus discomfited in the + encounter, himself began to shower his arrows upon the Pandava prince. + Then Arjuna, that foremost of warriors, crowned with success, began to + fight furiously, and quickly cutting his enemy’s bow in twain as also his + flagstaff which he caused to fall down, pierced his antagonist’s horses, + and charioteer also with five arrows. Then throwing aside his bow Arjuna + took his quiver, and taking out a scimitar and sending forth a loud shout, + leaped from his own chariot upon that of his foe. And standing there with + perfect fearlessness he seized Drupada as Garuda seizeth a huge snake + after agitating the waters of the ocean. At the sight of this, the + Panchala troops ran away in all directions. + </p> + <p> + “Then Dhananjaya, having thus exhibited the might of his arm in the + presence of both hosts, sent forth a loud shout and came out of the + Panchala ranks. And beholding him returning (with his captive), the + princes began to lay waste Drupada’s capital. Addressing them Arjuna said, + ‘This best of monarchs, Drupada, is a relative of the Kuru heroes. + Therefore, O Bhima, slay not his soldiers. Let us only give unto our + preceptor his fee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘O king, thus prevented by Arjuna, the mighty + Bhimasena, though unsatiated with the exercise of battle, refrained from + the act of slaughter. And, O bull of the Bharata race, the princes then, + taking Drupada with them after having seized him on the field of battle + along with his friends and counsellors, offered him unto Drona. And Drona + beholding Drupada thus brought under complete control—humiliated and + deprived of wealth—remembered that monarch’s former hostility and + addressing him said, ‘Thy kingdom and capital have been laid waste by me. + But fear not for thy life, though it dependeth now on the will of thy foe. + Dost thou now desire to revive thy friendship (with me)?’ Having said + this, he smiled a little and again said, ‘Fear not for thy life, brave + king! We, Brahmanas, are ever forgiving. And, O bull among Kshatriyas, my + affection and love for thee have grown with me in consequence of our + having sported together in childhood in the hermitage. Therefore, O king, + I ask for thy friendship again. And as a boon (unasked), I give thee half + the kingdom (that was thine). Thou toldest me before that none who was not + a king could be a king’s friend. Therefore is it, O Yajnasena, that I + retain half thy kingdom. Thou art the king of all the territory lying on + the southern side of the Bhagirathi, while I become king of all the + territory on the north of that river. And, O Panchala, if it pleaseth + thee, know me hence for thy friend.’ + </p> + <p> + “On hearing these words, Drupada answered, ‘Thou art of noble soul and + great prowess. Therefore, O Brahmana, I am not surprised at what thou + doest. I am very much gratified with thee, and I desire thy eternal + friendship.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After this, O Bharata, Drona released the king + of Panchala, and cheerfully performing the usual offices of regard, + bestowed upon him half the kingdom. Thenceforth Drupada began to reside + sorrowfully in (the city of) Kampilya within (the province of) Makandi on + the banks of the Ganga filled with many towns and cities. And after his + defeat by Drona, Drupada also ruled the southern Panchalas up to the bank + of the Charmanwati river. And Drupada from that day was well-convinced + that he could not, by Kshatriya might alone, defeat Drona, being very much + his inferior in Brahma (spiritual) power. And he, therefore, began to + wander over the whole earth to find out the means of obtaining a son (who + would subjugate his Brahmana foe). + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile Drona continued to reside in Ahicchatra. Thus, O king, was the + territory of Ahicchatra full of towns and cities, obtained by Arjuna, and + bestowed upon Drona.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0142"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After the expiration, O king, of a year from + this, Dhritarashtra, moved by kindness for the people, installed + Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, as the heir-apparent of the kingdom on + account of his firmness, fortitude, patience, benevolence, frankness and + unswerving honesty (of heart). And within a short time Yudhishthira, the + son of Kunti, by his good behaviour, manners and close application to + business, overshadowed the deeds of his father. And the second Pandava, + Vrikodara, began to receive continued lessons from Sankarshana (Valarama) + in encounters with the sword and the mace and on the chariot. And after + Bhima’s education was finished, he became in strength like unto Dyumatsena + himself and continuing to live in harmony with his brothers, he began to + exert his prowess. And Arjuna became celebrated for the firmness of his + grasp (of weapons), for his lightness of motion, precision of aim, and his + proficiency in the use of the Kshura, Naracha, Vala and Vipatha weapons, + indeed, of all weapons, whether straight or crooked or heavy. And Drona + certified that there was none in the world who was equal to Arjuna in + lightness of hand and general proficiency. + </p> + <p> + “One day, Drona, addressing Arjuna before the assembled Kaurava princes, + said, ‘There was a disciple of Agastya in the science of arms called + Agnivesa. He was my preceptor and I, his disciple. By ascetic merit I + obtained from him a weapon called Brahmasira which could never be futile + and which was like unto thunder itself, capable of consuming the whole + earth. That weapon, O Bharata, from what I have done, may now pass from + disciple to disciple. While imparting it to me, my preceptor said, ‘O son + of Bharadwaja, never shouldst thou hurl this weapon at any human being, + especially at one who is of poor energy. Thou hast, O hero, obtained that + celestial weapon. None else deserveth it. But obey the command of the + Rishi (Agnivesa). And, look here, Arjuna, give me now the preceptorial fee + in the presence of these thy cousins and relatives.’ When Arjuna, on + hearing this, pledged his word that he would give what the preceptor + demanded, the latter said, ‘O sinless one, thou must fight with me when I + fight with thee.’ And that bull among the Kuru princes thereupon pledged + his word unto Drona and touching his feet, went away northward. Then there + arose a loud shout covering the whole earth bounded by her belt of seas to + the effect that there was no bowman in the whole world like unto Arjuna. + And, indeed, Dhananjaya, in encounters with the mace and the sword and on + the chariot as also with the bow, acquired wonderful proficiency. Sahadeva + obtained the whole science of morality and duties from (Vrihaspati) the + spiritual chief of celestials, and continued to live under the control of + his brothers. And Nakula, the favourite of his brothers taught by Drona, + became known as a skilful warrior and a great car-warrior (Ati-ratha). + Indeed, Arjuna and the other Pandava princes became so powerful that they + slew in battle the great Sauvira who had performed a sacrifice extending + over three years, undaunted by the raids of the Gandharvas. And the king + of the Yavanas himself whom the powerful Pandu even had failed to bring + under subjection was brought by Arjuna under control. Then again Vipula, + the king of the Sauviras, endued with great prowess, who had always shown + a disregard for the Kurus, was made by the intelligent Arjuna to feel the + edge of his power. And Arjuna also repressed by means of his arrows (the + pride of) king Sumitra of Sauvira, also known by the name of Dattamitra + who had resolutely sought an encounter with him. The third of the Pandava + princes, assisted by Bhima, on only a single car subjugated all the kings + of the East backed by ten thousand cars. In the same way, having conquered + on a single car the whole of the south, Dhananjaya sent unto the kingdom + of the Kurus a large booty. + </p> + <p> + “Thus did those foremost of men, the illustrious Pandavas, conquering the + territories of other kings, extend the limits of their own kingdom. But + beholding the great prowess and strength of those mighty bowmen, king + Dhritarashtra’s sentiments towards the Pandavas became suddenly poisoned, + and from that day the monarch became so anxious that he could hardly + sleep.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0143"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLII + </h2> + <h3> + (Sambhava Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘On hearing that the heroic sons of Pandu endued + with excess of energy had become so mighty, king Dhritarashtra became very + miserable with anxiety. Then summoning unto his side Kanika, that foremost + of minister, well-versed in the science of politics and an expert in + counsels the king said, ‘O best of Brahmanas, the Pandavas are daily + overshadowing the earth. I am exceedingly jealous of them. Should I have + peace or war with them? O Kanika, advise me truly, for I shall do as thou + biddest. + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘That best of Brahmanas, thus addressed by the + king, freely answered him in these pointed words well-agreeing with the + import of political science.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen to me, O sinless king, as I answer thee. And, O best of Kuru + kings, it behoveth thee not to be angry with me after hearing all I say. + Kings should ever be ready with uplifted maces (to strike when necessary), + and they should ever increase their prowess. Carefully avoiding all faults + themselves they should ceaselessly watch over the faults of their foes and + take advantage of them. If the king is always ready to strike, everybody + feareth him. Therefore the king should ever have recourse to chastisement + in all he doeth. He should so conduct himself that, his foe may not detect + any weak side in him. But by means of the weakness he detecteth in his foe + he should pursue him (to destruction). He should always conceal, like the + tortoise concealing its body, his means and ends, and he should always + keep back his own weakness from, the sight of others. And having begun a + particular act, he should ever accomplish it thoroughly. Behold, a thorn, + if not extracted wholly, produceth a festering sore. The slaughter of a + foe who doeth thee evil is always praiseworthy. If the foe be one of great + prowess, one should always watch for the hour of his disaster and then + kill him without any scruples. If he should happen to be a great warrior, + his hour of disaster also should be watched and he should then be induced + to fly. O sire, an enemy should never be scorned, however contemptible. A + spark of fire is capable of consuming an extensive forest if only it can + spread from one object to another in proximity. Kings should sometimes + feign blindness and deafness, for if impotent to chastise, they should + pretend not to notice the faults that call for chastisement. On occasions, + such as these, let them regard their bows as made of straw. But they + should be always on the alert like a herd of deer sleeping in the woods. + When thy foe is in thy power, destroy him by every means open or secret. + Do not show him any mercy, although he seeketh thy protection. A foe, or + one that hath once injured thee, should be destroyed by lavishing money, + if necessary, for by killing him thou mayest be at thy ease. The dead can + never inspire fear. Thou must destroy the three, five and seven + (resources) of thy foes. Thou must destroy thy foes root and branch. Then + shouldst thou destroy their allies and partisans. The allies and partisans + can never exist if the principal be destroyed. If the root of the tree is + torn up, the branches and twigs can never exist as before. Carefully + concealing thy own means and ends, thou shouldst always watch thy foes, + always seeking their flaws. Thou shouldst, O king, rule thy kingdom, + always anxiously watching thy foes. By maintaining the perpetual fire by + sacrifices, by brown cloths, by matted locks, and by hides of animals for + thy bedding, shouldst thou at first gain the confidence of thy foes, and + when thou has gained it thou shouldst then spring upon them like a wolf. + For it hath been said that in the acquisition of wealth even the garb of + holiness might be employed as a hooked staff to bend down a branch in + order to pluck the fruits that are ripe. The method followed in the + plucking of fruits should be the method in destroying foes, for thou + shouldst proceed on the principle of selection. Bear thy foe upon thy + shoulders till the time cometh when thou canst throw him down, breaking + him into pieces like an earthen pot thrown down with violence upon a stony + surface. The foe must never be let off even though he addresseth thee most + piteously. No pity shouldst thou show him but slay him at once. By the + arts of conciliation or the expenditure of money should the foe be slain. + By creating disunion amongst his allies, or by the employment of force, + indeed by every means in thy power shouldst thou destroy thy foe.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me truly how a foe can be destroyed by the arts + of conciliation or the expenditure of money, or by producing disunion or + by the employment of force.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanika replied, ‘Listen, O monarch, to the history of a jackal dwelling + in days of yore in the forest and fully acquainted with the science of + politics. There was a wise jackal, mindful of his own interests who lived + in the company of four friends, viz., a tiger, a mouse, a wolf, and a + mongoose. One day they saw in the woods a strong deer, the leader of a + herd, whom, however, they could not seize for his fleetness and strength. + They thereupon called a council for consultation. The jackal opening the + proceedings said, ‘O tiger, thou hast made many an effort to seize this + deer, but all in vain simply because this deer is young, fleet and very + intelligent. Let now the mouse go and eat into its feet when it lieth + asleep. And when this is done, let the tiger approach and seize it. Then + shall we all, with great pleasure feast on it.’ Hearing these words of the + jackal, they all set to work very cautiously as he directed. And the mouse + ate into the feet of the deer and the tiger killed it as anticipated. And + beholding the body of the deer lying motionless on the ground, the jackal + said unto his companions, ‘Blessed be ye! Go and perform your ablutions. + In the meantime I will look after the deer.’ Hearing what the jackal said, + they all went into a stream. And the jackal waited there, deeply + meditating upon what he should do. The tiger endued with great strength, + returned first of all to the spot after having performed his ablutions. + And he saw the jackal there plunged in meditation. The tiger said, ‘Why + art thou so sorrowful, O wise one! Thou art the foremost of all + intelligent beings. Let us enjoy ourselves today by feasting on this + carcass.’ The jackal said, ‘Hear, O mighty-armed one, what the mouse hath + said. He hath even said, O, fie on the strength of the king of the beasts! + This deer hath been slain by me. By might of my arm he will today gratify + his hunger.’ When he hath boasted in such a language, I, for my part, do + not wish to touch this food.’ The tiger replied, ‘If, indeed, the mouse + hath said so, my sense is now awakened. I shall, from this day, slay with + the might of my own arms, creatures ranging the forest and then feast on + their flesh.’ Having said this, the tiger went away. + </p> + <p> + “And after the tiger had left the spot, the mouse came. And seeing the + mouse come, the jackal addressed him and said, ‘Blest be thou, O mouse, + but listen to what the mongoose hath said. He hath even said, The carcass + of this deer is poison (the tiger having touched it with his claws). I + will not eat of it. On the other hand, if thou, O jackal, permittest it, I + will even slay the mouse and feast on him.’ Hearing this the mouse became + alarmed and quickly entered his hole. And after the mouse had gone, the + wolf, O king, came there having performed his ablutions. And seeing the + wolf come, the jackal said unto him, ‘The king of the beasts hath been + angry with thee. Evil is certain to overtake thee. He is expected here + with his wife. Do as thou pleasest.’ Thus was the wolf also, fond of + animal flesh, got rid of by the jackal. And the wolf fled, contracting his + body into the smallest dimensions. It was then that the mongoose came. + And, O king, the jackal, seeing him come, said, ‘By the might of my arm + have I defeated the others who have already fled. Fight with me first and + then eat of this flesh as you please.’ The mongoose replied, ‘When, + indeed, the tiger, the wolf, and the intelligent mouse have all been + defeated by thee, heroes as they are, thou seemest to be a greater hero + still. I do not desire to fight with thee.’ Saying this, the mongoose also + went away. + </p> + <p> + “Kanika continued, ‘When they all had thus left the place, the jackal, + well-pleased with the success of his policy, alone ate up that flesh. If + kings always act in this way, they can be happy. Thus should the timid by + exciting their fears, the courageous by the arts of conciliation, the + covetous by gift of wealth, and equals and inferiors by exhibition of + prowess be brought under thy sway. Besides all this, O king, that I have + said, listen now to something else that I say.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanika continued, ‘If thy son, friend, brother, father, or even the + spiritual preceptor, anyone becometh thy foe, thou shouldst, if desirous + of prosperity, slay him without scruples. By curses and incantations, by + gift of wealth, by poison, or by deception, the foe should be slain. He + should never be neglected from disdain. If both the parties be equal and + success uncertain, then he that acteth with diligence groweth in + prosperity. If the spiritual preceptor himself be vain, ignorant of what + should be done and what left undone, and vicious in his ways, even he + should be chastised. If thou art angry, show thyself as if thou art not + so, speaking even then with a smile on thy lips. Never reprove any one + with indications of anger (in thy speech). And O Bharata, speak soft words + before thou smitest and even while thou art smiting! After the smiting is + over, pity the victim, and grieve for him, and even shed tears. Comforting + thy foe by conciliation, by gift of wealth, and smooth behaviour, thou + must smite him when he walketh not aright. Thou shouldst equally smile the + heinous offender who liveth by the practice of virtue, for the garb of + virtue simply covereth his offences like black clouds covering the + mountains. Thou shouldst burn the house of that person whom thou punishest + with death. And thou shouldst never permit beggars and atheists and + thieves to dwell in thy kingdom. By a sudden sally or pitched battle by + poison or by corrupting his allies, by gift of wealth, by any means in thy + power, thou shouldst destroy thy foe. Thou mayest act with the greatest + cruelty. Thou shouldst make thy teeth sharp to give a fatal bite. And thou + should ever smite so effectually that thy foe may not again raise his + head. Thou shouldst ever stand in fear of even one from whom there is no + fear, not to speak of him from whom there is such. For if the first be + ever powerful he may destroy thee to the root (for thy unpreparedness). + Thou shouldst never trust the faithless, nor trust too much those that are + faithful, for if those in whom thou confidest prove thy foes, thou art + certain to be annihilated. After testing their faithfulness thou shouldst + employ spies in thy own kingdom and in the kingdoms of others. Thy spies + in foreign kingdoms should be apt deceivers and persons in the garb of + ascetics. Thy spies should be placed in gardens, places of amusement, + temples and other holy places, drinking halls, streets, and with the + (eighteen) tirthas (viz., the minister, the chief priest, the + heir-presumptive, the commander-in-chief, the gate-keepers of the court, + persons in the inner apartments, the jailor, the chief surveyor, the head + of the treasury, the general executant of orders, the chief of the town + police, the chief architect, the chief justice, the president of the + council, the chief of the punitive department, the commander of the fort, + the chief of the arsenal, the chief of the frontier guards, and the keeper + of the forests), and in places of sacrifice, near wells, on mountains and + in rivers, in forests, and in all places where people congregate. In + speech thou shouldst ever be humble, but let thy heart be ever sharp as + razor. And when thou art engaged in doing even a very cruel and terrible + act, thou shouldst talk with smiles on thy lips. If desirous of + prosperity, thou shouldst adopt all arts—humility, oath, + conciliation. Worshipping the feet of others by lowering thy head, + inspiring hope, and the like. And, a person conversant with the rules of + policy is like a tree decked with flowers but bearing no fruit; or, if + bearing fruit, these must be at a great height not easily attainable from + the ground; and if any of these fruits seem to be ripe care must be taken + to make it appear raw. Conducting himself in such a way, he shall never + fade. Virtue, wealth and pleasure have both their evil and good effects + closely knit together. While extracting the effects that are good, those + that are evil should be avoided. Those that practise virtue (incessantly) + are made unhappy for want of wealth and the neglect of pleasure. Those + again in pursuit of wealth are made unhappy for the neglect of two others. + And so those who pursue pleasure suffer for their inattention to virtue + and wealth. Therefore, thou shouldst pursue virtue, wealth and pleasure, + in such a way that thou mayest not have to suffer therefrom. With + humiliation and attention, without jealousy and solicitous of + accomplishing thy purpose, shouldst thou, in all sincerity, consult with + the Brahmanas. When thou art fallen, thou shouldst raise thyself by any + means, gentle or violent; and after thou hast thus raised thyself thou + shouldst practise virtue. He that hath never been afflicted with calamity + can never have prosperity. This may be seen in the life of one who + surviveth his calamities. He that is afflicted with sorrow should be + consoled by the recitation of the history of persons of former times (like + those of Nala and Rama). He whose heart hath been unstrung by sorrow + should be consoled with hopes of future prosperity. He again who is + learned and wise should be consoled by pleasing offices presently rendered + unto him. He who, having concluded a treaty with an enemy, reposeth at + ease as if he hath nothing more to do, is very like a person who awaketh, + fallen down from the top of a tree whereon he had slept. A king should + ever keep to himself his counsels without fear of calumny, and while + beholding everything with the eyes of his spies, he should take care to + conceal his own emotions before the spies of his enemies. Like a fisherman + who becometh prosperous by catching and killing fish, a king can never + grow prosperous without tearing the vitals of his enemy and without doing + some violent deeds. The might of thy foe, as represented by his armed + force, should ever be completely destroyed, by ploughing it up (like + weeds) and mowing it down and otherwise afflicting it by disease, + starvation, and want of drink. A person in want never approacheth (from + love) one in affluence; and when one’s purpose hath been accomplished, one + hath no need to approach him whom he had hitherto looked to for its + accomplishment. Therefore, when thou doest anything never do it + completely, but ever leave something to be desired for by others (whose + services thou mayest need). One who is desirous of prosperity should with + diligence seek allies and means, and carefully conduct his wars. His + exertions in these respects should always be guided by prudence. A prudent + king should ever act in such a way that friends and foes may never know + his motive before the commencement of his acts. Let them know all when the + act hath been commenced or ended, and as long as danger doth not come, so + long only shall thou act as if thou art afraid. But when it hath overtaken + thee, thou must grapple with it courageously. He who trusteth in a foe who + hath been brought under subjection by force, summoneth his own death as a + crab by her act of conception. Thou shouldst always reckon the future act + as already arrived (and concert measures for meeting it), else, from want + of calmness caused by haste, thou mayest overlook an important point in + meeting it when it is before thee. A person desirous of prosperity should + always exert with prudence, adopting his measures to time and place. He + should also act with an eye to destiny as capable of being regulated by + mantras and sacrificial rites; and to virtue, wealth, and pleasure. It is + well-known that time and place (if taken into consideration) always + produce the greatest good. If the foe is insignificant, he should not yet + be despised, for he may soon grow like a palmyra tree extending its roots + or like a spark of fire in the deep woods that may soon burst into an + extensive conflagration. As a little fire gradually fed with faggots soon + becometh capable of consuming even the biggest blocks, so the person who + increaseth his power by making alliances and friendships soon becometh + capable of subjugating even the most formidable foe. The hope thou givest + unto thy foe should be long deferred before it is fulfilled; and when the + time cometh for its fulfilment, invent some pretext for deferring it + still. Let that pretext be shown as founded upon some reason, and let that + reason itself be made to appear as founded on some other reason. Kings + should, in the matter of destroying their foes, ever resemble razors in + every particular; unpitying as these are sharp, hiding their intents as + these are concealed in their leathern cases, striking when the opportunity + cometh as these are used on proper occasions, sweeping off their foes with + all their allies and dependants as these shave the head or the chin + without leaving a single hair. O supporter of the dignity of the Kurus, + bearing thyself towards the Pandavas and others also as policy dictateth, + act in such a way that thou mayest not have to grieve in future. Well do I + know that thou art endued with every blessing, and possessed of every mark + of good fortune. Therefore, O king, protect thyself from the sons of + Pandu! O king, the sons of Pandu are stronger than their cousins (thy + sons); therefore, O chastiser of foes, I tell thee plainly what thou + shouldst do. Listen to it, O king, with thy children, and having listened + to it, exert yourselves (to do the needful). O king, act in such a way + that there may not be any fear for thee from the Pandavas. Indeed, adopt + such measures consonant with the science of policy that thou mayest not + have to grieve in the future.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having delivered himself thus Kanika returned to + his abode, while the Kuru king Dhritarashtra became pensive and + melancholy.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0144"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then the son of Suvala (Sakuni), king Duryodhana, + Duhsasana and Kama, in consultation with one another, formed an evil + conspiracy. With the sanction of Dhritarashtra, the king of the Kurus, + they resolved to burn to death Kunti and her (five) sons. But that wise + Vidura, capable of reading the heart by external signs, ascertained the + intention of these wicked persons by observing their countenances alone. + Then the sinless Vidura, of soul enlightened by true knowledge, and + devoted to the good of the Pandavas, came to the conclusion that Kunti + with her children should fly away from her foes. And providing for that + purpose a boat strong enough to withstand both wind and wave, he addressed + Kunti and said, ‘This Dhritarashtra hath been born for destroying the fame + and offspring of the (Kuru) race. Of wicked soul, he is about to cast off + eternal virtue. O blessed one, I have kept ready on the stream a boat + capable of withstanding both wind and wave. Escape by it with thy children + from the net that death hath spread around you.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words, the illustrious Kunti was + deeply grieved, and with her children, O bull of Bharata’s race, stepped + into the boat and went over the Ganges. Then leaving the boat according to + the advice of Vidura, the Pandavas took with them the wealth that had been + given to them (while at Varanavata) by their enemies and safely entered + the deep woods. In the house of lac, however, that had been prepared for + the destruction of the Pandavas, an innocent Nishada woman who had come + there for some purpose, was, with her children burnt to death. And that + worst of Mlechchhas, the wretched Purochana (who was the architect + employed in building the house of lac) was also burnt in the + conflagration. And thus were the sons of Dhirtarashtra with their + counsellors deceived in their expectations. And thus also were the + illustrious Pandavas, by the advice of Vidura, saved with their mother. + But the people (of Varanavata) knew not of their safety. And the citizens + of Varanavata, seeing the house of lac consumed (and believing the + Pandavas to have been burnt to death) became exceedingly sorry. And they + sent messengers unto king Dhritarashtra to represent everything that had + happened. And they said to the monarch, ‘Thy great end hath been achieved! + Thou hast at last burnt the Pandavas to death! Thy desire fulfilled, enjoy + with thy children. O king of the Kurus, the kingdom.’ Hearing this, + Dhritarashtra with his children, made a show of grief, and along with his + relatives, including Kshattri (Vidura) and Bhishma the foremost of the + Kurus, performed the last honours of the Pandavas.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O best of Brahmanas, I desire to hear in full this + history of the burning of the house of lac and the escape of the Pandavas + there from. That was a cruel act of theirs (the Kurus), acting under the + counsels of the wicked (Kanika). Recite the history to me of all that + happened. I am burning with curiosity to hear it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O chastiser of all foes, listen to me, O monarch, as + I recite the (history of the) burning of the house of lac and the escape + of the Pandavas. The wicked Duryodhana, beholding Bhimasena surpass + (everybody) in strength and Arjuna highly accomplished in arms became + pensive and sad. Then Karna, the offspring of the Sun, and Sakuni, the son + of Suvala, endeavoured by various means to compass the death of the + Pandavas. The Pandavas too counteracted all those contrivances one after + another, and in obedience to the counsels of Vidura, never spoke of them + afterwards. Then the citizens, beholding the son of Pandu possessed of + accomplishments, began, O Bharata, to speak of them in all places of + public resort. And assembled in courtyards and other places of gathering, + they talked of the eldest son of Pandu (Yudhishthira) as possessed of the + qualifications for ruling the kingdom. And they said, ‘Dhritarashtra, + though possessed of the eye of knowledge, having been (born) blind, had + not obtained the kingdom before. How can he (therefore) become king now? + Then Bhishma, the son of Santanu, of rigid vows and devoted to truth, + having formerly relinquished the sovereignty would never accept it now. We + shall, therefore, now install (on the throne) with proper ceremonies the + eldest of the Pandavas endued with youth, accomplished in battle, versed + in the Vedas, and truthful and kind. Worshipping Bhishma, the son of + Santanu and Dhritarashtra conversant with the rules of morality, he will + certainly maintain the former and the latter with his children in every + kind of enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + “The wretched Duryodhana, hearing these words of the parting partisans of + Yudhishthira, became very much distressed. Deeply afflicted, the wicked + prince could not put up with those speeches. Inflamed with jealousy, he + went unto Dhritarashtra, and finding him alone he saluted him with + reverence and distressed at (the sight of) the partiality of the citizens + for Yudhishthira, he addressed the monarch and said, ‘O father, I have + heard the parting citizens utter words of ill omen. Passing thee by, and + Bhishma too, they desire the son of Pandu to be their king. Bhishma will + sanction this, for he will not rule the kingdom. It seems, therefore, that + the citizens are endeavouring to inflict a great injury on us. Pandu + obtained of old the ancestral kingdom by virtue of his own + accomplishments, but thou, from blindness, didst not obtain the kingdom, + though fully qualified to have it. If Pandu’s son now obtaineth the + kingdom as his inheritance from Pandu, his son will obtain it after him + and that son’s son also, and so on will it descend in Pandu’s line. In + that case, O king of the world, ourselves with our children, excluded from + the royal line, shall certainly be disregarded by all men. Therefore, O + monarch, adopt such counsels that we may not suffer perpetual distress, + becoming dependent on others for our food. O king, if thou hadst obtained + the sovereignty before, we would certainly have succeeded to it, however + much the people might be unfavourable to us.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0145"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, “King Dhritarashtra whose knowledge only was his + eyes, on hearing these words of his son and recollecting everything that + Kanika had, said unto him, became afflicted with sorrow, and his mind also + thereupon began to waver. Then Duryodhana and Karna, and Sakuni, the son + of Suvala, and Duhsasana as their fourth, held a consultation together. + Prince Duryodhana said unto Dhritarashtra, ‘Send, O father, by some clever + contrivance, the Pandavas to the town of Varanavata. We shall then have no + fear of them.’ Dhritarashtra, on hearing these words uttered by his son, + reflected for a moment and replied unto Duryodhana, saying, ‘Pandu, ever + devoted to virtue, always behaved dutifully towards all his relatives but + particularly towards me. He cared very little for the enjoyments of the + world, but devotedly gave everything unto me, even the kingdom. His son is + as much devoted to virtue as he, and is possessed of every accomplishment. + Of world-wide fame, he is again the favourite of the people. He is + possessed of allies; how can we by force exile him from his ancestral + kingdom? The counsellors and soldiers (of the state) and their sons and + grandsons have all been cherished and maintained by Pandu. Thus benefited + of old by Pandu, shall not, O child, the citizens slay us with all our + friends and relatives now on account of Yudhishthira?” + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana replied, ‘What thou sayest, O father, is perfectly true. But + in view of the evil that is looming on the future as regards thyself, if + we conciliate the people with wealth and honours, they would assuredly + side with us for these proofs of our power. The treasury and the ministers + of state, O king, are at this moment under our control. Therefore, it + behoveth thee now to banish, by some gentle means, the Pandavas to the + town of Varanavata; O king, when the sovereignty shall have been vested in + me, then, O Bharata, may Kunti with her children come back from that + place.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra replied, ‘This, O Duryodhana, is the very thought existing + in my mind. But from its sinfulness I have never given expression to it. + Neither Bhishma, nor Drona, nor Kshattri, nor Gautama (Kripa) will ever + sanction the exile of the Pandavas. In their eyes, O dear son, amongst the + Kurus ourselves and the Pandavas are equal. Those wise and virtuous + persons will make no difference between us. If therefore, we behave so + towards the Pandavas, shall we not, O son, deserve death at the hands of + the Kurus, of these illustrious personages, and of the whole world?’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana answered, ‘Bhishma hath no excess of affection for either + side, and will, therefore, be neutral (in case of dispute). The son of + Drona (Aswatthaman) is on my side. There is no doubt that where the son + is, there the father will be. Kripa, the son of Saradwat, must be on the + side on which Drona and Aswatthaman are. He will never abandon Drona and + his sister’s son (Aswatthaman). Kshattri (Vidura) is dependent on us for + his means of life, though he is secretly with the foe. It he sides the + Pandavas, he alone can do us no injury, Therefore, exile thou the Pandavas + to Varanavata without any fear. And take such steps that they may go + thither this very day. By this act, O father, extinguish the grief that + consumeth me like a blazing fire, that robbeth me of sleep, and that + pierces my heart even like a terrible dart.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0146"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLV + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, Then prince Duryodhana, along with his brothers began + to gradually win over the people to his side by grants of wealth and + honours. Meanwhile, some clever councillors, instructed by Dhritarashtra, + one day began to describe (in court) the town of Varanavata as a charming + place. And they said, The festival of Pasupati (Siva) hath commenced in + the town of Varanavata. The concourse of people is great and the + procession is the most delightful of all ever witnessed on earth. Decked + with every ornament, it charmed the hearts of all spectators.’ Thus did + those councillors, instructed by Dhritarashtra, speak of Varanavata, and + whilst they were so speaking, the Pandavas, O king, felt the desire of + going to that delightful town. And when the king (Dhritarashtra) + ascertained that the curiosity of the Pandavas had been awakened, the son + of Ambika addressed them, saying, ‘These men of mine often speak of + Varanavata as the most delightful town in the world. If therefore, ye + children, ye desire to witness that festival, go to Varanavata with your + followers and friends and enjoy yourselves there like the celestials. And + give ye away pearls and gems unto the Brahmanas and the musicians (that + may be assembled there). And sporting there for some time as ye please + like the resplendent celestials and enjoying as much pleasure as ye like, + return ye to Hastinapura again.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Yudhishthira, fully understanding the motives of + Dhritarashtra and considering that he himself was weak and friendless, + replied unto the king, saying, ‘So be it.’ Then addressing Bhishma, the + son of Santanu, the wise Vidura, Drona, Valhika, the Kaurava, Somadatta, + Kripa, Aswatthaman, Bhurisravas, and the other councillors, and Brahmanas + and ascetics, and the priests and the citizens, and the illustrious + Gandhari, he said slowly and humbly, ‘With our friends and followers we go + to the delightful and populous town of Varanavata at the command of + Dhritarashtra. Cheerfully give us your benedictions so that acquiring + prosperity, therewith we may not be touched by sin.’ Thus addressed by the + eldest of Pandu’s sons, the Kaurava chiefs all cheerfully pronounced + blessings on them, saying, ‘Ye sons of Pandu, let all the elements bless + you along your way and let not the slightest evil befall you.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Pandavas, having performed propitiatory rites for obtaining (their + share of) the kingdom, and finishing their preparations, set out for + Varanavata.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0147"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The wicked Duryodhana became very pleased when the + king, O Bharata, had said so unto Pandavas. And, O bull of Bharata’s race, + Duryodhana, then, summoning his counsellor, Purochana in private, took + hold of his right hand and said, ‘O Purochana, this world, so full of + wealth, is mine. But it is thine equally with me. It behoveth thee, + therefore, to protect it. I have no more trustworthy counsellor than thee + with whom to consult. Therefore, O sire, keep my counsel and exterminate + my foes by a clever device. O, do as I bid thee. The Pandavas have, by + Dhritarashtra, been sent to Varanavata, where they will, at + Dhritarashtra’s command, enjoy themselves during the festivities. Do that + by which thou mayest this very day reach Varanavata in a car drawn by + swift mules. Repairing thither, cause thou to be erected a quadrangular + palace in the neighbourhood of the arsenal, rich in the materials and + furniture, and guard thou the mansion well (with prying eyes). And use + thou (in erecting that house) hemp and resin and all other inflammable + materials that are procurable. And mixing a little earth with clarified + butter and oil and fat and a large quantity of lac, make thou a plaster + for lining the walls, and scatter thou all around that house hemp and oil + and clarified butter and lac and wood in such a way that the Pandavas, or + any others, may not, even with scrutiny behold them there or conclude the + house to be an inflammable one. And having erected such mansion, cause + thou the Pandavas, after worshipping them with great reverence, to dwell + in it with Kunti and all their friends. And place thou there seats and + conveyances and beds, all of the best workmanship, for the Pandavas, so + that Dhritarashtra may have no reason to complain. Thou must also so + manage it all that none of Varanavata may know anything till the end we + have in view is accomplished. And assuring thyself that the Pandavas are + sleeping within in confidence and without fear, thou must then set fire to + that mansion beginning at the outer door. The Pandavas thereupon must be + burnt to death, but the people will say that they have been burnt in (an + accidental) conflagration of their house. + </p> + <p> + “Saying, ‘So be it’ unto the Kuru prince, Purochana repaired to Varanavata + in a car drawn by fleet mules. And going thither, O king, without loss of + time, obedient to the instructions of Duryodhana, did everything that the + prince had bid him do.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0148"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Meanwhile the Pandavas got into their cars, yoking + thereto some fine horses endued with the speed of wind. While they were on + the point of entering their cars, they touched, in great sorrow, the feet + of Bhishma, of king Dhritarashtra, of the illustrious Drona, of Kripa, of + Vidura and of the other elders of the Kuru race. Then saluting with + reverence all the older men, and embracing their equals, receiving the + farewell of even the children, and taking leave of all the venerable + ladies in their household, and walking round them respectfully, and + bidding farewell unto all the citizens, the Pandavas, ever mindful of + their vows, set out for Varanavata. And Vidura of great wisdom and the + other bulls among the Kurus and the citizens also, from great affliction, + followed those tigers among men to some distance. And some amongst the + citizens and the country people, who followed the Pandavas, afflicted + beyond measure at beholding the sons of Pandu in such distress, began to + say aloud, ‘King Dhritarashtra of wicked soul seeth no things with the + same eye. The Kuru monarch casteth not his eye on virtue. Neither the + sinless Yudhishthira, nor Bhima the foremost of mighty men, nor Dhananjaya + the (youngest) son of Kunti, will ever be guilty (of the sin of waging a + rebellious war). When these will remain quiet, how shall the illustrious + son of Madri do anything? Having inherited the kingdom from their father, + Dhritarashtra could not bear them. How is that Bhishma who suffers the + exile of the Pandavas to that wretched place, sanctions this act of great + injustice? Vichitravirya, the son of Santanu, and the royal sage Pandu of + Kuru’s race both cherished us of old with fatherly care. But now that + Pandu that tiger among men, hath ascended to heaven, Dhritarashtra cannot + bear with these princes his children. We who do not sanction this exile + shall all go, leaving this excellent town and our own homes, where + Yudhishthira will go.’ + </p> + <p> + “Unto those distressed citizens talking in this way, the virtuous + Yudhishthira, himself afflicted with sorrow, reflecting for a few moments + said, ‘The king is our father, worthy of regard, our spiritual guide, and + our superior. To carry out with unsuspicious hearts whatever he biddeth, + is indeed, our duty. Ye are our friends. Walking round us and making us + happy by your blessings, return ye to your abodes. When the time cometh + for anything to be done for us by you, then, indeed, accomplish all that + is agreeable and beneficial to us.’ Thus addressed, the citizens walked + round the Pandavas and blessed them with their blessings and returned to + their respective abodes. + </p> + <p> + “And after the citizens had ceased following the Pandavas, Vidura, + conversant with all the dictates of morality, desirous of awakening the + eldest of the Pandavas (to a sense of his dangers), addressed him in these + words. The learned Vidura, conversant with the jargon (of the Mlechchhas), + addressed the learned Yudhishthira who also was conversant with the same + jargon, in the words of the Mlechchha tongue, so as to be unintelligible + to all except Yudhishthira. He said, ‘He that knoweth the schemes his foes + contrive in accordance with the dictates of political science, should, + knowing them, act in such a way as to avoid all danger. He that knoweth + that there are sharp weapons capable of cutting the body though not made + of steel, and understandeth also the means of warding them off, can never + be injured by foes. He liveth who protecteth himself by the knowledge that + neither the consumer of straw and wood nor the drier of the dew burneth + the inmates of a hole in the deep woods. The blind man seeth not his way: + the blind man hath no knowledge of direction. He that hath no firmness + never acquireth prosperity. Remembering this, be upon your guard. The man + who taketh a weapon not made of steel (i.e., an inflammable abode) given + him by his foes, can escape from fire by making his abode like unto that + of a jackal (having many outlets). By wandering a man may acquire the + knowledge of ways, and by the stars he can ascertain the direction, and he + that keepeth his five (senses) under control can never be oppressed y his + enemies.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed, Pandu’s son, Yudhishthira the just replied unto Vidura, + that foremost of all learned men, saying, ‘I have understood thee.’ Then + Vidura, having instructed the Pandavas and followed them (thus far), + walked around them and bidding them farewell returned to his own abode. + When the citizens and Bhishma and Vidura had all ceased following, Kunti + approached Yudhishthira and said, ‘The words that Kshattri said unto thee + in the midst of many people so indistinctly as if he did not say anything, + and thy reply also to him in similar words and voice, we have not + understood. If it is not improper; for us to know them I should then like + to hear everything that had passed between him and thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira replied, ‘The virtuous Vidura said unto me that we should + know that the mansion (for our accommodation at Varanavata) hath been + built of inflammable materials. He said unto me, ‘The path of escape too + shall not be unknown to thee,’—and further,—‘Those that can + control their senses can acquire the sovereignty of the whole world.’—The + reply that I gave unto Vidura was, ‘I have understood thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The Pandavas set out on the eighth day of the + month of Phalguna when the star Rohini was in the ascendant, and arriving + at Varanavata they beheld the town and the people.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0149"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then all the citizens (of Varanavata) on hearing that + the son of Pandu had come, were filled with joy at the tidings, speedily + came out of Varanavata, in vehicles of various kinds numbering by + thousands, taking with them every auspicious article as directed by the + Sastras, for receiving those foremost of men. And the people of + Varanavata, approaching the sons of Kunti blessed them by uttering the + Jaya and stood surrounding them. That tiger among men, viz., the virtuous + Yudhishthira thus surrounded by them looked resplendent like him having + the thunderbolt in his hands (viz., Indra) in the midst of the celestials. + And those sinless ones, welcomed by the citizens and welcoming the + citizens in return, then entered the populous town of Varanavata decked + with every ornament. Entering the town those heroes first went, O monarch, + to the abodes of Brahmanas engaged in their proper duties. Those foremost + of men then went to the abodes of the officials of the town, and then of + the Sutas and the Vaisyas and then to those of even the Sudras, O bull of + Bharata’s race, thus adored by the citizens, the Pandavas at last went + with Purochana going before them, to the palace that had been built for + them, Purochana then began to place before them food and drink and beds + and carpets, all of the first and most agreeable order. The Pandavas + attired in costly robes, continued to live there, adored by Purochana and + the people having their homes in Varanavata. + </p> + <p> + “After the Pandavas had thus lived for ten nights, Purochana spoke to them + of the mansion (he had built) called ‘The Blessed Home,’ but in reality + the cursed house. Then those tigers among men, attired in costly dress, + entered that mansion at the instance of Purochana like Guhyakas entering + the palace (of Siva) on the Kailasa mount. The foremost of all virtuous + men, Yudhishthira, inspecting the house, said unto Bhima that it was + really built of inflammable materials. Smelling the scent of fat mixed + with clarified butter and preparations of lac, he said unto Bhima, ‘O + chastiser of foes, this house is truly built of inflammable materials! + Indeed, it is apparent that such is the case! The enemy, it is evident, by + the aid of trusted artists well-skilled in the construction of houses, + have finely built this mansion, after procuring hemp, resin, heath, straw, + and bamboos, all soaked in clarified butter. This wicked wretch, + Purochana, acting under the instruction of Duryodhana, stayeth here with + the object of burning me to death when he seeth me trustful. But, O son of + Pritha, Vidura of great intelligence, knew of this danger, and, therefore, + hath warned me of it beforehand. Knowing it all, that youngest uncle of + ours, ever wishing our good from affection hath told us that this house, + so full of danger, hath been constructed by the wretches under Duryodhana + acting in secrecy.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing this, Bhima replied, ‘If, sir, you know this house to be so + inflammable, it would then be well for us to return thither where we had + taken up our quarters first.’ Yudhishthira replied, ‘It seems to me that + we should rather continue to live here in seeming unsuspiciousness but all + the while with caution and our senses wide awake and seeking for some + certain means of escape. If Purochana findeth from our countenances that + we have fathomed designs, acting with haste he may suddenly burn us to + death. Indeed, Purochana careth little for obloquy or sin. The wretch + stayeth here acting under the instruction of Duryodhana. If we are burnt + to death, will our grandfather Bhishma be angry? Why will he, by showing + his wrath, make the Kauravas angry with him? Or, perhaps, our grandfather + Bhishma and the other bull of Kuru’s race, regarding indignation at such a + sinful act to be virtuous, may become wrathful. If however, from fear of + being burnt, we fly from here, Duryodhana, ambitious of sovereignty will + certainly compass our death by means of spies. While we have no rank and + power, Duryodhana hath both; while we have no friends and allies, + Duryodhana hath both; while we are without wealth, Duryodhana hath at his + command a full treasury. Will he not, therefore, certainly destroy us by + adopting adequate means? Let us, therefore, by deceiving this wretch + (Purochana) and that other wretch Duryodhana, pass our days, disguising + ourselves at times. Let us also lead a hunting life, wandering over the + earth. We shall then, if we have to escape our enemies, be familiar with + all paths. We shall also, this very day, cause a subterranean passage to + be dug in our chamber in great secrecy. If we act in this way, concealing + what we do from all, fire shall never be able to consume us. We shall live + here, actively doing everything for our safety but with such privacy that + neither Purochana nor any of the citizens of Varanavata may know what we + are after.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0150"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘A friend of Vidura’s, well-skilled in mining, + coming unto the Pandavas, addressed them in secret, saying, ‘I have been + sent by Vidura and am a skilful miner. I am to serve the Pandavas. Tell me + what I am to do for ye. From the trust he reposeth in me Vidura hath said + unto me, ‘Go thou unto the Pandavas and accomplish thou their good. What + shall I do for you? Purochana will set fire to the door of thy house on + the fourteenth night of this dark fortnight. To burn to death those tigers + among men, the Pandavas, with their mother, is the design of that wicked + wretch, the son of Dhritarashtra. O son of Pandu, Vidura also told thee + something in the Mlechchha tongue to which thou also didst reply in same + language. I state these particulars as my credentials.’ Hearing these + words, Yudhishthira, the truthful son of Kunti replied, ‘O amiable one, I + now know thee as a dear and trusted friend of Vidura, true and ever + devoted to him. There is nothing that the learned Vidura doth not know. As + his, so ours art thou. Make no difference between him and us. We are as + much thine as his. O, protect us as the learned Vidura ever protecteth us. + I know that this house, so inflammable, hath been contrived for me by + Purochana at the command of Dhritarashtra’s son. That wicked wretch + commanding wealth and allies pursueth us without intermission. O, save us + with a little exertion from the impending conflagration. If we are burnt + to death here, Duryodhana’s most cherished desire will be satisfied. Here + is that wretch’s well-furnished arsenal. This large mansion hath been + built abutting the high ramparts of the arsenal without any outlet. But + this unholy contrivance of Duryodhana was known to Vidura from the first, + and he it was who enlightened us beforehand. The danger of which Kshattri + had foreknowledge is now at our door. Save us from it without Purochana’s + knowledge thereof.’ On hearing these words, the miner said, ‘So be it,’ + and carefully beginning his work of excavation, made a large subterranean + passage. And the mouth of that passage was in the centre of that house, + and it was on a level with the floor and closed up with planks. The mouth + was so covered from fear of Purochana, that wicked wretch who kept a + constant watch at the door of the house. The Pandavas used to sleep within + their chambers with arms ready for use, while, during the day, they went + a-hunting from forest to forest. Thus, O king, they lived (in that + mansion) very guardedly, deceiving Purochana by a show of trustfulness and + contentment while in reality they were trustless and discontented. Nor did + the citizens of Varanavata know anything about these plans of the + Pandavas. In fact, none else knew of them except Vidura’s friend, that + good miner.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0151"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CL + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Seeing the Pandavas living there cheerfully and + without suspicion for a full year, Purochana became exceedingly glad. And + beholding Purochana so very glad, Yudhishthira, the virtuous son of Kunti, + addressing Bhima and Arjuna and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) said, ‘The + cruel-hearted wretch hath been well-deceived. I think the time is come for + our escape. Setting fire to the arsenal and burning Purochana to death and + letting his body lie here, let us, six persons, fly hence unobserved by + all!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then on the occasion of an almsgiving, O king, + Kunti fed on a certain night a large number of Brahmanas. There came also + a number of ladies who while eating and drinking, enjoyed there as they + pleased, and with Kunti’s leave returned to their respective homes. + Desirous of obtaining food, there came, as though impelled by fate, to + that feast, in course of her wanderings, a Nishada woman, the mother of + five children, accompanied by all her sons. O king, she, and her children, + intoxicated with the wine they drank, became incapable. Deprived of + consciousness and more dead than alive, she with all her sons lay down in + that mansion to sleep. Then when all the inmates of the house lay down to + sleep, there began to blow a violent wind in the night. Bhima then set + fire to the house just where Purochana was sleeping. Then the son of Pandu + set fire to the door of that house of lac. Then he set fire to the mansion + in several parts all around. Then when the sons of Pandu were satisfied + that the house had caught fire in several parts those chastisers of foes + with their mother, entered the subterranean passage without losing any + time. Then the heat and the roar of the fire became intense and awakened + the townspeople. Beholding the house in flames, the citizens with + sorrowful faces began to say, ‘The wretch (Purochana) of wicked soul had + under the instruction of Duryodhana built his house for the destruction of + his employer’s relatives. He indeed hath set fire to it. O, fie on + Dhritarashtra’s heart which is so partial. He hath burnt to death, as if + he were their foe, the sinless heirs of Pandu! O, the sinful and + wicked-souled (Purochana) who hath burnt those best of men, the innocent + and unsuspicious princes, hath himself been burnt to death as fate would + have it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The citizens of Varanavata thus bewailed (the + fate of the Pandavas), and waited there for the whole night surrounding + that house. The Pandavas, however, accompanied by their mother coming out + of the subterranean passage, fled in haste unnoticed. But those chastisers + of foes, for sleepiness and fear, could not with their mother proceed in + haste. But, O monarch, Bhimasena, endued with terrible prowess and + swiftness of motion took upon his body all his brothers and mother and + began to push through the darkness. Placing his mother on his shoulder, + the twins on his sides, and Yudhishthira and Arjuna on both his arms, + Vrikodara of great energy and strength and endued with the speed of the + wind, commenced his march, breaking the trees with his breast and pressing + deep the earth with his stamp.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0152"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLI + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘About this time, the learned Vidura had sent into + those woods a man of pure character and much trusted by him. This person + going to where he had been directed, saw the Pandavas with their mother in + the forest employed in a certain place in measuring the depth of a river. + The design that the wicked Duryodhana had formed had been, through his + spies, known to Vidura of great intelligence, and, therefore, he had sent + that prudent person unto the Pandavas. Sent by Vidura unto them, he showed + the Pandavas on the sacred banks of the Ganga a boat with engines and + flags, constructed by trusted artificers and capable of withstanding wind + and wave and endued with the speed of the tempest or of thought. He then + addressed the Pandavas in these words to show that he had really been sent + by Vidura, ‘O Yudhishthira, he said, “listen to these words the learned + Vidura had said (unto thee) as a proof of the fact that I come from him. + Neither the consumer of straw and the wood nor the drier of dew ever + burneth the inmates of a hole in the forest. He escapeth from death who + protecteth himself knowing this, etc.’ By these credentials know me to be + the person who has been truly sent by Vidura and to be also his trusted + agent. Vidura, conversant with everything, hath again said, ‘O son of + Kunti, thou shalt surely defeat in battle Karna, and Duryodhana with his + brothers, and Sakuni.’ This boat is ready on the waters, and it will glide + pleasantly thereon, and shall certainly bear you all from these regions!’ + </p> + <p> + “Then beholding those foremost of men with their mother pensive and sad he + caused them to go into the boat that was on the Ganga, and accompanied + them himself. Addressing them again, he said, ‘Vidura having smelt your + heads and embraced you (mentally), hath said again that in commencing your + auspicious journey and going alone you should never be careless.’ + </p> + <p> + “Saying these words unto those heroic princes, the person sent by Vidura + took those bulls among men over to the other side of the Ganga in his + boat. And having taken them over the water and seen them all safe on the + opposite bank, he uttered the word ‘Jaya’ (victory) to their success and + then left them and returned to the place whence he had come. + </p> + <p> + “The illustrious Pandavas also sending through that person some message to + Vidura, began, after having crossed the Ganga, to proceed with haste and + in great secrecy.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0153"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLII + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then, when the night had passed away, a large + concourse of the townspeople came there in haste to see the sons of Pandu. + After extinguishing the fire, they saw that the house just burnt down had + been built of lac in materials and that (Duryodhana’s) counsellor + Purochana had been burnt to death. And the people began to bewail aloud + saying, ‘Indeed, this had been contrived by the sinful Duryodhana for the + destruction of the Pandavas. There is little doubt that Duryodhana hath, + with Dhritarashtra’s knowledge, burnt to death the heirs of Pandu, else + the prince would have been prevented by his father. There is little doubt + that even Bhishma, the son of Santanu, and Drona and Vidura and Kripa and + other Kauravas have not, any of them, followed the dictates of duty. Let + us now send to Dhritarashtra to say, ‘Thy great desire hath been achieved! + Thou hast burnt to death the Pandavas!’ + </p> + <p> + “They then began to extinguish the members to obtain some trace of the + Pandavas, and they saw the innocent Nishada woman with her five sons burnt + to death. Then the miner sent by Vidura, while removing the ashes, covered + the hole he had dug with those ashes in such a way that it remained + unnoticed by all who had gone there. + </p> + <p> + “The citizens then sent to Dhritarashtra to inform him that the Pandavas + along with (Duryodhana’s) counsellor Purochana had been burnt to death. + King Dhritarashtra, on hearing the evil news of the death of the Pandavas, + wept in great sorrow. And he said, ‘King Pandu, my brother of great fame, + hath, indeed, died today when those heroic sons of his together with their + mother have been burnt to death. Ye men, repair quickly to Varanavata and + cause the funeral rites to be performed of those heroes and of the + daughter of Kuntiraj! Let also the bones of the deceased be sanctified + with the usual rites, and let all the beneficial and great acts (usual on + such occasions) be performed. Let the friends and relatives of those that + have been burnt to death repair thither. Let also all other beneficial + acts that ought, under the circumstances, to be performed by us for the + Pandavas and Kunti be accomplished by wealth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this, Dhritarashtra, the son of Ambika, surrounded by his + relatives, offered oblations of water to the sons of Pandu. And all of + them, afflicted with excessive sorrow, bewailed aloud, exclaiming, ‘O + Yudhishthira! Oh prince of the Kuru race!’—While others cried aloud, + ‘Oh, Bhima!—O Phalguna!’—while some again,—‘Oh, the + twins!—Oh, Kunti!’—Thus did they sorrow for the Pandavas and + offer oblations of water unto them. The citizens also wept for the + Pandavas but Vidura did not weep much, because he knew the truth. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile the Pandavas endued with great strength with their mother + forming a company of six going out of the town of Varanavata arrived at + the banks of the Ganga. They then speedily reached the opposite bank aided + by the strength of the boatmen’s arms, the rapidity of the river’s + current, and a favourable wind. Leaving the boat, they proceeded in the + southern direction finding their way in the dark by the light of the + stars. After much suffering they at last reached, O king, a dense forest. + They were then tired and thirsty; sleep was closing their eyes every + moment. Then Yudhishthira, addressing Bhima endued with great energy, + said, ‘What can be more painful than this? We are now in the deep woods. + We know not which side is which, nor can we proceed much further. We do + not know whether that wretch Purochana hath or hath not been burnt to + death. How shall we escape from these dangers unseen by others? O Bharata, + taking us on thyself, proceed thou as before. Thou alone amongst us art + strong and swift as the wind.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed by Yudhishthira the just, the mighty Bhimasena, taking up + on his body Kunti and his brothers, began to proceed with great + celerity.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0154"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Jatugriha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,” As the mighty Bhima proceeded, the whole forest with + its trees and their branches seemed to tremble, in consequence of their + clash with his breast. The motion of his thighs raised a wind like unto + that which blows during the months of Jyaishtha and Ashadha (May and + June). And the mighty Bhima proceeded, making a path for himself, but + treading down the trees and creepers before him. In fact, he broke (by the + pressure of his body) the large trees and plants, with their flowers and + fruits, standing on his way. Even so passeth through the woods breaking + down mighty trees, the leader of a herd of elephants, of the age of sixty + years, angry and endued with excess of energy, during the season of rut + when the liquid juice trickle down the three parts of his body. Indeed, so + great was the force with which Bhima endued with the speed of Garuda or of + Marut (the god of wind), proceeded that the Pandavas seemed to faint in + consequence. Frequently swimming across streams difficult of being + crossed, the Pandavas disguised themselves on their way from fear of the + sons of Dhritarashtra. And Bhima carried on his shoulder his illustrious + mother of delicate sensibilities along the uneven banks of rivers. Towards + the evening, O bull of Bharata’s race, Bhima (bearing his brothers and + mother on his back) reached a terrible forest where fruits and roots and + water were scarce and which resounded with the terrible cries of birds and + beasts. The twilight deepened the cries of birds and beasts became + fiercer, darkness shrouded everything from the view and untimely winds + began to blow that broke and laid low many a tree large and small and many + creepers with dry leaves and fruits. The Kaurava princes, afflicted with + fatigue and thirst, and heavy with sleep, were unable to proceed further. + They then all sat down in that forest without food and drink. Then Kunti, + smitten with thirst, said unto her sons, ‘I am the mother of the five + Pandavas and am now in their midst. Yet I am burning with thirst!’ Kunti + repeatedly said this unto her sons. Hearing these words, Bhima’s heart, + from affection for his mother, was warmed by compassion and he resolved to + go (along as before). Then Bhima, proceeding through that terrible and + extensive forest without a living soul, saw a beautiful banian tree with + widespreading branches. Setting down there his brothers and mother, O bull + of Bharata’s race; he said unto them, ‘Rest you here, while I go in quest + of water. I hear the sweet cries of aquatic fowls. I think there must be a + large pool here.’ Commanded, O Bharata, by his elder brother who said unto + him, ‘Go’, Bhima proceeded in the direction whence the cries of those + aquatic fowls were coming. And, O bull of Bharata’s race, he soon came + upon a lake and bathed and slaked his thirst. And affectionate unto his + brothers, he brought for them, O Bharata, water by soaking his upper + garments. Hastily retracing his way over those four miles he came unto + where his mother was and beholding her he was afflicted with sorrow and + began to sigh like a snake. Distressed with grief at seeing his mother and + brothers asleep on the bare ground, Vrikodara began to weep, ‘Oh, wretch + that I am, who behold my brothers asleep on the bare ground, what can + befall me more painful than this? Alas, they who formerly at Varanavata + could not sleep on the softest and costliest beds are now asleep on the + bare ground! Oh, what more painful sight shall I ever behold than that of + Kunti—the sister of Vasudeva, that grinder of hostile hosts—the + daughter of Kuntiraja,—herself decked with every auspicious mark, + the daughter-in-law of Vichitravirya,—the wife of the illustrious + Pandu,—the mother of us (five brothers),—resplendent as the + filaments of the lotus and delicate and tender and fit to sleep on the + costliest bed—thus asleep, as she should never be, on the bare + ground! Oh, she who hath brought forth these sons by Dharma and Indra and + Maruta—she who hath ever slept within palaces—now sleepeth, + fatigued, on the bare ground! What more painful sight shall ever be beheld + by me than that of these tigers among men (my brothers) asleep on the + ground! Oh, the virtuous Yudhishthira, who deserveth the sovereignty of + the three worlds, sleepeth, fatigued, like an ordinary man, on the bare + ground! This Arjuna of the darkish hue of blue clouds, and unequalled + amongst men sleepeth on the ground like an ordinary person! Oh, what can + be more painful than this? Oh the twins, who in beauty are like the twin + Aswins amongst the celestials, are asleep like ordinary mortals on the + bare ground! He who hath no jealous evil-minded relatives, liveth in + happiness in this world like a single tree in a village. The tree that + standeth single in a village with its leaves and fruits, from absence of + other of the same species, becometh sacred and is worshipped and venerated + by all. They again that have many relatives who, however, are all heroic + and virtuous, live happily in the world without sorrow of any kind. + Themselves powerful and growing in prosperity and always gladdening their + friends and relatives, they live, depending on each other, like tall trees + growing in the same forest. We, however, have been forced in exile by the + wicked Dhritarashtra and his sons having escaped with difficulty, from + sheer good fortune, a fiery death. Having escaped from that fire, we are + now resting in the shade of this tree. Having already suffered so much, + where now are we to go? Ye sons of Dhritarashtra of little foresight, ye + wicked fellows, enjoy your temporary success. The gods are certainly + auspicious to you. But ye wicked wretches, ye are alive yet, only because + Yudhishthira doth not command me to take your lives. Else this very day, + filled with wrath, I would send thee, (O Duryodhana), to the regions of + Yama (Pluto) with thy children and friends and brothers, and Karna, and + (Sakuni) the son of Suvala! But what can I do, for, ye sinful wretches, + the virtuous king Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, is not yet + angry with you?’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this, Bhima of mighty arms, fired with wrath, began to + squeeze his palms, sighing deeply in affliction. Excited again with wrath + like an extinguished fire blazing up all on a sudden, Vrikodara once more + beheld his brothers sleeping on the ground like ordinary persons sleeping + in trustfulness. And Bhima said unto himself, ‘I think there is some town + not far off from this forest. These all are asleep, so I will sit awake. + And this will slake their thirst after they rise refreshed from sleep.’ + Saying this, Bhima sat there awake, keeping watch over his sleeping mother + and brothers.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0155"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Hidimva-vadha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Not far from the place where the Pandavas were + asleep, a Rakshasa by name Hidimva dwelt on the Sala tree. Possessed of + great energy and prowess, he was a cruel cannibal of visage that was grim + in consequence of his sharp and long teeth. He was now hungry and longing + for human flesh. Of long shanks and a large belly, his locks and beard + were both red in hue. His shoulders were broad like the neck of a tree; + his ears were like unto arrows, and his features were frightful. Of red + eyes and grim visage, the monster beheld, while casting his glances + around, the sons of Pandu sleeping in those woods. He was then hungry and + longing for human flesh. Shaking his dry and grizzly locks and scratching + them with his fingers pointed upwards, the large-mouthed cannibal + repeatedly looked at the sleeping sons of Pandu yawning wistfully at + times. Of huge body and great strength, of complexion like the colour of a + mass of clouds, of teeth long and sharp-pointed and face emitting a sort + of lustre, he was ever pleased with human flesh. And scenting the odour of + man, he addressed his sister, saying, ‘O sister, it is after a long time + that such agreeable food hath approached me! My mouth waters at the + anticipated relish of such food. My eight teeth, so sharp-pointed and + incapable of being resisted by any substance, I shall, today, after a long + time, put into the most delicious flesh. Attacking the human throat and + even opening the veins, I shall (today) drink a plentiful quantity of + human blood, hot and fresh and frothy. Go and ascertain who these are, + lying asleep in these woods. The strong scent of man pleaseth my nostrils. + Slaughtering all these men, bring them unto me. They sleep within my + territory. Thou needest have no fear from them. Do my bidding soon, for we + shall then together eat their flesh, tearing off their bodies at pleasure. + And after feasting to our fill on human flesh we shall then dance together + to various measures!’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed by Hidimva in those woods, Hidimva, the female cannibal, + at the command of her brother, went, O bull of Bharata’s race, to the spot + where the Pandavas were. And on going there, she beheld the Pandavas + asleep with their mother and the invincible Bhimasena sitting awake. And + beholding Bhimasena unrivalled on earth for beauty and like unto a + vigorous Sala tree, the Rakshasa woman immediately fell in love with him, + and she said to herself, ‘This person of hue like heated gold and of + mighty arms, of broad shoulders as the lion, and so resplendent, of neck + marked with three lines like a conch-shell and eyes like lotus-petals, is + worthy of being my husband. I shall not obey the cruel mandate of my + brother. A woman’s love for her husband is stronger than her affection for + her brother. If I slay him, my brother’s gratification as well as mine + will only be momentary. But if I slay him not, I can enjoy, with him for + ever and ever.’ Thus saying, the Rakshasa woman, capable of assuming form + at will, assumed an excellent human form and began to advance with slow + steps towards Bhima of mighty arms. Decked with celestial ornaments she + advanced with smiles on her lips and a modest gait, and addressing Bhima + said, ‘O bull among men, whence hast thou come here and who art thou? Who, + besides, are these persons of celestial beauty sleeping here? Who also, O + sinless one, is this lady of transcendent beauty sleeping so trustfully in + these woods as if she were lying in her own chamber? Dost thou not know + that this forest is the abode of a Rakshasa. Truly do I say, here liveth + the wicked Rakshasa called Hidimva. Ye beings of celestial beauty, I have + been sent hither even by that Rakshasa—my brother—with the + cruel intent of killing you for his food. But I tell thee truly that + beholding thee resplendent as a celestial, I would have none else for my + husband save thee! Thou who art acquainted with all duties, knowing this, + do unto me what is proper. My heart as well as my body hath been pierced + by (the shafts of) Kama (Cupid). O, as I am desirous of obtaining thee, + make me thine. O thou of mighty arms, I will rescue thee from the Rakshasa + who eateth human flesh. O sinless one, be thou my husband. We shall then + live on the breasts of mountains inaccessible to ordinary mortals. I can + range the air and I do so at pleasure. Thou mayest enjoy great felicity + with me in those regions.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of hers, Bhima replied, ‘O Rakshasa woman, who can, + like a Muni having all his passions under control, abandon his sleeping + mother and elder and younger brothers? What man like me would go to + gratify his lust, leaving his sleeping mother and brothers as food for a + Rakshasa?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Rakshasa woman replied, ‘O, awaken all these, I shall do unto you all + that is agreeable to thee! I shall certainly rescue you all from my + cannibal brother?’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhima then said, ‘O Rakshasa woman, I will not, from fear of thy wicked + brother, awaken my brothers and mother sleeping comfortably in the woods. + O timid one, Rakshasas are never able to bear the prowess of my arms. And, + O thou of handsome eyes, neither men, nor Gandharvas, nor Yakshas are able + to bear my might. O amiable one, thou mayst stay or go as thou likest, or + mayst even send thy cannibal brother, O thou of delicate shape. I care + not.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0156"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLV + </h2> + <h3> + (Hidimva-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Hidimva, the chief of the Rakshasas, seeing that his + sister returned not soon enough, alighted from the tree, proceeded quickly + to the spot where the Pandavas were. Of red eyes and strong arms and the + arms and the hair of his head standing erect, of large open mouth and body + like unto a mass of dark clouds, teeth long and sharp-pointed, he was + terrible to behold. And Hidimva, beholding her brother of frightful visage + alight from the tree, became very much alarmed, and addressing Bhima said, + ‘The wicked cannibal is coming hither in wrath. I entreat thee, do with + thy brothers, as I bid thee. O thou of great courage, as I am endued with + the powers of a Rakshasa, I am capable of going whithersoever I like. + Mount ye on my hips, I will carry you all through the skies. And, O + chastiser of foes, awaken these and thy mother sleeping in comfort. Taking + them all on my body, I will convey you through the skies.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhima then said, ‘O thou of fair hips, fear not anything. I am sure that + as long as I am here, there is no Rakshasa capable of injuring any of + these, O thou of slender waist. I will slay this (cannibal) before thy + very eyes. This worst of Rakshasas, O timid one, is no worthy antagonist + of mine, nor can all the Rakshasas together bear the strength of my arms. + Behold these strong arms of mine, each like unto the trunk of an elephant. + Behold also these thighs of mine like unto iron maces, and this broad and + adamantine chest. O beautiful one, thou shall today behold my prowess like + unto that of Indra. O thou of fair hips, hate me not, thinking that I am a + man.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hidimva replied saying, ‘O tiger among men, O thou of the beauty of a + celestial, I do not certainly hold thee in contempt. But I have seen the + prowess that Rakshasas exert upon men.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then, O Bharata, the wrathful Rakshasa eating + human flesh heard these words of Bhima who had been talking in that way. + And Hidimva beheld his sister disguised in human form, her head decked + with garlands of flowers and her face like the full moon and her eyebrows + and nose and eyes and ringlets all of the handsomest description, and her + nails and complexion of the most delicate hue, and herself wearing every + kind of ornament and attired in fine transparent robes. The cannibal, + beholding her in that charming human form, suspected that she was desirous + of carnal intercourse and became indignant. And, O best of the Kurus, + becoming angry with his sister, the Rakshasa dilated his eyes and + addressing her said, ‘What senseless creature wishes to throw obstacles in + my path now that I am so hungry? Hast thou become so senseless, O Hidimva, + that thou fearest not my wrath? Fie on thee, thou unchaste woman! Thou art + even now desirous of carnal intercourse and solicitous of doing me an + injury. Thou art ready to sacrifice the good name and honour of all the + Rakshasas, thy ancestors! Those with whose aid thou wouldst do me this + great injury, I will, even now, slay along with thee.’ Addressing his + sister thus, Hidimva, with eyes red with anger and teeth pressing against + teeth, ran at her to kill her then and there. But beholding him rush at + his sister, Bhima, that foremost of smiter, endued with great energy, + rebuked him and said, Stop—Stop!” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘And Bhima, beholding the Rakshasa angry with his + sister, smiled (in derision), and said, addressing him, ‘O Hidimva, what + need is there for thee to awaken these persons sleeping so comfortably? O + wicked cannibal, approach me first without loss of time. Smite me first,—it + behoveth thee not to kill a woman, especially when she hath been sinned + against instead of sinning. This girl is scarcely responsible for her act + in desiring intercourse with me. She hath, in this, been moved by the + deity of desire that pervadeth every living form. Thou wicked wretch and + the most infamous of Rakshasas, thy sister came here at thy command. + Beholding my person, she desireth me. In that the timid girl doth no + injury to thee. It is the deity of desire that hath offended. It behoveth + thee not to injure her for this offence. O wicked wretch, thou shalt not + slay a woman when I am here. Come with me, O cannibal, and fight with + myself singly. Singly shall I send thee today to the abode of Yama + (Pluto). O Rakshasa, let thy head today, pressed by my might, be pounded + to pieces, as though pressed by the tread of a mighty elephant. When thou + art slain by me on the field of battle, let herons and hawks and jackals + tear in glee thy limbs today on the ground. In a moment I shall today make + this forest destitute of Rakshasas,—this forest that had so long + been ruled by thee, devourer of human beings! Thy sister, O Rakshasa, + shall today behold thyself, huge though thou art like a mountain, like a + huge elephant repeatedly dragged by a lion, O worst of Rakshasas, thyself + slain by me, men ranging these woods will henceforth do so safely and + without fear.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words, Hidimva said, ‘What need is there, O man, for this + thy vaunt and this thy boast? Accomplish all this first, and then mayst + thou vaunt indeed. Therefore, delay thou not. Thou knowest thyself to be + strong and endued with prowess, so thou shalt rightly estimate thy + strength today in thy encounter with me. Until that, I will not slay these + (thy brothers). Let them sleep comfortably. But I will, as thou art a fool + and the utterer of evil speeches, slay thee first. After drinking thy + blood, I will slay these also, and then last of all, this (sister of mine) + that hath done me an injury.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Saying this, the cannibal, extending his arms + ran in wrath towards Bhimasena, that chastiser of foes. Then Bhima of + terrible prowess quickly seized, as though in sport, with great force, the + extended arms of the Rakshasa who had rushed at him. Then seizing the + struggling Rakshasa with violence, Bhima dragged him from that spot full + thirty-two cubits like a lion dragging a little animal. Then the Rakshasa, + thus made to feel the weight of Bhima’s strength, became very angry and + clasping the Pandava, sent forth a terrible yell. The mighty Bhima then + dragged with force the Rakshasa to a greater distance, lest his yells + should awaken his brothers sleeping in comfort. Clasping and dragging each + other with great force, both Hidimva and Bhimasena put forth their + prowess. Fighting like two full-grown elephants mad with rage, they then + began to break down the trees and tear the creepers that grew around. And + at those sounds, those tigers among men (the sleeping Pandavas) woke up + with their mother, and saw Hidimva sitting before them.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0157"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Hidimva-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Roused from sleep, those tigers among men, with their + mother, beholding the extraordinary beauty of Hidimva, were filled with + wonder. And Kunti, gazing at her with wonder at her beauty, addressed her + sweetly and gave her every assurance. She asked, ‘O thou of the splendour + of a daughter of the celestials, whose art thou and who art thou? O thou + of the fairest complexion, on what business hast thou come hither and + whence hast thou come? If thou art the deity of these woods or an Apsara, + tell me all regarding thyself and also why thou stayest here?’ Thereupon + Hidimva replied, ‘This extensive forest that thou seest, of the hue of + blue cloud, is the abode of a Rakshasa of the name of Hidimva. O handsome + lady, know me as the sister of that chief of the Rakshasa. Revered dame, I + had been sent by that brother of mine to kill thee with all thy children. + But on arriving here at the command of that cruel brother of mine, I + beheld thy mighty son. Then, O blessed lady, I was brought under the + control of thy son by the deity of love who pervadeth the nature of every + being, and I then (mentally) chose that mighty son of thine as my husband. + I tried my best to convey you hence, but I could not (because of thy son’s + opposition). Then the cannibal, seeing my delay, came hither to kill all + these thy children. But he hath been dragged hence with force by that + mighty and intelligent son of thine—my husband. Behold now that + couple—man and Rakshasa—both endued with great strength and + prowess, engaged in combat, grinding each other and filling the whole + region with their shouts.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing those words of hers, Yudhishthira + suddenly rose up and Arjuna also and Nakula and Sahadeva of great energy + and they beheld Bhima and the Rakshasa already engaged in fight, eager to + overcome each other and dragging each other with great force, like two + lions endued with great might. The dust raised by their feet in + consequence of that encounter looked like the smoke of a + forest-conflagration. Covered with that dust their huge bodies resembled + two tall cliffs enveloped in mist. Then Arjuna, beholding Bhima rather + oppressed in the fight by the Rakshasa, slowly, said with smiles on his + lips, ‘Fear not, O Bhima of mighty arms! We (had been asleep and + therefore) knew not that thou wast engaged with a terrible Rakshasa and + tired in fight. Here do I stand to help thee, let me slay the Rakshasa, + and let Nakula and Sahadeva protect our mother.’ Hearing him, Bhima said, + ‘Look on this encounter, O brother, like a stranger. Fear not for the + result. Having come within the reach of my arms, he shall not escape with + life.’ Then Arjuna said, ‘What need, O Bhima, for keeping the Rakshasa + alive so long? O oppressor of enemies, we are to go hence, and cannot stay + here longer. The east is reddening, the morning twilight is about to set + in. The Rakshasa became stronger by break of day, therefore, hasten, O + Bhima! Play not (with thy victim), but slay the terrible Rakshasa soon. + During the two twilights Rakshasas always put forth their powers of + deception. Use all the strength of thy arms. + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘At this speech of Arjuna, Bhima blazing up with + anger, summoned the might that Vayu (his father) puts forth at the time of + the universal dissolution. And filled with rage, he quickly raised high in + the air the Rakshasa’s body, blue as the clouds of heaven, and whirled it + a hundred times. Then addressing the cannibal, Bhima said, ‘O Rakshasa, + thy intelligence was given thee in vain, and in vain hast thou grown and + thriven on unsanctified flesh. Thou deservest, therefore, an unholy death + and I shall reduce thee today to nothing. I shall make this forest blessed + today, like one without prickly plants. And, O Rakshasa, thou shalt no + longer slay human beings for thy food.’ Arjuna at this juncture, said, ‘O + Bhima, if thou thinkest it a hard task for thee to overcome this Rakshasa + in combat, let me render thee help, else, slay him thyself without loss of + time. Or, O Vrikodara, let me alone slay the Rakshasa. Thou art tired, and + hast almost finished the affair. Well dost thou deserve rest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of Arjuna, Bhima was fired + with rage and dashing the Rakshasa on the ground with all his might slew + him as if he were an animal. The Rakshasa, while dying, sent forth a + terrible yell that filled the whole forest, and was deep as the sound of a + wet drum. Then the mighty Bhima, holding the body with his hands, bent it + double, and breaking it in the middle, greatly gratified his brothers. + Beholding Hidimva slain, they became exceedingly glad and lost no time in + offering their congratulations to Bhima, that chastiser of all foes. Then + Arjuna worshipping the illustrious Bhima of terrible prowess, addressed + him again and said, ‘Revered senior, I think there is a town not far off + from this forest. Blest be thou, let us go hence soon, so that Duryodhana + may not trace us.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then all those mighty car-warriors, those tigers among men, saying, ‘So + be it,’ proceeded along with their mother, followed by Hidimva, the + Rakshasa woman.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0158"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Hidimva-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Bhima, beholding Hidimva following them, addressed + her, saying, ‘Rakshasas revenge themselves on their enemies by adopting + deceptions that are incapable of being penetrated. Therefore, O Hidimva, + go thou the way on which thy brother hath gone.’ Then Yudhishthira + beholding Bhima in rage, said, ‘O Bhima, O tiger among men, however + enraged, do not slay a woman. O Pandava, the observance of virtue is a + higher duty than the protection of life. Hidimva, who had come with the + object of slaying us, thou hast already slain. This woman is the sister of + that Rakshasa, what can she do to us even if she were angry?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Hidimva reverentially saluting Kunti and + her son Yudhishthira also, said, with joined palms, ‘O revered lady, thou + knowest the pangs that women are made to feel at the hands of the deity of + love. Blessed dame, these pangs, of which Bhimasena hath been the cause, + are torturing me. I had hitherto borne these insufferable pangs, waiting + for the time (when thy son could assuage them). That time is now come, + when I expected I would be made happy. Casting off my friends and + relations and the usage of my race, I have, O blessed lady, chosen this + son of thine, this tiger among men, as my husband. I tell thee truly, O + illustrious lady, that if I am cast off by that hero or by thee either, I + will no longer bear this life of mine. Therefore, O thou of the fairest + complexion, it behoveth thee to show me mercy, thinking me either as very + silly or thy obedient slave. O illustrious dame, unite me with this thy + son, my husband. Endued as he is with the form of a celestial, let me go + taking him with me wherever I like. Trust me, O blessed lady, I will again + bring him back unto you all. When you think of me I will come to you + immediately and convey you whithersoever ye may command. I will rescue you + from all dangers and carry you across inaccessible and uneven regions. I + will carry you on my back whenever ye desire to proceed with swiftness. O, + be gracious unto me and make Bhima accept me. It hath been said that in a + season of distress one should protect one’s life by any means. He, that + seeketh to discharge that duty should not scruple about the means. He, + that in a season of distress keepeth his virtue, is the foremost of + virtuous men. Indeed, distress is the greatest danger to virtue and + virtuous men. It is virtue that protecteth life; therefore is virtue + called the giver of life. Hence the means by which virtue or the + observance of a duty is secured can never be censurable.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Hidimva, Yudhishthira said. ‘It is even so, O + Hidimva, as thou sayest. There is no doubt of it. But, O thou of slender + waist, thou must act even as thou hast said. Bhima will, after he hath + washed himself and said his prayers and performed the usual propitiatory + rites, pay his attentions to thee till the sun sets. Sport thou with him + as thou likest during the day, O thou that art endued with the speed of + the mind! But thou must bring back Bhimasena hither every day at + nightfall.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Bhima, expressing his assent to all that + Yudhishthira said, addressed Hidimva, saying, ‘Listen to me, O Rakshasa + woman! Truly do I make this engagement with thee that I will stay with + thee, O thou of slender waist, until thou obtainest a son.’ Then Hidimva, + saying, ‘So be it,’ took Bhima upon her body and sped through the sides. + On mountain peaks of picturesque scenery and regions sacred to the gods, + abounding with dappled herds and echoing with the melodies of feathered + tribes, herself assuming the handsomest form decked with every ornament + and pouring forth at times mellifluous strains. Hidimva sported with the + Pandava and studied to make him happy. So also, in inaccessible regions of + forests, and on mountain-breasts overgrown with blossoming trees on lakes + resplendent with lotuses and lilies, islands of rivers and their pebbly + banks, on sylvan streams with beautiful banks and mountain-currents, in + picturesque woods with blossoming trees and creepers in Himalayan bowers, + and various caves, on crystal pools smiling with lotuses, on sea-shores + shining with gold and pearls, in beautiful towns and fine gardens, in + woods sacred to the gods and on hill-sides, in the regions of Guhyakas and + ascetics, on the banks of Manasarovara abounding with fruits and flowers + of every season Hidimva, assuming the handsomest form, sported with Bhima + and studied to make him happy. Endued with the speed of the mind, she + sported with Bhima in all these regions, till in time, she conceived and + brought forth a mighty son begotten upon her by the Pandava. Of terrible + eyes and large mouth and straight arrowy ears, the child was terrible to + behold. Of lips brown as copper and sharp teeth and loud roar, of mighty + arms and great strength and excessive prowess, this child became a mighty + bowman. Of long nose, broad chest, frightfully swelling calves, celerity + of motion and excessive strength, he had nothing human in his countenance, + though born of man. And he excelled (in strength and prowess) all Pisachas + and kindred tribes as well as all Rakshasas. And, O monarch, though a + little child, he grew up a youth the very hour he was born. The mighty + hero soon acquired high proficiency in the use of all weapons. The + Rakshasa women bring forth the very day they conceive, and capable of + assuming any forms at will, they always change their forms. And the + bald-headed child, that mighty bowman, soon after his birth, bowing down + to his mother, touched her feet and the feet also of his father. His + parents then bestowed upon him a name. His mother having remarked that his + head was (bald) like unto a Ghata (water-pot), both his parents thereupon + called him Ghatotkacha (the pot-headed). And Ghatotkacha who was + exceedingly devoted to the Pandavas, became a great favourite with them, + indeed almost one of them. + </p> + <p> + “Then Hidimva, knowing that the period of her stay (with her husband) had + come to an end, saluted the Pandavas and making a new appointment with + them went away whithersoever she liked. And Ghatotkacha also—that + foremost of Rakshasas—promising unto his father that he would come + when wanted on business, saluted them and went away northward. Indeed, it + was the illustrious Indra who created (by lending a portion of himself) + the mighty car-warrior Ghatotkacha as a fit antagonist of Karna of + unrivalled energy, in consequence of the dart he had given unto Karna (and + which was sure to kill the person against whom it would be hurled).’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0159"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Hidimva-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Those mighty car-warriors, the heroic Pandavas, then + went, O king, from forest to forest killing deer and many animals (for + their food). And in the course of their wanderings they saw the countries + of the Matsyas, the Trigartas, the Panchalas and then of the Kichakas, and + also many beautiful woods and lakes therein. And they all had matted locks + on their heads and were attired in barks of trees and the skins of + animals. Indeed, with Kunti in their company those illustrious heroes were + attired in the garbs of ascetics. And those mighty car-warriors sometimes + proceeded in haste, carrying their mother on their backs; and sometimes + they proceeded in disguise, and sometimes again with great celerity. And + they used to study the Rik and the other Vedas and also all the Vedangas + as well as the sciences of morals and politics. And the Pandavas, + conversant with the science of morals, met, in course of their wanderings + their grandfather (Vyasa). And saluting the illustrious + Krishna-Dwaipayana, those chastisers of enemies, with their mother, stood + before him with joined hands.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa then said, ‘Ye bulls of Bharata’s race, I knew beforehand of this + affliction of yours consisting in your deceitful exile by the son of + Dhritarashtra. Knowing this, I have come to you, desirous of doing you + some great good. Do not grieve for what hath befallen you. Know that all + this is for your happiness. Undoubtedly, the sons of Dhritarashtra and you + are all equal in my eye. But men are always partial to those who are in + misfortune or of tender years. It is therefore, that my affection for you + is greater now. And in consequence of that affection, I desire to do you + good. Listen to me! Not far off before you is a delightful town where no + danger can overtake you. Live ye there in disguise, waiting for my + return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Vaisampayana continued, ‘Vyasa, the son of Satyavati, thus comforting the + Pandavas, led them into the town of Ekachakra. And the master also + comforted Kunti, saying, ‘Live, O daughter! This son of thine, + Yudhishthira, ever devoted to truth, this illustrious bull among men, + having by his justice conquered the whole world, will rule over all the + other monarchs of the earth. There is little doubt that, having by means + of Bhima’s and Arjuna’s prowess conquered the whole earth with her belt of + seas, he will enjoy the sovereignty thereof. Thy sons as well as those of + Madri—mighty car-warriors all—will cheerfully sport as + pleaseth them in their dominions. These tigers among men will also perform + various sacrifices, such as the Rajasuya and the horse-sacrifice, in which + the presents unto the Brahmanas are very large. And these thy sons will + rule their ancestral kingdom, maintaining their friends and relatives in + luxury and affluence and happiness.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘With these words Vyasa introduced them into the + dwelling of a Brahmana. And the island-born Rishi, addressing the eldest + of the Pandavas, said, ‘Wait here for me! I will come back to you! By + adapting yourselves to the country and the occasion you will succeed in + becoming very happy.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then, O king, the Pandavas with joined hands said unto the Rishi, ‘So be + it.’ And the illustrious master, the Rishi Vyasa, then went away to the + region whence he had come.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0160"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaka-vadha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya asked, ‘O first of Brahmanas, what did the Pandavas, those + mighty car-warriors, the sons of Kunti, do after arriving at Ekachakra?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Those mighty car-warriors, the sons of Kunti, on + arriving at Ekachakra, lived for a short time in the abode of a Brahmana. + Leading an eleemosynary life, they behold (in course of their wanderings) + various delightful forests and earthly regions, and many rivers and lakes, + and they became great favourites of the inhabitants of that town in + consequence of their own accomplishments. At nightfall they placed before + Kunti all they gathered in their mendicant tours, and Kunti used to divide + the whole amongst them, each taking what was allotted to him. And those + heroic chastisers of foes, with their mother, together took one moiety of + the whole, while the mighty Bhima alone took the other moiety. In this + way, O bull of Bharata’s race, the illustrious Pandavas lived there for + some time. + </p> + <p> + “One day, while those bulls of the Bharata race were out on their tour of + mendicancy, it so happened that Bhima was (at home) with (his mother) + Pritha. That day, O Bharata, Kunti heard a loud and heart-rending wail of + sorrow coming from within the apartments of the Brahmana. Hearing the + inmates of the Brahmana’s house wailing and indulging in piteous + lamentations, Kunti, O king, from compassion and the goodness of her + heart, could not bear it with indifference. Afflicted with sorrow, the + amiable Pritha, addressing Bhima, said these words full of compassion. + ‘Our woes assuaged, we are, O son, living happily in the house of this + Brahmana, respected by him and unknown to Dhritarashtra’s son. O son, I + always think of the good I should do to this Brahmana, like what they do + that live happily in others’ abodes! O child, he is a true man upon whom + favours are never lost. He payeth back to others more than what he + receiveth at their hands. There is no doubt, some affliction hath + overtaken this Brahmana. If we could be of any help to him, we should then + be requiting his services.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of his mother, Bhima said, ‘Ascertain, O mother the + nature of the Brahmana’s distress and whence also it hath arisen. Learning + all about it, relieve it I will however difficult may the task prove.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued ‘While mother and son were thus talking with each + other, they heard again, O king, another wail of sorrow proceeding from + the Brahmana and his wife. Then Kunti quickly entered the inner apartments + of that illustrious Brahmana, like unto a cow running towards her tethered + calf. She beheld the Brahmana with his wife, son and daughter, sitting + with a woeful face, and she heard the Brahmana say, ‘Oh, fie on this + earthly life which is hollow as the reed and so fruitless after all which + is based on sorrow and hath no freedom, and which hath misery for its lot! + Life is sorrow and disease; life is truly a record of misery! The soul is + one: but it hath to pursue virtue, wealth and pleasure. And because these + are pursued at one and the same time, there frequently occurs a + disagreement that is the source of much misery. Some say that salvation is + the highest object of our desire. But I believe it can never be attained. + The acquisition of wealth is hell; the pursuit of wealth is attended with + misery; there is more misery after one has acquired it, for one loves + one’s possessions, and if any mishap befalls them, the possessor becomes + afflicted with woe. I do not see by what means I can escape from this + danger, nor how I can fly hence, with my wife to some region free from + danger. Remember, O wife, that I endeavoured to migrate to some other + place where we would be happy, but thou didst not then listen to me. + Though frequently solicited by me, thou, O simple woman, said to me, ‘I + have been born here, and here have I grown old; this is my ancestral + homestead.’ Thy venerable father, O wife, and thy mother also, have, a + long time ago, ascended to heaven. Thy relations also had all been dead. + Oh why then didst thou yet like to live here? Led by affection for thy + relatives thou didst not then hear what I said. But the time is now come + when thou art to witness the death of a relative. Oh, how sad is that + spectacle for me! Or perhaps the time is come for my own death, for I + shall never be able to abandon cruelly one of my own as long as I myself + am alive. Thou art my helpmate in all good deeds, self-denying and always + affectionate unto me as a mother. The gods have given thee to me as a true + friend and thou art ever my prime stay. Thou hast, by my parents, been + made the participator in my domestic concerns. Thou art of pure lineage + and good disposition, the mother of children, devoted to me, and so + innocent; having chosen and wedded thee with due rites, I cannot abandon + thee, my wife, so constant in thy vows, to save my life. How shall I + myself be able to sacrifice my son a child of tender years and yet without + the hirsute appendages (of manhood)? How shall I sacrifice my daughter + whom I have begotten myself, who hath been placed, as a pledge, in my + hands by the Creator himself for bestowal on a husband and through whom I + hope to enjoy, along with my ancestors, the regions attainable by those + only that have daughters’ sons? Some people think that the father’s + affection for a son is greater; others, that his affection for a daughter + is greater, mine, however, is equal. How can I be prepared to give up the + innocent daughter upon whom rest the regions of bliss obtainable by me in + after life and my own lineage and perpetual happiness? If, again, I + sacrifice myself and go to the other world, I should scarcely know any + peace, for, indeed, it is evident that, left by me these would not be able + to support life. The sacrifice of any of these would be cruel and + censurable. On the other hand, if I sacrifice myself, these, without me, + will certainly perish. The distress into which I have fallen is great; nor + do I know the means of escape. Alas, what course shall I take today with + my near ones. It is well that I should die with all these, for I can live + no longer.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0161"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLX + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaka-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, “On hearing these words of the Brahmana, his wife + said, ‘Thou shouldst not, O Brahmana, grieve like an ordinary man. Nor is + this the time for mourning. Thou hast learning; thou knowest that all men + are sure to die; none should grieve for that which is inevitable. Wife, + son, and daughter, all these are sought for one’s own self. As thou art + possessed of a good understanding, kill thou thy sorrows. I will myself go + there. This indeed, is the highest and the eternal duty of a woman, viz., + that by sacrificing her life she should seek the good of her husband. Such + an act done by me will make thee happy, and bring me fame in this world + and eternal bliss hereafter. This, indeed, is the highest virtue that I + tell thee, and thou mayest, by this, acquire both virtue and happiness. + The object for which one desireth a wife hath already been achieved by + thee through me. I have borne thee a daughter and a son and thus been + freed from the debt I had owed thee. Thou art well able to support and + cherish the children, but I however, can never support and cherish them + like thee. Thou art my life, wealth, and lord; bereft of thee, how shall + these children of tender years—how also shall I myself, exist? + Widowed and masterless, with two children depending on me, how shall I, + without thee, keep alive the pair, myself leading an honest life? If the + daughter of thine is solicited (in marriage) by persons dishonourable and + vain and unworthy of contracting an alliance with thee, how shall I be + able to protect the girl? Indeed, as birds seek with avidity for meat that + hath been thrown away on the ground, so do men solicit a woman that hath + lost her husband. O best of Brahmanas, solicited by wicked men, I may + waver and may not be able to continue in the path that is desired by all + honest men. How shall I be able to place this sole daughter of thy house—this + innocent girl—in the way along which her ancestors have always + walked? How shall I then be able to impart unto this child every desirable + accomplishment to make him virtuous as thyself, in that season of want + when I shall become masterless? Overpowering myself who shall be + masterless, unworthy persons will demand (the hand of) this daughter of + thine, like Sudras desiring to hear the Vedas. And if I bestow not upon + them this girl possessing thy blood and qualities, they may even take her + away by force, like crows carrying away the sacrificial butter. And + beholding thy son become so unlike to thee, and thy daughter placed under + the control of some unworthy persons, I shall be despised in the world by + even persons that are dishonourable, and I will certainly die. These + children also, bereft of me and thee, their father, will, I doubt not, + perish like fish when the water drieth up. There is no doubt that bereft + of thee the three will perish: therefore it behoveth thee to sacrifice me. + O Brahmana, persons conversant with morals have said that for women that + have borne children, to predecease their lords is an act of the highest + merit. Ready am I to abandon this son and this daughter, these my + relations, and life itself, for thee. For a woman to be ever employed in + doing agreeable offices to her lord is a higher duty than sacrifices, + asceticism, vows, and charities of every description. The act, therefore, + which I intend to perform is consonant with the highest virtue and is for + thy good and that of thy race. The wise have declared that children and + relatives and wife and all things held dear are cherished for the purpose + of liberating one’s self from danger and distress. One must guard one’s + wealth for freeing one’s self from danger, and it is by his wealth that he + should cherish and protect his wife. But he must protect his own self both + by (means of) his wife and his wealth. The learned have enunciated the + truth that one’s wife, son, wealth, and house, are acquired with the + intention of providing against accidents, foreseen or unforeseen. The wise + have also said that all one’s relations weighed against one’s own self + would not be equal unto one’s self. Therefore, revered sir, protect thy + own self by abandoning me. O, give me leave to sacrifice myself, and + cherish thou my children. Those that are conversant with the morals have, + in their treatises, said, that women should never be slaughtered and that + Rakshasas are not ignorant of the rules of morality. Therefore, while it + is certain that the Rakshasa will kill a man, it is doubtful whether he + will kill a woman. It behoveth thee, therefore, being conversant with the + rules of morality, to place me before the Rakshasa. I have enjoyed much + happiness, have obtained much that is agreeable to me, and have also + acquired great religious merit. I have also obtained from thee children + that are so dear to me. Therefore, it grieveth not me to die. I have borne + thee children and have also grown old; I am ever desirous of doing good to + thee; remembering all these I have come to this resolution. O revered sir, + abandoning me thou mayest obtain another wife. By her thou mayest again + acquire religious merit. There is no sin in this. For a man polygamy is an + act of merit, but for a woman it is very sinful to betake herself to a + second husband after the first. Considering all this, and remembering too + that sacrifice of thy own self is censurable, O, liberate today without + loss of time thy own self, thy race, and these thy children (by abandoning + me).’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by her, O Bharata, the Brahmana + embraced her, and they both began to weep in silence, afflicted with + grief.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0162"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaka-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘On hearing these words of her afflicted parents, the + daughter was filled with grief, and she addressed them, saying, ‘Why are + you so afflicted and why do you so weep, as if you have none to look after + you? O, listen to me and do what may be proper. There is little doubt that + you are bound in duty to abandon me at a certain time. Sure to abandon me + once, O, abandon me now and save every thing at the expense of me alone. + Men desire to have children, thinking that children would save them (in + this world as well as in the region hereafter). O, cross the stream of + your difficulties by means of my poor self, as if I were a raft. A child + rescueth his parents in this and the other regions; therefore is the child + called by the learned Putra (rescuer). The ancestors desire daughter’s + sons from me (as a special means of salvation). But (without waiting for + my children) I myself will rescue them by protecting the life of my + father. This my brother is of tender years, so there is little doubt that + he will perish if thou diest now. If thou, my father, diest and my brother + followeth thee, the funeral cake of the Pitris will be suspended and they + will be greatly injured. Left behind by my father and brother, and by my + mother also (for she will not survive her husband and son) I shall be + plunged deeper and deeper in woe and ultimately perish in great distress. + There can be little doubt that if thou escape from this danger as also my + mother and infant brother, then thy race and the (ancestral) cake will be + perpetuated. The son is one’s own self; the wife is one’s friend; the + daughter, however, is the source of trouble. Do thou save thyself, + therefore, by removing that source of trouble, and do thou thereby set me + in the path of virtue. As I am a girl, O father, destitute of thee, I + shall be helpless and plunged in woe, and shall have to go everywhere. It + is therefore that I am resolved to rescue my father’s race and share the + merit of that act by accomplishing this difficult task. If thou, O best of + Brahmanas, goest thither (unto the Rakshasa), leaving me here, then I + shall be very much pained. Therefore, O father, be kind to me. O thou best + of men, for our sake, for that of virtue and also thy race, save thyself, + abandoning me, whom at one time thou shall be constrained to part from. + There need be no delay, O father, in doing that which is inevitable. What + can be more painful than that, when thou hast ascended to heaven, we shall + have to go about begging our food, like dogs, from strangers. But if thou + art rescued with thy relations from these difficulties, I shall then live + happily in the region of the celestials. It hath been heard by us that if + after bestowing thy daughter in this way, thou offerest oblations to the + gods and the celestials, they will certainly be propitious.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The Brahmana and his wife, hearing these various + lamentations of their daughter, became sadder than before and the three + began to weep together. Their son, then, of tender years, beholding them + and their daughter thus weeping together, lisped these words in a sweet + tone, his eyes having dilated with delight, ‘Weep not, O father, nor thou, + O mother, nor thou O sister!’ And smilingly did the child approach each of + them, and at last taking up a blade of grass said in glee, ‘With this will + I slay the Rakshasa who eateth human beings!’ Although all of them had + been plunged in woe, yet hearing what the child lisped so sweetly, joy + appeared on their faces. Then Kunti thinking that to be the proper + opportunity, approached the group and said these words. Indeed, her words + revived them as nectar reviveth a person that is dead.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0163"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaka-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + ‘Kunti said, ‘I desire to learn from you the cause of this grief, for I + will remove it, if possible.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmana replied, ‘O thou of ascetic wealth, thy speech is, indeed + worthy of thee. But this grief is incapable of being removed by any human + being. Not far from this town, there liveth a Rakshasa of the name of + Vaka, which cannibal is the lord of this country and town. Thriving on + human flesh, that wretched Rakshasa endued with great strength ruleth this + country. He being the chief of the Asuras, this town and the country in + which it is situate are protected by his might. We have no fear from the + machinations of any enemy, or indeed from any living soul. The fee, + however, fixed for that cannibal is his food, which consists of a + cart-load of rice, two buffaloes, and a human being who conveyeth them + unto him. One after another, the house-holders have to send him this food. + The turn, however, cometh to a particular family at intervals of many long + years. If there are any that seek to avoid it, the Rakshasa slayeth them + with their children and wives and devoureth them all. There is, in this + country, a city called Vetrakiya, where liveth the king of these + territories. He is ignorant of the science of government, and possessed of + little intelligence, he adopts not with care any measure by which these + territories may be rendered safe for all time to come. But we certainly + deserve it all, inasmuch as we live within the dominion of that wretched + and weak monarch in perpetual anxiety. Brahmanas can never be made to + dwell permanently within the dominions of any one, for they are dependent + on nobody, they live rather like birds ranging all countries in perfect + freedom. It hath been said that one must secure a (good) king, then a + wife, and then wealth. It is by the acquisition of these three that one + can rescue his relatives and sons. But as regards the acquisition of these + three, the course of my actions hath been the reverse. Hence, plunged into + a sea of danger, am suffering sorely. That turn, destructive of one’s + family, hath now devolved upon me. I shall have to give unto the Rakshasa + as his fee the food of the aforesaid description and one human being to + boot. I have no wealth to buy a man with. I cannot by any means consent to + part with any one of my family, nor do I see any way of escape from (the + clutches of) that Rakshasa. I am now sunk in an ocean of grief from which + there is no escape. I shall go to that Rakshasa today, attended by all my + family in order that that wretch might devour us all at once’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0164"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaka-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Kunti said, Grieve not at all, O Brahmana, on account of this danger. I + see a way by which to rescue thee from that Rakshasa. Thou hast only one + son, who, besides, is of very tender years, also only one daughter, young + and helpless, so I do not like that any of these, or thy wife, or even + thyself should go unto the Rakshasa. I have five sons, O Brahmana, let one + of them go, carrying in thy behalf tribute of that Rakshasa.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing this, the Brahmana replied, ‘To save my own life I shall never + suffer this to be done. I shall never sacrifice, to save myself, the life + of a Brahmana or of a guest. Indeed, even those that are of low origin and + of sinful practices refuse to do (what thou askest me to do). It is said + that one should sacrifice one’s self and one’s offspring for the benefit + of a Brahmana. I regard this advice excellent and I like to follow it too. + When I have to choose between the death of a Brahmana and that of my own, + I would prefer the latter. The killing of a Brahmana is the highest sin, + and there is no expiation for it. I think a reluctant sacrifice of one’s + own self is better than the reluctant sacrifice of a Brahmana. O blessed + lady, in sacrificing myself I do not become guilty of self-destruction. No + sin can attach to me when another will take my life. But if I deliberately + consent to the death of a Brahmana, it would be a cruel and sinful act, + from the consequence of which there is no escape. The learned have said + that the abandonment of one who hath come to thy house or sought thy + protection, as also the killing of one who seeketh death at thy hands, is + both cruel and sinful. The illustrious among those conversant with + practices allowable in seasons of distress, have before now said that one + should never perform an act that is cruel and censurable. It is well for + me that I should today perish myself with my wife, but I would never + sanction the death of a Brahmana.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kunti said, ‘I too am firmly of opinion, O Brahmana, that Brahmanas + should ever be protected. As regards myself, no son of mine would be less + dear to me even if I had a hundred instead of the five I have. But this + Rakshasa will not be able to kill my son, for that son of mine is endued + with great prowess and energy, and skilled in mantras. He will faithfully + deliver to the Rakshasa his food, but will, I know to a certainty, rescue + himself. I have seen before many mighty Rakshasas of huge bodies engaged + in combat with my heroic son and killed too by him. But, O Brahmana, do + not disclose this fact to anybody, for if it be known, persons desirous of + obtaining this power, will, from curiosity, always trouble my sons. The + wise have said that if my son imparteth any knowledge, without the assent + of his preceptor, unto any person, my son himself will no longer be able + to profit by that knowledge.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed by Pritha, the Brahmana with his wife became exceedingly + glad and assented to Kunti’s speech, which was unto them as nectar. Then + Kunti, accompanied by the Brahmana, went unto the son of Vayu (Bhima) and + asked him to accomplish (that difficult task). Bhima replied unto them, + saying, ‘So be it.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0165"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaka-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After Bhima had pledged himself to accomplish the + task, saying, ‘I will do it,’ the Pandavas, O Bharata, returned home with + the alms they had obtained during the day. Then Yudhishthira, the son of + Pandu from Bhima’s countenance alone, suspected the nature of the task he + had undertaken to accomplish. Sitting by the side of his mother, + Yudhishthira asked her in private, ‘What is the task, O mother, that Bhima + of terrible prowess seeketh to accomplish? Doth he do so at thy command or + of his own accord?’ Kunti replied, ‘Bhima, that chastiser of foes, will at + my command, do this great deed for the good of the Brahmana and the + liberation of this town.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘What rash act hast thou done, O mother! It is + difficult of being performed and almost amounteth to suicide! The learned + never applaud the abandonment of one’s own child. Why dost thou, O mother, + wish to sacrifice thy own child for the sake of another’s? Thou hast, O + mother, by this abandonment of thy child, acted not only against the + course of human practices but also against the teachings of the Vedas, + That Bhima, relying on whose arms we sleep happily in the night and hope + to recover the kingdom of which we have been deprived by the covetous son + of Dhritarashtra, that hero of immeasurable energy, remembering whose + prowess Duryodhana and Sakuni do not sleep a wink during the whole night + and by whose prowess we were rescued from the palace of lac and various + other dangers, that Bhima who caused the death of Purochana, and relying + on whose might we regard ourselves as having already slain the sons of + Dhritarashtra and acquired the whole earth with all her wealth, upon what + considerations, O mother, hast thou resolved upon abandoning him? Hast + thou been deprived of thy reason? Hath thy understanding been clouded by + the calamities thou hast undergone?’ + </p> + <p> + “On hearing these words of her son, Kunti said, ‘O Yudhishthira, thou + needst not be at all anxious on account of Vrikodara. I have not come to + this resolve owing to any weakness of understanding. Respected by him, and + with our sorrows assuaged, we have, O son, been living in the house of + this Brahmana, unknown to the sons of Dhritarashtra. For requiting, O son, + that Brahmana, I have resolved to do this. He, indeed, is a man upon whom + good offices are never lost. The measure of his requital becometh greater + than the measure of the services he receiveth. Beholding the prowess of + Bhima on the occasion of (our escape from) the house of lac, and from the + destruction also of Hidimva, my confidence in Vrikodara is great. The + might of Bhima’s arms is equal unto that of ten thousand elephants. It + was, therefore, that he succeeded in carrying you all, each heavy as an + elephant, from Varanavata. There is no one on earth equal unto Bhima in + might; he may even overcome that foremost of warriors, the holder of the + thunderbolt himself. Soon after his birth he fell from my lap on the + breast of the mountain. By the weight of his body the mass of stone on + which he fell down broke in pieces. From this also, O son of Pandu, I have + come to know Bhima’s might. For this reason have I resolved to set him + against the Brahmana’s foe. I have not acted in this from foolishness or + ignorance or from motive of gain. I have deliberately resolved to do this + virtuous deed. By this act, O Yudhishthira, two objects will be + accomplished; one is a requital of the services rendered by the Brahmana + and the other is the acquisition of high religious merit. It is my + conviction that the Kshatriya who rendereth help unto a Brahmana in + anything acquireth regions of bliss hereafter. So also a Kshatriya who + saveth the life of a Kshatriya achieveth that great fame in this world as + in the other. A Kshatriya rendering help unto a Vaisya also on this earth + certainly acquires world-wide popularity. One of the kingly tribe should + protect even the Sudra who cometh to him for protection. If he doeth so, + in his next life he receiveth his birth in a royal line, commanding + prosperity and the respect of other kings. O scion of Puru’s race, the + illustrious Vyasa of wisdom acquired by hard ascetic toil told me so in + bygone days. It is therefore, that I have resolved upon accomplishing + this.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0166"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaka-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Having heard these words of his mother, Yudhishthira said, ‘What thou, O + mother, hast deliberately done, moved by compassion for the afflicted + Brahmana, is, indeed, excellent Bhima will certainly come back with life, + after having slain the cannibal, inasmuch as thou art, O mother, always + compassionate unto Brahmanas. But tell the Brahmana, O mother, that he + doth not do anything whereby the dwellers in this town may know all about + it, and make him promise to keep thy request.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then, when the night passed away, Bhimasena, the + son of Pandu, taking with him the Rakshasa’s food set out for the place + where the cannibal lived. The mighty son of Pandu, approaching the forest + where the Rakshasa dwelt, began to eat himself the food he carried, + calling loudly to the Rakshasa by name. The Rakshasa, inflamed with anger + at Bhima’s words, came out and approached the place where Bhima was. + </p> + <p> + “Of huge body and great strength, of red eyes, red beard, and red hair, he + was terrible to behold, and he came, pressing deep the earth with his + tread. The opening of his mouth, was from ear to ear and his ears + themselves were straight as arrows. Of grim visage, he had a forehead + furrowed into three lines. Beholding Bhima eating his food, the Rakshasa + advanced, biting his nether lip and expanding his eyes in wrath. And + addressing Bhima he said, ‘Who is this fool, who desiring to go to the + abode of Yama, eateth in my very sight the food intended for me?’ Hearing + these words, Bhima, O Bharata, smiled in derision and disregarding the + Rakshasa, continued eating with averted face. Beholding this, the cannibal + uttered a frightful yell and with both arms upraised ran at Bhima desiring + to kill him, there and then. Even then disregarding the Rakshasa and + casting only a single glance at him, Vrikodara, that slayer of hostile + heroes continued to eat the Rakshasa’s food. Filled with wrath at this, + the Rakshasa struck, from behind with both his arms a heavy blow on the + back of Vrikodara, the son of Kunti. But Bhima, though struck heavily by + the mighty Rakshasa, with both his hands, did not even look up at the + Rakshasa but continued to eat as before. Then the mighty Rakshasa, + inflamed with wrath, tore up a tree and ran at Bhima for striking him + again. Meanwhile the mighty Bhima, that bull among men had leisurely eaten + up the whole of that food and washing himself stood cheerfully for fight. + Then, O Bharata, possessed of great energy, Bhima, smiling in derision, + caught with his left hand the tree hurled at him by the Rakshasa in wrath. + Then that mighty Rakshasa, tearing up many more trees, hurled them at + Bhima, and the Pandava also hurled as many at the Rakshasa. Then, O king, + the combat with trees between that human being and the Rakshasa, became so + terrible that the region around soon became destitute of trees. Then the + Rakshasa, saying that he was none else than Vaka, sprang upon the Pandava + and seized the mighty Bhima with his arms. That mighty hero also clasping + with his own strong arms the strong-armed Rakshasa, and exerting himself + actively, began to drag him violently. Dragged by Bhima and dragging Bhima + also, the cannibal was overcome with great fatigue. The earth began to + tremble in consequence of the strength they both exerted, and large trees + that stood there broke in pieces. Then Bhima, beholding the cannibal + overcome with fatigue, pressed him down on the earth with his knees and + began to strike him with great force. Then placing one knee on the middle + of the Rakshasa’s back, Bhima seized his neck with his right hand and the + cloth on his waist with his left, and bent him double with great force. + The cannibal then roared frightfully. And, O monarch, he also began to + vomit blood while he was being thus broken on Bhima’s knee.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0167"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaka-vadha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said ‘Then Vaka, huge as a mountain, thus broken (on Bhima’s + knee), died, uttering frightful yells. Terrified by these sounds, the + relatives of that Rakshasa came out, O king, with their attendants. Bhima, + that foremost of smiters, seeing them so terrified and deprived of reason, + comforted them and made them promise (to give up cannibalism), saying, ‘Do + not ever again kill human beings. If ye kill men, ye will have to die even + as Vaka.’ Those Rakshasas hearing this speech of Bhima, said, ‘So be it,’ + and gave, O king, the desired promise. From that day, O Bharata, the + Rakshasas (of the region) were seen by the inhabitants of that town to be + very peaceful towards mankind. Then Bhima, dragging the lifeless cannibal, + placed him at one of the gates of the town and went away unobserved by any + one. The kinsmen of Vaka, beholding him slain by the might of Bhima, + became frightened and fled in different directions. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile Bhima, having slain the Rakshasa, returned to the Brahmana’s + abode and related to Yudhishthira all that had happened, in detail. The + next morning the inhabitants of the town in coming out saw the Rakshasa + lying dead on the ground, his body covered with blood. Beholding that + terrible cannibal, huge as a mountain cliff, thus mangled and lying on the + ground, the hair of the spectators stood erect. Returning to Ekachakra, + they soon gave the intelligence. Then, O king, the citizens by thousands + accompanied by their wives, young and old, all began to come to the spot + for beholding the Vaka and they were all amazed at seeing that superhuman + feat. Instantly, O monarch, they began to pray to their gods. Then they + began to calculate whose turn it had been the day before to carry food to + the Rakshasa. And ascertaining this, they all came to that Brahmana and + asked him (to satisfy their curiosity). Thus asked by them repeatedly, + that bull among Brahmanas, desirous of concealing the Pandavas, said these + words unto all the citizens, ‘A certain high-souled Brahmana, skilled in + mantras, beheld me weeping with my relatives after I had been ordered to + supply the Rakshasa’s food. Asking me the cause and ascertaining the + distress of the town, that first of Brahmanas gave me every assurance and + with smiles said, ‘I shall carry the food for that wretched Rakshasa + today. Do not fear for me.’ Saying this he conveyed the food towards the + forest of Vaka. This deed, so beneficial unto us all, hath very certainly + been done by him.’ + </p> + <p> + Then those Brahmanas and Kshatriyas (of the city), hearing this, wondered + much. And the Vaisyas and the Sudras also became exceedingly glad, and + they all established a festival in which the worship of Brahmanas was the + principal ceremony (in remembrance of this Brahmana who had relieved them + from their fears of Vaka). + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0168"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + After this citizens returned to their respective houses and the Pandavas + continued to dwell at Ekachakra as before. + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O Brahmana, what did those tigers among men, the + Pandavas, do after they had slain the Rakshasa Vaka?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The Pandavas, O king, after slaying the Rakshasa + Vaka, continued to dwell in the abode of that Brahmana, employed in the + study of the Vedas. Within a few days there came a Brahmana of rigid vows + unto the abode of their host to take up his quarters there. Their host, + that bull among Brahmanas, ever hospitable unto all guests, worshipping + the newly-arrived Brahmana with due ceremonies, gave him quarters in his + own abode. Then those bulls among men, the Pandavas, with their mother + Kunti, solicited the new lodger to narrate to them his interesting + experiences. The Brahmana spake to them of various countries and shrines + and (holy) rivers, of kings and many wonderful provinces and cities. And + after this narration was over, that Brahmana, O Janamejaya, also spoke of + the wonderful self-choice of Yajnasena’s daughter, the princes of + Panchala, and of the births of Dhrishtadyumna and Sikhandi, and of the + birth, without the intervention of a woman, of Krishna (Draupadi) at the + great sacrifice of Drupada. + </p> + <p> + “Then those bulls among men, the Pandavas, hearing of these extraordinary + facts regarding that illustrious monarch (Drupada), and desiring to know + the details thereof, asked the Brahmana, after his narration was + concluded, to satisfy their curiosity. The Pandavas said, ‘How, O + Brahmana, did the birth of Dhrishtadyumna the son of Drupada, take place + from the (sacrificial) fire? How also did the extraordinary birth of + Krishna take place from the centre of the sacrificial platform? How also + did Drupada’s son learn all weapons from the great bowman Drona? And, O + Brahmana, how and for whom and for what reason was the friendship between + Drona and Drupada broken off?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus questioned, O monarch, by those bulls among + men, the Brahmana narrated all the particulars about the birth of + Draupadi.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0169"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “The Brahmana said, ‘At that region where the Ganga entered the plains + there lived a great Rishi, devoted to the austerest of penances. Of rigid + vows and great wisdom, he bore the name Bharadwaja. One day, on coming to + the Ganga to perform his ablutions, the Rishi saw the Apsara Ghritachi, + who had come before, standing on the bank after her ablutions were over. + And it so happened that a wind arose and disrobed the Apsara standing + there. And the Rishi beholding her thus disrobed, felt the influence of + desire. Though practising the vow of continence from his very youth, as + soon as he felt the influence of desire, the Rishi’s vital fluid came out. + And as it came out, he held it in a pot (drana), and of that fluid thus + preserved in a pot was born a son who came to be called Drona (the + pot-born). And Drona studied all the Vedas and their several branches. And + Bharadwaja had a friend named Prishata who was the king of Panchalas. And + about the time that Drona was born, Prishata also obtained a son named + Drupada. And that bull amongst Kshatriyas, Prishata’s son, going every day + to that asylum of Bharadwaja, played and studied with Drona. And after + Prishata’s death, Drupada succeeded him on the throne. Drona about this + time heard that (the great Brahmana hero) Rama (on the eve of his retiring + into the weeds) was resolved to give away all his wealth. Hearing this, + the son of Bharadwaja repaired unto Rama who was about to retire into the + woods and addressing him, said, ‘O best of Brahmanas, know me to be Drona + who hath come to thee to obtain thy wealth.’ Rama replied, saying, ‘I have + given away everything. All that I now have is this body of mine and my + weapons. O Brahmana, thou mayest ask of me one of these two, either my + body or my weapons.’ Then Drona said, ‘It behoveth thee, sir, to give me + all thy weapons together with (the mysteries of) their use and + withdrawal.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmana continued, ‘Then Rama of Bhrigu’s race, saying, ‘So be it,’ + gave all his weapons unto Drona, who obtaining them regarded himself as + crowned with success. Drona obtaining from Rama the most exalted of all + weapons, called the Brahma weapon, became exceedingly glad and acquired a + decided superiority over all men. Then the son of Bharadwaja, endued with + great prowess went to king Drupada, and approaching that monarch, that + tiger among men, said, ‘Know me for thy friend.’ Hearing this Drupada + said, ‘One of low birth can never be the friend of one whose lineage is + pure, nor can one who is not a car-warrior have a car-warrior for his + friend. So also one who is not a king cannot have a king as his friend. + Why dost thou, therefore, desire (to revive our) former friendship?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmana continued, ‘Drona, gifted with great intelligence, was + extremely mortified at this, and settling in his mind some means of + humiliating the king of the Panchala he went to the capital of the Kurus, + called after the name of an elephant. Then Bhishma, taking with him his + grandsons, presented them unto the wise son of Bharadwaja as his pupils + for instruction, along with various kinds of wealth. Then Drona, desirous + of humiliating king Drupada, called together his disciples and addressed + them, ‘Ye sinless ones, it behoveth you, after you have been accomplished + in arms, to give me as preceptorial fee something that I cherish in my + heart.’ Then Arjuna and others said unto their preceptor, ‘So be it.’—After + a time when the Pandavas became skilled in arms and sure aims, demanding + of them his fee, he again told them these words, ‘Drupada, the son of + Prishata, is the king of Chhatravati. Take away from him his kingdom, and + give it unto me.’ Then the Pandavas, defeating Drupada in battle and + taking him prisoner along with his ministers, offered him unto Drona, who + beholding the vanquished monarch, said, ‘O king, I again solicit thy + friendship; and because none who is not a king deserveth to be the friend + of a king, therefore, O Yajnasena, I am resolved to divide thy kingdom + amongst ourselves. While thou art the king of the country to the south of + Bhagirathi (Ganga), I will rule the country to the north.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmana continued, ‘The king of the Panchalas, thus addressed by the + wise son of Bharadwaja, told that best of Brahmanas and foremost of all + persons conversant with weapons, these words, ‘O high-souled son of + Bharadwaja, blest be thou, let it be so, let there be eternal friendship + between us as thou desirest!’ Thus addressing each other and establishing + a permanent bond between themselves, Drona and the king of Panchala, both + of them chastisers of foes, went away to the places they came from. But + the thought of that humiliation did not leave the king’s mind for a single + moment. Sad at heart, the king began to waste away.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0170"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “The Brahmana continued, ‘King Drupada (after this), distressed at heart, + wandered among many asylums of Brahmanas in search of superior Brahmanas + well-skilled in sacrificial rites. Overwhelmed with grief and eagerly + yearning for children, the king always said, ‘Oh, I have no offspring + surpassing all in accomplishments.’ And the monarch, from great + despondency, always said ‘Oh, fie on those children that I have and on my + relatives!’ And ever thinking of revenging himself on Drona, the monarch + sighed incessantly. And that best of kings, O Bharata, even after much + deliberation, saw no way of overcoming, by his Kshatriya might, the + prowess and discipline and training and accomplishment of Drona. Wandering + along the banks of the Yamuna and the Ganga, the monarch once came upon a + sacred asylum of Brahmanas. There was in that asylum no Brahmana who was + not a Snataka, no one who was not of rigid vows, and none who was not + virtuous to a high degree. And the king saw there two Brahmana sages named + Yaja and Upayaja, both of rigid vows and souls under complete control and + belonging to the most superior order. They were both devoted to the study + of the ancient institutes and sprung from the race of Kasyapa. And those + best of Brahmanas were well-able to help the king in the attainment of his + object. The king then, with great assiduity and singleness of purpose, + began to court this pair of excellent Brahmanas. Ascertaining the superior + accomplishments of the younger of the two the king courted in private + Upayaja of rigid vows, by the offer of every desirable acquisition. + Employed in paying homage to the feet of Upayaja, always addressing in + sweet words and offering him every object of human desire, Drupada, after + worshipping that Brahmana, addressed him (one day), saying, ‘O Upayaja, O + Brahmana, if thou, performest those sacrificial rites by (virtue of) which + I may obtain a son who may slay Drona, I promise thee ten thousand kine, + or whatever else may be agreeable to thee, O first of Brahmanas, truly am + I ready to make gifts to thee.’ Thus addressed by the king, the Rishi + replied, saying, ‘I cannot (perform such rites).’ But Drupada without + accepting this reply as final, once more began to serve and pay homage + unto that Brahmana. Then, after the expiration of a year, Upayaja, that + first of Brahmanas, O monarch, addressing Drupada in sweet tone, said, ‘My + elder brother (Yaja), one day, while wandering through the deep woods, + took up a fruit that had fallen upon a spot the purity of which he cared + not to enquire about. I was following him (at the time) and observed this + unworthy act of his. Indeed, he entertains no scruples in accepting things + impure. In accepting that (particular) fruit he saw not any impropriety of + sinful nature: Indeed, he who observeth not purity (in one instance) is + not very likely to observe it in the other instances. When he lived in the + house of his preceptor, employed in studying the institutes, he always + used to eat (impure) remnants of other people’s feasts. He always speaks + approvingly of food and entertains no dislike for anything. Arguing from + these, I believe that my brother covets earthy acquisitions. Therefore, O + king, go unto him; he will perform spiritual offices for thee.’ Hearing + these words of Upayaja, king Drupada, though entertaining a low opinion of + Yaja, nevertheless went to his abode. Worshipping Yaja who was (still) + worthy of homage, Drupada said unto him, ‘O master, perform thou spiritual + offices for me and I will give thee eighty thousand kine! Enmity with + Drona burneth my heart; it behoveth thee therefore to cool that heart of + mine. Foremost of those conversant with the Vedas, Drona is also skilled + in the Brahma weapon and for this, Drona hath overcome me in a contest + arising from (impaired) friendship. Gifted with great intelligence, the + son of Bharadwaja is (now) the chief preceptor of the Kurus. There is no + Kshatriya in this world superior to him. His bow is full six cubits long + and looks formidable, and his shafts are capable of slaying every living + being. That great bowman, the high-souled son of Bharadwaja, habited as a + Brahmana, is destroying the Kshatriya power all over the earth. Indeed, he + is like a second Jamadagnya intended for the extermination of the + Kshatriya race. There is no man on earth who can overcome the terrible + force of his weapons. Like a blazing fire fed with clarified butter, + Drona, possessed of Brahma might and uniting it with Kshatriya might, + consumeth every antagonist in battle. But (thy) Brahma force is greater in + itself than (Drona’s) Brahma force united with Kshatriya might. Therefore, + as I am inferior (to Drona) in consequence of my possession of Kshatriya + might alone, I solicit the aid of thy Brahma force, having obtained thee + so superior to Drona in knowledge of Brahma. O Yaja, perform that + sacrifice by means of which I may obtain a son invincible in battle and + capable of slaying Drona. Ready am I to give thee ten thousand kine.’ + Hearing these words of Drupada, Yaja said, ‘So be it.’ Yaja then began to + recollect the various ceremonies appertaining to the particular sacrifice. + And knowing the affair to be a very grave one, he asked the assistance of + Upayaja who coveted nothing. Then Yaja promised to perform the sacrifice + for the destruction of Drona. Then the great ascetic Upayaja spoke unto + king Drupada of everything required for the grand sacrifice (by aid of + fire) from which the king was to obtain offspring. And he said, ‘O king, a + child shall be born unto thee, endued, as thou desirest, with great + prowess, great energy, and great strength.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmana continued, ‘Then king Drupada, impelled by the desire of + obtaining a son who was to slay Drona, began, for the success of his wish, + to make the necessary preparations. (And when everything was complete) + Yaja, after having poured libations of clarified butter on the sacrificial + fire, commanded Drupada’s queen, saying, ‘Come hither, O queen, O + daughter-in-law of Prishata! A son and a daughter have arrived for thee!’ + Hearing this, the queen said, ‘O Brahmana, my mouth is yet filled with + saffron and other perfumed things. My body also beareth many sweet scents; + I am hardly fit for accepting (the sanctified butter which is to give me + offspring). Wait for me a little, O Yaja! Wait for that happy + consummation.’ Yaja, however, replied, ‘O lady, whether thou comest or + waitest, why should not the object of this sacrifice be accomplished when + the oblation hath already been prepared by me and sanctified by Upayaja’s + invocations?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmana continued, ‘Having said this, Yaja poured the sanctified + libation on the fire, whereupon arose from those flames a child resembling + a celestial who possessing the effulgence of fire, was terrible to behold. + With a crown on this head and his body encased in excellent armour, sword + in hand, and bearing a bow and arrows, he frequently sent forth loud + roars. And immediately after his birth, he ascended an excellent chariot + and went about in it for some time. Then the Panchalas in great joy + shouted, ‘Excellent, Excellent.’ The very earth seemed at that time unable + to bear the weight of the Panchalas mad with joy. Then, marvellous to say, + the voice of some invisible spirit in the skies said, ‘This prince hath + been born for the destruction of Drona. He shall dispel all the fears of + the Panchalas and spread their fame. He shall also remove the sorrow of + the king.’ And there arose, after this from the centre of the sacrificial + platform, a daughter also, called Panchali, who, blest with great good + fortune, was exceedingly handsome. Her eyes were black, and large as + lotus-petals, her complexion was dark, and her locks were blue and curly. + Her nails were beautifully convex, and bright as burnished copper; her + eye-brows were fair, and bosom was deep. Indeed, she resembled the + veritable daughter of a celestial born among men. Her body gave out + fragrance like that of a blue lotus, perceivable from a distance of full + two miles. Her beauty was such that she had no equal on earth. Like a + celestial herself, she could be desired (in marriage) by a celestial, a + Danava, or a: Yaksha. When this girl of fair hips was born an incorporeal + voice said, ‘This dark-complexioned girl will be the first of all women, + and she will be the cause of the destruction of many Kshatriyas. This + slender-waisted one will, in time, accomplish the purpose of the gods, and + along with her many a danger will overtake the Kauravas.’ On hearing these + words, the Panchalas uttered a loud leonine roar, and the earth was unable + to bear the weight of that joyous concourse. Then beholding the boy and + the girl, the daughter-in-law of Prishata, desiring to have them, + approached Yaja and said, ‘Let not these know any one else except myself + as their mother.’ Yaja, desiring to do good unto the king said, ‘So be + it!’ Then the Brahmanas (present there), their expectations fully + gratified, bestowed names upon the new-born pair, ‘Let this son of king + Drupada, they said, be called Dhrishtadyumna, because of his excessive + audacity and because of his being born like Dyumna with a natural mail and + weapon.’ And they also said, ‘Because this daughter is so dark in + complexion, she should be called Krishna (the dark).’ + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmana continued, ‘Thus were born those twins of the great + sacrifice of Drupada. And the great Drona, bringing the Panchala prince + into his own abode, taught him all weapons in requital of half the kingdom + he had formerly taken from Drupada. The high-souled son of Bharadwaja, + regarding destiny to be inevitable, did what would perpetuate his own + great deeds.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0171"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing these words of the Brahmana, the sons of + Kunti seemed to be, as it were, pierced with darts. Indeed, all those + mighty heroes lost their peace of mind. Then the truthful Kunti, beholding + all her sons listless and inattentive, addressed Yudhishthira and said, + ‘We have now lived many nights in the abode of this Brahmana. We have + passed our time pleasantly in this town, living on the alms obtained from + many honest and illustrious persons. O oppressor of foes, as we have now + seen often and often all the agreeable woods and gardens that are in this + part of the country, seeing them again would no longer give any pleasure. + O heroic scion of Kuru’s race, alms also are not now obtainable here as + easily as before. If thou wishest it would be well for us now to go to + Panchala; we have not seen that country, it will, no doubt, O hero, prove + delightful to us. O crusher of foes, it hath been heard by us that alms + are obtainable in the country of the Panchala, and that Yajnasena, the + king thereof, is devoted to Brahmanas. I am of opinion that it is not good + to live long in one place. Therefore, O son, if thou likest, it is good + for us to go there.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words, Yudhishthira said, ‘It is our duty to obey thy + command, which, besides, must be for our good, I do not, however, know + whether my younger brothers are willing to go.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0172"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Kunti spoke unto Bhimasena and Arjuna and + the twins regarding the journey to Panchala. They all said, ‘So be it.’ + Then, O king, Kunti with her sons saluted the Brahmana (in whose house + they had dwelt) and set out for the delightful town of the illustrious + Drupada.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘While the illustrious Pandavas were living disguised + in the abode of the Brahmana, Vyasa, the son of Satyavati, once went to + see them. Those chastisers of foes, beholding him coming rose up and + stepped onward to receive him. Saluting him reverentially and worshipping + him also the Pandavas stood in silence with joined hands. Thus worshipped + by them the sage became gratified. He asked them to be seated, and + cheerfully addressing them said, ‘Ye slayers of foes, are ye living in the + path of virtue and according to the scriptures? Do ye worship the + Brahmanas? Ye are not, I hope, backward in paying homage unto those that + deserve your homage?’ The illustrious Rishi, after this, spoke many words + of virtuous import, and after discoursing upon many topics of great + interest, he said, ‘An illustrious Rishi, living in a certain hermitage, + had a daughter of tender waist, fair lips, and fine eye-brows, and + possessing every accomplishment. As a consequence of her own acts (in a + past life) the fair maid became very unfortunate. Though chaste and + beautiful, the damsel obtained not a husband. With a sorrowful heart she + thereupon began to practise ascetic penances with the object of obtaining + a husband. She soon gratified by her severe asceticism the god Sankara + (Mahadeva), who became propitious unto her and said unto that illustrious + damsel, ‘Ask thou the boon thou desirest! Blest be thou! I am Sankara + prepared to give thee what thou wilt ask.’ Desirous of benefiting herself, + the maid repeatedly said unto the supreme lord, ‘O give me, a husband + endued with every accomplishment.’ Then Isana (Mahadeva), that foremost of + all speakers, replied unto her, saying, ‘O blessed one, thou shall have + five husbands from among the Bharata princes.’ Thus told, the maiden said + unto the god who had given her that boon, ‘O lord, I desire to have only + one husband through thy grace.’ The god then addressed her again and said + these excellent words, ‘Thou hast, O girl, said full five times, ‘Give me + (a) husband.’ Thou shalt, therefore, in another life have five husbands!’ + Ye princes of Bharata’s line, that damsel of celestial beauty hath been + born in the line of Drupada. The faultless Krishna of Prishata’s line hath + been appointed to be the wife of you all. Ye mighty ones, go therefore, to + the capital of the Panchalas and dwell ye there. There is no doubt that + having obtained her as wife ye shall be very happy.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having said so unto the Pandavas, the + illustrious and blessed grandsire then bade them farewell. The great + ascetic then left them and went to the place whence he had come.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0173"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After Vyasa had gone away, those bulls among men, the + Pandavas, saluted the Brahmana and bade him farewell, and proceeded + (towards Panchala) with joyous hearts and with their mother walking before + them. Those slayers of all foes, in order to reach their destination, + proceeded in a due northerly direction, walking day and night till they + reached a sacred shrine of Siva with the crescent mark on his brow. Then + those tigers among men, the sons of Pandu, arrived at the banks of the + Ganga. Dhananjaya, that mighty car-warrior, walking before them, torch in + hand, for showing the way and guarding them (against wild animals). And it + so happened that at that time the proud king of the Gandharvas, with his + wives, was sporting in that solitary region in the delightful waters of + the Ganga. The king of the Gandharvas heard the tread of the Pandavas as + they approached the river. On hearing the sounds of their foot-steps, the + mighty Gandharvas were inflamed with wrath, and beholding those chastisers + of foes, the Pandavas, approach towards him with their mother, he drew his + frightful bow to a circle and said, ‘It is known that excepting the first + forty seconds the grey twilight preceding nightfall hath been appointed + for the wandering of the Yakshas, the Gandharvas and the Rakshasas, all of + whom are capable of going everywhere at will. The rest of the time hath + been appointed for man to do his work. If therefore, men, wandering during + those moments from greed of gain, come near us, both we and the Rakshasas + slay those fools. Therefore, persons acquainted with the Vedas never + applaud those men—not even kings at the head of their troops—who + approach any pools of water at such a time. Stay ye at a distance, and + approach me not. Know ye not that I am bathing in the waters of the + Bhagirathi? Know that I am Angaraparna the Gandharva, ever relying on my + own strength! I am proud and haughty and am the friend of Kuvera. This my + forest on the banks of the Ganga, where I sport to gratify all my senses, + is called Angaraparna after my own name. Here neither gods, nor Kapalikas, + nor Gandharvas nor Yakshas, can come. How dare ye approach me who am the + brightest jewel on the diadem of Kuvera?’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of the Gandharva, Arjuna said, ‘Blockhead, whether it + be day, night, or twilight, who can bar others from the ocean, the sides + of the Himalayas, and this river? O ranger of the skies, whether the + stomach be empty or full, whether it is night or day, there is no special + time for anybody to come to the Ganga—that foremost of all rivers. + As regards ourselves endued with might, we care not when we disturb thee. + Wicked being, those who are weak in fighting worship thee. This Ganga, + issuing out of the golden peaks of Himavat, falleth into the waters of the + ocean, being distributed into seven streams. They who drink the waters of + these seven streams, viz., Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Vitashtha, Sarayu, + Gomati, and Gandaki, are, cleansed of all their sins. O Gandharva, this + sacred Ganga again, flowing through the celestial region is called there + the Alakananda, It hath again in the region of the Pitris become the + Vaitarani, difficult of being crossed by sinners, and, Krishna-Dwaipayana + himself hath said so. The auspicious and celestial river, capable of + leading to heaven (them that touch its waters), is free from all dangers. + Why dost thou then desire to bar us from it? This act of thine is not in + consonance with eternal virtue. Disregarding thy words, why shall we not + touch the sacred waters of the Bhagirathi free from all dangers and from + which none can bar us?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of Arjuna, Angaraparna + became inflamed with wrath and drawing his bow to a circle began to shoot + his arrows like venomous snakes at the Pandavas. Then Dhananjaya, the son + of Pandu, wielding a good shield and the torch he held in his hand, warded + off all those arrows and addressing the Gandharva again said, ‘O + Gandharva, seek not to terrify those that are skilled in weapons, for + weapons hurled at them vanish like froth. I think, O Gandharva, that ye + are superior (in prowess) to men; therefore shall I fight with thee, using + celestial weapons and not with any crooked means. This fiery weapon (that + I shall hurl at thee), Vrihaspati the revered preceptor of Indra, gave + unto Bharadwaja, from whom it was obtained by Agnivesya, and from + Agnivesya by my preceptor, that foremost of Brahmanas, Drona, who gave it + away to me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Saying these words, the Pandava wrathfully + hurled at the Gandharva that blazing weapon made of fire which burnt the + Gandharva’s chariot in a trice. Deprived of consciousness by the force of + that weapon, the mighty Gandharva was falling, head downward, from his + chariot. Dhananjaya seized him by the hair of his head adorned with + garlands of flowers and thus dragged the unconscious Gandharva towards his + brothers. Beholding this, that Gandharva’s wife Kumbhinasi, desirous of + saving her husband, ran towards Yudhishthira and sought his protection. + The Gandharvi said, ‘O exalted one, extend to me thy protection! O, set my + husband free! O lord, I am Kumbhinasi by name, the wife of this Gandharva, + who seeketh thy protection!’ Beholding her (so afflicted), the mighty + Yudhishthira addressed Arjuna and said, ‘O slayer of foes, O child, who + would slay a foe who hath been vanquished in fight, who hath been deprived + of fame, who is protected by a woman, and who hath no prowess?’ Arjuna + replied, saying, ‘Keep thou thy life, O Gandharva! Go hence, and grieve + not I Yudhishthira, the king of the Kurus, commandeth me to show thee + mercy.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva replied, ‘I have been vanquished by thee, I shall, + therefore, abandon my former name Angaraparna (the blazing vehicle). In + name alone, O friend, I should not be boastful when my pride in my + strength hath been overcome: I have been fortunate in that I have obtained + thee; O Arjuna, that wielder of celestial weapons! I like to impart to + thee the power of (producing) illusions which Gandharvas alone have. My + excellent and variegated chariot hath been burnt by means of thy fiery + weapon. I who had formerly been called after my excellent chariot should + now be called after my burnt chariot. The science of producing illusions + that I have spoken of was formerly obtained by me by ascetic penances. + That science I will today impart to the giver of my life-thy illustrious + self! What good luck doth he not deserve who, after overcoming a foe by + his might, giveth him life when that foe asketh for it? This science is + called Chakshushi. It was communicated by Manu unto Soma and by Soma unto + Viswavasu, and lastly by Viswavasu unto me. Communicated by my preceptor, + that science, having come unto me who am without energy, is gradually + becoming fruitless. I have spoken to thee about its origin and + transmission. Listen now to its power! One may see (by its aid) whatever + one wisheth to see, and in whatever way he liketh (generally or + particularly). One can acquire this science only after standing on one leg + for six months. I shall however, communicate to thee this science without + thyself being obliged to observe any rigid vow. O king, it is for this + knowledge that we are superior to men. And as we are capable of seeing + everything by spiritual sight, we are equal to the gods. O best of men, I + intend to give thee and each of thy brothers a hundred steeds born in the + country of the Gandharvas. Of celestial colour and endued with the speed + of the mind, those horses are employed in bearing the celestial, and the + Gandharvas. They may be lean-fleshed but they tire not, nor doth their + speed suffer on that account. In days of yore the thunderbolt was created + for the chief of the celestials in order that he might slay (the Asura) + Vritra with it. But hurled at Vritra’s head it broke in a thousand pieces. + The celestials worship with reverence those fragments of the thunderbolt. + That which is known in the three worlds as glory is but a portion of the + thunderbolt. The hand of the Brahmana with which he poureth libations on + the sacrificial fire, the chariot upon which the Kshatriya fighteth, the + charity of the Vaisya, and the service of the Sudra rendered unto the + three other classes, are all fragments of the thunderbolt. It hath been + said that horses, forming as they do a portion of the Kshatriya’s chariot, + are, on that account, unslayable. Again horses which form a portion of the + Kshatriya’s chariot, are the offspring of Vadava. Those amongst them that + are born in the region of the Gandharvas can go everywhere and assume any + hue and speed at the will of their owners. These horses of mine that I + give thee will always gratify thy wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “On hearing these words of the Gandharva, Arjuna said, ‘O Gandharva, if + from satisfaction for having obtained thy life at my hands in a situation + of danger, thou givest me thy science, and these horses, I would not + accept thy gift.’ The Gandharva replied, saying, ‘A meeting with an + illustrious person is ever a source of gratification; besides thou hast + given me my life. Gratified with thee, I will give thee my science. That + the obligation, however, may not all be on one side, I will take from + thee, O Vibhatsu, O bull in Bharata’s race, thy excellent and eternal + weapon of fire!’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘I would accept thy horses in exchange for my weapon. Let + our friendship last for ever. O friend, tell us for what we human beings + have to stand in fear of the Gandharvas. Chastisers of foes that we are + and virtuous and conversant with the Vedas, tell us, O Gandharva, why in + travelling in the night-time we have been censured by thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva said, ‘Ye are without wives (though ye have completed the + period of study). Ye are without a particular Asrama (mode of life). + Lastly, ye are out without a Brahmana walking before, therefore, ye sons + of Pandu, ye have been censured by me. The Yakshas, Rakshasas, Gandharvas, + Pisachas, Uragas and Danavas, are possessed of wisdom and intelligence, + and acquainted with the history of the Kuru race. O hero, I have heard too + from Narada and other celestial Rishis about the good deeds of your wise + ancestors. I myself, too, while roaming over the whole earth bounded by + her belt of seas, have witnessed the prowess of thy great race. O Arjuna, + I have personal knowledge of thy preceptor, the illustrious son of + Bharadwaja, celebrated throughout the three worlds for his knowledge of + the Vedas and the science of arms. O tiger in Kuru’s race, O son of + Pritha, I also know Dharma, Vayu, Sakra, the twin Aswins, and Pandu,—these + six perpetuators of Kuru race,—these excellent celestials and human + progenitors of you all. I also know that you five brothers are learned and + high-souled, that ye are foremost of all wielders of weapons, that ye are + brave and virtuous and observant of vows. Knowing that your understanding + and hearts are excellent and your behaviour faultless, I have yet censured + you. For, O thou of Kuru’s race, it behoveth no man endued with might of + arms to bear with patience any ill usage in the sight of his wife. + Especially as, O son of Kunti, our might increaseth during the hours of + darkness, accompanied by my wife I was filled with wrath. O best of + vow-observing men, I have, however, been vanquished by thee in battle. + Listen to me as I tell thee the reasons that have led to my discomfiture. + The Brahmacharya is a very superior mode of life, and as thou art in that + mode now, it is for this, O Partha, that I have been defeated by thee in + battle. O chastiser of foes, if any married Kshatriya fight with us at + night, he can never escape, with life. But, O Partha, a married Kshatriya, + who is sanctified with Brahma, and who hath assigned the cares of his + State to a priest, might vanquish! all wanderers in the night. O child of + Tapati, men should therefore, ever employ learned priests possessing + self-command for the acquisition of every good luck they desire. That + Brahmana is worthy of being the king’s priest who is learned in the Vedas + and the six branches thereof, who is pure and truthful, who is of virtuous + soul and possessed of self-command. The monarch becometh ever victorious + and finally earneth heaven who hath for his priest a Brahmana conversant + with the rules of morality, who is a master of words, and is pure and of + good behaviour. The king should always select an accomplished priest in + order to acquire what he hath not and protect what he hath. He who + desireth his own prosperity should ever be guided by his priest, for he + may then obtain ever the whole earth surrounded by her belt of seas. O son + of Tapati, a king, who is without a Brahmana, can never acquire any land + by his bravery or glory of birth alone. Know, therefore, O perpetuator of + Kuru’s race, that the kingdom lasteth for ever in which Brahmanas have + power.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0174"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Thou hast addressed me (more than once) as Tapatya. I + therefore wish to know what the precise significance of this word is, O + virtuous Gandharva, being sons of Kunti, we are, indeed, Kaunteyas. But + who is Tapati that we should be called Tapatyas?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed, the Gandharva related to + Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, the (following) story well-known in the + three worlds.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva said, ‘O son of Pritha, O foremost of all intelligent men, + I will duly recite to you in full this charming narrative. O, listen with + attention to what I say in explanation of why I have addressed thee as + Tapatya. That one in heaven who pervadeth by his light the whole firmament + had a daughter named Tapati equal unto himself. Tapati, the daughter of + the god Vivaswat, was the younger sister of Savitri, and she was + celebrated throughout the three worlds and devoted to ascetic penances. + There was no woman amongst the celestials, the Asuras, the Yakshas, the + Rakshasas, the Apsaras, and the Gandharvas, who was equal to her in + beauty. Of perfect, symmetrical and faultless features, of black and large + eyes, and in beautiful attire, the girl was chaste and of perfect conduct. + And, O Bharata, seeing her Savitri (the sun) thought that there was none + in the three worlds who, for his beauty, accomplishments, behaviour, and + learning, deserved to be her husband. Beholding her attain the age of + puberty and, therefore, worthy of being bestowed on a husband, her father + knew no peace of mind, always thinking of the person he should select. At + that time, O son of Kunti, Riksha’s son, that bull amongst the Kurus, the + mighty king Samvarana, was duly worshipping Surya with offerings of Arghya + and flower-garlands and scents, and with vows and fasts and ascetic + penances of various kinds. Indeed, Samvarana was worshipping Surya + constantly in all his glory, with devotion and humility and piety. And + beholding Samvarana conversant with all rules of virtue and unequalled on + earth for beauty, Surya regarded him as the fit husband for his daughter, + Tapati. And, O thou of Kuru’s race, Vivaswat then resolved to bestow his + daughter on that best of kings, viz., Samvarana, the scion of a race of + world-wide fame. As Surya himself in the heavens filleth the firmament + with his splendour, so did king Samvarana on earth fill every region with + the splendour of his good achievements. And all men, O Partha, except + Brahmanas, worshipped Samvarana. Blest with good luck, king Samvarana + excelled Soma in soothing the hearts of friends and Surya in scorching the + hearts of foes. And, O Kaurava, Tapana (Surya) himself was resolved upon + bestowing his daughter Tapati upon king Samvarana, who was possessed of + such virtues and accomplishments. + </p> + <p> + “Once on a time, O Partha, king Samvarana, endued with beauty (of person) + and immeasurable prowess, went on a hunting expedition to the under-woods + on the mountain-breast. While wandering in quest of deer, the excellent + steed the king rode, overcome, O Partha, with hunger, thirst and fatigue, + died on the mountains. Abandoning the steed, the king, O Arjuna, began to + wander about upon the mountain-breast on foot and in course of his + wandering the monarch saw a maiden of large eyes and unrivalled beauty, + That grinder of hostile host—that tiger among kings—himself + without a companion, beholding there that maiden without a companion, + stood motionless gazing at her steadfastly. For her beauty, the monarch + for some moment believed her to be (the goddess) Sri herself. Next he + regarded her to be the embodiment of the rays emanating from Surya. In + splendour of her person she resembled a flame of fire, though in benignity + and loveliness she resembled a spotless digit of the moon. And standing on + the mountain-breast, the black-eyed maiden appeared like a bright statue + of gold. The mountain itself with its creepers and plants, because of the + beauty and attire of that damsel, seemed to be converted into gold. The + sight of that maiden inspired the monarch with a contempt for all women + that he had seen before. By beholding her, the king regarded his eye-sight + truly blessed. Nothing the king had seen from the day of his birth could + equal, he thought, the beauty of that girl. The king’s heart and eyes were + captivated by that damsel, as if they were bound with a cord and he + remained rooted to that spot, deprived of his senses. The monarch thought + that the artificer of so much beauty had created it only after churning + the whole world of gods Asuras and human beings. Entertaining these + various thoughts, king Samvarana regarded that maiden as unrivalled in the + three worlds for wealth of beauty. + </p> + <p> + “And the monarch of pure descent, beholding the beautiful maiden, was + pierced with Kama’s (Cupid’s) shafts and lost his peace of mind. Burnt + with the strong flame of desire the king asked that charming maiden, still + innocent, though in her full youth, saying, ‘Who art thou and whose? Why + also dost thou stay here? O thou of sweet smiles, why dost thou wander + alone in these solitary woods? Of every feature perfectly faultless, and + decked with every ornament, thou seemest to be the coveted ornament of + these ornaments themselves! Thou seemest not to be of celestial or Asura + or Yaksha or Rakshasa or Naga or Gandharva or human origin. O excellent + lady, the best of women that I have ever seen or heard of would not + compare with thee in beauty! O thou of handsome face, at sight of thee + lovelier than the moon and graced with eyes like lotus-petals, the god of + desire is grinding me.’ + </p> + <p> + “King Samvarana thus addressed that damsel in the forest, who however, + spoke not a word unto the monarch burning with desire. Instead, like + lightning in the clouds, that large-eyed maiden quickly disappeared in the + very sight of the monarch. The king then wandered through the whole + forest, like one out of his senses, in search of that girl of eyes like + lotus-petals. Failing to find her, that best of monarchs indulged in + copious lamentations and for a time stood motionless with grief.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0175"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘When that maiden disappeared, that feller of + hostile ranks deprived of his senses by Kama (concupiscence) himself fell + down on the earth. And as the monarch fell down, that maiden of sweet + smiles and prominent and round hips appeared again before him, and smiling + sweetly, said unto that perpetuator of Kuru’s race these honeyed words, + ‘Rise, rise, O chastiser of foes! Blest be thou; it behoveth thee not, O + tiger among kings, to lose thy reason, a celebrated man as thou art in the + world.’ Addressed in these honeyed words, the king opened his eyes and saw + before him that selfsame girl of swelling hips. The monarch who was + burning with the flame of desire then addressed that black-eyed damsel in + accents, weak with emotion, and said, ‘Blest be thou O excellent woman of + black eyes! As I am burning with desire and paying thee court, O, accept + me! My life is ebbing away. O thou of large eyes, for thy sake it is, O + thou of the splendour of the filaments of the lotus, that Kama is + incessantly piercing me with his keen shafts without stopping for a + moment! O amiable and cheerful girl, I have been bitten by Kama who is + even like a venomous viper. O thou of swelling and large hips, have mercy + on me! O thou of handsome and faultless features, O thou of face like unto + the lotus-petal or the moon, O thou of voice sweet as that of singing + Kinnaras, my life now depends on thee! Without thee, O timid one, I am + unable to live! O thou of eyes like lotus-petals, Kama is piercing me + incessantly! O large-eyed girl, be merciful unto me! It becometh thee not, + O black-eyed maid, to cast me off; O handsome girl, it behoveth thee to + relieve me from such affliction by giving me thy love! At first sight thou + hast attracted my heart. My mind wandereth! Beholding thee I like not to + cast my eyes on any other woman! Be merciful! I am thy obedient slave—thy + adorer! O, accept me! O beautiful lady, O large-eyed girl at the sight of + thee, the god of desire hath entered my heart, and is piercing me with his + shafts! O thou of lotus-eyes, the flame of desire burneth within me! O, + extinguish that flame with the water of thy love poured on it! O beautiful + lady, by becoming mine, pacify thou the irrepressible god of desire that + hath appeared here armed with his deadly bow and arrows and that is + piercing me incessantly with those keen shafts of his! O thou of the + fairest complexion, wed me according to the Gandharva form, for, O thou of + tapering hips, of all forms of marriage the Gandharva hath been said to be + the best.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Hearing those words of the monarch, Tapati made + answer, ‘O king, I am not the mistress of my own self! Be it known that I + am a maiden under the control of my father. If thou really entertainest an + affection for me, demand me of my father. Thou sayest, O king, that thy + heart hath been robbed by me. But thou also hast, at first sight, robbed + me of my heart; I am not the mistress of my body, and therefore, O best of + kings, I do not approach thee; women are never independent. What girl is + there in the three worlds that would not desire thee for her husband, as + thou art kind unto all thy dependents and as thou art born in a pure race? + Therefore, when the opportunity comes, ask my father Aditya for my hand + with worship, ascetic penances, and vows. If my father bestoweth me upon + thee, then, O king, I shall ever be thy obedient wife. My name is Tapati + and I am the younger sister of Savitri, and the daughter, O bull amongst + Kshatriyas of Savitri, of (Sun) the illuminator of the universe.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0176"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Saying this, Tapati of faultless features, + ascended the skies. The monarch thereupon again fell down on the earth. + His ministers and followers searching for him throughout the forest at + length came upon him lying on that solitary spot, and beholding that + excellent king, that mighty bowman, thus lying forsaken on the ground like + a rainbow dropped from the firmament, his minister-in-chief became like + one burnt by a flame of fire. Advancing hastily with affection and + respect, the minister raised that best of monarchs lying prostrate on the + ground and deprived of his senses by desire. Old in wisdom as in age, old + in achievements as in policy, the minister, after having raised the + prostrate monarch, became easy (in mind). Addressing the king in sweet + words that were also for his good, he said, ‘Blest be thou, O sinless one! + Fear not, O tiger among kings!’ The minister thought that the monarch, + that great feller of hostile ranks in battle, had been lying on the ground + overcome with hunger, thirst, and fatigue. The old man then sprinkled over + the crownless head of the monarch water that was cold and rendered + fragrant with lotus-petals. Slowly regaining his consciousness, the mighty + monarch sent away all his attendants with the exception of his minister + only. After those attendants had retired at his command, the king sat upon + the mountain-breast. Having purified himself duly, the king sat upon that + chief of mountains, and began, with joined palms and upturned face, to + worship Surya. King Samvarana, that smiter of all foes, thought also of + his chief priest Vasishtha, that best of Rishis. The king continued to sit + there day and night without intermission. The Brahmana sage Vasishtha came + there on the twelfth day: that great Rishi of soul under perfect command + knew at once by his ascetic power that the monarch had lost his senses in + consequence of Tapati. And that virtuous and best of Munis, as soon as he + knew this, desirous of benefiting the monarch who was ever observant of + vows, addressed him and gave him every assurance. The illustrious Rishi, + in the very sight of that monarch, ascended upward to interview Surya, + himself possessed of the splendour of that luminary. The Brahmana then + approached with joined hands the god of a thousand rays and introduced + himself cheerfully unto him, saying, ‘I am Vasishtha.’ Then Vivaswat of + great energy said unto that best of Rishis, ‘Welcome art thou, O great + Rishi! Tell me what is in thy mind. O thou of great good fortune, whatever + thou demandest of me, O foremost of eloquent men, I will confer on thee, + however difficult it may be for me!’ Thus addressed by Surya, the Rishi of + great ascetic merit, bowing unto the god of light, replied, saying, ‘O + Vibhavasu, this thy daughter, Tapati, the younger sister of Savitri, I ask + of thee for Samvarana! That monarch is of mighty achievements, conversant + with virtue, and of high soul. O firmament-ranger, Samvarana will make a + worthy husband for thy daughter.’ Thus addressed by the Rishi Vibhakara, + resolved upon bestowing his daughter upon Samvarana, saluted the Rishi, + and replied unto him, saying, ‘Oh, Samvarana is the best of monarchs, thou + art the best of Rishis, Tapati is the best of women. What should we do, + therefore, but bestow her on Samvarana?’ With these words, the god Tapana, + made over his daughter, Tapati, of every feature perfectly faultless, unto + the illustrious Vasishtha to bestow her upon Samvarana. And the great + Rishi then accepted the girl, Tapati, and taking leave of Surya, came back + to the spot, where that bull amongst the Kurus, of celestial achievements, + was. King Samvarana, possessed by love and with his heart fixed on Tapati, + beholding that celestial maiden of sweet smiles led by Vasishtha, became + exceedingly glad. And Tapati of fair eyebrows came down from the firmament + like lightning from the clouds, dazzling the ten points of the heavens. + And the illustrious Rishi Vasishtha of pure soul approached the monarch + after the latter’s twelve nights’ vow was over. It was thus that king + Samvarana obtained a wife after having worshipped with like the full moon. + And that mighty bowman, that foremost one in Kuru’s race having his + curiosity greatly excited by what he heard of Vasishtha’s ascetic power, + asked the Gandharva, saying, ‘I desire to hear of the Rishi whom thou hast + mentioned as Vasishtha. O, tell me in full about him! O chief of the + Gandharvas, tell me who this illustrious Rishi was that was the priest of + our forefathers.’ The Gandharva replied, ‘Vasishtha is Brahma’s spiritual + (lit, mind-born) son and Arundhati’s husband. Ever difficult of being + conquered by the very immortals, Desire and Wrath, conquered by + Vasishtha’s ascetic penances, used to shampoo his feet. Though his wrath + was excited by Viswamitra’s offence, that high-souled Rishi did not yet + exterminate Kusikas (the tribe whose king Viswamitra was). Afflicted at + the loss of his sons, he did not, as though powerless, though really + otherwise, do any dreadful act destructive of Viswamitra, Like the ocean + transgressing not its continents, Vasishtha transgressed not (the laws of) + Yama by bringing back his children from the domains of the king of the + dead. It was by obtaining that illustrious one who had conquered his own + self that Ikshvaku and other great monarchs acquired the whole earth. And, + O prince of Kuru’s race, it was by obtaining Vasishtha, that best of + Rishis as their priest, that those monarchs performed many grand + sacrifices. And, O best of the Pandavas, that regenerate Rishi assisted + these monarchs in the performance of their sacrifices like Vrihaspati + assisting the immortals. Therefore, look ye for some accomplished and + desirable Brahmana conversant with the Vedas and in whose heart virtue + prevails, to appoint as your priest. A Kshatriya of good lineage, desirous + of extending his dominions by conquering the earth, should, O Partha, + first appoint a priest. He who is desirous of conquering the earth should + have a Brahmana before him. Therefore, O Arjuna, let some accomplished and + learned Brahmana, who has his senses under complete control and who is + conversant with religion, profit and pleasure, be your priest.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SECT"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Section CLXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing this, Arjuna said, ‘O Gandharva, whence + arose the hostility between Viswamitra and Vasishtha both of whom dwelt in + a celestial hermitage? O, tell us all about it.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva replied, ‘O Partha, the story of Vasishtha is regarded as a + Purana (legend) in all the three worlds. Listen to me as I recite it + fully. There was, in Kanyakuvja, O bull of Bharata’s race, a great king of + worldwide fame named Gadhi, the son of Kusika. The virtuous Gadhi had a + son named Viswamitra, that grinder of foes, possessing a large army and + many animals and vehicles. And Viswamitra, accompanied by his ministers, + used to roam in quest of deer through the deep woods and over picturesque + marascetic penances the propitious lord Vivaswat, by the help of + Vasishtha’s (ascetic power). And Samvarana, that bull among men with due + rites took Tapati’s hand on that mountain-breast which was resorted to by + the celestials and the Gandharvas. The royal sage, with the permission of + Vasishtha, desired to sport with his wife on that mountain. And the king + caused Vasishtha, to be proclaimed his regent in his capital and kingdom, + in the woods and gardens. And bidding farewell unto the monarch, Vasishtha + left him and went away. Samvarana, who sported on that mountain like a + celestial, sported with his wife in the woods and the under-woods on that + mountain for twelve full years. And, O best of the Bharatas, the god of a + thousand eyes poured no rain for twelve years on the capital and on the + kingdom of that monarch. Then, O chastiser of enemies, when that season of + drought broke out, the people of that kingdom, as also the trees and lower + animals began to die fast. And during the continuance of that dreadful + drought, not even a drop of dew fell from the skies and no corn grew. And + the inhabitants in despair, and afflicted with the fear of hunger, left + their homes and fled away in all directions. And the famished people of + the capital and the country began to abandon their wives and children and + grew reckless of one another. The people being afflicted with hunger, + without a morsel of food and reduced to skeletons, the capital looked very + much like the city of the king of the dead, full of only ghostly beings. + On beholding the capital reduced to such a state, the illustrious and + virtuous and best of Rishis, Vasishtha was resolved upon applying a remedy + and brought back unto the city that tiger among kings, Samvarana, along + with his wife, after the latter had passed so long a period in solitude + and seclusion. After the king had entered his capital, things became as + before, for, when that tiger among kings came back to his own, the god of + a thousand eyes, the slayer of Asuras, poured rain in abundance and caused + corn to grow. Revivified by the foremost of virtuous souls the capital and + the country became animated with extreme joy. The monarch, with his wife, + Tapati, once more performed sacrifices for twelve years, like the lord + Indra (god of rain) performing sacrifices with his wife, Sachi.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘This, O Partha, is the history of Tapati of + old, the daughter of Vivaswat. It is for her that thou art (called) + Tapatya. King Samvarana begot upon Tapati a son named Kuru, who was the + foremost of ascetics. Born in the race of Kuru, thou art, O Arjuna, to be + called Tapatya.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0178"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘That bull among the Bharatas, Arjuna, hearing these + words of the Gandharva, was inspired with feelings of devotion and stood + shes (???—JBH), killing deer and wild boars. Once on a time, while + out in quest of deer, the king became weak with exertion and thirst. The + monarch arrived in that state at the asylum of Vasishtha, and the blessed + and illustrious Rishi beholding him arrive, reverenced with his homage + that best of men, king Viswamitra. And O Bharata, the Rishi saluted the + monarch by offering him water to wash his face and feet with, and Arghya, + and wild fruits, and clarified butter. For the illustrious Rishi had a cow + yielding anything that was desired of her. When she was addressed, saying, + ‘O give’,—she always yielded the article that was sought. And she + yielded various fruits and corn, wild or grown in gardens and fields, and + milk, and many excellent nutritive viands full of six different kinds of + juice (taste?) and like unto nectar itself, and various other kinds of + enjoyable things, O Arjuna, of ambrosial taste for drinking and eating, + and for licking and sucking, and also many precious gems and robes of + various kinds. With these desirable objects in profusion the monarch was + worshipped. And the king with his minister and troops became highly + pleased. And the monarch wondered much, beholding that cow with six + elevated limbs and the beautiful flanks and hips, and five limbs that were + broad, and eyes prominent like those of the frog and beautiful in size, + and high udders, and faultless make, and straight and uplifted ears, and + handsome horns, and well-developed head and neck. + </p> + <p> + “And, O prince, the son of Gadhi, gratified with everything and applauding + the cow named Nandini, addressed the Rishi, saying, ‘O Brahmana, O great + Muni, give me thy Naridini in exchange for ten thousand kine, or my + kingdom. Enjoy thou my kingdom (giving me thy cow).’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Viswamitra, Vasishtha said, ‘O sinless one, this + cow hath been kept by me for the sake of the gods, guests, and the Pitris, + as also for my sacrifices. I cannot give Nandini in exchange for even thy + kingdom.’ Viswamitra replied, ‘I am a Kshatriya, but thou art a Brahmana + devoted to asceticism and study. Is there any energy in Brahmanas who are + peaceful and who have their souls under perfect command? When thou givest + me not what I desire in exchange even for ten thousand cows, I will not + abandon the practice of my order; I will take thy cow even by force!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasishtha said, ‘Thou art a Kshatriya endued with might of arms. Thou art + a powerful monarch. O, do in haste what thou desirest; and stop not to + consider its propriety.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Thus addressed by Vasishtha, Viswamitra, O + Partha, then forcibly seized Nandini, that cow (white) like the swan or + the moon, and attempted to take her away, afflicting her with stripes and + persecuting her otherwise. The innocent Nandini then began, O Partha, to + low piteously, and approaching the illustrious Vasishtha stood before him + with uplifted face. Though persecuted very cruelly, she refused to leave + the Rishi’s asylum.’ + </p> + <p> + “Beholding her in that plight, Vasishtha said, ‘O amiable one, thou art + lowing repeatedly and I am hearing thy cries. But, O Nandini, even + Viswamitra is taking thee away by force, what can I do in this matter, as + I am a forgiving Brahmana?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Then, O bull in Bharata’s race, Nandini, + alarmed at the sight of Viswamitra’s troops and terrified by Viswamitra + himself, approached the Rishi still closer, and said, ‘O illustrious one, + why art thou so indifferent to my poor self afflicted with the stripes of + the cruel troops of Viswamitra and crying so piteously as if I were + masterless?’ Hearing these words of the crying and persecuted Nandini, the + great Rishi lost not his patience nor turned from his vow of forgiveness. + He replied, ‘The Kshatriya’s might lies in physical strength, the + Brahmana’s in forgiveness. Because I cannot give up forgiveness, go thou, + O Nandini, if thou choosest.’ Nandini answered, ‘Castest thou me away, O + illustrious one, that thou sayest so? If thou dost not cast me off, I + cannot, O Brahmana, be taken away by force.’ Vasishtha said, ‘O blessed + one, I do not cast thee off! Stay if thou canst! O, yonder is thy calf, + tied with a stout cord, and even now being weakened by it!’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Then the cow of Vasishtha, hearing the word + stay, raised her head and neck upward, and became terrible to behold. With + eyes red with rage and lowing repeatedly, she then attacked Viswamitra’s + troops on all sides. Afflicted with their stripes and running hither and + thither with those red eyes of hers, her wrath increased. Blazing with + rage, she soon became terrible to behold like unto the sun in his midday + glory. And from her tail she began to rain showers of burning coals all + around. And some moments after, from her tail she brought forth an army of + Palhavas, and from her udders, an army of Dravidas and Sakas; and from her + womb, an army of Yavanas, and from her dung, an army of Savaras; and from + her urine, an army of Kanchis; and from her sides, an army of Savaras. And + from the froth of her mouth came out hosts of Paundras and Kiratas, + Yavanas and Sinhalas, and the barbarous tribes of Khasas and Chivukas and + Pulindas and Chinas and Hunas with Keralas, and numerous other Mlechchhas. + And that vast army of Mlechchhas in various uniforms, and armed with + various weapons, as soon as it sprang into life, deploying in the very + sight of Viswamitra, attacked that monarch’s soldiers. And so numerous was + that Mlechchha host that each particular soldier of Viswamitra was + attacked by a band of six or seven of their enemies. Assailed with a + mighty shower of weapons, Viswamitra’s troops broke and fled, + panic-stricken, in all directions, before his very eyes. But, O bull in + Bharata’s race, the troops of Vasishtha, though excited with wrath, took + not the life of any of Viswamitra’s troops. Nandini simply caused the + monarch’s army to be routed and driven off. And driven (from the asylum) + twenty-seven full miles, panic-stricken, they shrieked aloud and beheld + not anyone that could protect them. Viswamitra, beholding this wonderful + feat that resulted from Brahmana prowess, became disgusted with Kshatriya + prowess and said, ‘O, fie on Kshatriya prowess! Brahmana prowess is true + prowess! In judging of strength and weakness, I see that asceticism is + true strength.’ Saying this, the monarch, abandoning his large domains and + regal splendour and turning his back upon all pleasures, set his mind on + asceticism. Crowned with success in asceticism and filling the three + worlds with the heat of his ascetic penances, he afflicted all creatures + and finally became a Brahmana. The son of Kusika at last drank Soma with + Indra himself (in Heaven).’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0179"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘There was, O Partha, a king in this world, + named Kalmashapada, who was of the race of Ikshvaku and was unequalled on + earth for prowess. One day the king went from his capital into the woods + for purposes of hunting, and this grinder of foes pierced (with his + arrows) many deer and wild boars. And in those deep woods the king also + slew many rhinoceroses. Engaged in sport for some length of time, the + monarch became very much fatigued and at last he gave up the chase, + desiring to rest awhile. + </p> + <p> + “The great Viswamitra, endued with energy, had, a little while ago, + desired to make that monarch his disciple. As the monarch, afflicted with + hunger and thirst, was proceeding through the woods, he came across that + best of Rishis, the illustrious son of Vasishtha, coming along the same + path. The king ever victorious in battle saw that Muni bearing the name of + Saktri, that illustrious propagator of Vasishtha’s race, the eldest of the + high-souled Vasishtha’s hundred sons, coming along from opposite + direction. The king, beholding him said, ‘Stand out of our way.’ The + Rishi, addressing the monarch in a conciliatory manner, said unto him + sweetly, ‘O king, this is my way. This is the eternal rule of morality + indicated in every treatise on duty and religion, viz., that a king should + ever make way for Brahmanas.’ Thus did they address each other respecting + their right of way. ‘Stand aside, stand aside’, were the words they said + unto each other. The Rishi, who was in the right, did not yield, nor did + the king yield to him from pride and anger. That best of monarchs, enraged + at the Rishi, refusing to yield him the way, acted like a Rakshasa, + striking him with his whip. Thus whipped by the monarch, that best of + Rishis, the son of Vasishtha, was deprived of his senses by anger, and + speedily cursed that first of monarchs, saying, ‘O worst of kings, since + thou persecutest like a Rakshasa an ascetic, thou shalt from this day, + became a Rakshasa subsisting on human flesh! Hence, thou worst of kings! + thou shalt wander over the earth, affecting human form!’ Thus did the + Rishi Sakti, endued with great prowess, speak unto king Kalmashapada. At + this time Viswamitra, between whom and Vasishtha there was a dispute about + the discipleship of Kalmashapada, approached the place where that monarch + and Vasishtha’s son were. And, O Partha, that Rishi of severe ascetic + penances, viz., Viswamitra of great energy, approached the pair (knowing + by his spiritual insight that they had been thus quarrelling with each + other). After the curse had been pronounced, that best of monarchs knew + that Rishi to be Vasishtha’s son and equal unto Vasishtha himself in + energy. And, O Bharata, Viswamitra, desirous of benefiting himself, + remained on that spot, concealed from the sight of both by making himself + invisible. Then that best of monarchs, thus cursed by Saktri, desiring to + propitiate the Rishi began to humbly beseech him. And, O chief of the + Kurus, Viswamitra, ascertaining the disposition of the king (and fearing + that the difference might be made up), ordered a Rakshasa to enter the + body of the king. And a Rakshasa of the name of Kinkara then entered the + monarch’s body in obedience to Saktri’s curse and Viswamitra’s command. + And knowing, O chastiser of foes, that the Rakshasa had possessed himself + of the monarch, that best of Rishis, Viswamitra, then left the spot and + went away. + </p> + <p> + “Shortly after, O Partha, the monarch, possessed by the Rakshasa and + terribly afflicted by him, lost all his senses. At this time a Brahmana + beheld the king in the woods. Afflicted with hunger, that Brahmana begged + of the king some food with meat. The royal sage, Kalmashapada, that + cherisher of friends, answered the Brahmana, saying, ‘Stay thou here, O + Brahmana for a moment. On my return, I will give thee whatever food thou + desirest.’ Having said this, the monarch went away, but the Brahmana + stayed on there. The high-minded king having roved for some time at + pleasure and according to his will, at last entered his inner apartment. + Thus waking at midnight and remembering his promise, he summoned his cook + and told him of his promise unto the Brahmana staying in the forest. And + he commanded him, saying, ‘Hie thee to that forest. A Brahmana waiteth for + me in the hope of food. Go and entertain him with food and meat.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Thus commanded, the cook went out in search of + meat. Distressed at not having found any, he informed the king of his + failure. The monarch, however, possessed as he was by the Rakshasa, + repeatedly said, without scruple of any kind, ‘Feed him with human flesh.’ + The cook, saying, ‘So be it,’ went to the place where the (king’s) + executioners were, and thence taking human flesh and washing and cooking + it duly and covering it with boiled rice offered it unto that hungry + Brahmana devoted to ascetic penances. But that best of Brahmanas, seeing + with his spiritual sight that the food was unholy and, therefore, unworthy + of being eaten, said these words with eyes red with anger, ‘Because that + worst of kings offereth me food that is unholy and unworthy of being + taken, therefore that wretch shall have himself a fondness for such food. + And becoming fond of human flesh as cursed by Saktri of old, the wretch + shall wander over the earth, alarming and otherwise troubling all + creatures.’ The curse, therefore, on that king, thus repeated a second + time, became very strong, and the king, possessed by a Rakshasa + disposition, soon lost all his senses. + </p> + <p> + “A little while after, O Bharata, that best of monarchs, deprived of all + his senses by the Rakshasa within him, beholding Saktri who had cursed + him, said, ‘Because thou hast pronounced on me this extraordinary curse, + therefore, I shall begin my life of cannibalism by devouring thee.’ Having + said this, the king immediately slew Saktri and ate him up, like a tiger + eating the animal it was fond of. Beholding Saktri thus slain and + devoured, Viswamitra repeatedly urged that Rakshasa (who was within the + monarch) against the other sons of Vasishtha. Like a wrathful lion + devouring small animals, that Rakshasa soon devoured the other sons of the + illustrious Vasishtha that were junior to Saktri in age. But Vasishtha, + learning that all his sons had been caused to be slain by Viswamitra, + patiently bore his grief like the great mountain that bears the earth. + That best of Munis, that foremost of intelligent men, was resolved rather + to sacrifice his own life than exterminate (in anger) the race of Kusikas. + The illustrious Rishi threw himself down from the summit of Meru, but he + descended on the stony ground as though on a heap of cotton. And, O son of + Pandu, when the illustrious one found that death did not result from that + fall, he kindled a huge fire in the forest and entered it with alacrity. + But that fire, though burning brightly, consumed him not. O slayer of + foes, that blazing fire seemed to him cool. Then the great Muni under the + influence of grief, beholding the sea, tied a stony weight to his neck and + threw himself into its waters. But the waves soon cast him ashore. At last + when that Brahmana of rigid vows succeeded not in killing himself by any + means, he returned, in distress of heart, to his asylum.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0180"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Beholding his asylum bereft of his children, + the Muni afflicted with great grief left it again. And in course of his + wandering he saw, O Partha, a river swollen with the waters of the rainy + season, sweeping away numberless trees and plants that had grown on its + margin. Beholding this, O thou of Kuru’s race, the distressed Muni + thinking that he would certainly be drowned if he fell into the waters of + that river, he tied himself strongly with several cords and flung himself, + under the influence of grief, into the current of that mighty stream. But, + O slayer of foes, that stream soon cut those cords and cast the Rishi + ashore. And the Rishi rose from the bank, freed from the cords with which + he had tied himself. And because his cords were thus broken off by the + violence of the current, the Rishi called the stream by the name of Vipasa + (the cord-breaker). For his grief the Muni could not, from that time, stay + in one place; he began to wander over mountains and along rivers and + lakes. And beholding once again a river named Haimavati (flowing from + Himavat) of terrible aspect and full of fierce crocodiles and other + (aquatic) monsters, the Rishi threw himself into it, but the river + mistaking the Brahmana for a mass of (unquenchable) fire, immediately flew + in a hundred different directions, and hath been known ever since by the + name of the Satadru (the river of a hundred courses). Seeing himself on + the dry land even there he exclaimed, ‘O, I cannot die by my own hands!’ + Saying this, the Rishi once more bent his steps towards his asylum. + Crossing numberless mountains and countries, as he was about to re-enter + his asylum, he was followed by his daughter-in-law named Adrisyanti. As + she neared him, he heard the sound from behind of a very intelligent + recitation of the Vedas with the six graces of elocution. Hearing that + sound, the Rishi asked, ‘Who is it that followeth me?’ His daughter-in-law + then answered, ‘I am Adrisyanti, the wife of Saktri. I am helpless, though + devoted to asceticism.’ Hearing her, Vasishtha said, ‘O daughter, whose is + this voice that I heard, repeating the Vedas along with the Angas like + unto the voice of Saktri reciting the Vedas with the Angas?’ Adrisyanti + answered, ‘I bear in my womb a child by thy son Saktri. He hath been here + full twelve years. The voice thou hearest is that of the Muni, who is + reciting the Vedas.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Thus addressed by her the illustrious Vasishtha + became exceedingly glad. And saying, ‘O, there is a child (of my race)!’—he + refrained, O Partha, from self-destruction. The sinless one accompanied by + his daughter-in-law, then returned to his asylum. And the Rishi saw one + day in the solitary woods (the Rakshasa) Kalmashapada. The king, O + Bharata, possessed by fierce Rakshasa, as he saw the Rishi, became filled + with wrath and rose up, desiring to devour him. And Adrisyanti beholding + before her that the Rakshasa of cruel deeds, addressed Vasishtha in these + words, full of anxiety and fear, ‘O illustrious one, the cruel Rakshasa, + like unto Death himself armed with (his) fierce club, cometh towards us + with a wooden club in hand! There is none else on earth, except thee, O + illustrious one, and, O foremost of all that are conversant with the Vedas + to restrain him today. Protect me, O illustrious one, from this cruel + wretch of terrible mien. Surely, the Rakshasa cometh hither to devour us’ + Vasishtha, hearing this, said, ‘Fear not, O daughter, there is no need of + any fear from any Rakshasa. This one is no Rakshasa from whom thou + apprehendest such imminent danger. This is king Kalmashapada endued with + great energy and celebrated on earth. That terrible man dwelleth in these + woods.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Beholding him advancing, the illustrious Rishi + Vasishtha, endued with great energy, restrained him, O Bharata, by + uttering the sound Hum. Sprinkling him again with water sanctified with + incantations the Rishi freed the monarch from that terrible curse. For + twelve years the monarch had been overwhelmed by the energy of Vasishtha’s + son like Surya seized by the planet (Rahu) during the season of an + eclipse. Freed from the Rakshasa the monarch illumined that large forest + by his splendour like the sun illumining the evening clouds. Recovering + his power of reason, the king saluted that best of Rishis with joined + palms and said, ‘O illustrious one, I am the son of Sudasa and thy + disciple, O best of Munis! O, tell me what is thy pleasure and what I am + to do.’ Vasishtha replied, saying, ‘My desire hath already been + accomplished. Return now to thy kingdom and rule thy subjects. And, O + chief of men, never insult Brahmanas any more.’ The monarch replied, ‘O + illustrious one, I shall never more insult superior Brahmanas. In + obedience to thy command I shall always worship Brahmanas. But, O best of + Brahmanas, I desire to obtain from thee that by which, O foremost of all + that are conversant with the Vedas, I may be freed from the debt I owe to + the race of Ikshvaku! O best of men, it behoveth thee to grant me, for the + perpetuation of Ikshvaku’s race, a desirable son possessing beauty and + accomplishments and good behaviour.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Thus addressed, Vasishtha, that best of + Brahmanas devoted to truth replied unto that mighty bowman of a monarch, + saying, ‘I will give you.’ After some time, O prince of men, Vasishtha, + accompanied by the monarch, went to the latter’s capital known all over + the earth by the name of Ayodhya. The citizens in great joy came out to + receive the sinless and illustrious one, like the dwellers in heaven + coming out to receive their chief. The monarch, accompanied by Vasishtha, + re-entered his auspicious capital after a long time. The citizens of + Ayodhya beheld their king accompanied by his priest, as if he were the + rising sun. The monarch who was superior to everyone in beauty filled by + his splendour the whole town of Ayodhya, like the autumnal moon filling by + his splendour the whole firmament. And the excellent city itself, in + consequence of its streets having been watered and swept, and of the rows + of banners and pendants beautifying it all around, gladdened the monarch’s + heart. And, O prince of Kuru’s race, the city filled as it was with joyous + and healthy souls, in consequence of his presence, looked gay like + Amaravati with the presence of the chief of the celestials. After the + royal sage had entered his capital, the queen, at the king’s command, + approached Vasishtha. The great Rishi, making a covenant with her, united + himself with her according to the high ordinance. And after a little + while, when the queen conceived, that best of Rishis, receiving the + reverential salutations of the king, went back to his asylum. The queen + bore the embryo in her womb for a long time. When she saw that she did not + bring forth anything, she tore open her womb by a piece of stone. It was + then that at the twelfth year (of the conception) was born Asmaka, that + bull amongst men, that royal sage who founded (the city of) Paudanya.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0181"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Then, O Partha, Adrisyanti, who had been + residing in Vasishtha’s asylum, brought forth (when the time came) a son + who was the perpetuator of Saktri’s race and who was a second Saktri in + everything. O foremost of Bharatas, that best of Munis, the illustrious + Vasishtha himself performed the usual after-birth ceremonies of his + grandson. And, because the Rishi Vasishtha had resolved on + self-destruction but had abstained therefrom as soon as he knew of the + existence of that child, that child, when born, was called Parasara (the + vivifier of the dead). The virtuous Parasara, from the day of his birth, + knew Vasishtha for his father and behaved towards the Muni as such. One + day, O son of Kunti, the child addressed Vasishtha, that first of Brahmana + sages, as father, in the presence of his mother Adrisyanti. Adrisyanti, + hearing the very intelligible sound father sweetly uttered by her son, + addressed him with tearful eyes and said, ‘O child, do not address this + thy grandfather as father? Thy father, O son, has been devoured by a + Rakshasa in a different forest. O innocent one, he is not thy father whom + thou regardest so. The revered one is the father of that celebrated father + of thine.’ Thus addressed by his mother that best of Rishis of truthful + speech, gave way to sorrow, but soon fired up and resolved to destroy the + whole creation. Then that illustrious and great ascetic Vasishtha, that + foremost of all persons conversant with Brahma, that son of Mitravaruna, + that Rishi acquainted with positive truth, addressed his grandson who had + set his heart upon the destruction of the world. Hear, O Arjuna, the + arguments by which Vasishtha succeeded in driving out that resolution from + his grandson’s mind.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Then Vasishtha said, ‘There was a celebrated + king of the name of Kritavirya. That bull among the kings of the earth was + the disciple of the Veda-knowing Bhrigus. That king, O child, after + performing the Soma sacrifice, gratified the Brahmanas with great presents + of rice and wealth. After that monarch had ascended to heaven, an occasion + came when his descendants were in want of wealth. And knowing that the + Bhrigus were rich, those princes went unto those best of Brahmanas, in the + guise of beggars. Some amongst the Bhrigus, to protect their wealth, + buried it under earth; and some from fear of the Kshatriyas, began to give + away their wealth unto (other) Brahmanas; while some amongst them duly + gave unto the Kshatriyas whatever they wanted. It happened, however, that + some Kshatriyas, in digging as they pleased at the house of particular + Bhargava, came upon a large treasure. And the treasure was seen by all + those bulls among Kshatriyas who had been there. Enraged at what they + regarded as the deceitful behaviour of the Bhrigus, the Kshatriyas + insulted the Brahmanas, though the latter asked for mercy. And those + mighty bowmen began to slaughter the Bhrigus with their sharp arrows. And + the Kshatriyas wandered over the earth, slaughtering even the embryos that + were in the wombs of the women of the Bhrigu race. And while the Bhrigu + race was thus being exterminated, the women of that tribe fled from fear + to the inaccessible mountains of Himavat. And one amongst these women, of + tapering thighs, desiring to perpetuate her husband’s race, held in one of + her thighs an embryo endued with great energy. A certain Brahmana woman, + however, who came to know this fact, went from fear unto the Kshatriyas + and reported the matter unto them. And the Kshatriyas then went to destroy + that embryo. Arrived at the place, they beheld the would-be mother blazing + with inborn energy, and the child that was in her thigh came out tearing + up the thigh and dazzling the eyes of those Kshatriyas like the midday + sun. Thus deprived of their eyes, the Kshatriyas began to wander over + those inaccessible mountains. And distressed at the loss of sight, the + princes were afflicted with woe, and desirous of regaining the use of + their eyes they resolved to seek the protection of that faultless woman. + Then those Kshatriyas, afflicted with sorrow, and from loss of sight like + unto a fire that hath gone out, addressed with anxious hearts that + illustrious lady, saying, ‘By thy grace. O lady, we wish to be restored to + sight. We shall then return to our homes all together and abstain for ever + from our sinful practice. O handsome one, it behoveth thee with thy child + to show us mercy. It behoveth thee to favour these kings by granting them + their eye-sight.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0182"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vasishtha continued, ‘The Brahmana lady, thus addressed by them, said, + ‘Ye children, I have not robbed you of your eye-sight, nor am I angry with + you. This child, however, of the Bhrigu race hath certainly been angry + with you. There is little doubt, ye children, that ye have been robbed of + your sight by that illustrious child whose wrath hath been kindled at the + remembrance of the slaughter of his race. Ye children, while ye were + destroying even the embryos of the Bhrigu race, this child was held by me + in my thigh for a hundred years! And in order that the prosperity of + Bhrigu’s race might be restored, the entire Vedas with their branches came + unto this one even while he was in the womb. It is plain that this scion + of the Bhrigu race, enraged at the slaughter of his fathers, desireth to + slay you! It is by his celestial energy that your eyes have been scorched. + Therefore, ye children, pray ye unto this my excellent child born of my + thigh. Propitiated by your homage he may restore your eye-sight.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasishtha continued, ‘Hearing those words of the Brahmana lady, all these + princes addressed the thigh-born child, saying, ‘Be propitious!’ And the + child became propitious unto them. And that best of Brahmana Rishis, in + consequence of his having been born after tearing open his mother’s thigh, + came to be known throughout the three worlds by the name of Aurva + (thigh-born). And those princes regaining their eye-sight went away. But + the Muni Aurva of the Bhrigu race resolved upon overcoming the whole + world. And the high-souled Rishi set his heart, O child, upon the + destruction of every creature in the world. And that scion of the Bhrigu + race, for paying homage (as he regarded) unto his slaughtered ancestors, + devoted himself to the austerest of penances with the object of destroying + the whole world. And desirous of gratifying his ancestors, the Rishi + afflicted by his severe asceticism the three worlds with the celestials, + the Asuras and human beings. The Pitris, then, learning what the child of + their race was about, all came from their own region unto the Rishi and + addressing him said: + </p> + <p> + ‘Aurva, O son, fierce thou hast been in thy asceticism. Thy power hath + been witnessed by us. Be propitious unto the three worlds. O, control thy + wrath. O child, it was not from incapacity that the Bhrigus of souls under + complete control were, all of them, indifferent to their own destruction + at the hands of the murderous Kshatriyas. O child, when we grew weary of + the long periods of life alloted to us, it was then that we desired our + own destruction through the instrumentality of the Kshatriyas. The wealth + that the Bhrigus had placed in their house underground had been placed + only with the object of enraging the Kshatriyas and picking a quarrel with + them. O thou best of Brahmanas, as we were desirous of heaven, of what use + could wealth be to us? The treasurer of heaven (Kuvera) had kept a large + treasure for us. When we found that death could not, by any means, + overtake us all, it was then, O child, that we regarded this as the best + means (of compassing our desire). They who commit suicide never attain to + regions that are blessed. Reflecting upon this, we abstained from + self-destruction. That which, therefore thou desirest to do is not + agreeable to us. Restrain thy mind, therefore, from the sinful act of + destroying the whole world. O child, destroy not the Kshatriyas nor the + seven worlds. O, kill this wrath of thine that staineth thy ascetic + energy.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0183"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “The Gandharva said, ‘Vasishtha after this, continued the narration + saying, ‘Hearing these words of the Pitris, Aurva, O child, replied unto + them to this effect: + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye Pitris, the vow I have made from anger for the destruction of all the + worlds, must not go in vain. I cannot consent to be one whose anger and + vows are futile. Like fire consuming dry woods, this rage of mine will + certainly consume me if I do not accomplish my vow. The man that + represseth his wrath that hath been excited by (adequate) cause, becometh + incapable of duly compassing the three ends of life (viz., religion, + profit and pleasure). The wrath that kings desirous of subjugating the + whole earth exhibit, is not without its uses. It serveth to restrain the + wicked and to protect the honest. While lying unborn within my mother’s + thigh, I heard the doleful cries of my mother and other women of the + Bhrigu race who were then being exterminated by the Kshatriyas. Ye Pitris, + when those wretches of Kshatriyas began to exterminate the Bhrigus + together with unborn children of their race, it was then that wrath filled + my soul. My mother and the other women of our race, each in an advanced + state of pregnancy, and my father, while terribly alarmed, found not in + all the worlds a single protector. Then when the Bhrigu women found not a + single protector, my mother held me in one of her thighs. If there be a + punisher of crimes in the worlds no one in all the worlds would dare + commit a crime; if he findeth not a punisher, the number of sinners + becometh large. The man who having the power to prevent or punish sin doth + not do so knowing that a sin hath been committed, is himself defiled by + that sin. When kings and others, capable of protecting my fathers, protect + them not, postponing that duty preferring the pleasures of life, I have + just cause to be enraged with them. I am the lord of the creation, capable + of punishing its iniquity. I am incapable of obeying your command. Capable + of punishing this crime, if I abstain from so doing, men will once more + have to undergo a similar persecution. The fire of my wrath too that is + ready to consume the worlds, if repressed, will certainly consume by its + own energy my own self. Ye masters, I know that ye ever seek the good of + the worlds: direct me, therefore, as to what may benefit both myself and + the worlds.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasishtha continued, ‘The Pitris replied saying, O, throw this fire that + is born of thy wrath and that desireth to consume the worlds, into the + waters. That will do thee good. The worlds, indeed, are all dependent on + water (as their elementary cause). Every juicy substance containeth water, + indeed the whole universe is made of water. Therefore, O thou best of + Brahmanas, cast thou this fire of thy wrath into the waters. If, + therefore, thou desirest it, O Brahmana, let this fire born of thy wrath + abide in the great ocean, consuming the waters thereof, for it hath been + said that the worlds are made of water. In this way, O thou sinless one, + thy word will be rendered true, and the worlds with the gods will not be + destroyed.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasishtha continued, ‘Then, O child, Aurva cast the fire of his wrath + into the abode of Varuna. And that fire which consumeth the waters of the + great ocean, became like unto a large horse’s head which persons + conversant with the Vedas call by the name of Vadavamukha. And emitting + itself from that mouth it consumeth the waters of the mighty ocean. Blest + be thou! It behoveth not thee, therefore, to destroy the worlds. O thou + Parasara, who art acquainted with the higher regions, thou foremost of + wise men!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0184"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘The Brahmana sage (Parasara) thus addressed by + the illustrious Vasishtha restrained his wrath from destroying the worlds. + But the Rishi Parasara endued with great energy—the son of Saktri—the + foremost of all persons acquainted with the Vedas—performed a grand + Rakshasa sacrifice. And remembering the slaughter of (his father) Saktri, + the great Muni began to consume the Rakshasas, young and old, in the + sacrifice he performed. And Vasishtha did not restrain him from this + slaughter of the Rakshasa, from the determination of not obstructing this + second vow (of his grandson). And in that sacrifice the great Muni + Parasara sat before three blazing fires, himself like unto a fourth fire. + And the son of Saktri, like the Sun just emerging from the clouds, + illuminated the whole firmament by that stainless sacrifice of his into + which large were the libations poured of clarified butter. Then Vasishtha + and the other Rishis regarded that Muni blazing with his own energy as if + he were the second Sun. Then the great Rishi Atri of liberal soul desirous + of ending that sacrifice, an achievement highly difficult for others,—came + to that place. And there also came, O thou slayer of all foes, Pulastya + and Pulaha, and Kratu the performer of many great sacrifices, all + influenced by the desire of saving the Rakshasas. And, O thou bull of the + Bharata race, Pulastya then, seeing that many Rakshasas had already been + slain, told these words unto Parasara that oppressor of all enemies: + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no obstruction, I hope, to this sacrifice of thine, O child! + Takest thou any pleasure, O child, in this slaughter of even all those + innocent Rakshasas that know nothing of thy father’s death. It behoveth + thee not to destroy any creatures thus. This, O child, is not the + occupation of a Brahmana devoted to asceticism. Peace is the highest + virtue. Therefore, O Parasara, establish thou peace. How hast thou, O + Parasara, being so superior, engaged thyself in such a sinful practice? It + behoveth not thee to transgress against Saktri himself who was + well-acquainted with all rules of morality. It behoveth not thee to + extirpate any creatures. O descendant of Vasishtha’s race, that which + befell thy father was brought about by his own curse. It was for his own + fault that Saktri was taken hence unto heaven. O Muni, no Rakshasa was + capable of devouring Saktri; he himself provided for his own death. And, O + Parasara, Viswamitra was only a blind instrument in that matter. Both + Saktri and Kalmashapada, having ascended to heaven are enjoying great + happiness. And, the other sons also of the great Rishi Vasishtha who were + younger than Saktri, are even now enjoying themselves with the celestials. + And, O child, O offspring of Vasishtha’s son, thou hast also been, in this + sacrifice, only an instrument in the destruction of these innocent + Rakshasas. O, blest be thou! Abandon this sacrifice of thine. Let it come + to an end.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva continued, ‘Thus addressed by Pulastya, as also by the + intelligent Vasishtha, that mighty Muni—the son of Saktri then + brought that sacrifice to an end. And the Rishi cast the fire that he had + ignited for the purpose of the Rakshasas’ sacrifice into the deep woods on + the north of the Himavat. And that fire may be seen to this day consuming + Rakshasas and trees and stones in all seasons.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0185"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Arjuna asked, ‘What for, O Gandharva, did king Kalmashapada command his + queen to go unto that foremost of all persons conversant with the Vedas—the + master Vasishtha? Why also did that illustrious and great Rishi Vasishtha + himself who was acquainted with every rule of morality know a woman he + should not have known? O friend, was this an act of sin on the part of + Vasishtha? It behoveth thee to remove the doubts I entertain and refer to + thee for solution.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva replied, saying, ‘O irrepressible Dhananjaya, listen to me + as I answer the question thou hast asked in respect of Vasishtha and king + Kalmashapada that cherisher of friends. O thou best of the Bharatas, I + have told thee all about the curse of king Kalmashapada by Saktri, the + illustrious son of Vasishtha. Brought under the influence of the curse, + that smiter of all foes—king Kalmashapada—with eyes whirling + in anger went out of his capital accompanied by his wife. And entering + with his wife the solitary woods the king began to wander about. And one + day while the king under the influence of the curse was wandering through + that forest abounding in several kinds of deer and various other animals + and overgrown with numerous large trees and shrubs and creepers and + resounding with terrible cries, he became exceedingly hungry. And the + monarch thereupon began to search for some food. Pinched with hunger, the + king at last saw, in a very solitary part of the woods, a Brahmana and his + wife enjoying each other. Alarmed at beholding the monarch the couple ran + away, their desire ungratified. Pursuing the retreating pair, the king + forcibly seized the Brahmana. Then the Brahmani, beholding her lord + seized, addressed the monarch, saying, ‘Listen to what I say, O monarch of + excellent vows! It is known all over the world that thou art born in the + solar race, and that thou art ever vigilant in the practice of morality + and devoted to the service of thy superiors. It behoveth thee not to + commit sin, O thou irrepressible one, deprived though thou hast been of + thy senses by (the Rishi’s) curse. My season hath come, and wishful of my + husband’s company I was connected with him. I have not been gratified yet. + Be propitious unto us, O thou best of kings! Liberate my husband.’ The + monarch, however, without listening to her cries cruelly devoured her + husband like a tiger devouring its desirable prey. Possessed with wrath at + this sight, the tears that that woman shed blazed up like fire and + consumed everything in that place. Afflicted with grief at the calamity + that overtook her lord, the Brahmani in anger cursed the royal sage + Kalmashapada, ‘Vile wretch, since thou hast today cruelly devoured under + my very nose my illustrious husband dear unto me, even before my desires + have been gratified, therefore shall thou, O wicked one afflicted by my + curse, meet with instant death when thou goest in for thy wife in season. + And thy wife, O wretch, shall bring forth a son uniting herself with that + Rishi Vasishtha whose children have been devoured by thee. And that child, + O worst of kings, shall be the perpetuator of thy race.’ And cursing the + monarch thus, that lady of Angira’s house bearing every auspicious mark, + entered the blazing fire in the very sight of the monarch. And, O thou + oppressor of all foes, the illustrious and exalted Vasishtha by his + ascetic power and spiritual insight immediately knew all. And long after + this, when the king became freed from his curse, he approached his wife + Madayanati when her season came. But Madayanati softly sent him away. + Under the influence of passion the monarch had no recollection of that + curse. Hearing, however, the words of his wife, the best of kings became + terribly alarmed. And recollecting the curse he repented bitterly of what + he had done. It was for this reason, O thou best of men, that the monarch + infected with the Brahmani’s curse, appointed Vasishtha to beget a son + upon his queen.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0186"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Chaitraratha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Arjuna asked, ‘O Gandharva, thou art acquainted with everything. Tell us, + therefore, which Veda-knowing Brahmana is worthy to be appointed as our + priest.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Gandharva replied, ‘There is in these woods a shrine of the name of + Utkochaka. Dhaumya, the younger brother of Devala is engaged there in + ascetic penances. Appoint him, if ye desire, your priest.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Arjuna, highly pleased with everything that had + happened, gave unto that Gandharva, his weapon of fire with befitting + ceremonies. And addressing him, the Pandava also said, ‘O thou best of + Gandharvas, let the horses thou givest us remain with thee for a time. + When the occasion cometh, we will take them from thee. Blest be thou.’ + Then the Gandharva and the Pandavas, respectfully saluting each other, + left the delightful banks of the Bhagirathi and went wheresoever they + desired. Then, O Bharata, the Pandavas going to Utkochaka, the sacred + asylum of Dhaumya installed Dhaumya as their priest. And Dhaumya, the + foremost of all conversant with the Vedas, receiving them with presents of + wild fruits and (edible) roots, consented to become their priest. And the + Pandavas with their mother forming the sixth of the company, having + obtained that Brahmana as their priest regarded their sovereignty and + kingdom as already regained and the daughter of the Panchala king as + already obtained in the Swayamavara. And those bulls of the Bharata race, + having obtained the master Dhaumya as their priest, also regarded + themselves as placed under a powerful protector. And the high-souled + Dhaumya, acquainted with the true meaning of the Vedas and every rule of + morality, becoming the spiritual preceptor of the virtuous Pandavas, made + them his Yajamanas (spiritual disciples). And that Brahmana, beholding + those heroes endued with intelligence and strength and perseverance like + unto the celestials, regarded them as already restored, by virtue of their + own accomplishments to their sovereignty and kingdom. Then those kings of + men, having had benedictions uttered upon them by that Brahmana, resolved + to go, accompanied by him, to the Swayamvara of the Princess of + Panchala.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0187"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Swayamvara Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then those tigers among men—those brothers—the + five Pandavas, set out for Panchala to behold that country and Draupadi + and the festivities (in view of her marriage). And those tigers among men—those + oppressors of all enemies—in going along with their mother, saw on + the way numerous Brahmanas proceeding together. And those Brahmanas who + were all Brahmacharis beholding the Pandavas, O king, asked them, ‘Where + are ye going to? Whence also are ye come?’ And Yudhishthira replied unto + them, saying, ‘Ye bulls among Brahmanas, know ye that we are uterine + brothers proceeding together with our mother. We are coming even from + Ekachakra.’ The Brahmanas then said, ‘Go ye this very day to the abode of + Drupada in the country of the Panchalas. A great Swayamvara takes place + there, on which a large sum of money will be spent. We also are proceeding + thither. Let us all go together. Extraordinary festivities will take place + (in Drupada’s abode). The illustrious Yajnasena, otherwise called Drupada, + had a daughter risen from the centre of the sacrificial altar. Of eyes + like lotus-petals and of faultless features endued with youth and + intelligence, she is extremely beautiful. And the slender-waisted Draupadi + of every feature perfectly faultless, and whose body emitteth a fragrance + like unto that of the blue lotus for two full miles around, is the sister + of the strong-armed Dhrishtadyumna gifted with great prowess—the + (would-be) slayer of Drona—who was born with natural mail and sword + and bow and arrows from the blazing fire, himself like unto the second + Fire. And that daughter of Yajnasena will select a husband from among the + invited princes. And we are repairing thither to behold her and the + festivities on the occasion, like unto the festivities of heaven. And to + that Swayamvara will come from various lands kings and princes who are + performers of sacrifices in which the presents to the Brahmanas are large: + who are devoted to study, are holy, illustrious, and of rigid vows; who + are young and handsome; and who are mighty car-warriors and accomplished + in arms. Desirous of winning (the hand of) the maiden those monarchs will + all give away much wealth and kine and food and other articles of + enjoyment. And taking all they will give away and witnessing the + Swayamvara, and enjoying the festivities, we shall go wheresoever we like. + And there will also come unto that Swayamvara, from various countries, + actors, and bards singing the panegyrics of kings, and dancers, and + reciters of Puranas, and heralds, and powerful athletes. And beholding all + these sights and taking what will be given away to illustrious ones, ye + will return with us. Ye are all handsome and like unto the celestials! + Beholding you, Krishna may, by chance, choose some one amongst you + superior to the rest. This thy brother of mighty arms and handsome and + endued with beauty also, engaged in (athletic) encounters, may, by chance, + earn great wealth.’ + </p> + <p> + “On hearing these words of the Brahmanas, Yudhishthira replied, ‘Ye + Brahmanas, we will all go with you to witness that maiden’s Swayamvara—that + excellent jubilee.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0188"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Swayamvara Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed by the Brahmanas, the Pandavas, O + Janamejaya, proceeded towards the country of the southern Panchalas ruled + over by the king Drupada. And on their way those heroes beheld the + illustrious Dwaipayana—that Muni of pure soul, and perfectly + sinless. And duly saluting the Rishi and saluted by him, after their + conversation was over, commanded by him they proceeded to Drupada’s abode. + And those mighty chariot-fighters proceeded by slow stages staying for + some time within those beautiful woods and by fine lakes that they beheld + along their way. Devoted to study, pure in their practices, amiable, and + sweet-speeched, the Pandavas at last entered the country of the Panchalas. + And beholding the capital, as also the fort, they took up their quarters + in the house of a potter, Adopting the Brahmanical profession, they began + to lead an eleemosynary life. And no men recognised those heroes during + their stay in Drupada’s capital. + </p> + <p> + “Yajnasena always cherished the desire of bestowing his daughter on Kiriti + (Arjuna), the son of Pandu. But he never spoke of it to anybody. And, O + Janamejaya, the king of Panchala thinking of Arjuna caused a very stiff + bow to be made that was incapable of being bent by any except Arjuna. + Causing some machinery to be erected in the sky, the king set up a mark + attached to that machinery. And Drupada said, ‘He that will string this + bow and with these well-adorned arrows shoot the mark above the machine + shall obtain my daughter.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘With these words king Drupada proclaimed the + Swayamvara. On hearing of them, O Bharata, the kings of other lands came + to his capital. And there came also many illustrious Rishis desirous of + beholding the Swayamvara. And there came also, O king, Duryodhana and the + Kurus accompanied by Kama. There also came many superior Brahmanas from + every country. And the monarchs who came there were all received with + reverence by the illustrious Drupada. Desirous of beholding the + Swayamvara, the citizens, roaring like the sea, all took their seats on + the platforms that were erected around the amphitheatre. The monarch + entered the grand amphitheatre by the north-eastern gate. And the + amphitheatre which itself had been erected on an auspicious and level + plain to the north-east of Drupada’s capital, was surrounded by beautiful + mansions. And it was enclosed on all sides with high walls and a moat with + arched doorways here and there. The vast amphitheatre was also shaded by a + canopy of various colours. And resounding with the notes of thousands of + trumpets, it was scented with black aloes and sprinkled all over with + water mixed with sandal-paste and decorated with garlands of flowers. It + was surrounded with high mansions perfectly white and resembling the + cloud-kissing peaks of Kailasa. The windows of those mansions were covered + with net works of gold; the walls were set with diamonds and precious + costly carpets and cloths. All those mansions adorned with wreaths and + garlands of flowers and rendered fragrant with excellent aloes, were all + white and spotless, like unto the necks of swans. And the fragrance + therefrom could be perceived from the distance of a Yojana (eight miles). + And they were each furnished with a hundred doors wide enough to admit a + crowd of persons; they were adorned with costly beds and carpets, and + beautified with various metals; they resembled the peaks of the Himavat. + And in those seven-storied houses of various sizes dwelt the monarchs + invited by Drupada whose persons were adorned with every ornament and who + were possessed with the desire of excelling one another. And the + inhabitants of the city and the country who had come to behold Krishna and + taken their seats on the excellent platforms erected around, beheld seated + within those mansions those lions among kings who were all endued with the + energy of great souls. And those exalted sovereigns were all adorned with + the fragrant paste of the black aloe. Of great liberality, they were all + devoted to Brahma and they protected their kingdoms against all foes. And + for their own good deeds they were loved by the whole world. + </p> + <p> + “The Pandavas, too, entering that amphitheatre, sat with the Brahmanas and + beheld the unequalled affluence of the king of the Panchalas. And that + concourse of princes, Brahmanas, and others, looking gay at the + performances of actors and dancers (large presents of every kind of wealth + being constantly made), began to swell day by day. And it lasted, O king, + several days, till on the sixteenth day when it was at its full, the + daughter of Drupada, O thou bull of the Bharata race, having washed + herself clean entered the amphitheatre, richly attired and adorned with + every ornament and bearing in her hand a dish of gold (whereon were the + usual offerings of Arghya) and a garland of flowers. Then the priest of + the lunar race—a holy Brahmana conversant with all mantras—ignited + the sacrificial fire and poured on it with due rites libations of + clarified butter. And gratifying Agni by these libations and making the + Brahmanas utter the auspicious formula of benediction, stopped the musical + instruments that were playing all around. And when that vast amphitheatre, + O monarch, became perfectly still, Dhrishtadyumna possessed of a voice + deep as the sound of the kettledrum or the clouds, taking hold of his + sister’s arm, stood in the midst of that concourse, and said, with a voice + loud and deep as the roar of the clouds, these charming words of excellent + import, ‘Hear ye assembled kings, this is the bow, that is the mark, and + these are the arrows. Shoot the mark through the orifice of the machine + with these five sharpened arrows. Truly do I say that, possessed of + lineage, beauty of persons, and strength whoever achieveth this great feat + shall obtain today this my sister, Krishna for his wife.’ Having thus + spoken unto the assembled monarchs Drupada’s son then addressed his + sister, reciting unto her the names and lineages and achievements of those + assembled lords of the earth.