Parva 2

2.1.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then Maya spoke to Pārtha in the presence of Vāsudeva, with joined palms, honouring him again and again with gentle words.

2.1.2 "By you I have been saved from this wrathful Kṛṣṇa and from Pāvaka who sought to burn me. O son of Kuntī, tell me — what shall I do for you?"

2.1.3 Arjuna said: "You have already done everything. Go in peace, O great asura. Be ever well-disposed toward me, and we too shall be well-disposed toward you."

2.1.4 Maya said: "This is fitting in you, O lord, O bull among men, just as you have said. Out of affection I still wish to do something for you, O Bhārata."

2.1.5 "For I am the Viśvakarmā of the dānavas, their great architect. I therefore wish to do something on your behalf, O Pāṇḍava."

2.1.6 Arjuna said: "You consider yourself delivered from mortal peril by me. Given this, I am unable to make you do anything for me."

2.1.7 "Nor do I wish your resolve to go in vain, O dānava. Let something be done for Kṛṣṇa in the same way as has been done for me."

2.1.8 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Thus prompted by Maya, O bull of the Bhāratas, Vāsudeva reflected for a moment on what might be asked of him.

2.1.9 Kṛṣṇa then urged him: "Let a hall be built, O Daiteya, for the king Dharmarāja — such a one as you deem fitting here."

2.1.10 "Build such an assembly hall that no human, seeing it, would be able to replicate it, and all men in this mortal world would be amazed."

2.1.11 "Where we might behold divine designs arranged by you — both asura and human alike — build such a hall, O Maya."

2.1.12 Accepting those words with great delight, Maya then joyfully built the assembly hall for the Pāṇḍava, resembling a celestial palace.

2.1.13 Then Kṛṣṇa and Pārtha duly reported all of this to King Yudhiṣṭhira, the Dharmarāja, and presented Maya to him.

2.1.14 Yudhiṣṭhira then honoured Maya fittingly, and Maya, himself well honoured, accepted that honour with respect.

2.1.15 That Daiteya then recounted here and there the ancient deeds of the gods to the sons of Pāṇḍu, O lord of the people, O Bhārata.

2.1.16 Having rested for some time and deliberated, that Viśvakarmā set about building the assembly hall for the great-souled Pāṇḍavas.

2.1.17 In accordance with the wishes of the Pārthas and the great-souled Kṛṣṇa, on an auspicious day that greatly radiant one performed the auspicious rites with festive intent.

2.1.18 That mighty one satisfied thousands of the foremost twice-born with rice-milk porridge, and gave them also manifold wealth.

2.1.19 He measured out on all sides that hall — endowed with the qualities of all seasons, divine in form, enchanting to the mind — at ten thousand kiṣku in extent.

2.2.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Janārdana, worthy of worship and duly worshipped, had dwelt in pleasant residence at Khāṇḍavaprastha together with the Pārthas, united in affection.

2.2.2 That broad-eyed one, longing to see his father, resolved to depart. He then took leave of Dharmarāja and of Pṛthā.

2.2.3 He who is worshipped by the world bowed his head to the feet of his father's sister; she smelled the top of his head and embraced Keśava.

2.2.4 Then the greatly glorious Kṛṣṇa saw his own sister. Approaching her, Hṛṣīkeśa went to her filled with affection and tears.

2.2.5 The blessed lord spoke to the auspicious Subhadrā, that sweet-spoken one, words that were meaningful, true, beneficial, brief, apt, and unsurpassed.

2.2.6 By her he was made to hear words conveying news of their kinsmen; she honoured him repeatedly and paid obeisance to him with bowed head.

2.2.7 Having taken leave of that spirited lady and received her blessing, Janārdana the Vārṣṇeya then saw Kṛṣṇā and Dhaumya as well.

2.2.8 That best of men bowed to Dhaumya in the proper manner; and having comforted Draupadī and taken his leave, Janārdana

2.2.9 went, wise and mighty, to meet the brothers, accompanied by Pārtha. Kṛṣṇa, surrounded by the five brothers, shone like Śakra among the immortals.

2.2.10 That bull of the Yadus worshipped both gods and twice-born with garlands, recitations, prostrations, and fragrances of various kinds. Having performed all necessary rites, that foremost among the steadfast set out.

2.2.11 He, worthy of auspicious recitations, had the brāhmaṇas intone svasti with bowls of curds, fruits, and unbroken rice; then, having given them wealth, he circumambulated.

2.2.12 He mounted his golden chariot bearing the banner of Tārkṣya, swift as the wind, furnished with mace, discus, sword, Śārṅga bow, and other weapons.

2.2.13 On an auspicious lunar day, under a favourable asterism and in a propitious muhūrta, the lotus-eyed one departed, his horses Śainy and Sugrīva drawing the chariot.

2.2.14 King Yudhiṣṭhira also mounted that chariot out of affection; and setting aside Dāruka, his excellent charioteer, the lord of the Kurus himself then took up the reins.

2.2.15 Arjuna too mounted and waved over his head a large white fly-whisk with a golden handle, turning it in a clockwise direction.

2.2.16 Likewise Bhīmasena, self-restrained and accompanied by the twins, followed behind Kṛṣṇa, along with the officiating priests and the townspeople.

2.2.17 Keśava, slayer of enemy heroes, being followed in this manner by the brothers, shone resplendent like a beloved teacher followed by his devoted pupils.

2.2.18 Govinda took leave of Pārtha and embraced him tightly; he honoured Yudhiṣṭhira, and Bhīmasena and the twins likewise.

2.2.19 Tightly embraced by the two twins and saluted by them, Madhusūdana then made his farewells to all of them in the proper manner.

2.2.20 Having turned back the Pāṇḍavas together with their retinues, Kṛṣṇa departed for his own city, like a second Purandara.

2.2.21 They followed him with their eyes as far as the range of vision; then, out of love, they followed Kṛṣṇa with their minds.

2.2.22 Though their minds were unsated in beholding Keśava, the glorious Śauri, fair to behold, quickly vanished from their sight.

2.2.23 Those bulls among men, the Pārthas, their minds gone with Govinda and as though unwilling, all turned back and returned to their city. And Kṛṣṇa too in his chariot reached Dvārakā in due time.

2.3.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then Maya said to Pārtha Arjuna, foremost among the victorious: "I take my leave of you; I shall go swiftly and shall return as well."

2.3.2 "When all the dānavas were about to perform a sacrifice, I made a jewel-adorned vessel, beautiful, near Bindu Lake, to the north of Kailāsa toward Mount Maināka."

2.3.3 "I shall come back bringing whatever was in the assembly hall of the truth-pledged Vṛṣaparvan — if it still remains there, O Bhārata."

2.3.4 "Then I shall build for the glorious Pāṇḍava an assembly hall delightful to the mind, wondrous, adorned with all manner of jewels."

2.3.5 "There at Bindu Lake, O foremost of the Kurus, lies the finest of maces, deposited there by King Yuvanāśva after slaying his foes in battle — decorated with golden spots, heavy, able to bear great weight, and firm."

2.3.6 "That mace is the equal of a hundred thousand in might, a slayer of all foes, and fitting for Bhīma as the Gāṇḍīva bow is fitting for you."

2.3.7 "And there is also the great conch Devadatta, of Varuṇa, with its magnificent sound. All of this I shall give you — there is no doubt of it." Having said this, that asura set out in the north-eastern direction from Pārtha.

2.3.8 To the north of Kailāsa, toward Mount Maināka, stands the holy mountain with golden peaks, great and studded with precious gems.

2.3.9 The beautiful lake called Bindu is there — where King Bhagīratha, having seen the Bhāgīrathī Gaṅgā, dwelt for many years.

2.3.10 It is where the great-souled Lord of all beings, having sacrificed, gathered a hundred foremost sacrificial rites, O best of the Bhāratas.

2.3.11 There the sacrificial posts are made of jewels and the fire altars of gold — arranged there for beauty, not built as mere imitations of the usual pattern.

2.3.12 It is where the thousand-eyed Śacīpati, having sacrificed there, attained perfection; where the eternal Lord of all beings, the sharp-blazing one, having created all the worlds, is worshipped, surrounded by thousands of creatures.

2.3.13 Where Nara and Nārāyaṇa, Brahmā, Yama, and Sthāṇu as the fifth attend a sacrificial session at the turn of every thousand yugas.

2.3.14 Where Vāsudeva performed sacrificial sessions for thousands of years with constant faith, for the upholding of the code of the righteous.

2.3.15 Where Keśava set up sacrificial posts garlanded with gold and altars blazing brilliantly, and gave there thousands upon millions in gifts.

2.3.16 Going there he took up the mace and the conch, O Bhārata, and the crystal hall-material that had belonged to Vṛṣaparvan; together with his attendant demons he took all of it.

2.3.17 Having brought all that, the asura built that peerless assembly hall — celebrated in the three worlds, divine, made of jewels, and auspicious.

2.3.18 He then presented the foremost mace to Bhīmasena, and gave to Pārtha the incomparable conch Devadatta.

2.3.19 That hall, O great king, had pillars made of refined gold; it extended ten thousand kiṣku in every direction.

2.3.20 Blazing as fire, as the sun, and as the moon, that divine hall bore the most magnificent form.

2.3.21 As though rivalling with its radiance the brilliant lustre of the sun, it shone, blazing as if with a divine, celestial splendour.

2.3.22 Resembling a mountain or a cloud, it stood encompassing the sky — vast, broad, smooth, free from sin, free from fatigue.

2.3.23 Furnished with the finest materials, garlanded with walls of gems, rich in jewels and in wealth, beautifully built by Viśvakarmā.

2.3.24 Neither the Sudharmā of the Dāśārhas nor that of Brahmā was endowed with beauty comparable to the peerless hall that Maya built.

2.3.25 There, as directed by Maya, eight thousand rākṣasas called kiṃkaras both guarded and served that hall.

2.3.26 Moving through the sky, terrible, huge of body, immensely powerful, with red eyes or tawny eyes, with ears like shells, and wielders of weapons.

2.3.27 Within that hall Maya made a matchless lotus pond, with lapis-lazuli leaves spread out and lotuses of crystal stems.

2.3.28 Filled with lotus flowers and water lilies, thronged with many kinds of birds, its beauty enhanced by blooming lotuses, and adorned with tortoises and fish.

2.3.29 With excellent access to its banks, unpolluted, holding water good in every season, auspicious, and sprinkled with pearl-drops tossed up by the wind alone.

2.3.30 Some kings who came near that floor, set with gems and jewels, even on seeing it did not recognise it for what it was, and out of ignorance fell into it.

2.3.31 Around that hall on all sides grew great trees always in flower, of various kinds, blue-green, with cool shade, enchanting to the mind.

2.3.32 Fragrant groves and lotus pools on every side, populated with geese and ducks, beautified by cakravāka birds.

2.3.33 The wind, bearing the fragrance of garlands of water-born and land-born flowers from every direction, fanned the Pāṇḍavas.

2.3.34 Having built such a hall and completed it within fourteen months, Maya presented it to the king Dharmarāja.

2.4.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then King Yudhiṣṭhira made his formal entry into that hall; the lord of men fed ten thousand brāhmaṇas.

2.4.2 With clarified-butter porridge and honey, with sweetmeats and roots and fruits, and also with unwashed garments and garlands of every kind.

2.4.3 The lord gave each of them thousands of cows individually; there arose a cry of "puṇyāha!" that touched the very sky, O Bhārata.

2.4.4 With various musical instruments and songs, with fragrances of every kind, the foremost of the Kurus worshipped and installed the divinities.

2.4.5 There wrestlers, actors, jesters, bards, and panegyrists attended the great-souled Yudhiṣṭhira for seven nights.

2.4.6 Having thus performed that ceremony of honor, the Pāṇḍava together with his brothers took delight in that beautiful assembly hall, as Indra rejoices in heaven.

2.4.7 Sages were seated in that assembly hall together with the Pāṇḍavas, and kings who had come from many different lands also took their seats there.

2.4.8 Asita, Devala, Satya, Sarpamali, Mahasiras, Arvāvasu, Sumitrā, Maitreya, Śunaka, and Bali were among them.

2.4.9 Baka Dālbhya, Sthulasiras, Krishnadvapayana, Śuka, Sumantru, Jaimini, Paila — the disciples of Vyāsa — and ourselves were likewise present.

2.4.10 Tittiri, Yājñavalkya with his son, Lomaharṣaṇa, Apsuhomya, Dhaumya, and also Aṇīmāṇḍavya and Kauśika were there.

2.4.11 Damoshniṣa, Traivaṇi, Parṇāda, Ghaṭajanuka, Mauñjayana, Vayubhaksha, Parasharya, and the two known as Sarika were present.

2.4.12 Balavaka, Shinivaka, Sutyapala, Kṛtaśrama, Jatukarṇa, Shikhavant, Subala, and Parijataka were also there.

2.4.13 The greatly blessed Parvata, the sage Mārkaṇḍeya, Pavitrapani, Sāvarṇi, Bhāluki, and likewise Gālava were present.

2.4.14 Janghabandhu, Raibhya, Kopavegashrava, Bhṛgu, Haribabhru, Kaundinia, Babhrumali, and Sanatana were there as well.

2.4.15 Kakṣīvān Auśija, Nāciketa, Gautama, Painga, Varāha, Śunaka, the great ascetic Śāṇḍilya, Karkara, Venujangha, Kalapa, and Katha were also among them.

2.4.16 These sages, virtuous and righteous, of firm minds and with senses subdued, and many others well-versed in the Vedas and their auxiliary branches, were gathered there.

2.4.17 The foremost of sages, knowing dharma, pure and spotless, attended upon the great-souled king in the assembly hall, narrating sacred stories.

2.4.18 Likewise the foremost of kshatriyas attended upon the king of dharma — the splendid, great-souled, dharma-minded Muñjaketu Vardhana.

2.4.19 Saṃgrāmajit, Durmukha, the mighty Ugrasena, Kakshena the lord of the earth, Kṣemaka the unconquered, the king of the Kāmbojas, Kamala, and the greatly powerful Kampana were present.

2.4.20 He alone had constantly shaken the Yavanas, just as the god who wields the thunderbolt shakes the Kālakeya demons.

2.4.21 The king Jaṭāsura and Madrakanta, Kuntī, Kuṇinda, the king of the Kirātas, the rulers of Aṅga and Vaṅga together with the king of Puṇḍra, and the kings of the Pāṇḍyas and Oḍras together with the king of the Andhras were there.

2.4.22 The king of the Kirātas named Sumana, the lord of the Yavanas, Cāṇūra, Devarata, the Bhoja, and the one called Bhimaratha were there.

2.4.23 Śrutāyudha the Kaliṅga, Jayatsena the Magadha, Susharmana, Cekitāna, and Suratha the destroyer of foes were present.

2.4.24 Ketumān, Vasudāna, the king of Videha, Kritakshana, Sudharmana, Aniruddha, and the mighty Śrutāyu were also there.

2.4.25 The invincible king of the Anūpa country, Kshemajit, Sudakṣiṇa, Śiśupāla with his hundred sons, and likewise the lord of the Karūṣas were present.

2.4.26 The invincible princes of the Vṛṣṇis, god-like in appearance — Āhuka, Vipṛthu, Gada, and Sāraṇa — were also there.

2.4.27 Akrūra, Kṛtavarmā, Sātyaki the son of Śini, Bhīṣmaka, Ahriti, the mighty Dyumatsena, the great archers the Kekayas, and Yajñasena the son of Saumaka were present.

2.4.28 Taking refuge with Arjuna, mighty princes clad in deer and antelope hides learned the science of archery there.

2.4.29 There too, O king, were trained the princes of the Vṛṣṇi clan — the son of Rukmiṇī, Sāmba, and Yuyudhāna the son of Sātyaki.

2.4.30 These and many other kings, O lord of the earth, were present there, and Tumburu, the friend of Dhanañjaya, also always abided there.

2.4.31 Citrasena, accompanied by his ministers, and the Gandharvas and Apsaras, skilled in song and instrumental music, expert in rhythm and beat, were also present.

2.4.32 Kiṃnaras accomplished in proper measure and in the right tempo, urged on by Tumburu, sang together with the Gandharvas.

2.4.33 Those noble beings sang with divine melodies according to proper rule, delighting and attending upon the sons of Pāṇḍu and the sages.

2.4.34 Seated in that assembly hall, those of good vows and true resolve attended upon Yudhiṣṭhira as the gods in heaven attend upon Brahmā.

2.5.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: While the great-souled Pāṇḍavas were seated there, O Bhārata, and the great Gandharvas were likewise seated,

2.5.2 The sage Nārada, of great brilliance, who roams through all the worlds, came to that assembly hall then, accompanied by sages.

2.5.3 The divine sage of boundless radiance came with Pārijāta, the wise Raivata, and the gentle Sumukha, moving swift as thought, joyfully desiring to see the Pāṇḍavas assembled in the hall, O king of kings.

2.5.4 Seeing the sage Nārada arrive, the foremost of the Pāṇḍavas, who knew all dharma, quickly rose together with his younger brothers and greeted him with affection, bowing humbly at that time.

2.5.5 Offering him a seat worthy of him according to proper rites, the one who knew dharma honored him with jewels and with all things desired.

2.5.6 Honored by all the Pāṇḍavas, the great sage who had mastered the Vedas then questioned Yudhiṣṭhira on matters combining dharma, desire, and material welfare.

2.5.7 Nārada said: Do your enterprises prosper? Does your mind delight in dharma? Do you experience pleasures, and is your mind not afflicted?

2.5.8 O lord of men, do you follow the inexhaustible way of conduct practiced by your forefathers and grandfathers — a way accompanied by both dharma and material welfare — among your people?

2.5.9 Do you not harm dharma by means of material interest, or material interest by means of dharma, or both of them by means of selfish desire, treating affection as paramount?

2.5.10 O best of the victorious, O giver of boons, knowing the proper time, do you always attend to material welfare, dharma, and desire by apportioning them in due season?

2.5.11 O sinless one, do you properly examine the six royal qualities, the seven means of policy, and likewise the fourteen factors of strength and weakness?

2.5.12 O best of victors, O Bhārata, examining yourself and your opponents, and thus resolving upon actions, do you pursue the eight methods of statecraft?

2.5.13 O bull of the Bhāratas, have your six constituent elements not become diminished — are they prosperous, free from vice, and completely devoted to you?

2.5.14 Is your counsel never disclosed through inferences, through envoys, or through those who seem above suspicion — whether it leaks from you or from your ministers?

2.5.15 Do you pursue peace and war at the proper time? Do you follow the right conduct toward the neutral and the mediating power?

2.5.16 O hero, have you appointed as your ministers men who are your equals in intellect, pure, able to sustain their lives, of noble birth, and devoted to you?

2.5.17 For victory of kings, O Bhārata, is rooted in counsel, well concealed by ministers rich in counsel and versed in the scriptures.

2.5.18 Do you not fall under the power of sleep? Do you wake at the proper time? O knower of purpose, do you also reflect on your aims in the latter part of the night?

2.5.19 Do you not deliberate alone? Do you also not deliberate with too many? Does the counsel you have deliberated upon not run abroad through the kingdom?

2.5.20 Having determined upon purposes that are small in their beginnings but great in their fruits, do you quickly set about to accomplish them and not obstruct such plans?

2.5.21 Are not all your affairs out of sight and in doubt, or all of them abandoned? For a mixed approach is the cause of success here.

2.5.22 O king, O hero, do your men know which tasks have been accomplished and which are nearly complete, and are there none remaining unaccomplished?

2.5.23 Are all your administrators, versed in all the scriptures, training the princes and the leading warriors in every way?

2.5.24 Do you purchase one learned man at the price of a thousand fools? For a learned man can bring about the highest good in times of difficulty in one's affairs.

2.5.25 Are all your fortresses fully stocked with wealth, grain, weapons, water, engines of war, craftsmen, and archers?

2.5.26 Even one intelligent, heroic, self-restrained, and discerning minister can bring a king or a prince to great prosperity.

2.5.27 Do you, through three sets of three spies unknown to one another, keep track of the eighteen key positions in the enemy's camp, and the fifteen in your own, using your scouts?

2.5.28 O destroyer of enemies, unknown to your foes and always prepared, do you constantly and vigilantly watch all your enemies?

2.5.29 Is your royal priest a man of good conduct, of noble birth, widely learned, free from envy, not given to questioning others, and honored by you?

2.5.30 Is the one appointed over your sacred fires a man who knows the rites, is intelligent, upright, and who always duly reports what has been offered and what is about to be offered at the proper time?

2.5.31 Is your astrologer well-versed in the auxiliary branches of the Vedas, expert in astronomy, and skilled in interpreting all kinds of portents?

2.5.32 Are the principal servants employed in principal tasks, the middling in middling tasks, and the lowest in the lowest tasks?

2.5.33 Do you appoint in the highest tasks ministers who have been tested by the fourfold test, whose loyalty was also that of their fathers and grandfathers, who are pure and excellent?

2.5.34 O bull of the Bhāratas, do your ministers not govern the kingdom in such a way that the subjects are greatly troubled by excessively harsh punishment?

2.5.35 Do the officiating priests not disregard you as they would a fallen man, or as women disregard one who is excessively demanding in receiving gifts and is driven by desire?

2.5.36 Is your commander of the army bold, heroic, intelligent, steadfast, pure, of noble birth, devoted to you, and capable?

2.5.37 Are all the chiefs of your army skilled in warfare, of proven valor, brave, and honored and respected by you?

2.5.38 Do you give the food and wages of the army, which are due at the proper time, as fitting, without delay?

2.5.39 For when food and wages are overdue, retainers become angry with their master on account of their hardship; that is said to be a very great misfortune.

2.5.40 Are all the noble sons of good families principally devoted to you? Do they constantly sacrifice their lives for your cause in battle?

2.5.41 Does not one person, overcome by desire, transgressing your authority, govern all the many affairs leading to the next world just as he pleases?

2.5.42 Does a man who adorns his work through his personal effort receive greater honor or additional food and wages?

2.5.43 Do you honor with gifts, according to their merit and their virtues, men who are trained in learning and skilled in knowledge?

2.5.44 O bull of the Bhāratas, do you support the wives of men who have met death in your cause and those who have fallen into misfortune?

2.5.45 O Pārtha, do you protect like a son an enemy who has submitted out of fear, or who has come unarmed, or who has been defeated in battle?

2.5.46 O lord of the earth, are you equitable toward all the earth and beyond suspicion, like a mother and like a father?

2.5.47 O bull of the Bhāratas, when you hear that an enemy is in difficulty, do you attack him swiftly after examining the three kinds of strength?

2.5.48 O great king, having ascertained the rear guard, the determination of the enemy, and the strength of the army, and having paid wages in advance —

2.5.49 O scorcher of enemies, do you present to the chiefs of the enemy's army, in secret within their kingdom, gifts of jewels as each deserves?

2.5.50 O Pārtha, having first conquered yourself and mastered your senses, do you seek to conquer your enemies — those who are negligent and have not mastered their senses?

2.5.51 Do the well-practised virtues — conciliation, gifts, sowing dissension, and chastisement — go before you when you march against enemies?

2.5.52 O lord of the people, do you set out on campaign only after securing your base, strive to conquer your foes, and then protect what you have won?

2.5.53 Is your army, composed of the fourfold force and endowed with its eight constituents, well led by its generals so as to repel your enemies?

2.5.54 O scorcher of foes, O great king, do you in battle destroy your enemies without leaving behind even the smallest gleaning or handful in a foreign kingdom?

2.5.55 Are many officials appointed by you in both your own and enemy kingdoms, who look after your interests and protect one another?

2.5.56 O great king, do those whom you have authorized guard against dangers from things that are eaten, that touch the body, and that are smelled?

2.5.57 Are your treasury, granary, conveyances, gates, armoury, and revenues maintained by your loyal servants who have been consecrated with auspicious rites?

2.5.58 O lord of the people, do you first protect yourself from both internal and external dangers, and then protect your subjects from one another?

2.5.59 Do they not publicly declare, in the morning hours, your expenditure incurred through vices such as drinking, gambling, gaming, and women?

2.5.60 Is your expenditure settled with half of your income, or with a quarter, or with three-quarters of the quarter-share?

2.5.61 Do you repeatedly show favour with wealth and grain to your kinsmen, elders, the aged, merchants, artisans, and those who have taken refuge with you, especially those in distress?

2.5.62 Are all your accountants and scribes employed in income and expenditure attending daily in the morning to your revenues and disbursements?

2.5.63 Do you refrain from removing from their offices those who are experienced in affairs, who desire your welfare, and who speak what is pleasing, without first finding any fault in them?

2.5.64 O Bhārata, having recognized men as superior, inferior, or middling, do you assign them to tasks befitting each?

2.5.65 O lord of the people, are the greedy, the dishonest, the hostile, or those who have not yet attained experience in affairs excluded from your service?

2.5.66 Is your kingdom not oppressed by the greedy, by thieves, by princes, by a feminine faction, or by yourself? Are the farmers prosperous?

2.5.67 In your kingdom, are there large tanks, full of water, distributed in every region, so that agriculture does not depend solely on rain?

2.5.68 Do you ensure that the farmer does not lack for seed or food, and do you lend money as a favour at a hundred for one?

2.5.69 O dear one, is agriculture and trade properly maintained by honest men in your kingdom? For, O dear one, by trade and agriculture this world prospers happily.

2.5.70 O king, are groups of five wise men, duly purified and installed, jointly ensuring the security of your realm?

2.5.71 For the protection of your capital, are villages made as strong as cities, is the defence arranged as in a village, and are all these villages devoted to that purpose?

2.5.72 Do former robbers, accompanied by troops and under proper supervision, patrol both the accessible and inaccessible parts of your territory?

2.5.73 Do you treat women with kindness? Are they well protected? Do you not trust them blindly? Do you not disclose secrets to them?

2.5.74 Having heard your spies at night, having deliberated upon what must be done, and having learned the state of those within your household, do you sleep enjoying pleasant things?

2.5.75 O lord of the people, do you sleep during the first two watches of the night and then, rising in the last watch, contemplate dharma and artha?

2.5.76 O knower of the right moment, O son of Pāṇḍu, do you daily show yourself adorned with ornaments to the people, rising at the proper hour together with your ministers?

2.5.77 O subduer of enemies, do guards wearing red garments, with swords in hand and fully adorned, attend upon you on all sides for your protection?

2.5.78 O lord of the people, do you, after proper examination, act like Yama toward those who deserve punishment and fittingly toward those who deserve honour, whether they be disagreeable or agreeable to you?

2.5.79 O son of Pṛthā, do you always ward off bodily ailments with medicines and discipline, and mental ailments by attending on the aged?

2.5.80 Are physicians skilled in the eightfold system of medicine, who are friends and devoted to you, always present for the benefit of your body?

2.5.81 O lord of the people, do you never dismiss out of pride, delusion, or desire the plaintiffs and defendants who have come before you?

2.5.82 Do you refrain from blocking the livelihood of those who have sought your protection out of greed, delusion, misplaced confidence, or affection?

2.5.83 Are the citizens and the inhabitants of your realm not in any way jointly alienated from you, having been bought over by enemies?

2.5.84 O Yudhiṣṭhira, is a weak enemy who is being pressed hard by a stronger power brought over by counsel, or a strong one by force, or each by means of both?

2.5.85 Are all the foremost rulers of the earth devoted to you, and do those whom you have won over surrender their very lives in your cause?

2.5.86 Is honour paid by you, according to their merit, in all branches of learning to brahmins and virtuous persons for your own supreme good and auspiciousness?

2.5.87 Do you abide in the dharma rooted in the Veda, as it was practised by people of old, and do you strive to perform that duty likewise?

2.5.88 Do brahmins eat tasty, wholesome, and meritorious food in your house under your oversight, along with proper gifts?

2.5.89 With a single-pointed mind and self-mastery, do you strive to perform sacrifices, Vājapeya rites in their entirety, and Pundarika rites completely?

2.5.90 Do you bow in reverence to kinsmen, teachers, the aged, the gods, ascetics, sacred trees of good omen, and brahmins?

2.5.91 O sinless one, is this understanding yours and this your conduct — one that promotes long life and fame and is guided by dharma, desire, and material welfare?

2.5.92 For a king who lives by this understanding, his kingdom does not sink; having conquered the earth, he thrives in supreme happiness.

2.5.93 Is a noble man of pure soul, though accused of theft, not put to death out of greed by those who are unskilled in examining evidence through the legal texts?

2.5.94 O bull among men, is a thief who has been questioned, seized, proven guilty by experts with good cause, not released out of greed for his wealth?

2.5.95 O Bhārata, when a case is being judged, do your ministers, bribed with money, not misrepresent the interests of both the rich and the poor?

2.5.96 Atheism, falsehood, anger, heedlessness, procrastination, not consulting the wise, sloth, and a restless mind —

2.5.97 — pondering affairs alone, or deliberating with those ignorant of what is harmful, failing to begin what has been decided, and not guarding one's counsels —

2.5.98 — not performing auspicious rites, and addiction to sensual pleasures — do you avoid these fourteen royal faults?

2.5.99 Are your Vedas fruitful? Is your wealth fruitful? Is your wife fruitful? Is your learning fruitful?

2.5.100 Yudhiṣṭhira said: How indeed are the Vedas fruitful? How indeed is wealth fruitful? How indeed is a wife fruitful? How indeed is learning fruitful?

2.5.101 Nārada said: The Vedas bear fruit in the Agnihotra sacrifice; wealth bears fruit in what is given away and enjoyed; a wife bears fruit in pleasure and offspring; learning bears fruit in good character and conduct.

2.5.102 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having declared all this, the sage Nārada of surpassing austerity then asked this further question of the righteous-souled Yudhiṣṭhira.

2.5.103 Nārada said: Are merchants who have come from afar for the sake of gain assessed the customs duty exactly as prescribed by those who live by collecting customs?

2.5.104 O king, are the men honoured by you in the city and in the countryside bringing their goods without being deceived by tricks?

2.5.105 O dear one, do you always listen to the words of the aged who are well versed in dharma and artha, those who know the meaning of things and those who perceive dharma?

2.5.106 For the sake of dharma and artha, is honey and clarified butter given to the twice-born from the produce of your agricultural estates, cattle herds, and gardens of flowers and fruits?

2.5.107 Do you regularly and properly provide tools and materials to all artisans at least every four months?

2.5.108 O great king, do you recognize work well done, do you praise the one who did it, and do you honour and worship him in the assembly of the good?

2.5.109 O bull of the Bhāratas, O master, do you study all the manuals — the manuals on elephants, on horses, and on chariots?

2.5.110 O bull of the Bhāratas, are the treatise on the science of archery and the treatise on siege engines and city fortification constantly practised in your household?

2.5.111 O sinless one, are all weapons, the Brahmā staff, and all the uses of poison known to you for the destruction of enemies?

2.5.112 Do you protect your own kingdom from the danger of fire, from the danger of serpents and wild beasts, and from the disturbance caused by disease?

2.5.113 O knower of dharma, do you protect like a father the blind, the dumb, the lame, the maimed, the friendless, and also the wandering ascetics?

2.5.114 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: The great-souled bull of the Kurus, having heard these words of the best of brahmins, bowed at his feet in salutation and, filled with joy, the king spoke to Nārada of godlike form.

2.5.115 "I shall act exactly as you have told me; for my wisdom has thereby grown still further." Having spoken thus, the king acted accordingly and gained the earth girdled by the ocean.

2.5.116 Nārada said: A king who conducts himself thus in the protection of the four orders, having enjoyed great happiness here, attains to the same world as Indra.

2.6.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having duly worshipped him and been given leave by the word of the great sage, the dharma-king Yudhiṣṭhira then spoke in orderly reply.

2.6.2 O blessed one, you have spoken what is right and the proper determination of dharma. To the best of my ability and in accordance with what is proper, this rule is followed by me.

2.6.3 What was to be done by kings of old, precisely that — there is no doubt — was done in a manner conforming to what is proper, well-reasoned, and purposeful.

2.6.4 O lord, we desire to walk in that righteous path of theirs; but it is not possible to walk it in exactly the same way as those self-disciplined ones did.

2.6.5 Having spoken thus, the righteous-souled one honoured those words, and after a moment, seeing the sage who wanders through the worlds —

2.6.6 — Nārada, seated at his ease — Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Pāṇḍu, of great mind, sitting near him in the midst of the kings, asked him:

2.6.7 "You always move, swift as thought, through the many and various worlds created of old by Brahmā, observing them all.

2.6.8 O brahmin, has any assembly hall like this one ever been seen by you anywhere, or one superior to this? Tell me, I am asking."

2.6.9 Having heard this utterance of the dharma-king, Nārada replied to the son of Pāṇḍu with a smile, in a sweet voice:

2.6.10 "O dear one, O king, O Bhārata, I have not previously seen nor heard of any hall made of gems among humans equal to yours.

2.6.11 But I shall describe the hall of Yama, king of the ancestors, and of the wise Varuṇa, and of Indra, and of him who dwells on Kailāsa.

2.6.12 I shall also describe the divine hall of Brahmā, free from all weariness — if your mind inclines to hear it, O bull of the Bhāratas."

2.6.13 When thus addressed by Nārada, the dharma-king Yudhiṣṭhira, with hands joined in reverence, surrounded by his brothers and by all those kings,

2.6.14 — the dharma-king of great mind — replied to Nārada thus: "Describe all those assembly halls; we desire to hear of them."

2.6.15 Of what materials are those assembly halls, O brahmin? What is their extent and length? And who attends upon the Grandfather in that assembly?

2.6.16 Who attends upon Vāsava the king of gods, upon Yama the son of Vivasvat, upon Varuṇa, and upon Kubera in their assemblies?

2.6.17 All of this in its true detail, O divine seer — we wish to hear it from you as you speak; our curiosity is very great.

2.6.18 Thus addressed by the Pāṇḍava, Nārada replied to him: "In order, O king, let those divine halls be heard by us now."

2.7.1 Nārada said: The divine assembly of Śakra is radiant, won by his deeds; built by Śakra himself, O Kauravya, it blazes like the sun.

2.7.2 It is a hundred yojanas wide and one hundred and fifty yojanas long; it moves through the sky at will and rises five yojanas high.

2.7.3 Free from old age, sorrow, and fatigue, without fear, auspicious and fair, furnished with rooms and seats, delightful, adorned with divine trees.

2.7.4 In that assembly, O Pārtha, the lord of gods sits on the highest throne, together with Śacī the wife of Mahendra, with Śrī and Lakṣmī, O Bhārata.

2.7.5 Wearing a form beyond description, crowned, with red armlets, clad in spotless garments, adorned with varied garlands, accompanied by Modesty, Fame, and Splendour.

2.7.6 In that assembly, O king, the Maruts always attend the great-souled Śatakratu from all sides — all the householder-gods, the Siddhas, the divine seers, the Sādhyas, and the hosts of gods as well.

2.7.7 All of these, with their attendants, bearing divine forms and well-adorned, attend upon the great-souled king of gods, the subduer of enemies.

2.7.8 Likewise all the divine seers, O Pārtha, attend upon Śakra — spotless, their sins shaken off, blazing like fires, radiant, united with Soma, free from evil, weariness gone.

2.7.9 Parāśara and Parvata, and likewise Sāvarṇi and Gālava, Śaṅkha and Likhita, and the sage Gauraśiras as well.

2.7.10 Durvāsas the long-ascetic, and Yājñavalkya, Bhāluki, Uddālaka, Śvetaketu, and the mighty Śāṭyāyana.

2.7.11 Haviṣmān and Gaviṣṭha, and king Hariścandra, Hṛdya and Udaraśāṇḍilya, Pārāśarya and Kṛṣīvala.

2.7.12 Vātaskandha and Viśākha, Vidhātā and Kāla himself, Anantadanta and Tvaṣṭā, Viśvakarmā and Tumburu.

2.7.13 Those born not of the womb and those born of the womb, those who live on wind and those who feed on oblations — they all attend upon Īśāna, the lord of all worlds, the bearer of the thunderbolt.

2.7.14 Sahadeva and Sunītha, and Vālmīki of great austerity, Śamīka and Satyavān, Pracetas and Satyasaṃgara.

2.7.15 Medhātithi and Vāmadeva, Pulastya and Pulaha, Kratu, Marutta and Marīci, Sthāṇu and Atri of great austerity.

2.7.16 Kakṣīvān and Gautama, Tārkṣya and the sage Vaiśvānara, the sage Kālakavṛkṣīya, Āśrāvya and Hiraṇyada, Saṃvarta and Devahavya, and the mighty Viṣvaksena.

2.7.17 The divine waters and the herbs, Faith and Intellect, Sarasvatī, Wealth and Dharma and Desire, and Lightning too, O Pāṇḍava.

2.7.18 The rain-bearing clouds, the winds, the thunders, the Eastern Direction, the sacrifice-bearers, and the twenty-seven sacred fires.

2.7.19 Agni and Soma, Indra and Agni together, Mitra and Savitṛ, Aryaman, Bhaga, the Viśve-devās, the Sādhyas, Śukra and Manthī, O Bhārata.

2.7.20 The sacrifices and the sacrificial fees, the planets, all the Stobha chants, and whatever mantras carry the sacrifice — all of them are assembled there.

2.7.21 So too the Apsarases, O king, and the charming Gandharvas, with dance and instrumental music and song, and with varied forms of laughter, they delight the king of gods, the Śatakratu.

2.7.22 Praising him with hymns and auspicious words, extolling him for his deeds and his exploits — the great-souled slayer of Bala and Vṛtra.

2.7.23 All the brahmin royal sages, and all the divine seers as well, in varied celestial aerial cars blazing like fires.

2.7.24 Garlanded and adorned, some go and others come; Bṛhaspati and Śukra both come to that assembly together.

2.7.25 These and many others, of controlled minds and disciplined vows, in aerial cars bright as the moon, lovely to behold as Soma — by Brahmā's word, O king, Bhṛgu and the Seven Sages as well.

2.7.26 This is the assembly, O king, crowned with lotus garlands, that I have seen — the assembly of Śatakratu, O great king. Now hear of the assembly of Yama, O sinless one.

2.8.1 Nārada said: I will describe the divine assembly hall, O Yudhiṣṭhira — understand it — the one that Viśvakarmā made for Vaivasvata's purpose.

2.8.2 That assembly of fire-like brilliance, O king, was a hundred yojanas in extent of breadth and length, and was very vast indeed, O Pāṇḍava.

2.8.3 Radiant as the sun, blazing with light, moving in all directions at will, neither too cold nor too hot, and filling the mind with delight.

2.8.4 In that hall there is no grief, no old age, no hunger or thirst, nothing unpleasant, no misery or fatigue, nor anything adverse whatsoever.

2.8.5 All desires, both divine and human, are present there, and food to eat and drink in abundance and full of flavor, O subduer of enemies.

2.8.6 There are garlands of sacred fragrance, trees bearing flowers and fruits perpetually, and waters full of taste, both cold and warm.

2.8.7 In that assembly, holy royal sages and pure brahmin sages attend with joy upon Yama the son of Vivasvat, O dear one.

2.8.8 Yayāti and Nahuṣa, Pūru, Māndhātā, Somaka, and Nṛga, Trasadasyu and Turaya, Kṛtavīrya and Śrutaśravas.

2.8.9 Aripraṇut and Susiṃha, Kṛtavega and Kṛti, Nimi, Pratardana, Śibi, Matsya, Pṛthvakṣa, and Bṛhadratha.

2.8.10 Aiḍa, Marutta, Kuśika, Sāṃkāśya, Sāṃkṛti, Bhava, Caturaśva, Sadaśvormi, and the king Kārtavīrya.

2.8.11 Bharata and Suratha, Sunītha, Naiṣadha Nala, Divodāsa and Sumanā, Ambarīṣa and Bhagīratha.

2.8.12 Vyaśva, Sadaśva, Vadhryaśva, Pañcahasta, Pṛthuśravas, Ruṣadgu, Vṛṣasena, and the very mighty Kṣupa.

2.8.13 Ruṣadaśva, Vasumanās, Purukutsa, the banner-bearer and chariot-warrior, Ārṣṭiṣeṇa, Dilīpa, and the great-souled Uśīnara.

2.8.14 Auśīnara, Puṇḍarīka, Śaryāti, Śarabha, Śuci, Aṅga, Ariṣṭa, Vena, Duḥṣanta, Saṃjaya, and Jaya.

2.8.15 Bhāṅgāsvari and Sunītha, Niṣadha and Tviṣīratha, Karaṃdhama and Bāhlika, Sudyumna, the mighty Madhu.

2.8.16 Kapotaromā, Tṛṇaka, Sahadeva and Arjuna as well, Rāma the son of Daśaratha, and Lakṣmaṇa, and Pratardana.

2.8.17 Alarka and Kakṣasena, Gaya and Gaurāśva, Rāma the son of Jamadagni as well, Nābhāga and Sagara.

2.8.18 Bhūridyumna and Mahāśva, Pṛtvaśva and Janaka, king Vainya, Vāriṣeṇa, Puruja, and Janamejaya.

2.8.19 Brahmadatta and Trigarta, the sky-roaming king Uparicara, Indradyumna, Bhīmajānu, Gaya, Pṛṣṭha, the sinless Naya.

2.8.20 Padma and Mucukunda, Bhūridyumna, Prasenajit, Ariṣṭanemi, Pradyumna, Pṛthagaśva, and Aja.

2.8.21 A hundred Matsya kings, a hundred Nīpas, a hundred Hayas, one hundred and one Dhṛtarāṣṭras, eighty Janamejayās.

2.8.22 A hundred Brahmadattas, a hundred of the Īriṇas and Vairiṇas, and the royal sage Śaṃtanu, and Pāṇḍu your own father.

2.8.23 Uśadgava, Śataratha, the king of gods Jayadratha, and the royal sage Vṛṣādarbhi together with his minister Dhāman.

2.8.24 And others in thousands — those Śaśabindus who have gone there, having performed many great horse-sacrifices with abundant fees.

2.8.25 These holy royal sages, famous and widely learned, attend upon Vaivasvata in that assembly, O royal sage.

2.8.26 Agastya and Mataṅga, and likewise Kāla and Mṛtyu, the sacrificers and the Siddhas, and those whose bodies are made of yoga.

2.8.27 The Agniṣvātta ancestors and those who drink foam and those who drink steam, those who partake of the ritual offering, those who sit on the sacred grass, and others who have taken bodily form.

2.8.28 The wheel of Time itself in visible form, and the blessed fire the carrier of oblations, and men of evil deeds who die during the southern course of the sun.

2.8.29 Those who are yoked to Kāla's leading, and the attendants of Yama — in that assembly the Śiṃśapa and Pālāśa trees, as well as Kāśa and Kuśa grasses and others, attend in embodied form upon the king of dharma, free from affliction.

2.8.30 These and many others are the members of the assembly of the king of ancestors — it is impossible to enumerate them all by name and deeds.

2.8.31 That hall is unobstructed, O Pārtha, delightful, moving at will — built by Viśvakarmā after performing austerities for a long time.

2.8.32 Blazing with its own splendour as if on fire, O Bhārata — to that hall go those of fierce austerity, of excellent vows, speakers of truth.

2.8.33 Peaceful, renunciant, accomplished, purified by holy deeds — all of them with radiant bodies and all clad in spotless garments.

2.8.34 With varied armlets and varied garlands, all with blazing earrings, adorned with the trappings of holy and meritorious deeds.

2.8.35 Great-souled Gandharvas in their hundreds and hosts of Apsarases — with instruments, dance and song, laughter and graceful movement in full measure.

2.8.36 Sacred fragrances and sounds pervade that hall on all sides, O Pārtha, and divine garlands serve it from every quarter.

2.8.37 A hundred times a hundred thousand righteous beings, endowed with beauty and intelligence, attend upon that great-souled lord of creatures.

2.8.38 Such is that assembly hall, O king, of the great-souled king of the ancestors. I will also describe the lotus-garlanded assembly of Varuṇa.

2.9.1 Nārada said: O Yudhiṣṭhira, the divine assembly of Varuṇa is white-gleaming; in size it matches the hall of Yama, with auspicious walls and gateways.

2.9.2 Built within the waters by Viśvakarmā, it is adorned with divine jewel-made trees that bestow fruits and flowers.

2.9.3 With trees of blue, yellow, white, dark, and red hues as well, with drooping boughs and with shrubs bearing clusters of blossoms.

2.9.4 And in that hall are birds of many forms with sweet voices, of indescribable beauty, by the hundreds and by the thousands.

2.9.5 That assembly hall has a pleasant touch, neither cold nor hot; furnished with rooms and seats, delightful, white, and guarded by Varuṇa.

2.9.6 In it sits Varuṇa together with Vāruṇī, O Bhārata, wearing a robe of divine gems, adorned and shining with ornaments.

2.9.7 Garlanded and adorned, trailing divine garlands, the Ādityas attend there upon Varuṇa the lord of waters.

2.9.8 Vāsuki and Takṣaka, and the nāga Airāvata as well, Kṛṣṇa and Lohita, and the mighty Padma and Citra.

2.9.9 The two nāgas Kambala and Aśvatara, Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Balāhaka, Maṇimān, Kuṇḍaladhara, Karkoṭaka and Dhanaṃjaya.

2.9.10 Prahlāda and Mūṣikāda, and likewise Janamejaya — all of them bearing banners and rings on their hoods, all possessed of hoods.

2.9.11 These and many other serpents, O Yudhiṣṭhira, attend in that hall upon the great-souled Varuṇa, free from weariness.

2.9.12 Bali the son of Virocana, king Naraka, Pṛthivīṃjaya, Prahlāda and Vipracitti, and all the Kālakhañjas.

2.9.13 Suhanu, Durmukha, Śaṅkha, Sumanā, Sumati, Svana, Ghaṭodara, Mahāpārśva, Krathana, and likewise Piṭhara —

2.9.14 Viśvarūpa, Surūpa, Virūpa, Mahāśiras, Daśagrīva, Vālī, Meghavāsā, and Daśāvara —

2.9.15 Kaiṭabha, Viṭaṭūta, Saṃhrāda, and Indratāpana — all these hosts of Daityas and Dānavas, wearing beautiful earrings,

2.9.16 all garlanded, all wearing crowns, all adorned with divine ornaments, all having obtained boons, all heroes, all free from death —

2.9.17 they, stationed by the noose of righteousness, ever attend upon the god Varuṇa in that hall, all great-souled and firm in virtuous vows.

2.9.18 Likewise the four oceans, the river Bhāgīrathī, Kālindī, Vidiśā, Veṇṇā, and the swift-flowing Narmadā —

2.9.19 Vipāśā, Śatadru, Candrabhāgā, Sarasvatī, Irāvatī, Vitastā, the Sindhu, and the divine river Devanadat —

2.9.20 Godāvarī, Kṛṣṇaveṇṇā, the noble river Kāverī — these and other rivers, as well as holy fords and lakes,

2.9.21 wells with springs, O Yudhiṣṭhira, embodied pools and tanks, O Bhārata — all having taken bodily form —

2.9.22 the directions, the earth itself, all the mountains, and all aquatic creatures — they attend upon that great-souled one.

2.9.23 Troops of Gandharvas and Apsarases, equipped with song and music, praising Varuṇa — all of them assemble in that hall.

2.9.24 The mountains bearing precious gems, the subterranean waters in which minerals rest — all of them, having taken form, attend upon that lord.

2.9.25 This lovely hall of Varuṇa was seen by me in passing, O bull of the Bhāratas. Now hear of the hall of Kubera.

2.10.1 Nārada said: The hall of Vaiśravaṇa, O king, is a hundred yojanas long, seventy yojanas wide, and gleaming white.

2.10.2 It was fashioned by Vaiśravaṇa himself through asceticism, O king; it has the radiance of the moon, floats in the sky, and resembles the peak of Kailāsa.

2.10.3 Borne by Guhyakas, it appears as if suspended in the sky; it is divine and adorned by tall golden trees.

2.10.4 Radiant and luminous, filled with divine fragrance, delightful, shaped like the peak of a white cloud — it appears to float.

2.10.5 In that hall, King Vaiśravaṇa sits resplendent, wearing ornaments and garments of many kinds, surrounded by thousands of women, his earrings blazing with light.

2.10.6 He is seated on a supreme throne, holy as the sun itself, spread with divine coverings and furnished with divine footrests.

2.10.7 The pure wind, carrying fragrances from the splendid groves of Mandāra trees and from the Saugandhika forests —

2.10.8 and from the lotus-ponds of the city named Alakā, and from the sandalwood forests — that breeze, delighting the heart, wafts about him.

2.10.9 There, O Bhārata, gods together with Gandharvas, surrounded by troops of Apsarases, sing divine songs with divine melodic grace.

2.10.10 Miśrakeśī, Rambhā, Citrasena, Śucismitā, Cārunetrā, Ghṛtācī, Menakā, Puñjikasthalā —

2.10.11 Viśvācī, Sahajanyā, Pramlocā, Urvaśī, Irā, Vargā, Saurabheyī, Samīcī, Budbudā, and Latā —

2.10.12 these and thousands of other Apsarases, skilled in dance and song, attend upon Dhanadhada, O Pāṇḍava.

2.10.13 Unceasingly, with divine music, dance, and song, that hall shines lovely and ever full, thronged with bands of Gandharvas and Apsarases.

2.10.14 Among the Gandharvas are the Kiṃnaras by name; others are called Naras. There too are Maṇibhadra, Dhanada, the Guhyaka Śvetabhadra —

2.10.15 Kaśeraka, Gaṇḍakaṇḍu, the mighty Pradyota, Kustumburu, the Piśāca, Gajakarṇa, and Viśālaka —

2.10.16 Varāhakarṇa, Sāndroṣṭha, Phalabhakṣa, Phalodaka, Aṅgacūḍa, Śikhāvarta, Hemanetra, and Vibhīṣaṇa —

2.10.17 Puṣpānana, Piṅgalaka, Śoṇitoda, Pravālaka, one whose home is in the treetops, and Cīravāsā — O Bhārata —

2.10.18 these and many other Yakṣas, hundreds of thousands of them, and the blessed goddess Śrī herself, and likewise Nalakūbara —

2.10.19 and I myself have visited it often, and others like me; teachers were present there, and divine sages as well.

2.10.20 The blessed lord — Umā's husband, Paśupati, bearer of the trident, destroyer of Bhaga's eyes —

2.10.21 three-eyed Tryambaka, O tiger among kings, and the Devī free from fatigue — surrounded by dwarfs, hideous beings, hunchbacks, red-eyed ones, and beings swift as the mind —

2.10.22 by those who eat flesh, fat, and marrow, terrible to hear and to see, bearing various dreadful weapons, swift as the wind — thus attended, he ever sits with his friend Dhanada, O king.

2.10.23 Such was the hall I saw floating in the sky, O king. Now, O king, I shall describe the hall of the Grandsire, free from all fatigue.

2.11.1 Nārada said: Long ago, O king, in the age of the gods, the blessed Āditya descended from heaven to the world of men, free from fatigue, wishing to see it.

2.11.2 Roaming in human form, having seen the hall of Svayambhū, he described to me truly that Brāhmic hall, O Pāṇḍava.

2.11.3 That hall is of immeasurable splendor, divine, born of the mind, O bull of the Bhāratas, indescribable in its power, and charming to all beings.

2.11.4 Hearing of the qualities of that hall, O son of Pāṇḍu, I desired to see it, and so, O king, I addressed Āditya:

2.11.5 "Blessed one, I wish to see the hall of the Grandsire. By what asceticism, O lord of cattle, or by what deed is it possible to see it?

2.11.6 Or by what efficacious herbs, or by what magical power? Tell me, O blessed one — how might I see that hall?"

2.11.7 Then that mighty, blessed Sūrya, taking me with him, went to that Brāhmic hall, free from sin and from all fatigue.

2.11.8 "It is of such-and-such a form" — even so it cannot be described, O lord of men, for from moment to moment it assumes another form that is equally beyond description.

2.11.9 I know not its dimensions, nor its configuration, O Bhārata; nor have I ever before seen a form like it.

2.11.10 That hall is supremely pleasant, O king — neither cold nor hot; those who enter it experience no hunger, no thirst, and no weariness.

2.11.11 It seems fashioned of many forms, wonderfully varied and brilliantly luminous; it is not supported by pillars; it is eternal and does not decay.

2.11.12 Shining by its own light, it blazes beyond the moon, the sun, and fire; stationed in the vault of heaven, it seems to outshine even the sun.

2.11.13 In that hall, the blessed Grandsire of the worlds sits alone, unceasingly governing the worlds through divine power.

2.11.14 The lords of creatures also attend upon him as their master: Dakṣa, Pracetas, Pulaha, Marīci, and likewise Kaśyapa —

2.11.15 Bhṛgu, Atri, Vasiṣṭha, Gautama, and Aṅgiras; Mind, Space, the Sciences, Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth —

2.11.16 Sound, Touch, Form, Taste, and Smell, O Bhārata; Primordial Nature, its modifications, and whatever other causes exist in the world —

2.11.17 the Moon together with the lunar mansions, the radiant Āditya, the winds, the sacred rites, Resolve, and the vital breath —

2.11.18 these and many others are present before Svayambhū; Artha, Dharma, and Kāma; Joy, Aversion, Austerity, and Self-restraint —

2.11.19 Gandharvas and Apsarases come there together, twenty-seven of the other kinds, and all the guardians of the worlds in every direction.

2.11.20 Śukra, Bṛhaspati, Budha, Aṅgāraka, Śanaiścara, Rāhu, and all the planets likewise —

2.11.21 Mantra, Rathaṃtara, Harimān, Vasumān, the Ādityas with their king — designated by the various pairs of names —

2.11.22 the Maruts, Viśvakarman, the Vasus, O Bhārata, all the hosts of Pitṛs, and all the oblations —

2.11.23 the Ṛgveda, the Sāmaveda, the Yajurveda, O Pāṇḍava, and likewise the Atharvaveda, and the sacred junctures of time, O lord of the people —

2.11.24 the Itihāsas, the Upavedas, and all the Vedāṅgas, the planets, the sacrifices, Soma, and all the deities —

2.11.25 the Sāvitrī, the Durgataraṇī, the sevenfold Vāṇī, Intellect, Steadiness, Learning, Wisdom, Understanding, Renown, and Patience —

2.11.26 Sāman hymns, Stuti verses, Śastra recitations, various Gāthā songs, and logical commentaries — all in embodied form, O lord of the people —

2.11.27 Kṣaṇas, Lavas, Muhūrtas, day and night likewise, the fortnights, months, and the six seasons, O Bhārata —

2.11.28 the years, the fivefold Yuga cycle, the four kinds of day-and-night reckonings, and the divine Wheel of Time, eternal, inexhaustible, and unchanging —

2.11.29 Aditi, Diti, Danu, Surasā, Vinatā, Irā, Kālakā, the goddess Surabhī, Saramā, and Gautamī —

2.11.30 the Ādityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the Maruts, the two Aśvins, the Viśvedevas, the Sādhyas, and the swift-minded Pitṛs —

2.11.31 Rākṣasas, Piśācas, Dānavas, Guhyakas, Suparṇas, Nāgas, and animals — all attend upon the Grandsire.

2.11.32 The god Nārāyaṇa is there, as well as the divine sages, the Vālakhilya sages, and both the womb-born and those not born of wombs.

2.11.33 Whatever is seen in these three worlds, moving or stationary — all of it I saw in that hall. Know this, O lord of men.

2.11.34 Eighty-eight thousand celibate ascetics, O Pāṇḍava, and fifty of the sages who have offspring —

2.11.35 all those celestial beings, having seen him as they wished, bow their heads to him and return by the way they came.

2.11.36 Gods, Daityas, Nāgas, sages, Yakṣas, Suparṇas, Kāleyas, Gandharvas, and Apsarases who arrive as guests —

2.11.37 these greatly fortunate ones — Brahmā, the Grandsire of the worlds, of boundless intelligence and compassionate toward all beings, receives fittingly.

2.11.38 And having received them, the Soul of the Universe, Svayambhū of immeasurable splendor, engages them with gentle words, honors, and pleasures, O lord of men.

2.11.39 And so, O Bhārata, with those coming and going, that hall is ever bustling, dear friend, and bestows happiness.

2.11.40 All-luminous, divine, attended by hosts of Brahmarṣis, blazing with Brāhmic glory, free from all fatigue — it shone magnificently.

2.11.41 Such was that hall I saw — unequalled in all the worlds. Among humans, O tiger among kings, it is like your own hall.

2.11.42 These halls among the gods I have seen before, O Pāṇḍava; yet your hall is the most excellent of all in the world of humans.

2.11.43 Yudhiṣṭhira said: You have described for the most part the company of kings, O best of speakers; and as for the hall of Vaivasvata, as you tell it, O lord —

2.11.44 in the hall of Varuṇa, O mighty one, you spoke of the Nāgas, the great Daitya lords, rivers, and oceans —

2.11.45 Likewise the yakṣas and guhyakas of Kubera, the lord of wealth, and the rākṣasas, the gandharvas and apsarases, and the blessed one whose banner bears the bull—all these are present there.

2.11.46 In the assembly hall of Pitāmaha, O sage, the great sages were described to you, as were all the hosts of the gods and all the śāstras as well.

2.11.47 In the assembly of Śatakratu, O sage, the gods were enumerated, and in summary the gandharvas of various kinds and the great sages.

2.11.48 But only one royal sage, the great-souled Hariścandra, O great sage, was described to you as a permanent resident of the assembly of the great Indra, lord of gods.

2.11.49 What deed did he perform, or what austerity and firm vow, by which he, the greatly renowned one, could rival even Śakra himself?

2.11.50 And, O brahmin, my greatly fortunate father Pāṇḍu, who has gone to the realm of the ancestors, was also seen by you — how did you come to meet him?

2.11.51 And what did he say, O blessed one? I wish to know this. I have the greatest curiosity to hear everything from you.

2.11.52 Nārada said: O king of kings, O lord, since you ask me about Hariścandra, I shall fully declare to you the greatness of that wise one.

2.11.53 That king was mighty, an emperor over all rulers of the earth; all the guardians of the earth stood bowing in obedience to his commands.

2.11.54 Mounting a single victorious chariot adorned with gold, he conquered by the might of his weapons all seven continents, O lord of men.

2.11.55 Having conquered the entire earth with its mountains, forests, and woodlands, O great king, he performed the Rājasūya, that great sacrifice.

2.11.56 At his command all the guardians of the earth brought their wealth, and they served as attendants to the twice-born at that sacrifice.

2.11.57 With joy the lord of men gave wealth to the officiating priests, giving five times more than what they had prescribed.

2.11.58 He also satisfied the brāhmaṇas, who had come from all directions, with varied goods and riches when the time of distribution arrived.

2.11.59 With various foods and eatables offered according to desire, and with floods of gems by which the twice-born were satisfied and gladdened — thus it was declared — he became radiant and glorious, superior to all other kings.

2.11.60 For this reason, O Pārtha, Hariścandra shines above those thousands of kings — know this, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.11.61 And Hariścandra the splendid, having completed the great sacrifice, was consecrated and shone with imperial sovereignty, O lord of men.

2.11.62 And those other guardians of the earth who have performed the Rājasūya, that great sacrifice, rejoice together with the great Indra, O Bhārata.

2.11.63 And those who have met their death on battlefields without fleeing — they, having reached that assembly, rejoice, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.11.64 And those who abandon their bodies here through intense austerity — they too, having attained that place, shine in splendor eternally.

2.11.65 And your father, Pāṇḍu, O son of Kuntī, O delight of the Kauravas, having seen the glory of the royal sage Hariścandra, was filled with wonder and said to you:

2.11.66 "You are capable of conquering the earth, your brothers stand under your command — perform the Rājasūya, the foremost of sacrifices, O Bhārata."

2.11.67 Fulfill his wish, O tiger among men, O son of Pāṇḍu — you shall go to share the same world as the great Indra together with your ancestors.

2.11.68 This great sacrifice is remembered as full of many obstacles, O king; for the brahma-rākṣasas who destroy sacrifices seek loopholes in it.

2.11.69 Battle, retreat, and the destruction of the earth — some occasion for ruin arises here as well.

2.11.70 Having considered all this, O king of kings, do what is proper. Be ever vigilant and active in protecting the four social orders; prosper, rejoice, and satisfy the twice-born with gifts.

2.11.71 This has been told to you in full, all that you asked of me. I take leave of you; I shall go to the city of the Dāśārhas.

2.11.72 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having thus narrated to the sons of Pṛthā, O Janamejaya, O king, Nārada departed, accompanied by those same sages with whom he had arrived.

2.11.73 When Nārada had departed, the son of Pṛthā, together with his brothers, O Kaurava, began to contemplate the Rājasūya, the foremost of sacrifices, O Bhārata.

2.12.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having heard the sage's words, Yudhiṣṭhira sighed deeply; pondering the attainment of the Rājasūya, he found no peace, O Bhārata.

2.12.2 For having heard that greatness of the great-souled royal sages, and having looked upon the attainment of the celestial world by sacrificers through their meritorious deeds,

2.12.3 and seeing above all the royal sage Hariścandra shining brilliantly, the sacrificer — he desired to perform the sacrifice, the Rājasūya.

2.12.4 Then Yudhiṣṭhira, having honored all the members of the assembly, and having been honored by all of them in return, set his mind firmly upon the sacrifice.

2.12.5 He, the bull of the Kurus, O king of kings, turned his mind, thinking it over again and again, toward performing the Rājasūya sacrifice.

2.12.6 And he who possessed marvelous strength and vigor, ever upholding dharma, set his mind upon what would be beneficial for all the worlds.

2.12.7 Extending favor to all his subjects without distinction, Yudhiṣṭhira, the foremost among all who know dharma, acted for the welfare of all.

2.12.8 Things being thus, people took confidence in him as if he were their father; he had no enemy — hence his epithet Ajātaśatru, "he who has no born enemy."

2.12.9 He, the foremost among speakers, summoned his ministers and his brothers and consulted them again and again about the Rājasūya.

2.12.10 The ministers, thus questioned together, then spoke this purposeful reply to Yudhiṣṭhira, the greatly wise one who desired to sacrifice:

2.12.11 "The king who is consecrated with this rite attains the quality of Varuṇa; even being already a king, he seeks to attain the full quality of an emperor.

2.12.12 Your friends consider the time for the Rājasūya to have come for you, O delight of the Kurus, you who are worthy of the qualities of an emperor.

2.12.13 The occasion for that sacrifice is under your own control through the wealth of the kṣatriya; with the Sāman hymn, the six fires are built up therein by those of firm vows.

2.12.14 He who, taking up the oblations with the ladle, completes all the rites and undergoes the consecration at the sacrifice's end — he is called the conqueror of all.

2.12.15 You are capable, O mighty-armed one; we all stand under your command — without hesitation, O great king, set your mind upon the Rājasūya."

2.12.16 Thus all friends spoke, both separately and together; the son of Pāṇḍu, O lord of the people, hearing their words — so righteous, bold, dear, and most excellent — embraced them with his mind, he the slayer of foes.

2.12.17 Having heard those friends' words and knowing also what was fitting for himself, he set his mind upon the Rājasūya again and again, O Bhārata.

2.12.18 The wise one then again deliberated with his brothers, with the great-souled officiating priests, and with ministers headed by Dhaumya and Dvaipāyana.

2.12.19 Yudhiṣṭhira said: This desire that I have for the Rājasūya — of one worthy of imperial rank, of pure intention and faith — how might it come to be fulfilled?

2.12.20 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Thus addressed by that king of lotus-like eyes, they spoke in due time these words to the righteous-souled Yudhiṣṭhira: "You are worthy, O knower of dharma, to perform the Rājasūya, that great sacrifice."

2.12.21 Then, when the king had been thus addressed by the officiating priests and sages, his ministers and brothers also honored those words with their approval.

2.12.22 But that greatly wise king, master of himself, the son of Pṛthā, reflected again and again for the sake of what would be beneficial to the worlds.

2.12.23 By examining the conjunction of capabilities, by properly weighing place and time, expenditure and income with discernment — the wise one who acts thus does not falter.

2.12.24 Understanding that the undertaking of a sacrifice does not lead merely to one's own ruin, he carried out what needed to be done with all diligence.

2.12.25 For the sake of resolving what must be done, he went in his mind to Kṛṣṇa Janārdana alone, considering Hari to be supreme above all the worlds.

2.12.26 The son of Pāṇḍu reflected upon the immeasurable, mighty-armed one — the unborn who took birth among men by his own will — judging him by deeds equal to those of the gods.

2.12.27 "Nothing is unknown to him, nothing is born not of his doing; there is nothing he cannot endure" — thus he thought of Kṛṣṇa.

2.12.28 Having thus made that firm resolution, Yudhiṣṭhira the son of Pṛthā straightway sent a messenger to the guru of all beings, honoring him as his own teacher.

2.12.29 That messenger, traveling swiftly with a fast chariot, reached the Yādavas and arrived at Dvārakā where Kṛṣṇa, dweller of Dvārakā, resided.

2.12.30 Acyuta, who longed to see the son of Pṛthā who longed to see him, then went with Indrasena to Indraprastha.

2.12.31 Passing through various lands with haste, his horses swift, Janārdana came to the son of Pṛthā who had gone to Indraprastha.

2.12.32 He was honored in the household by Dharmarāja as if by a brother, and then joyfully he saw also Bhīma and his father's sister's son.

2.12.33 Delighted, he then rejoiced together with his dear friend Arjuna and the twin sons of Yama, who attended upon him as upon a teacher.

2.12.34 When Acyuta had rested in that pleasant place and had a moment's leisure in the morning, Dharmarāja approached him and made known his own purpose.

2.12.35 Yudhiṣṭhira said: The Rājasūya is desired by me, but it is not to be attained by mere desire alone; the means by which it is attained — that you know in full, O Kṛṣṇa.

2.12.36 He in whom all qualities are present, who is honored everywhere, and who is the lord over all kings — such a king attains the Rājasūya.

2.12.37 My friends, having assembled, say that Rājasūya must be performed by me; let my most certain resolution in this be made by your words, O Kṛṣṇa.

2.12.38 For some, out of friendship alone, do not point out faults; others likewise, for the sake of their own interests, speak only what is pleasing.

2.12.39 Some seek only what is pleasing, according to what they consider beneficial for themselves — and such, for the most part, is how people's counsel is seen in matters of purpose.

2.12.40 But you, transcending these motives and rising above desire and anger, ought to speak to us what is truly most fitting in the world.

2.13.1 Śrī Kṛṣṇa said: With all your qualities, O great king, you are worthy of the Rājasūya. Yet, knowing all this, I shall say something to you, O Bhārata.

2.13.2 The kṣatriya class that Rāma son of Jamadagni left remaining — from that descended what is now known in the world as the kṣatriya order.

2.13.3 This resolve of the lineage was made by the kṣatriyas, O lord of the earth, with words of command — that you know well, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.13.4 The nature of the lineage of Aila and of the Ikṣvāku dynasty is described: kings standing in ranks, and from them the other kṣatriyas on earth.

2.13.5 Those kings descended from the Aila lineage and likewise those of the Ikṣvāku line — know those to be one hundred and one clans, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.13.6 From Yayāti itself the great and greatly virtuous expansion of the Bhojas arose, and that expansion, O great king, extends in all four directions.

2.13.7 All the kṣatriyas attend upon that prosperity of theirs likewise; he, having enjoyed the central earth, thought of it in terms of mutual division.

2.13.8 But Jarāsaṃdha is another king at whose yoke a hundred kings have become subservient; he has attained imperial sovereignty by his origin.

2.13.9 Relying entirely upon that king, O greatly wise one, O king, the mighty Śiśupāla has indeed become a commander of his armies.

2.13.10 And waiting upon him alone as if a pupil, O great king, is Vakra, the lord of Karūṣa, a warrior of illusion and great strength.

2.13.11 And two others of great valor and great soul have taken refuge with the mighty Jarāsaṃdha — those two, Haṃsa and Ḍibhaka.

2.13.12 Dantavakra, Karūṣa, Kalabha, and Meghavāhana — bearing on their heads the divine jewel which is known as the bhūtamaṇi.

2.13.13 And he rules over Mura and Naraka, the two lords of the Yavanas — a king of boundless power in the west, like Varuṇa himself.

2.13.14 Bhagadatta, O great king, an old man and a friend of your father — he bows to Jarāsandha in word and in deed, O Bhārata.

2.13.15 Yet bound by affection, he is devoted to you in his heart like a father — and the king who guards the southern end of the west of the earth.

2.13.16 Your maternal uncle, the valiant Purujit Kuntivardhana — he alone submits to you out of affection, O scorcher of enemies.

2.13.17 Having thus gone over to Jarāsandha, there is one whom I did not slay before — the evil-minded one in the Cedi country who is known as the foremost of men.

2.13.18 He proclaims himself to be the foremost of men in this world and, deluded, constantly appropriates my own insignia as well.

2.13.19 Among the Vaṅgas, Puṇḍras, and Kirātas there is a king endowed with strength — that Pauṇḍraka who is renowned in the world as Vāsudeva.

2.13.20 He is endowed with four types of strength, O great king — a Bhoja, a friend of Indra, powerful, who by the strength of his knowledge conquered the Pāṇḍyas, Krathas, and Kaiśikas.

2.13.21 Whose brother Āhṛti is a hero equal to Jāmadagnya in battle — that king Bhīṣmaka, slayer of enemy heroes, is devoted to the Māgadha king.

2.13.22 He always acts agreeably toward his relations who bow before him — he who worships him does not honor us, being fixed in hostility toward us.

2.13.23 Not recognizing his own lineage or strength, O king, yet seeing his blazing fame, he has taken refuge with Jarāsandha.

2.13.24 And thus eighteen northern Bhoja clans, O lord, have sought refuge in the western direction out of fear of Jarāsandha.

2.13.25 The Śūrasenas, Bhadrakāras, Bodhas, Śālvas, Paṭaccaras, Sustharas, Sukuṭṭas, Kuṇindas together with the Kuntīs —

2.13.26 And the kings of the Śālveyas with their brothers and followers, the southern Pāñcālas, those in the east among the Kuntīs, the Kośalas —

2.13.27 And likewise, tormented by fear, abandoning the northern direction, the Matsyas and the Saṃnyastapādas have sought the southern direction.

2.13.28 Similarly all the Pāñcālas, tormented by fear of Jarāsandha, have abandoned their own kingdoms and fled in all directions.

2.13.29 Then after some time, Kaṃsa — crushing his kinsmen, the foolish one — came to the two daughters of the son of Bṛhadratha.

2.13.30 Those two were named Asti and Prāpti, younger sisters of Sahadeva — weak women. With that power, that fool overcame his kinsmen.

2.13.31 He had attained supremacy — that was an exceedingly great wrong — while the elders among the Bhoja kings and nobles were being oppressed by that evil-souled one.

2.13.32 By those who desired protection of their kinsmen, honor was shown to us — giving at that time the fair-bodied daughter of Āhuka's son to Akrūra.

2.13.33 The duty to my kinsmen was fulfilled by me, accompanied by Saṃkarṣaṇa — Kaṃsa and Sunāman were slain by me and by Rāma as well.

2.13.34 But when fear arose and Jarāsandha rose up in arms, this counsel was deliberated, O king, by the eighteen lesser clans together.

2.13.35 Even striking relentlessly with great weapons that kill by the hundreds, we could not destroy his army in three hundred years.

2.13.36 For in his army there were two foremost of warriors, equal to immortals in strength, the best among the mighty — known by the names Haṃsa and Ḍibhaka.

2.13.37 Those two heroes together and the valiant Jarāsandha — those three are sufficient for the three worlds, in my judgment.

2.13.38 Not only we, but all other kings as well — the wise among the wise held the same opinion about them.

2.13.39 Now there was a certain great king known as Haṃsa, and he along with others, O king, in battle with the eighteen lesser clans —

2.13.40 "Haṃsa has been slain" — so it was said by someone, O Bhārata. Hearing that, O king, Ḍibhaka submerged himself in the waters of the Yamunā.

2.13.41 "Without Haṃsa in this world I cannot bear to live" — with this resolve, Ḍibhaka met his end.

2.13.42 Having heard of Ḍibhaka's death, Haṃsa — the conqueror of enemy cities — himself also entered the Yamunā and drowned in it.

2.13.43 Hearing that those two had perished in the waters, king Jarāsandha departed to his own city of the Śūrasenas, O bull among Bhāratas.

2.13.44 Then, O slayer of enemies, when that king had withdrawn, we all rejoiced and resided again in Mathurā.

2.13.45 But when that lotus-eyed wife of Kaṃsa, his daughter, approached her father, king Jarāsandha of Māgadha —

2.13.46 Grieving over her husband's calamity, she urges him on, O king of kings — "Slay the killer of my husband!" — thus again and again, O subduer of foes.

2.13.47 Then, O great king, remembering that counsel we had deliberated before, we departed in distress, O lord of men.

2.13.48 We fled separately, O king, abandoning our great prosperity — fleeing in fear of him, along with our wealth, kinsmen, and relations.

2.13.49 Thinking thus, we all sought the western direction and the lovely city of Kuśasthalī, beautified by Mount Raivataka.

2.13.50 We established our dwelling there again, O king, and likewise fortified it in a manner difficult to approach even by the gods.

2.13.51 In that city even women could fight — how much more the foremost of Vṛṣṇis! We dwell there, O slayer of foes, without fear from any quarter.

2.13.52 Beholding that foremost of mountains and the tīrtha sacred to the Mādhavīs, the Mādhavakas, O tiger among Kurus, attained the highest joy.

2.13.53 Thus we, originally wronged by Jarāsandha, though possessed of power, have through kinship sought refuge with you.

2.13.54 His abode extends three yojanas, is three-storied and more than a yojana high, has a hundred gates at each yojana's end, with successive arches of might, and is garrisoned by eighteen ranks of kṣatriyas frenzied for battle.

2.13.55 Eighteen thousand warriors of our clan there are; Āhuka has a hundred sons, each attended by no fewer than three hundred.

2.13.56 Cārudeṣṇa with his brother, Cakradeva, and Sātyaki; and I, and Rauhiṇeya, and Sāmba — equal to Śauri in battle —

2.13.57 These seven chariot-warriors, O king — now hear of others from me: Kṛtavarmā, Anādhṛṣṭi, Śamīka, and Samitiṃjaya —

2.13.58 Kahva, Śaṅku, and Nidānta — these seven too are great chariot-warriors; the two sons of the Andhaka-Bhoja and the old king — those ten.

2.13.59 Heroes built like the pillars of the world, valiant and greatly powerful — remembering the middle country, they are afflicted with grief even among the Vṛṣṇis.

2.13.60 You, endowed with the qualities of an emperor, O best among Bhāratas, you deserve to make yourself sovereign over the kṣatriyas, O Bhārata.

2.13.61 But it is not possible for you to accomplish the Rājasūya while Jarāsandha of great power still lives — this is my view, O king.

2.13.62 For by him all those kings have been imprisoned after being conquered at Girivraja — in the mountain cave, like great elephants by a lion.

2.13.63 That king Jarāsandha too, wishing to sacrifice with the lords of the earth, propitiated Mahādeva — and those kings were conquered by him.

2.13.64 For he, conquering again and again the kings who came with their armies, brought them to his city, bound them, and made a pen of men.

2.13.65 And we too, O great king, out of fear of Jarāsandha at that time abandoned Mathurā and went to the city of Dvāravatī.

2.13.66 But if, O great king, you wish to attain this sacrifice, then strive for the liberation of those kings and for the slaying of Jarāsandha.

2.13.67 For this undertaking is possible in no other way, O joy of the Kurus — to fully perform the Rājasūya, O best of the wise.

2.13.68 This is my view, O king — or as you yourself think best, O sinless one, in this situation, declare it, having resolved it with your own reasoning.

2.14.1 Yudhiṣṭhira said: What you have spoken, O wise one, no other is worthy to speak — for there is no other on earth who can resolve doubts as you can.

2.14.2 In every household kings perform what is pleasing to themselves — but they have not attained sovereignty, for the title "emperor" encompasses all.

2.14.3 How can one who knows the greatness of others praise himself? He who is praised in the company of his peers — he is truly honored.

2.14.4 The earth is vast and abundant, filled with many jewels — one learns what is best by going far, O chief of the Vṛṣṇi clan.

2.14.5 I consider tranquility to be supreme — yet there is no tranquility apart from liberation. But sovereignty through undertaking is not to be attained — this is my view.

2.14.6 Thus those of noble birth who are high-minded understand — among them, someone at some time may become the foremost, O Janārdana.

2.14.7 Bhīma said: A king devoted to inaction sinks like an anthill. And he who faces a powerful enemy without proper means is weak indeed.

2.14.8 Yet the vigilant one, though weak, can generally defeat a powerful enemy — through right policy, O king, understanding the ends of statecraft for his own benefit.

2.14.9 In Kṛṣṇa is wisdom, in me is strength, victory is in Pārtha Dhanaṃjaya — we three shall accomplish the Māgadha's defeat, like the three fires.

2.14.10 Kṛṣṇa said: A foolish man intent on gain does not consider the consequences — therefore those who are intent on gain do not tolerate an enemy who is foolish.

2.14.11 Yauvanāśva through renouncing tributes, Bhagīratha through protection, Kārtavīrya through the practice of austerities, the mighty Bharata through strength, and Marutta through prosperity — these five we have heard of as emperors.

2.14.12 Jarāsandha, son of Bṛhadratha, has acquired the marks of one to be subdued as indicated by the marks of dharma, artha, and policy — know this, O bull among Bhāratas.

2.14.13 And one hundred and one clans of kings do not follow him willingly — therefore he now maintains this sovereignty by force alone.

2.14.14 Kings who share in his treasury attend upon Jarāsandha — yet he is not satisfied even by that, having adopted a wrong course through childishness.

2.14.15 He seizes by force a lord of kings, a man of the highest rank — and nowhere have we seen a portion taken from a man without consequence.

2.14.16 Thus Jarāsandha has brought under his control those ranked below by the hundred — how then shall a king weaker than he approach him, O Pārtha?

2.14.17 For kings who have been sprinkled and anointed as victims in the house of the lord of creatures — what joy is there in life, like animals consecrated for sacrifice, O bull among Bhāratas?

2.14.18 When a kṣatriya dies by the sword, he is honored — should we not all therefore repel the Māgadha king?

2.14.19 Eighty-six kings have been gathered; the remaining fourteen, O king — when Jarāsandha has them too, something terrible will come to pass.

2.14.20 He would attain blazing glory — he who creates an obstacle there, and he who conquers Jarāsandha shall certainly become emperor.

2.15.1 Yudhiṣṭhira said: Desiring the quality of sovereignty and being devoted to my own interests, how could I send Bhīma through sheer recklessness and brute force?

2.15.2 I consider both Bhīma and Arjuna to be my eyes, and Janārdana to be my mind — what would life be for one deprived of mind and eyes?

2.15.3 Encountering the force of Jarāsandha, which is hard to cross and of terrible might — your exertion would end in defeat; what then could be accomplished there?

2.15.4 In this matter there lies another consideration where misfortune may result. As I alone reflect on it, let this be heard from me now.

2.15.5 I favour renunciation of this enterprise, O Janārdana. The Rājasūya sacrifice, so difficult to achieve, weighs heavily upon my mind today.

2.15.6 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Pārtha, having obtained the finest bow, two inexhaustible quivers, a chariot, a banner, and the assembly hall, then spoke to Yudhiṣṭhira.

2.15.7 O King, I have obtained this bow, weapons, arrows, prowess, allies, land, glory, and strength — all that was desired and hard to attain.

2.15.8 The learned who are well established rightly praise noble birth; yet there is nothing equal to strength, and prowess is what appeals to me.

2.15.9 What will a kshatriya born in the lineage of Kṛtavīrya accomplish if he is without prowess, O King — one whose livelihood consists in defeat?

2.15.10 Even one lacking all other qualities, if he possesses prowess, can overcome enemies; but what can one endowed with all qualities accomplish if he lacks prowess?

2.15.11 All qualities reside as substance in courage. Victory depends on accomplishment, and accomplishment in turn rests on action and fate.

2.15.12 One who is endowed with forces but does not employ them through negligence — through that very negligence, the powerful enemy is weakened.

2.15.13 Just as despondency is ruinous in the weak, so delusion is ruinous in the strong. Both these destructive causes must be abandoned by a king who seeks victory.

2.15.14 If we were to destroy Jarāsandha and free the imprisoned kings for the sake of the sacrifice, what greater achievement could there be?

2.15.15 In non-undertaking, the certainty of failure is assured. When the qualities are beyond doubt, O King, how can you think there is a lack of merit?

2.15.16 The ochre robe is easily donned later by sages seeking tranquility; but desiring sovereignty for you, we shall fight the enemy.

2.16.1 Vāsudeva said: Born in the lineage of Bharata and as the son of Kuntī, the fitting counsel has been shown by Arjuna.

2.16.2 We do not know the appointed time of death — whether by night or by day. Nor have we heard of anyone who is immortal even without fighting.

2.16.3 This much alone is what brings true satisfaction to men: to attack enemies by means of wise policy prescribed by scripture.

2.16.4 In battle, the highest course for sound and unfailing policy is this: when forces are equal, doubt arises; yet equality between the two parties is never truly so.

2.16.5 We, relying on good counsel and approaching near the enemy's person, how can we not bring him to his end — as rivers erode trees — attacking his weaknesses while guarding our own?

2.16.6 That one should not advance with arrayed but insufficient forces against a mightier foe — this is the policy of the wise, and I too approve of it here.

2.16.7 Those who enter the enemy's abode undetected and blameless, attacking the enemy in person, shall accomplish that which they desire.

2.16.8 One man alone ever bears the fortune, O bull among men, as the inner self sustains all beings; when he is destroyed, the strength of the army is destroyed.

2.16.9 And if, having slain him in battle, we proceed together with the remainder of the army, we shall attain heaven, devoted as we are to the protection of our kinsmen.

2.16.10 Yudhiṣṭhira said: O Kṛṣṇa, who is this Jarāsandha? What is his valour, what his prowess — he who, having touched you who are like fire, was not burned like a moth?

2.16.11 Kṛṣṇa said: Hear, O King, what valour and prowess Jarāsandha possesses, and why, though he repeatedly wronged us, he was left unchecked by us.

2.16.12 There was a king, proud in battle, named Bṛhadratha, lord among lords of Magadha, who commanded three akshauhinis of troops.

2.16.13 He was handsome, endowed with prowess, glorious, of incomparable valour, his body always lean from ritual observances — like a second Indra of a hundred sacrifices.

2.16.14 In splendour he was like the sun, in forbearance like the earth, in anger like Yama and Death together, in prosperity like Vaiśravaṇa.

2.16.15 With his virtues combined with noble lineage, O best of the Bhāratas, the entire earth was pervaded, as by the rays of the sun.

2.16.16 That mighty hero, O bull of the Bhāratas, married the two twin daughters of the king of Kāśi, who were equal in beauty and wealth.

2.16.17 That bull among men made a compact between them, saying, "I shall not transgress either of you," in the presence of both his wives.

2.16.18 That king, O lord of men, shone magnificently between his two beloved, well-matched wives, like an elephant between two she-elephants.

2.16.19 That lord of the earth, standing between the two of them, shone like the ocean in embodied form between the Gaṅgā and the Yamunā.

2.16.20 His youth passed while he was immersed in the pleasures of the senses, yet no son was born to him to perpetuate his lineage.

2.16.21 Through many auspicious fire-offerings and sacrifices desired by those longing for sons, that best of kings still did not obtain a son to further his family.

2.16.22 Then he heard that Caṇḍakauśika, the noble son of Kakṣīvat of the great-souled Gautama lineage, was exhausted from austerities nearby.

2.16.23 The king, accompanied by his wives, gratified with all kinds of precious gifts that sage who had come by chance and was resting at the foot of a tree.

2.16.24 That best of sages, firm in truth and true in speech, said to him: "I am well pleased with you, O King. Choose a boon, O man of good vows."

2.16.25 Then Bṛhadratha, bowing with his wives, spoke to him in a voice choked with tears, despairing of ever seeing a son.

2.16.26 Bṛhadratha said: O Blessed One, I who am of little fortune am setting out to the forest, abandoning my kingdom. What use is a boon to me? What use is a kingdom to one without a son?

2.16.27 Kṛṣṇa said: Hearing this, the sage fell into deep meditation, his senses stirred, and he sat down in the shade of that very mango tree.

2.16.28 As the sage sat there, there fell into his lap a single mango fruit, windfall-ripe and bitten by a parrot.

2.16.29 The best of sages took that fruit, consecrated it with his heart's power, and gave to the king that unequalled fruit which would bring the attainment of a son.

2.16.30 The great sage of vast wisdom said to the king: "Go, O King, your purpose is accomplished. Turn back, O lord of men."

2.16.31 Then that best of kings, understanding the instruction in accordance with the compact he had made, gave that one fruit to both his wives, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.16.32 Those two auspicious queens cut that mango in two and ate it — both by reason of what was destined and also by the truth of the sage's word.