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0189"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Swayamvara Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Dhrishtadyumna said, ‘Duryodhana, Durvisaha, Durmukha and + Dushpradharshana, Vivinsati, Vikarna, Saha, and Duhsasana; Yuyutsu and + Vayuvega and Bhimavegarava; Ugrayudha, Valaki, Kanakayu, and Virochana, + Sukundala, Chitrasena, Suvarcha, and Kanakadhwaja; Nandaka, and Vahusali, + and Tuhunda, and Vikata; these, O sister, and many other mighty sons of + Dhritarashtra—all heroes—accompanied by Karna, have come for + thy hand. Innumerable other illustrious monarchs all bulls among + Kshatriyas—have also come for thee. Sakuni, Sauvala, Vrisaka, and + Vrihadvala,—these sons of the king Gandhara—have also come. + Foremost of all wielders of weapons—the illustrious Aswatthaman and + Bhoja, adorned with every ornament have also come for thee. Vrihanta, + Manimana, Dandadhara, Sahadeva, Jayatsena, Meghasandhi, Virata with his + two sons Sankha and Uttara, Vardhakshemi, Susarma, Senavindu, Suketu with + his two sons Sunama and Suvarcha, Suchitra, Sukumara, Vrika, Satyadhriti, + Suryadhwaja, Rochamana, Nila, Chitrayudha, Agsuman, Chekitana, the mighty + Sreniman, Chandrasena the mighty son of Samudrasena, Jarasandha, Vidanda, + and Danda—the father and son, Paundraka, Vasudeva, Bhagadatta endued + with great energy, Kalinga, Tamralipta, the king of Pattana, the mighty + car-warrior Salya, the king of Madra, with his son, the heroic Rukmangada, + Rukmaratha, Somadatta of the Kuru race with his three sons, all mighty + chariot-fighters and heroes, viz., Bhuri, Bhurisrava, and Sala, + Sudakshina, Kamvoja of the Puru race, Vrihadvala, Sushena, Sivi, the son + of Usinara, Patcharanihanta, the king of Karusha, Sankarshana (Valadeva), + Vasudeva (Krishna) the mighty son of Rukmini, Samva, Charudeshna, the son + of Pradyumna with Gada, Akrura, Satyaki, the high-souled Uddhava, + Kritavarman, the son of Hridika, Prithu, Viprithu, Viduratha, Kanka, Sanku + with Gaveshana, Asavaha, Aniruddha, Samika, Sarimejaya, the heroic Vatapi + Jhilli Pindaraka, the powerful Usinara, all these of the Vrishni race, + Bhagiratha, Vrihatkshatra, Jayadratha the son of Sindhu, Vrihadratha, + Valhika, the mighty charioteer Srutayu, Uluka, Kaitava, Chitrangada and + Suvangada, the highly intelligent Vatsaraja, the king of Kosala, Sisupala + and the powerful Jarasandha, these and many other great kings—all + Kshatriyas celebrated throughout the world—have come, O blessed one, + for thee. Endued with prowess, these will shoot the mark. And thou shalt + choose him for thy husband who amongst these will shoot the mark.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0190"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Swayamvara Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then those youthful princes adorned with ear-rings, + vying with one another and each regarding himself accomplished in arms and + gifted with might, stood up brandishing their weapons. And intoxicated + with pride of beauty, prowess, lineage, knowledge, wealth, and youth, they + were like Himalayan elephants in the season of rut with crowns split from + excess of temporal juice. And beholding each other with jealousy and + influenced by the god of desire, they suddenly rose up from their royal + seats, exclaiming ‘Krishna shall be mine.’ And the Kshatriyas assembled in + that amphitheatre, each desirous of winning the daughter of Drupada, + looked like the celestial (of old) standing round Uma, the daughter of the + King of mountains. Afflicted with the shafts of the god of the flowery bow + and with hearts utterly lost in the contemplation of Krishna, those + princes descended into the amphitheatre for winning the Panchala maiden + and began to regard even their best friends with jealousy. And there came + also the celestials on their cars, with the Rudras and the Adityas, the + Vasus and the twin Aswins, the Swadhas and all the Marutas, and Kuvera + with Yama walking ahead. And there came also the Daityas and the Suparnas, + the great Nagas and the celestial Rishis, the Guhyakas and the Charanas + and Viswavasu and Narada and Parvata, and the principal Gandharvas with + Apsaras. And Halayudha (Valadeva) and Janardana (Krishna) and the chief of + the Vrishni, Andhaka, and Yadava tribes who obeyed the leadership of + Krishna were also there, viewing the scene. And beholding those elephants + in rut—the five (Pandavas)—attracted towards Draupadi like + mighty elephants towards a lake overgrown with lotuses, or like fire + covered with ashes, Krishna the foremost of Yadu heroes began to reflect. + And he said unto Rama (Valadeva), ‘That is Yudhishthira; that is Bhima + with Jishnu (Arjuna); and those are the twin heroes.’ And Rama surveying + them slowly cast a glance of satisfaction at Krishna. Biting their nether + lips in wrath, the other heroes there—sons and grandsons of kings—with + their eyes and hearts and thoughts set on Krishna, looked with expanded + eyes on Draupadi alone without noticing the Pandavas. And the sons of + Pritha also, of mighty arms, and the illustrious twin heroes, beholding + Draupadi, were all likewise struck by the shafts of Kama. And crowded with + celestial Rishis and Gandharvas and Suparnas and Nagas and Asuras and + Siddhas, and filled with celestial perfumes and scattered over with + celestial flowers, and resounding with the kettle-drum and the deep hum of + infinite voices, and echoing with the softer music of the flute, the Vina, + and the tabor, the cars of the celestials could scarcely find a passage + through the firmament. Then those princes—Karna, Duryodhana, Salwa, + Salya, Aswatthaman, Kratha, Sunitha, Vakra, the ruler of Kalinga and + Banga, Pandya, Paundra, the ruler of Videha, the chief of the Yavanas, and + many other sons and grandsons of kings,—sovereigns of territories + with eyes like lotus-petals,—one after another began to exhibit + prowess for (winning) that maiden of unrivalled beauty. Adorned with + crowns, garlands, bracelets, and other ornaments, endued with mighty arms, + possessed of prowess and vigour and bursting with strength and energy, + those princes could not, even in imagination, string that bow of + extraordinary stiffness. + </p> + <p> + “And (some amongst) those kings in exerting with swelling lips each + according to his strength, education, skill, and energy,—to string + that bow, were tossed on the ground and lay perfectly motionless for some + time. Their strength spent and their crowns and garlands loosened from + their persons, they began to pant for breath and their ambition of winning + that fair maiden was cooled. Tossed by that tough bow, and their garlands + and bracelets and other ornaments disordered, they began to utter + exclamations of woe. And that assemblage of monarchs, their hope of + obtaining Krishna gone, looked sad and woeful. And beholding the plight of + those monarchs, Karna that foremost of all wielders of the bow went to + where the bow was, and quickly raising it strung it and placed the arrows + on the string. And beholding the son of Surya—Karna of the Suta + tribe—like unto fire, or Soma, or Surya himself, resolved to shoot + the mark, those foremost of bowmen—the sons of Pandu—regarded + the mark as already shot and brought down upon the ground. But seeing + Karna, Draupadi loudly said, ‘I will not select a Suta for my lord.’ Then + Karna, laughing in vexation and casting glance at the Sun, threw aside the + bow already drawn to a circle. + </p> + <p> + Then when all those Kshatriyas gave up the task, the heroic king of the + Chedis—mighty as Yama (Pluto) himself—the illustrious and + determined Sisupala, the son of Damaghosa, in endeavouring to string the + bow, himself fell upon his knees on the ground. Then king Jarasandha + endued with great strength and powers, approaching the bow stood there for + some moment, fixed and motionless like a mountain. Tossed by the bow, he + too fell upon his knees on the ground, and rising up, the monarch left the + amphitheatre for (returning to) his kingdom. Then the great hero Salya, + the king of Madra, endued with great strength, in endeavouring to string + the bow fell upon his knees on the ground. At last when in that assemblage + consisting of highly respectable people, all the monarchs had become + subjects of derisive talk that foremost of heroes—Jishnu, the son of + Kunti—desired to string the bow and placed the arrows on the + bow-string.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0191"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXL + </h2> + <h3> + (Swayamvara Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘When all the monarchs had desisted from + stringing that bow, the high-souled Jishnu arose from among the crowd of + Brahmanas seated in that assembly. And beholding Partha possessing the + complexion of Indra’s banner, advancing towards the bow, the principal + Brahmanas shaking their deer-skins raised a loud clamour. And while some + were displeased, there were others that were well-pleased. And some there + were, possessed of intelligence and foresight, who addressing one another + said, ‘Ye Brahmanas, how can a Brahmana stripling unpractised in arms and + weak in strength, string that bow which such celebrated Kshatriyas as + Salya and others endued with might and accomplished in the science and + practice of arms could not? If he doth not achieve success in this untried + task which he hath undertaken from a spirit of boyish unsteadiness, the + entire body of Brahmanas here will be rendered ridiculous in the eyes of + the assembled monarchs. Therefore, forbid this Brahmana that he may not go + to string the bow which he is even now desirous of doing from vanity, + childish daring, or mere unsteadiness.’ Others replied, ‘We shall not be + made ridiculous, nor shall we incur the disrespect of anybody or the + displeasure of the sovereigns. Some remarked, ‘This handsome youth is even + like the trunk of a mighty elephant, whose shoulders and arms and thighs + are so well-built, who in patience looks like the Himavat, whose gait is + even like that of the lion, and whose prowess seems to be like that of an + elephant in rut, and who is so resolute, that it is probable that he will + accomplish this feat. He has strength and resolution. If he had none, he + would never go of his own accord. Besides, there is nothing in the three + worlds that Brahmanas of all mortal men cannot accomplish. Abstaining from + all food or living upon air or eating of fruits, persevering in their + vows, and emaciated and weak, Brahmanas are ever strong in their own + energy. One should never disregard a Brahmana whether his acts be right or + wrong, by supposing him incapable of achieving any task that is great or + little, or that is fraught with bliss or woe. Rama the son of Jamadagni + defeated in battle, all the Kshatriyas. Agastya by his Brahma energy drank + off the fathomless ocean. Therefore, say ye, ‘Let this youth bend the bow + and string it with ease’ (and many said), ‘So be it.’ And the Brahmanas + continued speaking unto one another these and other words. Then Arjuna + approached the bow and stood there like a mountain. And walking round that + bow, and bending his head unto that giver of boons—the lord Isana—and + remembering Krishna also, he took it up. And that bow which Rukma, + Sunitha, Vakra, Radha’s son, Duryodhana, Salya, and many other kings + accomplished in the science and practice of arms, could not even with + great exertion, string, Arjuna, the son of Indra, that foremost of all + persons endued with energy and like unto the younger brother of Indra + (Vishnu) in might, strung in the twinkling of an eye. And taking up the + five arrows he shot the mark and caused it to fall down on the ground + through the hole in the machine above which it had been placed. Then there + arose a loud uproar in the firmament, and the amphitheatre also resounded + with a loud clamour. And the gods showered celestial flowers on the head + of Partha the slayer of foes. And thousands of Brahmanas began to wave + their upper garments in joy. And all around, the monarchs who had been + unsuccessful, uttered exclamations of grief and despair. And flowers were + rained from the skies all over the amphitheatre. And the musicians struck + up in concert. Bards and heralds began to chant in sweet tones the praises + (of the hero who accomplished the feat). And beholding Arjuna, Drupada—that + slayer of foes,—was filled with joy. And the monarch desired to + assist with his forces the hero if the occasion arose. And when the uproar + was at its height, Yudhishthira, the foremost of all virtuous men, + accompanied by those first of men the twins, hastily left the amphitheatre + for returning to his temporary home. And Krishna beholding the mark shot + and beholding Partha also like unto Indra himself, who had shot the mark, + was filled with joy, and approached the son of Kunti with a white robe and + a garland of flowers. And Arjuna the accomplisher of inconceivable feats, + having won Draupadi by his success in the amphitheatre, was saluted with + reverence by all the Brahmanas. And he soon after left the lists followed + close by her who thus became his wife.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0192"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLI + </h2> + <h3> + (Swayamvara Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘When the king (Drupada) expressed his desire of + bestowing his daughter on that Brahmana (who had shot the mark), all those + monarchs who had been invited to the Swayamvara, looking at one another, + were suddenly filled with wrath. And they said, ‘Passing us by and + treating the assembled monarchs as straw this Drupada desireth to bestow + his daughter—that first of women,—on a Brahmana! Having + planted the tree he cutteth it down when it is about to bear fruit. The + wretch regardeth us not: therefore let us slay him. He deserveth not our + respect nor the veneration due to age. Owing to such qualities of his, we + shall, therefore, slay this wretch that insulteth all kings, along with + his son. Inviting all the monarchs and entertaining them with excellent + food, he disregardeth us at last. In this assemblage of monarchs like unto + a conclave of the celestials, doth he not see a single monarch equal unto + himself? The Vedic declaration is well-known that the Swayamvara is for + the Kshatriyas. The Brahmanas have no claim in respect of a selection of + husband by a Kshatriya damsel. Or, ye kings, if this damsel desireth not + to select any one of us as her lord, let us cast her into the fire and + return to our kingdoms. As regards this Brahmana, although he hath, from + officiousness or avarice, done this injury to the monarchs, he should not + yet be slain; for our kingdoms, lives, treasures, sons, grandsons, and + whatever other wealth we have, all exist for Brahmanas. Something must be + done here (even unto him), so that from fear of disgrace and the desire of + maintaining what properly belongeth unto each order, other Swayamvaras may + not terminate in this way.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having addressed one another thus, those tigers among monarchs endued + with arms like unto spiked iron maces, took up their weapons and rushed at + Drupada to slay him then and there. And Drupada beholding those monarchs + all at once rushing towards him in anger with bows and arrows, sought, + from fear, the protection of the Brahmanas. But those mighty bowmen (Bhima + and Arjuna) of the Pandavas, capable of chastising all foes, advanced to + oppose those monarchs rushing towards them impetuously like elephants in + the season of rut. Then the monarchs with gloved fingers and upraised + weapons rushed in anger at the Kuru princes, Bhima and Arjuna, to slay + them. Then the mighty Bhima of extraordinary achievements, endued with the + strength of thunder, tore up like an elephant a large tree and divested it + of its leaves. And with that tree, the strong-armed Bhima, the son of + Pritha, that grinder of foes, stood, like unto the mace-bearing king of + the dead (Yama) armed with his fierce mace, near Arjuna that bull amongst + men. And beholding that feat of his brother, Jishnu of extraordinary + intelligence, himself also of inconceivable feats, wondered much. And + equal unto Indra himself in achievements, shaking off all fear he stood + with his bow ready to receive those assailants. And beholding those feats + of both Jishnu and his brother, Damodara (Krishna) of superhuman + intelligence and inconceivable feats, addressing his brother, Halayudha + (Valadeva) of fierce energy, said, ‘That hero there, of tread like that of + a mighty lion, who draweth the large bow in his hand four full cubits in + length, is Arjuna! There is no doubt, O Sankarshana, about this, if I am + Vasudeva. That other hero who having speedily torn up the tree hath + suddenly become ready to drive off the monarchs is Vrikodara! For no one + in the world, except Vrikodara, could today perform such a feat in the + field of battle. And that other youth of eyes like unto lotus-petals, of + full four cubits height, of gait like that of a mighty lion, and humble + withal, of fair complexion and prominent and shining nose, who had, a + little before, left the amphitheatre, is Dharma’s son (Yudhishthira). The + two other youths, like unto Kartikeya, are, I suspect, the sons of the + twin Aswins. I heard that the sons of Pandu along with their mother Pritha + had all escaped from the conflagration of the house of lac.’ Then + Halayudha of complexion like unto that of clouds uncharged with rain, + addressing his younger brother (Krishna), said with great satisfaction, + ‘O, I am happy to hear, as I do from sheer good fortune, that our father’s + sister Pritha with the foremost of the Kaurava princes have all escaped + (from death)!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0193"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLII + </h2> + <h3> + (Swayamvara Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then those bulls among Brahmanas shaking their + deer-skins and water-pots made of cocoanut-shells exclaimed, ‘Fear not, we + will fight the foe!’ Arjuna smilingly addressing those Brahmanas + exclaiming thus, said, ‘Stand ye aside as spectators (of the fray) + Showering hundreds of arrows furnished with straight points even I shall + check, like snakes with mantras, all those angry monarchs.’ Having said + this, the mighty Arjuna taking up the bow he had obtained as dower + accompanied by his brother Bhima stood immovable as a mountain. And + beholding those Kshatriyas who were ever furious in battle with Karna + ahead, the heroic brothers rushed fearlessly at them like two elephants + rushing against a hostile elephant. Then those monarchs eager for the + fight fiercely exclaimed, ‘The slaughter in battle of one desiring to + fight is permitted.’ And saying this, the monarchs suddenly rushed against + the Brahmanas. And Karna endued with great energy rushed against Jishnu + for fight. And Salya the mighty king of Madra rushed against Bhima like an + elephant rushing against another for the sake of a she-elephant in heat; + while Duryodhana and others engaged with the Brahmanas, skirmished with + them lightly and carelessly. Then the illustrious Arjuna beholding Karna, + the son of Vikartana (Surya), advancing towards him, drew his tough bow + and pieced him with his sharp arrows. And the impetus of those whetted + arrows furnished with fierce energy made Radheya (Karna) faint. Recovering + consciousness Karna attacked Arjuna with greater care than before. Then + Karna and Arjuna, both foremost of victorious warriors, desirous of + vanquishing each other, fought madly on. And such was the lightness of + hand they both displayed that (each enveloped by the other’s shower of + arrows) they both became invisible (unto the spectators of their + encounter). ‘Behold the strength of my arms.’—‘Mark, how I have + counteracted that feat,’—those were the words—intelligible to + heroes alone—in which they addressed each other. And incensed at + finding the strength and energy of Arjuna’s arms unequalled on the earth, + Karna, the son of Surya, fought with greater vigour. And parrying all + those impetuous arrows shot at him by Arjuna, Karna sent up a loud shout. + And this feat of his was applauded by all the warriors. Then addressing + his antagonist, Karna said, ‘O thou foremost of Brahmanas, I am gratified + to observe the energy of thy arms that knoweth no relaxation in battle and + thy weapons themselves fit for achieving victory. Art thou the embodiment + of the science of weapons, or art thou Rama that best of Brahmanas, or + Indra himself, or Indra’s younger brother Vishnu called also Achyuta, who + for disguising himself hath assumed the form of a Brahmana and mustering + such energy of arms fighteth with me? No other person except the husband + himself of Sachi or Kiriti, the son of Pandu, is capable of fighting with + me when I am angry on the field of battle.’ Then hearing those words of + his, Phalguna replied, saying, ‘O Karna, I am neither the science of arms + (personified), nor Rama endued with superhuman powers. I am only a + Brahmana who is the foremost of all warriors and all wielders of weapons. + By the grace of my preceptor I have become accomplished in the Brahma and + the Paurandara weapons. I am here to vanquish thee in battle. Therefore, O + hero, wait a little.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed (by Arjuna), Karna the adopted + son of Radha desisted from the fight, for that mighty chariot-fighter + thought that Brahma energy is ever invincible. Meanwhile on another part + of the field, the mighty heroes Salya and Vrikodara, well-skilled in + battle and possessed of great strength and proficiency, challenging each + other, engaged in fight like two elephants in rut. And they struck each + other with their clenched fists and knees. And sometimes pushing each + other forward and sometimes dragging each other near, sometimes throwing + each other down; face downward, and sometimes on the sides, they fought + on, striking, each other at times with their clenched fists. And + encountering each other with blows hard as the clash of two masses of + granite, the lists rang with the sounds of their combat. Fighting with + each other thus for a few seconds, Bhima the foremost of the Kuru heroes + taking up Salya on his arms hurled him to a distance. And Bhimasena, that + bull amongst men, surprised all (by the dexterity of his feat) for though + he threw Salya on the ground he did it without hurting him much. And when + Salya was thus thrown down and Karna was struck with fear, the other + monarchs were all alarmed. And they hastily surrounded Bhima and + exclaimed, ‘Surely these bulls amongst Brahmanas are excellent (warriors)! + Ascertain in what race they have been born and where they abide. Who can + encounter Karna, the son of Radha, in fight, except Rama or Drona, or + Kiriti, the son of Pandu? Who also can encounter Duryodhana in battle + except Krishna, the son of Devaki, and Kripa, the son of Saradwan? Who + also can overthrow in battle Salya, that first of mighty warriors, except + the hero Valadeva or Vrikodara, the son of Pandu, or the heroic + Duryodhana? Let us, therefore, desist from this fight with the Brahmanas. + Indeed, Brahmanas, however offending, should yet be ever protected. And + first let us ascertain who these are; for after we have done that we may + cheerfully fight with them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘And Krishna, having beheld that feat of Bhima, + believed them both to be the son of Kunti. And gently addressing the + assembled monarchs, saying, ‘This maiden hath been justly acquired (by the + Brahmana),’ he induced them to abandon the fight. Accomplished in battle, + those monarchs then desisted from the fight. And those best of monarchs + then returned to their respective kingdoms, wondering much. And those who + had come there went away saying. ‘The festive scene hath terminated in the + victory of the Brahmanas. The princess of Panchala hath become the bride + of a Brahmana.’ And surrounded by Brahmanas dressed in skins of deer and + other wild animals, Bhima and Dhananjaya passed with difficulty out of the + throng. And those heroes among men, mangled by the enemy and followed by + Krishna, on coming at last out of that throng, looked like the full moon + and the sun emerging from the clouds. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile Kunti seeing that her sons were late in returning from their + eleemosynary round, was filled with anxiety. She began to think of various + evils having overtaken her sons. At one time she thought that the sons of + Dhritarashtra having recognised her sons had slain them. Next she feared + that some cruel and strong Rakshasas endued with powers of deception had + slain them. And she asked herself, ‘Could the illustrious Vyasa himself + (who had directed my sons to come to Panchala) have been guided by + perverse intelligence?’ Thus reflected Pritha in consequence of her + affection for her offspring. Then in the stillness of the late afternoon, + Jishnu, accompanied by a body of Brahmanas, entered the abode of the + potter, like the cloud-covered sun appearing on a cloudy day.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0194"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Swayamvara Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then those illustrious sons of Pritha, on returning + to the potter’s abode, approached their mother. And those first of men + represented Yajnaseni unto their mother as the alms they had obtained that + day. And Kunti who was there within the room and saw not her sons, + replied, saying, ‘Enjoy ye all (what ye have obtained).’ The moment after, + she beheld Krishna and then she said, ‘Oh, what have I said?’ And anxious + from fear of sin, and reflecting how every one could be extricated from + the situation, she took the cheerful Yajnaseni by the hand, and + approaching Yudhishthira said, ‘The daughter of king Yajnasena upon being + represented to me by thy younger brothers as the alms they had obtained, + from ignorance, O king, I said what was proper, viz., ‘Enjoy ye all what + hath been obtained. O thou bull of the Kuru race, tell me how my speech + may not become untrue; how sin may not touch the daughter of the king of + Panchala, and how also she may not become uneasy.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by his mother that hero among + men, that foremost scion of the Kuru race, the intelligent king + (Yudhishthira), reflecting for a moment, consoled Kunti, and addressing + Dhananjaya, said, ‘By thee, O Phalguna, hath Yajnaseni been won. It is + proper, therefore, that thou shouldst wed her. O thou withstander of all + foes, igniting the sacred fire, take thou her hand with due rites.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna, hearing this, replied, ‘O king, do not make me a participator in + sin. Thy behest is not conformable to virtue. That is the path followed by + the sinful. Thou shouldst wed first, then the strong-armed Bhima of + inconceivable feats, then myself, then Nakula, and last of all, Sahadeva + endued with great activity. Both Vrikodara and myself, and the twins and + this maiden also, all await, O monarch, thy commands. When such is the + state of things, do that, after reflection, which would be proper, and + conformable virtue, and productive of fame, and beneficial unto the king + of Panchala. All of us are obedient to thee. O, command us as thou + likest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of Jishnu, so full of + respect and affection, the Pandavas all cast their eyes upon the princess + of Panchala. And the princess of Panchala also looked at them all. And + casting their glances on the illustrious Krishna, those princes looked at + one another. And taking their seats, they began to think of Draupadi + alone. Indeed, after those princes of immeasurable energy had looked at + Draupadi, the God of Desire invaded their hearts and continued to crush + all their senses. As the lavishing beauty of Panchali who had been + modelled by the Creator himself, was superior to that of all other women + on earth, it could captivate the heart of every creature. And + Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, beholding his younger brothers, understood + what was passing in their minds. And that bull among men immediately + recollected the words of Krishna-Dwaipayana. And the king, then, from fear + of a division amongst the brothers, addressing all of them, said, ‘The + auspicious Draupadi shall be the common wife of us all.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The sons of Pandu, then, hearing those words of + their eldest brother, began to revolve them in their minds in great + cheerfulness. The hero of the Vrishni race (Krishna suspecting the five + persons he had seen at the Swayamvara to be none else than the heroes of + the Kuru race), came accompanied by the son of Rohini (Valadeva), to the + house of the potter where those foremost of men had taken up their + quarters. On arriving there, Krishna and Valadeva beheld seated in that + potter’s house Ajatasanu (Yudhishthira) of well developed and long arms, + and his younger brothers passing the splendour of fire sitting around him. + Then Vasudeva approaching that foremost of virtuous men—the son of + Kunti—and touching the feet of that prince of the Ajamida race, + said, ‘I am Krishna.’ And the son of Rohini (Valadeva) also approaching + Yudhishthira, did the same. And the Pandavas, beholding Krishna and + Valadeva, began to express great delight. And, O thou foremost of the + Bharata race, those heroes of the Yadu race thereafter touched also the + feet of Kunti, their father’s sister. And Ajatasatru, that foremost of the + Kuru race, beholding Krishna, enquired after his well-being and asked, + ‘How, O Vasudeva, hast thou been able to trace us, as we are living in + disguise?’ And Vasudeva, smilingly answered, ‘O king, fire, even if it is + covered, can be known. Who else among men than the Pandavas could exhibit + such might? Ye resisters of all foes, ye sons of Pandu, by sheer good + fortune have ye escaped from that fierce fire. And it is by sheer good + fortune alone that the wicked son of Dhritarashtra and his counsellors + have not succeeded in accomplishing their wishes. Blest be ye! And grow ye + in prosperity like a fire in a cave gradually growing and spreading itself + all around. And lest any of the monarchs recognise ye, let us return to + our tent.’ Then, obtaining Yudhishthira’s leave, Krishna of prosperity + knowing no decrease, accompanied by Valadeva, hastily went away from the + potter’s abode.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0195"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Swayamvara Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘When the Kuru princes (Bhima and Arjuna) were wending + towards the abode of the potter, Dhrishtadyumna, the Panchala prince + followed them. And sending away all his attendants, he concealed himself + in some part of the potter’s house, unknown to the Pandavas. Then Bhima, + that grinder of all foes, and Jishnu, and the illustrious twins, on + returning from their eleemosynary round in the evening, cheerfully gave + everything unto Yudhishthira. Then the kind-hearted Kunti addressing the + daughter of Drupada said, ‘O amiable one, take thou first a portion from + this and devote it to the gods and give it away to Brahmanas, and feed + those that desire to eat and give unto those who have become our guests. + Divide the rest into two halves. Give one of these unto Bhima, O amiable + one, for this strong youth of fair complexion—equal unto a king of + elephants—this hero always eateth much. And divide the other half + into six parts, four for these youths, one for myself, and one for thee.’ + Then the princess hearing those instructive words of her mother-in-law + cheerfully did all that she had been directed to do. And those heroes then + all ate of the food prepared by Krishna. Then Sahadeva, the son of Madri, + endued with great activity, spread on the ground a bed of kusa grass. Then + those heroes, each spreading thereon his deer-skin, laid themselves down + to sleep. And those foremost of the Kuru princes lay down with heads + towards the south. And Kunti laid herself down along the line of their + heads, and Krishna along that of their feet. And Krishna though she lay + with the sons of Pandu on that bed of kusa grass along the line of their + feet as if she were their nether pillow, grieved not in her heart nor + thought disrespectfully of those bulls amongst the Kurus. Then those + heroes began to converse with one another. And the conversations of those + princes, each worthy to lead an army, was exceedingly interesting they + being upon celestial cars and weapons and elephants, and swords and + arrows, and battle-axes. And the son of the Panchala king listened (from + his place of concealment) unto all they said. And all those who were with + him beheld Krishna in that state. + </p> + <p> + “When morning came, the prince Dhristadyumna set out from his place of concealment + with great haste in order to report to Drupada in detail all that had + happened at the potter’s abode and all that he had heard those heroes + speak amongst themselves during the night. The king of Panchala had been + sad because he knew not the Pandavas as those who had taken away his + daughter. And the illustrious monarch asked Dhristadyumna on his return, + ‘Oh, where hath Krishna gone? Who hath taken her away? Hath any Sudra or + anybody of mean descent, or hath a tribute-paying Vaisya by taking my + daughter away, placed his dirty foot on my head? O son, hath that wreath + of flowers been thrown away on a grave-yard? Hath any Kshatriya of high + birth, or any one of the superior order (Brahmana) obtained my daughter? + Hath any one of mean descent, by having won Krishna, placed his left foot + on my head? I would not, O son, grieve but feel greatly happy, if my + daughter hath been united with Partha that foremost of men! O thou exalted + one, tell me truly who hath won my daughter today? O, are the sons of that + foremost of Kurus, Vichitravirya’s son alive? Was it Partha (Arjuna) that + took up the bow and shot the mark?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0196"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLV + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaivahika Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed Dhrishtadyumna, that foremost of the + Lunar princes, cheerfully said unto his father all that had happened and + by whom Krishna had been won. And the prince said, ‘With large, red eyes, + attired in deer-skin, and resembling a celestial in beauty, the youth who + strung that foremost of bows and brought down to the ground the mark set + on high, was soon surrounded by the foremost of Brahmanas who also offered + him their homage for the feat he had achieved. Incapable of bearing the + sight of a foe and endued with great activity, he began to exert his + prowess. And surrounded by the Brahmanas he resembled the thunder-wielding + Indra standing in the midst of the celestials, and the Rishis. And like a + she-elephant following the leader of a herd, Krishna cheerfully followed + that youth catching hold of his deer-skin. Then when the assembled + monarchs incapable of bearing that sight lose up in wrath and advanced for + fight, there rose up another hero who tearing up a large tree rushed at + that concourse of kings, felling them right and left like Yama himself + smiting down creatures endued with life. Then, O monarch, the assembled + kings stood motionless and looked at that couple of heroes, while they, + resembling the Sun and the Moon, taking Krishna with them, left the + amphitheatre and went into the abode of a potter in the suburbs of the + town, and there at the potter’s abode sat a lady like unto a flame of fire + who, I think, is their mother. And around her also sat three other + foremost of men each of whom was like unto fire. And the couple of heroes + having approached her paid homage unto her feet, and they said unto + Krishna also to do the same. And keeping Krishna with her, those foremost + of men all went the round of eleemosynary visits. Some time after when + they returned, Krishna taking from them what they had obtained as alms, + devoted a portion thereof to the gods, and gave another portion away (in + gift) to Brahmanas. And of what remained after this, she gave a portion to + that venerable lady, and distributed the rest amongst those five foremost + of men. And she took a little for herself and ate it last of all. Then, O + monarch, they all laid themselves down for sleep, Krishna lying along the + line of their feet as their nether pillow. And the bed on which they lay + was made of kusa grass upon which was spread their deer-skins. And before + going to sleep they talked on diverse subjects in voices deep as of black + clouds. The talk of those heroes indicated them to be neither Vaisyas nor + Sudras, nor Brahmanas. Without doubt, O monarch, they are bulls amongst + Kshatriyas, their discourse having been on military subjects. It seems, O + father, that our hope hath been fructified, for we have heard that the + sons of Kunti all escaped from the conflagration of the house of lac. From + the way in which the mark was shot down by that youth, and the strength + with which the bow was strung by him, and the manner in which I have heard + them talk with one another proves conclusively, O monarch, that they are + the sons of Pritha wandering in disguise.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of his son, king Drupada became exceedingly glad, and + he sent unto them his priest directing him to ascertain who they were and + whether they were the sons of the illustrious Pandu. Thus directed, the + king’s priest went unto them and applauding them all, delivered the king’s + message duly, saying, ‘Ye who are worthy of preference in everything, the + boon-giving king of the earth—Drupada—is desirous of + ascertaining who ye are. Beholding this one who hath shot down the mark, + his joy knoweth no bounds. Giving us all particulars of your family and + tribe, place ye your feet on the heads of your foes and gladden the hearts + of the king of Panchala mid his men and mine also. King Pandu was the dear + friend of Drupada and was regarded by him as his counterself. And Drupada + had all along cherished the desire of bestowing this daughter of his upon + Pandu as his daughter-in-law. Ye heroes of features perfectly faultless, + king Drupada hath all along cherished this desire in his heart that Arjuna + of strong and long arms might wed this daughter of his according to the + ordinance. If that hath become possible, nothing could be better; nothing + more beneficial; nothing more conducive to fame and virtue, so far as + Drupada is concerned.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this, the priest remained silent and humbly waited for an + answer. Beholding him sitting thus, the king Yudhishthira commanded Bhima + who sat near, saying, ‘Let water to wash his feet with and the Arghya be + offered unto this Brahmana. He is king Drupada’s priest and, therefore, + worthy of great respect. We should worship him with more than ordinary + reverence.’ Then, O monarch, Bhima did as directed. Accepting the worship + thus offered unto him, the Brahmana with a joyous heart sat at his ease. + Then Yudhishthira addressed him and said, ‘The king of the Panchalas hath, + by fixing a special kind of dower, given away his daughter according to + the practice of his order and not freely. This hero hath, by satisfying + that demand, won the princess. King Drupada, therefore, hath nothing now + to say in regard to the race, tribe, family and disposition of him who + hath performed that feat. Indeed, all his queries have been answered by + the stringing of the bow and the shooting down of the mark. It is by doing + what he had directed that this illustrious hero hath brought away Krishna + from among the assembled monarchs. In these circumstances, the king of the + Lunar race should not indulge in any regrets which can only make him + unhappy without mending matters in the least. The desire that king Drupada + hath all along cherished will be accomplished for his handsome princess + who beareth, I think, every auspicious mark. None that is weak in strength + could string that bow, and none of mean birth and unaccomplished in arms + could have shot down the mark. It behoveth not, therefore, the king of the + Panchalas to grieve for his daughter today. Nor can anybody in the world + undo that act of shooting down the mark. Therefore the king should not + grieve for what must take its course.’ + </p> + <p> + “While Yudhishthira was saying all this, another messenger from the king + of the Panchalas, coming thither in haste, said, ‘The (nuptial), feast is + ready.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0197"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaivahika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The messenger said, ‘King Drupada hath, in view + of his daughter’s nuptials prepared a good feast for the bride-groom’s + party. Come ye thither after finishing your daily rites. Krishna’s wedding + will take place there. Delay ye not. These cars adorned with golden + lotuses drawn by excellent horses are worthy of kings. Riding on them, + come ye into the abode of the king of the Panchalas.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then those bulls among the Kurus, dismissing the + priest and causing Kunti and Krishna to ride together on one of those + cars, themselves ascended those splendid vehicles and proceeded towards + Drupada’s place. Meanwhile, O Bharata, hearing from his priest the words + that Yudhishthira had said, king Drupada, in order to ascertain the order + to which those heroes belonged, kept ready a large collection of articles + (required by the ordinance for the wedding of each of the four orders). + And he kept ready fruits, sanctified garlands, and coats of mail, and + shields, and carpets, and kine, and seeds, and various other articles and + implements of agriculture. And the king also collected, O monarch, every + article appertaining to other arts, and various implements and apparatus + of every kind of sport. And he also collected excellent coats of mail and + shining shields, and swords and scimitars, of fine temper, and beautiful + chariots and horses, and first-class bows and well-adorned arrows, and + various kinds of missiles ornamented with gold. And he also kept ready + darts and rockets and battle-axes and various utensils of war. And there + were in that collection beds and carpets and various fine things, and + cloths of various sorts. When the party went to Drupada’s abode, Kunti + taking with her the virtuous Krishna entered the inner apartments of the + king. The ladies of the king’s household with joyous hearts worshipped the + queen of the Kurus. Beholding, O monarch, those foremost of men, each + possessing the sportive gait of the lion, with deer-skins for their upper + garments, eyes like unto those of mighty bulls, broad shoulders, and + long-hanging arms like unto the bodies of mighty snakes, the king, and the + king’s ministers, and the king’s son, and the king’s friends and + attendants, all became exceedingly glad. Those heroes sat on excellent + seats, furnished with footstools without any awkwardness and hesitation. + And those foremost of men sat with perfect fearlessness on those costly + seats one after another according to the order of their ages. After those + heroes were seated, well-dressed servants male and female, and skilful + cooks brought excellent and costly viands worthy of kings on gold and + silver plates. Then those foremost of men dined on those dishes and became + well-pleased. And after the dinner was over, those heroes among men, + passing over all other articles, began to observe with interest the + various utensils of war. Beholding this, Drupada’s son and Drupada + himself, along with all his chief ministers of state, understanding the + sons of Kunti to be all of royal blood became exceedingly glad.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0198"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaivahika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then the illustrious king of Panchala, addressing + prince Yudhishthira in the form applicable to Brahmanas, cheerfully + enquired of that illustrious son of Kunti, saying, ‘Are we to know you as + Kshatriyas, or Brahamanas, or are we to know you as celestials who + disguising themselves as Brahmanas are ranging the earth and come hither + for the hand of Krishna? O tell us truly, for we have great doubts! Shall + we not be glad when our doubts have been removed? O chastiser of enemies, + have the fates been propitious unto us? Tell us the truth willingly! Truth + becometh monarchs better than sacrifices and dedications of tanks. + Therefore, tell us not what is untrue. O thou of the beauty of a + celestial, O chastiser of foes, hearing thy reply I shall make + arrangements for my daughter’s wedding according to the order to which ye + belong.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Drupada, Yudhishthira answered, saying ‘Be not + cheerless, O king; let joy fill thy heart! The desire cherished by thee + hath certainly been accomplished. We are Kshatriyas, O king, and sons of + the illustrious Pandu. Know me to be the eldest of the sons of Kunti and + these to be Bhima and Arjuna. By these, O king, was thy daughter won amid + the concourse of monarchs. The twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) and Kunti wait + where Krishna is. O bull amongst men, let grief be driven from thy heart, + for we are Kshatriyas. Thy daughter, O monarch, hath like a lotus been + transferred only from one lake into another. O king, thou art our revered + superior and chief refuge. I have told thee the whole truth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing those words, the king Drupada’s eyes + rolled in ecstasy. And. filled with delight the king could not, for some + moments answer Yudhishthira. Checking his emotion with great effort, that + chastiser of foes at last replied unto Yudhishthira in proper words. The + virtuous monarch enquired how the Pandavas had escaped from the town of + Varanavata. The son of Pandu told the monarch every particular in detail + of their escape from the burning palace of lac. Hearing everything that + the son of Kunti said, king Drupada censured Dhritarashtra, that ruler of + men. And the monarch gave every assurance unto Yudhishthira, the son of + Kunti. And that foremost of eloquent men then and there vowed to restore + Yudhishthira to his paternal throne. + </p> + <p> + “Then Kunti and Krishna and Bhima and Arjuna and the twins, commanded by + the king, to reside there, treated by Yajnasena with due respect. Then + king Drupada with his sons, assured by all that had happened, approaching + Yudhishthira, said, ‘O thou of mighty arms, let the Kuru prince Arjuna + take with due rites, the hand of my daughter on this auspicious day, and + let him, therefore, perform the usual initiatory rites of marriage.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of Drupada, the virtuous + king Yudhishthira replied, saying, ‘O great king, I also shall have to + marry.’ Hearing him, Drupada said, ‘If it pleaseth thee, take thou the + hand of my daughter thyself with due rites. Or, give Krishna in marriage + unto whomsoever of thy brothers thou likest.’ Yudhishthira said, ‘Thy + daughter, O king, shall be the common wife of us all! Even thus it hath + been ordered, O monarch, by our mother. I am unmarried still, and Bhima + also is so amongst the sons of Pandu. This thy jewel of a daughter hath + been won by Arjuna. This, O king, is the rule with us; to ever enjoy + equally a jewel that we may obtain. O best of monarchs, that rule of + conduct we cannot now abandon. Krishna, therefore, shall become the wedded + wife of us all. Let her take our hands, one after another before the + fire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Drupada answered, ‘O scion of Kuru’s race, it hath been directed that one + man may have many wives. But it hath never been heard that one woman may + have many husbands! O son of Kunti, as thou art pure and acquainted with + the rules of morality, it behoveth thee not to commit an act that is + sinful and opposed both to usage and the Vedas. Why, O prince, hath thy + understanding become so?’ Yudhishthira said in reply, ‘O monarch, morality + is subtle. We do not know its course. Let us follow the way trodden by the + illustrious ones of former ages. My tongue never uttered an untruth. My + heart also never turneth to what is sinful. My mother commandeth so; and + my heart also approveth of it. Therefore, O king, that is quite + conformable to virtue. Act according to it, without any scruples. + Entertain no fear, O king, about this matter.’ + </p> + <p> + “Drupada said, ‘O son of Kunti thy mother, and my son Dhrishtadyumna and + thyself, settle amongst yourselves as to what should be done. Tell me the + result of your deliberations and tomorrow I will do what is proper.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After this, O Bharata, Yudhishthira, Kunti and + Dhrishtadyumna discoursed upon this matter. Just at that time, however, + the island-born (Vyasa), O monarch, came there in course of his + wanderings.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0199"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaivahika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then all the Pandavas and the illustrious king of the + Panchalas and all others there present stood up and saluted with reverence + the illustrious Rishi Krishna (Dwaipayana). The high-souled Rishi, + saluting them in return and enquiring after their welfare, sat down on a + carpet of gold. And commanded by Krishna (Dwaipayana) of immeasurable + energy, those foremost of men all sat down on costly seats. A little + after, O monarch, the son of Prishata in sweet accents asked the + illustrious Rishi about the wedding of his daughter. And he said, ‘How, O + illustrious one, can one woman become the wife of many men without being + defiled by sin? O, tell me truly all about this.’ Hearing these words + Vyasa replied, ‘This practice, O king, being opposed to usage and the + Vedas, hath become obsolete. I desire, however, to hear what the opinion + of each of you is upon this matter.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of the Rishi, Drupada spoke first, saying, ‘The + practice is sinful in my opinion, being opposed to both usage and the + Vedas. O best of Brahmanas, nowhere have I seen many men having one wife. + The illustrious ones also of former ages never had such a usage amongst + them. The wise should never commit a sin. I, therefore, can never make up + mind to act in this way. This practice always appeareth to me to be of + doubtful morality. + </p> + <p> + “After Drupada had ceased, Dhrishtadyumna spoke, saying ‘O bull amongst + Brahmanas, O thou of ascetic wealth, how can, O Brahmana, the elder + brother, if he is of a good disposition, approach the wife of his younger + brother? The ways of morality are ever subtle, and, therefore, we know + them not. We cannot, therefore, say what is conformable to morality and + what not. We cannot do such a deed, therefore, with a safe conscience. + Indeed, O Brahmana, I cannot say, ‘Let Draupadi become the common wife of + five brothers.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira then spoke, saying, ‘My tongue never uttereth an untruth and + my heart never inclineth to what is sinful. When my heart approveth of it, + it can never be sinful. I have heard in the Purana that a lady of name + Jatila, the foremost of all virtuous women belonging to the race of Gotama + had married seven Rishis. So also an ascetic’s daughter, born of a tree, + had in former times united herself in marriage with ten brothers all + bearing the same name of Prachetas and who were all of souls exalted by + asceticism. O foremost of all that are acquainted with the rules of + morality, it is said that obedience to superior is ever meritorious. + Amongst all superiors, it is well-known that the mother is the foremost. + Even she hath commanded us to enjoy Draupadi as we do anything obtained as + alms. It is for this, O best of Brahmanas, that I regard the (proposed) + act as virtuous.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kunti then said, ‘The act is even so as the virtuous Yudhishthira hath + said. I greatly fear, O Brahmana, lest my speech should become untrue. How + shall I be saved from untruth?’ + </p> + <p> + “When they had all finished speaking, Vyasa said, ‘O amiable one, how + shall thou be saved from the consequence of untruth? Even this is eternal + virtue! I will not, O king of the Panchalas, discourse on this before you + all. But thou alone shalt listen to me when I disclose how this practice + hath been established and why it is to be regarded as old and eternal. + There is no doubt that what Yudhishthira hath said is quite conformable to + virtue.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then the illustrious Vyasa—the master + Dwaipayana—rose, and taking hold of Drupada’s hand led him to a + private apartment. The Pandavas and Kunti and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s + race sat there, waiting for the return of Vyasa and Drupada. Meanwhile, + Dwaipayana began his discourse with illustrious monarch for explaining how + the practice of polyandry could not be regarded as sinful.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0200"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaivahika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Vyasa continued, ‘In days of yore, the celestials had + once commenced a grand sacrifice in the forest of Naimisha. At that + sacrifice, O king, Yama, the son of Vivaswat, became the slayer of the + devoted animals. Yama, thus employed in that sacrifice, did not (during + that period), O king, kill a single human being. Death being suspended in + the world, the number of human beings increased very greatly. Then Soma + and Sakra and Varuna and Kuvera, the Sadhyas, the Rudras, the Vasus, the + twin Aswins,—these and other celestials went unto Prajapati, the + Creator of the universe. Struck with fear for the increase of the human + population of the world they addressed the Master of creation and said, + ‘Alarmed, O lord, at the increase of human beings on earth, we come to + thee for relief. Indeed, we crave thy protection.’ Hearing those words the + Grandsire said, ‘Ye have little cause to be frightened at this increase of + human beings. Ye all are immortal. It behoveth you not to take fright at + human beings.’ The celestials replied, ‘The mortals have all become + immortal. There is no distinction now between us and them. Vexed at the + disappearance of all distinction, we have come to thee in order that thou + mayest distinguish us from them.’ The Creator then said, ‘The son of + Vivaswat is even now engaged in the grand sacrifice. It is for this that + men are not dying. But when Yama’s work in connection with the sacrifice + terminates, men will again begin to die as before. Strengthened by your + respective energies, Yama will, when that time comes, sweep away by + thousands the inhabitants on earth who will scarcely have then any energy + left in them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa continued, ‘Hearing these words of the first-born deity, the + celestials returned to the spot where the grand sacrifice was being + performed. And the mighty one sitting by the side of the Bhagirathi saw a + (golden) lotus being carried along by the current. And beholding that + (golden) lotus, they wondered much. And amongst them, that foremost of + celestials, viz., Indra, desirous of ascertaining whence it came, + proceeded up along the course of the Bhagirathi. And reaching that spot + whence the goddess Ganga issues perennially, Indra beheld a woman + possessing the splendour of fire. The woman who had come there to take + water was washing herself in the stream, weeping all the while. The + tear-drops she shed, falling on the stream, were being transformed into + golden lotuses. The wielder of the thunderbolt, beholding that wonderful + sight, approached the woman and asked her, ‘Who art thou, amiable lady? + Why dost thou weep? I desire to know the truth. O, tell me everything.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa continued, ‘The woman thereupon answered, ‘O Sakra, thou mayest + know who I am and why, unfortunate that I am, I weep, if only, O chief of + the celestials, thou comest with me as I lead the way. Thou shall then see + what it is I weep for.” Hearing these words of the lady, Indra followed + her as she led the way. And soon he saw, not far off from where he was, a + handsome youth with a young lady seated on a throne placed on one of the + peaks of Himavat and playing at dice. Beholding that youth, the thief of + the celestials said, ‘Know, intelligent youth, that this universe is under + my sway.’ Seeing, however, that the person addressed was so engrossed in + dice that he took no notice of what he said, Indra was possessed by anger + and repeated, ‘I am the lord of the universe. The youth who was none else + than the god Mahadeva (the god of the gods), seeing Indra filled with + wrath, only smiled, having cast a glance at him. At that glance, however, + the chief of the celestials was at once paralysed and stood there like a + stake. When the game at dice was over, Isana addressing the weeping woman + said, ‘Bring Sakra hither, for I shall soon so deal with him that pride + may not again enter his heart.’ As soon as Sakra was touched by that + woman, the chief of the celestials with limbs paralysed by that touch, + fell down on the earth. The illustrious Isana of fierce energy then said + unto him, ‘Act not, O Sakra, ever again in this way. Remove this huge + stone, for thy strength and energy are immeasurable, and enter the hole + (it will disclose) where await some others possessing the splendour of the + sun and who are all like unto thee.’ Indra, then, on removing that stone, + beheld a cave in the breast of that king of mountains, within which were + four others resembling himself. Beholding their plight, Sakra became + seized with grief and exclaimed, ‘Shall I be even like these?’ Then the + god Girisha, looking full at Indra with expanded eyes, said in anger, ‘O + thou of a hundred sacrifices, enter this cave without loss of time, for + thou hast from folly insulted me.’ Thus addressed by the lord Isana, the + chief of the celestials, in consequence of that terrible imprecation, was + deeply pained, and with limbs weakened by fear trembled like the + wind-shaken leaf of a Himalayan fig. And cursed unexpectedly by the god + owning a bull for his vehicle, Indra, with joined hands and shaking from + head to foot, addressed that fierce god of multi-form manifestations, + saving, ‘Thou art, O Bhava, the over-looker of the infinite Universe!’ + Hearing these words the god of fiery energy smiled and said, ‘Those that + are of disposition like thine never obtain my grace. These others (within + the cave) had at one time been like thee. Enter thou this cave, therefore, + and lie there for some time. The fate of you all shall certainly be the + same. All of you shall have to take your birth in the world of men, where, + having achieved many difficult feats and slaying a large number of men, ye + shall again by the merits of your respective deeds, regain the valued + region of Indra. Ye shall accomplish all I have said and much more + besides, of other kinds of work.’ Then those Indras, of their shorn glory + said, ‘We shall go from our celestial regions even unto the region of men + where salvation is ordained to be difficult of acquisition. But let the + gods Dharma, Vayu, Maghavat, and the twin Aswins beget us upon our + would-be mother. Fighting with men by means of both celestial and human + weapons, we shall again come back into the region of Indra.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa continued, ‘Hearing these words of the former Indras, the wielder + of the thunderbolt once more addressed that foremost of gods, saying, + ‘Instead of going myself, I shall, with a portion of my energy, create + from myself a person for the accomplishment of the task (thou assignest) + to form the fifth among these!’ Vishwabhuk, Bhutadhaman, Sivi of great + energy, Santi the fourth, and Tejaswin, these it is said were the five + Indras of old. And the illustrious god of the formidable bow, from his + kindness, granted unto the five Indras the desire they cherished. And he + also appointed that woman of extraordinary beauty, who was none else than + celestial Sri (goddess of grace) herself, to be their common wife in the + world of men. Accompanied by all those Indras, the god Isana then went + unto Narayana of immeasurable energy, the Infinite, the Immaterial, the + Uncreate, the Old, the Eternal, and the Spirit of these universes without + limits. Narayana approved of everything. Those Indras then were born in + the world of men. And Hari (Narayana) took up two hairs from his body, one + of which hairs was black and the other white. And those two hairs entered + the wombs of two of the Yadu race, by name Devaki and Rohini. And one of + these hairs viz., that which was white, became Valadeva. And the hair that + was black was born as Kesava’s self, Krishna. And those Indras of old who + had been confined in the cave on the Himavat are none else than the sons + of Pandu, endued with great energy. And Arjuna amongst the Pandavas, + called also Savyasachin (using both hands with equal dexterity) is a + portion of Sakra.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa continued, ‘Thus, O king, they who have been born as the Pandavas + are none else than those Indras of old. And the celestial Sri herself who + had been appointed as their wife is this Draupadi of extraordinary beauty. + How could she whose effulgence is like that of the sun or the moon, whose + fragrance spreads for two miles around, take her birth in any other than + an extraordinary way, viz., from within the earth, by virtue of the + sacrificial rites? Unto thee, O king, I cheerfully grant this other boon + in the form of spiritual sight. Behold now the sons of Kunti endued with + their sacred and celestial bodies of old!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Saying this, that sacred Brahmana Vyasa of + generous deeds, by means of his ascetic power, granted celestial sight + unto the king. Thereupon the king beheld all the Pandavas endued with + their former bodies. And the king saw them possessed of celestial bodies, + with golden crowns and celestial garlands, and each resembling Indra + himself, with complexions radiant as fire or the sun, and decked with + every ornament, and handsome, and youthful, with broad chests and statures + measuring about five cubits. Endued with every accomplishment, and decked + with celestial robes of great beauty and fragrant garlands of excellent + making the king beheld them as so many three-eyed gods (Mahadeva), or + Vasus, or Rudras, or Adityas themselves. And observing the Pandavas in the + forms of those Indras of old, and Arjuna also in the form of Indra sprung + from Sakra himself, king Drupada was highly pleased. And the monarch + wondered much on beholding that manifestation of celestial power under + deep disguise. The king looking at his daughter, that foremost of women + endued with great beauty, like unto a celestial damsel and possessed of + the splendour of fire or the moon, regarded her as the worthy wife of + those celestial beings, for her beauty, splendour and fame. And beholding + that wonderful sight, the monarch touched the feet of Satyavati’s son, + exclaiming, ‘O great Rishi, nothing is miraculous in thee!’ The Rishi then + cheerfully continued, ‘In a certain hermitage there was an illustrious + Rishi’s daughter, who, though handsome and chaste, obtained not a husband. + The maiden gratified, by severe ascetic penances, the god Sankara + (Mahadeva). The lord Sankara, gratified at her penances, told her himself. + ‘Ask thou the boon thou desirest’ Thus addressed, the maiden repeatedly + said unto the boon-giving Supreme Lord, ‘I desire to obtain a husband + possessed of every accomplishment. Sankara, the chief of the gods, + gratified with her, gave her the boon she asked, saying, ‘Thou shall have, + amiable maiden, five husbands.’ The maiden, who had succeeded in + gratifying the god, said again, ‘O Sankara, I desire to have from thee + only one husband possessed of every virtue?’ The god of gods, well-pleased + with her, spake again, saying, ‘Thou hast, O maiden, addressed me five + full times, repeating, ‘Give me a husband.’ Therefore, O amiable one, it + shall even be as thou hast asked. Blessed be thou. All this, however, will + happen in a future life of thine!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa continued, ‘O Drupada, this thy daughter of celestial beauty is + that maiden. Indeed, the faultless Krishna sprung from Prishata’s race + hath been pre-ordained to become the common wife of five husbands. The + celestial Sri, having undergone severe ascetic penances, hath, for the + sake of the Pandavas, had her birth as thy daughter, in the course of thy + grand sacrifice. That handsome goddess, waited upon by all the celestials, + as a consequence of her own acts becomes the (common) wife of five + husbands. It is for this that the self-create had created her. Having + listened to all this, O king Drupada, do what thou desirest.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0201"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CC + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaivahika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Drupada, on hearing this, observed, O great Rishi, it + was only when I had not heard this from thee that I had sought to act in + the way I told thee of. Now, however, that I know all, I cannot be + indifferent to what hath been ordained by the gods. Therefore do I resolve + to accomplish what thou hast said. The knot of destiny cannot be untied. + Nothing in this world is the result of our own acts. That which had been + appointed by us in view of securing one only bridegroom hath now + terminated in favour of many. As Krishna (in a former life) had repeatedly + said, ‘O, give me a husband!’ the great god himself even gave her the boon + she had asked. The god himself knows the right or wrong of this. As + regards myself, when Sankara hath ordained so, right or wrong, no sin can + attach to me. Let these with happy hearts take, as ordained, the hand of + Krishna with the rites.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then the illustrious Vyasa, addressing + Yudhishthira the just, said, ‘This day is an auspicious day, O son of + Pandu! This day the moon has entered the constellation called Pushya. Take + thou the hand of Krishna today, thyself first before thy brothers!’ When + Vyasa had said so, king Yajnasena and his son made preparations for the + wedding. And the monarch kept ready various costly articles as marriage + presents. Then he brought out his daughter Krishna, decked, after a bath, + with many jewels and pearls. Then there came to witness the wedding all + the friends and relatives of the king, ministers of state, and many + Brahmanas and citizens. And they all took their seats according to their + respective ranks. Adorned with that concourse of principal men, with its + yard decked with lotuses and lilies scattered thereupon, and beautified + with lines of troops, king Drupada’s palace, festooned around with + diamonds and precious stones, looked like the firmament studded with + brilliant stars. Then those princes of the Kuru line, endued with youth + and adorned with ear-rings, attired in costly robes and perfumed with + sandal-paste, bathed and performed the usual religious rites and + accompanied by their priest Dhaumya who was possessed of the splendour of + fire, entered the wedding hall one after another in due order, and with + glad hearts, like mighty bulls entering a cow-pen. Then Dhaumya, + well-conversant with the Vedas, igniting the sacred fire, poured with due + mantras libations of clarified butter into that blazing element. And + calling Yudhishthira there, Dhaumya, acquainted with mantras, united him + with Krishna. Walking round the fire the bridegroom and the bride took + each other’s hand. After their union was complete, the priest Dhaumya, + taking leave of Yudhishthira, that ornament of battles, went out of the + palace. Then those mighty car-warriors,—those perpetuators of the + Kuru line,—those princes attired in gorgeous dresses, took the hand + of that best of women, day by day in succession, aided by that priest. O + king, the celestial Rishi told me of a very wonderful and extraordinary + thing in connection with these marriages, viz., that the illustrious + princess of slender waist regained her virginity every day after a + previous marriage. After the weddings were over, king Drupada gave unto + those mighty car-warriors diverse kinds of excellent wealth. And the king + gave unto them one hundred cars with golden standards, each drawn by four + steeds with golden bridles. And he gave them one hundred elephants all + possessing auspicious marks on their temples and faces and like unto a + hundred mountains with golden peaks. He also gave them a hundred female + servants all in the prime of youth and clad in costly robes and ornaments + and floral wreaths. And the illustrious monarch of the Lunar race gave + unto each of those princes of celestial beauty, making the sacred fire a + witness of his gifts, much wealth and many costly robes and ornaments of + great splendour. The sons of Pandu endued with great strength, after their + wedding were over, and after they had obtained Krishna like unto a second + Sri along with great wealth, passed their days in joy and happiness, like + so many Indras, in the capital of the king of the Panchalas,’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0202"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCI + </h2> + <h3> + (Vaivahika Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘King Drupada, after his alliance with the Pandavas, + had all his fears dispelled. Indeed, the monarch no longer stood in fear + even of the gods. The ladies of the illustrious Drupada’s household + approached Kunti and introduced themselves unto her, mentioning their + respective names, and worshipped her feet with heads touching the ground. + Krishna also, attired in red silk and her wrists still encircled with the + auspicious thread, saluting her mother-in-law with reverence, stood + contentedly before her with joined palms. Pritha, out of affection, + pronounced a blessing upon her daughter-in-law endued with great beauty + and every auspicious mark and possessed of a sweet disposition and good + character, saying, ‘Be thou unto thy husband as Sachi unto Indra, Swaha + unto Vibhavasu, Rohini unto Soma, Damayanti unto Nala, Bhadra unto + Vaisravana, Arundhati unto Vasishtha, Lakshmi unto Narayana! O amiable + one, be thou the mother of long-lived and heroic children, and possessed + of everything that can make thee happy! Let luck and prosperity ever wait + on thee! Wait thou ever on husbands engaged in the performance of grand + sacrifices. Be thou devoted to thy husbands. And let thy days be ever + passed in duly entertaining and reverencing guests and strangers arrived + at thy abode, and the pious and the old; children and superiors. Be thou + installed as the Queen of the kingdom and the capital of Kurujangala, with + thy husband Yudhishthira the just! O daughter, let the whole earth, + conquered by the prowess of thy husbands endued with great strength, be + given away by thee unto Brahmanas at horse-sacrifice! O accomplished one + whatever gems there are on earth possessed of superior virtues, obtain + them, O lucky one, and be thou happy for a full hundred years! And, O + daughter-in-law, as I rejoice today beholding thee attired in red silk, so + shall I rejoice again, when, O accomplished one, I behold thee become the + mother of a son!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After the sons of Pandu had been married, Hari + (Krishna) sent unto them (as presents) various gold ornaments set with + pearls and black gems (lapis lazuli). And Madhava (Krishna) also sent unto + them costly robes manufactured in various countries, and many beautiful + and soft blankets and hides of great value, and many costly beds and + carpets and vehicles. He also sent them vessels by hundreds, set with gems + and diamonds. And Krishna also gave them female servants by thousands, + brought from various countries, and endued with beauty, youth and + accomplishments and decked with every ornament. He also gave them many + well-trained elephants brought from the country of Madra, and many + excellent horses in costly harness, cars drawn by horses of excellent + colours and large teeth. The slayer of Madhu, of immeasurable soul, also + sent them coins of pure gold by crores upon crores in separate heaps. And + Yudhishthira the just, desirous of gratifying Govinda, accepted all those + presents with great joy.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0203"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCII + </h2> + <h3> + (Viduragamana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The news was carried unto all the monarchs (who had + come to the Self-choice of Draupadi) by their trusted spies that the + handsome Draupadi had been united in marriage with the sons of Pandu. And + they were also informed that the illustrious hero who had bent the bow and + shot the mark was none else than Arjuna, that foremost of victorious + warriors and first of all wielders of the bow and arrows. And it became + known that the mighty warrior who had dashed Salya, the king of Madra, on + the ground, and who in wrath had terrified the assembled monarchs by means + of the tree (he had uprooted), and who had taken his stand before all foes + in perfect fearlessness, was none else than Bhima, that feller of hostile + ranks, whose touch alone was sufficient to take the lives out of all foes. + The monarchs, upon being informed that the Pandavas had assumed the guise + of peaceful Brahmanas, wondered much. They even heard that Kunti with all + her sons had been burnt to death in the conflagration of the house of lac. + They, therefore, now regarded the Pandavas in the light of persons who had + come back from the region of the dead. And recollecting the cruel scheme + contrived by Purochana, they began to say, ‘O, fie on Bhishma, fie on + Dhritarashtra of the Kuru race!’ + </p> + <p> + “After the Self-choice was over, all the monarchs (who had come thither), + hearing that Draupadi had been united with the Pandavas, set out for their + own dominions. And Duryodhana, hearing that Draupadi had selected the + owner of white steeds (Arjuna) as her lord, became greatly depressed. + Accompanied by his brothers, Aswatthaman, his uncle (Sakuni), Karna and + Kripa the prince set out with a heavy heart for his capital. Then + Duhsasana, blushing with shame, addressed his brother softly and said, ‘If + Arjuna had not disguised himself as a Brahmana, he could never have + succeeded in obtaining Draupadi. It was for this disguise, O king, that no + one could recognise him as Dhananjaya. Fate, I ween, is ever supreme. + Exertion is fruitless; fie on our exertions, O brother! The Pandavas are + still alive!’ Speaking unto one another thus and blaming Purochana (for + his carelessness), they then entered the city of Hastinapura, with + cheerless and sorrowful hearts. Beholding the mighty sons of Pritha, + escaped from the burning house of lac and allied with Drupada, and + thinking of Dhrishtadyumna and Sikhandin and the other sons of Drupada all + accomplished in fight, they were struck with fear and overcome with + despair. + </p> + <p> + “Then Vidura, having learnt that Draupadi had been won by the Pandavas and + that the sons of Dhritarashtra had come back (to Hastinapura) in shame, + their pride humiliated, became filled with joy. And, O king, approaching + Dhritarashtra, Kshattri said, ‘The Kurus are prospering by good luck!’ + Hearing those words of Vidura, the son of Vichitravirya, wondering, said + in great glee, ‘What good luck, O Vidura! What good luck!’ From ignorance, + the blind monarch understood that his eldest son Duryodhana had been + chosen by Drupada’s daughter as her lord. And the king immediately ordered + various ornaments to be made for Draupadi. And he commanded that both + Draupadi and his son Duryodhana should be brought with pomp to + Hastinapura. It was then that Vidura told the monarch that Draupadi had + chosen the Pandavas for her lords, and that those heroes were all alive + and at peace, and that they had been received with great respect by king + Drupada. And he also informed Dhritarashtra that the Pandavas had been + united with the many relatives and friends of Drupada, each owning large + armies, and with many others who had come to that self-choice. + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Vidura, Dhritarashtra said, ‘Those children are to + me as dear as they were to Pandu. Nay, more. O listen to me why my + affection for them now is even greater! The heroic sons of Pandu are well + and at ease. They have obtained many friends. Their relatives, and others + whom they have gained as allies, are all endued with great strength. Who + amongst monarchs in prosperity or adversity would not like to have Drupada + with his relatives as an ally?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having heard these words of the monarch, Vidura + said, ‘O king, let thy understanding remain so without change for a + hundred years!’ Having said this Vidura returned to his own abode. Then, O + monarch, there came unto Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana and the son of Radha, + Karna. Addressing the monarch, they said, ‘We cannot, O king, speak of any + transgression in the presence of Vidura! We have now found thee alone, and + will, therefore, say all we like! What is this that thou hast, O monarch, + desired to do? Dost thou regard the prosperity of thy foes as if it were + thy own, that thou hast been applauding the Pandavas, O foremost of men, + in the presence of Vidura? O sinless one, thou actest not, O king, in the + way thou shouldst! O father, we should now act every day in such a way as + to weaken (the strength of) the Pandavas. The time hath come, O father, + for us to take counsel together, so that the Pandavas may not swallow us + all with our children and friends and relatives.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0204"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Viduragamana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Dhritarashtra replied saying, I desire to do exactly + what you would recommend. But I do not wish to inform Vidura of it even by + a change of muscle. It was, therefore, O son, that I was applauding the + Pandavas in Vidura’s presence, so that he might not know even by a sign + what is in my mind. Now that Vidura hath gone away, this is the time, O + Suyodhana (Duryodhana), for telling me what thou hast hit upon, and what, + O Radheya (Karna), thou too hast hit upon.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said. ‘Let us, O father, by means of trusted and skilful and + adroit Brahmanas, seek to produce dissensions between the sons of Kunti + and Madri. Or, let king Drupada and his sons, and all his ministers of + state, be plied with presents of large wealth, so that they may abandon + the cause of Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti. Or, let our spies induce the + Pandavas to settle in Drupada’s dominions, by describing to them, + separately, the inconvenience of residing in Hastinapura, so that, + separated from as, they may permanently settle in Panchala. Or, let some + clever spies, full of resources, sowing the seeds of dissension among the + Pandavas, make them jealous of one another. Or, let them incite Krishna + against her husbands. She has many lords and this will not present any + difficulty. Or, let some seek to make the Pandavas themselves dissatisfied + with Krishna, in which case Krishna also will be dissatisfied with them. + Or, let, O king, some clever spies, repairing thither, secretly compass + the death of Bhimasena. Bhima is the strongest of them all. Relying upon + Bhima alone, the Pandavas used to disregard us, of old. Bhima is fierce + and brave and the (sole) refuge of the Pandavas. If he be slain, the + others will be deprived of strength and energy. Deprived of Bhima who is + their sole refuge, they will no longer strive to regain their kingdom. + Arjuna, O king, is invincible in battle, if Bhima protecteth him from + behind. Without Bhima, Arjuna is not equal to even a fourth part of + Radheya. Indeed, O king, the Pandavas conscious of their own feebleness + without Bhima and of our strength would not really strive to recover the + kingdom. Or, if, O monarch, coming hither, they prove docile and obedient + to us, we would then seek to repress them according to the dictates of + political science (as explained by Kanika). Or, we may tempt them by means + of handsome girls, upon which the princess of Panchala will get annoyed + with them. Or, O Radheya, let messengers be despatched to bring them + hither, so that, when arrived, we may through trusted agents, by some of + the above methods, cause them to be slain. Strive, O father, to employ any + of these (various) methods that may appear to thee faultless. Time + passeth. Before their confidence in king Drupada—that bull amongst + kings—is established we may succeed, O monarch, to encounter them. + But after their confidence hath been established in Drupada, we are sure + to fail. These, O father, are my views for the discomfiture of the + Pandavas. Judge whether they be good or bad. What, O Karna, dost thou + think?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0205"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Viduragamana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed by Duryodhana, Karna said, ‘It doth + not seem to me, O Duryodhana, that thy reasoning is well-founded. O + perpetuator of the Kuru race, no method will succeed against the Pandavas. + O brave prince, thou hast before, by various subtle means, striven to + carry out thy wishes. But ever hast thou failed to slay thy foes. They + were then living near thee, O king! They were then unfledged and of tender + years, but thou couldst not injure them then. They are now living at a + distance, grown up, full-fledged. The sons of Kunti, O thou of firm + resolution, cannot now be injured by any subtle contrivances of thine. + This is my opinion. As they are aided by the very Fates, and as they are + desirous of regaining their ancestral kingdom, we can never succeed in + injuring them by any means in our power. It is impossible to create + disunion amongst them. They can never be disunited who have all taken to a + common wife. Nor can we succeed in estranging Krishna from the Pandavas by + any spies of ours. She chose them as her lords when they were in + adversity. Will she abandon them now that they are in prosperity? Besides + women always like to have many husbands, Krishna hath obtained her wish. + She can never be estranged from the Pandavas. The king of Panchala is + honest and virtuous; he is not avaricious. Even if we offer him our whole + kingdom he will not abandon the Pandavas. Drupada’s son also possesseth + every accomplishment, and is attached to the Pandavas. Therefore, I do not + think that the Pandavas can now be injured by any subtle means in thy + power. But, O bull amongst men, this is what is good and advisable for us + now, viz., to attack and smite them till they are exterminated. Let this + course recommend itself to thee. As long as our party is strong and that + of the king of the Panchalas is weak, so long strike them without any + scruple. O son of Gandhari, as long as their innumerable vehicles and + animals, friends, and friendly tribes are not mustered together, continue, + O king, to exhibit thy prowess. As long as the king of the Panchalas + together with his sons gifted with great prowess, setteth not his heart + upon fighting with us, so long, O king, exhibit thy prowess. And, O king, + exert thy prowess before he of the Vrishni race (Krishna) cometh with the + Yadava host into the city of Drupada, carrying everything before him, to + restore the Pandavas to their paternal kingdom. Wealth, every article of + enjoyment, kingdom, there is nothing that Krishna may not sacrifice for + the sake of the Pandavas. The illustrious Bharata had acquired the whole + earth by his prowess alone. Indra hath acquired sovereignty of the three + worlds by prowess alone. O king, prowess is always applauded by the + Kshatriyas. O bull amongst Kshatriyas, prowess is the cardinal virtue of + the brave. Let us, therefore, O monarch, with our large army consisting of + four kinds of forces, grind Drupada without loss of time, and bring hither + the Pandavas. Indeed, the Pandavas are incapable of being discomfited by + any policy of conciliation, of gift, of wealth and bribery, or of + disunion. Vanquish them, therefore, by thy prowess. And vanquishing them + by thy prowess, rule thou this wide earth. O monarch, I see not any other + means by which we may accomplish our end.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of Radheya, Dhritarashtra, + endued with great strength, applauded him highly. The monarch then + addressed him and said, ‘Thou, O son of a Suta, art gifted with great + wisdom and accomplished in arms. This speech, therefore, favouring the + exhibition of prowess suiteth thee well. But let Bhishma, and Drona, and + Vidura, and you two, take counsel together and adopt that proposal which + may lead to our benefit.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “‘Then king Dhritarashtra called unto him, all + those celebrated ministers and took counsel with them.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0206"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCV + </h2> + <h3> + (Viduragamana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Asked by Dhritarashtra to give his opinion, Bhishma + replied, ‘O Dhritarashtra, a quarrel with the Pandavas is what I can never + approve of. As thou art to me, so was Pandu without doubt. And the sons of + Gandhari are to me, as those of Kunti. I should protect them as well as I + should thy sons, O Dhritarashtra! And, O king, the Pandavas are as much + near to me as they are to prince Duryodhana or to all the other Kurus. + Under these circumstances a quarrel with them is what I never like. + Concluding a treaty with those heroes, let half the land be given unto + them. This is without doubt, the paternal kingdom of those foremost ones + of the Kuru race. And, O Duryodhana, like thee who lookest upon this + kingdom as thy paternal property, the Pandavas also look upon it as their + paternal possession. If the renowned sons of Pandu obtain not the kingdom, + how can it be thine, or that of any other descendant of the Bharata race? + If thou regardest thyself as one that hath lawfully come into the + possession of the kingdom, I think they also may be regarded to have + lawfully come into the possession of this kingdom before thee. Give them + half the kingdom quietly. This, O tiger among men, is beneficial to all. + If thou actest otherwise, evil will befall us all. Thou too shall be + covered with dishonour. O Duryodhana, strive to maintain thy good name. A + good name is, indeed, the source of one’s strength. It hath been said that + one liveth in vain whose reputation hath gone. A man, O Kaurava, doth not + die so long as his fame lasteth. One liveth as long as one’s fame + endureth, and dieth when one’s fame is gone. Follow thou, O son of + Gandhari, the practice that is worthy of the Kuru race. O thou of mighty + arms, imitate thy own ancestors. We are fortunate that the Pandavas have + not perished. We are fortunate that Kunti liveth. We are fortunate that + the wretch Purochana without being able to accomplish his purpose hath + himself perished. From that time when I heard that the sons of + Kuntibhoja’s daughter had been burnt to death, I was, O son of Gandhari, + ill able to meet any living creature. O tiger among men, hearing of the + fate that overtook Kunti, the world doth not regard Purochana so guilty as + it regardeth thee. O king, the escape, therefore, of the sons of Pandu + with life from that conflagration and their re-appearance, do away with + thy evil repute. Know, O thou of Kuru’s race, that as long as those heroes + live, the wielder of the thunder himself cannot deprive them of their + ancestral share in the kingdom. The Pandavas are virtuous and united. They + are being wrongly kept out of their equal share in the kingdom. If thou + shouldst act rightly, if thou shouldst do what is agreeable to me, if thou + shouldst seek the welfare of all, then give half the kingdom unto them.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0207"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Viduragamana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After Bhishma had concluded, Drona spoke, saying, ‘O + king Dhritarashtra, it hath been heard by us that friends summoned for + consultation should always speak what is right, true, and conductive to + fame. O sire, I am of the same mind in this matter with the illustrious + Bhishma. Let a share of the kingdom be given unto the Pandavas. This is + eternal virtue. Send, O Bharata, unto Drupada without loss of time some + messenger of agreeable speech, carrying with him a large treasure for the + Pandavas. And let the man go unto Drupada carrying costly presents for + both the bridegrooms and the bride, and let him speak unto that monarch of + thy increase of power and dignity arising from this new alliance with him. + And, O monarch, let the man know also that both thyself and Duryodhana + have become exceedingly glad in consequence of what hath happened. Let him + say this repeatedly unto Drupada and Dhrishtadyumna. And let him speak + also about the alliance as having been exceedingly proper, and agreeable + unto thee, and of thyself being worthy of it. And let the man repeatedly + propitiate the sons of Kunti and those of Madri (in proper words). And at + thy command, O king, let plenty of ornaments of pure gold be given unto + Draupadi. And let, O bull of Bharata’s race, proper presents be given unto + all the sons of Drupada. Let the messenger then propose the return of the + Pandavas to Hastinapura. After the heroes will have been permitted (by + Drupada), to come hither, let Duhsasana and Vikarna go out with a handsome + train to receive them. And when they will have arrived at Hastinapura, let + those foremost of men be received with affection by thee. And let them + then be installed on their paternal throne, agreeably to the wishes of the + people of the realm. This, O monarch of Bharata’s race, is what I think + should be thy behaviour towards the Pandavas who are to thee even as thy + own sons.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After Drona had ceased, Karna spake again, ‘Both + Bhishma and Drona have been pampered with wealth that is thine and favours + conferred by thee! They are also always regarded by thee as thy trusted + friends! What can therefore be more amusing than that they both should + give thee advice which is not for thy good? How can the wise approve that + advice which is pronounced good by a person speaking with wicked intent + but taking care to conceal the wickedness of his heart? Indeed, in a + season of distress, friends can neither benefit nor injure. Every one’s + happiness or the reverse dependeth on destiny. He that is wise and he that + is foolish, he that is young (in years) and he that is old, he that hath + allies and he that hath none, all become, it is seen everywhere, happy or + unhappy at times. It hath been heard by us that there was, of old, a king + by name Amvuvicha. Having his capital at Rajagriha, he was the king of all + the Magadha chiefs. He never attended to his affairs. All his exertion + consisted in inhaling the air. All his affairs were in the hands of his + minister. And his minister, named Mahakarni, became the supreme authority + in the state. Regarding himself all powerful, he began to disregard the + king. And the wretch himself appropriated everything belonging unto the + king, his queens and treasures and sovereignty. But the possession of all + these, instead of satisfying his avarice, only served to inflame him the + more. Having appropriated everything belonging to the king, he even + coveted the throne. But it hath been heard by us that with all his best + endeavours he succeeded not in acquiring the kingdom of the monarch, his + master, even though the latter was inattentive to business and content + with only breathing the air. What else can be said, O king, than that + monarch’s sovereignty was dependent on destiny? If, therefore, O king, + this kingdom be established in thee by destiny, it will certainly continue + in thee, even if the whole world were to become thy enemy! If, however, + destiny hath ordained otherwise, howsoever mayest thou strive, it will not + last in thee! O learned one, remembering all this, judge of the honesty or + otherwise of thy advisers. Ascertain also who amongst them are wicked and + who have spoken wisely and well.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of Karna, Drona replied, ‘As + thou art wicked it is evident thou sayest so in consequence of the + wickedness of thy intent. It is for injuring the Pandavas that thou + findest fault with us. But know, O Karna, what I have said is for the good + of all and the prosperity of the Kuru race. If thou regardest all this as + productive of evil, declare thyself what is for our good. If the good + advice I have given be not followed, I think the Kurus will be + exterminated in no time.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0208"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Viduragamana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After Drona had ceased, Vidura spoke, saying, ‘O + monarch, thy friends without doubt, are saying unto thee what is for thy + good. But as thou art unwilling to listen to what they say, their words + scarcely find a place in thy ears. What that foremost one of Kuru’s race, + viz., Bhishma, the son of Santanu, hath said, is excellent and is for thy + good. But thou dost not listen to it. The preceptor Drona also hath said + much that is for thy good which however Karna, the son of Radha, doth not + regard to be such. But, O king, reflecting hard I do not find any one who + is better a friend to thee than either of these two lions among men (viz., + Bhishma and Drona), or any one who excels either of them in wisdom. These + two, old in years, in wisdom, and in learning, always regard thee, O king, + and the sons of Pandu with equal eyes. Without doubt, O king of Bharata’s + race, they are both, in virtue and truthfulness, not inferior to Rama, the + son of Dasaratha, and Gaya. Never before did they give thee any evil + advice. Thou also, O monarch, hast never done them any injury. Why should, + therefore, these tigers among men, who are ever truthful, give thee wicked + advice, especially when thou hast never injured them? Endued with wisdom + these foremost of men, O king, will never give thee counsels that are + crooked. O scion of Kuru’s rate, this is my firm conviction that these + two, acquainted with all rules of morality, will never, tempted by wealth, + utter anything betraying a spirit of partisanship. What they have said, O + Bharata, I regard highly beneficial to thee. Without doubt, O monarch, the + Pandavas are thy sons as much as Duryodhana and others are. Those + ministers, therefore, that give thee any counsel fraught with evil unto + the Pandavas, do not really look to thy interests. If there is any + partiality in thy heart, O king, for thy own children, they who by their + counsel seek to bring it out, certainly do thee no good. Therefore, O + king, these illustrious persons endued with great splendour, have not I + think, said anything that leadeth to evil. Thou, however, dost not + understand it. What these bulls among men have said regarding the + invincibility of the Pandavas is perfectly true. Think not otherwise of + it, O tiger among men. Blest be thou! Can the handsome Dhananjaya, the son + of Pandu, using the right and the left hand with equal activity, be + vanquished in battle even by Maghavat himself? Can the great Bhimasena of + strong arms possessing the might of ten thousand elephants, be vanquished + in battle by the immortals themselves? Who also that desireth to live can + overcome in battle the twins (Nagula and Sahadeva) like unto the sons of + Yama himself, and well-skilled in fight? How too can the eldest one of the + Pandavas in whom patience, mercy, forgiveness, truth, and prowess always + live together, be vanquished? They who have Rama (Valadeva) as their ally, + and Janardana (Krishna) as their counsellor, and Satyaki as their + partisan, have already defeated everybody in war. They who have Drupada + for their father-in-law, and Drupada’s sons—the heroic brothers, + viz., Dhristadyumna and others of Prishata’s race for their + brothers-in-law, are certainly invincible. Remembering this, O monarch, + and knowing that their claim to the kingdom is even prior to thine, behave + virtuously towards them. The stain of calumny is on thee, O monarch, in + consequence of that act of Purochana. Wash thyself of it now, by a kindly + behaviour towards the Pandavas. This kindly behaviour of thine, O monarch, + towards the Pandavas will be an act of great benefit to us, protecting the + lives of us all that belong to Kuru’s race, and leading to the growth of + the whole Kshatriya order! We had formerly warred with king Drupada; if we + can now secure him as an ally, it will strengthen our party. The Dasarhas, + O king, are numerous and strong. Know where Krishna is, all of them must + be, and where Krishna is, there victory also must be! O king, who, unless + cursed by the gods, would seek, to effect that by means of war which can + be effected by conciliation? Hearing that the sons of Pritha are alive, + the citizens and other subjects of the realm have become exceedingly glad + and eager for beholding them. O monarch, act in a way that is agreeable to + them. Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, are sinful, + foolish and young; listen not to them. Possessed of every virtue thou art + I long ago told thee, O monarch that for Duryodhana’s fault, the subjects + of this kingdom would be exterminated.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0209"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Viduragamana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing these various speeches, Dhritarashtra said, + The learned Bhishma, the son of Santanu, and the illustrious Rishi Drona, + and thyself also (O Vidura), have said the truth and what also is most + beneficial to me. Indeed, as those mighty car-warriors, the heroic sons of + Kunti. are the children of Pandu, so are they, without doubt, my children + according to the ordinance. And as my sons are entitled to this kingdom, + so are the sons of Pandu certainly entitled to it. Therefore, hasten to + bring hither the Pandavas along with their mother, treating them with + affectionate consideration. O thou of Bharata’s race, bring also Krishna + of celestial beauty along with them. From sheer good fortune the sons of + Pritha are alive; and from good fortune alone those mighty car-warriors + have obtained the daughter of Drupada. It is from good fortune alone that + our strength hath increased, and it is from good fortune alone that + Purochana hath perished. O thou of great splendour, it is from good + fortune that my great grief hath been killed!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Vidura, at the command of Dhritarashtra, + repaired, O Bharata, unto Yajnasena and the Pandavas. And he repaired + thither carrying with him numerous jewels and various kinds of wealth for + Draupadi and the Pandavas and Yajnasena also. Arrived at Drupada’s abode, + Vidura conversant with every rule of morality and deep in every science, + properly accosted the monarch and waited upon him. Drupada received Vidura + in proper form and they both enquired after each other’s welfare. Vidura + then saw there the Pandavas and Vasudeva. As soon as he saw them he + embraced them from affection and enquired after their well being. The + Pandavas also along with Vasudeva, in due order, worshipped Vidura of + immeasurable intelligence. But Vidura, O king, in the name of + Dhritarashtra repeatedly enquired with great affection after their + welfare. He then gave, O monarch, unto the Pandavas and Kunti and + Draupadi, and unto Drupada and Drupada’s sons, the gems and various kinds + of wealth that the Kauravas had sent through him. Possessed of + immeasurable intelligence, the modest Vidura then, in the presence of the + Pandavas and Keshava, addressed the well-behaved Drupada thus: + </p> + <p> + “With thy ministers and sons, O monarch, listen to what I say. King + Dhritarashtra, with ministers, sons, and friends, hath with a joyous + heart, O king, repeatedly enquired after thy welfare. And, O monarch, he + hath been highly pleased with this alliance with thee. So also, O king, + Bhishma of great wisdom, the son of Santanu, with all the Kurus, enquired + after thy welfare in every respect. Drona also of great wisdom the son of + Bharadwaja and thy dear friend, embracing thee mentally, enquired of thy + happiness. And, O king of Panchalas, Dhritarashtra and all the Kurus, in + consequence of this alliance with thee regard themselves supremely blest. + O Yajnasena, the establishment of this alliance with thee hath made them + happier than if they had acquired a new kingdom. Knowing all this, O + monarch, permit the Pandavas to re-visit their ancestral kingdom. The + Kurus are exceedingly eager to behold the sons of Pandu. These bulls among + men have been long absent (from their kingdom). They as well as Pritha + must be very eager to behold their city. And all the Kuru ladies and the + citizens and our subjects are eagerly waiting to behold Krishna the + Panchala Princess. This, therefore, is my opinion, O monarch, that thou + shouldst, without delay, permit the Pandavas to go thither with their + wife. And after the illustrious Pandavas, O king, will have received thy + permission to go thither, I shall send information unto Dhritarashtra by + quick messengers. Then, O king, will the Pandavas set out with Kunti and + Krishna.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0210"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Viduragamana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing these words of Vidura, Drupada said, ‘It is + even so as thou, O Vidura of great wisdom, hast said. Venerable one, I too + have been exceedingly happy in consequence of this alliance. It is highly + proper that these illustrious princes should return to their ancestral + kingdom. But it is not proper for me to say this myself. If the brave son + of Kunti viz., Yudhishthira, if Bhima and Arjuna, if these bulls among + men, viz., the twins, themselves desire to go and if Rama (Valadeva) and + Krishna, both acquainted with every rule of morality, be of the same mind, + then let the Pandavas go thither. For these tigers among men (Rama and + Krishna) are ever engaged in doing what is agreeable and beneficial to the + sons of Pandu.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing this, Yudhishthira said, ‘We are now, O monarch, with all our + younger brothers, dependent on thee. We shall cheerfully do what thou art + pleased to command.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Vasudeva said, ‘I am of opinion that the + Pandavas should go. But we should all abide by the opinion of king Drupada + who is conversant with every rule of morality.’ + </p> + <p> + “Drupada then spoke, ‘I certainly agree with what this foremost of men, + thinketh, having regard to the circumstances. For the illustrious sons of + Pandu now are to me as they are, without doubt, to Vasudeva. Kunti’s son + Yudhishthira himself doth not seek the welfare of the Pandavas so + earnestly as, Kesava, that tiger among men.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Commanded by the illustrious Drupada, the + Pandavas, then, O king, and Krishna and Vidura, taking with them Krishna, + the daughter of Drupada, and the renowned Kunti, journeyed towards the + city called after the elephant, stopping at various places along the way + for purposes of pleasure and enjoyment. King Dhritarashtra, hearing that + those heroes had neared the capital sent out the Kauravas to receive them. + They who were thus sent out were, O Bharata, Vikarna of the great bow, and + Chitrasena, and Drona that foremost of warriors, and Kripa of Gautama’s + line. Surrounded by these, those mighty heroes, their splendour enhanced + by that throng slowly entered the city of Hastinapura. The whole city + became radiant, as it were, with the gay throng of sight-seers animated by + curiosity. Those tigers among men gladdened the hearts of all who beheld + them. And the Pandavas, dear unto the hearts of the people, heard, as they + proceeded, various exclamations with the citizens, ever desirous of + obeying the wishes of those princes, loudly uttered. Some exclaimed, ‘Here + returns that tiger among men, conversant with all the rules of morality + and who always protects us as if we were his nearest relatives.’ And + elsewhere they said, ‘It seems that king Pandu—the beloved of his + people—returneth today from the forest, doubtless to do what is + agreeable to us.’ And there were some that said, ‘What good is not done to + us today when the heroic sons of Kunti come back to our town? If we have + ever given away in charity, if we have ever poured libations of clarified + butter on the fire, if we have any ascetic merit, let the Pandavas, by + virtue of all those acts stay in our town for a hundred years.’ + </p> + <p> + “At last the Pandavas, on arriving at the place, worshipped the feet of + Dhritarashtra, as also those of the illustrious Bhishma. They also + worshipped the feet of everybody else that deserved that honour. And they + enquired after the welfare of every citizen (there present). At last, at + the command of Dhritarashtra they entered the chambers that had been + assigned to them. + </p> + <p> + “After they had rested there for some time, they were summoned (to the + court) by king Dhritarashtra and Bhishma, the son of Santanu. When they + came, king Dhritarashtra addressing Yudhishthira, said, ‘Listen, O son of + Kunti, with thy brothers, to what I say. Repair ye to Khandavaprastha so + that no difference may arise again (between you and your cousins). If you + take up your quarters there no one will be able to do you any injury. + Protected by Partha (Arjuna), like the celestials by the thunderbolt, + reside ye at Khandavaprastha, taking half of the kingdom.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Agreeing to what Dhritarashtra said, those bulls + among men worshipping the king set out from Hastinapura. And content with + half the kingdom, they removed to Khandavaprastha, which was in + unreclaimed desert. Then those heroes of unfading splendour, viz., the + Pandavas, with Krishna at their head, arriving there, beautified the place + and made it a second heaven. And those mighty car-warriors, selecting with + Dwaipayana’s assistance a sacred and auspicious region, performed certain + propitiatory ceremonies and measured out a piece of land for their city. + Then surrounded by a trench wide as the sea and by walls reaching high up + to the heavens and white as the fleecy clouds or the rays of the moon, + that foremost of cities looked resplendent like Bhogavati (the capital of + the nether kingdom) decked with the Nagas. And it stood adorned with + palatial mansions and numerous gates, each furnished with a couple of + panels resembling the out-stretched wings of Garuda. And it was protected + with gateways looking like the clouds and high as the Mandara mountains. + And well-furnished with numerous weapons of attack the missiles of the + foes could not make slightest impression on them. And they were almost + covered with darts and other missiles like double-tongued snakes. The + turrets along the walls were filled with armed men in course of training; + and the walls were lined with numerous warriors along their whole length. + And there were thousands of sharp hooks and Sataghnis (machines slaying a + century of warriors) and numerous other machines on the battlements. There + were also large iron wheels planted on them. And with all these was that + foremost of cities adorned. The streets were all wide and laid out + excellently; and there was no fear in them of accident. And decked with + innumerable mansions, the city became like unto Amaravati and came to be + called Indraprastha (like unto Indra’s city). In a delightful and + auspicious part of the city rose the palace of the Pandavas filled with + every kind of wealth and like unto the mansion of the celestial treasurer + (Kuvera) himself. And it looked like a mass of clouds charged with + lightning. + </p> + <p> + “When the city was built, there came, O king, numerous Brahmanas + well-acquainted with all the Vedas and conversant with every language, + wishing to dwell there. And there came also unto that town numerous + merchants from every direction, in the hope of earning wealth. There also + came numerous persons well-skilled in all the arts, wishing to take up + their abode there. And around the city were laid out many delightful + gardens adorned with numerous trees bearing both fruits and flowers. There + were Amras (mango trees) and Amaratakas, and Kadamvas and Asokas, and + Champakas; and Punnagas and Nagas and Lakuchas and Panasas; and Salas and + Talas (palm trees) and Tamalas and Vakulas, and Ketakas with their + fragrant loads; beautiful and blossoming and grand Amalakas with branches + bent down with the weight of fruits and Lodhras and blossoming Ankolas; + and Jamvus (blackberry trees) and Patalas and Kunjakas and Atimuktas; and + Karaviras and Parijatas and numerous other kinds of trees always adorned + with flowers and fruits and alive with feathery creatures of various + species. And those verdant groves always resounded with the notes of + maddened peacocks and Kokilas (blackbirds). And there were various + pleasure-houses, bright as mirrors, and numerous bowers of creepers, and + charming and artificial hillocks, and many lakes full to the brim of + crystal water, and delightful tanks fragrant with lotuses and lilies and + adorned with swans and ducks and chakravakas (brahminy ducks). And there + were many delicious pools overgrown with fine aquatic plants. And there + were also diverse ponds of great beauty and large dimension. And, O king, + the joy of the Pandavas increased from day to day, in consequence of their + residence in that large kingdom that was peopled with pious men. + </p> + <p> + “Thus in consequence of the virtuous behaviour of Bhishma and king + Dhritarashtra towards them, the Pandavas took up their abode in + Khandavaprastha. Adorned with those five mighty warriors, each equal unto + Indra himself, that foremost of cities looked like Bhogavati (the capital + of the nether kingdom) adorned with the Nagas. And, O monarch, having + settled the Pandavas there, the heroic Krishna, obtaining their leave, + came back with Rama to Dwaravati.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0211"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCX + </h2> + <h3> + (Rajya-labha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O thou possessed of ascetic wealth, what did those + high-souled ones, my grandsires, the illustrious Pandavas, do, after + obtaining the kingdom of Indraprastha? How did their wife Draupadi obey + them all? How is it also that no dissensions arose amongst those + illustrious rulers of men, all attached to one wife, viz., Krishna? O thou + of the wealth of asceticism, I wish to hear everything in detail regarding + the behaviour towards one another of those rulers of men after their union + with Krishna.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Those scorchers of foes, the Pandavas, having + obtained their kingdom, at the command of Dhritarashtra, passed their days + in joy and happiness at Khandavaprastha with Krishna. And Yudhishthira. + endued with great energy and ever adhering to truth, having obtained the + sovereignty, virtuously ruled the land, assisted by his brothers. And the + sons of Pandu, endued with great wisdom and devoted to truth and virtue, + having vanquished all their foes, continued to live there in great + happiness. And those bulls among men, seated on royal seats of great + value, used to discharge all the duties of government. And one day, while + all those illustrious heroes were so seated, there came unto them the + celestial Rishi Narada, in course of his wanderings. Beholding the Rishi, + Yudhishthira offered him his own handsome seat. And after the celestial + Rishi had been seated, the wise Yudhishthira duly offered him the Arghya + with his own hands. And the king also informed the Rishi of the state of + his kingdom. The Rishi accepting the worship, became well-pleased, and + eulogising him with benedictions, commanded the king to take his seat. + Commanded by the Rishi, the king took his seat. Then the king sent word + unto Krishna (in the inner apartments) of the arrival of the illustrious + one. Hearing of the Rishi’s arrival Draupadi, purifying herself properly, + came with a respectful attitude to where Narada was with the Pandavas. The + virtuous princess of Panchala, worshipping the celestial Rishi’s feet, + stood with joined hands before him, properly veiled, The illustrious + Narada, pronouncing various benedictions on her, commanded the princess to + retire. After Krishna had retired, the illustrious Rishi, addressing in + private all the Pandavas with Yudhishthira at their head, said, ‘The + renowned princess of Panchala is the wedded wife of you all. Establish a + rule amongst yourselves so that disunion may not arise amongst you. There + were, in former days, celebrated throughout the three worlds, two brothers + named Sunda and Upasunda living together and incapable of being slain by + anybody unless each slew the other. They ruled the same kingdom, lived in + the same house, slept on the same bed, sat on the same seat, and ate from + the same dish. And yet they killed each for the sake of Tilottama. + Therefore, O Yudhishthira, preserve your friendship for one another and do + that which may not produce disunion amongst you.’ + </p> + <p> + “On hearing this, Yudhishthira asked, ‘O great Muni, whose sons were + Asuras called Sunda and Upasunda? Whence arose that dissension amongst + them, and why did they slay each other? Whose daughter also was this + Tilottama for whose love the maddened brothers killed each other? Was she + an Apsara (water nymph) or the daughter of any celestial? O thou whose + wealth is asceticism, we desire, O Brahmana, to hear in detail everything + as it happened. Indeed, our curiosity hath become great.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0212"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Rajya-labha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing these words of Yudhishthira, Narada replied, + ‘O son of Pritha, listen with thy brothers to me as I recite this old + story, O Yudhishthira, exactly as everything happened. In olden days, a + mighty Daitya named Nikumbha, endued with great energy and strength was + born in the race of the great Asura, Hiranyakasipu. Unto this Nikumbha, + were born two sons called Sunda and Upasunda. Both of them were mighty + Asuras endued with great energy and terrible prowess. The brothers were + both fierce and possessed of wicked hearts. And those Daityas were both of + the same resolution, and ever engaged in achieving the same tasks and + ends. They were ever sharers with each other in happiness as well as in + woe. Each speaking and doing what was agreeable to the other, the brothers + never were unless they were together, and never went anywhere unless + together. Of exactly the same disposition and habits, they seemed to be + one individual divided into two parts. Endued with great energy and ever + of the same resolution in everything they undertook, the brothers + gradually grew up. Always entertaining the same purpose, desirous of + subjugating the three worlds, the brothers, after due initiation, went to + the mountains of Vindhya. And severe were the ascetic penances they + performed there. Exhausted with hunger and thirst, with matted locks on + their heads and attired in barks of trees, they acquired sufficient + ascetic merit at length. Besmearing themselves with dirt from head to + foot, living upon air alone, standing on their toes, they threw pieces of + the flesh of their bodies into the fire. Their arms upraised, and eye + fixed, long was the period for which they observed their vows. And during + the course of their ascetic penances, a wonderful incident occurred there. + For the mountains of Vindhya, heated for a long course of years by the + power of their ascetic austerities, began to emit vapour from every part + of their bodies. And beholding the severity of their austerities, the + celestials became alarmed. The gods began to cause numerous obstructions + to impede the progress of their asceticism. The celestials repeatedly + tempted the brothers by means of every precious possession and the most + beautiful girls. The brothers broke not their vows. Then the celestials + once more manifested, before the illustrious brothers, their powers of + illusion. For it seemed their sisters, mothers, wives, and other + relatives, with disordered hair and ornaments and robes, were running + towards them in terror, pursued and struck by a Rakshasa with a lance in + hand. And it seemed that the women implored the help of the brothers + crying, ‘O save us!’ But all this went for nothing, for firmly wedded + thereto, the brothers did not still break their vows. And when it was + found that all this produced not the slightest impression on any of the + two, both the women and the Rakshasa vanished from sight. At last the + Grandsire himself, the Supreme Lord ever seeking the welfare of all, came + unto those great Asuras and asked them to solicit the boon they desired. + Then the brothers Sunda and Upasunda, both of great prowess, beholding the + Grandsire, rose from their seats and waited with joined palms. And the + brothers both said unto the God, ‘O Grandsire, if thou hast been pleased + with these our ascetic austerities, and art, O lord, propitious unto us, + then let us have knowledge of all weapons and of all powers of illusion. + Let us be endued with great strength, and let us be able to assume any + form at will. And last of all, let us also be immortal.’ Hearing these + words of theirs, Brahman said, ‘Except the immortality you ask for, you + shall be given all that you desire. Solicit you some form of death by + which you may still be equal unto the immortals. And since you have + undergone these severe ascetic austerities from desire of sovereignty + alone I cannot confer on you the boon of immortality. You have performed + your ascetic penances even for the subjugation of the three worlds. It is + for this, O mighty Daityas, that I cannot grant you what you desire.’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘Hearing these words of Brahman, Sunda and Upasunda + said, ‘O Grandsire, let us have no fear then from any created thing, + mobile or immobile, in the three worlds, except only from each other!’ The + Grandsire then said, ‘I grant you what you have asked for, even this your + desire’. And granting them this boon, the Grandsire made them desist from + their asceticism, and returned to his own region. Then the brothers, those + mighty Daityas, having received those several boons became incapable of + being slain by anybody in the universe. They then returned to their own + abode. All their friends and relatives, beholding those Daityas of great + intelligence, crowned with success in the matter of the boons they had + obtained, became exceedingly glad. And Sunda and Upasunda then cut off + their matted locks and wore coronets on their heads. Attired in costly + robes and ornaments, they looked exceedingly handsome. They caused the + moon to rise over their city every night even out of his season. And + friends and relatives gave themselves up to joy and merriment with happy + hearts. Eat, feed, give, make merry, sing, drink—these were the + sounds heard everyday in every house. And here and there arose loud + uproars of hilarity mixed with clappings of hands which filled the whole + city of the Daityas, who being capable of assuming any form at will, were + engaged in every kind of amusement and sport and scarcely noticed the + flight of time, even regarding a whole year as a single day.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0213"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Rajya-labha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + ‘Narada continued, ‘As soon as those festivities came to an end, the + brothers Sunda and Upasunda, desirous of the Sovereignty of the three + worlds, took counsel and commanded their forces to be arranged. Obtaining + the assent of their friends and relatives, of the elders of the Daitya + race and of their ministers of state, and performing the preliminary rites + of departure, they set out in the night when the constellation Magha was + in the ascendant. The brothers set out with a large Daitya force clad in + mail and armed with maces and axes and lances and clubs. The Daitya heroes + set out on their expedition with joyous hearts, the charanas (bards) + chanting auspicious panegyrics indicative of their future triumphs. + Furious in war, the Daitya brothers, capable of going everywhere at will, + ascended the skies and went to the region of the celestials. The + celestials knowing they were coming and acquainted also with the boons + granted unto them by the Supreme Deity left heaven and sought refuge in + the region of Brahman. Endued with fierce prowess, the Daitya heroes soon + subjugated the region of Indra, and vanquishing the diverse tribes of + Yakshas and Rakshasas and every creature ranging the skies, came away. + Those mighty car-warriors next subjugated the Nagas of the nether region, + and then the inmates of the ocean and then all the tribes of the + Mlechchhas. Desirous next of subjugating the whole earth, those heroes of + irresistible sway, summoning their soldiers, issued these cruel commands, + ‘Brahmanas and royal sages (on earth) with their libations and other food + offered at grand sacrifices, increase the energy and strength of the gods, + as also their prosperity. Engaged in such acts, they are the enemies of + the Asuras. All of us, therefore, mustering together should completely + slaughter them off the face of the earth!’ Ordering their soldiers thus on + the eastern shore of the great ocean, and entertaining such a cruel + resolution, the Asura brothers set out in all directions. And those that + were performing sacrifices and the Brahmanas that were assisting at those + sacrifices, the mighty brothers instantly slew. And slaughtering them with + violence they departed for some other place. Whilst their soldiers threw + into the water the sacrificial fires that were in the asylums of Munis + with souls under complete control, the curses uttered by the illustrious + Rishis in wrath, rendered abortive by the boons granted (by Brahman), + affected not the Asura brothers. When the Brahmanas saw that their curses + produced not the slightest effect like shafts shot at stones they fled in + all directions, forsaking their rites and vows. Even those Rishis on earth + that were crowned with ascetic success, and had their passions under + complete control and were wholly engrossed in meditation of the Deity, + from fear of the Asura brothers, fled like snakes at the approach of + Vinata’s son (Garuda the snake-eater). The sacred asylums were all trodden + down and broken. The sacrificial jars and vessels being broken, their + (sacred) contents were scattered over the ground. The whole universe + became empty, as if its creatures had all been stricken down during the + season of general dissolution. And, O king, after the Rishis had all + disappeared and made themselves invisible both the great Asuras, resolved + upon their destruction, began to assume various forms. Assuming the forms + of maddened elephants with temples rent from excess of juice, the Asura + pair, searching out the Rishis who had sheltered themselves in caves, sent + them to the region of Yama. Sometimes becoming as lions and again as + tigers and disappearing the next moment, by these and other methods the + cruel couple, seeing the Rishis, slew them instantly. Sacrifice and study + ceased, and kings and Brahmanas were exterminated. The earth became + utterly destitute of sacrifices and festivals. And the terrified people + uttered cries of Oh and Alas and all buying and selling were stopped. All + religious rites ceased, and the earth became destitute of sacred + ceremonies and marriages. Agriculture was neglected and cattle were no + longer tended. Towns and asylums became desolate. And scattered over with + bones and skeletons, the earth assumed a frightful aspect. All ceremonies + in honour of the Pitris were suspended, and the sacred sound of Vashat and + the whole circle of auspicious rites ceased. The earth became frightful to + behold. The Sun and the Moon, the Planets and Stars, and Constellations, + and the other dwellers in the firmament, witnessing these acts of Sunda + and Upasunda, grieved deeply. Subjugating all the points of heaven by + means of such cruel acts, the Asura brothers took up their abode in + Kurukshetra, without a single rival.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0214"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Rajya-labha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘Then the celestial Rishis, the Siddhas, and the + high-souled Rishis possessing the attributes of tranquillity and + self-restraint, beholding that act of universal slaughter, were afflicted + with great grief. With passions and senses and souls under complete + control, they then went to the abode of the Grandsire, moved by compassion + for the universe. Arrived there, they beheld the Grandsire seated with + gods, Siddhas, and Brahmarshis around him. There were present that God of + gods, viz., Mahadeva, and Agni, accompanied by Vayu, and Soma and Surya + and Sakra, and Rishis devoted to the contemplation of Brahma, and the + Vaikhanasas, the Valakhilyas, the Vanaprasthas, the Marichipas, the Ajas, + the Avimudas, and other ascetics of great energy. All those Rishis were + sitting with the Grandsire, when the celestial and other Rishis, + approaching Brahman with sorrowful hearts, represented unto him all the + acts of Sunda and Upasunda. And they told the Grandsire in detail + everything that the Asura brothers had done, and how they had done it, and + in what order. Then all the celestials and the great Rishis pressed the + matter before the Grandsire. The Grandsire, hearing everything they said, + reflected for a moment and settled in his mind what he should do. + Resolving to compass the destruction of the Asura brothers, he summoned + Viswakarman (the celestial architect). Seeing Viswakarman before him, the + Grandsire possessed of supreme ascetic merit commanded him, saying, + ‘Create thou a damsel capable of captivating all hearts.’ Bowing down unto + the Grandsire and receiving his command with reverence, the great + artificer of the universe created a celestial maiden with careful + attention. Viswakrit first collected all handsome features upon the body + of the damsel he created. Indeed, the celestial maiden that he created was + almost a mass of gems. And created with great care by Viswakarman, the + damsel, in beauty, became unrivalled among the women of the three worlds. + There was not even a minute part of her body which by its wealth of beauty + could not attract the gaze of beholders. And like unto the embodied Sri + herself, that damsel of extraordinary beauty captivated the eyes and + hearts of every creature. And because she had been created with portions + of every gem taken in minute measures, the Grandsire bestowed upon her the + name of Tilottama. And as soon as he started it into life, the damsel + bowed to Brahman and with joined palms said, ‘Lord of every created thing, + what task am I to accomplish and what have I been created for?’ The + Grandsire answered, ‘Go, O Tilottama, unto the Asuras, Sunda and Upasunda. + O amiable one, tempt them with thy captivating beauty. And, O damsel, + conduct thyself there in such a way that the Asura brothers may, in + consequence of the wealth of thy beauty, quarrel with each other as soon + as they cast their eyes upon thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘Bowing unto the Grandsire and saying, ‘So be it,’—the + damsel walked round the celestial conclave. The illustrious Brahman was + then sitting with face turned eastwards, and Mahadeva with face also + towards the east, and all the celestials with faces northwards, and the + Rishis with faces towards all directions. While Tilottama walked round the + conclave of the celestials, Indra and the illustrious Sthanu (Mahadeva) + were the only ones that succeeded in preserving their tranquillity of + mind. But exceedingly desirous as Mahadeva was (of beholding Tilottama) + when the damsel (in her progress round the celestial conclave) was at his + side, another face like a full-blown lotus appeared on the southern side + of his body. And when she was behind him, another face appeared on the + west. And when the damsel was on the northern side of the great god, a + fourth face appeared on the northern side of his body. Mahadeva (who was + eager to behold the damsel) came also to have a thousand eyes, each large + and slightly reddish, before, behind and on his flanks. And it was thus + that Sthanu the great god came to have four faces, and the slayer of Vala, + a thousand eyes. And as regards the mass of the celestials and the Rishis, + they turned their faces towards all directions as Tilottama walked round + them. Except the divine Grandsire himself, the glances of those + illustrious personages, even of all of them fell upon Tilottama’s body. + And when Tilottama set out (for the city of the Asuras) with the wealth of + her beauty, all regarded the task as already accomplished. After Tilottama + had gone away, the great god who was the First Cause of the Universe, + dismissed all the celestials and the Rishis.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0215"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Rajya-labha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘Meanwhile the Asura brothers having subjugated the + earth were without a rival. The fatigue of exertion gone, they, having + brought the three worlds under equal sway, regarded themselves as persons + that had nothing more to do. Having brought all the treasures of the gods, + the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Nagas, the Rakshasas, and the kings of + the earth, the brothers began to pass their days in great happiness. When + they saw they had no rivals (in the three worlds), they gave up all + exertion and devoted their time to pleasure and merriment, like the + celestials. They experienced great happiness by giving themselves up to + every kind of enjoyment, such as women, and perfumes and floral wreaths + and viands, and drinks and many other agreeable objects all in profusion. + In houses and woods and gardens, on hills and in forests, wherever they + liked they passed their time in pleasure and amusement, like the + immortals. And it so happened that one day they went for purposes of + pleasure to a tableland of the Vindhya range, perfectly level and stony, + and overgrown with blossoming trees. After every object of desire, all of + the most agreeable kind, had been brought, the brothers sat on an + excellent seat, with happy hearts and accompanied by handsome women. And + those damsels, desirous of pleasing the brothers, commenced a dance in + accompaniment to music, and sweetly chanted many a song in praise of the + mighty pair.’ + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile Tilottama attired in a single piece of red silk that exposed + all her charms, came along, plucking wild flowers on her way. She advanced + slowly to where those mighty Asuras were. The Asura brothers, intoxicated + with the large portions they had imbibed, were smitten upon beholding that + maiden of transcendent beauty. Leaving their seats they went quickly to + where the damsel was. Both of them being under the influence of lust, each + sought the maiden for himself. And Sunda seized that maid of fair brows by + her right hand. Intoxicated with the boons they had obtained, with + physical might, with the wealth and gems they had gathered from every + quarter, and with the wine they had drunk, maddened with all these, and + influenced by wishful desire, they addressed each other, each contracting + his bow in anger, ‘She is my wife, and therefore your superior,’ said + Sunda. ‘She is my wife, and therefore your sister-in-law’, replied + Upasunda. And they said unto each other, ‘She is mine not yours.’ And soon + they were under the influence of rage. Maddened by the beauty of the + damsel, they soon forgot their love and affection for each other. Both of + them, deprived of reason by passion, then took up their fierce maces. Each + repeating, I was the first, I was the first,’ (in taking her hand) struck + the other. And the fierce Asuras, struck by each other with the mace, fell + down upon the ground, their bodies bathed in blood, like two suns + dislodged from the firmament. And beholding this, the women that had come + there, and the other Asuras there present, all fled away trembling in + grief and fear, and took refuge in the nether regions. The Grandsire + himself of pure soul, then came there, accompanied by the celestials, and + the great Rishis. And the illustrious Grandsire applauded Tilottama and + expressed his wish of granting her a boon. The Supreme Deity, before + Tilottama spoke, desirous of granting her a boon, cheerfully said, ‘O + beautiful damsel, thou shalt roam in the region of the Adityas. Thy + splendour shall be so great that nobody will ever be able to look at thee + for any length of time!’ The Grandsire of all creatures, granting this + boon unto her, establishing the three worlds in Indra as before, returned + to his own region.’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘It was thus that Asuras, ever united and inspired by + the same purpose slew each other in wrath for the sake of Tilottama. + Therefore, from affection I tell you, ye foremost ones of Bharata’s line, + that if you desire to do anything agreeable to me, make some such + arrangements that you may not quarrel with one another for the sake of + Draupadi.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The illustrious Pandavas, thus addressed by the + great Rishi Narada, consulting with one another, established a rule + amongst themselves in the presence of the celestial Rishi himself endued + with immeasurable energy. And the rule they made was that when one of them + would be sitting with Draupadi, any of the other four who would see that + one thus must retire into the forest for twelve years, passing his days as + a Brahmacharin. After the virtuous Pandavas had established that rule + amongst themselves, the great Muni Narada, gratified with them, went to + the place he wished. Thus, O Janamejaya, did the Pandavas urged by Narada, + established a rule amongst themselves in regard to their common wife. And + it was for this, O Bharata, that no dispute ever arose between them.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0216"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Arjuna-vanavasa Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The Pandavas, having established such a rule, + continued to reside there. By the prowess of their arms they brought many + kings under their sway. And Krishna became obedient unto all the five sons + of Pritha, those lions among men, of immeasurable energy. Like the river + Saraswati decked with elephants, which again take pleasure in that stream, + Draupadi took great delight in her five heroic husbands and they too took + delight in her. And in consequence of the illustrious Pandavas being + exceedingly virtuous in their practice, the whole race of Kurus, free from + sin, and happy, grew in prosperity. + </p> + <p> + “After some time, O king, it so happened that certain robbers lifted the + cattle of a Brahmana, and while they were carrying away the booty, the + Brahmana, deprived of his senses by anger, repaired to Khandavaprastha, + and began to reprove the Pandavas in accents of woe. The Brahmana said, + ‘Ye Pandavas, from this your dominion, my kine are even now being taken + away by force by despicable and wicked wretches! Pursue ye the thieves. + Alas, the sacrificial butter of a peaceful Brahmana is being taken away by + crows! Alas, the wretched jackal invadeth the empty cave of a lion! A king + that taketh the sixth part of the produce of the land without protecting + the subject, hath been called by the wise to be the most sinful person in + the whole world. The wealth of a Brahmana is being taken away by robbers! + Virtue itself is sustaining a diminution! Take me up by the hand, ye + Pandavas for I am plunged in grief!” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, heard those + accents of the Brahmana weeping in bitter grief. As soon as he heard those + accents, he loudly assured the Brahmana, saying, ‘No fear!’ But it so + happened that the chamber where the illustrious Pandavas had their weapons + was then occupied by Yudhishthira the just with Krishna. Arjuna, + therefore, was incapable of entering it or, going alone with the Brahmana, + though repeatedly urged (to do either) by the weeping accents of the + Brahmana. Summoned by the Brahmana, Arjuna reflected, with a sorrowful + heart, Alas, this innocent Brahmana’s wealth is being robbed! I should + certainly dry up his tears. He hath come to our gate, and is weeping even + now. If I do not protect him, the king will be touched with sin in + consequence of my indifference; our own irreligiousness will be cited + throughout the kingdom, and we shall incur a great sin. If, disregarding + the king, I enter the chamber, without doubt I shall be behaving + untruthfully towards the monarch without a foe. By entering the chamber, + again, I incur the penalty of an exile in the woods. But I must overlook + everything. I care not if I have to incur sin by disregarding the king. I + care not if I have to go to the woods and die there. Virtue is superior to + the body and lasteth after the body hath perished!’ Dhananjaya, arriving + at this resolution, entered the chamber and talked with Yudhishthira. + Coming out with the bow, he cheerfully told the Brahmana, ‘Proceed, O + Brahmana, with haste, so that those wretched robbers may not go much ahead + of us. I shall accompany thee and restore unto thee thy wealth that hath + fallen into the hands of the thieves.’ Then Dhananjaya, capable of using + both his arms with equal skill, armed with the bow and cased in mail and + riding in his war-chariot decked with a standard, pursued the thieves, and + piercing them with his arrows, compelled them to give up the booty. + Benefiting the Brahmana thus by making over to him his kine, and winning + great renown, the hero returned to the capital. Bowing unto all the + elders, and congratulated by everybody, Partha at last approached + Yudhishthira, and addressing him, said, ‘Give me leave, O lord, to observe + the vow I took. In beholding thee sitting with Draupadi, I have violated + the rule established by ourselves. I shall therefore go into the woods, + for this is even our understanding.’ Then Yudhishthira, suddenly hearing + those painful words, became afflicted with grief, and said in an agitated + voice, ‘Why!’ A little while after, king Yudhishthira in grief said unto + his brother Dhananjaya of curly hair who never departed from his vows, + these words, ‘O sinless one, if I am an authority worthy of regard, listen + to what I say. O hero, full well do I know the reason why thou hadst + entered my chamber and didst what thou regardest to be an act disagreeable + to me. But there is no displeasure in my mind. The younger brother may, + without fault, enter the chamber where the elder brother sitteth with his + wife. It is only the elder brother that acts against the rules of + propriety by entering the room where the younger brother sitteth with his + wife. Therefore, O thou of mighty arms, desist from thy purpose. Do what I + say. Thy virtue hath sustained no diminution. Thou hast not disregarded + me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna, hearing this, replied, ‘I have heard, even from thee, that + quibbling is not permitted in the discharge of duty. I cannot waver from + truth. Truth is my weapon.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Obtaining then the king’s permission, Arjuna + prepared himself for a forest-life; and he went to the forest to live + there for twelve years.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0217"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Arjuna-vanavasa Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘When that spreader of the renown of Kuru’s race, the + strong-armed Arjuna, set out (for the forest), Brahmanas conversant with + the Vedas walked behind that illustrious hero to a certain distance. + Followed by Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas and their branches and + devoted to the contemplation of the Supreme Spirit, by persons skilled in + music, by ascetics devoted to the Deity, by reciters of Puranas, by + narrators of sacred stories by devotees leading celibate lives, by + Vanaprasthas, by Brahmanas sweetly reciting celestial histories, and by + various other classes of persons of sweet speeches, Arjuna journeyed like + Indra followed by the Maruts. And, O thou of Bharata’s race, that bull + among the Bharatas saw, as he journeyed, many delightful and picturesque + forests, lakes, rivers, seas, provinces, and waters. At length, on + arriving at the source of the Ganges the mighty hero thought of settling + there. + </p> + <p> + “Listen now, O Janamejaya, to a wonderful feat which that foremost of the + sons of Pandu, of high soul, did, while living there. When that son of + Kunti, O Bharata, and the Brahmanas who had followed him, took up their + residence in that region, the latter performed innumerable Agnihotras + (sacrificial rites by igniting the sacred fire). And, O king, in + consequence of those learned vow-observing, and illustrious Brahmanas, who + never deviated from the right path, daily establishing and igniting with + mantras on the banks of that sacred stream, after the performance of their + ablutions, fires for their sacrifices, and pouring libations of clarified + butter into the same, and worshipping those fires with offerings of + flowers, that region itself where the Ganges entered the plains became + exceedingly beautiful. One day that bull amongst the Pandavas, while + residing in that region in the midst of those Brahmanas, descended (as + usual) into the Ganges to perform his ablutions. After his ablutions had + been over, and after he had offered oblations of water unto his deceased + ancestors, he was about to get up from the stream to perform his + sacrificial rites before the fire, when the mighty-armed hero, O king, was + dragged into the bottom of the water by Ulupi, the daughter of the king of + the Nagas, urged by the god of desire. And it so happened that the son of + Pandu was carried into the beautiful mansion of Kauravya, the king of the + Nagas. Arjuna saw there a sacrificial fire ignited for himself. Beholding + that fire, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti performed his sacrificial rites + with devotion. And Agni was much gratified with Arjuna for the + fearlessness with which that hero had poured libations into his manifest + form. After he had thus performed his rites before the fire, the son of + Kunti, beholding the daughter of the king of the Nagas, addressed her + smilingly and said, ‘O handsome girl, what an act of rashness hast thou + done. O timid one! Whose is this beautiful region, who art thou and whose + daughter?’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Arjuna, Ulupi answered, ‘There is a Naga of the + name of Kauravya, born in the line of Airavata. I am, O prince, the + daughter of that Kauravya, and my name is Ulupi. O tiger among men, + beholding thee descend into the stream to perform thy ablutions, I was + deprived of reason by the god of desire. O sinless one, I am still + unmarried. Afflicted as I am by the god of desire on account of thee, O + thou of Kuru’s race, gratify me today by giving thyself up to me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna replied, ‘Commanded by king Yudhishthira, O amiable one, I am + undergoing the vow of Brahmacharin for twelve years. I am not free to act + in any way I like. But, O ranger of the waters, I am still willing to do + thy pleasure (if I can). I have never spoken an untruth in my life. Tell + me, therefore, O Naga maid, how I may act so that, while doing thy + pleasure, I may not be guilty of any untruth or breach of duty.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ulupi answered, ‘I know, O son of Pandu, why thou wanderest over the + earth, and why thou hast been commanded to lead the life of a Brahmacharin + by the superior. Even this was the understanding to which all of you had + been pledged, viz., that amongst you all owning Drupada’s daughter as your + common wife, he who would from ignorance enter the room where one of you + would be sitting with her, should lead the life of a Brahmacharin in the + woods for twelve years. The exile of any one amongst you, therefore, is + only for the sake of Draupadi. Thou art but observing the duty arising + from that vow. Thy virtue cannot sustain any diminution (by acceding to my + solicitation). Then again, O thou of large eyes, it is a duty to relieve + the distressed. Thy virtue suffereth no diminution by relieving me. Oh, if + (by this act), O Arjuna, thy virtue doth suffer a small diminution, thou + wilt acquire great merit by saving my life. Know me for thy worshipper, O + Partha! Therefore, yield thyself up to me! Even this, O lord, is the + opinion of the wise (viz., that one should accept a woman that wooeth). If + thou do not act in this way, know that I will destroy myself. O thou of + mighty arms, earn great merit by saving my life. I seek thy shelter, O + best of men! Thou protectest always, O son of Kunti, the afflicted and the + masterless. I seek thy protection, weeping in sorrow. I woo thee, being + filled with desire. Therefore, do what is agreeable to me. It behoveth + thee to gratify my wish by yielding thy self up to me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the + Nagas, the son of Kunti did everything she desired, making virtue his + motive. The mighty Arjuna, spending the night in the mansion of the Naga + rose with the sun in the morning. Accompanied by Ulupi he came back from + the palace of Kauravya to the region where the Ganges entereth the plains. + The chaste Ulupi, taking her leave there, returned to her own abode. And, + O Bharata, she granted unto Arjuna a boon making him invincible in water, + saying, ‘Every amphibious creature shall, without doubt, be vanquishable + by thee.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0218"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Arjuna-vanavasa Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then the son of the wielder of the thunderbolt + narrated everything unto those Brahmanas (residing with him there), set + out for the breast of Himavat. Arriving at the spot called Agastyavata, he + next went to Vasishtha’s peak. Thence the son of Kunti proceeded to the + peak of Bhrigu. Purifying himself with ablutions and other rites there, + that foremost of the Kurus gave away unto Brahmanas many thousands of cows + and many houses. Thence that best of men proceeded to the sacred asylum + called Hiranyavindu. Performing his ablutions there, that foremost of the + sons of Pandu saw many holy regions. Descending from those heights that + chief of men, O Bharata, accompanied by the Brahmanas, journeyed towards + the east, desiring to behold the regions that lay in that direction. That + foremost one of Kuru’s race saw many regions of sacred waters one after + another. And beholding in the forest of Naimisha the delightful river + Utpalini (full of lotuses) and the Nanda and the Apara Nanda, the + far-famed Kausiki, and the mighty rivers Gaya and Ganga, and all the + regions of sacred water, he purified himself, O Bharata, (with the usual + rites), and gave away many cows unto Brahmanas. Whatever regions of sacred + waters and whatever other holy palaces there were in Vanga and Kalinga, + Arjuna visited all of them. Seeing them all and performing proper + ceremonies, he gave away much wealth. Then, O Bharata, all those Brahmanas + following the son of Pandu, bade him farewell at the gate of the kingdom + of Kalinga and desisted from proceeding with him any further. The brave + Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, obtaining their leave, went towards the + ocean, accompanied by only a few attendants. Crossing the country of the + Kalingas, the mighty one proceeded, seeing on his way diverse countries + and sacred spots and diverse delightful mansions and houses. Beholding the + Mahendra mountain adorned with the ascetics (residing there), he went to + Manipura, proceeding slowly along the sea-shore. Beholding all the sacred + waters and other holy places in that province, the strong-armed son of + Pandu at last went, O king, to the virtuous Chitravahana, the ruler of + Manipura. The king of Manipura had a daughter of great beauty named + Chitrangada. And it so happened that Arjuna beheld her in her father’s + palace roving at pleasure. Beholding the handsome daughter of + Chitravahana, Arjuna desired to possess her. Going unto the king (her + father), he represented unto him what he sought. He said. ‘Give away unto + me thy daughter, O king! I am an illustrious Kshatriya’s son.’ Hearing + this, the king asked him, ‘Whose son art thou?’ Arjuna replied, ‘I am + Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu and Kunti.’ The king, hearing this, spoke + unto him these words in sweet accents, ‘There was in our race a king of + the name of Prabhanjana, who was childless. To obtain a child, he + underwent severe ascetic penances. By his severe asceticism, O Partha, he + gratified that god of gods, Mahadeva, the husband of Uma, that supreme + Lord holding (the mighty bow called) Pinaka. The illustrious Lord granted + him the boon that each successive descendant of his race should have one + child only. In consequence of that boon only one child is born unto every + successive descendant of this race. All my ancestors (one after another) + had each a male child. I, however, have only a daughter to perpetuate my + race. But, O bull amongst men, I ever look upon this daughter of mine as + my son. O bull of Bharata’s race, I have duly made her a Putrika. + Therefore, one amongst the sons that may be begotten upon her by thee, O + Bharata, shall be the perpetuator of my race. That son is the dower for + which I may give away my daughter. O son of Pandu, if them choosest, thou + canst take her upon this understanding.’ Hearing these words of the king, + Arjuna accepted them all, saying, ‘So be it.’ Taking Chitravahana’s + daughter (as his wife), the son of Kunti resided in that city for three + years. When Chitrangada at last gave birth to a son, Arjuna embraced that + handsome princess affectionately. And taking leave of the king (her + father), he set out on his wanderings again.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0219"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Arjuna-vanavasa Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then that bull of Bharata’s race went to the sacred + waters on the banks of the southern ocean, all adorned with the ascetics + residing there. And there lay scattered five such regions where also dwelt + many ascetics. But those five waters themselves were shunned by all of + them. Those sacred waters were called Agastya, and Saubhadra and Pauloma + of great holiness, and Karandhama of great propitiousness yielding the + fruits of a horse-sacrifice unto those that bathed there, and Bharadwaja, + that great washer of sins. That foremost one among the Kurus, beholding + those five sacred waters, and finding them uninhabited, and ascertaining + also that they were shunned by the virtuous ascetics dwelling around, + asked those pious men with joined hands, saying, ‘Why O ascetics, are + these five sacred waters shunned by utterers of Brahma?’ Hearing him, the + ascetics replied, ‘There dwell in these waters five large crocodiles which + take away the ascetics that may happen to bathe in them. It is for this, O + son of Kuru’s race, that these waters are shunned.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of the ascetics, that + foremost of men endued with mighty arms, though dissuaded by them went to + behold those waters. Arrived at the excellent sacred water called + Saubhadra after a great Rishi, the brave scorcher of all foes suddenly + plunged into it to have a bath. As soon as that tiger among men had + plunged into the water a great crocodile (that was in it) seized him by + the leg. But the strong-armed Dhananjaya the son of Kunti, that foremost + of all men endued with might, seized that struggling ranger of the water + and dragged it forcibly to the shore. But dragged by the renowned Arjuna + to the land, that crocodile became (transformed into) a beautiful damsel + bedecked with ornament. O king, that charming damsel of celestial form + seemed to shine for her beauty and complexion. Dhananjaya, the son of + Kunti, beholding that strange sight, asked that damsel with a pleased + heart, ‘Who art thou, O beautiful one? Why hast thou been a ranger of the + waters? Why also didst thou commit such a dreadful sin?’ The damsel + replied, saying, ‘I am, O mighty-armed one, an Apsara that sported in the + celestial woods. I am, O mighty one, Varga by name, and ever dear unto the + celestial treasurer (Kuvera). I have four other companions, all handsome + and capable of going everywhere at will. Accompanied by them I was one day + going to the abode of Kuvera. On the way we beheld a Brahmana of rigid + vows, and exceedingly handsome, studying the Vedas in solitude. The whole + forest (in which he was sitting) seemed to be covered with his ascetic + splendour. He seemed to have illuminated the whole region like the Sun + himself. Beholding his ascetic devotion of that nature and his wonderful + beauty, we alighted in that region, in order to disturb his meditations. + Myself and Saurabheyi and Samichi and Vudvuda and Lata, approached that + Brahmana, O Bharata, at the same time. We began to sing and smile and + otherwise tempt that Brahmana. But, O hero, that Brahmana (youth) set not + his heart even once upon us. His mind fixed on pure meditation, that youth + of great energy suffered not his heart to waver, O bull among Kshatriyas, + the glance he cast upon us was one of wrath. And he said, staring at us, + ‘Becoming crocodiles, range ye the waters for a hundred years.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0220"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Arjuna-vanavasa Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Varga continued, ‘We were then, O foremost one of + Bharata’s race, deeply distressed at this curse. We sought to propitiate + that Brahmana of ascetic wealth that departed not from his vow. Addressing + him, we said, ‘Inflated with a sense of our beauty and youth, and urged by + the god of desire, we have acted very improperly. It behoveth thee, O + Brahmana, to pardon us! Truly, O Brahmana, it was death to us that we had + at all come hither to tempt thee of rigid vows and ascetic wealth. The + virtuous, however, have said that women should never be slain. Therefore + grow thou in virtue. It behoveth thee not to slay us so. O thou that art + conversant with virtue, it hath been said that a Brahmana is ever the + friend of every creature. O thou of great prosperity, let this speech of + the wise become true. The eminent always protect those that seek + protection at their hands. We seek thy protection. It behoveth thee to + grant us pardon.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed, that Brahmana of virtuous soul + and good deeds and equal in splendour, O hero, unto the sun or the moon, + became propitious unto them. And the Brahmana said, ‘The words hundred and + hundred thousand are all indicative of eternity. The word hundred, + however, as employed by me is to be understood as a limited period and not + indicative of a period without end. Ye shall, therefore, becoming + crocodiles, seize and take away men (for only a hundred years as explained + by me). At the end of that period, an exalted individual will drag you all + from water to the land. Then ye will resume your real forms. Never have I + spoken an untruth even in jest. Therefore, all that I have said must come + to pass. And those sacred waters (within which I assign you your places), + will, after you will have been delivered by that individual, become known + all over the world by the name of Nari-tirthas (or sacred waters connected + with the sufferings and the deliverance of females), and all of them shall + become sacred and sin cleansing in the eyes of the virtuous and the wise.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Varga then addressing Arjuna, finished her + discourse, saying, ‘Hearing these words of the Brahmana, we saluted him + with reverence and walked round him. Leaving that region we came away with + heavy hearts, thinking as we proceeded, ‘Where shall we all soon meet with + that man who will give us back our own shapes (after our transformation)?’ + As we were thinking of it, in almost a moment, O Bharata, we beheld even + the eminent celestial Rishi Narada. Beholding that Rishi of immeasurable + energy, our hearts were filled with joy. Saluting him with reverence, O + Partha, we stood before him, with blushing faces. He asked of us the cause + of our sorrow and we told him all. Hearing what had happened the Rishi + said, ‘In the low-lands bordering on the southern ocean, there are five + regions of sacred water. They are delightful and eminently holy. Go ye + thither without delay. That tiger among men, Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu + of pure soul, will soon deliver you, without doubt, from this sad plight.’ + O hero, hearing the Rishi’s words, all of us came hither. O sinless one, + true it is that I have today been delivered by thee. But those four + friends of mine are still within the other waters here. O hero, do a good + deed by delivering them also.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then, O monarch, that foremost of the Pandavas, + endued with great prowess, cheerfully delivered all of them from that + curse. Rising from the waters they all regained their own forms. Those + Apsaras then, O king, all looked as before. Freeing those sacred waters + (from the danger for which they had been notorious), and giving the + Apsaras leave to go where they chose, Arjuna became desirous of once more + beholding Chitrangada. He, therefore, proceeded towards the city of + Manipura. Arrived there, he beheld on the throne the son he had begotten + upon Chitrangada, and who was called by the name of Vabhruvahana. Seeing + Chitrangada once more, Arjuna proceeded, O monarch, towards the spot + called Gokarna.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0221"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Arjuna-vanavasa Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Arjuna of immeasurable prowess saw, one after + another, all the sacred waters and other holy places that were on the + shores of the western ocean. Vibhatsu reached the sacred spot called + Prabhasa. When the invisible Arjuna arrived at that sacred and delightful + region, the slayer of Madhu (Krishna) heard of it. Madhava soon went there + to see his friend, the son of Kunti. Krishna and Arjuna met together and + embracing each other enquired after each other’s welfare. Those dear + friends, who were none else than the Rishis Nara and Narayana of old, sat + down. Vasudeva asked Arjuna about his travels, saying, ‘Why, O Pandava art + thou wandering over the earth, beholding all the sacred waters and other + holy places?’ Then Arjuna told him everything that had happened. Hearing + everything, that mighty hero of Vrishni’s race said, ‘This is as it should + be.’ And Krishna and Arjuna having sported as they liked, for some time at + Prabhasa, went to the Raivataka mountain to pass some days there. Before + they arrived at Raivataka, that mountain had, at the command of Krishna + been well-adorned by many artificers. Much food also had, at Krishna’s + command, been collected there. Enjoying everything that had been collected + there for him, Arjuna sat with Vasudeva to see the performances of the + actors and the dancers. Then the high-souled Pandava, dismissing them all + with proper respect, laid himself down on a well-adorned and excellent + bed. As the strong-armed one lay on that excellent bed, he described unto + Krishna everything about the sacred waters, the lakes and the mountains, + the rivers and the forests he had seen. While he was speaking of these, + stretched upon that celestial bed, sleep, O Janamejaya, stole upon him. He + rose in the morning, awakened, by sweet songs and melodious notes of the + Vina (guitar) and the panegyrics and benedictions of the bards. After he + had gone through the necessary acts and ceremonies, he was affectionately + accosted by him of the Vrishni race. Riding upon a golden car, the hero + then set out for Dwaraka, the capital of the Yadavas. And, O Janamejaya, + for honouring the son of Kunti, the city of Dwaraka, was well-adorned, + even all the gardens and houses within it. The citizens of Dwaraka, + desirous of beholding the son of Kunti, began to pour eagerly into the + public thoroughfares by hundreds of thousands. In the public squares and + thoroughfares, hundreds and thousands of women, mixing with the men, + swelled the great crowd of the Bhojas, the Vrishnis, and the Andhakas, + that had collected there. Arjuna was welcomed with respect by all the sons + of Bhojas, the Vrishnis, and the Andhakas. And he, in his turn, worshipped + those that deserved his worship, receiving their blessings. The hero was + welcomed with affectionate reception by all the young men of the Yadava + tribe. He repeatedly embraced all that were equal to him in age. Wending + then to the delightful mansion of Krishna that was filled with gems and + every article of enjoyment, he took up his abode there with Krishna for + many days.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0222"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Subhadra-harana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O best of monarchs, within a few days after this, + there commenced on the Raivataka mountain, a grand festival of the + Vrishnis and the Andhakas. At the mountain-festival of the Bhojas, the + Vrishnis and the Andhakas, the heroes of those tribes began to give away + much wealth unto Brahmanas by thousands. The region around that hill, O + king was adorned with many a mansion decked with gems and many an + artificial tree of gaudy hue. The musicians struck up in concert and the + dancers began to dance and the vocalists to sing. And the youth of the + Vrishni race, endued with great energy, adorned with every ornament, and + riding in their gold-decked cars, looked extremely handsome. The citizens, + some on foot and some in excellent cars, with their wives and followers + were there by hundreds and thousands. And there was the lord Haladhara + (Valarama), roving at will, hilarious with drink, accompanied by (his + wife) Revati, and followed by many musicians and vocalists. There came + Ugrasena also, the powerful king of he Vrishni race, accompanied by his + thousand wives and followed by sweet singers. And Raukmineya and Shamva + also, ever furious in battle, roved there, excited with drink and adorned + with floral wreaths of great beauty and with costly attires, and disported + themselves like a pair of celestials. And Akrura and Sarana and Gada, and + Vabhru, and Nisatha, and Charudeshna, and Prithu, Viprithu, and Satyaka, + and Satyaki, and Bhangakara, and Maharava, and Hardikya, and Uddhava, and + many others whose names are not given, accompanied by their wives that + followed by bands of singers, adorned that mountain-festival. When that + delightful festival of immense grandeur commenced, Vasudeva and Partha + went about, together, beholding everything around. While wandering there, + they saw the handsome daughter of Vasudeva, Bhadra by name, decked with + every ornament, in the midst of her maids. As soon as Arjuna beheld her he + was possessed by the god of desire. Then, O Bharata, that tiger among men, + Krishna, observing Partha contemplate her with absorbed attention, said + with a smile, ‘How is this? Can the heart of one that rangeth the woods be + agitated by the god of desire? This is my sister, O Partha, and the + uterine sister of Sarana. Blest be thou, her name is Bhadra and she is the + favourite daughter of my father. Tell me if thy heart is fixed upon her, + for I shall then speak to my father myself.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna answered, ‘She is Vasudeva’s daughter and Vasudeva’s (Krishna) + sister; endued with so much beauty, whom can she not fascinate? If this + thy sister, this maid of the Vrishni race, becometh my wife, truly may I + win prosperity in everything. Tell me, O Janardana, by what means I may + obtain her. To get her I will achieve anything that is achievable by man.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasudeva answered, ‘O bull amongst men, self-choice hath been ordained + for the marriage of Kshatriyas. But that is doubtful (in its + consequences), O Partha, as we do not know this girl’s temper and + disposition. In the case of Kshatriyas that are brave, a forcible + abduction for purposes of marriage is applauded, as the learned have said. + Therefore O Arjuna, carry away this my beautiful sister by force, for who + knows what she may do at a self-choice.’ Then Krishna and Arjuna, having + thus settled as to what should be done sent some speedy messengers unto + Yudhishthira at Indraprastha, informing him of everything. The + strong-armed Yudhishthira, as soon as he heard it, gave his assent to + it.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0223"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Subhadra-harana Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Dhananjaya, informed of the assent of + Yudhishthira, and ascertaining, O Janamejaya, that the maiden had gone to + the Raivataka hill, obtained the assent of Vasudeva also, after having + settled in consultation with him all that required to be done. Then that + bull of Bharata’s race, that foremost of men, with Krishna’s assent, + riding in his well-built car of gold equipped with rows of small bells and + with every kind of weapon and the clatter of whose wheels resembled the + roar of the clouds and whose splendour was like unto that of a blazing + fire and which struck terror into the hearts of all foes and unto which + were yoked the steeds Saivya and Sugriva, himself accoutred in mail and + armed with sword and his fingers encased in leathern gloves, set out, as + it were, on a hunting expedition. Meanwhile Subhadra, having paid her + homage unto that prince of hills, Raivataka and having worshipped the + deities and made the Brahmanas utter benedictions upon her, and having + also walked round the hill, was coming towards Dwaravati. The son of + Kunti, afflicted with the shafts of the god of desire, suddenly rushed + towards that Yadava girl of faultless features and forcibly took her into + his car. Having seized that girl of sweet smiles, that tiger among men + proceeded in his car of gold towards his own city (Indraprastha). + Meanwhile, the armed attendants of Subhadra, beholding her thus seized and + taken away, all ran, crying towards the city of Dwaraka. Reaching all + together the Yadava court called by the name of Sudharma, they represented + everything about the prowess of Partha unto the chief officer of the + court. The chief officer of the court, having heard everything from those + messengers, blew his gold-decked trumpet of loud blare, calling all to + arms. Stirred up by that sound, the Bhojas, the Vrishnis, and the Andhakas + began to pour in from all sides. Those that were eating left their food, + and those that were drinking left their drink. Those tigers among men, + those great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka tribes, took their + seats upon their thousand thrones of gold covered with excellent carpets + and variegated with gems and corals and possessed of the lustre of blazing + fire. Indeed they took their seats upon those thrones, like blazing fires + receiving faggots to increase their splendour. And after they were seated + in that court which was like unto a conclave of the celestials themselves, + the chief officer of the court, assisted by those that stood at his back, + spoke of the conduct of Jishnu. The proud Vrishni heroes, of eyes red with + wine, as soon as they heard of it, rose up from their seats, unable to + brook what Arjuna had done. Some amongst them said, ‘Yoke our cars’, and + some, ‘Bring our weapons’ and some said, ‘Bring our costly bows and strong + coats of mail; and some loudly called upon their charioteers to harness + their cars, and some, from impatience, themselves yoked their horses + decked with gold unto their cars. And while their cars and armours and + standards were being brought, loud became the uproar of those heroes. Then + Valadeva, white and tall as the peak of Kailasa, decked with garlands of + wild flowers and attired in blue robes, and proud and intoxicated with + drink, said these words: + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye senseless men, what are ye doing, when Janardana sitteth silent? + Without knowing what is in his mind, vainly do we roar in wrath! Let the + high-souled Krishna give out what he proposeth. Accomplish promptly what + he desireth to do.’ Then all of them, hearing those words of Halayudha + that deserved to be accepted, exclaimed, ‘Excellent! Excellent!’ They then + all became silent. Silence having been restored by the words of the + intelligent Valadeva, they took their seats once more in that assembly. + Then Rama, that oppressor of foes, spoke unto Vasudeva, saying, ‘Why, O + Janardana, sittest thou, gazing silently? O Achyuta, it was for thy sake + that the son of Pritha had been welcomed and honoured by us. It seemeth, + however, that that vile wretch deserved not our homage. What man is there + born of a respectable family that would break the plate after having dined + from it! Even if one desireth to make such an alliance, yet remembering + all the services he hath received, who is there, desirous of happiness, + that acts so rashly? That Pandava disregarding us and thee too hath today + outraged Subhadra, desiring (to compass) his own death. He hath placed his + foot on the crown of my head. How shall I, O Govinda, tamely bear it? + Shall I not resent it, even like a snake that is trodden upon? Alone shall + I today make the earth destitute of Kauravas! Never shall I put up with + this transgression by Arjuna.’ Then all the Bhojas, Vrishnis, and + Andhakas, present there, approved of everything that Valadeva had said, + deeply roaring like unto a kettle-drum or the clouds.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0224"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Haranaharana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘When the heroes of the Vrishni race began to speak + repeatedly in this strain, Vasudeva uttered these words pregnant with deep + import and consistent with true morality. Gudakesa (the conqueror of sleep + or he of the curly hair), by what he hath done, hath not insulted our + family. He hath without doubt, rather enhanced our respect. Partha knoweth + that we of the Satwata race are never mercenary. The son of Pandu also + regardeth a self-choice as doubtful in its results. Who also would approve + of accepting a bride in gift as if she were an animal? What man again is + there on earth that would sell his offspring? I think Arjuna, seeing these + faults in all the other methods took the maiden away by force, according + to the ordinance. This alliance is very proper. Subhadra is a renowned + girl. Partha too possesseth renown. Perhaps, thinking of all this, Arjuna + hath taken her away by force. Who is there that would not desire to have + Arjuna for a friend, who is born in the race of Bharata and the renowned + Santanu, and the son also of the daughter of Kuntibhoja? I do not see, in + all the worlds with Indra and the Rudras, the person that can by force + vanquish Partha in battle, except the three-eyed god Mahadeva. His car is + well-known. Yoked thereunto are those steeds of mine. Partha as a warrior + is well-known; and his lightness of hand is well-known. Who shall be equal + to him? Even this is my opinion: go ye cheerfully after Dhananjaya and by + conciliation stop him and bring him back. If Partha goes to his city after + having vanquished us by force, our fame will be gone. There is no + disgrace, however, in conciliation.’ Hearing, O monarch, those words of + Vasudeva, they did as he directed. Stopped by them, Arjuna returned to + Dwaraka and was united in marriage with Subhadra. Worshipped by the sons + of Vrishni’s race, Arjuna, sporting there as he pleased, passed a whole + year in Dwaraka. The last year of his exile the exalted one passed at the + sacred region of Pushkara. After the twelve years were complete he came + back to Khandavaprastha. He approached the king first and then worshipped + the Brahmanas with respectful attention. At last the hero went unto + Draupadi. Draupadi, from jealousy, spoke unto him, saying, ‘Why tarriest + thou here, O son of Kunti? Go where the daughter of the Satwata race is! A + second tie always relaxeth the first one upon a faggot!’ And Krishna + lamented much in this strain. But Dhananjaya pacified her repeatedly and + asked for her forgiveness. And returning soon unto where Subhadra, attired + in red silk, was staying, Arjuna, sent her into the inner apartments + dressed not as a queen but in the simple garb of a cowherd woman. But + arrived at the palace, the renowned Subhadra looked handsomer in that + dress. The celebrated Bhadra of large and slightly red eyes first + worshipped Pritha. Kunti from excess of affection smelt the head of that + girl of perfectly faultless features, and pronounced infinite blessing + upon her. Then that girl of face like the full moon hastily went unto + Draupadi and worshipped her, saying, ‘I am thy maid!’ Krishna rose hastily + and embraced the sister of Madhava from affection, and said, ‘Let thy + husband be without a foe!’ Bhadra then, with a delighted heart, said unto + Draupadi, ‘So be it!’ From that time, O Janamejaya, those great warriors, + the Pandavas, began to live happily, and Kunti also became very happy.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘When that scorcher of foes, viz., Kesava of pure + soul and eyes, like lotus-petals, heard that the foremost of the Pandavas, + viz., Arjuna, had reached his own excellent city of Indraprastha, he came + thither accompanied by Rama and the other heroes and great warriors of the + Vrishni and the Andhaka tribes, and by his brothers and sons and many + other brave warriors. And Saurin came accompanied by a large army that + protected him. And there came with Saurin, that oppressor of foes, viz., + the exceedingly liberal Akrura of great intelligence and renown, the + generalissimo of the brave Vrishni host. And there also came Anadhrishti + of great prowess, and Uddhava of great renown, of great intelligence, of + great soul, and a disciple of Vrihaspati himself. And there also came + Satyaka and Salyaka and Kritavarman and Satwata; and Pradyumna and Samva + and Nisatha and Sanku; and Charudeshna, and Jhilli of great prowess, and + Viprithu also and Sarana of mighty arms and Gada, the foremost of learned + men. These and many other Vrishnis and Bhojas, and Andhakas came to + Indraprastha, bringing with them many nuptial presents. King Yudhishthira, + hearing that Madhava had arrived, sent the twins out to receive him. + Received by them, the Vrishni host of great prosperity entered + Khandavaprastha well-adorned with flags and ensigns. The streets were + well-swept and watered and decked with floral wreaths and bunches. These + were, again, sprinkled over with sandalwood water that was fragrant and + cooling. Every part of the town was filled with the sweet scent of burning + aloes. And the city was full of joyous and healthy people and adorned with + merchants and traders. That best of men, viz., Kesava of mighty arms, + accompanied by Rama and many of the Vrishnis, Andhakas and Bhojas, having + entered the town, was worshipped by the citizens and Brahmanas by + thousands. At last Kesava entered the palace of the king which was like + unto the mansion of Indra himself. Beholding Rama, Yudhishthira received + him with due ceremonies. The king smelt the head of Kesava and embraced + him. Govinda, gratified with the reception, humbly worshipped + Yudhishthira. He also paid homage unto Bhima, that tiger among men. + Yudhishthira the son of Kunti then received the other principal men of the + Vrishni and the Andhaka tribes with due ceremonies. Yudhishthira + reverentially worshipped some as his superiors, and welcomed others as + equals. And some he received with affection and by some he was worshipped + with reverence. Then Hrishikesa of great renown gave unto the party of the + bridegroom much wealth. And unto Subhadra he gave the nuptial presents + that had been given to her by her relatives. Krishna gave unto the + Pandavas a thousand cars of gold furnished with rows of bells, and unto + each of which were put four steeds driven by well-trained charioteers. He + also gave unto them ten thousand cows belonging to the country of Mathura, + and yielding much milk and all of excellent colour. Well-pleased, + Janardana also gave them a thousand mares with gold harnesses and of + colour white as the beams of the moon. He also gave them a thousand mules, + all well-trained and possessing the speed of the wind, of white colour + with black manes. And he of eyes like lotus-petals also gave unto them a + thousand damsels well-skilled in assisting at bathing and at drinking, + young in years and virgins all before their first-season, well-attired and + of excellent complexion, each wearing a hundred pieces of gold around her + neck, of skins perfectly polished, decked with every ornament, and + well-skilled in every kind of personal service. Janardana also gave unto + them hundreds of thousands of draft horses from the country of the + Valhikas as Subhadra’s excellent dower. That foremost one of Dasarha’s + race also gave unto Subhadra as her peculium ten carrier-loads of first + class gold possessing the splendour of fire, some purified and some in a + state of ore. And Rama having the plough for his weapon and always loving + bravery gave unto Arjuna, as a nuptial present, a thousand elephants with + secretions flowing in three streams from the three parts of their bodies + (the temple, the ears, and the anus) each large as a mountain summit, + irresistible in battle, decked with coverlets and bells, well-adorned with + other golden ornaments, and equipped with excellent thrones on their + backs. And that large wave of wealth and gems that the Yadavas presented, + together with the cloths and blankets that represented its foam, and the + elephants its alligators and sharks, and the flags its floating weeds + swelling into large proportions, mingled with the Pandu ocean and filled + it to the brim, to the great sorrow of all foes. Yudhishthira accepted all + those presents and worshipped all those great warriors of the Vrishni and + the Andhaka races. Those illustrious heroes of the Kuru, the Vrishni, and + the Andhaka races passed their days in pleasure and merriment there like + virtuous men (after death) in the celestial regions. The Kurus and the + Vrishnis with joyous hearts amused themselves there, setting up at times + loud shouts mingled with clappings of the hand. Spending many days in + sports and merriment there, and worshipped by the Kurus all the while, the + Vrishni heroes endued with great energy then returned to the city of + Dwaravati. And the great warriors of the Vrishni and the Andhaka races set + out with Rama in the van, carrying with them those gems of the purest rays + that had been given them by those foremost ones of Kuru’s race. And, O + Bharata, the high-souled Vasudeva remained there with Arjuna in the + delightful city of Indraprastha. And the illustrious one wandered over the + banks of the Yamuna in search of deer. And he sported with Arjuna piercing + with his shafts deer and wild boars. Then Subhadra, the favourite sister + of Kesava, gave birth to an illustrious son, like Puloma’s daughter, (the + queen of heaven) bringing forth Jayanta. And the son that Subhadra brought + forth was of long arms, broad chest, and eyes as large as those of a bull. + That hero and oppressor of foes came to be called Abhimanyu. And the son + of Arjuna, that grinder of foes and bull among men, was called Abhimanyu + because he was fearless and wrathful. And that great warrior was begotten + upon the daughter of the Satwata race by Dhananjaya, like fire produced in + a sacrifice from within the sami wood by the process of rubbing. Upon the + birth of this child, Yudhishthira, the powerful son of Kunti, gave away + unto Brahmanas ten thousand cows and coins of gold. The child from his + earliest years became the favourite of Vasudeva and of his father and + uncles, like the moon of all the people of the world. Upon his birth, + Krishna performed the usual rites of infancy. The child began to grow up + like the Moon of the bright fortnight. That grinder of foes soon became + conversant with the Vedas and acquired from his father the science of + weapon both celestial and human, consisting of four branches and ten + divisions. + </p> + <p> + “Endued with great strength, the child also acquired the knowledge of + counteracting the weapons hurled at him by others, and great lightness of + hand and fleetness of motion forward and backward and transverse and + wheeling. Abhimanyu became like unto his father in knowledge of the + scriptures and rites of religion. And Dhananjaya, beholding his son, + became filled with joy. Like Maghavat beholding Arjuna, the latter beheld + his son Abhimanyu and became exceedingly happy. Abhimanyu possessed the + power of slaying every foe and bore on his person every auspicious mark. + He was invisible in battle and broad-shouldered as the bull. Possessing a + broad face as (the hood of) the snake, he was proud like the lion. + Wielding a large bow, his prowess was like that of an elephant in rut. + Possessed of a face handsome as the full-moon, and of a voice deep as the + sound of the drum or the clouds, he was equal unto Krishna in bravery and + energy, in beauty and in features. The auspicious Panchali also, from her + five husbands, obtained five sons all of whom were heroes of the foremost + rank and immovable in battle like the hills. Prativindhya by Yudhishthira, + Sutasoma by Vrikodara, Srutakarman by Arjuna, Satanika by Nakula, and + Srutasena by Sahadeva,—these were the five heroes and great warriors + that Panchali brought forth, like Aditi bringing forth the Adityas. And + the Brahmanas, from their foreknowledge, said unto Yudhishthira that as + the son of his would be capable of bearing like the Vindhya mountains the + weapons of the foe, he should be called Prativindhya. And because the + child that Draupadi bore to Bhimasena was born after Bhima had performed a + thousand Soma sacrifices, he came to be called Sutasoma. And because + Arjuna’s son was born upon his return from exile during which he had + achieved many celebrated feats, that child came to be called Srutakarman. + While Nakula named his son Satanika after a royal sage of that name, in + the illustrious race of Kuru. Again the son that Draupadi bore to Sahadeva + was born under the constellation called Vahni-daivata (Krittika), + therefore was he called after the generalissimo of the celestial host, + Srutasena (Kartikeya). The sons of Draupadi were born, each at the + interval of one year, and all of them became renowned and much attached to + one another. And, O monarch, all their rites of infancy and childhood, + such as Chudakarana and Upanayana (first shave of the head and investiture + with the sacred threads) were performed by Dhaumya according to the + ordinance. All of them, of excellent behaviour and vows, after having + studied the Vedas, acquired from Arjuna a knowledge of all the weapons, + celestial and human. And, O tiger among kings, the Pandavas, having + obtained sons all of whom were equal unto the children of the celestials + and endued with broad chests, and all of whom became great warriors, were + filled with joy.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0225"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The Pandavas, after they had taken up their abode at + Indraprastha at the command of Dhritarashtra and Bhishma began to bring + other kings under their sway. All the subjects (of the kingdom) lived most + happily depending upon Yudhishthira the just, like a soul living happily + depending upon a body blest with auspicious marks and pious deeds. And, O + bull in Bharata’s race, Yudhishthira paid homage unto virtue, pleasure, + and profit, in judicious proportion, as if each were a friend dear unto + him as his own self. It seemed as if the three pursuits—virtue, + pleasure, and profit—became personified on earth, and amongst them + the king shone as a fourth. The subjects having obtained Yudhishthira as + their king, obtained in their monarch one that was devoted to the study of + the Vedas, one that was performer of the great sacrifices, and one that + was protector of all good people. In consequence of Yudhishthira’s + influence, the good fortune of all the monarchs of the earth became + stationary, and their hearts became devoted to the meditation of the + Supreme Spirit, and virtue itself began to grow every way all round. And + in the midst of and assisted by his four brothers, the king looked more + resplendent (than he would have done if he were alone), like a great + sacrifice depending upon and assisted by the four Vedas. Many learned + Brahmanas with Dhananjaya at their head, each like unto Vrihaspati, waited + upon the monarch, like the celestials waiting upon the Lord of the + creation. From excess of affection, the eyes and hearts of all the people + equally took great delight in Yudhishthira who was even as the full moon + without a stain. The people took delight in him not only because he was + their king but also from sincere affection. The king always did what was + agreeable to them. The sweet-speeched Yudhishthira of great intelligence + never uttered anything that was improper or untrue or unbearable or + disagreeable. The best of monarchs of the Bharata race, endued with great + energy, passed his days happily for the welfare of all as his own. His + brothers also bringing by their energy other kings under their sway, + passed their days in happiness, without a foe to disturb their peace. + </p> + <p> + “After a few days, Vibhatsu, addressing Krishna, said, ‘The summer days + have set in, O Krishna! Therefore, let us go to the banks of the Yamuna. O + slayer of Madhu, sporting there in the company of friends, we will, O + Janardana, return in the evening’. Thereupon Vasudeva said, ‘O son of + Kunti, this is also my wish. Let us, O Partha, sport in the waters as we + please, in the company of friends.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then, O Bharata, having consulted thus with each + other, Partha and Govinda, with Yudhishthira’s leave, set out, surrounded + by friends. Reaching a fine spot (on the banks of the Yamuna) suitable for + purposes of pleasure, overgrown with numerous tall trees and covered with + several high mansions that made the place look like the celestial city and + within which had been collected for Krishna and Partha numerous costly and + well-flavoured viands and drinks and other articles of enjoyment and + floral wreaths and various perfumes, the party entered without delay the + inner apartments adorned with many precious gems of pure rays. Entering + those apartments, everybody, O Bharata, began to sport, according to his + pleasure. The women of the party, all of full rotund hips and deep bosoms + and handsome eyes, and gait unsteady with wine began to sport there at the + command of Krishna and Partha. Some amongst the women sported as they + liked in the woods, some in the waters, and some within the mansions, as + directed by Partha and Govinda. Draupadi and Subhadra, exhilarated with + wine, began to give away unto the women so sporting, their costly robes + and ornaments. And some amongst those women began to dance in joy, and + some began to sing; and some amongst them began to laugh and jest, and + some to drink excellent wines. Some began to obstruct one another’s + progress and some to fight with one another, and to discourse with one + another in private. Those mansions and the woods, filled with the charming + music of flutes and guitars and kettledrums, became the scene of + Prosperity personified. + </p> + <p> + “When such was the state of things there, Arjuna and Vasudeva went to a + certain charming spot (in those woods) not far from the place where the + others were. O monarch, the high-souled Krishna, and that subjugators of + hostile cities, viz., Arjuna, going thither, sat down upon two very costly + seats. Vasudeva and Partha amused themselves there with discoursing upon + many past achievements of prowess and other topics. Unto Vasudeva and + Dhananjaya happily sitting there like the Aswins in heaven, a certain + Brahmana came. The Brahmana that came there looked like a tall Sala tree. + His complexion was like unto molten gold; his beard was bright yellow + tinged with green; and the height and the thickness of the body were in + just proportion. Of matted locks and dressed in rags, he resembled the + morning sun in splendour. Of eyes like lotus-petals and of a tawny hue, he + seemed to be blazing with effulgence. Beholding that foremost of Brahmanas + blazing with splendour approach towards them both Arjuna and Vasudeva, + hastily rising from their seats, stood, waiting (for his commands).’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0226"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then that Brahmana addressed Arjuna and Vasudeva of + the Satwata race, saying, ‘Ye who are now staying so near unto Khandava + are the two foremost of heroes on earth. I am a voracious Brahmana that + always eateth much. O thou of the Vrishni race, and O Partha, I solicit + you to gratify me by giving me sufficient food.’ Thus addressed by the + Brahmana, Krishna and the son of Pandu answered him, saying, ‘O, tell us + what kind of food will gratify thee so that we may endeavour to give it + thee.’ The illustrious Brahmana, thus replied to, said unto those heroes + who were enquiring after the kind of food he sought, ‘I do not desire to + eat ordinary food. Know that I am Agni! Give me that food which suiteth + me. This forest of Khandava is always protected by Indra. And as it is + protected by the illustrious one, I always fail to consume it. In that + forest dwelleth, with his followers and family, a Naga, called Takshaka, + who is the friend of Indra. It is for him that the wielder of the + thunderbolt protecteth this forest. Many other creatures also are thus + protected here for the sake of Takshaka. Desiring to consume the forest I + succeed not in my attempts in consequence of Indra’s prowess. Beholding me + blazing forth, he always poureth upon me water from the clouds. Therefore, + I succeed not in consuming the forest of Khandava, although I desire very + much to do so. I have now come to you—you who are both skilled in + weapons! If you help me I will surely consume this forest: for even this + is the food that is desired by me! As ye are conversant with excellent + weapons, I pray you to prevent those showers from descending and any of + the creatures from escaping, when I begin to consume this forest!’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘Why did the illustrious Agni desire to consume the + forest of Khandava that was filled with various living creatures and + protected by the chief of the celestials? When Agni consumed in wrath the + forest of Khandava, it is evident there was a grave cause. I desire, O + Brahmana, to hear all this in detail from thee. Tell me, O sage, how the + Khandava forest was consumed in days of yore.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O chief of men, I will narrate to you the story of + the conflagration of Khandava as told by Rishis in the Purana. It hath + been heard, O king, in the Purana that there was a celebrated king of the + name of Swetaki who was endued with strength and prowess and who was equal + unto Indra himself. No one on earth has equalled him in sacrifices, + charity, and intelligence. Swetaki performed the five great sacrifices and + many others, at all of which the presents unto Brahmanas were large. The + heart of that monarch, O king, was always set upon sacrifices, religious + rites, and gifts of all kinds. And king Swetaki of great intelligence, + assisted by his Ritwiks performed sacrifices for many long years, till + those sacrificial priests with eyes afflicted by the continued smoke and + becoming very weak, left that monarch, wishing never more to assist at his + sacrifices. The king, however, repeatedly asked those Ritwiks to come to + him. But they came not to his sacrifice in consequence of the painful + state of their eyes. The king, therefore, invited at the command of his + own Ritwiks, others like unto them, and completed the sacrifice that he + had begun. After some days had elapsed, king Swetaki desired to perform + another sacrifice which should extend for a hundred years. But the + illustrious monarch obtained not any priest to assist him in it. The + celebrated king then, with his friends and relatives, casting off all + sloth, repeatedly courted his priests with great persistence, by bowing + down unto them, by conciliatory speeches, and by gifts of wealth. All of + them, however, refused to accomplish the purpose which that king of + immeasurable energy had in view. Then that royal sage, getting angry, + addressed those Brahmanas sitting in their asylums, and said, ‘If, ye + Brahmanas, I were a fallen person, or, if, I were wanting in homage and + service to you, I should then deserve to be abandoned without scruple by + you and by other Brahmanas at the same time. But as I am neither degraded + nor wanting in homage to you, it behoveth you not to obstruct the + performance by me of my sacrifice or to abandon me thus, ye foremost of + Brahmanas, without adequate reason. I seek, ye Brahmanas, your protection! + It behoveth you to be propitious unto me. But, ye foremost of Brahmanas, + if you abandon me from enmity alone or any improper motive, I shall go + unto other priests for their assistance in this sacrifice of mine, and + conciliating them by sweet words and gifts, I shall represent unto them + the business I have on hand, so that they may accomplish it.’ Having said + this, the monarch became silent. And, O chastiser of foes, when those + priests well knew that they could not assist at the king’s sacrifice, they + pretended to be angry, and addressing that best of monarchs said, ‘O best + of kings, thy sacrifices are incessant! By assisting thee always, we have + all been fatigued. And as we have been wearied in consequence of these + labours, it behoveth thee to give us leave. O sinless one, from loss of + judgment thou canst not wait (but urgest us repeatedly). Go unto Rudra! He + will assist at thy sacrifice!’ Hearing those words of censure and wrath, + king Swetaki became angry. And the monarch wending to the mountains of + Kailasa, devoted himself to asceticism there. And, O king, the monarch + began to worship Mahadeva, with fixed attention, and by observing the most + rigid vows. And foregoing all food at times, he passed a long period. The + monarch ate only fruits and roots sometimes at the twelfth and sometimes + at the sixteenth hour of the whole day. King Swetaki stood for six months, + rapt in attention, with arms upraised and steadfast eyes, like the trunk + of a tree or a column rooted to the ground. And, O Bharata, Sankara at + last gratified with that tiger among kings, who was undergoing such hard + penances, showed himself unto him. And the god spake unto the monarch in a + calm and grave voice, saying, ‘O tiger among kings, O chastiser of foes, I + have been gratified with thee for thy asceticism! Blest be thou! Ask now + the boon that thou, O king, desirest.’ Hearing these words of Rudra of + immeasurable energy, the royal sage bowed unto that deity and replied, + saying, ‘O illustrious one, O thou that art worshipped by the three + worlds, if thou hast been gratified with me, then, O god of gods, assist + me thyself, O lord of the celestials, in my sacrifice!’ Hearing these + words spoken by the monarch, the illustrious god was gratified, and + smilingly said, ‘We do not ourselves assist at sacrifices: but as thou, O + king, hast undergone severe penances, desirous of obtaining a boon, I + will, O chastiser of foes, assist at thy sacrifice, upon, O king, this + condition.’ And Rudra continued, ‘If, O king of kings, thou canst, for + twelve years, pour without intermission libations of clarified butter into + the fire, thyself leading all the while the life of a Brahmacharin with + rapt attention, then thou shalt obtain from me what thou askest.’ King + Swetaki, thus addressed by Rudra, did all that he was directed to do by + the wielder of the trident. And after twelve years had elapsed, he again + came unto Maheswara. And Sankara, the Creator of the worlds upon seeing + Swetaki, that excellent monarch, immediately said, in great gratification, + ‘I have been gratified by thee, O best of kings, with this thy own act! + But, O chastiser of foes, the duty of assisting at sacrifices properly + belongeth to Brahmanas. Therefore, O oppressor of foes, I will not myself + assist at thy sacrifice today. There is on earth an exalted Brahmana who + is even a portion of my own self. He is known by the name of Durvasa. Even + that Brahmana endued with great energy will assist you in thy sacrifice. + Let, therefore, every preparation be made.’ Hearing these words uttered by + Rudra, the king, returning to his own capital, began to collect all that + was necessary. After everything had been collected, the monarch again + presented himself before Rudra and said, ‘Every necessary article hath + been collected, and all my preparations are complete, through thy grace, O + god of gods! Let me, therefore, be installed at the sacrifice tomorrow.’ + Having heard these words of that illustrious king, Rudra summoned Durvasa + before him and said. ‘This, O Durvasa, is that best of monarchs called + Swetaki. At my command, O best of Brahmanas, assist even this king in his + sacrifice.’ And the Rishi Durvasa said unto Rudra, ‘So be it.’ Then the + sacrifice for which king Swetaki had made those preparations, took place. + And the illustrious monarch’s sacrifice was performed according to the + ordinance and in proper season. And the gifts, on that occasion, unto the + Brahmanas were large. And after that monarch’s sacrifice had come to an + end, all the other priests who had come to assist at it went away with + Durvasa’s leave. All other Sadasyas also of immeasurable energy, who had + been installed at that sacrifice, then went away. That exalted monarch + then entered his own palace, worshipped by exalted Brahmanas conversant + with the Vedas, eulogised by chanters of panegyrical hymns and + congratulated by the citizens. + </p> + <p> + “Such was the history of that best of monarchs, the royal sage Swetaki, + who, when the time came, ascended to heaven, having won great renown on + earth, and accompanied by the Ritwiks and the Sadasyas that had helped him + in life.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘At that sacrifice of Swetaki, Agni had drunk + clarified butter for twelve years. Indeed, clarified butter had been + poured into Agni’s mouth in a continuous stream for that period. Having + drunk so much butter, Agni, satiated, desired not to drink butter again + from the hand of anybody else at any other sacrifice. Agni became pale, + having lost his colour, and he could not shine as before. He felt a loss + of appetite from surfeit, and his energy itself decreased and sickness + afflicted him. Then when the drinker of sacrificial libations perceived + that his energy was gradually diminishing, he went to the sacred abode of + Brahman that is worshipped by all. Approaching the great Deity seated on + his seat, Agni said, ‘O exalted one, Swetaki hath (by his sacrifice) + gratified me to excess. Even now I am suffering from surfeit which I + cannot dispel. O Lord of the universe, I am being reduced both in + splendour and strength. I desire to regain, through thy grace, my own + permanent nature.’ Hearing these words from Hutavaha, the illustrious + Creator of all things smilingly replied unto him, saying, ‘O exalted one, + thou hast eaten, for twelve years, a continuous stream of sacrificial + butter poured into thy mouth! It is for this that illness hath seized + thee. But, O Agni, grieve not for it. Thou shalt soon regain thy own + nature. I shall dispel this surfeit of thine and the time for it is even + come. The dreadful forest Khandava, that abode of the enemies of the gods, + which thou hadst of old once consumed to ashes at the request of the gods, + hath now become the home of numerous creatures. When thou will have eaten + the fat of those creatures, thou shalt regain thy own nature. Proceed + thither in haste to consume that forest with its living population. Thou + wilt then be cured of thy malady.’ Hearing the words that fell from the + lips of the Supreme Deity, Hutasana proceeded with great speed and soon + reached the forest of Khandava in great vigour. Arrived there, he suddenly + blazed forth in anger, assisted by Vayu. Beholding Khandava on fire the + dwellers (in the forest) that were there, made great efforts to extinguish + the conflagration. Elephants by hundreds of thousands, speeding in anger, + brought water in their trunks and scattered it upon the fire. Thousands of + many-hooded snakes, mad with anger, hastily began to scatter upon fire + much water from those many hoods of theirs. And so, O bull of Bharata’s + race, the other creatures dwelling in that forest, by various appliances + and efforts, soon extinguished the fire. In this way, Agni blazed forth in + Khandava repeatedly, even for seven times. And it was in this way that the + blazing fire was extinguished there as often by the denizens of that + forest.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0227"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Havyavahana (Agni) in anger and disappointment, + with his ailment uncured, went back to the Grandsire. And he represented + unto Brahman all that had happened: The illustrious deity, reflecting for + a moment, said unto him, ‘O sinless one. I see a way by which thou mayest + consume the forest of Khandava today in the very sight of Indra. Those old + deities, Nara and Narayana, have become incarnate in the world of men to + accomplish the business of the celestials. They are called on earth Arjuna + and Vasudeva. They are even now staying in the forest of Khandava. Solicit + them for aiding thee in consuming that forest. Thou shalt then consume the + forest even if it be protected by the celestials. They will certainly + prevent the population of Khandava from escaping, and thwart Indra also + (in aiding any one in the escape). I have no doubt of this!’ Hearing these + words, Agni came in haste unto Krishna and Partha. O king, I have already + told thee what he said, having approached the illustrious pair. O tiger + among kings, hearing those words of Agni who was desirous of consuming the + forest of Khandava against the will of Indra, Vibhatsu said unto him these + words well-suited to the occasion, I have numberless excellent celestial + weapons with which I can fight even many wielders of the thunderbolt. But, + O exalted one, I have no bow suited to the strength of my arms, and + capable of bearing the might I may put forth in battle. In consequence of + the lightness of my hands also I require arrows that must never be + exhausted. My car also is scarcely able to bear load of arrows that I + would desire to keep by me. I desire celestial steeds of pure white, + possessing the speed of the wind; and a car possessing the splendour of + the sun and the clatter of whose wheels should resemble the roar of the + clouds. Then, there is no weapon suited to Krishna’s energy and with which + Madhava can slay Nagas and Pisachas. O exalted one, it behoveth thee to + give us the means by which success may be achieved and by which we may + thwart Indra in pouring his showers upon that extensive forest. O Pavaka, + we are ready to do all that manliness and prowess can do. But, O exalted + one, it behoveth thee to give us the adequate means.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0228"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXVII + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana, said, ‘Thus addressed by Arjuna, the smoke-bannered + Hutasana, desirous of an interview with Varuna, recollected that son of + Aditi,—that deity protecting one of the points of the heavens and + having his home in the water and ruling that element. Varuna, knowing that + he was thought of by Pavaka, immediately appeared before that deity. The + smoke-bannered celestial welcoming with reverence the ruler of the waters, + that fourth of the Lokapalas, said unto that eternal god of gods, ‘Give me + without loss of time that bow and quiver, and that ape-bannered car also, + which were obtained from king Soma. Partha will achieve a great task with + Gandiva, and Vasudeva also with the discus! Give both, therefore, unto me + today.’ Hearing these words, Varuna replied unto Pavaka, saying, ‘Well, I + am giving them.’ He then gave that wonderful jewel of a bow that was + endued with great energy. That bow was the enhancer of fame and + achievements, and was incapable of being injured by any weapon. It was the + chief of all weapons, and the grinder of them all. And it was the smiter + of hostile armies and was alone equal to a hundred thousand bows. It was + the multiplier of kingdoms, and was variegated with excellent colours. It + was well-adorned, and beautiful to behold, and without a mark of weakness + or injury anywhere. And it was always worshipped both by the celestials + and the Gandharvas. Varuna also gave two inexhaustible quivers, and he + also gave a car furnished with celestial weapons and whose banner bore a + large ape. Yoked unto that car were steeds white as silver of the fleecy + clouds, and born in the region of the Gandharvas, and decked with golden + harness, and resembling in fleetness the wind or the mind. And it was + equipped with implement of war, and was incapable of being vanquished by + the celestials or the Asuras. Its splendour was great and the sounds of + its wheels was tremendous. It delighted the heart of every creature that + looked at it. It had been made by Viswakarman, the architect of the + universe and one of the lords of creation, after severe ascetic + meditation. Its splendour, like that of the sun, was so great that no one + could gaze at it. It was the very car from which the lord Soma had + vanquished the Danavas. Resplendent with beauty, it looked like an evening + cloud reflecting the effulgence of the setting sun. It was furnished with + an excellent flag-staff of golden colour and great beauty. And there sat + upon that flag-staff a celestial ape of form fierce like that of a lion or + a tiger. Stationed on high, the ape seemed bent upon burning everything it + beheld. And upon the (other) flags were various creatures of large size, + whose roars and yells caused the enemy’s soldiers to faint. Then Arjuna, + accoutred in mail and armed with the sword, and his fingers cased in + leathern gloves, walking round that excellent car adorned with numerous + flags and bowing unto the gods, ascended it like a virtuous man riding in + the celestial car that bears him to heaven. And taking up that celestial + and first of bows created by Brahman of old and called Gandiva, Arjuna was + filled with joy. And bowing unto Hutasana, Partha endued with great + energy, took up the bow and strung it forcibly. Those who heard the noise + that was made while the mighty Pandava strung that bow, quaked with fear. + And having obtained that car and that bow, and the two inexhaustible + quivers, the son of Kunti became glad and thought himself competent to + assist at the task. And Pavaka then gave unto Krishna a discus with an + iron pole attached to a hole in the centre. And it was a fiery weapon and + became his favourite. Having obtained that weapon, Krishna also became + equal to the task. Pavaka then, addressing Krishna, said, ‘With this, O + slayer of Madhu, thou shalt be able without doubt to vanquish in battle + even foes that are not human. With this weapon, without doubt, thou shalt + be superior in battle to men and gods, and Rakshasas and Pisachas, and + Daityas and Nagas. And thou shalt certainly be able with this to smite + all. And, O Madhava, hurled by thee in battle at thy foes, this weapon + will irresistibly slay the enemy and again come back into thy hands.’ And + the lord Varuna, after this, gave unto Krishna a mace, of name Kaumodaki, + capable of slaying every Daitya and producing, when hurled, a roar like + that of the thunder. Then Arjuna and Achyuta, filled with joy said unto + Pavaka, ‘O exalted one, furnished with weapons and knowing their use, + possessed of cars with flags and flagstaffs, we are now able to fight with + even all the celestials and the Asuras (together), let alone the wielder + of the thunderbolt desirous of fighting for the sake of the Naga (his + friend Takshaka).’ Arjuna also said, ‘O Pavaka, while Hrishikesa, endued + with abundant energy, moves on the field of battle with this discus in + hand, there is nothing in the three worlds that he will not be able to + consume by hurling this weapon. Having obtained the bow Gandiva and this + couple of inexhaustible quivers I also am ready to conquer in battle the + three worlds. Therefore, O lord, blaze thou forth as thou likest, + surrounding this large forest on every side. We are quite able to help + thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed both by Dasarha and Arjuna, the + illustrious god then put forth his most energetic form, and prepared to + consume the forest. Surrounding it on all sides with his seven flames, he + began to consume the forest of Khandava, exhibiting his all-consuming form + like that at the end of the Yuga (cycle). And, O bull of Bharata’s race, + surrounding that forest and catching it from all sides with a roar like + that of the clouds, Agni made every creature within it tremble. And, O + Bharata, that burning forest then looked resplendent like the king of + mountains, Meru, blazing with the rays of the sun fallen thereupon.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0229"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then those foremost of car-warriors (Krishna and + Arjuna), riding in their cars and placing themselves on opposite sides of + that forest, began a great slaughter, on all sides, of the creatures + dwelling in Khandava. At whatever point any of the creatures residing in + Khandava could be seen attempting to escape, thither rushed those mighty + heroes (to prevent its flight). Indeed those two excellent cars seemed to + be but one, and the two warriors also therein but one individual. And + while the forest was burning, hundreds and thousands of living creatures, + uttering frightful yells, began to run about in all directions. Some had + particular limbs burnt, some were scorched with excessive heat, and some + came out, and some ran about from fear. And some clasping their children + and some their parents and brothers, died calmly without, from excess of + affection, being able to abandon these that were dear to them. And many + there were who biting their nether lips rose upwards and soon fell + whirling into the blazing element below. And some were seen to roll on the + ground with wings, eyes, and feet scorched and burnt. These creatures were + all seen to perish there almost soon enough. The tanks and ponds within + that forest, heated by the fire around, began to boil; the fishes and the + tortoises in them were all seen to perish. During that great slaughter of + living creatures in that forest, the burning bodies of various animals + looked as if fire itself had assumed many forms. The birds that took wings + to escape from that conflagration were pierced by Arjuna with his shafts, + and cut into pieces, they fell down into the burning element below. + Pierced all over with Arjuna’s shafts, the birds dropped down into the + burning forest, uttering loud cries. The denizens of the forest, struck + with those shafts, began to roar and yell. The clamour they raised was + like unto the frightful uproar heard during the churning of the ocean (in + days of yore). The mighty flames of the blazing fire reaching the + firmament, caused great anxiety to the celestials themselves. Then all the + illustrious dwellers in heaven went in a body unto him of a hundred + sacrifices and thousand eyes, viz., their chief, that grinder of Asuras. + Approaching Indra, the celestial said, ‘Why, O lord of immortals, doth + Agni burn these creatures below? Hath the time come for the destruction of + the world?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of the gods, and himself + beholding what Agni was doing, the slayer of Vritra set out for the + protection of the forest of Khandava. And Vasava, the chief of the + celestials soon covering the sky with masses of clouds of every kind began + to shower upon the burning forest. Those masses of clouds by hundreds and + thousands, commanded by Indra began to pour rain upon Khandava in showers + thick as the flag-staffs of battle-cars. But the showers were all dried up + in the sky itself by the heat of the fire and could not, therefore, reach + the fire at all! Then the slayer of Namuchi, getting angry with Agni, + collected huge masses of clouds and caused them to yield a heavy downpour. + Then with the flames contending with those heavy showers, and with masses + of clouds overhead, that forest, filled with smoke and flashes of + lightning, became terrible to behold.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0230"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then Vibhatsu, the son of Pandu, invoking his + excellent weapons, prevented that shower of rain by Indra, by means of a + shower of his own weapons. And Arjuna of immeasurable soul soon covered + the forest of Khandava with innumerable arrows like the moon covering the + atmosphere with a thick fog. When the sky above that forest was thus + covered with the arrows of Arjuna no living creature could then escape + from below. And it so happened that while that forest was burning, + Takshaka, the chief of the Nagas, was not there, having gone at that time + to the field of Kurukshetra. But Aswasena, the mighty son of Takshaka, was + there. He made great efforts to escape from that fire; but confined by + Arjuna’s shafts he succeeded not in finding a way. It was then that his + mother, the daughter of a snake, determined to save him by swallowing him + first. His mother first swallowed his head and then was swallowing his + tail. And desirous of saving her son, the sea-snake rose (up from the + earth) while still employed in swallowing her son’s tail. But Arjuna as + soon as he beheld her escaping, severed her head from her body by means of + a sharp and keen-edged arrow. Indra saw all this, and desiring to save his + friend’s son, the wielder of the thunderbolt, by raising a violent wind, + deprived Arjuna of consciousness. During those few moments, Aswasena + succeeded in effecting his escape. Beholding that manifestation of the + power of illusion, and deceived by that snake, Arjuna was much enraged. He + forthwith cut every animal seeking to escape by the skies, into two, + three, or more pieces. And Vibhatsu in anger, and Agni, and Vasudeva also, + cursed the snake that had escaped so deceitfully, saying, ‘Never shalt + thou be famous!’ And Jishnu remembering the deception practised upon him, + became angry, and covering the firmament with a cloud of arrows, sought to + fight with him of a thousand eyes. The chief of the celestials also, + seeing Arjuna in anger, sought to fight with him, and hurled his own + fierce weapons, covering the wide expanse of the firmament. Then the + winds, making a loud roar and agitating all the oceans, brought together + masses of clouds in the sky, charged with torrents of rain. Those masses + of clouds began to vomit thunder and terrible flashes of lightning charged + with the thunderclap. Then Arjuna possessing a knowledge of means, hurled + the excellent weapon called Vayavya with proper mantras to dispel those + clouds. With that weapon the energy and force of Indra’s thunderbolt and + of those clouds were destroyed. And the torrents of rain with which those + clouds were charged were all dried up, and the lightning that played + amongst them was also destroyed. Within a moment the sky was cleared of + dust and darkness, and a delicious, cool breeze began to blow and the disc + of the sun resumed its normal state. Then the eater of clarified butter + (Agni), glad because none could baffle him, assumed various forms, and + sprinkled over with the fat exuded by the bodies of creatures, blazed + forth with all his flames, filling the universe with his roar. Then + numerous birds of the Garuda tribe bearing excellent feathers, beholding + that the forest was protected by Krishna and Arjuna, descended filled with + pride, from the upper skies, desirous of striking those heroes with their + thunderlike wings, beaks and claws. Innumerable Nagas also, with faces + emitting fire descending from high, approached Arjuna, vomiting the most + virulent poison all the while. Beholding them approach, Arjuna cut them + into pieces by means of arrows steeped in the fire of his own wrath. Then + those birds and snakes, deprived of life, fell into the burning element + below. And there came also, desirous of battle, innumerable Asuras with + Gandharvas and Yakshas and Rakshasas and Nagas sending forth terrific + yells. Armed with machines vomiting from their throats (mouths?) iron + balls and bullets, and catapults for propelling huge stones, and rockets, + they approached to strike Krishna and Partha, their energy and strength + increased by wrath. But though they rained a perfect shower of weapons, + Vibhatsu, addressing them reproachfully, struck off their heads with his + own sharp arrows. That slayer of foes, Krishna, also, endued with great + energy, made a great slaughter of the Daitya and the Danava with his + discus. Many Asuras of immeasurable might, pierced with Krishna’s arrows + and smitten with the force of his discus, became motionless like waifs and + strays stranded on the bank by the violence of the waves. Then Sakra the + lord of the celestials, riding on his white elephant, rushed at those + heroes, and taking up his thunderbolt which could never go in vain, hurled + it with great force. And the slayer of Asuras said unto the gods, ‘These + two are slain.’ Beholding the fierce thunderbolt about to be hurled by + their chief, the celestials all took up their respective weapons. Yama, O + king, took up the death-dealing mace, and Kuvera his spiked club, and + Varuna his noose and beautiful missile. And Skanda (Kartikeya) took up his + long lance and stood motionless like the mountain of Meru. The Aswins + stood there with resplendent plants in their hands. Dhatri stood, bow in + hand, and Jaya with a thick club. Tvashtri of great strength took up in + wrath, a huge mountain and Surya stood with a bright dart, and Mrityu with + a battle-axe. Aryaman stalked about with a terrible bludgeon furnished + with sharp spikes, and Mitra stood there with a discus sharp as a razor. + And, O monarch, Pusha and Bhaga and Savitri, in wrath, rushed at Krishna + and Partha with bows and scimitars in hand. And Rudras and the Vasus, the + mighty Maruts and the Viswedevas and the Sadhyas, all resplendent with + their own energy,—these and many other celestials, armed with + various weapons rushed against those exalted of men, Krishna and Partha, + for smiting them down. Then were seen in that great conflict wonderful + portents all around robbing every creature of his sense, and resembling + those that appeared at the time of the universal dissolution. But Arjuna + and Krishna, fearless and invincible in battle, beholding Sakra and the + other celestials prepared for fight, calmly waited, bows in hands. Skilled + in battle, those heroes in wrath assailed the advancing host of celestials + with their own thunderlike arrows. The celestials repeatedly routed by + Krishna and Arjuna, at last left the field of battle for fear and sought + the protection of Indra. The Munis who were witnessing the battle from the + skies, beholding the celestials defeated by Madhava and Arjuna, were + filled with wonder. Sakra also repeatedly witnessing their prowess in + battle, became exceedingly gratified, and once more rushed to the assault. + The chastiser of Paka then caused a heavy shower of stones, desiring to + ascertain the prowess of Arjuna who was able to draw the bow even with his + left hand. Arjuna, in great wrath, dispelled with his arrows that thick + shower. Then he of a hundred sacrifices beholding that shower baffled, + once more caused a thicker shower of stones. But the son of the chastiser + of Paka (viz., Arjuna) gratified his father by baffling that shower also + with his swift arrows. Then Sakra, desirous of smiting down the son of + Pandu, tore up with his hands a large peak from Mandara, with tall trees + on it, and hurled it against him. But Arjuna divided that mountain-peak + into a thousand pieces by his swift-going and fire-mouthed arrows. The + fragments of that mountain, in falling through the skies, looked as if the + sun and the moon and the planets, displaced from their positions fell down + on earth. That huge peak fell down upon that forest and by its fall killed + numerous living creatures that dwelt in Khandava.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0231"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then the inhabitants of the forest of Khandava, the + Danavas and Rakshasas and Nagas and wolves and bears and other wild + animals, and elephants with rent temples, and tigers, and lions with manes + and deer and buffaloes by hundreds, and birds, and various other + creatures, frightened at the falling stones and extremely anxious, began + to fly in all directions. They saw the forest (burning all around) and + Krishna and Arjuna also ready with their weapons. Frightened at the + terrible sounds that were audible there those creatures lost their power + of movement. Beholding the forest burning in innumerable places and + Krishna also ready to smite them down with his weapons, they all set up a + frightful roar. With that terrible clamour as also with the roar of fire, + the whole welkin resounded, as it were, with the voice of portentous + clouds. Kesava of dark hue and mighty arms, in order to compass their + destruction, hurled at them his large and fierce discus resplendent with + its own energy. The forest-dwellers including the Danavas and the + Rakshasas, afflicted by that weapon, were cut in hundreds of pieces and + fell unto the mouth of Agni. Mangled by Krishna’s discus, the Asuras were + besmeared with blood and fat and looked like evening clouds. And, O + Bharata, he of the Vrishni race moved able like death itself, slaying + Pisachas and birds and Nagas and other creatures by thousands. The discus + itself, repeatedly hurled from the hands of Krishna, that slayer of all + foes, came back to his hands after slaughtering numberless creatures. The + face and form of Krishna that soul of every created thing—became + fierce to behold while he was thus employed in the slaughter of the + Pisachas, Nagas and Rakshasas. No one among the celestials, who had + mustered there could vanquish in battle Krishna and Arjuna. When the + celestials saw that they could not protect that forest from the might of + Krishna and Arjuna by extinguishing that conflagration, they retired from + the scene. Then, O monarch, he of a hundred sacrifices (Indra), beholding + the immortals retreat, became filled with joy and applauded Krishna and + Arjuna. And when the celestials gave up the fight, an incorporeal voice, + deep and loud, addressing him of a hundred sacrifices, said, ‘Thy friend + Takshaka, that chief of snakes, hath not been slain! Before the + conflagration commenced in Khandava he had journeyed to Kurukshetra. Know + from my words, O Vasava, that Vasudeva and Arjuna are incapable of being + vanquished in battle by any one! They are Nara and Narayana—those + gods of old heard of in heaven! Thou knowest what their energy is and what + their prowess. Invincible in battle, these best of old Rishis are + unconquerable by any one in all the worlds! They deserve the most + reverential worship of all the celestials and Asuras; of Yakshas and + Rakshasas and Gandharvas, of human beings and Kinnaras and Nagas. + Therefore, O Vasava, it behoveth thee to go hence with all the celestials. + The destruction of Khandava hath been ordained by Fate!’ Then the chief of + the immortals, ascertaining those words to be true abandoned his wrath and + jealousy, and went back to heaven. The dwellers in heaven, O monarch, + beholding the illustrious Indra abandon the fight, followed him with all + their soldiers. Then those heroes, Vasudeva and Arjuna, when they saw the + chief of the celestials retreat accompanied by all the gods, set up a + leonine roar. And, O monarch, Kesava and Arjuna, after Indra had left the + scene, became exceedingly glad. Those heroes then fearlessly assisted at + the conflagration of the forest. Arjuna scattered the celestials like the + wind scattering the clouds, and slew with showers of his arrows, + numberless creatures that dwelt in Khandava. Cut off by Arjuna’s arrows, + no one amongst the innumerable creatures could escape from the burning + forest. Far from fighting with him, none amongst even the strongest + creatures mustered there could look at Arjuna whose weapons were never + futile. Sometimes piercing hundred creatures with one shaft and sometimes + a single creature with hundred shafts, Arjuna moved about in his car. The + creatures themselves, deprived of life, began to fall into the mouth of + Agni (god of fire), struck down as it were by death itself. On the banks + of rivers or on uneven plains or on crematoriums, go where they did, the + creatures (dwelling in Khandava) found no ease, for wherever they sought + shelter there they were afflicted by the heat. And hosts of creatures + roared in pain, and elephants and deer and wolves set up cries of + affliction. At that sound the fishes of the Ganges and the sea, and the + various tribes of Vidyadharas dwelling in that forest all became + frightened. O thou of mighty arms, let alone battling with them, no one, + could even gaze at Arjuna and Janardana of dark hue. Hari slew with his + discus those Rakshasas and Danavas and Nagas that rushed at him in bands. + Of huge bodies, their heads and trunks were cut off by the swift motion of + the discus, and deprived of life they fell down into the blazing fire. + Gratified with large quantities of flesh, blood, and fat, the flames rose + up to a great height without a curling wreath of smoke. Hutasana + (fire-god) with blazing and coppery eyes, and flaming tongue and large + mouth, and the hair on the crown of his head all fiery, drinking, with the + help of Krishna and Arjuna, that nectar-like stream of animal fat, became + filled with joy. Gratified greatly, Agni derived much happiness. + </p> + <p> + “And it so happened that the slayer of Madhu suddenly beheld an Asura of + the name of Maya escaping from the abode of Takshaka. Agni having Vayu for + his car-driver, assuming a body with matted locks on head, and roaring + like the clouds, pursued the Asura, desirous of consuming him. Beholding + the Asura, Vasudeva stood with his weapon upraised, ready to smite him + down, seeing the discus uplifted and Agni pursuing from behind to burn + him, Maya said ‘Run to me, O Arjuna, and protect me!’ Hearing his + affrighted voice Arjuna said, ‘Fear not!’ That voice of Arjuna, O Bharata, + seemed to give Maya his life. As the merciful son of Pritha said unto Maya + that there was nothing to fear, he of the Dasarha race no longer desired + to slay Maya who was the brother of Namuchi, and Agni also burned him + not.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Protected from Indra by Krishna and Partha, Agni + gifted with great intelligence, burned that forest for five and ten days. + And while the forest burned Agni spared only six of its dwellers, viz., + Aswasena, Maya, and four birds called Sarngakas.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0232"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O Brahmana, tell me why and when that forest burnt in + that way, Agni consumed not the birds called Sarngakas? Thou hast, O + Brahmana, recited (to us) the cause of Aswasena and the Danava Maya not + having been consumed. But thou hast not as yet said what the cause was of + the escape of the Sarngakas? The escape of those birds, O Brahmana, + appeareth to me to be wonderful. Tell us why they were not destroyed in + that dreadful conflagration.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O slayer of all foes, I shall tell thee all as to why + Agni did not burn up those birds during the conflagration. There was, O + king, a great Rishi known by the name of Mandapala, conversant with all + the shastras, of rigid vows, devoted to asceticism, and the foremost of + all virtuous persons. Following in the wake of Rishis that had drawn up + their virile fluid, that ascetic, O monarch, with every sense under + complete control, devoted himself to study and virtue. Having reached the + opposite shores of asceticism, O Bharata, he left his human form and went + to the region of the Pitris. But going thither he failed to obtain the + (expected) fruit of his acts. He asked the celestials that sat around the + king of the dead as to the cause of his treatment, saying, ‘Why have these + regions become unattainable by me,—regions that I had thought had + been acquired by me by my ascetic devotions? Have I not performed those + acts whose fruits are these regions? Ye inhabitants of heaven, tell me why + these regions are shut against me! I will do that which will give me the + fruit of my ascetic penances.’ + </p> + <p> + “The celestials answered, ‘Hear, O Brahmana, of those acts and things on + account of which men are born debtors. Without doubt, it is for religious + rites, studies according to the ordinance, and progeny, that men are born + debtors. These debts are all discharged by sacrifices, asceticism, and + offspring. Thou art an ascetic and hast also performed sacrifices; but + thou hast no offspring. These regions are shut against thee only for want + of children. Beget children, therefore! Thou shalt then enjoy multifarious + regions of felicity. The Vedas declared that the son rescueth the father + from a hell called Put. Then, O best of Brahmanas, strive to beget + offspring.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Mandapala, having heard these words of the + dwellers in heaven, reflected how best he could obtain the largest number + of offspring within the shortest period of time. The Rishi, after + reflection, understood that of all creatures birds alone were blest with + fecundity. Assuming the form of a Sarngaka the Rishi had connection with a + female bird of the same species called by the name of Jarita. And he begat + upon her four sons who were all reciters of the Vedas. Leaving all those + sons of his with their mother in that forest, while they were still within + eggs, the ascetic went to (another wife called by the name of) Lapita. + And, O Bharata, when the exalted sage went away for the company of Lapita, + moved by affection for her offspring, Jarita became very thoughtful. + Though forsaken by their father in the forest of Khandava, Jarita, anxious + in her affection for them, could not forsake her offspring, those infant + Rishis encased in eggs. Moved by parental affection, she brought up these + children born of her, herself following the pursuits proper to her own + species. Some time after, the Rishi, in wandering over that forest in the + company of Lapita, saw Agni coming towards Khandava to burn it down. Then + the Brahmana Mandapala, knowing the intention of Agni and remembering also + that his children were all young moved by fear, gratified the god, of the + burning element, that regent of the universe, endued with great energy. + And he did this, desiring to put in a word for his unfledged offspring. + Addressing Agni, the Rishi said, ‘Thou art, O Agni, the mouth of all the + worlds! Thou art the carrier of the sacrificial butter! O purifier (of all + sins), thou movest invisible with the frame of every creature! The learned + have spoken of thee as an One, and again as possessed of triple nature. + The wise perform their sacrifices before thee, taking thee as consisting + of eight (mouths). The great Rishis declare that this universe hath been + created by thee. O thou that feedest on sacrificial butter, without thee + this whole universe would be destroyed in a single day. Bowing to thee, + the Brahmanas, accompanied by their wives and children, go to eternal + regions won by them by help of their own deeds. O Agni, the learned + represent thee as the clouds in the heavens charged with lightning. O + Agni, the flames put forth by thee consume every creature. O thou of great + splendour, this universe hath been created by thee. The Vedas are thy + word. All creatures, mobile and immobile, depend upon thee. Water + primarily dependeth on thee, so also the whole of this universe. All + offerings of clarified butter and oblations of food to the pitris have + been established in thee. O god, thou art the consumer, and thou art the + creator and thou art Vrihaspati himself (in intelligence). Thou art the + twin Aswins; thou art Surya; thou art Soma; thou art Vayu. + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘O monarch, thus praised by Mandapala, Agni was + gratified with that Rishi of immeasurable energy; and the god, + well-pleased, replied, ‘What good can I do to thee?’ Then Mandapala with + joined palms said unto the carrier of clarified butter, ‘While thou + burnest the forest of Khandava, spare my children.’ The illustrious bearer + of clarified butter replied, ‘So be it.’ It was, therefore, O monarch, + that he blazed not forth, while consuming the forest of Khandava, for the + destruction of Mandapala’s children.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0233"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘When the fire blazed forth in the forest of Khandava, + the infant birds became very much distressed and afflicted. Filled with + anxiety, they saw not any means of escape. Their mother, the helpless + Jarita, knowing that they were too young to escape, was filled with sorrow + and wept aloud. And she said, ‘Oh, the terrible conflagration, + illuminating the whole universe and burning the forest down, approacheth + towards us, increasing my woe. These infants with immature understanding, + without feathers and feet, and the sole refuge of our deceased ancestors, + afflict me. Oh, this fire approacheth, spreading fear all around, and + licking with its tongue the tallest trees. But my unfledged children are + incapable of effecting their escape. I myself am not capable of escaping, + taking all these with me. Nor am I capable of abandoning them, for my + heart is distressed on their account. Whom amongst my sons, shall I leave + behind, and whom shall I carry with me? What (act) should I do now that is + consistent with duty? What also do you, my infant sons, think? I do not, + even by reflection, see any way of escape for you. I shall even cover you + with my wings and die with you. Your cruel father left me some time + before, saying, ‘Upon this Jaritari, because he is the eldest of my sons, + will my race depend. My second Sarisrikka will beget progeny for the + expansion of my ancestors’ race. My third, Stamvamitra, will be devoted to + asceticism, and my youngest, Drona, will become the foremost of those + acquainted with the Vedas.’ But how hath this terrible calamity overtaken + us! Whom shall I take with me? As I am deprived of judgment what should I + do that is consistent with duty? I do not see, by the exercise of my own + judgment, the escape of my children from the fire!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Unto their mother indulging in these lamentations, + the infant ones said. ‘O mother, relinquishing thy affection for us, go + thou to a place where there is no fire. If we are killed here, thou mayest + have other children born to thee. If thou, O mother be killed, we can have + no more children in our race. Reflecting upon both these calamities, the + time hath come for thee, O mother, to do that which is beneficial to our + race. Do not be influenced by affection for thy offspring, which promises + to destroy both us and thee. If thou savest thyself, our father, who is + even desirous of winning regions of felicity, may have his wishes + gratified.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing what the infants said. Jarita replied, ‘There is a hole here in + the ground near to this tree, belonging to a mouse. Enter this hole + without loss of time. You shall have then no fear of fire. After ye have + entered it, I shall, ye children, cover its mouth with dust. This is the + only means of escape that I see from the blazing fire. Then when the fire + will be put out, I shall return hither to remove the dust. Follow my + advice if you are to escape from the conflagration.’ + </p> + <p> + “The infant birds replied, ‘Without feathers we are but so many balls of + flesh. If we enter the hole, certain it is that the carnivorous mouse will + destroy us all. Beholding this danger before us, we cannot enter this + hole. Alas, we do not see any means by which we may escape from the fire + or from the mouse. We do not see how our father’s act of procreation may + be prevented from becoming futile, and how also our mother may be saved. + If we enter the hole, the mouse will destroy us; we remain where we are + and the sky-ranging fire will destroy us. Reflecting upon both the + calamities, a death by fire is preferable to a death by being eaten up. If + we are devoured by the mouse within the hole, that death is certainly + ignoble, whereas the destruction of the body in fire is approved by the + wise.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0234"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXXIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing those words of her sons Jarita continued, + ‘The little mouse that had come out of this hole was seized by a hawk with + his claws and carried away hence. Therefore, ye may fearlessly enter this + hole now.’ The young ones replied, ‘We are not by any means certain of + that mouse having been taken away by the hawk. There may be other mice + living here. From them we have every fear. Whereas it is doubtful whether + fire will at all approach us here. Already we see an adverse wind blowing + the flames away. If we enter the hole, death is certain at the hands of + the dwellers in the hole. But if we remain where we are, death is + uncertain. O mother, a position in which death is uncertain is better than + that in which it is certain. It is thy duty, therefore, to escape thyself, + for, if thou livest thou mayest obtain other children as good.’ + </p> + <p> + “Their mother then said, ‘Ye children, I myself saw the mighty hawk, that + best of birds, swoop down and fly away with the mouse from the hole. And + while he was flying away swiftly, I followed him behind and pronounced + blessing on him for his having taken away the mouse from the hole. I said + unto him. ‘O king of hawks, because thou art flying away with our enemy, + the mouse, in thy claws, mayest thou, without a foe, live in heaven with a + golden body.’ Afterwards when that hawk devoured the mouse, I came away, + obtaining his leave. Therefore, ye children, enter this hole trustfully. + Ye have nothing to fear. The mouse that was its inmate was seized and + taken away by the hawk in my sight.’ The young ones again said, ‘O mother, + we do not by any means know that the mouse hath been carried away by the + hawk. We cannot enter this hole in the ground without being certain of the + fact.’ Their mother said, ‘I know to a certainty that the mouse hath been + carried away by the hawk. Therefore, ye children, ye have nothing to fear; + do what I say.’ The young ones again said, ‘We do not, O mother, say that + thou art dispelling our fears with a false story. For whatever is done by + a person when his reason hath been disturbed can scarcely be said to be + that person’s deliberate act. Thou hast not been benefited by us, nor dost + thou know who we are. Why dost thou, therefore, strive to protect us at so + much cost to thyself? Who are we to thee? Thou art young and handsome, and + capable of seeking out thy husband. Go unto thy husband. Thou shalt obtain + good children again. Let us by entering the fire attain to regions of + felicity. If, however, the fire consume us not, thou mayest come back and + obtain us again.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The parent bird then, thus addressed by her sons, + left them in Khandava and hastily went to the spot where there was no fire + and there was safety. Then Agni in haste and with fierce flames approached + the spot where the sons of Mandapala were. The young birds saw the blazing + fire come towards them. Then Jaritari, the eldest of the four, in the + hearing of Agni, began to speak.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0235"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Jaritari said, ‘The person that is wise remaineth wakeful in view of + death. Accordingly, when the hour of death approacheth, he feeleth no + pangs. But the person of perplexed soul, who remaineth not awake, when the + hour of death comes, feeleth the pangs of death and never attaineth + salvation.’ + </p> + <p> + “The second brother Sarisrikka, said, ‘Thou art patient and intelligent. + The time is come when our lives are threatened. Without doubt, one only + amongst many becometh wise and brave.’ + </p> + <p> + “The third brother, Stamvamitra, said, ‘The eldest brother is called the + protector. It is the eldest brother that rescueth (the younger ones) from + danger. If the eldest himself faileth to rescue them, what can the younger + ones do?’ + </p> + <p> + “The fourth and the youngest brother, Drona said, ‘The cruel god of fire, + with seven tongues and seven mouths quickly cometh towards our habitation, + blazing forth in splendour and licking up everything in his path.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having addressed one another thus, the sons of + Mandapala then each devotedly addressed an eulogistic hymn to Agni. Listen + now, O monarch, to those hymns as I recite them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Jaritari said, ‘Thou art, O fire, the soul of air! Thou art the body of + the Earth’s vegetation! O Sukra, water is thy parent as thou art the + parent of water! O thou of great energy, thy flames, like the rays of the + sun, extend themselves above, below, behind, and on each side.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sarisrikka said, ‘O smoke-bannered god, our mother is not to be seen, and + we know not our father! Our feathers have not grown as yet. We have none + to protect us save thee. Therefore, O Agni, infants that we are protect + us! O Agni, as we are distressed, protect us with that auspicious form + thou hast and with those seven flames of thine! We seek protection at thy + hands. Thou alone, O Agni, art the giver of heat (in the universe). O + lord, there is none else (save thee) that giveth heat to the rays of the + sun. O, protect us who are young and who are Rishis. O Havyavaha (carrier + of sacrificial butter), be pleased to go hence by some other route.’ + </p> + <p> + “Stamvamitra said, ‘Thou alone, O Agni, art everything! This whole + universe is established in thee! Thou sustainest every creature, and thou + supportest the universe! Thou art the carrier of the sacrificial butter, + and thou art the excellent sacrificial butter itself! The wise know thee + to be one (as cause) and many (as effects)! Having created the three + worlds, thou, O Havyavaha, again destroyest them when the time cometh, + swelling thyself forth! Thou art the productive cause of the whole + universe, and thou also art the essence in which the universe dissolveth + itself!’ + </p> + <p> + “Drona said, ‘O lord of the universe, growing in strength and remaining + within their bodies, thou causest the food that living creatures eat to be + digested. Everything therefore, is established in thee. O Sukra, O thou + from whose mouth the Vedas have sprung, it is thou who assumests the form + of the sun, and sucking up the waters of the earth and every liquid juice + that the earth yields, givest them back in time in the form of rain and + causest everything to grow! From thee, O Sukra, are these plants and + creepers with green foliage! From thee have sprung these tanks and pools, + and the great ocean also that is ever blessed! O thou of fierce rays, this + our (human) body dependeth on Varuna (the water-god)! We are unable to + bear thy heat. Be thou, therefore, our auspicious protector! O, destroy us + not! O thou of copper-hued eyes, O thou of red neck, O thou whose path is + marked by a black colour, save us by going along any remote route, as + indeed, the ocean saveth the house on its banks!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by Drona—that utterer of + Brahma—Agni, well-pleased at what he heard, and remembering also the + promise he had made to Mandapala, replied unto him, saying, ‘Thou art a + Rishi, O Drona! For what thou hast said is Brahma (Vedic truth). I shall + do your pleasure. Fear not! Indeed, Mandapala had spoken to me of you to + the effect that I should spare his sons, while consuming the forest. The + words he spoke and thy speech also are entitled to great weight to me. Say + what I am to do. O best of Brahmanas, I have been greatly pleased with thy + hymn. Blest be thou, O Brahmana!’ + </p> + <p> + “Drona said, ‘O Sukra, these cats trouble us every day. O Hutasana; + consume them with their friends and relatives.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Agni did what the Sarngakas; asked him to + do, telling them of his intentions. And, O Janamejaya, growing in + strength, he began then to consume the forest of Khandava.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0236"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O thou of Kuru’s race, the Rishi Mandapala became + very anxious about his children, although he had spoken of them to the god + of fierce rays. Indeed, his mind was not in peace. Distressed on account + of his sons, he addressed Lapita (his second wife with whom he then was), + saying, ‘O Lapita, as my children are incapable of the power of moving, + how are they? When the fire will grow in strength and the wind begin to + blow violently, my children will scarcely be able to save themselves. How + will their mother be able to rescue them? That innocent woman will be + afflicted with great sorrow when she will find herself unable to save her + offspring. Oh, how will she compose herself, uttering various lamentations + on account of my children who are all incapable of taking wing or rising + up into the air. Oh, how is Jaritari, my son, and how is Sarisrikka, and + how is Stamvamitra, and how is Drona, and how also is their helpless + mother?’ + </p> + <p> + “Unto the Rishi Mandapala thus weeping in the forest, Lapita, O Bharata, + thus replied, under the influence of jealousy, ‘Thou need not worry for + thy children who, as thou hast assured me, are all Rishis endued with + energy and prowess! They can have no fear from fire. Didst thou not speak + to Agni in my presence, in their behalf? Has not the illustrious deity + promised to save them? One of the regents of the universe as Agni is, he + will never falsify his speech. Thou hast no anxiety, nor is thy heart + inclined towards benefiting friends. It is only by thinking of her—my + rival (Jarita) that thou art so distracted! Certain it is that the love + thou bearest to me is not equal to what thou hadst for her at first. He + that hath two parties dividing his attention, can easily behold one of + those suffer all sorts of pangs; but he should not disregard the party + that is next to his heart. Then go thou to Jarita, for whom thy heart is + sorrowing! As for myself, I shall henceforth wander alone, as a fit reward + for my having attached myself to a wicked person.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words, Mandapala replied, ‘I do not wander over the earth + with such intentions as thou conceivest. It is only for the sake of + progeny that I am here. And even those that I have are in danger. He who + casteth off what he hath for the sake of what he may acquire, is a wicked + person. The world disregardeth and insulteth him. (Therefore, go I must). + As for thyself thou art free to do what thou choosest. This blazing fire + that licketh up the trees causeth sorrow in my anxious heart and raiseth + therein evil presentiments.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Meanwhile, after the fire had left the spot + where the Sarngakas dwelt, Jarita, much attached to her children, hastily + came thither to see how they were. She found that all of them had escaped + from the fire and were perfectly well. Beholding their mother, they began + to weep, though safe and sound. She too shed tears upon beholding them + alive. And she embraced, one by one, all her weeping children. Just at + that time, O Bharata, the Rishi Mandapala arrived there. But none of his + sons expressed joy, upon beholding him. The Rishi, however, began to speak + to them one after another and unto Jarita also, repeatedly. But neither + his sons nor Jarita spoke anything well or ill unto him in return.’ + </p> + <p> + “Mandapala then said, ‘Who amongst these is thy first born, and who the + next after him? And who is the third, and who the youngest? I am speaking + unto thee woefully; why dost thou not reply to me? I left thee, it is + true, but I was not happy where I was.’ + </p> + <p> + “Jarita then said, ‘What hast thou to do with the eldest of these, and + what with him that is next? And what with the third and what with the + youngest? Go now unto that Lapita of sweet smiles and endued with youth, + unto whom thou didst go of old, beholding me deficient in everything!’ + Mandapala replied, ‘As regards females, there is nothing so destructive of + their happiness whether in this or the other world as a co-wife and a + clandestine lover. There is nothing like these two that, inflames the fire + of hostility and causes such anxiety. Even the auspicious and well-behaved + Arundhati, celebrated amongst all creatures, had been jealous of the + illustrious Vasishtha of great purity of mind and always devoted to the + good of his wife. Arundhati insulted even the wise Muni amongst the + (celestial) seven. In consequence of such insulting thoughts of hers, she + has become a little star, like fire mixed with smoke, sometimes visible + and sometimes invisible, like an omen portending no good (amongst a + constellation of seven bright stars representing the seven Rishis). I look + to thee for the sake of children. I never wronged thee, like Vasishtha who + never wronged his wife. Thou hast, therefore, by thy jealousy behaved + towards me like Arundhati of old towards Vasishtha. Men should never trust + women even if they be wives. Women, when they have become mothers, do not + much mind serving their husbands.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After this, all his children came forward to + worship him. And he also began to speak kindly towards them all, giving + them every assurance.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0237"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Khandava-daha Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Mandapala then addressed his children, saying, ‘I had + spoken unto Agni for the safety of you all. The illustrious deity had + assured me that he would grant my wish. At those words of Agni, and + knowing the virtuous disposition of your mother, as also the great energy + that is in yourselves, I came not here earlier. Therefore, ye sons, do not + harbour in your hearts any resentment towards me. Ye are all Rishis + acquainted with the Vedas. Even Agni knoweth you well.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having given such assurances unto his sons, the + Brahmana Mandapala took with him his wife and sons, and leaving that + region, went away to some other country. + </p> + <p> + “It was thus that the illustrious god of fierce rays, having grown in + strength consumed the forest of Khandava with the help of Krishna and + Arjuna, for the good of the world. And Agni having drunk several rivers of + fat and marrow, became highly gratified, and showed himself to Arjuna. + Then Purandara, surrounded by the Maruts, descended from the firmament and + addressing Partha and Kesava said, ‘Ye have achieved a feat that a + celestial even could not. Ask ye each a boon that is not obtainable by any + man. I have been gratified with you.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then Partha asked from Indra all his weapons. At + this Sakra of great splendour, having fixed the time for giving them, + said, ‘When the illustrious Madhava becomes pleased with thee, then, O son + of Pandu, I will give thee all my weapons! O prince of Kuru’s race, I + shall know when the time cometh. Even for thy austere asceticism I will + give thee all my weapons of fire and all my Vayavya weapons, and thou also + wilt accept them all of me.’ Then Vasudeva asked that his friendship with + Arjuna might be eternal. The chief of the celestials granted unto the + intelligent Krishna the boon he desired. And having granted these boons + unto Krishna and Arjuna, the lord of the Maruts, accompanied by the + celestials, ascended to heaven, having also spoken to Hutasana (one whose + food is sacrificial butter). Agni also, having burnt that forest with its + animals and birds for five and ten days, became gratified and ceased to + burn. Having eaten flesh in abundance and drunk fat and blood, he became + highly gratified, and addressing Achyuta and Arjuna said, ‘I have been + gratified by you two tigers among men. At my command, ye heroes, ye shall + be competent to go wheresoever ye choose!’ Thus addressed by the + illustrious Agni, Arjuna and Vasudeva and the Danava Maya also—these + three,—having wandered a little at last sat themselves down on the + delightful banks of a river.’” + </p> + <p> + END OF ADI PARVA + <!-- H2 anchor --> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0239"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h2> + <h3> + OF + </h3> + <h2> + KRISHNA-DWAIPAYANA VYASA <a name="link2H_4_0240"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </h2> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK 2 — SABHA PARVA + </h2> + <h3> + Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text + </h3> + <h3> + by Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </h3> + <h4> + [1883-1896] <a name="link2H_4_0241"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </h4> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION I + </h2> + <h3> + (Sabhakriya Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Om! After having bowed down to Narayana, and Nara, the most exalted male + being, and also to the goddess Saraswati, must the word Jaya be uttered. + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—“Then, in the presence of Vasudeva, Maya Danava, + having worshipped Arjuna, repeatedly spoke unto him with joined hands and + in amiable words,—‘O son of Kunti, saved have I been by thee from + this Krishna in spate and from Pavaka (fire) desirous of consuming me. + Tell me what I have to do for thee. + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘O great Asura, everything hath already been done by + thee (even by this offer of thine). Blest be thou. Go whithersoever thou + likest. Be kind and well-disposed towards me, as we are even kind to and + well-pleased with thee!’ + </p> + <p> + “Maya said,—‘O bull amongst men, what thou hast said is worthy of + thee, O exalted one. But O Bharata, I desire to do something for thee + cheerfully. I am a great artist, a Viswakarma among the Danavas. O son of + Pandu, being what I am, I desire to do something for thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘O sinless one, thou regardest thyself as saved (by + me) from imminent death. Even if it hath been so, I cannot make thee do + anything for me. At the same time, O Danava, I do not wish to frustrate + thy intentions. Do thou something for Krishna. That will be a sufficient + requital for my services to thee.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Then, O bull of the Bharata race, urged by Maya, + Vasudeva reflected for a moment as to what he should ask Maya to + accomplish. Krishna, the Lord of the universe and the Creator of every + object, having reflected in his mind, thus commanded Maya,—‘Let a + palatial sabha (meeting hall) as thou choosest, be built (by thee), if + thou, O son of Diti, who art the foremost of all artists, desirest to do + good to Yudhishthira the just. Indeed, build thou such a palace that + persons belonging to the world of men may not be able to imitate it even + after examining it with care, while seated within. And, O Maya, build thou + a mansion in which we may behold a combination of godly, asuric and human + designs.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Having heard those words, Maya became + exceedingly glad. And he forthwith built a magnificent palace for the son + of Pandu like unto the palace of the celestials themselves. Then Krishna + and Partha (Arjuna) after having narrated everything unto king + Yudhishthira the just, introduced Maya unto him. Yudhishthira received + Maya with respect, offering him the honour he deserved. And, O Bharata, + Maya accepted that honour thinking highly of it. O monarch of the Bharata + race, that great son of Diti then recited unto the sons of Pandu the + history of the Danava Vrisha-parva, and that foremost of artists then, + having rested awhile, set himself after much thoughtful planning to build + a palace for the illustrious sons of Pandu. Agreeably to the wishes of + both Krishna and the sons of Pritha, the illustrious Danava of great + prowess, having performed on an auspicious day the initial propitiatory + rites of foundation and having also gratified thousands of well-versed + Brahmanas with sweetened milk and rice and with rich presents of various + kinds, measured out a plot of land five thousand cubits square, which was + delightful and exceedingly handsome to behold and which was favourable for + construction of a building well-suited to the exigencies of every season.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0242"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION II + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—“Janardana deserving the worship of all, having + lived happily at Khandavaprastha for some time, and having been treated + all the while with respectful love and affection by the sons of Pritha, + became desirous one day of leaving Khandavaprastha to behold his father. + That possessor of large eyes, unto whom was due the obeisance of the + universe, then saluted both Yudhishthira and Pritha and made obeisance + with his head unto the feet of Kunti, his father’s sister. Thus revered by + Kesava, Pritha smelt his head and embraced him. The illustrious Hrishikesa + approached his own sister Subhadra affectionately, with his eyes filled + with tears, and spoke unto her words of excellent import and truth, terse + proper, unanswerable and fraught with good. The sweet-speeched Subhadra + also, saluting him in return and worshipping him repeatedly with bent + head, told him all that she wished to be conveyed to her relatives on the + paternal side. And bidding her farewell and uttering benedictions on his + handsome sister, he of the Vrishni race, next saw Draupadi and Dhaumya. + That best of men duly made obeisance unto Dhaumya, and consoling Draupadi + obtained leave from her. Then the learned and mighty Krishna, accompanied + by Partha, went to his cousins. And surrounded by the five brothers, + Krishna shone like Sakra in the midst of the celestials. He whose banner + bore the figure of Garuda, desirous of performing the rites preparatory to + the commencement of a journey, purified himself by a bath and adorned his + person with ornaments. The bull of the Yadu race then worshipped the gods + and Brahmanas with floral wreaths, mantras, bows of the head, and + excellent perfumes. Having finished all these rites, that foremost of + steady and virtuous persons then thought of setting out. The chief of the + Yadu race then came out of the inner to the outer apartment, and issuing + thence he made unto Brahmanas, deserving of worship, offerings of + vessel-fulls of curd and fruits, and parched-grain and caused them to + pronounce benedictions upon him. And making unto them presents also of + wealth, he went round them. Then ascending his excellent car of gold + endued with great speed and adorned with banner bearing the figure of + Tarkhya (Garuda) and furnished also with mace, discus, sword, his bow + Sharnga and other weapons, and yoking thereunto his horses Saivya and + Sugriva, he of eyes like lotuses set out at an excellent moment of a lunar + day of auspicious stellar conjunction. And Yudhishthira, the king of the + Kurus, from affection, ascended the chariot after Krishna, and causing + that best charioteer Daruka to stand aside, himself took the reins. And + Arjuna also, of long arms, riding on that car, walked round Krishna and + fanned him with a white chamara furnished with a handle of gold. And the + mighty Bhimasena accompanied by the twin brothers Nakula and Sahadeva and + the priests and citizens all followed Krishna from behind. And Kesava, + that slayer of hostile heroes, followed by all the brothers, shone like a + preceptor followed by his favourite pupils. Then Govinda spoke unto Arjuna + and clasped him firmly, and worshipping Yudhisthira and Bhima, embraced + the twins. And embraced in return by the three elder Pandavas, he was + reverentially saluted by the twins. After having gone about half a Yojana + (two miles), Krishna, that subjugator of hostile towns, respectfully + addressed Yudhishthira and requested him, O Bharata, to stop following him + further. And Govinda, conversant with every duty, then reverentially + saluted Yudhishthira and took hold of his feet. But Yudhishthira soon + raised Kesava and smelt his head. King Yudhishthira the just, the son of + Pandu, having raised Krishna endued with eyes like lotus-petals and the + foremost of the Yadava race, gave him leave, saying,—‘Good bye!’ + Then the slayer of Madhu, making an appointment with them (about his + return) in words that were proper, and preventing with difficulty the + Pandavas from following him further on foot, gladly proceeded towards his + own city, like Indra going towards Amravati. Out of the love and affection + they bore him, the Pandavas gazed on Krishna as long as he was within + sight, and their minds also followed him when he got out of sight. And + Kesava of agreeable person soon disappeared from their sight, unsatiated + though their minds were with looking at him. Those bulls among men, the + sons of Pritha, with minds fixed on Govinda, desisted (from following him + further) and unwillingly returned to their own city in haste. And Krishna + in his car soon reached Dwaraka followed by that hero Satyaki. Then Sauri, + the son of Devaki, accompanied by his charioteer Daruka reached Dwaraka + with the speed of Garuda.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Meanwhile king Yudhishthira of unfading + glory, accompanied by his brothers and surrounded by friends, entered his + excellent capital. And that tiger among men, dismissing all his relatives, + brothers, and sons, sought to make himself happy in the company of + Draupadi. And Kesava also, worshipped by the principal Yadavas including + Ugrasena, entered with a happy heart his own excellent city. And + worshipping his old father and his illustrious mother, and saluting (his + brother) Valadeva, he of eyes like lotus-petals took his seat. Embracing + Pradyumna, Shamva, Nishatha, Charudeshna, Gada, Aniruddha and Bhanu, and + obtaining the leave of all the elderly men, Janardana entered the + apartments of Rukmini.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0243"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION III + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—“Then Maya Danava addressed Arjuna, that + foremost of successful warriors, saying,—‘I now go with thy leave, + but shall come back soon. On the north of the Kailasa peak near the + mountains of Mainaka, while the Danavas were engaged in a sacrifice on the + banks of Vindu lake, I gathered a huge quantity of delightful and + variegated vanda (a kind of rough materials) composed of jewels and gems. + This was placed in the mansion of Vrishaparva ever devoted to truth. If it + be yet existing, I shall come back, O Bharata, with it. I shall then + commence the construction of the delightful palace of the Pandavas, which + is to be adorned with every kind of gems and celebrated all over the + world. There is also, I think, O thou of the Kuru race, a fierce club + placed in the lake Vindu by the King (of the Danavas) after slaughtering + therewith all his foes in battle. Besides being heavy and strong and + variegated with golden knobs, it is capable of bearing great weight, and + of slaying all foes, and is equal in strength unto an hundred thousand + clubs. It is a fit weapon for Bhima, even as the Gandiva is for thee. + There is also (in that lake) a large conch-shell called Devadatta of loud + sound, that came from Varuna. I shall no doubt give all these to thee. + Having spoken thus unto Partha, the Asura went away in a north-easterly + direction. On the north of Kailasa in the mountains of Mainaka, there is a + huge peak of gems and jewels called Hiranya-sringa. Near that peak is a + delightful lake of the name of Vindu. There, on its banks, previously + dwelt king Bhagiratha for many years, desiring to behold the goddess + Ganga, since called Bhagirathee after that king’s name. And there, on its + banks, O thou best of the Bharatas, Indra the illustrious lord of every + created thing, performed one hundred great sacrifices. There, for the sake + of beauty, though not according to the dictates of the ordinance, were + placed sacrificial stakes made of gems and altars of gold. There, after + performing those sacrifices, the thousand-eyed lord of Sachi became + crowned with success. There the fierce Mahadeva, the eternal lord of every + creature, has taken up his abode after having created all the worlds and + there he dwelleth, worshipped with reverence by thousands of spirits. + There Nara and Narayana, Brahma and Yama and Sthanu the fifth, perform + their sacrifices at the expiration of a thousand yugas. There, for the + establishment of virtue and religion, Vasudeva, with pious devotion, + performed his sacrifices extending for many, many long years. There were + placed by Keshava thousands and tens of thousands of sacrificial stakes + adorned with golden garlands and altars of great splendour. Going thither, + O Bharata, Maya brought back the club and the conch-shell and the various + crystalline articles that had belonged to king Vrishaparva. And the great + Asura, Maya, having gone thither, possessed himself of the whole of the + great wealth which was guarded by Yakshas and Rakshasas. Bringing them, + the Asura constructed therewith a peerless palace, which was of great + beauty and of celestial make, composed entirely of gems and precious + stones, and celebrated throughout the three worlds. He gave unto Bhimasena + that best of clubs, and unto Arjuna the most excellent conch-shell at + whose sound all creatures trembled in awe. And the palace that Maya built + consisted of columns of gold, and occupied, O monarch, an area of five + thousand cubits. The palace, possessing an exceedingly beautiful form, + like unto that of Agni or Suryya, or Soma, shone in great splendour, and + by its brilliance seemed to darken even the bright rays of the sun. And + with the effulgence it exhibited, which was a mixture of both celestial + and terrestrial light, it looked as if it was on fire. Like unto a mass of + new clouds conspicuous in the sky, the palace rose up coming into view of + all. Indeed, the palace that the dexterous Maya built was so wide, + delightful, and refreshing, and composed of such excellent materials, and + furnished with such golden walls and archways, and adorned with so many + varied pictures, and was withal so rich and well-built, that in beauty it + far surpassed Sudharma of the Dasarha race, or the mansion of Brahma + himself. And eight thousand Rakshasas called Kinkaras, fierce, huge-bodied + and endued with great strength, of red coppery eyes and arrowy ears, + well-armed and capable of ranging through the air, used to guard and + protect that palace. Within that palace Maya placed a peerless tank, and + in that tank were lotuses with leaves of dark-coloured gems and stalks of + bright jewels, and other flowers also of golden leaves. And aquatic fowls + of various species sported on its bosom. Itself variegated with full-blown + lotuses and stocked with fishes and tortoises of golden hue, its bottom + was without mud and its water transparent. There was a flight of crystal + stairs leading from the banks to the edge of the water. The gentle breezes + that swept along its bosom softly shook the flowers that studded it. The + banks of that tank were overlaid with slabs of costly marble set with + pearls. And beholding that tank thus adorned all around with jewels and + precious stones, many kings that came there mistook it for land and fell + into it with eyes open. Many tall trees of various kinds were planted all + around the palace. Of green foliage and cool shade, and ever blossoming, + they were all very charming to behold. Artificial woods were laid around, + always emitting a delicious fragrance. And there were many tanks also that + were adorned with swans and Karandavas and Chakravakas (Brahminy ducks) in + the grounds lying about the mansion. And the breeze bearing the fragrance + of lotuses growing in water and (of those growing on land) ministered unto + the pleasure and happiness of the Pandavas. And Maya having constructed + such a palatial hall within fourteen months, reported its completion unto + Yudhishthira.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0244"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IV + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—“Then that chief of men, king Yudhishthira, + entered that palatial sabha having first fed ten thousand Brahmanas with + preparations of milk and rice mixed with clarified butter and honey with + fruits and roots, and with pork and venison. The king gratified those + superior Brahmanas, who had come from various countries with food seasoned + with seasamum and prepared with vegetables called jibanti, with rice mixed + with clarified butter, with different preparations of meat—with + indeed various kinds of other food, as also numberless viands that are fit + to be sucked and innumerable kinds of drinks, with new and unused robes + and clothes, and with excellent floral wreaths. The king also gave unto + each of those Brahmanas a thousand kine. And, O Bharata, the voice of the + gratified Brahmanas uttering,—‘What an auspicious day is this! + became so loud that it seemed to reach heaven itself. And when the Kuru + king entered the palatial sabha having also worshipped the gods with + various kinds of music and numerous species of excellent and costly + perfumes, the athletes and mimes and prize-fighters and bards and + encomiasts began to gratify that illustrious son of Dharma by exhibiting + their skill. And thus celebrating his entry into the palace, Yudhishthira + with his brothers sported within that palace like Sakra himself in heaven. + Upon the seats in that palace sat, along with the Pandavas, Rishis and + kings that came from various countries, viz., Asita and Devala, Satya, + Sarpamali and Mahasira; Arvavasu, Sumitra, Maitreya, Sunaka and Vali; + Vaka, Dalvya, Sthulasira, Krishna-Dwaipayana, and Suka Sumanta, Jaimini, + Paila, and the disciples of Vyasa, viz., ourselves; Tittiri, Yajanavalkya, + and Lomaharshana with his son; Apsuhomya, Dhaumya, Animandavya; and + Kausika; Damoshnisha and Traivali, Parnada, and Varayanuka, Maunjayana, + Vayubhaksha, Parasarya, and Sarika; Valivaka, Silivaka, Satyapala, and + Krita-srama; Jatukarna, and Sikhavat. Alamva and Parijataka; the exalted + Parvata, and the great Muni Markandeya; Pavitrapani, Savarna, Bhaluki, and + Galava. Janghabandhu, Raibhya, Kopavega, and Bhrigu: Harivabhru, + Kaundinya, Vabhrumali, and Sanatana, Kakshivat, and Ashija, Nachiketa, and + Aushija, Nachiketa, and Gautama; Painga, Varaha, Sunaka, and Sandilya of + great ascetic merit: Kukkura, Venujangha, Kalapa and Katha;—these + virtuous and learned Munis with senses and souls under complete control, + and many others as numerous, all well-skilled in the Vedas and Vedangas + and conversant with (rules of) morality and pure and spotless in + behaviour, waited on the illustrious Yudhishthira, and gladdened him by + their sacred discourses. And so also numerous principal Kshatriyas, such + as the illustrious and virtuous Mujaketu, Vivarddhana, Sangramjit, + Durmukha, the powerful Ugrasena; Kakshasena, the lord of the Earth, + Kshemaka the invincible; Kamatha, the king of Kamvoja, and the mighty + Kampana who alone made the Yavanas to ever tremble at his name just as the + god that wieldeth the thunder-bolt maketh those Asuras, the Kalakeyas, + tremble before him; Jatasura, and the king of the Madrakas, Kunti, Pulinda + the king of the Kiratas, and the kings of Anga and Vanga, and Pandrya, and + the king of Udhara, and Andhaka; Sumitra, and Saivya that slayer of foes; + Sumanas, the king of the Kiratas, and Chanur the King of the Yavanas, + Devarata, Bhoja, and the so called Bhimaratha, Srutayudha—the king + of Kalinga, Jayasena the king of Magadha; and Sukarman, and Chekitana, and + Puru that slayer of foes; Ketumata, Vasudana, and Vaideha and Kritakshana: + Sudharman, Aniruddha, Srutayu endued with great strength; the invincible + Anuparaja, the handsome Karmajit; Sisupala with his son, the king of + Karusha; and the invincible youths of the Vrishni race, all equal in + beauty unto the celestials, viz., Ahuka, Viprithu, Sada, Sarana, Akrura, + Kritavarman, and Satyaka, the son of Sini; and Bhismaka, Ankriti, and the + powerful Dyumatsena, those chief of bowmen viz., the Kaikeyas and + Yajnasena of the Somaka race; these Kshatriyas endured with great might, + all well-armed and wealthy, and many others also regarded as the foremost, + all waited upon Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, in that Sabha, desirous of + ministering to his happiness. And those princes also, endued with great + strength, who dressing themselves in deer-skins learnt the science of + weapons under Arjuna, waited upon Yudhishthira. And O king, the princes + also of the Vrishni race, viz., Pradyumna (the son of Rukmini) and Samva, + and Yuyudhana the son of Satyaki and Sudharman and Aniruddha and Saivya + that foremost of men who had learnt the science of arms under Arjuna these + and many other kings, O lord of the Earth, used to wait on Yudhishthira on + that occasion. And that friend of Dhananjaya, Tumvuru, and the Gandharva + Chittasena with his ministers, any many other Gandharvas and Apsaras, + well-skilled in vocal and instrumental music and in cadence and Kinnaras + also well-versed in (musical) measures and motions singing celestial tunes + in proper and charming voices, waited upon and gladdened the sons of Pandu + and the Rishis who sat in that Sabha. And seated in that Sabha, those bull + among men, of rigid vows and devoted to truth, all waited upon + Yudhishthira like the celestials in heaven waiting upon Brahma.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0245"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION V + </h2> + <h3> + (Lokapala Sabhakhayana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—“While the illustrious Pandavas were seated in + that Sabha along with the principal Gandharvas, there came, O Bharata, + unto that assembly the celestial Rishi Narada, conversant with the Vedas + and Upanishadas, worshipped by the celestials acquainted with histories + and Puranas, well-versed in all that occurred in ancient kalpas (cycles), + conversant with Nyaya (logic) and the truth of moral science, possessing a + complete knowledge of the six Angas (viz., pronunciation, grammar, + prosody, explanation of basic terms, description of religious rites, and + astronomy). He was a perfect master in reconciling contradictory texts and + differentiating in applying general principles to particular cases, as + also in interpreting contraries by reference to differences in situation, + eloquent, resolute, intelligent, possessed of powerful memory. He was + acquainted with the science of morals and politics, learned, proficient in + distinguishing inferior things from superior ones, skilled in drawing + inference from evidence, competent to judge of the correctness or + incorrectness of syllogistic statements consisting of five propositions. + He was capable of answering successively Vrihaspati himself while arguing, + with definite conclusions properly framed about religion, wealth, pleasure + and salvation, of great soul and beholding this whole universe, above, + below, and around, as if it were present before his eyes. He was master of + both the Sankhya and Yoga systems of philosophy, ever desirous of humbling + the celestials and Asuras by fomenting quarrels among them, conversant + with the sciences of war and treaty, proficient in drawing conclusions by + judging of things not within direct ken, as also in the six sciences of + treaty, war, military campaigns, maintenance of posts against the enemy + and stratagems by ambuscades and reserves. He was a thorough master of + every branch of learning, fond of war and music, incapable of being + repulsed by any science or any course, of action, and possessed of these + and numberless other accomplishments. The Rishi, having wandered over the + different worlds, came into that Sabha. And the celestial Rishi of + immeasurable splendour, endued with great energy was accompanied, O + monarch, by Parijata and the intelligent Raivata and Saumya and Sumukha. + Possessing the speed of the mind, the Rishi came thither and was filled + with gladness upon beholding the Pandavas. The Brahmana, on arriving + there, paid homage unto Yudhishthira by uttering blessings on him and + wishing him victory. Beholding the learned Rishi arrive, the eldest of the + Pandavas, conversant with all rules of duty, quickly stood up with his + younger brothers. Bending low with humility, the monarch cheerfully + saluted the Rishi, and gave with due ceremonies a befitting seat unto him. + The king also gave him kine and the usual offerings of the Arghya + including honey and the other ingredients. Conversant with every duty the + monarch also worshipped the Rishi with gems and jewels with a whole heart. + Receiving that worship from Yudhishthira in proper form, the Rishi became + gratified. Thus worshipped by the Pandavas and the great Rishis, Narada + possessing a complete mastery over the Vedas, said unto Yudhishthira the + following words bearing upon religion, wealth, pleasures and salvation. + </p> + <p> + “Narada said—‘Is the wealth thou art earning being spent on proper + objects? Doth thy mind take pleasure in virtue? Art thou enjoying the + pleasures of life? Doth not thy mind sink under their weight? O chief of + men, continuest thou in the noble conduct consistent with religion and + wealth practised by thy ancestors towards the three classes of subjects, + (viz., good, indifferent, and bad)? Never injurest thou religion for the + sake of wealth, or both religion and wealth for the sake of pleasure that + easily seduces? O thou foremost of victorious men ever devoted to the good + of all, conversant as thou art with the timeliness of everything, + followest thou religion, wealth, pleasure and salvation dividing thy time + judiciously? O sinless one, with the six attributes of kings (viz., + cleverness of speech, readiness in providing means, intelligence in + dealing with the foe, memory, and acquaintance with morals and politics), + dost thou attend to the seven means (viz., sowing dissensions, + chastisement, conciliation, gifts, incantations, medicine and magic)? + Examinest thou also, after a survey of thy own strength and weakness, the + fourteen possessions of thy foes? These are the country, forts, cars, + elephants, cavalry, foot-soldiers, the principal officials of state, the + zenana, food supply, computations of the army and income, the religious + treatises in force, the accounts of state, the revenue, wine-shops and + other secret enemies. Attendest thou to the eight occupations (of + agriculture, trade, &c), having examined, O thou foremost of + victorious monarchs, thy own and thy enemy’s means, and having made peace + with thy enemies? O bull of the Bharata race, thy seven principal officers + of state (viz., the governor of the citadel, the commander of forces, the + chief judge, the general in interior command, the chief priest, the chief + physician, and the chief astrologer), have not, I hope, succumbed to the + influence of thy foes, nor have they, I hope, become idle in consequence + of the wealth they have earned? They are, I hope, all obedient to thee. + Thy counsels, I hope, are never divulged by thy trusted spies in disguise, + by thyself or by thy ministers? Thou ascertainest, I hope, what thy + friends, foes and strangers are about? Makest thou peace and makest thou + war at proper times? Observest thou neutrality towards strangers and + persons that are neutral towards thee? And, O hero, hast thou made persons + like thyself, persons that are old, continent in behaviour, capable of + understanding what should be done and what should not, pure as regards + birth and blood, and devoted to thee, thy ministers? O Bharata, the + victories of kings can be attributed to good counsels. O child, is thy + kingdom protected by ministers learned in Sastras, keeping their counsels + close? Are thy foes unable to injure it? Thou hast not become the slave of + sleep? Wakest thou at the proper time? Conversant with pursuits yielding + profit, thinkest thou, during the small hours of night, as to what thou + shouldst do and what thou shouldst not do the next day? Thou settlest + nothing alone, nor takest counsels with many? The counsels thou hast + resolved upon, do not become known all over thy kingdom? Commencest thou + soon to accomplish measures of great utility that are easy of + accomplishment? Such measures are never obstructed? Keepest thou the + agriculturists not out of thy sight? They do not fear to approach thee? + Achievest thou thy measures through persons that are trusted + incorruptible, and possessed of practical experience? And, O brave king. I + hope, people only know the measures already accomplished by thee and those + that have been partially accomplished and are awaiting completion, but not + those that are only in contemplation and uncommenced? Have experienced + teachers capable of explaining the causes of things and learned in the + science of morals and every branch of learning, been appointed to instruct + the princes and the chiefs of the army? Buyest thou a single learned man + by giving in exchange a thousand ignorant individuals? The man that is + learned conferreth the greatest benefit in seasons of distress. Are thy + forts always filled with treasure, food, weapons, water, engines and + instruments, as also with engineers and bowmen? Even a single minister + that is intelligent, brave, with his passions under complete control, and + possessed of wisdom and judgment, is capable of conferring the highest + prosperity on a king or a king’s son. I ask thee, therefore, whether there + is even one such minister with thee? Seekest thou to know everything about + the eighteen Tirthas of the foe and fifteen of thy own by means of three + and three spies all unacquainted with one another? O slayer of all foes, + watchest thou all thy enemies with care and attention, and unknown to + them? Is the priest thou honourest, possessed of humility, and purity of + blood, and renown, and without jealousy and illiberality? Hath any + well-behaved, intelligent, and guileless Brahmana, well-up in the + ordinance, been employed by thee in the performance of thy daily rites + before the sacred fire, and doth he remind thee in proper time as to when + thy homa should be performed? Is the astrologer thou hast employed skilled + in reading physiognomy, capable of interpreting omens, and competent to + neutralise the effect of the disturbances of nature? Have respectable + servants been employed by thee in offices that are respectable, + indifferent ones in indifferent offices, and low ones in offices that are + low? Hast thou appointed to high offices ministers that are guileless and + of well conduct for generations and above the common run? Oppressest thou + not thy people with cruel and severe punishment? And, O bull of the + Bharata race, do thy ministers rule thy kingdom under thy orders? Do thy + ministers ever slight thee like sacrificial priests slighting men that are + fallen (and incapable of performing any more sacrifices) or like wives + slighting husbands that are proud and incontinent in their behaviour? Is + the commander of thy forces possessed of sufficient confidence, brave, + intelligent, patient, well-conducted, of good birth, devoted to thee, and + competent? Treatest thou with consideration and regard the chief officers + of thy army that are skilled in every kind of welfare, are forward, + well-behaved, and endued with prowess? Givest thou to thy troops their + sanctioned rations and pay in the appointed time? Thou dost not oppress + them by withholding these? Knowest thou that the misery caused by arrears + of pay and irregularity in the distribution of rations driveth the troops + to mutiny, and that is called by the learned to be one of the greatest of + mischiefs? Are all the principal high-born men devoted to thee, and ready + with cheerfulness to lay down their lives in battle for thy sake? I hope + no single individual of passions uncontrolled is ever permitted by thee to + rule as he likes a number of concerns at the same time appertaining to the + army? Is any servant of thine, who hath accomplished well a particular + business by the employment of special ability, disappointed in obtaining + from thee a little more regard, and an increase of food and pay? I hope + thou rewardest persons of learning and humility, and skill in every kind + of knowledge with gifts of wealth and honour proportionate to their + qualifications. Dost thou support, O bull in the Bharata race, the wives + and children of men that have given their lives for thee and have been + distressed on thy account? Cherishest thou, O son of Pritha, with paternal + affection the foe that hath been weakened, or him also that hath sought + thy shelter, having been vanquished in battle? O lord of Earth, art thou + equal unto all men, and can every one approach thee without fear, as if + thou wert their mother and father? And O bull of the Bharata race, + marchest thou, without loss of time, and reflecting well upon three kinds + of forces, against thy foe when thou hearest that he is in distress? O + subjugator of all foes beginnest thou thy march when the time cometh, + having taken into consideration all the omens you might see, the + resolutions thou hast made, and that the ultimate victory depends upon the + twelve mandalas (such as reserves, ambuscades, &c, and payment of pay + to the troops in advance)? And, O persecutor of all foes, givest thou gems + and jewels, unto the principal officers of enemy, as they deserve, without + thy enemy’s knowledge? O son of Pritha, seekest thou to conquer thy + incensed foes that are slaves to their passions, having first conquered + thy own soul and obtained the mastery over thy own senses? Before thou + marchest out against thy foes, dost thou properly employ the four arts of + reconciliation, gift (of wealth) producing disunion, and application of + force? O monarch, goest thou out against thy enemies, having first + strengthened thy own kingdom? And having gone out against them, exertest + thou to the utmost to obtain victory over them? And having conquered them, + seekest thou to protect them with care? Are thy army consisting of four + kinds of forces, viz., the regular troops, the allies, the mercenaries, + and the irregulars, each furnished with the eight ingredients, viz., cars, + elephants, horses, offices, infantry, camp-followers, spies possessing a + thorough knowledge of the country, and ensigns led out against thy enemies + after having been well trained by superior officers? O oppressor of all + foes, O great king, I hope thou slayest thy foes without regarding their + seasons of reaping and of famine? O king, I hope thy servants and agents + in thy own kingdom and in the kingdoms of thy foes continue to look after + their respective duties and to protect one another. O monarch, I hope + trusted servants have been employed by thee to look after thy food, the + robes thou wearest and the perfumes thou usest. I hope, O king, thy + treasury, barns, stables arsenals, and women’s apartments, are all + protected by servants devoted to thee and ever seeking thy welfare. I + hope, O monarch, thou protectest first thyself from thy domestic and + public servants, then from those servants of thy relatives and from one + another. Do thy servants, O king, ever speak to thee in the forenoon + regarding thy extravagant expenditure in respect of thy drinks, sports, + and women? Is thy expenditure always covered by a fourth, a third or a + half of thy income? Cherishest thou always, with food and wealth, + relatives, superiors, merchants, the aged, and other proteges, and the + distressed? Do the accountants and clerks employed by thee in looking + after thy income and expenditure, always appraise thee every day in the + forenoon of thy income and expenditure? Dismissest thou without fault + servants accomplished in business and popular and devoted to thy welfare? + O Bharata, dost thou employ superior, indifferent, and low men, after + examining them well in offices they deserve? O monarch, employest thou in + thy business persons that are thievish or open to temptation, or hostile, + or minors? Persecutest thou thy kingdom by the help of thievish or + covetous men, or minors, or women? Are the agriculturists in thy kingdom + contented. Are large tanks and lakes constructed all over thy kingdom at + proper distances, without agriculture being in thy realm entirely + dependent on the showers of heaven? Are the agriculturists in thy kingdom + wanting in either seed or food? Grantest thou with kindness loans (of + seed-grains) unto the tillers, taking only a fourth in excess of every + measure by the hundred? O child, are the four professions of agriculture, + trade, cattle-rearing, and lending at interest, carried on by honest men? + Upon these O monarch, depends the happiness of thy people. O king, do the + five brave and wise men, employed in the five offices of protecting the + city, the citadel, the merchants, and the agriculturists, and punishing + the criminals, always benefit thy kingdom by working in union with one + another? For the protection of thy city, have the villages been made like + towns, and the hamlets and outskirts of villages like villages? Are all + these entirely under thy supervision and sway? Are thieves and robbers + that sack thy town pursued by thy police over the even and uneven parts of + thy kingdom? Consolest thou women and are they protected in thy realm? I + hope thou placest not any confidence in them, nor divulgest any secret + before any of them? O monarch, having heard of any danger and having + reflected on it also, liest thou in the inner apartments enjoying every + agreeable object? Having slept during the second and the third divisions + of the night, thinkest thou of religion and profit in the fourth division + wakefully. O son of Pandu, rising from bed at the proper time and dressing + thyself well, showest thou thyself to thy people, accompanied by ministers + conversant with the auspiciousness or otherwise of moments? O represser of + all foes, do men dressed in red and armed with swords and adorned with + ornaments stand by thy side to protect thy person? O monarch! behavest + thou like the god of justice himself unto those that deserve punishment + and those that deserve worship, unto those that are dear to thee and those + that thou likest not? O son of Pritha, seekest thou to cure bodily + diseases by medicines and fasts, and mental illness with the advice of the + aged? I hope that the physicians engaged in looking after thy health are + well conversant with the eight kinds of treatment and are all attached and + devoted to thee. Happeneth it ever, O monarch, that from covetousness or + folly or pride thou failest to decide between the plaintiff and the + defendant who have come to thee? Deprivest thou, through covetousness or + folly, of their pensions the proteges who have sought thy shelter from + trustfulness or love? Do the people that inhabit thy realm, bought by thy + foes, ever seek to raise disputes with thee, uniting themselves with one + another? Are those amongst thy foes that are feeble always repressed by + the help of troops that are strong, by the help of both counsels and + troops? Are all the principal chieftains (of thy empire) all devoted to + thee? Are they ready to lay down their lives for thy sake, commanded by + thee? Dost thou worship Brahmanas and wise men according to their merits + in respect of various branches of learning? I tell thee, such worship is + without doubt, highly beneficial to thee. Hast thou faith in the religion + based on the three Vedas and practised by men who have gone before thee? + Dost thou carefully follow the practices that were followed by them? Are + accomplished Brahmanas entertained in thy house and in thy presence with + nutritive and excellent food, and do they also obtain pecuniary gifts at + the conclusion of those feasts? Dost thou, with passions under complete + control and with singleness of mind, strive to perform the sacrifices + called Vajapeya and Pundarika with their full complement of rites? Bowest + thou unto thy relatives and superiors, the aged, the gods, the ascetics, + the Brahmanas, and the tall trees (banian) in villages, that are of so + much benefit to people? O sinless one, causest thou ever grief or anger in + any one? Do priests capable of granting thee auspicious fruits ever stand + by thy side? O sinless one, are thy inclinations and practices such as I + have described them, and as always enhance the duration of life and spread + one’s renown and as always help the cause of religion, pleasure, and + profit? He who conducteth himself according to this way, never findeth his + kingdom distressed or afflicted; and that monarch, subjugating the whole + earth, enjoyeth a high degree of felicity. O monarch, I hope, no + well-behaved, pure-souled, and respected person is ever ruined and his + life taken, on a false charge or theft, by thy ministers ignorant of + Sastras and acting from greed? And, O bull among men, I hope thy ministers + never from covetousness set free a real thief, knowing him to be such and + having apprehended him with the booty about him? O Bharata, I hope, thy + ministers are never won over by bribes, nor do they wrongly decide the + disputes that arise between the rich and the poor. Dost thou keep thyself + free from the fourteen vices of kings, viz., atheism, untruthfulness, + anger, incautiousness, procrastination, non-visit to the wise, idleness, + restlessness of mind, taking counsels with only one man, consultation with + persons unacquainted with the science of profit, abandonment of a settled + plan, divulgence of counsels, non-accomplishment of beneficial projects, + and undertaking everything without reflection? By these, O king, even + monarchs firmly seated on their thrones are ruined. Hath thy study of the + Vedas, thy wealth and knowledge of the Sastras and marriage been fruitful? + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—After the Rishi had finished, Yudhishthira + asked,—“How, O Rishi, do the Vedas, wealth, wife, and knowledge of + the Sastras bear fruit?” + </p> + <p> + “The Rishi answered,—“The Vedas are said to bear fruit when he that + hath studied them performeth the Agnihotra and other sacrifices. Wealth is + said to bear fruit when he that hath it enjoyeth it himself and giveth it + away in charity. A wife is said to bear fruit when she is useful and when + she beareth children. Knowledge of the Sastras is said to bear fruit when + it resulteth in humility and good behaviour.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—The great ascetic Narada, having answered + Yudhishthira thus, again asked that just ruler,-“Do the officers of thy + government, O king, that are paid from the taxes levied on the community, + take only their just dues from the merchants that come to thy territories + from distant lands impelled by the desire of gain? Are the merchants, O + king, treated with consideration in thy capital and kingdom, capable of + bringing their goods thither without being deceived by the false pretexts + of (both the buyers and the officers of government)? + </p> + <p> + Listenest thou always, O monarch, to the words, fraught with instructions + in religion and wealth, of old men acquainted with economic doctrines? Are + gifts of honey and clarified butter made to the Brahmanas intended for the + increase of agricultural produce, of kine, of fruits and flowers, and for + the sake of virtue? Givest thou always, O king, regularly unto all the + artisans and artists employed by thee the materials of their works and + their wages for periods not more than four months? Examinest thou the + works executed by those that are employed by thee, and applaudest thou + them before good men, and rewardest thou them, having shewn them proper + respect? O bull of the Bharata race, followest thou the aphorisms (of the + sage) in respect of every concern particularly those relating to + elephants, horses, and cars? O bull of the Bharata race, are the aphorisms + relating to the science of arms, as also those that relate to the practice + of engines in warfare—so useful to towns and fortified places, + studied in thy court? O sinless one, art thou acquainted with all + mysterious incantations, and with the secrets of poisons destructive of + all foes? Protectest thou thy kingdom from the fear of fire, of snakes and + other animals destructive of life, of disease, and Rakshasas? As + acquainted thou art with every duty, cherishest thou like a father, the + blind, the dumb, the lame, the deformed, the friendless, and ascetics that + have no homes. Hast thou banished these six evils, O monarch, viz., sleep, + idleness, fear, anger, weakness of mind, and procrastination?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—The illustrious bull among the Kurus, + having heard these words of that best of Brahmanas, bowed down unto him + and worshipped his feet. And gratified with everything he heard, the + monarch said unto Narada of celestial form,—“I shall do all that + thou hast directed, for my knowledge hath expanded under thy advice!’ + Having said this the king acted conformably to that advice, and gained in + time the whole Earth bounded by her belt of seas. Narada again spoke, + saying,—“That king who is thus employed in the protection of four + orders, Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Sudras, passeth his days here + happily and attaineth hereafter to the region of Sakra (heaven).’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0246"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VI + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—At the conclusion of Narada’s words, king + Yudhishthira the just worshipped him duly; and commanded by him the + monarch began to reply succinctly to the questions the Rishi had asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said—‘O holy one, the truths of religion and morality + thou hast indicated one after another, are just and proper. As regards + myself, I duly observe those ordinances to the best of my power. Indeed, + the acts that were properly performed by monarchs of yore are, without + doubt, to be regarded as bearing proper fruit, and undertaken from solid + reasons for the attainment of proper objects. O master, we desire to walk + in the virtuous path of those rulers that had, besides, their souls under + complete control.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—“Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, possessed + of great glory, having received with reverence the words of Narada and + having also answered the Rishi thus, reflected for a moment. And + perceiving a proper opportunity, the monarch, seated beside the Rishi, + asked Narada sitting at his ease and capable of going into every world at + will, in the presence of that assembly of kings, saying,—‘Possessed + of the speed of mind, thou wanderest over various and many worlds created + in days of yore by Brahma, beholding everything. Tell me, I ask thee, if + thou hast, O Brahmana, ever beheld before anywhere an assembly room like + this of mine or superior to it!’ Hearing these words of Yudhishthira the + just, Narada smilingly answered the son of Pandu in these sweet accents,— + </p> + <p> + “Narada said,—‘O child, O king I did neither see nor hear of ever + before amongst men, any assembly room built of gems and precious stones + like this of thine, O Bharata. I shall, however, describe unto thee the + rooms of the king of the departed (Yama), of Varuna (Neptune) of great + intelligence, of Indra, the King of Gods and also of him who hath his home + in Kailasha (Kuvera). I shall also describe unto thee the celestial Sabha + of Brahma that dispelleth every kind of uneasiness. All these assembly + rooms exhibit in their structure both celestial and human designs and + present every kind of form that exists in the universe. And they are ever + worshipped by the gods and the Pitris, the Sadhyas, (under-deities called + Gana), by ascetics offering sacrifices, with souls under complete command, + by peaceful Munis engaged without intermission in Vedic sacrifices with + presents to Brahmanas. I shall describe all these to you if, O bull of the + Bharata race, thou hast any inclinations to listen to me!’” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—“Thus addressed by Narada, the high-souled + king Yudhishthira the just, with his brothers and all those foremost of + Brahmanas (seated around him), joined his hands (in entreaty). And the + monarch then asked Narada, saying,—‘Describe unto us all those + assembly rooms. We desire to listen to thee. O Brahmana, what are the + articles with which each of the Sabhas are made of? What is the area of + each, and what is the length and breadth of each? Who wait upon the + Grandsire in that assembly room? And who also upon Vasava, the Lord of the + celestials and upon Yama, the son of Vivaswana? Who wait upon Varuna and + upon Kuvera in their respective assembly rooms. O Brahmana Rishi, tell us + all about these. We all together desire to hear thee describe them. + Indeed, our curiosity is great.’ Thus addressed by the son of Pandu, + Narada replied, saying,—‘O monarch, hear ye all about those + celestial assembly rooms one after another.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0247"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VII + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said,—the celestial assembly room of Sakra is full of + lustre. He hath obtained it as the fruit of his own acts. Possessed of the + splendour of the sun, it was built, O scion of the Kuru race, by Sakra + himself. Capable of going everywhere at will, this celestial assembly + house is full one hundred and fifty yojanas in length, and hundred yojanas + in breadth, and five yojanas in height. Dispelling weakness of age, grief, + fatigue, and fear, auspicious and bestowing good fortune, furnished with + rooms and seats and adorned with celestial trees, it is delightful in the + extreme. There sitteth in that assembly room, O son of Pritha, on an + excellent seat, the Lord of celestials, with his wife Sachi endowed with + beauty and affluence. Assuming a form incapable of description for its + vagueness, with a crown on his head and bright bracelets on the upper + arms, attired in robes of pure white and decked with floral wreaths of + many hues, there he sitteth with beauty, fame, and glory by his side. And + the illustrious deity of a hundred sacrifices is daily waited upon. O + monarch, in that assembly by the Marutas in a body, each leading the life + of a householder in the bosom of his family. And the Siddhyas, celestial + Rishis, the Sadhyas in all, the gods, and Marutas of brilliant complexion + and adorned with golden garlands,—all of them in celestial form and + decked in ornaments, always wait upon and worship the illustrious chief of + the immortals, that mighty represser of all foes. And O son of Pritha, the + celestial Rishis also, all of pure souls, with sins completely washed off + and resplendent as the fire, and possessed of energy, and without sorrow + of any kind, and freed from the fever of anxiety, and all performers of + the Soma sacrifice, also wait upon and worship Indra. And Parasara and + Parvata and Savarni and Galava; and Sankha, and the Muni, Gaursiras, and + Durvasa, and Krodhana and Swena and the Muni Dhirghatamas; and + Pavitrapani, Savarni, Yajnavalkya and Bhaluki; and Udyalaka, Swetaketu, + and Tandya, and also Bhandayani; and Havishmat, and Garishta, and king + Harischandra; and Hridya, Udarshandilya. Parasarya, Krishivala; + Vataskandha, Visakha, Vidhatas and Kala. Karaladanta, Tastri, and + Vishwakarman, and Tumuru; and other Rishis, some born of women and others + living upon air, and others again living upon fire, these all worship + Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, the lord of all the worlds. And + Sahadeva, and Sunitha, and Valmiki of great ascetic merit; and Samika of + truthful speech, and Prachetas ever fulfilling their promises, and + Medhatithi, and Vamadeva, and Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu; and Maruta and + Marichi, and Sthanu of great ascetic merit; and Kakshivat, and Gautama, + and Tarkhya, and also the Muni Vaishwanara; and the Muni Kalakavrikhiya + and Asravya, and also Hiranmaya, and Samvartta, and Dehavya, and + Viswaksena of great energy; and Kanwa, and Katyayana, O king, and Gargya, + and Kaushika;—all are present there along with the celestial waters + and plants; and faith, and intelligence, and the goddess of learning, and + wealth, religion, and pleasure; and lightning. O son of Pandu; and the + rain-charged clouds, and the winds, and all the loud-sounding forces of + heaven; the eastern point, the twenty seven fires conveying the + sacrificial butter, Agni and Soma, and the fire of Indra, and Mitra, and + Savitri, and Aryaman; Bhaga, Viswa the Sadhyas, the preceptor + (Vrihaspati), and also Sukra; and Vishwavasu and Chitrasena, and Sumanas, + and also Taruna; the Sacrifices, the gifts to Brahmanas, the planets, and + the stars, O Bharata, and the mantras that are uttered in sacrifices—all + these are present there. And, O King, many Apsaras and Gandharvas, by + various kinds of dances and music both instrumental and vocal, and by the + practice of auspicious rites, and by the exhibition of many feats of + skill, gratify the lord of the celestials—Satakratu—the + illustrious slayer of Vala and Vritra. Besides these, many other Brahmanas + and royal and celestial Rishis, all resplendent as the fire, decked in + floral wreaths and ornaments, frequently come to and leave that assembly, + riding on celestial cars of various kinds. And Vrihaspati and Sukra are + present there on all occasions. These and many other illustrious ascetics + of rigid wows, and Bhrigu and the seven Rishis who are equal, O king, unto + Brahma himself, come to and leave that assembly house, riding on cars + beautiful as the car of Soma, and themselves looking as bright therein as + Soma himself. This, O mighty armed monarch, is the assembly house, called + Pushkaramalini, of Indra of a hundred sacrifices that I have seen. Listen + now to the account of Yama’s assembly house.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0248"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VIII + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said,—‘O Yudhisthira, I shall now describe the assembly + house of Yama, the son of Vivaswat, which, O son of Pritha, was built by + Viswakarma. Listen now to me. Bright as burnished gold, that assembly + house, O monarch, covers an area of much more than a hundred yojanas. + Possessed of the splendour of the sun, it yieldeth everything that one may + desire. Neither very cool nor very hot, it delighteth the heart. In that + assembly house there is neither grief nor weakness of age, neither hunger + nor thirst. Nothing disagreeable findeth a place there, nor any kind of + evil feelings there. Every object of desire, celestial or human, is to be + found in that mansion. And all kinds of enjoyable articles, as also of + sweet, juicy, agreeable, and delicious edibles in profusion that are + licked, sucked, and drunk, are there, O chastiser of all enemies. The + floral wreaths in that mansion are of the most delicious fragrance, and + the trees that stand around it yield fruits that are desired of them. + There are both cold and hot waters and these are sweet and agreeable. In + that mansion many royal sages of great sanctity and Brahmana sages also of + great purity, cheerfully wait upon, O child, and worship Yama, the son of + Vivaswat. And Yayati, Nahusha, Puru, Mandhatri, Somaka, Nriga; the royal + sage Trasadasyu, Kritavirya, Sautasravas; Arishtanemi, Siddha, Kritavega, + Kriti, Nimi, Pratarddana, Sivi, Matsya, Prithulaksha, Vrihadratha, Vartta, + Marutta, Kusika, Sankasya, Sankriti, Dhruva, Chaturaswa, Sadaswormi and + king Kartavirya; Bharata and Suratha, Sunitha, Nisatha, Nala, Divodasa, + and Sumanas, Amvarisha, Bhagiratha; Vyaswa, Vadhraswa, Prithuvega, + Prithusravas, Prishadaswa, Vasumanas, Kshupa, and Sumahavala, Vrishadgu, + and Vrishasena, Purukutsa, Dhwajin and Rathin; Arshtisena, Dwilipa, and + the high-souled Ushinara; Ausinari, Pundarika, Saryati, Sarava, and Suchi; + Anga, Rishta, Vena, Dushmanta, Srinjaya and Jaya; Bhangasuri, Sunitha, and + Nishada, and Bahinara; Karandhama, Valhika, Sudymna, and the mighty Madhu; + Aila and the mighty king of earth Maruta; Kapota, Trinaka, and Shadeva, + and Arjuna also. Vysawa; Saswa and Krishaswa, and king Sasavindu; Rama the + son of Dasaratha, and Lakshmana, and Pratarddana; Alarka, and Kakshasena, + Gaya, and Gauraswa; Rama the son of Jamadagnya, Nabhaga, and Sagara; + Bhuridyumna and Mahaswa, Prithaswa, and also Janaka; king Vainya, + Varisena, Purujit, and Janamejaya; Brahmadatta, and Trigarta, and king + Uparichara also; Indradyumna, Bhimajanu, Gauraprishta, Nala, Gaya; Padma + and Machukunda, Bhuridyumna, Prasenajit; Aristanemi, Sudymna, + Prithulauswa, and Ashtaka also; a hundred kings of the Matsya race and + hundred of the Vipa and a hundred of the Haya races; a hundred kings of + the name of Dhritarashtra, eighty kings of the name of Janamejaya; a + hundred monarchs called Brahmadatta, and a hundred kings of the name of + Iri; more than two hundred Bhishmas, and also a hundred Bhimas; a hundred + Prativindhyas, a hundred Nagas, and a hundred Palasas, and a hundred + called Kasa and Kusa; that king of kings Santanu, and thy father Pandu, + Usangava, Sata-ratha, Devaraja, Jayadratha; the intelligent royal sage + Vrishadarva with his ministers; and a thousand other kings known by the + name of Sasa-vindu, and who have died, having performed many grand + horse-sacrifices with large presents to the Brahmanas—these holy + royal sages of grand achievements and great knowledge of the Sastras, wait + upon, O King, and worship the son of Vivaswat in that assembly house. And + Agastya and Matanga, and Kala, and Mrityu (Death), performers of + sacrifices, the Siddhas, and many Yogins; the Prtris (belonging to the + classes—called Agniswattas, Fenapa, Ushampa, Swadhavat, and + Verhishada), as also those others that have forms; the wheel of time, and + the illustrious conveyer himself of the sacrificial butter; all sinners + among human beings, as also those that have died during the winter + solstice; these officers of Yama who have been appointed to count the + allotted days of everybody and everything; the Singsapa, Palasa, Kasa, and + Kusa trees and plants, in their embodied forms, these all, O king, wait + upon and worship the god of justice in that assembly house of his. These + and many others are present at the Sabha of the king of the Pitris + (manes). So numerous are they that I am incapable of describing them + either by mentioning their names or deeds. O son of Pritha, the delightful + assembly house, moving everywhere at the will of its owner, is of wide + extent. It was built by Viswakarma after a long course of ascetic + penances. And, O Bharata, resplendent with his own effulgence, it stands + glorified in all its beauty. Sannyasis of severe ascetic penance, of + excellent vows, and of truthful speech, peaceful and pure and sanctified + by holy deeds, of shining bodies and attired in spotless robes, decked + with bracelets and floral garlands, with ear-rings of burnished gold, and + adorned with their own holy acts as with the marks of their order (painted + over their bodies), constantly visit that Sabha (Assembly). Many + illustrious Gandharvas, and many Apsaras fill every part of that mansion + with music; both instrumental and vocal and with sounds of laughter and + dance. And, O son of Pritha, excellent perfumes, and sweet sounds and + garlands of celestial flowers always contribute towards making that + mansion supremely blest. And hundreds of thousands of virtuous persons, of + celestial beauty and great wisdom, always wait upon and worship the + illustrious Yama, the lord of created beings in that assembly house. Such, + O monarch, is the Sabha, of the illustrious king of the Pitris! I shall + now describe unto the assembly house of Varuna also called + Pushkaramalini!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0249"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IX + </h2> + <p> + ‘Narada said—O Yudhishthira, the celestial Sabha of Varuna is + unparalleled in splendour. In dimensions it is similar to that of Yama. + Its walls and arches are all of pure white. It hath been built by + Viswakarma (the celestial architect) within the waters. It is surrounded + on all sides by many celestial trees made of gems and jewels and yielding + excellent fruits and flowers. And many plants with their weight of + blossoms, blue and yellow, and black and darkish, and white and red, that + stand there, or excellent bowers around. Within those bowers hundreds and + thousands of birds of diverse species, beautiful and variegated, always + pour forth their melodies. The atmosphere of that mansion is extremely + delightful, neither cold nor hot. Owned by Varuna, that delightful + assembly house of pure white consists of many rooms and is furnished with + many seats. There sitteth Varuna attired in celestial robe, decked in + celestial ornaments and jewels, with his queen, adorned with celestial + scents and besmeared with paste of celestial fragrance. The Adityas wait + upon and worship the illustrious Varuna, the lord of the waters. And + Vasuki and Takshaka, and the Naga called Airavana; Krishna and Lohita; + Padma and Chitra endued with great energy; the Nagas called Kamvala and + Aswatara; and Dhritarashtra and Valahaka; Matimat and Kundadhara and + Karkotaka and Dhananjaya; Panimat and the mighty Kundaka, O lord of the + Earth; and Prahlada and Mushikada, and Janamejaya,—all having + auspicious marks and mandalas and extended hoods;—these and many + other snakes. O Yudhishthira, without anxiety of any kind, wait upon and + worship the illustrious Varuna. And, O king, Vali the son of Virochana, + and Naraka the subjugator of the whole Earth; Sanghraha and Viprachitti, + and those Danavas called Kalakanja; and Suhanu and Durmukha and Sankha and + Sumanas and also Sumati; and Ghatodara, and Mahaparswa, and Karthana and + also Pithara and Viswarupa, Swarupa and Virupa, Mahasiras; and Dasagriva, + Vali, and Meghavasas and Dasavara; Tittiva, and Vitabhuta, and Sanghrada, + and Indratapana—these Daityas and Danavas, all bedecked with + ear-rings and floral wreaths and crowns, and attired in the celestial + robes, all blessed with boons and possessed of great bravery, and enjoying + immortality, and all well of conduct and of excellent vows, wait upon and + worship in that mansion the illustrious Varuna, the deity bearing the + noose as his weapon. And, O king, there are also the four oceans, the + river Bhagirathee, the Kalindi, the Vidisa, the Venwa, the Narmada of + rapid current; the Vipasa, the Satadu, the Chandrabhaga, the Saraswati; + the Iravati, the Vitasta, the Sindhu, the Devanadi; the Godavari, the + Krishnavenwa and that queen of rivers the Kaveri; the Kimpuna, the Visalya + and the river Vaitarani also; the Tritiya, the Jeshthila, and the great + Sone (Soane); the Charmanwati and the great river Parnasa; the Sarayu, the + Varavatya, and that queen of rivers the Langali, the Karatoya, the Atreyi, + the red Mahanada, the Laghanti, the Gomati, the Sandhya, and also the + Trisrotasi—these and other rivers which are all sacred and are + world-renowned places of pilgrimage, as also other rivers and sacred + waters and lakes and wells and springs, and tanks, large or small, in + their personified form, O Bharata, wait upon and worship the lord Varuna. + The points of the heavens, the Earth, and all the Mountains, as also every + species of aquatic animals, all worship Varuna there. And various tribes + of Gandharvas and Apsaras, devoted to music, both vocal and instrumental, + wait upon Varuna, singing eulogistic hymns unto him. And all those + mountains that are noted for being both delightful and rich in jewels, + wait (in their personified forms) in that Sabha, enjoying sweet converse + with one another. And the chief minister of Varuna, Sunabha by name, + surrounded by his sons and grandsons, also attend upon his master, along + with (the personified form) of a sacred water called go. These all, in + their personified forms, worship the deity. O bull of the Bharata race, + such is the assembly room of Varuna seen by me before, in the course of my + wanderings. Listen now to the account I give of the assembly room of + Kuvera.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0250"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION X + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said,—‘Possessed of great splendour, the assembly house of + Vaisravana, O king, is a hundred yojanas in length and seventy yojanas in + breadth. It was built, O king, by Vaisravana himself using his ascetic + power. Possessing the splendour of the peaks of Kailasa, that mansion + eclipses by its own the brilliance of the Moon himself. Supported by + Guhyakas, that mansion seems to be attached to the firmament. Of celestial + make, it is rendered extremely handsome with high chambers of gold. + Extremely delightful and rendered fragrant with celestial perfumes, it is + variegated with numberless costly jewels. Resembling the peaks of a mass + of white clouds, it seems to be floating in the air. Painted with colours + of celestial gold, it seems to be decked with streaks of lightning. Within + that mansion sitteth on an excellent seat bright as the sun and covered + with celestial carpets and furnished with a handsome footstool, king + Vaisravana of agreeable person, attired in excellent robes and adorned + with costly ornaments and ear-rings of great brilliance, surrounded by his + thousand wives. Delicious and cooling breezes murmuring through forests of + tall Mandaras, and bearing fragrance of extensive plantations of jasmine, + as also of the lotuses on the bosom of the river Alaka and of the + Nandana-gardens, always minister to the pleasure of the King of the + Yakshas. There the deities with the Gandharvas surrounded by various + tribes of Apsaras, sing in chorus, O king, notes of celestial sweetness. + Misrakesi and Rambha, and Chitrasena, and Suchismita; and Charunetra, and + Gritachi and Menaka, and Punjikasthala; and Viswachi Sahajanya, and + Pramlocha and Urvasi and Ira, and Varga and Sauraveyi, and Samichi, and + Vududa, and Lata—these and a thousand other Apsaras and Gandharvas, + all well-skilled in music and dance, attend upon Kuvera, the lord of + treasures. And that mansion, always filled with the notes of instrumental + and vocal music, as also with the sounds of dance of various tribes of + Gandharvas, and Apsaras hath become extremely charming and delicious. The + Gandharvas called Kinnaras, and others called Naras, and Manibhadra, and + Dhanada, and Swetabhadra and Guhyaka; Kaseraka, Gandakandu, and the mighty + Pradyota; Kustumvuru, Pisacha, Gajakarna, and Visalaka, Varaha-Karna, + Tamraushtica, Falkaksha, and Falodaka; Hansachuda, Sikhavarta, Vibhishana, + Pushpanana, Pingalaka, Sonitoda and Pravalaka; Vrikshavaspa-niketa, and + Chiravasas—these O Bharata, and many other Yakshas by hundred and + thousands always wait upon Kuvera. The goddess Lakshmi always stayeth + there, also Kuvera’s son Nalakuvera. Myself and many others like myself + often repair thither. Many Brahmana Rishis and celestial Rishis also + repair there often. Many Rakshasas, and many Gandharvas, besides those + that have been named, wait upon the worship, in that mansion, the + illustrious lord of all treasures. And, O tiger among kings, the + illustrious husband of Uma and lord of created things, the three-eyed + Mahadeva, the wielder of the trident and the slayer of the Asura called + Bhaga-netra, the mighty god of the fierce bow, surrounded by multitudes of + spirits in their hundreds and thousands, some of dwarfish stature, some of + fierce visage, some hunch-backed, some of blood-red eyes, some of + frightful yells, some feeding upon fat and flesh, and some terrible to + behold, but all armed with various weapons and endued with the speed of + wind, with the goddess (Parvati) ever cheerful and knowing no fatigue, + always waiteth here upon their friend Kuvera, the lord of treasures. And + hundreds of Gandharva chiefs, with cheerful hearts and attired in their + respective robes and Viswavasu, and Haha and Huhu; and Tumvuru and + Parvatta, and Sailusha; and Chitrasena skilled in music and also + Chitraratha,—these and innumerable Gandharvas worship the lord of + treasures. And Chakradhaman, the chief of the Vidyadharas, with his + followers, waiteth in that mansion upon the lord of treasures. And + Kinnaras by hundreds and innumerable kings with Bhagadatta as their chief, + and Druma, the chief of the Kimpurushas, and Mahendra, the chief of the + Rakshasas, and Gandhamadana accompanied by many Yakshas and Gandharvas and + many Rakshasas wait upon the lord of treasures. The virtuous Vibhishana + also worshippeth there his elder brother the lord Kuvera (Croesus). The + mountains of Himavat, Paripatra, Vindhya, Kailasa, Mandara, Malaya, + Durdura, Mahendra, Gandhamadana, Indrakila, Sunava, and Eastern and the + Western hills—these and many other mountains, in their personified + forms, with Meru standing before all, wait upon and worship the + illustrious lord of treasures. The illustrious Nandiswaras, and Mahakala, + and many spirits with arrowy ears and sharp-pointed mouths, Kaksha, + Kuthimukha, Danti, and Vijaya of great ascetic merit, and the mighty white + bull of Siva roaring deep, all wait in that mansion. Besides these many + other Rakshasas and Pisachas (devils) worship Kuvera in that assembly + house. The son of Pulastya (Kuvera) formerly used always to worship in all + the modes and sit, with permission obtained, beside the god of gods, Siva, + the creator of the three worlds, that supreme Deity surrounded by his + attendants. One day the exalted Bhava (Siva) made friendship with Kuvera. + From that time, O king, Mahadeva always sitteth on the mansion of his + friend, the lord of treasures. Those best of all jewels, those princes of + all gems in the three worlds, viz., Sankha and Padma, in their personified + forms, accompanied by all the jewels of the earth (also in their + personified forms) worship Kuvera.” + </p> + <p> + “This delightful assembly house of Kuvera that I have seen, attached to + the firmament and capable of moving along it, is such, O king. Listen now + to the Sabha I describe unto thee, belonging to Brahma the Grandsire.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0251"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XI + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said,—Listen to me, O child, as I tell thee of the assembly + house of the Grandsire, that house which none can describe, saying it is + such. In the Krita (golden) age of old, O king, the exalted deity Aditya + (once) came down from heaven into the world of men. Having seen before the + assembly-house of Brahma the Self-created, Aditya was cheerfully wandering + over the Earth in human form, desirous of beholding what could be seen + here. It was on that occasion, O son of Pandu, that the god of day spoke + unto me, O bull of the Bharata race, of that celestial Sabha (assembly) of + the Grandsire, immeasurable and immaterial and indescribable, as regards + form and shape, and capable of delighting the heart of every creature by + its splendour. Hearing, O bull of the Bharata race, of the merits of that + Sabha, I became, O king, desirous of beholding it. I then asked Aditya, + saying,—O exalted one, I desire to behold the sacred Sabha of the + Grandsire. O lord of light, tell me, O exalted one, by what ascetic + penances, or by what acts, or by what charms or by what rites, I may be + enabled to behold that excellent sin-cleaning Sabha.”—Hearing these + words of mine, Aditya the god of day, the deity of a thousand rays, + answered me, O chief of the Bharata race, thus: Observe thou, with mind + rapt in meditation, the Brahma vow extending for a thousand years. + Repairing then to the breast of the Himavat, I commenced that great vow, + and after I had completed it the exalted and sinless deity Surya endued + with great energy, and knowing no fatigue, took me with him to the Sabha + of the Grandsire. O king, it is impossible to describe that Sabha, saying—it + is such, for within a moment it assumes a different form that language + fails to paint. O Bharata, it is impossible to indicate its dimensions or + shape. I never saw anything like it before. Ever contributing to the + happiness of those within it, its atmosphere is neither cold nor warm. + Hunger and thirst or any kind of uneasiness disappear as soon as one goeth + thither. It seems to be made up of brilliant gems of many kinds. It doth + not seem to be supported on columns, it knoweth no deterioration, being + eternal. That self effulgent mansion, by its numerous blazing, celestial + indications of unrivalled splendour, seems to surpass the moon, the sun + and the fire in splendour. Stationed in heaven, it blazes forth, censuring + as it were the maker of the day. In that mansion O king, the Supreme + Deity, the Grand-sire of all created things, having himself created + everything by virtue of his creative illusion, stayeth ever. And Daksha, + Prachetas, Pulaha, Marichi, the master Kasyapa, Bhrigu, Atri, and Vasistha + and Gautama, and also Angiras, and Pulastya, Kraut, Prahlada, and Kardama, + these Prajapatis, and Angirasa of the Atharvan Veda, the Valikhilyas, the + Marichipas; Intelligence, Space, Knowledge, Air, Heat, Water, Earth, + Sound, Touch, Form, Taste, Scent; Nature, and the Modes (of Nature), and + the elemental and prime causes of the world,—all stay in that + mansion beside the lord Brahma. And Agastya of great energy, and + Markandeya, of great ascetic power, and Jamadagni and Bharadwaja, and + Samvarta, and Chyavana, and exalted Durvasa, and the virtuous + Rishyasringa, the illustrious Sanatkumara of great ascetic merit and the + preceptor in all matters affecting Yoga; Asita and Devala, and Jaigishavya + acquainted with truth; Rishava, Ajitasatru, and Mani of great energy; and + the Science of healing with its eight branches—all in their + personified forms, O Bharata; the moon with all the stars and the stellar + conjunctions; Aditya with all his rays; the winds; the Sacrifices, the + Declarations of purpose (in sacrifices), the Vital principles,—these + illustrious and vow-observing beings in their personified forms, and many + others too numerous to mention, attend all upon Brahma in that mansion. + Wealth and Religion and Desire, and Joy, and Aversion, and Asceticism and + Tranquillity—all wait together upon the Supreme Deity in that + palace. The twenty tribes of the Gandharvas and Apsaras, as also their + seven other tribes, and all the Lokapalas (chief protectors of several + regions), and Sukra, and Vrihaspati, and Vudha, and Angaraka (Mangala), + Sani, Rahu, and the other planets; the Mantras (of the Sama Veda), the + special Mantras (of the same Veda); (the rites of) Harimat and Vasumat, + the Adityas with Indra, the two Agnis mentioned by name (viz. Agnisoma and + Indragni), the Marutas, Viswakarman, and the Vasus, O Bharata; the Pitris, + and all kinds of sacrificial libations, the four Vedas. viz., Rig, Sama, + Yajuh, and Atharva; all Sciences and branches of learning; Histories and + all minor branches of learning; the several branches of the Vedas; the + planets, the Sacrifices, the Soma, all the deities; Savitri (Gayatri), the + seven kinds of rhyme; Understanding, Patience, Memory, Wisdom, + Intelligence, Fame, Forgiveness; the Hymns of the Sama Veda; the Science + of hymns in general, and various kinds of Verses and Songs; various + Commentaries with arguments;—all in their personified forms, O king, + and various Dramas and Poems and Stories and abridged Glosses—these + also, and many others wait upon the Supreme Deity in that Sabha, Kshanas, + Lavas, Muhurtas, Day, Night, Fortnights, Months, the six Seasons, O + Bharata, Years, Yugas, the four kinds of Days and Nights (viz., appearing + to man, to the Pitris, to the gods, and to Brahma) and that eternal, + indestructible, undeteriorating, excellent Wheel of Time and also the + Wheel of Virtue,—these always wait there. O Yudhishthira; and Aditi, + Diti, Danu, Surasa, Vinata, Ira, Kalika, Suravi, Devi, Sarama, Gautami and + the goddesses Pradha, and Kadru;—these mothers of the celestials, + and Rudrani, Sree, Lakshmi, Bhadra, Shashthi, the Earth, Ganga, Hri, + Swaha, Kriti, the goddess Sura, Sachi Pushti, Arundhati, Samvritti, Asa, + Niyati, Srishti, Rati,—these and many other goddesses wait upon the + Creator of all. The Adityas, Vasus, Rudras, Marutas, Aswinas, the + Viswadevas Sadhyas, and the Pitris gifted with the speed of the mind; + these all wait there upon the Grandsire. And, O bull amongst men, know + thou that there are seven classes of Pitris, of which four classes have + embodied forms and the remaining three without embodied forms. It is well + known that the illustrious Vairajas and Agniswattas and Garhapattyas + (three classes of Pitris) range in heaven. And those amongst the Pitris + that are called the Somapas, the Ekasringras, the Chaturvedas, and the + Kalas, are ever worshipped amongst the four orders of men. Gratified with + the Soma (juice), first, these gratify Soma afterwards. All these tribes + of Pitris wait upon the Lord of the creation and cheerfully worship the + Supreme Deity of immeasurable energy. And Rakshasas, Pisachas, the Danavas + and Guhyakas; Nagas, Birds, and various animals; and all mobile and + immobile great beings;—all worship the Grandsire. And Purandara the + chief of the celestials, and Varuna and Kuvera and Yama, and Mahadeva + accompanied by Uma, always repair thither. And, O king of kings, Mahasena + (Kartikeya) also adoreth there the Grandsire. Narayana himself, and the + celestial Rishis, and those Rishis called Valakhillyas, and all beings + born of females and all those not born of females, and whatever else is + seen in the three worlds—both mobile and immobile, were all seen by + me there, know O king. And eighty thousand Rishis with vital seed drawn + up, and O Pandu, fifty thousand Rishis having sons, were all seen by me + there. And all the dwellers in heaven repairing thither behold the Supreme + Deity when they please, and worshipping him with a bow of their head + return whence they came. And, O king of men, the Grandsire of all created + beings, the Soul of the universe, the Self create Brahma of immeasurable + intelligence and glory, equally kind unto all creatures, honoureth as they + deserve, and gratifieth with sweet speech and gift of wealth and other + enjoyable articles, the gods, the Daityas, the Nagas, the Brahmanas, the + Yakshas, the Birds, the Kaleyas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, and all + other exalted beings that came to him as his guests. And that delicious + Sabha, O child, is always crowded with persons coming and going. Filled + with every kind of energy, and worshipped by Brahmarshis, that celestial + Sabha blazes forth with the graceful possessions of Brahma and looks + extremely handsome, O tiger among kings as this Sabha of yours is + unrivalled in the world of men, so is that Sabha of Brahma, seen by me + unrivalled in all the worlds. I have seen these Sabhas, O Bharata, in + regions of the celestials. This thy Sabha is unquestionably the foremost + in the world of men!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0252"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XII + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘O thou foremost of eloquent men, as thou hast + described the different Sabhas unto me, it appeareth that almost all the + monarchs of the earth are to be found in the Sabha of Yama. And, O master, + almost all the Nagas, and principal Daityas, and rivers, and oceans, are + to be found in the Sabha of Varuna. And so the Yakshas, the Guhyakas, the + Rakshasas, the Gandharvas and Apsaras and the Deity (Yama) having the bull + for his vehicle, are to be found in the Sabha of the lord of treasures. + Thou hast said that in the Sabha of the Grandsire are to be seen all the + great Rishis, all the gods, all the branches of learning. As regards the + Sabha of Sakra, however, thou hast named, O Muni, all the gods, the + Gandharvas, and various Rishis. But, O great Muni, thou hast mentioned one + and only one king, viz., the royal Rishi Harishchandra as living in the + Sabha of the illustrious chief of the gods. What act was performed by that + celebrated king, or what ascetic penances with steady vows, in consequence + of which he hath been equal to Indra himself? O Brahmana, how didst thou + also meet with my father, the exalted Pandu, now a guest in the region of + the Pitris? O exalted one of excellent vows hath he told thee anything? O + tell me all as I am exceedingly curious to hear all this from thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Narada said,—‘O king of kings, I shall tell thee all that thou + askest me about Harischandra, I shall presently tell thee of his high + excellence. He was a powerful king, in fact, an emperor over all the kings + of the earth. Indeed, all the kings of the earth obeyed his sway. O + monarch, mounted alone upon a victorious car adorned with gold, that king + by the prowess of his weapons brought the whole earth with her seven + islands under his sway. And, O monarch, having subjugated the whole earth + with her mountains, forests, and woods, he made preparations for the great + sacrifice called the Rajasuya. And all the kings of the earth brought at + his command wealth unto that sacrifice. All of them consented to become + distributors of food and gifts unto the Brahmanas that were fed on the + occasion. At that sacrifice king Harishchandra gave away unto all who + asked, wealth that was five times what each had solicited. At the + conclusion of the sacrifice, the king gratified the Brahmanas that came + from various countries with large presents of various kinds of wealth. The + Brahmanas gratified with various kinds of food and enjoyable articles, + given away unto them to the extent of their desires, and with the heaps of + jewels distributed amongst them, began to say,—King Harischandra is + superior to all kings in energy and renown.—And know, O monarch, O + bull of the Bharata race, it was for this reason that Harischandra shone + more brightly than thousands of other kings. The powerful Harischandra + having concluded his great sacrifice, became installed, O king, in the + sovereignty of the earth and looked resplendent on his throne. O bull of + the Bharata race, all those monarchs that perform the sacrifice of + Rajasuya, (attaining to the region of Indra) pass their time in felicity + in Indra’s company. And, O bull of the Bharata race, those kings also that + yield up their lives without turning their backs on the field of battle + attain to the mansion of Indra and live in joy with him. Those again that + yield up their bodies after severe ascetic penances also attain to the + same region and shine brightly there for ages. O king of the Kuru race, O + son of Kunti, thy father Pandu, beholding the good fortune of Harischandra + and wondering much thereat, hath told thee something. Knowing that I was + coming to the world of men, he bowed unto me and said,—Thou shouldst + tell Yudhishthira, O Rishi, that he can subjugate the whole Earth inasmuch + as his brothers are all obedient to him. And having done this let him + commence the grand sacrifice called Rajasuya. He is my son; if he + performeth that sacrifice, I may, like Harischandra, soon attain to the + region of Indra, and there in his Sabha pass countless years in continuous + joy. I told him in reply,—O King, I shall tell thy son all this, if + I go to the world of man. I have now told thee what he said, O tiger among + men. Accomplish then, O son of Pandu, the desires of thy father. If thou + performest that sacrifice, thou shall then be able to go, along with thy + deceased ancestors, into the same region that is inhabited by the chief of + the immortals. It hath been said,—O king, that the performance of + this great sacrifice is attended with many obstacles. A class of Rakshasas + called Brahma Rakshasas, employed in obstructing all sacrifices, always + search for loop-holes when this great sacrifice is commenced. On the + commencement of such a sacrifice a war may take place destroying the + Kshatriyas and even furnishing occasion for the destruction of the whole + Earth. A slight obstacle may involve the whole Earth in ruin. Reflecting + upon all this, O king of kings do what is for thy good. Be thou watchful + and ready in protecting the four orders of thy subjects. Grow, thou in + prosperity, and enjoy thou felicity. Gratify thou the Brahmanas with gifts + of wealth. I have now answered in detail all that thou hast asked me. With + thy leave I will now go to the city (Dwaravati) of that Dasarhas.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—‘O Janamejaya, having said this unto the son of + Pritha, Narada went away, accompanied by those Rishis with whom he had + come. And after Narada had gone away, king Yudhishthira, O thou of the + Kuru race, began to think, along with his brothers, of that foremost of + sacrifices called Rajasuya.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0253"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Yudhishthira, having heard these words of + Narada, began to sigh heavily. And, O Bharata, engaged in his thoughts + about the Rajasuya, the king had no peace of mind. Having heard of this + glory of the illustrious monarchs (of old) and being certain about the + acquisition of regions of felicity by performers of sacrifices in + consequence of their sacred deeds, and thinking especially of that royal + sage Harischandra who had performed the great sacrifice king Yudhishthira + desired to make preparations for the Rajasuya sacrifice. Then worshipping + his counsellors and others present at his Sabha, and worshipped by them in + return, he began to discuss with them about that sacrifice. Having + reflected much, that king of kings, that bull amongst the Kurus, inclined + his mind towards making preparations for the Rajasuya. That prince of + wonderful energy and prowess, however, reflecting upon virtue and + righteousness, again set his heart to find out what would be for the good + of all his people. For Yudhishthira, that foremost of all virtuous men, + always kind unto his subjects, worked for the good of all without making + any distinctions. Indeed, shaking off both anger and arrogance, + Yudhishthira always said,—Give unto each what is due to each,—and + the only sounds that he could hear were,—Blessed be Dharma! Blessed + be Dharma! Yudhishthira! conducting himself thus and giving paternal + assurance to everybody, there was none in the kingdom who entertained any + hostile feelings towards him. He therefore came to be called Ajatasatru + (one with no enemy at all). The king cherished every one as belonging to + his family, and Bhima ruled over all justly. Arjuna, used to employing + both his hands with equal skill, protected the people from (external) + enemies. And the wise Sahadeva administered justice impartially. And + Nakula behaved towards all with humility that was natural to him. Owing to + all this, the kingdom became free from disputes and fear of every kind. + And all the people became attentive to their respective occupations. The + rain became so abundant as to leave no room for desiring more; and the + kingdom grew in prosperity. And in consequence of the virtues of the king, + money-lenders, the articles required for sacrifices, cattle-rearing, + tillage, and traders, all and everything grew in prosperity. Indeed, + during the reign of Yudhishthira who was ever devoted to truth, there was + no extortion, no stringent realisation of arrears of rent, no fear of + disease, of fire, or of death by poisoning and incantations, in the + kingdom. It was never heard at that time that thieves or cheats or royal + favourites ever behaved wrongfully towards the king or towards one another + amongst themselves. Kings conquered on the six occasions (of war, treaty, + &c.) were wont to wait upon him in order to do good unto the monarch + and worship him ever, while the traders of different classes came to pay + him the taxes leviable on their respective occupations. And accordingly + during the reign of Yudhishthira who was ever devoted to virtue, his + dominion grew in prosperity. Indeed, the prosperity of the kingdom was + increased not by these alone but even by persons wedded to voluptuousness + and indulging in all luxuries to their fill. And the king of kings, + Yudhishthira, whose sway extended over all, was possessed of every + accomplishment and bore everything with patience. And, O king, whatever + countries the celebrated and illustrious monarch conquered, the people + everywhere, from Brahmanas to swains, were all more attached to him than + to their own fathers and mothers.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“King Yudhishthira, then, that foremost of + speakers, summoning together his counsellors and brothers, asked them + repeatedly about the Rajasuya sacrifice. Those ministers in a body, thus + asked by the wise Yudhishthira desirous of performing the sacrifice, then + told him these words of grave import,—‘One already in possession of + a kingdom desireth all the attributes of an emperor by means of that + sacrifice which aideth a king in acquiring the attributes of Varuna. O + prince of Kuru race, thy friends think that as thou art worthy of the + attributes of an emperor, the time is even come for thee for the + performance of the Rajasuya sacrifice. The time for the performance of + that sacrifice in which Rishis of austere vows kindle six fires with + mantras of the Sama Veda, is come for thee in consequence of thy Kshatriya + possessions. At the conclusion of the Rajasuya sacrifice when the + performer is installed in the sovereignty of the empire, he is rewarded + with the fruits of all sacrifices including the Agnihotra. It is for this + that he is called the conqueror of all. Thou art quite able, O + strong-armed one, to perform this sacrifice. All of us are obedient to + thee. Soon will you be able, O great king, to perform the Rajasuya + sacrifice. Therefore, O great king, let thy resolution be taken to perform + this sacrifice without further discussion. Thus, spoke unto the king all + his friends and counsellors separately and jointly. And, O king, + Yudhishthira that slayer of all enemies, having heard these virtuous, + bold, agreeable and weighty words of theirs, accepted them mentally. And + having heard those words of his friends and counsellors, and knowing his + own strength also, the king, O Bharata, repeatedly thought over the + matter. After this the intelligent and virtuous Yudhishthira, wise in + counsel, again consulted with his brothers, with the illustrious Ritwijas + about him, with his ministers and with Dhaumya and Dwaipayana and others. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yudhishthira said,—“How may this wish that I entertain of + performing the excellent sacrifice of Rajasuya that is worthy of an + emperor, bear fruit, in consequence of my faith and speech alone.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“O thou of eyes like lotus-petals, thus asked by + the king, they replied at that time unto Yudhishthira the just in these + words,—Being conversant with the dictates of morality, thou art, O + king, worthy to perform the grand sacrifice of Rajasuya. After the + Ritwijas and the Rishis had told these words unto the king, his ministers + and brothers highly approved of the speech. The king, however, possessed + of great wisdom, and with mind under complete control, actuated by the + desire of doing good unto the world, again resolved the matter in his + mind, thinking of his own strength and means, the circumstances of time + and place and his income and expenditure. For he knew that the wise never + come to grief owing to their always acting after full deliberation. + Thinking that the sacrifice should not be commenced, pursuant to his own + resolution only, Yudhishthira, carefully bearing upon his shoulder the + weight of affairs thought of Krishna that persecutor of all sinners as the + fittest person to decide the matter, in as much as he knew him to be the + foremost of all persons, possessed of immeasurable energy, strong-armed, + without birth but born amongst men from Will alone. Reflecting upon his + god-like feats the son of Pandu concluded that there was nothing that was + unknown to him, nothing that he could not achieve, and nothing that he + could not bear, and Yudhishthira, the son of Pritha, having come to this + settled resolution soon sent a messenger unto that master of all beings, + conveying through him blessings and speeches such as one senior in age + might send to one that is younger. And that messenger riding in a swift + car arrived amongst the Yadavas and approached Krishna who was then + residing in Dwaravati. And Achyuta (Krishna) hearing that the son of + Pritha had become desirous of seeing him, desired to see his cousin. And + quickly passing over many regions, being drawn by his own swift horses, + Krishna arrived at Indraprastha, accompanied by Indrasena. And having + arrived at Indraprastha, Janardana approached Yudhisthira without loss of + time. And Yudhisthira received Krishna with paternal-affection, and Bhima + also received him likewise. And Janardana then went with a cheerful heart + to his father’s sister (Kunti). And worshipped then with reverence by the + twins, he began to converse cheerfully with his friend Arjuna who was + overjoyed at seeing him. And after he had rested awhile in a pleasant + apartment and had been fully refreshed, Yudhishthira approached him at his + leisure and informed him all about the Rajasuya sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘I have wished to perform the Rajasuya + sacrifice. That sacrifice, however, cannot be performed by one’s wishing + alone to perform it. Thou knowest, O Krishna, even thing about the means + by which it may be accomplished. He alone can achieve this sacrifice in + whom everything is possible, who is worshipped everywhere and who is the + king of kings. My friends and counsellors approaching me have said that I + should perform that sacrifice. But, O Krishna, in respect of that matter, + thy words shall be my guide. Of counsellers some from friendship do not + notice the difficulties; others from motives of self-interest say only + what is agreeable. Some again regard that which is beneficial to + themselves as worthy of adoption. Men are seen to counsel thus on matters + awaiting decision. But thou, O Krishna, art above such motives. Thou hast + conquered both desire and anger. It behoveth thee to tell me what is most + beneficial to the world.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0254"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Rajasuyarambha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Krishna said,—‘O great king, thou art a worthy possessor of all the + qualities essential for the performance of the Rajasuya sacrifice. Thou + knowest everything, O Bharata. I shall, however, still tell thee + something. Those persons in the world that now go by the name of + Kshatriyas are inferior (in everything) to those Kshatriyas that Rama, the + son of Jamadagnya, exterminated.’ O lord of the earth, O bull of the + Bharata race, thou knowest what form of rule these Kshatriyas, guided by + the instructions traditionally handed down from generation to generation, + have established amongst their own order, and how far they are competent + to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice. The numerous royal lines and other + ordinary Kshatriyas all represent themselves to be the descendants of Aila + and Ikshwaku. The descendants of Aila, O king, as, indeed, the kings of + Ikshwaku’s race, are, know O bull of the Bharata race, each divided into a + hundred separate dynasties. The descendants of Yayati and the Bhojas are + great, both in extent (number) and accomplishments. O king, these last are + to-day scattered all over the earth. And all the Kshatriyas worship the + prosperity of those monarchs. At present, however, O monarch, king + Jarasandha, overcoming that prosperity enjoyed by their whole order, and + overpowering them by his energy hath set himself over the heads of all + these kings. And Jarasandha, enjoying the sovereignty over the middle + portion of the earth (Mathura), resolved to create a disunion amongst + ourselves. O monarch, the king who is the lord paramount of all kings, and + in whom alone the dominion of the universe is centered, properly deserves + to be called an emperor. And, O monarch, king Sisupala endued with great + energy, hath placed himself under his protection and hath become the + generalissimo of his forces. And, O great king, the mighty Vaka, the king + of the Karushas, capable of fighting by putting forth his powers of + illusion, waiteth, upon Jarasandha, as his disciple. There are two others, + Hansa and Dimvaka, of great energy and great soul, who have sought the + shelter of the mighty Jarasandha. There are others also viz., Dantavakra, + Karusha, Karava, Meghavahana, that wait upon Jarasandha. He also that + beareth on his head that gem which is known as the most wonderful on + earth, that king of the Yavanas, who hath chastised Muru and Naraka, whose + power is unlimited, and who ruleth the west like another Varuna, who is + called Bhagadatta, and who is the old friend of thy father, hath bowed his + head before Jarasandha, by speech and specially by act. In his heart, + however, tied as he is by affection to thee, he regardeth thee as a father + regardeth his child. O king, that lord of the earth who hath his dominions + on the west and the south, who is thy maternal uncle and who is called + Purujit, that brave perpetuator of the Kunti race, that slayer of all + foes, is the single king that regardeth thee from affection. He whom I did + not formerly slay, that wicked wretch amongst the Chedis, who represented + himself in this world as a divine personage and who hath become known also + as such, and who always beareth, from foolishness, the signs that + distinguish me that king of Vanga Pundra and the Kiratas, endowed with + great strength, and who is known on earth by the names of Paundraka and + Vasudeva hath also espoused the side of Jarasandha. And, O king of kings, + Bhishmaka, the mighty king of the Bhojas—the friend of Indra—the + slayer of hostile heroes—who governs a fourth part of the world, who + by his learning conquered the Pandyas and the Kratha-Kausikas, whose + brother the brave Akriti was like Rama, the son of Jamdagni, hath become a + servitor to the king of Magadha. We are his relatives and are, therefore, + engaged everyday in doing what is agreeable unto him. But although we + regard him much, still he regardeth us not and is engaged in doing us ill. + And, O king, without knowing his own strength and the dignity of the race + to which he belongeth, he hath placed himself under Jarasandha’s shelter + at sight of the latter’s blazing fame alone. And, O exalted one, the + eighteen tribes of the Bhojas, from fear of Jarasandha, have all fled + towards the west; so also have the Surasenas, the Bhadrakas, the Vodhas, + the Salwas, the Patachchavas, the Susthalas, the Mukuttas, and the + Kulindas, along with the Kuntis. And the king of the Salwayana tribe with + their brethren and followers; and the southern Panchalas and the eastern + Kosalas have all fled to the country of the Kuntis. So also the Matsyas + and the Sannyastapadas, overcome with fear, leaving their dominions in the + north, have fled into the southern country. And so all the Panchalas, + alarmed at the power of Jarasandha, have left their own kingdom and fled + in all directions. Some time before, the foolish Kansa, having persecuted + the Yadavas, married two of the daughters of Jarasandha. They are called + Asti and Prapti and are the sister of Sahadeva. Strengthened by such an + alliance, the fool persecuting his relatives gained an ascendency over + them all. But by this conduct he earned great obloquy. The wretch also + began to oppress the old kings of the Bhoja tribe, but they, to protect + themselves from the persecution of their relative, sought our help. Having + bestowed upon Akrura the handsome daughter of Ahuka, with Sankarshana as + my second I did a service to my relatives, for both Kansa and Sunaman were + slain by me assisted by Rama. But after the immediate cause of fear was + removed (by the death of Kansa), Jarasandha, his father-in-law, took up + arms. Ourselves consisting of the eighteen younger branches of the Yadavas + arrived at the conclusion that even if we struck our enemies continually + with excellent weapons capable of taking the lives of the foes, we should + still be unable to do anything unto him even in three hundred years. He + hath two friends that are like unto the immortals, and in point of + strength the foremost of all men endued with might. They are called Hansa + and Dimvaka who are both incapable of being slain by weapons. The mighty + Jarasandha, being united with them, becomes incapable, I think, of being + vanquished by even the three worlds. O thou foremost of all intelligent + men, this is not our opinion alone but all other kings also are of the + same mind. There lived, O monarch, a king of the name of Hansa, who was + slain by Rama (Valadeva) after a battle of eighteen days. But, O Bharata, + hearing people say that Hansa had been killed, Dimvaka, O king, thought + that he could not live without Hansa. He accordingly jumped into the + waters of the Yamuna and killed himself. Afterwards when Hansa, the + subjugator of hostile heroes, heard that Dimvaka, had killed himself, he + went to the Yamuna and jumped into its waters. Then, O bull of the Bharata + race, king Jarasandha, hearing that both Hansa and Dimvaka had been + killed, returned to his kingdom with an empty heart. After Jarasandha had + returned, O slayer of all foes, we were filled with pleasure and continued + to live at Mathura. Then the widow of Hansa and the daughter of + Jarasandha, that handsome woman with eyes like lotus-petals, grieved at + the death of her lord, went unto her father, and repeatedly urged, O + Monarch, the king of Magadha, saying,—O slayer of all foes, kill + thou the slayer of my husband.—Then, O great king, remembering the + conclusion to which we had come of old we became exceedingly cheerless and + fled from Mathura. Dividing our large wealth into small portions so as to + make each portion easily portable, we fled from fear of Jarasandha, with + our cousins and relatives. Reflecting upon everything, we fled towards the + west. There is a delightful town towards the west called Kusasthali, + adorned by the mountains of Raivata. In that city, O monarch, we took up + our abode. We rebuilt its fort and made it so strong that it has become + impregnable even to the Gods. And from within it even the women might + fight the foe, what to speak of the Yadava heroes without fear of any + kind? O slayer of all foes, we are now living in that city. And, O tiger + of the Kuru race, considering the inaccessibility of that first of + mountains and regarding themselves as having already crossed the fear of + Jarasandha, the descendants of Madhu have become exceedingly glad. Thus, O + king, though possessed of strength and energy, yet from the oppressions of + Jarasandha we have been obliged to repair to the mountains of Gomanta, + measuring three Yojanas in length. Within each yojana have been + established one and twenty posts of armed men. And at intervals of each + yojana are hundred gates with arches which are defended by valourous + heroes engaged in guarding them. And innumerable Kshatriyas invincible in + war, belonging to the eighteen younger branches of the Yadavas, are + employed in defending these works. In our race, O king, there are full + eighteen thousand brothers and cousins. Ahuka hath had a hundred sons, + each of whom is almost like a god (in prowess), Charudeshna with his + brother Chakradeva, Satyaki, myself, Valadeva the son of Rohini, and my + son Samva who is equal unto me in battle—these seven, O king are + Atirathas. Besides these, there are others, O king, whom I shall presently + name. They are Kritavarman, Anadhrishti, Samika, Samitinjaya, Kanka, Sanku + and Kunti. These seven are Maharathas. There are also two sons of + Andhakabhoja, and the old king himself. Endued with great energy these are + all heroes, each mighty as the thunderbolt. These Maharathas, choosing the + middle country, are now living amongst the Vrishnis. O thou best of the + Bharata line, thou alone art worthy of being an emperor. It behoveth thee, + O Bharata, to establish thy empire over all the Kshatriyas. But this is my + judgment, O king, that thou wilt not be able to celebrate the Rajasuya + sacrifice as long as the mighty Jarasandha liveth. By him have been + immured in his hillfort numerous monarchs, like a lion that hath deposited + the slain bodies of mighty elephants within a cave of the king of + mountains. O slayer of all enemies, king Jarasandha, desirous of offering + in sacrifice hundred monarchs, adored for his fierce ascetic penances the + illustrious god of gods, the lord of Uma. It is by this means that the + kings of the earth have been vanquished by Jarasandha. And, O best of + monarchs, he hath by that means been able to fulfil the vow he had made + relative to his sacrifice. By defeating the kings with their troops and + bringing all of them as captives into this city, he had swelled its crowds + enormously. We also, O king, from fear of Jarasandha, at one time had to + leave Mathura and fly to the city of Dwaravati. If, O great king, thou + desirest to perform this sacrifice, strive to release the kings confined + by Jarasandha, as also to compass his death. O son of the Kuru race, + otherwise this undertaking of thine can never be completed. O thou + foremost of intelligent men if the Rajasuya is to be performed by thee, + you must do this in this way and not otherwise. This, O king, is my view + (on the matter). Do, O sinless one, as thou thinkest. Under these + circumstances, O king, having reflected upon everything, taking note of + causes, tell us what thou thyself thinkest proper.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0255"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XV + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—“Intelligent as thou art, thou hast said what + none else is capable of saying. There is none else on earth who is settler + of all doubts. Behold, there are kings in every province employed in + benefiting their respective selves. But no one amongst them hath been able + to achieve the imperial dignity. Indeed, the title emperor is difficult of + acquisition. He that knoweth the valour and strength of others never + applaudeth himself. He, indeed, is really worthy of applause (worship) + who, engaged in encounters with his enemies, beareth himself commendably. + O thou supporter of the dignity of the Vrishni race, man’s desires and + propensities, like the wide earth itself adorned with many jewels, are + varied and extensive. As experience can seldom be gained but by travelling + in regions remote from one’s home, so salvation can never be attained + except by acting according to principles that are very high, compared with + the ordinary level of our desire and propensities. I regard peace of mind + as the highest object here, for from that quality may proceed my + prosperity. In my judgment, if I undertake to celebrate this sacrifice, I + shall never win the highest reward. O Janardana, endued with energy and + intelligence, these that have been born in our race think that some one + amongst them will at one time become the foremost amongst all Kshatriyas. + But, O exalted one, we also were all frightened by the fear of Jarasandha + and, O sinless one, by the wickedness of that monarch. O thou invincible + in battle, the might of thy arm is my refuge. When, therefore, thou taken + fright at Jarasandha’s might, how should I regard myself strong in + comparison with him? Madhava, O thou of the Vrishni race, I am repeatedly + depressed by the thought whether Jarasandha is capable or not of being + slain by thee, by Rama, by Bhimasena, or by Arjuna. But what shall I say, + O Keshava? Thou art my highest authority on everything.’ + </p> + <p> + “On hearing these words, Bhima well-skilled in speech said,—‘That + king who is without exertion, or who being weak and without resources + entereth into hostility with one that is strong, perisheth like an + ant-hill. It may be generally seen, however, that even a king that is weak + may vanquish an enemy that is strong and obtain the fruition of all his + wishes, by wakefulness and by the application of policy. In Krishna is + policy, in myself strength, in Arjuna triumphs. So like the three + (sacrificial) fires that accomplish a sacrifice, we shall accomplish the + death of the king of Magadha.” + </p> + <p> + “Krishna then said,—‘One that is immature in understanding seeketh + the fruition of his desire without an eye to what may happen to him in + future. It is seen that no one forgiveth for that reason a foe that is of + immature understanding and inclined to serve his own interests. It hath + been heard by us that in the krita age, having brought every one under + their subjection, Yauvanaswin by the abolition of all taxes, Bhagiratha by + his kind treatment to his subjects, Kartavirya by the energy of his + asceticism, the lord Bharata by his strength and valour, and Maruta by his + prosperity, all these five became emperors. But, O Yudhishthira, thou who + covetest the imperial dignity deserves it, not by one but by all these + qualities, viz., victory, protection afforded to thy people, virtue, + prosperity, and policy. Know, O bull of the Kuru race, that Jarasandha, + the son of Vrihadratha, is even such (i.e., a candidate for the imperial + dignity). A hundred dynasties of kings have become unable to oppose + Jarasandha. He, therefore, may be regarded to be an emperor for his + strength. Kings that are wearers of jewels worship Jarasandha (with + presents of jewels). But, wicked from his childhood, he is scarcely + satisfied with such worship. Having become the foremost among all, he + attacketh yet with violence kings with crowns on their heads. Nor is there + seen any king from whom he taketh not tribute. Thus hath he brought under + his sway nearly a hundred kings. How can, O son of Pritha, any weak + monarch approach him with hostile intentions? Confined in the temple of + Shiva and offered as sacrifice unto him like so many animals, do not these + monarchs dedicated unto that god feel the most poignant misery, O bull of + the Bharata race? A Kshatriya that dieth in battle is ever regarded with + respect. Why shall we not, therefore, meet together and oppose Jarsandha + in battle? He hath already brought eighty-six kings; fourteen only are + wanting to complete one hundred. As soon as he obtaineth those fourteen, + he will begin his cruel act. He that shall be to obstruct that act will + surely win blazing renown. And he that will vanquish Jarasandha will + surely become the emperor of all the Kshatriyas.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0256"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVI + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘Desirous of the imperial dignity but acting + from selfish motives and relying upon courage alone, how, O Krishna, can I + despatch ye (unto Jarasandha)? Both Bhima and Arjuna, I regard as my eyes, + and thee, O Janardana as my mind. How shall I live, deprived of my eyes + and mind. Yama himself cannot vanquish in battle the mighty host of + Jarasandha that is endued, besides, with terrible valour. What valour can + ye exhibit against it. This affair that promises to terminate otherwise + may lead to great mischief. It is my opinion, therefore, that the proposed + task should not be undertaken. Listen, O Krishna, to what I for one think. + O Janardana, desisting from this act seemeth to me to be beneficial. My + heart to-day is afflicted. The Rajasuya appeareth to me difficult of + accomplishment.’” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—“Arjuna who had obtained that excellent of bows + and that couple of inexhaustible quivers, and that car with that banner, + as also that assembly room, now addressed Yudhishthira and said,—‘I + have obtained, O king, a bow and weapons and arrows and energy and allies + and dominions and fame and strength. Those are always difficult of + acquisition, however much they may be desired. Learned men of repute + always praise in good society nobleness of descent. But nothing is equal + to might. Indeed, O monarch, there is nothing I like more than prowess. + Born in a race noted for its valour, one that is without valour is + scarcely worthy of regard. One, however, possessed of valour, that is born + in a race not noted for it, is much superior to the former. He, O king, is + a Kshatriya in every thing who increaseth his fame and possessions by the + subjugation of his enemies. And he that is possessed of valour, though + destitute of all (other) merits, will vanquish his foes. One, however, + that is destitute of valour, though possessed of every (other) merit, can + scarcely accomplish anything. Every merit exists by the side of valour in + an incipient state. Concentration of attention, exertion and destiny exist + as the three causes of victory. One, however, that is possessed of valour + doth not yet deserve success if he acts carelessly. It is for this that an + enemy endued with strength sometimes suffers death at the hands of his + foes. As meanness overtakes the weak, so folly sometimes overtakes the + strong. A king, therefore, that is desirous of victory, should avoid both + these causes of destruction. If, for the purpose of our sacrifice, we + endeavour to slay Jarasandha and rescue the kings kept by him for a cruel + purpose, there is no higher act which we could employ ourselves in. If, + however, we do not undertake the task, the world will always think us + incompetent. We have certainly the competence, O king! Why should you, + therefore, regard us as incompetent? Those that have become Munis desirous + of achieving tranquillity of souls, obtain yellow robes with ease. So if + we vanquish the foe, the imperial dignity will easily be ours. We shall, + therefore fight the foe.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0257"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVII + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva said,—‘Arjuna hath indicated what the inclination should + be of one that is born in the Bharata race, especially of one who is the + son of Kunti. We know not when death will overtake us, in the night or in + the day. Nor have we ever heard that immortality hath been achieved by + desisting from fight. This, therefore, is the duty of men, viz., to attack + all enemies in accordance with the principles laid down in the ordinance. + This always gives satisfaction to the heart. Aided by good policy, if not + frustrated by Destiny, an undertaking becomes crowned with success. If + both parties aided by such means encounter each other, one must obtain + ascendency over the other, for both cannot win or lose. A battle however, + if directed by bad policy which again is destitute of the well-known arts, + ends in defeat or destruction. If, again, both parties are equally + circumstanced, the result becomes doubtful. Both, however, cannot win. + When such is the case, why should we not, aided by good policy, directly + approach the foe; and destroy him, like the current of the river uprooting + a tree? If, disguising our own faults, we attack the enemy taking + advantage of his loopholes, why should we not succeed? Indeed, the policy + of intelligent men, is that one should not fight openly with foes that are + exceedingly powerful and are at the head of their well-arrayed forces. + This too is my opinion. If, however, we accomplish our purpose secretly + entering the abode of our foe and attacking his person, we shall never + earn obloquy. That bull among men—Jarasandha—alone enjoyeth + unfaded glory, like unto him who is the self in the heart of every created + being. But I see his destruction before me. Desirous of protecting our + relatives we will either slay him in battle or shall ascend to heaven + being ourselves slain in the end by him.’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said—“O Krishna, who is this Jarasandha? What is his + energy and what is his prowess, that having touched thee he hath not been + burnt like an insect at the touch of fire?” + </p> + <p> + Krishna said,—‘Hear, O monarch, who Jarasandha is; what his energy; + and what is his prowess; and why also he hath been spared by us, Even + though he hath repeatedly offended us. There was a mighty king of the name + of Vrihadratha, the lord of the Magadhas. Proud in battle, he had three + Akshauhinis of troops. Handsome and endued with energy, possessed of + affluence and prowess beyond measure, and always bearing on his person + marks indicating installation at sacrifices. He was like a second Indra. + In glory he was like unto Suryya, in forgiveness like unto the Earth, in + wrath like unto the destroyer Yama and in wealth like unto Vaisravana. And + O thou foremost of the Bharata race, the whole earth was covered by his + qualities that descended upon him from a long line of ancestors, like the + rays emerging from the sun. And, O bull of the Bharata race, endued with + great energy that monarch married two twin daughters of the king of Kasi, + both endued with the wealth of beauty. And that bull among men made an + engagement in secret with his wives that he would love them equally and + would never show a preference for either. And the lord of the earth in the + company of his two dearly loved wives, both of whom suited him well, + passed his days in joy like a mighty elephant in the company of two + cow-elephants, or like the ocean in his personified form between Ganga and + Yamuna (also in their personified forms). The monarch’s youth however, + passed away in the enjoyment of his possessions, without any son being + born unto him to perpetuate his line. The best of monarch failed to obtain + a son to perpetuate his race, even by means of various auspicious rites, + and homas, and sacrifices performed with the desire for having an + offspring. One day the king heard that the high-souled Chanda-kausika, the + son of Kakshivat of the illustrious Gautama race, having desisted from + ascetic penances had come in course of his wanderings to his capital and + had taken his seat under the shade of a mango tree. The king went unto + that Muni accompanied by his two wives, and worshipping him with jewels + and valuable presents gratified him highly. That best of Rishis truthful + in speech and firmly attached to truth, then told the king,—O king + of kings, I have been pleased with thee. O thou of excellent vows, solicit + thou a boon. King Vrihadratha then, with his wives, bending low unto that + Rishi, spoke these words choked with tears in consequence of his despair + of obtaining a child.—‘O holy one forsaking my kingdom I am about to + go into the woods to practise ascetic penances. I am very unfortunate for + I have no son. What shall I do, therefore, with my kingdom or with a + boon?’ + </p> + <p> + Krishna continued,—“Hearing these words (of the king), the Muni + controlling his outer senses entered into meditation, sitting in the shade + of that very mango tree where he was. And there fell upon the lap of the + seated Muni a mango that was juicy and untouched by the beak of a parrot + or any other bird. That best of Munis, taking up the fruit and mentally + pronouncing certain mantras over it, gave it unto the king as the means of + his obtaining an incomparable offspring. And the great Muni, possessed + also of extraordinary wisdom, addressing the monarch, said,—“Return, + O king, thy wish is fulfilled. Desist, O king, from going (into the + woods)”.—Hearing these words of the Muni and worshipping his feet, + the monarch possessed of great wisdom, returned to his own abode. And + recollecting his former promise (unto them) the king gave, O bull of the + Bharata race, unto his two wives that one fruit. His beautiful queens, + dividing that single fruit into two parts, ate it up. In consequence of + the certainty of the realisation of the Muni’s words and his truthfulness, + both of them conceived, as an effect of their having eaten that fruit. And + the king beholding them in that state became filled with great joy. Then, + O wise monarch, some time after, when the time came, each of the queens + brought forth a fragmentary body. And each fragment had one eye, one arm, + one leg, half a stomach, half a face, and half an anus. Beholding the + fragmentary bodies, both the mothers trembled much. The helpless sisters + then anxiously consulted each other, and sorrowfully abandoned those + fragments endued with life. The two midwives (that waited upon the queens) + then carefully wrapping up the still-born (?) fragments went out of the + inner apartments (of the palace) by the back door and throwing away the + bodies, returned in haste. A little while after, O tiger among men, a + Rakshasa woman of the name of Jara living upon flesh and blood, took up + the fragments that lay on a crossing. And impelled by force of fate, the + female cannibal united the fragments for facility of carrying them away. + And, O bull among men, as soon as the fragments were united they formed a + sturdy child of one body (endued with life). Then, O king, the female + cannibal, with eyes expanded in wonder, found herself unable to carry away + that child having a body as hard and strong as the thunder-bolt. That + infant then closing his fists red as copper and inserting them into its + mouth, began to roar terribly as rain-charged clouds. Alarmed at the + sound, the inmates of the palace, O tiger among men, suddenly came out + with the king, O slayer of all foes. The helpless and disappointed and sad + queens also, with breasts full of milk, also came out suddenly to recover + their child. The female cannibal beholding the queens in that condition + and the king too so desirous of an offspring, and the child was possessed + of such strength thought within herself—I live within dominions of + the king who is so desirous of an offspring. It behoveth not me, + therefore, to kill the infant child of such an illustrious and virtuous + monarch. The Rakshasa woman then, holding the child in her arms like the + clouds enveloping the sun, and assuming a human form, told the king these + words,—O Vrihadratha, this is thy child. Given to thee by me, O, + take it. It hath been born of both thy wives by virtue of the command of + the great Brahmana. Cast away by the midwives, it hath been protected by + me! + </p> + <p> + “Krishna continued,—O thou foremost of the Bharata race, the + handsome daughters of the king of Kasi, having obtained the child, soon + drenched it with their lacteal streams. The king ascertaining everything, + was filled with joy, and addressing that female cannibal disguised as a + human being possessing the complexion of gold, asked,—O thou of the + complexion of the filament of the lotus, who art thou that givest me this + child? O auspicious one, thou seemest to me as a goddess roaming at thy + pleasure!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0258"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Krishna continued,—‘hearing these words of the king, the Rakshasa + woman answered—Blessed be thou, O king of kings. Capable of assuming + any form at will. I am a Rakshasa woman called Jara. I am living, O king, + happily in thy house, worshipped by all. Every day I wander from house to + house of men. Indeed, I was created of old by the Self-create and was + named Grihadevi (the household goddess)’. Of celestial beauty I was placed + (in the world) for the destruction of the Danavas. He that with devotion + painteth on the walls (of his house) a likeness of myself endued with + youth and in the midst of children, must have prosperity in his abode; + otherwise a household must sustain decay and destruction. O lord, painted + on the walls of thy house is a likeness of myself surrounded by numerous + children. Stationed there I am daily worshipped with scents and flowers, + with incense and edibles and various objects of enjoyment. Thus worshipped + in thy house, I daily think of doing thee some good in return. It chanced, + O virtuous king, that I beheld the fragmentary bodies of thy son. When + these happened to be united by me, a living child was formed of them. O + great king, it hath been so owing to thy good fortune alone. I have been + only the instrument, I am capable of swallowing the mountain of Meru + itself, what shall I say of the child? I have, however, been gratified + with thee in consequence of the worship I receive in thy house. It is, + therefore, O king, that I have bestowed this child on thee. + </p> + <p> + “Krishna continued,—Having spoken these words, O king, Jara + disappeared there and then. The king having obtained the child then + entered the palace. And the king then caused all the rites of infancy to + be performed on that child, and ordered a festival to be observed by his + people in Honour of that Rakshasa woman. And the monarch equal unto Brahma + himself then bestowed a name on his child. And he said that because the + child had been united by Jara, he should be called (Jarasandha i.e., + united by Jara). And the son of the king of Magadha endued with great + energy, began to grow up in bulk and strength like a fire into which hath + been poured libation of clarified butter. And increasing day by day like + the moon in the bright fortnight, the child began to enhance the joy of + his parents.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0259"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIX + </h2> + <p> + “Krishna said,—some time after this, the great ascetic, the exalted + Chandakausika, again came into the country of the Magadhas. Filled with + joy at the advent of the Rishi, king Vrihadratha, accompanied by his + ministers and priest and wives and son, went out to receive him. And, O + Bharata, worshipping the Rishi with water to wash his feet and face, and + with the offerings of Arghya the king then offered his whole kingdom along + with his son for the acceptance of the Rishi. The adorable Rishi accepting + that worship offered by the king, addressing the ruler of Magadha, O + monarch, said with well-pleased heart,—O king, I knew all this by + spiritual insight. But hear, O king of kings, what this son of thine will + be in future, as also what his beauty, excellence, strength, and valour + will be. Without doubt this son of thine, growing in prosperity and endued + with prowess, will obtain all these. Like other birds that can never + imitate the speed of Vinata’s son (Garuda), the other monarchs of the + earth will not be able to equal in energy this thy son, who will be endued + with great valour. And all those that will stand in his way will certainly + be destroyed. Like the force of the current that can never make the + slightest impression upon the rocky breast of a mountain, weapons hurled + at him even by the celestials will fail to produce the least pain in him. + He will blaze forth above the heads of all that wear crowns on their + brows. Like the sun that dims the lustre of all luminous bodies, this son + of thine will rob all monarchs of their splendour. Even kings that are + powerful and own large armies and numberless vehicles and animals, upon + approaching this son of thine, will all perish as insects upon fire. This + child will seize the growing prosperity of all kings like the ocean + receiving the rivers swollen with the water of the rainy season. Like the + huge earth that bears all kinds of produce, supporting things that are + both good and evil, this child endued with great strength will support all + the four orders of men. And all the kings of the earth will live in + obedience to the commands of this child just as every creature endued with + body live in dependence upon Vayu that is dear as self unto beings. This + prince of Magadha—the mightiest of all men in the world—will + behold with his physical eyes the god of gods called Rudra or Hara, the + slayer of Tripura. O thou slayer of all foes, saying this, the Rishi, + thinking of his own business, dismissed king Vrihadratha. The lord of the + Magadhas then, re-entering his capital, and calling together his friends + and relations, installed Jarasandha, on the throne. King Vrihadratha then + came to feel a great distaste for worldly pleasures. And after the + installation of Jarasandha king Vrihadratha followed by his two wives + became an inmate of an ascetic asylum in the woods. And, O king, after his + father and mothers had retired into the woods, Jarasandha by his valour + brought numerous kings under his sway.’” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—‘King Vrihadratha, having lived for some + time in the woods and practised ascetic penances, ascended to heaven at + last with his wives. King Jarasandha, also, as uttered by Kausika, having + received those numerous boons ruled his kingdom like a father. Some time + after when king Kansa was slain by Vasudeva, an enmity arose between him + and Krishna. Then, O Bharata, the mighty king of Magadha from his city of + Girivraja, whirling a mace ninety-nine times, hurled it towards Mathura. + At that time Krishna of wonderful deeds was residing at Mathura. The + handsome mace hurled by Jarasandha fell near Mathura at a distance of + ninety-nine yojanas from Gririvraja The citizens beholding the + circumstance well, went unto Krishna and informed him of the fall of the + mace. The place where the mace fell is adjacent to Mathura and is called + Gadavasan. Jarasandha had two supporters called Hansa and Dimvaka, both of + whom were incapable of being slain by weapons. Well-conversant with the + science of politics and morality, in counsel they were the foremost of all + intelligent men. I have already told thee everything about that mighty + pair. They two and Jarasandha, I believe, are more than a match for three + worlds. O brave king, it was for this reason that the powerful Kukkura, + Andhaka and Vrishni tribes, acting from motives of policy, did not deem it + proper to fight with him.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0260"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XX + </h2> + <h3> + (Jarasandhta-badha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Krishna said,—both Hansa and Dimvaka have fallen; Kansa also with + all his followers has been slain. The time hath, therefore come for the + destruction of Jarasandha. He is incapable of being vanquished in battle + even by all the celestials and the Asuras (fighting together). We think, + however, that he should be vanquished in a personal struggle with bare + arms. In me is policy, in Bhima is strength and in Arjuna is triumph; and + therefore, as prelude to performing the Rajasuya, we will certainly + achieve the destruction of the ruler of Magadha. When we three approach + that monarch in secret, and he will, without doubt, be engaged in an + encounter with one of us. From fear of disgrace, from covetousness, and + from pride of strength he will certainly summon Bhima to the encounter. + Like death himself that slays a person however swollen with pride, the + long-armed and mighty Bhimasena will effect the destruction of the king. + If thou knowest my heart, if thou hast any faith in me, then make over to + me, as a pledge, Bhima and Arjuna without loss of time!” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—Thus addressed by the exalted one, + Yudhishthira, beholding both Bhima and Arjuna standing with cheerful + faces, replied, saying—‘O Achyuta, O Achyuta, thou slayer of all + enemies, say not so. Thou art the lord of the Pandavas! We are dependent + on thee. What thou sayest, O Govinda, is consistent with wise counsels. + Thou never leadest those upon whom Prosperity hath turned her back. I who + stay under thy command regard that Jarasandha is already slain, that the + monarchs confined by him have already been set free, that the Rajasuya + hath already been accomplished by me. O lord of the universe, O thou best + of persons, watchfully act thou so that this task may be accomplished. + Without ye then I dare not live, like a sorrowful man afflicted with + disease, and bereft of the three attributes of morality, pleasure and + wealth. Partha cannot live without Sauri (Krishna), nor can Sauri live + without Partha. Nor is there anything in the world that is unconquerable + by these two, viz., Krishna and Arjuna. This handsome Bhima also is the + foremost of all persons endued with might. Of great renown, what can he + not achieve when with ye two? Troops, when properly led, always do + excellent service. A force without a leader hath been called inert by the + wise. Forces, therefore, should always be led by experienced commanders. + Into places that are low, the wise always conduct the water. Even + fishermen cause the water (of tank) to run out through holes. (Experienced + leaders always lead their forces noting the loopholes and assailable + points of the foe). We shall, therefore, strive to accomplish our purpose + following the leadership of Govinda conversant with the science of + politics, that personage whose fame hath spread all over the world. For + the successful accomplishment of one’s purposes one should ever place + Krishna in the van, that foremost of personages whose strength consists in + wisdom and policy and who possesseth a knowledge of both method and means. + For the accomplishment of one’s purpose let, therefore, Arjuna, the son of + Pritha, follow Krishna the foremost of the Yadavas and let Bhima follow + Arjuna. Policy and good fortune and might will (then) bring about success + in a matter requiring valour.’ Vaisampayana said,—‘Thus addressed by + Yudhishthira, the trio Krishna, Arjuna and Bhima, all possessed of great + energy, set out for Magadha attired in the garb of Snataka Brahmanas of + resplendent bodies, and blessed by the agreeable speeches of friends and + relatives. Possessed of superior energy and of bodies already like the + Sun, the Moon, and the Fire, inflamed with wrath at the sad lot of their + relative kings, those bodies of theirs became much more blazing. And the + people, beholding Krishna and Arjuna, both of whom had never before been + vanquished in battle, with Bhima in the van, all ready to achieve the same + task, regarded Jarasandha as already slain. For the illustrious pair + (Krishna and Arjuna) were masters that directed every operation (in the + universe), as also all acts relating to the morality, wealth, and pleasure + of every being. Having set out from the country of the Kurus, they passed + through Kuru-jangala and arrived at the charming lake of lotuses. Passing + over the hills of Kalakuta, they then went on crossing the Gandaki, the + Sadanira (Karatoya), and the Sarkaravarta and the other rivers taking + their rise in the same mountains. They then crossed the delightful Sarayu + and saw the country of Eastern Kosala. Passing over that country they went + to Mithila and then crossing the Mala and Charamanwati, the three heroes + crossed the Ganges and the Sone and went on towards the east. At last + those heroes of unfaded glory arrived at Magadha in the heart of (the + country of) Kushamva. Reaching then the hills of Goratha, they saw the + city of Magadha that was always filled with kine and wealth and water and + rendered handsome with the innumerable trees standing there.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0261"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXI + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva said,—‘behold, O Partha, the great capital of Magadha, + standing in all its beauty. Filled with flocks and herds and its stock of + water never exhausted, and adorned also with fine mansions standing in + excellent array, it is free from every kind of calamity. The five large + hills of Vaihara, Varaha, Vrishava, Rishigiri, and the delightful Chaitya, + all of high peaks and overgrown with tall trees of cool shade and + connected with one another, seem to be jointly protecting the city of + Girivraja. The breasts of the hills are concealed by forests of delightful + and fragrant Lodhras having the ends of their branches covered with + flowers. It was here that the illustrious Gautama of rigid vows begat on + the Sudra woman Ausinari (the daughter of Usinara) Kakshivat and other + celebrated sons. That the race sprung from Gautama doth yet live under the + sway of an ordinary human race (of monarchs) is only evidence of Gautama’s + kindness to kings. And, O Arjuna, it was here that in olden times the + mighty monarchs of Anga, and Vanga and other countries, came to the abode + of Gautama, and passed their days in joy and happiness. Behold, O Partha, + those forests of delightful Pippalas and beautiful Lodhras standing near + the side of Gautama’s abode. There dwelt in old days those Nagas, Arvuda + and Sakravapin, those persecutors of all enemies, as also the Naga + Swastika and that other excellent Naga called Manu. Manu himself had + ordered the country of the Magadhas to be never afflicted with drought, + and Kaushika and Manimat also have favoured the country. Owning such a + delightful and impregnable city, Jarasandha is ever bent on seeking the + fruition of his purposes unlike other monarchs. We shall, however, by + slaying him to-day humble his pride.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—Thus saying those brothers of abundant energy, + viz., he of the Vrishni race and the two Pandavas entered the city of + Magadha. They then approached towards the impregnable city of Girivraja + that was full of cheerful and well-fed inhabitants belonging to all the + four orders, and where festivities were perennial. On arriving then at the + gate of the city, the brothers (instead of passing through it) began to + pierce (with their shafts) the heart of the high Chaityaka peak that was + worshipped by the race of Vrihadratha, as also by the citizens and which + delighted the hearts of all the Magadhas. There Vrihadratha had slain a + cannibal called Rishava and having slain the monster made of his hide + three drums which he placed in his own city. And those drums were such + that once beaten their sound lasted one full month. And the brothers broke + down the Chaityaka peak that was delightful to all the Magadhas, at that + point where those drums covered with celestial flowers used to yield their + continuous sound. And desirous of slaying Jarasandha they seemed by that + act of theirs to place their feet upon the head of their foe. And + attacking with their mighty arms that immovable and huge and high and old + and celebrated peak always worshipped with perfumes and floral wreaths, + those heroes broke it down. And with joyful hearts they then entered the + city. And it so happened that the learned Brahmanas residing within the + city saw many evil omens which they reported to Jarasandha. And the priest + making the king mount an elephant whirled lighted brands about him. And + king Jarasandha also, possessed of great prowess, with a view to warding + of those evils, entered upon the celebration of a sacrifice, with proper + vows and fasts. Meanwhile, O Bharata, the brothers unarmed, or rather with + their bare arms as their only weapons, desirous of fighting with + Jarasandha, entered the capital in the guise of Brahmanas. They beheld the + extraordinary beauty of the shops full of various edibles and floral + wreaths, and supplied with articles of every variety of various qualities + that man can desire. Those best of men, Krishna, Bhima, and Dhananjaya, + beholding in those shops their affluence, passed along the public road. + And endued with great strength they snatched forcibly from the + flower-vendors the garlands they had exposed for sale. And attired in + robes of various colours and decked in garlands and ear-rings the heroes + entered the abode of Jarasandha possessed of great intelligence, like + Himalayan lions eyeing cattle-folds. And the arms of those warriors, O + king, besmeared with sandal paste, looked like the trunks of sala trees. + The people of Magadha, beholding those heroes looking like elephants, with + necks broad like those of trees and wide chests, began to wonder much. + Those bull among men, passing through three gates that were crowded with + men, proudly and cheerfully approached the king. And Jarasandha rising up + in haste received them with water to wash their feet with, and honey and + the other ingredients of the Arghya—with gifts of kine, and with + other forms of respect. The great king addressing them said,—‘Ye are + welcome’! And, O Janamejaya, both Partha and Bhima remained silent at + this. And addressing the monarch Krishna said,—‘O king of kings + these two are now in the observance of a vow. Therefore they will not + speak. Silent they will remain till midnight After that hour they will + speak with thee!’ The king then quartering his guests in the sacrificial + apartments retired into his private chambers. And when midnight arrived, + the monarch arrived at the place where his guests attired as Brahmanas + were. For, O King, that ever victorious monarch observed this vow which + was known throughout the Worlds that as soon as he should hear of the + arrival of Snataka Brahmanas at his place, should it be even at midnight, + he would immediately, O Bharata, come out and grant them an audience. + Beholding the strange attire of his guests that best of kings wondered + much. For all that, however, he waited on them respectfully. Those bulls + among men, those slayers of all foes, on the other hand, O thou best of + the Bharata race, beholding king Jarasandha, said,—‘Let salvation be + attained by thee, O king, without difficulty.’ And, O tiger among kings, + having said this unto the monarch, they stood looking at each other. And, + O king of kings, Jarasandha then said unto those sons of Pandu and him of + the Yadu race, all disguised as Brahmanas—‘Take your seats.’ And + those bulls among men sat themselves down, and like the three priests of a + great sacrifice blazed forth in their beauty. And king Jarasandha, O thou + of the Kuru race, firmly devoted to truth, censuring the disguised guests, + said unto them,—‘It is well known to me that in the whole world + Brahmanas in the observance of Snataka vow never deck their persons with + garlands and fragrant paste unseasonably. Who are ye, therefore, thus + decked with flowers, and with hands bearing the marks of the bow-string? + Attired in coloured robes and decked unseasonably with flowers and paste, + ye give me to understand that ye are Brahmanas, although ye bear Kshatriya + energy. Tell me truly who ye are. Truth decks even kings. Breaking down + the peak of the Chaityaka hill, why have ye, in disguise, entered (the + city) by an improper gate without fear of the royal wrath? The energy of a + Brahmana dwelleth in his speech, (not in act). This your feat is not + suited to the order to which ye profess to belong. Tell us therefore, the + end ye have in view. Arrived here by such an improper way, why accept ye + not the worship I offer? What is your motive for coming to me? Thus + addressed by the king, the high-souled Krishna, well-skilled in speech, + thus replied unto the monarch in a calm and grave voice. + </p> + <p> + “Krishna said,—‘O king, know us for Snataka Brahmanas. Brahmanas and + Kshatriyas and Vaishyas are all, O monarch, competent to observe the vow + of Snataka. This vow, besides, hath (many) especial and general rules. A + Kshatriya observing this vow with especial rules always achieve + prosperity. Therefore, have we decked ourselves with flowers. Kshatriyas + again, O king, exhibit their energy by their arms and not in speech. It + is, therefore, O son of Vrihadratha, that the speeches uttered by a + Kshatriya are never audacious. O monarch, the creator hath planted his own + energy in the aim of the Kshatriya. If thou wishest to behold it, thou + shalt certainly behold it today. These are the rules of the ordinance, + viz., that an enemy’s abode should be entered through a wrong gate and a + friend’s abode through the right one. And know, O monarch, that this also + is our eternal vow that having entered the foe’s abode for the + accomplishment of our purpose, we accept not the worship offered to us!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0262"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXII + </h2> + <p> + “Jarasandha said,—‘I do not recollect if I ever acted injuriously + towards ye! Even upon a careful mental scrutiny I fail to see the injury I + did unto ye. When I have never done ye an injury, why, ye Brahmanas do ye + regard me, who am innocent, as your foe? O, answer me truly, for this, + indeed, is the rule followed by the honest. The mind is pained at the + injury to one’s pleasure and morality. That Kshatriya who injures an + innocent man’s (sources of) pleasure and morality even if he be otherwise + a great warrior and well-versed in all rules of morality, obtains, without + any doubt the fate of sinners (hereafter) and falls off from prosperity. + The practices of the Kshatriyas are the best of those that are honest in + the three worlds Indeed, those that are acquainted with morality applaud + the Kshatriya practices. Adhering to those practices of my order with + steady soul, I never injure those that are under me. In bringing this + charge, therefore, against me, it appears that ye speak erroneously!’ + </p> + <p> + “Krishna said,—‘O thou of mighty arms, there is a certain person of + the head of a (royal) line who upholdeth the dignity of his race At his + command have we come against thee. Thou hast brought, O king, many of the + Kshatriyas of the world as captives (to thy city.) Having perpetrated that + wicked wrong how dost thou regard thyself as innocent? O best of monarchs, + how can a king act wrongfully towards other virtuous kings? But thou, O + king, treating other kings with cruelty, seekest to offer them as + sacrifice unto the god Rudra! O son of Vrihadratha, this sin committed by + thee may touch even us, for as we are virtuous in our practices, we are + capable of protecting virtue. The slaughter of human being as sacrifice + unto the gods is never seen. Why dost thou, therefore, seek to perform a + sacrifice unto god Sankara by slaughtering human beings? Thou art + addressing persons belonging to thy own order as animals (fit for + sacrifice)! Fool as thou art, who else, O Jarasandha, is capable of + behaving in this way? One always obtaineth the fruits of whatever acts one + performeth under whatever circumstances. Therefore, desirous as we are of + helping all distressed people, we have, for the prosperity of our race, + come hither to slay thee, the slaughterer of our relatives. Thou thinkest + that there is no man among the Kshatriyas (equal to thee). This, O king, + is a great error of judgment on thy part. What Kshatriya is there, O king, + who endued with greatness of soul and recollecting the dignity of his own + parentage, would not ascend to eternal heaven that hath not its like + anywhere, falling in open fight? Know O bull among men, that Kshatriyas + engage themselves in battle, as persons installed in sacrifices, with + heaven in view, and vanquish the whole world! Study of the Vedas, great + fame, ascetic penances, and death in battle, are all acts that lead to + heaven. The attainment of heaven by the three other acts may be uncertain, + but death in battle hath that for its certain consequence. Death in battle + is the sure cause of triumph like Indra’s. It is graced by numerous + merits. It is for this reason that he of a hundred sacrifices (Indra) hath + become what he is, and by vanquishing the Asuras he ruleth the universe. + Hostility with whom else than thee is so sure of leading to heaven, proud + as thou art of the excessive strength of thy vast Magadha host? Don’t + disregard others, O king. Valour dwelleth in every man. O king of men, + there are many men whose valour may be equal or superior to thine. As long + as these are not known, so long only art thou noted for thy valour. Thy + prowess, O king, can be borne by us. It is, therefore, that I say so. O + king of Magadha, cast off thy superiority and pride in the presence of + those that are thy equals. Go not, O king, with thy children and ministers + and army, into the regions of Yama. Damvodhava, Kartavirya, Uttara, and + Vrihadratha, were kings that met with destruction, along with all their + forces, for having disregarded their superiors. Desirous of liberating the + captive monarchs from thee, know that we are certainly not Brahmanas. I am + Hrishesha otherwise called Sauri, and these two heroes among men are the + sons of Pandu. O king of Magadha, we challenge thee. Fight standing before + us. Either set free all the monarchs, or go thou to the abode of Yama. + </p> + <p> + “Jarasandha said,—‘I never make a captive of a king without first + vanquishing him. Who hath been kept here that hath not been defeated in + war? This, O Krishna, it hath been said, is the duty that should be + followed by the Kshatriyas, viz., to bring others under sway by the + exhibition of prowess and then to treat them as slaves. Having gathered + these monarchs with the intention of offering them as sacrifices unto the + god, how shall I, O Krishna, from fear liberate them to-day, when I + recollect also the duty I have recited of a Kshatriya? With troops against + troops arrayed in order of battle, or alone against one, or against two, + or against three, at the same time or separately, I am ready to fight.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Having spoken thus, and desiring to fight with + those heroes of terrible achievements, king Jarasandha ordered (his son) + Sahadeva to be installed on the throne. Then, O bull of the Bharata race, + the king, on the eve of battle, thought of his two generals Kausika and + Chitrasena. These two, O king, were formerly called by everybody in the + world of men by the respectful appellations of Hansa and Dimvaka. And, O + monarch, that tiger among men, the lord Sauri ever devoted to truth, the + slayer of Madhu, the younger brother of Haladhara, the foremost of all + persons having their senses under complete control, keeping in view the + command of Brahma and remembering that the ruler of Magadha was destined + to be slain in battle by Bhima and not by the descendant of Madhu + (Yadavas), desired not to slay himself king Jarasandha, that foremost of + all men endued with strength, that hero possessed of the prowess of a + tiger, that warrior of terrible valour.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0263"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—‘then that foremost of all speakers, Krishna of + the Yadava race, addressing king Jarasandha who was resolved upon + fighting, said,—‘O king, with whom amongst us three dost thou desire + to fight? Who amongst us shall prepare himself for battle (with thee)?’ + Thus addressed, the ruler of Magadha, king Jarasandha of great splendour, + expressed his desire for fighting with Bhima. The priest then, bringing + with him the yellow pigment obtained from the cow and garlands of flowers + and other auspicious articles, as also various excellent medicines for + restoring lost consciousness and alleviating pain, approached Jarasandha, + panting for battle. The king Jarasandha, on whose behalf propitiatory + ceremonies with benedictions were performed by a renowned Brahmana, + remembering the duty of a Kshatriya dressed himself for battle. Taking off + his crown and binding his hair properly, Jarasandha stood up like an ocean + bursting its continents. Then the monarch possessed of terrible prowess, + addressing Bhima. said, ‘I will fight with thee. It is better to be + vanquished by a superior person.’ And saying this, Jarasandha, that + represser of all foes endued, rushed with great energy at Bhimasena like + the Asura Vala or old who rushed at the chief of the celestials. And the + mighty Bhimasena, on whose behalf the gods had been invoked by Krishna, + that cousin of his, having consulted with advanced towards Jarasandha, + impelled by the desire of fight. Then those tigers among men, those heroes + of great prowess, with their bare arms as their only weapons, cheerfully + engaged themselves in the encounter, each desirous of vanquishing the + other. And seizing each other’s arms and twining each other’s legs, (at + times) they slapped their arm-pits, causing the enclosure to tremble at + the sound. And frequently seizing each other’s necks with their hands and + dragging and pushing it with violence, and each pressing every limb of his + body against every limb of the other, they continued, O exalted one, to + slap their arm-pits (at time). And sometimes stretching their arms and + sometimes drawing them close, and now raising them up and now dropping + them down, they began to seize each other. And striking neck against neck + and forehead against forehead, they caused fiery sparks to come out like + flashes of lightning. And grasping each other in various ways by means of + their arms, and kicking each other with such violence as to affect the + innermost nerves, they struck at each other’s breasts with clenched fists. + With bare arms as their only weapons roaring like clouds they grasped and + struck each other like two mad elephants encountering each other with + their trunks. Incensed at each other’s blow, they fought on dragging and + pushing each other and fiercely looking at each other like two wrathful + lions. And each striking every limb of the other with his own and using + his arms also against the other, and catching hold of each other’s waist, + they hurled each other to a distance. Accomplished in wrestling, the two + heroes clasping each other with their arms and each dragging the other + unto himself, began to press each other with great violence. The heroes + then performed those grandest of all feats in wrestling called + Prishtabhanga, which consisted in throwing each other down with face + towards the earth and maintaining the one knocked down in that position as + long as possible. And employing his arms, each also performed the feats + called Sampurna-murchcha and Purna-kumbha. At times they twisted each + other’s arms and other limbs as if these were vegetable fibres that were + to be twisted into chords. And with clenched fists they struck each other + at times, pretending to aim at particular limbs while the blows descended + upon other parts of the body. It was thus that those heroes fought with + each other. The citizens consisting of thousands, of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas + and Vaisyas and Sudras, and even women and the aged, O tiger among men, + came out and gathered there to behold the fight. And the crowd became so + great that it was one solid mass of humanity with no space between body + and body. The sound the wrestlers made by the slapping of their arms, the + seizing of each other’s necks for bringing each other down, and the + grasping of each other’s legs for dashing each other to the ground, became + so loud that it resembled the roar of thunder or of falling cliffs. Both + of them were foremost of mighty men, and both took great delight in such + encounter. Desirous of vanquishing the other, each was on the alert for + taking advantage of the slightest lapse of the other. And, O monarch, the + mighty Bhima and Jarasandha fought terribly on in those lists, driving the + crowd at times by the motions of their hands like Vritra and Vasava of + old. Thus two heroes, dragging each other forward and pressing each other + backward and with sudden jerks throwing each other face downward and + sideways, mangled each other dreadfully. And at times they struck each + other with their knee-joints. And addressing each other loudly in stinging + speeches, they struck each other with clenched fists, the blows descending + like a mass of stone upon each other. With broad shoulders and long arms + and both well-skilled in wrestling encounters, they struck each other with + those long arms of theirs that were like maces of iron. That encounter of + the heroes commenced on the first (lunar) day of the month of Kartic + (October) and the illustrious heroes fought on without intermission and + food, day and night, till the thirteenth lunar day. It was on the night of + the fourteenth of the lunar fortnight that the monarch of Magadha desisted + from fatigue. And O king, Janardana beholding the monarch tired, addressed + Bhima of terrible deeds, and as if to stimulate him said,—‘O son of + Kunti, a foe that is fatigued cannot be pressed for if pressed at such a + time he may even die. Therefore, O son of Kunti, this king should not be + oppressed by thee. On the other hand, O bull of the Bharata race, fight + with him With thy arms, putting forth as much strength only as thy + antagonist hath now left!’ Then that slayer of hostile heroes, the son of + Pandu, thus addressed by Krishna, understood the plight of Jarasandha and + forthwith resolved upon taking his life. And that foremost of all men + endued with strength, that prince of the Kuru race, desirous of + vanquishing the hitherto unvanquished Jarasandha, mustered all his + strength and courage.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0264"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“thus addressed, Bhima firmly resolved upon + slaying Jarasandha, replied unto Krishna of the Yadu race, saying,—O + tiger of the Yadu race, O Krishna, this wretch that yet stayeth before me + with sufficient strength and bent upon fight, should not be forgiven by + me. Hearing these words of Vrikodara (Bhima), that tiger among men, + Krishna, desiring to encourage that hero to accomplish the death of + Jarasandha without any delay, answered,—‘O Bhima, exhibit today upon + Jarasandha the strength thou hast luckily derived, the might thou hast + obtained from (thy father), the god Maruta.’ Thus addressed by Krishna, + Bhima, that slayer of foes, holding up in the air the powerful Jarasandha, + began to whirl him on high. And, O bull of the Bharata race, having so + whirled him in the air full hundred times, Bhima pressed his knee against + Jarasandha’s backbone and broke his body in twain. And having killed him + thus, the mighty Vrikodara uttered a terrible roar. And the roar of the + Pandava mingling with that death knell of Jarasandha, while he was being + broken on Bhima’s knee, caused a loud uproar that struck fear into the + heart of every creature. And all the citizens of Magadha became dumb with + terror and many women were even prematurely delivered. And hearing those + roars, the people of Magadha thought that either the Himavat was tumbling + down or the earth itself was being rent asunder. And those oppressors of + all foes then, leaving the lifeless body of the king at the palace gate + where he lay as one asleep, went out of the town. And Krishna, causing + Jarasandha’s car furnished with an excellent flagstaff to be made ready + and making the brothers (Bhima and Arjuna) ride in it, went in and + released his (imprisoned) relatives. And those kings rescued from terrible + fate, rich in the possession of jewels, approaching Krishna made presents + unto him of jewels and gems. And having vanquished his foe, Krishna + furnished with weapons and unwounded and accompanied by the kings (he had + released), came out of Girivraja riding in that celestial car (of + Jarasandha). And he also who could wield the bow with both hands (Arjuna), + who was incapable of being vanquished by any of the monarchs on earth, who + was exceedingly handsome in person and well-skilled in the destruction of + the foe, accompanied by the possessor of great strength (Bhima), came out + of that tort with Krishna driving the car whereon he rode. And that best + of cars, incapable of being vanquished by any king, ridden in by those + warriors Bhima and Arjuna, and driven by Krishna, looked exceedingly + handsome. Indeed, it was upon that car that Indra and Vishnu had fought of + old in the battle (with the Asuras) in which Taraka (the wife of + Vrihaspati) had become the immediate cause of much slaughter. And riding + upon that car Krishna now came out of the hill-fort. Possessed of the + splendour of heated gold, and decked with rows of jingling bells and + furnished with wheels whose clatter was like the roar of clouds, and ever + victorious in battle, and always slaughtering the foe against whom it was + driven, it was that very car riding upon which Indra had slain ninety-nine + Asuras of old. And those bulls among men (the three cousins) having + obtained that car became exceedingly glad. The people of Magadha, behold + the long-armed Krishna along with the two brothers, seated in that car (of + Jarasandha) wondered much. O Bharata, that car, whereunto were yoked + celestial horses and which possessed the speed of the wind, thus ridden + upon by Krishna, looked exceedingly beautiful. And upon that best of cars + was a flag-staff without being visibly attached thereto, and which was the + product of celestial skill. And the handsome flag-staff, possessed of the + splendour of the rainbow, could be seen from the distance of a yojana. And + Krishna while, coming out, thought of Garuda. And Garuda, thought of by + his master, came thither in no time, like a tree of vast proportions + standing in a village worshipped by all. Garuda of immense weight of body + and living upon snakes sat upon that excellent car along with the + numberless open-mouthed and frightfully-roaring creatures on its + flag-staff. And thereupon that best of cars became still more dazzling + with its splendour and was as incapable of being looked at by created + being as the midday sun surrounded by a thousand rays. And, O king, such + was that best of flag-staffs of celestial make that it never struck + against any tree nor could any weapon injure it at all even though visible + to men’s eyes. And Achyuta, that tiger among men, riding with the two sons + of Pandu upon that celestial car, the clatter of whose wheels was like the + roar of the clouds, came out of Girivraja. The car upon which Krishna rode + had been obtained by king Vasu from Vasava, and from Vasu by Vrihadratha, + and from the latter in due course by king Jarasandha. And he of long arms + and eyes like lotus-petals and possessed of illustrious reputation, coming + out of Girivraja, stopped (for some time) on a level plain outside the + town. And, O king, all the citizens then, with the Brahmanas at their + head, hastened thither to adore him with due religious rites. And the + kings who had been released from confinement worshipped the slayer of + Madhu with reverence, and addressing him with eulogies said,—O thou + of long arms, thou hast to-day rescued us, sunk in the deep mire of sorrow + in the hand of Jarasandha. Such an act of virtue by thee, O son of Devaki, + assisted by the might of Bhima and Arjuna, is most extraordinary. O + Vishnu, languishing as we all were in the terrible hill-fort of + Jarasandha, it was verily from sheer good fortune alone that thou hast + rescued us, O son of the Yadu race, and achieved thereby a remarkable + reputation. O tiger among men, we bow down to thee. O, command us what we + shall do. However difficult of accomplishment, thy command being made + known to us, O lord (Krishna), it will at once be accomplished by us. Thus + addressed by the monarchs, the high-souled Hrishikesa gave them every + assurance and said,—‘Yudhishthira is desirous of performing the + sacrifice of Rajasuya. That monarch, ever guided by virtue, is solicitous + of acquiring the imperial dignity. Having known this from me assist ye him + in his endeavours. Then, O king, all those monarchs with joyous hearts + accepted the words of Krishna, saying,—‘So be it! And saying this, + those lords of earth made presents of jewels unto him of the Dasarha race. + And Govinda, moved by kindness towards them, took a portion of those + presents, + </p> + <p> + “Then the son of Jarasandha, the high-souled Sahadeva, accompanied by his + relatives and the principal officers of state, and with his priest in + front came thither. And the prince, bending himself low and making large + presents of jewels and precious stones, worshipped Vasudeva, that god + among men. Then that best of men, Krishna, giving every assurance unto the + prince afflicted with fear, accepted those presents of his of great value. + And Krishna joyfully installed the prince there and then in the + sovereignty of Magadha. And the strong-armed and illustrious son of + Jarasandha, thus installed on the throne by those most exalted of men and + having obtained the friendship of Krishna and treated with respect and + kindness by the two sons of Pritha, re-entered the city of his father. And + that bull amongst men, Krishna, accompanied by the sons of Pritha and + graced with great good fortune, left the city of Magadha, laden with + numerous jewels. Accompanied by the two sons of Pandu, Achyuta (Krishna) + arrived at Indraprastha, and approaching Yudhishthira joyfully addressing + that monarch said,—‘O best of kings, from good fortune, the mighty + Jarasandha hath been slain by Bhima, and the kings confined (at Girivraja) + have been all set free. From good fortune also, these two, Bhima and + Dhananjaya, are well and arrived, O Bharata, it their own city unwounded. + Then Yudhishthira worshipped Krishna as he deserved and embraced Bhima and + Arjuna in joy. And the monarch who had no enemy, having obtained victory + through the agency of his brothers in consequence of the death of + Jarasandha, gave himself up to pleasure and merriment with all his + brothers. And the oldest son of Pandu (Yudhisthira) together with his + brothers approached the kings who had come to Indraprastha and + entertaining and worshipping them, each according to his age, dismissed + them all. Commanded by Yudhishthira those kings with joyful hearts, set + out for their respective countries without loss of time, riding upon + excellent vehicles. Thus, O king, did that tiger among men. Janardana of + great intelligence, caused his foe Jarasandha to be slain through the + instrumentality of the Pandavas. And, O Bharata, that chastiser of all + foes having thus caused Jarasandha to be slain, took leave of Yudhishthira + and Pritha, and Draupadi and Subhadra, and Bhimasena and Arjuna and the + twins Nakula and Sahadeva. After taking leave of Dhananjaya also, he set + out for his own city (of Dwarka), riding upon that best of cars of + celestial make, possessed of the speed of the mind and given unto him by + Yudhishthira, filling the ten points of the horizon with the deep rattle + of its wheels. And, O bull of the Bharata race, just as Krishna was on the + point of setting out, the Pandavas with Yudhishthira at their head walked + round that tiger among men who was never fatigued with exertion.’ + </p> + <p> + “And after the illustrious Krishna, the son of Devaki, had departed (from + Indraprastha) having acquired that great victory and having also dispelled + the fears of the kings, that feat, O Bharata, swelled the fame of the + Pandavas. And, O king, the Pandavas passed their days, continuing to + gladden the heart of Draupadi. And at that time, whatever was proper and + consistent with virtue, pleasure, and profit, continued to be properly + executed by king Yudhishthira in the exercise of his duties of protecting + his subjects.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0265"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Digvijaya Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—Arjuna, having obtained that best of bows and + that couple of inexhaustible quivers and that car and flag-staff, as also + that assembly-house, addressing Yudhisthira said,—Bow, weapons, + great energy, allies, territory, fame, army-those, O king, difficult of + acquisition however desirable, have all been obtained by me. I think, + therefore, that what should now be done is for the swelling up of our + treasury. I desire, O best of monarchs, to make the kings (of the earth) + pay tributes to us. I desire to set out, in an auspicious moment of a holy + day of the moon under a favourable constellation for the conquest of the + direction that is presided over by the Lord of treasures (viz. the + North).” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“King Yudhisthira the just, hearing these + words of Dhananjaya, replied unto him in a grave and collected tone, + saying,—O bull of the Bharata race, set thou out, having made holy + Brahmanas utter benedictions on thee, to plunge thy enemies in sorrow and + to fill thy friend with joy. Victory, O son of Pritha, will surely be + thine, and thou wilt surely obtain thy desires fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed, Arjuna, surrounded by a large host, set out in that + celestial car of wonderful achievements he had obtained from Agni. And + Bhimasena also, and those bull among men, the twins, dismissed with + affection by Yudhishthira the just set out, each at the head of a large + army. And Arjuna, the son of the chastiser of Paka then brought under + subjugation that direction (the North) which was presided over by the Lord + of treasures. And Bhimasena overcome by force the East and Sahadeva the + South, and Nakula, O king, acquainted with all the weapons, conquered the + West. Thus while his brothers were so employed, the exalted king + Yudishthira the just stayed within Khandavaprastha in the enjoyment of + great affluence in the midst of friends and relatives.” + </p> + <p> + “Bhagadatta, hearing this, said,—‘O thou who hast Kunto for thy + mother, as thou art to me, so is Yudhishthira also. I shall do all this. + Tell me, what else I may do for thee.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0266"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—thus addressed, Dhananjaya replied unto + Bhagadatta, saying,—‘If thou wilt give thy promise to do this, thou + hast done all I desire. And having thus subjugated the king of + Pragjyotisha, Dhananjaya of long arms, the son of Kunti, then marched + towards the north—the direction presided over by the lord of + treasures. That bull amongst men, that son of Kunti, then conquered the + mountainous tracts and their outskirts, as also the hilly regions. And + having conquered all the mountains and the kings that reigned there, and + bringing them under his sway, he exacted tributes from all. And winning + the affections of those kings and uniting himself with them, he next + marched, O king, against Vrihanta, the king of Uluka, making this earth + tremble with the sound of his drums, the clatter of his chariot-wheels, + and the roar of the elephants in his train. Vrihanta, however, quickly + coming out of his city followed by his army consisting of four kinds of + troops, gave battle to Falguna (Arjuna). And the fight that took place + between Vrihanta and Dhananjaya was terrible. It so happened that Vrihanta + was unable to bear the prowess of the son of Pandu. Then that invincible + king of the mountainous region regarding the son of Kunti irresistible, + approached him with all his wealth. Arjuna snatched out the kingdom from + Vrihanta, but having made peace with him marched, accompanied by that + king, against Senavindu whom he soon expelled from his kingdom. After this + he subjugated Modapura, Vamadeva, Sudaman, Susankula, the Northern Ulukas, + and the kings of those countries and peoples. Hereafter at the command of + Yudhishthira, O monarch, Arjuna, did not move from the city of Senavindu + but sent his troops only and brought under his sway those five countries + and peoples. For Arjuna, having arrived at Devaprastha, the city of + Senavindu, took up his quarters there with his army consisting of four + kinds of forces. Thence, surrounded by the kings and the peoples he had + subjugated, the hero marched against king Viswagaswa—that bull of + Puru’s race. Having vanquished in battle the brave mountaineers, who were + all great warriors, the son of Pandu, O king, then occupied with the help + of his troops, the town protected by the Puru king. Having vanquished in + battle the Puru king, as also the robber tribes, of the mountains, the son + of Pandu brought under his sway the seven tribes called Utsava-sanketa. + That bull of the Kshatriya race then defeated the brave Kshatriyas of + Kashmira and also king Lohita along with ten minor chiefs. Then the + Trigartas, the Daravas, the Kokonadas, and various other Kshatriyas, O + king, advanced against the son of Pandu. That Prince of the Kuru race then + took the delightful town of Avisari, and then brought under his sway + Rochamana ruling in Uraga. Then the son of Indra (Arjuna), putting forth + his might, pressed the delightful town of Singhapura that was + well-protected with various weapons. Then Arjuna, that bull amongst the + son of Pandu, at the head of all his troops, fiercely attacked the regions + called Suhma and Sumala. Then the son of Indra, endued with great prowess, + after pressing them with great force, brought the Valhikas always + difficult of being vanquished, under his sway. Then Falguna, the son of + Pandu, taking with him a select force, defeated the Daradas along with the + Kambojas. Then the exalted son of Indra vanquished the robber tribes that + dwelt in the north-eastern frontier and those also that dwelt in the + woods. And, O great king, the son of Indra also subjugated the allied + tribes of the Lohas, the eastern Kambojas, and northern Rishikas. And the + battle with the Rishikas was fierce in the extreme. Indeed, the fight that + took place between them and the son of Pritha was equal to that between + the gods and the Asuras in which Taraka (the wife of Vrihaspati) had + become the cause of so much slaughter. And defeating, O king, the Rishikas + in the field of battle, Arjuna took from them as tribute eight horses that + were of the colour of the parrot’s breast, as also other horses of the + hues of the peacock, born in northern and other climes and endued with + high speed. At last having conquered all the Himalayas and the Nishkuta + mountains, that bull among men, arriving at the White mountains, encamped + on its breast.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0267"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“that heroic and foremost of the Pandavas endued + with great energy, crossing the White mountains, subjugated the country of + the Limpurushas ruled by Durmaputra, after a collision involving a great + slaughter of Kshatriyas, and brought the region under his complete sway. + Having reduced that country, the son of Indra (Arjuna) with a collected + mind marched at the head of his troops to the country called Harataka, + ruled by the Guhakas. Subjugating them by a policy of conciliation, the + Kuru prince beheld (in that region) that excellent of lakes called Manasa + and various other lakes and tanks sacred to the Rishis. And the exalted + prince having arrived at the lake Manasa conquered the regions ruled by + the Gandharvas that lay around the Harataka territories. Here the + conqueror took, as tribute from the country, numerous excellent horses + called Tittiri, Kalmasha, Manduka. At last the son of the slayer of Paka, + arriving in the country of North Harivarsha desired to conquer it. + Thereupon certain frontier-guards of huge bodies and endued with great + strength and energy, coming to him with gallant hearts, said, ‘O son of + Pritha, this country can be never conquered by thee. If thou seekest thy + good, return hence. He that entereth this region, if human, is sure to + perish. We have been gratified with thee; O hero, thy conquests have been + enough. Nor is anything to be seen here, O Arjuna, that may be conquered + by thee. The Northern Kurus live here. There cannot be war here. Even if + thou enterest it, thou will not be able to behold anything, for with human + eyes nothing can be seen here. If, however thou seekest anything else, O + Bharata tell us, O tiger among men, so that we may do thy bidding. Thus + addressed by them, Arjuna smilingly addressing them, said,—‘I desire + the acquisition of the imperial dignity by Yudhishthira the just, of great + intelligence. If your land is shut against human beings, I shall not enter + it. Let something be paid unto Yudhishthira by ye as tribute. Hearing + these words of Arjuna, they gave him as tribute many cloths and ornaments + of celestial make, silks of celestial texture and skins of celestial + origin. + </p> + <p> + “It was thus that tiger among men subjugated the countries that lay to the + North, having fought numberless battles with both Kshatriya and robber + tribes. And having vanquished the chiefs and brought them under his sway + he exacted from them much wealth, various gems and jewels, the horses of + the species called Tittiri and Kalmasha, as also those of the colour of + the parrot’s wings and those that were like the peacocks in hue and all + endued with the speed of the wind. And surrounded, O king, by a large army + consisting of the four kinds of forces, the hero came back to the + excellent city of Sakraprastha. And Partha offered the whole of that + wealth, together with the animals he had brought, unto Yudhishthira the + just. And commanded by the monarch, the hero retired to a chamber of the + palace for rest.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0268"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—in the meantime, Bhimasena also endued with great + energy, having obtained the assent of Yudhishthira the just marched + towards the eastern direction. And the tiger among the Bharatas, possessed + of great valour and ever increasing the sorrows of his foes, was + accompanied by a mighty host with the full complement of elephants and + horses and cars, well-armed and capable of crushing all hostile kingdoms. + That tiger among men, the son of Pandu, going first into the great country + of the Panchalas, began by various means to conciliate that tribe. Then + that hero, that bull of the Bharata race, within a short time, vanquished + the Gandakas and the Videhas. That exalted one then subjugated the + Dasarnas. There in the country of the Dasarnas, the king called Sudharman + with his bare arms fought a fierce battle with Bhimasena. And Bhimasena, + beholding that feat of the illustrious king, appointed the mighty + Sudharman as the first in command of his forces. Then Bhima of terrible + prowess marched towards the east, causing the earth itself to tremble with + the tread of the mighty host that followed him. Then that hero who in + strength was the foremost of all strong men defeated in battle Rochamana, + the king of Aswamedha, at the head of all his troops. And the son of + Kunti, having vanquished that monarch by performing feats that excelled in + fierceness, subjugated the eastern region. Then that prince of the Kuru + race, endued with great prowess going into the country of Pulinda in the + south, brought Sukumara and the king Sumitra under his sway. Then, O + Janamejaya, that bull in the Bharata race, at the command of Yudhishthira + the just marched against Sisupala of great energy. The king of Chedi, + hearing of the intentions of the son of Pandu, came out of his city. And + that chastiser of all foes then received the son of Pritha with respect. + Then, O king, those bulls of the Chedi and the Kuru lines, thus met + together, enquired after each other’s welfare. Then, O monarch, the king + of Chedi offered his kingdom unto Bhima and said smilingly,—‘O + sinless one, upon what art thou bent?’ And Bhima thereupon represented + unto him the intentions of king Yudhishthira. And Bhima dwelt there, O + king, for thirty nights, duly entertained by Sisupala. And after this he + set out from Chedi with his troops and vehicles.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0269"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—that chastiser of all foes then vanquished king + Srenimat of the country of Kumara, and then Vrihadvala, the king of + Kosala. Then the foremost of the sons of Pandu, by performing feats + excelling in fierceness, defeated the virtuous and mighty king + Dirghayaghna of Ayodhya. And the exalted one then subjugated the country + of Gopalakaksha and the northern Kosalas and also the king of Mallas. And + the mighty one, arriving then in the moist region at the foot of the + Himalayas soon brought the whole country under his sway. And that bull of + Bharata race brought under control in this way diverse countries. And + endued with great energy and in strength the foremost of all strong men, + the son of Pandu next conquered the country of Bhallata, as also the + mountain of Suktimanta that was by the side of Bhallata. Then Bhima of + terrible prowess and long arms, vanquishing in battle the unretreating + Suvahu the king of Kasi, brought him under complete sway. Then that bull + among the sons of Pandu overcame in battle, by sheer force, the great king + Kratha reigning in the region lying about Suparsa. Then the hero of great + energy vanquished the Matsya and the powerful Maladas and the country + called Pasubhumi that was without fear or oppression of any kind. And the + long-armed hero then, coming from that land, conquered Madahara, Mahidara, + and the Somadheyas, and turned his steps towards the north. And the mighty + son of Kunti then subjugated, by sheer force, the country called + Vatsabhumi, and the king of the Bhargas, as also the ruler of the Nishadas + and Manimat and numerous other kings. Then Bhima, with scarcely any degree + of exertion and very soon, vanquished the southern Mallas and the + Bhagauanta mountains. And the hero next vanquished, by policy alone, the + Sarmakas and the Varmakas. And that tiger among men then defeated with + comparative ease that lord of earth, Janaka the king of the Videhas. And + the hero then subjugated strategically the Sakas and the barbarians living + in that part of the country. And the son of Pandu, sending forth + expeditions from Videha, conquered the seven kings of the Kiratas living + about the Indra mountain. The mighty hero then, endued with abundant + energy, vanquished in battle the Submas and the Prasuhmas. And winning + them over to his side, the son of Kunti, possessed of great strength, + marched against Magadha. On his way he subjugated the monarchs known by + the names of Danda and Dandadhara, And accompanied by those monarchs, the + son of Pandu marched against Girivraja. After bringing the son of + Jarasandha under his sway by conciliation and making him pay tribute, the + hero then accompanied by the monarchs he had vanquished, marched against + Kansa. And making the earth tremble by means of his troops consisting of + the four kinds of forces, the foremost of the Pandavas then encountered + Karna that slayer of foes. And, O Bharata, having subjugated Karna and + brought him under his sway, the mighty hero then vanquished the powerful + king of the mountainous regions. And the son of Pandu then slew in a + fierce encounter, by the strength of his arms, the mighty king who dwelt + in Madagiri. And the Pandava then, O king, subjugated in battle those + strong and brave heroes of fierce prowess, viz., the heroic and mighty + Vasudeva, the king of Pundra and king Mahaujah who reigned in + Kausika-kachchha, and then attacked the king of Vanga. And having + vanquished Samudrasena and king Chandrasena and Tamralipta, and also the + king of the Karvatas and the ruler of the Suhmas, as also the kings that + dwelt on the sea-shore, that bull among the Bharatas then conquered all + Mlechchha tribes. The mighty son of the wind-god having thus conquered + various countries, and exacting tributes from them all advanced towards + Lohity. And the son of Pandu then made all the Mlechchha kings dwelling in + the marshy regions on the sea-coast, pay tributes and various kinds of + wealth, and sandal wood and aloes, and clothes and gems, and pearls and + blankets and gold and silver and valuable corals. The Mlechchha kings + showered upon the illustrious son of Kunti a thick downpour of wealth + consisting of coins and gems counted by hundreds of millions. Then + returning to Indraprastha, Bhima of terrible prowess offered the whole of + that wealth unto king Yudhisthira the just.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0270"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“thus also Sahadeva, dismissed with affection by + king Yudhisthira the just, marched towards the southern direction + accompanied by a mighty host. Strong in strength, that mighty prince of + the Kuru race, vanquishing completely at the outset the Surasenas, brought + the king of Matsya under his sway. And the hero then, defeating + Dantavakra, the mighty king of the Adhirajas and making him pay tribute, + re-established him on his throne. The prince then brought under his sway + Sukumara and then king Sumitra, and he next vanquished the other Matsyas + and then the Patacharas. Endued with great intelligence, the Kuru warrior + then conquered soon enough the country of the Nishadas and also the high + hill called Gosringa, and that lord of earth called Srenimat. And + subjugating next the country called Navarashtra, the hero marched against + Kuntibhoja, who with great willingness accepted the sway of the conquering + hero. And marching thence to the banks of the Charmanwati, the Kuru + warrior met the son of king Jamvaka, who had, on account of old + hostilities, been defeated before by Vasudeva. O Bharata, the son of + Jamvaka gave battle to Sahadeva. And Sahadeva defeating the prince marched + towards the south. The mighty warrior then vanquished the Sekas and + others, and exacted tributes from them and also various kinds of gems and + wealth. Allying himself with the vanquished tribes the prince then marched + towards the countries that lay on the banks of the Narmada. And defeating + there in battle the two heroic kings of Avanti, called Vinda and Anuvinda, + supported by a mighty host, the mighty son of the twin gods exacted much + wealth from them. After this the hero marched towards the town of + Bhojakata, and there, O king of unfading glory, a fierce encounter took + place between him and the king of that city for two whole days. But the + son of Madri, vanquishing the invincible Bhismaka, then defeated in battle + the king of Kosala and the ruler of the territories lying on the banks of + the Venwa, as also the Kantarakas and the kings of the eastern Kosalas. + The hero then defeating both the Natakeyas and the Heramvaks in battle, + and subjugating the country of Marudha, reduced Munjagrama by sheer + strength. And the son of Pandu then vanquished the mighty monarchs of the + Nachinas and the Arvukas and the various forest king of that part of the + country. Endued with great strength the hero then reduced to subjection + king Vatadhipa. And defeating in battle the Pulindas, the hero then + marched southward. And the younger brother of Nakula then fought for one + whole day with the king of Pandrya. The long-armed hero having vanquished + that monarch marched further to the south. And then he beheld the + celebrated caves of Kishkindhya and in that region fought for seven days + with the monkey-kings Mainda and Dwivida. Those illustrious kings however, + without being tired an the encounter, were gratified with Sahadeva. And + joyfully addressing the Kuru prince, they said,—‘O tiger among the + sons of Pandu, go hence, taking with the tribute from us all. Let the + mission of the king Yudhishthira the just possessed of great intelligence, + be accomplished without hindrance. And taking jewels and gems from them + all, the hero marched towards the city of Mahishmati, and there that bull + of men did battle with king Nila. The battle that took place between king + Nila and the mighty Sahadeva the son of Pandu, that slayer of hostile + heroes, was fierce and terrible. And the encounter was an exceedingly + bloody one, and the life of the hero himself was exposed to great risk, + for the god Agni himself assisted king Nila in that fight. Then the cars, + heroes, elephants, and the soldiers in their coats of mail of Sahadeva’s + army all appeared to be on fire. And beholding this the prince of the Kuru + race became exceedingly anxious. And, O Janamejaya, at sight of this the + hero could not resolve upon what he should do. + </p> + <p> + Janamejaya said,—O regenerate one, why was it that the god Agni + become hostile in battle unto Sahadeva, who was fighting simply for the + accomplishment of a sacrifice (and therefore, for the gratification of + Agni himself)? + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—‘It is said, O Janamejaya, that the god Agni + while residing in Mahishmati, earned the reputation of a lover. King Nila + had a daughter who was exceedingly beautiful. She used always to stay near + the sacred fire of her father, causing it to blaze up with vigour. And it + so happened that king Nila’s fire, even if fanned, would not blaze up till + agitated by the gentle breath of that girl’s fair lips. And it was said in + King Nila’s palace and in the house of all his subjects that the god Agni + desired that beautiful girl for his bride. And it so happened that he was + accepted by the girl herself. One day the deity assuming the form of a + Brahmana, was happily enjoying the society of the fair one, when he was + discovered by the king. And the virtuous king thereupon ordered the + Brahmana to be punished according to law. At this the illustrious deity + flamed up in wrath. And beholding this, the king wondered much and bent + his head low on the ground. And after some time the king bowing low + bestowed the daughter of his upon the god Agni, disguised as a Brahmana. + And the god Vibhabasu (Agni) accepting that fair-browed daughter of king + Nila, became gracious unto that monarch. And Agni, the illustrious + gratifier of all desires also asked the monarch to beg a boon of him. And + the king begged that his troops might never be struck with panic while + engaged in battle. And from that time, O king, those monarchs who from + ignorance of this, desire to subjugate king Nila’s city, are consumed by + Hutasana (Agni). And from that time, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, the + girls of the city of Mahishmati became rather unacceptable to others (as + wives). And Agni by his boon granted them sexual liberty, so that the + women of that town always roam about at will, each unbound to a particular + husband. And, O bull of the Bharata race, from that time the monarchs (of + other countries) forsake this city for fear of Agni. And the virtuous + Sahadeva, beholding his troops afflicted with fear and surrounded by + flames of fire, himself stood there immovable as a mountain. And purifying + himself and touching water, the hero (Sahadeva) then addressed Agni, the + god that sanctifieth everything, in these words,— + </p> + <p> + ‘I bow unto thee, O thou whose track is always marked with smoke. These my + exertions are all for thee. O thou sanctifier of all, thou art the mouth + of the gods and thou art Sacrifice personified. Thou art called Pavaka + because thou sanctifiest everything, and thou art Havyavahana, because + thou carriest the clarified butter that is poured on thee. The Veda have + sprung for ministering unto thee, and, therefore, thou art called + Jataveda. Chief of the gods as thou art, thou art called Chitrabhanu, + Anala, Vibhavasu, Hutasana, Jvalana, Sikhi, Vaiswanara, Pingesa, Plavanga, + Bhuritejah. Thou art he from whom Kumara (Kartikeya) had his origin; thou + art holy; thou art called Rudragarva and Hiranyakrit. Let thee, O Agni, + grant me energy, let Vayu grant me life, let Earth grant me nourishment + and strength, and let Water grant me prosperity. O Agni, thou who art the + first cause of the waters, thou who art of great purity, thou for + ministering unto whom the Vedas have sprung, thou who art the foremost of + the deities, thou who art their mouth, O purify me by thy truth. Rishis + and Brahmanas, Deities and Asuras pour clarified butter every day, + according to the ordinance into thee during sacrifices. Let the rays of + truth emanating from thee, while thou exhibitest thyself in those + sacrifices, purify me. Smoke-bannered as thou art and possessed of flames, + thou great purifier from all sins born of Vayu and ever present as thou + art in all creatures, O purify me by the rays of thy truth. Having + cleansed myself thus cheerfully, O exalted one, do I pray unto thee. O + Agni, grant me now contentment and prosperity, and knowledge and gladness. + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued.—‘He that will pour clarified butter into + Agni reciting these mantras, will ever be blessed with prosperity, and + having his soul under complete control will also be cleansed from all his + sins. + </p> + <p> + “Sahadeva, addressing Agni again, said,—‘O carrier of the + sacrificial libations, it behoveth thee not to obstruct a sacrifice!’ + Having said this, that tiger among men—the son of Madri—spreading + some kusa grass on earth sat down in expectation of the (approaching) fire + and in front of those terrified and anxious troops of his. And Agni, too, + like the ocean that never transgresseth its continents, did not pass over + his head. On the other hand approaching Sahadeva quietly and addressing + that prince of the Kuru race, Agni that god of men gave him every + assurance and said,—‘O thou of the Kuru race, rise up from this + posture. O rise up, I was only trying thee. I know all thy purpose, as + also those of the son of Dharma (Yudhisthira). But, O best of the Bharata + race, as long as there is a descendant of king Nila’s line, so long should + this town be protected by me. I will, however O son of Pandu, gratify the + desires of thy heart. And at these words of Agni, O bull of the Bharata + race, the son of Madri rose up with a cheerful heart, and joining his + hands and bending his head worshipped that god of fire, sanctifier of all + beings. And at last, after Agni had disappeared, king Nila came there, and + at the command of that deity, worshipped with due rites Sahadeva, that + tiger among men—that master of battle. And Sahadeva accepted that + worship and made him pay tribute. And having brought king Nila under his + sway thus, the victorious son of Madri then went further towards the + south. The long-armed hero then brought the king of Tripura of + immeasurable energy under his sway. And next turning his forces against + the Paurava kingdom, he vanquished and reduced to subjection the monarch + thereof. And the prince, after this, with great efforts brought Akriti, + the king of Saurashtra and preceptor of the Kausikas under his sway. The + virtuous prince, while staying in the kingdom of Saurashtra sent an + ambassador unto king Rukmin of Bhishmaka within the territories of + Bhojakata, who, rich in possessions and intelligence, was the friend of + Indra himself. And the monarch along with his son, remembering their + relationship with Krishna, cheerfully accepted, O king, the sway of the + son of Pandu. And the master of battle then, having exacted jewels and + wealth from king Rukmin, marched further to the south. And, endued with + great energy and great strength, the hero then, reduced to subjection, + Surparaka and Talakata, and the Dandakas also. The Kuru warrior then + vanquished and brought under his subjection numberless kings of the + Mlechchha tribe living on the sea coast, and the Nishadas and the + cannibals and even the Karnapravarnas, and those tribes also called the + Kalamukhas who were a cross between human beings and Rakshasas, and the + whole of the Cole mountains, and also Surabhipatna, and the island called + the Copper island, and the mountain called Ramaka. The high-souled + warrior, having brought under subjection king Timingila, conquered a wild + tribe known by the name of the Kerakas who were men with one leg. The son + of Pandu also conquered the town of Sanjayanti and the country of the + Pashandas and the Karahatakas by means of his messengers alone, and made + all of them pay tributes to him. The hero brought under his subjection and + exacted tributes from the Paundrayas and the Dravidas along with the + Udrakeralas and the Andhras and the Talavanas, the Kalingas and the + Ushtrakarnikas, and also the delightful city of Atavi and that of the + Yavanas. And, O king of kings, that slayer of all foes, the virtuous and + intelligent son of Madri having arrived at the sea-shore, then despatched + with great assurance messengers unto the illustrious Vibhishana, the + grandson of Pulastya. And the monarch willingly accepted the sway of the + son of Pandu, for that intelligent and exalted king regarded it all as the + act of Time. And he sent unto the son of Pandu diverse kinds of jewels and + gems, and sandal and also wood, and many celestial ornaments, and much + costly apparel, and many valuable pearls. And the intelligent Sahadeva, + accepting them all, returned to his own kingdom. + </p> + <p> + “Thus it was, O king, that slayer of all foes, having vanquished by + conciliation and war numerous kings and having also made them pay tribute, + came back to his own city. The bull of the Bharata race, having presented + the whole of that wealth unto king Yudhisthira the just regarded himself, + O Janamejaya, as crowned with success and continued to live happily.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0271"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“I shall now recite to you the deeds and triumphs + of Nakula, and how that exalted one conquered the direction that had once + been subjugated by Vasudeva. The intelligent Nakula, surrounded by a large + host, set out from Khandavaprastha for the west, making this earth tremble + with the shouts and the leonine roars of the warriors and the deep rattle + of chariot wheels. And the hero first assailed the mountainous country + called Rohitaka that was dear unto (the celestial generalissimo) Kartikeya + and which was delightful and prosperous and full of kine and every kind of + wealth and produce. And the encounter the son of Pandu had with the + Mattamyurakas of that country was fierce. And the illustrious Nakula after + this, subjugated the whole of the desert country and the region known as + Sairishaka full of plenty, as also that other one called Mahetta. And the + hero had a fierce encounter with the royal sage Akrosa. And the son of + Pandu left that part of the country having subjugated the Dasarnas, the + Sivis, the Trigartas, the Amvashtas, the Malavas, the five tribes of the + Karnatas, and those twice born classes that were called the Madhyamakeyas + and Vattadhanas. And making circuitous journey that bull among men then + conquered the (Mlechcha) tribes called the Utsava-sanketas. And the + illustrious hero soon brought under subjection the mighty Gramaniya that + dwelt on the shore of the sea, and the Sudras and the Abhiras that dwelt + on the banks of the Saraswati, and all those tribes that lived upon + fisheries, and those also that dwelt on the mountains, and the whole of + the country called after the five rivers, and the mountains called Amara, + and the country called Uttarayotisha and the city of Divyakutta and the + tribe called Dwarapala. And the son of Pandu, by sheer force, reduced to + subjection the Ramathas, the Harahunas, and various kings of the west. And + while staying there Nakula sent. O Bharata, messengers unto Vasudeva. And + Vasudeva with all the Yadavas accepted his sway. And the mighty hero, + proceeding thence to Sakala, the city of the Madras, made his uncle Salya + accept from affection the sway of the Pandavas. And, O monarch, the + illustrious prince deserving the hospitality and entertainment at his + uncle’s hands, was well entertained by his uncle. And skilled in war, the + prince, taking from Salya a large quantity of jewels and gems, left his + kingdom. And the son of Pandu then reduced to subjection the fierce + Mlechchas residing on the sea coast, as also the wild tribes of the + Palhavas, the Kiratas, the Yavanas, and the Sakas. And having subjugated + various monarchs, and making all of them pay tributes, Nakula that + foremost of the Kurus, full of resources, retraced his way towards his own + city. And, O king, so great was the treasure which Nakula brought that ten + thousand camels could carry it with difficulty on their backs. And + arriving at Indraprastha, the heroic and fortunate son of Madri presented + the whole of that wealth unto Yudhishthira. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, O king, did Nakula subjugate the countries that lay to the west—the + direction that is presided over by the god Varuna, and that had once + before been subjugated by Vasudeva himself!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0272"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Rajasuyika Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“in consequence of the protection afforded by + Yudhisthira the just, and of the truth which he ever cherished in his + behaviour, as also of the check under which he kept all foes, the subjects + of that virtuous monarch were all engaged in their respective avocations. + And by reason of the equitable taxation and the virtuous rule of the + monarch, clouds in his kingdom poured as much rain as the people desired, + and the cities and the town became highly prosperous. Indeed as a + consequence of the monarch’s acts; every affair of the kingdom, especially + cattle bleeding, agriculture and trade prospered highly. O king, during + those days even robbers and cheats never spoke lies amongst themselves, + nor they that were the favourites of the monarch. There were no droughts + and floods and plagues and fires and premature deaths in those days of + Yudhishthira devoted to virtue. And it was only for doing agreeable + services, or for worshipping, or for offering tributes that would not + impoverish, that other kings used to approach Yudhisthira (and not for + hostility or battle.) The large treasure room of the king became so much + filled with hoards of wealth virtuously obtained that it could not be + emptied even in a hundred years. And the son of Kunti, ascertaining the + state of his treasury and the extent of his possessions, fixed his heart + upon the celebration of a sacrifice. His friends and officers, each + separately and all together, approaching him said,—‘The time hath + come, O exalted one, for thy sacrifice. Let arrangements, therefore, be + made without loss of time.’ While they were thus talking, Hari (Krishna), + that omniscient and ancient one, that soul of the Vedas, that invincible + one as described by those that have knowledge, that foremost of all + lasting existences in the universe, that origin of all things, as also + that in which all things come to be dissolved, that lord of the past, the + future, and the present Kesava—the slayer of Kesi, and the bulwark + of all Vrishnis and the dispeller of all fear in times of distress and the + smiter of all foes, having appointed Vasudeva to the command of the + (Yadava) army, and bringing with him for the king Yudhishthira just a + large mass of treasure; entered that excellent city of cities. Khandava, + himself surrounded by a mighty host and filling the atmosphere with the + rattle of his chariot-wheels. And Madhava, that tiger among men enhancing + that limitless mass of wealth the Pandavas had by that inexhaustible ocean + of gems he had brought, enhanced the sorrows of the enemies of the + Pandavas. The capital of the Bharata was gladdened by Krishna’s presence + just as a dark region is rendered joyful by the sun or a region of still + air by a gentle breeze. Approaching him joyfully and receiving him with + due respect, Yudhishthira enquired of his welfare. And after Krishna had + been seated at ease, that bull among men, the son of Pandu, with Dhaumya + and Dwaipayana and the other sacrificial priests and with Bhima and Arjuna + and the twins, addressed Krishna thus,— + </p> + <p> + ‘O Krishna it is for thee that the whole earth is under my sway. And, O + thou of the Vrishni race, it is through thy grace that vast wealth had + been got by me. And, O son of Devaki, O Madhava, I desire to devote that + wealth according to the ordinance, unto superior Brahmanas and the carrier + of sacrificial libations. And, O thou of the Dasarha race, it behoveth + thee, O thou of mighty arms, to grant me permission to celebrate a + sacrifice along with thee and my younger brothers. Therefore, O Govinda, O + thou of long arms, install thyself at that sacrifice; for, O thou of the + Dasarha race, if thou performed the sacrifice, I shall be cleansed of sin. + Or, O exalted one, grant permission for myself being installed at the + sacrifice along with these my younger brothers, for permitted by thee, O + Krishna. I shall be able to enjoy the fruit of an excellent sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Unto Yudhisthira after he had said this, + Krishna, extolling his virtues, said.—‘Thou, O tiger among kings, + deservest imperial dignity. Let, therefore, the great sacrifice be + performed by thee. And if thou performest that sacrifice an obtainest its + fruit we all shall regard ourselves as crowned with success. I am always + engaged in seeking good. Perform thou then the sacrifice thou desirest. + Employ me also in some office for that purpose, for I should obey all thy + commands. Yudhisthira replied—O Krishna, my resolve is already + crowned with fruit, and success also is surely mine, when thou, O + Harishikesa, hast arrived here agreeably to my wish!’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Commanded by Krishna, the son of Pandu + along with his brothers set himself upon collecting the materials for the + performance of the Rajasuya sacrifice. And that chastiser of all foes, the + son of Pandu, then commanded Sahadeva that foremost of all warriors and + all ministers also, saying,—Let persons be appointed to collect + without loss of time, all those articles which the Brahmanas have directed + as necessary for the performance of this sacrifice, and all materials and + auspicious necessaries that Dhaumya may order as required for it, each of + the kind needed and one after another in due order. Let Indrasena and + Visoka and Puru with Arjuna for his charioteer be engaged to collect food + if they are to please me. Let these foremost of the Kurus also gather + every article of agreeable taste and smell that may delight and attract + the hearts of the Brahmanas.’ + </p> + <p> + “Simultaneously with these words of king Yudhisthira the just, Sahadeva + that foremost of warriors, having accomplished everything, represented the + matter to the king. And Dwaipayana, O king, then appointed as sacrificial + priests exalted Brahmanas that were like the Vedas themselves in embodied + forms. The son of Satyavati became himself the Brahma of that sacrifice. + And that bull of the Dhananjaya race, Susaman, became the chanter of the + Vedic (Sama) hymns. Yajnavalkya devoted to Brahma became the Adhyaryu, and + Paila—the son of Vasu and Dhaumya became the Hotris. And O bull of + the Bharata race, the disciples and the sons of these men, all + well-acquainted with the Vedas and the branches of the Vedas, became + Hotragts. And all of them, having uttered benedictions and recited the + object of the sacrifice, worshipped, according to the ordinance the large + sacrificial compound. Commanded by the Brahmanas, builders and artificers + erected numerous edifices there that were spacious and well-perfumed like + unto the temples of the gods. After these were finished, that best of + kings and that bull among men Yudhishthira. commanded his chief adviser + Sahadeva, saying,—‘Despatch thou, without loss of time, messengers + endued with speed to invite all to the sacrifice. And Sahadeva, hearing + these words of the king, despatched messengers telling them,—‘Invite + ye all the Brahmanas in the kingdom and all the owners of land + (Kshatriyas) and all the Vaisyas and also all the respectable Sudras, and + bring them hither!’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Endued with speed, these messengers then, + thus commanded, invited everybody according to the orders of the Pandava, + without losing any time, and brought with them many persons, both friends + and strangers. Then, O Bharata, the Brahmanas at the proper time installed + Yudhishthira the son of Kunti at the Rajasuya sacrifice. And after the + ceremony of installation was over, that foremost of men, the virtuous king + Yudhishthira the just like the god Dharma himself in human frame, entered + the sacrificial compound, surrounded by thousands of Brahmanas and his + brothers and the relatives and friends and counsellors, and by a large + number of Kshatriya kings who had come from various countries, and by the + officers of State. Numerous Brahmanas, well-skilled in all branches of + knowledge and versed in the Vedas and their several branches, began to + pour in from various countries. Thousands of craftsmen, at the command of + king Yudhishthira the just, erected for those Brahmanas with their + attendants separate habitations well-provided with food and clothes and + the fruits and flowers of every season. And, O king, duly worshipped by + the monarch the Brahmanas continued to reside there passing their time in + conversation on diverse topics and beholding the performances of actors + and dancers. And the clamour of high-souled Brahmanas, cheerfully eating + and talking, was heard there without intermission. ‘Give,’ and ‘Eat’ were + the words that were heard there incessantly and every day. And, O Bharata, + king Yudhishthira the just gave unto each of those Brahmanas thousands of + kine and beds and gold coins and damsels. + </p> + <p> + Thus commenced on earth the sacrifice of that unrivalled hero, the + illustrious son of Pandu, like the sacrifice in heaven of Sakra himself. + Then that bull among men, king Yudhishthira despatched Nakula the son of + Pandu unto Hastinapura to bring Bhishma and Drona, Dhritarashtra and + Vidura and Kripa and those amongst his cousins that were well-disposed + towards him.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0273"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“the ever-victorious Nakula, the son of Pandu, + having reached Hastinapura, formally invited Bhishma and Dhritarashtra. + The elder of the Kuru race with the preceptor at their head, invited with + due ceremonies, came with joyous hearts to that sacrifice, with Brahmanas + walking before them. And, O hull of the Bharata race, having heard of king + Yudhishthira’s sacrifice, hundreds of other Kshatriyas acquainted with the + nature of the sacrifice, with joyous hearts came there from various + countries, desiring to behold king Yudhishthira the son of Pandu and his + sacrificial mansion, and brought with them many costly jewels of various + kinds. And Dhritarashtra and Bhishma and Vidura of high intelligence; and + all Kaurava brothers with Duryyodhana at their head; and Suvala the king + of Gandhara and Sakuni endued with great strength; and Achala, and + Vrishaka, and Karna that foremost of all charioteers; and Salya endued + with great might and the strong Valhika; and Somadatta, and Bhuri of the + Kuru race, and Bhurisravas and Sala; and Aswatthama, Kripa, Drona, and + Jayadratha, the ruler of Sindhu; and Yajnasena with his sons, and Salya + that lord of earth and that great car warrior king Bhagadatta of + Pragjyotisha accompanied by all Mlechcha tribes inhabiting the marshy + regions on the sea-shore; and many mountain kings, and king Vrihadvala; + and Vasudeva the king of the Paundrayas, and the kings of Vanga and + Kalinga; and Akastha and Kuntala and the kings of the Malavas and the + Andhrakas; and the Dravidas and the Singhalas and the king of Kashmira, + and king Kuntibhoja of great energy and king Gauravahana, and all the + other heroic kings of Valhika; and Virata with his two sons, and Mavella + endued with great might; and various kings and princes ruling in various + countries; and, O Bharata king Sisupala endued with great energy and + invincible in battle accompanied by his son—all of them came to the + sacrifice of the son of Pandu. And Rama and Aniruddha and Kanaka and + Sarana; and Gada, Pradyumna, Shamva, and Charudeshna of great energy; and + Ulmuka and Nishatha and the brave Angavaha; and innumerable other Vrishnis—all + mighty car-warriors—came there. + </p> + <p> + “These and many other kings from the middle country came, O monarch, to + that great Rajasuya sacrifice of the son of Pandu. And, O king, at the + command of king Yudhishthira the just, mansions were assigned to all those + monarchs, that were full of various kinds of edibles and adorned with + tanks and tall trees. And the son of Dharma worshipped all those + illustrious monarchs as they deserved. Worshipped by the king they retired + to mansions that were assigned to them. Those mansions were (white and + high) like the cliffs of Kailasa, and delightful to behold, and furnished + with every kind of furniture. They were enclosed on all sides with + well-built and high white-washed walls; their windows were covered with + net-works of gold and their interiors were furnished with rows of pearls, + their flights of stairs were easy of ascent and the floors were all laid + over with costly carpets. They were all hung over with garlands of flowers + and perfumed with excellent aloes. White as snow or the moon, they looked + extremely handsome even from the distance of a yojana. Their doors and + entrances were set uniformly and were wide enough to admit a crowd of + persons. Adorned with various costly articles and built with various + metals, they looked like peaks of the Himavat. Having rested a while in + those mansions the monarchs beheld king Yudhishthira the just surrounded + by numerous Sadasyas (sacrificial priests) and ever performing sacrifices + distinguished by large gifts to Brahmanas. That sacrificial mansion + wherein were present the kings and Brahmanas and great Rishis looked, O + king, as handsome as heaven itself crowded with the gods!” + </p> + <p> + Thus ends the thirty-fourth section in the Rajasuyika Parva of the Sabha + Parva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0274"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“then, O king, Yudhishthira, having approached + and worshipped his grandfather and his preceptor, addressed Bhishma and + Drona and Kripa and the son of Drona and Duryyodhana and Vivingsati, and + said,—‘Help me ye all in the mater of this sacrifice. This large + treasure that is here is yours. Consult ye with one another and guide me + as ye desire. + </p> + <p> + “The eldest of the sons of Pandu, who had been installed at the sacrifice, + having said this unto all, appointed every one of them to suitable + offices. He appointed Dussasana to superintend the department of food and + other enjoyable articles. Aswatthama was asked to attend on the Brahmanas. + Sanjaya was appointed to offer return-worship unto the kings. Bhishma and + Drona, both endued with great intelligence, were appointed to see what was + done and what was left undone. And the king appointed Kripa to look after + the diamonds and gold and the pearls and gems, as also after the + distribution of gifts to Brahmanas. And so other tigers among men were + appointed to similar offices. Valhika and Dhritarashtra and Somadatta and + Jayadratha, brought thither by Nakula, went about, enjoying themselves as + lords of the sacrifice. Vidura otherwise called Kshatta, conversant with + every rule of morality, became the disburser. Duryyodhana became the + receiver of the tributes that were brought by the kings. Krishna who was + himself the centre of all worlds and round whom moved every creature, + desirous of acquiring excellent fruits, was engaged at his own will in + washing the feet of the Brahmanas. + </p> + <p> + “And desirous of beholding that sacrificial mansion, as also king + Yudhishthira the just, none came there with tribute less than a thousand + (in number, weight or measure). Everyone honoured the king Yudhishthira + the just with large presents of jewels. And each of the kings made a + present of his wealth, flattering himself with the proud belief that the + jewels he gave would enable the Kuru king Yudhisthira to complete his + sacrifice. And, O monarch, the sacrificial compound of the illustrious son + of Kunti looked extremely handsome—with the multitude of palaces + built so as to last for ever and crowded with guards and warriors. These + were so high that their tops touched the cars of the gods that came to + behold that sacrifice; as also with the cars themselves of the celestials, + and with the dwelling of the Brahmanas and the mansions made there for the + kings resembling the cars of the celestials and adorned with gems and + filled with every kind of wealth, and lastly with crowds of the kings that + came there all endued with beauty and wealth. Yudhisthira, as though vying + with Varuna himself in wealth, commenced the sacrifice (of Rajasuya) + distinguished by six fires and large gifts to Brahmanas. The King + gratified everybody with presents of great value and indeed with every + kind of object that one could desire. With abundance of rice and of every + kind of food, as also with a mass of jewels brought as tribute, that vast + concourse consisted of persons every one of whom was fed to the full. The + gods also were gratified at the sacrifice by the Ida, clarified butter, + Homa and libations poured by the great Rishis versed in mantras and + pronunciation. Like the gods, the Brahmanas also were gratified with the + sacrificial gifts and food and great wealth. And all the other orders of + men also were gratified at that sacrifice and filled with joy.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0275"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Arghyaharana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—On the last day of the sacrifice when the king + was to be sprinkled over with the sacred water, the great Brahmana Rishis + ever deserving of respectful treatment, along with the invited kings, + entered together the inner enclosure of the sacrificial compound. And + those illustrious Rishis with Narada as their foremost, seated at their + ease with those royal sages within that enclosure, looked like the gods + seated in the mansion of Brahma in the company of the celestial Rishis. + Endued with immeasurable energy those Rishis, having obtained leisure, + started various topics of conversation. ‘This is so,’ ‘This is not so,’ + ‘This is even so.’ ‘This cannot be otherwise,’—thus did many of them + engage in discussions with one another. Some amongst the disputants, by + well-chosen arguments made the weaker position appear the stronger and the + stronger the weaker. Some disputants endued with great intelligence fell + upon the position urged by others like hawks darting at meat thrown up + into the air, while some amongst them versed in the interpretations of + religious treatises and others of rigid vows, and well-acquainted with + every commentary and gloss engaged themselves in pleasant converse. And, O + king, that platform crowded with gods, Brahmanas and great Rishis looked + extremely handsome like the wide expanse of the firmament studded with + stars. O monarch, there was then no Sudra near that platform of + Yudhisthira’s mansion, nor anybody that was without vows. + </p> + <p> + “And Narada, beholding the fortunate Yudhisthira’s prosperity that was + born of that sacrifice, became highly gratified. Beholding that vast + concourse all the Kshatriyas, the Muni Narada, O king of men, became + thoughtful. And, O bull amongst men, the Rishi began to recollect the + words he had heard of old in the mansion of Brahma regarding the + incarnation on earth of portions of every deity. And knowing, O son of the + Kuru race, that that was a concourse (of incarnate) gods, Narada thought + in his mind of Hari with eyes like lotus-petals. He knew that that creator + himself of every object one, that exalted of all gods—Narayana—who + had formerly commanded the celestials, saying,—‘Be ye born on earth + and slay one another and come back to heaven’—that slayer of all the + enemies of the gods, that subjugator of all hostile towns, in order to + fulfil his own promise, had been born in the Kshatriya order. And Narada + knew that the exalted and holy Narayana, also called Sambhu the lord of + the universe, having commanded all the celestials thus, had taken his + birth in the race of Yadus and that foremost of all perpetuator of races, + having sprung from the line of the Andhaka-Vrishnis on earth was graced + with great good fortune and was shining like the moon herself among stars. + Narada knew that Hari the grinder of foes, whose strength of arm was ever + praised by all the celestials with Indra among them, was then living in + the world in human form. Oh, the Self-Create will himself take away (from + the earth) this vast concourse of Kshatriyas endued with so much strength. + Such was the vision of Narada the omniscient who knew Hari or Narayana to + be that Supreme Lord whom everybody worshipped with sacrifice. And Narada, + gifted with great intelligence and the foremost of all persons and + conversant with morality, thinking of all this, sat at that sacrifice of + the wise king Yudhisthira the just with feelings of awe. + </p> + <p> + “Then Bhishma, O king, addressing king Yudhisthira the just, said, “O + Bharata, let Arghya (an article of respect) be offered unto the kings as + each of them deserveth. Listen, O Yudhishthira, the preceptor, the + sacrificial priest, the relative, the Snataka, the friend, and the king, + it hath been said are the six that deserve Arghya. The wise have said that + when any of these dwell with one for full one year he deserveth to be + worshipped with Arghya. These kings have been staying with us for some + time. Therefore, O king, let Arghyas be procured to be offered unto each + of them. And let an Arghya be presented first of all unto him among those + present who is the foremost. + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Bhishma, Yudhishthira said—‘O Grandsire, O + thou of the Kuru race, whom thou deemest the foremost amongst these and + unto whom the Arghya should be presented by us, O tell me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—Then, O Bharata, Bhishma the son of + Santanu, judged it by his intelligence that on earth Krishna was the + foremost of all. And he said—‘As is the sun among all luminous + objects, so is the one (meaning Krishna) (who shines like the sun) among + us all, in consequence of his energy, strength and prowess. And this our + sacrificial mansion is illuminated and gladdened by him as a sunless + region by the sun, or a region of still air by a gust of breeze. Thus + commanded by Bhishma, Sahadeva endued with great prowess duly presented + the first Arghya of excellent ingredients unto Krishna of the Vrishni + race. Krishna also accepted it according to the forms of the ordinance. + But Sisupala could not bear to see that worship offered unto Vasudeva. And + this mighty king of Chedi, reproving in the midst of that assembly both + Bhishma and. Yudhishthira, censured Vasudeva thereafter.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0276"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sisupala said—‘O thou of the Kuru race, this one of the Vrishni + race doth not deserve royal worship as if he were a king, in the midst of + all these illustrious monarchs. O son of Pandu, this conduct of thine in + thus willingly worshipping him with eyes like lotus-petals is not worthy + of the illustrious Pandavas. Ye sons of Pandu. Ye are children. Ye know + not what morality is, for that is very subtle. Bhishma, this son also of + Ganga is of little knowledge and hath transgressed the rules of morality + (by giving ye such counsel). And, O Bhishma, if one like thee, possessed + of virtue and morality acteth from motives of interest, he is deserving of + censure among the honest and the wise. How doth he of the Dasarha race, + who is not even a king, accept worship before these kings and how is it + that he hath been worshipped by ye? O bull of the Kuru race, if thou + regardest Krishna as the oldest in age, here is Vasudeva, and how can his + son be said so in his presence? Or, if thou regardest Vasudeva as your + well-wisher and supporter, here is Drupada; how then can Madhava deserve + the (first) worship? Or, O son of Kuru, regardest thou Krishna as + preceptor? When Drona is here, how hast thou worshipped him of the Vrishni + race? Or, O son of Kuru, regardest thou Krishna as the Ritwija? When old + Dwaipayana is here, how hath Krishna been worshipped by thee? Again when + old Bhishma, the son of Santanu, that foremost of men who is not to die + save at his own wish is here, why, O king, hath Krishna been worshipped by + thee? When the brave Aswatthaman, versed in every branch of knowledge is + here, why, O king, hath Krishna, O thou of the Kuru race, been worshipped + by thee? When that King of kings, Duryyodhana, that foremost of men, is + here, as also Kripa the preceptor of the Bharata princes, why hath Krishna + been worshipped by thee? How, O son of Pandu, passing over Druma, the + preceptor of the Kimpurusas, hast thou worshipped Krishna? When the + invincible Bhishmaka and king Pandya possessed of every auspicious mark, + and that foremost of kings—Rukmi and Ekalavya and Salya, the king of + the Madras, are here, how, O son of Pandu, hast thou offered the first + worship unto Krishna? Here also is Karna ever boasting of his strength + amongst all kings, and (really) endued with great might, the favourite + disciple of the Brahmana Jamadagnya, the hero who vanquished in battle all + monarchs by his own strength alone. How, O Bharata, hast thou, passing him + over, offered the first worship unto Krishna? The slayer of Madhu is + neither a sacrificial priest nor a preceptor, nor a king. That thou hast + notwithstanding all these worshipped him, O chief of the Kurus, could only + have been from motives of gain. If, O Bharata, it was your wish to offer + the first worship unto the slayer of Madhu, why were these monarchs + brought here to be insulted thus? We have not paid tributes to the + illustrious son of Kunti from fear, from desire of gain, or from having + been won over by conciliation. On the other hand, we have paid him tribute + simply because he hath been desirous of the imperial dignity from motives + of virtue. And yet he it is that thus insulteth us. O king, from what + else, save motives of insult, could it have been that thou hast worshipped + Krishna, who possesseth not the insignia of royalty, with the Arghya in + the midst of the assembled monarchs? Indeed, the reputation for virtue + that the son of Dharma hath acquired, hath been acquired by him without + cause, for who would offer such undue worship unto one that hath fallen + off from virtue. This wretch born in the race of the Vrishnis + unrighteously slew of old the illustrious king Jarasandha. Righteousness + hath today been abandoned by Yudhishthira and meanness only hath been + displayed by him in consequence of his having offered the Arghya to + Krishna. If the helpless sons of Kunti were affrighted and disposed to + meanness, thou, O Madhava, ought to have enlightened them as to thy claims + to the first worship? Why also, O Janarddana, didst thou accept the + worship of which thou art unworthy, although it was offered unto thee by + those mean-minded princes? Thou thinkest much of the worship unworthily + offered unto thee, like a dog that lappeth in solitude a quantity of + clarified butter that it hath obtained. O Janarddana, this is really no + insult offered unto the monarchs; on the other hand it is thou whom the + Kurus have insulted. Indeed, O slayer of Madhu, as a wife is to one that + is without virile power, as a fine show is to one that is blind, so is + this royal worship to thee who art no king. What Yudhishthira is, hath + been seen; what Bhishma is, hath been seen; and what this Vasudeva is hath + been seen. Indeed, all these have been seen as they are!” + </p> + <p> + “Having spoken these words, Sisupala rose from his excellent seat, and + accompanied by the kings, went out of that assembly.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0277"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—Then the king Yudhishthira hastily ran after + Sisupala and spoke unto him sweetly and in a conciliating tone the + following words,—‘O lord of earth, what thou hast said is scarcely + proper for thee. O king, it is highly sinful and needlessly cruel. Insult + not Bhishma, O king, by saying that he doth not know what virtue is. + Behold, these many kings, older than thou art, all approve of the worship + offered unto Krishna. It behoveth thee to bear it patiently like them. O + ruler of Chedi, Bhishma knoweth Krishna truly. Thou knowest him not so + well as this one of the Kuru race.’” + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma also, after this, said,—He that approveth not the worship + offered unto Krishna, the oldest one in the universe, deserveth neither + soft words nor conciliation. The chief of warriors of the Kshatriya rare + who having overcome a Kshatriya in battle and brought him under his power, + setteth him free, becometh the guru (preceptor or master) of the + vanquished one. I do not behold in this assembly of kings even one ruler + of men who hath not been vanquished in battle by the energy of this son of + the Satwata race. This one (meaning Krishna) here, of undefiled glory, + deserveth to be worshipped not by ourselves alone, but being of mighty + arms, he deserveth to be worshipped by the three worlds also. Innumerable + warriors among Kshatriyas have been vanquished in battle by Krishna. The + whole universe without limit is established in him of the Vrishni race. + Therefore do we worship Krishna amongst the best and the oldest, and not + others. It behoveth thee not to say so. Let thy understanding be never so. + I have, O king, waited upon many persons that are old in knowledge. I have + heard from all those wise men, while talking; of the numerous + much-regarded attributes of the accomplished Sauri. I have also heard many + times all the acts recited by people that Krishna of great intelligence + hath performed since his birth. And, O king of Chedi, we do not from + caprice, or keeping in view our relationship or the benefits he may confer + on us, worship Janarddana who is worshipped by the good on earth and who + is the source of the happiness of every creature. We have offered unto him + the first worship because of his fame, his heroism, his success. There is + none here of even tender years whom we have not taken into consideration. + Passing over many persons that are foremost for their virtues, we have + regarded Hari as deserving of the first worship. Amongst the Brahmanas one + that is superior in knowledge, amongst the Kshatriyas one that is superior + in strength, amongst the Vaisyas one that is superior in possessions and + wealth, and amongst the Sudras one that is superior in years, deserveth to + be worshipped. In the matter of the worship offered unto Govinda, there + are two reason, viz., knowledge of the Vedas and their branches, and also + excess of strength. Who else is there in the world of men save Kesava that + is so distinguished? Indeed, liberality, cleverness, knowledge of the + Vedas, bravery, modesty, achievements, excellent intelligence, humility, + beauty, firmness, contentment and prosperity—all dwell for ever in + Achyuta. Therefore, ye kings; it behoveth ye to approve of the worship + that hath been offered unto Krishna who is of great accomplishments, who + as the preceptor, the father, the guru, is worthy of the Arghya and + deserving of (everybody’s) worship. Hrishikesa is the sacrificial priest, + the guru, worthy of being solicited to accept one’s daughter in marriage, + the Snataka, the king, the friend: therefore hath Achyuta been worshipped + by us. Krishna is the origin of the universe and that in which the + universe is to dissolve. Indeed, this universe of mobile and immobile + creatures hath sprung into existence from Krishna only. He is the + unmanifest primal cause (Avyakta Prakriti), the creator, the eternal, and + beyond the ken of all creatures. Therefore doth he of unfading glory + deserve highest worship. The intellect, the seat of sensibility, the five + elements, air, heat, water, ether, earth, and the four species of beings + (oviparous, viviparous, born of filthy damp and vegetal) are all + established in Krishna. The sun, the moon, the constellations, the + planets, all the principal directions, the intermediate directions, are + all established in Krishna. As the Agnihotra is the foremost among all + Vedic sacrifices, as the Gayatri is the foremost among metres, as the king + is the foremost among men, as the ocean is the foremost among all rivers, + as the moon is the foremost among all constellations, as the sun is the + foremost among all luminous bodies, as the Meru is the foremost among all + mountains, as Garuda is the foremost among all birds, so as long as the + upward, downward, and sideway course of the universe lasteth, Kesava is + the foremost in all the worlds including the regions of the celestials. + This Sisupala is a mere boy and hence he knoweth not Krishna, and ever and + everywhere speaketh of Krishna thus. This ruler of Chedi will never see + virtue in that light in which one that is desirous of acquiring high merit + will see it. Who is there among the old and the young or among these + illustrious lords of earth that doth not regard Krishna as deserving of + worship or that doth not worship Krishna? If Sisupala regardeth this + worship as undeserved, it behoveth him to do what is proper in this + matter.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0278"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—The mighty Bhishma ceased, having said this. + Sahadeva then answered (Sisupala) in words of grave import, saying,—‘If + amongst ye there be any king that cannot bear to see Kesava of dark hue, + the slayer of Kesi, the possessor of immeasurable energy, worshipped by + me, this my foot is placed on the heads of all mighty ones (like him). + When I say this, let that one give me an adequate reply. And let those + kings that possess intelligence approve the worship of Krishna who is the + preceptor, the father, the guru, and deserveth the Arghya and the worship + (already offered unto him).’ + </p> + <p> + “When Sahadeva thus showed his foot, no one among those intelligent and + wise and proud and mighty monarchs said anything. And a shower of flowers + fell on Sahadeva’s head, and an incorporeal voice said—‘Excellent, + excellent.’ Then Narada clad in black deer-skin, speaking of both the + future and the past, that dispeller of all doubts, fully acquainted with + all the worlds, said in the midst of innumerable creatures, these words of + the clearest import,—‘Those men that will not worship the lotus-eyed + Krishna should be regarded as dead though moving, and should never be + talked to on any occasion.’” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—Then that god among men, Sahadeva cognisant + of the distinction between a Brahmana and a Kshatriya, having worshipped + those that deserved worship, completed that ceremony. But upon Krishna + having received the first worship, Sunitha (Sisupala) that mower of foes—with + eyes red as copper from anger, addressed those rulers of men and said,—‘When + I am here to head ye all, what are ye thinking of now? Arrayed let us + stand in battle against the assembled Vrishnis and the Pandavas?’ And the + bull of the Chedis, having thus stirred the kings up, began to consult + with them how to obstruct the completion of the sacrifice. All the invited + monarchs who had come to the sacrifice, with Sunitha as their chief, + looked angry and their faces became pale. They all said, ‘We must so act + that the final sacrificial rite performed by Yudhishthira and the worship + of Krishna may not be regarded as having been acquiesced in by us. And + impelled by a belief in their power and great assurance, the kings, + deprived of reason through anger, began to say this. And being moved by + self-confidence and smarting under the insult offered unto them, the + monarchs repeatedly exclaimed thus. Though their friends sought to appease + them, their faces glowed with anger like those of roaring lions driven + away from their preys. Krishna then understood that the vast sea of + monarchs with its countless waves of troops was preparing for a terrific + rush.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0279"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Sisupala-badha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—Beholding that vast assembly of kings agitated + with wrath, even like the terrific sea agitated by the winds that blow at + the time of the universal dissolution, Yudhishthira addressing the aged + Bhishma, that chief of intelligent men and the grandsire of the Kurus, + even like Puruhita (Indra) that slayer of foes, of abundant energy + addressing Vrihaspati, said,—‘This vast ocean of kings, hath been + agitated by wrath. Tell me, O Grandsire, what I should do in view of this. + O Grandsire, now what I should do that my sacrifice may not be obstructed + and my subjects may not be injured.’ + </p> + <p> + “When king Yudhishthira the just, conversant with morality, said this, + Bhishma the grandsire of the Kurus, spoke these words in reply,—‘Fear + not, O tiger of the Kurus. Can the dog slay the lion? I have before this + found out a way that is both beneficial and comfortable to practise. As + dogs in a pack approaching the lion that is asleep bark together, so are + all these lords of earth. Indeed, O child, like dogs before the lion, + these (monarchs) are barking in rage before the sleeping lion of the + Vrishni race. Achyuta now is like a lion that is asleep. Until he waketh + up, this chief of the Chedis—this lion among men—maketh these + monarchs look like lions. O child, O thou foremost of all monarchs, this + Sisupala possessed of little intelligence is desirous of taking along with + him all these kings, through the agency of him who is the soul of the + universe, to the regions of Yama. Assuredly, O Bharata Vishnu hath been + desirous of taking back unto himself the energy that existeth in this + Sisupala. O Chief of all intelligent men, O son of Kunti, the intelligence + of this wicked-minded king of the Chedis, as also of all these monarchs, + hath become perverse. Indeed, the intelligence of all those whom this + tiger among men desireth to take unto himself, becometh perverse even like + that of this king of the Chedis. O Yudhishthira, Madhava is the progenitor + as also the destroyer of all created beings of the four species, + (oviparous, etc.,) existing in the three worlds.’” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued—Then the ruler of Chedis, having heard these + words of Bhishma, addressed the latter, O Bharata, in words that were + stern and rough.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0280"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XL + </h2> + <p> + ‘Sisupala said,—‘Old and infamous wretch of thy race, art thou not + ashamed of affrighting all these monarchs with these numerous false + terrors! Thou art the foremost of the Kurus, and living as thou dost in + the third state (celibacy) it is but fit for thee that thou shouldst give + such counsel that is so wide of morality. Like a boat tied to another boat + or the blind following the blind, are the Kurus who have thee for their + guide. Thou hast once more simply pained our hearts by reciting + particularly the deeds of this one (Krishna), such as the slaying of + Putana and others. Arrogant and ignorant as thou art, and desirous of + praising Kesava, why doth not this tongue of thine split up into a hundred + parts? How dost thou, superior as thou art in knowledge, desire to praise + that cow-boy in respect of whom even men of little intelligence may + address invectives? If Krishna in his infancy slew a vulture, what is + there remarkable in that, or in that other feat of his, O Bhishma, viz., + in his slaughter of Aswa and Vrishava, both of whom were unskilled in + battle? If this one threw drown by a kick an inanimate piece of wood, + viz., a car, what is there, O Bhishma, wonderful in that? O Bhishma, what + is there remarkable in this one’s having supported for a week the + Govardhan mount which is like an anthill? ‘While sporting on the top of a + mountain this one ate a large quantity of food,’—hearing these words + of thine many have wondered exceedingly. But, O thou who art conversant + with the rules of morality, is not this still more wrongful that that + great person, viz., Kansa, whose food this one ate, hath been slain by + him? Thou infamous one of the Kuru race, thou art ignorant of the rules of + morality. Hast thou not ever heard, from wise men speaking unto thee, what + I would now tell thee? The virtuous and the wise always instruct the + honest that weapons must never be made to descend upon women and kine and + Brahmanas and upon those whose food hath been taken, as also upon those + whose shelter hath been enjoyed. It seemeth, O Bhishma, that all these + teachings hath been thrown away by thee. O infamous one of the Kuru race, + desiring to praise Kesava, thou describest him before me as great and + superior in knowledge and in age, as if I knew nothing. If at thy word, O + Bhishma, one that hath slain women (meaning Putana) and kine be + worshipped, then what is to become of this great lesson? How can one who + is such, deserve praise, O Bhishma? ‘This one is the foremost of all wise + men,—‘This one is the lord of the universe’—hearing these + words of thine, Janarddana believeth that these are all true. But surely, + they are all false. The verses that a chanter sings, even if he sings them + often, produce no impression on him. And every creature acts according to + his disposition, even like the bird Bhulinga (that picks the particles of + flesh from between the lion’s teeth, though preaching against rashness). + Assuredly thy disposition is very mean. There is not the least doubt about + it. And so also, it seemeth, that the sons of Pandu who regard Krishna as + deserving of worship and who have thee for their guide, are possessed of a + sinful disposition. Possessing a knowledge of virtue, thou hast fallen off + from the path of the wise. Therefore thou art sinful. Who, O Bhishma, + knowing himself to be virtuous and superior in knowledge, will so act as + thou hast done from motives of virtue? If thou knowest the ways of the + morality, if thy mind is guided by wisdom, blessed be thou. Why then, O + Bhishma, was that virtuous girl Amva, who had set her heart upon another, + carried off by thee, so proud of wisdom and virtue? Thy brother + Vichitravirya conformably to the ways of the honest and the virtuous, + knowing that girl’s condition, did not marry her though brought by thee. + Boasting as thou dost of virtue, in thy very sight, upon the widow of thy + brother were sons begotten by another according to the ways of the honest. + Where is thy virtue, O Bhishma? This thy celebacy, which thou leadest + either from ignorance or from impotence, is fruitless. O thou who art + conversant with virtue, I do not behold thy well-being. Thou who + expoundest morality in this way dost not seem to have ever waited upon the + old. Worship, gift, study,—sacrifices distinguished by large gifts + to the Brahmanas,—these all equal not in merit even one-sixteenth + part of that which is obtainable by the possession of a son. The merit, O + Bhishma, that is acquired by numberless vows and fasts assuredly becomes + fruitless in the case of one that is childless. Thou art childless and old + and the expounder of false morality. Like the swan in the story, thou + shalt now die at the hands of thy relatives. Other men possessed of + knowledge have said this of old. I will presently recite it fully in thy + hearing. + </p> + <p> + “There lived of yore an old swan on the sea-coast. Ever speaking of + morality, but otherwise in his conduct, he used to instruct the feathery + tribe. Practise ye virtue and forego sin,—these were the words that + other truthful birds, O Bhishma, constantly heard him utter And the other + oviparous creatures ranging the sea, it hath been heard by us, O Bhishma + use for virtue’s sake to bring him food. And, O Bhishma, all those other + birds, keeping their eggs, with him, ranged and dived in the waters of the + sea. And the sinful old swan, attentive to his own pursuits, used to eat + up the eggs of all those birds that foolishly trusted in him. After a + while when the eggs were decreasing in number, a bird of great wisdom had + his suspicions roused and he even witnessed (the affair) one day. And + having witnessed the sinful act of the old swan, that bird in great sorrow + spoke unto all the other birds. Then, O thou best of the Kurus, all those + birds witnessing with their own eyes the act of the old swan, approached + that wretch of false conduct and slew him. + </p> + <p> + “Thy behaviour, O Bhishma, is even like that of the old swan. These lords + of earth might slay thee in anger like those creatures of the feathery + tribe slaying the old swan. Persons conversant with the Puranas recite a + proverb, O Bhishma, as regards this occurrence, I shall, O Bharata, repeat + it to thee fully. It is even this: O thou that supportest thyself on thy + wings, though thy heart is affected (by the passions), thou preachest yet + (of virtue); but this thy sinful act of eating up the eggs transgresseth + thy speech!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0281"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLI + </h2> + <p> + “Sisupala said,—“That mighty king Jarasandha who desired not to + fight with Krishna, saying ‘He is a slave,’ was worthy of my greatest + esteem. Who will regard as praiseworthy the act which was done by Kesava, + as also by Bhima and Arjuna, in the matter of Jarasandha’s death? Entering + by an improper gate, disguised as a Brahmana, thus Krishna observed the + strength of king Jarasandha. And when that monarch offered at first unto + this wretch water to wash his feet, it was then that he denied his + Brahmanahood from seeming motives of virtue. And when Jarasandha, O thou + of the Kuru race, asked Krishna and Bhima and Dhananjaya to eat, it was + this Krishna that refused that monarch’s request. If this one is the lord + of the universe, as this fool representeth him to be, why doth he not + regard himself as a Brahmana? This, however, surpriseth me greatly that + though thou leadest the Pandavas away from the path of the wise, they yet + regard thee as honest. Or, perhaps, this is scarcely a matter of surprise + in respect of those that have thee, O Bharata, womanish in disposition and + bent down with age, for their counsellor in everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—Hearing these words of Sisupala, harsh both + in import and sound, that foremost of mighty men, Bhimasena endued with + energy became angry. And his eyes, naturally large and expanding and like + unto lotus leaves became still more extended and red as copper under the + influence of that rage. And the assembled monarchs beheld on his forehead + three lines of wrinkles like the Ganga of treble currents on the + treble-peaked mountain. When Bhimasena began to grind his teeth in rage, + the monarchs beheld his face resembling that of Death himself, at the end + of the Yuga, prepared to swallow every creature. And as the hero endued + with great energy of mind was about to leap up impetuously, the + mighty-armed Bhishma caught him like Mahadeva seizing Mahasena (the + celestial generalissimo). And, O Bharata, Bhima’s wrath was soon appeased + by Bhishma, the grand-sire of the Kurus, with various kinds of counsel. + And Bhima, that chastiser of foes, could not disobey Bhishma’s words, like + the ocean that never transgresseth (even when swollen with the waters of + the rainy season) its continents. But, O king, even though Bhima was + angry, the brave Sisupala depending on his own manhood, did not tremble in + fear. And though Bhima was leaping up impetuously every moment, Sisupala + bestowed not a single thought on him, like a lion that recks not a little + animal in rage. The powerful king of Chedi, beholding Bhima of terrible + prowess in such rage, laughingly said,—‘Release him, O Bhishma! Let + all the monarchs behold him scorched by my prowess like an insect in + fire.’ Hearing these words of the ruler of the Chedis, Bhishma, that + foremost of the Kurus and chief of all intelligent men, spoke unto Bhima + these words.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0282"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLII + </h2> + <p> + “Bhishma said,—This Sisupala was born in the line of the king of + Chedi with three eyes and four hands. As soon as he was born, he screamed + and brayed like an ass. On that account, his father and mother along with + their relatives, were struck with fear. And beholding these extraordinary + omens, his parents resolved to abandon him. But an incorporeal voice, + about this time, said unto the king and his wife with their ministers and + priest, all with hearts paralysed by anxiety, those words,—‘This thy + son, O king, that hath been born will become both fortunate and superior + in strength. Therefore thou hast no fear from him. Indeed cherish the + child without anxiety. He will not die (in childhood). His time is not yet + come. He that will slay him with weapons hath also been born.’ Hearing + these words, the mother, rendered anxious by affection for her son, + addressed the invisible Being and said,—I bow with joined hands unto + him that hath uttered these words respecting my son; whether he be an + exalted divinity or any other being, let him tell me another word, I + desire to hear who will be the slayer of this my son. The invisible Being + then said,—‘He upon whose lap this child being placed the + superfluous arms of his will fall down upon the ground like a pair of + five-headed snakes, and at the sight of whom his third eye on the forehead + will disappear, will be his slayer?’ Hearing of the child’s three eyes and + four arms as also of the words of the invisible Being, all the kings of + the earth went to Chedi to behold him. The king of Chedi worshipping, as + each deserved, the monarchs that came, gave his child upon their laps one + after another. And though the child was placed upon the laps of a thousand + kings, one after another, yet that which the incorporeal voice had said + came not to pass. And having heard of all this at Dwaravati, the mighty + Yadava heroes Sankarshana and Janarddana also went to the capital of the + Chedis, to see their father’s sister—that daughter of the Yadavas + (the queen of Chedi) And saluting everybody according to his rank and the + king and queen also, and enquiring after every body’s welfare, both Rama + and Kesava took their seats. And after those heroes had been worshipped, + the queen with great pleasure herself placed the child on the lap of + Damodara. As soon as the child was placed on his lap, those superfluous + arms of his fell down and the eye on his forehead also disappeared. And + beholding this, the queen in alarm and anxiety begged of Krishna a boon. + And she said,—‘O mighty-armed Krishna, I am afflicted with fear; + grant me a boon. Thou art the assurer of all afflicted ones and that the + dispeller of everybody’s fear. Thus addressed by her. Krishna, that son of + the Yadu race, said—‘Fear not, O respected one. Thou art acquainted + with morality. Thou needest have no fear from me. What boon shall I give + thee? What shall I do, O aunt? Whether able or not, I shall do thy + bidding.’—Thus spoken to by Krishna, the queen said, ‘O thou of + great strength, thou wilt have to pardon the offences of Sisupala for my + sake. O tiger of the Yadu race. Know O lord, even this is the boon that I + ask.’ Krishna then said, ‘O aunt, even when he will deserve to be slain, I + will pardon an hundred offences of his. Grieve thou not.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma continued,—‘Even thus, O Bhima, is this wretch of a king—Sisupala + of wicked heart, who, proud of the boon granted by Govinda, summons thee + to battle!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0283"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIII + </h2> + <p> + “Bhishma said,—The will under which the ruler of Chedi summoneth + thee to fight though thou art of strength that knoweth no deterioration, + is scarcely his own intention. Assuredly, this is the purpose of Krishna + himself, the lord of the universe. O Bhima, what king is there on earth + that would dare abuse me thus, as this wretch of his race, already + possessed by Death, hath done to-day? This mighty-armed one is, without + doubt, a portion of Hari’s energy. And surely, the Lord desireth to take + back unto himself that energy of his own. In consequence of this, O tiger + of the Kuru race, this tiger-like king of Chedi, so wicked of heart, + roareth in such a way caring little for us all.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words of Bhishma, the king + of Chedi could bear no more, He then replied in rage unto Bhishma in these + words.— + </p> + <p> + ‘Let our foes, O Bhishma, be endued with that prowess which this Kesava + hath, whom thou like a professional chanter of hymns praisest, rising + repeatedly from thy seat. If thy mind, O Bhishma, delighteth so in + praising others, then praise thou these kings, leaving off Krishna. Praise + thou this excellent of kings, Darada, the ruler of Valhika, who rent this + earth as soon as he was born. Praise thou, O Bhishma, this Karna, the + ruler of the territories of Anga and Vanga, who is equal in strength unto + him of a thousand eyes, who draweth a large bow, who endued with mighty + arms owneth celestial ear-rings of heavenly make with which he was born + and this coat of mail possessing the splendour of the rising sun, who + vanquished in a wrestling encounter the invincible Jarasandha equal unto + Vasava himself, and who tore and mangled that monarch. O Bhishma, praise + Drona and Aswatthaman, who both father and son, are mighty warriors, + worthy of praise, and the best of Brahmanas, and either of whom, O + Bhishma, if enraged could annihilate this earth with its mobile and + immobile creatures, as I believe. I do not behold, O Bhishma, the king + that is equal in battle unto Drona or Aswatthaman. Why wishest thou not to + praise them? Passing over Duryyodhana, that mighty-armed king of kings, + who is unequalled in whole earth girt with her seas and king Jayadratha + accomplished in weapons and endued with great prowess, and Druma the + preceptor of the Kimpurushas and celebrated over the world for prowess, + and Saradwata’s son, old Kripa, the preceptor of the Bharata princes and + endued with great energy, why dost thou praise Kesava? Passing over that + foremost of bowmen—that excellent of kings, Rukmin of great energy, + why praisest thou Kesava? Passing over Bhishmaka of abundant energy, and + king Dantavakra, and Bhagadatta known for his innumerable sacrificial + stakes, and Jayatsena the king of the Magadha, and Virata and Drupada, and + Sakuni and Vrihadvala, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avant Pandya, Sweta + Uttama Sankhya of great prosperity, the proud Vrishasena, the powerful + Ekalavya, and the great charioteer Kalinga of abundant energy, why dost + thou praise Kesava? And, O Bhishma, if thy mind is always inclined to sing + the praises of others, why dost thou not praise Salya and other rulers of + the earth? O king, what can be done by me when (it seemeth) thou hast not + heard anything before from virtuous old men giving lessons in morality? + Hast thou never heard, O Bhishma, that reproach and glorification, both of + self and others, are not practices of those that are respectable? There is + no one that approveth thy conduct, O Bhishma, in unceasingly praising with + devotion, from ignorance alone, Kesava so unworthy of praise. How dost + thou, from thy wish alone, establish the whole universe in the servitor + and cowherd of Bhoja (Kansa)? Perhaps, O Bharata, this thy inclination is + not conformable to thy true nature, like to what may be in the bird + Bhulinga, as hath already been said by me. There is a bird called Bhulinga + living on the other side of the Himavat. O Bhishma, that bird ever + uttereth words of adverse import. Never do anything rash,—this is + what she always sayeth, but never understandeth that she herself always + acteth very rashly. Possessed of little intelligence that bird picketh + from the lion’s mouth the pieces of flesh sticking between the teeth, and + at a time when the lion is employed in eating. Assuredly, O Bhishma, that + bird liveth at the pleasure of the lion. O sinful wretch, thou always + speakest like that bird. And assuredly, O Bhishma, thou art alive at the + pleasure only of these kings. Employed in acts contrary to the opinions of + all, there is none else like thee!” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—Hearing these harsh words of the ruler of + Chedi, Bhishma, O king, said in the hearing of the king of Chedi,—‘Truly + am I alive at the pleasure of these rulers of earth. But I do regard these + kings as not equal to even a straw.’ As soon as these words were spoken by + Bhishma, the kings became inflamed with wrath. And the down of some + amongst them stood erect and some began to reprove Bhishma. And hearing + those words of Bhishma, some amongst them, that were wielders of large + bows exclaimed, ‘This wretched Bhishma, though old, is exceedingly + boastful. He deserveth not our pardon. Therefore, ye kings, incensed with + rage as this Bhishma is, it is well that this wretch were slain like an + animal, or, mustering together, let us burn him in a fire of grass or + straw.’ Hearing these words of the monarchs, Bhishma the grand-sire of the + Kurus, endued with great intelligence, addressing those lords of earth, + said,—‘I do not see the end of our speeches, for words may be + answered with words. Therefore, ye lords of earth, listen ye all unto what + I say. Whether I be slain like an animal or burnt in a fire of grass and + straw, thus do I distinctly place my foot on the heads of ye all. Here is + Govinda, that knoweth no deterioration. Him have we worshipped. Let him + who wisheth for speedy death, summon to battle Madhava of dark hue and the + wielder of the discus and the mace; and falling enter into and mingle with + the body of this god!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0284"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIV + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—Hearing these words of Bhishma, the ruler of + Chedi endued with exceeding prowess, desirous of combating with Vasudeva + addressed him and said,—O Janarddana, I challenge thee. Come, fight + with me until I slay thee today with all the Pandavas. For, O Krishna, the + sons of Pandu also, who disregarding the claims of all these kings, have + worshipped thee who art no king, deserve to be slain by me along with + thee. Even this is my opinion, O Krishna, that they who from childishness + have worshipped thee, as if thou deservest it, although thou art unworthy + of worship, being only a slave and a wretch and no king, deserve to be + slain by me.’ Having said this, that tiger among kings stood there roaring + in anger. And after Sisupala had ceased, Krishna addressing all the kings + in the presence of the Pandavas, spoke these words in a soft voice.—‘Ye + kings, this wicked-minded one, who is the son of a daughter of the Satwata + race, is a great enemy of us of the Satwata race; and though we never seek + to injure him, he ever seeketh our evil. This wretch of cruel deeds, ye + kings, hearing that we had gone to the city of Pragjyotisha, came and + burnt Dwaraka, although he is the son of my father’s sister. While king + Bhoja was sporting on the Raivataka hill, this one fell upon the + attendants of that king and slew and led away many of them in chains to + his own city. Sinful in all his purpose, this wretch, in order to obstruct + the sacrifice of my father, stole the sacrificial horse of the + horse-sacrifice that had been let loose under the guard of armed men. + Prompted by sinful motives, this one ravished the reluctant wife of the + innocent Vabhru (Akrura) on her way from Dwaraka to the country of the + Sauviras. This injurer of his maternal uncle, disguising himself in the + attire of the king of Karusha, ravished also the innocent Bhadra, the + princess of Visala, the intended bride of king Karusha. I have patiently + borne all these sorrows for the sake of my father’s sister. It is, + however, very fortunate that all this hath occurred today in the presence + of all the kings. Behold ye all today the hostility this one beareth + towards me. And know ye also all that he hath done me at my back. For the + excess of that pride in which he hath indulged in the presence of all + these monarchs, he deserveth to be slain by me. I am ill able to pardon + today the injuries that he hath done me. Desirous of speedy death, this + fool had desired Rukmini. But the fool obtained her not, like a Sudra + failing to obtain the audition of the Vedas.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words of Vasudeva, all the + assembled monarchs began to reprove the ruler of Chedi. But the powerful + Sisupala, having heard these words, laughed aloud and spoke thus,—‘O + Krishna, art thou not ashamed in saying in this assembly, especially + before all these kings that Rukmini (thy wife) had been coveted by me? O + slayer of Madhu, who else is there than thee, who regarding himself a man + would say in the midst of respectable men that his wife had been intended + for some body else? O Krishna, pardon me if thou pleasest, or pardon me + not. But angry or friendly, what canst thou do unto me?’ + </p> + <p> + “And while Sisupala was speaking thus, the exalted slayer of Madhu thought + in his mind of the discus that humbleth the pride of the Asuras. And as + soon as the discus came into his hands, skilled in speech the illustrious + one loudly uttered these words,—‘Listen ye lords of earth, why this + one had hitherto been pardoned by me. As asked by his mother, a hundred + offences (of his) were to be pardoned by me. Even this was the boon she + had asked, and even this I granted her. That number, ye kings, hath become + full. I shall now slay him in your presence, ye monarchs.’ Having said + this, the chief of the Yadus, that slayer of all foes, in anger, instantly + cut off the head of the ruler of Chedi by means of his discus. And the + mighty-armed one fell down like a cliff struck with thunder. And, O + monarch, the assembled kings then beheld a fierce energy, like unto the + sun in the sky, issue out of the body of the king of Chedi, and O king, + that energy then adored Krishna, possessed of eyes like lotus leaves and + worshipped by all the worlds, and entered his body. And all the kings + beholding the energy which entered that mighty-armed chief of men regarded + it as wonderful. And when Krishna had slain the king of Chedi, the sky, + though cloudless, poured showers of rain, and blasting thunders were + hurled, and the earth itself began to tremble. There were some among the + kings who spoke not a word during those unspeakable moments but merely sat + gazing at Janarddana. And some there were that rubbed in rage their palms + with their forefingers. And there were others who deprived of reason by + rage bit their lips with their teeth. And some amongst the kings applauded + him of the Vrishni race in private. And some there were that became + excited with anger; while others became mediators. The great Rishis with + pleased hearts praised Kesava and went away. And all the high-souled + Brahmanas and the mighty kings that were there, beholding Krishna’s + prowess, became glad at heart and praised him. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira then commanded his brothers to perform without delay the + funeral rites of king Sisupala, the brave son of Damaghosha, with proper + respect. The sons of Pandu obeyed the behest of their brother. And + Yudhishthira then, with all the kings, installed the son of king Sisupala + in the sovereignty of the Chedis. + </p> + <p> + “Then that sacrifice, O monarch, of the king of the Kurus possessed of + great energy, blessed with every kind of prosperity, became exceedingly + handsome and pleasing unto all young men. And commenced auspiciously, and + all impediments removed, and furnished with abundance of wealth and corn, + as also with plenty of rice and every kind of food, it was properly + watched by Kesava. And Yudhishthira in due time completed the great + sacrifice. And the mighty-armed Janarddana, the exalted Sauri, with his + bow called Saranga and his discus and mace, guarded that sacrifice till + its completion. And all the Kshatriya monarchs, having approached the + virtuous Yudhishthira who had bathed after the conclusion of the + sacrifice, said these words: ‘By good fortune thou hast come out + successful. O virtuous one, thou hast obtained the imperial dignity. O + thou of the Ajamida race, by thee hath been spread the fame of thy whole + race. And, O king of kings, by this act of thine, thou hast also acquired + great religious merit. We have been worshipped by thee to the full extent + of our desires. We now tell thee that we are desirous of returning to our + own kingdoms. It behoveth thee to grant us permission.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of the monarchs, king Yudhishthira the just, + worshipping each as he deserved, commanded his brothers, saying, ‘These + monarchs had all come to us at their own pleasure. These chastisers of + foes are now desirous of returning to their own kingdoms, bidding me + farewell. Blest be ye, follow ye these excellent kings to the confines of + our own dominions.’ Hearing these words of their brother, the virtuous + Pandava princes followed the kings, one after another as each deserved. + The powerful Dhrishtadyumna followed without loss of time king Virata: and + Dhananjaya followed the illustrious and mighty charioteer Yajnasena; and + the mighty Bhimasena followed Bhishma and Dhritarashtra: and Sahadeva, + that master of battle, followed the brave Drona and his son; and Nakula, O + king, followed Suvala with his son; and the sons of Draupadi with the son + of Subhadra followed those mighty warriors—the kings of the + mountainous countries. And other bulls among Kshatriyas followed other + Kshatriyas. And the Brahmanas by thousands also went away, duly + worshipped. + </p> + <p> + “After all the Kings and the Brahmanas had gone away, the powerful + Vasudeva addressing Yudhishthira said,—‘O son of the Kuru race, with + thy leave, I also desire to go to Dwaraka. By great good fortune, thou + hast accomplished the foremost of sacrifices—Rajasuya!’ Thus + addressed by Janarddana, Yudhishthira replied, ‘Owing to thy grace, O + Govinda. I have accomplished the great sacrifice. And it is owing to thy + grace that the whole Kshatriya world having accepted my sway, had come + hither with valuable tribute. O hero, without thee, my heart never feeleth + any delight. How can I, therefore, O hero, give thee, O sinless one, leave + to go? But thou must have to go to the city of Dwaraka.’ The virtuous Hari + of worldwide fame, thus addressed by Yudhishthira, cheerfully went with + his cousin to Pritha and said,—‘O aunt, thy sons have now obtained + the imperial dignity. They have obtained vast wealth and been also crowned + with success. Be pleased with all this. Commanded by thee, O aunt, I + desire to go to Dwaraka.’ After this, Kesava bade farewell to Draupadi and + Subhadra. Coming out then of the inner apartments accompanied by + Yudhishthira, he performed his ablutions and went through the daily rites + of worship, and then made the Brahmanas utter benedictions. Then the + mighty armed Daruka came there with a car of excellent design and body + resembling the clouds. And beholding that Garuda-bannered car arrived + thither, the high-souled one, with eyes like lotus leaves, walked round it + respectfully and ascending on it set out for Dwaravati. And king + Yudhishthira the just, blessed with prosperity, accompanied by his + brothers, followed on foot the mighty Vasudeva. Then Hari with eyes like + lotus leaves, stopping that best of cars for a moment, addressing + Yudhishthira the son of Kunti, said,—‘O king of kings, cherishest + thou thy subjects with ceaseless vigilance and patience. And as the clouds + are unto all creatures, as the large tree of spreading bough is unto + birds, as he of a thousand eyes is unto the immortals, be thou the refuge + and support of thy relatives. And Krishna and Yudhishthira having thus + talked unto each other took each other’s leave and returned to their + respective homes. And, O king, after the chief of the Satwata race had + gone to Dwaravati, king Duryodhana alone, with king Suvala’s son, Sakuni,—these + bulls among men,—continued to live in that celestial assembly house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0285"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLV + </h2> + <h3> + (Dyuta Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“when that foremost of sacrifices, the Rajasuya + so difficult of accomplishment, was completed, Vyasa surrounded by his + disciples presented himself before Yudhishthira. And Yudhishthira, upon + beholding him quickly rose from his seat, surrounded by his brothers, and + worshipped the Rishi who was his grand-father, with water to wash his feet + and the offer of a seat. The illustrious one having taken his seat on a + costly carpet inlaid with gold, addressed king Yudhishthira the just and + said.—‘Take thy seat’. And after the king had taken his seat + surrounded by his brothers, the illustrious Vyasa, truthful in speech + said,—‘O son of Kunti, thou growest from good fortune. Thou hast + obtained imperial sway so difficult of acquisition. And O perpetuator of + the Kuru race, all the Kauravas have prospered in consequence of thee. O + Emperor, I have been duly worshipped. I desire now to go with thy leave! + King Yudhishthira the just, thus addressed by the Rishi of dark hue, + saluted (him) his grandfather and touching his feet said,—‘O chief + of men, a doubt difficult of being dispelled, hath risen within me. O bull + among regenerate ones, save thee there is none to remove it. The + illustrious Rishi Narada said that (as a consequence of the Rajasuya + sacrifice) three kinds of portents, viz., celestial, atmospherical and + terrestrial ones happen. O grandsire, have those portents been ended by + the fall of the kind of the Chedis?’’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words of the king, the + exalted son of Parasara, the island-born Vyasa of dark hue, spoke these + words,—‘For thirteen years, O king, those portents will bear mighty + consequences ending in destruction, O king of kings, of all the + Kshatriyas. In course of time, O bull of the Bharata race, making thee the + sole cause, the assembled Kshatriyas of the world will be destroyed, O + Bharata, for the sins of Duryodhana and through the might of Bhima and + Arjuna. In thy dream, O king of kings thou wilt behold towards the end of + this might the blue throated Bhava, the slayer of Tripura, ever absorbed + in meditation, having the bull for his mark, drinking off the human skull, + and fierce and terrible, that lord of all creatures, that god of gods, the + husband of Uma, otherwise called Hara and Sarva, and Vrisha, armed with + the trident and the bow called Pinaka, and attired in tiger skin. And thou + wilt behold Siva, tall and white as the Kailasa cliff and seated on his + bull, gazing unceasingly towards the direction (south) presided over by + the king of the Pitris. Even this will be the dream thou wilt dream today, + O king of kings. Do not grieve for dreaming such a dream. None can rise + superior to the influence of Time. Blest be thou! I will now proceed + towards the Kailasa mountain. Rule thou the earth with vigilance and + steadiness, patiently bearing every privation!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Having said this, the illustrious and + island-born Vyasa of dark hue, accompanied by his disciples ever following + the dictates of the Vedas, proceeded towards Kailasa. And after the + grand-father had thus gone away, the king afflicted with anxiety and + grief, began to think continuously upon what the Rishi hath said. And he + said to himself, ‘Indeed what the Rishi hath said must come to pass. We + will succeed in warding off the fates by exertion alone?’ Then + Yudhishthira endued with great energy addressing all his brothers, said, + ‘Ye tigers among men, ye have heard what the island-born Rishi hath told + me. Having heard the words of the Rishi, I have arrived at this firm + resolution viz., that I should die, as I am ordained to be the cause of + the destruction of all Kshatriyas. Ye my dear ones, if Time hath intended + so what need is there for me to live?’ Hearing these words of the king, + Arjuna replied, ‘O king, yield not thyself to this terrible depression + that is destructive of reason. Mustering fortitude, O great king, do what + would be beneficial.’ Yudhishthira then, firm in truth, thinking all the + while of Dwaipayana’s words answered his brothers thus,—‘Blest be + ye. Listen to my vow from this day. For thirteen years, what ever purpose + have I to live for, I shall not speak a hard word to my brothers or to any + of the kings of the earth. Living under the command of my relatives, I + shall practise virtue, exemplifying my vow. If I live in this way, making + no distinction between my own children and others, there will be no + disagreement (between me and others). It is disagreement that is the cause + of war in the world. Keeping war at a distance, and ever doing what is + agreeable to others, evil reputation will not be mine in the world, ye + bulls among men. Hearing these words of their eldest brother, the + Pandavas, always engaged in doing what was agreeable to him, approved of + them. And Yudhishthira the just, having pledged so, along with his + brothers in the midst of that assembly, gratified his priests as also the + gods with due ceremonies. And, O bull of the Bharata race, after all the + monarchs had gone away, Yudhishthira along with his brothers, having + performed the usual auspicious rites, accompanied by his ministers entered + his own palace. And, O ruler of men, king Duryodhana and Sakuni, the son + of Suvala, continued to dwell in that delightful assembly house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0286"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“That bull among men, Duryodhana, continued to + dwell in that, assembly house (of the Pandavas). And with Sakuni, the Kuru + prince slowly examined the whole of that mansion, and the Kuru prince + beheld in it many celestial designs, which he had never seen before in the + city called after the elephant (Hastinapore). And one day king Duryodhana + in going round that mansion came upon a crystal surface. And the king, + from ignorance, mistaking it for a pool of water, drew up his clothes. And + afterwards finding out his mistake the king wandered about the mansion in + great sorrow. And sometime after, the king, mistaking a lake of crystal + water adorned with lotuses of crystal petals for land, fell into it with + all his clothes on. Beholding Duryodhana fallen into the lake, the mighty + Bhima laughed aloud as also the menials of the palace. And the servants, + at the command of the king, soon brought him dry and handsome clothes. + Beholding the plight of Duryodhana, the mighty Bhima and Arjuna and both + the twins—all laughed aloud. Being unused to putting up with + insults, Duryodhana could not bear that laugh of theirs. Concealing his + emotions he even did not cast his looks on them. And beholding the monarch + once more draw up his clothes to cross a piece of dry land which he had + mistaken for water, they all laughed again. And the king sometime after + mistook a closed door made of crystal as open. And as he was about to pass + through it his head struck against it, and he stood with his brain + reeling. And mistaking as closed another door made of crystal that was + really open, the king in attempting to open it with stretched hands, + tumbled down. And coming upon another door that was really open, the king + thinking it as closed, went away from it. And, O monarch, king Duryodhana + beholding that vast wealth in the Rajasuya sacrifice and having become the + victim of those numerous errors within the assembly house at last + returned, with the leave of the Pandavas, to Hastinapore. + </p> + <p> + And the heart of king Duryodhana, afflicted at sight of the prosperity of + the Pandavas, became inclined to sin, as he proceeded towards his city + reflecting on all he had seen and suffered. And beholding the Pandavas + happy and all the kings of the earth paying homage to them, as also + everybody, young and old, engaged in doing good unto them, and reflecting + also on the splendour and prosperity of the illustrious sons of Pandu, + Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, became pale. In proceeding (to his + city) with an efflicted heart, the prince thought of nothing else but that + assembly house and that unrivalled prosperity of the wise Yudhishthira. + And Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, was so taken up with his + thoughts then that he spoke not a word to Suvala’s son even though the + latter addressed him repeatedly. And Sakuni, beholding him absent-minded, + said,—‘O Duryodhana, why art thou proceeding thus’? + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana replied,—O uncle, beholding this whole earth owning the + sway of Yudhishthira in consequence of the might of the illustrious + Arjuna’s weapons and beholding also that sacrifice of the son of Pritha + like unto the sacrifice of Sakra himself of great glory among the + celestials, I, being filled with jealousy and burning day and night, am + being dried up like a shallow tank in the summer season. Behold, when + Sisupala was slain by the chief of the Satwatas, there was no man to take + the side of Sisupala. Consumed by the fire of the Pandava, they all + forgave that offence; otherwise who is there that could forgive it? That + highly improper act of grave consequence done by Vasudeva succeeded in + consequence of the power of the illustrious son of Pandu. And so many + monarchs also brought with them various kinds of wealth for king + Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, like tribute-paying Vaisyas! Beholding + Yudhishthira’s prosperity of such splendour, my heart burneth, efflicted + with jealously, although it behoveth me not to be jealous.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having reflected in this way, Duryodhana, as if burnt by fire, addressed + the king of Gandhara again and said,—‘I shall throw myself upon a + flaming fire or swallow poison or drown myself in water. I cannot live. + What man is there in the world possessed of vigour who can bear to see his + foes in the enjoyment of prosperity and himself in destitution? Therefore + I who bear to see that accession of prosperity and fortune (in my foes) am + neither a woman nor one that is not a woman, neither also a man nor one + that is not a man. Beholding their sovereignty over the world and vast + affluence, as also that sacrifice, who is there like me that would not + smart under all that? Alone I am incapable of acquiring such royal + prosperity; nor do I behold allies that could help me in the matter. It is + for this that I am thinking of self-destruction. Beholding that great and + serene prosperity of the son of Kunti, I regard Fate as supreme and + exertions fruitless. O son of Suvala, formerly I strove to compass his + destruction. But baffling all my efforts he hath grown in prosperity even + like the lotus from within a pool of water. It is for this that I regard + Fate as supreme and exertions fruitless. Behold, the sons of Dhritarashtra + are decaying and the sons of Pritha are growing day by day. Beholding that + prosperity of the Pandavas, and that assembly house of theirs, and those + menials laughing at me, my heart burneth as if it were on fire. Therefore, + O uncle, know me now as deeply grieved and filled with jealousy, and speak + of it to Dhritarashtra. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0287"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sakuni said.—‘O Duryodhana, thou shouldst not be jealous of + Yudhishthira. The sons of Pandu are enjoying what they deserve in + consequence of their own good fortune. O slayer of foes, O great king, + thou couldst not destroy them by repeatedly devising numberless plans, + many of which thou hadst even put to practice. Those tigers among men out + of sheer luck escaped all those machinations. They have obtained Draupadi + for wife and Drupada with his sons as also Vasudeva of great prowess as + allies, capable of helping them in subjugating the whole world. And O + king, having inherited the paternal share of the kingdom without being + deprived of it they have grown in consequence of their own energy. What is + there to make thee sorry for this? Having gratified Hustasana, Dhananjaya + hath obtained the bow Gandiva and the couple of inexhaustible quivers and + many celestial weapons. With that unique bow and by the strength of his + own arms also he hath brought all the kings of the world under his sway. + What is there to make thee sorry for this? Having saved the Asura Maya + from a conflagration, Arjuna, that slayer of foes, using both his hands + with equal skill, caused him to build that assembly house. And it is for + this also that commanded by Maya, those grim Rakshasas called Kinkaras + supported that assembly house. What is there in this to make thee sorry? + Thou hast said, O king, that thou art without allies. This, O Bharata, is + not true. These thy brothers are obedient to thee. Drona of great prowess + and wielding the large bow along with his son, Radha’s son Karna, the + great warrior Gautama (Kripa), myself with my brothers and king Saumadatti—these + are thy allies. Uniting thyself with these, conquer thou the whole of the + earth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said,—‘O king, with thee, as also with these great + warriors, I shall subjugate the Pandavas, if it pleases thee. If I can now + subjugate them, the world will be mine and all the monarchs, and that + assembly house so full of wealth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuni replied,—‘Dhananjaya and Vasudeva, Bhimasena and + Yudhishthira, Nakula and Sahadeva and Drupada with his sons,—these + cannot be vanquished in battle by even the celestials, for they are all + great warriors wielding the largest bows, accomplished in weapons, and + delighting in battle. But, O king, I know the means by which Yudhishthira + himself may be vanquished. Listen to me and adopt it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said,—‘without danger to our friends and other + illustrious men, O uncle, tell me if there is any way by which I may + vanquish him.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuni said,—‘The son of Kunti is very fond of dice-play although + he doth not know how to play. That king if asked to play, is ill able to + refuse. I am skillful at dice. There is none equal to me in this respect + on earth, no, not even in the three worlds, O son of Kuru. Therefore, ask + him to play at dice. Skilled at dice, I will win his kingdom, and that + splendid prosperity of his for thee, O bull among men. But, O Duryodhana, + represent all this unto the king (Dhritarashtra). Commanded by thy father + I will win without doubt the whole of Yudhishthira’s possessions.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said ‘O son of Suvala, thou thyself represent properly all + this to Dhritarashtra, the chief of the Kurus. I shall not be able to do + so. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0288"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said—“O king, impressed with the great Rajasuya + sacrifice of king Yudhishthira, Sakuni, the son of Suvala, having learnt + before the intentions of Duryodhana, while accompanying him in the way + from the assembly house, and desirous of saying what was agreeable to him, + approached Dhritarashtra endued with great wisdom, and finding the monarch + deprived of his eye seated (in his throne), told him these words,—‘Know, + O great king, O bull of the Bharata race, that Duryodhana, having lost + colour, hath become pale and emaciated and depressed and a prey to + anxiety. Why dost thou not, after due enquiry, ascertain the grief that is + in the heart of thy eldest son, the grief that is caused by the foe?’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘Duryodhana, what is the reason of thy great + affliction. O son of the Kuru race? If it is fit for me to hear it, then + tell me the reason. This Sakuni here says that thou hast lost colour, + become pale and emaciated, and a prey to anxiety. I do not know what can + be the reason of the sorrow. This vast wealth of mine is at thy control. + Thy brothers and all our relations never do anything that is disagreeable + to thee. Thou wearest the best apparel and eatest the best food that is + prepared with meat. The best of horse carries thee. What it is, therefore, + that hath made thee pale and emaciated? Costly beds, beautiful damsels, + mansions decked with excellent furniture, and sport of the delightful + kind, without doubt these all wait but at thy command, as in the case of + the gods themselves Therefore, O proud one, why dost thou grieve, O son, + as if thou wert destitute.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said,—‘I eat and dress myself like a wretch and pass my + time all the while a prey to fierce jealousy. He indeed is a man, who + incapable of bearing the pride of the foe, liveth having vanquished that + foe with the desire of liberating his own subjects from the tyranny of the + foe. Contentment, as also pride, O Bharata, are destructive of prosperity; + and those other two qualities also, viz., compassion and fear. One who + acteth under the influence of these, never obtaineth anything high. Having + beheld Yudhishthira’s prosperity, whatever I enjoy brings me no + gratification. The prosperity of Kunti’s son that is possessed of such + splendour maketh me pale. Knowing the affluence of the foe and my own + destitution, even though that affluence is not before me, I yet see it + before me. Therefore, have I lost colour and become melancholy, pale and + emaciated. Yudhishthira supporteth eighty-eight thousand Snataka Brahmanas + leading domestic lives, giving unto each of them thirty slave-girls. + Beside this, thousand other Brahmanas daily eat at his palace the best of + food on golden plates. The king of Kambhoja sent unto him (as tribute) + innumerable skins, black, darkish, and red, of the deer Kadali, as also + numberless blankets of excellent textures. And hundreds and thousands and + thousands of she-elephants and thirty thousand she-camels wander within + the palace, for the kings of the earth brought them all as tribute to the + capital of the Pandavas. And, O lord of earth, the kings also brought unto + this foremost of sacrifices heaps upon heaps of jewels and gems for the + son of Kunti. Never before did I see or hear of such enormous wealth as + was brought unto the sacrifice of the intelligent sons of Pandu. And, O + king, beholding that enormous collection of wealth belonging to the foe, I + can not enjoy peace of mind. Hundreds of Brahmanas supported by the grants + that Yudhishthira hath given them and possessing wealth of kine, waited at + the palace gate with three thousands of millions of tribute but were + prevented by the keepers from entering the mansion. Bringing with them + clarified butter in handsome Kamandalus made of gold, they did not obtain + admission into the palace, and Ocean himself brought unto him in vessels + of white copper the nectar that is generated within his waters and which + is much superior to that which flowers and annual plants produce for + Sakra. And Vasudeva (at the conclusion of the sacrifice) having brought an + excellent conch bathed the Sun of Pritha with sea water brought in + thousand jars of gold, all well adorned with numerous gems. Beholding all + this I became feverish with jealousy. Those jars had been taken to the + Eastern and the Southern oceans. And they had also been taken on the + shoulders of men to the Western ocean, O bull among men. And, O father, + although none but birds only can go to the Northern region Arjuna, having + gone thither, exacted as tribute a vast quantity of wealth. There is + another wonderful incident also which I will relate to thee. O listen to + me. When a hundred thousand Brahmanas were fed, it had been arranged that + to notify this act every day conches would be blown in a chorus. But, O + Bharata, I continually heard conches blown there almost repeatedly. And + hearing those notes my hair stood on end. And, O great king, that palatial + compound, filled with innumerable monarchs that came there as spectators, + looked exceedingly handsome like the cloudless firmament with stars. And, + O king of men, the monarchs came into that sacrifice of the wise son of + Pandu bringing with them every kind of wealth. And the kings that came + there became like Vaisyas the distributors of food unto the Brahmanas that + were fed. And O king, the prosperity that I beheld of Yudhishthira was + such that neither the chief himself of the celestials, nor Yama or Varuna, + nor the lord of the Guhyakas owneth the same. And beholding that great + prosperity of the son of Pandu, my heart burneth and I cannot enjoy peace. + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Duryodhana, Sakuni replied,—‘Hear how thou + mayest obtain this unrivalled prosperity that thou beholdest in the son of + Pandu, O thou that hast truth for thy prowess. O Bharata, I am an adept at + dice, superior to all in the world. I can ascertain the success or + otherwise of every throw, and when to stake and when not. I have special + knowledge of the game. The Son of Kunti also is fond of dice playing + though he possesseth little skill in it. Summoned to play or battle, he is + sure to come forward, and I will defeat him repeatedly at every throw by + practising deception. I promise to win all that wealth of his, and thou, O + Duryodhana, shalt then enjoy the same.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“King Duryodhana, thus addressed by Sakuni, + without allowing a moment to elapse, said unto Dhritarashtra,—‘This, + Sakuni, an adept at dice, is ready to win at dice, O king, the wealth of + the sons of Pandu. It behoveth thee to grant him permission to do so.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra replied,—‘I always follow the counsels of Kshatta, my + minister possessed of great wisdom. Having consulted with him, I will + inform thee what my judgment is in respect of this affair. Endued with + great foresight, he will, keeping morality before his eyes, tell us what + is good and what is proper for both parties, and what should be done in + this matter.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said,—‘If thou consultest with Kshatta he will make thee + desist. And if thou desist, O king, I will certainly kill myself. And when + I am dead, O king, thou wilt become happy with Vidura. Thou wilt then + enjoy the whole earth; what need hast thou with me?’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Dhritarashtra, hearing these words of + affliction uttered by Duryodhana from mixed feeling, himself ready to what + Duryodhana had dictated, commanded his servant, saying,—‘Let + artificers be employed to erect without delay a delightful and handsome + and spacious palace with an hundred doors and a thousand columns. And + having brought carpenters and joiners, set ye jewels and precious stones + all over the walls. And making it handsome and easy of access, report to + me when everything is complete. And, O monarch, king Dhritarashtra having + made this resolution for the pacification of Duryodhana, sent messengers + unto Vidura for summoning him. For without taking counsel with Vidura + never did the monarch form any resolution. But as regards the matter at + hand, the king although he knew the evils of gambling, was yet attracted + towards it. The intelligent Vidura, however, as soon as he heard of it, + knew that the arrival of Kali was at hand. And seeing that the way to + destruction was about to open, he quickly came to Dhritarashtra. And + Vidura approaching his illustrious eldest brother and bowing down unto his + feet, said these words: + </p> + <p> + ‘O exalted king, I do not approve of this resolution that thou hast + formed. It behave thee, O king, to act in such a way that no dispute may + arise between thy children on account of this gambling match.’ + </p> + <p> + Dhritarashtra replied,—‘O Kshatta, if the gods be merciful unto us, + assuredly no dispute will ever arise amongst my sons. Therefore, + auspicious or otherwise, beneficial or otherwise, let this friendly + challenge at dice proceed. Even this without doubt is what fate hath + ordained for us. And, O son of the Bharata race, when I am near, and Drona + and Bhishma and thou too, nothing evil that even Fate might have ordained + is likely to happen. Therefore, go thou on a car yoking thereto horses + endued with the speed of the wind, so that thou mayest reach + Khandavaprastha even today and bring thou Yudhishthira with thee. And, O + Vidura, I tell that even this is my resolution. Tell me nothing. I regard + Fate as supreme which bringeth all this.’ Hearing these words of + Dhritarashtra and concluding that his race was doomed, Vidura in great + sorrow went unto Bhishma with great wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0289"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIX + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said,—“O thou foremost of all conversant with the Vedas, + how did that game at dice take place, fraught with such evil to the + cousins and through which my grand-sires, the son of Pandu, were plunged + into such sorrow? What kings also were present in that assembly, and who + amongst them approved of the gambling match and who amongst them forbade + it? O sinless one, O chief of regenerate ones, I desire thee to recite in + detail all about this, which, indeed, was the cause of the destruction of + the world.” + </p> + <p> + Santi said,—“Thus addressed by the king, the disciple of Vyasa, + endued with great energy and conversant with the entire Vedas, narrated + everything that had happened.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“O best of the Bharatas, O great king, if thou + desirest to hear, then listen to me as I narrate to thee everything again + in detail. + </p> + <p> + “Ascertaining the opinion of Vidura, Dhritarashtra the son of Amvika, + calling Duryodhana told him again in private—‘O son of Gandhari, + have nothing to do with dice. Vidura doth not speak well of it. Possessed + of great wisdom, he will never give me advice that is not for my good. I + also regard what Vidura sayeth as exceedingly beneficial for me. Do that, + O son, for I regard it all as for thy good also. Indeed, Vidura knoweth + with all its mysteries the science (of political morality) that the + illustrious and learned and wise Vrihaspati, the celestial Rishi who is + the spiritual guide of Vasava—had unfolded unto the wise chief of + the immortals. And O son, I always accept what Vidura adviseth. O king, as + the wise Uddhava is ever regarded amongst the Vrishnis, so is Vidura + possessed of great intelligence esteemed as the foremost of the Kurus. + Therefore, O son, have nothing to do with dice. It is evident that dice + soweth dissensions. And dissensions are the ruin of the kingdom. + Therefore, O son, abandon this idea of gambling. O son, thou hast obtained + from us what, it hath been ordained, a father and a mother should give + unto their son, viz., ancestral rank and possessions. Thou art educated + and clever in every branch of knowledge, and hast been brought up with + affection in thy paternal dwelling. Born the eldest among all thy + brothers, living within thy own kingdom, why regardest thou thyself as + unhappy? O thou of mighty arms, thou obtainest food and attire of the very + best kind and which is not obtainable by ordinary men. Why dost thou + grieve yet. O son, O mighty-armed one, ruling thy large ancestral kingdom + swelling with people and wealth, thou shinest as splendidly as the chief + of the celestials in heaven. Thou art possessed of wisdom. It behoveth + thee to tell me what can be the root of this grief that hath made thee so + melancholy. + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana replied,—‘I am a sinful wretch, O king, because I eat + and dress beholding (the prosperity of the foes). It hath been said that + man is a wretch who is not filled with jealousy at the sight of his + enemy’s prosperity. O exalted one, this kind of prosperity of mine doth + not gratify me. Beholding that blazing prosperity of the son of Kunti, I + am very much pained. I tell thee strong must be my vitality, in as much as + I am living even at the sight of the whole earth owning the sway of + Yudhishthira. The Nipas, the Chitrakas, the Kukkuras, the Karaskaras, and + the Lauha-janghas are living in the palace of Yudhishthira like bondsmen. + The Himavat, the ocean, the regions on the sea-shore, and the numberless + other regions that yield jewels and gems, have all acknowledged + superiority of the mansion of Yudhishthira in respect of wealth it + containeth. And, O Monarch, regarding me as the eldest and entitled to + respect, Yudhishthira having received me respectfully, appointed me in + receiving the jewels and gems (that were brought as tribute). O Bharata, + the limit and the like of the excellent and invaluable jewels that were + brought there have not been seen. And O king, my hands were fatigued in + receiving that wealth. And when I was tired, they that brought those + valuable articles from distant regions used to wait till I was able to + resume my labour. Bringing jewels from the lake Vindu, the Asura architect + Maya constructed (for the Pandavas) a lake-like surface made of crystal. + Beholding the (artificial) lotuses with which it was filled, I mistook it, + O king for water. And seeing me draw up my clothes (while about to cross + it), Vrikodara (Bhima) laughed at me, regarding me as wanting in jewels + and having lost my head at the sight of the affluence of my enemy. If I + had the ability, I would, O king, without the loss of a moment, slay + Vrikodara for that. But, O monarch, if we endeavour to slay Bhima now, + without doubt, ours will be the fate of Sisupala. O Bharata, that insult + by the foe burneth me. Once again, O king, beholding a similar lake that + is really full of water but which I mistook for a crystal surface, I fell + into it. At that, Bhima with Arjuna once more laughed derisively, and + Draupadi also accompanied by other females joined in the laughter. That + paineth my heart exceedingly. My apparel having been wet, the menials at + the command of the king gave me other clothes. That also is my great + sorrow. And O king, hear now of another mistake that I speak of. In + attempting to pass through what is exactly of the shape of a door but + through which there was really no passage, I struck my forehead against + stone and injured myself. The twins Nakula and Sahadeva beholding from a + distance that I was so hit at the head came and supported me in their + arms, expressing great concern for me. And Sahadeva repeatedly told me, as + if with a smile,—‘This O king, is the door. Go this way!’ And + Bhimasena, laughing aloud, addressed me and said,—‘O son of + Dhritarashtra, this is the door. And, O king I had not even heard of the + names of those gems that I saw in that mansion. And it is for these + reasons that my heart so acheth.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0290"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION L + </h2> + <p> + Duryodhana said,—‘Listen now, O Bharata, about all the most costly + articles I saw, belonging unto the sons of Pandu, and brought one after + another by the kings of the earth. Beholding that wealth of the foe, I + lost my reason and scarcely knew myself. And, O Bharata, listen as I + describe that wealth consisting of both manufactures and the produce of + the land. The king of Kamboja gave innumerable skins of the best king, and + blankets made of wool, of the soft fur of rodents and other burroughers, + and of the hair of cats,—all inlaid with threads of gold. And he + also gave three hundred horses of the Titteti and the Kalmasha species + possessing noses like parrots. And he also gave three hundred camels and + an equal number of she-asses, all fattened with the olives and the + Pilusha. And innumerable Brahmanas engaged in rearing cattle and occupied + in low offices for the gratification of the illustrious king Yudhishthira + the just waited at the gate with three hundred millions of tribute but + they were denied admission into the palace. And hundred upon hundreds of + Brahmanas possessing wealth of kine and living upon the lands that + Yudhishthira had given them, came there with their handsome golden + Kamandalus filled with clarified butter. And though they had brought such + tribute, they were refused admission into the palace. And the Sudra kings + that dwelt in the regions on the seacoast, brought with them, O king, + hundred thousands of serving girls of the Karpasika country, all of + beautiful features and slender waist and luxuriant hair and decked in + golden ornaments; and also many skins of the Ranku deer worthy even of + Brahmanas as tribute unto king Yudhishthira. And the tribes Vairamas, + Paradas, Tungas, with the Kitavas who lived upon crops that depended on + water from the sky or of the river and also they who were born in regions + on the sea-shore, in woodlands, or countries on the other side of the + ocean waited at the gate, being refused permission to enter, with goats + and kine and asses and camels and vegetable, honey and blankets and jewels + and gems of various kinds. And that great warrior king Bhagadatta, the + brave ruler of Pragjyotisha and the mighty sovereign of the mlechchas, at + the head of a large number of Yavanas waited at the gate unable to enter, + with a considerable tribute comprising of horses of the best breed and + possessing the speed of the wind. And king Bhagadatta (beholding the + concourse) had to go away from the gate, making over a number of swords + with handles made of the purest ivory and well-adorned with diamonds and + every kind of gems. And many tribes coming from different regions, of whom + some possess two eyes, some three and some had eyes on their foreheads, + and those also called Aushmikas, and Nishadas, and Romakas, some cannibals + and many possessing only one leg. I say, O king, standing at the gate, + being refused permission to enter. And these diverse rulers brought as + tribute ten thousand asses of diverse hues and black necks and huge bodies + and great speed and much docility and celebrated all over the world. And + these asses were all of goodly size and delightful colour. And they were + all bred on the coast of Vankhu. And there were many kings that gave unto + Yudhishthira much gold and silver. And having given much tribute they + obtained admission into the palace of Yudhishthira. The people that came + there possessing only one leg gave unto Yudhishthira many wild horses, + some of which were as red as the cochineal, and some white, and some + possessing the hues of the rainbow and some looking like evening clouds, + and some that were of variegated colour. And they were all endued with the + speed of the mind. And they also gave unto the king enough gold of + superior quality. I also saw numberless Chins and Sakas and Uddras and + many barbarous tribes living in the woods, and many Vrishnis and + Harahunas, and dusky tribes of the Himavat, and many Nipas and people + residing in regions on the sea-coast, waiting at the gate being refused + permission to enter. And the people of Valhika gave unto him as tribute + ten thousand asses, of goodly size and black necks and daily running two + hundred miles, And those asses were of many shapes. And they were + well-trained and celebrated all over the world. And possessed of + symmetrical proportion and excellent colour, their skins were pleasant to + the touch. And the Valhikas also presented numerous blankets of woollen + texture manufactured in Chin and numerous skins of the Ranku deer, and + clothes manufactured from jute, and others woven with the threads spun by + insects. And they also gave thousands of other clothes not made of cotton, + possessing the colour of the lotus. And these were all of smooth texture. + And they also gave soft sheep-skins by thousands. And they also gave many + sharp and long swords and scimitars, and hatchets and fine-edged + battle-axes manufactured in the western countries. And having presented + perfumes and jewels and gems of various kinds by thousands as tribute, + they waited at the gate, being refused admission into the palace. And the + Sakas and Tukhatas and Tukharas and Kankas and Romakas and men with horns + bringing with them as tribute numerous large elephants and ten thousand + horses, and hundreds and hundreds of millions of gold waited at the gate, + being refused permission to enter. And the kings of the eastern countries + having presented numerous valuable articles including many costly carpets + and vehicles and beds, and armours of diverse hues decked with jewels and + gold and ivory, and weapons of various kinds, and cars of various shapes + and handsome make and adorned with gold, with well-trained horses trimmed + with tiger skins, and rich and variegated blankets for caprisoning + elephants, and various kinds of jewels and gems, arrows long and short and + various other kinds of weapons, obtained permission to enter the + sacrificial palace of the illustrious Pandava!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0291"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LI + </h2> + <p> + Duryodhana said,—‘O sinless one, listen to me as I describe that + large mass of wealth consisting of various kinds of tribute presented unto + Yudhishthira by the kings of the earth. They that dwell by the side of the + river Sailoda flowing between the mountains of Mer and Mandara and enjoy + the delicious shade of topes of the Kichaka bamboo, viz., the Khashas, + Ekasanas, the Arhas, the Pradaras, the Dirghavenus, the Paradas, the + Kulindas, the Tanganas, and the other Tanganas, brought as tribute heaps + of gold measured in dronas (jars) and raised from underneath the earth by + ants and therefore called after these creatures. The mountain tribes + endued with great strength having brought as tribute numerous Chamaras + (long brushes) soft and black and others white as moon-beam and sweet + honey extracted from the flowers growing on the Himavat as also from the + Mishali champaka and garlands of flowers brought from the region of the + northern Kurus, and diverse kinds of plants from the north even from + Kailasa, waited with their heads bent down at the gate of king + Yudhishthira, being refused permission to enter. I also beheld there + numberless chiefs of the Kiratas armed with cruel weapons and ever engaged + in cruel deeds, eating of fruits and roots and attired in skins and living + on the northern slopes of the Himavat and on the mountain from behind + which the sun rises and in the region of Karusha on the sea-coast and on + both sides of the Lohitya mountains. And, O king, having brought with them + as tribute loads upon loads of sandal and aloe as also black aloe, and + heaps upon heaps of valuable skins and gold and perfumes, and ten thousand + serving-girls of their own race, and many beautiful animals and birds of + remote countries, and much gold of great splendour procured from + mountains, the Kiratas waited at the gate, being refused permission to + enter. The Kairatas, the Daradas, the Darvas, the Suras, the Vaiamakas, + the Audumvaras, the Durvibhagas, the Kumaras, the Paradas along with the + Vahlikas, the Kashmiras, the Ghorakas, the Hansakayanas, the Sivis, the + Trigartas, the Yauddheyas, the ruler of Madras and the Kaikeyas, the + Amvashtas, the Kaukuras, the Tarkshyas, the Vastrapas along with the + Palhavas, the Vashatayas, the Mauleyas along with the Kshudrakas, and the + Malavas, the Paundrayas, the Kukkuras, the Sakas, the Angas, the Vangas, + the Punras, the Sanavatyas, and the Gayas—these good and well-born + Kshatriyas distributed into regular clans and trained to the use of arms, + brought tribute unto king Yudhishthira by hundreds and thousands. And the + Vangas, the Kalingas, the Magadhas, the Tamraliptas, the Supundrakas, the + Dauvalikas, the Sagarakas, the Patrornas, the Saisavas, and innumerable + Karnapravaranas, who presented themselves at the gate, were told by the + gate-keepers at the command of the king, that if they could wait and bring + good tribute they could obtain admission. Then the kings of those nations + each gave a thousand elephants furnished with tusks like unto the shafts + of ploughs and decked with girdles made of gold, and covered with fine + blankets and therefore, resembling the lotus in hue. And they were all + darkish as rocks and always musty, and procured from the sides of the + Kamyaka lake, and covered with defensive armour. And they were also + exceedingly patient and of the best breed. And having made these presents, + those kings were permitted to enter. O king, these and many others, coming + from various regions, and numberless other illustrious kings, brought + jewels and gems unto this sacrifice. And Chitraratha, also the king of + Gandharvas, the friend of Indra, gave four hundred horses gifted with the + speed of the wind. And the Gandharva Tumvuru gladly gave a hundred horses + of the colour of mango leaf and decked in gold. And, O thou of the Kuru + race, the celebrated king of the Mlechcha tribe, called the Sukaras, gave + many hundreds of excellent elephants. And Virata, the king of Matsya, gave + as tribute two thousand elephants decked in gold. And king Vasudana from + the kingdom of Pansu presented unto the son of Pandu six and twenty + elephants and two thousand horses. O king, all decked in gold and endued + with speed and strength and in full vigour of youth, and diverse other + kinds of wealth. And Yajnasena presented unto the sons of Pandu for the + sacrifice, fourteen thousand serving-girls and ten thousand serving-men + with their wives, many hundreds of excellent elephants, six and twenty + cars with elephants yoked unto them, and also his whole kingdom. And + Vasudeva of the Vrishni race, in order to enhance the dignity of Arjuna, + gave fourteen thousands of excellent elephants. Indeed, Krishna is the + soul of Arjuna and Arjuna is the soul of Krishna, and whatever Arjuna may + say Krishna is certain to accomplish. And Krishna is capable of abandoning + heaven itself for the sake of Arjuna. and Arjuna also is capable of + sacrificing his life for the sake of Krishna. And the Kings of Chola and + Pandya, though they brought numberless jars of gold filled with fragrant + sandal juice from the hills of Malaya, and loads of sandal and aloe wood + from the Dardduras hills, and many gems of great brilliancy and fine + cloths inlaid with gold, did not obtain permission (to enter). And the + king of the Singhalas gave those best of sea-born gems called the lapis + lazuli, and heaps of pearls also, and hundreds of coverlets for elephants. + And numberless dark-coloured men with the ends of their, eyes red as + copper, attired in clothes decked with gems, waited at the gate with those + presents. And numberless Brahmanas and Kshatriyas who had been vanquished, + and Vaisyas and serving Sudras, from love of Yudhishthira, brought tribute + unto the son of Pandu. And even all the Mlechchas, from love and respect, + came unto Yudhishthira. And all orders of men, good, indifferent and low, + belonging to numberless races, coming from diverse lands made + Yudhishthira’s habitation the epitome of the world. + </p> + <p> + “And beholding the kings of the earth to present unto the foes such + excellent and valuable presents, I wished for death out of grief. And O + king, I will now tell thee of the servants of the Pandavas, people for + whom Yudhishthira supplieth food, both cooked and uncooked. There are a + hundred thousand billions of mounted elephants and cavalry and a hundred + millions of cars and countless foot soldiers. At one place raw provisions + are being measured out; at another they are being cooked; and at another + place the foods are being distributed. And the notes of festivity are + being heard everywhere. And amongst men of all orders I beheld not a + single one in the mansion of Yudhishthira that had not food and drink and + ornaments. And eighty-eight thousands of Snataka Brahmanas leading + domestic lives, all supported by Yudhishthira, with thirty serving-girls + given unto each, gratified by the king, always pray with complacent hearts + for the destruction of his foes. And ten thousands of other ascetics with + vital seed drawn up, daily eat of golden plates in Yudhishthira’s palace. + And, O king, Yajnaseni, without having eaten herself, daily seeth whether + everybody, including even the deformed and the dwarfs, hath eaten or not. + And, O Bharata, only two do not pay tribute unto the son of Kunti, viz., + the Panchalas in consequence of their relationship by marriage, and the + Andhakas and Vrishnis in consequence of their friendship. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0292"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LII + </h2> + <p> + Duryodhana said,—“Those king that are revered over all the world, + who are devoted to truth and who are pledged to the observance of rigid + vows, who are possessed of great learning and eloquence, who are fully + conversant with the Vedas and their branches as also with sacrifices, who + have piety and modesty, whose souls are devoted to virtue, who possess + fame, and who have enjoyed the grand rites of coronation, all wait upon + and worship Yudhishthira. And, O king, I beheld there many thousands of + wild kine with as many vessels of white copper for milking them, brought + thither by the kings of the earth as sacrificial presents to be given away + by Yudhishthira unto the Brahmana. And, O Bharata, for bathing + Yudhishthira at the conclusion of the sacrifice, many kings with the + greatest alacrity, themselves brought there in a state of purity many + excellent jars (containing water). And king Vahlika brought there a car + decked with pure gold. And king Sudakshina himself yoked thereto four + white horses of Kamboja breed, and Sunitha of great might fitted the lower + pole and the ruler of Chedi with his own hands took up and fitted the + flag-staff. And the king of the Southern country stood ready with the coat + of mail; the ruler of Magadha, with garlands of flowers and the head-gear; + the great warrior Vasudana with a sixty years old elephant, the king of + Matsya, with the side-fittings of the car, all encased in gold; king + Ekalavya, with the shoes; the king of Avanti, with diverse kinds of water + for the final bath; king Chekitana, with the quiver; the king of Kasi, + with the bow; and Salya; with a sword whose hilt and straps were adorned + with gold. Then Dhaumya and Vyasa, of great ascetic merit, with Narada and + Asita’s son Devala, standing before performed the ceremony of sprinkling + the sacred water over the king. And the great Rishis with cheerful hearts + sat where the sprinkling ceremony was performed. And other illustrious + Rishis conversant with the Vedas, with Jamadagni’s son among them, + approached Yudhishthira, the giver of large sacrificial presents, uttering + mantras all the while, like the seven Rishis, approaching the great India + in heaven. And Satyaki of unbaffled prowess held the umbrella (over the + king’s head). And Dhananjaya and Bhima were engaged in tanning the king; + while the twins held a couple of chamaras in their hands. And the Ocean + himself brought in a sling that big conch of Varuna which the celestial + artificer Viswakarman had constructed with a thousand Nishkas of gold, and + which Prajapati had in a former Kalpa, presented unto India. It was with + that conch that Krishna bathed Yudhishthira after the conclusion of the + sacrifice, and beholding it, I swooned away. People go to the Eastern or + the Western seas and also to the Southern one. But, O father, none except + birds can ever go to the Northern sea. But the Pandavas have spread their + dominion even there, for I heard hundreds of conches that had been brought + thence blown (in the sacrificial mansion) indicative of auspicious + rejoicing. And while those conches blew simultaneously, my hair stood on + end. And those among the kings, who were weak in strength fell down. And + Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki and the sons of Pandu and Kesava,—those + eight, endued with strength and prowess and handsome in person, beholding + the kings deprived of consciousness and myself in that plight, laughed + outright. Then Vibhatsu (Arjuna) with a cheerful heart gave, O Bharata, + unto the principal Brahmanas five hundred bullocks with horns plated with + gold. And king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, having completed the + Rajasuya sacrifice, obtained like the exalted Harishchandra such + prosperity that neither Rantideva nor Nabhaga, nor Jauvanaswa, nor Manu, + nor king Prithu the son of Vena, nor Bhagiratha, Yayati, nor Nahusha, had + obtained its like. And beholding, O exalted one, such prosperity, in the + son of Pritha which is even like that which Harishchandra had, I do not + see the least good in continuing to live, O Bharata! O ruler of men, a + yoke that is tied (to the bullock’s shoulders) by a blind man becomes + loosened. Even such is the case with us. The younger ones are growing + while the elder ones are decaying. And beholding all this, O chief of the + Kurus, I cannot enjoy peace even with the aid of reflection. And it is for + this, O king, that I am plunged into grief and becoming pale and + emaciated.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0293"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritrashtra said,—Thou art my eldest son and born also of my + eldest wife. Therefore, O son, be not jealous of the Pandavas. He that is + jealous is always unhappy and suffereth the pangs of death. O bull of the + Bharata race, Yudhishthira knoweth not deception, possesseth wealth equal + unto thine, hath thy friends for his, and is not jealous of thee. Why + shouldst thou, therefore, be jealous of him? O king, in respect of friends + and allies thou art equal unto Yudhishthira. Why shouldst thou, therefore, + covet, from folly, the property of thy brother? Be not so. Cease to be + jealous. Do not grieve. O bull of the Bharata race, it thou covetest the + dignity attaching to the performance of a sacrifice, let the priests + arrange for thee the great sacrifice, called the Saptatantu. The kings of + the earth will then, cheerfully and with great respect, bring for thee + also much wealth and gems and ornaments. O child, coveting other’s + possessions is exceedingly mean. He, on the other hand, enjoyeth + happiness, who is content with his own being engaged in the practices of + his own order. Never striving to obtain the wealth of others, persevering + in one’s own affairs, and protecting what hath been earned,—these + are the indications of true greatness. He that is unmoved in calamity, + skilled in his own business, ever exerting vigilant and humble, always + beholdeth prosperity. The sons of Pandu are as thy arms. Do not lop off + those arms of thine. Plunge not into internal dissensions for the sake of + that wealth of thy brothers. O king, be not jealous of the sons of Pandu. + Thy wealth is equal unto that of thy brothers in his entirety. There is + great sin in quarrelling with friends. They that are thy grandsires are + theirs also. Give away in charity on occasions of sacrifices, gratify + every dear object of thy desire, disport in the company of women freely, + and enjoy thou peace.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0294"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIV + </h2> + <p> + “Duryodhana said,—‘He that is devoid of intellect but hath merely + heard of many things, can scarcely understand the real import of the + scriptures, like the spoon that hath no perception of the taste of the + soup it toucheth. Thou knowest everything, but yet confoundest me. Like a + boat fastened to another, thou and I are tied to each other. Art thou + unmindful of thy own interests? Or, dost thou entertain hostile feeling + towards me? These thy sons and allies are doomed to destruction, inasmuch + as they have thee for their ruler, for thou describest as attainable in + the future what is to be done at the present moment. He often trippeth + whose guide acts under the instructions of others. How then can his + followers expect to come across a right path? O king, thou art of mature + wisdom; thou hast the opportunity to listen to the words of old, and thy + senses also are under thy control. It behoveth thee not to confound us who + are ready to seek our own interests. Vrihaspati hath said that the usage + of kings are different from those of common people. Therefore kings should + always attend to their own interests with vigilance. The attainment of + success is the sole criterion that should guide the conduct of a + Kshatriya. Whether, therefore, the means is virtuous or sinful, what + scruples can there be in the duties of one’s own order? He that is + desirous of snatching the blazing prosperity of his foe, should, O bull of + the Bharata race, bring every direction under his subjection like the + charioteer taming the steeds with his whip. Those used to handling weapons + say that, a weapon is not simply an instrument that cuts but is a means, + whether covert or overt, that can defeat a foe. Who is to be reckoned a + foe and who a friend, doth not depend on one’s figure or dimensions. He + that paineth another is, O king, to be regarded a foe by him that is + pained. Discontent is the root of prosperity. Therefore, O king, I desire + to be discontented. He that striveth after the acquisition of prosperity + is, O king, a truly politic person. Nobody should be attached to wealth + and affluence, for the wealth that hath been earned and hoarded may be + plundered. The usages of kings are even such. It was during a period of + peace that Sakra cut off the head of Namuchi after having given a pledge + to the contrary, and it was because he approved of this eternal usage + towards the enemy that he did so. Like a snake that swalloweth up frogs + and other creatures living in holes, the earth swalloweth up a king that + is peaceful and a Brahmana that stirreth not out of home. O king, none can + by nature be any person’s foe. He is one’s foe, and not anybody else, who + hath common pursuits with one. He that from folly neglecteth a growing + foe, hath his vitals cut off as by a disease that he cherished without + treatment. A foe, however insignificant, if suffered to grow in prowess, + swalloweth one like the white ants at the root of a tree eating off the + tree itself. O Bharata, O Ajamida, let not the prosperity of the foe be + acceptable to thee. This policy (of neglecting the foe) should always be + borne on their heads by the wise even like a load. He that always wisheth + for the increase of his wealth, ever groweth in the midst of his relatives + even like the body naturally growing from the moment of birth. Prowess + conferreth speedy growth. Coveting as I do the prosperity of the Pandavas. + I have not yet made it my own. At present I am a prey to doubts in respect + of my ability. I am determined to resolve those doubts of mine. I will + either obtain that prosperity of theirs, or lie down having perished in + battle. O king when the state of my mind is such, what do I care now for + life, for the Pandavas are daily growing while our possessions know no + increase?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0295"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LV + </h2> + <p> + “Sakuni said,—O thou foremost of victorious persons, I will snatch + (for thee) this prosperity of Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, at the sight + of which thou grievest so. Therefore, O king, let Yudhishthira the son of + Kunti be summoned. By throwing dice a skilful man, himself uninjured, may + vanquish one that hath no skill. Know, O Bharata, that betting is my bow, + the dice are my arrows, the marks on them my bow-string, and the + dice-board my car. + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said,—‘This Sukuni skilled at dice, is ready, O king, to + snatch the prosperity of the son of Pandu by means of dice. It behoveth + thee to give him permission. + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘I am obedient to the counsels of my brother, + the illustrious Vidura. Consulting with him, I shall tell what should be + done in this matter. + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said,—‘Vidura is always engaged in doing good to the + sons of Pandu. O Kaurava, his feelings towards us are otherwise. He will, + therefore, without doubt, withdraw thy heart from the proposed act. No man + should set himself to any task depending upon the counsels of another, + for, O son of Kuru’s race, the minds of two persons seldom agree in any + particular act. The fool that liveth shunning all causes of fear wasteth + himself like an insect in the rainy season. Neither sickness nor Yama + waiteth till one is in prosperity. So long, therefore, as there is life + and health, one should (without waiting for prosperity) accomplish his + purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘O son, hostility with those that are strong, + is what never recommendeth itself to me. Hostility bringeth about a change + of feelings, and that itself is a weapon though not made of steel. Thou + regardest, O Prince, as a great blessing what will bring in its train the + terrible consequences of war. What is really fraught with mischief. If + once it beginneth, it will create sharp swords and pointed arrows.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana replied,—‘Men of the most ancient times invented the use + of dice. There is no destruction in it, nor is there any striking with, + weapons. Let the words of Sakuni, therefore, be acceptable to thee, and + let thy command be issued for the speedy construction of the assembly + house. The door of heaven, leading us to such happiness, will be opened to + us by gambling. Indeed, they that betake to gambling (with such aid) + deserve such good fortune. The Pandavas then will become thy equals + (instead of, as now, superiors); therefore, gamble thou with the Pandavas. + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said.—‘The words uttered by thee do not recommend + themselves to me. Do what may be agreeable to thee, O ruler of men. But + thou shall have to repent for acting according to these words; for, words + that are fraught with such immorality can never bring prosperity in the + future. Even this was foreseen by the learned Vidura ever treading the + path of truth and wisdom. Even the great calamity, destructive of the + lives of the Kshatriyas, cometh as destined by fate.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued—“Having said this, the weak-minded + Dhritarashtra regarded fate as supreme and unavoidable. And the king + deprived of reason by Fate, and obedient to the counsels of his son, + commanded his men in loud voice, saying—‘Carefully construct, + without loss of time, an assembly house of the most beautiful description, + to be called the crystal-arched palace with a thousand columns, decked + with gold and lapis lazuli, furnished with a hundred gates, and full two + miles in length and in breadth the same.’ Hearing those words of his, + thousands of artificers endued with intelligence and skill soon erected + the palace with the greatest alacrity, and having erected it brought + thither every kind of article. And soon after they cheerfully represented + unto the king that the palace had been finished, and that it as delightful + and handsome and furnished with every kind of gems and covered with + many-coloured carpets inlaid with gold. Then king Dhritarashtra, possessed + of learning, summoning Vidura the chief of his ministers, said:—‘Repairing, + (to Khandavaprastha), bring prince Yudhishthira here without loss of time. + Let him come hither with his brothers, and behold his handsome assembly + house of mine, furnished with countless jewels and gems, and costly beds + and carpets, and let a friendly match at dice commence here.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0296"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“King Dhritarashtra, ascertaining the + inclinations of his son and knowing that Fate is inevitable, did what I + have said. Vidura, however, that foremost of intelligent men, approved not + his brother’s words and spoke thus, ‘I approve not, O king, of this + command of thine. Do not act so. I fear, this will bring about the + destruction of our race. When thy sons lose their unity, dissension will + certainly ensue amongst them. This I apprehend, O king, from this match at + dice.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘If Fate be not hostile, this quarrel will not + certainly grieve me. The whole universe moveth at the will of its Creator, + under the controlling influence of Fate. It is not free. Therefore, O + Vidura, going unto king Yudhishthira at my command, bring thou soon that + invincible son of Kunti.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0297"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Vidura then, thus commanded against his will by + king Dhritarashtra, set out, with the help of horses of high mettle and + endued with great speed and strength, and quiet and patient, for the abode + of the wise sons of Pandu. Possessed of great intelligence, Vidura + proceeded by the way leading to the capital of the Pandavas. And having + arrived at the city of king Yudhishthira, he entered it and proceeded + towards the palace, worshipped by numberless Brahmanas. And coming to the + palace which was even like unto the mansion of Kuvera himself, the + virtuous Vidura approached Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma. Then the + illustrious Ajamida devoted to truth and having no enemy on earth, + reverentially saluted Vidura, and asked him about Dhritarashtra and his + sons. And Yudhishthira said, “O Kshatta, thy mind seemeth to be cheerless. + Dost thou come here in happiness and peace? The sons of Dhritarashtra, I + hope, are obedient to their old father. The people also, I hope, are + obedient to Dhritarashtra’s rule.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said,—‘The illustrious king, with his sons, is well and + happy, and surrounded by his relatives he reigneth even like Indra + himself. The king is happy with his sons who are all obedient to him and + hath no grief. The illustrious monarch is bent on his own aggrandisement. + The king of the Kurus hath commanded me to enquire after thy peace and + prosperity, and to ask thee to repair to Hastinapore with thy brothers and + to say, after beholding king Dhritarashtra’s newly erected palace, whether + that one is equal to thy own. Repairing thither, O son of Pritha, with thy + brothers, enjoy ye in that mansion and sit to a friendly match at dice. We + shall be glad if thou goest, as the Kurus have already arrived there. And + thou wilt see there those gamblers and cheats that the illustrious king + Dhritarashtra hath already brought thither. It is for this, O king, that I + have come hither. Let the king’s command be approved by thee. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘O Kshatta, if we sit to a match at dice, we may + quarrel. What man is there, who knowing all this, will consent to gamble? + What dost thou think fit for us? We all are obedient to thy counsels.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said,—‘I know that gambling is the root of misery, and I + strove to dissuade the king from it. The king, however, hath sent me to + thee. Having known all this, O learned one, do what is beneficial. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘Besides the sons of Dhritarashtra what other + dishonest gamblers are there ready for play? Tell us, O Vidura, who they + are and with whom we shall have to play, staking hundreds upon hundreds of + our possessions.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said,—‘O monarch, Sakuni, the king of Gandhara, an adept at + dice, having great skill of hand and desperate in stakes, Vivingati, king + Chitrasena, Satyavrata, Purumitra and Jaya, these, O king, are there.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘It would seem then that some of the most + desperate and terrible gamblers always depending upon deceit are there. + This whole universe, however, is at the will of its Maker, under the + control of fate. It is not free. O learned one, I do not desire, at the + command of king Dhritarashtra to engage myself in gambling. The father + always wisheth to benefit his son. Thou art our master, O Vidura. Tell me + what is proper for us. Unwilling as I am to gamble, I will not do so, if + the wicked Sakuni doth not summon me to it in the Sabha? If, however, he + challengeth me, I will never refuse. For that, as settled, is my eternal + vow.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“King Yudhishthira the just having said this + unto Vidura, commanded that preparations for his journey might be made + without loss of time. And the next day, the king accompanied by his + relatives and attendants and taking with him also the women of the + household with Draupadi in their midst, set out for the capital of the + Kurus. ‘Like some brilliant body falling before the eyes, Fate depriveth + us of reason, and man, tied as it were with a cord, submitteth to the sway + of Providence,’ saying this, king Yudhishthira, that chastiser of the foe, + set out with Kshatta, without deliberating upon that summons from + Dhritarashtra. And that slayer of hostile heroes, the son of Pandu and + Pritha, riding upon the car that had been given him by the king of + Valhika, and attired also in royal robes, set out with his brothers. And + the king, blazing as it were with royal splendour, with Brahmanas walking + before him, set out from his city, summoned by Dhritarashtra and impelled + by what hath been ordained by Kala (Time). And arriving at Hastinapore he + went to the palace of Dhritarashtra. And going there, the son of Pandu + approached the king. And the exalted one then approached Bhishma and Drona + and Karna, and Kripa, and the son of Drona, and embraced and was embraced + by them all. And the mighty-armed one, endued with great prowess, then + approached Somadatta, and then Duryodhana and Salya, and the son of + Suvala, and those other kings also that had arrived there before him. The + king then went to the brave Dusshasana and then to all his (other) + brothers and then to Jayadratha and next to all the Kurus one after + another. And the mighty-armed one, then surrounded by all his brothers, + entered the apartment of the wise king Dhritarashtra. And then + Yudhishthira beheld the reverend Gandhari, ever obedient to her lord, and + surrounded by her daughters-in-law like Rohini by the stars. And saluting + Gandhari and blessed by her in return, the king then beheld his old uncle, + that illustrious monarch whose wisdom was his eye. King Dhritarashtra + then, O monarch, smelt his head as also the heads of those four other + princes of the Kuru race, viz., the sons of Pandu with Bhimasena as their + eldest. And, O king, beholding—the handsome Pandava those tigers + among men, all the Kurus became exceedingly glad. And commanded by the + king, the Pandavas then retired to the chambers allotted to them and which + were all furnished with jewels and gems. And when they had retired into + the chambers, the women of Dhritarashtra’s household with Dussala taking + the lead visited them. And the daughters-in-law of Dhritarashtra beholding + the blazing and splendid beauty and prosperity of Yajnaseni, became + cheerless and filled with jealousy. And those tigers among men, having + conversed with the ladies went through their daily physical exercises and + then performed the religious rites of the day. And having finished their + daily devotions, they decked their persons with sandal paste of the most + fragrant kind. And desiring to secure good luck and prosperity they caused + (by gifts) the Brahmanas to utter benedictions. And then eating food that + was of the best taste they retired to their chambers for the night. And + those bulls among the Kurus then were put to sleep with music by handsome + females. And obtaining from them what came in due succession, those + subjugators of hostile towns passed with cheerful hearts that delightful + night in pleasure and sport. And waked by the bards with sweet music, they + rose from their beds, and having passed the night thus in happiness, they + rose at dawn and having gone through the usual rites, they entered into + the assembly house and were saluted by those that were ready there for + gambling.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0298"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“The sons of Pritha with Yudhishthira at their + head, having entered that assembly house, approached all the kings that + were present there. And worshipping all those that deserved to be + worshipped, and saluting others as each deserved according to age, they + seated themselves on seats that were clean and furnished with costly + carpets. After they had taken their seats, as also all the kings, Sakuni + the son of Suvala addressed Yudhishthira and said, ‘O king, the assembly + is full. All had been waiting for thee. Let, therefore, the dice be cast + and the rules of play be fixed, O Yudhishthira.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yudhishthira replied, ‘Deceitful gambling is sinful. There is no + Kshatriya prowess in it. There is certainly no morality in it. Why, then, + O king, dost thou praise gambling so? The wise applaud not the pride that + gamesters feel in deceitful play. O Sakuni, vanquish us, not like a + wretch, by deceitful means.’ + </p> + <p> + Sakuni said,—‘That high-souled player who knoweth the secrets of + winning and losing, who is skilled in baffling the deceitful arts of his + confrere, who is united in all the diverse operations of which gambling + consisteth, truly knoweth the play, and he suffereth all in course of it. + O son of Pritha, it is the staking at dice, which may be lost or won that + may injure us. And it is for that reason that gambling is regarded as a + fault. Let us, therefore, O king, begin the play. Fear not. Let the stakes + be fixed. Delay not!’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘That best of Munis, Devala, the son of Asita, + who always instructeth us about all those acts that may lead to heaven, + hell, or the other regions, hath said, that it is sinful to play + deceitfully with a gamester. To obtain victory in battle without cunning + or stratagem is the best sport. Gambling, however, as a sport, is not so. + Those that are respectable never use the language of the Mlechchas, nor do + they adopt deceitfulness in their behaviour. War carried on without + crookedness and cunning, this is the act of men that are honest. Do not, O + Sakuni, playing desperately, win of us that wealth with which according to + our abilities, we strive to learn how to benefit the Brahmanas. Even + enemies should not be vanquished by desperate stakes in deceitful play. I + do not desire either happiness or wealth by means of cunning. The conduct + of one that is a gamester, even if it be without deceitfulness, should not + be applauded.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuni said,—‘O Yudhishthira, it is from a desire of winning, which + is not a very honest motive, that one high-born person approacheth another + (in a contest of race superiority). So also it is from a desire of + defeating, which is not a very honest motive, that one learned person + approacheth another (in a contest of learning). Such motives, however, are + scarcely regarded as really dishonest. So also, O Yudhishthira, a person + skilled at dice approacheth one that is not so skilled from a desire of + vanquishing him. One also who is conversant with the truths of science + approacheth another that is not from desire of victory, which is scarcely + an honest motive. But (as I have already said) such a motive is not really + dishonest. And, O Yudhishthira, so also one that is skilled in weapons + approacheth one that is not so skilled; the strong approacheth the weak. + This is the practice in every contest. The motive is victory, O + Yudhishthira. If, therefore, thou, in approaching me, regardest me to be + actuated by motives that are dishonest, if thou art under any fear, desist + then from play.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘Summoned, I do not withdraw. This is my + established vow. And, O king, Fate is all powerful. We all are under the + control of Destiny. With whom in this assembly am I to play? Who is there + that can stake equally with me? Let the play begin.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said,—‘O monarch, I shall supply jewels and gems and + every kind of wealth. And it is for me that this Sakuni, my uncle, will + play.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘Gambling for one’s sake by the agency of + another seemeth to me to be contrary to rule. Thou also, O learned one, + will admit this. If, however, thou art still bent on it, let the play + begin.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0299"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“When the play commenced, all those kings with + Dhritarashtra at their head took their seats in that assembly. And, O + Bharata, Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and the high-souled Vidura with + cheerless hearts sat behind. And those kings with leonine necks and endued + with great energy took their seats separately and in pairs upon many + elevated seats of beautiful make and colour. And, O king, that mansion + looked resplendent with those assembled kings like heaven itself with a + conclave of the celestials of great good fortune. And they were all + conversant with the Vedas and brave and of resplendent countenances. And, + O great king, the friendly match at dice then commenced. + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—“O king, this excellent wealth of pearls of great + value, procured from the ocean by churning it (of old), so beautiful and + decked with pure gold, this, O king, is my stake. What is thy counter + stake, O great king,—the wealth with which thou wishest to play with + me?” + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said,—‘I have many jewels and much wealth. But I am not + vain of them. Win thou this stake.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Then Sakuni, well-skilled at dice, took up + the dice and (casting them) said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo, I have won!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0300"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LX + </h2> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—“Thou hast won this stake of me by unfair means. + But be not so proud, O Sakuni. Let us play staking thousands upon + thousands. I have many beautiful jars each full of a thousand Nishkas in + my treasury, inexhaustible gold, and much silver and other minerals. This, + O king, is the wealth with which I will stake with thee!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Thus addressed, Sakuni said unto the chief + of the perpetuators of the Kuru race, the eldest of the sons of Pandu, + king Yudhishthira, of glory incapable of sustaining any diminution. ‘Lo, I + have won!’” + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—‘This my sacred and victorious and royal car + which gladdeneth the heart and hath carried us hither, which is equal unto + a thousand cars, which is of symmetrical proportions and covered with + tiger-skin, and furnished with excellent wheels and flag-staffs which is + handsome, and decked with strings of little bells, whose clatter is even + like the roar of the clouds or of the ocean, and which is drawn by eight + noble steeds known all over the kingdom and which are white as the + moon-beam and from whose hoofs no terrestrial creature can escape—this, + O king, is my wealth with which I will stake with thee!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words, Sakuni ready with the + dice, and adopting unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo, I have won!’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘I have a hundred thousand serving-girls, all + young, and decked with golden bracelets on their wrists and upper arms, + and with nishkas round their necks and other ornaments, adorned with + costly garlands and attired in rich robes, daubed with the sandal paste, + wearing jewels and gold, and well-skilled in the four and sixty elegant + arts, especially versed in dancing and singing, and who wait upon and + serve at my command the celestials, the Snataka Brahmanas, and kings. With + this wealth, O king, I will stake with thee!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—‘Hearing these words, Sakuni ready with the + dice, adopting unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira. ‘Lo, I have won!’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—“I have thousands of serving-men, skilled in + waiting upon guests, always attired in silken robes, endued with wisdom + and intelligence, their senses under control though young, and decked with + ear-rings, and who serve all guests night and day with plates and dishes + in hand. With this wealth, O king, I will stake with thee!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words, Sakuni, ready with the + dice, adopting unfair means said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo, I have won!’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘I have, O son of Suvala, one thousand musty + elephants with golden girdles, decked with ornaments, with the mark of the + lotus on their temples and necks and other parts, adorned with golden + garlands, with fine white tusks long and thick as plough-shafts, worthy of + carrying kings on their backs, capable of bearing every kind of noise on + the field of battle, with huge bodies, capable of battering down the walls + of hostile towns, of the colour of new-formed clouds, and each possessing + eight she-elephants. With this wealth, O king, I will stake with thee.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Unto Yudhishthira who had said so, Sakuni, + the son of Suvala, laughingly said, ‘Lo, I have won it!’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—‘I have as many cars as elephants, all furnished + with golden poles and flag-staffs and well-trained horses and warriors + that fight wonderfully and each of whom receiveth a thousand coins as his + monthly pay whether he fighteth or not. With this wealth, O king, I will + stake with thee!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“When these words had been spoken, the + wretch Sakuni, pledged to enmity, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo, I have won + it.’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said.—‘The steeds of the Tittiri, Kalmasha, and + Gandharva breeds, decked with ornaments, which Chitraratha having been + vanquished in battle and subdued cheerfully gave unto Arjuna, the wielder + of the Gandiva. With this wealth, O king, I will stake with thee.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing this, Sakuni, ready at dice, adopting + unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira: ‘Lo, I have won!’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—‘I have ten thousand cars and vehicles unto which + are yoked draught animals of the foremost breed. And I have also sixty + thousand warriors picked from each order by thousands, who are all brave + and endued with prowess like heroes, who drink milk and eat good rice, and + all of whom have broad chests. With this wealth, O king, I will stake with + thee.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing this, Sakuni ready at dice, + adopting unfair means said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo, I have won!’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—‘I have four hundred Nidis (jewels of great + value) encased in sheets of copper and iron. Each one of them is equal to + five draunikas of the costliest and purest leaf gold of the Jatarupa kind. + With this wealth, O king, I will stake with thee.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing this, Sakuni ready at dice, + adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo, I have won it!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0301"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“During the course of this gambling, certain to + bring about utter ruin (on Yudhishthira), Vidura, that dispeller of all + doubts, (addressing Dhritarashtra) said, ‘O great king, O thou of the + Bharata race, attend to what I say, although my words may not be agreeable + to thee, like medicine to one that is ill and about to breathe his last. + When this Duryodhana of sinful mind had, immediately after his birth, + cried discordantly like a jackal, it was well known that he had been + ordained to bring about the destruction of the Bharata race. Know, O king, + that he will be the cause of death of ye all. A jackal is living in thy + house, O king, in the form of Duryodhana. Thou knowest it not in + consequence of thy folly. Listen now to the words of the Poet (Sukra) + which I will quote. They that collect honey (in mountains), having + received what they seek, do not notice that they are about to fall. + Ascending dangerous heights, abstracted in the pursuit of what they seek, + they fall down and meet with destruction. This Duryodhana also, maddened + with the play at dice, like the collector of honey, abstracted in what he + seeketh, marketh not the consequences. Making enemies of these great + warriors, he beholdeth not the fall that is before him. It is known to + thee, O thou of great wisdom, that amongst the Bhojas, they abandoned, for + the good of the citizens a son that was unworthy of their race. The + Andhakas, the Yadavas, and the Bhojas uniting together, abandoned Kansa. + And afterwards, when at the command of the whole tribe, the same Kansa had + been slain by Krishna that slayer of foes, all the men of the tribe became + exceedingly happy for a hundred years. So at thy command, let Arjuna slay + this Suyodhana. And in consequence of the slaying of this wretch, let the + Kurus be glad and pass their days in happiness. In exchange of a crow, O + great king, buy these peacocks—the Pandavas; and in exchange of a + jackal, buy these tigers. For the sake of a family a member may be + sacrificed; for the sake of a village a family may be sacrificed, for the + sake of a province a village may be sacrificed and for the sake of one’s + own soul the whole earth may be sacrificed. Even this was what the + omniscient Kavya himself, acquainted with the thoughts of every creature, + and a source of terror unto all foes, said unto the great Asuras to induce + them to abandon Jambha at the moment of his birth. It is said that a + certain king, having caused a number of wild birds that vomited gold to + take up their quarters in his own house, afterwards killed them from + temptation. O slayer of foes, blinded by temptation and the desire of + enjoyment, for the sake of gold, the king destroyed at the same time both + his present and future gains. Therefore, O king, prosecute not the + Pandavas from desire of profit, even like the king in story. For then, + blinded by folly thou wilt have to repent afterwards, even like the person + that killed the birds. Like a flower-seller that plucketh (many flowers) + in the garden from trees that he cherisheth with affection from day to + day, continue, O Bharata, to pluck flowers day by day from the Pandavas. + Do not scorch them to their roots like a fire-producing breeze that + reduceth everything to black charcoal. Go not, O king, unto the region of + Yama, with thy sons and troops, for who is there that is capable of + fighting with the sons of Pritha, together? Not to speak of others, is the + chief of the celestials at the head of the celestials themselves, capable + of doing so?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0302"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXII + </h2> + <p> + “Vidura said,—“Gambling is the root of dissensions. It bringeth + about disunion. Its consequences are frightful. Yet having recourse to + this, Dhritarashtra’s son Duryodhana createth for himself fierce enmity. + The descendants of Pratipa and Santanu, with their fierce troops and their + allies the Vahlikas, will, for the sins of Duryodhana meet with + destruction. Duryodhana, in consequence of this intoxication, forcibly + driveth away luck and prosperity from his kingdom, even like an infuriate + bull breaking his own horns himself. That brave and learned person who + disregarding his own foresight, followeth, O king, (the bent of) another + man’s heart, sinketh in terrible affliction even like one that goeth into + the sea in a boat guided by a child. Duryodhana is gambling with the son + of Pandu, and thou art in raptures that he is winning. And it is such + success that begeteth war, which endeth in the destruction of men. This + fascination (of gambling) that thou has well-devised only leadeth to dire + results. Thus hast thou simply brought on by these counsels great + affliction to thy heart. And this thy quarrel with Yudhishthira, who is so + closely related to thee, even if thou hadst not foreseen it, is still + approved by thee. Listen, ye sons of Santanu, ye descendants of Pratipa, + who are now in this assembly of the Kauravas, to these words of wisdom. + Enter ye not into the terrible fire that hath blazed forth following the + wretch. When Ajatasatru, the son of Pandu, intoxicated with dice, giveth + way to his wrath, and Vrikodara and Arjuna and the twins (do the same), + who, in that hour of confusion, will prove your refuge? O great king, thou + art thyself a mine of wealth. Thou canst earn (by other means) as much + wealth as thou seekest to earn by gambling. What dost thou gain by winning + from the Pandavas their vast wealth? Win the Pandavas themselves, who will + be to thee more than all the wealth they have. We all know the skill of + Suvala in play. This hill-king knoweth many nefarious methods in gambling. + Let Sakuni return whence he came. War not, O Bharata, with the sons of + Pandu!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0303"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIII + </h2> + <p> + Duryodhana said,—‘O Kshatta, thou art always boasting of the fame of + our enemies, deprecating the sons of Dhritarashtra. We know, O Vidura, of + whom thou art really fond. Thou always disregardest us as children, That + man standeth confest, who wisheth for success unto those that are near to + him and defeat unto those that are not his favourites. His praise and + blame are applied accordingly. Thy tongue and mind betray thy heart. But + the hostility thou showeth in speech is even greater than what is in thy + heart. Thou hast been cherished by us like a serpent on our lap. Like a + cat thou wishest evil unto him that cherisheth thee. The wise have said + that there is no sin graver than that of injuring one’s master. How is it, + O Kshatta, that thou dost not fear this sin? Having vanquished our enemies + we have obtained great advantages. Use not harsh words in respect of us. + Thou art always willing to make peace with the foes. And it is for this + reason that thou hatest us always. A man becometh a foe by speaking words + that are unpardonable. Then again in praising the enemy, the secrets of + one’s own party should not be divulged. (Thou however, transgressest this + rule). Therefore, O thou parasite, why dost thou obstruct us so? Thou + sayest whatever thou wishest. Insult us not. We know thy mind. Go and + learn sitting at the feet of the old. Keen up the reputation that thou + hast won. Meddle not with the affairs of other men. Do not imagine that + thou art our chief. Tell us not harsh words always, O Vidura. We do not + ask thee what is for our good. Cease, irritate not those that have already + borne too much at thy hands. There is only one Controller, no second. He + controlleth even the child that is in the mother’s womb. I am controlled + by Him. Like water that always floweth in a downward course, I am acting + precisely in the way in which He is directing me. He that breaketh his + head against a stone-wall, and he that feedeth a serpent, are guided in + those acts of theirs by their own intellect. (Therefore, in this matter I + am guided by my own intelligence). He becometh a foe who seeketh to + control others by force. When advice, however, is offered in a friendly + spirit, the learned bear with it. He again that hath set fire to such a + highly inflammable object as camphor, beholdeth not its ashes. If he + runneth immediately to extinguish it. One should not give shelter to + another who is the friend of his foes, or to another who is ever jealous + of his protector or to another who is evil-minded. Therefore, O Vidura, go + whither-so-ever thou pleasest. A wife that is unchaste, however + well-treated, forsaketh her husband yet.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura addressing Dhritarashtra, said, ‘O monarch, tell us (impartially) + like a witness what thou thinkest of the conduct of those who abandon + their serving-men thus for giving instruction to them. The hearts of kings + are, indeed, very fickle. Granting protection at first, they strike with + clubs at last. O prince (Duryodhana), thou regardest thyself as mature in + intellect, and, O thou of bad heart, thou regardest me as a child. But + consider that he is a child who having first accepted one for a friend, + subsequently findeth fault with him. An evil-hearted man can never be + brought to the path of rectitude, like an unchaste wife in the house of a + well-born person. Assuredly, instruction is not agreeable to this bull of + the Bharata race like a husband of sixty years to a damsel that is young. + After this, O king, if thou wishest to hear words that are agreeable to + thee, in respect of all acts good or bad, ask thou women and idiots and + cripples or persons of that description. A sinful man speaking words that + are agreeable may be had in this world. But a speaker of words that are + disagreeable though sound as regimen, or a hearer of the same, is very + rare. He indeed, is a king’s true ally who disregarding what is agreeable + or disagreeable to his master beareth himself virtuously and uttereth what + may be disagreeable but necessary as regimen. O great king, drink thou + that which the honest drink and the dishonest shun, even humility, which + is like a medicine that is bitter, pungent, burning, unintoxicating, + disagreeable, and revolting. And drinking it, O king, regain thou thy + sobriety. I always wish Dhritarashtra and his sons affluence and fame. + Happen what may unto thee, here I bow to thee (and take my leave). Let the + Brahmanas wish me well. O son of Kuru, this is the lesson I carefully + inculcate, that the wise should never enrage such as adders as have venom + in their very glances!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0304"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sakuni said,—‘Thou hast, O Yudhishthira, lost much wealth of the + Pandavas. If thou hast still anything that thou hast not yet lost to us, O + son of Kunti, tell us what it is!” + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—O son of Suvala, I know that I have untold + wealth. But why is it, O Sakuni, that thou askest me of my wealth? Let + tens of thousands and millions and millions and tens of millions and + hundreds of millions and tens of billions and hundreds of billions and + trillions and tens of trillions and hundreds of trillions and tens of + quadrillions and hundreds of quadrillions and even more wealth be staked + by thee. I have as much. With that wealth, O king, I will play with thee.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice, + adopting unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo, I have won!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yudhishthira said,—‘I have, O son of Suvala, immeasurable kine and + horses and milch cows with calves and goats and sheep in the country + extending from the Parnasa to the eastern bank of the Sindu. With this + wealth, O king, I will play with thee. + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Hearing this Sakuni, ready with the dice, + adopting unfair means, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo, I have won!’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—‘I have my city, the country, land, the wealth of + all dwelling therein except of the Brahmanas, and all those persons + themselves except Brahmanas still remaining to me. With this wealth, O + king, I will play with thee.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice, + adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo! I have won.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—These princes here, O king, who look resplendent + in their ornaments and their ear-rings and Nishkas and all the royal + ornaments on their persons are now my wealth. With this wealth, O king, I + play with thee. + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with his dice, + adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo! I have won them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘This Nakula here, of mighty arms and leonine + neck, of red eyes and endued with youth, is now my one stake. Know that he + is my wealth.’ + </p> + <p> + Sakuni said,—‘O king Yudhishthira, prince Nakula is dear to thee. He + is already under our subjection. With whom (as stake) wilt thou now play?” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Saying this, Sakuni cast those dice, and said + unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo! He hath been won by us.’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—“This Sahadeva administereth justice. He hath + also acquired a reputation for learning in this world. However undeserving + he may be to be staked in play, with him as stake I will play, with such a + dear object as it, indeed, he were not so!” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice, + adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo! I have won.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuni continued,—‘O king, the sons of Madri, dear unto thee, have + both been won by me. It would seem, however, that Bhimasena and Dhananjaya + are regarded very much by thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘Wretch! thou actest sinfully in thus seeking to + create disunion amongst us who are all of one heart, disregarding + morality.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuni said,—‘One that is intoxicated falleth into a pit (hell) and + stayeth there deprived of the power of motion. Thou art, O king, senior to + us in age, and possessed of the highest accomplishments. O bull of the + Bharata race, I (beg my pardon and) bow to thee. Thou knowest, O + Yudhishthira, that gamesters, while excited with play, utter such ravings + that they never indulge in the like of them in their waking moments nor + even in dream.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—He that taketh us like a boat to the other shore + of the sea of battle, he that is ever victorious over foes, the prince who + is endued with great activity, he who is the one hero in this world, (is + here). With that Falguna as stake, however, undeserving of being made so, + I will now play with thee.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice, + adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo! I have won.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakuni continued,—‘This foremost of all wielders of the bow, this + son of Pandu capable of using both his hands with equal activity hath now + been won by me. O play now with the wealth that is still left unto thee, + even with Bhima thy dear brother, as thy stake, O son of Pandu. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘O king, however, undeserving he may be of being + made a stake, I will now play with thee by staking Bhimasena, that prince + who is our leader, who is the foremost in fight,—even like the + wielder of the thunder-bolt—the one enemy of the Danavas,—the + high-souled one with leonine neck and arched eye-brows and eyes looking + askance, who is incapable of putting up with an insult, who hath no equal + in might in the world, who is the foremost of all wielders of the mace, + and who grindeth all foes,’” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—“Hearing this, Sakuni, ready with the dice + adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira. ‘Lo! I have won.’ + </p> + <p> + Sakuni continued,—Thou hast, O son of Kunti, lost much wealth, + horses and elephants and thy brothers as well. Say, if thou hast anything + which thou hast not lost.’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira, said—‘I alone, the eldest of all my brothers and dear + unto them, am still unwon. Won by thee, I will do what he that is won will + have to do.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Hearing this Sakuni, ready with the dice, + adopting foul means, said unto Yudhishthira, ‘Lo! I have won.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sakuni continued,—‘Thou hast permitted thyself to be won. This is + very sinful. There is wealth still left to thee, O king. Therefore, thy + having lost thyself is certainly sinful.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Having said this, Sakuni, well-skilled at + dice, spoke unto all the brave kings present there of his having won, one + after another, all the Pandavas. The son of Suvala then, addressing + Yudhishthira said,—‘O king, there is still one stake dear to thee + that is still unwon. Stake thou Krishna, the princess of Panchala. By her, + win thyself back.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘With Draupadi as stake, who is neither short + nor tall, neither spare nor corpulent, and who is possessed of blue curly + locks, I will now play with thee. Possessed of eyes like the leaves of the + autumn lotus, and fragrant also as the autumn lotus, equal in beauty unto + her (Lakshmi) who delighteth in autumn lotuses, and unto Sree herself in + symmetry and every grace she is such a woman as a man may desire for wife + in respect of softness of heart, and wealth of beauty and of virtues. + Possessed of every accomplishment and compassionate and sweet-speeched, + she is such a woman as a man may desire for wife in respect of her fitness + for the acquisition of virtue and pleasure and wealth. Retiring to bed + last and waking up first, she looketh after all down to the cowherds and + the shepherds. Her face too, when covered with sweat, looketh as the lotus + or the jasmine. Of slender waist like that of the wasp, of long flowing + locks, of red lips, and body without down, is the princess of Panchala. O + king, making the slender-waisted Draupadi, who is even such as my stake, I + will play with thee, O son of Suvala.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—‘When the intelligent king Yudhishthira the + just has spoken thus,—‘Fie!’ ‘Fie!’ were the words that were uttered + by all the aged persons that were in the assembly. And the whole conclave + was agitated, and the kings who were present there all gave way to grief. + And Bhishma and Drona and Kripa were covered with perspiration. And Vidura + holding his head between his hands sat like one that had lost his reason. + He sat with face downwards giving way to his reflections and sighing like + a snake. But Dhritarashtra glad, at heart, asked repeatedly, ‘Hath the + stake been won?’ ‘Hath the stake been won?’ and could not conceal his + emotions. Karna with Dussassana and others laughed aloud, while tears + began to flow from the eyes of all other present in the assembly. And the + son of Suvala, proud of success and flurried with excitement and + repeating. Thou hast one stake, dear to thee, etc. said,—‘Lo! I have + won’ and took up the dice that had been cast.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0305"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXV + </h2> + <p> + Duryodhana said,—‘Come, Kshatta, bring hither Draupadi the dear and + loved wife of the Pandavas. Let her sweep the chambers, force her thereto, + and let the unfortunate one stay where our serving-women are.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said,—‘Dost thou not know, O wretch, that by uttering such + harsh words thou art tying thyself with cords? Dost thou not understand + that thou art hanging on the edge of a precipice? Dost thou not know that + being a deer thou provokest so many tigers to rage? Snakes of deadly + venom, provoked to ire, are on thy head! Wretch, do not further provoke + them lest thou goest to the region of Yama. In my judgement, slavery does + not attach to Krishna, in as much as she was staked by the King after he + had lost himself and ceased to be his own master. Like the bamboo that + beareth fruit only when it is about to die, the son of Dhritarashtra + winneth this treasure at play. Intoxicated, he perceiveth nor in these his + last moments that dice bring about enmity and frightful terrors. No man + should utter harsh speeches and pierce the hearts of the others. No man + should subjugate his enemies by dice and such other foul means. No one + should utter such words as are disapproved by the Vedas and lead to hell + and annoy others. Some one uttereth from his lips words that are harsh. + Stung by them another burneth day and night. These words pierce the very + heart of another. The learned, therefore, should never utter them, + pointing them at others. A goat had once swallowed a hook, and when it was + pierced with it, the hunter placing the head of the animal on the ground + tore its throat frightfully in drawing it out. Therefore, O Duryodhana, + swallow not the wealth of the Pandavas. Make them not thy enemies. The + sons of Pritha never use words such as these. It is only low men that are + like dogs who use harsh words towards all classes of people, viz., those + that have retired to the woods, those leading domestic lives, those + employed in ascetic devotions and those that are of great learning. Alas! + the son of Dhritarashtra knoweth not that dishonesty is one of the + frightful doors of hell. Alas! many of the Kurus with Dussasana amongst + them have followed him in the path of dishonesty in the matter of this + play at dice. Even gourds may sink and stones may float, and boats also + may always sink in water, still this foolish king, the son of + Dhritarashtra, listeneth not to my words that are even as regimen unto + him. Without doubt, he will be the cause of the destruction of the Kurus. + When the words of wisdom spoken by friends and which are even as fit + regimen are not listened to, but on the other hand temptation is on the + increase, a frightful and universal destruction is sure to overtake all + the Kurus.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0306"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Intoxicated with pride, the son of Dhritarashtra + spake,—‘Fie on Kshatta! and casting his eyes upon the Pratikamin in + attendance, commanded him, in the midst of all those reverend seniors, + saying,—‘Go Pratikamin, and bring thou Draupadi hither. Thou hast no + fear from the sons of Pandu. It is Vidura alone that raveth in fear. + Besides, he never wisheth our prosperity!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Thus commanded, the Pratikamin, who was of + the Suta caste, hearing the words of the king, proceeded with haste, and + entering the abode of the Pandavas, like a dog in a lion’s den, approached + the queen of the sons of Pandu. And he said,—‘Yudhishthira having + been intoxicated with dice, Duryodhana, O Draupadi, hath won thee. Come + now, therefore, to the abode of Dhritarashtra. I will take thee, O + Yajnaseni, and put thee in some menial work.’ + </p> + <p> + Draupadi said,—‘Why, O Pratikamin, dost thou say so? What prince is + there who playeth staking his wife? The king was certainly intoxicated + with dice. Else, could he not find any other object to stake?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Pratikamin said,—‘When he had nothing else to stake, it was + then that Ajatasatru, the son of Pandu, staked thee. The king had first + staked his brothers, then himself, and then thee, O princess.’ + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi said,—‘O son of the Suta race, go, and ask that gambler + present in the assembly, whom he hath lost first, himself, or me. + Ascertaining this, come hither, and then take me with thee, O son of the + Suta race.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“The messenger coming back to the assembly + told all present the words of Draupadi. And he spoke unto Yudhishthira + sitting in the midst of the kings, these words,—Draupadi hath asked + thee, Whose lord wert thou at the time thou lost me in play? Didst thou + lose thyself first or me? Yudhishthira, however sat there like one + demented and deprived of reason and gave no answer good or ill to the + Suta. + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana then said,—‘Let the princess of Panchala come hither and + put her question. Let every one hear in this assembly the words that pass + between her and Yudhishthira.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“The messenger, obedient to the command of + Duryodhana, going once again to the palace, himself much distressed, said + unto Draupadi,—‘O princess, they that are in the assembly are + summoning thee. It seemeth that the end of the Kauravas is at hand. When + Duryodhana, O princess, is for taking thee before the assembly, this + weak-brained king will no longer be able to protect his prosperity.’ + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi said,—‘The great ordainer of the world hath, indeed, + ordained so. Happiness and misery pay their court to both the wise and + unwise. Morality, however, it hath been said, is the one highest object in + the world. If cherished, that will certainly dispense blessings to us. Let + not that morality now abandon the Kauravas. Going back to those that are + present in that assembly, repeat these my words consonant with morality. I + am ready to do what those elderly and virtuous persons conversant with + morality will definitely tell me. + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“The Suta, hearing these words of Yajnaseni, + came back to the assembly and repeated the words of Draupadi. But all sat + with faces downwards, uttering not a word, knowing the eagerness and + resolution of Dhritarashtra’s son. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira, however, O bull of the Bharata race, hearing of + Duryodhana’s intentions, sent a trusted messenger unto Draupadi, directing + that although she was attired in one piece of cloth with her navel itself + exposed, in consequence of her season having come, she should come before + her father-in-law weeping bitterly. And that intelligent messenger, O + king, having gone to Draupadi’s abode with speed, informed her of the + intentions of Yudhishthira. The illustrious Pandavas, meanwhile, + distressed and sorrowful, and bound by promise, could not settle what they + should do. And casting his eyes upon them, king Duryodhana, glad at heart, + addressed the Suta and said,—‘O Pratikamin, bring her hither. Let + the Kauravas answer her question before her face. The Suta, then, obedient + to his commands, but terrified at the (possible) wrath of the daughter of + Drupada, disregarding his reputation for intelligence, once again said to + those that were in the assembly,—what shall I say unto Krishna?’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana, hearing this, said,—‘O Dussasana, this son of my Suta, + of little intelligence, feareth Vrikodara. Therefore, go thou thyself and + forcibly bring hither the daughter of Yajnasena, Our enemies at present + are dependent on our will. What can they do thee?’ Hearing the command of + his brother, prince Dussasana rose with blood-red eyes, and entering the + abode of those great warriors, spake these words unto the princess, ‘Come, + come, O Krishna, princess of Panchala, thou hast been won by us. And O + thou of eyes large as lotus leaves, come now and accept the Kurus for thy + lords. Thou hast been won virtuously, come to the assembly.’ At these + words, Draupadi, rising up in great affliction, rubbed her pale face with + her hands, and distressed she ran to the place where the ladies of + Dhritarashtra’s household were. At this, Dussasana roaring in anger, ran + after her and seized the queen by her locks, so long and blue and wavy. + Alas! those locks that had been sprinkled with water sanctified with + mantras in the great Rajasuya sacrifice, were now forcibly seized by the + son of Dhritarashtra disregarding the prowess of the Pandavas. And + Dussasana dragging Krishna of long long locks unto the presence of the + assembly—as if she were helpless though having powerful protectors—and + pulling at her, made her tremble like the banana plant in a storm. And + dragged by him, with body bent, she faintly cried—‘Wretch! it ill + behoveth thee to take me before the assembly. My season hath come, and I + am now clad in one piece of attire. But Dussasana dragging Draupadi + forcibly by her black locks while she was praying piteously unto Krishna + and Vishnu who were Narayana and Nara (on earth), said unto her—‘Whether + thy season hath come or not, whether thou art attired in one piece of + cloth or entirely naked, when thou hast been won at dice and made our + slave, thou art to live amongst our serving-women as thou pleasest.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“With hair dishevelled and half her attire + loosened, all the while dragged by Dussasana, the modest Krishna consumed + with anger, faintly said—“In this assembly are persons conversant + with all the branches of learning devoted to the performance of sacrifices + and other rites, and all equal unto Indra, persons some of whom are really + my superiors and others who deserve to be respected as such. I can not + stay before them in this state. O wretch! O thou of cruel deeds, drag me + not so. Uncover me not so. The princes (my lords) will not pardon thee, + even if thou hast the gods themselves with Indra as thy allies. The + illustrious son of Dharma is now bound by the obligations of morality. + Morality, however, is subtle. Those only that are possessed of great + clearness of vision can ascertain it. In speech even I am unwilling to + admit an atom of fault in my lord forgetting his virtues. Thou draggest me + who am in my season before these Kuru heroes. This is truly an unworthy + act. But no one here rebuketh thee. Assuredly, all these are of the same + mind with thee. O fie! Truly hath the virtue of the Bharata gone! Truly + also hath the usage of those acquainted with the Kshatriya practice + disappeared! Else these Kurus in this assembly would never have looked + silently on this act that transgresseth the limits of their practices. Oh! + both Drona and Bhishma have lost their energy, and so also hath the + high-souled Kshatta, and so also this king. Else, why do these foremost of + the Kuru elders look silently on this great crime?” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Thus did Krishna of slender waist cry in + distress in that assembly. And casting a glance upon her enraged lords—the + Pandavas—who were filled with terrible wrath, she inflamed them + further with that glance of hers. And they were not so distressed at + having been robbed of their kingdom, of their wealth, of their costliest + gems, as with that glance of Krishna moved by modesty and anger. And + Dussasana, beholding Krishna looking at her helpless lords, dragging her + still more forcibly, and addressed her, ‘Slave, Slave’ and laughed aloud. + And at those words Karna became very glad and approved of them by laughing + aloud. And Sakuni, the son of Suvala, the Gandhara king, similarly + applauded Dussasana. And amongst all those that were in the assembly + except these three and Duryodhana, every one was filled with sorrow at + beholding Krishna thus dragged in sight of that assembly. And beholding it + all, Bhishma said, ‘O blessed one, morality is subtle. I therefore am + unable to duly decide this point that thou hast put, beholding that on the + one hand one that hath no wealth cannot stake the wealth belonging to + others, while on the other hand wives are always under the orders and at + the disposal of their lords. Yudhishthira can abandon the whole world full + of wealth, but he will never sacrifice morality. The son of Pandu hath + said—‘I am won.’ Therefore, I am unable to decide this matter. + Sakuni hath not his equal among men at dice-play. The son of Kunti still + voluntarily staked with him. The illustrious Yudhishthira doth not himself + regard that Sakuni hath played with him deceitfully. Therefore, I can not + decide this point.” + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi said,—“The king was summoned to this assembly and though + possessing no skill at dice, he was made to play with skilful, wicked, + deceitful and desperate gamblers. How can he be said then to have staked + voluntarily? The chief of the Pandavas was deprived of his senses by + wretches of deceitful conduct and unholy instincts, acting together, and + then vanquished. He could not understand their tricks, but he hath now + done so. Here, in this assembly, there are Kurus who are the lords of both + their sons and their daughters-in-law! Let all of them, reflecting well + upon my words, duly decide the point that I have put. + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—‘Unto Krishna who was thus weeping and + crying piteously, looking at times upon her helpless lord, Dussasana spake + many disagreeable and harsh words. And beholding her who was then in her + season thus dragged, and her upper garments loosened, beholding her in + that condition which she little deserved, Vrikodara afflicted beyond + endurance, his eyes fixed upon Yudhishthira, gave way to wrath.” + </p> + <p> + “Bhima said,—‘O Yudhishthira, gamblers have in their houses many + women of loose character. They do not yet stake those women having + kindness for them even. Whatever wealth and other excellent articles the + king of Kasi gave, whatever, gems, animals, wealth, coats of mail and + weapons that other kings of the earth gave, our kingdom, thyself and + ourselves, have all been won by the foes. At all this my wrath was not + excited for thou art our lord. This, however, I regard as a highly + improper act—this act of staking Draupadi. This innocent girl + deserveth not this treatment. Having obtained the Pandavas as her lords, + it is for thee alone that she is being thus persecuted by the low, + despicable, cruel, and mean-minded Kauravas. It is for her sake, O king, + that my anger falleth on thee. I shall burn those hands of thine. + Sahadeva, bring some fire.” + </p> + <p> + ‘Arjuna hearing this, said,—‘Thou hast never, O Bhimasena, before + this uttered such words as these. Assuredly thy high morality hath been + destroyed by these cruel foes. Thou shouldst not fulfil the wishes of the + enemy. Practise thou the highest morality. Whom doth it behave to + transgress his virtuous eldest brother? The king was summoned by the foe, + and remembering the usage of the Kshatriyas, he played at dice against his + will. That is certainly conducive to our great fame. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bhima said,—‘If I had not known, O Dhananjaya, that the king had + acted according to Kshatriya usage, then I would have, taking his hands + together by sheer force, burnt them in a blazing fire.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Beholding the Pandavas thus distressed and + the princess of Panchala also thus afflicted, Vikarna the son of + Dhritarashtra said—‘Ye kings, answer ye the question that hath been + asked by Yajnaseni. If we do not judge a matter referred to us, all of us + will assuredly have to go to hell without delay. How is that Bhishma and + Dhritarashtra, both of whom are the oldest of the Kurus, as also the + high-souled Vidura, do not say anything! The son of Bharadwaja who is the + preceptor of us, as also Kripa, is here. Why do not these best of + regenerate ones answer the question? Let also those other kings assembled + here from all directions answer according to their judgment this question, + leaving aside all motives of gain and anger. Ye kings, answer ye the + question that hath been asked by this blessed daughter of king Drupada, + and declare after reflection on which side each of ye is.’ Thus did + Vikarna repeatedly appeal to those that were in that assembly. But those + kings answered him not one word, good or ill. And Vikarna having + repeatedly appealed to all the kings began to rub his hands and sigh like + a snake. And at last the prince said—‘Ye kings of the earth, ye + Kauravas, whether ye answer this question or not, I will say what I regard + as just and proper. Ye foremost of men, it hath been said that hunting, + drinking, gambling, and too much enjoyment of women, are the four vices of + kings. The man, that is addicted to these, liveth forsaking virtue. And + people do not regard the acts done by a person who is thus improperly + engaged, as of any authority. This son of Pandu, while deeply engaged in + one of these vicious acts, urged thereto by deceitful gamblers, made + Draupadi a stake. The innocent Draupadi is, besides, the common wife of + all the sons of Pandu. And the king, having first lost himself offered her + as a stake. And Suvala himself desirous of a stake, indeed prevailed upon + the king to stake this Krishna. Reflecting upon all these circumstances, I + regard Draupadi as not won.” + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words, a loud uproar rose from among those present in that + assembly. And they all applauded Vikarna and censured the son of Suvala. + And at that sound, the son of Radha, deprived of his senses by anger, + waving his well-shaped arms, said these words,—‘O Vikarna, many + opposite and inconsistent conditions are noticeable in this assembly. Like + fire produced from a faggot, consuming the faggot itself, this thy ire + will consume thee. These personages here, though urged by Krishna, have + not uttered a word. They all regard the daughter of Drupada to have been + properly won. Thou alone, O son of Dhritarashtra in consequence of thy + immature years, art bursting with wrath, for though but a boy thou + speakest in the assembly as if thou wert old. O younger brother of + Duryodhana, thou dost not know what morality truly is, for thou sayest + like a fool that this Krishna who hath been (justly) won as not won at + all. O son of Dhritarashtra, how dost thou regard Krishna as not won, when + the eldest of the Pandavas before this assembly staked all his + possessions? O bull of the Bharata race, Draupadi is included in all the + possessions (of Yudhishthira). Therefore, why regardest thou Krishna who + hath been justly won as not won? Draupadi had been mentioned (by Suvala) + and approved of as a stake by the Pandavas. For what reason then dost thou + yet regard her as not won? Or, if thou thinkest that bringing her hither + attired in a single piece of cloth, is an action of impropriety, listen to + certain excellent reasons I will give. O son of the Kuru race, the gods + have ordained only one husband for one woman. This Draupadi, however, hath + many husbands. Therefore, certain it is that she is an unchaste woman. To + bring her, therefore, into this assembly attired though she be in one + piece of cloth—even to uncover her is not at all an act that may + cause surprise. Whatever wealth the Pandavas had—she herself and + these Pandavas themselves,—have all been justly won by the son of + Suvala. O Dussasana, this Vikarna speaking words of (apparent) wisdom is + but a boy. Take off the robes of the Pandavas as also the attire of + Draupadi. Hearing these words the Pandavas, O Bharata, took of their upper + garments and throwing them down sat in that assembly. Then Dussasana, O + king, forcibly seizing Draupadi’s attire before the eyes of all, began to + drag it off her person.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“When the attire of Draupadi was being thus + dragged, the thought of Hari, (And she herself cried aloud, saying), ‘O + Govinda, O thou who dwellest in Dwaraka, O Krishna, O thou who art fond of + cow-herdesses (of Vrindavana). O Kesava, seest thou not that the Kauravas + are humiliating me. O Lord, O husband of Lakshmi, O Lord of Vraja + (Vrindavana), O destroyer of all afflictions, O Janarddana, rescue me who + am sinking in the Kaurava Ocean. O Krishna, O Krishna, O thou great yogin, + thou soul of the universe, Thou creator of all things, O Govinda, save me + who am distressed,—who am losing my senses in the midst of the + Kurus.’ Thus did that afflicted lady resplendent still in her beauty, O + king covering her face cried aloud, thinking of Krishna, of Hari, of the + lord of the three worlds. Hearing the words of Draupadi, Krishna was + deeply moved. And leaving his seat, the benevolent one from compassion, + arrived there on foot. And while Yajnaseni was crying aloud to Krishna, + also called Vishnu and Hari and Nara for protection, the illustrious + Dharma, remaining unseen, covered her with excellent clothes of many hues. + And, O monarch as the attire of Draupadi was being dragged, after one was + taken off, another of the same kind, appeared covering her. And thus did + it continue till many clothes were seen. And, O exalted on, owing to the + protection of Dharma, hundreds upon hundreds of robes of many hues came + off Draupadi’s person. And there arose then a deep uproar of many many + voices. And the kings present in that assembly beholding that most + extraordinary of all sights in the world, began to applaud Draupadi and + censure the son of Dhritarashtra. And Bhima then, squeezing his hands, + with lips quivering in rage, swore in the midst of all those kings a + terrible oath in a loud voice. + </p> + <p> + “And Bhima said,—Hear these words of mine, ye Kshatriyas of the + world. Words such as these were never before uttered by other men, nor + will anybody in the future ever utter them. Ye lords of earth, if having + spoken these words I do not accomplish them hereafter, let me not obtain + the region of my deceased ancestors. Tearing open in battle, by sheer + force, the breast of this wretch, this wicked-minded scoundrel of the + Bharata race, if I do not drink his life-blood, let me not obtain the + region of my ancestors.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these terrible words of Bhima that + made the down of the auditors to stand on end, everybody present there + applauded him and censured the son of Dhritarashtra. And when a mass of + clothes had been gathered in that assembly, all dragged from the person of + Draupadi, Dussasana, tired and ashamed, sat down. And beholding the sons + of Kunti in that state, the persons—those gods among men—that + were in that assembly all uttered the word ‘Fie!’(on the son of + Dhritarashtra). And the united voices of all became so loud that they made + the down of anybody who heard them stand on end. And all the honest men + that were in that assembly began to say,—‘Alas! the Kauravas answer + not the question that hath been put to them by Draupadi. And all censuring + Dhritarashtra together, made a loud clamour. Then Vidura, that master of + the science of morality, waving his hands and silencing every one, spake + these words;—‘Ye that are in this assembly, Draupadi having put her + question is weeping helplessly. Ye are not answering her. Virtue and + morality are being persecuted by such conduct. An afflicted person + approacheth an assembly of good men, like one that is being consumed by + fire. They that are in the assembly quench that fire and cool him by means + of truth and morality. The afflicted person asketh the assembly about his + rights, as sanctioned by morality. They that are in the assembly should, + unmoved by interest and anger, answer the question. Ye kings, Vikarna hath + answered the question, according to his own knowledge and judgment. Ye + should also answer it as ye think proper. Knowing the rules of morality, + and having attended an assembly, he that doth not answer a query that is + put, incurreth half the demerit that attacheth to a lie. He, on the other + hand, who, knowing the rules of morality and having joined an assembly + answereth falsely, assuredly incurreth the sin of a lie. The learned quote + as an example in this connection the old history of Prahlada and the son + of Angirasa. + </p> + <p> + “There was of old a chief of the Daityas of the name Prahlada. He had a + son named Virochana. And Virochana, for the sake of obtaining a bride, + quarrelled with Sudhanwan, the son of Angiras. It hath been heard by us + that they mutually wagered their lives, saying—I am superior,—I + am superior,—for the sake of obtaining a bride. And after they had + thus quarrelled with each other, they both made Prahlada the arbitrator to + decide between them. And they asked him, saying;—Who amongst us is + superior (to the other)? Answer this question. Speak not falsely. + Frightened at this quarrel, Prahlada cast his eyes upon Sudhanwan. And + Sudhanwan in rage, burning like unto the mace of Yama, told him,—If + thou answerest falsely, or dost not answer at all thy head will then be + split into a hundred pieces by the wielder of the thunderbolt with that + bolt of his.—Thus addressed by Sudhanwan, the Daitya, trembling like + a leaf of the fig tree, went to Kasyapa of great energy, for taking + counsel with him. And Prahlada said,—‘Thou art, O illustrious and + exalted one, fully conversant with the rules of morality that should guide + both the gods and the Asuras and the Brahmanas as well. Here, however, is + a situation of great difficulty in respect of duty. Tell me, I ask thee, + what regions are obtainable by them who upon being asked a question, + answer it not, or answer it falsely. Kasyapa thus asked answered.—‘He + that knoweth, but answereth not a question from temptation, anger or fear, + casteth upon himself a thousand nooses of Varuna. And the person who, + cited as a witness with respect to any matter of ocular or auricular + knowledge, speaketh carelessly, casteth a thousand nooses of Varuna upon + his own person. On the completion of one full year, one such noose is + loosened. Therefore, he that knoweth, should speak the truth without + concealment. If virtue, pierced by sin, repaireth to an assembly (for + aid), it is the duty of every body in the assembly to take off the dart, + otherwise they themselves would be pierced with it. In an assembly where a + truly censurable act is not rebuked, half the demerit of that act + attacheth to the head of that assembly, a fourth to the person acting + censurably and a fourth unto those others that are there. In that + assembly, on the other hand, when he that deserveth censure is rebuked, + the head of the assembly becometh freed from all sins, and the other + members also incur none. It is only the perpetrator himself of the act + that becometh responsible for it. O Prahlada, they who answer falsely + those that ask them about morality destroy the meritorious acts of their + seven upper and seven lower generations. The grief of one who hath lost + all his wealth, of one who hath lost a son, of one who is in debt, of one + who is separated from his companions, of a woman who hath lost her + husband, of one that hath lost his all in consequence of the king’s + demand, of a woman who is sterile, of one who hath been devoured by a + tiger (during his last struggles in the tiger’s claws), of one who is a + co-wife, and of one who hath been deprived of his property by false + witnesses, have been said by the gods to be uniform in degree. These + different sorts of grief are his who speaketh false. A person becometh a + witness in consequence of his having seen, heard, and understood a thing. + Therefore, a witness should always tell the truth. A truth-telling witness + never loseth his religious merits and earthly possessions also.’ Hearing + these words of Kasyapa, Prahlada told his son, “Sudhanwan is superior to + thee, as indeed, (his father) Angiras is superior to me. The mother also + of Sudhanwan is superior to thy mother. Therefore, O Virochana, this + Sudhanwan is now the lord of the life.” At these words of Prahlada, + Sudhanwan said, “Since unmoved by affection for thy child, thou hast + adhered to virtue, I command, let this son of thine live for a hundred + years.” + </p> + <p> + “Vidura continued,—Let all the persons, therefore, present in this + assembly hearing these high truths of morality, reflect upon what should + be the answer to the question asked by Draupadi”. + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“The kings that were there hearing these + words of Vidura, answered not a word, yet Karna alone spoke unto + Dussasana, telling him. Take away this serving-woman Krishna into the + inner apartments. And thereupon Dussasana began to drag before all the + spectators the helpless and modest Draupadi, trembling and crying + piteously unto the Pandavas her lords.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0307"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Draupadi said,—‘Wait a little, thou worst of men, thou wicked-minded + Dussasana. I have an act to perform—a high duty that hath not been + performed by me yet. Dragged forcibly by this wretch’s strong arms, I was + deprived of my senses. I salute these reverend seniors in this assembly of + the Kurus. That I could not do this before cannot be my fault.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Dragged with greater force than before, the + afflicted and helpless Draupadi, undeserving of such treatment, falling + down upon the ground, thus wept in that assembly of the Kurus,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Alas, only once before, on the occasion of the Swayamvara, I was beheld + by the assembled kings in the amphitheatre, and never even once beheld + afterwards. I am to-day brought before this assembly. She whom even the + winds and the sun had seen never before in her palace is to-day before + this assembly and exposed to the gaze of the crowd. Alas, she whom the + sons of Pandu could not, while in her palace, suffer to be touched even by + the wind, is to-day suffered by the Pandavas to be seized and dragged by + this wretch. Alas, these Kauravas also suffer their daughter-in-law, so + unworthy of such treatment, to be thus afflicted before them. It seemeth + that the times are out of joint. What can be more distressing to me, than + that though high-born and chaste, I should yet be compelled to enter this + public court? Where is that virtue for which these kings were noted? It + hath been heard that the kings of ancient days never brought their wedded + wives into the public court. Alas, that eternal usage hath disappeared + from among the Kauravas. Else, how is it that the chaste wife of the + Pandavas, the sister of Prishata’s son, the friend of Vasudeva, is brought + before this assembly? Ye Kauravas, I am the wedded wife of king + Yudhishthira the just, hailing from the same dynasty to which the King + belonged. Tell me now if I am a serving-maid or otherwise. I will + cheerfully accept your answer. This mean wretch, this destroyer of the + name of the Kurus, is afflicting me hard. Ye Kauravas, I cannot bear it + any longer. Ye kings, I desire ye to answer whether ye regard me as won or + unwon. I will accept your verdict whatever it be.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words, Bhishma answered, I have already said, O blessed one + that the course of morality is subtle. Even the illustrious wise in this + world fail to understand it always. What in this world a strong man calls + morality is regarded as such by others, however otherwise it may really + be; but what a weak man calls morality is scarcely regarded as such even + if it be the highest morality. From the importance of the issue involved, + from its intricacy and subtlety, I am unable to answer with certitude the + question thou hast asked. However, it is certain that as all the Kurus + have become the slaves of covetousness and folly, the destruction of this + our race will happen on no distant date. O blessed one, the family into + which thou hast been admitted as a daughter-in-law, is such that those who + are born in it, however much they might be afflicted by calamities, never + deviate from the paths of virtue and morality. O Princess of Panchala, + this conduct of thine also, viz. that though sunk in distress, thou still + easiest thy eyes on virtue and morality, is assuredly worthy of thee. + These persons, Drona and others, of mature years and conversant with + morality, sit heads downwards like men that are dead, with bodies from + which life hath departed. It seemeth to me, however, that Yudhishthira is + an authority on this question. It behoveth him to declare whether thou art + won or not won.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0308"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“The kings present in that assembly, from tear of + Duryodhana, uttered not a word, good or ill, although they beheld Draupadi + crying piteously in affliction like a female osprey, and repeatedly + appealing to them. And the son of Dhritarashtra beholding those kings and + sons and grand sons of kings all remaining silent, smiled a little, and + addressing the daughter of the king of Panchala, said,—O Yajnaseni, + the question thou hast put dependeth on thy husbands—on Bhima of + mighty strength, on Arjuna, on Nakula, on Sahadeva. Let them answer thy + question. O Panchali, let them for thy sake declare in the midst of these + respectable men that Yudhishthira is not their lord, let them thereby make + king Yudhishthira the just a liar. Thou shalt then be freed from the + condition of slavery. Let the illustrious son of Dharma, always adhering + to virtue, who is even like Indra, himself declare whether he is not thy + lord. At his words, accept thou the Pandavas or ourselves without delay. + Indeed, all the Kauravas present in this assembly are floating in the + ocean of thy distress. Endued with magnanimity, they are unable to answer + thy question, looking at thy unfortunate husbands.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words of the Kuru king, all + who were present in the assembly loudly applauded them. And shouting + approvingly, they made signs unto one another by motions of their eyes and + lips. And amongst some that were there, sounds of distress such as ‘O! and + ‘Alas!” were heard. And at these words of Duryodhana, so delightful (to + his partisans), the Kauravas present in that assembly became exceedingly + glad. And the kings, with faces turned sideways, looked upon Yudhishthira + conversant with the rules of morality, curious to hear what he would say. + And every one present in that assembly became curious to hear what Arjuna, + the son of Pandu never defeated in battle, and what Bhimasena, and what + the twins also would say. And when that busy hum of many voices became + still, Bhimasena, waving his strong and well-formed arms smeared with + sandalpaste spake these words,—‘If this high-souled king + Yudhishthira the just, who is our eldest brother, had not been our lord, + we would never have forgiven the Kuru race (for all this). He is the lord + of all our religious and ascetic merits, the lord of even our lives. If he + regardeth himself as won, we too have all been won. If this were not so, + who is there amongst creatures touching the earth with their feet and + mortal, that would escape from me with his life after having touched those + locks of the princess of Panchala? Behold these mighty, well-formed arms + of mine, even like maces of iron. Having once come within them, even he of + a hundred sacrifices is incapable of effecting an escape. Bound by the + ties of virtue and the reverence that is due to our eldest brother, and + repeatedly urged by Arjuna to remain silent, I am not doing anything + terrible. If however, I am once commanded by king Yudhishthira the just, I + would slay these wretched sons of Dhritarashtra, making slaps do the work + of swords, like a lion slaying a number of little animals.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Unto Bhima who had spoken these words + Bhishma and Drona and Vidura said, ‘Forbear, O Bhima. Everything is + possible with thee.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0309"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXX + </h2> + <p> + “Karna said,—‘Of all the persons in the assembly, three, viz., + Bhishma, Vidura, and the preceptor of the Kurus (Drona) appear to be + independent; for they always speak of their master as wicked, always + censure him, and never wish for his prosperity. O excellent one, the + slave, the son, and the wife are always dependent. They cannot earn + wealth, for whatever they earn belongeth to their master. Thou art the + wife of a slave incapable of possessing anything on his own account. + Repair now to the inner apartments of king Dhritarashtra and serve the + king’s relatives. We direct that that is now thy proper business. And, O + princess, all the sons of Dhritarashtra and not the sons of Pritha are now + thy masters. O handsome one, select thou another husband now,—one + who will not make thee a slave by gambling. It is well-known that women, + especially that are slaves, are not censurable if they proceed with + freedom in electing husbands. Therefore let it be done by thee. Nakula + hath been won, as also Bhimasena, and Yudhishthira also, and Sahadeva, and + Arjuna. And, O Yajnaseni, thou art now a slave. Thy husbands that are + slaves cannot continue to be thy lords any longer. Alas, doth not the son + of Pritha regards life, prowess and manhood as of no use that he offereth + this daughter of Drupada, the king of Panchala, in the presence of all + this assembly, as a stake at dice?’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words, the wrathful Bhima + breathed hard, a very picture of woe. Obedient to the king and bound by + the tie of virtue and duty, burning everything with his eyes inflamed by + anger, he said,—‘O king, I cannot be angry at these words of this + son of a Suta, for we have truly entered the state of servitude. But O + king, could our enemies have said so unto me, it thou hadst not played + staking this princess?’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words of Bhimasena king + Duryodhana addressed Yudhishthira who was silent and deprived of his + senses, saying,—‘O king, both Bhima and Arjuna, and the twins also, + are under thy sway. Answer thou the question (that hath been asked by + Draupadi). Say, whether thou regardest Krishna as unwon.’ And having + spoken thus unto the son of Kunti, Duryodhana. desirous of encouraging the + son of Radha and insulting Bhima, quickly uncovered his left thigh that + was like unto the stem of a plantain tree or the trunk of an elephant and + which was graced with every auspicious sign and endued with the strength + of thunder, and showed it to Draupadi in her very sight. And beholding + this, Bhimasena expanding his red eyes, said unto Duryodhana in the midst + of all those kings and as if piercing them (with his dart-like words),—‘Let + not Vrikodara attain to the regions, obtained by his ancestors, if he doth + not break that thigh of thine in the great conflict. And sparkles of fire + began to be emitted from every organ of sense of Bhima filled with wrath, + like those that come out of every crack and orifice in the body of a + blazing tree. + </p> + <p> + Vidura then, addressing everybody, said,—‘Ye kings of Pratipa’s + race, behold the great danger that ariseth from Bhimasena. Know ye for + certain that this great calamity that threatens to overtake the Bharatas + hath been sent by Destiny itself. The sons of Dhritarashtra have, indeed, + gambled disregarding every proper consideration. They are even now + disputing in this assembly about a lady (of the royal household). The + prosperity of our kingdom is at an end. Alas, the Kauravas are even now + engaged in sinful consultations. Ye Kauravas, take to your heart this high + precept that I declare. If virtue is persecuted, the whole assembly + becometh polluted. If Yudhishthira had staked her before he was himself + won, he would certainly have been regarded as her master. If, however a + person staketh anything at a time when he himself is incapable of holding + any wealth, to win it is very like obtaining wealth in a dream. Listening + to the words of the king of Gandhara, fall ye not off from this undoubted + truth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana, hearing Vidura thus speak, said,—‘I am willing to abide + by the words of Bhima, of Arjuna and of the twins. Let them say that + Yudhishthira is not their master. Yajnaseni will then be freed from her + state of bondage.” + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna at this, said,—“This illustrious son of Kunti, king + Yudhishthira the just, was certainly our master before he began to play. + But having lost himself, let all the Kauravas judge whose master he could + be after that.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Just then, a jackal began to cry loudly in + the homa-chamber of king Dhritarashtra’s palace. And, O king, unto the + jackal that howled so, the asses began to bray responsively. And terrible + birds also, from all sides, began to answer with their cries. And Vidura + conversant with everything and the daughter of Suvala, both understood the + meaning of those terrible sounds. And Bhishma and Drona and the learned + Gautama loudly cried,—Swashti! Swashti!<a href="#linknote-1" + name="linknoteref-1" id="linknoteref-1_"><small>1</small></a> Then + Gandhari and the learned Vidura beholding that frightful omen, represented + everything, in great affliction, unto the king. And the king + (Dhritarashtra) thereupon said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Thou wicked-minded Duryodhana, thou wretch, destruction hath all ready + overtaken thee when thou insultest in language such as this the wife of + these bulls among the Kurus, especially their wedded wife Draupadi. And + having spoken those words, the wise Dhritarashtra endued with knowledge, + reflecting with the aid of his wisdom and desirous of saving his relatives + and friends from destruction, began to console Krishna, the princess of + Panchala, and addressing her, the monarch said,—‘Ask of me any boon, + O princess of Panchala, that thou desirest, Chaste and devoted to virtue, + thou art the first of all my daughters-in-law. + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi said,—‘O bull of the Bharata race, if thou will grant me a + boon, I ask the handsome Yudhishthira, obedient to every duty, be freed + from slavery. Let not unthinking children call my child Prativindhya + endued with great energy of mind as the son of a slave. Having been a + prince, so superior to all men, and nurtured by kings it is not proper + that he should be called the child of a slave. + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said unto her,—‘O auspicious one, let it be as thou + sayest. O excellent one, ask thou another boon, for I will give it. My + heart inclineth to give thee a second boon. Thou dost not deserve only one + boon. + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi said,—‘I ask, O king, that Bhimasena and Dhananjaya and + the twins also, with their cars and bows, freed from bondage, regain their + liberty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dhritarashtra said,—‘O blessed daughter, let it be as thou + desirest. Ask thou a third boon, for thou hast not been sufficiently + honoured with two boons. Virtuous in thy behaviour, thou art the foremost + of all my daughters-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Draupadi said,—‘O best of kings, O illustrious one, covetousness + always bringeth about loss of virtue. I do not deserve a third boon. + Therefore I dare not ask any. O king of kings, it hath been said that a + Vaisya may ask one boon; a Kshatriya lady, two boons; a Kshatriya male, + three, and a Brahmana, a hundred. O king, these my husbands freed from the + wretched state of bondage, will be able to achieve prosperity by their own + virtuous acts!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0310"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Karna said,—‘We have never heard of such an act (as this one of + Draupadi), performed by any of the women noted in this world for their + beauty. When the sons of both Pandu and Dhritarashtra were excited with + wrath, this Draupadi became unto the sons of Pandu as their salvation. + Indeed the princess of Panchala, becoming as a boat unto the sons of Pandu + who were sinking in a boatless ocean of distress, hath brought them in + safety to the shore.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words of Karna in the midst + of the Kurus,—viz., that the sons of Pandu were saved by their wife,—the + angry Bhimasena in great affliction said (unto Arjuna),—‘O + Dhananjaya, it hath been said by Devala three lights reside in every + person, viz., offspring, acts and learning, for from these three hath + sprung creation. When life becometh extinct and the body becometh impure + and is cast off by relatives, these three become of service to every + person. But the light that is in us hath been dimmed by this act of insult + to our wife. How, O Arjuna, can a son born from this insulted wife of ours + prove serviceable to us? + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna replied,—‘Superior persons, O Bharata, never prate about the + harsh words that may or may not be uttered by inferior men. Persons that + have earned respect for themselves, even if they are able to retaliate, + remember not the acts of hostility done by their enemies, but, on the + other hand, treasure up only their good deeds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bhima said,—‘Shall I, O king, slay, without loss of time all these + foes assembled together, even here, or shall I destroy them, O Bharata, by + the roots, outside this palace? Or, what need is there of words or of + command? I shall slay all these even now, and rule thou the whole earth, O + king, without a rival. And saying this, Bhima with his younger brothers, + like a lion in the midst of a herd of inferior animals, repeatedly cast + his angry glances around. But Arjuna, however, of white deeds, with + appealing looks began to pacify his elder brother. And the mighty-armed + hero endued with great prowess began to burn with the fire of his wrath. + And, O king, this fire began to issue out of Vrikodara’s ears and other + senses with smoke and sparks and flames. And his face became terrible to + behold in consequence of his furrowed brows like those of Yama himself at + the time of the universal destruction. Then Yudhishthira forbade the + mighty hero, embracing him with his arms and telling him ‘Be not so. Stay + in silence and peace.’ And having pacified the mighty-armed one with eyes + red in wrath, the king approached his uncle Dhritarashtra, with hands + joined in entreaty.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0311"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘O king, thou art our master. Command us as to + what we shall do. O Bharata, we desire to remain always in obedience to + thee. + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra replied.—‘O Ajatasatru, blest be thou. Go thou in + peace and safety. Commanded by me, go, rule thy own kingdom with thy + wealth. And, O child, take to heart this command of an old man, this + wholesome advice that I give, and which is even a nutritive regimen. O + Yudhishthira, O child, thou knowest the subtle path of morality. Possessed + of great wisdom, thou art also humble, and thou waitest also upon the old. + Where there is intelligence, there is forbearance. Therefore, O Bharata, + follow thou counsels of peace. The axe falleth upon wood, not upon stone. + (Thou art open to advice, not Duryodhana). They are the best of men that + remember not the acts of hostility of their foes; that behold only the + merits, not the faults, of their enemies; and that never enter into + hostilities themselves. They that are good remember only the good deeds of + their foes and not the hostile acts their foes might have done unto them. + The good, besides, do good unto others without expectation of any good, in + return. O Yudhishthira, it is only the worst of men that utter harsh words + in quarrelling; while they that are indifferent reply to such when spoken + by others. But they that are good and wise never think of or recapitulate + such harsh words, little caring whether these may or may not have been + uttered by their foes. They that are good, having regard to the state of + their own feelings, can understand the feelings of others, and therefore + remember only the good deeds and not the acts of hostility of their foes. + Thou hast acted even as good men of prepossessing countenance do, who + transgress not the limits of virtue, wealth, pleasure and salvation. O + child, remember not the harsh words of Duryodhana. Look at thy mother + Gandhari and myself also, if thou desirest to remember only what is good. + O Bharata, look at me, who am thy father unto you and am old and blind, + and still alive. It was for seeing our friends and examining also the + strength and weakness of my children, that I had, from motives of policy, + suffered this match at dice to proceed. O king those amongst the Kurus + that have thee for their ruler, and the intelligent Vidura conversant with + every branch of learning for their counsellor, have, indeed, nothing to + grieve for. In thee is virtue, in Arjuna is patience, in Bhimasena is + prowess, and the twins, those foremost of men, is pure reverence for + superiors. Blest be thou, O Ajatasatru. Return to Khandavaprastha, and let + there be brotherly love between thee and thy cousins. Let thy heart also + be ever fixed on virtue.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“That foremost of the Bharatas—king + Yudhishthira the just—then, thus addressed by his uncle, having gone + through every ceremony of politeness, set out with his brothers for + Khandavaprastha. And accompanied by Draupadi and ascending their cars + which were all of the hue of the clouds, with cheerful hearts they all set + out for that best of cities called Indraprastha.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0312"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIII + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said,—“How did the sons of Dhritarashtra feel, when they + came to know that the Pandavas had, with Dhritarashtra’s leave, left + Hastinapore with all their wealth and jewels?” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“O king, learning that the Pandavas had been + commanded by the wise Dhritarashtra to return to their capital, Dussasana + went without loss of time unto his brother. And, O bull of the Bharata + race, having arrived before Duryodhana with his counsellor, the prince, + afflicted with grief, began to say,—‘Ye mighty warriors, that which + we had won after so much trouble, the old man (our father) hath thrown + away. Know ye that he hath made over the whole of that wealth to the foes. + At these words, Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, all of + whom were guided by vanity, united together, and desirous of counteracting + the sons of Pandu, approaching in haste saw privately the wise king + Dhritarashtra—the son of Vichitravirya and spake unto him these + pleasing and artful words. Duryodhana said,— + </p> + <p> + ‘Hast thou not heard, O king, what the learned Vrihaspati the preceptor of + the celestials, said in course of counselling Sakra about mortals and + politics? Even these, O slayer of foes, were the words of Vrihaspati, + ‘Those enemies that always do wrong by stratagem or force, should be slain + by every means.’ If, therefore, with the wealth of the Pandavas, we + gratify the kings of the earth and then fight with the sons of Pandu, what + reverses can overtake us? When one hath placed on the neck and back of + venomous snakes full of wrath for encompassing his destruction, is it + possible for him to take them off? Equipped with weapon and seated on + their cars, the angry sons of Pandu like wrathful and venomous snakes will + assuredly annihilate us, O father. Even now Arjuna proceedeth, encased in + mail and furnished with his couple of quivers, frequently taking up the + Gandiva and breathing hard and casting angry glances around. It hath + (also) been heard by us that Vrikodara, hastily ordering his car to be + made ready and riding on it, is proceeding along, frequently whirling his + heavy mace. Nakula also is going along, with the sword in his grasp and + the semi-circular shield in his hand. And Sahadeva and the king + (Yudhishthira) have made signs clearly testifying to their intentions. + Having ascended their cars that are full of all kinds of arms, they are + whipping their horses (for going to Khandava soon) and assembling their + forces. Persecuted thus by us they are incapable of forgiving us those + injuries. Who is there among them that will forgive that insult to + Draupadi? Blest be thou. We will again gamble with the son of Pandu for + sending them to exile. O bull among men, we are competent to bring them + thus under our sway. Dressed in skins, either we or they defeated at dice, + shall repair to the woods for twelve years. The thirteenth year shall have + to be spent in some inhabited country unrecognised; and, if recognised, an + exile for another twelve years shall be the consequence. Either we or they + shall live so. Let the play begin, casting the dice, let the sons of Pandu + once more play. O bull of the Bharata race, O king, even this is our + highest duty. This Sakuni knoweth well the whole science of dice. Even if + they succeed in observing this vow for thirteen years, we shall be in the + meantime firmly rooted in the kingdom and making alliances, assemble a + vast invincible host and keep them content, so that we shall, O king, + defeat the sons of Pandu if they reappear. Let this plan recommend itself + to thee, O slayer of foes. + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—Bring back the Pandavas then, indeed, even if + they have gone a great way. Let them come at once again to cast dice.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Then Drona, Somadatta and Valhika, Gautama, + Vidura, the son of Drona, and the mighty son of Dhritarashtra by his + Vaisya wife, Bhurisravas, and Bhishma, and that mighty warrior Vikarna,—all + said, ‘Let not the play commence. Let there be peace. But Dhritarashtra, + partial to his sons, disregarding the counsels of all his wise friends and + relatives, summoned the sons of Pandu.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0313"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—‘O monarch, it was then that the virtuous + Gandhari, afflicted with grief on account of her affection for her sons, + addressed king Dhritarashtra and said, “When Duryodhana was born, Vidura + of great intelligence had said, ‘It is well to send this disgrace of the + race to the other world. He cried repeatedly and dissonantly like a + jackal. It is certain he will prove the destruction of our race. Take this + to heart, O king of the Kurus. O Bharata, sink not, for thy own fault, + into an ocean of calamity. O lord, accord not thy approbation to the + counsels of the wicked ones of immature years. Be not thou the cause of + the terrible destruction of this race. Who is there that will break an + embankment which hath been completed, or re-kindle a conflagration which + hath been extinguished? O bull of the Bharata race, who is there that will + provoke the peaceful sons of Pritha? Thou rememberest, O Ajamida, + everything, but still I will call thy attention to this. The scriptures + can never control the wicked-minded for good or evil. And, O king, a + person of immature understanding will never act as one of mature years. + Let thy sons follow thee as their leader. Let them not be separated from + thee for ever (by losing their lives). Therefore, at my word, O king, + abandon this wretch of our race. Thou couldst not, O king, from parental + affection, do it before. Know that the time hath come for the destruction + of race through him. Err not, O king. Let thy mind, guided by counsels of + peace, virtue, and true policy, be what it naturally is. That prosperity + which is acquired by the aid of wicked acts, is soon destroyed; while that + which is won by mild means taketh root and descendeth from generation to + generation.” + </p> + <p> + “The king, thus addressed by Gandhari who pointed out to him in such + language the path of virtue, replied unto her, saying,—‘If the + destruction of our race is come, let it take place freely. I am ill able + to prevent it. Let it be as they (these my sons) desire. Let the Pandavas + return. And let my sons again gamble with the sons of Pandu.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0314"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—‘The royal messenger, agreeably to the commands + of the intelligent king Dhritarashtra, coming upon Yudhishthira, the son + of Pritha who had by that time gone a great way, addressed the monarch and + said,—‘Even these are the words of thy father-like uncle, O Bharata, + spoken unto thee, ‘The assembly is ready. O son of Pandu, O king + Yudhisthira, come and cast the dice.’ + </p> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—‘Creatures obtain fruits good and ill according + to the dispensation of the Ordainer of the creation. Those fruits are + inevitable whether I play or not. This is a summons to dice; it is, + besides the command of the old king. Although I know that it will prove + destructive to me, yet I cannot refuse.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Although (a living) animal made of gold was + an impossibility, yet Rama suffered himself to be tempted by a (golden) + deer. Indeed, the minds of men over whom calamities hang, became deranged + and out of order. Yudhishthira, therefore, having said these words, + retraced his steps along with his brothers. And knowing full well the + deception practised by Sakuni, the son of Pritha came back to sit at dice + with him again. These mighty warriors again entered that assembly, + afflicting the hearts of all their friends. And compelled by Fate they + once more sat down at ease for gambling for the destruction of + themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Sakuni then said,—‘The old king hath given ye back all your wealth. + That is well. But, O bull of the Bharata race, listen to me, there is a + stake of great value. Either defeated by ye at dice, dressed in deer skins + we shall enter the great forest and live there for twelve years passing + the whole of the thirteenth year in some inhabited region, unrecognised, + and if recognised return to an exile of another twelve years; or + vanquished by us, dressed in deer skins ye shall, with Krishna, live for + twelve years in the woods passing the whole of the thirteenth year + unrecognised, in some inhabited region. If recognised, an exile of another + twelve years is to be the consequence. On the expiry of the thirteenth + year, each is to have his kingdom surrendered by the other. O + Yudhishthira, with this resolution, play with us, O Bharata, casting the + dice.’ + </p> + <p> + “At these words, they that were in that assembly, raising up their arms + said in great anxiety of mind, and from the strength of their feelings + these words,—‘Alas, fie on the friends of Duryodhana that they do + not apprise him of his great danger. Whether he, O bull among the + Bharatas, (Dhritarashtra) understandeth or not, of his own sense, it is + thy duty to tell him plainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued,—King Yudhishthira, even hearing these + various remarks, from shame and a sense of virtue again sat at dice. And + though possessed of great intelligence and fully knowing the consequences, + he again began to play, as if knowing that the destruction of the Kurus + was at hand. + </p> + <p> + “And Yudhishthira said,—‘How can, O Sakuni, a king like me, always + observant of the uses of his own order, refuse, when summoned to dice? + Therefore I play with thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Sakuni answered,—‘We have many kine and horses, and milch cows, and + an infinite number of goats and sheep; and elephants and treasures and + gold and slaves both male and female. All these were staked by us before + but now let this be our one stake, viz., exile into the woods,—being + defeated either ye or we will dwell in the woods (for twelve years) and + the thirteenth year, unrecognised, in some inhabited place. Ye bulls among + men, with this determination, will we play.” + </p> + <p> + “O Bharata, this proposal about a stay in the woods was uttered but once. + The son of Pritha, however, accepted it and Sakuni took up the dice. And + casting them he said unto Yudhishthira,—‘Lo, I have won.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0315"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Then the vanquished sons of Pritha prepared for + their exile into the woods. And they, one after another, in due order, + casting off their royal robes, attired themselves in deer-skins. And + Dussasana, beholding those chastisers of foes, dressed in deer-skins and + deprived of their kingdom and ready to go into exile, exclaimed ‘The + absolute sovereignty of the illustrious king Duryodhana hath commenced. + The sons of Pandu have been vanquished, and plunged into great affliction. + Now have we attained the goal either by broad or narrow paths. For today + becoming superior to our foes in point of prosperity as also of duration + of rule have we become praiseworthy of men. The sons of Pritha have all + been plunged by us into everlasting hell. They have been deprived of + happiness and kingdom for ever and ever. They who, proud of their wealth, + laughed in derision at the son of Dhritarashtra, will now have to go into + the woods, defeated and deprived by us of all their wealth. Let them now + put off their variegated coats of mail, their resplendent robes of + celestial make, and let them all attire themselves in deer-skins according + to the stake they had accepted of the son of Suvala. They who always used + to boast that they had no equals in all the world, will now know and + regard themselves in this their calamity as grains of sesame without the + kernel. Although in this dress of theirs the Pandavas seem like unto wise + and powerful persons installed in a sacrifice, yet they look like persons + not entitled to perform sacrifices, wearing such a guise. The wise + Yajnasena of the Somake race, having bestowed his daughter—the + princess of Panchala—on the sons of Pandu, acted most unfortunately + for the husbands of Yajnaseni—these sons of Pritha are as eunuchs. + And O Yajnaseni, what joy will be thine upon beholding in the woods these + thy husbands dressed in skins and thread-bare rags, deprived of their + wealth and possessions. Elect thou a husband, whomsoever thou likest, from + among all these present here. These Kurus assembled here, are all + forbearing and self-controlled, and possessed of great wealth. Elect thou + one amongst these as thy lord, so that these great calamity may not drag + thee to wretchedness. ‘The sons of Pandu now are even like grains of + sesame without the kernel, or like show-animals encased in skins, or like + grains of rice without the kernel. Why shouldst thou then longer wait upon + the fallen sons of Pandu? Vain is the labour used upon pressing the sesame + grain devoid of the kernel!’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus did Dussasana, the son of Dhritarashtra, utter in the hearing of the + Pandavas, harsh words of the most cruel import. And hearing them, the + unforbearing Bhima, in wrath suddenly approaching that prince like a + Himalayan lion upon a jackal, loudly and chastisingly rebuked him in these + words,—Wicked-minded villain, ravest thou so in words that are + uttered alone by the sinful? Boastest thou thus in the midst of the kings, + advanced as thou art by the skill of the king of Gandhara. As thou + piercest our hearts hear with these thy arrowy words, so shall I pierce + thy heart in battle, recalling all this to thy mind. And they also who + from anger or covetousness are walking behind thee as thy protectors,—them + also shall I send to the abode of Yama with their descendants and + relatives.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—Unto Bhima dressed in deer-skins and + uttering these words of wrath without doing any thing, for he could not + deviate from the path of virtue, Dussasana abandoning all sense of shame, + dancing around the Kurus, loudly said, ‘O cow! O cow!’ + </p> + <p> + Bhima at this once more said,—Wretch darest thou, O Dussasana, use + harsh words as these? Whom doth it behove to boast, thus having won wealth + by foul means? I tell thee that if Vrikodara, the son of Pritha, drinketh + not thy life-blood, piercing open thy breast in battle, let him not attain + to regions of blessedness, I tell thee truly that by slaying the sons of + Dhritarashtra in battle, before the very eyes of all the warriors, I shall + pacify this wrath of mine soon enough.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“And as the Pandavas were going away from + the assembly, the wicked king Duryodhana from excess of joy mimiced by his + own steps the playful leonine trade of Bhima. Then Vrikodara, half turning + towards the king said, Think not ye fool that by this thou gainest any + ascendency over me slay thee shall I soon with all thy followers, and + answer thee, recalling all this to thy mind. And beholding this insult + offered to him, the mighty and proud Bhima, suppressing his rising rage + and following the steps of Yudhishthira, also spake these words while + going out of the Kaurava court, ‘I will slay Duryodhana, and Dhananjaya + will slay Karna, and Sahadeva will slay Sakuni that gambler with dice. I + also repeat in this assembly these proud words which the gods will + assuredly make good, if ever we engage in battle with the Kurus, I will + slay this wretched Duryodhana in battle with my mace, and prostrating him + on the ground I will place my foot on his head. And as regards this + (other) wicked person—Dussasana who is audacious in speech, I will + drink his blood like a lion. + </p> + <p> + “And Arjuna said,—O Bhima, the resolutions of superior men are not + known in words only. On the fourteenth year from this day, they shall see + what happeneth. + </p> + <p> + “And Bhima again said,—‘The earth shall drink the blood of + Duryodhana, and Karna, and the wicked Sakuni, and Dussasana that maketh + the fourth.’ + </p> + <p> + “And Arjuna said,—‘O Bhima, I will, as thou directest, slay in + battle this Karna so malicious and jealous and harsh-speeched and vain. + For doing what is agreeable to Bhima, Arjuna voweth that he will slay in + battle with his arrows this Karna with all his followers. And I will send + unto the regions of Yama also all those other kings that will from + foolishness fight against me. The mountains of Himavat might be removed + from where they are, the maker of the day lose his brightness, the moon + his coldness, but this vow of mine will ever be cherished. And all this + shall assuredly happen if on the fourteenth year from this, Duryodhana + doth not, with proper respect, return us our kingdom.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“After Arjuna had said this, Sahadeva the + handsome son of Madri, endued with great energy, desirous of slaying + Sakuni, waving his mighty arms and sighing like snake, exclaimed, with + eyes red with anger—‘Thou disgrace of the Gandhara kings, those whom + thou thinkest as defeated are not really so. Those are even sharp-pointed + arrows from whose wounds thou hast run the risk in battle. I shall + certainly accomplish all which Bhima hath said adverting to thee with all + thy followers. If therefore thou hast anything to do, do it before that + day cometh. I shall assuredly slay thee in battle with all thy followers + soon enough, it thou, O son of Suvala, stayest in the light pursuant to + the Kshatriya usage.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then, O monarch hearing these words of Sahadeva, Nakula the handsomest + of men spake these words,—‘I shall certainly send unto the abode of + Yama all those wicked sons of Dhritarashtra, who desirous of death and + impelled by Fate, and moved also by the wish of doing what is agreeable to + Duryodhana, have used harsh and insulting speeches towards this daughter o + Yajnasena at the gambling match. Soon enough shall I, at the command of + Yudhishthira and remembering the wrongs to Draupadi, make the earth + destitute of the sons of Dhritarashtra.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“And those tigers among men, all endued with + long arms, having thus pledged themselves to virtuous promises approached + king Dhritarashtra.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0316"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVII + </h2> + <p> + Yudhishthira said,—‘I bid farewell unto all the Bharatas, unto my + old grand-sire (Bhishma), king Somadatta, the great king Vahlika, Drona, + Kripa, all the other kings, Aswathaman, Vidura, Dhritarashtra, all the + sons of Dhritarashtra, Yayutsu, Sanjaya, and all the courtiers, I bid fare + well, all of ye and returning again I shall see you.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Overcome with shame none of those that were + present there, could tell Yudhishthira anything. Within their hearts, + however, they prayed for the welfare of that intelligent prince. + </p> + <p> + Vidura then said,—The reverend Pritha is a princess by birth. It + behoveth her not to go into the woods. Delicate and old and ever known to + happiness the blessed one will live, respected by me, in my abode. Known + this, ye sons of Pandu. And let safety be always yours.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—‘The Pandavas thereupon said,—O + sinless one, let it be as thou sayest. Thou art our uncle, and, therefore + like as our father. We also are all obedient to thee. Thou art, O learned + one, our most respected superior. We should always obey what thou choosest + to command. And, O high-souled one, order thou whatever else there is that + remaineth to be done. + </p> + <p> + “Vidura replied,—‘O Yudhishthira, O bull of the Bharata race, know + this to be my opinion, that one that is vanquished by sinful means need + not be pained by such defeat. Thou knowest every rule of morality; + Dhananjaya is ever victorious in battle; Bhimasena is the slayer of foes; + Nakula is the gatherer of wealth; Sahadeva hath administrative talents, + Dhaumya is the foremost of all conversant with the vedas; and the + well-behaved Draupadi is conversant with virtue and economy. Ye are + attached to one another and feel delight at one another’s sight and + enemies can not separate you from one another, and ye are contented. + Therefore, who is there that will not envy ye? O Bharata, this patient + abstraction from the possession of the world will be of great benefit to + thee. No foe, even if he were equal to sakra himself, will be able to + stand it. Formerly thou wert instructed on the mountains of Himavat by + Meru Savarni; in the town of Varanavata by Krishna Dwaipayana; on the + cliff of Bhrigu by Rama; and on the banks of the Dhrishadwati by Sambhu + himself. Thou hast also listened to the instruction of the great Rishi + Asita on the hills of Anjana; and thou becamest a disciple of Bhrigu on + the banks of the Kalmashi. Narada and this thy priest Dhaumya will now + become thy instructors. In the matter of the next world, abandon not these + excellent lessons thou hast obtained from the Rishis. O son of Pandu. thou + surpassest in intelligence even Pururavas, the son of Ila; in strength, + all other monarchs, and in virtue, even the Rishis. Therefore, resolve + thou earnestly to win victory, which belongeth to Indra; to control thy + wrath, which belongeth to Yama; to give in charity, which belongeth to + Kuvera; and to control all passions, which belongeth to Varuna. And, O + Bharata, obtain thou the power of gladdening from the moon, the power of + sustaining all from water; forbearance from the earth; energy from the + entire solar disc; strength from the winds, and affluence from the other + elements. Welfare and immunity from ailment be thine; I hope to see thee + return. And, O Yudhishthira, act properly and duly in all seasons,—in + those of distress—in those of difficulty,—indeed, in respect + of everything, O son of Kunti, with our leave go hence. O Bharata, + blessing be thine. No one can say that ye have done anything sinful + before. We hope to see thee, therefore, return in safety and crowned with + success.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Thus addressed by Vidura, Yudhishthira the + son of Pandu, of prowess incapable of being baffled, saying, ‘So be it,’ + bowing low unto Bhishma and Drona, went away.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0317"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—‘Then when Draupadi was about to set out she went + unto the illustrious Pritha and solicited her leave. And she also asked + leave of the other ladies of the household who had all been plunged into + grief. And saluting and embracing every one of them as each deserved, she + desired to go away. Then there arose within the inner apartments of the + Pandavas a loud wail of woe. And Kunti, terribly afflicted upon beholding + Draupadi on the eve of her journey, uttered these words in a voice choked + with grief,— + </p> + <p> + ‘O child, grieve not that this great calamity hath overtaken thee. Thou + art well conversant with the duties of the female sex, and thy behaviour + and conduct also are as they should be. It behoveth me not, O thou of + sweet smiles, to instruct thee as to thy duties towards thy lords. Thou + art chaste and accomplished, and thy qualities have adorned the race of + thy birth as also the race into which thou hast been admitted by marriage. + Fortunate are the Kauravas that they have not been burnt by thy wrath. O + child, safely go thou blest by my prayers. Good women never suffer their + hearts to the unstung at what is inevitable. Protected by virtue that is + superior to everything, soon shalt thou obtain good fortune. While living + in the woods, keep thy eye on my child Sahadeva. See that his heart + sinketh not under this great calamity.’ + </p> + <p> + “Saying ‘So be it!’ the princess Draupadi bathed in tears, and clad in one + piece of cloth, stained with blood, and with hair dishevelled left her + mother-in-law. And as she went away weeping and wailing Pritha herself in + grief followed her. She had not gone far when she saw her sons shorn of + their ornaments and robes, their bodies clad in deerskins, and their heads + down with shame. And she beheld them surrounded by rejoicing foes’ and + pitied by friends. Endued with excess of parental affection, Kunti + approached her sons in that state, and embracing them all, and in accents + choked by woe, She said these words,— + </p> + <p> + “Ye are virtuous and good-mannered, and adorned with all excellent + qualities and respectful behaviour. Ye are all high-minded, and engaged in + the service of your superiors. And ye are also devoted to the gods and the + performance of sacrifices. Why, then, hath this calamity overtaken you. + Whence is this reverse of fortune? I do not see by whose wickedness this + sin hath overtaken you. Alas I have brought you forth. All this must be + due to my ill fortune. It is for this that ye have been overtaken by this + calamity, though ye all are endued with excellent virtues. In energy and + prowess and strength and firmness and might, ye are not wanting. How shall + ye now, losing your wealth and possessions, live poor in the pathless + woods? If I had known before that ye were destined to live in the woods, I + would not have on Pandit’s death come from the mountains of Satasringa to + Hastinapore. Fortunate was your father, as I now regard, for he truly + reaped the fruit of his asceticism, and he was gifted with foresight, as + he entertained the wish of ascending heaven, without having to feel any + pain on account of his sons. Fortunate also was the virtuous Madri, as I + regard her today, who had, it seems, a fore-knowledge of what would happen + and who on that account, obtained the high path of emancipation and every + blessing therewith. All, Madri looked upon me as her stay, and her mind + and her affections were ever fixed on me. Oh, fie on my desire of life, + owing to which suffer all this woe. Ye children, ye are all excellent and + dear unto me. I have obtained you alter much suffering. I cannot leave + you. Even I will go with you. Alas, O Krishna, (Draupadi), why dost thou + leave me so? Everything endued with life is sure to perish. Hath Dhata + (Brahma) himself forgotten to ordain my death? Perhaps, it is so, and, + therefore, life doth not quit me. O Krishna, O thou who dwellest in + Dwaraka, O younger brother of Sankarshana, where art thou? Why dost thou + not deliver me and these best of men also from such woe? They say that + thou who art without beginning and without end deliverest those that think + of thee. Why doth this saying become untrue. These my sons are ever + attached to virtue and nobility and good fame and prowess. They deserve + not to suffer affliction. Oh, show them mercy. Alas, when there are such + elders amongst our race as Bhishma and Drona and Kripa, all conversant + with morality and the science of worldly concerns, how could such calamity + at all come? O Pandu, O king, where art thou? Why sufferest thou quietly + thy good children to be thus sent into exile, defeated at dice? O + Sahadeva, desist from going. Thou art my dearest child, dearer, O son of + Madri, than my body itself. Forsake me not. It behoveth thee to have some + kindness for me. Bound by the ties of virtue, let these thy brothers go. + But then, earn thou that virtue which springeth from waiting upon me.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“The Pandavas then consoled their weeping + mother and with hearts plunged in grief set out for the woods. And Vidura + himself also much afflicted, consoling the distressed Kunti with reasons, + and led her slowly to his house. And the ladies of Dhritarashtra’s house, + hearing everything as it happened, viz., the exile (of the Pandavas) and + the dragging of Krishna into the assembly where the princes had gambled, + loudly wept censuring the Kauravas. And the ladies of the royal household + also sat silent for a long time, covering their lotus-like faces with + their fair hands. And king Dhritarashtra also thinking of the dangers that + threatened his sons, became a prey to anxiety and could not enjoy peace of + mind. And anxiously meditating on everything, and with mind deprived of + its equanimity through grief, he sent a messenger unto Vidura, saying, + ‘Let Kshatta come to me without a moment’s delay.’ + </p> + <p> + “At this summons, Vidura quickly came to Dhritarashtra’s palace. And as + soon as he came, the monarch asked him with great anxiety how the Pandavas + had left Hastinapore.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0318"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“As soon as Vidura endued with great foresight + came unto him king Dhritarashtra, the son of Amvika, timidly asked his + brother,—‘How doth Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, proceed along? + And how Arjuna? And how the twin sons of Madri? And how, O Kshatta, doth + Dhaumya proceed along? And how the illustrious Draupadi? I desire to hear + everything, O Kshatta; describe to me all their acts.’ + </p> + <p> + Vidura replied,—‘Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, hath gone away + covering his face with his cloth. And Bhima, O king, hath gone away + looking at his own mighty arms. And Jishnu (Arjuna) hath gone away, + following the king spreading sand-grains around. And Sahadeva, the son of + Madri, hath gone away besmearing his face, and Nakula, the handsomest of + men, O king, hath gone away, staining himself with dust and his heart in + great affliction. And the large-eyed and beautiful Krishna hath gone away, + covering her face with her dishevelled hair following in the wake of the + king, weeping and in tears. And O monarch, Dhaumya goeth along the road, + with kusa grass in hand, and uttering the aweful mantras of Sama Veda that + relate to Yama.’ + </p> + <p> + Dhritarashtra asked,—“Tell me, O Vidura, why is it that the Pandavas + are leaving Hastinapore in such varied guise.” + </p> + <p> + “Vidura replied,—‘Though persecuted by thy sons and robbed of his + kingdom and wealth the mind of the wise king Yudhishthira the just hath + not yet deviated from the path of virtue. King Yudhishthira is always + kind, O Bharata, to thy children. Though deprived (of his kingdom and + possessions) by foul means, filled with wrath as he is, he doth not open + eyes. ‘I should not burn the people by looking at them with angry eyes,’—thinking + so, the royal son of Pandu goeth covering his face. Listen to me as I tell + thee, O bull of the Bharata race, why Bhima goeth so. ‘There is none equal + to me in strength of arms,’ thinking so Bhima goeth repeatedly stretching + forth his mighty arms. And, O king, proud of the strength of his arms, + Vrikodara goeth, exhibiting them and desiring to do unto his enemies deeds + worthy of those arms. And Arjuna the son of Kunti, capable of using both + his arms (in wielding the Gandiva) followeth the footsteps of + Yudhishthira, scattering sand-grains emblematical of the arrows he would + shower in battle. O Bharata, he indicateth that as the sand-grains are + scattered by him with ease, so will he rain arrows with perfect ease on + the foe (in time of battle). And Sahadeva goeth besmearing his lace, + thinking ‘None may recognise me in this day of trouble.’ And, O exalted + one, Nakula goeth staining himself with dust thinking, ‘Lest otherwise I + steal the hearts of the ladies that may look at me.’ And Draupadi goeth, + attired in one piece of stained cloth, her hair dishevelled, and weeping, + signifying—‘The wives of those for whom I have been reduced to such + a plight, shall on the fourteenth year hence be deprived of husbands, sons + and relatives and dear ones and smeared all over with blood, with hair + dishevelled and all in their feminine seasons enter Hastinapore having + offered oblations of water (unto the manes of those they will have lost). + And O Bharata, the learned Dhaumya with passions under full control, + holding the kusa grass in his hand and pointing the same towards the + south-west, walketh before, singing the mantras of the Sama Veda that + relate to Yama. And, O monarch, that learned Brahamana goeth, also + signifying, ‘When the Bharatas shall be slain in battle, the priests of + the Kurus will thus sing the Soma mantras (for the benefit of the + deceased).’ And the citizens, afflicted with great grief, are repeatedly + crying out, ‘Alas, alas, behold our masters are going away! O fie on the + Kuru elders that have acted like foolish children in thus banishing heirs + of Pandu from covetousness alone. Alas, separated from the son of Pandu we + all shall become masterless. What love can we bear to the wicked and + avaricious Kurus? Thus O king, have the sons of Kunti, endued with great + energy of mind, gone away,—indicating, by manner and signs, the + resolutions that are in their hearts. And as those foremost of men had + gone away from Hastinapore, flashes of lightning appeared in the sky + though without clouds and the earth itself began to tremble. And Rahu came + to devour the Sun, although it was not the day of conjunction And meteors + began to fall, keeping the city to their right. And jackals and vultures + and ravens and other carnivorous beasts and birds began to shriek and cry + aloud from the temples of the gods and the tops of sacred trees and walls + and house-tops. And these extraordinary calamitous portents, O king, were + seen and heard, indicating the destruction of the Bharatas as the + consequence of thy evil counsels.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“And, O monarch, while king Dhritarashtra + and the wise Vidura were thus talking with each other, there appeared in + that assembly of the Kauravas and before the eyes of all, the best of the + celestial Rishis. And appealing before them all, he uttered these terrible + words, On the fourteenth year hence, the Kauravas, in consequence of + Duryodhana’s fault, will all be destroyed by the might of Bhima and + Arjuna’. And having said this, that best of celestial Rishis, adorned with + surpassing Vedic grace, passing through the skies, disappeared from the + scene. Then Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni, the son of Suvala regarding + Drona as their sole refuge, offered the kingdom to him. Drona then, + addressing the envious and wrathful Duryodhana and Dussasana and Karna and + all the Bharata, said, ‘The Brahamanas have said that the Pandavas being + of celestial origin are incapable of being slain. The sons of + Dhritarashtra, however, having, with all the kings, heartily and with + reverence sought my protection, I shall look after them to the best of my + power. Destiny is supreme, I cannot abandon them. The sons of Pandu, + defeated at dice, are going into exile in pursuance of their promise. They + will live in the woods for twelve years. Practising the Brahmacharyya mode + of life for this period, they will return in anger and to our great grief + take the amplest vengeance on their foes. I had formerly deprived Drupada + of his kingdom in a friendly dispute. Robbed of his kingdom by me, O + Bharata, the king performed a sacrifice for obtaining a son (that should + slay me). Aided by the ascetic power of Yaja and Upayaja, Drupada obtained + from the (sacrificial) fire a son named Dhrishtadyumna and a daughter, + viz., the faultless Krishna, both risen from the sacrificial platform. + That Dhrishtadyumna is the brother-in-law of the sons of Pandu by + marriage, and dear unto them. It is for him, therefore that I have much + fear. Of celestial origin and resplendent as the fire, he was born with + bow, arrows, and encased in mail. I am a being that is mortal. Therefore + it is for him that I have great fear. That slayer of all foes, the son of + Parshatta, hath taken the side of the Pandavas. I shall have to lose my + life, if he and I ever encounter each other in battle. What grief can be + greater to me in this world than this, ye Kauravas that Dhrishtadyumna is + the destined slayer of Drona—this belief is general. That he hath + been born for slaying me hath been heard by me and is widely known also in + the world. For thy sake, O Duryodhana, that terrible season of destruction + is almost come. Do without loss of time, what may be beneficial unto thee. + Think not that everything hath been accomplished by sending the Pandavas + into exile. This thy happiness will last for but a moment, even as in + winter the shadow of the top of the palm tree resteth (for a short time) + at its base. Perform various kinds of sacrifices, and enjoy, and give O + Bharata, everything thou likest. On the fourteenth year hence, a great + calamity will overwhelm thee.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words of Drona, Dhritarashtra + said,—‘O Kshatta, the preceptor hath uttered what is true. Go thou + and bring back the Pandavas. If they do not come back, let them go treated + with respect and affection. Let those my sons go with weapons, and cars, + and infantry, and enjoying every other good thing.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0319"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“defeated at dice, after the Pandavas had gone to + the woods, Dhritarashtra, O king, was overcome with anxiety. And while he + was seated restless with anxiety and sighing in grief, Sanjaya approaching + him said, ‘O lord of the earth having now obtained the whole earth with + all its wealth and sent away the sons of Pandu into exile, why is it, O + king, that thou grievest so?” + </p> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said,—‘What have they not to grieve for who will have + to encounter in battle those bulls among warriors—the sons of Pandu—fighting + on great cars and aided by allies?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—“O king, all this great hostility is inevitable on + account of thy mistaken action, and this will assuredly bring about the + wholesale destruction of the whole world. Forbidden by Bhishma, by Drona, + and by Vidura, thy wicked-minded and shameless son Duryodhana sent his + Suta messenger commanding him to bring into court the beloved and virtuous + wife of the Pandavas. The gods first deprive that man of his reason unto + whom they send defeat and disgrace. It is for this that such a person + seeth things in a strange light. When destruction is at hand, evil + appeareth as good unto the understanding polluted by sin, and the man + adhereth to it firmly. That which is improper appeareth as proper, and + that which is proper appeareth as improper unto the man about to be + overwhelmed by destruction, and evil and impropriety are what he liketh. + The time that bringeth on destruction doth not come with upraised club and + smash one’s head. On the other hand the peculiarity of such a time is that + it maketh a man behold evil in good and good in evil. The wretches have + brought on themselves this terrible, wholesale, and horrible destruction + by dragging the helpless princess of Panchala into the court. Who else + than Duryodhana—that false player of dice could bring into the + assembly, with insults, the daughter of Drupada, endued with beauty and + intelligence, and conversant with every rule of morality and duty, and + sprung not from any woman’s womb but from the sacred fire? The handsome + Krishna, then in her season, attired in one piece of stained cloth when + brought into the court cast her eyes upon the Pandavas. She beheld them, + however, robbed of their wealth, of their kingdom, of even their attire, + of their beauty, of every enjoyment, and plunged into a state of bondage. + Bound by the tie of virtue, they were then unable to exert their prowess. + And before all the assembled kings Duryodhana and Karna spake cruel and + harsh words unto the distressed and enraged Krishna undeserving of such + treatment. O monarch, all this appeareth to me as foreboding fearful + consequences.’ + </p> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said,—‘O Sanjaya, the glances of the distressed + daughter of Drupada might consume the whole earth. Can it be possible that + even a single son of mine will live? The wives of the Bharatas, uniting + with Gandhari upon beholding virtuous Krishna, the wedded wife of the + Pandavas, endued with beauty and youth, dragged into the court, set up + frightful wail. Even now, along with all my subjects, they weep every day. + Enraged at the ill treatment of Draupadi, the Brahmanas in a body did not + perform that evening their Agnihotra ceremony. The winds blew mightily as + they did at the time of the universal dissolution. There was a terrible + thunder-storm also. Meteors fell from the sky, and Rahu by swallowing the + Sun unseasonably alarmed the people terribly. Our war-chariots were + suddenly ablaze, and all their flagstaffs fell down foreboding evil unto + the Bharatas. Jackals began to cry frightfully from within the sacred + fire-chamber of Duryodhana, and asses from all directions began to bray in + response. Then Bhishma and Drona, and Kripa, and Somadatta and the + high-souled Vahlika, all left the assembly. It was then that at the advice + of Vidura I addressed Krishna and said, ‘I will grant thee boons, O + Krishna, indeed, whatever thou wouldst ask? The princess of the Panchala + there begged of me the liberation of the Pandavas. Out of my own motion I + then set free the Pandavas, commanding them to return (to their capital) + on their cars and with their bows and arrows. It was then that Vidura told + me, ‘Even this will prove the destruction of the Bharata race, viz., this + dragging of Krishna into the court. This daughter of the King of Panchala + is the faultless Sree herself. Of celestial origin, she is the wedded wife + of the Pandavas. The wrathful sons of Pandu will never forgive this insult + offered unto her. Nor will the mighty bowmen of the Vrishni race, nor the + mighty warriors amongst the Panchalas suffer this in silence. Supported by + Vasudeva of unbaffled prowess, Arjuna will assuredly come back, surrounded + by the Panchala host. And that mighty warrior amongst them, Bhimasena + endued with surpassing strength, will also come back, whirling his mace + like Yama himself with his club. These kings will scarcely be able to bear + the force of Bhima’s mace. Therefore, O king, not hostility but peace for + ever with the sons of Pandu is what seemeth to me to be the best. The sons + of Pandu are always stronger than the Kurus. Thou knowest, O king, that + the illustrious and mighty king Jarasandha was slain in battle by Bhima + with his bare arms alone. Therefore, O bull of the Bharata race, it + behoveth thee to make peace with the sons of Pandu. Without scruples of + any kind, unite the two parties, O king. And it thou actest in this way, + thou art sure to obtain good luck, O king. It was thus, O son of + Gavalgani, that Vidura addressed me in words of both virtue and profit. + And I did not accept this counsel, moved by affection for my son.” + </p> + <p> + The End of Sabha Parva + </p> + + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0321"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h2> + <h3> + OF + </h3> + <h3> + KRISHNA-DWAIPAYANA VYASA <a name="link2H_4_0322"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </h3> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK 3 — VANA PARVA + </h2> + <h3> + Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text + </h3> + <h3> + By Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </h3> + <h4> + [1883-1896] <a name="link2H_4_0323"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </h4> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION I + </h2> + <h3> + (Aranyaka Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Om! Having bowed down to Narayana, and Nara the foremost of male beings, + and the goddess Saraswati also, must the word Jaya be uttered. + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘O thou foremost of regenerate ones, deceitfully + defeated at dice by the sons of Dhritarashtra and their counsellors, + incensed by those wicked ones that thus brought about a fierce animosity, + and addressed in language that was so cruel, what did the Kuru princes, my + ancestors—the sons of Pritha—(then) do? How also did the sons + of Pritha, equal unto Sakra in prowess, deprived of affluence and suddenly + over whelmed with misery, pass their days in the forest? Who followed the + steps of those princes plunged in excess of affliction? And how did those + high souled ones bear themselves and derive their sustenance, and where + did they put up? And, O illustrious ascetic and foremost of Brahmanas, how + did those twelve years (of exile) of those warriors who were slayers of + foes, pass away in the forest? And undeserving of pain, how did that + princess, the best of her sex, devoted to her husbands, eminently + virtuous, and always speaking the truth, endure that painful exile in the + forest? O thou of ascetic wealth tell me all this in detail, for, O + Brahmana, I desire to hear thee narrate the history of those heroes + possessed of abundant prowess and lustre. Truly my curiosity is great.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus defeated at dice and incensed by the wicked sons + of Dhritarashtra and their counsellors, the sons of Pritha set out from + Hastinapura. And issuing through Vardhamana gate of the city, the Pandavas + bearing their weapons and accompanied by Draupadi set out in a northernly + direction. Indrasena and others, with servants numbering altogether + fourteen, with their wives, followed them on swift cars. And the citizens + learning of their departure became overwhelmed with sorrow, and began to + censure Bhishma and Vidura and Drona and Gautama. And having met together + they thus addressed one another fearlessly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alas, our families, we ourselves, and our homes are all gone, when the + wicked Duryodhana, backed by the son of Suvala, by Karna and Dussasana, + aspireth to this kingdom. And, Oh, our families, our (ancestral) usages, + our virtue and prosperity, are all doomed where this sinful wretch + supported by wretches as sinful aspireth to the kingdom! And, Oh, how can + happiness be there where these are not! Duryodhana beareth malice towards + all superiors, hath taken leave of good conduct, and quarreleth with those + that are near to him in blood. Covetous and vain and mean, he is cruel by + nature. The whole earth is doomed when Duryodhana becometh its ruler. + Thither, therefore, let us proceed whither the merciful and high-minded + sons of Pandu with passions under control and victorious over foes, and + possessed of modesty and renown, and devoted to pious practices, repair!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘And saying this, the citizens went after the + Pandavas, and having met them, they all, with joined hands, thus addressed + the sons of Kunti and Madri. + </p> + <p> + ‘Blest be ye! Where will ye go, leaving us in grief? We will follow you + whithersoever ye will go! Surely have we been distressed upon learning + that ye have been deceitfully vanquished by relentless enemies! It + behoveth you not to forsake us that are your loving subjects and devoted + friends always seeking your welfare and employed in doing what is + agreeable to you! We desire not to be overwhelmed in certain destruction + living in the dominions of the Kuru king. Ye bulls among men, listen as we + indicate the merits and demerits springing respectively from association + with what is good and bad! As cloth, water, the ground, and sesame seeds + are perfumed by association with flowers, even so are qualities ever the + product of association. Verily association with fools produceth an + illusion that entangleth the mind, as daily communion with the good and + the wise leadeth to the practice of virtue. Therefore, they that desire + emancipation should associate with those that are wise and old and honest + and pure in conduct and possessed of ascetic merit. They should be waited + upon whose triple possessions, viz., knowledge (of the Vedas), origin and + acts, are all pure, and association with them is even superior to (the + study of the) scriptures. Devoid of the religious acts as we are, we shall + yet reap religious merit by association with the righteous, as we should + come by sin by waiting upon the sinful. The very sight and touch of the + dishonest, and converse and association with them; cause diminution of + virtue, and men (that are doomed to these), never attain purity of mind. + Association with the base impaireth the understanding, as, indeed, with + the indifferent maketh it indifferent, while communion with the good ever + exalteth it. All those attributes which are spoken of in the world as the + sources of religious merit, of worldly prosperity and sensual pleasures, + which are regarded by the people, extolled in the Vedas, and approved by + the well-behaved, exist in you, separately and jointly! Therefore, + desirous of our own welfare, we wish to live amongst you who possess those + attributes! + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Blessed are we since the people with the Brahmanas at + their head, moved by affection and compassion credit us with merits we + have not. I, however, with my brothers, would ask all of you to do one + thing. Ye should not, through affection and pity for us, act otherwise! + Our grandfather Bhishma, the king (Dhritarashtra), Vidura, my mother and + most of my well-wishers, are all in the city of Hastinapura. Therefore, if + ye are minded to seek our welfare, cherish ye them with care, uniting + together as they are overwhelmed with sorrow and afflictions. Grieved at + our departure, ye have come far! Go ye back, and let your hearts be + directed with tenderness towards the relatives I entrust to you as + pledges! This, of all others, is the one act upon which my heart is set, + and by doing this ye would give me great satisfaction and pay me your best + regards! + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus exhorted by Yudhishthira the just, the + people in a body set up a loud wail exclaiming,—Alas, O king! And + afflicted and overwhelmed with sorrow on remembering the virtues of + Pritha’s son, they unwillingly retraced their steps asking leave of the + Pandavas. + </p> + <p> + ‘The citizens having ceased to follow, the Pandavas ascended their cars, + and setting out reached (the site of) the mighty banian tree called + Pramana on the banks of the Ganges. And reaching the site of the banian + tree about the close of the day, the heroic sons of Pandu purified + themselves by touching the sacred water, and passed the night there. And + afflicted with woe they spent that night taking water alone as their sole + sustenance. Certain Brahmanas belonging to both classes, viz., those that + maintained the sacrificial fire and those that maintained it not, who had, + with their disciples and relatives, out of affection followed the Pandavas + thither also passed the night with them. And surrounded by those utterers + of Brahma, the king shone resplendent in their midst. And that evening, at + once beautiful and terrible, those Brahmanas having lighted their (sacred) + fires, began to chant the Vedas and hold mutual converse. And those + foremost of Brahmanas, with swan-sweet voices spent the night, comforting + that best of Kurus—the king.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0324"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION II + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘When that night passed away and day broke in, those + Brahmamas who supported themselves by mendicancy, stood before the + Pandavas of exalted deeds, who were about to enter the forest. Then king + Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, addressed them, saying, “Robbed of our + prosperity and kingdom, robbed of everything, we are about to enter the + deep woods in sorrow, depending for our food on fruits and roots, and the + produce of the chase. The forest too is full of dangers, and abounds with + reptiles and beasts of prey. It appeareth to me that ye will certainly + have to suffer much privation and misery there. The sufferings of the + Brahmanas might overpower even the gods. That they would overwhelm me is + too certain. Therefore, O Brahmana, go ye back whithersoever ye list!’ + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmanas replied, ‘O king, our path is even that on which ye are for + setting out! It behoveth thee not, therefore, to forsake us who are thy + devoted admirers practising the true religion! The very gods have + compassion upon their worshippers,—specially upon Brahmanas of + regulated lives!’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘We regenerate ones, I too am devoted to the + Brahmanas! But this destitution that hath overtaken me overwhelmed me with + confusion! These my brothers that are to procure fruits and roots and the + deer (of the forest) are stupefied with grief arising from their + afflictions and on account of the distress of Draupadi and the loss of our + kingdom! Alas, as they are distressed, I cannot employ them in painful + tasks!’ + </p> + <p> + “The Brahmanas said, ‘Let no anxiety, O king, in respect of our + maintenance, find a place in thy heart! Ourselves providing our own food, + we shall follow thee, and by meditation and saying our prayers we shall + compass thy welfare while by pleasant converse we shall entertain thee and + be cheered ourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Without doubt, it must be as ye say, for I am ever + pleased with the company of the regenerate ones! But my fallen condition + maketh me behold in myself an object of reproach! How shall I behold you + all, that do not deserve to bear trouble, out of love for me painfully + subsisting upon food procured by your own toil? Oh, fie upon the wicked + sons of Dhritarashtra!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued. ‘Saying this, the weeping king sat himself down + upon the ground. Then a learned Brahmana, Saunaka by name versed in + self-knowledge and skilled in the Sankhya system of yoga, addressed the + king, saying, ‘Causes of grief by thousands, and causes of fear by + hundreds, day after day, overwhelm the ignorant but not the wise. Surely, + sensible men like thee never suffer themselves to be deluded by acts that + are opposed to true knowledge, fraught with every kind of evil, and + destructive of salvation. O king, in thee dwelleth that understanding + furnished with the eight attributes which is said to be capable of + providing against all evils and which resulteth from a study of the Sruti + (Vedas) and scriptures! And men like unto thee are never stupefied, on the + accession of poverty or an affliction overtaking their friends, through + bodily or mental uneasiness! Listen, I shall tell the slokas which were + chanted of old by the illustrious Janaka touching the subject of + controlling the self! This world is afflicted with both bodily and mental + suffering. Listen now to the means of allaying it as I indicate them both + briefly and in detail. Disease, contact with painful things, toil and want + of objects desired.—these are the four causes that induce bodily + suffering. And as regards disease, it may be allayed by the application of + medicine, while mental ailments are cured by seeking to forget them + yoga-meditation. For this reason, sensible physicians first seek to allay + the mental sufferings of their patients by agreeable converse and the + offer of desirable objects And as a hot iron bar thrust into a jar maketh + the water therein hot, even so doth mental grief bring on bodily agony. + And as water quencheth fire, so doth true knowledge allay mental + disquietude. And the mind attaining ease, the body findeth ease also. It + seemeth that affection is the root of all mental sorrow. It is affection + that maketh every creature miserable and bringeth on every kind of woe. + Verily affection is the root of all misery and of all fear, of joy and + grief of every kind of pain. From affection spring all purposes, and it is + from affection that spring the love of worldly goods! Both of these + (latter) are sources of evil, though the first (our purposes) is worse + than the second. And as (a small portion of) fire thrust into the hollow + of a tree consumeth the tree itself to its roots, even so affection, ever + so little, destroyeth both virtue and profit. He cannot be regarded to + have renounced the world who hath merely withdrawn from worldly + possessions. He, however, who though in actual contact with the world + regardeth its faults, may be said to have truly renounced the world. Freed + from every evil passion, soul dependent on nothing with such a one hath + truly renounced the world. Therefore, should no one seek to place his + affections on either friends or the wealth he hath earned. And so should + affection for one’s own person be extinguished by knowledge. Like the + lotus-leaf that is never drenched by water, the souls of men capable of + distinguishing between the ephemeral and the everlasting, of men devoted + to the pursuit of the eternal, conversant with the scriptures and purified + by knowledge, can never be moved by affection. The man that is influenced + by affection is tortured by desire; and from the desire that springeth up + in his heart his thirst for worldly possessions increaseth. Verily, this + thirst is sinful and is regarded as the source of all anxieties. It is + this terrible thirst, fraught with sin that leaneth unto unrighteous acts. + Those find happiness that can renounce this thirst, which can never be + renounced by the wicked, which decayeth not with the decay of the body, + and which is truly a fatal disease! It hath neither beginning nor end. + Dwelling within the heart, it destroyeth creatures, like a fire of + incorporeal origin. And as a faggot of wood is consumed by the fire that + is fed by itself, even so doth a person of impure soul find destruction + from the covetousness born of his heart. And as creatures endued with life + have ever a dread of death, so men of wealth are in constant apprehension + of the king and the thief, of water and fire and even of their relatives. + And as a morsel of meat, if in air, may be devoured by birds; if on ground + by beasts of prey; and if in water by the fishes; even so is the man of + wealth exposed to dangers wherever he may be. To many the wealth they own + is their bane, and he that beholding happiness in wealth becometh wedded + to it, knoweth not true happiness. And hence accession of wealth is viewed + as that which increaseth covetousness and folly. Wealth alone is the root + of niggardliness and boastfulness, pride and fear and anxiety! These are + the miseries of men that the wise see in riches! Men undergo infinite + miseries in the acquisition and retention of wealth. Its expenditure also + is fraught with grief. Nay, sometimes, life itself is lost for the sake of + wealth! The abandonment of wealth produces misery, and even they that are + cherished by one’s wealth become enemies for the sake of that wealth! + When, therefore, the possession of wealth is fraught with such misery, one + should not mind its loss. It is the ignorant alone who are discontented. + The wise, however, are always content. The thirst of wealth can never be + assuaged. Contentment is the highest happiness; therefore, it is, that the + wise regard contentment as the highest object of pursuit. The wise knowing + the instability of youth and beauty, of life and treasure-hoards, of + prosperity and the company of the loved ones, never covet them. Therefore, + one should refrain from the acquisition of wealth, bearing the pain + incident to it. None that is rich free from trouble, and it is for this + that the virtuous applaud them that are free from the desire of wealth. + And as regards those that pursue wealth for purposes of virtue, it is + better for them to refrain altogether from such pursuit, for, surely, it + is better not to touch mire at all than to wash it off after having been + besmeared with it. And, O Yudhishthira, it behoveth thee not to covet + anything! And if thou wouldst have virtue, emancipate thyself from desire + of worldly possessions!’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O Brahmana, this my desire of wealth is not for + enjoying it when obtained. It is only for the support of the Brahmanas + that I desire it and not because I am actuated by avarice! For what + purpose, O Brahmana, doth one like us lead a domestic life, if he cannot + cherish and support those that follow him? All creatures are seen to + divide the food (they procure) amongst those that depend on them. + So should a person leading a domestic life give a share of his food to + Yatis and Brahmacharins that have renounced cooking for themselves. The + houses of the good men can never be in want of grass (for seat), space + (for rest), water (to wash and assuage thirst), and fourthly, sweet words. + To the weary a bed,—to one fatigued with standing, a seat,—to + the thirsty, water,—and to the hungry, food should ever be given. To + a guest are due pleasant looks and a cheerful heart and sweet words. The + host, rising up, should advance towards the guest, offer him a seat, and + duly worship him. Even this is eternal morality. They that perform not the + Agnihotra<a href="#linknote-2" name="linknoteref-2" id="linknoteref-2"><small>2</small></a> + not wait upon bulls, nor cherish their kinsmen and guests and friends and + sons and wives and servants, are consumed with sin for such neglect. None + should cook his food for himself alone and none should slay an animal + without dedicating it to the gods, the pitris, and guests. Nor should one + eat of that food which hath not been duly dedicated to the gods and + pitris. By scattering food on the earth, morning and evening, for (the + behoof of) dogs and Chandalas and birds, should a person perform the + Viswedeva sacrifice.