2.16.33 A pregnancy arose in each of them from eating the fruit, and the king, seeing this, was filled with the highest joy.

2.16.34 Then, O greatly wise one, when the time arrived, O King, both of them gave birth — each to a half of a body.

2.16.35 Seeing those halves of a body — each with one eye, one arm, one leg, half an abdomen, half a face, half a hip — both women trembled greatly.

2.16.36 Those two anxious sisters consulted together, and in their great sorrow abandoned the still-living, breathing halves.

2.16.37 The two nurses of those queens, having well wrapped those products of birth, went out through the inner palace gate and quickly cast them away.

2.16.38 Those halves, cast at the crossroads, were then seized by a rakshasi named Jara, O tiger among men — one who feeds on flesh and blood.

2.16.39 Intending to consume those easy-to-carry halves, that rakshasi joined them together, driven by the force of fate.

2.16.40 The moment those halves were brought together, O bull among men, and made into one form, a mighty boy came into being.

2.16.41 Then that rakshasi, O King, her eyes wide with wonder, was unable to lift that infant whose very substance was like adamant.

2.16.42 The boy clenched his copper-hued fist, placed it in his mouth, and cried out with great fury like a rain-cloud full of water.

2.16.43 At that sound the people of the inner palace were suddenly startled and rushed out, O tiger among men, together with the king, O scorcher of foes.

2.16.44 And those two exhausted women with their milk-filled breasts, who had despaired of obtaining a son, suddenly came forward as well.

2.16.45 Then seeing the king in that condition, his continued activity, and that very powerful boy, the rakshasi reflected.

2.16.46 "Living within the domain of a king who yearns for a son, I ought not to take away this infant son, as a streak of cloud cannot cover the sun."

2.16.47 She assumed a human form and said to the lord of men: "O Bṛhadratha, this is your son — given by me. Please accept him."

2.16.48 "Born of your two wives through the command of the best among the twice-born, abandoned by the nurses, he was protected by me."

2.16.49 Then, O best of Bhāratas, those two auspicious daughters of the king of Kāśi quickly rushed to that boy and bathed him with streams of milk.

2.16.50 Then that king, filled with joy and having understood everything, questioned that rakshasi who appeared like fresh gold and unlike a rakshasi at all.

2.16.51 "Who are you, O one radiant as the heart of a lotus, who has given me a son? Speak freely, O auspicious one — you appear to me as a goddess."

2.17.1 The rakshasi said: I am a rakshasi named Jara, O blessings to you, one who assumes forms at will. I dwelt happily in your household, O king of kings, being honoured there.

2.17.2 Always thinking of how to return your kindness, O King, I, ever meditating on it, found these two half-portions of your son, O righteous one.

2.17.3 When joined by me, by the will of fate a boy came into being. It is by your own fortune, O great king; I was merely the instrument here.

2.17.4 Kṛṣṇa said: Having spoken thus, O King, she vanished on the spot. The king, taking that boy, entered his own home.

2.17.5 The king performed all the rites proper for that child, and in honour of the rakshasi he ordered a great festival throughout Magadha.

2.17.6 His father, equal to Prajāpati, there performed the naming ceremony for him. Because he had been joined together by Jara, he thus became known as Jarāsandha — "joined by Jara."

2.17.7 That son of the lord of Magadha, of great splendour, grew up, endowed with perfect strength, like a fire fed with oblations.

2.17.8 Then after some time, the blessed Caṇḍakauśika, the great ascetic, again came to Magadha.

2.17.9 Delighted at his arrival, Bṛhadratha went out with his ministers, his retinue, his wives, and his son.

2.17.10 That king honoured him with water for the feet, the guest-offering, and water for sipping, O Bhārata, and presented his son along with the kingdom to the sage.

2.17.11 The blessed sage, having accepted that honour from the king, spoke to the Magadha king with a soul rejoicing within.

2.17.12 "O King, all of this has been known to me through the eye of wisdom. But hear, O king of kings, what this son of yours shall become."

2.17.13 "The prowess of this mighty one shall not be matched by kings. Even weapons hurled by gods, O lord of the earth, shall not wound him — like rivers against a mountain."

2.17.14 "He shall blaze at the crown of all consecrated kings, dimming the splendour of them all, as the sun dims all other luminaries."

2.17.15 "Kings with prosperous forces and armies, encountering him, shall come to destruction — like moths meeting fire."

2.17.16 "He shall seize the accumulated glory of all kings, as in the rainy season the ocean — lord of rivers — swallows the high-watered rivers."

2.17.17 This mighty one shall rightly uphold the four social orders, even as the earth — abundant and bearing all crops — sustains both the auspicious and the inauspicious.

2.17.18 All kings shall come under his command, just as embodied beings are subject to the wind, which is the very self of all creatures.

2.17.19 This lord of Magadha, surpassing all in strength throughout the worlds, shall behold with his own eyes Rudra — the great god Hara, the destroyer of the triple city.

2.17.20 Speaking thus and reflecting upon his own purpose, the sage dismissed king Bṛhadratha, O slayer of foes.

2.17.21 Returning to the city surrounded by kinsmen and relatives, the lord of Magadha, king Bṛhadratha, then consecrated Jarāsandha to the throne and attained supreme contentment.

2.17.22 Once Jarāsandha had been consecrated, king Bṛhadratha, accompanied by his two wives, devoted himself to the life of the forest-hermitage.

2.17.23 While his father dwelt in the forest-hermitage together with his mothers, O Bhārata, Jarāsandha by his own valor brought the kings of the earth under his dominion.

2.17.24 Then, after a long time, king Bṛhadratha, dwelling in the hermitage and having practiced austerities, departed for heaven together with his wives.

2.17.25 He had two ministers — Haṃsa and Ḍibhaka — both of whom were destined to die without weapons, foremost among the wise in counsel, and skilled in the science of warfare.

2.17.26 Those two mighty ones of whom I spoke to you earlier — together with Jarāsandha, the three of them were, in my judgment, a match for the three worlds.

2.17.27 Thus was he, O hero and great king, left unchallenged at that time by the mighty Kukuras, Andhakas, and Vṛṣṇis — for reasons of statecraft.

2.18.1 Vāsudeva said: With Haṃsa and Ḍibhaka — the ministers of Kaṃsa — slain and brought low, the time for Jarāsandha's destruction has now arrived.

2.18.2 He cannot be conquered in open battle even by all the gods and demons together — we understand that he can only be overcome in a fight to the death, hand to hand.

2.18.3 In me resides policy; in Bhīma, strength; and Arjuna is the protector of us both. Together we shall accomplish this, O king — like the three sacred fires.

2.18.4 When that lord of men is confronted by three of us in a secluded place, there is no doubt he will accept to fight with only one of us.

2.18.5 Stung by the contempt shown before the world and provoked by Bhīmasena, he will certainly come forward to fight.

2.18.6 The long-armed Bhīmasena of great strength is equal to destroying him — like Death come to end the life of one whose time has run out.

2.18.7 If your heart knows this and if you have trust in me, then quickly entrust Bhīmasena and Arjuna to me as a sacred charge.

2.18.8 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Thus addressed by the blessed one, Yudhiṣṭhira replied, casting a glance at Bhīma and Pārtha who stood there with joyful faces.

2.18.9 O Acyuta, O Acyuta — do not speak thus, O crusher of enemies! You are the lord and refuge of the Pāṇḍavas, and we take shelter in you.

2.18.10 Whatever you say, O Govinda, comes to pass — for fortune never turns her back on those who have you at their front.

2.18.11 Jarāsandha is as good as slain, the captive kings as good as freed, and the Rājasūya sacrifice as good as mine — for I stand under your direction.

2.18.12 Act swiftly so that this task may be accomplished — my task which is also the task of the world. Do this, O best of men.

2.18.13 Without the three of you I cannot bear to live — like one in misery who is afflicted by disease and bereft of dharma, desire, and wealth.

2.18.14 Pārtha is nothing without Śauri, and Śauri nothing without the Pāṇḍava — in this world none can conquer either of the two Kṛṣṇas, so I believe.

2.18.15 And this glorious Vṛkodara, foremost among the strong, joined together with both of you — what could that illustrious hero not accomplish?

2.18.16 A mass of strength well directed accomplishes the highest deeds — raw strength without guidance is called blind and dull; it must be led by the wise.

2.18.17 Water flows wherever there is a downward slope; those rich in wisdom likewise direct an army wherever there is an opening.

2.18.18 Therefore, taking refuge in Govinda — a man famed throughout the world and learned in the ways of statecraft — let us strive for the accomplishment of our purpose.

2.18.19 Thus one who combines wisdom, statecraft, and strength, and is furnished with the right means of action — place such a one, O Kṛṣṇa, in the forefront of all undertakings for the accomplishment of our aim.

2.18.20 Even so, let Arjuna follow Kṛṣṇa, the foremost of the Yadus, for the accomplishment of the purpose, and let Bhīma follow Dhanañjaya — through policy, victory, and strength combined, success shall be attained in the campaign.

2.18.21 Thus instructed, all those brothers of vast prowess — the scion of the Vṛṣṇis and the two Pāṇḍava heroes — then set out toward Magadha.

2.18.22 Clad in the garments of radiant Brahmin graduates, they were bid farewell with affectionate and pleasing words by their friends.

2.18.23 Wearing the chief garments of those who burn with indignation for the sake of their kinsmen — those whose forms blaze like the sun, moon, and fire — the appearance they presented then was awesome.

2.18.24 Seeing the two Kṛṣṇas — unconquered in battle, united in purpose, and with Bhīma leading the way — one would have reckoned Jarāsandha already slain.

2.18.25 For those two great-souled lords were capable of setting in motion any enterprise, just as they were capable of suppressing all matters pertaining to dharma, artha, and kama.

2.18.26 Departing from the Kurus, they traveled through the heart of the Kurujāṅgala region, visiting the lovely Padmasara lake and passing beyond Kalakuta.

2.18.27 They crossed the Gaṇḍakī, then the Śoṇa, then the Sadanira, and likewise the rivers near Ekaparvataka — proceeding onward one by one.

2.18.28 Fording the lovely Sarayū and beholding the eastern Kosalas, they passed through Mithilā, and the river Mala, and the Carmaṇvatī.

2.18.29 Having crossed the Gaṅgā and the Śoṇa, all three of them — those unfailing heroes — proceeded eastward through the Kuraura forest into the territory of Magadha.

2.18.30 Reaching mount Goratha — ever filled with herds of cattle, rich with water, and adorned with beautiful trees — they beheld the city of Magadha.

2.19.1 Vāsudeva said: O Pārtha, this Magadhan settlement is great, pleasant, ever well-stocked with cattle, rich in water, free from illness, furnished with fine dwellings, and auspicious.

2.19.2 There is the great Vaihara mountain, and Varāha, and Vrishabha, and likewise Rishigiri, O dear one — and the auspicious Caityaka is the fifth of these.

2.19.3 These five great-peaked mountains, shaded by cool trees, seem to stand united in body, guarding Girivraja together in a compact embrace.

2.19.4 With fragrant and charming trees whose branch-tips are wreathed with blossoms, the city lies concealed as if within the groves of lodhra trees so beloved by lovers.

2.19.5 Here the great-souled sage Gautama, firm in his vows, fathered Kakṣīvat and other sons — upon a Śūdra woman and upon a woman of the Uśīnara clan.

2.19.6 Gautama, descended from this lineage, still dwells in the hermitage there and is connected to the Magadhan royal line by the grace of its kings.

2.19.7 Kings of great strength — the rulers of Aṅga, Vaṅga, and others — used to come to Gautama's hermitage and take their pleasure there in former times, O Arjuna.

2.19.8 Look at these rows of trees — the lovely priyala trees and the auspicious lodhra trees, O Pārtha — growing near the dwelling of Gautama.

2.19.9 Here are Arbuda and Shakravapi, two serpents who torment enemies; here too is the abode of Svastika, and the excellent dwelling of Maṇināga.

2.19.10 The clouds cannot avoid shedding rain on the Magadhan land for the sake of this jewel-serpent; both Kauśika and Maṇināga have grown in power by his favor.

2.19.11 Jarāsandha considers his prosperity to be unassailable — but today we shall strike down his pride by confronting him.

2.19.12 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having spoken thus, all those brothers of vast prowess — the scion of the Vṛṣṇis and the two Pāṇḍavas — then set out toward the city of Magadha.

2.19.13 They reached Girivraja — filled with contented and well-fed people, crowded with the four social orders, abounding in festivals, and impregnable.

2.19.14 Without approaching the gate, they made for the lofty mountain-range of the city — which was honored by the descendants of Bṛhadratha and by the city's inhabitants alike.

2.19.15 It was there that Bṛhadratha had encountered the bull that fed on beans; he slew it, had three great drums made from its hide and stalk-sinew,

2.19.16 And, having covered them with its hide, installed them in his city — where those drums resounded, sprinkled with divine flowers.

2.19.17 Those who sought to slay Jarāsandha rushed upon the lovely Caityaka peak of the Magadhans — as if intending to cut off a head.

2.19.18 It was a firm and very broad peak — vast and ancient, ever worshipped with garlands and wreaths, well established and revered.

2.19.19 The heroes shattered it with their powerful arms and brought it down; then, beholding the city of Magadha, they entered it.

2.19.20 At that very moment the royal priests were performing rites of honor for Jarāsandha and leading the king, mounted on an elephant, around the sacred fire.

2.19.21 Those three, observing the vows of Brahmin graduates — with their arms as their only weapons, bearing no other armament, and eager to fight — entered together with Jarāsandha, O Bhārata.

2.19.22 They beheld the supreme splendor of the food-stalls and flower-shops — prosperous, endowed with every good quality, and abounding in all desirable things.

2.19.23 Seeing this prosperity, those foremost of men — Kṛṣṇa, Bhīma, and Dhanañjaya — proceeded along the royal road through that market-lane.

2.19.24 Those mighty men forcibly took garlands from the garland-sellers; all of them clad in faded garments, wearing flower-wreaths and gleaming earrings.

2.19.25 They then approached the dwelling of the wise Jarāsandha, gazing about as if surveying a cow-pasture — like lions from the Himālayan slopes.

2.19.26 Their arms — anointed with sandal and aloe-wood, resembling stone pillars — shone brilliantly, O great king, those arms of those mighty-armed heroes.

2.19.27 Seeing them — broad-chested, resembling elephants, rising like the trunks of sala trees — amazement arose among the Magadhans.

2.19.28 Those foremost of men, of great strength, passed through three crowd-filled outer enclosures and then approached the king with self-assurance.

2.19.29 Jarāsandha rose to receive them — for they were worthy of the water-offering and the honey-gift, worthy of honor, and deserving of respectful welcome — and attended to them according to the prescribed rites.

2.19.30 That lord and king said to them: "Welcome to you all." For this was a vow of his, O king — widely renowned throughout the earth.

2.19.31 Even at midnight, O Bhārata, that conqueror of assemblies — that king — would go forth to receive Brahmin graduates who had arrived.

2.19.32 But seeing them in their unusual attire, the foremost of kings — Jarāsandha — attended to them and was filled with wonder.

2.19.33 But those foremost of men — slayers of enemies all — upon seeing king Jarāsandha, spoke thus, O best of the Bhāratas.

2.19.34 "May it go well with you, O king — be in good health" — so they all said as they stood there; then, O tiger among kings, they gazed at each other and at that king.

2.19.35 Then Jarāsandha addressed those Yādavas and Pāṇḍavas — concealed beneath the disguise of Brahmins — saying: "Be seated, O lords."

2.19.36 Then all three of those foremost of men took their seats — blazing with splendor, the three of them like the three sacred fires at a great sacrifice.

2.19.37 Then Jarāsandha — that truthful lord of men — addressed them, reproaching them on account of the reason for their disguise, O Kauravya.

2.19.38 "It is known to me in every way, in this world of men, that Brahmins who observe the vows of graduates do not wear their garlands and unguents on the outside of their garments."

2.19.39 "Yet you wear flowers, and you bear the marks of bowstrings on your arms — you carry the energy of the warrior class, yet you claim to be Brahmins."

2.19.40 Dressed in colourless garments, without garlands or ointments — speak the truth: who are you? Truth is what adorns men among kings.

2.19.41 You have broken through the Caityaka peak of the mountain and entered our abode without using a gate, fearless of any offence to the king — what accounts for this?

2.19.42 This is the act of one who bears a disguise. What purpose did you have in view? Declare your vigour in speech — especially, what distinguishes a brahmin?

2.19.43 And having thus approached me, why do you not accept the ceremonial welcome offered according to custom? What is your purpose in coming to me?

2.19.44 Thus addressed, Kṛṣṇa of great spirit — eloquent and skilled in discourse — replied in a voice at once warm and grave.

2.19.45 O king, those who follow the snātaka vow — brahmin, kṣatriya, and vaiśya — have rules both particular to each order and rules they share in common.

2.19.46 The kṣatriya in particular constantly worships Śrī with distinction; and Śrī abides unfailingly where flowers bloom — therefore we wear flowers.

2.19.47 A kṣatriya's valour resides in his arms, not in his words; his speech is therefore restrained — that is the rule remembered, O son of Bṛhadratha.

2.19.48 The Creator has placed the kṣatriya's true strength in his two arms. If you wish to see it, O king, you shall see it this very day — doubt it not.

2.19.49 The righteous always enter an enemy's house by a way other than the door, and enter a friend's house through the proper gate. Therefore we avoided the gate — you are our enemy.

2.19.50 Coming to the house of an enemy on a mission, we do not accept ceremonial honour — know this to be our eternal vow.

2.20.1 Jarāsaṃdha said: I cannot recall any enmity that you have created, and even on reflection I see no wrong done to me by you.

2.20.2 If there is no wrong, how do you regard me as an enemy? Declare that openly, O brahmins — for this is the compact of the righteous.

2.20.3 Indeed, the mind of one who attacks the guiltless is tormented by the destruction of dharma — even if he be a kṣatriya, there is no doubt.

2.20.4 One who knows dharma and holds great vows, yet acts otherwise in the world, attains the fate of sinners and destroys whatever good he had earned.

2.20.5 Knowing that the guiltless are the best among those who walk rightly through the three worlds by the dharma of the kṣatriya, you speak as though in delusion.

2.20.6 Vāsudeva said: O great king, the duty of a family is borne by one upholder of that family; yet by its commission we three have risen to this task.

2.20.7 O king, you have seized kṣatriyas who dwell in the world — committing thereby a cruel transgression — yet you consider yourself guiltless?

2.20.8 O best of kings, how can a king harm righteous kings? You are seizing those kings in order to offer them to Rudra.

2.20.9 That sin committed by you, O son of Bṛhadratha, would fall upon us — for we who walk in dharma are capable of protecting it.

2.20.10 The seizure of human beings as sacrificial victims has never been sanctioned. How then do you wish to worship the god Śaṃkara with human victims?

2.20.11 Who else would treat men of his own order as sacrificial animals? Only you, Jarāsaṃdha, with your perverted mind.

2.20.12 We, who follow those in distress, have come here to restrain you — you who cause the destruction of kinsmen — for the sake of the welfare and growth of our kinsmen.

2.20.13 Your belief that there is no other man among the kṣatriyas of the world equal to you — that too, O king, is a very great confusion of your mind.

2.20.14 What kṣatriya who knows his own lineage would not enter the incomparable, imperishable heaven that follows upon battle, O king?

2.20.15 Consecrated to the sacrifice of battle and ascending to heaven itself, kṣatriyas worship the worlds thereby — know this, O lord of Magadha.

2.20.16 Victory is the source of heaven, O king; great glory is the source of heaven; austerity in battle is the source of heaven — this path does not deviate.

2.20.17 This is the victorious quality of Indra, ever present and focused, by which the Hundred-Sacrificed one conquered the asuras and protects the world.

2.20.18 Who would be so bellicose as you, relying on heaven, proud of the abundance and strength of your vast Magadhan armies?

2.20.19 Do not despise others, O king — valour is not equal in every man; the same energy is not found in any man as in you alone, O lord of men.

2.20.20 Only as long as it is not fully understood would this be endurable for you. Therefore, O king, I tell you this.

2.20.21 Abandon your pride and arrogance among equals, O Māgadha — do not go with your sons, ministers, and army to the abode of Yama.

2.20.22 Dambhodbhava, Kārtavīrya, and Uttara Bṛhadratha — these kings who despised their betters perished here along with their armies.

2.20.23 Seeking to free those kings from you, we are not those who merely call themselves brahmins — I am Śauri, Hṛṣīkeśa, and these two are the hero Pāṇḍava brothers.

2.20.24 We challenge you, O king — stand firm and fight, O Māgadha, or release all the kings; do not go to the realm of Yama.

2.20.25 Jarāsaṃdha said: I do not take any kings who are not already conquered. Who has stood against me? Who is there that I have not conquered?

2.20.26 This is what they call the righteous livelihood of the kṣatriya, O Kṛṣṇa: to subdue by valour and bring under one's sway, then to do as one pleases.

2.20.27 Having dedicated these kings for the sake of the deity, O Kṛṣṇa, how should I release them out of fear today, mindful as I am of the kṣatriya vow?

2.20.28 I shall fight army against army in battle array, or one against one again, or against two or three — simultaneously or one by one.

2.20.29 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having spoken thus, Jarāsaṃdha the king, eager for battle and mighty in deed, then commanded the consecration of Sahadeva.

2.20.30 That king, as battle drew near, O bull of the Bhāratas, remembered Kauśika and Citrasena as his commanders.

2.20.31 Those two whose names — Haṃsa and Ḍibhaka — had long been spoken of among men in the world, honoured by the world.

2.20.32 But the mighty Śauri, O king, O tiger among men, remembering that king — best among the strong, his valour like a tiger's —

2.20.33 — true to his pledge, Jarāsaṃdha of fearful prowess on earth, assigned as the portion of another to be slain — Acyuta, sustainer of the earth,

2.20.34 — Madhusūdana, the younger brother of the wielder of the plough, the foremost among the self-possessed, did not wish to slay him by his own hand; placing the command of Brahmā first, he deferred the act.

2.21.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then the eloquent Adhokṣaja, the delight of the Yadus, spoke to King Jarāsaṃdha, whose mind was resolute for battle.

2.21.2 Of the three of us, O king, with which does your mind incline to fight? Let whichever one of us you choose make himself ready for combat.

2.21.3 Thus addressed by Kṛṣṇa, the Māgadha, Jarāsaṃdha of great splendour, chose to fight with Bhīmasena, O king.

2.21.4 Bearing the choicest remedies, curative preparations, and medicinal herbs, the royal priest approached Jarāsaṃdha who was eager to fight.

2.21.5 Having performed the rite of benediction through a learned and distinguished brahmin, Jarāsaṃdha — devoted to the duty of the kṣatriya — girded himself.

2.21.6 Removing his crown and smoothing his hair, Jarāsaṃdha rose up like an ocean overflowing its shore.

2.21.7 The wise king said to Bhīma of fearful prowess: Bhīma, I shall fight you — it is better to be defeated by a superior than otherwise.

2.21.8 Having spoken thus, Jarāsaṃdha the enemy-subduer, of great energy, advanced towards Bhīmasena as the asura Bali once advanced against Indra.

2.21.9 Then, having taken counsel with Kṛṣṇa and performed the rite of benediction, the mighty Bhīmasena approached Jarāsaṃdha with eagerness to fight.

2.21.10 Then those two tigers among men, their arms their weapons, met — both heroes supremely exhilarated, each longing for victory over the other.

2.21.11 From the blows of their arms, from restraints and releases, there arose a tremendous crash like that of thunderbolt against mountain.

2.21.12 Both supremely elated, both exceeding strong, each seeking an opening in the other, each desiring victory over the other.

2.21.13 That dreadful combat, with the crowd driven back, took place in a secluded spot, O king — the clash of those two mighty ones like Vṛtra and Indra.

2.21.14 By pulling and dragging, by drawing close and pushing back, they hauled each other about, and struck one another with their knees.

2.21.15 Then, threatening each other with great shouts, they struck each other with blows resembling the collision of boulders.

2.21.16 Both broad-chested and long-armed, both skilled in wrestling, they locked each other with their arms like iron bars.

2.21.17 The combat began on the first day of the month of Kārttika and went on ceaselessly, without rest, day and night.

2.21.18 That engagement of the two great souls continued through the thirteenth; but on the night of the fourteenth, the Māgadha withdrew, exhausted.

2.21.19 Seeing the king thus exhausted, O king, Janārdana spoke to Bhīma of terrible deeds, as if awakening him.

2.21.20 An exhausted enemy, O son of Kuntī, cannot be pressed in battle — for one wholly pressed may abandon his own life.

2.21.21 Therefore, O son of Kuntī, do not press this king to the utmost — fight him evenly with your arms, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.21.22 Thus instructed by Kṛṣṇa, the Pāṇḍava slayer of enemy heroes, having discerned the weak point of Jarāsaṃdha, resolved upon his killing.

2.21.23 Then, to conquer the hitherto unconquered Jarāsaṃdha, Vṛkodara — foremost among the strong, joy of the Kurus — seized him with vigour.

2.22.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then Bhīmasena spoke to Kṛṣṇa, the delight of the Yadus, having formed a vast plan with the desire to slay Jarāsaṃdha.

2.22.2 This wicked one, O Kṛṣṇa, O tiger among the Yadus, should not be entreated for his life by me — he whose loin cloth is now bound fast.

2.22.3 Thus addressed, Kṛṣṇa, that tiger among men, eager for the death of Jarāsaṃdha, replied to Vṛkodara, urging him on.

2.22.4 Whatever supreme divine strength you possess, O Bhīma, and whatever strength of the wind-god — show it to us now, this very day, upon Jarāsaṃdha.

2.22.5 Thus urged, Bhīma the enemy-subduer, of great strength, lifted the mighty Jarāsaṃdha and whirled him about, O king.

2.22.6 Having whirled him a hundredfold with his arms, O bull of the Bhāratas, he broke his back, crumpling and crushing him, and roared aloud.

2.22.7 As he was being crushed and the Pāṇḍava roared, there arose a tumultuous sound that struck fear into all living beings.

2.22.8 All the Māgadhas trembled with fear, and the wombs of women miscarried at the roar of Bhīmasena and the cry of Jarāsaṃdha.

2.22.9 "Has the Himālaya split? Is the earth cracking?" — so the Māgadhas understood from the sound of Bhīmasena.

2.22.10 Then those tamers of enemies left the king at the gate of the royal palace as though he were asleep, casting out his lifeless body by night, and departed.

2.22.11 Kṛṣṇa, having yoked Jarāsaṃdha's chariot with its banner and mounted the two brothers upon it, freed the captive kinsmen.

2.22.12 Those lords of the earth, those kings — freed from great fear — approached Kṛṣṇa who bears jewels, who is worthy of jewels, and paid him homage.

2.22.13 Uninjured, well-armed, his enemies conquered, accompanied by the kings, he mounted that divine chariot and departed from Girivraja.

2.22.14 That chariot, famed as Sodaryavān, capable of dual combat, with Kṛṣṇa as its charioteer — terrible in appearance and unconquerable by all kings.

2.22.15 Mounted by warriors Bhīma and Arjuna, with Kṛṣṇa as its charioteer, that foremost chariot shone splendidly — unconquerable by all archers.

2.22.16 For Indra and Viṣṇu had roamed on that very chariot in the battle of the gods against the demons, known as Tārakāmaya; mounting it, Kṛṣṇa now proceeded.

2.22.17 Gleaming like refined gold, adorned with a garland of small bells, thundering with the roar of clouds — that victorious chariot, the slayer of foes.

2.22.18 With that chariot Indra had slain ninety-nine times nine of the demons; obtaining it, those bulls among men rejoiced greatly.

2.22.19 Then the Māgadha people, seeing the mighty-armed Kṛṣṇa together with the two brothers standing on that chariot, were struck with astonishment.

2.22.20 Yoked with divine horses, equal to the wind in speed, that chariot, presided over by Kṛṣṇa, shone exceedingly, O Bhārata.

2.22.21 The banner fixed by the gods on that foremost chariot, unimpeded, could be seen from a yojana away, glorious, blazing like Indra's rainbow.

2.22.22 Then Kṛṣṇa thought of Garuḍa, and Garuḍa immediately came to him; in that instant, perched on the banner, he stood like a tall sacrificial post.

2.22.23 With wide-open mouths and mighty roars, accompanied by spirits who dwell in banners, Garuḍa the serpent-devourer stood on that foremost chariot.

2.22.24 Difficult for any being to gaze upon, he blazed with surpassing brilliance, like the sun at midday encompassed by a thousand rays.

2.22.25 It does not catch on trees, nor is it harmed by weapons — that divine foremost banner, O king, is visible to gods and humans alike.

2.22.26 Mounting that divine chariot whose rumble was like a rain-cloud, the tiger among men, Acyuta, set forth together with the two Pāṇḍavas.

2.22.27 The chariot that King Vasu had received from Vāsava (Indra), from him Bṛhadratha obtained it, and from Bṛhadratha it had passed in succession to the king descended from Bṛhadratha — Jarāsaṃdha.

2.22.28 The mighty-armed, lotus-eyed one of great fame then departed and halted outside Girivraja on level ground.

2.22.29 There all the townspeople, with brāhmaṇas at their head, O king, came to honor him with proper rites as prescribed.

2.22.30 The kings, freed from captivity, worshipped Madhusūdana and spoke these soothing words to him:

2.22.31 "This is no wonder, O mighty-armed one, O son of Devakī — that you, endowed with the strength of Bhīma and Arjuna, uphold dharma.

2.22.32 That you have today rescued these kings who were sinking in the terrible lake of Jarāsaṃdha, the mire of suffering —

2.22.33 O Viṣṇu, of those who were crushed in the terrible mountain-fortress, by good fortune glory blazing from their liberation has been won by you, O best of men.

2.22.34 What shall we do, O tiger among men? Speak, O bull among men — whatever you say must be understood as already accomplished by us kings, even if it be difficult."

2.22.35 Hṛṣīkeśa, the great-souled one, reassuring them, said: "Yudhiṣṭhira wishes to perform the Rājasūya sacrifice."

2.22.36 "For him who is devoted to dharma and desires sovereignty, let all of you give your assistance for the purpose of that sacrifice."

2.22.37 Then those kings, O bull of the Bhāratas, with satisfied minds all said "So be it" and pledged their word to that.

2.22.38 Those lords of the earth made the Dāśārha (Kṛṣṇa) a recipient of their jewels; out of compassion for them, Govinda accepted their gifts with some reluctance.

2.22.39 And Sahadeva, the great chariot-warrior son of Jarāsaṃdha, came out with his kinsmen and ministers, placing his priest before him.

2.22.40 Bowing low, with many jewels preceding him, Sahadeva approached Vāsudeva, the god among men.

2.22.41 Then Kṛṣṇa, granting him freedom from fear, thereupon consecrated the son of Jarāsaṃdha as king right there.

2.22.42 Having achieved accord with Kṛṣṇa and being honored by the two Pārthas, that wise king re-entered the city of Bārhadratha.

2.22.43 But Kṛṣṇa, the lotus-eyed, blazing with supreme splendor, taking abundant jewels, set forth together with the two Pārthas.

2.22.44 Arriving at Indraprastha together with the two Pāṇḍavas, Acyuta, delighted, met the Dharma-king and spoke to him.

2.22.45 "By good fortune the mighty Jarāsaṃdha has been felled by Bhīma, and these kings have been freed from their bonds, O best of kings.

2.22.46 By good fortune these two, Bhīmasena and Dhanaṃjaya, have returned safely to their own city, unhurt, O Bhārata."

2.22.47 Then Yudhiṣṭhira, honoring Kṛṣṇa as he deserved, and embracing Bhīmasena and Arjuna, was filled with joy.

2.22.48 Then, with Jarāsaṃdha destroyed, Ajātaśatru, having obtained the victory accomplished by his brothers, rejoiced together with his brothers.

2.22.49 Meeting those kings according to their age, the Pāṇḍava honored and worshipped them duly, then dismissed those lords of men.

2.22.50 Dismissed by Yudhiṣṭhira, those kings, with joyful hearts, quickly departed to their own kingdoms in various conveyances.

2.22.51 Thus the tiger among men, the greatly wise Janārdana, caused the enemy Jarāsaṃdha to be slain through the Pāṇḍavas at that time.

2.22.52 Having intentionally caused Jarāsaṃdha to be slain, that subduer of foes took leave of the Dharma-king and of Pṛthā and Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī), O Bhārata.

2.22.53 Taking leave also of Subhadrā, Bhīmasena, Phalguna (Arjuna), the twin brothers, and Dhaumya, he set out for his own city.

2.22.54 On that very foremost chariot, blazing like the young sun, dispatched by the Dharma-king, he made the directions resound with its divine roar.

2.22.55 Then the Pāṇḍavas, with Yudhiṣṭhira at their head, O bull of the Bhāratas, circumambulated Kṛṣṇa the effortless doer in a rightward direction.

2.22.56 Then, after the blessed Kṛṣṇa, the son of Devakī, had departed — having won a great victory, the giver of safety to kings —

2.22.57 Their energy further heightened by that deed, O Bhārata, the Pāṇḍavas, O king, increased the great joy of Draupadī.

2.22.58 In that time the king, renowned for protecting his kingdom, rightfully did what was fitting, encompassing dharma, pleasure, and wealth.

2.23.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Pārtha, having obtained the finest bow, the inexhaustible great quivers, a chariot and banner and the assembly hall, spoke to Yudhiṣṭhira.

2.23.2 "O king, I have obtained bow, weapons, arrows, valor, a wing (support), land, glory, and strength — all that was desired and hard to attain has been obtained by me.

2.23.3 In this regard I think the fitting action is to augment this treasury; I will collect tribute from all kings, O best of kings.

2.23.4 I will set out for conquest in the direction protected by the god of wealth, at an auspicious tithi, muhūrta, and nakṣatra.

2.23.5 Hearing the words of Dhanaṃjaya, Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira replied to him in a voice both affectionate and deep.

2.23.6 "Have the worthy brāhmaṇas pronounce blessings and set forth, O bull of the Bhāratas — for the sorrow of enemies and the joy of friends. Victory is certain for you, O Pārtha; obtain what you cherish and desire."

2.23.7 Thus addressed, Pārtha set forth, surrounded by a great army, on the divine chariot Agnidatta, which performed wondrous deeds.

2.23.8 Likewise Bhīmasena and the twin brothers, those bulls among men, all set out with their armies, duly honored by the Dharma-king.

2.23.9 The son of Pākaśāsana (Arjuna) conquered the direction beloved of the lord of wealth (the north); Bhīmasena likewise the east, and Sahadeva the south.

2.23.10 Nakula, skilled in weapons, conquered the western direction, O king; Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira remained dwelling at Khāṇḍavaprastha.

2.23.11 Janamejaya said: O brāhmaṇa, narrate in detail the conquest of the directions; I am not satisfied hearing of the great deeds of my ancestors.

2.23.12 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: I will narrate to you the victory of Dhanaṃjaya first; for the earth was conquered by the Pārthas simultaneously.

2.23.13 First, in the territory of the Kuṇindas, the mighty-armed Dhanaṃjaya brought the kings under his sway without excessively fierce fighting.

2.23.14 Conquering the Ānartās, the Kālakūṭas, and the Kuṇindas, he made Sumaṇḍala and Pāpajit followers with their armies.

2.23.15 Together with them, O king, Savyasācī the scorcher of foes conquered the entire island and the king Prativindhya.

2.23.16 Against the inhabitants of the whole island and the kings of the seven islands, a tremendous conflict arose with Arjuna's armies.

2.23.17 The great archer, having conquered them too, O bull of the Bhāratas, then advanced upon Prāgjyotiṣa together with all of them.

2.23.18 There was a great king there, Bhagadatta, O lord of the people; with him there was an immense battle with the great-souled Pāṇḍava.

2.23.19 Surrounded by Kirātas and Cīnas, the king of Prāgjyotiṣa stood, along with many other warriors dwelling along the ocean shores.

2.23.20 Then, after fighting with Dhanaṃjaya for eight days, the king, free from fatigue in battle, spoke smiling:

2.23.21 "It is fitting, O mighty-armed one, O joy of the Pāṇḍavas, O heir of Pākaśāsana, that such valor adorns you in battle.

2.23.22 I am the friend of the lord of the gods, not inferior to Indra in battle, and yet I cannot stand before you in combat, my son.

2.23.23 What do you desire, O son of Pāṇḍu? Speak — what shall I do for you? Whatever you say, O mighty-armed one, that I shall do, my son."

2.23.24 Arjuna said: "The bull of the Kurus, King Yudhiṣṭhira the son of Dharma — I desire sovereignty for him; let tribute be paid to him."

2.23.25 "You are a friend of my father, and are dear to me as well; therefore I do not command you — with affection, let it be given."

2.23.26 Bhagadatta said: "As you are like a son of Kuntī to me, so is King Yudhiṣṭhira; all of this I shall do — what else shall I do for you?"

2.24.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having conquered him, the mighty-armed Dhanaṃjaya, son of Kuntī, proceeded northward from there, to the direction protected by Dhana-da (Kubera).

2.24.2 The son of Kuntī, that bull among men, conquered the inner mountain region, the outer mountain region, and likewise the region above the mountains.

2.24.3 Conquering all the mountain regions and the lords of men there, placing them under his sway, he took their jewels in their entirety.

2.24.4 Together with all of them, having won the affection of those kings, he then, O king, advanced upon Bṛhanta, the dweller in the Kulūta region.

2.24.5 Shaking this earth with the excellent sound of mṛdaṅga drums, the rumble of chariot wheels, and the trumpeting of elephants —

2.24.6 Then the young Bṛhanta, with a four-division army, sallied forth from that city and engaged the Pāṇḍava in battle.

2.24.7 There was an immense clash between Dhanaṃjaya and Bṛhanta, but Bṛhanta was unable to withstand the Pāṇḍava's valor.

2.24.8 Knowing the son of Kuntī to be most irresistible, that lord of the mountain, of poor judgment, turned back, taking all his jewels with him.

2.24.9 Having established that kingdom, he set out together with the Kulūtas, O king, and swiftly wrested Senābindu from his realm.

2.24.10 He brought together Modāpura, Vāmadeva, Sudāman, the populous Susaṃkula, the Kulūtas, the northerners, and all those kings.

2.24.11 Stationed there and acting by the command of the Dharma-king, Dhanaṃjaya, O king, conquered five regions in due measure.

2.24.12 Having reached Divaḥprastha, the great city of Senābindu, that lord encamped there with his fourfold army.

2.24.13 Surrounded by all of them, that great-splendoured bull among men advanced against the king Viṣvagaśva, the Paurava.

2.24.14 Having conquered in battle the heroic mountain-dwellers and great warriors, he conquered with his bannered army, O king, the city guarded by the Paurava.

2.24.15 Having thoroughly conquered the Paurava, the forest-dwelling brigands, and the seven assemblies of the Utsavasaṃketa, that Pāṇḍava prevailed.

2.24.16 Then that bull among warriors conquered the heroic Kāśmīra warriors along with Lohita and the ten Maṇḍalas.

2.24.17 Then the son of Kuntī, O king, caused the Trigartans, the Dārvas, the Kokanadas, and all the many warriors there to submit on every side.

2.24.18 Then the joy of the Kurus conquered the lovely Abhisārī and subjugated Rocamāna, the dweller in the Uraśā region, in battle.

2.24.19 Then the son of Pākaśāsana, relying on his forces, crushed the lovely Siṃhapura, well-guarded by Citrāyudha, in battle.

2.24.20 Then Kirīṭī, that bull among Pāṇḍavas, the joy of the Kurus, crushed the Suhmas and the Colas together with his entire army.

2.24.21 Then that supremely valiant joy of the Kurus brought the Bāhlīkas, hard to assail, under his sway by means of great overwhelming force.

2.24.22 Retaining the best of the troops and discarding the weaklings, the Pāṇḍava, son of Pākaśāsana, conquered the Daradas together with the Kāmbojas.

2.24.23 Those who dwell in the north-eastern quarter, those brigands, and those who live in the forest — that lord conquered them all.

2.24.24 The Lohas, the paramount Kāmbojas, the Ṛṣikas, and the northerners together, O great king — the son of Pākaśāsana conquered them all.

2.24.25 Among the Ṛṣikas, however, a most terrifying battle arose between the paramount Ṛṣika lord and Pārtha, resembling the Tārakāmaya war.

2.24.26 Having conquered the Ṛṣikas in the forefront of battle, O king, he brought back eight horses resembling the belly of a parrot in colour, others resembling peacocks, and yet more of both kinds.

2.24.27 Having thoroughly conquered the Himavat range with its forest groves in battle, that bull among men reached the Śveta mountain and encamped there.

2.25.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: That hero, having crossed the Śveta mountain, O Bhārata, reached the land inhabited by the Kiṃpuruṣas, guarded by the son of Druma.

2.25.2 With a great clash of armies, that destroyer of warriors, the foremost of Pāṇḍavas, conquered and brought them to submission under tribute.

2.25.3 Having conquered him, the son of Pākaśāsana, undistracted, advanced with his army upon the land called Hāṭaka, guarded by the Guhyakas.

2.25.4 Having subdued them by conciliation, the joy of the Kurus beheld the excellent Lake Mānasa and all those rivers flowing from the sages' settlements.

2.25.5 Having reached Lake Mānasa, that lord, the Pāṇḍava, then conquered the land around the Hāṭaka region, guarded by the Gandharvas.

2.25.6 There he obtained as tribute Tittiri-spotted horses, Maṇḍūkākṣa horses, and the finest steeds from that Gandharva city.

2.25.7 Having reached the northern Harivarṣa, that Pāṇḍava, the delight of Pākaśāsana, wished to conquer that land.

2.25.8 Then the gatekeepers, of mighty frame, great valour, and immense strength, approached him joyfully and spoke these words.

2.25.9 "O Pārtha, this city cannot be conquered by you in any manner whatsoever. Turn back, O auspicious one — this much is enough, O Acyuta."

2.25.10 "Whoever enters this city will surely cease to be a mortal being. We are pleased with you, O hero; your conquest is sufficient."

2.25.11 "Nor is there anything here for Arjuna to conquer that can be discerned — for these are the northern Kurus, and no battle takes place here."

2.25.12 "Even if you were to enter, O son of Kuntī, you would see nothing here, for this place cannot be perceived by one in a human body."

2.25.13 "But if you wish to accomplish something else here, O tiger among men, speak it and we shall fulfil it at your word, O Bhārata."

2.25.14 Then Arjuna, son of Pākaśāsana, spoke to them, O king: "I wish to establish the sovereignty of the wise Dharma-king."