<a href="#linknote-3" name="linknoteref-3" + id="linknoteref-3"><small>3</small></a> He that eateth the Vighasa, is + regarded as eating ambrosia. What remaineth in a sacrifice after + dedication to the gods and the pitris is regarded as ambrosia; and what + remaineth after feeding the guest is called Vighasa and is equivalent to + ambrosia itself. Feeding a guest is equivalent to a sacrifice, and the + pleasant looks the host casteth upon the guest, the attention he devoteth + to him, the sweet words in which he addresseth him, the respect he payeth + by following him, and the food and drink with which he treateth him, are + the five Dakshinas<a href="#linknote-4" name="linknoteref-4" + id="linknoteref-4"><small>4</small></a> in that sacrifice. He who giveth + without stint food to a fatigued wayfarer never seen before, obtaineth + merit that is great, and he who leading a domestic life, followeth such + practices, acquireth religious merit that is said to be very great. O + Brahmana, what is thy opinion on this?” + </p> + <p> + “Saunaka said, ‘Alas, this world is full of contradictions! That which + shameth the good, gratifieth the wicked! Alas, moved by ignorance and + passion and slaves of their own senses, even fools perform many acts of + (apparent merit) to gratify in after-life their appetites! With eyes open + are these men led astray by their seducing senses, even as a charioteer, + who hath lost his senses, by restive and wicked steeds! When any of the + six senses findeth its particular object, the desire springeth up in the + heart to enjoy that particular object. And thus when one’s heart + proceedeth to enjoy the objects of any particular sense a wish is + entertained which in its turn giveth birth to a resolve. And finally, like + unto an insect falling into a flame from love of light, the man falleth + into the fire of temptation, pierced by the shafts of the object of + enjoyment discharged by the desire constituting the seed of the resolve! + And thenceforth blinded by sensual pleasure which he seeketh without + stint, and steeped in dark ignorance and folly which he mistaketh for a + state of happiness, he knoweth not himself! And like unto a wheel that is + incessantly rolling, every creature, from ignorance and deed and desire, + falleth into various states in this world, wandering from one birth to + another, and rangeth the entire circle of existences from a Brahma to the + point of a blade of grass, now in water, now on land, and now against in + the air! + </p> + <p> + ‘This then is the career of those that are without knowledge. Listen now + to the course of the wise they that are intent on profitable virtue, and + are desirous of emancipation! The Vedas enjoin act but renounce (interest + in) action. Therefore, shouldst thou act, renouncing Abhimana,<a + href="#linknote-5" name="linknoteref-5" id="linknoteref-5"><small>5</small></a> + performance of sacrifices, study (of the Vedas), gifts, penance, truth (in + both speech and act), forgiveness, subduing the senses, and renunciation + of desire,—these have been declared to be the eight (cardinal) + duties constituting the true path. Of these, the four first pave the way + to the world of the pitris. And these should be practised without + Abhimana. The four last are always observed by the pious, to attain the + heaven of the gods. And the pure in spirit should ever follow these eight + paths. Those who wish to subdue the world for purpose of salvation, should + ever act fully renouncing motives, effectually subduing their senses, + rigidly observing particular vows, devotedly serving their preceptors, + austerely regulating their fare, diligently studying the Vedas, renouncing + action as mean and restraining their hearts. By renouncing desire and + aversion the gods have attained prosperity. It is by virtue of their + wealth of yoga<a href="#linknote-6" name="linknoteref-6" id="linknoteref-6"><small>6</small></a> + that the Rudras, and the Sadhyas, and the Adityas and the Vasus, and the + twin Aswins, rule the creatures. Therefore, O son of Kunti, like unto + them, do thou, O Bharata, entirely refraining from action with motive, + strive to attain success in yoga and by ascetic austerities. Thou hast + already achieved such success so far as thy debts to thy ancestors, both + male and female concerned, and that success also which is derived from + action (sacrifices). Do thou, for serving the regenerate ones endeavour to + attain success in penances. Those that are crowned with ascetic success, + can, by virtue of that success, do whatever they list; do thou, therefore, + practising asceticism realise all thy wishes.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0325"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION III + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Yudhishthira the son of Kunti, thus addressed by + Saunaka, approached his priest and in the midst of his brothers said, ‘The + Brahmanas versed in the Vedas are following me who am departing for the + forest. Afflicted with many calamities I am unable to support them. I + cannot abandon them, nor have I the power to offer them sustenance: Tell + me, O holy one, what should be done by me in such a pass.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After reflecting for a moment seeking to find out the + (proper) course by his yoga powers, Dhaumya, that foremost of all virtuous + men, addressed Yudhishthira, in these words, ‘In days of old, all living + beings that had been created were sorely afflicted with hunger. And like a + father (unto all of them), Savita (the sun) took compassion upon them. And + going first into the northern declension, the sun drew up water by his + rays, and coming back to the southern declension, stayed over the earth, + with his heat centered in himself. And while the sun so stayed over the + earth, the lord of the vegetable world (the moon), converting the effects + of the solar heat (vapours) into clouds and pouring them down in the shape + of water, caused plants to spring up. Thus it is the sun himself, who, + drenched by the lunar influence, is transformed, upon the sprouting of + seeds, into holy vegetable furnished with the six tastes. And it is these + which constitute the food of all creatures upon the earth. Thus the food + that supporteth the lives of creatures is instinct with solar energy, and + the sun is, therefore, the father of all creatures. Do thou, hence, O + Yudhishthira, take refuge even in him. All illustrious monarchs of pure + descent and deeds are known to have delivered their people by practising + high asceticism. The great Karttavirya, and Vainya and Nahusha, had all, + by virtue of ascetic meditation preceded by vows, delivered their people + from heavy afflictions. Therefore, O virtuous one, as thou art purified by + the acts do thou likewise, entering upon a file of austerities. O Bharata, + virtuously support the regenerate ones.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janamejaya said, ‘How did that bull among the Kurus, king Yudhishthira, + for the sake of the Brahmanas adore the sun of wonderful appearance?” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Listen attentively, O king, purifying thyself and + withdrawing thy mind from every other thing. And, O king of kings, appoint + thou a time. I will tell thee everything in detail, And, O illustrious + one, listen to the one hundred and eight names (of the sun) as they were + disclosed of old by Dhaumya to the high-souled son of Pritha. Dhaumya + said, ‘Surya, Aryaman, Bhaga, Twastri, Pusha, Arka, Savitri. Ravi, + </p> + <p> + Gabhastimat, Aja, Kala, Mrityu, Dhatri, Prabhakara, Prithibi, Apa, Teja, + Kha, Vayu, the sole stay, Soma, Vrihaspati, Sukra, Budha, Angaraka, Indra, + Vivaswat, Diptanshu, Suchi, Sauri, Sanaichara, Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, + Skanda, Vaisravana, Yama, Vaidyutagni, Jatharagni, Aindhna, Tejasampati, + Dharmadhwaja, Veda-karttri, Vedanga, Vedavahana, Krita, Treta, Dwapara, + Kali, full of every impurity, Kala, Kastha, Muhurtta, Kshapa, Yama, and + Kshana; Samvatsara-kara, Aswattha, Kalachakra, Bibhavasu, Purusha, + Saswata, Yogin, Vyaktavyakta, Sanatana, Kaladhyaksha, Prajadhyaksha, + Viswakarma, Tamounda, Varuna, Sagara, Ansu, Jimuta, Jivana, Arihan, + Bhutasraya, Bhutapati, Srastri, Samvartaka, Vanhi, Sarvadi, Alolupa, + Ananta, Kapila, Bhanu, Kamada, Sarvatomukha, Jaya, Visala, Varada, Manas, + Suparna, Bhutadi, Sighraga, Prandharana, Dhanwantari, Dhumaketu, Adideva, + Aditisuta, Dwadasatman, Aravindaksha, Pitri, Matri, Pitamaha, + Swarga-dwara, Prajadwara, Mokshadwara, Tripistapa, Dehakarti, + Prasantatman, Viswatman, Viswatomukha, Characharatman, Sukhsmatman, the + merciful Maitreya. These are the hundred and eight names of Surya of + immeasurable energy, as told by the self-create (Brahma). For the + acquisition of prosperity, I bow down to thee, O Bhaskara, blazing like + unto gold or fire, who is worshipped of the gods and the Pitris and the + Yakshas, and who is adored by Asuras, Nisacharas, and Siddhas. He that + with fixed attention reciteth this hymn at sunrise, obtaineth wife and + offspring and riches and the memory of his former existence, and by + reciting this hymn a person attaineth patience and memory. Let a man + concentrating his mind, recite this hymn. By doing so, he shall be proof + against grief and forest-fire and ocean and every object of desire shall + be his.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having heard from Dhaumya these words suitable + to the occasion, Yudhishthira the just, with heart concentrated within + itself and purifying it duly, became engaged in austere meditation, moved + by the desire of supporting the Brahmanas. And worshipping the maker of + day with offerings of flowers and other articles, the king performed his + ablutions. And standing in the stream, he turned his face towards the god + of day. And touching the water of the Ganges the virtuous Yudhishthira + with senses under complete control and depending upon air alone for his + sustenance, stood there with rapt soul engaged in pranayama.<a + href="#linknote-7" name="linknoteref-7" id="linknoteref-7"><small>7</small></a> + And having purified himself and restrained his speech, he began to sing + the hymn of praise (to the sun).’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yudhishthira said, “Thou art, O sun, the eye of the universe. Thou art + the soul of all corporeal existences. Thou art the origin of all things. + Thou art the embodiment of the acts of all religious men. Thou art the + refuge of those versed in the Sankhya philosophy (the mysteries of the + soul), and thou art the support of the Yogins. Thou art a door unfastened + with bolts. Thou art the refuge of those wishing for emancipation. Thou + sustainest and discoverest the world, and sanctifiest and supportest it + from pure compassion. Brahmanas versed in the Vedas appearing before thee, + adore thee in due time, reciting the hymns from the respective branches + (of the Vedas) they refer. Thou art the adored of the Rishis. The Siddhas, + and the Charanas and the Gandharvas and the Yakshas, and the Guhyakas, and + the Nagas, desirous of obtaining boons follow thy car coursing through the + skies. The thirty-three gods<a href="#linknote-8" name="linknoteref-8" + id="linknoteref-8"><small>8</small></a> with Upendra (Vishnu) and + Mahendra, and the order of Vaimanikas<a href="#linknote-9" + name="linknoteref-9" id="linknoteref-9"><small>9</small></a> have attained + success by worshipping thee. By offering thee garlands of the celestial + Mandaras<a href="#linknote-10" name="linknoteref-10" id="linknoteref-10"><small>10</small></a> + the best of the Vidyadharas have obtained all their desires. The Guhyas + and the seven orders of the Pitris—both divine and human—have + attained superiority by adoring thee alone. The Vasus, the Manilas, and + the Rudras, the Sadhyas, the Marichipas, the Valikhilyas, and the Siddhas, + have attained pre-eminence by bowing down unto thee. There is nothing that + I know in the entire seven worlds, including that of Brahma which is + beyond thee. There are other beings both great and endued with energy; but + none of them hath thy lustre and energy. All light is in thee, indeed, + thou art the lord of all light. In thee are the (five) elements and all + intelligence, and knowledge and asceticism and the ascetic properties.<a + href="#linknote-11" name="linknoteref-11" id="linknoteref-11"><small>11</small></a> + The discus by which the wielder of the Saranga<a href="#linknote-12" + name="linknoteref-12" id="linknoteref-12"><small>12</small></a> humbleth + the pride of Asuras and which is furnished with a beautiful nave, was + forged by Viswakarman with thy energy. In summer thou drawest, by thy + rays, moisture from all corporeal existences and plants and liquid + substances, and pourest it down in the rainy season. Thy rays warm and + scorch, and becoming as clouds roar and flash with lightning and pour down + showers when the season cometh. Neither fire nor shelter, nor woolen + cloths give greater comfort to one suffering from chilling blasts than thy + rays. Thou illuminest by thy rays the whole Earth with her thirteen + islands. Thou alone are engaged in the welfare of the three worlds. If + thou dost not rise, the universe becometh blind and the learned cannot + employ themselves in the attainment of virtue, wealth and profit. It is + through thy grace that the (three) orders of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and + Vaisyas are able to perform their various duties and sacrifices.<a + href="#linknote-13" name="linknoteref-13" id="linknoteref-13"><small>13</small></a> + Those versed in chronology say that thou art the beginning and thou the + end of a day of Brahma, which consisteth of a full thousand Yugas. Thou + art the lord of Manus and of the sons of the Manus, of the universe and of + man, of the Manwantaras, and their lords. When the time of universal + dissolution cometh, the fire Samvartaka born of thy wrath consumeth the + three worlds and existeth alone And clouds of various hues begotten of thy + rays, accompanied by the elephant Airavata and the thunderbolt, bring + about the appointed deluges. And dividing thyself into twelve parts and + becoming as many suns, thou drinkest up the ocean once more with thy rays. + Thou art called Indra, thou art Vishnu, thou art Brahma, thou art + Prajapati. Thou art fire and thou art the subtle mind. And thou art lord + and the eternal Brahma. Thou art Hansa, thou art Savitri, thou art Bhanu, + Ansumalin, and Vrishakapi. Thou art Vivaswan, Mihira, Pusha, Mitra, and + Dharma. Thou art thousand-rayed, thou art Aditya, and Tapana, and the lord + of rays. Thou art Martanda, and Arka, and Ravi, and Surya and Saranya and + maker of day, and Divakara and Suptasaspti, and Dhumakeshin and Virochana. + Thou art spoken of as swift of speed and the destroyer of darkness, and + the possessor of yellow steeds. He that reverentially adoreth thee on the + sixth or the seventh lunar day with humility and tranquillity of mind, + obtaineth the grace of Lakshmi. They that with undivided attention adore + and worship thee, are delivered from all dangers, agonies, and + afflictions. And they that hold that thou art everywhere (being the soul + of all things) living long, freed from sin and enjoying an immunity from + all diseases. O lord of all food, it behoveth thee to grant food in + abundance unto me who am desirous of food even for entertaining all my + guests with reverence. I bow also to all those followers of thine that + have taken refuge at thy feet—Mathara and Aruna and Danda and + others, including Asani and Kshuva and the others. And I bow also to the + celestial mothers of all creatures, viz., Kshuva and Maitri and the others + of the class. O, let them deliver me their supplient.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus, O great king, was the sun that purifier of the + world, adored (by Yudhishthira). And pleased with the hymn, the maker of + day, self-luminous, and blazing like fire showed himself to the son of + Pandu. And Vivaswan said, ‘Thou shall obtain all that thou desirest. I + shall provide thee with food for five and seven years together. And, O + king, accept this copper-vessel which I give unto thee. And, O thou of + excellent vows, as long as Panchali will hold this vessel, without + partaking of its contents fruits and roots and meat and vegetables cooked + in thy kitchen, these four kinds of food shall from this day be + inexhaustible. And, on the fourteenth year from this, thou shall regain + thy kingdom.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having said this, the god vanished away. He + that, with the desire of obtaining a boon, reciteth this hymn + concentrating his mind with ascetic abstraction, obtaineth it from the + sun, however difficult of acquisition it may be that he asketh for. And + the person, male or female, that reciteth or heareth this hymn day after + day, if he or she desireth for a son, obtaineth one, and if riches, + obtaineth them, and if learning acquireth that too. And the person male or + female, that reciteth this hymn every day in the two twilights, if + overtaken by danger, is delivered from it, and if bound, is freed from the + bonds. Brahma himself had communicated this hymn to the illustrious Sakra, + and from Sakra was it obtained by Narada and from Narada, by Dhaumya. And + Yudhishthira, obtaining it from Dhaumya, attained all his wishes. And it + is by virtue of this hymn that one may always obtain victory in war, and + acquire immense wealth also. And it leadeth the reciter from all sins, to + the solar region.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having obtained the boon, the virtuous son of + Kunti, rising from the water, took hold of Dhaumya’s feet and then + embraced his brother’s. And, O exalted one, wending then with Draupadi to + the kitchen, and adored by her duly, the son of Pandu set himself to cook + (their day’s) food. And the clean food, however little, that was dressed, + furnished with the four tastes, increased and became inexhaustible. And + with it Yudhishthira began to feed the regenerate ones. And after the + Brahmanas had been fed, and his younger brothers also, Yudhishthira + himself ate of the food that remained, and which is called Vighasa. And + after Yudhishthira had eaten, the daughter of Prishata took what remained. + And after she had taken her meal, the day’s food became exhausted. + </p> + <p> + ‘And having thus obtained the boon from the maker of day, the son of + Pandu, himself as resplendent as that celestial, began to entertain the + Brahmanas agreeably to their wishes. And obedient to their priest, the + sons of Pritha, on auspicious lunar days and constellations and + conjunctions, performed sacrifices according to the ordinance, the + scriptures, and the Mantras. After the sacrifices, the sons of Pandu, + blessed by the auspicious rites performed by Dhaumya and accompanied by + him, and surrounded also by the Brahmanas set out for the woods of + Kamyaka.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0326"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IV + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said,—“After the Pandavas had gone to the forest, + Dhritarashtra the son of Amvika, whose knowledge was his eye,<a + href="#linknote-14" name="linknoteref-14" id="linknoteref-14"><small>14</small></a> + became exceedingly sorrowful. And seated at his ease the king addressed + these words to the virtuous Vidura of profound intelligence, ‘Thy + understanding is as clear as that of Bhargava.<a href="#linknote-15" + name="linknoteref-15" id="linknoteref-15"><small>15</small></a> Thou + knowest also all the subtleties or morality, and thou lookest on all the + Kauravas with an equal eye. O, tell me what is proper for me and them. O + Vidura, things having thus taken their course, what should we do now? How + may I secure the goodwill of the citizens so that they may not destroy us + to the roots? O, tell us all, since thou art conversant with every + excellent expedient.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘The three-fold purposes, O king (viz., profit, pleasure, + and salvation), have their foundations in virtue, and the sages say that a + kingdom also standeth on virtue as its basis. Therefore, O monarch, + according to the best of thy power, cherish thou virtuously thy own sons + and those of Pandu. That virtue had been beguiled by wicked souls with + Suvala’s son at their head, when thy sons invited the righteous + Yudhishthira and defeated him in the match at dice. O king, of this deed + of utter iniquity I behold this expiation whereby, O chief of the Kurus, + thy son, freed from sin, may win back his position among good men. Let the + sons of Pandu, obtain that which was given unto them by thee. For, verily, + even this is the highest morality that a king should remain content with + his own, and never covet another’s possessions. Thy good name then would + not suffer nor would family dissensions ensue, nor unrighteousness be + thine. This then is thy prime duty now,—to gratify the Pandavas and + disgrace Sakuni. If thou wishest to restore to thy sons the good fortune + they have lost, then, O king, do thou speedily adopt this line of conduct. + If thou dost not act so, the Kurus will surely meet with destruction, for + neither Bhimasena nor Arjuna, if angry, will leave any of their foes + unslain. What is there in the world which is unattainable to those who + cannot among their warriors Savyasachin skilled in arms; who have the + Gandiva, the most powerful of all weapons in the world, for their bow; and + who have amongst them the mighty Bhima also as a warrior? Formerly, as + soon as thy son was born, I told thee,—Forsake thou this + inauspicious child of thine. Herein lieth the good of thy race.—But + thou didst not then act accordingly. Nor also, O king, have I pointed out + to thee the way of thy welfare. If thou doest as I have counselled, thou + shalt not have to repent afterwards. If thy son consent to reign in peace + jointly with the sons of Pandu, passing thy days in joy thou shalt not + have to repent. Should it be otherwise, abandon thou thy child for thy own + happiness. Putting Duryodhana aside, do thou install the son of Pandu in + the sovereignty, and let, O king, Ajatasatru, free from passion, rule the + earth virtuously. All the kings of the earth, then, like Vaisyas, will, + without delay, pay homage unto us. And, O king, let Duryodhana and Sakuni + and Karna with alacrity wait upon the Pandavas. And let Dussasana, in open + court, ask forgiveness of Bhimasena and of the daughter of Drupada also. + And do thou pacify Yudhishthira by placing him on the throne with every + mark of respect. Asked by thee, what else can I counsel thee to do? By + doing this, O monarch, thou wouldst do what was proper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dhritarashtra said, ‘These words, O Vidura, then thou hast spoken in this + assembly, with reference to the Pandavas and myself, are for their good + but not for ours. My mind doth not approve them. How hast thou settled all + this in thy mind now? When thou hast spoken all this on behalf of the + Pandavas, I perceive that thou art not friendly to me. How can I abandon + my son for the sake of the sons of Pandu? Doubtless they are my sons, but + Duryodhana is sprung from my body. Who then, speaking with impartiality, + will ever counsel me to renounce my own body for the sake of others? O + Vidura, all that thou sayest is crooked, although I hold thee in high + esteem. Stay or go as thou likest. However much may she be humoured, an + unchaste will forsaketh her husband.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, O king, saying this Dhritarashtra rose suddenly and + went into the inner apartments. And Vidura, saying ‘This race is doomed’ + went away to where the sons of Pritha were.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0327"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION V + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Desirous of living in the forest, those bulls of the + Bharata race, the Pandavas, with their followers, setting out from the + banks of the Ganges went to the field of Kurukshetra. And performing their + ablutions in the Saraswati, the Drisadwati and the Yamuna, they went from + one forest to another, travelling in an westernly direction. And at length + they saw before them the woods, Kamyaka, the favourite haunt of Munis, + situated by a level and wild plain on the banks of the Saraswati. And in + those woods, O Bharata, abounding in birds and deer, those heroes began to + dwell, entertained and comforted by the Munis. And Vidura always longing + to see the Pandavas, went in a single car to the Kamyaka woods abounding + in every good thing. And arriving at Kamyaka on a car drawn by swift + steeds, he saw Yudhishthira the just, sitting with Draupadi at a retired + spot, surrounded by his brothers and the Brahmanas. And seeing Vidura + approach from a distance with swift steps, the virtuous king addressed + brother, Bhimasena, saying, ‘With what message doth Kshatta come to us? + Doth he come hither, despatched by Sakuni, to invite us again to a game of + dice? Doth the little-minded Sakuni intend to win again our weapons at + dice? O Bhimasena, challenged by any one addressing me,—Come, I am + unable to stay. And if our possession of the Gandiva becomes doubtful, + will not the acquisition of our kingdom also be so.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O king, the Pandavas then rose up and welcomed + Vidura. And received by them, that descendant of the Ajamida line (Vidura) + sat in their midst and made the usual enquiries. And after Vidura had + rested awhile, those bulls among men asked him the reason of his coming. + And Vidura began to relate unto them in detail everything connected with + the bearing of Dhritarashtra the son of Amvika.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘O Ajatasatru, Dhritarashtra called me, his dependant, + before him and honouring me duly said, ‘Things have fared thus. Now, do + thou tell me what is good for the Pandavas as well as for me. I pointed + out what was beneficial to both the Kauravas and Dhritarashtra. But what I + said was not relished by him, nor could I hit upon any other course. What + I advised was, O Pandavas, highly beneficial, but the son of Amvika heeded + me not. Even as medicine recommendeth itself not to one that is ill, so my + words failed to please the king. And, O thou without a foe, as all + unchaste wile in the family of a man of pure descent cannot be brought + back to the path of virtue, so I failed to bring Dhritarashtra back. + Indeed, as a young damsel doth not like a husband of three score, even so + Dhritarashtra did not like my words. Surely, destruction will overtake the + Kuru race, surely Dhritarashtra will never acquire good fortune. For, as + water dropped on a lotus-leaf doth not remain there, my counsels will fail + to produce any effect to Dhritarashtra. The incensed Dhritarashtra told + me, O Bharata, go thou thither where thou likest Never more shall I seek + thy aid in ruling the earth or my capital,—O best of monarchs, + forsaken by king Dhritarashtra, I come to thee for tendering good counsel. + What I had said in the open court, I will now repeat unto thee. Listen, + and bear my words in mind,—that wise man who bearing all the gross + wrong heaped upon him by his enemies, patiently bideth his time, and + multiplieth his resources “even as men by degrees turn a small fire: into + a large one, ruleth alone this entire earth. He that (in prosperity) + enjoyeth his substance with his adherents findeth in them sharers of his + adversity,—this is the best means of securing adherents, and it is + said that he that hath adherents, winneth the sovereignty of the world! + And, O Pandava, divided thy prosperity with thy adherents, behave + truthfully towards them, and converse with them agreeably! Share also your + food with them! And never boast thyself in their presence! This behaviour + increaseth the prosperity of kings!’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Having recourse to such high intelligence, + undisturbed by passion, I will do as thou counsellest! And whatever else + thou mayst counsel in respect of time and place, I will carefully follow + entirely.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0328"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VI + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘O king, after Vidura had gone to the abode of the + Pandavas, Dhritarashtra, O Bharata, of profound wisdom, repented of his + action. And thinking of the great intelligence of Vidura in matters + connected with both war and peace, and also of the aggrandisement of the + Pandavas in the future, Dhritarashtra, pained at the recollection of + Vidura, having approached the door of the hall of state fell down + senseless in the presence of the monarchs (in waiting) And regaining + consciousness, the king rose from the ground and thus addressed Sanjaya + standing by, ‘My brother and friend is even like the god of justice + himself! Recollecting him today, my heart burneth in grief! Go, bring unto + me without delay my brother well-versed in morality!’ Saying this, the + monarch wept bitterly. And burning in repentance, and overwhelmed with + sorrow at the recollection of Vidura, the king, from brotherly affection, + again addressed Sanjaya saying, ‘O Sanjaya, go thou and ascertain whether + my brother, expelled by my wretched self through anger, liveth still! That + wise brother of mine of immeasurable intelligence hath never been guilty + of even the slightest transgression, but, on the other hand, he it is who + hath come by grievous wrong at my hands! Seek him, O wise one, and bring + him hither; else, O Sanjaya, I will lay down my life!” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of the king, Sanjaya + expressed his approbation, and saying ‘So be it,’ went in the direction of + the Kamyaka woods. And arriving without loss of time at the forest where + the sons of Pandu dwelt, he beheld Yudhishthira clad in deer-skin, seated + with Vidura, in the midst of Brahmanas by thousands and guarded by his + brothers, even like Purandara in the midst of the celestials! And + approaching Yudhishthira, Sanjaya worshipped him duly and was received + with due respect by Bhima and Arjuna and the twins. And Yudhishthira made + the usual enquiries about his welfare and when he had been seated at his + ease, he disclosed the reason of his visit, in these words, ‘King + Dhritarashtra, the son of Amvika, hath, O Kshatta! remembered thee! + Returning unto him without loss of time, do thou revive the king! And, O + thou best of men, with the permission of these Kuru princes—these + foremost of men—it behoveth thee, at the command of that lion among + kings, to return unto him! + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, ‘Thus addressed by Sanjaya, the intelligent + Vidura, ever attached to his relatives, with the permission of + Yudhishthira returned to the city named after the elephant. And after he + had approached the king, Dhritarashtra of great energy, the son of Amvika, + addressed him, saying, ‘From my good luck alone, O Vidura, thou, O sinless + one, of conversant with morality, hast come here remembering me! And, O + thou bull of the Bharata race, in thy absence I was beholding myself, + sleepless through the day and the night, as one that hath been lost on + earth!’ And the king then took Vidura on his lap and smelt his head, and + said, ‘Forgive me, O sinless one, the words in which thou wert addressed + by me!’ And Vidura said, ‘O king, I have forgiven thee. Thou art my + superior, worthy of the highest reverence! Here am I, having come back, + eagerly wishing to behold thee! All virtuous men, O tiger among men, are + (instinctively) partial towards those that are distressed! This, O king, + is scarcely the result of deliberation! (My partiality to the Pandavas + proceedeth from this cause)! O Bharata, thy sons are as dear to me as the + sons of Pandu, but as the latter are now in distress, my heart yearneth + after them! + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘And addressing each other thus in apologetic + speeches, the two illustrious brothers, Vidura and Dhritarashtra, felt + themselves greatly happy!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0329"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VII + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing that Vidura had returned, and that the king + had consoled him, the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra began to burn in + grief. His understanding clouded by ignorance, he summoned the son of + Suvala, and Karna and Dussasana, and addressed them saying, ‘The learned + Vidura, the minister of the wise Dhritarashtra, hath returned! The friend + of the sons of Pandu, he is ever engaged in doing what is beneficial to + them. So long as this Vidura doth not succeed in inducing the king to + bring them back, do ye all think of what may benefit me! If ever I behold + the sons of Pritha return to the city, I shall again be emaciated by + renouncing food and drink, even though there be no obstacle in my path! + And I shall either take poison or hang myself, either enter the pyre or + kill myself with my own weapons. But I shall never be able to behold the + sons of Pandu in prosperity! + </p> + <p> + “Sakuni said, ‘O king, O lord of the earth, what folly hath taken + possession of thee! The Pandavas have gone to the forest, having given a + particular pledge, so that what thou apprehendest can never take place! O + bull of the Bharata race, the Pandavas ever abide by the truth. They will + never, therefore, accept the words of thy father! If however, accepting + the commands of the king, they come back to the capital, violating their + vow, even this would be our conduct, viz., assuming, an aspect of + neutrality, and in apparent obedience to the will of the monarch, we will + closely watch the Pandavas, keeping our counsels!’ + </p> + <p> + “Dussasana said, ‘O uncle of great intelligence, it is even as thou + sayest! The words of wisdom thou utterest always recommend themselves to + me!’”Karna said, ‘O Duryodhana, all of us seek to accomplish thy will and, + O king, I see that unanimity at present prevaileth among us! The sons of + Pandu, with passions under complete control, will never return without + passing away the promised period. If, however, they do return from failing + sense, do thou defeat them again at dice.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus addressed by Karna, king Duryodhana with + cheerless heart, averted his face from his counsellors. Marking all this, + Karna expanding his beautiful eyes, and vehemently gesticulating in anger, + haughtily addressed Duryodhana and Dussasana and Suvala’s son saying, ‘Ye + princes, know ye my opinion! We are all servants of the king (Duryodhana) + waiting upon him with joined palms! We should, therefore, do what is + agreeable to him! But we are not always able to seek his welfare with + promptness and activity (owing to our dependence on Dhritarashtra)! But + let us now, encased in mail and armed with our weapons, mount our cars and + go in a body to slay the Pandavas now living in the forest! After the + Pandavas have been quieted and after they have gone on the unknown + journey, both ourselves and the sons of Dhritarashtra will find peace! As + long as they are in distress, as long as they are in sorrow, as long as + they are destitute of help, so long are we a match for them! This is my + mind!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hearing those words of the charioteer’s son, they repeatedly applauded + him, and at last exclaimed, ‘Very well!’ And saying this each of them + mounted his car, and sanguine of success, they rushed in a body to slay + the sons of Pandu. And knowing by his spiritual vision that they had gone + out, the master Krishna-Dwaipayana of pure soul came upon them, and + commanded them to desist. And sending them away, the holy one, worshipped + by all the worlds, quickly appeared before the king whose intelligence + served the purposes of eye-sight, and who was then seated (at his ease). + And the holy one addressed the monarch thus.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0330"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vyasa said, ‘O wise Dhritarashtra, hear what I say! I will tell thee that + which is for the great good of all the Kauravas! O thou of mighty arms, it + hath not pleased me that the Pandavas have gone to the forest dishonestly + defeated (at dice) by Duryodhana and others! O Bharata, on the expiration + of the thirteenth year, recollecting all their woes, they may shower + death-dealing weapons, even like virulent poison, upon the Kauravas! Why + doth thy sinful son of wicked heart, ever inflamed with ire, seek to slay + the sons of Pandu for the sake of their kingdom? Let the fool be + restrained; let thy son remain quiet! In attempting to slay the Pandavas + in exile, he will only lose his own life. Thou art as honest as the wise + Vidura, or Bhishma, or ourselves, or Kripa, or Drona, O thou of great + wisdom, dissension with one’s own kin are forbidden, sinful and + reprehensible! Therefore, O king, it behoveth thee to desist from such + acts! And, O Bharata, Duryodhana looketh with such jealousy towards the + Pandavas that great harm would be the consequence, if thou didst not + interfere. Or let this wicked son of thine, O monarch, along and + unaccompanied, himself go to the forest and live with the sons of Pandu. + For then, if the Pandavas, from association, feel an attachment for + Duryodhana, then, O king of men, good fortune may be thine. (This, + however, may not be)! For it hath been heard that one’s congenital nature + leaveth him not till death. But what do Bhishma and Drona and Vidura + think? What also dost thou think? That which is beneficial should be done + while there is time, else thy purposes will be unrealised.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0331"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O holy one, I did not like this business of + gambling, but, O Muni, I think, I was made to consent to it drawn by fate! + Neither Bhishma, nor Drona, nor Vidura, nor Gandhari liked this game at + dice. No doubt, it was begot of folly. And, O thou who delightest in the + observance of vows, O illustrious one, knowing everything yet influenced + by paternal affection, I am unable to cast off my senseless son, + Duryodhana!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa said, ‘O king, O son of Vichitravirya, what thou sayest is true! We + know it well that a son is the best of all things and that there is + nothing that is so good as a son. Instructed by the tears of Suravi, Indra + came to know that the son surpasseth in worth other valuable possessions. + O monarch, I will, in this connection, relate to thee that excellent and + best of stories, the conversation between Indra and Suravi. In days of + yore, Suravi, the mother of cows was once weeping in the celestial + regions. O child, Indra took compassion upon her, and asked her, saying, + ‘O auspicious one! why dost thou weep? Is everything well with the + celestials? Hath any misfortune, ever so little, befallen the world of men + or serpents?’ Suravi replied, ‘No evil hath befallen thee that I perceive. + But I am aggrieved on account of my son, and it is therefore, O Kausika, + that I weep! See, O chief of the celestials, yonder cruel husbandman is + belabouring my weak son with the wooden stick, and oppressing him with the + (weight of the) plough, in consequence of which my child agitated with + agony is falling upon the ground and is at the point of death. At sight of + this, O lord of the celestials, I am filled with compassion, and my mind + is agitated! The one that is the stronger of the pair is bearing his + burthen of greater weight (with ease), but, O Vasava, the other is lean, + and weak and is a mass of veins and arteries! He beareth his burthen with + difficulty! And it is for him that I grieve. See, O Vasava, sore inflicted + with the whip, and harassed exceedingly, he is unable to bear his burthen. + And it is for him that, moved by grief, I weep in heaviness of heart and + these tears of compassion trickle down my eyes!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sakra said, ‘O fair one, when thousands of thy son are (daily) oppressed, + why dost thou grieve for one under infliction?’ Suravi replied. ‘Although + I have a thousand offspring, yet my affections flow equally towards all! + But, O Sakra, I feel greater compassion for one that is weak and + innocent!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa continued, ‘Then Indra having heard these words of Suravi, was much + surprised, and O thou of the Kuru race, he became convinced that a son is + dearer than one’s life! And the illustrious chastiser of Paka thereupon + suddenly poured there a thick shower and caused obstruction to the + husbandman’s work. And as Suravi said, thy affections, O king, equally + flow towards all thy sons. Let them be greater towards those that are + weak! And as my son Pandu is to me, so art thou, O son, and so also Vidura + of profound wisdom! It is out of affection that I tell you all this! O + Bharata, thou art possessed of a hundred and one sons, but Pandu hath only + five. And they are in a bad plight and passing their days in sorrow. How + may they save their lives, how may they thrive such thoughts regarding the + distressed sons of Pritha continually agitate my soul! O king of the + earth, if thou desirest all the Kauravas to live, let thy son Duryodhana + make peace with the Pandavas!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0332"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION X + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Muni of profound wisdom, it is even as thou + sayest! I know it well as do all these kings! Indeed, what thou + considerest to be beneficial for the Kurus was pointed out to me, O Muni, + by Vidura and Bhishma and Drona. And, if I deserve thy favour, and if thou + hast kindness for the Kurus, do thou exhort my wicked son Duryodhana!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa said, ‘O king, after having seen the Pandava brothers, here cometh + the holy Rishi Maitreya, with the desire of seeing us. That mighty Rishi, + O king, will admonish thy son for the welfare of this race. And, O + Kauravya, what he adviseth must be followed undoubtingly, for if what he + recommendeth is not done, the sage will curse thy son in anger.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Saying this, Vyasa departed, and Maitreya made + his appearance. And the king with his son respectfully received that + way-worn chief of Munis, with offerings of the Arghya and other rites. And + king Dhritarashtra, the son of Amvika, in words of respect thus addressed + the sage, ‘O holy one, hath journey from the Kuru-jangala been a pleasant + one? Are those heroes, the five Pandavas living happily? Do those bulls of + the Kuru race intend to stay out their time? Will the brotherly affection + of the Kauravas ever be impaired?’ + </p> + <p> + “Maitreya said, ‘Setting out on a pilgrimage to the different shrines, I + arrived at Kuru-jangala, and there I unexpectedly saw Yudhishthira the + just in the woods of Kamyaka. And, O exalted one, many Munis had come + there to behold the high-souled Yudhishthira, dwelling in an ascetic + asylum, clad in deer-skin and wearing matted locks. It was there, O king + of kings, that I heard of the grave error committed by thy sons and the + calamity and terrible danger arisen from dice that had overtaken them. + Therefore, it is that I have come to thee, for the good of the Kauravas, + since, O exalted one, my affection is great for thee and I am delighted + with thee! O king, it is not fit that thy sons should on any account + quarrel with one another, thyself and Bhishma living. Thou art, O king, + the stake at which bulls are tied (in treading cord), and thou art + competent to punish and reward! Why dost thou overlook then this great + evil that is about to overtake all? And, O descendant of the Kurus, for + those wrongs that have been perpetrated in thy court, which are even like + the acts of wretched outcasts, thou art not well-thought amongst the + ascetics!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Then turning to the wrathful prince Duryodhana, + the illustrious Rishi Maitreya addressed him in these soft words, ‘O + mighty-armed Duryodhana, O best of all eloquent men, O illustrious one, + give heed unto the words I utter for my good! O king, seek not to quarrel + with the Pandavas! And, O bull among men, compass thou thy own good as + also of the Pandavas, of the Kurus and of the world! All those tigers + among men are heroes of high prowess in war, gifted with the strength of + ten thousand elephants, with bodies hard as the thunderbolt, holding fast + by their promises, and proud of their manliness! they have slain the + enemies of the celestials—those Rakshasas capable of assuming any + form at will, such as were headed by Hidimva and Kirmira! When those + high-souled ones went from hence that Rakshasa of fierce soul obstructed + their nocturnal path even like an immoveable hill. And even as a tiger + slayeth a little deer, Bhima, that foremost of all endued with strength, + and ever delighted in fight, slew that monster. Consider also, O king, how + while out on his campaign of conquest, Bhima slew in battle that mighty + warrior, Jarasandha, possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants. + Related to Vasudeva and having the sons of king Drupada as their + brothers-in-law, who that is subject to decrepitude and death would + undertake to cope with them in battle? O bull of the Bharata race, let + there be peace between thee and Pandavas! Follow thou my counsels and + surrender not thyself to anger! + </p> + <p> + ‘O king, thus admonished by Maitreya, Duryodhana began to slap his thigh + resembling the trunk of the elephant, and smilingly began to scratch the + ground with his foot. And the wicked wretch spake not a word, but hung + down his head. And, O monarch, beholding Duryodhana thus offer him a + slight by scratching the earth silently, Maitreya became angry. And, as if + commissioned by fate, Maitreya, the best of Munis, overwhelmed by wrath, + set his mind upon cursing Duryodhana! And then, with eyes red in anger, + Maitreya, touching water, caused the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra, + saying, ‘Since, slighting me thou declinest to act according to my words, + thou shalt speedily reap the fruit of this thy insolence! In the great war + which shall spring out of the wrongs perpetrated by thee, the mighty Bhima + shall smash that thigh of thine with a stroke of his mace! + </p> + <p> + ‘When the Muni had spoken so, king Dhritarashtra began to pacify the sage, + in order that what he had said might not happen. But Maitreya said, ‘O + king, if thy son concludeth peace with the Pandavas, this curse of mine, O + child, will not take effect, otherwise it must be as I have said!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Desirous of ascertaining the might of Bhima, that + foremost of kings, the father of Duryodhana, then asked Maitreya, saying, + ‘How was Kirmira slain by Bhima?’ + </p> + <p> + “Maitreya said, ‘I shall not speak again unto thee, O king, for my words + are not regarded by thy son. After I have gone away, Vidura will relate + everything unto thee!’ And saying this, Maitreya went away to the place + whence he had come. And Duryodhana also went out perturbed at the tidings + of Kirmira’s death (at the hand of Bhima).’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0333"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XI + </h2> + <h3> + (Kirmirabadha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Kshatta, I am desirous to hear of the destruction + of Kirmira! Do thou tell me how the encounter took place between the + Rakshasa and Bhimasena!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘Listen to the story of that feat of Bhimasena of super + human achievements! I have often heard of it in course of my conversation + with the Pandavas (while I was with them) + </p> + <p> + ‘O foremost of kings, defeated at dice the Pandavas departed from hence + and travelling for three days and nights they at length reached those + woods that go by the name of Kamyaka. O king, just after the dreadful hour + of midnight when all nature is asleep, when man-eating Rakshasas of + terrible deeds begin to wander, the ascetics and the cowherds and other + rangers of the forest used to shun the woods of Kamyaka and fly to a + distance from fear of cannibals. And, O Bharata, as the Pandavas were at + this hour entering those woods a fearful Rakshasa of flaming eyes appeared + before them with a lighted brand, obstructing their path. And with + outstretched arms and terrible face, he stood obstructing the way on which + those perpetuators of the Kuru race were proceeding. With eight teeth + standing out, with eyes of coppery hue, and with the hair of his head + blazing and standing erect, the fiend looked like a mass of clouds + reflecting the rays of the sun or mingled with lightning flashes and + graced with flocks of cranes underneath on their wings. And uttering + frightful yells and roaring like a mass of clouds charged with rain, the + fiend began to spread the illusion proper to his species. Hearing that + terrible roar, birds along with other creatures that live on land or in + water, began to drop down in all directions, uttering cries of fear. And + in consequence of the deer and the leopards and the buffaloes and the + bears flying about in all directions, it seemed as if the forest itself + was in motion. And swayed by the wind raised by the sighs of the Rakshasa, + creepers growing at a great distance seemed to embrace the trees with + their arms of coppery leaves. And at that moment, a violent wind began to + blow, and the sky became darkened with the dust that covered it. And as + grief is the greatest enemy of the object of the five senses, even so + appeared before the Pandavas that unknown foe of theirs. And beholding the + Pandavas from a distance clad in black deer-skins, the Rakshasa obstructed + their passage through the forest even like the Mainaka mountain. And at + the sight of him never seen before the lotus-eyed Krishna, agitated with + fear, closed her eyes. And she whose braids had been dishevelled by the + hand of Dussasana, stationed in the midst of the five Pandavas, looked + like a stream chafing amid five hills. And seeing her overwhelmed with + fear the five Pandavas supported her as the five senses influenced by + desire adhere to the pleasures relating to their objects. And Dhaumya of + great (ascetic) energy, in the presence of the sons of Pandu, destroyed + the fearful illusion that had been spread by the Rakshasa, by applying + various mantras, calculated to destroy the Rakshasa. And beholding his + illusion dispelled, the mighty Rakshasa of crooked ways, capable of + assuming any form at will, expanded his eyes in wrath and seemed like + death himself. Then king Yudhishthira, endued with great wisdom, addressed + him saying, ‘Who art thou, and whose (son)? Tell us what we should do for + thee.’ The Rakshasa thus addressed, answered Yudhishthira the just, + saying, ‘I am the brother of Vaka, the celebrated Kirmira. I live at ease + in these deserted woods of Kamyaka, daily procuring my food by vanquishing + men in fight. Who are ye that have come near me in the shape of my food? + Defeating ye all in fight, I will eat ye with pleasure.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘O Bharata, hearing these words of the wretch, + Yudhishthira announced his own name and lineage, saying, ‘I am king + Yudhishthira the just, the son of Pandu, of whom thou mayst have heard. + Deprived of my kingdom, I have with my brothers Bhimasena and Arjuna and + the others, in course of my wanderings, come into this terrible forest + which is thy dominion, desirous of passing my period of exile here!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura continued, ‘Kirmira said unto Yudhishthira, ‘By good luck it is + that fate hath accomplished today my long-accomplished desire! With + weapons upraised have I been continually ranging the entire earth with the + object of slaying Bhima. But Bhima I had found not. By good luck it is + that slayer of my brother, whom I had been seeking so long, hath come + before me! It was he who in the disguise of a Brahmana slew my dear + brother Vaka in the Vetrakiya forest by virtue of his science. He hath + truly no strength of arms! It is also this one of wicked soul who formerly + slew my dear friend Hidimva, living in this forest and ravished his + sister! And that fool hath now come into this deep forest of mine, when + the night is half spent, even at the time when we wander about! Today I + will wreak my long-cherished vengeance upon him, and I will today gratify + (the manes of) Vaka with his blood in plenty! By slaying this enemy of the + Rakshasas, I shall today be freed from the debt I owe to my friend and my + brother, and thereby attain supreme happiness! If Bhimasena was let free + formerly by Vaka, today, I will devour him in thy sight, O Yudhishthira! + And even as Agastya ate up and digested the mighty Asura (Vatapi) I will + eat up and digest this Bhima!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura continued, ‘Thus addressed by the Rakshasa, the virtuous + Yudhishthira, steadfast in his pledges, said, ‘It can never be so,—and + in anger rebuked the Rakshasa.’ The mighty-armed Bhima then tore up in + haste a tree of the length of ten Vyasas and stripped it of its leaves. + And in the space of a moment the ever-victorious Arjuna stringed his bow + Gandiva possessing the force of the thunderbolt. And, O Bharata, making + Jishnu desist, Bhima approached that Rakshasa still roaring like the + clouds and said unto him, ‘Stay! Stay!’ And thus addressing the cannibal, + and tightening the cloth around his waist, and rubbing his palms, and + biting his nether lip with his teeth, and armed with the tree, the + powerful Bhima rushed towards the foe. And like unto Maghavat hurling his + thunderbolt, Bhima made that tree, resembling the mace of Yama himself + descend with force on the head of the cannibal. The Rakshasa, however, was + seen to remain unmoved at that blow, and wavered not in the conflict. On + the other hand, he hurled his lighted brand, flaming like lightning, at + Bhima. But that foremost of warriors turned it off with his left foot in + such a way that it went back towards the Rakshasa. Then the fierce Kirmira + on his part, all on a sudden uprooting a tree darted to the encounter like + unto the mace bearing Yama himself. And that fight, so destructive of the + trees, looked like the encounter in days of yore between the brothers Vali + and Sugriva for the possession of the same woman. And the trees struck at + the heads of the combatants, were broken into shivers, like lotus-stalks + thrown on the temples of infuriate elephants. And in that great forest, + innumerable trees, crushed like unto reeds, lay scattered as rags. That + encounter with trees between that foremost of Rakshasas and that best of + men, O thou bull of the Bharata race, lasted but for a moment. Then taking + up a crag, the angry Rakshasa hurled it at Bhima standing before him, but + the latter wavered not. Then like unto Rahu going to devour the sun + dispersing his rays with extended arms, the Rakshasa with out-stretched + arms darted towards Bhima, who had remained firm under the blow inflicted + with the crag. And tugging at and grappling with each other in diverse + ways they appeared like two infuriate bulls struggling with each other. Or + like unto two mighty tigers armed with teeth and claws, the encounter + between them waxed fierce and hard. And remembering their (late) disgrace + at the hands of Duryodhana, and proud of the strength of his arms, and + conscious also of Krishna looking at him, Vrikodara began to swell in + vigour. And fried with anger, Bhima seized the Rakshasa with his arms, as + one elephant in rut seizeth another. And the powerful Rakshasa also in his + turn seized his adversary, but Bhimasena that foremost of all men endued + with strength, threw the cannibal down with violence. The sounds that in + consequence of those mighty combatants pressing each other’s hands, were + frightful and resembled the sounds of splintering bamboos. And hurling the + Rakshasa down, seized him by the waist, and began to whirl him about, even + as fierce hurricane shaketh a tree. And thus seized by the mighty Bhima, + the fatigued Rakshasa, became faint, and trembling all over, he still + pressed the (Pandava) with all his strength. And finding him fatigued, + Vrikodara, twined his own arms round the foe, even as one bindeth a beast + with cord. And the monster thereupon began to roar frightfully, as a + trumpet out of order. And the mighty Vrikodara for a long while whirled + the Rakshasa till the latter appeared to be insensible, and began to move + convulsively. And finding the Rakshasa exhausted, the son of Pandu without + loss of time took him up in his arms, and slew him like a beast. And + placing his knee on the waist of that wretch of Rakshasa, Vrikodara began + to press the neck of the foe with his hands. Then Bhima, dragging along + the earth the bruised body of the Rakshasa with the eye-lids about to + close, said, ‘O sinful wretch, thou wilt no more have to wipe away the + tears of Hidimva or Vaka, for thou too art about to go to the mansions of + Yama!’ And saying this, that foremost of men, his heart filled with wrath, + beholding the Rakshasa destitute of clothing and ornaments, and + insensible, and undergoing convulsions, let him dead. And after that + Rakshasa of hue like the clouds had been slain, the son of that best of + kings (Pandu) praised Bhima for his many qualities, and placing Krishna in + their front, set out for the Dwaita woods.” + </p> + <p> + Vidura said, ‘It was thus, O lord of men, that Kirmira was slain in combat + by Bhima, in obedience, O Kaurava, to the commands of Yudhishthira the + just! And having rid the forest of its pest, the victorious Yudhishthira + the just, began to live in that dwelling of theirs, with Draupadi. And + those bulls of the Bharata race comforting Draupadi began to cheerfully + extol Bhima with glad hearts. And after the Rakshasa had been slain, borne + down by the might of Bhima’s arms, those heroes entered into the peaceful + forest freed from its annoyance. Passing through the great forest I saw + lying the body of the wicked and fearless Rakshasa slain by Bhima’s might. + And, O Bharata, there I heard of this achievement of Bhima from those + Brahmanas who have assembled round the Pandavas.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing the account of the slaughter in combat of + Kirmira, that foremost of Rakshasas, the king sighed in sorrow and became + absorbed in thought.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0334"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XII + </h2> + <h3> + (Arjunabhigamana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, ‘Hearing that the Pandavas had been banished, the + Bhojas, the Vrishnis, and the Andhakas went to those heroes residing in + affliction in the great forest. And the consanguineous relatives of + Panchala, and Dhrishtaketu the king of Chedi, and those celebrated and + powerful brothers—the Kaikeyas, their hearts fired with wrath, went + to the forest to see the sons of Pritha. And reproaching the sons of + Dhritarashtra, they said, ‘What should we do?’ And those bulls of the + Kshatriya race, with Vasudeva at their head, sat themselves down round + Yudhishthira the just. And respectfully saluting that foremost of the + Kurus, Kesava mournfully said, ‘The earth shall drink the blood of + Duryodhana and Karna, of Dussasana and the wicked Sakuni! Slaying these in + battle and defeating their followers along with their royal allies, will + we all install Yudhishthira the just on the throne! The wicked deserve to + be slain! Verily, this is eternal morality.’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, ‘And when on account of the wrongs of Pritha’s + sons, Janardana had thus got into a passion, and seemed bent upon + consuming all created things, Arjuna exerted himself to pacify him. And + beholding Kesava angry, Falguna began to recite the feats achieved in his + former lives by that soul of all things, himself immeasurable, the eternal + one, of infinite energy, the lord of Prajapati himself, the supreme ruler + of the worlds, Vishnu of profound wisdom!’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘In days of old, thou, O Krishna, hadst wandered on the + Gandhamadana mountains for ten thousand years as a Muni having his home + where evening fell! Living upon water alone, thou hadst, in days of old, O + Krishna, also dwelt for full eleven thousand years by the lake of + Pushkara! And, O slayer of Madhu, with arms upraised and standing on one + leg, thou hadst passed a hundred years on the high hills of Vadari,<a + href="#linknote-16" name="linknoteref-16" id="linknoteref-16"><small>16</small></a> + living all the while upon air! And leaving aside thy upper garment, with + body emaciated and looking like a bundle of veins, thou hadst lived on the + banks of the Saraswati, employed in thy sacrifice extending for twelve + years! And, O Krishna of mighty energy, in observance of thy vow thou + hadst stood on one leg for the length of a thousand years of the + celestials, on the plains of Prabhasa which it behoveth the virtuous to + visit! Vyasa hath told me that thou art the cause of the creation and its + course! And, O Kesava, the lord of Kshetra,<a href="#linknote-17" + name="linknoteref-17" id="linknoteref-17"><small>17</small></a> thou art + the mover of all minds, and the beginning and end of all things! All + asceticism resteth in thee, and thou too art the embodiment of all + sacrifices, and the eternal one! Slaying the Asura Naraka, offspring of + the Earth-first begotten, thou hadst obtained his ear-rings, and + performed, O Krishna, the first horse-sacrifice (offering up that Asura as + the sacrificial horse)! And, O bull of all the worlds, having performed + that feat, thou hast become victorious over all! Thou hadst slain all the + Daityas and Danavas mustered in battle, and giving the lord of Sachi + (Indra) the sovereignty of the universe, thou hast, O Kesava of mighty + arms, taken thy birth among men! O slayer of all foes, having floated on + the primordial waters, thou subsequently becamest Hari,<a + href="#linknote-18" name="linknoteref-18" id="linknoteref-18"><small>18</small></a> + and Brahma and Surya and Dharma, and Dhatri and Yama and Anala and Vasu, + and Vaisravana, and Rudra, and Kala and the firmament the earth, and the + ten directions! Thyself increate, thou art the lord of the mobile and the + immobile universe, the Creator of all, O thou foremost of all existences! + And, O slayer of Madhu, O thou of abundant energy, in the forest of + Chitraratha thou didst, O Krishna, gratify with thy sacrifice the chief of + all the gods, the highest of the high! O Janardana, at each sacrifice thou + didst offer, according to shares, gold by hundreds and thousands. And, O + son of the Yadava race, becoming the son of Aditi, O exalted one of the + supreme attributes, thou hast been known as the younger brother of Indra! + And, O thou chastiser of foes, even while a child thou didst, O Krishna, + in consequence of thy energy, fill by three steps only the heaven, the + firmament, and the earth! And, O thou soul of all covering the heaven and + the firmament (while thou wert thus transformed), thou didst dwell in the + body of the sun and afflict him with thy own splendour! And, O exalted + one, in thy incarnations on those thousand occasions, thou hadst slain, O + Krishna, sinful Asuras by hundreds! By destroying the Mauravas and the + Pashas, and slaying Nisunda and Naraka. Thou hast again rendered safe the + road to Pragjyotisha! Thou hast slain Ahvriti at Jaruthi, and Kratha and + Sisupala with his adherents, and Jarasandha and Saivya and Satadhanwan! + And on thy car roaring like unto clouds and effulgent like the sun, thou + didst obtain for thy queen the daughter of Bhoja, defeating Rukmi in + battle! Thou didst in fury slay Indradyumna and the Yavana called + Kaseruman! And slaying Salwa the lord of Saubha, thou didst destroy that + city of Saubha itself! These have all been slain in battle; listen to me + as I speak of others (also slain by thee)! At Iravati thou hast slain king + Bhoja equal unto Karttavirya in battle, and both Gopati and Talaketu also + have been slain by thee! And, O Janardana, thou hast also appropriate unto + thyself the sacred city of Dwarka, abounding in wealth and agreeable unto + the Rishi themselves, and thou wilt submerge it at the end within the + ocean! O slayer of Madhu, how can crookedness be in thee, devoid as thou + art, O thou of the Dasarha race, of anger and envy and untruth and + cruelty? O thou who knowest no deterioration, all the Rishis, coming unto + thee seated in thy glory on the sacrificial ground, seek protection of + thee! And, O slayer of Madhu, thou stayest at the end of the Yuga, + contracting all things and withdrawing this universe into thy own self, + thou repressor of all foes! O thou of the Vrishni race, at the beginning + of the Yuga, there sprang from thy lotus-like navel, Brahma himself, and + lord of all mobile and immobile things, and whose is this entire universe! + When the dreadful Danavas Madhu and Kaitava were bent on slaying Brahma, + beholding their impious endeavour thou wert angry, and from thy forehead, + O Hari, sprang Sambhu, the holder of the trident. Thus these two foremost + of the deities have sprung from thy body in order to do thy work! Even + Narada it was who hath told me this! O Narayana, thou didst, in the forest + of Chaitraratha, celebrate with plentiful gifts a grand sacrifice + consisting of a multitude of rites! O God, O thou of eyes like lotus + leaves, the deeds thou hast performed while still a boy, having recourse + to thy might and aided by Baladeva, have never been done by others, nor + are they capable of being achieved by others in the future! Thou didst + even dwell in Kailasa, accompanied by Brahmanas!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having addressed Krishna thus, the illustrious + Pandava, who was the soul of Krishna, became dumb, when Janardana (in + reply addressed that son of Pritha) saying, ‘Thou art mine and I am thine, + while all that is mine is thine also! He that hateth thee hateth me as + well, and he that followeth thee followeth me! O thou irrepressible one, + thou art Nara and I am Narayana or Hari! We are the Rishis Nara and + Narayana born in the world of men for a special purpose. O Partha, thou + art from me and I am from thee! O bull of the Bharata race, no one can + understand the difference that is between us!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘When the illustrious Kesava had said so in the + midst of that assembly of brave kings, all excited with anger, Panchali + surrounded by Dhrishtadyumna and her other heroic brothers, approached him + of eyes like lotus leaves seated with his cousins, and, desirous of + protection, addressed in angry accents that refuge of all, saying, ‘Asita + and Devala have said that in the matter of the creation of all things, + thou hast been indicated (by the sages) as the only Prajapati and the + Creator of all the worlds! And, O irrepressible one, Jamadagnya sayeth + that thou art Vishnu, and, O slayer of Madhu, that thou art (embodiment + of) Sacrifice, Sacrificer and he for whom the sacrifice is performed! And, + O best of male beings, the Rishis indicate thee as Forgiveness and Truth! + Kasyapa hath said that thou art Sacrifice sprung from Truth! O exalted + one, Narada calleth thee the god of the Sadhyas, and of the Sivas, as + alone the Creator and the Lord of all things. And, O tiger among men, thou + repeatedly sportest with the gods including, Brahma and Sankara and Sakra + even as children sporting with their toys! And, O exalted one, the + firmament is covered by thy head, and the earth by thy feet; these worlds + are as thy womb and thou art the Eternal one! With Rishis sanctified by + Vedic lore and asceticism, and whose souls have been purified by penance, + and who are contented with soul-vision, thou art the best of all objects! + And, O chief of all male beings; thou art the refuge of all royal sages + devoted to virtuous acts, never turning their backs on the field of the + battle, and possessed of every accomplishment! Thou art the Lord of all, + thou art Omnipresent, thou art the Soul of all things, and thou art the + active power pervading everything! The rulers of the several worlds, those + worlds themselves, the stellar conjunctions, the ten points of the + horizon, the firmament, the moon, and the sun, are all established in + thee! And, O mighty-armed one, the morality of (earthly) creatures, the + immortality of the universe, are established in thee! Thou art the Supreme + lord of all creatures, celestial or human! Therefore it is, O slayer of + Madhu, that impelled by the affection thou bearest me that I will relate + to thee my griefs! O Krishna, how could one like me, the wife of Pritha’s + sons, the sister of Dhrishtadyumna, and the friend of thee, be dragged to + the assembly! Alas, during my season, stained with blood, with but a + single cloth on, trembling all over, and weeping, I was dragged to the + court of the Kurus! Beholding me, stained with blood in the presence of + those kings in the assembly, the wicked sons of Dhritarashtra laughed at + me! O slayer of Madhu, while the sons of Pandu and the Panchalas and the + Vrishnis lived, they dared express the desire of using me as their slave! + O Krishna, I am according to the ordinance, the daughter in-law of both + Dhritarashtra and Bhishma! Yet, O slayer of Madhu, they wished to make of + me a slave by force! I blame the Pandavas who are mighty and foremost in + battle, for they saw (without stirring) their own wedded wife known over + all the world, treated with such cruelty! Oh, fie on the might of + Bhimasena, fie on the Gandiva of Arjuna, for they, O Janardana, both + suffered me to be thus disgraced by little men! This eternal course of + morality is ever followed by the virtuous—viz., that the husband, + however weak, protecteth his wedded wife! By protecting the wife one + protecteth his offspring and by protecting the offspring one protecteth + his own self! One’s own self is begotten on one’s wife, and therefore it + is that the wife is called Jaya. A wife also should protect her lord, + remembering that he is to take his birth in her womb! The Pandavas never + forsake the person that soliciteth their protection, and yet they + abandoned me who solicited it! By my five husbands five sons of exceeding + energy have been born of me: Prativindhya by Yudhishthira, Sutasoma by + Vrikodara, Srutakirti by Arjuna, Satanika by Nakula and Srutakarman by the + youngest, all of them of energy that cannot be baffled. For their sake, O + Janardana, it was necessary to protect me! Even as (thy son) Pradyumna, + they are, O Krishna, mighty warriors all! They are foremost of bowmen, and + invincible in battle by any foe! Why do they bear the wrongs inflicted (on + me) by the sons of Dhritarashtra of such contemptible strength? Deprived + of their kingdom by deception, the Pandavas were made bondsmen and I + myself was dragged to the assembly while in my season, and having only a + single cloth on! Fie on that Gandiva which none else can string save + Arjuna and Bhima and thyself, O slayer of Madhu! Fie on the strength of + Bhima, and fie on the prowess of Arjuna, since, O Krishna, Duryodhana + (after what he had done) hath drawn breath even for a moment! He it is, O + slayer of Madhu, who formerly drove the guileless Pandavas with their + mother from the kingdom, while they were children still engaged in study + and the observance of their vows. It is that sinful wretch, who, horrible + to relate, mixed in Bhima’s food fresh and virulent poison in full dose. + But, O Janardana, Bhima digested that poison with the food, without + sustaining any injury, for, O best of men and mighty-armed one, Bhima’s + days had not been ended! O Krishna, it is Duryodhana who at the house + standing by the banyan called Pramana bound Bhima sleeping unsuspectingly, + and casting him into the Ganges returned to the city. But the powerful + Bhimasena the son of Kunti, possessed of mighty arms, on waking from + sleep, tore his bonds and rose from the water. It is Duryodhana, who + caused venomous black-cobras to bite all over the body of Bhimasena, but + that slayer of foes died not. Awaking, the son of Kunti smashed all the + serpents and with his left hand killed (the agent, viz.) the favourite + charioteer of Duryodhana. Again, while the children were asleep at + Varanavata with their mother, it is he who set fire to the house intending + to burn them to death. Who is there capable of doing such an act? It was + then that the illustrious Kunti, overtaken by this calamity, and + surrounded by the flames, began to cry out in terror, speaking to the + children, ‘Alas, I am undone! How shall we escape from this fire today! + Alas, I shall meet with destruction with my little children!’ Then Bhima, + possessed of mighty arms, and prowess like unto the force of the wind, + comforted his illustrious mother as also his brothers, saying, ‘Like that + king of birds, Garuda, the son of Vinata, I will spring up into the air. + We have no fear from this fire’. And then taking his mother on his left + flank, and the king in his right, and the twins on each shoulder, and + Vivatsu on his back, the mighty Vrikodara, thus taking all of them, at one + leap cleared the fire and delivered his mother and brother from the + conflagration. Setting out that night with their renowned mother, they + came near the forest of Hidimva. And while fatigued and distressed, they + were sleeping fast with her, a Rakshasa woman called Hidimva approached + them. Beholding the Pandavas with their mother asleep on the ground, + influenced by desire she sought to have Bhimasena for her lord. The weak + one then took up Bhima’s feet on her lap to press them with her soft + hands. The mighty Bhima of immeasurable energy, of prowess that could not + be baffled, then woke from sleep, and asked her, saying, ‘O thou of + faultless features, what dost thou wish here?’ Thus asked by him, the + Rakshasa lady of faultless features, capable, besides, of assuming any + form at will, replied unto the high-souled Bhima, saying, ‘Do ye speedily + fly from this place! My brother gifted with strength will come to slay ye! + Therefore speed and tarry not!’ But Bhima haughtily said, ‘I do not fear + him! If he cometh here, I will slay him!’ Hearing their converse, that + vilest of cannibals came to the spot. Of frightful form and dreadful to + behold, uttering loud cries as he came, the Rakshasa said, ‘O Hidimva, + with whom dost thou converse? Bring him unto me, I will eat him up. It + behoveth thee to tarry not.’ But moved by compassion, the Rakshasa lady of + faultless features and pure heart said nothing out of pity. Then the + man-eating monster, uttering dreadful cries, rushed at Bhima with great + force. And approaching him furiously, the mighty cannibal, possessed with + rage, caught hold of Bhima’s hand with his own and clenching fast his + other hand and making it hard as the thunder-bolt of Indra, suddenly + struck Bhima a blow that descended with the force of lightning. His hand + having been seized by the Rakshasa, Vrikodara, without being able to brook + it, flew into a rage. Then a dreadful combat took place between Bhimasena + and Hidimva, both skilled in all weapons and which was like unto the + encounter of Vasava with Vritra. And, O sinless one, after sporting with + the Rakshasa for a long while the powerful Bhima of mighty energy slew the + cannibal when the latter had become weak with exertion. Then having slain + Hidimva, and taking (his sister) Hidimva at their head, of whom was + (subsequently) born Ghatotkacha, Bhima and his brothers went away. Then + all those repressors of their foes, accompanied by their mother and + surrounded by many Brahmanas proceeded towards Ekachakra. In the matter of + this their journey, Vyasa ever engaged in their welfare had become their + counsellor. Then arriving at Ekachakra, the Pandavas of rigid vows there + also slew a mighty cannibal, Vaka by name, terrible as Hidimva himself. + And having slain that fierce cannibal, Bhima that foremost of smiters, + went with all his brothers to the capital of Drupada. And, O Krishna, as + thou hadst acquired Rukmini, the daughter of Bhishmaka, even so + Savyasachin, while residing there, obtained me! O slayer of Madhu, Arjuna + won me in the Swayamvara, having performed a feat difficult of achievement + by others and having fought also with the assembled kings! + </p> + <p> + ‘Thus, O Krishna, afflicted with numerous griefs, and in great distress, + am I living, with Dhaumya at our head, but deprived of the company of the + adorable Kunti! Why do these that are gifted with strength and possessed + of the prowess of the lion, sit indifferently, beholding me thus afflicted + by enemies so despicable? Suffering such wrongs at the hands of wicked and + evil-doing foes of small strength, am I to burn in grief so long? Born I + was in a great race, coming into the world in an extraordinary way! I am + also the beloved wife of the Pandavas, and the daughter-in-law of the + illustrious Pandu! The foremost of women and devoted to my husbands, even + I, O Krishna, was seized by hair, O slayer of Madhu, in the sight of the + Pandavas, each of whom is like an Indra himself! + </p> + <p> + ‘Saying this the mild-speeched Krishna hid her face with her soft hands + like the buds of lotus, and began to weep. And the tears of Panchali begot + of grief washed her deep, plump and graceful breasts crowned with + auspicious marks. And wiping her eyes and sighing frequently she said + these words angrily and in a choked voice, ‘Husbands, or sons, or friends, + or brothers, or father, have I none! Nor have I thee, O thou slayer of + Madhu, for ye all, beholding me treated so cruelly by inferior foes, sit + still unmoved! My grief at Karna’s ridicule is incapable of being + assuaged! On these grounds I deserve to be ever protected by thee, O + Kesava, viz., our relationship, thy respect (for me), our friendship, and + thy lordship (over me) + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘In that assembly of heroes Vasudeva then spake + unto the weeping Draupadi as follows, ‘O fair lady, the wives of those + with whom thou art angry, shall weep even like thee, beholding their + husbands dead on the ground, weltering in blood and their bodies covered + with the arrows of Vivatsu! Weep not, lady, for I will exert to the utmost + of my powers for the sons of Pandu! I promise thou shalt (once more) be + the queen of kings! The heavens might fall, or the Himavat might split, + the earth might be rent, or the waters of the ocean might dry up, but my + words shall never be futile!’ Hearing those words of Achyuta in reply, + Draupadi looked obliquely at her third husband (Arjuna). And, O mighty + king, Arjuna said unto Draupadi, ‘O thou of beautiful coppery eyes, grieve + not! O illustrious one, it shall be even as the slayer of Madhu hath said! + It can never be otherwise, O beautiful one!’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhrishtadyumna said, ‘I will slay Drona, Sikhandin will slay the + grandfather. And Bhimasena will slay Duryodhana, and Dhananjaya will slay + Karna. And, O sister, assisted by Rama and Krishna, we are invincible in + battle by even the slayer himself of Vritra—what are the sons of + Dhritarashtra?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘After these words had been spoken, all the + heroes there turned their faces towards Vasudeva, who then in their midst + began to speak as follows.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0335"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva said, O lord of earth, if I had been present at Dwaraka, then, O + king, this evil would not have befallen thee! And, O irrepressible one, + coming unto the gambling-match, even if uninvited by the son of Amvika + (Dhritarashtra), or Duryodhana, or by the other Kauravas, I would have + prevented the game from taking place, by showing its many evils, summoning + to my aid Bhishma and Drona and Kripa, and Vahlika! O exalted one, for thy + sake I would have told the son of Vichitravirya—O foremost of + monarchs, let thy sons have nothing to do with dice!—I would have + shown the many evils (of dice) through which thou hast fallen into such + distress and the son of Virasena was formerly deprived of his kingdom! O + king, unthought of evils, befall a man from dice! I would have described + how a man once engaged in the game continueth to play (from desire of + victory). Women, dice, hunting and drinking to which people become + addicted in consequence of temptation, have been regarded as the four + evils that deprive a man of prosperity. And those versed in the Sastras + are of opinion that evils attend upon all these. They also that are + addicted to dice know all its evils. O thou of mighty arms, appearing + before the son of Amvika, I would have pointed out that through dice men + in a day lose their possessions, and fall into distress, and are deprived + of their untasted wealth, and exchange harsh words! O perpetuator of the + Kuru race, I would have pointed out these and other attendant evils! If he + had accepted my words thus addressed, the welfare of the Kurus as also + virtue itself would both have been secured! And, O foremost of kings, if + he had rejected my gentle counsels offered as medicine, then, O best of + the Bharata race, I would have compelled him by force! And, if those who + wait at his court, professing to be his friends but in reality his foes, + had supported him, then I would have slain them all, along with those + gamblers, there present! O Kauravya, it is owing to my absence from the + Anartta country at that time that thou hast fallen into such distress + begot of dice! O thou best of Kurus, O son of Pandu, on arriving at Dwarka + I learnt from Yuyudhana all about thy calamity! And, O foremost of kings, + directly I heard it with a heart sore agitated by grief, have I speedily + come here wishing to see thee, O king! Alas! O bull of the Bharata race, + ye have all fallen into dire distress! I see thee with thy brothers + plunged in misfortune!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0336"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIV + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O Krishna, why wert thou absent (from the Anartta + country)? And, O descendant of the Vrishni race, while thou wert away, + where didst thou dwell? And what didst thou do while out of thy kingdom?’ + </p> + <p> + “Krishna said, ‘O bull of the Bharata race, I had gone for the purpose of + destroying the (arranging) city Salwa. And, O foremost of the Kauravas, + listen to the reasons I had for so doing! The heroic son of Damaghosha, + the well-known king Sisupala of mighty arms and great energy, was slain by + me, O best of Bharatas, at thy Rajasuya sacrifice, because that wicked one + could not from anger bear to see the first worship offered to me! Hearing + that he had been slain, Salwa, burning with fierce anger, came to Dwaraka, + while, O Bharata, it was empty, myself being away, residing with you here. + And having arrived there on a car made of precious metals and hence called + the Souva, he had an encounter with the youthful princes of the Vrishni + race—those bulls of that line—and fought With them + mercilessly. And slaughtering many youthful Vrishnis of heroic valour, the + wicked one devastated all the gardens of the city. And, O thou of mighty + arms, he said, ‘Where is that wretch of the Vrishni race, Vasudeva, the + evil-souled son of Vasudeva? I will humble in battle the pride of that + person so eager for fight! Tell me truly, O Anarttas! I will go there + where he is. And after killing that slayer of Kansa and Kesi, will I + return! By my weapon I swear that I will not return with out slaying him!’ + And exclaiming repeatedly—Where is he? Where is he? the lord of + Saubha rusheth to this place and that, desirous of encountering me in + battle? And Salwa also said, ‘Impelled by wrath for the destruction of + Sisupala I shall today send to the mansion of Yama that treacherous + miscreant of mean mind?’ And, O king, he further said, ‘That Janardana + shall I slay, who, wretch that he is, hath killed my brother who was but a + boy of tender years, and who was slain not on the field of battle, + unprepared as he was!’ Having, O great king, wailed thus, and having, O + son of the Kuru race, abused me thus, he rose into the sky on his car of + precious metals capable of going anywhere at will! On returning (to my + kingdom) I heard what, O Kaurava, the evil-minded and wicked king of + Maticka had said regarding myself! And, O descendant of the Kuru race, I + was agitated with wrath, and, O king, having reflected upon everything, I + set my heart upon slaying him! And, learning, O Kauravya, of his + oppression of the Anarttas, of his abuse of myself, and of his excessive + arrogance, I resolved upon the destruction of that wretch! And, O lord of + earth, I accordingly set out (from my city), for slaying the (lord of) the + Saubha. And searching him here and there, I found him in an island in the + midst of the ocean! Then, O king, blowing my conch called the Panchajanya + obtained from the sea, and challenging Salwa to combat, I stood for the + fight! At that instant, I had an encounter with numerous Danavas, all of + whom, however, I subdued and prostrated on the ground. O mighty-armed one, + it was owing to this affair that I could not then come (unto thee)! As + soon as I heard of the unfair game of dice at Hastinapur, I have come here + desirous of seeing ye who have been plunged in distress.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0337"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XV + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O illustrious Vasudeva of mighty arms, tell thou in + detail of the death of the lord of Saubha. My curiosity hath not been + appeased by the narration.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasudeva said, ‘O mighty-armed king, hearing that the son of Srutasravas + (Sisupala) had been slain by me, Salwa, O best of the Bharata race, came + to the city of Dwaravati! And, O son of Pandu, the wicked king, stationing + his forces in array, besieged that city around and above. And stationing + himself in the upper regions, the king began his fight with the city. And + that encounter commenced with a thick shower of weapons from all sides. + And, O bull of the Bharata race, the city at that time was well-fortified + on all sides, according to the science (of fortification), with pennons, + and arches, and combatants, and walls and turrets, and engines, and + miners, and streets barricaded with spiked wood-works and towers and + edifices with gate-ways well-filled with provisions, and engines for + hurling burning brands and fires, and vessels, of deer-skins (for carrying + water), and trumpets, tabors, and drums, lances and forks, and Sataghnis, + and plough-shares, rockets, balls of stone and battle-axes and other + weapons and shield embossed with iron, and engines for hurling balls and + bullets and hot liquids! And the city was also well-defended by numerous + cars, and, O tiger among Kurus, by Gada and Shamva and Uddhava and others, + and by warriors of prowess tried in battle, all well-born and capable of + encountering any foe! And these all placing themselves on commanding + posts, aided by cavalry and standard-bearers, began to defend the town. + And Ugrasena and Uddhava and others, to prevent carelessness, Proclaimed + throughout the city that nobody should drink. And all the Vrishnis and the + Andhakas, well-knowing that they would be slain by Salwa if they behaved + carelessly, remained sober and watchful. And the police soon drove out of + the city all mimes and dancers and singers of the Anartta country. And all + the bridges over rivers were destroyed, and boats forbidden to ply, and + the trenches (around the city) were spiked with poles at the bottom. And + the land around the city for full two miles was rendered uneven, and holes + and pits were dug thereon, and combustibles were secreted below the + surface. Our fort, O sinless one, is naturally strong and always + well-defended and filled with all kinds of weapons! And in consequence of + the preparations made, our city was more prepared than ever to meet the + foe. And, O chief of the Bharatas, in consequence of all this, the city + looked like that of Indra himself. And, O king, at the time of Salwa’s + approach, nobody could either enter or leave the town of the Vrishnis and + the Andhakas without presenting the sign that had been agreed upon. And + all the streets of the town and the open spaces were filled with numerous + elephants and horses! And, O thou of mighty arms, the combatants were all + specially gratified with allowances and wages, and rations, and weapons, + and dresses! And amongst the combatants there was none who was not paid in + gold, and none who was not paid at all, and none who was not somehow + obliged, and none who was not of tried valour! And, O thou of eyes like + lotus-leaves, it was thus Dwaraka, abounding in well-ordered arrangements, + was defended by Ahuka (Ugrasena)!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0338"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVI + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva continued, ‘O king of kings, Salwa, the lord of Saubha, came + towards our city with an immense force consisting of infantry, cavalry and + elephants! And the army headed by king Salwa, consisting of four kings of + forces, occupied a level ground commanding a copious water-supply. And + forsaking cemeteries and temples dedicated to the gods, and sacred trees, + and grounds covered by ant-hills, that host occupied every other place. + And the roads (leading to the city) were blocked up by the divisions of + the army, and the secret entrances also were all blocked up by the enemy’s + camp. And, O Kauravya, like unto the lord of birds (Garuda), the ruler of + Saubha rushed towards Dwaraka, bringing with him, O bull among men, his + host equipped with all kinds of arms, skilled in all weapons, consisting + of a dense display of cars and elephants and cavalry abounding in banners, + and well-paid and well-fed foot-soldiers possessed of great strength and + bearing every mark of heroism and furnished with wonderful chariots and + bows. And beholding the army of Salwa, the youthful princess of the + Vrishni race resolved to encounter it sallying out of the city. And, O + king, Charudeshna, Samva, and the mighty warrior Pradyumna, O descendant + of the Kuru race, sailed out, ascending on their chariots, and clad in + mail, and decked with ornaments, with colours flying, resolved to + encounter the mighty and countless host of Salwa! And Samva taking up his + bows eagerly attacked on the field of battle Kshemavriddhi, the commander + of Salwa’s forces and his chief counsellor also! And, O thou foremost of + Bharatas, the son of Jambavati then began to shower arrows in a continuous + stream even as Indra showereth down rain! And, O mighty king, then + Kshemavriddhi, the commander of Salwa’s forces, bore that shower of + arrows, immovable as the Himavat! And, O foremost of kings, Kshemavriddhi + on his part, discharged at Samva mightier volley of shafts, aided by his + powers of illusion! And dispersing by counter illusion that discharge + inspired by illusion, Samva showered on his (adversary’s) car a thousand + arrows! Then pierced by the shafts on Samva and overwhelmed there with + Kshemavriddhi, the commander of the hostile host, left the field by the + help of his fleet-steed! And when the wicked general of Salwa had left the + field, a mighty Daitya called Vegavat rushed at my son! And, O best of + monarchs, thus attacked, the heroic Samva, the perpetuator of the Vrishni + race, bore that onset of Vegavat, keeping his ground. And, O son of Kunti, + the heroic Samva, of prowess incapable of being baffled, whirling a + quickly-going mace, hurled it speedily at Vegavat! And, O king, struck + with that mace, Vegavat fell down on the ground, like a weather-beaten and + faded lord of the forest of decayed roots! And on that heroic Asura of + mighty energy, being slain with the mace, my son entered within that + mighty host and began to fight with all. And, O great king, a well-known + Danava named Vivindhya, a mighty warrior wielding a large and powerful + bow, encountered Charudeshna! And, O monarch, the encounter between + Charudeshna and Vivindhya was as fierce as that in days of yore between + Vritra and Vasava! And enraged with each other the combatants pierced each + other with their arrows, uttering loud roars like unto two powerful lions! + Then the son of Rukmini fixed on his bow-string a mighty weapon possessing + the splendour of fire or the sun, and capable of destroying all foes, + having first vivified it with incantations! Then, O monarch, that mighty + warrior my son, fired with wrath, challenged Vivindhya and discharged the + weapon at him. And the Danava struck with that weapon, fell down on the + ground a lifeless corpse! And beholding Vivindhya slain, and the whole + host waver, Salwa advanced again on his beautiful car capable of going + everywhere. And, O king of mighty arms, beholding Salwa on that beautiful + car of his, the combatants of Dwaraka wavered with fear! But, O thou of + the Kuru race, Pradyumna sailed out, and, O great king, bidding the + Anarttas be of good cheer, said, ‘Waver ye not, and staying behold me + fight I Even I shall, by force, repell that car with Salwa on it! Ye + Yadavas, this day, I shall, with my weapons like unto serpents discharged + from my bow with my hand, destroy this host of the lord of Saubha! Be of + good cheer, ye all! Fear not! The lord of Saubha will be slain today! + Attached by me, the wretch will meet with destruction together with his + car!’ O son of Pandu, upon Pradyumna speaking thus with cheerful heart, + the Yadava host, O hero, remained on the field, and began to fight + cheerfully!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0339"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVII + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva continued, ‘O bull of the Bharata race, having spoken thus unto + the Yadavas, the son of Rukmini (Pradyumna) ascended his golden car. And + the car he rode was drawn by excellent steeds in mail. And over it stood a + standard bearing the figure of a Makara with gaping mouth and fierce as + Yama. And with his steeds, more flying than running on the ground, he + rushed against the foe And the hero equipped with quiver and sword, with + fingers cased in leather, twanged his bow possessed of the splendour of + the lightning, with great strength, and transferring it from hand to hand, + as if in contempt of the enemy, spread confusion among the Danavas and + other warriors of the city of Saubha. And as hot in contempt of the, foe, + and continuously slew the Danavas in battle, no one could mark the + slightest interval between his successive shafts. And the colour of his + face changed not, and his limbs trembled not. And people only heard his + loud leonine roars indicative of wonderful valour. And the aquatic monster + with mouth wide open, that devourer of all fishes, placed on golden + flag-staff of that best of cars, struck terror into the hearts of Salwa’s + warriors. And, O king, Pradyumna, the mower of foes rushed with speed + against Salwa himself so desirous of an encounter! And, O perpetuator of + the Kuru race, braved by the heroic Pradyumna in that mighty battle, the + angry Salwa could ill bear the challenge! And that conqueror of hostile + cities, Salwa, maddened by anger, descended from his beautiful car of + unchecked speed, resolved to encounter Pradyumna. And the people beheld + the fight between Salwa and the foremost of Vrishni heroes, which was even + like unto the encounter between Vasava with Vali. And, O hero, mounting on + his beautiful car decked with gold and furnished with flags and + flag-staffs and quivers, the illustrious and mighty Salwa began to + discharge his arrows at Pradyumna! Pradyumna also by the energy of his + arms, overwhelmed Salwa in the combat by a thick shower of arrows. The + king of Saubha, however, thus attacked in battle by Pradyumna, endured him + not, but discharged at my son arrows that were like blazing fire. But the + mighty Pradyumna parried off that arrowy shower. Beholding this, Salwa + rained on my son other weapons of blazing splendour. Then, O foremost of + monarchs, pierced by the shafts of Salwa, the son of Rukmini discharged + without loss of time an arrow that was capable of entering the vitals of a + foe in fight. And that winged shaft shot by my son, piercing Salwa’s mail, + entered his heart—whereupon he fell down, in a swoon. And beholding + the heroic king Salwa fallen down deprived of sense, the foremost of the + Danavas fled away rending the ground beneath their feet. And, O lord of + the earth, the army of Salwa sent up exclamations of Oh! and Alas! seeing + their king, the lord of Saubha, drop down bereft of sense! And O son of + the Kuru race, regaining his senses, the mighty Salwa rose and all of a + sudden discharged his arrows on Pradyumna. Then the heroic and mighty + armed Pradyumna, sorely pierced by his adversary about his throat, was + enfeebled on his car. And, O mighty king, wounding the son of Rukmini, + Salwa sent up a shout like unto the roar of a lion, and filling the entire + earth with it! And, O Bharata, when my son became senseless, Salwa, + without losing a moment, again discharged at him other shafts difficult to + bear. And pierced with numberless arrows and deprived of his senses, + Pradyumna, O chief of the Kuru race, became motionless on the field of + battle!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0340"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva continued, ‘O king, afflicted with the arrows of Salwa, when + Pradyumna became senseless the Vrishnis who had come to the fight were all + disheartened and filled with grief! And the combatants of the Vrishni and + Andhaka races burst into exclamations of Oh! and Alas! while great joy was + felt by the enemy and beholding him thus deprived of sense, his trained + charioteer, the son of Daruka, soon carried him off the field by the help + of his steeds. The car had not gone far when that best of warriors + regained his senses, and taking up his bow addressed his charioteer, + saying, ‘O son of the Suta tribe, what hast thou done? Why dost thou go + leaving the field of battle? This is not the custom of the Vrishni heroes + in battle! O son of a Suta, hast thou been bewildered at the sight of a + Salwa in that fierce encounter? Or hast thou been disheartened, beholding + the fight? O! tell me truly thy mind!’ The charioteer answered. ‘O son of + Janardana, I have not been confounded, nor hath fear taken possession of + me. On the other hand, O son of Kesava, the task, I ween, of vanquishing + Salwa is difficult for thee! Therefore, O hero, I am slowly retiring from + the field. This wretch is stronger than thou art! It behoveth a charioteer + to protect the warrior on the car, however, when he is deprived of his + senses! O thou gifted with length of days, thou shouldst always be + protected by me, even as it behoveth thee to protect me! Thinking that the + warrior on the car should always be protected (by his charioteer), I am + carrying thee away! Further, O thou of mighty arms, thou art alone, while + the Danavas are many. Thinking, O son of Rukmini, that thou art not equal + to them in the encounter, I am going away!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasudeva continued, ‘When the charioteer had spoken thus, he, O Kauravya, + who hath the makara for his mark replied unto him, saying, ‘Turn the car! + O son of Daruka, never do so again; never, O Suta, turn thou from the + fight, while I am alive! He is no son of the Vrishni race who forsaketh + the field or slayeth the foe fallen at his feet and crying I am thine! or + killeth a woman, a boy, or an old man, or a warrior in distress, deprived + of his car or with his weapons broken! Thou art born in the race of + charioteers and trained to thy craft! And, O son of Daruka, thou art + acquainted with the customs of the Vrishnis in battle! Versed as thou art + with all the customs of the Vrishnis in battle, do thou, O Suta, never + again fly from the field as thou hast done! What will the irrepressible + Madhava, the elder brother of Gada, say to me when he heareth that I have + left the field of battle in bewilderment or that I have been struck on the + back—a run-away from the combat! What will the elder brother of + Kesava, the mighty-armed Baladeva, clad in blue and inebriate with wine, + say, when he returneth? What also, O Suta, will that lion among men, the + grand-son of Sini (Satyaki), that great warrior, say on hearing that I + have forsaken the fight? And, O charioteer, what will the ever-victorious + Shamva, the irrepressible Charudeshna. and Gada, and Sarana, and Akrura + also of mighty arms, say unto me! What also will the wives of the Vrishni + heroes when they meet together, say of me who had hitherto been considered + as brave and well-conducted, respectable and possessed of manly pride? + They will even say This Pradyumna is a coward who cometh here, leaving the + battle! Fie on him! They will never say, Well done! Ridicule, with + exclamation of Fie, is to me or a person like me O Suta, more than death! + Therefore, do thou never again leave the field of battle! Reposing the + charge on me, Hari the slayer of Madhu, hath gone to the sacrifice of the + Bharata lion (Yudhishthira)! Therefore, I cannot bear to be quiet now! O + Suta, when the brave Kritavarman was sallying out to encounter Salwa, I + prevented him, saying I will resist Salwa. Do thou stay! For honouring me + the son of Hridika desisted! Having left the field of battle, what shall I + say unto that mighty warrior when I meet him? When that irrepressible one + of mighty arms—the holder of the conch, the discus, and the mace—returneth, + what shall I say unto him of eyes like lotus leaves? Satyaki, and + Valadeva, and others of the Vrishni and Andhaka races always boast of me! + What shall I say unto them? O Suta, having left the field of battle and + with wounds of arrows on my back while being carried away by thee, I + shall, by no means, be able to live! Therefore, O son of Daruka, turn that + car speedily, and never do so again even in times of greatest danger! I do + not, O Suta, think life worth much, having fled from the field like a + coward, and my back pierced, with the arrows (of the enemy)! Hast thou + ever seen me. O son of Suta, fly in fear from the field of battle like + coward? O son of Daruka, it behoved thee not to forsake the battle, while + my desire of fight was not yet gratified! Do thou, therefore, go back to + the field.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0341"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIX + </h2> + <p> + Vasudeva continued, Thus addressed, the son of Suta race replied in haste + unto Pradyumna, that foremost of all endued with strength, in these sweet + words, ‘O son of Rukmini, I fear not to guide the horses on the field of + battle, and I am acquainted also with the customs of the Vrishnis in war! + It is not otherwise in the least! But, O thou blest with length of days, + those that guide the car are taught that the warrior on the car is, by all + means, to be protected by his charioteer! Thou wert also much afflicted! + Thou wert much wounded by the arrows shot by Salwa. Thou wert also + deprived of thy senses, O hero! Therefore is it that I retired from the + field.’ But, O chief of the Satwatas, now that thou hast regained thy + senses without much ado, do thou, O son of Kesava, witness my skill in + guiding the horses! I have been begotten by Daruka, and I have been duly + trained! I will now penetrate into the celebrated array of Salwa without + fear! + </p> + <p> + “Vasudeva continued, ‘Saying this, O hero, the charioteer, pulling the + reins, began to lead the horses with speed towards the field of battle. + And, O king, struck with the whip and pulled by the reins those excellent + steeds seemed to be flying in the air, performing various beautiful + motion, now circular, now similar, now dissimilar, now to the right, now + to the left. And, O king, those steeds understanding as it were the + intention of Daruka’s son endued with such lightness of hand, burned with + energy, and seemed to go without touching the ground with their feet! That + bull among men wheeled round Salwa’s host so easily that they who + witnessed it wondered exceedingly. And the lord of Saubha, unable to bear + that manoeuvre of Pradyumna, instantly sent three shafts at the charioteer + of his antagonist! The charioteer, however, without taking any note of the + force of those arrows, continued to go along the right. Then the lord of + Saubha, O hero, again discharged at my son by Rukmini, a shower of various + kinds of weapons! But that slayer of hostile heroes, the son of Rukmini, + showing with a smile his lightness of hand, cut all those weapons off as + they reached him. Finding his arrows cut by Pradyumna, the lord of Saubha, + having recourse to the dreadful illusion natural to Asuras began to pour a + thick shower of arrows. But cutting into pieces those powerful Daitya + weapons shot at him in mid-career by means of his Brahma weapon, Pradyumna + discharged winged shafts of other kings. And these delighting in blood, + warding off the shafts of Daitya, pierced his head, bosom and face. And at + those wounds Salwa fell down senseless. And on the mean-minded Salwa + falling down, afflicted with Pradyumna’s arrows, the son of Rukmini aimed + another arrow at him, capable of destroying every foe. And beholding that + arrow worshipped by all the Dasarhas, and flaming like fire and fatal as a + venomous snake, fixed on the bow-string, the firmament was filled with + exclamations of Oh! and Alas! Then all the celestials with Indra and the + lord of treasures (Kubera) at their head sent Narada and the god of wind + endued with the speed of the mind. And these two approaching the son of + Rukmini delivered unto him the message of the celestial, saying, O hero, + king Salwa is nor to be slain by thee! Do thou draw back the arrow. He is + unslayable by thee in fight! There breatheth not a person who cannot be + killed by that arrow! O thou of mighty arms, the Creator hath ordained his + death at the hands of Krishna, the son of Devaki! Let this be not + falsified!—Thereupon with a glad heart, Pradyumna withdrew that best + of arrows from his excellent bow and deposited it back in his quiver. And + then, O foremost of kings, the mighty Salwa, afflicted with the arrows of + Pradyumna, rose disheartened, and speedily went away. Then O king, the + wicked Salwa, thus afflicted by the Vrishnis, mounted on his car of + precious metals, and leaving Dwaraka scudded through the skies!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0342"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XX + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva said, ‘When Salwa had left the city of the Anarttas, I returned + to it, O king, on the completion of thy great Rajasuya sacrifice! On my + arrival I found Dwaraka shorn of its splendour, and, O great monarch, + there were not sounds of Vedic recitation or sacrificial offering, And the + excellent damsels were all destitute of ornaments, and the gardens were + devoid of beauty. And alarmed by the aspect, I asked the son of Hridika + saying, ‘Why is it that the men and women of the city of the Vrishnis are + so woe-begone, O tiger among men?’ O thou best of kings thus asked the son + of Hridika (Kritavarman) relate to me in detail the invasion of the city + by Salwa, and his subsequent departure from it. And, O thou foremost of + Bharatas, hearing all, even then I made up my mind to slay Salwa. And + encouraging the citizens, O best of Bharatas, I cheerfully addressed king + Ahuka, and Anakdundhuvi, and the chief heroes of the Vrishni race, saying, + ‘Do ye, O bulls among the Yadavas, stay in the city, taking every care, + and know that I go to slay Salwa! I return not to the city of Dwaravati + without slaying him. I will again come to ye having compassed the + destruction of Salwa together with his car of precious metals. Do ye + strike up the sharp and middle and flat notes of the Dundhuvi so dreadful + to foes!’ And O thou bull of the Bharata race, thus adequately encouraged + by me, those heroes cheerfully said unto me, ‘Go and slay the enemies!’ + And thus receiving the benedictions of those warriors with glad hearts, + and causing the Brahmanas to utter auspicious words and bowing down to the + best of the regenerate ones, and to Siva also, I set out on my car unto + which were yoked the horses Saivya, and Sugriva, filling all sides with + the clatter (of my wheels) and blowing that best of conchs, the + Panchajanya! And, O king, O tiger among men, accompanied by my redoubted + and victorious army consisting of the four kinds of the forces so + persevering in battle, I set out. And leaving many countries, and + mountains, crowned with trees, and pieces of water, and streams, I at last + arrived at the country of Matrikavarta. It is there, O thou tiger among + men, that I heard that Salwa was coursing on his car of precious metals + near the ocean, and I followed in his pursuit. And, O thou slayer of thy + foes, having reached the main, Salwa on his car of costly metals was in + the midst of the deep heaving with billows! And on seeing me from a + distance, O Yudhishthira, that one of wicked soul himself challenged me + repeatedly to the fight. And many arrows capable of piercing to the quick, + discharged from my bow reached not his car. And at this I was wroth! And, + O king, that essentially sinful wretch of a Daitya’s son of irrepressible + energy, on his part began to shoot thousand upon thousands of arrows in + torrents! And, O Bharata, he rained shafts upon my soldiers and upon my + charioteer and upon my steeds! But without thinking of the shafts, we + continued the conflict. Then the warriors following Salwa poured on me + straight arrows by thousands. And the Asuras covered my horses and my car + and Daruka with arrows capable of piercing the very vitals. And, O hero, I + could not at that time see either my horses, or my car, or my charioteer + Daruka! And I with my army was covered with weapons. And, O son of Kunti, + superhumanly skilled in weapons, I also let fly from my bow arrows by tens + of thousands, inspiring them with mantras! But as that car of costly + metals was in the sky, full two miles off, it could not, O Bharata, be + seen by my troops. They could therefore only remaining on the field of + battle look on like spectators in a place of amusement, cheering me on by + shouts loud as the roar of the lion, and also by the sound of their + clapping. And the tinted arrows shot by the fore-part of hand penetrated + into the bodies of the Danavas like biting insects. And then arose cries + in the car of precious metals from those that were dying of wounds by + those sharp arrows and falling into the waters of the mighty ocean. And + the Danavas deprived of their arms, necks, and wearing the form of + Kavandhas,—fell, sending up tremendous roars. And as they fell they + were devoured by animals living in the waters of the ocean. And then I + powerfully blew the Panchajanya obtained from the waters and graceful as + the lotus-stalk and white as milk or the Kunda flower or the moon or + silver. And seeing his soldiers fall, Salwa the possessor of the car of + precious metals, began to fight with the help of illusion. And then he + began to ceaselessly hurl at me maces, and ploughshares, and winged darts + and lances, and javelins, and battle-axes, and swords and arrows blazing + like javelins and thunderbolts, and nooses, and broad swords, and bullets + from barrels, and shafts, and axes, and rockets. And permitting them to + come towards me, I soon destroyed them all by counter-illusion. And on + this illusion being rendered ineffectual, he began the contest with + mountain peaks. And, O Bharata, then there was darkness and light + alternately, and the day was now fair, and now gloomy, and now hot, and + now cold. And there was a perfect shower of coals, and ashes, and weapons. + And creating such illusion the enemy fought with me. And ascertaining it I + destroyed his illusion by counter-illusion. And in the due time I showered + arrows all round. And then, O mighty king, the dome of heaven blazed as + with a hundred suns, and, O son of Kunti with one hundred moons, and + thousands and ten thousands of stars! And then none could ascertain + whether it was day or night, or distinguish the points of the horizon. + And, becoming bewildered, I fixed on my bowstring the weapon called + Pragnastra. And, O son of Kunti, the weapon went like unto flakes of pure + cotton blown away by the winds! And a great fight took place, calculated + to make the down on one’s body stand on end. And O best of monarchs, + having regained, light, I again fought with the enemy!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0343"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXI + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva said, ‘O thou tiger among men, my great enemy king Salwa, thus + encountered by me in battle, again ascended the sky. And O mighty monarch, + inspired with the desire of victory, that wicked one hurled at me + Sataghnis, and mighty maces, and flaming lances, and stout clubs, and as + the weapons came along the sky, I speedily resisted them with my swift + arrows, and cut them in two or three pieces before they came at me. And + there was a great noise in the welkins. And Salwa covered Daruka, and my + steeds, and my car also with hundreds of straight shafts. Then, O hero, + Daruka, evidently about to faint, said unto me, ‘Afflicted with the shafts + of Salwa I stay in the field, because it is my duty to do so. But I am + incapable of doing so (any longer). My body hath become weak!’ Hearing + these piteous words of my charioteer, I looked at him, and found the + driver wounded with arrows. Nor was there a spot on his breasts or the + crown of his head, or body or his arms which was not, O thou foremost of + sons of Pandu, covered with shafts! And blood flowed profusely from his + wounds inflicted by arrows, and he looked like unto a mountain of red + chalk after a heavy shower. And, O thou of mighty arms, seeing the + charioteer with the reins in his hands thus pierced and enfeebled by the + shafts of Salwa in the field of battle, I cheered him up! + </p> + <p> + “‘And, O Bharata, about this time, a certain person, having his home in + Dwaraka quickly coming to my car, addressed me like a friend, delivering + to me, O hero, a message from Ahuka! He seemed to be one of Ahuka’s + followers. And sadly and in a voice choked in sorrow, know, O + Yudhishthira, he said words’—O warrior, Ahuka, the lord of Dwaraka, + hath said these words unto thee! O Kesava, hear what thy father’s friend + sayeth: O son of the Vrishni race, O thou irrepressible one, in thy + absence today Salwa, coming to Dwaraka, hath by main force killed + Vasudeva! Therefore, no need of battle any more. Cease, O Janardana! Do + thou defend Dwaraka! This is thy principal duty!—Hearing these words + of his, my heart became heavy, and I could not ascertain what I should do + and what I should not. And, O hero, hearing of that great misfortune, I + mentally censured Satyaki, and Baladeva, and also that mighty pradyumna. + Having reposed on them the duty of protecting Dwaraka and Vasudeva, I had + gone, O son of the Kuru race, to effect the destruction of Salwa’s city. + And in a sorrowful heart, I asked myself,—Doth that destroyer of + foes, the mighty-armed Baladeva, live, and Satyaki, and the son of Rukmini + and Charudeshna possessed of prowess, and Shamva and others? For, O thou + tiger among men, these living, even the bearer himself of the thunderbolt + could by no means destroy Suta’s son (Vasudeva)! And thought, I, It is + plain that Vasudeva is dead and equally plain that the others with + Baladeva at their head have been deprived of life—This was my + certain conclusion. And, O mighty king, thinking of the destruction of + those all, I was overwhelmed with grief! And it was in this state of mind + that I encountered Salwa afresh. And now I saw, O great monarch, Vasudeva + himself falling from the car of precious metals! And, O warrior I swooned + away, and, O king of men, my sire seemed like unto Yayati after the loss + of his merit, falling towards the earth from heaven! And like unto a + luminary whose merit hath been lost saw my father falling, his head-gear + foul and flowing loosely, and his hair and dress disordered. And then the + bow Sharanga dropped from my hand, and, O son of Kunti I swooned away! I + sat down on the side of the car. And, O thou descendant of the Bharata + race, seeing me deprived of consciousness on the car, and as if dead, my + entire host exclaimed Oh! and Alas! And my prone father with out-stretched + arms and lower limbs, appeared like a dropping bird. And him thus falling, + O thou of mighty arms, O hero, the hostile warriors bearing in their hands + lances and axes struck grievously! And (beholding this) my heart trembled! + and soon regaining my consciousness, O warrior, I could not see in that + mighty contest either the car of costly metals, or the enemy Salwa, or my + old father! Then I concluded in my mind that it was certainly illusion. + And recovering my senses, I again began to discharge arrows by hundreds.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0344"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXII + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva continued, ‘Then O thou foremost of the Bharata race, taking up + my beautiful bow, I began to cut off with my arrows the heads of the + enemies of the celestials, from off that car of costly metals! And I began + to discharge from the Sharanga many well-looking arrows of the forms of + snakes, capable of going at a great height and possessing intense energy. + And, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, I could not then see the car of + costly metals, for it had vanished, through illusion! I was then filled + with wonder! That host of Danvas then, O Bharata, of frightful visages and + hair, set up a loud howl while I was waiting for it. In that fierce + battle. I then, with the object of destroying them, fixed on my bow-string + the weapon capable of piercing the foes if but his sound was inaudible. + Upon this, their shouts ceased. But those Danavas that had sent up that + shout were all slain by those shafts of mine blazing as the Sun himself, + and capable of striking at the perception of sound alone. And after the + shout had ceased at one place, O mighty king, another yell proceeded from + another quarter. Thitherto also I sent my shafts. In this way, O Bharata, + the Asuras began to send up yells in all the ten quarters above and + across. These were all slain by me, viz., those that were in the skies and + that were invisible, with arrows of diverse forms, and celestial weapons + inspired with mantras. Then, O hero, that car of precious metals capable + of going anywhere at will, bewildering my eyes, reappeared at + Pragjyotisha! And then the destroying Danavas of fierce forms suddenly + drowned me with a mighty shower of rocks. And, O thou foremost of + monarchs, torrents of rocks falling upon me covered me up, and I began to + grow like an ant-hill (with its summits and peaks)! And covered along with + my horses and charioteer and flagstaffs, with crags on all sides, I + disappeared from sight altogether. Then those foremost of heroes of the + Vrishni race who were of my army were, struck with panic, and all on a + sudden began to fly in all directions. And beholding me in that plight, O + king, the heaven, the firmament, and the earth were filled with + exclamation of Oh! and Alas! And then, O monarch, my friends filled with + sorrow and grief began to weep and wail with heavy hearts! And delight + filled the hearts of the enemies. And O thou who never waverest, I heard + of this after I had defeated the foe! And then wielding the thunderbolt, + that favourite (weapon) of Indra, capable of riving stones, I destroyed + that entire mass of crags! But my steeds, afflicted with the weight of the + stones and almost on the point of death began to tremble. And beholding + me, all my friends rejoiced again even as men rejoice on seeing the sun + rise in the sky, dispersing the clouds. And seeing my horses almost in + their last gasp for breath, afflicted with that load of stones, my + charioteer said unto me in words suitable to the occasion, ‘O thou of the + Vrishni race, behold Salwa the owner of the car of precious metals sitting + (yonder). Do not disregard him! Do thou exert thyself! Do thou abandon thy + mildness and consideration for Salwa. Slay Salwa, O thou of mighty arms! O + Kesava, do not let him live! O hero, O thou destroyer of those that are + not thy friends (enemies), an enemy should be slain with every exertion! + Even a weak enemy who is under the feet of a man endued with strength, + should not be disregarded by the latter: that (shall I say) of one that + dareth us to the fight? Therefore, O thou tiger among men, putting forth + every exertion, slay him, O lord, O thou foremost of the Vrishni race! Do + thou not delay again! This one is not capable of being vanquished by + milder measures. And he cannot in my opinion be thy friend who is fighting + thee and who devastated Dwaraka!’ O Kaunteya, hearing such words of my + charioteer, and knowing that what he said was true, I directed my + attention to the fight (afresh), with the view of slaying Salwa and + destroying the car of costly metals! And, O hero, saying unto Daruka, + ‘Stay a moment’ I fixed on my bow-string my favourite weapon of fire, + blazing and of celestial origin, of irresistible force, and incapable of + being baffled, bursting with energy, capable of penetrating into + everything, and of great splendour! And saying, ‘Destroy the car of + precious metals together with all those enemies that are in it.’ I + launched with the might of my arms and in wrath with mantras, the great + powerful discus Sudarsana which reduceth to ashes in battle Yakshas and + Rakshasas and Danavas and kings born in impure tribes, sharp-edged like + the razor, and without stain, like unto Yama the destroyer, and + incomparable, and which killeth enemies. And rising into the sky, it + seemed like a second sun of exceeding effulgence at the end of the Yuga. + And approaching the town of Saubha whose splendour had disappeared, the + discus went right through it, even as a saw divideth a tall tree. And cut + in twain by the energy of the Sudarsana it fell like the city of Tripura + shaken by the shafts of Maheswara. And after the town of Saubha had + fallen, the discus came back into my hands, And taking it up I once more + hurled it with force saying, ‘Go thou unto Salwa.’ The discus then cleft + Salwa in twain who in that fierce conflict was at the point of hurling a + heavy mace. And with its energy it set the foe ablaze. And after that + brave warrior was slain, the disheartened Danava women fled in all + directions, exclaiming Oh! and Alas! And taking my chariot in front of the + town of Saubha I cheerfully blew my conch and gladdened the hearts of my + friends. And beholding their town, high as the peak of the Meru, with its + palaces and gate-ways utterly destroyed, and all ablaze, the Danavas fled + in fear. And having thus destroyed the town of Saubha and slain Salwa, I + returned to the Anarttas and delighted my friends. And, O king, it is for + this reason that I could not come to the city named after the elephant + (Hastinapura), O destroyer of hostile heroes! O warrior, if I had come, + Suyodhana would not have been alive or the match at dice would not have + taken place. What can I do now? It is difficult to confine the waters + after the dam is broken!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having addressed the Kaurava thus, that foremost + of male persons, of mighty arms, the slayer of Madhu, possessed of every + grace, saluting the Pandavas, prepared for departure. And the mighty-armed + hero reverentially saluted Yudhishthira the just, and the king in return + and Bhima also smelt the crown of his head. And he was embraced by Arjuna, + and the twins saluted him with reverence. And he was duly honoured by + Dhaumya, and worshipped with tears by Draupadi. And causing Subhadra and + Abhimanyu to ascend his golden car, Krishna, mounted it himself, + worshipped by the Pandavas. And consoling Yudhishthira, Krishna set out + for Dwaraka on his car resplendent as the sun and unto which were yoked + the horses Saivya and Sugriva. And after he of the Dasharha race had + departed, Dhristadyumna, the son of Prishata, also set out for his own + city, taking with him the sons of Draupadi. And the king of Chedi, + Dhrishtaketu also, taking his sister with him set out for his beautiful + city of Suktimati, after bidding farewell to the Pandavas. And, O Bharata, + the Kaikeyas also, with the permission of Kunti’s son possessed of + immeasurable energy, having reverentially saluted all the Pandavas, went + away. But Brahmanas and the Vaisyas and the dwellers of Yudhishthira’s + kingdom though repeatedly requested to go, did not leave the Pandavas. O + foremost of king, O bull of the Bharata race, the multitude that + surrounded those high-souled ones in the forest of Kamyaka looked + extraordinary. And Yudhishthira, honouring those high-minded Brahmanas, in + due time ordered his men, saying ‘Make ready the car.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0345"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “After the chief of the Dasharhas had departed, + the heroic Yudhishthira, and Bhima, and Arjuna, and the twins, each + looking like unto Shiva, and Krishna, and their priest, ascending costly + cars unto which were yoked excellent steeds, together went into the + forest. And at time of going they distributed Nishkas of gold and clothes + and kine unto Brahmanas versed in Siksha and Akshara and mantras. And + twenty attendants followed them equipped with bows, and bowstrings, and + blazing weapons, and shafts and arrows and engines of destruction. And + taking the princess’s clothes and the ornaments, and the nurses and the + maid-servants, Indrasena speedily followed the princes on a car. And then + approaching the best of Kurus, the high-minded citizens walked round him. + And the principal Brahmanas of Kurujangala cheerfully saluted him. And + together with his brothers, Yudhishthira the just, on his part saluted + them cheerfully. And the illustrious king stopped there a little, + beholding the concourse of the inhabitants of Kurujangala. And the + illustrious bull among the Kurus felt for them as a father feeleth for his + sons, and they too felt for the Kuru chief even as sons feel for their + father! And that mighty concourse, approaching the Kuru hero, stood around + him. And, O king, affected, with bashfulness, and with tears in their + eyes, they all exclaimed, ‘Alas, O lord! O Dharma!’ And they said, ‘Thou + art the chief of the Kurus, and the king of us, thy subjects! Where dost + thou go, O just monarch, leaving all these citizens and the inhabitants of + the country, like a father leaving his sons? Fie on the cruel-hearted son + of Dhritarashtra! Fie on the evil-minded son of Suvala! Fie on Karna! For, + O foremost of monarchs, those wretches ever wish unto thee who art firm in + virtue! Having thyself established the unrivalled city of Indraprastha of + the splendour of Kailasa itself, where dost thou go, leaving it, O + illustrious and just king, O achiever of extraordinary deeds! O + illustrious one, leaving that peerless palace built by Maya, which + possesseth the splendour of the palace of the celestials themselves, and + is like unto a celestial illusion, ever guarded by the gods, where dost + thou go, O son of Dharma?’ And Vibhatsu knowing the ways of virtue, + pleasure, and profit said unto them in a loud voice, ‘Living in the + forest, the king intendeth to take away the good name of his enemies! O we + with the regenerate ones at your head, versed in virtue and profit, do you + approaching the ascetics separately and inclining them to grace, represent + unto them what may be for our supreme good!’ Upon hearing these words of + Arjuna, the Brahmanas and the other orders, O king, saluting him + cheerfully walked round the foremost of virtuous men! And bidding farewell + unto the son of Pritha, and Vrikodara, and Dhananjaya and Yajnaseni, and + the twins, and commanded by Yudhishthira, they returned to their + respective abodes in the kingdom with heavy hearts.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0346"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After they had departed, Yudhishthira the virtuous son + of Kunti, unwavering in his promises, addressed all his brothers, saying, + ‘We shall have to dwell in the solitary forest for these twelve years. + Search ye, therefore, in this mighty forest for some spot abounding in + birds and deer and flowers and fruits, beautiful to behold, and + auspicious, and inhabited by virtuous persons and where we may dwell + pleasantly for all these years!’ Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, + Dhananjaya replied unto the son of Dharma, after reverencing the + illustrious king as if he were his spiritual preceptor. And Arjuna said, + ‘Thou hast respectfully waited upon all the great and old Rishis. There is + nothing unknown to thee in the world of men. And O bull of the Bharata + race, thou hast always waited with reverence upon Brahmanas including + Dwaipayana and others, and Narada of great ascetic merit, who with senses + under control, ever goeth to the gates of all the world from the world of + the gods unto that of Brahma, including that of the Gandharvas and + Apsaras! And thou knowest, without doubt, the opinions of the Brahmanas, + and, O king, their prowess also! And O monarch, thou knowest what is + calculated to do us good! And O great king, we will live wherever thou + likest! Here is this lake, full of sacred water, called Dwaitavana, + abounding with flowers, and delightful to look at, and inhabited by many + species of birds. If, O king, it pleaseth thee, here should we like to + dwell these twelve years! Thinkest thou otherwise?’ Yudhishthira replied, + ‘O Partha, what thou hast said recommendeth itself to me! Let us go that + sacred and celebrated and large lake called Dwaitavana!” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, “Then the virtuous son of Pandu, accompanied by + numerous Brahmanas, all went to the sacred lake called Dwaitavana. And + Yudhishthira was surrounded by numerous Brahmanas some of whom sacrificed + with fire and some without it and some of whom, devoted to the study of + the Vedas, lived upon alms or were of the class called Vanaprasthas. And + the king was also surrounded by hundreds of Mahatmas crowned with ascetic + success and of rigid vows. And those bulls of the Bharata race, the sons + of Pandu setting out with those numerous Brahmanas, entered the sacred and + delightful woods of Dwaita. And the king saw that mighty forest covered on + the close of summer with Salas, and palms, and mangoes, and Madhukas, and + Nipas and Kadamvas and Sarjjas and Arjunas, and Karnikars, many of them + covered with flowers. And flocks of peacocks and Datyuhas and Chakoras and + Varhins and Kokilas, seated on the tops of the tallest trees of that + forest were pouring forth their mellifluous notes. And the king also saw + in that forest mighty herds of gigantic elephants huge as the hills, with + temporal juice trickling down in the season of rut, accompanied by herds + of she-elephants. And approaching the beautiful Bhogavati (Saraswati), the + king saw many ascetics crowned with success in the habitations in that + forest, and virtuous men of sanctified souls clad in barks of trees and + bearing matted locks on their heads. And descending from their cars, the + king that foremost of virtuous men with his brothers and followers entered + that forest like Indra of immeasurable energy entering heaven. And crowds + of Charanas and Siddhas, desirous of beholding the monarch devoted to + truth, came towards him. And the dwellers of that forest stood surrounding + that lion among king possessed of great intelligence. And saluting all the + Siddhas, and saluted by them in return as a king or a god should be, that + foremost of virtuous men entered the forest with joined hands accompanied + by all those foremost of regenerate ones. And the illustrious and virtuous + king, saluted in return by those virtuous ascetics that had approached + him, sat down in their midst at the foot of a mighty tree decked with + flowers, like his father (Pandu) in days before. And those chiefs of the + Bharata race viz., Bhima and Dhananjaya and the twins and Krishna and + their followers, all fatigued, leaving their vehicles, sat themselves down + around that best of kings. And that mighty tree bent down with the weight + of creepers, with those five illustrious bowmen who had come there for + rest sitting under it, looked like a mountain with (five) huge elephants + resting on its side.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0347"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having fallen into distress, those princes thus + obtained at last a pleasant habitation in that forest. And there in those + woods abounding with Sala trees and washed by the Saraswati, they who were + like so many Indras, began to sport themselves. And the illustrious king, + that bull of the Kuru race, set himself to please all the Yatis and Munis + and the principal Brahmanas in that forest, by offerings of excellent + fruits and roots. And their priest, Dhaumya endued with great energy, like + unto a father to those princes, began to perform the sacrificial rites of + Ishti and Paitreya for the Pandavas residing in that great forest. And + there came, as a guest, unto the abode of the accomplished Pandavas living + in the wood after loss of their kingdom, the old Rishi Markandeya, + possessed of intense and abundant energy. And that bull of the Kuru race, + the high-souled Yudhishthira, possessed of unrivalled strength and + prowess, paid his homage unto that great Muni, reverenced by celestials + and Rishis of men, and possessed of the splendour of blazing fire. And + that illustrious and all-knowing Muni, of unrivalled energy, beholding + Draupadi and Yudhishthira and Bhima and Arjuna, in the midst of the + ascetics, smiled, recollecting Rama in his mind. And Yudhishthira the + just, apparently grieved at this, asked him, saying, ‘All these ascetics + are sorry for seeing me here. Why is it that thou alone smilest, as if an + glee, in the presence of these?’ Markandeya replied, ‘O child’, I too am + sorry and do not smile in glee! Nor doth pride born of joy possess my + heart! Beholding to-day the calamity, I recollect Rama, the son of + Dasaratha, devoted to truth! Even that Rama, accompanied by Lakshman, + dwelt in the woods at the command of his father. O son of Pritha, I beheld + him in days of old ranging with his bow on the top of the Rishyamuka + hills! The illustrious Rama was like unto Indra, the lord of Yama himself, + and the slayer of Namuchi! Yet that sinless one had to dwell in the forest + at the command of his father, accepting it as his duty. The illustrious + Rama was equal unto Sakra in prowess, and invincible in battle. And yet he + had to range the forest renouncing all pleasures! Therefore should no one + act unrighteously, saying,—I am mighty! Kings Nabhaga and Bhagiratha + and others, having subjugated by truth this world bounded by the seas, + (finally) obtained, O child, all the region hereafter. Therefore, should + no one act unrighteously, saying,—I am mighty! And, O exalted of + men, the virtuous and truthful king of Kasi and Karusha was called a mad + dog for having renounced his territories and riches! Therefore, should no + one act unrighteously, saying,—I am mighty! O best of men, O son of + Pritha, the seven righteous Rishis, for having observed the ordinance + prescribed by the Creator himself in the Vedas, blaze in the firmament. + Therefore, should no one act unrighteously, saying,—I am mighty! + Behold, O king, the mighty elephants, huge as mountain cliffs and + furnished with tusks, transgress not, O exalted of men, the laws of the + Creator! Therefore, should none act unrighteously saying, Might is mine! + And, O foremost of monarchs, behold all the creatures acting according to + their species, as ordained by the Creator. Therefore, should none act + unrighteously, saying, Might is mine. O son of Pritha, in truth, and + virtue, and proper behaviour, and modesty, thou hast surpassed all + creatures, and thy fame and energy are as bright as fire or the Sun! Firm + in thy promises, O illustrious one, having passed in the woods thy painful + exile, thou wilt again, O king, snatch from the Kauravas thy blazing + prosperity with the help of thy own energy!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having spoken these words unto Yudhishthira + (seated) in the midst of the ascetics with friends, the great Rishi having + also saluted Dhaumya and all the Pandavas set out in a northerly + direction!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0348"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “While the illustrious son of Pandu continued to dwell + in the Dwaita woods, that great forest became filled with Brahmanas. And + the lake within that forest, ever resounding with Vedic recitations, + became sacred like a second region of Brahma. And the sounds of the Yajus, + the Riks, the Samas, and other words uttered by the Brahmanas, were + exceedingly delightful to hear. And the Vedic recitations of the Brahmanas + mingling with the twang of bows of the sons of Pritha, produced a union of + the Brahmana and Kshatriya customs that was highly beautiful. And one + evening the Rishi Vaka of the Dalvya family addressed Yudhishthira, the + son of Kunti seated in the midst of the Rishis, saying, ‘Behold, O chief + of the Kurus, O son of Pritha, the homa time is come of these Brahmanas + devoted to ascetic austerities, the time when the (sacred) fires have all + been lit up! These all, of rigid vows, protected by thee, are performing + the rites of religion in this sacred region! The descendants of Bhrigu and + Angiras, along with those of Vasishta and Kasyapa, the illustrious sons of + Agastya, the offspring of Atri all of excellent vows, in fact, all the + foremost Brahmanas of the whole, are now united with thee! Listen, O son + of the Kuru race born of Kunti, thyself with thy brothers, to the words I + speak to thee! As are aided by the wind consumeth the forest, so Brahma + energy mingling with Kshatriya energy, and Kshatriya might mingling with + Brahma power, might, when they gathered force, consume all enemies! O + child, he should never desire to be without Brahmanas who wisheth to + subdue this and the other world for length of days! Indeed, a king slayeth + his enemies having obtained a Brahmana conversant, with religion and + worldly affairs and freed from passion and folly. King Vali cherishing his + subjects practised those duties that lead to salvation, and knew not of + any other means in this world than Brahmanas. It was for this that all the + desires of Virochana’s son, the Asura (Vali), were ever gratified, and his + wealth was ever inexhaustible. Having obtained the whole earth through the + aid of the Brahmanas, he met with destruction when he began to practise + wrong on them! This earth with her wealth never adoreth long as her lord a + Kshatriya living without a Brahmana! The earth, however, girt by the sea, + boweth unto him who is ruled by a Brahmana and taught his duties by him! + Like an elephant in battle without his driver, a Kshatriya destitute of + Brahmanas decreaseth in strength! The Brahmana’s sight is without compare, + and the Kshatriya’s might also is unparalleled. When these combine, the + whole earth itself cheerfully yieldeth to such a combination. As fire + becoming mightier with the wind consumeth straw and wood, so kings with + Brahmanas consume all foes! An intelligent Kshatriya, in order to gain + what he hath not, and increase what he hath, should take counsel of + Brahmanas! Therefore, O son of Kunti, for obtaining what thou hast not and + increasing what thou hast, and spending what thou hast on proper objects + and persons, keep thou with thee a Brahmana of reputation, of a knowledge + of the Vedas, of wisdom and experience! O Yudhishthira. Thou hast ever + highly regarded the Brahmanas. It is for this that thy fame is great and + blazeth in the three worlds!” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then all those Brahmanas who were with + Yudhishthira worshipped Vaka of the Dalvya race, and having heard him + praise Yudhishthira became highly pleased. And Dwaipayana and Narada and + Jamadagnya and Prithusravas; and Indradyumna and Bhalaki and Kritachetas + and Sahasrapat; and Karnasravas and Munja and Lavanaswa and Kasyapa; and + Harita and Sthulakarana and Agnivesya and Saunaka; and Kritavak and + Suvakana Vrihadaswa and Vibhavasu; and Urdharetas and Vrishamitra and + Suhotra and Hotravahana; these and many other Brahmanas of rigid vows then + adored Yudhishthira like Rishis adoring Purandara in heaven!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0349"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Exiled to the woods the sons of Pritha with Krishna + seated in the evening, conversed with one another afflicted with sorrow + and grief. And the handsome and well informed Krishna dear unto her lords + and devoted to them, thus spake unto Yudhishthira, Then sinful, cruel, and + wicked-minded son of Dhritarashtra certainly feeleth no sorrow for us, + when, O king, that evil-hearted wretch having sent thee with myself into + the woods dressed in deer-skin feeleth no regret! The heart of that wretch + of evil deeds must surely be made of steel when he could at that time + address thee, his virtuous eldest brother, in words so harsh! Having + brought thee who deservest to enjoy every happiness and never such woe, + into such distress, alas, that wicked-minded and sinful wretch joyeth with + his friends! O Bharata, when dressed in deer-skin thou hast set out for + the woods, only four persons, O monarch, viz., Duryodhana, Karna, the + evil-minded Sakuni, and Dussasana that bad and fierce brother of + Duryodhana, did not shed tears! With the exception of these, O thou best + of the Kurus, all other Kurus filled with sorrow shed tears from their + eyes! Beholding this thy bed and recollecting what thou hadst before, I + grieve, O king, for thee who deservest not woe and hast been brought up in + every luxury! Remembering that seat of ivory in thy court, decked with + jewels and beholding this seat of kusa grass, grief consumeth me, O king! + I saw thee, O king, surrounded in thy court by kings! What peace can my + heart know in not beholding thee such now? I beheld thy body, effulgent as + the sun, decked with sandal paste! Alas, grief depriveth me of my senses + in beholding thee now besmeared with mud and dirt! I saw thee before, O + king, dressed in silken clothes of pure white! But I now behold thee + dressed in rags? Formerly, O king, pure food of every kind was carried + from thy house on plates of gold for Brahmanas by thousands! And, O king, + food also of the best kind was formerly given by thee unto ascetics both + houseless and living in domesticity! Formerly, living in dry mansion thou + hadst ever filled with food of every kind plates by thousands, and + worshipped the Brahmanas gratifying every wish of theirs! What peace, O + king, can my heart know in not beholding all this now? And, O great king, + these thy brothers, endued with youth and decked with ear-rings, were + formerly fed by cook with food of the sweet flavour and dressed with + skill! Alas, O king, I now behold them all, so undeserving of woe, living + in the woods and upon what the wood may yield! My heart, O King knoweth no + peace! Thinking of this Bhimasena living in sorrow in the woods, doth not + thy anger blaze up, even though it is time? Why doth not thy anger, O + king, blaze up upon beholding the illustrious Bhimasena who ever + performeth everything unaided, so fallen into distress, though deserving + of every happiness? Why, O king, doth not thy anger blaze up on beholding + that Bhima living in the woods who was formerly surrounded with numerous + vehicles and dressed in costly apparel? This exalted personage is ready to + slay all the Kurus in battle. He beareth, however, all this sorrow, only + because he waiteth for the fufilment of thy promise! This Arjuna, O king, + though possessed of two hands, is equal, for the lightness of his hand in + discharging shafts, to (Kartavirya) Arjuna of a thousand arms! He Is even + (to foes), like unto Yama himself at the end of the Yuga! It was by the + prowess of his weapons that all the kings of the earth were made to wait + upon the Brahmanas at thy sacrifice? Beholding that Arjuna that tiger + among men worshipped by both the celestials and the Danavas so anxious, + why, O king, dost thou not feel indignant? I grieve, O Bharata, that thy + wrath doth not blaze up at sight of that son of Pritha in exile, that + prince who deserveth not such distress and who hath been brought up in + every luxury! Why doth not thy wrath blaze up at sight of that Arjuna in + exile, who, on a single car, hath vanquished celestials and men and + serpents? Why, O king, doth not thy wrath blaze up at sight of that Arjuna + in exile who, honoured with offerings of cars and vehicles of various + forms and horses and elephants, forcibly took from the kings of the earth + their treasures, who is the chastiser of all foes, and who at one impetus + can throw full five hundred arrows? Why, O king, doth not thy wrath blaze + up at sight of Nakula, in exile, who so fair and able-bodied and young, is + the foremost of all swordsmen? Why, O king, dost thou pardon the foe. O + Yudhishthira, at sight of Madri’s son, the handsome and brave Sahadeva in + exile? Why doth not thy anger blaze up, O king, it sight of both Nakula + and Sahadeva overwhelmed with grief, though so undeserving of distress? + Why also, O king, dost thou pardon the foe at sight of myself in exile + who, born in the race of Drupada and, therefore, the sister of + Dhrishtadyumna, am the daughter-in-law of the illustrious Pandu and the + devoted wife of heroes? Truly, O thou best of the Bharatas, thou hast no + anger, else why is it that thy mind is not moved at sight of thy brothers + and myself (in such distress)? It is said that there is no Kshatriya in + the world who is bereft of anger. I now behold in thee, however, a + refutation of the proverb! That Kshatriya, O son of Pritha, who + discovereth not his energy when the opportunity cometh, is ever + disregarded by all creatures! Therefore, O king, thou shouldst not extend + thy forgiveness to the foe. Indeed, with thy energy, without doubt, thou, + mayst slay them all! So also, O king, that Kshatriya who is not appeased + when the time for forgiveness cometh, becometh unpopular with every + creature and meeteth with destruction both in this and the other world!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0350"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Draupadi continued, ‘On this subject, the ancient story of the + conversation between Prahlada and Vali, the son of Virochana, is quoted as + an example. One day Vali asked his grand-father Prahlada, the chief of the + Asuras and the Danavas, possessed of great wisdom and well-versed in the + mysteries of the science of duty, saying, ‘O sire, is forgiveness + meritorious or might and energy such? I am puzzled as regards this; O + sire, enlighten me who ask thee this! O thou conversant with all duties, + tell me truly which of these is meritorious? I will strictly obey whatever + thy command may be! Thus asked (by Vali), his wise grandfather, conversant + with every conclusion, replied upon the whole subject unto his grand-son + who had sought at his hands the resolution of his doubts. And Prahlada + said, ‘Know, O child, these two truths with certainty, viz., that might is + not always meritorious and forgiveness also is not always meritorious! He + that forgiveth always suffereth many evils. Servants and strangers and + enemies always disregard him. No creature ever bendeth down unto him. + Therefore it is, O child, that the learned applaud not a constant habit of + forgiveness! The servants of an ever-forgiving person always disregard + him, and contract numerous faults. These mean-minded men also seek to + deprive him of his wealth. Vile souled servants also appropriate to + themselves his vehicles and clothes and ornaments and apparel and beds and + seats and food and drink and other articles of use. They do not also at + the command of their master, give unto others the things they are directed + to give Nor do they even worship their master with that respect which is + their master’s due. Disregard in this world is worse than death. O child, + sons and servants and attendants and even strangers speak harsh words unto + the man who always forgiveth. Persons, disregarding the man of an + ever-forgiving temper, even desire his wife, and his wife also, becometh + ready to act as she willeth. And servants also that are ever fond of + pleasure, if they do not receive even slight punishments from their + master, contract all sorts of vices, and the wicked ever injure such a + master. These and many other demerits attach to those that are + ever-forgiving! + </p> + <p> + “Listen now, O son of Virochana, to the demerits of those that are never + forgiving! The man of wrath who, surrounded by darkness, always + inflicteth, by help of his own energy, various kinds of punishment on + persons whether they deserve them or not, is necessarily separated from + his friends in consequence of that energy of his. Such a man is hated by + both relatives and strangers. Such a man, because he insulteth others, + suffereth loss of wealth and reapeth disregard and sorrow and hatred and + confusion and enemies. The man of wrath, in consequence of his ire, + inflicteth punishments on men and obtaineth (in return) harsh words. He is + divested of his prosperity soon and even of life, not to say, of friends + and relatives. He that putteth forth his might both upon his benefactor + and his foe, is an object of alarm to the world, like a snake that hath + taken shelter in a house, to the inmates thereof. What prosperity can he + have who is an object of alarm to the world? People always do him an + injury when they find a hole. Therefore, should men never exhibit might in + excess nor forgiveness on all occasions. One should put forth his might + and show his forgiveness on proper occasions. He that becometh forgiving + at the proper time and harsh and mighty also at the proper time, obtaineth + happiness both in this world and the other. + </p> + <p> + “‘I shall now indicate the occasions in detail of forgiveness, as laid + down by the learned, and which should ever be observed by all. Hearken + unto me as I speak! He that hath done thee a service, even if he is guilty + of a grave wrong unto thee, recollecting his former service, shouldst thou + forgive that offender. Those also that have become offenders from + ignorance and folly should be forgiven for learning and wisdom are not + always easily attainable by man. They that having offended thee knowingly, + plead ignorance should be punished, even if their offences be trivial. + Such crooked men should never be pardoned. The first offence of every + creature should be forgiven. The second offence, however, should be + punished, even if it be trivial. If, however, a person commiteth an + offence unwillingly, it hath been said that examining his plea well by a + judicious enquiry, he should be pardoned. Humility may vanquish might, + humility may vanquish weakness. There is nothing that humility may not + accomplish. Therefore, humility is truly fiercer (than it seemeth)! One + should act with reference to place and time, taking note of his own might + or weakness. Nothing can succeed that hath been undertaken without + reference to place and time. Therefore, do thou ever wait for place and + time! Sometimes offenders should be forgiven from fear of the people. + These have been declared to be times of forgiveness. And it hath been said + that on occasions besides these, might should be put forth against + transgressors.’ + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi continued, ‘I, therefore, regard, O king, that the time hath + come for thee to put forth thy might! Unto those Kurus the covetous sons + of Dhritarashtra who injure us always, the present is not the time for + forgiveness! It behoveth thee to put forth thy might. The humble and + forgiving person is disregarded; while those that are fierce persecute + others. He, indeed, is a king who hath recourse to both, each according to + its time!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0351"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIX + </h2> + <p> + Yudhishthira said, ‘Anger is the slayer of men and is again their + prosperor. Know this, O thou possessed of great wisdom, that anger is the + root of all prosperity and all adversity. O thou beautiful one, he that + suppresseth his anger earneth prosperity. That man, again, who always + giveth way to anger, reapeth adversity from his fierce anger. It is seen + in this world that anger is the cause of destruction of every creature. + How then can one like me indulge his anger which is so destructive of the + world? The angry man commiteth sin. The angry man killeth even his + preceptors. The angry man insulteth even his superiors in harsh words. The + man that is angry faileth to distinguish between what should be said and + what should not. There is no act that an angry man may not do, no word + that an angry man may not utter. From anger a man may slay one that + deserveth not to be slain, and may worship one that deserveth to be slain. + The angry man may even send his own soul to the regions of Yama. Beholding + all these faults, the wise control their anger, desirous of obtaining high + prosperity both in this and the other world. It is for this that they of + tranquil souls have banished wrath. How can one like us indulge in it + then? O daughter of Drupada, reflecting upon all this, my anger is not + excited One that acteth not against a man whose wrath hath been up, + rescueth himself as also others from great fear. In fact, he may be + regarded to be the physician of the two (viz., himself and angry man). If + a weak man, persecuted by others, foolishly becometh angry towards men + that are mightier than he, he then becometh himself the cause of his own + destruction. And in respect of one who thus deliberately throweth away his + life, there are no regions hereafter to gain. Therefore, O daughter of + Drupada, it hath been said that a weak man should always suppress his + wrath. And the wise man also who though presecuted, suffereth not his + wrath to be roused, joyeth in the other world—having passed his + persecutor over in indifference. It is for this reason hath it been said + that a wise man, whether strong or weak, should ever forgive his + persecutor even when the latter is in the straits. It is for this, O + Krishna, that the virtuous applaud them that have conquered their wrath. + Indeed, it is the opinion of the virtuous that the honest and forgiving + man is ever victorious. Truth is more beneficial than untruth; and + gentleness than cruel behaviour. How can one like me, therefore, even for + the purpose of slaying Duryodhana, exhibit anger which hath so many faults + and which the virtuous banish from their souls? They that are regarded by + the learned of foresight, as possessed of (true) force of character, are + certainly those who are wrathful in outward show only. Men of learning and + of true insight call him to be possessed of force of character who by his + wisdom can suppress his risen wrath. O thou of fair hips, the angry man + seeth not things in their true light. The man that is angry seeth not his + way, nor respecteth persons. The angry man killeth even those that deserve + not to be killed. The man of wrath slayeth even his preceptors. Therefore, + the man possessing force of character should ever banish wrath to a + distance. The man that is overwhelmed with wrath acquireth not with ease + generosity, dignity, courage, skill, and other attributes belonging to + real force of character. A man by forsaking anger can exhibit proper + energy, whereas, O wise one, it is highly difficult for the angry man to + exhibit his energy at the proper time! The ignorant always regard anger as + equivalent to energy. Wrath, however hath been given to man for the + destruction of the world. The man, therefore, who wisheth to behave + properly, must ever forsake anger. Even one who hath abandoned the + excellent virtues of his own order, it is certain, indulgeth in wrath (if + behaveth properly). If fools, of mind without light, transgress in every + respect, how, O faultless one, can one like me transgress (like them)? If + amongst men there were not persons equal unto the earth in forgiveness, + there would be no peace among men but continued strife caused by wrath. If + the injured return their injuries, if one chastised by his superior were + to chastise his superior in return, the consequence would be the + destruction of every creature, and sin also would prevail in the world. If + the man who hath ill speeches from another, returneth those speeches + afterwards; if the injured man returneth his injuries: if the chastised + person chastiseth in return; if fathers slay sons, and sons fathers and if + husbands slay wives, and wives husbands; then, O Krishna, how can birth + take place in a world where anger prevaileth so! For, O thou of handsome + face, know that the birth of creatures is due to peace! If the kings also, + O Draupadi, giveth way to wrath, his subjects soon meet with destruction. + Wrath, therefore, hath for its consequence the destruction and the + distress of the people. And because it is seen that there are in the world + men who are forgiving like the Earth, it is therefore that creatures + derive their life and prosperity. O beautiful one, one should forgive + under every injury. It hath been said that the continuation of species is + due to man being forgiving. He, indeed, is a wise and excellent person who + hath conquered his wrath and who showeth forgiveness even when insulted, + oppressed, and angered by a strong person. The man of power who controleth + his wrath, hath (for his enjoyment) numerous everlasting regions; while he + that is angry, is called foolish, and meeteth with destruction both in + this and the other world. O Krishna, the illustrious and forgiving + Kashyapa hath, in this respect, sung the following verses in honour of men + that are ever forgiving, ‘Forgiveness is virtue; forgiveness is sacrifice, + forgiveness is the Vedas, forgiveness is the Shruti. He that knoweth this + is capable of forgiving everything. Forgiveness is Brahma; forgiveness is + truth; forgiveness is stored ascetic merit; forgiveness protecteth the + ascetic merit of the future; forgiveness is asceticism; forgiveness is + holiness; and by forgiveness is it that the universe is held together. + Persons that are forgiving attain to the regions obtainable by those that + have preformed meritorious sacrifices, or those that are well-conversant + with the Vedas, or those that have high ascetic merit. Those that perform + Vedic sacrifices as also those that perform the meritorious rites of + religion obtain other regions. Men of forgiveness, however, obtain those + much-adored regions that are in the world of Brahma. Forgiveness is the + might of the mighty; forgiveness is sacrifice; forgiveness is quiet of + mind. How, O Krishna, can one like us abandon forgiveness, which is such, + and in which are established Brahma, and truth, and wisdom and the worlds? + The man of wisdom should ever forgive, for when he is capable of forgiving + everything, he attaineth to Brahma. The world belongeth to those that are + forgiving; the other world is also theirs. The forgiving acquire honours + here, and a state of blessedness hereafter. Those men that ever conquer + their wrath by forgiveness, obtain the higher regions. Therefore hath it + been said that forgiveness is the highest virtue.’ Those are the verses + sung by Kashyapa in respect of those that are everforgiving. Having + listened, O Draupadi, to these verses in respect of forgiveness, content + thyself! Give not way to thy wrath! Our grandsire, the son of Santanu, + will worship peace; Krishna, the son of Devaki, will worship peace; the + preceptor (Drona) and Vidura called Kshatri will both speak of peace; + Kripa and Sanjaya also will preach peace. And Somadatta and Yuyutshu and + Drona’s son and our grandsire Vyasa, every one of them speaketh always of + peace. Ever urged by these towards peace, the king (Dhritarashtra) will, I + think, return us our kingdom. If however, he yieldeth to temptation, he + will meet with destruction. O lady, a crisis hath come in the history of + Bharatas for plunging them into calamity! This hath been my certain + conclusion from some time before! Suyodhana deserveth not the kingdom. + Therefore hath he been unable to acquire forgiveness. I, however, deserve + the sovereignty and therefore is it that forgiveness hath taken possession + of me. Forgiveness and gentleness are the qualities of the self-possessed. + They represent eternal virtue. I shall, therefore, truly adopt those + qualities.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0352"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXX + </h2> + <p> + “Draupadi said, ‘I bow down unto Dhatri and Vidhatri who have thus clouded + thy sense! Regarding the burden (thou art to bear) thou thinkest + differently from the ways of thy fathers and grand-fathers! Influenced by + acts men are placed in different situations of life. Acts, therefore, + produce consequences that are inevitable; emancipation is desired from + mere folly. It seemeth that man can never attain prosperity in this world + by virtue, gentleness, forgiveness, straight-forwardness and fear of + censure! If this were not so, O Bharata, this insufferable calamity would + never have overtaken thee who art so undeserving of it, and these thy + brothers of great energy! Neither in those days of prosperity nor in these + days of thy adversity, thou, O Bharata, hath ever known anything so dear + to thee as virtue, which thou hast even regarded as dearer to thee than + life? That thy kingdom is for virtue alone, that thy life also is for + virtue alone, is known to Brahmanas and thy superiors and even the + celestials! I think thou canst abandon Bhimasena and Arjuna and these twin + sons of Madri along with myself but thou canst not abandon virtue! I have + heard that the king protecteth virtue; and virtue, protected by him, + protecteth him (in return)! I see, however, that virtue protecteth thee + not! Like the shadow pursuing a man, thy heart, O tiger among men, with + singleness of purpose, ever seeketh virtue. Thou hast never disregarded + thy equals, and inferiors and superiors. Obtaining even the entire world, + thy pride never increased! O son of Pritha, thou ever worshippest + Brahmanas, and gods, and the Pitris, with Swadhas, and other forms of + worship! O son of Pritha, thou hast ever gratified the Brahmanas by + fulfilling every wish of theirs! Yatis and Sannyasins and mendicants of + domestic lives have always been fed in thy house from off plates of gold + where I have distributed (food) amongst them. Unto the Vanaprasthas thou + always givest gold and food. There is nothing in thy house thou mayest not + give unto the Brahmanas! In the Viswadeva sacrifice, that is, for thy + peace, performed in thy house, the things consecrated are first offered + unto guests and all creatures while thou livest thyself with what + remaineth (after distribution)! Ishtis Pashubandhas, sacrifices for + obtaining fruition of desire, the religions rites of (ordinary) + domesticity, Paka sacrifices, and sacrifices of other kinds, are ever + performed in thy house. Even in this great forest, so solitary and haunted + by robbers, living in exile, divested of thy kingdom, thy virtue hath + sustained no diminution! The Aswamedha, the Rajasuya, the Pundarika, and + Gosava, these grand sacrifices requiring large gifts have all been + performed by thee! O monarch, impelled by a perverse sense during that + dire hour of a losing match at dice, thou didst yet stake and loss thy + kingdom, thy wealth, thy weapons, thy brothers, and myself! Simple, + gentle, liberal, modest, truthful, how, O king could thy mind be attracted + to the vice of gambling? I am almost deprived of my sense, O king, and my + heart is overwhelmed with grief, beholding this thy distress, and this thy + calamity! An old history is cited as an illustration for the truth that + men are subjects to the will of God and never to their own wishes! The + Supreme Lord and Ordainer of all ordaineth everything in respect of the + weal and woe, the happiness and misery, of all creatures, even prior to + their births guided by the acts of each, which are even like a seed + (destined to sprout forth into the tree of life). O hero amongst men, as a + wooden doll is made to move its limbs by the wire-puller, so are creatures + made to work by the Lord of all. O Bharata, like space that covereth every + object, God, pervading every creature, ordaineth its weal or woe. Like a + bird tied with a string, every creature is dependent on God. Every one is + subject to God and none else. No one can be his own ordainer. Like a pearl + on its string, or a bull held fast by the cord passing through its nose, + or a tree fallen from the bank into the middle of the stream, every + creature followeth the command of the Creator, because imbued with His + Spirit and because established in Him. And man himself, dependent on the + Universal Soul, cannot pass a moment independently. Enveloped in darkness, + creatures are not masters of their own weal or woe. They go to heaven or + hell urged by God Himself. Like light straws dependent on strong winds, + all creatures, O Bharatas, are dependent on God! And God himself, + pervading all creatures and engaged in acts right and wrong, moveth in the + universe, though none can say This is God! This body with its physical + attributes is only the means by which God—the Supreme Lord of all + maketh (every creature) to reap fruits that are good or bad. Behold the + power of illusion that hath been spread by God, who confounding with his + illusion, maketh creatures slay their fellows! Truth-knowing Munis behold + those differently. They appear to them in a different light, even like the + rays of the Sun (which to ordinary eyes are only a pencil of light, while + to eyes more penetrating seem fraught with the germs of food and drink). + Ordinary men behold the things of the earth otherwise. It is God who + maketh them all, adopting different processes in their creation and + destruction. And, O Yudhishthira, the Self-create Grandsire, Almighty God, + spreading illusion, slayeth his creatures by the instrumentality of his + creatures, as one may break a piece of inert and senseless wood with wood, + or stone with stone, or iron with iron. And the Supreme Lord, according to + his pleasure, sporteth with His creatures, creating and destroying them, + like a child with his toy (of soft earth). O king, it doth seem to me that + God behaveth towards his creatures like a father or mother unto them. Like + a vicious person, He seemeth to bear himself towards them in anger! + Beholding superior and well-behaved and modest persons persecuted, while + the sinful are happy, I am sorely troubled. Beholding this thy distress + and the prosperity of Suyodhana, I do not speak highly of the Great + Ordainer who suffereth such inequality! O sir, what fruits doth the Great + Ordainer reap by granting prosperity to Dhritarashtra’s son who + transgresseth the ordinances, who is crooked and covetous, and who + injureth virtue and religion! If the act done pursueth the doer and none + else, then certainly it is God himself who is stained with the sin of + every act. If however, the sin of an act done doth not attach to the doer, + then (individual) might (and not God) is the true cause of acts, and I + grieve for those that have no might!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0353"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Thy speech, O Yajnaseni, is delightful, smooth and + full of excellent phrases. We have listened to it (carefully). Thou + speakest, however, the language of atheism. O princess, I never act, + solicitous of the fruits of my actions. I give away, because it is my duty + to give; I sacrifice because it is my duty to sacrifice! O Krishna, I + accomplish to the best of my power whatever a person living in domesticity + should do, regardless of the fact whether those acts have fruits or not. O + thou of fair hips, I act virtuously, not from the desire of reaping the + fruits of virtue, but of not transgressing the ordinances of the Veda, and + beholding also the conduct of the good and wise! My heart, O Krishna, is + naturally attracted towards virtue. The man who wisheth to reap the fruits + of virtue is a trader in virtue. His nature is mean and he should never be + counted amongst the virtuous. Nor doth he ever obtain the fruits of his + virtues! Nor doth he of sinful heart, who having accomplished a virtuous + act doubteth in his mind, obtain the fruits of his act, in consequence of + that scepticism of his! I speak unto thee, under the authority of the + Vedas, which constitute the highest proof in such matters, that never + shouldst thou doubt virtue! The man that doubteth virtue is destined to + take his birth in the brute species. The man of weak understanding who + doubteth religion, virtue or the words of the Rishis, is precluded from + regions of immortality and bliss, like Sudras from the Vedas! O + intelligent one, if a child born of a good race studieth the Vedas and + beareth himself virtuously, royal sages of virtuous behaviour regard him + as an aged sage (not withstanding his years)! The sinful wretch, however, + who doubteth religion and transgresseth the scriptures, is regarded as + lower even than Sudras and robbers! Thou hast seen with thy own eyes the + great ascetic Markandeya of immeasurable soul come to us! It is by virtue + alone that he hath acquired immortality in the flesh. Vyasa, and Vasistha + and Maitreya, and Narada and Lomasa, and Suka, and other Rishis have all, + by virtue alone, become of pure soul! Thou beholdest them with thy own + eyes as furnished with prowess of celestial asceticism, competent to curse + or bless (with effect), and superior to the very gods! O sinless one, + these all, equal to the celestials themselves, behold with their eyes what + Is written in the Vedas, and describe virtue as the foremost duty! It + behoveth thee not, therefore, O amiable Queen, to either doubt or censure + God or act, with a foolish heart. The fool that doubteth religion and + disregardeth virtue, proud of the proof derived from his own reasoning, + regardeth not other proofs and holdeth the Rishis, who are capable of + knowing the future as present as mad men. The fool regardeth only the + external world capable of gratifying his senses, and is blind to + everything else. He that doubteth religion hath no expiation for his + offence. That miserable wretch is full of anxiety and acquireth not + regions of bliss hereafter. A rejector of proofs, a slanderer of the + interpretation of the Vedic scriptures, a transgressor urged by lust and + covetousness, that fool goeth to hell. O amiable one, he on the other + hand, who ever cherisheth religion with faith, obtaineth eternal bliss in + the other world. The fool who cherisheth not religion, transgressing the + proofs offered by the Rishis, never obtaineth prosperity in any life, for + such transgression of the scriptures. It is certain, O handsome one, that + with respect to him who regardeth not the words of the Rishis or the + conduct of the virtuous as proof, neither this nor the other world + existeth. Doubt not, O Krishna, the ancient religion that is practised by + the good and framed by Rishis of universal knowledge and capable of seeing + all things! O daughter of Drupada, religion is the only raft for those + desirous of going to heaven, like a ship to merchants desirous of crossing + the ocean. O thou faultless one, if the virtues that are practised by the + virtuous had no fruits, this universe then would be enveloped in infamous + darkness. No one then would pursue salvation, no one would seek to acquire + knowledge not even wealth, but men would live like beasts. If asceticism, + the austerities of celibate life, sacrifices, study of the Vedas, charity, + honesty,—these all were fruitless, men would not have practised + virtue generation after generation. If acts were all fruitless, a dire + confusion would ensue. For what then do Rishis and gods and Gandharvas and + Rakshasas who are all independent of human conditions, cherish virtue with + such affection? Knowing it for certain that God is the giver of fruits in + respect of virtue, they practise virtue in this world. This, O Krishna, is + the eternal (source of) prosperity. When the fruits of both knowledge and + asceticism are seen, virtue and vice cannot be fruitless. Call to thy + mind, O Krishna, the circumstances of thy own birth as thou that heard of + them, and recall also the manner in which Dhrishtadyumna of great prowess + was born! These, O thou of sweet smiles, are the best proofs (of the + fruits of virtue)! They that have their minds under control, reap the + fruits of their acts and are content with little. Ignorant fools are not + content with even that much they get (here), because they have no + happiness born of virtue to acquire to in the world hereafter. The + fruitlessness of virtuous acts ordained in the Vedas, as also of all + transgressions, the origin and destruction of acts are, O beautiful one, + mysterious even to the gods. These are not known to any body and + everybody. Ordinary men are ignorant in respect of these. The gods keep up + the mystery, for the illusion covering the conduct of the gods is + unintelligible. Those regenerate ones that have destroyed all aspirations, + that have built all their hopes on vows and asceticism, that have burnt + all their sins and have acquired minds where quest and peace and holiness + dwell, understand all these. Therefore, though you mayst not see the + fruits of virtue, thou shouldst not yet doubt religion or gods. Thou must + perform sacrifices with a will, and practise charity without insolence. + Acts in this world have their fruits, and virtue also is eternal. Brahma + himself told this unto his (spiritual) sons, as testified to by Kashyapa. + Let thy doubt, therefore, O Krishna, be dispelled like mist. Reflecting + upon all this, let thy scepticism give way to faith. Slander not God, who + is the lord of all creatures. Learn how to know him. Bow down unto him. + Let not thy mind be such. And, O Krishna, never disregard that Supreme + Being through whose grace mortal man, by piety, acquireth immortality!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0354"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Draupadi said, ‘I do not ever disregard or slander religion, O son of + Pritha! Why should I disregard God, the lord of all creatures? Afflicted + with woe, know me, O Bharata, to be only raving I will once more indulge + in lamentations; listen to me with attention O persecutor of all enemies, + every conscious creature should certainly act in this world. It is only + the immobile, and not other creatures, that may live without acting. The + calf, immediately after its birth, sucketh the mothers’ teat. Persons feel + pain in consequence of incantations performed with their statues. It + seemeth, therefore, O Yudhishthira, that creatures derive the character of + their lives from their acts of former lives. Amongst mobile creatures man + differeth in this respect that he aspireth, O bull of the Bharata race, to + affect his course of life in this and the other world by means of his + acts. Impelled by the inspiration of a former life, all creatures visibly + (reap) in this world the fruits of their acts. Indeed, all creatures live + according to the inspiration of a former life, even the Creator and the + Ordainer of the universe, like a crane that liveth on the water (untaught + by any one.) If a creature acteth not, its course of life is impossible. + In the case of a creature, therefore, there must be action and not + inaction. Thou also shouldest act, and not incur censure by abandoning + action. Cover thyself up, as with an armour, with action. There may or may + not be even one in a thousand who truly knoweth the utility of acts or + work. One must act for protecting as also increasing his wealth; for if + without seeking to earn, one continueth to only spend, his wealth, even if + it were a hoard huge as Himavat, would soon be exhausted. All the + creatures in the world would have been exterminated, if there were no + action. If also acts bore no fruits, creatures would never have + multiplied. It is even seen that creatures sometimes perform acts that + have no fruits, for without acts the course of life itself would be + impossible. Those persons in the world who believe in destiny, and those + again who believe in chance, are both the worst among men. Those only that + believe in the efficacy of acts are laudable. He that lieth at ease, + without activity, believing in destiny alone, is soon destroyed like an + unburnt earthen pot in water. So also he that believeth in chance, i.e., + sitteth inactive though capable of activity liveth not long, for his life + is one of weakness and helplessness. If any person accidentally acquireth + any wealth, it is said he deriveth it from chance, for no one’s effort + hath brought about the result. And, O son of Pritha, whatever of good + fortune a person obtaineth in consequence of religious rites, that is + called providential. The fruit, however that a person obtaineth by acting + himself, and which is the direct result of those acts of his, is regarded + as proof of personal ability. And, O best of men, know that the wealth one + obtaineth spontaneously and without cause is said to be a spontaneous + acquisition. Whatever is thus obtained by chance, by providential + dispensation, spontaneously, of as the result of one’s acts is, however, + the consequence of the acts of a former life. And God, the Ordainer of the + universe, judging according to the acts of former lives, distributeth + among men their portions in this world. Whatever acts, good or bad, a + person performeth, know that they are the result of God’s, arrangements + agreeably to the acts of a former life. This body is only the instruments + in the hands of God, for doing the acts that are done. Itself, inert, it + doth as God urgeth it to do. O son of Kunti, it is the Supreme Lord of all + who maketh all creatures do what they do. The creatures themselves are + inert. O hero, man, having first settled some purpose in his mind, + accomplisheth it, himself working with the aid of his intelligence. We, + therefore, say that man is himself the cause (of what he doeth). O bull + among men, it is impossible to number the acts of men, for mansions and + towns are the result of man’s acts. Intelligent men know, by help of their + intellect, that oil may be had from sesame, curds from milk, and that food + may be cooked by means of igniting fuel. They know also the means for + accomplishing all these. And knowing them, they afterwards set themselves, + with proper appliances, to accomplish them. And creatures support their + lives by the results achieved in these directions by their own acts. If a + work is executed by a skilled workman, it is executed well. From + differences (in characteristics), another work may be said to be that of + an unskilful hand. If a person were not, in the matter of his acts, + himself the cause thereof, then sacrifices would not bear any fruits in + his case nor would any body be a disciple or a master. It is because a + person is himself the cause of his work that he is applauded when he + achieved success. So the doer is censured if he faileth. If a man were not + himself the cause of his acts, how would all this be justified? Some say + that everything is the result of Providential dispensation; others again, + that this is not so, but that everything which is supposed to be the + result of destiny or chance is the result of the good or the bad acts of + former lives. It is seen, possessions are obtained from chance, as also + from destiny Something being from destiny and something from chance, + something is obtained by exertion. In the acquisition of his objects, + there is no fourth cause in the case of man. Thus say those that are + acquainted with truth and skilled in knowledge. If, however, God himself + were not the giver of good and bad fruits, then amongst creatures there + would not be any that was miserable. If the effect of former acts be a + myth, then all purposes for which man would work should be successful. + They, therefore, that regard the three alone (mentioned above) as the + doors of all success and failure in the world, (without regarding the acts + of former life), are dull and inert like the body itself. For all this, + however, a person should act. This is the conclusion of Manu himself. The + person that doth not act, certainly succumbeth, O Yudhishthira. The man of + action in this world generally meeteth with success. The idle, however, + never achieveth success. If success, becometh impossible, then should one + seek to remove the difficulties that bar his way to success. And, O king, + if a person worketh (hard), his debt (to the gods) is cancelled (whether + he achieveth success or not). The person that is idle and lieth at his + length, is overcome by adversity; while he that is active and skillful is + sure to reap success and enjoy prosperity. Intelligent persons engaged in + acts with confidence in themselves regard all who are diffident as + doubting and unsuccessful. The confident and faithful, however, are + regarded by them as successful. And this moment misery hath overtaken us. + If, however, thou betakest to action, that misery will certainly be + removed. If thou meetest failure, then that will furnish a proof unto thee + and Vrikodara and Vivatsu and the twins (that ye are unable to snatch the + kingdom from the foe). The acts of others, it is seen, are crowned with + success. It is probable that ours also will be successful. How can one + know beforehand what the consequence will be? Having exerted thyself thou + wilt know what the fruit of thy exertion will be. The tiller tilleth with + the plough the soil and soweth the seeds thereon. He then sitteth silent, + for the clouds (after that) are the cause that would help the seeds to + grow into plants. If however, the clouds favour him not, the tiller is + absolved from all blame. He sayeth unto himself, ‘What others do, I have + done. If, notwithstanding this, I meet with failure, no blame can attach + to me.’ Thinking so, he containeth himself and never indulgeth in + self-reproach. O Bharata, no one should despair saying, ‘Oh, I am acting, + yet success is not mine! For there are two other causes, besides exertion, + towards success. Whether there be success or failure, there should be no + despair, for success in acts dependeth upon the union; of many + circumstances. If one important element is wanting, success doth not + become commensurate, or doth not come at all. If however, no exertion is + made, there can be no success. Nor is there anything to applaud in the + absence of all exertion. The intelligent, aided by their intelligence, and + according to their full might bring place, time, means, auspicious rites, + for the acquisition of prosperity. With carefulness and vigilance should + one set himself to work, his chief guide being his prowess. In the union + of qualities necessary for success in work, prowess seemeth to be the + chief. When the man of intelligence seeth his enemy superior to him in + many qualities, he should seek the accomplishment of his purposes by + means, of the arts of conciliation and proper appliances. He should also + wish evil unto his foe and his banishment. Without speaking of mortal man, + if his foe were even the ocean or the hills, he should be guided by such + motives. A person by his activity in searching for the holes of his + enemies, dischargeth his debt to himself as also to his friends. No man + should ever disparage himself for the man that disparageth himself never + earneth high prosperity. O Bharata, success in this world is attainable on + such conditions! In fact, success in the World is said to depend on acting + according to time and circumstances. My father formerly kept a learned + Brahmana with him. O bull of the Bharata race, he said all this unto my + father. Indeed, these instructions as to duty, uttered by Vrihaspati + himself, were first taught to my brothers. It was from them that I heard + these afterwards while in my father’s house. And, O Yudhishthira, while at + intervals of business, I went out (of the inner apartments) and sat on the + lap of my father, that learned Brahmana used to recite unto me these + truths, sweetly consoling me therewith!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0355"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIII + </h2> + <p> + ‘Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words of Yajnaseni, Bhimasena, sighing + in wrath, approached the king and addressed him, saying, ‘Walk, O monarch, + in the customary path trodden by good men, (before thee) in respect of + kingdoms. What do we gain by living in the asylum of ascetics, thus + deprived of virtue, pleasure, and profit? It is not by virtue, nor by + honesty, nor by might, but by unfair dice, that our kingdom hath been + snatched by Duryodhana. Like a weak offal-eating jackal snatching the prey + from mighty lions, he hath snatched away our kingdom. Why, O monarch, in + obedience to the trite merit of sticking to a promise, dost thou suffer + such distress, abandoning that wealth which is the source of both virtue + and enjoyments? It was for thy carelessness, O king, that our kingdom + protected by the wielder of the Gandiva and therefore, incapable of being + wrested by Indra himself, was snatched from us in our very sight. It was + for thee, O monarch, that, ourselves living, our prosperity was snatched + away from us like a fruit from one unable to use his arms, or like kine + from one incapable of using his legs. Thou art faithful in the acquisition + of virtue. It was to please thee, O Bharata, that we have suffered + ourselves to be overwhelmed with such dire calamity. O bull of the Bharata + race, it was because we were subject to thy control that we are thus + tearing the hearts of our friends and gratifying our foes. That we did + not, in obedience to thee, even then slay the sons of Dhritarashtra, is an + act of folly on our part that grieveth me sorely. This thy abode, O king, + in the woods, like that of any wild animal, is what a man of weakness + alone would submit to. Surely, no man of might would ever lead such a + life. This thy course of life is approved neither by Krishna, nor + Vibhatsu, nor by Abhimanyu, nor by the Srinjayas, nor by myself, nor by + the sons of Madri. Afflicted with the vows, thy cry is Religion! Religion! + Hast thou from despair been deprived of thy manliness? Cowards alone, + unable to win back their prosperity, cherish despair, which is fruitless + and destructive of one’s purposes. Thou hast ability and eyes. Thou seest + that manliness dwelleth in us. It is because thou hast adopted a life of + peace that thou feelest not this distress. These Dhritarashtras regard us + who are forgiving, as really incompetent. This, O king, grieveth me more + than death in battle. If we all die in fair fight without turning our + backs on the foe, even that would be better than this exile, for then we + should obtain regions of bliss in the other world. Or, if, O bull of the + Bharata race, having slain them all, we acquire the entire earth, that + would be prosperity worth the trial. We who ever adhere to the customs of + our order, who ever desire grand achievements, who wish to avenge our + wrongs, have this for our bounden duty. Our kingdom wrested from us, if we + engage in battle, our deeds when known to the world will procure for us + fame and not slander. And that virtue, O king, which tortureth one’s own + self and friends, is really no virtue. It is rather vice, producing + calamities. Virtue is sometimes also the weakness of men. And though such + a man might ever be engaged in the practice of virtue, yet both virtue and + profit forsake him, like pleasure and pain forsaking a person that is + dead. He that practiseth virtue for virtue’s sake always suffereth. He can + scarcely be called a wise man, for he knoweth not the purposes of virtue + like a blind man incapable of perceiving the solar light. He that + regardeth his wealth to exist for himself alone, scarcely understandeth + the purposes of wealth. He is really like a servant that tendeth kine in a + forest. He again that pursueth wealth too much without pursuing virtue and + enjoyments, deserveth to be censured and slain by all men. He also that + ever pursueth enjoyments without pursuing virtue and wealth, loseth his + friends and virtue and wealth also. Destitute of virtue and wealth such a + man, indulging in pleasure at will, at the expiration of his period of + indulgence, meeteth with certain death, like a fish when the water in + which it liveth hath been dried up. It is for these reasons that they that + are wise are ever careful of both virtue and wealth, for a union of virtue + and wealth is the essential requisite of pleasure, as fuel is the + essential requisite of fire. Pleasure hath always virtue for its root, and + virtue also is united with pleasure. Know, O monarch, that both are + dependent on each other like the ocean and the clouds, the ocean causing + the clouds and the clouds filling the ocean. The joy that one feeleth in + consequence of contact with objects of touch or of possession of wealth, + is what is called pleasure. It existeth in the mind, having no corporeal + existence that one can see. He that wisheth (to obtain) wealth, seeketh + for a large share of virtue to crown his wish with success. He that + wisheth for pleasure, seeketh wealth, (so that his wish may be realised). + Pleasure however, yieldeth nothing in its turn. One pleasure cannot lead + to another, being its own fruit, as ashes may be had from wood, but + nothing from those ashes in their turn. And, O king, as a fowler killeth + the birds we see, so doth sin slay the creatures of the world. He, + therefore, who misled by pleasure or covetousness, beholdeth not the + nature of virtue, deserveth to be slain by all, and becometh wretched both + here and here-after. It is evident, O king, that thou knowest that + pleasure may be derived from the possession of various objects of + enjoyment. Thou also well knowest their ordinary states, as well as the + great changes they undergo. At their loss or disappearance occasioned by + decrepitude or death, ariseth what is called distress. That distress, O + king, hath now overtaken us. The joy that ariseth from the five senses, + the intellect and the heart, being directed to the objects proper to each, + is called pleasure. That pleasure, O king, is, as I think, one of the best + fruits of our actions. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, O monarch, one should regard virtue, wealth and pleasure one after + another. One should not devote one self to virtue alone, nor regard wealth + as the highest object of one’s wishes, nor pleasure, but should ever + pursue all three. The scriptures ordain that one should seek virtue in the + morning, wealth at noon, and pleasure in the evening. The scriptures also + ordain that one should seek pleasure in the first portion of life, wealth + in the second, and virtue in the last. And, O thou foremost of speakers, + they that are wise and fully conversant with proper division of time, + pursue all three, virtue, wealth, and pleasure, dividing their time duly. + O son of the Kuru race, whether independence of these (three), or their + possession is the better for those that desire happiness, should be + settled by thee after careful thought. And thou shouldst then, O king, + unhesitatingly act either for acquiring them, or abandoning them all. For + he who liveth wavering between the two doubtingly, leadeth a wretched + life. It is well known that thy behaviour is ever regulated by virtue. + Knowing this thy friends counsel thee to act. Gift, sacrifice, respect for + the wise, study of the Vedas, and honesty, these, O king, constitute the + highest virtue and are efficacious both here and hereafter. These virtues, + however, cannot be attained by one that hath no wealth, even if, O tiger + among men, he may have infinite other accomplishments. The whole universe, + O king, dependeth upon virtue. There is nothing higher than virtue. And + virtue, O king, is attainable by one that hath plenty of wealth. Wealth + cannot be earned by leading a mendicant life, nor by a life of feebleness. + Wealth, however, can be earned by intelligence directed by virtue. In thy + case, O king, begging, which is successful with Brahmanas, hath been + forbidden. Therefore, O bull amongst men, strive for the acquisition of + wealth by exerting thy might and energy. Neither mendicancy, nor the life + of a Sudra is what is proper for thee. Might and energy constitute the + virtue of the Kshatriya in especial. Adopt thou, therefore, the virtue of + thy order and slay the enemies. Destroy the might of Dhritarashtra’s sons, + O son of Pritha, with my and Arjuna’s aid. They that are learned and wise + say that sovereignty is virtue. Acquire sovereignty, therefore, for it + behoveth thee not to live in a state of inferiority. Awake, O king, and + understand the eternal virtues (of the order). By birth thou belongest to + an order whose deeds are cruel and are a source of pain to man. Cherish + thy subjects and reap the fruit thereof. That can never be a reproach. + Even this, O king, is the virtue ordained by God himself for the order to + which thou belongest! If thou tallest away therefrom, thou wilt make + thyself ridiculous. Deviation from the virtues of one’s own order is never + applauded. Therefore, O thou of the Kuru race, making thy heart what it + ought to be, agreeably to the order to which thou belongest, and casting + away this course of feebleness, summon thy energy and bear thy weight like + one that beareth it manfully. No king, O monarch, could ever acquire the + sovereignty of the earth or prosperity or affluence by means of virtue + alone. Like a fowler earning his food in the shape of swarms of little + easily-tempted game, by offering them some attractive food, doth one that + is intelligent acquire a kingdom, by offering bribes unto low and covetous + enemies. Behold, O bull among kings, the Asuras, though elder brothers in + possession of power and affluence, were all vanquished by the gods through + stratagem. Thus, O king, everything belongeth to those that are mighty. + And, O mighty-armed one, slay thy foes, having recourse to stratagem. + There is none equal unto Arjuna in wielding the bow in battle. Nor is + there anybody that may be equal unto me in wielding the mace. Strong men, + O monarch, engage in battle depending on their might, and not on the force + of numbers nor on information of the enemy’s plans procured through spies. + Therefore, O son of Pandu exert thy might. Might is the root of wealth. + Whatever else is said to be its root is really not such. As the shade of + the tree in winter goeth for nothing, so without might everything else + becometh fruitless. Wealth should be spent by one who wisheth to increase + his wealth, after the manner, O son of Kunti, of scattering seeds on the + ground. Let there be no doubt then in thy mind. Where, however, wealth + that is more or even equal is not to be gained, there should be no + expenditure of wealth. For investment of wealth are like the ass, + scratching, pleasurable at first but painful afterwards. Thus, O king of + men, the person who throweth away like seeds a little of his virtue in + order to gain a larger measure of virtue, is regarded as wise. Beyond + doubt, it is as I say. They that are wise alienate the friends of the foe + that owneth such, and having weakened him by causing those friends to + abandon him thus, they then reduce him to subjection. Even they that are + strong, engage in battle depending on their courage. One cannot by even + continued efforts (uninspired by courage) or by the arts of conciliation, + always conquer a kingdom. Sometimes, O king, men that are weak, uniting in + large numbers, slay even a powerful foe, like bees killing the despoiler + of the honey by force of numbers alone. (As regards thyself), O king, like + the sun that sustaineth as well as slayeth creatures by his rays, adopt + thou the ways of the sun. To protect one’s kingdom and cherish the people + duly, as done by our ancestors, O king, is, it hath been heard by us, a + kind of asceticism mentioned even in the Vedas. By ascetism, O king, a + Kshatriya cannot acquire such regions of blessedness as he can by fair + fight whether ending in victory or defeat. Beholding, O king, this thy + distress, the world hath come to the conclusion that light may forsake the + Sun and grace the Moon. And, O king, good men separately as well as + assembling together, converse with one another, applauding thee and + blaming the other. There is this, moreover, O monarch, viz., that both the + Kurus and the Brahmanas, assembling together, gladly speak of thy firm + adherence to truth, in that thou hast never, from ignorance, from + meanness, from covetousness, or from fear, uttered an untruth. Whatever + sin, O monarch, a king committeth in acquiring dominion, he consumeth it + all afterwards by means of sacrifices distinguished by large gifts. Like + the Moon emerging from the clouds, the king is purified from all sins by + bestowing villages on Brahmanas and kine by thousands. Almost all the + citizens as well as the inhabitants of the country, young or old, O son of + the Kuru race, praise thee, O Yudhishthira! This also, O Bharata, the + people are saying amongst themselves, viz., that as milk in a bag of dog’s + hide, as the Vedas in a Sudra, as truth in a robber, as strength in a + woman, so is sovereignty in Duryodhana. Even women and children are + repeating this, as if it were a lesson they seek to commit to memory. O + represser of foes, thou hast fallen into this state along with ourselves. + Alas, we also are lost with thee for this calamity of thine. Therefore, + ascending in thy car furnished with every implement, and making the + superior Brahmanas utter benedictions on thee, march thou with speed, even + this very day, upon Hastinapura, in order that thou mayst be able to give + unto Brahmanas the spoils of victory. Surrounded by thy brothers, who are + firm wielders of the bow, and by heroes skilled in weapons and like unto + snakes of virulent poison, set thou out even like the slayer Vritra + surounded by the Marutas. And, O son of Kunti, as thou art powerful, grind + thou with thy might thy weak enemies, like Indra grinding the Asuras; and + snatch thou from Dhritarashtra’s son the prosperity he enjoyeth. There is + no mortal that can bear the touch of the shafts furnished with the + feathers of the vulture and resembling snakes of virulent poison, that + would be shot from the Gandiva. And, O Bharata, there is not a warrior, + nor an elephant, nor a horse, that is able to bear the impetus of my mace + when I am angry in battle. Why, O son of Kunti, should we not wrest our + kingdom from the foe, fighting with the aid of the Srinjayas and Kaikeyas, + and the bull of the Vrishni race? Why, O king, should we not succeed in + wresting the (sovereignty of the) earth that is now in the hands of the + foe, if, aided by a large force, we do but strive?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0356"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Thus addressed by Bhimasena, the high-souled king + Ajatasatru firmly devoted to truth, mustering his patience, after a few + moments said these words, ‘No doubt, O Bharata, all this is true. I cannot + reproach thee for thy torturing me thus by piercing me with thy arrowy + words. From my folly alone hath this calamity come against you. I sought + to cast the dice desiring to snatch from Dhritarashtra’s son his kingdom + with the sovereignty. It was therefore that, that cunning gambler—Suvala’s + son—played against me on behalf of Suyodhana. Sakuni, a native of + the hilly country, is exceedingly artful. Casting the dice in the presence + of the assembly, unacquainted as I am with artifices of any kind, he + vanquished me artfully. It is, therefore, O Bhimasena, that we have been + overwhelmed with this calamity. Beholding the dice favourable to the + wishes of Sakuni in odds and evens, I could have controlled my mind. + Anger, however, driveth off a person’s patience. O child, the mind cannot + be kept under control when it is influenced by hauteur, vanity, or pride. + I do not reproach thee, O Bhimasena, for the words thou usest. I only + regard that what hath befallen us was pre-ordained. When king Duryodhana, + the son of Dhritarashtra, coveting our kingdom, plunged us into misery and + even slavery, then, O Bhima, it was Draupadi that rescued us. When + summoned again to the assembly for playing once more, thou knowest as well + as Arjuna what Dhritarashtra’s son told me, in the presence of all the + Bharatas, regarding the stake for which we were to play. His words were, O + prince Ajatsatru, (if vanquished), thou shalt have with all thy brothers, + to dwell, to the knowledge of all men, for twelve years in the forest of + thy choice, passing the thirteenth year in secrecy. If during the latter + period, the spies of the Bharatas, hearing of thee, succeed in discovering + thee, thou shalt have again to live in the forest for the same period, + passing once more the last year in secrecy. Reflecting upon this, pledge + thyself to it. As regards myself, I promise truly in this assembly of the + Kurus, that if thou canst pass this time confounding my spies and + undiscovered by them, then, O Bharata, this kingdom of the five rivers is + once more thine. We also, O Bharata, if vanquished by thee, shall, all of + us, abandoning all our wealth, pass the same period, according to the same + rules. Thus addressed by the prince, I replied unto him in the midst of + all the Kurus, ‘So be it!’ The wretched game then commenced. We were + vanquished and have been exiled. It is for this that we are wandering + miserably over different woody regions abounding with discomfort. + Suyodhana, however, still dissatisfied, gave himself up to anger, and + urged the Kurus as also all those under his sway to express their joy at + our calamity. Having entered into such an agreement in the presence of all + good men, who dareth break it for the sake of a kingdom on earth? For a + respectable person, I think, even death itself is lighter than the + acquisition of sovereignty by an act of transgression. At the time of the + play, thou hadst desired to burn my hands. Thou wert prevented by Arjuna, + and accordingly didst only squeeze thy own hands. If thou couldst do what + thou hadst desired, could this calamity befall us? Conscious of thy + prowess, why didst thou not, O Bhima, say so before we entered into such + an agreement? Overwhelmed with the consequence of our pledge, and the time + itself having passed, what is the use of thy addressing me these harsh + words? O Bhima, this is my great grief that we could not do anything even + beholding Draupadi persecuted in that way. My heart burneth as if I have + drunk some poisonous liquid. Having, however, given that pledge in the + midst of the Kuru heroes, I am unable to violate it now. Wait, O Bhima, + for the return of our better days, like the scatterer of seeds waiting for + the harvest. When one that hath been first injured, succeedeth in + revenging himself upon his foe at a time when the latter’s enmity hath + borne fruit and flowers, he is regarded to have accomplished a great thing + by his prowess. Such a brave person earneth undying fame. Such a man + obtaineth great prosperity. His enemies bow down unto him, and his friends + gather round him, like the celestials clustering round Indra for + protection. But know, O Bhima, my promise can never be untrue. I regard + virtue as superior to life itself and a blessed state of celestial + existence. Kingdom, sons, fame, wealth,—all these do not come up to + even a sixteenth part of truth.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0357"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXV + </h2> + <p> + Bhima said, ‘O king, unsubstantial as thou art like froth, unstable like a + fruit (falling when ripe), dependent on time, and mortal, having entered + into an agreement in respect of time, which is infinite and immeasurable, + quick like a shaft or flowing like a stream, and carrying everything + before it like death itself, how canst regard it as available by thee? How + can he, O son of Kunti, wait whose life is shortened every moment, even + like a quantity of collyrium that is lessened each time a grain is taken + up by the needle? He only whose life is unlimited or who knoweth with + certitude what the period of his life is, and who knoweth the future as if + it were before his eyes, can indeed wait for the arrival of (an expected) + time. If we wait, O king, for thirteen years, that period, shortening our + lives, will bring us nearer to death. Death is sure to overtake every + creature having a corporeal existence. Therefore, we should strive for the + possession of our kingdom before we die. He that faileth to achieve fame, + by failing to chastise his foes, is like an unclean thing. He is a useless + burden on the earth like an incapacitated bull and perisheth ingloriously. + The man who, destitute of strength, and courage, chastiseth not his foes, + liveth in vain, I regard such a one as low-born. Thy hand can rain gold; + thy fame spreadeth over the whole earth; slaying thy foes, therefore, in + battle, enjoy thou the wealth acquired by the might of thy arms. O + repressor of all foes, O king, if a man slaying his injurer, goeth the + very day into hell, that hell becometh heaven to him. O king, the pain one + feeleth in having to suppress one’s wrath is more burning than fire + itself. Even now I burn with it and cannot sleep in the day or the night. + This son of Pritha, called Vibhatsu, is foremost in drawing the + bow-string. He certainly burneth with grief, though he liveth here like a + lion in his den. This one that desireth to slay without aid all wielders + of the bow on earth, represseth the wrath that riseth in his breast, like + a mighty elephant. Nakula, Sahadeva, and old Kunti—that mother of + heroes, are all dumb, desiring to please thee. And all our friends along + with the Srinjayas equally desire to please thee. I alone, and + Prativindhya’s mother speak unto thee burning with grief. Whatever I speak + unto thee is agreeable to all of them, for all of them plunged in + distress, eagerly wish for battle. Then, O monarch, what more wretched a + calamity can overtake us that our kingdom should be wrested from us by + weak and contemptible foes and enjoyed by them? O king, from the weakness + of thy disposition thou feelest shame in violating thy pledge. But, O + slayer of foes, no one applaudeth thee for thus suffering such pain in + consequence of the kindliness of thy disposition. Thy intellect, O king, + seeth not the truth, like that of a foolish and ignorant person of high + birth who hath committed the words of the Vedas to memory without + understanding their sense. Thou art kind like a Brahmana. How hast thou + been born in the Kshatriya order? They that are born in the Kshatriya + order are generally of crooked hearts. Thou hast heard (recited) the + duties of kings, as promulgated by Manu, fraught with crookedness and + unfairness and precepts opposed to tranquillity and virtue. Why dost thou + then, O king, forgive the wicked sons of Dhritarashtra? Thou hast + intelligence, prowess, learning and high birth. Why dost thou then, O + tiger among men, act in respect of thy duties, like a huge snake that is + destitute of motion? O son of Kunti, he that desireth to conceal us, only + wisheth to conceal the mountains of Himavat by means of a handful of + grass. O son of Pritha, known as thou art over whole earth, thou wilt not + be able to live unknown, like the sun that can never course through the + sky unknown to men. Like a large tree in a well-watered region with + spreading branches and flowers and leaves, or like Indra’s elephant, how + will Jishnu live unknown? How also will these children, the brothers, + Nakula and Sahadeva, equal unto a couple of young lions, both live in + secret? How, O son of Pritha, will Krishna—the daughter of Drupada—a + princess and mother of heroes, of virtuous deeds and known over all the + world, live unknown? Me also, everybody knoweth from my boyhood. I do not + see how I can live unknown. As well mighty mountains of Meru be sought to + be concealed. Then, again, many kings had been expelled by us from their + kingdom. These kings and princes will all follow the bad son of + Dhritarashtra, for robbed and exiled by us, they have not still become + friendly. Desiring to do good unto Dhritarashtra, they will certainly seek + to injure us. They will certainly set against us numerous spies in + disguise. If these discover us and report their discovery, a great danger + will overtake us. We have already lived in the woods full thirteen months. + Regard them, O king, for their length as thirteen years. The wise have + said that a month is a substitute for a year, like the pot-herb that is + regarded as a substitute for the Soma. Or, (if thou breakest thy pledge), + O king, thou mayst free thyself from this sin by offering good savoury + food to a quiet bull carrying sacred burdens. Therefore, O king resolve + thou to slay thy enemies. There is no virtue higher than fighting, for + every Kshatriya!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0358"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing those words of Bhima, Yudhishthira. the son of + Kunti—tiger among men and slayer of all foes—began to sigh + heavily, and reflect in silence. And he thought within himself, ‘I have + heard recited the duties of kings, also all truths about the duties of the + different orders. He is said to observe those duties truly who keepeth + them before his eyes, so as to regulate his conduct both in the present + and the future. Knowing as I do the true course of virtue, which, however + is so very difficult of being known, how can I forcibly grind virtue down + like grinding the mountains of Meru? Having reflected so for a moment, and + settled what he should do, he replied unto Bhima as follows without + allowing him another word: + </p> + <p> + “O thou of mighty arms, it is even so as thou hast said. But, O thou + foremost of speakers, listen now to another word I say. Whatever sinful + deeds, O Bhima, one seeketh to achieve, depending on his courage alone, + become always a source of pain. But, O thou of mighty arms, whatever is + begun with deliberation, with well-directed prowess, with all appliances, + and much previous thought, is seen to succeed. The gods themselves favour + such designs. Hear from me something about what, proud of thy might, O + Bhima, and led away by thy restlessness, thou thinkest should be + immediately begun. Bhurisravas, Sala, the mighty Jarasandha, Bhishma, + Drona, Karna, the mighty son of Drona, Dhritarashtra’s sons—Duryodhana + and others—so difficult of being vanquished, are all accomplished in + arms and ever ready for battle with us. Those kings and chiefs of the + earth also who have been injured by us, have all adopted the side of the + Kauravas, and are bound by ties of affection to them. O Bharata, they are + engaged in seeking the good of Duryodhana and not of us. With full + treasures and aided by large forces, they will certainly strive their best + in battle. All the officers also of the Kuru army together with their sons + and relatives, have been honoured by Duryodhana with wealth and luxuries. + Those heroes are also much regarded by Duryodhana. This is my certain + conclusion that they will sacrifice their lives for Duryodhana in battle. + Although the behaviour of Bhishma, Drona, and the illustrious Kripa, is + the same towards us as towards them, yet, O thou of mighty arms, this is + my certain conclusion that in order to pay off the royal favours they + enjoy, they will throw their very lives, than which there is nothing + dearer, in battle. All of them are masters of celestial weapons, and + devoted to the practice of virtue. I think they are incapable of being + vanquished even by gods led by Vasava himself. There is again amongst them + that mighty warrior—Karna—impetuous, and ever wrathful, master + of all weapons, and invincible, and encased in impenetrable mail. Without + first vanquishing in battle all those foremost of men, unaided as thou + art, how canst thou slay Duryodhana? O Vrikodara, I cannot sleep thinking + of the lightness of hand of that Suta’s son, who, I regard, is the + foremost of all wielders of the bow!” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of Yudhishthira, the + impetuous Bhima became alarmed, and forbore from speaking anything. And + while the sons of Pandu were thus conversing with each other, there came + to that spot the great ascetic Vyasa, the son of Satyavati. And as he + came, the sons of Pandu worshipped him duly. Then that foremost of all + speakers, addressing Yudhishthira, said, O, Yudhishthira, O thou of mighty + arms, knowing by spiritual insight what is passing in thy heart, I have + come to thee, O thou bull among men! The fear that is in thy heart, + arising from Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona’s son, + and prince Duryodhana, and Dussasana, I will dispell, O slayer of all + foes, by means of an act enjoined by the ordinance. Hearing it from me, + accomplish it thou with patience, and having accomplished it, O king, + quell this fever of thine soon.’” + </p> + <p> + That foremost of speakers then, the son of Parasara, taking Yudhishthira + to a corner, began to address him in words of deep import, saying, ‘O best + of the Bharatas, the time is come for thy prosperity, when, indeed + Dhananjaya—that son of Pritha—will slay all thy foes in + battle. Uttered by me and like unto success personified, accept from me + this knowledge called Pratismriti that I impart to thee, knowing thou art + capable of receiving it. Receiving it (from thee), Arjuna will be able to + accomplish his desire. And let Arjuna, O son of Pandu, go unto Mahendra + and Rudra, and Varuna, and Kuvera, and Yama, for receiving weapon from + them. He is competent to behold the gods for his asceticism and prowess. + He is even a Rishi of great energy, the friend of Narayana; ancient, + eternal a god himself, invincible, ever successful, and knowing no + deterioration. Of mighty arms, he will achieve mighty deeds, having + obtained weapons from Indra, and Rudra, and the Lokapalas, O son of Kunti, + think also of going from this to some other forest that may, O king, be + fit for thy abode. To reside in one place for any length of time is + scarcely pleasant. In thy case, it might also be productive of anxiety to + the ascetics. And as thou maintainest numerous Brahmanas versed in the + Vedas and the several branches thereof, continued residence here might + exhaust the deer of this forest, and be destructive of the creepers and + plants.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having addressed him thus, that illustrious and + exalted ascetic Vyasa, of great wisdom, acquired with the mysteries of the + world, then imparted unto the willing Yudhishthira the just, who had + meanwhile purified himself, that foremost of sciences. And bidding + farewell unto the son of Kunti, Vyasa disappeared then and there. The + virtuous and intelligent Yudhishthira, however, having obtained that + knowledge carefully retained it in his mind and always recited it on + proper occasions. Glad of the advice given him by Vyasa, the son of Kunti + then, leaving the wood Dwaitavana went to the forest of Kamyaka on the + banks of the Saraswati. And, O king, numerous Brahmanas of ascetic merit + and versed in the science of orthoepy and orthography, followed him like + the Rishis following the chief of the celestials. Arrived at Kamyaka, + those illustrious bulls amongst the Bharata took up their residence there + along with their friends and attendants. And possessed of energy, those + heroes, O king, lived there for some time, devoted to the exercise of the + bow and hearing all the while the chanting of the Vedas. And they went + about those woods every day in search of deer, armed with pure arrows. And + they duly performed all the rites in honour of the Pitris, the celestials + and the Brahmanas.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0359"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After some time, Yudhishthira the just, remembering + the command of the Muni (Vyasa) and calling unto himself that bull among + men—Arjuna—possessed of great wisdom, addressed him in + private. Taking hold of Arjuna’s hands, with a smiling face and in gentle + accents, that chastiser of foes—the virtuous Yudhishthira—apparently + after reflecting for a moment, spake these words in private unto + Dhananjaya, ‘O Bharata, the whole science of arms dwelleth in Bhishma, and + Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona’s son. They fully know all sorts of + Brahma and celestial and human and Vayavya weapons, together with the + modes of using and warding them off. All of them are conciliated and + honoured and gratified by Dhritarashtra’s son who behaveth unto them as + one should behave unto his preceptor. Towards all his warriors + Dhritarashtra’s son behaveth with great affection; and all the chiefs + honoured and gratified by him, seek his good in return. Thus honoured by + him, they will not fail to put forth their might. The whole earth, + besides, is now under Duryodhana’s sway, with all the villages and towns, + O son of Pritha, and all the seas and woods and mines! Thou alone art our + sole refuge. On thee resteth a great burden. I shall, therefore, O + chastiser of all foes, tell thee what thou art to do now. I have obtained + a science from Krishna Dwaipayana. Used by thee, that science will expose + the whole universe to thee. O child, attentively receive thou that science + from me, and in due time (by its aid) attain thou the grace of the + celestials. And, O bull of the Bharata race, devote thyself to fierce + asceticism. Armed with the bow and sword, and cased in mail, betake + thyself to austerities and good vows, and go thou northwards, O child, + without giving way to anybody. O Dhananjaya, all celestial weapons are + with Indra. The celestials, from fear of Vritra, imparted at the time all + their might to Sakra. Gathered together in one place, thou wilt obtain all + weapons. Go thou unto Sakra, he will give thee all his weapons. Taking the + bow set thou out this very day in order to behold Purandara.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said this, the exalted Yudhishthira the + just, imparted that science unto Arjuna. And the elder brother having + communicated with due rites the knowledge unto his heroic brother, with + speech and body and mind under perfect control, commanded him to depart. + And at the command of Yudhishthira, the strong-armed Arjuna, taking up the + Gandiva as also his inexhaustible quivers, and accoutred in mail and + gauntlets and finger-protectors made of the skin of the guana, and having + poured oblations into the fire and made the Brahmanas to utter + benedictions after gifts, set out (from Kamyaka) with the objects of + beholding Indra. And armed with the bow, the hero, at the time of setting + out heaved a sigh and cast a look upwards for achieving the death of + Dhritarashtra’s sons. And beholding Kunti’s son thus armed and about to + set out, the Brahmanas and Siddhas and invisible spirits addressed him, + saying, ‘O son of Kunti, obtain thou soon what thou wishest.’ And the + Brahmanas, also uttering benedictions said, ‘Achieve thou the object thou + hast in view. Let victory be truly thine.’ And beholding the heroic + Arjuna, of thighs stout as the trunks of the Sala, about to set out taking + away with him the hearts of all, Krishna addressed him saying, ‘O thou + strong-armed one, let all that Kunti had desired at thy birth, and let all + that thou desirest, be accomplished, O Dhananjaya! Let no one amongst us + be ever again born in the order of Kshatriyas. I always bow down unto the + Brahmanas whose mode of living is mendicancy. This is my great grief that + the wretch Duryodhana beholding me in the assembly of princes mockingly + called me a cow! Besides this he told me in the midst of that assembly + many other hard things. But the grief I experience at parting with thee is + far greater than any I felt at those insults. Certainly, in thy absence, + thy brothers will while away their waking hours in repeatedly talking of + thy heroic deeds! If, however, O son of Pritha, thou stayest away for any + length of time, we shall derive no pleasure from our enjoyments or from + wealth. Nay, life itself will be distasteful to us. O son of Pritha, our + weal, and woe, life and death, our kingdom and prosperity, are all + dependent on thee. O Bharata, I bless thee, let success be thine. O + sinless one, thy (present) task thou wilt be able to achieve even against + powerful enemies. O thou of great strength, go thou to win success with + speed. Let dangers be not thine. I bow to Dhatri and Vidhatri! I bless + thee. Let prosperity be thine. And, O Dhananjaya, let Hri, Sree, Kirti, + Dhriti, Pushti, Uma, Lakshmi, Saraswati, all protect thee on thy way, for + thou ever worshippest thy elder brother and ever obeyest his commands. + And, O bull of the Bharata race, I bow to the Vasus, the Rudras and + Adityas, the Manilas, the Viswadevas, and the Sadhyas, for procuring thy + welfare. And, O Bharata, be thou safe from all spirits of mischief + belonging to the sky, the earth, and the heaven, and from such other + spirits generally.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Krishna, the daughter of Yajnasena, having + uttered these benedictions, ceased. The strong-armed son of Pandu then, + having walked round his brothers and round Dhaumya also, and taking up his + handsome bow, set out. And all creatures began to leave the way that + Arjuna of great energy and prowess, urged by the desire of beholding + Indra, took. And that slayer of foes passed over many mountains inhabited + by ascetics, and then reached the sacred Himavat, the resort of the + celestials. And the high-souled one reached the sacred mountain in one + day, for like the winds he was gifted with the speed of the mind, in + consequence of his ascetic austerities. And having crossed the Himavat, as + also the Gandhamadana, he passed over many uneven and dangerous spots, + walking night and day without fatigue. And having reached Indrakila, + Dhananjaya stopped for a moment. And then he heard a voice in the skies, + saying, ‘Stop!’ And hearing that voice, the son of Pandu cast his glances + all around. And Arjuna, capable of using his left hand with skill equal to + that of his right hand, then beheld before him an ascetic under the shade + of a tree, blazing with Brahma brilliancy, of a tawny colour, with matted + locks, and thin. And the mighty ascetic, beholding Arjuna stop at t at + place, addressed him, saying, ‘Who art thou, O child, arrived hither with + bow and arrows, and cased in mail and accoutred in scabbard and gauntlet, + and (evidently) wedded to the customs of the Kshatriya? There is no need + of weapons here. This is the abode of peaceful Brahmanas devoted to + ascetic austerities without anger or joy. There is no use for the bow + here, for there is no dispute in this place of any kind. Therefore throw + away, O child, this bow of thine. Thou hast obtained a pure state of life + by coming here. O hero, there is no man who is like thee in energy and + prowess.’ That Brahmana thus addressed Arjuna, with a smiling face, + repeatedly. But he succeeded not in moving Arjuna, firmly devoted to his + purpose. The regenerate one, glad at heart, smilingly addressed Arjuna + once more, saying, ‘O slayer of foes, blest be thou! I am Sakra: ask thou + the boon thou desirest.’ Thus addressed, that perpetuator of the Kuru + race, the heroic Dhananjaya bending his head and joining his hands, + replied unto him of a thousand eyes, saying, ‘Even this is the object of + my wishes; grant me this boon, O illustrious one. I desire to learn from + thee all the weapons.’ The chief of the celestials then, smiling, replied + unto him cheerfully, saying, ‘O Dhananjaya, when thou hast reached this + region, what need is there of weapons? Thou hast already obtained a pure + state of life. Ask thou for the regions of bliss that thou desirest.’ Thus + addressed, Dhananjaya replied unto him o a thousand eyes, saying, ‘I + desire not regions of bliss, nor objects of enjoyment, nor the state of a + celestial; what is this talk about happiness? O chief of the celestials, I + do not desire the prosperity of all the gods. Having left my brothers + behind me in the forest, and without avenging myself on the foe, shall I + incur the opprobrium for all ages of all the world.” Thus addressed, the + slayer of Vritra, worshipped of the worlds, consoling him with gentle + words, spare unto the son of Pandu, saying, ‘When thou art able to behold + the three-eyed trident-bearing Siva, the lord of all creatures, it is + then, O child, that I will give thee all the celestial weapons. Therefore, + strive thou to obtain the sight of the highest of the gods; for it is only + after thou hast seen him. O son of Kunti, that thou will obtain all thy + wishes.’ Having spoken thus unto Phalguna, Sakra disappeared then and + there, and Arjuna, devoting himself to asceticism, remained at that spot.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0360"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Kairata Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Janemejaya said, “O illustrious one, I desire to hear in detail the + history of the acquisition of weapons by Arjuna of spotless deeds. O tell + me how that tiger among men, Dhananjaya, of mighty arms and possessed of + great energy, entered that solitary forest without fear. And, O thou + foremost of those acquainted with the Veda, what also did Arjuna do while + dwelling there? How also were the illustrious Sthanu and the chief of the + celestials gratified by him? O thou best of regenerate ones, I desire to + hear all this under thy favour. Thou art omniscient; thou knowest all + about the gods and all about men. O Brahmana, the battle that took place + of old between Arjuna—that foremost of smiters never defeated in + battle—and Bhava was highly extraordinary and without parallel. It + maketh one’s hair stand on end to hear of it. Even the hearts of those + lions among men—the brave sons of Pritha—trembled in + consequence of wonder and joy and a sense of their own inferiority. O tell + me in full what else Arjuna, did I do not see even the most trivial thing + to Jishnu that is censurable. Therefore, recite to me in full the history + of that hero.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O tiger among Kurus, I shall recite to thee that + narration, excellent and extensive and unrivalled, in connection with the + illustrious hero. O sinless one, hear in detail the particulars about + Arjuna’s meeting with the three-eyed god of gods, and his contact with the + illustrious god’s person! + </p> + <p> + “At Yudhishthira’s command, Dhananjaya of immeasurable prowess set out + (from Kamyaka) to obtain a sight of Sakra, the chief of the celestials and + of Sankara, the god of gods. And the strong-armed Arjuna of great might + set out armed with his celestial bow and a sword with golden hilt, for the + success of the object he had in view, northwards, towards the summit of + the Himavat. And, O king, that first of all warriors in the three worlds, + the son of Indra, with a calm mind, and firmly adhering to his purpose, + then devoted himself, without the loss of any time, to ascetic + austerities. And he entered, all alone, that terrible forest abounding + with thorny plants and trees and flowers and fruits of various kinds, and + inhabited by winged creatures of various species, and swarming with + animals of diverse kinds, and resorted to by Siddhas and Charanas. And + when the son of Kunti entered that forest destitute of human beings, + sounds of conchs and drums began to be heard in the heavens. And a thick + shower of flowers fell upon the earth, and the clouds spreading over the + firmament caused a thick shade. Passing over those difficult and woody + regions at the foot of the great mountains, Arjuna soon reached the breast + of the Himavat; and staying there for sometime began to shine in his + brilliancy. And he beheld there numerous trees with expanding verdure, + resounding with the melodious notes of winged warblers. And he saw there + rivers with currents of the lapis lazuli, broken by the fierce eddies here + and there, and echoing with the notes of swans and ducks and cranes. And + the banks of those rivers resounded with the mellifluous strains of the + male Kokilas and the notes of peacocks and cranes. And the mighty warrior, + beholding those rivers of sacred and pure and delicious water and their + charming banks, became highly delighted. And the delighted Arjuna of + fierce energy and high soul then devoted himself to rigid austerities in + that delightful and woody region. Clad in rags made of grass and furnished + with a black deerskin and a stick, he commenced to eat withered leaves + fallen upon the ground. And he passed the first month, by eating fruits at + the interval of three nights; and the second by eating at the interval of + the six nights; and the third by eating at the interval of a fortnight. + When the fourth month came, that best of the Bharatas—the + strong-armed son of Pandu—began to subsist on air alone. With arms + upraised and leaning upon nothing and standing on the tips of his toes, he + continued his austerities. And the illustrious hero’s locks, in + consequence of frequent bathing took the hue of lightning or the lotus. + Then all the great Rishis went together unto the god of the Pinaka for + representing unto him about the fierce asceticism of Pritha’s son. And + bowing unto that god of gods, they informed him of Arjuna’s austerities + saying, ‘This son of pritha possessed of great energy is engaged in the + most difficult of ascetic austerities on the breast of the Himavat. Heated + with his asceticism, the earth is smoking all round, O god of gods. We do + not know what his object is for which he is engaged in these austerities. + He, however, is causing us pain. It behoveth thee to prevent him!’ Hearing + these words of those munis with souls under perfect control, the lord of + all creatures—the husband of Uma said, ‘It behoveth you not to + indulge in any grief on account of Phalguna! Return ye all cheerfully and + with alacrity to the places whence ye have come. I know the desire that is + in Arjuna’s heart. His wish is not for heaven, nor for prosperity, nor for + long life. And I will accomplish, even, this day, all that is desired by + him.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “The truth-speaking Rishis, having heard these + words of Mahadeva, became delighted, and returned to their respective + abodes.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0361"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After all those illustrious ascetics had gone away, + that wielder of the Pinaka and cleanser of all sins—the illustrious + Hara—assuming the form of a Kirata resplendent as a golden tree, and + with a huge and stalwart form like a second Meru, and taking up a hand + some bow and a number of arrows resembling snakes of virulent poison, and + looking like an embodiment of fire, came quickly down on the breast of + Himavat. And the handsome god of gods was accompanied by Uma in the guise + of a Kirata woman, and also by a swarm of merry spirits of various forms + and attire, and by thousands of women in the form and attire of Kiratas. + And, O king, that region suddenly blazed up in beauty, in consequence of + the arrival of the god of gods in such company. And soon enough a solemn + stillness pervaded the place. The sounds of springs, and water-courses, + and of birds suddenly ceased. And as the god of gods approached Pritha’s + son of blameless deeds, he beheld a wonderful sight, even that of a Danava + named Muka, seeking, in the form of a boar, to slay Arjuna. Phalguna, at + the sight of the enemy seeking to slay him, took up the Gandiva and a + number of arrows resembling snakes of virulent poison. And stringing his + bow and filling the air with its twang, he addressed the boar and said, ‘I + have come here but done thee no injury. As thou seekest to slay me, I + shall certainly send thee to the abode of Yama.’ And beholding that firm + wielder of the bow—Phalguna—about to slay the boar, Sankara in + the guise of a Kirata suddenly bade him stop saying, ‘The boar like the + mountain of Indrakila in hue hath been aimed at by me first’; Phalguna, + however, disregarding these words, struck the boar. The Kirata also + blazing splendour, let fly an arrow like flaming fire and resembling the + thunderbolt at the same object. And the arrows thus shot by both fell at + the same instant of time upon the wide body of Muka, hard as adamant. And + the two shafts fell upon the boar with a loud sound, even like that of + Indra’s thunderbolt and the thunder of the clouds falling together upon + the breast of a mountain. And Muka, thus struck by two shafts which + produced numerous arrows resembling snakes of blazing mouths, yielded up + his life, assuming once more his terrible Rakshasa form. Jishnu—that + slayer of foes—then beheld before him that person, of form blazing + as god, and attired in the dress of a Kirata and accompanied by many + women. And beholding him, the son of Kunti with a joyous heart addressed + him smilingly and said, ‘Who art thou that thus wanderest in these + solitary woods, surrounded by women? thou of the splendour of gold, art + thou not afraid of this terrible forest? Why, again, didst thou shoot the + boar that was first aimed at by me? This Rakshasa that came hither, + listlessly or with the object, of slaying me, had been first aimed at by + me. Thou shalt not, therefore, escape from me with life. Thy behaviour + towards me is not consistent with the customs of the chase. Therefore, O + mountaineer, I will take thy life.’ Thus addressed by the son of Pandu, + the Kirata, smiling replied unto his capable of wielding the bow with his + left hand, in soft words, saying, ‘O hero, thou needst not be anxious on + my account. This forest land is proper abode for us who always dwell in + the woods. Respecting thyself, however, I may inquire, why thou hast + selected thy abode here amid such difficulties. We, O ascetic, have our + habitation in these woods abounding in animals of all kinds. Why dost + thou, so delicate and brought up in luxury and possessed of the splendour + of fire, dwell alone in such a solitary region?’ Arjuna said, ‘Depending + on the Gandiva and arrows blazing like fire, I live in this great forest, + like a second Pavaki. Thou hast seen how this monster—this terrible + Rakshasa—that came hither in the form of an animal, hath been slain + by me.’ The Kirata replied, ‘This Rakshasa, first struck with the shot + from my bow, was killed and sent to the regions of Yama by me. He was + first aimed at by me. And it is with my shot that he has been deprived of + life. Proud of thy strength, it behoveth thee not to impute thy own fault + to others. Thou art thyself in fault, O wretch, and, therefore, shalt not + escape from me with life. Stay thou: I will shoot at thee shafts like + thunderbolts. Strive thou also and shoot, to the best of thy power, thy + arrows at me.’ Hearing these words of the Kirata, Arjuna became angry, and + attacked him with arrows. The Kirata, however, with a glad heart received + all those shafts upon himself, repeatedly saying, ‘Wretch, wretch, shoot + thou best arrows capable of piercing into the very vitals.’ Thus + addressed, Arjuna, began to shower his arrows on him. Both of them then + became angry and, engaging in fierce conflict, began to shoot at each + other showers of arrows, each resembling a snake of virulent poison. And + Arjuna rained a perfect shower of arrows on the Kirata, Sankara, however, + bore that downpour on him with a cheerful heart. But the wielder of the + Pinaka, having borne that shower of arrows for a moment, stood unwounded, + immovable like a hill. Dhananjaya, beholding his arrowy shower become + futile, wondered exceedingly, repeatedly saying, ‘Excellent! Excellent! + Alas, this mountaineer of delicate limbs, dwelling on the heights of the + Himavat, beareth, without wavering, the shafts shot from the Gandiva! Who + is he? Is he Rudra himself, or some other god, or a Yaksha, or an Asura? + The gods sometimes do descend on the heights of the Himavat. Except the + god who wieldeth the Pinaka, there is none rise that can bear the + impetuosity of the thousands of arrows shot by me from the Gandiva. + Whether he is a god or a Yaksha, in fact, anybody except Rudra, I shall + soon send him, with my shafts, to the regions of Yama.’ Thus thinking, + Arjuna, with a cheerful heart, began, O king, to shoot arrows by hundreds, + resembling in splendour the rays of the sun. That downpour of shafts, + however, the illustrious Creator of the worlds—the wielder of the + trident—bore with a glad heart, like a mountain bearing a shower of + rocks. Soon, however, the arrows of Phalguna were exhausted. And noticing + this fact, Arjuna became greatly alarmed. And the son of Pandu then began + to think of the illustrious god Agni who had before, during the burning of + the Khandava, given him a couple of inexhaustible quivers. And he began to + think, ‘Alas, my arrows are all exhausted. What shall I shoot now from my + bow? Who is this person that swalloweth my arrows? Slaying him with the + end of my bow, as elephants are killed with lances, I shall send him to + the domains of the mace-bearing Yama.’ The illustrious Arjuna then, taking + up his bow and dragging the Kirata with his bow-string, struck him some + fierce blows that descended like thunderbolts. When, however, that slayer + of hostile heroes—the son of Kunti—commenced the conflict with + the end of the bow, the mountaineer snatched from his hands that celestial + bow. And beholding his bow snatched from him, Arjuna took up his sword, + and wishing to end the conflict, rushed at his foe. And then the Kuru + prince, with the whole might of his arms, struck that sharp weapon upon + the head of the Kirata, a weapon that was incapable of being resisted even + by solid rocks. But that first of swords, at touch of the Kirata’s crown, + broke into pieces. Phalguna then commenced the conflict with trees and + stones. The illustrious god in the form of the huge-bodied Kirata, + however, bore that shower of trees and rocks with patience. The mighty son + of Pritha then, his mouth smoking with wrath, struck the invincible god in + the form of a Kirata, with hi clenched fists, blows that descended like + thunderbolts. The god in the Kirata form returned Phalguna’s blows with + fierce blows resembling the thunderbolts of Indra. And in consequence of + that conflict of blows between the son of Pandu and the Kirata, there + arose in that place loud and frightful sounds. That terrible conflict of + blows, resembling the conflict of yore between Vritra and Vasava, lasted + but for a moment. The mighty Jishnu clasping the Kirata began to press him + with his breast, but the Kirata, possessed of great strength pressed the + insensible son of Pandu with force. And in consequence of the pressure of + their arms and of their breasts, their bodies began to emit smoke like + charcoal in fire. The great god then, smiting the already smitten son of + Pandu, and attacking him in anger with his full might, deprived him of his + senses. Then, O Bharata, Phalguna, thus pressed by the god of the gods, + with limbs, besides, bruised and mangled, became incapable of motion and + was almost reduced to a ball of flesh. And struck by the illustrious god, + he became breathless and, falling down on earth without power of moving, + looked like one that was dead. Soon, however, he regained consciousness, + and, rising from his prostrate position, with body covered with blood, + became filled with grief. Mentally prostrating himself before the gracious + god of gods, and making a clay image of that deity, he worshipped it, with + offerings of floral garlands. Beholding, however, the garland that he had + offered to the clay image of Bhava, decking the crown of the Kirata, that + best of Pandu’s sons became filled with joy and regained his ease. And he + prostrated himself thereupon at the feet of Bhava, and the god also was + pleased with him. And Hara, beholding the wonder of Arjuna and seeing that + his body had been emaciated with ascetic austerities, spake unto him in a + voice deep as the roaring of the clouds, saying, ‘O Phalguna, I have been + pleased with thee for thy act is without a parallel. There is no Kshatriya + who is equal to thee in courage, and patience. And, O sinless one, thy + strength and prowess are almost equal to mine. O mighty-armed one, I have + been pleased with thee. Behold me, O bull of the Bharata race! O + large-eyed one! I will grant thee eyes (to see me in my true form). Thou + wert a Rishi before. Thou wilt vanquish all thy foes, even the dwellers of + heaven; I will as I have been pleased with thee, grant thee an + irresistible weapon. Soon shall thou be able to wield that weapon of + mine.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Phalguna then beheld him—Mahadeva—that + god of blazing splendour-that wielder of the Pinaka-that one who had his + abode on the mountains (of Kailasa)—accompanied by Uma. Bending down + on his knee and bowing with his head, that conqueror of hostile cities-the + son of Pritha-worshipped Hara and inclined him to grace. And Arjuna said, + ‘O Kapardin, O chief of all gods, O destroyer of the eyes of Bhaga, O god + of gods, O Mahadeva, O thou of blue throat, O thou of matted locks, I know + thee as the Cause of all causes. O thou of three eyes, O lord of all! Thou + art the refuge of all the gods! This universe hath sprung from thee. Thou + art incapable of being vanquished by the three worlds of the celestials, + the Asuras, and men. Thou art Siva in the form of Vishnu, and Vishnu in + the form of Siva. Thou destroyedest of old the great sacrifice of Daksha. + O Hari, O Rudra, I bow to thee. Thou hast an eye on thy forehead. O Sarva, + O thou that rainest objects of desire, O bearer of the trident, O wielder + of the Pinaka, O Surya, O thou of pure body, O Creator of all, I bow to + thee. O lord of all created things, I worship thee to obtain thy grace. + Thou art the lord of the Ganas, the source of universal blessing, the + Cause of the causes of the universe. Thou art beyond the foremost of male + beings, thou art the highest, thou art the subtlest, O Hara! O illustrious + Sankara, it behoveth thee to pardon my fault. It was even to obtain a + sight of thyself that I came to this great mountain, which is dear to thee + and which is the excellent abode of ascetics. Thou art worshipped of all + worlds. O lord, I worship thee to obtain thy grace. Let not this rashness + of mine be regarded as a fault—this combat in which I was engaged + with thee from ignorance. O Sankara, I seek thy protection. Pardon me all + I have done.