2.25.15 "I shall not enter your land, nor impose the burden of subjugation by mortals — let whatever tribute pleasing to Yudhiṣṭhira be given to us."

2.25.16 Then they presented him as tribute divine garments, divine ornaments, and divine skins of the Moka deer.

2.25.17 Thus that tiger among men conquered the northern quarter, having fought very many battles against warriors and against brigands alike.

2.25.18 Having thoroughly conquered those kings and placed them under tribute, he took from all of them wealth and various kinds of gems.

2.25.19 Horses spotted like the Tittiri bird, others resembling the wing of a parrot, others resembling peacocks — all of them swift as the wind.

2.25.20 Surrounded by a very great fourfold army, O king, that hero returned once more to the foremost of cities, Śakraprastha.

2.26.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: At this very same time the valiant Bhīmasena also, having taken leave of the Dharma-king, set out towards the eastern quarter.

2.26.2 Accompanied by a great wheel of forces that crushed enemy kingdoms, that tiger of the Bhāratas, increaser of foes' grief, marched forth.

2.26.3 That tiger among kings, the Pāṇḍava, going to the great city of the Pāñcālas, pacified the Pāñcālas by various means.

2.26.4 Then that hero, bull among men, having conquered the Gaṇḍakī and the Videhas in a short time, that lord advanced to the Daśārṇas.

2.26.5 There the Dāśārṇaka king Sudharmā performed a hair-raising feat — he fought a great unarmed battle with Bhīma.

2.26.6 But Bhīmasena, the scorcher of foes, seeing that feat of his, made the mighty Sudharmā his commander of the army.

2.26.7 Then Bhīma of fearful valour marched towards the eastern quarter with a great army, O king, as if shaking the earth.

2.26.8 He, the best of the strong, O king, conquered in battle the lord of the Aśvamedha sacrifice, Rocamāna, together with his younger brother.

2.26.9 Having conquered him without overly fierce action, that son of Kuntī of great heroism, the joy of the Kurus, subdued the eastern land.

2.26.10 Then coming southward, he brought under his sway the great city of the Pulindas and the delicate Sumitrā, lord of men.

2.26.11 Then by the command of the Dharma-king, O Janamejaya, that bull of the Bhāratas advanced against the mighty Śiśupāla.

2.26.12 The Cedi king too, hearing what the Pāṇḍava intended, came out from the city and received him, O scorcher of foes.

2.26.13 Those two meeting, O great king — the bulls of the Kuru and the Cedi — enquired about the well-being of each other's families.

2.26.14 Then, having offered his kingdom, the Cedi king, O lord of the people, said to Bhīma with a laugh: "What is this you are doing, O sinless one?"

2.26.15 Bhīma then told him of the Dharma-king's intention, and that lord of men, accepting it, acted accordingly.

2.26.16 Then Bhīma, O king, having stayed there thirty nights and been honoured by Śiśupāla, departed with his forces and conveyances.

2.27.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then in the Kumāra region that subduer of foes conquered Śreṇimān and also Bṛhadbala, lord of Kosala.

2.27.2 At Ayodhyā, the foremost of Pāṇḍavas conquered the righteous, far-sighted, and mighty king without overly fierce action.

2.27.3 Then that lord conquered Gopālakaccha, the excellent and northern Mallakas, and also the king who was lord of the Mallas.

2.27.4 Then approaching the slopes of the Himavat and reaching Jaradgava, that strong one brought the entire region under his sway in a short time.

2.27.5 Having thus conquered many and various lands, that bull among men, the Pāṇḍava of very great heroism, best of the strong, also conquered all around Unnāṭa and the mountain Kukṣimanta.

2.27.6 The long-armed Bhīma of fearful valour brought under his sway in battle the king of Kāśī, Subandhu, who never retreated.

2.27.7 Then that bull among Pāṇḍavas conquered all around Supārśva and also Krātha, lord of kings, who fought with all his might in the engagement.

2.27.8 Then the greatly splendoured one conquered the Matsyas, the mighty and blameless Malayas, the Gayas, and the Paśubhūmi in its entirety.

2.27.9 The long-armed one, turning back, thoroughly conquered Madarvīka mountain with its surrounding region and marched northward; and the son of Kuntī, mighty in strength, conquered the Vatsabhūmi by force.

2.27.10 He also conquered the lord of the Bhārgas, the lord of the Niṣādas, and many rulers of the earth with Maṇimān at their head.

2.27.11 Then the Pāṇḍava Bhīma swiftly conquered the southern Mallas and the Bhogavanta without overly fierce action.

2.27.12 That lord conquered the Śarmakas and the Varmakas by conciliation alone; and that tiger among men conquered without overly fierce action Janaka, the Vaideha king, lord of the earth.

2.27.13 While stationed in the Videha land, the Pāṇḍava son of Kuntī conquered from nearby Indraparvata seven lords of the Kirātas.

2.27.14 Then the valiant son of Kuntī, having conquered the Suhmas, the Eastern Suhmas, and the Samakṣas in battle, that strong one advanced upon the Māgadhas.

2.27.15 Having conquered Daṇḍa and Daṇḍadhāra and the lords of the earth, together with all of them he advanced upon Girivraja.

2.27.16 Having conciliated Jārāsaṃdhi and placed him under tribute, that strong one, O king, advanced against Karṇa together with all of them.

2.27.17 Shaking the earth as it were with his fourfold army, that foremost of Pāṇḍavas battled with Karṇa, slayer of enemies.

2.27.18 Having conquered Karṇa in battle and brought him to submission, O Bhārata, that strong one then conquered the mountain-dwelling kings.

2.27.19 Then the Pāṇḍava struck down in the great battle the even mightier king of Modāgiri by the strength of his arms.

2.27.20 Then the heroic, mighty Vāsudeva, lord of the Pauṇḍras, and the king of great energy who dwelt on the bank of the Kauśikī river —

2.27.21 Both surrounded by forces, both heroes, both of fierce valour — having conquered those two in battle, O great king, he advanced upon the king of Vaṅga.

2.27.22 Having conquered Samudrasena, the king Candrasena, the king of Tāmralipta, and Kāca the lord of Vaṅga —

2.27.23 And the lord of the Suhmas, those who dwell by the ocean, and all the troops of Mlecchas — that bull of the Bhāratas conquered them all.

2.27.24 Having thus conquered many and various lands and taken wealth from them, the mighty son of the Wind-god advanced to the Lauhitya river.

2.27.25 He made all the Mleccha kings and those dwelling on the ocean islands pay tribute and various kinds of gems.

2.27.26 Sandalwood, aloe, garments, incomparable gems and pearls, gold, silver, diamonds, and coral — great wealth of every kind.

2.27.27 That one of immeasurable soul, with hundreds of crores of that great wealth, then showered the Pāṇḍava with a rain of riches.

2.27.28 Then Bhīma of fearsome valor, arriving at Indraprastha, reported all that wealth to the king of righteousness.

2.28.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: In like manner Sahadeva too, honored by the king of righteousness, marched with a great army toward the southern direction.

2.28.2 That powerful lord, the Kaurava hero, first conquered the Śūrasenas completely and then forcibly brought the king of the Matsyas under his sway.

2.28.3 He also conquered Dantavakra, lord of lords, in great battle, made him a tribute-payer, and established him securely in his own kingdom.

2.28.4 He brought Sukumāra and King Sumitrā under his control, and likewise conquered the western Matsyas and the Paṭaccaras.

2.28.5 The wise hero swiftly conquered the Niṣāda land, the excellent mountain Goshriṅga, and likewise King Śreṇimān.

2.28.6 Having fully conquered Navarāṣṭra, he advanced against Kuntibhoja; and that king received his command with affection.

2.28.7 Then on the bank of the Chamravati he encountered the son of Jambhaka, a king who had been spared by Vāsudeva from among former enemies.

2.28.8 There he engaged in battle with the Bhoja king, O Bhārata; having conquered him in combat, he then marched facing south.

2.28.9 Having received tribute and various jewels from them, he then marched toward the Narmadā accompanied by those very kings.

2.28.10 The valiant son of the Aśvins conquered in battle the two heroes Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, who were surrounded by a great army.

2.28.11 Then, having taken their jewels, he went to the city of Māhiṣmatī; there that bull among men engaged in battle with King Nīla.

2.28.12 The Pāṇḍava Sahadeva, slayer of enemy heroes, a man of great valor — a very great battle then arose there, terrifying to the fainthearted.

2.28.13 It was a battle that caused the destruction of troops and placed lives in jeopardy; for the blessed Fire-god, the bearer of oblations, rendered his aid to that king.

2.28.14 Then horses, chariots, elephants, men, and coats of armor were all seen blazing with fire in Sahadeva's army.

2.28.15 Then the son of the Kuru line became greatly agitated in mind and was unable to offer any reply, O Janamejaya.

2.28.16 Janamejaya said: Why, O twice-born one, did the blessed Fire-god become an enemy in battle to Sahadeva, who was striving for the sake of the sacrifice?

2.28.17 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: It is heard that the blessed bearer of oblations, a resident of Māhiṣmatī, was formerly bound there as an adulterer.

2.28.18 He had come to be under the authority of the former kings of Nīla's line, wandering there by chance in the form of a brahmin.

2.28.19 But the righteous king punished him according to the law; thereupon the blessed bearer of oblations blazed up in anger.

2.28.20 Seeing him, the king was astonished and bowed his head to the wise one; then Vibhāvasu showed grace to that king.

2.28.21 The best of those who make excellent offerings granted a boon to that king; and the lord of the earth chose safety for his own army.

2.28.22 From that time forward, whatever kings out of ignorance seek to conquer that city by force, O king, they are burned by fire here in this world.

2.28.23 In that city of Māhiṣmatī, O best of the Kurus, the women are said to have become unapproachable in that they follow their own desire.

2.28.24 Thus Fire granted a boon that women should not be restrained; indeed the women there are svairinis who move about as they please.

2.28.25 And kings shun that kingdom, O best of men, out of fear of Fire, O great king — so it has been from that time forward and always.

2.28.26 But Sahadeva of righteous soul, seeing his army terror-struck and surrounded by fire, O king, stood firm like a mountain.

2.28.27 Then, having touched water and become ritually pure, he addressed the Purifier: "This undertaking is for your sake, O black-pathed one — homage be to you."

2.28.28 "You are the mouth of the gods; you are the sacrifice itself, O Purifier. Because you purify, you are called Pāvaka; because you carry, you are called Havyavahana."

2.28.29 "The Vedas too were born for your sake, and therefore you are called Jātavedas. It is not fitting that you obstruct this sacrifice, O carrier of oblations."

2.28.30 Having spoken thus, that tiger among men, the son of Mādrī, spread kusha grass on the ground according to ritual and sat facing the Purifier.

2.28.31 In the sight of the entire terrified and agitated army, O Bhārata, Fire did not pass beyond him, just as the great ocean does not cross its shore.

2.28.32 Fire, approaching gently, spoke these words to Sahadeva, that son of the Kurus, that god among men, beginning with conciliation:

2.28.33 "Rise, rise up, O Kaurava! This was a test I was conducting. I know fully the intention of both you and the son of Dharma."

2.28.34 "But this city must be protected by me, O best of the Bhāratas, so long as the lineage-holders of this king Nīla endure — yet I shall fulfil the desire of your heart, O Pāṇḍava."

2.28.35 Then that bull among men, the son of Mādrī, rose up with a gladdened heart, and with joined palms and bowed head, he worshipped the Purifier.

2.28.36 When the Purifier withdrew, King Nīla then came forward and honored with hospitality Sahadeva, that tiger among men, that lord of warriors.

2.28.37 Having accepted that hospitality and placed him under tribute, the son of Mādrī then marched victoriously toward the southern direction.

2.28.38 Having brought the king of Tripura under his sway and swiftly subdued the lord of Potana, that long-armed hero,

2.28.39 that great-armed hero, with great effort, then brought Ahriti and Kaushikācharya under his sway, and likewise the lord of Surāṣṭra.

2.28.40 And while dwelling in the territory of Surāṣṭra, he sent envoys to King Rukmiṇī, the wise high minister stationed at Bhojakat.

2.28.41 To Bhīṣmaka himself, the righteous soul, who was a direct ally of Indra — he and his son, O king, accepted his command.

2.28.42 That long-armed lord of warriors, glancing affectionately toward Vāsudeva, then took those jewels and marched on again.

2.28.43 Then that one of great splendor and immense power brought under his sway the region of Śūrpāraka and the clan called Upakrita, and also the Daṇḍakas.

2.28.44 And the kings who dwelt on ocean islands, born of barbarian lineage, the Niṣadhas, the Purushadānas, and even those who use their ears as coverings —

2.28.45 and those men called Kalamukhās born of Rākṣasa stock, and the entire mountain Kollagiri, and the city of Murachi —

2.28.46 and the island called Tamra, and the mountain Ramaka — the great-minded hero brought all these under his sway, along with the king Timingila.

2.28.47 One-footed men who dwelt solely in the forests, the city of Sanjayanti, Picchhanda, and Karahataka — these he brought under his sway merely through envoys and made them pay tribute.

2.28.48 The Pāṇḍyas and the Dravidians together with the Udras and Keralas, the Andhras and the Talavanas, the Kaliṅgas and the Oshthakarnikas —

2.28.49 Antakhi and Roma and likewise the city of the Yavanas — these too he brought under his sway merely through envoys and made them pay tribute.

2.28.50 The wise subduer of enemies, that righteous soul, son of Mādravatī, having gone to Bharukaccha, sent envoys with affection to the great-souled Vibhīṣaṇa of the Paulastya line, O king of kings.

2.28.51 And he accepted his command with affection; the wise lord also approved that which time had wrought.

2.28.52 Then Vibhīṣaṇa sent various jewels, foremost among which were sandalwood and aloe, and divine ornaments as well,

2.28.53 and garments of great worth and gems of immense value. Then the wise and valiant Sahadeva turned back.

2.28.54 Having thus conquered by force, by conciliation, and by victory, and having made kings into tribute-payers, that subduer of enemies returned.

2.28.55 Having reported everything to the king of righteousness, O bull of the Bhāratas, he who had accomplished his task dwelt in happiness, O king Janamejaya.

2.29.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: I shall now tell of the deeds and victories of Nakula, and how that lord conquered the direction that Vāsudeva had won.

2.29.2 Marching out from Khāṇḍavaprastha and heading toward the western direction, the wise one advanced with a great army.

2.29.3 With the great lion-roar of warriors, with their battle-shouts, and with the rumbling sound of chariot-wheels, he made this earth tremble.

2.29.4 Then he advanced upon Rohitaka, a beautiful and wealthy land rich in cattle, horses, and grain, beloved of Kārttikeya.

2.29.5 There a great battle took place with the heroic Mattamayurakas; and he likewise conquered the entire desert region and Bahudhanyaka.

2.29.6 That one of great splendor brought Shairishaka and Mahichchha under his sway, along with the Śibis, the Trigartas, the Ambaṣṭhas, the Mālavas, and the Panchakarpaṭas.

2.29.7 Likewise the people of Madhyamika and the Vatadhanā brahmins, and then turning back, those who dwelt in the Puṣkara forest.

2.29.8 That bull among men conquered the clans called Utsavasanketa, and the mighty Gramaneyas who dwelt along the banks of the Sindhu.

2.29.9 And the Śūdra and Abhira clans, those who subsist near the Sarasvatī, those who live by fishing, and those who dwell in the mountains —

2.29.10 the entire Pañcanada, and likewise the western territory, Uttarajyotika, the city of Vrindataka, and Dvarapala — all these that one of great splendor swiftly brought under his sway.

2.29.11 The Ramaṭhas, the Harahūṇas, and whatever kings of the western regions — all of these the Pāṇḍava brought under his sway through his mere command.

2.29.12 While dwelling there, the mighty one sent a message to Vāsudeva; and he accepted his command with ten kingdoms.

2.29.13 Then the powerful hero went to Śākala, the great city of the Madras, and with affection brought his maternal uncle Śalya under his sway.

2.29.14 Honored in turn by that king, as one deserving of honor, O lord of the people, the lord of warriors took abundant jewels and set out again.

2.29.15 Then he brought under his sway the exceedingly fierce barbarians dwelling in the belly of the ocean, the Pahlavas and the Barbaras, all of them.

2.29.16 Then, having taken jewels and having brought the kings under his sway, that best of men, Nakula, skilled in wondrous ways, turned back.

2.29.17 Ten thousand camels carried the treasury of that great-souled hero, O great king — immense wealth, as though with difficulty.

2.29.18 Then the glorious son of Mādrī, coming to the hero Yudhiṣṭhira who had returned to Indraprastha, presented that wealth to him.

2.29.19 Thus Nakula, that bull of the Bhāratas, conquered the western direction, guarded by Varuṇa, which had previously been won by Vāsudeva.

2.30.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Through the protection of the king of righteousness, through the upholding of truth, and through the destruction of enemies, the subjects were devoted to their own duties.

2.30.2 Through the proper collection of revenue from the powerful and through governance in accordance with righteousness, the rain-cloud showered as desired and the realm became prosperous.

2.30.3 All undertakings proceeded well — the tending of cattle, agriculture, and trade; all of this in particular arose from the activity of the king.

2.30.4 O king, from thieves or deceivers, or from one another, or even from those favoured by the king — false words were not heard.

2.30.5 Drought, excessive rain, epidemic, and devastation by fire — all of this was absent when Yudhiṣṭhira was devoted to dharma.

2.30.6 To do him honour, to attend upon him, and to present their natural tribute, kings came separately — not for any other business.

2.30.7 Through righteous means of acquiring wealth, his treasury grew vast — a treasury whose depletion could not be accomplished even in hundreds of years.

2.30.8 Having gauged the extent of his treasury and granary, the king, the son of Kuntī, directed his mind solely toward the sacrifice.

2.30.9 All his well-wishers, separately and together, said to him: "O lord, the time for your sacrifice has come — let it now be performed."

2.30.10 While they were saying this, Hari arrived — the ancient sage, the embodiment of the Vedas, visible only to those with true knowledge.

2.30.11 The foremost of all beings, moving and stationary, both the origin and dissolution of the world, the lord of what was, what will be, and what is — Keśava, the slayer of Keśin.

2.30.12 The rampart of all the Vṛṣṇis, the giver of fearlessness in times of calamity, the slayer of foes — having placed the great drum in the charge of Bala and set out with force —

2.30.13 Mādhava, that tiger among men, taking with him wealth of every kind — high and low — for the Dharma-king, came attended by a great army.

2.30.14 Resounding with the roar of his chariot, he entered the best of cities, bringing that boundless flood of wealth, that inexhaustible ocean of jewels.

2.30.15 As a sunless place rejoices at the arrival of the sun, as a windless space rejoices at the coming of the wind — so did the Bhārata city rejoice at the arrival of Kṛṣṇa.

2.30.16 Yudhiṣṭhira went joyfully to meet him, honoured him according to due rite, enquired after his welfare, and when he was comfortably seated —

2.30.17 That bull among men, together with Bhīma, Arjuna, and the twins, and with the officiating priests headed by Dhaumya and Dvaipāyana, spoke to Kṛṣṇa:

2.30.18 "O Kṛṣṇa, the entire earth has come under my sway because of you; and much wealth too, O Vārṣṇeya, has been earned through your grace.

2.30.19 I wish to employ all of that, O son of Devakī, according to the prescribed rites — for the foremost brāhmaṇas and in the sacrificial fire, O Mādhava.

2.30.20 I wish to perform the sacrifice, O Dāśārha, together with you and my younger brothers, O great-armed one — please grant me your permission.

2.30.21 Initiate yourself for the rite too, O Govinda, O great-armed one; for when you have sacrificed, O Dāśārha, I shall be freed of all sin.

2.30.22 Or grant your approval to me, together with my younger brothers, O lord; sanctioned by you, O Kṛṣṇa, I shall attain the highest sacrifice."

2.30.23 Kṛṣṇa replied to him at length, extolling his many virtues: "You alone, O tiger among kings, are worthy of the great imperial sacrifice. Accomplish it — when you have attained it, we shall all have fulfilled our purpose."

2.30.24 "Perform the sacrifice you desire, with me standing by for your welfare. Employ me too in the task — I shall do everything you command."

2.30.25 Yudhiṣṭhira said: "O Kṛṣṇa, my resolve has borne fruit and my success is assured — for you, O Hṛṣīkeśa, have come to me just as I desired."

2.30.26 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Permitted by Kṛṣṇa, the Pāṇḍava, together with his brothers, began to assemble the requisites for the Rājasūya sacrifice.

2.30.27 Then the Pāṇḍava, crusher of enemies, commanded Sahadeva, foremost among warriors, as well as all his ministers in every respect:

2.30.28 "For this sacrifice, all the constituent elements as described by the twice-born, all the requisite materials, and all the auspicious items in every respect —

2.30.29 — and the sacrificial provisions as specified by Dhaumya — let men bring them quickly, in proper manner and in due order.

2.30.30 Let Indrasena, Viśoka, and Pūru — Arjuna's charioteer — be engaged in the procurement of food and provisions, out of desire to please me.

2.30.31 And let all desired things be prepared — endowed with fine flavours and fragrance, pleasing and delightful for the twice-born, O best of the Kurus."

2.30.32 At the same time as those words were spoken, Sahadeva, foremost among warriors, reported to the great-souled Dharma-king that all had been done.

2.30.33 Then, O king, Dvaipāyana assembled the officiating priests — twice-born men of great glory, embodied like the Vedas themselves made manifest.

2.30.34 The son of Satyavatī himself took the role of Brahman-priest for the sacrifice; the bull of those who conquer wealth, Susāman, became the chanter of Sāmans.

2.30.35 Yājñavalkya, most learned in sacred lore, became the foremost Adhvaryu priest; Paila, son of Vasu, together with Dhaumya, became the Hotṛ priest.

2.30.36 The disciples and sons of these priests, O bull of the Bhāratas, all became Hotṛ-chanters — all versed to the utmost in the Vedas and the Vedāṅgas.

2.30.37 Having recited the auspicious day and having sought out the prescribed procedure as declared in the scriptures, they assigned the roles for that great divine sacrifice.

2.30.38 There, commissioned by the king, craftsmen constructed halls and pavilions — vast and jewel-adorned, like the dwellings of the gods.

2.30.39 Then that king, best among kings, the best of the Kurus, immediately commanded his minister Sahadeva:

2.30.40 "Dispatch swift messengers quickly for the purpose of sending invitations." Hearing the king's word, he sent out the messengers at once.

2.30.41 "Invite throughout the kingdoms: brāhmaṇas, rulers of the earth, honoured members of the Vaiśya order, and all Śūdras — bring them all."

2.30.42 By the command of the son of Pāṇḍu, those messengers invited all the protectors of the earth; and he dispatched others as well.

2.30.43 Then, in due season, the brāhmaṇas initiated the son of Kuntī, Yudhiṣṭhira, for the Rājasūya sacrifice, O Bhārata.

2.30.44 Thus initiated, the righteous-souled Dharma-king Yudhiṣṭhira proceeded to the sacrificial ground, surrounded by thousands of brāhmaṇas.

2.30.45 That best of kings, accompanied by his brothers, kinsmen, friends, counsellors, ministers, and Kṣatriyas gathered from many lands, appeared like Dharma himself embodied, O lord of men.

2.30.46 Brāhmaṇas arrived there from various regions on all sides — deeply accomplished in all branches of learning, versed to the utmost in the Vedas and the Vedāṅgas.

2.30.47 By the command of the Dharma-king, thousands of craftsmen built separate lodgings for them — each with abundant food and furnished with beds, fit for their various retinues, and endowed with the comforts of every season.

2.30.48 In those lodgings, O king, the brāhmaṇas dwelt, greatly honoured, telling many stories and watching actors and dancers.

2.30.49 Of the brāhmaṇas as they ate and spoke with great sound, their joyful voices were heard ceaselessly there, O great soul.

2.30.50 "Give, give to them! Let them eat, let them eat!" — such cries of this kind were constantly heard there.

2.30.51 The Dharma-king separately bestowed hundreds of thousands of cows, O Bhārata, as well as beds and golden ornaments and women.

2.30.52 Thus was commenced that sacrifice of the great-souled Pāṇḍava, the sole hero of the earth — like Indra's sacrifice in the three worlds.

2.30.53 Then King Yudhiṣṭhira sent the Pāṇḍava Nakula to Hāstinapura, O bull of the Bhāratas, to invite Bhīṣma.

2.30.54 And also Droṇa, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Vidura, Kṛpa, and all the brothers who were devoted to Yudhiṣṭhira.

2.31.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Going to Hāstinapura, Nakula the victorious in assembly, that Pāṇḍava, invited Bhīṣma and Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.31.2 Having heard of the Dharma-king's sacrifice, those who were versed in sacrifice set out with glad hearts for the rite, preceded by brāhmaṇas.

2.31.3 And others too, O bull among men, by the hundreds, with pleased minds, eager to see the assembly hall and the Pāṇḍava Dharma-king.

2.31.4 From every direction, O Bhārata, all the kings converged there, bringing many and great jewels of various kinds.

2.31.5 Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Bhīṣma, Vidura of great intelligence, and all the brothers with Duryodhana at their head —

2.31.6 — all duly honoured and invited, kings with preceptors at their head; the king of Gāndhāra, Subala, and the mighty Śakuni;

2.31.7 Acala and Vṛṣaka; Karṇa, the best of chariot-warriors; Śalya, king of the Madras; and Bāhlika, the great chariot-warrior —

2.31.8 Somadatta of the Kuru line, Bhūri, Bhūriśravā, Śala, Aśvatthāmā, Kṛpa, Droṇa, and Jayadratha the king of Sindhu —

2.31.9 Yajñasena with his sons, Śālva the lord of the earth, and Bhagadatta, king of Prāgjyotiṣa, of great fame —

2.31.10 Together with all the Mleccha peoples dwelling by the ocean shores, the mountain kings, and King Bṛhadbala —

2.31.11 Pauṇḍraka Vāsudeva, the king of Vaṅga, the king of Kaliṅga, Ākarṣa, Kuntala, the Vānavāsyas, and the Andhraka peoples —

2.31.12 The Draviḍas, the Siṃhalas, the king of Kāśmīra, Kuntibhoja of great splendour, and Suhma of exceeding might —

2.31.13 And other heroic Bāhlika kings, all of them; Virāṭa with his sons, Mācella the great chariot-warrior, kings and princes, lords of various peoples —

2.31.14 Śiśupāla of great prowess, intoxicated in battle, came with his son, O Bhārata, to the sacrifice of the son of Pāṇḍu.

2.31.15 Rāma and Aniruddha, Babhru and Sāraṇa, Gada, Pradyumna, Sāmba, and the valiant Cārudeṣṇa —

2.31.16 Ulmuka, Niśaṭha, the valiant Prādyumni — all the other Vṛṣṇi great chariot-warriors came together.

2.31.17 These and many other kings from the middle land came to the great imperial sacrifice of the son of Pāṇḍu.

2.31.18 By the command of the Dharma-king, O king, they were given lodgings with many courtyards, adorned with ponds and trees.

2.31.19 The son of Dharma also accorded them the highest honour; duly honoured, the kings went to the lodgings assigned to them.

2.31.20 Like the peaks of Kailāsa, delightful, adorned with precious things, enclosed on all sides by lofty, well-built, white ramparts —

2.31.21 — latticed with nets of gold, beautiful with floors inlaid with gems, with easy stairways to ascend, furnished with great couches and coverings —

2.31.22 — covered with garlands and festoons, fragrant with the finest aguru incense, white as the radiance of swans, visible for a league around —

2.31.23 — unencumbered, with level gateways, possessed of qualities both great and small, their walls inlaid with many minerals, like the peaks of the Himālaya —

2.31.24 Having rested, the lords of the earth then beheld the Dharma-king Yudhiṣṭhira, the generous giver, surrounded by many assembly-members.

2.31.25 That assembly, filled with kings and great-souled brāhmaṇas, shone then, O king, like the summit of heaven filled with immortals.

2.32.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Going forward to receive his grandsire and preceptor, Yudhiṣṭhira bowed and then, O king, spoke these words to Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, Drauṇi, and Duryodhana together with Viviṃśati:

2.32.2 "May all of you grace me entirely at this sacrifice. This wealth here is yours as much as mine — may you please me as you wish, unconstrained."

2.32.3 Having spoken thus to all of them, the initiated eldest son of Pāṇḍu then assigned each of them straightaway to offices according to their fitness.

2.32.4 He appointed Duḥśāsana to oversee the distribution of food and eatables; and he told Aśvatthāmā to take charge of the reception of the brāhmaṇas.

2.32.5 For the purpose of honoring the kings, he appointed Sañjaya; and the two great-minded ones, Bhīṣma and Droṇa, he appointed for discerning what had been done and what remained undone.

2.32.6 The king appointed Kṛpa for the superintendence of gold, silver, and gems, and for the distribution of sacrificial fees; and likewise he appointed other tiger-like men in their respective stations.

2.32.7 Bāhlika, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Somadatta, and Jayadratha, brought there by Nakula, took their ease as though they were masters of the house.

2.32.8 Vidura the steward, knower of all dharma, was the disbursing officer; while Duryodhana received all the tribute-offerings on every side.

2.32.9 All the world came together, eager to obtain the highest reward and desirous of beholding the assembly hall as well as Yudhiṣṭhira the Pāṇḍava, the dharma-king.

2.32.10 No one brought a tribute-gift worth less than a thousand; and there they magnified the dharma-king with many precious jewels.

2.32.11 "How shall the son of the Kuru house complete this sacrifice with my gift of gems?" — with this rivalry in mind, the kings lavished wealth upon him.

2.32.12 With palaces topped by aerial towers, attended by retinues and guarded by troops, together with the celestial chariots of the world-kings and the dwelling-places of brahmanas —

2.32.13 — with divine residences that had been constructed, resembling aerial palaces, variegated and adorned with gems, and endowed with supreme prosperity —

2.32.14 — and surrounded by kings possessed of extraordinary splendor and wealth, the assembly hall of the great-souled son of Kuntī shone resplendently, O king.

2.32.15 Competing in prosperity with the god Varuṇa himself, Yudhiṣṭhira worshipped with the six-fire sacrifice endowed with generous fees, and he satisfied all people with every desire abundantly fulfilled.

2.32.16 That grand assembly was abundantly supplied with food and many kinds of eatables, thronged with people who had eaten their fill, and was characterized by the reception of jeweled tribute-offerings.

2.32.17 At that sacrifice, spread out and accompanied by the great sages, the gods were truly satisfied by the oblations of sacrificial cake, clarified butter, and burnt offerings, performed with proper mantra-recitation.

2.32.18 Just as the gods were satisfied, so too the brahmanas were satisfied with generous fees, food, and great wealth; and all the varnas were joyfully contented at that sacrifice.

2.33.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then, on the day of the royal consecration, brahmanas, together with kings, and great sages entered the inner sacrificial enclosure for the purpose of the honor ceremony.

2.33.2 Headed by Nārada, the great-souled ones, seated in that inner enclosure together with the royal sages, shone with splendor at that time.

2.33.3 Assembled as though in the hall of Brahmā, those of immeasurable might — like gods and divine sages — awaited the next rite and engaged in pleasant conversation.

2.33.4 "It is thus and not otherwise," "this is so and not different" — many there debated contentiously with one another in that fashion.

2.33.5 There some made light arguments appear weighty, while others, through reasoning established by scripture, made the weighty appear light.

2.33.6 There some sharp-witted men, like hawks swooping at meat in the sky, snatched at a point that others had fully developed.

2.33.7 Others, devoted to their great vows, occupied themselves in discussions joined with dharma and artha; the best among those who know all the Vedas delighted in narrating them.

2.33.8 That sacrificial enclosure, crowded with gods, twice-born sages, and great seers conversant with the Vedas, shone like a clear sky studded with stars.

2.33.9 In that inner enclosure of Yudhiṣṭhira's sacrificial ground, O king, there was present at that time neither any shudra nor anyone who had not undertaken a religious vow.

2.33.10 Nārada, beholding that prosperity born of the sacrificial ordinance of the prosperous dharma-king, the wise one, was delighted.

2.33.11 Then, O lord of men, the sage Nārada fell into deep thought as he beheld that gathering of all the kshatriyas.

2.33.12 And he recalled, O bull of the Bhāratas, that ancient discourse which had taken place in Brahmā's hall concerning the descent of the divine portions.

2.33.13 Recognizing in that assembly of kings a gathering of the gods, O joy of the Kurus, Nārada remembered in his mind Hari, the lotus-eyed one.

2.33.14 He, Nārāyaṇa the all-pervading, the slayer of the enemies of the gods, the wise one, conqueror of enemy cities, was born in person among the kshatriyas, fulfilling his promise.

2.33.15 He who is the creator of all beings himself commanded the gods of old: "Slaying one another, you shall regain your respective worlds."

2.33.16 Having thus commanded all the gods, Nārāyaṇa the auspicious, the blessed Lord, the master of the universe, was born at the end of the Yadu line.

2.33.17 On earth, as the best of those who uphold the lineage, born in the line of the Andhakas and Vṛṣṇis, he shone with supreme splendor like the moon among the stars.

2.33.18 He whose might of arm all the gods, including Indra, serve and revere — that Hari, the crusher of foes, dwells here, appearing as though a mere human.

2.33.19 "Ah, how great a wonder that the Self-Existent One himself will restore the kshatriya order, thus endowed with power, once again" — so Nārada reflected.

2.33.20 Thus did Nārada, knower of dharma, turn this thought over in his mind, knowing Hari Nārāyaṇa to be the Lord worthy of worship with sacrifices.

2.33.21 At that great sacrifice of the wise dharma-king, Nārada — the best among those who know dharma, himself of great wisdom — stood there with deep reverence.

2.33.22 Then Bhīṣma, O king, spoke to Yudhiṣṭhira the dharma-king: "Let the honor-offering to the kings be made as is fitting, O descendant of Bharata."

2.33.23 "A teacher, a sacrificial priest, an allied king, O Yudhiṣṭhira, a graduate in vedic study, a dear friend, and a king — these six are said to be worthy of the arghya honor-offering."

2.33.24 "These worthy ones, who have arrived after residing elsewhere for a year or more — those are said to be deserving of the arghya; and these have come to us after a long period of time."

2.33.25 "Let the arghya be brought for each of them one by one, O king" — and moreover, "Let it be presented first to the most eminent and most worthy among them."

2.33.26 Yudhiṣṭhira said: "To which one, O joy of the Kurus, do you think it proper that the arghya be first presented? Tell me that, O grandsire."

2.33.27 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then Bhīṣma, son of Śaṃtanu, having resolved with his intellect, O descendant of Bharata, considered Kṛṣṇa of the Vṛṣṇi clan to be the most deserving of honor on earth.

2.33.28 "For this one shines in the midst of all those assembled, with energy, strength, and valor, blazing like the sun amid the heavenly lights."

2.33.29 "Like a sunless place illumined by the sun, like a windless place refreshed by the wind — so our assembly is illumined and gladdened by Kṛṣṇa."

2.33.30 Authorized by Bhīṣma, the valiant Sahadeva then presented, according to proper rite, the most excellent arghya to the scion of the Vṛṣṇis.

2.33.31 Kṛṣṇa accepted it with the ceremony prescribed by scripture; but Śiśupāla could not bear that act of worship being rendered to Vāsudeva.

2.33.32 Reviling both Bhīṣma and the dharma-king in the assembly, the mighty king of the Cedi country heaped abuse upon Vāsudeva.

2.34.1 Śiśupāla said: "This Vṛṣṇi does not deserve royal honor-worship when so many great-souled lords of the earth are present here, O Kauravya."

2.34.2 "This conduct is not proper among the great-souled Pāṇḍavas — that out of favoritism you have caused the lotus-eyed one to be worshipped by a Pāṇḍava."

2.34.3 "You are children who do not understand — dharma is subtle, O Pāṇḍavas. This son of the river-goddess has transgressed in that matter, being of limited vision."

2.34.4 "Indeed, one such as Bhīṣma, endowed with dharma, yet acting out of mere favoritism, becomes all the more despised in the worlds among the righteous."

2.34.5 "How does this Dāśārha who is not a king deserve the kind of honor-worship with which you have worshipped him, in the presence of all lords of the earth?"

2.34.6 "Or perhaps you consider Kṛṣṇa to be an elder, O bull of the Bhāratas? But while his father Vāsudeva, who is truly aged, still lives, how can his son deserve it?"

2.34.7 "Or perhaps, even Vāsudeva himself, acting out of desire to please, has followed Drupada's wishes — and in that case, how does this Mādhava deserve worship?"

2.34.8 "Do you consider Kṛṣṇa your teacher, O bull of the Kurus? But while Droṇa still lives, why have you worshipped this Vṛṣṇi scion?"

2.34.9 "Do you consider Kṛṣṇa your sacrificial priest, O joy of the Kurus? But while the brahmin Dvaipāyana still lives, how did you worship Kṛṣṇa?"

2.34.10 "Madhusūdana is neither a sacrificial priest, nor a teacher, nor a king — yet he has been worshipped, O best of Kurus. What other reason can there be but favoritism?"

2.34.11 "Or if this Madhusūdana is to be worshipped by you, then why, O descendant of Bharata, were the kings brought here — merely to be dishonored?"

2.34.12 "We all do not pay tribute to this great-souled son of Kuntī out of fear, nor out of greed, nor because we were appeased by him."

2.34.13 "We pay tribute to him who is devoted to dharma and who seeks to establish sovereign rule — yet he, this one, holds us in no regard."

2.34.14 "What other name can one give to this but dishonor — that in this royal assembly you have worshipped Kṛṣṇa with the arghya, one who has not attained the mark of kingship?"

2.34.15 "Without cause has the fame gone forth that Dharma's son is a righteous soul — for who would offer such fitting worship to one who has fallen from dharma, this one born in the Vṛṣṇi clan who formerly slew a king?"

2.34.16 "Today Yudhiṣṭhira's reputation for righteousness has been stripped away, and wretchedness has entered into him, through the presentation of the arghya to Kṛṣṇa."

2.34.17 "If the sons of Kuntī are afraid and wretched ascetics, surely even you should understand what worship Mādhava truly deserves."

2.34.18 "Or, O Janārdana — you who are unworthy — why did you accept this worship that was offered by these wretches?"

2.34.19 "And you, moreover, think highly of this worship that is not appropriate to yourself — like a dog licking up the drippings of an oblation in a deserted place."

2.34.20 "But this dishonor is not being directed at the lords of the earth — clearly, O Janārdana, it is you whom the Kauravas are deceiving."

2.34.21 "As meaningless as the marriage ceremony performed for an impotent man, or as showing forms to a blind man — so is the royal worship offered to you, O Madhusūdana, who are no king."

2.34.22 "I have now seen King Yudhiṣṭhira for what he is, and I have seen Bhīṣma for what he is, and this Vāsudeva has also been seen — all this is now exactly as it truly is."

2.34.23 Having spoken thus to them, Śiśupāla rose from his high seat and departed from that assembly, accompanied by the kings.

2.35.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then King Yudhiṣṭhira hastened after Śiśupāla and spoke these sweet, conciliatory words to him.

2.35.2 "This is not proper, O lord of the earth, what you have said; it is the highest adharma, O king — this harshness that serves no purpose."

2.35.3 "For Bhīṣma son of Śaṃtanu would never be ignorant of the highest dharma, O earth-lord — do not think otherwise; do not slight him."

2.35.4 "Look at these many lords of the earth, far older than you — they accept the honor-offering given to Kṛṣṇa; in like manner you too ought to be patient."

2.35.5 "For Bhīṣma knows Kṛṣṇa in truth and deeply, O lord of the Cedi; you do not know him as the Kaurava elder knows him."

2.35.6 Bhīṣma said: "To him no conciliation is to be given; this one does not deserve to be appeased — the one who does not approve of the honor rendered to Kṛṣṇa, the eldest in the world."

2.35.7 "The kshatriya who, having conquered another kshatriya in battle — best of those who wage battle — sets him free after bringing him under control, becomes like a guru to him."

2.35.8 "And in this assembly of kings, I do not see a single lord of the earth who has not been conquered in battle by the might of the son of the Sātvata woman — Kṛṣṇa."

2.35.9 "For Acyuta — the imperishable one — is not only the most worthy of worship for us alone; Janārdana is worthy of worship in all three worlds."

2.35.10 "For by Kṛṣṇa in battle have many bull-like kshatriyas been conquered, and the entire world rests wholly in this scion of the Vṛṣṇis."

2.35.11 "Therefore, even in the presence of elders who are great, we worship Kṛṣṇa and no other. You have no right to speak thus — let not your mind dwell in such a disposition."

2.35.12 O king, I have attended upon many who are great in wisdom. Among those who spoke, I have heard from the assembled sages — those honored by the virtuous — the many and well-esteemed qualities of Śauri (Kṛṣṇa), the man of virtues.

2.35.13 And the deeds of this wise one since his very birth, being told repeatedly by men, have been heard by me again and again.

2.35.14 O king of Cedi, we do not honor Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa) merely out of desire, nor placing kinship first, nor for any personal advantage whatsoever.

2.35.15 We worship one who has been worshipped by the good. Understanding his fame, valor, and victory — which bring earthly well-being — we render him honor.

2.35.16 Not one person here, not even a mere boy, has been left unexamined by us. Surpassing all elders in qualities, Hari (Kṛṣṇa) is considered by us the most worthy of worship.

2.35.17 He is the greatest in wisdom among the twice-born, and superior in strength among the kshatriyas. Both these reasons for worship are established in Govinda (Kṛṣṇa) here.

2.35.18 Knowledge of the Vedas and their auxiliaries, and likewise immeasurable strength — in this world, who among men possesses these distinctions except Keśava (Kṛṣṇa)?

2.35.19 Generosity, skill, learning, valor, modesty, fame, supreme intelligence, humility, prosperity, steadfastness, contentment, and nourishment — all these are permanently fixed in Acyuta (Kṛṣṇa).

2.35.20 This one, endowed with all these qualities — teacher, father-figure, and guru; worthy of worship, already worshipped, and deserving of honor — all of you ought to acknowledge him.

2.35.21 Officiating priest, teacher, father-in-law, honored graduate, king, and beloved — all of these roles reside in Hṛṣīkeśa (Kṛṣṇa). Therefore Acyuta has been worshipped.

2.35.22 Kṛṣṇa alone is the origin and also the dissolution of the worlds. Indeed, for Kṛṣṇa's sake this entire universe has been offered up.

2.35.23 He is the unmanifest nature, the eternal agent, and beyond all beings. Therefore Acyuta is the most ancient and greatest of all.

2.35.24 Intellect, mind, the great principle (mahat), wind, fire, water, ether, and earth — whatever fourfold existence exists — all of it is established in Kṛṣṇa.

2.35.25 The sun, the moon, the constellations, the planets, the directions and sub-directions — all of it is established in Kṛṣṇa.

2.35.26 But this foolish man Śiśupāla does not understand Kṛṣṇa — who is everywhere and at all times — and therefore speaks thus.

2.35.27 The wise man who truly examines the highest dharma would see things as they are according to dharma. But this king of Cedi does not see thus.

2.35.28 Among the aged and the young, or among the great-souled kings, who does not consider Kṛṣṇa worthy? And who would not worship him?

2.35.29 If Śiśupāla resolves that this worship was wrongly performed, then in accordance with justice, he ought to act accordingly in that wrongdoing.

2.36.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having spoken thus, the greatly renowned Bhīṣma then fell silent. Thereupon Sahadeva spoke a meaningful reply in that assembly.

2.36.2 "Keśava, the slayer of Keśī, who is of immeasurable valor — Kṛṣṇa who is being worshipped by me — whoever among you, O kings, cannot bear this —

2.36.3 "— upon the heads of all the mighty ones I have placed this foot. Let him who can properly respond to what I have said now speak his answer."

2.36.4 "And those kings here who are wise — let them acknowledge this one who is teacher, father-figure, and guru; worthy of worship, already worshipped, and deserving of honor."

2.36.5 Thereupon not one among them spoke — among those wise, virtuous, proud, and powerful kings — with the foot (of supremacy) thus displayed before them.

2.36.6 Then a rain of flowers fell upon Sahadeva's head, and invisible voices also cried out: "Well done! Well done!"

2.36.7 Nārada, the knower of all worlds, who speaks of past and future, the remover of all doubts, twirled his black deerskin toward Kṛṣṇa (in approval).

2.36.8 All those assembled there who had come when summoned — the factions led by Sunītha — appeared enraged and their faces pale with anger.

2.36.9 The kings there spoke out about the consecration of Yudhiṣṭhira and the honoring of Vāsudeva, with disgust and firm conviction of their own.

2.36.10 The appearance of those who were being restrained by their friends shone forth like lions roaring when dragged away from their prey.

2.36.11 Kṛṣṇa then understood that boundless ocean of kings — that inexhaustible ocean of rulers — which was forming a pact (for war), and he perceived the coming battle.

2.36.12 Having honored the one worthy of honor, especially the Brahmin and Kṣatriya orders, Sahadeva — the god among men — completed that rite.

2.36.13 When Kṛṣṇa had been thus honored, Sunītha — the crusher of enemies — with eyes reddened with anger, spoke to the assembled lords of men.

2.36.14 "I stand here as your commander. What do you think we should do now? Let us arm ourselves and stand in battle against the assembled Vṛṣṇis and Pāṇḍavas."

2.36.15 Having thus roused all those kings, the chief of the Cedis then consulted with the kings to disrupt the sacrifice.

2.37.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then, seeing that ocean of kings — resembling the actual ocean — agitated by fury, Yudhiṣṭhira said all this:

2.37.2 He (Yudhiṣṭhira), of great brilliance, like Indra the slayer of enemies, addressed Bhīṣma — the foremost of the wise, the aged grandfather of the Kurus — as Bṛhaspati (the divine teacher):

2.37.3 "That great ocean of kings has been stirred by fury. Tell me, O grandfather, what should be done here."

2.37.4 "So that there be no obstruction to the sacrifice, and so that well-being comes to the people — tell me everything such that this holds true in all respects, O grandfather."

2.37.5 When Yudhiṣṭhira, the dharma-knowing king of dharma, had spoken thus, the grandfather of the Kurus, Bhīṣma, then spoke these words:

2.37.6 "Fear not, O tiger among the Kurus. A dog cannot kill a lion. The auspicious and well-guided path — it was chosen by me here long before."

2.37.7 "For just as when a lion is asleep, dogs gathered there would bark at it all together, so too do these lords of the earth."

2.37.8 "Standing before the sleeping lion of the Vṛṣṇis — like dogs barking furiously in the presence of a lion — so too do these stand, O dear one."

2.37.9 "For Acyuta, like a sleeping lion, does not yet rouse himself. By this, the man-lion (Narasimha), the chief of Cedis, emboldens them (Śiśupāla's followers) to act like lions."

2.37.10 "O best among kings, the dim-witted Śiśupāla desires, O dear one, to lead all these kings with his whole being to Yama's abode."

2.37.11 "Surely Adhokṣaja (Kṛṣṇa) desires to reclaim what is his — the splendor that resides in Śiśupāla — O Bhārata."

2.37.12 "The mind of the king of Cedi — and of all these lords of the earth — has become disordered. May it be well with you, O best of the wise, O son of Kuntī."

2.37.13 "For whenever this tiger among men (Kṛṣṇa) desires to take from someone, that person's mind becomes disordered — just as has happened with the lord of Cedi."

2.37.14 "Mādhava (Kṛṣṇa) is the origin and also the destruction of all fourfold beings in the three worlds, O Yudhiṣṭhira."

2.37.15 Having heard his words, the king, the lord of Cedi, then caused Bhīṣma to hear harsh-syllabled words, O Bhārata.

2.38.1 Śiśupāla said: "With your many intimidations, frightening all the kings — why do you not feel shame, old man and disgrace to your lineage?"

2.38.2 "It is fitting for you — one who dwells in the third nature (i.e., neither man nor woman) — to speak of matters contrary to dharma, for you are called the foremost among all the Kurus."

2.38.3 "As a boat is bound to a boat, or as one blind man follows another blind man — such indeed are the Kuravas, O Bhīṣma, with you as their leader."

2.38.4 "By you recounting to us his deeds — beginning with the killing of Pūtanā in particular — our minds have been further unsettled."

2.38.5 "How, O Bhīṣma, does your tongue not split into a hundred pieces as you, a fool full of arrogance, seek to praise Keśava?"

2.38.6 "Where younger men would employ censure, O Bhīṣma — this cowherd — you, being senior in wisdom, presume to praise him."

2.38.7 "If in childhood he (Kṛṣṇa) killed Śakuni (the demon) — what is remarkable in that? Or those two — the horse and the bull — O Bhīṣma, who were not skilled in warfare."

2.38.8 "If he knocked down with his foot the cart demon (Shakata) — a piece of wood devoid of consciousness — O Bhīṣma, what wonderful feat was accomplished there?"

2.38.9 "If he held aloft a mountain no bigger than an ant-hill for seven days — that Govardhana, O Bhīṣma — I do not consider that remarkable."

2.38.10 "'Much food was eaten by him while playing on the mountaintop' — those hearing this from you, O Bhīṣma, have been struck with great wonder (at what you say)."

2.38.11 "The powerful Kaṃsa, whose food he ate, O knower of dharma — that same Kaṃsa was killed by him — this too is no great wonder."

2.38.12 "This which I will tell you, O Bhīṣma, O ignorant one, O lowest of the Kuru clan — surely this has not been heard by you from the virtuous who speak."

2.38.13 "One should not raise weapons against women, cows, and Brahmins; nor against one whose food one has eaten; nor against one who has sought refuge."

2.38.14 "Thus do the good and virtuous righteous ones always instruct, O Bhīṣma. But in this world, all of that is seen to be false in you."

2.38.15 "You praise Keśava as though not knowing — as one greater in wisdom and age than me — O best of the Kurus. But being a cow-killer and a woman-killer, O Bhīṣma, how does he deserve praise?"

2.38.16 "If this one who is called lord of the universe, Janārdana, honors himself as the foremost of the wise on account of your words saying 'thus it is' — then surely all of that is false."

2.38.17 "A song does not teach the singer though he may sing much. Beings go to their true nature — as the sparrow and the hawk (each follow their kind)."

2.38.18 "Surely this nature of yours is the lowest — there is no doubt in this. And even among the Pāṇḍavas, the nature is considered more wicked than this."

2.38.19 "You, whose most worthy of worship is Kṛṣṇa, and you who are their guide — you speak the words of dharma, yet you are ignorant of dharma, fallen from the path of the good."

2.38.20 "For who among the best of the wise, knowing himself to be righteous, would act as you have acted, O Bhīṣma, while claiming to regard dharma?"

2.38.21 "The maiden named Ambā who desired another — how was she abducted by you, O one who fancies himself wise, O knower of dharma? May it be well with you."

2.38.22 "The maiden whom you abducted, O Bhīṣma — your brother Vicitravīrya refused to take her, following the conduct of the virtuous."

2.38.23 "And the children begotten for another's wives while you, who fancy yourself wise, looked on — born on the path of virtuous conduct (by others for dynastic duty)."

2.38.24 "There is no dharma in you, O Bhīṣma. This celibacy you maintain is in vain — out of delusion or impotence, without doubt."

2.38.25 "I do not see any benefit in you, O knower of dharma, anywhere. For surely you have not attended upon those elders who have spoken of dharma in this way."

2.38.26 "Sacrifices performed, gifts given, study undertaken, and rituals with great fees — all of this is not worth a sixteenth part of (having) a child."

2.38.27 "Whatever is accomplished through many vows and fasts, O Bhīṣma — all of that for the childless man is certainly in vain."

2.38.28 "You, childless and old, because of your false teaching of dharma — like the hamsa (swan/goose), you too may now receive death at the hands of your kinsmen."

2.38.29 "For thus did other men, the knowers of wisdom in former times, speak — O Bhīṣma. That which I will now fully recount to you as you listen:"

2.38.30 "There was once, they say, an old hamsa (goose) living at the ocean's edge in former times — one who spoke of dharma but lived otherwise. He was instructing the birds."

2.38.31 "'Practice dharma, not adharma' — so went his words, they say. The birds constantly heard him, O Bhīṣma, speaking of dharma."

2.38.32 "Then for the sake of dharma — so we have heard, O Bhīṣma — the egg-born birds that roam the ocean waters brought food for him (the hamsa)."

2.38.33 In that very vicinity, having laid their eggs everywhere, the birds roamed about joyfully in the waters of the sea, O Bhīṣma.

2.38.34 That wicked swan devoured the eggs of all those birds — vigilant in his own doings while they were careless and inattentive.

2.38.35 Then, as those eggs were steadily diminishing, another bird born of an egg — a wise and vigilant one — grew suspicious and one day happened to catch sight of him.

2.38.36 Then that bird, overcome with the deepest grief on behalf of all birds, reported the sinful deed of the swan to them after witnessing it.

2.38.37 Then those birds, assembling together and seeing it with their own eyes, killed that swan who had behaved so falsely, O foremost of the Kurus.

2.38.38 These kings of the earth too, O Bhīṣma, may slay you — who are of the same nature as that swan — just as those furious birds slew that egg-born creature.

2.38.39 Those who are versed in the ancient lore also sing a verse on this matter, O Bhīṣma — that verse I shall relate to you accurately, O Bhārata.

2.38.40 "When the inner self is invested in wrong, O winged one, you rage falsely; the eating of eggs is impure for you — your deed surpasses your words."

2.39.1 Śiśupāla said: That great and mighty king Jarāsandha is highly esteemed by me — one who refused to fight with this man in battle, saying "This one is a mere slave."

2.39.2 What Keśava did at the slaying of Jarāsandha, along with Bhīmasena and Arjuna — who considers that to have been a righteous act?

2.39.3 Kṛṣṇa, having entered by a back way in the guise of a Brāhmaṇa speaker, witnessed for himself the power of the wise Jarāsandha.

2.39.4 He who, knowing himself to be righteous and devoted to Brāhmaṇas, would not have offered the water of welcome first to that wicked-souled one.

2.39.5 Kṛṣṇa, Bhīma, and Dhanañjaya were told by Jarāsandha, "Eat and be welcome" — yet Kṛṣṇa did what was improper, O Kauravya.

2.39.6 If he is truly the creator of the world, as you foolishly believe, then why does he not properly recognise himself as a Brāhmaṇa?

2.39.7 This is what amazes me — that these Pāṇḍavas, drawn away from the path of the righteous by you, still regard it as proper.

2.39.8 Or perhaps this is no wonder, O Bhārata — for you are their guide in all matters: you who are both of the nature of a woman and an old man.

2.39.9 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing those harsh and rough-syllabled words of his, the glorious Bhīmasena, foremost among the strong, became exceedingly angry.

2.39.10 His eyes — naturally wide and expansive, resembling lotus petals — grew red once more, their corners flushed deep crimson with wrath.

2.39.11 All the assembled kings beheld on his forehead a triple-ridged frown — like the triple-peaked Trikūṭa mountain, or the Gaṅgā flowing in three streams.

2.39.12 They saw the face of him as he ground his teeth in rage — like the face of Time at the end of an age, as he would burn all beings.

2.39.13 But as he leapt up with fierce velocity, the mighty-armed Bhīṣma seized that high-spirited one, as a lord might restrain a great general.

2.39.14 Restrained by Bhīṣma with many varied words of counsel, O Bhārata, the wrath of that Bhīma subsided.

2.39.15 That subduer of enemies did not transgress the word of Bhīṣma — even when aroused, as the great ocean does not pass beyond the shoreline when the rains are over.

2.39.16 But Śiśupāla, O king of men, did not tremble even when Bhīmasena grew enraged — that hero stood firm in his own manliness.

2.39.17 As Bhīma leapt up again and again with furious speed, that subduer of foes paid him no regard at all — just as a lion pays no heed to a small animal.

2.39.18 Laughing, the glorious king of Cedi spoke these words upon seeing the exceedingly wrathful Bhīmasena, whose prowess is terrible.

2.39.19 "Release him, Bhīṣma — let the kings of the earth watch as he is consumed by the fire of my prowess, like a moth by a flame."

2.39.20 Then, having heard those words of the king of Cedi, the foremost of the Kurus — Bhīṣma, best among the wise — spoke thus to Bhīmasena.

2.40.1 Bhīṣma said: This one was born in the royal line of Cedi with three eyes and four arms, and he brayed and roared with a sound like that of a donkey.

2.40.2 By that, his mother and father, along with all the kinsmen, were terrified; and seeing that ill omen, the two of them resolved to abandon him.

2.40.3 Then a disembodied voice addressed the king with his wife, his ministers, and his priest — whose hearts were bewildered with anxiety.

2.40.4 "O king, this glorious and mighty son has been born to you — do not be afraid of us; without anxiety, protect this child."

2.40.5 "You are not this one's death, nor has his time come yet; his killer will slay him with a weapon, and that killer has already been born, O king."

2.40.6 Having heard those words uttered by the spirit, which then vanished from sight, the mother — burning with maternal love for her son — spoke.

2.40.7 "I bow with joined palms to that being who has spoken these words concerning my own son — let him speak again."

2.40.8 "I wish to hear who shall be the death of my son." Then that invisible spirit spoke these words once more.

2.40.9 "The one in whose lap this child is taken up — his two extra arms shall fall to the ground like two five-headed serpents."

2.40.10 "And this third eye on the child's forehead shall sink away; the one upon seeing whom that happens — he shall be the death of this child."

2.40.11 Having heard that he was three-eyed and four-armed, and that such a prophecy had been made, all the kings of the earth came to see him for themselves.

2.40.12 Having duly honoured those who had arrived, the lord of the earth placed the child on the lap of each king one by one.

2.40.13 Thus the child was placed in the laps of thousands of kings one by one in order — but the prophesied sign did not occur.

2.40.14 Then the two Yādavas, Saṅkarṣaṇa and Janārdana, arrived at the city of Cedi to visit that Yādava woman — their father's sister.

2.40.15 Having duly saluted the elders in proper order and inquired after the welfare of those kings, Rāma and Keśava took their seats.

2.40.16 The two heroes having been honoured with exceeding affection, the queen herself then placed her son in the lap of Dāmodara.

2.40.17 The very moment the child was placed in his lap, both extra arms fell off, and that eye on the forehead sank and vanished.

2.40.18 Seeing that, she was distressed and frightened, and she begged a boon of Kṛṣṇa: "Grant me a boon, O Kṛṣṇa, O mighty-armed one — I am overcome with fear."

2.40.19 "You are the refuge of the afflicted and the giver of fearlessness to the frightened." Janārdana said: "Do not be afraid, O father's sister."

2.40.20 "What boon shall I give, or what shall I do for you, O father's sister? Whether possible or impossible, I shall fulfil your words."

2.40.21 Thus addressed, she then said to Kṛṣṇa, the joy of the Yadus: "You must pardon the offences of Śiśupāla, O mighty one."

2.40.22 Kṛṣṇa said: A hundred offences of his I shall pardon, O father's sister — even of your son who deserves death. Do not let your mind dwell in grief.

2.40.23 Bhīṣma said: Thus this sinful king Śiśupāla, of utterly feeble understanding, challenges you, O hero — emboldened by the boon given by Govinda himself.

2.41.1 Bhīṣma said: This is not the king of Cedi's own intelligence by which he challenges the Imperishable One — surely this is none other than the will of Kṛṣṇa himself, the sustainer of the world.

2.41.2 For who among the kings of this earth could hurl insults at me — even Bhīmasena — whose soul is overcome by fate, as this disgrace to his lineage has done?

2.41.3 For this one is assuredly a part of Hari's own splendour, O mighty-armed one — and the wide-famed Hari, wishing to reclaim that portion, seeks it back.

2.41.4 It is by that power that this king of Cedi, O tiger among the Kurus, roars like a tiger — that one of utterly wicked understanding, giving no thought to any of us.

2.41.5 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then the king of Cedi did not tolerate those words of Bhīṣma, and enraged, he spoke these further words in reply to Bhīṣma.

2.41.6 Śiśupāla said: May this power of Keśava — whose perpetual panegyrist you are, rising up like a bard — belong to our enemies, O Bhīṣma.

2.41.7 Your mind always delights in praising others, O Bhīṣma — if you must praise kings, then praise some other king and leave off Janārdana.

2.41.8 Praise the Darada, praise Bāhlika — this foremost of kings, at whose very birth the earth was split asunder.

2.41.9 Praise Karṇa, O Bhīṣma — the overlord of the Vaṅga and Aṅga regions, equal to the thousand-eyed Indra in might, the mighty stretcher of the great bow.

2.41.10 Rightly praise Droṇa and his son Aśvatthāmā — the father and son, both great warriors, both ever worthy of praise, O Bhīṣma, finest of twice-born men.

2.41.11 Either one of them, O Bhīṣma, if roused to anger, could reduce this entire earth — moving and unmoving — to nothing: such is my conviction.

2.41.12 I see no king equal to Droṇa in battle, nor to Aśvatthāmā either, O Bhīṣma — yet you have no desire to praise even these two.

2.41.13 Why do you not praise Śalya and the other lords of the earth, O Bhīṣma — if your mind is always inclined toward the giving of praise?

2.41.14 What can I do, O king — you who once recounted the words of the elders, the speakers of dharma, have surely not truly heard them.

2.41.15 Self-disparagement, self-praise, the defaming of others, and the flattering of others — these four kinds of conduct are not practised by the noble.

2.41.16 That you constantly praise this Keśava who is unworthy of such praise, through delusion and blind devotion — not a single person approves of this, O Bhīṣma.

2.41.17 How can you place the entire world in the person of this Bhoja — a mere herdsman, a wicked soul — out of sheer partiality?

2.41.18 Or perhaps this devotion of yours does not yield to reason, O Bhārata — as I have already described before, like the story of the bhulinga bird.

2.41.19 There is a bird called bhulinga on the far side of the Himālayas, O Bhīṣma — its words are always heard to be contrary to its own interest.

2.41.20 It constantly cries out, "Do not act rashly!" — yet itself acts with extreme rashness and does not even perceive it.

2.41.21 For that little-witted bird, O Bhīṣma, snatches away the morsel of flesh lodged between the teeth of a lion as it is eating.

2.41.22 It lives only because the lion permits it, O Bhīṣma — make no mistake about it. In the same way, O you who are ignorant of dharma, you always speak such words.

2.41.23 You live only because these lords of kings allow it, O Bhīṣma — make no mistake. For there is no one else like you who performs deeds so universally despised.

2.41.24 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then, having heard those bitter words of the king of Cedi, Bhīṣma spoke these words while the king of Cedi listened, O king.

2.41.25 "Indeed it is said that I live at the pleasure of these lords of the earth — I who do not count these kings of men as worth more than blades of grass."

2.41.26 When Bhīṣma had spoken thus, the kings then became enraged; some among them rejoiced, while others reproached Bhīṣma.

2.41.27 Some of the great archers, having heard those words of Bhīṣma, said: "This Bhīṣma is sinful, arrogant, and old — he does not deserve to be forgiven."

2.41.28 "Let the evil-minded Bhīṣma be slain like a beast — it is proper that all the kings, massing together in fury, should kill him, or burn him in a fire of straw."

2.41.29 Having heard those words of theirs, the grandfather of the Kurus — the wise Bhīṣma — then spoke to those very lords of the earth.

2.41.30 I see no end to what has already been said again and again; but hear all that I shall now say, O lords of the earth.

2.41.31 Let me be slain like a beast, or burned with fire of grass — I have placed this entire position at the head of you all.

2.41.32 Here stands Govinda, the infallible one, honored by us; let him who is eager to die challenge Mādhava.

2.41.33 Let him challenge Kṛṣṇa, the bearer of the Śārṅga bow and mace, in battle today — let the fallen one enter the body of this very god.

2.42.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then, having heard Bhīṣma's words, the king of Cedi of great prowess, eager to fight, addressed Vāsudeva.

2.42.2 "I challenge you — go to battle with me, O Janārdana, until today I slay you together with all the Pāṇḍavas."

2.42.3 "The Pāṇḍavas too must certainly be slain by me along with you, O Kṛṣṇa, for by them — bypassing the kings — you, who are no king, have been honored."

2.42.4 "Those who, out of foolishness, honor you — a slave and no king — as if you were worthy of honor, O Kṛṣṇa, those wicked-minded ones deserve to be slain — this is my view." Having spoken thus, that tiger among kings stood roaring with indignation.

2.42.5 When this was said, Kṛṣṇa then spoke these words, gentle yet firm, before all the kings and the Pāṇḍavas assembled there.

2.42.6 "This son of Śiśupāla's mother is our ultimate enemy, O kings — cruel-natured toward the Sātvatas, and no friend to the innocent."

2.42.7 "This cruel-doer, though my cousin's son, burned Dvārakā when he learned that we had gone to Prāgjyotiṣapura, O lords of men."

2.42.8 "Formerly, this one slew and captured all the Bhoja princes who were sporting on Mount Raivataka and carried them to his own city."

2.42.9 "This one of wicked resolve stole the consecrated horse, guarded by its protectors and released for my father's Aśvamedha sacrifice, to obstruct that ritual."

2.42.10 "And this one abducted from here the unwilling wife of the illustrious Babhru while he was in the Sauvīra country, acting out of delusion."

2.42.11 "This cruel-doer, disguised through illusion for the sake of Karūṣa, abducted the virtuous Bhadrā of Vaiśālī, the niece of my maternal uncle."

2.42.12 "For my father's sister's sake I have borne great sorrow; but by good fortune, the matter has now come to pass in the presence of all the kings."

2.42.13 "For you see yourselves today his extreme transgression against me; but hear now of those wrongs done against me in secret."

2.42.14 "This transgression of his — this arrogant one who deserves death — I shall not be able to forgive today before the entire assembly of kings."

2.42.15 "This fool had designs on Rukmiṇī though he was as good as dead; but the fool did not obtain her, just as a Śūdra cannot attain the hearing of the Vedas."

2.42.16 Thereupon all those lords of men together, having heard Vāsudeva's words of this and like nature, censured the king of Cedi.

2.42.17 Then the mighty Śiśupāla, having heard those words, laughed a loud, resonant laugh and, still laughing, spoke thus.

2.42.18 "O Kṛṣṇa, how do you feel no shame in proclaiming in assemblies — and especially among kings — that Rukmiṇī was formerly intended for me?"

2.42.19 "What self-respecting man would ever proclaim in good company that a woman was previously another's — who other than you, O Madhusūdana?"

2.42.20 "Forgive me if you wish, or do not forgive me, O Kṛṣṇa — whether in anger or in pleasure, what can I expect from you anyway?"

2.42.21 Even as he was speaking thus, the blessed Madhusūdana, the annihilator of enemies, in anger severed his head with the discus; the mighty-armed one fell like a mountain struck by a thunderbolt.

2.42.22 Then the kings beheld a supreme radiance rising up from the body of the lord of Cedi, O great king, like the sun rising from the sky.

2.42.23 Then that radiance paid homage to Kṛṣṇa of lotus-petal eyes, worshipped by the world, and entered into him, O lord of men.

2.42.24 All the rulers of the earth thought it a wonder when they saw that radiance enter the mighty-armed Puruṣottama.

2.42.25 When the Cedi king was slain by Kṛṣṇa, the sky rained without clouds, blazing thunderbolts fell, and the earth trembled.

2.42.26 Then some of the earth's rulers said nothing at all, gazing at Janārdana when the moment was past the reach of words.

2.42.27 Others, filled with indignation, pressed their hands together tight; still others, overcome with rage, bit their lips with their teeth.

2.42.28 But some lords of men praised the descendant of Vṛṣṇi in private; some were furious, while others remained neutral.

2.42.29 Rejoicing, the great sages came to Keśava praising him, as did the great-souled brāhmaṇas and the mighty kings.

2.42.30 Then the Pāṇḍava addressed his brothers: "With all honor, attend to the obsequies of this hero, son of Damaghoṣa — do not delay." And they indeed fulfilled their brother's command.

2.42.31 Then Pārtha, together with those lords of the earth, consecrated that king's son as the ruler over the Cedis.

2.42.32 Then that sacrifice of the Kuru king, complete in all its abundance, O king, blazed forth in its full splendor, bringing joy to the young.

2.42.33 Free from obstacles, auspiciously begun, abounding in wealth and grain, rich in food and many delicacies, it was well protected by Keśava.

2.42.34 And he brought to completion that great ritual, the Rājasūya; the mighty-armed Janārdana, the blessed Śauri, bearer of the Śārṅga bow, discus, and mace, guarded that sacrifice until its conclusion.

2.42.35 Then, having bathed after the avabhṛtha rite, the King of Dharma Yudhiṣṭhira was approached by the entire assembled Kṣatriya royalty, and he spoke thus.

2.42.36 "By fortune you thrive, O knower of dharma, O lord, having attained sovereignty; by this act, O king of kings, you have enhanced the glory of the Ajamīḍha line of Ājamīḍhas, and great dharma has been performed."

2.42.37 "We take our leave, O tiger among men, well honored with every wish fulfilled; we shall depart to our own kingdoms — please grant us permission."

2.42.38 Having heard the words of the kings, the King of Dharma Yudhiṣṭhira duly honored the sovereigns and then addressed all his brothers.

2.42.39 "All these kings came to us out of affection; these scorchers of foes, having taken leave of me, are now departing for their own kingdoms — accompany these best of kings to the borders of their territories. May it be well with you."

2.42.40 Understanding their brother's command, the Pāṇḍavas, followers of dharma, duly escorted each of those foremost kings one by one.

2.42.41 The mighty Dhṛṣṭadyumna quickly accompanied Virāṭa; the great chariot-warrior Dhanaṃjaya accompanied the great-souled Yajñasena.

2.42.42 The immensely powerful Bhīmasena accompanied Bhīṣma and Dhṛtarāṣṭra; the great chariot-warrior Sahadeva accompanied the heroic Droṇa together with his son.

2.42.43 Nakula, O king, accompanied Subala together with his son; the sons of Draupadī along with Saubhadra accompanied the mountain kings.

2.42.44 Those bulls among Kṣatriyas similarly accompanied the other Kṣatriyas; thus well-honored, they all departed, as did the brāhmaṇas in every direction.

2.42.45 When all the royal lords had departed, O bull of the Bhārata line, the mighty Vāsudeva spoke these words to Yudhiṣṭhira.

2.42.46 "I take my leave of you — I shall go to Dvārakā, O joy of the Kurus; by good fortune you have attained the Rājasūya, the foremost of sacrifices."

2.42.47 Thus addressed, the King of Dharma spoke to Madhusūdana: "By your grace, O Govinda, I have indeed attained the sacrifice."

2.42.48 "By your grace, the entire Kṣatriya royalty became obedient and, bringing the foremost tribute, presented itself before me alone."

2.42.49 "Without you, O hero, we shall in no way find joy here; yet you must certainly go to the city of Dvāravatī."

2.42.50 Thus addressed, the righteous, widely-famed Hari, accompanied by Yudhiṣṭhira, approached Pṛthā and, filled with joy, spoke to her.

2.42.51 "Your sons, the nephews of your husband's brothers, have today attained sovereignty — their purposes fulfilled and rich in wealth; you, therefore, rejoice."

2.42.52 "With your permission, I am eager to depart to Dvārakā." Then Keśava duly honored Subhadrā and Draupadī.

2.42.53 Then, having come out of the inner apartments accompanied by Yudhiṣṭhira, having bathed and performed his prayers, and having received blessings from the brāhmaṇas,

2.42.54 Then Dāruka, O great king, having harnessed the well-equipped chariot that resembled a rain-cloud in color, presented it ready.

2.42.55 Seeing the chariot prepared, bearing the emblem of the great Tārkṣya, the high-minded Puṇḍarīkākṣa circumambulated it clockwise, mounted it, and then departed for the city of Dvāravatī.

2.42.56 The glorious King of Dharma Yudhiṣṭhira, accompanied by his brothers, followed on foot the mighty Vāsudeva.

2.42.57 Then Hari reined in his excellent chariot for a moment, and Puṇḍarīkākṣa addressed Yudhiṣṭhira, son of Kuntī.

2.42.58 "Ever vigilant and steadfast, protect your subjects, O lord of the people, as the rain-cloud protects living beings, as a great tree shelters birds; may your kinsmen live by your support as the immortals live by the thousand-eyed Indra."

2.42.59 Having thus made their mutual covenant, Kṛṣṇa and the Pāṇḍava took leave of each other and departed each to his own home.

2.42.60 When Kṛṣṇa, the foremost of the Sātvatas, had departed for Dvāravatī, O king, king Duryodhana alone and also Śakuni, son of Subala — those two bulls among men — lingered in that divine assembly hall.

2.43.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Dwelling in that assembly hall, O bull of the Bhārata line, Duryodhana leisurely surveyed the entire hall together with Śakuni.

2.43.2 In it the joy of the Kurus beheld divine wonders never seen before by him in the city called after the elephant.

2.43.3 Once, in the middle of the hall, the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, that king of the earth, came upon a crystal floor, mistaking it for water.

2.43.4 The king, his mind confused, lifted up his garments; downcast and looking away, he wandered through that hall.

2.43.5 Then, mistaking for dry ground a pool of crystal water adorned with crystal lotus flowers, he fell into the water fully clothed.

2.43.6 Seeing him fallen in the water, the attendants laughed heartily, and by royal order presented him with fresh, fine garments.

2.43.7 Seeing him in such a state, the immensely powerful Bhīmasena, Arjuna, and both of the twins all laughed at that moment.

2.43.8 The proud one did not endure their mockery; guarding his composure, he did not look at them.

2.43.9 Then lifting his garment again as if trying to cross dry ground, he climbed out; and once more all those people laughed.

2.43.10 He also struck his forehead against a door that appeared to be open, thinking it was shut, and then drew back from the doorway.

2.43.11 Having thus suffered various humiliations there, O lord of the people, King Duryodhana was then dismissed by the Pāṇḍavas.

2.43.12 With a joyless heart, having witnessed that wondrous prosperity at the great Rājasūya sacrifice, he departed for the city named after the elephant.

2.43.13 As king Duryodhana went, scorched by the Pāṇḍavas' prosperity and sickened with brooding, a wicked thought arose in his mind.

2.43.14 Having seen the Pārthas cheerful and contented, the kings obedient to them, and the entire world well-disposed toward them down to the children, O bull of the Kuru line,

2.43.15 and having seen too the supreme greatness of the great-souled Pāṇḍavas, Duryodhana, son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, became pale.

2.43.16 As he traveled on, his mind distracted, brooding only on that assembly hall and the incomparable glory of the wise King of Dharma,

2.43.17 Dhṛtarāṣṭra's son Duryodhana, his mind distracted, did not then address Śakuni, the son of Subala, though he spoke to him again and again.

2.43.18 Seeing him thus scattered in mind, Śakuni spoke to him: "Duryodhana, what is the root of this — why do you walk sighing like one in grief?"

2.43.19 Duryodhana said: Having seen this entire earth brought under Yudhiṣṭhira's sway — won by the martial prowess of the great-souled Arjuna, the white-horsed hero —

2.43.20 and having witnessed that sacrifice of Pārtha conducted in such a manner — brilliant uncle, it was like Indra's sacrifice among the gods —

2.43.21 I am filled entirely with indignation, burning day and night — as a shallow pool dries up when the hot season of Śukra arrives.

2.43.22 See how Śiśupāla was struck down by the foremost of the Sātvatas — and not a single man there stood to follow him in support.

2.43.23 The kings, burning in the fire kindled by the Pāṇḍavas, forgave that offense. But who truly deserves to forgive such a thing?

2.43.24 That great deed was carried out so fittingly by Vāsudeva, and succeeded through the glory of the great-souled sons of Pāṇḍu.

2.43.25 And so kings bearing various treasures attend upon the son of Kuntī, paying tribute like merchants paying taxes to a king.

2.43.26 Having seen such blazing prosperity in the Pāṇḍava, I am seized by indignation and burn — I who am not suited to bear this.

2.43.27 I shall enter fire, or consume poison, or plunge into water — I cannot go on living.

2.43.28 What man of spirit in this world would tolerate it — watching his rivals prosper while he himself declines?

2.43.29 I am neither woman nor neuter, neither man nor eunuch — yet today I endure such prosperity come to others. What then am I?

2.43.30 Having witnessed such sovereignty over the earth, such wealth, and such a sacrifice as that — who like me would not be consumed by envy?

2.43.31 Alone and unable to seize that royal splendor, seeing no allies, I contemplate death.

2.43.32 I think fate alone is paramount; human effort is meaningless — having seen that resplendent prosperity thus acquired by the son of Kuntī.

2.43.33 I made effort before for his destruction, O Saubala — yet he has surpassed all of that and grown, like a lotus in water.

2.43.34 Therefore I consider fate supreme and human effort pointless — the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra diminish while the sons of Pṛthā ever grow.

2.43.35 I, who have seen that prosperity and that assembly so magnificent, and the mockery by the guards — I am scorched as if by fire.

2.43.36 Therefore, uncle, give me leave — today I am deeply sorrowful and filled with indignation. Convey this to Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.44.1 Śakuni said: Duryodhana, you should not harbor indignation toward Yudhiṣṭhira — the Pāṇḍavas merely enjoy what is rightfully their own portion.

2.44.2 Those tiger-like men were attacked by you before through many schemes, yet they escaped — their portion of fate safeguarding them.

2.44.3 By them was won Draupadī as wife, and Drupada together with his sons as allies in gaining the earth, and the mighty Vāsudeva too.

2.44.4 And their paternal share of wealth, once obtained, has not been overpowered — it has grown through their own glory, O lord of earth. What cause for lament is there?

2.44.5 By Dhanañjaya was the Gāṇḍīva bow obtained, and the two inexhaustible quivers, and divine weapons — after propitiating the fire-god.

2.44.6 With that foremost of bows and by the strength of his own arms, kings of the earth were brought under his sway. What cause for lament is there?

2.44.7 Having rescued Maya the demon from being burned by fire, the ambidextrous Arjuna, scorcher of foes, had him build that assembly hall.

2.44.8 And by that Maya were summoned the Rākṣasas called Kimkaras — those terrible ones bear that assembly hall. What cause for lament is there?

2.44.9 As for what you said about having no allies, O king, O Bhārata — that is false. These brothers of yours are your allies, great warriors all.

2.44.10 Droṇa, your great archer, along with his wise son; and the son of a charioteer, Rādheya; and Gautama — all great warriors.

2.44.11 And I together with my brothers, and the valiant son of Somadatta — united with all of these, go and conquer the entire earth.

2.44.12 Duryodhana said: Together with you, O king, and with these and other great warriors, I shall conquer them — if you give your approval.

2.44.13 When these are conquered, the earth will be mine, and all the kings of the earth, and that hall of immense wealth.

2.44.14 Śakuni said: Dhanañjaya, Vāsudeva, Bhīmasena, Yudhiṣṭhira, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Drupada together with his sons —

2.44.15 these cannot be conquered by force in battle even by the hosts of gods — great warriors, mighty archers, masters of weapons, mad with the lust for battle.

2.44.16 But I know the means by which Yudhiṣṭhira himself can be conquered, O king. Hear it and act upon it.

2.44.17 Duryodhana said: If they can be conquered without harm to friends and other noble ones, then tell me how, uncle.

2.44.18 Śakuni said: The son of Kuntī is fond of dice yet does not know how to play; and once challenged, the lord of kings will not be able to refuse.

2.44.19 I am skilled at gambling — there is none equal to me on earth or in the three worlds. Challenge that son of Kuntī to a game of dice.

2.44.20 I, skilled with dice, will without doubt win from him his kingdom and that blazing wealth, for your sake, O bull among men.

2.44.21 Present all of this to the king, Duryodhana. With your father's permission, I shall conquer him — of that there is no doubt.

2.44.22 Duryodhana said: You yourself convey this properly to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, foremost of the Kurus, O Saubala — I will not be able to declare it myself.

2.45.1 Vaishampyana said: Having witnessed that great Rājasūya sacrifice of king Yudhiṣṭhira, together with the son of Gāndhārī,

2.45.2 Śakuni of Subala's line, knowing before what would please Duryodhana, then approached Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who sat with the eye of wisdom —

2.45.3 Having heard Duryodhana's words, Śakuni went to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, lord of men, and spoke to that greatly wise one.

2.45.4 "Duryodhana, O great king, is pale, wan, and emaciated, dejected and sunk in worry — know this, O bull of the Bhāratas."

2.45.5 "You do not examine properly this unbearable anguish that arises from his enemies. Why do you not perceive the sorrow of your eldest son?"

2.45.6 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: "Duryodhana, my son, what is the root of your distress — you who are so deeply afflicted? If it is a matter I should hear, tell me, O joy of the Kurus."

2.45.7 "This Śakuni describes you as pale, wan, and emaciated, brooding — yet I myself cannot perceive the source of your grief."

2.45.8 "For great sovereignty has been entrusted entirely to you, my son. Your brothers and friends do nothing displeasing to you."

2.45.9 "You wear fine robes, you eat meat and fine food, thoroughbred horses carry you — why then are you wan and thin?"

2.45.10 "Couches of great worth, charming women, houses full of fine things, and pleasures as you wish —

2.45.11 all of this is bound to your word as if to that of the gods — no doubt of it. Why then, O unconquerable one, do you grieve like a helpless man, my son?"

2.45.12 Duryodhana said: "I eat and dress as an inferior man does, and I endure fierce indignation, tolerating the turn of time."

2.45.13 "He who, unable to endure, sees his own subjects overcome by others and seeks release from those afflictions by conquering the enemy — he truly is called a man."

2.45.14 "Contentment destroys prosperity, as does arrogance, O Bhārata; and both compassion and fear — he who is bound by these does not attain greatness."

2.45.15 "The food I eat gives me no comfort, having seen that blazing prosperity in Yudhiṣṭhira — in the son of Kuntī — the very sight of which drains my color."

2.45.16 "Watching my rivals prosper and myself decline, and seeing — though it be invisible — prosperity standing poised in the son of Kuntī as if raised aloft — therefore I am pale, dejected, wan, and thin."

2.45.17 "Eighty-eight thousand learned householders who have completed their student-vows — each one attended by thirty slave-girls — are maintained by Yudhiṣṭhira."

2.45.18 "Another ten thousand daily eat the finest food from golden dishes in Yudhiṣṭhira's household."

2.45.19 "The Kāmbojas sent him priceless woolen blankets — those of banana-colored deer-brown, dark black, and red hues."

2.45.20 "By the hundreds and thousands roam chariots, women, cattle, and horses; and thirty hundreds of camel-mares go about as well."

2.45.21 "Kings brought diverse and abundant jewels of every kind to the son of Kuntī at this foremost of sacrifices, O lord of the earth."

2.45.22 "Nowhere have I seen nor heard of such an influx of wealth as at the sacrifice of that wise son of Pāṇḍu."

2.45.23 "Having seen that boundless flood of my enemy's wealth, O king, O lord, I find no peace, brooding on it ceaselessly."

2.45.24 "Brahmins and traders bearing cattle, in groups of hundreds, carrying tribute of three hundred million stood at the gate but were turned away."

2.45.25 "Taking up their water-pots made of pure gold, beautiful ones, and thus taking up their tribute, they then gained entry."

2.45.26 "Even honey that the celestial women do not ordinarily preserve for Indra — the ocean of Varuṇa's jars brought that in bronze vessels for him."

2.45.27 "A golden net worth a thousand gold pieces, adorned with many jewels — upon seeing all of that, it all felt to me like the burning of a fever."

2.45.28 "Taking their portion, they depart toward the eastern and southern oceans; and likewise taking their portion they go westward, O bull of the Bhāratas."

2.45.29 "But northward they do not go without winged birds to guide them, dear father. And there was something wondrous here — hear me as I tell it."

2.45.30 "When a full hundred thousand Brahmins had been served, a conch was installed there as a signal and it was blown unceasingly."

2.45.31 "From that conch sounding again and again, O Bhārata, I heard a supreme sound, and then my hairs stood on end."

2.45.32 "The court was thronged with many kings wishing to see it, and those kings, having brought all their jewels, O lord of men —"

2.45.33 "at the sacrifice of that wise son of Pāṇḍu, O great king, the rulers of the earth served the twice-born like merchants."

2.45.34 "That prosperity is not found in the king of the gods, nor in Yama, nor in Varuṇa, nor even in the lord of the Guhyakas — that prosperity which, O king, is in Yudhiṣṭhira."

2.45.35 "Having seen that supreme prosperity of the son of Pāṇḍu, I find no peace, my heart burning."

2.45.36 Śakuni said: "This supreme fortune you have seen in the Pāṇḍava — hear from me the means to win it, O you of true valor."

2.45.37 "I am expert in dice, O Bhārata — even famed across the earth — knowing the hearts of players, knowing the stakes, knowing the distinctions in gambling."

2.45.38 "The son of Kuntī loves dice yet does not know how to play. When summoned, he will clearly come. Invite him, saying: let us play."

2.45.39 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Thus addressed by Śakuni, King Duryodhana then spoke these words unhesitatingly to Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.45.40 "This one, O king, is skilled at dice and is eager to win the wealth of the son of Pāṇḍu by gambling — you ought to give your permission for this."