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Endued with great might, the god whose sign was + the bull, taking into his the handsome hands of Arjuna, smilingly replied + unto him, saying, ‘I have pardoned thee. And the illustrious Hara, + cheerfully clasping Arjuna with his arms, once more consoling Arjuna said + as follows.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0362"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XL + </h2> + <p> + “Mahadeva said, ‘Thou wert in thy former life Nara, the friend of + Narayana. In Vadari wert thou engaged in fierce ascetic austerities for + several thousands of years. In thee as well as in Vishnu—that first + of male beings—dwelleth great might. Ye both, by your might, hold + the universe; O lord, taking up that fierce bow whose twang resembled the + deep roar of the clouds, thou, as well as Krishna, chastisedest the + Danavas during the coronation of Indra. Even this Gandiva is that bow, O + son of Pritha, fit for thy hands. O foremost of male beings, I snatched it + from thee, helped by my powers of illusion. This couple of quivers, fit + for thee, will again be inexhaustible, O son of Pritha! And, O son of the + Kuru race, thy body will be free from pain and disease. Thy prowess is + incapable of being baffled. I have been pleased with thee. And, O first of + male beings, ask thou of me the boon that thou desirest. O chastiser of + all foes, O giver of proper respect, (to those deserving it) not even in + heaven is there any male being who is equal to thee, nor any Kshatriya who + is thy superior.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘O illustrious god having the bull for thy sign, if thou + wilt grant me my desire, I ask of thee, O lord that fierce celestial + weapon wielded by thee and called Brahmasira—that weapon of terrific + prowess which destroyeth, at the end of the Yuga the entire universe—that + weapon by the help of which, O god of gods, I may under thy grace, obtain + victory in the terrible conflict which shall take place between myself (on + one side), and Karna and Bhishma and Kripa and Drona (on the other)—that + weapon by which I may consume in battle Danavas and Rakshasas and evil + spirits and Pisachas and Gandharvas and Nagas—that weapon which when + hurled with Mantras produceth darts by thousands and fierce-looking maces + and arrows like snakes of virulent poison, and by means of which I may + fight with Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and Karna of ever abusive tongue, O + illustrious destroyer of the eyes of Bhaga, even this is my foremost + desire, viz., that I may be able to fight with them and obtain success.’ + </p> + <p> + Bhava replied, ‘O powerful one. I will give to thee that favourite weapon + of mine called the Pasuputa. O son of Pandu, thou art capable of holding, + hurling, and withdrawing it. Neither the chief himself of the gods, nor + Yama, nor the king of the Yakshas, nor Varuna, nor Vayu, knoweth it. How + could men know anything of it? But, O son of Pritha, this weapon should + not be hurled without adequate cause; for if hurled at any foe of little + might it may destroy the whole universe. In the three worlds with all + their mobile and immobile creatures, there is none who is incapable of + being slain by this weapon. And it may be hurled by the mind, by the eye, + by words, and by the bow.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words, the son of Pritha purified + himself. And approaching the lord of the universe with rapt attention, he + said, ‘Instruct me!’ Mahadeva then imparted unto that best of Pandu’s son + the knowledge of that weapon looking like the embodiment of Yama, together + with all the mysteries about hurling and withdrawing it. And that weapon + thence began to wait upon Arjuna as it did upon Sankara, the lord of Uma. + And Arjuna also gladly accepted it. And at the moment the whole earth, + with its mountains and woods and trees and seas and forests and villages + and towns and mines, trembled. And the sounds of conchs and drums and + trumpets by thousands began to be heard. And at that moment hurricanes and + whirlwinds began to blow. And the gods and the Danavas beheld that + terrible weapon in its embodied form stay by the side of Arjuna of + immeasurable energy. And whatever of evil there had been in the body of + Phalguna of immeasurable energy was all dispelled by the touch of the + three-eyed deity. And the three eyed god then commanded Arjuna, saying, + ‘Go thou into heaven.’ Arjuna then, O king, worshipping the god with bent + head, gazed at him, with joined hands. Then the lord of all the dwellers + of heaven, the deity of blazing splendour having his abode on + mountain-breasts, the husband of Uma, the god of passions under complete + control, the source of all blessings, Bhava gave unto Arjuna, that + foremost of men, the great bow called Gandiva, destructive of Danavas and + Pisachas. And the god of gods, then leaving that blessed mountain with + snowy plateaus and vales and caves, favourite resort of sky-ranging great + Rishis, went up, accompanied by Uma into the skies, in the sight of that + foremost of men.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0363"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “The wielder of the Pinaka, having the bull for his + sign, thus disappeared in the very sight of the gazing son of Pandu, like + the sun setting in the sight of the world. Arjuna, that slayer of hostile + heroes, wondered much at this, saying, ‘O, I have seen the great god of + gods. ‘Fortunate, indeed I am, and much favoured, for I have both beheld + and touched with my hand the three-eyed Hara the wielder of the Pinaka, in + his boon-giving form. I shall win success. I am already great. My enemies + have already been vanquished by me. My purposes have been already + achieved.’ And while the son of Pritha, endued with immeasurable energy, + was thinking thus, there came to that place Varuna the god of waters, + handsome and of the splendour of the lapis lazuli accompanied by all kinds + of aquatic creatures, and filling all the points of the horizon with a + blazing effulgence. And accompanied by Rivers both male and female, and + Nagas, and Daityas and Sadhyas and inferior deities, Varuna, the + controller and lord of all aquatic creatures, arrived at that spot. There + came also the lord Kuvera of body resembling pure gold, seated on his car + of great splendour, and accompanied by numerous Yakshas. And the lord of + treasures, possessed of great beauty, came there to see Arjuna, + illuminating the firmament with his effulgence. And there came also Yama + himself, of great beauty, the powerful destroyer of all the worlds, + accompanied by those lords of the creation—the Pitris—both + embodied and disembodied. And the god of justice, of inconceivable soul, + the son of Surya, the destroyer of all creatures, with the mace in hand, + came there on his car, illuminating the three worlds with regions of the + Guhyakas, the Gandharvas and the Nagas, like a second Surya as he riseth + at the end of the Yuga. Having arrived there, they beheld, from the + effulgent and variegated summits of the great mountain, Arjuna engaged in + ascetic austerities. And there came in a moment the illustrious Sakra + also, accompanied by his queen, seated on the back of (the celestial + elephant) Airavata, and surrounded also by all the deities. And in + consequence of the white umbrella being held over his head, he looked like + the moon amid fleecy clouds. And eulogised by Gandharvas, and Rishis + endued with wealth of asceticism, the chief of the celestials alighted on + a particular summit of the mountain, like a second sun. Then Yama + possessed of great intelligence, and fully conversant with virtue, who had + occupied a summit on the south, in a voice deep as that of the clouds, + said these auspicious words, ‘Arjuna, behold us, the protectors of the + worlds, arrive here! We will grant thee (spiritual) vision, for thou + deservest to behold us. Thou wert in thy former life a Rishi of + immeasurable soul, known as Nara of great might At the command, O child, + of Brahma, thou hast been born among men! O sinless one, by thee shall be + vanquished in battle the highly virtuous grandsire of the Kurus—Bhishma + of great energy—who is born of the Vasus. Thou shalt also defeat all + the Kshatriyas of fiery energy commanded by the son of Bharadwaja in + battle. Thou shalt also defeat those Danavas of fierce prowess that have + been born amongst men, and those Danavas also that are called + Nivatakavachas. And, O son of the Kuru race, O Dhananjaya, thou shalt also + slay Karna of fierce prowess, who is even a portion of my father Surya, of + energy celebrated throughout the worlds. And, O son of Kunti, smiter of + all foes, thou shalt also slay all the portions of celestials and Danavas + and the Rakshasas that have been incarnate on earth. And slain by thee, + these shall attain to the regions earned by them according to their acts. + And, O Phalguna, the fame of thy achievements will last for ever in the + world: thou hast gratified Mahadeva himself in conflict. Thou shalt, with + Vishnu himself, lighten the burden of the earth. O accept this weapon of + mine—the mace I wield incapable of being baffled by any body. With + this weapon thou wilt achieve great deeds.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “O Janamejaya, the son of Pritha then received + from Yama that weapon duly, along with the Mantras and rite, and the + mysteries of hurling and withdrawing it. Then Varuna, the lord of all + aquatic creatures, blue as the clouds, from a summit he had occupied on + the west, uttered these words, ‘O son of Pritha, thou art the foremost of + Kshatriyas, and engaged in Kshatriya practices. O thou of large coppery + eyes, behold me! I am Varuna, the lord of waters. Hurled by me, my nooses + are incapable of being resisted. O son of Kunti, accept of me these Varuna + weapons along with the mysteries of hurling and withdrawing them. With + these, O hero, in the battle that ensued of your on account of Taraka (the + wife of Vrihaspati), thousands of mighty Daityas were seized and tied. + Accept them of me. Even if Yama himself by thy foe, with these in thy + hands, he will not be able to escape from thee. When thou wilt armed with + these, range over the field of battle, the land, beyond doubt, will be + destitute of Kshatriyas.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “After both Varuna and Yama had given away their + celestial weapons, the lord of treasures having his home on the heights of + Kailasa, then spake, ‘O son of Pandu, O thou of great might and wisdom, I + too have been pleased with thee. And this meeting with thee giveth me as + much pleasure as a meeting with Krishna. O wielder of the bow with the + left hand, O thou of mighty arms, thou wert a god before, eternal (as + other gods). In ancient Kalpas, thou hadst every day gone through ascetic + austerities along with us. O best of men, I grant thee celestial vision. O + thou of mighty arms, thou wilt defeat even invincible Daityas and Danavas. + Accept of me also without loss of time, an excellent weapon. With this + thou wilt be able to consume the ranks of Dhritarashtra. Take then this + favourite weapon of mine called Antarddhana. Endued with energy and + prowess and splendour, it is capable of sending the foe to sleep. When the + illustrious Sankara slew Tripura, even this was the weapon which he shot + and by which many mighty Asuras were consumed. O thou of invincible + prowess I take it up for giving it to thee. Endued with the dignity of the + Meru, thou art competent to hold this weapon.’” + </p> + <p> + “After these words had been spoken, the Kuru prince Arjuna endued with + great strength, duly received from Kuvera that celestial weapon. Then the + chief of the celestials addressing Pritha’s son of ceaseless deeds in + sweet words, said, in a voice deep as that the clouds or the kettle-drum, + ‘O thou mighty-armed son of Kunti, thou art an ancient god. Thou hast + already achieved the highest success, and acquired the statue of a god. + But, O represser of foes, thou hast yet to accomplish the purposes of the + gods. Thou must ascend to heaven. Therefore prepare thou O hero of great + splendour! My own car with Matali as charioteer, will soon descend on the + earth. Taking thee, O Kaurava, to heaven, I will grant thee there all my + celestial weapons.’” + </p> + <p> + “Beholding those protectors of the worlds assembled together on the + heights of Himavat, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, wondered much, Endued + with great energy, he then duly worshipped the assembled Lokapalas, with + words, water, and fruits. The celestials then returning that worship, went + away. And the gods capable of going everywhere at will, and endued with + the speed of the mind, returned to the places whence they had come.” + </p> + <p> + “That bull among men—Arjuna—having obtained weapons thus, was + filled with pleasure. And he regarded himself as one whose desires had + been fulfilled and who was crowned with success.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0364"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLII + </h2> + <h3> + (Indralokagamana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After the Lokapalas had gone away, Arjuna—that + slayer of all foes—began to think, O monarch, of the car of Indra! + And as Gudakesa gifted with great intelligence was thinking of it, the car + endued with great effulgence and guided by Matali, came dividing the + clouds and illuminating the firmament and filling the entire welkin with + its rattle deep as the roar of mighty masses of clouds. Swords, and + missiles of terrible forms and maces of frightful description, and winged + darts of celestials splendour and lightnings of the brightest effulgence, + and thunderbolts, and propellors furnished with wheels and worked with + atmosphere expansion and producing sounds loud as the roar of great masses + of clouds, were on that car. And there were also on that car fierce and + huge-bodied Nagas with fiery mouths, and heaps of stones white as the + fleecy clouds. And the car was drawn by ten thousands of horses of golden + hue, endued with the speed of the wind. And furnished with prowess of + illusion, the car was drawn with such speed that the eye could hardly mark + its progress. And Arjuna saw on that car the flag-staff called Vaijayanta, + of blazing effulgence, resembling in hue the emerald or the dark-blue + lotus, and decked with golden ornaments and straight as the bamboo. And + beholding a charioteer decked in gold seated on that car, the mighty-armed + son of Pritha regarded it as belonging to the celestials. And while Arjuna + was occupied with his thoughts regarding the car, the charioteer Matali, + bending himself after descending from the car, addressed him, saying, ‘O + lucky son of Sakra! Sakra himself wisheth to see thee. Ascend thou without + loss of time this car that hath been sent by Indra. The chief of the + immortals, thy father—that god of a hundred sacrifices—hath + commanded me, saying, ‘Bring the son of Kunti hither. Let the gods behold + him.’ And Sankara himself, surrounded by the celestials and Rishis and + Gandharvas and Apsaras, waiteth to behold thee. At the command of the + chastiser of Paka, therefore, ascend thou with me from this to the region + of the celestials. Thou wilt return after obtaining weapons.’” + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna replied, ‘O Matali, mount thou without loss of time this excellent + car, a car that cannot be attained even by hundreds of Rajasuya and horse + sacrifices. Even kings of great prosperity who have performed great + sacrifices distinguished by large gifts (to Brahmanas), even gods and + Danavas are not competent to ride this car. He that hath not ascetic merit + is not competent to even see or touch this car, far less to ride on it. O + blessed one, after thou hast ascended, it, and after the horses have + become still, I will ascend it, like a virtuous man stepping into the + high-road of honesty.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Matali, the charioteer of Sakra, hearing these + words of Arjuna, soon mounted the car and controlled the horses. Arjuna + then, with a cheerful heart, purified himself by a bath in the Ganges. And + the son of Kunti then duly repeated (inaudibly) his customary prayers. He + then, duly and according to the ordinance, gratified the Pitris with + oblations of water. And, lastly, he commenced to invoke the Mandara—that + king of mountains—saying, ‘O mountain, thou art ever the refuge of + holy, heaven-seeking Munis of virtuous conduct and behaviour. It is + through thy grace, O mountain, that Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas + attain heaven, and their anxieties gone, sport with the celestials. O king + of mountains, O mountain, thou art the asylum of Munis, and thou holdest + on thy breast numerous sacred shrines. Happily have I dwelt on thy + heights. I leave thee now, bidding thee farewell. Oft have I seen thy + tablelands and bowers, thy springs and brooks, and the sacred shrines on + thy breast. I have also eaten the savoury fruits growing on thee, and have + slated my thirst with draughts of perfumed water oozing from the body. I + have also drunk the water of thy springs, sweet as amrita itself. O + mountain, as a child sleepeth happily on the lap of his father, so have I, + O king of mountains, O excellent one, sported on thy breast, echoing with + the notes of Apsaras and the chanting of the Vedas. O mountain, every day + have I lived happily on thy tablelands.’ Thus having bidden farewell to + the mountain, that slayer of hostile heroes—Arjuna—blazing + like the Sun himself, ascended the celestial car. And the Kuru prince + gifted with great intelligence, with a glad heart, coursed through the + firmament on that celestial car effulgent as the sun and of extra-ordinary + achievements. And after he had become invisible to the mortals of the + earth, he beheld thousands of cars of extra-ordinary beauty. And in that + region there was no sun or moon or fire to give light, but it blazed in + light of its own, generated by virtue of ascetic merit. And those + brilliant regions that are seen from the earth in the form of stars, like + lamps (in the sky)—so small in consequence of their distance, though + very large—were beheld by the son of Pandu, stationed in their + respective places, full of beauty and effulgence and blazing with + splendour all their own. And there he beheld royal sages crowned with + ascetic success, and heroes who had yielded up their lives in battle, and + those that had acquired heaven by their ascetic austerities, by hundreds + upon hundreds. And there were also Gandharvas, of bodies blazing like the + sun, by thousands upon thousands, as also Guhyakas and Rishis and numerous + tribes of Apsaras. And beholding those self-effulgent regions, Phalguna + became filled with wonder, and made enquiries of Matali. And Matali also + gladly replied unto him, saying, ‘These, O son of Pritha, are virtuous + persons stationed in their respective places. It is these whom thou hast + seen, O exalted one, as stars, from the earth.’ Then Arjuna saw standing + at the gates (Indra’s region) the handsome and ever victorious elephant—Airavata—furnished + with four tusks, and resembling the mountain of Kailasa with its summits. + And coursing along that path of the Siddhas, that foremost of the Kurus + and the son of Pandu, sat in beauty like Mandhata—that best of + kings. Endued with eyes like lotus leaves, he passed through the region + set apart for virtuous kings. And the celebrated Arjuna having thus passed + through successive regions of heaven at last beheld Amaravati, the city of + Indra.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0365"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “And the city of Indra which Arjuna saw was delightful + and was the resort of Siddhas and Charanas. And it was adorned with the + flowers of every season, and with sacred trees of all kinds. And he beheld + also celestial gardens called Nandana—the favourite resort of + Apsaras. And fanned by the fragrant breezes charged with the farina of + sweet-scented flowers, the trees with their lord of celestial blossoms + seemed to welcome him amongst them. And the region was such that none + could behold it who had not gone through ascetic austerities, or who had + not poured libations on fire. It was a region for the virtuous alone, and + not for those who had turned their back on the field of battle. And none + were competent to see it who had not performed sacrifices or observed + rigid vows, or who were without a knowledge of the Vedas, or who had not + bathed in sacred waters, or who were not distinguished for sacrifices and + gifts. And none were competent to see it who were disturbers of + sacrifices, or who were low, or who drank intoxicating liquors, or who + were violators of their preceptors’ bed, or who were eaters of + (unsanctified) meat, or who were wicked. And having beheld those celestial + gardens resounding with celestial music, the strong-armed son of Pandu + entered the favourite city of Indra. And he beheld there celestial cars by + thousands, capable of going everywhere at will, stationed in proper + places. And he saw tens of thousands of such cars moving in every + direction. And fanned by pleasant breezes charged with the perfumes of + flowers, the son of Pandu was praised by Apsaras and Gandharvas. And the + celestials then, accompanied by the Gandharvas and Siddhas and great + Rishis, cheerfully reverenced Pritha’s son of white deeds. Benedictions + were poured upon him, accompanied by the sounds of celestial music. The + strong-armed son of Pritha then heard around him the music of conchs and + drums. And praised all around, the son of Pritha then went, at the command + of Indra, to that large and extensive starry way called by the name of + Suravithi. There he met with the Sadhyas, the Viswas, the Marutas, the + twin Aswins, the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the Brahmarshis of the + great splendour, and numerous royal sages with Dilipa at their head, and + Tumvura and Narada, and that couple of Gandharvas known by the names of + Haha and Huhu. And the Kuru prince—that chastiser of foes—having + met and duly saluted them, last of all beheld the chief of the celestials—the + god of a hundred sacrifices. Then the strong-armed son of Pritha, + alighting from the car approached the lord himself of the gods—his + father—that chastiser of Paka. And a beautiful white umbrella + furnished with a golden staff was held over the chief of the celestials. + And he was fanned with a Chamara perfumed with celestial scents. And he + was eulogised by many Gandharvas headed by Viswavasu and others, by bards + and singers, and by foremost Brahmanas chanting Rik and Yajus hymns. And + the mighty son of Kunti, approaching Indra, saluted him by bending his + head to the ground. And Indra thereupon embraced him with his round and + plump arms. And taking his hand, Sakra made him sit by him on a portion of + his own seat, that sacred seat which was worshipped by gods and Rishis. + And the lord of the celestials-that slayer of hostile heroes—smelt + the head of Arjuna bending in humility, and even took him upon his lap. + Seated on Sakra’s seat at the command of that god of a thousand eyes, + Pritha’s son of immeasurable energy began to blaze in splendour like a + second Indra. And moved by affection, the slayer of Vritra, consoling + Arjuna, touched his beautiful face with his own perfumed hands. And the + wielder of the thunderbolt, patting and rubbing gently again and again + with his own hands which bore the marks of the thunderbolt the handsome + and huge arms of Arjuna which resembled a couple of golden columns and + which were hard in consequence of drawing the bowstring and son enhanced + the beauty of the assembly, like the sun and moon god of a thousand eyes—eyeing + his son of curly locks smilingly and with eyes expanded with delight, + seemed scarcely to be gratified. The more he gazed, the more he liked to + gaze on. And seated on one seat, the father and son enhanced the beauty of + the assembly, like the sun and moon beautifying the firmament together on + the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight. And a band of Gandharvas headed + by Tumvuru skilled in music sacred and profane, sang many verses in + melodious notes. And Ghritachi and Menaka and Rambha and Purvachitti and + Swayamprabha and Urvasi and Misrakesi and Dandagauri and Varuthini and + Gopali and Sahajanya and Kumbhayoni and Prajagara and Chitrasena and + Chitralekha and Saha and Madhuraswana, these and others by thousands, + possessed of eyes like lotus leaves, who were employed in enticing the + hearts of persons practising rigid austerities, danced there. And + possessing slim waists and fair large hips, they began to perform various + evolutions, shaking their deep bosoms, and casting their glances around, + and exhibiting other attractive attitude capable of stealing the hearts + and resolutions and minds of the spectators.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0366"> + <!-- --> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “The gods and the Gandharvas then, understanding the + wishes of India, procured an excellent Arghya and reverenced the son of + Pritha in a hurry. And giving water to wash both his feet and face, they + caused the prince to enter the palace of Indra. And thus worshipped, + Jishnu continued to live in the abode of his father. And the son of Pandu + continued all the while to acquire celestial weapons, together with the + means of withdrawing them. And he received from the hands of Sakra his + favourite weapon of irresistible force, viz., the thunder-bolt and those + other weapons also, of tremendous roar, viz., the lightnings of heaven, + whose flashes are inferable from the appearance of clouds and (the dancing + of) peacocks. And the son of Pandu, after he had obtained those weapons, + recollected his brothers. And at the command of Indra, however, he lived + for full five years in heaven, surrounded by every comfort and luxury. + </p> + <p> + “After some time, when Arjuna had obtained all the weapons. Indra + addressed him in due time, saying, ‘O son of Kunti, learn thou music and + dancing from Chitrasena. Learn the instrumental music that is current + among the celestials and which existeth not in the world of men, for, O + son of Kunti, it will be to thy benefit. And Purandara gave Chitrasena as + a friend unto Arjuna. And the son of Pritha lived happily in peace with + Chitrasena. And Chitrasena instructed Arjuna all the while in music; vocal + and instrumental and in dancing. But the active Arjuna obtained no peace + of mind, remembering the unfair play at dice of Sakuni, the son of Suvala, + and thinking with rage of Dussasana and his death. When however, his + friendship with Chitrasena had ripened fully, he at times learned the + unrivalled dance and music practised among the Gandharvas. And at last + having learnt various kinds of dance and diverse species of music, both + vocal and instrumental, that slayer of hostile heroes obtained no peace of + mind remembering his brothers and mother Kunti.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0367"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “One day, knowing that Arjuna’s glances were cast upon + Urvasi, Vasava, calling Chitrasena to himself, addressed him in private + saying, ‘O king of Gandharvas, I am pleased; go thou as my messenger to + that foremost of Apsaras, Urvasi, and let her wait upon that tiger among + men, Phalguna. Tell her, saying these words of mine, ‘As through my + instrumentality Arjuna hath learnt all the weapons and other arts, + worshipped by all, so shouldst thou make him conversant with the arts of + acquitting one’s self in female company.’ Thus addressed by Indra, the + chief of the Gandharvas in obedience to that command of Vasava, soon went + to Urvasi that foremost of Apsaras. And as he saw her, she recognised him + and delighted him by the welcome she offered and the salutation she gave. + And seated at ease he then smilingly addressed Urvasi, who also was seated + at ease, saying, ‘Let it be known, O thou of fair hips, that I come hither + despatched by the one sole lord of heaven who asketh of thee a favour. He + who is known amongst gods and men for his many inborn virtues, for his + grace, behaviour, beauty of person, vows and self-control; who is noted + for might and prowess, and respected by the virtuous, and ready-witted; + who is endued with genius and splendid energy, is of a forgiving temper + and without malice of any kind; who hath studied the four Vedas with their + branches, and the Upanishads, and the Puranas also; who is endued with + devotion to his preceptors and with intellect possessed of the eight + attributes, who by his abstinence, ability, origin and age, is alone + capable of protecting the celestial regions like Mahavat himself; who is + never boastful; who showeth proper respect to all; who beholdeth the + minutest things as clearly as if those were gross and large; who is + sweet-speeched; who showereth diverse kinds of food and drink on his + friends and dependents; who is truthful, worshipped of all, eloquent, + handsome, and without pride; who is kind to those devoted to him, and + universally pleasing and dear to all; who is firm in promise; who is equal + to even Mahendra and Varuna in respect of every desirable attribute, viz., + Arjuna, is known to thee. O Urvasi, know thou that hero is to be made to + taste the joys of heaven. Commanded by Indra, let him today obtain thy + feet. Do this, O amiable one, for Dhananjaya is inclined to thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed, Urvasi of faultless features assumed a smiling face, and + receiving the words of the Gandharva with high respect, answered with a + glad heart, saying, ‘Hearing of the virtues that should adorn men, as + unfolded by thee, I would bestow my favours upon any one who happened to + possess them. Why should I not then, choose Arjuna for a lover? At the + command of Indra, and for my friendship for thee, and moved also by the + numerous virtues of Phalguna, I am already under the influence of the god + of love. Go thou, therefore, to the place thou desirest. I shall gladly go + to Arjuna.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0368"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, ‘Having thus sent away the Gandharva successful in his + mission, Urvasi of luminous smiles, moved by the desire of possessing + Phalguna, took a bath. And having performed her ablutions, she decked + herself in charming ornaments and splendid garlands of celestial odour. + And inflamed by the god of love, and her heart pierced through and through + by the shafts shot by Manmatha keeping in view the beauty of Arjuna, and + her imagination wholly taken up by the thoughts of Arjuna, she mentally + sported with him on a wide and excellent bed laid over with celestial + sheets. And when the twilight had deepened and the moon was up, that + Apsara of high hips sent out for the mansions of Arjuna. And in that mood + and with her crisp, soft and long braids decked with bunches of flowers, + she looked extremely beautiful. With her beauty and grace, and the charm + of the motions of her eye-brows and of her soft accents, and her own moon + like face, she seemed to tread, challenging the moon himself. And as she + proceeded, her deep, finely tapering bosoms, decked with a chain of gold + and adorned with celestial unguents and smeared with fragrant sandal + paste, began to tremble. And in consequence of the weight of her bosoms, + she was forced to slightly stoop forward at every step, bending her waist + exceedingly beautiful with three folds. And her loins of faultless shape, + the elegant abode of the god of love, furnished with fair and high and + round hips and wide at their lower part as a hill, and decked with chains + of gold, and capable of shaking the saintship of anchorites, being decked + with thin attire, appeared highly graceful. And her feet with fair + suppressed ankles, and possessing flat soles and straight toes of the + colour of burnished copper and dorsum high and curved like tortoise back + and marked by the wearing of ornaments furnished with rows of little + bells, looked exceedingly handsome. And exhilarated with a little liquor + which she had taken, and excited by desire, and moving in diverse + attitudes and expressing a sensation of delight, she looked more handsome + than usual. And though heaven abounded with many wonderful objects, yet + when Urvasi proceeded in this manner, the Siddhas and Charanas and + Gandharvas regarded her to be the handsomest object they had cast their + eyes upon. And the upper half of her body clad in an attire of fine + texture and cloudy hues, she looked resplendent like a digit of the moon + in the firmament shrouded by fleecy clouds. And endued with the speed of + the winds or the mind, she of luminous smiles soon reached the mansion of + Phalguna, the son of Pandu. And, O best of men, Urvasi of beautiful eyes, + having arrived at the gate of Arjuna’s abode, sent word through the keeper + in attendance. And (on receiving permission), she soon entered that + brilliant and charming palace. But, O monarch, upon beholding her at night + in his mansion, Arjuna, with a fearstricken heart, stepped up to receive + her with respect and as soon as he saw her, the son of Pritha, from + modesty, closed his eyes. And saluting her, he offered the Apsara such + worship as is offered unto a superior. And Arjuna said, ‘O thou foremost + of the Apsaras, I reverence thee by bending my head down. O lady, let me + know thy commands. I wait upon thee as thy servant.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of Phalguna, Urvasi became + deprived of her senses. And she soon represented unto Arjuna all that had + passed between her and the Gandharva, Chitrasena. And she said, ‘O best of + men, I shall tell thee all that hath passed between me and Chitrasena, and + why I have come hither. On account of thy coming here, O Arjuna, Mahendra + had convened a large and charming assembly, in which celestial festivities + were held. Unto that assembly came, O best of men, the Rudras and the + Adityas and the Aswins and the Vasus. And there came also numbers of great + Rishis and royal sages and Siddhas and Charanas and Yakshas and great + Nagas. And, O thou of expansive eyes, the members of the assembly + resplendent as fire or the sun or the moon, having taken their seats + according to rank, honour, and prowess, O son of Sakra, the Gandharvas + began to strike the Vinas and sing charming songs of celestial melody. + And, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, the principal Apsaras also commenced + to dance. Then, O son of Pritha, thou hadst looked on me only with a + steadfast gaze. When that assembly of the celestials broke, commanded by + thy father, the gods went away to their respective places. And the + principal Apsaras also went away to their abodes, and others also, O + slayer of foes, commanded by thy father and obtaining his leave. It was + then that Chitrasena sent to me by Sakra, and arriving at my abode. O thou + of eyes like lotus leaves, he addressed me, saying, ‘O thou of the fairest + complexion, I have been sent unto thee by the chief of the celestials. Do + thou something that would be agreeable to Mahendra and myself and to + thyself also. O thou of fair hips, seek thou to please Arjuna, who is + brave in battle even like Sakra himself, and who is always possessed of + magnanimity.’ Even these, O son of Pritha, were his words. Thus, O sinless + one, commanded by him and thy father also, I come to thee in order to wait + upon thee, O slayer of foes. My heart hath been attracted by thy virtues, + and am already under the influence of the god of love. And, O hero, even + this is my wish, and I have cherished it for ever!” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “While in heaven, hearing her speak in this + strain, Arjuna was overcome with bashfulness. And shutting his ears with + his hands, he said, ‘O blessed lady, fie on my sense of hearing, when thou + speakest thus to me. For, O thou of beautiful face, thou art certainly + equal in my estimation unto the wife of a superior. Even as Kunti here + even this is my wish, and I have cherished it for ever!” + </p> + <p> + [Some text is obviously missing here—JBH] of high fortune or Sachi + the queen of Indra, art thou to me, O auspicious one, of this there is no + doubt! That I had gazed particularly at thee, O blessed one, is true. + There was a reason for it. I shall truly tell it to thee, O thou of + luminous smiles! In the assembly I gazed at thee with eyes expanded in + delight, thinking, ‘Even this blooming lady is the mother of the Kaurava + race.’ O blessed Apsara, it behoveth thee not to entertain other feelings + towards me, for thou art superior to my superiors, being the parent of my + race.’” + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Arjuna, Urvasi answered, saying, ‘O son of The + chief of the celestials, we Apsaras are free and unconfined in our choice. + It behoveth thee not, therefore, to esteem me as thy superior. The sons + and grandsons of Puru’s race, that have come hither in consequence of + ascetic merit do all sport with us, without incurring any sin. Relent, + therefore, O hero, it behoveth thee not to send me away. I am burning with + desire. I am devoted to thee. Accept me, O thou giver of proper respect.’” + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna replied, ‘O beautiful lady of features perfectly faultless, + listen. I truly tell thee. Let the four directions and the transverse + directions, let also the gods listen. O sinless one, as Kunti, or Madri, + or Sachi, is to me, so art thou, the parent of my race, an object of + reverence to me. Return, O thou of the fairest complexion: I bend my head + unto thee, and prostrate myself at thy feet. Thou deservest my worship as + my own mother; and it behoveth thee to protect me as a son.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Partha, Urvasi was deprived of + her senses by wrath. Trembling with rage, and contracting her brows, she + cursed Arjuna, saying, ‘Since thou disregardest a woman come to thy + mansion at the command of thy father and of her own motion—a woman, + besides, who is pierced by the shafts of Kama, therefore, O Partha, thou + shalt have to pass thy time among females unregarded, and as a dancer, and + destitute of manhood and scorned as a eunuch.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having cursed Arjuna thus, Urvasi’s lips still + quivered in anger, herself breathing heavily all the while. And she soon + returned to her own abode. And that slayer of foes, Arjuna also sought + Chitrasena without loss of time. And having found him, he told him all + that had passed between him and Urvasi in the night. And he told + Chitrasena everything as it had happened, repeatedly referring to the + curse pronounced upon him. And Chitrasena also represented everything unto + Sakra. And Harivahana, calling his son unto himself in private, and + consoling him in sweet words, smilingly said, ‘O thou best of beings, + having obtained thee, O child, Pritha hath to-day become a truly blessed + mother. O mighty-armed one, thou hast now vanquished even Rishis by the + patience and self-control. But, O giver of proper respect, the curse that + Urvasi hath denounced on thee will be to thy benefit, + </p> + <p> + O child, and stand thee in good stead. O sinless one, ye will have on + earth to pass the thirteenth year (of your exile), unknown to all. It is + then that thou shalt suffer the curse of Urvasi. And having passed one + year as a dancer without manhood, thou shalt regain thy power on the + expiration of the term.’” + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed by Sakra, that slayer of hostile heroes, Phalguna, + experienced great delight and ceased to think of the curse. And + Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, sported in regions of heaven with the + Gandharva Chitrasena of great celebrity.” + </p> + <p> + “The desires of the man that listeneth to this history of the son of Pandu + never run after lustful ends. The foremost of men, by listening to this + account of the awfully pure conduct of Phalguna, the son of the lord of + the celestials, become void of pride and arrogance and wrath and other + faults, and ascending to heaven, sport there in bliss.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0369"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “One day, the great Rishi Lomasa in course of his + wanderings, went to the abode of Indra, desirous of beholding the lord of + the celestials. And the great Muni, having approached the chief of the + gods, bowed to him respectfully. And he beheld the son of Pandu occupying + half of the seat of Vasava. And worshipped by the great Rishis, that + foremost of Brahmanas sat on an excellent seat at the desire of Sakra. And + beholding Arjuna seated on Indra’s seat, the Rishi began to think as to + how Arjuna who was a Kshatriya had attained to the seat of Sakra himself. + What acts of merit had been performed by him and what regions, had been + conquered by him (by ascetic merit), that he had obtained a seat that was + worshipped by the gods themselves? And as the Rishi was employed with + these thoughts, Sakra, the slayer of Vritra, came to know of them. And + having known them, the lord of Sachi addressed Lomasa with a smile and + said, ‘Listen, O Brahmarshi, about what is now passing in thy mind. This + one is no mortal though he hath taken his birth among men. O great Rishi, + the mighty-armed hero is even my son born of Kunti. He hath come hither, + in order to acquire weapons for some purpose. Alas! dost thou not + recognise him as an ancient Rishi of the highest merit? Listen to me, O + Brahamana, as I tell thee who is and why he hath come to me. Those ancient + and excellent Rishis who were known by the names of Nara and Narayana are, + know, O Brahmana, none else than Hrishikesa and Dhananjaya. And those + Rishis, celebrated throughout the three worlds, and known by the names of + Nara and Narayana have, for the accomplishment of a certain purpose, been + born on earth—for the acquisition of virtue. That sacred asylum + which even gods and illustrious Rishis are not competent to behold, and + which is known throughout the world by the name of Vadari, and situate by + the source of the Ganga, which is worshipped by the Siddhas and the + Charanas, was the abode, O Brahmana, of Vishnu and Jishnu. Those Rishis of + blazing splendour have, O Brahmarshi, at my desire, been born on earth, + and endued with mighty energy, will lighten the burden thereof. Besides + this, there are certain Asuras known as Nivatakavachas, who, proud of the + boon they have acquired, are employed in doing us injuries. Boastful of + their strength, they are even now planning the destruction of the gods, + for, having received a boon, they no longer regard the gods. Those fierce + and mighty Danavas live in the nether regions. Even all the celestials + together are incapable of fighting with them. The blessed Vishnu—the + slayer of Madhu—he, indeed who is known on earth as Kapila, and + whose glance alone, O exalted one, destroyed the illustrious sons of + Sagara, when they approached him with loud sounds in the bowels of the + earth,—that illustrious and invincible Hari is capable, O Brahmana + of doing us a great service. Either he or Partha or both may do us that + great service, without doubt. Verily as the illustrious Hari had slain the + Nagas in the great lake, he, by sight alone, is capable of slaying those + Asuras called the Nivatakavachas, along with their followers. But the + slayer of Madhu should not be urged when the task is insignificant. A + mighty mass of energy that he is. It swelleth to increasing proportions, + it may consume the whole universe. This Arjuna also is competent to + encounter them all, and the hero having slain them in battle, will go back + to the world of men. Go thou at my request to earth. Thou wilt behold the + brave Yudhishthira living in the woods of Kamyaka. And for me tell thou + the virtuous Yudhishthira of unbaffled prowess in battle, that he should + not be anxious on account of Phalguna, for that hero will return to earth + a thorough master of weapons, for without sanctified prowess of arms, and + without skill in weapons, he would not be able to encounter Bhishma and + Drona and others in battle. Thou wilt also represent unto Yudhishthira + that the illustrious and mighty-armed Gudakesa, having obtained weapons, + hath also mastered the science of celestial dancing and music both + instrumental and vocal. And thou wilt also tell him, O king of men, O + slayer of foes, thyself also, accompanied by all thy brothers, should see + the various sacred shrines. For having bathed in different sacred waters, + thou wilt be cleansed from thy sins, and the fever of thy heart will + abate. And then thou wilt be able to enjoy thy kingdom, happy in the + thought that thy sins have been washed off. And, O foremost of Brahmanas, + endued with ascetic power, it behoveth thee also to protect Yudhishthira + during his wandering over the earth. Fierce Rakshasas ever live in + mountain fastnesses and rugged steppes. Protect thou the king from those + cannibals.’ + </p> + <p> + “After Mahendra had spoken thus unto Lomasa, Vibhatsu also reverently + addressed that Rishi, saying, ‘Protect thou ever the son of Pandu. O best + of men, let the king, O great Rishi, protected by thee, visit the various + places of pilgrimage and give away unto Brahmanas in charity.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “The mighty ascetic Lomasa, having answered both + saying, ‘So be it,’ set out for the earth, desirous of arriving at + Kamvaka. And having arrived at those woods, he beheld the slayer of foes + and son of Kunti, king Yudhishthira the just, surrounded by ascetics and + his younger brothers.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0370"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVIII + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “These feats of Pritha’s son endued with immeasurable + energy, were certainly marvellous. O Brahmana, what did Dhritarashtra of + great wisdom say, when he heard of them?” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Amvika’s son, king Dhritarashtra, having heard of + Arjuna’s arrival and stay at Indra’s abode, from Dwaipayana, that foremost + of Rishis, spake unto Sanjaya, saying, ‘O charioteer, dost thou know in + detail the acts of the intelligent Arjuna, of which I have heard from + beginning to end? O charioteer, my wretched and sinful son is even now + engaged in a policy of the most vulgar kind. Of wicked soul, he will + certainly depopulate the earth. The illustrious person whose words even in + jest are true, and who hath Dhananjaya to fight for him, is sure to win + the three worlds. Who that is even beyond the influence of Death and Decay + will be able to stay before Arjuna, when he will scatter his barbed and + sharp-pointed arrows whetted on stone? My wretched sons, who have to fight + with the invincible Pandavas are indeed, all doomed. Reflecting day and + night, I see not the warrior amongst us that is able to stay in battle + before the wielder of the Gandiva. If Drona, or Karna, or even Bhishma + advance against him in battle, a great calamity is likely to befall the + earth. But even in that case, I see not the way to our success Karna is + kind and forgetful. The preceptor Drona is old, and the teacher (of + Arjuna) Arjuna, however, is wrathful, and strong, and proud, and of firm + and steady prowess. As all these warriors are invincible, a terrible fight + will take place between them. All of them are heroes skilled in weapons + and of great reputation. They would not wish for the sovereignty of the + world, if it was to be purchased by defeat. Indeed, peace will be restored + only on the death of these or of Phalguna. The slayer of Arjuna, however, + existeth not, nor doth one that can vanquish him. Oh, how shall that wrath + of his which hath myself for its object be pacified. Equal unto the chief + of the celestials, that hero gratified Agni at Khandava and vanquished all + the monarchs of the earth on the occasion of the great Rajasuya. O + Sanjaya, the thunder-bolt falling on the mountain top, leaveth a portion + unconsumed; but the shafts, O child, that are shot by Kiriti leave not a + rack behind. As the rays of the sun heat this mobile and immobile + universe, so will the shafts shot by Arjuna’s hands scorch my sons. It + seemeth to me that the Chamus of the Bharatas, terrified at the clatter of + Arjuna’s chariot-wheels, are already broken through in all directions. + Vidhatri hath created Arjuna as an all-consuming Destroyer. He stayeth in + battle as a foe, vomitting and scattering swarms of arrows. Who is there + that will defeat him?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0371"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘That which hath been uttered by thee, O king, with respect + to Duryodhana is all true. Nothing that thou hast said, O lord of the + earth, is untrue. The Pandavas of immeasurable energy have been filled + with rage at the sight of Krishna their wedded wife of pure fame—brought + in the midst of the assembly. Hearing also those cruel words of Dussasana + and Karna, they have been so incensed, O king, that they will not, I ween, + forgive (the Kurus) on my account. I have heard, O king, how Arjuna hath + gratified in battle by means of his bow the god of gods—Sthanu of + eleven forms. The illustrious lord of all the gods—Kapardin himself—desirous + of testing Phalguna, fought with him, having assumed the guise of a + Kirata. And there it was that the Lokapala, in order to give away their + weapons unto that bull of the Kuru race, showed themselves unto him of + undeteriorating prowess. What other man on earth, except Phalguna, would + strive to have a sight of these gods in their own forms? And, O king, who + is there that will weaken in battle Arjuna, who could not be weakened by + Maheswara himself possessed of eight forms? Thy sons, having dragged + Draupadi, and thereby incensed the sons of Pandu, have brought this + frightful and horrifying calamity upon themselves. Beholding Duryodhana + showing both his thighs unto Draupadi, Bhima said with quivering lips, + ‘wretch! those thighs of thine will I smash with my fierce descending + mace, on the expiration of thirteen years.’ All the sons of Pandu are the + foremost of smiters; all of them are of immeasurable energy; all of them + are well-versed in every kind of weapons. For these, they are incapable of + being vanquished even by the gods. Incensed at the insult offered to their + wedded wife, Pritha’s sons, urged by wrath, will, I ween, slay all thy + sons in battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O charioteer, what mischief hath been done by Karna + uttering those cruel words, to the sons of Pandu! Was not the enmity + sufficient that was provoked by bringing Krishna into the assembly? How + can my wicked sons live, whose eldest brother and preceptor walketh not in + the path of righteousness? Seeing me void of eye-sight, and incapable of + exerting myself actively, my wretched son, O charioteer, believeth me to + be a fool, and listeneth not to my words. Those wretches also that are his + counsellors, viz., Karna and Suvala, and others, always pander to his + vices, as he is incapable of understanding things rightly. The shafts that + Arjuna of immeasurable prowess may lightly shoot, are capable of consuming + all my sons, leave alone those shafts that he will shoot, impelled by + anger. The arrows urged by the might of Arjuna’s arms and shot from his + large bow, and inspired with mantras capable of converting them into + celestial weapons can chastise the celestials themselves. He who hath for + his counsellor and protector and friend that smiter of sinful men—the + lord of the three worlds—Hari himself—encountereth nothing + that he cannot conquer. This, O Sanjaya, is most marvellous in Arjuna + that, as we have heard, he hath been clasped by Mahadeva in his arms. That + also which Phalguna, assisted by Damodara did of old towards helping Agni + in the conflagration of Khandava, hath been witnessed by all the world. + When, therefore, Bhima and Partha and Vasudeva of the Satwata race become + enraged, surely my sons along with their friends and the Suvalas are all + unequal to fight with them.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0372"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION L + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “Having sent the heroic sons of Pandu into exile, these + lamentations, O Muni, of Dhritarashtra were perfectly futile. Why did the + king permit his foolish son Duryodhana to thus incense those mighty + warriors, the sons of Pandu? Tell us now, O Brahmana, what was the food of + the sons of Pandu, while they lived in the woods? Was it of the + wilderness, or was it the produce of cultivation?” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Those bulls among men, collecting the produce of the + wilderness and killing the deer with pure arrows, first dedicated a + portion of the food to the Brahmanas, and themselves are the rest. For, O + king, while those heroes wielding large bows lived in the woods, they were + followed by Brahmanas of both classes, viz., those worshipping with fire + and those worshipping without it. And there were ten thousand illustrious + Snataka Brahmanas, all conversant with the means of salvation, whom + Yudhishthira supported in the woods. And killing with arrows Rurus and the + black deer and other kinds of clean animals of the wilderness, he gave + them unto those Brahmanas. And no one that lived with Yudhishthira looked + pale or ill, or was lean or weak, or was melancholy or terrified. And the + chief of the Kurus—the virtuous king Yudhishthira—maintained + his brothers as if they were his sons, and his relatives as if they were + his uterine brothers. And Draupadi of pure fame fed her husbands and the + Brahmanas, as if she was their mother; and last of all took her food + herself. And the king himself wending towards the east, and Bhima, towards + the south, and the twins, towards the west and the north, daily killed + with bow in hand the deer of the forest, for the sake of meat. And it was + that the Pandavas lived for five years in the woods of Kamyaka, in anxiety + at the absence of Arjuna, and engaged all the while in study and prayers + and sacrifices.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0373"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “That bull among men—Dhritarashtra—the son + of Amvika, having heard of this wonderful way of life—so above that + of men—of the sons of Pandu, was filled with anxiety and grief. And + overwhelmed with melancholy and sighing heavily and hot, that monarch, + addressing his charioteer Sanjaya, said, ‘O charioteer, a moment’s peace I + have not, either during the day or the night, thinking of the terrible + misbehaviour of my sons arising out of their past gambling, and thinking + also of the heroism, the patience, the high intelligence, the unbearable + prowess, and the extraordinary love unto one another of the sons of Pandu. + Amongst the Pandavas, the illustrious Nakula and Sahadeva, of celestial + origin and equal unto the chief himself of the celestials in splendour, + are invincible in battle. They are firm in the wielding of weapons, + capable of shooting at a long distance, resolute in battle, of remarkable + lightness of hand, of wrath that is not easily quelled, possessed of great + steadiness, and endued with activity. Possessed of the prowess of lions + and unbearable as the Aswins themselves, when they will come to the field + of battle with Bhima and Arjuna in front, I see, O Sanjaya, that my + soldiers will all be slain without a remnant. Those mighty warriors of + celestial origin, unrivalled in battle by anybody, filled with rage at the + remembrance of that insult to Draupadi, will show no forgiveness. The + mighty warriors of the Vrishnis also, and the Panchalas of great energy, + and the sons of Pritha themselves, led by Vasudeva of unbaffled prowess, + will blast my legions. O charioteer, all the warriors on my side assembled + together, are not competent to bear the impetus of the Vrishnis alone when + commanded by Rama and Krishna. And amongst them will move that great + warrior Bhima of terrible prowess, armed with his iron mace held on high + and capable of slaying every hero. And high above the din will be heard + the twang of the Gandiva loud as the thunder of heaven. The impetus of + Bhima’s mace and the loud twang of the Gandiva are incapable of being + stood against by any of the kings on my side. It is then, O Sanjaya, that + obedient as I have been to the voice of Duryodhana, I shall have to call + back the rejected counsels of my friends—counsels that I should have + attended to in time.’” + </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “This hath been thy great fault, O king, viz., that though + capable, thou didst not, from affection prevent thy son from doing what he + hath done. The slayer of Madhu, that hero of unfading glory, hearing that + the Pandavas had been defeated at dice, soon went to the woods of Kamyaka + and consoled them there. And Draupadi’s sons also headed by + Dhrishtadyumna, and Virata, and Dhrishtaketu, and those mighty warriors, + the Kekayas, all went there. All that was said by these warriors at the + sight of Pandu’s son defeated at dice, was learnt by me through our spies. + I have also told thee all, O king. When the slayer of Madhu met the + Pandavas, they requested him to become the charioteer of Phalguna in + battle. Hari himself, thus requested, answered them, saying, ‘so be it.’ + And even Krishna himself beholding the sons of Pritha dressed in deer + skins, became filled with rage, and addressing Yudhishthira, said, ‘That + prosperity which the sons of Pritha had acquired at Indraprastha, and + which, unobtainable by other kings, was beheld by me at the Rajasuya + sacrifice, at which, besides, I saw all kings, even those of the Vangas + and Angas and Paundras and Odras and Cholas and Dravidas and Andhakas, and + the chiefs of many islands and countries on the sea-board as also of + frontier states, including the rulers of the Sinhalas, the barbarous + mlecchas, the natives of Lanka, and all the kings of the West by hundreds, + and all the chiefs of the sea-coast, and the kings of the Pahlavas and the + Daradas and the various tribes of the Kiratas and Yavanas and Sakras and + the Harahunas and Chinas and Tukharas and the Sindhavas and the Jagudas + and the Ramathas and the Mundas and the inhabitants of the kingdom of + women and the Tanganas and the Kekayas and the Malavas and the inhabitants + of Kasmira, afraid of the prowess of your weapons, present in obedience to + your invitation, performing various offices,—that prosperity, O + king, so unstable and waiting at present on the foe, I shall restore to + thee, depriving thy foe of his very life. I shall, O chief of the Kurus, + assisted by Rama and Bhima and Arjuna and the twins and Akrura and Gada + and Shamva and Pradyumna and Ahuka and the heroic Dhrishtadyumna and the + son of Sisupala, slay in battle in course of a day Duryodhana and Karna + and Dussasana and Suvala’s son and all others who may fight against us. + And thou shalt, O Bharata, living at Hastinapura along with thy brothers, + and snatching from Dhritarashtra’s party the prosperity they are enjoying, + rule this earth.’ Even these, O king, were Krishna’s words unto + Yudhishthira, who, on the conclusion of Krishna’s speech, addressed him in + that meeting of heroes and in the hearing of all those brave warriors + headed by Dhrishtadyumna, saying, ‘O Janardana, I accept these words of + thine as truth. O thou of mighty arms, do thou, however, slay my enemies + along with all their followers on the expiry of thirteen years. O Kesava, + promise this truly unto me. I promised in the presence of the king to live + in the forest as I am now living.’ Consenting to these words of king + Yudhishthira the just, his counsellors headed by Dhrishtadyumna soon + pacified the incensed Kesava with sweet words and expressions suitable to + the occasion. And they also said unto Draupadi of pure deeds in the + hearing of Vasudeva himself, these words, ‘O lady, in consequence of thy + anger, Duryodhana shall lay down his life. We promise it, O thou of the + fairest complexion. Therefore, grieve no more. O Krishna, those that + mocked thee, beholding thee won at dice, shall reap the fruit of their + act. Beasts of prey and birds shall eat their flesh, and mock them thus. + Jackals and vultures will drink their blood. And, O Krishna, thou shalt + behold the bodies of those wretches that dragged thee by the hair + prostrate on the earth, dragged and eaten by carnivorous animals. They + also that gave thee pain and disregarded thee shall lie on the earth + destitute of their heads, and the earth herself shall drink their blood.’ + These and other speeches of various kinds were uttered there, O king, by + those bulls of the Bharata race. All of them are endued with energy and + bravery, and marked with the marks of battle. On the expiration of the + thirteenth year, those mighty warriors, chosen by Yudhishthira and headed + by Vasudeva, will come (to the field of battle). Rama and Krishna and + Dhananjaya and Pradyumna and Shamva and Yuyudhana and Bhima and the sons + of Madri and the Kekaya princes and the Panchala princes, accompanied by + the king of Matsya, these all, illustrious and celebrated and invincible + heroes, with their followers and troops, will come. Who is there that, + desiring to live, will encounter these in battle, resembling angry lions + of erect manes?’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, “What Vidura told me at the time of the game at dice, + ‘If thou seekest, O king, to vanquish the Pandavas (at dice), then + certainly a terrible blood-shed ending in the destruction of all the Kurus + will be the result,’ I think it is about to be realised. As Vidura told me + of old, without doubt a terrible battle will take place, as soon as the + pledged period of the Pandavas expireth.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0374"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LII + </h2> + <h3> + (Nalopakhyana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “When the high-souled Partha went to Indra’s region for + obtaining weapons, what did Yudhishthira and the other sons of Pandu do?” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “When the high-souled Partha went to Indra’s region for + obtaining weapons, those bulls of the Bharata race continued to dwell with + Krishna in (the woods of) Kamyaka. One day, those foremost of the + Bharatas, afflicted with grief, were seated with Krishna on a clean and + solitary sward. Grieving for Dhananjaya, overwhelmed with sorrow, their + voices were choked with weeping. Tortured by Dhananjaya’s absence, grief + afflicted them equally. And filled with sorrow at their separation from + Arjuna and at the loss of their kingdom, the mighty-armed Bhima among them + addressed Yudhishthira, saying, “That Bull of the Bharata race, Arjuna, O + great king, on whom depend the lives of Pandu’s sons, and on whose death + the Panchalas as also ourselves with our sons and Satyaki and Vasudeva are + sure to die, hath gone away at thy behest. What can be sadder than this + that the virtuous Vibhatsu hath gone away at thy command, thinking of his + many griefs? Depending upon the might of that illustrious hero’s arms, + regard our foes as already vanquished in battle, and the whole earth + itself as already acquired by us. It was for the sake of that mighty + warrior that I refrained from sending to the other world all the + Dhartarashtras along with the Suvalas, in the midst of the assembly. + Gifted with might of arms, and supported by Vasudeva, we have to suppress + the wrath that hath been roused in us, because thou art the root of that + wrath. Indeed, with Krishna’s help, slaying our foes headed by Karna, we + are able to rule the entire earth (thus) conquered by our own arms. Endued + with manliness, we are yet overwhelmed with calamities, in consequence of + thy gambling vice, while the foolish null of Dhritarashtra are growing + stronger with the tributes (gathered from dependent kings). O mighty + monarch, it behoveth thee to keep in view the duties of the Kshatriya. O + great king, it is not the duty of a Khsatriya to live in the woods. The + wise are of the opinion that to rule is the foremost duty of a Kshatriya. + O king, thou art conversant with Kshatriya morality. Do not, therefore, + deviate from the path of duty. Turning away from the woods, let us, + summoning Partha and Janardana, slay, O king, the sons of Dhritarashtra, + even before the twelve years are complete. O illustrious monarch O king of + kings, even if these Dhartarashtras be surrounded by soldiers in array of + battle, I shall send them to the other world by dint of might alone. I + shall slay all the sons of Dhritarashtra along with the Sauvalas, indeed, + Duryodhana, Karna, and any one else that will fight with me. And after I + shall have slain all our foes, thou mayst come back unto the woods. By + acting thus, O king, no fault will be thine. (Or if any sin be thine), O + represser of foes, O mighty monarch, washing it off, O sire, by various + sacrifices, we may ascend to a superior heaven. Such a consummation may + come to pass, if our king proveth not unwise or procrastinating. Thou art, + however, virtuous. Verily the deceitful should be destroyed by deceit. To + slay the deceitful by deceit, is not regarded as sinful. O Bharata, it is, + also said by those versed in morality that one day and night is, O great + prince, equal unto a full year. The Veda text also, exalted one, is often + heard, signifying that a year is equivalent to a day when passed in the + observance of certain difficult vows. O thou of unfading glory, if the + Vedas are an authority with thee, regard thou the period of a day and + something more as the equivalent of thirteen years. O represser of foes, + this is the time to slay Duryodhana with his adherents. Else, O king, he + will beforehand bring the whole earth obedient to his will. O foremost of + monarchs, all this is the result of thy addiction to gambling. We are on + the verge of destruction already, in consequence of thy promise of living + one year undiscovered. I do not find the country where, if we live, the + wicked-minded Suyodhana may not be able to trace us by his spies. And + finding us out, that wretch will again deceitfully send us into such exile + in the woods. Or if that sinful one beholdeth us emerge, after the expiry + of the pledged period of non-discovery, he will again invite thee, O great + king, to dice, and the play will once more begin. Summoned once more, thou + wilt again efface thyself at dice. Thou art not skilled at dice, and when + summoned at play, thou wilt be deprived of thy senses. Therefore, O mighty + monarch thou wilt have to lead a life in the woods again. If, O mighty + king, it behoveth thee not to make us wretched for life, observe thou + fully the ordinance of the Vedas, (which inculcateth that) verily the + deceitful ought to be slain by deceit. If I but have thy command I would + go (to Hastinapura) and, even as fire falling upon a heap of grass + consumeth it, would slay Duryodhana, putting forth my utmost might. It + behoveth thee, therefore, to grant me the permission.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Bhima, king Yudhishthira the + just, smelt the crown of that son of Pandu, and pacifying him said, ‘O + mighty-armed one, without doubt, thou wilt, assisted by the wielder of the + Gandiva, slay Suyodhana at the expiry of the thirteenth year. But, O son + of Pritha, as for thy assertion, ‘O Lord, the time is complete’, I cannot + dare tell an untruth, for untruth is not in me. O son of Kunti, without + the help of fraud, wilt thou kill the wicked and irrepressible Duryodhana, + with his allies.’ + </p> + <p> + “While Yudhishthira the just, was speaking unto Bhima thus, there came the + great and illustrious Rishi Vrihadaswa before them. And beholding that + virtuous ascetic before him, the righteous king worshipped him according + to the ordinance, with the offering of Madhuparka. And when the ascetic + was seated and refreshed, the mighty-armed Yudhishthira sat by him, and + looking up at the former, addressed him thus in exceedingly piteous + accents: + </p> + <p> + ‘O holy one, summoned by cunning gamblers skilled at dice, I have been + deprived of wealth and kingdom through gambling. I am not an adept at + dice, and am unacquainted with deceit. Sinful men, by unfair means, + vanquished me at play. They even brought into the public assembly my wife + dearer unto me than life itself. And defeating me a second time, they have + sent me to distressful exile in this great forest, clad in deer skins. At + present I am leading a distressful life in the woods in grief of heart. + Those harsh and cruel speeches they addressed me on the occasion of that + gambling match, and the words of my afflicted friends relating to the + match at dice and other subjects, are all stored up in my remembrance. + Recollecting them I pass the whole night in (sleepless) anxiety. Deprived + also (of the company) of the illustrious wielder of the Gandiva, on whom + depend the lives of us all, I am almost deprived of life. Oh, when shall I + see the sweet-speeched and large-hearted Vibhatsu so full of kindness and + activity, return to us, having obtained all weapons? Is there a king on + this earth who is more unfortunate than myself? Hast thou ever seen or + heard of any such before? To my thinking, there is no man more wretched + than I am.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘O great king, O son of Pandu, thou sayest, ‘There is no + person more miserable than I am’ O sinless monarch, if thou wilt listen, I + will relate unto thee the history of a king more wretched than thyself? + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “And thereupon the king said unto the ascetic, ‘O + illustrious one, tell me, I desire to hear the history of the king who had + fallen into such a condition.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘O king, O thou that never fallest off, listen + attentively with thy brothers, I will narrate the history of a prince more + miserable than thyself. There was a celebrated king among the Nishadhas, + named Virasena. He had a son named Nala, versed in (the knowledge of) + virtue and wealth. It hath been heard by us that, that king was + deceitfully defeated by Pushkara, and afflicted with calamity, he dwelt in + the woods with his spouse. And, O king, while he was living in the forest, + he had neither slaves nor cars, neither brother nor friends with him. But + thou art surrounded by thy heroic brothers like unto the celestials, and + also by foremost regenerate ones like unto Brahma himself. Therefore, it + behoveth thee not to grieve.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘I am anxious to hear in detail, O thou foremost of + eloquent men, the history of the illustrious Nala. It behoveth thee + therefore to relate it unto me.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0375"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIII + </h2> + <p> + Vrihadaswa said, “There was a king named Nala, the son of Virasena. And he + was strong, and handsome, and well-versed in (the knowledge of) horses, + and possessed of every desirable accomplishment. And he was at the head of + all the kings, even like the lord of the celestials. And exalted over all, + he resembled the sun in glory. And he was the king of the Nishadhas, + intent on the welfare of the Brahmanas, versed in the Vedas, and possessed + of heroism. And he was truth-telling, fond of dice, and the master of a + mighty army. And he was the beloved of men and women, and of great soul + and subdued passions. And he was the protector (of all), and the foremost + of bowmen, and like unto Manu himself. And like him, there was among the + Vidarbhas (a king named) Bhima, of terrible prowess, heroic and + well-disposed towards his subjects and possessed of every virtue. (But + withal) he was childless. And with a fixed mind, he tried his utmost for + obtaining issue. And. O Bharata there came unto him (once) a Brahmarshi + named Damana. And, O king of kings, desirous of having offspring, Bhima, + versed in morality, with his queen gratified that illustrious Rishi by a + respectful reception. And Damana, well-pleased, granted unto the king and + his consort a boon in the form of a jewel of a daughter, and three sons + possessed of lofty souls and great fame. (And they were called + respectively) Damayanti, and Dama and Danta, and illustrious Damana. And + the three sons were possessed of every accomplishment and terrible mien + and fierce prowess. And the slender-waisted Damayanti, in beauty and + brightness, in good name and grace and luck, became celebrated all over + the world. And on her attaining to age, hundreds of hand-maids, and female + slaves, decked in ornaments, waited upon her like Sachi herself. And + Bhima’s daughter of faultless features, decked in every ornament, shone in + the midst of her hand-maids, like the luminous lightning of the clouds. + And the large-eyed damsel was possessed of great beauty like that of Sree + herself. And neither among celestials, nor among Yakshas, nor among men + was anybody possessed of such beauty, seen or heard of before. And the + beautiful maiden filled with gladness the hearts of even the gods. And + that tiger among men, Nala also had not his peer in the (three) worlds: + for in beauty he was like Kandarpa himself in his embodied form. And moved + by admiration, the heralds again and again celebrated the praises of Nala + before Damayanti and those of Damayanti before the ruler of the Nishadhas. + And repeatedly hearing of each other’s virtues they conceived an + attachment towards each other not begot of sight, and that attachment, O + son of Kunti began to grow in strength. And then Nala was unable to + control the love that was in his bosom. And he began to pass much of his + time in solitude in the gardens adjoining the inner apartment (of his + palace). And there he saw a number of swans furnished with golden wings, + wandering in those woods. And from among them he caught one with his + hands. And thereupon the sky-ranging one said unto Nala. ‘Deserve I not to + be slain by thee. O king. I will do something that is agreeable to thee. O + king of the Nishadhas. I will speak of thee before Damayanti in such a way + that she will not ever desire to have any other person (for her lord).’ + Thus addressed, the king liberated that swan. And those swans then rose on + their wings and went to the country of the Vidarbhas. And on arriving at + the city of the Vidarbhas the birds alighted before Damayanti, who beheld + them all. And Damayanti in the midst of her maids, beholding those birds + of extraordinary appearance was filled with delight, and strove without + loss of time to catch those coursers of the skies. And the swans at this, + before that bevy of beauties, fled in all directions. And those maidens + there pursued the birds, each (running) after one. And the swan after + which Damayanti ran, having led her to a secluded spot, addressed her in + human speech, saying, O Damayanti, there is a king amongst the Nishadhas + named Nala. He is equal unto the Aswins in beauty, not having his peer + among men. Indeed, in comeliness, he is like Kandarpa himself in his + embodied form. O fair-complexioned one, O thou of slender waist, if thou + becomest his wife, thy existence and this thy beauty may be of purpose. We + have, indeed, beheld celestials and Gandharvas, and Nagas, and Rakshasas, + and men, but never saw we before any one like Nala. Thou also art a jewel + among thy sex, as Nala is the prime among men. The union of the best with + the best is happy.’ Thus addressed by the swan. Damayanti, O monarch, + replied unto him there, saying, ‘Do thou speak thus unto Nala also, + ‘Saying So be it, to the daughter of Vidarbha, the oviparous one, O king, + returned to the country of the Nishadhas, and related everything unto + Nala.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0376"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIV + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘O Bharata, hearing those words of the swan, Damayanti + thenceforth lost all peace of mind on account of Nala. And heaving + frequent sighs she was filled with anxiety, and became melancholy and + pale-faced and lean. And with her heart possessed by the god of love, she + soon lost colour, and with her upturned gaze and modes of abstraction, + looked like one demented. And she lost all inclination for beds and seats + and object of enjoyment. And she ceased to lie down by day or night, + always weeping with exclamation of Oh! and Alas! And beholding her uneasy + and fallen into that condition, her hand-maids represented, O king, the + matter of her illness unto the ruler of Vidarbha by indirect hints. And + king Bhima, hearing of this from the handmaids of Damayanti, regarded the + affair of his daughter to be serious. And he asked himself, ‘Why is it + that my daughter seemeth to be so ill now?’ And the king, reflecting by + himself that his daughter had attained to puberty, concluded that + Damayanti’s Swayamvara should take place. And the monarch, O exalted one, + (invited) all the rulers of the earth, saying, Ye heroes, know that + Damayanti’s Swayamvara is at hand, And all the kings, hearing of + Damayanti’s Swayamvara, came unto Bhima, agreeable to his message, filling + the earth with the clatter of their cars, the roar of their elephants, and + the neighing of their horses, and accompanied with their fine-looking + battalions decked in ornaments and graceful garlands. And the mighty-armed + Bhima paid due reverence unto those illustrious monarchs. And duly + honoured by him they took up their quarters there.’ + </p> + <p> + “And at the juncture, those foremost of celestial Rishis possessed of + great splendour, of great wisdom and great vows—namely, Narada and + Parvata—having arrived in course of their wandering at the regions + of Indra entered the mansion of the lord of the immortals, receiving + proper worship. And Maghavat having worshipped them reverentially, + inquired after their undisturbed peace and welfare as regards all + respects. And Narada said, ‘O lord, O divine one, peace attendeth us in + every respect. And, O Maghavat, peace attendeth also O exalted one, the + kings of the whole world.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued. ‘Hearing the words of Narada the slaver of Vala and + Vritra said, ‘Those righteous rulers of the earth who fight renouncing all + desire of life, and who meet death when their time is come by means of + weapons, without flying from the field,—theirs is this region, + everlasting unto them and granting all desires, even as it is to me. Where + be those Kshatriya heroes? I do not see those kings approach (now) Where + are my favourite guests?’ Thus addressed by Sakra, Narada replied, + ‘Listen, O Mahavat, why seest not thou the kings (now)? The ruler of the + Vidarbhas hath a daughter—the celebrated Damayanti. In beauty she + transcendeth all the women of the earth. Her Swayamvara, O Sakra, will + take place shortly. Thither are going all the kings and Princes from all + directions. And all the lords of the earth desire to have that pearl of + the earth,—desire to have her eagerly, O slaver of Vala and Vritra.’ + And while they were talking thus, those foremost of the immortals, the + Lokapalas with Agni among them, appeared before the lord of the + celestials. And all of them heard the words of Narada fraught with grave + import. And as soon as they heard them, they exclaimed in rapture, We also + will go there. And, O mighty monarch, accompanied by their attendants and + mounted on their (respective) vehicles, they set out for the country of + Vidarbhas, whither (had gone) all the kings. And, O son of Kunti, the + high-souled king Nala also hearing of that concourse of kings, set out + with a cheerful heart, full of Damayanti’s love. And (it came to pass) + that the gods saw Nala on the way treading on the earth. And his form + owing to its beauty was like that of the god of love himself. And + beholding him resplendent as the sun, the Lokapalas were filled with + astonishment at his wealth of beauty, and abandoned their intention. And, + O king, leaving their cars in the sky the dwellers of heaven alighted from + the welkin and spake unto the ruler of the Nishadhas, saying, ‘O foremost + of monarchs ruling the Nishadhas, O Nala, thou art devoted to truth. Do + thou help us. O best of men, be thou our messenger.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0377"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LV + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘O Bharata, Nala pledged his word to the celestials + saying, ‘I will do it.’ And then approaching these, he asked with folded + hands. ‘Who are ye? And who also is he that desireth me to be his + messenger? And what, further, shall I have to do for you? O tell me + truly!’—When the king of the Nishadhas spoke thus, Maghavat replied, + saying, ‘Know us as the immortals come hither for Damayanti’s sake. I am + Indra, this one is Agni, this the lord of waters, and this, O king, is + even Yama the destroyer of the bodies of men. Do thou inform Damayanti of + our arrival, saying, ‘The guardians of the world, (consisting of) the + great Indra and the others, are coming to the assembly, desirous of + beholding (the Swayamvara). The gods, Sakra and Agni and Varuna and Yama, + desire to obtain thee. Do thou, therefore, choose one of them for thy + lord.’ Thus addressed by Sakra, Nala said with joined hands, ‘I have come + here with the self same object. It behoveth thee not to send me (on this + errand). How can a person who is himself under the influence of love bring + himself to speak thus unto a lady on behalf of others? Therefore, spare + me, ye gods’ The gods, however, said, ‘O ruler of the Nishadhas, having + promised first, saying, ‘I will! why wilt thou not act accordingly now? O + ruler of the Nishadhas, tell us this without delay.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘Thus addressed by those celestials, the ruler of + Nishadhas spake again, saying, ‘Those mansions are well-guarded. How can I + hope to enter them?’ Indra replied, ‘Thou shalt be able to enter.’ And, + saying, So be it.’ Nala thereupon went to the palace of Damayanti. And + having arrived there, he beheld the daughter of the king of Vidarbha + surrounded by her hand-maids, blazing in beauty and excelling in symmetry + of form, of limbs exceedingly delicate, of slender waist and fair eyes. + And she seemed to rebuke the light of the moon by her own splendour. And + as he gazed on that lady of sweet smiles. Nala’s love increased, but + desirous of keeping his truth, he suppressed his passion. And at the sight + of Naishadha, overpowered by his effulgence, those first of women sprang + up from their seats in amazement. And filled with wonder (at his sight), + they praised Nala in gladness of heart. And without saying anything, they + mentally paid him homage, ‘Oh, what comeliness! Oh, what gentleness + belongeth to this high-souled one! Who is he? Is he some god or Yaksha or + Gandharva?’ And those foremost of women, confounded by Nala’s splendour + and bashfulness would not accost him at all in speech. And Damayanti + although herself struck with amazement, smilingly addressed the warlike + Nala who also gently smiled at her, saying, ‘What art thou, O thou of + faultless features, that hast come here awakening my love? O sinless one, + O hero of celestial form, I am anxious to know who thou art that hast come + hither. And why hast thou come hither? And how is it that thou hast not + been discovered by any one, considering that my apartments are + well-guarded and the king’s mandates are stern.’ Thus addressed by the + daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, Nala replied, ‘O beauteous lady, + know that my name is Nala. I come here as the messenger of the gods. The + celestials, Sakra, Agni, Varuna and Yama, desire to have thee. O beautiful + lady, do thou choose one of them for thy lord. It is through their power + that I have entered here unperceived, and it is for this reason that none + saw me on my way or obstructed my entrance. O gentle one, I have been sent + by the foremost of the celestials even for this object. Hearing this, O + fortunate one, do what thou pleasest.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0378"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVI + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘Damayanti, having bowed down unto the gods, thus + addressed Nala with a smile, ‘O king, love me with proper regard, and + command me what I shall do for thee. Myself and what else of wealth is + mine are thine. Grant me, O exalted one, thy love in full trust. O king, + the language of the swans in burning me. It is for thy sake, O hero, that + I have caused the kings to meet. O giver of proper honour, if thou forsake + me who adore thee, for thy sake will I resort to poison, or fire, or water + or the rope.’ Thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, + Nala answered her saying, ‘With the Lokapalas present, choosest thou a + man? Do thou turn thy heart to those high-souled lords, the creators of + the worlds, unto the dust of whose feet I am not equal. Displeasing the + gods, a mortal cometh by death. Save me, O thou of faultless limbs! Choose + thou the all-excelling celestials. By accepting the gods, do thou enjoy + spotless robes, and celestial garlands of variegated hues, and excellent + ornaments. What woman would not choose as her lord Hutasana—the + chief of the celestials, who compassing the earth swalloweth it? What + woman would not choose him as her lord the dread of whose mace induceth + all creatures to tread the path of virtue? And what woman would not choose + as her lord the virtuous and high-souled Mahendra, the lord of the + celestials, the chastiser of Daityas and Danavas? Or, if thou couldst + choose in thy heart Varuna amongst the Lokapalas, do so unhesitatingly. O + accept this friendly advice.’ Thus addressed by Naishadha, Damayanti, with + eyes bathed in tears of grief spake thus unto Nala, ‘O lord of the earth, + bowing to all the gods, I choose thee for my lord. Truly do I tell thee + this.’ The king, who had come as the messenger of the gods, replied unto + the trembling Damayanti standing with folded hands, ‘O amiable one, do as + thou pleasest. Having given my pledge, O blessed one, unto the gods in + especial, how can I, having come on other’s mission, dare seek my own + interest? If seeking my own interest consists with virtue, I will seek it, + and do thou also, O beauteous one, act accordingly.’ Then Damayanti of + luminous smiles slowly spake unto king Nala, in words choked with tears, + ‘O lord of men I see a blameless way, by which no sin whatever will attach + unto thee. O king, do thou, O foremost of men, come to the Swayamvara in + company with all the gods headed by Indra. There, O Monarch, in the + presence of the Lokapalas I will, O tiger among men, choose thee—at + which no blame will be thine.’ Thus addressed, O monarch, by the daughter + of Vidarbha, king Nala returned to where the gods were staying together. + And beholding him approach those great gods, the Lokapalas, eagerly asked + him about all that had happened saying, ‘Hast thou, O king, seen Damayanti + of sweet smiles? What hath she said unto us all? O sinless monarch, tell + us everything.’ Nala answered, ‘Commanded by you I entered Damayanti’s + palace furnished with lofty portals guarded by veteran warders bearing + wands. And as I entered, no one perceived me, by virtue of your power, + except the princess. And I saw her hand-maids, and they also saw me. And, + O exalted celestials, seeing me, they were filled with wonder. And as I + spake unto her of you, the fair-faced maiden, her will fixed on me, O ye + best of the gods, chose me (for her spouse).’ And the maiden said, ‘Let + the gods, O tiger among men, come with thee to the Swayamvara, I will in + their presence, choose thee. At this, O thou of mighty arms, no blame will + attach to thee.’ ‘This is all, ye gods, that took place, as I have said. + Finally, everything rests with you, ye foremost of celestials.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0379"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVII + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘Then at the sacred hour of the holy lunar day of + the auspicious season, king Bhima summoned the kings to the Swayamvara. + And hearing of it, all the lords of earth smit with love speedily came + thither, desirous of (possessing) Damayanti. And the monarchs entered the + amphitheatre decorated with golden pillars and a lofty portal arch, like + mighty lions entering the mountain wilds. And those lords of earth decked + with fragrant garlands and polished ear-rings hung with jewels seated + themselves on their several seats. And that sacred assembly of Kings, + graced by those tigers among men, resembled the Bhogavati swarming with + the Nagas, or a mountain cavern with tigers. And their arms were robust, + and resembling iron maces, and well-shaped, and graceful, and looking like + five-headed snakes. And graced with beautiful locks and fine noses and + eyes and brows, the countenance of the kings shone like stars in the + firmament. And (when the time came), Damayanti of beauteous face, stealing + the eyes and hearts of the princes by her dazzling light, entered the + hall. And the glances of those illustrious kings were rivetted to those + parts of her person where they had chanced to fall first, without moving + at all. And when, O Bharata, the names of the monarchs were proclaimed, + the daughter of Bhima saw five persons all alike in appearance. And + beholding them seated there, without difference of any kind in form, doubt + filled her mind, and she could not ascertain which of them was king Nala. + And at whomsoever (among them) she looked, she regarded him to be the king + of the Nishadhas. And filled with anxiety, the beauteous one thought + within herself, ‘Oh, how shall I distinguish the celestials, and how + discern the royal Nala?’ And thinking thus, the daughter of Vidarbha + became filled with grief. And, O Bharata, recollecting the marks belonging + to the celestials, of which she had heard, she thought, ‘Those attributes + of the celestials, of which I have heard from the aged, do not pertain to + any of these deities present here upon the earth.’ And revolving the + matter long in her mind, and reflecting upon it repeatedly, she decided + upon seeking the protection of the gods themselves. And bowing down unto + them with mind and speech, with folded hands, she addressed them + trembling, ‘Since I heard the speech of the swans, I chose the king of the + Nishadhas as my lord. For the sake of truth, O, let the gods reveal him to + me. And as in thought or word I have never swerved from him, O, let the + gods, for the sake of that truth, reveal him to me. And as the gods + themselves have destined the ruler of the Nishadhas to be my lord, O, let + them, for the sake of that truth, reveal him to me. And as it is for + paying homage unto Nala that I have adopted this vow, for the sake of that + truth, O, let the gods reveal him unto me, O, let the exalted guardians of + the worlds assume their own proper forms, so that I may know the righteous + king.’ Hearing these piteous words of Damayanti, and ascertaining her + fixed resolve, and fervent love for the king of Nishadhas, the purity of + her heart and her inclination and regard and affection for Nala, the gods + did as they had been adjured, and assumed their respective attributes as + best they could. And thereupon she beheld the celestials unmoistened with + perspiration, with winkless eyes, and unfading garlands, unstained with + dust, and staying without touching the ground. And Naishadha stood + revealed to his shadow, his fading garlands, himself stained with dust and + sweat, resting on the ground with winking eyes. And, O Bharata, discerning + the gods and the virtuous Nala the daughter of Bhima chose Naishadha + according to her truth. And the large-eyed damsel then bashfully caught + the hem of his garment and placed round his neck a floral wreath of + exceeding grace. And when that fair-complexioned maiden had thus chosen + Nala for her husband, the kings suddenly broke out into exclamations of + Oh! and Alas! And, O Bharata, the gods and the great Rishis in wonder + cried Excellent! Excellent!, applauding the king the while. And, O + Kauravya, the royal son of Virasena, with heart filled with gladness, + comforted the beauteous Damayanti, saying, ‘Since thou, O blessed one, + hast chosen a mortal in the presence of the celestials, know me for a + husband even obedient to thy command. And, O thou of sweet smiles, truly + do I tell thee this that as long as life continueth in this body of mine, + I will remain thine and thine alone. Damayanti also, with folded hands + paid homage unto Nala in words of like import. And the happy pair + beholding Agni and the other gods mentally sought their protection. And + after the daughter of Bhima had chosen Naishadha as her husband, the + Lokapalas of exceeding effulgence with pleased hearts, bestowed on Nala + eight boons. And Sakra, the lord of Sachi, bestowed on Nala the boon that + he should be able to behold his godship in sacrifices and that he should + attain to blessed legions thereafter, and Hutasana bestowed on him the + boon of his own presence whenever Naishadha wished, and regions also + bright as himself. And Yama granted him subtle taste in food as well as + pre-eminence in virtue. And the lord of waters granted Nala his own + presence whenever he desired, and also garlands of celestial fragrance. + And thus each of them bestowed upon him a couple of boons. And having + bestowed these the gods went to heaven. And the kings also, having + witnessed with wonder Damayanti’s selection of Nala, returned delighted + whence they had come. And on the departure of those mighty monarchs, the + high-souled Bhima, well pleased, celebrated the wedding of Nala and + Damayanti. And having stayed there for a time according to his desire, + Naishadha, the best of men, returned to his own city with the permission + of Bhima. And having attained that pearl of a woman, the virtuous king, O + monarch, began to pass his days in joy, like the slayer of Vala and Vritra + in the company of Sachi. And resembling the sun in glory, the king, full + of gladness, began to rule his subjects righteously, and give them great + satisfaction. And like unto Yayati, the son of Nahusha, that intelligent + monarch celebrated the horse sacrifice and many other sacrifices with + abundant gifts to Brahmanas. And like unto a very god, Nala sported with + Damayanti in romantic woods and groves. And the high-minded king begat + upon Damayanti a son named Indrasena, and a daughter named Indrasena. And + celebrating sacrifice, and sporting (with Damayanti) thus, the king ruled + the earth abounding in wealth.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0380"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘When the blazing guardians of the worlds were returning + after the daughter of Bhima had chosen Naishadha, on their way they met + Dwapara with Kali approaching towards them. And seeing Kali, Sakra the + slayer of Vala and Vritra, said, ‘O Kali, say whither thou art going with + Dwapara.’ And thereupon Kali replied unto Sakra, ‘Going to Damayanti’s + Swayamvara, will I obtain her (for my wife), as my heart is fixed upon + that damsel.’ Hearing this, Indra said with a smile, ‘That Swayamvara is + already ended. In our sight she hath chosen Nala for her husband.’ Thus + answered by Sakra, Kali, that vilest of the celestials, filled with wrath, + addressing all those gods spake, ‘Since in the presence of the celestials + she hath chosen a mortal for her lord, it is meet that she should undergo + a heavy doom.’ Upon hearing these words of Kali, the celestials answered, + ‘It is with our sanction that Damayanti hath chosen Nala. What damsel is + there that would not choose king Nala endued with every virtue? + Well-versed in all duties, always conducting himself with rectitude, he + hath studied the four Vedas together with the Puranas that are regarded as + the fifth. Leading a life of harmlessness unto all creatures, he is + truth-telling and firm in his vows, and in his house the gods are ever + gratified by sacrifices held according to the ordinance. In that tiger + among men—that king resembling a Lokapala, is truth, and + forbearance, and knowledge, and asceticism, and purity and self-control, + and perfect tranquillity of soul. O Kali, the fool that wisheth to curse + Nala bearing such a character, curseth himself, and destroyeth himself by + his own act. And, O Kali, he that seeketh to curse Nala crowned with such + virtues, sinketh into the wide bottomless pit of hell rife with torments.’ + Having said this to Kali and Dwapara, the gods went to heaven. And when + the gods had gone away, Kali said unto Dwapara, ‘I am ill able, O Dwapara, + to suppress my anger. I shall possess Nala, deprive him of his kingdom, + and he shall no more sport with Bhima’s daughter. Entering the dice, it + behoveth thee to help me.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0381"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIX + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘Having made this compact with Dwapara, Kali came to the + place where the king of the Nishadhas was. And always watching for a hole, + he continued to dwell in the country of the Nishadhas for a long time. And + it was in the twelfth year that Kali saw a hole. For one day after + answering the call of nature, Naishadha touching water said his twilight + prayers, without having previously washed his feet. And it was through + this (omission) that Kali entered his person. And having possessed Nala, + he appeared before Pushkara, and addressed him, saying, ‘Come and play at + dice with Nala. Through my assistance thou wilt surely win at the play. + And defeating king Nala and acquiring his kingdom, do thou rule the + Nishadhas.’ Thus exhorted by Kali, Pushkara went to Nala. And Dwapara also + approached Pushkara, becoming the principal die called Vrisha. And + appearing before the warlike Nala, that slayer of hostile heroes, + Pushkara, repeatedly said, ‘Let us play together with dice.’ Thus + challenged in the presence of Damayanti, the lofty-minded king could not + long decline it. And he accordingly fixed the time for the play. And + possessed by Kali, Nala began to lose, in the game, his stakes in gold, + and silver, and cars with the teams thereof, and robes. And maddened at + dice, no one amongst his friends could succeed in dissuading that + represser of foes from the play that went on. And thereupon, O Bharata, + the citizens in a body, with the chief councillors, came thither to behold + the distressed monarch and make him desist. And the charioteer coming to + Damayanti spake to her of this, saying, ‘O lady, the citizens and officers + of the state wait at the gate. Do thou inform the king of the Nishadhas + that the citizens have come here, unable to bear the calamity that hath + befallen their king conversant with virtue and wealth.’ Thereupon Bhima’s + daughter, overwhelmed with grief and almost deprived of reason by it, + spake unto Nala in choked accents, ‘O king, the citizens with the + councillors of state, urged by loyalty, stay at the gate desirous of + beholding thee. It behoveth thee to grant them an interview.’ But the + king, possessed by Kali, uttered not a word in reply unto his queen of + graceful glances, uttering thus her lamentations. And at this, those + councillors of state as also the citizens, afflicted with grief and shame, + returned to their homes, saying, ‘He liveth not.’ And, O Yudhishthira, it + was thus that Nala and Pushkara gambled together for many months, the + virtuous Nala being always worsted.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0382"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LX + </h2> + <p> + Vrihadaswa said. “Bhima’s daughter, the cool-headed Damayanti, seeing the + righteous king maddened and deprived of his senses at dice, was filled, O + king, with alarm and grief. And she thought the affair to be a serious one + with the king. And apprehensive of the calamity that threatened Nala, yet + seeking his welfare and at last understanding that her lord had lost + everything, she said unto her nurse and maid-servant Vrihatsena of high + fame, intent upon her good, dexterous in all duties, faithful and + sweet-speeched, these words, ‘O Vrihatsena, go thou and summon the + councillors in the name of Nala, and tell them also what of wealth and + other things hath been lost and what remaineth.’ The councillors then, + hearing of Nala’s summons, said, ‘This is fortunate for us’ and approached + the king. And when the subjects in a body had (thus) come a second time, + the daughter of Bhima informed Nala of it. But the king regarded her not. + Finding her husband disregarding her words, Damayanti, filled with shame, + returned to her apartments. And hearing that the dice were uniformly + unfavourable to the virtuous Nala, and that he had lost everything, she + again spake unto her nurse, saying, ‘O Vrihatsena, go thou again in Nala’s + name to bring hither, O blessed one, the charioteer, Varshneya. The matter + at hand is very serious.’ And Vrihatsena, hearing those words of Damayanti + caused Varshneya to be summoned by trusty servants. And the blameless + daughter of Bhima, acquainted with conduct suitable to time and place, + addressing soft words said according to the occasion, ‘Thou knowest how + the king hath always behaved towards thee. He is now in difficulty, and it + behoveth thee to assist him. The more the king loseth to Pushkara, the + greater becometh his ardour for the play. And as the dice fall obedient to + Pushkara, it is seen that they are adverse to Nala in the matter of the + play. And absorbed in the play, he heedeth not the words of his friends + and relatives, nor even those of mine. I do not think, however, that in + this the high-souled Naishadha is to blame, in as much as the king + regarded not my words, being absorbed in play. O Charioteer, I seek thy + protection. Do my behest. My mind misgiveth me. The king may come to + grief. Yoking Nala’s favourite horses endued with the fleetness of the + mind, do thou take these twins (my son and daughter) on the car and hie + thou to Kundina. Leaving the children there with my kindred as also the + car and the horses, either stay thou there, or go to any other place as it + listeth thee.’ Varshneya, the charioteer of Nala, then reported in detail + these words of Damayanti unto the chief officers of the king. And having + settled (the matter) in consultation with them, and obtaining their + assent, O mighty monarch, the charioteer started for Vidarbha, taking the + children on that car. And leaving there the boy Indrasena and the girl + Indrasena, as also that best of cars and those steeds, the charioteer, + with a sad heart grieving for Nala, bade farewell unto Bhima. And + wandering for some time, he arrived at the city of Ayodhya. And there he + appeared with a sorrowful heart before king Rituparna, and entered the + service of that monarch as charioteer.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0383"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXI + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘After Varshneya had gone away, Pushkara won from the + righteous Nala that latter’s kingdom and what else of wealth he had. And + unto Nala, O king, who had lost his kingdom, Pushkara laughingly said, + ‘Let the play go on. But what stake hast thou now? Damayanti only + remaineth; all else of thine hath been won by me. Well, if thou likest, + that Damayanti be our stake now.’ Hearing these words of Pushkara the + virtuous king felt as if his heart would burst in rage, but he spake not a + word. And gazing at Pushkara in anguish, king Nala of great fame took all + the ornaments off every part of his body. And attired in a single piece of + cloth, his body uncovered, renouncing all his wealth, and enhancing the + grief of friends, the king set out. And Damayanti, clad in one piece of + cloth, followed him behind as he was leaving the city. And coming to the + outskirts of the city, Nala stayed there for three nights with his wife. + But Pushkara, O king, proclaimed through the city that he that should show + any attention to Nala, would be doomed to death. And on account of these + words of Pushkara and knowing his malice towards Nala, the citizens, O + Yudhishthira, no longer showed him hospitable regards. And unregarded + though deserving of hospitable regards, Nala passed three nights in the + outskirts of the city, living on water alone. And afflicted with hunger, + the king went away in search of fruit and roots, Damayanti following him + behind. And in agony of famine, after many days, Nala saw some birds with + plumage of golden hue. And thereupon the mighty lord of the Nishadhas + thought within himself, ‘These will be my banquet today and also my + wealth.’ And then he covered them with the cloth he had on—when + bearing up that garment of his, the birds rose up to the sky. And + beholding Nala nude and melancholy, and standing with face turned towards + the ground, those rangers of the sky addressed him, saying, ‘O thou of + small sense, we are even those dice. We had come hither wishing to take + away thy cloth, for it pleased us not that thou shouldst depart even with + thy cloth on.’ And finding himself deprived of his attire, and knowing + also that the dice were departing (with it), the virtuous Nala, O king, + thus spake unto Damayanti, ‘O faultless one, they through whose anger I + have been despoiled of my kingdom, they through whose influence distressed + and afflicted with hunger, I am unable to procure sustenance, they for + whom the Nishadhas offered me not any hospitality, they, O timid one, are + carrying off my cloth, assuming the form of birds. Fallen into this dire + disaster, I am afflicted with grief and deprived of my senses, I am thy + lord, do thou, therefore, listen to the words I speak for thy good. These + many roads lead to the southern country, passing by (the city of) Avanti + and the Rikshavat mountains. This is that mighty mountain called Vindhya; + yon, the river Payasvini running sea-wards, and yonder are the asylums of + the ascetics, furnished with various fruit and roots. This road leadeth to + the country of the Vidarbhas—and that, to the country of the + Kosalas. Beyond these roads to the south is the southern country.’ + Addressing Bhima’s daughter, O Bharata, he distressed king Nala spake + those words unto Damayanti over and over again. Thereupon afflicted with + grief, in a voice choked with tears, Damayanti spake unto Naishadha these + piteous words, ‘O king, thinking of thy purpose, my heart trembleth, and + all my limbs become faint. How can I go, leaving thee in the lone woods + despoiled of thy kingdom and deprived of thy wealth, thyself without a + garment on, and worn with hunger and toil? When in the deep woods, + fatigued and afflicted with hunger, thou thinkest of thy former bliss, I + will, O great monarch, soothe thy weariness. In every sorrow there is no + physic equal unto the wife, say the physicians. It is the truth, O Nala, + that I speak unto thee.’ Hearing those words of his queen, Nala replied, + ‘O slender-waisted Damayanti, it is even as thou hast said. To a man in + distress, there is no friend or medicine that is equal unto a wife. But I + do not seek to renounce thee, wherefore, O timid one, dost thou dread + this? O faultless one, I can forsake myself but thee I cannot forsake.’ + Damayanti then said, ‘If thou dost not, O mighty king, intend to forsake + me, why then dost thou point out to me the way to the country of the + Vidarbhas? I know, O king, that thou wouldst not desert me. But, O lord of + the earth, considering that thy mind is distracted, thou mayst desert me. + O best of men, thou repeatedly pointest out to me the way and it is by + this, O god-like one, that thou enhancest my grief. If it is thy intention + that I should go to my relatives, then if it pleaseth thee, both of us + will wend to the country of the Vidarbhas. O giver of honours, there the + king of the Vidarbhas will receive thee with respect. And honoured by him, + O king, thou shall live happily in our home.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0384"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXII + </h2> + <p> + “Nala said, ‘Surely, thy father’s kingdom is as my own. But thither I will + not, by any means, repair in this extremity. Once I appeared there in + glory, increasing thy joy. How can I go there now in misery, augmenting + thy grief?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘Saying this again and again unto Damayanti, king + Nala, wrapped in half a garment, comforted his blessed wife. And both + attired in one cloth and wearied with hunger and thirst, in course of + their wanderings, at last they came to a sheltered shed for travellers. + And arrived at this place, the king of the Nishadhas sat down on the bare + earth with the princes of Vidarbha. And wearing the same piece of cloth + (with Damayanti), and dirty, and haggard, and stained with dust, he fell + asleep with Damayanti on the ground in weariness. And suddenly plunged in + distress, the innocent and delicate Damayanti with every mark of good + fortune, fell into a profound slumber. And, O monarch, while she slept, + Nala, with heart and mind distraught, could not slumber calmly as before. + And reflecting on the loss of his kingdom, the desertion of his friends, + and his distress in the woods, he thought with himself, ‘What availeth my + acting thus? And what if I act not thus? Is death the better for me now? + Or should I desert my wife? She is truly devoted to me and suffereth this + distress for my sake. Separated from me, she may perchance wander to her + relatives. Devoted as she is to me, if she stayeth with me, distress will + surely be hers; while it is doubtful, if I desert her. On the other hand, + it is not unlikely that she may even have happiness some time.’ Reflecting + upon this repeatedly, and thinking of it again and again, he concluded, O + monarch, that the desertion of Damayanti was the best course for him. And + he also thought, ‘Of high fame and auspicious fortune, and devoted to me, + her husband, she is incapable of being injured by any one on the way on + account of her energy.’ Thus his mind that was influenced by the wicked + Kali, dwelling upon Damayanti, was made up for deserting her. And then + thinking of his own want of clothing, and of her being clad in a single + garment, he intended to cut off for himself one half of Damayanti’s + attire. And he thought, ‘How shall I divide this garment, so that my + beloved one may not perceive?’ And thinking of this, the royal Nala began + to walk up and down that shed. And, O Bharata, pacing thus to and fro, he + found a handsome sword lying near the shed, unsheathed. And that repressor + of foes, having, with that sword cut off one half of the cloth, and + throwing the instrument away, left the daughter of Vidharbha insensible in + her sleep and went away. But his heart failing him, the king of the + Nishadhas returned to the shed, and seeing Damayanti (again), burst into + tears. And he said, ‘Alas! that beloved one of mine whom neither the god + of wind nor the sun had seen before, even she sleepeth to-day on the bare + earth, like one forlorn. Clad in this severed piece of cloth, and lying + like one distracted, how will the beauteous one of luminous smiles behave + when she awaketh? How will the beautiful daughter of Bhima, devoted to her + lord, all alone and separated from me, wander through these deep woods + inhabited by beasts and serpents? O blessed one, may the Adityas and the + Vasus, and the twin Aswins together with the Marutas protect thee, thy + virtue being thy best guard.’ And addressing thus his dear wife peerless + on earth in beauty, Nala strove to go, reft of reason by Kali. Departing + and still departing, king Nala returned again and again to that shed, + dragged away by Kali but drawn back by love. And it seemed as though the + heart of the wretched king was rent in twain, and like a swing, he kept + going out from cabin and coming back into it. At length after lamenting + long and piteously, Nala stupefied and bereft of sense by Kali went away, + forsaking that sleeping wife of his. Reft of reason through Kali’s touch, + and thinking of his conduct, the king departed in sorrow, leaving his, + wife alone in that solitary forest.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0385"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIII + </h2> + <p> + Vrihadaswa said, “O king, after Nala had gone away, the beauteous + Damayanti, now refreshed, timorously awoke in that lonely forest. And O + mighty monarch, not finding her lord Naishadha, afflicted with grief and + pain, she shrieked aloud in fright, saying, ‘O lord? O mighty monarch! O + husband, dost thou desert me? Oh, I am lost and undone, frightened in this + desolate place. O illustrious prince, thou art truthful in speech, and + conversant with morality. How hast thou then, having pledged thy word, + deserted me asleep in the woods? Oh, why hast thou deserted thy + accomplished wife, even devoted to thee, particularly one that hath not + wronged thee, though wronged thou hast been by others? O king of men, it + behoveth thee to act faithfull, according to those words thou hadst spoken + unto me before in the presence of the guardians of the worlds. O bull + among men, that thy wife liveth even a moment after thy desertion of her, + is only because mortals are decreed to die at the appointed time. O bull + among men, enough of this joke! O irrepressible one, I am terribly + frightened. O lord, show thyself. I see thee! I see thee, o king! Thou art + seen, O Naishadha, Hiding thyself behind those shrubs, why dost thou not + reply unto me? It is cruel of thee, O great king, that seeing me in this + plight and so lamenting, thou dost not, O king, approach and comfort me. I + grieve not for myself, nor for anything else. I only grieve to think how + thou wilt pass thy days alone, O king. In the evening oppressed with + hunger and thirst and fatigue, underneath the trees, how wilt it take with + thee when thou seest me not?’ And then Damayanti, afflicted with anguish + and burning with grief, began to rush hither and thither, weeping in woe. + And now the helpless princess sprang up, and now she sank down in stupor; + and now she shrank in terror, and now she wept and wailed aloud. And + Bhima’s daughter devoted to her husband, burning in anguish and sighing + ever more, and faint and weeping exclaimed, ‘That being through whose + imprecation the afflicted Naishadha suffereth this woe, shall bear grief + that is greater than ours. May that wicked being who hath brought Nala of + sinless heart this, lead a more miserable life bearing greater ills.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus lamenting, the crowned consort of the illustrious (king) began to + seek her lord in those woods, inhabited by beasts of prey. And the + daughter of Bhima, wailing bitterly, wandered hither and thither like a + maniac, exclaiming, ‘Alas! Alas! Oh king!’ And as she was wailing loudly + like a female osprey, and grieving and indulging in piteous lamentations + unceasingly, she came near a gigantic serpent. And that huge and hungry + serpent thereupon suddenly seized Bhima’s daughter, who had come near and + was moving about within its range. And folded within serpent’s coils and + filled with grief, she still wept, not for herself but for Naishadha. And + she said ‘O lord, why dost thou not rush towards me, now that I am seized, + without anybody to protect me, by this serpent in these desert wilds? And, + O Naishadha, how will it fare with thee when thou rememberest me? O lord, + why hast thou gone away, deserting me today in the forest? Free from thy + course, when thou wilt have regained thy mind and senses and wealth, how + will it be with thee when thou thinkest of me? O Naishadha, O sinless one, + who will soothe thee when thou art weary, and hungry, and fainting, O + tiger among kings?’ And while she was wailing thus, a certain huntsman + ranging the deep woods, hearing her lamentations, swiftly came to the + spot. And beholding the large-eyed one in the coils of the serpent, he + rushed towards it and cut off its head with his sharp weapon. And having + struck the reptile dead, the huntsman set Damayanti free. And having + sprinkled her body with water and fed and comforted her. O Bharata, he + addressed her saying, ‘O thou with eyes like those of a young gazelle, who + art thou? And why also hast thou come into the woods? And, O beauteous + one, how hast thou fallen into this extreme misery’ And thus accosted, O + monarch, by that man, Damayanti, O Bharata, related unto him all that had + happened. And beholding that beautiful woman clad in half a garment, with + deep bosom and round hips, and limbs delicate and faultless, and face + resembling the full moon, and eyes graced with curved eye-lashes, and + speech sweet as honey, the hunter became inflamed with desire. And + afflicted by the god of love, the huntsman began to soothe her in winning + voice and soft words. And as soon as the chaste and beauteous Damayanti, + beholding him understood his intentions, she was filled with fierce wrath + and seemed to blaze up in anger. But the wicked-minded wretch, burning + with desire became wroth, attempted to employ force upon her, who was + unconquerable as a flame of blazing fire. And Damayanti already distressed + upon being deprived of husband and kingdom, in that hour of grief beyond + utterance, cursed him in anger, saying, ‘I have never even thought of any + other person than Naishadha, therefore let this mean-minded wrath + subsisting on chase, fall down lifeless.’ And as soon as she said this, + the hunter fell down lifeless upon the ground, like a tree consumed by + fire.” 131 + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0386"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘Having destroyed that hunter Damayanti of eyes + like lotus leaves, went onwards through that fearful and solitary forest + ringing with the chirp of crickets. And it abounded with lions, and + leopards, and Rurus and tigers, and buffaloes, and bears and deer. And it + swarmed with birds of various species, and was infested by thieves and + mlechchha tribes. And it contained Salas, and bamboos and Dhavas, and + Aswatthas, and Tindukas and Ingudas, and Kinsukas, and Arjunas, and + Nimvas, and Tinisas and Salmalas, and Jamvus, and mango trees, and + Lodhras, and the catechu, and the cane, and Padmakas, and Amalahas, and + Plakshas, and Kadamvas, and Udumvaras and Vadaris, and Vilwas, and + banians, and Piyalas, and palms, and date-trees, and Haritakas and + Vibhitakas. And the princess of Vidarbha saw many mountains containing + ores of various kinds, and groves resounding with the notes of winged + choirs, and many glens of wondrous sight, and many rivers and lakes and + tanks and various kinds of birds and beasts. And she saw numberless snakes + and goblins and Rakshasas of grim visage, and pools and tanks and + hillocks, and brooks and fountains of wonderful appearance. And the + princess of Vidarbha saw there herds of buffaloes. And boars, and bears as + well as serpents of the wilderness. And safe in virtue and glory and good + fortune and patience, Damayanti wandered through those woods alone, in + search of Nala. And the royal daughter of Bhima, distressed only at her + separation from her lord, was not terrified at aught in that fearful + forest. And, O king, seating herself down upon a stone and filled with + grief, and every limb of hers trembling with sorrow on account of her + husband, she began to lament thus: ‘O king of the Nishadhas, O thou of + broad chest and mighty arms, whither hast thou gone, O king, leaving me in + this lone forest? O hero, having performed the Aswamedha and other + sacrifices, with gifts in profusion (unto the Brahmanas), why hast thou, O + tiger among men, played false with me alone? O best of men, O thou of + great splendour, it behoveth thee. O auspicious one, to remember what thou + didst declare before me, O bull among kings! And, O monarch, it behoveth + thee also to call to mind what the sky-ranging swans spake in thy presence + and in mine. O tiger among men, the four Vedas in all their extent, with + the Angas and the Upangas, well-studied, on one side, and one single truth + on the other, (are equal). Therefore, O slayer of foes, it behoveth thee, + O lord of men, to make good what thou didst formerly declare before me. + Alas, O hero! warrior! O Nala! O sinless one being thine, I am about to + perish in this dreadful forest. Oh! wherefore dost thou not answer me? + This terrible lord of the forest, of grim visage and gaping jaws, and + famishing with hunger, filleth me with fright. Doth it not behove thee to + deliver me? Thou wert wont to say always, ‘Save thee there existeth not + one dear unto me.’ O blessed one, O king, do thou now make good thy words + so spoken before. And, O king, why dost thou not return an answer to thy + beloved wife bewailing and bereft of sense, although thou lovest her, + being loved in return? O king of the earth, O respected one, O represser + of foes, O thou of large eyes, why dost thou not regard me, emaciated, and + distressed and pale, and discoloured, and clad in a half piece of cloth, + and alone, and weeping, and lamenting like one forlorn, and like unto a + solitary doe separated from the herd? O illustrious sovereign, it is, I, + Damayanti, devoted to thee, who, alone in this great forest, address thee. + Wherefore, then, dost thou not reply unto me? Oh, I do not behold thee + today on this mountain, O chief of men, O thou of noble birth and + character with every limb possesed of grace! In this terrible forest, + haunted by lions and tigers, O king of the Nishadhas, O foremost of men, O + enhancer of my sorrows, (Wishing to know) whether thou art lying down, or + sitting, or standing, or gone, whom shall I ask, distressed and + woe-stricken on thy account, saying, ‘Hast thou seen in this woods the + royal Nala?’ Of whom shall I in this forest enquire alter the departed + Nala, handsome and of high soul, and the destroyer of hostile arrays? From + whom shall I today hear the sweet words, viz., ‘That royal Nala, of eyes + like lotus-leaves, whom thou seekest, is even here?’ Yonder cometh the + forest-king, that tiger of graceful mien, furnished with four teeth and + prominent cheeks. Even him will I accost fearlessly: Thou art the lord of + all animals, and of this forest the king. Know me for Damayanti, the + daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, and the wife of Nala, destroyer of + foes, and the king of the Nishadhas. Distressed and woe-stricken, I am + seeking my husband alone in these woods. Do thou, O king of beasts, + comfort me (with news of Nala) if thou hast seen him. Or, O lord of the + forest, if thou cannot speak of Nala, do thou, then, O best of beasts, + devour me, and free me from this misery. Alas! hearing my plaintive appeal + in the wilderness, this king of mountains, this high and sacred hill, + crested with innumerable [...?-JBH] rolleth towards the sea. Let me, then, + for tidings of the king, ask this king of mountains, this high and sacred + hill, crested with innumerable heaven-kissing and many-hued and beauteous + peaks, and abounding in various ores, and decked with gems of diverse + kings, and rising like a banner over this broad forest, and ranged by + lions and tigers and elephants and boars and bears and stags, and echoing + all around with (the notes of) winged creatures of various species, and + adorned with kinsukas and Asokas and Vakulas and Punnagas, with blossoming + Karnikaras, and Dhavas and Plakshas, and with streams haunted by + waterfowls of every kind, and abounding in crested summits, O sacred one! + O best of mountains! O thou of wondrous sight! O celebrated hill! O refuge + (of the distressed)! O highly auspicious one! I bow to thee, O pillar of + the earth! Approaching, I bow to thee. Know me for a king’s daughter, and + a king’s daughter-in-law, and king’s consort, Damayanti by name that lord + of earth who ruleth the Vidarbhas, that mighty warrior-king Bhima by name, + who protecteth the four orders, is my sire. That best of kings celebrated + the Rajasuya and Aswamedha sacrifices, with profuse gifts to the + Brahmanas. Possessed of beautiful and large eyes, distinguished for + devotion to the Vedas, of unblemished character, truth-telling, devoid of + guile, gentle, endued with prowess, lord of immense wealth, versed in + morality, and pure, he having vanquished all his foes, effectually + protecteth the inhabitants of Vidarbha. Know me, O holy one, for his + daughter, thus come to thee. That best of men—the celebrated ruler + of the Nishadha—known by the name of Virasena of high fame, was my + father-in-law. The son of that king, heroic and handsome and possessed of + energy incapable of being baffled, who ruleth well the kingdom which hath + descended to him from his father, is named Nala. Know, O mountain, that of + that slayer of foes, called also Punyasloka, possessed of the complexion + of gold, and devoted to the Brahmanas, and versed in the Vedas, and gifted + with eloquence,—of that righteous and Soma-quaffing and fire-adoring + king, who celebrateth sacrifices and is liberal and warlike and who + adequately chastiseth (criminals), I am the innocent spouse—the + chief of his queens—standing before thee. Despoiled of prosperity + and deprived of (the company of my) husband without a protector, and + afflicted with calamity, hither have I come, O best of mountains, seeking + my husband. Hast thou, O foremost of mountains, with thy hundreds of peaks + towering (into the sky) seen king Nala in this frightful forest? Hast thou + seen my husband, that ruler of the Nishadhas, the illustrious Nala, with + the tread of a mighty elephant, endued with intelligence, long-armed, and + of fiery energy, possessed of prowess and patience and courage and high + fame? Seeing me bewailing alone, overwhelmed with sorrow, wherefore, O + best of mountains, dost thou not today soothe me with thy voice, as thy + own daughter in distress? O hero, O warrior of prowess, O thou versed in + every duty, O thou adhering to truth—O lord of the earth, if thou + art in this forest, then, O king, reveal thyself unto me. Oh, when shall I + again hear the voice of Nala, gentle and deep as that of the clouds, that + voice, sweet as Amrita, of the illustrious king, calling me Vidharva’s + daughter, with accents distinct, and holy, and musical as the chanting of + the Vedas and rich, and soothing all my sorrows. O king, I am frightened. + Do thou, O virtuous one, comfort me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having addressed that foremost of mountain thus, Damayanti then went in a + northerly direction. And having proceeded three days and nights, that best + of women came to an incomparable penance grove of ascetics, resembling in + beauty a celestial grove. And the charming asylum she beheld was inhabited + and adorned by ascetics like Vasishtha and Bhrigu and Atri, self-denying + and strict in diet, with minds under control, endued with holiness, some + living on water, some on air, and some on (fallen) leaves, with passions + in check, eminently blessed, seeking the way to heaven, clad in barks of + trees and deer-skins, and with senses subdued. And beholding that + hermitage inhabited by ascetics, and abounding in herds of deer and + monkeys, Damayanti was cheered. And that best of women, the innocent and + blessed Damayanti, with graceful eye-brows, and long tresses, with lovely + hips and deep bosom, and face graced with fine teeth and with fine black + and large eyes, in her brightness and glory entered that asylum. And + saluting those ascetics grown old in practising austerities, she stood in + an attitude of humility. And the ascetics living in that forest, said, + ‘Welcome!’ And those men of ascetic wealth, paying her due homage, said, + ‘Sit ye down, and tell us what we may do for thee.’ That best of women + replied unto them, saying, ‘Ye sinless and eminently blessed ascetics, is + it well with your austerities, and sacrificial fire, and religious + observances, and the duties of your own order? And is it well with the + beasts and birds of this asylum? And they answered, ‘O beauteous and + illustrious lady, prosperity attendeth us in every respect. But, O thou of + faultless limbs, tell us who thou art, and what thou seekest. Beholding + thy beauteous form and thy bright splendour, we have been amazed. Cheer up + and mourn not. Tell us, O blameless and blessed one, art thou the + presiding deity of this forest, or of this mountain, or of this river?’ + Damayanti replied unto those ascetics, saying, ‘O Brahmanas, I am not the + goddess of this forest, or of this mountain, or of this stream. O Rishis + of ascetic wealth, know that I am a human being. I will relate my history + in detail. Do ye listen to me. There is a king—the mighty ruler of + the Vidarbhas—Bhima by name. O foremost of regenerate ones, know me + to be his daughter. The wise ruler of the Nishadhas, Nala by name, of + great celebrity, heroic, and ever victorious in battle, and learned, is my + husband. Engaged in the worship of the gods, devoted to the twice-born + ones, the guardian of the line of the Nishadhas, of mighty energy, + possessed of great strength, truthful, conversant with all duties, wise, + unwavering in promise, the crusher of foes, devout, serving the gods, + graceful, the conqueror of hostile towns, that foremost of kings, Nala by + name, equal in splendour unto the lord of celestials, the slayer of foes, + possessed of large eyes, and a hue resembling the full moon, is my + husband. The celebrator of great sacrifices, versed in the Vedas and their + branches, the destroyer of enemies in battle, and like unto the sun and + the moon in splendour, is he. That king devoted to truth and religion was + summoned to dice by certain deceitful persons of mean mind and uncultured + soul and of crooked ways, and skilful in gambling, and was deprived of + wealth and kingdom. Know that I am the wife of that bull among kings, + known to all by the name of Damayanti, anxious to find out my (missing) + lord. In sadness of heart am I wandering among woods, and mountains, and + lakes, and rivers, and tanks and forests, in search of that husband of + mine—Nala, skilled in battle, high-souled, and well-versed in the + use of weapons, O hath king Nala, the lord of the Nishadhas, come to this + delightful asylum of your holy selves? It is for him, O Brahmanas, that I + have come to this dreary forest full of terrors and haunted by tigers and + other beasts. If I do not see king Nala within a few days and nights, I + shall seek my good by renouncing this body. Of what use is my life without + that bull among men? How shall I live afflicted with grief on account of + my husband?’ + </p> + <p> + Unto Bhima’s daughter, Damayanti, lamenting forlorn in that forest, the + truth-telling ascetics replied, saying, ‘O blessed and beauteous one, we + see by ascetic power that the future will bring happiness to thee, and + that thou wilt soon behold Naishadha. O daughter of Bhima, thou wilt + behold Nala, the lord of the Nishadhas, the slayer of foes, and the + foremost of the virtuous freed from distress. And O blessed lady, thou + wilt behold the king—thy lord—freed from all sins and decked + with all kinds of gems, and ruling the selfsame city, and chasting his + enemies, and striking terror into the hearts of foes, and gladdening the + hearts of friends, and crowned with every blessing.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Having spoken unto that princess—the beloved queen of Nala—the + ascetics with their sacred fires and asylum vanished from sight. And + beholding that mighty wonder, the daughter-in-law of king Virasena, + Damayanti of faultless limbs, was struck with amazement. And she asked + herself, ‘Was it a dream that I saw? What an occurrence hath taken place! + Where are all those ascetics? And where is that asylum? Where, further, is + that delightful river of sacred waters—the resort of diverse kinds + of fowls? And where, again, are those charming trees decked with fruits + and flowers?’ And after thinking so for some time, Bhima’s daughter, + Damayanti of sweet smiles melancholy and afflicted with grief on account + of her lord, lost the colour of her face (again). And going to another + part of the wood, she saw an Asoka tree. And approaching that first of + trees in the forest, so charming with blossoms and its load of foliage, + and resounding with the notes of birds, Damayanti, with tears in her eyes + and accents choked in grief, began to lament, saying, ‘Oh, this graceful + tree in the heart of the forest, decked in flowers, looketh beautiful, + like a charming king of hills. O beauteous Asoka, do thou speedily free me + from grief. Hast thou seen king Nala, the slayer of foes and the beloved + husband of Damayanti,—freed from fear and grief and obstacles? Hast + thou seen my beloved husband, the ruler of the Nishadhas, clad in half a + piece of cloth, with delicate skin, that hero afflicted with woe and who + hath come into this wilderness? O Asoka tree, do thou free me from grief! + O Asoka, vindicate thy name, for Asoka meaneth destroyer of grief. And + going round that tree thrice, with an afflicted heart, that best of women, + Bhima’s daughter, entered a more terrible part of the forest. And + wandering in quest of her lord, Bhima’s daughter beheld many trees and + streams and delightful mountains, and many beasts and birds, and caves, + and precipices, and many rivers of wonderful appearance. And as she + proceeded she came upon a broad way where she saw with wonder a body of + merchants, with their horses and elephants, landing on the banks of a + river, full of clear and cool water, and lovely and charming to behold, + and broad, and covered with bushes of canes, and echoing with the cries of + cranes and ospreys and Chakravakas, and abounding in tortoises and + alligators and fishes, and studded with innumerable islets. And as soon as + as she saw that caravan, the beauteous and celebrated wife of Nala, wild + like a maniac, oppressed with grief, clad in half a garment, lean and pale + and smutted, and with hair covered with dust, drew near and entered into + its midst. And beholding her, some fled in fear, and some became extremely + anxious, and some cried aloud, and some laughed at her, and some hated + her. And some, O Bharata, felt pity for, and even addressed, her, saying, + ‘O blessed one, who art thou, and whose? What seekest thou in woods? + Seeing thee here we have been terrified. Art thou human? Tell us truly, O + blessed one if thou art the goddess of this wood or of this mountain or of + the points of the heaven. We seek thy protection. Art thou a female + Yaksha, or a female Rakshasa, or a celestial damsel? O thou of faultless + features, do thou bless us wholly and protect us. And, O blessed one, do + thou so act that his caravan may soon go hence in prosperity and that the + welfare of all of us may be secured.’ Thus addressed by that caravan, the + princess Damayanti, devoted to her husband and oppressed by the calamity + that had befallen her, answered, saying, ‘O leader of the caravan, ye + merchants, ye youths, old men, and children, and ye that compose this + caravan, know me for a human being. I am the daughter of a king, and the + daughter in-law of a king, and the consort also of a king, eager for the + sight of my lord. The ruler of the Vidarbhas is my father, and my husband + is the lord of the Nishadhas, named Nala. Even now I am seeking that + unvanquished and blessed one. If ye have chanced to see my beloved one, + king Nala, that tiger among men, that destroyer of hostile hosts, O tell + me quick.’ Thereupon the leader of that great caravan, named Suchi, + replied unto Damayanti of faultless limbs, saying, ‘O blessed one, listen + to my words. O thou of sweet smiles, I am a merchant and the leader of + this caravan. O illustrious lady, I have not seen any man of the name of + Nala. In this extensive forest uninhabited by men, there are only + elephants and leopards and buffaloes, and tigers and bears and other + animals. Except thee, I have not met with any man or woman here, so help + us now Manibhadra, the king of Yakshas!’ Thus addressed by them she asked + those merchants as well as the leader of the host saying, ‘It behoveth you + to tell me whither this caravan is bound.’ The leader of the band said, ‘O + daughter of a great king, for the purpose of profit this caravan is bound + direct for the city of Suvahu, the truth-telling ruler of the Chedis.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0387"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXV + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘Having heard the words of the leader of that caravan, + Damayanti of faultless limbs proceeded with that caravan itself anxious to + behold her lord. And after having proceeded for many days the merchants + saw a large lake fragrant with lotuses in the midst of that dense and + terrible forest. And it was beautiful all over, and exceedingly + delightful, (with banks) abounding in grass and fuel and fruits and + flowers. And it was inhabited by various kinds of fowls and birds, and + fall of water that was pure and sweet. And it was cool and capable of + captivating the heart. And the caravan, worn out with toil, resolved to + halt there. And with the permission of their leader, they spread + themselves around those beautiful woods. And that mighty caravan finding + it was evening halted at that place. And (it came to pass that) at the + hour of midnight when everything was hushed and still and the tired + caravan had fallen asleep, a herd of elephants in going towards a mountain + stream to drink of its water befouled by their temporal juice, saw that + caravan as also the numerous elephants belonging to it. And seeing their + domesticated fellows the wild elephants infuriated and with the temporal + juice trickling down rushed impetuously on the former, with the intention + of killing them. And the force of the rush of those elephants was hard to + bear, like the impetuosity of peaks lessened from mountain summits rolling + towards the plain. The rushing elephants found the forest paths to be all + blocked up, for the goodly caravan was sleeping obstructing the paths + around that lake of lotuses. And the elephants all of a sudden, began to + crush the men lying insensible on the ground. And uttering cries of ‘Oh!’ + and ‘Alas!’ the merchants, blinded by sleep, fled, in order to escape that + danger, to copses and woods for refuge. And some were slain by the tusks, + and some by the trunks, and some by the legs of those elephants. And + innumerable camels and horses were killed, and crowds of men on foot, + running in fright, killed one another. And uttering loud cries some fell + down on the ground, and some in fear climbed on trees, and some dropped + down on uneven ground. And, O king, thus accidentally attacked by that + large herd of elephants, that goodly caravan suffered a great loss. And + there arose a tremendous uproar calculated to frighten the three worlds, + ‘Lo! a great fire hath broken out. Rescue us. + </p> + <p> + Do ye speedily fly away. Why do ye fly? Take the heaps of jewels scattered + around. All this wealth is a trifle. I do not speak falsely, ‘I tell you + again, (exclaimed some one) think on my words, O ye distracted one!’ With + such exclamation they ran about in fright. And Damayanti awoke in fear and + anxiety, while that terrible slaughter was raging there. And beholding + slaughter capable of awaking the fear of all the worlds, and which was so + unforeseen, the damsel of eyes like lotus leaves rose up, wild with + fright, and almost out of breath. And those of the caravan that had + escaped unhurt, met together, and asked one another, ‘Of what deed of ours + is this the consequence? Surely, we have failed to worship the illustrious + Manibhadras, and likewise the exalted and graceful Vaisravana, the king of + the Yaksha. Perhaps, we have not worshipped the deities that cause + calamities, or perhaps, we have not paid them the first homage. Or, + perhaps, this evil is the certain consequence of the birds (we saw). Our + stars are not unpropitious. From what other cause, then hath this disaster + come?’ Others, distressed and bereft of wealth and relatives, said, ‘That + maniac-like woman who came amongst this mighty caravan in guise that was + strange and scarcely human, alas, it is by her that this dreadful illusion + had been pre-arranged. Of a certainty, she is a terrible Rakshasa or a + Yaksha or a Pisacha woman. All this evil is her work, what need of doubts? + If we again see that wicked destroyer of merchants, that giver of + innumerable woes, we shall certainly slay that injurer of ours, with + stones, and dust, and grass, and wood, and cuffs.’ And hearing these + dreadful words of the merchants, Damayanti, in terror and shame and + anxiety, fled into the woods apprehensive of evil. And reproaching herself + she said, ‘Alas! fierce and great is the wrath of God on me. Peace + followeth not in my track. Of what misdeed is this the consequence? I do + not remember that I did ever so little a wrong to any one in thought, + word, or deed. Of what deed, then, is this the consequence? Certainly, it + is on account of the great sins I had committed in a former life that such + calamity hath befallen me, viz., the loss of my husband’s kingdom, his + defeat at the hands of his own kinsmen, this separation from my lord and + my son and daughter, this my unprotected state, and my presence in this + forest abounding in innumerable beasts of prey!’” + </p> + <p> + “The next day, O king, the remnant of that caravan left the place + bewailing the destruction that had overtaken them and lamenting for their + dead brothers and fathers and sons and friends. And the princess of + Vidarbha began to lament, saying, ‘Alas! What misdeed have I perpetrated! + The crowd of men that I obtained in this lone forest, hath been destroyed + by a herd of elephants, surely as a consequence of my ill luck. Without + doubt, I shall have to suffer misery for a long time. I have heard from + old men that no person dieth ere his time; it is for this that my + miserable self hath not been trodden to death by that herd of elephants. + Nothing that befalleth men is due to anything else than Destiny, for even + in my childhood I did not commit any such sin in thought, word, or deed, + whence might come this calamity. Methinks, I suffer this severance from my + husband through the potency of those celestial Lokapalas, who had come to + the Swayamvara but whom I disregarded for the sake of Nala.’ Bewailing + thus, O tiger among kings, that excellent lady, Damayanti, devoted to her + husband, went, oppressed with grief and (pale) as the autumnal moon, with + those Brahmanas versed in the Vedas that had survived the slaughter of the + caravan. And departing speedily, towards evening, the damsel came to the + mighty city of the truth-telling Suvahu, the king of the Chedis. And she + entered that excellent city clad in half a garment. And the citizens saw + her as she went, overcome with fear, and lean, melancholy, her hair + dishevelled and soiled with dust, and maniac-like. And beholding her enter + the city of the king of the Chedis, the boys of the city, from curiosity, + began to follow her. And surrounded by them, she came before the palace of + the king. And from the terrace the queen-mother saw her surrounded by the + crowd. And she said to her nurse, ‘Go and bring that woman before me. She + is forlorn and is being vexed by the crowd. She hath fallen into distress + and standeth in need of succour. I find her beauty to be such that it + illumineth my house. The fair one, though looking like a maniac, seemeth a + very Sree with her large eyes.’ Thus commanded, the nurse went out and + dispersing the crowd brought Damayanti to that graceful terrace. And + struck with wonder, O king, she asked Damayanti, saying, ‘Afflicted though + thou art with such distress, thou ownest a beautiful form. Thou shinest + like lightning in the midst of the clouds. Tell me who thou art, and + whose. O thou possessed of celestial splendour, surely, thy beauty is not + human, bereft though thou art of ornaments. And although thou art + helpless, yet thou art unmoved under the outrage of these men.’ Hearing + these words of the nurse, the daughter of Bhima said, Know that I am a + female belonging to the human species and devoted to my husband. I am a + serving woman of good lineage. I live wherever I like, subsisting on fruit + and roots, and whom a companion, and stay where evening overtaketh me. My + husband is the owner of countless virtues and was ever devoted to me. And + I also, on my part, was deeply attached to him, following him like his + shadow. It chanced that once he became desperately engaged at dice. + Defeated at dice, he came along into the forest. I accompanied my husband + into the woods, comforting the hero clad in a single piece of cloth and + maniac-like and overwhelmed with calamity. Once on a time for some cause, + that hero, afflicted with hunger and thirst and grief, was forced to + abandon that sole piece of covering in the forest. Destitute of garment + and maniac-like and deprived of his senses as he was, I followed him, + myself in a single garment. Following him, I did not sleep for nights + together. Thus passed many days, until at last while I was sleeping, he + cut off half of my cloth, and forsook me who had done him no wrong. I am + seeking my husband but unable to find him who is of hue like the filaments + of the lotus, without being able to cast my eyes on that delight of my + heart, that dear lord who owneth my heart and resembleth the celestials in + mien, day and night do I burn in grief.” + </p> + <p> + “Unto Bhima’s daughter thus lamenting with tearful eyes, and afflicted and + speaking in accents choked in grief, the queen-mother herself said, ‘O + blessed damsel, do thou stay with me. I am well pleased with thee. O fair + lady, my men shall search for thy husband. Or, perhaps he may come here of + his own accord in course of his wanderings. And, O beautiful lady, + residing here thou wilt regain thy (lost) lord.’ Hearing these words of + the queen mother, Damayanti replied, ‘O mother of heroes, I may stay with + thee on certain conditions. I shall not eat the leavings on any dish, nor + shall I wash anybody’s feet, nor shall I have to speak with other men. And + if anybody shall seek me (as a wife or mistress) he should be liable to + punishment at thy hands. And, further, should he solicit me over and over + again, that wicked one should be punished with death. This is the vow I + have made. I intend to have an interview with those Brahmanas that will + set out to search for my husband. If thou canst do all this, I shall + certainly live with thee. If it is otherwise, I cannot find it in my heart + to reside with thee.’ The queen-mother answered her with a glad heart, + saying, ‘I will do all this. Thou hast done well in adopting such a vow!’” + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘O king, having spoken so unto the daughter of + Bhima, the queen-mother, O Bharata, said to her daughter named Sunanda, ‘O + Sunanda, accept this lady like a goddess as thy Sairindhri! Let her be thy + companion, as she is of the same age with thee. Do thou, with heart free + from care, always sport with her in joy.’ And Sunanda cheerfully accepted + Damayanti and led her to her own apartment accompanied by her associates. + And treated with respect, Damayanti was satisfied, and she continued to + reside there without anxiety of any kind, for all her wishes were duly + gratified.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0388"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘O monarch, having deserted Damayanti, king Nala saw a + mighty conflagration that was raging in that dense forest. And in the + midst of that conflagration, he heard the voice of some creature, + repeatedly crying aloud, ‘O righteous Nala, come hither.’ And answering, + ‘Fear not,’ he entered into the midst of the fire and beheld a mighty Naga + lying in coils. And the Naga with joined hands, and trembling, spake unto + Nala, saying, ‘O king, that I am a snake, Karkotaka by name. I had + deceived the great Rishi Narada of high ascetic merit, and by him have I + been cursed in wrath, O king of men, even in words such as these: ‘Stay + thou here like an immobile thing, until one Nala taketh thee hence. And, + indeed, on the spot to which he will carry thee, there shalt thou he freed + from my curse. It is for that curse of his that I am unable to stir one + step. I will instruct thee in respect of thy welfare. It behoveth thee to + deliver me. I will be thy friend. There is no snake equal to me. I will be + light in thy hands. Taking me up, do thou speedily go hence.’ Having said + this, that prince of snakes became as small as the thumb. And taking him + up, Nala went to a spot free from fire. Having reached an open spot where + there was no fire, Nala intended to drop the serpent, upon which Karkotaka + again addressed him, saying, ‘O king of the Nishadhas, proceed thou yet, + counting a few steps of thine; meanwhile, O mighty-armed one, I will do + thee great good.’ And as Nala began to count his steps, the snake bit him + at the tenth step. And, lo! As he was bit, his form speedily underwent a + change. And beholding his change of form, Nala was amazed. And the king + saw the snake also assume his own form. And the snake Karkotaka, + comforting Nala, spake unto him, ‘I have deprived thee of thy beauty, so + that people may not recognise thee. And, O Nala, he by whom thou hast been + deceived and cast into distress, shall dwell in thee tortured by my venom. + And, O monarch, as long as he doth not leave thee, he will have to dwell + in pain in thy body with thee every limb filled with my venom. And, O + ruler of men I have saved from the hands of him who from anger and hate + deceived thee, perfectly innocent though thou art and undeserving of + wrong. And, O tiger among men, through my grace, thou shalt have (no + longer) any fear from animals with fangs from enemies, and from Brahmanas + also versed in the Vedas, O king! Nor shalt thou, O monarch, feel pain on + account of my poison. And, O foremost of kings, thou shalt be ever + victorious in battle. This very day, O prince, O lord of Nishadhas, go to + the delightful city of Ayodhya, and present thyself before Rituparna + skilled in gambling, saying, ‘I am a charioteer, Vahuka by name.’ And that + king will give thee his skill in dice for thy knowledge of horses. Sprung + from the line of Ikswaku, and possessed of prosperity, he will be thy + friend. When thou wilt be an adept at dice, thou shalt then have + prosperity. Thou wilt also meet with thy wife and thy children, and regain + thy kingdom. I tell thee this truly. Therefore, let not thy mind be + occupied by sorrow. And, O lord of men, when thou shouldst desire to + behold thy proper form, thou shouldst remember me, and wear this garment. + Upon wearing this, thou shalt get back thy own form.’ And saying this, + that Naga then gave unto Nala two pieces of celestial cloth. And, O son of + the Kuru race, having thus instructed Nala, and presented him with the + attire, the king of snakes, O monarch, made himself invisible there and + then!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0389"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘After the snake had vanquished, Nala, the ruler of the + Nishadhas, proceeded, and on the tenth day entered the city of Rituparna. + And he approached the king, saying, ‘My name is Vahuka. There is no one in + this world equal to me in managing steeds. My counsel also should be + sought in matters of difficulty and in all affairs of skill. I also + surpass others in the art of cooking. In all those arts that exists in + this world, and also in every thing difficult of accomplishment, I will + strive to attain success, O Rituparna, do thou maintain me.’ And Rituparna + replied, ‘O Vahuka, stay with me! May good happen to thee. Thou wilt even + perform all this. I have always particularly desired to be driven fast. Do + thou concert such measures that my steeds may become fleet. I appoint thee + the superintendent of my stables. Thy pay shall be ten thousand (coins). + Both Varshneya and Jivala shall always be under thy direction. Thou wilt + live pleasantly in their company. Therefore, O Vahuka, stay thou with + me.’” + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘Thus addressed by the king, Nala began to dwell in + the city of Rituparna, treated with respect and with Varshneya and Jivala + as his companions. And residing there, the king (Nala), remembering the + princess of Vidarbha, recited every evening the following sloka: ‘Where + lieth that helpless one afflicted with hunger and thirst and worn with + toil, thinking of that wretch? And upon whom also doth she now wait?’ And + once as the king was reciting this in the night, Jivala asked him saying, + ‘O Vahuka, whom dost thou lament thus daily? I am curious to hear it. O + thou blest with length of days, whose spouse is she whom thus lamentest?’ + Thus questioned, king Nala answered him, saying, ‘A certain person devoid + of sense had a wife well-known to many. That wretch was false in his + promises. For some reason that wicked person was separated from her. + Separated from her, that wretch wandered about oppressed with woe, and + burning with grief he resteth not by day or night. And at night, + remembering her, he singeth this sloka. Having wandered over the entire + world, he hath at last found a refuge, and undeserving of the distress + that hath befallen him, passeth his days, thus remembering his wife. When + calamity had overtaken this man, his wife followed him into the woods. + Deserted by that man of little virtue, her life itself is in danger. + Alone, without knowledge of ways, ill able to bear distress, and fainting + with hunger and thirst, the girl can hardly protect her life. And, O + friend, she hath been deserted by that man of small fortune and having + little sense, with the wide and terrible forest, ever abounding in beasts + of prey’— + </p> + <p> + “Thus remembering Damayanti, the king of the Nishadhas continued to live + unknown in the abode of that monarch!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0390"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘After Nala, despoiled of his kingdom, had, with his + wife, become a bondsman, Bhima with the desire of seeing Nala sent out + Brahmanas to search for him. And giving them profuse wealth, Bhima + enjoined on them, saying, ‘Do ye search for Nala, and also for my daughter + Damayanti. He who achieveth this task, viz., ascertaining where the ruler + of the Nishadhas is, bringeth him and my daughter hither, will obtain from + me a thousand kine, and fields, and a village resembling a town. Even if + failing to bring Damayanti and Nala here, he that succeeds learning their + whereabouts, will get from me the wealth represented by a thousand kine.’ + Thus addressed, the Brahmanas cheerfully went out in all directions + seeking Nala and his wife in cities and provinces. But Nala or his spouse + they found not anywhere. Until at length searching in the beautiful city + of the Chedis, a Brahmana named Sudeva, during the time of the king’s + prayers, saw the princess of Vidarbha in the palace of the king, seated + with Sunanda. And her incomparable beauty was slightly perceptible, like + the brightness of a fire enveloped in curls of smoke. And beholding that + lady of large eyes, soiled and emaciated he decided her to be Damayanti, + coming to that conclusion from various reasons. And Sudeva said, ‘As I saw + her before, this damsel is even so at present. O, I am blest, by casting + my eyes on this fair one, like Sree herself delighting the worlds! + Resembling the full moon, of unchanging youth, of well-rounded breasts, + illumining all sides by her splendour, possessed of large eyes like + beautiful lotuses, like unto Kama’s Rati herself the delight of all the + worlds like the rays of the full moon, O, she looketh like a lotus-stalk + transplanted by adverse fortune from the Vidarbha lake and covered with + mire in the process. And oppressed with grief on account of her husband, + and melancholy, she looketh like the night of the full moon when Rahu hath + swallowed that luminary, or like a stream whose current hath dried up. Her + plight is very much like that of a ravaged lake with the leaves of its + lotuses crushed by the trunks of elephants, and with its birds and fowls + affrighted by the invasion. Indeed, this girl, of a delicate frame and of + lovely limbs, and deserving to dwell in a mansion decked with gems, is + (now) like an uprooted lotus-stalk scorched by the sun. Endued with beauty + and generosity of nature, and destitute of ornaments, though deserving of + them, she looketh like the moon ‘new bent in haven’ but covered with black + clouds. Destitute of comforts and luxuries, separated from loved ones and + friends, she liveth in distress, supported by the hope of beholding her + lord. Verily, the husband is the best ornament of a woman, however + destitute of ornaments. Without her husband beside her, this lady, though + beautiful, shineth not. It is a hard feat achieved by Nala in that he + liveth without succumbing to grief, though separated from such a wife. + Beholding this damsel possessed of black hair and of eyes like + lotus-leaves, in woe though deserving of bliss, even my heart is pained. + Alas! when shall this girl graced with auspicious marks and devoted to her + husband, crossing this ocean of woe, regain the company of her lord, like + Rohini regaining the Moon’s? Surely, the king of the Nishadhas will + experience in regaining her the delight that a king deprived of his + kingdom experienceth in regaining his kingdom. Equal to her in nature and + age and extraction, Nala deserveth the daughter of Vidarbha, and this + damsel of black eyes also deserveth him. It behoveth me to comfort the + queen of that hero of immeasurable prowess and endued with energy and + might, (since) she is so eager to meet her husband. I will console this + afflicted girl of face like the full moon, and suffering distress that she + had never before endured, and ever meditating on her lord.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘Having thus reflected on these various + circumstances and signs, the Brahmana, Sudeva, approached Damayanti, and + addressed her, saying, ‘O princess of Vidarbha, I am Sudeva, the dear + friend of thy brother. I have come here, seeking thee, at the desire of + king Bhima. Thy father is well, and also thy mother, and thy brothers. And + thy son and daughter, blessed with length of days, are living in peace. + Thy relatives, though alive, are almost dead on thy account, and hundreds + of Brahmanas are ranging the world in search of thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘O Yudhishthira, Damayanti recognising Sudeva, + asked him respecting all her relatives and kinsmen one after another. And, + O monarch, oppressed with grief, the princess of Vidarbha began to weep + bitterly, at the unexpected sight of Sudeva, that foremost of Brahmanas + and the friend of her brother. And, O Bharata, beholding Damayanti + weeping, and conversing in private with Sudeva, Sunanda was distressed, + and going to her mother informed her, saying, ‘Sairindhri is weeping + bitterly in the presence of a Brahmana. If thou likest, satisfy thyself.’ + And thereupon the mother of the king of the Chedis, issuing from the inner + apartments of the palace, came to the place where the girl (Damayanti) was + with that Brahmana. Then calling Sudeva, O king, the queen-mother asked + him, ‘Whose wife is this fair one, and whose daughter? How hath this lady + of beautiful eyes been deprived of the company of her relatives and of her + husband as well? And how also hast thou come to know this lady fallen into + such a plight? I wish to hear all this in detail from thee. Do truly + relate unto me who am asking thee about this damsel of celestial beauty.’ + Then, O king, thus addressed by the queen-mother, Sudeva, that best of + Brahmanas, sat at his ease, and began to relate the true history of + Damayanti.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0391"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sudeva said, ‘There is a virtuous and illustrious ruler of the Vidarbhas, + Bhima by name. This blessed lady is his daughter, and widely known by the + name of Damayanti. And there is a king ruling the Nishadhas, named Nala, + the son of Virasena. This blessed lady is the wife of that wise and + righteous monarch. Defeated at dice by his brother, and despoiled of his + kingdom, that king, accompanied by Damayanti, went away without the + knowledge of any one. We have been wandering over the whole earth in + search of Damayanti. And that girl is at last found in the house of thy + son. No woman existeth that is her rival in beauty. Between the eye-brows + of this ever-youthful damsel, there is an excellent mole from birth, + resembling a lotus. Noticed by us (before) it seems to have disappeared, + covered, (as her forehead is) with (a coat of) dust even like the moon hid + in clouds. Placed there by the Creator himself as an indication of + prosperity and wealth, that mole is visible faintly, like the + cloud-covered lunar crescent of the first day of the lighted fortnight. + And covered as her body is with dust, her beauty hath not disappeared. + Though careless of her person, it is still manifest, and shineth like + gold. And this girl—goddess-like—capable of being identified + by this form of hers and that mole, hath been discovered by me as one + discovereth a fire that is covered, by its heat!’ + </p> + <p> + “O king, hearing these words of Sudeva, Sunanda washed the dust that + covered the mole between Damayanti’s eye-brows. And thereupon it became + visible like the moon in the sky, just emerged from the clouds. And seeing + that mole, O Bharata, Sunanda and the queen-mother began to weep, and + embracing Damayanti stood silent for a while. And the queen-mother, + shedding tears as she spoke, said in gentle accents, ‘By this thy mole, I + find that thou art the daughter of my sister. O beauteous girl, thy mother + and I are both daughters of the high-souled Sudaman, the ruler of the + Dasarnas. She was bestowed upon king Bhima, and I on Viravahu. I witnessed + thy birth at our father’s palace in the country of the Dasarnas. O + beautiful one, my house is to thee even as thy father’s. And this wealth, + O Damayanti, is thine as much as mine.’ As this, O king, Damayanti bowing + down to her mother’s sister with a glad heart, spake unto her these words, + ‘Unrecognised, I have still lived happily with thee, every want of mine + satisfied and myself cared for by thee. And happy as my stay hath been, it + would, without doubt, be happier still. But, mother, I have long been an + exile. It behoveth thee, therefore, to grant me permission (to depart). My + son and daughter, sent to my father’s palace, are living there. Deprived + of their father, and of their mother also, how are they passing their days + stricken with sorrow. If thou wishest to do what is agreeable to me, do + thou without loss of time, order a vehicle, for I wish to go to the + Vidarbhas.’ At this, O king, the sister to (Damayanti’s) mother, with a + glad heart, said, ‘So be it’. And the queen-mother with her son’s + permission, O chief of the Bharatas, sent Damayanti in handsome litter + carried by men, protected by a large escort and provided with food and + drink and garments of the first quality. And soon enough she reached the + country of the Vidarbhas. And all her relatives, rejoicing (in her + arrival) received her with respect. And seeing her relatives, her + children, both her parents, and all her maids, to be well, the illustrious + Damayanti, O king, worshipped the gods and Brahmanas according to the + superior method. And the king rejoiced at beholding his daughter gave unto + Sudeva a thousand kine and much wealth and a village. And, O king, having + spent that night at her father’s mansion and recovered from fatigue, + Damayanti addressed her mother, saying, ‘O mother, if thou wishest me to + live, I tell thee truly, do thou endeavour to bring Nala, that hero among + men.’ Thus addressed by Damayanti, the venerable queen became filled with + sorrow. And bathed in tears, she was unable to give any answer. And + beholding her in that plight, all the inmates of the inner apartments + broke out into exclamation of ‘Oh!’ And ‘Alas’! and began to cry bitterly. + And then the queen addressed the mighty monarch Bhima, saying, ‘Thy + daughter Damayanti mourneth on account of her husband. Nay, banishing away + all bashfulness, she hath herself, O king, declared her mind to me. Let + thy men strive to find out (Nala) the righteous.’ Thus informed by her the + king sent the Brahmanas under him in all directions, saying, ‘Exert ye to + discover Nala.’ And those Brahmanas, commanded by the ruler of the + Vidarbhas (to seek Nala) appeared before Damayanti and told her of the + journey they were about to undertake. And Bhima’s daughter spake unto them + saying, ‘Do ye cry in every realm and in every assembly, ‘O beloved + gambler, where hast thou gone cutting off half of my garment, and + deserting the dear and devoted wife asleep in the forest? And that girl, + as commanded by thee stayeth expecting thee, clad in half a piece of cloth + and burning with grief! O king, O hero, relent towards, and answer, her + who incessantly weepeth for that grief. This and more ye will say, so that + he may be inclined to pity me. Assisted by the wind, fire consumeth the + forest. (Further, ye will say that) the wife is always to be protected and + maintained by the husband. Why then, good as thou art and acquainted with + every duty, hast thou neglected both the duties? Possessed of fame and + wisdom, and lineage, and kindness, why hast thou be unkind? I fear, this + is owing to the loss of my good luck! Therefore, O tiger among men, have + pity on me. O bull among men! I have heard it from thee that kindness is + the highest virtue. Speaking so, if anybody answereth you, that person + should by all means, be known, and ye should learn who he is, and where he + dwelleth. And ye foremost of regenerate ones, do ye bring me the words of + him who hearing this your speech will chance to answer. Ye should also act + with such care that no one may know the words ye utter to be at my + command, nor that ye will come back to me. And ye should also learn + whether that answers is wealthy, or poor, or destitute of power, in fact + all about him.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus instructed by Damayanti, O king, the Brahmanas set out in all + directions in search of Nala overtaken with such disaster. And the + Brahmanas, O king, searched for him in cities and kingdoms and villages, + and retreats of ascetics, and places inhabited by cow-herds. And, O + monarch, wherever they went they recited the speeches that Damayanti had + directed them to do.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0392"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXX + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘After a long time had passed away, a Brahmana named + Parnada returned to the city (of the Vidarbhas), and said unto the + daughter of Bhima, ‘O Damayanti, seeking Nala, the king of Nishadhas, I + came to the city of Ayodhya, and appeared before the son of Bhangasura. + And, O best of women, I repeated those words of thine in the presence of + the blessed Rituparna. But hearing them neither that ruler of men, nor his + courtiers, answered anything, although I uttered them repeatedly. Then, + after I had been dismissed by the monarch, I was accosted by a person in + the service of Rituparna, named Vahuka. And Vahuka is the charioteer of + that king, of unsightly appearance and possessed of short arms. And he is + skillful in driving with speed, and well acquainted with the culinary art. + And sighing frequently, and weeping again and again, he inquired about my + welfare and afterwards said these words, ‘Chaste women, although fallen + into distress, yet protect themselves and thus certainly secure heaven. + Although they may be deserted by their lords, they do not yet become angry + on that account, for women that are chaste lead their lives, encased in + the armour of virtuous behaviour. It behoveth her not to be angry, since + he that deserted her was overwhelmed with calamity, and deprived of every + bliss. A beauteous and virtuous woman should not be angry with one that + was deprived by birds of his garment while striving to procure sustenance + and who is being consumed with grief. Whether treated well or ill, such a + wife should never indulge in ire, beholding her husband in that plight, + despoiled of kingdom and destitute of prosperity, oppressed with hunger + and overwhelmed with calamity.’ Hearing these words of his, I have + speedily come here. Thou hast now heard all. Do what thou thinkest proper, + and inform the king of it.’ + </p> + <p> + “O king, having heard these words of Parnada, Damayanti with tearful eyes + came to her mother, and spake unto her in private, ‘O mother, king Bhima + should not, by any means, be made acquainted with my purpose. In thy + presence will I employ that best of Brahmanas, Sudeva! If thou desirest my + welfare, act in such a way that king Bhima may not know my purpose. Let + Sudeva without delay go hence to the city of Ayodhya, for the purpose of + bringing Nala, O mother, having performed the same auspicious rites by + virtue of which he had speedily brought me into the midst of friends.’ + With these words, after Parnada had recovered from fatigue, the princess + of Vidarbha worshipped him with profuse wealth and also said, ‘When Nala + will come here, O Brahmana, I will bestow on thee wealth in abundance + again. Thou hast done me the immense service which none else, indeed, can + do me, for, (owing to that service of thine), O thou best of the + regenerate ones, I shall speedily regain my (lost) lord.’ And thus + addressed by Damayanti, that high-minded Brahmana comforted her, uttering + benedictory words of auspicious import, and then went home, regarding his + mission to have been successful. And after he had gone away, Damayanti + oppressed with grief and distress, calling Sudeva, addressed him, O + Yudhishthira, in the presence of her mother, saying, ‘O Sudeva, go thou to + the city of Ayodhya, straight as a bird, and tell king Rituparna living + there, these words: ‘Bhima’s daughter, Damayanti will hold another + Swayamvara. All the kings and princes are going thither. Calculating the + time, I find that the ceremony will take place tomorrow. O represser of + foes, if it is possible for thee, go thither without delay. Tomorrow, + after the sun hath risen, she will choose a second husband, as she doth + not know whether the heroic Nala liveth or not. And addressed by her, O + monarch thus, Sudeva set out. And he said unto Rituparna, all that he had + been directed to say.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0393"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘Having heard the words of Sudeva king Rituparna, + soothing Vahuka with gentle words, said, ‘O Vahuka, thou art well-skilled + in training and guiding horses. If it pleases thee, I intend to go to + Damayanti’s Swayamvara in course of a single day.’ Thus addressed, O son + of Kunti, by that king, Nala felt his heart to be bursting in grief. And + the high-souled king seemed to burn in sorrow. And he thought within + himself, ‘Perhaps Damayanti in doing this is blinded by sorrow. Or, + perhaps, she hath conceived this magnificent scheme for my sake. Alas, + cruel is the deed that the innocent princess of Vidarbha intends to do, + having been deceived by my sinful and low self of little sense. It is seen + in the world that the nature of woman is inconstant. My offence also hath + been great; perhaps she is acting so, because she hath no longer any love + for me owing to my separation from her. Indeed, that girl of slender + waist, afflicted with grief on my account and with despair, will not + certainly do anything of the kind, when especially, she is the mother of + offspring (by me). However whether this is true or false, I shall + ascertain with certitude by going thither. I will, therefore, accomplish + Rituparna’s and my own purpose also.’ Having resolved thus in his mind, + Vahuka, with his heart in sorrow, spake unto king Rituparna, with joined + hands, saying, ‘O monarch, I bow to thy behest, and, O tiger among men, I + will go to the city of the Vidarbhas in a single day. O king!’ Then, O + monarch, at the command of the royal son of Bhangasura, Vahuka went to the + stables and began to examine the horses. And repeatedly urged by Rituparna + to make haste, Vahuka after much scrutiny and careful deliberation, + selected some steeds that were lean-fleshed, yet strong and capable of a + long journey and endued with energy and strength of high breed and + docility, free from inauspicious marks, with wide nostrils and swelling + cheeks, free from faults as regards the ten hairy curls, born in (the + country of) Sindhu, and fleet as the winds. And seeing those horses, the + king said somewhat angrily, ‘What is this, that thou wishest to do? Thou + shouldst not jest with us. How can these horses of mine, weak in strength + and breath, carry us? And how shall we be able to go this long way by help + of these?’ Vahuka replied, ‘Each of these horses bears one curl on his + forehead, two on his temples, four on his sides, four on his chest, and + one on his back. Without doubt, these steeds will be able to go to the + country of the Vidarbhas. If, O king, thou thinkest of choosing others, + point them out and I shall yoke them for thee.’ Rituparna rejoined, ‘O + Vahuka, thou art versed in the science of horses and art also skillful (in + guiding them). Do thou speedily yoke those that thou thinkest to be able.’ + Thereupon the skillful Nala yoked upon the car four excellent steeds of + good breed that were, besides, docile and fleet. And after the steeds had + been yoked, the king without loss of time mounted upon the car, when those + best of horses fell down upon the ground on their knees. Then, O king, + that foremost of men, the blessed king Nala began to soothe horses endued + with energy and strength. And raising them up with the reins and making + the charioteer Varshneya sit on the car, he prepared to set out with great + speed. And those best of steeds, duly urged by Vahuka, rose to the sky, + confounding the occupant of the vehicle. And beholding those steeds gifted + with the speed of the wind thus drawing the car, the blessed king of + Ayodhaya was exceedingly amazed. And noticing the rattle of the car and + also the management of the steeds, Varshneya reflected upon Vahuka’s skill + in guiding horses. And he thought, ‘Is he Matali, the charioteer of the + king of the celestials? I find the same magnificent indications in the + heroic Vahuka. Or, hath Salihotra versed in the science of horses taken + this human shape so beautiful? Or, is it king Nala the reducer of hostile + towns that hath come here? Or, it may be that this Vahuka knoweth the + science that Nala knoweth, for I perceive that the knowledge of Vahuka is + equal to that of Nala. Further, Vahuka and Nala are of the same age. This + one, again, may not be Nala of high prowess, but somebody of equal + knowledge. Illustrious persons, however, walk this earth in disguise in + consequence of misfortune, or agreeably to the ordinance of the + scriptures. That this person is of unsightly appearance need not change my + opinion; for Nala, I think, may even be despoiled of his personal + features. In respect of age this one equals Nala. There is difference, + however, in personal appearance. Vahuka, again is endued with every + accomplishment. I think, therefore, he is Nala.’ Having thus reasoned long + in his mind, O mighty monarch, Varshneya, the (former) charioteer of the + righteous Nala, became absorbed in thought. And that foremost of kings + Rituparna, also, beholding the skill of Vahuka in equestrian science + experienced great delight, along with his charioteer Varshneya. And + thinking of Vahuka’s application and ardour and the manner of his holding + the reins, the king felt exceedingly glad.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0394"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘Like a bird coursing through the sky, Nala soon crossed + rivers and mountains, and woods and lakes. And while the car was coursing + thus, that conqueror of hostile cities, the royal son of Bhangasura, saw + his upper garment drop down on the ground. And at soon as his garment had + dropped down the high-minded monarch, without loss of time, told Nala, ‘I + intend to recover it. O thou of profound intelligence, retain these steeds + endued with exceeding swiftness until Varshneya bringeth back my garment.’ + Thereupon Nala replied unto him, ‘The sheet is dropped down far away. We + have travelled one yojana thence. Therefore, it is incapable of being + recovered.’ After Nala had addressed him thus, O king, the royal son of + Bhangasura came upon a Vibhitaka tree with fruits in a forest. And seeing + that tree, the king hastily said to Vahuka, ‘O charioteer, do thou also + behold my high proficiency in calculation. All men do not know everything. + There is no one that is versed in every science of art. Knowledge in its + entirety is not found in any one person, O Vahuka, the leaves and fruits + of this tree that are lying on the ground respectively exceed those that + are on it by one hundred and one. The two branches of the tree have fifty + millions of leaves, and two thousand and ninety five fruits. Do thou + examine these two branches and all their boughs.’ Thereupon staying the + car Vahuka addressed the king, saying, ‘O crusher of foes, thou takest + credit to thyself in a matter which is beyond my perception. But, O + monarch, I will ascertain it by the direct evidence of my senses, by + cutting down the Vibhitaka. O king, when I actually count, it will no + longer be matter of speculation. Therefore, in thy presence, O monarch, I + will hew down this Vibhitaka. I do not know whether it be not (as thou + hast said). In thy presence, O ruler of men, I will count the fruits and + leaves. Let Varshneya hold the reins of the horses for a while.’ Unto the + charioteer the king replied, ‘There is no time to lose.’ But Vahuka + answered with humility, ‘Stay thou a short space, or, if thou art in a + hurry, go then, making Varshneya thy charioteer. The road lies direct and + even.’ And at this, O son of the Kuru race, soothing Vahuka, Rituparna + said, ‘O Vahuka, thou art the only charioteer, there is none other in this + world. And, O thou versed in horse lore, it is through thy help that I + expect to go to the Vidarbhas. I place myself in thy hands. It behoveth + thee not to cause any obstacle. And, O Vahuka, whatever thy wish. I will + grant it if taking me to the country of the Vidarbhas to-day, thou makest + me see the sun rise.’ At this, Vahuka answered him, saying, ‘After having + counted (the leaves and fruits of the) Vibhitaka, I shall proceed to + Vidarbha, do thou agree to my words. Then the king reluctantly told him, + ‘Count. And on counting the leaves and fruits of a portion of this branch, + thou wilt be satisfied of the truth of my assertion.’ And thereupon Vahuka + speedily alighted from the car, and felled that tree. And struck with + amazement upon finding the fruits, after calculation, to be what the king + had said, he addressed the king, saying, ‘O monarch, this thy power is + wonderful. I desire, O prince, to know the art by which thou hast + ascertained all this.’ And at this king, intent upon proceeding speedily, + said unto Vahuka. ‘Know that I am proficient at dice besides being versed + in numbers. And Vahuka said unto him, ‘Impart unto me this knowledge and, + O bull among men, take from me my knowledge of horses.’ And king + Rituparna, having regard to the importance of the act that depended upon + Vahuka’s good-will, and tempted also by the horse-lore (that his + charioteer possessed), said, ‘So be it.’ As solicited by thee, receive + this science of dice from me, and, O Vahuka, let my equine science remain + with thee in trust.’ And saying this, Rituparna imparted unto Nala the + science (he desired). And Nala upon becoming acquainted with the science + of dice, Kali came out of his body, incessantly vomiting from his mouth + the virulent poison of Karkotaka. + </p> + <p> + And when Kali, afflicted (by Damayanti’s curse) came out (of Nala’s body), + the fire of that curse also left Kali. Indeed, long had been the time for + which the king had been afflicted by Kali, as if he were of unregenerate + soul. And Kala the ruler of the Nishadhas, in wrath, was bent upon cursing + Kali, when the latter, frightened, and trembling, said with joined hands, + ‘Control thy wrath, O king! I will render thee illustrious. Indrasena’s + mother had formerly cursed me in anger when she had been deserted by thee. + Ever since that time undergoing sore affliction I resided in thee, O + mighty monarch, O unconquered one, miserably and burning night and day + with the venom of the prince of snakes. I seek thy protection. If thou + dost not curse me who am affrighted and seek thy protection, then those + men that will attentively recite thy history, shall be even free from fear + on my account.’ And thus addressed by Kali, king Nala controlled his + wrath. And thereupon the frightened Kali speedily entered into the + Vibhitaka tree. And while the Kali was conversing with Naishadha, he was + invisible to others. And delivered from his afflictions, and having + counted the fruits of that tree, the king, filled with great joy and of + high energy, mounted on the car and proceeded with energy, urging those + fleet horses. And from the touch of Kali the Vibhitaka tree from that hour + fell into disrepute. And Nala, with a glad heart, began to urge those + foremost of steeds which sprang into the air once and again like creatures + endued with wings. And the illustrious monarch drove (the car) in the + direction of the Vidarbhas. And after Nala had gone far away, Kali also + returned to his abode. And abandoned by Kali, O king, that lord of earth, + the royal Nala, became freed from calamity though he did not assume his + native form.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0395"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘After Rituparna of prowess incapable of being baffled + had, in the evening, arrived at the city of the Vidarbhas, the people + brought unto king Bhima the tidings (of his arrival). And at the + invitation of Bhima, the king (of Ayodhya) entered the city of Kundina, + filling with the rattle of his car all the ten points, direct and + transverse, of the horizon. And the steeds of Nala that were in that city + heard that sound, and hearing it they became delighted as they used to be + in the presence of Nala himself. And Damayanti also heard the sound of + that car driven by Nala, like the deep roar of the clouds in the rainy + season. And Bhima and the steeds (of Nala) regarded the clatter of that + car to be like that which they used to hear in days of yore when king Nala + himself urged his own steeds. And the peacocks on the terraces, and the + elephants in the stables, and the horses also, all heard the rattle of + Rituparna’s car. And hearing the sound, so like the roar of the clouds, + the elephants and the peacocks, O king, began to utter their cries, facing + that direction, and filled with delight such as they experience when they + hear the actual roar of the clouds. And Damayanti said, ‘Because the + rattle of his car filling the whole earth, gladdens my heart, it must be + King Nala (that has come). If I do not see Nala, of face bright as the + moon, that hero with countless virtues, I shall certainly die. If I am not + clasped today in that hero’s thrilling embrace, I shall certainly cease to + be. If Naishadha with voice deep as that of the clouds doth not come to me + today, I shall enter into a pyre of golden brilliance. If that foremost of + kings, powerful as a lion and gifted with the strength of an infuriated + elephant, doth not present himself before me, I shall certainly cease to + live. I do not remember a single untruth in him, or a single wrong done by + him to others. Never hath he spoken an untruth even in jest. Oh, my Nala + is exalted and forgiving and heroic and magnificent and superior to all + other kings, and faithful to his marriage vow and like unto a eunuch in + respect of other females. Night and day dwelling upon his perceptions, my + heart, in absence of that dear one, is about to burst in grief.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus bewailing as if devoid of sense, Damayanti, O Bharata, ascended the + terrace (of her mansion) with the desire of seeing the righteous Nala. And + in the yard of the central mansion she beheld king Rituparna on the car + with Varshneya and Vahuka. And Varshneya and Vahuka, descending for that + excellent vehicle, unyoked the steeds, and kept the vehicle itself in a + proper place. And king Rituparna also, descending from the car, presented + himself before king Bhima possessed of terrible prowess. And Bhima + received him with great respect, for in the absence of a proper occasion, + a great person cannot be had (as a guest). And honoured by Bhima, king + Rituparna looked about him again and again, but saw no traces of the + Swayamvara. And the ruler of the Vidarbhas, O Bharata, approaching + Rituparna, said, ‘Welcome! What is the occasion of this thy visit?’ And + king Bhima asked this without knowing that Rituparna had come to obtain + the hand of his daughter. And king Rituparna, of unbaffled prowess and + gifted with intelligence, saw that there were no other kings or princes. + Nor did he hear any talk relating to the Swayamvara, nor saw any concourse + of Brahmanas. And at this, the king of Kosala reflected a while and at + length said, ‘I have come here to pay my respects to thee.’ And the king + Bhima was struck with astonishment, and reflected upon the (probable) + cause of Rituparna’s coming, having passed over a hundred yojanas. And he + reflected, ‘That passing by other sovereigns, and leaving behind him + innumerable countries, he should come simply to pay his respect to me is + scarcely the reason of his arrival. What he assigneth to be the cause of + his coming appeareth to be a trifle. However, I shall learn the true + reason in the future.’ And although king Bhima thought so, he did not + dismiss Rituparna summarily, but said unto him again and again, ‘Rest, + thou art weary.’ And honoured thus by the pleased Bhima, king Rituparna + was satisfied, and with a delighted heart, he went to his appointed + quarters followed by the servants of the royal household.” + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘And, O king, after Rituparna had gone away with + Varshneya, Vahuka took the car to the stables. And there freeing the + steeds, and tending them according to rule, and soothing them himself, sat + down on a side of the car. Meanwhile, the princess of Vidharva, Damayanti, + afflicted with grief, having beheld the royal son of Bhangasura, and + Varshneya of the Suta race, and also Vahuka in that guise, asked herself, + ‘Whose is this car-rattle? It was loud as that of Nala, but I do not see + the ruler of the Nishadhas. Certainly, Varshneya hath learnt the art from + Nala, and it is for this the rattle of the car driven by him hath been + even like that of Nala. Or, is Rituparna equally skilled with Nala so that + the rattle of his car seemeth to be like that of Nala?’ And reflecting + thus, O monarch, the blessed and beauteous girl sent a female messenger in + search of Nishada.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0396"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Damayanti said, ‘O Kesini, go thou and learn who that charioteer is that + sitteth by the car, unsightly and possessed of short arms. O blessed one, + O faultless one, approaching him, cautiously and with suit words, make + thou the usual inquiries of courtesy and learn all particulars truly. + Having regard to the feeling of satisfaction my mind experienceth, and the + delight my heart feeleth, I am greatly afraid this one is king Nala + himself. And, O faultless one, having inquired after his welfare, thou + shalt speak unto him the words of Parnada. And, O beauteous one, + understand the reply he may make thereto.’ Thus instructed, that female + messenger, going cautiously, while the blessed Damayanti watched from the + terrace, addressed Vahuka in these words, ‘O foremost of men, thou art + welcome. I wish thee happiness. O bull among men, hear now the words of + Damayanti. When did ye all set out, and with what object have ye come + hither. Tell us truly, for the princess of Vidarbha wisheth to hear it.’ + Thus addressed, Vahuka answered, the illustrious king of Kosala had heard + from a Brahmana that a second Swayamvara of Damayanti would take place. + And hearing it, he hath come here, by the help of excellent steeds fleet + as the wind and capable of going a hundred yojanas. I am his charioteer. + Kesini then asked, ‘Whence doth the third among you come, and whose (son) + is he? And whose son art thou, and how hast thou come to do this work?’ + Thus questioned, Vahuka replied, ‘He (of whom thou inquirest) was the + charioteer of the virtuous Nala, and known to all by the name of + Varshneya. After Nala had, O beauteous one, left his kingdom, he came to + the son of Bhangasura. I am skilled in horse-lore, and have, therefore, + been appointed as charioteer. Indeed, king Rituparna hath himself chosen + me as his charioteer and cook.’ At this Kesini rejoined, ‘Perhaps + Varshneya knoweth where king Nala hath gone, and O Vahuka, he may also + have spoken to thee (about his master).’ Vahuka then said, ‘Having brought + hither the children of Nala of excellent deeds, Varshneya went away + whither he listed: He doth not know where Naishadha is. Nor, O illustrious + one, doth anybody else know of Nala’s whereabouts; for the king (in + calamity) wandereth over the world in disguise and despoiled of (his + native) beauty. Nala’s self only knoweth Nala. Nala never discovereth his + marks of identity anywhere.’ Thus addressed, Kesini returned, ‘The + Brahmana that had before this gone to Ayodhya, had repeatedly said these + words suitable to female lips, ‘O beloved gambler, where hast thou gone + cutting off half my piece of cloth, and deserting me, his dear and devoted + wife asleep in the woods? And she herself, as commanded by him, waiteth + expecting him clad in half a garment and burning day and night in grief. O + king, O hero, do thou relent towards her that weepeth ceaselessly for that + calamity and do thou give her an answer. O illustrious one, do thou speak + the words agreeable to her for the blameless one panteth to hear them. + Hearing these words of the Brahmana thou didst formerly give a reply! The + princess of Vidarbha again wisheth to hear the words thou didst then + say.’” + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘O son of the Kuru race, hearing these words of + Kesini, Nala’s heart was pained, and his eyes filled with tears. And + repressing his sorrow, the king who was burning in grief, said again these + words, in accents choked with tears: ‘Chaste women, though overtaken by + calamity, yet protect themselves, and thereby secure heaven. Women that + are chaste, deserted by their lords, never become angry, but continue to + live, cased in virtue’s mail. Deserted by one fallen into calamity, bereft + of sense, and despoiled of bliss, it behoveth her not to be angry. A + virtuous lady should not be angry with one that was deprived by birds of + his garment while striving to procure sustenance and who is burning in + misery. Whether treated well or ill she would never be angry, seeing her + husband in that plight, despoiled of his kingdom, bereft of prosperity, + oppressed with hunger, and overwhelmed with calamity.’ And, O Bharata, + while speaking thus, Nala oppressed with grief, could not restrain his + tears, but began to weep. And thereupon Kesini went back to Damayanti, and + acquainted her with everything about that conversation as well as that + outburst of grief.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0397"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘Hearing everything, Damayanti became oppressed with + grief, and suspecting the person to be Nala, said unto Kesini, ‘O Kesini, + go thou again, and examine Vahuka, and staying in silence at his side mark + thou his conduct. And, O beauteous one, whenever he happens to do anything + skilful, do thou observe well his act while accomplishing it. And, O + Kesini, whenever he may ask water or fire, with the view of offering him + obstruction, thou shalt be in no hurry to give it. And marking everything + about his behaviour, come thou and tell me. And whatever human or + super-human thou seest in Vahuka, together with anything else, should all + be reported unto me.’ And thus addressed by Damayanti, Kesini went away, + and having marked the conduct of that person versed in horse-lore, she + came back. And she related unto Damayanti all that had happened, indeed, + everything of human and superhuman that she had witnessed in Vahuka. And + Kesini said, ‘O Damayanti, a person of such control over the elements I + have never before seen or heard of. Whenever he cometh to low passage, he + never stoopeth down, but seeing him, the passage itself groweth in height + so that he may pass through it easily. And at his approach, impassable + narrow holes open wide. King Bhima had sent various kinds of meat—of + diverse animals, for Rituparna’s food. And many vessels had been placed + there for washing the meat. And as he looked upon them, those vessels + became filled (with water). And having washed the meat, as he set himself + to cook, he took up a handful of grass and held it in the sun, when fire + blazed up all on a sudden. Beholding this marvel, I have come hither + amazed. Further, I have witnessed in him another great wonder. O beauteous + one, he touched fire and was not burnt. And at his will, water falling + floweth in a stream. And, I have witnessed another greater wonder still. + He took up some flowers, began to press them slowly with his hands. And + pressed by his hand, the flowers did not lose their original forms, but, + on the contrary, became gayer and more odorous than before. Having beheld + wonderful things I have come hither with speed.’” + </p> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa continued, ‘Hearing of these acts of the virtuous Nala, and + discovering him from his behaviour, Damayanti considered him as already + recovered. And from these indications suspecting that Vahuka was her + husband, Damayanti once more weepingly addressed Kesini in soft words, + saying, ‘O beauteous one, go thou once more, and bring from the kitchen + without Vahuka’s knowledge some meat that hath been boiled and dressed (by + him).’ Thus commanded, Kesini, ever bent on doing what was agreeable to + Damayanti, went to Vahuka, and taking some hot meat came back without loss + of time. And Kesini gave that meat, O son of the Kuru race, unto + Damayanti. And Damayanti who had formerly often partaken of meat dressed + by Nala, tasted the meat that was brought by her hand-maid. And she + thereupon decided Vahuka to be Nala and wept aloud in grief of heart. And, + O Bharata, overwhelmed with grief, and washing her face, she sent her two + children with Kesini. And Vahuka, who was the king in disguise, + recognising Indrasena with her brother, advanced hastily, and embracing + them, took them up on his lap. And taking up his children like unto the + children of the celestials, he began to weep aloud in sonorous accents, + his heart oppressed with great sorrow. And after having repeatedly + betrayed his agitation, Naishadha suddenly left children, and addressed + Kesini, saying, ‘O fair damsel, these twins are very like my own children. + Beholding them unexpectedly, I shed tears. If thou comest to me frequently + people may think evil, for we are guests from another land. Therefore. O + blessed one, go at thy ease.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0398"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘Beholding the agitation of the virtuous and wise Nala, + Kesini returned unto Damayanti and related everything unto her. And + thereupon Damayanti with a sorrowful heart and eager to behold Nala, again + despatched Kesini to her mother, asking her to say on her behalf: + Suspecting Vahuka to be Nala, I have tried him in various ways. My doubt + now only relates to his appearance. I intend to examine him myself. O + mother, either let him enter the palace, or give me permission to go to + him. And arrange this with the knowledge of my father or without it. And + thus addressed to Damayanti, that lady communicated unto Bhima the + intention of his daughter, and upon learning it the king gave his consent. + And, O bull of the Bharata race, having obtained the consent both of her + father and mother, Damayanti caused Nala to be brought to her apartments. + And as soon as he saw Damayanti unexpectedly, king Nala was overwhelmed + with grief and sorrow, and bathed in tears. And that best of women, + Damayanti, also, upon beholding king Nala in that condition, was sorely + afflicted with grief. And, O monarch, herself clad in a piece of red + cloth, and wearing matted locks, and covered with dirt and dust, Damayanti + then addressed Vahuka, saying, ‘O Vahuka, hast thou ever seen any person + acquainted with duty, who hath gone away, deserting his sleeping wife in + the forest? Who, except the virtuous Nala, could go away, deserting in the + woods, his dear and unoffending wife overcome with fatigue? Of what + offence was I guilty in the eyes of that monarch since my early youth that + he should go away deserting me in the woods while asleep overcome with + fatigue? Why should he whom I formerly chose in preference to the gods + themselves abandon his ever-devoted and loving wife who had become the + mother also of his children? Before the fire, and in presence also of the + celestials, he had taken my hand, vowing, ‘Verily I will be thine.’ Oh, + where was that vow when he deserted me. O represser of foes.’ While + Damayanti was saying all this, tears of sorrow began to flow plentifully + from her eyes. And beholding her thus afflicted with grief, Nala also, + shedding tears, black of those of the gazelle with extremities of reddish + hue, said, ‘O timid one, neither the loss of my kingdom nor my desertion + of thee was my act. Both were due to Kali. And, O foremost of virtuous + women, lamenting for me day and night, and overcome with sorrow, thou + hadst in the woods cursed Kali, and so he began to dwell in my body, + burning in consequence of thy curse. Indeed burning with thy curse, he + lived within me like fire within fire. O blessed girl, that our sorrows + might terminate, that wretch have I overcome by my observances and + austerities. The sinful wretch hath already left me, and it is for this + that I have come hither. My presence here, O fair lady, is for thy sake. I + have no other object. But, O timid one, can any other woman, forsaking her + loving and devoted husband, ever choose a second lord like thee? At the + command of the king, messengers are ranging this entire earth, saying, + ‘Bhima’s daughter will, of her own accord, choose a second husband worthy + of her.’ Immediately on hearing this, the son of Bhangasura hath arrived + here.’ Hearing these lamentations of Nala, Damayanti, frightened and + trembling, said with joined hand, ‘It behoveth thee not, O blessed one, to + suspect any fault in me. O ruler of the Nishadhas, passing over the + celestials themselves, I choose thee as my lord. It was to bring thee + hither that the Brahmanas had gone out in all directions, even to all the + sides of the horizon, singing my words, in the form of ballads. At last, O + king, a learned Brahmana named Parnada had found thee in Kosala in the + palace of Rituparna. When thou hadst returned a fit answer to those words + of his, it was then, O Naishadha, that I devised this scheme to recover + thee. Except thee, O lord of earth, there is no one in this world, who in + one day can clear, O King, a hundred yojanas with horses. O monarch, + touching thy feet I can swear truly that I have not, even in thought, + committed any sin. May the all-witnessing Air that courseth through this + world, take my life, if I have committed any sin. May the Sun that ever + courseth through the sky take my life, if I have committed any sin. May + the Moon, that dwelleth within every creature as a witness, take my life, + if I have committed any sin. Let the three gods that sustain the triple + worlds in their entirety, declare truly, or let them forsake me today.’ + And thus addressed by her, the Wind-god said from the sky, ‘O Nala, I tell + thee truly that she hath done no wrong. O king, Damayanti, well guarding + the honour of thy family, hath enhanced it. Of this we are the witnesses, + as we have been her protectors for these three years. It is for thy sky + that she hath devised this unrivalled scheme, for, except thee, none on + earth is capable of travelling in a single day a hundred yojanas. O + monarch, thou hast obtained Bhima’s daughter, and she hath also obtained + thee. Thou needst not entertain any suspicion but be united with thy + partner.’ And after the Wind-god had said this, a floral shower fell there + and the celestial kettle-drum began to play, and auspicious breezes began + to blow. And beholding those wonders, O Bharata, king Nala, the represser + of foes, cast away all his doubts in respect of Damayanti. And then that + lord of earth, remembering the king of serpents, wore that pure garment + and regained his native form. And beholding her righteous lord in his own + form, Bhima’s daughter of faultless limbs embraced him, and began to weep + aloud. And king Nala also embraced Bhima’s daughter devoted to him, as + before, and also his children, and experienced great delight. And burying + her face in his bosom, the beauteous Damayanti of large eyes began to sigh + heavily, remembering her griefs. And overwhelmed with sorrow, that tiger + among men stood for some time, clasping the dust-covered Damayanti of + sweet smiles. And, O king, the queen-mother then, with a glad heart, told + Bhima all that had passed between Nala and Damayanti. And the mighty + monarch answered, ‘Let Nala pass this day in peace, to-morrow I shall see + him after his bath and prayers, with Damayanti by his side.’ And, O king, + they passed that night pleasantly, in relating to each other the past + incidents of their life in the forest. And with hearts filled with joy, + the princess of Vidarbha and Nala began to pass their days in the palace + of king Bhima, intent upon making each other happy. And it was in the + fourth year (after the loss of his kingdom) that Nala was re-united with + his wife, and all his desires gratified, once more experienced the highest + bliss. And Damayanti rejoiced exceedingly in having recovered her lord + even as fields of tender plants on receiving a shower. And Bhima’s + daughter, thus recovering her lord, obtained her wish, and blazed forth in + beauty, her weariness gone, her anxieties dispelled and herself swelling + with joy, ever like a night that is lit by the bright disc of the moon!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0399"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘Having passed that night, king Nala decked in ornaments + and with Damayanti by his side, presented himself in due time before the + king. And Nala saluted his father-in-law with becoming humility and after + him the fair Damayanti paid her respects to her father. And the exalted + Bhima, with great joy, received him as a son, and honouring him duly along + with his devoted wife, comforted them in proper words. And duly accepting + the homage rendered unto him, king Nala offered his father-in-law his + services as became him. And seeing Nala arrived, the citizens were in + great joy. And there arose in the city a loud uproar of delight. And the + citizens decorated the city with flags and standards and garlands of + flowers. And the streets were watered and decked in floral wreaths and + other ornaments. And at their gates citizens piled flowers, and their + temples and shrines were all adorned with flowers. And Rituparna heard + that Vahuka had already been united with Damayanti. And the king was glad + to hear of all this. And calling unto him king Nala, he asked his + forgiveness. And the intelligent Nala also asked Rituparna’s forgiveness, + showing diverse reasons. And that foremost of speakers versed in the + truth, king Rituparna, after being thus honoured by Nala, said, with a + countenance expressive of wonder, these words unto the ruler of the + Nishadhas. ‘By good fortune it is that regaining the company of thy own + wife, thou hast obtained happiness. O Naishadha, while dwelling in + disguise at my house, I hope I did not wrong thee in any way, O lord of + the earth! If knowingly I have done thee any wrong, it behoveth thee to + forgive me.’ Hearing this, Nala replied, ‘Thou hast not, O monarch, done + me ever so little an injury. And if thou hast, it hath not awakened my + ire, for surely thou shouldst be forgiven by me. Thou wert formerly my + friend, and, O ruler of men, thou art also related to me. Henceforth I + shall find greater delight in thee. O king, with all my desires gratified, + I lived happily in thy abode, in fact more happily there than in my own + house. This thy horse-lore is in my keeping. If thou wishest, O king, I + will make it over to thee.’ Saying this, Naishadha gave unto Rituparna + that science and the latter took it with the ordained rites. And, O + monarch, the royal son of Bhangasura, having obtained the mysteries of + equestrian science and having given unto the ruler of the Naishadhas the + mysteries of dice, went to his own city, employing another person for his + charioteer. And, O king, after Rituparna had gone, king Nala did not stay + long in the city of Kundina!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0400"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘O son of Kunti, the ruler of the Nishadhas having dwelt + there for a month, set out from that city with Bhima’s permission and + accompanied by only a few (followers) for the country of the Nishadhas. + With a single car white in hue, sixteen elephants, fifty horses, and six + hundred infantry, that illustrious king, causing the earth itself to + tremble, entered (the country of the Nishadhas) without loss of a moment + and swelling with rage. And the mighty son of Virasena, approaching his + brothers Pushkara said unto him, ‘We will play again, for I have earned + vast wealth. Let Damayanti and all else that I have be my stake, let, O + Pushkara, thy kingdom be thy stake. Let the play begin again. This is my + certain determination. Blessed be thou, let us stake all we have along + with our lives. Having won over and acquired another’s wealth or kingdom, + it is a high duty, says the ordinance, to stake it when the owner demands. + Or, if thou dost not relish play with dice, let the play with weapons + begin. O king, let me or thyself have peace by a single combat. That this + ancestral kingdom should, under all circumstances and by any means, be + recovered, there is the authority of sages for holding. And, O Pushkara, + choose thou one of these two things—gambling with dice or bending + the bow in battle!’ Thus addressed by Nishadha, Pushkara, sure of his own + success, laughingly answered that monarch, saying, ‘O Naishadha, it is by + good fortune that thou hast earned wealth again to stake. It is by good + fortune also that Damayanti’s ill-luck hath at last come to an end. And O + king, it is by good fortune that thou art still alive with thy wife, O + thou of mighty arms! It is evident that Damayanti, adorned with this + wealth of thine that I will win, will wait upon me like an Apsara in + heaven upon Indra. O Naishadha, I daily recollect thee and am even waiting + for thee, since I derive no pleasure from gambling with those that are not + connected with me by blood. Winning over to-day the beauteous Damayanti of + faultless features, I shall regard myself fortunate, indeed, since she it + is that hath ever dwelt in my heart.’ Hearing these words of that + incoherent braggart, Nala in anger desired to cut off his head with a + scimitar. With a smile, however, though his eyes were red in anger, king + Nala said, ‘Let us play. Why do you speak so now? Having vanquished me, + you can say anything you like.’ Then the play commenced between Pushkara + and Nala. And blessed be Nala who at a single throw won his wealth and + treasures back along with the life of his brother that also had been + staked. And the king, having won, smilingly said unto Pushkara, ‘This + whole kingdom without a thorn in its side is now undisturbedly mine. And, + O worst of kings, thou canst not now even look at the princess of + Vidarbha. With all thy family, thou art now, O fool, reduced to the + position of her slave. But my former defeat at thy hands was not due to + any act of thine. Thou knowest it not, O fool, that it was Kali who did it + all. I shall not, therefore, impute to thee the faults of others. Live + happily as thou choosest, I grant thee thy life. I also grant thee thy + portion (in the paternal kingdom) along with all necessaries. And, O hero, + without doubt, my affection towards thee is now the same as before. My + fraternal love also for thee will never know any diminution. O Pushkara, + thou art my brother, live thou for a hundred years!’” + </p> + <p> + “And Nala of unbaffled prowess, having comforted his brother thus gave him + permission to go to his own town, having embraced him repeatedly. And + Pushkara himself, thus comforted by the ruler of the Nishadhas saluted + that righteous king, and addressed him, O monarch, saying these words with + joined hands, ‘Let thy fame be immortal and live thou happily for ten + thousand years, thou who grantest me, O king, both life and refuge. And + entertained by the king, Pushkara dwelt there for a month and then went to + his own town accompanied by large force and many obedient servants and his + own kindred, his heart filled with joy. And that bull among men all the + while blazed forth in beauty of person like a second Sun. And the blessed + ruler of the Nishadhas, having established Pushkara and made him wealthy + and freed him from troubles, entered his richly decorated palace. And the + ruler of the Nishadhas, having entered his palace, comforted the citizens. + And all the citizens and the subjects from the country horripilated in + joy. And the people headed by the officers of state said with joined + hands, ‘O king, we are truly glad to-day throughout the city and the + country. We have obtained to-day our ruler, like the gods their chief of a + hundred sacrifice!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0401"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihadaswa said, ‘After the festivities had commenced in the city that + was full of joy and without anxiety of any kind, the king with a large + force brought Damayanti (from her father’s home). And her father, too, + that slayer of hostile heroes, Bhima of terrible prowess and immeasurable + soul, sent his daughter, having honoured her duly. And upon the arrival of + the princess of Vidarbha accompanied by her son and daughter, king Nala + began to pass his days in joy like the chief of the celestials in the + gardens of Nandana. And the king of undying fame, having regained his + kingdom and becoming illustrious among monarchs of the island of Jamvu, + began once more to rule it. And he duly performed numerous sacrifices with + abundant gifts to Brahmanas. O great king, thou also wilt with thy kindred + and relatives, so blaze forth in effulgence soon. For, O foremost of men, + it was thus that subjugator of hostile cities, king Nala, had fallen into + distress along with his wife, in consequence, O bull of Bharata race of + dice. And, O lord of the earth, Nala suffered such dire woe all alone and + recovered his prosperity, whereas thou, O son of Pandu, with heart fixed + on virtue, art sporting in joy in this great forest, accompanied by thy + brothers and Krishna. When thou art also, O monarch, mixing daily with + blessed Brahmanas versed in the Vedas and their branches, thou hast little + cause for sorrow. This history, besides, of the Naga Karkotaka, of + Damayanti, of Nala and of that royal sage Rituparna, is destructive of + evil. And, O thou of unfading glory, this history, destructive of the + influence of Kali, is capable, O king, of comforting persons like thee + when they listen to it. And reflecting upon the uncertainty (of success) + of human exertion, it behoveth thee not to joy or grieve at prosperity or + adversity. Having listened to this history, be comforted, O king, and + yield not to grief. It behoveth thee not, O great king, to pine under + calamity. Indeed, men of self-possession, reflecting upon the caprice of + destiny and the fruitlessness of exertion, never suffer themselves to be + depressed. They that will repeatedly recite this noble history of Nala, + and that will hear it recited, will never be touched by adversity. He that + listeneth to this old and excellent history hath all his purposes crowned + with success and, without doubt, obtaineth fame, besides sons and + grandsons and animals, a high position among men, and health, and joy. + And, O king, the fear also that thou entertainest, viz., (Some one skilled + in dice will summon me), I will for once dispel. O thou of invincible + prowess, I know the science of dice in its entirety. I am gratified with + thee; take this lore, O son of Kunti, I will tell unto thee.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “King Yudhishthira then, with a glad heart, said + unto Vrihadaswa, ‘O illustrious one, I desire to learn the science of dice + from thee.’ The Rishi then gave his dice-lore unto the high-souled son of + Pandu, and having given it unto him, that great ascetic went to the sacred + waters of Hayasirsha for a bath. + </p> + <p> + “And after Vrihadaswa had gone away, Yudhishthira of firm vows heard from + Brahmanas and ascetics that came to him from various directions and from + places of pilgrimage and mountains and forests that Arjuna of high + intelligence and capable of drawing the bow with his left hand, was still + engaged in the austerest of ascetic penances, living upon air alone. And + he heard that the mighty-armed Partha was engaged in such fierce + asceticism that none else before him had ever been engaged in such + penances. And Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, engaged in ascetic + austerities with regulated vows and fixed mind and observing the vow of + perfect silence, was, he heard, like the blazing god of justice himself in + his embodied form. And, O king, (Yudhishthira) the son of Pandu hearing + that his dear brother Jaya, the son of Kunti, was engaged in such + asceticism in the great forest, began to grieve for him. And with a heart + burning in grief, the eldest son of Pandu, seeking consolation in that + mighty forest held converse with the Brahmanas possessed of various + knowledge who were living with him there.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0402"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXX + </h2> + <h3> + (Tirtha-yatra Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “O holy one, after my great-grandfather Partha had gone + away from the woods of Kamyaka, what did the sons of Pandu do in the + absence of that hero capable of drawing the bow with his left hand? It + seemeth to me that mighty bowman and vanquisher of armies was their + refuge, as Vishnu of the celestials. How did my heroic grandsires pass + their time in the forest, deprived of the company of that hero, who + resembled Indra himself in prowess and never turned his back in battle?” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After Arjuna of unbaffled prowess had gone away from + Kamyaka, the sons of Pandu, O son, were filled with sorrow and grief. And + the Pandavas with cheerless hearts very much resembled pearls unstrung + from a wreath, or birds shorn of their wings. And without that hero of + white steeds that forest looked like the Chaitraratha woods when deprived + of the presence of Kuvera. And, O Janamejaya, those tigers among men—the + sons of Pandu—deprived of the company of Arjuna, continued to live + in Kamyaka in perfect cheerlessness. And, O chief of the Bharata race, + those mighty warriors endowed with great prowess slew with pure arrows + various kinds of sacrificial animals for the Brahmanas. And those tigers + among men and repressors of foes, daily slaying those wild animals and + sanctifying them properly, offered them unto the Brahmanas. And it was + thus, O king, that those bulls among men afflicted with sorrow lived there + with cheerless hearts after Dhananjaya’s departure. The princess of + Panchala in particular, remembering her third lord, addressed the anxious + Yudhishthira and said, ‘That Arjuna who with two hands rivals the + thousand-armed Arjuna (of old), alas, without that foremost of the sons of + Pandu, this forest doth not seem at all beautiful in my eyes. Without him, + whenever I cast my eyes, this earth seems to be forlorn. Even this forest + with its blossoming trees and so full of wonders, without Arjuna seems not + so delightful as before. Without him who is like a mass of blue clouds (in + hue), who hath the prowess of an infuriated elephant, and whose eyes are + like the leaves of the lotus, this Kamyaka forest doth not seem beautiful + to me. Remembering that hero capable of drawing the bow with his left + hand, and the twang of whose bow sounds like the roar of thunder, I cannot + feel any happiness, O king!’ And, O monarch, hearing her lament in this + strain, that slayer of hostile heroes, Bhimasena, addressed Draupadi in + these words, ‘O blessed lady of slender waist, the agreeable words thou + utterest delight my heart like the quaffing of nectar. Without him whose + arms are long and symmetrical, and stout and like unto a couple of iron + maces and round and marked by the scars of the bow-strings and graced with + the bow and sword and other weapons and encircled with golden bracelets + and like unto a couple of five-headed snakes, without that tiger among men + the sky itself seemeth to be without the sun. Without that mighty-armed + one relying upon whom the Panchalas and the Kauravas fear not the + sternly-exerting ranks of the celestials themselves, without that + illustrious hero relying upon whose arms we all regard our foes as already + vanquished and the earth itself as already conquered, without that + Phalguna I cannot obtain any peace in the woods of Kamyaka. The different + directions also, wherever I cast my eyes, appear to be empty!’ + </p> + <p> + “After Bhima had concluded, Nakula the son of Pandu, with voice choked + with tears, said, ‘Without him whose extraordinary deeds on the field of + battle constitute the talk of even the gods, without that foremost of + warriors, what pleasure can we have in the woods? Without him who having + gone towards the north had vanquished mighty Gandharva chiefs by hundreds, + and who having obtained numberless handsome horses of the Tittiri and + Kalmasha species all endowed with the speed of the wind, presented them + from affection unto his brother the king, on the occasion of the great + Rajasuya sacrifice, without that dear and illustrious one, without that + terrible warrior born after Bhima, without that hero equal unto a god I do + not desire to live in the Kamyaka woods any longer.’ + </p> + <p> + “After Nakula’s lamentations, Sahadeva said, ‘He who having vanquished + mighty warriors in battle won wealth and virgins and brought them unto the + king on the occasion of the great Rajasuya sacrifice, that hero of + immeasurable splendour who having vanquished single-handed the assembled + Yadavas in battle, ravished Subhadra with the consent of Vasudeva, he, who + having invaded the dominion of the illustrious Drupada gave, O Bharata, + unto the preceptor Drona his tuition fee—beholding, O king, that + Jishnu’s bed of grass empty in our asylum, my heart refuses consolation. A + migration from this forest is what, O represser of foes, I would prefer + for without that hero this forest cannot be delightful.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0403"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words of his brothers as also of + Krishna, all of whom were anxious on account of Dhananjaya, king + Yudhishthira, the just, became melancholy. And at that time he saw (before + him) the celestial Rishi Narada blazing with Brahmi beauty and like unto a + fire flaming up in consequence of sacrificial libation. And beholding him + come, king Yudhishthira with his brothers stood up and duly worshipped the + illustrious one. And endued with blazing energy, the handsome chief of the + Kuru race, surrounded by his brothers, shone like the god of a hundred + sacrifices encircled by the celestials. And Yajnaseni in obedience to the + dictates of morality adhered to her lords, the sons of Pritha, like + Savitri to the Vedas or the rays of the Sun to the peak of Meru. And the + illustrious Rishi Narada, accepting that worship, comforted the son of + Dharma in proper terms. And, O sinless one, addressing the high-souled + king Yudhishthira, the just, the Rishi said, ‘Tell me, O foremost of + virtuous men, what it is that thou seekest and what I can do for thee. At + this, the royal son of Dharma bowing with his brothers unto Narada, who + was the revered of the celestials, told him with joined hands, ‘O thou + that art highly blessed and worshipped by all the worlds when thou art + gratified with me, I regard all my wishes in consequence of thy grace, as + already fulfilled, O thou of excellent vows! If, O sinless one, I with my + brothers deserve thy favour, it behoveth thee, O best of Munis, to dispel + the doubt that is in my mind. It behoveth thee to tell me in detail what + merit is his that goeth round the worlds, desirous of beholding the sacred + waters and shrines that are on it.’” + </p> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘Listen, O king, with attention, to what the intelligent + Bhishma had heard before from Pulastya! Once, O blessed one, that foremost + of virtuous men, Bhishma, while in the observance of the Pitrya vow, + lived, O king, in the company of Munis in a delightful and sacred region, + near the source of the Ganga, that is resorted to by the celestial Rishis + and Gandharvas and the celestials themselves. And while living there, the + resplendent one gratified with his oblations the Pitris, the gods and the + Rishis, according to the rites inculcated in the scriptures. And once on a + time while the illustrious one was engaged in his silent recitations, he + beheld Pulastya—that best of Rishis, of wonderful appearance. And + beholding that austere ascetic blazing with beauty, he was filled with + great delight and exceeding wonder. And, O Bharata, that foremost of + virtuous men, Bhishma, then worshipped that blessed Rishi according to the + rites of the ordinance. And purifying himself and with rapt attention, he + approached that best of Brahmarshis, with the Arghya on his head. And + uttering aloud his name, he said, ‘O thou of excellent vow, blessed be + thou, I am Bhishma, thy slave. At sight of thee, I am freed from all my + sins.’ And saying this, that foremost of virtuous men, Bhishma, + restraining speeches stood, O Yudhishthira, in silence and with joined + hands. And beholding Bhishma that foremost of the Kurus, reduced and + emaciated by the observance of vows and the study of the Vedas, the Muni + became filled with joy.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0404"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Pulastya said, ‘O thou of excellent vows, I have been much gratified with + thy humility, thy self-control, and thy truth, thou blessed one versed in + morality! O sinless one, it is for this virtue of thine which thou hast + acquired from regard to thy ancestors, that I have been gratified with + thee and thou hast, O son, obtained a sight of my person. O Bhishma. my + eyes can penetrate into everything. Tell me what I may do for thee. O + sinless one, O thou foremost of the Kuru race, I will grant thee whatever + thou mayst ask me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘O highly blessed one, when thou who art worshipped by the + three worlds hast been gratified with me and when I have obtained a sight + of thy exalted self, I regard myself as already crowned with success. But, + O thou foremost of virtuous persons, if I have deserved thy favour, I will + tell thee my doubts and it behoveth thee to dispel them, O holy one, I + have some religious doubts in respect of tirthas. Speak of those to me in + detail, I desire to hear thee. O thou that resemblest a celestial himself, + what is his merit, O regenerate Rishi, who goeth round the whole earth + (visiting shrines). O tell me this with certainty.” + </p> + <p> + “Pulastya said, ‘O son, listen with attention. I will tell thee of the + merit which attacheth to tirthas and which constituth the refuge of the + Rishis. He whose hands and feet and mind and knowledge and asceticism and + acts are under wholesome control, enjoyeth the fruits of tirthas. He who + has ceased to accept gifts, he that is contented, he that is free from + pride enjoys the fruits of tirthas. He that is without sin, he that acts + without purpose, he that eats light, he that has his senses under control, + he that is free from every sin, enjoys the fruits of tirthas. O king, he + that is free from anger, he that adhereth to truth, he that is firm in + vows, he that regardeth all creatures as his own self, enjoyeth the fruits + of tirthas. In the Vedas the Rishis have declared in due order the + sacrifices and also their fruits here and hereafter truly. O lord of + earth, those sacrifices cannot be accomplished by him that is poor, for + those sacrifices require various materials and diverse things in large + measures. These, therefore can be performed by kings or sometimes by other + men of prosperity and wealth. O lord of men, that rite, however, which men + without wealth, without allies, singly, without wife and children, and + destitute of means, are capable of accomplishing and the merit of which is + equal unto the sacred fruits of sacrifices, I will now declare unto thee, + thou best of warriors! O thou best of the Bharata race, sojourns in + tirthas which are meritorious and which constitute one of the high + mysteries of the Rishis, are even superior to sacrifices. He is a poor man + who having gone to a tirtha hath not fasted for three nights, who hath not + given away gold, and who hath not distributed kine. Indeed, one acquireth + not, by the performance of the Agnishtoma and other sacrifices + distinguished by large gifts, that merit which one requireth by a sojourn + to a tirtha. In the world of men, there is that tirtha of the God of gods, + celebrated over the three worlds by the name of Pushkara. One that + sojourneth there becometh equal unto that deity. O high-souled son of the + Kuru race, during the two twilights and mid-day there is the presence of + hundred thousand millions of tirthas in Pushkara. The Adityas, the Vasus, + the Rudras, the Sadhyas, the Maruts, the Gandharvas, and the Apsaras are + ever present, O exalted one, in Pushkara. It was there, O king, that the + gods, the Daityas and Brahmarshis, having performed ascetic devotions + there, obtained great merit and finally attained to god-hood.’” + </p> + <p> + “Men of self-control, by even thinking mentally of Pushkara, are cleansed + from their sins, and regarded in heaven. O king, the illustrious + grand-sire having the lotus for his seat, had dwelt with great pleasure in + this tirtha. O blessed one, it was in Pushkara that the gods with the + Rishis having acquired of old great merit, finally obtained the highest + success. The person who, devoted to the worship of the gods and the + Pitris, batheth in this tirtha, obtaineth, it hath been said by the wise, + merit that is equal to ten times that of the horse-sacrifice. Having gone + to the Pushkara woods, he that feedeth even one Brahmana, becometh happy + here and hereafter, O Bhishma, for that act. He that supporteth himself on + vegetables and roots and fruits, may with pious regard and without + disrespect, give even such fare to a Brahmana. And, O best of kings, the + man of wisdom, even by such a gift, will acquire the merit of a + horse-sacrifice. Those illustrious persons among Brahmanas or Kshatriyas + or Vaisyas or Sudras that bathe in Pushkara are freed from the obligation + of rebirth. That man in special who visits Pushkara on the full moon of + the month of Karttika, acquireth ever-lasting regions in the abode of + Brahma. He that thinketh with joined hands morning and evening, of the + Pushkara, practically batheth, O Bharata, in every tirtha. Whether a male + or a female, whatever sins one may commit since birth, are all destroyed + as soon as one batheth in Pushkara. As the slayer of Madhu is the foremost + of all the celestials, so is Pushkara, O king, the foremost of all + tirthas. A man by residing with purity and regulated vows for twelve years + in Pushkara, acquireth the merit of all the sacrifices, and goeth to the + abode of Brahma. The merit of one who performeth the Agni-hotra for full + one hundred years, is equal to that of him who resideth for the single + month of Karttika in Pushkara. There are three white hillocks and three + springs known from the remotest times, we do not know why, by the name of + the Pushkara. It is difficult to go to Pushkara; it is difficult to + undergo ascetic austerities at Pushkara; it is difficult to give away at + Pushkara; and it is difficult to live at Pushkara.” + </p> + <p> + “Having dwelt for twelve nights at Pushkara with regulated diet and vows, + and having walked round (the place), one must go to Jamvu-marga. One that + goeth to Jamvu-marga which is resorted to by the celestials, the Rishis, + and the Pitris, acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and the + fruition of all his wishes. The man that resideth there for five nights, + hath his soul cleansed from all sins. He never sinketh into hell, but + acquireth high success. Leaving Jamvu-marga one must go to Tandulikasrama. + He that goeth there never sinketh into hell but ascendeth to the abode of + Brahma. He that goeth to the lake of Agastya and occupieth himself with + the worship of the Pitris and celestials, fasting for three nights, + acquireth, O king, the fruit of the Agnishtoma. Going thither, he that + liveth on vegetables or fruits acquireth the status called Kaumara. One + should next proceed to the beautiful asylum of Kanwa, which is worshipped + by the whole world. That sacred wood characterised by holiness, existeth, + O bull of the Bharata race, from very remote times. As soon as one + entereth it, he is freed from all his sins. He who with regulated diet and + vows worshippeth the Pitris and the gods there, obtaineth the fruit of a + sacrifice that is capable of bestowing the fruition of all one’s desires. + Having walked round this asylum one must then go to the spot where Yayati + fell (from heaven). He that goeth thither, acquireth the merit of a + horse-sacrifice. One must then go to Mahakala with regulated diet and + senses subdued. And having bathed in the tirtha called Koti, one obtaineth + the merit of a horse-sacrifice. A virtuous man should next proceed to the + tirtha of Sthanu, the husband of Uma, known over the three worlds by the + name of Bhadravata. That best of men who goeth to Bhadravata, beholdeth + Isana and obtaineth the fruit of a gift of a thousand kine. And through + the grace of Mahadeva, he acquireth the status of Ganapatya blessed with + prosperity and peace and high grace. Having arrived then at the Narmada, + that river celebrated over the three worlds, and given oblations of water + to the Pitris and the gods, one acquireth the fruit of the + horse-sacrifice. He that goeth into the Southern ocean, practising the + Brahmacharya mode of life, and with senses subdued, acquireth the fruit of + the Agnishtoma sacrifice and ascendeth to heaven. Having arrived at + Charmanwati, with regulated diet and senses subdued, one acquireth, at the + command of Rantideva, the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. One must then + go, O virtuous chief of warriors, to Arvuda, the son of Himavat, where + there was a hole through the earth in days of yore. There is the asylum of + Vasistha, celebrated over the three worlds. Having resided for one night, + one obtaineth the merit of the gift of a thousand kine. He that, leading a + Brahmacharya mode of life batheth in the tirtha called Pinga, obtaineth, O + tiger among kings, the merit of the gift of a hundred Kapila kine. One + must next go, O king, to that excellent tirtha called Prabhasa. There + Hutasana is always present in his own person. He, the friend of Pavana, O + hero, is the mouth of all the gods. The man that with subdued and + sanctified soul batheth in that tirtha, obtaineth merit greater than that + of the Agnishtoma or Atiratra sacrifices. Proceeding next to the spot + where the Saraswati mingleth with the sea, one obtaineth the fruit of the + gift of a thousand kine and heaven also besides, O bull of the Bharata + race, blazing forth for all time like Agni himself. He that with subdued + soul batheth in the tirtha of the king of waters, and giveth oblations of + water unto the Pitris and the gods, living there for three nights, blazeth + forth like the Moon, and obtaineth also the fruit of the horse-sacrifice. + One should next proceed, O best of the Bharata, unto the tirtha known by + the name of Varadana, where (the Rishi) Durvasa had given a boon unto + Vishnu. A man by bathing in Varadana obtaineth the fruit of the gift of a + thousand kine. One should next proceed with subdued senses and regulated + diet to Dwaravati, where by bathing in Pindaraka, one obtaineth the fruit + of the gift of gold in abundance. O blessed one, it is wonderful to relate + that in that tirtha, to this day, coins with the mark of the lotus and + lotuses also with the mark of the trident, are seen. O represser of + heroes! And O bull among men, the presence of Mahadeva is there. Arriving + then, O Bharata, at the spot where the Sindhu mingleth with the sea, one + should with subdued soul bathe in that tirtha of Varuna. And bathing there + and giving oblations of water to the Pitris, the Rishis, and the gods one + acquireth, O bull of the Bharata race, the region of Varuna, and blazeth + forth in effulgence of his own. Men of wisdom say that, by worshipping the + god known by the name of Shankukarneswara, one acquireth ten times the + merit of the horse-sacrifice. O bull of the Bharata race, having walked + round that tirtha, one should, O thou foremost of the Kurus, go to that + tirtha celebrated over the three worlds and known by the name of Drimi. + That tirtha cleanseth from every sin, and it is there that the gods + including Brahma worship Maheswara. Having bathed there and worshipped + Rudra surrounded by the other gods, one is freed from all sins since + birth. It was there, O best of men, that Drimi was adored by all the gods. + Bathing there, O best of men, one obtaineth the fruit of the + horse-sacrifice. O thou of great intelligence, Vishnu the creator of the + universe, after slaying the Daityas and Danavas, went thither to purify + himself. O virtuous one, one should next proceed to Vasudhara adored by + all. The moment one arrives at that tirtha, one acquireth the fruit of the + horse-sacrifice. And, O thou best of the Kurus, by bathing there with + subdued soul and rapt attention, and giving oblations of water unto the + gods and the Pitris one ascendeth unto the region of Vishnu and is adored + there. In that tirtha, O bull of the Bharata race, there is a sacred lake + of the Vasus. By bathing there and drinking of its water, one becometh + regarded of the Vasus. There is a celebrated tirtha of the name of + Sindhuttama, which destroyeth every sin. O best of men, by bathing there, + one acquireth the fruit of the gift of gold in abundance. By arriving at + Bhadratunga with sanctified soul and purity of conduct, one acquireth the + region of Brahma and a high state of blessedness. There is then the tirtha + of the Kumarikas of Indra, that is much resorted to by the Siddhas. O best + of men, by bathing there, one obtaineth the region of Indra. In Kumarika + there is another tirtha called Renuka, which is also resorted to by the + Siddhas. A Brahmana by bathing there would become as bright as the Moon. + Proceeding next to the tirtha called the Panchananda, with subdued sense + and regulated diet, one obtaineth the fruit of the five sacrifices that + have been mentioned one after another in the scriptures. Then, O king, one + should go to the excellent region of Bhima. O best of the Bharatas by + bathing in the tirtha there, that is called Yoni, a man (in his next + birth) becometh, O king, the son of a goddess, bearing ear-rings decked + with pearls, and obtaineth also the merit of the gift of a hundred + thousand kine. Proceeding next to Srikunda, celebrated over the three + worlds and worshipping the grandsire, one obtaineth the fruit of the gift + of a thousand kine. O virtuous one, one should then go to the excellent + tirtha called Vimala, where to this day may be seen fishes of golden and + silver hues. By bathing there, one soon acquireth the region of Vasava, + and his soul being cleansed from every sin, he attaineth to a high state + of blessedness. Proceeding next to Vitasta and giving oblations of water + unto the Pitris and the gods, a man, O Bharata, obtaineth the fruit of the + Vajapeya sacrifice. That sin-destroying tirtha known by the name of + Vitasta, is situate in the country of the Kasmiras and is the abode of the + Naga Takshaka. Bathing there, a man certainly obtaineth the fruit of the + Vajapeya sacrifice, and his soul cleansed from every sin, he attaineth to + a high state of blessedness. One should next proceed to Vadava celebrated + over the three worlds. Bathing there with due rites in the evening, one + should offer rice boiled in butter and milk, according to the best of his + might, unto the deity of seven flames. Men of wisdom say that a gift made + here in honour of the Pitris, becometh inexhaustible. The Rishis, the + Pitris, the gods, the Gandharvas, several tribes of Apsaras, the Guhyakas, + the Kinnaras, the Yakshas, the Siddhas, the Vidhyadharas, the Rakshasas, + Daityas, Rudras, and Brahma himself, O king, having with subdued senses, + accepted a course of austerities for a thousand years in order to move + Vishnu to grace, cooked rice in milk and butter and gratified Kesava with + oblations, each offered with seven Riks. And, O king, the gratified Kesava + thereupon conferred on them the eight-fold attributes called Aiswarya and + other objects that they desired. And having bestowed upon them these, that + god disappeared in their sight like lightning in the clouds. And it is for + this, O Bharata, that that tirtha became known by the name of Saptacharu, + and if one offereth Charu there to the seven flamed deity, he obtaineth + merit superior to that of the gift of a hundred thousand kine, to that of + a hundred Rajasuya sacrifices, as also of a hundred horse-sacrifices. + Leaving Vadava, O king, one should then proceed to Raudrapada, and + beholding Mahadeva there one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. + Proceeding then, with subdued soul and leading a Brahmacharya mode of + life, to Manimat, and residing there for one night, one acquireth, O king, + the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. One should then go, O king, to + Devika celebrated over the whole world. It was there, O bull of Bharata + race, that, as heard by us, the Brahmanas first sprang into existence. + There also is the region of the holder of the trident—a region that + is celebrated over the world. Having bathed in Devika and worshipped + Maheswara by offering him, to the best of one’s might, rice boiled in milk + and butter, a man obtaineth, O bull of the Bharata race, the merit of a + sacrifice that is capable of filling every desire. There also is another + tirtha of Rudra called Kamakhya, which is much resorted to by the gods. + Bathing there, a man speedily obtaineth success. By touching also the + water of Yajana. Brahmavaluka, and Pushpamva, one becometh free from + sorrow in after life. The learned have said that the sacred tirtha of + Devika, the resort of the gods and the Rishis, is five Yojanas in length + and half a Yojana in breadth. One should then, in due order, proceed, O + king, to Dirghasatra. There the gods with Brahma at their head, the + Siddhas, and the greatest Rishis, with regulated vows and the recitation + and acceptance of the preliminary pledge, perform the long-extending + sacrifice. O king, by going only to Dirghasatra, O represser of foes, one + obtaineth merit that is superior, O Bharata, to that of the Rajasuya or + the horse-sacrifice. One should next proceed with subdued senses and + regulated diet to Vinasana, where Saraswati disappearing on the breast of + Meru, re-appeareth at Chamasa, Shivodbheda and Nagadbheda. Bathing in + Chamasadbheda, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. + Bathing in Shivodbheda, one acquireth the merit of the gift of a thousand + kine. And bathing in Nagodbheda, one obtaineth the region of the Nagas. + One should proceed, next, to the inaccessible tirtha of Shasayana, where + the cranes, O Bharata, disappearing in the form of sasas, re-appear every + year in the month of Karttika, and bathe, O blessed chief of the Bharata + race, in the Sarsawati. Bathing there, O tiger among men, one blazeth + forth like the Moon, and obtaineth, O bull of the Bharata race, the merit + of the gift of a thousand kine. One should next proceed, O thou of the + Kuru race, to Kumarakoti, with subdued senses, and bathing there, worship + the gods and the Puris. By doing this, one obtaineth the merit of the gift + of ten thousand kine, and raiseth all his ancestors to higher regions. One + should next, O virtuous one, proceed with subdued soul to Rudrakoti, where + in olden days, O king, ten millions of Munis had assembled. And, O king, + filled with great joy at the prospect of beholding Mahadeva, the Rishis + assembled there, each saying, ‘I will first behold the god! I will first + behold the god!’ And, O king, in order to prevent disputes amongst those + Rishis of subdued souls, the Lord of Yoga, by the help of his Yoga power, + multiplied himself into ten million forms, and stood before every one of + them. And every one of these Rishis said, ‘I have seen him first!’ And + gratified, O king, with the deep devotion of those Munis of subdued souls, + Mahadeva granted them a boon, saying, ‘From this day your righteousness + shall grow!’ And, O tiger among men, one that bathes, with a pure mind, in + Rudrakoti obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and delivereth his + ancestors. One should next proceed, O king, to that highly sacred and + celebrated region where the Saraswati mingles with the sea. Thither, O + king, the gods with Brahma at their head and Rishis with wealth of + asceticism repair for adoring Kesava on the fourteenth day of the lighted + fortnight of the month of Chaitra. Bathing there, O tiger among men, one + obtaineth the merit of giving away gold in abundance, and his soul being + cleansed from every sin, he ascendeth to the region of Brahma. It is + there, O king, that the Rishis have completed many a sacrifice. By a trip + to that spot one obtaineth the merit of the gifts of a thousand kine.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0405"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Pulastya said, ‘One should next proceed, O king, to the adored + Kurukshetra at sight of which all creatures are freed from their sins. He + is freed from all sins who constantly sayeth, ‘I will live in + Kurukshetra.’ The very dust of Kurukshetra, conveyed by the wind, leadeth + a sinful man to a blessed course (in after-life). They that dwell in + Kurukshetra which lieth to the south of the Saraswati and the north of the + Drishadwati, are said to dwell in heaven. O hero, one should reside there, + O thou foremost of warriors, for a month. There, O lord of earth, the gods + with Brahma at their head, the Rishis, the Siddhas, the Charanas, the + Gandharvas, the Apsaras, the Yakshas and the Nagas, often repair, O + Bharata, to the highly sacred Brahmakshetra. O foremost of warriors, the + sins of one that desireth to repair to Kurukshetra even mentally are all + destroyed, and he finally goeth into the region of Brahma. O son of the + Kuru race, by repairing to Kurukshetra in a pious frame of mind, one + obtaineth the fruit of the Rajasuya and horse sacrifices. By saluting next + the Yaksha called Mankanaka, that mighty gate-keeper (of Kuvera), cue + obtaineth the fruit of giving away a thousand kine. O virtuous king, one + should next repair to the excellent region of Vishnu, where Hari is always + present. Bathing there and bowing down unto Hari, the Creator of the three + worlds, one obtaineth the fruit of the horse-sacrifice and repaireth to + the abode of Vishnu. One should next repair to Pariplava, that tirtha + celebrated over the three worlds, and (bathing there), O Bharata, one + obtaineth merit that is greater than that of the Agnishtoma and the + Atiratra sacrifices. Repairing next to the tirtha called Prithivi, one + obtaineth the fruit of the gift of a thousand kine. The pilgrim should + next, O king, proceed to Shalukini and bathing there in the Dasaswamedha + one obtaineth the merit of ten horse-sacrifices. Proceeding next to + Sarpadevi, that excellent tirtha of the Nagas, one obtaineth the merit of + the Agnishtoma sacrifice and attaineth to the region of the Nagas. O + virtuous one, one should next proceed to Tarantuka, the gatekeeper, and + residing there for one night one obtaineth the merit of giving away a + thousand kine. Proceeding next with subdued senses and regulated diet to + Panchananda and bathing in the tirtha there, called Koti, one obtaineth + the fruit of the horse-sacrifice. Proceeding then to the tirtha of the + twin Aswins one obtaineth personal beauty. O virtuous one, one should next + proceed to the excellent tirtha called Varaha, where Vishnu formerly stood + in the form of a boar. Bathing there one obtaineth, O foremost of men, the + merit of the horse-sacrifice. One should next, O king, repair to the + tirtha called Sama in Jayanti. Bathing there one obtaineth the merit of + Rajasuya sacrifice. By bathing in Ekahansa, a man obtaineth the merit of + giving away a thousand kine. O king, a pilgrim repairing to Kritasaucha + obtaineth the lotus-eyed deity (Vishnu) and perfect purity of soul. One + should next proceed to Munjavata, that spot sacred to the illustrious + Sthanu. Residing there without food for one night, one obtaineth the + status called Ganapatya. There, O king, is the celebrated tirtha called + Yakshini. O king, repairing to that tirtha and bathing there, one + obtaineth fruition of all his desires. O bull of the Bharata race, that + tirtha is regarded as the gate of Kurukshetra. The pilgrim should with + concentrated soul, walk round it. Equal unto the Pushkaras, it was created + by the high-souled Rama, the son of Jamadagni. Bathing there and + worshipping the Pitris and the gods, one obtaineth, O king, the merit of + the horse-sacrifice and becometh successful in everything. The pilgrim + should next repair with concentrated soul to the Rama-hrada. There, O + king, the heroic Rama of resplendent energy, exterminating the Kshatriyas + by his might, dug five lakes and filled them, O tiger among men, with the + blood of his victims, as heard by us. And having filled those lakes with + Kshatriya blood, Rama offered oblations of blood to his sires and + grandsires. Gratified (with the oblations) those Rishis then addressed + Rama and said, ‘O Rama, O Rama, O thou of great good fortune, we have been + gratified with thee, O thou of the Bhrigu race, for this thy regard for + the Pitris, and thy prowess, O exalted one! Blessed be thou and ask thou + the boon thou choosest. What is that thou desirest, O thou of great + splendour!’ Thus addressed (by them), Rama, that foremost of smiters, said + with joined hands these words unto the Pitris, stationed in the firmament, + ‘If ye have been gratified with me, if I have deserved your favour, I + desire this favour of the Pitris, viz., that I may have pleasure again in + ascetic austerities. Let me also, through your power, be freed from the + sin I have committed by exterminating, from wrath, the Kshatriya race. Let + also my lakes become tirthas celebrated over the world. The Pitris, + hearing these blessed words of Rama, were highly gratified, and filled + with joy they answered him saying, ‘Let thy asceticism increase in + consequence of thy regard for the Pitris. Thou hast exterminated the + Kshatriyas from wrath. Freed art thou already from that sin, for they have + perished as a consequence of their own misdeeds. Without doubt, these + lakes of thine will become tirthas. And if one, bathing in these lakes, + offereth oblations of the water thereof to the Pitris, the latter + gratified with him will grant him desire, difficult of fulfilment in the + world as also eternal heaven.’ O king, having granted him these boons, the + Pitris joyfully saluted Rama of the Bhrigu race and disappeared there and + then. It was thus that the lakes of the illustrious Rama of the Bhrigu + race became sacred. Leading a Brahmacharya mode of life and observing + sacred vows, one should bathe in the lakes of Rama. Bathing therein and + worshipping Rama, one obtaineth, O king, the merit of gift of gold in + abundance. Proceeding next, O son of the Kuru race, to Vansamulaka, a + pilgrim by bathing there, raiseth, O king, his own race. O best of the + Bharatas, arriving next at the tirtha called Kayasodhana, and bathing + there, one purifieth, without doubt, his body, and proceeded with purified + body to the blessed region of unrivalled excellence. One should next + repair, O virtuous one, to that tirtha, celebrated over the three worlds, + called Lokoddara, where formerly Vishnu of great prowess had created the + worlds. Arriving at that tirtha which is adored by the three worlds one + earneth, O king, by bathing there, numerous worlds for himself. Repairing + next with subdued soul to the tirtha called Sree, one acquires, by bathing + there and worshipping the Pitris and the gods, high prosperity. Leading a + Brahmacharya mode of life and with concentrated soul, one should proceed + next to the tirtha called Kapila. Bathing there and worshipping one’s own + Pitris and the gods, a man earneth the fruit of the gift of a thousand + Kapila kine. Repairing next to the tirtha called Surya and bathing there + with subdued soul and worshipping the Pitris and the gods, fasting all the + while, one obtaineth the fruit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice and goeth + (finally) to the region of the Sun. The pilgrim by proceeding next to + Gobhavana and bathing there obtaineth the merit of the gift of a thousand + kine. O son of the Kuru race, a pilgrim by repairing then to the tirtha + called Shankhini and bathing in the Devi-tirtha that is there, obtaineth + high prowess. O king, one should then proceed to the tirtha called + Tarandaka situated in the Saraswati and belonging to the illustrious chief + of the Yakshas who is one of the gate-keepers (of Kuvera). O king, bathing + there one obtaineth the fruit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. O virtuous + king, one should next repair to the tirtha called Brahmavarta. Bathing in + Brahmavarta, one ascendeth to the abode of Brahma. O king, one should then + repair to the excellent tirtha called Sutirtha. There the Pitris are ever + present along with the gods. One should bathe there and worship the Pitris + and the gods. By so doing, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice + and goeth (finally) into the region of the Pitris. It is for this, O + virtuous one, that Sutirtha situate in Amvumati is regarded as so + excellent. And, O thou best of the Bharata race, having bathed in the + tirtha of Kasiswara, one becometh freed from all diseases and is adored in + the abode of Brahma. There, in that tirtha, is another called Matri. One + that bathes in Matri tirtha hath a large progeny and obtaineth, O king, + great prosperity. One should next proceed with subdued sense and regulated + diet to the tirtha called Shitavana. And, O great king, it hath been seen + that one merit of that tirtha which rarely belongs to any other, is that + one only going thither obtaineth holiness. By casting off his hair in that + tirtha one acquireth, O Bharata, great sanctity. There, in that tirtha, is + another called Shwavillomapaha, where, O tiger among men, and chief of the + Bharata race, learned Brahmanas that go to tirthas obtain great + satisfaction by a dip into its waters. Good Brahmanas, O king, by casting + off their hair in that tirtha acquire holiness by Pranayama and finally + attain to a high state. There, O king, in that tirtha is also another + called Dasaswamedhika. Bathing there, O tiger among men, one attains to a + high state. One should next proceed, O king, to the celebrated tirtha + called Manusha where, O king, a number of black antelopes afflicted by the + hunter’s arrows, plunging into its waters, were transformed into human + beings. Bathing in that tirtha, leading a Brahmacharya mode of life and + with concentrated soul, a man becomes freed from all his sins and is + adored in heaven. Distant by a krosa, O king, to the east of Manusha there + is a river celebrated by the name of Apaga that is restored to by the + Siddhas. The man that offereth there the syamaka grain in honour of the + gods and the Pitris acquireth great religious merit. And if one Brahmana + is fed there, it becomes equivalent to feeding ten millions of Brahmanas. + Having bathed in that tirtha and worshipped the gods and the Pitris and + resided there for one night, a man obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma + sacrifice. One should then repair, O king, to that excellent region of + Brahma which, O Bharata, is known on earth by the name of Brahmodumvara. + Bathing in the tank of the seven Rishis that is there, O bull among men, + with pure mind and subdued soul, as also in the tirtha called Kedara of + the high-souled Kapila, and beholding Brahma who is there, one’s soul + being purified from all sins, one goeth to the abode of Brahma. Proceeding + next to the inaccessible tirtha called Kedara of Kapila, and burning one’s + sins there by ascetic penances, one acquireth the power of disappearance + at will. One should next proceed, O king, to the celebrated tirtha called + Saraka, and beholding Mahadeva there on the fourteenth day of the dark + fortnight, one obtaineth all his wishes and goeth also into heaven. O son + of the Kuru race, in Saraka and Rudrakoti as also in the well and the + lakes that are there, thirty millions of tirthas are present. There in + that tirtha, O chief of the Bharatas, is another called Ilaspada. Bathing + there and worshipping the gods and the Pitris, one never sinketh into hell + but obtaineth the fruit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. Repairing next to + Kindana and Kinjapya, one acquireth, O Bharata, the merit of giving away + in measureless abundance and the infinite recitation of prayers. Repairing + next to the tirtha called Kalasi and bathing there devoutly and with the + senses under control, a man obtaineth the fruit of the Agnishtoma + sacrifice. To the east of Saraka, O chief of the Kurus, there is an + auspicious tirtha known by the name of Anajanma, of the high-souled + Narada. He that bathes there, O Bharata, obtaineth, after death, at the + command of Narada various unrivalled regions. One should next proceed, on + the tenth day of the lighted fortnight, to the tirtha called Pundarika. + Bathing there, O king, one obtaineth the merit of the Pundarika sacrifice. + One should next proceed to the tirtha called Tripishtapa that is known + over the three worlds. There in that tirtha is the sacred and + sin-destroying river called Vaitarani. Bathing there and adoring the god + known by the mark of the bull and holding the trident in his hand, one’s + soul being purified from every sin one attaineth to the highest state. One + should next proceed, O king, to the excellent tirtha called Phalakivana. + There in that tirtha the gods, O monarch, having been present, performed + their ascetic austerities extending for many thousand years. One should + then proceed to the Dhrishadwati. Bathing there and worshipping the gods, + one obtaineth, O Bharata, merit that is superior to that of both the + Agnishtoma and the Atiratra sacrifices. O chief of the Bharatas, bathing + in that tirtha called Sarvadeva, a man obtaineth, O king, the merit of + giving away a thousand kine. Bathing next in the tirtha called Panikhata + and worshipping all the gods, a man obtaineth merit that is superior to + that of both the Agnishtoma and the Atiratra sacrifices, besides acquiring + that of the Rajasuya sacrifice and finally going into the region of the + Rishis. One should next proceed, O virtuous one, to that excellent tirtha + called Misraka. There, O tiger among kings, it hath been heard by us that + the high-souled Vyasa, for the sake of the Brahmanas, hath mixed all the + tirthas. He, therefore, that bathes in Misraka really bathes in all the + tirtha. One should next proceed with subdued senses and regulated diet, to + the tirtha called Vyasavana. Bathing in the tirtha called Manojava that is + there, one obtaineth the merit of the gift of a thousand kine. Proceeding + next to the Devi tirtha that is in Madhuvati, one that bathes there and + worships the gods and the Pitris obtains at the command of the Goddess the + merit of the gift of a thousand kine. Proceeding with regulated diet, he + that bathes in the confluence of the Kausiki and the Drishadwati, becometh + free from all his sins. One should next proceed to Vyasasthali where Vyasa + of great intelligence, burning with grief for his son had resolved to cast + off his body but was cheered again by the gods. Proceeding to that spot of + Vyasa, one obtaineth the merit of a thousand kine. O son of the Kuru race, + proceeding next to the well called Kindatta, he that throweth into it a + measure of sesame, is freed from all his debts and obtaineth his success. + Bathing in the tirtha called Vedi, one obtaineth the merit of the gift of + a thousand kine. There are two other celebrated tirthas called Ahas and + Sudina. Bathing there, O tiger among men, one goeth to the region of the + Sun. One should next proceed to the tirtha called Mrigadhuma that is + celebrated throughout the three worlds. One should bathe there, O king, in + Ganga. Bathing there and worshipping Mahadeva, one obtaineth the merit of + the horse-sacrifice. Bathing next in the Devi tirtha one obtaineth the + merit of the gift of a thousand kine. One should then proceed to Vamanaka + celebrated over the three worlds. Bathing there in Vishnupada and + worshipping Vamana one’s soul being purified from every sin, one goeth to + the abode of Vishnu. Bathing next in Kulampuna, one sanctifieth his own + race. Proceeding then to the Pavana-hrada, that excellent tirtha of the + Marutas, and bathing there, O king and tiger among men, one becometh + adored in the region of the Wind-god. Bathing in the Amara-hrada and + worshipping with devotion the chief of the celestials, one becometh adored + in heaven and courseth, seated on an excellent car, in the company of the + immortals. O best of great men, bathing next with due rites in the tirtha + called Sali surya, of Salihotra, one obtaineth the merit of the gift of a + thousand kine. O best of the Bharatas, there is a tirtha called Sreekunja + in the Saraswati. Bathing there, O best of men, one obtaineth the merit of + the Agnishtoma sacrifice. O son of the Kuru race, one should next repair + to Naimishakunja. O king, the Rishis engaged in ascetic austerities in the + woods of Naimisha had, in days of old, taking the vow of pilgrimage, gone + to Kurukshetra. There, on the banks of the Saraswati, O chief of the + Bharatas, a grove was made, which might serve for a resting spot for + themselves, and which was highly gratifying to them. Bathing in the + Saraswati there, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. One + should next proceed, O virtuous one, to the excellent tirtha called Kanya. + Bathing there one obtaineth the merit of the gift of a thousand kine. One + should next proceed to the excellent tirtha of Brahma. Bathing there, a + person, of the (three) inferior orders, obtaineth the status of a + Brahmana, and if one be a Brahmana, his soul being purified from every + sin, he attaineth to the highest state. One should then, O best of men, + proceed to the excellent tirtha called Soma. Bathing there, O king, one + obtaineth the region of Soma. One should next proceed, O king, to the + tirtha called Saptasaraswata, where the celebrated Rishi, Mankanaka, had + obtained ascetic success. O king, it hath been heard by us that in days of + old Mankanaka having cut his hand with the pointed blade of the Kusa + grass, there flowed from his wound vegetable juice (instead of blood). And + beholding vegetable juice flow from his wound, the Rishi began to dance + with wonder-expanded eyes. And as the Rishi danced, all the mobile and + immobile creatures also, overwhelmed with his prowess, began to dance with + him. Then, O king, the gods with Brahma at their head and Rishis endued + with the wealth of asceticism moved by the act of Mankanaka, represented + the matter to Mahadeva, saying, ‘It behoveth thee, O god, to act in such a + way that this Rishi may not dance.’ Thus addressed, Mahadeva, with heart + filled with joy, approached the dancing Rishi, and moved by the desire of + doing good to the gods, said, ‘O great Rishi, O virtuous one, why dost + thou dance? O bull among Munis, what can be the reason of this thy present + joy?’ The Rishi answered, ‘O best of Brahmanas, I am an ascetic that tread + the path of virtue. Dost thou not behold, O Brahmana, that vegetable juice + floweth from the wound in my hand? Filled with great joy at sight of this, + I am dancing.’ Addressing the Rishi blinded by emotion, the god laughingly + said, ‘O Brahmana, I do not wonder at this. Behold me.’ Having said this, + O best of men, Mahadeva, O sinless king, pressed his thumb by the tip of + his own finger. And, lo, from the wound thus inflicted, there came out + ashes white as snow. And beholding this, O king, that Muni became ashamed + and fell at the feet of the god. And believing that there was nothing + better and greater than the god Rudra, he began to adore him in these + words: + </p> + <p> + “O holder of the trident, thou art the refuge of the celestials and the + Asuras, of, indeed, the universe. By thee have been created the three + worlds with their mobile and immobile beings. It is thou again that + swallowest everything at the end of the Yuga. Thou art incapable of being + known by the gods themselves, far less by me. O sinless one, the gods with + Brahma at their heads are all displayed in thee. Thou art all, the Creator + himself and the Ordainer of the worlds. It is by thy grace that all the + gods sport without anxiety or fear. And adoring Mahadeva thus the Rishi + also said, ‘O god of gods, grant me thy grace, so that my asceticism may + not diminish.’ Then that god of cheerful soul answered the regenerate + Rishi,—saying, ‘Let thy asceticism, O Brahmana, increase a + thousandfold through my grace. And, O great Muni, I shall dwell with thee + in this thy asylum. Bathing in Saptasaraswata, they that will worship me, + shall be able to attain everything here and hereafter. And, without doubt, + they shall all attain to the Saraswata region in the end.’ Having said + this, Mahadeva disappeared then and there. + </p> + <p> + “After visiting Saraswata, one should proceed to Ausanasa celebrated over + the three worlds. There, O Bharata, the gods with Brahma at their head, + and Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, and the illustrious + Kartikeya, were ever present during two twilights and the mid-day, + impelled by the desire of doing good to Bhargava. There in that tirtha is + another called Kapalamochana, which cleanseth from every sin. O tiger + among men, bathing there one is cleansed from every sin. One should then + proceed to the tirtha called Agni. Bathing there, O bull among men, one + obtaineth the regions of agni and raiseth his own race (from lower + regions). There in that tirtha is another, O chief of the Bharatas, that + belongeth to Viswamitra. Bathing there, O best of men, one obtaineth the + status of a Brahmana. Proceeding next to Brahmayoni in purity of body and + with subdued soul, one obtaineth, O tiger among men, by bathing there, the + abode of Brahma, and sanctifieth, without doubt, his own race to the + seventh generation up and down. One should next proceed, O king, to the + tirtha celebrated over the three worlds, which is called Prithudaka, + belonging to Kartikeya. One should bathe there and occupy oneself in the + worship of the Pitris and the gods. Whatever evil hath been committed, + knowingly or unknowingly, by man or woman, impelled by human motives, is + all destroyed, O Bharata, by a bath in that tirtha. Bathing there one + obtaineth, too, the merit of the horse-sacrifice and heaven also. The + learned have said that Kurukshetra is holy; that holier than Kurukshetra + is the Saraswati; that holier than the Saraswati are all the tirthas + together, and that holier than all the tirthas together is Prithudaka. He + that engaged in the recitation of prayers casteth off his body at + Prithudaka, which is the best of all tirthas, becometh an immortal. It + hath been sung by Sanatkumara and by the high-souled Vyasa, and it is in + the Vedas also, that one should, O king, go to Prithudaka, with subdued + soul. O son of Kuru race, there is no tirtha which is superior to + Prithudaka. Without doubt, that tirtha is purifying, holy and + sin-destroying. O best of men, it hath been said by learned persons that + men, however sinful, by bathing in Prithudaka, go to heaven. O best of the + Bharatas, there in that tirtha is another called Madhusrava. Bathing + there, O king, one obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. One + should then proceed, O king, to that celebrated and sacred tirtha where + the Saraswati uniteth with the Aruna. One that batheth there, having + fasted for three nights, is cleansed of even the sin of slaying a + Brahmana, and obtaineth also merit that is superior to that of either the + Agnishtoma or Atiratra sacrifice, and rescueth his race to the seventh + generation up and down. There in that tirtha is another, O perpetuator of + the Kuru race, that is called Ardhakila. From compassion for the + Brahmanas, that tirtha was made by Darbhi in days of old. Without doubt, + by vows, by investiture of the sacred, by fasts, by rites and by Mantras, + one becometh a Brahmana. O bull among men, it hath been seen, however, by + learned persons of old that even one destitute of rites and Mantras, by + only bathing in that tirtha becometh learned and endued with the merit of + vows. Darbhi had also brought hither the four oceans. O best of men, one + that batheth here, never meeteth with distress hereafter and obtaineth + also the merit of giving away four thousand kine. One should next repair, + O virtuous one, to the tirtha called Satasahasraka. Near to this is + another called Sahasraka. Both are celebrated, and one that batheth in + them, obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Fasts and gifts + there multiply a thousandfold. One should next proceed, O king, to the + excellent tirtha called Renuka. One should bathe there and worship the + Pitris and the gods. By this, cleansed from every sin, he obtaineth the + merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Bathing next in the tirtha called + Vimochana with passions and senses under control, one is cleansed from all + the sins generated by the acceptance of gifts. With senses under control + and practising the Brahmacharya mode of life, one should next repair to + the woods of Panchavati. By a sojourn thither, one earneth much virtue and + becometh adored in the regions of the virtuous. One should next go to the + tirtha of Varuna called Taijasa, blazing in effulgence of its own. There + in that tirtha is the lord of Yoga, Sthanu himself, having for his vehicle + the bull. He that sojourneth there, obtaineth success by worshipping the + god of gods. It was there that the gods with Brahma at their head and + Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, installed Guha as the + generalissimo of the celestials. To the east of that tirtha is another, O + perpetuator of Kuru race, that is called Kuru tirtha. With senses under + control and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life, he that bathes in + Kuru-tirtha, becometh cleansed of all his sins and obtaineth the region of + Brahma. With subdued senses and regulated diet one should next proceed to + Svargadwara. Sojourning thither, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma + sacrifice and goeth to the abode of Brahma. The pilgrim should then, O + king, proceed to the tirtha called Anaraka. Bathing there, O king, one + never meeteth with distress hereafter. There, O king, Brahma himself with + the other gods having Narayana at their head, is ever present, O tiger + among men! And, O royal son of the Kuru race, the wife also of Rudra is + present there. Beholding the goddess, one never meeteth with distress + hereafter. There in that tirtha O king, is also (an image of) Visweswara, + the lord of Uma. Beholding the god of gods there, one is cleansed of all + his sins. Beholding also (the image of) Narayana from whose navel had + sprung the lotus, one blazeth forth, O royal represser of all foes, and + goeth to the abode of Vishnu. O bull among men, he that batheth in the + tirthas of all the gods, is exempted from every sorrow and blazeth forth + like the Moon. The pilgrim should next proceed, O king, to Swastipura. By + walking around that place, one obtaineth the merit of giving away a + thousand kine. Arriving next at the tirtha called Pavana, one should offer + oblations to the Pitris and the gods. By this, he obtaineth, O Bharata, + the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Near to that is Ganga-hrada, and + another, O Bharata, called Kupa. Thirty millions of tirthas, O king, are + present in that Kupa. Bathing there, O king, a person obtaineth heaven. + Bathing also in the Ganga-hrada and adoring Maheswara, one obtaineth the + status of Ganapatya and rescueth his own race. One should next proceed to + Sthanuvata, celebrated over the three worlds. Bathing there, O king, one + obtaineth heaven. One should then proceed to Vadaripachana, the asylum of + Vasishtha. Having tasted there for three nights, one should eat jujubes. + He that liveth on jujubes for twelve years, and he that fasteth at the + tirtha for three nights, acquireth merit that is eternal. Arriving then at + Indramarga, O king, and fasting there for a day and night the pilgrim + becometh adored in the abode of Indra. Arriving next at the tirtha called + Ekaratra, a person that stayeth there for one night, with regulated vows + and refraining from untruth, becometh adored in the abode of Brahma. One + should next go, O king, to the asylum of Aditya—that illustrious god + who is a mass of effulgence. Bathing in that tirtha celebrated over three + worlds, and worshipping the god of light, one goeth to the region of + Aditya and rescueth his own race. The pilgrim then, O king, bathing in the + tirtha of Soma, obtaineth, without doubt, the region of Soma. One should + next proceed, O virtuous one, to the most sacred tirtha of the illustrious + Dadhicha, that sanctifying tirtha which is celebrated over the whole + world. It was here that Angiras, that ocean of ascetic austerities + belonging to the Saraswata race, was born, Bathing in that tirtha, one + obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and without doubt, gaineth + also residence in the legion of Saraswati. With subdued senses and leading + a Brahmacharya mode of life, one should next proceed to Kanyasrama. + Residing there for three nights, O king, with subdued senses and regulated + diet, one obtaineth a hundred celestial damsels and goeth also to the + abode of Brahma. One should next, O virtuous one, proceed to the tirtha + called Sannihati. Sojourning thither the gods with Brahma at their head + and Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism earn much virtue. Bathing in + the Saraswati during a solar eclipse, one obtaineth the merit of a hundred + horse-sacrifices, and any sacrifice that one may perform there produceth + merit that is eternal. Whatever tirthas exist on earth or in the + firmament, all the rivers, lakes, smaller lakes, springs, tanks, large and + small, and spots sacred to particular gods, without doubt, all come, O + tiger among men, month after month, and mingle with Sannihati, O king of + men! And it is because that all other tirthas are united together here, + that this tirtha is so called. Bathing there and drinking of its water, + one becometh adored in heaven. Listen now, O king, to the merit acquired + by that mortal who performeth a Sraddha on the day of the new moon during + a solar eclipse. The person that performeth a Sraddha there, after having + bathed in that tirtha, obtaineth the merit that one earneth by properly + celebrating a thousand horse-sacrifices. Whatever sins a man or woman + committeth, are, without doubt, all destroyed as soon as one batheth in + that tirtha. Bathing there one also ascendeth to the abode of Brahma on + the lotus-coloured tar. Bathing next in Koti-tirtha, after having + worshipped the Yaksha doorkeeper, Machakruka, one obtaineth the merit of + giving away gold in abundance. Near to this, O best of the Bharatas, is a + tirtha called Gangahrada. One should bathe there, O virtuous one, with + subdued soul and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life. By this, one + obtaineth merit that is greater than that of a Rajasuya and + horse-sacrifices. The tirtha called Naimisha is productive of good on + earth. Pushkara is productive of good in the regions of the firmament; + Kurukshetra, however, is productive of good in respect of all the three + worlds. Even the dust of Kurukshetra, carried by the wind, leadeth sinful + men to a highly blessed state. They that reside in Kurukshetra, which + lieth to the north of the Drishadwati and the south of the Saraswati, + really reside in heaven. ‘I will go to Kurukshetra,’ ‘I will dwell in + Kurukshetra,’ he that uttereth those words even once, becometh cleansed of + all sins. The sacred Kurukshetra which is worshipped by Brahmarshis, is + regarded as the sacrificial altar of the celestials. Those mortals that + dwell there, have nothing to grieve for at any time. That which lieth + between Tarantuka and Arantuka and the lakes of Rama and Machakruka is + Kurukshetra. It is also called Samantapanchaka and is said to be the + northern sacrificial altar of the Grandsire.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0406"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Pulastya said, ‘Then, O great king, one should proceed to the excellent + tirtha of Dharma, where the illustrious god of justice had practised + highly meritorious austerities. And it is for this that he made the spot a + sacred tirtha and rendered it celebrated by his own name. Bathing there, O + king, a virtuous man with concentrated soul certainly sanctifieth his + family to the seventh generation. One should then repair, O king, to the + excellent Jnanapavana. Sojourning thither, one obtaineth the merit of the + Agnishtoma sacrifice, and goeth to the region of the Munis. Then, O + monarch, a man should repair to the Saugandhika-vana. There dwell the + celestials with Brahma at their head, Rishis endued with wealth of + asceticism, the Siddhas, the Charanas, the Gandharvas, the Kinnaras and + the serpents. As soon as one entereth these woods, he is cleansed of all + his sins. Then, O king, should one repair to the sacred goddess Saraswati, + known there as the goddess Plaksha, that best of streams and foremost of + rivers. There should one bathe in the water issuing from an ant-hill. + (Bathing there and) worshipping the Pitris and the gods, one obtaineth the + merit of the horse-sacrifice. There existeth a rare tirtha called + Isanadhyushita, lying from the ant-hill at the distance of six throws of a + heavy stick. As seen in the Puranas, O tiger among men, bathing there a + man obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand Kapila kine and of the + horse-sacrifice. Journeying next, O foremost of men, to Sugandha, and + Satakumbha and Panchayaksha, a man becometh adored in heaven. Repairing to + another tirtha there called Trisulakhata, one should bathe and set himself + to worship the Pitris and the gods. Doing so, without doubt, one + obtaineth, after death, the status of Ganapatya. One should next proceed, + O king, to the excellent spot of the Goddess celebrated over the three + worlds by the name of Sakamvari. There, for the space of a thousand + celestial years, she of excellent vows, month after month, had subsisted + upon herbs, O king of men! And attracted by their reverence for the + Goddess, many Rishis with wealth of asceticism, came thither, O Bharata. + and were entertained by her with herbs. And it is for this that they + bestowed on her the name of Sakamvari. O Bharata, the man who arriveth at + Sakamvari, with rapt attention and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life and + passeth three nights there in purity and subsisting on herbs alone, + obtaineth, at the will of the goddess, the merit of him that liveth upon + herbs for twelve years. Then should one proceed to the tirtha called + Suvarna, famed through the three worlds. There in days of old, Vishnu had + paid his adorations to Rudra, for his grace, and obtaineth also many boons + difficult of acquisition even by the gods. And, O Bharata, the gratified + destroyer of Tripura said, ‘O Krishna, thou shalt, without doubt, be much + beloved in the world, and the foremost of everything in the universe.’ + Repairing thither, O king, and worshipping the deity having the bull for + his mark, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice as also the + status of Ganapatya. One should next proceed to the tirtha of Dhumavati. + Fasting there for three nights, one obtaineth, without doubt, all the + wishes cherished by him. To the southern half of this spot of the Goddess, + there is, O king, a tirtha called Rathavarta. One should, O virtuous one, + go up to that place, with devout heart, and having his senses under + control. By this, through the grace of Mahadeva, one attaineth to an + exalted state. After walking round the place, one should, O bull of the + Bharata race, proceed to the tirtha named Dhara, which, O thou of great + wisdom, washeth off all sins. Bathing there, O tiger among men, a man is + freed from every sorrow. One should then repair, O virtuous one, after + bowing to the great mountain (Himavat), to the source of the Ganges, which + is, without doubt, like the gate of heaven. There should one, with + concentrated soul, bathe in the tirtha called Koti. By this, one obtaineth + the merit of the Pundarika sacrifice, and delivereth his race. Residing + one night there, one acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. + By offering oblations of water duly to the gods and the Pitris, at + Saptaganga, Triganga and Sakravarta, (which are all there), becometh + adored in the regions of the virtuous. Bathing next at Kanakhala, and + fasting there for three nights, a person reapeth the merit of the + horse-sacrifice and goeth to heaven. Then O lord of men, the pilgrim + should repair to Kapilavata. Fasting for one night there, he obtaineth the + merit of giving away a thousand kine. O king, there is a tirtha of the + illustrious Kapila, king of the Nagas, that is celebrated, O thou best of + Kurus, over all the worlds. Bathing there at the Nagatirtha one obtaineth, + O king, the merit of giving away a thousand Kapila kine. One should next + repair to the excellent tirtha of Santanu, called Lalitika. Bathing there, + O king, one never sinketh into distress (hereafter). The man that bathes + at the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna, obtains the merit of ten + horse-sacrifices, and also rescues his race. One should next, O king, go + to Sugandha, celebrated over the world. By this, cleansed of every sin, he + becometh adored in the abode of Brahma. Then, O lord of men, the pilgrim + should repair to Rudravarta. Bathing there, one ascendeth to heaven. + Bathing at the confluence of the Ganga and the Saraswati, a person + obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also ascendeth to heaven. + Proceeding next to Bhadrakarneswara and worshipping the gods duly, one, + without sinking into distress, becometh adored in heaven. Then, O lord of + men, the pilgrim should proceed to the tirtha called Kuvjamraka. By this + he obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine, and heaven also. + Then, O king, the pilgrim should go to the Arundhativata. Proceeding + thither with concentrated soul and practising the Brahmacharya vows, one + that batheth in Samudraka and fasteth for three nights, obtaineth the + merit of the horse-sacrifice and of giving away a thousand kine, and also + rescueth his race. One should next proceed to Brahmavarta, with + concentrated soul and practising the Brahmacharya vows. By this, one + obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and goeth to the region of + Soma. The man that proceedeth to the Yamuna-prabhava, (the source of the + Yamuna) and batheth there, obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and + is worshipped in heaven. Arriving at Darvisankramana, that tirtha which is + worshipped of the three worlds, a person obtaineth the merit of the + horse-sacrifice and goeth to heaven. Repairing next to Sindhu-prabhava + (the source of the Indus) which is worshipped by Siddhas and Gandharvas, + and staying there for five nights, one obtaineth the merit of giving away + gold in abundance. Proceeding next to the inaccessible tirtha called Vedi, + one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and ascendeth to heaven. + Then, O Bharata, should one proceed to Rishikulya and Vasishtha. By + visiting the latter, all orders attain to Brahmanhood. Repairing to + Rishikulya and bathing there, and living a month upon herbs, and + worshipping the gods and Pitris, one is cleansed of all his sins, and + obtaineth the region of the Rishis. Proceeding next to Bhrigutunga a + person acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Repairing then to + Vipramoksha, one is freed from every sin. Proceeding then to the tirtha of + Krittika and Magha, one, O Bharata, obtaineth the merit superior to that + of the Agnishtoma and Atiratha sacrifices. The man who, repairing to the + excellent tirtha called Vidya, batheth there in the evening, obtaineth + proficiency in every kind of knowledge. One should next reside for one + night at Mahasrama capable of destroying every sin, taking a single meal. + By this, one obtains many auspicious regions, and delivers ten preceding + and ten succeeding generations of his race. Dwelling next for a month of + Mahalaya, and fasting there for three nights, one’s soul is cleansed of + all sins and one acquires the merit of giving away gold in abundance. + Proceeding next to Vetasika worshipped by the Grandsire, one obtaineth the + merit of the horse-sacrifice and the state of Usanas. Going next to the + tirtha called Sundarika, worshipped by the Siddhas, one obtaineth personal + beauty as witnessed by the ancients. Proceeding next to Brahmani with + subdued senses and observing the Brahmacharya vow, a person ascendeth to + the region of Brahma on a lotus-hued car. One should repair next to the + sacred Naimisha, worshipped by the Siddhas. There dwelleth for aye Brahma + with the gods. By only purposing to go to Naimisha, half one’s sins are + destroyed; by entering it, one is cleansed of all his sins. The pilgrim of + subdued senses should stay at Naimisha for a month; for, O Bharata, all + the tirthas of the earth are at Naimisha. Bathing there, with restrained + senses and regulated fare, one obtains, O Bharata, the merit of the + cow-sacrifice, and also sanctifies, O best of the Bharatas, his race for + seven generations both upwards and downwards. He who renounceth his life + at Naimisha by fasting, enjoyeth happiness in the heavenly regions. Even + this is the opinion of the wise. O foremost of kings, Naimisha is ever + sacred and holy. Proceeding next to Gangodbheda and fasting there for + three nights, a man obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice, and + becometh like unto Brahma himself. Journeying to the Saraswati, one should + offer oblations unto the gods and the Pitris. By this, one certainly + enjoyeth bliss in the regions called Saraswata. Then should one wend to + Vahuda, with subdued soul and observing the Brahmacharya vow. Residing + there for one night, one becometh adored in heaven, and obtaineth also, O + Kaurava, the merit of the Devasatra sacrifice. Then should one repair to + the holy Kshiravati, frequented by holier men. By worshipping the gods and + the Pitris there, one obtains the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. + Proceeding next to Vimalasoka, with subdued soul and observing the + Brahmacharya vow, and residing there for one night, one is adored in + heaven. One should next proceed to the excellent Gopratra in the Sarayu, + whence Rama, O king, with all his attendants and animals, renouncing his + body, ascended to heaven in consequence of the efficacy of the tirtha + alone. Bathing in that tirtha, O Bharata, one’s soul, through Rama’s + grace, and by virtue of his own deeds, being cleansed of all sins, one + becometh adored in heaven. O Bharata! Proceeding next, O son of the Kuru + race, to the Rama-tirtha on the Gomati, and bathing there, one obtaineth + the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and sanctifieth also his own race. + There, O bull of the Bharata race, is another tirtha called Satasahasrika. + Bathing there, with restrained senses and regulated diet, a person + reapeth, O bull of Bharata race, the merit of giving away a thousand kine. + Then should one, O king, go to the unrivalled tirtha called Bhartristhana. + By this, a person obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Bathing next + in the tirtha called Koti, and worshipping Kartikeya, a man reapeth, O + king, the merit of giving away a thousand kine, and acquireth great + energy. Proceeding next to Varanasi, and worshipping the god having the + bull for his mark, after a bath in the Kapilahrada, one obtaineth the + merit of the Rajasuya sacrifice. Repairing then, O perpetuator of the Kuru + race, to the tirtha called Avimukta, and beholding there the god of gods, + the pilgrim, from such sight alone, is immediately cleansed of even the + sin of slaying a Brahmana. By renouncing one’s life there, one obtaineth + deliverance. Arriving next, O king, at the rare tirtha called Markandeya + celebrated over the world and situated at the confluence of the Ganges, a + person obtaineth the merit of Agnishtoma sacrifice, and delivereth his + race. Sojourning next to Gaya, with subdued senses and observing the + Brahmacharya vow, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also + rescueth his race. There in that tirtha is the Akshaya-vata, celebrated + over the three worlds. Whatever is offered there to the Pitris is said to + become inexhaustible. Bathing there at the Mahanadi, and offering + oblations to the gods and the Pitris, a man acquireth eternal regions, and + also rescueth his race. Proceeding then to Brahma-sara that is adorned by + the woods of Dharma, and passing one night there, a man attaineth to the + region of Brahma. In that lake, Brahma had raised a sacrificial pillar. By + walking round this pillar, a person acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya + sacrifice. One should next, O mighty monarch, go to Denuka celebrated over + the world. Staying there for one night and giving away sesame and kine, + one’s soul being cleansed from every sin, one ascendeth, without doubt to + the region of Soma. There, O king, on the mountains, the cow called Kapila + used to range with her calf. There is little doubt, of this, O Bharata, + the hoof-marks, of that cow and her calf are seen there to this day. By + bathing in those hoof-prints, O foremost of monarchs, whatever sin a man + may have incurred is, O Bharata, washed away. Then should one go to + Gridhravata, the spot consecrated to the trident-bearing god. Approaching + the deity having the bull for his mark one should rub himself with ashes. + If a Brahmana, he obtains the merit of observing the twelve year’s vow and + if belonging to any of the other orders, he is freed from all his sins. + One should next proceed to the Udyanta mountains, resounding with + melodious notes. There, O bull of the Bharata race, is still seen the + foot-print of Savitri. The Brahmana of rigid vows, who sayeth his morning, + noon and evening prayers there, obtaineth the merit of performing that + service for twelve years. There, O bull of the Bharata race, is the famous + Yonidwara. Repairing thither, a person becometh exempted from the pain of + rebirth. The person that stayeth at Gaya during both the dark and lighted + fortnights, certainly sanctifieth, O king, his own race up and down to the + seventh generation. One should wish for many sons so that even one may go + to Gaya, or celebrate the horse-sacrifice, or offer a nila bull. Then, O + king, the pilgrim should proceed to Phalgu. By this, he obtains the merit + of horse-sacrifice, and acquires great success. O king, one should repair + then, with subdued soul, to Dharmaprishta. There, O foremost of warriors, + dwelleth Dharma for aye. Drinking of the water of a well which is there, + and purifying one’s self by a bath, he that offereth oblations to the gods + and the Pitris is cleansed of all his sins and ascendeth to heaven. There + in that tirtha is the hermitage of the great Rishi Matanga of soul under + complete control. By entering that beautiful asylum capable of soothing + fatigue and sorrow, one earneth the merit of the Gavayana sacrifice, and + by touching (the image of) Dharma which is there, one obtaineth the fruit + of the horse-sacrifice. One should next go, O king, to the excellent + tirtha called Brahmasthana. Approaching Brahma, that bull among male + beings, who is there, one acquireth, O mighty monarch, the merit of the + Rajasuya and horse-sacrifices. The pilgrim should then repair to Rajasuya, + O king of men! Bathing there, one liveth (in heaven) as happily as (the + Rishi) Kakshiyan. After purifying himself, one should partake there of the + offerings daily made unto the Yakshini. By this, one is freed from the sin + of even slaying a Brahmana, through the Yakshini’s grace. Proceeding next + to Maninaga, one obtains the merit of giving away a thousand kine. O + Bharata, he that eateth anything relating to the tirtha of Maninaga, if + bitten by a venomous snake, doth not succumb to its poison. Residing there + for one night, one is cleansed of one’s sins. Then should one proceed to + the favourite wood of the Brahmarshi Gautama. There bathing in the lake of + Ahalya, one attaineth to an exalted state. Beholding next the image of + Sree, one acquireth great prosperity. There in that tirtha is a well + celebrated over the three worlds. Bathing in it, one obtaineth the merit + of the horse-sacrifice. There also existeth a well sacred to the royal + Rishi Janaka, which is worshipped by the gods. Bathing in the well, one + ascendeth to the region of Vishnu. Then should one repair to Vinasana that + destroys every sin. By a sojourn thither, one obtaineth the merit of the + Vajapeya sacrifice, and goeth also to the region of Soma. Proceeding next + to Gandaki which is produced by the waters of every tirtha, a person + acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice, and ascendeth also to the + solar region. Proceeding next to the Visala, that river celebrated over + the three worlds, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice and + ascendeth also to heaven. Repairing then, O virtuous one, to the woody + seat of ascetics that is called Adhivanga, one obtains, without doubt, + great happiness amongst the Guhyakas. Proceeding next to the river + Kampana, visited by the Siddhas, one obtaineth the merit of the Pundarika + sacrifice, and ascendeth also to heaven. Arriving then, O lord of earth, + at the stream called Maheswari, one obtaineth the merit of the + horse-sacrifice and also rescueth his own race. Repairing next to the tank + of the celestials, one earneth immunity from misfortune, and also the + merit of the horse-sacrifice. One should next go to Somapada, with subdued + soul and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life. Bathing in Maheswarapada + that is there, one reapeth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. There in that + tirtha, O bull of the Bharata race, it is well known that ten millions of + tirthas exist together. A wicked Asura in the shape of a tortoise had, O + foremost of monarchs, been carrying it away when the powerful Vishnu + recovered it from him. There in that tirtha should one perform his + ablutions, for by this he acquireth the merit of the Pundarika sacrifice + and ascendeth also to the region of Vishnu. Then, O best of kings, should + one proceed to the place of Narayana, where, O Bharata, Narayana is ever + present and dwelleth for aye. There the gods with Brahma at their head, + Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, the Adityas, the Vasus, and the + Rudras, all adore Janardana, in that tirtha, and Vishnu of wonderful deeds + hath become known as Salagrama. Approaching the eternal Vishnu, that lord + of the three worlds, that giver of boons, one obtaineth the merit of the + horse-sacrifice, and goeth to the region of Vishnu. There in that place, O + virtuous one, is a well, capable of destroying every sin. The four seas + are ever present in that well. He that bathes in it, O king, will have + immunity from misfortune. Beholding (the image of) the boon-giving, + eternal, and fierce Mahadeva who is there, one shineth, O king, like the + moon emerged from the cloud. Bathing then in Jatismara, with pure mind and + subdued senses, one acquireth, without doubt, the recollections of his + former life. Proceeding then to Maheswarapura, and worshipping the god + having the bull for his mark, fasting the while, one obtaineth, without + doubt, the fruition of all his desires. Repairing then to Vamana that + destroys every sin, and beholding the god Hari, one acquireth exemption + from every misfortune. One should next go to the asylum of Kusika that is + capable of removing every sin. Repairing then to the river Kausika that + cleanseth from even great sins, one should bathe in it. By this one + obtaineth the merit of Rajasuya sacrifice. One should next, O foremost of + kings, proceed to the excellent woods of Champaka. By spending there one + night, one acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Arriving + next at Jyeshthila, that tirtha of rare worth, and passing one night + there, one reapeth the fruit of the gift of a thousand kine. Beholding + there (the image of) Visweswara of great splendour, with his consort the + goddess, a person obtaineth, O bull among men, the region of Mitra-Varuna. + By fasting there for three nights, a man acquireth the merit of the + Agnishtoma sacrifice. By visiting Kanya-samvedya, with senses restrained + and regulated fare, one acquireth, O bull among men, the region of Manu, + the lord of creation. Rishis of rigid vows have said that he that giveth + away rice or maketh any gift at the tirtha called Kanya, rendereth such + gift eternal. Arriving next at Nischira celebrated over the three worlds, + one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and goeth to the legion of + Vishnu. O king, those that give away at the confluence of the Nischira, + ascend to the blessed region of Brahma. There in that tirtha is the asylum + of Vasishtha that is known over the three worlds. Bathing there, one + obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. Proceeding next to Devakuta + that is resorted to by celestial Rishis, one acquireth the merit of the + horse-sacrifice, and also delivereth his race. Then should one, O king, go + to the lake of the Muni Kausika, where Kusika’s son, Viswamitra, obtained + high success. Bathing there, a person acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya + sacrifice. There, O hero, at Kausika, should one reside for a month, O + bull of the Bharata race! By a month’s residence there, one reapeth the + merit of the horse-sacrifice. He that resideth at the best of tirthas + called Maha-hrada, enjoys immunity from misfortune, and also obtains the + merit of giving away gold in abundance. Beholding next Kartikeya who + dwelleth at Virasrama, a man certainly reapeth the fruit of the + horse-sacrifice. Proceeding then to Agnidhara celebrated over the three + worlds, and beholding there after a bath the eternal and boon-giving + Vishnu, that god of gods, one obtaineth the merit of the Agnishtoma + sacrifice. Proceeding next to the Grandsire’s tank near the snowcapped of + mountains, and bathing in it, a man obtains the merit of the Agnishtoma + sacrifice. Falling from the Grandsire’s tank, is that world-sanctifying + (stream), celebrated over the three worlds, called Kumara-Dhara. Bathing + there, one regardeth himself as having all his purposes fulfilled. Fasting + in that tirtha for three days, one is even cleansed from the sin of + slaying a Brahmana. The pilgrim should next, O virtuous one, proceed to + the peak of the great goddess Gauri, famed over the three worlds. + Ascending it, O best of men, one should approach Stana-Kunda. By touching + the waters of Stana-Kunda, a person obtaineth the merit of the Vajapeya + sacrifice. Bathing in that tirtha and worshipping the gods and Pitris, one + acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice and also ascendeth to the + region of Indra. Arriving next at the well of Tamraruna, that is + frequented by the gods, one acquireth, O lord of men, the merit that + attaches to human sacrifice. Bathing next at the confluence of the Kirtika + with the Kausiki and the Aruna, and fasting there for three nights a man + of learning is cleansed of all his sins. Proceeding next to the tirtha + called Urvasi, and then to Somasrama, a wise man by bathing next at + Kumbhakarnasrama becometh adored in the world. The ancients knew that by + touching the waters of Kokamukha, with steady vows and leading + Brahmacharya mode of life, the memory of one’s former life is revived. + Arriving next with speed to the river called Nanda a regenerate one + becometh freed from all his sins and ascendeth with soul under control to + Indra’s region. Proceeding next to the island called Rishabha, that is + destructive of cranes, and bathing in the Saraswati, an individual blazeth + forth in heaven. Proceeding next to the tirtha called Auddalaka frequented + by Munis, and bathing there one is cleansed of all his sins. Repairing + next to the sacred tirtha called Dharma that is visited by Brahmarshis, + one acquireth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and becometh respected + in heaven. Proceeding next to Champa and bathing in the Bhagirathi he that + sojourneth to Dandaparna, acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand + kine. Then should one proceed to the sacred Lalitika that is graced by the + presence of the virtuous. By this one acquireth the merit of the Rajasuya + sacrifice and is regarded in heaven.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0407"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Pulastya said, ‘Arriving next at the excellent tirtha called Samvedya in + the evening, and touching its waters, one surely obtaineth knowledge. + Created a tirtha in days of yore by Rama’s energy, he that proceedeth to + Lauhitya obtaineth the merit of giving away gold in abundance. Proceeding + next to the river Karatoya, and fasting there for three nights, a man + acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Even this is the injunction of + the Creator himself. It hath been said by the wise, O king, that if a + person goeth to the spot where the Ganga mingleth with the sea, he reapeth + merit which is ten times that of the horse-sacrifice. Crossing over to the + opposite bank of the Ganga, he that batheth there having resided for three + nights is, O king, cleansed from all his sins. One should next proceed to + the Vaitarani capable of destroying every sin. Arriving next at the tirtha + named Viraja one shineth like the moon, and sanctifying his race rescueth + it and is himself cleansed of all his sins. He that bathes in Viraja + further reapeth the merit of giving away a thousand kine besides + sanctifying his line. Residing with purity at the confluence of the Sona + and the Jyotirathi, and offering oblations of water to the gods and the + Pitris, a man reapeth the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Touching next + the waters of the Vansagulma constituting the sources of both the Sona and + the Narmada, one obtaineth the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Sojourning + next to the tirtha called Rishabha in Kosala, O lord of men, and fasting + there for three nights one earneth the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice, + and of the gift of a thousand kine, and also delivereth his race. Arriving + at Kosala, a man should bathe in the tirtha named Kala. By this one surely + obtaineth the merit of giving away one and ten bulls. By bathing in + Pushpavati and fasting there, O king, for three nights one sanctifieth his + own race, besides earning the merit of the gift of a thousand kine. Then, + O foremost of the Bharata race, by bathing in the tirtha called Vadarika, + one obtaineth long life, and also goeth to heaven. Arriving next at + Champa, and bathing in the Bhagirathi, and seeing Danda one earneth the + merit of giving away a thousand kine. Then should one go to the sacred + Lapetika, graced by the presence of the pious. By so doing one reapeth the + merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and also becometh regarded by the gods. + Proceeding next to the mountain called Mahendra, inhabited (of yore) by + Jamadagnya, and bathing in Rama’s tirtha, a person acquireth the merit of + the horse-sacrifice. Here is Matanga’s tirtha called Kedara, O son of the + Kuru race! Bathing in it, O foremost of the Kurus, a man obtaineth the + merit of giving away a thousand kine. Going to the mountain Sree, one who + toucheth the waters of the stream that is there by worshipping there the + god having the bull for his mark obtaineth the merit of the + horse-sacrifice. On the mountain Sree dwelleth happily, the effulgent + Mahadeva with the goddess, as also Brahma with the other gods. By bathing + in the lake of Deva, with purity and restrained mind, one obtaineth the + merit of the-horse-sacrifice, and also attaineth to the highest success.”’ + </p> + <p> + Proceeding next to the mountain Rishabha in Pandya, worshipped by the + gods, one obtains the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice and rejoices in + heaven. One should next proceed to the river Kaveri, frequented by + Apsaras. Bathing there, O monarch, one obtaineth, the merit of giving away + a thousand kine. Touching next the waters of the tirtha called Kanya on + the shores of the sea one is cleansed from every sin. Proceeding next to + Gokarna celebrated over the three worlds, and which is situate, O best of + kings, in the midst of the deep, and is reverenced by all the worlds, and + where the gods headed by Brahma, and Rishis endued with wealth of + asceticism, and spirits and Yakshas and Pisachas, and Kinnaras and the + great Nagas, and Siddhas and Charanas and Gandharvas, and men and + Pannagas, and rivers, Seas and Mountains, worship the lord of Uma, one + should worship Isana, fasting there for three nights. By this, one + acquireth the merit of the horse-sacrifice, and the status of Ganapatya. + By staying there for twelve nights, one’s soul is cleansed of all sins. + One should next proceed to the tirtha known as Gayatri celebrated over the + three worlds. Staying there for three nights, one acquireth the merit of + giving away a thousand kine. A strange phenomenon is seen to occur there + in respect to Brahmanas, O Lord of men! If a Brahmana, whether born of a + Brahmani or any other woman, reciteth the Gayatri there, the recitation + becomes rhythmic and musical, while, O king, a person who is not a + Brahmana cannot adequately hymn it at all. Proceeding next to the + inaccessible tank of the Brahmana Rishi Samvarta, one acquireth personal + beauty and prosperity. Repairing next to Vena, he that offers oblations of + water to the gods and the Pitris, obtains a car drawn by peacocks and + cranes. Going next to the Godavari, ever frequented by the Siddhas, one + earneth the merit of the cow-sacrifice, and goeth to the excellent region + of Vasuki. Bathing next at the confluence of the Venna, one obtains the + merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. By a dip next at the confluence of + Varada, one acquireth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Arriving + next at Brahmasthuna, one that stayeth there for three nights acquireth + the merit of giving away a thousand kine, and also ascendeth to heaven. + Coming next to Kusaplavana, with subdued soul and leading a Brahmacharya + mode of life, and staying there for three nights he that bathes in it + obtains the merit of the horse-sacrifice. Bathing next at the romantic + Deva-hrada that is supplied by the waters of the Krishna-Venna, and also + in the Jatismara-hrada, one acquireth the memory of one’s former life. It + was there that the chief of the celestials celebrated a hundred sacrifices + and ascended to heaven. By a visit only to that spot, one acquireth the + merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice. Bathing next in the Sarvadeva-hrada, a + person obtaineth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. Proceeding next + to the highly sacred tank called Payoshni, that best of waters, he that + offers oblations of water to the gods and the Pitris acquires the merit of + the gift of a thousand kine. Arriving next at the sacred forest of + Dandaka, a person should bathe (in the waters) there. By this, O king, one + at once obtains, O Bharata, the merit of giving away a thousand kine. + Proceeding next to the asylum of Sarabhanga and that of the illustrious + Suka, one acquireth immunity from misfortune, besides sanctifying his + race. Then should one proceed to Surparaka, where Jamadagni’s son had + formerly dwelt. Bathing in that tirtha of Rama, one acquireth the merit of + giving away gold in abundance. Bathing next in the Saptagadavara, with the + subdued sense and regulated diet, one earneth great merit, and goeth also + to the region of the celestials. Proceeding next to Deva-hrada, with + subdued sense and regulated diet, a man obtaineth the merit of the + Devasatra sacrifice. One should proceed next to the forest of Tungaka, + with subdued senses and leading a Brahmacharya mode of life It was here + that in olden days Muni Saraswata taught the Vedas to the ascetics. When + the Vedas had been lost (in consequence of the Munis having forgotten + them), Angirasa’s son, seated at ease on the upper garments of the Munis + (duly spread out), pronounced distinctly and with emphasis the syllable + Om. And at this, the ascetics again recollected all that they had learnt + before. It was there that the Rishis and the gods Varuna, Agni, Prajapati, + Narayana also called Hari, Mahadeva and the illustrious Grandsire of great + splendour, appointed the resplendent Bhrigu to officiate at a sacrifice. + Gratifying Agni by libations of clarified butter poured according to the + ordinance, the illustrious Bhrigu once performed the Agnyadhana sacrifice + for all those Rishis, after which both they and the gods went away to + their respective homes one after another. One who enters the forest of + Tungaka, is, O best of kings, male or female, cleansed of every sin. There + in that tirtha, O hero, one should reside for a month, with subdued senses + and regulated diet. By this, O king, one ascendeth to the region of + Brahma, and delivereth also his race. Arriving next at Medhavika, one + should offer oblations of water to the gods and the Pitris. By this, one + acquires the merit of the Agnishtoma sacrifice, and also memory and + intellect. There in that tirtha is the mountain known over the whole world + and called Kalanjara. Bathing in the celestial lake that is there, one + acquires the merit of giving away a thousand kine. He that, O king, after + a bath, offereth oblations (to the gods and the Pitris) on the Kalanjara + mountain, is, without doubt, regarded in heaven. Proceeding next, O + monarch, to the river Mandakini capable of destroying all sins and which + is on that best of mountains called Chitrakuta, he that bathes there and + worships the gods and the Pitris, obtains the merit of the horse-sacrifice + and attains to an exalted state. One should next, O virtuous one, proceed + to the excellent tirtha called Bhartristhana, where, O king, ever dwells + the celestial generalissimo Kartikeya. By a journey only to that spot, a + person, O foremost of kings, attaineth to success. Bathing next at the + tirtha called Koti, one earneth the merit of giving away a thousand kine. + Having walked round Koti, one should proceed next to Jyeshthasthana. + Beholding Mahadeva who is there, one shineth like the moon. There, O + mighty monarch, is a celebrated well. O bull of the Bharata race! There in + that well, O foremost of warriors, are the four seas. He that bathes + there, O foremost of kings, and with subdued soul worships the gods and + the Pitris, is cleansed of all his sins and attaineth to an exalted state. + Then, O mighty king, should one proceed to the great Sringaverapura, + where, O foremost of kings, formerly Rama, Dasharatha’s son, had crossed + (the Ganga). Bathing in that tirtha, one, O mighty-armed one, is cleansed + of all his sins. Bathing with subdued senses and leading a Brahmacharya + mode of life, in the Ganga, one is cleansed of every sin, and obtains also + the merit of the Vajapeya sacrifice. One should next proceed to the place + called Mayuravata, consecrated to Mahadeva of high intelligence. Beholding + there the god, bowing down to him and walking round the spot, one + acquireth, O Bharata, the Ganapatya status. Bathing in Ganga at that + tirtha, one is cleansed of all his sins. Then, O king, should one proceed + to Prayaga, whose praises have been sung by Rishis and where dwell the + gods with Brahma at their head, the Directions with their presiding + deities, the Lokapalas, the Siddhas, the Pitris adored by the worlds, the + great Rishis-Sanatkumara and others, stainless Brahmarshis—Angiras + and others,—the Nagas, the Suparnas, the Siddhas, the Snakes, the + Rivers, the Seas, the Gandharvas, the Apsaras, and the Lord Hari with + Prajapati. There in that tirtha are three fiery caverns between which the + Ganga, that foremost of tirthas, rolleth rapidly. There in that region + also the world-purifying daughter of the sun, Yamuna, celebrated over the + three worlds, uniteth with the Ganga. The country between the Ganga and + the Yamuna is regarded as the mons veneris of the world, and Prayaga as + the foremost point of that region. The tirthas Prayaga, Pratisthana, + Kamvala, Aswatara and Bhogavati are the sacrificial platforms of the + Creator. There in those places, O foremost of warriors, the Vedas and the + Sacrifices, in embodied forms, and the Rishis endued with wealth of + asceticism, adore Brahma, and there the gods and rulers of territories + also celebrate their sacrifices. The learned, however, say that of all + these tirthas, O exalted one, Prayaga is the most sacred, in fact, the + foremost of all tirthas in the three worlds. By going to that tirtha, by + singing its praises, or by taking a little earth from it, one is cleansed + from every sin. He that bathes in that confluence celebrated over the + world, acquires all the merits of the Rajasuya and the horse-sacrifices. + This sacrificial place is worshipped by the gods themselves. If a man + giveth there ever so little, it increaseth, O Bharata, a thousandfold. O + child, let not the texts of the Veda, nor the opinions of men dissuade thy + mind from the desire of dying at Prayaga. O son of the Kuru race, the wise + say that six hundred million and ten thousand tirthas exist at Prayaga. + Bathing in the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna, one obtains the merit that + attaches to the four kinds of knowledge and the merits also of those that + are truthful. There at Prayaga is the excellent tirtha of Vasuki called + Bhogavati. He that batheth in it, obtaineth the merit of the + horse-sacrifice. There also in the Ganga is the tirtha famed over the + three worlds, called Ramaprapatana, which conferreth the merit of ten + horse-sacrifices. O son of the Kuru race! Wherever may a person bathe in + the Ganga, he earneth merit equal to that of a trip to Kurukshetra. An + exception, however, is made in favour of Kanakhala, while the merit + attaching to Prayaga is the greatest. Having committed a hundred sins, he + that bathes in the Ganga, hath all his sins washed off by the waters + thereof, even as fuel is consumed by fire. It hath been said that in the + Satyayuga all the tirthas were sacred; in the Treta, Pushkara alone was + such; in Dwapara, Kurukshetra; and in the Kali-yuga, the Ganga alone is + sacred. In Pushkara, one should practise austerities; in Mahalaya, one + should give away; in the Malaya mountains, one should ascend the funeral + pyre; and in Bhrigutunga, one should renounce one’s body by forgoing food. + Bathing in Pushkara, in Kurukshetra, in the Ganga and in the confluence + (of the Ganga and the Yamuna), one sanctifieth seven generations of one’s + race up and down. He that reciteth the name of the Ganga is purified; + while he that beholdeth her, receiveth prosperity; while he that bathes in + her and drinks of her waters sanctifieth seven generations of his race up + and down. As long, O king, as one’s bones lie in contact with the waters + of the Ganga, so long doth he live regarded in heaven, even as one liveth + in heaven in consequence of the merit he earneth by pious pilgrimages to + sacred tirthas and holy spots. There is no tirtha that is like unto the + Ganga, there is no god like unto Kesava, and there is none superior to + Brahmanas,—this hath been said even by the Grandsire. O great king, + the region through which the Ganga flows should be regarded as a sacred + asylum, and a spot of land that is on the Ganga’s banks, should be + regarded as one favourable to the attainment of ascetic success. + </p> + <p> + This truthful description (of the tirthas) one should recite only unto the + regenerate ones, unto those that are pious, unto one’s son and friends and + disciples and dependents. This narrative, without a rival, is blessed and + holy and leadeth to heaven. Holy and entertaining and sanctifying, it is + productive of merit and high worth. Destructive of every sin, it is a + mystery that the great Rishis cherish with care. By reciting it in the + midst of Brahmanas, one is cleansed of every sin, and ascends to heaven. + This description of tirthas is auspicious and heaven-giving and sacred; + ever blessed as it is, it destroys one’s enemies; foremost of all + accounts, it sharpens the intellect. By reading this narrative the sonless + obtains sons, the destitute obtains riches, a person of the royal order + conquereth the whole earth, the Vaisya cometh by wealth, the Sudra + obtaineth all his desires, and the Brahmana crosseth the ocean (of the + world). Purifying himself, he that listens daily to the merits of the + different tirthas, recollects the incidents of many previous births and + rejoices in heaven. Of the tirthas that have been recited here, some are + easily accessible, while others are difficult of access. But he that is + inspired with the desire of beholding all tirthas, should visit them even + in imagination. Desirous of obtaining merit, the Vasus, and the Sadhyas, + the Adityas, the Maruts, the Aswins, and the Rishis equal unto celestials, + all bathed in these tirthas. Do thou also, O thou of the Kuru race, + observing the ordinance as explained by me, visit, with subdued senses, + these tirthas, increasing thy merit, O thou of excellent vows. Men of + piety and learning are able to visit these tirthas, by reason of their + purified senses, their belief in Godhead, and their acquaintance with the + Vedas. He that doth not observe vows, he that hath not his soul under + control, he that is impure, he that is a thief, and he that is of crooked + mind, doth not, O Kauravya, bathe in tirthas. Thou art ever observant of + virtue, and art of pure character. By thy virtue, O virtuous one, thou + hast always gratified thy father and thy grand-father, and + great-grand-fathers, and the gods with Brahma at their head, and the + Rishis also, O thou versed in virtue! Thou who resemblest Vasava, thou + wilt, O Bhishma, attain to the region of the Vasus, and also eternal fame + on earth!’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘Having cheerfully spoken thus, the illustrious Rishi + Pulastya, well-pleased, bidding Bhishma farewell, disappeared there and + then. And Bhishma also, O tiger among men, well understanding the true + import of the Shastras, wandered over the world at the command of + Pulastya. Thus, O thou blessed one, did Bhishma end at Prayaga his highly + meritorious journey to the tirthas capable of destroying all sins. The man + that ranges the earth in accordance with these injunctions, obtains the + highest fruit of a hundred horse-sacrifices and earns salvation hereafter. + Thou wilt, O son of Pritha, obtain merit consisting of the eight + attributes, even like that which Bhishma, the foremost of the Kurus, had + obtained of yore. And as thou wilt lead these ascetics to those tirthas, + thy merit will be much greater. Those tirthas are infested by Rakshasas, + and no one, save thyself, O son of Kuru race, can go there. Rising early + he that reciteth this narrative by the celestial Rishis on the subject of + the tirthas, becometh free from all sins. Those foremost of Rishis, + Valmiki, and Kasyapa, and Atreya, and Kundajathara, and Viswamitra, and + Gautama, and Asita, and Devala, and Markandeya, and Galava, and + Bharadwaja, and Vasishtha, and the Muni Uddalaka, and Saunaka with his + son, and Vyasa, that best of ascetics, and Durvasas, that foremost of + Munis, and Javali of great austerities—all these illustrious Rishis + endued with wealth of asceticism, are staying in expectation of thee. With + these, O mighty king, do thou meet by visiting these tirthas. And, O + illustrious monarch, a great Rishi of immeasurable energy, Lomasa by name, + will come to thee. Do thou follow him, and me, and by turns visit these + tirthas, O thou virtuous one! By this, thou wilt acquire great fame, like + king Mahabhisha! O tiger among kings, even as the virtuous Yayati and king + Pururavas, dost thou blaze forth with thy own virtue. Like king Bhagiratha + and the illustrious Rama, dost thou shine among kings even as the Sun + himself. And thou art, O great king, celebrated (in the world) even as + Muni or Ikshwaku, or the highly famous Puru or Vainya! And as in days of + yore the slayer of Vritra, after burning all his foes, ruled the three + worlds, his mind freed from anxiety, so wilt thou rule thy subjects, after + slaying all thy enemies. And, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, having + conquered the earth according to the customs of thy order, thou wilt + obtain renown by thy virtue, even like Kartaviryaryuna.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “O great king, having comforted the monarch thus, + the illustrious Rishi Narada, bidding farewell to the king, disappeared + there and then. And the virtuous Yudhishthira, reflecting upon the + subject, began to recite unto the ascetics the merit attaching to + tirthas!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0408"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘Having ascertained the opinion of his brothers, + and of the intelligent Narada, king Yudhishthira, addressing Dhaumya, who + was like unto the Grandsire himself, said, ‘I have for the acquisition of + arms, sent away that tiger among men, Jishnu, whose prowess is incapable + of being baffled, and who is possessed of long arms and immeasurable + intelligence. O thou of ascetic wealth, that hero is devoted to me, endued + with ability, and well-skilled in weapons, and like unto the exalted + Vasudeva himself. I know them both, Krishna and Arjuna, those destroyers + of enemies, O Brahmana, endued with prowess, even as the puissant Vyasa + knoweth them. I know Vasudeva and Dhananjaya to be none else than Vishnu + himself, possessed of the six attributes. And this is also what Narada + knoweth, for he hath always spoken so unto me. I also know them to be + Rishis, Nara and Narayana. Knowing him to possess the ability, I have sent + him (on the mission). Not inferior unto Indra and fully competent (for the + task), I have sent that son of a god to see the lord of the celestials and + obtain weapons from him. Bhishma and Drona are Atirathas. Kripa and the + son of Drona are invincible; these mighty warriors have been installed by + Dhritarashtra’s son in the command of his army. All these are versed in + the Vedas, are heroic, and possessed of the knowledge of every weapon. + Endued with great strength, these always desire to encounter Arjuna in + fight. And Karna also of the Suta caste is a mighty warrior versed in + celestial weapons. In respect of the impetus of his weapons, he is endued + with the strength of the Wind-god. Himself like a flame of fire, the + arrows (proceeding from him) constitute its tongues. The slaps of his left + hand cased in leathern fence constitute the crackling of that flame. The + dust of the battle-field is its smoke. Urged by the sons of Dhritarashtra + even as the wind urgeth the fire, Karna like unto the all-consuming fire + at the end of the Yuga that is sent by Death himself, will, without doubt, + consume my troops like unto a heap of straw. Only that mighty mass of + clouds called Arjuna, aided by Krishna like unto a powerful wind, with + celestial weapon representing its fierce lightning, the white steeds, the + rows of white cranes coursing underneath and the unbearable Gandiva, the + rainbow ahead, is capable of extinguishing the blazing flame represented + by Karna by means of its arrowy showers let off with unflagging + steadiness. That conqueror of hostile cities, Vibhatsu, will, without + doubt, succeed in obtaining from Indra himself all the celestial weapons + with their fullness and life. Alone he is equal, I think, unto them all. + Otherwise it is impossible (for us) to vanquish in fight all those foes, + who have attained to eminent success in all their purposes. We shall + behold Arjuna, that repressor of foes, fully equipped with celestial + weapons, for Vibhatsu having once undertaken a task, never, droopeth under + its weight. Without that hero, however, that best of men, ourselves, with + Krishna, cannot be at rest in Kamyaka. Therefore, do thou mention some + other wood that is sacred and delightful, and abounds in food and fruits, + and that is inhabited by men of pious practices:—where we may pass + some time, expecting the warlike Arjuna of unbaffled prowess, like the + Chataka in expectation of gathering clouds. Do thou tell us of some + asylums open to the regenerate ones, and lakes and streams and beautiful + mountains. O Brahmana, deprived of Arjuna, I do not like to stay in this + wood of Kamyaka. We wish to go somewhere else.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0409"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Beholding the Pandavas afflicted with anxiety and + depressed in spirits, Dhaumya, who resembled Vrihaspati, spake thus, + comforting them, ‘O bull of the Bharata race, O sinless one, listen to me + as I mention certain sacred asylums and regions and tirthas and mountains + that are approved of by Brahmanas. O king, listen to me as I speak, + thyself with the daughter of Drupada and thy brothers, wilt, O lord of + men, be relieved from grief. And, O son of Pandu, by hearing only of these + places, thou wilt acquire merit. And by visiting them thou wilt obtain + merit a hundred times greater, O best of men! First, O king, I will, so + far as I recollect, speak of the beautiful eastern country, much regarded, + O Yudhishthira, by royal Rishis. In that direction, O Bharata is a place + called Naimisha which is regarded by the celestials. There in that region + are several sacred tirthas belonging to the gods. There also is the sacred + and beautiful Gomati which is adored by celestial Rishis and there also in + [possibly ‘is’?—JBH] the sacrificial region of the gods and the + sacrificial stake of Surya. In that quarter also is that best of hills + called Gaya, which is sacred and much regarded by royal ascetics. There on + that hill, is the auspicious lake called Brahmasara which is adored by + celestial Rishis. It is for this that the ancients say that one should + wish for many sons, so that even one among them may visit Gaya, celebrate + the horse-sacrifice or give away a nila bull, and thereby deliver ten + generations of his race up and down. There, O monarch, is a great river, + and spot called Gayasira. In Gayasira is a banian, which is called by the + Brahmanas the Eternal banian, for the food that is offered there to the + Pitris becometh eternal, O exalted one! The great river that floweth by + the place is known by the name of Phalgu, and its waters are all sacred. + And, O bull among the Bharatas, there also, in that place, is the Kausiki, + whose basin abounds in various fruit and roots, and where Viswamitra + endued with wealth of asceticism acquired Brahmanahood. Towards that + direction also is the sacred Ganga, on whose banks Bhagiratha celebrated + many sacrifices with profuse gifts (to Brahmanas). They say that in the + country of Panchala, there is a wood called Utpala, where Viswamitra of + Kusika’s race had performed sacrifices with his son, and where beholding + the relics of Viswamitra’s superhuman power, Rama, the son of Jamadagni, + recited the praises of his ancestry. At Kamyaka, Kusika’s son had quaffed + the Soma juice with Indra. Then abandoning the Kshatriya order, he began + to say, I am a Brahmana.’ In that quarter, O hero is the sacred confluence + of Ganga and Yamuna which is celebrated over the world. Holy and + sin-destroying, that tirtha is much regarded by the Rishis. It is there + that the soul of all things, the Grandsire, had, in olden days, performed + his sacrifice, and it is for this, O chief of the Bharata race, that the + place hath come to be called Prayaga. In this direction, O foremost of + kings, lieth the excellent asylum of Agastya, O monarch, and the forest + called Tapasa, decked by many ascetics. And there also is the great tirtha + called Hiranyavinda on the Kalanjara hills, and that best of mountains + called Agastya, which is beautiful, sacred and auspicious. In that + quarter, O descendant of the Kuru race, is the mountain called Mahendra, + sacred to the illustrious Rama of the Bhrigu race. There, O son of Kunti, + the Grandsire performed sacrifices of yore. There, O Yudhishthira, the + sacred Bhagiratha entereth a lake and there also, O king, is that sacred + river known by the name of the merit-bestowing Brahmasara, whose banks are + inhabited by persons whose sins have been washed away, and whose sight + alone produceth merit. In that direction also lieth the high-souled + Matanga’s excellent asylum, called Kedara which is sacred and auspicious + and celebrated over the world. And there also is the mountain called + Kundoda, which is so delightful and abounding in fruits and roots and + waters, and where the king of the Nishadhas (Nala) had slaked his thirst + and rested for a while. In that quarter also is the delightful Deva-vana + which is graced by ascetics. There also are the rivers Vahuda and Nanda on + the mountain’s crest. O mighty king, I have described unto thee all the + tirthas and sacred spots in the Eastern quarter. Do thou now hear of the + sacred tirthas, and rivers and mountains and holy spots in the other three + quarters!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0410"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhaumya continued, ‘Listen, O Bharata, I shall now narrate to thee in + detail according to my knowledge, the sacred tirthas of the south. In that + quarter lieth the sacred and auspicious river Godavari, full of water + abounding in groves and frequented by ascetics. In that direction also are + the rivers Venna and Bhimarathi, both capable of destroying sin and fear, + and abounding in birds and deer, and graced with abodes of ascetics. In + that region also, O bull of the Bharata race, is the tirtha of the royal + ascetic, Nriga viz., the river Payoshni, which is delightful and full of + waters and visited by Brahmanas. There the illustrious Markandeya, of high + ascetic merit sang the praises in verse of king Nriga’s line! We have + heard respecting the sacrificing king Nriga that which really took place + while he was performing a sacrifice in the excellent tirtha called Varaha + on the Payoshni. In that sacrifice Indra became intoxicated with quaffing + the Soma, and the Brahmanas, with the gifts they received. The water of + the Payoshni, taken up (in vessel), or flowing along the ground, or + conveyed by the wind, can cleanse a person from whatever sins he may + commit till the day of his death. Higher than heaven itself, and pure, and + created and bestowed by the trident-bearing god, there in that tirtha is + an image of Mahadeva beholding which a mortal goeth to the region of Siva. + Placing on one scale Ganga and the other rivers with their waters, and on + the other, the Payoshni, the latter, in my opinion would be superior to + all the tirthas, together, in point of merit! Then, O foremost of the + Bharata race, on the mountain called Varunasrotasa is the sacred and + auspicious wood of Mathara abounding in fruits and roots, and containing a + sacrificial stake. Then, O king, it is said that in the region on the + north of the Praveni, and about the sacred asylum of Kanwa, are many woody + retreats of ascetics. And, O child, in the tirtha called Surparaka are two + sacrificial platforms of the illustrious Jamadagni, called Pashana and + Punaschandra, O Bharata! And, O son of Kunti, in that spot is the tirtha + called Asoka abounding in woody retreats of ascetics. And, O Yudhishthira, + in the country of the Pandyas are the tirthas named Agastya and Varuna! + And, O bull among men, there, amongst the Pandavas, is the tirtha called + the Kumaris. Listen, O son of Kunti, I shall now describe Tamraparni. In + that asylum the gods had undergone penances impelled by the desire of + obtaining salvation. In that region also is the lake of Gokarna which is + celebrated over the three worlds, hath an abundance of cool waters, and is + sacred, auspicious, and capable, O child, of producing great merit. That + lake is extremely difficult of access to men of unpurified souls. Near to + that tirtha is the sacred asylum of Agastya’s disciple, the mountain + Devasabha, which abounds in trees and grass, and fruits and roots. And + there also is the Vaiduryya mountain, which is delightful abounding in + gems and capable of bestowing great merit. There on that mountain is the + asylum of Agastya abounding in fruits and roots and water.’” + </p> + <p> + “I shall now, O lord of men, describe the sacred spots, and asylums, and + rivers and lakes belonging to the Surashtra country! O Yudhishthira, the + Brahmanas say that on the sea-coast is the Chamasodbheda, and also + Prabhasa, that tirtha which is much regarded by the gods. There also is + the tirtha called Pindaraka, frequented by ascetics and capable of + producing great merit. In that region is a mighty hill named Ujjayanta + which conduceth to speedy success. Regarding it the celestial Rishi Narada + of great intelligence hath recited an ancient sloka. Do thou listen to it, + O Yudhishthira! By performing austerities on the sacred hill of Ujjayanta + in Surashtra, that abounds in birds and animals, a person becometh + regarded in heaven. There also is Dwaravati, producing great merit, where + dwelleth the slayer of Madhu, who is the Ancient one in embodied form, and + eternal virtue. Brahmanas versed in the Vedas, and persons acquainted with + the philosophy of the soul say that the illustrious Krishna is eternal + Virtue. Govinda is said to be the purest of all pure things, the righteous + of the righteous and the auspicious of the auspicious. In all the three + worlds, He of eyes like lotus-leaves is the God of gods, and is eternal. + He is the pure soul and the active principle of life, is the Supreme + Brahma and is the lord of all. That slayer of Madhu, Hari of inconceivable + soul, dwelleth there!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0411"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhaumya continued, ‘I shall describe to thee those sacred spots capable + of producing merit that lie on the west, in the country of the Anarttas, O + Bharata, there, flows in a westward course the sacred river Narmada, + graced by Priyangu and mango trees, and engarlanded with thickest of + canes. All the tirthas and sacred spots, and rivers and woods and foremost + of mountains that are in the three worlds, all the gods with the + Grandsire, along with the Siddhas, the Rishis and the Charanas, O best of + the Kurus, always come, O Bharata, to bathe in the sacred waters of the + Narmada. And it hath been heard by us that the sacred asylum of the Muni + Visravas, had stood there, and that there was born the lord of treasures, + Kuvera, having men for his vehicles. There also is that foremost of hills, + the sacred and auspicious Vaidurya peak abounding with trees that are + green and which are always graced with fruit and flowers. O lord of the + earth, on the top of that mountain is a sacred tank decked with full-blown + lotus and resorted to by the gods and the Gandharvas. Many are the + wonders, O mighty monarch, that may be seen on that sacred mountain which + is like unto heaven itself and which is visited by celestial Rishis. + There, O subjugator of hostile cities, is the sacred river called + Viswamitra belonging to the royal sage of that name and which abounds, O + king, in many sacred tirthas. It was on the banks of this river, that + Yayati, the son of Nahusha, (fell from heaven) among the virtuous, and + obtained once more the eternal regions of the righteous. Here also are the + well-known lake called Punya, the mountain called Mainaka, and that other + mountain called Asita abounding in fruits and roots. And here also is the + sacred asylum of Kakshasena, and O Yudhishthira, the asylum of Chyavana + also, which is famed over every country, O son of Pandu! In that spot, O + exalted one, men attain to (ascetic) success without severe austerities. + Here also, O mighty king, is the region called Jamvumarga, inhabited by + birds and deer, and which constitutes the retreat of ascetics with souls + under control, O thou foremost of those that have subdued their senses! + Next lie the exceedingly sacred Ketumala, and Medhya ever graced with + ascetics, and, O lord of earth, Gangadwara, and the well-known woods of + Saindhava which are sacred and inhabited by the regenerate ones. There + also is the celebrated tank of the Grandsire, called Pushkara, the + favourite abode of the Vaikanasas, and Siddhas and Rishis. Moved by the + desire of obtaining its protection, the Creator sang this verse at + Pushkara, O chief of the Kurus and foremost of virtuous men! If a person + of pure soul purposes a pilgrimage to the Pushkaras in imagination even, + he becometh purged from all his sins and rejoiceth in heaven!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0412"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XC + </h2> + <p> + “Dhaumya continued, ‘O tiger among kings, I shall now describe those + tirthas and sacred spots that lie to the north. Do thou, O exalted one, + listen to me attentively. By hearing this narration, O hero, one acquireth + a reverential frame of mind, which conduceth to much good. In that region + is the highly sacred Saraswati abounding in tirthas and with banks easy of + descent. There also, O son of Pandu, is the ocean-going and impetuous + Yamuna, and the tirtha called Plakshavatarana, productive of high merit + and prosperity. It was there that the regenerate ones having performed the + Saraswata sacrifice, bathed on the completion there of. O sinless one, is + the well-known celestial tirtha called Agnisiras, which is productive of + great merit. There king Sahadeva had celebrated a sacrifice measuring out + the ground by a throw of the Samya. It is for this reason, O Yudhishthira, + that Indra sang the praises of Sahadeva in verse. Those verses are still + current in this world, being recited by the regenerate ones, e. g., on the + Yamuna Sahadeva worshipped the sacrificial fire, with gifts in a hundred + thousands to Brahmanas. There the illustrious king, the imperial Bharata, + performed five and thirty horse-sacrifices. O child, we have heard that + Sarabhanga of yore used to fully gratify the desires of the regenerate + ones. There in this region is his celebrated asylum productive of great + merit. In that region also, O son of Pritha, is the river Saraswati, which + is ever worshipped by the god, where, in days of yore, the Valikhilyas, O + great king, performed sacrifices. In that region also, O Yudhishthira, is + the well-known river Drisadwati, which is productive of great merit. Then, + O chief of men, are Nyagrodhakhya, and Panchalya, and Punyaka and + Dalbhyaghosha, and Dalbhya, which are, O son of Kunti, the sacred asylum + in the world of illustrious Anandayasas of excellent vows and great + energy, and which are celebrated over the three worlds. Here also, O lord + of men, the illustrious Etavarna and Avavarana versed in the Vedas, + learned in Vedic lore, and proficient in the knowledge of Vedic rites, + performed meritorious sacrifices, O chief of the Bharata race! There also + is Visakhayupa to which, in days of yore, came the gods with Varuna and + Indra, and practised ascetic austerities. And therefore is that spot so + eminently sacred. Here also is Palasaka, where the great and illustrious + and highly blessed Rishi Jamadagni performed sacrifices. There all the + principal rivers in their embodied forms taking their respective waters + stood surrounding that best of sages. And there also, O monarch, Vibhavasu + (fire) himself, beholding that high-souled one’s initiation, sang the + following sloka: ‘The river coming to the illustrious Jamadagni while + sacrificing unto the gods gratified the Brahmanas with offerings of + honey.’ O Yudhishthira, the spot where Ganga rusheth past, cleaving the + foremost of mountains which is frequented by Gandharvas and Yakshas and + Rakshasas and Apsaras, and inhabited by hunters, and Kinnaras, is called + Gangadwara. O king, Sanatkumara regardeth that spot visited by + Brahmarshis, as also the tirtha Kanakhala (that is near to it), as sacred. + There also is the mountain named Puru which is resorted to by great Rishis + and where Pururavas was born, and Bhrigu practised ascetic austerities. + For this it is, O king, that asylum hath become known as the great peak of + Bhrigutunga. Near that peak is the sacred and extensive Vadari, that + highly meritorious asylum, famed over the three worlds, of him, O bull of + the Bharata race, who is the Present, the Past and the Future, who is + called Narayana and the lord Vishnu, who is eternal and the best of male + beings, and who is pre-eminently illustrious. Near Vadari, the cool + current of Ganga was formerly warm, and the banks there were overspread + with golden sands. There the gods and Rishis of high fortune and exceeding + effulgence, approaching the divine lord Narayana, always worship him. The + entire universe with all its tirthas and holy spots is there where + dwelleth the divine and eternal Narayana, the Supreme soul, for he is + Merit, he is the Supreme Brahma, he is tirtha, he is the ascetic retreat, + he is the First, he is the foremost of gods, and he is the great Lord of + all creatures. He is eternal, he is the great Creator, and he is the + highest state of blessedness. Learned persons versed in the scriptures + attain to great happiness by knowing him. In that spot are the celestial + Rishis, the Siddhas, and, indeed, all the Rishis,—where dwelleth the + slayer of Madhu, that primeval Deity and mighty Yogin! Let no doubt enter + thy heart that that spot is the foremost of all holy spots. These, O lord + of earth, are the tirthas and sacred spots on earth, that I have recited, + O best of men! These all are visited by the Vasus, the Sadhyas, the + Adityas, the Marutas, the Aswins and the illustrious Rishis resembling the + celestials themselves. By journeying, O son of Kunti, to those places, + with the Brahmanas and ascetics that are with thee and with thy blessed + brothers, thou wilt be freed from anxiety!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0413"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “O son of the Kuru race, while Dhaumya was + speaking thus, there arrived at the spot the Rishi Lomasa of great energy. + And the king, who was the eldest of Pandu’s sons, with his followers and + those Brahmanas sat round the highly righteous one, like celestials in + heaven sitting round Sakra. And having received him duly, Yudhishthira the + just enquired after the reason of his arrival, and the object also of his + wanderings. Thus asked by Pandu’s son, the illustrious ascetic, + well-pleased, replied in sweet words delighting the Pandavas, ‘Travelling + at will, O Kaunteya, over all the regions, I came to Sakra’s abode, and + saw there the lord of the celestials. There, I saw thy heroic brother + capable of wielding the bow with his left hand, seated on the same seat + with Sakra. And beholding Partha on that seat I was greatly astonished, O + tiger among men! And the lord of the celestials then said unto me, ‘Go + thou unto the sons of Pandu.’ At the request, therefore, of Indra as also + of the high-souled son of Pritha have I come hither with speed, desiring + to see thee with thy younger brothers. O child, I will relate what will + please thee highly, O son of Pandu! Do thou listen to it, O king, with + Krishna and the Rishis that are with thee. O bull of the Bharata race, + Partha hath obtained from Rudra that incomparable weapon for the + acquisition of which thou hadst sent him to heaven. That fierce weapon, + known by the name of Brahma-sira which arose after Amrita, and which Rudra + had obtained by means of ascetic austerities, hath been acquired by Arjuna + together with the Mantras for hurling and withdrawing it, and the rites of + expiation and revival. And, O Yudhishthira, Arjuna of immeasurable prowess + hath also acquired Vajras and Dandas and other celestial weapons from Yama + and Kuvera and Varuna and Indra, O son of the Kuru race! And he hath also + thoroughly learnt music, both vocal and instrumental, and dancing and + proper recitation of the Saman (Veda) from Vishwavasu’s son. And having + thus acquired weapons and mastered the Gandharva Veda, thy third brother + Vibhatsu liveth happily (in heaven). Listen to me, O Yudhishthira, for I + shall now deliver to thee the message of that foremost of celestials. He + hath commanded me saying, “Thou wilt, no doubt, go to the world of men. O + best of Brahmanas, tell thou Yudhishthira these words of mine. Soon will + thy brother Arjuna come to thee, having acquired arms and accomplished a + great deed for the celestials that is incapable of being accomplished by + themselves. Do thou meanwhile devote thyself to ascetic austerities, with + thy brothers. There is nothing superior to asceticism, and it is by + asceticism that a person achieveth great results. And, O bull of the + Bharata race, well do I know that Karna is endued with great ardour and + energy and strength and prowess that is incapable of being baffled. Well + do I know that, skilled in fierce conflict, he hath not his rival in + battle; that he is a mighty bowman, a hero deft in the use of fierce + weapons and cased in the best of mail. Well do I know that that exalted + son of Aditya resembleth the son of Maheswara himself. Well do I also know + the high natural prowess of the broad-shouldered Arjuna. In battle Karna + is not equal unto even a sixteenth part of Pritha’s son. And as for the + fear of Karna which is in thy heart, O repressor of foes, I shall dispel + when Savyasachin will have left heaven. And as regards thy purpose, O + hero, to set out on a pilgrimage to tirthas, the great Rishi Lomasa will, + without doubt, speak unto thee. And whatever that regenerate Rishi will + relate unto thee touching the merits of asceticism and tirthas, thou + shouldst receive with respect and not otherwise!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0414"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa continued, ‘Listen now, O Yudhishthira, to what Dhananjaya hath + said: ‘Cause my brother Yudhishthira to attend to the practice of virtue + which leadeth to prosperity. Endued with wealth of asceticism, thou art + conversant with the highest morality, with ascetic austerities of every + kind, with the eternal duties of kings blessed with prosperity, and the + high and sanctifying merit that men obtain from tirthas. Persuade thou the + sons of Pandu to acquire the merit attaching to tirthas. Do thou with thy + whole soul persuade the king to visit the tirthas and give away kine.’ + This is what Arjuna said unto me. Indeed he also said, ‘Let him visit all + the tirthas protected by thee. Thou wilt also protect him from Rakshasas, + and watch over him in inaccessible regions and rugged mountain breasts. + And as Dadhichi had protected Indra, and Angiras had protected the Sun, so + do thou, O best of regenerate ones, protect the sons of Kunti from + Rakshasas. Along the way are many Rakshasas, huge as mountain-cliffs. But + protected by thee these will not be able to approach the sons of Kunti. + Obedient to the words of Indra and at the request of Arjuna also + protecting thee from dangers, I shall wander with thee. Before this, O son + of the Kuru race, I have twice visited the tirthas. With thee I shall + repair to them for the third time. O Yudhishthira, Manu and other royal + Rishis of meritorious deeds had undertaken journeys to tirthas. Indeed, a + trip to them is capable of dispelling all fear, O king! They that are + crooked-minded, they that have not their souls under control, they that + are illiterate and perverse, do not, O Kauravya, bathe in tirthas. But + thou art ever of a virtuous disposition and conversant with morality and + firm in thy promises. Thou wilt surely be able to free thyself from the + world. For, O son of Pandu, thou art even as king Bhagiratha, or Gaya, or + Yayati, or any one, O son of Kunti, that is like them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira answered, ‘I am so overwhelmed with delight, O Brahmana, + that I cannot find words to answer thee. Who can be more fortunate than he + who is remembered even by the lord of the celestials? Who can be more + fortunate than he who hath been favoured with thy company, who hath + Dhananjaya for a brother, and who is thought of by Vasava himself? As to + thy words, O illustrious one, in respect of a trip to the tirthas, my mind + had already been made up at the words of Dhaumya. O Brahmana, I shall + start, at whatever hour thou mayst be pleased to appoint, on the proposed + journey to tirthas. Even this is my firm resolve!’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Lomasa then said unto Yudhishthira, who had made + up his mind to start on the proposed journey, ‘O mighty king, be thou + light as regards thy retinue, for by this thou wilt be able to go more + easily!’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira then said, ‘Let those mendicants and Brahmanas and Yogis + that are incapable of bearing hunger and thirst, the fatigues of travel + and toil, and the severity of winter, desist. Let those Brahmanas also + desist that live on sweetmeats, and they also that desire cooked viands + and food that is sucked or drunk as well as meat. And let those also + remain behind that are dependent on cooks. Let those citizens that have + followed me from motives of loyalty, and whom I have hitherto kept on + proper stipends, repair to king Dhritarashtra. He will give them their + allowances in due time. If, however, that king refuses to grant them + proper allowances, the king of the Panchalas will, for our satisfaction + and welfare, give them these.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “And thereupon oppressed with grief, the citizens + and the principal Brahmanas and Yatis set out for Hastinapura. And out of + affection for Yudhishthira the just, the royal son of Amvika received them + properly, and gratified them with proper allowances. And the royal son of + Kunti, with only a small number of Brahmanas, abode for three nights at + Kamyaka, cheered by Lomasa.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0415"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Those Brahmanas then, that had been dwelling (with + him) in the woods, beholding the son of Kunti about to set out (on the + pious pilgrimage), approached him, O king, and said, ‘Thou art about to + set out, O king, on thy journey to the sacred tirthas, along with thy + brothers and accompanied by the illustrious Rishi Lomasa. O king, it + behoveth thee, O son of Pandu, to take us with thee. Without thee, we + shall not be able, O son of the Kuru race, to visit them at any time. + Surrounded by dangers and difficult of access, they are infested by beasts + of prey. Those tirthas, O lord of men, are inaccessible to persons in + small parties. Foremost of all wielders of the bow, thy brothers are ever + brave. Protected by your heroic selves, we also would proceed to them. + Permit us to acquire, O lord of earth, through thy grace the blessed fruit + of tirthas. Protected by thy energy, let us, O king, be cleansed of all + our sins by visiting those tirthas and purified by baths therein. Bathing + in those tirthas, thou also, O Bharata, wilt acquire without doubt the + regions difficult of acquisition that Kartavirya and Ashtaka, the royal + sage Lomapada and the imperial and heroic Bharata only had earned. In thy + company, O king, we desire to behold Prabhasa and other tirthas, Mahendra + and other hills, Ganga and other rivers, and Plaksha and other gigantic + trees. If, O lord of men, thou hast any regard for the Brahmanas, do thou + our bidding. Thou wilt surely have prosperity from this. O thou of mighty + arms, the tirthas are infested by Rakshasas that ever obstruct ascetic + penances. It behoveth thee to protect us from them. Protected by Lomasa + and taking us with thee, go thou to all the tirthas spoken of by Dhaumya + and the intelligent Narada, as also all those that have been spoken of by + the celestial Rishi Lomasa, endued with great ascetic wealth, and be thou, + by this, cleansed of all thy sins.” + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed respectfully by them, the king—that bull amongst the + sons of Pandu—surrounded by his heroic brothers headed by Bhima, + with tears of joy in his eyes, said unto all those ascetics, ‘Let it be + so.’ With the permission then of Lomasa, as also of his priest Dhaumya, + that foremost of Pandu’s sons with soul under complete control, resolved, + along with his brothers and Drupada’s daughter of faultless features, to + set out. Just at this time, the blessed Vyasa, as also Parvata and Narada, + all endued with high intelligence, came to Kamyaka for seeing the son of + Pandu. Beholding them, king Yudhishthira worshipped them with due rites. + And worshipped by the monarch thus, those blessed ones, addressing + Yudhishthira, said, ‘O Yudhishthira, O Bhima, and ye twins, banish all + evil thoughts from your minds. Purify your hearts and then set out for the + tirthas. The Brahmanas have said that the observance of regulations in + respect of the body are called earthly vows, while efforts to purify the + heart, so that it may be free from evil thoughts, are called spiritual + vows. O king, the mind that is free from all evil thoughts is highly pure. + Purifying yourselves, therefore, harbouring only friendly feelings for + all, behold ye the tirthas. Observing earthly vows in respect of your + bodies and purifying your minds by spiritual vows, obtain ye the fruits as + recited, of pilgrimages.” + </p> + <p> + “Saying, ‘So be it,’ the Pandavas with Krishna, caused those celestial and + human Rishis to perform the usual propitiatory ceremonies. And those + heroes, having worshipped the feet of Lomasa and Dwaipayana and Narada and + the celestial Rishi Parvata, O king, and accompanied by Dhaumya as also + the ascetics that had been residing with them in the woods, set out on the + day following the full moon of Agrahayana in which the constellation + Pushya was ascendant. Dressed in barks and hides, and with matted lock on + head, they were all cased in impenetrable mail and armed with swords. And + O Janamejaya, the heroic sons of Pandu with quivers and arrows and + scimitars and other weapons, and accompanied by Indrasena and other + attendants with fourteen and one cars, a number of cooks and servants of + other classes, set out with faces turned towards the east!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0416"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIV + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O best of celestial Rishis, I do not think that I am + without merits. Yet am I afflicted with so much sorrow that there never + was a king like me. I think, however, that my enemies are destitute of + good qualities and even destitute of morality. Yet why, O Lomasa, do they + prosper in this world?” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Grieve not ever, O king, O son of Pritha, that sinful men + should often prosper in consequence of the sins they commit. A man may be + seen to prosper by his sins, obtain good therefrom and vanquish his foes. + Destruction, however, overtakes him to the roots. O king, I have seen many + Daityas and Danavas prosper by sin but I have also seen destruction + overtake them. O exalted one, I have seen all this in the righteous age of + yore. The gods practised virtue, while the Asuras abandoned it. The gods + visited the tirthas, while the Asuras did not visit them. And at first the + sinful Asuras were possessed with pride. And pride begat vanity and vanity + begat wrath. And from wrath arose every kind of evil propensities, and + from these latter sprang shamelessness. And in consequence of + shamelessness, good behaviour disappeared from among them. And because + they had become shameless and destitute of virtuous propensities and good + conduct and virtuous vows, forgiveness and prosperity and morality forsook + them in no time. And prosperity then, O king, sought the gods, while + adversity sought the Asuras. And when the Daityas and the Danavas, + deprived of sense by pride, were possessed by adversity. Kali also sought + to possess them. And, O son of Kunti, overwhelmed with pride, and + destitute of rites and sacrifices, and devoid of reason and feeling, and + their hearts full of vanity, destruction overtook them soon. And covered + with infamy, the Daityas were soon exterminated. The gods, however, who + were virtuous in their practices, going to the seas, the rivers, the lakes + and the holy spots, cleansed themselves of all sins, O son of Pandu, by + means of ascetic penances and sacrifices and gifts and blessings, and + obtained prosperity and the consequence. And because the gods always + performed sacrifices and holy deeds abandoning every practice that was + evil, and visited the tirthas, as the consequence thereof they acquired + great good fortune. Guided by this, O king, do thou also, with thy + brothers, bathe in tirthas, for then thou wilt obtain prosperity once + more. Even this is the eternal road. And, O monarch, as king Nriga and + Shivi and Ausinara and Bhagiratha and Vasumanas and Gaya and Puru and + Pururavas, by practising ascetic penances and visiting tirthas and + touching sacred waters and beholding illustrious ascetics, obtained fame + and sanctity and merit and wealth, so wilt thou also obtain prosperity + that is great. And as Ikshwaku with his sons, friends and followers, as + Muchukunda and Mandhatri and king Marutta, as the gods through power of + asceticism and the celestial Rishis also, had all obtained fame, so wilt + thou also obtain great celebrity. The sons of Dhritarashtra, on the other + hand, enslaved by sinfulness and ignorance, will, without doubt, be soon + exterminated like the Daityas.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0417"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “The heroic sons of Pandu, accompanied by their + followers, proceeding from place to place, at last arrived at Naimisha. O + king, reaching the Gomati, the Pandavas bathed in the sacred tirtha of + that stream, and having performed their ablutions there, they gave away, O + Bharata, both kine and wealth! And repeatedly offering oblations of water, + O Bharata, to the gods, the pitris, and the Brahmanas, in the tirthas + called Kanya, Aswa, and Go and staying (as directed) in Kalakoti and the + Vishaprastha hills, the Kauravas then, O king, reached Vahuda and + performed their ablution in that stream. Proceeding next, O lord of earth, + to the sacrificial region of the gods known by the name Prayaga, they + bathed in the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna and residing there practised + ascetic penances of great merit. And the Pandavas, of truthful promises, + bathing in the tirtha, cleansed themselves of every sin. The sons of Pandu + then, O king of the Bharata race, accompanied by those Brahmanas, + proceeded to the tirtha called Vedi, sacred to the Creator and adored by + the ascetics. Residing there for some time and gratifying the Brahmanas + with the fruit and roots of the wilderness and clarified butter, those + heroes began to practise ascetic penances of great merit. They then + proceeded to Mahidhara consecrated by that virtuous royal sage Gaya of + unrivalled splendour. In that region is the hill called Gayasira, as well + as the delightful river called Mahanadi, with fine banks graced by bushes + of canes. On that celestial hill of holy peaks is a sacred tirtha called + Brahmasara which is much adored by ascetics. There on the banks of that + lake had dwelt of yore the eternal god himself of justice, and it was + thither that the illustrious Rishi Agastya had repaired to behold that + deity. It is from that lake that all the rivers take their rise and there + in that tirtha, Mahadeva the wielder of the Pinaka, is present for aye. + Arriving at that spot, the heroic sons of Pandu practised the vow that is + known by the name of the Chaturmasya according to all the rites and + ordinances of the great sacrifice called Rishiyajna. It is there that that + mighty tree called the Eternal banian stands. Any sacrifice performed + there produces merit that is eternal. In that sacrificial platform of the + gods producing eternal merit, the Pandavas began to fast with concentrated + souls. And there came unto them Brahmanas by hundreds endued with wealth + of asceticism. And those Brahmanas also all performed the Chaturmasya + sacrifice according to the rites inculcated by the Rishis. And there in + that tirtha, those Brahmanas old in knowledge and ascetic merit and fully + versed in the Vedas, that constituted the court of the illustrious sons of + Pandu, talked in their presence upon various subject of sacred import. And + it was in that place that the learned vow-observing, and sacred Shamatha, + leading, besides, a life of celibacy, spake unto them, O king, of Gaya, + the son of Amurttaraya. And Shamatha said, ‘Gaya, the son of Amurttaraya, + was one of the foremost of royal sages. Listen to me, O Bharata, as I + recite his meritorious deeds. It was here, O king, that Gaya had performed + many sacrifices distinguished by the enormous quantities of food (that + were distributed) and the profuse gifts that were given away (unto + Brahmanas). Those sacrifices, O king, were distinguished by mountains in + hundreds and thousands of cooked rice, lakes of clarified butter and + rivers of curds in many hundreds, and streams of richly-dressed curries in + thousands. Day after day were these got ready and distributed amongst all + comers, while, over and above this, Brahmanas and others, O king, received + food that was clean and pure. During the conclusion also (of every + sacrifice) when gifts were dedicated to the Brahmanas, the chanting of the + Vedas reached the heavens. And so loud, indeed, was the sound of the Vedic + Mantras that nothing else, O Bharata, could be heard there. Thus sacred + sounds, O king, filled the earth, the points of the horizon, the sky and + heaven itself. Even these were the wonders that persons noticed on those + occasions. And gratified with the excellent viands and drinks that the + illustrious Gaya provided, men, O bull of the Bharata race, went about + singing these verses. In Gaya’s great sacrifice, who is there today, + amongst creatures, that still desireth to eat? There are yet twenty-five + mountains of food there after all have been fed! What the royal sage Gaya + of immense splendour hath achieved in his sacrifice was never achieved by + men before, nor will be by any in future. The gods have been so surfeited + by Gaya with clarified butter that they are not able to take anything that + anybody else may offer. As sand grains on earth, as stars in the + firmament, as drops showered by rain-charged clouds, cannot ever be + counted by anybody, so can none count the gifts in Gaya’s sacrifice!” + </p> + <p> + “O son of the Kuru race, many times did king Gaya perform sacrifices of + this description, here, by the side of this Brahmasara!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0418"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After this the royal son of Kunti who was ever + distinguished for his profuse gifts unto Brahmanas, proceeded to the + asylum of Agastya and took up his abode in Durjaya. It was here that that + foremost of speakers, king Yudhishthira asked Lomasa as to why Agastya had + slain Vatapi there. And the king also enquired after the extent of that + man-destroying Daitya’s prowess, and the reason also of the illustrious + Agastya’s wrath being excited against that Asura. + </p> + <p> + “Thus questioned, Lomasa said, ‘O son of Kuru race, there was in the city + called Manimati, in days of yore, a Daitya named Ilwala, whose younger + brother was Vatapi. One day that son of Diti addressed the Brahmana endued + with ascetic merit, saying, ‘O holy one, grant me a son equal unto Indra.’ + The Brahmana, however, did not grant the Asura a son like Indra. And at + this, the Asura was inflamed with wrath against the Brahmana. And from + that day, O king, the Asura Ilwala became a destroyer of Brahmanas. And + endued with power of illusion the angry Asura transformed his brother into + a ram. And Vatapi also capable of assuming any form at will, would + immediately assume the shape of a ram. And the flesh of that ram, after + being properly dressed, was offered to Brahmanas as food. And after they + had eaten of it, they were slain. For whomsoever Ilwala summoned with his + voice, he would come back to Ilwala even if he had gone to the abode of + Yama, in re-embodied form endued with life, and show himself to Ilwala. + And so having transformed the Asura Vatapi into a ram and properly cooked + his flesh and feeding Brahmanas therewith, he would summon Vatapi. And the + mighty Asura Vatapi, that foe of Brahmanas, endued with great strength and + power of illusion, hearing, O king, those sounds uttered with a loud voice + by Ilwala, and ripping open the flanks of the Brahmana would come + laughingly out, O lord of earth! And it was thus, O monarch, that the + wicked-hearted Daitya Ilwala, having fed Brahmanas, frequently took away + their lives. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, the illustrious Agastya beheld his deceased ancestors hanging + in a pit with heads downwards. And he asked those personages thus + suspended in that hole, saying, ‘What is the matter with you? Thus + questioned those utterers of Brahma replied, ‘It is even for offspring.’ + And they also told him, ‘We are your ancestors. It is even for offspring + that we stay suspended in this pit. If O Agastya, thou canst beget us a + good son, we may then be saved from this hell and thou also wilt obtain + thy blessed state of those having offspring.’ Endued with great energy and + observant of truth and morality Agastya replied, saying, ‘Ye Pitris, I + will accomplish your desire. Let this anxiety of yours be dispelled.’ And + the illustrious Rishi then began to think of perpetuating his race. But he + saw not a wife worthy of him on whom he himself could take his birth in + the form of a son. The Rishi accordingly, taking those parts that were + regarded as highly beautiful, from creatures possessing them, created + therewith an excellent woman. And the Muni, endued with great ascetic + merit, thereupon gave that girl created for himself to the king of the + Vidharbhas who was then undergoing ascetic penances for obtaining + offspring. And that blessed girl of sweet face (thus disposed of) then + took her birth (in Vidarbha’s royal line) and, beautiful as the effulgent + lightning, her limbs began to grow day by day. And as soon as that lord of + earth—the ruler of the Vidarbhas—saw her ushered into life, he + joyfully communicated the intelligence, O Bharata, unto the Brahmanas. And + the Brahmanas thereupon, O lord of earth, blessed the girl and they + bestowed upon her the name Lopamudra. And possessed of great beauty, she + began, O monarch, to grow quickly like unto a lotus in the midst of water + or the effulgent flame of a fire. And when the girl grew and attained to + puberty, a hundred virgins decked in ornaments and a hundred maids waited + in obedience upon her blessed self. And surrounded by those hundred maids + and virgins, she shone in their midst, endued as she was with bright + effulgence, like Rohini in the firmament amid an inferior multitude of + stars. And possessed as she was of good behaviour and excellent manners, + none dared ask for her hand even when she attained to puberty, through + fear of her father, the king of the Vidharbhas. And Lopamudra, devoted to + truth, surpassing the Apsaras even in beauty, gratified her father and + relatives by means of her conduct. And her father, beholding his + daughter-the princess of Vidharbha-attain to puberty, began to reflect in + his mind, saying, ‘To whom should I give this daughter of mine?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0419"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa continued, ‘When Agastya thought that girl to be competent for the + duties of domesticity, he approached that lord of earth-the ruler of + Vidharbhas-and addressing him, said, ‘I solicit thee, O king, to bestow + thy daughter Lopamudra on me.’ Thus addressed by the Muni, the king of the + Vidharbhas swooned away. And though unwilling to give the Muni his + daughter, he dared not refuse. And that lord of earth then, approaching + his queen, said, ‘This Rishi is endued with great energy. If angry, he may + consume me with the fire of his curse. O thou of sweet face, tell me what + is thy wish.” Hearing these words of the king, she uttered not a word. And + beholding the king along with the queen afflicted with sorrow, Lopamudra + approached them in due time and said, O monarch, it behoveth thee not to + grieve on my account. Bestow me on Agastya, and, O father, save thyself, + by giving me away.’ And at these words of his daughter, O monarch, the + king gave away Lopamudra unto the illustrious Agastya with due rites. And + obtaining her as wife, Agastya addressed Lopamudra, saying, ‘Cast thou + away these costly robes and ornaments.’ And at these words of her lord, + that large-eyed damsel of thighs tapering as the stem of the plantain tree + cast away her handsome and costly robes of fine texture. And casting them + away she dressed herself in rags and barks and deerskins, and became her + husband’s equal in vows and acts. And proceeding then to Gangadwara that + illustrious and best of Rishis began to practise the severest penances + along with his helpful wife. And Lopamudra herself, well pleased, began to + serve her lord from the deep respect that she bore him. And the exalted + Agastya also began to manifest great love for his wife. + </p> + <p> + “After a considerable time, O king, the illustrious Rishi one day beheld + Lopamudra, blazing in ascetic splendour come up after the bath in her + season. And pleased with the girl, for her services, her purity, and self + control, as also with her grace and beauty, he summoned her for marital + intercourse. The girl, however, joining her hands, bashfully but lovingly + addressed the Rishi, saying, ‘The husband, without doubt, weddeth the wife + for offspring. But it behoveth thee, O Rishi, to show that love to me + which I have for thee. And it behoveth thee, O regenerate one, to approach + me on a bed like to that which I had in the palace of my father. I also + desire that thou shouldst be decked in garlands of flowers and other + ornaments, and that I should approach thee adorned in those celestial + ornaments that I like. Otherwise, I cannot approach thee, dressed in these + rags dyed in red. Nor, O regenerate Rishi, it is sinful to wear ornaments + (on such an occasion).’ Hearing these words of his wife, Agastya replied, + ‘O blessed girl, O thou of slender waist, I have not wealth like what thy + father hath, O Lopamudra!’ She answered saying, ‘Thou who art endued with + wealth of asceticism, art certainly able to bring hither within a moment, + by ascetic power, everything that exists in the world of men.’ Agastya + said, ‘It is even so as thou hast said. That, however, would waste my + ascetic merit. O bid me do that which may not loosen my ascetic merit.’ + Lopamudra then said, ‘O thou endued with wealth of asceticism, my season + will not last long, I do not desire, however, to approach thee otherwise. + Nor do I desire to diminish thy (ascetic) merit in any way. It behoveth + thee, however, to do as I desire, without injuring thy virtue.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Agastya then said, ‘O blessed girl, if this be the resolve that thou + hast settled in thy heart, I will go out in quest of wealth. Meanwhile, + stay thou here as it pleaseth thee.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0420"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa continued, ‘Agastya then, O son of the Kuru race, went to king + Srutarvan who was regarded as richer than other kings, to beg for wealth. + And that monarch, learning of the arrival of the pot-born Rishi on the + frontiers of his kingdoms, went out with his ministers and received the + holy man with respect. And the king duly offering the Arghya in the first + instance, submissively and with joined hands enquired then after the + reason of the Rishi’s arrival. And Agastya answered saying, O lord of the + earth, know that I have come to thee, desirous of wealth. Give me a + portion according to thy ability and without doing injury to others.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa continued, ‘The king, then, representing unto the Rishi the + equality of his expenditure and income, said, ‘O learned one, take thou + from my possessions the wealth thou pleasest.’ Beholding, however, the + equality of that monarch’s expenditure with income, the Rishi who always + saw both sides with equal eyes, thought that if he took anything under the + circumstances, his act would result in injury to creatures. Taking, + therefore, Srutarvan with him, the Rishi went to Vradhnaswa. The latter, + hearing of their arrival on his frontiers, received them duly. And + Vradhnaswa also offered them the Arghyas and water to wash their feet. And + the monarch, with their permission, then enquired after the reason of + their coming. And Agastya said, ‘O lord of earth, know that we have come + to thee desirous of wealth. Give us what thou canst, without doing injury + to others.’” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa continued, ‘That monarch then represented unto them the equality + of his expenditure and income, and said, ‘Knowing this, take ye what ye + desire.’ The Rishi, however, who saw both sides with equal eyes, beholding + the equality of that monarch’s income with expenditure, thought that if he + took anything under the circumstances, his act would result in injury to + all creatures. Agastya and Srutarvan, with king Vradhnaswa then went to + Purokutsa’s son, Trasadasyu, of enormous wealth. The high-souled + Trasadasyu, learning of their arrival on the confines of his kingdom went + out, O king, and received them well. And that best of monarchs in + Ikshvaku’s line, having worshipped all of them duly, enquired after the + reason of their arrival. And Agastya answered, ‘O lord of earth, know that + we have all come to thee, desirous of wealth. Give us what you can, + without injuring others.’” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa continued, ‘That monarch then, represented unto them the equality + of his income with expenditure, and said, ‘Knowing this, take ye what ye + desire.’ Beholding, however, the equality of that monarch’s expenditure + with income, the Rishi who saw both sides with equal eyes, thought that if + he took anything under the circumstances, his act would result in injury + to all creatures. Then, O monarch, all those kings looking at one another, + together spoke unto the Rishis saying, ‘O Brahmana, there is a Danava of + the name Ilwala who of all persons on earth, is possessed of enormous + wealth. Let us all approach him to-day and beg wealth of him.’” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa continued, ‘This suggestion, O king, of begging wealth of Ilwala + appeared to them to be proper. And, O monarch, all of them went together + to Ilwala after this!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0421"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIX + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘When Ilwala learnt that those kings along with the great + Rishi had arrived on the confines of his domain, he went out with his + ministers and worshipped them duly. And that prince of Asuras received + them hospitably, entertaining them, O son of the Kuru race, with well + dressed meat supplied by his brother Vatapi (transformed into a ram). Then + all those royal sages, beholding the mighty Asura Vatapi, who had been + transformed into a ram thus cooked for them, became sad and cheerless and + were nearly deprived of themselves. But that best of Rishis—Agastya—addressing + those royal sages, said, ‘Yield ye not to grief, I will eat up the great + Asura.’ And the mighty Rishi then sat himself down on an excellent seat, + and the prince of Asuras, Ilwala, began to distribute the food smilingly. + And Agastya ate up the whole of the meat supplied by Vatapi (transformed + into a ram). And after the dinner was over, Ilwala began to summon his + brother. But thereupon a quantity of air alone came out of the illustrious + Rishi’s stomach, with a sound that was as loud, O child, as the roar of + the clouds. And Ilwala repeatedly said, ‘Come out, O Vatapi!’ Then that + best of Munis—Agastya—bursting out in laughter, said, ‘How can + he come out? I have already digested that great Asura.’ And beholding his + brother already digested, Ilwala became sad and cheerless and joining his + hands, along with his ministers, addressing the Rishi (and his + companions), said, ‘What for have ye come hither, and what can I do for + you?’ And Agastya smilingly answered Ilwala, saying, ‘We know thee, O + Asura, to be possessed of great power and also enormous wealth. These + kings are not very wealthy while my need also of wealth is great. Give us + what thou canst, without injuring others.’ Thus addressed Ilwala saluted + the Rishi and said, ‘If thou say what it is that I mean to give, then will + I give you wealth.’ Hearing this Agastya said, ‘O great Asura, thou hast + even purposed to give unto each of these kings ten thousand kine and as + many gold coins. And unto me thou hast purposed to give twice as much, as + also a car of gold and a couple of horses fleet as thought. If thou + enquirest now, thou wilt soon learn that your car is made of gold.’ + Thereupon, O son of Kunti, Ilwala made enquiries and learnt that the car + he had intended to give away was really a golden one. And the Daitya then + with a sad heart, gave away much wealth and that car, unto which were + yoked two steeds called Virava and Surava. And those steeds, O Bharata, + took those kings and Agastya and all that wealth to the asylum of Agastya + within the twinkling of an eye. And those royal sages then obtaining + Agastya’s permission, went away to their respective cities. And Agastya + also (with that wealth) did all that his wife Lopamudra had desired. And + Lopamudra then said, ‘O illustrious one, thou hast now accomplished all my + wishes. Beget thou a child on me that shall be possessed of great energy.’ + And Agastya replied unto her, saying, ‘O blessed and beauteous one, I have + been much gratified with thy conduct. Listen thou unto me as regards the + proposal I make in respect of thy offspring. Wouldst thou have a thousand + sons, or a century of sons each equal to ten, or ten sons equal each to an + hundred, or only one son who may vanquish a thousand?’ Lopamudra answered, + ‘Let me have one son equal unto a thousand, O thou endued with wealth of + asceticism! One good and learned son is preferable to many evil ones.’” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa continued, ‘Saying, ‘So be it,’ that pious Muni thereupon knew his + devout wife of equal behaviour. And after she had conceived, he retired + into the forest. And after the Muni had gone away, the foetus began to + grow for seven years. And after the seventh year had expired, there came + out of the womb, the highly learned Dridhasyu, blazing, O Bharata, in his + own splendour. And the great Brahmana and illustrious ascetic, endued with + mighty energy, took his birth as the Rishi’s son, coming out of the womb, + as if repeating the Vedas with the Upanishads and the Angas. Endued with + great energy while yet a child, he used to carry loads of sacrificial fuel + into the asylum of his father, and was thence called Idhmavaha (carrier of + sacrificial wood). And the Muni, beholding his son possessed of such + virtues, became highly glad. + </p> + <p> + “And it was thus, O Bharata, that Agastya begat an excellent son in + consequence of which his ancestors, O king, obtained the regions they + desired. And it is from that time that this spot hath become known on the + earth as the asylum of Agastya. Indeed, O king, this is the asylum graced + with numerous beauties, of that Agastya who had slain Vatapi of Prahrada’s + race. The sacred Bhagirathi, adored by gods and Gandharvas gently runneth + by, like a breeze-shaken pennon in the welkin. Yonder also she floweth + over craggy crests descending lower and lower, and looketh like an + affrighted she-snake lying along the hilly slopes. Issuing out of the + matted locks of Mahadeva, she passeth along, flooding the southern country + and benefiting it like a mother, and ultimately mingleth with the ocean as + if she were his favourite bride. Bathe ye as ye like in this sacred river, + ye son of Pandu! And behold there, O Yudhisthira, the tirtha of Bhrigu + that is celebrated over the three worlds and adored, O king, by great + Rishis. Bathing here, Rama (of Bhrigu’s race) regained his might, which + had been taken away from him (by Dasaratha’s son). Bathing here, O son of + Pandu, with thy brothers and Krishna, thou wilt certainly regain that + energy of thine that hath been taken away by Duryodhana, even as Rama + regained his that had been taken away by Dasaratha’s son in hostile + encounter.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “At these words of Lomasa, Yudhishthira bathed + there with his brothers and Krishna, and offered oblations of water, O + Bharata, to the gods and the Pitris. And, O bull among men, after + Yudhishthira had bathed in that tirtha, his body blazed forth in brighter + effulgence, and he became invisible in respect of all foes. The son of + Pandu then, O king, asked Lomasa, saying, ‘O illustrious one, why had + Rama’s energy and might been taken away? And how also did he regain it? O + exalted one, I ask thee, tell me everything.’” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Listen, O king, to the history of Rama (the son of + Dasaratha) and Rama of Bhrigu’s line gifted with intelligence. For the + destruction of Ravana, O king, Vishnu, in his own body, took his birth as + the son of illustrious Dasaratha. We saw in Ayodhya that son of Dasaratha + after he had been born. It was then that Rama of Bhrigu’s line, the son of + Richika by Renuka, hearing of Rama the son of Dasaratha—of spotless + deeds—went to Ayodhya, impelled by curiosity, and taking with him + that celestial bow so fatal to the Kshatriyas, for ascertaining the + prowess of Dasaratha’s son. And Dasaratha, hearing that Rama of Bhrigu’s + race had arrived on the confines of his domains, set his own son Rama to + receive the hero with respect. And beholding Dasaratha’s son approach and + stand before him with ready weapons, Rama of Bhrigu’s line smilingly + addressed him, O son of Kunti, saying, ‘O king, O exalted one, string, if + thou canst, with all thy mighty, this bow which in my hands was made the + instrument of destroying the Kshatriya race.’ Thus addressed, Dasaratha’s + son answered, ‘O illustrious one, it behoveth thee not to insult me thus. + Nor am I, amongst the regenerate classes, deficient in the virtues of the + Kshatriya order. The descendants of Ikshwaku in special never boast of the + prowess of their arms.’ Then unto Dasaratha’s son who said so, Rama of + Bhrigu’s line replied, ‘A truce to all crafty speech, O king! Take this + bow.’ At this, Rama the son of Dasaratha, took in anger from the hands of + Rama of Bhrigu’s line that celestial bow that had dealt death to the + foremost of Kshatriyas. And, O Bharata, the mighty hero smilingly strung + that bow without the least exertion, and with its twang loud as the + thunder-rattle, affrighted all creatures. And Rama, the son of Dasaratha, + then, addressing Rama of Bhrigu’s said, ‘Here, I have strung this bow. + What else, O Brahmana, shall I do for thee?’ Then Rama, the son of + Jamadagni, gave unto the illustrious son of Dasaratha a celestial arrow + and said, ‘Placing this on the bow-string, draw to thy ear, O hero!’ + “Lomasa continued, ‘Hearing this, Dasaratha’s son blazed up in wrath and + said, ‘I have heard what thou hast said, and even pardoned thee. O son of + Bhrigu’s race, thou art full of vanity. Through the Grandsire’s grace thou + hast obtained energy that is superior to that of the Kshatriyas. And it is + for this that thou insultest me. Behold me now in my native form: I give + thee sight.’ Then Rama of Bhrigu’s race beheld in the body of Dasaratha’s + son the Adityas with the Vasus, the Rudras, the Sadhyas with the Marutas, + the Pitris, Hutasana, the stellar constellations and the planets, the + Gandharvas, the Rakshasas, the Yakshas, the Rivers, the tirthas, those + eternal Rishis identified with Brahma and called the Valkhilyas, the + celestial Rishis, the Seas and Mountains, the Vedas with the Upanishads + and Vashats and the sacrifices, the Samans in their living form, the + Science of weapons, O Bharata, and the Clouds with rain and lightning, O + Yudhishthira! And the illustrious Vishnu then shot that shaft. And at this + the earth was filled with sounds of thunder, and burning meteors. O + Bharata, began to flash through the welkin. And showers of dust and rain + fell upon the surface of the earth. And whirlwinds and frightful sounds + convulsed everything, and the earth herself began to quake. And shot by + the hand of Rama, that shalt, confounding by its energy the other Rama, + came back blazing into Rama’s hands. And Bhargava, who had thus been + deprived of his senses, regaining consciousness and life, bowed unto Rama—that + manifestation of Vishnu’s power. And commanded by Vishnu, he proceeded to + the mountains of Mahendra. And thenceforth that great ascetic began to + dwell there, in terror and shame. And after the expiration of a year, the + Pitris, beholding Rama dwelling there deprived of energy, his pride + quelled, and himself sunk in affliction, said unto him, ‘O son, having + approached Vishnu, thy behaviour towards him was not proper. He deserveth + for aye worship and respect in the three worlds. Go, O son, to that sacred + river which goeth by name of Vadhusara! Bathing in all the tirthas of that + stream, thou wilt regain thy energy! There in that river is the tirthas + called Diptoda where thy grandsire Bhrigu, O Rama, in the celestial age + had practised ascetic penances of great merit.’ Thus addressed by them, + Rama, O son of Kunti, did what the Pitris bade him, and obtained back at + this tirtha, O son of Pandu, the energy he had lost. Even this O child, + was what befell Rama of spotless deeds in days in of yore, after he had, O + king, met Vishnu (in the form of Dasaratha’s son)!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0422"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION C + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O best of regenerate ones, I desire again to hear of + the achievements in detail of Agastya—that illustrious Rishi endued + with great intelligence.’” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Listen now, O king, to the excellent and wonderful and + extraordinary history of Agastya, as also, O monarch, about the prowess of + that Rishi of immeasurable energy. There were in the Krita age certain + tribes of fierce Danavas that were invincible in battle. And they were + known by the name of Kalakeyas and were endued with terrible prowess. + Placing themselves under Vritra and arming themselves with diverse weapons + they pursued the celestials with Indra at their head in all directions. + The gods then all resolved upon the destruction of Vritra, and went with + Indra at their head to Brahma. And beholding them standing before him with + joined hands, Parameshthi addressed them all and said, “Everything is + known to me, ye gods, about what ye seek. I shall indicate now the means + by which ye may slay Vritra. There is a high-souled and great Rishi known + by the name of Dadhicha. Go ye all together unto him and solicit of him a + boon. With well-pleased heart, that Rishi of virtuous soul will even grant + you the boon. Desirous as ye are of victory, go ye all together unto him + and tell him, ‘For the good of the three worlds, give us thy bones.’ + Renouncing his body, he will give you his bones. With these bones of his, + make ye a fierce and powerful weapon to be called Vajra, endued with six + sides and terrible roar and capable of destroying even the most powerful + enemies. With that weapon will he of a hundred sacrifices slay Vritia. I + have now told you all. See that all this is done speedily.’ Thus addressed + by him, the gods with the Grandsire’s leave (came away), and with Narayana + at their head proceeded to the asylum of Dadhicha. That asylum was on the + other bank of the river Saraswati and covered with diverse trees and + creepers. And it resounded with the hum of bees as if they were reciting + Samans. And it also echoed with the melodious notes of the male Kokila and + the Chakora. And buffaloes and boars and deer and Chamaras wandered there + at pleasure freed from the fear of tigers. And elephants with the juice + trickling down from rent temples, plunging in the stream, sported with the + she-elephants and made the entire region resound with their roars. And the + place also echoed with the loud roars of lions and tigers, while at + intervals might be seen those grisly monarchs of the forest lying + stretched in caves and glens and beautifying them with their presence And + such was the asylum, like unto heaven itself, of Dadhicha, that the gods + entered. And there they beheld Dadhicha looking like the sun himself in + splendour and blazing in grace of person like the Grandsire himself. And + the celestials saluted the feet of the Rishi and bowed unto him and begged + of him the boon that the Grandsire had bade them do. Then Dadhicha, well + pleased, addressing those foremost of celestials, said, ‘Ye celestials, I + will do what is for your benefit. I will even renounce this body of mine + myself.’ And that foremost of men with soul under control, having said + this, suddenly renounced his life. The gods then took the bones of the + deceased Rishi as directed. And the celestials, glad at heart, went to + Twashtri (the celestial Artificer) and spake to him of the means of + victory. And Twashtri, hearing those words of theirs, became filled with + joy, and constructed (out of those bones) with great attention and care + the fierce weapons called Vajra. And having manufactured it, he joyfully + addressed Indra, saying, ‘With this foremost of weapons, O exalted one, + reduce that fierce foe of the gods to ashes. And having slain the foe, + rule thou happily the entire domain of heaven, O chief of the celestials, + with those that follow thee.’ And thus addressed by Twashtri, Purandara + took the Vajra from his hand, joyfully and with proper respect.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0423"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CI + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Armed with the Vajra then, and supported by celestials + endued with great might, Indra then approached Vritra, who was then + occupying the entire earth and the heaven. And he was guarded on all sides + by huge-bodied Kalakeyas with upraised weapons resembling gigantic + mountains with towering peaks. And the encounter that took place between + the gods and the Danavas lasted for a short while and was, O chief of the + Bharatas, terrific in the extreme, appalling as it did the three worlds. + And loud was the clash of swords and scimitars upraised and warded off by + heroic hands in course of those fierce encounters. And heads (severed from + trunks) began to roll from the firmament to the earth like fruits of the + palmyra palm falling upon the ground, loosened from their stalks. And the + Kalakeyas armed with iron-mounted bludgeons and cased in golden mail ran + against the gods, like moving mountains on conflagration. And the gods, + unable to stand the shock of that impetuous and proudly advancing host, + broke and fled from fear. Purandara of a thousand eyes, beholding the gods + flying in fear and Vritra growing in boldness, became deeply dejected. And + the foremost of gods Purandara, himself, agitated with the fear of the + Kalakeyas, without losing a moment, sought the exalted Narayana’s refuge. + And the eternal Vishnu beholding Indra so depressed enhanced his might by + imparting unto him a portion of his own energy. And when the celestials + beheld that Sakra was thus protected by Vishnu, each of them imparted unto + him his own energy. And the spotless Brahmarshis also imparted their + energies unto the chief of the celestials. And favoured thus by Vishnu and + all the gods and by the high-blessed Rishis also, Sakra became mightier + than before. And when Vritra learnt that the chief of the celestials had + been filled with might of others, he sent forth some terrific roars. And + at these roars of his, the earth, the directions, the firmament, heaven, + and the mountains all began to tremble. And the chief of the celestials, + deeply agitated on hearing that fierce and loud roar, was filled with + fear, and desiring to slay the Asura soon, hurled, O king, the mighty + Vajra. And struck with Indra’s Vajra the great Asura decked in gold and + garlands fell head-long, like the great mountain Mandara hurled of yore + from Vishnu’s hands; and although the prince of Daityas was slain, yet + Sakra in panic ran from the field, desiring to take shelter in a lake, + thinking that the Vajra itself had not been hurled from his hands and + regarding that Vritra himself was still alive. The celestials, however, + and the great Rishis became filled with joy, and all of them began to + cheerfully chant the praise of Indra. And mustering together, the + celestials began to slay the Danavas, who were dejected at the death of + their leader. And struck with panic at sight of the assembled celestial + host, the afflicted Danavas fled to the depths of the sea. And having + entered the fathomless deep, teeming with fishes and crocodiles, the + Danavas assembled together and began to proudly conspire for the + destruction of the three worlds. And some amongst them that were wise in + inferences suggested courses of action, each according to his judgment. In + course of time, however, the dreadful resolution arrived at those + conspiring sons of Diti, was that they should, first of all, compass the + destruction of all persons possessed of knowledge and ascetic virtue. The + worlds are all supported by asceticism. Therefore, they said, ‘Lose no + time for the destruction of asceticism. Compass ye without delay the + destruction of those on earth that are possessed of ascetic virtues, that + are conversant with duties and the ways of morality, and that have a + knowledge of Brahma; for when these are destroyed, the universe itself + will be destroyed.’ And all the Danavas, having arrived at this resolution + for the destruction of the universe, became highly glad. And thenceforth + they made the ocean—that abode of Varuna—with billows high as + hills, their fort, from which to make their sallies.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0424"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘The Kalakeyas then having recourse to that receptacle of + waters, which is the abode of Varuna, began their operations for the + destruction of the universe. And during the darkness of the night those + angry Daityas began to devour the Munis they found in woody retreats and + sacred spots. And those wicked wretches devoured in the asylum of + Vasishtha, Brahmanas to the number of a hundred and eighty, besides nine + other ascetics. And, proceeding to the asylum of Chyavana that was + inhabited by many Brahmacharis, they devoured a century of Brahmanas that + lived upon fruit and roots alone. And they began to do all this during the + darkness of the night, while they entered the depths of the sea by day. + And they slew a full score of Brahmanas of subdued souls and leading a + Brahmacharya mode of life and living upon air and water alone, in the + retreat of Bharadwaja. And it was thus that those Danavas the Kalakeyas, + intoxicated with prowess of arms and their lives nearly run out, gradually + invaded all the asylums of the Rishis during the darkness of the night, + slaughtering numerous Brahmanas. And, O best of men, although the Danavas + behaved in this way towards the ascetics in woody retreats, yet men failed + to discover anything of them. And every morning people saw the dead bodies + of Munis emaciated with frugal diet, lying on the ground. And many of + those bodies were without flesh and without blood, without marrow, without + entrails, and with limbs separated from one another. And here and there + lay on the ground heaps of bones like masses of conch shells. And the + earth was scattered over with the (sacrificial) contents of broken jars + and shattered ladles for pouring libations of clarified butter and with + the sacred fires kept with care by the ascetics. And the universe + afflicted with the terror of the Kalakeyas, being destitute of Vedic + studies and vashats and sacrificial festivals and religious rites, became + entirely cheerless. And, O king, when men began to perish in this way, the + survivors, afflicted with fear, fled for their lives in all directions. + And some fled to caverns and some behind mountain-streams and springs and + some through fear of death, died without much ado. And some who were brave + and mighty bowmen cheerfully went out and took great trouble in tracking + the Danavas. Unable, however, to find them out, for the Asuras had sought + refuge in the depths of the sea, these brave men came back to their homes + gratified with the search. And, O lord of men, when the universe was being + thus destroyed, and when sacrificial festivals and religious rites had + been suspended, the gods became deeply afflicted. And gathering together + with Indra in their midst they began, from fear, to take counsel of one + another. And repairing unto the exalted and uncreate Narayana—that + unvanquished god of Vaikuntha—the celestials sought his protection. + And bowing unto the slayer of Madhu, the gods addressed him, saying, ‘O + lord, thou art the creator, the protector, and the slayer of ourselves as + well as of the universe. It is thou who has created this universe with its + mobile and immobile creatures. O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, it was + thou who in days of yore hadst for the benefit of all creatures raised + from the sea the sunken earth, assuming also the form of a boar. And, O + best of male beings, assuming also the form of half-man and half-lion, + thou hadst slain in days of yore that ancient Daitya of mighty prowess + known by the name of Hiranyakasipu. And that other great Asura also, Vali + by name, was incapable of being slain by any one. Assuming the form of a + dwarf, thou exiledest him from the three worlds. O lord, it was by thee + that that wicked Asura, Jambha by name, who was a mighty bowman and who + always obstructed sacrifices, was slain. Achievements like these, which + cannot be counted, are thine. O slayer of Madhu, we who have been + afflicted with fear, have thee for our refuge. It is for this, O god of + gods, that we inform thee of our present troubles. Protect the worlds, the + gods, and Sakra also, from a terrible fear.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0425"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIII + </h2> + <p> + “The celestials said, ‘Through thy favour it is that all born beings of + the four kinds increase. And they being created, propitiate the dwellers + of heaven by offerings made to the gods and the names of departed + forefathers. Thus it is that people, protected by thee and free from + trouble live depending on one another, and (so) increase. Now this peril + hath befallen the people. We do not know by whom are Brahmanas being + killed during the night. If the Brahmanas are destroyed, the earth itself + will meet with destruction, and if the earth cometh to an end, heaven also + will cease to exist. O mighty-armed one, O lord of the universe! we + beseech thee (to act so) that all the worlds, protected by thee, may not + come to an end, so it may please thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vishnu said, ‘Ye gods! To me is known the reason of the destruction of + the born beings, I shall speak of it to you; listen with minds free from + tribulation. There exists an exceedingly fierce host, known by the name of + Kalakeyas. They, under the lead of Vritra, were devastating the whole + universe. And when they saw that Vritra was slain by the sagacious Indra + endued with a thousand eyes, they, to preserve their lives, entered into + the ocean, that abode of Varuna. And having entered the ocean, abounding + with sharks and crocodiles, they at night killed the saints at this spot + with the view of exterminating the people. But they cannot be slain, as + they have taken shelter within the sea. Ye should, therefore, think of + some expedient to dry up the ocean. Who save Agastya is capable of drying + up the sea. And without drying up the ocean, these (demons) cannot be + assailed by any other means.’ Hearing these words of Vishnu, the gods took + the permission of Brahma, who lives at the best of all regions, and went + to the hermitage of Agastya. Then they beheld the high-souled Agastya, the + son of Varuna, of resplendent mien, and waited upon by saints, even as + Brahma is waited upon by celestials. And approaching him, they addressed + the son of Mitra and Varuna at the hermitage, magnanimous and unswerving, + and looking like an embodiment of pious works piled together, and + glorified him by reciting his deeds. The deities said, ‘Thou wert formerly + the refuge of the gods when they were oppressed by Nahusha. Thorn of the + world that he was, he was thrown down from his throne of heaven—from + the celestial regions. Vindhya, the foremost of all mountains, suddenly + began to increase his height, from a wrathful competition with the sun (i. + e., to rival him in altitude). But he hath ceased to increase, as he was + unable to disobey thy command. And when darkness hath covered the world, + the born beings were harassed by death, but having obtained thee for a + protector, they attained the utmost security. Whenever we are beset by + perils, thy reverence is always our refuge; for this reason it is that we + solicit a boon from thee; as thou ever grantest the boon solicited (of + thee).’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0426"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIV + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O great saint! I am desirous of hearing in detail why + it was that Vindhya, made senseless with wrath, suddenly began to increase + his bulk.’” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘The sun between his rising and setting used to revolve + round that monarch of mountains—the great Meru of golden lustre. And + seeing this the mountain Vindhya spake to Surya saying, ‘As thou every day + goest round Meru and honourest him by thy circumambulations, do thou even + the same by me, O maker of light!’ Thus addressed, the sun replied to the + great mountain, saying, ‘I do not of my own will honour this mountain by + my circumambulations. By those who have built this universe hath that path + been assigned to me.’ Thus addressed the mountain suddenly began to + increase from wrath, desirous, O chastiser of foes, of obstructing the + path of the Sun and the Moon. And all the assembled gods came to Vindhya, + the mighty king of mountains, and tried to dissuade him from his course. + But he heeded not what they said. And then all the assembled gods went to + the saint, living in the hermitage, engaged in the practice of + austerities, and the very best of persons devoted to virtue; and stated + all that happened to Agastya, possessed of exceeding marvellous power. + </p> + <p> + “The gods said, ‘This king of hills, Vindhya, giving way to wrath, is + stopping the path of the Sun and the Moon, and also the course of the + stars. O foremost of Brahmanas! O thou great in gifts! excepting thyself, + there is none who can prevent him; therefore do thou make him desist.’ + Hearing these words of the gods the Brahmana came to the mountain. And he + with his wife, having arrived there, came near Vindhya and spake to him, + saying, ‘O thou best of mountains! I wish to have a path given to me by + thee, as, for some purpose, I shall have to go to the southern region. + Until my return, do thou wait for me. And when I have returned, O king of + mountains, thou mayst increase in bulk as much as thou pleasest.’ And, O + slayer of foes! having made this compact with Vindhya up to the present + day Varuna’s son doth not return from the southern region. Thus have I, + asked by thee, narrated to thee why Vindhya doth not increase in bulk, by + reason of the power of Agastya. Now, O king! hear how the Kalakeyas were + killed by the gods, after they had obtained their prayer from Agastya. + </p> + <p> + “Having heard the words of the gods, Agastya, the son of Mitra, and + Varuna, said, ‘Wherefore are ye come? What boon do ye solicit from me?’ + Thus addressed by him, the deities then spake to the saint, saying, ‘This + deed we ask thee to achieve, viz., to drink up the great ocean. O + magnanimous (saint)! Then we shall be able to slay those enemies of the + gods, known by the name of Kalakeyas, together with all their adherents.’ + Having heard the words of the gods, the saint said, ‘Let it be so—I + shall do even what ye desire, and that which will conduce to the great + happiness of men.’ Having said this, he then proceeded to the ocean—the + lord of rivers,—accompanied by sages, ripe in the practice of + penances, and also by the deities, O thou who leadest an excellent life! + And men and snakes, celestial choristers, Yakshas and Kinnaras followed + the magnanimous saints,—desirous of witnessing that wonderful event. + Then they came up all together near to the sea, of awful roar, dancing, as + it were, with its billows, bounding with the breeze, and laughing with + masses of froth, and stumbling at the caves, and thronged with diverse + kinds of sharks, and frequented by flocks of various birds. And the + deities accompanied by Agastya and celestial choristers and huge snakes + and highly-gifted saints, approached the immense watery waste.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0427"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CV + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘That blessed saint, the son of Varuna, having reached the + sea spake unto the assembled gods, and the saints gathered together, + saying ‘I surely am going to drink up the ocean—that abode of the + god of waters. Be ye quickly ready with those preparations which it + devolves upon you to make.’ Having spoken these few words, the unswerving + offspring of Mitra and Varuna, full of wrath, began to drink up the sea, + while all the worlds stood observing (the deed). Then the gods, together + with Indra, seeing how the sea was being drunk up, were struck with mighty + amazement, and glorified him with laudatory words, saying, ‘Thou art our + protector, and the Providence itself for men,—and also the creator + of the worlds. By thy favour the universe with its gods may possibly be + saved from havoc.’ And the magnanimous one, glorified by the gods—while + the musical instruments of celestial choristers were playing all round, + and while celestial blossoms were showered upon him—rendered + waterless the wide ocean. And seeing the wide ocean rendered devoid of + water, the host of gods was exceedingly glad; and taking up choice weapons + of celestial forge, fell to slaying the demons with courageous hearts,—And + they, assailed by the magnanimous gods, of great strength, and swift of + speed, and roaring loudly, were unable to withstand the onset of their + fleet and valorous (foes)—those residents of the heavenly regions, O + descendant of Bharata! And those demons, attacked by the gods, bellowing + loudly, for a moment carried on terrible conflict. They had been in the + first instance burnt by the force of penances performed by the saints, who + had matured their selves; therefore, the demons, though they tried to the + utmost, were at last slaughtered by the gods. And decked with brooches of + gold, and bearing on their persons ear-rings and armlets, the demons, when + slain, looked beautiful indeed, like palasa trees when full of blossoms. + Then, O best of men! a few—the remnant of those that were killed of + the Kalakeya race, having rent asunder the goddess Earth, took refuge at + the bottom of the nether regions. And the gods, when they saw that the + demons were slain, with diverse speeches, glorified the mighty saint, and + spake the following words. ‘O thou of mighty arms, by thy favour men have + attained a mighty blessing, and the Kalakeyas, of ruthless strength have + been killed by thy power, O creator of beings! Fill the sea (now), O + mighty-armed one; give up again the water drunk up by thee.’ Thus + addressed, the blessed and mighty saint replied, ‘That water in sooth hath + been digested by me. Some other expedient, therefore, must be thought of + by you, if ye desire to make endeavour to fill the ocean.’ Hearing this + speech of that saint of matured soul, the assembled gods were struck with + both wonder and sadness, O great king! And thereupon, having bidden adieu + to each other, and bowed to the mighty saint all the born beings went + their way. And the gods with Vishnu, came to Brahma. And having held + consultation again, with the view of filling up the sea, they, with joined + hands, spake about replenishing it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0428"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVI + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Then gathered together, Brahma, the grandfather of men + (thus) addressed, ‘Go ye, O gods! whither your pleasure may lead you, or + your desire conduct you. It will take a long course of time for the ocean + to resume its wonted state; the occasion will be furnished by the agnates + of the great king Bhagiratha.’ Hearing the words of the (universal) + grandfather (Brahma), all the foremost gods went their way biding the day + (when the ocean was to be filled again).’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘What was that occasion, O Saint? And how did the + agnates of (Bhagiratha furnish the same)? And how was the ocean refilled + by the interference of Bhagiratha? O Saint, who deemest thy religious + practices as thy only treasure. O thou of the priestly class! I wish to + hear the account of the achievements of the king, narrated in detail by + thyself.’” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, “Thus addressed by the magnanimous and virtuous king, + he, the chief of men of the priestly class, narrated the achievements of + the high-souled (king) Sagara.” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘There was born in the family of the Ikshaku tribe, a ruler + of the earth named Sagara, endued with beauty, and strength. And that same + (king) of a dreaded name was sonless, O descendant of Bharata! And he + carried havoc through the tribes of the Haihayas and the Talajanghas; + brought under subjection the whole of the military caste; (and so) ruled + over his own kingdom. And, O most praiseworthy of the descendants of + Bharata! O chief of the Bharata race! he had two wives proud of their + beauty and of their youth,—one a princess of the Vidarbha race, and + the other of the royal line of Sivi. And, O chief of kings, that same + ruler of men, betook himself to the mountain Kailasa, accompanied by both + his wives, and with the desire of having a son became engaged in the + practice of exceeding austere penances. And being engaged in the practice + of rigid austerities, and (also) employed in the contemplation known by + the name of Yoga, he obtained the sight of the magnanimous god with three + eyes—the slayer of the demon called Tripura; the worker of blessings + (for all beings); the (eternally) existent one; the ruling Being, the + holder of the Pinaka bow; carrying in his hand his (well-known weapon)—the + trident; the god of three eyes; the repository of (eternal) peace; the + ruler of all those that are fierce; capable of assuming very many forms; + and the lord of the goddess Uma. And that same ruler of men, of mighty + arms, as soon as he beheld the god—that giver of boons—fell + down at his feet, with both his queens, and proffered a prayer to have a + son. And the god Siva, well pleased with him, spake (thus) to that most + righteous of the rulers of men, attended by his two wives, saying, ‘O lord + of men! considering the (astrological) moment at which thou hast proffered + thy prayer to me, sixty thousand sons, O foremost of choice men valorous + and characterised by exceeding pride, will be born in one off thy two + wives (here). But they all, O ruler of the earth, shall perish together. + In the other wife, (however), will be born a single valiant son, who will + perpetuate thy race.’ Having said this to him, the god Rudra (Siva) + vanished from sight at that very spot, and that same king Sagara now came + (back) to his own abode accompanied by his two wives, exceedingly + delighted at heart (for what had happened) then. And, O most praiseworthy + of the sons of Manu! (i.e., men), there the two lotus-eyed wives of him—the + princess of Vidarbha and the princess of Sivi—came (erelong) to be + with child. And afterwards, on the due day, the princess of Vidarbha + brought forth (something) of the shape of a gourd and the princess of Sivi + gave birth to a boy as beautiful as a god. Then the ruler of the earth + made up his mind to throw away the gourd,—when he heard (proceeding) + from the sky a speech (uttered) in a grave and solemn voice, ‘O king! do + thou not be guilty of this hasty act; thou shouldst not abandon thy sons. + Take out the seeds from the gourd and let them be preserved with care in + steaming vessels partly filled with clarified butter. Then thou wilt get, + O scion of Bharata’s race! sixty thousand sons. O ruler of men! the great + god (Siva) hath spoken that thy sons are to be born in this manner. Let + not therefore thy mind be turned away therefrom.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0429"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O most righteous of kings! When he heard these words + (proceeding) from the sky, he had faith therein, and did all that he was + directed to do, O chief of the men of Bharata’s race! Then the ruler of + men took separately each of the seeds and then placed these divisions (of + the gourd) in vessels filled with clarified butter. And intent on the + preservation of his sons, he provided a nurse for every (receptacle). Then + after a long time there arose sixty thousand exceedingly powerful sons of + that same king—gifted with unmeasured strength, they were born, O + ruler of earth! to that saint-like king, by Rudra’s favour. And they were + terrible; and their acts were ruthless. And they were able to ascend and + roam about in the sky; and being numerous themselves, despised everybody, + including the gods. And they would chase even the gods, the Gandharvas, + and the Rakshasas and all the born beings, being themselves valiant and + addicted to fighting. Then all people, harassed by the dull-headed sons of + Sagara, united with all the gods, went to Brahma as their refuge. And then + addressed the blessed grandfather of all beings (Brahma), ‘Go ye your way, + ye gods, together with all these men. In a not very long space of time, + there will come about, O gods! a great and exceedingly terrible + destruction of Sagara’s sons, caused by the deed perpetrated by them.’ + Thus addressed, those same gods, and men, O lord of the sons of Manu! bade + adieu to the grandfather, and went back to whence they had come. Then, O + chief of Bharata’s race! after the expiry of very many days, the mighty + king Sagara accepted the consecration for performing the rites of a + horse-sacrifice. And his horse began to roam over the world, protected by + his sons. And when the horse reached the sea, waterless and frightful to + behold—although the horse was guarded with very great care—it + (suddenly) vanished at the very spot (it stood upon). Then, O respected + sir! those same sons of Sagara imagined the same fine horse to have been + stolen; and returning to their father, narrated how it had been stolen out + of sight. And thereupon he addressed them, saying, ‘Go ye and search for + the horse in all the cardinal points.’ Then, O great king! by this command + of their father, they began to search for the horse in the cardinal points + and throughout the whole surface of the earth. But all those sons of + Sagara, all mutually united, could not find the horse, nor the person who + had stolen it. And coming back then, they with joined palms (thus + addressed) their father, (standing) before them, ‘O Protector of men! O + ruler of the earth! O king! by thy command, the whole of this world with + its hills and its forest tracts, with its seas, and its woods, and its + islands, with its rivulets and rivers and caves, hath been searched + through by us. But we cannot find either the horse, or the thief who had + stolen the same.’ And hearing the words, the same king became senseless + with wrath, and then told them all, carried away by Destiny, ‘Go ye all, + may ye never return! Search ye again for the horse. Without that + sacrificial horse, ye must never return, my boys!’” + </p> + <p> + “And those same sons of Sagara, accepted this command of their father, and + once more began to search through the entire world. Now these heroes saw a + rift on the surface of the earth. And having reached this pit, the sons of + Sagara began to excavate it. And with spades and pickaxes they went on + digging the sea, making the utmost efforts. And that same abode of Varuna + (namely the ocean), being thus, excavated by the united sons of Sagara and + rent and cut on all sides round, was placed in a condition of the utmost + distress. And the demons and snakes and Rakshasas and various (other) + animated beings began to utter distressful cries, while being killed by + Sagara’s sons. And hundreds and thousands of animated beings were beheld + with severed heads and separated trunks and with their skins and bones and + joints rent asunder and broken. Thus they went on digging the ocean, which + was the abode of Varuna and an exceedingly long space of time expired in + this work, but still the horse was not found. Then, O lord of earth! + towards the north-eastern region of the sea, the incensed sons of Sagara + dug down as far as the lower world, and there they beheld the horse, + roaming about on the surface of the ground. And they saw the magnanimous + Kapila, who looked like a perfect mass of splendour. And having beheld him + shining with his brightness, just as the fire shineth with its flames, + they, O king! seeing the horse, were flushed with delight. And they being + incensed, sent forward by their fate, paid no heed to the presence of the + magnanimous Kapila, and ran forward with a view to seizing the horse. + Then, O great king! Kapila, the most righteous of saints,—he whom + the great sages name as Kapila Vasudeva—assumed a fiery look, and + the mighty saint shot flames towards them, and thereby burnt down the + dull-headed sons of Sagara. And Narada, whose practice of austerities was + very great, when he beheld them reduced to ashes, came to Sagara’s side, + and gave the information to him. And when the king learnt this terrible + news which proceeded from the mouth of the saint, for nearly an hour he + remained sad, and then he bethought himself of what Siva had said. Then + sending for Ansuman, the son of Asamanjas, and his own grandson, he, O + chief of Bharata’s race! spake the following words, ‘Those same sixty + thousand sons of unmeasured strength having encountered Kapila’s wrath, + have met their death on my account. And, O my boy of stainless character! + thy father also hath been forsaken by me, in order to discharge my duty + (as a king), and being desirous of doing good to my subjects.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O saint, whose sole wealth consists in religious + practices! Tell me for what reason, Sagara, the foremost of kings, + abandoned his own begotten son, endued with valour—an act so + difficult (for all other men).” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘A son was born to Sagara, known by the name of Asamanjas, + he who was given birth to by the princess of Sivi. And he used to seize by + throat the feeble children of the townsmen, and threw them while screaming + into the river. And thereupon the townsmen, overwhelmed with terror and + grief, met together, and all standing with joined palms, besought Sagara + in the following way, ‘O great king! Thou art our protector from the + dreaded peril of attack from a hostile force. Therefore it is proper for + thee to deliver us from the frightful danger, proceeding from Asamanjas.’ + And the most righteous of the rulers of men, having heard this frightful + news from his subjects, for nearly an hour remained sad and then spake to + his ministers, saying, ‘This day from the city let my son Asamanjas be + driven forth. If ye wish to do what will be acceptable to me, let this be + quickly done. ‘And, O protector of men! those same ministers, thus + addressed by the king, performed in a hurry exactly what the king had + commanded them to do. Thus have I narrated to thee how the magnanimous + Sagara banished his son, with a view to the welfare of the residents of + the town. I shall now fully narrate to thee what Ansuman of the powerful + bow was told by Sagara. Listen to me! + </p> + <p> + “Sagara said, ‘O my boy! sore am I at heart for having abandoned thy + father, on account of the death of my sons, and also on being unsuccessful + in getting back the horse. Therefore, O grandson! harassed with grief and + confounded with the obstruction to my religious rites as I am, thou must + bring back the horse and deliver me from hell.’ Thus addressed by the + magnanimous Sagara, Ansuman went with sorrow to that spot where the earth + had been excavated. And by that very passage he entered into the sea, and + beheld that illustrious Kapila and that same horse. And having beheld that + ancient saint, most righteous of his order, looking like a mass of light, + he bowed with his head to the ground, and informed him of the reason of + his visit. Then, O great king, Kapila was pleased with Ansuman, and that + saint of a virtuous soul told him to ask for a favour from him. And he in + the first place prayed for the horse, for the purpose of using it in the + sacrifice; in the second place he prayed for the purification of his + fathers. Then the mighty chief of saints, Kapila spake to him, saying, ‘I + shall grant thee everything that thou desirest, O stainless (prince). May + good luck be thine! In thee are fixed (the virtues of) forbearance, and + truth, and righteousness. By thee hath Sagara had all his desires + fulfilled. Thou are (really) a son to thy father. And by thy ability the + sons of Sagara will go to heaven (i.e., will be delivered from the + consequences of their unhallowed death). And the son of thy son, with a + view to purifying the sons of Sagara, will obtain the favour of the great + god Siva, (by means of practising great austerities), and will (thus) + bring (to this world) the river that floweth in three (separate) streams, + Ganga, O chief of men! May good luck be thine! Take thou with thee the + sacrificial horse. Finish, my lad! the sacrificial rites of the + magnanimous Sagara.’ Thus addressed by the illustrious Kapila, Ansuman + took the horse with him, and came back to the sacrificial yard of the + mighty-minded Sagara. Then he fell prostrate at the feet of the + high-souled Sagara, who smelt him on the head and narrated all the events + to him, all that had been seen and heard by him, and likewise the + destruction of Sagara’s sons. He also announced that the horse had been + brought back to the sacrificial yard. And when king Sagara heard of this, + he no more grieved on account of his sons. And he praised and honoured + Ansuman, and finished those same sacrificial rites. His sacrifice + finished, Sagara was greeted honourably by all the gods; and he converted + the sea, Varuna’s dwelling place, into a son of himself. And the + lotus-eyed (King Sagara) having ruled his kingdom for a period of + exceeding length, placed his grandson on the throne, (full of) + responsibilities and then ascended to heaven. And Ansuman likewise, O + great king! virtuous in soul, ruled over the world as far as the edge of + the sea, following the foot-prints of his father’s father. His son was + named Dilipa, versed in virtue. Upon him placing the duties of his + sovereign post, Ansuman like-wise departed this life. And then when Dilipa + heard what an awful fate had overtaken his forefathers, he was sorely + grieved and thought of the means of raising them. And the ruler of men + made every great effort towards the descent of Ganga (to the mortal + world). But although trying to the utmost of his power, he could not bring + about what he so much wished. And a son was born to him, known by the name + of Bhagiratha beauteous, and devoted to a virtuous life, and truthful, and + free from feelings of malice. And Dilipa appointed him as king, and betook + himself to the forest life. And, O best of all the scions of Bharata’s + race! that same king (Dilipa), devoted himself to a successful course of + austerities, and at the end of (sufficient) period, from the forest + departed to heaven.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0430"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘That same king, of a powerful bow, standing at the head of + the surrounding, (i.e., the occupant of an imperial throne) of a powerful + car, (i.e., possessing every great fighting power) became the delight of + the eyes and the soul of all the world. And he of the powerful arm came to + learn how his forefathers had met an awful end from Kapila of mighty soul, + and how they had been unable to attain the region of gods. And he with a + sorrowful heart made over his kingly duties to his minister, and, O lord + of men! for practising austerities, went to the side of the snowy Mountain + (the Himalayas). And, O most praiseworthy of men, desirous of + extinguishing his sins by leading an austere life, and (thereby) obtaining + the favour of the (goddess) Ganga, he visited that foremost of mountains—Himalaya. + And he beheld it adorned with peaks of diverse forms full of mineral + earth; besprinkled on all sides with drops from clouds which were resting + themselves upon the breeze; beautiful with rivers and groves and rocky + spurs, looking like (so many) palaces (in a city); attended upon by lions + and tigers that had concealed themselves in its caves and pits; and also + inhabited by birds of checkered forms, which were uttering diverse sounds, + such as the Bhringarajas, and ganders, and Datyuhas, and water-cocks, and + peacocks and birds with a hundred feathers, and Jivanjivakas, and black + birds, and Chakoras of eyes furnished with black corners, and the birds + that love their young. And he saw the mountain abounding in lotus plants + growing in delightful reservoirs of water. And the cranes rendered it + charming with their sounds; and the Kinnaras and the celestial nymphs were + seated on its stony slabs. And the elephants occupying the cardinal points + had everywhere robbed its trees with the end of their tusks; and the + demi-gods of the Vidyadhara class frequented the hill. And it was full of + various gems, and was also infested by snakes bearing terrible poison and + of glowing tongues. And the mountain at places looked like (massive) gold, + and elsewhere it resembled a silvery (pile), and at some places it was + like a (sable) heap of collyrium. Such was the snowy hill where the king + now found himself. And that most praiseworthy of men at that spot betook + himself to an awful austere course of life. And for one thousand years his + subsistence was nothing but water, fruit and roots. When, however, a + thousand years according to the calculation of gods had elapsed, then the + great river Ganga having assumed a material form, manifested to him her + (divine) self.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ganga said. ‘O great king! what dost thou desire of me? And what must I + bestow on thee? Tell me the same, O most praiseworthy of men! I shall do + as thou mayst ask me.’ Thus addressed, the king then made his reply to + Ganga, the daughter of the snowy Hill, saying, ‘O grantress of boons! O + great river! my father’s fathers, while searching for the horse, were sent + by Kapila to the abode of the god of death. And those same sixty thousand + sons of Sagara of mighty soul, having met with the majestic Kapila, + perished, (to a soul) in an instant of time. Having thus perished, there + hath been no place for them in the region of heaven. O great river! So + long as thou dost not besprinkle those same bodies with thy water, there + is no salvation for these same Sagara’s sons. O blessed goddess! carry + thou my forefathers, Sagara’s sons, to the region of heaven. O great + river! on their account am I beseeching thee forsooth.” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Ganga, the goddess saluted by the world, having heard these + words of the king, was well pleased, and spake to Bhagiratha the following + words: ‘O great king! I am prepared to do what thou dost ask me; there is + no doubt therein. But when I shall descend from the sky to the earth, the + force of my fall will be difficult to sustain. O protector of men! In the + three worlds there exists none who is able to sustain the same, excepting + Siva, the most praiseworthy of gods, the great Lord with the throat of + sable blue. O (prince) of a powerful arm! Obtain the favour, by practising + austerities, of that same Siva-giver of boons. That same god will sustain + my descent upon his head. Thy desire he will fulfill, the desire, namely, + to be of service to thy fathers, O king!’ Then the great king Bhagiratha + having heard the same, went to the Kailasa hill, and betaking himself to a + severe course of penances, at the expiration of a certain length of time + obtained the favour of that worker of blessings (Siva). And, O protector + of men! that same best of men, in order that his forefathers might have a + place in heaven secured to them, received from that very Siva the + fulfilment of his wish, namely the wish that the descending Ganga might be + sustained.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0431"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIX + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘The blessed God having heard what Bhagiratha had said, and + with a view to doing what was agreeable to the residents of heaven, + replied to the king, saying, ‘So let it be. O most righteous of the + protectors of men, O (prince) of a powerful arm! For thy sake I shall + sustain the river of the gods, when she will take her descent from the + sky, she who is pure and blessed and divine, O (king) of a mighty arm!’ + Saying this, he came to the snowy mountain, surrounded by his attendants, + of awful mien, and with uplifted weapons of diverse forms. And standing + there, he said to Bhagiratha, the most praiseworthy of men, ‘O (prince) of + a powerful arm! do thou pray to the river, the daughter of the king of + mountains. I shall sustain that most praiseworthy of rivers when she falls + down from the third region of the world (heaven).’ Having heard these + words uttered by Siva, the king became devout (in heart), made obesiance + and directed his thoughts towards Ganga. Then the delightful (river), of + pure water in being so thought of by the king, and seeing that the great + lord (Siva) was standing (to receive her fall), came down all of a sudden + from the sky. And seeing that she had taken her leap from the sky, the + gods, together with the mighty saints, the Gandharvas, the snakes, and the + Yakshas, assembled there as spectators. Then came down from the sky Ganga, + the daughter of the snowy mountain. And her whirlpools were raging, and + she was teeming with fishes and sharks. O king! she directing her course + towards the sea, separated herself, into three streams; and her water was + bestrewn with piles of froth, which looked like so many rows of (white) + ganders. And crooked and tortuous in the movement of her body, at places; + and at others stumbling at it were; and covered with foam as with a robe: + she went forward like a woman drunk. And elsewhere, by virtue of the roar + of her waters, she uttered loud sounds. Thus assuming very many different + aspects, when she fell from the sky, and reached the surface of the earth, + she said to Bhagiratha, ‘O great king! show me the path that I shall have + to take. O lord of the earth! for thy sake have I descended to the earth.’ + Having heard these words, king Bhagiratha directed his course towards the + spot where lay those bodies of mighty Sagara’s sons, in order that, O most + praiseworthy of men, the holy water might flood (the same). Having + achieved the task of sustaining Ganga, Siva, saluted by men, went to + Kailasa the most praiseworthy of mountains, accompanied by the celestials. + And the protector of men (Bhagiratha) accompanied by Ganga reached the + sea; and the sea, the abode of Varuna, was quickly filled. And the king + adopted Ganga as a daughter of himself, and at that spot offered libations + of water to the names of his forefathers; thus was his heart’s wish + fulfilled. Thus asked by thee, I have narrated the whole story how Ganga + running in three streams, was brought down to the earth for filling the + sea; how the mighty saint had drunk up the sea for a particular reason, + and how, O lord! Vatapi, the slayer of Brahmanas, was destroyed by + Agastya.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0432"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O chief of the Bharata race! then the son of Kunti + went at a slow pace to the two rivers Nanda and Aparananda, which had the + virtue of destroying the dread of sin. And the protector of men having + reached the healthy hill Hemakuta, beheld there very many strange and + inconceivable sights. There the very utterance of words caused the + gathering of clouds, and a thousand volleys of stones. And people at its + sight, were struck sad, and were unable to ascend the hill. There the + winds blew for aye, and the heavens always poured down rains; and likewise + the sounds of the recitation of the sacred writ were heard, yet nobody was + seen. In the evening and in the morning would be seen the blessed fire + that carries offerings to the gods and there flies would bite and + interrupt the practice of austerities. And there a sadness would overtake + the soul, and people would become sick. The son of Pandu, having observed + very many strange circumstances of this character again addressed his + questions to Lomasa with reference to these wonderful things. + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O slayer of foes! O king! I am going to tell thee as we + heard it before; do thou attend to the same with intent mind. In this peak + of Rishava, there was once a saint known by that name. And his life had + lasted for many hundred years. And he was devoted to penances and was + greatly wrathful. And he, forsooth, for having been spoken to by others, + from wrath addressed the hill thus, ‘Whoever should utter any words here, + thou must throw stones at him, and thou must call up the winds to prevent + him from making any noise.’ This was what the saint said. And so at this + place, as soon as a man utters any words, he is forbidden by a roaring + cloud. O king! thus these deeds were performed by that great saint, and + from wrath he also forbade other acts. O king! tradition says that when + the gods of yore had come to the Nanda, suddenly came over (there) a + number of men to look at the celestials. Those same gods at whose head + stood Indra did not, however, like to be seen; and so they rendered this + spot inaccessible, by raising obstructions in the form of hills. And from + that day forward, O Kunti’s son! men could not cast their eyes at any time + on what looked like a hill, far less could they ascend the same. This big + mountain is incapable of being seen by one who hath not led an austere + life, nor can such a one ascend it. Therefore, O son of Kunti! keep thou + thy tongue under control. Here at that time all those gods performed the + best sacrificial rites. O Bharata’s son! Even up to this day these marks + thereof may be seen. This grass here hath the form of the sacred kusa + grass: the ground here seemeth to be overspread with the sacred grass; + and. O lord of men! many of these trees here look like the spots for tying + the sacrificial beasts. O Bharata’s son! still the Gods and saints have + residence here; and their sacred fire is observed in the morning and in + the evening. Here if one bathes, his sin is forthwith destroyed, O Kunti’s + son! O most praiseworthy of the race of Kuru! do thou, therefore, perform + thy ablutions, together with thy younger brothers. Then after having + washed thyself in the Nanda, thou wilt repair to the river Kausiki, the + spot where the most excellent and severest form of penances was practised + by Viswamitra. Then the king with his attendants, having washed his body + there, proceeded to the river Kausiki, which was pure and delightful and + pleasant with cool water.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘This is the pure divine river by name Kausiki. O chief of + Bharata’s race! and this is the delightful hermitage of Viswamitra, + conspicuous here. And this is a hermitage, with a holy name, belonging to + Kasyapa of mighty soul; whose son was Rishyasringa, devoted to penances, + and of passions under control. He by force of his penances caused Indra to + rain; and that god, the slayer of the demons Vala and Vritra, dreading + him, poured down rain during a drought. That powerful and mighty son of + Kasyapa was born of a hind. He worked a great marvel in the territory of + Lomapada. And when the crops had been restored, king Lomapada gave his + daughter Santa in marriage to him, as the sun gave in marriage his + daughter Savitri.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘How was the son of Kasyapa, Rishyasringa, born of a + hind? And how was he endowed with holiness, being the issue of a + reprehensible sexual connexion? And for what reason was Indra, the slayer + of the demons Vala and Vritra, afraid of that same sagacious boy, and + poured down rain during a period of drought? And how beautiful was that + princess Santa, pure in life, she who allured the heart of him when he had + turned himself into a stag? And since the royal saint Lomapada is said to + have been of a virtuous disposition, why was it that in his territory, + Indra, the chastiser of the demon Paka, had withheld rain? O holy saint! + all this in detail, exactly as it happened, thou wilt be pleased to + narrate to me, for I am desirous of hearing the deeds of Rishyasringa’s + life.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Hear how Rishyasringa, of dreaded name, was born as a son + to Vibhandaka, who was a saint of the Brahmana caste, who had cultured his + soul by means of religious austerities, whose seed never failed in causing + generation, and who was learned and bright like the Lord of beings. And + the father was highly honoured, and the son was possessed of a mighty + spirit, and, though a boy, was respected by aged man. And that son of + Kasyapa, Vibhandaka, having proceeded to a big lake, devoted himself to + the practice of penances. And that same saint, comparable to a god, + laboured for a long period. And once while he was washing his mouth in the + waters, he beheld the celestial nymph Urvasi—whereupon came out his + seminal fluid. And, O king! a hind at that time lapped it up along with + the water that she was drinking, being athirst; and from this cause she + became with child. That same hind had really been a daughter of the gods, + and had been told of yore by the holy Brahma, the creator of the worlds, + ‘Thou shall be a hind; and when in that form, thou shall give birth to a + saint; thou shalt then be freed.’ As Destiny would have it, and as the + word of the creator would not be untrue, in that same hind was born his + (Vibhandaka’s) son a mighty saint. And Rishyasringa, devoted to penances, + always passed his days in the forest. O king! there was a horn on the head + of that magnanimous saint and for this reason did he come to be known at + the time by the name of Rishyasringa. And barring his father, not a man + had ever before been seen by him; therefore his mind, O protector of men! + was entirely devoted to the duties of a continent life. At this very + period there was a ruler of the land of Anga known by the name of Lomapada + who was a friend of Dasaratha. We have heard that he from love of pleasure + had been guilty of a falsehood towards a Brahmana. And that same ruler of + the world had at that time been shunned by all persons of the priestly + class. And he was without a ministering priest (to assist him in his + religious rites). And the god of a thousand eyes (Indra) suddenly + abstained from giving rain in his territory; so that his people began to + suffer and O lord of the earth! he questioned a number of Brahmanas, + devoted to penances, of cultivated minds, and possessed of capabilities + with reference to the matter of rain being granted by the lord of gods, + saying, ‘How may the heavens grant us the rain? Think of an expedient (for + this purpose).’ And those same cultured men, being thus questioned, gave + expression to their respective views. And one among them—the best of + saints—spake to that same king, saying, ‘O lord of kings! the + Brahmanas are angry with thee. Do some act (therefore) for appeasing them. + O ruler of the earth! send for Rishyasringa, the son of a saint, resident + of the forest knowing nothing of the female sex, and always taking delight + in simplicity. O king! if he, great in the practice of penances, should + show himself in thy territory, forthwith rain would be granted by the + heavens, herein I have no doubt at all.’ And, O king! having heard these + words Lomapada made atonement for his sins. And he went away; and when the + Brahmanas had been appeased, he returned again, and seeing the king + returned, the people were again glad at heart. Then the king of Anga + convened a meeting of his ministers, proficient in giving counsel. And he + took great pains in order to settle some plan for securing a visit from + Rishyasringa. And, O unswerving (prince)! with those ministers, who were + versed in all branches of knowledge, and exceedingly proficient in worldly + matters, and had a thorough training in practical affairs, he at last + settled a plan (for gaining his object). And then he sent for a number of + courtesans, women of the town, clever in everything. And when they came, + that same ruler of the earth spake to them, saying, ‘Ye lovely women! Ye + must find some means to allure, and obtain the confidence of the son of + the saint—Rishyasringa, whom ye must bring over to my territory.’ + And those same women, on the one hand afraid of the anger of the king and + on the other, dreading a curse from the saint, became sad and confounded, + and declared the business to be beyond their power. One, however, among + them—a hoary woman, thus spake to the king, ‘O great king! him whose + wealth solely consists in penances, I shall try to bring over here. Thou + wilt, however, have to procure for me certain things, in connection with + the plan. In that case, I may be able to bring over the son of the saint—Rishyasringa.’ + Thereupon the king gave an order that all that she might ask for should be + procured. And he also gave a good deal of wealth and jewels of various + kinds. And then, O Lord of the earth, she took with herself a number of + women endowed with beauty and youth, and went to the forest without + delay.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0433"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXI + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O descendant of Bharata! she in order to compass the object + of the king, prepared a floating hermitage, both because the king had + ordered so, and also because it exactly accorded with her plan. And the + floating hermitage, containing artificial trees adorned with various + flowers and fruits, and surrounded by diverse shrubs and creeping plants + and capable of furnishing choice and delicious fruits, was exceedingly + delightful, and nice, and pleasing, and looked as if it had been created + by magic. Then she moored the vessel at no great distance from the + hermitage of Kasyapa’s son, and sent emissaries to survey the place where + that same saint habitually went about. And then she saw an opportunity; + and having conceived a plan in her mind, sent forward her daughter a + courtesan by trade and of smart sense. And that clever woman went to the + vicinity of the religious man and arriving at the hermitage beheld the son + of the saint.’” + </p> + <p> + “The courtesan said, ‘I hope, O saint! that is all well with the religious + devotees. And I hope that thou hast a plentiful store of fruits and roots + and that thou takest delight in this hermitage. Verily I come here now to + pay thee a visit. I hope the practice of austerities among the saints is + on the increase. I hope that thy father’s spirit hath not slackened and + that he is well pleased with thee. O Rishyasringa of the priestly caste! I + hope thou prosecutest the studies proper for thee.’” + </p> + <p> + Rishyasringa said, ‘Thou art shining with lustre, as if thou wert a (mass) + of light. And I deem thee worthy of obeisance. Verily I shall give thee + water for washing thy feet and such fruits and roots also as may be liked + by thee, for this is what my religion hath prescribed to me. Be thou + pleased to take at thy pleasure thy seat on a mat made of the sacred + grass, covered over with a black deer-skin and made pleasant and + comfortable to sit upon. And where is thy hermitage? O Brahmana! thou + resemblest a god in thy mien. What is the name of this particular + religious vow, which thou seemest to be observing now?’ + </p> + <p> + “The courtesan said, O son of Kasyapa! on the other side of yonder hill, + which covers the space of three Yojanas, is my hermitage—a + delightful place. There, not to receive obeisance is the rule of my faith + nor do I touch water for washing my feet. I am not worthy of obeisance + from persons like thee; but I must make obeisance to thee. O Brahmana! + This is the religious observance to be practised by me, namely, that thou + must be clasped in my arms.’” + </p> + <p> + “Rishyasringa said, ‘Let me give thee ripe fruits, such as gallnuts, + myrobalans, Karushas, Ingudas from sandy tracts and Indian fig. May it + please thee to take a delight in them!’” + </p> + <p> + Lomasa said, “She, however, threw aside all those edible things and then + gave him unsuitable things for food. And these were exceedingly nice and + beautiful to see and were very much acceptable to Rishyasringa. And she + gave him garlands of an exceedingly fragrant scent and beautiful and + shining garments to wear and first-rate drinks; and then played and + laughed and enjoyed herself. And she at his sight played with a ball and + while thus employed, looked like a creeping plant broken in two. And she + touched his body with her own and repeatedly clasped Rishyasringa in her + arms. Then she bent and break the flowery twigs from trees, such as the + Sala, the Asoka and the Tilaka. And overpowered with intoxication, + assuming a bashful look, she went on tempting the great saint’s son. And + when she saw that the heart of Rishyasringa had been touched, she + repeatedly pressed his body with her own and casting glances, slowly went + away under the pretext that she was going to make offerings on the fire. + On her departure, Rishyasringa became over-powered with love and lost his + sense. His mind turned constantly to her and felt itself vacant. And he + began to sigh and seemed to be in great distress. At that moment appeared + Vibhandaka, Kasyapa’s son, he whose eyes were tawny like those of a lion, + whose body was covered with hair down to the tip of the nails, who was + devoted to studies proper for his caste, and whose life was pure and was + passed in religious meditation. He came up and saw that his son was seated + alone, pensive and sad, his mind upset and sighing again and again with + upturned eyes. And Vibhandaka spake to his distressed son, saying, ‘My + boy! why is it that thou art not hewing the logs for fuel. I hope thou + hast performed the ceremony of burnt offering today. I hope thou hast + polished the sacrificial ladles and spoons and brought the calf to the + milch cow whose milk furnisheth materials for making offerings on the + fire. Verily thou art not in thy wonted state, O son! Thou seemest to be + pensive, and to have lost thy sense. Why art thou so sad today? Let me ask + thee, who hath been to this place today?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0434"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXII + </h2> + <p> + ‘Rishyasringa said, ‘Here came to-day a religious student with a mass of + hair on his head. And he was neither short nor tall. And he was of a + spirited look and a golden complexion, and endued with eye large as + lotuses; and he was shining and graceful as a god. And rich was his beauty + blazing like the Sun; and he was exceedingly fair with eyes graceful and + black. And his twisted hair was blue-black and neat and long and of a + fragrant scent and tied up with strings of gold. A beautiful ornament was + shining on his neck which looked like lightning in the sky. And under the + throat he had two balls of flesh without a single hair upon them and of an + exceedingly beautiful form. And his waist was slender to a degree and his + navel neat; and smooth also was the region about his ribs. Then again + there shone a golden string from under his cloth, just like this + waist-string of mine. And there was something on his feet of a wonderful + shape which give forth a jingling sound. Upon his wrists likewise was tied + a pair of ornaments that made a similar sound and looked just like this + rosary here. And when he walked, his ornaments uttered a jingling sound + like those uttered by delighted ganders upon a sheet of water. And he had + on his person garments of a wonderful make; these clothes of mine are by + no means beautiful like those. And his face was wonderful to behold; and + his voice was calculated to gladden the heart; and his speech was pleasant + like the song of the male blackbird. And while listening to the same I + felt touched to my inmost soul. And as a forest in the midst of the vernal + season, assumes a grace only when it is swept over by the breeze, so, O + father! he of an excellent and pure smell looks beautiful when fanned by + the air. And his mass of hair is neatly tied up and remains adhering to + the head and forehead evenly sundered in two. And his two eyes seemed to + be covered with wonderful Chakravaka birds of an exceedingly beautiful + form. And he carried upon his right palm a wonderful globur fruit, which + reaches the ground and again and again leaps up to the sky in a strange + way. And he beats it and turns himself round and whirls like a tree moved + by the breeze. And when I looked at him, O father! he seemed to be a son + of the celestials, and my joy was extreme, and my pleasure unbounded. And + he clasped my body, took hold of my matted hair, and bent down my mouth, + and, mingling his mouth with my own, uttered a sound that was exceedingly + pleasant. And he doth not care for water for washing his feet, nor for + those fruits offered by me; and he told me that such was the religious + observance practised by him. And he gave unto me a number of fruits. Those + fruits were tasteful unto me: these here are not equal to them in taste. + They have not got any rind nor any stone within them, like these. And he + of a noble form gave me to drink water of an exceedingly fine flavour; and + having drunk it, I experienced great pleasu e; and the ground seemed to be + moving under my feet. And these are the garlands beautiful and fragrant + and twined with silken threads that belong to him. And he, bright with + fervent piety, having scattered these garlands here, went back to his own + hermitage. His departure hath saddened my heart; and my frame seems to be + in a burning sensation! And my desire is to go to him as soon as I can, + and to have him every day walk about here. O father, let me this very + moment go to him. Pray, what is that religious observance which is being + practised by him. As he of a noble piety is practising penances, so I am + desirous to live the same life with him. My heart is yearning after + similar observances My soul will be in torment if I see him not,’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0435"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vibhandaka said, ‘Those are, O son! Rakshasas. They walk about in that + wonderfully beautiful form. Their strength is unrivalled and their beauty + great And they always meditate obstruction to the practice of penances. + And, O my boy, they assume lovely forms and try to allure by diverse + means. And those fierce beings hurled the saints, the dwellers of the + woods, from blessed regions (won by their pious deeds) And the saint who + hath control over his soul, and who is desirous of obtaining the regions + where go the righteous, ought to have nothing to do with them. And their + acts are vile and their delight is in causing obstruction to those who + practise penance; (therefore) a pious man should never look at them. And, + O son! those were drinks unworthy to be drunk, being as they were + spirituous liquors consumed by unrighteous men. And these garlands, also, + bright and fragrant and of various hues, are not intended for saints.’ + Having thus forbidden his son by saying that those were wicked demons, + Vibhandaka went in quest of her. And when by three day’s search he was + unable to trace where she was he then came back to his own hermitage. In + the meanwhile, when the son of Kasyapa had gone out to gather fruits, then + that very courtesan came again to tempt Rishyasringa in the manner + described above. And as soon as Rishyasringa had her in sight, he was glad + and hurriedly rushing towards him said, ‘Let us go to thy hermitage before + the return of my father.’ Then, O king! those same courtesans by + contrivances made the only son of Kasyapa enter their bark, and unmoored + the vessel. And by various means they went on delighting him and at length + came to the side of Anga’s king. And leaving then that floating vessel of + an exceedingly white tint upon the water, and having placed it within + sight of the hermitage, he similarly prepared a beautiful forest known by + the name of the Floating Hermitage. The king, however, kept that only son + of Vibhandaka within that part of the palace destined for the females when + of a sudden he beheld that rain was poured by the heavens and that the + world began to be flooded with water. And Lomapada, the desire of his + heart fulfilled, bestowed his daughter Santa on Rishyasringa in marriage. + And with a view to appease the wrath of his father, he ordered kine to be + placed, and fields to be ploughed, by the road that Vibhandaka was to + take, in order to come to his son. And the king also placed plentiful + cattle and stout cowherds, and gave the latter the following order: + </p> + <p> + “When the great saint Vibhandaka should enquire of you about his son, ye + must join your palms and say to him that these cattle, and these ploughed + fields belong to his son and that ye are his slaves, and that ye are ready + to obey him in all that he might bid.’ Now the saint, whose wrath was + fierce, came to his hermitage, having gathered fruits and roots and + searched for his son. But not finding him he became exceedingly wroth. And + he was tortured with anger and suspected it to be the doing of the king. + And therefore, he directed his course towards the city of Champa having + made up his mind to burn the king, his city, and his whole territory. And + on the way he was fatigued and hungry, when he reached those same + settlements of cowherds, rich with cattle. And he was honoured in a + suitable way by those cowherds and then spent the night in a manner + befitting a king. And having received very great hospitality from them, he + asked them, saying, ‘To whom, O cowherds, do ye belong?’ Then they all + came up to him and said, ‘All this wealth hath been provided for thy son.’ + At different places he was thus honoured by that best of men, and saw his + son who looked like the god Indra in heaven. And he also beheld there his + daughter-in-law, Santa, looking like lightning issuing from a (cloud). And + having seen the hamlets and the cowpens provided for his son and having + also beheld Santa, his great resentment was appeased. And O king of men! + Vibhandaka expressed great satisfaction with the very ruler of the earth. + And the great saint, whose power rivalled that of the sun and the god of + fire, placed there his son, and thus spake, ‘As soon as a son is born to + thee, and having performed all that is agreeable to the king, to the + forest must thou come without fail.’ And Rishyasringa did exactly as his + father said, and went back to the place where his father was. And, O king + of men! Santa obediently waited upon him as in the firmament the star + Rohini waits upon the Moon, or as the fortunate Arundhati waits upon + Vasishtha, or as Lopamudra waits upon Agastya. And as Damayanti was an + obedient wife to Nala, or as Sachi is to the god who holdeth the + thunderbolt in his hand or as Indrasena, Narayana’s daughter, was always + obedient to Mudgala, so did Santa wait affectionately upon Rishyasringa, + when he lived in the wood. This is the holy hermitage which belonged to + him. Beautifying the great lake here, it bears holy fame. Here perform thy + ablutions and have thy desire fulfilled. And having purified thyself, + direct thy course towards other holy spots,’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0436"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Tirtha-yatra Parva continued) + </h3> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then, O Janamejaya, the son of Pandu started from the + river Kausiki and repaired in succession to all the sacred shrines. And, O + protector of men, he came to the sea where the river Ganga falls into it; + and there in the centre of five hundred rivers, he performed the holy + ceremony of a plunge. Then, O ruler of the earth, accompanied by his + brothers, the valiant prince proceeded by the shore of the sea towards the + land where the Kalinga tribes dwell.” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘There is the land, O Kunti’s son, where the Kalinga tribes + dwell. Through it passeth the river Vaitarani, on the banks whereof even + the god of virtue performed religious river, having first placed himself + under the protection of the celestials. Verily, this is the northern bank, + inhabited by saints, suitable for the performance of religious rites + beautified by a hill, and frequented by persons of the regenerate caste. + This spot (in holiness) rivals the path whereby a virtuous man, fit for + going to heaven, repairs to the region inhabited by gods. And verily at + this spot in former times, other saints likewise worshipped the immortals + by the performance of religious rites. And at the very spot it was that + the god Rudra, O king of kings, seized the sacrificial beast and + exclaimed, ‘This is my share!’ O chief of the descendants of Bharata, then + when the beast was carried away by Siva, the gods spake to him saying, + ‘Cast not a covetous glance at the property of others, disregarding all + the righteous rules.’ Then they addressed words of glorification of a + pleasing kind to the god Rudra. And they satisfied him by offering a + sacrifice, and paid him suitable honours. Thereupon he gave up the beast, + and went by the path trodden by the gods. Thereupon what happened to + Rudra, learn from me, O Yudhishthira! Influenced by the dread of Rudra, + the gods set apart for evermore, the best allotment out of all shares, + such as was fresh and not stale (to be appropriated by the god). Whosoever + performs his ablutions at this spot, while reciting this ancient story, + beholds with his mortal eyes the path that leads to the region of the + gods.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then all the sons of Pandu and likewise the daughter + of Drupada—all of whom were the favoured of Fate—descended to + the river Vaitarani, and made libations to the names of their fathers.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O Lomasa, how great must be the force of a pious + deed! Having taken my bath at this spot in a proper form, I seem to touch + no more the region inhabited by mortal men! O saint of a virtuous life, I + am beholding all the regions. And this is the noise of the magnanimous + dwellers of the wood, who are reciting their audible prayers.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O Yudhishthira, the place whence this noise comes and + reaches thy ears is at the distance of three hundred thousand yojanas, to + be sure. O lord of men, rest thou quiet and utter no word. O king, this is + the divine forest of the Self-existent One, which hath now come to our + view. There, O king, Viswakarma of a dreaded name performed religious + rites. On the mighty occasion of that sacrifice, the Self-existent One + made a gift of this entire earth with all its hilly and forest tracts, to + Kasyapa, by way of gratuity, for ministering as a priest. And then, O + Kuru’s son, as soon as that goddess Earth was giving away, she became sad + at heart, and wrathfully spake the following words to that great lord, the + ruler of the worlds, ‘O mighty god, it is unworthy of thee to give me away + to an ordinary mortal. And this act of gift on thy part will come to + nothing; (for) here am I going to descend into the bottom of the nether + world.’ Then when the blessed saint Kasyapa beheld the goddess Earth, + despondent and sad, he, O protector of men, performed a propitiatory act + calculated to appease her wrath. And then, O Pandu’s son, the Earth was + pleased with his pious deed. And she uprose again from within the waters, + and showed herself in the form of a sacred altar. This, O king, is the + spot which distinctly manifests the form of an altar. O great monarch, + ascend over it, and thou wilt gain valour and strength. And, O king, this + is the very altar which reaches as far as the sea, and rests itself upon + its bosom. May good luck be thine, do thou mount hereupon, and of thyself + cross the sea. And while thou this day mountest upon it, I shall + administer the ceremony for averting all evil from thee; for this altar + here, as soon as it gets a mortal’s touch, at once enters into the sea. + Salutation to the god who protects the universe! Salutation to thee that + art beyond the universe! O Lord of gods, vouchsafe thy presence in this + sea. O Pandu’s son, thou must recite the following words of truth, and + while so reciting, thou must quickly ascend this altar, ‘The god of fire, + and the sun, and the organ of generation, and water, and goddess and the + seed of Vishnu, and the navel of nectar. The god of fire is the organ that + generated the (ocean); the earth is thy body; Vishnu deposited the seed + that caused thy being and thou art the navel of nectar.’ Thus, O Pandu’s + son, the words of truth must be audibly recited, and while so reciting, + one must plunge into the lord of rivers. O most praiseworthy of Kunti’s + son, otherwise this lord of waters of divine birth, this best storehouse + of the waters (of the earth), should not be touched, O son of Kunti, even + with the end of a sacred grass.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then when the ceremony for averting evil had been + completed in his behalf, the magnanimous Yudhishthira went into the sea, + and having performed all that the saint had bid, repaired to the skirts of + the Mahendra hill, and spent the night at that spot.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0437"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXV + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘The protector of the earth spent there a single + night, and with his brothers, paid the highest honours to the religious + men. And Lomasa made him acquainted with the names of all of them, such as + the Bhrigus, the Angiras, the Vasishthas, and the Kasyapas. And the royal + saint paid visit to them all and made obeisance to them with joined palms. + And then he asked the valiant Akritavrana, who was a follower of + Parasurama, when will the revered Parasurama show himself to the religious + men here? It is desired on that occasion to obtain a sight of the + descendant of Bhrigu.’ + </p> + <p> + “Akritavrana said, ‘Thy journey to this spot is already known to Rama, + whose soul spontaneously knows everything. And he is in every way + well-pleased with thee, and he will show himself readily to thee. And the + saints who practise penances here, are permitted to see him on the + fourteenth and the eighth day of the lunar course. On the morrow at the + end of this very night there will set in the fourteenth day of the lunar + course. On that occasion thou wilt have a sight of him, clad in a sable + deerskin, and wearing his hair in the form of a matted mass.” + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, Thou hast been a follower of the mighty Rama, + Jamadagni’s son; thou must, therefore, have been the eye-witness of all + the deeds achieved by him in former days. I, therefore, request thee to + narrate to me how the members of the military caste were vanquished by + Rama on the field of battle, and what the original cause of those + conflicts was.’ + </p> + <p> + “Akritavrana said, ‘With pleasure shall I recite to thee that excellent + story, O Bharata’s son, O chief of kings, the story of the godlike deeds + of Rama, the son of Jamadagni, who traced his origin to Bhrigu’s race. I + shall also relate the achievements of the great ruler of the Haihaya + tribe. That king, Arjuna by name, the mighty lord of the Haihaya tribe was + killed by Rama. He, O Pandu’s son, was endued with a thousand arms; and by + the favour of Dattatreya he likewise had a celestial car made of gold. + And, O protector of the earth, his rule extended over the entire animated + world, wheresoever located on this earth. And the car of that mighty + monarch could proceed everywhere in an unobstructed course. And grown + resistless by the virtue of a granted boon, he ever mounted on that car, + trampled upon gods and Yakshas and saints on all sides round. And all the + born beings wheresoever placed, were harassed by him. Then the celestials + and the saints of a rigidly virtuous life, met together, and thus spake to + Vishnu, the god of gods, the slayer of demons, and possessed of prowess + that never failed, saying. ‘O blessed and revered lord, for the purpose of + preserving all the born beings, it is necessary that Arjuna should be + killed by thee.’ And the mighty ruler of the Haihaya tribe placing himself + on his celestial car, affronted Indra, while that deity was enjoying + himself with Sachi, his queen. Then, O Bharata’s son, the blessed and the + revered god (Vishhnu) held a consultation with Indra, with a view to + destroying Kartavirya’s son. And on that occasion, all that was for the + good of the world of beings, was communicated by the lord of gods; and the + blessed god worshipped by the world, to do all that was necessary, went to + the delightful Vadari wood which was his own chosen retreat for practising + penances. And at this very time there lived on the earth a mighty monarch + in the land of Kanyakuvja, a sovereign whose military force was + exceedingly great. And his name of Gadhi was famous in the world. He, + however, betook himself to a forest-life. And while he was dwelling in the + midst of the wood, there was born to him a daughter beautiful as a nymph + of heaven. And Richika, the son of Bhrigu, asked for her to be united with + himself in marriage. And then Gadhi spake to that Brahmana, who led a + rigidly austere life, saying. There is a certain family custom in our + race; it hath been founded by my ancestors of a bygone age. And, O most + excellent of the sacerdotal caste, be it known to thee that the intending + bridegroom must offer a dowry consisting of a thousand fleet steeds, whose + colour must be brown and every one of whom must possess a single sable + car. But, O Bhrigu’s son, a reverend saint like thee cannot be asked to + offer the same. Nor can my daughter be refused to a magnanimous saint of + thy (exalted) rank.’ Thereupon Richika said, ‘I will give thee a thousand + fleet steeds, brown in hue and possessing a single sable car; let thy + daughter be given in marriage to me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Akritavrana said. Thus having given his word, O king, he went and said to + Varuna, ‘Give me a thousand fleet steeds brown in colour, and each with + one black ear. I want the same as dowry for my marriage.’ To him Varuna + forthwith gave a thousand steeds. Those steeds had issued out of the river + Ganga; hence the spot hath been named: The horse’s landing place. And in + the city of Kanyakuvja, the daughter of Gadhi, Satyavati by name, was + given in marriage; and the gods themselves were of the party of the bride. + Richika, the most excellent of the sacerdotal caste, thus procured a + thousand steeds, and had a sight of the dwellers of heaven and won a wife + in the proper form. And he enjoyed himself with the girl of slender waist, + and thus gratified all the wishes and desire that he ever had. And when + the marriage had been celebrated, O king, his father Bhrigu came on a + visit to see him and his wife; and he was glad to see his praiseworthy + son. And the husband and wife together paid their best respects to him, + who was worshipped by all the gods. And when he had seated himself, they + both with joined palms, stood near him, in order that they might to his + bidding. And then the revered saint, Bhrigu, glad at heart, thus spoke to + his daughter-in-law, saying, ‘O lovely daughter, as for a boon I am ready + to grant thee any object of thy wish.’ And there upon she asked for his + favour in this, that a son might be born to both herself and her mother. + And he vouchsafed the favour thus asked for.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhrigu said, ‘During the days that your season lasts, thou and thy mother + must take a bath, with the ceremony for bringing forth a male child. And + ye two must then separately embrace two different trees—she a peepal + tree, and thou a fig tree. And, O dutiful girl, here are two pots of rice + and milk, prepared by me with the utmost care. I having ransacked the + whole universe to find the drugs, the essence whereof hath been blended + with this milk and rice. It must be taken as food with the greatest care.’ + And saying this, he vanished from sight. The two ladies, however, made an + interchange both in the matter of the pots of rice, and likewise as + regards the trees (to be embraced by each). Then after the lapse of very + many days, the revered saint, once more came. And he came knowing (what + had happened) by his attribute of divine knowledge. Then Bhrigu possessed + of mighty strength, spake to Satyavati, his daughter-in-law, saying, ‘O + dutiful girl! O my daughter of a lovely brow, the wrong pot of rice thou + tookest as food. And it was the wrong tree which was embraced by thee. It + was thy mother who deluded thee. A son will be born of thee, who, though + of the priestly caste, will be of a character fit for the military order; + while a mighty son will be born of thy mother, who, though by birth a + Kshatriya will assume a life suitable to the sacerdotal order. And his + power will be great, and he will walk on the path trodden by righteous + men.’ Then she entreated her father-in-law again and again, saying, ‘Let + not my son be of this character; but let my grandson be such.’ And, O + Pandu’s son, he replied, ‘So let it be!’ And thus he was pleased to grant + her prayer. Then she brought forth on the expected day a son by name + Jamadagni. And this son of Bhrigu was endowed with both splendour and + grace. And he grew in years and in strength, and excelled he other saints + in the proficiency of his Vaidik lore. O chieftain of Bharata’s race, to + him, rivalling in lustre the author of light (the sun), came spontaneously + and without instruction the knowledge of the entire military art and of + the fourfold missile arms.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0438"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Akritavrana said, ‘Jamadagni devoted himself to the study of the Veda and + the practice of sacred penances, and became famous for his great + austerities. Then he pursued a methodical course of study and obtained a + mastery over the entire Veda. And, O king, he paid a visit to Prasenajit + and solicited the hand of Renuka in marriage. And this prayer was granted + by the king. And the delight of Bhrigu’s race having thus obtained Renuka + for his wife, took his residence with her in a hermitage, and began to + practice penances, being assisted by her. And four boys were born of her, + with Rama for the fifth. And although the youngest, Rama was superior to + all in merit. Now once upon a time, when her sons had gone out for the + purpose of gathering fruits, Renuka who had a pure and austere life, went + out to bathe. And, O king, while returning home, she happened to cast her + glance towards the king of Martikavata, known by the name of Chitraratha. + The king was in the water with his wives, and wearing on his breast a + lotus wreath, was engaged in sport. And beholding his magnificent form, + Renuka was inspired with desire. And this unlawful desire she could not + control, but became polluted within the water, and came back to the + hermitage frightened at heart. Her husband readily perceived what state + she was in. And mighty and powerful and of a wrathful turn of mind, when + he beheld that she had been giddy and that the lustre of chastity had + abandoned her, he reproached her by crying out ‘Fie!’ At that very moment + came in the eldest of Jamadagni’s sons, Rumanvan; and then, Sushena, and + then, Vasu, and likewise, Viswavasu. And the mighty saint directed them + all one by one to put an end to the life of their mother. They, however, + were quite confounded and lost heart. And they could not utter a single + word. Then he in ire cursed them. And on being cursed they lost their + sense and suddenly became like inanimate objects, and comparable in + conduct to beasts and birds. And then Rama, the slayer of hostile heroes, + came to the hermitage, last of all. Him the mighty-armed Jamadagni, of + great austerities, addressed, saying, ‘Kill this wicked mother of thine, + without compunction, O my son.’ Thereupon Rama immediately took up an axe + and therewith severed his mother’s head. Then, O great king, the wrath of + Jamadagni of mighty soul, was at once appeased; and well-pleased, he spake + the following words, ‘Thou hast, my boy, performed at my bidding this + difficult task, being versed in virtue. Therefore, whatsoever wishes there + may be in thy heart, I am ready to grant them all. Do thou ask me.’ + Thereupon Rama solicited that his mother might be restored to life, and + that he might not be haunted by the remembrance of this cruel deed and + that he might not be affected by any sin, and that his brothers might + recover their former state, and that he might be unrivalled on the field + of battle, and that he might obtain long life. And, O Bharata’s son, + Jamadagni, whose penances were the most rigid, granted all those desires + of his son. Once, however, O lord, when his sons had gone out as before, + the valourous son of Kartavirya, the lord of the country near the shore of + the sea, came up to the hermitage. And when he arrived at that hermitage, + the wife of the saint received him hospitably. He, however, intoxicated + with a warrior’s pride, was not at all pleased with the reception accorded + to him, and by force and in defiance of all resistance, seized and carried + off from that hermitage the chief of the cows whose milk supplied the + sacred butter, not heeding the loud lowing of the cow. And he wantonly + pulled down the large trees of the wood. When Rama came home, his father + himself told him all that had happened. Then when Rama saw how the cow was + lowing for its calf, resentment arose in his heart. And he rushed towards + Kartavirya’s son, whose last moments had drawn nigh. Then the descendant + of Bhrigu, the exterminator of hostile heroes, put forth his valour on the + field of battle, and with sharpened arrows with flattened tips, which were + shot from a beautiful bow, cut down Arjuna’s arms, which numbered a + thousand, and were massive like (wooden) bolts for barring the door. He, + already touched by the hand of death, was overpowered by Rama, his foe. + Then the kinsmen of Arjuna, their wrath excited against Rama, rushed at + Jamadagni in his hermitage, while Rama was away. And they slew him there; + for although his strength was great, yet being at the time engaged in + penances, he would not fight. And while thus attacked by his foes, he + repeatedly shouted the name of Rama in a helpless and piteous way. And, O + Yudhishthira, the sons of Kartavirya shot Jamadagni, with their arrows, + and having thus chastised their foe, went their way. And when they had + gone away, and when Jamadagni had breathed his last, Rama, the delight of + Bhrigu’s race, returned to the hermitage, bearing in his arms, fuel for + religious rites. And the hero beheld his father who had been put to death. + And grieved exceedingly he began to bewail the unworthy fate that had laid + his father low.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0439"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Rama said, ‘The blame is mine, O father, that like a stag in the wood, + thou hast been shot dead with arrows, by those mean and stupid wretches—the + sons of Kartavirya. And O father, virtuous and unswerving from the path of + righteousness and inoffensive to all animated beings as thou wert, how + came it to be permitted by Fate that thou shouldst die in this way? What + an awful sin must have been committed by them, who have killed thee with + hundreds of sharpened shafts, although thou wert an aged man, and engaged + in penances at the time and absolutely averse to fighting with them. With + what face will those shameless persons speak of this deed of theirs to + their friends and servants, viz., that they have slain an unassisted and + unresisting virtuous man?—O protector of men, thus he, great in + penance, bewailed much in a piteous manner, and then performed the + obsequies of his departed sire. And Rama, the conqueror of hostile cities, + cremated his father on the funeral pyre, and vowed, O scion of Bharata’s + race, the slaughter of the entire military caste, and of exceeding + strength in the field of battle, and possessed of valour suited to a + heroic soul, and comparable to the god of death himself, he took up his + weapon in wrathful mood, and singlehanded put Kartavirya’s sons to death. + And, O chieftain of the military caste, Rama, the leader of all capable of + beating their foes, thrice smote down all the Kashatriya followers of + Kartavirya’s sons. And seven times did that powerful lord exterminate the + military tribes of the earth. In the tract of land, called Samantapanchaka + five lakes of blood were made by him. There the mightiest scion of + Bhrigu’s race offered libations to his forefathers—the Bhrigus, and + Richika appeared to him in a visible form, and spake to him words of + counsel. Then the son of Jamadagni of dreaded name, performed a mighty + sacrifice and gratified the lord of the celestials, and bestowed the earth + to the ministering priests. And, O protector of human beings, he raised an + altar made of gold, ten Vyamas in breadth and nine in height, and made a + gift of the same to the magnanimous Kasyapa. Then at Kasyapa’s bidding the + Brahamanas divided the altar into a number of shares, and thus they became + reputed as the Khandavayamas (share takers). And the exterminator of the + military race possessed of immense strength, bestowed the earth upon the + high-souled Kasyapa, and then became engaged in penance of an exceedingly + severe form. He now dwells in this Mahendra, monarch of hills. Thus did + hostilities arise between him and the members of the military caste,—all + of them who dwell on this earth; and Rama, endowed with immense strength, + in this way subdued the entire world.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Then on the fourteenth day of the moon, the + mighty-souled Rama at the proper hour showed himself to those members of + the priestly caste and also to the virtuous king (Yudhishthira) and his + younger brothers. And, O king of kings, the lord together with his + brothers, worshipped Rama, and, O most righteous of the rulers of men, the + very highest honours were paid by him to all those members of the + twice-born class. And after worshipping Jamadagni’s son and having + received words of praise from him, at his direction he spent the night on + the Mahendra hill, and then started on his journey towards the southern + regions.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0440"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “The magnanimous monarch pursued his journey, and at + different spots on the shore of the sea visited the various bathing + places, all sacred and pleasant and frequented by men of the sacerdotal + caste. And O son of Parikshit! He in proper form took his bath in them + together with his younger brothers and then went to an excellent river, + the holiest of all. There also the magnanimous king, took his plunge, and + offered libations to his forefathers and the gods, and distributed riches + to the leaders of the twice-born class. Then he went to the Godavari, a + river that falls directly into the sea. There he was freed from his sins. + And he reached the sea in the Dravida land, and visited the holy spot + passing under Agastya’s name, which was exceedingly sacred and + exceptionally pure. And the valiant king visited the feminine sacred + spots. Here he listened to the story of that well-known feat which was + achieved by Arjuna, chief of all wielders of the bow, and which was beyond + the power of human beings to perform. And here he was praised by the + highest members of the saintly class, and the son of Pandu experienced the + greatest delight. And, O protector of the earth! the ruler of the world, + accompanied by Krishna bathed in those holy spots, and speaking of + Arjuna’s valour in laudatory terms delightfully spent his time in the + place. Then he gave away thousands of cows at those holy spots on the + coast of the sea; and with his brothers narrated well pleased how Arjuna + had made a gift of kine. And he, O king! visited one by one those holy + places on the coast of the sea and many other sacred spots, and thus + fulfilled his heart’s desire, till he came to the holiest of all known by + the name of Suparaka. Then having crossed a certain tract on the coast of + the sea, he reached a forest celebrated on earth. There the deities had + practised asceticism in former days, and likewise virtuous rulers of men + had performed sacrificial rites. There he, possessed of long and lusty + arms, beheld the celebrated altar of Richika’s son, who was the foremost + of all wielders of the bow. And the altar was girt round by hosts of + ascetics, and was fit to be worshipped by persons of a virtuous life. Then + the king beheld the holy and delightful shrines of all the gods and of the + Vasus, and of the hosts of wind and of the two celestial physicians and of + Yama, son of the sun and of the lord of riches, and of Indra, and of + Vishnu, and of the lord Creator and of Siva, and of the moon, and of the + author of day, and of the lord of waters, and of the host of Sadhyas, and + of Brahma, and of the forefathers, and of Rudra together with all his + followers, and of the goddess of learning, and of the host of Siddhas, and + of many immortal holy gods besides. And in those shrines the king observed + various fasts, and gave away large quantities of gems. He plunged his body + in all the holy spots, and then came again to Surparaka. And he by the + same landing-place of the sea again proceeded with his uterine brothers + and came over to the holy spot Prabhasa, whereof fame hath been spread by + mighty Brahmanas throughout the world. There he, possessed of a pair of + large red eyes, washed himself with all his younger brothers, and offered + libations to the forefathers and the celestial hosts; and so did Krishna + and all those Brahmanas together with Lomasa. For twelve days he subsisted + upon air and water. And he performed ablutions for days and nights and + surrounded himself with fires kindled on all sides. Thus that greatest of + all virtuous men engaged himself in asceticism. While he was acting thus, + information reached both Valarama and Krishna that the king was practising + penances of a most austere form and these two leaders of the entire + Vrishni tribe accompanied with troops came to Yudhishthira of Ajamidha’s + race. And when the Vrishnis beheld that the sons of Pandu lay down on the + ground, their bodies besmeared all over with dirt and when they beheld the + daughter of Drupada in a sad state, their grief was great and they could + not refrain from breaking out in loud lamentations. Then the king, whose + courage was such that misfortune never could cast him down, cordially met + Rama and Krishna and Samva, Krishna’s son, and the grand-son of Sini and + other Vrishnis, and paid honour to them in a suitable form. And they also + in return paid honour to all the sons of Pritha, and were similarly + honoured by Pandu’s sons. And they seated themselves round about + Yudhishthira, as round Indra, O king! are seated the celestial hosts. And + highly pleased, he recounted to them all the machinations of his + adversaries, and how also he had resided in the forest, and how Arjuna had + gone to Indra’s abode in order to learn the science of arms—all this + he related with a gladdened heart. And they were happy to learn all this + news from him; but when they saw the Pandavas so exceedingly lean, the + majestic and magnanimous Vrishnis could not forbear shedding tears, which + spontaneously gushed from their eyes on account of the agony they felt.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0441"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIX + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “O thou of ascetic wealth! when the sons of Pandu and the + Vrishnis reached the holy spot Prabhasa, what did they do and what + conversation was held there by them, for all of them were of mighty souls, + proficient in all the branches of science and both the Vrishnis and the + sons of Pandu held one another in friendly estimation.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “When the Vrishnis reached the holy spot Prabhasa, the + sacred landing-place on the coast of the sea, they surrounded the sons of + Pandu and waited upon them. Then Valarama, resembling in hue the milk of + the cow and the Kunda flower and the moon and the silver and the lotus + root and who wore a wreath made of wild flowers and who had the + ploughshare for his arms, spake to the lotuseyed one, saying, ‘O Krishna, + I do not see that the practice of virtue leads to any good or that + unrighteous practices can cause evil, since the magnanimous Yudhishthira + is in this miserable state, with matted hair, a resident of the wood, and + for his garment wearing the bark of trees. And Duryodhana is now ruling + the earth, and the ground doth not yet swallow him up. From this, a person + of limited sense would believe a vicious course of life is preferable to a + virtuous one. When Duryodhana is in a flourishing state and Yudhishthira, + robbed of his throne, is suffering thus, what should people do in such a + matter?