2.45.41 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: "Vidura is the counsellor of great wisdom, by whose guidance I abide. Having consulted with him, I shall determine what is to be done in this matter."

2.45.42 "For he, placing dharma foremost, far-sighted as he is, will declare what is supremely beneficial and what is proper for both sides, and will settle the matter definitively."

2.45.43 Duryodhana said: "If Vidura comes and dissuades you, then if you too desist, O king of kings, I shall surely die — there is no doubt of this."

2.45.44 "When I am dead, O king, be happy with Vidura — you will enjoy the whole earth; what use will you have of me?"

2.45.45 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing that anguished and affectionate speech of his, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, yielding to Duryodhana's will, spoke to his servants.

2.45.46 "Let craftsmen quickly build for me a great and beautiful assembly hall with a thousand pillars and a hundred doors, pleasing to the mind and fair to behold."

2.45.47 "Then, having spread it with jewels and provided dice in every place, and when it is well finished and easily accessible, report to me gently."

2.45.48 Having thus resolved for the sake of pacifying Duryodhana, O great king, Dhṛtarāṣṭra then sent a messenger to Vidura.

2.45.49 For without consulting Vidura he could reach no firm resolution on anything; yet knowing the vices of gambling, he was drawn along by his love for his son.

2.45.50 Hearing this, the wise Vidura, seeing that the gateway of Kali had arrived and that destruction's mouth had opened, hastened to Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.45.51 Approaching that great-souled elder brother, brother to brother, and bowing his head at his feet, he spoke these words.

2.45.52 "I do not rejoice in this resolve of yours, O king, O lord. Act in such a way that there may be no quarrel among your sons on account of gambling."

2.45.53 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: "Vidura, no quarrel will come among my sons through their sons; the gods in heaven will surely grant us their grace — there is no doubt."

2.45.54 "Whether auspicious or inauspicious, beneficial or harmful, let this friendly gambling proceed — this is fate, without a doubt."

2.45.55 "With me present, and with Bhīṣma, that bull among Bhāratas, any mischief decreed by fate will not come to pass in any manner."

2.45.56 "Go, mounting a chariot with horses swift as the wind, and bring Yudhiṣṭhira from Khāṇḍavaprastha today itself."

2.45.57 "My resolve cannot be checked — I tell you this, Vidura. I hold fate alone to be supreme, by which this comes to pass."

2.45.58 Thus addressed, the wise Vidura, thinking "this must not be," went deeply grieved to the great-minded Bhīṣma, son of the river goddess.

2.46.1 Janamejaya said: "How did that gambling among the brothers come to be — that great calamity wherein my grandfathers the Pāṇḍavas met that disaster?"

2.46.2 "Who were the kings assembled there, O best of knowers of the Veda? Who approved of it and who tried to prevent it?"

2.46.3 "I wish to hear this told in detail by you, O twice-born one, for this is the root of the destruction of the earth, O best of twice-born men."

2.46.4 The Sūta said: Thus addressed by the king, the illustrious disciple of Vyāsa, the knower of all the Vedas, narrated everything as it had occurred.

2.46.5 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: "Hear from me this story in detail, O best of Bhāratas — again, O great king, if your mind is inclined to hear it."

2.46.6 Having learned Vidura's opinion, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, son of Ambikā, once again spoke these words to Duryodhana in private.

2.46.7 "Enough of gambling, O son of Gāndhārī — Vidura does not approve. For that one of great wisdom will not speak what is harmful to us."

2.46.8 "I hold whatever Vidura speaks to be supremely beneficial; let all of that be done, my son — I consider this to be your good."

2.46.9 "The divine sage Bṛhaspati, of noble mind, the teacher of Vāsava, taught the holy wisdom to the wise king of gods —"

2.46.10 "— all of that with its secrets does Vidura know, that great sage; and I too, my son, am ever abiding in his words."

2.46.11 "Indeed, the intelligent Vidura is considered the foremost among the Kurus, as Uddhava of great wisdom is honoured among the Vṛṣṇis, O prince."

2.46.12 "Therefore enough of gambling, my son — in gambling, division is clearly seen; in division, destruction of the kingdom follows. Avoid it, son."

2.46.13 "What is remembered as the highest duty of a father and mother toward their son — that position of your fathers and grandfathers you have already attained, dear child."

2.46.14 "You are learned, accomplished in the scriptures, cherished always at home, the eldest brother established in the kingdom — what beautiful thing do you lack?"

2.46.15 "What food and clothing of the highest order, unattainable by ordinary men, that you have obtained, O mighty-armed — why then do you grieve, my son?"

2.46.16 "O mighty-armed, commanding the great and flourishing kingdom of your fathers and grandfathers constantly, you shine like the lord of gods in heaven."

2.46.17 "For you, O one of discerning wisdom, how has this most painful root of sorrow arisen? You ought to tell me that."

2.46.18 Duryodhana said: "'I eat, I am clothed' — a man who, seeing these things, feels no indignation is considered a base person."

2.46.19 "Shared prosperity does not delight me, O king of kings, O lord; and having seen the blazing glory of the son of Kuntī, I am pierced with anguish."

2.46.20 "That I remain steadfast after seeing all the earth subject to Yudhiṣṭhira's command — I tell you this out of grief: that is why I live."

2.46.21 "The Chaitrakikas, the Kukuras, the Karaskaras, the Lohajanghas — they shine there as though enchanted and subdued, at Yudhiṣṭhira's dwelling."

2.46.22 "Those who dwell along the Himālayas and the sea, all the treasuries of jewels, even the outcastes — all have been subdued and stand suppliant at Yudhiṣṭhira's dwelling."

2.46.23 "Thinking me the eldest and the most worthy, O lord of the people, I was honored by Yudhiṣṭhira and appointed to receive the jewels."

2.46.24 "Of the finest jewels being presented, those of the highest worth, no farther end could be seen — no other boundary either — O Bhārata."

2.46.25 "My hand was not equal to receiving all that wealth; as I grew tired, others took and accepted the wealth brought from distant lands."

2.46.26 "I saw a lotus pool built by Maya with the jewels of lake Bindu, its floor of crystal, full as if it were water, O Bhārata."

2.46.27 "As my garments were lifted up, that wolf-bellied one — Bhīma — laughed at me, confused and stripped of jewels by the exceptional prosperity of the enemy."

2.46.28 "Had I been able to do so there, I would have felled that wolf-belly — for the mockery of an enemy burns me, O Bhārata."

2.46.29 "And again, mistaking a similar pool adorned with water-born flowers for solid ground, I fell into the water, O lord of men."

2.46.30 "There Kṛṣṇa laughed at me with a ringing sound, together with Pārtha; and Draupadī too, along with her women, tormenting my heart."

2.46.31 "And while I stood wet in the water, the servants, directed by the king, gave me different garments — and that too was most painful to me."

2.46.32 "Hear yet another humiliation I tell you, O lord of men: going out through what was no door but was shaped like a door, I struck the stone and was wounded again on my forehead."

2.46.33 "There the twin brothers, seeing me from afar, graceful as they were, both embraced me with their arms, sorrowful together, so they said."

2.46.34 "And Sahadeva, as if marveling, said to me there, 'Go this way, O king, this is the door' — saying it again and again."

2.46.35 "The names of the jewels that I saw there had never been heard by me before — and that too torments my mind."

2.47.1 Duryodhana said: "Hear what I saw at the Pāṇḍavas' court, O Bhārata — the finest wealth brought by kings from here and there."

2.47.2 "I cannot find firmness in myself having seen that wealth of the enemy — understand this from its fruits and from the ground reality, O Bhārata."

2.47.3 "The Kāmboja king gave wealth of the finest kind: garments of the Aila and Vaila and Varsha-damsha peoples adorned with gold, cloaks and skins of the highest quality."

2.47.4 "Three hundred horses of the Tittiri and Kalmasha breeds with parrot-like noses, and three hundred she-camels fattened on pilu, shami, and ingudi trees."

2.47.5 "Brahmin ascetics with cow-leather garments and servant-attendants of every kind, those greatly blessed ones, stood at the door waiting, bearing three kharva loads of tribute out of affection for the great-souled king of righteousness."

2.47.6 "Having brought water-pots made of pure gold, auspicious ones, and having thus presented their tribute, they then gained entry."

2.47.7 "One hundred thousand maidservants from the Karpasika lands — dark, slender, long-haired, adorned with golden ornaments — along with Śūdras worthy of the finest brahmins, with wool-cloths and skins."

2.47.8 "The inhabitants of Bharukaccha, bearing their full tribute, brought, O great king, horses bred in the Gāndhāra country."

2.47.9 "Those men who live by grain sown by Indra's grace, at the mouths of rivers and in the island-forests of the ocean, and along the Sindhu —"

2.47.10 "— those Vairajas, the Paradasas and the Vaṅgas, together with gamesters, bringing varied tribute and diverse jewels —"

2.47.11 "— goats and sheep, cattle and gold, donkeys and camels, fruit-produced honey, and various woolen blankets, stood waiting at the door, held back."

2.47.12 "Bhagadatta, the heroic lord of Prāgjyotiṣa, the powerful overlord of the Mlecchas, the great warrior-king, came together with the Yavanas —"

2.47.13 "— bringing swift thoroughbred horses with the speed of wind, and bearing his full tribute, stood at the door, waiting."

2.47.14 "Bhagadatta of Prāgjyotiṣa, having given that vessel made of the finest iron-ore, and swords with handles of pure ivory, then departed."

2.47.15 "Two-eyed and three-eyed men, those with an eye in the forehead, assembled from various directions, those wearing turbans and those dwelling without fixed abode, the Bahukas and the man-eaters —"

2.47.16 "— and one-footed beings I saw there, waiting at the door, giving him much gold and silver as tribute."

2.47.17 "Horses of the color of the Indragopaka insect, of parrot-green color and swift as thought, others resembling Indra's rainbow, and some like twilight clouds —"

2.47.18 "— the one-footed beings took those many-colored forest horses of mind-like speed and gave him gold beyond all price."

2.47.19 "The Cīnas, the Hunas, the Śakas, the Oḍras, dwellers in mountain fastnesses, the Vārṣṇeyas, the Harahūṇas, the dark ones, and those of the Himavat region —"

2.47.20 "— I cannot enumerate all those who came in their various forms, waiting at the door, giving him tribute of many kinds in countless numbers."

2.47.21 "They brought ten thousand black-necked, huge-bodied asses, capable of a hundred leagues, tame and celebrated in all directions."

2.47.22 "Woolen cloth and Rankava cloth, insect-produced silk and woven silk, rich in measure, color, and texture, produced in Bāhlika and China —"

2.47.23 "— beaten cloth and other fabrics of lotus-like appearance in thousands, smooth non-cotton cloth, soft sheep-wool cloth, and deer-skins —"

2.47.24 "— sharpened and long swords, lances, spears, and battle-axes, and also sharp axes produced in the western border lands —"

2.47.25 "— various juices and fragrances, and jewels by the thousands — bearing all this tribute in full, they stood waiting at the door."

2.47.26 The Śakas, Tukhāras, Kankas, Romashas, and Shringins — these peoples brought a counted ten-crore horses, both those that travel far and those fit for great journeys.

2.47.27 Bringing by crores and in great quantities gold measuring a padma, and bearing diverse tribute, they stood at the gate, held back from entry.

2.47.28 Seats of great worth, vehicles, and couches — decorated with gems and gold, and fashioned from elephant ivory —

2.47.29 Chariots of various forms adorned with pure gold, furnished with well-trained horses, and covered with tiger skins —

2.47.30 Variegated horse-cloths, jewels by the thousands, iron-tipped arrows, half-iron arrows, and weapons of every kind —

2.47.31 Having presented all this great wealth, the king who rules the eastern lands entered the sacrificial hall of the great-souled Pāṇḍava.

2.48.1 Duryodhana said: Hear me, O sinless one, as I describe the various gifts presented to him — the great accumulation of wealth given by kings for the purpose of the sacrifice.

2.48.2 Those who dwell between Mount Meru and Mount Mandara along the river Shailoda, frequenting the pleasant shade of kichaka bamboos —

2.48.3 The Khaśas, the Ekashanas, the Ajyohas, the Pradaras, the Dirgha-Venavas, the Pashupas, the Kuṇindas, the Taṅgaṇas, and the Para-Taṅgaṇas —

2.48.4 Those kings brought in heaps the gold known as Pipilika — bestowed as a boon by ants — measured by the drona measure.

2.48.5 Dark yaks with marks, and white ones gleaming like the moon, and also the sweet honey born from Himālayan flowers — all this in abundance.

2.48.6 From the northern Kurus, garlands unwilted by water; and from Kailāsa in the north, medicinal herbs of very great potency.

2.48.7 Mountain peoples, having brought other tribute as well, stood bowing respectfully, waiting at the gate of the king who has no enemies — held back from entering.

2.48.8 The kings on the far side of the Himālayas, near the mountain of sunrise; those who dwell by the ocean of Varisena and around the Lohitya river; those who subsist on fruits and roots; and the Kirātas who are clad in skins —

2.48.9 Loads of sandalwood and aguru timber and Kaliyaka wood; and heaps of hides, jewels, gold, and fragrant substances —

2.48.10 Ten thousand Kirāta slave-women, O lord of the people, and bringing pleasant things from afar — deer and birds —

2.48.11 And gold piled up from the mountains, of great brilliance — having brought all this tribute they stood at the gate, held back from entering.

2.48.12 The Kayavyas, Daradas, Darvas, the valiant Vaiyamakas, the Audumbaras, the Durvibhagas, the Pāradas together with the Bāhlīkas —

2.48.13 The Kashmiris, Kundamanas, Purakas, Hamsakayanas, Śibis, Trigartas, Yaudheyas, the Rājanyas, Madras, and Kekayas —

2.48.14 The Ambaṣṭhas, Kaukuras, Tarkshyas, Vastrapas together with the Pahlavas, the Vasatayas, Saumeyas, together with the Kshudrakas and Mālavas —

2.48.15 The Shaundis, Kukuras, and Śakas, O lord of the people; the Aṅgas, Vaṅgas, Puṇḍras, the Shanavatyas, and the Gayas —

2.48.16 Well-born, organized in guilds, noble, weapons in hand — these Kṣatriyas brought wealth by the hundreds for him who has no enemies.

2.48.17 The Vaṅgas, the lords of Kaliṅga, the Tamraliptas together with the Pundrakas brought fine dukula cloth, silk, leaf-wool, and woolen garments as well.

2.48.18 There they were told by the doorkeepers, by royal command: 'When your tasks are accomplished and your tributes settled, then you will gain entry through the gate.'

2.48.19 Elephants with tusk-tips adorned in gold, draped in golden girths, lotus-colored, covered with housings, mountain-like in stature, perpetually in rut — surrounding the Kāmyaka lake —

2.48.20 Each giving a thousand elephants clad in armor, patient and of noble lineage, they then entered through the gate.

2.48.21 These and many other groups assembled here from all directions; and by other great-souled ones, too, jewels were brought here.

2.48.22 The Gandharva king named Citraratha, a follower of Vāsava (Indra), gave four hundred horses swift as the wind.

2.48.23 The Gandharva Tumburu, full of joy, gave a hundred horses wearing golden garlands, the color of mango leaves.

2.48.24 King Kṛti, O Kauravya, O lord of the people, gave very many hundreds of excellent elephants — the finest of their kind.

2.48.25 By Virāṭa the Matsya king, for the purpose of tribute, two thousand intoxicated elephants wearing golden garlands were offered.

2.48.26 Vasudāna, king of the Pāṃsurāṣṭras, gave twenty-six elephants and two thousand horses wearing golden garlands, O king.

2.48.27 Endowed with speed and strength, in prime of age, O lord of men — having taken all the tribute, he presented it to the Pāṇḍavas.

2.48.28 By Yajñasena (Drupada), fourteen thousand female slaves and ten thousand male slaves with their wives, O lord of the people —

2.48.29 Twenty-six chariots yoked with elephants, O great king, and his entire kingdom — all of this was offered to the sons of Pāṇḍu for the sacrifice.

2.48.30 Lapis lazuli that is the essence of the ocean, pearls, conches, and by the hundreds — elephant cloths — the Siṃhalas (Ceylonese) duly brought there.

2.48.31 Dark women clad in jeweled garments with copper-tinged eyes — having received them, men stood there at the gate, held back from entering.

2.48.32 Out of affection, Brāhmaṇas and Kṣatriyas — even those who had been subdued — brought gifts; Vaiśyas too, and Śūdras eager to serve, approached Yudhiṣṭhira out of love and deep respect.

2.48.33 All the Mlecchas, all the varnas — those born at the beginning, middle, and end of the social order — along with people of various births coming from various lands, the whole world seemed gathered in Yudhiṣṭhira's residence.

2.48.34 Seeing the many high and low tribute-bearers sent by kings — looking upon the grief of enemies — a wish to die arises in me today.

2.48.35 Now I shall tell you of the servants of the Pāṇḍavas, O Bhārata — those for whom Yudhiṣṭhira arranges both raw and cooked food.

2.48.36 Ten thousand elephant riders along with cavalry, a crore of chariots, and infantry in great numbers as well —

2.48.37 Food being measured out and prepared, being cooked, and also being distributed elsewhere — and the sound of auspicious recitations throughout —

2.48.38 I never saw any person of any varna in Yudhiṣṭhira's residence who had not eaten, who was not joyful, or who suffered from any scarcity.

2.48.39 Eighty-eight thousand householder graduates of sacred learning, each provided with thirty female servants — whom Yudhiṣṭhira maintains — greatly pleased and satisfied, they too pray for the destruction of his enemies.

2.48.40 Ten thousand more — ascetics who have elevated their vital energy — dine from golden vessels in Yudhiṣṭhira's residence.

2.48.41 All that was eaten or uneaten, done or undone — even the hunchbacked and the dwarfish — Yājñasenī (Draupadī), herself not yet eating, supervised all this, O lord of the people.

2.48.42 Two groups did not pay tribute to the son of Kuntī, O Bhārata: the Pāñcālas by virtue of the marriage alliance, and the Andhaka-Vṛṣṇis by reason of friendship.

2.49.1 Duryodhana said: Those noble kings who are true to their word, who observe great vows, who are fully learned, eloquent speakers, and who have bathed in the concluding rites of Vedantic study —

2.49.2 Patient, restrained by modesty, righteous in soul, of great renown — those anointed kings attend upon him.

2.49.3 Brought together by kings for the purpose of sacrificial fees, wild cows to be milked into bronze vessels — I saw many thousands of them here and there.

2.49.4 Having honored them, the kings themselves, with untroubled minds, brought there — O Bhārata — utensils of high and low quality for the consecration.

2.49.5 Bāhlika brought a chariot adorned with Jāmbūnada gold; Sudakṣiṇa yoked it with white Kambojan horses.

2.49.6 Sunītha, of great fame, brought for it an incomparable secondary car; the lord of the Cedis quickly himself raised the banner with his own hands.

2.49.7 The southern king provided the harness; the Magadha king provided garlands and a turban; Vasudāna, the mighty archer, provided the lord of elephants sixty years of age.

2.49.8 The Matsya king fastened the axle-pins; Ekalavya provided the sandals; the Avanti king provided water of many kinds for the consecration.

2.49.9 Cekitāna brought the quiver; the Kāśi king brought the bow; Śalya brought a sword with a golden hilt and a gold-adorned sheath.

2.49.10 Then Dhaumya and Vyāsa of very great austerity performed the consecration, placing Nārada in front, along with the sage Devala and Asita.

2.49.11 Joyfully, the great sages attended the consecration ceremony — along with Jāmadagnya (Paraśurāma) and other masters of the Vedas.

2.49.12 They approached the great-souled one, who bestowed lavish sacrificial fees, as the seven seers in heaven approach Mahendra, the king of gods.

2.49.13 Sātyaki of true valor held the ceremonial umbrella over him; Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) held the fan; and the Pāṇḍava Bhīmasena stood by.

2.49.14 The conch which Prajāpati in ancient times held back for Indra — that Varuṇa conch the ocean itself, as a jar of water, brought and presented to him.

2.49.15 Sprinkled with a thousand nishkas of gold, well-crafted by Viśvakarman — when he was consecrated with it by Kṛṣṇa, I fell into a swoon there.

2.49.16 They go from the eastern to the western ocean and even to the southern; but to the northern they do not go without birds, dear father.

2.49.17 There they blew conches by the hundreds for auspicious reasons; when those life-giving ones were fully sounded, my hair stood on end.

2.49.18 Even kings bowed and fell, diminished of their own splendor; Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the Pāṇḍavas, Sātyaki, and Kṛṣṇa as the eighth stood firm.

2.49.19 Steadfast in spirit, endowed with heroism, taking delight in one another — seeing the unconscious kings and seeing me, they laughed.

2.49.20 Then the joyful Bībhatsu (Arjuna) gave five hundred bulls with gold-tipped horns to the foremost Brāhmaṇas, O Bhārata.

2.49.21 Not even Śambara's slayer (Indra) had such splendor, nor Yauvanashva (Māndhātā), nor Manu, nor king Pṛthu son of Vena, nor even Bhagīratha.

2.49.22 Just so the son of Kuntī, endowed with supreme prosperity beyond measure, having accomplished the Rājasūya — he shone like the lord Hariścandra.

2.49.23 Having seen this glory in the son of Pṛthā, equal to that of Hariścandra, O mighty one — how do you consider life to be better for me? Tell me, O Bhārata.

2.49.24 Like a yoke bound to a blind ox — things are inverted, O lord of men: the younger thrive while the elder decline, O Bhārata.

2.49.25 Having seen thus, I find no peace — though I search for it, O hero of the Kurus. Therefore I have come to such an emaciated state, and to pallor, and to sorrow.

2.50.1 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: You are the eldest, O son, the first-born of the eldest line — do not hate the Pāṇḍavas. A hater brings upon himself misery, just as death brings destruction.

2.50.2 Yudhiṣṭhira, who is not envious, who shares the same interests, who has the same friends — one who does not hate you, how could a person like you hate him, O bull of the Bhāratas?

2.50.3 Equal in lineage and valor — how, O king, O son, do you out of delusion covet your brother's prosperity? Be not thus; be calm here — that is the righteous course.

2.50.4 But if you desire that splendor of sacrifice, O bull of the Bhāratas, let your officiating priests perform for you the great sacrifice of the seven-stranded ritual.

2.50.5 Kings will bring for you too abundant wealth, and out of love and deep respect, jewels and ornaments as well.

2.50.6 Dear son, to covet another's property is to pursue what is useless. He who is content with his own, steadfast in his own duty — that one truly flourishes in happiness.

2.50.7 Non-interference in others' affairs, constant effort in one's own duties, and diligence in protecting what is one's own — these are the marks of true prosperity.

2.50.8 The man who is unshaken in adversity, ever capable and diligent, vigilant and self-controlled — he always beholds good fortune.

2.50.9 Give wealth in charitable rites, enjoy desired pleasures, sport with women free from fear — be at peace, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.50.10 Duryodhana said: Though you know, you confuse me like a boat tethered to a ship. Why are you inattentive to your own interest — or do you perhaps hate me?

2.50.11 These sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra are not yours to instruct — you always speak of what will happen and what serves your own purpose.

2.50.12 One who is led by another and who strays from the path while being called a leader — how could those following in his footsteps keep to the right road?

2.50.13 O king, though you are wise, a servant of elders, and master of your senses, you greatly confuse us who are engaged in our own affairs.

2.50.14 Bṛhaspati has said that the conduct of a king differs from the conduct of common people; therefore a king must always strive to think of his own interest.

2.50.15 O great king, the livelihood of a Kṣatriya is concentrated in victory — whether it be dharma or adharma, such is his proper conduct, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.50.16 Desiring the blazing wealth of his enemies, a king should illuminate all directions like a charioteer with a whip, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.50.17 Whatever stratagem binds the enemy, whether concealed or open — that is the true weapon of those who know weapons; a mere blade is not called a weapon.

2.50.18 Discontent is the root of prosperity; for that reason I desire it. He who strives for advancement, O king, is the supreme statesman.

2.50.19 One should not feel attachment to sovereignty or wealth; others take away what was formerly acquired — this, they say, is the law of kings.

2.50.20 Indra made a pact of non-hostility and then severed the head of Namuci — that, it is held, is his eternal policy toward enemies.

2.50.21 The earth swallows these two as a serpent swallows creatures in its burrow: the king who does not fight back, and the Brahmin who does not travel abroad.

2.50.22 O lord of the people, there is truly no enemy by birth; he with whom one shares a common livelihood — that person is the enemy, and no other.

2.50.23 He who out of delusion neglects a growing enemy faction — like a disease left to flourish — it will cut at his very root.

2.50.24 Even a small enemy with ever-growing might devours the nearby tree from the root, like a termite mound that springs from the base.

2.50.25 O Ajamīḍha, O Bhārata, may the fortune of your enemy not please you — this is the burden of statecraft borne on the heads of the strong-minded.

2.50.26 He who desires increase of wealth as one desires growth from birth — he flourishes among his kinsmen; for valor is indeed swift increase.

2.50.27 Without obtaining the sovereignty of the Pāṇḍavas I shall have no peace of mind; I shall either win that prosperity or lie slain in battle.

2.50.28 Of what use to me today is a life such as this, O lord of the people? The Pāṇḍavas grow constantly while our growth remains stagnant.

2.51.1 Śakuni said: That very prosperity which you see in Yudhiṣṭhira, son of Pāṇḍu, and which burns you — I shall win it by gambling; let the other side be summoned.

2.51.2 Without going into danger and without fighting at the head of armies, I, expert in dice, shall conquer those ignorant of the game by casting the dice unharmed.

2.51.3 Know my stakes as bows, O Bhārata, and know the dice as my arrows; the mastery of dice is my bowstring and gambling is my chariot-armor.

2.51.4 Duryodhana said: This expert in dice is confident of winning the wealth from the sons of Pāṇḍu by gambling, O king — let this be pleasing to you, father.

2.51.5 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: I abide by the counsel of my brother, the great-souled Vidura; conferring with him, I shall determine the right course of this matter.

2.51.6 Duryodhana said: Vidura, free from doubt and devoted to the welfare of the Pāṇḍavas, will frustrate your intention — he is not so devoted to my welfare, O Kaurava.

2.51.7 A man should not undertake his affairs depending on another's ability — the minds of two do not accord in matters of action, O joy of the Kurus.

2.51.8 The fool who avoids danger and merely protects himself, standing like a wet mat in the rains, simply perishes.

2.51.9 Neither diseases nor Yama waits for one to attain what is good; for as long as one is capable, one should pursue the good.

2.51.10 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: In every way, my son, I do not approve of conflict with the mighty; enmity creates disorder — it is indeed an effortless weapon.

2.51.11 You regard what is harmful as beneficial, O prince — the binding of strife is exceedingly terrible; once set in motion by any means, it releases swords and arrows too.

2.51.12 Duryodhana said: The ancients established gambling as a recognized practice — in it there is no excess and no clash of arms; let Śakuni's proposal be pleasing today — quickly command that a hall be built here.

2.51.13 Gambling is for us an excellent gate to heaven, and it is likewise fitting for those who abide by it — thus make it equal on both sides; arrange a gambling match between us and the Pāṇḍavas.

2.51.14 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: What you have said does not please me; yet let what is dear to you be done, O lord of men — having undertaken this course you will repent afterward, for such a word is not righteous.

2.51.15 Vidura has already seen all this clearly with his wisdom and learning — yet this great fear, which destroys the seed of the Kṣatriyas, is coming upon us helplessly.

2.51.16 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having spoken thus, the wise Dhṛtarāṣṭra, considering fate supreme and hard to overcome, loudly commanded his men in accordance with his son's words — the king stood firm, his mind bewildered by fate.

2.51.17 Let the workers quickly build for me a magnificent hall with a thousand pillars, decorated with gold and vaidurya gems, with a hundred doors, with spires of crystal over the arched gateways, a league in length and breadth accordingly.

2.51.18 Having heard this, the wise and skilled workers swiftly and without hesitation built it exactly as commanded; all manner of materials were brought to the hall, and thousands of craftsmen were engaged.

2.51.19 Then in a short time those workers reported joyfully to the king that the charming hall, filled with many gems, adorned with various designs, and furnished with golden seats of varied craftsmanship, had been completed.

2.51.20 Then the wise king Dhṛtarāṣṭra spoke these words to Vidura, the foremost of ministers: Go to prince Yudhiṣṭhira and quickly bring him here in my name.

2.51.21 Let this hall of mine, rich in gems and of varied design, furnished with most excellent couches and seats, be seen by him coming together with his brothers — and let a friendly gambling match take place here.

2.51.22 King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, lord of men, knowing his son's intention and considering fate hard to overcome, did as commanded.

2.51.23 But Vidura, best of the wise, thus spoken to in an improper manner, did not welcome his brother's words, and spoke these words:

2.51.24 I do not welcome this errand, O king — do not do this; I fear the destruction of our clan. When sons are divided, strife for you would certainly follow — this is my apprehension arising from this gambling, O lord of men.

2.51.25 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: No strife here shall distress me, O Kṣattā, if fate does not run contrary — for it is said that this entire world moves under the control of fate, in the power of what is destined, and is not independent.

2.51.26 Therefore, Vidura, go today and by my command quickly bring back the invincible Yudhiṣṭhira, son of Kuntī, the king.

2.52.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then Vidura, compelled by force by King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, set out with noble horses — swift, strong, and well-trained — toward the abode of the wise Pāṇḍavas.

2.52.2 Having swiftly traversed that road and reached the city of the king, the great-minded Vidura entered, honored by the twice-born.

2.52.3 Reaching the royal palace, which resembled the mansion of Kubera, that righteous-souled one approached Yudhiṣṭhira, son of Dharma.

2.52.4 The king of firm truth, the great-souled Ajātaśatru, received Vidura with due honor as was proper, and then inquired after Dhṛtarāṣṭra and his sons.

2.52.5 Yudhiṣṭhira said: It is evident that your mind is not joyful — have you come in good health, O Kṣattā? Are the sons of the aged king compliant and obedient to him? And are the subjects also submissive?

2.52.6 Vidura said: The great-souled king is well and is with his sons; he dwells surrounded by kinsmen like Indra, O king — pleased with his dutiful sons, free from sorrow, self-content, and firm of spirit.

2.52.7 But the king of the Kurus, after first asking after your well-being and imperishable health, has said this to you: This hall, which rivals your own assembly hall in splendor — come and see it with your brothers, my son.

2.52.8 Coming together with your brothers, O Pārtha, let a friendly gambling match take place in it for enjoyment — we rejoice in your company, and all the Kauravas too have assembled.

2.52.9 The gamblers who have been arranged there by the great-souled King Dhṛtarāṣṭra — you shall see them seated; thus have I come, O king — be pleased with this.

2.52.10 Yudhiṣṭhira said: In gambling, O Kṣattā, there is strife for us — what thoughtful man would relish gambling? What do you yourself consider appropriate? We all abide by your word.

2.52.11 Vidura said: I know that gambling is the root of disaster, and I made every effort to prevent it; yet the king has sent me to your presence — having heard this, O learned one, do here what is for the good.

2.52.12 Yudhiṣṭhira said: Who are the other gamblers there who will be playing, besides the sons of King Dhṛtarāṣṭra? I ask you, Vidura — tell us about them, the ones with whom we would gamble, assembled in their hundreds.

2.52.13 Vidura said: Śakuni, king of Gāndhāra, O lord of the people — an expert gambler, skilled of hand and knowing the dice; Viviṃśati, king Citrasena, Satyavrata, Purumitra, and Jaya.

2.52.14 Yudhiṣṭhira said: Terrible and fearsome gamblers are assembled there — cheaters who play with deceit are present; yet it is said that this world is under the control of fate and what is destined — I shall not refuse to gamble with those gamesters today.

2.52.15 I do not wish to go for the gambling at King Dhṛtarāṣṭra's command, O wise one — yet the father is always dear to the son; so I shall do as you have told me, O Vidura.

2.52.16 I do not willingly wish to gamble with Śakuni; but if the bold one challenges me in the assembly hall, when challenged I never turn back — that is the eternal vow I have taken.

2.52.17 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having spoken thus to Vidura, the king of dharma quickly gave all orders for the journey, and set out the next day with his retinue and attendants, together with the women headed by Draupadī.

2.52.18 Fate steals away wisdom and splendor like a sudden blow to the eye; and a man goes under the control of the creator, bound as if by cords.

2.52.19 Having spoken thus, king Yudhiṣṭhira, son of Pṛthā, the subduer of foes, departed together with Kṣattā, unable to disregard that summons.

2.52.20 The son of Pṛthā, the Pāṇḍava, slayer of enemy heroes, mounted the chariot given by Bāhlika and journeyed in disguise together with his brothers.

2.52.21 Blazing with royal splendor, he went forth preceded by Brahmins, summoned by Dhṛtarāṣṭra and by the appointed hour of fate.

2.52.22 Going to Hāstinapura, the righteous-souled Pāṇḍava proceeded to Dhṛtarāṣṭra's palace and met with Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.52.23 The mighty one also met in due order with Droṇa, Bhīṣma, Karṇa, Kṛpa, and the son of Droṇa.

2.52.24 The mighty-armed and valiant one also met with Somadatta, Duryodhana, Śalya, and the son of Subala.

2.52.25 And with the other kings who had gathered there before, as well as with Jayadratha, and with all the Kauravas in full.

2.52.26 Then the mighty-armed one, surrounded by all his brothers, entered the palace of the wise King Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.52.27 There he saw the queen Gāndhārī, devoted to her husband, surrounded by her daughters-in-law, ever like Rohiṇī surrounded by stars.

2.52.28 Paying homage to Gāndhārī and welcomed by her in return, he then saw the aged father, the lord whose eyes were wisdom itself.

2.52.29 By the king were sniffed on their heads — those four Pāṇḍavas, O king, the joys of the Kauravas, led by Bhīmasena.

2.52.30 Then great joy arose among the Kauravas, O lord of the people, upon seeing those tiger-men among men, the Pāṇḍavas, beautiful to behold.

2.52.31 Having received permission, they entered their gem-filled quarters; and the women headed by Draupadī came and saw them as they arrived.

2.52.32 Seeing the supreme prosperity of Yājñasenī, blazing as it were, those daughters-in-law of Dhṛtarāṣṭra were not particularly pleased in their hearts.

2.52.33 Then those tiger-men among men, having gone and conversed with the women, performed their exercises and other duties as was their custom.

2.52.34 Then, having completed their daily rites, all anointed with divine sandalwood, their minds set on auspiciousness, they invoked blessings from the brahmins.

2.52.35 Having eaten delightful food, they then retired to their apartments; the sons of Kuru slept, serenaded by women singing.

2.52.36 That auspicious night passed for them as they reveled in pleasure; praised by bards, they rested, and in due time abandoned sleep.

2.52.37 Having spent that night in comfort, at dawn all completed their morning rites and entered the beautiful assembly hall, thronged with gamblers.

2.53.1 Śakuni said: O king, the hall is spread and ready; these men have appointed the time for play. Having cast the dice, let the moment of gambling be now, O Yudhiṣṭhira.

2.53.2 Yudhiṣṭhira said: Gambling through trickery is sinful; there is no warrior's valor in it, nor is there any firm statecraft, O king. Why then do you praise dicing?

2.53.3 They do not praise the honor of a gambler who wins through trickery. O Śakuni, do not defeat us by crooked means, like a cruel wretch.

2.53.4 Śakuni said: One who is versed in the science of trickery, who is tireless in the movements of dice, the great-minded gambler who knows the game — he endures all its procedures.

2.53.5 Such a master of dice will overcome our opponents; that is the moment for this, as you yourself say. O prince, let us gamble — have no fear; set your stake and do not delay.

2.53.6 Yudhiṣṭhira said: Thus spoke the foremost of sages, the sage Asita Devala — that one who always moves through these gates of the world:

2.53.7 "This gambling with trickery among gamblers is sinful; but victory in battle by righteousness — that is the best and proper contest."

2.53.8 Warriors do not stoop to barbarous speech or deceit; straightforward and guileless combat — this is the vow of noble men.

2.53.9 To the best of our ability we strive to honor brahmins worthy of reverence and to learn from them — that is true wealth, O goddess of fortune. Do not defeat us further, O Śakuni.

2.53.10 I do not desire pleasures or wealth through deceit; even for a gambler, conduct without trickery is what is not honored — yet I will not adopt it.

2.53.11 Śakuni said: A learned man approaches an unlearned man, O Yudhiṣṭhira, and a wise man approaches a fool — people do not call that trickery.

2.53.12 If you consider me approaching you here to be trickery, then turn away from gambling, if you have any fear.

2.53.13 Yudhiṣṭhira said: When summoned, I will not turn back — this is the vow I have undertaken; and fate is powerful, O king. I stand under the control of destiny.

2.53.14 In this assembly, with whom shall I gamble, and who else is there to counter-stake? Then let the gambling commence.

2.53.15 Duryodhana said: I shall be the provider of gems and wealth, O lord of men; and on my behalf this Śakuni, my maternal uncle, shall play.

2.53.16 Yudhiṣṭhira said: For one person to gamble on behalf of another seems unfair to me. O learned one, accept this understanding — so let it proceed accordingly.

2.53.17 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: When the gambling was about to begin, all those kings, placing Dhṛtarāṣṭra at their head, then entered that assembly hall.

2.53.18 Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, and the great-minded Vidura followed, their hearts not entirely at ease, O Bhārata.

2.53.19 Those lion-necked, mighty-spirited ones took their places, each separately and in pairs, upon the many splendid and variegated lion-thrones.

2.53.20 That assembly hall shone beautifully, O king, with those kings assembled — like heaven resplendent with the greatly blessed gods gathered together.

2.53.21 All were knowers of the Vedas, all were heroes, all of brilliant form. Then, O great king, the gambling among friends commenced.

2.53.22 Yudhiṣṭhira said: This gem, O king, born from the whirlpools of the ocean, excelling a necklace, splendid and adorned with the finest gold, is of great worth.

2.53.23 This, O king, is my stake — now what is your counter-stake? Let this be the order, my friend; I will win this wager.

2.53.24 Duryodhana said: I have gems and various riches too, and I have no greed for wealth. I will win this wager.

2.53.25 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then Śakuni, who knew the truth of dice, took those dice; and Śakuni spoke to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won!"

2.54.1 Yudhiṣṭhira said: Though I have been defeated by your dice-trick, O Śakuni, come — let us gamble, staking thousands.

2.54.2 These hundred jars each filled with a thousand niṣkas, a treasury of inexhaustible gold, refined gold in many forms — this, O king, is my wealth; with this I gamble against you.

2.54.3 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Thus addressed, Śakuni said to that king: "Won!"

2.54.4 Yudhiṣṭhira said: This tiger-chariot, worth a thousand, excellently fitted out, furnished with fine wheels, splendid, adorned with a network of bells —

2.54.5 — this royal chariot that brought us here, resounding like thunder, the best of victorious chariots, sacred, its roar like that of clouds and ocean —

2.54.6 — eight osprey-hued horses, acclaimed by the realm, draw it; not one of them can be said to touch the ground with its foot. This, O king, is my wealth; with this I gamble against you.

2.54.7 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having heard this, resolute and resorting to trickery, Śakuni said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won!"

2.54.8 Yudhiṣṭhira said: I have a thousand elephants, in rut, standing ready, O son of Subala — with golden girths, adorned with ornaments, bearing lotus-marks, garlanded with gold.

2.54.9 Well-trained, fit to bear kings, able to endure all sounds in battle, with tusk-like teeth, of great body, each standing eight cubits tall.

2.54.10 All of them breakers of city-gates, those elephants resembling mountain-clouds — this, O king, is my wealth; with this I gamble against you.

2.54.11 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: To that Pārtha speaking thus, the son of Subala, as if laughing, said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won!"

2.54.12 Yudhiṣṭhira said: I have a hundred thousand maidservants, young and auspicious, wearing conch-shell bracelets and armlets, adorned with gold necklaces, well-ornamented.

2.54.13 Wearing precious garlands and ornaments, clothed in fine garments, anointed with sandalwood, bearing gems and gold — all clad in fine silken robes.

2.54.14 These women skilled in dance and song perform services at my command for learned scholars, ministers, and kings. This, O king, is my wealth; with this I gamble against you.

2.54.15 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having heard this, resolute and resorting to trickery, Śakuni said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won!"

2.54.16 Yudhiṣṭhira said: I have that many thousands of male servants too — devoted and agreeable, always clothed in fine cloaks.

2.54.17 Wise, intelligent, skilled, young, wearing polished earrings, holding serving-vessels in hand, they feed guests day and night. This, O king, is my wealth; with this I gamble against you.

2.54.18 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having heard this, resolute and resorting to trickery, Śakuni said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won!"

2.54.19 Yudhiṣṭhira said: I have that many chariots too — fitted with golden equipment, bearing banners, furnished with trained horses and skilled chariot-fighters of varied combat.

2.54.20 Each of these receives wages of at most a thousand, whether in battle or not, paid monthly. This, O king, is my wealth; with this I gamble against you.

2.54.21 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: When Pārtha had spoken thus, that evil-spirited one who had created enmity said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won!"

2.54.22 Yudhiṣṭhira said: The horses, spotted like partridges, of Gandharva breed, garlanded with gold, which Citraratha, delighted, gave to the bearer of the Gāṇḍīva bow — this, O king, is my wealth; with this I gamble against you.

2.54.23 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having heard this, resolute and resorting to trickery, Śakuni said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won!"

2.54.24 Yudhiṣṭhira said: I have ten thousand chariots, carts, and horses, kept in readiness, surrounded by draft animals of various kinds.

2.54.25 Gathered by caste from each caste in their thousands, they stand drinking milk and eating rice of the finest grain.

2.54.26 Sixty thousand of them, all broad-chested — this, O king, is my wealth; with this I gamble against you.

2.54.27 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having heard this, resolute and resorting to trickery, Śakuni said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won!"

2.54.28 Yudhiṣṭhira said: I have four hundred treasure-chests encased in copper and iron, each containing five droṇas of unworked gold. This, O king, is my wealth; with this I gamble against you.

2.54.29 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having heard this, resolute and resorting to trickery, Śakuni said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won!"

2.55.1 Vidura said: O great king, understand and hear what I shall tell you — though it may not please you when heard, like medicine to a dying man.

2.55.2 When he was just born, that evil-minded Duryodhana, destroyer of the Bhārata line, howled like a jackal with a discordant cry — this same one is fated to be the instrument of death.

2.55.3 You keep a jackal dwelling in your house, yet you do not realize it under Duryodhana's form. Listen to my wise counsel.

2.55.4 A honey-seeker, having obtained honey, does not perceive the precipice; climbing upon it, he either sinks or meets his fall.

2.55.5 This Duryodhana, intoxicated with gambling as with honey, does not examine the precipice; he does not at all perceive the enmity he is creating with the great warriors.

2.55.6 You know it, O great king — it is improper even among kings: the Andhakas, Yādavas, and Bhojas, gathered together, abandoned Kaṃsa.

2.55.7 And when he was slain by Kṛṣṇa, the slayer of enemies, at the bidding of all, then all your kinsmen rejoiced for a hundred years.

2.55.8 Let Savyasācī, commissioned by you, restrain Suyodhana; by restraining this wicked one, let the Kurus rejoice in happiness.

2.55.9 Would you exchange these Pāṇḍavas — peacocks — for a crow or a jackal, O king? Do not sink into an ocean of grief.

2.55.10 For the sake of the family one should abandon an individual; for the sake of the village, abandon the family; for the sake of the kingdom, abandon the village; for the sake of the self, abandon the earth.

2.55.11 "Omniscient, knowing all conditions, terrifying to all enemies" — thus spoke Uśanas Kāvya when Indra was to be abandoned for the great demons.

2.55.12 O king, a certain man who kept forest-roaming birds that voided gold in his house oppressed them out of greed.

2.55.13 Blinded by greed for gold, he destroyed what was perpetually to be enjoyed, O scorcher of foes — both future profit and present gain he destroyed at once.

2.55.14 Greedy for present gain, do not harm the Pāṇḍavas, O bull of the Bhāratas; deluded in spirit, you will repent afterward, like the man who killed the birds.

2.55.15 Gather the fruit as it arises from the Pāṇḍavas, O Bhārata — like a gardener in a garden, showing affection again and again.

2.55.16 Do not burn them down to the roots like a charcoal-maker burning trees; do not go with your sons, ministers, and army toward ruin.

2.55.17 For who could fight the Pārthas assembled together, O Bhārata? Not even Indra himself, O king, accompanied by the Maruts.

2.56.1 Vidura said: Gambling is the root of strife that follows — leading to great mutual division or to war. Dhṛtarāṣṭra's son, who has set himself on this course, Duryodhana creates fierce enmity.

2.56.2 The descendants of Prātīpa, the sons of Śaṃtanu, the sons of Bhīmasena, and those with Bāhlika — all shall encounter grave peril because of Duryodhana's offense.

2.56.3 Duryodhana, through sheer arrogance, pushes away the welfare of the kingdom; like a bull in rut he forcibly breaks off his own horn.

2.56.4 One who, O king, follows another's mind — a hero and a sage — overstepping his own sight, would board a ship steered by a child on the ocean, and in terrible disaster would drown.

2.56.5 Duryodhana gambles against the Pāṇḍava; you are pleased when he wins — yet from excessive jest arises violent conflict, from which destruction comes upon men.

2.56.6 Your dice-throw is ill-led and yields downward fruit; the counsel deep-seated in your heart is firm resolve. May the agreement with Yudhiṣṭhira prove fruitful; well-spoken is the conciliation of the enemy-tamer, the skilled archer Sudhanvan.

2.56.7 O king, you descendants of Pratīpa and of Śaṃtanu, hear this counsel-laden speech — do not let it pass you by. The blazing, terrible fire of Vaiśvānara has flared up; quench this rising flame without resort to battle.

2.56.8 When Yudhiṣṭhira, Ajātaśatru among the Pāṇḍavas, overwhelmed by intolerable provocation, can no longer restrain his wrath — and when Vṛkodara, Savyasācī, and the twin sons of Mādrī are unleashed — what refuge will there then be for you in that tumult?

2.56.9 O great king, you are master of all wealth; before this gambling began you could take in your mind as much as you desired. Even if you were to win great riches by defeating the Pāṇḍavas in dice, what good would that wealth be? Find your treasure in the sons of Pṛthā instead.

2.56.10 We know well the gambling of Subala's son; the mountain-born one understands the deceit of the dice. Let Śakuni return to the land from which he came — that fighter with illusion, that hill-man, O Bhārata.

2.57.1 Duryodhana said: You boast only of the glory of others; ever concealed, you revile the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. We know you, Vidura, and to whom your heart belongs — you despise us as if we were children.

2.57.2 A man whose affections lie elsewhere is easily known, for he directs his censure and his praise accordingly. Your tongue, Vidura, betrays your heart and lays it bare; it declares plainly the mind's own opposition.

2.57.3 You have been raised in our lap like a serpent; like a cat you harm the very one who nourishes you. They say there is no greater sin than the betrayal of one's master — so why, O Kṣattā, do you not fear that sin?

2.57.4 We have conquered our enemies and obtained a great prize — do not, O Kṣattā, speak harsh words to us here. You rejoice in association with our foes and through bewilderment you turn again and again toward enmity with us.

2.57.5 A man who speaks what is intolerable creates enmity for himself; he hides his secrets while praising enemies. Does not the shame of the refuge you have taken weigh upon you? Today you speak here whatever you desire.

2.57.6 Do not insult us — we know the mind that is in you. Go and learn wisdom from the assembly of elders. Guard the reputation of this house, O Vidura, as it has been upheld — do not busy yourself in the affairs of others.

2.57.7 Do not insult us with "I am the one who acts", O Vidura; do not speak harsh words to us constantly here. I do not ask you, Vidura, for what is beneficial to me. Farewell, O Kṣattā — do not go on tormenting those who endure in patience.

2.57.8 There is one ordainer; there is no second ordainer. That ordainer directs a man even as he lies in the womb. Instructed by that one, I flow as water follows a downward slope — I carry forward exactly as I have been appointed.

2.57.9 He who shatters a mountain with his head and feeds a serpent — that same power alone governs the ordering of his actions.

2.57.10 One who imposes his counsel by force here becomes an enemy by that very act; but a wise man should overlook compliant, submissive conduct.

2.57.11 He who has kindled a blazing fire and does not run quickly toward it in time — even ashes he will not find remaining anywhere, O Bhārata.

2.57.12 One should not harbor in one's house an enemy, especially an ill-wishing person, O Kṣattā. Go wherever you wish, Vidura — for even a faithless woman, however well appeased, will in the end abandon her lord.

2.57.13 Vidura said: Those who abandon a man for so little — declare their friendship to be of short duration, O king. For the minds of kings are turbulent; they give gentle words and then strike with clubs.

2.57.14 You consider yourself not a child, O prince; and I too regard myself as no child, O you of very dull understanding. He who first establishes a man in friendship and afterwards defames him — that one is the true child.

2.57.15 A dull-witted man is not led toward the good — like a corrupt woman in the house of a learned brahmin. He will surely not please the bull of the Bhāratas — as a husband of sixty years cannot please a young maiden.

2.57.16 If you desire only pleasant words in all matters, both beneficial and harmful, then, O king, ask women and the dull and the lame and fools of that sort.

2.57.17 Indeed, O descendant of Pratīpa, a man who speaks only pleasant words is easily found in this world; but one who speaks what is unpleasant yet wholesome, and one who listens to such counsel, is rare.

2.57.18 But he who, resting on righteousness and setting aside alike what pleases and displeases his lord, speaks what is unpleasant yet salutary — by that one a king is truly assisted.

2.57.19 What the good must drink but the wicked will not — that which is bitter though not born of disease, sharp, burning, robbing one of glory, harsh, and ill-smelling — drink down your wrath, O great king, and be pacified.

2.57.20 I wish always for the glory and the wealth of Vicitravīrya's line, together with his sons. May it be so for you in whatever way it shall be; and my reverence too is yours. May the brahmins also grant well-being to me.

2.57.21 A wise man should not provoke those who carry venom in their fangs, or those who carry venom in their gaze. This is what I tell you now with care, O joy of the Kuru race.

2.58.1 Śakuni said: You have lost much wealth of the Pāṇḍavas, Yudhiṣṭhira. Declare what wealth remains, O son of Kuntī, if any you possess that is not yet lost.

2.58.2 Yudhiṣṭhira said: My wealth is beyond counting, as I myself know, O son of Subala. But why do you ask about wealth, O Śakuni?

2.58.3 Ten thousand, a million, a kharva, a padma, an arbuda, a shankha, a nikharva, and a samudra — let these be set as stake. This is my wealth, O king; with it I play against you.

2.58.4 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing this, Śakuni, resolved and resorting to his deceit, said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won."

2.58.5 Yudhiṣṭhira said: My cattle and horses, my countless cows and milch-animals, my sheep and goats, and whatever belongs to the peoples of all varnas this side of the Sindhu, O son of Subala — this is my wealth, O king; with it I play against you.

2.58.6 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing this, Śakuni, resolved and resorting to his deceit, said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won."

2.58.7 Yudhiṣṭhira said: The city, the realm, the land, together with the wealth of those who are not brahmins, and all persons of non-brahmin birth — O king, this is the remaining wealth that is mine. With this, O king, I play against you.

2.58.8 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing this, Śakuni, resolved and resorting to his deceit, said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won."

2.58.9 Yudhiṣṭhira said: These princes, O king, shine with their adornments — their earrings and gold necklaces and all their bodily ornaments. This is my wealth, O king; with it I play against you.

2.58.10 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing this, Śakuni, resolved and resorting to his deceit, said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won."

2.58.11 Yudhiṣṭhira said: Dark, young, with reddish eyes, lion-shouldered, great-armed — Nakula is my one stake, along with whatever wealth of mine belongs to him personally.

2.58.12 Śakuni said: Nakula is dear to you, O king, O prince Yudhiṣṭhira — he has now become our property. What now will you stake next?

2.58.13 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having spoken thus, Śakuni took those dice in hand; and said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won."

2.58.14 Yudhiṣṭhira said: This Sahadeva who instructs in dharma and has attained the name of wise man in this world — though he does not deserve to be staked — with that beloved prince I play against you, even though it is against my will.

2.58.15 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing this, Śakuni, resolved and resorting to his deceit, said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won."

2.58.16 Śakuni said: These two sons of Mādrī, O king, are dear to you — both have been won by me. But I think the weightier stakes are Bhīmasena and Dhanañjaya.

2.58.17 Yudhiṣṭhira said: You surely walk the path of unrighteousness, you who take no heed of right conduct — you who desire, O fool, to sow division among us who are of one mind.

2.58.18 Śakuni said: One who is intoxicated falls into a pit; one who is heedless stumbles into a post. You are the eldest, O king, the most venerable — my salutation to you, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.58.19 Gamblers do not see those things in dream or waking, O Yudhiṣṭhira, of which they babble wildly while playing their dice — raving like the intoxicated.

2.58.20 Yudhiṣṭhira said: He who leads us in battle like a boat to the farther shore — that swift royal prince, conqueror of enemies — though he does not deserve to be staked, with that hero of the world, with Phalguna, I play against you, O Śakuni.

2.58.21 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing this, Śakuni, resolved and resorting to his deceit, said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won."

2.58.22 Śakuni said: This bowman of the Pāṇḍavas — Savyasācī the Pāṇḍava — has been defeated by me. Now stake your beloved Bhīma, O king; stake whatever remains to be staked, O Pāṇḍava.

2.58.23 Yudhiṣṭhira said: He who is our leader, who leads us in battle like the Thunderbolt-bearer who is the sole foe of the demons — he of the sidelong glance, with joined eyebrows, great-souled, lion-shouldered, and ever beyond endurance of insult —

2.58.24 — he whose equal in strength no man exists, the foremost among mace-wielders here, the crusher of enemies — though he does not deserve to be staked, with that royal prince Bhīmasena I play against you, O king.

2.58.25 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing this, Śakuni, resolved and resorting to his deceit, said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won."

2.58.26 Śakuni said: You have lost great wealth, and your brothers along with their elephants. Declare what wealth remains, O son of Kuntī, if any you possess that is not yet lost.

2.58.27 Yudhiṣṭhira said: I am the foremost of all my brothers and equally their beloved. Now that my brothers are lost and our own calamity has fallen upon me, I stake myself.

2.58.28 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing this, Śakuni, resolved and resorting to his deceit, said to Yudhiṣṭhira: "Won."

2.58.29 Śakuni said: This was the most sinful act you have done — staking yourself when you had already lost your brothers and while wealth still remained. O king, the staking of oneself is indeed sin.

2.58.30 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having spoken thus, the shrewd dice-player, by his casting, defeated separately, one by one, those world-heroes who stood as stakes in the game.

2.58.31 Śakuni said: There is indeed your beloved queen — one stake not yet lost. Stake Kṛṣṇā, the Pāñcālī princess; with her win yourself back.

2.58.32 Yudhiṣṭhira said: She is neither too short nor too tall, neither too dark nor too fair, with eyes tinged with passionate red — with her I play against you.

2.58.33 Her eyes are like the petals of the autumnal lotus; her fragrance is that of the autumnal lotus; she is attended upon like the autumnal lotus; in beauty she is equal to Śrī herself.

2.58.34 And further she has compassion, beauty of form, and excellence of character — all the qualities for which a man could desire a woman.

2.58.35 She who retires last and wakes first, who knows everything done and undone, from the cowherds to the shepherds — that woman I stake.

2.58.36 Her face shines like a lotus even when lightly perspiring, and like jasmine. Her waist is slender as an altar, her hair long, her eyes copper-red, and her body not overly covered with hair.

2.58.37 With her, thus endowed, O king — with the Pāñcālī Draupadī, she of the beautiful slender waist and lovely limbs — I play the dice, O Subala's son.

2.58.38 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: When the king of dharma spoke these words, O Bhārata, the voices of the elder assembly members burst forth with cries of "Shame! Shame!"

2.58.39 That assembly was convulsed, O king; conversations broke out among the kings, and sweat broke out upon Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, and the others.

2.58.40 Vidura clasped his head and became as if bereft of his senses; he sat absorbed in thought, his face cast downward, sighing like a serpent.

2.58.41 Dhṛtarāṣṭra, filled with delight, asked again and again: "What is won? What is won?" — he could not conceal the expression on his face.

2.58.42 Karṇa rejoiced exceedingly along with Duḥśāsana and the others; from the eyes of the remaining assembly members tears fell down.

2.58.43 But the son of Subala, without deliberating, exultant in victory, arrogant with elation, took up those dice once more with the cry: "Won!"

2.59.1 Duryodhana said: Come, O Kṣattā — bring Draupadī here, the beloved wife honoured by the Pāṇḍavas. Let her quickly come to sweep out the household; let there be joy for us together with our maidservants.

2.59.2 Vidura said: What is about to happen is hard to conceive by one like you, O fool — you do not understand, bound as you are in the noose of fate, hanging over the precipice. Like a deer you are provoking tigers out of sheer childishness.

2.59.3 Deadly serpents, their poison sacs full, swollen with great venom, rest upon your head. Do not provoke them, O extremely foolish one — do not walk toward the realm of Yama.

2.59.4 Kṛṣṇā does not become a slave in this manner, O Bhārata — for it is my judgment that this queen was staked as a wager by a king who was no longer his own master.

2.59.5 This king, Dhṛtarāṣṭra's son, bears fruit like a bamboo that destroys itself by its own fruiting. For dice lead to enmity and great terror; ripe as he is, this man does not understand — at the hour of his end.

2.59.6 One should not be sharp-tongued or speak cruelly; one should not raise oneself above another by belittling them. That stinging speech by which another is made to shudder — one should not speak that burning, sin-destining word.

2.59.7 Harsh and excessive words pour out from the mouth; struck by these, another grieves for days and nights. They do not fall upon the vital points of another — yet a wise man would not release such words upon others.

2.59.8 A goat once dug up a weapon for its own use; when the weapon failed, it cast aside the ground with its hooves — that ghastly cutter of its own throat. In like manner, do not dig up enmity with the sons of Pāṇḍu.

2.59.9 Dogs always bark at those who are praiseworthy — whether the forest-dweller, or the householder, or the ascetic, or the one replete with knowledge — they bark at them as evil.

2.59.10 You do not perceive the terrible, crooked gateway to hell, O son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra. Many of the Kurus will follow you down — together with Duḥśāsana — when this gambling-game reaches its outcome.

2.59.11 Gourds sink while stones float; boats are constantly bewildered upon the water — the foolish king, Dhṛtarāṣṭra's son, does not listen to my words that are wholesome and true.

2.59.12 Surely the end of the Kurus is at hand — a terrible, all-consuming destruction. The wholesome words of wise friends go unheard; only greed grows.

2.60.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Crying "Shame on Kṣattṛ!" and intoxicated with arrogance, the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra looked toward the Pratikamin in the assembly and spoke to him in the midst of the great nobles.

2.60.2 "You, Pratikamin, go and fetch Draupadī. You need have no fear of the Pāṇḍavas. This Kṣattṛ is a coward who only argues; he has never truly wished for our welfare."

2.60.3 Thus commanded, that charioteer Pratikamin, hearing the king's word, went quickly and entered the lion's den as a dog might, and approached the queen of the Pāṇḍavas.

2.60.4 The Pratikamin said: "O Draupadī, Yudhiṣṭhira was maddened by the dice-game, and Duryodhana has won you. Therefore enter the house of Dhṛtarāṣṭra — I am taking you there to your duties, O daughter of Yajñasena."

2.60.5 Draupadī said: "How do you say such a thing, Pratikamin? What prince would wager his wife at dice? Is the king truly so foolish and maddened by the game, or was there no other stake he could find?"

2.60.6 The Pratikamin said: "When there was no other stake for him, then Yudhiṣṭhira the Pāṇḍava — the one who has no enemies — wagered. First he staked his brothers, then himself, and finally you, O princess."

2.60.7 Draupadī said: "Go, son of a charioteer — go to the gambler in the assembly and ask him this: O Bhārata, did you lose yourself first, or me? Having learned the answer, come back and then take me, O son of a charioteer."

2.60.8 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Going to the assembly, he conveyed Draupadī's words: "Draupadī asks you — who is the master of whom did you lose first? Did you first lose yourself, or me?"

2.60.9 But Yudhiṣṭhira sat motionless, as if bereft of life. He gave the charioteer no reply — neither good nor ill.

2.60.10 Duryodhana said: "Let Kṛṣṇā the Pāñcālī come here herself and put her question here — let everyone hear her words and his answer."

2.60.11 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: He who followed Duryodhana's will went to the royal quarters and, as if pained, the charioteer Pratikamin spoke to Draupadī.

2.60.12 "The men of the assembly summon you, O princess. I believe the destruction of the Kauravas is at hand — for no lesser deed preserves prosperity, that you must now enter the assembly, O princess."

2.60.13 Draupadī said: "Thus surely has the Creator ordained — that both the wise and the foolish are touched by touch alike. But there is one supreme dharma proclaimed in this world; if cherished, it will bring us peace."

2.60.14 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Yudhiṣṭhira, hearing what Duryodhana intended, sent a messenger approved by Draupadī, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.60.15 Clad in a single garment, her lower robe loose, weeping and in her monthly course, the Pāñcālī came to the assembly and stood before her father-in-law.

2.60.16 Then, looking at their faces, King Duryodhana, filled with joy, said to the charioteer: "Bring her here, Pratikamin — let the Kurus speak openly before her."

2.60.17 Then the charioteer, who followed his master's will but feared the wrath of the daughter of Drupada, setting aside his pride, turned to the assembly members again and said: "What shall I tell Kṛṣṇā?"

2.60.18 Duryodhana said: "Duḥśāsana, this charioteer's son of mine is faint-hearted, afraid of Vṛkodara. Yourself take the daughter of Yajñasena and bring her. What can her helpless enemies do to you?"

2.60.19 Then that prince arose, his eyes red with rage at his brother's words, entered the dwelling of the great warriors, and spoke thus to the princess Draupadī.

2.60.20 "Come, come, Pāñcālī, O Kṛṣṇā — you have been won! Look upon Duryodhana, O lotus-eyed one, cast off your shame and join the Kurus. You have been lawfully won; go to the assembly."

2.60.21 Then she arose, deeply distressed, wiped her pale face with her hand, and in her affliction ran toward where the women were — the quarters of the aged king, bull of the Kurus.

2.60.22 Then Duḥśāsana rushed after her in fury, roaring at her, and seized the wife of the king of kings by her long, dark, wavy hair.

2.60.23 Those tresses which had been drenched with the sacred waters of the Rājasūya concluding bath, at that great ceremony purified by mantras — those were now seized by force by the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who had overcome the valor of the Pāṇḍavas.

2.60.24 Having seized her, Duḥśāsana dragged Kṛṣṇā of the very dark tresses toward the assembly — dragging her who had protectors as though she had none, as the wind drags a plantain tree in distress.

2.60.25 As she was being dragged, her body bent, she said softly: "Today I am in my monthly course. I have but one garment, O dull-witted one; you should not take me to the assembly, O ignoble man."

2.60.26 Then, forcibly seizing her by her dark hair, he said to Kṛṣṇā: "Cry out for protection to Kṛṣṇa, to Jiṣṇu, to Hari, to Nara — I am taking you regardless."

2.60.27 "Whether you are in your monthly course, O Yājñasenī, whether you wear one garment or none — you have been won at dice; you are made a slave. Among the slave women you shall serve according to desire."

2.60.28 With her hair disheveled, her half-garment fallen, being shaken about by Duḥśāsana, burning with shame and indignation, Kṛṣṇā softly spoke these words.

2.60.29 "These men in the assembly are learned in scripture, all of them active and equal to Indra; all are elders, worthy of veneration as gurus. Before them I cannot bear to stand in this state."

2.60.30 "O doer of cruel deeds, you of ignoble conduct — do not strip me bare, do not drag me! Your royal enemies would not endure this — not even if all the gods with Indra were your allies."

2.60.31 "The king who is the son of Dharma stands firm in righteousness. And dharma is subtle, discerned only by the wise. I do not wish to cause even an atom of fault to my husband, abandoning my own virtues even in word."

2.60.32 "But this is ignoble — that you drag me, in my monthly course, in the midst of Kuru heroes, and none here does me honor. Surely all these have followed your thinking."

2.60.33 "Shame! The dharma of the Bhāratas is truly lost, and so too the conduct of those who know the warrior code — for the Kurus all sit in the assembly and watch as the bounds of Kuru righteousness are transgressed."

2.60.34 "There is no firmness in Droṇa, nor in Bhīṣma, nor surely in that great-souled king either — for the foremost elders of the Kurus do not mark this terrible adharma."

2.60.35 As she spoke thus pitifully, the slender-waisted one glanced sideways and saw her husbands overcome with rage — the Pāṇḍavas with bodies consumed by anger — and inflamed them further with the glances of her eyes.

2.60.36 The pain caused by the loss of their kingdom, their wealth, and their finest jewels was not as great as the pain caused by Kṛṣṇā's sidelong glance charged with anguish and fury.

2.60.37 And Duḥśāsana, seeing Kṛṣṇā look piteously at those wretched husbands, shook her violently as if to render her unconscious, and said with a cruel laugh: "A slave woman!"

2.60.38 Karṇa was exceedingly delighted at that word and applauded it with a loud laugh. The king of Gāndhāra, son of Subala, likewise praised Duḥśāsana.

2.60.39 But all the other members of the assembly who were there — excepting those two and the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra — felt extreme sorrow upon seeing Kṛṣṇā being dragged about in the assembly.

2.60.40 Bhīṣma said: "O fortunate one, I am not able to answer your question properly on account of the subtlety of dharma. One who owns nothing cannot stake another's property — and women are subject to their husband's authority."

2.60.41 "Yudhiṣṭhira would abandon the entire prosperous earth, but he would not abandon truth. And the Pāṇḍava has declared 'I am defeated' — therefore I cannot resolve this matter."

2.60.42 "Śakuni is unequalled among men at dice; invited by him, the son of Kuntī freely submitted to his desire. That great soul does not regard it as deception — therefore I cannot answer your question."

2.60.43 Draupadī said: "The king was summoned to the assembly by those skilled in trickery — by evil-souled, deceitful, ignoble gamblers — with no great effort on their part. How then is he said to have freely submitted his will?"

2.60.44 "He who is the foremost of the Kuru Pāṇḍavas — pure of heart, not perceiving the deceitful conduct — was overcome by all of them together, and it was only afterward that he accepted the terms of the gambling."

2.60.45 "These Kurus stand in the assembly — masters of sons and daughters-in-law alike. Let them all weigh my words as well. Answer my question truthfully, O kings."

2.60.46 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: As she spoke thus piteously and wept, repeatedly glancing at those husbands, Duḥśāsana spoke harsh, unpleasant, and bitter words to her.

2.60.47 Seeing her being dragged, in her monthly course, her upper garment slipping, trembling — and seeing Yudhiṣṭhira — Vṛkodara, his form the very image of extreme anguish, gave vent to his rage.

2.61.1 Bhīma said: "Gamblers keep women of ill repute in their homes, O Yudhiṣṭhira — they do not even wager those, and even for those women there is compassion."

2.61.2 "The tribute that the king of Kāśi brought, the other finest goods, and whatever jewels the other kings of the earth had offered —"

2.61.3 "— our vehicles, our wealth, our armor and weapons, our kingdom, our very selves and we ourselves — all were taken from us by the deceit of our enemies."

2.61.4 "And I felt no anger in all of that, for you are the master of all that is ours. But I consider this to be going too far — that Draupadī was staked."

2.61.5 "This innocent girl, who did not deserve this fate, having come to the Pāṇḍavas, is now being tormented on your account by these petty, cruel, and deceit-loving Kauravas."

2.61.6 "This wrath is brought down upon you for her sake, O king. I will burn your arms to ashes — Sahadeva, bring fire!"

2.61.7 Arjuna said: "You have never before, O Bhīmasena, spoken such words. Surely the respect for dharma in you has been destroyed by these cruel enemies."

2.61.8 "Our enemies must not be made to rejoice. Practice only the highest dharma. One should not transgress the eldest brother who is righteous."

2.61.9 "The king, summoned by enemies, plays at dice keeping in mind the warrior's dharma, submitting to another's will — this is greatly glorious for us."

2.61.10 Bhīmasena said: "Had I known this was being done to me, O Dhanañjaya, I would have burned both his arms in a blazing fire, as if by force."

2.61.11 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Seeing the Pāṇḍavas in such distress, and the Pāñcālī being tormented, Vikarṇa, the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, spoke these words.

2.61.12 "Answer the words spoken by the daughter of Yajñasena, O kings. By not discerning the truth of her words, we will immediately fall into hell."

2.61.13 "Both Bhīṣma and Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the two eldest of the Kurus, have said nothing after coming together here, nor has the great-minded Vidura."

2.61.14 "And the son of Bharadvaja, who is the preceptor of all, and Kṛpa — even these two foremost of the twice-born have not answered the question."

2.61.15 "But those other kings of the earth who have assembled here from all directions — setting aside desire and anger, let them speak according to their understanding."

2.61.16 "This word that auspicious Draupadī has repeatedly uttered — reflecting carefully, whose side is which? O kings, speak your reply."

2.61.17 Thus he repeatedly addressed all the members of the assembly, yet those kings of the earth said nothing to him — neither good nor ill.

2.61.18 Having thus repeatedly addressed all the kings, Vikarṇa rubbed one palm against the other, and sighing, spoke these words.

2.61.19 "Speak, O kings, or speak not at all. What I consider to be just here, that I shall proclaim, O Kauravas."

2.61.20 "The foremost men declare four vices of kings: hunting, drinking, gambling, and excessive attachment to sensual pleasures."

2.61.21 "A man addicted to these lives having abandoned dharma, and the world does not regard an act done by one thus afflicted as valid."

2.61.22 "This son of Pāṇḍu, deeply caught in vice, summoned by gamblers, staked Draupadī as a wager."

2.61.23 "Moreover, she is the common wife of all the Pāṇḍavas, the irreproachable one. And the stake was made by this Pāṇḍava after he had already been won himself."

2.61.24 "And this Kṛṣṇā was named as a stake by Subala's son who desired to win. Considering all of this, I believe she has not been won."

2.61.25 Hearing this, a great roar arose from the members of the assembly — some praising Vikarṇa and condemning the son of Subala.

2.61.26 When that noise subsided, the son of Rādhā, nearly fainting with rage, lifted his beautiful arm and spoke these words.

2.61.27 "Many perversities are indeed visible in Vikarṇa. The fire born of the fire-sticks leads to the destruction of those very sticks — so too with him."

2.61.28 "All these have said nothing even when urged by Kṛṣṇā herself. I consider the daughter of Drupada to have been won by dharma — they too think so."

2.61.29 "But you, O son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, are bursting with sheer childishness — speaking in the assembly like a child trying to sound like an elder."

2.61.30 "And you do not know dharma as it truly is, O lesser one to Duryodhana — you of very dull wit who proclaims the won Kṛṣṇā to be unwon."

2.61.31 "How can you consider Kṛṣṇā to be unwon, O son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, when the eldest of the Pāṇḍavas staked his entire self in the assembly?"

2.61.32 "And Draupadī is included within 'all that he possesses,' O bull of the Bhāratas. How then do you consider Kṛṣṇā, won by dharma, to be unwon?"

2.61.33 Draupadī has been named aloud and released by the Pāṇḍavas themselves — on what ground then do you hold that she is not conquered?

2.61.34 Or do you think that bringing her into this assembly in a single garment was an act of unrighteousness? Hear my further word on that point as well.

2.61.35 The gods have ordained that a woman shall have one husband, O delight of the Kurus; but this one is subject to many masters — she is therefore rightly judged a harlot.

2.61.36 In my opinion it is no wonder that she has been brought into the hall, nor that she is clad in a single garment, nor even that she should be stripped bare.

2.61.37 Whatever wealth belongs to them, and this woman herself, and the Pāṇḍavas — all that property has been lawfully won here by the son of Subala.

2.61.38 Duḥśāsana, this Vikarṇa is but a boy playing the wise man — bring in the garments of the Pāṇḍavas and of Draupadī too.

2.61.39 Hearing that, O Bhārata, all the Pāṇḍavas cast off their upper garments and sat down in the assembly.

2.61.40 Then Duḥśāsana, O king, seized Draupadī's garment by force in the middle of the assembly and began to strip it off.

2.61.41 As Draupadī's garment was being pulled away, O lord of the people, another robe of the same kind appeared, and then another, and yet another, in endless succession.

2.61.42 Then a loud and terrible cry of amazement arose there as all the assembled kings witnessed that most wondrous marvel in the world.

2.61.43 Then Bhīma, in the midst of the kings, with a great roar, his lips quivering with rage and grinding palm against palm, uttered a curse.

2.61.44 "Hear this my vow, all you Kṣatriyas who dwell in this world — a vow never spoken before by any man, nor shall another ever speak it:

2.61.45 If, having spoken thus, I do not carry it out, O lords of the earth, then may I not attain the path of all our forefathers.

2.61.46 If in battle I do not split open the chest of this vile, low-born disgrace to the Bhāratas by force and drink his blood —

2.61.47 Hearing those words of his, which thrilled all the world with joy, the assembly gave him great honor while denouncing the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.61.48 When a heap of garments had accumulated in the middle of the assembly, Duḥśāsana at last, exhausted and ashamed, sat down.

2.61.49 Then a hair-raising cry of "Shame!" arose among the assembled god-like men as they looked upon the sons of Kuntī.

2.61.50 "The Kurus will not answer this question" — so the people there cried out, denouncing Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.61.51 Then Vidura, knower of all dharma, raised both arms high to silence the assembly and spoke these words:

2.61.52 Vidura said: "Draupadī has posed her question and is crying like one without a protector, yet you assembled members do not answer that question — dharma is being wounded here."

2.61.53 "For one in distress enters an assembly blazing like fire, and it is the duty of the assembled members to pacify that person with truth and with dharma.

2.61.54 "When a person in distress poses a question of dharma to the members of an assembly, those members, who have transcended the sway of desire and anger, should answer that question.

2.61.55 "The question has been answered by Vikarṇa to the best of his wisdom, O kings — let you too answer that question as your minds direct.

2.61.56 "For a man who, though seeing what is right, enters an assembly and does not answer a question, reaps one half of the fruit that accrues from falsehood.

2.61.57 "And he who, though seeing what is right, enters an assembly and gives a false answer — he obtains the entire fruit of untruth: this is certain.

2.61.58 "On this point they cite this ancient tale — the dialogue between Prahlāda and the sage of the Āṅgirasa line.

2.61.59 "There was a lord of the Daityas named Prahlāda; his son was Virocana. For the sake of a maiden Virocana challenged Sudhanvan, the descendant of Āṅgiras.

2.61.60 "Each claiming 'I am the superior one, I am the superior one,' both of them, desiring the maiden, staked their very lives in a wager — so we have heard.

2.61.61 "A dispute over this question arose between them, and they both went to Prahlāda and asked him: 'Tell us truly — which of us two is the superior? Answer the question and do not lie.'

2.61.62 "Fearing to pronounce in the dispute, Prahlāda glanced sideways at Sudhanvan. Sudhanvan, enraged and blazing like the rod of Brahmā, spoke to him:

2.61.63 "'If you speak falsely, Prahlāda, or if you refuse to speak at all, the Thunderer will shatter your head into a hundred pieces with his vajra.'

2.61.64 "Thus threatened by Sudhanvan, the Daitya trembled like a leaf of the aśvattha tree and went to the mighty Kaśyapa to inquire further of him.

2.61.65 "Prahlāda said: 'You are the knower of dharma here — of the divine, the demonic, and the brahminical. O greatly wise one, hear this dilemma of dharma.'

2.61.66 "'Tell me, I ask you: what are the other worlds — the afterlife — of one who neither answers a question nor directs it falsely?'

2.61.67 "Kaśyapa said: 'One who knows and yet, out of desire, anger, or fear, does not answer a question, binds upon himself a thousand nooses of Varuṇa.

2.61.68 "'At the end of each full year one noose is released; therefore one who knows the truth must speak the truth plainly and directly.'

2.61.69 "Where dharma, pierced by adharma, enters an assembly and the assembled members, who are themselves wounded by it, do not remove its thorn —

2.61.70 "— the chief man there carries off one half of the sin; one quarter falls upon those who committed the deed; one quarter falls upon the members of the assembly who do not condemn what deserves condemnation.

2.61.71 "But where the one deserving condemnation is duly condemned, the chief man is freed from sin and so are the members of the assembly — the guilt goes entirely to the doer.

2.61.72 "Those who, when asked about dharma, O Prahlāda, answer falsely — they destroy both the merit of their rituals and charitable works and seven generations of their ancestors and descendants alike.'

2.61.73 "The anguish of one whose wealth has been plundered, the anguish of one whose son has been slain, the anguish of one crushed by debt, and the anguish of one seized by the king —

2.61.74 "— the anguish of a woman bereft of her husband, the anguish of one separated from a caravan, the anguish of one whose marriage has been supplanted, and the anguish of one ruined by witnesses —

2.61.75 "— all these sorrows the lords of the thirty gods declare to be equal to one another; and all those sorrows does one incur who speaks falsely.

2.61.76 "Testimony comes from direct sight, from hearing, and from firm memory. Therefore a witness who speaks the truth suffers no loss in either dharma or worldly welfare.'

2.61.77 Vidura said: "Having heard Kaśyapa's words, Prahlāda said to his son: 'Sudhanvan is superior to you, and Āṅgiras is superior to me.'

2.61.78 "'Sudhanvan's mother too is superior to yours in terms of maternal lineage, Virocana — and this Sudhanvan is the master of your very life.'

2.61.79 Sudhanvan said: "Because you have set aside paternal affection and stood firm in dharma, I grant your son his life — may he live a hundred years."

2.61.80 Vidura said: "Having heard this supreme lesson of dharma, all of you members of the assembly — consider now what is the highest answer to Kṛṣṇā's question."

2.61.81 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: "Having heard Vidura's words, the assembled kings said nothing at all; but Karṇa said to Duḥśāsana: 'Take this slave-woman Kṛṣṇā to the inner apartments.'

2.61.82 "Duḥśāsana dragged that afflicted woman — trembling, red with shame, calling out to the Pāṇḍavas — through the middle of the assembly.

2.62.1 Draupadī said: "The duty I should have performed first has not been done, nor the duty due afterward — I am in anguish, dragged by force by this one who has done such a deed."

2.62.2 "I would offer my reverential salutation to these elders assembled here in the Kuru court — let the fault not be mine that this has not been done by me."

2.62.3 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: "Shaken by that dragging and by her grief, the afflicted one — fallen down, undeserving of such treatment — lamented thus in the assembly."

2.62.4 Draupadī said: "I who was seen by the assembled kings at the svayaṃvara arena, and who had never been seen elsewhere — I have today been brought into this assembly."

2.62.5 "I whom neither the wind nor the sun had ever seen before in my own home — I am today being seen in the middle of this assembly, in the Kuru court."

2.62.6 "I whom the Pāṇḍavas formerly would not suffer to be touched even by the wind in my own home — those same Pāṇḍavas today endure this vile-souled man's touching me."

2.62.7 "These Kurus too endure it — I believe it is the turning of time — that their daughter-in-law and daughter is being afflicted, undeserving of such treatment."

2.62.8 "What could be more pitiable than this — that I, a chaste and virtuous woman, am today plunged into the middle of an assembly? Where now is the dharma of these kings?"

2.62.9 "We have heard that virtuous women are not to be brought into an assembly — that primordial and eternal dharma has perished among the Kauravas."

2.62.10 "How could I — wife of the Pāṇḍavas, true sister of Dhṛṣṭadyumna the son of Pṛṣata, and a dear friend of Vāsudeva — come to be brought into this assembly of kings?"

2.62.11 "Declare me — this wife of Dharmarāja, born of equal class — a slave-woman or a free woman: whichever you declare, that I shall accept, O Kauravas."

2.62.12 "For this vile wretch, the destroyer of the Kauravas' glory, is tormenting me grievously — I cannot bear it much longer, O Kauravas."

2.62.13 "Whether you consider me won or not won, O kings — I desire to be answered accordingly, and whatever answer you give, that I shall accept, O Kauravas."

2.62.14 Bhīṣma said: "I have said before, O auspicious one, that the highest course of dharma cannot be pursued in this world even by wise and great-souled men."

2.62.15 "Yet as a powerful man sees dharma in the world, so that dharma, at the moment of dharma's testing, is declared by those who are his equals or superiors."

2.62.16 "I am not able to adjudicate your question with certainty — because of the subtlety and profundity of the matter, and because of the gravity of this situation."

2.62.17 "Surely the end of this family is not far off — for the Kurus are all given over entirely to greed and delusion."

2.62.18 "Those born in good families, O auspicious one, though assailed by misfortune, do not abandon the paths of dharma — just as you, our daughter-in-law, have steadfastly remained."

2.62.19 "And this conduct of yours is entirely fitting, O Pāñcālī — that even having fallen into this extremity, you look only to dharma."

2.62.20 "These elders — Droṇa and the others — who are knowers of dharma, stand here with bodies drained of life, bowed down as though their breath has already departed."

2.62.21 "In this question it is my view that Yudhiṣṭhira is the authority — it is for him himself to declare whether she was won or not won."

2.62.22 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: "Seeing all of that, the assembled kings, fearful of Dhṛtarāṣṭra's son, did not speak a word — neither approval nor disapproval — while she wailed like a distressed osprey."

2.62.23 "Seeing those sons and grandsons of kings fallen silent, the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra at that moment spoke these words with what seemed like a smile, addressing the daughter of the Pāñcāla king:"

2.62.24 "'Let this question rest with the noble-natured ones — with Bhīma, with Arjuna, with Sahadeva, and likewise with your husband Nakula, O Yājñasenī — let them speak the word that arises from you.'

2.62.25 "'Let them declare in this assembly of the noble that Yudhiṣṭhira has no mastery over you, O Pāñcālī — let them all make Dharmarāja speak falsehood on your account, and Pāñcālī, you shall be freed from the state of bondage.'

2.62.26 "'Or let the great-souled Dharmarāja, who stands in dharma, like unto Indra himself — let him declare it himself: is he your master or is he not? Speedily choose one answer from his own words.'

2.62.27 "'For all these Kaurava nobles of virtuous character who are gathered in this assembly, being themselves in the midst of suffering on your account, do not speak as they ought — eyeing your husbands of meager fortune.'"

2.62.28 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: "Thereupon all the members of the Kuru king's assembly loudly praised those words; shouting and throwing their upper garments, a cry of 'Ah! Ah!' rose up there, and all the assembled kings were gladdened, honoring that most righteous one of the Kurus."

2.62.29 "And all those kings gazed at Yudhiṣṭhira with faces turned sidelong, thinking: 'What will the knower of dharma now say?'"

2.62.30 "'What will Bībhatsu say? What will Ajita, the unconquered Pāṇḍava in battle, say? What will Bhīmasena say, and the twins?' — so they thought, filled with intense curiosity."

2.62.31 When that noise had subsided, Bhīmasena spoke thus, raising his great round arm smeared with sandalwood paste.

2.62.32 If this Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira, our elder, were not the master of this family, we would not endure this.

2.62.33 He is the lord of our virtuous austerities and even our very lives. If he considers himself conquered, then we are conquered.

2.62.34 He who, being subject to the law of mortals, has touched these tresses of the Pāñcālī lady, could not escape alive if he merely touched the earth with my foot.

2.62.35 Behold my two long, round arms like iron bars — even Indra of a hundred sacrifices, caught between them, could not escape.

2.62.36 But bound as I am by the bonds of dharma, I cannot find my way through this crisis, restrained also by respect and by Arjuna's restraint.

2.62.37 Released by the king of dharma, I would crush these sinful sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra like a lion crushing small deer with the flat of my sword.

2.62.38 Then Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and Vidura all said to him: "Forgive — it is so — all this is possible in you."

2.63.1 Karṇa said: There are indeed three who are propertyless — a slave, a student, and a woman without independence. You, dear lady, are the property of a slave, the wife of a slave; you are low, the wealth of a slave, yourself a slave-woman.

2.63.2 Enter and serve us with your attendance; that is the remaining duty for you — go into the household. We are all your masters now, princess; the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra are yours, not the Pārthas.

2.63.3 Choose another husband quickly, O beautiful one, from whom you will not obtain slavery through gambling. Indeed, a blameless woman's freedom among husbands is known in the Vedas — let that be always known to you as slavery now.

2.63.4 Nakula has been defeated, and Bhīmasena, Yudhiṣṭhira, Sahadeva, and Arjuna — enter as a slave-woman, Yājñasenī; your husbands are defeated, they are no more.

2.63.5 And what purpose does the Pārtha think he serves with his own valor and manhood here — he who staked this daughter of Drupada, the Pāñcālī princess, in the assembly's gambling?