—This is the doubt that is now perplexing all men. Here is + the lord of men sprung from the god of virtue, holding fast to a righteous + path, strictly truthful and of a liberal heart. This son of Pritha would + give up his kingdom and his pleasure but would not swerve from the + righteous path, in order to thrive. How is it that Bhishma and Kripa and + the Brahmana Drona and the aged king, the senior member of the house, are + living happily, after having banished the sons of Pritha? Fie upon the + vicious-minded leaders of Bharata’s race! What will that sinner, the + chieftain of the earth, say to the departed forefathers of his race, when + the wretch will meet them in the world to come? Having hurled from the + throne his in-offensive sons, will he be able to declare that he had + treated them in a blameless way? He doth not now see with his mind’s eye + how he hath become so sightless, and on account of what act he hath grown + blind among the kings of this entire earth. Is it not because he hath + banished Kunit’s son from his kingdom? I have no doubt that + Vichitravirya’s son, when he with his sons perpetrated this inhuman act, + beheld on the spot where dead bodies are burnt, flowering trees of a + golden hue. Verily he must have asked them, when those stood before him + with their shoulders projected forward towards him, and with their large + red eyes staring at him, and he must have listened to their evil advice, + since he fearlessly sent away Yudhishthira to the forest, who had all his + weapons of war with him and was borne company by his younger brothers. + This Bhima here, whose voracious appetite is like that of a wolf, is able + to destroy with the sole strength of his powerful arms, and without the + help of any weapons of war, a formidable array of hostile troops. The + forces in the field of battle were utterly unmanned on hearing his + war-cry. And now the strong one is suffering from hunger and thirst, and + is emaciated with toilsome journeys. But when he will take up in his hand + arrows and diverse other weapons of war, and meet his foes in the field of + battle, he will then remember the sufferings of his exceedingly miserable + forest-life, and kill his enemies to a man: of a certainty do I anticipate + this. There is not throughout the whole world a single soul who can boast + of strength and prowess equal to his. And his body, alas! is emaciated + with cold, and heat and winds. But when he will stand up for fight, he + will not leave a single man out of his foes. This powerful hero, who is a + very great warrior when mounted on a car—this Bhima, of appetite + rivalling a wolf’s conquered single-handed all the rulers of men in the + east, together with, those who followed them in battle; and he returned + from those wars safe and uninjured. And that same Bhima, miserably dressed + in the bark of trees, is now leading a wretched life in the woods. This + powerful Sahadeva vanquished all the kings in the south; those lords of + men who had gathered on the coast of the sea,—look at him now in an + anchorite’s dress. Valiant in battle Nakula vanquished single-handed the + kings who ruled the regions towards the west,—and he now walks about + the wood, subsisting on fruit and roots, with a matted mass of hair on the + head, and his body besmeared all over with dirt. This daughter of a king, + who is a great soldier when mounted on a car, took her rise from beneath + the altar, during the pomp of sacrificial rites. She hath been always + accustomed to a life of happiness; how is she now enduring this + exceedingly miserable life in this wood! And the son of the god of virtue,—virtue + which stands at the head of all the there pursuits of life—and the + son of the wind-god and also the son of the lord of celestials, and those + two sons of the celestial physicians,—being the sons of all those + gods and always accustomed to a life of happiness, how are they living in + this wood, deprived of all comforts? When the son of Virtue met with + defeat, and when his wife, his brothers, his followers, and himself were + all driven forth, and Duryodhana began to flourish, why did not the earth + subside with all its hills?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0442"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXX + </h2> + <p> + Satyaki said, “O Rama! this is not the time of lamentation; let us do that + which is proper and suited to the present occasion, although Yudhishthira + doth not speak a single word. Those who have persons to look after their + welfare do not undertake anything of themselves; they have others to do + their work, as Saivya and others did for Yayati. Likewise, O Rama! those + who have appointed functionaries to undertake their work on their own + responsibility, as the leaders of men, they may be said to have real + patrons, and they meet with no difficulty, like helpless beings. How is it + that when the sons of Pritha have for their patrons these two men, Rama + and Krishna, and the two others, Pradyumna and Samva, together with + myself,—these patrons being able to protect all the three worlds,—how + is it that the son of Pritha is living in the wood with his brothers? It + is fit that this very day the army of the Dasarhas should march out, + variously armed and with checkered mails. Let Dhritarashtra’s sons be + overwhelmed with the forces of the Vrishinis and let them go with their + friends to the abode of the god of death. Let him alone who wields the bow + made of the horn (Krishna), thou alone, if roused, wouldst be able to + surround even the whole of this earth. I ask thee to kill Dhritarashtra’s + son with all his men, as the great Indra, the lord of the gods kill + Vritra. Arjuna, the son of Pritha, is my brother, and also my friend, and + also my preceptor, and is like the second self of Krishna. It is for this + that men desire for a worthy son, and that preceptor seeks a pupil who + would contradict him not. It is for this that the time is come for that + excellent work, which is the best of all tasks and difficult to perform. I + shall baffle Duryodhana’s volleys of arms by my own excellent weapons. I + shall overpower all in the field of battle. I shall in my wrath cut off + his head with my excellent shafts, little inferior to snakes and poison + and fire. And with the keen edge of my sword, I shall forcibly sever his + head from the trunk, in the field of battle; then I shall kill his + followers, and Duryodhana, and all of Kuru’s race. O son of Rohini! let + the followers of Bhima look at me with joy at their heart, when I shall + keep up the weapons of war in the field of battle, and when I shall go on + slaying all the best fighting men on the side of the Kurus, as at the end + of time fire will burn vast heaps of straw. Kripa and Drona and Vikarna + and Kama are not able to bear the keen arrows shot by Pradyumna. I know + the power of Arjuna’s son—he conducts himself like the son of + Krishna in the field of battle. Let Samva chastise by the force of his + arms Dussasana; let him destroy by force Dussasana and his charioteer and + his car. In the field of battle when the son of Jamvavati becomes + irresistible in fight, there is nothing which can withstand his force. The + army of the demon Samvara was speedily routed by him when only a boy. By + him was killed in fight Asvachakra, whose thighs were round, and whose + muscular arms were of exceeding length. Who is there that would be able to + go forward to the car of Samva, who is great in fight, when mounted on a + car? As a mortal coming under the clutches of death can never escape; so + who is there that once coming under his clutches in the field of battle, + is able to return with his life? The son of Vasudeva will burn down by the + volleys of his fiery shafts all the hostile troops, and those two + warriors, Bhishma and Drona,—who are great on a car, and Somadatta + surrounded by all his sons. What is there in all the world including the + gods, which Krishna cannot encounter on an equal footing, when he takes up + the weapons of war, wields in his hands excellent arrows, arms himself + with his dice, and thus becomes unrivalled in fight? Then let Aniruddha + also take up in his hand his buckler and sword, and let him cover the + surface of the earth with Dhritarashtra’s sons, their heads separated from + their trunks, their bodies devoid of all consciousness as in a sacrificial + rite the altar is overspread with sacred grass placed upon the same. And + Gada and Uluka, and Vahuka and Bhanu and Nitha and the young Nishatha + valiant in battle and Sarana, and Charudeshna, irresistible in war, let + them perform feats befitting their race. Let the united army of the + Satwatas and Suras, together with the best soldiers of the Vrishnis, the + Bhojas, and the Andhakas, kill those sons of Dhritarashtra in the field of + battle and let them swell their expanded fame throughout the world. Then + let Abhimanyu rule the world so long as this most excellent of virtuous + men, the magnanimous Yudhishthira, may be engaged in fulfilling his vow,—the + vow that was accepted and declared by him, the most righteous of Kuru’s + race, on the occasion of the famous play at dice. Afterwards the virtuous + king will protect the earth, all his foes defeated in battle by shafts + which will be discharged by us. Then there will remain no sons of + Dhritarashtra on earth,—nor the son of the charioteer (Kama). This + is the most important work for us to do, and this will surely lead to + fame.” + </p> + <p> + “Krishna said, ‘O scion of the race of Madhu! no doubt what thou sayest is + true; we accept thy words, O thou of courage that is never weak! But this + bull of the Kuru race (Yudhishthira) would never accept the sovereignty of + the earth, unless it were won by the prowess of his own arms. Neither for + the sake of pleasure, nor from fear, nor from covetousness, would + Yudhishthira ever renounce the rules of the caste; nor would these two + heroes, who are mighty, when mounted on a car—Bhima and Arjuna; nor + the twin brothers, nor Krishna, the daughter of Drupada. He possessing the + appetite of a wolf (Bhima), and the winner of riches (Arjuna), are both + unrivalled in fight throughout the world. And why should not this king + rule over the entire world when he hath the two sons of Madri to espouse + his cause? The high-souled ruler of Panchala together with the Kekaya + king, and we also should put forth our united strength, and then would the + enemies of Yudhisthira be annihilated.’” + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘It is not strange that thou shouldst speak thus, O + scion of Madhu’s race! but to me truth seems to be the first + consideration, above that of my sovereign power itself. But it is Krishna + alone who precisely knoweth what I am; and it is I alone who precisely + know what Krishna (really) is. O thou endued with valour! O scion of + Madhu’s race! as soon as he will perceive that the time is come for feats + of bravery, then, O most valiant of Sini’s race, he also of beautiful hair + (Krishna) will defeat Suyodhana. Let the brave men of the Dasarha race go + back today. They are my patrons; and the foremost of human beings, they + have visited me here. O ye of immeasurable strength! never fall off from + the path of virtue. I shall see you again, when ye will be happily + gathered together.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then after mutual greeting and obeisance to seniors, and having embraced + the youthful, those valiant men of the Yadu race and the sons of Pandu + separated. And the Yadus reunited to their home; and the Pandavas + continued their journey to the sacred spots. Then having parted with + Krishna, the virtuous king, accompanied by his brothers and servants, and + also by Lomasa, went to the sacred river Payosini. Its fine landing place + was constructed by the king of Vidarbha. And he began to dwell on the + banks of the Payosini, whose waters were mingled with the distilled Soma + juice. There the high-souled Yudhishthira was greeted with excellent + laudatory, terms by numerous leaders of the twice-born class, who were + delighted to see him there.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0443"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXI + </h2> + <p> + Lomasa said, “O king! when the Nriga performed a sacrifice here, he + gratified Indra, the demolisher of hostile cities, by offering the Soma + juice. And Indra was refreshed and was very much pleased. Here the gods + together with Indira, and the protectors of all born beings, celebrated + sacrifices of various kinds on a large scale, and paid abundant gratuities + to the ministering priests. Here king Amurtarayasa, the lord of the world, + satisfied Indra, the holder of the thunderbolt, by the offer of the Soma + juice, when seven horse-sacrifices were performed by that king. The + articles which in other sacrificial rites are uniformly made of the + timber, wood and of earth, were all made of gold in the seven sacrifices + performed by him. And it is said that in all those rites, seven sets of + stakes, rings for the sacrificial stakes, spots, ladles, utensils, spoons + were prepared by him. On each sacrificial stake, seven rings were fastened + at the top. And, O Yudhishthira! the celestials together with Indira, + themselves erected the sacrificial stakes of shining gold which had been + prepared for his sacred rites. In all those magnificent sacrifices + instituted by Gaya, the protector of the earth, Indira, was delighted by + drinking the Soma juice, and the ministering priests were gratified with + the gratuities paid to them. And the priests obtained untold wealth + counted out to them. And as the sand-grains of the earth, or as the stars + in the sky, or as the rain-drops when it raineth, cannot be counted by + anyone, so the wealth Gaya gave away was incapable of being counted by + figures. So untold was the wealth, O great king! that was given to the + ministering priests in all those seven sacrifices that even the + above-mentioned objects might be counted by figures, but the gratuities + bestowed by him whose largeness exceeded all that was known before were + not capable of being counted by figures. And images of the goddess of + speech were made of gold by the sculptor of the gods;—and the king + gratified the members of the sacerdotal caste, who had arrived from all + the cardinal points, by making presents to them of those images, of gold. + O protector of men! when the high-souled Gaya performed his sacrificial + rites, he erected sacrificial piles at so many different spots that but + little space was left on the surface of the earth. And, O scion of + Bharata’s race! he by that sacred act attained the regions of Indra. + Whoever should bathe in the river, Payosini, would go to the regions + attained by Gaya. Therefore, O lord of kings! O unswerving prince! thou + and thy brothers should bathe in this river; then, O protector of the + earth, thou wilt be freed from all these sins.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O most praiseworthy of men! Yudhishthira with his + brothers performed ablutions in the Payosini river. Then, O sinless + prince! the powerful monarch together with his brothers, journeyed to the + hill of sapphires and the great river Narmada. The blessed saint Lomasa + there named to him all the delightful holy spots and all the sacred + shrines of the celestials. Then he with his brothers visited those places, + according to his desire and convenience. And at various places Brahmanas + by thousands received gifts from him.” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O son of Kunti! one who visits the sapphire Hill and + plunges his body in the river Narmada attains the regions inhabited by the + celestials and kings. O most praiseworthy of men! this period is the + junction between the Treta and the Kali age, O Kunti’s son! This is the + period when a person gets rid of all his sins. O respected sir! this is + the spot where Saryati performed sacrificial rites, wherein Indra appeared + in a visible form and drank the Soma juice, with the two celestial + physicians. And Bhrigu’s son of severe austerities conceived anger towards + the great Indra; and the mighty Chyavana paralysed Indra, and for his wife + obtained the princess, Sukanya.’” + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘How was the chastiser of the demon Paka, the god + possessed of the six attributes, paralysed by Chyavana? And for what + reason did the mighty saint conceive wrath towards Indra? And how, O + Brahmana! did he raise the celestial physicians to the rank of the + drinkers of Soma? All this, precisely as it happened, thy venerable self + will be pleased to recount to me.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0444"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘A son was born to the great saint Bhrigu, Chyavana by name. + And he, of an exceedingly resplendent form, began to practise austerities + by the side of yonder lake. And, O Pandu’s son! O protector of men! he of + mighty energy assumed the posture called Vira, quiet and still like an + inanimate post, and for a long period, remained at the same spot of + ground. And he was turned into an anthill covered over with creepers. And + after the lapse of a long period, swarms of ants enveloped him. And + covered all over with ants, the sagacious saint looked exactly like a heap + of earth. And he went on practising austerities, enveloped on all sides + with that ant-hill. Now after the lapse of a long space of time, that + ruler of earth, Saryati by name, for amusement visited this pleasant and + excellent lake. With him were four thousand females, espoused by him, O + son of Bharata’s race! there was also his only daughter endued with + beautiful brows, named Sukanya. She surrounded by her maids, and decked + out with jewels fit for the celestials, while walking about, approached + the anthill where Bhrigu’s son was seated. And surrounded by her maids, + she began to amuse herself there, viewing the beautiful scenery, and + looking at the lofty trees of the wood. And she was handsome and in the + prime of her youth; and she was amorous and bent on frolicking. And she + began to break the twigs of the forest trees bearing blossoms. And + Bhrigu’s son endued with intelligence beheld her wandering like lightning, + without her maids, and wearing a single piece of cloth and decked with + ornaments. And seeing her in the lone forest, that ascetic of exceeding + effulgence was inspired with desire. And that regenerate Rishi possessing + ascetic energy, who had a low voice, called the auspicious one,—but + she heard him not. Then seeing the eyes of Bhrigu’s son from the ant-hill, + Sukanya from curiosity and losing her sense, said, ‘What is this?’—and + with thorns pierced the eyes (of the Rishi). And as his eyes being pierced + by her, he felt exceeding pain and became wroth. And (from anger) he + obstructed the calls of nature of Saryati’s forces. And on their calls of + nature being obstructed, the men were greatly afflicted. And seeing this + state of things, the king asked. ‘Who is it that hath done wrong to the + illustrious son of Bhrigu, old and ever engaged in austerities and of + wrathful temper? Tell me quick if ye know it’. The soldiers (thereupon) + answered him saying, ‘We do not know whether any one hath done wrong to + the Rishi. Do thou, as thou list, make a searching enquiry into the + matter. Thereupon that ruler of earth, using (as he saw occasion) both + menace and conciliation, asked his friends (about the circumstance). But + they too did not know anything. Seeing that the army was distressed owing + to the obstruction of the calls of nature, and also finding her father + aggrieved, Sukanya said, ‘Roving in the forest, I lighted in the ant-hill + here upon some brilliant substance. Thereupon taking it for a glow-worm I + neared it, and pierced it (with thorns); Hearing this Saryati immediately + came to the ant-hill, and there saw Bhrigu’s son, old both in years and + austerities. Then the lord of earth with joined hands, besought (the + ascetic) saying, ‘It behoveth thee to forgive what my daughter through + ignorance and greenness, hath done unto thee.” Chyavana the son of Bhrigu, + addressed the monarch saying, ‘Disregarding me, this one, filled with + pride hath pierced my eyes. Even her, O king, endued with beauty and who + was bereft of her senses by ignorance and temptation—even thy + daughter would I have for my bride, I tell thee truly, on this condition + alone will I forgive thee.’ + </p> + <p> + Lomasa said, “Hearing the words of the sage, Saryati, without pausing, + bestowed his daughter on the high-souled Chyavana. Having received the + hand of that girl, the holy one was pleased with the king. And having won + the Rishi’s grace, the king went to his city, accompanied by his troops. + And the faultless Sukanya also having obtained that ascetic for her + husband, began to tend him, practising penances, and observing the + ordinance. And that one of a graceful countenance, and void of guile + worshipped Chyavana, and also ministered unto guests, and the sacred + fire.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0445"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Once on a time, O king, those celestials, namely the twin + Aswins, happened to behold Sukanya, when she had (just) bathed, and when + her person was bare. And seeing that one of excellent limbs, and like unto + the daughter of the lord of celestials, the nose-born Aswins neared her, + and addressed her, saying, ‘O thou of shapely thighs, whose daughter art + thou? And what doest thou in this wood? O auspicious one, O thou of + excellent grace, we desire to know this, do thou therefore tell us.’ + Thereupon she replied bashfully unto those foremost of celestials. ‘Know + me as Sarayati’s daughter, and Chyavana’s wife.’ Thereat the Aswins again + spake unto her, smiling. ‘What for, O fortunate one, hath thy father + bestowed thee on a person who is verging on death? Surely, O timid girl, + thou shinest in this wood like lightning. Not in the regions of the + celestials themselves, O girl, have our eyes lighted on thy like. O + damsel, unadornedand without gay robes as thou art, thou beautifiest this + wood exceedingly. Still, O thou of faultless limbs, thou canst not look so + beautiful, when (as at present) thou art soiled with mud and dirt, as thou + couldst, if decked with every ornament and wearing gorgeous apparel. Why, + O excellent girl in such plight servest thou a decrepit old husband, and + one that hath become incapable of realising pleasure and also of + maintaining thee, O thou of luminous smiles? O divinely beautiful damsel, + do thou, forsaking Chyavana accept one of us for husband. It behoveth thee + not to spend thy youth fruitlessly.’” + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed Sukanya answered the celestials saying. ‘I am devoted to + my husband, Chyavana: do ye not entertain any doubts (regarding my + fidelity). Thereupon they again spake unto her, ‘We two are the celestial + physicians of note. We will make thy lord young and graceful. Do thou then + select one of us, viz., ourselves and thy husband,—for thy partner. + Promising this do thou, O auspicious one, bring hither thy husband.’ .. O + king, agreeably to their words she went to Bhrigu’s son and communicated + to him what the two celestials had said. Hearing her message, Chyavana + said unto his wife, ‘Do thou so.’ Having received the permission of her + lord, (she returned to the celestials) and said, ‘Do ye so.’ Then hearing + her words, viz., ‘Do ye so,’ they spoke unto the king’s daughter. ‘Let thy + husband enter into water.’ Thereat Chyavana desirous of obtaining beauty, + quickly entered into water. The twin Aswins also, O king, sank into the + sheet of water. And the next moment they all came out of the tank in + surpassingly beautiful forms, and young and wearing burnished earrings. + And all, possessed of the same appearance pleasing to behold, addressed + her saying, ‘O fortunate one, do thou choose one of us for spouse. And O + beauteous one, do thou select him for lord who may please thy fancy.’ + Finding, however, all of them of the same appearance she deliberated; and + at last ascertaining the identity of her husband, even selected him. + </p> + <p> + “Having obtained coveted beauty and also his wife, Chyavana, of exceeding + energy, well pleased, spake these words unto the nose-born celestials: + ‘Since at your hands, an old man, I have obtained youth, and beauty, and + also this wife of mine, I will, well pleased, make you quaffers of the + Soma juice in the presence of the lord of celestials himself. This I tell + you truly.’ Hearing this, highly delighted, the twins ascendedto heaven; + and Chyavana and Sukanya too passed their days happily even like + celestials.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0446"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Now the news came to Saryati that Chyavana had been turned + into a youth. And well pleased he came, accompanied by his troops, to the + hermitage of the son of Bhrigu. And he saw Chyavana and Sukanya, like two + children sprung from celestials, and his joy and that of his wife were as + great as if the king had conquered the entire world. And the ruler of + earth together with his wife was received honourably by that saint. And + the king seated himself near the ascetic, and entered into a delightful + conversation of an auspicious kind. Then, O king, the son of Bhrigu spake + to the king these words of a soothing nature: ‘I shall, O king, officiate + at a religious ceremony to be performed by thee: let the requisite + articles, therefore, be procured.’ Thereat, that protector of earth + Saryati, experienced the very height of joy, and O great king, he + expressed his approbation of the proposal made by Chyavana. And on an + auspicious day, suitable for the commencement of a sacrificial ceremony, + Saryati ordered the erection of a sacrificial shrine of an excellent + description and splendidly furnished with all desirable things. There + Chyavana, the son of Bhrigu, officiated for the king as his priest. Now + listen to me relating the wonderful events which happened at that spot. + Chyavana took up a quantity of the Soma juice, in order that he might + offer the same to the Aswins, who were physicians to the celestials. And + while the saint was taking up the intended offering for those celestial + twins, Indra pronounced his interdiction, saying, These Aswins both of + them in my opinion have no right to receive an offering of the Soma + juice.’ They are the physicians of the celestials in heaven,—this + vocation of theirs hath disentitled them (in the matter of Soma). + Thereupon Chyavana said, ‘These two are of mighty enterprise, possessed of + mighty souls, and uncommonly endued with beauty and grace. And they, O + Indra, have converted me into an eternally youthful person, even like unto + a celestial. Why shouldst thou and the other celestials have a right to + the distilled Soma juice, and not they? O lord of the celestials, O + demolisher of hostile towns! be it known to thee that the Aswins also rank + as gods.’ At this, Indra spake saying, These two practise the healing art,—so + they are but servants. And assuming forms at their pleasure they roam + about in the world of mortal beings. How can they then rightfully claim + the juice of the Soma? + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘When these very identical words were spoken again and again + by the lord of celestials, the son of Bhrigu, setting Indra at naught, + took up the offering he had intended to make. And as he was about to take + up an excellent portion of the Soma juice with the object of offering it + to the two Aswins, the destroyer of the demon Vala (Indra) observed his + act, and thus spoke unto him, ‘If thou take up the Soma with a view to + offering it to those celestials, I shall hurl at thee my thunderbolt of + awful form, which is superior to all the weapons that exist.’ Thus + addressed by Indra, the son of Bhrigu, cast at Indra a smiling glance, and + took up in due form a goodly quantity of the Soma juice, to make an + offering to the Aswins. Then Sachi’s lord hurled at him the thunderbolt of + awful form. And as he was about to launch it, his arm was paralysed by + Bhrigu’s son. And having paralysed his arm, Chyavana recited sacred hymns, + and made offering on the fire. His object gained, he now attempted to + destroy that celestial. Then by the virtue of that saint’s ascetic energy, + an evil spirit came into being,—a huge demon, Mada by name, of great + strength and gigantic proportions. And his body was incapable of being + measured either by demons or by gods. And his mouth was terrible and of + huge size, and with teeth of sharpened edge. And one of his jaws rested on + the earth, and the other stretched to heaven. And he had four fangs, each + extending as far as one hundred yojanas, and his other fangs were extended + to the distance of ten yojanas, and were of a form resembling towers on a + palace, and which might be likened to the ends of spears. And his two arms + were like unto hills, and extended ten thousand yojanas, and both were of + equal bulk. And his two eyes resembled the sun and the moon; and his face + rivalled the conflagration at the universal dissolution. And he was + licking his mouth with his tongue, which, like lightning, knew no rest. + And his mouth was open, and his glance was frightful, and seemed as if he + would forcibly swallow up the world. The demon rushed at the celestial by + whom a hundred sacrifices had been performed. And his intent was to devour + that deity. And the world resounded with the loud and frightful sounds + uttered by the Asura.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0447"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘When the god who had performed a hundred sacrifices (Indra) + beheld the demon Mada of a frightful mien, coming towards him with open + mouth, his intention being to devour him, and looking like the god of + death himself, while his own arms remained paralysed, he through fear + repeatedly licked the corners of his mouth. Then the lord of the + celestials, tortured with fright, spake to Chyavana saying, ‘O Bhrigu’s + son! O Brahmana! verily I tell thee as truth itself, that from this day + forward the two Aswins will be entitled to the Soma juice. Be merciful to + me! My undertaking can never come to naught. Let this be the rule. And I + know, O saint of the sacerdotal caste! that thy work can never come to + nothing. These two Aswins will have a right to drink the Soma juice, since + thou hast made them entitled to the same. And, O Bhrigu’s son, I have done + this but to spread the fame of thy powers, and my object was to give thee + an occasion for displaying thy powers. My other object was that the fame + of the father of this Sukanya here might spread everywhere. Therefore be + merciful to me: let it be as thou wishest.’ Being thus addressed by Indra, + the wrath of Chyavana of mighty soul was quickly appeased, and he set free + the demolisher of hostile cities (Indra). And the powerful saint, O king! + distributed Mada (literally intoxication), and put it piece-meal in + drinks, in women, in gambling, and in field sports, even this same Mada + who had been created repeatedly before. Having thus cast down the demon + Mada and gratified Indra with a Soma draught and assisted king Saryati in + worshipping all the gods together with the two Aswins and also spread his + fame for power over all the worlds, the best of those endued with speech + passed his days happily in the wood, in the company of Sukanya, his loving + wife. This is his lake, shining, O king! and resounding with the voice of + birds. Here must thou, together with thy uterine brothers, offer libations + of water to thy forefathers and the gods. And, O ruler of earth! O scion + of Bharata’s race! having visited it and Sikataksha also, thou shalt + repair to the Saindhava wood, and behold a number of small artificial + rivers. And O great king, O scion of Bharata’s race! thou shalt touch the + waters of all the holy lakes and reciting the hymns of the god Sthanu + (Siva), meet with success in every undertaking. For this is the junction, + O most praiseworthy of men, of the two ages of the world, viz., Dwapara + and Treta. It is a time, O Kunti’s son! capable of destroying all the sins + of a person. Here do thou perform ablutions, for the spot is able to + remove all the sins of an individual. Yonder is the Archika hill, a + dwelling place for men of cultured minds. Fruits of all the seasons grow + here at all times and the streams run for ever. It is an excellent place + fit for the celestials. And there are the holy cairns of diverse forms, + set up by the celestials. O Yudhishthira! this is the bathing spot + belonging to the Moon. And the saints are in attendance here on all sides + round—they are the dwellers of the wood and the Valakhilyas, and the + Pavakas, who subsist on air only. These are three peaks and three springs. + Thou mayst walk round them all, one by one: then thou mayst wash thyself + at pleasure. Santanu, O king! and Sunaka the sovereign of men, and both + Nara and Narayana have attained everlasting regions from this place. Here + did the gods constantly lie down, as also the forefathers, together with + the mighty saints. In this Archika hill, they all carried on austerities. + Sacrifice to them, O Yudhishthira! Here did they, also the saints, eat + rice cooked in milk, O protector of men! And here is the Yamuna of an + exhaustless spring. Krishna here engaged himself in a life of penances, O + Pandu’s son. O thou that draggest the dead bodies of thy foes! the twin + brothers, and Bhimasena and Krishna and all of us will accompany thee to + this spot. O lord of men, this is the holy spring that belongeth to Indra. + Here the creative and the dispensing deity, and Varuna also rose upwards, + and here too they dwelt, O king! observing forbearance, and possessed of + the highest faith. This excellent and propitious hill is fit for persons + of a kindly and candid disposition. This is that celebrated Yamuna, O + king! frequented by hosts of mighty saints, the scene of diverse religious + rites, holy, and destructive of the dread of sin. Here did Mandhata + himself, of a mighty bow, perform sacrificial rites for the gods; and so + did Somaka, O Kunti’s son! who was the son of Sahadeva, and a most + excellent maker of gifts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0448"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O great Brahmana, how was that tiger among kings, + Mandhata, Yuvanaswa’s son, born,—even he who was the best of + monarchs, and celebrated over the three worlds? And how did he of + unmeasured lustre attain the very height of real power, since all the + three worlds were as much under his subjection, as they are under that of + Vishnu of mighty soul? I am desirous of hearing all this in connection + with the life and achievements of that sagacious monarch. I should also + like to hear how his name of Mandhata originated, belonging as it did to + him who rivalled in lustre Indra himself: and also how he of unrivalled + strength was born, for thou art skilled in the art of narrating events.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Hear with attention, O king! how the name of Mandhata + belonging to that monarch of mighty soul hath come to be celebrated + throughout all the worlds. Yuvanaswa, the ruler of the earth, was sprung + from Ikshvaku’s race. That protector of the earth performed many + sacrificial rites noted for magnificent gifts. And the most excellent of + all virtuous men performed a thousand times the ceremony of sacrificing a + horse. And he also performed other sacrifices of the highest order, + wherein he made abundant gifts. But that saintly king had no son. And he + of mighty soul and rigid vows made over to his ministers the duties of the + state, and became a constant resident of the woods. And he of cultured + soul devoted himself to the pursuits enjoined in the sacred writ. And once + upon a time, that protector of men, O king! had observed a fast. And he + was suffering from the pangs of hunger and his inner soul seemed parched + with thirst. And (in this state) he entered the hermitage of Bhrigu. On + that very night, O king of kings! the great saint who was the delight of + Bhrigu’s race, had officiated in a religious ceremony, with the object + that a son might be born to Saudyumni. O king of kings! at the spot stood + a large jar filled with water, consecrated with the recitation of sacred + hymns, and which had been previously deposited there. And the water was + endued with the virtue that the wife of Saudyumni would by drinking the + same, bring forth a god-like son. Those mighty saints had deposited the + jar on the altar and had gone to sleep, having been fatigued by keeping up + the night. And as Saudyumni passed them by, his palate was dry, and he was + suffering greatly from thirst. And the king was very much in need of water + to drink. And he entered that hermitage and asked for drink. And becoming + fatigued, he cried in feeble voice, proceeding from a parched throat, + which resembled the weak inarticulate utterance of a bird. And his voice + reached nobody’s ears. Then the king beheld the jar filled with water. And + he quickly ran towards it, and having drunk the water, put the jar down. + And as the water was cool, and as the king had been suffering greatly from + thirst, the draught of water relieved the sagacious monarch and appeased + his thirst. Then those saints together with him of ascetic wealth, awoke + from sleep; and all of them observed that the water of the jar had gone. + Thereupon they met together and began to enquire as to who might have done + it. Then Yuvanaswa truthfully admitted that it was his act. Then the + revered son of Bhrigu spoke unto him, saying. ‘It was not proper. This + water had an occult virtue infused into it, and had been placed there with + the object that a son might be born to thee. Having performed severe + austerities, I infused the virtue of my religious acts in this water, that + a son might be born to thee. O saintly king of mighty valour and physical + strength! a son would have been born to thee of exceeding strength and + valour, and strengthened by austerities, and who would have sent by his + bravery even Indra to the abode of the god of death. It was in this + manner, O king! that this water had been prepared by me. By drinking this + water, O king, thou hast done what was not at all right. But it is + impossible now for us to turn back the accident which hath happened. + Surely what thou hast done must have been the fiat of Fate. Since thou, O + great king, being a thirst hast drunk water prepared with sacred hymns, + and filled with the virtue of my religious labours, thou must bring forth + out of thy own body a son of the character described above. To that end we + shall perform a sacrifice for thee, of wonderful effect so that, valorous + as thou art, thou wilt bring forth a son equal to Indra. Nor with thou + experience any trouble on account of the labour pains.’ Then when one + hundred years had passed away, a son shining as the sun pierced the left + side of the king endowed with a mighty soul, and came forth. And the son + was possessed of mighty strength. Nor did Yuvanaswa die—which itself + was strange. Then Indra of mighty strength came to pay him a visit. And + the deities enquired of the great Indra, ‘What is to be sucked by this + boy?’ Then Indra introduced his own forefinger into his mouth. And when + the wielder of the thunderbolt said, ‘He will suck me,’ the dwellers of + heaven together with Indra christened the boy Mandhata, (literally, Me he + shall suck). Then the boy having tasted the forefinger extended by Indra, + became possessed of mighty strength, and he grew thirteen cubits, O king. + And O great king! the whole of sacred learning together with the holy + science of arms, was acquired by that masterful boy, who gained all that + knowledge by the simple and unassisted power of his thought. And all at + once, the bow celebrated under the name of Ajagava and a number of shafts + made of horn, together with an impenetrable coat of mail, came to his + possession on the very same day, O scion of Bharata’s race! And he was + placed on the throne by Indra himself and he conquered the three worlds in + a righteous way, as Vishnu did by his three strides. And the wheel of the + car of that mighty king as irresistible in its course (throughout the + world). And the gems, of their own accord, came into the possession of + that saintly king. This is the tract of land, O lord of earth, which + belonged to him. It abounds in wealth. He performed a number of + sacrificial rites of various kinds, in which abundant gratuities were paid + to the priests. O king! he of mighty force and unmeasured lustre, erected + sacred piles, and performed splendid pious deeds, and attained the + position of sitting at Indra’s side. That sagacious king of unswerving + piety sent forth his fiat, and simply by its virtue conquered the earth, + together with the sea—that source of gems—and all the cities + (or [of?—JBH] the earth), O great king! The sacrificial grounds + prepared by him were to be found all over the earth on all sides round—not + a single spot, but was marked with the same. O great king! the mighty + monarch is said to have given to the Brahmanas ten thousand padmas of + kine. When there was a drought, which continued for twelve consecutive + years, the mighty king caused rain to come down for the growth of crops, + paying no heed to Indra, the wielder of the thunder-bolt, who remained + staring (at him). The mighty ruler of the Gandhara land, born in the lunar + dynasty of kings, who was terrible like a a roaring cloud, was slain by + him, who wounded him sorely with his shafts. O king! he of cultured soul + protected the four orders of people, and by him of mighty force the worlds + were kept from harm, by virtue of his austere and righteous life. This is + the spot where he, lustrous like the sun, sacrificed to the god. Look at + it! here it is, in the midst of the field of the Kurus, situated in a + tract, the holiest of all. O preceptor of earth! requested by thee, I have + thus narrated to thee the great life of Mandhata, and also the way in + which he was born, which was a birth of an extraordinary kind.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O scion of Bharata’s race! Kunti’s son, thus addressed + by the mighty saint, Lomasa, immediately put fresh questions to him, with + regard to Somaka.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0449"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVII + </h2> + <p> + Yudhishthira said, ‘O best of speakers! what was the extent of power and + strength possessed by king Somaka? I am desirous of hearing an exact + account of his deeds and of his power.” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O Yudhishthira! there was a virtuous king Somaka by name. + He had one hundred wives, O king, all suitably matched to their husband. + He took great care, but could not succeed in getting a single son from any + one of them, and a long time elapsed during which he continued a sonless + man. Once upon a time, when he had become old, and was trying every means + to have a son, a son was born to him, Jantu by name, out of that century + of women. And, O ruler of men! All the mothers used to sit surrounding + their son and every one giving him such objects as might conduce to his + enjoyment and pleasure. And it came to pass that one day an ant stung the + boy at his hip. And the boy screamed loudly on account of the pain caused + by the sting. And forthwith the mothers were exceedingly distressed to see + how the child had been stung by the ant. And they stood around him and set + up cries. Thus there arose a tumultuous noise. And that scream of pain + suddenly reached (the ears of) the sovereign of the earth, when he was + seated in the midst of his ministers, with the family priest at his side. + Then the king sent for information as to what it was about. And the royal + usher explained to him precisely what the matter was with reference to his + son. And Somaka got up together with his ministers and hastened towards + the female apartments. And on coming there, O subjugator of foes! he + soothed his son. And having done so and coming out from the female + apartments, the king sat with his family priest and ministers.’ + </p> + <p> + “Somaka then spoke thus, ‘Fie on having only a single son! I had rather be + a sonless man. Considering how constantly liable to disease are all + organized beings, to have an only son is but a trouble. O Brahmana! O my + lord! With the view that I might have many sons born to me, this century + of wives hath been wedded by me, after inspection, and after I had + satisfied myself that they would prove suitable to me. But issue they have + none. Having tried every means, and put forth great efforts, they have + borne this single son, Jantu. What grief can be greater than this? O most + excellent of the twice-born caste! I am grown old in years and so are my + wives too. And yet this only son is like the breath of their nostrils, and + so he is to me also. But is there any ceremony, by celebrating which one + may get a hundred sons? (And if there is one such), tell me whether it is + great or small, and easy or difficult to perform.’ + </p> + <p> + “The family priest said, ‘There is a ceremony by virtue of which a man may + get a century of sons. If thou art able to perform it, O Somaka, then I + shall explain it to thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Somaka said, ‘Whether it be a good or an evil deed, the ceremony by which + a hundred sons may be born, may be taken by thee as already performed. Let + thy blessed self explain it to me.’ + </p> + <p> + “The family priest thereupon said, ‘O king! Let me set on foot a sacrifice + and thou must sacrifice thy son, Jantu in it. Then on no distant date, a + century of handsome sons will be born to thee. When Jantu’s fat will be + put into the fire as an offering to the gods, the mothers will take a + smell of that smoke, and bring forth a number of sons, valourous and + strong. And Jantu also will once more be born as a self-begotten son of + thine in that very (mother); and on his back there will appear a mark of + gold.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0450"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Somaka said, ‘O Brahmana! whatever is to be performed—do precisely + as it may be necessary. As I am desirous of having a number of sons, I + shall do all that may be prescribed by thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, “Then the priest officiated in the sacrifice in which Jantu + was offered as the victim. But the mothers is in pity forcibly snatched + the son and took him away. And they cried, ‘We are undone!’ And they were + smitten with torturing grief and they caught hold of Jantu by his right + hand, and wept in a piteous way. But the officiating priest held the boy + by the right hand and pulled him. And like female ospreys they screamed in + agony! but the priest dragged the son killed him and made a burnt offering + of his fat in the proper form. And, O delight of the race of Kuru! While + the fat was being made an offering of the agonised mothers smelt its + smell, and of a sudden fell to the ground (and swooned away.) And then all + those lovely women became with child, and O lord of men! O scion of + Bharata’s race! When ten months had passed a full century of sons was born + to Somaka begotten on all those women. And, O monarch of the earth! Jantu + became the eldest and was born of his former mother and he became the most + beloved to the women,—not so were their own sons. And on his back + there was that mark of gold and of that century of sons, he was also + superior in merit. Then that family priest of Somaka departed this life as + also Somaka after a certain time. Now he beheld that the priest was being + grilled in a terrible hell. And thereupon he questioned him, ‘Why art + thou, O Brahmana! being grilled in this hell?” Then the family priest + exceedingly scorched with fire, spake to him saying, ‘This is the outcome + of my having officiated in that sacrifice of thine.’ O king, hearing this, + the saintly king thus spake to the god who meteth out punishments to + departed souls, ‘I shall enter here. Set free my officiating priest; this + reversed man is being grilled by hell-fire on my account only.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dharmaraja thereat answered thus, ‘One cannot enjoy or suffer for another + person’s acts. O best of speakers! these are the fruits of thy acts; see + it here.’ + </p> + <p> + “Somaka said, ‘Without this Brahmana here, I desire not go to the blessed + regions. My desire is to dwell in company with this very man, either in + the abode of the gods, or in hell, for, O Dharmaraja! my deed is identical + with what hath been done by him and the fruit of our virtuous or evil deed + must be the same for both of us.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dharmaraja said, ‘O king! If this is thy wish, then taste with him the + fruit of that act, for the same period that he must do. After that thou + shall go to the blessed regions.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, The lotus-eyed king did all that exactly in the way + prescribed to him. And when his sins were worked off, he was set free + together with the priest. O king! Fond of the priest as he was, he won all + those blessings to which he had entitled himself by his meritorious acts + and shared everything with the family priest. This is his hermitage which + looketh lovely before our eyes. Any one would attain the blessed regions, + if he should spend six nights here controlling his passions. O king of + kings! O leader of the tribe of Kurus! Here, free from excitement and + self-controlled, we must spend six nights. Be thou ready therefor.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0451"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Here, O king! The lord of born beings himself performed a + sacrifice in former times,—the ceremony called Ishtikrita, which + occupied one thousand years. And Amvarisha, son of Nabhaga, sacrificed + near the Yamuna river. And having sacrificed there, he gave away ten + Padmas (of gold coins) to the attendant priests, and he obtained the + highest success by his sacrifices and austerities. And, O Kunti’s son! + This is the spot where that sovereign of the entire earth, Nahusha’s son, + Yayati, of unmeasured force, and who led a holy life, performed his + sacrificial rites. He competed with Indra and performed his sacrifice + here. Behold how the ground is studded with places for the sacrificial + fires of various forms, and how the earth seems to be subsiding here under + the pressure of Yayati’s pious works. This is the Sami tree, which hath + got but a single leaf, and this is a most excellent lake. Behold these + lakes of Parasurama, and the hermitage of Narayana. O protector of earth! + This is the path which was followed by Richika’s son, of unmeasured + energy, who roamed over the earth, practising the Yoga rites in the river + Raupya. And, O delight of the tribe of Kurus! Hear what a Pisacha woman + (she-goblin), who was decked with pestles for her ornaments, said (to a + Brahmana woman), as I was reciting here the table of genealogy. (She + said), “Having eaten curd in Yugandhara, and lived in Achutasthala, and + also bathed in Bhutilaya, thou shouldst live with thy sons. Having passed + a single night here, if thou wilt spend the second, the events of the + night will be different from those that have happened to thee in the + day-time, O most righteous of Bharata’s race! Today we shall spend the + night at this very spot. O scion of Bharata’s race! this is the threshold + of the field of the Kurus. O king! At this very spot, the monarch Yayati, + son of Nahusha, performed sacrificial rites, and made gifts of an + abundance of gems. And Indra was pleased with those sacred rites. This is + an excellent holy bathing-place on the river Yamuna, known as + Plakshavatarana (descent of the banian tree). Men of cultured minds call + it the entrance to the region of heaven. O respected sir! here, after + having performed sacrificial rites of the Saraswata king, and making use + of the sacrificial stake for their pestle, the highest order of saints + performed the holy plunge prescribed at the end of a sacred ceremony. O + monarch! King Bharata here performed sacrificial rites. To celebrate the + horse-sacrifice, he here set free the horse who was the intended victim. + That monarch had won the sovereignty of the earth by righteousness. The + horse? he let go more than once were of a colour checkered with black. O + tiger among men! it was here that Marutta sheltered by Samvartta, leader + of saints, succeeded in performing excellent sacrifices. O sovereign of + kings! Having taken his bath at this spot, one can behold all the worlds, + and is purified from his evil deeds. Do thou, therefore, bathe at this + spot.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then that most praiseworthy of Pandu’s sons, there + bathed with his brothers, while the mighty saints were uttering laudatory + words to him. And he addressed the following words to Lomasa, ‘O thou + whose strength lieth in truthfulness! By virtue of this pious act, I + behold all the worlds. And from this place, I behold that most + praiseworthy of Pandu’s sons Arjuna, the rider of white steed.” + </p> + <p> + ‘Lomasa said, ‘It is even so, O thou of powerful arms! The saints of the + highest order thus behold all the regions. Behold this holy Saraswati + here, thronged by persons who look upon her as their sole refuge. O most + praise worthy of men! having bathed here, thou wilt be free from all thy + sins. O Kunti’s son! here the celestial saints performed sacrificial rites + of Saraswata king: and so did the saints and the royal saints. This is the + altar of the lord of beings, five yojanas in extent on all sides round. + And this is the field of the magnanimous Kurus, whose habit it was to + perform sacrifices.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0452"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXX + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O son of Bharata’s race! If mortals breathe their last at + this spot, they go to heaven. O king! Thousands upon thousands of men come + to this place to die. A blessing was pronounced on this spot by Daksha, + when he was engaged in sacrifice here, (in these words), ‘Those men that + shall die at this spot shall win a place in heaven.’ Here is the beautiful + and sacred river, Saraswati, full of water: and here, O lord of men, is + the spot known as Vinasana, or the place where the Saraswati disappeared. + Here is the gate of the kingdom of the Nishadas and it is from hatred for + them that the Saraswati entered into the earth in order that the Nishadas + might not see her. Here too is the sacred region of Chamashodbheda where + the Saraswati once more became visible to them. And here she is joined by + other sacred rivers running seawards. O conqueror of foes, here is that + sacred spot known by the name of Sindhu—where Lopamudra accepted the + great sage Agastya as her lord and, O thou whose effulgence is like unto + that of the sun, here is the sacred tirtha called Prabhasa, the favoured + spot of Indra and which removeth all sins. Yonder is visible the region of + Vishnupada. And here is the delightful and sacred river, Vipasa. From + grief for the death of his sons the great sage Vasistha had thrown himself + into this stream, after binding his limbs. And when he rose from the + water, lo! he was unfettered. Look, O king with thy brothers at the sacred + region of Kasmeera, frequented by holy sages. Here, O scion of Bharata’s + race, is the spot, where a conference took place between Agni and the sage + Kasyapa, and also between Nahusha’s son and the sages of the north. And, O + great prince, Yonder is the gate of the Manasasarovara. In the midst of + this mountain, a gap hath been opened by Rama. And here. O prince of + prowess incapable of being baffled, is the well-known region of + Vatikhanda, which, although adjacent to the gate of Videha, lieth on the + north of it. And O bull among men, there is another very remarkable thing + connected with this place,—namely, that on the waning of every yuga, + the god Siva, having the power to assume any shape at will, may be seen + with Uma and his followers. In Yonder lake also people desirous of + securing welfare to the family, propitiate with sacrifices the holder of + the great bow Pinaka, in the month of Chaitra. And persons of devotion + having passions under control, performing their ablutions in this lake, + become free from sins and, without doubt, attain to the holy regions. Here + is the sacred tirtha called Ujjanaka, where the holy sage Vasistha with + his wife Arundhati and also the sage Yavakri obtained tranquillity. Yonder + is the lake Kausava, where grown the lotuses called Kausesaya, and here + also is the sacred hermitage of Rukmini, where she attained peace, after + conquering that evil passion, anger. I think, O prince, that thou hast + heard something about that man of meditations, Bhrigutunga. There, O king, + before thee is that lofty peak. And, O foremost of kings, yonder is + Vitasta, the sacred stream that absolveth men from all sins. The water of + this stream is extremely cool and limpid, and it is largely used by the + great sages. O prince, behold the holy rivers Jala and Upajala, on either + side of the Yamuna. By performing a sacrifice here, king Usinara surpassed + in greatness Indra himself. And, O descendant of Bharata, desirous of + testing Usinara’s merit and also of bestowing boons on him, Indra and Agni + presented themselves at his sacrificial ground. And Indra assuming the + shape of a hawk, and Agni that of a pigeon, came up to that king. And the + pigeon in fear of the hawk, fell upon the king’s thigh, seeking his + protection.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0453"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXI + </h2> + <p> + “The hawk said, ‘All the kings of the earth represent thee as a pious + ruler. Wherefore, O prince, has thou then stopped to perpetrate a deed not + sanctioned by the ordinance? I have been sore afflicted with hunger. Do + thou not withhold from me that which hath been appointed by the Deity for + my food,—under the impression that thereby thou servest the + interests of virtue, whereas in reality, thou wilt forsake it, (by + committing thyself to this act). Thereupon, the king said, ‘O best of the + feathered race, afflicted with fear of thee, and desirous of escaping from + thy hands, this bird, all in a hurry, hath come up to me asking for life. + When this pigeon hath in such a manner sought my protection, why dost thou + not see that the highest merit is even in my not surrendering it unto + thee? And it is trembling with fear, and is agitated, and is seeking its + life from me. It is therefore certainly blameworthy to forsake it. He that + slayeth a Brahmana, he that slaughtered a cow—the common mother of + all the worlds—and he that forsaketh one seeking for protection are + equally sinful.’ Thereat the hawk replied, ‘O lord of earth, it is from + food that all beings derive their life, and it is food also that + nourisheth and sustaineth them. A man can live long even after forsaking + what is dearest to him, but he cannot do so, after abstaining from food. + Being deprived of food, my life, O ruler of men, will surely leave this + body, and will attain to regions unknown to such troubles. But at my + death, O pious king, my wife and children will surely perish, and by + protecting this single pigeon. O prince, thou dost not protect many lives. + The virtue that standeth in the way of another virtue, is certainly no + virtue at all, but in reality is unrighteousness. But O king, whose + prowess consisteth in truth, that virtue is worthy of the name, which is + not conflicting. After instituting a comparison between opposing virtues, + and weighing their comparative merits, one, O great prince, ought to + espouse that which is not opposing. Do thou, therefore, O king, striking a + balance between virtues, adopt that which preponderates.’ At this the king + said, ‘O best of birds, as thou speakest words fraught with much good, I + suspect thee to be Suparna, the monarch of birds. I have not the least + hesitation to declare that thou art fully conversant with the ways of + virtue. As thou speakest wonders about virtue, I think that there is + nothing connected with it, that is unknown to thee. How canst thou then + consider the forsaking of one, seeking for help, as virtuous? Thy efforts + in this matter, O ranger of the skies, have been in quest of food. Thou + canst, however, appease thy hunger with some other sort of food, even more + copious. I am perfectly willing to procure for thee any sort of food that + to thee may seem most tasteful, even if it be an ox, or a boar, or a deer, + or a buffalo.’ Thereupon the hawk said, ‘O great king, I am not desirous + of eating (the flesh of) a boar or an ox or the various species of beasts. + What have I to do with any other sort of food? Therefore, O bull among the + Kshatriyas, leave to me this pigeon, whom Heaven hath today ordained for + my food, O ruler of earth, that hawks eat pigeons is the eternal + provision. O prince, do not for support embrace a plantain tree, not + knowing its want of strength.’ The king said, ‘Ranger of the skies, I am + willing to bestow on thee this rich province of my race, or any other + thing that to thee may seem desirable. With the sole exception of this + pigeon, which hath approached me craving my protection, I shall be glad to + give unto thee anything that thou mayst like. Let me know what I shall + have to do for the deliverance of this bird. But this I shall not return + to thee on any condition whatever.’” + </p> + <p> + “The hawk said, ‘O great ruler of men, if thou hast conceived an affection + for this pigeon, then cut off a portion of thine own flesh, and weigh it + in a balance, against this pigeon. And when thou hast found it equal (in + weight) to the pigeon, then do thou give it unto me, and that will be to + my satisfaction.’ Then the king replied, This request of thine, O hawk, I + consider as a favour unto me, and, therefore, I will give unto thee even + my own flesh, after weighing it in a balance.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Saying this, O mighty son of Kunti, the highly virtuous + king cut off a portion of his own flesh, and placed it in a balance, + against the pigeon. But when he found that pigeon exceeded his flesh in + weight, he once more cut off another portion of his flesh, and added it to + the former. When portion after portion had been repeatedly added to weigh + against the pigeon, and no more flesh was left on his body, he mounted the + scale himself, utterly devoid of flesh. + </p> + <p> + “The hawk then said, ‘I am Indra, O virtuous king, and this pigeon is + Agni, the carrier of the sacrificial clarified butter. We had come unto + thy sacrificial ground, desirous of testing thy merit. Since thou hast cut + off thy own flesh from thy body, thy glory shall be resplendent, and shall + surpass that of all others in the world. As long as men, O king, shall + speak of thee, so long shall thy glory endure, and thou shalt inhabit the + holy regions.’ Saying this to the king, Indra ascended to heaven. And the + virtuous king Usinara, after having filled heaven and earth with the merit + of his pious deeds, ascended to heaven in a radiant shape. Behold, O king, + the residence of that noble-hearted monarch. Here, O king, are seen holy + sages and gods, together with virtuous and highsouled Brahmanas.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0454"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘See here, O lord of men, the sacred hermitage of Swetaketu, + son of Uddalaka, whose fame as an expert in the sacred mantras is so + widely spread on earth. This hermitage is graced with cocoanut trees. Here + Swetaketu beheld the goddess Saraswati in her human shape, and spake unto + her, saying, ‘May I be endowed with the gift of speech!” In that yuga, + Swetaketu, the son of Uddalaka, and Ashtavakra, the son of Kahoda, who + stood to each other in the relation of uncle and nephew, were the best of + those conversant with the sacred lore. Those two Brahmanas, of matchless + energy, who bore unto each other the relationship of uncle and nephew, + went into the sacrificial ground of king Janaka and there defeated Vandin + in a controversy. Worship, O son of Kunti, with thy brothers, the sacred + hermitage of him who had for his grandson Ashtavakra, who, even when a + mere child, had caused Vandin to be drowned in a river, after having + defeated him in a (literary) contest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, Tell me, O Lomasa, all about the power of this man, + who had in that way defeated Vandin. Why was he born as Ashtavakra + (crooked in eight parts in his body)?” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, The sage Uddalaka had a disciple named Kahoda of subdued + passions, and entirely devoted to the service of his preceptor and who had + continued his studies long. The Brahmana had served his tutor long, and + his preceptor, recognising his service, gave him his own daughter, Sujata, + in marriage, as well as a mastery over the Shastras. And she became with + child, radiant as fire. And the embryo addressed his father while employed + in reading, ‘O father, thou hast been reading the whole night, but (of all + that) thy reading doth not seem to me correct. Even in my fetal state I + have, by thy favour, become versed in the Shastras and the Vedas with + their several branches. I say, O father, that what proceeds from thy + mouth, is not correct.’ Thus insulted in the presence of his disciples, + the great sage in anger cursed his child in the womb, saying, ‘Because + thou speakest thus even while in the womb, therefore thou shalt be crooked + in eight parts of the body.’ The child was accordingly born crooked, and + the great sage was ever after known by the name of Ashtavakra. Now, he had + an uncle named Swetaketu who was the same age with himself. Afflicted by + the growth of the child in the womb, Sujata, desirous of riches, + conciliating her husband who had no wealth told him in private: ‘How shall + I manage, O great sage, the tenth month of my pregnancy having come? Thou + hast no substance whereby I may extricate myself from the exigencies, + after I have been delivered.” Thus addressed by his wife, Kahoda went unto + king Janaka for riches. He was there defeated in a controversy by Vandin, + well versed in the science of arguments, and (in consequence) was immersed + into water. And hearing that his son-in-law had been defeated in a + controversy by Vandin and caused to be drowned by him, Uddalaka spake unto + his daughter Sujata, saying, ‘Thou shall keep it a secret from + Ashtavakra.’ She accordingly kept her counsel—so that Ashtavakra, + when born, had heard nothing about the matter. And he regarded Uddalaka as + his father and Swetaketu as his brother. And when Ashtavakra was in his + twelfth year, Swetaketu one day saw the former seated on his father’s lap. + And thereat he pulled him by the hand, and on Ashtavakra’s beginning to + cry, he told him, ‘It is not the lap of thy father.’ This cruel + communication went direct into Ashtavakra’s heart and it pained him + sorely. And he went home and asked his mother saying, ‘Where is my + father?’ Thereupon Sujata who was greatly afflicted (by his question), and + apprehending a curse told him all that had happened. And having heard all, + the Brahmana at night said unto his uncle Swetaketu, ‘Let us go unto the + sacrifice of king Janaka, wherein many wonderful things are to be seen. + There we shall listen to the controversy between the Brahmanas and shall + partake of excellent food. Our knowledge also will increase. The + recitation of the sacred Vedas is sweet to hear and is fraught with + blessings.’ Then they both—uncle and nephew—went unto the + splendid sacrifice of king Janaka. And on being driven from the entrance, + Ashtavakra met the king and addressed him in the following words.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0455"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Ashtavakra said, ‘When no Brahmana is met with on the way, the way + belongeth to the blind, the deaf, the women, carriers of burden, and the + king respectively. But when a Brahmana is met with on the way, it + belongeth to him alone.’ Thereupon the king said, ‘I give the privilege to + enter. Do thou, therefore, go in by whatever way thou likest. No fire ever + so small is to be slighted. Even Indra himself boweth unto the Brahmanas.’ + At this Ashtavakra said, ‘We have come, O ruler of men, to witness thy + sacrificial ceremony and our curiosity, O king, is very great. And we have + come here as guests. We want the permission of thy order (to enter). And, + O son of Indradyumna, we have come, desirous of seeing the sacrifice, and + to meet king Janaka and speak to him. But thy warder obstructs us and for + this our anger burneth us like fever.’ The warder said, ‘We carry out the + orders of Vandin. Listen to what I have to say. Lads are not permitted to + enter here and it is only the learned old Brahmanas that are allowed to + enter.’ Ashtavakra said. ‘If this be the condition, O warder, that the + door is open to those only that are old, then we have a right to enter. We + are old and we have observed sacred vows and are in possession of energy + proceeding from the Vedic lore. And we have served our superiors and + subdued our passions—and have also won proficiency in knowledge. It + is said that even boys are not to be slighted,—for a fire, small + though it be, burneth on being touched.’ The warder replied, ‘O young + Brahmana, I consider you a boy, and therefore recite, if you know, the + verse demonstrating the existence of the Supreme Being, and adored by the + divine sages, and which, although composed of one letter, is yet + multifarious. Make no vain boast. Learned men are really very rare.’ + Ashtavakra said, ‘True growth cannot be inferred from the mere development + of the body, as the growth of the knots of the Salmali tree cannot signify + its age. That tree is called full-grown which although slender and short, + beareth fruits. But that which doth not bear fruits, is not considered as + grown.’ The warder said, ‘Boys receive instruction from the old and they + also in time grow old. Knowledge certainly is not attainable in a short + time. “Wherefore then being a child, dost thou talk like an old man?’ Then + Ashtavakra said, ‘One is not old because his head is gray. But the gods + regard him as old who, although a child in years, is yet possessed of + knowledge. The sages have not laid down that a man’s merit consists in + years, or gray hair, or wealth, or friends. To us he is great who is + versed in the Vedas. I have come here, O porter, desirous of seeing Vandin + in the court. Go and inform king Janaka, who hath a garland of lotuses on + his neck, that I am here. Thou shalt to-day see me enter into a dispute + with the learned men, and defeat Vandin in a controversy. And when others + have been silenced, the Brahmanas of matured learning and the king also + with his principal priests, bear witness to the superior or the inferior + quality of my attainments.’ The warder said, ‘How canst thou, who art but + in thy tenth year, hope to enter into this sacrifice, into which learned + and educated men only are admitted? I shall, however, try some means for + thy admittance. Do thou also try thyself’. Ashtavakra then addressing the + king said, ‘O king, O foremost of Janaka’s race, thou art the paramount + sovereign and all power reposeth in thee. In times of old, king Yayati was + the celebrator of sacrifices. And in the present age, thou it is that art + performer thereof. We have heard that the learned Vandin, after defeating + (in controversy) men expert in discussion, causeth them to be drowned by + faithful servants employed by thee. Hearing this, I have come before these + Brahmanas, to expound the doctrine of the unity of the Supreme Being. + Where is now Vandin? Tell me so that I may approach him, and destroy him, + even as the sun destroyeth the stars. Thereupon the king said, ‘Thou + hopest, O Brahmana, to defeat Vandin, not knowing his power of speech. Can + those who are familiar with his power, speak as thou dost? He hath been + sounded by Brahmanas versed in the Vedas. Thou hopest to defeat Vandin, + only because thou knowest not his powers (of speech). Many a Brahmana hath + waned before him, even as the stars before the sun. Desirous of defeating + him, people proud of their learning, have lost their glory on appearing + before him, and have retired from his presence, without even venturing to + speak with the members of the assembly.’ Ashtavakra said, ‘Vandin hath + never entered into disputation with a man like myself, and it is for this + only that he looketh upon himself as a lion, and goeth about roaring like + one. But to-day meeting me he will lie down dead, even like a cart on the + highway, of which the wheels have been deranged.’ The king said, ‘He alone + is a truly learned man who understandeth the significance of the thing + that hath thirty divisions, twelve parts twentyfour joints, and three + hundred and sixty spokes.’ Ashtavakra said, ‘May that ever-moving wheel + that hath twentyfour joints, six naves, twelve peripheries, and sixty + spokes protect thee!<a href="#linknote-19" name="linknoteref-19" + id="linknoteref-19"><small>19</small></a>’ The king said, ‘Who amongst the + gods beareth those two which go together like two mares (yoked to a car), + and sweep like a hawk, and to what also do they give birth?’ Ashtavakra + said, ‘May God, O king, forfend the presence of these two<a + href="#linknote-20" name="linknoteref-20" id="linknoteref-20"><small>20</small></a> + in thy house; aye, even in the house of thine enemies. He who appeareth, + having for his charioteer the wind,<a href="#linknote-21" + name="linknoteref-21" id="linknoteref-21"><small>21</small></a> begetteth + them, and they also produce him.’ Thereupon the king said, ‘What is that + doth not close its eyes even while sleeping; what is it that doth not + move, even when born; what is it that hath no heart; and what doth + increase even in its own speed?’ Ashtavakra said, ‘It is a fish<a + href="#linknote-22" name="linknoteref-22" id="linknoteref-22"><small>22</small></a> + that doth not close its eye-lids, while sleeping; and it is an a egg<a + href="#linknote-23" name="linknoteref-23" id="linknoteref-23"><small>23</small></a> + that doth not move when produced; it is stone<a href="#linknote-24" + name="linknoteref-24" id="linknoteref-24"><small>24</small></a> that hath + no heart; and it is a river<a href="#linknote-25" name="linknoteref-25" + id="linknoteref-25"><small>25</small></a> that increase in its own speed.’ + </p> + <p> + “The king said, ‘It seemeth, O possessor of divine energy, that thou art + no human being. I consider thee not a boy, but a matured man; there is no + other man who can compare with thee in the art of speech. I therefore give + thee admittance. There is Vandin.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0456"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Ashtavakra said, ‘O king, O leader of fierce legions, in this assembly of + monarchs of unrivalled power who have met together, I am unable to find + out Vandin, chief of the controversialists. But I am searching for him, + even as one doth for a swan on a vast expanse of water. O Vandin, thou + regardest thyself as the foremost of controversialists. When though wilt + engage with me in staking, thou wilt not be able to flow like the current + of a river. I am like a full-flaming fire. Be silent before me, O Vandin! + Do not awaken a sleeping tiger. Know that thou shalt not escape unstung, + after trampling on the head of a venomous snake, licking the corners of + its mouth with its tongue, and who hath been hurt by thy foot. That weak + man who, in pride of strength, attempts to strike a blow at a mountain, + only gets his hands and nails hurt, but no wound is left on the mountain + itself. As the other mountains are inferior to the Mainaka, and as calves + are inferior to the ox, so are all other kings of the earth inferior to + the lord of Mithila. And as Indra is the foremost of celestials, and as + the Ganga is the best of rivers, so thou alone art, O king, the greatest + of monarchs. O king, cause Vandin to be brought to my presence.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Saying this, O Yudhishthira, wroth with Vandin, Ashtavakra + thus thundered in the assembly, and addressed him in these words, ‘Do thou + answer my questions, and I shall answer thine.’ Thereat Vandin said, ‘One + only fire blazeth forth in various shapes; one only sun illumineth this + whole world; one only hero, Indra, the lord of celestials, destroyeth + enemies; and one only Yama is the sole lord of the Pitris.<a + href="#linknote-26" name="linknoteref-26" id="linknoteref-26"><small>26</small></a> + Ashtavakra said, ‘The two friends, Indra and Agni, ever move together; the + two celestial sages are Narada and Parvata; twins are the Aswinikumaras; + two is the number of the wheels of a car; and it is as a couple that + husband and wife live together, as ordained by the deity.‘<a + href="#linknote-27" name="linknoteref-27" id="linknoteref-27"><small>27</small></a> + Vandin said, ‘Three kinds of born beings are produced by acts; the three + Vedas together perform the sacrifice, Vajapeya; at three different times, + the Adhwaryus commence sacrificial rites; three is the number of words: + and three also are the divine lights.‘<a href="#linknote-28" + name="linknoteref-28" id="linknoteref-28"><small>28</small></a> Ashtavakra + said, ‘Four are the Asramas of the Brahmanas; the four orders perform + sacrifices; four are the cardinal points; four is the number of letters; + and four also, as is ever known, are the legs of a cow.‘<a + href="#linknote-29" name="linknoteref-29" id="linknoteref-29"><small>29</small></a> + Vandin said, ‘Five is the number of fires; five are the feet of the metre + called Punki; five are the sacrifices; five locks, it is said in the + Vedas, are on the heads of the Apsaras; and five sacred rivers are known + in the world.‘<a href="#linknote-30" name="linknoteref-30" + id="linknoteref-30"><small>30</small></a> Ashtavakra said. ‘Six cows, it + is asserted by some, and paid as a gratuity on the occasion of + establishing the sacred fire; six are the seasons belonging to the wheel + of time; six is the number of the senses; six stars constitute the + constellation Kirtika; and six, it is found in all the Vedas, is the + number of the Sadyaska sacrifice.‘<a href="#linknote-31" + name="linknoteref-31" id="linknoteref-31"><small>31</small></a> Vandin + said, ‘Seven is the number of the domesticated animals; seven are the wild + animals; seven metres are used in completing a sacrifice; seven are the + Rishis, seven forms of paying homage are extant (in the world); and seven, + it is known, are the strings of the Vina.‘<a href="#linknote-32" + name="linknoteref-32" id="linknoteref-32"><small>32</small></a> Ashtavakra + said, ‘Eight are the bags containing a hundred fold; eight is the number + of the legs of the Sarabha, which preyeth upon lions; eight Vasus, as we + hear, are amongst the celestials; and eight are the angles of yupa + (stake), in all sacrificial rites.‘<a href="#linknote-33" + name="linknoteref-33" id="linknoteref-33"><small>33</small></a> Vandin + said, ‘Nine is the number of the mantras used in kindling the fire in + sacrifices to the Pitris; nine are the appointed functions in the + processes of creation; nine letters compose the foot of the metre, + Vrihati; and nine also is ever the number of the figures (in + calculation).‘<a href="#linknote-34" name="linknoteref-34" + id="linknoteref-34"><small>34</small></a> Ashtavakra said, ‘Ten is said to + be the number of cardinal points, entering into the cognition of men in + this world; ten times hundred make up a thousand; ten is the number of + months, during which women bear; and ten are the teachers of true + knowledge, and ten, the haters thereof, and ten again are those capable of + learning it.‘<a href="#linknote-35" name="linknoteref-35" + id="linknoteref-35"><small>35</small></a> Vandin said, ‘Eleven are the + objects enjoyable by beings; eleven is the number of the yupas; eleven are + the changes of the natural state pertaining to those having life; and + eleven are the Rudras among the gods in heaven.‘<a href="#linknote-36" + name="linknoteref-36" id="linknoteref-36"><small>36</small></a> Ashtavakra + said, Twelve months compose the year; twelve letters go to the composition + of a foot of the metre called Jagati; twelve are the minor sacrifices; and + twelve, according to the learned, is the number of the Adityas.‘<a + href="#linknote-37" name="linknoteref-37" id="linknoteref-37"><small>37</small></a> + Vandin said, ‘The thirteenth lunar day is considered the most auspicious; + thirteen islands exist on earth.<a href="#linknote-38" + name="linknoteref-38" id="linknoteref-38"><small>38</small></a> + </p> + <p> + Lomasa said, ‘Having proceeded thus far, Vandin stopped. Thereupon + Ashtavakra supplied the latter half of the sloka. Ashtavakra said, + ‘Thirteen sacrifices are presided over by Kesi; and thirteen are devoured + by Atichhandas, (the longer metres) of the Veda.<a href="#linknote-39" + name="linknoteref-39" id="linknoteref-39"><small>39</small></a> And seeing + Ashtavakra speaking and the Suta’s son silent, and pensive, and with head + downcast, the assembly broke into a long uproar. And when the tumult thus + arose in the splendid sacrifice performed by king Janaka, the Brahmanas + well pleased, and with joined hands, approached Ashtavakra, and began to + pay him homage.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thereupon Ashtavakra said, ‘Before this, this man, defeating the + Brahmanas in controversy, used to cast them into water. Let Vandin today + meet with the same fate. Seize him and drown him in water.’ Vandin said. + ‘O Janaka, I am the son of king Varuna. Simultaneously with thy sacrifice, + there also hath commenced a sacrifice extending over twelve years. It is + for this that I have despatched the principal Brahmanas thither. They have + gone to witness Varuna’s sacrifice. Lo! there they are returning. I pay + homage to the worshipful Ashtavakra, by whose grace to-day I shall join + him who hath begot me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ashtavakra said, ‘Defeating the Brahmanas either by words or subtlety. + Vandin had cast them into the waters of the sea. (That Vedic truth which + he had suppressed by false arguments), have I to-day rescued by dint of my + intellect. Now let candid men judge. As Agni, who knoweth the character of + both the good and the bad, leaveth unscorched by his heat the bodies of + those whose designs are honest, and is thus partial to them, so good men + judge the assertions of boys, although lacking the power of speech, and + are favourably disposed towards them. O Janaka, thou hearest my words as + if thou hast been stupefied in consequence of having eaten the fruit of + the Sleshmataki tree. Or flattery hath robbed thee of thy sense, and for + this it is that although pierced by my words as an elephant (by the hook), + thou hearest them not.’ + </p> + <p> + “Janaka said, ‘Listening to thy words, I take them to be excellent and + superhuman. Thy form also standeth manifest as superhuman. As thou hast + to-day defeated Vandin in discussion, I place even him at thy disposal.’ + Ashtavakra said, ‘O king, Vandin remaining alive, will not serve any + purpose of mine. If his father be really Varuna, let him be drowned in the + sea.’ + </p> + <p> + Vandin said, ‘I am King Varuna’s son. I have no fear (therefore) in being + drowned. Even at this moment. Ashtavakra shall see his long-lost sire, + Kahoda.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Then rose before Janaka all the Brahmanas, after having + been duly worshipped by the magnanimous Varuna. Kahoda said, ‘It is for + this, O Janaka, that men pray for sons, by performing meritorious acts. + That in which I had failed hath been achieved by my son. Weak persons may + have sons endued with strength; dunces may have intelligent sons; and the + illiterate may have sons possessed of learning.’ Vandin said, ‘It is with + thy sharpened axe, O monarch, that even Yama severeth the heads of foes. + May prosperity attend thee! In this sacrifice of king Janaka, the + principal hymns relating to the Uktha rites are being chanted, and the + Soma juice also is being adequately quaffed. And the gods themselves, in + person, and with cheerful hearts, are accepting their sacred shares.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘When in enhanced splendour, the Brahmanas had risen up, + Vandin, taking king Janaka’s permission, entered into the waters of the + sea. And then Ashtavakra worshipped his father, and he himself also was + worshipped by the Brahmanas. And having thus defeated the Suta’s son.<a + href="#linknote-40" name="linknoteref-40" id="linknoteref-40"><small>40</small></a> + Ashtavakra returned to his own excellent hermitage, in company with his + uncle. Then in the presence of his mother, his father addressed him, + saying, ‘(O son), thou speedily enter into this river, Samanga.’ And + accordingly, he entered (into the water). (And as he plunged beneath the + water), all his (crooked) limbs were immediately made straight. And from + that day that river came to be called Samanga and she became invested with + the virtues of purifying (sins). He that shall bathe in her, will be freed + from his sins. Therefore, O Yudhishthira, do thou with thy brothers and + wife descend to the river, and perform thy ablutions. O Kunti’s son, O + scion of the Ajamidha race, living happily and cheerfully at this place + together with thy brothers and the Brahmanas, thou wilt perform with me + other acts of merit, being intent upon good deeds.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0457"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Here, O king, is visible the river Samanga, whose former + name was Madhuvila, and yonder is the spot named Kardamila, the bathing + place of Bharata. The lord of Sachi, when fallen into misery in + consequence of having slain Vritra, became freed from his sin, by + performing his ablutions in this Samanga. Here, O bull among men, is the + spot where the Mainaka mountain hath sunk into the interior of the earth; + and it is hence called Vinasana. For obtaining sons, here Aditi in days of + yore had cooked that celebrated food, (presided over by the Supreme + Being). O ye bulls among men, ascended this lofty mountain and put an end + to your inglorious misery unworthy to be uttered. Here, O king, before + thee is the Kanakhala range, the favourite resort of sages. ‘And yonder is + the mighty river Ganga. Here, in ancient times, the holy sage Sanatkumara + attained ascetic success. O scion of the Ajamidha race, by performing thy + ablutions here in this river, thou wilt be freed from all thy sins. O son + of Kunti, do thou together with thy ministers, touch (the waters) of this + lake called Punya, and this mountain Bhrigutunga and also (the water of) + these two rivers, called Tushniganga. Here, O Kunti’s son, appeareth the + hermitage of the sage Sthulasiras. Resign here thy anger and sense of + self-importance. There, O son of Pandu, is seen the beautiful hermitage of + Raivya, where perished Bharadwaja’s son, Yavakari, profound in Vedic + lore.’” + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘How did the mighty sage, Yavakri, son of the ascetic + Bharadwaja, acquire profundity in the Vedas? And how also did he perish? I + am anxious to hear all this, just as it happened. I take delight in + listening to the narration of the deeds of god-like men.’” + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Bharadwaja and Raivya were two friends. And they dwelt + here, ever taking the greatest pleasure in each other’s company. Now, + Raivya had two sons, named Arvavasu and Paravasu. And, Bharadwaja, O + Bharata’s son, had an only son, named Yavakri. Raivya and his two sons + were versed in the Vedas, while Bharadwaja practised asceticism. But, O + son of Bharata, from their boyhood, the friendship subsisting between + those two was unequalled. O sinless one, the highspirited Yavakri finding + that his father, who practised asceticism, was slighted by the Brahmanas, + while Raivya with his sons was greatly respected by them, was overwhelmed + with sorrow, and became sore aggrieved. Thereupon, O son of Pandu, he + entered upon severe austerities, for (obtaining) a knowledge of the Vedas. + And he exposed his body to a flaming fire. By thus practising the most + rigid austerities, he caused anxiety in the mind of Indra. Then Indra, O + Yudhishthira, went to him and addressed him saying, ‘Wherefore, O sage, + hast thou become engaged in practising such rigid austerities?’ Yavakri + said, ‘O thou adored of celestial hosts, I am practising severe penances, + because I wish that such a knowledge of the Vedas as hath never been + acquired by any Brahmana whatever, may be manifest unto me. O conqueror of + Paka, these endeavours of mine have been for Vedic lore. O Kausika, by the + force of my asceticism. I purpose to obtain all sorts of knowledge. O + lord, a knowledge of the Vedas as learnt through teachers, is acquired in + a long time. Therefore, (with the view of attaining in short time a + proficiency in the Vedas), I have put forth these high endeavours.’ Indra + said, ‘O Brahmana sage, the way that thou hast adopted is not the proper + way. What for, O Brahamana, wilt thou destroy thyself? Go and learn from + the lips of a preceptor.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O son of Bharata, having said this, Sakra went away, and + Yavakri of immeasurable energy, once more directed his attention to + asceticism. O king, we have heard that carrying on severe austerities he + again greatly agitated Indra. And the god Indra, slayer of Vala, again + came unto that great sage, who was engaged in austere penances; and + forbade him, saying, Thou art striving with the object that Vedic lore may + be manifest unto thee as well as unto thy father; but thy exertions can + never be successful, nor is this act of thine well-advised.’ Yavakri said, + ‘O lord of the celestials, if thou wilt not do for me what I want, I + shall, observing stricter vows, practise still severer penances. O lord of + celestials! know that if thou do not fulfil all my desires, I shall then + cut off my limbs and offer them as a sacrifice into a blazing fire.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Knowing the determination of that high-souled sage, the + sagacious Indra reflected and hit upon some expedient to dissuade him. + Then Indra assumed the guise of an ascetic Brahmana, hundreds of years + old, and infirm, and suffering from consumption. And he fell to throwing + up a dam with sands, at that spot of the Bhagirathi to which Yavakri used + to descend for performing ablutions. Because Yavakri, chief of the + Brahmanas, paid no heed to Indra’s words, the latter began to fill the + Ganga with sands. And without cessation, he threw handfuls of sand into + the Bhagirathi, and began to construct the dam attracting the notice of + the sage. And when that bull among the sages, Yavakri, saw Indra thus + earnestly engaged in constructing the dam, he broke into laughter, and + said the following words, ‘What art thou engaged in, O Brahmana, and what + is thy object? Why dost thou, for nothing, make this mighty endeavour?’ + Indra said, ‘I am trying, O my son, to dam the Ganga so that there may be + a commodious passage. People experience considerable difficulty in + crossing and recrossing (the river) by boat.’ Yavakri said, ‘O thou of + ascetic wealth, thou canst not dam up this mighty current. O Brahmana, + desist from, what is impracticable, and take up something that is + practicable.’ Indra said, ‘O sage, I have imposed on myself this heavy + task, even as, for obtaining a knowledge of the Vedas, thou hast begun + these penances, which can never be fruitful.’ Yavakri said, ‘If, O chief + of the celestials, those efforts of mine be fruitless, even as those of + thy own, then, O lord of heavenly hosts, be thou pleased to do for me what + is practicable. Vouchsafe unto me boons whereby I may excel other men.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said ‘Then Indra granted boons, as was prayed for by the mighty + ascetic, Indra said, ‘As thou desirest, the Vedas will be manifest unto + thee, yea—even unto thy father. And all thy other desires will also + be fulfilled. Return home, O Yavakri.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having thus obtained the object of his desire, Yavakri came unto his + father and said, The Vedas, O father, will be manifest unto thee as well + as unto myself and I have obtained boons whereby we shall excel all men.’ + Thereat Bharadwaja said, ‘O my son, as thou hast obtained the objects of + thy desire, thou wilt be proud. And when thou art puffed up with pride and + hast also become uncharitable, destruction will soon overtake thee. O my + son, there is a current anecdote narrated by the gods. In ancient times, O + son, there lived a sage named Valadhi, possessed of great energy. And in + grief for the death of a child, he practised the severest penances to have + a child that should be immortal. And he obtained a son even as he desired. + But the gods, though very favourably disposed (towards him), did not yet + make his son immortal like unto the gods. They said, ‘On condition can a + mortal being be made immortal. Thy son’s life, however, shall depend on + some instrumental cause.’ Thereupon, Valadhi said, ‘O chiefs of the + celestials, these mountains have been existing eternally, and + indestructible, let them be the instrumental cause of my son’s life. + Afterwards a son was born to the sage, named Medhavi. And he was of a very + irritable temper. And hearing of (the incident of his birth), he grew + haughty, and began to insult the sages. And he ranged over the earth, + doing mischief to the munis. And one day, meeting with the learned sage + Dhannushaksha endued with energy. Medhavi maltreated him. Thereupon, the + former cursed him, saying, ‘Be thou reduced to ashes.’ Medhavi, however, + was not reduced to ashes. Then Dhannushaksha caused the mountain which was + the instrumental cause of Medhavi’s life, to be shattered by buffaloes. + And the boy perished, with the destruction of the instrumental cause of + his life. And embracing his dead son, Medhavi’s father began to bewail his + fate. Now hear from me, O my son, what was chanted by the sages conversant + with the Vedas, when they found the sage mourning. A mortal on no + condition whatever can overcome what hath been ordained by Fate, Lo! + Dhannushaksha succeeded in shattering even the mountain by buffaloes. Thus + young ascetics, puffed up with pride for having obtained boons, perish in + a short time. Be thou not one of them. This Raivya, O my son, is possessed + of great energy, and his two sons are like him. Therefore, be thou + vigilant—so as never to approach him. O my son, Raivya is a great + ascetic of an irritable temper. When angry, he can do thee harm. Yavakri + said, ‘I shall do as thou biddest me. Of father, do thou not by any means + entertain anxiety for that. Raivya deserveth my regard even as thou, my + father.’ Having replied unto his father in these sweet words, Yavakri, + fearing nothing and nobody, began to delight in wantonly offending other + munis.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0458"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘One day in the month of Chaitra, while fearlessly wandering + at large, Yavakri approached the hermitage of Raivya. And O son of + Bharata, in that beautiful hermitage, adorned with trees bearing blossoms, + he happened to behold the daughter-in-law of Raivya, sauntering about like + a Kinnara woman. And having lost his senses through passion, Yavakri + shamelessly spake unto the bashful maiden, saying, ‘Be thou attached unto + me.’ Thereupon, knowing his nature, and afraid of a curse, as well as + thinking of Raivya’s power, she went unto him saying, ‘I agree.’ Then, O + son of Bharata, taking him in private, she kept him chained. O conqueror + of foes, returning to his hermitage, Raivya found his daughter-in-law, + Paravasu’s wife, in tears. O Yudhishthira, thereat consoling her with soft + words, he enquired of her as to the cause of her grief. Thereupon, the + beautiful damsel told him all that Yavakri had said unto her, and what she + also had cleverly said unto him. Hearing of this gross misbehaviour of + Yavakri, the mind of the sage flamed up, and he waxed exceedingly wroth. + And being thus seized with passion, the great sage of a highly irascible + temper, tore off a matted lock of his hair, and with holy mantras, offered + it as a sacrifice on the sacred fire. At this, there sprang out of it a + female exactly resembling his daughter-in-law. And then he plucked another + matted lock of his hair, and again offered it as a sacrifice into the + fire. Thereupon sprang out of it a demon, terrible to behold, and having + fierce eyes. Then those, two spake unto Raivya, saying, ‘What shall we + do?’ Thereat, the angry sage said unto them, ‘Go and kill Yavakri.’ Then + saying, ‘We shall do (as thou biddest)’—they two went away with the + intention of slaying Yavakri. And with her charms, the female whom the + large-hearted sage had created, robbed Yavakri of his sacred water-pot. + Then with his uplifted spear the demon flew at Yavakri, when he had been + deprived of his water-pot and rendered unclean. And seeing the demon + approach with uplifted spear for the purpose of slaying him, Yavakri rose + up all on a sudden and fled towards a tank. But finding it devoid of + water, he hurried towards all the rivers. But they too were all dried up. + And being obstructed again and again by the fierce demon, holding the + spear, Yavakri in fright attempted to enter into the Agnihotra room of his + father. But there, O king, he was repulsed by a blind Sudra warder, and he + remained at the door, grasped by the man. And, finding Yavakri thus + grasped by the Sudra, the demon hurled his spear at him, and thereupon he + fell down dead, pierced in the heart. After slaying Yavakri, the demon + went back to Raivya, and with the permission of that sage, began to live + with the female.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0459"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O son of Kunti, Bharadwaja returned to his hermitage after + performing the ritual duties of the day, and having collected the + sacrificial fuel. And because his son had been slain, the sacrificial + fires which used to welcome him everyday, did not on that day come forward + to welcome him. And marking this change in the Agnihotra, the great sage + asked the blind Sudra warder seated there, saying, ‘Why is it. O Sudra, + that the fires rejoice not at sight of me? Thou too dost not rejoice as is + thy wont. Is it all well with my hermitage? I hope that my son of little + sense had not gone to the sage Raivya. Answer speedily, O Sudra, all these + questions of mine. My mind misgiveth me.’ The Sudra said, ‘Thy son of + little sense had gone to the sage Raivya, and therefore it is that lie + lieth prostrate (on the ground), having been slain by a powerful demon. + Being attacked by the Rakshasa, holding a spear, he attempted to force his + way into this room, and I therefore barred his way with my arms. Then + desirous of having water in an unclean state, as he stood hopeless, he was + slain by the vehement Rakshasa, carrying a spear in his hand.’ On hearing + from the Sudra of this great calamity, Bharadwaja, sorely afflicted with + grief, began to lament, embracing his dead son. And he said, ‘O my son, it + is for the good of the Brahmanas that thou didst practise penances, with + the intention that the Vedas unstudied by any Brahmana whatever might be + manifest unto thee. Thy behaviour towards the Brahmanas had always been + for their good, and thou hadst also been innocent in regard to all + creatures. But, alas! (at last) thou didst lapse into rudeness. I had + prohibited thee, O my son, from visiting the residence of Raivya; but + alas! to that very hermitage, (destructive to thee) as the god of death + himself, Yama, didst thou repair. Evil-minded is that man, who, (knowing + that I am an old man), and also that (Yavakri) was my only son, had given + way to wrath. It is through the agency of Raivya that I have sustained the + loss of my child. Without thee, O my son, I shall give up my life, the + most precious thing in the world. In grief for the death of my son, I + renounce my life; but this I say that Raivya’s eldest son shall in a short + time kill him although he be innocent. Blessed are those to whom children + have never been born, for they lead a happy life, without having to + experience the grief (incident to the death of a child). Who in this world + can be more wicked than those who from affliction, and deprived of their + sense by sorrow consequent upon the death of a child, curse even their + dearest friend! I found my son dead, and, therefore, have cursed my + dearest friend. Ah! what second man can there be in this world, destined + to suffer so grievous a misfortune!’ Having lamented long Bharadwaja + cremated his son and then himself entered into a full-blazing fire.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0460"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘At that very time, the mighty king, Vrihadyumna, of high + fortune, who was the Yajamana of Raivya, commenced a sacrifice. And the + two sons of Raivya, Arvavasu and Paravasu, were engaged by that + intelligent monarch, to assist him in the performance of the ceremony. + And, O son of Kunti, taking the permission of their father, they two went + to the sacrifice, while Raivya with Paravasu’s wife remained in the + hermitage. And it came to pass that one day, desirous of seeing his wife. + Paravasu returned home alone. And he met his father in the wood, wrapped + in the skin of a black antelope. And the night was far advanced and dark; + and Paravasu, blinded by drowsiness in that deep wood, mistook his father + for a straggling deer. And mistaking him for a deer, Paravasu, for the + sake of personal safety, unintentionally killed his father. Then, O son of + Bharata, after performing the funeral rites (of his father), he returned + to the sacrifice and there addressed his brother saying, ‘Thou wilt never + be able to perform this task unassisted. I again, have killed our father, + mistaking him for a deer. O brother, for me do thou observe a vow, + prescribed in the case of killing a Brahmana. O Muni, I shall be able to + perform this work (sacrifice), without any assistant.’ Arvavasu said, ‘Do + thou then thyself officiate at this sacrifice of the gifted Vrihadyumna; + and for thee will I, bringing my senses under perfect control, observe the + vow prescribed in the case of slaying a Brahmana.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Having observed the vow relative to the killing of a + Brahmana, the sage Arvavasu came back to the sacrifice. Seeing his brother + arrive, Paravasu, in accents choked with malice, addressed Vrihadyumna, + saying, ‘O king, see that this slayer of a Brahmana enter not into thy + sacrifice, nor look at it. Even by a glance, the killer of a Brahmana can, + without doubt, do thee harm.’ O lord of men, immediately on hearing this, + the king ordered his attendants (to turn out Arvavasu). O king, on being + driven out by the king’s attendants, and repeatedly addressed by them—‘O + slayer of a Brahmana—Arvavasu more than once cried, ‘It is not I + that have killed a Brahmana. Not did he own that he had observed the vow + for his own sake. He said that his brother had committed the sin, and that + he had freed him therefrom.’ Having said this in anger, and being + reprimanded by the attendants, the Brahmana sage of austere penances, + retired in silence into the woods. There betaking himself to the severest + penances, the great Brahmana sought the protection of the Sun. Thereupon, + the revelation teaching the mantra relative to the worship of the Sun, + became manifest unto him and that eternal deity who obtaineth his share + (of the sacrificial butter) first, appeared before him in an embodied + form.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘The celestials, O king, were well pleased with Arvavasu for + his acts. And they made him engaged as the chief priest in the sacrifice + (of Vrihadyumna), and Paravasu to be dismissed from it. Then Agni and the + other celestials (of their own accord) bestowed boons on Arvavasu. And + they also prayed that his father might be restored to life. He further + prayed that his brother might be absolved from his sin; that his father + might have no recollection of his having been slain; that Bharadwaja and + Yavakri might both be restored to life; and that the solar revelation + might attain celebrity (on earth). Then the god said, ‘So be it,’ and + conferred on him other boons also. Thereat, O Yudhishthira, all of these + persons regained their life. Yavakri now addressed Agni and the other + deities, saying, ‘I had obtained a knowledge of all the Vedas, and also + practised penances. How came it then, O chiefs of the immortals, that + Raivya succeeded in killing me in that way?’ Thereupon the gods said, ‘O + Yavakri, never act again as those have done. What thou askest about is + quite possible, for thou hast learnt the Vedas without exertion, and + without the help of a preceptor. But this man (Raivya) bearing various + troubles, had satisfied his preceptor by his conduct, and obtained (from + the latter) the excellent Vedas through great exertions and in a long + time.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Having said this to Yavakri, and restored all those to + life, the celestials with Indra at their head, ascended to heaven. Here, O + Yudhishthira, is the sacred hermitage of that sage embellished with trees + bearing blossoms and fruits at all seasons. O tiger among kings, dwelling + at this spot, thou wilt be delivered from all thy sins.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0461"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O descendant of Bharata, O king, now hast thou left behind + the mountains Usiravija, Mainaka and Sweta, as well as the Kala hills, O + son of Kunti, O bull among the descendants of Bharata, here flow before + thee the seven Gangas. This spot is pure and holy. Here Agni blazeth forth + without intermission. No son of Manu is able to obtain a sight of this + wonder. Therefore, O son of Pandu, concentrate your mind in order that he + may intently behold these tirthas. Now wilt thou see the play-ground of + the gods, marked with their footprints, as we have passed the mountain + Kala. We shall now ascend that white rock—the mountain Mandara, + inhabited by the Yakshas, Manibhadra and Kuvera, king of the Yakshas. O + king, at this place eighty thousand fleet Gandharvas, and four times as + many Kimpurushas and Yakshas of various shapes and forms, holding various + weapons, attend upon Manibhadra, king of the Yakshas. In these regions + their power is very great. And in speed they are even as the wind. They + can, without doubt, displace even the lord of the celestials from his + seat. Protected by them, and also watched over by the Rakshasas, these + mountains have been rendered inaccessible. Therefore, O son of Pritha, do + thou concentrate thy thoughts. Besides these, O son of Kunti, here are + fierce ministers of Kuvera and his Rakshasa kindred. We shall have to meet + them, and, therefore, O Kunti’s son, gather up thy energies. O king the + mountain Kailasa is six yojanas in height. It contains a gigantic jujube + tree. And, O son of Kunti, numberless gods and Yakshas and Rakshasas and + Kinnaras and Nagas and Suparnas and Gandharvas pass this way, in going + towards Kuvera’s palace. O king, protected by me, as well as by the might + of Bhimasena, and also in virtue of thy own asceticism and self-command, + do thou to-day mix with them. May king Varuna and Yama, conqueror of + battles, and Ganga, and Yamuna, and this mountain, and the Maruts and the + twin Aswins, and all rivers and lakes, vouchsafe thy safety. And, O + effulgent one, mayst thou have safety from all the celestials and the + Asuras, and the Vasus. O Goddess Ganga, I hear thy roar from this golden + mountain, sacred to Indra. O Goddess of high fortune, in these mountainous + regions, protect the king, worshipped by all of the Ajamidha race. O + daughter of the mountain (Himalaya), this king is about to enter into + these mountainous regions. Do thou, therefore, confer protection upon + him.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having thus addressed the river, Lomasa bade Yudhishthira, saying, ‘Be + thou careful.’” + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, This confusion of Lomasa is unprecedented. Therefore, + protect ye Krishna, and be not careless. Lomasa knows this place to be + certainly difficult of access. Therefore, do ye practise here the utmost + cleanliness.” + </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, “He next addressed his brother Bhima of vast prowess, + saying, ‘O Bhimasena, do thou protect Krishna carefully. Whether Arjuna be + near or away, Krishna in times of danger ever seeketh protection from thee + alone.’” + </p> + <p> + “Then the high-souled monarch approached the twins, Nakula and Sahadeva, + and after smelling their heads, and rubbing their persons, with tears said + unto them, ‘Do not fear. Proceed, however, with caution.”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0462"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXL + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O Vrikodara, there are mighty and powerful invisible + spirits at this place. We shall, however, pass it, through the merit of + our asceticism and Agnihotra sacrifices. O son of Kunti, do thou + therefore, restrain thy hunger and thirst by collecting thy energies, and + also, O Vrikodara have recourse to thy strength and cleverness. O Kunti’s + son, thou hast heard what the sage (Lomasa) had said regarding mount + Kailasa. Ascertain, therefore, after deliberation, how Krishna will pass + the spot. Or, O mighty Bhima of large eyes, do return from hence, taking + with thee Sahadeva, and all our charioteers, cooks, servants, cars, + horses, and Brahmanas worn out with travel, while I together with Nakula + and the sage Lomasa of severe austerities proceed, subsisting on the + lightest fare and observing vows. Do thou in expectation of my return, + cautiously wait at the source of the Ganga, protecting Draupadi till I + come back.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhima replied, ‘O descendant of Bharata, although this blessed princess + hath been sore afflicted by toil and distress, yet she easily proceedeth, + in the hope of beholding him of the white steeds (Arjuna). Thy dejection + also is already very great at not seeing the high-souled Arjuna, who never + retreateth from fight. O Bharata, it is superfluous then to say that if + thou seest neither myself nor Sahadeva nor Krishna, thy dejection will + certainly increase. The Brahmanas had better return with our servants, + charioteers cooks and whomsoever else thou mayst command. I never shall + leave thee in these rugged and inaccessible mountainous regions, infested + by Rakshasas. And, O tiger among men, also this princess of high fortune, + ever devoted to her lords, desireth not to return without thee. Sahadeva + is always devoted to thee; he too will never retrace his steps. His + disposition is known to me. O king, O mighty monarch, we are all eager to + behold Savyasachin, and therefore, will we all go together. If we are + unable to go over this mountain in our cars, abounding as it doth in + defiles, well, we would go on foot. Trouble thyself not, O king, I shall + carry Panchala’s daughter wherever she will be incapable of walking. O + king, I have decided upon this. Therefore let not thy mind be distracted. + I shall also carry over inaccessible tracts those tender-bodied heroes, + the twins, the delight of their mother, wherever they will be incapable of + proceeding.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘May thy strength increase, O Bhima, as thou speakest + thus, and as thou boldly undertakest to carry the illustrious Panchali and + these twins. Blessed be thou! Such courage dwelleth not in any other + individual. May thy strength, fame, merit, and reputation increase! O + long-armed one, as thou offerest to carry Krishna and our brothers the + twins, exhaustion and defeat never be thine!” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then the charming Krishna said with a smile, ‘O + descendant of Bharata, I shall be able to go, and, therefore, be thou not + anxious on my account.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Access to the mountain, Gandhamadana, is only to be + obtained by dint of asceticism. Therefore, O son of Kunti, shall we all + practise austerities, O king, Nakula, Sahadeva, Bhimasena, thou and myself + shall then see him of the white steeds, O Kunti’s son.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O king, thus conversing together, they saw with + delight the extensive domains of Suvahu, situated on the Himalayas + abounding in horses and elephants, densely inhabited by the Kiratas and + the Tanganas, crowded by hundreds of Pulindas, frequented by the + celestials, and rife with wonders. King Suvahu, the lord of the Pulindas, + cheerfully received them at the frontiers of his dominions, paying them + proper respect. Having been thus received with honour, and having dwelt + comfortably at this place, they started for the mountain Himalaya, when + the sun shone brightly in the firmament. And, O king, having entrusted to + the care of the lord of the Pulindas, all their servants—Indrasena + and the others,—and the cooks and the stewards, and Draupadi’s + accoutrements, and every thing else, those mighty charioteers, the son of + the Kurus, endued with great prowess, set out from that country, and began + to proceed cautiously with Krishna,—all of them cheerful in the + expectation of beholding Arjuna.” + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O Bhimasena, O Panchali, and ye twins, hearken unto + my words. The acts done (by a person) in a former birth do not perish, + (without producing their effects). Behold! Even we have become rangers of + the wilderness. Even to see Dhananjaya, exhausted and distressed as we + are, we have to bear each other, and pass through impassable places. This + burneth me even as fire doth a heap of cotton. O hero, I do not see + Dhananjaya at my side. I reside in the wood with my younger brothers, + anxious for beholding him. This thought, as also the memory of that grave + insult offered to Yajanaseni, consumes me. O Vrikodara, I do not see the + invincible Partha of strong bow and incomparable energy, and who is the + immediate elder to Nakula. For this, O Vrikodara, I am miserable. In order + to see that hero, Dhananjaya, firm in promise, for these five years have I + been wandering in various tirthas, and beautiful forests and lakes and yet + I do meet with him. For this, O Vrikodara, I am miserable. I do not see + the long-armed Gudakesa, of dark blue hue, and leonine gait. For this, O + Vrikodara, I am miserable. I do not see that foremost of Kurus, + accomplished in arms, skilful in fight, and matchless among bowmen. For + this, O Vrikodara, I am miserable. Distressed for I am I do not see that + son of Pritha, Dhananjaya, born under the influence of the star Phalguni; + ranging amidst foes even like Yama at the time of the universal + dissolution; possessed of the prowess of an elephant with the temporal + juice trickling down; endued with leonine shoulders; not inferior to Sakra + himself in prowess and energy; elder in years to the twins; of white + steeds; unrivalled in heroism; invincible; and wielding a strong bow. For + this, O Vrikodara, I am miserable. And he is always of a forgiving temper,—even + when insulted by the meanest individual. And he conferreth benefit and + protection to the righteous; but to that tortuous person who by craft + attempts to do him mischief, Dhananjaya is like unto virulent poison, + albeit that one were Sakra himself. And the mighty Vibhatsu of + immeasurable soul and possessing great strength, showeth mercy and + extendeth protection even to a foe when fallen. And he is the refuge of us + all and he crusheth his foes in fight. And he hath the power to collect + any treasure whatever, and he ministereth unto our happiness. It was + through his prowess that I had owned formerly measureless precious jewels + of various kinds which at present Syodhana hath usurped. It was by his + might, O hero, that I had possessed before that palatial amphitheatre + embellished with all manner of jewels, and celebrated throughout the three + worlds. O Pandu’s son, in prowess, Phalguni is like unto Vasudeva, and in + fight he is invincible and unrivalled, even like unto Kartavirya. Alas! I + see him not, O Bhima. In might, that conqueror of foes goeth in the wake + of the invincible and most powerful Sankarshana (Valarama) and Vasudeva. + In strength of arms, and spirit, he is like unto Purandara himself. And in + swiftness, he is even as the wind, and in grace, as the moon, and in ire, + he is the eternal Death himself. O mighty-armed one, with the object of + beholding that war-like tiger among men, shall we repair to the + Gandhamadana mountain, where lies the hermitage of Nara and Narayana at + the site of the celebrated jujube tree, and which is inhabited by the + Yakshas. We shall see that best of mountains. And, practising severe + austerities only on foot we shall go to Kuvera’s beautiful lake guarded by + Rakshasas. That place cannot be reached by vehicles, O Vrikodara. Neither + can cruel or avaricious, or irascible people attain to that spot, O + Bharata’s son. O Bhima, in order to see Arjuna, thither shall we repair, + in company, with Brahmanas of strict vows, girding on our swords, and + wielding our bows. Those only that are impure, meet with flies gad-flies, + mosquitoes, tigers, lions, and reptiles, but the pure never come across + them. Therefore, regulating our fare, and restraining our senses, we shall + go to the Gandhamadana, desirous of seeing Dhananjaya.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0463"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLI + </h2> + <p> + “Lomasa said, O sons of Pandu, ye have seen many a mountain, and river and + town and forest and beautiful tirtha; and have touched with your hands the + sacred waters. Now this way leads to the celestial mountain Mandara; + therefore be ye attentive and composed. Ye will now repair to the + residence of the celestials and the divine sages of meritorious deeds. + Here, O king, flows the mighty and beautiful river (Alakananda) of holy + water adored by hosts of celestials and sages, and tracing its source to + (the site of) the jujube tree. It is frequented and worshipped by + high-souled Vaihayasas, Valakhilyas and Gandharvas of mighty souls. + Accustomed to sing the Sama hymns, the sages, Marichi, Pulaha, Bhrigu and + Angiras, chanted them at this spot. Here the lord of celestials performeth + with the Maruts his daily prayers. And the Sadhyas and the Aswins attend + on him. The sun, the moon and all the luminaries with the planets resort + to this river, alternately by day and by night. O highly fortunate + monarch, that protector of the world; Mahadeva, having a bull for his + mark, received on his head the fall of the waters of this river, at the + source of the Ganga. O children, approach this goddess of the six + attributes and bow down before her with concentrated minds.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing the words of the high-souled Lomasa, the son of Pandu + reverentially worshipped the river (Ganga), flowing through the firmament. + And after having adored her the pious sons of Pandu resumed their journey + accompanied by the sages. And it came to pass that those best of men + beheld at a distance some white object of vast proportions, even like Meru + and stretching on all sides. And knowing that Pandu’s sons were intent + upon asking (him), Lomasa versed in speech said, ‘Hear, O sons of Pandu! O + best of men, what ye see before you, of vast proportions like unto a + mountain and beautiful as the Kailasa cliff, is a collection of the bones + of the mighty Daitya Naraka, Being placed on a mountain, it looketh like + one. The Daitya was slain by that Supreme Soul, the eternal God Vishnu, + for the good of the lord of celestials. Aiming at the possession of + Indra’s place, by the force of austere and Vedic lore, that mighty-minded + (demon) had practised austere penances for ten thousand years. And on + account of his asceticism, as also of the force and might of his arms he + had grown invincible and always harassed (Indra). And O sinless one, + knowing his strength and austerities and observance of religious vows, + Indra became agitated and was overwhelmed with fear. And mentally he + thought of the eternal deity, Vishnu. And thereat the graceful lord of the + universe, who is present everywhere, appeared and stood before him + manifest. And the sages and celestials began to propitiate Vishnu with + prayers. And in his presence even Agni of the six attributes and of + blazing beauty being overpowered by his effulgence, became shorn of + radiance and seeing before him the God Vishnu, the chief of the celestials + who wields the thunder-bolt, bowing with head down readily apprised Vishnu + of the source of his fear. Thereupon Vishnu said, ‘I know, O Sakra, that + thy fear proceedeth from Naraka, that lord of the Daityas. By the merit of + his successful ascetic acts he aimeth at Indra’s position. Therefore, for + pleasing thee, I shall certainly sever his soul from his body, although he + hath achieved success in asceticism. Do thou, lord of celestials, wait for + a moment.’ Then the exceedingly powerful Vishnu deprived (Naraka) of his + senses (by striking him) with his hand. And he fell down on the earth even + like the monarch of mountains struck by (thunder). He was thus slain by a + miracle and his bones lie gathered at this spot. Here also is manifest + another deed of Vishnu’s. Once the whole earth having been lost and sunk + into the nether regions she was lifted up by him in the shape of a boar + having a single tusk.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O worshipful one, relate in particular how Vishnu, + the lord of the celestials, raised up the earth sunk a hundred yojanas? In + what manner also was that support of all created things—the goddess + Earth of high fortune—who dispenseth blessings and bringeth forth + all sorts of corn rendered stable? Through whose power had she sunk an + hundred yojanas below, and under what circumstances was exhibited this + greatest exploit of the Supreme Being? O chief of the twice-born race, I + wish to hear all about it in detail as it happened. Certainly, it is known + to thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘O Yudhishthira, listen to all at length as I relate the + story, which thou hast asked me (to narrate). O child, in days of yore, + there was (once) a terrible time in the Krita Yuga when the eternal and + primeval Deity assumed the duties of Yama. And, O thou that never fallest + off, when the God of gods began to perform the functions of Yama, there + died not a creature while the births were as usual. Then there began to + multiply birds and beasts and kine, and sheep, and deer and all kinds of + carnivorous animals. O tiger among men and vanquisher of foes, then the + human race also increased by thousands even like unto a current of water. + And, O my son, when the increase of population had been so frightful, the + Earth oppressed with the excessive burden, sank down for a hundred + yojanas. And suffering pain in all her limbs, and being deprived of her + senses by excessive pressure, the earth in distress sought the protection + of Narayana, the foremost of the gods. The earth spake saying, ‘It is by + thy favour, O possessor of the six attributes, that I had been able to + remain so long in my position. But I have been overcome with burden and + now I cannot hold myself any longer. It behoveth thee, O adorable one, to + relieve this load of mine. I have sought thy protection. O lord; and do + thou, therefore, extend unto me thy favour.’ Hearing these words of hers, + the eternal lord, possessor of the six attributes, complaisantly said, in + words uttered in distinct letters. Vishnu said, ‘Thou need not fear, O + afflicted Earth, the bearer of all treasures. I shall act so that thou + mayst be made light.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Having thus dismissed the Earth, who hath the mountains for + her ear-rings, he suddenly became turned into a boar with one tusk, and of + exceeding effulgence. Causing terror with his glowing red eyes and + emitting fumes from his blazing lustre, he began to swell in magnitude in + that region. O hero, then holding the earth with his single radiant tusk + that being who pervadeth the Vedas, raised her up a hundred yojanas. And + while she was being thus raised, there ensued a mighty agitation and all + the celestials, together with the sages of ascetic wealth became agitated. + And heaven, and the firmament, and also the Earth were filled with + exclamations of Oh! and Alas! and neither the celestials nor men could + rest in peace. Then countless celestials together with the sages went to + Brahma, who was seated burning as it were in his (own) lustre. Then + approaching Brahma, the lord of celestials, and the witness of the acts of + all beings, they with folded hands spake the following words, ‘O lord of + the celestials, all created beings have become agitated and the mobile and + immobile creatures are restless. O lord of the celestials, even the oceans + are found to be agitated and this whole earth hath gone down a hundred + yojanas. What is the matter? And by whose influence is it that the whole + universe is in ferment? May it please thee to explain it unto us without + delay, for we are all bewildered.’ Thereupon Brahma replied, ‘Ye + immortals! do ye not entertain fear for the Asuras, in any matter or + place. Hearken, ye celestials, to the reason to which all this commotion + is owing! This agitation in the heavens hath been produced by the + influence of the illustrious Being who is omnipresent, eternal and the + never-perishing Soul. That Supreme soul, Vishnu hath lifted up the Earth, + who had entirely sunk down hundred yojanas. This commotion hath taken + place in consequence of the earth being raised up. Know ye this and dispel + your doubts.’ The celestials said, ‘Where is that Being who with pleasure + raiseth up the Earth? O possessor of the six attributes, mention unto us + the place. Thither shall we repair.’ Brahma said ‘Go ye. May good happen + to you! Ye will find him resting in the Nandana (gardens). Yonder is + visible the glorious worshipful Suparna (Garuda). After having raised the + Earth, the Supreme Being from whom the world become manifest, flameth even + in the shape of a boar, like unto the all-consuming fire at the universal + dissolution. And on his beast is really to be seen the gem Srivatsa. (Go) + and behold that Being knowing no deterioration.’ + </p> + <p> + “Lomasa said, ‘Then the celestials, placing the grandsire at their head, + came to that infinite Soul, and having listened to his praise, bade him + adieu and went back to whence they had come.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O Janamejaya, having heard this story, all the + Pandavas without delay and with alacrity, began to proceed by the way + pointed out by Lomasa.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0464"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O king, then those foremost of bowmen, of immeasurable + prowess, holding bows stringed at full stretch and equipped with quivers + and arrows and wearing finger-caps made of the guana-skin, and with their + swords on, proceeded with Panchali towards the Gandhamadana, taking with + them the best of Brahmanas. And on their way they saw various lakes, and + rivers and mountains and forests, and trees of wide-spreading shade on + mountain summits and places abounding in trees bearing flowers and fruit + in all seasons and frequented by celestials and sages. And restraining + their senses within their inner self and subsisting on fruits and roots, + the heroes passed through rugged regions, craggy and difficult of passage, + beholding many and various kinds of beasts. Thus those high-souled ones + entered the mountain inhabited by the sages, the Siddhas and the + celestials, and frequented by the Kinnaras and the Apsaras. And, O lord of + men, as those mighty heroes were entering the mountain Gandhamandana, + there arose a violent wind, attended with a heavy shower. And owing to + this, mighty clouds of dust bearing lots of dry leaves, rose, and all on a + sudden covered earth, air and firmament. And when the heavens had been + covered with dust nothing could be perceived, neither could they (the + Pandavas) speak to one another. And with eyes enveloped with darkness and + pushed by the wind carrying particles of rocks they could not see one + another. And there began to arrive mighty sounds proceeding from the tree, + and also from those breaking down incessantly under the force of the wind, + and falling to the ground. And distracted by gusts of the wind, they + thought, ‘Are the heavens falling down; or the earth and the mountains + being rent?’ And afraid of the wind, they felt about with their hands and + took shelter under the way-side tree and ant-hills and in caverns. Then + holding his bow and supporting Krishna the mighty Bhimasena stood under a + tree. And Yudhishthira the just with Dhaumya crept into the deep wood. And + Sahedeva carrying the sacred fire with him took shelter in a rock. And + Nakula together with Lomasa and other Brahmanas of great asceticism stood + in fright, each under a tree. Then when the wind had abated and the dust + subsided, there came down a shower in torrents. There also arose a loud + rattling noise, like unto the thunder hurled; and quick-flashing lightning + began to play gracefully upon the clouds. And being helped on by the swift + wind, showers of rain poured down without intermissions, filling all sides + round. And, O lord of men, all around there began to flow many rivers + covered with foam and turbid with mud; and these bearing volumes of water + spread over the frothy rafts rushed down with tremendous roar uprooting + trees. And afterwards when that sound had ceased and the air had arisen + they (each of them) cautiously came out of their coverts and met together, + O descendant of Bharata. And then the heroes started for the mountain + Gandhamadana.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0465"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “When the high-souled sons of Pandu had proceeded only + two miles, Draupadi unaccustomed to travel on foot, sank down. Weary and + afflicted as she was, the poor daughter of Panchala became faint, on + account of the hailstorm and also of her extreme delicacy. And trembling + with faintness, the black-eyed one supported herself on her thighs with + her plump arms, becoming (her graceful form). And thus resting for support + on her thighs resembling the trunk of an elephant, and which were in + contract with each other, she suddenly dropped upon the ground, trembling + like a plantain tree. And finding that the beautiful one was falling down + like a twisted creeper, Nakula ran forward and supported, her. And he + said, ‘O king, this black-eyed daughter of Panchala, being weary, hath + fallen down upon the ground. Do thou, therefore, tend her, O son of + Bharata. Undeserving as she is of misery, this lady of slow pace hath been + subject to great hardships, and she is also worn out with the fatigues of + the journey. O mighty king, do thou therefore, comfort her.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having heard these words of Nakula, the king as also + Bhima and Sahadeva, became sorely afflicted, and hastily ran towards her. + And finding her weak, and her countenance pale, the pious son of Kunti + began to lament in grief, taking her on his lap. Yudhishthira said. + ‘Accustomed to ease, and deserving to sleep in wellprotected rooms, on + beds spread over with fine sheets, how doth this beautiful one sleep + prostrate on the ground! Alas! On my account (alone), the delicate feet + and the lotus-like face of this one deserving of all excellent things, + have contracted a dark-blue hue. O what have I done! Fool that I am, + having been addicted to dice, I have been wandering in the forest full of + wild beasts, taking Krishna in my company. This large-eyed one had been + bestowed by her father, the king of the Drupadas, in the hope that the + blessed girl would be happy, by obtaining the sons of Pandu for her lords. + It is on account of my wretched self, that without obtaining anything + hoped for, she sleepeth prostrate on the ground, tired with hardships, + sorrow and travel!” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “While king Yudhishthira the just was lamenting thus, + Dhaumya with all the other principal Brahmanas came to the spot. And they + began to console him and to honour him with blessings. And they recited + mantras capable of dispelling Rakshasas and (to that end) also performed + rites. And on the mantras being recited by the great ascetics, in order to + the restoration of (Panchali’s) health, Panchali frequently touched by the + Pandavas with their soothing palms and fanned by cool breezes surcharged + with particles of water, felt ease, and gradually regained her senses. And + finding that exhausted poor lady restored to her senses, the sons of + Pritha, placing her on deer-skin, caused her to take rest. And taking her + feet of red soles, bearing auspicious marks, the twins began to press them + gently with their hands, scarred by the bow-string. And Yudhishthira the + just, the foremost of the Kurus, also comforted her and addressed Bhima in + the following words: ‘O Bhima, there yet remain many mountains (before + us), rugged, and inaccessible because of snow. How, long-armed one, will + Krishna pass over them?’ Thereupon Bhima said, ‘O king, I myself shall + carry thee, together with this princess and these bulls among men, the + twins; therefore, O king of kings, resign not thy mind unto despair. Or, + at thy bidding, O sinless one, Hidimava’s son, the mighty Ghatotkacha, who + is capable of ranging the skies and who is like unto me in strength, will + carry us all.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then with Yudhishthira’s permission, Bhima thought of + his Rakshasa son. And no sooner was he thought of by his father, than the + pious Ghatotkacha made his appearance and, saluting the Pandavas and the + Brahmanas, stood with joined hands. And they also caressed him of mighty + arms. He then addressed his father, Bhimasena of dreadful prowess, saying, + ‘Having been thought of by thee I have come here with speed, in order to + serve thee. Do thou, O longarmed one, command me. I shall certainly be + able to perform whatever thou bidst.’ Hearing this, Bhimasena hugged the + Rakshasa to his breast.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0466"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIV + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O Bhima, let this mighty and heroic Rakshasa chief, + thy legitimate son, devoted to us, and truthful, and conversant with + virtue carry (his) mother (Draupadi) without delay. And, O possessor of + dreadful prowess, depending on the strength of thy arms, I shall reach the + Gandhamadana, unhurt, together with Panchala’s daughter.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing the words of his brother, that tiger among + men, Bhimasena, commanded his son, Ghatotkacha, represser of foes, saying, + ‘O invincible son of Hidimva, this thy mother hath been sorely tired. Thou + art, again, strong and capable of going wherever thou likest. Do thou + therefore, O ranger of the skies, carry her. May prosperity attend thee! + Taking her on thy shoulders, thou shalt go in our company, adopting a + course not far overhead,—so that thou mayst not render her uneasy.’ + Thereat, Ghatotkacha said, ‘Even single-handed, I am able to carry + Yudhishthira the just, and Dhaumya, and Krishna, and the twins—and + what wonder then that I shall to-day carry them, when I have others to + assist me? And, O sinless one, hundreds of other heroic (Rakshasas), + capable of moving through the sky, and of assuming any shape at will, will + together carry you all with the Brahmanas.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Saying this, Ghatotkacha carried Krishna in the midst + of the Pandavas, and the other (Rakshasas) also began to carry the + Pandavas. And by virtue of his native energy, Lomasa of incomparable + effulgence moved along the path of the Siddhas, like unto a second sun. + And at the command of the lord of the Rakshasas, those Rakshasas of + terrific prowess began to proceed, bearing all the other Brahmanas, and + beholding many a romantic wood. And they proceeded towards the gigantic + jujube tree. And carried by the Rakshasas of great speed, proceeding at a + rapid pace, the heroes passed over longextending ways quickly, as if over + short ones. And on their way they saw various tracts crowded with + Mlechchha people, and containing mines of diverse gems. And they also saw + hillocks teeming with various minerals, thronged with Vidyadharas, + inhabited on all sides by monkeys and Kinnaras and Kimpurushas, and + Gandharvas, and filled with peacocks, and chamaras, and apes, and rurus, + and bears, and gavayas, and buffaloes, intersected with a network of + rivulets, and inhabited by various birds and beasts, and beautified by + elephants, and abounding in trees and enraptured birds. After having thus + passed many countries, and also the Uttarakurus, they saw that foremost of + mountains, the Kailasa, containing many wonders. And by the side of it, + they beheld the hermitage of Nara and Narayana, with celestial trees + bearing flowers and fruits in all seasons. And they also beheld that + beautiful jujube of round trunk. And it was fresh; and of deep shade; and + of excellent beauty; and of thick, soft and sleek foliage; and healthful; + and having gigantic boughs; and wide-spreading; and of incomparable + lustre; and bearing full-grown, tasteful, and holy fruits dropping honey. + And this celestial tree was frequented by hosts of mighty sages, and was + always inhabited by various birds maddened with animal spirits. And it + grew at a spot devoid of mosquitoes and gad-flies, and abounding in fruits + and roots and water, and covered with green grass, and inhabited by the + celestials and the Gandharvas, and of smooth surface, and naturally + healthful, and beauteous and cool and of delicate feel. Having reached + that (tree) together with those bulls among Brahmanas, the high-souled + ones gently alighted from the shoulders of the Rakshasas. Then in company + with those bulls among the twice-born ones, the Pandavas beheld that + romantic asylum presided over by Nara and Narayana; devoid of gloom; and + sacred; and untouched by the solar rays; and free from those rubs, viz. + hunger, and thirst, heat and cold, and removing (all) sorrow; and crowded + with hosts of mighty sages; and adorned with the grace proceeding from the + Vedas, Saman, Rich, and Yajus; and, O king, inaccessible to men who have + renounced religion; and beautified with offerings, and homas; and sacred; + and well-swept and daubed; and shining all around with offerings of + celestial blossoms; and spread over with altars of sacrificial fire, and + sacred ladles and pots; and graced with large water-jars, and baskets and + the refuge of all beings; and echoing with the chanting of the Vedas; and + heavenly: and worthy of being inhabited; and removing fatigue; and + attended with splendour and of incomprehensible merit; and majestic with + divine qualities. And the hermitage was inhabited by hosts of great sages, + subsisting on fruits and roots; and having their senses under perfect + control; and clad in black deer-skins; and effulgent like unto the Sun and + Agni; and of souls magnified by asceticism and intent on emancipation; and + leading the Vanaprastha mode of life; and of subdued senses; and + identified with the Supreme Soul; and of high fortune; and reciting Vaidic + hymns. Then having purified himself and restrained his senses, that son of + Dharma, the intelligent Yudhishthira of exceeding energy, accompanied by + his brothers, approached those sages. And all the great sages endued with + supernatural knowledge, knowing Yudhishthira arrived, received him + joyfully. And those sages engaged in the recitation of the Vedas, and like + unto fire itself, after having conferred blessings on Yudhishthira, + cheerfully accorded him fitting reception. And they gave him clean water + and flowers and roots. And Yudhishthira the just received with regard the + things gladly offered for his reception by the great sages. And then, O + sinless one, Pandu’s son together with Krishna and his brothers, and + thousands of Brahmanas versed in the Vedas and the Vendangas, entered into + that holy hermitage, like unto the abode of Sukra and pleasing the mind + with heavenly odours and resembling heaven itself and attended with + beauty. There the pious (Yudhishthira) beheld the hermitage of Nara and + Narayana, beautified by the Bhagirathi and worshipped by the gods and the + celestial sages. And seeing that hermitage inhabited by the Brahmarshis + and containing fruits dropping honey, the Pandavas were filled with + delight. And having reached that place, the high-souled ones began to + dwell with the Brahmanas. There beholding the holy lake Vinda, and the + mountain Mainaka, of golden summits and inhabited by various species of + birds, the magnanimous ones lived happily with joy. The son of Pandu + together with Krishna took pleasure in ranging excellent and captivating + woods, shining with flowers of every season; beauteous on all sides with + trees bearing blown blossoms; and bending down with the weight of fruits + and attended by the numerous male kokilas and of glossy foliage; and thick + and having cool shade and lovely to behold. They took delight in beholding + diverse beautiful lakes of limpid water and shining all round with lotuses + and lilies. And there, O lord, the balmy breeze bearing pure fragrance, + blew gladdening all the Pandavas, together with Krishna. And hard by the + gigantic jujube, the mighty son of Kunti saw the Bhagirathi of easy + descent and cool and furnished with fresh lotuses and having stairs made + of rubies and corals and graced with trees and scattered over with + celestial flowers, and gladsome to the mind. And at that spot, frequented + by celestials and sages, and extremely inaccessible, they, after having + purified themselves offered oblations unto the pitris and the gods and the + rishis in the sacred waters of the Bhagirathi. Thus those bulls among men + the heroic perpetuators of the Kuru race, began to reside there with the + Brahmanas offering oblations and practising meditation. And those tigers + among men, the Pandavas of the god-like appearance, felt delight in + witnessing the various amusements of Draupadi.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0467"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “There observing cleanliness, those tigers among men + dwelt for six nights, in expectation of beholding Dhananjaya. And it came + to pass that all of a sudden there blew a wind from the north-east and + brought a celestial lotus of a thousand petals and effulgent as the sun. + And Panchali saw that pure and charming lotus of unearthly fragrance, + brought by the wind and left on the ground. And having obtained that + excellent and beautiful lotus, that blessed one became exceedingly + delighted, O king, and addressed Bhimasena in the following words, + ‘Behold, O Bhima, this most beautiful unearthly flower having within it + the very source of fragrance. It gladdenth my heart, O represser of foes. + This one shall be presented to Yudhishthira the just. Do thou, therefore, + procure others for my satisfaction—in order that I may carry them to + our hermitage in the Kamyaka. If, O Pritha’s son, I have found grace with + thee, do thou then procure others of this species in large numbers. I wish + to carry them to our hermitage.’ Having said this, the blameless lady of + beautiful glances approached Yudhishthira the just, taking the flower. And + knowing the desire of his beloved queen that bull among men, Bhima of + great strength, also set out, in order to gratify her. And intent upon + fetching the flowers, he began to proceed at rapid space, facing the wind, + in the direction from which the flower had come. And taking the bow inlaid + with gold on the back as also arrows like unto venomous snakes, he + proceeded as a lion in anger or an elephant in rut. And all beings gazed + at him, holding a mighty bow and arrows. And neither exhaustion, nor + langour, neither fear nor confusion, ever possessed the son of Pritha and + the offspring of Vayu (wind). And desirous of pleasing Draupadi the mighty + one, free from fear or confusion, ascended the peak depending on the + strength of his arms. And that slayer of foes began to range that + beautiful peak covered with trees, creepers and of black rocky base; and + frequented by Kinnaras; and variegated with minerals, plants, beasts, and + birds of various hues; and appearing like an upraised arm of the Earth + adorned with an entire set of ornaments. And that one of matchless prowess + proceeded, fixing his look at the slopes of the Gandhamadana,—beautiful + with flowers of every season—and revolving various thoughts in his + mind and with his ears, eyes and mind rivetted to the spots resounding + with the notes of male kokilas and ringing with the hum of black bees. And + like an elephant in rut ranging mad in a forest that one of mighty prowess + smelt the rare odour proceeding from the flowers of every season. And he + was fanned by the fresh breeze of the Gandhamadana bearing the perfumes of + various blossoms and cooling like unto a father’s touch. On his fatigue + being removed the down on his body stood on end. And in this state that + represser of foes for the flowers began to survey all the mountain, + inhabited by Yakshas and Gandharvas and celestials and Brahmarshis. And + brushed by the leaves of Saptachchada tree, besmeared with fresh red, + black and white minerals, he looked as if decorated with lines of holy + unguents drawn by fingers. And with clouds stretching at its sides, the + mountain seemed dancing with outspread wings. And on account of the + trickling waters of springs, it appeared to be decked with necklaces of + pearls. And it contained romantic caverns and groves and cascades and + caves. And there were excellent peacocks dancing to the jingling of the + bangles of the Apsaras. And its rocky surface was worn away by the end of + tusks of the elephants presiding over the cardinal points. And with the + waters of rivers falling down, the mountain looked as if its clothes were + getting loosened. And that graceful son of the wind-god playfully and + cheerfully went on, pushing away by his force countless intertwisted + creepers. And stags in curiosity gazed at him, with grass in their mouths. + And not having experienced fear (ever before), they were unalarmed, and + did not flee away. And being engaged in fulfilling the desire of his love, + the youthful son of Pandu, stalwart and of splendour like unto the hue of + gold; and having a body strong as a lion; and treading like a mad + elephant; and possessing the force of a mad elephant; and having coppery + eyes like unto those of a mad elephant; and capable of checking a mad + elephant began to range the romantic sides of the Gandhamadana with his + beautiful eyes uplifted; and displaying as it were a novel type of beauty. + And the wives of Yakshas and Gandharvas sitting invisible by the side of + their husbands, stared at him, turning their faces with various motions. + Intent upon gratifying Draupadi exiled unto the woods, as he was ranging + the beautiful Gandhamadana, he remembered the many and various woes caused + by Duryodhana. And he thought, ‘Now that Arjuna sojourn in heaven and that + I too have come away to procure the flowers, what will our brother + Yudhishthira do at present? Surely, from affection and doubting their + prowess, that foremost of men, Yudhishthira, will not let Nakula and + Sahadeva come in search of us. How, again, can I obtain the flowers soon?’ + Thinking thus, that tiger among men proceeded in amain like unto the king + of birds, his mind and sight fixed on the delightful side of the mountain. + And having for his provisions on the journey the words of Draupadi, the + mighty son of Pandu, Vrikodara Bhima, endued with strength and the + swiftness of the wind, with his mind and sight fixed on the blooming + slopes of the mountain, proceeded speedily, making the earth tremble with + his tread, even as doth a hurricane at the equinox; and frightening herds + of elephants and grinding lions and tigers and deer and uprooting and + smashing large trees and tearing away by force plants and creepers, like + unto an elephant ascending higher and higher the summit of a mountain; and + roaring fiercely even as a cloud attended with thunder. And awakened by + that mighty roaring of Bhima, tigers came out of their dens, while other + rangers of the forest hid themselves. And the coursers of the skies sprang + up (on their wing) in fright. And herds of deer hurriedly ran away. And + birds left the trees (and fled). And lions forsook their dens. And the + mighty lions were roused from their slumber. And the buffaloes stared. And + the elephants in fright, leaving that wood, ran to more extensive forests + company with their mates. And the boars and the deer and the lions and the + buffaloes and the tigers and the jackals and the gavayas of the wood began + to cry in herds. 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 plantain 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. + </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 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 as 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 very 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0468"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—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 wind-god, + 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 wind-god (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.” + </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 + 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 wind-god + 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 Hrisyamukh. 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0469"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0470"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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<a + href="#linknote-41" name="linknoteref-41" id="linknoteref-41"><small>41</small></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,—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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0471"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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—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.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0472"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—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.’ + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0473"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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> + <a name="link2H_4_0474"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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).” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0475"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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 manoeuveres 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 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0476"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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,—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 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,’ Hidimava’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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0477"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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).” + </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 Arshtisena, 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 the + Brahmanas.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0478"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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. + </p> + <p> + “And once on a day while that represser of foes, Bhimasena, was out a + 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 never 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.’ + </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—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. To day 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0479"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 + Vrishaparva 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. + </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—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 jujbes 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 lotuscups. 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 + 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 rabit, 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0480"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 (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.’ + </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 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0481"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 to 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.’ + </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 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, 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0482"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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> + 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 + Krodhovasa 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 depress 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 a race, I am pleased with him; nay,—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 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0483"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXI + </h2> + <p> + “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 Arshtisena, 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.’” + </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 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0484"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXII + </h2> + <p> + 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 Kashtha, that + lord, the Sun, dealeth life and motion to all created things.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0485"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0486"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “And it came to pass that once a 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. + </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 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “After having briefly narrated unto them his sojourn in heaven, Kiriti of + spotless deeds agreeably slept that night with the two sons of Madri.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0487"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0488"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVI + </h2> + <p> + 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 you, + 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.” + </p> + <p> + “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 this 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 Sthunakarna, 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 woman. 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 cable 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0489"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVII + </h2> + <p> + “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 Bhrahmana + 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.’ + </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 prime 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. + </p> + <p> + “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.’ + </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—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 Nivatha-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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0490"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “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 star in the + night covered by light clouds. And thousands upon thousands of gem 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, eftsoons 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0491"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIX + </h2> + <p> + “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 vollies 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0492"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 foremost of the 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 Great-father 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0493"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXI + </h2> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + ‘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.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna continued, ‘After having destroyed the Danavas, and also subdued + that city, with Matali I again went to that abode of the celestials.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0494"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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 chamaras, 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, eftsoons 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0495"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’ + </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 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.’” + </p> + <p> + “Thereat Arjuna said, ‘Tomorrow in the morning thou wilt see all the + celestial weapons with which I slew the fierce Nivata-Kavachas.’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Thus having related (the facts touching) the arrival, + Dhananjaya passed that night there, together with all his brothers.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0496"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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.’” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0497"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXV + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “When that prime 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—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. + </p> + <p> + “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.’” + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0498"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 being 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0499"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.” + </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 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 whoopos, 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 equalled 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 often 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0500"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’ + </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-aimed 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 Maharhis. 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. + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0501"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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!’ + </p> + <p> + 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.’ + </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 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?’ + </p> + <p> + “The serpent said, ‘O Yudhishthira, truth, charity, forgiveness, + benevolence, benignity, kindness and the Veda<a href="#linknote-42" + name="linknoteref-42" id="linknoteref-42"><small>42</small></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 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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?” + </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 + 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!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0502"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXX + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘In this world, you are so learned in the Vedas and + Vedangas; 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, 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 href="#linknote-43" + name="linknoteref-43" id="linknoteref-43"><small>43</small></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 href="#linknote-44" + name="linknoteref-44" id="linknoteref-44"><small>44</small></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 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.’ + </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, &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> + “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, + revelling 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 of 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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0503"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Markandeya-Samasya Parva) + </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;—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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0504"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXII + </h2> + <p> + 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!” + </p> + <p> + 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 Brahamanas 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,— + </p> + <p> + “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!” + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Pandu’s son, the king of the Kuru tribe, having + observed that the great saint as 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?” + </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 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!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0505"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + 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 louts-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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0506"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “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.’ + </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 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, is 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 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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 reduced 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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0507"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXV + </h2> + <p> + “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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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.’ + </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 Vedas. I shall + now learn from thee the time-honoured rules for perpetually keeping up the + sacred fire.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0508"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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. + </p> + <p> + And there was water everywhere 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.’ + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0509"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “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!” + </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 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. An 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 + 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! + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0510"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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, I 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!’ + </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 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!’ + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0511"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, once more asked the + great Muni Markandeya about the future course of the government of the + Earth. + </p> + <p> + “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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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<a href="#linknote-45" name="linknoteref-45" + id="linknoteref-45"><small>45</small></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 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.<a href="#linknote-46" name="linknoteref-46" + id="linknoteref-46"><small>46</small></a> 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. + </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 Pushya<a href="#linknote-47" name="linknoteref-47" + id="linknoteref-47"><small>47</small></a>, 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0512"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXL + </h2> + <p> + “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, + </p> + <p> + “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 Purana (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.” + </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 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?’ + </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 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.’ + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0513"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLI + </h2> + <p> + 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.” + </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 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<a href="#linknote-48" + name="linknoteref-48" id="linknoteref-48"><small>48</small></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 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. + </p> + <p> + “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 + assess 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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!’ + </p> + <p> + “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!’ + </p> + <p> + “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!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0514"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “The Rishis, the Brahmanas, and Yudhishthira then asked + Markandeya, saying, ‘How did the Rishi 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 Dalvya 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 lo 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 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!’ + </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,—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.)’ + </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,—joys that are + adored by gods and Rishis!’ + </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 + href="#linknote-49" name="linknoteref-49" id="linknoteref-49"><small>49</small></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 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!’” + </p> + <p> + “Speaking of these and various other things with Vaka, the chief of the + gods went away to heaven.’”<a href="#linknote-50" name="linknoteref-50" + id="linknoteref-50"><small>50</small></a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0515"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0516"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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> + <a name="link2H_4_0517"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLV + </h2> + <p> + 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0518"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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,—‘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!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0519"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.<a href="#linknote-51" name="linknoteref-51" + id="linknoteref-51"><small>51</small></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, ‘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.’ + </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 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!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0520"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXLVIII + </h2> + <p> + 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 longerlived 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.’ + </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 + 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0521"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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?’ + </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 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,<a href="#linknote-52" + name="linknoteref-52" id="linknoteref-52"><small>52</small></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> + “Markandeya said, ‘By Japa,<a href="#linknote-53" name="linknoteref-53" + id="linknoteref-53"><small>53</small></a> and Mantras,<a + href="#linknote-54" name="linknoteref-54" id="linknoteref-54"><small>54</small></a> + and Homa<a href="#linknote-55" name="linknoteref-55" id="linknoteref-55"><small>55</small></a> + and the study of the Vedas, the Brahmanas construct a Vedic boat<a + href="#linknote-56" name="linknoteref-56" id="linknoteref-56"><small>56</small></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 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.’” + </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 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!’ + </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 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?’ + </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 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.’ + </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 Sandhya in the morning + and the evening, and who recites meditatively the sacred goddess Gayatri + 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, + or 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.’” + </p> + <p> + 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.” + </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 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!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0522"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, the great Muni + 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 + 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 the 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 pail 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0523"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCI + </h2> + <p> + 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 + Kakutshta 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.” + </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 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0524"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 unequalled 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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!’ + </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 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!’ + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0525"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 and 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 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. + </p> + <p> + “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. + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0526"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O thou foremost of the Bharata race, king Yudhisthira + 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 there by 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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0527"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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!’ + </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, ‘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. + </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, ‘Stay’ 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 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!’ + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0528"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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. + </p> + <p> + 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!’ + </p> + <p> + “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!’ + </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—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,—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 acquire 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0529"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0530"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 man 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, the 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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, shuneth 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0531"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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, &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?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0532"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—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 per on 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0533"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0534"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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):—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 + purusha (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?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0535"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0536"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXIV + </h2> + <p> + “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.’ + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0537"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXV + </h2> + <p> + “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.’ + </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. Man 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 href="#linknote-57" name="linknoteref-57" id="linknoteref-57"><small>57</small></a> + for it is like a virulent poison. It kills persons of undeveloped + intelligence, just as 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 href="#linknote-58" name="linknoteref-58" + id="linknoteref-58"><small>58</small></a> 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<a href="#linknote-59" name="linknoteref-59" id="linknoteref-59"><small>59</small></a> + discourse.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0538"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXVI + </h2> + <p> + 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<a href="#linknote-60" name="linknoteref-60" + id="linknoteref-60"><small>60</small></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,—How the Kumara<a + href="#linknote-61" name="linknoteref-61" id="linknoteref-61"><small>61</small></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 muni, I am filled 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 href="#linknote-62" + name="linknoteref-62" id="linknoteref-62"><small>62</small></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 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<a href="#linknote-63" name="linknoteref-63" + id="linknoteref-63"><small>63</small></a> by their respective uses.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0539"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 href="#linknote-64" + name="linknoteref-64" id="linknoteref-64"><small>64</small></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 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.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0540"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Markandeya continued, ‘Vrishaspati 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 + Vrishaspati 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 equalled by none in heaven in personal beauty, and from this + fact he was surnamed by the gods as the Kama-fire.<a href="#linknote-65" + name="linknoteref-65" id="linknoteref-65"><small>65</small></a> (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.<a + href="#linknote-66" name="linknoteref-66" id="linknoteref-66"><small>66</small></a> + He is the originator of the great word<a href="#linknote-67" + name="linknoteref-67" id="linknoteref-67"><small>67</small></a> and is + therefore known as the Samaswasa or the means of rest (salvation).’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0541"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXIX + </h2> + <p> + “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<a + href="#linknote-68" name="linknoteref-68" id="linknoteref-68"><small>68</small></a>. + They are Subhima, Bhima, Atibhima, Bhimavala, Avala, Sumitra, Mitravana, + Mitasina, Mitravardhana and Mitradharaman,<a href="#linknote-69" + name="linknoteref-69" id="linknoteref-69"><small>69</small></a> 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0542"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 + Agnishomas, 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0543"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXI + </h2> + <p> + 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 beget + 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 refuse. 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. + </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, 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0544"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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?’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0545"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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<a + href="#linknote-70" name="linknoteref-70" id="linknoteref-70"><small>70</small></a> + (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.’ + </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 + href="#linknote-71" name="linknoteref-71" id="linknoteref-71"><small>71</small></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 Raudra<a href="#linknote-72" + name="linknoteref-72" id="linknoteref-72"><small>72</small></a> 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<a href="#linknote-73" name="linknoteref-73" id="linknoteref-73"><small>73</small></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 + 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0546"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’ + </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 Rishis, 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 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. + </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 + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0547"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’ + </p> + <p> + 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. + </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 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 then 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<a + href="#linknote-74" name="linknoteref-74" id="linknoteref-74"><small>74</small></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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0548"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “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 ‘Agnis’ son and praised by + Tridasas<a href="#linknote-75" name="linknoteref-75" id="linknoteref-75"><small>75</small></a> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0549"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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,—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.‘<a + href="#linknote-76" name="linknoteref-76" id="linknoteref-76"><small>76</small></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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0550"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’ + </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 Maharshis, he looked grand at the moment. The golden + umbrella<a href="#linknote-77" name="linknoteref-77" id="linknoteref-77"><small>77</small></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 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. + </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,—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. + </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 href="#linknote-78" name="linknoteref-78" id="linknoteref-78"><small>78</small></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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0551"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “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,<a href="#linknote-79" + name="linknoteref-79" id="linknoteref-79"><small>79</small></a> 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.’ + </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 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.’ + </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, &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.’” + </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.’” 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 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. + </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 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 Paisacha + 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0552"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXX + </h2> + <p> + 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.” + </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 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.” + </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 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, Jana + 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.” + </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 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,<a + href="#linknote-80" name="linknoteref-80" id="linknoteref-80"><small>80</small></a> + and surrounded by numerous aquatic animals, marched slowly with the + trident. And the trident Vijaya was followed by the Pattisa<a + href="#linknote-81" name="linknoteref-81" id="linknoteref-81"><small>81</small></a> + 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. + </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 catastrophe, 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </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 + 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.” + </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 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!’ + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0553"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Draupadi-Satyabhama Samvada) + </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—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.” + </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—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 Brahamanas 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.<a href="#linknote-82" name="linknoteref-82" id="linknoteref-82"><small>82</small></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 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 Yudhisthira 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0554"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0555"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0556"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Ghosha-yatra Parva) + </h3> + <p> + 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?” + </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 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 Yudhisthira 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!” + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of the monarch, the son of Suvala, going unto + Duryodhana, who was then sitting with Kama, told them everything in + private. And Duryodhana, though possessed of little sense, was filled with + grief at what he heard.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0557"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXXXV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing those words of Dhritarashtra, Sakuni, when the + opportunity presented itself, aided by Kama, 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 tributory 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)!” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having thus spoken unto the king, Karna and + Sakuni both remained silent, O Janamejaya, after their discourse was + over.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0558"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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. + </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 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!’ + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0559"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0560"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 Kama 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 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 Kruru + 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0561"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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. + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0562"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXL + </h2> + <p> + 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!’ + </p> + <p> + “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!” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0563"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 flagstaff’s 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 Kashatriya (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!” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0564"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0565"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0566"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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,—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 + 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!” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0567"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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— 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.” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Karna, king Duryodhana replied + unto the ruler of the Angas in a voice choked with tears.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0568"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0569"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 enchanced 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!” + </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 the + 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0570"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCXLVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Kama 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0571"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 Kama 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!’” + </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 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. + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0572"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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 Kama 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.<a href="#linknote-83" name="linknoteref-83" + id="linknoteref-83"><small>83</small></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 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. + </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 Kauraveya, 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 prime among monarchs, in a short time, those + perpetuators of the Kuru race entered their own city.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0573"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—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.” + </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 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 tie + 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.’ + </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,—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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0574"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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,—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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0575"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’ + </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 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.’ + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0576"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 prime 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.’ + </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. + ‘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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0577"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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<a + href="#linknote-84" name="linknoteref-84" id="linknoteref-84"><small>84</small></a> + 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. + </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) + 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. + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0578"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0579"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—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. + </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 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.’ + </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 Mudgala, for having given away only a drona<a + href="#linknote-85" name="linknoteref-85" id="linknoteref-85"><small>85</small></a> + of corn.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0580"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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> + “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.<a + href="#linknote-86" name="linknoteref-86" id="linknoteref-86"><small>86</small></a> + 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 a way, 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 Muni Durvasa, having space alone for his covering,<a + href="#linknote-87" name="linknoteref-87" id="linknoteref-87"><small>87</small></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 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 the 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 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!’ + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0581"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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. + </p> + <p> + “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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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!’” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0582"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.” + </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 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.’ + </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 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.’” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0583"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCLXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Draupadi-harana Parva) + </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 mothers 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!<a href="#linknote-88" + name="linknoteref-88" id="linknoteref-88"><small>88</small></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 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 Germ 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, thou 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)!” + </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 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 facts?’ 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!’” + </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> + <a name="link2H_4_0584"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0585"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCLXIII + </h2> + <p> + 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0586"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 blanch 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 Kahandavaprastha. 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0587"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0588"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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!’ + </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 href="#linknote-89" + name="linknoteref-89" id="linknoteref-89"><small>89</small></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 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.’” + </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 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0589"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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.’ + </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!’—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> + <a name="link2H_4_0590"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 slighest + 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.’” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0591"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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, 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?’ + </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 internal 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 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 Falguna, 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0592"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 Falguna 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 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!” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0593"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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 + Munis. And among those foremost of ascetics who were expressing their + grief upon bearing 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0594"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 me 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 + scourge 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 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0595"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—those foremost of Rakshasas named Kumvakarna and + the Ten-headed Ravana,—both unequalled 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!’ + </p> + <p> + “Markandeya said, ‘Thus addressed, the Ten-headed (Ravana) was highly + gratified, for on account of his perverted understanding, the man-eating + one slightened 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!’ + </p> + <p> + “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!’ + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0596"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCLXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “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!’ + </p> + <p> + “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!’ + </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 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 equalled 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0597"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—the + brothers Rama and Lakshmana—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 Brahmacharyya 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!’ + </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—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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0598"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCLXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “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!’ + </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 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<a + href="#linknote-90" name="linknoteref-90" id="linknoteref-90"><small>90</small></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 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!— + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0599"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0600"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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. + </p> + <p> + “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 (hibernating) 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0601"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 Rakshasa women, + Ravana, afflicted by the shafts of the god of desire, came to her and + approached her presence. And inflamed by desire, that conquerer 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0602"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 off the monkeys, who understand 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 lukewarm 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!’ + </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 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 briny 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.<a + href="#linknote-91" name="linknoteref-91" id="linknoteref-91"><small>91</small></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 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.<a href="#linknote-92" + name="linknoteref-92" id="linknoteref-92"><small>92</small></a> 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 + heating 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!<a href="#linknote-93" + name="linknoteref-93" id="linknoteref-93"><small>93</small></a> 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!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0603"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 href="#linknote-94" + name="linknoteref-94" id="linknoteref-94"><small>94</small></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 Tilaka mark.<a + href="#linknote-95" name="linknoteref-95" id="linknoteref-95"><small>95</small></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, 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 Sala and Tala 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 briny + 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<a href="#linknote-96" + name="linknoteref-96" id="linknoteref-96"><small>96</small></a> 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<a + href="#linknote-97" name="linknoteref-97" id="linknoteref-97"><small>97</small></a> + 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. + </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 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0604"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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<a + href="#linknote-98" name="linknoteref-98" id="linknoteref-98"><small>98</small></a> + and stout maces steeped in wax.<a href="#linknote-99" name="linknoteref-99" + id="linknoteref-99"><small>99</small></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 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!<a href="#linknote-100" name="linknoteref-100" + id="linknoteref-100"><small>100</small></a> 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. + </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 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. + </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 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0605"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCLXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0606"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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, is 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 awake, 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0607"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 + 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 weapon, 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 Hanumana, 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0608"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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—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 Sal 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0609"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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, Prajna.<a + href="#linknote-101" name="linknoteref-101" id="linknoteref-101"><small>101</small></a> + Then Sugriva soon extracted the arrows from their bodies. And by means of + that most efficacious medicine called the Visalya<a href="#linknote-102" + name="linknoteref-102" id="linknoteref-102"><small>102</small></a>, + 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!<a href="#linknote-103" + name="linknoteref-103" id="linknoteref-103"><small>103</small></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!’—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! + </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 ear-rings. 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0610"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 Rakshasas with various kinds of weapons in their + hands, Ravana rushed towards Rama, fighting with numerous monkey-chief. + And beholding him rushing in wrath towards the monkey army, Mainda and + Nila and Nala and Angada, and Hanuman and Jamvuman, 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 every 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, + belonging 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 Rakshasa hurled at Rama a terrible javelin + looking like Indra’s thunderbolt and resembling a Brahmana’s curse on the + point of utterance.<a href="#linknote-104" name="linknoteref-104" + id="linknoteref-104"><small>104</small></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 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 Brahmastra 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0611"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCLXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “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. + </p> + <p> + “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!’ + </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 Rakshasa + woman named Trijata. And when Brahma with all the celestials having India + 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!’ + </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 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<a href="#linknote-105" + name="linknoteref-105" id="linknoteref-105"><small>105</small></a> 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0612"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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!’ + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0613"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCLXLI + </h2> + <h3> + (Pativrata-mahatmya Parva) + </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 Savitri<a href="#linknote-106" + name="linknoteref-106" id="linknoteref-106"><small>106</small></a> 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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘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!’ + </p> + <p> + “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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0614"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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,—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 one; + 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!’ + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0615"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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!’ + </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> + <a name="link2H_4_0616"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 Triratra vow. And hearing of her vow, the + king became exceedingly sorrow 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. + </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 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0617"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 + 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 + Salyavana’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 of. 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 Vaivaswata + 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.’” + </p> + <p> + “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!’” + </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 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!’ + </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 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0618"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 Dhauma 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—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.’ + </p> + <p> + “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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0619"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 lather 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.” + </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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0620"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCLXLVIII + </h2> + <p> + 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?” + </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 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 + Kama, 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.” + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words, Kama 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!’ Kama 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0621"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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, after 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> + <a name="link2H_4_0622"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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. 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!’ + </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,—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!’” + </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> + <a name="link2H_4_0623"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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 giver 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 stirest up the + anger of this best of the twice-born ones, my entire race will be consumed + by him!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0624"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0625"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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,’—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!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, that faultless maiden could-not, + O king, from fear of a curse, refuse tor 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0626"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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!’” + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thereupon the princess beheld the celestials + standing in the firmament, each in his proper sphere<a href="#linknote-107" + name="linknoteref-107" id="linknoteref-107"><small>107</small></a>, 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.’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0627"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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!—‘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 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!’” + </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 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.’” + </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 + 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0628"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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!’” + </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 palate, 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0629"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCCVII + </h2> + <p> + 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 Falguna. 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!’” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0630"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCCVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “And when the king of the celestials presented himself + in the guise of a Brahmana, beholding him, Kama 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, Kama, + 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 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!’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “When the illustrious slayer of Paka refused to + ask for any other boon, Kama 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!’” + </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 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 him self. 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!’” + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “When 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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0631"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCCIX + </h2> + <h3> + (Aranya Parva) + </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 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?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0632"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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!’” + </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 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 tor 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!’” + </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 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.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0633"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <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 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<a href="#linknote-108" name="linknoteref-108" + id="linknoteref-108"><small>108</small></a> 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!’ + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, ‘Hearing these accursed words couched in harsh + syllabus,<a href="#linknote-109" name="linknoteref-109" + id="linknoteref-109"><small>109</small></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, ‘Brahma maketh the Sun rise: the gods keep him + company: Dharma causeth him to set: and he is established in truth.‘<a + href="#linknote-110" name="linknoteref-110" id="linknoteref-110"><small>110</small></a> + 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.‘<a + href="#linknote-111" name="linknoteref-111" id="linknoteref-111"><small>111</small></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 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.‘<a + href="#linknote-112" name="linknoteref-112" id="linknoteref-112"><small>112</small></a> + 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.<a href="#linknote-113" + name="linknoteref-113" id="linknoteref-113"><small>113</small></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, 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.‘<a href="#linknote-114" name="linknoteref-114" + id="linknoteref-114"><small>114</small></a> 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 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.<a href="#linknote-115" name="linknoteref-115" + id="linknoteref-115"><small>115</small></a> Space hath been spoken of as + water.<a href="#linknote-116" name="linknoteref-116" id="linknoteref-116"><small>116</small></a> + The cow is food.<a href="#linknote-117" name="linknoteref-117" + id="linknoteref-117"><small>117</small></a> A request is poison. And a + Brahmana is regarded as the proper time of a Sraddha.<a + href="#linknote-118" name="linknoteref-118" id="linknoteref-118"><small>118</small></a> + 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!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0634"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCCXII + </h2> + <p> + 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;<a href="#linknote-119" + name="linknoteref-119" id="linknoteref-119"><small>119</small></a> and by + good luck also thou hast conquered the six.<a href="#linknote-120" + name="linknoteref-120" id="linknoteref-120"><small>120</small></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,—‘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!” + </p> + <p> + 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.’ + </p> + <p> + 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!” + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0635"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCCXIII + </h2> + <p> + 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 Kama, 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 toes, 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. + </p> + <p> + The End of Vana Parva + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_FOOT"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FOOTNOTES + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1" id="linknote-1"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ This seems to be the + obvious. There is a different reading however. For Drie—cyate-seen, + some texts have Sasyate—applauded. Nilakantha imagines that the + meaning is “As distribution (of food) amongst the various classes of + beings like the gods, the Pitris, &c., is applauded &c., &c”.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-2" id="linknote-2"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-2">return</a>)<br /> [ A form of sacrifice which + consists in pouring oblations of clarified butter with prayers into a + blazing fire. It is obligatory on Brahmanas and Kshatriyas, except those + that accept certain vows of great austerity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-3" id="linknote-3"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-3">return</a>)<br /> [ The Viswedeva sacrifice is + the offer of food to all creatures of the earth (by scattering a + portion).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-4" id="linknote-4"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-4">return</a>)<br /> [ A gift. It may be of + various kinds. The fees paid to Brahmanas assisting at sacrifices and + religious rites, such as offering oblations to the dead, are Dakshinas, as + also gifts to Brahmanas on other occasions particularly when they are fed, + it bring to this day the custom never to feed a Brahmana without paying + him a pecuniary fee. There can be no sacrifice, no religious rite, without + Dakshina.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-5" id="linknote-5"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-5">return</a>)<br /> [ Reference to self, i.e. + without the motive of bettering one’s own self, or without any motive at + all. (This contains the germ of the doctrine preached more elaborately in + the Bhagavad gita).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6" id="linknote-6"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-6">return</a>)<br /> [ This Yoga consists, in + their case, of a combination of attributes by negation of the contrary + ones, i.e. by renunciation of motives in all they do.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7" id="linknote-7"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-7">return</a>)<br /> [ A form of Yoga that is said + to consist in the mingling of some of the air supposed to exist in every + animal body. These airs are five: Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, and Vyana.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-8" id="linknote-8"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-8">return</a>)<br /> [ The 8 Vasus, the 11 Rudras, + the 12 Adityas, Prajapati, and Vashatkara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-9" id="linknote-9"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#linknoteref-9">return</a>)<br /> [ An order of celestials.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-10" id="linknote-10"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#linknoteref-10">return</a>)<br /> [ Celestial flowers of much + fragrance.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-11" id="linknote-11"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#linknoteref-11">return</a>)<br /> [ The ascetic properties + are Anima, Laghima, etc.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-12" id="linknote-12"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#linknoteref-12">return</a>)<br /> [ The bow of Vishnu, as + that of Siva is called Pinaka.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-13" id="linknote-13"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#linknoteref-13">return</a>)<br /> [ The words of the text are + Adhana, Pashubandha, Ishti Mantra, Yajana and Tapa-kriya.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-14" id="linknote-14"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#linknoteref-14">return</a>)<br /> [ Dhritarashtra being blind + is described as Pragnachakshu, i.e. having knowledge for his eye. It may + also mean. “Of the prophetic eye.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-15" id="linknote-15"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#linknoteref-15">return</a>)<br /> [ The great preceptor of + the Asuras, viz., Sukra, possessing the highest intelligence as evidenced + by his various works on all manner of subjects particularly, the + Sukra-niti.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-16" id="linknote-16"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#linknoteref-16">return</a>)<br /> [ Also called Vadarika, a + hermitage on the Himalaya near the sources of the Ganges.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-17" id="linknote-17"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#linknoteref-17">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha explains + kshetra as including Mahabhuta, consciousness, intellect, the unmanifest + (primordial elements), the ten senses, the five objects of the senses, + viz., earth, water, &c., desire, aversion, pleasure, pain, the + combinations of elements, and chaitanya.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-18" id="linknote-18"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#linknoteref-18">return</a>)<br /> [ Hari here means the + developed seed that is to expand into the vast whole of the universe.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-19" id="linknote-19"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#linknoteref-19">return</a>)<br /> [ This wheel is the wheel + of Time—i.e., measured according to the solar, lunar and astral + revolutions. The importance of Ashtavakra’s reply is this: May the + meritorious deeds performed at proper times, during the revolution of this + wheel of Time protect thee.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-20" id="linknote-20"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#linknoteref-20">return</a>)<br /> [ Thunder and lightning or + misery and death.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-21" id="linknote-21"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#linknoteref-21">return</a>)<br /> [ Cloud or the mind.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-22" id="linknote-22"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#linknoteref-22">return</a>)<br /> [ The male being that is + ever conscious.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-23" id="linknote-23"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#linknoteref-23">return</a>)<br /> [ The mundane egg.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-24" id="linknote-24"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#linknoteref-24">return</a>)<br /> [ The soul that has + renounced connection with the body.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-25" id="linknote-25"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#linknoteref-25">return</a>)<br /> [ The heart of a Yogi.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-26" id="linknote-26"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#linknoteref-26">return</a>)<br /> [ Ashtavakra comes to + Janaka’s sacrifice with the object of proving the unity of the Supreme + Being. Vandin avails himself of various system of Philosophy to combat his + opponent. He begins with the Buddhistic system. The form of the dialogue + is unique in literature being that of enigmas and the latent meaning is in + a queer way hid under the appearance of puerile and heterogeneous + combinations of things. Vandin opens the controversy by saying that as the + number of each of these is one, so one only intellect is the lord, leader + and guide of the senses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-27" id="linknote-27"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#linknoteref-27">return</a>)<br /> [ There is a Vedic + revelation that two birds live together on a tree as friends—one of + these eats the fruits and the other looks at the former. From this it is + manifest that two are the lords, leaders, and guides of the senses. That + there is a second faculty besides the intellect is also proved by the fact + that in sleep when the intellect is inactive that faculty continues in + action, for if it were not so we could not remember having slept, nor + connect the state after awaking with that preceding sleep. Accordingly by + citing the number two Ashtavakra assets that besides intellect there is + another faculty—consciousness that these two are jointly the lords, + leaders and guides of the senses and that they act together as Indra and + Agni, etc.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-28" id="linknote-28"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#linknoteref-28">return</a>)<br /> [ By citing the number + three Vandin means to say that as it is Acts that produce the three kinds + of born beings, etc., so Acts are supreme and that everything else be it + intellect alone, or intellect and consciousness together is subservient to + Acts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-29" id="linknote-29"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#linknoteref-29">return</a>)<br /> [ Ashtavakra here advances + the thesis that even if Acts be supreme still when the (fourth) or Supreme + Being becomes manifest to the soul, it stands in no further needs to + Acts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-30" id="linknote-30"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#linknoteref-30">return</a>)<br /> [ By bringing in the + quinquennial series, Vandin wishes to assert that the five senses are + competent to cognise their respective objects and that besides these + senses and their objects there is neither any other sense to perceive nor + any other object of perception. He also cites the authority of the Veda + according to which the Apsaras (or consciousness) have five “locks” on + their hands—i.e., five objects of perception.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-31" id="linknote-31"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#linknoteref-31">return</a>)<br /> [ Besides the five senses + Ashtavakra contends for an additional sense namely the Mind and + accordingly cites the number six.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-32" id="linknote-32"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#linknoteref-32">return</a>)<br /> [ Vandin admits the + existence of the six senses but says that the soul experiences happiness + and misery through those as well as through the intellect.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-33" id="linknote-33"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#linknoteref-33">return</a>)<br /> [ Ashtavakra advances an + eighth element, namely, the knowledge of the ego.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-34" id="linknote-34"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#linknoteref-34">return</a>)<br /> [ Each of the three + qualities (existence, foulness and ignorance) of prakriti (the passive or + material cause of the world) mixing with each of the three corresponding + qualities of pradhana (the active or spiritual cause of the world) in + various proportions produces the mundane order of things. Thus is proved + the eternity of prakriti or nature and is also established the doctrine of + duality.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-35" id="linknote-35"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#linknoteref-35">return</a>)<br /> [ Prakriti does not really + create. It is the Supreme Being who through the medium of illusion in + contract with the ten organs (viz., the five locomotive organs and the + five organs of sense) makes manifest the system of things. Prakriti + therefore has no real existence—her existence is only apparent in + the real existence of the soul.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-36" id="linknote-36"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#linknoteref-36">return</a>)<br /> [ Yupas (stakes) mean here, + feelings, etc, which keep men bound to the world. Rudras are those who + makes others cry. Vandin means to say that the soul is not essential free + from the fetters of happiness and misery arising from the eleven objects + of perception. In this world all men are subject to happiness and misery. + We also hear that there are Rudras in heaven.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-37" id="linknote-37"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#linknoteref-37">return</a>)<br /> [ The supreme soul + unaffected by happiness and misery really exists—but His existence + is not susceptible of being proved—nor can the ignorant ever + perceive Him. Men attain that condition through these twelve, viz., + virtue, true, self-restraint, penances, good-will, modesty, forgiveness, + exemption from envy, sacrifice, charity, concentration and control over + the senses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-38" id="linknote-38"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 38 (<a href="#linknoteref-38">return</a>)<br /> [ According to some, + endeavours to attain emancipation can be successful not in this world but + in the world of Brahma. Others say that to that end a special yoga is + necessary. By bringing forward the objects numbering thirteen. Vandin + advances the opinion that, virtue, etc., are not sufficient for purposes + of emancipation but that suitable time and place are also essential.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-39" id="linknote-39"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 39 (<a href="#linknoteref-39">return</a>)<br /> [ Ashtavakra concludes by + citing the same number thirteen. The soul which is essentially unaffected, + becomes subject to happiness and misery through, the thirteen, viz., the + ten organs of locomotion and sense, and intellect mind and egoism. But + Atichhanadas, i.e., those that have surmounted ignorance, namely, the + twelve, virtue, etc. destroy those thirteen and that is emancipation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-40" id="linknote-40"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 40 (<a href="#linknoteref-40">return</a>)<br /> [ Su means excellent, and + uta, sacrifice. The compound accordingly means,—performer of + excellent sacrifice.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-41" id="linknote-41"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 41 (<a href="#linknoteref-41">return</a>)<br /> [ Iti means these six + things, unfavourable to crops—excessive rain, drought, rats, + locusts, birds, and a neighbouring hostile king.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-42" id="linknote-42"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 42 (<a href="#linknoteref-42">return</a>)<br /> [ In as much as the rites + performed by the Sudras have their origin in the Vedas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-43" id="linknote-43"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 43 (<a href="#linknoteref-43">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-44" id="linknote-44"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 44 (<a href="#linknoteref-44">return</a>)<br /> [ This is the well-known + and popular doctrine of transmigration of souls.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-45" id="linknote-45"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 45 (<a href="#linknoteref-45">return</a>)<br /> [ The word in the text is + Kora-dushakas, supposed by Wilson to be the Paspalum frumentacea (vide + Dict.).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-46" id="linknote-46"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 46 (<a href="#linknoteref-46">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-47" id="linknote-47"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 47 (<a href="#linknoteref-47">return</a>)<br /> [ Pushya is the eighth + lunar asterism consisting of three stars, of which one is, the Cancer. + (Vide Wilson’s Diet.).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-48" id="linknote-48"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 48 (<a href="#linknoteref-48">return</a>)<br /> [ An Indian creeper of the + order of Goertnera racemosa. It bears large white flowers of much + fragrance.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-49" id="linknote-49"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 49 (<a href="#linknoteref-49">return</a>)<br /> [ They, therefore, that + lead deathless lives can enjoy this bliss from day to day for ever.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-50" id="linknote-50"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 50 (<a href="#linknoteref-50">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-51" id="linknote-51"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 51 (<a href="#linknoteref-51">return</a>)<br /> [ 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 Dict).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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-52" id="linknote-52"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 52 (<a href="#linknoteref-52">return</a>)<br /> [ A man is said to sell the + Vedas who lectures on the Vedas taking fees from the hearers.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-53" id="linknote-53"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 53 (<a href="#linknoteref-53">return</a>)<br /> [ Japa is the silent + recitation of particular Mantras.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-54" id="linknote-54"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 54 (<a href="#linknoteref-54">return</a>)<br /> [ Mantras are particular + formulae of worship. They are for the most part rhythmic compositions, + believed to be of great efficacy.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-55" id="linknote-55"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 55 (<a href="#linknoteref-55">return</a>)<br /> [ The Homa is that + sacrificial rite which consists of pouring libations of clarified butter + into fire.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-56" id="linknote-56"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 56 (<a href="#linknoteref-56">return</a>)<br /> [ Vedamayi nou. Lit, a boat + made of the Vedas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-57" id="linknote-57"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 57 (<a href="#linknoteref-57">return</a>)<br /> [ Vishada is the original. + It means discontent, but here it means more a mixture of discontent, + perplexity and confusion than mere discontent.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-58" id="linknote-58"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 58 (<a href="#linknoteref-58">return</a>)<br /> [ A form of Hindu etiquette + at parting.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-59" id="linknote-59"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 59 (<a href="#linknoteref-59">return</a>)<br /> [ It is so very difficult + to translate the word Karma,—religion and morals were invariably + associated with each other in ancient Hindu mind.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-60" id="linknote-60"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 60 (<a href="#linknoteref-60">return</a>)<br /> [ Agni or fire was supposed + to convey the oblations offered by men to the gods.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-61" id="linknote-61"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 61 (<a href="#linknoteref-61">return</a>)<br /> [ Kumara means a boy, hence + a prince. Here Kartika the war-god is meant.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-62" id="linknote-62"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 62 (<a href="#linknoteref-62">return</a>)<br /> [ By carrying their + oblations to the gods.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-63" id="linknote-63"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 63 (<a href="#linknoteref-63">return</a>)<br /> [ Portions of the Vedas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-64" id="linknote-64"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 64 (<a href="#linknoteref-64">return</a>)<br /> [ Raga means love.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-65" id="linknote-65"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 65 (<a href="#linknoteref-65">return</a>)<br /> [ Kama is the name of the + god of love, Indian Cupid.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-66" id="linknote-66"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 66 (<a href="#linknoteref-66">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-67" id="linknote-67"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 67 (<a href="#linknoteref-67">return</a>)<br /> [ The word of God.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-68" id="linknote-68"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 68 (<a href="#linknoteref-68">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-69" id="linknote-69"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 69 (<a href="#linknoteref-69">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-70" id="linknote-70"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 70 (<a href="#linknoteref-70">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-71" id="linknote-71"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 71 (<a href="#linknoteref-71">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-72" id="linknote-72"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 72 (<a href="#linknoteref-72">return</a>)<br /> [ Raudra—belonging to + Rudra, the god of fury, violence, war, &c.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-73" id="linknote-73"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 73 (<a href="#linknoteref-73">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-74" id="linknote-74"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 74 (<a href="#linknoteref-74">return</a>)<br /> [ Anger personified is a + deity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-75" id="linknote-75"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 75 (<a href="#linknoteref-75">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-76" id="linknote-76"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 76 (<a href="#linknoteref-76">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., good and evil + spirits.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-77" id="linknote-77"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 77 (<a href="#linknoteref-77">return</a>)<br /> [ One of the ensigns of + royalty in Hindustan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-78" id="linknote-78"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 78 (<a href="#linknoteref-78">return</a>)<br /> [ Brahma.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-79" id="linknote-79"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 79 (<a href="#linknoteref-79">return</a>)<br /> [ Devasenapati is the + original. It may mean either the pati (leader) of the sena (forces) of + devas or the pati (husband) of Devasena.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-80" id="linknote-80"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 80 (<a href="#linknoteref-80">return</a>)<br /> [ A kind of missile.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-81" id="linknote-81"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 81 (<a href="#linknoteref-81">return</a>)<br /> [ Another kind of weapon.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-82" id="linknote-82"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 82 (<a href="#linknoteref-82">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-83" id="linknote-83"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 83 (<a href="#linknoteref-83">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-84" id="linknote-84"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 84 (<a href="#linknoteref-84">return</a>)<br /> [ 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 Aryas and adopt those of the Asuras till the consummation + of the cherished desire.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-85" id="linknote-85"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 85 (<a href="#linknoteref-85">return</a>)<br /> [ A very small measure.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-86" id="linknote-86"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 86 (<a href="#linknoteref-86">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-87" id="linknote-87"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 87 (<a href="#linknoteref-87">return</a>)<br /> [ Naked.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-88" id="linknote-88"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 88 (<a href="#linknoteref-88">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-89" id="linknote-89"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 89 (<a href="#linknoteref-89">return</a>)<br /> [ The six acts of a king + are peace, war, marching, halting, sowing dissention, and seeking + protection.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-90" id="linknote-90"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 90 (<a href="#linknoteref-90">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-91" id="linknote-91"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 91 (<a href="#linknoteref-91">return</a>)<br /> [ Abode of Varuna in the + original.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-92" id="linknote-92"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 92 (<a href="#linknoteref-92">return</a>)<br /> [ Garuda.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-93" id="linknote-93"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 93 (<a href="#linknoteref-93">return</a>)<br /> [ Pavana, the God of the + wind.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-94" id="linknote-94"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 94 (<a href="#linknoteref-94">return</a>)<br /> [ There is a difference of + reading here. Some texts read fifty seven,] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-95" id="linknote-95"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 95 (<a href="#linknoteref-95">return</a>)<br /> [ A difference of reading + is observable here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-96" id="linknote-96"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 96 (<a href="#linknoteref-96">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-97" id="linknote-97"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 97 (<a href="#linknoteref-97">return</a>)<br /> [ Traditions represents the + sons of king Sagara of the Ikshwaku race as the excavator of the ocean. + Hence the ocean is called Sagara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-98" id="linknote-98"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 98 (<a href="#linknoteref-98">return</a>)<br /> [ Lit. an engine killing a + hundred. Perhaps, some kind of rude cannon.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-99" id="linknote-99"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 99 (<a href="#linknoteref-99">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-100" id="linknote-100"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 100 (<a href="#linknoteref-100">return</a>)<br /> [ Lit. be a Purusha + (male)! Manhood would not be appropriate in connection with a Rakshasa.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-101" id="linknote-101"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 101 (<a href="#linknoteref-101">return</a>)<br /> [ This weapon could + restore an insensible warrior to consciousness, as the Sam-mohana weapon + could deprive one of consciousness.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-102" id="linknote-102"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 102 (<a href="#linknoteref-102">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-103" id="linknote-103"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 103 (<a href="#linknoteref-103">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-104" id="linknote-104"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 104 (<a href="#linknoteref-104">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-105" id="linknote-105"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 105 (<a href="#linknoteref-105">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-106" id="linknote-106"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 106 (<a href="#linknoteref-106">return</a>)<br /> [ Also called Gayatri, + the wife of Brahma.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-107" id="linknote-107"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 107 (<a href="#linknoteref-107">return</a>)<br /> [ In the original., + Vimanam, i. e., a car.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-108" id="linknote-108"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 108 (<a href="#linknoteref-108">return</a>)<br /> [ Samhritya—killing.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-109" id="linknote-109"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 109 (<a href="#linknoteref-109">return</a>)<br /> [ Lit. Letters.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-110" id="linknote-110"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 110 (<a href="#linknoteref-110">return</a>)<br /> [ 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., + restitude, 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).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-111" id="linknote-111"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 111 (<a href="#linknoteref-111">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-112" id="linknote-112"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 112 (<a href="#linknoteref-112">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-113" id="linknote-113"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 113 (<a href="#linknoteref-113">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-114" id="linknote-114"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 114 (<a href="#linknoteref-114">return</a>)<br /> [ Yudhishthira has the + authority of the Srutis for saying that the one pervading element of the + universe is air.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-115" id="linknote-115"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 115 (<a href="#linknoteref-115">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-116" id="linknote-116"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 116 (<a href="#linknoteref-116">return</a>)<br /> [ Footnote 2: The Srutis + actually speak of space as water. These are questions to test + Yudhishthira’s knowledge of the Vedic cosmogony.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-117" id="linknote-117"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 117 (<a href="#linknoteref-117">return</a>)<br /> [ 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.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-118" id="linknote-118"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 118 (<a href="#linknoteref-118">return</a>)<br /> [ 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> + <a name="linknote-119" id="linknote-119"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 119 (<a href="#linknoteref-119">return</a>)<br /> [ That is, tranquillity + of mind, self-restraint, abstention from sensual pleasures, resignation, + and Yoga meditation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-120" id="linknote-120"> + <!-- Note --> </a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 120 (<a href="#linknoteref-120">return</a>)<br /> [ That is, hunger, + thirst, sorrow, bluntness of mortal feeling, decrepitude, and death] + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana +Vyasa, Volume 1 + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAHABHARATA VOL 1 *** + +***** This file should be named 15474-h.htm or 15474-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/4/7/15474/ + +Produced by John B. 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