2.63.6 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing that, Bhīmasena, deeply wrathful, sighed heavily, showing a tormented form; following the king, bound by the cords of dharma, he seemed to burn Karṇa with his eyes reddened by anger.

2.63.7 Bhīma said: I do not grow angry at the son of a charioteer, O king — this truth of slave-law has entered. For what could those who hate me do to restrain me today — if only you had not gambled with her, O lord of men.

2.63.8 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having heard the words of Rādheya (Karṇa), King Duryodhana then said this to Yudhiṣṭhira, who had fallen silent and was senseless:

2.63.9 "Bhīma, Arjuna, and the twin brothers are standing under your command, O king. Speak the answer to the question yourself — do you consider Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) to be unconquered?"

2.63.10 Having said this, he cast aside his own garment and, as if smiling, looked at the Pāñcālī woman, deluded by the intoxication of lordship.

2.63.11 His thigh, resembling the trunk of a banana tree, adorned with all auspicious marks, like the trunk of an elephant, with the weight and solidity of a thunderbolt —

2.63.12 — smiling scornfully at Rādheya and as if challenging Bhīma, he displayed his left thigh to the watching Draupadī.

2.63.13 Vṛkodara (Bhīma), seeing that, widened his eyes until they were bloodshot, and spoke in the midst of the kings, as if making the assembly hear:

2.63.14 "Let Vṛkodara not attain the same world as his fathers if I do not shatter this thigh of yours with my mace in the great battle!"

2.63.15 From all the apertures of that enraged man, flames of fire poured forth, like from the hollows of a burning tree.

2.63.16 Vidura said: See the great fear from Bhīmasena! Understand — it is like the noose of King Varuṇa. Surely this great calamity has arisen before us among the Bhāratas, driven by fate.

2.63.17 O sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, this gambling has gone too far. You who are quarreling over this woman in the assembly — great danger is seen for your welfare and security. The Kurus are taking evil counsel.

2.63.18 Know this dharma quickly, O Kurus! In this evil sight, the assembly would become corrupted. If the gambler had staked her first (before himself), he would have been the lord with an unconquered self.

2.63.19 Just as wealth won in a dream is unreal — I think the same of the winning of one who gambles without being his own master. Having heard the son of Gāndhārī's words, O Kurus, do not stray from this dharma.

2.63.20 Duryodhana said: I stand by Bhīma's words and likewise Arjuna's, and by those of the twins too. If they declare Yudhiṣṭhira to be his own master, then Yājñasenī, you shall be freed from slavery.

2.63.21 Arjuna said: The king was the master in our gambling — the great-souled Dharmarāja, son of Kuntī. But now this master, whose self has been defeated — of whom is he master? Know this, all you Kurus.

2.63.22 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then, O king, in King Dhṛtarāṣṭra's house, a jackal cried out loudly at the sacred fire; donkeys brayed in response to it, and fierce birds cried out all around.

2.63.23 That terrible sound was heard by Vidura, the knower of truth, and by Subala's daughter (Gāndhārī), and by Bhīṣma, Droṇa, and the learned Gautama — and they all cried out "Svasti! Svasti!" (May there be peace!) loudly.

2.63.24 Then Gāndhārī and the wise Vidura, observing that terrible omen, reported it to the king with distress; and then the king spoke these words:

2.63.25 "You are destroyed, Duryodhana, dull-witted one! You who address a woman in the assembly of the Kuru chiefs, O ill-mannered one — and especially Draupadī, the dharma-devoted wife."

2.63.26 Having said this, the wise Dhṛtarāṣṭra, seeker of the welfare of his kinsmen, departed; then he spoke with conciliation to Kṛṣṇā the Pāñcālī woman, having considered the matter with his wisdom and true discernment.

2.63.27 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: Choose a boon from me, Pāñcālī — whatever you desire; for among my daughters-in-law you are foremost, devoted to dharma, a good woman.

2.63.28 Draupadī said: If you grant me a boon, O bull of the Bhāratas, I choose this: let the glorious Yudhiṣṭhira, follower of all dharma, be no slave.

2.63.29 So that children, not knowing him to be a noble soul, may not say of Prativindhya as he comes to them: 'This is the son of a slave.'

2.63.30 Having been a prince before, pampered as no other man anywhere — seeing himself become the son of a slave, he would surely perish, O Bhārata.

2.63.31 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: A second boon I give you, dear lady — ask it of me; for my mind is pleased and you deserve more than one boon.

2.63.32 Draupadī said: As a second boon I choose Bhīmasena and Dhanañjaya, both with their chariots and bows, and Nakula and Sahadeva.

2.63.33 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: Choose a third boon from me — you are not honored by just two; for among all my daughters-in-law you are the best, a walker of the path of dharma.

2.63.34 Draupadī said: Greed destroys dharma, my lord; I do not venture to accept an undeserved boon — I am unworthy to take a third boon, O best of kings.

2.63.35 They say a Vaiśya woman merits one boon, a Kṣatriya woman two boons, a king three boons, O king of kings, and for a Brahmin, a hundred boons.

2.63.36 My husbands, having been made sinful, are now rescued; they will know all good things through meritorious deeds, O king.

2.64.1 Karṇa said: Among women honored for their beauty among men — we have never heard of such a deed as this by any of them.

2.64.2 While the Pārthas were seized by anger, and the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra were too, Draupadī — Kṛṣṇā — became the peace of the sons of Pāṇḍu here.

2.64.3 For the sons of Pāṇḍu sinking in waters without a raft, drowning in the fathomless deep, this Pāñcālī woman became the boat that took them to the other shore.

2.64.4 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing that, Bhīmasena, deeply wrathful in the midst of the Kurus, said with great anguish: "A woman is the resort of the sons of Pāṇḍu!"

2.64.5 "Three lights of a man," Devala indeed said: "offspring, deeds, and learning — from these the people are created."

2.64.6 "These three of a man are reborn from a body that has become impure, that has lost life, that is empty, abandoned by kinsmen."

2.64.7 "That light of ours has been struck down by the touching of our wives, Dhanañjaya — how indeed could there be offspring born of the defiled?"

2.64.8 Arjuna said: Whether addressed or unaddressed, cruel and base words — the highest men among the Bhāratas never babble such things back; the truly excellent men do so always.

2.64.9 The good, responding rightly and having gained certainty within themselves, remember only the good deeds done to them, never the enmities.

2.64.10 Bhīma said: Right here I will swiftly slay all these enemies gathered together — or, having gone out, cut them down root and all, O king of kings, O Bhārata.

2.64.11 What is the use of arguing here? What is the use of suffering, O Bhārata? This very day I will slay them here — command us over this earth.

2.64.12 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having said this, Bhīmasena, surrounded by his younger brothers, looked repeatedly at his iron bar as a lion among deer.

2.64.13 Being soothed and fanned by Arjuna of untiring action, the mighty-armed hero, powerful in valor, sweated with the inner burning of his rage.

2.64.14 From all the apertures of that enraged man — from his ears and the rest, O lord of men — fire arose with smoke and sparks and flames.

2.64.15 His face, terrible to behold with its knitted brows, became like that of Death personified when the end of a cosmic age has arrived.

2.64.16 Yudhiṣṭhira, restraining that mighty-armed one with his own arm, said to him: "Do not do so" — and "Be still," O Bhārata.

2.64.17 Having restrained that mighty-armed one whose eyes were reddened with anger, he approached his elder Dhṛtarāṣṭra with folded hands.

2.65.1 Yudhiṣṭhira said: O king, what shall we do for you? Command us — you are the lord. We always wish to remain under your command, O Bhārata.

2.65.2 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: May good fortune be yours, Ajātaśatru — go unharmed, in peace. You are hereby dismissed with your wealth; rule your own kingdom.

2.65.3 But this teaching of mine, an old man, is to be understood: it is spoken with wisdom in full, beneficial, and supremely for your wellbeing.

2.65.4 You know the subtle course of dharmas, dear Yudhiṣṭhira; you are well-bred, greatly wise, an attendant of the elders.

2.65.5 Where there is wisdom, there is peace — seek calm, O Bhārata. A weapon does not move against what is not split; a weapon is brought down only against what is split (divided).

2.65.6 Those highest of men do not know enmities, do not see faults but only virtues, and do not arrive at opposition.

2.65.7 In a dispute, the basest of men speak harsh words, O Yudhiṣṭhira; the middling, when spoken to harshly, speak harsh words in return.

2.65.8 Whether addressed or not addressed, the wise — the highest of men — never babble back hostile, harsh words; this is always so.

2.65.9 The good, responding rightly and having gained certainty within themselves, remember only the kind deeds done to them, never the enmities inflicted.

2.65.10 Such is the noble conduct you have shown in this assembly of the good — do not take Duryodhana's harshness to heart, dear son.

2.65.11 Regard also your mother Gāndhārī and me, longing for your virtues — your old, blind father who stands before you, O Bhārata.

2.65.12 This gambling was overlooked by me after observation, desiring to see the strength and weakness of friends and of my sons.

2.65.13 The Kurus need not be grieved over, O king, when you are their guide and Vidura, the wise counselor versed in all the shastras, is their minister.

2.65.14 In you resides dharma, in Arjuna valor, in Bhīmasena prowess; and faith and service to elders belong to the twin brothers, those foremost of men.

2.65.15 May good fortune be yours, Ajātaśatru — enter Khāṇḍavaprastha; let there be brotherhood among your brothers; let your mind be fixed on dharma.

2.65.16 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Thus addressed, the best of the Bhāratas, Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira, having made noble farewells to all, departed together with his brothers.

2.65.17 Mounting their cloud-like chariots together with Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī), they set out with joyful minds toward Indraprastha, the foremost of cities.

2.66.1 Janamejaya said: Knowing those Pāṇḍavas to have been dismissed along with their accumulated jewels and wealth, what was then the mind of the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra?

2.66.2 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Knowing those Pāṇḍavas to have been dismissed by the wise Dhṛtarāṣṭra, O king, Duḥśāsana quickly went to his brother.

2.66.3 Approaching Duryodhana along with his ministers, O bull of the Bhāratas, Duḥśāsana, tormented by grief, O foremost of the Bhāratas, spoke these words.

2.66.4 "That which was gathered with such difficulty, the old man is now destroying; he is handing over our wealth to our enemies — understand this, O great warriors!"

2.66.5 Then Duryodhana, Karṇa, and Śakuni the son of Subala, proud in their enmity toward the Pāṇḍavas, came together in private counsel,

2.66.6 and hastening to the wise king Dhṛtarāṣṭra, son of Vicitravīrya, they spoke these smooth words:

2.66.7 Duryodhana said: "Have you not heard, O king, what the wise Bṛhaspati, preceptor of the gods, declared when expounding statecraft to Indra?

2.66.8 Enemies must be destroyed by every means, O crusher of foes, before they do harm — before battle, before open force.

2.66.9 If the Pāṇḍavas, using their wealth, honor all the kings and then fight us, what will remain of us to escape their reach?

2.66.10 Who would be right to release enraged venomous serpents that have come ready to bite, after placing them around his neck and back?

2.66.11 The Pāṇḍavas, O father, armed and mounted on their chariots in anger, will annihilate us completely — for the enraged are like venomous serpents.

2.66.12 Arjuna departs fully armored, having uncovered his great quiver, taking up the Gāṇḍīva bow again and again, breathing heavily and looking around.

2.66.13 And Vṛkodara, raising his massive mace in haste, quickly yoked his chariot and departed — so we have heard.

2.66.14 Nakula took up his sword and his shield adorned with eight moons; and Sahadeva and the king too showed their intentions by their gestures.

2.66.15 All of them, mounting their chariots laden with many weapons, shaking the masses of vehicles, set out for the marshaling of the army.

2.66.16 Those who have been so wronged by us will never forgive — and who among them could forgive the humiliation of Draupadī?

2.66.17 Let us gamble again — good fortune to you — with the Pāṇḍavas for the stake of forest exile; in this way we shall be able to bring them under our power, O bull of the Bhāratas.

2.66.18 Either they, or we if defeated at dice, shall enter the great forest clad in the hides of deer.

2.66.19 And the thirteenth year they must spend unrecognized among people; if recognized, another twelve years in the forest.

2.66.20 So shall we or they dwell; let the game proceed thus — let the Pāṇḍavas throw the dice and play this second gambling match.

2.66.21 This is the most necessary action for us, O king, O bull of the Bhāratas; for Śakuni here knows the science and skill of dice.

2.66.22 We are firmly rooted in the kingdom, having gathered allies and honored a vast and formidable army of worth.

2.66.23 And if they fulfill their vow in the thirteenth year, we shall still defeat them, O king — let this please you, O scorcher of foes."

2.66.24 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: "Bring them back quickly, even though they have already set out on the road. Let them come back and let the Pāṇḍavas play this second game of dice."

2.66.25 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then Droṇa, Somadatta, the great warrior Bāhlika, Vidura, Droṇa's son, and the valiant son of Vaiśya —

2.66.26 Bhūriśravas, the son of Śaṃtanu, and the great warrior Vikarṇa — all of them said "No gambling!" and "Let there be peace!" in every way.

2.66.27 But Dhṛtarāṣṭra, devoted to his son, issued the summons to the Pāṇḍavas even against the will of all his well-wishers who could see what was truly beneficial.

2.66.28 Then Gāndhārī, wasted by grief, spoke righteously to the great king Dhṛtarāṣṭra, lord of men, whose heart was swayed by love for his son:

2.66.29 "When Duryodhana was born, the great-minded Vidura declared: 'This one, the defiler of the family, should rightly be sent to the other world.'

2.66.30 For he cried out like a jackal the very moment he was born, O Bhārata — truly this is the end of this family; understand that, O Kurus.

2.66.31 O lord, do not follow the counsel of these foolish and ill-bred boys; do not yourself become the cause of this terrible destruction of the family.

2.66.32 Who would demolish a built dam? Who would blow upon a fire that is extinguished? Who, O Bhārata, would provoke the Pārthas who have been held in check by peace?

2.66.33 O Ajamīḍha, I remind you now as you yourself remember: scripture does not rule over the evil-minded — for their good or otherwise.

2.66.34 Surely the old should never have a childish mind, O king. Let your sons be guided by your eyes — let them not split apart and mock you.

2.66.35 May the understanding born of peace, righteousness, and another's wisdom prevail in you — not the contrary, destructive kind; for prosperity, firm yet gentle, passes on to sons and grandsons.

2.66.36 Then the great king replied to Gāndhārī who saw righteously: "Though my heart desires the good of the family, I am unable to restrain this.

2.66.37 Let it be as they wish. Let the Pāṇḍavas come back; let my sons play the second gambling match together with the Pāṇḍavas."

2.67.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Then the messenger Pratikamin addressed Yudhiṣṭhira the Pārtha, who had already set out on the road, conveying the words of the wise king Dhṛtarāṣṭra:

2.67.2 "The assembly hall is prepared, O king. After the dice have been cast, come, O Pāṇḍava — your father calls you to play, O Bhārata."

2.67.3 Yudhiṣṭhira said: "By the command of the Creator, beings receive their good and evil — there is no escape from either; if I must play again —

2.67.4 — a summons to dice-play, and by the command of the elder — knowing even that it leads to ruin, I do not dare to transgress it."

2.67.5 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Speaking thus, the Pāṇḍava turned back with his brothers; though knowing the deceit of Śakuni, the Pārtha went again to the gambling match.

2.67.6 Those great warriors, bulls of the Bhāratas, entered that assembly hall once again, distressing the hearts of their well-wishers.

2.67.7 They sat down as they pleased, pressed onward by fate, for the conduct of a second gambling match — and for the destruction of all the world.

2.67.8 Śakuni said: "The old man has released the wealth that was already won — it remains honored. But now hear this one great stake from me, O bull of the Bhāratas:

2.67.9 We, defeated by you at dice, shall enter the great forest for twelve years, clad in the hides of the ruru deer —

2.67.10 and the thirteenth year we shall spend unrecognized among people; if recognized, another twelve years in the forest.

2.67.11 Or if you are conquered by us, you shall dwell in the forest for twelve years, together with Kṛṣṇā, clad in deerskins.

2.67.12 And when the thirteenth year has passed, the proper kingdom is to be reclaimed — by one side or the other.

2.67.13 With this as the agreed stake, come, Yudhiṣṭhira — throw the dice with us in this second gambling match, O Bhārata."

2.67.14 The spectators in the assembly said: "Alas, shame! His kinsmen do not warn him of this great danger; and the bulls of the Bhāratas themselves do not grasp with their own understanding what should be grasped by understanding."

2.67.15 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Hearing these many murmurs of the people, the lord of men — from a sense of honor and from adherence to dharma — the Pārtha went again to the gambling match.

2.67.16 Even knowing, the greatly intelligent one set the second game in motion, thinking: "Perhaps this will not be the destruction of the Kurus after all."

2.67.17 Yudhiṣṭhira said: "How could a king like me, maintaining his own duty, turn back once summoned? I will play against you, O Śakuni."

2.67.18 Śakuni said: "Cattle and horses, many milk-cows beyond counting, goats and sheep, elephants, treasure, gold, and all male and female slaves —

2.67.19 this is our one single stake — forest exile for the Pāṇḍavas: either you or we, whichever is defeated, shall take refuge in the forest."

2.67.20 "With this resolve, let us play, O bull of the Bhāratas — with a single throw, for the stake of forest exile, O Bhārata."

2.67.21 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: The Pārtha accepted the stake; the son of Subala threw the dice. "Won!" — thus Śakuni declared to Yudhiṣṭhira.

2.68.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Defeated, the Pārthas resolved themselves to forest exile and took up their deerskins as upper garments, one by one in order.

2.68.2 Seeing those subduer-of-foes clad in deerskins, their kingdom seized, setting out for forest exile, Duḥśāsana then spoke:

2.68.3 "The wheel of the great-souled king, son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, has rolled forward; the sons of Pāṇḍu are defeated and have fallen into supreme misfortune.

2.68.4 Today the gods have departed by level paths, without obstacles; even those eldest in virtue, those elders — yet we are greater than our opponents.

2.68.5 The Pārthas have been cast into hell for a long and endless time; deprived of happiness and kingdom, they are ruined for eternal years.

2.68.6 Those who, intoxicated by strength, used to mock the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra — those Pāṇḍavas, now defeated and their wealth seized, shall go to the forest.

2.68.7 "Let them remove their colorful armor and their resplendent divine garments; let them all now put on ruru-deer hides — as they agreed to the stake of Subala's son."

2.68.8 "Those who were always of the conviction that 'there are no men in the world like these' — those Pāṇḍavas will today know themselves in this reversal, like barren sesame plants bearing no fruit."

2.68.9 "For this is the fitting attire of such proud men, O Kaurava — may it not fall to us! Look at the Pāṇḍavas, those mighty ones, now like the uninitiated wearing deerskins."

2.68.10 "The greatly wise Somaka Yajñasena did an evil deed by giving the Pāñcālī maiden to the Pāṇḍavas; for the Pārthas, husbands of Yājñasenī, are no more — they are as eunuchs now."

2.68.11 "Having seen these fine garments exchanged for deerskins, your husbands in the forest destitute and without standing — what joy will you find, O Yājñasenī? Choose another husband here whom you desire."

2.68.12 "All the Kurus assembled here are patient, self-controlled, and richly endowed with wealth. Choose one among them as a husband — this reversal of fortune need not burn you."

2.68.13 "Like barren sesame plants bearing no fruit, like deer made of leather, like black barley — just so are all the Pāṇḍavas now."

2.68.14 "Why do you wait upon these fallen Pāṇḍavas? Service to barren sesame is wasted effort." Thus the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, cruel and harsh, made the Pārthas hear these words.

2.68.15 Hearing that, Bhīmasena, deeply furious, stepped forward suddenly, rebuked him loudly, seized him in his rage, and spoke these words — like a Himālayan lion to a jackal:

2.68.16 Bhīmasena said: "O cruel one, you speak what is fitting only for the wicked, for those who have accomplished nothing; it is by the dice-skill of Gāndhāra that you boast in the midst of kings.

2.68.17 Even as you pierce our vital points deeply here with word-arrows, so shall I remind you of it, cutting your vital points in battle.

2.68.18 And those who follow you, enslaved by desire and greed — those protectors along with their kin — I shall drive to the abode of Yama."

2.68.19 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: While Bhīma was speaking thus, clad in deerskins, overwhelmed with grief — bound to the path of dharma — Duḥśāsana danced around him in the midst of the Kurus, calling out "Cow! Cow!" utterly without shame.

2.68.20 Bhīmasena said: "What is cruel, harsh, and vicious — that indeed you are capable of, O Duḥśāsana. Having gained wealth by fraud, who deserves to boast?

2.68.21 May the Pārtha Vṛkodara never attain the worlds of those who have done good deeds, if he does not drink your blood in battle after splitting open your chest."

2.68.22 "Having slain the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra in battle before the eyes of all the archers, I shall soon attain peace — this truth I declare to you."

2.68.23 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: As Bhīmasena moved with his lion-stride, king Duryodhana, that dull-witted one, joyfully mimicked Bhīmasena's gait with his own gait, as the Pāṇḍavas were leaving the assembly hall.

2.68.24 Vṛkodara, turning back halfway, said to him: "This is not done with yet — I shall swiftly remind you of it after slaying you together with your kin, O fool."

2.68.25 Perceiving this insult upon himself, the mighty and proud Bhīma, suppressing his rage, spoke these words as he departed from the assembly of the Kauravas in the king's retinue.

2.68.26 I shall slay Duryodhana; Dhanañjaya shall slay Karṇa; and Sahadeva shall slay Śakuni, that dice-cheat of Gāndhāra.

2.68.27 And this further great vow I declare in the midst of the assembly — the gods shall make it true: there shall be war between us.

2.68.28 I shall kill this sinful Suyodhana with my mace in battle, and I shall plant my foot upon his head on the ground.

2.68.29 And the blood of this Duḥśāsana — this brave boaster of harsh words, this wicked soul — I shall drink like a lion.

2.68.30 Arjuna said: O Bhīma, what is resolved by words is not recognized as the resolve of the righteous. In fourteen years from now, we shall see what comes to pass.

2.68.31 The earth shall drink the blood of Duryodhana, Karṇa, the wicked Śakuni, and Duḥśāsana as the fourth.

2.68.32 The slanderer, the speaker of insults, the releaser of the wicked — at your command, O Bhīmasena, I shall slay Karṇa in battle.

2.68.33 Arjuna vows, for the sake of Bhīma's satisfaction, that he shall slay Karṇa and those who follow Karṇa in battle with his arrows.

2.68.34 And whatever other kings, deluded in their minds, shall fight against me — all of them I shall send to the abode of Yama with my sharp arrows.

2.68.35 The Himālaya may move from its place, the sun may lose its splendor, the moon may lose its coolness — but my truth shall never waver.

2.68.36 If Duryodhana does not restore the kingdom after fourteen years from now, this sworn truth shall come to pass — mark it well.

2.68.37 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: When the son of Pṛthā had thus spoken, the glorious and valiant Sahadeva, son of Mādravatī, raising his mighty arm,

2.68.38 eager to slay the son of Subala, spoke these words with eyes red with rage, hissing like a serpent:

2.68.39 O fool, O destroyer of the glory of Gāndhāra! Those dice you think so highly of — know that these are not dice but sharpened arrows that you have chosen in battle.

2.68.40 As Bhīma has already declared concerning you and your kinsmen, I shall perform that very deed. Do all that you need to do.

2.68.41 I shall swiftly slay you and your kinsmen in battle by my valor, if you stand firm in combat according to the dharma of the warrior class, O Saubala.

2.68.42 O lord of the people, having heard Sahadeva's words, Nakula — the most handsome among men — also spoke these words:

2.68.43 This daughter of Yajñasena — at this dice match those who stood in favor of Duryodhana, the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, caused her to hear such harsh words.

2.68.44 Those ill-conducted sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who seek their own death and are driven by fate — I shall show them in full measure the abode of Vivasvat's son, Yama.

2.68.45 Following the command of the king of dharma, and walking the path of Draupadī, I shall before long make this earth free of the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.68.46 Thus those tiger-men, all long-armed, having made many vows, approached Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.69.1 Yudhiṣṭhira said: I take leave of the Bhāratas, and also of the aged grandfather Bhīṣma, of King Somadatta, and of the great king Bāhlika.

2.69.2 I take leave of Droṇa, Kṛpa, and the other kings, of Aśvatthāmā, of Vidura, of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and of all the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

2.69.3 Taking leave of Yuyutsu, Sañjaya, and likewise all the other members of the assembly, I depart. I shall see you all again upon my return.

2.69.4 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Overcome with shame, they said nothing at all to Yudhiṣṭhira. Only in their minds did those righteous ones wish well to that wise king.

2.69.5 Vidura said: The noble Pṛthā, princess by birth, ought not to go to the forest. She is delicate, old, and always accustomed to ease and comfort.

2.69.6 This auspicious lady shall dwell here, well honored in my house. Know this, O sons of Pṛthā. May you all be free from disease.

2.69.7 Know this word of mine, O Yudhiṣṭhira, O bull among Bhāratas: no one who has been defeated by adharma is truly afflicted by defeat.

2.69.8 You are the knower of dharma; Dhanañjaya is the knower of battle; Bhīmasena is the slayer of enemies; Nakula is the gatherer of resources.

2.69.9 Sahadeva is the controller; Dhaumya is the foremost knower of Brahman; and Draupadī is skilled in dharma and artha, a woman who walks the path of dharma.

2.69.10 You are all dear to one another, and likewise speak kindly to one another; you are unbreakable by enemies and content. Who among men here would not envy you?

2.69.11 This, O Bhārata, is the all-auspicious resolution that you have — no enemy can withstand it, even one equal to Śakra himself. Be steadfast.

2.69.12 You were instructed long ago on the Himālayas by Meru-Sāvarṇi, and by Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana in the city of Vāraṇāvata.

2.69.13 By Rāma on the peak of Bhṛgutuṅga, and by Shambhu on the banks of the Dṛṣadvatī — you have also heard the teachings of the great sage Asita concerning Mount Añjana.

2.69.14 Your priest Dhaumya is ever a beholder of Nārada's wisdom. Do not in adversity lose that understanding which the sages have honored.

2.69.15 O Pāṇḍava, you surpass Purūravas son of Ila in wisdom; you surpass other kings in power; and you surpass the sages in your devotion to dharma.

2.69.16 In Indra's sphere — steadfastness toward victory; in Yama's — restraint of wrath; in Kubera's — generosity; in Varuṇa's — self-control.

2.69.17 Self-giving and gentleness come from Soma; sustenance of life from the waters; forbearance from the earth; and full radiance from the orb of the sun.

2.69.18 Know that strength comes from Vāyu and that the self is born from the elements. May you all be free from affliction, may good be yours — I shall see you upon your return.

2.69.19 In crises of duty, purpose, and hardship, and in all affairs whatsoever, act rightly and in accordance with the time, O Yudhiṣṭhira.

2.69.20 You are bidden farewell here, O son of Kuntī. May you fare well, O Bhārata. We shall see you again when you return, your purpose accomplished and in safety.

2.69.21 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Thus addressed, that Pāṇḍava of true valor said "So be it," and Yudhiṣṭhira, bowing to Bhīṣma and Droṇa, set forth.

2.70.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: When he had set forth, Kṛṣṇā — Draupadī — deeply afflicted with grief, went to the glorious Pṛthā and took leave of her, as did the other women present there.

2.70.2 Having duly offered salutations and embraces as was befitting, she desired to depart; then a great wailing arose in the inner quarters of the Pāṇḍavas.

2.70.3 And Kuntī, deeply tormented, seeing Draupadī departing, spoke with voice faltering in grief, with great difficulty:

2.70.4 "Dear child, you must not grieve though this great calamity has befallen you. You know the dharma of women, and you are endowed with righteous conduct and behavior.

2.70.5 O pure-smiling one, I have no need to instruct you regarding your husbands. Both your lineages are adorned with the virtues of noble women.

2.70.6 Fortunate are these Kurus that they have not been consumed by you, O sinless one. Go along the auspicious path, sustained by my thoughts upon you.

2.70.7 For good women, faintheartedness does not arise when great things are at stake. Protected by the dharma of your elders, you shall quickly attain what is best.

2.70.8 And my son Sahadeva must be continually watched over while he dwells in the forest, so that when he encounters this adversity his noble mind does not sink."

2.70.9 Saying "So be it," that goddess, her eyes streaming with tears, wearing a single blood-stained garment, with hair unbound, departed.

2.70.10 Pṛthā followed after her as she went, crying out in grief. Then she saw all her sons stripped of their ornaments and fine garments,

2.70.11 their bodies covered with deerskins and bark cloth, with faces slightly downcast in shame, surrounded by enemies rejoicing and lamented by their friends.

2.70.12 That most affectionate mother, approaching all her sons in that condition, embraced them and cried out in grief, lamenting again and again in many ways.

2.70.13 "How have you — adorned with righteous conduct, behavior, and steadfastness; not small-minded; firm in devotion; and always engaged in reverence to the gods —

2.70.14 come to meet with this calamity? What is this inversion of fate? By whose ill-thinking has this sin been born? I see it when I reflect with my understanding.

2.70.15 Surely this is the fault of my own fate, that I gave birth to you — you who are endowed with the highest virtues yet bear an exceeding portion of pain and suffering.

2.70.16 How shall you dwell in the difficult and harsh forests, stripped of your wealth — you who are not weak in valor, courage, strength, enterprise, and splendor — and yet made wretched?

2.70.17 If I had known that forest-exile was indeed certain for you, I would not have come to Hāstinapura from Shatashrunga after the death of Pāṇḍu.

2.70.18 I consider your father fortunate — endowed with austerity and wisdom — who, before reaching the grief over sons, made his longing for heaven a cherished goal.

2.70.19 And I consider blessed in every way Mādrī — the knower of dharma, the auspicious one — who today has attained that supreme state beyond the senses.

2.70.20 Cursed is this fondness for life that was instilled in me through love, wisdom, and circumstance — I who am a sharer in suffering."

2.70.21 Consoling Kuntī as she lamented thus, and bowing to her, the Pāṇḍavas, bereft of joy, set forth for the forest.

2.70.22 Vidura and the others, consoling the afflicted Kuntī with words of reason, led her into Vidura's house, themselves more grieved than she, moving slowly.

2.70.23 And king Dhṛtarāṣṭra, his mind overwhelmed with sorrow, sent word to Vidura: "Come quickly."

2.70.24 Then Vidura went to Dhṛtarāṣṭra's dwelling. The agitated king Dhṛtarāṣṭra, lord of men, questioned him.

2.71.1 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: How does the son of Kuntī, King Yudhiṣṭhira the dharmaraja, go? And Bhīmasena, and the ambidextrous Arjuna, and those two sons of Mādrī?

2.71.2 And how does Dhaumya go? And the suffering Draupadī? O Vidura, I wish to hear all about the movements of their limbs and bearing.

2.71.3 Vidura said: The son of Kuntī, Yudhiṣṭhira, goes covering his face with his garment. And Bhīma the Pāṇḍava goes with his broad arms stretched wide.

2.71.4 Savyasācī, the ambidextrous Arjuna, follows the king scattering sand. The son of Mādrī, Sahadeva, goes with his face smeared.

2.71.5 Nakula, the most beautiful in the world, his entire body smeared with dust and his mind bewildered, follows the king.

2.71.6 Kṛṣṇā, with long eyes, beautiful, weeping, her face covered by her hair, follows the king.

2.71.7 Dhaumya, O lord of the people, goes along the roads chanting the Sāman hymns of Yama and of Rudra, holding kusa grass in his hand.

2.71.8 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: The Pāṇḍavas go in various forms and bearing. Explain this to me, O Vidura — why do they go in this manner?

2.71.9 Vidura said: Even though deceived by your sons, even though his kingdom and wealth have been taken, the mind of the wise Dharmarāja never wavers from dharma.

2.71.10 That king, who is ever compassionate toward the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, O Bhārata, inflamed with anger at the treachery done to him, does not open his eyes —

2.71.11 "Lest I burn the people with my terrible gaze" — it is for this reason that the Pāṇḍava king covers his face and so departs.

2.71.12 And why Bhīma goes as he does — hear it from me as I describe it, O bull among Bhāratas: "There is none equal to me in the strength of my arms" —

2.71.13 it is for this reason that Bhīma also goes with his broad arms stretched wide, displaying those arms — proud in the wealth of his arms, intending to perform deeds against his enemies befitting the treasure of those arms.

2.71.14 Pointing out the ranges of arrow-fall, Arjuna the son of Kuntī — the ambidextrous one — walked behind the king, scattering sand as he went.

2.71.15 "Just as this sand does not cling to him now, O Bhārata, so too shall he release showers of arrows unstoppably upon his enemies."

2.71.16 "Let no one recognize my face today" — so saying, O Bhārata, Sahadeva smeared his face and walked on in that manner.

2.71.17 "Let me not attract the minds of women along the road" — so thinking, O lord, Nakula covered his entire body with dust and walked on for that reason.

2.71.18 Draupadī, clad in a single garment, weeping, her hair unbound, in her monthly season, her wet garment stained with blood, spoke these words.

2.71.19 "For whose sake I have come to this state — in the fourteenth year from now, their wives shall be widowed, their sons slain, their dear kinsmen destroyed."

2.71.20 "Smeared with the blood of their kinsmen, their hair unbound, in their seasons, having performed such water-rites — thus shall the women enter Hāstinapura."

2.71.21 The steadfast priest Dhaumya, having strewn the kusha-grass in the direction of the southwest, walked ahead singing the Sama hymns addressed to Yama, O Bhārata.

2.71.22 "When the Bhāratas are slain in battle, the preceptors of the Kurus shall sing such Sama hymns then" — saying this, Dhaumya too walked on.

2.71.23 "Alas, alas, our protectors are leaving — behold this sight!" — thus the citizens, stricken with great grief, cried out on all sides.

2.71.24 Through such outward signs and gestures, conveying the resolve that lay within their minds, the noble sons of Kuntī departed to the forest.

2.71.25 As these foremost of men departed from Hāstinapura, lightning flashed in a cloudless sky and the earth trembled.

2.71.26 Rāhu swallowed the sun outside of an eclipse, O lord of the people; and a meteor fell, circling the city counter-clockwise before crashing down.

2.71.27 Flesh-eating creatures — vultures, jackals, and crows — cried out ominously at the temples, shrines, and on the ramparts and turrets.

2.71.28 Such were these great evil omens as the Pāṇḍava went to the forest — portending, O king, the destruction of the Bhāratas through your ill counsel.

2.71.29 Nārada, standing in the midst of the assembly hall before the Kurus, surrounded by great sages, spoke these dreadful words.

2.71.30 "Fourteen years from now, the Kauravas shall be destroyed here — through the transgression of Duryodhana and by the might of Bhīma and Arjuna."

2.71.31 Having spoken thus, the greatest of divine sages, bearing the vast brahminical splendour, ascended to heaven and swiftly vanished.

2.71.32 Then Duryodhana, Karṇa, and Śakuni the son of Subala regarded Droṇa as their island of refuge and surrendered the kingdom to him.

2.71.33 Then Droṇa spoke to the wrathful Duryodhana, to Duḥśāsana, to Karṇa, and to all the Bhāratas.

2.71.34 "The twice-born declare the Pāṇḍavas, sons of gods, to be inviolable. I, for my part, while I live, protect those who have sought my shelter to the best of my power.

2.71.35 "The Dhārtarāṣṭras, together with the king, have gone over to my side with whole-souled devotion; I cannot in conscience abandon them — hence my conduct hereafter is rooted in fate.

2.71.36 "The sons of Pāṇḍu, defeated, are going to the forest in accordance with dharma; and for twelve years these Kauravas shall dwell in the forest.

2.71.37 "Having lived the life of chastity, driven by anger and indignation, the Pāṇḍavas will bring back their enmity — to my sorrow."

2.71.38 "Now, I had deprived Drupada of his kingdom in a quarrel over friendship; and in his fury, for the sake of a son to kill me, he performed a sacrifice, O Bhārata.

2.71.39 "Through the austerities of Yāja and Upayāja he obtained from the sacred fire Dhṛṣṭadyumna, and from the midst of the altar the fair-waisted Draupadī.

2.71.40 "He is flame-hued, bow-bearing, clad in armour, quiver-bearing, divine-born yet subject to mortal law — therefore fear of him entered me.

2.71.41 "The bull among men, the son of Pṛṣata, has indeed gone over to their side, his life-breath set free for this purpose; therefore shall I fight all the harder against your enemies."

2.71.42 "For it is well known in the world, and proclaimed far and wide, that he was born to slay me; surely this turn of time has come upon us through your doing.

2.71.43 "Act swiftly for your well-being — this has not been accomplished by what you have done so far. This happiness is but momentary, like the shade of a palm tree in winter.

2.71.44 "Perform great sacrifices, enjoy pleasures, give in charity — for fourteen years from now you shall suffer a great catastrophe.

2.71.45 "Duryodhana, having heard this, act as you see fit; employ conciliation towards the Pāṇḍavas if you think it right."

2.71.46 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having heard Droṇa's words, Dhṛtarāṣṭra spoke thus: "The preceptor speaks rightly. Vidura, bring the Pāṇḍavas back."

2.71.47 "Or if they will not return, let the Pāṇḍavas go honoured — with weapons, chariots, and infantry, provided with all enjoyments, O son."

2.72.1 Vaiśaṃpāyana said: When the sons of Pṛthā, defeated in that wicked game, had gone to the forest, anxiety seized Dhṛtarāṣṭra, O great king.

2.72.2 As Dhṛtarāṣṭra, lord of the people, sat lost in thought, sighing, his mind distracted, Sañjaya spoke to him thus.

2.72.3 "Having obtained the earth full of wealth, O lord of the earth, and having banished the Pāṇḍavas from the kingdom, O king, why do you grieve?"

2.72.4 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: "How should they not be grieved for, those with whom a great feud shall arise — with the Pāṇḍavas, mighty warriors eager for battle, who are like friends to great car-warriors?"

2.72.5 Sañjaya said: "This was well done by you, O king — a great enmity shall arise; the destruction of all the world along with its dependants shall come to pass."

2.72.6 "Though restrained by Bhīṣma, by Droṇa, and by Vidura — Draupadī, the beloved wife of the Pāṇḍavas, the righteous one —

2.72.7 "— your son Duryodhana, foolish and shameless, sent the charioteer's son Pratikamin, saying 'Bring her here.'"

2.72.8 Dhṛtarāṣṭra said: "When the gods wish to bring ruin upon a man, they first remove his understanding; he then sees things in reverse."

2.72.9 "When the intellect has become turbid and destruction stands at hand, what looks like wise counsel but is its opposite does not depart from the heart."

2.72.10 "Harmful things arise in the form of beneficial, and beneficial things in the form of harmful, when a man's end is near — and he delights in that which harms him."

2.72.11 "Time does not cut off anyone's head by raising a stick; the power of Time is just this — the perception of things in reverse."

2.72.12 "This dreadful, turbulent, hair-raising act was committed by those who dragged Pāñcālī, the afflicted one, into the midst of the assembly hall —

2.72.13 "— she who was not born of a womb, who is beautiful, born in a noble lineage, brilliant, knowing all dharma, glorious — who could dishonour such a one?"

2.72.14 "Who would drag into the assembly hall a woman observing a woman's duty, of lovely form, stained with blood — except one made wicked by evil gambling?"

2.72.15 "Pāñcālī, clad in a single garment, gazed upon the Pāṇḍavas — those whose wealth was taken, whose minds were shattered, whose wives and prosperity were seized."

2.72.16 "Stripped of all their desires, reduced to the state of slaves, bound by the fetters of dharma, rendered incapable as if of all exertion."

2.72.17 "To Kṛṣṇā who was furious, indignant, and suffering in the Kuru assembly, Duryodhana and Karṇa spoke bitter words."

2.72.18 "The earth itself might burn from the glance of her pitiable eyes — that any of my sons should survive today, Sañjaya!"

2.72.19 "All the women of the Bhāratas, gathered together with Gāndhārī, wailed terribly there upon seeing Kṛṣṇā brought into the assembly hall."

2.72.20 "The sacred fires were not invoked in the evening rite anywhere at all; the brahmins were enraged at the dragging of Draupadī."

2.72.21 "There was a terrible thunderous roar, and a great clap without cloud; dreadful meteors fell from the sky, and Rāhu swallowed the sun outside of eclipse — generating great terror among the people."

2.72.22 "Likewise in the chariot-halls fire appeared on its own; and the battle-standards of the Bhāratas shattered — portending their ruin."

2.72.23 "Jackals cried out terribly at Duryodhana's sacrificial fire; and at that moment donkeys brayed in response from every direction."

2.72.24 "Then Bhīṣma, O Sañjaya, departed together with Droṇa; as did Kṛpa, Somadatta, and the great car-warrior Bāhlika."

2.72.25 "Then I spoke there, urged on by Vidura: 'I grant a boon to Kṛṣṇā — whatever she desires, whatever she wishes for.'"

2.72.26 "Pāñcālī then chose the Pāṇḍavas of boundless might, with their chariots and their bows; and I too gave my assent to it."

2.72.27 "Then the greatly wise Vidura, knower of all dharma, spoke: 'O Bhāratas, you have reached the end of yourselves by the fact that Kṛṣṇā was brought into the assembly.'"

2.72.28 "'This daughter of the Pāñcāla king — this peerless goddess of fortune — Pāñcālī approaches these Pāṇḍavas as one sent by fate.'"

2.72.29 "'The sons of Pṛthā, being highly intolerant, will not forgive the wrong done to her — nor will the mighty-armed Vṛṣṇis, nor the greatly powerful Pāñcālas.'"

2.72.30 "'Protected by Vāsudeva, that one true to his pledges, Arjuna shall come, guarded by the Pāñcālas.'"

2.72.31 "'In their midst, Bhīmasena the great archer, of mighty strength, shall come brandishing his mace like the staff of Yama.'"

2.72.32 "'Then, having heard the twang of Arjuna's Gāṇḍīva and felt the impact of Bhīma's mace, no king shall be able to withstand it.'"

2.72.33 "'In this matter, it has always seemed right to me that there be no conflict with the sons of Pṛthā; for I always consider the Pāṇḍavas more powerful than the Kurus.'"

2.72.34 "'For indeed the powerful king Jarāsandha, of great splendour, was slain in battle by Bhīma with his bare arms alone.'"

2.72.35 "'Therefore let there be peace between you and the Pāṇḍavas, O bull of the Bhāratas; let what is right for both sides be done without hesitation.'"

2.72.36 "Thus Vidura, son of Gavalgaṇa, spoke words encompassing both dharma and worldly good — and I did not accept them, being eager for the welfare of my son."